The "Whig interpretation," as Butterfield calls it, sees history as a struggle between a progression of good libertarian parties and evil reactionary forces, failing to do justice to history's true complexity. The word Whig has its origins in the seventeenth century as a term of abuse against political opponents, and has become a convenient label for one historian to attach to another as a mark of scorn. In Butterfields work, he criticized historians who wrote present-minded history and, in so doing, fell with an echoing thud into traps, which superior historians must avoid. Through Butterfields five sweeping chapters, he makes three remarks that answer the question, why, despite the scolding of an entire discipline do modern historians seem to be drawn to anachronism, or as
It is ridiculous to argue that McEwan makes Jed Parry anything other than terrifying. What do you think of this view? Jed Parry as a character raises key questions and ideas in ‘ Enduring Love’ as well as upbringing contrasting emotions amongst the readers. The actions , such as kidnapping Clarissa are evidently seen and are able to form an image of a terrifying human being which we lack sympathy for.Although this is true, there are many factors which I believe are able to reflect on the vulnerability of his character. The whole novel is written from Joe’s point of view which could mean that it is an interpretation that is exaggerated.
Gatsby Illusion vs. Reality There are differences between illusion and reality, which in this novel The Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerald plays a very large part of this literature. Illusion is something that deceives by producing false or misleading impression of reality. Now, reality is the state where things as they are or appear to be rather than as one might wish them to be. One aspect of a character’s life in this novel that sets a great example of illusion seen as reality involves the character Jay Gatsby.
In comparison of The Lottery and The Most Dangerous Game both Connell and Jackson convey to the readers that man is inherently evil and that choices made based on societal standards, traditions, and learned behavior may not be the morally correct choice. This confirms the passage of Scripture from Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (KJV) The Most Dangerous Game, by Richard Connell and The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson share a common theme which is showing the darker side of humans, that humans possess evil tendencies and that the morals of people can be corrupted. Connell and Jackson show us that injustice and cruelty in society can be accepted as a normal behavior. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson has an unknown
Through satirical devices and tropes, D. H. Lawrence reveals the absurd and fatal flaws that Ben Franklin proposed in his writings. Lawrence utilizes satirical devices such as verbal irony, parody, sarcasm, and making a target out of the system to attack Franklin and his ideals. Verbal irony, most prominently used in discussion of Franklin’s virtues, is among the strongest satirical devices established by Lawrence. For example, he scoffs, “He was a little model, was Benjamin. Doctor Franklin.
Set in a recognisable time, the story showcases the complications of life caused by family breakdowns, treacherous weather, unstable governments, pandemic virus attacks, technology run amuck and other uncertainties of the future. These fundamental concerns are purposely encompassed in this novel to question to what extent do we hold our integrity in difficult circumstances, surviving in situations humanity struggles to both comprehend and control. The novel questions when is it acceptable to lie, cheat and steal. The ‘truth’ is to be found in each vignette as the characters face the challenges to their very existence and suggests the confrontation of circumstances is what determines our moral choices. The problems we face compel us to behave in immoral ways but that may not always excuse or justify such behaviour.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.” This quote suggests or can be interpreted as: that a person may perhaps do something illogical and unreasonable because of mixed feelings, jealousy, or insecurity and deeply regret it later on. I agree with Abraham Lincoln as his quote’s interpretations can be demonstrated throughout the events that partake in the novels A Separate Piece by John Knowles or the book The Time Machine by H.G. Wells through the use of the literary elements symbolism and characterization. ghghs In the novel A Separate Piece Gene is the novel’s narrator, and he tells the story as a flashback, thinking back on his days at the Devon School. He and is roommate/best
As other novels dishonestly romanticize and glorify war, Heller does the opposite. A main theme Heller tries to convey throughout the novel is that the reality of war is absurd and corrupt, as well as the people involved in war. Although Yossarian is selfish and untrustworthy, Heller slowly shows the reader that these seemingly dislikable characteristics of Yossarian show a type of heroism. As Yossarian evolves, the reader comes to realize that Yossarian’s obsession with preserving his life doesn’t necessarily emphasize his selfishness, but rather the value he puts on life. Throughout most of the novel, the reader follows Yossarian’s quest to escape the war,
We are tempted to think that the soul purpose of Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible was to create an outlet that exposed the mass hysteria of the McCarthy era , however to say this you would be ignoring the central themes that have allowed this play to reach universal audiences. Among themes such as the abuse of power, conflict with authority and mass hysteria The Crucible deals with the importance of identity and the individual conscience. These two themes are closely linked because until you complete your journey in finding yourself you are unable to have an individual conscience. Miller uses one of the central characters in the story, John Proctor, to explore the journey of individual conscience. This theme combined with a unique structure and language allows him to creature a play that addresses the social and political concerns which are essential to every human existence.
The central theme of the novel is one must suffer in order for redemption. Raskolnikov commits acts of evil and acts of good. He suffers mentally through his actions which take him along a path towards ultimate repentance. Throughout the novel, the question exists of whether Raskolnikov is morally a good or bad character. Dostoevsky gives many reasons as to why Raskolnikov could be both.