My Ántonia by Willa Cather is a novel that is based on the memories of the protagonist, Jim Burden. Many critics have assessed this novel, and they have focused on such literary elements as symbolism, motif, and characterization. Although, the most agreed upon argument is the one that says that the groundwork of every section of the book is based on the personal memories of Willa Cather. It seems that her ideas for characters, settings, and plots all come from her own personal memories. In the introduction, Cather’s description of Jim could easily be a description of herself.
The Importance of the Setting in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre Jane Eyre is a novel written by Charlotte Brontë and it ranks as one of the greatest and most perennially popular works of English fiction. The heroine of the novel is forced to battle against the exigencies of a cruel guardian, a harsh employer and a rigid social order. Primarily of the bildungsroman genre, Jane Eyre follows the emotions and experiences of its title character, including her growth to adulthood, and her love for Mr. Rochester, the Byronic master of the fictitious Thornfield Hall. In its internalisation of the action — the focus is on the gradual unfolding of Jane's moral and spiritual sensibility and all the events are coloured by a heightened intensity that was previously the domain of poetry — the novel revolutionised the art of fiction. The novel contains elements of social criticism, with a strong sense of morality at its core, but is nonetheless a novel many consider ahead of its time given the individualistic character of Jane and the novel's exploration of classicism, sexuality, religion, and proto-feminism.
With emphasis on The Awakening and wider reference to A Handmaid’s Tale, explore how both authors present the theme of Identity across the novels. Throughout the history of modern and post-modern literature, the theme of identity is always apparent and truly shapes the direction of the novel. In the case of The Awakening, it is through the physical and mental adaptations of Edna Pontellier conveyed by Chopin that the events of the novel are shaped; with her rebellious tendencies resulting in her supposed suicide at the climax of the novel. The way these traits and characteristics are revealed through the structure of The Awakening and A Handmaid’s Tale can be said to display the fundamentality of Identity as a theme in liberating literature, from as early as the 19th Century to more modern writing. Chopin’s main method of shaping Edna’s identity in particular is arguably through her surroundings and those she seeks company with.
This setting is significant as it conveys the idea that Catherine could be a heroine but would be an unlikely one. It is widely believed that Austen satirizes the form and conventions of gothic novels that were popular during the time when Austen wrote Northanger Abbey. In particular, Austen is said to have targeted Anne Radcliffe, who wrote The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794), a gothic novel that Catherine loves to read during her stay in the spa town Bath. The differences between the heroines already become clear when comparing the appearances of Austen’s Catherine to Radcliffe’s Emily. Catherine is described in the following way: “She had a thin awkward figure, a sallow skin without color, dark lank hair, and strong features – so much for her person; and not less unpropitious for heroism seemed her
A small hidden detail which can be considered as insignificant , can turn to be great hints and help to understand and reveal the feelings of the author. The first secret embedded in Mary Shelly`s novel is the connection between the names of her characters- Margaret Saville ,Victor , Elizabeth and William. ”Frankenstein” starts with series of letters written by Captain Robert Walton to his sister Margaret Saville. Her full name is Margaret Walten Saville and her initials are MWS , which brings us to the connection between the author`s name and her character. MWS stands for Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley – the name acquired after marrying Percy Shelley.
Nora’s Journey to Independence Carl Weston English 1002 Professor Clinton Hale Nora’s Journey to Independence Literary works usually depict the times and way of life the author is living in. In the play of “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen, you are taken into the life of the married couple, Torvald and Nora Helmer. Nora and Torvald's relationship may appear to be a very loving one from the opening scene, but the more the play unfolds, we will find out a lot more secrets hidden within their marriage. As the characters are introduced throughout the play their true personas are defined by their actions, not so much by what they say, but what they do. The characters are very contradictive throughout the whole play, defining themselves by their actions rather than words.
Lucy M. Freibert addresses the dedication and all of the epigraphs, although she speaks in detail only about the material from Genesis. She remarks that the epigraph from Swift prepares us for political satire. Nancy V. Workman analyzes the Sufi proverb and its meanings for the novel. She mentions the Swift epigraph in passing, notes that it is "readily understood" and relates Swift's exaggerated satire to Atwood's
Literary Brilliance Invigorated By Theatrical Glamour The riveting, timeless, classical, and coming of age tale orchestrated by Charlotte Brontë is immaculately composed, modernized, and brought to life by Cary Fukunaga, endeavoring to portray the narration of an orphan exposed to the rigors of a cold, scornful, forsaken, loveless, dreary, desolate, and arbitrarily governed past. Taking place in the patriarchal Victorian society, the protagonist known as Jane Eyre sought refuge and embarks on the pursuit of acquiring her true autonomy, independence, and seeking a sense of belonging against conspicuously insurmountable odds, in this “rags to riches” masterpiece. Encompassed in this cinematographically astonishment is the juxtaposition of the essence and prowess behind a gripping and at some instances heart stopping romanticism between the plain-featured, reserved, yet talented, empathetic, hard-working, honest, and passionate archetype of Jane, matched with the wealthy, deceitful, self-centered, passionate, tormented, driven, charismatic, and brooding Mr. Rochester. Differing in appearance to society, and on the surface incompatible, the two seemingly star-crossed lovers mirror one another in terms of a passionate interior, enclosed in the mind and soul. Will Jane Eyre become the heir to more than skills at studying, drawing, and teaching?
With emphasis on The Awakening and wider reference to A Handmaid’s Tale, explore how both authors present the theme of Identity across the novels. Throughout the history of modern and post-modern literature, the theme of identity is always apparent and truly shapes the direction of the novel. In the case of The Awakening, it is through the physical and mental adaptations of Edna Pontellier conveyed by Chopin that the events of the novel are shaped; with her rebellious tendencies resulting in her supposed suicide at the climax of the novel. The way these traits and characteristics are revealed through the structure of The Awakening and A Handmaid’s Tale can be said to display the fundamentality of Identity as a theme in liberating literature, from as early as the 19th Century to more modern writing. Chopin’s main method of shaping Edna’s identity in particular is arguably through her surroundings and those she seeks company with.
Evidence of this development can be found through character dialogue, the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy, as well as the comparison of other couples in the story. Austen uses each piece of dialogue to thoroughly portray each character’s personal thoughts on marriage, which in turn, also demonstrates the character development that occurs as the story unfolds. Elizabeth’s character grows throughout the novel as she interacts with the people around her. In one specific scene between Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane, Elizabeth laments Jane’s naivety by stating, “With your good sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies Haffar 2 and nonsense of others! Affectation of candour is common enough.... say nothing of the badbelongs to you alone” (Austen 12).