Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a timeless tragedy, depicting historical figures but concerning the modern world as well. John Proctor, the protagonist, though fitting several of the characteristics of the Aristotelian tragic hero, is actually a much more complex tragic hero. The primary differences between John Proctor and the classic tragic hero are obvious, such as the lack of noble birth, his not being in a position of leadership, and the inevitability of his fate. These differences are necessary, as Arthur Miller attempts to convince his audience that his protagonist is an everyman and is worth sympathizing for. In Arthur Miller’s more complex world, a more complex tragic hero is needed.
Like Candide, Pangloss is not a tenable character; rather, he is a distorted, hyperbolized representation of a philosopher whose beliefs and perspective is considerable linked to his philosophy. Voltaire illustrates two major quandaries intrinsical in Pangloss’s philosophy. First, his philosophy confronts inundating evidence from the authentic world. Pangloss is ravaged by syphilis, proximately hanged, proximately dissected, and confined, yet he perpetuates to espouse optimism. He sticks to his positive views even at the cessation of the novel, when he himself admits that he has reservations in believing some of it.
It provides the audience with a vivid understanding of time and the image it creates. Also, the remarkable language indicating Macbeth’s insanity, and it’s lasting effect throughout the play. The passage also brought into a clearer explanation Macbeth’s tragic flaw, which was his weakness towards his ambition. Through these clever themes and images, much can be determined of the play, therefore making it the most gorgeous scene within
I find Moliere’s play, Tartuffe, to be entertaining for the underlying message of historical hypocrisy which it sheds to light. After reading the comedy of Tartuffe, I can only agree that it is an intellectual whirlwind of classical genius which tantalizes even the modern mind by echoing to us the importance of scrutinizing the narratives and analyzing the flaws and follies alike which are evident even within our own era. Tartuffe stands out to me because of the power that resonated from the creation of this societal satire and the fact that unlike other works of the era which were forced to fall in line with a strict code of adherence generated by the aristocracy of the classical era, this piece served as a direct challenge to the narrative
Gerald 1 Alphonso Gerald 2/21/14 Eng 112 Prof. Robinson "Jocasta: More than meets the eye" Oedipus the King the Ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles was set in Ancient Greece, primarily the city of Thebes. The time period being around 5th century B.C. the reader will quickly notice a series of techniques Sophocles uses to really enhance the dark, gloomy atmosphere that is portrayed throughout this 5 scene omniscient play. As the reader may infer after reading this play that Oedipus is the obvious tragic hero and his fall primarily was self-inflicted. However, Sophocles left the impression also that the plethora of individuals that surrounded King Oedipus played a major role into his demise; whether directly or indirectly Jocasta his wife/mother greatly influenced the outcome of this play.
Sanchez's point of view is that the reach for truth in a crazy world is vital. Sanchez tells the reader that Grendel “learned that there is value, meaning and truth in life, his own as well as the lives of his adversaries” (49). Sanchez also makes an effort to point out the irony in the fact that Grendel finally discovers the truth by accident, since Beowulf's victory was a mistake. This connects back to the big idea: that life is accidental, comical
Emotion is a powerful substance and a persuasive technique that Damon uses precisely to connect and resonate with the reader. Throughout his paper, Damon craftily presents his opinions, which are supported by relevant real-life examples, on the state of honesty, in a way that wavers on the edge of being too presumptuous and over-emotion. This near over-indulgence into his true feelings gives the reader insight into his thoughts just enough, but still allows the reader to develop their own conceptions of honesty. For example, Damon begins his essay bringing forth the notion that there is a degree of deceit that society has come to accept from its politicians as he states, “It would be naïve (or cynical) for anyone in today’s world to act shocked whenever
Prometheus’s compassion for lesser mortals is juxtaposed against the natural hierarchy of his society, due to the fact that “Titans, like gods, have hitherto been the object of human attention, models of human aspiration and resentment. Now the polarities of imitation apparently switch.” (Dennis). The question “What was thy pity’s recompense?”(5), sets up the contrast
Length should be 2-5 pages. POSSIBLE TOPICS: a. Fate—Do we make our own, or are we “playthings of the gods?” Does the Greek view of this question differ from our “modern” ideas? If so, how? b. Blindness—“There are none so blind as those who will not see.” c. Arrogance—Is too much self-esteem a bad thing? d. Temper—Does a “short fuse” blow up in one’s own face?
This continues throughout the text as the hostile nature of Heathcliff develops without a suitable reaction from Lockwood, and the enthusiasm can once again be felt in Lockwood’s persistent sincerity, “I felt interested in a man who seemed more exaggeratedly reserved than myself”. The characters plays a big part in creating the tone, as the two contrast and highlights each others characteristics. This is obvious in their use of diction - the narrator Mr. Lockwood uses words such as “beautiful”, “heart”, “honour” and “hope” while Mr. Heathcliff is described by and uses a vocabulary including