In this selection from the autobiography of Malcolm X titled “My First Conk”, readers will find out about Malcolm X's first real step towards what he calls “self-degradation”. Although there is no exact thesis stated in the excerpt there are still clear points stated throughout the reading. When Malcolm X wrote this piece the idea was to show the reader how society can make one feel like they must change to be considered better than who and what an individual really is. It is also expressed that one's individuality can be taken away and the negative outcomes one can struggle with after that change. It is described that society can be a truly horrifying thing and the ways men and women try to fit in can be both shameful in the long
“The Catcher in the Rye” heightens the knowledge and appreciation of “Igby Goes Down” by providing an erudite commentary on the superficiality and cultural values of modern American culture. Through the exploration of aspects such as their cultural values, relationships, inner thoughts and the protagonists themselves ones appreciation of Burr Steers’ film “Igby Goes Down” may heighten to some extent or degree. The character of Holden and the cultural values he represents in captures the key components of Igby’s mindset. The anti-hypocrisy perspective Holden holds and his disrespect for adult society results in his alienation of society and in turn, his lack of clear directions. This “pretentious” nature of society is one that Holden will not conform to and this is the key idea is the relationship between the two protagonists.
Take care to illustrate your arguments with quotations from the text. Only use the novel as a source. No outside sources will be accepted. B) Symbols The novel contains symbols, motifs and images that function in a limited way because they appear only infrequently. In a formal literary essay, comment on the importance symbolically of the following symbols/motifs: rats, the coral paperweight, songs, and the “discoloured patch over Smith’s ankle.” Take care to develop an over-arching theme as to how these symbols are being used.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist In the text ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ by Mohsin Hamid, the protagonist Changez is slowly revealed as an unreliable narrator through the progression of the framed narrative. Mohsin Hamid has written this piece as an extended monologue and used it create security within the reader and the details of the story, but then slowly shifts the whole situation and little by little continues the development of Changez being an unreliable narrator. Slowly but surely, as the novel progresses, the reader is shown the comparisons that the narrator Changez makes between cultures, the views that he has and racial prejudice he develops towards Americans when talking to the unnamed American tourist. It is also gradually revealed to the reader that Changez has forgotten many details of his story when recounting it, also exaggerating parts and giving his views on certain things, hence making him an unreliable narrator. It is very easy to believe everything that Changez says in the beginning, because of his likeable characteristics, but the more and more one connects with the narrator, the harder it becomes to be so gullible.
For Wypijewski suggests an interesting idea in “A Boys Life”, that contends the Matt Shepard story into less of a hate crime and more of a tradgedy of sorts. Early in Wypijewskis paper she illustrates her discontent with the media’s coverage with the story in her dismissal of the idea that Sheppard was crucified, a key point in which the media publicized the story (Joann Wypijewski, “A Boys Life” 582). Wypijewski continues by introducing the main point of her thesis, which asks the reader the true definition a man. She explores this topic by examining the lives of Henderson, McKinney and even Sheppard, and the various events which in accordance with media created stereotypes and their environment throughout their lives, that shaped the three boys into “men”. And then in turn the occurrence of the murder.
He is, more or less, a placement of the reader within the novel's setting. John's perspective shows the magnitude of the values already introduced. Again, this is only possible because John is so thoroughly separate from society. For example, Bernard is initially similar to John. He is an outsider who is able to clearly see the faults of society.
Non Conformity: The comparative study of texts; The Catcher in the Rye/V for Vendetta. Through the study of the two texts, J.D Salinger’s ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ and James Mcteigue’s ‘V for Vendetta’, the central most focused and revolved theme that is explicitly shown is the topic of Non-Conformity. Seen through both sources, it similarly and distinctly illustrates the universal life messages and experiences associated with universal contextual ideas and societal values. Non-Conformity is expressed through the main characters as an action to rebel and go against the rules set by authority and in some cases, venture to the extremes to prove their individuality and independence. This topic is identically shown through ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ and ‘V for Vendetta’.
The story portrays the awakening of Sammy, whose vision of his life, at the beginning of the story is at once a frustrating disappointment and a touching movement toward understanding and looking towards the future. He wants someone who will understand the meaning he is building for himself as he puts his actions into a narrative order. M Gilbert Porter voices the view of one critic when he writes of “A&P” that this “the common denominator of middle class suburbia, an appropriate symbol for the mass ethic of a consumer-conditioned society.” (1155-1158). William Peden, on the other hand, called the story “deftly narrated nonsense … which contains nothing more significant than a checking clerk’s interest in three girls in a bathing suits.” (70). “A&P” the title which stands for the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, is a real grocery chain.
Through the comparative study of the two texts we are provided with an insight to the journey undertaken by the two protagonists in their attempt to find their meaning of life. This is reflected in Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye, where a slightly troubled adolescent Holden Caulfield faces the harsh and pressured process of growing up into the adulthood and its effect within the social context of a conservative society in the 1950s and 1990s. Through this adolescent projection of Holden, we are able to focus on the thematic concern of alienation. Salinger incorporates repetition, rhetorical question and a mixture of short and long sentences within his novel to enhance Holden’s sense of disadvantage and corresponding bitterness. This portrayal is evident through the quote “Game, my ass.
The Stranger: Tone In Albert Camus’ novel, The Stranger, various rhetorical strategies are employed to more effectively enhance the novel. The main attitude the novel emits, the tone, dictates the way the piece is perceived by readers. The apathetic attitude radiating from the protagonist of the novel, Meursault, derives from the existentialist philosophy. This philosophy heavily focuses on indifference, detachment, and the irrationality of the universe. A sense of detachment is detected immediately at the start of the novel, when Meursault first hears word of his mother’s death.