Study Like a Boss
In Joseph Conrad’s book Heart of Darkness the Europeans are cut off from civilization, overtaken by greed, exploitation, and material interests from his own kind. Conrad develops themes of personal power, individual responsibility, and social justice. His book has all the trappings of the conventional adventure tale – mystery, exotic setting, escape, suspense, unexpected attack. … Read more
Many lessons are embedded into Mary Shelleys Frankenstein (Bantam Books 1991), including how society acts towards the different. The monster fell victim to the system commonly used to characterize a person by only his or her outer appearance. Whether people like it or not, society summarizes a person’s characteristics by his or her physical appearance. … Read more
The Melancholic Tone of “The Raven” Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” is representing Poe’s own introvertedness, which is strangely moving and attractive to the reader. In his essay entitled “The Philosophy of Composition,” Poe reveals his intent in writing “The Raven” and also describes the work of writing the poem as being carefully calculated in … Read more
In the beginning, Lovey and her best friend, Jerry, are watching the Shirley Temple movie before they go to church. They never get to see the end because they have to go and leave. They make up the endings and cry in the middle of the pastor’s sermon. On Lovey’s birthday, Jerry would make her … Read more
A collection of short stories published in 1907, Dubliners, by James Joyce, revolves around the everyday lives of ordinary citizens in Dublin, Ireland (Freidrich 166). According to Joyce himself, his intention was to write a chapter of the moral history of [his] country and [he] chose Dublin for the scene because the city seemed to … Read more
Literature offers a strong and passionate voice for the past. The literature of the Native Canadian is a voice we, the people of Canada, can no longer ignore. There is little to be gained by dwelling on the past. Nevertheless, there is much to be realized by accepting what has passed, with all of its … Read more
It is Edgar Allan Poe’s intense use of symbolism and irony throughout “The Cask of Amontillado” that establishes the short story as a candidate worthy of analysis. The skillful use of these devices are utilized by the author to create this horrific and suspenseful short story. Irony and symbolism in “The Cask of Amontillado” greatly … Read more
Master of many exploits” (387), and “The master improviser” (395). These all have to do with how ingenious Odysseus is when he needs something. All he does is tell some outrageous stories and he can get out of any tough spot and even receive prizes for his story telling. In chapters nine trough twelve, all … Read more
People change through every generation. But the bidding force through all the generations has been literature. There are four essential classifications for literature, romanticism, realism, naturalism, and existentialism. Romanticism centers around art as inspiration, the spiritual and aesthetic dimension of nature, and metaphors of organic growth (VanSpanckeren, The Romantic Period: Essayist and Poets). VanSpanckeren says … Read more
In the story, The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe, the author tries to create a specific atmosphere to emphasize the action within the story. The setting of the story immensely helps to create this atmosphere. Poes descriptive setting aids in creating the atmosphere of the story by developing mood, evoking feelings … Read more
Many social issues and problems are explored in Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. Perhaps the most obvious complaint against society is the treatment of the individual. This problem of the individual versus the system is a very controversial topic that has provoked great questioning of the government and the methods used … Read more
Through Blade Runner, we see an epic quest filled with meaning and symbolism applicable to the human condition. Replicants are basically human beings, except for the fact that they lack a history. As a consequence of this, perhaps, they also lack proper emotional faculties especially empathy. Empathy is the ability to place oneself in the … Read more
John Stubbs’ essay is an examination of the defense which he believes Henry and Catherine use to protect themselves from the discovery of their insignificance and “powerlessness… in a world indifferent to their well being… ” He asserts that “role-playing” by the two main characters, and several others in the book, is a way to … Read more
What is unknown is often talked about as being mysterious, perhaps even ominous. Naturally, many people become curious and want to find out what lurks about in the dark and be able to say that they know what others do not. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, the main character, Jay Gatsby is … Read more
In “My Papa’s Waltz”, Roethke discusses a very heartbreaking and distressful situation. He talks about alcoholism in the family and how it affects the members of the family. Growing up in a family full of alcoholism and abuse, I can relate to the point of view that this poem is written in. Although it is … Read more
Imagine a world where free will is obsolete. Nobody has any freedom; most people do not even have a yearning for autonomy. The direction the world is heading right now could possibly produce such a world. Both Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, and Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, envision this world which lacks liberty. … Read more
The Yellow Wallpaper – A Descent into Madness In the nineteenth century, women in literature were often portrayed as submissive to men. Literature of the period often characterized women as oppressed by society, as well as by the male influences in their lives. The Yellow Wallpaper presents the tragic story of a woman’s descent into … Read more
In Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, [the protagonist] Willy Loman’s inability to live in and cope with the present ultimately destroys him. The are several constant themes and ideas throughout the play which show this. Willy’s inability to be successful according to his own standards is most problematical for him. The troublesome relationship between … Read more
Seldom does a one work of literature change a society or start it down the road to cataclysmic conflict. One such catalytic work is Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852). It is considered by many, one the most influential American works of fiction ever published. Uncle Tom’s Cabin sold more copies than any other … Read more
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen The title of the novel Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, can be interpreted as a theme running through the novel. Pride, observed Mary, . . . is a very common failing, I believe. By all that I have ever read, I am convinced that it is very common … Read more
The magic in The Tempest was able to create many abnormal happenings as well as different feelings that are shown through the characters of Milan. There were two different types of magic that were shown one was represented by witches and wizards, this type of magic was not the beneficial type of magic. The beneficial … Read more
In the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom, the main character, possesses a trait that sanctifies him from the rest of the characters. Uncle Tom’s faith is his source of strength throughout the novel. This is portrayed socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Uncle Tom relies solely on his faith in God … Read more
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stow is a novel that addresses the controversial issues of slavery, having an awe-inspiring impact on American culture. Not only does it provide the reader with a feminist view on the role of women, but still raises concern of racism in today’s society. It has also has been the … Read more
Some of the most aspiring and influential authors show to be American novelists. American novelists brought about a new style of writing, which became very popular. John Steinbeck shows this style of writing in his novel, East of Eden. This makes Steinbeck one of the most significant American novelists in the twentieth century. East of … Read more
The central theme of Nathaniel Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown,is the conflict in Goodman Brown between joining the ranks of the devil and remaining good. It is a very difficult personal journey for Young Goodman Brown, as he travels through the woods to follow an inner desire to become a witch, all the while thinking on … Read more
In life, one can be significantly affected by his or her encounters with others. Often times, certain individuals gain great control over another’s fate. His or her control can lead to a positive or negative change to the person’s behavior. If negative, the drastic change may lead to a tragic downfall. In William Shakespeare’s Othello, … Read more
Oedipus Rex a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles in the early days of antiquity is based upon an even more ancient story in Greek mythology. Sophocles, however, knowing that his audience is aware of the outcome of the play utilizes that foreknowledge to create various situations in which dramatic and verbal irony play key roles. … Read more
The title of the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream can have many interpretations. I will give you my thoughts on the relationship of the title to the different situations that take place in the play. These interpretations give insight and overall meaning to the thematic nature of Shakespeare’s work. Although I am only going to … Read more
He didn’t know it at the time, but John Steinbeck started getting ready to write The Grapes of Wrath when he was a small boy in California. Much of what he saw and heard while growing up found its way into the novel. On weekends his father took John and his three sisters on long … Read more
Many books have great stories to tell. A lot have a deep message to convey. Siddhartha however, is a unique book. Though simple in its style, it is deep in meaning. One can take in its plot and get out of it a good story. On the other hand one can read deeper into it … Read more
Throughout literature, an author’s works almost always reflect their mood and character. Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer whose short stories and poems reflected his pessimistic moods. One of Poe’s poems, “The Raven,” is about a raven that flies into the home of a sad and lonely man. This poem best expresses Poe’s sense … Read more
The legal system is an essential element in the successful operation of this country. It is a system that is utilized every day, by every type of person, from the average blue-collar worker to the average Wall Street broker. There is a multitude of ways that the legal system is put to use. One such … Read more
One of the stated aims of Márquez, as he said it, was to “tell a story just like my grandmother would have done it”. With the result in hand the conclusion must be that he has done it quite well. Márquez has managed to capture the vivid language of story telling as well as having … Read more
Peculiar trait: On the surface Noras peculiar trait seems to be her obsession for money. Her internal peculiar trait is that she desires to become significant to her husband. She spends money on material objects to decorate their home and dress up the family. The impression of the home appears perfect, like a dolls house. … Read more
In Ancient Greece, new ideals surfaced as answers to life’s complicated questions. These new beliefs were centered around the expanding field of science. Man was focused on more than the Gods or heavenly concerns. A government that was ruled by the people was suggested as opposed to a monarchy that had existed for many years. … Read more
A Hero is defined as, A man admired for his achievements and noble qualities. (Marriam-Webster Dictionary, 1999) Its the best word to describe mythological character Beowulf, and 35th U. S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Beowulf was a honorable man, who reigned as kind and the strongest warrior throughout land. J. F. K. charmed the U. … Read more
“Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros, uses many literary devices to characterize a complex eleven-year-old. Rachel, the ingenuous 1st person narrator, relates the details of her humiliating eleventh birthday. Although her diction reflects her age, Rachel conveys the difficulty of growing up with adult precision. She is embarrassed and feels helpless, but knows she will soon be … Read more
Describe the elements of war and death in Stephen Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage. This book is divided into two parts. In the first part the main characters, Henry Flemings. illusions disappear when confronted by the reality of battle(WAH 642). During the first battle he sees vague figures before him, but they are driven … Read more
Holden Caulfield, the main character in J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, is what I believe to be one of the most well-developed characters which I have read about. He has many characteristics that are all his own, such as the way he views the world, his friends and his family. One of … Read more
The Second World War was a many-faceted struggle. Battle lines were drawn on many fronts, but combat was not resolved exclusively by the G. I. on the black sands of Iwo Jima or in the bitter cold of the Ardennes. A sordid array of characters was fighting the war in such little-known places as Korcula … Read more
The Great Gatsby, a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is about the American Dream, and the downfall of those who attempt to reach its illusionary goals. The attempt to capture the American Dream is central to many novels. This dream is different for different people, but in The Great Gatsby, for Jay, the dream is … Read more
Beowulf was written in the eighth century by an unknown author. The story is centered on Beowulf, the main character, who goes to Denmark to offer his assistance in fighting off, Grendel, the monster who has been haunting them. Beowulf most definitely proves to be a hero. His heroism is exemplified first when he kills … Read more
“I have given you my soul; leave me my name! ” (138). This is the disturbing vision we are left with at the end of Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible. This scream is let out by the main character John Proctor; who has been accused of witchcraft, and is to be hung on that merit … Read more
It’s 2:00am and I cannot sleep. I toss and turn while the question, “Why didn’t you stand up for yourself? ” keeps playing over and over in my mind. The picture in my mind of a subjugated woman who feebly attempts to fight against feminine oppression and her impending insanity is vivid and disturbing and … Read more
Ernest Hemmingways A Farewell To Arms is a classic display of literature. The way he develops his characters is ingenious. In the beginning of the story I did not like the way it was going. As I read deeper into the book, A Farewell To Arms I discovered the complexity of the characters themselves. I … Read more
Through my thoughts, to mend a wall is to fix a barrier of their life or to be more cautious of what people say and do. In other words I think this particular wall is between two friends, a wall of dispute or privacy, a invisible wall is slowly being built. It is the nature … Read more
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a story of revenge and the way the characters in the play respond to grief and the demands of loyalty. The importance of Fortinbras and Laertes in the play is an issue much discussed, analyzed and critiqued. Fortinbras and Laertes are parallel characters to Hamlet, and they provide pivotal points on … Read more
In Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown,” the characters and settings are used to show allegory. The characters and setting are used in metaphor to represent something else. The whole story of “Young Goodman Brown,” represents the journey of everyman. It’s path that everyone follows, or so Hawthorne seems to believe. The main character, Young Goodman Brown … Read more
In The Stranger, as in all Camus works, Camus views on freedom and death one dependent on the other are major themes. For Camus, freedom arises in awareness of ones life, the every-moment life, an intense glorious life that needs no redeeming, no regrets, no tears. Death is unjustifiable, absurd; it is but a reintegration … Read more
Chapter 1 analysis The narrator (later identified as Huckleberry Finn) begins Chapter One by stating that the reader may know of him from another book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by “Mr. Mark Twain,” but it “ain’t t no matter” if you have not. According to Huck, Twain mostly told the truth, with some “stretchers” … Read more
