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Cody Villanueva E. Jensen AP Literature 27 January 2011 Literary Analysis #4 It can be concluded from several sources that Yann Martel's novel Beatrice and Virgil does not meet the standards set by his previous novel Life of Pi. An article written by Cathal Kelly not only goes into the detail of her own criticism but displays several criticisms through the use of different resources that have the same view; Beatrice and Virgil's downfalls. Hitting on points of Martel's overall idea of the book, they criticize it as being offensive and misconceived. Using the Holocaust has caused such a demeaning affect to the overall idea of the book, that ot takes away from the theme and the underlying message Martel is trying to persuade the reader to understand. Cathal not only has lots of evidence and quotation to reinstate her idea of Yann Martel's faults but she also gives insight from her personal views. Bringing forth the idea that this novel was merely pieced together after the rejection of the publication of a previous novel, Kelly points out that this book cannot really in the running on the best books list as Martel's previous novel. The novel contain too many loose ends and has and ending that does not satisfy the bulk of the readers. From these criticism it is perceived that Life of Pi contained much more attention to its detail, making it a novel of praise and prosperity. Her use of significant proof helps back up not only her opinion but allow the reader to consider such element from varied resources, crucial in attaining something believable and real. The overall article shows the downfalls of Beatrice and Virgil and its insignificance compared to Yann Martel's previous works of literature.

Arthur Cleveland Coxe wrote "The Writings if Hawthrone" to criticize Nathaniel Hawthorne for his work The Scarlet Letter. He criticizes Hawthorne for the inspiring "social licentiousness" and making fun of all religion. He believes that the subject matter is inappropriate a romance novel and that woman everywhere would be offended that they were painted in a negative light. Coxe's argument while coherent and consistent lacks logic because he provides next to no proof of his argument. His argument is a shallow criticism that doesn't attempt to understand the work on a deeper level. The only evidence Coxe provides is the subject matter of the novel and the Nathaniel Hawthorne's participation in a six-month stay in a Transcendentalist commune. He argues that because Hawthrone associates himself with enlightened ideals he must be trying to destroy the Gospel. He deduces "this sort of sentiment must be charged to the doctrines enforced at 'Brook-Farm.'" His assumptions hold no basis because he doesn't provide any proof from the text other than dialogue that he finds disgusting. The author concludes that Hawthorne is trying to obliterate morality with The Scarlet Letter and suggest adulterous relationships are acceptable. The author's belief is not without bias to say the least. His criticism was published in The Church Review and further research reveals the author was the second Episcopal bishop of New York. Of course he would overlook the satirical purpose of The Scarlet Letter because he did not see anything wrong with the way they Puritans treated Hester Prynne.

As the title suggests, "Oscar Wilde: Aesthetics and Criticism" focuses on a very important subject in Oscar Wilde's books: the purpose of art. During this time, Wilde was a very avid supporter of Aestheticism, which was the idea that art had no other purpose than being beautiful. This criticism is one that also highlights the works that Wilde has done that focuses on Aestheticism, such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray", "The Portrait of W.H", "The Decay of Lying", "The Critic as Artist", etc. It also enforces the fact that all of Wilde's works are intertwined, and work towards the goal of promoting aestheticism. Also, this criticism backs up Wilde's argument that "art in its highest form is something more and other than a mere reflection of the natural world" and praises Wilde, saying that he holds a "prominent place…in our cultural landscape to this day." After all, we see his words and influence everywhere, whether it be on cards or in movies. Wilde truly was the face of the Aesthetic movement, and continues to be so through his one and only novel ("The Picture of Dorian Gray") and other short works.

Argument: Naturalism is the application of principles of scientific determinism. Humans view the world as animals would, responding to environmental forces and internal stress and drives.  Claim: There are eight ways to determine if a piece of literature contains naturalism: objectivity, frankness, amoral attitude toward material, philosophy of determinism, bias toward pessimism in selection of details, bias in selection of characters, characters are subject to certain temptations, and complexity and American Determinism. Evidence: Smith gives no evidence to support his claims, however he does cite three books (Parrington's The Beginnings of Critical Realism in America: 1860-1920, Murfin and Roy's The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms, and Holman and Harmon's A Handbook to Literature). Evidence, however, can be shown throughout naturalists' novels. Steinbeck, a proven naturalist by critics, has these criteria shine through vividly throughout his literature. For example, one criterion given was the bias in selection of characters. "There are usually three types: (a) characters marked by strong physiques and small intellectual activity; (b) characters of excited neurotic temperament, at the mercy of moods, driven by forces they do not stop to analyze; (c) an occasional use of strong character whose will is broken" (1). In Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, Lenny (type A) is a strong, tall man with no brains. His friend, George, (type b) who has extreme mood swings between sympathetic and furious, must keep his Lenny from speaking because his stupidity might ruin their jobs. http://www.viterbo.edu/perspgs/faculty/GSmith/Naturalism.html

"The Philosophy of Beauty" is an essay that delves into Aestheticism, Wilde's life, and his works. He criticizes Wilde for his outlook on Aestheticism and how his philosophy of beauty was "never quite sincere," and that he did not write with "his heart in his mouth, but merely with his tongue in his cheek." He also criticizes where the writing, in the end, had gotten him, implying that the movement was in vain: after all, it did not help him towards the end of his life. It wasn't something that would become quite a revolution. This is perfect for a Literary Criticism because it looks at the other side of the argument, that Aestheticism really isn't as grand as Wilde or others had believed or still believe

Cody Villanueva Jensen AP LIT 24 January 2011 Literary Analysis #3 Yann Martel's novel Beatrice and Virgil, in comparison to his highly praised novel Life of Pi, did not merely meet the expectations of critics. According to MICHIKO KAKUTANI, a New York Times writer, this novel that follows the life of a donkey, monkey and a writer's detailed stories re-telling the Holocaust, is said to be "misconceived and offensive as his earlier book." Mimicking animalistic characters and simple text in Martel's previous novel, Beatrice and Virgil, is a simple metaphor using animals to portray Jewish extinction. Kakutani also points out that Martel's novels also includes a play that is closely resembled to that of "Beckett's "Waiting for Godot."" Not only does Kakutani perceive this as awkward, but do not appeal to the novels ending but making it a "disappointing and often perverse novel." But Kakutani gives little to support such reasoning, but clutters his argument with an overall summary that gives the reader a brief understanding of the novel. His overall purpose for such a criticism, or article one may say, is a list of brief downsides compared to Martel's past novel, possible noting that Martel Life of Pi is a single novel of achievement and that Martel is not a writer that continues eloquence throughout his series of novels. Even though it is hard to assume bias within Kakutani's criticism, it can be perceived that this novel brought no interest to Michoko. Therefore Kakutanis simply sits closely to a neutral position when describing his feelings toward the novel Beatrice and Virgil, simple stating small downsides and flaws the novel has compared to Yann Martel's other literary works.

Sean J. Kelly argues that Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter to satirize the Puritan church and how they fail to meet the standards of an ideal Christian community. Kelly's argument, while not very strong, is coherent, consistent and focused. While he does not offer solid evidence for his claim, his argument is very logical and insightful. The author describes The Scarlet Letter in contrast to other seduction novels before the novel's time. He states, "Earlier American seduction novels such as Charlotte Temple (1791) and The Coquette: Or, The History of Eliza Wharton; A Novel Founded on Fact (1797) invited the reader not only to witness the female protagonist's moral struggle and downfall, but also to forgive her transgressions as they were repented, typically in death." The background information provides for his argument and shows how his conclusion might be plausible. He concludes that Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter to criticize the lack of compassion and sympathy in the Puritan society which made them flawed. Irony exists because the Puritan society is supposed to be a Utopia but according to Kelly, the ideal Christian society is one that includes empathy. Kelly's criticism was published in a Christian literature journal which might conclude in some biased interpretations of Hawthorne's novel. The essay was also published in 2008 which explains the enlightened thinking in contrast to the thinking of the previous criticism by Coxe.

I'm having some issues with the website, but I do have the analysis saved if you end up needing a hard copy :)

AP Literature Analysis 3 Although George Bernard Shaw had the standing of a classic dramatist, people still question how good he truly was. This is in fact the purpose of the author writing this criticism. Morgan wanted to look into Shaw's work to see if he was justly able to have that prestigious standing. The critique was very well written, and supported the argument throughout. To back up her argument Morgan referred to not only his great works, but also situations in his life that shaped his writing. The author uses substantial evidence in order to support Shaw's standing. In his works Shaw focused on marriage, genius, and class distinctions. He wrote about these things in a satiric way in order to show society during that time period. And when he was unable to keep people interested, he changed the way he wrote by adding more of a comedic element to his work. The author of this criticism concludes that Shaw did in fact deserve that prestigious title, and he was in fact an amazing writer. She shows this by describing how he was able to change his work when he needed to appeal to his audience. Morgan also points out how Shaw put heartrending human emotions in the center of all of his plays. His plays showed the pure grain of true feelings amongst the irrationalities. Morgan states "…Shaw's comedic brilliance and his geniality tend to enliven the mind and break down prejudice". Morgan may in fact be a fan of the Great Shaw's works making it very easy for her to see Shaw as a classic dramatist.

Dacia Di Gerolamo Ms. Jensen AP English 12 26 January 2011 AP Literature Analysis 4 Pygmalion was not a single genre book, but a book with genres intertwined. Not only was it a romance but also a comedy. Not a traditional romance with the fairy tale ending, but a story in which love is used, but not in the sense it is usually portrayed. It was a comedy not in a humorous way but in a way in which Shaw used satire to shed light on social issues. Issues such as division between the classes during the 1800's. The purpose of this article was to evaluate dramatic comedies in the 1800's. It examines the satire used in the early works. The author is able to clearly express his view. He constructively criticizes dramatic comedies of the time. The author uses the traditional ideas of the genre a long with how the authors built their works around the genre. Enough evidence is definitely provided for the reader to get the point of the paper. The author points out that the works are defined by the characters actions. The author is able to make the characters a certain way in order to fit a genre. In Shaw's case the genre was not only a comedy, but a romance as well. The author can easily have bias especially on the romance genre, whether good or bad. And also the sense of humor can affect it. All his bias can affect his view on all pieces of romantic criticisms.

Argument: Despite raging criticisms that Fitzgerald work as a American writer had failed miserably, but analyzing his success after his death, the importance and significance of his novels are proven prevalent when observing American Culture during the Jazz Age. Claim: There was much critical neglect during Fitzgerald life, much ridicule and shame brought upon Fitzgerald. His life ended with misery, yet does not lessen the writers contribution to literary representation of American culture. Evidence: "...the days and months of his private world began to descend into tragedy. He could not bring the order into his life that would allow him to write his next novel. By the end of the twenties he was living too high and drinking too much" (Shain). "...he did the final complexity of our society and to recognize that we create a large part of our moral selves as we become engaged in that society. This is the theme that runs through his fiction · and through his life" (Shain). http://go.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=RELEVANCE&inPS=true&prodId=LitRC&userGroupName=chandler_main&tabID=T001&searchId=R1&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=6&contentSet=GALE|H1479001146&&docId=GALE|H1479001146&docType=GALE&role=Scribner

Literary Analysis #2-Nineteen Minutes Throughout the literary critic of Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, the main argument given by author Julie Ellam is based upon the fact that Picoult's work lacks depth. Throughout the critic, she gives examples such as the fact that one of the main characters Peter lacks characterization, as well as the fact that the author shies away from the central concern of the novel which is based upon the violence developed in schools. Ellam goes on to explain the way in which Picoult uses over description of her characters and hence lacks insight from the main focus once again. "These parts feels bolted on and overdone, and have the effect of making the reader even more impatient for a greater insight into the thought processes of the bullies and victims." (Ellam) This passage is significant to the work as a whole because it describes the way in which Picoult over analyzes characterization throughout her novel as well as the way in which she uses subplots to carry her story as a whole. Ellam goes on to discuss the way in which Picoult uses excessive description on main characters and background information that is unnecessary to the whole of the novel. She states that the reader tends to feel impatient throughout the reading and is frequently distracted from the main theme attempting to be expressed. "It is possible that the subplots that diverge from the massacre are used to give light as a contrast to the shade, but they appear instead as elements from a soapy romance." (Ellam) The way in which Ellam uses specific descriptions and examples from the novel give to the overall effectiveness of the critic by justifying her argument. This gives to the overall significance as the text as a whole by questioning the way in which the novel is written and taking in the novel from a diverse perspective.

Argument: The argument for the Joy Luck Club is that there is only a culture barrier in the novel, nothing else is keeping them apart. The critic claims that, since Chinese culture can be classified as high context culture and American culture can be claimed as Low context culture, the mothers are having a difficult time understanding why their children aren't as respectful towards them as they were towards their parents. Evidence: "The mothers in The Joy Luck Club expect their daughters to obey their elders and so learn by obedience, by observation and by imitation, as they did in China" (unknown). "Because the mothers internalized values and knowledge, they seem to assume that knowledge is innate and that it is present in their daughters and only has to be brought out or activated" (unknown). Thoughts: This critic provides the reader with so much background information about Amy Tan as well as her book, The Joy Luck Club, so that the reader is able to understand where the author is coming from. I believe that this critic gives a lot of information because he or she doesn't want the reader to take Amy Tan in the wrong way. In my opinion, this critic really admired The Joy Luck Club, and probably, still, admires Amy Tan.

The purpose of McKay was to demonstrate the womes inferior roles in Steinbecks novel, "Grapes of Wrath". Men's patriarchal role overshadowed the womens efforts in the hosehold, because he was viewed as the primary breadwinner. Attention is also drawn to the fact that it was socialy acceptable to hit women at the time to, due to the many abuses Ma Joad suffers from her husband. Evidence "tired because they are always attending to the needs of everyone but themselves." "Even domestic violence against these women is socially acceptable within the group" "Ma Joad has the opportunity (or perhaps the duty) to assert herself and still maintain her role as selfless nurturer of the group. In this respect, she is leader and follower, wise and ignorant, and simple and complex" "in particular the mother and her son Tom (the other Joad men never develop as fully), gradually shed their naïveté and achieve a sound political consciousness of class and economic oppression" Analysis McKay povides a lot of evidence to support his thesis. Throughout the novel men are shown as superior to the women, and make the critical decisions regarding the family by themselves. This proves the inferiority of women in Stienbecks time, and he incorperates it within his novel

"The Decay of Lying" by Oscar Wilde is a criticism based solely on the topics of Aestheticism. Aestheticism was an ideal that Oscar was passionate about, as he was one of the more influential people of the Aesthetic movement during the late 1800's. The ideal held that art should not be used as a form of social education and enlightenment, that "art need not any other purpose than being beautiful". This essay is very critical in enforcing Oscar Wilde's views and opinions, as many of the points made in "The Decay of Lying" parallel those inside "The Picture of Dorian Gray." One quote stands out when it comes to Aestheticism, and it is this: "Lying and poetry are arts-arts, as Plato saw, not unconnected from each other-and they require the most careful study, the most disinterested devotion" (Wilde). This sentiment was very evident in "The Picture of Dorian Gray": in the novel, the painter would end up making the portrait of Dorian Gray a very personal work of art, one that goes against the rules of Aestheticism. In the end, the painter would face the consequences of this, dying in the end in result of caring so much of the painting. The other part of Aestheticism dealing with the idea that Art should not be used as a form of learning and enlightenment is seen here, in which he uses an example to reinforce it. He states that "the most obvious and the vulgarest from in which this is shown is in the case of the silly boys, who, after reading the adventures of Jack Sheppard… pillage the stalls…, break into sweetshops at night,… etc" (Wilde). Again, this parallels Dorian Gray: in the beginning of the book, there is this yellow book that Lord Henry gives Dorian Gray. This piece of literature would soon change Dorian's life: he becomes obsessed with it, living the way it says to live, and would become an evil, corrupt man because of it. Here, it is obvious of the lesson Wilde is trying to convey to the audience: that literature

Analytical Criticism- Heroic Duty Noted as a timeless classic, The Iliad by Homer portrays a vast array of emotions through detailed imagery and character concentration. However, it has become evident that much of the emotions portrayed by each character are of similar origin to that of other Greek Mythology, this emotion being of helpless humans at the mercy of powerful, vengeful gods. Set in a time of war and destruction between both the Trojans and the Achaeans, writers from CMLC argue that it is not only the men that fight one another but also the gods that persuade the humans to do so. "Although Homer presents an extremely harsh world in which human beings appear destined to suffer as the mere playthings of the gods and fate…" (CMLC). CMLC claim that Homer is quite stereotypical in his use of Greek Gods and their relations with humans. They also claim that the contrast between the harshness of Gods and the susceptibility of humans demonstrates mans gentle nature even in a time of war. Overall writers of CMLC critique Homer's use of Greek Mythology and the common portrayal of man. The structure of this critique is weak at best and demonstrates a choppy analysis of The Iliad. This is so due to the tendency of this article to jump from one topic to another with a lack of transition. The ill-prepared structure of the article inadvertently has a negative impact on the focus as well leaving it poorly adjusted and inconsistent. However, the topic of the article is well thought out and continues to make intelligent and unobvious observations about both Homer and The Iliad throughout the piece. It is of my conclusion that the writers of this critique have the belief that Homer although renowned for his unique stories is more unique in his writing technique than he was of his stereotypical stories. There is unfortunately some bias that these writers face, being of the twentieth century much of Greek Mythology is easily accessible unlike in the age of Homer

Robert Young takes an interesting perspective on the book Catch 22 as he offers his criticisms of the logic that Heller used within the novel. The basis of the criticism focuses on this "unconscious logic" that Young believes Heller has used. He believes that the novel really focuses on a world "where everyone lives perpetually in projective identification, and the only value is survival." Furthermore, he establishes that the book is essentially about ideals, and how the in the real world it is hard for anyone to behave in a paranoid world, especially in groups and under the pressure of the war. There is this sort of overarching theme that decency is not at the mainstream of societies core values. Within the text Major Danby advises his soldiers, "And you must never let them change your values. Ideals are good, but people are sometimes not so good. You must try to look up at the big picture." I thought that from the criticism that it was interesting how it was stated that there was only one real Catch 22, that specified that a concern for your own safety in the face of dangers were real and immediate and in the process of a rational mind. In general, this criticism is very analytical on the methods of logic that Heller uses in the book. However, Young is very hard to follow and his reasoning is sparely related. His point is clear to understand however, because he opens the argument with his general ideology that the book is about a society that acts in a certain way because they are faced with the possibility of annihilation daily.

Argument: The argument of the critism on the language of Jane Austen, and the women of the time period, is that language and speech was used as a weapon. The critic also claims that although Austen speaks out about language as a manipulative tool, her female characters often use it that way. Language was used as a weapon by women because they were seen lower than men in the society of Austen's time. Language and speech were the only way to counteract male dominance, and allowed the women to have some influence. Not only speech was used, but also silence. The Critic claims that women used Language to manipulate and get their way. Evidence: "Female speech "veiled Warfare" " the female characters in Sense and Sensibility language- or the absence of it to manipulate those around them, as well as Austen's clear commentary on such manipulations of power." "Play games with language." The critic gives many examples of when Austen's characters in Sense and Sensibility use language to manipulate, and get what they want. He also shows the power Austen has with language. Thoughts: Michal Beth Dinkler, makes a strong argument, with good examples, on Austen's use of language. His critism also shows the social standing and mind set of women in Austen's day. Her books make women seem more intelligent and stronger than the men of that time period. This is because of Austen's masterful use of the English language.