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Argument: Canadenis' argument is that Marlow goes through a metamorphosis by focusing his mind on Kurtz and carelessly allowing himself to enter into the state of "darkness." Evidence: 1. When the manager first mentions Kurtz to him, Marlow seems unequivocally grateful for the new distraction, immediately fixating his attention on the trader and inquiring about him endlessly. 2. Kurtz is like Marlow's doppelganger, his corrupted "other self"-which explains why Marlow experiences such revulsion upon learning of Kurtz's unforgivable transgressions in the name of profit. Marlow sees too much of himself in Kurtz already-and he doesn't like what he sees. 3. The "effect" that Kurtz has on Marlow varies throughout the journey, from self-illumination to one of absolute horror and disgust. Kurtz's gruesome story reveals to Marlow that each person simultaneously possesses the capacity for both great good and for unadulterated evil-and his ultimate decay serves as firsthand evidence of the consequences of embracing one's dark side and forsaking morality. Quotes: "Marlow begins his quest into the "heart of darkness" with nothing but noble intentions and a genuine thirst for adventure." "Consequently, he greets the images of agonizing chain-gangs, malnourished "unhappy savages," the gory murder of his helmsman by javelin, the echoing cries of "infinite desolation,..." Own Thoughts: 1.Canadenis gives a more understanding insight/explanation on how Kurtz is Marlow's "double" just like how Leggatt is the narrator's "double" in The Secret Sharer. 2. This source also has a good way of explaining how Marlow does not necessarily mature, he just allows something/someone to take control of him.

Maryam Shakir Ms.Jensen AP Lit 12 Janurary 20 Uncle Tom's Cabin Literary Criticism Not surprisingly, the story Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe was based on a story of a real ex- slave. This is exactly what the article by Ilona Kromenzsky attempts to unearth. Along with the usual props given to Beecher for being the first international bestseller in the United states, topping the sales of even the Bible with the controversial story, there is also an unusual aspect to Kromenzsky's analysis of the writer and her tale. She relates that a the man who inspired the book had actually given his story in an autobiography prior to the actually Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet. Josiah Hensen was a real man who escaped slavery by running to Canada and establishing his place in society partially by his love of religion, nearly verbatim to the story line of Stowe's story. There is now a historical site on the grounds of where the true Uncle Tom's cabin was, a tribute to both the book an the man who inspired the phenomenon.

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: In writing Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte was divinely inspired by her surroundings, enabling her to create eerily realistic characters and a dreary, yet true setting. Claim: The moors in Wuthering Heights are based on the moors that stretch around her home. She knew her surroundings well. Joseph is based on hill-farmers that lived in the moors around her home. Emily Bronte was a very down-to-earth person. Evidence: "She was a very private person, rejecting such contacts with the world as were offered her through her sister Charlotte and her London publishers." "The author's close familiarity with the local rustic types, the fiercely independent hill-farmers living about the moors, enabled her to create the old curmudgeon Joseph." "In creating such a character as Joseph, Emily Brontë showed that, undoubted visionary as she was, she also had her feet firmly planted on earth." "All the source of her health and happiness, and the inspiration of her writing, were the moors that stretch 20 miles round about her home, Haworth, where she spent her whole life. Her intimate knowledge of the moors at all seasons of the year, and of the wildlife inhabiting them, gave her all the stimulus she needed to enrich her imagination and inspire her writing." http://go.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/ps/i.do?&id=GALE%7CH1420001074&v=2.1&u=chandler_main&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w

The author calls H.G. Wells' novel a science fiction but focus' on the social aspects of the novel. The novel shows the social issues of the time and Wells' views on them. The novel focuses on the social issues of Wells' time, but is not a science fiction. The science behind his books is well thought, but it provided a setting for his novel and was a different way to portray his social views.

Argument: As time continues to evolve, woman are becoming more and more independent in every aspect of their lives. Breaking away from their husbands and manly figures in their lives, they have become people of strong independence. Claim: In both novels by Mary Higgins Clark, the main character is a woman and has her own sort of independence, and that independence seems to get her out of dire situations. The Cradle Will Fall and A Cry in the Night are both mystery novels, and the way the woman are not killed at the end of the book is because they sought out their own independence and did not have to lean on their husband or boyfriend for support in any situation. In Ne-yo's song, Miss Independent, he talks about how an independent woman is a lady who takes control of herself and of her life. She does not need the support of others to aid her in any way, but can figure things out on her own. She is a bright, intelligent, hard working woman and can get through any situation by herself. Evidence: "Kinda woman that can do for herself" "Car and Crib, she['s] about to pay [th]em both off and her bills are pad on time" "Anything less she['s] telling them to get lost" "Her favorite thing to say 'don't worry I got it,' and everything she got best believe she bought it" 

Argument: H.G. Wells writes about science fiction, more specifically, a higher power or a powerful controller in his books War of the Worlds and The Time Machine. Claim: Wells was a Totalitarianist who beleived one ruler would benefit mankind. And also during the Industrial Revolution, the world was changing more than ever. Evidence: "(Wells) eagerly awaited the global catastrophe that would destroy civilization as we know it and allow...technocrats to enslace hapless humanity."

What character development there is in the novel comes from its hero. Dantes is first seen as an uncomplicated youth to whom life's mundane pleasures and basic values are adequate. He wants only to perform his job well, respect his father, and grow old with the woman whom he loves. He has no desire to play any great role in life. He is content to cultivate his own garden until forces he cannot control change him into a man with a mission. Dantes is so consumed with a passion for revenge that he does not realize that he is in danger of losing his soul. This awareness comes to him only after the humiliation of Villefort. "Tell the angel who is going to watch over you, Morrel," he writes to the son of his old patron, "to pray for a man who believed like Satan that for a moment he was the equal of God, but who in all Christian humility now acknowledges that supreme power and infinite wisdom are present in God alone." ( Kleine-Ahlbrandt 1). Argument:One who is so entranced upon the thought or idea of revenge is unaware of the physically and mental transformation that occurs within ones self. Claim: Within the Counte of Monte Cristo, Dante looses sight of himself in the midst of vengeful and a revengeful state of thought. Evidence: "Dantes is so consumed with a passion for revenge that he does not realize that he is in danger of losing his soul. This awareness comes to him only after the humiliation of Villefort." I can use this within

Argument: Jane Austen's novels have become popular because of their ability to transcend generations. Claim: Austen's use of irony in character development plays a significant role in the appeal of her characters. Because she highlighted their susceptibilities with moral perspectives, the characters charm the audience more than just a blantant description of a character. Evidence: "Elizabeth Bennet may be prejudiced, but she is also far more perceptive than most of the society around her. Darcy is proud, yet at the same time curiously humble." "How different, how much less effective than the slow unfolding, he almost imperceptible growth of a character like Darcy's, or Elizabeth's, or Emma's." http://search.ebscohost.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lfh&AN=9509236170&site=lrc-live.

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 author aims to demonstrate that the conspicuous insertion of Yann Martel's religious beliefs in "life of Pi" is destructive to Martel's attempts to encourage his readers to believe in GOD and religion. However, the author quickly asserts that the problem is simply not very relevant! He even goes as far as admitting that he - a firm atheist - began to affirm a faith in god after reading the novel, under the pretense that the impossibility of the tale encourages the growth of the reader's imagination and therefore his/her faith in God. Evidence: "...the fiction...reveals a truth by explicit sermonising rather than as a natural conclusion drawn from the relationships and events it presents, [and] is displeasing, even 'immoral'" "As he travels through the pages...the reader[s]...atheist or already committed follower[s], experience some major revelation to the spirit, coming to, or restoring, a belied in GOD." "...the simple narrative may reveal virtues and ethics, yet is primarily concerned with entertaining the reader...in magical ways which powerfully invoke the active imagination." "...the novel occupies too perfectly 100 chapters. Yet the miraculous outcomes of this definite structure...defy explanation, logic, reality. This is magic realism in its most subversive form..." Thoughts: the author successfully uses significant support to lend credibility to his argument and does a good job of doing so. He did a fantastic job of explaining and defining his view point and overall I thoroughly agree with his criticism of "Life of Pi".

In what is known as one of Beckett's most infamous works, it appears that what occurs on stage and even between the actors and audience is a game. In his review of the work, Atkinson boldly claims that it was "Impressive in the macabre intensity of the mood", making it a close contender with Beckett's "Waiting for Godot". While the argument of the article may not be relatively easy to pick up, upon closer inspection of the critique it may seem as if Atkinson has no opinion on the matter due to the highly interpretive and almost incomprehensible manner in which Beckett's works are put forth. Atkinson even states "Don't expect this column to give a coherent account of what--if anything-- happens. Almost nothing happens in the sense of action." So what exactly can be said about the work? Clearly Beckett has found a knack in creating a feeling of nothing, in "Endgame" as well as in "Waiting for Godot", the settings are never clearly described, and what little details are given out may in fact be seen in infinite number of ways. For example the author, Atkinson, has seen the other works of Beckett before reviewing his latest, this article being published the day after the debut in new york on Jan. 29, 1958, which would indeed give him a bias as to how he would experience the work. If someone were to review the play who had never seen anything of Beckett's before, it may be almost certain that most of what is said would be confusion, and misunderstanding about the purpose of the play. I feel that Atkinson, having had the experience, accurately portrays the works in his article/review. Beckett is a modern writer who plays out work in an old style. His two plays mentioned before are both considered comedies, but not in the laugh out loud sense, but the classical interpretation of what comedies where meant to be. Yet still creating an almost post- apocalyptic environment while maintaining an elevated psychological approach to the viewing experience.

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

The critism attached by Fetterley depicts the true steps a women had to take in the late 19th century to get by. Alcott was a clever writer and Fetterley gave her all the praise she deserved. Alcott struggled in her life both with health and wealth. The sharp contrast between her two books Little Women and Behind a Mask is evident and the author of this critism, Fetterley, forms a solid argument of women's rights and how they are highlighted in these novels. The critism hits key points and uses contextual evidence to support its claims. At the very beginning of the novel Jean Muir is epitomized as the perfect women. Fetterley is quick to jump on the fact that Louisa Alcott strives to be this perfect women but is bound by reality and realizes such roles aren't possible for her. Fetterley hits the key issues that Alcott presents by saying, "radical critique of the cultural constructs of 'femininity' and 'little womanhood,' exposing them as roles women must play, masks they must put on, in order to survive." There is a common denominator in Little Women and Behind a Mask and Fetterley discovered the pattern and exploited it. Jean Muir, who was far from fair, had to take on the character of one of the "Little Women" in order to survive economically. She was sneaky. She was sly. However, she did what she needed ot survive. Fetterley used evidence from both books when forming her high opinion of Alcott.

Arguement: Becoming a writer is a journey; Gantos used his journey in many different ways. Claim: Gantos' used the hard times in his life to motivate him to be a writer. Evidence: "It (prison) is where I went from thinking about becoming a writer, to writing." -Jack Gantos Claim: Mistakes and downfalls lead Gantos to become a more intellegent writer. Evidence: "his unsparing portrayal of his fears, failings, and false starts... is brillant and authentistic." Claim: Gantos used his journey to define his writing techniques. Evidence: Gantos' spare narrative style and straightforward revelation of the truth have, together, a cumulative power that will capture not only a reader's attention but also empathy and imagination."

Argument: The extra-linguistic components of words are used to help define meaning. Claim: The Bible, in example, is now being studied using lexical semantics which focuses on the meaning of an individual word not in context with the surrounding words. This in turn focuses on the semantic, individual meaning, of the word to define the surrounding text instead of the text defining the single word. Evidence: "As such, a word, or combination of words, could, at least in theory, have a different meaning from genre to genre." "We can apply a semantic approach to Scripture and believe that we have understood what God wants us to know." http://www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v5/i1/semantic.asp

This literary critic by Steven R. Centola investigates the "timeless human dilemma" that Arthur Miller portrays through his tragic character of Willy Loman, which is the quest to justify one's life. In order to fully examine this idea, the author progresses through the plot of the play and analyzes the occurrences that support this claim. Moreover, all the supporting characters are fully scrutinized to show their influence over Willy, especially his brother Ben who supplements the characterization of Willy due to his sharply contrasting ideals. Centola specifically mentions Willy's pursuit of a seemingly impossible dream as a tactic to justify his life and self-worth; however, Willy's desire for the love and respect of his family is noted as the ultimate indication of his success in life. There is a "tremendous variance between his [Willy's] deep feelings about and inadequate understanding of fatherhood, salesmanship, and success in one's personal life as well as in the business world in American society" though, which contributes to his eventual demise. With his textual support and intricate analysis of minute details and overarching themes, Centola concludes that Willy fails to fulfill his dreams pertaining to business and, more importantly, family. Despite his drastic choice to end his life, death does not defeat Willy because he was definitely loved by his family even if he never realized it; therefore, his memory and legacy will continue to live on and he will always influence his two sons - both positively and negatively. This facet connects to a major assumption made by Centola, which is that Willy wanted to sell himself more than any individual product hence why Miller never names the product he is trying to sell in his days as a salesman.

Argument: Marple argues that there is a similarity between the novels Franny and Zooey and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger. She states that since Salinger already incorporated the theme of innocence in The Catcher in the Rye, then it is inevitable for him to input it in his other novels. Also, Salinger is able to portray innocence and growing up in characters such as Holden and Zooey through their actions and decisions. Evidence: "Franny's quest for purity ties Franny and Zooey to a subterranean theme that underlies most of the work Salinger has published during the last twenty-one years" "There is evident, throughout Salinger's writing, a consistent preoccupation with innocence, a preference for the chaste, complemented by the inability of his adult characters to reconcile physical and spiritual love. It is obvious on a re-examination of Salinger's work that his characters are extremely limited in their choice of sexual expression" "There is certain logic in Salinger's choice of an adolescent protagonist. The chastity of adolescence needs little explanation--idealism will suffice" "What is suggested or hinted at in Salinger's earlier work is full grown in his novel the idealization of the celibate, the chaste, and the innocent" "…it is difficult to see how the avoidance of so obvious a part of human life cannot impede the free flow of Salinger's creative life" Thoughts: Even though the criticism states that "Marple offers a generally positive assessment of Franny and Zooey" she is able to support her ideas through examples and direct quotes. I think she makes some valid points on the theme of innocence found in the two stories and I'll be able to use this criticism as support for my paper. The structure of Marple's argument was organized and coherent with the examples. Overall the criticism is useful and reliable.