Group items tagged

This article discusses Ibsen's different plays and the subjects that they focused on. The author of the article says that Henrik Ibsen was banished because of his style of writing, bringing to light many social issues that all of the people of that time preferred to keep in the dark. The article stats that an Enemy of the people examines the idealism that takes place in society, to me this means that the play focuses on the way that the people of the time thought and what their priorities and goals were. The author of the article discusses the purpose of Hedda Gabler. The author says that Hedda Gabler also tackles a different problem in society. The issue in this play was feminism and how women were held to certain standards and expected to behave in certain ways. The author goes on to state that Henrik Ibsen had the greatest influence of any playwright in the twentieth century. After reading this article I am really interested on writing my paper on how Ibsen writes his plays in order to bring social issues into public light so that maybe the problems that he writes about can be corrected.

Argument: The references to western culture and the similarities as well as the differences between Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker and Gravity Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon. During an interview Alice Walker made a comment that said, "Why would they want to?" in regards to "Why write a novel like the one Pynchon wrote? ". Walker refers to her book as "a romance of the last 500,000 years" when according to Adam (writer of the literary criticism) Walker's novel has the "ambition" of Pynchon text. Throughout the text, Adam uses quotes from Walker's novel to relate it to Pynchon's. His purpose for writing this literary criticism was to judge or prove to the public that Walker's novel is in fact similar the Pynchon's. Also, he writes about the difference they have in social views towards the government, and the culture of families. Evidence: "Walker has in common with Pynchon and Wallace a sweeping distrust of the current political, religious, and economic systems of domination prevalent in the world" (Adam). "The world view of The Temple of My Familiar also differs from that of Gravity's Rainbow and many other postmodern texts in its belief in the power of the spiritual to redeem and nourish, even in the midst of oppression and tragedy" (Adam). "Another difference between Walker's novel and Gravity's Rainbow is its concern with communal relationships. Families, tribes, and cultures are of primary importance to the novel, both in the ways that they support the various characters and in the ways in which the characters choose to perpetuate them" (Adam).

Argument: Authors A Rama Krishna Rao and R V Jayanth Kasyap argue Lahiri's chacters' search for their identities, and the overall immigrant psyche. The author's descibe the various chacters from Lahiri's different novels and how each of them struggle to adjust and find thier own individuality. Evidence: "A union with the outside world would bring happiness and isolation sometimes leads to depression". "Another important factor that affects the psyche is displacement. People who get displaced-geographically, culturally and spiritually-are always ill at ease and display the symptoms of psychological ailment". "Lahiri's novel The Namesake illustrates the optimism required in an immigrant. It shows that it is the willingness of the mind of an immigrant that helps him to assimilate and adapt himself to the alien ethos. Like Bharati Mukherjee, Lahiri focuses on the aspect of the characters shuttling between dual identities" Thoughts: I really like the authors' way of focusing on the psyche of the immigrants and not just thier actions. They include everything from thoughts and interactions with others, especially with family, as well as other personal choices the specific characters make in the stories. Also I find it very interesting how Rao and Kasyup focus on immigrants as a whole, such as when they descibe how immigrants crave affection, and that an immigrant of any generation cannot live in isolation. This helps to put immigration of all types in perspective, not just that of Lahiri's characters.

Argument: Ernest Hemingway has a unique writing style, and if he did not properly execute them, they would not have been as successful. He gives very little characterization; he instead uses dialogue to give life and personality to his characters. Because of this the reader was able to make their own assumptions about people and major events, which allowed the story to be more relatable and for the reader to find connections to their own life. Another way he portrays his characters is through imagery. He uses a lot of pathetic fallacy to connect the environment to moods of characters and to events taking place. Evidence: "despite the thorough description of the action, the reader is left to grapple with the complex issues of suicide, contract murder, and desperation, because the emotive details are not explained in any way."(O'Donnell). "Hemingway's male characters are often convincing and full of life"(O'Donnell). "In A Farewell to Arms the rain emerges as a glaring symbol of death early on and is often repeated, even told to us by Catherine Barkley who said to Frederic Henry that she saw them together "dead in the rain."(O'Donnell). "Many of his most memorable scenes are descriptions of nature, passion, cafés, eating, drinking, fishing…"(O'Donnell). Thoughts: This article was very helpful, because it touched on many points that I am writing my paper on. It analyzed Hemingway's style, and how his unique/different way of writing worked and what the purpose was behind it. It's interesting to see how Hemingway was able to create such strong characters and emotions without being up front and obvious about them.

Literary Criticism about the play, An Enemy of the People. This helps support my arguement on societal issues in which Ibsen presents in his work.

Argument: The novels, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, two novels written by the two Bronte sisters, Charlotte and Emily, both contain similar details and characteristics that suggest their literary greatness. Key components concerning the setting, major characters, and overall theme contribute to the social issues of the Victorian time period. The sisters all wrote on similar premise of changing the world through their feminist ideas and the further promotion of woman's rights and equality. Evidence: This point is thoroughly suggested in the analysis of the sisters' use of a gothic style, the Byronic hero, the feminist sentiments, and the industrialization of the British Empire. The gothic style is portrayed through the primary theme of both novels being the "suppressed sexual longing and forbidden love." The dark setting of Wuthering Heights, the manor, and the mansion that is depicted in Jane Eyre further portray the gothic tone. The Byronic hero is portrayed through the two key male parts of each novel, being Heathcliff and Rochester. A Byronic hero is one who is not necessarily depicted as being attractive or handsome gentlemen, but in spite of this characteristic they are able to contribute to the theme. The feminist question and search for woman independence is greatly mentioned in both Eyre and Heights, however, the time period is perhaps against this. For instance, the author of this source mentions that "Queen Victoria herself, who was a strong supporter of women's education and even helped establish a college for women…was against giving women the right to vote, calling the suffrage campaign "a mad folly." Thoughts: Overall, this source has several key components that are further going to push my paper along greatly. Most importantly are the very similar aspects of the two novels will help prove my point that both pieces of literature were probably more of a collaboration, where the two sisters perhaps discussed their societal problems and

This literary criticism shows how Ibsen used Nora in A Doll's House to reveal a societal issue in his play. Ibsen displays the role of women in society through A Doll's House. Another topic in my criticism will talk about how each of the characters display each societal issue presented. This literary criticism breaks down the role of each character in the play.

Argument: Bruce Reeves points out that although "To Have and Have Not" is not one of Hemingway's better-known novels, it has had an insight on issues during the time it was written, and brought with it a new form of writing. The main theme is dealing with pain and hardships, overcoming them to move on with life and existence. Hemingway portrays his own personal struggles and life experiences through his work. Often times his characters experience and go through similar things he did. Evidence: "It was considered a forerunner of the "tough guy" school of fiction, but it has come to be seen more as a unique work…"(Reeves). "To Have and Have Not is arguably his one book in which the sum of the parts does not equal the individual fragments."(Reeves). "He assumes that everyone is equally alone."(Reeves). "Harry Morgan with relentless energy from one situation to another, until he is cornered with no hope of escape."(Reeves). Thoughts: Reeves summarizes the novel and describes the characters to show the main themes and meaning of the novel. I have also found that there are many correlations between Hemingway's characters from one book to another, such as how they act and their personalities. The characters are put in difficult situations that challenge their emotional strength. They all seem to know something bad is going to happen to them in the end.

Catch-22 in itself is a book about moral values and the inherent goodness of man despite the evil characters placed throughout, at least that's what the author here is trying to convince us of. He offers an almost sarcastic view of the dark themes prevalent throughout the novel. He argues that the evil intentions of character's are not sinister but more opportunistic. Almost as if just a normal man who, for the most part, will take advantage of an opportunity. The author also argues that Heller is attack things like religion, military, politics, corruption and other large topics of interest. The novel itself is about an opportunist who takes advantage of his situation, which could simply represent a number of different social issues during the time. The author himself thinks that Heller may be addressing all of them at once.

Argument: There are plenty of options to help satisfy the social needs of younger generations. Claim: Younger generations usually turn to bad influences because they are the easiest to be surrounded by, and seek that sense of belonging. Evidence: "They may desire to experience a sense of companionship and social interaction among their peers. They seek the sense of belonging and companionship that can only come from being surrounded by others (Sexton)".

Argument: The feministic bildungsroman that establishes itself throughout the novel seems to be contradictory towards the Christian commitments of the young Jane Eyre. It argues that the character St. John symbolized the patriarchal religious system, which was in the end rejected by Jane. Furthermore, this rejection defies the expectations of marriage at the time and symbolizes a more feminist emphasis. Evidence: This point is suggested primarily throughout the closing passage of the novel. The rhetoric of this may seem to be slightly confusing, because it basically challenges the feministic viewpoint that was built in the novel. The final paragraph casts a light over St. John and all of his endeavors throughout the novel, Lamonaca states, "Classic feminist readings have tended to view St. John as one-dimensional patriarchal villain; accordingly, Jane rejects not only her pious cousin, but also the Christian worldview he represents." Further explication in the novel is shown in the rejection of St. John, for "Jane effectively resists Rochester's and St. John's attempts to possess her spirit as well as her body." This further promotes the protagonist's struggle against male control, and a lockdown patriarchal marriage. The contradiction in the closing statements however "leaves open the possibility that Jane, despite her efforts, has failed to reconcile the conflicting demands of domesticity and faith." Thoughts: I think that Charlotte Bronte basically wanted to make a clear cut statement against the patriarchal and male run events in her society. However, as the writing came to a close she didn't want to make it seem as if the novel was meant to be an anti-Christian sentiment. So she was able to subdue the super strong feministic thoughts and instead decided to create a conclusion that makes the patriarchal society still seem to have some notoriety when in reality she may have believed different. The fact that Jane chose to marry out of societyâ€

Carolyn Williams author of the literary criticism "Trying to do without God" in the Color Purple by Alice Walker criticizes how the main character Celie turns away from God and begins to write to Nettie, her sister. When Celie stops, writing to God it seems as if she felt betrayed by him because apparently God did not like poor colored women. Based on what Williams wrote, Celie felt as if God was like all other men, liars and cheaters. Celie began to refer to God because her stepfather always told her not to tell anyone but God because it would her mother. I think that is where Celie felt betrayed, because she probably imagined God as her stepfather since back then, society did not have enough knowledge about religion. When Celie found love, her personality changed because before she was lonely and empty inside. Now that she has a man on her side, her world completely changed because she has a sense of wholeness and she managed to recognize God once more. Williams included a small passage from the story and it said "Man corrupt everything" meaning that men feel like they can do whatever they want and they will get it and I think that is why Williams targeted the "trying to do without God". Alice Walker compared men to a God and that is why Celie stopped because she had, had terrible experiences with men like her stepfather. I would say that Williams criticized Walker because she tried to exclude God, and Williams believes that in order for something to happen people must acknowledge God in their lives.

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.

Short biography of Arthur Miller's life which also talks about his book Death of a Salesman.