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Aubrey Haggarton

Literature Resource Center- Mary Higgins Clark - 0 views

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    Argument: Mary Higgins Clark's novels contain similar traits that are seen within each of her mystery books.  Claim:Lisa A. Wroble claims that throughout the four books mentioned in her critical analysis, all four of them contain almost the same literary elements. Women as heroines, dramatic irony throughout the plot line, the motif of "bad guy" vs. "good guy", and  a theme of woman determination are some examples that Wroble mentions in her analysis. In addition to identical characteristics of Clark's novels, Wroble claims the effectiveness of Clark's writing in the mystery genre. Wroble goes into a little bit of depth on how Clark utilizes the specific literary elements to draw in the reader in every single piece of literature that she creates. Clark also backs up her stories with factual information, which, in Wroble's viewpoint, allows the plot to be more believable and captivating to the audience.     Evidence: "A masterful and popular storyteller, Mary Higgins Clark intricately laces suspense through tightly woven story lines to pull readers into her stories." "Clark's victims often have a friend or relative dedicated to seeing their adversary punished. This character is usually a very strong woman who puts a great deal of pressure on herself to help her loved one." "The reader never feels cheated by Clark's economical but informative and entertaining prose."
Tyler McKinney

Literary Reference Center - powered by EBSCOhost: Michael Crichton - 0 views

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    Argument: Crichton is superior storyteller, but not a creator.
    Claim 1: Crichton uses old plots and themes.
    Evidence: "Terminal Man", "Next", "Andromeda Strain", "Jurassic Park" are all based off of works by other authors.
    Claim 2: Crichton uses literary elements in tandem with "hard" science to write well.
    Evidence: He integrated Chaos Theory into "Jurassic Park". Archetypes are prevalent in his works, as well as allusions. The Greek notion of Hubris-extreme pride-manages to work its way into most of his stories.
Lorynn Cancio

Morality in "The Great Gatsby" - 0 views

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    Argument: Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" has numerous connections to the works of Virgil and Aeneas as a commentary of ethical and moral decay. Claims:-Fitzgerald was a moralist -Fitzgerald is similar to Petronius -Fitzgerald uses Virgil as a moral guide Evidence:-"Like most moralists from Hesiod to C. B. De Mille, he set a moral type (like Nick Carraway) against a moral antitype (Gatsby)." -"Fitzgerald, like Petronius, is interested in the trappings of the wealthy of his day; both Gatsby and Trimalchio have amassed huge wealth by questionable means, and cannot entirely obscure their low origins and gross habits. When both men celebrate their material success by throwing lavish parties for hordes of dissolute neighbors, they are rewarded by being the subject of their guests' gossip." -"The farmers described in Virgil's Georgics are exemplars of Augustan morality, the same kind of values cherished by Nick Carraway." -"At the end of The Great Gatsby Nick concludes the novel by speaking of the effort to escape the past and achieve one's ambition in an image expressing the archetypal element in any struggle for a distantly receding ideal."
Amanda Beinlich

Literary Reference Center - powered by EBSCOhost: The Kite Runner - 0 views

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    Source#1 Argument: The author describes the characters, their social status, and their relationship. Claim: Melodramatic and overly symmetrical. Evidence: At certain points the novel becomes melodramatic but not enogh to be made a big deal over. The novel needs to be melodramatic at times because the tone needs to flow with the story to emphasize the mood. In addition the story closely relates to the known fact about the authors life which is an element of being overly symmetrical.
Dacia Di Gerolamo

Shaw Criticism - 0 views

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    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.
cody villanueva

Literary criticism #4 - 0 views

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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.
trcqnsi

The crystal spirit: a study of ... - Google Books - 1 views

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    argument: the comparison of Orwell's books and the affect his life had on them claim: Orwell put an unerring finger on the totalitarian element in anarchism itself, the nightmare of a society ruled by a public opinion so powerful that it can take the place of law.... evidence: The evidence lies not within the article itself but within the comparison of both 1984 and Animal Farm
Brie Graziano

The Breasts of Big Nurse: Satire vs. Narrative - 0 views

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    In Laszlo K. Géfin's criticism of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Géfin explores the satirical elements which lie beneath the characters in Kesey's novel. Géfin focuses his ideas on the Big Nurse, who captures the archetypal monstrous, castrating woman. Some saw the novel as an "Oedipal family romance", named for the mythological king Oedipus, who killed his father and married his mother, which captures several dark elements. The Big Nurse represents the bad mother, McMurphy is the good father, and the mental patients are the children. Others suggest that Kesey's ideas are a reflection of the male fear turned aggression of the Eisenhower era. Either way, family dynamics can be found within One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. This article makes it evident that the Big Nurse's character has been and will continue to be interpreted differently from person to person. The clearest idea that Géfin communicated was that the character of the Big Nurse should not be interpreted literally. It is vital to understand that these characters were created from a man's viewpoint because Kesey's ideas were translated through the Big Nurse. This is why feminist critics often try to downplay the menacing aspects of her character. This article was written quite awhile ago, so many of the media references are a bit outdated, although still applicable. Géfin most likely possesses similar views as Kesey as he was defending the nature of Kesey's characters. According to Géfin, Kesey's Big Nurse is another classic archetypal woman in literature, which will continue to influence further works.
Joyce Zhang

Literature Resource Center - Document - 0 views

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    Argument: The heated passion within Wuthering Heights is a product of the intense relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine. Claim: Passion is an essential element of a Romantic novel. Catherine is, in some ways, addicted to Heathcliff. Catherine's addiction to Heathcliff is bold, especially for society at the time. Catherine is somewhat reckless. Catherine has an empty soul. Evidence: "Intensity arises out of the bond between Catherine and Heathcliff, a bond which can best be described as an addiction rather than as a 'theme' of a traditional Romantic Gothic novel. The addictive nature of the relationship is illuminated by Catherine's cry of 'I am Heathcliff!' (98). Lacking any inner resources, Catherine attempts to capture Heathcliff's psyche to fulfill the emptiness in her own soul. This then is sexual addiction--the need to possess another being." http://go.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/ps/i.do?&id=GALE%7CA18290969&v=2.1&u=chandler_main&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w
Taylor Collins

Man and Superman by Shaw (Analysis #3) - 0 views

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    Argument: Novick determines in his review of a reproduction of "Man and Superman" that not only were the actors inadequate for their roles, but the rules inadequate for the actors. Though the play is considered 'a Comedy and a Philosophy', the philosophy of it overtook the human element of drama. According to Novick, the play was beyond present-day theatergoers in its length and construction. Evidence: "Bernard Shaw's "three-ring circus," as H. L. Mencken called Man and Superman, "with Ibsen doing running high jumps; Schopenhauer playing the Calliope and Nietzsche selling peanuts in the reserved seats," runs a paltry three hours and fifteen minutes…." "The wisdom of both these alternatives is dubious, but no more so, perhaps, than that of exposing the theatre-going population of the Boston area to the night air past its bedtime. When we succeed in breeding our descendants into supermen, a super-theatre may come into being to present Man and Superman entire." Thoughts: Novick has a more forgiving view of the play itself than of the actors, a perception which comes with the post-humorous protection of Shaw's legacy over his works. This review gives a mid-twentieth century review of the production long after Shaw's death, as opposed to Walkley's critique of Shaw in his day.
Stephen Marley

Article Analysis #3 - 0 views

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    In the introduction to her novel Dissecting Stephen King: From the Gothic to Literary Naturalism, author Heidi Strengell discusses the various influences on Stephen King's writing style and how these influences manifest themselves in his novels. According to Strengell, Puritanism, Gothicism, naturalism, and personal experiences are the primary recurring influences present in King's writing. Each manifests itself in a different manner, yet they are often inextricably linked to one another in one form or another. Strengell's first focus is on the religious undertones of King's writing, which she attributes to both King's personal religious views as well as the Puritanical religious frenzy that resonates in early American history, particularly during the era of the Salem witch trials. Characters such as Sylvia Pittson from The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger serve as physical manifestations of King's views on religion in his writing, for it is a recurring trend in King's novels to include a character overcome with some form of religious frenzy. King's past experiences growing up as a member of a lower middle class family also play a key role in his writing; indeed, another character stereotypical of a King novel is the "common man," a seemingly ordinary character plunged into a situation beyond the bounds of his daily existence. This stereotype ties in with one of King's prominent world views, the notion of free will versus fate. Along with the notion that there are inherently good and evil forces in the world, this is perhaps the most recurring element in King's writing, appearing in both his individual novels, such as The Dark Half, as well as his book series, such as The Dark Tower. Over the course of her introduction, Strengell references various historical and philosophical ideas in order to provide background to the influences which she attributes to King. This background information is provided at the beginning of each section, thus placi
Steve Baker

Catch-22 Literary Analysis - 0 views

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    Argument: Heller's novel combines the "dual" categories of satire - comic and tragic - in an excellent manner. His use of the juxtaposed satirical elements allows the true horrors of war to appear clear to the reader. The characters are strong and while the plot is not in chronological order, the purpose behind the clutter is clear: there is corruption in military command and war is no delight. Evidence: * "Heller also makes great use of caricature and hyperbole to underline the enormous madness of war." (Topham) * "The beauty of Catch-22 is the way that it is able to switch between the tragic and the comic." (Topham) * "According to the doctor, "Catch-22" is a military rule, which means that a madman can't fly. However, the survival instinct is a sane reaction to the madness of war. Therefore the only people who can ask to be grounded are those who don't want to be." (Topham) Thoughts A short article to base the positive - albeit general - themes of Catch-22. It has a great description at the end that clarifies what Catch-22 means - I even learned it had to due with a military code or rule. Further clarified the horrors of war and the juxtaposed comedic and tragic elements that consume Yossarian.
Melanie Reyes

Literary Analysis for Henry James - 1 views

Henry James is the author to a wide variety of short novels. He is more known for writing on his own views for European and Americans' society, culture, and class status (Liukkonen). But he spices...

started by Melanie Reyes on 22 Feb 11 no follow-up yet
Madison Serrano

Jack Gantos Literary Critcism - 1 views

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    Arguement: Gantos purpose is to educate readers 1 claim: Educate about getting on the right path Evidence: "Gantos believes that his firsthand experience with crime and punishment could be a cautionary tale for teens who "have not yet made mistakes," and for those who have, it could be a reminder that "you can still pul yourself together." 2 claim: Educate about morality and hope Evidence: One of the reasons he wrote the book, he says, is that "teens growing tip in a zero-tolerance world need to know that there are consequences for foolish behavior, but there are second chances, too." 3 claim: Educate about real life realities Evidence: "Gantos strove to make his story "authenic," and refrained from censoring or softening gritty elements of prison life."
Devin Ramos

Khaled Hosseini- 1965 - 0 views

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    The author, Ray Conlouge, presents a complelling argument that the works produced by Hosseini are that of commercial and well rounded novels. His claim is that: his works present an element of "credibility" due to his apparent backround and life experiences. Arugment: The credibility of Hosseini is dirrupted by the "fictional" events that preceed through out the story. This article suports my thesis that Hossseini was compelled to write a novel pertaining to his life in the "Kite Runner" but then uses literary credibility in "A thousand Splendid Suns" to make both novels very strong by drawing from personal experiences.
Colleen Quinn

Literary Analysis #2-Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult - 0 views

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    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.
Kyle Myers

Literary Analysis #2 - 0 views

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    Literary analyst Sumangali Morhall argues that author Eiji Yoshikawa humanizes the man Miyamoto Musashi rather than the ledgend, Musashi. In her analysis, she states, "This is ostensibly a book of swordsmanship, and includes its share of martial combat, but that element is neither gratuitous nor glamourised - it serves to support rather than blemish the story's purpose" (Morhall). Overall, Morhall delivers her argument in a descriptive manner, elaborating on the logos of the novel along with her personal opinion and perception of the novel. Her evidence is fluid and does not contradict itself whatsoever. Morhall originally states that Yoshikawa turns the legend of Musashi into the man, Musashi, and continues to support her statement while describing the accomplishments of Yoshikawa, both poetically and historically. The information provided is nothing out of the ordinary from what the majority of critical analysts agree over Yoshikawa's writings. Yoshikawa is praised for his historical accuracy on martial arts and culture included in Musashi. Morhall concludes her article praising Yoshikawa, but also explaining that the reader will get more "gracefulness" than "grisly." This statement would be hard to argue with seeing that Yoshikawa does somewhat glamorize the life of a swordsman, not necessarily in unrealistic terms, but in how Yoshikawa chooses to craft his syntax in his story as seen in this passage from the chapter entitled Art of War: "While he felt pity for this obstinate tenacity characteristic of orphans, he was aware of a void deep within their stubborn hearts. They seemed to him doomed to yearn desperately for that which they could not have, for the parental love with which they were never blessed" (Yoshikawa, 63). The only implicit bias that may be discovered within this analysis would be that Morhall does not indicate any faults present within Yoshikawa's Musashi. Morhall even goes as far to say that Yoshikawa is a "master," whi
alex schneider

Ellison Music Motif - 0 views

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    Argument: In using music as a symbol and motif in his novels and essays, Ellison contributes jazz artists not only as musicians who inspire and express Ellison's evolution as a person, but represent a social case that he personifies through their music. Claim: Ellison uses the motif of music to both represent evolution of a person, and the social distinction/respect a black man gains through music. Such musicians as Louis Armstrong, have unintentionally utilized their music to raise their social class and respect (an element of Marxism). Quote: "He was from a very poor family and was sent to reform school when he was twelve after firing a gun in the air on New Year's Eve. At the school he learned to play cornet. After being released at age fourteen, he worked selling papers, unloading boats, and selling coal from a cart...The band went through a number of personnel changes over the years but remained extremely popular worldwide. They toured extensively travelling to Africa, Asia, Europe and South America for the next twenty years until Louis' failing health caused them to disband. Armstrong became known as America's Ambassador."
Nicole Keefe

Death of A Salesman Critic - 0 views

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    The Early Work of Arthur Miller Critic In this larger analysis by Leonard Moss on the complete works of Arthur Miller, the subsection regarding "All My Sons" explored the use of diction and other literary techniques to develop the complex family relationships of this novel. The family unit in "All My Sons" enjoys strong bonds and affections according to Moss; nonetheless, they are plagued with uncertainty and distrust among other members of the family despite this closeness. Moss progresses through the plot sequentially in order to support this claim about the family. Along the way, the article notes the language used by Miller to supplement the work. Colloquial language is used frequently, for instance, along with many allusions which are employed to reveal secrets of the family and signify shifts in emotions found within the story. Specifically noted is the "verbal contrast bringing out a psychological contrast" such as "harshness starting to displace simple folkiness, fearfulness displacing the comfortable self-assurance." Once accounting for the social truths and themes put forth by Miller, and the many supporting details, the author of this article concludes that much of the plot is centered on characters whose existence thrives in their pride as an honorable family member. This claim is supported by the actions of Joe Keller; after learning of his sons' discontent with his job as a father, he gives up everything and commits suicide because his life has no worth. These sentiments are definitely reflected within "Death of a Salesman" as well, which leads Moss to further conclude that Miller has strong opinions regarding family norms of this time.
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    The author of this critic, Terry Thompson, examined the family relationships and themes of Arthur Miller's "Death of A Salesman". Specifically the author examined two central symbolic elements to these aspects of the play, the first being the names of and the second being the physical characteristics of Willy, Biff, and Happy Loman. When closely examined, Thompson points out, the only character who is not addressed by a childish rendition of their name is Willy's brother, Benjamin Loman. Coincidently this is the only character of the novel that is viewed as successful; Willy, Biff, and Happy all continue to use immature pseudonyms which reflect their perceived shortcomings in life. In this same manner, the only characters who have facial hair and other features typical of grown men are Benjamin Loman and the father of Benjamin and Willy Loman. Again, this signifies their superiority, maturity, and success over the characters of Willy, Biff, and Happy. These minor details solidify the relationships between the male characters in the play, which lead to the conclusion by Thompson that Willy and his sons were truly inferior to other males. Moreover, this definition of inferiority was purely devised through standards put forth by Willy's idea of success stemming from the influences he had from men as he was growing up. This is clearly shown when Willy asks Benjamin to describe their father to his sons in order to show them a real role model and guide for success. Overall, Willy had a very harsh view about what success and self-worth comprised of.
Alan Adjei

Literature Resource Center - Document - 0 views

  • is an anti-hero, indeed the most classic of anti-heroes.
    • Alan Adjei
       
      Anti-hero is a main character in a dramatic or narrative work who is characterized by a lack of traditional heroic qualities, such as idealism or courage.
  • In this play, the themes of guilt and innocence and of truth and falsehood are considered through the lens of family roles.
    • Alan Adjei
       
      The themes in this novel are all connected to the Lohman family
  • .” Although he is ordinary and his life in some ways tragic, he also chooses his fate.
    • Alan Adjei
       
      Most hero's fate are bestowed on them but unlike Willy he decided his fate, which fits into the role of anti hero.
  • ...10 more annotations...
  • play's qualification as genuine tragedy,
  • Although Willy is dead by the end of the play, that is, not all deaths are truly tragic. The other characters respond to Willy's situation in the ways they do because they have different levels of access to knowledge about Willy and hence about themselves. An analysis of the relationships among these characters' insights and their responses will reveal the nature of their flawed family structure.
    • Alan Adjei
       
      Willy's death was not considered tragic because of how the other characters responded to the situation.
  • iff, the older son of Willy and Linda, is the clearest failure. Despite the fact that he had been viewed as a gifted athlete and a boy with a potentially great future, Biff has been unable as an adult to succeed or even persevere at any professional challenge.
    • Alan Adjei
       
      Biff is considered the failure as he wasted all the gifts he had been giving.
  • Yet Biff shares this knowledge with no one; instead this secret becomes the controlling element of his own life.
  • When Biff does attempt to tell the truth, not about Willy's affair but about his own life, Willy and Happy both resist him.
    • Alan Adjei
       
      They restrict him for letting out his feeling even though those feelings are holding him back
  • This inability to acknowledge the truth affects the family on many levels but most particularly in terms of their intimacy with one another and their intimate relationships with others.
    • Alan Adjei
       
      Trust is a major dilemma in the Lohman household and it prevents them from letting in new people into their lives.
  • The most profound secret of the play, however, is of course Willy's apparent obsession with suicid
    • Alan Adjei
       
      The lack of truth in the household eventually lead to secrets and then death because Willy could not share his secrets about suicide.
  • but she forbids them from addressing the subject directly with Willy, for she believes such a confrontation will make him feel ashamed.
    • Alan Adjei
       
      In not talking about his problems lead Willy to his death.
  • Willy. When he does finally succeed in killing himself, his act can be interpreted as a culmination of secrets, secrets which are compounded through lies because they have been created through lies.
  • they also include his failure as a salesman and the subsequent failures of his sons.
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