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J.D. Salingers History directly relates to his historical background. from the age 18 or so he was drafted into WWII and witnessed many a bloody battles including the Battle Of Normandy. connecting to history reveals Seymour Glass, a character of Salinger's who commits suicide, something the war has most likely made him question himself. Throughout he makes connections with his characters on loseing their innocence, growing up toofast etc. All components he himself lived through therefor useing his characters to relay his ideas of society. each character from many of his novels shares like characteristics, the only component that differs from each is their ideas given their setting.

Argument: Animal Farm is a modern satire. Claim: -The novel satires Russia's perversion of socialism -The animal's revolt is a symbol for any modern revolution -Any revolution is ultimately self-defeating Evidence: -"The use of multiple historical references gives a universal quality to this work." -"The rise of a ruling class of intellectual workers, the development of a leader figure, the use of scapegoats, and, above all, the rewriting of history and the misuse of language for party purposes, all figure in this satire" http://search.ebscohost.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lfh&AN=MOL0089900020&site=lrc-live

Argument: Thomas Hardy is a gifted writer who was able to craft a masterful novel, Jude the Obscure. The novel is plagued with only a few drawbacks, including the drab setting and the overcompensated characters that often render the novel unrealistic. Claim: Thomas Hardy is a gifted writer. Thomas Hardy could have chosen a more interesting setting (Dorsetshire) but instead chose a setting with a limited history and scenery (Wessex). Hardy's novel is overall well-done. Evidence: "Jude the Obscure is an irresistible book; it is one of those novels into which we descend and are carried on by a steady impetus to the close, when we return, dazzled, to the light of common day. The two women, in particular, are surely created by a master. Every impulse, every speech, which reveals to us the coarse and animal, but not hateful Arabella, adds to the solidity of her portrait. We may dislike her, we may hold her intrusion into our consciousness a disagreeable one, but of her reality there can be no question: Arabella lives." http://go.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/ps/i.do?&id=GALE%7CH1420014281&v=2.1&u=chandler_main&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w

In the article "Science Fiction," primary contributor Bruce Sterling discusses the history of the literary genre of science fiction, delineating how it came into being and how it has evolved over the years. In addition to this, Sterling analyzes the various themes and ideas that recur throughout science fiction works. Organized both chronologically and by topic, the article begins with a brief explanation of the genre itself before delving into the history and evolution of science fiction as a whole. Examples are provided throughout, creating connotations with which the reader can associate the topic at hand, provided they have read the works of those mentioned by Sterling. According to the article, certain key traits differentiate works of science fiction from those of other genres such as horror and fantasy, both of which are explained to be similar in nature to the science fiction genre. Shared traits such as a dark, dreary mood and plots revolving around the notions of alternative societies, alien encounters, time travel, space travel, and alternate universes serve as distinguishing factors of science fiction novels. Other commonalities involve plot points such as apocalyptic disaster, epic voyages, and prophetic events, as well as a heavy focus on technology. Over the years, authors have begun to use the genre of science fiction as an outlet for social discontent, satirizing society in such a manner as which they cannot be persecuted for. Sterling's assertions appear to be based on factual research, and therefore are unlikely to be influenced by biases or predispositions.

Argument: Krakauer does superb research before writing his books, often digging into the past of the people or issues he writes about. This research manifests itself in his writing through an intricate understanding of the subject. Claim: In Under the Banner of Heaven, "proving his capacity for exhaustive research, Krakauer does an impressive job of chronicling the early history of the [Mormon] faith". This research can be seen in other books as well. Evidence: Krakauer chronicles how Joseph Smith went about "receiving a message from an angel named Moroni leading him to a hillside near his home in Palmyra, New York" and he "examines the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857, wherein Saints disguised as Indians slaughtered 120 of 137 settlers who ventured onto Mormon turf". All this proves Krakauer's research capabilities. PURL: 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=5&contentSet=GALE|H1100080168&&docId=GALE|H1100080168&docType=GALE&role=LitRC

Argument: Sears states that Lahiri's novels, Interpreter of Maladies and The Namesake, reflect the ordinary, yet difficult and unsolved tales of foreign immigrants who cannot find their identity in the United States. She argues that due to the racialization in the U.S., foreigners cannot feel as though they belong in any group, so they must constantly struggle with being an "other". Evidence: "Lahiri's work reflects the impact of the history of racial politics in the U.S. on the formation of identity by demonstrating that racialization in the U.S. makes race an intrinsic and inescapable part of identity for immigrants who are not white." Thoughts:"an analysis of these stories shows that race misperceptions can be traced to the racialized history of South Asian Americans in the U.S and the ambiguity that results from trying to categorize individuals on the basis of race and ethnicity." Sears presents a clear argument as well as many examples from Lahiri's work that showcase the struggle with identity. However, I would have liked to hear more of their voice. I like that they brought a new point to the argument at the conclusion, stating that misunderstandings go deeper than race and culture. Race should not be the single identifying factor of a person.

The "Killers" In Margaret Atwood's novel, The Blind Assassin, there are many struggles that the main narrator addresses to represent the "killers" in the novel. The "killers" are all of the characters in the novel because they are blinded by love, family, duty, jealousy, vengeance, and other inescapable, socially defined tyrannies that comprise the fabric of life. These represent human nature and how much simple emotions can affect that fabric of life. J. Brooks Bouson criticized that Iris, the main narrator in the novel, had "linear but interrupted installments of her family and married history with her comments on her present daily life as an octogenarian" (Bouson). Iris's comments about family throughout the novel about her life are crucial to the fact that she is blinded by her duties to her family. When she was young, she was forced to marry a wealthy man in hopes that the union would save her father's factory. In fact, it did not, but Iris let herself be blinded to the fact that she would be miserable and that it would make her life more stressful. Also, within society, human norm is to "carry ourselves perfected--ourselves at the best age, and in the best light as well" (Atwood 311). Iris's comment shows that in society, even she keeps a shield on reality and that this bliss is an inescapable tyranny that keeps others from accepting who they are. Another societal tyranny shown in this novel was jealousy. "Iris's guilt stems partly from jealousy and partly from conventionality" (Watkins). She found it hard to find reason on why it had to be her that had to watch over her younger sister, Laura. In the confines of her relationship with Richard, Iris finds herself not actively participating. She was blinded to the fact that Richard was the one who progressed Laura's illness because she was jealous of Laura during their sibling rivalry throughout the beginning of the novel. "The nove

Mythology Genre Criticism Mythology, as being associated with belief and religion, is probably one of the oldest genres known to man. Because it is defined as stories all based upon a particular religion it can in fact encompass any religion and in doing so mythology has become a diverse and often utilized tool for writers especially. One of the more famous types of mythology is that of Greek Mythology. During the time of Ancient Greece most entertainment and even history were all based upon mythology. Homer, a well-known writer of that era encompassed and surrounded both The Odyssey and The Iliad with countless mythology references. Author John Holcombe argues in his unnamed article that mythology was utilized as more than just a past time, but it was in fact a way for people to connect and bond. "Myths are collective and communal, and so bring a sense of wholeness and togetherness to social life," (Holcombe). In times of limited resources of connection people would rely on word of mouth. Not only does Holcombe argue it as a way to connect but he also attempts to state that it is psychological and even a necessity for people to have created myths. He states that with the limited amount of knowledge possessed in ancient times people naturally concocted their own ideas and explanations for the unexplained. The overall organization of Holcombe's article is well thought out. It begins with history and background and then proceeds to his own views as to give his readers a sense of unbiased opinion. His focus is clear and is even stated in his thesis. He is clear in his assertion that mythology is more than just literature from the past, it is science and psychology as well.

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 :)

Argument: Author Sarah Hackenberg presents the opinion that women are only hiding behind their servant attitudes in order to get where they would like. She presents the sequence of events that led up to the initial true image of Jean Muir, not that of a nineteen year old but in fact of a haggard old woman. Hackenberg also gives certatin prominence to the idea of womens' highest achievement would be their marital status. The entire story epitomizes a servant of a governess that exhibits the standard female behaviors up until the very end where the maanipulative and devious women unmasks her self, hypothetically and literally. Evidence: "Most critics of "Behind a Mask" attend closely to the tale's radical gender and class dynamics: the way Alcott overtly aligns operating behind a mask with female power" (Hackenberg) "the fact that the governess's ultimate ambition, despite all her formidable powers of artistry and perception, is to "trick" a man into marriage..."(Hackenberg) Thoughts: Hackenberg raises many interesting points. Jean Muir was the ultimate woman. She only lacked in one area and that area was her status. Her only hope of climbing up in the world would to be marrying someone of a higher class. She said multiple times in the story that if this did happen to her that she would be completly content and only honor and follow her husband's rules. However, with the history that she has and what we know of her from reading this story we can be almost certain that Jean will not be content and will have to stir up some troulbe somehow. The story leaves off at a crucial point that leaves the readers contemplating all the different outcomes it could have.

Tokugawa Ieyasu purpose of the article was to explain the historical aspects of the actual "Taiko" himself and not the character of the Taiko in Eiji Yoshikawa's novel. The article is effective since it only relies on facts and history rather than a personal opinion or argument. The main focus for the audience who have already read Taiko is the realism and accuracy Yoshikawa portrayed in his novel. Such instances as, "the emperor being unable to grant such a title to someone of Hideyoshi's lowly lineage" and "being unable to become an adopted son for not being a shogun" are familiar events that were included in Taiko. There is no evidence that particularly helps or hinders Ieyasu's case since there is no argument, it is purely informational. That being said, there are some key points about the Taiko that are interesting to readers that were not included in the novel, such as, "Hideyoshi unwisely attempted to invade Korea again in the Battle of Keicho. This time the Japanese encountered a well-prepared joint defence of Korea and China. The result was a stalemate". Similarly to Yoshikawa's Musashi, Yoshikawa conveniently leaves out points which has certain effects that he feels unnecessary for the sake o storytelling. The article also goes on to explain certain details of the aftermath of the war and how Hideyoshi died and his son, Hideyori, became his successor. Ieyasu goes on to say the overall effect Hideyoshi had on Japan after his death , "during the Sengoku period, it became common for peasants to become warriors, or even for samurai to farm due to the constant uncertainty of no centralized government".

Mariah Love Ms. Jensen AP Literature - 1 27 Jan. 2011 Mythology in it's Many Forms As religion is one of the most practiced, and longest-lived commonality in man, and mythology pertains to religion exclusively it can be concluded that religious mythology has impacted much of the world all throughout history. However, this may be harder to recognize in some areas and times than it is or was in others. For instance, the most well-known forms of mythology is that of Greek mythology pertaining to gods and goddesses, but there are in fact other forms of mythology such as that of Native Americans. Although Native Americans did not necessarily have gods and goddesses nor did they have much written myths, the tales in which they used to explain the unexplained were indeed a form of mythology. In the book, "Teach Yourself Native American Myths" the author argues that there are both similarities and differences between the common mythology the world perceives as Greek mythology and that of Native American Mythology. A similarity the author describes would be their use of animals as guides, which occurs in both types of mythology. The way the author presents this information is slightly ineffective due to the fact that the information is broken into many subcategories, leaving the reader with a feeling of choppy unclear thoughts. However, it is obvious what the authors focus is, and the information presented within the text all supports the topic and is carried throughout the entirety of the work.

Bernard Cornwell is commonly revered for his outstanding ability to capture the true essence of the time periods in which his novels take place. Boston Globe Correspondent Michael Kenney proves this to the letter. "It is Cornwell's singular accomplishment in "The Last Kingdom" to have brought forward with a solid context and constant vitality those times and conflicts." Throughout all of Cornwell's novels, Cornwell has accomplished fantastic historical accuracy while still capturing the reader's attention. Kenney continuously praises Cornwell for this amazing trait. In "The Last Kingdom", Cornwell takes on a very complex time period with very little historical documentation. The 9th century was a time full of war and savagery. What better author to tackle this era? Kenney believes Cornwell has achieved success in this monumental feat. "But the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of late ninth-century England and their fight against Danish invasions are unfamiliar, specialist territory." Bernard Cornwell is the perfect "Specialist" to conquer this unfamiliar territory and conquer it he did.

In the critique by richard Boyd on Dred: A Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp there is little to be said due to his wealth of analsysis of this story. Not only does he put the story in some historical contexts happening at the time, he analyzes the demenors of a range of characters, most frequently, the character Frank Russel. The ingnorant biggot of a character contends time and time again that the factor of freedom is a small one indeed. He is proslavery and believes that slavery will only end in violence.

Argument: Cultural customs influence the characterization of the women in Bram Stoker's Dracula and The Mystery of the Sea; there are two types of women he writes about - the New Woman and 'classical' woman - and makes clear distinctions between the two. Claim: Stoker bases his characters off of two different types of women to emphasize the differences between characters, and to introduce suspense into the plot. Because Stoker writes about 'classical' women like Mina Harker and Gormala (to a certian extent), these women clash with the New Woman characters because of the different lifestyles. Evidence: The New woman wanted to "acheieve self-determination through life, growth, and experience." The New woman developed through an uprising feminist movement, a rebellion that involved woman's "refusal to heed the abstraction of womanhood." "Feminism sought to change human consciousness about male dominance". Because the qualities in the 'classical woman' and New Woman were opposites, it creates suspense and conflict between characters that helps to set the mood and move the plot forward.

Arguement: Charecter, love and marriage are all major components of Pide and Prejudice and Emma. This article explains the connection between love, character and a long lasting healthy marriage. The authors say that character absolutly effects love and how healthy a marriage is. Claim: This article proves the mordern thinking of Austen. Both main characters, Elizabeth and Emma say they will only marry for love and doubt that it will ever even happen. This is very forward thinking for a woman of that time. In that period of history women generally married in order to gain status, and baisically live, not on the basis of love or character. Its a very current idea that love is what marriage is based on and can only be sustained if both have good character. Evidence: "Character in a successful marriage or relationship does matter" (Schmitz) "Being honest and trustworthy is at the heart of all the best loving relationships we have studied" (Schmitz) "People who love each other have character when it comes to their marriage or relationship." (Schmitz)

Argument: The idea of Doublethink allows totalitarian regimes to keep their iron grip on power without degrading its people and exposing them to thoughts which might cause them to question the regime control. Thus these types of governemnts should keep a "reality control" on its people Claim: Knowledge of Doublethink in such regimes as totalitarian ones, can lead to an instability amongst the citizens and ultimately lead to a failed state. Support: "Doublethink was a form of trained, willful blindness to contradictions in a system of beliefs. In the case of Winston Smith, Orwell's protagonist, it meant being able to work at the Ministry of Truth deleting uncomfortable facts from public records, and then believing in the new history which he himself had written" "Doublethink's self-deception allowed the Party to maintain both huge goals and realistic expectations: 'If one is to rule, and to continue ruling, one must be able to dislocate the sense of reality. For the secret of rulership is to combine a belief in one's own infallibility with the power to learn from past mistakes'" "Doublethink has grown to be synonymous with relieving cognitive dissonance by simply ignoring the contradiction between two worldviews"