APLit2010

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

The Secrets and Lies of the Glass Menagerie By: Tyler Thomas In his criticism, Mr. Debusscher tries to prove the personal struggles with alcoholism and how those struggles affected the writing of The Glass Menagerie. The way that he formats his essay makes it very effective. He begins by stating his thesis and providing page upon page of supportive content. I think he does an excellent job of proving his theories. He also pontificates on the lack of truth shared between the family members. The family seems to be built on a foundation of lies. Debusscher feels strongly about his opinion on Tennessee William's playwright that most people consider to be his autobiography. When researching Tennessee Williams and his background, I found that he was an alcoholic. He spent many years dealing with the disease. In the Glass menagerie Williams also takes aim at the way the heterosexual society functions. After further research I found that Tennessee was a "closet-gay." He didn't admit it until later in life that he was in fact a homosexual. I found this article incredibly helpful in understanding the meaning of Williams play. It was an article that wasn't that hard to read either. The article was full of quotes that really supplemented the reading.

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

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.

As a long time viewer of the work of Beckett, Hall brings a sense of credibility to the article due to his long standing relationship with all Beckett's productions. Of them, as he implies, Waiting for Godot was the most challenging of then to figure out. With only a blank stage, a tree, and two characters, so much of the production was left up to the opinions of the audience. In Hall's own opinion, this single play is what shaped the way modern theater is thought of, as something that does not ever need to confine to what may have been put forth by the greatest minds in theater. Hall, even being such an admirer for so long, was actually the only producer willing to put the work into the major theaters of the western society. For so long the production was only put forth in a small Paris theater, and Hall was the only man willing to put his own neck on the line to show the world what he sees in this unknown artists creation. What hits me the strangest is that Hall never thought the work would grow, that he never wanted to make it a global sensation, but merely wanted to expose audiences to what he saw in the metaphorical work. As stated "Waiting for Godot hasn't dated at all. It remains a poetic masterpiece transcending all barriers and nationalities". Which is exactly how the work should be considered in today's work of drama and English literature .

Argument: The author, Foote, argues that the novel "Little Women" wasn't in fact about gender but about class. The "little women" in the novel are present in an ambiguous class position. Foote gives examples of why she feels there isn't a presence of solely gender issues but that of social class too. The March family lives by the Laurences' which in contrast is a very large estate. The fact that all the girls work also lends significance to the idea of the March family struggling in the economic aspect. Also, Foote brings attention to the fact that the market and the home were slowly starting to mix. Evidence: "The garden separated the Marches' house from that of Mr. Laurence. Both stood in a suburb of the city, which was still country-like, with groves and lawns, large gardens and quiet streets. A low hedge parted the two estates. On one side was an old brown house, looking rather bare and shabby, robbed of the vines that in summer covered its walls, and the flowers which then surrounded it. On the other side was a stately stone mansion, plainly betokening every sort of comfort and luxury, from the big coach-house and well-kept grounds to the conservatory and the glimpses of lovely things one caught between the rich curtains (Alcott 1993, 42)." Thoughts: It was very interesting to reexamine Little Women. When first read through the book takes on an aura of a children's book but when unearthed it is actually much more. There is the forefront of the gender roles in the novel that can easily be understood but it is the social class struggle that captivated me. The time period of this novel was around the time when women had to be more proactive in certain households in order to stay afloat. This was a sign of economic instability and was for the lower classes.

The Immigrant Generations Argument: In this article the author, Mandira Sen, focuses on the major themes that Lahiri presents in her short stories found in her novel "Unaccustomed Earth." Sen focuses on the Indian immigrants desire to distance themselves from their families and the Bengali traditions. There are several different short stories, and in each, although detailing various lifestyles and events, common themes and ideologies can be found. For example, Sen reveals that all the short stories generally tell of tragic, unhappy, and sometimes depressing actions, contrary to a lot of writers. Lahiri's characters tend to grow distant from their family and in some cases break all ties with them. And in other cases, their American friends, spouses, etc. do not fully understand them because they are living in between two cultures, and it becomes hard to relate to/follow both cultures at the same time. Evidence: "Lahiri depicts uncertainty, betrayal, cruelty-and the looming presence of death in a culture that shies away from it" (Sen). "Does being torn asunder between two worlds, the one left behind, the one sought, heighten a consciousness of loss and death, as the fragments of existence do not quite come together?" (Sen). "Consisting of five short stories and a novella in three parts, Unaccustomed Earth focuses on relationships in which communication is often partial, and what is unsaid is perhaps more important that what is said. This is especially so between the generations; both seek refuge in concealment" (Sen). "The children are embarrassed at being different and are careful almost never to reveal any details of their home life to their American friends" (Sen). "Despite Sang's emotional turmoil, obsession, and isolation, she refuses to ask for help, perhaps because she has not informed her family that she has dropped out of graduate school at Harvard--Asian families would see this as unacceptable 'failure,'" (Sen). "J

John Steinbeck portrays a committed man in many of his works, as he struggles through the hardships presented to him to acheive happiness. This ortrayal of the common man is a recurring theme within his novels, as these men are then tortured by outside forces, such as those representing capitalism. Evidence - "committed man" who develops a conscious responsibility for his own behavior coupled with a conscience that is at the service of his people -Steinbeck's talent for combining undistorted perception with a conversational narrative style, one that deals so serenely with issues often approached hysterically that readers suffering from wartime pressures frequently missed the understated points -portrayal of man's slow metamorphosis from victim to victor -new kind of hero for a war-weary and disillusioned world is evident only in retrospect Analysis This portrayal of steinbeck parralles that of his socialist agenda, a common recurrence in many articles I have previously read. Throughout the Pearl the main character is taken advantage of, most of the forces symbolizing the wealthy.

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

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.

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.

Argument: Coupland uses noteworthy pop-culture to name and create his novel Girlfriend in a Coma. The Smiths' a popular band of the '80s was the reason behind the books title while Karen Ann Quinlan was the true reason the teenage girl in the book who slipped into a coma was also ironically named Karen. Starting with the basics Coupland constructed Girlfriend in a Coma to mean more than what was put on the surface. The turning point of Coupland's career as a serious author blossomed after he successfully published Girlfriend in a Coma, a dark and daring book that involves post-apocalyptic events. Difficult overbearing situations was what fascinated Coupland and was one of the main influential reasons Coupland wrote the novel Girlfriend in a Coma; the thrill of watching teenagers and later on adults survive in a world where their only worry was to find their true purpose on Earth. Evidence: "On the surface, the book seems vintage Coupland, taking a cue from pop-culture icons like Karen Ann Quinlan, the New Jersey teenager who spent 10 years in a coma before dying in 1985, and The Smiths, the quintessential band of '80s disaffection from whose song the book takes its title." ". And yet, Girlfriend in a Coma is Coupland's most audacious novel to date, and it marks something of a watershed in his career." "Sitting in a posh Toronto hotel lounge sipping coffee, Coupland struggles to find words to describe the genesis of Girlfriend in a Coma. "It's so weird to talk about this out loud," he says. But eventually, between frequent changes of subject, he remembers that it began with a quote from novelist Thomas Pynchon. "He said the way young people deal with the overwhelming-ness of existence--I'm paraphrasing--is through time travel or sleep," Coupland says. "So what I wanted to do was present sleep and time travel, and the coma as the embodiment of both." "Then there was his fascination with Karen Ann Quinlan. "I just remember in the '70s, every

Argument: To a God Unknown is a novel riddled with the power idea of the something to believe in; faith. Faith is in the forefront of the novel because Joesph, the main character, believes in the universe as whole rather than his brothers strong Christan beliefs. By being an out lier of the family ultimately leads to the farm dramatic drought. Evidence: "the central theme of the novel is belief," Joesph's pagan beliefs are vastly different than those of his brother and of those of the time period. his were somewhat structured on "little more than fluttering of leaves on tree, and the chill breath of wind before it rains. My thoughts: Damian Kelleher is simply criticizing the obvious spiritual differences between the family, however, he allows the reader to understand that the novel gives off a feeling of Steinbeck actually writing of his own life. This is interesting because in a lot of his novels he writes or adds an idea of religion. The addition of religion brings froth the the realization that he is attempting to sway the public to his religion or just to leave what is different becoming eerily close to religious proganda.

Joyce Carol Oats is the author of this critical analysis of Wuthering Heights. Oats explains how Emily Bronte's writing is unique and anticipated, but still brings in the basics of a romantic novel. She feels that it evolves well through loss and love. The novel also uses the time period it was written in very well through many examples. The purpose of this critical analysis is to prove Bronte's writing and show how well she can fit everything together. Wuthering Heights has a storyline to it, where it could seem like there are two tales in one. One tale would be of the romance and the second would be of maturing through life's challenges. Oats determines that Bronte includes nature into society, which makes up the theme of the novel. Passion is also incorporated into this romantic, gothic novel through various generations of people falling in love. The purpose of this was to prove the theme, in Oats' eyes. Joyce Oats feels that Wuthering Heights has to be understood on two levels to obtain the entire meaning. Emily Bronte has a writing style that gets her point across, but most of the time has an underlying meaning pertaining to the historical aspect and also the romantic aspect.

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.

Cody Villanueva Jensen AP LIT 20 January 2011 Literary Analysis #2 The novel not only portrays a sense of classic literature, but for Bill Robinson Life of Pi is presumably an award winner. Based on what Robinson says is "straightforward and innocent in a way that is entertaining and highly engaging," he praises this novel for its mere simplicity and uniqueness that not only is carried through Martel's text but his overall idea and organization of the novel. As perceived to be a novel of such grace and simplicity, it seems as if Robinson connects more intimately to this novel due to the fact of its heavy affiliation with religion. Within his review not only does he state Martel's thoughts , in this case being "This is a novel of such rare and wondrous storytelling that it may, as one character claims, make you believe in God." but praises it by saying "Could a reader ask for anything more?" Due to Robinson's religious arousal this is a possible bias toward readers of religious ambiguity or unaffiliated preference. Even though Robinson's praise Martel for such a genius novel, he rarely comments on any of the downsides the novel contains. It takes him to the end where he finally comments on a small portion of the novels ending and how it "drags a bit at the end," but is simply reinstating what other reviews may say. The author in conclusion contains an overall affectionate appeal to this novel with rare and minimal critiques, possibly due to a assumed bias. Robinson not only praise's this novel in words but it seems as he pushes this novels to review for an accredited award based on his overall high ratings for the novel.

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.

Wells uses science once again to reflect some of his social concerns, however it is not a critical as The Time Machine is. Wells doesn't write a science fiction, but more of a science romance. Science is used as a literary device to create a setting for his novel. The destruction of the Martians by microbes has seemed like an anticlimactic ending to his novel, but the martians portrayed Wells' view, that when a creature evolves, it has gained something, but also something else has to be lost in the process. The novel contradicts the idea that technology makes life better, by showing the defeat of the martians, who are more technologically advanced than the humans, were ignorant and were defeated by a bacteria. The technological advances by humans could lead to the defeat of humans by forces of nature. Wells uses science to mock the human race, in this case the technological advances of mankind.