Group items tagged

Argument: The Kite Runner reflects a modern day allegory of humanitarianism. Hosseini's novel shows the shift from race and nation as primary community and national builders to the modern individual shaping to form "the human". Claims: Khaled Hosseini humanized a country (Afghanistan) many in the West find inhuman. The author combined elements of coming to age, culture, and a morality tale to bring a real-life humanization to his characters. The novel discerns between "good Muslim" and "bad Muslim" and the shaping of what it means to be a "good Muslim", especially in today's modern world.  Evidence: "The identification of "universality" in a third world work of fiction has long been a mode of praise and acceptance, and a means of selecting which third world texts are worth reading in the West; this practice clearly 'take[s] the white reader to be the norm'" - "To some degree, the novel's portrayal of Amir's turn to Islam as personal spirituality problematizes the totalizing representations of Islam in western media accounts of the so-called "War on Terror", and, more generally, in a variety of Orientalist discourses. Yet at the same time, by conforming to the narrative expectations of the western reader, and affirming the dominant cultural values of that reader (i.e. religion as personal), the novel translates difference into sameness." - "The Kite Runner opens by foregrounding the themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, which shape the narrative"

Argument: Bill Delaney argues the weaknesses of Dumas's work, The Three Musketeers, and how these weaknesses contribute to the effectiveness of the novel itself. Claims: Along with a synopsis of the novel itself, Delaney establishes the importance of the main characters in the story and what it is about these characters that makes their role so effective. Delaney also establishes the idea that Dumas knew how to "please an audience", which explains why Dumas was able to create characters that had a large impact on his readers. Evidence: "He had a genius for plotting and understood that the most important element in a plot is a strongly motivated protagonist who will not stop until he or she has either achieved the goal or gone down in defeat."

Argument: Rand's creation of her characters and plot elements in such away that she illustrates her ideal world, make the Fountainhead a good novel. Claims: Roark and Dominique are ideal characters. Roark foils Toohey in the sense that his[Roark's] motives are completely selfish, in hopes of him living his life its fullest capacity, while Toohey acts in an altruistic manner to control other. Dominique helps other characters "grow" by destroying them. This is how Roark, Keating, and Wynand grow stronger. Evidence: Analyzations of character's based on their actions and behaviors in the book.

Argument: Orwell's 1984 is a work of fiction reflecting real-life experiences. Orwell's personal life, from his upbringing to his political experiences, played an important role in the novel. Claim: Inspiration for "Big Brother" came from brutality Orwell experienced at an early age. Beginning in preparatory he was viciously tormented. Later he witnessed oppressive cruelty while stationed in Burma. After Burma Orwell chose to live among the poor to experience poverty. His decision would later give birth to "the proles". Through Orwell's experiences he was able to create fiction based on his real events and people. The novel was intended to warn against corruption in any society after witnessing such corruption in the Spanish Civil War that forced him to flee the country. Although it was wrongly mistaken as a prophecy or attack on socialism it was a warning to all countries the results of corruption. Evidence: "Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four toward the end of his career, at a point in his life when many of his experiences and political complexities had aged with him through a decades-long internal contemplation" "he intended to warn society of the potential perversions of bureaucracy and the state, the perversions of power that he had witnessed over the previous decade, in a variety of forms, in England and Spain" "His work for the POUM had shown him the contradictions of official appearance, doctored news, class conflict, and the basic human desire for power. Lines can easily be drawn to the thematic structure of Nineteen Eighty-Four"

Argument: Novels can be classifies as dystopian if it contains certain factors that reveal language and discourse as a fundamental device of power. Claim: The society portrayed in Fahrenheit 451, shows that ignorance is shared amongst all the people in order to make sure that happiness is attainable for all. The use of language and power and discourse portrays the society's flaws and the need for change. In addition, the difference of power and language between each character displays the need to rebel against society Evidence: "The government of this society has perverted the meaning of happiness into basic hedonism so that happiness is attainable for anyone who is willing to buy into the array of commercial products" (valentine). "...discourse on commercial happiness feeds into the narcissism of people by depriving them of emotions and awareness beyond their own needs"(Valentine).

Argument: While flashbacks are helpful, often times incorporating important background information in present time storyline plays off better and keeps the reader engaged. Claim: There is no such thing as too much back story but only with certain ways of revealing the information. Flashbacks tend to slow down the story and drag out. "Less is more," find ways to cut down words to paragraphs instead of pages when explaining. Evidence: "keep background information on a need-to-know basis. Figure out what readers really, truly need to know to understand a character and her motivations--and let the rest stay underwater."

Argument: This essay examines how three centuries' worth of scientific and literary speculation led up to the creation of the book that set a new standard for fiction about other worlds. Evidence: Much of what the author does to point out ways in which H.G. Wells constructed the book has to do with his scientific background and the ways in which he juxtaposed certain literary approaches with every following chapter. Furthermore, he war of the Worlds achieves its special status by an effective combination of intimacy and generality, archetypal storytelling and open-ended allegorical possibility, a richly specific sense of time, place, and occasion, and an interrogative mode that transcends circumstantial detail. Claim: "It was a shrewd move on Wells's part, therefore, to build the famous first paragraph of The War of the Worlds on the global preoccupation with telescopic surveillance." "Those observatories and the dispatches emanating from them throughout the 1890s are mentioned repeatedly in the first chapter, but the dominant theme, at the outset, is of our world under scrutiny. " "The human role is displaced from the surveyor to the surveyed as Earth's inhabitants fall under the envious gaze of Martian observers"

Argument: In his article, Wm. Laird Kleine-Ahbrandt, argues the motives behind Edmond Dante's reason for his actions as well as his motive behind his seeking revenge on all those who had hurt him. Claims: Along with a summary of the novel itself, Kleine-Ahbrandt also makes inferences that suggest that the author of the novel, Alexandre Dumas, saw him self as a version of Dantes, the main character of the novel. Kleine-Ahbrandt also gives more background as to why Dumas wrote the plot the way he did. Evidence: "Dantes is so consumed with a passion for revenge that he does not realize that he is in danger of losing his soul." "The official morality in Dumas's time was to punish the wicked and force sinners to atone for their sins" "Such satisfaction is worth a little moralizing"

In Brynie's critical analysis of Steinbeck's book, Tortilla Flat, she stated that Tortilla Flat has similar ideas found in Mice and Me. Yet, in this book Steinbeck establishes a frame that later George and Lenny are built upon. George and Lenny don't have a home or security, yet their dream involves what they do not have currently. Also Brynie comments on how Steinbeck favors the poor or natural man in his book and that Steinbeck closely ties his books to religion. From Brynie's critical analysis, the two books, Tortilla Flat and Of Mice and Men display many similar aspects but they are told in different ways to diversify the way of the American Dream. Usable Quotes: "Steinbeck exalts the natural man, untainted by civilization, unspoiled by either conventional wisdom or conventional morality," (Brynie). "It was the first of Steinbeck's novels to look at life through the eyes of those without homes, possessions, or security, and Danny and his friends foreshadow others of their kind who appear powerfully and poignantly," (Brynie).

Argument: Women in Dickens novels represent the common worker. Dickens found it important to emphasize that men and their respective mates should be saved from themselves. Main Idea of Argument: In Charles Dicken's Great Expectations Estella is a strong female, taking the lead of the relationship (or lack of) between Pip and herself. As opposed to doing only what she should be doing as a woman in the era. Comparatively, the workers of the era in which the novel was written were oppressed, but still maintained a strong facade. Evidence: 1)"In his portrayal of women in Great Expectations, Dickens saw the world with almost the same unbalanced perspective as does Pip when Magwitch turns him upside down in the churchyard" (Schechner 4). 2) "Crying over lost women, repentant prostitutes, and dying impoverished girls--provided none of these women were wives or political reformers--were causes Dickens loved to champion and did" (Schechner 7). 3)" Dickens wrote as if he believed a woman's place was mostly in the home, doing domestic things and supporting her husband. Mrs. Joe Gargery is an example of what happens when a woman tries to boss a man. Even though Mrs. Joe stays home by the hearth, when she gets too assertive she becomes very unattractive and may even deserve a strong smack on the head" (Schnecher 9). 4) Dickens is unsympathetic with women who socially rebel and who have public causes. Such women become either terrible or ludicrous" (Schnecher 10).

Argument: Death is defined not only by what is causing it but how the individual handles the strides of it. Claim: The disease pales in comparison to how the person chooses to live their life. If a person is encouraged and allowed to act negatively, they will be so. Finding the passion in something to throw oneself in is more valuable then giving up or submitting. Evidence: "The real question, though, is whether any lasting strength can be gained from an account like this one--strength that derives from knowing ourselves (as Morrie and Mitch do not) to be the legatees of inviolable traditions, cultural and professional alike, as well as members of a vast and enduring human community that stretches back into history and forward into the experience of those yet to come."

Argument: Matthew Wynn Sivils argues that William Faulkner, in his novel "Sound and the Fury", uses ecological disturbances in his books from real life events. Claim: "The convict was bearing again that sound which he had heard twice before and would never forget-that sound of deliberate and irresistible and monstrously disturbed water." Sivils uses this quote from one of Faulkner's books, "If I Forget Thee, Jersualem", to mimic the forthcoming of a tsunami. Evidence: "The flourishing of Faulkner's literary career coincided with perhaps the worst period of environmental abuse the South has ever known, and it is unsurprising that he incorporates such desolation into his writing." "Faulkner's literary symbiosis between African Americans and the land helps reveal his environmental consciousness-his view of the South as a place of complicated racial and natural conflict." "Anyone who understands the effect of seasonal changes on the land and the relationships between animals, or knows the best place to hunt or fish is thinking not only environmentally but ecologically. This way of knowing the natural world is based upon an understanding of community, and few writers understood community, human or non human, as well as Faulkner"

Argument: In the literary critique Confession and Desire in L'Etranger, written by Gilbert d. Chaitin, the author argues that Meursault should not, first and foremost, be seen as a Christ figure. He argues against the belief that the main character's ability to live outside the temporal flow allows him to reach a deeper level of enlightenment at the end of the novel, suggesting that there is only a reaffirming of his previous beliefs. Chaitin dismisses claims that the bipartite structure of the novel aids in the characterization of Meursault as an absurd hero. Claims: The author claims that Meursault development as a character stems from his firm belief in the absurdity of life. While other critics notice a change in the character's persona in the second half of the novel, Chaitin claims that Meursault actually reaffirms his beliefs while waiting for execution, only becoming more vocal about his convictions. He states that Meursault only takes pleasure in remembering past events due to his desire to replace the situation he finds himself in the present. Evidence: "The only plausible conclusion to be drawn from this evidence is, therefore, that Meursault's famous 'prise de conscience' does not indicate a change of attitude, but a reconfirmation of his earlier posture" (Chaitin). "Instead of looking back on his past with the eyes of a romantic wishing to resuscitate and preserve it for posterity, Meursault takes an interest in the past only insofar as it informs or replaces his present" (Chaitin). "The actual mode of narration used in the novel corresponds to the Meursault who has become cognizant of his discourse. What matters, therefore, is not the specific nature of the events of his life, but their degree of presence for him; hence the often apparently trivial nature of many of the events that he records, especially in Part I" (Chaitin)

Argument: Respectability can be found in all men, regardless of social status and the stigmas of the Victorian era. Philip Pirrip, also known as Pip, is the protagonist in Dickens novel Great Expectations. As the protagonist, he grows from a young orphan raised by his sister and her Blacksmith husband to a 'good christian man' showing the positive transition that is possible for all men. Main Idea of Argument: Where one comes from does not limit where they can go- a major theme in most Dickens novels. All levels of Victorian society were respectable, regardless of money- or lack therefore of- religion, and disabilities. Evidence: 1)"Charles Dickens believed that his society wrongly valued economic transactions over natural human interactions, which resulted in a minous transference of commercial interests from the public sphere into the private" (Tobin 1). 2)"Dickens himself was conflicted about his right to respectability, and many of his characters suffer the strain of not knowing where or how they flt in. Dickens's father, John, was perpetually in debt, which led to Dickens's brief employment in Warren's Blacking Factory at the age of twelve. Dickens was so ashamed of having been forced to leave school and do manual labor that he never told anyone in his own family about the incident. After his father's debts were cleared and Dickens grew to manhood, he worked his way up the social ladder, initially applying his skills as a shorthand writer at the various courts of law in London and as a journalist" (Tolbin 3). 3) "Pip's transferring onto Joe his own feelings of inferiority as well as his desires to eradicate their outward appearances signal the young man's first step toward adopting an immoral and inhumane ideal of respectability" (Tobin 5). 4)"Over time, Pip comes to recognize Magwitch as a human being with emotions and the right to be treated in a decent, humane manner. However, Pip does not completely transfer the compassion he leamed during his own

Argument: The theme of "Tender is the Night" is quite similar to other themes Fitzegerald writes about, and many of the events of this story correlate to those of his other literary works such as "The Great Gatsby." Claims: Fitzgerald devolps his themes through the dialogue of the book. Even though Fitzgerald attempts to develop a unique theme in "Tender is the Night," the similarities between this literary work and his others are vast. The emphasis of the story lies on how adult relationships originate and the understanding of the different aspects of each character. Evidence: "The novel has its weaknesses, but these result, at least partly, from Fitzgerald's attempt to express a new theme. He is here concerned, as not before, with the hidden roots of adult relationships." "The Divers have a party to which Dick invites Rosemary and her mother."

Argument: Powerful and mezmorizing, The Adevtnures of Tom Sawyer cannot be traced to just one specific audience. Claim: As a book that portarys the adventures of boyhood, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is also a book for adults, as well as young children. Adults and younger kids can relate to any part of the story from adventure, to love, to a life of secrets. Evidence: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is also for those who have long since passed from boyhood: "[It] is not a boy's book at all. It will be read only by adults. It is written only for adults" (4). The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a delicate balance of the romantic and realistic, humor and pathos, innocence and evil, the book defies simple analysis (4). In contrast to Huck's self-reliant, unschooled, parentless existence, his passive preference for being a follower, and his abhorrence of civilization, Tom is adventurous, shrewd in the ways of civilization, and a leader (4).

Argument:The All About God Corporation argues that society is greatly affected by prejudice established in our hearts. Claim: the author states that even though America's constitution is based upon equality and" created equal" theory this does not apply to our hearts and minds. The constitution can only state what the individuals are supposed to do not how we are supposed to treat others on an emotional level. Prejudice was tracked down all the way to the beginning Bibble times, explaining that prejudice can never change just in an established constitution, it starts and ends with how humans perceive others of different races/ ethnicities. Evidence: "While man's actions can be legislated, their heart and fears cannot"( AllAboutGod 1). "Prejudice has shaped societies since time began. As far back as the children of Abraham and Isaac" ( AllAboutGod 1). "Racial prejudice... affecting  people and populations all over the world"(AllAboutGod 1).

Argument: Karen Springen in her article "Apocalypse Now" asserts that the dystopian themes in recent books have made a postive impact on the views of society and compel people to continue reading dystopian-type novels. Claim: Springen claims that the negativity in society today is what attracts readers to dystopian novels. News talk about terrorism, wars and global warming that inspires authors to write books. Dystopia also helps people cope with issues they have today but reading books that are absurd in nature and help them appreciate the good in their lives. Also authors are using the genre to come to terms with issues in society today. Evidence: "YA authors "are trying to grapple with the issues of today," says David Levithan" (Springen). "Newspaper headlines about swine flu, terrorism, global warming, and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are inspiring authors" (Springen). "I think we like to be scared of things that are not real. The idea that we're watching or reading things that are completely outlandish or impossible or really dire helps us cope with what is" (Feiwel).

In the literature critique "Dissent, Assent, and the Body in Nineteen Eighty-Four", Naomi Jacobs analyzes how George Orwell groups the public in what is called the 'Body' in order to explain the totalitarian oppression in Oceania. Both utopian and dysutopian empires utilize the collective mind of the public in order to sway opinions, build ignorance and subjugate the masses. Utopian empires aim to build a country where "suffering is minimized and pleasure is maximized" (Jacobs 1) while on the contrary a dysutopian empire maximizes ignorance in order to keep the masses from questioning the totalitarian authority. Jacobs claims that the government in Oceania created by Orwell uses the degradation of the physical body as another way to homogenize the population in hopes of destroying any outliers that may question the government. While a utopia uses the "powers of eroticism to regenerate the [individual]" (Jacobs 4), Oceania undergoes a change towards uniformity where everyone is described as "small, dark and ill-favored" (1984, Orwell 52-53). A dysutopian government suppresses natural human instincts such as lust and desire as a way to break the all desires of humans such as rebellion and reform. Ultimately, Jacobs argues that Orwell builds a dysutopian government through the use of population homogenization and the suppression of human instincts.

Make sure to include the arguments, claims, and evidence you will use to avoid losing points on future assignments.