A short story can say a lot about the author‘s mindset in selecting the historical, geographical or physical setting of a work. Setting is important in understanding the point of view, motivation or overall perception of modern time during the penmanship of any writer. Many author’s during the earlier nineteenth century were precluded to write about novels, romance or transcendent literature. Women were often discouraged from reading or writing about Literature. Novels, which grouped people, set into their particular settings, developed characters and personalities realistically. Romance, on the other hand, developed characters less, while focusing on action and adventure. Lastly, “Transcendentalism” focused on a philosophy that reality was unknown; spirituality emphasized the importance of God.
The setting of “The Cask of Amontillado” by Poe, appeared to be an Italian novel about honor amongst knights, where 19th century characters were destined to be honored or killed. “At length I would be avenged”. (p.525). The writer utilizes words such as “virtuoso“; a word meaning skilled, manliness and excellence, to mask the public perception of feminist analysis of Literature during this time. The “dusk” setting (p.525) is a great backdrop for allowing the reader to draw the opinion that “honorable men” ride into the sunset in efforts of gaining honor and respect.
In Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” , the writer romantically misleads the writer into believing that she has a fine art of writing. Set in an “open square ---with new spring life” (p.337) , the writer implies that her work is related to the great Polish composer Frederic Chopin; “goddess of victory“ (p. 338). Her style “illumination” (p. 338), is how she would accomplish here fete. Frederic Chopin, during this era, was a skilled polish composer who was accomplished in the area of fine arts and musical instruments. It is understandable that the “she” Chopin would adapt to this persona as well as this style of writing. The writer is skillful at providing a romantic, mystical insight of classical music during the era of “Chopin”; “There stood , facing the open window---breath of rain was in the air” (p.338).
Lastly, and in contrast, Joyce’s “Araby” provides a work from a Christian standpoint where the “uninhabited house of two storeys” sets the stage between spiritual values of wrong and right; “Christian brothers’ school set free” (p.246). Under the “beautiful ever changing violet sky” there is hope for a better tomorrow. “Buckingham Street” (p.248), in the work, references the Evangelical Christians that migrated to England in the earlier nineteenth century. “Her name sprang to my lips at moment in strange prayers and praises” (p.247) is only evident of the writers perception of a Christian based England during this era, versus Catholicism.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Sunday, September 2, 2012
"The Yellow Wallpaper"
Based on point of view, the narrator of a fictional piece of work is not always the author or vice versa. In "The Yellow Wall Paper" the author utilizes the first-person "I" to mask or expand the creditabilty of the work. The author assumes that first-person charactcher "I" advantage will draw readers into the posssibilty that the events taking place are possible, plausible and yet believable. As the story opens, the character is not defined! Who are we speaking about? The character does not appear to have a name or signifigance. The main character does not have a sense of purpose; "John is a physician --- My brother is also a physician" (p. 565).
The narrator's version of events are questioned due to the fact that the physical capabilites of the character come into question. At the start of the story the character being described is dependant upon her spouse, Dr. John, both emotionally and physically. She has succumbed to her daily dose of drugs while her busy "lifesaving" husband is occupying his time saving lives worth saving. "So I take phosphates and phosphites--whatever it is"(p565). It was much deeper than the wallpaper. And her illness was just a mask for what lied beneath. The thoughts, repetition were sure to drive her crazy, if she dared to stay another day. Her husband cared for the sick each day, but it was his doubt that defined her illness. The lack of attention she received only personafied her lack of existence. To this fate, the more distracted she became by the pattern of the wallpaper. ; she was always spoiled by the things provided her in life. She must have been raised during an era where the men pursued their educations and provided for the family, while the women stayed home. Her only goal in life appeared to be living the good life and writing a book when time permitted. Pleasing her husband was not easy, especially if he weren't around! She was emotionally tormented in his absence. All she could focus on was the wallpaper. She was subject to the life as a lonely, Doctors wife with no goals and no life; her doctors could fix her physical ailments. She got around pysically most of the time or atleast that is what she made them believe. "There are things in that wallpaper that nobody knows but me, or ever will"(p569).
The reliabilty of the author does not remain consistent throughout the work. The author implies that Dr. John cares for his sick wife, when he is available, however the author also hints at the fact that Dr John's inlaw is also likely to provide his wife with what she needs emotionally or physically."My brother is also a physician". She dreams of having children of her own. At times you would think she actually has them. There's one comfort- the baby is well and happy ,and does not have to occupy this nursery"(p569). Perhaps her delusions come from the pill popping, the wallpaper or the emotions from being a lonely recluse. In this work, the author uses verbal irony as a narrative strategy to contradict what the character means versus what is being said. The character is happy with the benefits of being a Doctors wife but she was ill informed to the sacrifices that came along with the distinction.
The narrator's version of events are questioned due to the fact that the physical capabilites of the character come into question. At the start of the story the character being described is dependant upon her spouse, Dr. John, both emotionally and physically. She has succumbed to her daily dose of drugs while her busy "lifesaving" husband is occupying his time saving lives worth saving. "So I take phosphates and phosphites--whatever it is"(p565). It was much deeper than the wallpaper. And her illness was just a mask for what lied beneath. The thoughts, repetition were sure to drive her crazy, if she dared to stay another day. Her husband cared for the sick each day, but it was his doubt that defined her illness. The lack of attention she received only personafied her lack of existence. To this fate, the more distracted she became by the pattern of the wallpaper. ; she was always spoiled by the things provided her in life. She must have been raised during an era where the men pursued their educations and provided for the family, while the women stayed home. Her only goal in life appeared to be living the good life and writing a book when time permitted. Pleasing her husband was not easy, especially if he weren't around! She was emotionally tormented in his absence. All she could focus on was the wallpaper. She was subject to the life as a lonely, Doctors wife with no goals and no life; her doctors could fix her physical ailments. She got around pysically most of the time or atleast that is what she made them believe. "There are things in that wallpaper that nobody knows but me, or ever will"(p569).
The reliabilty of the author does not remain consistent throughout the work. The author implies that Dr. John cares for his sick wife, when he is available, however the author also hints at the fact that Dr John's inlaw is also likely to provide his wife with what she needs emotionally or physically."My brother is also a physician". She dreams of having children of her own. At times you would think she actually has them. There's one comfort- the baby is well and happy ,and does not have to occupy this nursery"(p569). Perhaps her delusions come from the pill popping, the wallpaper or the emotions from being a lonely recluse. In this work, the author uses verbal irony as a narrative strategy to contradict what the character means versus what is being said. The character is happy with the benefits of being a Doctors wife but she was ill informed to the sacrifices that came along with the distinction.
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