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.
I like your interpretation on Joyce's short story. It was difficult for me to analyze that. I took note that Araby was a young "blind" (1) boy who was infatuated with some women he barley knew. And he realizes his blindness, but I wasn't sure about the religious elements in the story.I did noticed that the house he and his family members inhabited a late priest's home where he kept a crime novel about a murder. The narrator did say he liked that novel. I was thinking if that book was a question of faith. What do you think?
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