Here's the third and final part to this Ep :)
* * *
Question:
Write a character sketch about St John Rivers and answer the following questions:-
- How was Christianity portrayed in them?
- What were the effects on Jane Eyre?
- The effects on you as a reader.
Answer:
- Religious
- Kind
- Forceful
- Demanding
- Austere
- Christianity to St John Rivers is a duty. He quotes: "I claim you – not for my pleasure, but for my Sovereign's service".
- It makes Jane Eyre uncomfortable because she is not accustomed to God's ways.
- As a reader, we get the feeling that Christianity means a permanent sense of duty, as portrayed by St John's insistence on Jane Eyre's attachment to him.
Comment: Good.
~#~
Wasn't so satisfied with just "good", but oh well, I'll get better :P
CIAO!!
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Showing posts with label Literature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Literature. Show all posts
Friday, April 19, 2013
リトリチャ Ep 20 (2)
As promised, the second half of Ep 20!!
* * *
Question:
Write a character sketch of Helen Burns and answer the following questions:-
- How was Christianity portrayed in them?
- What were the effects on Jane Eyre?
- The effects on you as a reader.
Answer:
- Forgiving
- Religious
- Kind
- Grateful
- Christianity is portrayed by Helen Burns as a guidebook to life. It is the words of a person preaching to forgive the sins of a wrongdoer. She quotes: "the Bible bids us return good for evil".
- Jane Eyre was more willing to forgive after that. She also learnt to restrain herself and learn from Helen Burns' character.
- It teaches readers about the importance of reading the Bible and deciphering it as a whole, instead of just its principles, like what Mr Brocklehurst did.
~#~
Last part coming up? :)
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
Write a character sketch of Helen Burns and answer the following questions:-
- How was Christianity portrayed in them?
- What were the effects on Jane Eyre?
- The effects on you as a reader.
Answer:
- Forgiving
- Religious
- Kind
- Grateful
- Christianity is portrayed by Helen Burns as a guidebook to life. It is the words of a person preaching to forgive the sins of a wrongdoer. She quotes: "the Bible bids us return good for evil".
- Jane Eyre was more willing to forgive after that. She also learnt to restrain herself and learn from Helen Burns' character.
- It teaches readers about the importance of reading the Bible and deciphering it as a whole, instead of just its principles, like what Mr Brocklehurst did.
~#~
Last part coming up? :)
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 20
The next three posts are actually continual, but I'm going to be posting them in parts. They'll have the same title, though.
* * *
Question:
Give a character sketch of Mr Brocklehurst and answer the following questions:-
- How was Christianity portrayed in them?
- What were the effects on Jane Eyre?
- The effects on you as a reader.
Answer:
Character sketch of Mr Brocklehurst
- Judgemental
- Hypocritical
- Biased
- Prejudicial
- Christianity is portrayed as a set of rules instead of a religion. "A brief address on those occasions would not be mistimed, wherein a judicious instructor would take the opportunity of referring to the sufferings of the primitive Christians; to the torments of martyrs: to the exhortations of our blessed Lord Himself, calling upon His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him; to His warnings that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
- Jane Eyre was forced to comply with the strict rules and regulations enforced by Mr Brocklehurst based on the Bible and God's words.
- As a reader, this provides us with a very different perspective of Christianity, which can mislead us into thinking Christianity is rigid and inflexible.
~#~
Be prepared for the next one on Helen Burns :)
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
Give a character sketch of Mr Brocklehurst and answer the following questions:-
- How was Christianity portrayed in them?
- What were the effects on Jane Eyre?
- The effects on you as a reader.
Answer:
Character sketch of Mr Brocklehurst
- Judgemental
- Hypocritical
- Biased
- Prejudicial
- Christianity is portrayed as a set of rules instead of a religion. "A brief address on those occasions would not be mistimed, wherein a judicious instructor would take the opportunity of referring to the sufferings of the primitive Christians; to the torments of martyrs: to the exhortations of our blessed Lord Himself, calling upon His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him; to His warnings that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
- Jane Eyre was forced to comply with the strict rules and regulations enforced by Mr Brocklehurst based on the Bible and God's words.
- As a reader, this provides us with a very different perspective of Christianity, which can mislead us into thinking Christianity is rigid and inflexible.
~#~
Be prepared for the next one on Helen Burns :)
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 19
I know, I'm on a roll. Maybe because my teacher only recently returned most of my essays. Here's another Literature post for all of you, eh?
* * *
Question:
What is your opinion of Basho's poem?
Come, see real
flowers
of this painful world
Answer:
To me, this poem seems like the poet is referring to a journey. This journey is one that will be long and full of obstacles. The fact that the Japanese translation has 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line and 5 syllables again in the third line could symbolise a mountain. The mountain could also be a symbol of the journey. The first line is the start of the journey whereas the second line is the climax, which is why it has 7 syllables. The last line is the happy ending because it goes back to having 5 syllables.
The overall meaning of this poem could also mean that the poet wants the inhabitants of this world to see the beauty of the world despite having to go through obstacles to complete the journey. Just like the rose, although it has thorns which could draw blood, the flower itself is beautiful and worth the pain.
All in all, the world is perceived by Basho as beautiful even though it has flaws and (is) filled with potential pain and sorrow.
Comment: Thank you for sharing this :)
~#~
Let me explain my lecturer's comment. After we wrote our opinions, the lecturer asked a few of us to read them out loud. Of course, nobody volunteered (and frankly speaking, I thought mine was quite embarrassing) so our lecturer had to handpick whose to read.
And unfortunately, one of them was mine.
Hence, the above comment -.-
I've got some more after this, so stay tuned, eh?
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
What is your opinion of Basho's poem?
Come, see real
flowers
of this painful world
Answer:
To me, this poem seems like the poet is referring to a journey. This journey is one that will be long and full of obstacles. The fact that the Japanese translation has 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line and 5 syllables again in the third line could symbolise a mountain. The mountain could also be a symbol of the journey. The first line is the start of the journey whereas the second line is the climax, which is why it has 7 syllables. The last line is the happy ending because it goes back to having 5 syllables.
The overall meaning of this poem could also mean that the poet wants the inhabitants of this world to see the beauty of the world despite having to go through obstacles to complete the journey. Just like the rose, although it has thorns which could draw blood, the flower itself is beautiful and worth the pain.
All in all, the world is perceived by Basho as beautiful even though it has flaws and (is) filled with potential pain and sorrow.
Comment: Thank you for sharing this :)
~#~
Let me explain my lecturer's comment. After we wrote our opinions, the lecturer asked a few of us to read them out loud. Of course, nobody volunteered (and frankly speaking, I thought mine was quite embarrassing) so our lecturer had to handpick whose to read.
And unfortunately, one of them was mine.
Hence, the above comment -.-
I've got some more after this, so stay tuned, eh?
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 18
This was written on the 27th of March but I didn't post this. No idea why, though.
Oh well, here it is now :)
* * *
Question:
Is love a choice?
Answer:
Love is generally perceived as the feelings that a person has for another. It is often thought of as the strongest emotion within the spectrum of human feelings, which is portrayed even in movies like Sleeping Beauty and Ella Enchanted.
And, like in most movies, love happens between the unlikeliest of characters. Some even forbidden, like Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet in Shakespeare's breathtaking romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Their love for each other they knew was not meant to be, but they could not help it.
Therefore, to me, love is not a choice. We cannot choose who we love and neither can we force ourselves to love other people. In fact, it will have a negative effect on both parties, as you are not only hurting yourself, but the opposite person as well.
Besides, if love were a choice, homosexuals would not exist. Since homosexuals are not viewed as "acceptable" in some societies, they would be able to alter their sexual preferences in order to conform to the general public. Everyone would be able to choose who they love according to their own principles and without any difficulties.
However, while choosing whom you love is not a choice, choosing to act on it, is. For example, Romeo and Juliet could have chosen not to meet each other in secret or do anything to cause their love to blossom. Instead, they went against their family's wills and stood by their love until the very end. *My lecturer noted "true" for this paragraph*
In my experience as an adolescent, love can be cruel and unfair in the sense that you can love someone whom you know you can never have a proper relationship with. Thus, love is indeed, in my opinion, not a choice.
* * *
Yeah~ I know, I know. Kind of sappy for me, right?
Oh well :) Plenty more coming up! Be prepared :D
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
Oh well, here it is now :)
* * *
Question:
Is love a choice?
Answer:
Love is generally perceived as the feelings that a person has for another. It is often thought of as the strongest emotion within the spectrum of human feelings, which is portrayed even in movies like Sleeping Beauty and Ella Enchanted.
And, like in most movies, love happens between the unlikeliest of characters. Some even forbidden, like Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet in Shakespeare's breathtaking romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Their love for each other they knew was not meant to be, but they could not help it.
Therefore, to me, love is not a choice. We cannot choose who we love and neither can we force ourselves to love other people. In fact, it will have a negative effect on both parties, as you are not only hurting yourself, but the opposite person as well.
Besides, if love were a choice, homosexuals would not exist. Since homosexuals are not viewed as "acceptable" in some societies, they would be able to alter their sexual preferences in order to conform to the general public. Everyone would be able to choose who they love according to their own principles and without any difficulties.
However, while choosing whom you love is not a choice, choosing to act on it, is. For example, Romeo and Juliet could have chosen not to meet each other in secret or do anything to cause their love to blossom. Instead, they went against their family's wills and stood by their love until the very end. *My lecturer noted "true" for this paragraph*
In my experience as an adolescent, love can be cruel and unfair in the sense that you can love someone whom you know you can never have a proper relationship with. Thus, love is indeed, in my opinion, not a choice.
* * *
Yeah~ I know, I know. Kind of sappy for me, right?
Oh well :) Plenty more coming up! Be prepared :D
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 17
Alright, so here's another Literature post. Our lecturer asked us to write our own poems entitled "The Self-Unseeing", based on Thomas Hardy's The Self-Unseeing.
* * *
Question:
Write a poem entitled "The Self-Unseeing" based on Thomas Hardy's The Self-Unseeing. In the first stanza, the first and third lines have to start with "Here". In the second stanza, the first line must start with "She" whereas the third line must start with "He". Lastly, in the third stanza, the last line must begin with "Yet".
Answer:
Here stands the abysmal building
Full of life, full of people
Here minds and hearts are growing
Expanding what was once fickle
She holds a leash in her right hand
Strutting along, checking her nails
He follows behind, 'round every bend
Tongue hanging out, wagging his tail
I watch the clock tick
He's still nowhere near
I'm already homesick
Yet alone I'm left here
Comment: Poignant.
~#~
I shan't deny it, I didn't know what poignant meant until I searched it up on the Dictionary. Haha. Apparently, it means "keen on the emotions". Still a bit doubtful about its usage in other contexts but yeah~ :P
Another Literature post coming up! :D
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
Write a poem entitled "The Self-Unseeing" based on Thomas Hardy's The Self-Unseeing. In the first stanza, the first and third lines have to start with "Here". In the second stanza, the first line must start with "She" whereas the third line must start with "He". Lastly, in the third stanza, the last line must begin with "Yet".
Answer:
Here stands the abysmal building
Full of life, full of people
Here minds and hearts are growing
Expanding what was once fickle
She holds a leash in her right hand
Strutting along, checking her nails
He follows behind, 'round every bend
Tongue hanging out, wagging his tail
I watch the clock tick
He's still nowhere near
I'm already homesick
Yet alone I'm left here
Comment: Poignant.
~#~
I shan't deny it, I didn't know what poignant meant until I searched it up on the Dictionary. Haha. Apparently, it means "keen on the emotions". Still a bit doubtful about its usage in other contexts but yeah~ :P
Another Literature post coming up! :D
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 16
Hey! Here's an assignment for English Literature from the 25th of March. We only just received it recently so it's kind of late :)
* * *
Question:
Write a letter to Antoinette Cosway (in the event before her imminent death).
Answer:
Dear Antoinette,
It is difficult to judge how a person may act by his or her looks, character or social status. However, I pray that you may give my letter second thoughts before committing any rash actions.
Throughout the course of your story I have deduced that your life has given you more grief than joy. As a member of the audience, I have little right to advise you on what you should or should not do, however I do have a right to voice my thoughts: it is not your fault.
In fact, there is little that happened in your life that was your fault. The only major fault you had was agreeing to a matrimony with the money-grabbing old goat, Rochester, even after Christophine advised you against it. Then again, if he had not persuaded you and given you false hope, you would not be reading the contents of this letter.
Even in the case of your mother, Annette. You cannot choose your heritage. Nobody can. You did what you needed to, to survive, and did what you could to improve your lifestyle. Your only other mistake was trusting Tia, but in this age and time, everybody is in need of a friend.
Either way, that you could bear with the troubles and endured the pain your past inflicted, I am awed. Your perseverance is something to be admired and it is to be noted that I am always on your side. Suffice to say, no matter what you decide, it is for yourself and by yourself.
Because, Antoinette Cosway, you are free.
From,
Lou
~#~
There were no comments for this assignment, I'm afraid, but I didn't really like how this went. I normally write better for writing activities such as this -.-
Worry not, there are more coming your way! :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
Write a letter to Antoinette Cosway (in the event before her imminent death).
Answer:
Dear Antoinette,
It is difficult to judge how a person may act by his or her looks, character or social status. However, I pray that you may give my letter second thoughts before committing any rash actions.
Throughout the course of your story I have deduced that your life has given you more grief than joy. As a member of the audience, I have little right to advise you on what you should or should not do, however I do have a right to voice my thoughts: it is not your fault.
In fact, there is little that happened in your life that was your fault. The only major fault you had was agreeing to a matrimony with the money-grabbing old goat, Rochester, even after Christophine advised you against it. Then again, if he had not persuaded you and given you false hope, you would not be reading the contents of this letter.
Even in the case of your mother, Annette. You cannot choose your heritage. Nobody can. You did what you needed to, to survive, and did what you could to improve your lifestyle. Your only other mistake was trusting Tia, but in this age and time, everybody is in need of a friend.
Either way, that you could bear with the troubles and endured the pain your past inflicted, I am awed. Your perseverance is something to be admired and it is to be noted that I am always on your side. Suffice to say, no matter what you decide, it is for yourself and by yourself.
Because, Antoinette Cosway, you are free.
From,
Lou
~#~
There were no comments for this assignment, I'm afraid, but I didn't really like how this went. I normally write better for writing activities such as this -.-
Worry not, there are more coming your way! :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
Friday, April 12, 2013
リトリチャ Ep 15
This is the prose part of our English Literature exam :D
* * *
Question:
"The characters in Jane Eyre experiences the tensions of passions and self-control."
Explore the methods which writers use to present those tensions to capture the readers' attention.
In your response, you should focus on Jane Eyre to establish your argument and you should refer to the second text you have read to support and develop your line of argument.
Answer:
The characters in Jane Eyre experiences the tensions of passions and self-control. This does not only apply to the main character who is Jane Eyre but also other minor characters.
In Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte – the authoress – has used different methods to present these tensions so as to capture the readers' attention. For example, Jane Eyre loses her self-control when she 'attacked' John Reed. Charlotte Bronte used Jane Eyre's bottled-up fury in order to unleash a side of Jane Eyre kept dormant until that fateful day when she yelled, '"Wicked and cruel boy! You are like a murderer – you are like a slave-driver – you are like the Roman emperors!"' This rage also serves as a form of satisfaction for the readers that Jane Eyre has finally stood up for herself.
Secondly, Charlotte Bronte creates characters in order to present these tensions. For example, the creation of Helen Burns; Jane Eyre's first friend at Lowood School. She exercised a great deal of self-control in the school, like when Helen Burns does not take the initiative to explain to Miss Scatcherd that the reason why she had not cleaned her nails was because the water was frozen. Instead, she 'quietly, and without being told, unloosened her pinafore, and the teacher instantly and sharply inflicted on her neck a dozen strokes with the bunch of twigs'. Even so, she did not react to the pain and only let a tear escape when she was no longer in Miss Scatcherd's presence. This may infuriate some readers because detest for Miss Scatcherd has been born but also acts as an interesting aspect for them to read on.
Thirdly, Charlotte Bronte introduces love to create the tension of passion. This exists between Mr Rochester and Jane Eyre and captures readers' attentions because back in those times, a relationship between two people of two different social statuses was seen as impossible. Jane Eyre even reprimands herself in that sense, as seen on page 186 when she says: '"You a favourite with Mr Rochester? You gifted with the power of pleasing him? You of importance to him in any way? Go! Your folly sickens me,"'as well as when she says: '"It does good to no woman to be flattered by her superior, who cannot possibly intend to marry her; and it is madness in all women to let a secret love kindle within them, which, if unreturned and unknown, must devour the life that feeds it and, if discovered and responded to, must lead, ignis-fatuus-like, into miry wilds whence there is no extrication."' Readers would definitely be spurred to read on as this serves as part of the climax in which Jane Eyre must now decide how to cope with her budding feelings for her employer.
In the event that it is doubted that tensions of passion and self-control capture readers' attention, let me divert to Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea, which serves as a prelude to Jane Eyre. In Wide Sargasso Sea, Jean Rhys creates tension by setting Antoinette Cosway and her family in the middle of a sort of racial community where she is very much disliked for being a 'white nigger' and, more frequently, a 'white cockroach'.
Jean Rhys also uses the similar method of introducing love so as to create passion. The two characters involved are Mr Rochester and Antoinette Cosway. However, unlike the scenario in Jane Eyre where the feeling of undying love is mutual, the love in Wide Sargasso Sea is purely one-sided. Even though Antoinette has agreed to marrying him, Mr Rochester does not respect his marriage. He even engages in amorous activities with Amelie, the help. This also creates possible tension in the readers, who cannot believe Mr Rochester would do such a thing.
Also, while in Jane Eyre, Jane Eyre is able to practice self-control when it came to choosing between staying at Thornfield Hall as Mr Rochester's mistress or leaving, in Wide Sargasso Sea, Antoinette Cosway was not as fortunate. The thought of another woman had served as a psychological trigger, unleashing the insanity she had inherited from her mother, Annette. This can be observed when Mr Rochester narrates: 'She lifted her eyes. Blank lovely eyes. Mad eyes. A mad girl.' It can be said that this turn of events caught readers' attentions and urged them to continue reading.
This goes to show that, as human beings, we are subject to the pain of passion and intense self-control when it comes to living our lives. We learn self-control to prevent hurting others and experience passion in areas of variety such as love and work. In a nutshell, we have to take hold of our desires and tame them so as to prevent unnecessary strain on ourselves, as is shown in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.
Marks: 33.5/40
~#~
Whoo~ This is my personal best, honestly. And I liked what I wrote too. Haha, that's the egoist in me speaking :P
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
"The characters in Jane Eyre experiences the tensions of passions and self-control."
Explore the methods which writers use to present those tensions to capture the readers' attention.
In your response, you should focus on Jane Eyre to establish your argument and you should refer to the second text you have read to support and develop your line of argument.
Answer:
The characters in Jane Eyre experiences the tensions of passions and self-control. This does not only apply to the main character who is Jane Eyre but also other minor characters.
In Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte – the authoress – has used different methods to present these tensions so as to capture the readers' attention. For example, Jane Eyre loses her self-control when she 'attacked' John Reed. Charlotte Bronte used Jane Eyre's bottled-up fury in order to unleash a side of Jane Eyre kept dormant until that fateful day when she yelled, '"Wicked and cruel boy! You are like a murderer – you are like a slave-driver – you are like the Roman emperors!"' This rage also serves as a form of satisfaction for the readers that Jane Eyre has finally stood up for herself.
Secondly, Charlotte Bronte creates characters in order to present these tensions. For example, the creation of Helen Burns; Jane Eyre's first friend at Lowood School. She exercised a great deal of self-control in the school, like when Helen Burns does not take the initiative to explain to Miss Scatcherd that the reason why she had not cleaned her nails was because the water was frozen. Instead, she 'quietly, and without being told, unloosened her pinafore, and the teacher instantly and sharply inflicted on her neck a dozen strokes with the bunch of twigs'. Even so, she did not react to the pain and only let a tear escape when she was no longer in Miss Scatcherd's presence. This may infuriate some readers because detest for Miss Scatcherd has been born but also acts as an interesting aspect for them to read on.
Thirdly, Charlotte Bronte introduces love to create the tension of passion. This exists between Mr Rochester and Jane Eyre and captures readers' attentions because back in those times, a relationship between two people of two different social statuses was seen as impossible. Jane Eyre even reprimands herself in that sense, as seen on page 186 when she says: '"You a favourite with Mr Rochester? You gifted with the power of pleasing him? You of importance to him in any way? Go! Your folly sickens me,"'as well as when she says: '"It does good to no woman to be flattered by her superior, who cannot possibly intend to marry her; and it is madness in all women to let a secret love kindle within them, which, if unreturned and unknown, must devour the life that feeds it and, if discovered and responded to, must lead, ignis-fatuus-like, into miry wilds whence there is no extrication."' Readers would definitely be spurred to read on as this serves as part of the climax in which Jane Eyre must now decide how to cope with her budding feelings for her employer.
In the event that it is doubted that tensions of passion and self-control capture readers' attention, let me divert to Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea, which serves as a prelude to Jane Eyre. In Wide Sargasso Sea, Jean Rhys creates tension by setting Antoinette Cosway and her family in the middle of a sort of racial community where she is very much disliked for being a 'white nigger' and, more frequently, a 'white cockroach'.
Jean Rhys also uses the similar method of introducing love so as to create passion. The two characters involved are Mr Rochester and Antoinette Cosway. However, unlike the scenario in Jane Eyre where the feeling of undying love is mutual, the love in Wide Sargasso Sea is purely one-sided. Even though Antoinette has agreed to marrying him, Mr Rochester does not respect his marriage. He even engages in amorous activities with Amelie, the help. This also creates possible tension in the readers, who cannot believe Mr Rochester would do such a thing.
Also, while in Jane Eyre, Jane Eyre is able to practice self-control when it came to choosing between staying at Thornfield Hall as Mr Rochester's mistress or leaving, in Wide Sargasso Sea, Antoinette Cosway was not as fortunate. The thought of another woman had served as a psychological trigger, unleashing the insanity she had inherited from her mother, Annette. This can be observed when Mr Rochester narrates: 'She lifted her eyes. Blank lovely eyes. Mad eyes. A mad girl.' It can be said that this turn of events caught readers' attentions and urged them to continue reading.
This goes to show that, as human beings, we are subject to the pain of passion and intense self-control when it comes to living our lives. We learn self-control to prevent hurting others and experience passion in areas of variety such as love and work. In a nutshell, we have to take hold of our desires and tame them so as to prevent unnecessary strain on ourselves, as is shown in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.
Marks: 33.5/40
~#~
Whoo~ This is my personal best, honestly. And I liked what I wrote too. Haha, that's the egoist in me speaking :P
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 14
Alright, I just recently received my Literature essay results :D The good thing is my results were better than in my Qualifying Test. The bad news is, I didn't get an A :(
* * *
Question:
"Some poets writing about home explore the theme of memory."
Using Alfred Lord Tennyson's Mariana (Oxford Anthology of English Poetry) as a starting point, compare and contrast how poets explore the theme of memory in at least one other poem.
Answer:
Some poets writing about home explore the theme of memory. Such poems which portray that theme would be "Mariana", by Alfred Lord Tennyson and "To My Mother", by George Barker.
In Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Mariana", the persona remembers details of her home. For example, 'with blackest moss the flower-pots were thickly crusted, one and all: The rusted nails full from the knots that held the pear to the gable-wall. The broken sheds looked sad and strange: unlifted was the clinking latch; weeded and worn the ancient thatch upon the lonely moated grange'. The setting of her home becomes her greatest ally in remembering what home feels like and allows the poem to build up from there.
Similarly, in "To My Mother", George Barker has the persona recall details of his home, no matter how minor. For instance, the persona remembers that his home houses a cellar where his mother may 'scuttle' to. Little details like such become a strong trigger when writing about a person's home.
Apart from that, poets use specific words which act as some form of specificity. In "Mariana", Alfred Lord Tennyson uses the word 'the' to emphasise on this specificity. For example, in the fifth stanza, he writes: 'In the white curtain, to and fro, she saw the gusty shadow sway'. The word 'the' was not substituted with 'a' or any other term that may suggest vagueness or the assumption that it might not be there at all. Rather, it provided finality that there was indeed a white curtain which would billow to and geo in the persona's home.
The word 'the' is also used fairly often in George Barker's "To My Mother". For example, in the first stanza and second line, the persona says: 'Under the window where I often found her'. Once more, the persona did not say: 'Under a window', because it was not the exact window he was referring to in which he often found his mother under. This shows how precise one's memory of home can be.
Thirdly, Alfred Lord Tennyson used life to explore the theme of memory. In "Mariana", the example would be in the sixth stanza where he writes: 'All day within the dreamy house, the doors upon their hinges creaked; the blue fly sung in the pane; the mouse behind the mouldering wainscot shrieked'. This would normally suggest a high degree of repetition in the persona's life and therefore provides the monotonous feeling of forever being present at home.
As with Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Mariana", George Barker's "To My Mother" also uses life to explore the theme of memory. For example, 'the lame dogs and hurt birds that surround her'. The persona remembers these certain things that reinforce his memory of home.
While Alfred Lord Tennyson and George Barker share some similarities in that sense, there are also differences between their methods on exploring the theme of memory. For instance, in "Mariana", Alfred Lord Tennyson was a great deal of nature to highlight his memories of home. Examples include the persona narrating: 'Upon the middle of the night, waking she heard the night-fowl crow' and 'And ever when the moon was low, and the shrill winds were up and away'. The environment plays just as important a role as life does in memory, which is present in "To My Mother", by George Barker.
In "To My Mother", George Barker uses the persona's mother as the embodiment of 'life'. By recalling the little habits that his mother used to do, like 'lean on the mahogany table like a mountain', the persona is able to remember his home, such as the existence of the 'mahogany table' his mother can 'lean on'.
In actual fact, it is the main source of our recollection of home. Memories of our childhood, memories of us growing up; they resolve around our home and that is why when poets write about home, the theme of memory becomes an irreplaceable asset.
Marks: 31.5
~#~
Alright, so this is about it for the poem part. I'll be posting the prose part after this :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
"Some poets writing about home explore the theme of memory."
Using Alfred Lord Tennyson's Mariana (Oxford Anthology of English Poetry) as a starting point, compare and contrast how poets explore the theme of memory in at least one other poem.
Answer:
Some poets writing about home explore the theme of memory. Such poems which portray that theme would be "Mariana", by Alfred Lord Tennyson and "To My Mother", by George Barker.
In Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Mariana", the persona remembers details of her home. For example, 'with blackest moss the flower-pots were thickly crusted, one and all: The rusted nails full from the knots that held the pear to the gable-wall. The broken sheds looked sad and strange: unlifted was the clinking latch; weeded and worn the ancient thatch upon the lonely moated grange'. The setting of her home becomes her greatest ally in remembering what home feels like and allows the poem to build up from there.
Similarly, in "To My Mother", George Barker has the persona recall details of his home, no matter how minor. For instance, the persona remembers that his home houses a cellar where his mother may 'scuttle' to. Little details like such become a strong trigger when writing about a person's home.
Apart from that, poets use specific words which act as some form of specificity. In "Mariana", Alfred Lord Tennyson uses the word 'the' to emphasise on this specificity. For example, in the fifth stanza, he writes: 'In the white curtain, to and fro, she saw the gusty shadow sway'. The word 'the' was not substituted with 'a' or any other term that may suggest vagueness or the assumption that it might not be there at all. Rather, it provided finality that there was indeed a white curtain which would billow to and geo in the persona's home.
The word 'the' is also used fairly often in George Barker's "To My Mother". For example, in the first stanza and second line, the persona says: 'Under the window where I often found her'. Once more, the persona did not say: 'Under a window', because it was not the exact window he was referring to in which he often found his mother under. This shows how precise one's memory of home can be.
Thirdly, Alfred Lord Tennyson used life to explore the theme of memory. In "Mariana", the example would be in the sixth stanza where he writes: 'All day within the dreamy house, the doors upon their hinges creaked; the blue fly sung in the pane; the mouse behind the mouldering wainscot shrieked'. This would normally suggest a high degree of repetition in the persona's life and therefore provides the monotonous feeling of forever being present at home.
As with Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Mariana", George Barker's "To My Mother" also uses life to explore the theme of memory. For example, 'the lame dogs and hurt birds that surround her'. The persona remembers these certain things that reinforce his memory of home.
While Alfred Lord Tennyson and George Barker share some similarities in that sense, there are also differences between their methods on exploring the theme of memory. For instance, in "Mariana", Alfred Lord Tennyson was a great deal of nature to highlight his memories of home. Examples include the persona narrating: 'Upon the middle of the night, waking she heard the night-fowl crow' and 'And ever when the moon was low, and the shrill winds were up and away'. The environment plays just as important a role as life does in memory, which is present in "To My Mother", by George Barker.
In "To My Mother", George Barker uses the persona's mother as the embodiment of 'life'. By recalling the little habits that his mother used to do, like 'lean on the mahogany table like a mountain', the persona is able to remember his home, such as the existence of the 'mahogany table' his mother can 'lean on'.
In actual fact, it is the main source of our recollection of home. Memories of our childhood, memories of us growing up; they resolve around our home and that is why when poets write about home, the theme of memory becomes an irreplaceable asset.
Marks: 31.5
~#~
Alright, so this is about it for the poem part. I'll be posting the prose part after this :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
リトリチャ Ep 13
Here's a Literature post that I had to do in class today :D A few more Literature posts coming up, though, so be prepared :D
* * *
Question:
Writing from John Reed's point of view, retell the fighting scene with Jane Eyre.
Answer:
Oh, fudge! There’s never anything to do in this Godforsaken house. Lizzy and Georgy are playing with their dolls again. Ugh, stupid fools; I will never see the point in making inanimate objects move.
* * *
Question:
Writing from John Reed's point of view, retell the fighting scene with Jane Eyre.
Answer:
Oh, fudge! There’s never anything to do in this Godforsaken house. Lizzy and Georgy are playing with their dolls again. Ugh, stupid fools; I will never see the point in making inanimate objects move.
It
was then that I spied a book from the corner of my eye. It was the ‘History of
Rome’, from some douchebag Goldsmith.
Holy
muffins, she’s been touching my books again. Who, you may ask? Well, that ninny
Joan, of course. I have seen her prowling about with my books in her hands.
Filthy, filthy hands. I will have to burn that book.
I
smirked like how a venomous villain would.
Well
then, someone has to teach her a lesson. Who better to do it than me?
I
open the door to the breakfast-room and peered in.
“Boh!
Madame Mope! Where the dickens is she?” I turned towards the drawing room,
“Lizzy! Georgy! Joan is not here: tell mamma she is run out into the rain –
bad animal!”
Lizzy
poked her head into the breakfast-room and then turned to me, saying, “She is
in the window-seat to be sure, Jack.” And, sure enough, when I walked in, there
she was, the little grub, standing by the curtains.
“What
do you want?”
The
nerve of that swine. How dare she address me with not so much as an honorific?
She should know her place.
“Say,
‘what do you want, Master Reed’.”
I
could see the fear in her bloodshot eyes. She was terrified of me.
And
she should be. I am the master of the house and I am not about to let anybody
forget it. Not even mamma.
She
moved towards me then and I stuck my tongue out at her for about three minutes.
I thought she would crumble under my gaze, but I was more astonished at hers.
To say I was annoyed would be an understatement. I was enraged. Immediately, I
struck her hard and watched in – what must have been maddening for her – glee
as she stumbled backwards.
“That
is for your impudence in answering mamma a while since and for your sneaking
way of getting behind curtains, and for the look you had in your eyes two
minutes since, you rat!” I paused for her response, but she remained silent.
“What were you doing behind the curtain?”
She
finally answered, “I was reading.”
The
little pest! She has the gall to read
my books?
“Show
the book.” When she handed it to me, I snatched it away, saying, “You have no
business to take our books; you are a dependent, mamma says; you have no money;
your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not live here with gentlemen’s
children like us, and eat the same meals we do, and wear clothes at our mamma’s
expense. Now, I’ll teach you to rummage my bookshelves: for they are mine; all the house belongs to me,
or will do in a few years. Go and stand by the door, out of the way of the
mirror and the windows.”
As
she walked towards the direction I pointed, the wheels in my head turned. I
gripped the book hard and positioned it as such that it aimed right at her
head. And, just as she realized what I was trying to do, threw it with all my
might. The cry that followed was pure gold and I watched with fascination as
the blood trickled down her pale face.
But
this time, she did not just stand idly by after taking the hit. In fact, she
snapped at me! Called me a slave driver!
“What!
What! Did she say that to me? Did you hear her, Eliza and Georgiana? Won’t I
tell mamma? but first –”
I
pulled her hair and bruised her shoulder. The wretch deserved it, for attacking
me as she did. Before I could continue, Bessie and Abbott dragged the runt off.
To
the Red Room, no doubt. Hah! She will die from here in there, if not from the
untreated wound I inflicted upon her head. That will teach her! Nobody defies
me, for I am the master of this household. I will outlive the rest of the
imbeciles under this roof.
I’ll
show them.
~#~
That's all for now :) CIAO!!
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Monday, April 8, 2013
リトリチャ Ep 12
Here's a class activity that we did on the 14th of March. Yes, yes, kinda outdated, but I had only just received this recently so... :D
* * *
Question:
Create a poem revolving around past memories.
Ensure that structure and form of poem contributes to overall meaning.
Answer:
People live, people die, in the blink of an eye
With her I spent little time, too little time
I knew too late of her fading, fading life
Spent time with her only by her deathbed, by her side
Pets come, pets go, little did I know
Life is vulnerable and subject to disease so
The time she spent on Earth, so very, very low
Life is like a gun, a gun I can't reload
Spirits fly, spirits sink, in both you and me
It makes one wonder much, it makes one really think
My marks of 57% slapped me hard, tears it did bring
I did not realise I sucked so much in English Lit
Comment: You do not (referring to the last line). You write and express yourself well, don't be discouraged, k? :)
~#~
That's about it for today :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
Create a poem revolving around past memories.
Ensure that structure and form of poem contributes to overall meaning.
Answer:
People live, people die, in the blink of an eye
With her I spent little time, too little time
I knew too late of her fading, fading life
Spent time with her only by her deathbed, by her side
Pets come, pets go, little did I know
Life is vulnerable and subject to disease so
The time she spent on Earth, so very, very low
Life is like a gun, a gun I can't reload
Spirits fly, spirits sink, in both you and me
It makes one wonder much, it makes one really think
My marks of 57% slapped me hard, tears it did bring
I did not realise I sucked so much in English Lit
Comment: You do not (referring to the last line). You write and express yourself well, don't be discouraged, k? :)
~#~
That's about it for today :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
Friday, March 8, 2013
リトリチャ Ep 11
Alright, as promised, here's another Literature post :D
* * *
Question:
After reading Part I of Wide Sargasso Sea, explore the ways in which Jean Rhys uses nature to create tone and mood in the novel.
Answer:
In the literary world, many things can be used to express the tone and mood in a novel. In Wide Sargasso Sea, the authoress, who in this case is Jean Rhys, used nature as her secret weapon.
One way in which Jean Rhys uses nature to create tone and mood is when she is describing her garden. She writes: ‘Our garden was large and beautiful in the Bible – the tree of life grew there. But it had gone wild.’ It is strongly indicated that the garden represents the world and the tree of life represents the people residing in the world. When Jean Rhys says ‘it has gone wild’, it means that the people have been tainted and that they are not as beautiful and pure as they used to be. The positive part of the sentence gives hope to the reader with its gentle tone and softens the mood. The latter part, on the other hand, provides a more melancholic mood to the readers because of the tone of sadness in which it was written.
Another method that the writer used was the infliction of pain Antoinette felt from nature itself. For example, Jean Rhys writes: ‘And if the razor grass cut my legs and arms I would think, “It’s better than people.”’ This pain that Antoinette felt was inflicted by a part of nature but she did not mind. In fact, she would rather be cut by razor grass than be faced with people. This tone is tragic and instills a sense of pity towards Antoinette in readers. Some would empathise while others might sympathise.
Jean Rhys also created contrast with the help of nature. This is clear when Antoinette, Annette and Mr Mason returned to the Coulibri Estate after Annette and Mr Mason’s honeymoon in Trinidad. The writer writes: ‘Coulibri looked the same when I saw it again, although it was clean and tidy, no grass between the flagstones, no leaks’. This contrasted the way she described her surroundings in the beginning. The tone of the sentence throughout was hopeful and fresh. In turn, the mood created was light and more cheerful than usual. Readers will gain more interest this way because even Antoinette says: ‘I was glad’.
Jean Rhys also used nature to create tone and mood by using the element of fire. Fire is wild and volatile. It is often associated with pain and suffering. This is why Jean Rhys used a burning event to completely turn Antoinette’s life upside down. Her house burnt with the yellow-red sky ‘like sunset’ and she knew that all that would be left would just be ‘blackened walls and the mounting stone’ instead of ‘golden ferns and the silver ferns, the orchids, the ginger lilies and the roses, the rocking-chairs and the blue sofa, the jasmine and the honeysuckle, and the picture of Miller’s Daughter’. Due to this disaster – not forgetting the fact that Tia showed a form of betrayal by throwing a rock at Antoinette as she raced towards her – the tone created was one of despair, leaving readers in a sorrowful mood.
Additionally, Jean Rhys used nature in the form of imageries to establish tone and mood in Wide Sargasso Sea. One such form of imagery is a dream. Towards the end of Part 1 of Wide Sargasso Sea, Antoinette has a very cryptic dream where she is following the voice of a stranger into a forest. Antoinette narrates that she walks with difficulty, following the man who was with her and holding up the skirt of her dress. It was white and beautiful, which was why she did not want to get it ‘soiled’. That was her initial intention. However, after she reaches a forest where they are ‘tall dark trees and there is no wind’, she does not try to hold up her dress, which trails in the dirt, anymore. This imagery of ‘tall dark trees’ could signify that she is now within the company of more strangers and restraint than ever before. The imagery of ‘no wind’ represents the stillness and blandness of her newfound residence, which provided her address, but not the love that a child of her age was supposed to have. The tone at this point is one of mystery and creates a mood of suspense among readers who are desperate to know who the stranger could possibly be.
In truth, the creation of tone and mood in a novel is as essential as its storyline because if without, readers’ interests would sustain but a few pages. In order to prevent such a catastrophe, writers have to use different elements and methods in order to attract a reader’s attention and spur them to read on. As a result, where Part 1 of Wide Sargasso Sea is concerned, Jean Rhys has definitely succeeded.
~#~
Alright, we haven't handed this in to our lecturer yet so I don't know how good/bad it is, but I was pretty happy with this :)
Well, get ready for the Law posts, then :)
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
After reading Part I of Wide Sargasso Sea, explore the ways in which Jean Rhys uses nature to create tone and mood in the novel.
Answer:
In the literary world, many things can be used to express the tone and mood in a novel. In Wide Sargasso Sea, the authoress, who in this case is Jean Rhys, used nature as her secret weapon.
One way in which Jean Rhys uses nature to create tone and mood is when she is describing her garden. She writes: ‘Our garden was large and beautiful in the Bible – the tree of life grew there. But it had gone wild.’ It is strongly indicated that the garden represents the world and the tree of life represents the people residing in the world. When Jean Rhys says ‘it has gone wild’, it means that the people have been tainted and that they are not as beautiful and pure as they used to be. The positive part of the sentence gives hope to the reader with its gentle tone and softens the mood. The latter part, on the other hand, provides a more melancholic mood to the readers because of the tone of sadness in which it was written.
Another method that the writer used was the infliction of pain Antoinette felt from nature itself. For example, Jean Rhys writes: ‘And if the razor grass cut my legs and arms I would think, “It’s better than people.”’ This pain that Antoinette felt was inflicted by a part of nature but she did not mind. In fact, she would rather be cut by razor grass than be faced with people. This tone is tragic and instills a sense of pity towards Antoinette in readers. Some would empathise while others might sympathise.
Jean Rhys also created contrast with the help of nature. This is clear when Antoinette, Annette and Mr Mason returned to the Coulibri Estate after Annette and Mr Mason’s honeymoon in Trinidad. The writer writes: ‘Coulibri looked the same when I saw it again, although it was clean and tidy, no grass between the flagstones, no leaks’. This contrasted the way she described her surroundings in the beginning. The tone of the sentence throughout was hopeful and fresh. In turn, the mood created was light and more cheerful than usual. Readers will gain more interest this way because even Antoinette says: ‘I was glad’.
Jean Rhys also used nature to create tone and mood by using the element of fire. Fire is wild and volatile. It is often associated with pain and suffering. This is why Jean Rhys used a burning event to completely turn Antoinette’s life upside down. Her house burnt with the yellow-red sky ‘like sunset’ and she knew that all that would be left would just be ‘blackened walls and the mounting stone’ instead of ‘golden ferns and the silver ferns, the orchids, the ginger lilies and the roses, the rocking-chairs and the blue sofa, the jasmine and the honeysuckle, and the picture of Miller’s Daughter’. Due to this disaster – not forgetting the fact that Tia showed a form of betrayal by throwing a rock at Antoinette as she raced towards her – the tone created was one of despair, leaving readers in a sorrowful mood.
Additionally, Jean Rhys used nature in the form of imageries to establish tone and mood in Wide Sargasso Sea. One such form of imagery is a dream. Towards the end of Part 1 of Wide Sargasso Sea, Antoinette has a very cryptic dream where she is following the voice of a stranger into a forest. Antoinette narrates that she walks with difficulty, following the man who was with her and holding up the skirt of her dress. It was white and beautiful, which was why she did not want to get it ‘soiled’. That was her initial intention. However, after she reaches a forest where they are ‘tall dark trees and there is no wind’, she does not try to hold up her dress, which trails in the dirt, anymore. This imagery of ‘tall dark trees’ could signify that she is now within the company of more strangers and restraint than ever before. The imagery of ‘no wind’ represents the stillness and blandness of her newfound residence, which provided her address, but not the love that a child of her age was supposed to have. The tone at this point is one of mystery and creates a mood of suspense among readers who are desperate to know who the stranger could possibly be.
In truth, the creation of tone and mood in a novel is as essential as its storyline because if without, readers’ interests would sustain but a few pages. In order to prevent such a catastrophe, writers have to use different elements and methods in order to attract a reader’s attention and spur them to read on. As a result, where Part 1 of Wide Sargasso Sea is concerned, Jean Rhys has definitely succeeded.
~#~
Alright, we haven't handed this in to our lecturer yet so I don't know how good/bad it is, but I was pretty happy with this :)
Well, get ready for the Law posts, then :)
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 10
Hello~ I know I haven't been updating daily posts again but let me make it up to you with a few Literature posts, eh? My QT results just came in so I'll post that first :D
(By the way, I can't really remember the question, so I'll just type whatever I think it probably was.)
* * *
Question:
"Minor characters play an important role in creating interest in a novel".
Explore the methods which writers use minor characters to create interest in a novel.
Answer:
Minor characters do create much interest in a novel and it is no exception in Jane Eyre’s case. Although the main character may seem to be always in the spotlight, the novel’s minor characters help produce it and engage the reader. This all is thanks to the writer, whom, in this case, is Charlotte Bronte.
The use of the Reed family, for one, is presented by Charlotte Bronte. They were created in such a way that Jane Eyre was to turn out the taciturn and vengeful girl she turned out to be when she left for Lowood School. This is shown on page 19 when she says: ‘I was a discord at Gateshead Hall; I was like nobody there; I had nothing in harmony with Mrs Reed or her children, or her chosen vassalage’. She brought these negative feelings with her to Lowood School where it is shown most clearly in the fact that she did not even try to make a friend until many days after her transfer.
Another minor character that engages the reader in a different way is Helen Burns. Charlotte Bronte used the method of creating a role model for Jane Eyre whom she could follow. For example, when Jane Eyre said that Miss Scatcherd was cruel to her, Helen Burns said, ‘“Cruel? Not at all! She is severe; she dislikes my faults,”’ to which Jane Eyre replies with: ‘“And if I were in your place I should dislike her; I should resist her; if she struck me with that rod, I should get it from her hand; I should break it under her nose”’. Instead of raising her voice, however, Helen Burns gently refuted: ‘“Probably you would do nothing of the sort: but if you did, Mr Brocklehurst would expel you from the school: that would be a great grief to your relations. It is far better to endure patiently a smart which nobody feels but yourself, than to commit a hasty action whose evil consequences will extend to all connected with you; and, besides, the Bible bids us return good for evil.”’ The character of Helen Burns was presented in such a way that she could very well be educating the readers as well as Jane Eyre that violence is never the answer – as you can see, the reason Jane Eyre was sent away was due to the fact that she ‘attacked’ John Reed.
St John Rivers also played a part in the engaging of readers. Charlotte Bronte had had St John Rivers propose to Jane Eyre after she lived with him for a while. He said: ‘“Jane, come with me to India: come as my helpmeet and fellow-labourer”’. Now, this is very important because readers will be interested to know what Jane Eyre’s reply will be. Fortunately for some fans of Mr Rochester and his moody demeanour, Jane Eyre was insistent on only following him as his sister and not his wife. When she could not take his pressuring her on that subject anymore, she said that she scorned his idea of love, which silenced him.
Ultimately, however, the method that Charlotte Bronte used to engage readers most was the creation of Bertha Mason, Mr Rochester’s insane wife. Being in the locked attic, disguised as the maid Grace Poole, Bertha Mason was absolutely essential to spark the readers’ interest. Many would have kept wondering and wondering about the ‘low, syllabic tone’ which ‘terminated in an add murmur’. Most readers would have probably been fooled into thinking that is was really Grace Poole who was laughing, though Charlotte Bronte dropped subtle hints with each chapter. For example, she had Jane Eyre wonder why he kept Grace Poole in Thornfield Hall even after he thought she set his room on fire. This probably aided readers to read on.
In light of the above statement, it is undeniable that while the main character plays the major role in providing a storyline and engaging its readers, it is just as important to have minor characters. This is because the combination of the minor and main characters is what makes a great novel in anyone’s eyes.
Marks: 23/40
~#~
Yeah~ I think my conclusion was pretty nice. Unfortunately, I only got 57% for this test because I wrote Mr Rochester as a minor character. I did not include it here, though I got some points in a different section of the paragraph.
The next post will also be a Literature post, and the two posts after that will be about Law. Just warning you :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
(By the way, I can't really remember the question, so I'll just type whatever I think it probably was.)
* * *
Question:
"Minor characters play an important role in creating interest in a novel".
Explore the methods which writers use minor characters to create interest in a novel.
Answer:
Minor characters do create much interest in a novel and it is no exception in Jane Eyre’s case. Although the main character may seem to be always in the spotlight, the novel’s minor characters help produce it and engage the reader. This all is thanks to the writer, whom, in this case, is Charlotte Bronte.
The use of the Reed family, for one, is presented by Charlotte Bronte. They were created in such a way that Jane Eyre was to turn out the taciturn and vengeful girl she turned out to be when she left for Lowood School. This is shown on page 19 when she says: ‘I was a discord at Gateshead Hall; I was like nobody there; I had nothing in harmony with Mrs Reed or her children, or her chosen vassalage’. She brought these negative feelings with her to Lowood School where it is shown most clearly in the fact that she did not even try to make a friend until many days after her transfer.
Another minor character that engages the reader in a different way is Helen Burns. Charlotte Bronte used the method of creating a role model for Jane Eyre whom she could follow. For example, when Jane Eyre said that Miss Scatcherd was cruel to her, Helen Burns said, ‘“Cruel? Not at all! She is severe; she dislikes my faults,”’ to which Jane Eyre replies with: ‘“And if I were in your place I should dislike her; I should resist her; if she struck me with that rod, I should get it from her hand; I should break it under her nose”’. Instead of raising her voice, however, Helen Burns gently refuted: ‘“Probably you would do nothing of the sort: but if you did, Mr Brocklehurst would expel you from the school: that would be a great grief to your relations. It is far better to endure patiently a smart which nobody feels but yourself, than to commit a hasty action whose evil consequences will extend to all connected with you; and, besides, the Bible bids us return good for evil.”’ The character of Helen Burns was presented in such a way that she could very well be educating the readers as well as Jane Eyre that violence is never the answer – as you can see, the reason Jane Eyre was sent away was due to the fact that she ‘attacked’ John Reed.
St John Rivers also played a part in the engaging of readers. Charlotte Bronte had had St John Rivers propose to Jane Eyre after she lived with him for a while. He said: ‘“Jane, come with me to India: come as my helpmeet and fellow-labourer”’. Now, this is very important because readers will be interested to know what Jane Eyre’s reply will be. Fortunately for some fans of Mr Rochester and his moody demeanour, Jane Eyre was insistent on only following him as his sister and not his wife. When she could not take his pressuring her on that subject anymore, she said that she scorned his idea of love, which silenced him.
Ultimately, however, the method that Charlotte Bronte used to engage readers most was the creation of Bertha Mason, Mr Rochester’s insane wife. Being in the locked attic, disguised as the maid Grace Poole, Bertha Mason was absolutely essential to spark the readers’ interest. Many would have kept wondering and wondering about the ‘low, syllabic tone’ which ‘terminated in an add murmur’. Most readers would have probably been fooled into thinking that is was really Grace Poole who was laughing, though Charlotte Bronte dropped subtle hints with each chapter. For example, she had Jane Eyre wonder why he kept Grace Poole in Thornfield Hall even after he thought she set his room on fire. This probably aided readers to read on.
In light of the above statement, it is undeniable that while the main character plays the major role in providing a storyline and engaging its readers, it is just as important to have minor characters. This is because the combination of the minor and main characters is what makes a great novel in anyone’s eyes.
Marks: 23/40
~#~
Yeah~ I think my conclusion was pretty nice. Unfortunately, I only got 57% for this test because I wrote Mr Rochester as a minor character. I did not include it here, though I got some points in a different section of the paragraph.
The next post will also be a Literature post, and the two posts after that will be about Law. Just warning you :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
Monday, February 25, 2013
リトリチャ Ep 9
Our teacher had had us write a poem a few days ago. I don't know about other people, but I'm a girl with a huge ego, so I'd like to share it :)
* * *
Question:
Write an eerie and mysterious poem.
Answer:
Is He Aware It's Autumn Now?
On the hill near the Union Cemetery
Lies a haunt 'n which hemlocks grow
Strong winds brew at night n' mornin'
Shrouded by a heavy fog
Thunder strikes the crook'd roof
As ravens crow at a brainless stranger
Who knew that this stupid douche'd
Walk in 'cause he knew no better?
The doors creak open with a gentle push
Not knowing he'd had eyes on him
Silently, the black cat mews
He finally knows his light has dimmed
Outside, the vines are calm an' still
From victims they had previously bound
He can hear the bird's wings beat
Is he aware it's autumn now?
He's stepping up much higher now
Foolish choice for one so young
Should have stopped and gone back down
Instead of going on half-drunk
The halls are dark and blackened so
No signs of joy or faith or hope
His mind could have taken control
N' made him lose sight of his soul
But he walks as though black were white
Like parsnip weeds were pretty lilies
Thinking as though dark were light
He might as well take poison ivy
He hasn't ceased his growing interest
Curiosity would not allow
He's deeper in this than he wanted
Is he aware it's autumn now?
What's that? That sound? So weird, so loud
That shade o' red, he's seen before
Blood? So much? He starts to frown
"What the hell did I come here for?"
He turns around to see a fox
Or 's it a wolf? – He could not tell
In its mouth; a mirror or clock?
Broken to pieces, it would not sell
"I'll go back down, get out of town,
Forget about this haunted house."
But b'fore he could, he looked around,
"Exactly where do I get out?"
Another door appeared somehow
I'm thinking what'll he do now?
He'd better stop roaming about
Is he aware it's autumn now?
Teacher's comment: I enjoyed reading this! I like the recurring questions :)
~#~
Yeah~ Sorry, I have to accommodate my humongous ego in my humongous head :P Nothing more tough than doing that :P Might come off as a snob to people around me, but hey, I'm trying :)
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
Write an eerie and mysterious poem.
Answer:
Is He Aware It's Autumn Now?
On the hill near the Union Cemetery
Lies a haunt 'n which hemlocks grow
Strong winds brew at night n' mornin'
Shrouded by a heavy fog
Thunder strikes the crook'd roof
As ravens crow at a brainless stranger
Who knew that this stupid douche'd
Walk in 'cause he knew no better?
The doors creak open with a gentle push
Not knowing he'd had eyes on him
Silently, the black cat mews
He finally knows his light has dimmed
Outside, the vines are calm an' still
From victims they had previously bound
He can hear the bird's wings beat
Is he aware it's autumn now?
He's stepping up much higher now
Foolish choice for one so young
Should have stopped and gone back down
Instead of going on half-drunk
The halls are dark and blackened so
No signs of joy or faith or hope
His mind could have taken control
N' made him lose sight of his soul
But he walks as though black were white
Like parsnip weeds were pretty lilies
Thinking as though dark were light
He might as well take poison ivy
He hasn't ceased his growing interest
Curiosity would not allow
He's deeper in this than he wanted
Is he aware it's autumn now?
What's that? That sound? So weird, so loud
That shade o' red, he's seen before
Blood? So much? He starts to frown
"What the hell did I come here for?"
He turns around to see a fox
Or 's it a wolf? – He could not tell
In its mouth; a mirror or clock?
Broken to pieces, it would not sell
"I'll go back down, get out of town,
Forget about this haunted house."
But b'fore he could, he looked around,
"Exactly where do I get out?"
Another door appeared somehow
I'm thinking what'll he do now?
He'd better stop roaming about
Is he aware it's autumn now?
Teacher's comment: I enjoyed reading this! I like the recurring questions :)
~#~
Yeah~ Sorry, I have to accommodate my humongous ego in my humongous head :P Nothing more tough than doing that :P Might come off as a snob to people around me, but hey, I'm trying :)
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 8
This is another Literature post to make up for my hiatus :)
* * *
Question:
"Home haunts those who write about it."
Compare and contrast the ways in which home is presented in at least 2 poems in light of this statement.
Answer:
The poems "To My Mother" by George Barker and "One Flesh" by Elizabeth Jennings bear some similarities and differences in light of the above statement.
The persona in "To My Mother" seems to miss her or her mother dearly. The persona constantly thinks about her, reminiscing about things she used to do, like: "Under the window where I often found her." The persona also remembers the habits and tendencies of his or her mother, no matter how insignificant they may be to other people. For instance, "Sitting as huge as Asia, seismic with laughter, gin and chicken helpless in her Irish hand."
Home also 'haunts' the persona by making him or her remember details of his or her home. For example, the persona would remember that there was a cellar the mother could 'scuttle' to. Other details include the fact that the persona's home houses a mahogany table which his or her mother would lean on "like a mountain whom only faith could move."
In "One Flesh", Home also 'haunts' the persona by making him or her think about his or her parents, who are revealed in the last stanza when the persona says: "These two who are my father and my mother." The persona also, similarly in "To My Mother", thinks about his or her parents' actions, such as his or her father "with a book, keeping the light on late" and his or her mother "like a girl dreaming of childhood."
Also similar to "To My Mother", Home 'haunts' the persona in "One Flesh" by making him or her recall events of home which include the presence of books, beds and lights which his or her father left switched on until late.
However, there are also differences between the poem where the above statement is concerned. In "To My Mother", the tone of the poem suggests that the persona is thinking of his or her mother and home endearingly. One example would be when the persona first introduces his or her mother: "Most near, most dear, most loved and most far." On the other hand, in "One Flesh", the persona is mostly pained by the memories of home and his or her parents. An instance would be when the persona notices that the "silence between them like a thread to hold" and the recollection that they are "lying apart now, each in a separate bed."
Apart from that, the persona in "To My Mother" remembers his or her mother to be fearful and unbeatable in a certain sense, such as when he or she says: "She is like a procession no one can follow after but be like a dog following a brass band", suggesting that the persona's mother is one of a kind. In "One Flesh", however, the persona only remembers the awkward and tense moments between his or her parents like when he or she notes "how cool they lie. They hardly ever touch" as well as "the book he holds unread" and "her eyes fixed on shadows overhead."
Therefore, it does not necessarily have to be bad memories when the above statement says 'haunt'. This is because something, or someone, can 'haunt' us in different ways and can bring us an equal amount of pain and joy. It just so happens that the persona's home in "To My Mother" brought back sweeter memories than those of the persona in "One Flesh".
Teacher's comment: Good comparison. Compare on structure and language.
Marks: 25/40.
~#~
This was actually an English Literature test. Although, I was absent that day from school when this was done. Thankfully, my teacher let me bring home the question to do at home as long as I did it within one and a half hours.
Don't worry, I timed myself :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
"Home haunts those who write about it."
Compare and contrast the ways in which home is presented in at least 2 poems in light of this statement.
Answer:
The poems "To My Mother" by George Barker and "One Flesh" by Elizabeth Jennings bear some similarities and differences in light of the above statement.
The persona in "To My Mother" seems to miss her or her mother dearly. The persona constantly thinks about her, reminiscing about things she used to do, like: "Under the window where I often found her." The persona also remembers the habits and tendencies of his or her mother, no matter how insignificant they may be to other people. For instance, "Sitting as huge as Asia, seismic with laughter, gin and chicken helpless in her Irish hand."
Home also 'haunts' the persona by making him or her remember details of his or her home. For example, the persona would remember that there was a cellar the mother could 'scuttle' to. Other details include the fact that the persona's home houses a mahogany table which his or her mother would lean on "like a mountain whom only faith could move."
In "One Flesh", Home also 'haunts' the persona by making him or her think about his or her parents, who are revealed in the last stanza when the persona says: "These two who are my father and my mother." The persona also, similarly in "To My Mother", thinks about his or her parents' actions, such as his or her father "with a book, keeping the light on late" and his or her mother "like a girl dreaming of childhood."
Also similar to "To My Mother", Home 'haunts' the persona in "One Flesh" by making him or her recall events of home which include the presence of books, beds and lights which his or her father left switched on until late.
However, there are also differences between the poem where the above statement is concerned. In "To My Mother", the tone of the poem suggests that the persona is thinking of his or her mother and home endearingly. One example would be when the persona first introduces his or her mother: "Most near, most dear, most loved and most far." On the other hand, in "One Flesh", the persona is mostly pained by the memories of home and his or her parents. An instance would be when the persona notices that the "silence between them like a thread to hold" and the recollection that they are "lying apart now, each in a separate bed."
Apart from that, the persona in "To My Mother" remembers his or her mother to be fearful and unbeatable in a certain sense, such as when he or she says: "She is like a procession no one can follow after but be like a dog following a brass band", suggesting that the persona's mother is one of a kind. In "One Flesh", however, the persona only remembers the awkward and tense moments between his or her parents like when he or she notes "how cool they lie. They hardly ever touch" as well as "the book he holds unread" and "her eyes fixed on shadows overhead."
Therefore, it does not necessarily have to be bad memories when the above statement says 'haunt'. This is because something, or someone, can 'haunt' us in different ways and can bring us an equal amount of pain and joy. It just so happens that the persona's home in "To My Mother" brought back sweeter memories than those of the persona in "One Flesh".
Teacher's comment: Good comparison. Compare on structure and language.
Marks: 25/40.
~#~
This was actually an English Literature test. Although, I was absent that day from school when this was done. Thankfully, my teacher let me bring home the question to do at home as long as I did it within one and a half hours.
Don't worry, I timed myself :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 7
Okay, I know I haven't been very consistent with the posts but this is another Literature one to keep things going before I finally attempt a daily post :P
* * *
Question:
The Diary of St John Rivers (covering chapters 31-34).
Answer:
Dear Diary,
There are very little things that can move me: the missionary that I have resolved to be and the angel I saw in Ms Oliver's person. I did not think that within the course of a few days, I would need to be justifying both to Jane Eyre and myself.
That my late father had, as I put forth to Jane Eyre, "opposed the determination" to be a missionary only made me work harder to prove I could succeed. I believed it was my calling; my destiny; my duty to fulfill, as God desired.
And then there was Ms Oliver. Oh dear, sweet, beautiful Rosamond Oliver. If only we could have been. If only I could bring myself to take her as my own and take her with me where I deemed fit. But it was not to be. As I had told Jane Eyre during the last visit I paid her: "It is strange that while I love Rosamond Oliver so wildly – with all the intensity, indeed, of a first passion, the object of which is exquisitely beautiful, graceful, and fascinating – I experience at the same time a calm, unwarped consciousness that she would not make me a good wife; that she is not the partner suited to me; that I should discover this within a year after marriage; and that to twelve months' rapture would succeed a lifetime of regret. This I know."
Indeed, it was almost impossible to envision Rosamond Oliver a missionary's wife. (Though I must admit, that Jane Eyre could even bear to suggest I "relinquish that scheme" to be a missionary was even more impossible to envision.)
They cannot judge me. Ms Oliver was born "surrounded by suitors and flatterers", as I told my dear cousin. It would not be long before my existence in her memory was permanently erased. My cousin may suggest that I suffer in actual fact – and maybe she spoke the truth – but I am confident that I will do just as well without her as she will without me.
Oh, but Diary, I did not expect my dear cousin to press on the subject. Can you imagine it? She said that I "tremble and become flushed whenever Ms Oliver enters a schoolroom"! Was she so observant of my actions towards Ms Oliver to this extent? I really could not have foreseen this. In fact, I told her that there was something brave in her spirit as well as penetrating in her eye. Although with that declaration, I assured her that she had misinterpreted my emotions, because even as I am writing this, I am convinced she will bring me limited benefits.
In fact, she was to be married to someone else! I will not pen his name: I shudder – just barely – to think what kind of person Rosamond Oliver will be attached to. Instead, within the next few days, I had asked my cousin for her hand in marriage; to be a missionary's wife; "for my Sovereign's service."
I can imagine what other people would think. They would think that my marrying Jane Eyre meant I was succumbing to jealousy; that I claimed her to get even with Ms Oliver for having moved on so soon. Well, they would be very, very wrong. I am but dust and ashes, but I do not suffer this sense of my personal vileness to daunt me. I told Jane Eyre the exact some thing when I implored her to come with me to India.
As I said, however, my cousin was as stubborn as she was an Eyre. She told me that she would not go as my wife, but as my sister. She did not understand, Diary. She did not understand that adopted fraternity was strongly scrutinized. I told her to consider; that her sense would guide her, but she was persistent. She would not have me as her husband. She did not believe in a loveless marriage. She "scorned" it, actually. She said so, to my face, with no hesitation, guard or remorse for having done so.
Dear Diary, I will say that I was stunned, though I forced myself to remain calm. No gentleman would expose himself to such vulnerability. Yes, I said to Jane Eyre: "I scarcely expected to hear that expression from you. I think I have done and uttered nothing to deserve scorn."
Maybe I did. Maybe I was at fault for speaking such, as my cousin put it, "counterfeit sentiments". I once again say, I must not be judged: I believed that my 'scheme' was a long-cherished one, which could secure my great end. I assure you, though, that I did not press her further. I told her to think about my offer once more before giving me her final answer.
I will say that I acted childishly, shaking hands loosely when beckoned. I was offended, to say the least. To think that she would reject me so strongly, when I had nothing to hurt her or even cause her any discomfort. I just told her that I was not in the habit of cherishing the remembrance of vexation – yes, for I was vexed – and that I had nothing to forgive, not having been offended – yes, I lied. And then I left.
After reading this, will there still be people who judge me? Will there still be people who disapprove of me? Will there still be people who think I thought of marriage as a dark, twisted scheme?
Dear Diary, I did not care.
Teacher's comment: You stayed true to the text. Excellent!
~#~
And so that was St John Rivers' Diary :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
The Diary of St John Rivers (covering chapters 31-34).
Answer:
Dear Diary,
There are very little things that can move me: the missionary that I have resolved to be and the angel I saw in Ms Oliver's person. I did not think that within the course of a few days, I would need to be justifying both to Jane Eyre and myself.
That my late father had, as I put forth to Jane Eyre, "opposed the determination" to be a missionary only made me work harder to prove I could succeed. I believed it was my calling; my destiny; my duty to fulfill, as God desired.
And then there was Ms Oliver. Oh dear, sweet, beautiful Rosamond Oliver. If only we could have been. If only I could bring myself to take her as my own and take her with me where I deemed fit. But it was not to be. As I had told Jane Eyre during the last visit I paid her: "It is strange that while I love Rosamond Oliver so wildly – with all the intensity, indeed, of a first passion, the object of which is exquisitely beautiful, graceful, and fascinating – I experience at the same time a calm, unwarped consciousness that she would not make me a good wife; that she is not the partner suited to me; that I should discover this within a year after marriage; and that to twelve months' rapture would succeed a lifetime of regret. This I know."
Indeed, it was almost impossible to envision Rosamond Oliver a missionary's wife. (Though I must admit, that Jane Eyre could even bear to suggest I "relinquish that scheme" to be a missionary was even more impossible to envision.)
They cannot judge me. Ms Oliver was born "surrounded by suitors and flatterers", as I told my dear cousin. It would not be long before my existence in her memory was permanently erased. My cousin may suggest that I suffer in actual fact – and maybe she spoke the truth – but I am confident that I will do just as well without her as she will without me.
Oh, but Diary, I did not expect my dear cousin to press on the subject. Can you imagine it? She said that I "tremble and become flushed whenever Ms Oliver enters a schoolroom"! Was she so observant of my actions towards Ms Oliver to this extent? I really could not have foreseen this. In fact, I told her that there was something brave in her spirit as well as penetrating in her eye. Although with that declaration, I assured her that she had misinterpreted my emotions, because even as I am writing this, I am convinced she will bring me limited benefits.
In fact, she was to be married to someone else! I will not pen his name: I shudder – just barely – to think what kind of person Rosamond Oliver will be attached to. Instead, within the next few days, I had asked my cousin for her hand in marriage; to be a missionary's wife; "for my Sovereign's service."
I can imagine what other people would think. They would think that my marrying Jane Eyre meant I was succumbing to jealousy; that I claimed her to get even with Ms Oliver for having moved on so soon. Well, they would be very, very wrong. I am but dust and ashes, but I do not suffer this sense of my personal vileness to daunt me. I told Jane Eyre the exact some thing when I implored her to come with me to India.
As I said, however, my cousin was as stubborn as she was an Eyre. She told me that she would not go as my wife, but as my sister. She did not understand, Diary. She did not understand that adopted fraternity was strongly scrutinized. I told her to consider; that her sense would guide her, but she was persistent. She would not have me as her husband. She did not believe in a loveless marriage. She "scorned" it, actually. She said so, to my face, with no hesitation, guard or remorse for having done so.
Dear Diary, I will say that I was stunned, though I forced myself to remain calm. No gentleman would expose himself to such vulnerability. Yes, I said to Jane Eyre: "I scarcely expected to hear that expression from you. I think I have done and uttered nothing to deserve scorn."
Maybe I did. Maybe I was at fault for speaking such, as my cousin put it, "counterfeit sentiments". I once again say, I must not be judged: I believed that my 'scheme' was a long-cherished one, which could secure my great end. I assure you, though, that I did not press her further. I told her to think about my offer once more before giving me her final answer.
I will say that I acted childishly, shaking hands loosely when beckoned. I was offended, to say the least. To think that she would reject me so strongly, when I had nothing to hurt her or even cause her any discomfort. I just told her that I was not in the habit of cherishing the remembrance of vexation – yes, for I was vexed – and that I had nothing to forgive, not having been offended – yes, I lied. And then I left.
After reading this, will there still be people who judge me? Will there still be people who disapprove of me? Will there still be people who think I thought of marriage as a dark, twisted scheme?
Dear Diary, I did not care.
Teacher's comment: You stayed true to the text. Excellent!
~#~
And so that was St John Rivers' Diary :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
リトリチャ Ep 6
Okay, it's been a while, but I've got another Literature post today :D
* * *
Question:
Select your favourite poem. Why do like this poem?
Answer:
My favourite poem is The Last Duchess, written by Robert Browning. It is told from the persona’s point of view. He is speaking of his last duchess, who is most likely no longer in this world, since in the first two lines, he writes: ‘That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, looking as if she were alive’.
I like this poem the best of all the ones I have read so far because it speaks of the deep love the persona has for his duchess. He had had her painted by a very famous artist, Frà Pandolf, whom, in turn, produced a very beautiful painting of her. This is shown in the third and fourth line of the poem, stating: ‘Frà Pandolf’s hands worked busily a day, and there she stands’.
Apart from that, the persona respects his duchess’ privacy even in death. This is because he does not publish Pandolf’s work in public, as if to safeguard his late duchess from the world. Although, this may also be seen as the persona being very selfish because he does not want anyone else to see his duchess except those he permits. He makes that fact clear in the ninth and tenth line, when he says: ‘since none puts by the curtain I have drawn for you, but I’.
The writer also has the artist, Pandolf, praise the beauty of the duchess, saying: ‘Paint must never hope to reproduce the faint half-flush that dies along her throat’. I also fancy the characteristics of the duchess, whom was honest in her speech and graceful in her mannerisms. This is proved in the twenty ninth, thirtieth and thirty first line: ‘She rode with round the terrace – all and each would draw from her alike the approving speech, or blush, at least’.
While these are all admirable traits of the persona, which warrant my affinity for this particular poem, I also like the persona’s contradicting personality, which suggests he began mistreating his duchess. The most prominent line which describes this is the forty second, forty third, forty fifth and forty sixth line: ‘Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt, whene’er I passed her; but who passed without much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together’. This could mean that he set about abusing her since he started wanting more attention from her. Due to this growing greed, he unknowingly pushed her further away.
It is also amazing how the writer used Neptune’s taming of a sea horse to summarize how the persona feels for his duchess and what “taming” her led to, eventually. This was portrayed in the final lines of My Last Duchess: ‘Notice Neptune, though, taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!’
As a result, this poem definitely taught me a life lesson. Love comes in different forms, and while I definitely do not agree with some expressions, it tells me that nobody can predict how a person will react to love, except that it will only be acceptable in their eyes.
~#~
Yeah~ It's more like a "proving" assignment rather than just explaining why I like this poem -.- Either way, kudos to Madame S for introducing this poem to my brother and I :D
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
Select your favourite poem. Why do like this poem?
Answer:
My favourite poem is The Last Duchess, written by Robert Browning. It is told from the persona’s point of view. He is speaking of his last duchess, who is most likely no longer in this world, since in the first two lines, he writes: ‘That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, looking as if she were alive’.
I like this poem the best of all the ones I have read so far because it speaks of the deep love the persona has for his duchess. He had had her painted by a very famous artist, Frà Pandolf, whom, in turn, produced a very beautiful painting of her. This is shown in the third and fourth line of the poem, stating: ‘Frà Pandolf’s hands worked busily a day, and there she stands’.
Apart from that, the persona respects his duchess’ privacy even in death. This is because he does not publish Pandolf’s work in public, as if to safeguard his late duchess from the world. Although, this may also be seen as the persona being very selfish because he does not want anyone else to see his duchess except those he permits. He makes that fact clear in the ninth and tenth line, when he says: ‘since none puts by the curtain I have drawn for you, but I’.
The writer also has the artist, Pandolf, praise the beauty of the duchess, saying: ‘Paint must never hope to reproduce the faint half-flush that dies along her throat’. I also fancy the characteristics of the duchess, whom was honest in her speech and graceful in her mannerisms. This is proved in the twenty ninth, thirtieth and thirty first line: ‘She rode with round the terrace – all and each would draw from her alike the approving speech, or blush, at least’.
While these are all admirable traits of the persona, which warrant my affinity for this particular poem, I also like the persona’s contradicting personality, which suggests he began mistreating his duchess. The most prominent line which describes this is the forty second, forty third, forty fifth and forty sixth line: ‘Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt, whene’er I passed her; but who passed without much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together’. This could mean that he set about abusing her since he started wanting more attention from her. Due to this growing greed, he unknowingly pushed her further away.
It is also amazing how the writer used Neptune’s taming of a sea horse to summarize how the persona feels for his duchess and what “taming” her led to, eventually. This was portrayed in the final lines of My Last Duchess: ‘Notice Neptune, though, taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!’
As a result, this poem definitely taught me a life lesson. Love comes in different forms, and while I definitely do not agree with some expressions, it tells me that nobody can predict how a person will react to love, except that it will only be acceptable in their eyes.
~#~
Yeah~ It's more like a "proving" assignment rather than just explaining why I like this poem -.- Either way, kudos to Madame S for introducing this poem to my brother and I :D
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
リトリチャ Ep 5
^.^
* * *
Question:
What is your most hated opening line in a novel and why? What is the significance?
Answer:
"I scowl with frustration at myself in the mirror."
Unlike some people, in a novel, I prefer a positive or neutral opening line when I'm reading. That way, it does not make me feel angry and annoyed. It does little to help that it was written in the first-person point-of-view, which makes it all the more seem as if I really am frustrated with myself at that point of time.
The above sentence is the unfortunate opening line to E. L. James' novel, Fifty Shades of Grey. It had a catchy enough title to the 514-paged book, but reading it took a lot more will than reading any novel should have.
As I suspected, Fifty Shades of Grey told a very sadomasochistic story of a girl, Anastasia 'Ana' Steele, and her sadomasochistic desires to have a sadomasochistic relationship with a very rich, sadomasochistic man named Christian Grey.
That said, I believe writing a negative opening line says very little for a book, in my view, because the author/authoress is telling his/her audience that the book contains a story about a confused and self-deprecating main character. Therefore, if I had to name a book with my most hated opening line, it would be the one from E. L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey.
~#~
All true. My opinion only, by the way. Fans of that smut-filled book may stay fans, but I'm never going near any book of that chronology again.
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
What is your most hated opening line in a novel and why? What is the significance?
Answer:
"I scowl with frustration at myself in the mirror."
Unlike some people, in a novel, I prefer a positive or neutral opening line when I'm reading. That way, it does not make me feel angry and annoyed. It does little to help that it was written in the first-person point-of-view, which makes it all the more seem as if I really am frustrated with myself at that point of time.
The above sentence is the unfortunate opening line to E. L. James' novel, Fifty Shades of Grey. It had a catchy enough title to the 514-paged book, but reading it took a lot more will than reading any novel should have.
As I suspected, Fifty Shades of Grey told a very sadomasochistic story of a girl, Anastasia 'Ana' Steele, and her sadomasochistic desires to have a sadomasochistic relationship with a very rich, sadomasochistic man named Christian Grey.
That said, I believe writing a negative opening line says very little for a book, in my view, because the author/authoress is telling his/her audience that the book contains a story about a confused and self-deprecating main character. Therefore, if I had to name a book with my most hated opening line, it would be the one from E. L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey.
~#~
All true. My opinion only, by the way. Fans of that smut-filled book may stay fans, but I'm never going near any book of that chronology again.
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 4
Here's another one :)
* * *
Question:
Writing from Mr Rochester's point of view, compare and contrast Jane Eyre and Blanche Ingram's characters. Who is the better choice? Why?
Answer:
I still remember my first impression of Jane Eyre: troublesome. I remember her being the cause of the sprain of my ankle. Yet, as I waved for her to go, she finds a reason to stay and help. Her words ring in my head this very moment: "'I cannot think of leaving you, sir, at this late an hour, in this solitary lane, till I see you are fit to mount your horse.'"
Hah! As if I would have needed any help. Nonetheless, her sense of obligation left little room for argument. Yes, I believe I said necessity compels me to make her useful. And of course, I expressed my gratitude with a word of thanks. I am, after all, a gentleman.
Miss Eyre also proves to be of great help to my ward, however much she denies it. She believes she "has done nothing to entitle me to such an acknowledgement", to which I immediately refuted with "I have examined Adele, and find you have taken great pains with her: she is not bright, she has no talents; yet in a short time she has made much improvement." Yes, Miss Eyre falls back on over-modesty as much as one possibly can.
And what of her family? Why, with no parents, no siblings and no place to call home, one might expect a rogue child, yet through eight years in Lowood School, she has managed to become quite the accomplished lady. Although poorly, Miss Eyre is able to play the piano, sew and even sketch.
On the other hand, Blanche Ingram has had the great fortune of having everything served on a silver platter. Her siblings and her have had three governesses; all of which they scorned, and a mother whose personality is the epitome of a doting mother. Lady Ingram is ever so fond of dubbing her Blanche 'my dearest' and 'my best'.
I believe Blanche Ingram also looks down on Adele. She refers to Adele as a 'little doll' and asked where did I 'pick her up?', which, I must admit, I am not fond of because although Adele has little qualities as a lady, she is still my ward.
Unlike Miss Eyre, Miss Ingram had siblings and parents she could call family. She had Theodore, Mary Ingram and Lady and Lord Ingram. They have had much fun teasing their governesses, Miss Wilsons, Mrs Grey and Madame Joubert. Miss Eyre had nothing of the sort.
Quite frankly speaking, although Blanche Ingram would benefit me more in terms of social status and finance, she would bring me lesser joy and merriment than when compared to Jane Eyre. I must say I prefer someone who has tasted the bitterness of poverty and savoured the sweetness of an average life.
Therefore, my affections are for Jane Eyre alone.
Comment: Well-written. Comment also on JE's intellectual capabilities that matches Mr R.
~#~
I am fully aware that I did not provide any similarities although there are plenty differences. I will be sure to work on that :D Hehe.
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
Writing from Mr Rochester's point of view, compare and contrast Jane Eyre and Blanche Ingram's characters. Who is the better choice? Why?
Answer:
I still remember my first impression of Jane Eyre: troublesome. I remember her being the cause of the sprain of my ankle. Yet, as I waved for her to go, she finds a reason to stay and help. Her words ring in my head this very moment: "'I cannot think of leaving you, sir, at this late an hour, in this solitary lane, till I see you are fit to mount your horse.'"
Hah! As if I would have needed any help. Nonetheless, her sense of obligation left little room for argument. Yes, I believe I said necessity compels me to make her useful. And of course, I expressed my gratitude with a word of thanks. I am, after all, a gentleman.
Miss Eyre also proves to be of great help to my ward, however much she denies it. She believes she "has done nothing to entitle me to such an acknowledgement", to which I immediately refuted with "I have examined Adele, and find you have taken great pains with her: she is not bright, she has no talents; yet in a short time she has made much improvement." Yes, Miss Eyre falls back on over-modesty as much as one possibly can.
And what of her family? Why, with no parents, no siblings and no place to call home, one might expect a rogue child, yet through eight years in Lowood School, she has managed to become quite the accomplished lady. Although poorly, Miss Eyre is able to play the piano, sew and even sketch.
On the other hand, Blanche Ingram has had the great fortune of having everything served on a silver platter. Her siblings and her have had three governesses; all of which they scorned, and a mother whose personality is the epitome of a doting mother. Lady Ingram is ever so fond of dubbing her Blanche 'my dearest' and 'my best'.
I believe Blanche Ingram also looks down on Adele. She refers to Adele as a 'little doll' and asked where did I 'pick her up?', which, I must admit, I am not fond of because although Adele has little qualities as a lady, she is still my ward.
Unlike Miss Eyre, Miss Ingram had siblings and parents she could call family. She had Theodore, Mary Ingram and Lady and Lord Ingram. They have had much fun teasing their governesses, Miss Wilsons, Mrs Grey and Madame Joubert. Miss Eyre had nothing of the sort.
Quite frankly speaking, although Blanche Ingram would benefit me more in terms of social status and finance, she would bring me lesser joy and merriment than when compared to Jane Eyre. I must say I prefer someone who has tasted the bitterness of poverty and savoured the sweetness of an average life.
Therefore, my affections are for Jane Eyre alone.
Comment: Well-written. Comment also on JE's intellectual capabilities that matches Mr R.
~#~
I am fully aware that I did not provide any similarities although there are plenty differences. I will be sure to work on that :D Hehe.
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
リトリチャ Ep 3
Okie dokie desu :) Instead of a day-to-day post, let's have yet another Literature post? :D
* * *
Question:
What is your favourite opening line in a novel and why? What is the significance?
Answer:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
The above sentence is the opening line of Jane Austen's work, Pride and Prejudice. It is also my favourite opening line in a novel. For one, it has a very big impact on the reader about what the story will be about. It is also amazing how the authoress has pinpointed such a truth about the way life is led to stimulate interest within her audience and spur them to read on.
An opening line delivers a very important message to the readers. It tells us what we are about to read. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial for the authoress to write an attractive opening line so readers do not instinctively close the book the second they read the opening line.
Pride and Prejudice is about the story of a girl whose mother believes is her (the mother's) responsibility to have each of her five daughters married into wealthy families. She soon sees her opportunity when she hears of a very wealthy gentleman by the name of Charles Bingley who comes to town with his friend, Darcy. While Mr Bingley is soon very well received by society, Mr Darcy, who seems proud and condescending by nature, is deemed disagreeable and rude.
Despite this, romance builds between the characters in the novel, such as between Mr Bingley and Jane Bennett and between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. Pride and Prejudice is indeed excellent reading material, filled with satire and moral values very profoundly linked to marriage.
Therefore, it is to my belief that Jane Austen could not have written a better opening line to depict her story. And with that said, I have justified my reasons for liking this opening line the best in any novel.
~#~
I had a little help from my sister remembering the line, hehe :P And I know I did quite a shitty job with this question, I hope that with proper guidance, I'll be able to do a better job with other questions next time :D
です~!! :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
* * *
Question:
What is your favourite opening line in a novel and why? What is the significance?
Answer:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
The above sentence is the opening line of Jane Austen's work, Pride and Prejudice. It is also my favourite opening line in a novel. For one, it has a very big impact on the reader about what the story will be about. It is also amazing how the authoress has pinpointed such a truth about the way life is led to stimulate interest within her audience and spur them to read on.
An opening line delivers a very important message to the readers. It tells us what we are about to read. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial for the authoress to write an attractive opening line so readers do not instinctively close the book the second they read the opening line.
Pride and Prejudice is about the story of a girl whose mother believes is her (the mother's) responsibility to have each of her five daughters married into wealthy families. She soon sees her opportunity when she hears of a very wealthy gentleman by the name of Charles Bingley who comes to town with his friend, Darcy. While Mr Bingley is soon very well received by society, Mr Darcy, who seems proud and condescending by nature, is deemed disagreeable and rude.
Despite this, romance builds between the characters in the novel, such as between Mr Bingley and Jane Bennett and between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. Pride and Prejudice is indeed excellent reading material, filled with satire and moral values very profoundly linked to marriage.
Therefore, it is to my belief that Jane Austen could not have written a better opening line to depict her story. And with that said, I have justified my reasons for liking this opening line the best in any novel.
~#~
I had a little help from my sister remembering the line, hehe :P And I know I did quite a shitty job with this question, I hope that with proper guidance, I'll be able to do a better job with other questions next time :D
です~!! :D
CIAO!!
P/S: Please click on my Nuffnang ads :) Thanks!!
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