'In The Bloody Chamber, childhood fairytales become the stuff of adult nightmares.' How far do you agree with this statement.
In The Bloody Chamber, childhood fairytales become the stuff of adult nightmares.’ It is instantly evident that the stories in The Bloody Chamber have been written by Carter in order to shock the reader, as they do contain many elements which are widely associated with fear and nightmares. The stories in The Bloody Chamber are re-workings of traditional fairytales, but it should not always be assumed that the original ‘childhood’ fairytales did not possess any themes or dark imagery related to what may be related to an adult nightmare. In fact, it can be argued that many of the childhood fairytales did contain controversial elements, such as an exploration of sexuality, but they were masked by seemingly innocent characters and morals. Every individual story in The Bloody Chamber does deal with issues which may be considered the stuff of adult nightmares; the themes explored, symbols incorporated and even the language used creates an eerie aura which are likely to affect the adult mind, and in this respect they can be compared to an adult nightmare. A nightmare can be defined as ‘A dream arousing feelings of intense fear, horror, and distress.’, and The Bloody Chamber includes all of these. Fear is felt by the reader as a result of the intense descriptions present and language used throughout the stories; the settings are described to minute details, creating an
To what extent are gender stereotypes reinforced or challenged in your chosen story from The Bloody Chamber?
To what extent are gender stereotypes reinforced or challenged in your chosen story from “The Bloody Chamber”? The ‘Lady of the House of Love’ just as a title, creates a very simple image in terms of gender stereotypes; the female role being the obedient, or arguably oppressed, housewife and the male role being the breadwinner and the figure of authority within a patriarchal society. The title thus initiates the notion of the “angel of the house”; in the 1800’s the “angel of the house” was the wife who played a passive role within the household. The timeframe in which “The Lady of The House of Love” is set is ambiguous in the sense that the reader is given little information as to its timeframe. The time in which a story is set has a major influence on the gender roles and whether they’d support or defy the ‘stereotype’ of being male or female. The only evidence we have that suggests it is set in the early 1900’s as there is a mention of World War 1, and the soldier’s fate in “the trenches of France”. However at a glance, the reader may assume that gender roles based from the 1800’s is what the title suggests. However, The Countess or the “Lady of The House” can be shown not to play the classic passive female role, and is more empowered than the title first suggests. The Countess can be interpreted to be symbolic of the trapped
Close Reading of "The Bloody Chamber" pages 11 to top of 15
Antonia JaiyeolaNorma The Bloody Chamber The Bloody Chamber pages 11 to top of 15 In this extract the unnamed narrator and the Marquis consummate their marriage. We see this build up to their consummation where the Marquis teases her, enjoying her discomfort. Left about in the ‘library’ she discovers a ‘Rops’ picture which is symbolic of their own relationship yet, ironically she is not aware of the similarities in her own relationship. [Delighted to have found her entranced with what she had seen], he relishes in her naivety and finally takes her virginity. [Leaving her feeling exposed, he announces his departure for America.] Within these four pages, Carter uses their sexual encounter to explore patriarchy through the characteristics of the Marquis and his control and dominant treatment of the girl, reinforcing the Gothic nature of Carter’s writing. Carter begins by using a simile to compare the girl to food: “gourmand that he was, as if he were stripping the leaves of an artichoke.” The fact that the Marquis is described as ‘gourmand’ implies that he is an expert at what he does and therefore takes advantage of his power. In addition, the imagery of the girl as an ‘artichoke’ suggests cannibalism, reinforcing his beastly attributes. The verbal pre-modification “Stripping” symbolises the Marquis taking away her innocence. Carter uses the
Explore Carter's use of Shakespeare in the novel 'Wise Children'
Explore Carter's Use of Shakespeare in the novel 'Wise Children' Carter continually uses Shakespeare throughout the novel, Carter uses a countless number of Shakespearian references throughout the novel almost too many to be deemed realistic which as a result conforms the novel to magic realism. The structure of the novel itself is similar to a Shakespeare play as the novel comprises five chapters whilst a Shakespearian play comprises five acts. Carter also shows how art emulates life as Ranulph Hazard is seen as being unable to differentiate between art and real life. Ultimately Carter's main use of Shakespeare is trying to bring Shakespeare back to low culture as Shakespeare has become the epitome of high culture which is evident through characters such as Melchior and Ranulph. Carter uses an endless array of Shakespeare references many of which apply to normal everyday situations 'Perhaps Shakespeare had eaten such a soup'. Many of the Shakespeare references used in the novel can be seen as ultimately unnecessary which begs the question: Why does Carter use such an array of references? To the extent where her home is a reference to Shakespeare, '49 Bard Road' in this instant art emulates life as Carter associates Dora's home with Shakespeare. Combined with the number of absurd references conforms Wise Children to magic realism as the readers will be unable to determine
Show how Angela Carter presents Saskia and Imogen in the novel
Using the extract as your starting point, show how Angela Carter presents Saskia and Imogen in the novel "Wise Children" "Oh Saskia, Saskia," said the Lady A. "Don't stand in the way of your father's last chance of happiness-" Saskia picked up the birthday cake on its plate and pitched it against an apple tree. It shattered. Crumbs and candles scattered everywhere. Then she started to break the pots, throwing the dessert plates on the ground and stamping on them. Imogen, giggling in a febrile manner, laid about her smashing glasses with her ribboned crook, sparing nothing. When he saw his caterpillars reduced to pulp, Perry gave a piteous whimper. The Lady A., apprehending carnage among her heritage tableware, started to wring her hands and undulate while Saskia's wails approached hysteria, whereupon Melchior smartly smacked her cheek, the way they do in the movies. "Stop that, young lady!" She shut up at once, put her hand to her cheek, stared at him incredulously with her blue Lynde eyes. Then, tears. He took her in his arms, murmuring, "Hush, hush, darling." She shook him off and flounced into the house, slamming the door behind her, followed a minute or two later by Imogen, except that Imogen had to open the door her sister had just slammed before she could slam it herself. The rest of us were left staring at one another across the broken crockery and I
WRITE ABOUT THE WAYS IN WHICH ANGELA CARTER USING SYMBOLISM AND OTHER LITERARY TECHNIQUES TO TELL THE STORY IN THE BLOODY CHAMBER(TM).
WRITE ABOUT THE WAYS IN WHICH ANGELA CARTER USING SYMBOLISM AND OTHER LITERARY TECHNIQUES TO TELL THE STORY IN 'THE BLOODY CHAMBER'. 'The Bloody Chamber' was published in 1979 along with nine other short stories in an anthology called 'Burning Your Boats'. They are all of which are based on well known fairytales. Angela Carter chose to write 'The Bloody Chamber' based on the fairytale 'Bluebeard' with key plot events and characters being very similar. The story is about a young seventeen year old woman on her honeymoon with her new much older husband. Eventually, she discovers his past pleasures of murdering his previous wives when the reader understands that this is too her fate she is rescued by her mother. Carter, being recognized for her feminist, magical realism and science fiction works, used a lot of symbolism, imagery and other literary techniques to portray her views. Symbolism is used in great use in 'The Bloody Chamber' to refer to abstract ideas rather than literal properties. Red for example is used in many places to connote blood. The main symbol of this is the red choker that the Marquis gives to the narrator as a wedding gift. She describes it as 'like an extraordinary precious slit throat', Carter uses a simile to liken the necklace between a 'slit throat' to foreshadow the Marquis' desire to behead the narrator which in the reader does not know yet. The
How Far and in what ways, do you think that narrative variety is important to the overall effectiveness of The Bloody Chamber collection?
How Far and in what ways, do you think that narrative variety is important to the overall effectiveness of The Bloody Chamber collection? Angela Carter uses many different narrative techniques in The Bloody Chamber collection. Her main inspiration is obviously from fairy tales and Carter adopts many techniques from the folkloric genre. Yet her stories are made more contemporary by the way in which she fuses this tradition with other styles, allowing her to satirise the society that she wrote for. Paragraph one: Folkloric Techniques Point- Carter uses a lot of techniques from fairy tales. Examples- there is a lot of examples: a) The simple sentence structure in the opening of the werewolf (W) for example. She often also misses out conjunctures. b) The opening of the company of wolves (CW) is an amalgamation of folklore. What effect does this have on the story? To me it creates an unreal world that is dangerous. The use of all the superstition gives it a rich and gives the impression of the aural tradition of passing down generations. c) Anonymous, there is no names for the majority of the characters. What is the purpose of this narrative device? Is Carter removing personality from the characters and making the lessons apply to all women? "If she deals with established stereotypes in The Bloody Chamber rather than fully-fleshed out characters, then this is because
Consider the importance and presentation of Dora in the opening chapter of the novel
Consider the importance and presentation of Dora in the opening chapter of the novel In this essay, I will be discussing the importance and presentation of Dora in the opening chapter. In addition, I will distinguish between the voice of Dora and the voice of the narrator. Dora is important to the novel because she introduces the theme of relationship between the illegitimacy and legitimacy in life; this refers to family and theatre. Dora's family consists of many twins; Dora herself was an identical twin with Nora. They were the biologically illegitimate daughters of Melchior Hazard and 'Pretty Kitty' but they are illegally the daughters of Peregrine Hazard. Peregrine Hazard and Melchior Hazard are fraternal twins. Although Peregrine and Melchior were twins, they were both very different in appearance, attitude, and personality. Dora's illegitimate stepmother, Atlanta Lynde (AKA wheelchair) was a bit of an awkward women, she moaned about what clothes he wore. They also had illegitimate children staying with them because Dora and Nora believed heavily in adoption. They also have the illegitimacy and legitimacy in the aspect of theatre. Dora is very enthusiastic about the theatre and she loves all of the famous plays by Shakespeare. All through the novel there are many references to Shakespeare's plays, for example "A star danced", "how the mighty have fallen", Ranulph
Explain how carter uses language to change the voice of the narrator throughout the bloody chamber
Explain how carter uses language to change the voice of the narrator throughout the bloody chamber Carter uses language devices to reflect change in the narrator's voice throughout. For example, "most pornographic of confrontations" this is metaphorical imagery. As pornography is sex from a secondary perspective this shows the narrators reaction to the prospect of sex, an element of self detachment, as pornography is the act of sex as viewed from an outsider. This show's that the narrator feels vulnerable and uncomfortable with the proposed sexual act. It could suggest that she is using metaphorical imagery to emotionally distance herself from the situation, as to describe a potential sexual encounter using language other than what is literally occurring could suggest that she is trying to remove her feelings from it. However, the mention of pornography could outline the feeling of shame the narrator feels, as it is affiliated with social taboos and embarrassment. This would show that through her materialistic intent she is begrudgingly in a sexual situation, with the man she is only with for his fortune. She might feel like a prostitute through this, and therefore shameful for her choices. Carter uses this device to express that sex should be entirely consensual, not just through acceptance of it, but for both partners to want to under no pressure or feeling of shame.
The Bloody Chamber analysis pg 17-19
The Bloody Chamber -pg. 17-19 "she had robed herself involuntarily in a blush that reddened her breasts, her shoulders, her arms, her whole body?" - Gothic colour of red: love, passion, blood. Involuntarily suggests she had no power in the decision. Perhaps foreshadows her head being "reddened" by the key. "when he first undressed me" - she does not undress herself. She is not in control "the foolish Virgins" - the bride entered the marriage with little knowledge of the man she was really marrying. "your thin white face.....your thin white face, with its promise of debauchery" - white: innocence, purity. "promise of debauchery" is the achievement the marquis sees his bride as. He wishes to coax her away from her virginity. "a shower of sparks" - possibly represents orgasm (mini-death). Linked with the symbol of the Opal, and its connotations with bad luck, the reader can associate sex with death. A typical feature of the gothic. "I felt giddy as I were on the edge of a precipice" - sexual anticipation for when her husband returns from America. Further emphasises the close link between sex and death. "monstrous presence" - he is well endowed? "always subtly oppressed me" - she never feels in control. Typically passive "reborn in unfamiliar shapes. I hardly recognised myself from his descriptions of me...." - she is used goods. Her value has decreased. "in the red