Critics suggest that Wuthering Heights is a novel concerned with boundaries. Explore the effect of these boundaries in relation to the relationship of Catherine and Heathcliff.
Critics suggest that 'Wuthering Heights' is a novel concerned with boundaries. Explore the effect of these boundaries in relation to the relationship of Catherine and Heathcliff. Throughout 'Wuthering Heights', physical and metaphorical boundaries are crucial in communicating Emily Brontë's moral messages about the position of women in 19th Century society and the barriers separating individuals of different social status. Both of these themes are conveyed by the relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff as Catherine is forced to forsake her true love and instead marry Edgar Linton because he is socially acceptable, "And he will be rich, and I shall like to be the greatest woman of the neighbourhood, and I shall be proud of having such a husband" and Heathcliff is of lower social standing, "It would degrade [Catherine] to marry Heathcliff". The social barrier between Heathcliff and Catherine manifests itself in a myriad of ways during the novel and is eventually broken by Hareton and Cathy- the new generation of residents on the moors. This conclusion was clearly a statement of intent from Emily Brontë which suggested the oppressive boundaries of the 19th Century patriarchal society would ultimately be eradicated by a new generation of Britons- a view which was vindicated after Brontë's tragic death, as the Suffragettes earned women the right to vote and various
Is it possible to see Elizabeth Bennet as a feminist heroine?
Is it possible to see Elizabeth Bennet as a feminist heroine? Elizabeth Bennet is perhaps the least conventional of Austen's characters, and certainly does not conform to what her society expected of her in the way of being submissive. Austen herself admitted that 'pictures of perfection ... make me sick and wicked', and so our lovable protagonist Elizabeth is set apart from the traditional heroine with her independence of mind, and courage to challenge accepted role of women. To the modern day reader her refusal to be the demure, submissive ideal woman of the conduct books written by such a Hannah Moore, insisting 'girls ... should early acquire a submissive temper and a forbearing spirit' allows her to appear a feminist heroine. By refusing two offers of marriage Elizabeth exercises her only available method of choice, as Henry Tilney of Austen's Northanger Abbey points out 'Man has the advantage of choice, woman only the power of refusal'. This demonstration of control earns our respect for Elizabeth as a heroine, and it certainly challenges the society's insistence on the significance of class distinction, appealing to the modern reader. Feminist critics Gilbert and Gubar assert that 'Elizabeth stands out as a young woman who has no intention of following the prescription of restraint and submission for the achievement of happiness'. She demonstrates this with the manner
Critical Essay: 'The Catcher In the Rye' "Choose a novel which deals with the theme of isolation. By referring to the novel closely, examine the techniques the writer uses to portray this theme."
Critical Essay: 'The Catcher In the Rye' "Choose a novel which deals with the theme of isolation. By referring to the novel closely, examine the techniques the writer uses to portray this theme." 'The Catcher In the Rye', written by J.D. Salinger is a bildungsroman in which Holden Caulfield, a misanthropic sixteen-year-old, narrates a story concerning three, eventful days of his life. Among the several themes successfully portrayed throughout the novel, the theme of isolation is most prominent, as Holden constantly feels detached from the society in which he lives. The reasons for this are various but are mainly due to the fact that Holden is unhappy with the world he lives in and what it values. His dislikes for the world around him cause him to withdraw into a state of isolation and this serves as a form of self-protection from the 'phonies' that he finds so unbearable. It is at the start of the novel that that Holden is initially perceived as being an outsider to the society around him. At 'Pencey Prep.', he reveals his strong emotions on a number of instances and the reader soon learns that he does not appear to have any true friends. An example of this is shown after his fight with Stradlater when he admits to himself that he was "feeling so lonesome and rotten, I even felt like waking Ackley up". This quotation clearly illustrates the extent of Holden's loneliness
The Gothic Elements of Wuthering Heights
'The Gothic elements of Wuthering Heights are made credible by the novel's setting and narrators.' How far would you agree with this view? Some would argue that the novel's setting is particularly important in establishing the novels Gothic elements, in particular relations between past and present, the medieval and modernity. The contrast between the two houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, for instance, which has been seen as carrying such metaphysical significance, is not left a generalised level, but is grounded in specific details which reveal the time, place, and class of their opponents. The house at Wuthering Heights is a functional place, marked by dogs, guns and oatcakes which are part of a feudal agricultural economy, while Thrushcross Grange is a place of leisure, distinctly Victorian aristocratic, characterised by products of other people's labour - carpets, chandeliers, sweet cakes, and lap dogs. It is therefore possible to extract historical opposition between these two settings, with the Earnshaws, the yeomen farmers who work of the land, being replaced by the genteel way of the Lintons who live of their rents. This relationship with the past, which is juxtaposed with the 'new' world of Victorian decadence, is an important element of the Gothic which is brought to life by Bronte's description of these different abodes and their occupants. The
How does Jane Austen present Mr Collins in Pride and Prejudice
How does Jane Austen present the character of Mr Collins in chapters 13-16 of Pride and Prejudice? The character of Mr Collins is introduced by Jane Austen once the initial stage has been set for the novel-that of the Bennet family, Mr and Mrs Bennet and their five unmarried daughters. Mr Collins is a cousin of Mr Bennet and stands to inherit their property as the only male heir. Mrs Bennet refers to Mr Collins as 'that odious man' and also 'a man whom nobody cared anything about'. However this opinion was formed before the two were acquainted and is based on her feelings of injustice that Mr Collins stands to inherit Longbourn on the death of Mr Bennet. Mr Collins is a clergyman and would have held a respectable position in Jane Austen's society. He wishes to obtain a wife because in the eyes of society it is time for him to settle and be married, his sponsor Lady Catherine de Bourgh has advised him to marry and he is keen to comply with her wishes. Pride and Prejudice was originally called First Impressions and it is through the letter that Mr Bennet receives that we learn of Mr Collins and our very own first impressions are formed. Jane Austen's choice to introduce Mr Collins to us in the form of a letter gives us an idea to his formal personality and to his social awkwardness. The letter shows him to be very pompous in style, referring greatly to the fact that he was so
Chapter 35 essay on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice".
AS English Literature How does Austen tell the story in Chapter 35? (20 marks) Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen is a well written and respected novel. Throughout Pride and Prejudice Austen uses a range of different narrative techniques in order to interest and inform her audience. Austen takes on a different aspect in Chapter 35 in the form of letters. In this essay I will attempt to show how Austen tells the story in Chapter 35 and the effect it has on the novel. Austen opens Chapter 35 with 'free indirect style', this is a form of narrative voice in which a character's thoughts and feelings seem to be directly expressed, freely taking on views and often the language of that character. 'Elizabeth awoke the next morning to the same thoughts and mediations which had at length closed her eyes'. This is an obvious example of free indirect style it takes on the thoughts and feeling of Elizabeth and allows the reader to emotionally engage with her. Austen cleverly uses this technique to allow the reader to create an intimate and emotionally engaging relationship with Elizabeth. By using this narrative technique at the opening of the chapter this allows the reader to connect to the character so throughout the chapter the reader can take on the thoughts and feelings of Elizabeth. 'Free indirect style' is a subtle take on 'stream of consciousness' and refers to the
Dracula Essay. Focussing on chapter fourteen, to what extent do you think that, in Dracula, Stoker cannot provide answers to every question?
Focussing on chapter fourteen, to what extent do you think that, in Dracula, Stoker cannot provide answers to every question? During the Victorian era the advancement of technology was immense. Van Helsing and Dr Seward are the two characters who do the most debating on science and scientific method. In chapter fourteen Dr Seward describes his predicament: 'I do not know what to think, and I have no data on which to found a conjecture'. It is, therefore, quite clear that these two characters face difficulties, this is because, the supernatural events in Dracula conflict with their rational and religious beliefs. Significantly, Van Helsing asks Dr Seward 'To believe in things that you cannot', seemingly highlighting the apparent conflict between science and the supernatural. Stoker introduces the supernatural in chapter one, with the 'wolves, with white teeth and lolling red tongues' that the coach driver - presumably Dracula - appears to control, as well as the 'blue flames'. This early introduction of supernatural phenomena prepares the reader for the horrific and violent acts in the novel, whilst also, presenting a sense of uncertainty as there appears to be no explanation for these uncanny events. It could, therefore, be suggested that Stoker is setting up the idea that there is not always an answer to every question. Van Helsing acknowledges that there are some
English Literature - Atonement (Essay 1)
By analysing two passages from Atonement, consider ways in which McEwan presents the transition between the child and adult world The prime method by which McEwan presents the transition between the child and adult world in Atonement is through specific focus on the behaviour and motivations of one character, Briony Tallis. Taking a psychological and personal approach, McEwan addresses the complexities of adolescence, "the ill-defined transitional space between the nursery and adult worlds"1, and the various archetypal effects, usually of a sexual nature, that affect a child with little or no experience of adult life. Briony, it would seem, is a character trapped in a bubble, who requires the intervention of internal and external forces in order to break into the world of adulthood. The two passages selected specifically show the distinction - or, indeed, lack of - between child and adult Briony, her coming to being and her realisation of the 'crime' "for which she will spend the rest of her life trying to atone"2. Part One mainly concerns McEwan developing a prevailing aura of obscurity and anticipation, with young Briony having intercepted a vulgar letter that she believes confirms Robbie Turner as a 'maniac'. The Part focuses on two differing viewpoints; those of Briony and the rest of the world; dropping her in solitude. The paradox is that while Briony is attempting to
The role of minor characters in the novel, The Great Gatsby
A work of literature would not be complete without the pair; major characters and minor characters. While major characters lead the story, minor characters supports it and also add to the key elements of the story. This is particularly evident in the novel, The Great Gatsby, by F.Scott Fitzgerald. This novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, and throughout the novel, he is introduced to many other minor characters namely Myrtle, Jordan Baker, and George Wilson. The author has strategically placed these minor characters as instruments in the plot to add variety to the story, support the development of the main character, and also to accentuate the overall theme of the novel -. In The Great Gatsby, minor characters are essential to the progression of the plot because it is through minor characters where foils to the main characters are aroused. This can be seen through Myrtle's character and George Wilson's awareness of her relationship with another man. After the incident of Myrtle's death, George believed that her lover was also her murderer. "It was the man in that car. She ran out to speak to him and he wouldn't stop." This misconception of his was a significant piece of the novel's plot as it led to the murder of the protagonist in the novel, Jay Gatsby. In other words, George Wilson was the one responsible for Gatsby's death and this is shown in the quote; "It was after we
How do Scott Fitzgerald and Hunter S thompson portray the villain in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' and 'The Great Gatsby'
How Do Scott Fitzgerald and Hunter S. Thompson portray the villain in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' and 'the Great Gatsby'? In The Great Gatsby and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Scott Fitzgerald and Hunter S. Thompson use a villain as contrast to represent the ugly side of 'the American Dream'. The two novels are set in different time periods and so the severity of each character's actions and the effect they have differ in relation to the environment they are in. However in both there is a consistent theme of greed and self indulgence which is portrayed as a predominant common trait in the villains. The comparison between these two characters arises in the extent to which they exploit wealth and their surroundings to distort the freedom aspired to in the American Dream. In The Great Gatsby it can be considered that the villain is Tom Buchanan. He is the embodiment of greed, selfishness and self indulgence and represented as expressing traits characteristic of what would be considered a villain during the time Gatsby was written. To a modern day reader Tom can be regarded as racist when he makes comments such as "there are great things happening in Germany at the moment". This adds to his villainous portrayal. Similarly to Dr Gonzo, Tom is in a powerful position amongst his fellow characters and abuses this status to manipulate his peers as a way of getting what he
