In the second paragraph the author explains that Cloisterham, because of its religious status it was unwilling to show any hospitality to anyone with unworthy desires and not of the same religious statute as their inhabitants. Also in the same paragraph he introduces social classes and social divides, were he tells of how the decomposed bodies of the Bishops and Archbishops were fertilising the fields of the farmers, indicating that the less fortunate have inherited the richness and wealth of the hierarchy.
The use of archaic language is more prevalent in the 3rd paragraph and this tells me that the passage was written in the 19th century. Alliteration is also at work in this paragraph,
So silent are the streets of Cloisterham, that of a summer-day the sunblinds of its shops scarce dare to flap in the south wind.
Again this tells the reader of the importance of a town that needs great respect, order and isolation. He uses a simile to describe the shape and structure to a Quakeress’s bonnet and this being that Quaker is again a reminder to the religious upstanding of the town.
The use of repetition and broad vowel assonance in the 4th paragraph signifies that the town of Cloisterham has the same monotonous feel to it and everything about it is tradition and change would be improbable. His description of the hoarse cathedral bell and rooks alike, say a lot about the hauntedness of such a town and the only acceptable sound is that of the continuous ringing of the bell. Also in this paragraph he explains the religious values that are embedded in the minds of the community, this is also factual today were religion is also instilled in the minds from past generations.
He tells us of the pawnbroker and that he no longer takes pledges as it would be deemed as an act of sin, but he still tries to sell what merchandise he has, the description of the merchandise is somewhat similar to the community, old, dim, dejected and in slow perspiration. The theatre again would be a sign of sinfulness and therefore stands abandoned, whereas the actor is depicted as the demon bringing corruption and unworthiness to such a holy and sacred town. The only progression to life in the town is the vegetation life, were it grows and dies depending on the season, unlike the generations throughout the ages where religion was their main agenda and goal and seemingly will always be.
The final piece of the passage lets the reader know of such wealth and richness of the town, where the town itself is shadowed by the opposing appearance of the nun’s house, not to mention the splendour of the immense cathedral. Symbolism has a vast presence in the passage, and symbolism is extensively common in churches and different religions. The author also gives the reader an insight to the wealth and grandeur that surrounds religion due to the magnificent cathedrals and overwhelming religious monuments.
Imagery in the passage is one of a boring, tedious life, although it has changed a great deal from the ancient times of Cloisterham, a lot of people are still of the same religious mind today. His use of words such as drowsy, antiquity and oppressive make the passage seem all to severe and depressing, but I think the writer set out to do this as the whole description of the town is about ancient times and the way we live and think and how religion can sometimes take control of our lives. He also uses the storybook depiction of Jack and the Beanstalk to signify the ploughman grinding the bones of the decomposed bodies for his bread.
The author has definitely expressed himself throughout the passage, he explains that religion began before time and throughout the centuries it has become more of a tradition inherited, rather than an act of faith or belief.
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