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Saturday, March 28, 2015

Literary Analysis Essay of ‘The Necklace’ by Guy de Maupassant



Literary Analysis Essay of ‘The Necklace’ by Guy de Maupassant
Guy de Maupassant’s ‘the Necklace’ is a short story that describes the tale of Mathilde Loisel and the experience she had with a diamond necklace. In providing context, de Maupassant introduces Mathilde’s character as one who is not happy about her social standing. More often than not, she is described as someone who aspires to get material things such as fancy jewelry and clothing. She believes that these possessions remain to be important for her to maintain her desirability (de Maupassant 1). As the story progresses, Mathilde suddenly faced the problem of replacing the lost diamond necklace she borrowed from Madame Forestier. It is through this experience that she and her husband struggled to pay off their debt only to find out in the end that their efforts were futile because the diamonds were not real.
Looking closely, the setting of the story was set in 19th century France where social standing remained to be evident particularly on the manner that a woman dressed and possessed material things. Using the point of view by Mathilde, readers are able to understand her viewpoints and consider the reasons as to why she continues to strive for material things and social events (Bernardo 1). Equally, the story also showcases the use of symbolism and literary devices such as irony to offer lessons to readers. For instance, by using descriptions between Mathilde and her high class counterparts, de Maupassant is able to connect to readers and help them appreciate that there is more to life than material wealth and possessions.
The short story can also be analyzed with de Maupassant use of symbolisms in the story. The most evident is of course the necklace that Mathilde borrowed from Madame Forestier. This remains to be an important instrument in telling the story. It shows that beyond the elegance and prestige associated with this jewelry remains to be nothing more than just a material accessory used by people (Drusset 1). Since Mathilde was so fixated with trying to replace the diamond necklace, it led to her miserable life. In addition, due to her inability to accept her current social position it eventually led to her downfall. The necklace clearly remains to be a symbolism of man’s continued reliance and hold to material things. Rather than focusing on the intangible things, it becomes a motivation that people seek to pursue. This remains to be the case for Mathilde that eventually led to further problems.
Lastly, there is de Maupassant’s use of irony in the story. This remains to be manifested in the ending of the story when Madame Forestier revealed that the diamond necklace was a fake. Seeing this, it particularly shows that looks can be deceiving especially for material things. Arguably, this can also be the case of Mathilde as she continues to try to act beyond her position and thus resulted to further problems and the couple suffering to pay off their debt only to find out that their efforts through the years were futile and unnecessary.
In the end, ‘the Necklace’ by Guy de Maupassant remains to be a good story due to his ability to utilize different literary elements to express his point. By using symbolism, he is able to portray the relevance of the necklace to Mathilde’s character. Equally, the application of irony in the end offers readers to appreciate the lessons he seeks to impart and highlights that there are far more important things other than material possessions. Though it might be a sad ending for Mathilde, it serves as an example to readers about potential consequences of such actions.
Works Cited
Bernardo, Karen. ‘An Analysis of Guy de Maupassant’s ‘The Necklace’ Storybites. 2006. Web.
Accessed 13 July 2014.
de Maupassant, Guy. ‘The Necklace’ The Short-Story: Specimens Illustrating its Development,
Brander Matthews, Ed. New York: Bartleby, 2000. Print.
Drusset, Alana. ‘Literary Analysis the use of Symbolism in the Necklace by Guy de Maupassant’
Humanities 360, 11 Mar. 2008. Web. Accessed 14 July 2014.

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Literary Analysis Essay of ‘the Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson



Literary Analysis Essay of ‘the Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson
The Lottery is a short story by Shirley Jackson that depicts the unusual practice of a particular village. This annual celebration culminates with the lottery wherein an individual shall be selected and be subjected to stoning (Jackson 1). Initially, the story begins when the author introduces the preparations for the lottery. Here, the description of the author remains to be detached and acts as an observer of this event. Since the setting is not clearly specified, it depicts a certain form of anonymity. In addition, the story is depicted in a process where it begins with description, cultivated by anticipation of what the lottery is and concludes with the culmination of the event (Gahr 1). It is by reading the piece in the end where people are able to appreciate the purpose and significance of the lottery.
The story also presents readers with different themes. One valuable part corresponds to the role of family. In the beginning of the story, it presents families acting in different functions in preparation of the lottery. This shows the cohesiveness of members especially during the period of representation (Tibbett 1). However, there is also irony in this theme during the latter part of the story. In particular, it shows the betrayal of family members to the individual who was chosen in the lottery. These contrasting features arguably ties with the perspective related to blind submission to rules.
Another theme that can be seen in the story comes from the blind submission of people to rules. It may be true that rules remain to be essential in maintain order and stability however the situation presented by Jackson in the story demonstrates the extreme case of what can happen when people blindly follow tradition. Looking closely, the lottery remains to be an important event that are commemorated yearly by the people and it has never gained criticism except for the one who was subjected to stoning (Tibbett 1). Clearly, this shows that within the level of uncertainty created by the lottery, the choice remains to be final and brutal to the individual who shall be murdered.
The story can also be analyzed through the use of various symbolisms in the story. For example, the use of the black box represents both anonymity and power. It remains to be anonymous because it holds the names of people who shall be subjected to the lottery. Likewise, it remains to be powerful because it serves as instrument for those who will be saved and the unlucky one who will die. Another symbolism is the lottery itself. It shows how a common practice such as lottery can be utilized as a tool to mask violence and brutality of people. Even if it remains to be a random practice, the lack of hesitation of both children and adults remains to be shocking and terrifying.
Overall, Shirley Jackson’s story demonstrates the traumatic consequence of blind submission to the rules. Through the use of descriptive storytelling, Jackson is able to portray and describe the story as it happens and the shocking conclusion in the ending. It demonstrates that amidst the connections and familial values present among the characters, there are certain traditions that illustrate brutality and murder. These in turn create dreadful manifestation to readers as they uncover the inability of people to criticize the event and continue to patronize such inhumane acts.
Works Cited
Gahr, Elton. ‘A Careful Look at "the Lottery” by Shirley Jackson’ Bright Hub. 5 Jan. 2012. Web. Accessed 13 July 2014.
Jackson, Shirley. ‘The Lottery’ Middlebury.edu.1948. Web. Accessed 13 July 2014.
Tibbett, Amelia. ‘Literary Analysis the Lottery by Shirley Jackson’ Humanities 360. 17 Jan. 2008. Web. Accessed 13 July 2014.

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Literary Analysis Essay of Robert Frost’s ‘The Road not Taken’



Literary Analysis Essay of Robert Frost’s ‘The Road not Taken’
Robert Frost’s poem ‘The Road not Taken’ is a piece that talks about the indecisiveness of the speaker and the apparent regret at the end due to either lack of choice or a mistake in making one. Looking closely, the piece is comprised of four stanzas comprised of five lines each. Within each stanza, some form of rhyming can be seen, particularly within alternating lines. This in turn demonstrates an irregular rhyming pattern. As for the structure, the poem offers reader a chronological order where the first stanza introduces the problem and builds on the situation on the second and third. The fourth part highlights the conclusion of the piece.
Examining the tone of the poem, the speaker remains to be troubled about the difficulty surrounding the choices he has to make. From how the poem is described, he explains the challenge of making the decision and the reason for this. For readers, it is a good way to analyze how a man reflects and balances a difficult situation that is happening. Though it may appear to be an easy decision, Frost writes the piece to showcase a specific catch that compels him to feel indecisive in the process. This remains to be supported by the line in Frost that says, "Though as for the passing there | Had worn them really about the same” (1).
This poem of Robert Frost can also be attributed to numerous uses of symbolisms that provide readers with the capacity to understand different realities happening in life. For instance, the use of roads in the poem is attributed to choices that people make. The direction that people take in life are often influenced by the decisions made in the past and present (Pritchard 1). Another symbolism is the color yellow in the first line of the poem. Arguably, in the literary field, this color shows people who are unsure or cowards in making important choices (Teen Ink 1). Equally, the word difference in the last line of the poem can be interpreted in both a positive and negative manner. Here, Frost leaves it to the reader to determine whether or not the choice made remains to be beneficial or destructive to his life.
Similarly, the poem can be analyzed through the use of themes. One of the evident themes that can be analyzed in the poem is the necessity of choices that individuals make. From the perspective of Frost in the poem, there will always be situations in life that would put individuals in a dilemma. These choices would define not only the individual but also the outcome of his/her life. The problems related to these decisions would coincide to the perspective of which one is better, when the direction provides almost the same outcome or result (Teen Ink 1). Though this may seem to be the case, it is almost necessary that people should choose the one that would ultimately influence life changes. In the poem, Frost mentions this by highlighting "I took the less one traveled by, | And that has made all the difference” (1). Arguably, this last line in the poem provides justification of how Frost made his choice and the impact it created in his life.
Overall, ‘The Road Not Taken’ remains to be one of the most famous poems of Robert Frost. Though there were no apparent uses of metaphors in the piece, it remains to be quite entertaining due to its ability to effectively utilize symbolisms and showcase the indecisive nature of man. By touching on this universal feature, the poem is able to provide ways for readers to offer differing interpretations and apply the piece on the relevance of choices and impact that decisions can bring to one’s life.
Works Cited
Frost, Robert. ‘The Road Not Taken’ Poetry Foundation, n.d. Web. Accessed 18 July 2014.
Pritchard, William. ‘On "The Road Not Taken”’ Illinois.edu.Web. 1984. Accessed 18 July 2014.
Teen Ink. Poetry Analysis of the Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, n.d. Web. Accessed 18 July
2014.


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Literary Analysis Essay of Robert Frost’s ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’



Literary Analysis Essay of Robert Frost’s ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’
Robert Frost’s ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ is considered one of the famous works of the writer. The poem is made up of four stanzas comprising of four lines each. As far as the rhyming meter is concerned, the poem follows the AABA scheme and written using the iambic tetrameter (Aries 1). It is also important to note that all of the last lines in the fourth stanza continue to rhyme. At first glance, the poem provides readers with a mysterious feel as the persona engages to the uncertainty of travelling on a dark snowy evening. However, Robert Frost enables readers to appreciate the beauty amidst the darkness and eeriness of the situation through effective use of symbolism and emotion.
One of the striking themes portrayed by this poem is the ability of man to get in touch with nature and learn something from this experience. Examining closely, this particular theme examines how the experience of man to understand the surroundings offered. The poem seeks to showcase the ‘processes’ from encountering the cold and how the person uncovered various insights related to him and nature. Using the perspective of Richard Gray, he contends that "it is process rather than product, it invites us to share in the experiences of seeing, feeling, and thinking, not simply to look at their results” (1). Through such engagement with nature, the poem presents the persona had the ability to develop self-knowledge and a deeper perspective to human condition, particularly the relationship with nature.
The theme related to isolation can also be seen in the poem. Here, the man who embarks on the journey portrays one of a solitary traveler who wanders the dark snowy evening. Through his encounter with the horse and nature, the persona then uncovers and realizes important connections. Even if the persona in poem is devoid from interaction with another human being, he founds significance and beauty to his encounter in the woods. The line in Frost poem where he mentions "The woods are lovely, dark and deep” (1) show the realization of attractiveness of the event even with the terrifying feature attributed to it. This was achieved due to the man’s solitary journey to the woods.
Also evident in the poem when analyzed further is the existence of numerous symbolisms and imagery. Most of these come from the persona’s interaction with nature. The use of ‘dark woods’ in the poem is used as a symbolism of the long and difficult journey that the man anticipates on embarking. Another example of symbolism comes from the ‘village’. This can particularly mean society or the community the persona in the poem is distanced (Aries 1). Likewise, trees can also be seen as symbolisms. Apart from the physical boundaries it tries to represent, it can also convey limitations that block the ability of man to engage in deeper connection or revelation. Arguably, all these symbolisms remain to be valuable in helping portray the meaning of the poem to readers and demonstrate complexity in terms of its interpretation and relevance.
Overall, it is through Robert Frost’s effective use of imagery that makes ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ one of his most famous and enduring works. It brings forward man’s realization and significance through seclusion. Using nature as one of his central themes, the poem is able to evoke learning experiences amidst the solitude and lack of personal connections by the persona. Equally, through careful use of words, Frost offered complexity and multiple meanings for readers to decipher.
Works Cited
Aries, DC. ‘Poetry Analysis Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost’ Humanities 360, 19 Sept.2011.Web. Accessed 18 July 2014.
Frost, Robert. ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ Poetry Foundation. n.d. Web. Accessed 18 July 2014.
Gray, Richard. ‘On Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ Illinois.edu. n.d. Web. Accessed 18 July 2014.

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Literary Analysis of William Faulkner’s ‘A Rose for Emily’



Literary Analysis of William Faulkner’s ‘A Rose for Emily’
William Faulkner’s ‘A Rose for Emily’ is considered one of his famous works and examines the story surrounding the mysterious character of Emily Grierson. Looking closely, the piece is divided into five separate sections, each depicting an important event that happened to either Emily or the Grierson family. Since the story is not written in a linear fashion, readers have to carefully piece the parts together to get a better view of what was happening. Faulkner shows the life of Emily using a limited narrator’s standpoint. He carefully pieces together information based on what the narrator hears and observes from the local townsfolk and the limited interactions that Emily makes with the community (Teen Ink 1). It is through such process that story is able to convey the life of the protagonist and her inability to accept death and change as a reality.
One of the underlying themes depicted in the story corresponds to the death. This remains to be evident in the story both in its real and symbolic nature as Emily tries to respond to the reality of each one. From the perspective of the reality, readers are able to comprehend how she handled the death of Mr. Grierson and her supposed love Homer Barron. It is through such feat that readers are able to recognize the power of death and how Emily chose to accept and fight it, only to succumb to this reality in the end (Getty 231). Equally, it also remains to be symbolic in nature particularly in Emily’s resistance to change. Since their family is the only ones remaining in town who represent the past, it also portrays its inevitable death due to its inability to accept change. Her continued insistence to the old social order left her in the state of loneliness and demise.
The story is also analyzed from the lens of an observer. Since the depiction of Emily’s character is influenced by those who have watched her from afar, there clearly are differing opinions about her personality and actions. During her life, she had eluded people and lived in seclusion which further aroused the suspicion of the people surrounding her background and life (Faulkner 1). That is why it can be argued that during Emily’s death, the local townsfolk who visited her did not only seek to show respect but also uncover the true secret behind her personality and what mysteries is the woman trying to hid in all of her life. It is only through then that local townsfolk and readers are able to make sense of what happened.
Faulkner also utilizes symbolisms in order to convey the story to readers. In particular, the strand of hair at the end of the story is a powerful way to showcase that amidst her continuing resistance to accept the change that happened, she remains to be a woman, who sought to pursue her own choices regardless of opinions and standards bestowed (Teen Ink 1). The strand of hair depicts that there was a period in her life that she pursued what she felt was right and felt no qualms about it. Another symbolism used in the story is the Grierson house. Aside from the fact that it serves as remains of the past, it can also portray alienation and man’s fascination to objects. Such reality then provides the justification as to why the house remains to be considered as a mystery by the local towns’ folk.
Overall, ‘A Rose for Emily’ remains to be one of Faulkner’s well known works because of the numerous underlying symbolisms and meaning offered by the story. Even if at first the story appears to be mysterious and eerie, the ability of Faulkner to expose it all in the end demonstrates the struggle of the woman to hang on to something she loved so dear. It is through such reason that the title befits her name since her exploits, though eventually led to her isolation and demise, deserves to be given a rose.
Works Cited
Faulkner, William. ‘A Rose for Emily’ FJU.edu.1930. Web. Accessed 18 July 2014.
Getty, Laura. ‘Faulkner’s A Rose for Emily’ The Explicator. 63.4(2005): 230-234.
Teen Ink. Critical Analysis of "A Rose for Emily” 2012. Web. Accessed 18 July 2014.

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Literary Analysis Essay of Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Clean Well-Lighted Place’



Literary Analysis Essay of Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Clean Well-Lighted Place’
A Clean Well-Lighted Place is one of the famous short stories of Ernest Hemingway. The writing style remains to be straightforward and provides a journalistic attempt to tell the story to audiences. This alongside the mixture of an omniscient point of view enables readers to appreciate the conversation happening among characters and in the end derive a deeper purpose and meaning. Here, it goes to show the relevance of the setting and how the bar remains to depict a ‘clean well-lighted place’ for characters and how it serves as a place of finding relevance out of nothingness.
One of the relevant themes that Hemingway’s short story provides is the concept of dissatisfaction. Upon close examination, there remains to be a contrasting attributes between the young and old waiter of the bar. Arguably, these differing viewpoints particularly that of the old waiter and patron, indicates individuals who remain to be discontent about what is happening. Through the story and dialogue, readers are able to recognize the transition towards pessimism. The only recourse and escape that both the old patron and waiter have is staying in the bar to forget the sadness and desolation (Hemingway 1). Clearly, this is different from the vantage point of the young waiter who wonders why the old man is sad despite being rich.
Another important theme that is apparent in Hemingway’s short story is the existence of isolation and nothingness. To uncover this, readers must read beneath the lines and try to appreciate the flow of conversation and the corresponding symbolism it represents. Again, the depiction of this theme can clearly be seen in the representation of the old man and the old patron. For the old patron, there is of course the sadness associated with him being rich and the reason why he committed suicide while the old waiter demonstrates this in his continued inclination to work for the bar (Bassett 1). Though both these characters continue to experience this feeling, they also find refuge in their own version of a clean well-lighted place. For the old patron and the old waiter, it is their pleasant place where they can escape and find peace amidst the nothingness they continue to feel in their lives.
This piece of Ernest Hemingway also presents readers with the use of symbolisms that help advance a deeper meaning in the story. For instance, the use of alcohol is considered one of the apparent symbols used in the story. Looking closely, Hemingway used alcohol in the story to depict escapism. It seeks to emphasize that the old patron continues to order drinks to let time pass and find a temporary solution to his loneliness (Tibbett 1). This in turn complements the development of the story further because the old patron’s clean well-lighted place where he finds the sense of belonging or companionship is the bar.
Another important symbolism that can be seen in this short story is the contrasting approach taken by the old and young waiter. Analyzing the story, this represents not only the different personalities of each character but also showcase the interaction between man and time. Looking closely, the young waiter demonstrates that of youth where enthusiasm and positivity remains to be evident. This in turn is contrary to the old man who has seen the trouble and hardships in his life and just waiting for his time to come. Arguably, these differing perceptions about life bring readers to recognize that amidst the idealism brought forward by the youth, life would continue to test our beliefs and possibly create feelings of isolation and nothingness.
Overall, Ernest Hemingway’s piece remains to be a powerful because of its ability to evoke readers to appreciate the story on a deeper context. Even with the straightforward approach to storytelling, underneath are different symbolisms, themes and meanings that put emphasis on the reality of isolation and emptiness that man can feel in life. Though this may seem to be true, there will always be a situation, a place or person that people can find significance or value, even if this remains to be temporary.
Works Cited
Bassett, Olena. ‘A Clean Well-Lighted Place’: The Revelation of Nada’ Lone Star.edu. n.d. Web. Accessed 30 July 2014.
Hemingway, Ernest. ‘A Clean, Well-Lighted Place’ MrBauld.n.d.Web. Accessed 30 July 2014.
Tibbett, Amelia. ‘Literary Analysis Clean Well Lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway’ Humanities 360. 3 Feb. 2008. Web. Accessed 30 July 2014.

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Literary Analysis Essay of Alice Walker’s ‘Everyday Use’



Literary Analysis Essay of Alice Walker’s ‘Everyday Use’
Alice Walker’s ‘Everyday Use’ is a Pullitzer Prize short essay that examines the interplay of education to tradition, culture and identity. Using a first-person perspective, readers are able to understand the story based on the viewpoint of the Dee and Maggie’s mother. Specifically, it emphasizes the differing perceptions of her daughters. In particular, there is Maggie who like Mama continues to embrace the customs and traditions that have shaped who they are. On the other side there is Dee, the daughter who wanted to escape her past and embraced a new identity. It is through these contrasting features that Walker describes the true value of culture and how it connects to embracing the influences past.
One of the themes evident in Walker’s short story is the striking impact that education impacts the characters in the story. In particular, it demonstrates how the acquisition of knowledge created a division between Dee and Maggie. For readers, it is clear that sending Dee to school opened her eyes to new ideas and perspectives surrounding the world. In turn, this became her inspiration to pursue her African roots as well as embrace the notion of a viewpoint bigger than the values she once knew growing up (Walker 1). Though this may seem to be the case, it also provided a challenge for characters in the story. It illustrates the isolation of Dee because Maggie and her mother found it difficult to embrace her ideas. They remain to be traditional and embraced the culture, heritage and identity they were accustomed to (Witsitt 447). Recognizing the clash of ideals, it can be argued that Dee remains to be at most fault because despite her educational attainment, she did not respect the importance of her heritage that have been instrumental in shaping who she is today.
Also, there is the issue surrounding heritage and how it continues to shape the distance between Dee and her family. Here, readers are able to recognize the tension that occurs when Dee changed her name to Wangero and continued to assert the history of oppression that has shaped the identity of her parents. Seeing this, it can be seen that Dee sought to change her identity by embracing a new one. Though this may seem to be the case, Dee has little idea of what being ‘African’ should be and continues to see African objects that have been instrumental as artifacts rather than tools to continuously advance African tradition (Velasquez 1). Arguably, it is through this perspective that Walker characterizes the notion of heritage and identity as one that is continuously practiced and not something that is embraced due to personal inclination or attachment to objects or artifacts.
Walker’s piece also advances quilts as an important symbolism in the story. It remains to be a valuable object that connects tradition and culture from the past to today. Even if Dee does not see the relevance of this fabric, it remains to be instrumental in showcasing the various struggles, poverty and trials that the previous generation experienced. It remains to be a testament of the legacy left behind (Velasquez 1). It is the pride that has knitted the families and African American culture together through time. This symbolism, for Dee, seems difficult to comprehend and only also sees the inequality and challenges that have prevailed when she was young.
Overall, Alice Walker’s piece remains to be a good piece in demonstrating the African-American experience. It gives emphasis on the Negro culture and how some people continue to escape the past and live on new identities. However, this inability to recognize the importance of tradition and heritage only furthers the distance between one to another. Like in the case of Dee, her failure to respect the relevance of her past and how it shaped her identity made her unable to value the true essence of culture and heritage as ‘everyday use’, one that is practiced on a daily basis.
Works Cited
Velazquez, Juan. ‘Characterization and Symbolism in Alice Walker’s "Everyday Use” Lone Star.edu. n.d. Web. Accessed 31 July 2014.
Walker, Alice. Everyday Use, 1944. Web. Accessed 31 July 2014. 
Whitsitt, Sam. ‘In Spite of It All: A Reading of Alice Walker’s ‘Everyday Use” African American Review, 34.3(2000): 443-459.

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