Elizabeth is the main character in Pride and Prejudice. I think this is because she is the most dissimilar and independant of all the frequently appearing characters, as well as her sisters. One factor which causes Elizabeth to stand out in such a way is that she feels that couples should marry for love in a time when marriage was more often used to improve one's social status, i.e, "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a man in possetion of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife". You can see this is Elizabeth's view in chapter 6 when her and Charlotte are discussing the relationship between Bingley and Jane. Charlotte is describing how once Jane is "secure" with Bingley, then she should "love as much as she chooses". Liz then commends Jane for "not acting by design", in that she is marrying Bingley for love not status.
Elizabeth's independance is also seen later on when she rejects the marriage proposal from Mr.Collins, which is ironic as it is her, (uncommon) "lively, playful disposition", brought on by her independance, which attracts Mr.Collins as well as Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Liutenant Wickham. Later on in chapter six, Elizabeth and her younger sister, Mary, take turns playing the piano. It is described by free independant thought that Elizabeth was "listened to with much greater pleasure" despite playing "half as well" as Mary. This also shows Elizabeth's free personality and intelligence are what make her more admirable. This personality trait of Elizabeths seperates her from her sisters, who are more influenced by their mother, Mrs.Bennet, when regarding possible suitors.
I think Elizabeth is the most admirable character in Pride and Prejudice as she is a character who lives fee and independantly in a time when most of her actions would usually be decided by her superiors. its this personality which allows her to "lead a happy marriage of the convention" at the end of the novel
Monday, 31 October 2011
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Jane Austen
Jane Austen was a British novelist and is one of the most highly commended authors to date for her works in romantic fiction. She is most commended for her novels, 'Sense and Sensibility', 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Mansfield Park' and 'Emma', all of which were published within a period of five years.
Jane was born into a large family consisting of six brothers and one sister. Her family was relatively wealthy as they were members of the 'landed gentry', which is a social class which owns and operates certain areas of land. Her sister, Cassandra remained her best friend throughout her life and sometimes drew her when she was writing. She was mainly educated by her father and brothers but she spent a lot of her young life reading. She began her writing in her teenage years and at first experimented with 'epistolary' novels, which are novels usually written as a series of ducuments, usually in letter form. She also experimented with poems, short stories and plays, but realised later on her talents mainly lied with romantic novels. Jane lived with her family well in to her adulthood as she was part of a very close family. Her days were mostly spent socialising with friends and reading or writing. She was religious and attended church regularly.
Unfortunately, Jane Austen wasnt appreciated in her own time and received little fame for her novels in the years she was alive. However in the years after her death she gradually became more and more well known throughout the literary community and is now considered one of the most talented and influential English writers in history. She is now appreciated around the world for her works and is studied in English and Drama classes accross the country.
Jane Austen died on the 18th of July 1817 at the young age of 41 after she contracted what is thought to be tuberculosis.
Jane was born into a large family consisting of six brothers and one sister. Her family was relatively wealthy as they were members of the 'landed gentry', which is a social class which owns and operates certain areas of land. Her sister, Cassandra remained her best friend throughout her life and sometimes drew her when she was writing. She was mainly educated by her father and brothers but she spent a lot of her young life reading. She began her writing in her teenage years and at first experimented with 'epistolary' novels, which are novels usually written as a series of ducuments, usually in letter form. She also experimented with poems, short stories and plays, but realised later on her talents mainly lied with romantic novels. Jane lived with her family well in to her adulthood as she was part of a very close family. Her days were mostly spent socialising with friends and reading or writing. She was religious and attended church regularly.
Unfortunately, Jane Austen wasnt appreciated in her own time and received little fame for her novels in the years she was alive. However in the years after her death she gradually became more and more well known throughout the literary community and is now considered one of the most talented and influential English writers in history. She is now appreciated around the world for her works and is studied in English and Drama classes accross the country.
Jane Austen died on the 18th of July 1817 at the young age of 41 after she contracted what is thought to be tuberculosis.
Monday, 10 October 2011
The Convent Threshold
Last lesson we moved on to a new Christina Rosetti poem named, 'The Convent Threshold'. For this poem, we began to explore different themes involved with characters, destination etc. The poem is written in the 1st person which seems to be becoming apparent as one of Christina Rosetti's writing styles.
When looking at the character aspect of the poem, we concluded that there are two characters in this poem, a man and a woman - who we also believe is the narrator. Although this seems to be the case, there is one point when she adresses the other character as "she" so it cannot remain certain. It is also clear throughout the poem that the two characters are in love as it is one of the main themes.
We also looked at the point of view aspect of the poem. With this, we concluded that the narrator holds a biased point of view as it is written in the 1st person. Because it is written in this style, I believe this poem may be a form of Rosetti venting her own feelings through the narrator. This could be the case when you consider the strong feminist and religious themes in the poem, examples including the constant mention of "Heaven" and "Hell", "paradise", "Sky-ward stair", "far off city grand", "Repent", "Give me light!". Although from these examples it is apparent that religion is a more obvious theme, which isnt surprising as it was a large part of Rosetti's life.
When looking at the different aspects of this poem it seems as though religion, love and feminism are key themes in the poem, 'The Convent Threshold'. All three of these themes are also strongly present in the last two Rosetti poems we looked at so her writing style is becoming more and more clear as we go on. However, from what we have seen already, i believe that religion is the most influential and important theme in the poem.
When looking at the character aspect of the poem, we concluded that there are two characters in this poem, a man and a woman - who we also believe is the narrator. Although this seems to be the case, there is one point when she adresses the other character as "she" so it cannot remain certain. It is also clear throughout the poem that the two characters are in love as it is one of the main themes.
We also looked at the point of view aspect of the poem. With this, we concluded that the narrator holds a biased point of view as it is written in the 1st person. Because it is written in this style, I believe this poem may be a form of Rosetti venting her own feelings through the narrator. This could be the case when you consider the strong feminist and religious themes in the poem, examples including the constant mention of "Heaven" and "Hell", "paradise", "Sky-ward stair", "far off city grand", "Repent", "Give me light!". Although from these examples it is apparent that religion is a more obvious theme, which isnt surprising as it was a large part of Rosetti's life.
When looking at the different aspects of this poem it seems as though religion, love and feminism are key themes in the poem, 'The Convent Threshold'. All three of these themes are also strongly present in the last two Rosetti poems we looked at so her writing style is becoming more and more clear as we go on. However, from what we have seen already, i believe that religion is the most influential and important theme in the poem.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
A fallen woman and Cousin Kate
Last lesson we discussed what could be the possible definitions of a 'fallen woman', and several suggestions were made in the class. One suggestion was that it could just be a woman that has tripped and fallen down. Another suggestion was that it could be describing a woman who has succumbed to some kind of pressure, for example sex or drugs. One of the most agreed upon suggestions was that it was the definition of a woman who has fallen emotionally, whereas a physical act is being used to describe her emotional downfall. Betrayal is an example of something that may cause this.
Last lesson we also read through a new poem, entitled, 'Cousin Kate'. To simplify the poem, it seems to be about a woman who was sought after and used by a rich and powerful lord, only to be disgarded for her Cousin, Kate.
The poem is told in the first person, and for the first two stanzas it seems to be adressed at the reader. After this though, she seems to be adressing Kate herself, for example when she says, "You grew more fair than I". And in the last stanza it appears she is talking to her son, who hadnt been mentioned at all previously. This change in adressee may indicate that she is telling a story or talking to herself.
Another interpretation of this poem is that cousin Kate may not actually be her cousin, but she is using the prefix 'cousin' to describe their similarity and their relation with each other.
This poem is linked with the aspect of the 'fallen woman' as the character reciting the poem seems to have been emotionally betrayed and has fallen herself.
Last lesson we also read through a new poem, entitled, 'Cousin Kate'. To simplify the poem, it seems to be about a woman who was sought after and used by a rich and powerful lord, only to be disgarded for her Cousin, Kate.
The poem is told in the first person, and for the first two stanzas it seems to be adressed at the reader. After this though, she seems to be adressing Kate herself, for example when she says, "You grew more fair than I". And in the last stanza it appears she is talking to her son, who hadnt been mentioned at all previously. This change in adressee may indicate that she is telling a story or talking to herself.
Another interpretation of this poem is that cousin Kate may not actually be her cousin, but she is using the prefix 'cousin' to describe their similarity and their relation with each other.
This poem is linked with the aspect of the 'fallen woman' as the character reciting the poem seems to have been emotionally betrayed and has fallen herself.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Feminism in 'Goblin Market'
Goblin Market's main theme is feminism because of all the clear and not-so clear references to feminism and general female 'sisterhood'.
There are many references to female closeness in the poem, for example, on line 36, Lizzie and Laura are described as "crouching close together". In the context they are doing this to protect themselves from the Goblin Men, so it creates the idea that when women are close, they can protect each other.
Also, the Goblin Men are linked with having closeness themsleves as they are described as, "Brother with sly Brother". In this context, though, the connection with each goblin man seems to be of a more negative aspect, particularly as the word 'sly' can be synonimous with 'mischeivous' or 'sneaky'.
Another main theme within Goblin Market, which links greatly to feminism, is the evilness of men. This is a quite obvious theme as when considering the characters in the poem, the evil and temptatious characters are men and the "fair" and "kind hearted" characters are women. The Goblin Men are also described as carrying "evil gifts" which also places a negative prefix on them.
There are many references to female closeness in the poem, for example, on line 36, Lizzie and Laura are described as "crouching close together". In the context they are doing this to protect themselves from the Goblin Men, so it creates the idea that when women are close, they can protect each other.
Also, the Goblin Men are linked with having closeness themsleves as they are described as, "Brother with sly Brother". In this context, though, the connection with each goblin man seems to be of a more negative aspect, particularly as the word 'sly' can be synonimous with 'mischeivous' or 'sneaky'.
Another main theme within Goblin Market, which links greatly to feminism, is the evilness of men. This is a quite obvious theme as when considering the characters in the poem, the evil and temptatious characters are men and the "fair" and "kind hearted" characters are women. The Goblin Men are also described as carrying "evil gifts" which also places a negative prefix on them.
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Christina Rosetti
Christina Rosetti was born on the 5th December 1830. She had two brothers and a sister, of which two became writers and one became artist and a poet. Christina was the youngest of the four siblings, but her writing talents became clear through her lively attitude and the fact that she formed and shared her first story even before she could write.
She was educated by her Mother and mainly studied classic literature, religious works and fairytales, which may explain the fairytale characteristics of one of her most famous poems, 'Goblin Market'.
In her early teens, her Father became ill and her family began to slowly slip into poverty. At that point, Christina began to suffer from depression and related illness. It was at this time that she became greatly interested in the Anglo-Cathlic movement of the Church of England and religious devotion began to play a major role in her life. Religion can also be linked with many aspects in her future poetry.
Rosetti began to write and date her poems in around 1842 at the age of 10. Her early poems imitated some of her favorite poets and she experimented with ballads, hymns and sonnets. Her early writings also mainly symbolised death and loss.
She wrote her most famous piece, 'Goblin Market', at the age of 31 and received widespread praise from colleagues and critics, establishing her as the preeminent female poet of the time.
Her poetry widely consisted of feminist themes and she herself was opposed to slavery and animal cruelty, which were much more widely practised in the 1870's.
She was educated by her Mother and mainly studied classic literature, religious works and fairytales, which may explain the fairytale characteristics of one of her most famous poems, 'Goblin Market'.
In her early teens, her Father became ill and her family began to slowly slip into poverty. At that point, Christina began to suffer from depression and related illness. It was at this time that she became greatly interested in the Anglo-Cathlic movement of the Church of England and religious devotion began to play a major role in her life. Religion can also be linked with many aspects in her future poetry.
Rosetti began to write and date her poems in around 1842 at the age of 10. Her early poems imitated some of her favorite poets and she experimented with ballads, hymns and sonnets. Her early writings also mainly symbolised death and loss.
She wrote her most famous piece, 'Goblin Market', at the age of 31 and received widespread praise from colleagues and critics, establishing her as the preeminent female poet of the time.
Her poetry widely consisted of feminist themes and she herself was opposed to slavery and animal cruelty, which were much more widely practised in the 1870's.
Thursday, 8 September 2011
first English lit blog - paper on the floor
"Mr Francis entered the room. there was a piece of paper on the floor." When this sentence is written as fiction and not fact, it means the author has made up this sentence and the fact that this detail was written signifies it is important to the story.
This detail could be significant to the story for many reasons, one of which being that it could be a way of describing how the room is messy without using too much detail, thus creating a slight atmosphere of messiness.
The piece of paper could also be a list of some variety and the sentence could be used to lead the reader down a different direction to another particular event in the story.
When an author writes a fiction book, most if not all sentences have to be relevant to the structure and, ( a lot of the time), genre of the story wether it be to create exitement or tension for example.
This detail could be significant to the story for many reasons, one of which being that it could be a way of describing how the room is messy without using too much detail, thus creating a slight atmosphere of messiness.
The piece of paper could also be a list of some variety and the sentence could be used to lead the reader down a different direction to another particular event in the story.
When an author writes a fiction book, most if not all sentences have to be relevant to the structure and, ( a lot of the time), genre of the story wether it be to create exitement or tension for example.
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