Introduction: Reflection on Literary Pieces
My reflection on literary pieces about short stories featured in this course explore a myriad of literary elements, themes, and devices that collectively contribute to the rich tapestry of each narrative. Noteworthy among these are the distinctive voices of the authors, their backgrounds, and the contextual circumstances that influenced their works. These aspects, intertwined with the diverse settings, characters, and narrative techniques, serve as a lens through which the stories unfold, offering a nuanced understanding of the human experience.
The multifaceted literary elements employed by these authors manifest in various ways. The voice of the author, a unique and personal perspective, becomes a guiding force shaping the narrative and providing insight into the thematic undercurrents. The background of the writer is mirrored in the characters, capturing the essence of the author’s own experiences, beliefs, and societal context. The type of characters chosen, the narrators employed, and the strategic use of symbols and imagery all work in concert to amplify the thematic impact of the stories.
Examining specific examples, the works of Poe emanate a chilling aura as he masterfully crafts horror stories within desolate settings. Zora Neale Hurston, on the other hand, channels her narratives to explore women’s empowerment, particularly within the Black African-American experience, employing local vernacular to infuse authenticity. Kate Chopin, with a focus on feminine desire for freedom, presents narratives that resonate with a pursuit of independence.
These diverse stories exhibit a spectrum of tones, such as the distinctive speeches of Mark Twain and the letters of Lord Chesterfield. The meticulous use of symbols and settings, as exemplified in Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” and Kate Chopin’s works, serves to deepen the thematic resonance, offering readers a richer and more immersive experience.
Furthermore, the background of each author emerges as a critical factor in unraveling the layers of meaning within their stories. For instance, the feminist perspectives presented by Kate Chopin and Zora Neale Hurston are rooted in their own experiences and societal contexts. Poe, with his gothic and macabre themes, unveils a fascination with the darker facets of human nature. Mark Twain and Daniel Defoe, through their didactic views, provide unique lenses into the moral and social landscapes of their times.
Themes: Reflection on Literary Pieces
First, concerning the presentation of themes in different tones, Mark Twain’s speech begins with irony but takes a sarcastic and satiric turn as it progresses. It playfully turns conventional advice upside down, suggesting actions like not obeying elders, not speaking the truth, and advocating unconventional approaches like hitting someone with a brick when the opportunity arises (Twain). On the other hand, Lord Chesterfield’s letter shares a similar theme but adopts a didactic tone. His intention is to instruct his son in the rules of conversation to enable him to attain “some degree of confidence” (Chesterfield).
However, the thematic differences are apparent in short stories such as Zora Neale Hurston’s “Sweat,” where the focus is on presenting the theme of feminism. The protagonist, Delia, is depicted as an exceptionally hardworking woman, while her abusive husband only inflicts harm. She questions his actions, asking, “Sykes, what you throw dat whip on me like dat?” (Hurston). The tone in this story is notably depressive, illustrating how feminine empowerment emerges at a later stage when patriarchal constraints diminish.
Literary Devices: Reflection on Literary Pieces
In the exploration of the use of settings, symbols, and signs, Edgar Allan Poe effectively employs these elements in his story “The Cask of Amontillado” to depict how a perpetrator traps his victim during the carnival season, a time when everyone is engrossed in celebrations. Poe’s use of temporal elements, as seen in the phrase “dusk, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season” (Poe), along with the darkness of the catacombs, the play of colors, and the inclusion of bells, vaults, and a winding staircase, further contributes to the thematic horror he creates in the story.
Similarly, Kate Chopin utilizes the symbol of an open window in her story “The Story of an Hour” to convey Louise’s longing for freedom and independence. The strategic incorporation of atmosphere and time enhances the thematic elements, while natural symbols such as “sparrows,” “patches of blue sky,” and references to spring and summer days, during which Louise envisions herself being “Free! Body and soul free!” deepen the understanding of her desire for freedom. Despite the brightness of Chopin’s images, Poe’s use of darker imagery creates a specific atmosphere and setting to accentuate their respective themes.
In contrast, T. C. Boyle’s “The Love of My Life” employs modern symbols like sexual desire, contemporary gadgets, and luxurious items to signify the conflict between love and career in the lives of China and Jeremy. This incorporation of modern symbols adds relevance and complexity to the narrative, addressing contemporary themes and showcasing the versatility of these literary devices in conveying profound meaning.
Backgrounds and Situations: Reflection on Literary Pieces
I have also noted that the background and circumstances in which a writer creates significantly influence the understanding of the overall theme of the story or literary piece. For instance, Edgar Allan Poe endured considerable hardship during his career, facing both financial and social obstacles, which prompted him to delve into the realm of horror stories. Consequently, many of his narratives are presented in the first person, as seen in works like “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.”
Similarly, Kate Chopin, having witnessed the suppression of women in her time, emphasized themes of freedom and independence through characters like Louise, who dreams of being “Free! Body and soul free!” (Chopin). On the other hand, Zora Neale Hurston, drawing from her firsthand experience as a Black African-American, predominantly depicted issues of racial segregation. However, she also weaved the theme of women’s empowerment into her narratives, reflecting her own struggles.
In contrast, T. C. Boyle’s perspective differs as he personally experienced modern relationships and their consequences. This is evident in his story “The Love of My Life,” where characters China and Jeremy grapple with the aftermath of an aborted abortion, shedding light on the complexities of contemporary love and its implications.
Conclusion: Reflection on Literary Pieces
In short, these stories collectively showcase a rich array of literary elements and devices. The purpose behind employing these literary tools is to amplify the impact and effectiveness of the setting, particularly in conveying the thematic essence. Relevant settings, vivid imagery, distinct tones, and symbolic elements work together to deepen the layers of meaning within the stories. Amidst this analysis, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of the background and biographical details of the writers. Writers, with their heightened observational skills, infuse their works with the intensity of their emotions and experiences. Kate Chopin’s personal struggles as a woman, for instance, find expression in her stories and novels. The Harlem Renaissance is evident in the works of Zora Neale Hurston, while the didactic tone of Lord Chesterfield’s letter and Daniel Defoe’s treatise reflects a bygone era. Additionally, various other literary devices, such as the incorporation of seasons, times, weathers, and natural elements, play a role in enhancing the thematic resonance. These devices contribute to making the theme more prominent, ensuring that it resonates with the intended audience and allowing readers to grasp the writer’s intended message.
Works Cited: Reflection on Literary Pieces
- Chesterfield, Lord. “Letter to His Son: Rules of Conduct in Polite Company”. 1748. Web. 07 Aug. 2014 <http://grammar.about.com/od/classicessays/a/Lettertosonessay.htm>.
- Chopin, Kate. “The Story of an Hour”. n.d. Web. 07 Aug. 2014 <http://my.hrw.com/support/hos/hostpdf/host_text_219.pdf>.
- Hurston, Zora Neale. “Sweat”. n.d. Web. 07 Aug. 2014 <http://wwwi.mcpherson.edu/~claryb/en255/handouts/sweat.pdf>.
- —. “The Spunk.” n.d.Web. 07 Aug. 2014 <http://www.coreknowledge.org/mimik/mimik_uploads/documents/311/Hurston%20ZN%20Spunk.pdf>.
- Poe, Edgar Allen. “The Cask of Amontillado.” 1846. Web. 07 Aug. 2014 <http://www.ibiblio.org/ebooks/Poe/Amontillado.pdf>.
- Twain, Mark. “Advice to Youth”. 1882. Web. 07 Aug.t 2014 <http://people.virginia.edu/~jdk3t/TwainAY.htm>.
Relevant Questions: Reflection on Literary Pieces
- How does the author’s background and experiences influence the themes and characters in the literary piece?
- In what ways do the chosen literary devices contribute to the overall impact of the narrative?
- How does the cultural or historical context of the time in which the literary piece was written add depth to the story?