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Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
In Sense and Sensibility, Austen's free indirect discourse allows access to both Elinor and Marianne's minds. However, the narrative voice itself can sometimes favor Elinor's "sense." Here's how: Word Choice: Austen might describe Marianne's emotional outbursts with words like "indulged" or "despairRead more
In Sense and Sensibility, Austen’s free indirect discourse allows access to both Elinor and Marianne’s minds. However, the narrative voice itself can sometimes favor Elinor’s “sense.” Here’s how:
Word Choice: Austen might describe Marianne’s emotional outbursts with words like “indulged” or “despair,” implying a lack of control. Conversely, Elinor’s actions might be narrated with words like “composed” or “considered,” highlighting her rationality.
Irony: Austen might employ subtle irony when depicting Marianne’s pronouncements on love. For example, a grand declaration of eternal devotion might be followed by a dry observation about the weather, casting a hint of doubt on Marianne’s sincerity.
These techniques influence the reader’s interpretation. We’re subtly nudged towards seeing Elinor’s approach as more mature and realistic, while Marianne’s emotions seem excessive and potentially misguided. This reinforces the novel’s theme of balancing reason and emotion. By highlighting the potential pitfalls of unchecked “sensibility,” Austen encourages readers to admire Elinor’s ability to navigate the world with both heart and head. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t diminish Marianne’s emotional depth. The novel’s ending suggests a potential future where Marianne can find happiness by integrating her “sensibility” with a dose of Elinor’s “sense.”
See lessJohn Milton's Paradise Lost
Milton crafts a captivatingly complex Satan in Paradise Lost. Imagery paints him with fallen majesty, like a dimmed sun. He retains a "brightness" even in Hell, hinting at lost glory and a tinge of tragedy. Character interactions showcase his leadership. Rallying his followers with inspiring speecheRead more
Milton crafts a captivatingly complex Satan in Paradise Lost. Imagery paints him with fallen majesty, like a dimmed sun. He retains a “brightness” even in Hell, hinting at lost glory and a tinge of tragedy. Character interactions showcase his leadership. Rallying his followers with inspiring speeches, Satan exhibits strategic brilliance, making him a compelling, even admirable figure. Epic similes further blur the lines. Compared to both powerful (phoenix) and vulnerable figures (lone wolf), Satan evokes a mix of strength and isolation, drawing conflicted emotions from the reader.
This complexity serves a twofold purpose. First, it raises questions about good and evil. Is Satan simply opposing God, or are deeper motivations at play? Second, it heightens the stakes. A complex Satan poses a more significant threat, making the battle for order more uncertain and the potential consequences dire. While never condoning Satan’s actions, this complexity allows us to understand, perhaps even briefly sympathize with his motivations – a testament to Milton’s masterful characterization. However, it ultimately reinforces the triumph of good. By making Satan such a captivating villain, Milton emphasizes the gravity of his sin and the power of God’s order.
Austen's Pride and Prejudice
In "Pride and Prejudice," Mr. Darcy's initial arrogance and Elizabeth's hasty judgments exemplify self-deception. Darcy's pride blinds him to Elizabeth's wit and intelligence, leading him to dismiss her based on social standing. Elizabeth, in turn, misinterprets his aloofness as rudeness, overlookinRead more
In “Pride and Prejudice,” Mr. Darcy’s initial arrogance and Elizabeth’s hasty judgments exemplify self-deception. Darcy’s pride blinds him to Elizabeth’s wit and intelligence, leading him to dismiss her based on social standing. Elizabeth, in turn, misinterprets his aloofness as rudeness, overlooking his social awkwardness. Both characters cling to first impressions, hindering genuine connection.
Their evolving understanding challenges societal expectations. Darcy, accustomed to deference, is forced to recognize Elizabeth’s independent spirit. Elizabeth, raised to value social climbing, learns to see beyond Darcy’s wealth to his character. This challenges the rigid social hierarchy and the idea of marriage based solely on status.
Ultimately, their journey from self-deception to understanding reinforces the novel’s themes of self-knowledge, the importance of looking beyond appearances, and the triumph of genuine connection over societal expectations.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," Offred's fragmented recall of the past and her subversive language function as a form of defiance against the oppressive regime of Gilead. By constantly piecing together memories of her pre-Gilead life, Offred maintains a sense of identity and normalcy thaRead more
In Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Offred’s fragmented recall of the past and her subversive language function as a form of defiance against the oppressive regime of Gilead. By constantly piecing together memories of her pre-Gilead life, Offred maintains a sense of identity and normalcy that the regime tries to erase. These fragments become a testament to a life Gilead stole, a reminder of a past they can’t control. Furthermore, Offred’s subversive use of language, through veiled insults and redefining Gilead’s terminology, disrupts the regime’s power structure. By reclaiming the meaning of words, she challenges the regime’s control over information and perception. Both fragmented memories and subversive language become acts of resistance, keeping Offred’s spirit alive and chipping away at the totalitarian control Gilead seeks.