Gothic Theme Essay examples - 1836 Words

Conflict within One Self Personal internal battles exist every day whether it is mentally, emotionally, spiritually or even physically. Within each person, typical temptations dwell deep inside. Some of these temptations can be very active or remain dormant until precise events trigger them. The intricacy of a person’s inner struggle fights between a moral and corrupt side. Naturally, undesirable temptations ascend from the lower qualities of people and bare individuals to develop even more immoral ambitions. Overtime, those temptations could worsen and became more severe, in which the person develops a lack of self-control with major inflictions and regrets. A clash between good and evil, hero and tyrant is a basic foundation to†¦show more content†¦Stevenson makes clarification with giving the dark evil character as an alternative personality of Dr. Jekyll which is Mr. Hyde. Stevenson begins to peruse the case of a respected doctor who becomes associated with Mr. H yde. The unusual, mysterious circumstance is the fact that the two men is the same person. â€Å"The doctor experiments in his own laboratory trying to divide effort to improve the quality his own life† (Hedlund). The reading explains the struggles and mental state of Dr. Jekyll. Hence, although I had now two characters as well as two appearances, one was wholly evil, and the other was still old Henry Jekyll, the incongruous compound of whose reformation and improvement I had already learned to despair. The movement was thus wholly toward the worse (Stevenson 102). Stevenson creates a revelation of stimulating themes. The writer cleverly creates a feeling of suspense, unknown, and mystery. Mr. Hyde in the opening of Mr. Enfield’s accounts, there is the eerie, catastrophic scene of the trampling of a young girl in the middle of the night. This is the first encounter of where the gothic element of a distress woman or a woman threatened by a powerful tyrannical male, is first installed to the reader. After the trampling, Mr. Hyde is told to pay money to the family. Out of nowhere, a check is signed by a very gallant, up standing citizen. Eventually, the check is revealed to belonging to Dr. Jekyll, and also come to acquire that Dr.Show MoreRelated The Gothic Theme In Frankenstein Essay examples1357 Words   |  6 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The term Gothic refers to a genre that came about in the late eighteenth century. It can be a type of story, clothing, or music nowadays. In this paper it will refer to a style of literature. A v ery good example of this type of literature is Mary Shelleys Frankenstein. There is a sense of foreboding throughout the whole novel, which is one of the basic necessities of the Gothic. This theme of the Gothic has different characteristics that all fit into the story of VictorRead MoreThe Gothic Theme in Dracula by Bram Stoker Essay907 Words   |  4 PagesThe Gothic Theme in Dracula by Bram Stoker Bram Stokers Dracula is a true Gothic novel that belongs on any gothic literature course. Focusing in on the recurring themes, characters and settings used throughout the novel one sees how Dracula has set the standard for Gothic literature today. The theme in Dracula is that classic Gothic theme of the epic battle of good versus evil. In this novel this is expressed in a very direct way, there is never any question as to who is right and whoRead MoreThe Gothic Theme of Edgar Allen Poes Work1357 Words   |  6 Pagesreflects the traditional Gothic conventions of the time that subverted the ambivalence of the grotesque and arabesque. Through thematic conventions of the Gothic genre, literary devices and his own auteur, Edgar Allan Poe’s texts are considered sublime examples of Gothic fiction. The Gothic genre within Poe’s work such as The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, and The Raven, arouse the pervasive nature of the dark side of individualism and the resulting encroachment of insanity. Gothic tales are dominatedRead MoreEssay on Gothic Theme in Poes The Fall of the House of Usher831 Words   |  4 Pagesshort-story form of writing, chiefly tales of the mysterious and macabre, has established his short stori es as leading proponents of â€Å"Gothic† literature. Although the term â€Å"Gothic† originally referred only to literature set in the Gothic (or medieval) period, its meaning has since been extended to include a particular style of writing. In order for literature to be â€Å"Gothic,† it must fulfill some specific requirements. Firstly, it must set a tone that is dark, somber, and foreboding. Next, throughout theRead More Eerie Themes Of Gothic Writing - An Analysis Of Edgar Allen Poes T1136 Words   |  5 Pages In the history of literature, there have always been different themes and genres of writing. But few have been as different or unique as that of the â€Å"gothic† literature. Of all the gothic authors of history, few writing has captured the mind and plunged it into the depths of fear as that of Edgar Allen Poe. Poe’s â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado,† is a story that shows us how deadly being prideful can be. Themes of dishonour, revenge and questionable justice all come together in this story. In thisRead Moreâ€Å"Fear of the Unknown Is a Common Gothic Theme†. Is This True in Your Texts?3510 Words   |  15 Pagesof the unknown is a common Gothic theme that is used to create fear and uncertainty in the responder. This is achieved through the use of a number of different techniques and conventions. The fear of the unknown is expressed through dark, uncertain and mysterious circumstances cause responders to feel vulnerable and fearful. In Bram Stokerâ€℠¢s Dracula the overpowering force of the sublime, the prominence of religion, death and use of darkness accompanied by typical Gothic techniques evoke a fear ofRead MoreTheme Of Insanity In Gothic Literature813 Words   |  4 Pages Insanity Gothic literature can be composed of several themes depending on the purpose the writers intend to convey. William Faulkner, Edgar Allen Poe, and Richard Matheson are virtuosos within the realm of gothic literature. They have perfected the ability to blend fiction and horror through the use of certain gothic elements. Through their many works, such as â€Å"A Rose for Emily,† â€Å"Prey,† and â€Å"The Black Cat,† the authors implement numerous themes regarding violence and entrapment- existing in bothRead MoreTheme Of Gothic Elements In Masque Of The Red Death750 Words   |  3 Pagescastle to prevent it from killing anyone else, although it still ends up getting in from a ghost, and wipes everyone else out. In Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe, Poe uses gothic elements such as a gloom setting, supernatural beings, curses, and air of mystery and suspense. Edgar Allan Poe uses many gothic elements in Masque of the Red Death, such as a gloomy setting. A gloomy setting is described by having little color, no happiness, and decaying setting. The outside world was gloomyRead MoreSherwood Anderson Themes And Techniques1605 Words   |  7 PagesCarlstrom Mr. Kaplan English IV 6 November 2017 Themes, Styles, and Techniques of Sherwood Anderson Sherwood Anderson was a novelist, short story writer, and poet. He wrote with an intense personal connection to the project he was working on at that time. His connection with his works was so great that the work often reflected his opinions and life experiences throughout his writings. This connection is very apparent throughout his major themes: societal reforms, human sexuality and experienceRead MoreA Good Man Is Hard For Find By Flannery O Connor1655 Words   |  7 Pagesthe short story A Good Man Is Hard to Find, written by Flannery O’Connor, the theme that the definition of a ‘good man’ is mysterious and flawed is apparent. The reader must realize that it is difficult to universalize the definition of a good man because every person goes through different experiences. Thus, these experiences affect his or her viewpoint and in turn flaw ones view on a good man. O’Connor conveys this theme through her excellent use of diction, imagery, foresh adowing, and symbolism

What Does Flaubert Think of Emma Free Essays

Madame Bovary is about the life of Emma Bovary whose unhappy marital life has thrust her into illegitimate relationships with other men. Emma’s character serves to stand for the women of 19th century who found themselves in the web of unhappy life from which they failed to free themselves. The dominant theme of the novel is about the search of a woman for true happiness and independence but the irony of the novel is that she is deceived by the interplay of illusion and reality. We will write a custom essay sample on What Does Flaubert Think of Emma or any similar topic only for you Order Now Emma Bovary struggles to free herself from the conventions of the society through escapades in illusionary world and relationships which give her nothing in return. Emma’s character is criticized as that of a lustful woman but the way the author of the novel portrays and treats her is as important as the interpretation of the critics. The attitude of the author, however, has a considerable impact on the reader’s perception of Emma’s character and the readers come to see the character of Emma through the eyes of Flaubert. The novel is an admixture of ‘rebellion, violence, melodrama and sex, expertly combined in a compact plot’ (Llosa). What Flaubert thinks of his heroine is clear with his statement, ‘Madame Bovary, C’est Moi? ’ that implies that he can never think to imagine of the sufferings of Emma (Zarin). The story of Emma commences as she is married to Charles Bovary who is a physician. Charles undergoes an unhappy marital life before Emma where ‘his wife was a master’ (Flaubert 10). The author treats the character of Emma with a delicacy and sensitivity as she is presented as a romantic woman whose dreams are devastated as soon as she realizes that her choice to marry a physician was fatuous, ‘What exasperated her was that Charles did not seem to notice her anguish. His conviction that he was making her happy seemed to her an imbecile insult and his sureness on this point ingratitude’ (Flaubert 101). It seems that the author himself sympathyzes with Emma and wants to capture the reader’s attention towards her pitiful condition that is an excuse for the life she chose for herself. Another dominant theme of the novel is the interplay of illusion and reality which makes Emma to take decisions for her life. The callousness of her husband pushes her towards rebellion and she asks, ‘for whose sake, then was she virtuous? ’ (Flaubert 101). Emma finds escape in lascivious affairs with Leon Dupius and Rodolphe Boulanger. She ‘could not think that the calm in which she lived was the happiness she had dreamed’ (Flaubert 35). The sad fact is that Charles realizes his wife’s worth in his life after her death. Even when he has discovered the love letter of Rodolphe he admits that everyone ‘must have adored her’ and ‘all men assuredly must have coveted her’ (Flaubert 342). The attitude of Charles seems odd as well as he adores her as if a goddess and ‘she seemed but the more beautiful to him for this’ (Flaubert 342). But it is the choice of Flaubert who himself is found in love with his character that even after the enormous loss in the life of Emma she is treated with sympathy by the novelist. During her life the sole concern of Charles is ‘his reputation’, ‘fortune’ and ‘berth’s future’ (Flaubert 313). Emma commits suicide and does not realize her mistakes even after she is left by her lovers. The rites of passage does not appear in her life as she felt to be ‘disillusioed’ with ‘nothing’ to ‘learn , and nothing more to feel’ (Flaubert 35). The dilemma of Emma’s life, though, is that she fails to achieve perfect happiness and the victim of her rebellion was her daughter, Berth, who is bound to work in factory after the demise of her parents. Flaubert treats Emma as a woman who craves for wealth, joy and the superficial side of the things. The luscious style of life attracts her as the novelists describe ‘the silver dish covers’ that reflect ‘the lighted wax candles in the candlebra’ and the silk linen were the things that made her eyes glimmed (Flaubert 43). The ambitions of Emma lead her to sin and death are a part of western history of morality and religion (Llosa). The important aspect of Emma’s treatment of Flaubert is that the novelist portrays her character as a rebellious soul who is heroic in her own sense. Rebellion in Emma’s case’, says Llosa, ‘does not have the epic dimensions of that of the masculine heroes of the 19th century novel, yet it is no less heroic’ (Llosa). The attitude of the novelist towards the pivotal character is positive and he treats her as an Amazon of her own life but the fact is that Flaubert’s attitude inserts inverse imp act on the perceptions of the readers as they come to see her character as that of a lusty woman who bears no fidelity like that of women in other 19th century novels who came to compromise with the circumstances of their lives. The critics also criticize Emma Bovary for her impulses, her ‘incurable materialism’, her ‘predilection for the pleasures of the body’ than ‘soul’ and her ‘preference for earthly life’ which are also a part of a modern western woman (Llosa). ‘Here is the rebellion of an individual’, ushers Llosa, ‘and to all appearances a self centered one’ (Llosa). Emma Bavory represents women in 19th century society who are caught in unhappy marriages and aspire to obtain their wishes at every cost. Her story is that of a ‘blind, stubborn, desperate rebellion against the social violence’ (Llosa). She ‘violates the codes of her milieu’ only because she is ‘driven’ to act in the way as a consequence of her problems which she undergoes in her life (Llosa). The mastery of Flaubert lies in the fact that he links the thematic garb of the story with that of characterization. As the dominant themes of the novel include the struggle for independence by a woman, interplay between illusion and reality, theme of infidelity and betrayal. The interesting fact of Flaubert’s novel is that all of the themes are associated with the character of Emma Bovary who enjoys pivotal importance in the plot of the novel. This fact emphaizes the need to have a closer look at how is Flaubert’s own attitude towards the heroine of the novel and what he wants to imply through the portrayal of Emma. Emma is regarded as among the heroines about whose ‘appearance’ readers are ‘most likely to diagree’ (Barnes). Moreover Barnes finds it impossible to forgive Thackery for calling Bovary as heartless and callous. She is to be sympathized when she realizes that she is betrayed as she says to Rodolhe, ‘You never loved me. You are no better than the others’ (Flaubert 310). She was ;betraying, ruining herself’ for her ambitions (Flaubert 310). Flaubert shows that Emma’s engagements with the other men were due to the problems in which she was trapped and she was not disloyal to any one as Emma herself resolves to help her lovers when they needed, ‘I would have given you every thing. I would have sold all’ for the eternal love (Flaubert 310). Charles remains in the illusion that he had made her happy throughout her life, ‘Weren’t you happy? Is it my fault? I did all I could’ (Flaubert 316). The end of Emma’s life is presented with a divinity as ‘now’ a ‘twilight dimness was settling upon her thoughts’ (Flaubert 317) and she filled with joy on the ‘visions of eternal beatitude that were beginning’ (Flaubert 323). It was the ‘treachery’, ‘meanness’ and numberless ‘desires that had tortured her’, so she is rid of all the blames by the author (Flaubert 317). The character of Emma is presented by the author with such a sensitivity that it arouses the sympathies of the readers towards Emma’s character. How to cite What Does Flaubert Think of Emma, Papers

The Crucible the Great Gatsby free essay sample

GATSBY uses symbols to represent the hollowness of the upper class. East vs West is the first symbol he uses to make a separation between old and new rich. Another symbol are the unread books, which represents Gatsby as a fake; as a person who wants to show something he really isn’t. Daisy’s voice is the third symbol, and it represents the ambitious mind he had towards money. Money takes a fundamental role in the story, because thanks to it the characters change and become someone they really aren’t. Society has, indeed, a great part to play in shaping the identities of individuals. East vs west Egg made the separation between the social classes. â€Å"By comparison, West Egg is the locale of the American dream in miniature and East Egg is the home of those who are longtime captains of industry†. This was one of the reasons that shaped of each of the characters behavior. For example, Jay Gatsby didn’t have lots of money, but suddenly he was the most prestigious when compared to all of the characters. He thought that with all of his money the world could be the way he wanted to be and that he could get anything he wants. This reflects the kind of person he was and the carelessness he had. He didn’t care about others feelings nor something else, but money. This negligence was the first step for his hollowness, because later this lack of care will put people against him converting it into an obstacle in his life. In addition, the unread book reveals the real character of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby had an enormous library full of many books. Everyone was impresses and thought he was a very cultured man and intelligent. The real thing was that Gatsby hadn’t read the books and that he only had them as ornaments in his library. This shows the lack of genuineness of this character; he wants to show society the kind of person he really isn’t. With this example it shows the types of people the wealthy class are; they only care about putting a first class image in the society. This illustrates how they really don’t care about anything else but money. Other’s feelings were put aside and materialism as a priority. On the other hand, Daisy was ambitious, false, and superficial thanks to the money. In the story her voice was a symbol of her personality, when the narrator describes her of having a â€Å"voice full of money†. Unfortunately, her love of money drove her to finally decide in marrying Tom, again focusing on money and building a superficial relationship. On the outside, Daisy is fresh and pure just like the flower she is named after. However, in reality she is just like money in that she promises more than she gives. Thanks to her ambition, carelessness was very present in her person. Money drove her crazy; taking her to live an unhappy life because of it. By returning with Tom, and by not assisting to Gatsby’s funeral it clearly shows the lack of feelings she has and a person that is worthless. After watching The Crucible, one cannot help but wonder why when given the chance to confess to the accusations and live, did the characters choose to stay firm and die? For people today that question is not easily answered. In the past however, this was not a question at all. The answer is found within the strong religious background that most of the accused were raised on, and the feeling of pride and honor they felt in their hearts. John Proctor is the central character in the play. His tragedy is the most significant, for it emerges from a flaw deep within himself and is resolved by his own actions. John Proctor exemplifies the importance of a strong name through his actions and choices throughout the play; most significantly the fourth act when he chooses death over disgracing his name. Proctor shows the role of justice in his life, letting God be the judge of his actions in life and not their peers. Sometimes you have to stand for more. Throughout the play one of the central themes continues to be John Proctors, Giles Coreys, and Rebecca Nurses refusal to degrade their souls with lies of confession only to save themselves from the unjust accusations of witchcraft. In this time and era the people living in and around Salem, Massachusetts are from Puritan faith and live very strict lives. At the time of the witch trials in history there was still no separation between church and state, so the church had a major role in each individuals life. When Reverend Parris came upon the children of Salem dancing and conducting against their religion, they were accused of being in a pact with the devil by many of the towns people in the beginning. Rumors spread, and innocent people are charged of witchcraft. Some of the accused were, in every aspect, a perfect Puritan. Proctor does not want to confess to the lies he is accused of doing only to save his life. Proctor gets accused of witchcraft while trying to defend his wife, and he is later executed. For what is a name when you have no soul to go with it? That is what Proctor faces. The religious background of Proctor is the cause of his refusal to confess to the accusations toward him. Both Giles Corey and John Proctor believed in letting God be the judge of their faults. When Giles Corey refuses to answer to his indictment in order to preserve his lands ownership for his family, he is trusting in a higher power, God, even when death is his punishment. Proctor also feels this way, and when arguing with Danforth about his confession of adultery, he turns to God as his judge when he says, I have confessed myself! Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name.