Please post your question (including the year,) your thesis, and a few examples of how you would develop the thesis. Don't worry about building on other's with this blog.
1980: A recurring theme in literature is "the classic war between a passion and responsibility." For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in which the character confronts the demands of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.
Henchard's "visitations from the Devil" conflict with his role as a friend, father, and member of society, meanwhile determining his Destiny (285).
Examples: 1. Fighting Farfrae in the granaries 2. Disrupting the 'parade' 3. Conclude with his death, etc.
1972: In retrospect, the reader often discovers that the first chapter of a novel or the opening scene of a drama introduces some of the major themes of the work. Write an essay about the opening scene of a drama or the first chapter of a novel in which you explain how it functions in this way.
Hardy’s opening scene of the auctioning of a woman and child prepares the reader for Henchard’s unforgettable character and the game of Fate that is played out in the novel.
- Henchard’s character - Time and Chance - The symbol of the bird?
1986: Some works of literature use the element of time in a distinct way. The chronological sequence of events may be altered, or time may be suspended or accelerated. Choose a novel, an epic, or a play of recognized literary merit and show how the author's manipulation of time contributes to the effectiveness of the work as a while.
Henchard's drastic change-- for the better-- in character during the lapse between his years of 20 and 40 take a turn for the worst when what originally brought him down returns and slowly reverses his character to Henchards downfall.
-Henchard's political success -Henchard's bad luck once EJ and Susan return -Henchard's relationships with Lucetta, Farfrae and Elizabeth Jane throughout the 6 years they are in Casterbridge (his constantly changing feelings about those characters)
1999: The eighteenth-century British novelist Laurence Sterne wrote, "No body, but he who has felt it, can conceive what a plaguing thing it is to have man's mind torn asunder by two projects of equal strength, both obstinately pulling in contrary directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations and influences. Then, in a well-organized essay, identify each of the two conflicting forces and explain how this conflict within one character illuminated the meaning of the work as a whole.
Though he has a good heart, Henchard's impulsive and ambitious nature cause him to launch a war within himself- a war that effects the lives of many.
-Henchard sells Susan -Henchard tries to throw a different party at the same time as Farfrae's. -Henchard does not reveal Lucetta's name when reading the letters to Farfrae. -Henchard plots Farfrae's downfall.
2007-In many works of literature , past events can affect, positively, or negatively, the present actions, attitudes, or values of a character. Choose a novel or a play in which a character must contend with some aspect of the past. either personal or societal. Then write an essay in which you show the character's relationship to the past contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.
-Henchard's past with selling susan -Lucetta's past with Henchard
1985: A critic has said that one important measure of a superior work of literature is its ability to produce in the reader a healthy confusion of pleasure and disquietude. Select a literary work that produces this "healthy confusion." Write an essay in which you explain the sources of the "pleasure and disquietude" experienced by the readers of the work.
Thesis: With the constant cliff hangers and the tragic ending, The Mayor of Casterbridge creates a "soap-oprea" feeling within its readers' minds; the twist and turns the dramatic irony produces leaves the reader with a healthy confusion--one that can only be solved until the novel is complete.
Examples: -The different relationships (Lucette and Farfrae; EJ and Farfrae) -Henchard's character -The different symbols of messing with fate (Henchard's impulsiveness)
1994: In some works of literature, a character who appears briefly, or does not appear at all, is a significant presence. Choose a novel or play of literary merit and write an essay in which you show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.
Despite Abel Whittle's few, brief appearances throughout The Mayor of Casterbridge, he is the one character present when Henchard's dies, acting as a seemingly unimportant character whose presence serves as a testament to Henchard's loneliness and downward spiral.
1. Whittle's few appearances in the novel that both portrayed stages of Henchard's downfall. Henchard yelling at Abel Whittle and publicly embarassing him Whittle working for Farfrae/talking about working for Henchard 3. Whittle's presence at Henchard's death serving as a testament to Henchard's lonliness
1982: In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. Avoid plot summary.
The physical struggle between Henchard and Farfrae is the culmination of their mental and emotional conflicts in the past, is indicative of the way their relationship will develop in the future, and is symbolic of the dynamic of their interactions throughout the novel.
-Henchard is unable to follow through with killing Farfrae in the granaries just as he is unable to complete many of his manipulative/evil plans against him -Reveals Henchard's mixed emotions of love and hate for Farfrae -Exhibits Henchard's feelings of shame after he wrongs Farfrae just as he feels shame for the other wrongdoings in the book
2001: One definition of madness is "mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it." But Emily Dickinson wrote "Much madness is divinest Sense--/To a discerning Eye--" Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a "discerning Eye." Select a novel or play in which a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consisits of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the "madness" to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
Henchard's almost reckless behavior is the driving force to the plot of this novel, through his impulsive actions, through the acts of jealousy he commits, and through his inability to keep his emotions from getting ahead of him.
--Henchard's impulsive action of selling off his wife and baby when he is drunk --Henchard forcing Lucetta to marry him when he finds that she has been talking to Farfrae --Henchard taking the words of Elizabeth-Jane far too seriously, leading to his downfall and death
1972: In retrospect, the reader often discovers that the first chapter of a novel or the opening scene of a drama introduces some of the major themes of the work. Write an essay about the opening scene of a drama or the fist chapter of a novel in which you explain how it functions in this way.
In the first chapter of "The Mayor Of Casterbridge", as Michael Henchard, his wife Susan, and their daughter walk along the road Time and Chance are represented as they encounter the Weydon-Priors fair and enter the furmity tent.
-Time, Chance, and Fate -The auctioning of his wife represents his character (he resents her because they married so young) -The sailor (Newson)
"The difference between the peacefulness of inferior nature and the wilful hostilities of mankind was very apparent at this place" (13).
1973: An effective literary work does not merely stop or cease; it concludes. In the view of some critics, a work that does not provide the pleasure of significant "closure" has terminated with an artistic fault. A satisfactory ending is not, however, always conclusive in every sense; significant "closure" may require the reader to abide with with or adjust to ambiguity and uncertainty. In an essay, discuss the ending of a novel or play of acknowledged literary merit. Explain precisely how and why the ending appropriately or inappropriately concludes the work. o not merely summarize the plot.
The death of Mr. Henchard was the only satisfactory ending to the Mayor of Castorbridge because only his death could leave Elizabeth Jane down the road of enlightenment that concludes the book.
- the last three paragraphs of the book - Henchard's will - the irony of Whittle
1982: In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. Avoid plot summary.
The quarrel that takes place between Henchard and Farfrae in the granary is a physical representation of their relationship throughout the novel, conveying accurately both the emotional control and the will power that each character possesses.
-Henchard's inability/failure to execute any of his plans to foil Farfrae's success -Henchard cannot control his future past a certain point- he is never successful when he attempts to manipulate others or when he is dead set of a specific outcome. (always disappointed)
2001: One definition of madness is "mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it." But Emily Dickinson wrote "Much madness is divinest Sense--/To a discerning Eye--" Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a "discerning Eye." Select a novel or play in which a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consisits of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the "madness" to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
Henchard's irrational, impulsive actions are fundamental to the novel's story, creating the plot's twists and turns and revealing Henchard's deep internal conflict between his concern for social standing and his strong sense of regret, a conflict which makes Henchard's actions easier to understand.
-Henchard's selling of his wife/daughter is what begins the chain of events of the novel. It also introduces us to Henchard's want for a better social standing, and his vow to not drink afterwards introduces us to his sense of regret. -Henchard's hate for Farfrae grows as Farfrae gains importance and Henchard loses importance. -After he blackmails Lucetta into marrying him, he feels horrible and apologizes to her and then proposes to prolong their engagement. -When the furmity lady accuses Henchard of selling his wife/daugher, he admits to it even though he does not need to, and as a result he loses all credibility in the Casterbridge community. Selling his last possession, his gold watch, and giving the money to a poor farmer shows the magnitude of Henchard's regret.
1980: A recurring theme in literature is "the classic war between a passion and responsibility." For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in which the character confronts the demands of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.
ReplyDeleteHenchard's "visitations from the Devil" conflict with his role as a friend, father, and member of society, meanwhile determining his Destiny (285).
Examples:
1. Fighting Farfrae in the granaries
2. Disrupting the 'parade'
3. Conclude with his death, etc.
1972: In retrospect, the reader often discovers that the first chapter of a novel or the opening scene of a drama introduces some of the major themes of the work. Write an essay about the opening scene of a drama or the first chapter of a novel in which you explain how it functions in this way.
ReplyDeleteHardy’s opening scene of the auctioning of a woman and child prepares the reader for Henchard’s unforgettable character and the game of Fate that is played out in the novel.
- Henchard’s character
- Time and Chance
- The symbol of the bird?
1986: Some works of literature use the element of time in a distinct way. The chronological sequence of events may be altered, or time may be suspended or accelerated. Choose a novel, an epic, or a play of recognized literary merit and show how the author's manipulation of time contributes to the effectiveness of the work as a while.
ReplyDeleteHenchard's drastic change-- for the better-- in character during the lapse between his years of 20 and 40 take a turn for the worst when what originally brought him down returns and slowly reverses his character to Henchards downfall.
-Henchard's political success
-Henchard's bad luck once EJ and Susan return
-Henchard's relationships with Lucetta, Farfrae and Elizabeth Jane throughout the 6 years they are in Casterbridge (his constantly changing feelings about those characters)
1999: The eighteenth-century British novelist Laurence Sterne wrote, "No body, but he who has felt it, can conceive what a plaguing thing it is to have man's mind torn asunder by two projects of equal strength, both obstinately pulling in contrary directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations and influences. Then, in a well-organized essay, identify each of the two conflicting forces and explain how this conflict within one character illuminated the meaning of the work as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThough he has a good heart, Henchard's impulsive and ambitious nature cause him to launch a war within himself- a war that effects the lives of many.
-Henchard sells Susan
-Henchard tries to throw a different party at the same time as Farfrae's.
-Henchard does not reveal Lucetta's name when reading the letters to Farfrae.
-Henchard plots Farfrae's downfall.
2007-In many works of literature , past events can affect, positively, or negatively, the present actions, attitudes, or values of a character. Choose a novel or a play in which a character must contend with some aspect of the past. either personal or societal. Then write an essay in which you show the character's relationship to the past contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.
ReplyDelete-Henchard's past with selling susan
-Lucetta's past with Henchard
1985: A critic has said that one important measure of a superior work of literature is its ability to produce in the reader a healthy confusion of pleasure and disquietude. Select a literary work that produces this "healthy confusion." Write an essay in which you explain the sources of the "pleasure and disquietude" experienced by the readers of the work.
ReplyDeleteThesis: With the constant cliff hangers and the tragic ending, The Mayor of Casterbridge creates a "soap-oprea" feeling within its readers' minds; the twist and turns the dramatic irony produces leaves the reader with a healthy confusion--one that can only be solved until the novel is complete.
Examples:
-The different relationships (Lucette and Farfrae; EJ and Farfrae)
-Henchard's character
-The different symbols of messing with fate (Henchard's impulsiveness)
1994: In some works of literature, a character who appears briefly, or does not appear at all, is a significant presence. Choose a novel or play of literary merit and write an essay in which you show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.
ReplyDeleteDespite Abel Whittle's few, brief appearances throughout The Mayor of Casterbridge, he is the one character present when Henchard's dies, acting as a seemingly unimportant character whose presence serves as a testament to Henchard's loneliness and downward spiral.
1. Whittle's few appearances in the novel that both portrayed stages of Henchard's downfall.
Henchard yelling at Abel Whittle and publicly embarassing him
Whittle working for Farfrae/talking about working for Henchard
3. Whittle's presence at Henchard's death serving as a testament to Henchard's lonliness
1982: In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. Avoid plot summary.
ReplyDeleteThe physical struggle between Henchard and Farfrae is the culmination of their mental and emotional conflicts in the past, is indicative of the way their relationship will develop in the future, and is symbolic of the dynamic of their interactions throughout the novel.
-Henchard is unable to follow through with killing Farfrae in the granaries just as he is unable to complete many of his manipulative/evil plans against him
-Reveals Henchard's mixed emotions of love and hate for Farfrae
-Exhibits Henchard's feelings of shame after he wrongs Farfrae just as he feels shame for the other wrongdoings in the book
2001: One definition of madness is "mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it." But Emily Dickinson wrote "Much madness is divinest Sense--/To a discerning Eye--" Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a "discerning Eye." Select a novel or play in which a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consisits of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the "madness" to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
ReplyDeleteHenchard's almost reckless behavior is the driving force to the plot of this novel, through his impulsive actions, through the acts of jealousy he commits, and through his inability to keep his emotions from getting ahead of him.
--Henchard's impulsive action of selling off his wife and baby when he is drunk
--Henchard forcing Lucetta to marry him when he finds that she has been talking to Farfrae
--Henchard taking the words of Elizabeth-Jane far too seriously, leading to his downfall and death
1972: In retrospect, the reader often discovers that the first chapter of a novel or the opening scene of a drama introduces some of the major themes of the work. Write an essay about the opening scene of a drama or the fist chapter of a novel in which you explain how it functions in this way.
ReplyDeleteIn the first chapter of "The Mayor Of Casterbridge", as Michael Henchard, his wife Susan, and their daughter walk along the road Time and Chance are represented as they encounter the Weydon-Priors fair and enter the furmity tent.
-Time, Chance, and Fate
-The auctioning of his wife represents his character (he resents her because they married so young)
-The sailor (Newson)
"The difference between the peacefulness of inferior nature and the wilful hostilities of mankind was very apparent at this place" (13).
1973: An effective literary work does not merely stop or cease; it concludes. In the view of some critics, a work that does not provide the pleasure of significant "closure" has terminated with an artistic fault. A satisfactory ending is not, however, always conclusive in every sense; significant "closure" may require the reader to abide with with or adjust to ambiguity and uncertainty. In an essay, discuss the ending of a novel or play of acknowledged literary merit. Explain precisely how and why the ending appropriately or inappropriately concludes the work. o not merely summarize the plot.
ReplyDeleteThe death of Mr. Henchard was the only satisfactory ending to the Mayor of Castorbridge because only his death could leave Elizabeth Jane down the road of enlightenment that concludes the book.
- the last three paragraphs of the book
- Henchard's will
- the irony of Whittle
1982: In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. Avoid plot summary.
ReplyDeleteThe quarrel that takes place between Henchard and Farfrae in the granary is a physical representation of their relationship throughout the novel, conveying accurately both the emotional control and the will power that each character possesses.
-Henchard's inability/failure to execute any of his plans to foil Farfrae's success
-Henchard cannot control his future past a certain point- he is never successful when he attempts to manipulate others or when he is dead set of a specific outcome. (always disappointed)
2001: One definition of madness is "mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it." But Emily Dickinson wrote "Much madness is divinest Sense--/To a discerning Eye--" Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a "discerning Eye." Select a novel or play in which a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consisits of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the "madness" to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
ReplyDeleteHenchard's irrational, impulsive actions are fundamental to the novel's story, creating the plot's twists and turns and revealing Henchard's deep internal conflict between his concern for social standing and his strong sense of regret, a conflict which makes Henchard's actions easier to understand.
-Henchard's selling of his wife/daughter is what begins the chain of events of the novel. It also introduces us to Henchard's want for a better social standing, and his vow to not drink afterwards introduces us to his sense of regret.
-Henchard's hate for Farfrae grows as Farfrae gains importance and Henchard loses importance.
-After he blackmails Lucetta into marrying him, he feels horrible and apologizes to her and then proposes to prolong their engagement.
-When the furmity lady accuses Henchard of selling his wife/daugher, he admits to it even though he does not need to, and as a result he loses all credibility in the Casterbridge community. Selling his last possession, his gold watch, and giving the money to a poor farmer shows the magnitude of Henchard's regret.