改版美国文学选读课件

改版美国文学选读 2.1 Benjamin Franklin 2.1 Benjamin Franklin 2.2 Autobiography 2.2 Autobiography , Four parts: , Four parts: , 1757:family heritage, own life experience , 1757:family heritage, own life experience , 1784:War of Independence; relationship with his son; , 1784:War of Independence; relationship with his son; efforts to learn virtue by a chart system efforts to learn virtue by a chart system 1788: life in Philadelphia , , 1788: life in Philadelphia , 1790: down to his retirement , 1790: down to his retirement What its about? What its about? --a poor boy‘s rise to wealth and fame; --a poor boy‘s rise to wealth and fame; --the fulfillment of the American Dream; --the fulfillment of the American Dream; Detailed Learning Detailed Learning , The first part in Part One: , The first part in Part One: --The reasons why ―I‖ write this story; --The reasons why ―I‖ write this story; -- Thanking God -- Thanking God The latter part in Part Two: The latter part in Part Two: -- the 13 virtues; -- the 13 virtues; -- Scheme of a day; -- Scheme of a day; -- exampls of how to form/keep good habits and how -- exampls of how to form/keep good habits and how to avoid the bad ones. to avoid the bad ones. The value of it ? The value of it ? Its achievement lies more in its representative value as an image of Its achievement lies more in its representative value as an image of the rising America than in its accurate portrayal of his whole life. the rising America than in its accurate portrayal of his whole life. , A book on the self-improvement. Using his life story as a shining , A book on the self-improvement. Using his life story as a shining example, he demonstrated all the major priciples of the enlightenment example, he demonstrated all the major priciples of the enlightenment in America. Franklin embodied the transition from Puritan piety, in America. Franklin embodied the transition from Puritan piety, idealism and provicialism to the more secular, utilitarian, and idealism and provicialism to the more secular, utilitarian, and cosmopolitan values of the American enlightenment. cosmopolitan values of the American enlightenment. Walt Whitman Walt Whitman (1819-1892) (1819-1892) His innovations in technique: His innovations in technique: a. parallelism(平行结构) a. parallelism(平行结构) b. phonetic recurrence b. phonetic recurrence c. free verse, no traditional iambic pentameter 诗行长短不 c. free verse, no traditional iambic pentameter 诗行长短不一， 不押韵，不以传统格律为顿挫单位，而是以短句、短语为顿一， 不押韵，不以传统格律为顿挫单位，而是以短句、短语为顿挫单位。 挫单位。 , 1855 (1st edition)Leaves of Grass (Characteristics ? Acceptance ? , 1855 (1st edition)Leaves of Grass (Characteristics ? Acceptance ? Editions ?) Deathbed Edition ,400 poems Editions ?) Deathbed Edition ,400 poems , A catalog of American and European thought (?) , A catalog of American and European thought (?) Features of Whitman‘s poems Features of Whitman‘s poems , 1. Sprawling lines are extremely long 1. Sprawling lines are extremely long , , 2. The line link is visual.Enough openness and expansiveness 2. The line link is visual.Enough openness and expansiveness , 1 3. Evolope structure. 3. Evolope structure. , 4 Catalogue technique 5 The poems move in 4 Catalogue technique 5 The poems move in , terms of thougt. terms of thougt. , 6. Oratory 7. Influence of opera. 6. Oratory 7. Influence of opera. , Death of a Salesman Death of a Salesman Arthur Mille Arthur Mille Tragedy and the Common Man Winner of many literary and dramatic award, Miller is an important force in American drama. His major characters are ordinary and suffering individuals seemingly trapped by naturalistic circumstances. And yet, Miller points out, they have dignity if not human greatness. Important Quotations “Because [Biff] thinks I’m nothing, see, and so he straightening up: spites me. But the funeral— Ben, that funeral will be massive! They’ll come from Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire! All the old-timers with the strange license plates— that boy will be thunder-struck, Ben, because he never realized —I am known!” “ I put thirty-four years into this firm,Howard, and now I can’t pay my insurance! You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away ---- a man is not a piece of fruit!” A man can end with diamonds here on the basis of being liked “I always felt that if a man is impressive, and well-liked, that nothing (is impossible)” “Why must everybody like you? Who liked J.P.Morgan? Was he impressive? In a Turkish bath he’d look like a butcher. But with his pocket on he was very well liked.” I’m a dime a dozen, and so are you.” “He only need a little salary.” “No man only needs a little salary.” He had a good dream. It’s the only dream you can have ---- to come out number-one man. Questions: Questions: , What are the major themes in the play, , What are the major themes in the play, , List some symbols in the play: , List some symbols in the play: , Why did Willy refuse to accept the job offered by Charles? , Why did Willy refuse to accept the job offered by Charles? 2 , What caused Willy‘s tragedy? , What caused Willy‘s tragedy? What are the major themes in the play What are the major themes in the play The American Dream The American Dream , Willy believes wholeheartedly in what he considers the promise of the , Willy believes wholeheartedly in what he considers the promise of the American Dream—that a ―well liked‖ and ―personally attractive‖ man American Dream—that a ―well liked‖ and ―personally attractive‖ man in business will indubitably and deservedly acquire the material in business will indubitably and deservedly acquire the material comforts offered by modern American life. comforts offered by modern American life. , Willy‘s blind faith leads to his rapid psychological decline when he is , Willy‘s blind faith leads to his rapid psychological decline when he is unable to accept the disparity between the Dream and his own life. unable to accept the disparity between the Dream and his own life. Abandonment Abandonment , Willy‘s life charts a course from one abandonment to the next, leaving , Willy‘s life charts a course from one abandonment to the next, leaving him in greater despair each time. him in greater despair each time. Betrayal Betrayal , Willy‘s primary obsession throughout the play is what he considers to , Willy‘s primary obsession throughout the play is what he considers to be Biff‘s betrayal of his ambitions for him. be Biff‘s betrayal of his ambitions for him. , Willy‘s affair with The Woman—a betrayal of Linda‘s love. , Willy‘s affair with The Woman—a betrayal of Linda‘s love. List some symbols in the play List some symbols in the play Seeds Seeds Seeds represent for Willy the opportunity to prove the worth of his Seeds represent for Willy the opportunity to prove the worth of his labor, both as a salesman and a father. American Dream‘s formula for labor, both as a salesman and a father. American Dream‘s formula for success, which Willy considers infallible, Willy‘s efforts to cultivate success, which Willy considers infallible, Willy‘s efforts to cultivate and nurture Biff went awry. Realizing that his all-American football and nurture Biff went awry. Realizing that his all-American football star has turned into a lazy bum, Willy takes Biff‘s failure and lack of star has turned into a lazy bum, Willy takes Biff‘s failure and lack of ambition as a reflection of his abilities as a father. ambition as a reflection of his abilities as a father. Linda’s and The Woman’s Stockings : Linda’s and The Woman’s Stockings : , Stockings assume a metaphorical weight as the symbol of betrayal and , Stockings assume a metaphorical weight as the symbol of betrayal and sexual infidelity. New stockings are important for both Willy‘s pride in sexual infidelity. New stockings are important for both Willy‘s pride in being financially successful and thus able to provide for his family and being financially successful and thus able to provide for his family and for Willy‘s ability to ease his guilt about, and suppress the memory of, for Willy‘s ability to ease his guilt about, and suppress the memory of, his betrayal of Linda and Biff. his betrayal of Linda and Biff. , What caused Willy‘s tragedy? , What caused Willy‘s tragedy? Willy is the victim of the American dream. His tragedy Willy is the victim of the American dream. His tragedy is caused by his faith in accomplishing it, which means is caused by his faith in accomplishing it, which means success through working hard and obtaining others’ success through working hard and obtaining others’ acceptance by popular personality. He believes “ a man acceptance by popular personality. He believes “ a man can end up with diamonds here on the basis of being can end up with diamonds here on the basis of being liked.” Though he has carried out this doctrine for nearly liked.” Though he has carried out this doctrine for nearly forty years, he has to commit suicide to declare the forty years, he has to commit suicide to declare the complete bankruptcy of his life-long dream. complete bankruptcy of his life-long dream. Willy is the victim of society, particularly a victim of Willy is the victim of society, particularly a victim of a harsh economic system that first uses and then a harsh economic system that first uses and then discards him. discards him. 3 The Grapes of Wrath The Grapes of Wrath QIN JINJU QIN JINJU May, 2010 May, 2010 , 1 Information about 1930s in the United States; , 1 Information about 1930s in the United States; -- Great Depression; -- Great Depression; -- Dust Bowl -- Dust Bowl , 2 About the Author; , 2 About the Author; , 3 The Grapes of Wrath , 3 The Grapes of Wrath 4 Question , , 4 Question 1 Information about 1930s in the United States 1 Information about 1930s in the United States , Wall Street Crash of 1929 , Wall Street Crash of 1929 , The Great Depression , The Great Depression , Franklin D. Roosevelt , Franklin D. Roosevelt , New Deal , New Deal , Dirty Thirties , Dirty Thirties , The Start of WWII , The Start of WWII 2.1 Life 2.1 Life , He was born in 1902 in California and died in 1968 in NY; , He was born in 1902 in California and died in 1968 in NY; , Read many English and French classics; , Read many English and French classics; , Did odd jobs when he was young; , Did odd jobs when he was young; 2.2 Political Views 2.2 Political Views , Writing influenced by the leftist writers; , Writing influenced by the leftist writers; , Complained publicly about government harassment , Complained publicly about government harassment , The left claimed he was not sufficiently committed to socialism. , The left claimed he was not sufficiently committed to socialism. , Sent to Vietnam to report on the war; friendship with President , Sent to Vietnam to report on the war; friendship with President Johnson; Became conservative Johnson; Became conservative , 2.3 Major Works , 2.3 Major Works , In the 1930s: , In the 1930s: Of Mice and Men (1937): migrant workers, a best seller Of Mice and Men (1937): migrant workers, a best seller The Grapes of Wrath (1939) The Grapes of Wrath (1939) , In the 1940s: , In the 1940s: The Moon Is Down (1942) The Moon Is Down (1942) The Pearl (1947) The Pearl (1947) , After 1950s: , After 1950s: East of Eden (1952):the most ambitious work of his East of Eden (1952):the most ambitious work of his The Winter of Our Discontent (1961) The Winter of Our Discontent (1961) 2.4 style 2.4 style , poetic prose , poetic prose , regional dialect , regional dialect , characterization: many types of characters rather than individuals , characterization: many types of characters rather than individuals , dramatic factors , dramatic factors , social protect: spokesman for the poverty-stricken people , social protect: spokesman for the poverty-stricken people 4 2.5 Literary Awards 2.5 Literary Awards , 1940: Pulitzer Prize , 1940: Pulitzer Prize The Grapes of Wrath (1939) The Grapes of Wrath (1939) , 1962: Nobel Prize for Literature , 1962: Nobel Prize for Literature 3 The Grapes of Wrath 3 The Grapes of Wrath , Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on a poor family of , Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on a poor family of sharecroppers, the Joads, driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, sharecroppers, the Joads, driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, and changes in the agriculture industry. economic hardship, and changes in the agriculture industry. , In a nearly hopeless situation, partly because they were trapped in the , In a nearly hopeless situation, partly because they were trapped in the Dust Bowl, they set out for California along with thousands of other Dust Bowl, they set out for California along with thousands of other "Okies" in search of land, jobs and dignity. "Okies" in search of land, jobs and dignity. , 1931- Severe drought hits the midwestern and southern plains. As the , 1931- Severe drought hits the midwestern and southern plains. As the crops die, the 'black blizzards" begin. Dust from the over-plowed and crops die, the 'black blizzards" begin. Dust from the over-plowed and over-grazed land begins to blow. over-grazed land begins to blow. , 1932 The number of dust storms is increasing. Fourteen are reported , 1932 The number of dust storms is increasing. Fourteen are reported this year; next year there will be 38. this year; next year there will be 38. 1934 MaY 1934 MaY , Great dust storms spread from the Dust Bowl area. The drought is the , Great dust storms spread from the Dust Bowl area. The drought is the worst ever in U.S. history, covering more than 75 percent of the worst ever in U.S. history, covering more than 75 percent of the country and affecting 27 states severely. country and affecting 27 states severely. DUST BOWL (DUST STORMS) OF THE SOUTHERN PLAINS DUST BOWL (DUST STORMS) OF THE SOUTHERN PLAINS 1934-1935 1934-1935 , 1939 In the fall, the rain comes, finally bringing an end to the drought. , 1939 In the fall, the rain comes, finally bringing an end to the drought. During the next few years, with the coming of World War II, the During the next few years, with the coming of World War II, the country is pulled out of the Depression and the plains once again country is pulled out of the Depression and the plains once again become golden with wheat. become golden with wheat. 3.1 Appreciating the Title 3.1 Appreciating the Title , The Battle Hymn of the Republic , A song of the Civil War, , The Battle Hymn of the Republic , A song of the Civil War, , Mine eyes have seen the glory , Mine eyes have seen the glory Of the coming of the Lord Of the coming of the Lord He is trampling out the vintage He is trampling out the vintage Where the grapes of wrath are stored Where the grapes of wrath are stored … … 3.2 The Plot Summary 3.2 The Plot Summary , The narrative begins just after Tom Joad is paroled from prison for , The narrative begins just after Tom Joad is paroled from prison for homicide. On his journey home, he meets former preacher Jim Casy homicide. On his journey home, he meets former preacher Jim Casy and the two travel together. When they arrive at his childhood farm and the two travel together. When they arrive at his childhood farm home, they find it deserted. Disconcerted and confused, he and Casy home, they find it deserted. Disconcerted and confused, he and Casy meet their old neighbor, Muley Graves, who takes them to Uncle John meet their old neighbor, Muley Graves, who takes them to Uncle John Joad's home nearby. Joad's home nearby. , There, Tom finds his family loading a converted truck with what , There, Tom finds his family loading a converted truck with what remains of their possessions; the crops were destroyed in the Dust remains of their possessions; the crops were destroyed in the Dust Bowl. With their farm repossessed, the Joads cling to hope, mostly in Bowl. With their farm repossessed, the Joads cling to hope, mostly in 5 the form of handbills distributed everywhere in Oklahoma, describing the form of handbills distributed everywhere in Oklahoma, describing the fruitful country of California and the high pay to be had in that state. the fruitful country of California and the high pay to be had in that state. The Joads are seduced by this advertising and invest everything they The Joads are seduced by this advertising and invest everything they have into the journey. Although leaving Oklahoma would be breaking have into the journey. Although leaving Oklahoma would be breaking parole, Tom decides that it is a risk worth taking. Casy joins the family parole, Tom decides that it is a risk worth taking. Casy joins the family as well. as well. 3.2 The Plot Summary 3.2 The Plot Summary , Going west on Route 66, the Joad family discovers that the road is , Going west on Route 66, the Joad family discovers that the road is saturated with other families making the same trek, ensnared by the saturated with other families making the same trek, ensnared by the same promise. In makeshift camps, they hear many stories from others, same promise. In makeshift camps, they hear many stories from others, some coming back from California, and are forced to confront the some coming back from California, and are forced to confront the possibility that their prospects may not be what they hoped. possibility that their prospects may not be what they hoped. , Along the road, Grampa dies and is buried in the camp; Granma dies , Along the road, Grampa dies and is buried in the camp; Granma dies close to the California state line, both Noah (the eldest Joad son) and close to the California state line, both Noah (the eldest Joad son) and Connie (the husband of the pregnant Joad daughter, Rose of Sharon) Connie (the husband of the pregnant Joad daughter, Rose of Sharon) split from the family; the remaining members, led by Ma, realize they split from the family; the remaining members, led by Ma, realize they have no choice but to go on, as there is nothing remaining for them in have no choice but to go on, as there is nothing remaining for them in Oklahoma. Oklahoma. 3.2 The Plot Summary 3.2 The Plot Summary , Upon arrival, they find little hope of making a decent wage, as there is , Upon arrival, they find little hope of making a decent wage, as there is an oversupply of labor and a lack of rights, and the big corporate an oversupply of labor and a lack of rights, and the big corporate farmers are in collusion, while smaller farmers are suffering from farmers are in collusion, while smaller farmers are suffering from collapsing prices. collapsing prices. , A gleam of hope is presented at Weedpatch Camp, one of the clean, , A gleam of hope is presented at Weedpatch Camp, one of the clean, utility-supplied camps operated by the Resettlement Administration, a utility-supplied camps operated by the Resettlement Administration, a New Deal agency that has been established to help the migrants, but New Deal agency that has been established to help the migrants, but there is not enough money and space to care for all of the needy. As a there is not enough money and space to care for all of the needy. As a Federal facility, the camp is also off-limits to California deputies who Federal facility, the camp is also off-limits to California deputies who constantly harass and provoke the newcomers. constantly harass and provoke the newcomers. 3.2 The Plot Summary 3.2 The Plot Summary , In response to the exploitation of laborers, there are people who , In response to the exploitation of laborers, there are people who attempt for the workers to join unions, including Casy, who had gone attempt for the workers to join unions, including Casy, who had gone to jail to cover for Tom's attack of a deputy. The surviving Joads to jail to cover for Tom's attack of a deputy. The surviving Joads unknowingly work as strikebreakers on a peach orchard where Casy is unknowingly work as strikebreakers on a peach orchard where Casy is involved in a strike that eventually turns violent. Tom Joad witnesses involved in a strike that eventually turns violent. Tom Joad witnesses the killing of Casy and kills the attacker, becoming a fugitive. the killing of Casy and kills the attacker, becoming a fugitive. , He bids farewell to his mother, promising that no matter where he runs, , He bids farewell to his mother, promising that no matter where he runs, he will be a tireless advocate for the oppressed. Rose of Sharon's baby he will be a tireless advocate for the oppressed. Rose of Sharon's baby is stillborn; however, Ma Joad remains steadfast and forces the family is stillborn; however, Ma Joad remains steadfast and forces the family through the bereavement. When the rains arrive, the Joads' dwelling is through the bereavement. When the rains arrive, the Joads' dwelling is flooded, and they move to higher ground, where Rose of Sharon breast flooded, and they move to higher ground, where Rose of Sharon breast 6 feeds a man too sick from starvation to eat solid food. feeds a man too sick from starvation to eat solid food. 3.3 Character Analysis; 3.3 Character Analysis; , Tom devotes his time and energies to the present moment. The future, , Tom devotes his time and energies to the present moment. The future, which seems illusory and out of reach, does not concern him. He which seems illusory and out of reach, does not concern him. He adopts this philosophy toward living not because he is selfish but as a adopts this philosophy toward living not because he is selfish but as a means of coping; exhibiting a rare strength, thoughtfulness, and moral means of coping; exhibiting a rare strength, thoughtfulness, and moral certainty, is destined for more than mere day-to-day survival. certainty, is destined for more than mere day-to-day survival. , Tom undergoes the most significant transformation in the novel as he , Tom undergoes the most significant transformation in the novel as he sheds this carpe diem .[?kɑ:pi ?daiem] (seize the day) philosophy for a sheds this carpe diem .[?kɑ:pi ?daiem] (seize the day) philosophy for a commitment to bettering the future. commitment to bettering the future. By the time Tom and Casy reunite at the cotton plantation, Tom realizes By the time Tom and Casy reunite at the cotton plantation, Tom realizes that he cannot stand by as a silent witness to the world‘s injustices; he that he cannot stand by as a silent witness to the world‘s injustices; he cannot work for his own family‘s well-being if it means taking bread from cannot work for his own family‘s well-being if it means taking bread from another family. At the plantation, Tom abandons the life of private another family. At the plantation, Tom abandons the life of private thought sets out on a course of public action. thought sets out on a course of public action. Jim Casy Jim Casy , a radical philosopher, a motivator and unifier of men, and a martyr, , a radical philosopher, a motivator and unifier of men, and a martyr, Casy assumes a role akin to that of Jesus Christ—with whom he also Casy assumes a role akin to that of Jesus Christ—with whom he also shares his initials. shares his initials. , Casy emphasizes that a human being, when acting alone, can have little , Casy emphasizes that a human being, when acting alone, can have little effect on the world, and that one can achieve wholeness only by effect on the world, and that one can achieve wholeness only by devoting. devoting. , Casy begins the novel uncertain of how to use his talents as a speaker , Casy begins the novel uncertain of how to use his talents as a speaker and spiritual healer if not as the leader of a religious congregation. By and spiritual healer if not as the leader of a religious congregation. By the end of the novel, he has learned to apply them to his task of the end of the novel, he has learned to apply them to his task of organizing the migrant workers. Indeed, Casy comes to believe so organizing the migrant workers. Indeed, Casy comes to believe so strongly in his mission to save the suffering laborers that he willingly strongly in his mission to save the suffering laborers that he willingly gives his life for it. gives his life for it. , catalyzing Tom Joad‘s transformation into a social activist and man of , catalyzing Tom Joad‘s transformation into a social activist and man of the people. the people. Ma Joad Ma Joad , A determined and loving woman;the family‘s center of strength over , A determined and loving woman;the family‘s center of strength over the course of the novel as Pa Joad gradually becomes less effective as a the course of the novel as Pa Joad gradually becomes less effective as a leader and provider. leader and provider. , novel‘s strongest supporter of family and togetherness. , novel‘s strongest supporter of family and togetherness. , Regardless of how bleak circumstances become, Ma Joad meets every , Regardless of how bleak circumstances become, Ma Joad meets every obstacle unflinchingly. Ma displays a startling capacity to keep obstacle unflinchingly. Ma displays a startling capacity to keep herself together—and to keep the family together—in the face of great herself together—and to keep the family together—in the face of great turmoil. turmoil. , With her indomitable nature, Ma Joad suggests that even the most , With her indomitable nature, Ma Joad suggests that even the most horrible circumstances can be weathered with grace and dignity. horrible circumstances can be weathered with grace and dignity. 7 Pa Joad Pa Joad , a good, thoughtful man, , a good, thoughtful man, -, he plans the family‘s trip to California with great care and -, he plans the family‘s trip to California with great care and consideration. consideration. , becomes less and less effective in his role as family leader , becomes less and less effective in his role as family leader -,When his efforts begin to fall short, however, Pa despairs. As a result, -,When his efforts begin to fall short, however, Pa despairs. As a result, he. By the end of the novel, he follows Ma as blindly and helplessly as he. By the end of the novel, he follows Ma as blindly and helplessly as a child. a child. , Pa‘s gradual breakdown serves as a sharp reminder that hardship does , Pa‘s gradual breakdown serves as a sharp reminder that hardship does not always ―build character.‖ not always ―build character.‖ Rose of Sharon Rose of Sharon , from a ―hoyden‖: a high-spirited and saucy girl , from a ―hoyden‖: a high-spirited and saucy girl , to a secretive and mysterious woman. (Virgin Mother) , to a secretive and mysterious woman. (Virgin Mother) -,she plays a dramatic role at the end of the novel. When she meets the -,she plays a dramatic role at the end of the novel. When she meets the starving man in the barn, she becomes saintly, otherworldly. Her starving man in the barn, she becomes saintly, otherworldly. Her capacity to sustain life, paired with her suffering and grief for her dead capacity to sustain life, paired with her suffering and grief for her dead child, liken her to the Virgin Mother and suggest that there is hope to child, liken her to the Virgin Mother and suggest that there is hope to be found even in the bleakest of circumstances. be found even in the bleakest of circumstances. 3.4 The Themes; 3.4 The Themes; , 1) Man‘s Inhumanity to Man , 1) Man‘s Inhumanity to Man Steinbeck consistently and woefully points to the fact that the migrants‘ Steinbeck consistently and woefully points to the fact that the migrants‘ great suffering is caused not by bad weather or mere misfortune but by great suffering is caused not by bad weather or mere misfortune but by their fellow human beings. Historical, social, and economic their fellow human beings. Historical, social, and economic circumstances separate people into rich and poor, landowner and tenant, circumstances separate people into rich and poor, landowner and tenant, and the people in the dominant roles struggle viciously to preserve their and the people in the dominant roles struggle viciously to preserve their positions. positions. 3.4 The Themes; 3.4 The Themes; , 2)The Saving Power of Family and Fellowship , 2)The Saving Power of Family and Fellowship The story is about two ―families‖: the Joads and the collective body of The story is about two ―families‖: the Joads and the collective body of migrant workers. migrant workers. This merging takes place among the migrant community in This merging takes place among the migrant community in general as well: ―twenty families became one family, the children were general as well: ―twenty families became one family, the children were the children of all. The loss of home became one loss, and the golden the children of all. The loss of home became one loss, and the golden time in the West was one dream.‖ In the face of adversity, the time in the West was one dream.‖ In the face of adversity, the livelihood of the migrants depends upon their union. livelihood of the migrants depends upon their union. 3.4 The Themes; 3.4 The Themes; , 3) The Dignity of Wrath , 3) The Dignity of Wrath , The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining self-respect in , The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining self-respect in order to survive spiritually ; order to survive spiritually ; , The Joads have suffered incomparable losses: Noah, Connie, and Tom , The Joads have suffered incomparable losses: Noah, Connie, and Tom have left the family; Rose of Sharon gives birth to a stillborn baby; the have left the family; Rose of Sharon gives birth to a stillborn baby; the family possesses neither food nor promise of work. Yet it is at this family possesses neither food nor promise of work. Yet it is at this moment (Chapter 30) that the family manages to rise above hardship to moment (Chapter 30) that the family manages to rise above hardship to 8 perform an act of unsurpassed kindness and generosity for the starving perform an act of unsurpassed kindness and generosity for the starving man, showing that the Joads have not lost their sense of the value of man, showing that the Joads have not lost their sense of the value of human life human life , The women‘s certainty is based on their understanding that the men‘s , The women‘s certainty is based on their understanding that the men‘s wrath bespeaks their healthy sense of self-respect. wrath bespeaks their healthy sense of self-respect. 3.5 Symbols 3.5 Symbols , 1) Rose of Sharon‘s Pregnancy ; , 1) Rose of Sharon‘s Pregnancy ; Rose of Sharon‘s pregnancy holds the promise of a new beginning. When Rose of Sharon‘s pregnancy holds the promise of a new beginning. When she delivers a stillborn baby, that promise seems broken. But rather she delivers a stillborn baby, that promise seems broken. But rather than slipping into despair, the family moves boldly and gracefully than slipping into despair, the family moves boldly and gracefully forward, and the novel ends on a surprising (albeit unsettling) note of forward, and the novel ends on a surprising (albeit unsettling) note of hope hope , 2) The Death of the Joads‘ Dog , 2) The Death of the Joads‘ Dog , When the Joads stop for gas not long after they begin their trip west, , When the Joads stop for gas not long after they begin their trip west, they are met by a hostile station attendant, who accuses them of being they are met by a hostile station attendant, who accuses them of being beggars and vagrants. While there, a fancy roadster runs down their beggars and vagrants. While there, a fancy roadster runs down their dog and leaves it for dead in the middle of the road. The gruesome dog and leaves it for dead in the middle of the road. The gruesome death constitutes the first of many symbols foreshadowing the tragedies death constitutes the first of many symbols foreshadowing the tragedies that await the family. that await the family. 3.6 Reading Chapters 1 and 4 3.6 Reading Chapters 1 and 4 Chapter 1 (Summary): Chapter 1 (Summary): , The cornfields of Oklahoma shrivel and fade in a long summer drought. , The cornfields of Oklahoma shrivel and fade in a long summer drought. Thick clouds of dust fill the skies, and the farmers tie handkerchiefs Thick clouds of dust fill the skies, and the farmers tie handkerchiefs over their noses and mouths. At night, the dust blocks out the stars and over their noses and mouths. At night, the dust blocks out the stars and creeps in through cracks in the farmhouses. creeps in through cracks in the farmhouses. , During the day the farmers have nothing to do but stare dazedly at their , During the day the farmers have nothing to do but stare dazedly at their dying crops, wondering how their families will survive. Their wives dying crops, wondering how their families will survive. Their wives and children watch them in turn, fearful that the disaster will break the and children watch them in turn, fearful that the disaster will break the men and leave the families destitute. They know that no misfortune men and leave the families destitute. They know that no misfortune will be too great to bear as long as their men remain ―whole.‖ will be too great to bear as long as their men remain ―whole.‖ Questions while reading Questions while reading , 1. Why did the earth become pale and pale day after day? , 1. Why did the earth become pale and pale day after day? , 2 Find some sentences describing the horrible and fierce dust storm and , 2 Find some sentences describing the horrible and fierce dust storm and explain them. explain them. , 3 How did people react before, in and after the dust storm? , 3 How did people react before, in and after the dust storm? Text Analysis (Chapter 1 ) Text Analysis (Chapter 1 ) , The book derives its epic scope from the way that Steinbeck uses the , The book derives its epic scope from the way that Steinbeck uses the story of the Joad family to portray the plight of thousands of Dust Bowl story of the Joad family to portray the plight of thousands of Dust Bowl farmers. The structure of the novel reflects this dual commitment: farmers. The structure of the novel reflects this dual commitment: ---Steinbeck tracks the Joad family with long narrative chapters but ---Steinbeck tracks the Joad family with long narrative chapters but alternates these sections with short, lyrical vignettes, capturing the alternates these sections with short, lyrical vignettes, capturing the westward movement of migrant farmers in the 1930s as they flee westward movement of migrant farmers in the 1930s as they flee drought and industry. drought and industry. 9 , This structure enables Steinbeck to use many different writing styles. , This structure enables Steinbeck to use many different writing styles. , The short (usually odd-numbered) chapters use highly stylized, poetic , The short (usually odd-numbered) chapters use highly stylized, poetic language to explore the social, economic, and historical factors that language to explore the social, economic, and historical factors that forced the great migration. Steinbeck‘s first description of the land is forced the great migration. Steinbeck‘s first description of the land is almost biblical in its simplicity, grandeur, and repetition: (p331) almost biblical in its simplicity, grandeur, and repetition: (p331) , The chapters (even-numbered) (chapter 2) devoted to the Joads‘ story , The chapters (even-numbered) (chapter 2) devoted to the Joads‘ story are noteworthy for their remarkably realistic evocation of life and are noteworthy for their remarkably realistic evocation of life and language among Oklahoma sharecroppers. language among Oklahoma sharecroppers. , Here Steinbeck displays his talent for rich, naturalistic narration. , Here Steinbeck displays his talent for rich, naturalistic narration. (Naturalism is a school of writing favoring realistic representations of (Naturalism is a school of writing favoring realistic representations of human life and natural, as opposed to supernatural or spiritual, human life and natural, as opposed to supernatural or spiritual, explanations for social phenomena.) explanations for social phenomena.) , The opening of the novel also establishes several of the novel‘s , The opening of the novel also establishes several of the novel‘s dominant themes. Steinbeck dedicates the first and third chapters, dominant themes. Steinbeck dedicates the first and third chapters, respectively, to a historical and symbolic description of the Dust Bowl respectively, to a historical and symbolic description of the Dust Bowl tragedy. tragedy. , While Chapter 1 paints an impressionistic picture of the Oklahoma , While Chapter 1 paints an impressionistic picture of the Oklahoma farms as they wither and die, Chapter 3 presents a symbolic depiction farms as they wither and die, Chapter 3 presents a symbolic depiction of the farmers‘ plights in the turtle that struggles to cross the road. of the farmers‘ plights in the turtle that struggles to cross the road. , a particularly dark vision of the world. , a particularly dark vision of the world. , As the relentless weather of Chapter 1 and the mean-spirited driver of , As the relentless weather of Chapter 1 and the mean-spirited driver of Chapter 3 represent, the universe is full of obstacles that fill life with Chapter 3 represent, the universe is full of obstacles that fill life with hardship and danger. Like the turtle that trudges across the road, the hardship and danger. Like the turtle that trudges across the road, the Joad family will be called upon, time and again, to fight the malicious Joad family will be called upon, time and again, to fight the malicious forces—drought, industry, human jealousy and fear—that seek to forces—drought, industry, human jealousy and fear—that seek to overturn it. overturn it. The Biblical elements in the novel The Biblical elements in the novel , Language (especially in the odd-numbered chapters) , Language (especially in the odd-numbered chapters) , The Symbols of ―Grapes‖ , The Symbols of ―Grapes‖ , Structure; , Structure; , Character Description (Rose of Sharon; Jim Casy) , Character Description (Rose of Sharon; Jim Casy) , 1. Half of the chapters in The Grapes of Wrath focus on the dramatic , 1. Half of the chapters in The Grapes of Wrath focus on the dramatic westward journey of the Joad family, while the others possess a westward journey of the Joad family, while the others possess a broader scope, providing a more general picture of the migration of broader scope, providing a more general picture of the migration of thousands of Dust Bowl farmers. Discuss this structure. Why might thousands of Dust Bowl farmers. Discuss this structure. Why might Steinbeck have chosen it? How do the two kinds of chapters reinforce Steinbeck have chosen it? How do the two kinds of chapters reinforce each other? each other? , The long narrative chapters that trace their journey provide a personal , The long narrative chapters that trace their journey provide a personal context for understanding the more abstract social, historical, and context for understanding the more abstract social, historical, and symbolic musings of the shorter alternating chapters. Despite their symbolic musings of the shorter alternating chapters. Despite their sometimes preachy tone, these alternating chapters play an important sometimes preachy tone, these alternating chapters play an important role in the structure of the novel. role in the structure of the novel. 10 , Most notably, they extend the saga of migrant farmers beyond a single , Most notably, they extend the saga of migrant farmers beyond a single family, reminding the reader that the hardships faced by the Joads were family, reminding the reader that the hardships faced by the Joads were widespread, afflicting tens of thousands of families in the Dust Bowl. widespread, afflicting tens of thousands of families in the Dust Bowl. Furthermore, these chapters anticipate the circumstances that the Joads Furthermore, these chapters anticipate the circumstances that the Joads will encounter; the reader has already read a detailed description of will encounter; the reader has already read a detailed description of these camps in the preceding chapter and thus foresees their these camps in the preceding chapter and thus foresees their difficulties. difficulties. , The short chapters allow him to exceed the constraints of these prose , The short chapters allow him to exceed the constraints of these prose forms, to root his story in a more universal tradition. forms, to root his story in a more universal tradition. The author roots his story in a more universal tradition, endowing it , , The author roots his story in a more universal tradition, endowing it with significance that exceeds the individual characters and their with significance that exceeds the individual characters and their specific setting. specific setting. 3.7 Question for Dsicussion 3.7 Question for Dsicussion , What is Jim Casy‘s role in the novel? How does his moral philosophy , What is Jim Casy‘s role in the novel? How does his moral philosophy govern the novel as a whole? govern the novel as a whole? , Jim Casy is, in many ways, the novel’s guiding moral voice. He , Jim Casy is, in many ways, the novel’s guiding moral voice. He explicitly articulates many of Steinbeck’s thematic ideas, namely explicitly articulates many of Steinbeck’s thematic ideas, namely that human life is as sacred as any divinity and that a single life has that human life is as sacred as any divinity and that a single life has little purpose unless it takes part in, and contributes to, a greater little purpose unless it takes part in, and contributes to, a greater community. These ideas provide the foundation for the acts of community. These ideas provide the foundation for the acts of charity and kindness that unify the migrant farmers as their lives charity and kindness that unify the migrant farmers as their lives grow harder and less forgiving. grow harder and less forgiving. , Furthermore, Casy plays a vital role in the transformation of Tom , Furthermore, Casy plays a vital role in the transformation of Tom Joad into a social activist. In many ways, Casy resembles a Christ Joad into a social activist. In many ways, Casy resembles a Christ figure: he is a man possessed of radical, controversial ideas; a figure: he is a man possessed of radical, controversial ideas; a champion of the poor and oppressed; and, in the end, a martyr for champion of the poor and oppressed; and, in the end, a martyr for his beliefs. Tom’s newfound commitment to a better future his beliefs. Tom’s newfound commitment to a better future indicates that Casy was correct in positing the power of selfless indicates that Casy was correct in positing the power of selfless devotion to others: by joining the cause to help the people, and by devotion to others: by joining the cause to help the people, and by inspiring others to join as well, Casy ensures his own immortality. inspiring others to join as well, Casy ensures his own immortality. Because he has merged his spirit with the whole of humanity, Casy Because he has merged his spirit with the whole of humanity, Casy lives on. lives on. Wall Street Crash of 1929 Wall Street Crash of 1929 The Great Depression The Great Depression It is thought to have begun ―Black Tuesday‖ with the Wall Street It is thought to have begun ―Black Tuesday‖ with the Wall Street Crash of October, 1929 and rapidly spread worldwide. The market Crash of October, 1929 and rapidly spread worldwide. The market crash marked the beginning of a decade of high unemployment, crash marked the beginning of a decade of high unemployment, poverty, low profits, deflation(通货紧缩), plunging farm incomes, and poverty, low profits, deflation(通货紧缩), plunging farm incomes, and lost opportunities for economic growth and personal advancement lost opportunities for economic growth and personal advancement ―Dirty Thirties‖ --Dust Bowl ―Dirty Thirties‖ --Dust Bowl , was a period of severe dust storms causing major ecological and , was a period of severe dust storms causing major ecological and agricultural damage to American and Canadian prairie lands from 1930 agricultural damage to American and Canadian prairie lands from 1930 to 1936 (in some areas until 1940). to 1936 (in some areas until 1940). 11 , During the early 1930s, a severe drought led to massive agricultural , During the early 1930s, a severe drought led to massive agricultural failure in parts of the southern Great Plains, particularly throughout failure in parts of the southern Great Plains, particularly throughout western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle. These areas had been western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle. These areas had been heavily overcultivated by wheat farmers in the years following World heavily overcultivated by wheat farmers in the years following World War I and were covered with millions of acres of loose, exposed War I and were covered with millions of acres of loose, exposed topsoil. topsoil. In the absence of rain, crops withered and died; the topsoil, no longer , , In the absence of rain, crops withered and died; the topsoil, no longer anchored by growing roots, was picked up by the winds and carried in anchored by growing roots, was picked up by the winds and carried in billowing clouds across the region. Huge dust storms blew across the billowing clouds across the region. Huge dust storms blew across the area, at times blocking out the sun and even suffocating those unlucky area, at times blocking out the sun and even suffocating those unlucky enough to be caught unprepared. The afflicted region became known as enough to be caught unprepared. The afflicted region became known as the ―Dust Bowl.‖ the ―Dust Bowl.‖ A farmer and his two sons during a dust storm in Cimarron County, A farmer and his two sons during a dust storm in Cimarron County, Oklahoma, 1936. Oklahoma, 1936. A dust storm approaches Stratford, Texas, in 1935. A dust storm approaches Stratford, Texas, in 1935. A dust storm; Spearman, Texas, April 14, 1935. A dust storm; Spearman, Texas, April 14, 1935. Buried machinery in a barn lot; Dallas, South Dakota, May 1936 Buried machinery in a barn lot; Dallas, South Dakota, May 1936 An Oklahoman boy during a dust storm, 1936 An Oklahoman boy during a dust storm, 1936 Summary: Chapter 3 Summary: Chapter 3 , In the summer heat, a turtle plods across the baking highway. A , In the summer heat, a turtle plods across the baking highway. A woman careens her car aside to avoid hitting the turtle, but a young woman careens her car aside to avoid hitting the turtle, but a young man veers his truck straight at the turtle, trying to run it over. He nicks man veers his truck straight at the turtle, trying to run it over. He nicks the edge of the turtle‘s shell, flipping it off the highway and onto its the edge of the turtle‘s shell, flipping it off the highway and onto its back. Legs jerking in the air, the turtle struggles to flip itself back over. back. Legs jerking in the air, the turtle struggles to flip itself back over. Eventually it succeeds and continues trudging on its way. Eventually it succeeds and continues trudging on its way. A Farewell to Arms A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway by Ernest Hemingway • type of work: Novel • type of work: Novel • genre : Literary war novel • genre : Literary war novel • language : English • language : English • time and place written :1926–1928; America and abroad • time and place written :1926–1928; America and abroad • date of first publication :1929 • date of first publication :1929 • publisher : Charles Scribner‘s Sons • publisher : Charles Scribner‘s Sons • narrator : Lieutenant Frederic Henry • narrator : Lieutenant Frederic Henry • point of view : • point of view : Henry narrates the story in the first person but sometimes switches to the Henry narrates the story in the first person but sometimes switches to the second person during his more philosophical reflections. Henry relates second person during his more philosophical reflections. Henry relates only what he sees and does and only what he could have learned of only what he sees and does and only what he could have learned of other characters from his experiences with them. other characters from his experiences with them. • tone : • tone : As the autobiographical nature of the work suggests, Hemingway‘s As the autobiographical nature of the work suggests, Hemingway‘s apparent attitude toward the story is identical to that of the narrator. apparent attitude toward the story is identical to that of the narrator. 12 • Tense: Past • Tense: Past • setting (time) : 1916–1918, in the middle of World War I • setting (time) : 1916–1918, in the middle of World War I • setting (place) : Italy and Switzerland • setting (place) : Italy and Switzerland • protagonist ? Frederic Henry • protagonist ? Frederic Henry • major conflict ? While there is no single, clear-cut conflict, friction • major conflict ? While there is no single, clear-cut conflict, friction does arise when Henry‘s love for Catherine cannot quell his innate does arise when Henry‘s love for Catherine cannot quell his innate restlessness. restlessness. • rising action ? Henry and Catherine‘s flirtatious games prepare and • rising action ? Henry and Catherine‘s flirtatious games prepare and sometimes foreshadow their love for each other; sometimes foreshadow their love for each other; • climax ? Broadly speaking, the Italian retreat, but more specifically, • climax ? Broadly speaking, the Italian retreat, but more specifically, Henry‘s capture and near-execution by the battle police Henry‘s capture and near-execution by the battle police • falling action ? Henry‘s decision to flee and quit the army marks his • falling action ? Henry‘s decision to flee and quit the army marks his farewell to arms and his commitment to Catherine. farewell to arms and his commitment to Catherine. • themes ? The grim reality of war, the relationship between love and • themes ? The grim reality of war, the relationship between love and pain, feelings of loss pain, feelings of loss • motifs ? Masculinity, games and divertissement, loyalty versus • motifs ? Masculinity, games and divertissement, loyalty versus abandonment, illusions and fantasies, alcoholism abandonment, illusions and fantasies, alcoholism • symbols : • symbols : Rain: which scares Catherine and into which Henry walks at the end of Rain: which scares Catherine and into which Henry walks at the end of the novel; the novel; Catherine‘s hair; Catherine‘s hair; • foreshadowing : • foreshadowing : Catherine‘s conviction that dreadful things are going to occur; Catherine‘s conviction that dreadful things are going to occur; the rainfall that scares her in the night; the rainfall that scares her in the night; the doctor‘s warning that Catherine‘s hips are narrow; the doctor‘s warning that Catherine‘s hips are narrow; Henry‘s musing on how life kills the good, the gentle, and the brave Henry‘s musing on how life kills the good, the gentle, and the brave • Structures: Structures: • • Five Books, 41chapters Five Books, 41chapters • • L ieutenant Frederic Henry is a young American ambulance driver • L ieutenant Frederic Henry is a young American ambulance driver serving in the Italian army during World War I. He meets Catherine serving in the Italian army during World War I. He meets Catherine Barkley, an English nurse‘s aide at the nearby British hospital . Barkley, an English nurse‘s aide at the nearby British hospital . • When Henry is wounded on the battlefield, he is brought to a hospital • When Henry is wounded on the battlefield, he is brought to a hospital in Milan to recover. Catherine has been transferred to Milan and begins in Milan to recover. Catherine has been transferred to Milan and begins his recuperation under her care. During the following months, his his recuperation under her care. During the following months, his relationship with Catherine intensifies. Their love becomes powerful relationship with Catherine intensifies. Their love becomes powerful and real. Catherine is pregnant. As they part, Catherine and Henry and real. Catherine is pregnant. As they part, Catherine and Henry pledge their mutual devotion. pledge their mutual devotion. • Henry travels to the front, where Italian forces are losing ground and • Henry travels to the front, where Italian forces are losing ground and manpower daily. Soon after Henry‘s arrival, a bombardment begins. manpower daily. Soon after Henry‘s arrival, a bombardment begins. When word comes that German troops are breaking through the Italian When word comes that German troops are breaking through the Italian lines, the Allied forces prepare to retreat. Henry leads his team of lines, the Allied forces prepare to retreat. Henry leads his team of ambulance drivers into the great column of evacuating troops. When ambulance drivers into the great column of evacuating troops. When they rejoin the retreat the following day, chaos has broken out: soldiers, they rejoin the retreat the following day, chaos has broken out: soldiers, 13 angered by the Italian defeat, pull commanding officers from the melee angered by the Italian defeat, pull commanding officers from the melee and execute them on sight. The battle police seize Henry, who, at a and execute them on sight. The battle police seize Henry, who, at a crucial moment, breaks away and dives into the river. After swimming crucial moment, breaks away and dives into the river. After swimming a safe distance downstream, Henry boards a train bound for Milan. a safe distance downstream, Henry boards a train bound for Milan. • Henry reunites with Catherine in the town of Stresa. From there, the • Henry reunites with Catherine in the town of Stresa. From there, the two escape to safety in Switzerland, rowing all night in a tiny borrowed two escape to safety in Switzerland, rowing all night in a tiny borrowed boat. They settle happily in a lovely alpine town called Montreux and boat. They settle happily in a lovely alpine town called Montreux and agree to put the war behind them forever. Although Henry is agree to put the war behind them forever. Although Henry is sometimes plagued by guilt for abandoning the men on the front, the sometimes plagued by guilt for abandoning the men on the front, the two succeed in living a beautiful, peaceful life. When spring arrives, two succeed in living a beautiful, peaceful life. When spring arrives, the couple moves to Lausanne so that they can be closer to the hospital. the couple moves to Lausanne so that they can be closer to the hospital. Early one morning, Catherine goes into labor. The delivery is Early one morning, Catherine goes into labor. The delivery is exceptionally painful and complicated. Catherine delivers a stillborn exceptionally painful and complicated. Catherine delivers a stillborn baby boy and, later that night, dies of a hemorrhage. Henry stays at her baby boy and, later that night, dies of a hemorrhage. Henry stays at her side until she is gone. He attempts to say goodbye but cannot. He walks side until she is gone. He attempts to say goodbye but cannot. He walks back to his hotel in the rain. back to his hotel in the rain. • Chapter 1 Chapter 1 • • Time:Late Summer- The start of winter Time:Late Summer- The start of winter • • Place: A Village in the north of Italy; Place: A Village in the north of Italy; • • Characters:The troops Characters:The troops • “Understatement” “Understatement” • At the start of the winter came the permanent rain and with the rain At the start of the winter came the permanent rain and with the rain • came the cholera. But it was checked and in the end only seven came the cholera. But it was checked and in the end only seven thousand died of it in the army. thousand died of it in the army. ----Chapter I ----Chapter I Chapter 2 Chapter 2 • In August In August • • A house in a town called Gorizia; A house in a town called Gorizia; • • A bawdy-house; Some officers; A bawdy-house; Some officers; • • At the mess: A priest (character) At the mess: A priest (character) • Chapter 3 Chapter 3 • Place: Gorizia; • Place: Gorizia; • Time: the spring(Back to the front from his leave) • Time: the spring(Back to the front from his leave) • I ; • I ; • Lieutenant Rinaldi (a surgeon); • Lieutenant Rinaldi (a surgeon); • the priest; • the priest; • the officers • the officers Question: Question: Why did the captian often pick on /bait the priest? Why did the captian often pick on /bait the priest? Describe the priest. Describe the priest. Chapter 4 Chapter 4 • Place: Gorizia;The British Hospital; • Place: Gorizia;The British Hospital; 14 • Time: the spring(Back to the front from his leave) • Time: the spring(Back to the front from his leave) • I ; • I ; • the mechanics; (p281) • the mechanics; (p281) • Lieutenant Rinaldi; • Lieutenant Rinaldi; • Miss Barkley; (?) • Miss Barkley; (?) • Helen Furguson; • Helen Furguson; • Chapter 5 the second visit to Miss Barkley Chapter 5 the second visit to Miss Barkley • • Chapter 6 the third visit to Miss Barkley Chapter 6 the third visit to Miss Barkley • • Questions : Questions : • • 1 Comment on the relationship between Henry and Catherine at first. 1 Comment on the relationship between Henry and Catherine at first. • • 2 Describe the surgeon Rinaldi. 2 Describe the surgeon Rinaldi. • • Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a • Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. literary work. • 主题是作者在文章中通过各种材料所表达的中心意思(它渗透、贯• 主题是作者在文章中通过各种材料所表达的中心意思(它渗透、贯穿于文章的全部内容，体现着作者写作的主要意图，包含着作者对穿于文章的全部内容，体现着作者写作的主要意图，包含着作者对文章中所反应的客观事物的基本认识、理解、和评价。如果换一个文章中所反应的客观事物的基本认识、理解、和评价。如果换一个角度来说，主题是读者对文章中心内涵的一种独特理解。 角度来说，主题是读者对文章中心内涵的一种独特理解。 • Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can • Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text‘s major themes. help to develop and inform the text‘s major themes. • 指的是一个主题、人物、故事情节或字句样式，其一再出现于某文• 指的是一个主题、人物、故事情节或字句样式，其一再出现于某文学作品里，成为利于统一整个作品的有意义线索，也可能是一个意学作品里，成为利于统一整个作品的有意义线索，也可能是一个意象或?原型‘，由于其一再出现，使整个作品有一脉络，而加强。‖母象或?原型‘，由于其一再出现，使整个作品有一脉络，而加强。‖母题‖是叙事作品中结合得非常紧密的最小事件，持续存在传统中，题‖是叙事作品中结合得非常紧密的最小事件，持续存在传统中，能引起人们的多种联想，它是一个完整的故事，本身能独立存在，能引起人们的多种联想，它是一个完整的故事，本身能独立存在，也能与其他故事结合在一起，生出新的故事。 也能与其他故事结合在一起，生出新的故事。 Italy Italy officer officer • Major:少校 Captain:上尉 Lieutenant:Major:少校 Captain:上尉 Lieutenant:• 中尉 中尉 • Rinaldi‘s character serves an important function in A Farewell to Arms. • Rinaldi‘s character serves an important function in A Farewell to Arms. He dominates an array of minor male characters who embody the kind He dominates an array of minor male characters who embody the kind of virile, competent, and good-natured masculinity that, for better or of virile, competent, and good-natured masculinity that, for better or worse, so much of Hemingway‘s fiction celebrates. worse, so much of Hemingway‘s fiction celebrates. • Rinaldi is an unbelievable womanizer, professing to be in love with • Rinaldi is an unbelievable womanizer, professing to be in love with Catherine at the beginning of the novel but claiming soon thereafter to Catherine at the beginning of the novel but claiming soon thereafter to be relieved that he is not, like Henry, saddled with the complicated be relieved that he is not, like Henry, saddled with the complicated emotional baggage that the love of a woman entails. emotional baggage that the love of a woman entails. • Considering Rinaldi‘s frequent visits to the local whorehouses, Henry • Considering Rinaldi‘s frequent visits to the local whorehouses, Henry later muses that his friend has most likely succumbed to syphilis. later muses that his friend has most likely succumbed to syphilis. While this registers as an unpleasant end, it is presented with an air of While this registers as an unpleasant end, it is presented with an air of detached likelihood rather than fervent moralizing. It is, in other words, detached likelihood rather than fervent moralizing. It is, in other words, 15 not punishment for a man‘s bad behavior but rather the consequence of not punishment for a man‘s bad behavior but rather the consequence of a man behaving as a man—living large, living boldly, and being true to a man behaving as a man—living large, living boldly, and being true to himself.. himself.. • Rain • Rain • Rain serves in the novel as a potent symbol of the inevitable • Rain serves in the novel as a potent symbol of the inevitable disintegration of happiness in life. Catherine infuses the weather with disintegration of happiness in life. Catherine infuses the weather with meaning as she and Henry lie in bed listening to the storm outside. As meaning as she and Henry lie in bed listening to the storm outside. As the rain falls on the roof, Catherine admits that the rain scares her and the rain falls on the roof, Catherine admits that the rain scares her and says that it has a tendency to ruin things for lovers. Of course, no says that it has a tendency to ruin things for lovers. Of course, no meteorological phenomenon has such power; symbolically, however, meteorological phenomenon has such power; symbolically, however, Catherine‘s fear proves to be prophetic, for doom does eventually come Catherine‘s fear proves to be prophetic, for doom does eventually come to the lovers. After Catherine‘s death, Henry leaves the hospital and to the lovers. After Catherine‘s death, Henry leaves the hospital and walks home in the rain. Here, the falling rain validates Catherine‘s walks home in the rain. Here, the falling rain validates Catherine‘s anxiety and confirms one of the novel‘s main contentions: great love, anxiety and confirms one of the novel‘s main contentions: great love, like anything else in the world—good or bad, innocent or like anything else in the world—good or bad, innocent or deserving—cannot last. deserving—cannot last. • Catherine‘s Hair • Catherine‘s Hair • Although it is not a recurring symbol, Catherine‘s hair is an important • Although it is not a recurring symbol, Catherine‘s hair is an important one. In the early, easy days of their relationship, as Henry and one. In the early, easy days of their relationship, as Henry and Catherine lie in bed, Catherine takes down her hair and lets it cascade Catherine lie in bed, Catherine takes down her hair and lets it cascade around Henry‘s head. The tumble of hair reminds Henry of being around Henry‘s head. The tumble of hair reminds Henry of being enclosed inside a tent or behind a waterfall. This lovely description enclosed inside a tent or behind a waterfall. This lovely description stands as a symbol of the couple‘s isolation from the world. With a war stands as a symbol of the couple‘s isolation from the world. With a war raging around them, they manage to secure a blissful seclusion, raging around them, they manage to secure a blissful seclusion, believing themselves protected by something as delicate as hair. Later, believing themselves protected by something as delicate as hair. Later, however, when they are truly isolated from the ravages of war and however, when they are truly isolated from the ravages of war and living in peaceful Switzerland, they learn the harsh lesson that love, in living in peaceful Switzerland, they learn the harsh lesson that love, in the face of life‘s cruel reality, is as fragile and ephemeral as hair. the face of life‘s cruel reality, is as fragile and ephemeral as hair. The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby F.Scott Fitzgerald F.Scott Fitzgerald Francis Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is generally regarded as the spokesman of Francis Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is generally regarded as the spokesman of the ―Roaring Twenties‖. the ―Roaring Twenties‖. 3 The Great Gatsby 3 The Great Gatsby 3.2 The Setting and the Structure 3.2 The Setting and the Structure 3.2.1 Setting(Major settings and subsettings ) 3.2.1 Setting(Major settings and subsettings ) -West Egg (where Gatsby and Nick lived; the less fashionable; new rich) -West Egg (where Gatsby and Nick lived; the less fashionable; new rich) - East Egg (where the Buchanans lived, the fashionable; old money) - East Egg (where the Buchanans lived, the fashionable; old money) -The Valley of Ashes (where the Wilsons lived, the desolate wasteland) -The Valley of Ashes (where the Wilsons lived, the desolate wasteland) - New York City (where anything went, money was made, bootleggers - New York City (where anything went, money was made, bootleggers flourished, parties and affairs came one after another) flourished, parties and affairs came one after another) 3.2 The Setting and the Structure 3.2 The Setting and the Structure 3.2.2 Structure 3.2.2 Structure - One of the most well written and tightly structured novels in Amercian - One of the most well written and tightly structured novels in Amercian 16 literature; literature; - using flashback; combination of the past and the present - using flashback; combination of the past and the present - 9 Chapters altogether. - 9 Chapters altogether. (can be charted as: X,X,X,XCX,X,XBXCX,X,XCXDXD,XEXAX) (can be charted as: X,X,X,XCX,X,XBXCX,X,XCXDXD,XEXAX) 3.3 The Major Characters 3.3 The Major Characters , Nick Carraway (Narrator)— a 29-year-old (thirty by the end of the , Nick Carraway (Narrator)— a 29-year-old (thirty by the end of the book) bond salesman from the Midwest, a veteran, a Yale graduate, book) bond salesman from the Midwest, a veteran, a Yale graduate, and resident of Long Land. Neighbor of Gatsby. and resident of Long Land. Neighbor of Gatsby. Nick is a young man from Minnesota who, after being educated at Yale Nick is a young man from Minnesota who, after being educated at Yale and fighting in World War I, goes to New York City to learn the bond and fighting in World War I, goes to New York City to learn the bond business. Honest, tolerant, and inclined to reserve judgment, Nick often business. Honest, tolerant, and inclined to reserve judgment, Nick often serves as a confidant for those with troubling secrets. After moving to serves as a confidant for those with troubling secrets. After moving to West Egg, a fictional area of Long Island that is home to the newly rich, West Egg, a fictional area of Long Island that is home to the newly rich, Nick quickly befriends his next-door neighbor, the mysterious Jay Nick quickly befriends his next-door neighbor, the mysterious Jay Gatsby. As Daisy Buchanan's cousin, he facilitates the rekindling of the Gatsby. As Daisy Buchanan's cousin, he facilitates the rekindling of the romance between her and Gatsby. The Great Gatsby is told entirely romance between her and Gatsby. The Great Gatsby is told entirely through Nick's eyes; his thoughts and perceptions shape and color the through Nick's eyes; his thoughts and perceptions shape and color the story. story. 3.3 The Major Characters 3.3 The Major Characters , Jay Gatsby (originally James "Jimmy" Gatz) ,the title character and , Jay Gatsby (originally James "Jimmy" Gatz) ,the title character and protagonist of the novel. living in a Gothic mansion in West Egg protagonist of the novel. living in a Gothic mansion in West Egg , He is famous for the lavish parties he throws every Saturday night, but , He is famous for the lavish parties he throws every Saturday night, but no one knows where he comes from, what he does, or how he made his no one knows where he comes from, what he does, or how he made his fortune. He was born James Gatz on a farm in North Dakota; working fortune. He was born James Gatz on a farm in North Dakota; working for a millionaire made him dedicate his life to the achievement of for a millionaire made him dedicate his life to the achievement of wealth. When he met Daisy while training to be an officer in Louisville, wealth. When he met Daisy while training to be an officer in Louisville, he fell in love with her. Gatsby made his fortune through criminal he fell in love with her. Gatsby made his fortune through criminal activity, as he was willing to do anything to gain the social position he activity, as he was willing to do anything to gain the social position he thought necessary to win Daisy. Gatsby had courted but lost Daisy due thought necessary to win Daisy. Gatsby had courted but lost Daisy due to their different social standing, the main reason Fitzgerald believed to their different social standing, the main reason Fitzgerald believed he had lost Ginevra he had lost Ginevra 3.3 The Major Characters 3.3 The Major Characters , "Tom" Buchanan —an arrogant "old money" millionaire who lives on , "Tom" Buchanan —an arrogant "old money" millionaire who lives on East Egg. East Egg. , Daisy's immensely wealthy husband, once a member of Nick's social , Daisy's immensely wealthy husband, once a member of Nick's social club at Yale. Powerfully built and hailing from a socially solid old club at Yale. Powerfully built and hailing from a socially solid old family, Tom is an arrogant, hypocritical bully. His social attitudes are family, Tom is an arrogant, hypocritical bully. His social attitudes are laced with racism and sexism, and he never even considers trying to laced with racism and sexism, and he never even considers trying to live up to the moral standard he demands from those around him. He live up to the moral standard he demands from those around him. He has no moral qualms about his own extramarital affair with Myrtle, but has no moral qualms about his own extramarital affair with Myrtle, but when he begins to suspect Daisy and Gatsby of having an affair, he when he begins to suspect Daisy and Gatsby of having an affair, he becomes outraged and forces a confrontation becomes outraged and forces a confrontation 3.3 The Major Characters 3.3 The Major Characters 17 , Daisy Buchanan， , Daisy Buchanan， an attractive, effervescent [?ef?'vesnt] an attractive, effervescent [?ef?'vesnt] young woman; young woman; , Nick's cousin, once removed ,and the woman Gatsby loves. As a young , Nick's cousin, once removed ,and the woman Gatsby loves. As a young woman in Louisville before the war, Daisy was courted by a number of woman in Louisville before the war, Daisy was courted by a number of officers, including Gatsby. She fell in love with Gatsby and promised officers, including Gatsby. She fell in love with Gatsby and promised to wait for him. However, Daisy harbors a deep need to be loved, and to wait for him. However, Daisy harbors a deep need to be loved, and when a wealthy, powerful young man named Tom Buchanan asked her when a wealthy, powerful young man named Tom Buchanan asked her to marry him, Daisy decided not to wait for Gatsby after all. Now a to marry him, Daisy decided not to wait for Gatsby after all. Now a beautiful socialite, Daisy lives with Tom across from Gatsby in the beautiful socialite, Daisy lives with Tom across from Gatsby in the fashionable East Egg district of Long Island. She is sardonic and fashionable East Egg district of Long Island. She is sardonic and somewhat cynical, and behaves superficially to mask her pain at her somewhat cynical, and behaves superficially to mask her pain at her husband's constant infidelity[?infi'deliti] . husband's constant infidelity[?infi'deliti] . 3.3 The Major Characters 3.3 The Major Characters , Jordan Baker - Daisy's friend, a woman with whom Nick becomes , Jordan Baker - Daisy's friend, a woman with whom Nick becomes romantically involved during the course of the novel. A competitive romantically involved during the course of the novel. A competitive golfer, Jordan represents one of the ―new women‖ of the golfer, Jordan represents one of the ―new women‖ of the 1920s—cynical, boyish, and self-centered. Jordan is beautiful, but also 1920s—cynical, boyish, and self-centered. Jordan is beautiful, but also dishonest: she cheated in order to win her first golf tournament and dishonest: she cheated in order to win her first golf tournament and continually bends the truth. continually bends the truth. 3.3 The Major Characters 3.3 The Major Characters , Myrtle Wilson - Tom's lover, whose lifeless husband George owns a , Myrtle Wilson - Tom's lover, whose lifeless husband George owns a run-down garage in the valley of ashes. Myrtle herself possesses a run-down garage in the valley of ashes. Myrtle herself possesses a fierce vitality and desperately looks for a way to improve her situation. fierce vitality and desperately looks for a way to improve her situation. Unfortunately for her, she chooses Tom, who treats her as a mere Unfortunately for her, she chooses Tom, who treats her as a mere object of his desire. object of his desire. , George Wilson - Myrtle's husband, the lifeless, exhausted owner of a , George Wilson - Myrtle's husband, the lifeless, exhausted owner of a run-down auto shop at the edge of the valley of ashes. George loves run-down auto shop at the edge of the valley of ashes. George loves and idealizes Myrtle, and is devastated by her affair with Tom. George and idealizes Myrtle, and is devastated by her affair with Tom. George is consumed with grief when Myrtle is killed. George is comparable to is consumed with grief when Myrtle is killed. George is comparable to Gatsby in that both are dreamers and both are ruined by their Gatsby in that both are dreamers and both are ruined by their unrequited love for women who love Tom. The pic. unrequited love for women who love Tom. The pic. 4 Major themes 4 Major themes 4.1 The decline of the American Dream in the 1920s 4.1 The decline of the American Dream in the 1920s 4.2The Hollowness/Emptiness of the Upper Class 4.2The Hollowness/Emptiness of the Upper Class , In the novel, West Egg and its denizens represent the newly rich, while , In the novel, West Egg and its denizens represent the newly rich, while East Egg and its denizens, especially Daisy and Tom, represent the old East Egg and its denizens, especially Daisy and Tom, represent the old aristocracy. aristocracy. , Fitzgerald portrays the newly rich as being vulgar, gaudy, , Fitzgerald portrays the newly rich as being vulgar, gaudy, ostentatious[??sten'tei??s] , and lacking in social graces and taste. ostentatious[??sten'tei??s] , and lacking in social graces and taste. Gatsby, for example, lives in a monstrously ornate mansion, wears a Gatsby, for example, lives in a monstrously ornate mansion, wears a pink suit, drives a Rolls-Royce, and does not pick up on subtle social pink suit, drives a Rolls-Royce, and does not pick up on subtle social 18 signals. signals. 4.3 The Meaning of the Past 4.3 The Meaning of the Past ― So we beat on, boats agaisnt the current, borne back ceaselessly into the ― So we beat on, boats agaisnt the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past‖ (Chapter 9) past‖ (Chapter 9) The past carries something that both Gatsby and Nick seem to long The past carries something that both Gatsby and Nick seem to long for: maybe a simpler and nobler time when people may cherish for: maybe a simpler and nobler time when people may cherish something of certain life value; something of certain life value; 4.4 East and West 4.4 East and West , 4.5 Sight and Insight , 4.5 Sight and Insight 5 Symbols 5 Symbols , The Green Light , The Green Light , Situated at the end of Daisy's East Egg dock and barely visible from , Situated at the end of Daisy's East Egg dock and barely visible from Gatsby's West Egg lawn, the green light represents Gatsby's hopes and Gatsby's West Egg lawn, the green light represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future. Gatsby associates it with Daisy, and in Chapter I dreams for the future. Gatsby associates it with Daisy, and in Chapter I he reaches toward it in the darkness as a guiding light to lead him to his he reaches toward it in the darkness as a guiding light to lead him to his goal. Because Gatsby's quest for Daisy is broadly associated with the goal. Because Gatsby's quest for Daisy is broadly associated with the American dream, the green light also symbolizes that more generalized American dream, the green light also symbolizes that more generalized ideal. In Chapter IX, Nick compares the green light to how America, ideal. In Chapter IX, Nick compares the green light to how America, rising out of the ocean, must have looked to early settlers of the new rising out of the ocean, must have looked to early settlers of the new nation. nation. , The Valley of Ashes , The Valley of Ashes , First introduced in Chapter II, the valley of ashes between West Egg , First introduced in Chapter II, the valley of ashes between West Egg and New York City consists of a long stretch of desolate land created and New York City consists of a long stretch of desolate land created by the dumping of industrial ashes. by the dumping of industrial ashes. , It represents the moral and social decay that results from the , It represents the moral and social decay that results from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure. The valley of ashes also regard for nothing but their own pleasure. The valley of ashes also symbolizes the plight of the poor, like George Wilson, who live among symbolizes the plight of the poor, like George Wilson, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result. the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result. 5 Symbols 5 Symbols , The Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg , The Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg 6Study Questions & Essay Topics 6Study Questions & Essay Topics , 1. Discuss Gatsby's character as Nick perceives him throughout the , 1. Discuss Gatsby's character as Nick perceives him throughout the novel. What makes Gatsby ―great‖? novel. What makes Gatsby ―great‖? , 2. What is Nick like as a narrator? Is he a reliable storyteller, or does , 2. What is Nick like as a narrator? Is he a reliable storyteller, or does his version of events seem suspect? How do his qualities as a character his version of events seem suspect? How do his qualities as a character affect his narration? affect his narration? , 3. What are some of The Great Gatsby's most important symbols? , 3. What are some of The Great Gatsby's most important symbols? What does the novel have to say about the role of symbols in life? What does the novel have to say about the role of symbols in life? , 4. How does the geography of the novel dictate its themes and , 4. How does the geography of the novel dictate its themes and characters? What role does setting play in The Great Gatsby? characters? What role does setting play in The Great Gatsby? Q1 Q1 , In one sense, the title of the novel is ironic; the title character is neither , In one sense, the title of the novel is ironic; the title character is neither 19 ―great‖ nor named Gatsby. He is a criminal whose real name is James ―great‖ nor named Gatsby. He is a criminal whose real name is James Gatz, and the life he has created for himself is an illusion. By the same Gatz, and the life he has created for himself is an illusion. By the same token, the title of the novel refers to the theatrical skill with which token, the title of the novel refers to the theatrical skill with which Gatsby makes this illusion seem real: the moniker ―the Great Gatsby‖ Gatsby makes this illusion seem real: the moniker ―the Great Gatsby‖ suggests the sort of vaudeville billing that would have been given to an suggests the sort of vaudeville billing that would have been given to an acrobat, an escape artist, or a magician. acrobat, an escape artist, or a magician. , Nick is particularly taken with Gatsby and considers him a great figure. , Nick is particularly taken with Gatsby and considers him a great figure. He sees both the extraordinary quality of hope that Gatsby possesses He sees both the extraordinary quality of hope that Gatsby possesses and his idealistic dream of loving Daisy in a perfect world. Though and his idealistic dream of loving Daisy in a perfect world. Though Nick recognizes Gatsby's flaws the first time he meets him, he cannot Nick recognizes Gatsby's flaws the first time he meets him, he cannot help but admire Gatsby's brilliant smile, his romantic idealization of help but admire Gatsby's brilliant smile, his romantic idealization of Daisy, and his yearning for the future. The private Gatsby who Daisy, and his yearning for the future. The private Gatsby who stretches his arms out toward the green light on Daisy's dock seems stretches his arms out toward the green light on Daisy's dock seems somehow more real than the vulgar, social Gatsby who wears a pink somehow more real than the vulgar, social Gatsby who wears a pink suit to his party and calls everyone ―old sport.‖ Nick alone among the suit to his party and calls everyone ―old sport.‖ Nick alone among the novel's characters recognizes that Gatsby's love for Daisy has less to do novel's characters recognizes that Gatsby's love for Daisy has less to do with Daisy's inner qualities than with Gatsby's own. That is, Gatsby with Daisy's inner qualities than with Gatsby's own. That is, Gatsby makes Daisy his dream because his heart demands a dream, not makes Daisy his dream because his heart demands a dream, not because Daisy truly deserves the passion that Gatsby feels for her. because Daisy truly deserves the passion that Gatsby feels for her. Further, Gatsby impresses Nick with his power to make his dreams Further, Gatsby impresses Nick with his power to make his dreams come true—as a child he dreamed of wealth and luxury, and he has come true—as a child he dreamed of wealth and luxury, and he has attained them, albeit through criminal means. As a man, he dreams of attained them, albeit through criminal means. As a man, he dreams of Daisy, and for a while he wins her, too. In a world without a moral Daisy, and for a while he wins her, too. In a world without a moral center, in which attempting to fulfill one's dreams is like rowing a boat center, in which attempting to fulfill one's dreams is like rowing a boat against the current, Gatsby's power to dream lifts him above the against the current, Gatsby's power to dream lifts him above the meaningless and amoral pleasure-seeking of New York society. In meaningless and amoral pleasure-seeking of New York society. In Nick's view, Gatsby's capacity to dream makes him ―great‖ despite his Nick's view, Gatsby's capacity to dream makes him ―great‖ despite his flaws and eventual undoing. flaws and eventual undoing. Q2 Q2 , Nick's description of himself in the opening chapter holds true , Nick's description of himself in the opening chapter holds true throughout the novel: he is tolerant and slow to judge, someone with throughout the novel: he is tolerant and slow to judge, someone with whom people feel comfortable sharing their secrets. His willingness to whom people feel comfortable sharing their secrets. His willingness to describe himself and the contours of his thoughts even when they are describe himself and the contours of his thoughts even when they are inconsistent or incomplete—his conflicted feelings about Gatsby, for inconsistent or incomplete—his conflicted feelings about Gatsby, for instance, or the long musing at the end of the novel—makes him seem instance, or the long musing at the end of the novel—makes him seem trustworthy and thoughtful. His position in relation to the other trustworthy and thoughtful. His position in relation to the other characters gives him a perfect vantage point from which to tell the characters gives him a perfect vantage point from which to tell the story—he is Daisy's cousin, Tom's old college friend, and Gatsby's story—he is Daisy's cousin, Tom's old college friend, and Gatsby's neighbor, and all three trust and rely on him. Though Nick participates neighbor, and all three trust and rely on him. Though Nick participates in this story and its events certainly affect him, The Great Gatsby is not in this story and its events certainly affect him, The Great Gatsby is not really his story in the sense of being about him. However, it is his story really his story in the sense of being about him. However, it is his story in the sense that it is of crucial importance to him: he defines himself in in the sense that it is of crucial importance to him: he defines himself in the process of writing it. Indeed, he struggles with the story's meaning the process of writing it. Indeed, he struggles with the story's meaning 20 even as he tells it. Though Nick professes to admire Gatsby's passion even as he tells it. Though Nick professes to admire Gatsby's passion as a lover and a dreamer, Nick's own actions in his relationship with as a lover and a dreamer, Nick's own actions in his relationship with Jordan Baker cast an ironic pall over his admiration: with Jordan, Nick Jordan Baker cast an ironic pall over his admiration: with Jordan, Nick is guarded, cautious, and skeptical. Overall, Nick suggests that Gatsby is guarded, cautious, and skeptical. Overall, Nick suggests that Gatsby is an exception to his usual ways of understanding and judging the is an exception to his usual ways of understanding and judging the world, and that his attraction to Gatsby creates a conflict within world, and that his attraction to Gatsby creates a conflict within himself. himself. Q3 Q3 , Apart from geographic locations, the two most important symbols in , Apart from geographic locations, the two most important symbols in the novel are the green light at the end of Daisy's dock and the eyes of the novel are the green light at the end of Daisy's dock and the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg. The first is a perfect example of the manner in Doctor T. J. Eckleburg. The first is a perfect example of the manner in which characters in The Great Gatsby infuse symbols with which characters in The Great Gatsby infuse symbols with meaning—the green light is only a green light, but to Gatsby it meaning—the green light is only a green light, but to Gatsby it becomes the embodiment of his dream for the future, and it beckons to becomes the embodiment of his dream for the future, and it beckons to him in the night like a vision of the fulfillment of his desires. The eyes him in the night like a vision of the fulfillment of his desires. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg work in the same fashion, although their of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg work in the same fashion, although their meaning is less fixed. Until George Wilson decides that they are the meaning is less fixed. Until George Wilson decides that they are the eyes of God, representing a moral imperative on which he must act, the eyes of God, representing a moral imperative on which he must act, the eyes are simply an unsettling, unexplained image, as they stare down eyes are simply an unsettling, unexplained image, as they stare down over the valley of ashes. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg thus over the valley of ashes. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg thus emphasize the lack of a fixed relationship between symbols and what emphasize the lack of a fixed relationship between symbols and what they symbolize: the eyes could mean anything to any observer, but they they symbolize: the eyes could mean anything to any observer, but they tend to make observers feel as though they are the ones being tend to make observers feel as though they are the ones being scrutinized. They seem to stare down at the world blankly, without the scrutinized. They seem to stare down at the world blankly, without the need for meaning that drives the human characters of the novel. need for meaning that drives the human characters of the novel. , In general, symbols in the novel are intimately connected to dreams: , In general, symbols in the novel are intimately connected to dreams: Gatsby's dream of Daisy causes him to associate her image with Gatsby's dream of Daisy causes him to associate her image with everything he values, just as he associates the green light with his everything he values, just as he associates the green light with his dream for the future. In reading and interpreting The Great Gatsby, it is dream for the future. In reading and interpreting The Great Gatsby, it is at least as important to consider how characters think about symbols as at least as important to consider how characters think about symbols as it is to consider the qualities of the symbols themselves. it is to consider the qualities of the symbols themselves. Q4 Q4 , Each of the four important geographical locations in the novel—West , Each of the four important geographical locations in the novel—West Egg, East Egg, the valley of ashes, and New York City—corresponds Egg, East Egg, the valley of ashes, and New York City—corresponds to a particular theme or type of character encountered in the story. to a particular theme or type of character encountered in the story. West Egg is like Gatsby, full of garish extravagance, symbolizing the West Egg is like Gatsby, full of garish extravagance, symbolizing the emergence of the new rich alongside the established aristocracy of the emergence of the new rich alongside the established aristocracy of the 1920s. East Egg is like the Buchanans, wealthy, possessing high social 1920s. East Egg is like the Buchanans, wealthy, possessing high social status, and powerful, symbolizing the old upper class that continued to status, and powerful, symbolizing the old upper class that continued to dominate the American social landscape. The valley of ashes is like dominate the American social landscape. The valley of ashes is like George Wilson, desolate, desperate, and utterly without hope, George Wilson, desolate, desperate, and utterly without hope, symbolizing the moral decay of American society hidden by the symbolizing the moral decay of American society hidden by the glittering surface of upper-class extravagance. New York City is glittering surface of upper-class extravagance. New York City is 21 simply chaos, an abundant swell of variety and life, associated with the simply chaos, an abundant swell of variety and life, associated with the ―quality of distortion‖ that Nick perceives in the East. ―quality of distortion‖ that Nick perceives in the East. , Setting is extremely important to The Great Gatsby, as it reinforces the , Setting is extremely important to The Great Gatsby, as it reinforces the themes and character traits that drive the novel's critical events. Even themes and character traits that drive the novel's critical events. Even the weather matches the flow of the plot. Gatsby's reunion with Daisy the weather matches the flow of the plot. Gatsby's reunion with Daisy begins in a ferocious thunderstorm and reaches its happiest moment begins in a ferocious thunderstorm and reaches its happiest moment just as the sun comes out. Tom's confrontation with Gatsby occurs on just as the sun comes out. Tom's confrontation with Gatsby occurs on the hottest day of the summer. Finally, Gatsby's death occurs just as the hottest day of the summer. Finally, Gatsby's death occurs just as autumn creeps into the air. The specificity of the settings in The Great autumn creeps into the air. The specificity of the settings in The Great Gatsby contributes greatly to the creation of distinct zones in which the Gatsby contributes greatly to the creation of distinct zones in which the conflicting values of various characters are forced to confront each conflicting values of various characters are forced to confront each other. other. Sister Carrie Sister Carrie By Theodore Dreiser By Theodore Dreiser 1 About the Author 1 About the Author He was termed ―the father of American Naturalism‖ by the He was termed ―the father of American Naturalism‖ by the contemporary novelists. contemporary novelists. His writing feature: His writing feature: • He seldom made personal judgement on his characters.He tried to treat • He seldom made personal judgement on his characters.He tried to treat them scientifically. them scientifically. • He just described but never criticized. • He just described but never criticized. • He stressed determinism. • He stressed determinism. • His characters are pathetic in their inability to escape their fates. They • His characters are pathetic in their inability to escape their fates. They are not responsible for rising or falling in a world fully shaped by are not responsible for rising or falling in a world fully shaped by environment and heredity. environment and heredity. Sister Carrie first edition in 1900. Sister Carrie first edition in 1900. • The publishers kept the cover intentionally bland in order not to The publishers kept the cover intentionally bland in order not to • promote what was seen as a controversial work promote what was seen as a controversial work • Sister Carrie is about a young country girl who moves to the big city Sister Carrie is about a young country girl who moves to the big city • where she starts realizing her own American Dream by first becoming where she starts realizing her own American Dream by first becoming a mistress to men that she perceives as superior and later as a famous a mistress to men that she perceives as superior and later as a famous actress. actress. • Time : 1889 autumn and the following several years • Time : 1889 autumn and the following several years • Background: • Background: • Major Characters: Carrie: Charlie Major Characters: Carrie: Charlie • Drouet George Hurstwood Drouet George Hurstwood Carrie: Carrie: • Caroline (Carrie) Meeber, the protagonist of the novel, travels to • Caroline (Carrie) Meeber, the protagonist of the novel, travels to Chicago to stay with her sister and her brother-in-law. The Chicago to stay with her sister and her brother-in-law. The cosmopolitan consumer world of Chicago enthralls her, and she cosmopolitan consumer world of Chicago enthralls her, and she constantly wants to buy things. constantly wants to buy things. 22 • Her first job is a low-paid, arduous position in a factory. When she • Her first job is a low-paid, arduous position in a factory. When she loses her job, her sister and brother-in-law cannot support her, so she loses her job, her sister and brother-in-law cannot support her, so she becomes Charlie Drouet's mistress. becomes Charlie Drouet's mistress. • Afterward, she becomes infatuated with another man, George • Afterward, she becomes infatuated with another man, George Hurstwood. Carrie and Hurstwood run to New York, where they Hurstwood. Carrie and Hurstwood run to New York, where they discover that married life is far less exciting than their affair. discover that married life is far less exciting than their affair. • Carrie leaves Hurstwood because he fails to provide her with the lavish • Carrie leaves Hurstwood because he fails to provide her with the lavish life she wants. She becomes a famous, high-paid actress in New York life she wants. She becomes a famous, high-paid actress in New York City. City. Charlie Drouet Charlie Drouet • Charlie Drouet is a charming, flashy salesman with a strong appetite • Charlie Drouet is a charming, flashy salesman with a strong appetite for romance. Although he is warm-hearted, he never takes any of his for romance. Although he is warm-hearted, he never takes any of his romantic affairs seriously. romantic affairs seriously. • He provides Carrie with a place to stay after she is forced to stop • He provides Carrie with a place to stay after she is forced to stop living with her sister; he also promises to marry her, but he never really living with her sister; he also promises to marry her, but he never really intends on following through. intends on following through. • He loses Carrie to Hurstwood and then, years later, after she has • He loses Carrie to Hurstwood and then, years later, after she has become a famous actress, tries unsuccessfully to win her back. become a famous actress, tries unsuccessfully to win her back. George Hurstwood George Hurstwood • the manager of Fitzgerald and Moy's, a saloon in Chicago. • the manager of Fitzgerald and Moy's, a saloon in Chicago. • At the beginning of the novel, he is a wealthy, important man. He falls • At the beginning of the novel, he is a wealthy, important man. He falls in love with Carrie after meeting her through Drouet. He tells Carrie in love with Carrie after meeting her through Drouet. He tells Carrie that he loves her, but he fails to mention that he is married. After his that he loves her, but he fails to mention that he is married. After his wife discovers his affair with Carrie and files for divorce, he steals ten wife discovers his affair with Carrie and files for divorce, he steals ten thousand dollars from Fitzgerald and Moy's and flees with Carrie to thousand dollars from Fitzgerald and Moy's and flees with Carrie to Montreal. There, he marries her before his divorce with Julia is Montreal. There, he marries her before his divorce with Julia is complete. complete. • Although he keeps his theft a secret from Carrie, he is discovered by an • Although he keeps his theft a secret from Carrie, he is discovered by an investigator and required to return most of the money in order to investigator and required to return most of the money in order to protect his reputation. protect his reputation. • In New York, Hurstwood slowly descends into apathy and poverty. • In New York, Hurstwood slowly descends into apathy and poverty. After Carrie leaves him, he becomes a homeless beggar and eventually After Carrie leaves him, he becomes a homeless beggar and eventually commits suicide. commits suicide. Minnie and Hanson Minnie and Hanson • Minnie is Carrie's older sister. She and her husband, Hanson, believe in • Minnie is Carrie's older sister. She and her husband, Hanson, believe in hard work and frugal spending, mostly because they are too poor to do hard work and frugal spending, mostly because they are too poor to do otherwise. otherwise. • Hanson and his wife Minnie are Carrie's first hosts in Chicago. Hanson • Hanson and his wife Minnie are Carrie's first hosts in Chicago. Hanson is a quiet, stern man who disapproves of Carrie's whimsical nature. is a quiet, stern man who disapproves of Carrie's whimsical nature. Other Characters Other Characters • Julia Hurstwood - Hurstwood's first wife. She is vindictive and • Julia Hurstwood - Hurstwood's first wife. She is vindictive and extremely jealous, and she files for divorce after discovering extremely jealous, and she files for divorce after discovering Hurstwood's infatuation with Carrie. Jessica Hurstwood, George and Hurstwood's infatuation with Carrie. Jessica Hurstwood, George and 23 Julia's daughter, who shares her mother's aspirations to social status. Julia's daughter, who shares her mother's aspirations to social status. • George Hurstwood, Jr, George and Julia's son. • George Hurstwood, Jr, George and Julia's son. • The Vances, a wealthy merchant and his wife, who live in the same • The Vances, a wealthy merchant and his wife, who live in the same building as Hurstwood and Carrie in New York City. building as Hurstwood and Carrie in New York City. • Robert Ames, Mrs. Vance's cousin from Indiana, a handsome young • Robert Ames, Mrs. Vance's cousin from Indiana, a handsome young scholar whom Carrie regards as a male ideal. scholar whom Carrie regards as a male ideal. • Lola Osborne, a chorus girl Carrie meets during a theatre production • Lola Osborne, a chorus girl Carrie meets during a theatre production in New York, who encourages Carrie to become her roommate. in New York, who encourages Carrie to become her roommate. Places: Places: Wisconsin (her hometown) Wisconsin (her hometown) Chicago (Carrie; her sister and brother-in-law; Drouet; Hurstwood ) Chicago (Carrie; her sister and brother-in-law; Drouet; Hurstwood ) Montreal (Carrie, Hurstwood) Montreal (Carrie, Hurstwood) New York (Carrie, Hurstwood) New York (Carrie, Hurstwood) • Dreiser had difficulty finding a publisher for it. While first published in • Dreiser had difficulty finding a publisher for it. While first published in 1900, it was withdrawn after the publisher's wife declared it too sordid. 1900, it was withdrawn after the publisher's wife declared it too sordid. However,Frank Norris, sent a few copies to literary reviewers. However,Frank Norris, sent a few copies to literary reviewers. • Between 1900 and 1980, all editions of the novel were of a second • Between 1900 and 1980, all editions of the novel were of a second altered version. Not until 1981 did Dreiser's unaltered version appear altered version. Not until 1981 did Dreiser's unaltered version appear when the University of Pennsylvania Press issued a scholarly edition when the University of Pennsylvania Press issued a scholarly edition based upon the original manuscript held by The New York Public based upon the original manuscript held by The New York Public Library. Library. • It is a reconstruction by a team of leading scholars to represent the • It is a reconstruction by a team of leading scholars to represent the novel before it was edited by hands other than Dreiser's. novel before it was edited by hands other than Dreiser's. • Chapter 1 Chapter 1 • A Magnet Attracting: A Waif amid Forces A Magnet Attracting: A Waif amid Forces • Chapter 47 Chapter 47 • The Way of the Beaten:A Harp in the Wind The Way of the Beaten:A Harp in the Wind The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter by by Nathaniel Hawthorne Nathaniel Hawthorne Tasks in the 2 Periods Tasks in the 2 Periods , 1Introduction of Hawthorne & Study on the novel , 1Introduction of Hawthorne & Study on the novel , 2 Study on the novel & Presentation , 2 Study on the novel & Presentation , 1.3 Comments , 1.3 Comments Hawthorne‘s Significance in American Literary History Hawthorne‘s Significance in American Literary History 1. Significant as a Romantic writer . 1. Significant as a Romantic writer . 2. Significant for his themes . 2. Significant for his themes . 3. Significant for his style. 3. Significant for his style. , Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England, many , Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England, many works featuring moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His fiction works featuring moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His fiction works are considered part of the Romantic movement and, more works are considered part of the Romantic movement and, more specifically, dark romanticism. His themes often center on the inherent specifically, dark romanticism. His themes often center on the inherent evil and sin of humanity and his works often have moral messages and evil and sin of humanity and his works often have moral messages and 24 deep psychological complexity. His published works include novels, deep psychological complexity. His published works include novels, short stories, and a biography of his friend Frankin Pierce. short stories, and a biography of his friend Frankin Pierce. 2 Study on the Novel 2 Study on the Novel , 2.1 The Major Characters and their relationship , 2.1 The Major Characters and their relationship What are the major and minor characters in the story? What are the major and minor characters in the story? (What do they look like and What are their stories?) (What do they look like and What are their stories?) , The Minor Characters , The Minor Characters , What do they represent respectively? , What do they represent respectively? 2.2 The Sturcture 2.2 The Sturcture , Introductory—23chapters— Conclusion , Introductory—23chapters— Conclusion , Allegorical writing: formal , symmetrical , Allegorical writing: formal , symmetrical 2.3 Setting 2.3 Setting , What is the setting of the story? (two ways to talk about ) , What is the setting of the story? (two ways to talk about ) , What is special about the period in American history? , What is special about the period in American history? , Can you find exposition, climax and denouement in the story? , Can you find exposition, climax and denouement in the story? , Exposition: Chap 1—3 setting, characters and conflict , Exposition: Chap 1—3 setting, characters and conflict , Climax: The climax occurs at the second scaffold scene. , Climax: The climax occurs at the second scaffold scene. , Denouement[de?'nu:m??] : the third scaffold scene , Denouement[de?'nu:m??] : the third scaffold scene , Is the ending a tragic one or a comic one? , Is the ending a tragic one or a comic one? 2.4 Themes 2.4 Themes , Sin and Redemption , Sin and Redemption , Nature of Evil , Nature of Evil , Head vs.Heart , Head vs.Heart , … , … 2.5 The Motif 2.5 The Motif , Civilization vs. the Wilderness , Civilization vs. the Wilderness , Light vs. Dark , Light vs. Dark 2.6 Symbols 2.6 Symbols , A on Hesrter‘s bosom , A on Hesrter‘s bosom , A carved on Dimmesdale‘s breast , A carved on Dimmesdale‘s breast , A traced out by the meteor in the sky , A traced out by the meteor in the sky , Pearl , Pearl , Scaffold , Scaffold , Names in the novel , Names in the novel 2.7 Detailed Character Analysis 2.7 Detailed Character Analysis , Hester , Hester , Arthur Dimmesdale , Arthur Dimmesdale , Roger Chillingworth , Roger Chillingworth , Pearl , Pearl , What words can you use to describe Hester and how are these , What words can you use to describe Hester and how are these qualities reflected? qualities reflected? , Explain the major changes that occur in Hester‘s life in the novel. , Explain the major changes that occur in Hester‘s life in the novel. , What words can you use to describe Chillingworth's character and how , What words can you use to describe Chillingworth's character and how 25 are they reflected? are they reflected? , Why does Hester name her child Pearl? , Why does Hester name her child Pearl? , How do you describe Pearl? How are these qualities reflected? , How do you describe Pearl? How are these qualities reflected? , What was Hawthorne' s attitude toward Dimmesdale? Do you think he , What was Hawthorne' s attitude toward Dimmesdale? Do you think he sympathized with Dimmesdale in spite of his hypocrisy and sympathized with Dimmesdale in spite of his hypocrisy and cowardice? cowardice? , Whose sin is greater according to Hawthorne? Dimmesdale‘s or , Whose sin is greater according to Hawthorne? Dimmesdale‘s or Chillingworth‘s? Chillingworth‘s? , Compare passional sin with rational sin. How does C torment D? , Compare passional sin with rational sin. How does C torment D? , Why doesn't he want D to reveal the secret in the last scaffold scene? , Why doesn't he want D to reveal the secret in the last scaffold scene? , How does Pearl constantly remind her parents of their sin? In what way , How does Pearl constantly remind her parents of their sin? In what way is she impish and abnormal? Do you think such a child is likely to exist is she impish and abnormal? Do you think such a child is likely to exist in reality? in reality? , Is Pearl transformed into a normal child at last? If yes, what marks her , Is Pearl transformed into a normal child at last? If yes, what marks her transformation? transformation? 2.8 The Changed Meaning of the Letter “A” 2.8 The Changed Meaning of the Letter “A” 1.Adultery(Between Prynne and Dimmesdale); 1.Adultery(Between Prynne and Dimmesdale); 2.Admirable(Prynne's iron and her behavior); 2.Admirable(Prynne's iron and her behavior); 3.Angel; 4.Able; 5.Apostle [??p?sl] (基督教12大信3.Angel; 4.Able; 5.Apostle [??p?sl] (基督教12大信徒); 徒); 6.Alone(inner loneliness); 7.Alienation(疏远); 6.Alone(inner loneliness); 7.Alienation(疏远); 8.America(American Spirit); 9.Adamic(亚当之罪) 8.America(American Spirit); 9.Adamic(亚当之罪) 2.9 Study Questions 2.9 Study Questions , 1 , 1 , Discuss the relationship between the scarlet letter and Hester's identity. , Discuss the relationship between the scarlet letter and Hester's identity. , Why does she repeatedly refuse to stop wearing the letter? What is the , Why does she repeatedly refuse to stop wearing the letter? What is the difference between the identity she creates for herself and the identity difference between the identity she creates for herself and the identity society assigns to her? society assigns to her? , For Hester, to remove the scarlet letter would be to acknowledge the , For Hester, to remove the scarlet letter would be to acknowledge the power it has in determining who she is. The letter would prove to have power it has in determining who she is. The letter would prove to have successfully restricted her if she were to become a different person in successfully restricted her if she were to become a different person in its absence. Hester chooses to continue to wear the letter because she is its absence. Hester chooses to continue to wear the letter because she is determined to transform its meaning through her actions and her own determined to transform its meaning through her actions and her own self-perception—she wants to be the one who controls its meaning. self-perception—she wants to be the one who controls its meaning. Society tries to reclaim the letter's symbolism by deciding that the ―A‖ Society tries to reclaim the letter's symbolism by deciding that the ―A‖ stands for ―Able,‖ but Hester resists this interpretation. The letter stands for ―Able,‖ but Hester resists this interpretation. The letter symbolizes her own past deed and her own past decisions, and she is symbolizes her own past deed and her own past decisions, and she is the one who will determine the meaning of those events. Upon her the one who will determine the meaning of those events. Upon her return from Europe at the novel's end, Hester has gained control over return from Europe at the novel's end, Hester has gained control over both her personal and her public identities. She has made herself into a both her personal and her public identities. She has made herself into a symbol of feminine repression and charitable ideals, and she stands as symbol of feminine repression and charitable ideals, and she stands as a self-appointed reminder of the evils society can commit. a self-appointed reminder of the evils society can commit. 26 , 2. In what ways could The Scarlet Letter be read as a commentary on 2. In what ways could The Scarlet Letter be read as a commentary on , the era of American history it describes? How does Hawthorne's the era of American history it describes? How does Hawthorne's portrayal of Europe enter into this commentary? Could the book also portrayal of Europe enter into this commentary? Could the book also be seen as embodying some of the aspects it attributes to the nation in be seen as embodying some of the aspects it attributes to the nation in which it was written? which it was written? , Typically, America is conceptualized as a place of freedom, where a , Typically, America is conceptualized as a place of freedom, where a person's opportunities are limited only by his or her ambition and person's opportunities are limited only by his or her ambition and ability—and not by his or her social status, race, gender, or other ability—and not by his or her social status, race, gender, or other circumstances of birth. In the Puritan society portrayed in the novel, circumstances of birth. In the Puritan society portrayed in the novel, however, this is not the case. In fact, it is Europe, not America, that the however, this is not the case. In fact, it is Europe, not America, that the book presents as a place of potential. There, anonymity can protect an book presents as a place of potential. There, anonymity can protect an individual and allow him or her to assume a new identity. This individual and allow him or her to assume a new identity. This unexpected inversion leads the characters and the reader to question the unexpected inversion leads the characters and the reader to question the principles of freedom and opportunity usually identified with America. principles of freedom and opportunity usually identified with America. Hester's experiences suggest that this country is founded on the ideals Hester's experiences suggest that this country is founded on the ideals of repression and confinement. Additionally, the narrator's own of repression and confinement. Additionally, the narrator's own experiences, coming approximately two hundred years after Hester's, experiences, coming approximately two hundred years after Hester's, confirm those of his protagonist. His fellow customs officers owe their confirm those of his protagonist. His fellow customs officers owe their jobs to patronage and family connections, not to merit, and he has jobs to patronage and family connections, not to merit, and he has acquired his own position through political allies. Thus, the acquired his own position through political allies. Thus, the customhouse is portrayed as an institution that embodies many of the customhouse is portrayed as an institution that embodies many of the principles that America -supposedly opposes. principles that America -supposedly opposes. Much of the social hypocrisy presented in the book stems from Much of the social hypocrisy presented in the book stems from America's newness. Insecure in its social order, the new society is America's newness. Insecure in its social order, the new society is trying to distance itself from its Anglican origins yet, at the same time, trying to distance itself from its Anglican origins yet, at the same time, reassure itself of its legitimacy and dignity. It is a difficult task to reassure itself of its legitimacy and dignity. It is a difficult task to ―define‖ oneself as a land of self-defining individuals. But it is this ―define‖ oneself as a land of self-defining individuals. But it is this project of defining America that Hawthorne himself partially project of defining America that Hawthorne himself partially undertakes in his novel. He aims to write a text that both embodies and undertakes in his novel. He aims to write a text that both embodies and describes ―Americanness.‖ describes ―Americanness.‖ , 3. This novel makes extensive use of symbols. Discuss the difference , 3. This novel makes extensive use of symbols. Discuss the difference between the Puritans' use of symbols (the meteor, for example) and the between the Puritans' use of symbols (the meteor, for example) and the way that the narrator makes use of symbols. Do both have religious way that the narrator makes use of symbols. Do both have religious implications? Do symbols foreshadow events or simply comment on implications? Do symbols foreshadow events or simply comment on them after the fact? How do they help the characters understand their them after the fact? How do they help the characters understand their lives, and how do they help the reader understand Hawthorne's book? lives, and how do they help the reader understand Hawthorne's book? , The Puritans in this book are constantly seeking out natural symbols, , The Puritans in this book are constantly seeking out natural symbols, which they claim are messages from God. Yet these characters are not which they claim are messages from God. Yet these characters are not willing to accept any revelation at face value. They interpret the willing to accept any revelation at face value. They interpret the symbols only in ways that confirm their own preformulated ideas or symbols only in ways that confirm their own preformulated ideas or opinions. The meteor that streaks the sky as Dimmesdale stands on the opinions. The meteor that streaks the sky as Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold in Chapter XII is a good example of this phenomenon. To scaffold in Chapter XII is a good example of this phenomenon. To Dimmesdale and to the townspeople, the ―A‖ that the meteor traces in Dimmesdale and to the townspeople, the ―A‖ that the meteor traces in 27 the sky represents whatever notion already preoccupies them. To the the sky represents whatever notion already preoccupies them. To the minister, the meteor exposes his sin, while to the townspeople it minister, the meteor exposes his sin, while to the townspeople it confirms that the colony's former governor, who has just died, has gone confirms that the colony's former governor, who has just died, has gone to heaven and been made an angel. to heaven and been made an angel. , For the narrator, on the other hand, symbols function to complicate , For the narrator, on the other hand, symbols function to complicate reality rather than to confirm one's perception of it. The governor's reality rather than to confirm one's perception of it. The governor's garden, which Hester and Pearl see in Chapter VII, illustrates his tactic garden, which Hester and Pearl see in Chapter VII, illustrates his tactic quite well. The narrator does not describe the garden in a way that quite well. The narrator does not describe the garden in a way that reinforces the image of luxury and power that is present in his reinforces the image of luxury and power that is present in his description of the rest of the governor's house. Rather, he writes that description of the rest of the governor's house. Rather, he writes that the garden, which was originally planted to look like an ornamental the garden, which was originally planted to look like an ornamental garden in the English style, is now full of weeds, thorns, and vegetables. garden in the English style, is now full of weeds, thorns, and vegetables. The garden seems to contradict much of what the reader has been told The garden seems to contradict much of what the reader has been told about the governor's power and importance, and it suggests to us that about the governor's power and importance, and it suggests to us that the governor is an unfit caretaker, for people as well as for flowers. The the governor is an unfit caretaker, for people as well as for flowers. The absence of any flowers other than the thorny roses also hints that ideals absence of any flowers other than the thorny roses also hints that ideals are often accompanied by evil and pain. Confronted by the ambiguous are often accompanied by evil and pain. Confronted by the ambiguous symbol of the garden, we begin to look for other inconsistencies and symbol of the garden, we begin to look for other inconsistencies and for other examples of decay and disrepair in Puritan society. for other examples of decay and disrepair in Puritan society. 2.9 Important Quotations Explained 2.9 Important Quotations Explained , 1 , 1 , ―Mother,‖ said little Pearl, ―the sunshine does not love you. It runs away , ―Mother,‖ said little Pearl, ―the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. . . . It and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. . . . It will not flee from me, for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!‖ will not flee from me, for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!‖ ―Nor ever will, my child, I hope,‖ said Hester. ―Nor ever will, my child, I hope,‖ said Hester. ―And why not, mother?‖ asked Pearl, stopping short. . . . ―Will it not ―And why not, mother?‖ asked Pearl, stopping short. . . . ―Will it not come of its own accord, when I am a woman grown?‖ come of its own accord, when I am a woman grown?‖ , -----------Chapter XVI, ―A Forest Walk,‖ , -----------Chapter XVI, ―A Forest Walk,‖ , This is illustrative of the role Pearl plays in the text. It is also a , This is illustrative of the role Pearl plays in the text. It is also a meditation on the significance of the scarlet letter as a symbol and an meditation on the significance of the scarlet letter as a symbol and an exposition of the connection between sin and humanness—one of the exposition of the connection between sin and humanness—one of the novel's most important themes. novel's most important themes. , Pearl is frequently aware of things that others do not see, and here she , Pearl is frequently aware of things that others do not see, and here she presciently identifies the scarlet letter on her mother's bosom with the presciently identifies the scarlet letter on her mother's bosom with the metaphorical (and in this case also literal) lack of sunshine in her metaphorical (and in this case also literal) lack of sunshine in her mother's life. Because she is just a child, Pearl often does not mother's life. Because she is just a child, Pearl often does not understand the ramifications of the things she sees. She frequently understand the ramifications of the things she sees. She frequently reveals truths only indirectly by asking pointed questions. These reveals truths only indirectly by asking pointed questions. These queries make her mother uncomfortable and contribute to the text's queries make her mother uncomfortable and contribute to the text's suspense. Here Pearl is assuming, as children often do, that her mother suspense. Here Pearl is assuming, as children often do, that her mother is representative of all adults. Her question suggests that she thinks that is representative of all adults. Her question suggests that she thinks that all grown women wear a scarlet letter or its equivalent. Surely, Pearl all grown women wear a scarlet letter or its equivalent. Surely, Pearl has noticed that the other women in town don't wear scarlet letters. But, has noticed that the other women in town don't wear scarlet letters. But, 28 on a more figurative level, her question suggests that sin—that which on a more figurative level, her question suggests that sin—that which the scarlet letter is intended to represent—is an inevitable part of being the scarlet letter is intended to represent—is an inevitable part of being a mature human being. a mature human being. , 2 , 2 , But Hester Prynne, with a mind of native courage and activity, and for , But Hester Prynne, with a mind of native courage and activity, and for so long a period not merely estranged, but outlawed, from society, had so long a period not merely estranged, but outlawed, from society, had habituated herself to such latitude of speculation as was altogether habituated herself to such latitude of speculation as was altogether foreign to the clergyman. She had wandered, without rule or guidance, foreign to the clergyman. She had wandered, without rule or guidance, in a moral wilderness. . . . The scarlet letter was her passport into in a moral wilderness. . . . The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude! regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude! These had been her teachers,—stern and wild ones,—and they had These had been her teachers,—stern and wild ones,—and they had made her strong, but taught her much amiss made her strong, but taught her much amiss , These are the narrator's reflections at the beginning of Chapter XVIII, , These are the narrator's reflections at the beginning of Chapter XVIII, ―A Flood of Sunshine.‖ The quotation concerns the theme of sin and ―A Flood of Sunshine.‖ The quotation concerns the theme of sin and knowledge that is so central to The Scarlet Letter. Over the course of knowledge that is so central to The Scarlet Letter. Over the course of their first significant conversation in many years, Hester and their first significant conversation in many years, Hester and Dimmesdale decide to run away to Europe together. The minister is Dimmesdale decide to run away to Europe together. The minister is still in a state of shock, but Hester accepts their decision with relative still in a state of shock, but Hester accepts their decision with relative equanimity. One result of her ―sin‖ has been her profound alienation equanimity. One result of her ―sin‖ has been her profound alienation from society—she has been forced into the role of philosopher. from society—she has been forced into the role of philosopher. Although the narrator tries to claim that her speculations have led her Although the narrator tries to claim that her speculations have led her ―amiss,‖ it is clear from his tone that he admires her intellectual bravery. ―amiss,‖ it is clear from his tone that he admires her intellectual bravery. It is deeply ironic, too, that it is her punishment, which was intended to It is deeply ironic, too, that it is her punishment, which was intended to help her atone and to make her an example for the community, that has help her atone and to make her an example for the community, that has led her into a ―moral wilderness‖ devoid of ―rule or guidance.‖ Finally, led her into a ―moral wilderness‖ devoid of ―rule or guidance.‖ Finally, this passage is a good example of the eloquent, high-flown yet this passage is a good example of the eloquent, high-flown yet measured style that the narrator frequently adopts when considering the measured style that the narrator frequently adopts when considering the moral or philosophical ramifications of a situation. moral or philosophical ramifications of a situation. , 3 , 3 , ―Mother,‖ said [Pearl], ―was that the same minister that kissed me by , ―Mother,‖ said [Pearl], ―was that the same minister that kissed me by the brook?‖ the brook?‖ ―Hold thy peace, dear little Pearl!‖ whispered her mother. ―We must not ―Hold thy peace, dear little Pearl!‖ whispered her mother. ―We must not always talk in the market-place of what happens to us in the forest.‖ always talk in the market-place of what happens to us in the forest.‖ , Chapter XXII The Procession. , Chapter XXII The Procession. , This conversation emphasizes the importance of physical settings in the , This conversation emphasizes the importance of physical settings in the novel and evokes the motif of civilization versus the wilderness. novel and evokes the motif of civilization versus the wilderness. Dimmesdale has just walked by Hester and Pearl as part of the Election Dimmesdale has just walked by Hester and Pearl as part of the Election Day pageantry, and Pearl notices his changed appearance. Hester's Day pageantry, and Pearl notices his changed appearance. Hester's realization that different rules apply in the marketplace than in the realization that different rules apply in the marketplace than in the forest has more significant consequences than she realizes, making this forest has more significant consequences than she realizes, making this yet another ironic moment in the text. Hester primarily wishes Pearl to yet another ironic moment in the text. Hester primarily wishes Pearl to maintain a sense of decorum and not reveal her mother's secret and the maintain a sense of decorum and not reveal her mother's secret and the 29 family's plans to flee. On another level, though, Hester's statement family's plans to flee. On another level, though, Hester's statement suggests that plans made in the forest will not withstand the public suggests that plans made in the forest will not withstand the public scrutiny of the marketplace. What is possible in the woods—a place of scrutiny of the marketplace. What is possible in the woods—a place of fantasy, possibility, and freedom—is not an option in the heart of the fantasy, possibility, and freedom—is not an option in the heart of the Puritan town, where order, prescription, and harsh punishment reign. Puritan town, where order, prescription, and harsh punishment reign. , 4 , 4 , But there was a more real life for Hester Prynne here, in New England, , But there was a more real life for Hester Prynne here, in New England, than in that unknown region where Pearl had found a home. Here had than in that unknown region where Pearl had found a home. Here had been her sin; here, her sorrow; and here was yet to be her penitence. been her sin; here, her sorrow; and here was yet to be her penitence. She had returned, therefore, and resumed,—of her own free will, for She had returned, therefore, and resumed,—of her own free will, for not the sternest magistrate of that iron period would have imposed not the sternest magistrate of that iron period would have imposed it,—resumed the symbol of which we have related so dark a tale. Never it,—resumed the symbol of which we have related so dark a tale. Never afterwards did it quit her bosom. But . . . the scarlet letter ceased to be afterwards did it quit her bosom. But . . . the scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the world's scorn and bitterness, and became a a stigma which attracted the world's scorn and bitterness, and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, and type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, and yet with reverence, too. yet with reverence, too. , Chapter XXIV , Chapter XXIV , This passage, which appears in the novel's final chapter, concludes the , This passage, which appears in the novel's final chapter, concludes the book's examination of the theme of individual identity in the face of book's examination of the theme of individual identity in the face of social judgments. After many years' absence, Hester has just returned social judgments. After many years' absence, Hester has just returned to her former home. She resumes wearing the scarlet letter because her to her former home. She resumes wearing the scarlet letter because her past is an important part of her identity; it is not something that should past is an important part of her identity; it is not something that should be erased or denied because someone else has decided it is shameful. be erased or denied because someone else has decided it is shameful. What Hester undergoes is more akin to reconciliation than penitence. What Hester undergoes is more akin to reconciliation than penitence. She creates a life in which the scarlet letter is a symbol of adversity She creates a life in which the scarlet letter is a symbol of adversity overcome and of knowledge gained rather than a sign of failure or overcome and of knowledge gained rather than a sign of failure or condemnation. She assumes control of her own identity, and in so condemnation. She assumes control of her own identity, and in so doing she becomes an example for others. She is not, however, the doing she becomes an example for others. She is not, however, the example of sin that she was once intended to be. Rather, she is an example of sin that she was once intended to be. Rather, she is an example of redemption and self-empowerment. example of redemption and self-empowerment. , Hester Prynne , Hester Prynne , Although The Scarlet Letter is about Hester Prynne, the book is , Although The Scarlet Letter is about Hester Prynne, the book is not so much a consideration of her innate character as it is an not so much a consideration of her innate character as it is an examination of the forces that shape her and the transformations those examination of the forces that shape her and the transformations those forces effect. We know very little about Hester prior to her affair with forces effect. We know very little about Hester prior to her affair with Dimmesdale and her resultant public shaming. We read that she Dimmesdale and her resultant public shaming. We read that she married Chillingworth although she did not love him, but we never married Chillingworth although she did not love him, but we never fully understand why. The early chapters of the book suggest that, prior fully understand why. The early chapters of the book suggest that, prior to her marriage, Hester was a strong-willed and impetuous young to her marriage, Hester was a strong-willed and impetuous young woman—she remembers her parents as loving guides who frequently woman—she remembers her parents as loving guides who frequently had to restrain her incautious behavior. The fact that she has an affair had to restrain her incautious behavior. The fact that she has an affair also suggests that she once had a passionate nature. also suggests that she once had a passionate nature. But it is what happens after Hester's affair that makes her But it is what happens after Hester's affair that makes her 30 into the woman with whom the reader is familiar. Shamed and into the woman with whom the reader is familiar. Shamed and alienated from the rest of the community, Hester becomes alienated from the rest of the community, Hester becomes contemplative. She speculates on human nature, social organization, contemplative. She speculates on human nature, social organization, and larger moral questions. Hester's tribulations also lead her to be and larger moral questions. Hester's tribulations also lead her to be stoic and a freethinker. Although the narrator pretends to disapprove of stoic and a freethinker. Although the narrator pretends to disapprove of Hester's independent philosophizing, his tone indicates that he secretly Hester's independent philosophizing, his tone indicates that he secretly admires her independence and her ideas. admires her independence and her ideas. , Hester also becomes a kind of compassionate maternal figure as a , Hester also becomes a kind of compassionate maternal figure as a result of her experiences. Hester moderates her tendency to be rash, for result of her experiences. Hester moderates her tendency to be rash, for she knows that such behavior could cause her to lose her daughter, she knows that such behavior could cause her to lose her daughter, Pearl. Hester is also maternal with respect to society: she cares for the Pearl. Hester is also maternal with respect to society: she cares for the poor and brings them food and clothing. By the novel's end, Hester has poor and brings them food and clothing. By the novel's end, Hester has become a protofeminist mother figure to the women of the community. become a protofeminist mother figure to the women of the community. The shame attached to her scarlet letter is long gone. Women recognize The shame attached to her scarlet letter is long gone. Women recognize that her punishment stemmed in part from the town fathers' sexism, and that her punishment stemmed in part from the town fathers' sexism, and they come to Hester seeking shelter from the sexist forces under which they come to Hester seeking shelter from the sexist forces under which they themselves suffer. Throughout The Scarlet Letter Hester is they themselves suffer. Throughout The Scarlet Letter Hester is portrayed as an intelligent, capable, but not necessarily extraordinary portrayed as an intelligent, capable, but not necessarily extraordinary woman. It is the extraordinary circumstances shaping her that make her woman. It is the extraordinary circumstances shaping her that make her such an important figure such an important figure , Roger Chillingworth , Roger Chillingworth , As his name suggests, Roger Chillingworth is a man deficient in , As his name suggests, Roger Chillingworth is a man deficient in human warmth. His twisted, stooped, deformed shoulders mirror his human warmth. His twisted, stooped, deformed shoulders mirror his distorted soul. From what the reader is told of his early years with distorted soul. From what the reader is told of his early years with Hester, he was a difficult husband. He ignored his wife for much of the Hester, he was a difficult husband. He ignored his wife for much of the time, yet expected her to nourish his soul with affection when he did time, yet expected her to nourish his soul with affection when he did condescend to spend time with her. Chillingworth's decision to assume condescend to spend time with her. Chillingworth's decision to assume the identity of a ―leech,‖ or doctor, is fitting. Unable to engage in the identity of a ―leech,‖ or doctor, is fitting. Unable to engage in equitable relationships with those around him, he feeds on the vitality equitable relationships with those around him, he feeds on the vitality of others as a way of energizing his own projects. Chillingworth's death of others as a way of energizing his own projects. Chillingworth's death is a result of the nature of his character. After Dimmesdale dies, is a result of the nature of his character. After Dimmesdale dies, Chillingworth no longer has a victim. Similarly, Dimmesdale's Chillingworth no longer has a victim. Similarly, Dimmesdale's revelation that he is Pearl's father removes Hester from the old man's revelation that he is Pearl's father removes Hester from the old man's clutches. Having lost the objects of his revenge, the leech has no choice clutches. Having lost the objects of his revenge, the leech has no choice but to die. but to die. , Ultimately, Chillingworth represents true evil. He is associated with , Ultimately, Chillingworth represents true evil. He is associated with secular and sometimes illicit forms of knowledge, as his chemical secular and sometimes illicit forms of knowledge, as his chemical experiments and medical practices occasionally verge on witchcraft experiments and medical practices occasionally verge on witchcraft and murder. He is interested in revenge, not justice, and he seeks the and murder. He is interested in revenge, not justice, and he seeks the deliberate destruction of others rather than a redress of wrongs. His deliberate destruction of others rather than a redress of wrongs. His desire to hurt others stands in contrast to Hester and Dimmesdale's sin, desire to hurt others stands in contrast to Hester and Dimmesdale's sin, which had love, not hate, as its intent. Any harm that may have come which had love, not hate, as its intent. Any harm that may have come from the young lovers' deed was unanticipated and inadvertent, from the young lovers' deed was unanticipated and inadvertent, 31 whereas Chillingworth reaps deliberate harm. whereas Chillingworth reaps deliberate harm. , Arthur Dimmesdale , Arthur Dimmesdale , Arthur Dimmesdale, like Hester Prynne, is an individual whose identity , Arthur Dimmesdale, like Hester Prynne, is an individual whose identity owes more to external circumstances than to his innate nature. The owes more to external circumstances than to his innate nature. The reader is told that Dimmesdale was a scholar of some renown at reader is told that Dimmesdale was a scholar of some renown at Oxford University. His past suggests that he is probably somewhat Oxford University. His past suggests that he is probably somewhat aloof, the kind of man who would not have much natural sympathy for aloof, the kind of man who would not have much natural sympathy for ordinary men and women. However, Dimmesdale has an unusually ordinary men and women. However, Dimmesdale has an unusually active conscience. The fact that Hester takes all of the blame for their active conscience. The fact that Hester takes all of the blame for their shared sin goads his conscience, and his resultant mental anguish and shared sin goads his conscience, and his resultant mental anguish and physical weakness open up his mind and allow him to empathize with physical weakness open up his mind and allow him to empathize with others. Consequently, he becomes an eloquent and emotionally others. Consequently, he becomes an eloquent and emotionally powerful speaker and a compassionate leader, and his congregation is powerful speaker and a compassionate leader, and his congregation is able to receive meaningful spiritual guidance from him. able to receive meaningful spiritual guidance from him. , Ironically, the townspeople do not believe Dimmesdale's protestations , Ironically, the townspeople do not believe Dimmesdale's protestations of sinfulness. Given his background and his penchant for rhetorical of sinfulness. Given his background and his penchant for rhetorical speech, Dimmesdale's congregation generally interprets his sermons speech, Dimmesdale's congregation generally interprets his sermons allegorically rather than as expressions of any personal guilt. This allegorically rather than as expressions of any personal guilt. This drives Dimmesdale to further internalize his guilt and self-punishment drives Dimmesdale to further internalize his guilt and self-punishment and leads to still more deterioration in his physical and spiritual and leads to still more deterioration in his physical and spiritual condition. The town's idolization of him reaches new heights after his condition. The town's idolization of him reaches new heights after his Election Day sermon, which is his last. In his death, Dimmesdale Election Day sermon, which is his last. In his death, Dimmesdale becomes even more of an icon than he was in life. Many believe his becomes even more of an icon than he was in life. Many believe his confession was a symbolic act, while others believe Dimmesdale's fate confession was a symbolic act, while others believe Dimmesdale's fate was an example of divine judgment. was an example of divine judgment. , Pearl , Pearl , Hester's daughter, Pearl, functions primarily as a symbol. She is quite , Hester's daughter, Pearl, functions primarily as a symbol. She is quite young during most of the events of this novel—when Dimmesdale dies young during most of the events of this novel—when Dimmesdale dies she is only seven years old—and her real importance lies in her ability she is only seven years old—and her real importance lies in her ability to provoke the adult characters in the book. She asks them pointed to provoke the adult characters in the book. She asks them pointed questions and draws their attention, and the reader's, to the denied or questions and draws their attention, and the reader's, to the denied or overlooked truths of the adult world. In general, children in The Scarlet overlooked truths of the adult world. In general, children in The Scarlet Letter are portrayed as more perceptive and more honest than adults, Letter are portrayed as more perceptive and more honest than adults, and Pearl is the most perceptive of them all. and Pearl is the most perceptive of them all. , Pearl makes us constantly aware of her mother's scarlet letter and of the , Pearl makes us constantly aware of her mother's scarlet letter and of the society that produced it. From an early age, she fixates on the emblem. society that produced it. From an early age, she fixates on the emblem. Pearl's innocent, or perhaps intuitive, comments about the letter raise Pearl's innocent, or perhaps intuitive, comments about the letter raise crucial questions about its meaning. Similarly, she inquires about the crucial questions about its meaning. Similarly, she inquires about the relationships between those around her—most important, the relationships between those around her—most important, the relationship between Hester and Dimmesdale—and offers perceptive relationship between Hester and Dimmesdale—and offers perceptive critiques of them. Pearl provides the text's harshest, and most critiques of them. Pearl provides the text's harshest, and most penetrating, judgment of Dimmesdale's failure to admit to his adultery. penetrating, judgment of Dimmesdale's failure to admit to his adultery. Once her father's identity is revealed, Pearl is no longer needed in this Once her father's identity is revealed, Pearl is no longer needed in this 32 symbolic capacity; at Dimmesdale's death she becomes fully ―human,‖ symbolic capacity; at Dimmesdale's death she becomes fully ―human,‖ leaving behind her otherworldliness and her preternatural vision. leaving behind her otherworldliness and her preternatural vision. Dark romanticism Dark romanticism , Dark romanticism is a literary subgenre that emerged from the , Dark romanticism is a literary subgenre that emerged from the Transcendental philosophical movement popular in nineteenth-century Transcendental philosophical movement popular in nineteenth-century America. Works in the dark romantic spirit were influenced by America. Works in the dark romantic spirit were influenced by Transcendentalism, but did not entirely embrace the ideas of Transcendentalism, but did not entirely embrace the ideas of Transcendentalism. Such works are notably less optimistic than Transcendentalism. Such works are notably less optimistic than Transcendental texts about mankind, nature, and divinity. Authors Transcendental texts about mankind, nature, and divinity. Authors considered most representative of dark romanticism are Edgar Allan considered most representative of dark romanticism are Edgar Allan Poe,Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, poet Emily Dickinson and Poe,Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, poet Emily Dickinson and Italian poet Ugo Foscolo. Italian poet Ugo Foscolo. , Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, Salem, Massachusetts. , Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, Salem, Massachusetts. The family The family , William Hathorne, the author's great-great-great-grandfather, a Puritan, , William Hathorne, the author's great-great-great-grandfather, a Puritan, was the first of the family to emigrate from England, first settling in was the first of the family to emigrate from England, first settling in Dorchester, Massachusetts before moving to Salem. There he became Dorchester, Massachusetts before moving to Salem. There he became an important member of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and held many an important member of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and held many political positions including magistrate and judge, becoming infamous political positions including magistrate and judge, becoming infamous for his harsh sentencing. for his harsh sentencing. , William's son and the author's great-great-grandfather, John Hathorne, , William's son and the author's great-great-grandfather, John Hathorne, was one of the judges who oversaw the Salem Witch Trials. was one of the judges who oversaw the Salem Witch Trials. , Having learned about this, the author may have added the "w" to his , Having learned about this, the author may have added the "w" to his surname in his early twenties, shortly after graduating from college, in surname in his early twenties, shortly after graduating from college, in an effort to dissociate himself from his notorious forebears. an effort to dissociate himself from his notorious forebears. Hawthorne’s Themes Hawthorne’s Themes , the consequences of pride, selfishness, and secret guilt , the consequences of pride, selfishness, and secret guilt , the conflict between lighthearted and somber attitudes toward life , the conflict between lighthearted and somber attitudes toward life , the impingement [im'pind?m?nt] of past (esp. the Puritan past) upon , the impingement [im'pind?m?nt] of past (esp. the Puritan past) upon the present the present , the futility of comprehensive social reforms , the futility of comprehensive social reforms , the impossibility of eradicating sin from the human heart , the impossibility of eradicating sin from the human heart , alienation and solitude , alienation and solitude , nature and natural impulses , nature and natural impulses , unconscious fantasy and dream. , unconscious fantasy and dream. , at his best when dealing with sin, the New England past, and the , at his best when dealing with sin, the New England past, and the supernatural supernatural Hawthorne’s Style Hawthorne’s Style , an anatomist [?`næt?m?st] of the heart , an anatomist [?`næt?m?st] of the heart , using symbols and setting to reveal the psychology of the characters , using symbols and setting to reveal the psychology of the characters , soft and flowing style , soft and flowing style , ambiguity , ambiguity Dark romanticism Dark romanticism 33 , is a literary subgenre that emerged from the Transcendental , is a literary subgenre that emerged from the Transcendental philosophical movement popular in nineteenth-century America. philosophical movement popular in nineteenth-century America. Works in the dark romantic spirit were influenced by Works in the dark romantic spirit were influenced by Transcendentalism, but did not entirely embrace the ideas of Transcendentalism, but did not entirely embrace the ideas of Transcendentalism. Such works are notably less optimistic than Transcendentalism. Such works are notably less optimistic than Transcendental texts about mankind, nature, and divinity. Authors Transcendental texts about mankind, nature, and divinity. Authors considered most representative of dark romanticism are Edgar Allan considered most representative of dark romanticism are Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville,[1] poet Emily Dickinson Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville,[1] poet Emily Dickinson and Italian poet Ugo Foscolo. and Italian poet Ugo Foscolo. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Rip Van Winkle By Washington Irving(1783-1859) By Washington Irving(1783-1859) • Both of them are short stories selected from his book: Both of them are short stories selected from his book: The Sketch Book of Geoffery Crayon,Gent. , 1819-1820《见闻札记》 The Sketch Book of Geoffery Crayon,Gent. , 1819-1820《见闻札记》 • 2 the source of this story: 2 the source of this story: • the old folklores in Europe the old folklores in Europe The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow • 1 the background and the subtitle • 1 the background and the subtitle • the Dutch colonial-era American country • the Dutch colonial-era American country Found among the papers of the late Diedrich Knicherboker Found among the papers of the late Diedrich Knicherboker The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow • 2 the summary of this story: • 2 the summary of this story: It takes place in Tarrytown, and theschoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, It takes place in Tarrytown, and theschoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, Connecticut native, who comes to teach in a one-room schoolhouse. He Connecticut native, who comes to teach in a one-room schoolhouse. He becomes the neighborhood song master, reads Cotton Mather, steeps becomes the neighborhood song master, reads Cotton Mather, steeps himself in local folklore, and competes with Brom Bones for the himself in local folklore, and competes with Brom Bones for the affections of Katrina. One afternoon, after being rebuffed by Katrina, affections of Katrina. One afternoon, after being rebuffed by Katrina, he briskly rides off on his landlord's horse, sees an apparition of a he briskly rides off on his landlord's horse, sees an apparition of a headless horseman, and is never seen again in Sleepy Hollow. The headless horseman, and is never seen again in Sleepy Hollow. The townspeople have a myriad of theories concerning his disappearance. townspeople have a myriad of theories concerning his disappearance. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow • 3.Character Description ----Ichabud Crane • 3.Character Description ----Ichabud Crane (1) his physical apperance(p67) (1) his physical apperance(p67) (2) his action: teaching; talking; helping others; (2) his action: teaching; talking; helping others; singing; dancing; riding;(p69,85,81) singing; dancing; riding;(p69,85,81) (3) his psychological world(p71,74,75,91,etc.) (3) his psychological world(p71,74,75,91,etc.) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow • 3.Character Description ----Brom Bones • 3.Character Description ----Brom Bones (1) his physical apperance(p76,etc) (2) his action: (p85.,etc.) (1) his physical apperance(p76,etc) (2) his action: (p85.,etc.) (3) his words(p79) (3) his words(p79) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow • 3.Character Description ----Katrina Van Tassel • 3.Character Description ----Katrina Van Tassel 34 • (1) Physical apperance(p72) (2) Dressing style(p73) • (1) Physical apperance(p72) (2) Dressing style(p73) • (3) Attitude to the two love rivals(p77,85.) • (3) Attitude to the two love rivals(p77,85.) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow • 3.Character Description ----Katrina‘s father • 3.Character Description ----Katrina‘s father His attitude to his wealth and his daughter (p73;p78) His attitude to his wealth and his daughter (p73;p78) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow • 4. character analysis • 4. character analysis Ichabod Crane: shrewdness, credulity, self-assertiveness, cowardice; a Ichabod Crane: shrewdness, credulity, self-assertiveness, cowardice; a precocious, effete New Englander, commercial. a city-slicker precocious, effete New Englander, commercial. a city-slicker Brom Bones: a country bumpkin,rough, vigorous, boisterous, inwardly Brom Bones: a country bumpkin,rough, vigorous, boisterous, inwardly very good, a frontier type very good, a frontier type The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow • 5.Irving‘s writing style: • 5.Irving‘s writing style: • Graceful;Refined;Fluent;Dignified;Humorous • Graceful;Refined;Fluent;Dignified;Humorous • Avoids moralizingas much as possible; • Avoids moralizingas much as possible; • Is good at enveloping his stories in an atmosphere • Is good at enveloping his stories in an atmosphere The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow 6: different perspectives of interpretation 6: different perspectives of interpretation • The conservative attitude of the author; • The conservative attitude of the author; the experinces of Irving in Europe the experinces of Irving in Europe (2) The Symbolism; two ethical groups (2) The Symbolism; two ethical groups (3) The writing style (3) The writing style 35