Creepy Lady

      After reading The Yellow Wallpaper, it is clear that Jane’s mental stability continually declines to the point where she loses her identity and takes on a different persona. Jane has a solid grasp on society when in the beginning, Jane’s illness has had little effect on her as she describes herself to be normal “…ordinary people like John and myself…” (Gilman 647). However, as the story progresses, John’s infantilizing of Jane worsens her condition. By forcing Jane to not write, work, or even leave her room, Jane’s sanity starts to decline as she once wanted to write in a secret journal but eventually her desire slowly fades as well “I don’t know why I should write this. I don’t want to. I don’t feel able” (Gilman 651). To pass her time, instead of writing her thoughts down on paper, she begins to obsess with the yellow wallpaper in her room. After observing how the wall has many different marks, she begins to see a design which forms into a woman crouching. At this moment in the story, Jane has reached a point beyond saving as she begins to see imaginary people locked away inside a wall. Despite bringing up such a disturbing scene to John, his response is always the same where he brushes her concerns aside. If John had actually paid attention to his wife’s condition and concerns, then Jane could have been saved. However, by not allowing her to leave her room, then Jane officially loses her consciousness as she ends up truly believing she is the woman trapped in the wall, not Jane the wife and mother. Although this short story is more effective in the nineteenth century since the background is greatly influenced by the medical field of the time, the morals still have a lasting influence in today’s society. Since doctors truly believed that the only cure for women with similar situations was doing no work, Gilman tried to attack the social norms of the time. However, now that the medical field as developed real treatments for people with these types of problems, the idea that women had no say in society is still clearly something we can relate to today.

Works Cited

Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. The Yellow Wallpaper. N.p., n.d. United States Library of Medicine. Web. 11 Mar. 2015.

Gothic Novel

      Joseph Conrad’s work Heart of Darkness can be considered a gothic novel solely based on how the setting is narrated. Much like other Gothic novels, Heart of Darkness places a significant emphasis on nature and landscape, usually unfamiliar to the protagonist. In the opening pages of the text, Conrad already begins to lay a dark foundation as he describes the environment with eerie diction “A haze rested on the low shores that ran out to sea in vanishing flatness. The air was dark above Gravesend, and farther back still seemed condensed into a mournful gloom, brooding motionless over the biggest, and the greatest, town on earth” (Conrad 2). With descriptive phrases like dark air and mournful gloom, Conrad sets up how the greatest town on earth, in this case London, is not as great as we want to think. In order to not be considered Gothic Literature, Conrad would have instead needed to write about how incredible the town is rather than using such menacing terms. Conrad’s description of Africa follows a similar path as he explains the grotesque images of nature “All along the formless coast bordered by dangerous surf, as if Nature herself had tried to ward off intruders; in and out of rivers, streams of death in life, whose banks were rotting into mud, whose waters, thickened into slime, invaded the contorted mangroves, that seemed to writhe at us in the extremity of an impotent despair” (Conrad 31). By using such cacophonous words and images that seem to suck the life out of characters in the novel, Heart of Darkness clearly falls in the Gothic category.

Works cited

Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. n.p. n.d. Web.

This is Madness? This is Bertha!

      Madness is a theme present throughout the novel as characters not only go mad, but even commit suicide in certain circumstances. Although most of these characters who face madness are rather minor like John Reed, a major comparison is made between Jane Eyre and Bertha Mason. As years went by, Bertha’s sanity slowly declined to the point where characters compare her to a demon since she has no sense of right or wrong plus she conflicts pain and suffering to others. Jane on the other hand, keeps her madness within her feelings and emotions because she debates different situations in her head, comparing how different decisions could bring about different situations. Once Rochester reveals to Jane he is married to Bertha, Rochester places significant emphasis on the differences between both women “Wood and Briggs, look at the difference! Compare these clear eyes with the red balls yonder…” (Bronte 251).

      To make the situation worse, the mentally ill were treated as if they were animals. As a result, it is not surprising to see Bertha locked in her own cage, the third floor of Thornfield, where she is to remain for the rest of her life. After being locked away for years on end, Bertha’s mental state continued to decline to the point where characters have a difficult time distinguishing if she is a human or animal “…a figure ran backwards and forwards. What it was, whether beast or human being, one could not, at first sight tell” (Bronte 338). Not only did Bertha have poor treatment in life, but also felt no sympathy in death. When Bertha commits suicide during the burning of Thornfield, the description of her death is stated with no emotion or sympathy. Due to Bertha’s mental instability, the treatment she faced during her life time was considered justified during the Victorian Era.

Works Cited

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Penguin Group, 1847. Print.

The Tragic Life of Lucifer

      Throughout history, Lucifer has always been described as deeply arrogant, powerful, and charismatic. As written in the Bible, Lucifer led a rebellion against God in a war called the Angelic War which ends with Satan and his loyal followers being placed in Hell. Even in this dark domain, Lucifer claims that his actions and the goals he shares with his fallen angels are justified as an angel is self-raised, meaning they have the ability to make their own actions. Despite God’s will being divine, Lucifer still firmly believes God and Heaven hold hypocritical   beliefs to be true. Although Lucifer fails at overthrowing God, he still ends up holding power in his new domain. Plus, Lucifer is still able to keep the fallen angels loyal with his cunning and sly speeches. Relatively modern depictions of Lucifer also hold these characteristics to be true as well. In the movie Smooth Talk, Lucifer takes the form of a man named Arnold Friend who compels a teenage girl to not only leave her house, but ride in his car despite the fact the girl knows nothing about Arnold. However, Milton’s characterization of Lucifer stands out against history as Lucifer is described to be a tragic hero.

      One quality of the classical tragic hero is that he is not perfectly good and fails at achieving some goal due to a tragic flaw. In this case, Lucifer was originally one of God’s greatest angels yet finds darkness within him, causing him to revolt against God. As Satan causes both the downfall of man and the eternal damnation of his fellow angels despite his dedication to his loyal followers, Satan can be considered one of the earliest examples of this trope. Additionally, Satan holds many Hellenic qualities like immense courage and undefined morals, which aid his tragic nature. Despite being considered one of the best of his kind, Lucifer finds the courage to rebel against God and continues to do so in Hell as he describes how Hell is infinitely better than Heaven due to the power he now possess “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heav’n” (Paradise Lost Line 263). Although Lucifer is commonly believed to be the antagonizing force in Paradise Lost, Milton as made Lucifer unique by defining him as a tragic hero.

Works Cited

“Paradise Lost – A Brief Overview.” Paradise Lost Study Guide. New Arts Library.

1999. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

The Romantic Hurricane

      Near the end of his career, Shakespeare’s plays became more predominantly classified as Romance. Upon analyzing The Tempest, it is clear that many of these romantic aspects are present. When compared to the other romances written by Shakespeare, all of these plays had elements of magic and the fantastic, a long, wandering journey, and an obsession with loss and recovery. In The Tempest, Prospero is a magician capable of creating a tempest and even controlling a spirit which he sends to complete missions across the island. Although the course of The Tempest takes place in one day, the play explains how Prospero and Miranda were kicked out of Milan and sent to sea where they end up landing on a remote island. Eventually, after many years on the island, Prospero and Miranda are able to return to Italy with the rest of the marooned crew from the ship. Although Prospero loses his kingdom in Milan and twelve years of his life, he later gains a new son-in-law. While Prospero spends most of his time focused on what he has lost, he finally is able to recover near the end making him one of the most dynamic characters in the play.

      Not only that, but a romance play is defined as “…a new kind of play, a hybrid of comic and tragic elements…” which Shakespeare only managed to write four of (Schwartz).  In his last play, The Tempest, our comic relief is presented through Trinuclo and Stephano as they are drunk during the initial meeting which lightens the mood. Not only that, but there are puns presented throughout the play which also add more comedic aspects to the play, “Dolour comes to him, indeed: you have spoken truer than you proposed” (Act 2 Scene 1). While Gonzalo, Alonso, and Sebastian and talking about their current situation and how they survived the horrible tempest, Gonzalo’s wit is put to good use as the topic changes to money and Gonzalo states money is not the only thing being received, but also dolor. There are many tragic aspects present as well, specifically concerning Prospero as his kingdom was not only stolen from him by his own brother, but he also spent many years of his life at sea trying to survive. In turn, Shakespeare’s last play should be considered a romance and not simply a tragedy as it has tragic events and comical situations.

Works Cited

Schwartz, Debora B. “Shakespeare’s Four Final Plays: The Romances.” 2005. Web. 13 January 2015.

Shakespeare, William. “The Tempest.” n.p. n.d. Web. 13 January 2015.

Style Assignment

      It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. A man from a wealthy background found his own wife, and eventually married her. The man and woman from high society lived together in a tall house where all of London could be seen. The woman, born into a wealthy family, was used to receiving anything she desired. While living with her new husband, the pampered woman spent her days enjoying the view from her window. In her new home, her husband obtained anything the woman desired. The man had a plethora of wealth, allowing him to buy anything her heart yearned for. However, one day, while the spoiled woman was gazing the land around her, she bore witness to something beautiful. A garden of which the likes have never before been seen lay within close proximity to her household. As the days passed, the woman became more obsessed with the plot as it produced fruit beyond comparison.

      Although the woman was delivered all the possible fruit she could ever desire, it was never enough to quench her lust for fruit from her precious, but forbidden yard. The land the garden was located on was in fact not the woman’s property. More preciously, the husband did not own that portion of land. After weeks of watching the fruit ripen, the woman reached the brink of destruction. Trying to push her mind away from the fruit, the woman spent her days on a nicely dressed sofa, doing some needlework of little use and no beauty. In the end, her mind was still occupied by the tempting fruit. She informed her loving and caring husband of her dilemma shortly after she could take no more, and provided an ultimatum. Her love for the forbidden fruit was so powerful, that if she did not receive the fruit, she would take her own life to end her suffering. The husband was shocked to find his wife delivering such a drastic solution and concluded the only way to save his wife was to obtain the far-flung fruit, no matter the cost.

      The days passed, and the man never found an owner working the land. Assuming the owner was from a lower class, the husband planned to buy the fruit. However, despite his hopes, the man found no luck. The man then came to terms with himself, and decided to take the fruit back to his wife. One night, the proud man left his home to find the garden bearing such brilliant fruit. Upon his arrival, the man immediately began placing fruit into a basket for his wife. Just as he was done picking the fruit, the arrogant man simply started walking away from all the damage he had caused. An enchantress then appeared to find the man leaving behind nothing but ruin. In her intense rage, she proclaimed,

“How can you dare descend into my garden and steal my fruit like a thief! You shall suffer the consequences!”

He answered, “How is it possible that a woman of your social standards owns this land? My wife desires these fruit and I will do whatever it takes to please her. As you are a woman, it is unlikely you own this garden. As a result, I will take what I want. I will have you know, I am from the highest social class in London. It is my right to take what I want!”

The enchantress replied, “You and your filthy wife shall pay! I curse your family for eternity! You will know what it feels like to love a child, but not for long. Now, if you wish to return with your life, you will promise to give me your first born child! I shall care for her as my own. You then can keep your stolen fruit!”

      The man, fearful of losing his life, agreed to the terms provided. In due time, the husband and wife had their first child; a daughter. Soon after she was born, the enchantress came to the household, upholding her side of the bargain. The daughter was now placed under the enchantress’ care, leaving her true mother and father behind. Although the taste of the fruit was everything she imagined, the wife yearned to see her daughter again. Neither parent saw how their young daughter grew into a beautiful young woman, but they were not the only one. The enchantress placed her new adopted daughter in a tower with one window, where she would never be seen. Now as the days go by, the daughter yearns for society and company, hoping one day, a lost traveler will pass by the forgotten tower to save her.

Brave New World Post

      I hate everyone. Why is it that I am so different to everyone else around me? I’m an Alpha for Ford’s sake, I shouldn't be treated this way. Within the World State, I was born being a part of the highest class possible, yet even mere Epsilons defy me. Like earlier today when I was trying to get this damn machine to take off, that Epsilon didn't listen to my orders! I clearly told him to start the engine that way I could make it to my engagement on time, but he just stood there as if nothing happened. I know they are made to be slow, but it is obvious that when an Alpha says to do something, you do it. I realize that my physical characteristics are not up to par with other Alphas, but the differences in our attributes are not that drastic. That Epsilon must be extraordinarily slow when compared to the rest of his kind.

      I shouldn't be this mad over an Epsilon’s actions, or in this case a lack of action. Just remember Bernard, “Everyone belongs to everyone else” (Huxley 40). It only took 62 thousand repetitions of this phrase over a 30 month period to make it into truth. I should at least try to remember it. This phrase, along with countless others, are repeated at least three days per week during the night with anywhere between 40 to 50 repetitions each time. Sometimes, I wonder what it is like to sleep without the hypnopaedic lessons. With all these phrases becoming truths through constant repetition, it seems like our society would fall apart without them. How is it possible that the savages are able to survive in our world despite the clear differences in technology and intelligence? I can only imagine how different it is to live in two different worlds.

      Soon, my guessing will end. I have already made plans to visit the savages and I am looking forward to it. I even asked Lenina to go with me, although she seemed a little reluctant at first. There is still some time before I have to leave, so maybe she will give me a final answer before then. Damn that Henry! Always bragging about what he and Lenina did together. All the other guys just seem capable to getting woman, except me. It is probably because I am so different compared to the rest. It will be my turn soon to be with Lenina, hopefully. There is still a chance she will say yes to go on the trip with me, unless she believes all the stories they say about me. I hear the phrase all too often. It is almost as if everyone at the hatchery had an additional hypnopaedic lesson which repeated phrases explaining my actions. Something along the lines of, “Oh, it must be because of the all the alcohol added to his bottle.”

      The story is similar to something like this. When I was still in my bottle, someone thought I was supposed to be an Epsilon, not an Alpha. As a result, the worker accidentally added more alcohol to my bottle to cause damage, that way I would be slower and less physically built when compared to most in society. However, the worker realized their mistake and stopped adding alcohol before they caused too much damage. That’s the reason I look and act like this. Everyone talks behind my back, saying that I need to take a soma tablet when I get angry. No one understands that I prefer being angry than taking those pills. I only take soma tablets when I am in a dire situation that calls for drastic action or when there is too much for me to handle.

      Maybe, when I go to see the savages, I can bring something back that will revolutionize the World State or even make me famous. The Director of the Hatchery said he once visited the savages as well, but lost the woman he was with. Maybe, just maybe, I can find something that will pertain to the Director. While there, I will have to search for her and bring her back. The Director has given me too many threats. Not only would I get payback against the Director, but at the same time I will make everyone in the World State remember my name; Bernard Marx!

Works Cited:

Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. New York: Harper & Bros., 1946. Print.