Jane Austens Influence in the Romantic Period - 958 Words

During the late eighteen and early nineteen century, England was going through major changes: politically, social, and economically. These major changes molded the Romantic Period [1800-1850]. Another factor that affected this Romantic Period was the end of the French Revolution [1815]. While the war was happening in France, many of the Philosopher, Jean-Jacques, influences began to reach England. â€Å"Jean Jacques suggested that humans in the state of nature are neither good nor evil and that it is society that corrupts humans or cultivates good citizens† (Miller). This theory of Apocalyptic was linked to the French Revolution. (Miller) The Victorian Era started with the reign of Queen Victoria. This era was one of the longest Eras in the history of England, which lasted form 1837 until her death in 1901. â€Å"The Victorian era served as a transition between the Romantic period and the literature of the twentieth century† (Victorian Literature.). During this Era, writers constructed stories that criticized societal, economical, religious, and philosophical believes of the time. â€Å"Much of Victorian literature criticized the increased industrialization of the world, and on the other hand, the deterioration of the rural lifestyle† (Victorian Literature.). There were also conflicts between the different classes, because the middle class was starting to have more political power. This created the imbalance of power during the Victorian Era. (Victorian Literature.) Jane Austen wasShow MoreRelatedJane Austen s Pride And Prejudice1294 Words   |  6 PagesJane Austen s exceptional novel Pride and Prejudice has been depicted as a classic that is as much a social study on class, marriage and gender as it is a romantic tale. It is an amusing representation of the social atmosphere of the late eighteenth and mid nineteenth century England, and it is primarily required with courtship rituals of the English high class. The novel is more than a romantic tale, however through Austen s subtle, and ironic style, it addresses gender, class, and marriageRead MoreThe Influence of Regency England in Pride and Prejudice1604 Words   |  7 Pagesto feel that even â€Å"the least familiarity [with those below in social rank was] a degradation† (137). One of Regency England’s most beloved writers, Jane Austen, continued the tradition of casting literature as a reflection of contemporary society’s biases. Her novels brim with indicators of Re gency England’s preconceptions. The characters in Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, seek economic security through marriage, and cast a critical eye on those who divert themselves with lesser, frivolous pursuitsRead MoreJane Austen: Pride and Prejudice 1086 Words   |  5 PagesJane Austen, born December 16, 1775, was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction earned her a place as one of the most widely read authors in English literature. Austen’s novels critique the life of the second half of the eighteenth century and are part of the transition to nineteenth-century realism. Though her novels were by no means autobiographical, her fictional characters do shed light on the facts of her life and but more importantly, they offered aspiring writers a model of howRead MoreThe Impact Of Romanticism In Jane Austens Northanger Abbey1500 Words   |  6 PagesOne of the many joys of reading is that a great novel can transport you to a completely different realm, dimension, or world. There are many genres of books that can do so, but one of the most important ones during the Romantic era was gothic literature. In Jane Austen’s novel, Northanger Abbey, it is clear that she is commenting on the impact of gothic literature during this era. Austen creates this commentary based on the continual exaggeration and use of the word ‘horrid’ by characters, CatherineRead MoreMarriage By Jane Austen s Emma1424 Words   |  6 Pagesperson’s social rank was based on their reputation, wealth, family, and most importantly marriage, as it was the primary way in which someone could elevate their status. Jane Austen’s Emma, explores a number of marriages and anticipated vows, and how the relationships are often based on social status. The rise in social rank through romantic relationships is essential to women as they are unable to improve their status through personal achievements. At the time, social norms dictated t hat marriage be aRead MoreJane Austens Influence on Literature2794 Words   |  12 Pages Jane Austen was a romantic novelist who captivated English readers with her inspired writing skills. Even today, readers all over the world learn to enjoy her writing style and the settings among the landed gentry, a largely historical British social class, consisting of landowners who could live entirely off rental income (Wikipedia.org), during a time when a womans place was considered to be in the home and subservient to the male. Jane Austen was reflective of herRead MoreEssay on Jane Austens Characters, Elinor and Marianne1960 Words   |  8 PagesJane Austens Characters, Elinor and Marianne Having a strong heart like Elinor and a latent sense similar to Marianne, Jane Austen displayed her characteristics through her characters. Elinor and Marianne were two main characters that Jane Austen used to display her true character. Elinor is very devoted to her family and tries to do everything she can to support them. Every now and then, when the family is in needRead MoreHeroic Ignorance And Gothic Novels By Jane Austen1490 Words   |  6 PagesHeroic Ignorance and Gothic Novels Jane Austen’s novel, Northanger Abbey, seeks to explore the effect of wealth on society. Throughout the novel, this portrayal of wealth assumes an increasingly critical tone, and is thus used to suggest the negative impact of financial goals in a relationship. This is shown in the contrast between Catherine’s relationship with Mr. Tilney, and Isabella’s promiscuous ways. In this dynamic, Catherine remains pure, engaged to a poor clergyman, whereas her friend IsabellaRead MoreManners in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen3437 Words   |  14 Pages Pride and Prejudice Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice not only established her historical importance among scholars and critics, but continues to remain popular. Pride and Prejudice, a comedy of manners, was published in 1813, and is a staple of the English literature. It recreates the social world of the landed gentry of early 19th-century England and embodies the theme that preconceptions and egotism can overcome true love. Pride and Prejudice is somewhat autobiographical; emphasizes the key elementsRead MoreFeminist Analysis Of Pride And Prejudice1397 Words   |  6 PagesBritish Literature Otto Period 3 21 March 2016 Feminist Analysis of Pride and Prejudice A revolution, a rebellion; literature allows us readers to identify the new up and coming behaviors that stray away from the formal traditions and bringing out the individualism in characters. Whether it’d be on a piece of paper or in actual society, it is very unusual and extremely rare to see a women of the Regency era to even have an opinion or even small judgement. In Jane Austen’s romantic novel, Pride and Prejudice

Preface to Leaves of Grass - 1996 Words

Walt Whitman’s â€Å"1855 Preface to Leaves of Grass† and Captain John Smith’s â€Å"A Description of New England†: Parallel Visions of the American People and the Shaping of the Nation’s Identity Walt Whitman’s â€Å"1855 Preface to Leaves of Grass,† and Captain John Smith’s â€Å"A Description of New England,† articulate the visions each held of the American people, as well as demonstrate the interpersonal and physical facets necessary in fashioning an ideal nation. Composed over two centuries after the publishing of Smith’s treatise, Whitman’s â€Å"1855 Preface† reflects the principles Smith outlines in his quest to create the New World, and the importance of considering individual identities in the formulation of this Nation’s identity. Smith’s â€Å"A†¦show more content†¦Whitman’s â€Å"Preface† echoes Smith’s vision as he marvels at American’s willingness to utilize the experiences of one another, however maintain an identity born from the heart and soul of the common man. One of Whitman’s greatest compliments to the people of the United States reads: Other states indicate themselves in their deputies†¦but the genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges or churches or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people. (996) Both Smith and Whitman recognize the functionality and benefit of each individual in the nation, and with that, acknowledges that while another may compensate for shortcomings in skills or intelligence, no man is better than, or superior to another. Smith suggests and Whitman believes it is the heart and soul of the citizens that identifies the heart and soul of a nation. Whitman’s vision of America is extraordinary, and as a poet, feels his calling is to spread his message of passion for and about America. Whitman believes himself, and his words, to be the link that connects the nation and its people; stating in the fourth paragraph of his â€Å"Preface†: For such the expression of the American poet is to be the transcendent and new. It is to be indirect and not direct or descriptive or epic. Its quality goes through these to much more...Here the theme is creative and has vista. HereShow MoreRelatedWalter Whitman1003 Words   |  5 PagesWalter Whitman â€Å"I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars† (Whitman 41). Walter Whitman, also known as Walt Whitman, was born on May 31, 1819, in Long Island, New York, to Walter Whitman and Louisa Van Velsor Whitman. When he was twelve, Walt and his family settled in Brooklyn, up to then his family had lived in a dozen different places (Conarroe 4). Walt worked in many different positions; to some he was even viewed as a drifter. Walt was many different things;Read MoreIndividuality And Free Verse in Walt Whitmans Song of Myself1524 Words   |  7 Pagessatisfying job), the spirit of innovation, individuality and progress remains unchanged. The father of free verse, and perhaps the American perspective of poetry, Walt Whitman embodies these values in his life and work. First published in 1855 in Leaves of Grass, Song of Myself is a vision of a symbolic I enraptured by the senses, vicariously embracing all people and places from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. Sections 1 and 2, like the entirety of the piece, seek to reconcile the individual andRea d MoreLeaves Of Grass By Walt Whitman915 Words   |  4 PagesLeaves on Grass is collection of poems written by an American poet named Walt Whitman. The first edition was published in 1855 but, Whitman spent most of his professional life writing and rewriting Leaves of Grass, until his death in 1892 at the age of 72. Even though during the time his work was considered immoral later people began to realize the beauty behind his poems and started to appreciate the man who wrote them.Whitman s Leaves of Grass is iconic in American poetry because of the beautyRead MoreWalt Whitman s Life And Accomplishments1731 Words   |  7 Pagestook out a copyright on the first edition of leaves of grass in 1855 which had twelve untitled poems and a preface. He published the voice of leaves of grass himself and send a copy to Emerson in July 1855. Later he released a second edition of the book containing poems, a letter from Emerson parsing the first edition and a long open letter by Whitman in r esponse. Whitman continued to refine the volume and publishing several editions of leaves of grass. At the outbreak of the civil war, WhitmanRead MoreWalt Whitman and His Strange Obsession With God Essay1970 Words   |  8 Pagesself-absorbed, wild heretic. â€Å"I celebrate myself, and sing myself† (Songs of Myself 1). Multiple times in his books and essays he claims to be better than the masses. â€Å"I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best† (Preface to a Leaves of Grass). Henceforth I ask not good fortune. I myself am good fortune (Songs of the Open Road). Walt Whitman is often thought of as an atheist, but I’m not buying it. In my opinion Whitman deep down believed that there was a God, and not only didRead MoreWalt Whitmans Influences1411 Words   |  6 PagesWalt Whitman’s influence to American Literary History After the Civil War, Walt Whitman realized that the American people were in need of their own identity. Therefore, he wrote the book â€Å"Leaves of Grass† with the goal of creating a literature piece that was authentic and organic to the United States in every sense. Whitman introduced to literature the idea of the â€Å"American Dream† and highlighted how important it was for the American people to develop their own identity. Consequently, he rejectedRead MoreEssay about American Influences of Walt Whitman1476 Words   |  6 Pagesthe increasing distance between it and its British source (Allen 53). Whitman was most familiar with the 1847 edition of Webster’s Dictionary. He depended on this one as he developed his notions of language and as he wrote the first poems of Leaves of Grass. It is in this version of the dictionary that we most clearly find the definitions of words that would become keys for Whitman’s poetic projects (Folsom 14). For Whitman, in certain ways, American culture became a language experiment. HisRead MoreThe Great Divorce Essay893 Words   |  4 Pagesincluding the narrator — gradually realize that they are ghosts. Although the country is the most beautiful they have ever seen, every feature of the landscape (including streams of water and blades of grass) is unbearably solid compared to themselves: it causes them immense pain to walk on the grass, and even a single leaf is far too heavy for any of them to lift. Shining figures, men and women whom they have known on earth, come to meet them, and to persuade them to repent and enter heaven properRead MoreEssay about Walt Whitman as a Voice for the People1185 Words   |  5 PagesWalt Whitman as a Voice for the People The proof of a poet is that his country absorbs him as much as he absorbs his country. This brilliant quote from Walt Whitman thus ends his preface to Leaves of Grass, and thereafter begins the poem Song of Myself. To many, upon their first reading, this was a crude, shocking and distasteful piece of work. but to me...this was a celebration of life. And not just a celebration of his own life, but of every life, of the American life. WaltRead More The Democratic Value of Whitmans Leaves of Grass Essay3334 Words   |  14 PagesWhitmans Leaves of Grass evince an incipient awareness of the unifying and acutely democratic aspects of the poetry. An article in the November 13th, 1856, issue of the New York Daily Times describes the modest, self-published book of twelve seemingly formless poems: As we read it again and again, and we will confess that we have returned to it often, a singular order seems to arise out of its chaotic verses (2). The Daily Timess identification of order out of chaos in Leaves of Grass parallels

Writing a Reaction Paper free essay sample

Writing a Reaction Paper v A reaction paper is an analysis and an evaluation of the material presented. v In a reaction paper, make sure to give a detailed overview of the experience and tell what exactly was taken out of the experience. v A reaction paper should be more than a simple summary of the material that you are reacting upon. v It should include your opinion or reaction to the material. v This may take on a variety of forms: S You may compare the work to other related material; S You may come up with ways to improve the work; S You may express what you learned; S You may concur with the work or argue against the work v You can even use l, or the first person, in this type of paper. How to Write a Reaction Paper Consider these general steps as you plan your writing: Pull your thoughts together on what you Just experienced. Come up with a thesis statement. Come up with what reaction you want to put down on paper. Decide on your organization and format draft your reaction paper. As a starting point for your reaction paper, select two or three major points from the following list and write a paragraph for each point. S React to the ideas presented. Are they clear and suitable? Explain the ideas, give examples of their application in the material presented, and compare/contrast the ideas with your own. 5 Compare it to another material. How was it similar to the other material? How was it different? Which did you enjoy more? What makes it more enjoyable? Which did you learn more from? S Discuss specific insights or facts you have learned or gained from reading the material presented. Discuss each insight or fact you have learned in a detailed paragraph, using direct examples from the material presented. Include a page reference to the material you are reacting to. S Make a Judgment about the material presented and support it. Did you like it? Why or why not? Elaborate on your answer by commenting on the content, style, clarity, validity of ideas and method of presentation. S Analyzed the material presented. What is its purpose? How does it go about achieving its goal? What is the plan/ method of presentation? S Tell what others might gain from the material presented. Is it valuable? Is it informative, entertaining, or accurate? Do you think your instructor should use it again? Why or why not? In your conclusion, summarize your ideas and tie them together. Writing a Reaction or Response Essay Reaction or response papers are usually requested by teachers so that youll consider carefully what you think or feel about something youve read. The following guidelines are intended to be used for reacting to a reading although they could easily be used for reactions to films too. Read whatever youve been asked to respond to, and while reading, think about the following questions. How do you feel about What do you agree or disagree with? Can you identify with the situation? What would be the best way to evaluate the story? Keeping your responses to these questions in mind, follow the following prewriting steps. Prewriting for Your Reaction Paper The following statements could be used in a reaction/response paper. Complete as many statements as possible, from the list below, about what you Just read. My Reaction to What I Just Read Is That I think that; I see that; I feel that; It seems that; In my opinion; Because; A good quote is; In addition; For example; Moreover; However; Consequently; Finally; In conclusion. What youve done in completing these statements is written a very rough reaction/ response paper. Now it needs to be organized. Organizing Your Reaction Paper A reaction/response paper has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction should contain all the basic information in one or two paragraphs. I Sentence 1: publication you read. I This sentence should give the title, author, and I Isentence 2, 3, and sometimes 4: I These sentences give a brief summary of what you read (nutshell) I Isentence 5: I This sentence is your thesis statement. You agree, disagree, identify, or evaluate. Your introduction should include a concise, one sentence, focused thesis. This is the focused statement of your reaction/response. The body should contain paragraphs that provide support for your thesis. Each paragraph should contain one idea. Topic sentences should support the thesis, and the final sentence of each paragraph should lead into the next paragraph. I Topic Sentence I Idetail example quotation detail example quotation detail example quotation detail example quotation ( You can structure your paragraphs in two ways: I Author I You OR I in contrast to I ISummary Sentence ( The conclusion can be a restatement of what you said in your paper. It also be a comment which focuses your overall reaction. Finally, it can be a prediction of the effects of what youre reacting to. Note: your conclusion should include no new information. Conclusions are often the most difficult part of an essay to write, and many writers feel that they have nothing left to say after having written the paper. A writer needs to keep in mind that the conclusion is often what a reader remembers best. Your conclusion should be the best part of your paper. A conclusion should stress the importance of the thesis statement, give the essay a sense of completeness, and leave a final impression on the reader. Suggestions Answer the question So What? Show your readers why this paper was important. Show them that your paper was meaningful and useful. Synthesize, dont summarize o Dont simply repeat things that were in your paper. They have read it. Show them how the points you made and the support and examples you used were not random, but fit together. Redirect your readers o Give your reader something to think about, perhaps a way to use your paper in the real world. If your introduction went from general to specific, make your conclusion go from specific to general. Think globally. Ђ Create a new meaning o You dont have to give new information to create a new meaning. By demonstrating how your ideas work together, you can create a new picture. Often the sum of the paper is worth more than its parts. Strategies Echoing the introduction: Echoing your introduction can be a good strategy if it is meant to bring the reader full-circle. If you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay was helpful in creating a new understanding. Example Introduction From the parking lot, I could see the towers of the castle of the Magic Kingdom tanding stately against the blue sky. To the right, the tall peak of The Matterhorn rose even higher. From the left, I could hear the Jungle sounds of Adventureland. As I entered the gate, Main Street stretched before me with its quaint shops evoking an old-fashioned small town so charming it could never have existed. I was entranced. Disneyland may have been built for children, but it brings out the child in adults. Conclusion I thought I would spend a few hours at Disneyland, but here I was at 1 A. M. closing time, leaving the front gates with the now dark towers of the Magic Kingdom behind me. I could see tired children, toddling along and struggling to keep their eyes open as best they could. Others slept in their parents arms as we waited for the parking lot tram that would take us to our cars. My forty-year-old feet ached, and I felt a bit sad to think that in a couple of days I would be leaving California, my vacation over, to go back to my desk. But then I smiled to think that for at least a day I felt ten years old again. Challenging the reader: By issuing a challenge to your apply it to their own lives. Example Though serving on a Jury is not only a civic responsibility but also an interesting xperience, many people still view Jury duty as a chore that interrupts their Jobs and the routine of their daily lives. However, Juries are part of Americas attempt to be a free and Just society. Thus, Jury duty challenges us to be interested and responsible Looking to the future: Looking to the future can emphasize the citizens. importance of your paper or redirect the readers thought process. It may help them apply the new information to their lives or see things more globally. Example Without well-qualified teachers, schools are little more than buildings and equipment. If higher-paying careers continue to attract the best and the brightest students, there will not only be a shortage of teachers, but the teachers available may not have the best qualifications. Our youth will suffer. And when youth suffers, the future suffers. Posing questions: Posing questions, either to your readers or in general, may help your readers gain a new perspective on the topic, which they may not have held before reading your conclusion. It may also bring your main ideas together to create a new meaning. Example Campaign advertisements should help us understand the candidates ualifications and positions on the issues. Instead, most tell us what a boob or knave the opposing candidate is, or they present general images of the candidate as a family person or God-fearing American. Do such advertisements contribute to creating an informed electorate or a people who choose political leaders the same way they choose soft drinks and soap? Summary In summary, this handout has covered prewriting and organizing strategies for reaction/response papers. Prewriting o Read the article and Jot down ideas. o How do you feel about what was said? Do you agree or disagree with the author? Have you had any applicable experience? o Have you read or heard anything that applies to this what the writer said in the article or book? o Does the evidence in the article support the statements the writer made? Organizing o Write the thesis statement first. o Decide on the key points that will focus your ideas. The se will be your topic o Develop your ideas by adding examples, quotations, and details to sentences. your paragraphs. o Make sure the last sentence of each paragraph leads into the next paragraph. o Check your thesis and make sure the topic sentence of each paragraph supports it.