In George Eliot’s “Middlemarch,” money is not just a currency but a pivotal force that shapes the narrative, characters, and societal fabric of the fictional English town. Eliot’s nuanced portrayal of money’s influence offers a rich exploration of 19th-century English society, touching on themes of class, ambition, morality, and personal fulfilment. Marriage and Social Ambitions:…
In Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” wit and irony are essential tools used to both engage the reader and critique societal norms of the early 19th century. Austen’s use of these literary devices is sophisticated and multifaceted, contributing significantly to the novel’s enduring appeal and depth. Opening Sentence: The novel’s famous opening line, “It is…
In Henry Fielding’s novel “Tom Jones,” the relationship between the characters Tom and Sophia forms a cornerstone of the narrative, illustrating the complexities of love, societal norms, and personal growth. Tom Jones, a foundling raised by the benevolent Squire Allworthy, is impetuous and prone to youthful indiscretions, yet possesses a fundamentally good heart. Sophia Western,…
The Theatre of the Absurd is a post-World War II movement in European and American theatre that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by its experimental nature and its challenge to traditional narrative structures and conventions. This form of theatre reflects the existential philosophy of the time, particularly the sense of dislocation…
Eliza Doolittle is a central character in George Bernard Shaw’s play “Pygmalion.” She starts as a poor flower girl with a strong Cockney accent and undergoes a dramatic transformation, both in speech and social standing, under the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins. Eliza’s character is crucial to exploring themes of social class, identity, and the…
Bottom is a character in William Shakespeare’s comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” He is a weaver by trade and one of the “mechanicals” (a group of amateur actors from Athens). Bottom is notable for his confidence, comedic nature, and his unwitting central role in the play’s fantastical events. Comic Relief: Bottom is primarily a source…
Claudius is a central character in William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Hamlet.” He is the brother of King Hamlet, the original ruler of Denmark, and becomes the antagonist of the play after usurping the throne through the murder of his brother. Claudius is a complex character, embodying both cunning and charm. Usurper of the Throne: Claudius ascends…
The Renaissance, a period of great cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival in Europe, played a crucial role in the growth and flourishing of Elizabethan drama. This period, which reached England in the late 15th century and continued through the 16th century, significantly influenced the development of drama during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603)….
The concept of the ‘angry young man’ in John Osborne’s play “Look Back in Anger” (1956) represents a significant cultural and literary figure in post-war Britain. The protagonist, Jimmy Porter, embodies this archetype, characterized by his deep dissatisfaction with society and his own circumstances, intense emotional expression, and a tendency to challenge the status quo….