Open Prompt Edit #4

1979. Choose a complex and important character in a novel or a play of recognized literary merit who might on the basis of the character's actions alone be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and why the full presentation of the character in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might. Avoid plot summary.

His favorite hobby being ultra-violence, it is doubtless that Alex of A Clockwork Orange should be considered evil. The delight he experiences in rape and random acts of violence first causes revulsion in the reader, yet gradually a sense of sympathy develops for him. Through alienating Alex to his peers and pitting him against an equally repugnant society, Burgess creates a more sympathetic reaction than Alex’s actions deserve at face value. Burgess then uses the reader’s moral dilemma to advance his message on brainwashing and violence.

            Although mindlessly destructive, Alex is isolated from the  droogs he commands. His great appreciation of art and beauty gives him a depth his peers will never understand.  The reader comes to admire Alex for his taste and wit. Further sympathy is given to Alex as his gang betrays him, although one abhorrers Alex’s actions, pity and outrage is still felt for his misfortunes. One can easily relate to the experience of being stabbed in the back more than empathize with Alex’s victims through the separation caused by Burgess’ Nadsat language.

            When compared to a hypocritical and equally violent government, Alex’s actions paint him in a better light. As they torture and experiment on him the reader feels that Alex becomes something of a martyr. Alex comes to symbolize freewill instead of drug-fueled violence.  Burgess turns Alex into a passionate opponent of hypocrisy. The government that punishes him for his violent acts receives the same joy he does in violence.

         Burgess is able to further his themes on brainwashing and violence due to the reader’s conflicted opinion of Alex. The separation the reader feels to Alex’s victims due to Nadsat is a mirror to the conditioning Alex undergoes. The reader becomes brainwashed into accepting violence. This provides a chilling parallel to the events in A Clockwork Orange: as Alex is being conditioned to reject violence, the reader is conditioned to accept it. Alex’s transformation at the end of the novel is only made plausible by the reader’s grudging acceptance of Alex as a complex character. Without the reader trusting Alex to be capable of changing his ways, Burgess could not advance his message that violence is a form of emotional adolescence. 

            Although we should condemn Alex for his violence, we find ourselves drawn to his magnetic personality and suffering. Burgess creates a moral dilemma, we gradually come to respect him as a protagonist, yet are repulsed by his actions.

Open Prompt Edit #3

 

1983. From a novel or play of literary merit, select an important character who is a villain. Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of the character's villainy and show how it enhances meaning in the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.

            Villains are an essential part of most any work. Apart from their obvious role in plot creation, they reveal and propel the author’s message. Lady Macbeth is exactly this type of character. Complex and ambitious, her villainy stems from repressed desire for control she has been denied in a society that allows her little. Lady Macbeth comes to embody the themes of gender identity conflict and insanity that permeate Macbeth.

         Lady Macbeth acts as the driving force behind Macbeth’s ascension through her ruthless ambition. So determined is Lady Macbeth to become queen, she attempts to purge herself of any empathetic and “feminine” characteristics. She equates her femininity with mothering qualities, declaring to herself that she would bash in the skull of the infant she nursed. Notably, she and Macbeth appear to have no children; symbolically Lady Macbeth is incapable of nourishing life, she is too consumed by her own ambition. Lady Macbeth’s campaign against the stereotypical “delicate” qualities of females extends beyond her own gender. When she needs to goad Macbeth into action she attacks his masculinity, calling him a woman when he hesitates to kill King Duncan.

         Although she is capable of dealing with Macbeth’s growing insanity in front of guests, Lady Macbeth eventually cracks under the guilt of her actions. The appearance and obsession with the unreal is mirrored in speeches of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. While he is immediately guilt stricken, he hallucinates a dagger. Her reaction is delayed, but more impressively insane; Lady Macbeth’s guilt manifests itself in blood she cannot rid her hands of and she eventually kills herself. Insanity becomes a form of atonement; only through her death can she clean her hands of her part in treason.

         Lady Macbeth, arguably the true villain of

Open Prompt Edit #2

1982. In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. Avoid plot summary.

        

         Violence is sometimes a plot device in novels, a source of conflict or a way to reveal characterization. In other works violence serves to advance the author’s thematic message. A Clock-Work Orange, though as graphic as any pulp novel, accomplishes this with aplomb. Through use of pervasive violence in his dystopian novel, Burgess advances his statements on brain-washing, societal values, and maturation.

         Just as he uses his slang language of Nadsat to give the reader a feeling of Alex’s brainwashing, Burgess desensitizes the reader with his barrage of violence. Working against the revulsion-triggering Luvodico’s Technique Alex undergoes, the reader is no longer repulsed by the brutality of the actions. Further working against the automatic distaste disturbing violence creates, he makes sociopath Alex a compelling narrator. Despite his delight in rape and “ultra violence”, Alex’s wit, distinguished tastes, and alienation make him appealing, mudding the reader’s moral sensibilities. Burgess conditions the reader through the use of violence to add complexity to his defense of free will.

         Violence allows Burgess to comment on the values of the society and government he has created. Although the government decides to forcibly reform Alex’s violent behavior, the officials are shown to be just as brutal as he is, notably when the doctors administering the Luvodico Technique enjoy Alex’s anguish. Alex, and the acts of violence he commits, is then seen in a more sympathetic light. He becomes a rebel against their hypocrisy, willing to do what they don’t but would like to. Violence comes to symbolize a government not bent on keeping people safe, but keeping people in control.

         At the end of A Clockwork Orange we are introduced to the adult Alex. He finds that violence is no longer satisfying. Destruction no longer gives him the same enjoyment; he becomes bored in of ultra-violence. Alex matures. Burgess uses violence to make the destructive impulses all humans have into an adolescent phase on the way to mental adulthood. By having Alex grow out of violence Burgess chooses to characterize human nature as not one inherently evil, the developed mind leans towards creation.

         More than a shock-tool, the violence in A Clockwork Orange gives it thematic value. Without this brutal imagery Burgess could not create a revolting and complex idea for the reader to grapple with. Violence becomes more disturbing as one is no longer disgusted.

Post Edit #1

1970. Choose a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot. 

In some works, authors create a society we know; an often nostalgic reflection of our life. One feels they can live in Avonlea or Cold Sassy, converse with the characters, and understand their values. Other works instead provide glaring contrast to comment on our society and dangers the author perceives. Huxley belongs in this second camp with his novel Brave New World. Through the numbed and materialistic standards of his dystopia and its destructive effect on John, Huxley comments on human nature and his fears for the goals we may pursue. 

The standards of the dystopia in Brave New World revolve around creating comfort and peace; facilitated through detachment. The lack of live births and families seek to eliminate the entangling and often painful bonds of kinship; severing one of the deepest attachments, that between mother and child. A communistic approach to relationships is taken to further avoid the heartache and jealousies of love and monogamy; exclusivity is frowned upon. Work, another stress, is mechanized or performed by the genetically altered and brainwashed Epsilons, leaving the Alphas and Betas to secure jobs they are brainwashed to enjoy. The conflict of religion is done away with and the hole is replaced with "orgy-porgies", drug laced community orgies to create unity and provide an imitation spiritual experience. They now worship materialism.

The effect of this society on John, and on humanity, is soul-destroying. Originally viewing the society as a haven from his pariah condition on The Reservation, John delights in the wonders the city can offer, exclaiming rapturously "Oh Brave New World, that hath such people in it!", quoting Shakespeare and reflecting the innocence of Miranda in his utterance. John has been raised on Shakespeare, taught a life of passion and strife from his words. His speech therefore contrasts with the city's un-poetic mantras and represents the falseness of his expectations. John is eaten away by the materialistic values of the World State,  finally enraged by the mere curiosity shown by children at his mother's death. Realizing that he cannot live a life without pain, that humanity is not satisfied without struggle, John hangs himself in an act of penance and violent rebellion.
The World State's values result in the destruction of John, comfort and fear of ostracism killing passion and individualism. This dystopian vision serves as Huxley's commentary on what we feel may fill the void and how material pleasures will never satisfy a spiritual need.

Open Prompt Dec 4

1980. A recurring theme in literature is the classic war between a passion and responsibility. For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in which a character confronts the demands of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.

                  From Romeo and Juliet to Star Wars, the conflict between love and moral duty remains a popular theme in literature and art. Aside from adding human drama, many authors use this conflict to advance other messages. Charlotte Bronte is one such author in her work Jane Eyre. The moral dilemma Jane faces in her love for Mr. Rochester creates what could be considered one of the earliest feminist novels.

         Although Jane and Rochester face many barriers to their relationship, none is more resolute then Jane’s moral convictions. Wealth and social boundaries are more easily overcome then Rochester’s still binding marriage to the insane Bertha. Despite her love for Rochester, Jane declines becoming his mistress for religious and personal convictions. Jane realizes that by being his mistress she would lose her self-respect and sense of equality in the marriage. Although Jane is poor, she is also proud and would see herself perpetually a dependent of Rochester.

         Jane’s decision to leave Rochester casts her in a role other than the traditional damsel in distress found in other Gothic and Victorian Literature. An individual, Jane will not permit herself to compromise her beliefs for the sake of an easy life. Showing self-reliance uncommon of other heroines of the day, Jane seeks out employment away from Thornfield. The feminist message of the novel is further enhanced by Jane’s eventual return to Rochester. True to her own desires, Jane does not allow herself to be pressured into a marriage with St. John while she still loves Rochester. Only when Jane feels she has equity with Rochester, financially and socially, does she agree to marry him.

         The moral obstacle to love in Jane Eyre adds a layer of complexity to the romance. Instead of simply becoming a hurdle to overcome, it defines Jane’s relationship with Rochester and with herself. In her struggling with this dilemma, Jane becomes part of the feminist pantheon.

        

Open Prompt 5

1974. Choose a work of literature written before 1900. Write an essay in which you present arguments for and against the work's relevance for a person in 1974. Your own position should emerge in the course of your essay. You may refer to works of literature written after 1900 for the purpose of contrast or comparison. Much Ado about Nothing

             In a society that is obsessed with the new, it’s easy to imagine that past works have little relevance today. This is an untrue assessment based on the continued applicability of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The exploration of gender relations and problems of courtship gives it lasting appeal. However, modern readers’ unfamiliarity of Shakespeare’s poetic techniques and language often provide an impediment to its accessibility.

         The battle of the sexes forms a large part of the dialogue of Much Ado About Nothing. The “merry war” between Beatrice and Benedick provides an ongoing commentary on which gender is capable of enduring love, and their doubts that either can commit. Through their witty arguments they spurn each other’s respective gender for what they perceive as intrinsic flaws, uttering disparagements very familiar to modern readers. Fidelity is a main plot point in this work. Hero’s supposed affair reveals an enormous double standard for sexual morality. Although most fathers today would not threaten to kill their daughters, there is still a different stigma attached to female sexual behavior outside marriage than to male “exploits”.

         The hazards of courtship drive the adventures and misadventures of the characters. The leap of faith needed to trust is a recurring theme for both the male and female characters. Benedick disparages love because he feels he cannot trust women while the often repeated song decries men as “deceivers ever”. Fear of rejection paralyzes both sets of lovers. Don Pedro woos Hero in place of Claudio and neither Benedick nor Beatrice are willing to pursue the other until they are convinced they will not be spurned. With these common dilemmas Shakespeare creates characters we identify with to this day.

         Shakespeare’s poetic conventions and use of early modern English can serve to distance the modern reader. The use of iambic pentameter is now an uncommon convention and can make the dialogue seem unnatural and forced to modern ears. Words in Early Modern English had slightly different sounds and thus created rhymes that no longer translate well. Many of his puns and humor derive themselves from idioms no longer in use.

         Despite the setback of outmoded language devices, Much Ado About Nothing remains relevant to today’s reader. The trials of love remain constant, human nature has changed little in the past four-hundred years. We are still plagued by insecurities, jealousies, and desire literature to help us sigh no more after the misadventures of the heart.

Open Prompt October 30

1979. Choose a complex and important character in a novel or a play of recognized literary merit who might on the basis of the character's actions alone be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and why the full presentation of the character in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might. Avoid plot summary.

His favorite hobby being ultra-violence, it is doubtless that Alex of A Clockwork Orange should be considered evil. The delight he experiences in rape and random acts of violence first causes revulsion in the reader, yet gradually a sense of sympathy develops for him. Through alienating Alex to his peers and pitting him against an equally repugnant society, Burgess creates a more sympathetic reaction than Alex’s actions deserve at face value.

            Although mindlessly destructive, Alex is isolated from the  droogs he commands. His great appreciation of art and beauty gives him a depth his peers will never understand.  The reader comes to admire Alex for his taste and wit. Further sympathy is given to Alex as his gang betrays him, although one abhorrers Alex’s actions, pity and outrage is still felt for his misfortunes. One can easily relate to the experience of being stabbed in the back more than empathize with Alex’s victims through the separation caused by Burgess’ Nadsat language.

            When compared to a hypocritical and equally violent government, Alex’s actions paint him in a better light. As they torture and experiment on him the reader feels that Alex becomes something of a martyr. Alex comes to symbolize freewill instead of drug-fueled violence.  Burgess turns Alex into a passionate opponent of hypocrisy. The government that punishes him for his violent acts receives the same joy he does in violence.

            Although we should condemn Alex for his violence, we find ourselves drawn to his magnetic personality and suffering. Burgess creates a moral dilemma, we gradually come to respect him as a protagonist, yet are repulsed by his actions.

Open Prompt 2 (moved from end of previous post)

1982. In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. Avoid plot summary.

        

         Violence is sometimes a plot device in novels, a source of conflict or a way to reveal characterization. In other works violence serves to advance the author’s thematic message, A Clock-Work Orange being a prime example. Through use of pervasive violence in his dystopian novel, Burgess advances his statements on brain-washing, societal values, and maturation.

         Just as he uses his slang language of Nadsat to give the reader a feeling of Alex’s brainwashing, Burgess desensitizes the reader with his barrage of violence. Working against the revulsion-triggering Luvodico’s Technique Alex undergoes, the reader is no longer repulsed by the brutality of the actions. Further working against the automatic distaste disturbing violence creates, he makes sociopath Alex a compelling narrator. Despite his delight in rape and “ultra violence”, Alex’s wit, distinguished tastes, and alienation make him appealing, mudding the reader’s moral sensibilities. Burgess conditions the reader through the use of violence to add complexity to his defense of free will.

         Violence allows Burgess to comment on the society and government he has created. Although the government decides to forcibly reform Alex’s violent behavior, the officials are shown to be just as brutal as he is, notably when the doctors administering the Luvodico Technique enjoy Alex’s anguish. Alex, and the acts of violence he commits, are then seen in a more sympathetic light. He becomes a rebel against their hypocrisy, willing to do what they don’t but would like to. Violence comes to symbolize a government not bent on keeping people safe, but keeping people in control.

         At the end of A Clockwork Orange Alex finds that violence is no longer satisfying. Destruction no longer gives him the same enjoyment; he becomes bored in of ultra-violence. Alex matures. Burgess uses violence to make the destructive impulses all humans have into an adolescent phase on the way to mental adulthood. By having Alex grow out of violence Burgess chooses to characterize human nature as not one inherently evil, the developed mind leans towards compassion.

         More than a shock-tool, the violence in A Clockwork Orange gives it thematic value. Without this brutal imagery Burgess could not create a revolting and complex idea for the reader to grapple with. Violence becomes more disturbing as one is no longer disgusted.

Open Prompt 3

1983. From a novel or play of literary merit, select an important character who is a villain. Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of the character's villainy and show how it enhances meaning in the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.

            Villains are an essential part of most any work. Apart from their obvious role in plot creation, they reveal and propel the author’s message. Lady Macbeth is exactly this type of character. Complex, ambitious, and definitely evil, she embodies the themes of gender identity conflict and insanity that permeate Macbeth.

         Lady Macbeth acts as the driving force behind Macbeth’s ascension through her ruthless ambition. So determined is Lady Macbeth to become queen, she attempts to purge herself of any empathetic and “feminine” characteristics. She equates her femininity with mothering qualities, declaring to herself that she would bash in the skull of the infant she nursed. Notably, she and Macbeth appear to have no children; symbolically Lady Macbeth is incapable of nourishing life, she is too consumed by her own ambition. Lady Macbeth’s campaign against the stereotypical “delicate” qualities of females extends beyond her own gender. When she needs to goad Macbeth into action she attacks his masculinity, calling him a woman when he hesitates to kill King Duncan.

         Although she is capable of dealing with Macbeth’s growing insanity in front of guests, Lady Macbeth eventually cracks under the guilt of her actions. The appearance and obsession with the unreal is mirrored in speeches of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. While he is immediately guilt stricken, he hallucinates a dagger. Her reaction is delayed, but more impressively insane; Lady Macbeth’s guilt manifests itself in blood she cannot rid her hands of and she eventually kills herself. Insanity becomes a form of atonement; only through her death can she clean her hands of her part in treason.

         Lady Macbeth, arguably the true villain of Macbeth, becomes the play. Through her manipulation and ambition she develops the themes of gender conflict and insanity. Her death marks the end of Macbeth’s bloody reign, once the driving ambition was gone, his tenuous claim to throne evaporated too.