Many individuals experience the deteriorating effect that human selfishness and pride has in the current era. Throughout Thomas Hardy’s accusingly flippant poem, “The Convergence of the Twain,” the speaker manipulates the scene of the sinking Titanic to express vanity with the influence of the title, voice of the speaker and poetic forms. The very title of the poem sets the attitude of the speaker. The “convergence” of the title refers to the merging of the ship into the depths of the sea. The ship itself symbolizes the “vaingloriousness” and vanity of humanity. It represents the negative impatient, selfish, characteristics one drags down into the depths. “Twain” is the purity and simplicity of the sea versus the very nature of humanity according to …show more content…
Even where the earth is “deep from human vanity,” somehow, its deterioration seemed to make an appearance. The speaker just not only relates vanity to the ship, he identifies humanity with their narrow-minded, self-absorbing idea. Not only does they recognize the depth of human’s pride, but also views it as something that has a penetrating, long-lasting effect where it touches, leaving an impression for many generations. Residing in the “solitude of the sea,” the people somehow make an impact, intruding on the virgin, unstained sea. The sea is described as an innocent element, far superior than the race of humanity. Although humans are physically higher on the food chain and far more intelligent than a “sea-worm,” they are downgraded. The lowliest the sea creatures has more understanding than humans. The speaker describes the human’s accessories on the ship as “jewels in joy designed,” implying humans are concerned only with lavish objects that will bring immediate joy, without acknowledging the long-term consequences and effects even the sea worm takes notice of. While ignoring other emotions, the speaker displays only one desire:
Therefore, anyone who is unsatisfied with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’s ending for lack of excitement and explanation must have missed Twain’s “Notice” explaining that it is crucial for readers to read past the straightforward words on the
Analyzing different mediums can enhance an individual’s overall appreciation and understanding of a particular idea or story. While analysis of a painting can reveal the mood of the artwork, an analysis of a poem can reveal the author’s tone. Much more then that, analysis provides an opportunity to explore each work in an attempt to understand human nature through each author’s perspective. While exploring the painting “Ulysses and the Sirens” by J.W. Waterhouse and the poem “The siren song” by Margaret Atwood, a universal truth presents itself. While the painting focuses on the thematic idea of Odysseus being stubborn while his men care for his safety to get home, the poem holds a different view. In contrast, the thematic statement from the poem discusses the idea that the Siren hates singing and being in a bird suit, but is asking for help but it’s still tempting to hear the song. Although differing in point of view, both the painting and the poem explore an aspect of human nature that are relevant to society today. There are two different authors for the painting and the poem. However, the two are different when compared to each
Mark Twain, one of the most famous and influential American writers, was born in Hannibal, Missouri on November 30, 1835 and died April 21, 1910. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, he eventually adopted his famous pseudonym in 1863. Shortly after his father's death in 1847, when Clemens was twelve, his father passed away. After his father death, he applied for an apprenticeship at the local-printing shop. While working in the printing shop, Twain learned the skills required to be a printer and developed an aptitude for witty short essays and responses. Mark Twain was enthralled by his opportunity to develop his skills as a printer, and later he realized that he had a unique talent for writing. By working as an apprentice printer, he
The book opens with, “ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail on the horizon, never out of sight…” (1) the horizon represents the distant future and dreams that the main character, Janie has for her life, while the ship represents a man’s dream. Not only does the horizon represent the possibility of change, but it always represents hope itself. The quote also describes how some people try to achieve their dreams and others fail to do so.
Upon receiving the Nobel Prize for his excellence in writing, William Faulkner expresses his dismay towards the writers of the day and laid out what he terms “the writer’s duty.” In his acceptance speech, Faulkner is disheartened by the fact that young writers continue to discuss “the end of man” in their work. Faulkner advocates that authors must make all efforts to “help man endure by lifting his heart.” Because man leads a difficult life, writers are obligated to use their work to uplift and inspire the reader’s sprit. In his memoir, Angela’s Ashes, Frank McCourt raises the reader’s spirits by illustrating that although one may have a reprobate nature,
Having the best two days of my life. Hanging out, watching horrifying movies, and spending time with some teammates before one of the biggest cross country races that exist tomorrow morning. Hundreds of people were going to attend this event to cheer on a family member. Even though this was three years ago and I came just to support some of Forest Park cross country runners.
The Mariner’s tale suggests a larger lesson about human life, expressing that humans are not superior to the rest of Creation and nature. Humans and all other life are equal inhabitants on planet Earth and must therefore treat each other with respect
The author’s diction heightens the effect of the contrasting emotions of euphoria and dread because he contends with this internal conflict; ultimately, the sentiment of dread weakens his feeling of excitement. When Douglass finally breaks
In the short story “A Rose with Emily” written by William Faulkner and the play Trifles written by Stilwell, the authors discusses how society treatment of individuals can impact society. In “A Rose with Emily”, the author uses foreshadowing, symbolism and figurative language. While, Trifles uses irony, conflict and symbolism. Although both author does a remarkable job, Trifles writing was superior by a mile. However their theme is still about respect and neglectfulness. These works proves that when individuals are neglected by society, they can get away with a lot of things.
After we left Cierce Island of paradise for the second time, Odysseus told us to start rowing to the mysterious island of the sirens. As we were rowing, Odysseus explained to us what Cierce told him about the island of the sirens and how to avoid the sirens voices luring us to our own death. Cierce also instructed Odysseus to tell the crew members to tie him up with very strong ropes and not to release him until they got pass the sirens because Odysseus alone can only hear the voices of the sirens.
This contrast serves to communicate the scattered nature of our consciousness with the unity, elegance and fluidity of our subconscious. Furthermore, these drawn out sounds serve to also further the imagery of the tide’s “uninterrupted sweep” which is particularly effective in conveying the image of the wave rushing to envelope the shore, the word “uninterrupted” conveying this sense that the wave of inspiration is all smooth and relentless. This imagery is furthered by the 3 line-long segment, uninterrupted by punctuation. Yet, the central point made in these four lines is when the speaker states that “(he) heard” the waves. The description of the sea gives you a mental image, but Longfellow stresses upon the fact that the speaker only hears the tide, as this can be seen reflected in the title of the poem “The Sound of the Sea”. Hearing is an auditory action that allows one to be aware of the presence of the object through the sound, but not visually or physically grasp it. This suggests that inspiration is similar, in the sense that one can be aware of it but cannot consciously grasp, control or dominate it.
The following paper will briefly show arguments, and conclusions within the writings of Mark Twain’s story Huckleberry Finn. I will discuss the various themes that Mark Twain is bringing to light within his story. This paper will show how Mark Twain uses those themes within the story, and how they are specifically used. I will also briefly discuss the life of Samuel Clemons, the author known as Mark Twain, and give the reasoning behind choosing the name of Mark Twain when writing his novels. Themes of escapism will be discussed.
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Dickinson, Emily. "I like to see it lap the Miles." Literature; An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry,
At first Glance, “The Soul Selects Her Own Society” by Emily Dickinson is puzzling, even meaningless. However, upon further analysis it is clear that the poet has made several deliberate choices to assist the reader in discerning the poems meaning. Her deployment of poetic devices correlates to the narrative she is writing, allowing the reader to deeply perceive the poems message. Emily Dickinson’s “The Soul Selects Her Own Society” provides commentary on an individual’s ability to decide who can enter the most intimate parts of her life, which the reader can empathize with through figurative language, repetitive sounds, and enjambment.