summary of chapter 16 OH YEAHH

In chapter 16 we see how human frankenstein's creature is as we see him with human emotions 'could with pleasure have destroyed the cottage', however he exercises self control over his strength as he chooses not to hurt them or destroy the cottage. This shows how he has freewill and has chosen not to hurt them, which again connects him to humankind rather than seperates as it shows how man is free to make his own decision so is he.
Furthermore it shows how deeply attached he has truly become to this family and how deeply hurt he is by their rejection. Furthermore we feel an increased sense of sympathy for him as the climax for him to finally reveal himself to the cottagers is built up through his attachment to them and how he learns how to read and talk through them. Just as the creature is given a small ray of hope through his giving small gestures of help to the family we are also secretly hoping he will be accepted. He has a built a strong connection with them and can relate to Saife as she is an outsider and marginalised in society just as he is and as she learns to speak their language, so does he.
Furthermore there are links to the romantic genre through his love of nature. 'pleasant sunshine...restored me to some degree of tranquillity' This shows how nature is his nurse, and how he finds solace in nature just as victor does. This similarity supports how he has a vast amount in common with his creator, they are both lovers of nature and find solitude and rest in the landscapes around them. They both have a vast amount of intellect and have a hunger for knowledge, which we see when the creature reads Milton's paradise lost and how he learns how to talk and learns of different emotions and how families functions.
We also see how he lets out his anger towards the family in a passive sense when he destroys the cottage by setting fire to it. '...licked it with their forked and destroying tongues' he is in a sense detached from the family as he does not physically destroy the home but the fire does it for him, also the personification of the fire with 'licked' and 'tongues' also supports that it is the fire causing the destruction, not him.
Furthermore it links again to the romantic genre as fire is one of the four elements of nature and he is using a natural form to destroy the cottage. It could also convey how it is his way of showing that he has shut himself off from that family and instead of getting revenge he is letting it out in a passive agressive way.
This contrasts to how he needs to get revenge on Victor and how it is strengthened by his continuous rejection of society. He even kills William when he discovers that he is related to victor and this shows how he truly feels that the blame lies with victor and how he abandoned him when he was created.
The creature is again seen to be more human that a monster as we are conveyed his range and depth of emotions, we see his rage at victor after murdering William and this rapidly softens as he sees the portrait of a woman in William's locket and again rage at society and how he have rejected him. This reminds us of how humans act and how we can at times be flitting between emotions just as Frankenstein's creature is here.

Essay on the witches

From the very first scene of Macbeth we are introduced to the witches. This straight away shows us the significance of these characters as they are the first to be shown to the reader. Throughout the play we find that they always bring the gothic element back to the play, from the first scene with the scenery of 'thunder and lightening' they play a big part in the supernatural theme and always keep the paranormal aura surrounding each act. Furthermore they always make the reader curious and fascinated as they often talk in riddles 'When the battle's lost and won.' And when they talk to Banquo and Macbeth we find ourseleves empathising with those two characters as this the first time that they are being introduced to the witches and the reactions they go through we can follow, either accepting like Banquo or challenging as Macbeth is. We find that they play a large role as they are the key to how Macbeth will act, if they had never told him of his future possibilities he would never have killed King Duncan. Yet are they the reason for his destiny is a different matter. They could be in the sense that if they didnt tell him he wouldnt go on to commit the future events that do lead him to King, yet they could also just be the messengers in something more vast and big than Macbeth and the witches put together. They could all be pawns in chess game, the witches as the messengers and Macbeth to whom they influence. The destiny could be above even the witches authority which always seem to overshadow everyone else's status, specially Macbeth's even when he is King this does not matter to the witches and they always seem to be detached from the wordly events and affairs of men, yet always on a higher plane, thinking of the bigger picture.
The witches are extemely significant because we can interpret their intentions in so many different ways that this will always add controversy and curiousity to the reader, either they want to help Macbeth avoid being killed by Macduff or that they know he is on the path of self destruction and are only adding to that destruction.

The gothic elements in the kick ass first act of Macbeth :)

The first scene begins with a gothic atmosphere, with the setting of 'Thunder and lightning' This gives off the vibe, of a bleak, sinister setting which prepares the reader for a morbid scene to follow.
Moreover to the setting, the language then continues to add to the sinister theme, as the language is carefully chosen to be rhyming couplets 'meet again?
or in rain?'
These rhyming couplets give off connotations of control and power, the idea that the witches talk in a seperate language and are cautious of the way they speak, shows how they are in a different existence to the rest of us, thus adding to the supernatural theme that surrounds Macbeth.
Furthermore they then demonstrate this power by showing their knowledge of the meeting with Macbeth 'There to meet with Macbeth' This shows how their power is casually used, and the meeting is not seen as particularly significant to the witches, merely a event to occur. This illustrates how Shakespeare has divided the witches from the Macbeth and the rest of the characters, as they have this knowledge that none of the others seem to be able to match.
Furthermore in scene 3, Macbeth refers to the day as 'so foul and fair a day...' This is similar of the witches line in the first scene 'fair is foul and foul is far'. The repitition of the words 'foul' and 'fair' seem to be more than a coincidence, its as though the witches planned for the thunder and lightning to be so, and Macbeth picks up on this, yet Banquo does not comment on the day in this manner, only Macbeth, suggesting his connection to the witches? This adds an eerie and paranormal aura to the first act, as we see connections being made that are beyond ordinary recognition.
The gothic genre is then shown again, in scene 2, when the King talks with Malcolm and the Captain about Macbeth. The way that the captain describes Macbeth in a noble way, yet the way he performs in battle, is bloody and gory, thus making the reader realise that this play has no room for niavety or innocence, as everythng that occurs is sinister, tragic and dark. When the captain talks about how Macbeth killed his opponents we see a hero yet one who has no mercy for his opposition, therefore giving subtle hints to Macbeth's true nature. '...fixed his head upon ouer battlements'. This gives connotations of pride, determination and an ego that needs its accomplishments to be recognised.
Furthermore at the end of scence 3, we see more gothic language used when Banquo says 'Can the devil speak true?' Furthermore the circumstances in which Macbeth gains Thane of Cawdor, is because of the Thane's betrayal, this adds to the gothic feel of the play, as there is always an underlying tragedy.
In scene 4 the King describes his relationship with the previous thane of cawdor as 'a gentleman on whom i built An absolute trust' This shows how the King treats his subjects, has trust for them and builds strong relationships, he is a loyal king to all, and the betrayal the thane commited upset him greatly. This creates a sense of irony as Macbeth is planning an even greater betrayal towards the king. This scene makes you feel more despise towards Macbeth as we see the king in a vulnerable position, in which he wholly trusts Macbeth and his men.
Furthermore we continue to see the more calculating, manipulative side of Macbeth as towards the end of scene 4 we see his anger towards Malcolm for gaining the title of Prince of Cumberland. Again gothic langauage is used by Macbeth to show he is using a facade in front of the king and his friends and how his true intentions are more deep and sinister than he shows. 'Let not light see my black and deep desires' This gives the reader an insight into how Macbeth's mind is working, he has become so immeresed in the witch's predictions that he is now constantly working to gain the title of king, no matter how he acheives.
In addition to this his gothic language greatly contrasts with the King's language '...worthy Banquo; he is full so valiant' Here the king compliments Banquo, and this is the second time Banquo is described by others in a positive, noble light, despite his status. This makes us see how he must be a good hearted character in which others can genuinely trust, and this compared to Macbeth makes the reader see how sinister and cruel Macbeth is slowly turning out to be.
Moreover the gothic theme continues, as we are intoduced to Lady Macbeth in scene 5, the language she uses is dark, gothic and supernatural, 'Come, you spirits...unsex me here' Here she appeals to higher beings, more supernatural and paranormal, thus making us compare her to the witches we were first introduced to in the first scene. However her language is even more sinister than theirs, and we see that she yearns for power, to be male, and to be strong, therefore the witches never ask for anything, and never appeal, yet they are humble and divided from the rest of us. This makes us see that Lady Macbeth could be even more cruel, are the witches in fact evil? Have they done any true harm? all they have done is make predictions and keep out of the way, yet Lady Macbeth asks for other spirits to come to her, thus interferring and showing us someone who does mean true harm.
Also Lady Macbeth continues to be manipulative as she preys on Macbeth's already calculating mind, 'look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't.' This conveys to us how her language is again gothic, and how she feeds Macbeth with suggestions on how to act, and how to play their plan. This illustrates how dangerous Lady Macbeth can be, even if she performs no actions herself, her mind is quick and spiteful as she has already planned how to claim the throne for Macbeth, and how to keep their facade in front of them.
Then we move onto scene 6, this is an important scene as we see how the King treats lady macbeth and his family, with respect and courtesy, 'this castle hath a pleasant seat...fair and noble hostess,' This scene makes us feel sympathy towards the King as we feel he is good, loyal kind who honours all, and this makes Lady Macbeth and Macbeth seem irrational and extreme in their planning. This is then strengthened in scene 7 when we see how Macbeth is wavering in his plan for the King, and shares his anxiety with Lady Macbeth. However Lady Macbeth seems to be even more determined and forces this upon Macbeth with cruel, gothic words. 'Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums And dashed the brains out,' This shocking, harsh language shows how she is willing to kill not only a man, but an innocent baby, for Macbeth. This in turn makes Macbeth feel guilty for not being able to have the strength his wife seems to possess, this adds to the paranormal theme of the play as we see Lady Macbeth being extreme, irrational and powerful, yet the language she uses suggests something other than natural. This is a subtle hint as to how Lady Macbeth's soliloquy before when she asked for the spirits to come, may have had some affect on her being...

NEW COURSEWORK IGNORE ALL PREVIOUS IDEAS

hiya, i have now decided to do A winter's tale by Shakespeare and to compare this to lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth. I am looking at the themes of natural laws, and when i have finished reading both i will hopefully have more ideas and will be able to start a plan.

MACBETH: THE PERFORMANCEOF MY LIFE

In act one scene 3 the witches predict Macbeth's future success e.g thane of Cawdor and to be King. The scene starts with the question,and goes straight into the witches conversation. They always refer to each other as 'sister' showing how unified and close they are. A bond that no one can break,and a close circle into which no one can join. Therefore this gives off a powerful aura, and an intimidating persona to the reader, therefore adding to the gothic theme because the power and language shows how supernatural they are and above the rest of us.
Furthermore the setting we find ourselves in is 'Thunder' Same as the first scene where there is 'Thunder and lightning' this adds to the gothic genre, as it gives off the powerful imagery of sinister weather, and how this reflects on the tragic play that we are reading.
In addition to the setting, the language also has a gothic-filled vibe to it, as the witches say words that only they seem to understand,making it more supernatural and unknown to the rest of us. They also talk in riddles 'A sailor's wife had chestnuts'. This makes the reader feel more distant from their close and unified circle, as they talk in ways only they can interpret. Again adding to their intelligence as they talk in such a language.
Also they know that Macbeth is coming without having any signal or knowing that he is coming -a small show of how their power is casually used- again adding to the gothic feel of the play.
When Macbeth and Banquo come, Banquo uses gothic language as he refers to witches as 'should be women' showing how their appearance is also paranormal and out of the ordinary, causing Banquo to question 'what' they are , not who they are.
The language Banquo uses is gothic because it is harsh and unusual, for example when he says 'choppy fingers' giving off conotati0ns of weapons such as how you would use a knife to chop something. This adds to the gothic genre as it shows how their power is not only internal and mentally but physically also.
Macbeth also uses dark and dreary language (gothic) 'so foul and fair a day'. Even before meeting the witches he knows that there is not something right with that day. Sensing the supernatural and eerie setting, again making the reader fear of what is going to occur.
Also further on in the scene, towards the end, Banquo seems to accept what they say at face value, begging for them to tell him his future. He also talks about their predictions with connotations of nature 'say which grain will grow' which is contrasting to their unnatural appearance and supernatural powers. Thus showing how Banquo sees this as a natural occurence in life and accepts them as natural beings and on a higher plane of existence.
We see how they then compliment Banquo in their riddles 'Lesser than Macbeth, and greater' Which could be interpreted as, lower in status, but better as a man, maybe more noble, loving?
However Macbeth is more sinister, less trusting of what the witches say 'stay you imperfect speakers!' he still refers to their appearance as not a good sign, and seeing them as supernatural by using language such as 'strange intelligence' and 'prophetic'. This contrasts to Banquo who seems them as natural which i discussed earlier. Therefore this could be hints as to how the rest of the play will turn out, as the witches have predicted Macbeth's success, yet they have made subtle yet powerful hints as to how Banquo is a greater man, yet in a different sense..
In addition, because of how Banquo questions them, yet accepts them quickly, and then realises that they are to be awed and not feared, we see how Banquo has less prejudice and discrimination in his heart, and he feels to be accepting them is a more natural way of treating them, as he even starts to respect them seeing them as more powerful than any status could entitle them to be.

ALL HAIL DAN BROWN

HERE YE, HERE YE, WHO HERE CONSIDERS DAN BROWN GOOD LITERATURE?!

What is Literature?

What professors,lecturers and teachers consider to be canonical literature may not necessarily be what our generation considers literature..
does literature have to be novels, such as Pride and Prejudice that have made an impact on generations to be considered true literature?
what about the fresh new authors, with original ideas, who are trying to make an impact on this generation, why are they not seen as true literature, good enough to be taught on a literature course, is it because they havent acquired the reputation, and therefore not the historical background to make them seen as literature?
i see literature as a variety of writing, ranging from Shakespeare's infamous plays, to Dan Brown's the Da Vinci Code, and why in my eyes do i see them as literature, because they have made an impact on my life, the authors powerful stories have immeresed me into their books, or plays, or novels, and that is enough for me to consider them true literature.
I also believe that we shouldnt limited or selective when choosing what is literature, because how are we to decide what literature is without being subjective?