Marie Antoinette

Aight, so der was dis wuman called lyk Marie Antoinette or sumting, and she is from lyk tiiiiiiiiiiime ago ygm, like b4 wes wus lyk born yeh. She wus lyk da fifteenth kid or sumting of her momma. Besicly her momma was poppin em out lyk dogs yeh, man its lyk dey aint even herd of lyk da pill or sumting, and so yeh she is from lyk dis place called Austria, fink dats lyk near skeggy yeh.

So yeh anywai, Mazza was lyk da princess of lyk dat tiny citae called France coz she married dis well UGLAY dude called lyk Louis da X to da V to da I or sumting weird lyk dat when she wus lyk 14. Lazza is obvs a crdle snatcher or sumting.

Bt yeah, da peeps of France lyked her at da start cause dey thought she wus bangtidy but dey soon dislyked her coz she was SCANDALIZED. Sum peeps thought shed had lyk dis affair or sumting wiv dis man coz she wnted a diamnd necklace n so every1 thought she wus all slaggy. Dey also din’t lyk her as she wernt lyk her momma an’ poppin’ dem kids out.  Mazza did ‘av some kidz in da end bt lyk i fink Lazza hd 2 b taught sum mves or sumting, either dat or Mazza hd sum affair n she dnt no hu da babi daddi wus so she tld Lazza it wus him or sumting. She wus also a reyt biatch 2 sum of her gladems as well lyk.

Den,  tings jst kept gettin worse 4 poor mazza, coz der wus dis lyk revolution or sumting n she wus kicked aht her crib called lyk Palace of Versailles n hd 2 hide in Paris. Her famalam got caught n dey were moved to sum other place. Dey tried 2 escape agen but dat obvs failed and mazza wus charged wiv all dis stuf lyk aiding da enemy coz she was lyk from Austria ahd shiz n making a war happen’ n sooooo she lost dat head of hers, 2 bad.

The End.

How does Austen create her characters in chapter 11 of Pride and Prejudice?

Austen uses a variety of ways and techniques to create characters in chapter 11. One of the most effective ways in which Austen creates characters is through the merging of the narrator’s voice and opinion with Elizabeth’s, “their powers of conversation were considerable”. Austen’s use of merging the opinions gives some authority to Elizabeth’s opinions and allows her views to influence the reader as well as make an inference about her character. Additionally, it presents Elizabeth as the main centre of consciousness in the novel.

Another effective way in which Austen creates characters is through the omniscient narrator.  Through the omniscient narrator we are able learn about certain characters motives and their thoughts. For example, “Miss Bingley’s eyes were instantly turned towards Darcy”. This suggests to the reader that Miss Bingley has a motive as she wants to attract Darcy and is quite intent, and in many ways desperate, in doing so. Miss Bingley also appears to be a fickle character due her hast at which she changes her attention “Jane was no longer the first object”; this also shows her motive further.

Furthermore, Austen use’s character interactions to help create characters, such as how Miss Bingley had “obtained private intelligence” about Mr Darcy’s lack of enthusiasm and care for cards. Austen’s use of actions therefore presents the character of Miss Bingley to the reader as quite sneaky. It also shows that her want of Darcy’s attention and affection is planned and methodical; this therefore presents Miss Bingley as a dedicated yet deceitful character.

In addition, when Miss Bingley walked by Darcy, he remained “inflexibly studious”. However, when Elizabeth Bennet walked past he “looked up…and unconsciously closed his book.” This therefore shows that Darcy has not interest in Miss Bingley because his affection and attraction lies with Elizabeth, and therefore Austen’s use of interactions highlights Darcy’s true feelings.

A main way in which Austen creates her characters in chapter 11 is through contrasts, such as between Mr Hurst, Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley, “made a slight bow; but diffuseness and warmth remained for Bingley’s salutation” showing that the character Mr Bingley is a friendlier and warm hearted character.

Towards the end of chapter 11, when Mr Darcy and Elizabeth are talking, Austen uses no attribution to their conversation. There is no “said” or “replied” involved/added; this therefore suggests that the characters are engrossed in their conversation and suggests a sense of intimacy between them. The conversation is also quite a flirty and playful one, as Elizabeth tricks Darcy about “vanity and pride”.

Additionally, Austen uses mimicking of characters as a way to create and develop them, for example, when Mr Darcy and Elizabeth are talking, Darcy mimics Elizabeth’s “And yours”. Austen’s addition of mimicking shows a flirtatious and teasing side to their conversation and presents Darcy’s affection to Elizabeth. However, near the beginning of the chapter it is mentioned how Darcy “took up a book” and “Miss Bingley did the same”. Miss Bingley’s copying and mimicking of Darcy suggests that she is trying to attract him and had no real intention of reading the book; this therefore presents her as quite an in genuine character.

*Quick Note: Austen has also structured and sequences the event of Mr Darcy reading and Miss Bingley doing the same to show Miss Bingley is mimicking and that the characters are not just reading books.

Another way in which characters are created is through the narrator mocking certain characters and their actions, such as Miss Bingley. “The attempt to be amused with her own book…only chosen because it was the second volume of his” creates a mockery of Miss Bingley and her actions and appears as if Austen is ridiculing the character because of her desperation.

The final, and one of the most effective ways in which Austen creates characters is through self-awareness and self –realisation some of the characters experience, for example, Darcy “began to feel the danger of paying Elizabeth too much attention”. This shows that Darcy has realised his feelings for Elizabeth and presents the destination of the novel.

*NOTE: Showing/presenting some of the characters motives and thoughts also allow the reader to see the destination of the chapter

+ The structure, when the tone is set and the focus is presented at the beginning.      

 I haven’t planned it so it may not be well structured and may be quite jumbled so I may read through it later and give it a sense of order.

Characters in Maude Clare.

Christina Rossetti uses a variety of ways and techniques to write, create and tell the reader about the characters in Maude Clare.

One of the most effective ways in which Rossetti presents the characters to the reader is through the title of the poem, “Maude Clare”. This is effective as the title immediately places a focus upon the character Maude Clare as it presents her as a dominant character and centre of attention. It also suggests that Maude Clare is the main character and active party in the poem.  Additionally, the use of a female characters name in the title suggests that the female characters hold the power and are strong in this poem compared to males.

Furthermore, the final two words of the poem are “Maude Clare” and is said by her rival Nell , this suggests further that Maude Clare is a dominant character who has a commanding presence. However, it also allows the reader to reflect upon and consider the character of Maude Clare as  it presents the idea of conflict and suggests that Maude Clare isn’t as powerful as first thought as the reader is left to wonder if Maude Clare triumphed over Nell or vice versa.  

Another effective way/technique in which Rossetti creates characters in the poem is through speech/dialogue, for example, there is only one male character in the poem “Son Thomas” and he only speaks once and stutters whilst doing so, “Lady” “-Maude Clare” before hiding “his face”. This presents him as a weak character and suggests that males are weak in comparison to females, despite trying to be as strong and powerful “strove to match her scorn with scorn”.    

Additionally, Maude Clare has the most speech in the poem and therefore presents further that she is a dominating power, especially since she has stolen the show and the attention from Nell on her wedding day. Maude Clare also appears dominant and powerful  when she declares that she “washes my hands thereof” showing that she cannot be controlled by a man and shows that despite being rejected first she has gained control once more.

However, it also creates a whole new side to the character, “have brought my gift…to bless the marriage bed” presents Maude Clare as quite a vicious and mocking character that is overall quite bitter to the rejection she has faced. Furthermore, Maude Clare appears quite spiteful and arrogant as she has interrupted Nell’s wedding day to announce that she had an affair with Thomas and expects sympathy.

The character of Nell is also created and evolved through speech. She is the last character to speak in the poem despite it being her wedding day. Nell’s lack of speech in the poem until the end presents her as a less dominating and powerful woman. However, when Nell declares that whatever Maude Clare “leaves” she will “take” shows that despite the embarrassment and disgrace she has received on her wedding day she is a strong character in her own right as she will fight for man unlike Maude Clare who has “washed her hands thereof”. Additionally, Nell is presented as a resilient and almost admirable character because she complements Maude Clare “Yea though you’re taller by the head…more wise” even when Maude Clare has ruined her day.

Finally, it is Nell who ends the poem with “Maude Clare” showing that she is a strong character in a way as she has tried to gain some victory on Maude Clare and she has shined through in the end.

Another slightly less effective way in which Rossetti creates characters in Maude Clare is through chronology. Maude Clare is the first character to speak suggesting that she is of great importance whereas the other woman, Nell, is the last character to speak which suggests that she is not as important as Maude Clare. However, allowing Nell to speak last in the poem allows Rossetti to help create her character as it presents Nell as the innocent character who deserves the reader’s sympathy, as opposed to Maude Clare.

Finally, another effective way in which Rossetti creates and tells the reader about characters in Maude Clare is through comparisons and contrasts. The character Nell appears to be overshadowed by Maude Clare “his bride was like a village maiden…Maude Clare was like a queen” which helps create the characters as it shows how dominant Maude Clare is as she has stolen the attention off of the bride. (It also creates a sense of foreshadowing as the wrong comparison allows the reader to know something is wrong.) Additionally, the mention of how Nell was “pale with pride” whereas the bride groom was “pale with inward strife” helps create characters as it suggests the man is not overjoyed and in love with his new wife and suggests he has a fickle heart and isn't strong enough to stand up for what he wants.

Note: Females always have the voice in the poem. Even when the man speaks, he talks about women. Rossetti also uses very little, if not any, physical descriptions of the characters – therefore suggests the physical aspects and appearances of the characters are unimportant compared to their personalities. (Far-fetched) but Rossetti could be implying that Maude Clare’s dominance and want of attention drove the male away, even though he still loves her. 

My Opinion of Elizabeth Bennet.

My opinion of Elizabeth Bennet from the outset was that she was an intelligent and witty woman who does not particularly conform to her society’s opinions – she is who she wants to be and believes in what she wants to.

 In many ways my opinion could be biased, as the reader is swayed to like Elizabeth Bennet more than her sisters, due to the narrator mentioning in Chapter 1 that Elizabeth was Mr Bennet’s favourite as she possessed “something more of quickness than her sisters”. This not only presents Elizabeth as an interesting character, because she has been singled out and presented as different to other female characters, but her father’s fondness presents Elizabeth as a kind and loveable character. Especially since it appears Elizabeth is more like her farther in character, who is “a mixture of quick parts and sarcastic humour”, than her mother.

Furthermore, Elizabeth doesn’t appear to be a vain character. It is briefly mentioned by Mrs Bennet in Chapter 1 that she is “not half so handsome as Jane” but when Elizabeth is insulted by Darcy in Chapter 3 she does not appear to be hurt or affected, she infact tells the story “with great spirit”.  Thus presenting Elizabeth as a different individual as she cares more about what she thinks of herself rather than others. This is also shown by her arrival at Bingley’s in Chapter 7 with a “glowing face” and “dirty stockings” showing how Elizabeth is not bothered about how she is perceived by others and is an individual character.  

Like many other characters, Elizabeth’s description is short and is based upon an opinion/conclusion. However, unlike characters such as Darcy, Austen does not use bathos to bring an anti-climax towards her personality – it is infact, a wholly pleasant description. “She had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous” showing how Elizabeth has the ability to laugh at herself and be quite care free. She is also one of the few characters who displays, and has the capacity, for irony.

Throughout the novel, Elizabeth appears to be very close to her elder sister Jane, and continually dotes upon her. This is shown particularly in chapter 4 when Elizabeth claims that Mr Bingley “could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty as every other woman.” Therefore presenting Elizabeth as a caring and compassionate character towards those she loves. The sister’s closeness is also shown through Elizabeth reprimanding Darcy for ruining Jane’s chance of happiness.

Finally, Elizabeth appears to be the, to a slight extent, the anti-conformist view. This is because she believes, unlike the majority of society, that marriage should be about love. She believes one should “understand his character” before marrying them, whereas others, like Charlotte, believe love can come second, “secure him…there will leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses”. And thus shows that Elizabeth has strong independent views.

Overall, my opinion of Elizabeth is that she is a witty individual, who is compassionate about those who are close to her and she loves. Her independent views show that she isn’t controlled by what her society deems correct. As mentioned earlier, I believe Elizabeth is who she wants to be and believe in what she wants to.  

Jane Austen.

Jane Austen lived from December 1775 to July 1817. She was part of a close-knit family and was one of eight children . She was mainly educated by her father and older brothers, however she also learnt through her own reading - many believe the steadfast support of her family was critical to her development as a professional writer.

Between the age of 18 to 35, Austen experimented with various literary forms such as the epistolary novel (a novel written as a series of documents) which she tried and then abandoned. From 1811 up to 1816 Jane Austen released Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814) and Emma (1816) - through the release of these novels Austen received success as a published writer.

Austen's plots, though fundamentally comic, highlight the dependence of women on marriage to secure social standing and economic security. Her work/novels were also part of the transition to 19th-century realism.

Early in 1816, Jane Austen began to feel unwell. She ignored her illness at first and continued to work, however by the middle of that year her decline in health was unmistakable and this slow deterioration of her health lead to her death the following year.

During her lifetime, Austen would have attended many social gatherings and dances and it was well known that she enjoyed social events. Many have concluded over the years that these events and gatherings have influenced her writing, especially Pride and Prejudice where much of the socialising  and meeting of the characters was done through dances.

Finally, Austen's novels (during her lifetime and shortly afterwards) brought her little fame or personal renown through the majority of the public. Her novels were popular and fashionable among opinion makers such as Princess Charlotte Augusta. However, it is thought that Austen's novels weren't popular because they failed to conform to the Romantic and Victorian expectations and so 19th century critics preferred the works of Charles Dickens and George Elliot. It wasn't until late 19th century when Austen's novels began to become more widely popular.  

Pride and Prejudice - Attitudes to marriage.

As mentioned in my last blog, we studied P&P plot timeline. This wasn't all, we also considered different attitudes to marriage in the novel. We started off by looking at quotes from the text, such as:

"In vain I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

And,

"Oh,...! Do any thing rather than marry without affection"  

After reading the quotes we discussed who we thought (which characters) these quotes either applied to or who had said it. Afterwards we started discussing several characters attitudes to marriage, for example;

Mr Bennet: He feels that marriage should be full of respect and that it should also be happy, his also believes that money can only get you so much. "He is rich, to be sure...but will they make you happy?"


Jane: She believes marriage should be one full of love and affection and that marrying for anything else but this is the worst possible situation one could put themselves in. "Do any thing rather than marry without affection"


Charlotte: She feels that marriage is a form of security and is there to help set you up for life. She doesn't believe marriage needs love and she is not romantic - she believes a fortune is better and worth more than love. "I'm not romantic you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home..."


The class then went on to answer some questions:

1. Why are the characters, Charlotte and Mr Collins, so well suited for marriage?
 - they are both well suited for marriage to each other because they both believe/see marriage as a deal, a step of life. They don't believe that love is the vital part/ingredient of marriage whereas status, comfortability and security are more key. Furthermore, they are both easily attached to any possible suitors, for example, Mr Collins went from Jane to Elizabeth to Charlotte.

2. What are the main differences between Mrs Bennet's and Lady Catherine de Bourgh's views on marriage?
- There were not really many main difference between Mrs B and LCdB's views on marriage, both women say marriage as an alliance and a connection between well respected and wealthy families (and also about maintaining their families wealth) - love in their opinion is the least of their priorities. However, Lady Catherine believed in arranging the marriages from infancy/cradles, whereas Mrs Bennet just looked for the best possible suitors that were around.

Finished.

Pride and Prejudice Plot Timeline.

Last lesson we started studying Pride and Prejudice once more, in the lesson we considered the timeline of the plot and thought of key points of the plot. For the lessons homework, we were told to produce a timeline (www.timetoast.com) on the plot of P&P.

Although I knew most of the key parts of the plot I wasn't very certain about the dates. I knew that Jane Austen wrote P&P in the 18 century but it wasn't released until the 19th Century (1813) and so I decided to go for a date in between (1800-1801) Furthermore, I didn't know the exact dates of some of the key plot information and so decided to go on what I thought was right. Hopefully it is ok, and here is my timeline...

http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/pride-prejudice-plot-timeline

The Convent Threshold.

OK, I'm going to keep this short because to put it bluntly, I really do not like or get/understand this poem. Anyway...


Last week my English Literature class looked at and studied (slightly) 'The Convent Threshold' by Christina Rossetti. 


The poem appears to be about a couple who have committed a sin/crime and how the woman is trying to repent for her sin and go to heaven whereas the man is content and doesn't believe he has done anything wrong.


There were two possible forms of sin/crime which the couple could have committed, the most logical sin would be that the couple had sex outside of marriage and gave into temptation. However, the line "with scarlet mud " suggests the idea of murder as many people would associate death with soil/mud because of the burial, furthermore "scarlet" could be symbolic of the blood spilled which has dirtied her feet (literally and symbolically.) Additionally, the repetition of blood  appears to suggest murder, however the crime of passion and the sin of temptation seem to be more effective and logical - this is presented/suggested through the line "all gifts we took and gave" as it suggests they gave and took each others virginity and purity. This would be seen as a sin/crime because these were not gifts they should have given because they were not married.


As mentioned before the woman is trying to repent for her sins. She believes that she is tainted and impure, "my lily feet are soiled" and now views earth as her hell and she wants to go to heaven to be free from the prejudice of her pleasurable "pleasant" sin. However, and it is quite ironic, the man does not want to repent for his sins because he doesn't believe he has actually sinned. To him earth is quite heavenly, "milk-white" etc, he believes it is as pure as heaven. He also believes the earth is better than heaven because he has not received the same treatment as the female has for giving in to temptation and pleasure. Furthermore, it is suggested through the line "young men and women come and go" that the man doesn't want to be with the same person for eternity, (whereas the woman does) and he is quite comfortable with not living for eternity. Therefore it is ironic as the man sees earth as heaven yet the women see's earth as her hell but the woman wants to desperately be with the man.  


Notes: 


- Vivid imagery for heaven and earth - both are seen as heavenly at some point in the poem) e.g "Of mansions" and " far off city grand"
- Also heaven = could be symbolic/represent female escapism. 
- Possible interpretation of greed through her wanting eternity and through them taking their pleasurable gifts. 
- Poem shows parallels to the story of Abelard and Heloise. 
- Destination and purpose = nightmare of lost love (could be a link to Rossetti's life) or exploration of the difference between earth and heaven etc.
-Symbols e.g "lily feet soiled with mud" symbolic of how she has become dirtier because she gave up her virginity/purity and "choose the stairs that mount above" are symbolic of the stairway and journey to heaven. 
- Order of scenes helps reflect on the development of the persona's/speakers thoughts and argument. 


That's about all the notes I have. Hope it's OK. 

Cousin Kate - Heroic.

I wasn't here for the lesson when we were studying whether (and to what extent) the women in Cousin Kate were heroic. Thankfully my friend Hannah photocopied me her notes on this and so I have a rough idea/ good outline.

Basically, the question given was 'To what extent do you agree that the women in 'Cousin Kate' are heroic?'
Here we go...

*This is just a plan really with quotes. 


To a certain extent the women in 'Cousin Kate' are heroic, for example;

- In the poem the speaker faces a lot of criticism for her life and choices, she is called an "outcast thing" and is seen as impure, however the speaker overcomes her terrible experience and rises above tradition. The ending of the poem is quite an effective way to prove this point as the speaker challenges tradition through her son, he is her "pride" who is born out of "shame" and therefore shows the speakers strength as she won't let society rule her life and therefore presents women as heroic as it shows how they are determined and strong, even when they've been abused.

- Furthermore, the speaker is presented as quite a headstrong character who knows her morals. The speakers acknowledgement "lived a shameless shameful life" presents women in 'Cousin Kate' as heroic as it shows how she is using her predicament to make her stronger and shows that she has accepted her path in life even though it is one she wouldn't have chosen. Furthermore, the quote "now I moan an unclean thing" shows how the speaker has been hurt and abused and is ashamed of herself, either because she let a man rule her life or because she was too naive and innocent. This presents her as heroic because it shows that the speaker is truly a good person and that through the acknowledgement she won't allow herself to be mistreated again.

Additionally, the mention of how the speaker would "spit" in the Lords face instead of being "bought by his land" shows that the speaker has a high sense of what is right and wrong, this also shows quite a feminist view. This therefore presents women in the poem as heroic as the speaker would stand up against the man/men and take control of her life.

- Furthermore, the speaker prevails over the man through the birth of her son as he will inherit all of the Lords land. Prevailing over the man presents women as heroic as it shows women's strength to carry on fighting for what they want. Women prevailing over men is proven by the quote "Your father would give lands for one to wear his coronet." - also heroic as creates idea of victory as suggests women will always win in the end.

-Finally, women are presented as heroic in 'Cousin Kate' through Rossetti's use of a twist in the ending. This helps present women as heroins in the poem as it appears to counter argue the idea of a fallen woman as it suggests that a woman can never truly be 'fallen' as she will pick herself up again and carry on, this is shown through the mention of her son.

However, it can be argued that the women in 'Cousin Kate' are anti heroins, for example;

- The speaker feels she is better than Cousin Kate,  "neighbours call you good and pure" appears to be quite sarcastic and therefore suggests that speaker feels Kate isn't worthy and doesn't deserve the praise and form of treatment. This therefore present's women is anti-heroins as it draws/creates a line between the women and presents a form of weakness. (In many ways it suggests that women are their own weakness.)

- Furthermore, throughout the poem the women (or at least the speaker) appear quite bitter and resentful, for example, the speaker appears to mock Kate for not being able to have children, "I have one gift you don't." This therefore presents women as quite weak and anti-heroic because they are quite snide and rude to one another.

- Thirdly, women are portrayed as anti-heroins in 'Cousin Kate' through Kate's betrayal to the speaker through the agreement to marry the Lord. This presents women as anti-heroins as it suggests that women can't unit and that men have control over women and their actions as both the lives of Kate and the speaker have been influenced by the Lord. Kate's betrayal also makes women appear as quite fickle and materialistic as the speaker suggests that Kate's love is not true "writ in the sand" and that she only cared about the status of being the Lords wife and all the materialistic objects she'd receive.

- Finally, women are presented as anti-heroins in 'Cousin Kate' because throughout the poem the women are fighting over a man and therefore shows how women are quite weak and not united. It also shows how men are still in control and how they have power over women.

Brief conclusion:

I believe the women in 'Cousin Kate' are quite heroic, this is because the speaker, despite being rejected by society, is bringing up her child alone and she has decided to rise above tradition. This therefore shows that women are heroic in 'Cousin Kate' because it presents/shows the idea that women can survive without men/ without a man in their life. Furthermore, I believe women are presented as heroic because the poem suggests that a woman can be broken, fallen and betrayed many times by people she trusts and loves but she will never give up or back down. *However, the use of Kate's betrayal is useful as it shows that women are not heroic and weak because we are our own worst enemy.

Done.

Cousin Kate - Points of View.

A week or so ago we were looking at the poem 'Cousin Kate' and the points of view present within the poem. We also looked how important similes and metaphors are and whether certain quotes were real or symbolic. 

We started the lesson off with identifying the settings. One of the most obvious settings within the poem was the countryside - "cottage maiden" "worked the rye" and "along the lane" etc. Another possible setting in 'Cousin Kate' was in the form of poverty to wealth as we see the speaker go from a "maiden" to living in a "palace home"." Finally, the last possible setting in the poem was that is could be near the coast "writ in the sand" however, I believe this line to be more symbolic of the love between Kate and the Lord rather than one used to describe the setting.

Then we looked at whether certain points and quotes in the poem were real or symbolic. For example, "cottage maiden" was decided as symbolic of her poverty and naivety, we also believed it was symbolic as it helps you understand the poem as the reader realises the speaker was tricked and lured by the idea/possibility of a better life.

Furthermore, we believed the line "writ in the sand" to be symbolic of Kate and the Lord's love as it appears to be suggesting that their love is not true/real and it is a more materialistic love, for example, Kate is only after the "wedding ring" and the status of being a Lord's wife.

As a class we also considered the importance of similes and metaphors in the poem. We believed them to be of importance for several reasons,such as the fact that it helps present the speaker as a stronger character 'stronger wing' as well as show how the speaker has lost her purity and virginity 'who might have been a dove.'

Finally we considered the chronology of the poem and how effective it was, for example we felt the chronological order gave the poem some clarity and purpose. We also believed that the chronology helped show the journey and the life of the speaker and therefore helped the reader build the speaker as a person and how she has matured through her life.

*Forgotten: Destination.

We also looked at the possible destinations of the poem 'Cousin Kate' and we chose our top three. The top three destinations I personally thought were:

- Plight of a fallen woman

- Thought provoking female character

- Men divides women

I thought these were the destinations of the novel as it appears the Lord is symbolic of male destructiveness and of divisions between women as he divides the speaker and Kate. Additionally, 'Cousin Kate' appears to show the story of a fallen women as we see the speaker go from a innocent and virtuous 'cottage maiden' to being an 'impure thing' and an outcast from society. Finally, I felt a possible destination was how the female character was thought provoking. I thought this was a possible destination due to the twist in the ending of 'Cousin Kate' as the female character is shown as a strong woman who has taken control of her life and isn't being controlled by society or the Lord and so she was therefore thought provoking as she is symbolic of strength and in many ways feminism. 

Cousin Kate and Fallen Women.

The lesson before last we were studying the idea of a 'Fallen Woman' and how it keys into another poem by Christina Rossetti - Cousin Kate. 

The first idea that sprung to mind about a 'Fallen Woman' was of a woman who had fallen into a trap or a life of immoral/evil. This is true to a slight extent as a 'Fallen Woman' is someone who has been cast aside by society and rejected, either because she has slept around or been abused by men. 

The idea of a 'Fallen Women' appears to link directly to Christina Rossetti's poem, 'Cousin Kate' - I personally preferred this poem to 'The Goblin Market' as I felt it was more significant and in many ways still applied to situations occurring in modern day times. 

Anyway, the poem 'Cousin Kate' is about a 'cottage maiden' who has been plucked from her life of innocence and normality into one of sin and shame as she slept with the Lord out of marriage. She was then dumped and cast aside by the Lord for her cousin Kate whom he saw 'along the lane' and thus leaves the speaker to be rejected by society as she is seen as an 'outcast thing' who is full of sin because she had sex out of marriage. However, despite being rejected, the speaker soon reveals that she has a 'gift' cousin Kate does not have and  shows that despite losing her innocence and acceptance in society she is no longer bitter but hopeful and grateful for the son she has and almost gloats in Kate's face as it appears a child is one gift that Kate can't take away from the speaker.

After reading the poem we were asked to consider the person speaking and who she is addressing. It appeared obvious that the speaker of the poem was a woman who had been scorned and 'fallen' and that she was addressing her cousin Kate.

We were then asked to build the persona and character of Kate and the Lord through phrases used. One of the most notable phrases used which helped build these characters persona's was 'writ in the sand' as it suggests that the Lord and Kate are fickle and that their love is not true but just a temporary thing. 

The final stanza is also useful in helping create Kate's persona as it makes her appear as materialistic as she only wants the 'wedding ring' and the status of being the wife of a Lord. 

We were then asked to consider the points of view, not just of the speaker but of others as well. The point of view of the speaker seems to change as we progress through the poem, at the start she appears to be bitter and regretful yet by the end of the poem she is proud and happy with the situation she has been presented with. (She also appears to be resilient and strong as she doesn't let other people affect her, she is in control now of her destiny, not the Lord.)

We then looked into the point of views of others in the poem, and the main point of view that came across was one from society. They saw the speaker as 'unclean thing' whereas Kate is 'good and pure' because she waited for the Lord to put a ring on her finger before having sex. 

Finally I feel the poem 'Cousin Kate' is an interesting poem to analyse as it appears to break boundaries and show new concepts and shows what is and was wrong with society.  

But quick note, I personally feel one of the most pivotal lines in the poem is ' to lead a shameless shameful life' as it shows how despite being left with nothing and being rejected by society she still saw nothing wrong in what she did and in a way shows how she isn't bitter because it suggests that without this life of shame she wouldn't have the child she has now. 

Anyway, hope it's alright and along the right lines.

'The Goblin Market' Interpretations - Erotic, Feminist, Marxist and Moral.

A few lessons ago, my class and I looked at several other interpretations of 'The Goblin Market.' I briefly mentioned the four other interpretations in my last blog, but I didn't go into any further detail as I was more focused upon redemption. However, in this blog I'm going to write a little bit about the other interpretations.

Erotic
It is said that Christina Rossetti meant for the poem 'The Goblin Market' to be for children, however, it appears the poem seems to contain many aspects of eroticism, even from the very start. Christina Rossetti's use of fruit can be perceived as erotic, especially 'unpecked cherries' which could symbolise a woman's virginity or temptation. Furthermore, line 126 'cutting her golden locks' appears to be symbolising prostitution as the character is selling part of herself, additionally the form of cutting could also represent the character cutting her chastity belt.

Another link to the theme of eroticism is through the symbolisation of rape. The way in which Rossetti describes how the Goblin Men 'held her hands and squeezed their fruits' creates the illusion of force and violence and therefore appears to be symbolic about rape. However, as mentioned earlier, despite the links to eroticism, the fact that the poem was intentionally for children appears to counter argue that the poem is erotic as it would be inappropriate.

Feminist
Another way in which 'The Goblin Market' can be interpreted as is a feminist poem - personally I feel this is the strongest of all the interpretations I've studied. The theme of feminism is presented by the extremities of the opposing sexes. Laura and Lizzie are the only female characters presented to the reader in the poem, as are the Goblin Men the only males. Rossetti's use of  the Goblin Men and Laura and Lizzie being the only characters to represent  males and females could be so the reader can't compare the characters and therefore means that they are symbolic of their sexes, (therefore men are seen as violent and harsh through the representation of the Goblin Men whereas women are presented and seen as pure and regal due to the description of Laura and Lizzie.)

Furthermore, the poem suggests a complete intimacy between the two women. This could be perceived as a feminist theme as it presents the idea that women have a relationship and a bond that can never be broken, not even by men and/or their temptation. It also suggests that the relationship between men and women is entirely different.

Finally, Rossetti's describes the Goblin Men as vicious and evil through likening them to animals, 'whisked a tail' whereas Laura and Lizzie are portrayed as beautiful and angelic, 'golden hair' etc.

However, the idea of feminism can be counter argued, the line 'men sell not such in any town' undermines the whole argument , as it suggests that the men aren't real and therefore the women are not vulnerable or strong but foolish.

Marxist
The weakest interpretation in my opinion was the theme of Marxist. Marxist means consumerism and greed, this theme is presented through the Goblin Men and their determination to sell fruit. Rossetti's use of the Goblin Men could be used to symbolise business men, 'sly brother with sly brother' and therefore suggests the idea of trickery.

Additionally, the theme of marxist is presented through Laura 'cutting' a golden lock as she is selling herself. This presents the idea of consumerism and greed, as Laura isn't satisfied with what she has, she wants and craves more.

However, 'The Goblin Market' may not be marxist after all as the Goblin Men refuse the offer of money at one point.

Moral

The final and last interpretation is morality. Unlike many poems, 'The Goblin Market' seems to present many different morals. One of the strongest morals throughout the poem is consequences. Rossetti first describes Laura as angelic and beautiful with 'gleaming neck' and 'golden hair' but after she has fallen to the temptation of the Goblin Men, her appearance is more depressed and vulnerable. It also suggests that her beauty is gone, as her mouth is 'faded' and her hair 'greying' and therefore suggests that there is consequences fore every action you take, some worse than others - such as prostitution. This moral also suggests that consequences don't just affect you but other people, this is presented through Lizzie sacrificing herself to save her sister.

Another moral which is present throughout the poem is hypocrisy. Once more, this moral is presented through the character Laura. When the Goblin Men are first mentioned in the poem, Laura is the character that warns her sister Lizzie and the reader of the Goblin Men and their temptation, yet she is the character who succumbs to their temptation.

I know the final interpretation is brief but hopefully everything is along the right tracks.

Interpretation - Redemption.

Today's English Literature lesson was based on/around interpretation. The text in which we were interpreting was 'The Goblin Market' by Christina Rossetti. There were five categories for interpretation, these were: 

- Erotic

- Feminist

- Marxist

- Redemptive

- Moral

The category I received was redemptive. Redemptive can be defined in several ways, one was the act of being redeemed and another definition was the act of saving someone from error or evil. Both these definitions seem very apt for the poem 'The Goblin Market.'

At first, the main guess about redemptive/redemption in the 'Goblin Market' was Lizzie forgiving Laura for being tempted by the Goblin Men and their fruit and for leaving her and therefore Laura trying to redeem herself.

Which additionally led to the question/idea, what does she need to be redeemed for? The first thought that came to mind was the fact that she needed to be redeemed for giving into temptation and becoming hooked on the Goblin Men's fruit but, with further analysis, it was found that Laura was being redeemed for leaving/deserting her sister. 

As my group and I continued we started considering the moment of redemption in the poem. We found several point which show the character of Laura trying to redeem herself and of Lizzie being redemptive. For example, one of the points we believed to be about the moment of redemption was, 

'Is it death or is it life?'

This question appears to be a point of redemption because it is suggesting several theories. One is that it suggests that the death of her bad self, the one full of sin and temptation has died and she's left it behind to begin a new life, one that is rid of sin and without redemption. 

This theory is backed up by the lines,

'laughed in the innocent old way' and 'life out of death' 

This therefore suggests that the character Laura is her normal self again and shows that she has been redeemed and saved, as well as suggesting that her sinful tempted self must die to allow for her old, sinless self to be reborn. 

Furthermore, the inclusion of the final verse is quite important. The poet could have finished the poem on the line, 'And light danced on her eyes.' as it suggests that Laura has been redeemed and is herself, yet Christina Rossetti chose to include the final verse. 

This could be because of many reasons, but the final verse is useful as it hints and shows that Laura has avoided falling back into a sinful life and has avoided temptation - despite still being slightly addicted and yearning at times - because of her family.

'for there is no friend like a sister' 

This line suggests that she is grateful to her sister for saving her and letting her be able to have her family because without her she would have been nothing. It also shows how sorry the character still is and that she doesn't believe she, herself, has been fully redeemed and is not at one with herself. 

Now, onto the idea of Lizzie being redemptive. One of the definition I found of redemptive was the act of saving someone from evil or error. This definition of redemptive seems perfect to Lizzie as she basically gives her self up to help save her sister (also a link to religion, Jesus sacrificed himself etc.)

And that is about it, hopefully that is along the right track. 

Christina Rossetti.

Yesterday in English Literature, we studied the poem 'The Goblin Market' by Christina Rossetti.  When I first read the poem I wasn't sure what to make of it, I felt it was quite interesting as it was different to any other poems I've read but I found it slightly confusing at some points.

However, I've now read through the poem several times and I'm finding it thoroughly interesting. I also did some research on 'The Goblin Market' and was surprised when I found out that Christina Rossetti had intentionally written 'The Goblin Market' as a children's poem, especially since it appears to contain some sexual imagery.

But anyway, 'The Goblin Market' has to be one of the more interesting poems that I've read. I personally like the fact that this poem is different and has a certain feeling of darkness and an almost gothic feel to it. I also like the irony of the character Laura being the person who warns against the goblin men but is then the first to actually succumb to their temptation. 

Additionally I found the way Christina Rossetti presented the idea/themes of vulnerability and innocence quite interesting, especially when she describes the way in which Lizzie 'shut her eyes and ran' when she didn't want to be tempted by the goblin men, because it's a reaction that is usually associated with children and youth. 

In class we also looked at forms of symbolism in 'The Goblin Market' for example, we talked about how the fruit symbolised temptation and in some ways gluttony and excessiveness 'All ripe together' etc.

Now onto some interesting facts about Christina Rossetti! I'm not sure whether they're very interesting but here we go:

- She was born on December 5th 1830.

- When she was 14 she suffered from a mental breakdown.

- She was engaged to two men but she never married either because of     religious reasons.

- She suffered from Graves Disease.

- Her pen name was Ellen Alleyne.

And that's about it. 

Destination.

In yesterday's lesson we learnt about the destination of a novel. Stupidly I handed my notes in to Mr F, so there may be some mistakes in this blog about destination etc, but I'm going to try my best and edit anything that is wrong when I get my notes back.

So, what is the destination of a novel? The destination of a novel is where/what the novel is leading to. As I'm sure many people know, the destination of a novel, any novel, is different. For example, the destination of Harry Potter will be drastically different to the destination of Atonement.

I'm going to use an example now to explain further about destination. The text or novel that I am going to be using/referring to is Pride and Prejudice. Now, for those of you who are familiar either with Jane Austen or Pride and Prejudice, you will know the famous quote:

'It is a truth universally acknowledged , that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.'

Now, if you are like me, you will have read this line and found it intriguing but thought no further about it until you've gone back and read the story through again. If you're not like that, well then, good for you. But anyway...

This single sentence is actually a whole paragraph. It is singled out from the rest of the text on the page, just this one sentence. Now, how could this be important to the destination of the novel? Well, we now know that the destination of the novel is where it is leading too, so from this sentence we now have an inclination as to the thought or idea that the novel's destination could be about marriage and wealth, and maybe even about the relationship between the two and how they link together.

Furthermore, this sentence is actually quite key to the destination of the novel. The sentence presents the reader with a theory or an idea right at the beginning of the novel. No characters or setting has been introduced, just this theory. This is therefore helpful to the destination of the novel as it acts as a clue, and the emphasis on this sentence/paragraph (it's emphasised because it is one sentence on its own, nothing else, nothing more) sort of cements it almost in the readers mind and continuously pops up as a reminder as to the direction the novel could be heading and so the emphasis signify's the importance of the sentence.

Another way in which the destination of the novel is presented, is through the simplicity of there being no setting or description of any kind, until the final paragraph in the chapter. For example, the reader is immedietely introduced to this theory at the very start of the novel, but straight after they are then introduced to three characters. Mr Bingley, Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet - but there has been no description of either character.

Jane Austen's lack of use is actually quite a clever trick. The fact that there is no description about the characters before the conversation actually causes the reader to focus in and concentrate more on the conversation. To put it simply, the lack of description is used so the reader will focus more on what they're saying/doing than where they are.

Additionally, the lack of description also highlights that this conversation is of great importance and that it is quite significant to the novel and its destination.

Finally, the last paragraph of the chapter acts as a confirmation to any thoughts the reader may have/has had about the destination of the novel. In the final chapter we finally receive a description about Mr and Mrs Bennet, but it is the final line of the chapter that holds the true importance/signifigance. 

'The business of her life was to get her daughters married...'

This final line concludes that the direction of the novel is indeed about marriage and therefore suggests that the novel will be centred around this idea and that it will be key to its continuation.

I think this is right, if it isn't then I'll edit the bits that are wrong. I'm hoping it's good though and sorry I rambled quite a bit. Sorry!

Why is the inclusion of detail of paper on the floor important?

'Mr Francis entered the room. There was a piece of paper on the floor.' - why is the inclusion of detail of paper on the floor important?

A piece of paper lying on the floor most usually seems quite insignificant but can actually prove to be of great importance to a story. How? The simple acknowledgement of a piece of paper on the floor can distract the reader from the main story line. It can cause the reader to contemplete on whether the piece of paper has any true significance to the story and thus causes them to become distracted from maybe more important parts, such as a description of a shadow being seen far off in the distance.

Furthermore, the inclusion of detail is important because it allows the author to build tension and suspense to the scene. The sudden inclusion of detail can build tension and suspense because it can cause a change of pace to the story, such as the fact that it allows the reader to acknowledge over a longer period of time that something isn't quite right. The inclusion of detail of paper on the floor can also act as a catalyst for the plot. For example, the letter could contain information which allows the plot to continue or it could distract the character from other events.

The author also chose to include the detail of the piece of paper because it can help create the characters personality. The simple piece of paper on the floor can represent or show the reader that the character is an unorganised or an untidy person. Also, the sudden inclusion can help create emotions towards the character as it interacts with the detail, for example 'Mr Francis picked up the piece of paper and read the writing scribbled heedlessly onto one side. As he did so his face changed into one of fear before he rushed drastically from the room.' An involvement of detail and character like so, can help create sympathy towards the character. It can also show that the character is dramatic etc.

A final reasons as to why the inclusion of detail of paper on the floor is important is because it can draw the reader in. The inclusion of detail can help the reader picture the scene and therefore causes the actual event to feel more real, which therefore helps create the story right in front of their eyes and prevents it from being boring.

So, to put it quite bluntly, the inclusion of detail of paper on the floor is important because every piece of detail is significant, it has it's own purpose and it's own part to play in the book. Whether it be to create tension or suspense or to make the reader think.

There you go Mr Francis. I hope that's alright for you, and I know it's not very bloggishy but I hope it's ok.