I used three articles that I found on bloom to help me with gathering ideas that I could use to write my essay on The Picture of Dorian Gray. The first article that I found was mainly an overview of the book. I chose it because of the characteristics it provides for Henry Wanton and Basil Hallward, two of Dorian's most influencing friends. It describes Henry as being the evil, devil character that helps Dorian realize his own beauty and persuades him to do bad things. But it describes Basil as being kind and artistic, a good influence that helps to balance out Henry's influence on Dorian. The second article I found more helpful. It talked about relationships found in the book. The realtionship I found the most helpful was the realationship between the book and art. It discussed how art and the characters in the book related, and it talked about how important art became in the book. Dorian and his picture, Sibl Vane and her artistic abilities, Basil and his portrait, Henry and his outlook on art, are some of the examples it talked about. The third article it talked alot about the murder of Basil. It describes Dorians portrait self as his "alter ego". It also discusses art, and how--if one looks to deeply into art--they might see someting they didn't want to see. I found all three of these articles very helpful.

Literary Approach for Jane Eyre

Pretty much all of the approaches available can be applied to Jane Eyre. In fact, it was really tricky to choose which one would be the best approach for this particular book. But I am going to be using the Feminist Criticism approach for this book (for now). One of the questions along with this approach that really stood out to me was: If a female character were male, how would the story be different? I think this story would be dramatically different if Jane Eyre was a man rather than a women. Jane Eyre goes through much suffering in the beginging of the book becasue she's a women, and if she wasn't, it wouldn't have happened. Jane would also be even more independent than what she already is. I think many of the trials she had to face would have been eliminated if she were male. If Jane were male, this story would not be the same. This story has so much meaning in it because Jane is a woman. Another question: What behavioral expectations are imposed on the characters ? In this story, women, most importantly Jane ,was expected to grow up like the rest of the women: mindful and lesser-beings than the men. Jane though, did not fall under this catagory. She was independent and did many things on her own, which was almost unheard of at that time. A different question with this approach is this: How do male and female characters relate to one-another? I think that the most importatant relationship in this book is the one between Jane and Rochester. At first, Rochester sees Jane as an ordinary lady. But as the book progresses, he starts to confide in her. Ask her opinioins. Speak with her as a friend and an equal. This relationship is important because it proves that the gender barrier can be broken. If I had to choose a thesis for this book, depending on this topic, it would be about how gender barriers can be broken as long as one can overlook the barrier and see eachother as equals. It could also be about the change in Jane Eyre as she realizes she is and individual and gains her independence.

Calvino Question #8 (And my final blog!!)

The choice between if this essay gave me a logical or emotional reaction is a tough decision. It could easily be both, but because I have to choose, I’d say this gave me an emotional reaction. I chose this for a couple reasons. First because I realized the reason Calvino wrote this essay. He didn’t write it just to inform, he wrote it to use his words to tell others about what the classics really are. He didn’t just say “a classic is a book of the highest quality class and rank”. (Which is the actual dictionary definition) He actually defined them. Told us everything about the essence of a classic work. This is why I had an emotional response. This essay stirred my feelings. It made me think about what he was really saying. Calvino used his words and definitions to get to the audience. He also used examples, like the one at the end of the essay where he’s comparing reading classics to Socrates learning a song on the flute where he says, “At least I will learn this melody before I die”. (Calvino pg 9) These touches are what made me think. I also found myself in awe of how he used his words. To me, his definitions almost were like poetry. I really liked this essay and had an emotional response to it because of the way Calvino used his words and his examples. They were different from the other essay because he put his opinions and his voice into it. You could see more of his writing voice in this essay rather than in Nabokov’s essay. Also, Nabokov wrote his essay to teach us about how we should read classics, while Calvino told us what a classic really is.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. 3-9. Print.

Calvino Question #7

Calvino has an amazing amount of authority when it comes to his essay. By the time he finishes his essay, it’s clear that he put a lot of effort and time into writing it. One example of his authority is the fact that he feels free to give his opinion. He presents facts also, but his opinions are the most important part of the essay because they give it personality and voice. When reading it, you can also see how he feels about reading the classic books. You can clearly see how strongly he believes and wishes that people should read the classics. I think this touch, the fact that you can see how strongly he feels about this subject, is what makes this essay speak to its readers. While reading this essay, I noticed that it had a strong hold on me. The way that he worded this essay was incredible, and it actually gave him MORE authority over the readers. He also presented the authority over the flow of the essay. He used his definitions to dictate how the essay was read, and used them to his advantage. I liked how he would use two similar definitions and then connect them both in a certain way. (Calvino pg 8)

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. 3-9. Print.

Calvino Question #6

Calvino chose a very influential way to start off his essay. Instead of launching into a long introduction, he started his essay off with a definition. This was a great idea, and is not used much, but Calvino made it work. This way, the author can actually grab his readers’ attention. He defines one essence of a classic by saying this, “The classics are those books about which you usually hear people saying: ‘I’m rereading…’ never ‘I’m reading…’”. (Calvino pg 1 par 1) He then discusses topics that relate to the definition. You see, Calvino uses this to start off his essay because it grabs his readers attention and prepares them for what he is about to say.

The ending of this essay was great. In fact, I thought he said some of the best things toward the end. He ended this essay in a way that made me say, ‘that was really fantastic. I’ll remember that’. The ending of an essay is always the most important part because that’s what the readers always remember the most. In this ending, he brought back all his ideas to one sentence. He summed it all up by saying this: “reading the classics is always better than not reading them.” (Calvino pg 9) This sentence pretty much defines everything he wanted to say in this essay. He then ends the essay by using an example of Socrates. This short story links directly to what he said about reading the classics, and it brings his essay to a close.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. 3-9. Print.

Calvino Question #5

Italo Calvino uses a very unique method to organize his essay. Instead of having a normal beginning sentence in his paragraphs he uses a definition. It is actually a genius idea to use this method. What he does is this: Before he starts an essay he presents a definition, and then he discusses that definition in further detail. This allows the audience to focus in on what he is going to be discussing, and it also helps the essay move smoother. By giving a definition he is separating his paragraphs and can freely move from topic to topic without confusing the audience. If he did not use this method in the essay the readers would be completely confused. He even begins the entire essay this way, saying, “Let us begin by putting forward some definitions.” (Calvino pg 1) He goes straight to the point and the readers are saved from having to read a long introduction. I honestly think the way Calvino organizes his essay is very beneficial to him and his readers. It saves time, it gets a point across, and it gives the readers an idea about what Calvino is going to be talking about. This method also allows the readers to gain a further understanding of the essence of a classic. Overall, he organizes it fantastically.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. 3-9. Print.

Calvino Question #4

When reading Calvino’s essay I had two parts that really stood out to me. First there was when he said, “Classics are books which, the more we think we know them through hearsay, the more original, unexpected, and innovative we find them when we actually read them.” (Calvino pg 6 par3) The second thing that really stood out to me was what he said at the end of the essay, not that I didn’t like the rest of it! He said this, “reading the classics is always better than not reading them” (Calvino pg 9 par 3). The reason why the first quote stood out to me was because it was true for me. Jane Eyre and The Picture of Dorian Gray were the first classics I had ever read. I had heard about them on movies and in books and from people, but that’s it. Everything I had ever thought about them changed when I actually read them. I’d expected that they would be somewhat boring and uneventful, but after reading them I realized that was untrue. They are so much better to read than to only hear about. When Calvino talked about this in his essay it just really stood out to me because it applied to me and I agreed with what he said. The other quote stood out to me because it’s just completely true. People always think that reading the classics is boring and they’d rather not read them. But it is so much better to read them than go without reading them because they actually change how you view other books and other writings.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. 3-9. Print.

Calvino Question #3

Calvino used many rhetorical devices in his essay. The great part is though, these touches made the essay more colorful and understandable. You barely have to read but several paragraphs before you start to notice some of these devices. On the very first page a couple paragraphs down you can see the allusions he uses. He refers to Honore de Balzac, a French writer, Herodotus and Thucydides, two ancient Greek historians, Saint-Simon, an early French socialist theorist, and Cardinal Retz, another French writer (Calvino pg 3). He continues to mention other people as the essay goes on. I also found a metaphor that he used in this essay. He says this, “But it is already an achievement for most people to hear the classics as a distant echo, outside the room which is pervaded by the present as if it were a television set on full volume.”(Calvino pg 8 par2) Here he’s talking about how classics take you out of reality because your reading something that was written back in the past. He compares the present to being so loud like a TV turned up all the way, and that one is lucky if you can even hear the echo of the classics.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. 3-9. Print.

Calvino Question #2

Calvino wrote this essay in an astonishing way. He placed his words just right and he went in great depth to describe what a classic work was, and what it means. I found Calvino’s tone to be informative and matter-of-fact. Calvino starts his essay straightforward. He doesn’t tarry, and he goes straight into a series of definitions to describe classics. He even says, “let us begin by putting forward some definitions.” This introduction and straightforward tone I found to be influential as to how I went about reading this essay. I liked how he didn’t beat around the bush and that he launched straight into what he wanted to say. His tone is unique for this kind of essay, and in it you find that he is extremely passionate about what he is discussing. This passion that he had for classic works is what makes this essay even more powerful. As he goes through his many topics and definitions he presents facts and reasoning. These touches give you a friendly feeling while you’re reading, and help you understand what messages he’s trying to get across to his audience. His essay also comes off as professional, but still seems to have a nonchalant touch to it. It’s comfortable and not overwhelming to the point of being impossible to understand. I also noticed how he sometimes directly addressed his audience by using ‘you’ and ‘your’. These things are what contributed to the tone of his essay.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. 3-9. Print.

Calvino Question#1

Italo Calvino wrote his essay “Why Read the Classics” in a most unique way, one that I had never seen before. Instead of having paragraph after paragraph, or a standard looking paper, he filled it with definitions and attributes of what a classic was. He personified the thousands of classic novels and stories that we all know and love, and made them almost real to us.

The thesis of this essay is implicit. It was difficult to find because the essay itself was extremely complex and in depth, making it difficult to find words that could describe the whole essay. The thesis, I believe, is this, “A classic is the term given to any book which comes to represent the whole universe, a book on a par with ancient talismans.” (Calvino pg 4 par 4) This one sentence is the sum of all classics. It describes them as they are, and includes every aspect of them. This essay not only tells you many ways to describe classics, but it tells you how to tell the difference between a classic and some other work of literature. This thesis is saying that a classic is not an ordinary work, but a more in depth, more meaningful, and more fantastic literary work. Something unlike anything we could ever read. It’s saying that a classic has more meaning. It isn’t something you cannot forget.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. 3-9. Print.

Nabokov Question #8

Nabokov’s “Good Readers and Good Writers” was a very well written essay and I enjoyed it. In this essay you can find many important lessons and you learn a surprising amount of information just by reading it once. (Or more than once, in my case) The impression and the reaction I get when reading this essay is a logical one. Nabokov doesn’t dwell on emotions often, and if he did, it was brief. This essay was meant to speak logic to people, and naturally, it does. Nabokov’s sole purpose is to inform and teach others what mindset they should have before they begin to read something, and this essay clearly tells you. While reading this essay, I gained some interesting and completely true information. I found myself completely agreeing with what Nabokov had to say, and many times thought, ‘I should have known that’ or ‘I wish I had known that because it would have been so helpful!’. I especially like when he says that you should not just read a book, but you should re-read it. My favorite quote from the essay and what I believe to be one of the most important things he had to say was this: “a wise reader reads a book of genius not with his heart, not so much with his brain, but with his spine.” This essay came off as completely logical, and I believe it will be that way for everyone.

Nabokov, Vladimir. “Good Readers and Good Writers”. Lectures on Literatures. 1948. Lecture. PDF file.

Nabokov Question #7

Nabokov has an amazing amount of authority as a writer. He uses his essay to create a whole new experience for his readers. He holds the keys to their minds and what they think and see while reading his work. He can dictate what is said, and control the reader in a way no one else can. Throughout the essay Nabokov uses cleaver rhetorical devices and astounding vocabulary and imagery to grab the audience’s attention and bring them back to his points and the messages that he wants them to hear.

Nabokov uses his writing ‘voice’ to control the reader. He writes the essay smoothly and calmly and makes it inviting for the audience to read. Though it is almost unknown to the reader, they find themselves drawn to his work because of the way he presents his topics and how he words things just right.

Though the reader may find his work extremely comfortable and nonchalant to read, they come out learning something new, and Nabokov had no trouble getting his points across to the reader. All of these things together create the perfect essay: interesting, comfortable, and educational. Nabokov is certainly a master at writing, and his authority as a writer can be seen everywhere in the essay.

Nabokov, Vladimir. “Good Readers and Good Writers”. Lectures on Literatures. 1948. Lecture. PDF file.

Nabokov Question #6

Nabokov arouses the reader’s interest by introducing the essay with a quote. He discusses a letter sent from a man to his mistress that says, “What a scholar one might be if one knew well only some half a dozen books.” (Nabokov par 2) What this man meant when he wrote his letter was that to be a good reader you have to read more than one book and you must read different genres of literature. This is a smart way to start off the essay because it is not boring and it is an actual thing someone once said. It is also a smart way for Nabokov to start off the essay because he uses this quote to tell the readers what his essay is going to be mainly about, which is that to be a good reader you must open yourself to different books and genres.

In closing the essay, Nabokov wraps up his ideas and starts describing what a writer should be to a reader. He says that a writer should be a storyteller, and enchanter, and a teacher. He then says the facets of a great writer are magic, lesson, and story and talks about how these three elements can come together and form a wonderful story. He says my favorite line, “a wise reader reads a book of genius not with his heart, not so much with his brain, but with his spine.” Then he describes a writer as a person making a castle of cards while the readers watch as his card castle changes and becomes “a castle of beautiful steel and glass”

Nabokov, Vladimir. “Good Readers and Good Writers”. Lectures on Literatures. 1948. Lecture. PDF file.

Nabokov Question #5

Nabokov organizes his essay like this: he corrects and then he begins to instruct. In the start of the essay he goes through these few ideas: That you should always read a book like it was something brand new (par. 3), that you can’t learn about the past by reading a book (par.4), that the writer of a book is a creator and can make and do what he wants in a book (par. 5). He corrects readers and writers and pretty much says ‘this is how things should be done. This is true and it will always be true’. After he states the truth, he gives the readers a series of questions and asks what things a reader needs to be a good reader (par 6-7). He tests them to see what they know. After that, he gives them the answer and starts instructing and discussing topics like what kind of imagination you should use when reading a book, and what kind of temperament we should have. He then goes into discussing what Literature is, and what it should be to us. He wraps up the story by talking about great writers and what a writer should try to have readers view them as. He talks about what qualities a writer needs and how they should be seen. Nabokov cleverly connects all his ideas and bounces back and forth, discussing how to be a good reader and how to be a good writer. He balances out both of his rhetorical questions and answers them in full by the end of the essay.

Nabokov, Vladimir. “Good Readers and Good Writers”. Lectures on Literatures. 1948. Lecture. PDF file.

Nabokov Question #4

The ideas expressed in paragraph 12 and 13 are rather interesting to me. The reason for this is because what he says on what kind of imagination you should use while reading is something most people would find to be almost opposite of what they believed.

He says that the imagination and the emotions you feel while reading should not be on a personal level. He says, “So what is the authentic instrument to be used by the reader? It is impersonal imagination and artistic delight.” (Nabokov par 12) He goes into describing that most people treasure a book because it reminds them of a place they once knew or something that happened to them. Or it might evoke a place they remember from their past. He says that the worst thing one person can do is identify himself with a character in the book. This is practically what everyone does when reading a book and Nabokov says this is wrong.

At first this confused me, made me think, “well…that’s not how I would say that..” but then once I thought about it, it made perfect sense. In the next paragraph he says, “What should be established, I think, is an artistic harmonious balance between the reader’s mind and the author’s mind.” (Nabokov par. 13) He means you need to try and focus not only on what you yourself are imagining the story to be, but what the author wanted you to imagine the story to be. He’s saying you need to try and see what the author wanted you to see. To appreciate what the author wanted his readers to think when reading their story. You should treasure the story because it’s a good story, not because you like the characters or the setting or the time period.

Nabokov, Vladimir. “Good Readers and Good Writers”. Lectures on Literatures. 1948. Lecture. PDF file.

Nabokov Question #3

Nabokov clearly uses rhetorical devices in his essay to wonder the reader and to give the essay a stronger grip on the readers mind. He uses allusion, metaphor, and personification throughout his essay, and these devices give his work life.

The most important metaphor that can be found in Nabokov’s essay is found in paragraph 10. Here he compares a book to a painting. His basic reason for using this metaphor is to say that a book, like a painting, has depth and deeper meaning, you just have to look at a little longer to see it all. He’s saying that you should re-read books so you can see the book as a whole.

Personification can be found in paragraphs 15 and 16. Here is when he describes literature as if it was something living. He describes it as being “born”. He says that it is an invention. He also personifies Nature, saying that it deceives and that a “writer of fiction only follows Nature’s lead.” (Nabokov par. 16)

Nabokov uses many different allusions. These can be found all over the essay. He throws them in to use as examples, and things the reader can use to better understand what point he is trying to get across. In the very beginning of the essay he uses the allusion of Flaubert and the letter to start off and get the audience thinking. (Nabokov par. 2) He then uses the allusion of Madame Bovary in paragraph 3. In paragraph 4 he talks about Jane Austen and Bleak House. In paragraph 15 he talks about the story of the boy who cried wolf. These are used to put depth in his essay.

Nabokov, Vladimir. “Good Readers and Good Writers”. Lectures on Literatures. 1948. Lecture. PDF file.

Nabokov Question #2

I think that Nabokov’s tone is didactic and matter-of-fact. The author is educating and instructing the reader on how to be good readers and good writers and giving them a series of rules to follow and clever tips on how to prepare to read and write. He educates and is teaching us how to become better readers and what skills we need to harness to be good writers also. Nabokov is also matter-of-fact in his tone, and is not emotional and is to the point.

As Nabokov writes, you find that his sole purpose in giving this lecture is to instruct others on how they can be better and more efficient when reading and writing. He tests the audience, asks them questions. He tries to see what their opinion is and then corrects them in their false beliefs. You can directly see his strong instruction in paragraphs 8 and 9. In paragraph 8 he gives a series of questions, and in 9 he gives the answer. He first asks the audience what qualities and items a reader needs to be effective and then gives them the answer, saying, “the good reader is one who has imagination, memory, a dictionary, and some artistic sense” (Nabokov par. 9)

Nabokov, Vladimir. “Good Readers and Good Writers”. Lectures on Literatures. 1948. Lecture. PDF file.

Nabokov Question#1

The thesis in “Good Readers and Good Writers” was not stated outright and is implicit. It is simply interwoven into the writing, and as you read through the essay, starts to come out and reveal itself as Nabokov connects all his ideas together. The thesis is simply a series of rules on how to go about being a good reader and writer. Once the essay is finished, the thesis is clear. It is this: A good reader should look at a book like a work of art, should be open to it as if it was something brand new to them, should be imaginative and should attempt to connect with the author while reading the book. A good writer should be a storyteller, a teacher, and an enchanter. These two sentences are the outline for the story and are woven and cleverly placed amongst Nabokov’s work.

The thesis is placed in different points in the essay. The first sentence of the thesis can be found in the beginning paragraphs. It says in paragraph two that a reader should look at a book like a work of art and treat it as “something brand new” (Nabokov par. 2) Later on, Nabokov gives a quiz and then answers it by saying that “the good reader is one who has imagination, memory, a dictionary, and some artistic sense” (Nabokov par. 9) He also says that there should be an “artistic harmonious balance between the reader’s mind and the author’s mind” (Nabokov par. 14) This is revealing his opinion that the reader should try and connect with the author in what they are saying.

The second part of the thesis, the one of writers, is seen in paragraph 19. He says, “A major writer combines theses three—storyteller, teacher, and enchanter—but it is the enchanter in him that predominates and makes him a major writer.”

Nabokov, Vladimir. “Good Readers and Good Writers”. Lectures on Literatures. 1948. Lecture. PDF file.

Dorian Gray: Question#8

I think The Picture of Dorian Gray is pretty accurate on several events in history, one of these being the Aesthetic movement. The Aesthetic movement was a movement in which people believed that art should be available to all classes and that one didn’t have to have a reason to create art. That it didn’t need a meaning. One source that discuses this movement says, “Aesthetic experience is a fully autonomous and independent aspect of a human life. Thus, art should exist solely for its own sake.”(Aesthetic par.2) In fact, Oscar Wilde was even one of main authors who became a voice for this movement. Even his character Basil Hallward believes in this and even says, "An artist should create beautiful things, but should put nothing of his own life into them. We live in an age when men treat art as if it were meant to be a form of autobiography. We have lost the abstract sense of beauty.”(Wilde 13) The Aesthetic movement was happening in London in the setting this book was written in. In this story you can clearly see that the Aesthetic movement was a major influence to Oscar Wilde. Mainly because this movement helped to make Dorian’s portrait such an important symbol in the book.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barns & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

"Aesthetic Movement." Buffalo Architecture and History. Ingenius Inc. Web. 08 July 2011. .

Dorian Gray: Question#7

In The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde uses mystery, suspense, murder, and twists to make the story engage the audience. Overall, the story comes off as dark, mysterious, and macabre. The book almost has a gloomy and creepy feeling about it. I think, though, that this mood and the touches he uses are what makes the audiences want to continue reading it. When first reading the book, it comes off as rather happy and full of life, bringing you to a sunny day in an art studio with two friends having a good time. But then the story starts to change when Basil, the artist, tells his friend Lord Henry that he doesn’t want him to meet Dorian Gray, his new friend and inspiration (Wilde 16). Why? Because Lord Henry is known to influence his friends and Basil warns him not to try and befriend Dorian, in fear that Henry will destroy his innocence by influencing him. This one conversation starts the mood for the whole book. It starts in a small conversation between Dorian and Henry about beauty, and it leads to Dorian wishing that he and his portrait could trade places (Wilde 28-29). This wish is the start of his downfall. As the book continues, Dorian takes to keeping secrets and hiding his portrait, which reveals to all who look at it his soul. His own character starts to become mysterious because the book skips ahead several years in which Dorian commits many crimes that the readers don’t know about. This interests the audience. Later on in the book Dorian murders his friend Basil and this twist is completely unexpected because the readers have no idea that Dorian has become that evil. Dorian soon is hunted by James Vane, a past enemy, and this suspense of being killed keeps readers on edge.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barns & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Dorian Gray: Question#6

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a very interesting book and is like nothing I have ever read before. The mystery, the murder, the lies and secrets are extremely twisted and intriguing. But why do we read it? We still read this book not because it’s just “a good read”, but because it’s a reminder that even the most innocent and pure of people can fall to influence and corruption. In fact, the power of influence and corruption is what the whole book is all about. Dorian Gray is at first seen as a young man, even thought of as a child, who is the symbolism of purity and youth. He’s young, he’s innocent, and he’s been untouched by greed and vile ways. That is why it is so easy for him to be manipulated by the world and views of others. He starts by being influenced by words. His friend Lord Henry has always been thought as an extremely influencing person, and Dorian can’t help but listen to him. Unfortunately, after feeding on the words of his friend, Dorian already starts to tip his scales between purity and corruption. He starts trying drugs, sex, and thievery and by the end of the story has become the vilest of people. The most innocent man becomes the corrupted. The book targets the fact that good people can become bad people and that purity can easily be defiled if a person is tempted by evil things.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barns & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Dorain Gray: Question#5

The Picture of Dorian Gray is set in the 1890’s in London, England. When reading this book, you notice the differences between social classes, the popularity of Shakespeare in the theatre, the layed-back life of the wealthy classes, and the extravagant homes of the rich. One of the main things this book has to offer is what daily life was like for the wealthy people. Dorian Gray in this book is an extremely wealthy person. Many times in the book he throws parties and attends parties with minor royalty found in London at that time, and other aristocrats of the time period (Wilde 132). Also, Dorian attends the theatre and opera many times in the book, which was very popular and entertaining at that time. You also notice the popularity of Shakespeare, and you see Dorian’s outlook on it while he attends a small theater to see Sibyl Vane, his crush, who just so happens to be a great actor (Wilde 52). The book does not really address any social issues of the time. The only time where it might be apparent is in the thoughts of Sibyl Vane’s mother and Dorian’s friends because they are surprised he wants to marry someone far below his social class.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barns & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Dorain Gray: Question#4

The “hero” in this book is Dorian Gray. Now is he really a hero? Some would say no. But he does, indeed, serve that purpose in the novel. Dorian Gray’s goal in the book is too find a way to escape his sins and forget about the evil things he has done in his life. He, unfortunately, does actually succeed in a way. He wished that he could destroy everything that would remind him of his sins and get rid of everything linked to what he had done. He tries to destroy the picture but in doing this destroys himself. He also accomplishes another goal. Later on in the book he makes a new goal to be good and to turn from his evil ways. By the end of the book he regrets what’s he’s done and he understands the evil he’s committed. It says, “He would never again tempt innocence. He would be good.” (Wilde 227) By the end of the book, it also says this, “He knew that he had tarnished himself, filled his mind with corruption, and given horror to his fancy; that he had been an evil influence to others, and had experienced a terrible joy in doing so; and that the lives that had crossed his own had been the fairest and the most full of promise that he had brought to shame. But was it all irretrievable? Was there hope for him?” (Wilde 225) In the end Dorian Gray knew he did wrong and wanted to change himself. Dorian is portrayed as a handsome and kind man, but at the end of the book he is seen as cruel and corrupted. I think he represents the abstract idea of evil. He tempts others and ruins reputations. He’s constantly doing bad things then feeling sorry, but he never does a thing to correct himself. He never changes his ways.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barns & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Dorain Gray: Question#3

In The Picture of Dorian Gray you can find several universal themes that really stand out. One of them just so happens to be close to “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Except this version has a bit of a twist to it. The usual theme explains that ‘it’s what’s inside that counts’ and ‘the outside might look ugly but the inside is what is beautiful’. When saying these things, it’s suggesting that the inside is more beautiful than the outside. In this book it’s quite different. Dorian Gray looks pretty great on the outside. He’s described as “certainly and wonderfully handsome, with his finely curved scarlet lips, his frank blue eyes, his crisp gold hair. There was just something in his face that made one trust him at once.” (Wilde 18) He is attractive and appealing to the eye. But it’s really the outside that deceives everyone. His inside is twisted and vile and not at all attractive. Later in the book a character says, “he’s as bad as bad.” (Wilde 196) So, to be more accurate, the actual theme is “everything is not what it seems.” Dorian might look great on the outside, but on the inside he’s very evil. Another theme this book addresses is that beauty isn’t everything, and that it won’t get you anywhere if you look great but you’re nasty at heart. Dorian thinks that by staying young forever and being as evil as he wants he’ll be okay, as long as his portrait takes the burden. But he finds out that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. People don’t like people who have an ugly personality.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barns & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Dorian Gray: Question#2

The main conflict in The Picture of Dorian Gray is the fact that Dorian traded his soul to live a life free of old age and ugliness and now must face the destruction of his own soul which is recorded in his portrait. He now must reconcile himself and make right the sins he has done. He traded his soul to the devil to live a life always beautiful and now all his sins are seen in his self portrait, reminding him what a kind of vile life he’s living. What are the gains of this conflict? Though the picture destroys his life, it does help him gain some things. He gains the ability to see what he looks like on the inside. He gains the conscious to see what he’s done and the ability to regret it. In the story he thinks this when he looks at the picture for the first time after what he did to Sibyl Vane, “One, thing, however, he felt that it had done for him: it had made him conscious of how unjust, how cruel, he had been to Sibyl Vane.” (Wilde 99) He says this, “This portrait would be to him the most magical of mirrors. As it had revealed to him his own body, so it would reveal to him his own soul.” (Wilde 110) The portrait helped him to understand how cruel he truly was. What are the losses? Dorian loses his sanity because of the picture. It slowly drives him mad from seeing the ruin he brought on his own soul. In the story, right before he kills Basil it says, “Dorian Gray glanced at the picture, and suddenly an uncontrollable feeling of hatred for Basil Hallward came over him, as though It had been suggested to him by the image on the canvas, whispered into his ear by those grinning lips.”(Wilde 162) The picture almost literally controls him. It destroys his life and brings ruin to his name. Why? Because it shows him his own evilness.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barns & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Dorian Gray: Question#1

The book The Picture of Dorian Gray is written in a third person point of view. The story is not told by one of the characters, but by an unknown person who is watching the story from afar. I believe that a lot of the author’s attitudes and values are seen in his characters. Most certainly Lord Henry for sure. This book has many characters that are opinionated, and I believe that even the author believed in some of the things his own characters spoke of. One of the main attitudes and opinions of Wilde was spoken by Lord Henry. One of the things Lord Henry says is, “I believe that if a man were to live out his life fully and completely, were to give form to every feeling, expression to every thought, reality to every dream—I believe that the world would gain such an impulse of joy that we would forget all the maladies of mediaevalism, and return to the Hellenic ideal—to something finer, richer, than the Hellenic ideal, it may be.”(Wilde 20) In the commentary Hellenic ideal was the ideal that homosexuality between men was accepted. Oscar Widle himself was a homosexual, so this opinion was lived out through Lord Henry. This shows his views that people should not hold themselves back and that they should give in to every feeling and not be ashamed of it. Several of the characters live out Oscar Wilde’s views, I believe. Another one of his characters says, “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” (Wilde 21) In some histories of the author it was said that this is one of the things Oscar Wilde said in other books of his, so it was a common theory he believed to be true. Wilde clearly valued people who were independent and stood for what they believed in.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barns & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

My blog topic:How would you describe Rochester?

If I had to describe Rochester, I would say he was a witty man who had a tortured past and wanted to make things right. Throughout the story you learn more and more about Rochester and his sad past. Like Jane, Rochester shares the same disappointing past, though she doesn’t realize it till later. One thing I noticed about Rochester is that he is a responsible man and usually tries to do what is best for others rather than himself. He is proven to be responsible when he takes care of Adele, though it isn’t known if she is even his child or not. He also takes responsibility of his insane wife, taking care of her though she has repetitively tried to hurt him.
Rochester seems to know that he can never really marry again as long as Bertha Mason is alive. But he still falls for Jane despite this, and through this, you start to see his weakness. He wants to be loved, but knows he can not because he is bound to Bertha.
Rochester always seems to try and please others. Even from when he was a young man he did what his father and his brother wanted him to do. And even when Jane comes back, after finding that she has been proposed to by someone else, he tells her,” Miss Eyre, I repeat it, you can leave me. How often am I to say the same thing?” (Bronte, 516) Rochester wants her to be happy because he loves her.


Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

My blog topic: Bertha Mason and Rochester in Jane Eyre

Bertha Mason seems like a very small character in Jane Eyre. She doesn’t speak or interact with anyone (well, barely…minus the several attacks) and she doesn’t speak a single word in the book. But recently I’ve found that Bertha Mason is actually a bigger part than people give her credit for. She is actually the main cause of the conflict in the story.
The reason why she is the main reason for the conflict is because she is the wife of Rochester. She is bound to Rochester by marriage, a binding pact that couldn’t be split in the time period the story was set in. This binding between Rochester and her causes many problems to arise in the story, leading to the main conflict.

First of all, she is a danger to everyone in Thornfield Hall. She tries to kill Rochester in his sleep (Bronte 170-171), brutally hurts her brother (Bronte 242), and set fire a havoc to Thornfield Hall, causing the severe injuries to Edward Rochester(Bronte 498-499). So you start to ask yourself, ‘Why does Rochester keep her around?’
Though he voices his opinions of her, which aren’t exactly good, he still keeps her in his home, even though it’s a danger. One of the reasons of course is because he doesn’t want anyone to know about her, but I also have another theory. I think that he keeps her there with him also because he wants her to be treated well. In the time period, lunatics went to asylums and were treated horribly, so I think Rochester kept her in his home because he didn’t want her harmed. He even went back in the fire to save her and help her. I think that though Bertha is the reason for his torment, Rochester still wants her to be cared for. In the end he always remembers “she is my wife”, and it takes a lot to still care for something that hurts you.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

My blog topic: Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a really hard thing to do when you have been mistreated by someone. But, surprisingly, Jane offers forgiveness to everyone who has hurt her. One of the most memorable times when Jane forgives someone is when she forgives her hateful Aunt Reed.
In the story, Jane travels a hundred miles to Gateshead to see her dying Aunt Reed. After many years without seeing her aunt, Jane is ready to forgive her aunt. When she arrives she says, “It is a happy thing that time quells the longings of vengeance, and hushes the promptings of rage and aversion; I had left this woman in bitterness and hate, and I came back to her now with no other emotion than a sort of ruth for her great sufferings and a strong yearning to forget and forgive all injuries—to be reconciled, and clasp hands in amity.”(Bronte, 267) Even as she arrives she is ready to forgive and forget.

But even as Jane offers her forgiveness, her aunt still denies her. Though her aunt tells her about the letter she kept from Jane about her uncle, and even though her aunt only offends her on her deathbed, Jane still says this, “Love me, then, or hate me, as you will, you have my full and free forgiveness; ask now for God’s and be at peace.”(Bronte, 278)


Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

My blog topic:Looks Versus Inner Beauty

Throughout the story Jane Eyre, Rochester has never been thought as “handsome” though he has been thought attractive. Why? Because it’s what is inside that counts.
Even in their first few meetings, Jane sees that truly, his appearance might not be impressive, but even so, she sees that his presence is attractive. In fact, on their second meeting she says, “I am sure most would have thought him an ugly man; yet there was so much unconscious pride in his port, so much ease in his demeanor, such a look of complete indifference to his own external appearance, so haughty a reliance on the power of other qualities…” she goes on and on and finally says that,” to atone for the lack of mere personal attractiveness.” (Bronte, 151)
Later on in the story she says, “And was Mr. Rochester now ugly in my eyes? No, reader. Gratitude, and many associations, all pleasurable and genial, made his face the object I best liked to see. His presence in a room was more cheering than the brightest fire.” (Bronte, 168) After getting to know Rochester, Jane sees that inside, he is a truly handsome and attractive character. Even in the beginning of their relationship, Jane based her love for him solely on what he was like inside, not out.
In the end of the story, Jane comes back and finds Rochester scared and crippled. He tells her she is allowed to leave him and that he understands if she doesn’t want to be with a crippled. He tells her she shouldn’t have to sacrifice her life for him and she says,” To be privileged to put my arms round what I value—to press my lips to what I love—to repose on what I trust; is that to make a sacrifice?”(Bronte,518) Jane’s love, based on inner beauty, is truly an inspiration.


Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

My blog topic: The Symbolism of the Thornfield Chestnut Tree

In the book Jane Eyre, the same night Jane accepts Rochester proposal, the chestnut tree they both sat at is struck by lighting and split into two halves (Bronte 298). Though this simple occurrence seems unimportant, it serves a big purpose in foreshadowing what is to come in the story.
The next day, Jane sees the tree and notices that the two halves are scorched and will never bare leaves again, but also sees that their roots are strong and that it could someday serve a purpose (Bronte, 321).
In the end of the book, Rochester compares himself to the tree, saying, “I am no better than the old, lightning-struck chestnut tree in Thornfield orchard and what right would that ruin have to bid a budding woodbine cover its decay with freshness?”(Bronte, 517) Jane tells him what he says is untrue. She tells him that he is “green and vigorous” and that people will want to be around him because they take delight in him and they love him for him (Bronte, 517).
The chestnut tree is a symbolism of the relationship between Rochester and Jane. The striking of the tree on the night of the proposal foreshadows the falling of the relationship. It is showing that they will be split apart due to something bad that will happen and will both be wounded in the action. But when Jane looks at the tree a few days later, she notices that, though both parts of the tree are scorched and wounded, their roots are strong. She sees that though they cannot be of use for birds and such, the two halves are still there to accompany each other. These strong roots represent the fact that though Rochester and Jane are split apart, their love for each other, or “honest roots” are strong. These roots they have with each other soon bring them together again.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003

Question#8How accurately does this novel reflect events in history? What responsibilities does the author believe exist between various groups in soc

I think this book is very accurate in reflecting history. In the book, she mentions the revising of Lowood School because of the mistreatment of the students and the living conditions, which was a big problem back then. She experiences the harsh teachers in the school. The book also discusses diseases that were problematic in that time period, like Typhus fever and Tuberculosis. Jane’s own parents and friend Helen are even victims of diseases of the time period.

Jane Eyre reflects the social differences of the time, and the equality differences that people of that time experienced. Even Jane experienced inequality problems because she was a woman. She at first experiences the difference between employees and bosses, being a governess for Rochester. When she arrives at Thornfield, she is separated from Rochester because of her job, and even before she gets married, Miss. Fairfax even mentions the fact that governess’ don’t usually end up marrying their boss (Bronte, 307).
Men and women in the book are also separated on the fact of rights and treatment. Jane feels this separation, and does her best to ignore it, saying that men and women feel the same, and aren’t different on the matters of how they feel and think (Bronte, 123).

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#7What techniques does the author use to engage the audience and make the story effective? Give examples to support you analysis ( Mystery, h

Charlotte Bronte uses thrill, suspense, mystery, action, twists, and romance to make this story more interesting for the audience.
The mystery in this story falls around the insane wife, Bertha Mason. By wrapping Thornfield in mystery and rumor, Bronte allows the audience’s mind to wonder and imagine. Because of the rumors that intertwine with Thornfield, the audience’s attention is brought to the mysterious Mr. Rochester and what he is hiding.

Bronte allows Jane to experience this mystery first hand, when she hears the laughing and screams in the night(Bronte,169), when she must go rescue Mr. Rochester from a fire without a cause(Bronte, 170-171), when Mr. Mason turns up badly injured(Bronte,242), and when she sees the ghostly figure tear her wedding veil(Bronte, 329-330). All of these happenings intrigue the audience and raise suspensions, making the reader want to read more.
The suspense and twist of the story takes place during the wedding, when Rochester reveals his secret: That he is already married and is keeping his insane wife in his home. This twist is completely unexpected and raises a new conflict.

The romance in this story also engages the audience. The love that Jane and Rochester have for each other is sweet, and full of mystery.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#6Why do we still read this book? What is so timeless about it’s message and it’s characters? What can we learn from reading this novel?

This book is still read today for many reasons. One of these reasons is because it is a great representation of what life was like in the 1900’s. It is about a woman who overcomes the inequality and hardships of the time. This book teaches us that though times are hard, if you make wise choices and are true to yourself, you can overcome almost anything. The main character, Jane, Is one of the reasons we still read this book. Jane is an inspiring character who is independent and does not let the time she is born into dictate who she is or who she can become. She speaks her mind and does not care who notices. In the book, after speaking to St. John, she says, “Again the surprised expression crossed his face. He had not imagined that a woman would dare to speak so to a man. For me, I felt at home in this sort of discourse.” (Bronte, 435) She beats to a different drum than everyone else. Another reason we still read this book is because of the romance in it. The bond between Jane and Rochester is inspirational, and their everlasting love is like no other. She chooses what’s best for her and others and makes wise decisions. Jane inspires us. That is why we still read this book.




Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#5How does this novel reflect the history, behavior, and social issues of the time period and setting? What is this books symbolic and themat

This book is set in the late 1800's, around the same time period that Charlotte Bronte lived in. Throughout the book, I noticed the cultural and social differences from our own time period.
In the book, women did not have the same rights as men. They seemed to be expected to be the tiny little wives that bent to their husbands every will and dealt with the household affairs. When they were married, they were permanently bound to their husbands, and in the book, I noticed how Jane realized this and thought hard and long about if she should accept St. John’s proposal.
The book reflects the attitudes of the men. In the book, Rochester and St. John are the representation of rich men in the 1800’s. They were both in charge and were the boss of the house. They had servants to help them and keep their houses. They lived good lives and did not think about the poor. The rich and the poor were highly separated, as were the poor from the middle class. As Jane experiences poverty and starvation after having spent her money on a trip out of Thornfield, she discovers how awful the poor are treated. (Bronte, 374-390) Wandering hungry, she experiences the feeling of having nothing and depending on little scraps of food.
This book represents the issues of that time period: The intense separation of classes and inequality between gender and money possession.


Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#4Who is the “hero” in this book and what are his/her traits? What does he/she accomplish and how is he/she portrayed? Does the hero represe

The hero in the book Jane Eyre is Jane Eyre! Jane Eyre is stubborn, kind, independent, merciful and forgiving. She is stubborn when she wants information, needs time to make a decision, or if she is being withheld of facts, like when she makes Rochester wait while she decides if she will accept his proposal or not (Bronte, 295-296). She is kind and independent and says, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.”(Bronte, 294) She stays true to herself. She is merciful and forgiving, like when she forgives her Aunt Reed after all she had done to her. Instead of cursing her for being so evil to her, Jane forgave her, and told her, ““Love me, then, or hate me, as you will,” I said at last, “you have my full and free forgiveness; ask now for God’s and be at peace.”” (Bronte, 278) Jane accomplishes something that all of us strive to do in life. She is wise in times of trouble and strife. She chooses what she thinks is best for her and for others, no matter how it hurts her. She represents the abstract idea of wisdom.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#3What universal themes does this book address? What does the author understand about human nature?

Jane Eyre addresses many universal themes! One of the themes that it addresses is the well known theme ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. One example of this theme can be found in the relationship between Rochester and Jane. Towards the end of the book, Jane finds out that Rochester has suffered a horrible accident and has lost his hand and his eye sight (Bronte, 499). She goes to him and sees his scarred face and his disabled body and loves him still. Though she had a chance at marrying an extremely handsome man, St. John, she still chooses the unhandsome Rochester. Though their bond was strong before, because of Rochester’s disabilities, they become closer even more. To others, Rochester, at first glance, would look horrible and scary, but because Jane knows what he is like inside, she looks past all that and still loves him. This book also goes over the theme ‘It is better to Forgive and Forget’. During her childhood, Jane is badly mistreated by her aunt Reed. But she goes back and sees her again, telling her she forgives her (Bronte, 278). Though her Aunt Reed still despises Jane at her death bed, she still offers her forgiveness to her aunt.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003

Question#2 What are the causes, gains, and losses of the conflict dealt with in this book?

The book Jane Eyre has many different conflicts that Jane must overcome. The main conflict is that Jane Eyre is in love with Rochester but cannot marry him and must leave him because he is already married.
The main cause of this conflict is the fact that Edward Rochester is married to Bertha Mason. Rochester, at a young age, was arranged to marry Bertha Mason by his father and his brother, even though he did not love her. He later finds out that Bertha Mason is going mad, and is still bound to her by marriage. Another cause of this conflict is the fact that Rochester keeps his wife a secret and tells no one that she is living with him in Thornfield. Because he keeps her hidden, Jane is not aware of his marriage, and does not know that she can never truly marry him.
During this conflict, Jane is the one who gains some things. Jane gains the truth. Before, she was being deceived because she was never told the truth about Bertha Mason. If she would have known that Rochester was married, she would have restrained herself and wouldn’t have agreed to marry him. She also is saved from being fooled and being married to a man who was already married.

I think this conflict has more losses than anything. Both characters involved in the main conflict loose something. None of them loose their love for each other, but they do, in a way, loose each other. Jane and Rochester both lose their fiancées and their marriage with each other. Jane loses her trust in Rochester.




Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question #1 What does the writing reveal about the authors’ values and attitudes? From what perspective does he/she write?

The writer of Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte, uses her main character, Jane, to express her attitudes and values. Author Charlotte Bronte believes in equality, though in her lifetime women were looked down upon and had fewer rights than men did. Jane, her main character, also believes in it, and expresses it throughout the book in the quote, “Women are supposed to be very calm generally; but women feel just as men feel;” (Bronte, 123). Throughout the book you’ll notice she lives her feelings through Jane Eyre. Jane values kindness and truth. She stands up for herself and sticks up for herself and others. She has a strong attitude towards those her are cruel, and voices her opinion to those who believe they can push her around, like when she tells her Aunt Reed how she feels (Bronte, 35-37). Because Charlotte Bronte uses a first person point of view, we are able to see into Jane’s mind and hers, which helps us understand the author. Bronte lives out her feelings and attitudes towards mistreatment of others through Jane, like when Jane tells Helen what she would do to Miss Scatcherd if she mistreated her as she did Helen. She says, “And if I were in your place I should dislike her; I should resist her. If she struck me with that rod, I should get it from her hand; I should break it under her nose.”(Bronte, 59) Charlotte lives out her values and attitudes through her character Jane Eyre.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

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