Friday 24 September 2010

Stop all the clocks analysis


This poem evokes strong emotions from start to finish. The first stanza seems to have a sense of denial,
                                           “Stop all the clocks, Cut off the telephone”
 These first few lines give the impression that the writer doesn’t want to accept the truth, by stopping time and shutting people out he may be able to preserve the delusion that nothing has happened for a little longer. Denial is also the first of five stages of grieving using the Kübler-Ross model, perhaps Auden is simply going through the motions of grieving, taking it one stage at a time.
The second stanza contains the line,
                                               “Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead”
 “Moaning” is a very onomatopoeic word from this you can almost visualize the type of aeroplane he meant and the “moaning” noise it would be making. The sound of the words could also be linked with the mourners in the church, the sadness and lamenting.
The third stanza is almost where he permits himself to remember his love. Like light at the end of a tunnel; a truly loving sentiment in such a somber poem.
As Auden moves onto the final stanza the atmosphere of the poem moves too. The poem slips into depression or even anger. Almost as a child throws a toy with frustration Auden orders for the night sky and the oceans etc. should be put away or discarded. And as we know from the Kübler-Ross model, Anger is the second stage of the grieving process. Perhaps if Auden had extended this poem he may have progressed through the last three stages, but as the success of the poem proves; it doesn’t need extending

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Creative writing analysis

The princess and the pea

In this newer adaption to the original fairytale we still find the characters in a generally similar concept of a damsel who takes refuge at a strangers household who then secretly test her;however unlike the original by Hans christian Anderson the damsel meets her untimely doom and doesnt get to live out the rest of her life with her true love (the prince).
Although this classic is altered its still has the iconic themes. We tried to keep it in the same era as the original was set however we gave it a twist; instead of having a narrator overlooking on events we made it into first person accounts from the princess and the prince. Since in our version the princess dies we decided to also use the prince's account so we can conclude the story instead of leaving it on a cliff hanger. the princess's views are formatted in a flashback that she writes in a diary that she keeps and the prince's through a letter meant for the princess's family.We thought this would be good since no fairytales have been written using personal experiences and it also allows you to feel like you know the princess's character since you get her own personal thoughts and opinions whereas usually these stories arent personal.We also used descriptive tachniques throughout to capture the audiences interest and there is a case of the use of metaphors to include a variety of narration.

Kite runner chapter 1 analysis

Chapter One of The Kite Runner sets the tone for the entire novel. Before we know anything about the protagonist, including his name, we learn that one moment in his past has defined his entire life.It leaves many unaswered questions that make the reader want to delve deeper into this books depths for instance who are Rahim and Hassan and to what relevance are they in the protagonists life?what is the significance of the kites from the park in San Francissco ? and possibly the most important question is what exactly happened 26 years ago with Hassan in Amir's past that could possibly define who he is in the present time.

A main feature used by Housseini is the descriptive dialogue that is used throughout. He puts so much emphasis on such minor details. Other techniques used would be personification and similies which help to give variety,and metaphors which leaves a sense of entrapment .He also uses positive and negative connotations.

One more technique could be that you also get a sense of flashbacks since there are two different settings used to establish the basis of the story: SanFrancisco (present) and Afghanistan (past) which illustrates the purpose of this chapter which is to provide eposition and to build a basis for the whole story.The way Amir describes Afghanistan gives a sense that he is detached from his former self, the fact that he travelled so far may indicate that he is running away from this former event,trying to bury it deep however it keeps latching and having a lingering grasp in Amirs life.

Monday 20 September 2010

Why is Hamlet great?

Shakespeare is known to have written many great works of art in his time and Hamlet is definitely one that won't be forgotten. It's one of his greatest tragedies; even considered one of the best tragedies of all time by some and its one of the most quoted plays. Hamlet is a story that deals with the psychological torment of a young Danish Prince.


A reason Hamlet is valued is because he spends so much time wondering about death and the value of life. Hamlet decides after the death of his parents that we're scared of death because we don't know what happens and death is something that everyone in any time of history can relate to even in todays culture; 400 years after it was originally written.


Another factor could be that every reader will have different opinions on the main character... some don't even know what to think whereas many will find that they don't know everything about the character. Hamlet himself makes you think there is something important he is keeping from you even if this something isn't known to him. . The ability to write such powerful dialogues that create this effect is one of Shakespeare’s most impressive achievements and traits.

Hamlet is seen as one of the greatest pieces of dramatic works in the English Language to date since the list for interpretations and meanings goes on, which is a main factor of why Hamlet is viewed as a classic even in the modern times. The timeless issues the play raises may be the reason this play has the reputation it has withheld over the centuries and the fact that issues from the Oedipus complex Hamlet deals with to the inner mentality of the character were thought upon in the time period it was from is quite astonishing in itself.


The princess and the pea creative writing

Dear Diary
I’ve had the worst day of my life, after the most boring banquet with the duke and his wife my coach had a broken wheel and they had no spare coach which was utterly profound so I had to walk… and of top of the despicable occurrence it started to rain; its such a shame since my silk green garment was absolutely wrecked,
Luckily after walking down a very melancholy lit country road I came across a luxurious mansion… it was incredibly beautiful; with grand white pillars that towered to the sky, majestic gold doors and windows that exploded light into the swallowing pit of darkness that I had succumbed to.
I speedily tottered in my now mud encrusted heels towards the nearest window that displayed an extravagantly decorated front room. As I peered in I could see a gorgeous fire place with a flaming orange ball blowing heat across the marble tiled floor… I longed to be warm, to feel the comfort that this mansion holds.
With this new impulse I headed towards the door… a door unlike most doors, the detail was so intricate I could see the household must have been important… However I still believe my home is much more divine than this.
As I gracefully held the bell handle and plunged it down a few times just to make sure I wouldn’t be ignored I heard a distant tapping that grew louder and sharper as the seconds commenced. Although I knew it was help a part of me was quite frightened by this small detail… it sent a shuddering chill down my spine. Now the sound was projecting through my ear drums and I couldn’t ignore it….. Just as I thought it would never end the door slowly slid ajar to release the face of a very small woman who was embellished in fine jewellery and a beautiful purple gown. Her pristine composure was quite surprising since the lady of the house never opens the door usually especially at this late hour…where were the maids? Eventually after what felt like hours her voice echoed through the high roofed hallway asking who I was. As I was briskly repeating to the elder lady of my awful troubles this godlike man appeared in the distance.
At that point I realised I must have looked a fright, my hair was strewn like an unkept bush and my dress was so ghastly at this point… I dare to think…. I must have appeared to be a common person to these hospitable people that took me in for the night. Thankfully the extremely handsome, spellbinding gentleman who I now know is her son and the PRINCE persuaded his mother to allow me in for the night until I can call for someone in the morning to collect me. They collected a maid from the lower quarters to bathe me (which happened to be the most luscious smelling oils… id say they had a hint of rosemary to them) then guided me to a newly made guestroom with the highest pile of mattresses you ever did see; god knows why there are so many mattresses… this family have very strange ways and sadly I don’t find it to much comfort but if my thoughts are correct there is something lurking in amongst them all so I’m just about to have a quick gander and see if I can solve this treacherous  annoyance. Hopefully my bad luck is over and I can have a joyous slumber.

To the unfortunate Receivers of this letter,
I am dreadfully sorry to inform you of the loss of your eldest daughter. The only consolidation I can give you is what I can conclude of her death.
She was the victim of a cruel test of my mothers. I assure you, I knew nothing of her scheme until early this morning when she confessed all, since which she has been banished by my father for crushing such a beautiful flower which your daughter was.
My mother, looking for a match for me, was unbelieving that your daughter was a princess and proceeded to test her by making her sleep upon 50 mattresses with a single pea hidden within them, knowing that nobody but a real princess would have skin delicate enough to feel the offending vegetable.
Upon finding her diary (enclosed) I believe she felt the pea and attempted to find it among her mattresses, only to fall from the great height and be crushed by the weight of the felonious bedding.
I can only offer my deepest apologies and assure you I am grieving with you, such a loss will be hard to live with. I have joined the armed forces in the hope I may join her in the eternal kingdom.
Yours terribly sincerely,
Prince Arthur.