...effective piece of writing. Or it was an effective piece of writing. The writing in Hamlet was suited for Elizabethan era audiences, wherein all figurative language, allusions, and other literary devices were intended to engage people in this time period. To make Hamlet a more accessible text to a contemporary audience we must consider updating some of the allusions within it. “O my offence is rank, it smells to heaven; It hath the primal eldest curse upon't, A brother's murder.” (3.3.137-139). And “It out herods Herod” (3,2,14) are both allusions that if given an update would effectively target a modern day teenage audience. The first allusion is one that causes great confusion to a modern day teenager as “the primal eldest” is not a familiar term in today's language. The primal eldest refers to the first recorded murder in the Christian Bible and it is used in Hamlet to compare with the crime of Claudius which is the killing of the previous king. This comparison was effective in the Elizabethan era, however today it has lost its appeal. This is most likely because Religion was a ruling force in the time of Shakespeare. It was prevalent in every aspect of society. This is not the case today. Although religion does prevail in western societies it does not have nearly the impact that it used to have. In order to make this allusion effective for today's teenager we must update it. The most effective update is “O my offence is rank, it smells to heaven; It is like the offence of Lee Harvey...
Words: 670 - Pages: 3
...targeted towards the Elizabethan Audience. The various references to the Elizabethan culture might have been effective in that time period, but in modern society students can not relate to the references made in the play. That being said, how can one update the play Hamlet to appeal to modern teenage culture. One way is by changing the play's allusions to target modern audiences. There were many allusions in the play but the one that should be updated are the references to Herod and Hecate. Updating these two allusions in Hamlet would effectively target modern teenage audience....
Words: 614 - Pages: 3
...Amber Huckabee Mrs. Miller English III Honors 21 February 2013 Allusion Report #1: Divided House The Divided House is a historical allusion. It is considered a historical allusion rather than a biblical or classical because the “Divided House” was a speech given in 1858 by Lincoln and has affected today’s society. The purpose of the “Divided House” speech was for Lincoln to tell the public what he thought the future would hold. To him, the idea of the slaves moving westward was a horrible idea, and thought all slavery should be kept in the south. The “Divided House” is important culturally for multiple reasons. First off, the “Divided House” kind of is what set today’s black and white society as we know. Without this important speech, slavery may have moved out west and continued longer that what it had. If Lincoln hadn’t stated, “I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free.” (Lincoln), we may even have slavery today due to the fact that the west is such a vast property to control. Also, the “Divided House” helped with the beginning of the end of slavery. After Lincoln’s speech, segregation had started and eventually the 13th amendment was passed which banned slavery all together. Some important information you may want to know about the “Divided House” is that it was one of Lincolns major speeches told in the year 1858 in Springfield. The purpose of the speech was to convince Americans to keep slavery in the South. By keeping slaves...
Words: 712 - Pages: 3
...Guiding Question: In the film Mother! there were countless allusions to the infamous Hebrew scripture, allusion including, but not limited to, Cain and Able and the Garden of Eden. These allusions will be compared and contrasted to the Golden Rule and also compared and contrasted to other religions that share similar/dissimilar traits. Hook: The film Mother! is Aronofsky’s contemporary way of spreading biblical allusions to a modern society in a controversial manner. Background/Context: The film Mother! is a unique film that references the Hebrew Scriptures. It is interesting in the sense that it is the most recent, popular movie to come to theaters that forces viewers to consider the connection it draws to the Hebrew Scriptures. This topic is unique and was selected because, as mentioned before, it has not been over analyzed like many prominent movie series have been; movie series such as the Harry Potter Series or perhaps the Narnia series. Instead of the traditional research, the exploration of an unprecedented topic on the new film has been conducted....
Words: 1189 - Pages: 5
...and isolated from the richness of life itself.” (Daniel Goleman) In T.S, Eliot’s, the Wasteland, the modern city is depicted as dark and hopeless, lacking any passion and characterized by lifelessness. Through his bleak description of the modern day man, Eliot is able to express his feelings of disgust towards the modern world. He feels alienated from this world in which the living dead roam, communication has been butchered, gender identity has been lost, and the carnal human has come to rule. The modern world, he believes, is corrupt to the point of no hope. Through his use of allusion and descriptive diction Eliot creates for the reader this wretched and lifeless modern world through the looking glass of his own perceptions and emotions. Eliot believes that the modern world is in a state of Purgatory in which all humanity has been lost. He relates London to Dante’s Inferno. In the Inferno, Virgil guides Dante into the center of the earth where he finds the devil. In the devil’s mouth are Brutus, Cassius, and Judas, three great betrayers who will forever reside in the infernal world. With this allusion, Eliot is suggesting that Londoners are betrayers against the good of society; against what is right. The modern man is like a dehumanized drone wandering the wasteland in cyclical toil. Man walks around seemingly dead; however, not only are the people damned, but the modern city as a whole is damned. Similarly, in the movie, Chinatown, the dehumanization and objectivity...
Words: 905 - Pages: 4
...evil in an era and society that was so religious-oriented. It makes you wonder about hypocrisy that still goes on today. It’s no wonder “Young Goodman Brown” is considered a classic and with good reason too. The story contained symbolism, irony, and allusion. Its main theme could still be applied to issues in the modern day world. “Young Goodman Brown” takes place in a New England town during the 17th Century, a time when Puritan beliefs where still very much in practice. In the beginning of the story Brown is already burdened with guilt at the fact that he has lied to his wife, “Faith”, about going to a secret meeting in the woods. Faith, is not just a name, but is symbolic for what Brown is struggling to hold on to throughout the story. Her pink ribbon signifies innocence which can still be spared and she pleads him to stay. It’s ironic that Brown constantly tells himself he’ll turn back yet he never does. Brown is tempted and stunned by the sight of supposedly “pure” and well respected members of his town and of the church. Let’s not forget the mysterious old man that guides Brown through the woods. If you can remember Brown recalls seeing a snake that turns into a walking cane. I guess you could say this is a biblical allusion to Adam and Eve and Eve being tempted by the snake to disobey God. The roles in this case are switched where Brown is Eve and Adam is Faith. It is known that “Young Goodman Brown” was sort of a folktale for children during the 17th Century and it makes...
Words: 638 - Pages: 3
...John Steinbeck makes many Biblical allusions in his book The Grapes of Wrath. Many of these connections are on a small layer, perhaps applying to only one individual. Jim Casy, the Christ figure, is one example of an allusion from the New Testament. However, the whole book can be seen as a Biblical allusion to the story of the Exodus and the life of Moses. Not only does the story of the fictional Joad family relate to the Exodus, but the story of the Okies and the great migration that took place during the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s. This compelling story of the migrants can be divided into three parts: the oppression, the exodus, and the Promised Land. The chronicle of the Exodus begins with the Hebrews being enslaved to the Egyptians. Because of this, God sent ten plagues to Egypt. After the tenth plague, the pharaoh agreed to let the Hebrews become free and their journey across the desert is known as the Exodus. Thus the modern word exodus refers to any mass migration or departure of a large group of people. The excursion of the migrant workers can be described as a modern day exodus (compared to time-period of the Biblical story). Like the Hebrews, the Joad family and the rest of the migrants end up fleeing from their oppressors, which happens to be the banks. The period of time when the Okies use Route 66 as a way to move cross-country is the true exodus of the story, as it is a migration of a people. The migrants reaching California can be compared to the Hebrews finally reaching...
Words: 415 - Pages: 2
...The Effect of Allusions in Hamlet Sometimes it takes a clearly conveyed comparison to fully understand a difficult concept. The greatest authors of all time create novels with important points that are not quite so obvious, and the reader has to do a little digging to grasp the intended meaning. When regarding Shakespearean plays, readers will surely notice that they are riddled with enigmas. How does Shakespeare give the reader clues to help grasp the novel? He uses allusions, carefully-placed references to something else. One of the finest places to look for Shakespearean allusions is Hamlet, a tragedy about the negative effect of ambition and revenge. The result of William Shakespeare incorporating allusions into Hamlet is the readers have a more sophisticated understanding of themes, characters, and conflicts. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, he uses allusions in order to develop themes in the play. One of the major themes in the play is action vs. inaction. In Act 1, Scene 5, Hamlet talks with the ghost of his father about the cause of his death. The ghost informs him that it was his uncle Claudius, as he suspected, and that it is imperative that he seek revenge at once. The ghost says, “I find thee apt. And duller shouldst thou be than the fat weed that roots itself in ease on Lethe Wharf, wouldst thou not stir in this.” The ghost sees that Hamlet is eager to get revenge, but little does he know, this allusion is a prediction of what is to come. The ghost’s statement...
Words: 1024 - Pages: 5
...noteworthy inaugural speeches. They both use similar styles of rhetoric, such as use of repetition and allusion. The election of Barack Obama in 2008 marked a turning point in American history. With the election of the first black president, it was a signal America was moving in the right direction towards equality and away from racial prejudices of the past. As a result of his election, American people...
Words: 1050 - Pages: 5
...oppression. El Saadawi utilizes numerous references to the Christian ideology of a Christ-figure and of rebirth through baptism by depicting Firdaus’ experiences of escaping numerous abusers throughout her life. In contrast, Coates alludes to Malcolm X’s, his childhood idol, tendency to defend what he believed was right and just, even if it went against societal standards instilled by the same Christian Bible. Through Coates’ self-proclaimed identification with Malcom X’s life and struggles with society for equality, Coates creates a man versus society conflict that is reminiscent of El Saadawi’s depiction of Firdaus’ struggles to overcome the oppression placed upon her due to her gender. Nawal El Saadawi and Ta-Nenisi Coates each utilizes allusions to religious texts in order to develop a theme of prolonged oppression, through institutionalized sexism in Woman at Point Zero, and racism in Between the World and Me, with varying levels of success. El Saadawi alludes to several states of “rebirth,” in Firdaus’ life, where she finds herself starring starkly at her own reflection in order to depict her growth throughout the novel. After each escape, the image alters slightly, symbolizing a stage of rebirth each time. For example, when she escapes the abusive Bayoumi and first experiences prostitution, she states that “when I opened my eyes and looked into the mirror I realized that now I was being born again with a new body, smooth and tender as a rose petal.” (71). This pattern repeats...
Words: 1382 - Pages: 6
...1) Siddhartha- Hermann Hesse A) Archetypal Criticism: Hermann Hesse has incorporated numerous symbols, metaphors and allusions into his work to help the reader understand the story of Siddhartha better. Similarly, Archetypes are also present in this book. The main Archetypal character in the book is Siddhartha. He is a seeker who wants to experience a better, more authentic and more fulfilling life by achieving enlightenment. He fears being trapped and is true to his soul. For example, he leaves the Brahmins, the Samanas and Gotama Buddha in pursuit of more knowledge to fulfill his desire of gaining enlightenment. Similarly, Vasudeva is also another Archetypal character in the story. He serves as a counselor towards Siddhartha and is a role model to him. For example, in the chapter “the ferryman” Siddhartha surrenders to Vasudeva his entire self, even his clothes, in order to follow his example in leading a life of calm fulfillment and wisdom. Along with archetypal characters, archetypal symbols are also present in the book. The River is definitely the most influential archetypal symbol in the book. It represents the flowing of time and transitional phases of the life cycle. For example, whenever a great transition occurred in the book like when Siddhartha left Gotama Buddha and also when he abandoned his wealth he came to the river. When Siddhartha observed the river he learned that the river exists only in the present, it is everywhere at once, upstream...
Words: 2470 - Pages: 10
...Declaration of Independence. Which was written by a former slave. Also Poems and a essay from 19th century philosopher. Another poem from the 8th century by a Chinese poet. One article from the modern 21 century on kids and how they view and why you should have a open mind about philosophy. People say that the writing in the last 200 years has gone through a few changes. All the stories we read might or might not be connected somehow and someway. Clearly this will be a essay about how each story and poems maybe connected or not. The changes I had observed is theme is that nowadays it's about disillusionment and dreams. Metaphor It really...
Words: 839 - Pages: 4
...1331 28 September 2011 Investigating the Impact of History on Modern Society within Natasha Trethewey’s Native Guard Rooted in the shadows of history, Native Guard by Natasha Trethewey intertwines personal and historical accounts to scrutinize the impact of the past on the present. Trethewey’s Native Guard is divided into three sections, which chronicle her mother’s life and death, the erased history of the Louisiana Native Guard, and Trethewey’s childhood in Mississippi. These different stories amalgamate, and open a dialogue about the impact of history on today’s world. Throughout Native Guard Trethewey infuses emotion into these untold stories by including personal reflections regarding each event that transpired. The third and final section of the book though, is the most important component to the overall work; it details Trethewey’s connections to her memories of growing up in Mississippi. This section synthesizes each unique focus of Native Guard, and consequentially forms one united theme: the importance of remembering of the past—the recorded, the biased, and the erased—due to its impact on the future. The final poem, “South” of Natasha Trethewey’s Native Guard, specifically highlights this theme by utilizing extended metaphors, integrating of memories with historical details, and infusing irony to illustrate racial conflicts. Trethewey begins the poem “South” with an extended metaphor discussing present-day racism in Mississippi, despite the leaps and bounds towards racial...
Words: 1552 - Pages: 7
...“Invitation To Murder” took place in New York city, New York during modern time in Mr. and Mrs. Abott’s room. The author Josh Patcher used situational irony. Patcher creates an allusion that a action will have a certain effect but takes an unexpected turn. Many parts of the story, even the title involves situational irony. Mr. Abott’s medication and trip skiing created situational irony. Mrs. Abott tried to blame the detectives for the murder of her husband until the men proposed an unexpected turn. The name labeled as care giver made to represent Mrs. Abott toward her husband introduced situational irony. The men taught to obey the law began to lead to situational irony. —The title of the story “invitation to murder” introduced situational irony. It was provoked when Mrs.Abott made well known detectives arrive at her house in order to accuse them for the murder of Mr.Abott. When Mr.Abott traveled on vacation he had an accident. When skiing he tumbled, resulting in him becoming paralyzed. The occurrence of going on vacation does not usually bring out the outcome of a possible paralyzed human being. In the the resolution of the accident Mr. Abott was put on a certain medication. The medication was poisonous to most humans, but in Mr.Abotts case it was his cure. Mr.Abott had to take the...
Words: 611 - Pages: 3
...Persuasion is a major part of Jonathan Edwards sermon he uses many metaphors, hyperbole, and other rhetorical devices to convey the Puritans. Edwards used a fearful and wrathful tone to persuade the unconverted to convert. He forcefully wanted people to convert thus feeling shameful. Edwards instilled biblical allusions into his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,’’ such as spending eternal life in the fiery mouth of hell (line 50-51). He is presenting this sermon to the Puritans and is preaching the word that God has provided us with (the bible). Puritans and anyone who was in that same era did not really think about what they themselves wanted, they just went with the crowd. Edwards has an opinion and he might have been opinionated and wanted to help them for the greater good but, at the end everyone was just so fearful. He provided them with biblical allusions that were taken into an exaggeration. In reality nobody really knows what is to come after death. Everyone now in the modern day has their own opinion but is all about the faith you have. He was grabbing the attention of the audience by using imagery of being dropped out of God’s hand and falling into hell. Edwards used reverse psychology he offered information about hell and everything about the Puritans that was wrong but was only doing that so he...
Words: 947 - Pages: 4
