English Literature

The movie O Brother, Where Art Thou can be considered to be a film based on the Homers epic The Odyssey in terms of its plot and character. One can clearly see that Everett, the protagonist in the film, is closely similar to Odysseus, Homers main character on The Odyssey. Their personalities are noticeably alike as well as some of their several encounters. Some of these situations are their experience on a creature they called Cyclops and encounter on the enchanting songs of the Sirens. In terms of their personalities, one of their similarities is their main objective getting back to their families. To achieve his goal, Odysseus goes into his hometown, Ithaca, to kill the suitors to take back his wife. Similarly, Everett barges in a KKK meeting to rescue his friend Tommy. Though they are alike in many aspects, they both have their own set of differences.

Both characters encounter their own versions of the Cyclops. It is clear that both descriptions of the creature also have similar physical characteristics - a large man having only an eye. Also, the Cyclops in both stories attacks each character while they are not expecting them. In The Odyssey, Odysseus and his crew are relaxing and having a feast when the Cyclops savagely assaults them. Similarly, the Cyclops in O Brother, Where Art Thou attacks Everett while he is on a picnic. The two protagonists are either imprisoned or robbed. Both Odysseus and Everett escape their own Cyclops by creating their own versions of distraction  Odysseus and his crew hiding under the sheep while Everett acts as if he is a member of the KKK. Another similar scene of The Odyssey and O Brother, Where Art Thou is their encounter of the captivating song of the Sirens. Both Everett and Odysseus utilize the unusual smell of wax to counter the Sirens magical call. Overcoming their encounter with the Sirens makes Everett and Odysseus able to go on with their expedition.

In terms of personality, both Everett and Odysseus do not fully trust their comrades. Along his travel with his men, Odysseus carries a bag but does not reveal what is inside of it to them. Likewise, Everett does not trust on what his friends say that baptism will clear away all their sins but he still goes on with them. Though both of them ventures on with their buddies to achieve their respective goals, Everett and Odysseus do not trust them fully that they will tell or accept certain things or beliefs to them.
Though Everett and Odysseus have a range of similar characteristics and encounters, they also have their differences. One is their beliefs on religion. Odysseus is a pious man while Everett does not believe in any god nor the clearing away of sins. Although Odysseus is not very appreciative of the help given to him by the Gods, he does believe that they do really exist. On contrary, Everett does not believe that a mere ritual like when a priest dips you beneath the water (for baptism) will clear your sins or even improve your personality. In addition, Odysseus has only a son, Telemachus, while Everett has seven daughters.

The movie O Brother, Where Art Thou and Homers The Odyssey have a lot of comparable details in terms of character and plot. Odysseus and Everett are almost exactly the same as if they are twins though they also have some differences. Everett and Odysseus are probing, self-centered leaders with the same set of objectives. Everett, though very similar to Odysseus in terms of personality and characteristics, also has some distinctions that make him a unique individual. The movie O Brother, Where Art Thou depicts the dilemma of a man during the depression molded by the efforts of Odysseus in Homers great epic The Odyssey.

An Explication and Analysis on The Social Meanings of Poes The Tell Tale Heart (1843) and The Fall of the House of Usher (1839), and Hawthornes The Birthmark (1843) and Rapaccinis Daughter (1844)

An Explication and Analysis on The Social Meanings of Poes The Tell Tale Heart (1843) and The Fall of the House of Usher (1839), and Hawthornes The Birthmark (1843) and Rapaccinis Daughter (1844)
Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne are two renowned authors who have already established a name in the world of literature as masters when it comes to the unfathomable and highly dramatic short stories. These authors have become typical subjects of discussion when tackling novels that are inclined on the more gloomy and poignant themes. Over the years, their works have been highly acclaimed by literary critics not just due to the perceived literary quality of such works, but also due to the perceived significance of the meanings of such works in portraying the ambiguous ideal of human condition. Hence, the objective of this discussion shall focus on analyzing the significance of the social meanings employed in Hawthorne and Poes works to the reality of human condition. This discussion shall also look into the literary quality of the poets works based on the effectiveness of their usage of the primary literary elements. Thus, the succeeding parts of this discussion shall particularly explore two of each authors famous works specifically, Poes The Tell Tale Heart and The Fall of the House of Usher, and Hawthornes  The Birthmark and Rapaccinis Daughter.

The Tell Tale Heart (1843) and The Fall of the House of Usher (1839) by Edgar Allan Poe
The Tell Tale Heart is one of Poes most famous and most reviewed works. In this story a man who is psychologically disturbed claims that he is not mad. Despite the apparent irregularity and strangeness in the unnamed protagonists behavior, he still claims and argues to the readers that he is not insane. The obsession in this story can be seen on the protagonists thoughts about his old neighbors blue eyes, his heartbeat and his sanity as well.

It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain but once conceived, it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye yes, it was this He had the eye of a vulture --a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold and so by degrees --very gradually --I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever. (Poe, 1993, p. 221)

In these lines, the anxiety of the protagonist as he talks about the old mans eyes is very obvious. However, just like a child who tries so hard to fight off his fears, it appears that the unnamed protagonist in this story also struggles in fighting off the thought that he might already be going insane. The elements of exposition, conflict and rising action are very notable in this story. It is incontestable that the story was made more exciting and thrilling as Poe vividly pictures the scenes as well as the emotions and feelings of his characters. In each scene, the protagonists rising anxiety about the old mans blue eyes and heartbeat is augmented and emphasized by stirring narration True --nervous --very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am but why will you say that I am mad The disease had sharpened my senses --not destroyed --not dulled them. (Poe, 1993, p. 221). On the other hand, The Fall of the House of Usher depicts a more gothic and eerie setting. Unlike in the previously discussed story, in this story, the author focuses on the setting instead on the thoughts of the protagonist. It seems like the author wanted to build up the supernaturality in the story by emphasizing on the setting. However, just like in the first story, Poe also dwelled on the characters dim thoughts. Most of the interesting exposition in this story comes from the unnamed narrator. However, it can also be observed that Roderick Usher, also displaces most of the exposition. In this story, the traditional portrayal of a haunted house and ghostly figures were revived beautifully by Poe. The most notable point in the story comes from the climactic scene in the end where Roderick finally revealed to the narrator that he his sister rose from her tomb so avenge her death. Just like in the first story, the obsession in this tale lies on Rodericks belief that the house has been haunted for years, and that staying there did not really do anything pleasant for his and his sisters health. Just like the protagonist in The Tell Tale Heart, Roderick Usher also appears to me obsessed with eerie thoughts like death and ghosts. Though this character appears more sane and normal than the character from the first story, they nonetheless both present a similar kind of obsession toward dark and enigmatic ideals such as death, darkness and loneliness.

The Birthmark (1843) and Rapaccinis Daughter (1844) by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Hawthorne has also presented interesting depictions of obsessions as what can be observed in his two works, The Birthmark and Rapaccinis Daughter. In The Birthmark, Hawthorne introduces a character, Aylmer, who presents a very interesting obsession on her wife, Georginas birthmark. Aylmer thinks that his wife is almost perfect, and that the birthmark on her almost flawless cheek is the greatest hindrance to such perfection.

Had she been less beautiful, -- if Envys self could have found aught else to sneer at, -- he might have felt his affection heightened by the prettiness of this mimic hand, now vaguely portrayed, now lost, now stealing forth again and glimmering to and fro with every pulse of emotion that throbbed within her heart but seeing her otherwise so perfect, he found this one defect grow more and more intolerable with every moment of their united lives. It was the fatal flaw of humanity which Nature, in one shape or another, stamps ineffaceably on all her productions, either to imply that they are temporary and finite, or that their perfection must be wrought by toil and pain. (Hawthorne, 1865, p. 46)

The obsession of Aylmer evidently focuses on his wifes frustrated perfection. His perspective of the scar is like a minute imperfection which seemed to destroy and ruin a potentially surpassing beauty. As a follower of science, it is quite understandable that Aylmer creates develops a peculiar obsession to beauty as he must have been used to doing things perfectly and flawlessly through the help of scientific tools. However, Aylmers greatest dilemma comes as he is faced with the reality that not all imperfections can be corrected by science, as not all imperfections are needed to be corrected. On the other hand, Rapaccinis Daughter tells a more familiar kind of obsession to the readers. In this story, Hawthorne introduces Giovanni, a young lad who has always been fascinated about the beautiful things he encounters. A day came when he set foot on Dr. Rapaccinis garden filled with the most beautiful plants and landscaping. It is also in this place where he meets, Beatrice, Rapaccinis daughter. This is where Giovanis obsession starts.

Giovanni has been used to seeing the most beautiful things in the world no matter how scrutinizing his eyes are. He immediately considers Beatrice as the most beautiful creature he laid eyes upon from the first time he sees her. Giovanni thinks that Beatrice is another flower, the human sister of those vegetable ones, as beautiful as they-- more beautiful than the richest of them-- but still to be touched only with the glove, nor to be approached without a mask (Hawthorne, 2004, p. 4). Both of these works by Hawthorne evidently displays characters with particular obsessions of the value of beauty and perfection. It is quite obvious that the author holds a particular leaning on the ideal of beauty and perfection as a natural human obsession. Although both stories did not consist of powerful expositions and climactic scenes, both tales nonetheless presents an incontestable reality that human nature really allows people to develop some forms of obsession towards beauty and perfection.
Both authors displayed interesting perspectives on human nature and human condition. Through the depiction of the theme of obsession, both authors appear to argue interesting thoughts about some realities of human condition. Poe, through his works, The Tell Tale Heart and The Fall of the House of Usher appears to center his perspective on the natural human tendency to deteriorate in terms of psychological health or sanity. Through these works, Poes perspectives about some reality on being insane and psychologically disturbed appear very clear. It seems like the author considers such a condition as one of the most precarious state any person can ever be in. Poe also seems to argue that insanity is nonetheless a naturally occurring possibility which can either be brought by mental deterioration due to old-agedness or due to extreme psychological trauma. On the other hand, Hawthorne displays an interesting leaning on beauty and perfection. Based on his two works, The Birthmark and Rapuccinis Daughter, Hawthorne presents obsession to beauty and perfections as one of the primary causes of human desperation.

Hawthorne apparently argues that an obsession to beauty and perfection is one of the most natural human obsessions however, this can also be one of the most potent sources of human desperation, as what has been depicted in the ending of the two stories. Thus, it can be inferred that as per the authors objective of depicting realities about the human condition, the theme of obsession has really been very significant. Through this theme, the driving force and the anxieties of the characters about their obsessions became very evident thus making the natural tendencies of humans to be fixated on things like loneliness, death, beauty and perfection more perceptible.

A Critical Analysis and Interpretation of Hawthornes Rapaccinis Daughter (1844) and The Birthmark (1843), and Poes The Fall of the House of Usher (1839) and The Tell Tale Heart (1843)
Seldom do writers of clichd subject matters as death, loneliness, love and beauty stand out today. Nowadays, it appears like a writer would have to really make a difference in terms of literary style and subject matter before making a considerable impact. However, this does not appear to be the case when it comes to Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe. These two authors are incontestably two of the greatest from their generation. No matter how clichd or ordinary their works may seem, it appears like they still hold powerful influences to their readers regardless of how long they have been in the industry. Some of the most common things that are observed to appear consistent from the works of these authors are the themes leaning on darkness, sadness, desperation, pain, fear and death. However, one peculiar and interesting theme which also appears consistent in most of their works is the theme of obsession. In this discussion, the usage of the theme of obsession shall be critically analyzed and interpreted. Furthermore, this discussion shall also look into the smaller literary elements used that might have contributed to the overall significance of the theme of obsession the authors portrayal of human condition.

Hawthornes Rapaccinis Daughter and The Birthmark
Rapaccinis Daughter is a depiction of a typical form of human obsession, which is that on attractiveness and physical beauty. Giovanni, the main protagonist in this story, develops such kind of obsession which will consistently command the story up to the end. Giovanni was described in the story as a man who has been used to all pleasant and attractive sights. He is also a man who is particularly communicative of his appreciation on things he perceives with beauty. He sets foot on Dr. Rapaccinis garden and here he witnesses a different kind of attraction which swept his heart. He first becomes attracted to the wonder of Rapaccinis garden, which he first thought could possibly be kept by magical creatures due to their marvel. Though used to different sorts of beauty, Giovanni still keeps a scrutinizing eye. But no matter how critical his eyes were, he suddenly falls and grows obsessed with Rapaccinis daughter, Beatrice, at first sight. Upon seeing Beatrice, Giovanni was immediately made to believe that she is the most wonderful creature he has ever come across. Giovanni suddenly speaks of sweet words of adoration and says Beatrice is but another flower, the human sister of those vegetable ones, as beautiful as they-- more beautiful than the richest of them-- but still to be touched only with the glove, nor to be approached without a mask (Hawthorne, 2004, p. 4). Through this, Giovannis obsession becomes clearly apparent. In this part, the author evidently presents his perspective which seemed to say that beauty is always a trap which has the ability to successfully capture every mans obsession and attraction.

On the other hand, Hawthorne presents a similar yet more contemporary character in The Birthmark through Aylmers character. In this story, the obsession centers on a beautiful ladys birthmark on her cheek. Georgina, Aylmers wife, is considered by many as a very fair lady. Aylmer longs to consider his wife as the most perfect creature, however, the birthmark seems to make to it difficult for him to say so. Though Aylmer expresses his great love to his wife, his wanting to remove such an imperfection is just very evident from these lines

Had she been less beautiful, -- if Envys self could have found aught else to sneer at, -- he might have felt his affection heightened by the prettiness of this mimic hand, now vaguely portrayed, now lost, now stealing forth again and glimmering to and fro with every pulse of emotion that throbbed within her heart but seeing her otherwise so perfect, he found this one defect grow more and more intolerable with every moment of their united lives. It was the fatal flaw of humanity which Nature, in one shape or another, stamps ineffaceably on all her productions, either to imply that they are temporary and finite, or that their perfection must be wrought by toil and pain. (Hawthorne, 1865, p. 46)

From this, it appears evident that just like Giovanni in Rapaccinis Daughter, Aylmers obsession also centers on physical beauty and attractiveness. However, considering that Aylmer is depicted as a man of science, it can also be assumed that this kind of obsession may root from his familiarity to perfection. It is quite explicable that Aylmer develops such kind of obsession towards beauty since he has been used to everything that is perfectly made through systematic tools of science. However, this story also seems to entail that not all flaws and blemishes can indeed be remedied.

Both Rapaccinis Daughter and The Birthmark presents interesting characters who develops obsession on physical beauty. Furthermore, it can also be observed that these works of Hawthorne seem to center on the ideal of love and attraction. In terms of strength of literary elements such as exposition and climax, both stories did not appear to be powerful enough. Nonetheless, both tales were still able present an undeniable truth about human nature, that being human comes with the inescapable tendency to develop  strong liking and obsession towards physical attractiveness and beauty.

Poes The Fall of the House of Usher and The Tell Tale Heart
The Fall of the House of Usher is one of Edgar Allan Poes most reviewed and analyzed works which falls under the gothic and horror genres. This story obviously depicts one of the most eerie and gothic settings in all of Poes works. Instead of focusing solely on the characters, this story considers the setting which also serves a significant role in building up the theme of the supernaturality and horror. In looking at the literary elements, it can be observed that this story displays an interesting kind of exposition which usually comes from the anonymous narrator. However, the main protagonist, Roderick Usher also appears to reveal some of the most intriguing twists in the plot. One interesting feature in this story is the portrayal of a typical haunted house. In this setting, Poe takes the readers into a memorable climactic scenario where the ghost of Rodericks sister finally revealed itself in front of him and the anonymous narrator. At this part of the story, Roderick confesses to the narrator everything he has been hearing and feeling inside the house. At this point, Rodericks obsession to ghosts and supernatural creatures becomes very much obvious.

On the other hand, The Tell Tale Heart also presents a similar kind of obsession which can be easily seen from the character of the anonymous character, who keeps on claiming his sanity despite his incontestable psychological instability. In this story, the protagonist reveals his intent to kill an old neighbor due to some dim-witted causes such as the old mans eyes and heartbeat. But aside from being shallow reasons for murder, these symbols also appear to be the protagonists object of obsession as he keeps on mentioning it all throughout the story.

It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain but once conceived, it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye yes, it was this He had the eye of a vulture --a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold and so by degrees --very gradually --I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever. (Poe, 1993, p. 221)

From this excerpt, the protagonists obsession and apprehension on the old mans blue eyes become evident. His struggle to get rid of such kind of apprehension and disturbance can be compared to that of an individual who is trying to get rid of an itch. Such kind of obsession is all about getting rid of something which appears to be consistently bothersome and vexing. Aside from a very stirring depiction of the protagonist, some of the most remarkable features in this story are the stirring conflict, heightened action as well as the believable exposition. Through clear and perceivable depictions of the murderers emotions and thoughts, Poe is able to pull the reader into a strange and interesting kind of obsession which can also be very frightening at some points. Every scene heightens the murderers wanting to get rid of the mans pale blue eyes and heartbeat which was further enhanced by a captivating narration True --nervous --very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am but why will you say that I am mad The disease had sharpened my senses --not destroyed --not dulled them. (Poe, 1993, p. 221).

As what can be observed, similar to the previously discussed story, Tell Tale Heart presents the reality that human nature can also be strange enough to let an individual be obsessed on grim thoughts such as death, loneliness, and darkness. Through these two stories, Poe was able to show that indeed, human obsession can also be very perilous.

The portrayal of the theme of obsession in the works of the two authors presents a very interesting reality about human condition obsession can indeed be one of the most dangerous and deceiving state any person can ever be in. Both authors seem to suggest that obsessions can be potent sources and roots of human anxiety. They also appear to suggest that some of humans most implicative actions are pushed by obsessions. Hence, this goes to show that obsession is indeed an inescapable reality when it comes to human condition. And through the depiction of this theme in the works of Hawthorne and Poe, it becomes clearer that passion and obsession can be human beings most influential and commanding driving forces.

Internal Conflicts (within a person)
1. Sunny struggles being a mother. She has not given a name for her child and calls him whatever the situation is or her feelings are.
2. She has lost her vigor to live ever since her and Daltons band was disbanded at the peak of their career.
3. She does not stand up for herself.
4. She thinks of giving up her child by leaving her somewhereto be dropped off accidentally at the river or be eaten by the snow leopard at the zoo.
5. She is afraid of Dalton leaving her behind if she cannot keep the baby quiet.
External Conflicts (person vs. another personenvironment)
1. Dalton does not recognize the baby as his. He just calls him it.
2. He keeps on smoking grass, hash or opium, and he always gets drunk. At times, he lets Sunny take drugs even if he knows that she is breastfeeding their baby.
3. After being disbanded, they did not find other means to get back on track by finding even menial jobs. They chose to sulk in their depression.
4. Dalton is a coward. He does not think of his family.
5. Sunny is being waived by these situations. She simply wants to give up.

Freewrite
It is disheartening learning that these two parents forget what their responsibilities are. Though, their group have been disbanded, still they should have gotten up from this loss. Instead of getting hooked into drugs and alcohol they should have thought of rebuilding themselves and start fixing their lives. Thinking of not giving a name for the child even mean that they care not of him. They dont even have plans for the future, instead digging up their own graves even deeper than ever. It was sad but this really happen in our realities.

Theme Statement
Even though life is tough and we will often face failures, we should still dust off ourselves, pat our shoulders, and start taking steps again while looking towards our goals ahead.
 (Full Name)
(Instructors Name)
(Course)
(Date)

My Ending of the Story
As she was busy imagining these things, something caught her attention. She saw an adorable cat. It probably lives at a nearby house, or perhaps lives on the street, she thought. She even gave it a name in mind Meow. But to her amazement, four cute little kittens followed behind. Obviously, theyre Meows babies. One was as white as snow, the second was as black as charcoal, while the other two had gray stripes as in a zebra. But Meows fur has orange spots splattered on its back, she wondered. As she was watching them, she noticed how many times the mother looked back and called the kittens whenever one got distracted. Its as if Meows always checking if its babies were complete, paying close attention to where theyre going.

Sunny smiled to herself, murmuring how sweet the mother was. She didnt even realize that she was closely watching the cat until Meow fed the little ones. Her heart suddenly felt strange towards what she was witnessing. She saw how detailed the mother was in cleaning the kittens, making sure they were satisfied with the milk, not leaving till all was finished. And off they went, who knows where.

What are you thinking Dalton asked.

Nothing, she said again for the nth time.

But she was uncertain of what she was feeling. Hey eyes seemed to be looking for an answer when suddenly, he saw her son. My son, she whispered in her thoughts. How did I turn out to be like this My son... my flesh and blood... Why did your mother become so heartless Her tears flowed endlessly as she picked up the fragile boy. Sunny looked at her poor child as if seeing him for the first time. Her heart seemed to have been alienated of this emotion. This feeling that should have been innate in mans being. A very natural aspect of her nature. LOVE.

You will now be called, Sunshine. I may be named Sunny but I will become brighter than ever, for you are my Sunshine. And from now on, I wont let anything or anyone harm you. Not even you father.

Joseph Swetnams work The Arraignment of Lewd, Idle, Froward, and Unconstant Women cannot be seen in a very positive light. It gives a very shallow and one-faced picture of women at those times. If at all they were ladies, they were the worst of the lot.
They are like Eagles which will always fly where the carrion is. is what he thinks of these kind of women. These words might be true but arent the men fools enough to lose themselves to the charm of such women Strangely enough Swetnam never raises a finger to mens intelligence or sanity. It is always this sect of women that is targeted.

As a response to Swetnams venom-filled work, feminist writer Rachel Speght writes in an essay, Whoso makes the fruit of his cogitations extant to the view of all men should have his work to be as a well-tuned instrument, in all places according and agreeing, the which I am sure yours doth not. This is absolutely true because Swetnam draws absolutely foolish Biblical references with sexual innuendos which would enrage any sane reader.

The only fun in Swetnams piece is reserved for a sexist who would be looking out for reasons to find flaws in women. If Swetnam has the audacity to say, Then who can but say that women sprung from the Devil, he surely hasnt got his Bible right. Or he might be frivolous enough to ridicule the Bible.

He might be talking about the frivolous, lewd, idle women in his piece but his attack is more massive in its approach. Never does he speak of the minority. In fact he takes the veil of a minority and pin-points the exact opposite. This essay is more of a mans insecurity than a matured piece of writing. Swetnam is unable to furnish his essay with more concrete examples and has taken refuge in pointless and arbitrary statements which do nothing but fuel up the anger in the mind of any sane reader.

Blackberry Winter by Robert Penn Warren is a short story narrated by a man recalling his past. It is  based on the life of a forty four year old man narrating the events that occurred when he was nine.  Based in the writers homeland of rustic Tennesse , the storys events show the tough and grueling life led by the narrator (Bohner 169). The story has strong undertones of religion as Biblical references make a constant appearance in the text. This is coupled with specific examples like the Garden of Eden, the appearance of the anti-Christ and the disastrous flood.  The setting, writing style and themes help emphasize the shift of the narrators perspective from childhood to adulthood.

The story is set in a small town that is destroyed by the oncoming of a ruthless storm. The entire region is flooded as the creek overflows. The water washes away the crops of this rural town and leaves its inhabitants suffering. Seth, the narrator of the story describes the situation in two households that of his own and his friend Jebbs. The story is marred by the arrival of a stranger who volunteers to work to help Seths family with the damage caused by the flood in exchange for food.  Seth also narrates the situation in his friends home as he trails off to their house. Here he discovers woman-mizry.  The story ends with the stranger being asked to leave Seths house. This mans rude behavior is a strong aspect of the end. The story ends with Seth following the man who angrily curses at him and asks him to leave.

Warren uses narration as his writing style for this story. The impact of Seth as a first- person narrator is strong because it allows the reader to gauge an exact perspective on the events that unfold.  However, Warren does not reveal that the story is written by a grown man until the epilogue. The idea of memory plays an important role in the style of the story. The reader is forced to think of the perspective that has altered as the narrator has grown older. This style also makes the reader think of the impact that the harsh life has had on the narrator. It is difficult to tell whether the life has altered because of the one day narrated in the story or the life that followed.  Also, because the reader is aware of the changes in age of the narrator, the ambiguity in the story is unexpected. The now older narrator is assumed to have a better understanding of the events that unfolded on that specific day. Yet, his narration proves that age is of little significance as Seth is still unable to explain the larger mysteries that exist in the world today. While, the problem has been recognized, there seems to be no solution to it.  Thus, the writing style is a mark of excellence for any individual who wishes to read a narration that depicts the change between childhoods into adulthood.

The setting of the story is based in the South. This has special significance because Warren himself was an inhabitant of the region. Despite his fame, the writer continued to have an affiliation with his birth place. This is evident in the rich description given of the South and its community. The threat brought by industrialism is evident in the story as the agrarian form of life is constantly opposed by its industrialist counterparts (Blotner 259). Warren would spend his summers on his grandfathers farm. This created fond memories of the rural lifestyle which allowed Warren to create this piece of fiction. Also, as a native of the area, Warren felt the South to have seen much more hardship and suffering because of its role in the Civil War. Thus, the setting of the story, though rustic and conventional, is a fond reminder of the fortitude and beauty of the South.

There are several underlying themes in the Blackberry Winter. Amongst them is one that was commonly employed by Warren the relationship between father and son. The narrator of the story is torn between two men his father and the tramp (Millichap 139). The father is a model of perfect Southern civility and hospitality. He is shown as an affectionate and strong man. This is in sharp contrast to the tramp who is coarse and cowardly. While Seth is drawn to the tramp because of his switchblade, Seth is repulsed by his behavior towards his father. Thus, the constant clash of emotions for the tramp and father is a constant theme in the story. Another theme is the loss of innocence which occurred on that day When you are nine years old, what you remember seems forever for you remember everything and everything is important and stands big and full and fills up Time and is so solid that you can walk around it like a tree and look at it. From a childhood of untainted experience, the life of this young boy changes forever.

The Blackberry Winter is a story written to explain and define the role played by humanity. It also explores and describes the Southern lifestyle. The writing style, narration and them portrays the story of a young boy who has matured into adulthood (OKane 1998). His narration states a life that has been tough but effective in teaching him the lessons which allow survival in the world today.

This popular novel by George Orwell entitled 1984 is an excellent work that is able to depict totalitarianism, a form of government which exercise absolute and centralized control of power.  At the first chapter of the novel, the world of distortion and manipulated humanity has been described very intensely.  People here like Winston Smith have to live by submitting under authoritarian regime. The Partys slogan goes to say WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, and IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH. The system wanted to brainwash the people by conditioning their minds. People must accept the need for violence and war. Peace would signify war while freedom actually means slavery. The more ignorant you are the more good it is for you. Clearly there is no freedom as the people are being monitored by a telescreen as well as a reminder that BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.

Again the government has departments known as Ministry of Truth, Ministry of Peace, Ministry of Love and Ministry of Plenty which are not intended for that but rather to suppress people more from their needs. People are constantly being watched and are denied of freedom of speech, expression of thought as there are Thought Police around and spies watching for those subversive and revolutionary minds that would exist. Women also are sexually perverted. How the novel portrayed a world of manipulation and distortion is somehow futuristic, drastic and sometimes unimaginable but still has realistic sense in it.

There is the Two Minutes Hate for people to watch the message against the Party and regarding the Brotherhood. People are disgusted yet they cannot seem to resolve the problem on their own. At first all these depictions would sound unbelievable to really happen but still not too far with reality. It would likely be possible that a form of world order like this one would come to emerge. One that is able to come up with every possible way of exercising great control and manipulation over the lives of many people.