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Quote analysis- exploring themes of gender and the patriarchy
The theme of gender is undeniably prominent in Hardy’s novel, as he explores the powerlessness of women and male dominance. For all my readers out there studying Tess of the D’Urbervilles for their A-Levels, this post may be of some use to you! Context- This moment occurs in the novel subsequently after Tess confesses her past with Alec to Angel Clare on their wedding night. Angel, instead of forgiving her as Tess had hoped ( after Tess so quickly forgave him for his own sin ), rejects her both emotionally and physically, saying that they were never truly married. This moment in the novel is a key part of Tess’…
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Frankenstein- Mary Shelley
Synopsis: The tale begins as an epistolary novel, through the letters of Robert Walton- an ambitious explorer beginning his perilous voyage to the undiscovered lands of the North Pole. During his journey, Walton encounters a mysterious and emaciated stranger- Victor Frankenstein- who, sensing the parallels between his own tragic ambition and Walton’s, decides to share his cautionary tale as a way to deter future generations from the temptation of world glory. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but dangerously obsessive young scientist, holds a menacing craving for understanding the cognitions of the natural world- hence, he conjures the idea to create life from dead human parts, taking the role of God (…
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Tess of the D’Urbervilles- Thomas Hardy
Synopsis: This novel begins with young Tess Durbyfield, a 16 year old impoverished country girl living in rural England with her family, when her world is abruptly turned upside down subsequent to discovering that she is a descendant of an ancient Norman family. Prior to this, Tess was involved in an accident in which their only family horse ( their only means of financial support ) was killed in her own hands. Rapt with guilt and sorrow, this eldest child agrees to venture a visit to meet with Mrs D’Urberville, a rich widow, in order to claim ‘kin’ and seek assistance. On this voyage, Tess meets the son Alec D’Urberville,…
For those who are written in books