The Convergence of the Twain by Thomas Hardy describes the loss of the Titanic (luckily, we had a handy little footnote to help us with that one). To help me come up with a topic for this blog, I've used Question 10 from the blogging guidelines.
Discuss the imagery of the poem. What types of imagery are used? What is the cumulative effect of this imagery in terms of tone and theme?
Most of the imagery in this poem is the sight of fancy things deteriorating under the sea. "Over the mirrors meant To glass the opulent The sea-worm crawls - grotesque, slimed, dumb, indifferent. Jewels in joy designed To ravish the sensuous mind Lie lightless, all their sparkles bleared and black and blind." These lines contain major contrast between extravagance and filth. Mostly we see the opulence transforming in to its antithesis - dirt. The imagery contributes to the tone of hopelessness and loss of the Titanic. It also reaffirms the theme: death doesn't care if you are rich or poor - eventually, it claims us all. Materialism will never prevail, and our material items will deteriorate. The sinking of this seemingly indestructible ship humbles us.
Showing posts with label imagery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label imagery. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Heaven on Earth/ Imagery (Chapter 9/ Pages 140-145)
"Opening a box, he spilt a cloud of scented powder. His hands were floury with the stuff. He wiped them on his chest, on his shoulders, on his bare arms. Delicious perfume! He shut his eyes; he rubbed his cheek against his own powdered arm. Touch of smooth skin against his face, scent in his nostrils of musky dust - her real presence. "Lenina," he whispered. "Lenina!" "
~ Brave New World, page 143
When John breaks into the rest-house, he explores through Lenina's belongings. The imagery used reveals John's curious, and even child-like, nature and desire to learn about this "brave new world." When he is watching Lenina sleep, it gives her an angelic quality by beauty and youth. It shows how much John feels for Lenina. First, he expresses how beautiful he thinks she is, and how fragile she looks. Then, he quotes Shakespeare, the man who wrote brilliant, touching love stories. Lastly, he expresses his desire to simply touch her, but considering himself unworthy, he denies himself. The awe-struck mood created by the imagery makes Lenina seem as if she is a perfect, godly creature.
~ Brave New World, page 143
When John breaks into the rest-house, he explores through Lenina's belongings. The imagery used reveals John's curious, and even child-like, nature and desire to learn about this "brave new world." When he is watching Lenina sleep, it gives her an angelic quality by beauty and youth. It shows how much John feels for Lenina. First, he expresses how beautiful he thinks she is, and how fragile she looks. Then, he quotes Shakespeare, the man who wrote brilliant, touching love stories. Lastly, he expresses his desire to simply touch her, but considering himself unworthy, he denies himself. The awe-struck mood created by the imagery makes Lenina seem as if she is a perfect, godly creature.
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