Good Readers, Good Writers: Discussion Topic 8

I had a wonderful reaction to this essay. I found it refreshing and vivid and most importantly, interesting. I think that because I liked it so much, I had an emotional reaction to Good Readers and Good Writers. Nabokov showed me in this essay that not all essays and lectures have to be boring. They can be just as interesting as a story and they can have as much detail as a fictional novel. He really made me appreciate essays and pay attention to the words and the story they were trying to tell. Nabokov made me imagine that I was in the room while he was lecturing, which Why Read the Classics? did not make me imagine.

I really enjoyed this essay and his writing. I really believe I enjoyed it so much because it wasn't dull. I don't have the patience to sit through reading a boring book or essay about one topic or another. Nabokov put just enough detail in his essay to make me imagine being there, but not enough to overwhelm me with extra things that have no purpose. I think Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi was the most detailed book I have read thusfar, and I disliked it immensly. Too much detail can be a bad thing like that novel shows. I appreciate Vladimir Nabokov because he made his essay interesting, but not too detailed. 

Nabokov, Vladimir. "Good Readers and Good Writers." Lecture

Good Readers, Good Writers: Discussion Topic 7

I think that Vladimir Nabokov has extreme authority over his writing. He uses examples that flow, and he makes his words help his idea, not hinder the ideas with wordy, dull statements. Nabokov uses vivid pictures that help his audience see his point. By the end of this essay, you see where he is coming from, and there is very little opposition because his points are made so well. He commands his words, not the other way around, which I consider extreme authority. Nabokov makes his words tell a story, and even though this essay isn't a story, you find it just as interesting as your favorite book.

Nabokov has authority over his writing all through this essay. You can practically hear how he talks when he puts the words together. He commands them to make his point and practically take you in the classroom where he is lecturing at one college or another. I find this very interesting. I was able to read this essay and completely concentrate on it, even with noise in the background. Essays are not my favorite things to read, but with his use of words, it made it interesting for me, which I think shows much authority as a writer. I think that to write like Nabokov should be a writer's goal.

Nabokov, Vladimir. "Good Readers and Good Writers." Lecture

Good Readers, Good Writers: Discussion Topic 6

Nabokov has a long, drawn out introduction in my opinion. It is not like in Why Read the Classics? where Calvino launches into his arguments and ideas with one smooth sentence. No, Nabokov uses a good two paragraphs to actually start getting into his points. I don't necessarily mind this, because I think it kind of prepares me for what I am about to read, and to get in the correct mind set to actually appreciate this essay. I appreciated this essay more than Calvino's Why Read the Classics? I think I liked it better because Vladimir Nabokov's ideas are better stated, and then they are repeated, so by the time you come to the end of the essay, those certain ideas are drilled into your mind.

I think what characterizes the conclusion is using an example of an old folk tale we have all heard, about the boy who cried wolf. We can all relate to this story because it has been told to us since we were small. He makes his last final point using the boy who cried wolf. The final idea he used to make his point was this, "The magic of art was in the shadow of the wolf that he deliberately invented, his dream of the wolf; then the story of his tricks made a good story. When he perished at last, the story about him acquired a good lesson in the dark around the campfire. But he was the little magician. He was the inventor." (Nabokov 4)

Nabokov, Vladimir. "Good Readers and Good Writers." Lecture

Good Readers, Good Writers: Discussion Topic 5

Good Readers, Good Writers is organized in long paragraphs of Nabokov making his points. I think that this essay is organized chronologically also. I believe this because Nabokov is giving us steps how to be good readers which will make us good writers. For example, in the first page, he introduces his idea, in the second page, he talks to his students about what we must focus on, and by the fourth and fifth page, Nabokov is telling us what we need to do, in order to appreciate a novel. By the end of this essay, he repeats the steps, paints us a picture, and then we are done. He has shown us how to be a good reader. All that we have to do now is practice.

I also think that this is organized logically. Nabokov is trying to persuade us to read the correct way and to enjoy the book. He makes examples of what not to do, which is how the average person reads, then shows us the proper way to appreciate a novel. Nabokov is persuading us to read his essay, and then to use this in our everyday reading and life.

Nabokov, Vladimir. "Good Readers and Good Writers." Lecture

Good Readers, Good Writers: Discussion Topic 4

There were actually quite a few passages that caught my attention in Good Readers, Good Writers. One passage that particularly stuck out at me was one of the questions Nabokov brought up, can we really learn about history from these novels? No. The part of the paragraph that really stuck out at me was this, "Cane we rely on Jane Austen's picture of landowning England with baronets and landscaped grounds when all she knew was a clergyman's parlor?" (Nabokov 1) This really stuck out at me, because in my previous blogs, I said that we could learn about the older days from these books, but now I don't really know if  we can trust what goes on in these novels.

Another passage that stuck out at me was when Nabokov talks about being a reader. He says that we can not really read a book, that we can only reread it. He says that the first time we read the book, we only read the print, which isn't really reading. We don't paint the picture the author is trying to get us to imagine the first time we read. Nabokov says, "In reading a book, we must have time to acquaint ourselves with it. We have no physical organ that takes in the whole picture and then can enjoy its details." (Nabokov 2) I totally agree with this statement. I read The Picture of Dorian Gray for the first time this summer and I found it immensly dull, probably because I couldn't see what was happening. I didn't have the proper picture.

Nabokov, Vladimir. "Good Readers and Good Writers." Lecture

Good Readers, Good Writers: Discussion Topic 3

In Good Readers, Good Writers, there are a few rhetorical devices used. One device that I think was used was the device Antithesis, which is defined as, "Establishing a clear, contrasting relationship between two ideas by joining them together or juxtaposing them, often in parallel structure. Human beings are inveterate systematizers and categorizers, so the mind has a natural love for antithesis, which creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas." (Harris 2) An example of Nobokov using antithesis is, when he talks about the author being an artist and painting a picture, but we don't look at it as an artist, we look at the novel as a regular person using their imagination to recreate the picture.

Another rhetorical device that was used was Amplification, which is defined as, "Involving repeating a word or expression while adding more detail to it, in order to emphasize what might otherwise be passed over. In other words, amplification allows you to call attention to, emphasize, and expand a word or idea to make sure the reader realizes its importance or centrality in the discussion." (Harris 3)Nabokov uses amplification many time to make his point. First he says we need to be detached, then we must stay detached and use our imagination, and then we must take these to and lose our emotional connection, and this pattern continues all throughout the essay.

Harris, Robert. "A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices." VirtualSalt. 5 Jan. 2010. Web. 20 Aug. 2011. http://virtualsalt.com/rhetoric2.

Nabokov, Vladimir. "Good Readers and Good Writers." Lecture

Good Readers, Good Writers: Discussion Topic 2

In Good Readers, Good Writers, Nabokov makes some interesting points which almost are the opposite of the other essay that we had to read, Why Read the Classics? I think that his tone in this essay is more informative than emotional. In Why Read The Classics? Italo Calvino seemed to put a lot of emotion into his writing, seeming as if he was attached to what he was saying. He pointed out emotional connections to the classics, which is what Good Readers, Good Writers tells us exactly not to do. Calvino seems more interested in sharing what he thinks than informing his readers about what the classics are actually about.

Vladimir Nabokov writes Good Readers, Good Writers for a reason, to inform. His tone during this essay is relatively mild, and he is just trying to teach us how to be better readers to be better writers. He has no emotional connection, just shares what should happen to become a good reader. His writing is detached, and aloof, and I think that he does this for a reason. Nabokov tells us as readers to be detached and aloof, and I think he writes like this so that way, with this essay, we have no choice but to be detached and have no emotional connection.

Nabokov, Vladimir. "Good Readers and Good Writers." Lecture

Good Readers, Good Writers: Discussion Topic 1

In this essay, Good Readers, Good Writers, Vladimir Nabokov talks about how to be a good reader, which makes you a good writer. I think that his thesis was that we cannot read with our hearts, or our brains, but we need to read with our spine. Nabokov says that, as a reader, we must remove all emotional connection and just use our imagination. He makes a good point where he says that even though we read a novel about, let's say, Jane Eyre, we cannot really look at it to show us history. Nabokov says that novels are just fairytales, and that we need to look at them with artistic views and imagination.

I think that this thesis is implicit, because Nabokov never comes out specifically and says the thesis. I just read the text and analyzed what he probably meant. I do think that he has a little part where part of the thesis comes out. I think it is in the very last page where Nabokov talks about how we must remained detached while we read. For example, Nobokov says, "In order to bask in that magic a wise reader reads the book of genius not with his heart, not so much with his brain, but with his spine." He points out that to fully enjoy the author's creation, we need to remain detached and use our imaginations with little or no emotional connection.

Nabokov, Vladimir. "Good Readers and Good Writers." Lecture

Why Read the Classics: Discussion Topic 8

My reaction to this essay is a logical reaction. I don't really have any emotional connection to this essay, it actually kind of bored me, which I think is understandable. Italo Calvino makes some good points, but I don't think its going to change my mind that many classics are just boring, dry books that make for a good story. I think that a lot of times people just look for a lesson in things, but I just read the print. I don't look for a message or anything like that. I comprehend the text, and I can tell you the message, but I don't know if I necessarily agree. I think a book is a book, and that it can teach you things, but I disagree completely that it can be a guide to life like Calvino thinks it can be.

I do think it is important to read the classics, but I think it is important for a different reason than Calvino does. In my opinion, we should be reading the classics because they show us the different styles of writing that took place in the time period they were written, the types of people that existed, and the behavior. I disagree with Calvino in that we should be looking at these books for a message. All books have a message, I don't see how these books are any different.

Why Read the Classics: Discussion Topic 7

I think that Italo Calvino has much authority as a writer. He almost commands people to listen to him and hear his point of view, which I see as authority. Calvino says in the concluding paragraph that if anyone disagrees that the classics are not worth the effort, that he will tell them a passage from a not yet classic. I think that this shows that he wants people to understand and that he will almost try to make them understand.

Calvino also has authority over his own writing. He is able to put together his words and make people understand what he means very simply. I think that this shows a lot of intelligence and authority. He makes good points and his writing seems commanding. Calvino shows his points easily. He makes a number with the point, and then a paragraph to describe what he is talking about. Before this essay, I thought the classics were just old books. But, he described them as much more. Calvino uses them as lessons to look at about life. He tells us to look at these books and read the underlying message. If Italo Calvino thinks that reading the classics is important, then it must be, otherwise he wouldn't be writing about them.

Calvino, Italo. Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Why Read the Classics: Discussion Topic 6

Italo Calvino has a point blank introduction into his first chapter. It is one sentence that immediately makes you want to read the essay because the introduction isn't full of a whole bunch of unnecessary things. "Let us begin by putting forward some definitions." That is the only thing Calvino says before he launches in to the definitions of classics. I think that this really grabs the attention of the audience. Also, he seems to be personal even though he is just writing. Calvino tells people to put their hands up. He makes you believe as if you are sitting in his lecture and he is talking to you, which I think is a great thing to have in this essay to grab the attention of the reader.

I think what characterizes the conclusion is that Calvino talks about himself. He does not have any facts in his conclusion, he talks about himself and his experiences. This made me think that he really cares about what he is writing about. Calvino showed some feeling in his essay, making it much easier to read, since you don't feel as if someone is talking to you monotonously. Calvino talks to his audience at the end and shares his opinion, not just facts.

Calvino, Italo. Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Why Read the Classics: Discussion Topic 5

This essay has two main ways it is organized. One way Why Read the Classics is organized is with numbers of the definitions Calvino makes about the classics. Calvino puts the numbers right before large paragraphs to show what he will be talking about next, which makes this essay simple to read and comprehend. It is a tad slow, but that is not the fault of the organization.

Calvino also puts in large paragraphs after the numbered points. He does this to explain what his points mean and to describe what we should be doing, in almost a persuasive way. Also, this essay is organized almost chronologically in my opinion. I think this because the first definition of a classic is simple, and what a fifteen year old would think. But, with Calvino's last definition he shows one of the deepest definitions that someone older than me would think. By the end of this excerpt, Calvino makes the younger audience stretch what they know and to think more about what the classics mean and the real definition of classic.

Calvino, Italo. Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Why Read the Classics: Discussion Topic 4

There were only a few passages that stuck out for me in this excerpt. The one that really made me appreciate what Calvino was trying to say was "A classic is a book which with each rereading offers as much of a sense of discovery as the first reading." (Calvino 5) I think that this one stuck with me mostly because I agree with it. I have read the novel Jane Eyre twice, it was around this time last year, and the most recent time, earlier this summer. I had changed a lot, so the second time I read it, I discovered new things in the novel and learned a little bit more from what the message was.

There are two more passages that stuck out to me, mostly because the totally contradict themselves and it confuses me slightly. "A classic is a work which relegates the noise of the present to a background hum, which at the same time the classics cannot exist without." (Calvino 8) This passage makes sense to me, but the one that confuses me is its opposite, "A classic is a work which persists as background noise even when a present that is totally incompatible holds its sway. (Calvino 8) These three passages stuck out at me becuase I felt that the first one was very true, and the last two stuck to me because I keep trying to figure out what Calvino means.

Calvino, Italo. Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Why Read the Classics: Discussion Topic 3

Italo Calvino uses a few rhetorical devices in his essay. One main device he used is parallelism. Parallelism is defined as "Several parts of a sentence or several sentences are expressed similarly to show that the ideas in the parts or sentences are equal in importance. Parallelism also adds balance and rhythm and, most importantly, clarity to the sentence." (Harris 2) Calvino repeats himself many times in this essay to make it clearer and to stress the importance. An example is when Calvino says, "A classic is a book which with each rereading offers as much of a sense of discovery as the first reading." (Calvino 5) I also thought that a similar point was another point of his. "A classic is a book which has never exhausted all it has to say to its readers. (Calvino 5)


Calvino also uses the opposite of parallelism, which is chiasmus. An example of this is in another one of Calvino's points. "A classic is a work whcih relegates the noise of the present to a background hum, which at the same time the classics cannot exist without." (Calvino 8) But then he says, "A classic is a work which persists as background noise even when a present that is totally incompatible with it holds sway." What I understood from this is that he says a classic mutes background noise, yet at the same time, is background noise.


Calvino, Italo. Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. Print.
Harris, Robert. "A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices." VirtualSalt. 5 Jan. 2010. Web. 20 Aug. 2011. http://virtualsalt.com/rhetoric2.

Why Read the Classics: Discussion Topic 2

Why Read the Classics is an essay that tells us why we need to read the classics. I think that the author, Calvino's tone is relatively neutral. He gets why people sometimes don't read the classics, but he is trying to educate us on why we need to read these books. Calvino also seems to be very fond of classics when he is speaking. He says that everyone can find a classic and that it will be 'their' novel. I don't know if I necessarily agree with this, even though I haven't read every single classic out there. I think I disagree with this because I am only reading the story, not exactly the underlying message which is what we are supposed to be doing when we read. I don't think that everyone 'has' a book that relates to them.

Calvino just seems to be very interested in educating us in this excerpt. He wants to tell us that reading the classics is something useful in everyday life. Calvino brings to the table a good point. He says that we need to just sit back sometimes and ignore the hustle and bustle that we live in today. I don't really know how a classic is going to help you do this, but I do think that he does make a good point in that most of us are too busy these days and that we can't really appreciate life when we go at the speed we are at now.

Calvino, Italo. Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Why Read The Classics: Discussion Topic 1

Why Read the Classics is an essay about, well, why we read the classics. I would say that the thesis is an implicit thesis, mostly because Italo Calvino gives us multiple definitions and we gather what we think the thesis is from these. Because Calvino never clearly states the thesis, it doesn't really have a certain place where it is at. I would say that the thesis is mostly everywhere in this excerpt of the essay, because there are so many definitions shown. The definition that really stuck with me was, "A classic  is a work which regulates the noise of the present to a background hum, which at the same time the classics cannot exist without." I think that this is really what reading the classics is about. We need to focus on what is going on in the story instead of getting caught up in our everyday life.

Since the thesis was not stated, I just took what I read and put it towards what I think the thesis is. I think that what Calvino is trying to say is that classics are just that, classic. They never get old because there is always someone or something in the classic that is timeless and is 'reincarnated' into our everyday life. Calvino basically tells us that we must read the classics because they can still relate to us, even in a different time period.

Calvino, Italo. Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Character Analysis: Basil Hallward

Basil Hallward is actually kind, one of the only kind characters in this novel, but still slightly spineless. Basil seems to let everyone walk all over him and let people ignore him. An example of this is when he tells Dorian that he was pretty much obsessed with him, Dorian acknowledges it, but Basil is still put on the backburner to Lord Henry, even though Basil is a much better friend who actually cares about Dorian, not influencing his young mind. Basil was so taken advantage of by Dorian. Close to the end of the book, Dorian muders Basil! Dorian murders Basil just because he blames him for the curse of the portrait. If anyone should be blamed, it should be Lord Henry for taking advantage of Dorian's young mind.

Basil is a little bit spineless, but that is no excuse for everyone being mean to him. There is not really one specific example of him being small and insignificant, but it's mostly through the novel. Basil just lets his opinions and words be covered up by everyone else's words and opinions. Basil is a kind character in this novel and he deserves better treatment than what he received in this novel. I appreciate Basil because he is a break from all the dark, depressing characters that are in this book.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.

Character Analysis: Lord Henry

Lord Henry Wotton is a very cynical man with a depressing view on life. Even at the beginning of this novel you can see how Lord Henry thinks. He is pushy and slighty rude and is always interested in telling people his opinion, but you never hear him listening to other's opinions. Lord Henry might listen, but if you notice, he shoots down the opinion with another one of his. An example of this is when Dorian goes to see Harry to tell him he is in love, but Henry basically says that love isn't real. Henry says that multiple women is better than one woman to love.

He is also very arrogant. He shows this by not even caring about Sybil Vane when she commits suicide. He wrote Dorian a letter that she committed suicide, but when he came to see Dorian he just switched the subject when Dorian started getting deeper into the conversation. Another example of him being arrogant and uncaring is when the "servant" who was beating the bushes to make the game move was shot, he just shrugged it off when Dorian asked if the servant was ok. He really only cared about Dorian when he fainted, and Dorian was his friend, so it wasn't too difficult for him to be kind.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Discussion Topic 8

I think this novel very accurately represents events in history. Wilde shows accurately how people acted in the 1800s. People were formal in the 1800s. There was no wearing jeans and a t-shirt or whatever type of casual clothing the richer public wore in the 1800s. I think that Wilde shows that men were supposed to be dominant over women. An example of this is when Henry is talking about how women want to be dominated and that they want to be controlled but still find love. Another example of this is when Sybil Vane acted badly onstage and Dorian became upset with her. When Henry and Basil and Dorian went backstage he was disgusted with her and made her grovel.

I think that Wilde probably was influenced by pressure from his peers back in his time. It sounds as if everyone in the 1800s was focused on being youthful and having good looks. Wilde probably had some influence in his life that was like a Henry to Dorian. Wilde might have had a person who was influential to him that talked to him about their life and shared their opinions about life. He might have also had some sort of event that made him kind of cynical to life. He seems as if he doesn't really value life like he should.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Discussion Topic 7

Oscar Wilde uses many techniques to engage the audience and make them want to read more. One technique he uses that I specifically noticed was his use of suspense. There was not too much suspense in this novel, but when there was, it was very strong. For example, when Dorian is talking to Basil in the attic and Basil reaches to remove the cloth from the portrait, you wonder what Dorian will do. When he stabs basil, you are curious about how Dorian will get out of it without getting in trouble. Another example is when Sybil Vane's brother confronts Dorian in the alleyway, you wonder what will happen next.

Another technique Wilde uses is symbolism. The most symbolic thing in this novel is the portrait that is painted for Dorian Gray. It represents his sould and what Dorian is becoming inside, what is truly the Dorian Gray that nobody sees. Also, Wilde uses mystery in this novel. When Dorian's friend, or enemy, Alan Campell comes and Dorian asks if he will get rid of Basil and Campell says no, Dorian blackmails him. You never find out what Dorian blackmails Campell with.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Discussion Topic 6

I think we still read this book today because the message that this book sends will never grow old. The message is so timeless because it is about the morals that people must have to succeed in life. Dorian Gray had none of these because Henry poisoned Dorian's mind with his views instead of letting Dorian learn for himself. Because Henry did this, Dorian never developed any morals and thought that the only thing that mattered in life was youth and his looks.

These characters are so timeless because we will always have people in life who are exactly like them. There is always going to be someone who will try to make you see their point of view, and theirs only, and agree with it. Also, there is always going to be that person who cares about their looks and youth alone and nothing else. Finally, there is always going to be that good friend that would do anything for you, that you take advantage of and overlook.

We can still learn from this novel that basically you cannot judge a book by its cover. Dorian may have looked innocent, beautiful, and boyish on the outside, but inside he was vain and deceptive and shallow. He had no care for anybody and what happened to them, he only cared about himself and nothing else. The Picture of Dorian Gray shows which morals people need to develop and how vanity can affect you in the long run.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Discussion Topic 5

I think this novel reflects very accurately the time period and the issues that the novel takes place in. This novel shows in history how gentlemen were supposed to be. All of them were educated, proper, and successful. Wilde shows how the behavior in this time period was too. Women were supposed to be quiet and submissive to their husbands, and men were in charge.

This novel also shows the social issues that took place in the 1800s. Everyone was cynical about life and thought their only purpose was to be powerful. Wilde shows how everyone thought, and how the mood in this time period was. This book shows how gloomy everything was. I always imagined that it was cloudy and cold every single day in the duration of this book. There was nothing happy in this novel.

I think this novel symbolizes vanity and immorality. Its theme was that beauty is not the most important thing in life and that the human race needs to realize that we need to age gracefully and live life to our specifications, not someone else's.

 Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Discussion Topic 4

I wouldn't say that there is really a hero in this book, just because of the attitudes of all the main characters. But, if I had to choose who the protagonist would be, it would be Dorian Gray because he is whom the book is about. In my opinion, his traits are not very good. He does not have any morals at all, so that makes him vain, shallow, rude, and I think slightly paranoid.

In my opinion, Dorian Gray does not really accomplish anything in this book. All he seems to do is go to the opera, lunch at the gentlemen's club, eat with people, throw parties, and hunt. He does not get a job or go to school or become well educated to do something with his life. I think the reason for this is that Wilde wants to make a point about how focusing on your looks will not take you far.

Dorian to me is portrayed as vain, self centered, rude, paranoid, and snotty. I think that he seems uneducated and ignorant. I think that Dorian does represent the abstract idea of vanity. He is only focused on looks, and in the end he dies alone and sad in his attic. Wilde is trying to prove a point and he made it by showing how vanity can affect you in the long run.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Discussion Topic 3

I think this book addresses the universal theme of morals, or in Dorian Gray's case, lack of. Dorian has no morals at all and I think Wilde wanted to point out how this can affect you in the long run. Dorian Gray only cared about his looks, mostly because Lord Henry told him this was the most important thing in life. There are examples in reality that prove this totally wrong. Shakespeare is one example. He was bald and thin and all around not very attractive. But he was a genius when it came to writing, which is what he is famous for. Many people in this world do look at what you have on the outside, but like better what is on the inside. This book basically says that a person's looks are more important than personality, which is not true at all.

I think the author understands that people do look at what you have on the outside, but I think that he is trying to prove a point with this book. I think his point is that having morals is so important and that you need to focus on yourself and take life as it comes to you, instead of adopting a cynical person's point of view. I would prefer to learn myself about life. I think that Wilde also shows how an older person can affect a younger person's frame of thought. Wilde almost depicts Lord Henry as a bad parent. Parents are supposed to help guide their children in the right direction. But, if they told their children what to think or expect, nobody would have morals. Henry was basically a bad parent to the young Dorian.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Discussion Topic 2

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, there are many causes, gains, and losses of the conflict in this book. In my opinion, the main cause of the conflict in this book is Lord Henry's view on life and him poisoning Dorian's young mind with it instead of allowing Dorian to learn about life himself. For example, Harry talks about women and how they don't really want love, just to be controlled by men. I honestly believe that this view on life is the reason why Dorian rejected Sybil Vane when she performed badly.

I think that there were only a few gains from this conflict in this book. I think the main gain was Dorian regretting the wish that he made in Basil's art studio. He realized that he made a mistake and that he would never be normal like Basil or Henry. But I believe there were many losses for Dorian in the conflict of this book. One loss was him killing Basil. Basil was his friend, but Dorian despised the picture so much, he thought that killing Basil would fix things, but it didn't. In my opinion, another loss was him still looking young and innocent, and people seeing him as only that. When you are old, you want people to see who you truly are and age gracefully. Dorian Gray did not have that opportunity and lost so much because of it.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Discussion Topic 1

Oscar Wilde's attitude in this book is very dark and in this book basically says that the only thing that matters in life is youth and beauty. In my opinion, this is not living life to the fullest. Oscar Wilde showed to me that being skeptical about life and hiding away in life is not going to help you. For example, when Henry tells Dorian at the beginning of the novel that love is giving your soul up and not having any freedom. (Wilde 20-21) I totally disagree with this. Henry's views on life are the views of someone who has not tried to live and gave up. Also, Henry told Dorian that the only thing that matters in life is youth and beauty. Dorian Gray was innocent and young, but his mind was too easily influenced by an older, skeptical man, so when he wished that the portrait would grow older and show his sins, he did not know what he was asking! (Wilde 28)

Life is worth something. I did not really enjoy this book because of the views on life. It seems as if everyone back in the 1800s viewed this. The gentlemen that Dorian knew were all jealous of his innocent boyhood and beauty. I don't think that anyone really valued too much what was inside of the person.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.

Jane Eyre Charactar Analysis: Mr. Rochester

Mr. Rochester is a very interesting character in Jane Eyre. He is peculiar and strong willed, but when you crack the surface of him, he is gentle and kind and caring. A prime example of his very gentle nature is him taking in Adele. Many gentlemen back in Jane and Mr. Rochester's time would have denied the child as theirs just because of what others may say. Mr. Rochester realized Adele needed someone, so he took her in. Even though he acts very harsh towards Adele, one can see how much he loves her. For example, when he returns from one of his trips, he brings many gifts for her.

He is also a very strong willed gentleman. Even at the end of the book, his determination to keep living as he used to before his becoming blind and losing a hand is a perfect example of him being strong willed. Also, he can be very deceiving. There are very many examples of this in Jane Eyre. One example is him dressing up as the fortune teller and tricking his houseguests into becoming scared and intrigued. Another example is him bringing Blanche Ingram into his home to see Jane's reaction once he announced that him and Blanche would be getting engaged.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Jane Eyre: Discussion Topic 8

This novel represents very accurately the period of time it was based in. In this period of time, the 1800s, women wore long dresses, men wore coats, and there were carriages and horses that were used for transportation. Also, the social classes were more defined and rigid. If you had money, you had a lot of money. The rich people would live in mansions with fine clothing and servants. The servants were at the bottom. They had no money and were worked very hard to make a living.

Also, the division between men and women were accurately portrayed. Women were just there to be seen and for the families they came from, not love. In our time, we marry because we love the person and want to spend the rest of our lives with them. But in Jane's time, you married someone of your same class, which is why the union of Mr. Rochester and Jane was scandalous. You married someone, too, for their money and the family they came from, especially the rich people. Names meant everything to them and if you had a good name, you were somebody. Charlotte Bronte accurately portrayed the time that this book was set in.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Jane Eyre: Discussion Topic 7

Charlotte Bronte used many techniques to make the novel effective and the audience engaged. One technique she used was suspense. For example, the mystery of Grace Poole. Jane thinks that Grace is demented and has something wrong with her, but that really isn't the case. Bronte drops subtle hints in the book that foreshadow the event that comes. When Jane finds out Mr. Rochester is already married. One of the hints she used was the incident in Jane's room, when Bertha Mason (Mr. Rochester's wife) came in and tore the wedding veil. Another hint was the demented laugh Jane kept hearing.

Another technique Bronte used was humor. Our character Jane Eyre was funny! An example of this was when she was point blank with Mr. Rochester about his looks. She told him he was ugly. In my opinion though, the most useful technique she used was romance. This keeps an audience easily engaged. Especially the kind of romance that Jane and Mr. Rochester had. It was humorous and lovely, and when the audience finds out that Mr. Rochester has a wife, you almost feel that pain with Jane.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Jane Eyre: Discussion Topic 6

I think that we still read Jane Eyre because it is a historical classic with a fantastic message. The message to keep moving on is one that every person should stick to. Also, I think we read this book still because we learn how to interpret a different style of our own lanuguage and appreciate the times and hardships that many people lived in. This novel is also still read to show how writing has changed from their time to the writing we have now.

There are many things that are timeless about the message and characters in Jane Eyre. One reason the message is timeless is because it will never change over time. If it is the 1828 or 2011, times are still going to be hard and we really need to keep going and perservere. Also, I think that the characters in this novel are timeless because of their personalities. Like Jane, for example. She is spunky and funny and intelligent, those are good qualities to have in our days. But even though those qualities may not have been desireable in Jane's time, it still would have been a welcome break for the ladies to read this.

We can learn so much from reading this novel. For example, you can learn about the expectations of women and men and children back in the 1800s, their habits, the way the people dressed, and the way people were sorted into classes. Also, we can just learn about the message that Bronte gives. Basically that life is hard, but it will get better, so keep going.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Jane Eyre: Discussion Topic 5

This novel represents the behavior of the time period very well. All of the characters in the novel are proper and are very reserved in what they say to each other. Also, the way the people dress expresses how you were expected to behave. Women wore long, conservative dresses and the men wore top hats. The time period this was in was so much more formal than what we are today.

This novel also represents the social issues of the time well too. They show how men were the leading gender and that wives were just meant almost as ornaments and to have children. Women were thought on as if they were beneath men and less intelligent. Also, they were only allowed to do certain things. They couldn't play cards with the men, or engage in the conversations they were having. An example of this is when Mr. Rochester has his rich house guests and the women were upstairs changing and doing other things.

I think the book symbolizes that hard times will eventually get better. Jane has so many struggles and she eventually gets through them. This book can also symbolize to be strong. Bronte shows that if you are weak, you won't get things done. Also, I think its theme is to keep perservering. Jane never gives up, and I think that is what Bronte wanted to show us.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Jane Eyre: Discussion Topic 4

The "hero" in this book is without question Jane Eyre. Jane is a small, frail girl who has had a rough life. She is tough and spunky and defiant, Jane refuses to give up on anything that she sets her mind to. Jane is a loving person with a soft heart, who is intelligent and talented. She sees herself as less than normal, almost plain, and everyone who knows her, they know she is plain on the outside, but not even close on the inside. I think that Jane does represent an abstract idea. I think that she represents the exact saying, "you can't judge a book by its color." That might not be an idea, but that is what I think she represents.

Jane accomplishes many things and is portrayed as the kind and loving, yet spunky girl she is. Jane accomplishes the great feat of Lowood Boarding School. They were rough and mean, yet she made the best out of it and got a great education for doing so. She learned to enjoy the simple things and life and appreciate everything she had, which I would say is an accomplishment. Also, Jane accomplishes the ups and downs of life. She was strong and knew what she had to do when she found out about Mr. Rochester's wife. She took everything in stride and is a prime example of what a person should be.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Jane Eyre: Discussion Topic 3

Jane Eyre has many universal themes that it addresses. Jane Eyre shows in many ways the theme of forgiveness. For example, one time Jane forgives is when Mrs. Reed is on her deathbed. Mrs. Reed had been Jane's mean and rude guardian who didn't care for her one bit. She disrespected Jane and made her pretty tough. Jane was a great example of compassion and forgiveness.

As Mrs. Reed was dying, Jane came to her deathbed to tell her that she forgave her. Jane showed forgiveness also to Mrs. Reed's daughters Eliza and Georgiana. They had been just as terrible as their mother, if not worse. They treated Jane as a slave or someone of lower class than what she was. Jane saw when she came back, that they didn't even like each other, so Jane became almost friends with them.

The author understands many things about human nature. She gives examples of how cruel people can be, and how wonderful people can be. Charlotte Bronte understood that while everyone was totally different, they should still accept the people as they are. She shows this through her diverse variety of characters. Like Mary and Diana and St. John, they took pity on Jane and took her in, and nurtured her back to help. But also, she shows that there are cruel people in the world. The Reeds were a prime example. Even though Jane was family, they didn't treat her any better than a beggar.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Jane Eyre: Discussion Topic 2

The conflict in the novel of Jane Eyre is mostly that of loving and then being betrayed. Jane Eyre is the main character, who becomes a governess to a rich child, Adele. Jane meets Adele's father, the hardened Mr. Rochester, and falls in love with him. Jane is distracted by loving Mr. Rochester and him not loving her back.

Later, she finds out he loves her too, and they agree to get married. But, Jane finds out that Mr. Rochester had an insane wife living in the attic. She deals with the betrayal Mr. Rochester put her through by leaving him and Adele. She loses her lover and her home and has no where to go but forward. But when she arrives at a town, she gains strength to be independent and a family.

 Jane had nobody before, but she found her cousins and became rich. At the end, Jane decides to find Mr. Rochester and gains him. She marries him and they have a child, and Jane gains a family. Overall, Jane gains much more than what she has lost. She lost her home and her family, but gains a new home with the man she loves and a new family. Jane overcame everything that she needed to with grace and dignity.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

Jane Eyre: Discussion Topic 1

Jane Eyre is a book that is all about the life and trials of a woman who started with nothing. The writing in this book is rather dark, and much of the story is Jane in turmoil. With this character, Charlotte Bronte showed how she felt about love and being a respectable woman. In this novel, Bronte obviously values her relationships. For example, even though Jane's guardian, Mrs. Reed, is horrible to Jane and treats her badly, Bronte still has Jane return home and bestow her forgiveness.

 The novel is dark, and Jane is many times emotionally hurt. Even in the first chapter of this novel, one can actually see how the rest of the book's tone will be. Just the beginning setting is on a miserable November day, and even by the end of the first chapter, Jane has been beaten down emotionally and physically, and has been punished and hurt.

 As the author, Charlotte Bronte writes in first person. She writes as if she has been through the pain that Jane has gone through. With this, she shows that she believes in fairness and regular moral values. Through her character, Jane Eyre, she makes a spunky woman who is intelligent and interested in equality. For example, her cousin, St. John, proposes marriage to her, just because she would be a good missionary wife. Jane pointed out that he didn't love her, and wanted to use her. She said she would accompany St. John, but only as his assistant and sister, nothing more. Jane did not let herself be pushed around by a man with an icy stare or an iron fist. She stayed true to herself the entire novel and was put through many trials of deceit and inequality.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Print.