English 104 - Introduction to Narrative
Frank Chi
Mental Transcendence
Category: 2 Essay: Carroll, Twain, Faulkner, Sebold | Frank Chi
When observing an unfolding drama, an individual’s voyeuristic viewpoints can display an objective view and reflect an urge to enter or escape such an exclusive community. In Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones and William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying, such characters can be found as they deal with conflicting sentiments...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on December 09, 2003 at 12:33 AM
Vicarious Voyeurism
Category: 10 Blog: The Lovely Bones | Frank Chi
Susie’s violent departure from Earth due to sexual brutality seems to have permanently instilled the cultural influences of sex. Since her life was taken because of an act of sexual brutality, her fascination with this expression of human instinct and constant voyeurisms on Lindsey display a yearning to reconnect with...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on December 03, 2003 at 10:21 PM
One Chance of Exposure
Category: 09 Blog: As I Lay Dying | Frank Chi
Addie’s monologue serves as the singular moment of expression she has to present her view on everyone else, whereas all other chapters focus events and emotions based on her life and death. When one might expect a more objective reflection from essential focus character upon the situation, Addie emphasizes her...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on November 24, 2003 at 11:20 PM
Animal and Maternal Themes
Category: 08 Blog: As I Lay Dying | Frank Chi
The constant shift in narration allows Faulkner to instill different mindsets to the reader. While this method proves perplexing at times, it enables him to create alternative interpretations of one character or theme. In the death of the mother, family members reflect their understanding of her death through animal themes....
entire entry
Posted by fchi on November 18, 2003 at 01:39 AM
Progression to Maturity
Category: 07 Blog: Huckleberry Finn | Frank Chi
The most surprising epiphany addressed in the conclusion comes through a true portrayal of Tom Sawyer. Throughout the novel, Tom is consistently idealized in Huck’s mentality as a superior iconoclastic idol. Twain’s description of Tom’s antics, attitude and manipulation of Jim portray an image of immaturity and extreme neglect for...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on November 11, 2003 at 12:54 AM
Fascination and Deceit
Category: 06 Blog: Huckleberry Finn | Frank Chi
Like previous iconoclasts in Huck’s life, he allows the King and Duke to dominate his mindset with their intriguing presence. While Tom Sawyer permanently occupies an aura of awe in his mind, the King and Duke convey a similar sense of excitement for Huck. As portrayed in their continual scams,...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on November 03, 2003 at 11:07 PM
Rifts in Perception
Category: 05 Blog: Huckleberry Finn | Frank Chi
To perceive the events around Huck Finn through his own eyes displays many notions of ambiguity. Twain utilizes this means of narration to both manifest the views of the young southern adolescent frustrated by social dogmas and human morality as well as the reality behind Huck’s sometimes misleading narration. Huck’s...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on October 28, 2003 at 01:48 AM
Subjective Objectivity, Objective Subjectivity
Category: 11 Essay: James and Bronte | Frank Chi
The intricacies of the Victorian novel are often conveyed through the tone of the narrator. Whether it be the intensity, attitude or depth of the book, it is the narrator’s role that provides the reader with the intended message. In Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw and Emily Brontë’s...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on October 22, 2003 at 09:54 PM
Peculiarity in Context
Category: 04 Blog: Alice in Wonderland | Frank Chi
The sequence of events in Alice in Wonderland relies on its absurdity and unorthodox plot development. Lewis Carroll’s blend of animal and human characters initially provokes the thoughts of a children’s tale. But when reflected upon, Alice’s contact with animal speakers displays intense frustration and peculiarity. Alice’s first conversation...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on October 07, 2003 at 01:15 AM
A Revival of Torment
Category: 03 Blog: Wuthering Heights | Frank Chi
The consistent theme of ambivalence among the female protagonists continues through younger Catherine. Her mother’s dilemma over loyalty again reflects in younger Catherine as she finds herself torn between her unusual attraction to Linton and her ailing father. Thus, younger Catherine revives the cruel familial rivalry between Wuthering Heights...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on September 29, 2003 at 11:41 PM
Eager for Drama
Category: 02 Blog: Wuthering Heights | Frank Chi
While narrating the turbulent history of Wuthering Heights, Nelly conveys an underlying sense of frustration and wonder. Her role as a servant situates her in observation of this tragic drama of emotional distraught and class tension. Though attempting to narrate as an observer, she consistently displays her own opinions of...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on September 23, 2003 at 12:53 AM
Anxious for Confirmation
Category: Frank Chi
The progression of the Governess’s paranoia culminates in her final confrontation with Miles. Her frustration and fear evince a strong misinterpretation of circumstances that combine both her hallucinations and inner desires. The constant underlying theme of sex continues to manifest through her ultimate pressing for Miles to explain his relationship...
entire entry
Posted by fchi on September 15, 2003 at 10:25 PM