Evaluation of Movement in a Literary Work

The Importance of Being Earnest


Often times, in a literary work, movement of location plays a significant role in the meaning. In Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, the element of a physical journey enhances and emphasizes aspects of the meaning of the work as a whole, or the absurdity of lives based on social status and propriety. Location is a key motif established in the beginning of the play when Algernon and Jack each reveal their alternate identities, and how they physically leave to escape the stringent decorum of Victorian society. The separate personas allow the men to act as the they wish, while still maintaining their standing in society. When tea time with Lady Bracknell becomes too cucumbersome, Algernon goes bunburying in the country to shed his duties without shredding his reputation. This parallels the actions of Jack, however he leaves the responsibility of his ward, Cecily, in the country to play the part of Earnest, a young bachelor in London. But the absurdity of shirking responsibility does not solely lie within Algy's and Jack's habitual sojourns, but when the life of Jack and Earnest collide.

Wilde satirizes the ridiculousness of the Victorian era through the use of concrete change within the play. The notion that two grown men would invent a separate identity to take a break from their life for a while is absurd, and the fact that Algy and Jack believe it is completely normal and practice bunburying quite often makes it even more ludicrous. The play already focuses on the trivial and vacant lives of the characters, commenting on the wrongness of that lifestyle, and the facet of nonsensical physical journey adds to the social commentary. The only way the two men can deal with the Draconian rules of manners established in the society is to become a different person every now and then.

The change of location gives rise to the reoccurring theme of hypocrisy. Algy and Jack, in their respective communities are both ideal portraits of unmarried men for the time period. The improper way Bunbury and Earnest behave, is frowned upon by people like Algy and Jack. However, in order to protect reputations and high social standing, they must be hypocritical; as they proclaim the impropriety of Bunburys and Earnests with one hand, with the other, they revel in the mishief-making.

The collision of Jack and Earnest, and the folly that ensues, is only possible through a change in location. The play shifts from London to Jack's country estate, where Algy is parading as Earnest and Jack is both Earnest and Jack. The the entire section is fraught with criticism directed toward the ludicrous lifestyle of the characters.

Wilde's use of physical movement within The Importance of Being Earnest, represents the convoluted and trivial lives of the characters. The constant hypocrisy and molting of responsibility by Algy and Jack satirize the Victorian era. The commentary and meaning of the work as a whole are conveyed through the ludicrous need for location change, for bunburying.



 

Poetry Analysis #2

"Poem" by William Carlos Williams
Pg. 340-341 # 291
Devices Used: Structure and Imagery





The "Poem" by William Carlos Williams draws parallels between simple, inane actions, and treacherous journeys, with tentative stanza structure and gentle imagery, to create the illusion of a cat cautiously and wobbly making its way over a jamcloset and into a immensely deep and empty flowerpot. The halting structure of the "Poem" contributes to the cat's air of caution, by breaking up lines every few words; as "carefully/then the hind/stepped down//into the pit". The modest imagery, "climbed over/the top of/the jamcloset" and "into the pit/of the empty/flowerpot", subtly add to the struggle of the cat, as in reality, it would be easy for the cat to step into the flowerpot. Williams also creates the image of that cat itself acting hesitantly, by over exaggerating the slow movements of the cat, such as with "first the right/frontfoot//carefully/then the hind". Overall the timid effect created, contributes to the message conveyed of small actions being great obstacles and meaning to others.

I find the "Poem" by William Carlos Williams quirky and a small wonder. My personal interpretation of the piece is that sometimes you may see someone doing something mundane or of little consequence, however to them, that action may be difficult or important to them.

Well, and I love cats.

Poetry Analysis #1

"Good Times" by Lucille Clifton
Pg. 227 # 209
Devices Used: Repetition and Irony




In "Good Times", Lucille Clifton, utilizing naive repetition and unaffected irony, makes a enlightening statement about how children view struggles. The ironic juxtaposition between the economical struggles and the speaker's remarkable happiness is made clear through the repetition of "good times, good times, good times" following a description of something that is not normally considered a good time. The child is glad that his/her family is together, that is enough. The rent can go unpaid, the electric may only have just turned back on, but it is alright because there is still family. The irony of this is uncanny, as many people would consider a "good time" a period of material prosperity, but this child is happy with bread, family, and "dancing in the kitchen/and singing in the kitchen". The final statement of the poet, "oh children think about the/good times" cements the conclusion of children viewing the world and struggles with untainted gratefulness, viewing with "good times".

I am drawn to this poem, whether it be for the child-like innocence colloquial language, or the quiet and  naive child in me that is grateful for those good times, good times, good times. Maybe, I too strive for those moments where everything may not be smooth, but it is laughter and togetherness. This poem is a reminder to me, for when my steps become unstable and I feel like I cannot find the sun, that I will always have good times.