Katie's A Level English Lit Blog

*please note all of these notes come from the Penguin Classics version Gatsby as Trimalchio - The introduction starts by stating the the original title for 'The Great Gtabsy' was 'Trimalchio in West Egg'. - It then goes on to compare Gatsby to a man named Trimalchio from the novel 'Satyricon' written by Petronius, a roman courtier who wrote many novels regarding this man. - Trimalchio shares many similarities to Gatsby, the most recognisable of which is his ability to build a new life that embodies an alternate facade for people to view and enjoy. However, it also explains how both Gatbsy and Trimalchio have the want for time to reverse or to stop; and this can be highlighted by the signiface of when Gatsby quickly catches the falling clock at Nick's house in Chapter 5, when meeting Daisy for the first time in years. - Also, of course we know that Gatsby comes to orientate his life around the green light at the end of Daisy's dock and it be

F.Scott Fitzgerlad Biographical Criticism: Biographical Criticism is a form of literary criticism which analyses a writer's biography to show the connection between the author's life and their works of literature. When studying the authors biography, you can begin to see similarities between the works produced and the life the author has lived. Not only this, but you can also see the parallel of created scenarios in their literature and their own life, proving that many author's books have a self-biography nature. In summary, biographical criticism is merely an extension of contextual criticism that focuses solely around the writer's experiences and how these relate to their literary works. How does this apply to The Great Gatsby? Relationships: There are many similarities between F.Scott Fitzgerald's life and what is written about during The Great Gatsby. Firstly, Daisy is a character whom Gatsby is seen fantasising over and longing after for so long du

Summary Chapter One begins with Narrator Nick establishing his views on society and the eway he views hismelf. This is followed by Nick attending his 'old friends' grand and impressive mansion where he learns of the underlying tensions beneath the seemingly secure fascade, repsrenting the ultimate American Dream. Characater Ananlysis Nick ~ Nick is the omniscient narrator throughout this novel and he makes his apparent opinions and views clear in this first chapter. He makes the statement: "I'm inclined to reserve all judgements"  From the beginning we see a clear indication that tries to present his character in a 'good' light and attempts not to hold personal opinions on people. However he continues to contradicts himself as he passes many judgment of people throughout the book and even in this first chapter, making the characters appear a certain way. He makes many side comments about situations which suggest that he is going to present h

Information  -In 1920, the 18th Amendment said that the manufacture and sale of alcohol was now illegal, which was called Prohibition. - However many people during this period rebelled and continued to drink and sell alcohol. - 'Gangsters' as they were known made a lot of money during this period in America. - There were many reasons as to why this ban was put in place and one of them was because the Anti-Saloon League argued that drinking alcohol was ruining the American way of life. - Another reason was that some people felt that the consumption went against God's will, while others thought it was unfair for people to be drinking and having a good time while people were having to be at war - However, In 1929 Prohibition was said to have failed and so the 21st Amendment was passed lifting the ban on manufacturing and selling alcohol.  - Prohibition had failed for many reasons one of which being that there wasn't enough prohibition officers to re-en

Title: For My Lover, Returning To His Wife Poet: Anne Sexton Publication Date: 1969 "Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard" - Anne Sexton "She is all there. She was melted carefully down for you and cast up from your childhood, cast up from your one hundred favourite aggies. She has always been there, my darling. She is, in fact, exquisite. Fireworks in the dull middle of February and as real as a cast-iron pot. Let's face it, I have been momentary. A luxury. A bright red sloop in the harbor. My hair rising like smoke from the car window. Littleneck clams out of season. She is more than that. She is your have to have, has grown you your practical your tropical growth. This is not an experiment. She is all harmony. She sees to oars and oarlocks for the dinghy, has placed wild flowers at the window at breakfast, sat by the potter's wheel at midday, set forth three children under the moon, three cherubs drawn by Miche

Title: The Reader Author: Bernhard Schlink Publication Date: 1995 Genre: Historical/romance "Only one thing can make a soul complete and that thing is love" - Bernhard Schlink Contextual Information  This book was published in 1995 even though it talks about the period of post second world war in Germany. It addresses the outcomes of the Holocaust and mainly the way it effects people - it also visits the trials of Nazi War Criminals. Schlink was born in 1944 (during war time) this would mean that he would have has to research the war as he did not really experience the war first hand. The protagonist is presented as a young man who clearly is opposed to the Nazis beliefs and the crimes that were committed by many in the name of Fascism. Plot It is overall about a fifteen year old boy (Michael Berg) who meets and falls in love with a thirty six year old woman. They have an intimate secret relationship which comes to an abrupt ending as the woman,