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Comparing Literary Works

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Comparing Literary Works
Comparing 1

Comparing Literary Works
Vivian Swinton
ENG 125
Instructor – Alex Vuilleumier
November 1, 2010

Comparing 2 Comparing Literary Works My study of literature has been quit amazing. I never knew how extensive the elements of literature were, in helping to analyze and understand the concept of different genres. In studying literature, it has helped me to understand and express myself in what is, understanding other people’s points of view. As a common ground for my comparisons, I would like to compare three literary works, using the element of setting, in how the physical and social context, including the time, place and social environment frames the characters, creating an atmosphere conducive to the tone of the story. The setting plays an important role in the success of story, it sets the readers mood. A good writer’s description of a setting puts you right into the story. Sometimes the “intense description” of setting in a story can bring suspense with an eerie feeling, to a dark and dreary one. Often the author will use objects in the setting to symbolize different things in the story, helping to outline the general theme of the story, also to relate to the hardships or situations of the characters. The setting is the foundation and power of the story. If the setting is weak the story will be also. (Morgan.T. 2010). In analyzing the setting, the reader can get a lot of information about its themes and literary intent. In “A Rose for Emily” the setting is mostly one of deterioration and death, beginning with her house, which the town considered an “eye sore among eyesores”, the picture of decay. Emily’s house “smelled of dust and disuse – a close, dank smell” (DiYanni, 2008, p. 79). Comparing 3 The physical setting was parallel to the social change that was taking place at the time, and could be used to symbolize the breakdown of the old

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