The quote about literature that I chose was “Literature is not only a mirror; it is a map, a geography of the mind” by Margaret Atwood. I chose this quote because it fits in the story “Araby” by James Joyce, as the story and the character’s narrator guides us like a map through the character’s thoughts. The story is not just a mirror, it gives us an even deeper understanding of the character’s emotions. The story works as a map with all the thoughts and feelings the character has for this girl. The story has more meaning to it than just being a reflection. The boy had a crush on the girl throughout the story but at the end of the day he changed his mind on the way he felt. It’s like all these emotions made him realize something which changed the way he felt at the last minute.
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6 thoughts on “John Piguave Discussion 5”
Hi John,
I hope you are having a great weekend! I chose the same quote as you! I completely agree that literature is sort of like a master map to the character’s being. This map is provided by the author and allows us to get a privileged access one’s thoughts, desires and motivations of the person he created in his mind and reflect it as precisely as possible to us. James Joyce’s story “Araby” definitely is a great application of this quote because, we, as readers, can feel like we are there with the protagonist – experiencing the first flutters of love and then the grief associated with heartbreak.
Good luck with your essay!
Kadi
In “Araby,” James Joyce constructs a literary map, departing from a mere reflective surface. Margaret Atwood’s assertion holds true as the narrative navigates through the geography of the mind, unraveling the boy’s changing sentiments towards the girl. The story surpasses a mere mirror, unveiling a profound exploration of emotions that fundamentally alters the narrator’s viewpoint, transforming it into a rich exploration of the human psyche. But for explaining Araby story I choose a different quote but I think you have a good choice of quote.
Harsneh, can you be specific about what emotions you mean when writing about “profound exploration of emotions?” What do you mean by “the rich exploration of the human psyche?” What aspects of “the human psyche” are you referring to with respect to specific scenes/characters/imagery from “Araby?” Please avoid abstract, generic language like this unless you tie it to the story with specific reference. This is exactly the kind of language we tried to correct in the Week 4 discussion.
Okay professor I will try to do it better next time. Thank you
Hey John! I also chose the same quote as you and Kadi. Joyce does showcase a good illustration of how we readers can develop a deeper understanding of how in tune his feelings were towards this girl. He described and guided us from when they both crossed paths on their way to school down to the disappointment he had after arriving at the bazaar.
John, remember that the quote has 3 elements: a mirror, a map, and a geography.