“Gazing up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature and derided by vanity; and my eye burned with anguish and anger.” This is the quote I choose to focus on. The way this quote is embedded in the story is because this quote shows when the main character has his epiphany. This epiphany was what this story was about; it showed all of the young mans emotions and his thoughts about a girl who would never give him an actual chance and at the end of the story he realizes that he shouldn’t be doing what he was doing at the time. The main character realized that he was not in love with her but in love of the idea of her. He had a perception of her even though she acted like an older sister he took it as a sign that she really cared about him the same way he cared about her.
Daily Archives: March 2, 2024
“Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it” is the quotation from C.S. Lewis that I have selected. And I will be connecting it to James Joyce’s short story “Araby.” Because of the author’s use of imagery, symbolism, and lyrical language, James Joyce’s short story “Araby” transforms a simple tale of a boy’s love into a deeper investigation of teenage determination to disappointment and the loss of youth. This quotation speaks directly to that process. While reading “Araby” at first it seems to be about the narrator’s trip to a local market and the feelings he has for his friend’s sister. But later, author Joyce goes on to incorporate many symbolic meanings; Joyce uses poetic language, such as “light from the lamp caught the white curve of her neck.” Joyce used literary strategies to elevate the story above a mere description and reveal more profound human realities. Like regarding the tension between childhood aspirations and reality.
I chose the quote “Literature is not only a mirror; it is a map, a geography of the mind” by Canadian poet and novelist Margaret Atwood. The quote signifies how literature can lead the mind to a deeper understanding of how writing can be interpreted. For instance, James Joyce illustrated this in “Araby” by sharing his experience of his obsession with this girl who lived next door to him and how deep his feelings were for her. He showcased how his mind formed ideas and allusions to how he could’ve won this girl’s heart by traveling to an event that she wanted to attend but couldn’t. As he was on his way to the market, he realized later on that he was doing the absolute most for this human being and later changed his mind on how he felt towards her.
The quote “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it” by C.S. Lewis highlights the idea that literature goes beyond a straightforward representation of reality. Instead of just describing the world as it is, literature adds depth, meaning, and new perspectives to our understanding of reality. Through storytelling, symbolism, and exploration of human experiences, literature allows us to see into the complexities of life and gain insights that may not be apparent in everyday observations. It improves our perception of reality by offering unique analyses and inviting us to reflect on the human condition. Through storytelling, authors can explore different perspectives, challenge societal norms, and provoke thought. Literature allows us to step into the shoes of characters, experience their joys and sorrows, and gain insights that may not be with ease apparent in our own lives. It’s like having a window into different worlds and perspectives, expanding our horizons and inviting us to see the world in new and profound ways.
