Free Essays on Synopsis Of Mythos Of Spring

Northrop Frye’s Formula for Comedy In his essay, "The Mythos of Spring: Comedy," Northrop Frye describes his formula for constructing a comedy. He says that most plot structures in comedies are based on the same specific formula. The storyline usually revolves around a boy-wants-girl scenario where there is some sort of blocking character, like a father or superior figure, that stands in their way. In the end, however, the guy always gets the girl. In the beginning of a comedy the blocking characters have power and are in charge of society. At the end of a comedy, the events that bring the boy and girl together form a new society. In keeping with this formula, many comedies involve a party or wedding. Pairing off of other characters happens as well. A modern example of this occurs at the end of the movie Clueless, when the pairing of Cher and Josh, and Ty and Travis coincides with the marriage of the two teachers. Resolutions at the end of a comedy come from the audience, from their understanding and involvement in finding a happy ending. As the hero overcomes the various obstacles with which he is presented, the audience begins to anticipate a resolution that will fulfill its idea of how things ought to be. A resolution of conflict is symbolized by a coming together at the end. The obstacles the boy overcomes throughout the play form the plot, and his successes bring about comic resolution. You know the ending of a comedy before it starts, but the events are what make it interesting. The blocking characters in the play contribute to the excitement and humor of the plays. Usually parental figures, these blocking characters cause disharmony which arises from the differences of intent between father and son. Because of this, older audiences find something rebellious about comedy. This does in turn contribute to social persecution in drama. Moviemakers find it difficult to appeal to older audiences because in these... Free Essays on Synopsis Of Mythos Of Spring Free Essays on Synopsis Of Mythos Of Spring Northrop Frye’s Formula for Comedy In his essay, "The Mythos of Spring: Comedy," Northrop Frye describes his formula for constructing a comedy. He says that most plot structures in comedies are based on the same specific formula. The storyline usually revolves around a boy-wants-girl scenario where there is some sort of blocking character, like a father or superior figure, that stands in their way. In the end, however, the guy always gets the girl. In the beginning of a comedy the blocking characters have power and are in charge of society. At the end of a comedy, the events that bring the boy and girl together form a new society. In keeping with this formula, many comedies involve a party or wedding. Pairing off of other characters happens as well. A modern example of this occurs at the end of the movie Clueless, when the pairing of Cher and Josh, and Ty and Travis coincides with the marriage of the two teachers. Resolutions at the end of a comedy come from the audience, from their understanding and involvement in finding a happy ending. As the hero overcomes the various obstacles with which he is presented, the audience begins to anticipate a resolution that will fulfill its idea of how things ought to be. A resolution of conflict is symbolized by a coming together at the end. The obstacles the boy overcomes throughout the play form the plot, and his successes bring about comic resolution. You know the ending of a comedy before it starts, but the events are what make it interesting. The blocking characters in the play contribute to the excitement and humor of the plays. Usually parental figures, these blocking characters cause disharmony which arises from the differences of intent between father and son. Because of this, older audiences find something rebellious about comedy. This does in turn contribute to social persecution in drama. Moviemakers find it difficult to appeal to older audiences because in these...

The Scarlet Letter Questions for Discussion

The Scarlet Letter Questions for Discussion The Scarlet Letter is a seminal work of American literature written by New Englander Nathaniel Hawthorne and published in 1850. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, a seamstress newly arrived in the New World from England, whose husband, Roger Chillingworth, is presumed dead. She and local pastor Arthur Dimmesdale have a romantic interlude, and Hester gives birth to their daughter, Pearl. Hester is  convicted of adultery, a serious crime in the time period of the book, and sentenced to wear the scarlet letter A on her clothing for the rest of her life. Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter more than a century after the events in the novel would have occurred, but it is not difficult to discern his contempt for Bostons Puritans and their rigid religious views. Questions for Discussion Consider the following questions as you learn about  The Scarlet Letter.  Whether youre studying for an exam or leading a book club, these discussion questions will strengthen your understanding of the novel. What is significant about the novels title?The Scarlet Letter is considered a romance by many literary scholars. Do you think that is an accurate categorization? Why or why not?Is Hester Prynne an admirable character? Why or why not?How does Hester evolve through the course of the story?How do we learn the true character of Roger Chillingworth? Is he believable as a villain?Is Arthur Dimmesdale an admirable character? How would you describe him and his relationship with Hester?What does Pearl symbolize? How is her name significant?What is the significance of Pearl not recognizing Hester without her scarlet A?What is the moral statement Hawthorne is making throughout The Scarlet Letter?Do you agree with what how Hawthorne interprets the shortcomings of Puritan society?What are some symbols in The Scarlet Letter? How do they relate to the plot and characters?Does the story end the way you expected? Whats significant about the novels ending?Would you consider The Scarlet Letter to be a work of feminist literature? Why or why not?   How essential are the settings, both geographical and temporal, to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else or in any other time period?Does this novel give you a better appreciation for how women were treated in early New England? Does it give you a new perspective on other events from that regions history, such as the Salem Witch Trials?