Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Primary education

Satire

Satire refers to any writing, in poetry or prose, with the purpose to ridicule, censure (criticize unfavorably), and correct the vices, follies, stupidities, and corruptions of society that threaten good moral order and literary discipline. The best and most representative works are found in those written by Pope and Swift, two masters of satire. Some satire is meant to make us laugh at human foolishness and weaknesses; some satire is meant to make us angry about human vices and crimes. Satire can be aimed at humanity in general, stereotyped groups, or a particular person.

Techniques of Satire

There are some common techniques used in satire:

• Exaggeration: To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)

Jonathan Swift was born in Dublin, Ireland, to an English family with important connections but little wealth. Through the generosity of an uncle, he was educated at Kilkenny Grammar School and then Trinity College in Dublin. Between 1689 and 1699, he worked as a private secretary to a distant kinsman, Sir William Temple, a retired diplomat. There, he received a first-rate education in politics through contact with Temple and many other well-known politicians, learning much about the vice, hypocrisy, intrigues, deception, and corruption in the political world.

Swift is one of the greatest masters of English prose; his sentences are logical, clear, and well-constructed. He is a master satirist who dared to criticize... Continue reading "Jonathan Swift: Master of Satire and Social Critic" »

The Age of Johnson

1744-1785, often referred to as The Age of Sensibility.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), poet, critic, and author of fiction, is the namesake for this period in literature. Johnson wielded considerable influence over this era with works that focused on neoclassical aesthetics (the study of natural and artistic beauty with an eye toward the great classical writers). Johnson and his fellow writers placed great emphasis on the values of the Enlightenment which stressed the importance of using knowledge, not faith and superstition, to enlighten others, and led to the expansion of many social, economic, and cultural areas including astronomy, politics, and medicine. Writers of the Age of Johnson focused on the qualities of intellect,... Continue reading "The Age of Johnson: Literature, Enlightenment, and Legacy" »

The Age of Realism and Precision

The main characteristics of the Restoration period—Realism and Precision—were carried to further perfection. They are found in their excellent form in the poetry of Pope, and in the prose of Addison, who developed it into a clear, precise, and elegant form of expression. The Whigs and the Tories—members of two important political parties which were constantly contending to control the government of the country—used and rewarded writers for satirizing their enemies and undermining their reputations. A satire is concerned mainly with finding fault with opponents and is destructive in its intention.

Development of the Novel

Several conditions and factors contributed to the development of the novel:

• Growing

The Rise of Prose in 18th Century English Literature

Coffeehouse Culture and the Socialization of Literature

In London, the coffeehouse replaced the Court as the meeting place for intellectuals and cultural figures. The emergence of journalism contributed to the socialization of poetry, making it more accessible and familiar to the public.

The Expanding World of the British People

A growing sense of possibility transformed the daily lives of the British people. New ways of thinking about their relationship with nature emerged. London became the center of business, pleasure, and a burgeoning consumer society. With increasing prosperity, London transformed into a city where everything was for sale, and spectacles and shows attracted larger and larger... Continue reading "18th Century English Literature: Rise of Prose & Coffeehouse Culture" »

The Augustan Age in English Literature

As the term Classical Age is too dignified for writers of the eighteenth century in England, who imitated only the outward trappings of the ancient classical writers and could not capture their inner spirit, this age is preferably called the Augustan Age. This term was chosen by the writers of the eighteenth century, who saw in Pope, Addison, Swift, Johnson, and Burke the modern parallels to Horace, Virgil, Cicero, and other brilliant writers who made Roman literature famous during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

The Age of Reason and Enlightenment

The eighteenth century is also called the Age of Reason or the Age of Good Sense because people thought they could stand on their own two feet and be guided in... Continue reading "The Augustan Age in English Literature: Reason, Enlightenment, and Neoclassicism" »

The Classical Age of English Literature

The Eighteenth Century in England is called the Classical Age or the Augustan Age in literature. It is also called the Age of Good Sense or the Age of Reason. John Dryden belonged to the seventeenth century, but he was also included in the Classical or Augustan Age. Other great literary figures who dominated this age successively were Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson.

The Three Periods of the Classical Age

The Classical Age is divided into three distinct periods: the Ages of Dryden, Pope, and Johnson.

The Age of Dryden and the Restoration

Dryden was the dominating and most representative literary figure of the Dryden Age. The literature of the Restoration Period emphasized directness and simplicity of expression,... Continue reading "The Classical Age: 18th Century English Literature" »

Mercantilism (Dominant from The 16th to the 18th Century) - It's not efficient…Made a small group of people wealthy Emphasis on developing national power, building exports, getting bullion. Favored A large trade surplus, subsidizing big business, low wages.

Adam Smith - Is the "Father of Economics". Was a professor of Moral Philosophy in the Department of Logic. Made The Wealth of Nations in 1776. Describes the Building blocks of national economic wealth. Divisions of labor allows people To specialize Productivity rises up due to improvements in dexterity, ↓ use of Time, and lead to Interconnect Economy. Trade = another building block; leads People to act in their own self-interest. Argued FREE trade benefits all parties. NOT zero-sum "I... Continue reading "Economic Theories and Concepts: Mercantilism, Adam Smith, and More" »

Mandela was born in... mandela's first teacher told him that his new first name would be nelson. His father had died and then, he was adopted by a tribal chief. Melaqnini explained him that their young boys were slaved in their own countri. He also said that white men controled their land. He dreamt os the day they ould had power.

Contrasts Between American and European Cultures in Daisy Miller

Innocence vs. Knowledge/Experience

Innocence vs. knowledge or experience
Utility vs. form and ceremony
Spontaneity vs. ritual
Action vs. inaction
Nature vs. art
Natural vs. artificial
Honesty vs. evil

Daisy Miller: A Representation of American Innocence

In Daisy Miller, Henry James focuses on the differences in behavior between Americans and Europeans. Daisy Miller embodies the American, while Mrs. Costello, Mrs. Walker, and Winterbourne represent the European perspective. Ironically, these "Europeans" are American-born but have adopted European views.

Sophistication and Prejudice: A Two-Fold Meaning

Europeans in James's novels are often portrayed as more sophisticated and art-conscious,... Continue reading "American vs. European: Innocence and Experience in Henry James's Daisy Miller" »