Author: DANIEL PAVLOV

Consider both the comedic and tragic aspects (and the potential relation between the two) in Frost’s poem “Mending Wall.”

This poem by Robert Frost is highlighting two neighbors and the decision to build a wall. The narrator’s neighbor believes the wall should be constructed and claims, “good fences make good neighbors.” This poem is written with the perspective of the narrator, and it seems that the two neighbors disagree and don’t get along. This perspective adds to the comedic undertone of the poem. The narrator considers the decision to build a wall preposterous as it seems to bother him much. This is done in a way where Frost doesn’t look to ultimately side with the narrator and makes him unreliable. This ironic narration is comedic and somewhat dark as the poem shifts from disagreement to mental compromise.

How does Joyce depict the differences between Gabriel and the other characters in the story? How are they similar and different? 

Joyce portrays Gabriel as a protagonist that is ostracized from the rest of the characters. Although Gabriel is somewhat accepted in the crowd and does his “male” duties, it is obvious that he doesn’t belong. Joyce tries to portray him as extremely educated so that the rest of the characters seem to not understand him.  His character throughout the texts portrayed him as somewhat anti-social. He fails to talk to women and relate to them in some way. The author added this to highlight this side of Gabriel. He does not want to be at this party, and walking alone in the midst of nature is what he finds most enthralling. He finds it more pleasant. This puts into perspective how he feels about the situation and may affect how we understand his decisions.

How does one reconcile Gurov’s apparent misogyny with his newfound of love of Anna Sergeyevna?

Chekhov developed the character of Gurov as one who is savvy with women. He knows how to hold a conversation and win over their love. This personality trait consequently causes Gurov to have a cold blooded view of women. This misogamy works as irony when he meets Anna. Chekhov takes his time with this dynamic by taking the relationship between them slowly. Day by day. Over time it seems that Gurov begins to value women, more specifically Anna. The misogamy that was established in the beginning of the story is turned around towards the end.

What is the relationship between the speaker or poet and nature in Shelley’s work? Does the poet work in harmony with nature or rebel against it somehow? Or some combination of the two?

This poem highlights a “wind” that roars through nature in the Autumn. The author of this poem establishes their fascination with nature and its mystical characteristics. Shelley highlights this with alluding to the seasons, oceans, bays, and more. Despite the poem going into themes of higher powers and the paranormal, it’s obvious the poet/speaker is in harmony with nature. The poet seems to appreciate the power nature has and the role it plays in the living and the dead.