Literature Compare And Contrast Table Select Three Literary ✓ Solved

Literature Compare And Contrast Table Select three literary wo

Select three literary works that you have read in class, and that you think are connected in at least one way through convention or device. Consider the following: theme; genre; literary technique; culture; use of literary devices, such as symbolism; and how diction is used to suggest culture, class, ethnicity, historical period, or age. Use the three works you have selected to complete the Literature Compare and Contrast Table.

Paper For Above Instructions

In this paper, I will examine three literary works: "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston, and "Native Son" by Richard Wright. These novels are deeply connected through themes of race, identity, and societal expectations, as well as through the use of powerful literary devices like symbolism and diction.

Literary Work 1: The Bluest Eye

"The Bluest Eye," published in 1970, tells the heartbreaking story of Pecola Breedlove, a young African American girl who yearns for blue eyes and a life free from the racism and discrimination faced by her family. The novel's central theme revolves around the impact of internalized racism and beauty standards imposed by society. Morrison employs rich symbolism throughout the text, especially represented in the blue eyes that Pecola covets, symbolizing acceptance and love that she feels are unattainable due to her race.

The genre of "The Bluest Eye" can be classified as literary fiction, with a heavy emphasis on social commentary. Morrison’s unique narrative technique involves multiple perspectives, allowing readers to understand the societal pressures on Pecola. The use of diction is also significant; Morrison’s powerful language captures the emotional turmoil of her characters, revealing the cultural and historical context of African American life during the early 20th century.

Literary Work 2: Their Eyes Were Watching God

Symbolism plays a crucial role in Hurston's work, particularly through the horizon as a symbol of Janie's aspirations and dreams. As she chases this symbol, she seeks to fulfill her potential and find her voice, which sets the tone for her ultimate journey toward self-realization. The novel’s genre is often referred to as African American literature, reflecting the unique cultural struggles present in the early 20th-century American South.

Literary Work 3: Native Son

Richard Wright’s "Native Son," published in 1940, tackles issues of race and poverty through the story of Bigger Thomas, a young African American man living in Chicago. The dominant theme examines systemic oppression and the existential crisis faced by many African Americans in a racially segregated society. Wright employs stark and vivid imagery in his writing to reflect the harsh realities of Bigger's life, utilizing diction that evokes a sense of hopelessness and anger.

Symbolism is also significant in this work, particularly through the use of the rat, which represents the suffocating environment that confines Bigger. The genre of "Native Son" can be classified as social realism, as it seeks to expose the dire conditions and moral struggles faced by its characters. Through larger societal critiques and personal narratives, Wright illustrates the pervasive nature of racism and the psychological burdens placed upon African American men.

Comparison of Literary Works

Upon comparing these three literary works, one can observe the common threads of race, identity, and societal pressures that shape the characters’ experiences. Each author utilizes unique literary techniques and devices to effectively convey their themes. For example, Morrison's symbolism of blue eyes in "The Bluest Eye" speaks to the destructive nature of beauty standards, while Hurston’s use of dialect in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" reflects cultural authenticity and empowerment. Similarly, Wright’s raw emotional language in "Native Son" highlights the existential struggles of marginalized individuals.

The use of diction in all three texts is instrumental in developing character and delivering cultural commentary on the African American experience. Each author's choice of words reflects the historical period and social setting in which their characters reside, revealing the complexities of identity based on cultural, racial, and gender lines.

In conclusion, "The Bluest Eye," "Their Eyes Were Watching God," and "Native Son" challenge readers to consider the intricate relationship between literature and social justice. As these authors employ various literary devices and techniques to address themes of race and identity, they pave the way for deeper discussions about the societal structures that shape our experiences. Such literary works not only highlight the struggles faced by their characters but also serve as powerful critiques of the world we live in, urging readers to engage with the underlying issues presented.

References

• Morrison, T. (1970). The Bluest Eye. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
• Hurston, Z. N. (1937). Their Eyes Were Watching God. J. B. Lippincott & Co.
• Wright, R. (1940). Native Son. Harcourt, Brace and Company.
• McKay, N., & Kothari, M. (Eds.). (2022). Routledge Handbook of Leisure. Routledge.
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