Professor`sName
Literature
Thecontrast in Beowulfand ParadiseLost.
Beowulf,an Anglo—Saxon epic, has some differences to Paradise lost, whichis a Christian epic poem. Beowulf, as the main character in the epic,represents strength and perseverance and youthfulness. He is the heroin the epic and can be compared to Jesus in ‘Paradise Lost.` In hisbattle to have Geatland living forever, Beowulf sacrifices himself.In Paradise Lost, Jesus is also sacrificed to make mankind liveforever. (Tolkien,1936)The difference, however, lies in the different ages where thesesacrifices happen. Jesus sacrifices himself when young, 33 years,while Beowulf does it while in his late 50’s. This huge gap setsthe contrast in these epics. (Miller,1978)
ThomasGray: Elegy written in a Country Churchyard
Grayis regarded as a Pre-romantic due to his feature of the style. Hispoetry shows a deviation from the Augustan age and is attributed tofocusing on the public and the poor. Romantic poets focused on thefeelings of the humble and had an interest in nature, signifyingGod’s Presence. Gray’s poem uses a graveyard at twilight to focusemotionally on the lives of the humble people. Gray laments about theuncertainty that is attached to death, which eventually strikes everyhuman. “Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid Some heart oncepregnant with celestial fire” He laments how death renderseverything about life useless, positive or negative, pointing outgifted people such as potential leaders, musicians, and poets (Gray,1845).
GeoffreyChaucer`s The Canterbury Tales
Thenarrator, while telling stories, starts off with a high note forevery character. The narrator starts off in a mood that shows howeveryone is amazing at taking their responsibilities. However, thisis not the case. The narrator uses sarcasm to reflect the meaninglessin life and lack of encouragement. The differences in people’spersonalities can also be seen in the audience, which is made ofpilgrims. While each narrator tells a story, various people are seento interrupt and ask for something interesting, or rather everyonewants a story that seems to interest them. This can be used o showhow different people have varying needs and preferences. The host,for example, cuts Chaucer short and asks for a narrative in prose.Another member, the Knight, complains that he Monk’s stories aretoo much to bear. Everyone in the audience is seen to have uniquepreferences. (Chaucer,1980)
TheRape of the Lock byAlexanderPope
Popewrites about the “love of ombre”. This can be likened with poker,or generally, gambling. The first thing that gamblers who aspire toget rich overnight need to learn is that they are poor and are on theverge of getting poorer. They are so poor that they cannot evenafford the patience to work and wait for cumulative riches. Well, notthat gambling is a sin, it is not – It’s just a very stupid way ofmaking money. No, losing money. Gamblers stake the little they have,relying on hope to get more. How did this deed even become legal?It’s said that it’s only a gambling problem if your’re losing.Well, 95% of people who bet actually lose. Gambling is a sure way toget nothing for something. Current technology has taken gambling outof the casino and anyone can bet from ay location. This unwiseheights of self-indulgence have helped the poor get poorer a greatdeal and it’s perhaps a great time for society to get keen oneliminating the habit.
Conclusion
Thoughwritten years ago, early forms of literature are still applicable tomodern society to get lessons and advice from. This is the solepurpose of literature, which is to analyze what writers such as poetswant to communicate, and from it, gather lessons that can be appliedin the current society.
WorksCited
Chaucer,Geoffrey. TheCanterbury Tales.Ed. Norman F. Blake. Arnold, 1980.
Gray,Thomas. Elegywritten in a country churchyard.Moore, 1845.
Miller,David M. JohnMilton: Poetry.Vol. 242. Twayne Publishers, 1978.
Pope,Alexander. Therape of the lock: and other poems.Ginn, 1906.
Tolkien,John Ronald Reuel. Beowulf:the Monsters and the Critics.Vol. 18. London, 1936.
Tolkien,John Ronald Reuel. Beowulf:the Monsters and the Critics.Vol. 18. London, 1936.