How does "The raven" and "The celebrated jumping frogs of Calaveras country" reflect the attitudes and events of their time period? Research the time of each story and discuss how the events and culture of the time affects the story. Note allusions, setting, dialect, or other items that relate.
"The Raven," written by Edgar Allan Poe in 1845, reflects the attitudes and events of the Romantic era in American literature. This time period was characterized by an emphasis on emotion, imagination, and individualism. The story's themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural resonate with the mood of the time, as Romanticism often explored darker and melancholic themes.
One significant event that influenced the story is the death of Poe's wife, Virginia Clemm, in 1847. This personal tragedy likely contributed to the mourning and despair portrayed in "The Raven." The poem's main character, who is grieving the loss of his beloved Lenore, represents Poe's own feelings of loss and sorrow.
Poe's use of allusions in "The Raven" also reflects the culture and events of the time. For example, the reference to Pallas Athena, the goddess of wisdom, highlights the intellectual and scholarly influences of the era. The use of Greek mythology was a common literary device during this period.
Furthermore, the setting of "The Raven" adds to its reflection of the time period. The poem takes place in a chamber at midnight, creating an eerie and mysterious atmosphere. This gothic setting aligns with the popular fascination with supernatural elements and mysterious settings during the Romantic era.
On the other hand, "The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County," written by Mark Twain in 1865, reflects the attitudes and events of the post-Civil War America. This period, known as the Reconstruction Era, saw significant social and political changes as the country tried to rebuild after the war.
The story is set in the rural mining town of Calaveras County, California. The setting reflects the cultural and historical backdrop of the time, with the gold rush and frontier spirit being important aspects. The story showcases the humor and wit of the common people, which was a response to the social changes during that period.
"The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County" employs regional dialect and colloquial language, capturing the speech patterns and humor of the people living in the area. This reflects the cultural diversity and regionalism that developed in post-Civil War America.
Additionally, the story's emphasis on a simple, entertaining anecdote can be seen as a reaction to the serious and tumultuous events of the time. It offers lighthearted entertainment and escapism, providing a temporary relief from the challenges faced by the nation during the Reconstruction Era.
In conclusion, "The Raven" reflects the Romantic era through its exploration of grief and loss, its allusions to mythology, and its gothic setting. In contrast, "The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County" reflects the post-Civil War era through its setting in a mining town, use of regional dialect, and the humorous narrative that served as a diversion from the challenges of the Reconstruction Era.
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe was published in 1845, during the Romantic period. This poem reflects the attitudes and events of its time in several ways.
1. Allusion: "The Raven" includes references to classical literature and mythology, which were highly regarded during the Romantic era. The knowledge of these allusions was considered a sign of education and sophistication. For example, the reference to the bust of Pallas Athena alludes to Greek mythology and highlights the narrator's intellectual background.
2. Gothic Elements: The story showcases elements of Gothic literature, which was popular during the 19th century. The dark and brooding atmosphere, the supernatural presence of the raven, and the narrator's torment all reflect the fascination with darkness and the unknown that characterized the Romantic era.
3. Themes of Isolation and Loss: "The Raven" explores themes of isolation, loss, grief, and the inability to move on. These themes resonate with the cultural and societal events of the time. The Romantic era was marked by a sense of despair stemming from industrialization, urbanization, and the loss of traditional values, leading to a feeling of estrangement and unrest among individuals.
"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain was published in 1865. This story reflects the attitudes and events of its time period in the following ways.
1. Regionalism: The story reflects the regionalist literature movement of the late 19th century. Mark Twain was known for his portrayal of rural America, and "The Celebrated Jumping Frog" is set in the rural region of Calaveras County, California. The setting and dialect used in the story capture the unique culture and language of the region, reflecting the focus on local customs and traditions of the time.
2. Humor and Satire: The story employs humor and satire to mock the exaggerated storytelling tradition of the American frontier. During the mid-19th century, the United States was expanding its territories, and this story humorously pokes fun at the tall tales and exaggerated stories often associated with these frontier regions. This reflects the cultural events and attitudes of the time, as Americans were grappling with the construction of a national identity and a sense of humor.
3. Social Critique: "The Celebrated Jumping Frog" also offers social critique and commentary on human nature. The character of Simon Wheeler, who tells the story of the jumping frog, represents a rural, simple-minded individual. Through this character, Twain reflects on the cultural and societal divisions between urban and rural environments during this period, highlighting the stark differences between the two and challenging the stereotypes associated with rural communities.
In conclusion, both "The Raven" and "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" reflect the attitudes and events of their respective time periods. "The Raven" portrays the Romantic era's fascination with darkness, isolation, and despair, while "The Celebrated Jumping Frog" captures the regionalist movement's focus on local culture and the humor and satire prevalent in the social and cultural events of the late 19th century.
To analyze how "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe and "The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain reflect the attitudes and events of their time periods, it's important to research the historical context of each story.
"The Raven" was published in 1845 during the Romantic Era in American literature. The poem reflects the dark and melancholic sensibilities of Poe's time. One significant event during this period was the increasing influence of the Industrial Revolution, which brought rapid urbanization and social changes. However, "The Raven" focuses more on the emotional and psychological turmoil of individuals rather than the societal shifts. This may be seen as a response to the widespread anxiety and uncertainty caused by the rapid changes occurring in society.
The poem also includes various allusions that relate to the time period. For example, the mention of "Pallas" refers to the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, suggesting an emphasis on intellect and knowledge. Overall, "The Raven" reflects the Romantic Era's fascination with the supernatural, the beauty of nature, and the exploration of human emotions and psychology.
On the other hand, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" was published in 1865 during the Realism and Regionalism period in American literature. This story reflects the social and cultural landscape of the American West during the mid-19th century. At this time, there was a popular fascination with the exploration and settlement of the frontier.
The setting of the story takes place in the mining town of Angel's Camp in Calaveras County, California. The California Gold Rush, which took place from 1848 to 1855, greatly influenced the culture and attitudes of this region during the time. The story captures the lively and rough atmosphere of a frontier town, with its colorful characters and their distinctive dialects.
"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" also reflects the literary movement of Realism by presenting realistic and ordinary characters. It provides social commentary through humor, exposing the human tendency to exaggerate and deceive for personal gain, even in a seemingly innocent setting.
Both stories can be seen as products of their time, influenced by the historical events and cultural attitudes prevalent during the periods they were written. By examining the allusions, setting, dialect, and themes in each story, one can gain a deeper understanding of how they reflect the broader context of their time.