Can someone help me with these questions please. Bret Harte "Plain Language from Truthful James"
1. What was the major theme in this poem?
2. What can we learn from the characters in the poem about the people of this time period.
3. What lesson can be learned from the plot if this poem.
4. What message was Hate trying to convey throught this work.
5. From reading this poem, do you think Harte was comfortable with the newly developed culture of the West? What was his reaction to America's expanding society versus it disappering frontier?
1. The major theme in Bret Harte's poem "Plain Language from Truthful James" is the deceitful nature of human behavior and the corrupting influence of greed and ambition.
2. From the characters in the poem, we can learn that the people of this time period were often driven by personal gain and were willing to deceive others for their own benefit. The characters, such as Truthful James and his partner Bill Nye, display a lack of moral integrity in their pursuit of wealth.
3. The lesson that can be learned from the plot of the poem is that dishonesty and deception ultimately lead to self-destruction. Truthful James, who initially helps Bill Nye deceive a gold miner named Tennessee, ends up being tricked by Nye himself, highlighting the repercussions of one's own actions.
4. The message that Harte is conveying through this work is that the pursuit of wealth and success can lead individuals to compromise their own principles and engage in dishonesty. The poem serves as a critique of the corruption and moral bankruptcy that can be found in society.
5. From reading this poem, it can be inferred that Bret Harte was not comfortable with the newly developed culture of the West. The poem portrays a society where people are driven by material gain and are willing to exploit others for personal benefit. Harte's reaction to America's expanding society versus its disappearing frontier seems to be that the pursuit of wealth and progress has led to a decline in moral values and the loss of the frontier spirit of honesty and integrity.
Sure, I'd be happy to help you with these questions!
1. To identify the major theme in the poem "Plain Language from Truthful James" by Bret Harte, you'll need to closely analyze the content and the message of the poem. Read the poem attentively and look for recurring ideas or motifs. Consider the actions, dialogues, and attitudes of the characters. Pay attention to any symbolic language or imagery used. Generally, Harte's poem explores themes such as betrayal, deceit, and the contrast between appearance and reality. The major theme might revolve around the consequences of dishonesty or the complexities of human nature. To determine the exact theme, you'll need to examine the poem's details and draw conclusions based on evidence from the text.
2. To understand what the characters in the poem can teach us about the people of the time period, you'll need to examine their actions, attitudes, and motivations. Look for characteristics or traits that the characters display and consider how these characteristics might reflect broader societal attitudes or norms. For example, the character of Truthful James might represent the virtue of honesty or reflect a desire for justice. Similarly, the character of Tennessee might embody certain cultural or historical aspects of the time period. By analyzing the characters' behaviors and interactions, you can draw conclusions about the people of that specific era.
3. To determine the lesson that can be learned from the plot of this poem, carefully consider the sequence of events and the development of the narrative. Look for any moral or message that the poet might be conveying through the plot. Analyze the choices and actions of the characters, paying attention to any consequences or outcomes they face. The lesson conveyed might highlight the importance of truth, the destructive nature of deceit, or the consequences of not adhering to moral principles. By thoroughly examining the plot's progression, you can uncover the underlying lesson or message.
4. To understand the message that Bret Harte was trying to convey through this work, you can refer to the overall tone, language, and imagery used in the poem. Look for any recurring motifs or symbols that effectively convey a specific idea or belief. Harte might be trying to convey a message about the consequences of dishonesty, the complexities of human nature, or the flaws of a society. Analyze the poem's content and context to gather evidence for the underlying message and consider how it reflects the author's views or beliefs.
5. Determining Harte's comfort level with the newly developed culture of the West and his reaction to America's expanding society versus its disappearing frontier requires a close analysis of the poem and additional research on Harte's other works or writings. In this specific poem, you can look for passages or imagery that depict the West or the changing society. Pay attention to Harte's tone and language when describing these elements. Additionally, researching Harte's biographical information or other writings might provide insights into his attitudes towards the West and society's evolution. By combining the evidence from the poem and external sources, you can form a well-informed perspective on Harte's comfort level and reaction to America's changing landscape.
Remember, close reading of the poem, attentive analysis, and further research on the author's background are crucial steps in finding the answers to these questions.