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Showing posts from April, 2021

Examining 'Sonnet Composed Upon Westminster Bridge' by William Wordsworth

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Sonnet Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802 Earth has not anything to show more fair: Dull would he be of soul who could pass by A sight so touching in its majesty: This City now doth, like a garment, wear The beauty of the morning; silent, bare, Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie Open unto the fields, and to the sky; All bright and glittering in the smokeless air. Never did sun more beautifully steep In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill; Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep! The river glideth at his own sweet will: Dear God! the very houses seem asleep; And all that mighty heart is lying still! ~ William Wordsworth - 1770-1850 NOTE: This poem is in the public domain. Consider the following questions as you read the poem: What is the speaker looking at? Where is he making his observation from? What time of day is it? What effect does the view have on the speaker? Does the poem use specific literary devices to convey meaning? How so? What is t

An Analysis of Frank O'Connor's 'The Man of the House'

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In the story “The Man of House” the protagonist assumes the responsibility of tending to his sick mother and taking care of household chores. This act of love on his part is remarkable because he is a ten year old boy who is taking on a role that is traditionally assigned to females. It is clear that he cares for his mother because he stops from school to ensure that she is taken care of. He displays responsibility when he lights the fire to keep her and the house warm, prepares breakfast and goes on errands for her. He does not allow his mother to do anything strenuous even though she expresses guilt for burdening him. At first she tries to hide her condition but he recognizes her weakened state and insists on taking over. Minnie Ryan, a lady who visits his mother, expresses admiration at Sullivan’s willingness to meet his mother’s needs.  His mother is quite proud of this fact and says he is as ‘good as gold’. Miss Ryan states that he is one of the few who are like that because there