"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.
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.
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