In both "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe and "The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain, the authors employ figurative language to enhance the meaning and aesthetic of their stories. Through the lens of figurative language, let's analyze the use of imagery in "The Raven" and irony in "The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County."
In "The Raven," Edgar Allan Poe employs vivid imagery to create a haunting and melancholic atmosphere. One notable use of figurative language is Poe's portrayal of the Raven as a symbol of death and despair. The speaker of the poem describes the bird as a "grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous" presence. Here, Poe uses several adjectives to evoke a visual image of the Raven's physical appearance as well as its ominous aura. The purpose of this figurative language is to intensify the sense of dread and unease in the poem. The Raven serves as a metaphorical representation of the speaker's grief and serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death. This use of imagery fits seamlessly into the dark and Gothic setting of the poem, as well as the time frame in which it was written. Poe's gothic aesthetic aims to immerse the reader in a world of darkness, despair, and the supernatural, and the vivid imagery of the Raven contributes significantly to this aesthetic.
On the other hand, in "The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County," Mark Twain incorporates irony to add humor and satire to the story. One particular instance of irony found in the story is the way Twain describes Jim Smiley's betting habits. Despite being known for his gambling addiction, Smiley has an unusual obsession with betting on the most trivial and unexpected competitions. Twain uses irony to highlight the absurdity of Smiley's behavior and to poke fun at the concept of gambling itself. The use of irony throughout the story not only adds comedic effect but also serves as a commentary on human nature and the foolishness of certain endeavors. By utilizing irony, Twain creates a humorous and lighthearted tone that fits well with the rural and playful setting of the story. It captures the essence of the time frame in which the story is placed, showcasing the humorous and carefree spirit of the American West during the mid-19th century.
In conclusion, both Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain skillfully utilize figurative language in their respective works to enhance the meaning and aesthetic. Through the use of vivid imagery in "The Raven" and irony in "The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County," the authors successfully immerse readers in their distinct settings and time frames. The figurative language items employed contribute to the overall tone and purpose of each story, whether it is to convey a sense of darkness and melancholy or to provide humor and satire.
"The raven" and "The celebrated jumping frogs of Calaveras country" Compare the two stories through the lens of a single figurative language item. Select one figurative language item from each work, and discuss how the author uses it for meaning/purpose, and how it fits into the setting and time frame of the story (aesthetic).
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