Characters Description in Death of a Salesman

Characters Description in Death of a Salesman

Willy Loman: Willy can be seen as a stubborn individual who may seem to be assertive and non appreciative to an extent. This was depicted in the first instance of the book where, his wife Linda constantly asked if he was encountered in an accident his response towards her came across as not appreciative of her concern and his response was also influenced by his assertiveness. Willy was also seen as a intrapersonal communicator, since he also spoke to himself, also a reflector, this was seen when he would often have flashbacks about his father.

Linda: Linda seemed to be a very caring and loving individual towards her husband Willy and her children. This was seen in the way in which she asked Willy numerous questions about the trip and if he got into a car accident. She also pleaded with him to speak to his boss about not having to travel so many times in his age, to avoid accidents. This indeed showed her love for him.

Happy: He was seen as the successful child who had a steady job and qualities that would seem pleasing to his father. He would also seem to be more ambitious than his brother Biff since he would always aim to reach higher heights.

Biff: He seemed to be more aggressive than his brother and rather confused about his educational status, since he had skipped many schools.

What is the American Dream?

According to an American analyst the American Dream is an idea which suggests that all people can succeed through hard work, and that all people have the potential to live happy, successful lives.

Characters Similarities and Differences

Characters Similarities and Differences

Similar Characters

· Gloucester and King Lear- these two are similar because they both are caught up in deceit by their children and as a result hate those who love them and love those who despitefully use and envy them. This is illustrated in the case of Cordelia, Regan and Goneril where Lear appreciates Regan and Goneril more than Cordelia, who actually loves him. Also, Gloucester who adores and believes Edmund, his illegitimate son more than Edgar who actually cares for him.

· Edmund, Goneril and Regan- these mentioned characters share similarities because they all deceive their father for one purpose which is to receive power, wealth and authority. Regan and Goneril confessed false love to their father Lear when he asked them to express their emotions for him. By doing this caused Lear to become pleased and overwhelmed by the expressions they gave. However, this was only a deceitful plan to gain the kingdom and their father’s wealth. On the other hand, Edmund made false statements to his father Gloucester about his legitimate son Edgar. This was done so he would attain his father riches by eliminating his legitimate brother Edgar.

· The Fool and Kent- these two tried to assist King Lear with sound advice about the choices he made and the running of the kingdom. The Fool often told him about his choices for instance he stated “you have blessed Cordelia bys ending her away and cursed Goneril and Regan by giving them the kingdom.”

· Cordelia and the King of France- these two were kind hearted and both assisted King Lear through his time of tribulations.

· Cordelia and Edgar- both characters were wrongfully abused hated and neglected by their fathers’ because of deceitfulness.

· The king of France and Burgundy- both pursued Cordelia (Lear’s youngest daughter) for her hand in marriage. Also, both witnessed the rejection made by her father Lear after her refusal of not responding the way Lear wanted her to.

· Oswald, Goneril and Regan- all three characters had little or no respect for King Lear and often made numerous offensive statements towards him.

Different Characters

· Edgar and Edmund- these two characters are brothers who are different from each other. This is seen because Edmund the illegitimate child is deceitful and seeks for power and authority through deviant means. However, Edgar is honest and caring being totally opposite from his brother.

· Goneril, Regan and Cordelia- both Regan and Goneril are deceitful by feeding Lear lies and are only seeking money and authority. However, Cordelia was more honest and was not seeking power and authority. However, Cordelia was more honest and was not seeking power and authority

· The Fool and Kent- these two individuals were different in reference with speech in the way they illustrated their statements and perceptions. For instance, Kent was more aggressive and arrogant with his speeches and advices to King Lear. However, the Fool uses sarcasm, jokes and frivolous songs to bring out his point of views on particular situations.

Act 2 Scene 4

Act 2 Scene 4

Within this particular scene Shakespeare is unraveling the cruelty, brutality of Lears’ daughters’ and one can see that Lear is finally coming to the realization that his daughter’s are indeed deceitful. This came to his attention when Regan and her husband locked his served Kent in the stocks because of his conduct. Also, the refusal of his daughter’s listening to Lears command when he sends for them to explain the situation at hand. In addition both his daughters made comment about Lear being senile and reaffirm the fact that he is no longer King and does not have any sort of authority to be heard and being accompanied by his knights.
The Fool becomes a witness of this chaos and makes rather interesting and truthful statement at hand to Lear. The Fool makes sarcastic statements to illustrate his points effectively to the King, by doing this he does not seem to disrespect the King authority but uses comedy so his words does not become too harsh. For example, he stated within this scene “but for all this thou shalt have as many dolors for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year.” This statement made by the Fool was saying “but despite all this, your daughters will give you a lot of money—or do I mean pain?—in the coming year.” One can see that the Fool didn’t mean that his daughters would not give Lear finance but rather ill treat him by afflicting both psychological and physical pain towards him during the year.
In addition, by the Fool’s comments it evident to say that he is an individual who is loyal to his master because he will stand in support whether bad or good situations arises. This was seen when he stated “that sir which serves and seeks for gain, and follows but for form, will pack when it begins to rain and leave thee in the storm. But I will tarry. The fool will stay. And let the wise man fly.” This indeed shows that the Fool is in fact loyalty to those who he serve.

The Fool is the most foolish character in the play King Lear. Defend or refute this agreement. Use specific examples from the play to support your ans

The Fool is the most foolish character in the play King Lear. Defend or refute this agreement. Use specific examples from the play to support your answer.

In order to explain, analyze and make a clear conclusion on this topic the main term must first be defined. According to the Collier’s Dictionary fool is defined as a person with little or no judgment, common sense and wisdom. Within this essay the position taken will be in opposition to the moot that the fool is the most foolish character in the play King Lear. The specific points in support of this topic will be; the fool is able to make prophecies that are real, being analytical, having a good recollection of past events and the fact the fool is assertive.
Other scholars would agree that the Fool within Shakespeare is actually foolish because he stayed subjected to Lear although his words were not being taken into consideration by the individuals surrounding him. However, one must stand in full affirmation with Professor Bradley who states “the fool has an impact way beyond his status.” This is so because the Fool was able to make prophecies that always came through in a matter of time. For example in Act 1 Scene 4 he stated the downfall of the Kingdom and the deceit of Goneril and Regan and these prophetic images came to pass. The question must be asked can an individual who has an impact beyond their status be foolish, can an individual who make prophetic statement be foolish? The answer to this question is a resounding no. An individual who portray these attributes cannot be foolish.
Also, the Fool within King Lear is not foolish because of the mere fact that he could have been seen to be analytical. The Fool tells Kent that “Lear has blessed Cordelia and cursed Goneril and Regan by sending her away. This statement is seen to be analytical because an ordinary person would see only the present situation but he looked beyond this and saw the results because Cordelia was actually blessed, since she escaped from the misery life of her sisters and father. A person who is primarily foolish would not be such a deep thinker and analytical.
In addition, it can be said that the fool was able to remember occurrences from the past, in other words he had a good recollection. Not only had he a good recollection but he was able to use this ability effectively. This can be seen where the Fool stated “nothing can come of nothing.” Making a recollection of what King Lear told his daughter when she said she had nothing to say. This was seen to be significant by the Fool since he figured the King will be left with nothing also.
Finally, the Fool can be said to be assertive because he does not need to justify his words like a fool would. A true fool would like to justify his words where as one who is not would not try to persuade you to believe him. Due to the fact it is not a necessity for him to justify his prophecies this allows Lear to start to believe the fools’ prophetic promises and sayings. A person with normal intelligence would not find a fool statement to be valid or reliable. However, one can see this was not case since he was not actually foolish.

Act 2 Scene 1

Act 2 Scene 1

1. The dramatic significance of Curan with reference to the war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall was very important for Edmund since it helped to set the parameters for his scheme. That is, Curan was the one to inform Edmund of the arrival of the Duke of Cornwall and the rumors of Duke Albany and Duke Cornwall’s dispute. As a result Edmund realized it was an ideal time to let his scheme unfold to get rid of Edgar. Edmund persuades Edgar by stating Cornwall is angry with him for being on Albany’s side of their disagreement.

2. Edmund completely convinces Gloucester of Edgar’s guilt by stating Edgar tried to incorporate him in his plot to kill his father. He also states that Edgar injure him because of his reluctance to join force with his plot causing him to flee

3. The part played by Regan in this scene can be seen to be hypocritical. This is so because she stated that Edgar was influenced to kill his father for his riches and wealth, she was eager to make these speculations and conclusions. However, this is exactly the situation she and her sister were in, by gaining Lear’s assets through deceit.

4. The type of character we learn from Cornwall is that he lacks in making good judgment. This is so because he believed the lies of Edmund easily without addressing both individuals involved.

Analyzation of the Fool and his Dramatic significance

Within Shakespeare’s style of writing there is always a particular character that never portrays some form of seriousness. In the novel of King Lear this character was “The Fool”. In assessing the Fool when reading it was detected that he was not taken seriously by the individuals around him. This was so because no one thought they needed to take his words into consideration since it didn’t seem there were any reliability and validity to his speeches. For example the Fool informed Lear that he had made a wrong decision by giving his power to his eldest daughter’s Regan and Goneril. However, these allegations were ignored tremendously by Lear. Within the video one could depict easily Lear’s unbelieving attitude towards the Fool, when he was stating “wise men can also make foolish choices”. In addition, when Lear was leaving Goneril’s house because of her betrayal behavoiur and relocating to Regan’s house the Fool mentioned that she would not treat him any better. However, these statements were once gain heard but ignored.

The Fool can be seen to be significant in Shakespeare’s novel because not only he brings entertainment and comedy to the novel but also seems to be a guardian for good individuals by warning them of deceitful villains who plot secretly against them. For example when he warns Lear against the choices he made with his daughter’s Regan and Goneril who are actually deceitful.

King Lear and a Visual Presentation

Analysis of the Video Clip of Shakespeare

In the beginning of Shakespeare’s King Lear video clip it was seen that Lear was dividing his kingdom amongst his three daughters, whom had to express their love towards Lear via a speech. Cordelia (Lear’s favourite daughter) didn’t satisfy her father entirely due to the fact he was expecting more quality in her speech rather she gave less as oppose to her older sisters. The reason for this was her personality was reserved and honest unlike her sisters who provided flattery speeches. As an event of his disappointment Lear decided to divide his kingdom to his older daughter’s Goneril and Regan and banished his loved daughter Cordelia. Kent who was Lear’s friend intervened with Lear’s decision and opposed since he thought he was a making a wrong decision, as a result of his intervention caused him to be banished also. The King of France who saw the actions of Lear’s decided to heal Cordelia’s wound inflicting on her and took her hand in marriage, although Lear refused to help them financially. Therefore, it appeared that evil prospered over good because the most loved ones were sent away as oppose to the ones who were pretending and being dishonest is their actions.

Comparison & Contrast of the Book & Video

In the video the audience was able to depict a clearer meaning of the play since visual imagery was used. This allowed the viewer to see each character’s actions, and personality as oppose to reading the novel. Also, most importantly Shakespeare’s style of writing was shown more in the video presentation, rather than reading the novel, where one may have to assume the facial expressions of his characters. For instance, the audience was able to see Lear’s anger because of Cordelia’s response. However, when reading the book one would be able to refer to information easily because the information is already provided. In addition, literacy is promoted as oppose to video watching.

My Personal Analysis of the responses of King Lear’s daughter’s and the reason why King Lear reacted to Cordelia’s response

Goneril’s and Regan’s Response

Goneril’s Original Speech:

Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter;
Dearer than eye-sight, space, and liberty;
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;
As much as child e'er loved, or father found;
A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable;
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.

Regan’s Original Speech:

Sir, I am made
Of the self-same metal that my sister is,
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart
I find she names my very deed of love;
Only she comes too short: that I profess
Myself an enemy to all other joys,
Which the most precious square of sense possesses;
And find I am alone felicitate
In your dear highness' love.

Goneril and Regan is King Lear’s oldest daughter’s of three who are categorized as the villain within this novel because of their evil perceptions, actions and lifestyle they portrayed. Both their response to their father’s question “which of you shall we say doth love us most?” was not centered on how much they actually loved their father, rather a false impression to satisfy their father’s high ego and inherit their father’s wealth for their personal gain. Therefore, both sisters used flattery words and persuasive techniques to convey their devious act, that caused King Lear to consider there unfaithful expressions.

Cordelia’s Original Speech

Good my lord,
You have begot me, bred me, loved me: I
Return those duties back as are right fit,
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.
Why have my sisters husbands, if they say
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry
Half my love with him, half my care and duty:
Sure, I shall never marry like my sisters,
To love my father all.

Cordelia’s Response

Her response was more reserved due to the type of qualities she held. She did not believe she could have expressed in spoken words how her heart actually felt. Also, she did not want to flatter her father with empty expressions but simply established that’s he loved him no more or no less. In addition, she made comparisons with her sister’s speech stating they had already expressed everything she felt and if they truly loved him as they said they would not have gotten husbands. Therefore, one can see that Cornelia’s expression was indeed truthful as oppose to those of her sister’s, although unfortunately her truthfulness lead to a segregation between her father.

Why Did King Lear respond to Cordelia’s expressions the way he did?

Cordelia was King Lear’s favourite daughter amongst her two other daughters. King Lear was an individual who was more concerned about positive comments and actions done by other’s to help uplift his character. Therefore, when Cordelia expressed her love for her father in a reserved and truthful way, this was an offence to her father. This is so because as mentioned earlier she was his most liked daughter whom he expected more to be more lengthy and convincing in her speech about her love for her father King Lear.

My Personal Analysis of the responses of King Lear’s daughter’s and the reason why King Lear reacted to Cordelia’s response

Goneril’s and Regan’s Response

Goneril and Regan is King Lear’s oldest daughter’s of three who are categorized as the villain within this novel because of their evil perceptions, actions and lifestyle they portrayed. Both their response to their father’s question “which of you shall we say doth love us most?” was not centered on how much they actually loved their father, rather a false impression to satisfy their father’s high ego and inherit their father’s wealth for their personal gain. Therefore, both sisters used flattery words and persuasive techniques to convey their devious act, that caused King Lear to consider there unfaithful expressions.

Cordelia’s Response

Her response was more reserved due to the type of qualities she held. She did not believe she could have expressed in spoken words how her heart actually felt. Also, she did not want to flatter her father with empty expressions but simply established that’s he loved him no more or no less. In addition, she made comparisons with her sister’s speech stating they had already expressed everything she felt and if they truly loved him as they said they would not have gotten husbands. Therefore, one can see that Cornelia’s expression was indeed truthful as oppose to those of her sister’s, although unfortunately her truthfulness lead to a segregation between her father.

Why Did King Lear respond to Cordelia’s expressions the way he did?

Cordelia was King Lear’s favourite daughter amongst her two other daughters. King Lear was an individual who was more concerned about positive comments and actions done by other’s to help uplift his character. Therefore, when Cordelia expressed her love for her father in a reserved and truthful way, this was an offence to her father. This is so because as mentioned earlier she was his most liked daughter whom he expected more to be more lengthy and convincing in her speech about her love for her father King Lear.

Reports about Clear Light of Day Background

Anita Desai is an Indian novelist and short story writer, who often writes about deep and sensitive topics about inner life amongst female characters, also tension that may arise on a daily basis between family members.Anita Desai was born June 24, 1937 in India to a German mother and an Indian father. She now resides in South Hadley, Massachusetts, teaching and writing at Mount Holyoke College, she is a vibrant member of the Advisory Board for English in New Delhi. Anita has various novels with one of the leading being 'Clear Light of Day' , where she wrote the history of a Hindu middle class family. The central character is Bim (short for Bimla), who helps in uncovering to the reader the history of her siblings Tara and Roger and the passing of both parents. Desai seeks to convey to her reader her own perceptions of an Indian lifestyle and the various occurrences she witnesses within her novel.The

The Partition of India

The partition of Indian aroused in 1947, following World War II is perhaps the most tragic of all political events to affect India in its long political history. The partition divided Hindus and Muslims who had lived together for hundreds of years. It led to endless boundary disputes, three wars between the two neighbors, a nuclear powered arms race, and state sponsored terrorism. The agony and horrors of partition also gave rise to a new genre of moving art and literature of India.

Reasons For This Partition

• • The British who had followed "Divide and Conquer" principle to rule India, had to yield to the "Divide and Relinquish" demands of Muslims -- especially the charismatic Mohamed Ali Jinnah.

• The British overestimated the popularity of Muslim League that pressed for creation of Pakistan, and didn't understand the fact that there were Muslims living in every village of India, and possibly couldn't be relocated to Pakistan.

• Some Congress leaders would rather have an early freedom for India rather than convoluted delays in settlement by not agreeing to divide India.

  • The Difference between Muslims and Hindus

  Islam	Hinduism
  In Islam, belief in One God is the most important belief. Allah in arabic refers to the One God. It is a known fact that every language has one or more terms that are used in reference to God and sometimes to lesser deities. This is not the case with Allah. Allah is the personal name of the One true God. Nothing else can be called Allah. The term has no plural or gender. This shows its uniqueness when compared with the word god which can be made plural, gods, or feminine, goddess. It is interesting to notice that Allah is the personal name of God in Aramaic, the language of Jesus and a sister language of Arabic. The One true God is a reflection of the unique concept that Islam associates with God. To a Muslim, Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, Who is similar to nothing and nothing is comparable to Him. (monotheism) Islam exhorts man to consider himself and his surroundings as examples of Divine Creation rather than as divinity itself. Muslims therefore believe that everything is God’s i.e. the word ‘God’ with an apostrophe ‘s’. In other words the Muslims believe that everything belongs to God. The trees belong to God, the sun belongs to God, the moon belongs to God, the monkey belongs to God, the snake belongs to God, the human beings belong to God and everything in this universe belongs to God. Thus the major difference between the Hindu and the Muslim beliefs is the difference of the apostrophe ‘s’. The Hindu says everything is God. The Muslim says everything is God’s.	Common Concept of God in Hinduism: Hinduism is commonly perceived as a polytheistic religion. Indeed, most Hindus would attest to this, by professing belief in multiple Gods. While some Hindus believe in the existence of three gods, some believe in thousands of gods, and some others in thirty three crore i.e. 330 million Gods. However, learned Hindus, who are well versed in their scriptures, insist that a Hindu should believe in and worship only one God. The major difference between the Hindu and the Muslim perception of God is the common Hindus’ belief in the philosophy of Pantheism. Pantheism considers everything, living and non-living, to be Divine and Sacred. The common Hindu, therefore, considers everything as God. He considers the trees as God, the sun as God, the moon as God, the monkey as God, the snake as God and even human beings as manifestations of God!