My english paragraph

[Stanislaw]

Any thoughts on what might make it better, I am terrible at proof reading, and most people I would turn to for help are at the Geneva Conference.

Stanislaw
Dr. N. Querengesser
English 110 H
September 23, 2004
The Use of Literary Allusion
Allusion: An implied or direct mention of a concept or text on that an author assumes is universally known. In the short story Araby James Joyce, the author, alludes to a poem titled The Arab’s farewell to his steed; as well as, three novels titled, The Abbot, The Devout Communicant, and The Memories of Vidocq. Joyce mentions these texts in his story to further character development, as is the case with the narrators Uncle and his recitation of The Arab’s farewell to his steed. He also mentions these texts to foreshadow the outcome and develop the main them, as is the case with the three books previously owned by the deceased priest. If the reader is familiar with these texts, he or she will be able to decipher more of he story’s plot and setting. The texts help develop the setting by giving the reader a rough time frame estimate; since the texts mentioned by Joyce were originally published in the nineteenth century, and owned by a character in the story it is reasonable to assume the story is set in the nineteenth century. The texts further the plot by demonstrating to the reader that there is a kind of taboo surrounding the main characters love; the books previously owned by the priest, at that time, was not acceptable material for a priest to be reading. Authors, to communicate an idea with out having to waste text on redeveloping a previously developed concept, can allude to a literary text, a well-known series of events, or even a popular anecdote.

Work Consulted
Joyce, James. “Araby” The Harbrace Anthology of Literature 3rd ed. Editors: Jon C. Scott, Raymond E. Jones, and Rick Bowers. Toronto: Nelson, 2002. 936-940

[fayefaye]

homework....... ewwwww... (don't you love how I'm so constructive in my posts? :) :p) [blushing emoticon])

[Kirsty]

I don't know if you are just being cheeky, but because I seem to be going through some kind of mental crisis, :brickwall I had a look at your paragraph!!!
You could probably more specifically explain why the allusions that he uses achieve their purpose and therefore build on why you think that authors can use them to good effect in conveying their message to the reader.
Perhaps you could structure it with an intro, body and conclusion, that follow your arguement in a clearer fashion.
I hope this is useful, I just looked at it for meaning, having never read the story, nor really knowing anything about your topic!!


The Use of Literary Allusion
Allusion: An implied or direct mention of a concept or text used by an author within their work. This is used on the basis that the reader will find meaning in such references due to the assumption that the mentioned concept or text is universally known.

In the short story, “Araby” by James Joyce, the poem entitled “The Arab’s Farewell to His Steed”, as well as the novels, “The Abbot”, “The Devout Communicant”, and “The Memories of Vidocq.” are alluded to.
Joyce does so to further enhance character development. The recitation of the “The Arab’s Farewell to His Stead”, by the narrator’s uncle is one example. In mentioning these texts he foreshadow’s the outcome and develops the main theme. As in the case of the three books that were previously owned by the deceased priest. [You could more specific here]

If the reader is familiar with these texts, their understanding of the allusion will enable them to successfully tap into the deeper meaning or characterisation intended by the author.

The use of allusions can help to develop the atmosphere of the work by creating a sense of the era in which it is based. Joyce uses this technique in order to convey a sense of time. He alludes to texts, which are owned by one of the characters, published in the Nineteenth century. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume the story is set in the nineteenth century.

He also utilises allusion in order to enhance the readers understanding of the plot. By doing this he hints that the love shared by the main characters is shrouded in a kind of taboo. This is revealed in the recognisation that the books owned by the priest, were considered at that time, to be unacceptable material for a man in his position to be reading.

Through the appropriate use of allusion authors are able to communicate an idea, whilst simultaneously creating a deeper layer of context and meaning. This allows for an economy of text, and creates a subtle undertone, enhancing the atmosphere of the work. Allusions to literary texts, well-known events, or even popular anecdotes can be used by the author in order to achieve this.

Work Consulted
Joyce, James. “Araby” The Harbrace Anthology of Literature 3rd ed. Editors: Jon C. Scott, Raymond E. Jones, and Rick Bowers. Toronto: Nelson, 2002. 936-940
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Stanislaw Lem, The Greatest Polish Science Fiction

[Stanislaw]

Tis a little random isn't it?