The Turn of the Screw Essay Example for Free

The Turn of the Screw Essay With detailed reference to Marxist debates about the relationship between literature and ideology, examine the ways in which The Turn of the Screw can be read as reinforcing, and/or undermining dominate modes of thinking. Within this assignment, I intend on providing a detailed analysis of Henry James novel The Turn Of The Screw in relation to Marxists debates over the relationship of Literature and Ideology. Through this close analysis, I will be showing the main concepts of a Marxist perspective in relation to The Turn Of The Screw and how this contributes in the creation of the notion of Literature and Ideology. In order to achieve this, it is crucial to gain an understanding of the notion of Literature and Ideology. In order to gain an appreciation of the term of Ideology, it would be important to consider the work conducted by Terry Eagleton1, this can be achieved through the statement that Ideology provides lucid accounts of major Marxist thinkers, and examines the thought of non-Marxist theorists such as Schopenhauer, Nietzasche, Frued and the poststructulists2. From this, it is possible to interpret the notion that Ideology presents a new way of thinking for Eagleton and thus is presented with ideas surrounding Poststructulism3, Nietzasche4, and Schopenhauer5. In relation to the question, it is possible to argue that through using the Ideological perspective of Marxism, we will be examining Henry James novel of The Turn of the Screw from a new approach. Firstly, it is imperative that we gain an understanding of the term of Marxism and how this holds a relationship to Henry Jamess novel The Turn of the Screw. Marxism was developed by the German philosopher Karl Marx and also the German sociologist Frederich Engles6 (1820-95), which they themselves called their economic theories Communism (rather that Marxism), designating their belief in the state ownership of industry, etc, rather than private ownership7. From this, it is possible to debate that Marxism dose have relevance in regards to Ideology, as it is presenting a new mode of thinking upon German society. Furthermore, if we take into consideration that The simplest Marxist model of society sees it as constituted by a base (the material means of production, distribution, and exchange) and a superstructure, which is the cultural world of ideas, art, religion8 it is possible to argue that Marxist through analysis society in relation to all members of society considered as equals and thus bringing about a classless society. In addition to this, he also argued that it is only philosophical ideas, which make up the superstructure and therefore underpinning his ideological belief that there is a class structure within the society. One of the most important arguments that is raised in relation to Henry James novel The Turn of the Screw and the notions that is associated with Marxism, it is possible to argue that Henry James is underpinning the modes of Marxism. This is clearly evident within the characterisation of Miles and the quotation of: She was the most agreeable women Ive ever known in her position9. From this particular quotation, it is possible to argue that Miles encompasses the attributes, which reinforcing the notions of Marxism, as he is enforcing the hierarchy that exists within the class structure. The reason for this is although he is acknowledging that there a division of class dose exist within the context of the novel, however, through his description of her being the most agreeable women10, he is showing a likeness to the qualities that she possess within her and is automatically disregarding the social hieratical differences that exist between them both. In relation to this particular quotation, it is possible to argue that through the character of Miles, Henry James is acknowledging the work conducted by the French structuralist Marxist, Louis Althusser11 (1918-1990). His work was mainly centred on the analysis of what he termed the state and the subject and through this work; he provided clear distinctions between the terms of ideologies, which he said was mainly historical and social, and ideology, which he denoted as the main structure of the society in which we live in. From this distinction, he made the acknowledgment that within civilised society, there is a need for a number of employees, which are low and middle classes and also there is a need for employers. Within this distinction, Althusser provided the term of willing subjects for those workers who worked within manual labour that were able to be employed by the employers and provided them with the term of Interpellation. From this it is possible to see that through the use of Interpellation, we do take into consideration class structures, as it ultimately defining the differences from Working Classes and Middle Classes. Because of this factor, it is possible to say that it is showing the binary opposition of the notion of Marxism and therefore it is showing a new Ideology. In regards to Henry James novel The Turn of the Screw, it is possible to suggest that the term of Interpellation is evident through the representation of the servants at Bly in comparison to such characters as the Master and Miss Jessel, this is clearly evident within the quotation of: Mrs. Grose, since then, in a way of manners and things, had done as she could for Flora; and there were, further, a cook, a housemaid, a diarywoman, an old woman, an old groom and an old gardener, all likewise thoroughly respectable.12 From this particular quotation, it is possible to argue that it is clearly demonstrating the concept of Interpellation, as it is showing the collective representation of the working class community within the house of Bly and also a clear distinction between themselves and the Master. In relation to the question, it is therefore possible to argue that it is disregarding the notion of Marxism. However, it is a clear demonstration of Ideology and therefore it is possible to suggest that through the medium of literature, authors such as Henry James are able to express different interpretations and therefore it is possible to argue that literature on a whole is means to show ideological expression. Another important argument provided by Althusser was the meaning of words, which he suggested that words do not reflect the world, but produces a perception of it. From this, it is possible to argue that term of Interpellation is another way of viewing the world. In relation to Henry James novel, The Turn Of The Screw, it is possible to argue that through the relationship that exists between Miles and the Governess, Henry James is demonstrating the notion of Interpellation, this is evident within the quotation of: I pressed again, of course, the closer for that. You are reminded that Quint was only a base menial?13. From this particular quotation, it is possible to argue that this is clearly showing the notion of Interpellation, as it is reinforcing the class differences that exist between the characters of Miles and Quint. However, it is also possible to suggest that this particular quotation is a demonstration of the Governesses influence over Miles, as she is reinforcing the notion of Interpellation into Miles as an attempt to over-rule his own Marxist perspective on life. The reason for this might be due to the fact that she comes from a lower class then the family, and she feels that they should not mix with the lower classes. From this, it might be important to take into consideration the work conducted by the Italian writer Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937)14, in particular, the importance of Hegemony. The notion of Hegemony involves a low regime sustains power within society; this can be achieved through either consent, which is the role of persuasion or enforce, which is the role of gaining power through force. This is clearly evident within Henry James novel, The Turn of the Screw, and the quotation of: He has put them in possession of Bly, which was healthy and secure, and had placed at the head of their little establishment but below stairs only- an excellent women, Ms Grose15 As you are able to see from the quotation that I have provided, it is possible to argue that within the household at Bly, Antonio Gramscis notion of Hegemony has been put to full effect and therefore it is creating a class rank within the novel in regards to a hierarchal structure of the household. Therefore, in relation to the original question, it is possible to argue that this particular extract of Henry James novel is undermining the dominant modes of Marxist thought, and presenting a new ideology in relation to the structure of class and society. Another issue that we might take into consideration in regards to the notions of Marxism and the characterisation of Miles is his relationship with Quint. Through their friendship, Miles is disregarding the status structures within society and thus is being as Marxist himself, this is evident within the quotation of: It was neither nor less then the particular fact that for a period of several months Quint and the boy had been perpetually together.16 From this particular quotation, it is possible to see the qualities in which Miles characterisation processes, which is to disregard the attributes that is associated with the class structure, and thus making it possible for his to befriend who ever he wishes. Through this, it is possible to argue that Miles is echoing the work conducted by Louis Althusser. In conclusion, it is possible to suggest that the relationship between Literature and Ideology in regards to how they comment upon Marxist debates, is that it allows the authors to choose an Ideological perspective and use their novel as a demonstration of the particular perspective. Through the use of Marxism, it is possible to suggest that we are able to comprehend the issues that are presented within Henry James novel and this allows use, the critic, to use the novel as a clear demonstration of the issues that presents the key aspects of Marxism and thus makes it easier for use to comprehend. Bibliography Within this assignment, I have used the following books: 1. Peter Barry Beginning Theory An Introduction To Literary And Cultural Theory 2002 Manchester University Press 2. Henry James The Turn Of The Screw 1992 Bedford Books of St. Martins Press 3. Warren Montag Louis Althusser 2003 Palgrave Macmillen Within this assignment, I have used the following Internet search engines: 1. http://www.yahoo.com 2. http://www.yahoo.co.uk 3. http://www.google.co.uk/ 4. http://www.askjeeves.co.uk/ Within this assignment, I have used the following Internet articles: 1. Terry Eagleton Ideology An Introduction URL: http://www.versobooks.com/books/cdef/ef-titles/eagleton_ideology.shtml 21/10/03 2. Marry Klages Louis Althussers Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses URL: http://www.colorado.edu/English/ENGL2021Klages/1997althusser.html 24/10/03 3. Wikipedia Antonio Gramsci URL: http://en.mikipedia.org.wiki/Antonio_Gramsci 24/10/03 4. Richard Wolff Ideological State Apparatus URL: http://dogma.free.fr/txt/RW_IdeologicalApparatuses.htm 24/10/03 5. Louis Althussers Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses URL: http://www.colorado.edu/Egnlish/Engl2012Klages/althusse.html 24/10/03 6. Daisy Miller The Turn of the Screw URL: http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/barrons/turnscr2.asp 24/10/03 7. Richard Strickland Confrontational Pedagogy and the Introductory Literature Course URL: http://www.english.ilstu.edu/strickland/confront.html 24/10/03 Word count = 1656 1 Terry Eagleton is Thomas Warton, Professor of English at the University of Oxford. 2 This quotation was taken from an Internet article, which is fully referenced in my bibliography as number 1. 3 This was an approach to literature that, proceeding from the tenets of Structuralism, maintains that, as words have no absolute meaning, any texts is open to an unlimited amount of interpretations. 4 Notion presented by Friedrich Wilhelm, mainly surrounding the concept of the Superman and the rejection of traditional Christian values. 5 Notion presented by the German philosopher, he expounded the view that will is the creative primary factor and idea the secondary receptive factor. 6 German socialist leader and political leader. He collaborated with Marx on The Communist Manifesto (1840). 7 Peter Barry (ed), Beginning Theory An Introduction To Literary And Cultural Theory, Second Edition, (Manchester University Press, Manchester, Clays Ltd, 1992) Page 157, Lines 9 10. 8 Peter Barry (ed), Beginning Theory An Introduction To Literary And Cultural Theory, Second Edition, (Manchester University Press, Manchester, Clays Ltd, 1992) Page 157, Lines 2 3. 9 Henry James, The Turn Of The Screw, (Hampshire, Macmillan Press Ltd, 1997) Page 23, Lines 14-17 10 Henry James, The Turn Of The Screw, (Hampshire, Macmillan Press Ltd, 1997) Page 23, Line 14 11 French Marxist philosopher, author of For Marx (1965) and Reading Capital (1965). 12 Henry James, The Turn Of The Screw, (Hampshire, Macmillan Press Ltd, 1997) Page 26, Lines 25-28 13 Henry James, The Turn Of The Screw, (Hampshire, Macmillan Press Ltd, 1997) Page 23, Lines 20-21 14 Information obtained from an Internet article, which is fully referenced in my bibliography as number 3. 15 Henry James, The Turn Of The Screw, (Hampshire, Macmillan Press Ltd, 1997) Page 26, Lines 9-12 16 Henry James, The Turn Of The Screw, (Hampshire, Macmillan Press Ltd, 1997) Page 60, Lines 10-12

Moral Development in Huckleberry Finn and The Great Gatsby Essay exampl

Moral Development in Huckleberry Finn and The Great Gatsby      Ã‚   Moral Development, according to the Webster's dictionary means an improvement or progressive procedure taken to be a more ethical person, and to distinctly differentiate between right and wrong.   The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Great Gatsby, both pose as pieces of literature that vividly portray moral development through the narrator's point of view.      Mark Twain, the author of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, wants the reader to see and focus on the search for freedom.   As on the other hand, Francis Scott Fitzgerald, author of Great Gatsby, wants you to see the American Dream, which is a freedom as well, a socio-economic freedom. These authors have chosen their narrators well, as we see a significant number of action that have brought them to be ethically developed.   Narration in a story is important, and is usually told by a main character.   These narrators face a world of confusion, a world of fear, a world of adventure, and most of all, a world of opportunity.   By these things I mean that Nick Caraway, and Huckleberry Finn have a chance to mature as time progresses though the novel, and then make a remarkable move to end up as a hero. The narrators of The Great Gatsby and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn develop morally as the relate the story that reflects each one's position in society.         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Great Gatsby, by Fitzgerald, is narrated by Nick Caraway.   Nick is a sophisticated observer of character, who starts out as an amoral person.   His character is a very peculiar one, because he is somewhat neutral though this whole st... ... The Great Gatsby. Ed. Ernest Lockridge. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968. 37-53. Crowley, Donald J., ed. One Hundred Years of Huckleberry Finn: The Boy, His Book, and American Culture. Columbia: U of Missouri, 1985. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. London: Penguin Books, 1990. Harris, Susan K. "Huck Finn." Huck Finn. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers. 1990. Johnson, Claudia Durst. Understanding Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents. Westport, CT: Greenwood P, 1996. Poirier, Richard, Huck Finn and the Metaphors of Society. Twentieth Century Interpretations of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Simpson, Claude M., ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1968. Twain, Mark. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. (1884) Secaucus: Castle, 1987.      

Development Study

Development study is a branch in social sciences that explores issues relating developing countries. Historically it has focused on social and economic development therefore may extend its significance to other regions and communities apart from concentration on the developing world. There are various approaches that conceptualize development studies. Among them are the modernization and dependency theories. This paper focuses to explore their similarities and difference in their significance to development studies.Dependency theory is a social science approach that argues that the developed nation draws resources from underdeveloped nations making them richer at the expense of their counterparts. The proponent of this theory is Sandra Ball-Rokeach and Milvin Defleur (1976). Dependency theory initially was in the communication discipline but merged out integrating several prospects. It merges prospects from psychology from social category theory, from causal approaches, media effects and traditions as well as contextual philosophy.â€Å"in its urge to appropriate productive forces for the purpose of exploitation, capital ransacks the entire world, provides itself with the means of production from all corners of the earth, obtaining these from all levels of civilization and from all forms of society† (Perry 1996. p. 35) It sometimes referred to as underdevelopment theory based upon Marxist theory in other words, it assumes that wealth western nation uses their superior status to exploit peripheral weaker nations reflecting earlier colonial bonds. These under developed nations expose their economical and political structure maintaining their reliance on developed nations.They become developmentally enslaved mastered by the west. Some argument exist that tourism has evolved somehow reflecting economic dependency and colonialism. However, potential underdevelopment resulting from dependency is the main focus. (Bramswell 2004. p. 323) Modernization on the oth er hand argues that low economically empowered societies can develop if only they seize from their traditional methods and adapt to modern technologies, cultural values and economic institutions that puts an emphasis on productive investment and savings.The social institutions and traditional values of low income nations hinder their effectiveness in economy. Most of people in undeveloped society have low work ethics, they usually consume without thinking of investing in the future. Most of these societies have large families therefore saving money for investing is almost impossible. They therefore rag behind in their economic ability (Griffiths & Giddens 2006 p . 405) Modernization tends to criticize Marxist theory. It emphasizes the process of change and the reason to that change.Marquis de Condorcet is among the proponents of this theory. His argument was that, people's cultural values and morals in the society can be changed by economical and technological advancement. He encour aged technological advancement arguing that it helps society have control to the environment and adapt to it. He argued that technological advancement encourage social progress. (Soylent communications 2008) Modernization theory contrasts the dependency theory in a number of ways.In many parts of the world where it have ever been applied, it has failed to take into account historical and social factors influencing development. Such factors are like the traditional social structures, colonialism, and religious factors. Natural past outcomes have also not put into account and which may have affected a society; famine, floods, volcanic activities and other natural environmental conflicts. Many nations like the Middle East historical process influenced its development.It emphasis on modern values in development cannot be fully relied as the back born to development. The historical processes in politics, economic, cultural, educational of a society influence its development. Development theory argument that richer nations exploits less developed nations natural resources contrast the free market that advances poor states to full economic growth. The international market gives every nation an opportunity to realize it full economic growth.It is through this freedom that a society can take advantage to purchase modern values that can help it develop. A poorer state can purchase new technological advancement improving production in its industries which in return will improve it economy. However, dependency theory contrasts this situation arguing that it is exploitation. Dependency theory argument that colonialism of undeveloped nations still exist is a contrast to modernization. In the previous century, many undeveloped countries evoked from colonialism after realizing their independence.This independence was not granted to just political matters but also to the economy and social structures. Most of these nations have their natural resources still fully unexploited. Not because their former colonial master have not exploited these but because they lack modern facilities which would help them. This therefore is a contrast to modernization. The continued reliance on colonial masters should not be argued as a modern colonialism. It is evident that the colonialist had an influence politically, economically and socially to their colonies.Therefore, these nations will tend to consult their colonial masters as well as trade with them even in the modern world. Contrast between dependency theory and modernization exist in their views on international dimensions that influence economic development of a nation. These dimensions include tourism, trade, global investment and many others. Dependency argues that tourism, free trade and global investment are a reflection of the dependency that exists between the developed and undeveloped world. Most of the global investors are from the developed world.This is also in tourism. Dependency theory proponents argue s that this is a clean indication of how developed nations exploits the less developed for their growth. Modernization on the other hand views this kind of relation to enhance purchase and adoption of modern technologies. Trade exposes undeveloped countries acquire modern technology. In enhancing tourism, the undeveloped countries adopt new technology to maximize turn outs. Though global investors’ targets at making profits, they as well enhance modernity in less developed nations.Dependency theory puts into accounts exogenous and indigenous political processes which have a role in national continuity and formation. It puts into account changing circumstances like religious background of nation. However, modernization contrasts this as its main emphasis is on new technology influence on development. Its notion of class difference which challenges it universality contrast dependency theory. In addition, modernization ignores rural poverty, unemployment, inflation, economic and political dependency and the growing gap between the poor and the rich.This contrasts dependency theory. (Paidar 2005) Though these two theories contrast, their arguments are both very effective in development studies. Development in a society is a complex issue which primarily may depend on modernization and dependency theory as well as other concepts in the society. Whichever perspective one would take, development is about the nature of a society economic, political and social ability. However if modernization and dependency theories are merged, they would have a more efficient development studies description on a particular society.

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