The notion that modern art developed in multiple cultures and nations is one that needs to be further explored. The foundation of modern art contrasts the prevailing art history within it. The primary reason for this position was not racism or cultural ignorance, but rather total absorption with the prevailing art philosophy of the time- that art should ultimately serve a higher or absolute ideal. But to understand modern art it is not necessary to know its history, in fact, history gives no more meaning to its impression or beauty through the eyes of the observer.
Therefore, there is no reason to look into the history of modern art nor any other pointless meanings. On the other hand, we have modern literature. The idealistic nature and realism are not present to the oblivious mind. The symbolism and subtext of each unit or sentence is translated in many ways, the possibilities of its theme, topic, or desire are not directly stated within the realm of modern literature. modern literature is in may ways much like the modern art. It works with experimentation, fragmentation, alienation, individualism, and distortion of society and humanity and deals face to face with reality and imagination of the daily human life.
It often depicts all industrial societies and simultaneous views in the question of life and death. “A Rose for Emily,” encounters the moral dilemma of aging and prosperity to love. The idea of religion is lost, for “god is dead.” If god is dead, there is no life, there is nothing to live for or dream of. The image of heaven after death, and eternal happiness was lost. Emily was a hometown city girl. Her father was a very important figure to the community and she was his prized possession.
The Essay on History and Literature: The Connection
History and literature seem to go hand-in-hand. In fact, one is rarely affected without the other being affected as well. A great example is the struggle of African Americans throughout history and the effect it has had on literature of that time. In her novel ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, Harper Lee uses historical examples and situations to bring to light the horrors of prejudice in Southern society ...
After his death, the city fell apart, and she continued to live where she had grown up. She later married a Yankee man, who she new she would be with all her life. The man was the opposite of her father, crude, insulting, and imperative to society and humanity around him. After her death, she was found out to have been sleeping every night with her dead husband. Her alienation, isolation, individualism, and fragmentation of the South.
She was alone most of her life, even when she did not realize it. The reality of death was not ever understood. She fell incompetent to society and her views were old fashioned and out of context to modern beliefs. Her isolation held her from the true reality of humanity and opportunities she could have been offered. Emily didn’t have an individualistic nature. She was dependent on her father, and then when she had no one to ask for help, she lost her sanity.
The south at this point was under defeat of the north. The ironic marriage between her and a Yankee was her weakness. According to The Best Short Stories of the Modern Age, “The little boys would follow in groups to hear him cuss the niggers, and the niggers singing in time to the rise and fill of picks” (226).
Again irony is of question here. The North (Yankees) during this time of Civil War were fighting against racial discrimination of African-Americans in a sense, yet he is “cussing the niggers.” The setting of the town that Emily lives in, is falling apart. The fragmentation of the South is common throughout modern literature because of (but not limited to) these reasons.
The use of symbolism and irony help convey these literary devises. For example-the town in which Emily lives in, is actually a representation of the South. Her father represents the united Americas and one nation or one could argue that he represents god. Irony is used through Emily’s and the Yankee’s marriage.
The Essay on A Rose for Emily: a Themes of Death and Change
William Faulkner explains why the story is not about him, but his details about a lonely poor woman named Miss Emily is very unpredictable. Miss Emily is unable to grip the idea of death and suffers from denial. After the death of her father, the people from the town expected her to be in a state of grief but she is not. Instead, she proceeds to say that her father is very well with her and alive. ...
The author, William Faulkner, conveys descriptive language and original ideas of symbolism to allow the reader a better understanding of the fragmentation of the South during time. The painting that reflects the mental picture in my mind is much like that in Van Gogh’s “The Night Caf’e.” It resembles isolation and negative recognition, much like that of Emily. The colors are very much like that of Emily’s house and life. Although not directly shown, it is dark outside. In particular, there is one older lady that is standing, as though she is lost, she just stands there with a blank look on her.
The harsh, un natural light gleams throughout the room. Although there are other people in the room, there is no one there that recognizes her, or shows any emotion to her starry look. This painting shows alienation through its single most noticeable subject-the elderly lady. Although she is not placed in the center, she is not wearing an outstanding garment, or the largest object in the picture, there is something that catches your eye.
Her lonely look and lost emotion give an isolated sense about her. Her image of loneliness also contrives a look of individualism to her ways of living. The elderly woman in the art is very much like that of Emily when she has lost her father and her husband. She is lost and unable to find a way.
She attempts to make things the same as before their death, but is failed by her death. The ironic nature of this unknown female is the center of attention, much like that of Emily. Emily is the talk of the town, the outcast, and the odd ling… The Best Short Stories of the Modern Age.
