Third Paper Guidelines due 1210 ✓ Solved

With the definitions cited below in mind, in an essay of at least 3 pages (double space, 11 or 12 point) discuss the ATMOSPHERE in three literary works on the syllabus on or after Week 8 (Voltaire, Candide) this semester. For instance, referring to the first definition you might describe how the “mood or tone” of a work is created by “the setting or landscape”; in reference to the second definition, how the reader’s expectations are set up by the work’s “emotional aura.”

“Atmosphere: The prevailing tone or mood of a literary work, particularly—but not exclusively—when that mood is established in part by setting or landscape. It is, however, not simply setting but rather the emotional aura which the work bears and which establishes the reader’s expectations and attitudes.” -- Hibbard, Addison & William Flint Thrall, A Handbook to Literature. Rev. and enlarged by C. Hugh Holman. New York: Odyssey Press, 1960.

“Atmosphere is the mood pervading a literary work, setting up in the reader expectations as to the course of events, whether happy or (more commonly) disastrous.” -- Abrams, M.H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 1st edition. New York: Holt Rhinehart, 1957.

Readings List (choose two) 18th Century (Enlightenment) Novel, Voltaire, Candide. Week 9: 19th Century Russian Fiction, Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground. Week 10: Goethe, Faust “Prologue in Heaven,” and Part I. Week 11: Naturalism in Literature, Ibsen, Hedda Gabler. Week 12: T.S. Eliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” and The Waste Land. Week 13: Women in Literature, Behn, Woolf, Dickinson, Akhmatova. Week 14: Modernism and Literature, James Joyce, The Dead. Third Paper Due

Paper For Above Instructions

The exploration of atmosphere in literature is a key component of how readers engage with texts. The definition of atmosphere, as provided by Hibbard and Thrall, identifies it as the prevailing tone or mood that not only emerges from the setting but reflects the emotional aura of a work. This emotional aura, in turn, shapes reader expectations and informs their reactions to the narrative. In my analysis, I will focus on the atmosphere created in three significant literary works: Voltaire’s Candide, Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground, and Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.

Atmosphere in Voltaire’s Candide

Candide serves as a poignant satire of optimism, depicting the journey of its protagonist through numerous hardships. The atmosphere in this novel fluctuates from light-hearted to grim, effectively mirroring Candide's experiences and the philosophical commentary it seeks to address. The settings oscillate between idyllic landscapes and harsh, brutal realities, establishing a tonal disparity that shapes the reader’s emotional responses.

For example, in the early sections of the novel, the high spirits in Westphalia create an initial sense of joyful anticipation. However, as Candide faces adversity, such as the destruction of the castle, the atmosphere shifts dramatically to one of despair and hopelessness (Voltaire, 1759). This shift highlights the juxtaposition in which readers are left to grapple with the harsh inequalities of life, contrasting the hopeful philosophy espoused by Pangloss.

The emotional aura of Candide ultimately points towards a critique of blind optimism, leading readers to question the validity of such philosophies in the face of real-world suffering. This dissonance in atmosphere not only reflects the absurdities of Candide's journey but also reaffirms the notion that one must cultivate their understanding of happiness and virtue in a complex world.

Atmosphere in Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground

Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground presents a distinct literary atmosphere steeped in existential dread and introspection. The protagonist, an unnamed narrator, provides a window into the discontent and alienation faced by individuals within society. The atmosphere is profoundly introspective, marked by a feeling of isolation that resonates throughout the narrative.

The gloomy setting of St. Petersburg, depicted through an oppressive urban landscape, mirrors the narrator's psychological turmoil. This emotional aura lays the foundation for the reader's expectations of a bleak trajectory, encouraging them to engage with the narrator’s critique of social norms and the philosophical undertones of free will (Dostoevsky, 1864). For instance, the narrator’s internal conflicts highlight the disparity between societal expectations and personal desires, giving rise to a pervasive sense of existential futility.

Dostoevsky meticulously crafts an atmosphere that evokes empathy and discomfort. As readers navigate the underground ruminations and moral dilemmas presented in the text, the emotional weight—an aura of despair—pervades the novel, inviting deep reflection on the human condition and the intricacies of personal identity.

Atmosphere in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness

Conrad's Heart of Darkness engages with atmosphere through its exploration of colonialism and moral ambiguity. The journey into the Congo River becomes a metaphorical descent into darkness, setting an ominous tone that permeates the narrative. The lush yet foreboding landscapes evoke a sense of otherness that shapes reader expectations regarding the complexities of civilization and savagery (Conrad, 1899).

As Marlow travels deeper into the heart of Africa, the atmospheric shifts reflect his psychological descent. The landscapes are described in vivid imagery—murky waters, oppressive jungles—which contribute to an emotional aura that blends dread with curiosity. This duality enhances the reader's engagement, as they experience the tension between the beauty of the setting and the horrors of colonial exploitation.

Conrad’s deft manipulation of atmosphere not only establishes a narrative tone of foreboding but also compels readers to confront their own perceptions of morality and humanity. The darkness that envelops the Congo becomes a powerful symbol of the increasing madness that accompanies imperialism, creating an atmosphere ripe with philosophical implications.

In summary, the atmosphere in Candide, Notes from Underground, and Heart of Darkness serves to enhance the philosophical underpinnings and thematic explorations of each work. Through variances in setting, tone, and emotional aura, these texts invite readers into a deeper relationship with the narratives and the complexities of the human experience. Engaging with these atmospheres not only enriches our understanding of the texts but also challenges us to reflect on broader societal critiques present in literature.

References

• Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: Norton, 1988.
• Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Notes from Underground. New York: Norton, 1993.
• Voltaire. Candide. New York: Penguin Classics, 2005.
• Hibbard, Addison and William Flint Thrall. A Handbook to Literature. Rev. and enlarged by C. Hugh Holman. New York: Odyssey Press, 1960.
• Abrams, M.H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 1st edition. New York: Holt Rhinehart, 1957.
• Frye, Northrop. Fearful Symmetry: A Study of William Blake. Princeton University Press, 1947.
• Barthes, Roland. Image, Music, Text. Fontana, 1977.
• Eco, Umberto. The Name of the Rose. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1983.
• Levenson, Michael. The Cambridge Introduction to Modernism. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
• McGann, Jerome. Black Riders: The Visible Language of Modernism. University of Chicago Press, 1993.