You will write a short critical essay based on our assigned ✓ Solved

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You will write a short critical essay based on our assigned readings and/or class discussions. This paper will be short (~2-3 pages) but useful for generating ideas about a topic. You should have a thesis statement and supporting examples and points from the text. Be specific and use quotes and paraphrases from the text(s). It will be a better paper if you go into detail and depth, rather than trying to cover a really big or broad idea and only analyze it superficially.

Choose two readings (from Unit 1 or 2) and make a claim for how they deal with a similar theme. Choose two readings (from Unit 1 or 2) and make a claim for how the narrative voice or point of view affects the tone of the story. Choose your own topic with prior approval from your instructor.

Paper For Above Instructions

A critical essay presents an analytical approach to literature, focusing on how specific themes, narrative voices, or points of view manifest in various texts. In this paper, I will analyze two readings from our Unit 1: Miguel de Cervantes's "Don Quixote" and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter." Both works explore the theme of individuality versus societal norms, demonstrating how characters navigate their respective societies and illustrating the consequences that accompany this endeavor.

The Search for Identity in "Don Quixote"

"Don Quixote," a novel written by Miguel de Cervantes, features a protagonist who delves deeply into the whimsical world of chivalric romance, ultimately leading him to undertake a personal quest for identity. The story begins with the protagonist, Alonso Quixano, transforming himself into the knight-errant Don Quixote. This metamorphosis exemplifies his desire to reject the mundane world and pursue a life of valor and adventure, despite societal mockery and derision.

Through Quixote's adventures, Cervantes presents an intricate exploration of the tension between individual ambition and collective societal expectations. Quixote’s delusion, sparked by an overexposure to chivalric literature, inspires him to challenge societal norms and assume an identity vastly different from his own. His endeavors embody the conflict between personal conviction and societal acceptance. For example, when Quixote fights windmills believing them to be giants, it illustrates his commitment to his personal narrative despite the ridicule he faces.

This theme of individuality also extends to Quixote's relationship with Sancho Panza, his loyal squire. In "Don Quixote," Sancho represents the voice of reason and societal realism, contrasting sharply with Quixote's idealistic visions. Their dynamic not only highlights Quixote's existential struggle but also examines the balance between aspiration and material reality. Cervantes skillfully unfolds this tension, prompting readers to assess the merits and pitfalls of pursuing one’s ideals against the backdrop of a cynical society.

Societal Judgment in "The Scarlet Letter"

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" provides another compelling examination of societal norms through the experiences of Hester Prynne, a woman publicly shamed for bearing an illegitimate child. Throughout the novel, Hester's journey of self-redemption emphasizes the theme of individuality in the face of societal judgment. The scarlet letter 'A' symbolizes her transgression and her struggle against the rigid Puritanical framework that ostracizes her.

Hawthorne crafts Hester's character arc to show how societal condemnation shapes her identity. Unlike Quixote, whose delusions empower him to challenge norms, Hester's reality is rooted in the consequences of her actions. The scarlet letter becomes an emblem of both shame and strength as Hester transforms from a symbol of sin to a figure of resilience and empathy. Her individuality emerges as she navigates the complexities of her societal role, ultimately redefining the meaning of sin and redemption for herself.

Both Cervantes and Hawthorne utilize their protagonists to reflect on the implications of individuality within the context of societal norms. Hester's quiet strength stands in contrast to Don Quixote's flamboyant insanity, yet both characters undergo a process of self-discovery that challenges the reader to ponder the value of personal conviction in a conformist society.

Comparative Analysis

The comparison of "Don Quixote" and "The Scarlet Letter" reveals pivotal insights into how narrative voice enhances each story's tone and contributes to thematic depth. Cervantes employs a comedic and satirical tone, enriching the reader's understanding of Quixote’s misadventures and inner battles. In contrast, Hawthorne's somber and reflective tone deepens the gravity of Hester’s plight. The distinct narrative voices critical to both works not only affect the way themes are perceived but also shape the reader's emotional engagement.

Ultimately, both texts converge on the idea that the struggle of the individual against societal expectations is fraught with challenges. Cervantes presents a humorous lens through Quixote’s follies, advocating for the pursuit of one's dreams despite ridicule. Conversely, Hawthorne illustrates a more severe consequence of societal judgment through Hester’s anguish. Together, these narratives create a rich discourse on the multifaceted nature of identity amid the pressures imposed by society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cervantes's "Don Quixote" and Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" offer profound insights into the theme of individuality versus societal norms. Through the characters of Don Quixote and Hester Prynne, both authors illuminate the complex dynamics involved in seeking one's identity in a world laden with expectations. By comparing these two texts, we see how the tension between personal conviction and social acceptance shapes not only character development but also the overarching theme of self-discovery. Thus, while their approaches differ, the essential quest of their protagonists remains a testament to the enduring human spirit in the pursuit of authenticity.

References

• Cervantes, Miguel de. Don Quixote. Translated by John Rutherford, Penguin Classics, 2000.
• Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: Penguin Classics, 2003.
• Bloom, Harold. Cervantes: Don Quixote. Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.
• Gioia, Dana, and R.S. Gwynn. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. 13th ed., Pearson, 2016.
• Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism. Princeton University Press, 1957.
• Siegel, Paul. "The Irony of Don Quixote." Modern Language Studies, vol. 7, no. 1, 1977, pp. 17-23.
• Beaty, Jerome, and J. Paul Hunter. Writing in the Social Sciences. Macmillan, 1998.
• Emery, William. "Hawthorne's Influence on American Literature." American Literary History, vol. 15, no. 3, 2003, pp. 486-510.
• Link, John. "Contrasts in Character: Quixote and Hester." Comparative Literature Studies, vol. 35, no. 2, 1998, pp. 94-110.
• Shaw, John. "Freedom and Conformity in Don Quixote and The Scarlet Letter." American Review, vol. 54, no. 5, 2004, pp. 113-125.

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