A Comparison of Four English Literary Works

The following discussion will evaluate a representative literary work from four different centuries of English Literature. The comparisons will include discussion on point of view, symbolism, theme, and style. The literary works that will be discussed are I Find No Peace by Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder (16^th century), On the Death of My First and Dearest Child, Hector Philips by Katherine Philips (17^th century), On Myselfe by Anne Finch (18^th century), and In the Valley of Cauteretz by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (19^th century).

Point of View

The term "point of view" refers to the speaker or voice used by the author and includes the physical position of the speaker as observer or participant. First person narrative point of view was used in all four of the works examined. In I Find No Peace, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder shares his personal experience of how he feels many conflicting emotions and has conflicting thoughts even though "all my war is done" (Greenblatt & Abrams, 2006, p. 596). In a similar sense, Katherine Philips shares her personal thoughts and emotions after the death of her first born child in On the Death of My First and Dearest Child, Hector Philips (Greenblatt & Abrams, 2006, p. 1695). Anne Finch shares personal thoughts in On Myselfe (Anne Finch) and Alfred, Lord Tennyson shares personal feelings and experiences in In the Valley of Cauteretz (Alfred). In each instance, the first person point of view is the most appropriate and effective form of sharing these personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Symbolism

Symbolism is a literary device that is used to represent objects, actions, or meaning through the use of symbols. Symbolism is also used to assign significance or specific meaning to objects, events, or associations. Wyatt uses symbolism throughout his work. The following lines are a good example of Wyatt's use of symbolism. "I fear and hope / I burn and freeze like ice / I fly above the wind / yet can I not arise" (Greenblatt & Abrams, 2006, p. 596). The reader understands that it is impossible for the author to literally freeze to the temperature of ice or fly above the wind. Ice and wind are used symbolically in this work.

Symbolism is also revealed in Philips' work, such as in the lines "I did but see him / and he disappeared / I did but touch the rosebud / and it fell" (Greenblatt & Abrams, 2006, p. 1695). In Tennyson's work, the valley itself is quite symbolic. It is more difficult to find symbolism in Finch's work. While Finch may have used symbolism, I am personally unable to distinguish it.

Theme

The theme is "the central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life" (Literary Terms). The theme is sometimes stated outright in the title of the work, such as in the case of On the Death of My First and Dearest Child, Hector Philips. This is the author's expression of her grief upon the death of her firstborn child shortly after his birth. Other titles may hint at the theme, but further reading gives additional insight. For example, in I Find No Peace, Wyatt describes being in a state of disarray, full of conflicting emotions. Further examination suggests that being in love with a woman has caused this emotional state. In Finch's work On Myselfe, the theme is independence and self sufficiency, while the theme in Tennyson's In the Valley of Cauteretz seems to be the memory of a true love.

Style

Style refers to the manner in which the author expresses himself or herself in the literary work. Often, style is a reflection of the author's personality or emotional state at the time of writing. Each of the authors examined here has used a different writing style. Wyatt's style can be described as both grand and beautiful. Philips uses a style that is more elaborate, almost flowery in the use of descriptive words. Finch uses a flamboyant style, while Tennyson's style is much more direct and to the point.

References

"Alfred, Lord Tennyson." The Norton Anthology of English Literature website. URL: http://www2.wwnorton.com/college/english/nael/noa/pdf/tennyson_In_the_Valley_of_Cauteretz.pdf

Greenblatt, S. & Abrams, M. (Eds.), (2006). "The Norton Anthology of English Literature." (Vol. 1). (8^th ed.). New York: Norton

"Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea." Luminarium: Anthology of English Literature website. URL: http://www.luminarium.org/eightlit/finch/onmyself.php

"Literary Terms." Stanford University website. URL: http://www.stanford.edu/~csewell/culture/litterms.htm