Princess and the Pea, Analysis

We used the narrative techniques of a diary entry and at the turning point in the story, a letter. The varied forms of language between these two parts of the story give some structure and life to the characters and their point of view. From what the Princess writes it seems that she is rather spoilt and girly which is a complete contrast to the tone of the Prince’s sombre and sincere letter, this is obviously because his prospective wife has just died but there is a manner of professionalism about him also.

In the Diary section of the story there are many in depth descriptions of the setting. This increases the involvement of the reader; painting a picture of the scene. The “Melancholy lit country road” contrasts with the description of the Mansion, making it seem more of a heavenly place which is glowing in the dark. Another contrast is between the “godlike” appearance of the Prince and the “unkempt” Princess, him seeming more perfect in comparison.

The letter allows a different point of view on the story, with a description of events from the Prince rather than the Princess. The different point of view allows the reader to sympathise with another perspective and therefore get more involved with the story.

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone

This poem evokes strong emotions from start to finish. The first stanza seems to have a sense of denial,

“Stop all the clocks, Cut off the telephone”

These first few lines give the impression that the writer doesn’t want to accept the truth, by stopping time and shutting people out he may be able to preserve the delusion that nothing has happened for a little longer. Denial is also the first of five stages of grieving using the Kübler-Ross model, perhaps Auden is simply going through the motions of grieving, taking it one stage at a time.

The second stanza contains the line,

“Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead”

“Moaning” is a very onomatopoeic word from this you can almost visualize the type of aeroplane he meant and the “moaning” noise it would be making. The sound of the words could also be linked with the mourners in the church, the sadness and lamenting.

The third stanza is almost where he permits himself to remember his love. Like light at the end of a tunnel; a truly loving sentiment in such a somber poem.

As Auden moves onto the final stanza the atmosphere of the poem moves too. The poem slips into depression or even anger. Almost as a child throws a toy with frustration Auden orders for the night sky and the oceans etc. should be put away or discarded. And as we know from the Kübler-Ross model, Anger is the second stage of the grieving process. Perhaps if Auden had extended this poem he may have progressed through the last three stages, but as the success of the poem proves; it doesn’t need extending.

The Princess and the Pea

Dear Diary

I’ve had the worst day of my life, after the most boring banquet with the duke and his wife my coach had a broken wheel and they had no spare coach which was utterly profound so I had to walk… and of top of the despicable occurrence it started to rain; its such a shame since my silk green garment was absolutely wrecked,

Luckily after walking down a very melancholy lit country road I came across a luxurious mansion… it was incredibly beautiful; with grand white pillars that towered to the sky, majestic gold doors and windows that exploded light into the swallowing pit of darkness that I had succumbed to.

I speedily tottered in my now mud encrusted heels towards the nearest window that displayed an extravagantly decorated front room. As I peered in I could see a gorgeous fire place with a flaming orange ball blowing heat across the marble tiled floor… I longed to be warm, to feel the comfort that this mansion holds.

With this new impulse I headed towards the door… a door unlike most doors, the detail was so intricate I could see the household must have been important… However I still believe my home is much more divine than this.

As I gracefully held the bell handle and plunged it down a few times just to make sure I wouldn’t be ignored I heard a distant tapping that grew louder and sharper as the seconds commenced. Although I knew it was help a part of me was quite frightened by this small detail… it sent a shuddering chill down my spine. Now the sound was projecting through my ear drums and I couldn’t ignore it….. Just as I thought it would never end the door slowly slid ajar to release the face of a very small woman who was embellished in fine jewellery and a beautiful purple gown. Her pristine composure was quite surprising since the lady of the house never opens the door usually especially at this late hour…where were the maids? Eventually after what felt like hours her voice echoed through the high roofed hallway asking who I was. As I was briskly repeating to the elder lady of my awful troubles this godlike man appeared in the distance.

At that point I realised I must have looked a fright, my hair was strewn like an unkept bush and my dress was so ghastly at this point… I dare to think…. I must have appeared to be a common person to these hospitable people that took me in for the night. Thankfully the extremely handsome, spellbinding gentleman who I now know is her son and the PRINCE persuaded his mother to allow me in for the night until I can call for someone in the morning to collect me. They collected a maid from the lower quarters to bathe me (which happened to be the most luscious smelling oils… id say they had a hint of rosemary to them) then guided me to a newly made guestroom with the highest pile of mattresses you ever did see; god knows why there are so many mattresses… this family have very strange ways and sadly I don’t find it to much comfort but if my thoughts are correct there is something lurking in amongst them all so I’m just about to have a quick gander and see if I can solve this treacherous  annoyance. Hopefully my bad luck is over and I can have a joyous slumber.

To the unfortunate Receivers of this letter,

I am dreadfully sorry to inform you of the loss of your eldest daughter. The only consolidation I can give you is what I can conclude of her death.

She was the victim of a cruel test of my mothers. I assure you, I knew nothing of her scheme until early this morning when she confessed all, since which she has been banished by my father for crushing such a beautiful flower which your daughter was.

My mother, looking for a match for me, was unbelieving that your daughter was a princess and proceeded to test her by making her sleep upon 50 mattresses with a single pea hidden within them, knowing that nobody but a real princess would have skin delicate enough to feel the offending vegetable.

Upon finding her diary (enclosed) I believe she felt the pea and attempted to find it among her mattresses, only to fall from the great height and be crushed by the weight of the felonious bedding.

I can only offer my deepest apologies and assure you I am grieving with you, such a loss will be hard to live with. I have joined the armed forces in the hope I may join her in the eternal kingdom.

Yours terribly sincerely,

Prince Arthur.

Why Hamlet is so good

Different aspects of the play make it the most dramatic in the english language such as, a play within a play, which is a device favourited by Shakespeare, it allows the audience to become more involved in the play as we know whats going on but the king, Claudius, doesn't.
Also it's a play that people can disect and derrive different meanings. Some people may say that Hamlet never saw his fathers ghost and he was going mad from the beginning. While others may say that his fathers ghost was attempting to protect his wife from Hamlet, thats why he wasn't visible to Gertrude.
An interpretation of the play is that Hamlet is suffering from an Oedipus complex. He is jealous of Claudius because he is in love with his mother.
The list for interpretations and meanings goes on which is certainly a main factor of why Hamlet is so well loved, it means different things to different people.
So why is Hamlet so good? it's because it is timeless. With ghosts, betrayal, madness and murder, it would be as well recieved today as it was when it was written 400 years ago.

Novel Openings

I chose "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien as my interesting opening. I liked the opening because it doesn't describe the character it describes his home, or rather what his home isn't. I could have just used the opening line but I decided to expand to the paragraph to include J.R.R. Tolkien's wit, and my favourite bit "oozy smell" which conjures up the vile imagry I would expect from a book.