Avery AP Lit

Thus far in Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway, I am intrigued by her writing style. Although it can be difficult to follow, I admire the fact the fact that the point of view switches. It helps me as a reader to focus more and become more involved in the novel. However, not only the point of view but stream of consciousness plays a role as well considering the change in time and location. For example, as Clarissa Dalloway walks in the park, the scene immediately changes to a time in the past when her and Peter Walsh had been arguing, back to Clarissa Dalloway walking as if the present had never been altered. As a reader, one also gets to hear recounts about one event from two different perspective, hence Septimus' section. In addition, Woolf's lack of use of quotation marks may seem bothersome to others, however, I think it keeps the tempo of the book moving. Plus, I think it is fascinating how an author can dictate the reader with a technique as such—it makes them keep up. In ...

In Jhumpa Lahiri's "A Temporary Matter," I believe the overall tones in which it is written consists of a rather mellow, casual tone that gives off a genuine feel. The tone in which Lahiri writes this short story goes hand-in-hand with the prevalent theme: The importance of communication within a marriage is vital and secrets can lead to grief. However, it is interesting because she uses the times before and after Shoba's pregnancy to highlight the changes in tones that ultimately mirror the change in Shoba and Shukumar's marriage.  The tone while describing the happy days before her pregnancy is hopeful and carefree as the young couple holds dinner parties and look towards the future.  However, after Shoba's pregnancy, the tone of her and Shukumar's interactions becomes rather weighed down and indifferent.  Finally, the tone during the couple's nightly confessions turns  emotional and passionate as they reveal their deepest secrets to each other.  Thr...