Biblical Allusions for Those Who Need Them

Allusion	Summary	Example(s)	Meaning
Delilah and Samson (Judges 13-16) THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (MUSICAL)	Samson lived with Delilah, who tried to find a way to strip him of his strength	Christine tears the mask off the Phantom’s face, and he calls her a ‘Delilah’	A Delilah is someone who wants to find a secret that is probably very possible.
Allusion	Summary	Example(s)	Meaning
The Old Testament  Plagues TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD	Moses sent plagues to the Egyptians so they would free the Israelites	‘Miss Maudie’s face likened such an occurrence unto an Old Testament pestilence’	To Miss Maudie, nut grass was as bad as a terrible plague. If someone likens something to an Old Testament plague, they probably hate it a lot.
Allusion	Summary	Example(s)	Meaning
Caesar washing his hands GREAT EXPECTATIONS	After sentencing Christ to die, Caesar washes his hands as if to say ‘This isn’t my fault.’	Jaggers, the lawyer, washes his hands after court cases, knowing that because of him, men are sentenced to imprisonment or even death. He washes his hands, to say ‘I’m just doing my job.’	You can’t wash your hands and your sins are forgiven. Caesar and Jaggers were just making excuses to get out of the guilt of killing someone.
Allusion	Summary	Example(s)	Meaning
the Temptation of Eve DAVID COPPERFIELD	The devil tempted Eve to taste of the fruit, sentencing her to banishment from the garden.	David Copperfield’s mother is swept off her feet by the evil Mr. Murdstone, and when she marries him, she loses her happiness and her life.	Things are not what they appear.
Allusion	Summary	Example(s)	Meaning
The Garden of Eden RAPPACCINI’S DAUGHTER	The Garden of Eden was full of beautiful plants, but one of the plants was specifically forbidden	In Rappaccini’s Daughter, the garden is beautiful and lush, but one of the plants is forbidden for the young man	Forbidden plants in Garden’s can be a good or a bad sign. Forbidden things (like alcohol) are dangerous as well.
Allusion	Summary	Example(s)	Meaning
The Atonement LES MISERABLES	Jesus paid the price for us to be free from sin	The Bishop of Dinge paid the price of losing him most valuable possessions so that Jean Valjean could be saved	Christ figures will sacrifice so that people can be saved

Two Book Reviews

I loved these books, though to see my favorite books, just look at my profile.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

In an overgrown churchyard, an escaped convict springs upon an orphan boy named Pip. The convict terrifies Pip and threatens to kill him unless the boy helps his further escape. Months later, Pip finds himself in the home of batty Mrs. Havisham and her ward, Estella, with whom he instantly falls in love. Estella, however, is cruel to Pip because of his poverty and rank. The tables turn, however, when a secret benefactor gives Pip a fortune, allowing him to move to London and become a member of the upper class. However, the upper class isn’t all its painted to be. Treachery, hate, and ancient grudges will haunt Pip’s mind until he can finally learn the truth about his friends, Estella, and even himself. One of Charles Dickens’ darkest works, Great Expectations is a classic that will set you thinking for a long while.

I am taking an English class this year, and I noticed that the older class was required to read this book. I have been able to sludge through other long books (Pride and Prejudice, A Tale of Two Cities,  Journey to the Center of the Earth) so I decided to give Great Expectations a try. All I can say is: WOW!

This book was dark, sad, and kind of creepy. However, I enjoyed it very much. It had a fair amount of mystery (which I love) and some very realistic characters. Though it is not one of Dickens’ character-rich novels, it was still very, shall I use the word,  flavorful. There was the heartless Estella, the batty Mrs. Havisham, and the ever changing Wemmick, all who brought a good share of fun into the novel.

I really liked this book, but it’s not one of my favorites. The story was original, but the ending was disappointing (which I hate). However, I highly recommend it to all who are looking for some good literature.

 

Jane Eyre

An Essay by Seth Larson

            When Jane Eyre applies for a position as governess at Thornfield Hall, she does not expect a mysterious servant, a lunatic in the attic, or a dark, brooding master that will win her heart. Charlotte Brontë, a 19^th century woman with humble beginnings, has created a masterpiece full of mystery, tragedy and romance in her novel Jane Eyre.

            Jane Eyre and her master, Edward Rochester, are two of literature’s most famous lovers, along with Romeo and Juliet and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.  Jane Eyre has had an incredibly miserable childhood, being orphaned at a young age and then being mistreated by her guardian. She is humble and has accepted the fact that she will never be independent. She is practical and capable and is a strong believer of feudalism. However, she has a very passionate love for Mr. Rochester, who is a member of high society. Mr. Rochester, the master of Thornfield, is not particularly attractive, but very rich. He is dark, pessimistic and proud. He has learned how terrible the world can be and decides that one must be commanding and stalwart to survive. He shocks himself when he falls in love with Jane.

            There are many conflicts in the novel. When Jane and Mr. Rochester decide to marry, a very dark secret is revealed and Jane is forced to leave her beloved master. She is full of anguish and despair, but tries to live happily. She lives with a charitable family and is offered a marriage proposal from her long-lost cousin. This is too much for Jane to bear because she loves someone else, so she decides to find Mr. Rochester. She finds him, and they are married.

Of all the themes in Jane Eyre, the most important one is love and its consequences. Throughout the book, Jane wonders if it is better to marry someone because you love them and accept the trials it may induce or marry someone for security, despite the fact that you don’t like them at all?

Jane Eyre is definitely a book that I liked. I try to stay open-minded when I read books, so I like mysteries, fantasies, romances, histories, and sometimes even non-fiction. Jane Eyre was really a combination of mystery and romance, with a hint of fantasy, making a delicious read. Now that I’ve read it, however, I have one a job; convince my brother, a firm believer of no-romance, to read it too.

           

Ashes and Cinders

 Ashes and Cinders was the name of the girl

            With the lovely complexion and the golden curls.

            Ashes and Cinders in dirt would she sleep

            Without out a complaint, without a peep.

            ‘Ashes and Cinders!’, her sisters would jeer,

            Then turn up their noses and show off a sneer.

            To Ashes and Cinders and her family too

            Came an invitation to a royal ball soon.

            Ashes and Cinders was left at the house.

            Her family left her with only the mouse.

            Ashes and Cinders, with magic unknown

            Became Splendor and Beauty and then left her home.

            So Splendor and Beauty went to the ball

            And deeply in love did she suddenly fall

            Splendor and Beauty heard the clock strike twelve

            And into the dark of the night did she delve.

            Splendor and Beauty reached her front door

            And then became Ashes and Cinders once more.