Analysis Of Elizabeth Barrett Browning s Sonnets Of The...

All literature reflects the values, attitudes and beliefs of the context of construction. Thus, this means that whenever we study any text, we must develop a deep understanding of how the context impacts upon the purpose of the texts and the writers intended discourses. The comparative study of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s sonnets of the Portuguese and Scott Fitzgerald’s Pros fiction ‘The Great Gatsby’ allow for a thorough evaluation of the relationship between the texts contexts and values. Both composers craft arguments on the nature of and value of life itself within the framework of love and spirituality. Browning, however writes from the perspective of a woman challenging values of the conventions of the Victorian era. Whilst, Fitzgerald construct’s his text as an indictment on the emerging hedonistic and capitalist creed of 1920’s America – the Jazz Age. As we will move through the texts, the writer’s context will influenc e their discourses and hence the meaning and significance we derive from each text. Mortality: Both Gatsby and the sonnets provide commentary on the meaning and value of life itself. The composers articulate a number of arguments on human mortality and what does and doesn’t constitute a waste of human life. ( I will change the parts I have highlighted) The Great Gatsby presents most of the characters using immoral and corrupt means to achieve their American dream. This results in the physical/metaphorical death of a being. Contextually, The Great