Apply two literary theories to a text. Consider how the position adopted in a critical perspective reflects a particular interpretation of a text. The perspectives can either be from an identified lens or reflect your awareness of your own critical reading of a text and the way in which that is informed by the perspectives of other readers, viewers or critics.
From a historical perspective Hannah Kent employs a postmodernist structure to her novel Burial Rites. She signifies the rich culture and social context of life in a 19th century Iceland, with her grand portrayal of third-dimensional characters and inclusion of official historical texts. Her use of official documents conveys the depth and meaning of Agnes’s trial and execution by depicting …show more content…
The guilt and blame of Natan’s death is seen to solely placed on her where she is made out to be the only one truly responsible. With all the blame pushed to her, Agnes falls into the dark place of psychalgia, she is separated from society, newly seen as this absolute filth - “a lamb ripe for slaughter”. Unlike Agnes, Sigga also a contributor to Natan’s death is made out as the “damsel in distress”, she was forgiven for her crime and escaped the death penalty as she was young, pretty and easily manipulative, having no control of her actions. In terms of “the villain”, this archetype is placed on Natan but not immediately. Natan during the initial stages of Burial Rites is made out to be a “prince charming of a hero”, someone that could do no wrong, who was omnibenevolent. However, as the story progresses and Natan’s dark side becomes exposed he is seen to transforms into a “gothic hero”. He is seen to be a manipulative, a womaniser and aggressive. As Burial Rites reaches its ending Natan’s full evil becomes exposed and he becomes “the Devils incarnate”. He is seen to enjoy manipulating and toying with women as he desires, he becomes prone to aggressive outbursts and he goes so far to commit statutory
From a historical perspective Hannah Kent employs a postmodernist structure to her novel Burial Rites. She signifies the rich culture and social context of life in a 19th century Iceland, with her grand portrayal of third-dimensional characters and inclusion of official historical texts. Her use of official documents conveys the depth and meaning of Agnes’s trial and execution by depicting …show more content…
The guilt and blame of Natan’s death is seen to solely placed on her where she is made out to be the only one truly responsible. With all the blame pushed to her, Agnes falls into the dark place of psychalgia, she is separated from society, newly seen as this absolute filth - “a lamb ripe for slaughter”. Unlike Agnes, Sigga also a contributor to Natan’s death is made out as the “damsel in distress”, she was forgiven for her crime and escaped the death penalty as she was young, pretty and easily manipulative, having no control of her actions. In terms of “the villain”, this archetype is placed on Natan but not immediately. Natan during the initial stages of Burial Rites is made out to be a “prince charming of a hero”, someone that could do no wrong, who was omnibenevolent. However, as the story progresses and Natan’s dark side becomes exposed he is seen to transforms into a “gothic hero”. He is seen to be a manipulative, a womaniser and aggressive. As Burial Rites reaches its ending Natan’s full evil becomes exposed and he becomes “the Devils incarnate”. He is seen to enjoy manipulating and toying with women as he desires, he becomes prone to aggressive outbursts and he goes so far to commit statutory