Many authors in the 18th century intertwined the theme of their short stories with the current events of the time. American authors Kate Chopin, Jack London, and Sarah Jewett passionately communicated a message thru their short stories in order to motivate change or provoke understanding of the society in which they lived. Chopin demonstrates her concern for women’s role in the past, while London shows his concern for survival skills and Jewett proves the importance of nature. The authors of these stories act as “moral purifiers” presenting their case through their creative works that, left up to the reader, may have a positive impact upon society.
One such author who worked to illustrate an important lesson to the American public was Chopin, …show more content…
Likewise, Allen Stein views “A Pair of Silk Stockings” the same way. The critic states “…Chopin presents a woman who tries a different expedient to escape the difficulties imposed by her marriage, a brief foray into the realm of consumerism. The effort fails, as Chopin shows that, however fashionable what Thorstein Veblen called "conspicuous consumption" might seem in the expanding national economy of the late 1890s, it can offer only ephemeral and illusory gratifications for one enmeshed in the enduring constraints imposed by her marriage” (Stein 1). This demonstrates that not only does Mrs. Sommers want to spend a day exclusively on herself, she wants a day away from the monotonous and painful reality. In olden times, this would be out of the ordinary and considered a bad and selfish mom. Finally, Stein takes a closer look at Chopin’s theme of women’s role, “…both Mrs. Sommers' little rebellious spree and what precedes it, indicates, as I noted, something decidedly less …show more content…
Jack London formulates a theme of persevering and the innate drive to survive despite the relentless, unforgiving forces of nature. A literary critic, Laurie Harris, agrees with London’s theme. She states, “To Build a Fire” epitomizes the brisk story of individual struggle against natural forces of which London is an undisputed master. Through the detached voice of an omniscient narrator, London portrays the idiocy and ineptitude of one man, who represents the antithesis of the elemental world that faithfully rewards native instinct but is indifferent to human inadequacies.” (Harris 3). Even though the man makes the absurd decision to travel in bitter cold conditions, when he is faced with dire circumstances, his natural instincts to survive and persevere kicked in. In addition, Karen Rhodes poses an idea that “To Build a Fire” was written after a personal experience of incredible survival. Rhodes proclaims, London’s story, “To Build a Fire” came about after a first-hand experience. It gives a clear and realistic description of actual freezing experience. However, London’s story possesses life and death suspense (Rhodes 8). London’s story contains a real aspect of the fight and struggle to survive and the power of perseverance, due to his intimate experience with freezing. Finally, Jill Widdcombe agrees with London’s descriptions of the
One such author who worked to illustrate an important lesson to the American public was Chopin, …show more content…
Likewise, Allen Stein views “A Pair of Silk Stockings” the same way. The critic states “…Chopin presents a woman who tries a different expedient to escape the difficulties imposed by her marriage, a brief foray into the realm of consumerism. The effort fails, as Chopin shows that, however fashionable what Thorstein Veblen called "conspicuous consumption" might seem in the expanding national economy of the late 1890s, it can offer only ephemeral and illusory gratifications for one enmeshed in the enduring constraints imposed by her marriage” (Stein 1). This demonstrates that not only does Mrs. Sommers want to spend a day exclusively on herself, she wants a day away from the monotonous and painful reality. In olden times, this would be out of the ordinary and considered a bad and selfish mom. Finally, Stein takes a closer look at Chopin’s theme of women’s role, “…both Mrs. Sommers' little rebellious spree and what precedes it, indicates, as I noted, something decidedly less …show more content…
Jack London formulates a theme of persevering and the innate drive to survive despite the relentless, unforgiving forces of nature. A literary critic, Laurie Harris, agrees with London’s theme. She states, “To Build a Fire” epitomizes the brisk story of individual struggle against natural forces of which London is an undisputed master. Through the detached voice of an omniscient narrator, London portrays the idiocy and ineptitude of one man, who represents the antithesis of the elemental world that faithfully rewards native instinct but is indifferent to human inadequacies.” (Harris 3). Even though the man makes the absurd decision to travel in bitter cold conditions, when he is faced with dire circumstances, his natural instincts to survive and persevere kicked in. In addition, Karen Rhodes poses an idea that “To Build a Fire” was written after a personal experience of incredible survival. Rhodes proclaims, London’s story, “To Build a Fire” came about after a first-hand experience. It gives a clear and realistic description of actual freezing experience. However, London’s story possesses life and death suspense (Rhodes 8). London’s story contains a real aspect of the fight and struggle to survive and the power of perseverance, due to his intimate experience with freezing. Finally, Jill Widdcombe agrees with London’s descriptions of the