As Thomas C. Foster examines in Chapter 25 of his bestselling novel, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, there are two dimensions to literature. A reader has the job to first examine and understand the literal aspects of the novel, such as the setting (243). Upon understanding the literal elements of the work, one can begin to examine what lies beneath. In other words, one has the ability to begin peering at the message that the author attempts to communicate. Foster highlights how a deeper meaning in literature always exists, ranging from the flat and round characters to the plot arc and journey undertaken by a protagonist and antagonist. This underlying message or theme highlights an exterior (sociocultural) theme or idea (243). This
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While this denotes religion in its simplest terms, there are also numerous facets associated with religion, such as the inherent fallibility that all humans have. As commonly examined, fallibility refers to making mistakes or blatantly wrong choices because of the fact that humans are imperfect beings. Cormac McCarthy’s stellar novel, No Country for Old Men examines this concept, along with the role of religion in one’s life. But, instead of merely discussing the topic of religion, McCarthy highlights the concept through then novel’s violent antagonist, Anton Chigurh. In No Country for Old Men, the actions and journey of Anton Chigurh highlights the animosity Chigurh feels towards those in society, while underscoring the higher-calling that Chigurh believes he responds to. With this, McCarthy emphasizes the inherent fallibility that all humans, regardless of position, power, or deportment, hold. McCarthy highlights all of this through his use of unique diction, and through the specifically designed journey that Chigurh undertakes, where he interacts with fellow, supporting …show more content…
In defining the aforementioned key terms, “diction” refers to the specific use of a word, or words in a phrase, in a work by an author. With diction, authors have specific intentions when using words or a set of words. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell open No Country for Old Men with his first personal dialogue. At the start of each chapter in the work, one of Bell’s personal dialogues is included. The dialogues serve as a segue between each chapter and reference an aspect of his life of career that has had a profound impact on him. These can be positive, or in most cases, negative. Bell looks at the events described in the novel in retrospect. In the opening personal dialogue, Bell describes who soon becomes known as Chigurh as a “living prophet of destruction” (McCarthy 4). In reference to the novel, this phrase creates an amazing characterization of Chigurh. The phrase, especially the terms “prophet” and “destruction,” sets the tone for the entire work. This phrase acts as basically the first, indirect encounter the reader has with Chigurh, and the initial characterization creates an interesting duality. The term “prophet” has a religious connotation. This, hence, adds veritability to the claim that Chigurh exists as a religious, divine-like being. Prophets are seemingly omnipotent as they proclaim
While this denotes religion in its simplest terms, there are also numerous facets associated with religion, such as the inherent fallibility that all humans have. As commonly examined, fallibility refers to making mistakes or blatantly wrong choices because of the fact that humans are imperfect beings. Cormac McCarthy’s stellar novel, No Country for Old Men examines this concept, along with the role of religion in one’s life. But, instead of merely discussing the topic of religion, McCarthy highlights the concept through then novel’s violent antagonist, Anton Chigurh. In No Country for Old Men, the actions and journey of Anton Chigurh highlights the animosity Chigurh feels towards those in society, while underscoring the higher-calling that Chigurh believes he responds to. With this, McCarthy emphasizes the inherent fallibility that all humans, regardless of position, power, or deportment, hold. McCarthy highlights all of this through his use of unique diction, and through the specifically designed journey that Chigurh undertakes, where he interacts with fellow, supporting …show more content…
In defining the aforementioned key terms, “diction” refers to the specific use of a word, or words in a phrase, in a work by an author. With diction, authors have specific intentions when using words or a set of words. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell open No Country for Old Men with his first personal dialogue. At the start of each chapter in the work, one of Bell’s personal dialogues is included. The dialogues serve as a segue between each chapter and reference an aspect of his life of career that has had a profound impact on him. These can be positive, or in most cases, negative. Bell looks at the events described in the novel in retrospect. In the opening personal dialogue, Bell describes who soon becomes known as Chigurh as a “living prophet of destruction” (McCarthy 4). In reference to the novel, this phrase creates an amazing characterization of Chigurh. The phrase, especially the terms “prophet” and “destruction,” sets the tone for the entire work. This phrase acts as basically the first, indirect encounter the reader has with Chigurh, and the initial characterization creates an interesting duality. The term “prophet” has a religious connotation. This, hence, adds veritability to the claim that Chigurh exists as a religious, divine-like being. Prophets are seemingly omnipotent as they proclaim