Reflective Writing in Chopin's Work: Literary Movements Influence

L6: How was Chopins writing reflective of and responsive to a number of key literary movements?

Recap questions Recap questions 1. How does The Story of an Hour end? 2. Identify the two examples of symbolism used by Chopin in relation to Bradley Mallard s return. 3. How were both Eliza O Flaherty and Kate Chopin affected by the death of men? 4. Why can this reality not be presented through the characterization of Louise Mallard? 5. Why are both titles The Dream of an Hour and The Story of an Hour relevant and insightful choices? Do it now

Romanticism The Story of an Hour Realism New knowledge

Romanticism The Story of an Hour Realism 1840-early 20th century 1800-1890 1894 Characteristics: Free expression and spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings Imagination and instinct Concerned with emotions an emotional change as a result of a barrier between the real external world and the inner world of fantasties Focused on the individual A strong belief and interest in the importance of nature. Rejection of religious traditions and prescribed moral rules. New knowledge Isiah Berlin, Latvian born British social and political theorist: Romanticism embodied a new and restless spirit, seeking violently to burst through old and crampling forms, a nervous preoccupation with perpetually challenging inner states of consciousness, a longing for the unbounded and the indefinable, for perpetual movement and change, an effort to return to the forgotten sources of life, a passionate effort at self-assertion both individual and collective, a search after means of expressing an unappeasable yearning for unattainable goals.

Romanticism The Story of an Hour Realism 1840-early 20th century 1800-1890 1894 Characteristics: Free expression and spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings Imagination and instinct Concerned with emotions an emotional change as a result of a barrier between the real external world and the inner world of fantasties Focused on the individual A strong belief and interest in the importance of nature. Rejection of religious traditions and prescribed moral rules. What evidence is there in The Story of an Hour to suggest Chopin was influenced by the Romantic era? Pen to Paper Isiah Berlin, Latvian born British social and political theorist: Romanticism embodied a new and restless spirit, seeking violently to burst through old and crampling forms, a nervous preoccupation with perpetually challenging inner states of consciousness, a longing for the unbounded and the indefinable, for perpetual movement and change, an effort to return to the forgotten sources of life, a passionate effort at self-assertion both individual and collective, a search after means of expressing an unappeasable yearning for unattainable goals.

Romanticism The Story of an Hour Realism 1840-early 20th century 1800-1890 1894 Characteristics: Character is more important than action and plot. Characters serve a purpose in the plot whilst the action is slow-moving Represents reality by portraying mundane, everyday experiences as they are in real life. Seeks to tell a story truthfully instead of dramatizing or romanticizing it. Events will be plausible. World as it is created impinges upon characters. Complex ethical choices are often the subject Class is important; traditionally served the interests and aspirations of an insurgent middle class. Causality built into text (why something happens / foreshadowed) Emphasis on morality. New knowledge

Romanticism The Story of an Hour Realism 1840-early 20th century 1800-1890 1894 Characteristics: Character is more important than action and plot. Characters serve a purpose in the plot whilst the action is slow-moving Represents reality by portraying mundane, everyday experiences as they are in real life. Seeks to tell a story truthfully instead of dramatizing or romanticizing it. Events will be plausible. World as it is created impinges upon characters. Complex ethical choices are often the subject Class is important; traditionally served the interests and aspirations of an insurgent middle class. Causality built into text (why something happens / foreshadowed) Emphasis on morality. What evidence is there in The Story of an Hour to suggest Chopin was also influenced by the movement of Realism? Pen to Paper

Naturalism Appeared after the movement of realism mid 19th century until the onset of the World War. New knowledge The idea of naturalism is that one s social environment shapes his / her character family, social conditions and the environment. It also argues that natural forces predetermine a character s decisions, making him / her act in a particular way. She could see in the open square before her house the tops of the trees that were all acquiver with the new spring life. There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled one above the other in the west facing her window.

How was Chopins writing reflective of and responsive to a number of key literary movements? Based upon your prior learning, why did Chopin blend aspects of Romanticism and Realism? Reflection