The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Essay Example

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Paper The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie BY prs95 Form is inseparable from content in a work of literature. How do the formal qualities of narratives shape the readers experience of their contents? German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, has supported the statement Form is inseparable from content in a work of literature. He strongly believed that Form without content is empty; content without form is blind. l (page 157) It can be argued that the formal qualities in literature are a key aspect in contributing to the readers overall experience. E. M Forster has suggested that the generic structure of a ovel should entail a beginning, middle and an end. 2 In Muriel Sparks novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, the author has challenged this traditional format through illustrating events in an anachronical form and through the inclusion of a universal omniscient narrator, which has resulted in a build up of suspense, reinforced the novels thematic richness and enabled the reader to recognise the development of characters throughout. Reflecting upon Forsters belief, I would have to disagree with this and feel that Sparks structure has successfully enhanced the readers appreciation of the novel as a whole. On general terms, it seems clear to me that the form of literature is a tool used by authors in order to display the content within the novel in a certain fashion. This will result in the reader interpreting the text in a specific way, driven by the writer. This reflects Kants opinion when focusing on the divorce of form with content. We will write a custom essay sample on The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In any novel, and in every aspect of life, time is of paramount importance. In Sparks novel, this facet is manipulated in such a way to be unfamiliar to the reader, yet still providing structure. Despite foreshadowing events of the story, the reader has become intrigued to find out the reasons as to why ertain events occur. Time as a general concept, can be used by writers to emphasise events and regardless of the malleability of time as a structural point, linearity cannot be eradicated completely it fundamentally acts as a structural base for a novel. At the start of the novel, it is immediately clear to the reader that the pattern of time is not in a chronological order, as Spark has included numerous counts of analepsis and prolepsis. This has insistently drawn the reader to a question of time, and it is obvious Spark has explicitly made this a key focal point for the reader. At he first introduction to the Brodie Set, we are informed that the girls are fourth- form (page 5). Following this, there is a flashback to when the girls were age twelve, and then a scene of the girls at the age of sixteen. The individuality of the girls is framed when the reader is told, The five girls, standing very close to each other because of the boys, wore their hats each with a definite difference. (Page 5) Despite sharing the commonality of being a part of The Brodie Set, their differences are highlighted with a flash-forward to how the girls are viewed as individuals later on. Spark has strategically mentioned in the first chapter that Mary Mcgreggor lost her life in a hotel fire (page 14). This key piece of information has signified this event, which has ultimately created a sense of tension, and despite knowing the fate of Mary, the reader almost feels obliged to continue reading. This early foreknowledge one has of Marys fate, affects how the reader views her throughout the remainder of influencing our reading, but anticipation of the event is not strong. (140)3 Looking at this quote, I have already shown a way in which the technique of prolepsis can have strong impact on the reader, however Bridgemans radical statement implying that the readers anticipation is minimal due to the mere knowledge of what happens, I would have to disagree. By simply knowing key events about the content of a novel, the reader begins to actively think about the circumstances surrounding such events, ultimately creating a strong sense of anticipation. Continuing on from Bridgemans view, John Holloway feels that The fact remains that the structure of this narrative is largely a matter of the constant operation of writing a next event so as to negate an xisting forward. 4 (Page 591) He has applied this statement with direct relation to Sparks novel. One may say that this view is too simplistic as it only focuses on the surface of the basic structure. The narrative has foreshadowed many of the events that follow, however the context of these events remains unclear until the story has evolved. There is constant movement within the story, as themes and characters develop. Additionally to Sparks consistent use of prolepsis and analepsis, the form of narrative used has also affected the readers experience of this novel. The main vents of the novel are told through the presence of an omniscient narrator. This has enabled the readers understanding of the main themes of the novel (Miss Brodies Prime and its effect on her pupils) to be deepened. It has created a strong sense of perspective for the reader, and allowed him or her to form an opinion that is not based directly from one of the characters point of view, which is often biased or unreliable. John Morreal has criticised the omniscient narrator, and has said, Omniscience could not provide a filter for a story in the way that the limited knowledge of an internal narrator does. 5 (Page 432) I believe Sparks novel as an example, negates this claim entirely. The style of narrative used, reveals knowledge through the use of prolepsis and analepsis in such a way only to inform the reader of brief, yet vital events. With regards to The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, if Spark had instead used an internal narrator, the content of the novel would not have been delivered as effectively as it has done with the omniscient narrator, and it would possibly lack its uniqueness. Overall, this has helped shape the readers understanding and experience. The impact of an omniscient narrator can be pplied to other texts, such as Henry James The Turn of the Screw. In this case, the omniscient narrator has been included in order to introduce a sense of uncertainty to the reader, as the narrative form initially seems to lack credibility and reliability. It has presented a perspective that not only links to the uncertainty experienced by the governess herself, but also to influence the outcome the reader takes away from the story. This can therefore draw a likeness to the narrative form in Sparks novel it has been used in order to directly impact the reader. Furthermore, a primary function f a narrative is to tell a story and create a mood, which is achieved in this novel through various language techniques, including speech. The use of direct speech has allowed the reader to gain an insight of characters themselves. Miss Brodie says Give me a girl at an impressionable age, and she is mine for life. This statement, direct from Brodie herself, frames her manipulative personality and her desire to assert control on vulnerable people. The power this has of being direct speech character. It therefore adds a sense of truthfulness to what the reader is told. The ood throughout varies with instances of humour, seriousness and a sense of pity (towards the victims of Brodies manipulation). This constant change in tone creates mixed emotions yet keeps the reader entertained and focused. The reader experiences different emotions whilst forming an impression on Jean Brodie. The use of speech further creates a sense of distance between the reader and Miss Brodie as her character becomes more and more unattractive, however the readers empathy grows for the individual members of the Brodie Set as the harsh effects Brodie has, start to become apparent. Critic Peter Robert Brown has stated that; Readers are encouraged to acknowledge their participation in victimization in the actual world and to reflect on the role that narrative plays in the process and Justification of victimization. 6 (229) This suggestion implies that the readers experiences throughout the novel are somewhat based on their own personal experiences, and a sense of appreciation can be formed based on this. Finally, an important aspect of form, especially with reference to Sparks novel, is the repetition, which emphasises the main themes, fundamentally leading the reader to having a greater ense of the me ssage Spark has aimed to convey. The word prime is mentioned again and again through the course of the novel. In addition to being in the title, and mentioned throughout, the word is even said in the closing sentence of the novel. There was a Miss Jean Brodie in her prime. This is an exact repetition of what Sandy had said earlier on in the novel (page 35). This closing sentence successfully reiterates the theme of ones Prime, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader, allowing him to reflect and create his or her own opinion on what exactly ones prime is, and how Brodies prime affected the girls. Continuing on from the impact repetition has, it almost mirrors the repetitiveness of time itself. This parallel draws attention to the non-linear structure of time, and highlights its individuality. In conclusion, the basic structure of time and unraveling of events has been manipulated a clear representation of the manipulation the girls experience as a consequence of Miss Brodies actions. The formal qualities used by Spark extend further to the narrative technique and aspects such as speech. Looking back at what Forster suggested, Sparks innovative structure has proven successful and has esulted in positively impacting the readers experience of the novel. It has highlighted main themes, reinforced ideas and enabled the reader to recognise the development in characters. With regards to the statement that Form is inseparable from content in a work of literature, it is clear that the two can be differentiated, however they both positively correlate and compliment the purpose and effect each has. Spark has used the form of her work to illustrate the content in order to influence the way in which the reader interoperates certain aspects of the novel.

Digestion and Digestive systems essays

Digestion and Digestive systems essays The digestive system is the part of the body responsible for acquiring nutrients and expelling wastes. This semester we dissected seven different animals, observing a different digestive system in each animal. As the dissected animals progressed from more primitive to more complex, the digestive systems also increased in complexity. The first animal dissected was the earthworm, which has a fairly basic digestive system. Food is ingested by the earthworm through the mouth, and then it passes through the small buccal cavity and the pharynx. From there, the food moved to the esophagus and then to the crop, where the food is moistened and stored for a short time. After leaving the crop, the food travels to the gizzard, which grinds the food before it enters the intestine. Nutrient absorption takes place in the intestine, and finally wastes are expelled at the anus. The digestive system of the mussel is slightly more complicated than that of the earthworm, due to the addition of the stomach and digestive glands. Food enters the mussel through the mouth, and then travels along a tube to the stomach. In the stomach, enzymes produced by the digestive gland are released to break down digestible material. In addition, the stomach is where undigesttible material is sorted out so that it passes through the intestine and out of the body through the anus. In the crawfish, you see an even more complex digestive system. Food enters the crawfish through the mouth, then travels down the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach of the crawfish is divided into two sections: the cardiac chamber and the pyloric chamber. Food enters the cardiac chamber from the esophagus, and it is then ground into small particles by the gastric mill. Food then enters the pyloric stomach, which contains bristles that strain out large pieces before they reach the intestine. While traveling through the intestine, the food is broken down by enzymes from the ...

Evidenced Based Practice Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

Evidenced Based Practice Paper - Essay Example The patient population affected the significance of the problem, when the problem became significant, and the current practice and probable proposed change in practice will also be discussed. Spirit of Inquiry The topic of coronary artery bypass graft versus percutaneous coronary stent insertion was an interesting topic to me because I have been doing coronary artery bypass surgery for the past twelve years. During these twelve years, a decline in open coronary bypass has decreased in numbers drastically. Invasive interventional radiology, a new trend in medicine to treat coronary disease without open surgery, has sent the open-heart surgery market down to non-existence. Stent placement has increased, but is it the best treatment? The populations involved in this treatment are adults having acute myocardial infarctions (MI) needing stent placement or open-heart surgery. The adult population being between the ages of 60-70 with an occasional patient in they’re fifties. One problem using stents, instead of opting for open surgery, is that a person could keep coming back for repeat stent placements due to reoccurring angina, thrombosis, and eventually ends up with open surgery after one year anyway (Cohen et al., 2011, p. 1016). Another problem with stent placement is the incidence of stroke or death and quality of life (Kajimoto, Miyauchi, Yamamoto, Daida, & Amano, 2012, p. 155). This population is targeted because there is a higher incidence of Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Hypothyroidism, and Hyperlipidemia that are leading causes of Coronary Artery Disease. This clinical problem became a significant problem when stent placement during a cardiac catheterization is easier to do than open-hear t surgery (Arjomand, McCormick, Turi, & et al., 2003, p. 790). It has decreased open bypass drastically as mentioned above. With the stent placement, patients are on Plavix, which is expensive, and with the open procedure they are not required to be on blood thinners as a rule. I am really not sure if there is preferred current practices per say, but I think it is left up to the Interventional cardiologist. He decides who gets a stent, how many and if they should be consulted out to a heart surgeon. A good clinical example is a patient that was forty-two years old went to the catheterization lab and received four stents, two to the right coronary artery, one to the circumflex, and one to diagonal. Two months later, the guy came back with angina and back pain. Another catheterization was done and his right coronary stent had a thrombosis and closed off. He then was consulted out to the heart surgeon. If the open procedure with arterial and vein grafts were done first this second cath eterization could have been averted. On the other hand, who plays God and makes these guidelines and choices. To understand each procedure, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Open Coronary Artery Bypass Graft