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Study Questions for Emma
questions: EMMA
1. List the members of Dorian's family.
2. What point of view is used to tell this short story?
3. What characteristic of her parents' relationship does Dorian miss? Why?
4. Which female parent does Dorian and Maria prefer? Provide on piece of evidence to prove your point.
5. What advice does Mrs. Robinson give Emma regarding her marriage?
6. How does Mrs. Robinson characterize Jack?
7. What critical information does Emma reveal about Jack, in relation to Dorian, to Mrs. Robinson?
8. What did Jack do at the train station that traumatized his family?
9. Recount Emma's reaction to Jack's actions at the train station?
10. Who became Jack's romantic interest?
11. What eventually happened to Dorian and Maria?
12. What plot structure is used in this short story?
Contributor: Leisa Samuels-Thomashttp://www.bulbsoup.com/ssa-emma-questions.html
Julius Caesar Review
Julius Caesar - LITERATURE NOTES
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (William Shakespeare)
See Introduction to Shakespeare
SUMMARY
This play is one that contains political intrigue and drama. It opens with a group of commoners celebrating Julius Caesar's triumphant return to Rome. This is met with scorn by some Tribunes, who tell them to leave the area. This is the premise to scenes that reveal an ambitious Caesar who is beloved by Roman citizens, but is the envy of many of his friends. It is this envy that leads a group of conspirators, one of them being his best friend, to plot and execute his murder. This is followed by scenes of war, all in the name of revenge, for Caesar's murder. The tragedy closes with the deaths of Portia, Cassius, Titanius and Brutus.
SETTING
CONVENTIONS OF A SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY
CHARACTERS
Julius Caesar
Marcus Brutus [Brutus]
Cassius
Marcus Antonius (Antony)
Calpurnia
Portia
Artemidorus
Soothsayer
Cinna
Pindarus
See Introduction to Shakespeare
SUMMARY
This play is one that contains political intrigue and drama. It opens with a group of commoners celebrating Julius Caesar's triumphant return to Rome. This is met with scorn by some Tribunes, who tell them to leave the area. This is the premise to scenes that reveal an ambitious Caesar who is beloved by Roman citizens, but is the envy of many of his friends. It is this envy that leads a group of conspirators, one of them being his best friend, to plot and execute his murder. This is followed by scenes of war, all in the name of revenge, for Caesar's murder. The tragedy closes with the deaths of Portia, Cassius, Titanius and Brutus.
SETTING
CONVENTIONS OF A SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY
CHARACTERS
Julius Caesar
Marcus Brutus [Brutus]
Cassius
Marcus Antonius (Antony)
Calpurnia
Portia
Artemidorus
Soothsayer
Cinna
Pindarus
Senators
|
Cicero
Publius Popilius Lena |
Tribunes
|
Flavius
Marullus |
Conspirators against Julius Caesar
|
Marcus Brutus [Brutus]
Cassius Casca Trebonius Legarius Decius Brutus [Decius] Metellus Cimber Cinna |
Friends of Brutus and Cassius
|
Lucilius
Titanius Messala Young Cato Voluminius |
Servants of Brutus
|
Varro
Clitus Claudius Strato Lucius Dardanius |
SUMMARY
Act 1
Scene 1
Flavius and Marulus encounter some mechanicals [skilled citizens] on the street who are rejoicing in Caesar's triumph. Marulus asks them to disburse because they did the same for Pompey, Caesar's defeated rival. They agree to continue freeing the streets of revellers because they do not want Caesar to feel that he is more important than them.
Scene 2
Caesar arrives with his wife and friends and a soothsayer tries to get his attention. The soothsayer tells him to beware the Ides of March [March 15th]. He calls the soothsayer over to him and leaves with him. Brutus and Cassius remain behind and discuss Brutus' unfriendly mood. Brutus shares the fact that he is worried that the people will choose Caesar as their king and Cassius reveals that he has the same fear. Cassius says that Caesar is weak and shares two stories that revealed details of him saving Caesar's life; when he saves him from drowning and took care of him when he had a fever. He contrasts this with the fact that Caesar is now so powerful. Caesar re-enters and observes Cassius, revealing his distrust of him. Brutus observes Caesar's angry look and Casca explains that Mark Antony offered Caesar the throne three times and he refused, realizing that the people did not want him to accept it. Caesar was so angry that he fell down in a fit in the market place. Satisfied with the explanation, Brutus sets a date to meet Casca and Cassius. Cassius reveals that he is aware that Caesar dislikes him and reveals his plan to throw letters in the window of Brutus' house, written in different hand writings, speaking of Caesar's ambition and declaring how Caesar's name is valued.
Scene 3
Casca tells Cicero that Caesar will arrive at the Capitol tomorrow. Cicero leaves and Cassius enters. He discusses Caesar's rise to power with Casca in a treacherous manner. He describes the storm, and the terrible things that he has seen, and asserts that these are signs of some great evil that is coming towards Italy. It is a warning to Rome that one man is too powerful. He discloses that the senators will establish Caesar as king tomorrow, he will rule over all the Roman empire, except for Italy itself. Casca says that he will kill himself if this happens. He agrees to join with Cassius in plotting Caesar's downfall. Cassius reveals that he, and a few noble minded Romans, are to meet at Pompey's theatre. Cinna enters and Cassius sends him on an errand to deliver the letters that Brutus is suppose find. Cinna was then expected to meet them at Pompey's porch. Casca and Cassius then go to meet Brutus at his house.
Act 2
Scene 1
Brutus' first soliloquy reveals that he has nothing against Caesar, but will plot his downfall because it would be for the good of Rome. He believes that ambition and power will change Caesar for the worst. Lucius delivers a letter for Brutus to read and informs Brutus that the Ides of March is the following day. He leaves, then re-enters to inform Brutus that Cassius and some other men are at the door. Brutus and his fellow conspirators proceed to discuss possible new recruits. The meeting ends with Brutus deciding to take it upon himself to attempt to sway Caius Ligarius over to the conspirators' side. They all leave and Portia enters. She is concerned about her husband's odd behaviour, but before Brutus could explain himself they are interrupted by Caius Legarius. He promises to give her a full explanation at another time. He turns his attention to Caius Legarius, who tells Brutus that he will follow him blindly to do whatever deed he bids.
Scene 2
The storm is raging and Caesar orders his servant to offer a sacrifice to the gods and return to report if the results are good. Calpurnia begs her husband to stay home because she is fearful that he might die today. He tells her that he must face all his challenges, for death will come when it must. The servant returns with the news that the results of the sacrifice were not favourable, and Calpurnia, again, begs him to stay home. Caesar relents at this point. Decius arrives to escort Caesar, but Caesar tells him to report to the Council that he does not wish to come. Decius asks for a reason, lest he be laughed at when he delivers the message. Caesar tells him about Calpurnia's dream. She dreamt that she saw Caesar's statue running with blood, like a fountain, and many Romans were washing their hands in it. Decius, through the use of flattery, then interprets this dream to mean that Rome will be strengthened by Caesar's deeds. He then gives the news that the Senate intends to crown Caesar as king today. It is on this premise that Caesar decided to go to the Capitol. The conspirator's arrive to escort Caesar and he makes a special request that Metellus and Trebonius stand near him.
Scene 3
Artemidorus reads a paper that warns Caesar about the treachery of his so called friends. He intends to wait on a street, near the Capitol, for Caesar to pass. He will deliver his message at this point.
Scene 4
Portia sends Lucius on an errand to observe Brutus and Caesar, and to bring word about them back to her. A soothsayer passes Brutus and Portia's house and she questions him. She learns that he intends to await Caesar's passing in order to warn him of his impending doom.
Act 3
Scene 1
Artemidorus approaches Caesar but is ignored, as is the soothsayer. Brutus is approached by Popilius Lena saying that he hopes that Brutus is successful. Metellus Cimba, along with the other conspirators, then request that Publius Cimba be called back from exile. Caesar rejects the plee and all the plotters stab him. They then immediately install Brutus as their leader. Marc Antony sends a message, via his servant, requesting an audience with Brutus to understand the circumstances behind Caesar's death. Brutus grants the audience and Cassius reveals that he does not trust Antony. Antony enters and is flattering to both Caesar and Brutus when he declares that if they mean to kill him, they must do it now because it will be at the hands of powerful men and it will be in the presence of Caesar. Brutus and Cassius assure him that they do not intend to kill him, but to accept him. Brutus requests that Antony wait for an explanation behind Caesar's assassination. Antony then requests the privilege of speaking at Caesar's funeral ceremony and Brutus agrees to this. Cassius, however, warns Brutus that this might not be wise. Brutus then amends his decision and gives Antony permission to speak on the basis that he first, does not blame the conspirators for Caesar's assassination, second, say good things about Caesar, and third, say that he speaks because he was granted permission to do so. Antony agrees. His ensuing soliloquy, however, reveals ulterior motives. Antony declares that civil war will break out in Italy until Caesar's enemies are destroyed.
Scene 2Cassius and Brutus speak separately to the crowd, and they respond favourably. Brutus points out that he loved Caesar, but killed him because he was too ambitious. Mark Antony then speaks to the crowd and they respond favourably as well. Anthony first appeals to the reason of the crowd by questioning Caesar's ambitious nature. He gives multiple examples of Caesar being the very opposite of ambitious. First, Caesar gave all his spoils of war to Rome, second, he sympathized with the poor in time of famine and third, he refused the crown three times. Brutus switches to appealing to the emotions of the crowd by showing them Caesar's mantle, which was filled with holes from the stab wounds that the conspirators inflicted. He then reads Caesar's will and the crowd rushes away to burn and kill. Antonius is told, by a servant, that Octavius Casear is at Caesar's house, so he goes to meet him there.
Scene 3
Cinna, the poet, encounters the crowd that has been riled up by Mark Antony. The crowd interrogates Cinna and they kill him 'for his bad verses'.
Act 4
Scene 1
Antony, Octavius and Lepidus (triumvirate) are identifying the men that are to die as enemies of Caesar. They send Lepidus for the Caesar's will, which Antony does not intend to follow. He does not intend to give the people what Caesar intended them to have. Antony explains to Octavius that they will use Lepidus for as long as it suits them, then strip him of his power. They intend to gather their forces to defeat Brutus and Cassius.
Scene 2
Brutus and Lucius discuss Pindarius' 'cooling' attitude towards Lucius. Cassius and some soldiers enter and Cassius confronts Brutus about something that Brutus has done to upset him.
Scene 3
Cassius explains that Brutus has punished one of his supporters for taking bribes, which is why he was upset with him. The two men quarrel and exchange hurtful words. Brutus accuses Cassius of taking bribes for official positions, and Cassius retaliates with the statement that he is the more experienced soldier. Brutus then accuses Cassius of refusing him money when he needed it and Cassius reveals that he believes that Brutus loves even a dead Caesar, more than he ever loved Cassius. At this juncture they make up. The poet enters to part their quarrel and is asked to leave in a harsh manner. When the poet exits, Brutus reveals to Cassius that Portia is dead. Both men then disagree on whether or not they should go to Philippi. They eventually decide to march to Philippi. The ghost of Caesar then visits Brutus and tells him that he will see him at Philipipi.
Act 5
Scene 1
Antony and Octavius argue about their plan of attack. They meet Brutus and Cassius on the battlefield to parley, or talk. A verbal battle of wits ensues. Octavius makes it clear that he will have his revenge, and Cassius reveals trepidation about the battle to Brutus. Cassius and Brutus say their farewells to each other. Brutus says that he is prepared for the outcome, whatever it may be.
Scene 2
Brutus' forces attacks Octavius' forces. Brutus is victorious.
Scene 3
Cassius,on the other side of the field, is loosing the battle. He is surrounded by Cassius' forces. Titanius, who believes that Brutus attacked too early, is sent to see what is happening on the other side of the battlefield. Pindarus tells Cassius that he saw Pindarus being taken by the enemy. Caassius, based on this piece of information, asks Pindarus to kill him. He helps Cassius to kill himself and runs away. Titanius and Messala discover Cassius' body and Titanius is so grief striken that he kills himself. Brutus is also grief stricken when he is led to Brutus' body and decides to launch a second attack on the enemy forces.
Scene 4
A battle ensues between the two enemy forces and Brutus and his men appear to be loosing.Lucius pretends to be Brutus and is captured. Antony spares his life.
Scene 5
Brutus commits suicide in order to escape capture. Antony and Octavius show their respect for him by speaking about how noble he was.
THEMES
Free will versus fate
Public versus private life
Friendship
Women in society
Power
Superstition
Ambition
Love
Contributor: Leisa Samuels-Thomas
[Editors]. New Swan Shakespeare: Julius Caesar. United Kingdom: Longman Group Ltd, 1995.
http://archive.org/details/juliuscaesar_1002_librivox http://www.bulbsoup.com/lt-julius-caesar.html
Act 1
Scene 1
Flavius and Marulus encounter some mechanicals [skilled citizens] on the street who are rejoicing in Caesar's triumph. Marulus asks them to disburse because they did the same for Pompey, Caesar's defeated rival. They agree to continue freeing the streets of revellers because they do not want Caesar to feel that he is more important than them.
Scene 2
Caesar arrives with his wife and friends and a soothsayer tries to get his attention. The soothsayer tells him to beware the Ides of March [March 15th]. He calls the soothsayer over to him and leaves with him. Brutus and Cassius remain behind and discuss Brutus' unfriendly mood. Brutus shares the fact that he is worried that the people will choose Caesar as their king and Cassius reveals that he has the same fear. Cassius says that Caesar is weak and shares two stories that revealed details of him saving Caesar's life; when he saves him from drowning and took care of him when he had a fever. He contrasts this with the fact that Caesar is now so powerful. Caesar re-enters and observes Cassius, revealing his distrust of him. Brutus observes Caesar's angry look and Casca explains that Mark Antony offered Caesar the throne three times and he refused, realizing that the people did not want him to accept it. Caesar was so angry that he fell down in a fit in the market place. Satisfied with the explanation, Brutus sets a date to meet Casca and Cassius. Cassius reveals that he is aware that Caesar dislikes him and reveals his plan to throw letters in the window of Brutus' house, written in different hand writings, speaking of Caesar's ambition and declaring how Caesar's name is valued.
Scene 3
Casca tells Cicero that Caesar will arrive at the Capitol tomorrow. Cicero leaves and Cassius enters. He discusses Caesar's rise to power with Casca in a treacherous manner. He describes the storm, and the terrible things that he has seen, and asserts that these are signs of some great evil that is coming towards Italy. It is a warning to Rome that one man is too powerful. He discloses that the senators will establish Caesar as king tomorrow, he will rule over all the Roman empire, except for Italy itself. Casca says that he will kill himself if this happens. He agrees to join with Cassius in plotting Caesar's downfall. Cassius reveals that he, and a few noble minded Romans, are to meet at Pompey's theatre. Cinna enters and Cassius sends him on an errand to deliver the letters that Brutus is suppose find. Cinna was then expected to meet them at Pompey's porch. Casca and Cassius then go to meet Brutus at his house.
Act 2
Scene 1
Brutus' first soliloquy reveals that he has nothing against Caesar, but will plot his downfall because it would be for the good of Rome. He believes that ambition and power will change Caesar for the worst. Lucius delivers a letter for Brutus to read and informs Brutus that the Ides of March is the following day. He leaves, then re-enters to inform Brutus that Cassius and some other men are at the door. Brutus and his fellow conspirators proceed to discuss possible new recruits. The meeting ends with Brutus deciding to take it upon himself to attempt to sway Caius Ligarius over to the conspirators' side. They all leave and Portia enters. She is concerned about her husband's odd behaviour, but before Brutus could explain himself they are interrupted by Caius Legarius. He promises to give her a full explanation at another time. He turns his attention to Caius Legarius, who tells Brutus that he will follow him blindly to do whatever deed he bids.
Scene 2
The storm is raging and Caesar orders his servant to offer a sacrifice to the gods and return to report if the results are good. Calpurnia begs her husband to stay home because she is fearful that he might die today. He tells her that he must face all his challenges, for death will come when it must. The servant returns with the news that the results of the sacrifice were not favourable, and Calpurnia, again, begs him to stay home. Caesar relents at this point. Decius arrives to escort Caesar, but Caesar tells him to report to the Council that he does not wish to come. Decius asks for a reason, lest he be laughed at when he delivers the message. Caesar tells him about Calpurnia's dream. She dreamt that she saw Caesar's statue running with blood, like a fountain, and many Romans were washing their hands in it. Decius, through the use of flattery, then interprets this dream to mean that Rome will be strengthened by Caesar's deeds. He then gives the news that the Senate intends to crown Caesar as king today. It is on this premise that Caesar decided to go to the Capitol. The conspirator's arrive to escort Caesar and he makes a special request that Metellus and Trebonius stand near him.
Scene 3
Artemidorus reads a paper that warns Caesar about the treachery of his so called friends. He intends to wait on a street, near the Capitol, for Caesar to pass. He will deliver his message at this point.
Scene 4
Portia sends Lucius on an errand to observe Brutus and Caesar, and to bring word about them back to her. A soothsayer passes Brutus and Portia's house and she questions him. She learns that he intends to await Caesar's passing in order to warn him of his impending doom.
Act 3
Scene 1
Artemidorus approaches Caesar but is ignored, as is the soothsayer. Brutus is approached by Popilius Lena saying that he hopes that Brutus is successful. Metellus Cimba, along with the other conspirators, then request that Publius Cimba be called back from exile. Caesar rejects the plee and all the plotters stab him. They then immediately install Brutus as their leader. Marc Antony sends a message, via his servant, requesting an audience with Brutus to understand the circumstances behind Caesar's death. Brutus grants the audience and Cassius reveals that he does not trust Antony. Antony enters and is flattering to both Caesar and Brutus when he declares that if they mean to kill him, they must do it now because it will be at the hands of powerful men and it will be in the presence of Caesar. Brutus and Cassius assure him that they do not intend to kill him, but to accept him. Brutus requests that Antony wait for an explanation behind Caesar's assassination. Antony then requests the privilege of speaking at Caesar's funeral ceremony and Brutus agrees to this. Cassius, however, warns Brutus that this might not be wise. Brutus then amends his decision and gives Antony permission to speak on the basis that he first, does not blame the conspirators for Caesar's assassination, second, say good things about Caesar, and third, say that he speaks because he was granted permission to do so. Antony agrees. His ensuing soliloquy, however, reveals ulterior motives. Antony declares that civil war will break out in Italy until Caesar's enemies are destroyed.
Scene 2Cassius and Brutus speak separately to the crowd, and they respond favourably. Brutus points out that he loved Caesar, but killed him because he was too ambitious. Mark Antony then speaks to the crowd and they respond favourably as well. Anthony first appeals to the reason of the crowd by questioning Caesar's ambitious nature. He gives multiple examples of Caesar being the very opposite of ambitious. First, Caesar gave all his spoils of war to Rome, second, he sympathized with the poor in time of famine and third, he refused the crown three times. Brutus switches to appealing to the emotions of the crowd by showing them Caesar's mantle, which was filled with holes from the stab wounds that the conspirators inflicted. He then reads Caesar's will and the crowd rushes away to burn and kill. Antonius is told, by a servant, that Octavius Casear is at Caesar's house, so he goes to meet him there.
Scene 3
Cinna, the poet, encounters the crowd that has been riled up by Mark Antony. The crowd interrogates Cinna and they kill him 'for his bad verses'.
Act 4
Scene 1
Antony, Octavius and Lepidus (triumvirate) are identifying the men that are to die as enemies of Caesar. They send Lepidus for the Caesar's will, which Antony does not intend to follow. He does not intend to give the people what Caesar intended them to have. Antony explains to Octavius that they will use Lepidus for as long as it suits them, then strip him of his power. They intend to gather their forces to defeat Brutus and Cassius.
Scene 2
Brutus and Lucius discuss Pindarius' 'cooling' attitude towards Lucius. Cassius and some soldiers enter and Cassius confronts Brutus about something that Brutus has done to upset him.
Scene 3
Cassius explains that Brutus has punished one of his supporters for taking bribes, which is why he was upset with him. The two men quarrel and exchange hurtful words. Brutus accuses Cassius of taking bribes for official positions, and Cassius retaliates with the statement that he is the more experienced soldier. Brutus then accuses Cassius of refusing him money when he needed it and Cassius reveals that he believes that Brutus loves even a dead Caesar, more than he ever loved Cassius. At this juncture they make up. The poet enters to part their quarrel and is asked to leave in a harsh manner. When the poet exits, Brutus reveals to Cassius that Portia is dead. Both men then disagree on whether or not they should go to Philippi. They eventually decide to march to Philippi. The ghost of Caesar then visits Brutus and tells him that he will see him at Philipipi.
Act 5
Scene 1
Antony and Octavius argue about their plan of attack. They meet Brutus and Cassius on the battlefield to parley, or talk. A verbal battle of wits ensues. Octavius makes it clear that he will have his revenge, and Cassius reveals trepidation about the battle to Brutus. Cassius and Brutus say their farewells to each other. Brutus says that he is prepared for the outcome, whatever it may be.
Scene 2
Brutus' forces attacks Octavius' forces. Brutus is victorious.
Scene 3
Cassius,on the other side of the field, is loosing the battle. He is surrounded by Cassius' forces. Titanius, who believes that Brutus attacked too early, is sent to see what is happening on the other side of the battlefield. Pindarus tells Cassius that he saw Pindarus being taken by the enemy. Caassius, based on this piece of information, asks Pindarus to kill him. He helps Cassius to kill himself and runs away. Titanius and Messala discover Cassius' body and Titanius is so grief striken that he kills himself. Brutus is also grief stricken when he is led to Brutus' body and decides to launch a second attack on the enemy forces.
Scene 4
A battle ensues between the two enemy forces and Brutus and his men appear to be loosing.Lucius pretends to be Brutus and is captured. Antony spares his life.
Scene 5
Brutus commits suicide in order to escape capture. Antony and Octavius show their respect for him by speaking about how noble he was.
THEMES
Free will versus fate
Public versus private life
Friendship
Women in society
Power
Superstition
Ambition
Love
Contributor: Leisa Samuels-Thomas
[Editors]. New Swan Shakespeare: Julius Caesar. United Kingdom: Longman Group Ltd, 1995.
http://archive.org/details/juliuscaesar_1002_librivox http://www.bulbsoup.com/lt-julius-caesar.html
Helpful Website
Emma - Literature Notes
Carolyn Cole, author of 'Emma', is a staff photographer for the Los Angeles Times, who won the Pulitzer Prize for feature photography in 2004. She is a graduate of the University of Texas, as well as the School of Visual Communication at Ohio University.
http://www.pulitzer.org/biography/2004-Feature-Photography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolyn_Cole
http://www.pulitzer.org/biography/2004-Feature-Photography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolyn_Cole
SUMMARY
This short story is told from the first person perspective of a little girl called Dorian York. The focus of her thoughts is her mother; the games that they play together, and the games that she plays with her friend, that revolve around her mother. The first person perspective of the narrative gives the reader an intimate view of how the little girl sees her mother, as well as how she feels about her. We are also able to garner information about the people around her from her innocent narrative, innocent because the little girl does not understand many of the things that she reports. The audience learns that Emma and Mr. York have a volatile relationship that is seemingly caused by his infidelity. This infidelity is initially implied by Emma’s constant watching of the clock and waiting for her husband to return home, as well as the fight that Dorian reported. Grandfather’s visit, however, brings a happy atmosphere to the family unit because daddy starts to do things with the family, hence they seem more like a conventional happy family. The audience is given the impression that things go back to normal after grandfather leaves, however, due to the spectral presence of the ‘lady at the train station’, as well as Mrs. Robinson’s pointed discussion about Mr. York’s status as a ‘player’. The narrative climaxes with the death of Emma at the train station. She saw her husband with the mysterious lady and runs away, followed closely by Dorian and Jack. Unfortunately, when Jack caught her by the arm, she ran into the path of an oncoming vehicle and was killed. Jack and Mrs. Robinson then get romantically involved, and they send both Maria and Dorian to St. Agnus, a boarding school, in the country.
SETTING
CHARACTERSJack York (Daddy)
Emma York
Dorian York
Grandaddy
Ruby Robinson
Maria Robinson
THEMES
Innocence
This theme is epitomized by Dorian York. The story is told from her perspective, therefore, the reader gets a firsthand view of the innocence behind her misunderstanding of adult conversation and situations. She senses emotions, but misses a lot of the innuendo, as is seen when she tells the audience about the fight that her parents had. Her innocence is also seen in her expectation that her mother would come home after the accident, but instead, she finds Mrs. Robinson in her mot her’s bed. Her growth, or advancement into maturity, is highlighted in the end of the short story when Dorian reassures Maria that everything will be ok, they will play adult games better.
Love and family relationship
There are two types of families in this short story, the nuclear family and the single family unit. Dorian’s family is the nuclear family, consisting of mother, father and child. This family is a troubled one because the father is seemingly more absent than present due to an implied ‘other woman’, who is later confirmed as very real. He also seems uncomfortable around his only child, as is confirmed by Emma, who decides to forgoe having another child because ‘Jack wasn’t ready for Dori’ (Cole, p.53). Emma, on the other hand, seems to live to please both her child and husband. She is very affectionate with Dorian, and this love is returned ten fold, as seen in the adoration that imbues the tone of the narrator. She is the same with her husband, but the reception is less enthusiastic. It would be unfair to say that the family is dysfunctional, because one parent is at least invested in the emotional happiness of the child, but the family has issues because the head of the household’s concentration lies elsewhere.
Mrs. Robinson is a single mother, parenting her only child; Maria. She does not appear to be particularly liked by both girls because no-one wants to ‘play’ at being her. She aggravates her child constantly and appears to be unhappy with her life. This family structure can be seen as dysfunctional because the parent does not seem to devote her energies toward making her child feel loved and comfortable, which is one of the primary aims of any family structure.
Friendship
There are two contrasting friendships in this short story. There is the friendship between Dorian and Maria, which is characterized by play, conversations and support of each other. Then there is the friendship between the adults, Emma and Mrs. Robinson, which is contrastingly characterized by cattiness and jealousy; mostly on Mrs. Robinson’s part.
MOTIF
Play
The motif of play appears to be a strong one in this short story, perhaps due to the fact that the narrator is a young child. The children ‘play’ at being adults, immitating – and fighting over – their favourite adult. They also literally see the life of adults as play. Dorian confirms this at the end of the story when she reassures Maria that ‘I learned a lot about this game. When it’s our turn to play, we’ll play smarter.’ (Cole, p.58).
SYMBOL
Deck of cards
The deck of cards that Emma carries around in her purse is a powerful symbol for life. In any card game that is being played, every-one has a chance at success, or failure, depending on how they play the game. Mrs. Robinson gives Emma an alternate way to play the game of life, with success being the joy of keeping her ‘player’ husband. Emma, however, chooses to play the game in an another way, one in which she attempts to satisfy the needs of both Dorian and Jack. Emma is the loser in the game, however, because she dies with the joker in her hand. This signifies that her future could have gone in any direction because the joker introduces the element of chance to the game; it can be a bonus, a penalty, or both, depending on how it is used in the game. In the game of life, Emma lost because she chose to take a chance with pleasing both members of her family, instead of concentrating soley on her husband, as Mrs. Robinson suggested. The game of life gives every-one chances however, just like a card game, and Mrs. Robinson was given a chance to bag her rich man with Emma’s exit from the game.
Contributors: Leisa Samuels-Thomas
Shaun Thomas
Cole, C. 'Emma' in A World of Prose, edited by David Williams and Hazel Simmons-McDonald. (Harlow, Essex) Pearson Education, 2005.http://www.bulbsoup.com/literature-notes-csec.html
This short story is told from the first person perspective of a little girl called Dorian York. The focus of her thoughts is her mother; the games that they play together, and the games that she plays with her friend, that revolve around her mother. The first person perspective of the narrative gives the reader an intimate view of how the little girl sees her mother, as well as how she feels about her. We are also able to garner information about the people around her from her innocent narrative, innocent because the little girl does not understand many of the things that she reports. The audience learns that Emma and Mr. York have a volatile relationship that is seemingly caused by his infidelity. This infidelity is initially implied by Emma’s constant watching of the clock and waiting for her husband to return home, as well as the fight that Dorian reported. Grandfather’s visit, however, brings a happy atmosphere to the family unit because daddy starts to do things with the family, hence they seem more like a conventional happy family. The audience is given the impression that things go back to normal after grandfather leaves, however, due to the spectral presence of the ‘lady at the train station’, as well as Mrs. Robinson’s pointed discussion about Mr. York’s status as a ‘player’. The narrative climaxes with the death of Emma at the train station. She saw her husband with the mysterious lady and runs away, followed closely by Dorian and Jack. Unfortunately, when Jack caught her by the arm, she ran into the path of an oncoming vehicle and was killed. Jack and Mrs. Robinson then get romantically involved, and they send both Maria and Dorian to St. Agnus, a boarding school, in the country.
SETTING
CHARACTERSJack York (Daddy)
Emma York
Dorian York
Grandaddy
Ruby Robinson
Maria Robinson
THEMES
Innocence
This theme is epitomized by Dorian York. The story is told from her perspective, therefore, the reader gets a firsthand view of the innocence behind her misunderstanding of adult conversation and situations. She senses emotions, but misses a lot of the innuendo, as is seen when she tells the audience about the fight that her parents had. Her innocence is also seen in her expectation that her mother would come home after the accident, but instead, she finds Mrs. Robinson in her mot her’s bed. Her growth, or advancement into maturity, is highlighted in the end of the short story when Dorian reassures Maria that everything will be ok, they will play adult games better.
Love and family relationship
There are two types of families in this short story, the nuclear family and the single family unit. Dorian’s family is the nuclear family, consisting of mother, father and child. This family is a troubled one because the father is seemingly more absent than present due to an implied ‘other woman’, who is later confirmed as very real. He also seems uncomfortable around his only child, as is confirmed by Emma, who decides to forgoe having another child because ‘Jack wasn’t ready for Dori’ (Cole, p.53). Emma, on the other hand, seems to live to please both her child and husband. She is very affectionate with Dorian, and this love is returned ten fold, as seen in the adoration that imbues the tone of the narrator. She is the same with her husband, but the reception is less enthusiastic. It would be unfair to say that the family is dysfunctional, because one parent is at least invested in the emotional happiness of the child, but the family has issues because the head of the household’s concentration lies elsewhere.
Mrs. Robinson is a single mother, parenting her only child; Maria. She does not appear to be particularly liked by both girls because no-one wants to ‘play’ at being her. She aggravates her child constantly and appears to be unhappy with her life. This family structure can be seen as dysfunctional because the parent does not seem to devote her energies toward making her child feel loved and comfortable, which is one of the primary aims of any family structure.
Friendship
There are two contrasting friendships in this short story. There is the friendship between Dorian and Maria, which is characterized by play, conversations and support of each other. Then there is the friendship between the adults, Emma and Mrs. Robinson, which is contrastingly characterized by cattiness and jealousy; mostly on Mrs. Robinson’s part.
MOTIF
Play
The motif of play appears to be a strong one in this short story, perhaps due to the fact that the narrator is a young child. The children ‘play’ at being adults, immitating – and fighting over – their favourite adult. They also literally see the life of adults as play. Dorian confirms this at the end of the story when she reassures Maria that ‘I learned a lot about this game. When it’s our turn to play, we’ll play smarter.’ (Cole, p.58).
SYMBOL
Deck of cards
The deck of cards that Emma carries around in her purse is a powerful symbol for life. In any card game that is being played, every-one has a chance at success, or failure, depending on how they play the game. Mrs. Robinson gives Emma an alternate way to play the game of life, with success being the joy of keeping her ‘player’ husband. Emma, however, chooses to play the game in an another way, one in which she attempts to satisfy the needs of both Dorian and Jack. Emma is the loser in the game, however, because she dies with the joker in her hand. This signifies that her future could have gone in any direction because the joker introduces the element of chance to the game; it can be a bonus, a penalty, or both, depending on how it is used in the game. In the game of life, Emma lost because she chose to take a chance with pleasing both members of her family, instead of concentrating soley on her husband, as Mrs. Robinson suggested. The game of life gives every-one chances however, just like a card game, and Mrs. Robinson was given a chance to bag her rich man with Emma’s exit from the game.
Contributors: Leisa Samuels-Thomas
Shaun Thomas
Cole, C. 'Emma' in A World of Prose, edited by David Williams and Hazel Simmons-McDonald. (Harlow, Essex) Pearson Education, 2005.http://www.bulbsoup.com/literature-notes-csec.html
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