CIE’s A/S Level Stories of Ourselves - memorable quotations - Part 1

In this episode, we delve into the evocative use of imagery and connotations across five classic literary works. Through poignant quotations, we explore how authors like Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Thomas Hardy, H.G. Wells, Evelyn Waugh, and Bernard Malamud convey themes of isolation, mental illness, societal constraints, nostalgia, and personal entrapment.

We begin with "The Yellow Wallpaper," where the unsettling depiction of a smouldering yellow wallpaper symbolizes the protagonist's descent into madness and societal oppression. Next, in Thomas Hardy's "The Son's Veto," we examine the emotional and social isolation faced by a woman trapped by class divisions and missed opportunities.

In H.G. Wells' "The Door in the Wall," the contrast between childhood wonder and adult reality is explored through the imagery of a mysterious door, symbolizing lost innocence and the irretrievability of time. Evelyn Waugh's "An Englishman's Home" uses vivid imagery to highlight the tension between traditional values and external threats in a rapidly changing world.

Finally, Bernard Malamud's "The Prison" presents a vivid portrayal of a candy store as a metaphorical prison, capturing the protagonist's feelings of stagnation and unfulfilled dreams. Join us as we uncover the rich layers of meaning in these timeless narratives.