The new dress summary

The New Dress by Virginia Woolf is a short story written in the third person, focusing on the main character, Mabel. Though the narrator is unnamed, the readers are able to see directly into Mabel’s line of thought. Her mindset is described through clever analogies and narrations, and minute dialogues and interactions also lead us to understand her character. Woolf uses imagery, symbolism and imagery to draw the readers in. Further, there is the apt use of comparison and analogy. The various flashbacks Mabel has- thinking back to her family, as well as her time in Miss Millan’s shop getting her dress fitted, provides an interesting contrast between her feelings in the past and in the present moment. The main themes of this story are social class, loneliness, poverty, and insecurity.

The New Dress | Summary

The story begins with a forty-year-old woman named Mabel arriving at a party and removing her cloak. She has an ominous feeling that something is not quite right. She hurries to a quiet corner and checks the mirror, only to feel extremely dissatisfied by her appearance. She immediately feels insecure, imagining that the others at the party are eyeing her with contempt. She feels inferior and shabby as she thinks about her dress and her house in comparison to everyone else.

When she first got the invitation, she knew she would not be able to afford anything particularly fancy. However, she decided to style herself in a unique manner from her mother’s old Paris fashion book. At the time, she was overflowing with self-love, but now she regrets it greatly and is unable to look at the mirror. The fashionable Rose Shaw tells Mabel she looks charming, but Mabel feels that she is being insincere. Mabel likens herself to a fly on the wall, watching the other flies- guests- at the party, and while she is a mere housefly, they are all dragonflies and butterflies.

Ezoic

Mabel harshly criticizes herself and her dress, catching Robert Haydon’s attention- he quickly reassures her, albeit hastily, that she looks fine. For a moment, she thinks of her seamstress, Miss Milan, and the joy that rushed through Mabel’s heart when she glanced at herself in the dress back in the room. She thinks of Miss Milan’s hard work to stitch the dress. And then she is snapped back to the reality of the party, where she does not think she fits in and is frustrated at herself for worrying so much over others’ opinions.

She once again voices her displeasure, caught by someone named Charles. And rather than placating her, he responds mockingly, which lowers her confidence even more. Mabel’s mind wanders to her family and their background- relatively poor in comparison to the setting she is in at the party. She feels like an ordinary wife, a weak mother. In this whirlwind of emotions, Mabel comes to a resolve- she wants to change, she wants to become like a new person. She would head to the library, or the Strand, and come out a transformed woman- one who did not care about clothes or about what others thought of her.

Ezoic

Finally, she gets up, waving to Charles and Rose to show them they mean nothing to her. She thanks the hostess for the party and assures her she had a good time. However, she knows this is a lie. Politely declining the invitation to stay longer, Mabel wears the Chinese cloak she has had for twenty years and leaves the party early.

The New Dress | Analysis

From the very beginning of the story, we can see that Mabel is intensely aware of her surroundings- the setting, the people, what they are wearing, and so forth. This adds to her insecurity, as her self-esteem immediately drops when she realizes that her dress does not fit in with what the others are wearing. Their clothes are more exquisite, something which she cannot afford. It is interesting to note that she often thinks about her dress and her life and personality in parallel. After commenting about how shabby and downy she looks compared to others, she thinks about her status as “a weak mother” and a wife. She seems to link these two things- the supposed dullness of her dress with the dullness of her personality.

Ezoic

This leads us to a possible indirect comparison made by Woolf. Rather, we may say that Mabel’s new yellow dress symbolizes her personality. While the dress was being fitted by Miss Millan, Mabel was overflowing with joy and excitement. She felt unique and special and was excited to receive the final product. This is in relation to the color of the dress, as yellow often signifies brightness and happiness. However, when Mabel attends the party, her confidence drops. She feels like all eyes are on her and everybody is mocking her poverty. This is symbolized by the fact that the dress is different from everybody else’s.

It is also important to think about how much of the scenario was simply in Mabel’s mind- did Rose really mock her? Was Robert Haydon’s hastiness because of her dress or out of the surprise of her words? This entire story focuses on Mabel’s innermost feelings, hence we as readers view everything from a biased lens. We see the party and interaction through Mabel’s mind, rather than objectively. This fact highlights how much one’s insecurities and fears can influence the reality of a situation. It is possible that while everyone in the party was dressed better, nobody truly paid Mabel’s dress much heed. However, due to Mabel’s high guard, it felt like they did.

This is brought to life by Woolf’s analogy between the party-goers and flies. Mabel describes herself as a “fly on the wall”, which is a metaphorical explanation of feeling like an outsider looking in. This brings in the theme of social isolation and loneliness. Mabel feels lonely because she cannot fit in – rather than mingling with the crowd, she feels more comfortable watching from the dark shadows in the sidelines. She likens herself to an ordinary housefly, which implies the inferior way she views herself, and compares the other, more extravagant members as beautiful dragonflies and butterflies. Here, we see the theme of wealth and class difference. The extraordinariness of dragonflies and butterflies in comparison to the housefly symbolizes the visible difference between the rich and poor, suggesting that a housefly like Mabel cannot possibly mingle with the likes of the higher class- after all, she even looks different.

Ezoic

When Mabel thinks about her past, the readers may understand that the insecurities have been present for a long time, but only came to fruition in such social situations. She blames the poverty of her upbringing for the current situation and feels envious of others such as Rose. Her constant frustrated remarks seem to be for two purposes- one is to make it clear to those around her that she does not find her dress pretty, for she does not want them to question her taste. The other may be to hear some positive words and reassurances. Though she gets such reassurance, she views it through a guarded lens, and hence it comes across insincere- this only makes her confidence drop lower.

We see her mind flashing between Miss Millan’s workroom and the party. The difference between Mabel’s attitude while in her comfort zone and when she’s in an unfamiliar social gathering is evident. In the workroom, she was flowing with self-love and confidence, which disappears in the presence of others. Here, we see an important element which Mabel addresses herself: getting affected by the opinions of others. Mabel is far too wary of what others may think of her, which is what diminishes her earlier confidence. We see a conflict between two sides of Mabel’s personality- one who wishes to start afresh and be stronger and happier, and the other who is limited by the unease she feels in the presence of wealthier people.

Mabel leaving the party early, wearing her cloak of twenty years, could provide a ray of hope. She waves off Rose and Charles as she leaves, the first act of nonchalance we see from her. It is also important to note that people often vie for invitations to social gatherings, especially of the wealthy, yet she is leaving early despite receiving a direct invitation. We may see it as a subtle act of individuality and courage, a flash of self-realization that she does not have to put herself through uncomfortable situations for the sake of reputation. She is breaking away from others’ opinions and views of her and finally acting for herself. Further, the fact that she is wearing her old cloak, the same as usual, may symbolize that certain things cannot change so easily. This is her life, and it is up to her to make the best of it.

 

 

 

Appreciation of the poem sower

 Victor Hugo: Poet, novelist and dramatist of the 19th century was the most important of the French Romantic writers. Though regarded in France as one of the country’s greatest poets, he is better known for novels as “Notre-Dame de Paris”(1831) and “Les Miserables”(1862

Torulata Dutt: A Bengali poet, also known as Toru, wrote in English and Fench, was born on 4th March 1856 in Kolkata. She is considered to be ‘The first Indian poetess’ to write verses in English and French. She translated dozens of poems and completed a novel before her death at the age of 21. Her poems such as ‘Seeta’, ‘Lotus’ and ‘Our Casurina Tree, are well-loved.

‘The Sower’ is a translation of Victor Hugo’s poem, Saison des Semailles: Le Soir. It is translated by Toru Dutt from French to English. ‘The Sower’ is a poem about a farmer who is sowing seeds. He has seen many bad harvests in his life. However he is so optimistic of having a good harvest every time he tosses grain.

Poem:

1

Sitting in a porchway cool,                                                                                  

Fades the ruddy sunlight fast,

Twilight hastens on to rule–

Working hours are well night past

2

Shadows shoot across the lands;

But one sower lingers still,

Old, in rags, he patient stands,–

Looking on, I feel a thrill.

3

Black and high his silhouette

Dominates the furrows deep!

Now to sow the task is set,

soon shall come a time to reap.

4

Marches he along the plain,

To and fro, and scatters wide

from his hands the precious grain;

Moody, I, to see him stride.

5

Darkness deepens. Gone the light.

Now his gestures to mine eyes

Are august; and strange–his height

seems to touch the starry skies.

The Sower Appreciation

Appreciation: The Sower Appreciation

About the Poem, Poet, and Title

The Sower, poem is written by the great French poet Victor Hugo. The poem is translated from French to English by Bengali poet Torulata Dutta. The poem is about the sower, who is a hardworking farmer. In the poem, the poet gives reverence to the sower who is working still the time of evening while others are moving to their home. The title of the poem (The Sower) is apt and suitable to the theme of the poem because the poet talks about the sower and his determination to hard work. 

Theme/summary/gist of the poem

The theme of the poem is about the sower who is working in his field still the time of evening. In the poem, the poet is watching the working figure of the sower. The people are moving towards their home because working time is almost over but the sower is still working in his field. The poet sees the appearance of the sower, who looks old and poor.

The poet tells that it is the time of sowing and that’s why the sower has set a target to complete the sowing target. The sower knows that in time if he sows the grain, soon the harvest will come. In such a thought the sower is sowing the grain on his farm even if it is time to go home but still he is working on his farm. By watching such activities of the sower the poet feels how noble and dignified the sower is!

 Poetic style/language, poetic devic

The poem is written in simple and lucid language. The poem is a short poem that consists of five stanzas. The poem has fine rhyming pairs, which are as follows- cool-rule, fast-past, lands-stands, still-thrill etc. the rhyming scheme of the poem is abab,cdcd,efef etc. The poet uses fine figures of speech to increase the beauty of the poem; these figures of speech are Alliteration, Personification, Inversion, Antithesis, Repetition and Hyperbole.

Special features/novelties/focusing elements

The poem is about reverence for the farmer of the universe. The poet tells the worst condition of farmers by the example of the sower. The poet shows the dedication and determination of farmers related to the work and farmers have to work within a stipulated time and then they will get a good harvest on time. The poet has used word imagery to show the greatness and dignity of the sower. eg: “his height seems to touch the starry skies.”

Message /value/morals in the poem

The poem, The Sower gives the message of perseverance, hard work and dedication towards our goal and target. Through the experience, we will definitely achieve the things in our life. The poet set out the example of the sower to the readers that we should always be optimistic in life. the final message of the poem is not to lose our hopes and should be optimistic in life.

Your opinion about the poem

I like the poem very much because the sower mentioned in the poem is always optimistic about having a good harvest every time he sows seeds on his farm. We should always be optimistic while doing any kind of work in our life. I am impressed by the poet’s keen observation of the working figure of the Sower. The poem The Sower is the best example of hopefulness and dedication in our work.

there is another sky by Emily dickinson appreciation

Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) is an American poet of the nineteenth century. Her poems are very motivational and highly philosophical about life. Emily Dickinson’s poems are characterized by simple and short lines.

The poem is highly motivational and philosophical about life. In the poem, the poet is communicating with her brother Austin and pleads with him come to home back. She encourages her brother that there are always other opportunities, options, places, and choices in your life so; don’t be get depressed in your life if you face any difficulties or failures. She pleads to return home. Here are so many things to do in your life.

There is another sky the tile of the poem is a metaphor itself. The sky is indirectly compared with choices, opportunities, places, etc. it means in our life there are always other (second) options to do.

Theme:

There is another Sky is an inspirational poem. Poet motivates her brother to not get depressed under any worst situation because there is always another option in your life, there is another opportunity to take, there is another place to go where you feel the peaceful and fair atmosphere ever. Poet suggests that always be optimistic in our life.

Poetic style, language, poetic devices:

It is a Petrarchan sonnet that consists of fourteen lines with octave and sestet. The language of the poem is simple and short. It has only two stanzas, the first stanza consists of eight lines and the second stanza consists of six lines. In the poem, the poet has used a number of devices to express her inner feelings as well as poetic effects with Alliteration, metaphor, personification, antithesis, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, inversion, etc.

Special features:

Poet has used nature imagery in the poem. Little forest, faded forests, green leaf, unfading flowers, brighter garden such nature imagery shows the beauty and their references used by the poet to make an impact on the reader.

Massage/morals in the poem:

The poem has an optimistic tone. Poet suggests that always be optimistic in life. Life is full of challenges; one should face the challenges with a positive attitude. Don’t be upset or regret under any worst situation, there is another good option to choose, there is another opportunity in your life and there is another sky.

Your opinion about the poem:

I am really impressed and inspired by reading this poem. I understood the importance of life and always being optimistic in our life, whether any difficulty, problem, or worst situation will come in our life do not get depressed, upset, or regret. We should live in hopefulness that there is another opportunity, choice, or place in our life. There is another sky in our life.

appreciation of Cherry tree

About the Poem, poet, and title

The poem, the Cherry tree is written by the great poet Ruskin Bond. The poem is about the poet’s inner feelings about the cherry tree that he planted in the thought of growing the cherry tree on his own and taking care of himself. The title Cherry tree is very apt and suitable because the poet shows the development and growth of the cherry tree and its struggles. The poet mentioned each stage of growth of the cherry tree that’s why the title is apt to the poem.

Theme/summary/gist of the poem

The subject matter of the poem is about the poet’s love and attraction toward nature. The poet thought to plant the cherry tree and in such thought the sow the cherry seed. Poet shows the stages of growth of the cherry tree. The poet mentioned the threats of the cherry tree and how the cherry tree struggled to survive and nature has its way to grow itself. At the end of the poem, the poet shows the beautiful scenery of the cherry tree and its surrounding.

Poetic style/language, poetic devices

The poem, the Cherry tree is a narrative poem. In the poem, the poet tells the story of the growth of the cherry tree and its struggle. The language of the poem is very simple and narrative. In the poem, the poet increased the beauty of the poem by using the figure of speech as Alliteration, Antithesis, Personification, climax, etc. the poem has rhyming words that give rhythmic quality to the poem. The rhyme scheme of the poem is aa, bb, cc, dd, ee,ff, etc.

Special features/novelties/focusing elements

The poem is a nature poem. It has fine nature imagery used by the poet. The poet shows the stages of growth of the cherry tree as the life stages of a human being. In the poem, the poet shows how nature grows itself without taking by anyone. The poem has fine picturesque quality by showing the nature image and scenery.

Message /value/morals in the poem

The poet gives the message that we should take of nature; at least we should plant a tree and take care of it. The poet urges that to do tree plantation conservation of nature. if we take care of nature, nature will take care of us.

Your opinion about the poem

I am really impressed by the poem and the poet’s thoughts. It has a positive and hopeful tone in the poem. The poet’s thoughts encourage me to plant at least one tree and take care of it. From the struggle of the Cherry tree, we should take the lesson that in any situation we should be always positive and hopeful. After every worst or dark situation, there will be a better and bright future ahead. If we face the problems, and obstacles positively victory is sure. Thus, I like the poem and its optimistic tone of life. 

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