Stranger than Fiction Film Analysis
To review what we mean when we say, “interpretive claims,” please refer to guidelines and examples in this workshop.
DUE: Tuesday, January 25th
Good Interpretive Claims from you guys!
- In the story “Shades” by Boleslaw Prus, the lamplighter, although anonymous, still brings light to the rest of the world, and seeks to help the world and make it a brighter place.
- The short story “Shades” by Boleslaw Prus discusses the idea that some people come into your life just to teach you about yourself and then leave.
- “Shades” by Boleslaw Prus shows us that we all contribute something to the world and those around us that we often think goes unrecognized; once we die people, notice a difference in that environment we're no longer in.
- “Shades” by Boleslaw Prus is a very interesting poem that shows that every mortal struggles through life and can still find points of light along the path, but we don’t always know or recognise who gives us those lights.
- In “Mold of the Earth”, the author is making the claim that we are of very little importance in the world and history, our lives and death, societies and literature and art all passing with as little effect on the universe as a spot of mold on a boulder has on the world at large.
- In the writing, “Mold of the Earth,” the author suggests that all things are connected.
- In the short story by Boleslaw Prus, “Shades” [the author] explores themes of [salvation] and hope in a dark world.
- In his short stories "Shades" and "Mold of the Earth," the author Boleslaw Prus suggests that, while mankind has no real effect on the larger universe, humans are defined, remembered, and given purpose based on how they affect other people.
THIS IS THE TYPE OF ANALYSIS I AM LOOKING FOR IN THIS ASSIGNMENT:
In his short stories "Shades" and "Mold of the Earth," the author Boleslaw Prus suggests that, while mankind has no real effect on the larger universe, humans are defined, remembered, and given purpose based on how they affect other people. "Mold of the Earth" depicts our planet as a small globe in the midst of "an immense void," with the movements of mankind on its surface compared to that of mere fungi on stone. "Where's consciousness, love, hate, longing?" asks the narrator. "In short- where are the human souls and hearts here?" His companion only laughs bitterly, implying that this doesn't matter. We are a wild but tiny species, and when we are gone, we won't have left much of a mark on the cosmos as a whole. This story reminds us of the insignificance of our species and our planet when viewed from afar. However, the other piece takes a closer look at humanity. In "Shades," the narrator only knew the lamplighter because of the duty he performed- bringing light to dark streets. The lamplighter lived and died alone, with no family or friends to speak of- anyone would think that his life was bleak and meaningless. But his small, selfless task was a blessing in many people's lives, and through his light, he was remembered. Prus is telling us to find our purpose in the small things, and with the people in our life, rather than searching for some greater meaning in the universe.