Analysis of Literary Themes in Selected Stories and Poems

The assignment delves into the portrayal of dance and culture in literature, analyzing characters' experiences with artistic expression as depicted in 'Pavlova' by Lorna Crozier and stories involving orphans' performances. It explores themes of mutual benefit, balance between personal and professional lives, and the profound influence of culture on human development. The essays highlight how art, such as dance, can transcend initial shyness to offer fulfillment and joy, while also examining the sacrifices artists make in pursuit of their craft. Additionally, the cultural narrative asserts its essential role in shaping personality, guiding social interactions, and setting life's objectives.

Running Head: ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
English Assignments
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS
Table of Contents
ASSIGNMENT 1.............................................................................................................................2
ANSWER 1:................................................................................................................................2
ANSWER 2:................................................................................................................................2
ANSWER 3:................................................................................................................................2
ASSIGNMENT 2.............................................................................................................................3
ANSWER 1:................................................................................................................................3
ANSWER 2:................................................................................................................................3
ANSWER 3:................................................................................................................................3
ANSWER 4:................................................................................................................................3
ASSIGNMENT 4.............................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

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ASSIGNMENT 1
ANSWER 1:
On the destined day, I had gone to visit an orphanage with my parents, to present some
gifts and they had organized a dance program to convey their gratitude. Nancy, who was leading
the performance, pulled me into their performance area. I (otherwise a shy person) joined the
rhythm, after initial hesitation. At that moment of epiphany, life presented me with the joy that
can only be savoured through expression of art. After that day, I have performed in various other
programs and wish to continue doing the same in future.
ANSWER 2:
In The Story of Nil , the protagonist heals the patients of the hospital, with his musical
skills. This in turn helps Nil to come out of poverty. This story provides an example of mutual
benefit. “An Exchange of Gifts” takes place during the story.
ANSWER 3:
The character of Nil resembles the blossom, ever displayed in unflattering conditions,
however sprouting regardless of the environment (1). Through the character of the protagonist
the story suggests that amid times of misery we require that hint of something to look forward to
and overcome hopelessness.

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ASSIGNMENT 2
ANSWER 1:
Pavlova presents a protagonist, who is a ballerina. Pavlova is compared to a swan; this
highlights her grace and beauty. The image of a black swan eating up its own flesh serves the
purpose of showing how Pavlova, eventually harms herself by focusing solely on dancing and
avoiding other aspects of womanhood. This poems presents the contrasting images of grace and
helplessness of a dancer.
ANSWER 2:
Pavlova is presented as a graceful swan, engrossed with ballet. Ballet is a beautiful form
of dance, yet it cannot be the sole object in a person’s life. The speaker advocates that balance
must be maintained between professional and personal life. Pavlova witnesses death as an
aspect, which completes life.
ANSWER 3:
Pavlova dances like a beautiful swan; in spite of being graceful all her life, she is
deprived of leading a normal family life and experiencing motherhood (2). The person fails to
establish a balance between personal and professional life. This helpless person awaits death to
savour the essence of completion.
ANSWER 4:
Pavlova is humanistic despite the mention of eternal slumber. The poem by Lorna
Crozier implements apostrophe; this method places the protagonist, the reader and the poem on
the same plain, thereby establishing a sense of connection between them. Language used is

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simple. The poem establishes that only professional success is not enough, one must attain
domestic satisfaction as well. Death is presented as an extension of life, where unfulfilled desires
are fulfilled.

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ASSIGNMENT 4
Culture has rendered an elevated status to humankind. Human lives cannot thrive without
culture. The thesis statement of this article aims at establishing that culture is a major controlling
force in human lives. Culture plays a vital role on the improvement of personality; it makes a
man ready for social life and provides him with the plan of living. Culture appoints objectives
and highlights methods to accomplish them; it rewards respectable works and rebuffs the
disgraceful ones (3). A person may oppose, modify or develop the patterns of his or her culture,
however, the person has to live within the structure of culture (4). An individual who declines
culture cannot be considered human enough.

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REFERENCES
1. Saputro AN, Hadi PK, Ediyono S. Short story writing book development which oriented
in form of creativity. InProceeding of International Conference on Art, Language, and
Culture 2017 Nov 17 (Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 162-171).
2. Gale CL. A Study Guide for" Symbolism". Gale, Cengage Learning; 2016
3. Narvaez D. Neurobiology and the Development of Human Morality: Evolution, Culture,
and Wisdom (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology). WW Norton & Company;
2014 Oct 20.
4. Matsumoto D, Juang L. Culture and psychology. Nelson Education; 2016 Feb 12.