"First Confession" - Literary Analysis

“First Confession” by Frank O’Connor is a story about Jackie, the protagonist and narrator. Jackie’s sister, Nora, plays the role of the antagonist. Jackie’s grandmother is another antagonist in the story, as well as being a static character. Conflicts are featured throughout the story, especially man vs. self. Jackie has conflicting opinions about attending confession. Confrontations also frequently emerge between Jackie and Nora. O’Connor illustrates the setting when Jackie enters the church. O’Connor writes a simile, “…the wind whistled outside so that the silence within seemed to crackle like ice under my feet” (38) that brings the image to life. Symbolism is revealed when the teacher uses the candle flame to demonstrate what hell would be like.

This story is about expressing your sins and realizing that it is alright to have terrible thoughts sometimes. However, it is important to control yourself and understand the consequences of your actions. I was somewhat surprised by the characterization of the priest. The priest sided with Jackie when discussing the situation that happened with Nora and the bread-knife, saying that someone would go after Nora someday.

"The Lottery" - Literary Analysis

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson takes place on June 27th. It is a clear and sunny summer morning and 300 townspeople gather in the square. The story is told in omniscient objective point of view. In the beginning, the children gather large piles of stones, which is reminiscent of what is to come. In a bit of irony, Mrs. Hutchinson is late to the “lottery” and says, “…wouldn’t have me leave m’dishes in the sink, now would you, Joe?” (3). Perhaps the fact that the Watson boy must draw for their family is symbolic because his father might have been the unlucky town member the previous year.

This story can be interpreted as being quite controversial. Mrs. Hutchinson is a developing character because she does not oppose the lottery until she is the person to draw the slip. Her attitude changes drastically from giggling to screaming disapproval. The vivid details throughout the story truly dramatize the shocking ending. The final conflict is man vs. society, when whoever draws the slip with the dark blotch on it is attacked by the entire town.

"I Stand Here Ironing" - Literary Analysis

"I Stand Here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen, is written in first person point of view in the mother's perspective. The protagonist of the short story is her daughter, Emily. The narrator is dealing with a "man vs. himself" conflict. She is conflicted with her choices on how she raised her daughter, Emily. The climax of the story is when Emily wins the talent show and Olsen writes; "Now suddenly she was Somebody..." (55). Olsen depicts a somewhat dark and gloomy mood in the story while describing Emily's childhood. "She is more than this dress on the ironing board, helpless before the iron," (56) is a metaphor implying that Emily has developed into a young woman capable of more than her mother could have hoped for.


I feel quite a bit of remorse for Emily. Olsen uses vivid imagery to illustrate specific instances in which Emily was neglected emotionally. In one situation, Emily is being bullied at school and pleads to stay home, saying “Momma, you look sick. Momma, I feel sick. Momma, the teacher’s aren’t there today, they’re sick” (51). It is nearly heart-wrenching when the mother reveals that it is too late now to comfort Emily. One theme to the story could be that you should always cherish the time you have with your children. They grow up extremely fast, and in this situation, the mother felt as if her “wisdom came too late” (56).

A Doll's House - Acts II & III

Act II

The setting remains the same with subtle differences.  The reader can easily picture the house reminiscent of Christmas day and it seems that all the excitement has passed.

There is quite a bit of foreshadowing in the beginning of the act when Nora is speaking with the nurse.  It is also revealed that the nurse left her own child to raise Nora.  Nora believes that this was for the best.

Conflict arises again when Nora speaks to Helmer about Krogstad's position.  Torvald refuses to change his mind because of his wife.  His character is very dominant in the relationship.

Another conflict develops between Krogstad and Nora when he is served with his dismissal.  Krogstad is threatening and not allowing Nora to get out of the situation easily. 

Mrs. Linde serves as a good confidant for Nora to have.  Mrs. Linde is caring and wishes to help Nora with Krogstad. 

Act III

Again, the setting is very descriptive and easily to picture.  The reader knows that the party is going on upstairs as Mrs. Linde waits eagerly for Krogstad to arrive.

The tables seem to turn when it is revealed that Krogstad and Mrs. Linde used to be lovers.  Mrs. Linde had been in a loveless marriage and now it is obvious that her love was with Krogstad.  She had sacrificed her happiness to help her sick mother and two brothers.  Krogstad's character changes drastically and he releases Nora from the blackmailing.

However, Torvald also exposes his personality when he reads the initial letter from Krogstad.  Torvald is extremely concerned with reputations and is very selfish.  Torvald also says that he "ought to have foreseen it" (106) because of Nora's father's history.  He views Nora as his property and she had lied to him.  Once he discovers that Krogstad has returned the contract, it is like a switch is turned off.  Torvald is a little too quick to forgive Nora but she is already prepared to leave.

Nora's character developed extremely throughout the drama.  She went from a childish girl into a strong-willed, independent woman.  Nora handed her wedding ring back to Torvald and left with only what she came with.  Nora made great sacrifices for herself and her children because she felt that they would be better off raised by their nanny.

A Doll's House - Act I

I first perceived Nora Helmer to be a housewife that spent money and allowed someone else to raise her children.  She was not able to save money and was sneaky with her "treats."  Nora really likes to help other people, but she also seems pretty self-centered.

Torvald Helmer is a business man that likes to please his wife.  It seems like he can never say "no" to her, but he continues to provide for the family.

The setting is very well described in Act I.  It is easy to picture the house and what is going on.  I especially liked when Ibsen described the children running into the house after playing outside (33).

There are quite a few conflicts in Act I.  The play starts with a conflict between Helmer and Nora about spending money.  He believes that she spends too much money and is unable to save.  We later find out that Nora actually borrowed money to "save" Helmer's life and is using every possible cent to pay back that loan.

The borrowed money leads to the conflict between Krogstad and Nora.  Krogstad is afraid of losing his job at the bank so he threatens Nora to talk Helmer into keeping him. However, Helmer does not trust Krogstad and I believe there is more conflict to come.

Act I had a large amount of twists to the plot.  It is well written and easy to stay interested in.