Foers Use of Surrealist Techniques to Convey Tone, Mood and Theme - Literature Essay Samples

The year 1924 marked the beginning of the surrealist movement. Aimed at tapping into the subconscious, surrealism became a growing art form that still influences artists and writers to this day. According to Andr Breton, author of The Surrealist Manifesto, surrealism is psychic automatism in its pure state, by which one proposes to express verbally, by means of the written word, or in any other manner the actual functioning of thought. Building on this idea is the concept of automatic writing, a tool that surrealists were very fond of using to tap into this actual functioning of thought that Breton describes. Automatic writing is a method of writing without thinking. Surrealists utilize this method because they view it as a way to break down the mental barrier between the conscious and subconscious, thus providing a clearer vision of the thought process.Many aspects of Jonathan Safran Foers Everything Is Illuminated are undeniably surrealist, suggesting that Foer employed automatic w riting in the piece. He seems obsessed with the idea of not only constantly keeping his readers aware that Everything Is Illuminated is a written piece, but making them feel as if it is still a work in progress. His book establishes a sense of truth, as though it has not been edited to completion, allowing readers to feel as though they are viewing a first draft. This is reminiscent of the surrealist idea of automatic writing; it is as if Foer simply wrote the entire book as an automatic writing exercise, and did not take the time to go back and edit it. How and why does Foer use automatic writing to convey different tones, moods and themes in his novel? Through several writing methods, including dialogue, the print in the book itself, and Alexs italicized letters to Jonathan, Foer employs the process of automatic writing. He does so for two reasons: to exemplify the concept of surrealism, and to strengthen the many different tones and moods found in Everything is Illuminated. In tu rn, using these methods to convey tone and mood reinforces the overall themes of journey and self-discovery.The first way in which Foers work utilizes the concept of automatic writing is through the dialogue, specifically the parts of the story that are written from Alexs perspective. Much of the Alexs dialogue is written without line breaks: They burned the synagogue. They burned the synagogue. That was the first thing they did. That was first. Then they made all of the men in lines' (185). During this passage, where Alex is translating what the old woman is saying for Jonathan, the exclusion of line breaks gives the reader the impression that the book is a constant stream of thought, as though the author cannot be bothered to even lift his pen from the paper. Furthermore, this helps to convey the mood of the passage. By writing not only what the old woman is saying, but repeating it, as well as excluding the line breaks, Foer emphasizes the importance of this part of the story and creates a somber tone. The mood that Foer expresses here strengthens the theme of journeying because it is so different from Alexs tone earlier in the book, where the mood is more light-hearted and humorous.Towards the end of the novel, when Alexs grandfather is recounting the Nazis march through Kolki, this writing technique becomes even more pronounced:It was not forever before he was the only Jew remaining outside of the synagogue the General was now in the second row and said to a man because he only asked men I do not know why who is a Jew and the man said they are all in the synagogue because he did not know Herschel or did not know that Herschel was a Jew (250)Foer does not bother to put quotes or periods between his sentences, turning this section of his work into a stream of thought, suggestive of the automatic writing process. This forces the reader to focus on the text, because it is more difficult to distinguish sentences from each another without the usual punctuation. This also conveys a rushed and anxious tone, as if the grandfather can barely get the words out of his mouth before continuing on to his next thought. This may be interpreted as Foers attempt to stress how tragic yet important this section of the book is.However, Foer does not stop by simply excluding line breaks, quotes and periods from his text. He continues to omit even the spaces between words:I looked at Grandmother and shekissedmeontheforehead and I kissedheronthemouth and our tearsmixedonourlips and then I kissedyourfather many times I secured him from Grandmothers arms and Iheldhimwithmuchforce so much that he started crying I said I love you I love you I love you I love you I loveyou I loveyou I loveyou I loveyou Iloveyou (251)This conveys a feeling of steady flow, as if Foer is simply writing continuously, without ever stopping to think about what he is writing. It also serves as a reminder for the reader of how quickly these events are happening. Perhaps more important, however, are the places where Foer chooses to exclude the spaces between words. He utilizes this technique towards the end of the book, when Alexs grandfather recalls his experience of the Nazis moving through Kolki. By omitting the spaces between words in this section, Foer conveys even more of a rushed tone than when he simply omitted the periods between his sentences. To the reader, it seems as if the grandfather is tripping over his words because they are so hard to speak in the first place that it is easier for him to jumble them all together. Aside from forcing the reader to think about what the author is writing and enforcing the anxious and heart-wrenching mood that the story takes on at this point, Foers omission of spaces is reminiscent of surrealist techniques, in that it causes the reader to think outside the box. When Foer pushes together phrases such as Iloveyou and tearsmixedonourlips, readers must focus on these phrases more than on the rest of the text; it is as if Foer has created these new words to reflect on the fact that there are no words in the English language capable of describing the tragedy that occurred during the Holocaust (251).A second way Foer uses the idea of automatic writing to express tone in his book is through the presentation of the text itself. There are several examples of this in Everything Is Illuminated. One of the most noticeable instances in which Foer uses text to prompt his readers to recall the fact that the book is a written piece is during the lengthy excerpt from The Book of Antecedents. After the last entry on Brods 613 Sadnesses, the book continues: We are writingWe are writingWe are writing (212). This goes on for the next page and a half. While the reader can view this as a humorous addition to the story, because Foer takes the time and space in his book to insert this section, it also forces the reader to examine Foers rationale. The readers recognize the fact that Everything Is Illuminated is a written work, and that the author is consciously putting forth effort to make sure his audience remembers this. Just as Foer uses dialogue to convey moods of anxiety and somberness, Foer presents this particular segment of text in order to express a mood, this time a monotonous one.Another example of Foers use of text occurs towards the end of the book, in between the description of Trachimday and the dream of the end of the world (272):This was celebration, unmitigated by imminent death. This was imminent death, unmitigated by celebration. She threw them high into the air.They stayed there.(270)These periods continue for a page and a half. They are interspersed with three more small snippets of words, the last of which reads, There is still time (271). From the text before and after this section, it can be inferred that this portion of the story occurs during the bombing of Trachimbrod. Foer uses these ellipses to indicate the passing of time. By placing such a large amount of periods in t his part of the text, it is as if Foer is using this text to represent the time that the citizens of Trachimbrod spent preparing for the bombing and fleeing the city. Because of this technique, it is not necessary for the author to recount the bombing itself; his method conveys just as much, if not more, of the emptiness and loss of the tragedy. In this way, Foer makes it seem as if the bombing is occurring in slow motion. This causes the reader to feel a sense of anticipation, which increases the suspense of the passage. Furthermore, this mood ties into Foers journey theme, because the book itself has matured from the story of a few characters setting out on a small quest into something far larger and more significant. In literature, the purpose of multiple ellipses is to leave something out of a story. In this instance, the ellipses create the illusion of an interruption in Foers thoughts, further indicating that Everything Is Illuminated is a work in progress. It seems as if duri ng Foers automatic writing exercise, he could not find the words to describe the bombing, and simply inserted these ellipses as a temporary measure.A third way in which Foer conveys tone in the automatic writing exercise is through Alexs letters to Jonathan. All of these letters are typed in italics:17 November 1997Dear Jonathan,Humph. I feel as if I have so many things to inform you. Beginning is very rigid, yes? I will begin with the less rigid matter, which is the writing. I could not perceive if you were appeased by the last section. I do not understand, to where did it move you? (142)The italicization reminds readers of hand-written letters. This is another cue that helps readers to remember that Everything Is Illuminated is a written piece. By typing Alexs letters in italics, Foer forces his readers to think about why he is doing this.Also, the fact that Alexs English is not very good reminds the reader of the fact that the book is a written piece. Alex remarks that he has a t hesaurus next to him as he writes his letters. This is evident throughout the book, as he consistently replaces his words with similar-meaning words, but ones that do not exactly fit into his statements:I have girdled in the envelope the items you inquired, not withholding postcards of Lutsk, the census ledgers of the six villages from before the war, and the photographs you had me keep for cautious purposes. It was a very, very, very good thing, no? I must eat a slice of humble pie for what occurred to you on the train. I know how momentous the box was for you, for both of us, and how its ingredients were not exchangeable. (23)Phrases such as I must eat a slice of humble pie and words such as girdled, momentous and ingredients are just a few examples of how Alex misuses words (23). Technically, these words mean essentially what Alex intends them to, but he uses slightly inappropriate words in an effort to sound more knowledgeable about the English language. This serves as a subtle reminder to readers that the book is in the process of being written, because the author has purposely not taken the time to correct the letters to reflect proper English language and grammar. Leaving Alexs letters unedited not only invokes certain emotions in readers, but also suggests that this is a rough draft of the novel. It is as if Foer is still in the process of writing and revising his work. Overall, the tone of Alexs letters reveal increasing maturity as they progress and Alex develops a better grasp of the English language. Throughout the novel, and particularly towards the end, Alex comments on how he now realizes he has misused some of these words: This made me very wrathful (not spleened or on nerves, as you have informed me that these are not befitting words how often I use them) (100). As the book progresses, Foers blatant attempts at ensuring that his readers realize that Everything Is Illuminated is a written piece also reveals how Alex matures as a person, strengt hening the theme of self-discovery.Throughout Everything Is Illuminated, Foer drops numerous hints (both obvious and subtle) to remind his readers that this is a piece that has been written and, perhaps, may still be in the process of being revised. He does so to invoke certain emotions in his readers, such as anxiety, anticipation and emptiness, which echo the moods of different sections of his story. In what may be considered an automatic writing exercise, Foer echoes Bretons definition of surrealist works as unplanned and purely creative productions. Through his dialogue, the type in the book itself, and the letters from Alex to Jonathan, Foer shows true psychological impulsiveness, reminiscent of the concept of surrealism and the process of automatic writing. By using this method, Foer strengthens the tone and mood of different sections of his books, and reinforces the overall themes of journey and self-discovery.

2019 Best Brightest Julianna Marandola, Boston College (Carroll)

Julianna Marandola 2019 Best Brightest: Julianna Marandola, Boston College (Carroll) by: Jeff Schmitt on March 23, 2019 | 0 Comments Comments 669 Views March 23, 2019Julianna MarandolaBoston College, Carroll School of Managementâ€Å"If I’m not stressed, I’m not happy.†Fun fact about yourself: I used to be in a garage band called Blueprint. We played exactly one gig and were paid less than the cost of the gas it took to get there.Hometown: Cranston, Rhode IslandHigh School: La Salle AcademyMajor: Finance, Entrepreneurship, and HistoryMinor: N/AFavorite Business Course: I have a few: Fixed Income Analysis, Predictive Analytics, Product Planning and Strategy, and Portico (Philosophy and Ethics of Business)Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:Member of the Carroll School of Management Honors ProgramCarroll School of Management Teaching Assistant for Entrepreneurial Management, Managerial Accounting, and Portico (Philosophy and Ethics of Business)Undergraduate Research Fellow, Department of Management and OrganizationSelected as one of 12 start-up founders for the 2019 Start@Shea Accelerator Program at Boston CollegeThird Place Winner, 2018 Boston College Elevator Pitch CompetitionRecipient of an Advanced Study Grant for independent research from the Boston College University Fellowships Committee: â€Å"Closed Shop, Open Door: Evaluating the Impact of Right-to-Work Union Regulations on Construction Industry Metrics† (Summer 2017)Appointed a two-time Junior Fellow by the Clough Center for Constitutional Democracy (2016 and 2017)Selected to represent Boston College at the 2017 National Women’s Case Competition at the University of Texas at AustinPublished in the Boston College Bellarmine Pre-Law Review: â€Å"Hiding in Plain Sight: Does Section 230 Immunity Shield Backpage.com from Civil Liability?† (December 2016)Member of the Alpha Sigma Nu, Beta Gamma Sigma, Phi Alpha Theta academic honor soc ietiesDean’s List: First Honors (All Semesters)Resident Assistant, Freshman and Sophomore Honors HousesCo-President, Smart Woman SecuritiesSpecial Projects Committee Chair, Carroll School of Management Honors Program Executive BoardVolunteer with the Prison Arts Outreach Program in Framingham, MA and Boston College SplashWhere have you interned during your college career? Bain Capital (Boston, MA) – Summer Credit AnalystBoston College Center for Work and Family (Chestnut Hill, MA) – Research InternOffice of U.S. Congressman James R. Langevin (RI-02; Warwick, RI) – Congressional InternOffice of Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Daniel J. McKee (Providence, RI) – Policy and Communications InternWhere will you be working after graduation? I will be working at Bain Capital as a Credit Analyst.What company do you admire most? Ellevest – Founder Sallie Krawcheck exemplifies the best of honest leadership, strategic investing, and entrepreneurship. I n addition to being imbued with its founder’s qualities, Ellevest is disrupting the investment industry with transformative technology and mission-forward portfolio management for its female clients.What did you enjoy most about your business school? I most enjoyed the autonomy built into my classes. Virtually every business class I have taken has emphasized independent projects, case analyses, and self-directed research, all of which helped me come to the realization that there will never be a single â€Å"right† answer.What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Your word is your bond, and your reputation is your currency.â€Å"If I didn’t major in business, I would be majoring in or studying†¦Psychology. I find the nuances of human behavior, particularly decision-making and judgment, endlessly interesting. In my free time, I really enjoy reading about personality theories and trying to learn handwriting analysis.Who most influenced you r decision to pursue business in college? My dad – when I was in elementary school, I would tag along with him as he visited different supermarkets to look at the price points of the food brands for which he managed accounts. The number of people and systems it took to get something as simple as a bottle of syrup or a box of taco shells into a customer’s hands always fascinated me. When I was choosing a program of study, I knew I wanted to pursue something that would enable me to have the same kind of hands-on experience that my dad had and that would put my curiosities and meticulousness to full use.Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of being inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the honor society of Jesuit universities, and Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society, last year. These two long-standing institutions are part of the fabric of Boston College and have at their core the values of integrity , scholarship, and service toward which the Ignatian character of the university strives. I am honored to be a part of them and the traditions of excellence that they represent.Which classmate do you most admire? I most admire the incredible women that I work with on the board of Boston College’s Smart Woman Securities chapter, many of whom I have known since my freshman year of college. By their example, they continuously push me to be a better leader and mentor, to be more ambitious, and to truly be a woman for others. Collaborating with them in our on-campus financial literacy efforts has been one of the greatest joys of my college experience. I think you would be hard-pressed to find a more accomplished and dedicated group of peers.Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents, absolutely – I firmly believe that there can be no success without a support system, and no two people have sacrificed more to support me than my mom and dad. From when I was very young, my parents instilled in me the importance of education, a strong moral compass, and unrelenting hard work. Every opportunity I have had ultimately stems from their example, their encouragement, and their emphasis on correctly prioritizing your values.What are the top two items on your bucket list? Go to a taping of Saturday Night Live and finally learn how to correctly pronounce words with â€Å"r† or â€Å"w† in them (it’s a Rhode Island thing)What are your hobbies? Playing the piano and trombone, gardening, collecting vinyl records, and following professional U.S. women’s soccerWhat made Julianna such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2019?â€Å"Julianna has done exceptionally well in her academics at Boston College.  Shes an even better person.  If there is something that needs to be done in a club that she has joined, she does it.  The same is true for her volunteer work.  While some people want to shout their good deeds fro m the rooftops, Julianna simply does good deeds.  Ive finally found something at which she doesnt excel self promotion.  She is incapable of saying no to anyone who can use her help.  She is among the most special people I have taught in 20+ years at Boston College.†Michael Barry Associate Professor of the Practice Boston College Finance Departmentâ€Å"Julianna exemplifies not only academic excellence but above all commitment to fostering a learning community beyond the bounds of the classroom.   Having had the pleasure of working with Julianna first as a teaching assistant and currently as an upper-level student, I can speak to these impressive capacities along two distinct lines.   Last semester, Julianna was a TA in one of my sections of Portico (a class that introduces first-year, first semester students to business as an ethical practice).   As a senior with a wide variety of academic and extracurricular pursuits, Julianna could not have been a better role model for our students.   With concentrations in finance and entrepreneurship, a history major, a role in the Pep Band, being president of Smart Woman Securities, a job as a Resident Assistant, and a job at the Boston College Center for Work Family, Julianna had something to offer almost all of our students.   Most impressive, however, was Julianna’s commitment to being there for our students outside of the classroom.   One of my favorite sights of the semester was regularly seeing Julianna meeting with one or two of our students in some corner of Fulton Hall, deeply engrossed in conversation.   Julianna’s section of Portico felt especially like a community and I think a large part of that had to do with the effort and friendliness she brought to the students both in and out of the classroom.Julianna is currently enrolled in a senior-level seminar that I am co-teaching called The Ethics and Politics of Capitalism.   Although this class has really just begun , Julianna has already emerged as one of the students we can rely on regularly to stimulate productive and thoughtful discussion.   This was no surprise to me, but my co-teacher (who did not realize that she had worked with me as a Portico TA) remarked after only our first week of class that Julianna clearly seemed like one of our exceptional students.   Recently, Julianna sent us some research articles she has been working with concerning the negative economic effects of employment practices and social policies that worsen inequality.   The articles that she sent us are so eye-opening that I plan on suggesting we use them in future versions of the course.   One of my favorite moments as a teacher is when students draw connections between our class discussion and their own intellectual pursuits.   As with her work as a TA, Julianna’s genuine excitement as a student and engagement beyond the bounds of the classroom has been one of the highlights of my semester.†Michael Smith Lecturer, Business Law and Societyâ€Å"Julianna Marandola is an exceptional student. Interested in answering big questions, she is not at all afraid of the amount of work it takes to answer them well. As a double major in history and finance/entrepreneurship, she also has the rare ability to speak two different disciplinary languages and apply two different methodologies to incredibly complex problems simultaneously.Penelope Ismay Cooney Family Assistant Professor of History Page 1 of 11