Received Pronunciation: History and Status
Evolution of Received Pronunciation (RP)
Received Pronunciation (RP) is a form of pronunciation of British English which has long been perceived as prestigious amongst British accents. RP is often believed to be based on Southern accents, but in fact, it has most in common with the dialects of the South-East Midlands: Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and Huntingdonshire.
Historical Development of RP
By the end of the 15th century, “Standard English” was established in the City of London. How did
Read More18th-Century Literature: Exploring Virtue in Pamela and Joseph Andrews
Virtue in 18th-Century Literature: Pamela and Joseph Andrews
The Rise of Virtue and the Novel
The 18th century witnessed a significant shift in societal values and morality, impacting the development of the novel. A renewed interest in classical ideals and urban life coincided with the rise of sensibility in literature. This era transitioned from libertine themes to portrayals of proper, respectable behavior, introducing the figures of the proper lady and the sentimental hero/heroine. Mid-century
Read MoreRealism in 19th Century France: Art and Society
Realism in 19th Century France
Realism in France during the 1830s represented a faithful depiction of the real world, focusing on urban environments and the social problems faced by its characters. This critical perspective emphasized accuracy and objectivity, with the author acting as an impartial chronicler.
Naturalism and Its Influence
Naturalist novelists, such as Émile Zola, adapted their language to reflect the material science of their time. Zola introduced the concept of determinism, suggesting
Read MoreFahrenheit 451: The Sieve and the Sand Analysis
Fahrenheit 451
FAHRENHEIT 451
The Sieve and the Sand: A Summary
Millie and Montag spend the rest of the cold, rainy November afternoon reading through the books that Montag has acquired. As Montag reads, he begins to understand what Clarisse meant when she said that she knew the way that life is to be experienced. So entranced are Montag and Millie by the substance of the books, they ignore the noise of a sniffing dog outside their window.
In Millie’s mind, books hold no value; she would rather avoid
Read MoreUnderstanding Journalistic Genres: News, Opinion, and Hybrid Forms
Journalistic Genres
Journalistic genres are highly diverse and can be classified into two main groups:
- Information-Dominated Texts: These texts present information objectively, focusing on factual reporting. The primary function is referential.
- Subjective View Texts: These genres offer a subjective perspective on events, representing opinion pieces. The expressive function predominates, often incorporating an appellate element.
A third category, entertainment texts, is sometimes added. These texts focus
Read MoreFrancisco de Quevedo: Life, Works, and Literary Style
Francisco de Quevedo: Life, Works, and Style
Francisco de Quevedo spent his life in Aragon and faced challenges with the Society of Jesus due to his writing. He was a prominent intellectual whose prose aimed to provide moral instruction.
Quevedo’s Masterpiece: El Criticón
El Criticón, published in three parts (1651, 1653, 1657), anticipates the philosophical novel of the eighteenth century. The work follows two characters on a pilgrimage, learning to mistrust appearances in their quest for wisdom
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