Disparity Between Dunce and Genius in Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces

The book starts out with an intricate explanation of the analytical mind. As that is our introduction; it floats into our narrator recounting his acquaintance with another named: C. Auguste Dupin, whom our narrator recalls was very fond of books; having met him at an obscure library in the Rue Montmartre, they were searching for the same unique text. This accidental meeting brought them closer together, seeing each other frequently. Our narrator is fascinated with his new friend 's’ family history, which he was told many times. And is enthralled by Dupin’s love of literature. It is then detailed how our narrator gives himself up to Dupin’s ‘flights of fancy,’ letting himself be sucked into a vortex of fey dreams. Prone to prowling the streets at night, conversing amongst themselves. He then praises his friend’s analytical inclination, his skills of observation proved by a little chat about a play and a fruiterer.

The colorful diction and syntax in this paragraph allow the reader to witness Lord Henry’s sturdy grip on Dorian’s future as he begins to transform from virtually flawless to rotten. Word choices and phrases such as motionless, parted lips, strangely bright, fresh influences, secret chord, vibrating, throbbing, and curious illustrate Dorian’s puzzling mood of total absorption as he stands stationary and lifeless for ten whole minutes, a remarkably long time to comprehend a stranger’s thoughts. While Dorian initially exhibits a clueless and unenlightened perspective on life, Lord Henry’s dominating opinions strike a chord in Dorian, causing him to flood with waves of understanding about the purpose of life. By comparing Dorian’s brain to a chord, it generates a visual image of Lord Henry plucking a single string that stimulates newborn thoughts to dance around in Dorian’s mind as his angelic eyes open up to corrupting theories about the dark world of pleasure.

Furthermore, Dorian’s moral principles get progressively worse, eventually leading to the murder of Dorian’s longtime friend, Basil Hallward. Dorian acts impulsively and erratically while showing Basil the mutilated portrait, “and suddenly an uncontrollable hatred for Basil Hallward came over him” (115) spurring Dorian to stab Basil repeatedly. Due to his impulsive nature and devotion to seeking pleasure, the moment his anger took over, Dorian chose to ignore his conscience. He retains his childish behavior because he never

And both of them handle it in a similar way. Dorian feels bad about what he has done, only realizing that this after looking at his portrait and how it has grown to be a “foul parody” (Wilde 203) of what Basil originally painted. Instead of facing his problems, rationalizes his actions, all the while he feels “keenly the terrible pleasure of a double life.” This quote shows us that he is not the least bit ashamed about his actions, he is very well aware of the wicked rumours that surround him, but also aware that people do not really believe them because his face continues to look youthful and innocent. All the while the portrait of him is truly changing to reflect Dorian’s inner sins. Dorian seems ever interested in the bad behaviors that Lord Henry introduced to him, Lord Henry said this to Dorian, “You will always be fond of me. I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit.” This quote shows us how little Lord Henry cares about how much he has negatively influenced Dorian, and probably finds it as amusing as a game to see how far he can go before Dorian snaps. It is also a true statement to an extent. Throughout the book Dorian keeps in contact with Lord Henry. Dorian is fascinated by the lifestyle that he lives, asking him on advice on what to do and how to act. Every time he receives a piece of advice from Lord Henry it is another piece of Dorian that is

The Picture of Dorian Gray, a novel laced with sin, treachery, and raging battles of inner conflict, is Oscar Wilde’s sole novel. Considered immoral and scandalous upon publication, the book centers around a young man named Dorian Gray, who does not age or reflect the darkness of his heart outwardly, and instead a portrait of him bears the damage his destructive life wreaks on his soul. However, the meaning of the story extends past the simple fact that Dorian lives a life of immorality—he walks the path that takes him there with his two friends, Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wotten. The two attempt to guide and influence Dorian throughout the novel in their own ways, and are a vital piece of Dorian’s tale. Basil and Henry act as character foils as well as a symbolic angel and devil for Dorian Gray’s character, and also contribute themes of choosing one’s own fate.

believed to be superior, is the true fool at the hands of Feste’s clever mind. This is further

Ignatius J. Reilly is the main character in the humorous book Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole, which is set in the city of New Orleans in the early 1960s. Ignatius is an educated man of thirty who lives in Uptown New Orleans with his mother Mrs. Irene Reilly. Throughout the book Ignatius searches for a job and encounters many difficulties while roaming the city. His insatiable appetite, overpowering laziness, and outlandish personality adds a comical view of him which builds throughout the novel. Ignatius J. Reilley can best be described in three words which dominate his character throughout the entirety of the novel: disrespectful, idealistic, and arrogant.

In the beginning, Mrs. Reilly tolerates Ignatius and his lack of self -control, structure and independence. She finds a few friends that encourage her and she initiates opinions and making decisions for herself. Mrs. Reilly still tries to defend Ignatius’ actions, but she later questions the way he lives. Her only evidence that he is a good boy is that he earned a master’s degree. Her lack of teaching him social skills and keeping structure in the home is shown throughout as Ignatius attempts to obtain and keep a job. He has no independence, or feels the need to become independent. The dynamic of the relationship changes as Mrs. Reilly decides that he cannot handle the real world and prefers her own

The differences in Josephine and Mrs. Mallard are evident in their reactions to the news of Mr. Mallard's death. Josephine cannot find a ray of hope in Mr. Mallard's death. She is overwhelmed with sadness. She is very careful how she tells Mrs. Mallard of her husband's death. Josephine uses broken sentences and veiled hints when telling Mrs. Mallard of Mr. Mallard's death. Josephine knows that Mrs. Mallard depends on her husband for everything. However, Mrs. Mallard's reaction to the news is very different. Mrs. Mallard loves her husband. She is saddened by the news, but she is able to see into the future. She is able to see a future with color and brightness. Mrs. Mallard feels set free from bondage. She no longer sees a world of restrictions but a world of opportunity and adventure. Her husband's death brings revival to her soul. Chopin says, Mrs. Mallard is "drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window." The news of Mr. Mallard's death is tragic but brings very different reactions from Josephine and Mrs. Mallard.

Ignatius is indeed a slothful, gluttonous, and patronizing man. These qualities are seen constantly throughout the entire book. His own mother began to consider putting him in the psychiatric ward at Charity because she could not deal with him. Santa Battaglia, a friend of Mrs. Reilly, even pushed for Mrs. Reilly to put Ignatius in the psychiatric ward. Miss Annie, the

Banquo’s idea examines how Macbeth’s one choice to believe the Weird Sisters fates the rest of his actions.

Fate is often a misconception of ambition, a perception of divine intervention that overrules a person’s conscious decision, and a perception that ultimately leads to the demise of Macbeth. During the initial meeting with the “weird sisters” Macbeth learns of his fate to become “King hereafter”, and develops an obsession for his newfound ‘destiny’ of power, much to Banquo’s concern. Stating his apprehension for accepting the prophecy as fate, Banquo warns Macbeth through foreshadowing and dramatic irony that “The instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray’s, In deepest consequence”, highlighting that ultimately it is Macbeth’s ambition to fulfil the prophecy that leads to his downfall. This twist of conscience in comparison to fate allows a responder to question their own belief in destiny, and compare their justification of past actions to that of Macbeth; fate or free will.

The tragedy of Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's best-loved plays. “Macbeth” is also known as the Scottish play since it takes place in Scotland and is focused on the Scottish King. The Title Character, Macbeth, and his closest friend Banquo are brothers in arms who are looked highly of by the king and all the thanes. Early on in the play three prophecies are made by the Weird Sisters saying that Macbeth will become “King Hereafter” and that Banquo will be the father of many kings; However, Macbeth and Banquo take divergent paths to achieve that same prophecy. Shakespeare uses ambition, integrity, and loyalty to show how Banquo is a foil to Macbeth.

First, our protagonist Candide and his valet Cacambo serve as appropriate examples: a naive optimist and a worldly pragmatist. When Candide finds the monkey lovers appalling and unusual, Cacambo does not “see anything odd about their passion” (Voltaire 49). Exposed by the cruelties of the real world, Cacambo’s sharp wits allow him to take control of a situation and suffer less adversities than other characters. Inexperienced and innocent, Candide can only think one dimensionally; instead of thinking and acting for himself, Candide surrounds himself with people who do the decision making for him. Only because of the wits and decisions of Cacambo, Old Woman, and Martin is he able to survive until the end of the novel. Voltaire contrasts Cacambo’s wisdom with Candide’s

He is infatuated with Dorian's beauty in the beginning. He appreciated Dorian's beauty but did not wish to possess it for himself. Basil exclaims, “When our eyes met, I felt that I was growing pale... I knew that I had come face to face with someone whose mere personality was so fascinating that, if I allowed it to do so, it would absorb my whole nature, my whole soul, my very art itself.” His love for Dorian changed the way he perceived art. Basil eventually paints a portrait of Dorian to capture his beauty forever. Basil’s portrait marks a new phase in his career. Once he has painted Dorian, he fears that he has put too much of himself into the work. Basil reluctantly introduces Dorian to Lord Henry, who he fears will have a damaging influence on Dorian. He admits, “Yes, that is his name. I didn't intend to tell it to you.” Basil is later envious of the relationship between Lord Henry and Dorian. Lord Henry upsets Dorian with a speech about the transient nature of beauty and youth. Basil, wishing to protect and defect him, voices his objection to Lord Henry’s influence over Dorian. Dorian felt Basil had come to realize his true personality and that he would bring it to someones attention. Basil is murdered by Dorian. The murder of Basil marks the beginning of Dorian's end. He cannot overcome the realization that he killed his friend.