"HOWL" SHORT ESSAY
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PACE20ENG2012020M.20OJEDA20WK20420TROPIC.docx1
Ojeda
Ojeda 4
Maureen Ojeda
Critical Writing
Professor Gold
18 February 2020
Tropic of Cancer Essay
The “Tropic of Cancer" is a novel by Henry Miller written in the sense of fiction, however Miller wrote it in a cross-genre style which was one of the famous styles in contemporary writing. As the book is written in an autobiographical style, therefore, it can also be termed as a mixture of fiction and memoir. The book was written in 1934 which was named as the most notorious novel of that time. The writer used a very liberal and bold tone which made this novel as one of the most controversial novel of the 20th century and it faced censorship from the date it was made available for printing. Till 1965 the novel was not legally available in the United States over later on Grove press of the United States challenged U.S. obscenity law. In 1963, the book was declared as not obscene by the U.S. Supreme Court therefore, it can be said that the books frank depiction on sexuality is not against the modern day standards. This book has very effectively and interestingly portrayed the sexuality in words instead of moving objects. This enhanced the impact of this book and even many novelist like George Orwell and Samuel Backett remarked this novel as one of the best work Orwell called Miller as the one who will set the future of the novel writing. Comment by Richard Gold: Tropic of Cancer Comment by Richard Gold: ostensibly as Comment by Richard Gold: X Comment by Richard Gold: and soon Comment by Richard Gold: X Comment by Richard Gold: X Comment by Richard Gold: but Comment by Richard Gold: Court; therefore, it Comment by Richard Gold: of Comment by Richard Gold: modern Comment by Richard Gold: images Comment by Richard Gold: novelists Comment by Richard Gold: recognized Tropic of Cancer Comment by Richard Gold: literary works, and Comment by Richard Gold: one who would
In this novel, Miller has tried to spotlight many social issues that even remained the issues of 21st century. In this book Miller discussed issues in the forms of major themes of the book such as sex, money, power, friendship and the memories of past. Although, Miller was criticised for openly discussing women anatomy of sexual organs in a more open and bold way, however, the actual motif of Miller through such an anatomy was prostitution which has been a part of human society since ages. Similarly, using poverty as another major those of the novel, Miller did not used sugar coating for the hardships of poor people. However, Miller seemed happy with his life because he stated that “I have no money, no resources, no hopes, I am the happiest man alive.” In this simple short sentence, Miller highlighted the causes of stress, depression and sadness, money, and resources and above all is hopes. Comment by Richard Gold: tries (Stay in PRESENT TENSE when describing a book’s action and narrative.) Comment by Richard Gold: criticized (American) Comment by Richard Gold: women’s anatomy and Comment by Richard Gold: X Comment by Richard Gold: focus Comment by Richard Gold: theme Comment by Richard Gold: highlights (Stay in PRESENT TENSE when describing a book’s action and narrative.) Comment by Richard Gold: his
The background and life encounters of the Miller can be felt in his writing style. The poverty and self exile has filtered his world view and made him an outspoken and a bit harsh person who never believes in sugar coating the bitter realities of the world. He called himself an artist while in his views an artist meant to be alone or loneliness makes a good artist which means he remained alone through most of his life. The loneliness of an artist actually help in the creation of good ideas because artists then have a full control over their life and actions and they don’t have to think about other issues. Miller views about writer are as positive as he thinks a writer can better portray the image of a particular thing or issue by joining together the words. Comment by Richard Gold: (He did marry four times!) Comment by Richard Gold: may help Comment by Richard Gold: Miller’s Comment by Richard Gold: writing
Although Miller's Tropic of Cancer received so much appreciation from numerous authors and at the same time it received some criticism from general public. For example, authors including the feminist critic Kate Millet called Miller the “Compendium of American sexual neurosis”. However, the way in which Miller has explained sex was not much appreciated because it seemed more like a written pornography. One thing that can be appreciated about Miller is his views about women didn’t changed due to his relationship with Anais Nin, even though she was his love and a supporter for his publications. This is showing the real authenticity of a true writer and artist that never hesitate in sharing his own experiences and views about a particular thing. Comment by Richard Gold: X Comment by Richard Gold: Millett Comment by Richard Gold: is that Comment by Richard Gold: hesitates
The writing style of Miller was compared with Walt Whitman, however, it is not because of his views about women and sexuality alone but also because of his views about the world, about people and about America. Both the writers have adopted their own writing style which is free from any kind of rules, boundaries and standards. A very small ratio of readers understand the writing style of both Henry and Whitman because of their distinctive writing style, tone and presentation of world experiences. Comment by Richard Gold: truly understand (?) Comment by Richard Gold: Miller
Apart from some objection on the bold writing of Miller about women, the books seems in accordance with the current issues of our generation. Miller openly stated about his poverty or lack of resources and at the same time he expressed his thoughts that he is happy for being poor, for not having a job, because he is happy for having a life without the burden of responsibilities. Many people of our generation wants such a life where they don’t have to work or to take responsibilities, however, they want comfort, women, lots of time to spend with friends and some money that earned without making huge efforts to invest in some sort of games to get some pleasure. Comment by Richard Gold: discusses Comment by Richard Gold: that’s
