improve literary analysis

profilenathan1120
literary_analysis_zhao_liang.docx
Home>English homework help>improve literary analysis

Running head: LITERARY ANALYSIS 1

LITERARY ANALYSIS 5

Literary Analysis-“The Romance of Busy Broker” By O Henry

Zhao Liang

Dr. Daniel Crocker

EN-140

12/01/2014

Literary Analysis-“The Romance of Busy Broker” By O Henry

In this paper, the analysis will pay attention to the short story of "the Romance of Busy Broker" by O Henry, whereby a number of literary elements used by the author in developing the story will be analyzed. The objective of this analysis to understand how the author uses various elements of a story to develop his work, such as setting, plot, characters and others. The story talks about the busy live that the people of New York live as they try to survive, particularly the average individuals, to an extent that they do not have enough time for their families and friends. The analysis will focus mainly on characters, symbolism, themes and plot.

In this story the writer utilized direct and indirect technique for characterization. Since he tells the characterization by indicating what the character looks like specifically, and elaborating on the actions of the characters within the story. Character is another element the writer has used. The characters are composed of the senior character that is Maxwell and Ms Leslie, the junior character that is Pitcher, flat character; Ms Leslie, round character; Maxwell, dynamic character; Pitcher. In the character analysis of the characters; physically Maxwell is seen as to have very keen grey eyes and he doesn’t have expressions (Henry, 2014). Ms Leslie is seen to be pretty, radiant, bright eyes, prefers plan turban and dresses that are grey. In terms of intelligence Maxwell is seen to be forgetful, Ms Leslie is seen to be very professional and Pitcher is a secretive clerk. In terms of emotions Maxwell is intolerant and unfriendly. Ms Leslie is joyful and tolerant. Socially, Maxwell forgets about such, Pitcher is very curious. Lastly, Maxwell’s is reliable, Ms Leslie is tolerant and clever and Pitcher is compliant.

The writer has used the element of plot in developing his story line so as to give it a good flow and thus making it very interesting. In the structure of his plot of the story he has used a very good opening statement. He has for instance used the opening statement that is very captivating as according to Maxwell’s schedule in the morning he enters his office. Also, according to analysis the writer in his plot, he has used the rising action to illustrate it. For instance on the issue where Pitcher is asked by Maxwell, to look for another stenographer, this actually is shown when Ms Leslie asks if Maxwell had talked about getting another stenographer and this is actually Mr. Pitcher who asks for a replacement o Miss Leslie as a stenographer. Also the writer has used climax to illustrate his plot. This is for instance, seen in the scenario when Maxwell actually tells Miss Leslie that he was so active in his work and he had forgotten everything. “Miss Leslie then tells Maxwell that the previous evening at eight o’clock they had actually gotten married in a small church that was situated just around the corner.”

The writer has also used the element of the laws of the plot in developing his story. To start with he has used surprise as one of the laws of the plot. Surprise is clearly seen when the writer actually uses and ending that really brings shock to the reader, when he illustrates “Ms Leslie telling Maxwell that they had gotten married the previous night” (Henry, 2014). The suspense is another law of the plot that the writer has used. The suspense is seen when the reader is influenced to read more when Maxwell has intentions of asking love from Ms Leslie. This persuades the reader to read more. Finally the writer has used foreshadowing also to illustrate the laws of the plot. This can be seen, “ when Pitcher in a curious way notices something different about her ways in the morning.” This is to clearly show that even if Ms Leslie was not talking to anyone that morning; Mr. Pitcher was still able to notice how differently she behaved. Foreshadowing can also be seen when Ms Leslie reacts by shedding tears when Maxwell tell her he is in love with her and wants to marry her.

The theme is another element that the writer has used. The major theme of this story is love. This is because the story is based on the romance of a busy broker who even forgets that he is married and he asks his wife again to marry him. The wife doesn’t get annoyed about this, but actually remind him that they had gotten married the previous night (Henry, 2014). There is also a moral lesson that being in a job is not everything and a person should always remember his family.

In conclusion, we can see the writer has illustrated and used elements very well in developing his story and thus making it interesting. The use literacy elements in the story make it interesting, easier to understand and outstanding in nature.

References

Henry, O (Feb 24, 2014). “The Romance of a Busy Broker.” American Literature. America

Literature, nd.Web.