Kyle Licht
English 9
12-2-11
Critical Lens Essay
Joseph Conrad once said, "The task of the writer is to make you feel- it is, before all, to make you see." To me, this quote is saying that good writers need to make you feel, hear and see the book and actually understand what it is. I agree with this quote because no one wants to read anything boring, they want to be entertained. This quote reminds me of the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. This reminds me of that quote because I could see George and Lennie's dream house, feel the conflict between Curley and Lennie, see Ship Trap Island, and feel Rainsford in the jungle.
Steinbeck allowed the reader to visualize the dream house that George and Lennie wanted to have. They were raising money to get a house out in the country. There was going to be a barn with cattle and rabbits. They would take eggs from the chickens sell them and there would be an alfalfa patch for the rabbits. Then, there would be a garden with vegetables to grow and fruit to pick. They would also go fishing and catch an inordinate amount of trout. It is very easy to imagine George and Lennie's dream house. You're out in the country with little noise or people and the only things around you are trees, animals, and the peacefulness nature.
Also in the novel, the external conflict between Lennie and Curley supports the quote. Curley and Lennie got into a brawl. Lennie was giggling and laughing until Curley came along. That's where Curley started to hit and beat up Lennie. George encouraged Lennie to fight judging by his size. Lennie listened to George and grabbed Curley's hand. He squeezed it like a ball and Curley's hand was broken and crushed. Not only did I feel the punches and Curley's asphyxiated hand, but I also felt the adrenaline and rush of excitement. The feeling where you want to jump out of your seat and cheer.
On the other hand, from "The Most Dangerous Game", Connell allowed the reader to easily visualize Ship Trap Island. It was said to be forbidden, but that only attracts sailors even more. The appearance is dark, eerie and tempting and the fog makes it mysterious. There is a large castle in the center with a jungle standing below it. Ship Trap Island relates to this quote because it is viewed as morbid and scary. It is feared by many people and terrifying.
Next, Rainsford being in the jungle also relates to the quote. General Zaroff sent Rainsford out into the jungle so he could hunt him. Rainsford was scared but destined. Hiding, Rainsford never knew when Zaroff would just jump out and kill him so he set up traps to try and kill Zaroff. Ergo, he was unsuccessful. Fear was intense, but he had to focus. This relates to the quote because I could feel Rainsford's heart racing and his mind blaring.
As previously mentioned, "The task of the writer is to make you feel- it is, before all, to make you see," which was stated by Joseph Conrad. This colloquially means that writers are supposed to infuse you sensually. I agree with this quote because it is important to truly understand what you are reading for it to make sense. This quote reminds me of the novel Of Mice and Menby John Steinbeck and the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell.
