《美国文学》教学课件Dr.-Heideggers-Experiment

1、Dr. Heideggers ExperimentBy Nathaniel HawthorneLiterary term for this story:Allegory: A work in which each element symbolizes, or represents, something else.(In this story, each of the characters represents something people strive to have in their youth).themeDr. Heideggers Experimentdeals with two

2、of Hawthornes favourite themes: the consequences of tampering with nature and the rejection of conventional morality.(People lack the ability to achieve perfection and therefore, since they are only human, are destined to make the same mistakes twice. ) themeThe theme which is created from this is,

3、although humans may greatly believe in and desire complete perfection, it is an impossibility and any quest for it is futile. Hawthorne uses a variety of literary devices to exemplify this theme. themeFirst, Hawthorne uses point of view to create a mysterious air of uncertainty which makes the stori

4、es allegorical meaning visible. In some cases the storys narrator questions the reality of the events. Hawthorne also uses tone to add to the already mysterious and unsure atmosphere. Additionally, through diction, Hawthorne creates a mysterious and magical air that also contributes to the theme. th

5、emeFurthermore, Hawthorne also uses characterization to exemplify the meaning behind the theme. Through this type of characterization, Hawthorne shows the reader each characters desire (and failure) to attain perfection. themeFinally, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses Symbols to convey his theme. Many symbol

6、s in the story are ordinary objects, such as a mirror, that have more meaning than one would think. Four characters: four symbolsMr. Medbourne-was a prosperous merchant-lost his money through “frantic speculation”represents wealth (but lost that wealth through greed)Colonel Killigrewwas a healthy ma

7、nlost his health through “pursuit of sinful pleasures”womanizing, drinking, etc. (lost health through lust and gluttony) Characters continued:Mr. Gascoignewas a corrupt politiciannow, no one remembers him. He is “obscure instead of infamous”represents fame, (lost through his corrupt decisions)Widow

8、Wycherly-was a beautiful young woman-lost respect of those around her as a result of “certain scandalous stories”represents beauty, lost through her bad choices CharactersDr. Heidegger- Old and wise physician who is the protagonist of the story.Colonel Killigrew- A man who throughout his life has ha

9、d many different sexual partners and many different pleasures.Mr. Medbourne- Once a rich merchant who lost most of his money gambling, but claimed that he lost it in a stock investment.Mr. Gascoigne- A politician whose career was cut short.Widow Wycherly- Formerly a beautiful woman loved by the thre

10、e gentlemen.Sylvia Ward- Woman whose portrait hangs on the wall. She was supposed to marry Dr. Heidegger but dies a day before their marriageWhat do these four characters have in common?All three men had at one time been involved with the WidowMost important: Their “greatest misfortune” is that they

11、 are not dead yet!This makes them perfect candidates for the experiment-they have nothing to lose!What about Dr. Heidegger?He had a chance for love in his youth; what happened?Was it his fault? How does this relate to Dr. Hs decision not to participate in the experiment? Setting: Dr. Heideggers Stud

12、yA place ripe for magical/enchanted events and objectsSkeleton in closetPortrait of Sylvia WardDusty, old-fashioned, dim, has cobwebsHuge books on bookcases(Think about similarities to House of Usher)Setting continued:Mirrorwhats magical about it? Bronze bust of HippocratesA book of magic: large bla

13、ck folio volumeBound in black leathersilver claspsWhen dusted, what happens?Skeleton rattlesSylvia “steps out” of the pictureFaces appear in mirrorBronze bust says “forbear”The Experiment ItselfRose: whose? What happened?Reactions of four friends?Dr. H mentions Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Yout

14、h, but he never says directly that the water is actually from the fountain of youthColonel Killigrew asks about the effect on humansRules of experimentDr. Heidegger mentions their “peculiar advantages”which are?What advice does he give them?How do they respond? Why?They laugh-how ridiculous is the n

15、otion that we will repeat our mistakesBefore the first drinkNo four people needed it more!References to water as alcohol:Bubbles like champagneEffects are temporaryCalled “the youth liquor”After first drink:Result:Feel alive again“healthy suffusion” on their cheeksSunshine comes through window at sa

16、me momentThey want more and demand it right awayAfter second drink:Hawthorne asks, “Was it delusion?”Four guests are now Middle AgeWhat do they start doing?Widow: looking at self in mirrorColonel: flirts with WidowMr. G: talking politics non-stopMr. M: invents crazy business ideaBetween 2nd and 3rd

17、drinkAlready, they are back to their old mistakes!Describe Dr. Heidegger:Observant, cool“Venerable”“Gray dignity of aspect”Compared to Father TimeAfter 3rd drink:Result: “Happy Prime of Youth”Now, what are they doing?Mocking old people (physical ailments, glasses, etc)Widow asks Dr. H to dance with

18、herOther three gentlemen start to argue over who will dance with herAfter 3rd drink, continuedDuring struggle to see who will dance together, mirror reflectsWhat happens to the vase?What happens to the rose?How do the guests react?End of experimentWhat does Dr. Heidegger tell his friends? Would he drink the water? Why or