HUE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND

British Literature 1

Mid-Term Test

Trần Thị Thúy Kiều - 20F7510157

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Thừa Thiên Huế, tháng 11/2023

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Question 1: If you were the addressee of “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love”, how

would you respond to his promises? Write a short letter as a response to the shepherd.

Dear Shepherd,

I was delighted to receive the love letter you sent me. Your words painted a vivid picture of a

passionate love story and a bright future. Honestly, I must admit that your promises are very

enticing, and I imagine many girls would be moved by them.

However, as I read your poem, I pondered and deliberated for a long time. I couldn't help but

wonder whether this love truly exists in the flow of time. Is it as enduring as you claim? Can

you turn it into reality or are these just words on paper?

Furthermore, I believe that love is the resonance of two hearts. It goes beyond beautiful

words or material possessions. For me, it can't be superficial; it must go deeper,

encompassing understanding, connection, passion, trust, and forgiveness. Are you willing to

accompany me through challenges and obstacles?

Lastly, I must confess that while your words have sparked curiosity and interest in me, I

remain cautious and unwilling to surrender my heart without a clear understanding of your

sincerity. Can you assure me that you will love me forever and be willing to do anything for

me? I seek reassurance that you will fulfill the promises you've made and treat me sincerely.

I eagerly await your response.

Sincerely,

Hazel

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Question 2: F. Scott Fitzgerald once said: “That is part of the beauty of all literature.

You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and

isolated from anyone. You belong.” In relation to at least two of the texts in the course

book, please provide an essay (at least 2500 words) to elaborate on this idea.

As the reader immerses themselves in the narratives, stories become mirrors reflecting

their own longings, fears, and aspirations back at them. At the heart of these universal

longings lies the inherent need for a sense of belonging. F. Scott Fitzgerald aptly stated, "That

is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings,

that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong." Fitzgerald's quote about the

beauty of literature emphasizes that human longings and emotions are shared, not just

individual. Through literature, we realize that people have similar dreams, desires, and love.

We don't feel lonely and isolated but rather belong to a larger community. Through fictional

worlds, readers realize that their own longings are shared by countless others, fostering a

profound sense of connection and belonging.

Literature has long been celebrated for its ability to traverse boundaries and bridge gaps

of time, culture, and experience. Among the myriad themes explored in literature, one that

resonates deeply with readers across the globe is the concept of universal longings and the

innate sense of belonging that it evokes. Throughout the ages, writers have captured the

essence of human longing—an inherent part of the human condition. These yearnings

encompass a range of emotions and desires, such as love, acceptance, connection, power, and

social status. In the realm of literature, by presenting characters grappling with their own

longings, writers create a relatable space for readers to explore their own desires and

aspirations.

In British Literature 1, the themes of universal longings and the sense of belonging can

be found in literary works from different genres and time periods. Prominently, there are

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several works such as Sonnet 29, The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare and

Elizabeth Browning’s Sonnet 43 that vividly portray the shared longings, emotions, and

desires of humanity.

In Sonnet 29, It can be said that this profound insight's F. Scott Fitzgeral applies aptly to

Sonnet 29 by William Shakespeare, which explores themes of longing, isolation, and the

desire for acceptance. This essay will delve into the universality of such longings in the

sonnet and how it fosters a sense of belonging among readers. Sonnet 29 opens with the

speaker's expression of disgrace, isolation, and a yearning for acceptance. The lines, "When,

in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes, / I all alone beweep my outcast state," convey a

profound sense of desolation and a longing to be recognized and valued. These emotions

resonate with readers universally, as the longing for acceptance and the fear of isolation are

deeply ingrained in the human experience. Shakespeare's masterful portrayal of these

emotions allows readers to connect with the speaker's plight, realizing that their own longings

are shared by others. Through the sonnet's imagery and vivid language, Shakespeare captures

the essence of the universal human experience. The speaker's feelings of inadequacy and

isolation transcend time, culture, and individual differences. Regardless of one's background

or circumstances, the desire to be esteemed and valued is an inherent part of being human.

Sonnet 29 serves as a poignant reminder that these longings are not isolated or unique, but

rather part of the broader tapestry of the human condition. In reading the sonnet, individuals

discover that their longings are universal, connecting them to a collective experience.

Literature acts as a powerful bridge between the individual and the broader human

experience. It allows readers to delve into the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of

characters and speakers, forging a connection that transcends time and place. Sonnet 29

exemplifies this bridge by immersing readers in the speaker's inner world, enabling them to

empathize with their struggles and longings. Through the act of reading, individuals realize

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that they are not alone in their yearnings and that literature provides a sense of belonging by

affirming the shared nature of these longings. Empathy and identification play a vital role in

fostering a sense of belonging through literature. As readers engage with the speaker's

emotions and experiences in Sonnet 29, they develop a deep sense of empathy. They

recognize their own vulnerabilities, insecurities, and desires mirrored in the speaker's words.

This recognition creates a profound connection, as readers realize that their longings are not

isolated or abnormal but part of the rich tapestry of human emotions. Through the power of

identification, literature reassures individuals that they are not lonely or isolated in their

longings but belong to a larger community of shared experiences. Sonnet 29 also explores the

redemptive power of love, further reinforcing the universal nature of human longings. The

speaker's shift in tone and perspective, as they reflect on the memory of their beloved,

highlights the transformative effect of love on one's state of mind. The lines, "For thy sweet

love remembered such wealth brings / That then I scorn to change my state with kings,"

emphasize that the memory of love brings profound contentment and surpasses worldly

riches. This revelation resonates with readers, as the longing for love and connection is a

fundamental aspect of the human experience. F. Scott Fitzgerald's assertion that literature

reveals universal longings and fosters a sense of belonging finds resonance in Sonnet 29.

Through the exploration of the speaker's longing, isolation, and ultimate redemption through

love, readers discover the shared nature of their own longings. Literature serves as a powerful

bridge, connecting individuals across time and cultures, and offering solace in the realization

that they are not alone. As readers immerse themselves in the universal human experience

depicted in Sonnet 29, they find comfort, validation, and a profound sense of belonging in the

collective tapestry of human longings.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's insightful words also illuminate the profound beauty of literature by

emphasizing its capacity to reveal the universal nature of our longings and dispel the sense of

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loneliness and isolation. When applied to Sonnet 43, one of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's

most celebrated works, Fitzgerald's sentiment finds poignant resonance. Through the

exploration of love and emotional connection in the sonnet, readers are confronted with the

recognition that their own desires and yearnings are shared by humanity at large, fostering a

profound sense of belonging. Sonnet 43 encapsulates the essence of our universal longings

through its exploration of love in its most transcendent form. The opening lines, "How do I

love thee? Let me count the ways," immediately invite readers into a world where the

speaker's love is boundless and immeasurable. In these words, we find a reflection of our own

longing for a love that knows no limits, a desire to love and be loved in a way that transcends

the boundaries of time and space. Browning's choice to address the beloved directly, speaking

in a voice that is intimate and personal, allows readers to connect with the speaker on a

deeply emotional level. As we read the sonnet, we are reminded that our own longings for

love, affection, and connection are not unique or isolated but are part of the universal human

experience, shared by countless individuals throughout history. Furthermore, Sonnet 43

serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of literature to bridge the gaps between

individuals and cultures. Browning's words, crafted with precision and grace, transcend the

confines of time and space, resonating with readers across generations. The sonnet becomes a

vessel through which readers from different backgrounds, experiences, and time periods can

find solace and a sense of belonging. In the exploration of love's depth and the longing for a

profound connection, readers discover that their own experiences are not isolated or singular

but are part of a collective tapestry of human emotion. The sonnet's ability to evoke such

powerful emotions and evoke a shared sense of longing creates a space where readers can

find comfort, reassurance, and kinship. Moreover, Sonnet 43 exemplifies how literature

serves as a mirror that reflects our deepest desires and affirms our shared humanity. The

speaker's words evoke images and emotions that resonate with readers on a deeply personal

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level. Browning's skillful use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and language allows readers to

immerse themselves in the speaker's world, experiencing the intensity of their love and

longing. As we engage with the sonnet, we come to realize that the emotions and desires

expressed are not confined to the speaker alone but are part of the collective longing of

humanity. In this realization, we find solace and comfort, knowing that our own longings are

not isolated or peculiar, but are shared by others who have walked similar paths throughout

history. Consequently, F. Scott Fitzgerald's profound words remind us of the inherent beauty

of literature and its ability to unveil the universal nature of our longings. When applied to

Sonnet 43, we witness how Elizabeth Barrett Browning's exploration of love and connection

resonates with readers, revealing the shared experiences and desires that bind humanity

together. Through the sonnet, readers come to realize that their own longings are not isolated,

but part of a collective human tapestry. In this recognition, a profound sense of belonging is

fostered, and the transformative power of literature to alleviate loneliness and isolation is

unveiled. Sonnet 43 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of literature, reminding us

that, through its pages, we discover that we are not alone in our longings, and that we, indeed,

belong.

Furthermore, upon closer examination of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy,

Macbeth, we are able to witness the profound truth encapsulated in Fitzgerald’s words. The

play begins with the entrance of the three “weird sisters” as they are later called. The gloomy

setting, representing both the rugged Scottish countryside and the more general human

condition, establishes the dark tone. The witches speak in short rhyming verses that mimic

the chanting of a spell. Their language contains imagery of witchcraft and tumultuous

weather, evoking thunder, lightning, rain, fog, and “filthy air.” The lines “When the battle's

lost and won” and “Fair is foul and foul is fair” are most significant. On one level, these

paradoxical statements match our expectations for mystical witches. However, the lines also

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introduce a theme that runs throughout the play: the difficulty of discerning truth from

falsehood in a world where events are often ambiguous and confusing. In short, the opening

scene establishes the mystical, foreboding atmosphere and ambiguous nature of truth that will

characterize the drama through the witches' dramatic entrance, eerie poetic speech, and

paradoxical language. This sets the stage for the play's examination of the obscured

boundaries between truth and deception, honesty and ambition, nobility and ruthlessness. The

three witches who open Shakespeare's Macbeth tap into universal human longings for

belonging. The witches created an atmosphere of mystery and unease. We are fascinated and

filled with foreboding at the same time when they talk of thunderstorms and prohibited deeds.

Their mysterious words evoke a wide range of feelings that are shared by all people,

including fear, amazement, and awareness of our own inner darkness. The witches, although

hinting to Macbeth's seclusion and demise, also give voice to our common desire for

connection. The witches inspire both dread and allure when they announce their meeting in

the fog and storm. Their discussion of the supernatural draws us in while also producing

dramatic tension. We are lured to revelations and enticed by secrets, just like the witches,

even though they could make us uncomfortable.Through the protagonist of Macbeth, we also

learned that these longings are common human desires. Macbeth's initial ambition to become

king is a reflection of a common human yearning for recognition and success. His desire,

while extreme, taps into a fundamental part of the human condition—the longing to rise

above one's circumstances and leave a mark on the world. This desire is not unique to

Macbeth; it has been expressed by many people throughout history. Shakespeare's depiction

of Macbeth's ambition serves as a helpful reminder that our goals are not unique to ourselves

and that they are a part of the larger human experience.In addition, Macbeth's anguish and his

guilt over his deeds serve to emphasize how universal human emotions are. We see his inner

agony and the weight of his remorse as he considers the ramifications of his actions. This

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internal conflict is a reflection of the psychological toll that regret has on a person's wellbeing

and the universal human experience of regret. Shakespeare's depiction of Macbeth's guilt and

its disastrous consequences serves as a reminder that humans are not the only ones who

experience negative feelings like guilt, regret, and hopelessness. They are a part of the

common human experience, and we might find comfort in the knowledge that others have

struggled with similar feelings by reading literature.In Act 5 senne 1, Lady Macbeth's speech

shows her mind has fragmented under enormous emotional pressure. The once composed and

controlling wife has been reduced to a raving, incoherent wreck. Her words no longer connect

logically, suggesting her rational faculties have failed. She jumps disjointedly between

memories without sequential order. For example, her cry of “Out damned spot!” is bizarrely

followed by a reference to Lady Macduff. She seems to conflate all the murders into one

endless bloodbath. Ironically, Lady Macbeth unknowingly echoes Macbeth's earlier line

about the impossibility of washing away blood guilt. Her obsessive hand-washing gestures

further signal her inner torment. In stark contrast to the assured social hostess she once was,

Lady Macbeth has disintegrated into a gibbering, guiltridden shell. Her fractured speech

signifies a mind utterly devastated by the weight of conscience.Lady Macbeth expresses the

helpless agony of attempting to wash away sin. This hopelessness is ritually enacted by her

desperate handwashing. As she compulsively washes invisible blood stains from her hands,

we witness her harrowing descent into madness from her crimes. Yet this dramatic scene also

taps into universal human emotions. We feel uneasy witnessing the fragmentation of her

mind, but also empathize with her suffering. Her desperate ritual of hand-washing resonates

with our inner desire to cleanse ourselves morally. Even in her strongest moments early in the

play, Lady Macbeth is unable to shake the gnawing guilt. Her broken psyche effectively

portrays the loneliness of carrying guilt by yourself. Shame stings and regret corrodes, as we

are all aware. The anguish of Lady Macbeth reveals how frail we are all in the face of

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morality. Her shattered speech reveals every heart's aching form. So while solitude and

insanity isolate Lady Macbeth, her “spotted” hands reveal the ties binding all human hearts.

Consequently, the play delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of

ambition, power, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked desires. Through the characters

and their struggles, Macbeth showcases the universal longings that connect us all, reminding

us that we are not alone in our hopes, fears, and desires.

In conclusion, through the three typical works Sonnet 29,and Macbeth by Shakespeare,

Elizabeth Browning’s Sonnet 43 as well as Fitzgerald's quote, they all create a connection

and awareness of the shared longings and emotions of humanity through literature. This

somewhat contributes to demonstrating that literature is the bridge of emotions, of the soul.

They show that despite differences in time and writing style, the hearts and souls of people

still carry similar dreams and emotions. Literature connects human beings with the realm of

the soul in a profound and extraordinary way. In that realm, we are not alone; we are shared,

understood, and accepted. Each of our emotional values is alike, holding universal belongs,

and we are always a part of a larger community beyond ourselves.

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