#4: Symbols

Symbols are used in all forms of literature in order to express an author's certain tone, theme, or element. Symbols, usually, are metaphors for a deeper meaning. The subtext of the novel, and story, is therefore revealed through symbolism. In Hamlet, Shakespeare offers a variety of symbols to demonstrate chaos, conspiracy, and confusion of his title character. For example, Ophelia hands out flowers to many characters in Act IV, illustrating her recent insanity. However, on a deeper level, the flower's represent her giving away her innocence, characterizing her purity through blossomed flowers. Moreover, Austen's novel uses symbolism to further comment upon her satirical approach in expressing her novel; primarily, Darcy's Pemberley house represents all the things its owner is- crass on the outside, vibrant and misjudged on the inside. Without a doubt, symbolism is highly important in creating a creative, inventive, and intellectual piece of literature.

#3: Setting

Setting creates the novelty of a story. A sunny overlook of a newly pastured farm. The house of an escaped member of the Third Reich. An insane asylum on the outskirts of one of Boston's islands. No matter the case, the setting creates a visual representation for the audience, reader, or viewer to connect to. Setting depicts beauty through detailed sequences. Setting gives life to a stack of pages. A complicated, intricate setting offers variety to an ever-growing story. For example, Hamlet's travels to England and back to Denmark complicate the conflict, but also give the audience diversity to the play's consistent nature. Setting is key in creating an appropriate atmosphere for an intricate story.

#2: Characters

Characters automatically give audiences connection to the play. Characters help move along the plot, influence other characters to make decisions, create violence or tension to fuel the story, etc. However, the story usually centralizes around one character, the protagonist. Hamlet, for example, fights against his own restraint, his uncle's lies, and Denmark's future in his respective play. Similarly, Elizabeth wrestles with herself to find true love in an aristocratic and monotonous 19th century England. The difference in conflict between Pride & Prejudice and Hamlet are represented by external and internal. Furthermore, characters reveal these conflicts through dialogue with other characters and/or soliloquies (in Hamlet's case). A truly engaging and thought-provoking characters connects to the audience personally through deep dynamics that make the characters somewhat paradoxical. However, truly empowering characters are driven by family connection, whether it be revenge or a change in lifestyle. Video games, oddly enough, have been able to capture many characters' confusion and changes through breakthrough and engaging stories, such Bioshock and Assassin's Creed. Characters exude confidence and liveliness into a story, developing the story through intricate conflicts.

#1: Plot

Plot paves the way for a novel, play, film, dance, or piece of music. Essentially, the plot dictates events around a certain frame of time revolving round a distinct character and/or set of characters. The most conventional form of plot is as follows: exposition, rising action, climax, and then the denouement. Like most of his plays, Shakepeare turns astray from this 'conventional' outline for his tragedy Hamlet. With an intricate plot, Shakespeare offers various climaxes to stress the urgency and tension within the play itself. However, on the other hand, Austen's Pride & Prejudice follows a tight narrative of a more 'standard' approach. Each action is revealed through a clear and well-timed manner, albeit predictable; however, Austen emphasizes her mocking and sarcastic tone throughout to give the novel a fresh feeling. Ultimately, both Shakespeare and Austen succeed tremendously in conveying the thematic significances in their work: Shakespeare exploits friendship, betrayal, and violence within a war torn Denmark, whilst Austen focuses on true love within a monotonous, traditional 19th century England.

Time will tell...

Both "Ozymandias" and "Ponder" reflect the importance of time; however, through varying tones, both poems enforce different urgencies. "Ozymandias'" depressingly solemn tone emphasizes the slow passage of life and its extremeties. However, "Ponder" uses a sexually driven and uplifting tone to slowly reveal an importance of time itself, much like Marvells' "To His Coy Mistress."