Three Major Works of Literature
1. The Travels of Lao Can Author: Liu E Publication Date: 1907 Publisher: Xiuxiang Xiaoshuo The Travels of Lao Can is a Chinese novel written by Liu E in 1907. The story of The Travels of Lao Can follows Lao Can, a medical practitioner who figuratively has a vision of China acting as a sinking ship. The protagonist takes it upon himself to fix many problems and injustices across the landscape of China, and to fix what is terribly wrong with the current flawed justice system. The Travels of Lao Can is one of the most influential works of literature in China during the early 20th century for several essential reasons. First of all, The Travels of Lao Can became one of the most popular and influential books of the early 20th century. The Travels of Lao Can acted as a social satire towards the current government. The novel was relevant towards the current national problems of China at the time, and how the government of China during the early 20th century was not working (Travels of Lao). 2. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Author: L. Frank Baum Publication Date: 1900 Publisher: George M. Hill Company The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was an American propaganda that novel was published in 1900. The story follows Dorothy, who one day is teleported to a magical and fictional land by a tornado. In this land she befriends many companions and searches for the Wizard of Oz to help her get back home. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is chosen as one of my three major works of literature for several key reasons. First of all, this novel was immensely popular in America and is today one of the most popular novels published of all time. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is actually a metaphor for The Progressive Era in United States History, not what it actually seems to be (Progressive Era). All of the characters. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has deeply rooted itself into American culture. The book is also a great example of other novels published around its time period. The book acted as an example of American fairy tales written during the early 20th century. Lastly, this book contains many significant morals such as love, selflessness, and perseverance that are still very much relevant today (The Wizard of Oz). 3. Of Human Bondage Author: W. Somerset Maugham Publication Date: 1915 Publisher: George H. Doran Company Of Human Bondage is an English novel written by W. Somerset Maugham published in 1915. Though much of the book is autobiographical and based off the author's own experiences, the book is fictional. The setting of the book is in Europe, going from London to France and Germany. The story follows Phillip, an orphan whose both parents died due to one cause or another, and how he dealt with his parents' deaths and where his life led to. Much of the book deals with the harsh realities of the world and the science of human interaction and relationships. This book is chosen as one of my three major works of literature for several key reasons. First of all, this book continues to have an everlasting influence today and was one of London's most popular releases when it was firs published. Secondly, the book shares themes that were commonly written about during the early 20th century, which was the nature of human interaction. This book follows this theme very closely and delves deep into this topic. Lastly, the plot of Of Human Bondage contains a fascinating amount of depth and thought that is rarely seen in many fictional novels (On Of Human Bondage). |
Works Cited
"On Of Human Bondage." Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"Overview of the Progressive Era." Digital History. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"The Travels of Lao'Tsan." Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"The Wizard of Oz: More Than Just a Children's Story by Lauren Houlberg." / Our Own Words 2005. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"On Of Human Bondage." Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"Overview of the Progressive Era." Digital History. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"The Travels of Lao'Tsan." Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"The Wizard of Oz: More Than Just a Children's Story by Lauren Houlberg." / Our Own Words 2005. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.