Various Book, Theater and Film Reviews

Nick Hornby, Charles Dickens, Peter Shaffer, Tolkien, Phil Penningroth

Literature Review , 2004 , 13 Pages , Grade: sehr gut

English Language and Literature Studies - Culture and Applied Geography

This paper contains various reviews on books, films and theater plays, such as Nick Hornby's High Fidelity; Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol, Peter Shaffer's Amadeus, Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring and Phil Penningroth's Silence of the heart.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• I. Book Reviews
  • (1) Nick Hornby's High Fidelity
  • (2) Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol
• II. Theater Reviews
  • (1) Peter Shaffer's Amadeus
• III. Film Review
  • (1) Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring
  • (2) Phil Penningroth's "Silence of the heart"

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This review examines two literary works, "High Fidelity" by Nick Hornby and "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, as well as a play by Peter Shaffer and two films. The review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of each work, highlighting its key themes and narrative elements. Key themes explored in the review include:

• The search for meaning and identity in contemporary life
• The importance of human connection and relationships
• The contrast between material wealth and personal fulfillment
• The consequences of selfishness and greed
• The transformative power of empathy and compassion

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

(1) Nick Hornby's High Fidelity

The review of "High Fidelity" focuses on the character of Rob Fleming, a 35-year-old man who is struggling to find meaning and connection in his life. The novel explores his relationships, his love for music, and his journey of self-discovery. Rob's reliance on lists and categorizing music reflects his desire for order and control, but ultimately highlights his inability to truly connect with others. The review examines Rob's relationship with Laura, the woman who left him, and his attempts to reconnect with his past girlfriends. It also highlights the novel's setting in the 1990s, characterized by a sense of deflation following the economic boom of the 1980s.

(2) Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol

The review of "A Christmas Carol" focuses on the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and heartless businessman who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. Through these encounters, Scrooge is forced to confront his past, present, and future, and ultimately undergoes a profound transformation. The review explores Scrooge's greed, his lack of compassion for the poor, and his isolation. It also examines the contrast between Scrooge's miserly nature and the joyful spirit of Christmas, as embodied by the Crachit family. The review highlights how Scrooge's transformation is brought about by empathy and a newfound appreciation for the value of human connection.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The primary keywords and focus topics of this review include: contemporary literature, character analysis, relationships, identity, consumer culture, social commentary, music, Christmas, greed, compassion, transformation, empathy, and literary adaptation.

• College: University of Innsbruck (Translationswissenschaften)
• Grade: sehr gut
• Author: MMag. Dr. Sabine Picout (Author)
• Publication Year: 2004
• Pages: 13
• Catalog Number: V205673
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656326427
• ISBN (Book): 9783656326861
• Language: English
• Tags: book review;, Nick Hornby;, High Fidelity;, Charles Dickens;, Christmas Carol;, Theater Review;, Peter Shaffer;, Amadeus;, Film Review;, Tolkien;, The fellowship of the ring;, Phil Penningroth;, Silence of the heart;