Comparing Sherlock Holmes and Darwin

Sherlock Holmes is written in fairly complex language, and this is similar to Darwin work which uses scientific language.  The purpose of Sherlock Holmes is for enjoyment, and to encourage people to think.  An element of uncertainty is emphasized when Holmes states "I drove along slowly, weighing in my own mind what it was best to do (96)".  Readers attempt to solve the mysteries while Sherlock Holmes does the same.  The Audience is adults.  Darwin's goal is to inform people about the existence if evolution and to state evidence.  Unlike Holmes it is not meant to entertain.  Although Darwin does, similarly to Sherlock Holmes, encourage people to think.  The audience is everyone willing to listen.  Both works are narrated with creates a personal atmosphere, but Darwin's language is much more descriptive and serious.  He writes "Believing that it is always best to study some special group, I have, after deliberation, taken up domestic pigeons (36)."  Sherlock Holmes is a collection of stories while Darwin merely states observations and facts.  Sherlock Holmes and On the Origin of Species are written in a distinct style, and they have several similarities and differences.  

Darwin and Genesis

The Bible describes the creation of mankind by telling a narrative, while Darwin uses scientific language and descriptions. The creation story in Genesis has a rythmic pattern, and multiple paragraphs start with the words "And God said."  This creates easy transitions between paragraphs.  Imagery is extensively used in Genesis.  Darwin's words are much more descriptive, and the tone is more serious.  He describes his beliefs, tries to convince people of the existence of evolution.  Darwin also relates his work to the bible, and says evolution does not contradict with the bible.  The rhythm in Darwin's work does not flow as smoothly.  These differences exist because the bible tells a story while Darwin merely states observations.

In Class Paragraph Analysis

The father is described as "healthy," but he does not work.  He is capable although he decides not to work.  "Sluggish" also indicates an attitude toward the father.  He has become lazy during his years without work.  The narrator reflects the attitudes of Gregor, the author, and the reader by emphasizing the different viewpoints.  The narrator uses direct quotes and descriptions to show Gregor's and Athe author's attitudes.  The use of metaphors and hidden meaning can be used by the reader to develop their own attitude and thought about the family.  Gregor believes his father "could not be expected to undertake too much." He believes his father has a justified excuse for his unemployment.  This leaves Gregor supporting the family by himself.  "Playing the violen" are Gregor's words as well.  He enjoys listening to his sister playing the violen, and he wants her to continue.  He is also thankful for all the help she has given him, but he doesn't want to "deprive of the life" that she has by taking up all her time.  Gregor's words allow the reader to discover his true attitude toward his family.

In Class Writing

Gregor physically turned into a vermin overnight, but he still grasps onto some human nature.  He is both a vermin and a human.  He still has the thoughts and feelings of a person.  His unconsious desires slowly become less human, but in the end he still maintains thoughts and emotional feelings.  Gregor's situation emphasizes that a person's outward appearance dos not necessarily reflect on their inward self.  People cannot be judged by how they look.  Gregor's metamorphosis is a metaphor that describes what many people face in life.  

Grgeor's human consciousness is revealed when he is drawn to his sister's violin music.  An animal would be emotionally affected by music of any kind, but Gregor is affected.  When listening to Grete playing, the "music captivated him" (45).  A true vermin would not have this connection to music.  Gregor retains his human feelings.

Gregor deeply loves his sister, but this does not mean his id is unleashed.  His family abandoned him.  His mother is scared at the sight of him, and his father despises and blames him for the family's problems.  Grete is the only connection he has to his family and to the human race as a whole.  Grete sees through his physical body, and she "would remain with him voluntarily" (45).  Although she did start to resent him as the novel progressed, she did not show these feeling to him.  Gregor is very thankful for all the work his sister has done, and he loves her for her caring nature.  Gregor is physically a vermin, but his is still emotionally human.