PARCC prep.

Marrisa Fang

Literary Analysis

Freedom can be the escape from reality and can also be escape from someone’s control. Have you ever been confined, or your have parents lecture every two seconds? Don’t you want freedom from all that? In The Count of Monte Cristo and Blessings both explore the theme of freedom in different ways.

First, in The Count of Monte Cristo, they show freedom about escaping from some’s control. The someone’s control is the jail and the law. Edmond had lost all hope, and was starving himself wanting to die. Then, he heard a scratching sound in the cell next door and realized that it was someone trying to get free and escape. It gives him hope of escaping. “Although weakened, the young man’s brain instantly responded to the idea that haunts all prisoners - liberty!” The idea of freedom takes over and makes him excited, plus, for the first time he eats. “ Full of hope, Edmond swallowed a few mouthfuls of bread and water, and, thanks to the vigor of his constitution, found himself well-nigh recovered,” This shows that freedom gives hope and the thought of freedom gives happiness.

Second, in Blessings, the author shows freedom about escaping from reality. Rene and Jess are friends and they are hiking. They feel free from reality in the high mountains. “Rene, I’ve spent a lot days, nights, too, wishing’ that things weren’t the way they are.” This quote mentioned by Jess to Rene explains that Jess is upset with some things the way they are right now and just wants to escape from it for a while. They can also be free to show who they really are with their artistic ways. “Man, I’ve got to bring my paints up here.” said by Rene and “ Like to cook. Like poems. Ever written a poem?” shows that they can express what they feel freely in their artistic talents. In conclusion, freedom can just be escape from your regular life outside.

Overall, freedom can be expressed in so many varieties of ways, whether it’s about escape from confinement or even just from reality.