'Little Green' by Joni Mitchell
Aside from the lullaby-like melody in ‘Little Green’, Mitchell displays her idea that “there’ll be sorrow”, but with good memories, in life, through illuminating subtle characterization, seasonal symbolism, and a depressing atmosphere.
Aside from the lullaby-like melody in ‘Little Green’, Mitchell displays her idea that “there’ll be sorrow”, but with good memories, in life, through illuminating subtle characterization, seasonal symbolism, and a depressing atmosphere.
Mitchell characterizes the characters in ‘Little Green’ in a less obvious way than most artists would do. She begins with Little Green, a character who is characterized of the “Northern lights” of Canada, serving to mean that there will always be beauty in the child. Mitchell further amplifies the characterization of Little Green by symbolically comparing her “the color of when spring is born” suggesting her innocence and the good that comes out in spring. Though there are bad times in life, there will always be “a little green” to represent the good times. Mitchell furthers her idea through the use of another equally important tool: symbolism.
Mitchell brings about her idea through symbolism when she symbolizes Little Green “Like the nights” when the Northern lights perform, serving to show the good times of life. She also characterized symbolically as though “everything’s warmer” when she’s around. Little Green is further symbolized as the color of spring of which “winters cannot fade her”. Mitchell symbolizes Little Green as a positive piece of life like spring is when it comes around, even though life may be harsh. However, Mitchell couldn’t completely embrace her idea without the atmosphere she places upon the song.
A depressing atmosphere lurks over the song, which sets the scenario of the piece. Mitchell explains how Little Green’s father was “a non-conformer” and left her alone with her mother. That alone serves to set a darker atmosphere, but moreover towards sadness. The atmosphere also plays a subtle role in defining the least favorite times of Little Green's life, while she is symbolically compared to the warmth and radiance that spring illuminates. The depressing atmosphere is like a different side to the girl. Mitchell represents the good times, but she also covers the bad times through her use of atmosphere in 'Little Green'.
Mitchell's distribution of the tools characterization, symbolism, and atmosphere guide the reader to the deeper meaning of her song. There will always be good times, but there will be sorrow as well.
Your thesis is well written and gives an introduction to the song as well. I like how you used the devices to describe what was going on in the story. Also, you kind of said the same thing in your thesis in your conclusion, but other than that everything else was good.
ReplyDeletei think this is well written
ReplyDeletemaybe word things a little different because i could not understand some things like the last sentence in the second paragraph
i dont know if it is just because your words are super sophisticated and i dont understand it
bottom line its good and look it over
Chris, this was, in my opinion, the best piece I have read so far. The only errors I really saw were minor; when you want to quote something in the middle of a sentence, you use a lower case letter even if in the quote you're using starts with a capital letter (unless it's a proper noun, of course). Where I saw this was the following sentence: "...she symbolizes Little Green “Like the nights” when the Northern lights perform." Also, When you said the title, Little Green, you varied what you did to imply you were refering to the song as opposed to Mitchell's daughter. I am impressed, young Padawan.
ReplyDeleteThis is written very well and your quotes are backed up really good.
ReplyDelete