Critical Appraisal

Question: Discuss about theCritical Appraisal. Answer: Introduction This critical appraisal will try to look at the literary importance of this novel that depicts womanhood in a far different for. It has tried to show the social context and made references to the fact that how a complete woman could balance her family with work. Thus the depiction of self is critical theme of this novel. This novel illustrates Eva and then moves onto the life of her children. Literary Analysis This story "Tell Me a Riddle" speaks in a plenty of voices which is similar to Olsens other stories. The main character of the novel Eva but there are several ways in which the writer has aroused reader sympathy for David who is the husband (Sullivan 2012). This is due to the writer showing the struggle that both these characters faced. This pattern is followed for other characters like their seven children whose life and struggles were illustrated thus giving them voice. This revealed greater insights about the childrens behavior and attitudes. This is achieved by the author by not just shifting of the dialogue but also with the help of perception shifting and depiction of the other persons interests and motive (Cramer 2006). Yet Eva has always been the main and central character throughout the progress of the story. This is depicted by her sacrifices for the children with no personal identity and voice that she had. This is clearly indicated in the desire of the main character to be alone and in memories of her early days in Russia. The character thus wanted to live in the world of her early days than of the days wherein she was consumed for the benefit of others (Cunningham and Murphy 2016) Looking at Davids journey it is shown as a story of recognition. When he realizes that Eva might now survive and as the death draws nearer, he clearly sees that Eva recognizes her life outside the life that he provided her. Her desires were mainly outside. Eva thus cannot be comprehended by her life partner too. She lived a repressed life devoid of desires that she cherished for herself. Eva was thus forced to live her life her way by leaving her love for learning and revolutionary past for her children. The novel also depicts that her sacrifices were not acknowledged but rather ignored and taken for granted. The irony is depicted when Vivi thanks Eva for these sacrifices, thus the role of motherhood is clearly depicted. Insight into Techniques of Novel Writing Olsen is a passionate writer. She always tries to give a hint of optimism. She gave this through the character Jeannie. This character is the youngest member of the family and hence with the agency. The youngest in the family provides complete dedication and care towards her mother Eva. This is hopeful writing by the author in the otherwise depiction of neglect for the sacrificing female. This is ironical since the earlier instances of the story depicts Jeannie having a scathing view on life. Thus she becomes the agent of change and bringing back dignity for her grandmother. Thus she felt awareness could bring change. Thus the understanding of these issues depicts her compassionate style (Goulet 2015) The authors style is also radical in a number of ways since she has touched the sensitive topic of individualism and feminism. There are more than one protagonists in the novel. The story has been told in a linear manner. In the beginning the tough phase in Eva and Davids life are hidden like their sons death and their early days in Russian civil war. The author also shows how knowing anyone completely is difficult and empathizing is even more difficult. Relevance of Themes and Issues The main theme of the novel is around feminism and the story of the limited role that a woman had during those days in the society. Eva faced a lot of hardships and sacrifices throughout her life in order to raise her children in the meantime she told her individualism. This indicates that Eva was not a submissive female, this was before she entered the American way of life. There are indications that she was radical in her approach she started her learning to read and write from a murderer. Evas hero is Anton Chekhow, this shows her regard for the weak and those who lack voice. This is also due to being raised in delicate times in Russia. Her likeness for such people depicts her preference for individualism (Nuessel and Stewart 2012) There are other indicative themes like the importance of women as both mothers and career oriented women. It also depicts whether relationships can be equal. Thus the title depicts whether the riddle can be solved. Olsens work thus depicts that there are no simple answers to such questions. Thus the theme of not wasting a human life full of talents and dreams to such sacrifices is depicted. Thus there are new forms of narrative. The character David shall thus never reconcile with Eva. There are other themes like the portrayal of self-dignity and the thought of individualism. Eva is thus a symbolism of the duties as a mother and her own desires to lead her life in a particular way. Conclusion Thus this novel is a path breaking literature depicting womanhood in a very different manner through the character Eva. The author has thus depicted the story in a running manner which makes it interesting. References Nuessel, F. and Stewart, A.V., 2012. A course on women and aging in literature: Rationale, recommendations, and resources.Educational Gerontology,28(2), pp.121-138. Cramer, P., 2006. Building a Tradition for Lesbian Feminist Literary Criticism: An Annotated Bibliography.Feminist Teacher, pp.20-22. Sullivan, S.M., 2012. Sisters of song: Tillie Olsen's Women. Goulet, C., 2015. Death of the tragic female writer: a conversation with Karen Connelly.Studies in Canadian Literature/tudes en littrature canadienne,20(2). Cunningham, D. and Murphy, P., 2016.Understanding Dark Networks: A Strategic Framework for the Use of Social Network Analysis. Rowman Littlefield.