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although presented with such varied and contrasting statements of character 

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"Everything I said was taken from me and altered until the story wasn't my own". In what ways is Agnes disempowered in Burial Rites?

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"Everything I said was taken from me and altered until the story wasn't my own". In what ways is Agnes disempowered in Burial Rites?

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Set in the bleak and unforgiving landscape of Iceland, Hannah Kents literary exploration of justice in Burial Rites, explicates how humanity and the natural environment can be intertwined. Kent utilises Iceland as a primary platform to highlight the dark hostilities that are mirrored through the inhabitants within the society. Certain confrontational reactions are depicted towards the protagonist, Agnes Magnusdottir, through living in times of patriarchal oppression, leaving her disempowered and alone. However, Kent does instil in her landscape a sense of hope and comfort, as magnified through Agnes' caretaker, Margret, presenting the ideal that there is such a light in a landscape saturated in darkness, as shown through her growing empathy of the "murderess". As the landscape, a metaphor for the unforgiving harshness of life, Kent presents that the protagonist within her novel is left alone and disempowered through her surroundings.

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Does Toti succeed in his role as Agnes's spiritual advisor? 

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Does Toti succeed in his role as Agnes's spiritual advisor? 

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INTRODUCTION
Against the backdrop of 19th century Iceland, Hannah Kent's 'Burial Rites' a complex exploration of the notions of control and religion. Kent depicts the antagonist Agnes Magnusdottir as an isolated and lost soul, where through the help of Toti, Agnes is able to communicate with Agnes on a spiritual level to an extent. Kent Illustrates how Toti is able to connect with Agnes spiritually, however it is not without hardships. Alongside this Kent demonstrates how Toti fails in bringing Agnes' icy soul to God. Instead Toti acts as a friend to Agnes giving him the ability to understand and comfort her.

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"I understand that these people did not see me. I was two dead men, I was a burning farm. I was a knife. I was Blood" Discuss how the reader's perception of Agnes is formed in the novel

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"I understand that these people did not see me. I was two dead men, I was a burning farm. I was a knife. I was Blood" Discuss how the reader's perception of Agnes is formed in the novel

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Entwined in fact and mystery, Hannah Kent's "Burial Rites" chronicles the final months of "condemned murderess" Agnes Magusdottir through lyrical and reflective narrative, unveiling the supposed truths of inner and outward perceptions. Underpinned by the upcoming execution, Kent's use of both third and first person narrative present starkly poignant views of the realities of humanity and death, especially when able to follow an individuals journey through grief and acceptance. Although presented with such varied and contrasting statements of character, through retrospective narrative and the inclusion of historical documents, readers are nonetheless sympathetic and engendered favourably towards Agnes' plight as her richly intelligent and personal voice is one in which Kent presents as a cry of discrimination and "ill-fortune".

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"I've told the truth and you can see for yourself how it has served me." 'The question of what is truth and what is not is at the heart of Burial Rites.' Discuss. 

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"I've told the truth and you can see for yourself how it has served me." 'The question of what is truth and what is not is at the heart of Burial Rites.' Discuss. 

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[PLAN]
- Kent presents conflicting evidence with Agnes' retellings of the murders & official documents -> the malleability of the truth
- ideas of perception + objective truth
- At its core, Burial Rites is a novel of life and death and the importance of celebrating and appreciating life before its gone
[INTRODUCTION]
Hannah Kent's historical finction novel Burial Rites is, at its core a novel that explores what is and is not truth. Kent presents the notion that truth is malleable in the hands of certain individuals, thus blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Kent also explores the ideas that individuals have their own stagnant beliefs and perception of others, further emphasising the subjectivity of truth.

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'The view of nineteenth century Icelandic society that Kent presents in 'Burial Rites' is of a society dominated by patriarchy, hypocrisy and religious superstition'.  To what extent to you agree? 

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'The view of nineteenth century Icelandic society that Kent presents in 'Burial Rites' is of a society dominated by patriarchy, hypocrisy and religious superstition'.  To what extent to you agree? 

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Exploring the way in which individuals are impacted by adversity, Kent implores inner strength to overcome her society of social injustice and hypocrisy. Set in the 19th century Iceland, Hannah Kent's novel 'Burial Rites' exposes the debilitating ramifications a society intransigent in its social hierarchy has on the atmosphere of the community. Kent demonstrates the extent of these ideals through utilizing contrasting techniques to emphasize how each life is tainted with these circumstances. while outlining the circumstances of her constructed society, Kent forefronts the power it can hold to create relationships and facilitate inner strength, ultimately allowing individuals to overcome her adverse interpretation of Iceland. Thus, while 'Burial Rites' illustrates the ways in which communities can whittle down individual strength, Kent emphasises how they can also provide support to combat the effects of society.

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'although Burial Rites is a story of secrets and lies, there are still many truths to be learned from the novel'. Discuss 

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'although Burial Rites is a story of secrets and lies, there are still many truths to be learned from the novel'. Discuss 

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Para 1 - Natan's treatment towards Agnes

Para 2 - Agnes death and Margrets Death

Para 3 - Agnes opening up to Toti
Agnes opening up to Margret, and the relationship changing between Agnes and Margret

Against the backdrop of 19th century Iceland, Hannah Kent's Burial Rites presents a complex exploration of falsehood and realities.  The dishonesty from influential characters depicted in Burial Rites examines the power powerful figures have in creating lies. However, Kent presents how the outcome of  lives can be influenced by one’s social status. This is further examined through development of meaningful connections and how individuals are able to reveal their personal truth.

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'The setting of the novel becomes a crucial part of the story' Discuss 

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'The setting of the novel becomes a crucial part of the story' Discuss 

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Against the backdrop of 19th century Iceland, Hannah Kent's "Burial Rites" presents a complex exploration of the notion of the unforgiving landscape and it's constant force contributing to shape individuals experiences. Kent underlines how the harsh landscape of Iceland in conjunction with with the classist and patriarchal society creates the setting of the novel a constant factor influencing characters behaviors. However, other predetermined factors such as love and loss also present as a constant occurrence that pose as equally crucial to the events in the novel. Thus , Kent presents that the unforgiving Icelandic landscape and the society influences of the era

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'Hannah Kent's choices of narrative perspective allow the reader to better understand the main character of Burial Rites.' Discuss.

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'Hannah Kent's choices of narrative perspective allow the reader to better understand the main character of Burial Rites.' Discuss.

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Against the backdrop of 19th century Iceland, Hannah Kent explores how narrative voice can be used to provide a greater insight into particular character. Kent highlights the struggles of loss and abandonment Agnes endured as a child through her use of first person narration. Similarly, Kent's narrative choice of intertwining Agnes' first and third person narration along with the historical documents provides a greater insight into how individuals perceive others, and their own personal struggles in a harsh environment; therefore, allowing the reader to have a better understanding of characters motives, beliefs, and values. However, Kent's use of Agnes' first person narration provides the opportunity to for Agnes' story to be weaved into a tale of sympathy, rather than truths. Thus, Kent endevours to provide readers with a greater understanding of the Illugastadir murders, but ultimately from Agnes' perspective as she hopes to promote her feminist values.

1. 1st person narration- understanding of loss and abandonment
2. 3rd person narration- greater/ more balanced insight into other characters and their struggles in a harsh environment (if anyone can make this somehow themey please help!)
3. HOWEVER Agnes' first person narration allows her to manipulate her story

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"It is the society Agnes belongs to that is to blame for her moral demise. Do you agree?"

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"It is the society Agnes belongs to that is to blame for her moral demise. Do you agree?"

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Hannah Kent's Burial Rites explores the harsh sufferings of the individuals who are victims of the prejudiced society in which they live in. Iceland's unforgiving government has the capacity to strip personal freedom through determining one's innocence. In this way, Agnes' criticised moral demise prevents her from truly belonging in Iceland. Further, the patriarchal society of Iceland propounds Agnes' seemingly 'guilt' as females who are expected to accept the notion of being subordinate to men. Agnes, however, can be partially to blame as she, herself, is ultimately in control of her own actions.

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"But poverty scrapes these homes down until they all look the same, and they have in common the absence of things that ought to be there. I might as well have been at one place in my life". What role does absence play in Agnes' life? 

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"But poverty scrapes these homes down until they all look the same, and they have in common the absence of things that ought to be there. I might as well have been at one place in my life". What role does absence play in Agnes' life? 

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Kent demonstrates the ability for male authority and the perceptions of society to create isolation within an individual's life, however it also depicts a lack of absence, through the concept of love. Against the backdrop of 19th century Iceland, Hannah Kent explores a complex exploration of the concept of identity and power within a society. Burial Rites presents the ability for the control and power of men to isolate an individual within their community and to create absence within their lives. Kent depicts the role of absence presented in an individuals life, through the harsh societal views, in which controls one's identity. However Kent also demonstrates how there is still little absence played in one's life due to the concept of love between individuals. Kent presents the idea of absence played in an individuals life, through the harsh perceptions and male authority within a community, however it also shows how love can create little absence in one's life.
Plan:
- Male authority- creating absence in one's life + isolate individuals (women in their life)- Blondal + Natan
- Perceptions of society can control one's life + isolate them from rest of society (Margaret + Blondal)
- Love can allow isolation + absence to disappear from an individual (Toti + Margaret- relationship with Agnes- lacks absence in her life)

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"Everything I said was taken from me and altered until the story wasn't my own". In what ways is Agnes disempowered in Burial Rites?

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"Everything I said was taken from me and altered until the story wasn't my own". In what ways is Agnes disempowered in Burial Rites?

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Against the backdrop of 19th century Iceland, Hannah Kent's "Burial Rites" presents a complex exploration of the notion of disempowerment and the human condition. Individuals are stripped of their autonomy through the manipulation of love, harsh societal judgement and prejudiced historical documented views and ultimately through selfish abandonment. Thus, Kent presents a three dimensional perspective of the protagonist while portraying a warning to be wary in relationships, to scrutinise public opinion and the damages of acting in a self-centered manner.

The protagonist Agnes Magnusdottir is weakened through her dangerous affection towards Natan and through his manipulation of her. Agnes acknowledges her love for him created 'a hunger so deep, so capable of driving [her] into the night', portraying her loss of sense and reasoning that derives from him. She becomes delusional as she feels 'as though [she] might die from love', ultimately allowing Natan to 'toy' with her. When Natan cheats on her she's instantly 'flooded with rage', 'digging [her] fingernails into the flesh of [her] arm', proving her willingness to undergo physical and mental pain for Natan.

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Is Agnes a master of manipulation or is she a victim of circumstance?

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Is Agnes a master of manipulation or is she a victim of circumstance?

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In the hostile setting of the 19th century Iceland, Hannah Kent's Burial Rites presents a complex exploration of the notion of Agnes' story telling throughout the novel. Kent presents this view point through her main protagonist, Agnes Magnesdottir, an undoubted victim of circumstance, forced into an unjust treatment from the justice system. This is further confirmed through......
Nonetheless, Kents decision to provide Agnes' voice in first person suggests that she has the capability to manipulate.........

PLAN:
Manipulation --> Storytelling --> we only hear Agnes' perspective therefore manipulates her story
Circumstance --> Fate --> Is it fate that leads to her ultimate circumstance or is it her actions

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"Memories shift like loose snow in a wind, or are a chorale of ghosts all talking  over one another." What comment does Burial Rites offer on memories and their effect on those who hold them?

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"Memories shift like loose snow in a wind, or are a chorale of ghosts all talking  over one another." What comment does Burial Rites offer on memories and their effect on those who hold them?

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Hannah Kent's Bural Rites is a creative extrapolation of the tales surrounding Iceland's last execution, exploring surrounding notions of memories and how they are lost or retained. In the classist, patriarchal society of 19th Century Iceland, Kent suggests that only the thoughts and viewpoints of the most privileged individuals are amplified and remembered as truth in history. Furthermore, Burial Rites illustrates how the memories of an individual's actions can "shift like loose snow in a wind" into a false depiction of their true character. However, it is depicted in the novel that legacies can be formed through stories and their resulting formation of relationships with those willing to listen, no matter the circumstance of the individual.

PLAN:
1. Those who are the most privileged are suggested to hold the truth in history - Official records, Blondal (and his view on Agnes as what was decided as truth in history)
2. The memories of wrongful decisions/actions often form the false depiction of an individual's character - Agnes and her mother (social class, sexual exploitation, Natan's murder and how society perceives their actions)
3. Legacies can be formed through storytelling through relationships with one another (Agnes' impact on Toti and the Kornsa family, the manner in which she places them to perceive herself as victim of her circumstance)

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"He has pinned me to ill fortune, and although I have struggled, I am run through and through with disaster; I am knifed to the hilt with fate." It is Agne's struggle against fate and ill fortune that wins the reader's sympathy.' Do you agree?

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"He has pinned me to ill fortune, and although I have struggled, I am run through and through with disaster; I am knifed to the hilt with fate." It is Agne's struggle against fate and ill fortune that wins the reader's sympathy.' Do you agree?

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YES: Kent's narrative shift b/w 1st and 3rd person = reader sees Agnes' constant struggle with her doomed fate
YES: struggle with fate as is woman of poor background - seen from start
NO: readers don't feel Agnes has struggle with fate - instead, Kent suggests that she is in that position bc of own actions and uses manipulation to try and overcome/escape

INTRO:
Throughout Hannah Kent's depiction of the 19th century Icelandic society and culture, in her novel Burial Rites, it is evident that readers are positioned to feel a sense of empathy for the protagonist. Particularly, through Kent's narrative shift between first and third person the reader is critically aware of the battle that individuals face with their fate, which often cannot be triumphed. Significantly, Kent also elucidates the rigid cultural mores of Iceland and how if individuals so not conform to them, they are destined to ill-fortune. Although, Kent ultimately acts to instill a sense of ambiguity within readers, as she questions the notion of  destiny through her portrayal character's ability to manipulate others with hopes of altering their fate.

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In Cold Blood demonstrates the hypocrisy and the inhumanity of the American justice system.  Discuss.

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In Cold Blood demonstrates the hypocrisy and the inhumanity of the American justice system.  Discuss.

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In the form of new-journalism, Truman Capote's narrative 'In Cold Blood' explores the multi-faceted, complex human condition and the social constructs pervading 20th century America.  By highlighting the prevalence of attaining America's 'ideal' life, Capote attests that it is the inability to transcend one's social class that magnifies the injustice of criminal treatment.  Furthermore, the manipulation present in the novel's narration, as well as the conniving acts of individuals, highlight the hypocritical manner in which the non-fiction novel is presented.  However, through suggesting that inherent evil surfaces more in certain individuals, Capote affirms that the American justice system rightly punishes those most vulnerable to unlawful acts.  Thus, whilst Capote alludes to the overwhelming justice that criminals receive as punishment, he ultimately discloses that the ultimate penalty imparted upon criminals is more immoral than their committed acts.

PLAN
1. American Dream and social classes - Dick Hickock and Mr Clutter
2. manipulation - title, Capote's bias towards Perry and Perry's manipulation
3. Evil - Lowell Lee Andrews, Perry

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"If no one will say your name, you are forgotten.  I am forgotten." How does Hannah Kent ensure that Agnes Magnusdottir's name will not be forgotten. 

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"If no one will say your name, you are forgotten.  I am forgotten." How does Hannah Kent ensure that Agnes Magnusdottir's name will not be forgotten. 

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Set in 19th century Iceland, Hannah Kent's historical fiction novel, 'Burial Rites', delves into the multi-faceted dimensions of Agnes' life, by providing readers with a 'more ambiguous' portrayal of her character in order to form a modern-day perception.  Through the exploration of the rigid historical documents, Agnes' first-person narrative, and the views of Toti and Margret, Kent aims to strengthen the reader's understanding of Agnes' circumstances by considering the lens of other characters. By positioning readers to acknowledge the mitigating conditions the condemned and disenfranchised were subjected to, Kent attempts to push readers to consider Agnes' self-worth without staining her image as a 'murderess'.

1. By probing into the rigid and vilifying historical documents as well as individuals with great power, Kent aims to position readers to acknowledge Agnes' harsh reality.

2. In order to combat the patriarchal nature of Agnes' circumstances, Kent's implementation of the first-person narrative, coerces readers to understand that Agnes' identity was constantly manipulated.

3. Through the implementation and exploration of characters such as Toti and Margret, Kent delivers an opportunity for readers to form a sympathetic perception towards Agnes' story.