The theme of a "bargain" in English-speaking literature.

January 5, 2009 on 9:05 pm | By | In bluefreesky.com | The theme of a "bargain" in English-speaking literature.
  • To write an essay on the subject "bargains," I am looking for examples in American/British literature. I want the names of poems, novels, short stories, plays in which a "bargain" is a major theme. Forget Faust. I don't want Faust. I want literature in English where characters strike a bargain with each other, or where a character strikes a bargain with himself, herself. I don't need analysis. Just the name and author of the piece.


  • I think that if you look at the marriage proposal made in Pride and Prejudice between (I believe) Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth is a perfect example. He proposes to her in the form of a business deal, showing how their union would benefit her both financially and socially. I hope this helps.


  • I would not use the word "bargain" - that now means a /good/ deal. You want, I think, themes where there is an /explicit/ deal or contract. Like The Merchant of Venice


  • One that stands out in my mind is Les Miserables. When Jean Valjean steals the Bishop's silver, the Bishop tells the police that he gave Valjean the silver. Afterwards, he tells Valjean that, in exchange for the silver and his freedom, he must live his life for God. That promise drives Valjean's decisions and actions for the rest of his life. A number of fairy tales also contain such bargains. There is the mermaid who trades her soul for legs. Bargains for a child are popular in these stories: Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel, and Rumplestiltskin all center around the trading of a child for power or protection. A number of comedies center around the "cover for me" bargain. A number of dramas (especially political ones) center around power bargains. - Hammer


  • I'm looking for an explicit "deal" or "contract" between characters in English speaking literature; or between a character and himself/herself.


  • Here's a combination of search terms that should be helpful: ://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=isbn+%22strikes+a+bargain


  • Another fun example is Scherezade. - Hammer







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