"Me and Mike, ve vork in mine....." - pg. 155
I'll let you research the rest of that poem. What entertained me was how out-of-the-blew this little poem came. It was funny despite its serious theme and serious message. That is what this entire book was. At times I felt guilty laughing at the situations, but I couldn't help it! At other times, I felt terrible for Billy and for the people in war in general. I thought it was a masterpiece that took control of me as I read. I haven't read a book so fast all four years of high school english. It easily is my favorite book I've ever been forced to read. I love it!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - Imaaaaaagination
"Trout, incidentally, had written a book about a money tree. It had twenty-dollar bills for leaves. Its flowers were government bonds. Its fruit was diamonds. It attracted human beings who killed each other around the roots and made very good fertilizer. So it goes." - pg. 167
I just love the nature of this book. I love how it talks about this man named Kilgore Trout. I think I might have been interested in the crazy ideas of this writer. He seems to be very creative, though weak at writing. I just laugh at some of his story lines like the one above. I appreciate the humor despite his odd character. This is one of the reasons I loved the book. I just couldn't handle the awesome creativity it held! I'm jealous!
I just love the nature of this book. I love how it talks about this man named Kilgore Trout. I think I might have been interested in the crazy ideas of this writer. He seems to be very creative, though weak at writing. I just laugh at some of his story lines like the one above. I appreciate the humor despite his odd character. This is one of the reasons I loved the book. I just couldn't handle the awesome creativity it held! I'm jealous!
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - Personification/Onomatopoeia
"Birds were talking. One bird said to Billy Pilgrim, 'Poo-tee-weet?'" - pg. 215
First, I was surprised that the bird talked. Second, I was surprised by odd choice of words to form the bird sound. I'm saying it to myself, and I don't sound like a bird. And finally, I realized it was a question. WHY IS IT A QUESTION?! How did Vonnegut decide that it was a question? This blog post is analyzing the confusion. Analyze! I've got nothing significant. But, I'm very creative, so I'll give it a shot. The birds might be asking the audience "Savvy?" It could be Vonnegut's way of discreetly asking the reader if he/she understands. Or the bird could be asking why humans make war? The bird is in a setting of complete destruction of its habitat. It could be asking Billy, "Why?" This would be another way for Vonnegut to pound home his point.
First, I was surprised that the bird talked. Second, I was surprised by odd choice of words to form the bird sound. I'm saying it to myself, and I don't sound like a bird. And finally, I realized it was a question. WHY IS IT A QUESTION?! How did Vonnegut decide that it was a question? This blog post is analyzing the confusion. Analyze! I've got nothing significant. But, I'm very creative, so I'll give it a shot. The birds might be asking the audience "Savvy?" It could be Vonnegut's way of discreetly asking the reader if he/she understands. Or the bird could be asking why humans make war? The bird is in a setting of complete destruction of its habitat. It could be asking Billy, "Why?" This would be another way for Vonnegut to pound home his point.
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - 1st person
"Somebody behind him in the boxcar said, 'Oz.' That was I. That was me. The only other city I'd ever seen was Indianapolis, Indiana." - pg. 148
Suddenly, the perspective from which the book is told changes. Why would the author interrupt the story that he has been telling since the beginning of chapter two and go back to the style of chapter one? It serves as a reminder to the reader that the story that is ongoing may be fiction, but it is rooted in fact. Most lies have some truth at the heart of them. That is the way I see this story. Vonnegut has no intentions of trying to convince us that Billy Pilgrim's story actually happened, and he directly states that. However, he does base the story in fact. His little clips fromt he war reflect how it actually was. He just uses a fictional character to portray what goes on.
Suddenly, the perspective from which the book is told changes. Why would the author interrupt the story that he has been telling since the beginning of chapter two and go back to the style of chapter one? It serves as a reminder to the reader that the story that is ongoing may be fiction, but it is rooted in fact. Most lies have some truth at the heart of them. That is the way I see this story. Vonnegut has no intentions of trying to convince us that Billy Pilgrim's story actually happened, and he directly states that. However, he does base the story in fact. His little clips fromt he war reflect how it actually was. He just uses a fictional character to portray what goes on.
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - Anecdote
"He looked so peculiar that several people commented on it solicitously when the song was done. They thought he might have been having a heart attack, and Billy seemed to confirm this by going to a chair and sitting down haggardly." - pg. 173
This book is riddled with anecdotes. In fact, the anecdotes are very different and varied and come in no logical order. What can be the purpose of these stories? For one, they fit the style of the book perfectly, since Billy Pilgrim jumps around in time. Secondly, they help to portray the attitude towards war that Vonnegut wants them to feel. The anecdotes single out events in Billy's life that directly relate to how he became so messed up later in life. They are the quintessential way to move the story along and impact the readers. It helps make the book more conversational and easy to follow, despite the illogical order.
This book is riddled with anecdotes. In fact, the anecdotes are very different and varied and come in no logical order. What can be the purpose of these stories? For one, they fit the style of the book perfectly, since Billy Pilgrim jumps around in time. Secondly, they help to portray the attitude towards war that Vonnegut wants them to feel. The anecdotes single out events in Billy's life that directly relate to how he became so messed up later in life. They are the quintessential way to move the story along and impact the readers. It helps make the book more conversational and easy to follow, despite the illogical order.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - The Children's Crusade
"And war will look just wonderful, so we'll have a lot more of them. And they'll be fought by babies like the babies upstairs." - pg. 14
I agree with O'Hare's wifes' attitude towards war. It is glorified through the media when it is finished. Most of the time, during war, though, the horrors are present. But, people prefer to watch movies that show the "cool" side of war. It makes them feel like they will be important if they are able to kill and be a part of a war. War does tend to include younger people, like she says. It is fought by young adults, or even worse, children are sent to battle because they are unsuspecting and more challenging emotionally to kill. I understand at times in our history, war was necessary. But at this point, I don't see any sort of logical reason for war. Our world is becoming extremely interconnected, and it seems senseless attack another part when other means are more effective and less dangerous. I hope we are able to keep fascists out and keep world on fairly peaceful terms. We need more solidarity!
I agree with O'Hare's wifes' attitude towards war. It is glorified through the media when it is finished. Most of the time, during war, though, the horrors are present. But, people prefer to watch movies that show the "cool" side of war. It makes them feel like they will be important if they are able to kill and be a part of a war. War does tend to include younger people, like she says. It is fought by young adults, or even worse, children are sent to battle because they are unsuspecting and more challenging emotionally to kill. I understand at times in our history, war was necessary. But at this point, I don't see any sort of logical reason for war. Our world is becoming extremely interconnected, and it seems senseless attack another part when other means are more effective and less dangerous. I hope we are able to keep fascists out and keep world on fairly peaceful terms. We need more solidarity!
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - Tralfamadore Paradox
"'If I hadn't spent so much time studying Earthlings,' said the Tralfamadorian, 'I wouldn't have any idea what was meant by 'free will.''" - pg. 86
This is the argument that many people use against Catholicism. How can God be all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-good and humans still have free will? How is it possible for God to allow free will but still have power over everything? St. Augustine teaches us, first of all, that God, like the Tralfamadorians, is not stuck in time. He is able not subject to time. This causes people to think that everything is pre-determined and we have no free choices in life. It's already set to end the way God set it to end. But this is not the case. It is impossible for our human minds to grasp the concept of God not being subject to time. So, no human can perfectly explain this seeming paradox. However, what we can understand is that God is not subject to time. He is simply "unstuck in time." We then must understand that God enters into time for us. He, like the Tralfamadorians, is able to enter into time to be with us. Jesus lived trapped in human time for 33 human years. We must also not forfeit our concept of free will. One of the oldest truths in the Bible is that God gave humans the freedomt to choose as they please. We do not have to listen to God. We can do whatever we want, although it does come with repurcussions later. We have the free choice to choose God and that is the essence of human nature.
This is the argument that many people use against Catholicism. How can God be all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-good and humans still have free will? How is it possible for God to allow free will but still have power over everything? St. Augustine teaches us, first of all, that God, like the Tralfamadorians, is not stuck in time. He is able not subject to time. This causes people to think that everything is pre-determined and we have no free choices in life. It's already set to end the way God set it to end. But this is not the case. It is impossible for our human minds to grasp the concept of God not being subject to time. So, no human can perfectly explain this seeming paradox. However, what we can understand is that God is not subject to time. He is simply "unstuck in time." We then must understand that God enters into time for us. He, like the Tralfamadorians, is able to enter into time to be with us. Jesus lived trapped in human time for 33 human years. We must also not forfeit our concept of free will. One of the oldest truths in the Bible is that God gave humans the freedomt to choose as they please. We do not have to listen to God. We can do whatever we want, although it does come with repurcussions later. We have the free choice to choose God and that is the essence of human nature.
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - Flashback
"This was when Billy first came unstuck in time. His attention began to swing grandly through the full arc of his life, passing into death, which was violet light. There wasn't anybody else there, or any thing. There was just violet light- and a hum. And then Billy sung into life again, going backwards until he was in pre-birth, which was red light and bubbling sounds. And then he swung into life again and stopped. He was a little boy taking a shower with his hairy father at Ilium Y.M.C.A." pg. 43
This could be called a flashback, even though it includes a flashforward (?). I guess that's what I'd call it. Vonnegut bases much of his storyline through the use of twisted flashbacks. It's not the standard flashbacks used by authors, but rather one that stems from Billy's alleged coming unstuck in time. It is an incredible way for Vonnegut to show many different periods of Billy's life. It helps him show how Billy connected events in his life, and how he changed from situation to situation. It initially causes the reader confusion, but it clears up as the reader gathers more of the story. It helps give Billy's background in light of his actions done during and after the war. The reader can see where Billy gets his ideas, and why he thinks the way he does.
This could be called a flashback, even though it includes a flashforward (?). I guess that's what I'd call it. Vonnegut bases much of his storyline through the use of twisted flashbacks. It's not the standard flashbacks used by authors, but rather one that stems from Billy's alleged coming unstuck in time. It is an incredible way for Vonnegut to show many different periods of Billy's life. It helps him show how Billy connected events in his life, and how he changed from situation to situation. It initially causes the reader confusion, but it clears up as the reader gathers more of the story. It helps give Billy's background in light of his actions done during and after the war. The reader can see where Billy gets his ideas, and why he thinks the way he does.
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - Paragraph Structure
"Frames are where the money is." pg. 24 "This can be useful in rocketry." pg. 80
The paragraph lengths Vonnegut uses vary from a few sentences to short, one-sentence paragraphs. I don't fully understand why he chooses to use choppy paragraphs, but I do know that it sets a certain tone over the whole book. Not much detail is given to any particular subject. This causes his descriptions to seem very matter-of-fact. He says what happened, and there are no questions asked. This adds to the anti-war sentiment of the book. Events like Billy speaking of crazy interactions with aliens are said so that it seems like it did happen. It shows that Billy is convinced he truly met these aliens. This helps Vonnegut portray the mental issues that follow the time spent at war.
The paragraph lengths Vonnegut uses vary from a few sentences to short, one-sentence paragraphs. I don't fully understand why he chooses to use choppy paragraphs, but I do know that it sets a certain tone over the whole book. Not much detail is given to any particular subject. This causes his descriptions to seem very matter-of-fact. He says what happened, and there are no questions asked. This adds to the anti-war sentiment of the book. Events like Billy speaking of crazy interactions with aliens are said so that it seems like it did happen. It shows that Billy is convinced he truly met these aliens. This helps Vonnegut portray the mental issues that follow the time spent at war.
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - Most effective literary technique in the book
"So it goes." pg. 32, 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 45, etc.
Now, some people may question the obssesive repitition of this phrase. However, this phrase is the author's purpose of writing the book. The book is an anti-war book. It's point is to show people the horrors of war and how terrible it is. Using the phrase "So it goes" after every death in the book shows the attitude that people acquire after going through war. They lose sensibility to death. However, the average person does not know that this happens to soldiers. So, he conveys the attitude the soldiers feel, due to no fault of their own. We recognize that this is a terrible attitude, and it opens our eyes to recognize how much war messes up people's minds.
Now, some people may question the obssesive repitition of this phrase. However, this phrase is the author's purpose of writing the book. The book is an anti-war book. It's point is to show people the horrors of war and how terrible it is. Using the phrase "So it goes" after every death in the book shows the attitude that people acquire after going through war. They lose sensibility to death. However, the average person does not know that this happens to soldiers. So, he conveys the attitude the soldiers feel, due to no fault of their own. We recognize that this is a terrible attitude, and it opens our eyes to recognize how much war messes up people's minds.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - CREATUUUURE!
"the fiend..." pg. 139
CAN WE PLEASE GIVE THE CREATURE A NAME?! I think at the very least he deserves the dignity of a name. Creature, monster, and fiend do not qualify as names. I think the creature deserves some respect. If I were the creature, I'd give myself a name. That way using the terms creature, monster, and fiend would be like the use of "He-who-must-not-be named." That would at least give the creature the respect of fear. I understand that he was created, but he is so important and intelligent that I think he deserves a name. However, no name I give will suffice, it must come from the creator - Mary Shelley. I'm disappointed in her not naming the creature.
CAN WE PLEASE GIVE THE CREATURE A NAME?! I think at the very least he deserves the dignity of a name. Creature, monster, and fiend do not qualify as names. I think the creature deserves some respect. If I were the creature, I'd give myself a name. That way using the terms creature, monster, and fiend would be like the use of "He-who-must-not-be named." That would at least give the creature the respect of fear. I understand that he was created, but he is so important and intelligent that I think he deserves a name. However, no name I give will suffice, it must come from the creator - Mary Shelley. I'm disappointed in her not naming the creature.
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - Depravity
"'Man,' I cried, 'how ignorant art thou in they pride of wisdom! Cease; you know not what it is you say.'" - pg. 149
This novel is filled with sin. From the beginning through the end. It all stems from the deadliest sin of all - that which is stated above...pride. The evil of pride drove Victor to create the terrible monster which sinned and murdered numerous people. The sin simply built upon itself, and it's a terrible cycle which is very hard to get out of. The monster actually showed earlier signs than Victor in getting out of it. But, his peers forced him into the terrible cycle again. The pride continues with Walton and is leading to his downfall. Thanks to the example of Victor, he is able to salvage his sorry state of sin. This novel speaks much to the terrible cycle of sinning and how it builds upon itself.
This novel is filled with sin. From the beginning through the end. It all stems from the deadliest sin of all - that which is stated above...pride. The evil of pride drove Victor to create the terrible monster which sinned and murdered numerous people. The sin simply built upon itself, and it's a terrible cycle which is very hard to get out of. The monster actually showed earlier signs than Victor in getting out of it. But, his peers forced him into the terrible cycle again. The pride continues with Walton and is leading to his downfall. Thanks to the example of Victor, he is able to salvage his sorry state of sin. This novel speaks much to the terrible cycle of sinning and how it builds upon itself.
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - Repetition
"I will be with you on your wedding-night." - pg. 123 among others
This phrase is one of the most repeated throughout the novel as it is very important. The repitition foreshadows an important happening on the wedding-night. What could happen is open to interpretation, and Victor had the wrong interpretation. He didn't realize until too late that the creature was going to attack him indirectly. He wasn't looking where he needed to and Elizabeth lost her life. This shows the intelligence of the creature. He is able to deceive and essentially defeat his creator, though he feels sorry for it later. The repititon is a telling clue that the creature knows what he is doing and is essentially unstopable. This gives the reader a sense of helplessness. The creature has the power to do whatever he wills.
This phrase is one of the most repeated throughout the novel as it is very important. The repitition foreshadows an important happening on the wedding-night. What could happen is open to interpretation, and Victor had the wrong interpretation. He didn't realize until too late that the creature was going to attack him indirectly. He wasn't looking where he needed to and Elizabeth lost her life. This shows the intelligence of the creature. He is able to deceive and essentially defeat his creator, though he feels sorry for it later. The repititon is a telling clue that the creature knows what he is doing and is essentially unstopable. This gives the reader a sense of helplessness. The creature has the power to do whatever he wills.
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - Theme
"'But soon,' he cried, with sad and solemn enthusiasm, 'I shall die and what I now feel be no longer felt. Soon these burning miseries will be extinct.'" - pg. 166
William dies; Henry dies; Elizabeth dies; Victor's father dies; Victor dies; and eventually the creature will die. Death, death, death. It is prevalent throughout the work of the novel. But death itself is not the theme. The theme is the effects that come from death. The results are sadness, depression, and more death. The death of William puts Victor into depression. The death of Elizabeth leads to Victor's father's death. The death of Victor leaves Walton sad and alone. This novel is teaching us that death is an evil that should be avoided at all costs; however, death is unavoidable, and we are bound to suffer through other's deaths. While I don't agree with this theme, that is what the author is teaching us. Clearly the rain is making her depressed; unfortunately, she can't enjoy good weather on her vacation.
William dies; Henry dies; Elizabeth dies; Victor's father dies; Victor dies; and eventually the creature will die. Death, death, death. It is prevalent throughout the work of the novel. But death itself is not the theme. The theme is the effects that come from death. The results are sadness, depression, and more death. The death of William puts Victor into depression. The death of Elizabeth leads to Victor's father's death. The death of Victor leaves Walton sad and alone. This novel is teaching us that death is an evil that should be avoided at all costs; however, death is unavoidable, and we are bound to suffer through other's deaths. While I don't agree with this theme, that is what the author is teaching us. Clearly the rain is making her depressed; unfortunately, she can't enjoy good weather on her vacation.
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - Frame Story
"You have read this strange and terrific story, Margaret; and do you not feel your blood congeal with horror like that which even now curdles mine?" - pg. 155
The entire story is told as frames within frames within frames. In the middle of the book, I tended to forget that it was being told to Walton which in turn was being written in letters to Margaret. This quote was the major transition out of the storing being told by Victor. Coming out of that story caused suspense. As the reader, I began to feel nervous as to what may happen next since I didn't know the end result like I did before. However, I forgot that it was being told in letters! When I recalled this, I new that the ending couldn't be all terrible since Walton had to write it down. The frame story creates layers of suspense and ingenuity that causes the reader to stay entranced in the novel.
The entire story is told as frames within frames within frames. In the middle of the book, I tended to forget that it was being told to Walton which in turn was being written in letters to Margaret. This quote was the major transition out of the storing being told by Victor. Coming out of that story caused suspense. As the reader, I began to feel nervous as to what may happen next since I didn't know the end result like I did before. However, I forgot that it was being told in letters! When I recalled this, I new that the ending couldn't be all terrible since Walton had to write it down. The frame story creates layers of suspense and ingenuity that causes the reader to stay entranced in the novel.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - Friendly!
"When I returned, as often as it was necessary, I cleared their path from the snow and performed those offices that I had seen done by Felix." - pg. 80
This part reminded me of Shrek. The poor creature was shunned by all of humanity before he was even given a chance. But, he is not intrinsically evil as some had believed. In fact, he appears to be intrinsically kind. He goes out of his way to help out the family he is living adjacent to. Shrek, in a similar way, was shunned from the fairy tale creatures and humans and left to his swamp. Both of them were prejudged and not given a chance to show their goodness. I believe that everything is naturally good, but is either turned evil or abused to the extent that its ends become evil. I feel sympathy for the creature and how he has been treated.
This part reminded me of Shrek. The poor creature was shunned by all of humanity before he was even given a chance. But, he is not intrinsically evil as some had believed. In fact, he appears to be intrinsically kind. He goes out of his way to help out the family he is living adjacent to. Shrek, in a similar way, was shunned from the fairy tale creatures and humans and left to his swamp. Both of them were prejudged and not given a chance to show their goodness. I believe that everything is naturally good, but is either turned evil or abused to the extent that its ends become evil. I feel sympathy for the creature and how he has been treated.
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - Just?
"And on the morrow Justine died. Elizabeth's heart-rending eloquence failed to move the judges from their settled conviction in the criminality of the saintly sufferer." - pg. 60
First, I find irony in Justine's name. I find it funny that her name has the word just in it and she seems to have been unjustly accused. The evidence incriminating her is fairly circumstantial and besides the locket, not much can incriminate her. Even Elizabeth begged to let her off innocent, but for some reason, not even this could move the judges. I was appalled at their lack of thoroughness in the matter. She was clearly judged prematurely. I have yet to learn if she did murder or not, but either way it was a premature decision. I found it particularly rash that they jumped straight to capital punishment. Poor Justine didn't stand a chance against an unjust legal system. Unfortunately, since she is dead, there is no way to reverse the judgement.
First, I find irony in Justine's name. I find it funny that her name has the word just in it and she seems to have been unjustly accused. The evidence incriminating her is fairly circumstantial and besides the locket, not much can incriminate her. Even Elizabeth begged to let her off innocent, but for some reason, not even this could move the judges. I was appalled at their lack of thoroughness in the matter. She was clearly judged prematurely. I have yet to learn if she did murder or not, but either way it was a premature decision. I found it particularly rash that they jumped straight to capital punishment. Poor Justine didn't stand a chance against an unjust legal system. Unfortunately, since she is dead, there is no way to reverse the judgement.
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - Personification
"We were soon joined by Elizabeth. Time had altered her since I last beheld her; it had endowed her with loveliness surpassing the beauty of her childish years." - pg. 53
The literary technique so cleverly used above is a very interesting form of personification. I hesitate calling it anthropomorphism as that generally pertains to giving human like qualities to gods. Time in this sense is given the quality of altering and endowing. Time doesn't have hands or the brain to alter or endow. However, its perceived existence seems to result in people changing over time. It is a very clever way to explain the differences in people. I particularly like this use of personification. I find that it is very effective in explaining both her changed countenance and how long it had been since the characters had last seen each other. The funny thing though, is the human concept of time. Some people do treat it as a god because they feel like they are held under its grasp. But time itself is relative and the true God exists outside of time and its effects. The way Shelley uses it is the common way for humans to explain time.
The literary technique so cleverly used above is a very interesting form of personification. I hesitate calling it anthropomorphism as that generally pertains to giving human like qualities to gods. Time in this sense is given the quality of altering and endowing. Time doesn't have hands or the brain to alter or endow. However, its perceived existence seems to result in people changing over time. It is a very clever way to explain the differences in people. I particularly like this use of personification. I find that it is very effective in explaining both her changed countenance and how long it had been since the characters had last seen each other. The funny thing though, is the human concept of time. Some people do treat it as a god because they feel like they are held under its grasp. But time itself is relative and the true God exists outside of time and its effects. The way Shelley uses it is the common way for humans to explain time.
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - Juxtaposition
"We perceived a low carriage, fixed on a sledge and drawn by dogs, pass on towards the north, at the distance of half a mile; a being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature, sat in the sledge, and guided the dogs." - pg. 8
The literary technique used here didn't need an English major to utilize. Such a way of describing the creature is necessary for the reader to begin to understand. It only makes sense to compare the creature to something we know in order that we can better visualize the creature. In this juxtaposition of the creature and regular humans, we learn already that the creature is quite large. He also seems to be advanced when we learn that he guided the dogsled at a much faster rate than the regular human who was two hours behind. This juxtaposition is continually used to describe the creature, and it helps the reader to understand who the characters in the story are up against. Juxtaposition is a very simple, yet effective, way of explaining objects that readers have no prior knowledge of. Without it, it is like trying to explain the color red to a person blind from birth.
The literary technique used here didn't need an English major to utilize. Such a way of describing the creature is necessary for the reader to begin to understand. It only makes sense to compare the creature to something we know in order that we can better visualize the creature. In this juxtaposition of the creature and regular humans, we learn already that the creature is quite large. He also seems to be advanced when we learn that he guided the dogsled at a much faster rate than the regular human who was two hours behind. This juxtaposition is continually used to describe the creature, and it helps the reader to understand who the characters in the story are up against. Juxtaposition is a very simple, yet effective, way of explaining objects that readers have no prior knowledge of. Without it, it is like trying to explain the color red to a person blind from birth.
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley - Foreshadowing
"It was a strong effort of the spirit of good; but it was ineffectual. Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible destruction." - Page 23
This quote is a very early sign of a very dark ending for a story which has yet to be told. From those circumstances, I like to call it foreshadowing. Whereas most foreshadowing tends to give more specific hints towards specific endings, this simply gives the end behavior. Unfortunately, as english students and not mathematicians studying chaos theory, we are not so interested in the end behavior as we are in the way to get there. So what Shelley does here is quite cunning to me. She pretends like she is revealing something very telling, when in fact it makes the reader desire even more to continue to read. She does give away that it doesn't end well, but the reader is left to wonder: What doesn't end well? and Why doesn't it end well? I find that these lines propelled me to read ahead moreso than any other in the book, hence why it has been given the honor of blog #100.
This quote is a very early sign of a very dark ending for a story which has yet to be told. From those circumstances, I like to call it foreshadowing. Whereas most foreshadowing tends to give more specific hints towards specific endings, this simply gives the end behavior. Unfortunately, as english students and not mathematicians studying chaos theory, we are not so interested in the end behavior as we are in the way to get there. So what Shelley does here is quite cunning to me. She pretends like she is revealing something very telling, when in fact it makes the reader desire even more to continue to read. She does give away that it doesn't end well, but the reader is left to wonder: What doesn't end well? and Why doesn't it end well? I find that these lines propelled me to read ahead moreso than any other in the book, hence why it has been given the honor of blog #100.
Monday, March 5, 2012
A Raisin in the Sun - A Dream Deferred
"When a cat take off with your money he don't leave you no road maps!" (II.iii.128)
This lines, while fairly sad, is also one of my favorites in the story. It also has a large impact on the family - and relates to the poem "A Dream Deferred." This play explores the possibilities of what happens when dream is deferred. To some, it "dries up like a raisin in the sun." It loses its possibility of happening but lingers around as a memory. In the case of Walter, it does just that. It gets taken out of his hands by the time he finally decides to move foward with it. But I think that most of all, a dream deferred "sags like a heavy load." This burdened the entire family and brought them down until they finally were able to move forward with their dream. Thankfully, the family is finally able to achieve their dream. Otherwise, it might have exploded.
This lines, while fairly sad, is also one of my favorites in the story. It also has a large impact on the family - and relates to the poem "A Dream Deferred." This play explores the possibilities of what happens when dream is deferred. To some, it "dries up like a raisin in the sun." It loses its possibility of happening but lingers around as a memory. In the case of Walter, it does just that. It gets taken out of his hands by the time he finally decides to move foward with it. But I think that most of all, a dream deferred "sags like a heavy load." This burdened the entire family and brought them down until they finally were able to move forward with their dream. Thankfully, the family is finally able to achieve their dream. Otherwise, it might have exploded.
"A Raisin in the Sun" - Q12
"We don't wnat to hear no exact terms of no arrangements. I want to know if you got any more to tell us 'bout getting together?" (II.iii.118) - Walter
This situation is the point of no return. After this point in the story, the family's future is set. No longer can the family change their minds- they rejected an offer to make money off of the house an are set to live their new lives. As evidenced by the scene, their lives will never be the same. They will no longer face some of their traditional issues, but now they will face some more challenging issues, mostly revolving around race. This point of no return does not simply affect one person. It affects the entire family. After this moment, none of their lives will be the same.
This situation is the point of no return. After this point in the story, the family's future is set. No longer can the family change their minds- they rejected an offer to make money off of the house an are set to live their new lives. As evidenced by the scene, their lives will never be the same. They will no longer face some of their traditional issues, but now they will face some more challenging issues, mostly revolving around race. This point of no return does not simply affect one person. It affects the entire family. After this moment, none of their lives will be the same.
A Raisin in the Sun - Q9
"So - I would rather be living in Buckingham Palace." (I.i.34) - Mama
Mama feels trapped in A Raisin in the Sun. She feels that her current situation in life - more specifically her home - is holding her down from a better lifestyle. She feels that unless the family moves to a better neighborhood and with better homes, they will be forever stuck in the poor living conditions they currently entertain. Mama does the best job out of all the characters in keeping her calm when discussing what she wants to do with the money. She keeps her hopes up by constantly reminding herself of the home she will have someday. She doesn't let this slow down her motherly work, though. She continues to work hard living the life she has now while also preparing to move into a better lifestyle. While this dream seems to be out of reach, she does not let it affect her morals. She still stands up for her future grandson and demands that he not be aborted. Mama does a good job of keeping her morals the same and not letting her dreams override her values.
Mama feels trapped in A Raisin in the Sun. She feels that her current situation in life - more specifically her home - is holding her down from a better lifestyle. She feels that unless the family moves to a better neighborhood and with better homes, they will be forever stuck in the poor living conditions they currently entertain. Mama does the best job out of all the characters in keeping her calm when discussing what she wants to do with the money. She keeps her hopes up by constantly reminding herself of the home she will have someday. She doesn't let this slow down her motherly work, though. She continues to work hard living the life she has now while also preparing to move into a better lifestyle. While this dream seems to be out of reach, she does not let it affect her morals. She still stands up for her future grandson and demands that he not be aborted. Mama does a good job of keeping her morals the same and not letting her dreams override her values.
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams - Tom's rudeness
"I'll rise-but I won't shine." (Scene 4)
Throughout the play, I feel like Tom is a very rude teenager. Yes, I can sympathize with his difficult position in life and his challenging circumstances. I can also empathize with his frustration with his mother, especially since he doesn't have a father figure to go to for a break. This situation is not one that anybody would like to be in, especially since he is stuck in a dead-end job. Nevertheless, I don't find how he treats his mother and sister as appropriate. His mother has gone to great lengths to be a support during his life, and he has turned to a form of entertainment contrary to all of her moral beliefs. He rudely yells at her and eventually walks out on the family. I do not agree with the disrespect he has shown his family. Curiously, as the narrator, he seems to have a much clearer mind. I don't know what has changed, maybe he became successful after leaving his family. On the contrary, I would expect some remorse for the way he treated them and abandoned them. I wish there was more information as to how the characters' lives finished.
Throughout the play, I feel like Tom is a very rude teenager. Yes, I can sympathize with his difficult position in life and his challenging circumstances. I can also empathize with his frustration with his mother, especially since he doesn't have a father figure to go to for a break. This situation is not one that anybody would like to be in, especially since he is stuck in a dead-end job. Nevertheless, I don't find how he treats his mother and sister as appropriate. His mother has gone to great lengths to be a support during his life, and he has turned to a form of entertainment contrary to all of her moral beliefs. He rudely yells at her and eventually walks out on the family. I do not agree with the disrespect he has shown his family. Curiously, as the narrator, he seems to have a much clearer mind. I don't know what has changed, maybe he became successful after leaving his family. On the contrary, I would expect some remorse for the way he treated them and abandoned them. I wish there was more information as to how the characters' lives finished.
The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams - Q1
"The annunciation is celebrated with music." (Scene 5)
The story is told from the perspective of Tom's memory. This memory is inherently nonrealistic because of the nature of memories. All memories are a result of both fact and opinion; therefore, the play must be taken as nonrealistic. Additionally, we cannot see memories, which adds to the nonrealism of the play. This play is nonrealistic in many regards, including the way quoted above. It is nonrealistic through its use of Tom speaking directly to the audience, the setup of the house onstage, the background music, the dreamy quality since it's a dream, and quick passage of time. The aim of using such nonrealistic methods is to bring about the truth. No, it didn't happen exactly as it happens on stage, but the truths that are evident as a result of the nonrealistic representation are what really matters. He is trying to give the audience a taste of his life in the challenging setting of the play.
The story is told from the perspective of Tom's memory. This memory is inherently nonrealistic because of the nature of memories. All memories are a result of both fact and opinion; therefore, the play must be taken as nonrealistic. Additionally, we cannot see memories, which adds to the nonrealism of the play. This play is nonrealistic in many regards, including the way quoted above. It is nonrealistic through its use of Tom speaking directly to the audience, the setup of the house onstage, the background music, the dreamy quality since it's a dream, and quick passage of time. The aim of using such nonrealistic methods is to bring about the truth. No, it didn't happen exactly as it happens on stage, but the truths that are evident as a result of the nonrealistic representation are what really matters. He is trying to give the audience a taste of his life in the challenging setting of the play.
The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams - Q2
"All right, I will! The more you shout about my selfishness to me the quicker I'll go, and I won't go to the movies!" (Scene 7)
In his narration, Tom uses much calmer tones and a much more objective viewpoint. He uses a tone of that like an outside observer. He seems to be much more in control of his thoughts, words, and actions. Inside the action of the play, however, he is subject to rash sayings and quick remarks fully charged with emotion. The reason behind this is that during the action, he is acting how it most likely occurred; however, now he is acting in a position in which the events are in the past. If Tom were to talk like he did for the narration throughout the entire play, it would deceive people into sympathizing more with Tom than the other characters. The story would be much more biased and unbelievable coming from his perception of himself. The play would lose credibility. We would have trouble understanding why Tom left if this language was used throughout the play.
In his narration, Tom uses much calmer tones and a much more objective viewpoint. He uses a tone of that like an outside observer. He seems to be much more in control of his thoughts, words, and actions. Inside the action of the play, however, he is subject to rash sayings and quick remarks fully charged with emotion. The reason behind this is that during the action, he is acting how it most likely occurred; however, now he is acting in a position in which the events are in the past. If Tom were to talk like he did for the narration throughout the entire play, it would deceive people into sympathizing more with Tom than the other characters. The story would be much more biased and unbelievable coming from his perception of himself. The play would lose credibility. We would have trouble understanding why Tom left if this language was used throughout the play.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
"As You Like It" - Oh how I like it
"And you, brides and bridegrooms all, with measure heap'd in joy, to the measures fall." (V.iv.78)
Oh, the sarcasm in the title. I, being a human being who does not enjoy drama, did not find this play very entertaining. I do not think of my dream weddings in my spare time. Granted, I have no spare time. But if I did, I'm sure a wedding would not be on my thoughts. Thankfully, some of the ironic situations kept me awake. I enjoy discussing conflict in academia, but when it comes to relationships, no matter how funny the situation, I do not find personal pleasure. I think Shakespeare wrote this one for the ladies and for the penny knaves. The humor is simple and something simple people could understand in his time. Fast forward a couple hundred years and place it into a classroom context and the humor is lost on more intelligent beings like us who have a different set of vocabulary.
Oh, the sarcasm in the title. I, being a human being who does not enjoy drama, did not find this play very entertaining. I do not think of my dream weddings in my spare time. Granted, I have no spare time. But if I did, I'm sure a wedding would not be on my thoughts. Thankfully, some of the ironic situations kept me awake. I enjoy discussing conflict in academia, but when it comes to relationships, no matter how funny the situation, I do not find personal pleasure. I think Shakespeare wrote this one for the ladies and for the penny knaves. The humor is simple and something simple people could understand in his time. Fast forward a couple hundred years and place it into a classroom context and the humor is lost on more intelligent beings like us who have a different set of vocabulary.
"As You Like It" - Irony
"Sweet youth, I pray you, chide a year together: I had rather hear you chide than this man woo." (III.v.52)
This play gets its comedic value through dramatic irony. The reader knows much more regarding the character's situations than the rest of the characters do. Rosalind is a major point of this irony. She is dressed up as a man, and the reader knows that she is a woman. On the other hand, certain characters - specifically Phebe - do not know this. We get much entertainment out of Phebe's love for Rosalind and Rosalind's efforts to convince Phebe that she shouldn't trust her. However, Phebe just doesn't understand what's wrong with Rosalind. While this play wasn't very funny, the dramatic situations as such keep the reading continuing reading to find the end result of the dramatic mess.
This play gets its comedic value through dramatic irony. The reader knows much more regarding the character's situations than the rest of the characters do. Rosalind is a major point of this irony. She is dressed up as a man, and the reader knows that she is a woman. On the other hand, certain characters - specifically Phebe - do not know this. We get much entertainment out of Phebe's love for Rosalind and Rosalind's efforts to convince Phebe that she shouldn't trust her. However, Phebe just doesn't understand what's wrong with Rosalind. While this play wasn't very funny, the dramatic situations as such keep the reading continuing reading to find the end result of the dramatic mess.
"As You Like It" - Theme
"Thou seest we are not all alone unhappy." (II.vii.32)
One of the major themes in this play is the beneficial effect of nature. Much of the play takes place in the Forest of Arden, and it has a healing effect about it - most of the time. In the quote listed above, Duke Senior mentions how everyone in the forest is happily living together. Later in the story, Duke Frederick is converted! Such events are a direct result of the theme of a healing nature. This theme, however, has its bumps along the way. In Act IV scene ii, we learn that Orland was attacked by wild animals in the Forest. Why Shakespeare chose to include this eludes me. He attacks his own theme of healing nature. Nevertheless, the theme is prevalent and pushes the plot throughout the play.
One of the major themes in this play is the beneficial effect of nature. Much of the play takes place in the Forest of Arden, and it has a healing effect about it - most of the time. In the quote listed above, Duke Senior mentions how everyone in the forest is happily living together. Later in the story, Duke Frederick is converted! Such events are a direct result of the theme of a healing nature. This theme, however, has its bumps along the way. In Act IV scene ii, we learn that Orland was attacked by wild animals in the Forest. Why Shakespeare chose to include this eludes me. He attacks his own theme of healing nature. Nevertheless, the theme is prevalent and pushes the plot throughout the play.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Jimmy Henke, Period 3, February 12, 2012, Reflective Essay
Jimmy Henke, Period 3, February 12, 2012, Reflective Essay
One of the themes from Othello is manipulations of characters leading to the downfall of the manipulator. This theme wasn't only present during the time of Shakespeare; but rather, it is a timeless theme. In Othello, Iago manipulates the characters to do his bidding. He is successful and goes undetected for most of the plot; however, near the end, he is caught by the other major characters and is taken to prison for life. (Perrine) All aspects of this theme are evident throughout all times and backgrounds. Two parallels to Iago are William Pickering and Adolf Hitler.
William Pickering is a modern character in a book written in 2001. He is the director of the National Reconnaissance Office during the story, and to the reader, he seems clearly to be an aid to the protagonist. However, the reader discovers that in reality, Pickering is manipulating multiple characters to his will. As the director of the NRO, he is in charge of the military activity in regards to space. The new presidential candidate is threatening to end NASA, so Pickering devises a plot to take him down. He plants a meteorite with alleged extraterrestrial life into the arctic circle. He leads NASA to discover it and the President is exuberant with the discovery because it saves his chance for reelection. Pickering continues his manipulation undetected by placing a Delta team in charge to kill off anybody who discovers the secret. Rachel Sexton discovers that it was faked and barely escapes the Delta force team. In doing so, Pickering is killed by a mishap on his helicopter during the attack. He is drowned at sea. (Brown) That is the third and final major portion of the theme. Pickering cunningly deceives characters, is caught, and finally is punished for his manipulation.
In history, Adolf Hitler is a prime example of this theme. He came into power in Germany and few people saw his potential as a world manipulator. He even took over areas for Germany by force without anyone taking action. France and Great Britain began to see what he was doing after he conquered the Sudetenland, but they did not see his manipulation all the way through. Hitler convinced them that he was not going to conquer any more land. This proved a lie as he invaded Poland next. Finally, the Allies began to fight him realizing how he had manipulated them. Eventually, Hitler and his army were encircled and destroyed. Hitler committed suicide when he saw that there was no hope remaining. He successfully deceived the world for a while, but then Great Britain and France noticed his lies. He lost the war and died, completely the third aspect of the theme. (Adolf Hitler Biography)
Iago, William Pickering, and Adolf Hitler are three of the greatest masterminds to face the planet. All three manipulated people to bring about their own power and success. What differentiates them is where and when they did their manipulating. Iago is a fictional character in Othello who manipulates characters in the story; he is caught and is thrown into jail for life. William Pickering is a fictional character from the novel Deception Point by Dan Brown. He manipulates many characters including the President until he is caught by a couple characters and dies at sea. Adolf Hitler was a dictator in Germany during the 1930's and 1940's who took over many countries. He eventually was trapped and committed suicide. However different the situations are, the theme is still evident. The main character manipulates others for his own benefit. Eventually, other people notice, and he is caught and loses all of his power he had gained. This theme can apply to any time period in any setting.
Just a laugh to relieve from all the terrible manipulation.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Never Take Friendship Personal
The song Never Take Friendship Personal by Anberlin reflects the attitude that Iago takes toward friendship in Othello. In this song, the speaker says that "your life has no purpose." He is like Iago speaking to some of the other characters in the play. He could be speaking to Othello and trying to convince him to commit the terrible act of murder, or he may be speaking to Roderigo and telling him that he needs to have a purpose in life. That purpose would be to win over Desdemona. The song could also be taken as Iago's address to everyone in the final scene. He could be telling them to "never take friendship personal." He is saying that he didn't do his actions out of friendship, nor did he do them out of personal hatred - though that's what he did. He is continually deceiving the characters in the story.
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| Iago getting in Othello's head. |
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| The band Anberlin. |
Thursday, February 2, 2012
"Othello" - Shakespeare - The True Desdemona
"Beshre me if I would do such a wrong for the whole world." (IV.iii.74-75) Throughout the story we here all of the potential wrong that Desdemona might have committed. First, she abandons her father to marry a man he does not approve of. Then she supposedly cheats on Othello. All of Iago's plan centers around exposing Cassio's and Desdemona' dirty deeds. We spend much of the work hearing Iago and Othello slamming Desdemona, calling her a whore and a strumpet. In all of this, we, as readers, seem to lose sight of who Desdemona really is. We hear so much of Iago that we begin to believe in his story. But it is in this closing scene of Act IV that we recall the wonderful person Desdemona really is. She tells Emilia that she wouldn't cheat on her husband if it were to save the world. She is full of integrity and nobility. She stays patient with Othello despite all that he puts her through - even when he strangled her! She denies that he did it, for his sake. Desdemona is a very patient and respectful woman - the role model in this story of greed and lust.
"Othello" - Shakespeare - Dramatic Suspense (Q4)
"She give it to Cassio! No, alas, I found it, And I did give 't my husband." (V.ii.229-230) Much of the story's suspense is developed through dramatic irony. The audience can see the entire picture, while the characters only know bits and pieces. For example, Othello was convinced that Desdemona had given Cassio his handkerchief. When the topic comes up around Emilia, who was the one who found the handkerchief, the reader stiffens as they feel like they are Iago. We know that and awkward and truth-revealing event is about to occur. Another example is when Desdemona and Othello begin talking. We know that Othello is planning to kill her, yet she doesn't. We are waiting in suspense to see what her reaction will be and if Othello will follow through with his plot. The effect of this dramatic contrast is profound and keeps the reader inaudibly screaming at the various characters as they traverse the storyline.
"Othello" by Shakespeare - Themes (Q5)
"She's like a liar gone to burning Hell. 'Twas I that killed her." (V.ii.128-129) Much of this play revolves around the theme of trust. Some of it is demonstrated through characters who should be trusted while other aspects of trust are shwon through Iago - those who should not be trusted. This theme is present throughout the play constantly bringing the question, "Should I trust him/her?" to the characters. However, it does not detract from the drama in the play; in fact, it adds to it. It does not become so didactic that it takes away the pleasure in the story. Shakespeare does a very good job of puting the theme underneath the plot so it is clearly evident, yet not overbearing. Without the theme, much of the plot would be lost, but it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. It has a feeling of necessity rather than teaching. Yet, through this method, Shakespeare most perfectly teaches his readers to be careful with whom they trust.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Othello - Shakespeare - Overall Comprehension
After reading the first three acts of Othello by Shakespeare, I have been surprised at how well I have been able to follow the plot. While some of the language is outdated, "Prithee keep up they quillets" (III.i.21), and some structures a little challenging to follow, overall I have been able to follow the plot and understand what is happening. With that being said, I don't know how I feel about the play. For some reason, I have been able to read the story without getting bored, but I don't know why. The plot, while interesting, is far from intruiging. I don't find myself asking what might happen next. I think that since the language requires me to focus, it helps me keep my attention on the reading. I was afraid of reading this play, but now I have decided that I almost enjoy it. I didn't think I'd every be typing this...
Othello - Shakespeare - Question 7, time
The amount of time passing from scenes is variant. Between some, a week passes; between others, little but a moment passes. To cover some of the background events, reports are made of them. For example, "News lads! Our wars are done. The desperate tempest hath so banged teh Turks That their designment halts. A noble ship of Venice Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance on most part of their fleet." (II.i.20-24) In this circumstance, the battle at see was simply covered in a report instead of being acted out. The reason behind this is that the event is insignificant to the true conflict in the story. It simply sets an appropriate background. The mini fight between Montano and Cassio is dramatized because it advances the plot. The play's construction feels fairly loose. The characters come and go, but the story continues on. It does have some tight structure to it, but there is no sense of cut and dry this is what must happen next. This adds to the laid-back nature of Iago and his patience in his plan. It is an appropriate feel for the play.
Othello - Shakespeare - Question 3, regarding Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is in this story is Othello. Typically, the protagonist is considered the "good-guy." That would make Iago the antagonist. The minor characters such as Cassio and Roderigo simply are pawns in Iago's trek to take over Othello. "Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, Lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine, and there without are a brace of Cyprus gallants that would fain have a measure to the health of black Othello." (II.iii.25-27) In this case, Iago is getting Cassio in bad favor with Othello so that he may get closer to his position and cause Othello grief. Such characters reveal the character of Iago. He acts like a game master and directs them - on both sides of every argument. He is a very soothing person and can cunningly get his way. The minor characters help move along his plot. These minor characters are usually honest, which juxtaposes the "honesty" that each believes that Iago has.
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