Nathaniel Hawthorne
As for the conclusion, I was surprised at the way Hawthorne tagged on the ending and the results of all of the important characters in the book. I personally would have cut the end right after Dimmesdale dies. The conclusion seems unnecessary, since the story seemed to end in the previous chapter, but I can understand why Hawthorne prolonged it- it adds a sense of romanticism. Chillingworth seems to get the ending he deserves, a life without purpose and then death. He left his entire estate to Pearl, which adds a surprising element of redemption for Chillingworth because he seems to become less of the "Black Man" and more indifferent and without purpose- he no longer has his clutches in poor Dimmesdale. This book has a happy ending for Pearl. She is now one of the richest in Boston, and she lives a life she would have if Chillingworth had been her father and her mother hadn't committed adultery. Hester works with the sick and the poor, and she maintains her label as "Able".
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
3. The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
There is just one thing I would like to know about the ending of the book-- WHY THE HECK DID DIMMESDALE DIE? Finally it was revealed to everyone that he is Pearl's father, and it seems as if all is well and that the family can leave and be together and love each other and he just goes and dies on them like "oh, sorry that I've pretended like I haven't had anything to do with you for seven years now I'm finally going to step it up and be a decent human being and then DIE." I do not understand this logic. I suppose you could argue that it was the psychological torture of Chillingworth, and maybe his own physical torture? I don't get it. Why would he die? He's home free and he can be with the woman he loves!
There is just one thing I would like to know about the ending of the book-- WHY THE HECK DID DIMMESDALE DIE? Finally it was revealed to everyone that he is Pearl's father, and it seems as if all is well and that the family can leave and be together and love each other and he just goes and dies on them like "oh, sorry that I've pretended like I haven't had anything to do with you for seven years now I'm finally going to step it up and be a decent human being and then DIE." I do not understand this logic. I suppose you could argue that it was the psychological torture of Chillingworth, and maybe his own physical torture? I don't get it. Why would he die? He's home free and he can be with the woman he loves!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
2. The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Beginning in Chapter 18, the broken family's life together starts to look up. Its title, "A Flood of Sunshine", gives a connotation of life and redemption. Not only that, it seems as though there's a feeling of freedom and wildness. The woods surrounding the town has symbolized some kind of amorality, and the meeting of Pearl, Hester, and Dimmesdale in the forest in a new light signify their desire to remove themselves from the pressuring society they live in that views the woods so negatively. Pearl and her mother are compared often throughout the novel. Pearl, like Hester, is a denizen of wildness and freedom. In the woods, even a wolf lets Pearl pet its head. Then the narrator describes Hester, "She had wandered, without rule or guidance, in a moral wilderness ... as vast ... as the untamed forest." Her sense of wandering and being outside the moral norms has ironically been combined with the preacher to create their wildly-spirited daughter, who is even compared to a nymph. They mending family decides to leave, and a great weight has been lifted of their (specifically Dimmesdale's shoulders).
1. The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
In Chapter 17, Hester finally tells Dimmesdale that Chillingworth is her former husband. His response surprised me. This confession too was shortly after Hester told Dimmesdale that she would be his friend and that she would be there for him if he needed companionship. He responds angrily at first, but then sinks down to depression. He knows then that he cannot live with Chillingworth, a known enemy, any longer. I was mostly surprised that Hester was the one begging for forgiveness. Why wouldn't Dimmesdale forgive her? He is just as much at fault as Hester. I don't understand why she would be the one begging to him. HE should be apologizing to her for impregnating her and not suffering along side of her while she has been ostracized for 7 years. Anyway, Dimmesdale asks Hester what he should do, and she says that he should change his name, escape Massachusetts, and go to Europe. He responds, "thou tellest of running a race to a man whose knees are tottering beneath him!" He acknowledges his weakness from being tortured by his own mind. It seems as if there's no hope for him (not that I'm all that concerned- I side with Hester).
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
The Scarlet Letter (4/4)
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Originally, I thought Chillingworth was just a nice physician genuinely trying to help Hester and her baby. Soon enough, it is revealed that he is in fact married to Hester. It seems that Hester is no longer has feelings for Chillingworth despite his desire to have her. His desire for her becomes apparent with he questions Hester about the father of her baby, "Thou wilt not reveal his name? Not the less is he mine. He bears no letter of infamy wrought into his garment, as thou dost; but I shall read it on his heart." He is very concerned with who the father is. Would he like to seek revenge? Does he want to claim the baby as his own? It seems like everything would be easier if he left town and started over elsewhere, but I think his reason for staying is to be with Hester.
Originally, I thought Chillingworth was just a nice physician genuinely trying to help Hester and her baby. Soon enough, it is revealed that he is in fact married to Hester. It seems that Hester is no longer has feelings for Chillingworth despite his desire to have her. His desire for her becomes apparent with he questions Hester about the father of her baby, "Thou wilt not reveal his name? Not the less is he mine. He bears no letter of infamy wrought into his garment, as thou dost; but I shall read it on his heart." He is very concerned with who the father is. Would he like to seek revenge? Does he want to claim the baby as his own? It seems like everything would be easier if he left town and started over elsewhere, but I think his reason for staying is to be with Hester.
The Scarlet Letter (3/4)
Nathaniel Hawthorne
So know I understand who the father of Pearl is - Dimmesdale. I was originally confused about his identity in relation to Hester because he called her out to speak of whom the father of her child. She says that her baby shall never know an earthly father. She takes the shame for the both of them and stands there, ostracized. Hawthorne displays great irony when Dimmesdale then places his hand over his heart, as if he's reaching his shame that is within. In that same scene, Hester holds her hand on her red letter "A" that is also over her heart, a sign of her recognition of her outward shame. Why was Hester protecting the preacher? What good did that do her?
So know I understand who the father of Pearl is - Dimmesdale. I was originally confused about his identity in relation to Hester because he called her out to speak of whom the father of her child. She says that her baby shall never know an earthly father. She takes the shame for the both of them and stands there, ostracized. Hawthorne displays great irony when Dimmesdale then places his hand over his heart, as if he's reaching his shame that is within. In that same scene, Hester holds her hand on her red letter "A" that is also over her heart, a sign of her recognition of her outward shame. Why was Hester protecting the preacher? What good did that do her?
The Scarlet Letter (2/4)
Nathaniel Hawthorne
I've decided that I like Hester. I like that she sewed on the red "A" on her blouse as if it were something to embroider or decorate. The women of the town of course are outraged and want to rip it off. One woman even thinks of Hester so disgustingly that she thinks the penalty for her sin should be death. The women are all furious with her, and they all agree that if they were the judges they'd be far less merciful.
I also think that it is absurd that Hester won't tell anyone who she committed adultery with. Let the disgusting man step forward! He sits behind laughing at this poor woman for committing the same crime as he. She is being threatened! Why aren't the Puritans on man-hunt for the man who impregnated Hester? Misogyny at its finest.
However, some people sympathize with Hester. One says they can feel every stitch in her chest. Hester obviously is miserable too, this scene reveals Hester's past without presenting us the details of her crime, and it ends with the revelations of the consequence of this past: "These were her realities—all else had vanished."
I've decided that I like Hester. I like that she sewed on the red "A" on her blouse as if it were something to embroider or decorate. The women of the town of course are outraged and want to rip it off. One woman even thinks of Hester so disgustingly that she thinks the penalty for her sin should be death. The women are all furious with her, and they all agree that if they were the judges they'd be far less merciful.
I also think that it is absurd that Hester won't tell anyone who she committed adultery with. Let the disgusting man step forward! He sits behind laughing at this poor woman for committing the same crime as he. She is being threatened! Why aren't the Puritans on man-hunt for the man who impregnated Hester? Misogyny at its finest.
However, some people sympathize with Hester. One says they can feel every stitch in her chest. Hester obviously is miserable too, this scene reveals Hester's past without presenting us the details of her crime, and it ends with the revelations of the consequence of this past: "These were her realities—all else had vanished."
The Scarlet Letter (1/4)
Nathaniel Hawthorne
In the first couple chapters, Hawthorne utilizes several literary devices such as metaphors, allusions, and various images. The first scene depicts "sad-colored garments", "steeple-crowned hats", and buildings "studded with iron spikes" (35). The buildings, though relatively new, are "marked with weather stains and other indications of age". The scene is that of gloom and darkness. Surprisingly, the only splash of color is from that of a rose bush. Around the time Hawthorne creates the image of the rose bush, he alludes to Anne Hutchinson. It turns out that Hutchinson was religious, but also a more liberal woman who disagreed with Puritanical teachings. She was imprisoned in Boston and then banished. Hawthorne claims that it is possible that the beautiful rosebush growing directly at the prison door sprang from her footsteps. This implies that Puritanical governing obliterates all that is beautiful and free. This allusion within a metaphor seems to foreshadow the Puritans dealing with Hester Prynne, another victim of her oppressive society.
In the first couple chapters, Hawthorne utilizes several literary devices such as metaphors, allusions, and various images. The first scene depicts "sad-colored garments", "steeple-crowned hats", and buildings "studded with iron spikes" (35). The buildings, though relatively new, are "marked with weather stains and other indications of age". The scene is that of gloom and darkness. Surprisingly, the only splash of color is from that of a rose bush. Around the time Hawthorne creates the image of the rose bush, he alludes to Anne Hutchinson. It turns out that Hutchinson was religious, but also a more liberal woman who disagreed with Puritanical teachings. She was imprisoned in Boston and then banished. Hawthorne claims that it is possible that the beautiful rosebush growing directly at the prison door sprang from her footsteps. This implies that Puritanical governing obliterates all that is beautiful and free. This allusion within a metaphor seems to foreshadow the Puritans dealing with Hester Prynne, another victim of her oppressive society.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
4. Batter My Heart, Three-Personed God
John Donne
The most interesting dialogue about this poem in class to me was when we discerned to which part of God do these metaphors belong: knock, breathe, and shine as well as break, flow, burn. I thought that knock/break referred to Jesus, breathe/blow referred to God as a parental figure, and shine/burn referred to the Holy Spirit. In religious literature, from Christianity to Hinduism, the image of God breathing over the waters or the deep, or in some translations chaos is very common. God initiated the universe coming into existence by God's breath. I think shine/burn is the Holy Spirit (from a Christian perspective) because of the story of Pentecost in the Bible. Those present received tongues of flames over them, and they were able to communicate to many peoples. As for knock and break, Jesus seemed the most likely to me because according to Biblical Theology, Jesus rose the third day after his crucifixion, the stone was moved away from the tomb and Jesus walked and was alive again. I think this is parallel with "break" as some force broke away the stone.
The most interesting dialogue about this poem in class to me was when we discerned to which part of God do these metaphors belong: knock, breathe, and shine as well as break, flow, burn. I thought that knock/break referred to Jesus, breathe/blow referred to God as a parental figure, and shine/burn referred to the Holy Spirit. In religious literature, from Christianity to Hinduism, the image of God breathing over the waters or the deep, or in some translations chaos is very common. God initiated the universe coming into existence by God's breath. I think shine/burn is the Holy Spirit (from a Christian perspective) because of the story of Pentecost in the Bible. Those present received tongues of flames over them, and they were able to communicate to many peoples. As for knock and break, Jesus seemed the most likely to me because according to Biblical Theology, Jesus rose the third day after his crucifixion, the stone was moved away from the tomb and Jesus walked and was alive again. I think this is parallel with "break" as some force broke away the stone.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
3. Sorting Laundry
Elisavietta Ritchie
The speaker uses an extended metaphor of sorting laundered clothes and folding them as she seems to put meaning to them through her relationship with her spouse. Each of these pieces of laundry resemble qualities or occurrences in their relationship. All of these parts make up the speaker's life, and without them, she would just have a pile of her own clothes on the bed beside her. Her life isn't made up of only what she has collected, but also of what her spouse has brought. She recalls first of her king-sized sheets, which lead her to her pillowcases on which she has dreamed and shared her dreams with her partner. The most surprising part of the poem is when the speaker alludes to apparent indiscretion, "if you were to leave me". She also speaks of a "strangely tailored shirt left by a former lover..." Despite these faults, she still holds onto the relationship, because she would not be herself without them.
The speaker uses an extended metaphor of sorting laundered clothes and folding them as she seems to put meaning to them through her relationship with her spouse. Each of these pieces of laundry resemble qualities or occurrences in their relationship. All of these parts make up the speaker's life, and without them, she would just have a pile of her own clothes on the bed beside her. Her life isn't made up of only what she has collected, but also of what her spouse has brought. She recalls first of her king-sized sheets, which lead her to her pillowcases on which she has dreamed and shared her dreams with her partner. The most surprising part of the poem is when the speaker alludes to apparent indiscretion, "if you were to leave me". She also speaks of a "strangely tailored shirt left by a former lover..." Despite these faults, she still holds onto the relationship, because she would not be herself without them.
2. I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed
Emily Dickinson
In the poem, the two things being compared in the extended metaphor is the feeling the speaker gets from nature and drunkenness. This humorous approach to nature speaks of their drunkenness from the dew. They also speak of an "inn" which is likely comparable to a bar, is put next to "Molten Blue". The feeling of being drunk in a bar is like looking at the splendor of a summer sky. In the last stanza, the allusion to "Seraphs" and "Saints" give the speaker's awe with nature almost a holy standing. It is surprisingly the opposite image of being huddled in a dark bar drinking with alcoholic companions, because it has an visage of innocence.This image of a "debauchee" carries on as the speaker leans against the sun, as a drunk would lean on something to keep them from falling. This powerful conclusion has a sense of happiness, as if this kind of drunkenness is okay.
In the poem, the two things being compared in the extended metaphor is the feeling the speaker gets from nature and drunkenness. This humorous approach to nature speaks of their drunkenness from the dew. They also speak of an "inn" which is likely comparable to a bar, is put next to "Molten Blue". The feeling of being drunk in a bar is like looking at the splendor of a summer sky. In the last stanza, the allusion to "Seraphs" and "Saints" give the speaker's awe with nature almost a holy standing. It is surprisingly the opposite image of being huddled in a dark bar drinking with alcoholic companions, because it has an visage of innocence.This image of a "debauchee" carries on as the speaker leans against the sun, as a drunk would lean on something to keep them from falling. This powerful conclusion has a sense of happiness, as if this kind of drunkenness is okay.
1. The Convergence of the Twain
Thomas Hardy
What I noticed initially in this poem was the phrase in parenthesis underneath the title, "Lines on the loss of the Titanic". This tells the readers that the tone is likely going to be that of loss and solitude. At first, the speaker builds the ship up to seem strong, almost immortal. It's "steel chambers" show strength, the "salamandrine fires" are a symbol of immortality. The ship is then described in terms of materialism. "Over the mirrors meant to glass the opulent". The ship (and likely its people) are very inward focused, hence the mirrors. Throughout VIII and IX and through its imagery there is an overwhelming sense of pride. Its "vaingloriousness" takes over. Then, in XI, the speaker asserts that the combination of the iceberg and the ship was almost a destiny, as they combined into one, "And consummation comes, and jars two hemispheres". They combine like they were meant to be together.
What I noticed initially in this poem was the phrase in parenthesis underneath the title, "Lines on the loss of the Titanic". This tells the readers that the tone is likely going to be that of loss and solitude. At first, the speaker builds the ship up to seem strong, almost immortal. It's "steel chambers" show strength, the "salamandrine fires" are a symbol of immortality. The ship is then described in terms of materialism. "Over the mirrors meant to glass the opulent". The ship (and likely its people) are very inward focused, hence the mirrors. Throughout VIII and IX and through its imagery there is an overwhelming sense of pride. Its "vaingloriousness" takes over. Then, in XI, the speaker asserts that the combination of the iceberg and the ship was almost a destiny, as they combined into one, "And consummation comes, and jars two hemispheres". They combine like they were meant to be together.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
My Mistress' Eyes (4/4)
William Shakespeare
Ouch. I feel like maybe the speaker could have said nicer things to the woman he is in love with. "Coral is far more red than her lips' red" and "no such rose I see in her cheeks" are blatant realities that the speaker is not fearful to call out. I actually appreciate the honesty. He can acknowledge the "imperfections" of her visage and he loves her deeply anyway. "And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare as any she belied with false compare." Thank you, speaker, for acknowledging an attraction beyond this woman's physical appearance.
Ouch. I feel like maybe the speaker could have said nicer things to the woman he is in love with. "Coral is far more red than her lips' red" and "no such rose I see in her cheeks" are blatant realities that the speaker is not fearful to call out. I actually appreciate the honesty. He can acknowledge the "imperfections" of her visage and he loves her deeply anyway. "And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare as any she belied with false compare." Thank you, speaker, for acknowledging an attraction beyond this woman's physical appearance.
A Jury of Her Peers (3/4)
Susan Glaspell
Initially, I found it very interesting that Minnie Foster was so cavalier about killing her husband. While she sits in her home and is confronted about her husband's location, she has no appearance of fear or of guilt. She sits there, staring at him, and then laughs. He asks her why he can't speak to her husband and she simply says, "Cause he's dead". She was not one bit excited or moved by this fact. I think at this point she was so encapsulated by the idea of being free. After being silenced for years and not singing, being released from the cage she felt that she was in was occupying her mind more than the death of her husband. What I was mostly confused by was why the women were silent when they found the bird. They found a reason for why Minnie Foster killed her husband, and they don't care to tell anyone about it. Were they being stubborn after their husbands belittled them? I don't blame them. Their observations solved the murder mystery, and their husbands are wandering around the house like they know what they are doing.
Initially, I found it very interesting that Minnie Foster was so cavalier about killing her husband. While she sits in her home and is confronted about her husband's location, she has no appearance of fear or of guilt. She sits there, staring at him, and then laughs. He asks her why he can't speak to her husband and she simply says, "Cause he's dead". She was not one bit excited or moved by this fact. I think at this point she was so encapsulated by the idea of being free. After being silenced for years and not singing, being released from the cage she felt that she was in was occupying her mind more than the death of her husband. What I was mostly confused by was why the women were silent when they found the bird. They found a reason for why Minnie Foster killed her husband, and they don't care to tell anyone about it. Were they being stubborn after their husbands belittled them? I don't blame them. Their observations solved the murder mystery, and their husbands are wandering around the house like they know what they are doing.
Barbie Doll (2/4)
Barbie Doll
Marge Piercy
I think this poem falls into the category of a satire. The purpose then would be to bring to light the cruel manipulative power society has on women. The poem starts describing this particular girl "born as usual". "She was healthy, tested intelligent, possessed strong arms and back, abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity." She was basically born into a perfectly normal body, and it wasn't until someone called her legs fat and her nose too large that she felt oppression. She did not fit into a Barbie doll-like body. This expectation to be "Barbie" did not originate however with the production of this children's toy. For thousands of years women have manipulated themselves to be physically attractive to the opposite sex. We are driven by a misogynistic view of women and our society craves to feed it. We are convinced that women are equal to men in 21st century United States, but actually the entirety of the system is run by either, A. men and their disgusting manipulations of power, or B. women's over-sexualized bodies. This poem also brings to light the fact that this understanding of women and their bodies is started as soon as children can grasp a Barbie doll. It is from society's very core that we marginalize women, only bringing them into the picture to shape them into the Barbies that women are convinced that they should be.
Marge Piercy
I think this poem falls into the category of a satire. The purpose then would be to bring to light the cruel manipulative power society has on women. The poem starts describing this particular girl "born as usual". "She was healthy, tested intelligent, possessed strong arms and back, abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity." She was basically born into a perfectly normal body, and it wasn't until someone called her legs fat and her nose too large that she felt oppression. She did not fit into a Barbie doll-like body. This expectation to be "Barbie" did not originate however with the production of this children's toy. For thousands of years women have manipulated themselves to be physically attractive to the opposite sex. We are driven by a misogynistic view of women and our society craves to feed it. We are convinced that women are equal to men in 21st century United States, but actually the entirety of the system is run by either, A. men and their disgusting manipulations of power, or B. women's over-sexualized bodies. This poem also brings to light the fact that this understanding of women and their bodies is started as soon as children can grasp a Barbie doll. It is from society's very core that we marginalize women, only bringing them into the picture to shape them into the Barbies that women are convinced that they should be.
Hunters in the Snow (1/4)
Hunters In the Snow
Tobias Wolff
Well I'm certainly glad something did come out of that story. It all seemed stupid and shallow play until Kenny shot his gun. The three boys, yes I do mean boys, from the beginning set the stage for the audience the kind of relationship they have together. Kenny and Frank obviously tease Tub about his weight, and Kenny and Frank introduce some interesting affair between Frank and some babysitter. All seems empty and messed up from the beginning. They all seem like they are independent and do what they please, but at the same time, the reader picks up on the fact that they all seem to have some kind of insecurity. Tub obviously is mad about being teased about his "gland" problem, and when he confronts Frank, he says, "You're a grown up, Tub. You can take care of yourself. Anyway, if you think you're the only person with problems I can tell you that you're not" (Wolff, 191). Obviously they are all struggling with some part of themselves. Kenny's main problem seems to be his anger. He says, "I hate that post", or "I hate that tree", and finally, "I hate that dog" and then proceeds to shoot each one of them. Originally I thought he was just an angry crazy person, but when the farmer revealed that he asked Kenny to shoot the dog, it seemed more like shooting the post and tree was just a way of preparing himself mentally for euthanizing the dog. I certainly don't think he is a stellar human being, but since the farmer revealed his intentions for his dog, Kenny's seemingly angry reckless actions make sense. I do wonder, however, if Tub hadn't shot him, would Kenny have harmed Tub. He did say after all, "I hate you", to Tub, and based on his previous shootings it really did seem as if Kenny would have shot him.
Tobias Wolff
Well I'm certainly glad something did come out of that story. It all seemed stupid and shallow play until Kenny shot his gun. The three boys, yes I do mean boys, from the beginning set the stage for the audience the kind of relationship they have together. Kenny and Frank obviously tease Tub about his weight, and Kenny and Frank introduce some interesting affair between Frank and some babysitter. All seems empty and messed up from the beginning. They all seem like they are independent and do what they please, but at the same time, the reader picks up on the fact that they all seem to have some kind of insecurity. Tub obviously is mad about being teased about his "gland" problem, and when he confronts Frank, he says, "You're a grown up, Tub. You can take care of yourself. Anyway, if you think you're the only person with problems I can tell you that you're not" (Wolff, 191). Obviously they are all struggling with some part of themselves. Kenny's main problem seems to be his anger. He says, "I hate that post", or "I hate that tree", and finally, "I hate that dog" and then proceeds to shoot each one of them. Originally I thought he was just an angry crazy person, but when the farmer revealed that he asked Kenny to shoot the dog, it seemed more like shooting the post and tree was just a way of preparing himself mentally for euthanizing the dog. I certainly don't think he is a stellar human being, but since the farmer revealed his intentions for his dog, Kenny's seemingly angry reckless actions make sense. I do wonder, however, if Tub hadn't shot him, would Kenny have harmed Tub. He did say after all, "I hate you", to Tub, and based on his previous shootings it really did seem as if Kenny would have shot him.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
4. Othello
William Shakespeare
Something incredible I noticed about Desdemona was her undying love for Othello despite his accusations, and well, his killing of her. As she lay dying in her bed, her only response to Emilia when she asked who did this to her is, "Nobody, I myself. Farewell./ Commend me to my kind lord. Oh, farewell!" (V, ii, 123-124). I can't decide if this is incredible love or pathetic on her part. Her husband murders her and she covers for him! She is the epitome of a loyal wife (foolishly so). Othello even acknowledges that her last words were incredibly loyal, though a lie. She claims to have killed herself. She deserves way more than Othello realizes. She was loyal for the entirety of their time together, she respected and loved his wishes, and defends him to her death- by his hand. This kind of love certainly fits into the category of a Shakespeare tragedy, and is foreshadowed scene after scene throughout the play, but it is completely surprising that Desdemona responded the way she did- props to her (I think).
Something incredible I noticed about Desdemona was her undying love for Othello despite his accusations, and well, his killing of her. As she lay dying in her bed, her only response to Emilia when she asked who did this to her is, "Nobody, I myself. Farewell./ Commend me to my kind lord. Oh, farewell!" (V, ii, 123-124). I can't decide if this is incredible love or pathetic on her part. Her husband murders her and she covers for him! She is the epitome of a loyal wife (foolishly so). Othello even acknowledges that her last words were incredibly loyal, though a lie. She claims to have killed herself. She deserves way more than Othello realizes. She was loyal for the entirety of their time together, she respected and loved his wishes, and defends him to her death- by his hand. This kind of love certainly fits into the category of a Shakespeare tragedy, and is foreshadowed scene after scene throughout the play, but it is completely surprising that Desdemona responded the way she did- props to her (I think).
3. Othello
William Shakespeare
So far, the murder tally is up to two. Iago has now managed to kill Roderigo. It is painfully ironic that he still serves as a shining beacon of innocence to the world. Iago, however, experiences a new kind of power: he injures Cassio's leg, personally. So far, he has manipulated people to do the dirty work for him, but now he has taken farther action to actually immerse himself into the dirty work of his game.
I am certainly more impressed with Emilia. She has become just about the only character in the play who has any truth of what is actually going on (except Iago). After Othello smothers Desdemona and Iago and Emilia come to the scene, Emilia tries to absolve Desdemona of the crime she was accused of and after Iago says, "Go to, charm your tongue", Emilia responds, "I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak" (V.ii.195-197). She stands for justice in a time of utmost quarrel and lies and doubt.
So far, the murder tally is up to two. Iago has now managed to kill Roderigo. It is painfully ironic that he still serves as a shining beacon of innocence to the world. Iago, however, experiences a new kind of power: he injures Cassio's leg, personally. So far, he has manipulated people to do the dirty work for him, but now he has taken farther action to actually immerse himself into the dirty work of his game.
I am certainly more impressed with Emilia. She has become just about the only character in the play who has any truth of what is actually going on (except Iago). After Othello smothers Desdemona and Iago and Emilia come to the scene, Emilia tries to absolve Desdemona of the crime she was accused of and after Iago says, "Go to, charm your tongue", Emilia responds, "I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak" (V.ii.195-197). She stands for justice in a time of utmost quarrel and lies and doubt.
2. Othello
William Shakespeare
It is pretty much widely known that Shakespeare's tradegies end with an unreasonable, yet inevitable amount of people dying. This makes it no surprise at all when Desdomona foreshadows her own death. When speaking to Emilia, Desdemona says "If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me/ In one of those same sheets." (IV, iii, 23-24). Desdemona speaks of her wedding sheets which Emilia set out on her bed. Out of her confusion of Othello's anger, Desdemona tries to rekindle the romance between them and to remind him of their marriage and the love they had then. Desdemona speaks out and foreshadows her own fate. It seems like she knows she is going to die. Hopefully she hadn't thought that it would be of the circumstances by which it happened, but it really does seem like she has a good feel of the way things are heading for her.
It is pretty much widely known that Shakespeare's tradegies end with an unreasonable, yet inevitable amount of people dying. This makes it no surprise at all when Desdomona foreshadows her own death. When speaking to Emilia, Desdemona says "If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me/ In one of those same sheets." (IV, iii, 23-24). Desdemona speaks of her wedding sheets which Emilia set out on her bed. Out of her confusion of Othello's anger, Desdemona tries to rekindle the romance between them and to remind him of their marriage and the love they had then. Desdemona speaks out and foreshadows her own fate. It seems like she knows she is going to die. Hopefully she hadn't thought that it would be of the circumstances by which it happened, but it really does seem like she has a good feel of the way things are heading for her.
1. Othello
William Shakespeare
I feel so bad for Desdemona. She is confused out of her mind of why Othello verbally abused her and called her a whore. She is clueless. Rightfully so, Iago has been screwing her over as long as he's been in the picture. By Act IV, Emilia starts to step up and become more a more prominant character. Moved by her friend's pain, she states," I will be hanged, if some eternal villain, some busy and insinuating rogue,
I feel so bad for Desdemona. She is confused out of her mind of why Othello verbally abused her and called her a whore. She is clueless. Rightfully so, Iago has been screwing her over as long as he's been in the picture. By Act IV, Emilia starts to step up and become more a more prominant character. Moved by her friend's pain, she states," I will be hanged, if some eternal villain, some busy and insinuating rogue,
some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, have not devised this slander. I will be hanged else!" (IV, ii, 135). She is speaking of her very husband! The man she has committed herself to! What?! What is even more absurd is that Iago is standing there, comforting Desdemona. Emilia continues to rant about the evil monster who is ruining Desdemona and Othello's marriage while Iago stands there innocently, comforting and agreeing with all Emilia is saying. Iago is hurting these people and they are drawn to him for comfort!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Othello (4/4)
William Shakespeare
Iago and Desdemona end up fighting for Othello's will in Act 3. Desdemona assures Othello that Cassio's guilty fleet from him was of guilt that he disappointed Othello. What I don't understand about this next part is why Othello asks Desdemona to leave him to himself for a little while. It was kind of random. Anyway, next enters Iago, and he starts to try form suspicions of Cassio in Othello's head. He doesn't succeed, fortuneately, Othello is very trusting of his wife, if fact, he is not made jealous by other men speaking of his wife, "'Tis not to make me jealous to say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances. Where virtue is, these are more virtuous. Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw the smallest fear or doubt of her revolt, for she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove, and on the proof there is no more but this: away at once with love or jealousy!" (III.iii.188). Hopefully Othello will turn out to have faith in the truly honest, and will figure out Iago's manipulative tricks.
Iago and Desdemona end up fighting for Othello's will in Act 3. Desdemona assures Othello that Cassio's guilty fleet from him was of guilt that he disappointed Othello. What I don't understand about this next part is why Othello asks Desdemona to leave him to himself for a little while. It was kind of random. Anyway, next enters Iago, and he starts to try form suspicions of Cassio in Othello's head. He doesn't succeed, fortuneately, Othello is very trusting of his wife, if fact, he is not made jealous by other men speaking of his wife, "'Tis not to make me jealous to say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances. Where virtue is, these are more virtuous. Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw the smallest fear or doubt of her revolt, for she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove, and on the proof there is no more but this: away at once with love or jealousy!" (III.iii.188). Hopefully Othello will turn out to have faith in the truly honest, and will figure out Iago's manipulative tricks.
Othello (3/4)
William Shakespeare
Oh, Iago, my favortie character...
I do have to hand it to him, he is the best manipulator I have ever seen. The scene in which Roderigo and Iago get Cassio drunk is one of the highlights of his expertise in getting what he wants by manipulating people. After an (easily) won argument of whether Cassio was going to drink or not that night, and initiating Cassio's downfall after drinking himself to absurdity, he responds to Othello's questions in the most polite and seemingly honest way possible. He suddenly dresses himself with a persona of kind and gentle honesty, and sucks up to Othello. Nothing but a little dramatic irony will make the readers feel the painful stab of knowing information vital to the protagonist's survival.
Another scene in which Iago demonstrates his mastery of manipulation is when he instills the idea in Othello's mind that Cassio is with his wife. He almost refuses to tell Othello his suspicions, making him seem like a loyal friend.
Oh, Iago, my favortie character...
I do have to hand it to him, he is the best manipulator I have ever seen. The scene in which Roderigo and Iago get Cassio drunk is one of the highlights of his expertise in getting what he wants by manipulating people. After an (easily) won argument of whether Cassio was going to drink or not that night, and initiating Cassio's downfall after drinking himself to absurdity, he responds to Othello's questions in the most polite and seemingly honest way possible. He suddenly dresses himself with a persona of kind and gentle honesty, and sucks up to Othello. Nothing but a little dramatic irony will make the readers feel the painful stab of knowing information vital to the protagonist's survival.
Another scene in which Iago demonstrates his mastery of manipulation is when he instills the idea in Othello's mind that Cassio is with his wife. He almost refuses to tell Othello his suspicions, making him seem like a loyal friend.
Othello (2/4)
William Shakespeare
I have a burning fiery hatred for Iago. He has undoubtedly aroused the forceful feminist in me. The scene in which Emilia, Desdemona, and Iago discuss the roles and general position of women shapes Iago to be the ultimate villain: manipulative, revengeful, cunning, and misogynistic! They discuss four different kinds of women: smart and beautiful, smart and ugly, dumb and beautiful, and dumb and ugly. First of all, categorizing women into categories of "fair and black" strips women of obviously their value as human beings, but also of their individuality. It minimalizes women to be not only second class citizens, but even less than human, serving simply of objects characterized by their beauty for men to be pleased by. When Iago answers Desdemona as to what would make the perfect woman, he responds, "to suckle fools and chronicle small beer" (II.i.159). This section was just painful to read, especially keeping in mind that things haven't actually changed that much, after all, the "make me a sandwhich/women in the kitchen jokes" are still very much a part of everyday "comedy". What's even more pathetic is that women laugh along with these "jokes"! You are feeding into your own oppression!! You are contributing and encouraging the society that treats you and teaches you that you are less than men! You are laughing along with misogynist gender roles that have for hundreds and thousands of years led to your own oppression! Yes- I, Rachel Brown, am part of the radical movement that recognizes the full equality and humanity of both women and men.
I have a burning fiery hatred for Iago. He has undoubtedly aroused the forceful feminist in me. The scene in which Emilia, Desdemona, and Iago discuss the roles and general position of women shapes Iago to be the ultimate villain: manipulative, revengeful, cunning, and misogynistic! They discuss four different kinds of women: smart and beautiful, smart and ugly, dumb and beautiful, and dumb and ugly. First of all, categorizing women into categories of "fair and black" strips women of obviously their value as human beings, but also of their individuality. It minimalizes women to be not only second class citizens, but even less than human, serving simply of objects characterized by their beauty for men to be pleased by. When Iago answers Desdemona as to what would make the perfect woman, he responds, "to suckle fools and chronicle small beer" (II.i.159). This section was just painful to read, especially keeping in mind that things haven't actually changed that much, after all, the "make me a sandwhich/women in the kitchen jokes" are still very much a part of everyday "comedy". What's even more pathetic is that women laugh along with these "jokes"! You are feeding into your own oppression!! You are contributing and encouraging the society that treats you and teaches you that you are less than men! You are laughing along with misogynist gender roles that have for hundreds and thousands of years led to your own oppression! Yes- I, Rachel Brown, am part of the radical movement that recognizes the full equality and humanity of both women and men.
Othello (1/4)
William Shakespeare
Othello has a surprisingly cavelier disposition throughout the scene in which he is confronted by his new father-in-law, Brabantio. When Othello is confronted by a (small) angry mob and encouraged to fight, he responds, "Hold your hands, both you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter. Whither will you that I go to answer this your charge?" (I.ii.83-87). He responds rather simply, saying just that if he felt the need for a fight, he would have iniated it without the confrontation of Brabantio's group. He has nothing to hide when Brabantio accuses him of marrying Desdemona. His blunt honesty and clear conscience is heard even by the Duke, who is assumed to take the Senator's side. The Duke, rather than being convinced by Brabantio's argument, is impressed, as Desdemona was, by Othello's story and oppressive history. Nice try Brabantio, Othello is too good of a guy to mess with.
Othello has a surprisingly cavelier disposition throughout the scene in which he is confronted by his new father-in-law, Brabantio. When Othello is confronted by a (small) angry mob and encouraged to fight, he responds, "Hold your hands, both you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter. Whither will you that I go to answer this your charge?" (I.ii.83-87). He responds rather simply, saying just that if he felt the need for a fight, he would have iniated it without the confrontation of Brabantio's group. He has nothing to hide when Brabantio accuses him of marrying Desdemona. His blunt honesty and clear conscience is heard even by the Duke, who is assumed to take the Senator's side. The Duke, rather than being convinced by Brabantio's argument, is impressed, as Desdemona was, by Othello's story and oppressive history. Nice try Brabantio, Othello is too good of a guy to mess with.
Friday, January 25, 2013
4. February
February
Margaret Atwood
This poem approaches the idea that humans, are like cats. The poem is almost a satire of the main concerns of humans (specifically during winter): marking their territory and sex. Human's main concern is watching hockey, eating a ton, and sex. The speaker seems to imply that it is the season that elicits these actions. It seems to be saying that the dullness and death of winter is equivalent to people's love lives, as a "month of despair with a skewered heart in the middle." At the end of the poem, the speaker mentions the life and beauty of spring. I think spring is an analogy for a joyous love life, contrasted against the dullness and pathetic cattiness of love during the winter.
3. Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics
Raymond Carver
The first thing I thought was that this story is basically that of 1 Kings 3. Obviously, there is a huge difference in the mother's response in 1 Kings and the parent's response in Popular Mechanics. In the Bible story, the real mother of the baby the two women were fighting for was willing to give up her baby so that it would live. In this story, however, the mother and father settle the issue by splitting their baby in half. The Bible story contrasts Popular mechanics, highlighting the absence of actual love the parents had for their baby. Their fight seemed to be more of a competition than one of caring for their baby. The title, Popular Mechanics, provides an ironic insight into reality. By using the word, "popular", it implies that this kind of settlement is common. I think it serves to accuse parents who are splitting of also (figuratively) splitting their children. They are so concerned about who gets what that there is no care for the emotional consequences served by their children. Children are under the harm of their parent's fight for them.
Raymond Carver
The first thing I thought was that this story is basically that of 1 Kings 3. Obviously, there is a huge difference in the mother's response in 1 Kings and the parent's response in Popular Mechanics. In the Bible story, the real mother of the baby the two women were fighting for was willing to give up her baby so that it would live. In this story, however, the mother and father settle the issue by splitting their baby in half. The Bible story contrasts Popular mechanics, highlighting the absence of actual love the parents had for their baby. Their fight seemed to be more of a competition than one of caring for their baby. The title, Popular Mechanics, provides an ironic insight into reality. By using the word, "popular", it implies that this kind of settlement is common. I think it serves to accuse parents who are splitting of also (figuratively) splitting their children. They are so concerned about who gets what that there is no care for the emotional consequences served by their children. Children are under the harm of their parent's fight for them.
2. You're Ugly, Too
You're Ugly, Too
Lorrie Moore
I really connected with Zoe as a character through her eccentricities: her purse with all of her baggies, all of her books about career women and their grief, singing while walking into her lecture halls. She is nothing less than weird, and the best part is that she makes fun of herself. A student asked her, "what is your perfume", and her response, "room freshener" gives her a sense of unapologetic honesty. She seemingly has nothing to hide. I don't think however, that while her incongruences make her interesting, the don't elicit any sense of empathy for her being alone. I think she has such a confidence and comfort in her own skin that the audience doesn't perceive her as a woman that would need or even want a man. I think that's what I like about her. She does what she wants, she is who she is, and she doesn't rely on a man to define her. Her loopy but down-to-earth character makes it unsurprising that she doesn't end up with anyone, but she doesn't seem to mind. In fact, she seems like she's better off than "finding herself in a bitter custody battle... for the kids."
Lorrie Moore
I really connected with Zoe as a character through her eccentricities: her purse with all of her baggies, all of her books about career women and their grief, singing while walking into her lecture halls. She is nothing less than weird, and the best part is that she makes fun of herself. A student asked her, "what is your perfume", and her response, "room freshener" gives her a sense of unapologetic honesty. She seemingly has nothing to hide. I don't think however, that while her incongruences make her interesting, the don't elicit any sense of empathy for her being alone. I think she has such a confidence and comfort in her own skin that the audience doesn't perceive her as a woman that would need or even want a man. I think that's what I like about her. She does what she wants, she is who she is, and she doesn't rely on a man to define her. Her loopy but down-to-earth character makes it unsurprising that she doesn't end up with anyone, but she doesn't seem to mind. In fact, she seems like she's better off than "finding herself in a bitter custody battle... for the kids."
1. The Story of an Hour
The Story of an Hour
Kate Chopin
One thing I noticed in particular about the story was the speaker's diction. "Pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul."I think this beautifully described how she responded to the death of her husband. Though, as the audience comes to find out, doesn't last long. Soon after the initial tears she begins to whisper the words: "Free! Body and soul free!" It is shocking to see Mrs. Bentley respond to the death of her husband by feeling a sense of freedom. She doesn't even wait an hour before she starts praying that she might have a long life to enjoy this freedom. She feels even a sense of victory as she looks forward to being defined by her own wants and desires and not by the will (or seemingly oppression) of a man by her side. When Mr. Bentley comes home, it becomes completely clear how strongly she felt about being alone that she dies right then of heart disease. What is most ironic, is that the speaker said that she died of joy! All I can think is that she would have rather died than face years more of oppression.
Kate Chopin
One thing I noticed in particular about the story was the speaker's diction. "Pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul."I think this beautifully described how she responded to the death of her husband. Though, as the audience comes to find out, doesn't last long. Soon after the initial tears she begins to whisper the words: "Free! Body and soul free!" It is shocking to see Mrs. Bentley respond to the death of her husband by feeling a sense of freedom. She doesn't even wait an hour before she starts praying that she might have a long life to enjoy this freedom. She feels even a sense of victory as she looks forward to being defined by her own wants and desires and not by the will (or seemingly oppression) of a man by her side. When Mr. Bentley comes home, it becomes completely clear how strongly she felt about being alone that she dies right then of heart disease. What is most ironic, is that the speaker said that she died of joy! All I can think is that she would have rather died than face years more of oppression.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning (4/4)
A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning
John Donne
What I noticed in this poem was a sense of spiritual love. When the speaker acknowledges that they will be forcibly going away, they say that this departure should not be of sadness and tears, because this makes "a virtuous man weak", but instead, of trust during their "expansion" (Donne, 801-802). The speaker also made the point that they and their love are entered into a love "much refined", that it is assured and affirmed by more that "eyes, lips, and hands to miss" (Donne, 802). The couple's love is defined by more than the love they share in the same space, but by the love between them that is "inter-assured of the mind." The entirety of the poem is centered around the couple's love that extends beyond the physical, that their connection is made up of much more that that of "dull sublunary lovers' love", and that they as a couple are stronger because of their ability to withstand physical absense. Their long-distance relationship is only distant in the sense that they're geographically apart. I think the speaker was trying to encourage their love that they would return and all would be as it was left, "thy firmness makes my circle just, and makes me end, where I begun."
John Donne
What I noticed in this poem was a sense of spiritual love. When the speaker acknowledges that they will be forcibly going away, they say that this departure should not be of sadness and tears, because this makes "a virtuous man weak", but instead, of trust during their "expansion" (Donne, 801-802). The speaker also made the point that they and their love are entered into a love "much refined", that it is assured and affirmed by more that "eyes, lips, and hands to miss" (Donne, 802). The couple's love is defined by more than the love they share in the same space, but by the love between them that is "inter-assured of the mind." The entirety of the poem is centered around the couple's love that extends beyond the physical, that their connection is made up of much more that that of "dull sublunary lovers' love", and that they as a couple are stronger because of their ability to withstand physical absense. Their long-distance relationship is only distant in the sense that they're geographically apart. I think the speaker was trying to encourage their love that they would return and all would be as it was left, "thy firmness makes my circle just, and makes me end, where I begun."
Eveline (3/4)
Eveline
James Joyce
This story first made me think of Eveline's psychological state. After a time of her father's abuse, her mother's death, and her hard life, she still finds her home hard to leave. "It was hard work- a hard life- but now that she was about to leave it she did not find it a wholly undesirable life" (Joyce, 220). Eveline finds it hard to leave her rough life for her love, Frank! What is interesting is how she is so dependent on her home life that is so destructive. I think this story was made to address humanity's problems with change. In fact, Eveline justifies staying by saying her father could be nice- sometimes. She convinces herself that life is better the way it always has been. When she's about to go off with Frank to Buenos Aires, she is not overjoyed to be changing her life so that she can live a better one with her love, but she thinks to herself that she would be "drowned" in the "seas of the world" (Joyce, 222). Her fear restrains her from having the beautiful life that she could.
James Joyce
This story first made me think of Eveline's psychological state. After a time of her father's abuse, her mother's death, and her hard life, she still finds her home hard to leave. "It was hard work- a hard life- but now that she was about to leave it she did not find it a wholly undesirable life" (Joyce, 220). Eveline finds it hard to leave her rough life for her love, Frank! What is interesting is how she is so dependent on her home life that is so destructive. I think this story was made to address humanity's problems with change. In fact, Eveline justifies staying by saying her father could be nice- sometimes. She convinces herself that life is better the way it always has been. When she's about to go off with Frank to Buenos Aires, she is not overjoyed to be changing her life so that she can live a better one with her love, but she thinks to herself that she would be "drowned" in the "seas of the world" (Joyce, 222). Her fear restrains her from having the beautiful life that she could.
Lonely Hearts (2/4)
Lonely Hearts
Wendy Cope
In this poem, I think there are multiple speakers that communicate through what seem like newspaper ads.
Each of these individuals is searching for someone to love and for someone to love them. They describe themselves as "gay vegetarian", or "male biker", or "executive". Then, they mention what kind of person they would be interested in, "female for touring fun", or "bisexual woman, arty, young" (Cope, 973). They are very concerned with labels and identifying themselves with typical societal definitions. It is ironic, however, that all of these lonely individuals are all writing in North London. They are all searching for a specific person with specific labels to be with, but meanwhile, there are others seaching just like them. I think the theme of the poem is to satirize the quest of love. I think the point of the poem is to highlight the absurdity of people's standards in looking for someone to love. Love is not about a "picture", as one asked for, or a label, but about an actual bond- a bond that was not advertized for in newspaper ads.
Wendy Cope
In this poem, I think there are multiple speakers that communicate through what seem like newspaper ads.
Each of these individuals is searching for someone to love and for someone to love them. They describe themselves as "gay vegetarian", or "male biker", or "executive". Then, they mention what kind of person they would be interested in, "female for touring fun", or "bisexual woman, arty, young" (Cope, 973). They are very concerned with labels and identifying themselves with typical societal definitions. It is ironic, however, that all of these lonely individuals are all writing in North London. They are all searching for a specific person with specific labels to be with, but meanwhile, there are others seaching just like them. I think the theme of the poem is to satirize the quest of love. I think the point of the poem is to highlight the absurdity of people's standards in looking for someone to love. Love is not about a "picture", as one asked for, or a label, but about an actual bond- a bond that was not advertized for in newspaper ads.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
How I Met My Husband (1/4)
How I Met My Husband
Alice Munro
I think the structure is interesting in the story in the sense that Edie's husband isn't actually introduced to her until the end. Initially, Chris Watters seems like he is Edie's husband-to-be. His kind words, his understanding nature, and his acceptance of Edie's shyness make him a prime candidate for Edie. He becomes less likely, however, when Allison, Chris' fiance, shows up. Nonetheless, the audience naturally expects that true love will prevail and that the two will be together. Unfortunately though, it makes sense that Chris leaves Edie behind and never gets back to her with a letter. It is very typical of his "fleeting" character that he would leave, after all, he did it to Allison too. I think it can be inferred that Allison was left in the dust as Edie was by the way she showed up chasing after Chris. When the mailman shows up in the story, he simply seems like a background character. As Edie's hopes for a letter from Chris fades, a new light is shone on the mailman, who is never given a name. This strange entrance into a background character makes is surprising when the speaker reveals that it is the mailman who she marries.
Alice Munro
I think the structure is interesting in the story in the sense that Edie's husband isn't actually introduced to her until the end. Initially, Chris Watters seems like he is Edie's husband-to-be. His kind words, his understanding nature, and his acceptance of Edie's shyness make him a prime candidate for Edie. He becomes less likely, however, when Allison, Chris' fiance, shows up. Nonetheless, the audience naturally expects that true love will prevail and that the two will be together. Unfortunately though, it makes sense that Chris leaves Edie behind and never gets back to her with a letter. It is very typical of his "fleeting" character that he would leave, after all, he did it to Allison too. I think it can be inferred that Allison was left in the dust as Edie was by the way she showed up chasing after Chris. When the mailman shows up in the story, he simply seems like a background character. As Edie's hopes for a letter from Chris fades, a new light is shone on the mailman, who is never given a name. This strange entrance into a background character makes is surprising when the speaker reveals that it is the mailman who she marries.
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