Although
Some Like It Hot is a comedy and The Great Gatsby is a tragedy, both
works use popular culture to portray life in 1920s America. Focusing on the following elements
(characterization, conflict, and theme), discuss how the two works are similar
and different and what each is saying about American life.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Journal 21 - Some Like it Hot
Journal 20 - Gatsby Conclusion
Read the novel’s last passage (beginning with, “Gatsby’s
house was still empty when I left”) and discuss the use of imagery and
symbolism that is being employed by Fitzgerald.
In your response, specifically address what Nick is saying about the
green light and the connection that he is making between Gatsby and the Dutch
sailors who “discovered” Long Island.
In the last
paragraph of the Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald had used multiple means of symbolism
and imagery. The first thing that he had
started to describe was about Gatsby’s house.
Not only how the looks of it were, but how lonely it felt since Gatsby
had passed. An important part of this
last passage was when he had mentioned the green light which had stood across
the water at Daisy’s house. There was
also the reference made to the Dutch sailor’s.
What the interpretation of this reference might mean is that when Nick
was lying on the beach, he had started to block out all the other houses that
surrounded the area in the distance in front of him. By doing so, he was able to recognize all the
things that were there when apparently the sailors had discovered that same
area that Nick was admiring.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Journal 19 - Characterization in The Great Gatsby
Write a description for each of the following characters based on his/her first appearance in Chapter 1. Your description should include:
-the character’s physical appearance;
-the character’s actions/words;
-an adjective that best describes the character based on his/her initial
appearance
Nick Carraway Polite to others and always seems very aware of what’s going on. Was not as judgmental as the others.
Tom Buchanan He is very fit and shape, with large muscles, an athletic person. Had an aggressive demeanor in some ways. Also, was very forceful in the ways when he would speak to other people. Untrustworthy, since he had another woman.
Daisy Buchanan Seemed very charming to others, chatty, has blonde hair, tries to ignore the lies that surround her.
Jordan Baker Charming and very polite, was very chatty, dark brown hair. Also involved in what is going on in other people’s lives.
Jay Gatsby He is quiet and kept mainly to himself. Always seen staring at the green light across the water from his house. A tall and slender man.
Nick Carraway Polite to others and always seems very aware of what’s going on. Was not as judgmental as the others.
Tom Buchanan He is very fit and shape, with large muscles, an athletic person. Had an aggressive demeanor in some ways. Also, was very forceful in the ways when he would speak to other people. Untrustworthy, since he had another woman.
Daisy Buchanan Seemed very charming to others, chatty, has blonde hair, tries to ignore the lies that surround her.
Jordan Baker Charming and very polite, was very chatty, dark brown hair. Also involved in what is going on in other people’s lives.
Jay Gatsby He is quiet and kept mainly to himself. Always seen staring at the green light across the water from his house. A tall and slender man.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Journal 18 - Hemingway
1. What is the significance of the story’s title?
The significance of the story’s title is that the soldiers were in a different country, and also foreign to what is surrounding them. The people, who were anti-war, there were not always pleased to have them there and would yell at them for being involved in the war. For this reason, they would stand out more than they already were.
2. Which character do you think best represents the “Hemingway hero”? Why?
One of the characters that best represents the “Hemingway hero” would probably be the Major. The reason for this would be that he had gone through the most suffering through his life. Just between losing his wife and injuring his hands. His hands were important because he was a fencer in his life. Even through all of this, he carried himself with dignity and respect,
3. What can you infer about the photographs the doctor hangs up? What is the significance of the major’s reaction?
What can be inferred from the photographs that the doctor hangs up was that it showed how the machine helped to strengthen whatever injury the person had. In reality, it was the motivation from the patient that helped to heal them and hard work, kind of like physical therapy. The major didn’t buy into it though and believed that it wouldn’t do anything to help him. Also, he isn’t listening to what the doctor is saying, but instead is looking out the window. By doing this, he is facing his loss and suffering.
The significance of the story’s title is that the soldiers were in a different country, and also foreign to what is surrounding them. The people, who were anti-war, there were not always pleased to have them there and would yell at them for being involved in the war. For this reason, they would stand out more than they already were.
2. Which character do you think best represents the “Hemingway hero”? Why?
One of the characters that best represents the “Hemingway hero” would probably be the Major. The reason for this would be that he had gone through the most suffering through his life. Just between losing his wife and injuring his hands. His hands were important because he was a fencer in his life. Even through all of this, he carried himself with dignity and respect,
3. What can you infer about the photographs the doctor hangs up? What is the significance of the major’s reaction?
What can be inferred from the photographs that the doctor hangs up was that it showed how the machine helped to strengthen whatever injury the person had. In reality, it was the motivation from the patient that helped to heal them and hard work, kind of like physical therapy. The major didn’t buy into it though and believed that it wouldn’t do anything to help him. Also, he isn’t listening to what the doctor is saying, but instead is looking out the window. By doing this, he is facing his loss and suffering.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Journal 17 - Prufrock
1. What is the significance of the poem’s epigraph? How does it relate to Prufrock?
The signifigance of the poem’s epigraph is that the author is not afraid to tell his own story. In Prufrock’s poem, it shows a glimpse of his private thoughts and private confessions of from his mind. Although, this story was not meant to be publicized, for if it was, he would feel shame and disgrace from it.
2. Make a list of questions that Prufrock asks. Do you see a pattern/theme to these questions or are they random?
The list of questions that Prufrock asks:
- Do I dare disturb the universe?
- So how should I presume?
- Then how should I begin to spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways?
- Is it perfume from a dress that makes me so digress?
- And how should I begin?
- Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets and watched the smoke that rises from the pipes o flonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?
- Should I, after tea and cakes and ices, have the strength to force the movement to its crisis?
- Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
There is a theme to all these questions. The theme is that for question that he asks, it is a form of being self-conscious of himself. He is not bold enough to make even the most trivial decisions by himself.
3. What do you think is Prufrock’s main flaw/problem?
Prukrock’s main flaw, or problem, would be that he lacks decisiveness and self-confidence. Also, he is very concerned with time and other things along that line.
4. Why do you think this is called a love song? In what way is it a love song?
The ironic thing about this being called a love song is that the poem’s about not being able to find love. In some way though, some love songs can be about not finding love, but wanting to.
The signifigance of the poem’s epigraph is that the author is not afraid to tell his own story. In Prufrock’s poem, it shows a glimpse of his private thoughts and private confessions of from his mind. Although, this story was not meant to be publicized, for if it was, he would feel shame and disgrace from it.
2. Make a list of questions that Prufrock asks. Do you see a pattern/theme to these questions or are they random?
The list of questions that Prufrock asks:
- Do I dare disturb the universe?
- So how should I presume?
- Then how should I begin to spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways?
- Is it perfume from a dress that makes me so digress?
- And how should I begin?
- Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets and watched the smoke that rises from the pipes o flonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?
- Should I, after tea and cakes and ices, have the strength to force the movement to its crisis?
- Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
There is a theme to all these questions. The theme is that for question that he asks, it is a form of being self-conscious of himself. He is not bold enough to make even the most trivial decisions by himself.
3. What do you think is Prufrock’s main flaw/problem?
Prukrock’s main flaw, or problem, would be that he lacks decisiveness and self-confidence. Also, he is very concerned with time and other things along that line.
4. Why do you think this is called a love song? In what way is it a love song?
The ironic thing about this being called a love song is that the poem’s about not being able to find love. In some way though, some love songs can be about not finding love, but wanting to.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Journal 16 - Crane & London
Read the following quote and discuss how it applies to the main characters in both stories. In the course of this discussion, address how each of the characters is both similar and different:
“Determinisim governs everything … The writer must study the inherited traits of individual character and the social condition of the time. Together, these elements determine the course of any action, the outcome of any life. Free will or self-determination is mostly an illusion, although chance is granteed a role in human affairs. Still, even the effects of chance are obliterated in the inevitable course determined by the interaction of inherited character traits and the social environment.“
It is very possible to compare this quote to “The Blue Hotel.” In the quote, it talks about how one individual character is able to effect their whole surrounding, which is exactly what happens in this story. When the three men came off the train and into the hotel, there was one who started to become very paranoid. Thinking it was the wild west, he feared that there had been murders in the hotel and that he might be next. By thinking such things and reacting in such a ridiculous ways, he began to effect the few people around him. Such as, when the hotel owner made him become drunk, the son partaking in a fight with the man, the cowboy saying to kill him during the fight, the journalist never saying that the man was right about the cheating, and finally, the man in the end who stabbed the drunken paranoid. Whether the effect is positive or negative, there is always an outcome.
Taking from the quote, you are able to compare free will to “To Build A Fire”. When the man was out looking for gold in Alaska, there were other native to the area who had told him many things, including not to go alone, in order to survive. Although he may have been told this, it was his freewill when he had chosen not to listen. All the negative things that had occurred had happened because of his negligence to listen. Such examples of this would be when he was told how cold the temperatures would reach to, but even so, he did not come prepared for it. Also, the only other “person” that he had brought with him was the dog, which at one point he was willing to kill, but was not able to even reach his knife in the end. All of these happenings started with the point on whether he was willing to listen and take the advice that given or not.
Although both of these stories may have different types of characters, or barely any characters to begin with, both of them have a negative social environment. In the end, both had a undesirable ending where they had died. Though one died from nature, and the other from, in a way, influencing his negative and disruptive behavior upon others which had him receive the undesirable outcome. When looking back at both of them, the characters could have avoided all of this. If they had just listened to the other people, they would have foreseen their outcome.
“Determinisim governs everything … The writer must study the inherited traits of individual character and the social condition of the time. Together, these elements determine the course of any action, the outcome of any life. Free will or self-determination is mostly an illusion, although chance is granteed a role in human affairs. Still, even the effects of chance are obliterated in the inevitable course determined by the interaction of inherited character traits and the social environment.“
It is very possible to compare this quote to “The Blue Hotel.” In the quote, it talks about how one individual character is able to effect their whole surrounding, which is exactly what happens in this story. When the three men came off the train and into the hotel, there was one who started to become very paranoid. Thinking it was the wild west, he feared that there had been murders in the hotel and that he might be next. By thinking such things and reacting in such a ridiculous ways, he began to effect the few people around him. Such as, when the hotel owner made him become drunk, the son partaking in a fight with the man, the cowboy saying to kill him during the fight, the journalist never saying that the man was right about the cheating, and finally, the man in the end who stabbed the drunken paranoid. Whether the effect is positive or negative, there is always an outcome.
Taking from the quote, you are able to compare free will to “To Build A Fire”. When the man was out looking for gold in Alaska, there were other native to the area who had told him many things, including not to go alone, in order to survive. Although he may have been told this, it was his freewill when he had chosen not to listen. All the negative things that had occurred had happened because of his negligence to listen. Such examples of this would be when he was told how cold the temperatures would reach to, but even so, he did not come prepared for it. Also, the only other “person” that he had brought with him was the dog, which at one point he was willing to kill, but was not able to even reach his knife in the end. All of these happenings started with the point on whether he was willing to listen and take the advice that given or not.
Although both of these stories may have different types of characters, or barely any characters to begin with, both of them have a negative social environment. In the end, both had a undesirable ending where they had died. Though one died from nature, and the other from, in a way, influencing his negative and disruptive behavior upon others which had him receive the undesirable outcome. When looking back at both of them, the characters could have avoided all of this. If they had just listened to the other people, they would have foreseen their outcome.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Journal 15 – William Dean Howell’s “Editha”
1. Write a sentence that summarizes the story’s overall message, and provide three direct quotes from the story that best illustrate this message.
Overall, the story’s message was that romance can be played as a hurtful and dangerous game. Some quotes to support this are “But the man I marry must love his country first of all”. Another would be, “Before it seemed as if she could have written, there came news of the first skirmish, and in the list of the killed, which was telegraphed as a trifling loss on our side, was Gearson’s name.” A final quote could be, ‘”I would rather of died myself than done it!” Editha said, with more truth in her voice than she ordinarily found in it.’
2. What tactics does Editha use to make George believe as she does about the war?
Editha tells George that she isn’t able to marry someone who doesn’t love their country before everything else. Also, she had said that she believed God meant it to be war. She had used this tactic because her fiancée and his family was religious as well.
3. Is there ever a time in which Editha truly understands what she has done? Does she ever experience an epiphany?
There is a time where Editha truly understands what she has done. Near the end of the story, when she goes to visit her deceased fiancee’s mother, the mother had basically told her that this was her fault since Editha was the one to convince George to go to war in the first place. This was the point where she had her epiphany. Although, at the end of story when Editha is talking to sketch artist and the woman calls the mother vulgar, Editha continues back to her old ways.
Overall, the story’s message was that romance can be played as a hurtful and dangerous game. Some quotes to support this are “But the man I marry must love his country first of all”. Another would be, “Before it seemed as if she could have written, there came news of the first skirmish, and in the list of the killed, which was telegraphed as a trifling loss on our side, was Gearson’s name.” A final quote could be, ‘”I would rather of died myself than done it!” Editha said, with more truth in her voice than she ordinarily found in it.’
2. What tactics does Editha use to make George believe as she does about the war?
Editha tells George that she isn’t able to marry someone who doesn’t love their country before everything else. Also, she had said that she believed God meant it to be war. She had used this tactic because her fiancée and his family was religious as well.
3. Is there ever a time in which Editha truly understands what she has done? Does she ever experience an epiphany?
There is a time where Editha truly understands what she has done. Near the end of the story, when she goes to visit her deceased fiancee’s mother, the mother had basically told her that this was her fault since Editha was the one to convince George to go to war in the first place. This was the point where she had her epiphany. Although, at the end of story when Editha is talking to sketch artist and the woman calls the mother vulgar, Editha continues back to her old ways.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Journal 14 - Robinson
Realism – The theory or practice in art and literature of fidelity to nature or to real life and to accurate representation without idealization of the most typical views, details, and surroundings of the subject.
Read the following poems and write a detailed description for each of the title characters and explain how each is an example of the “real” instead of the “ideal.”
“Richard Cory“ (497)
The meaning of the name is that he was rich, but to the core, he was depressed. In reality, he thought he had nothing, but everyone in the town thought he had everything. People tend to idealize others based on the appearences, but the realism is that what’s really going on underneath the surface.
“Miniver Cheevy” (497)
The characters name Minimer Cheevy, suggests that it means minimum achiever. He wished that he was born into the Midevil times. You learn this from when he talks about loathing a khaki suit and missed the suits of armor. Also, he liked the idea of knights and chivalry and the romance of the Renaissance. What makes this real instead of ideal is that he wasn’t an important figure, he was more of an average joe. Cheevy just daydreams of being a knight, just like all other regular people daydream as well. That’s what seperates him from being ideal.
“Mr. Flood’s Party” (498)
The name is connected that he’s lonely and drowing from drinking so much. He’s receding into the past. Also, Flood has outlived all of his friends, which means he is probably not going to live much longer. He’s in an era of change, but is too old to keep up with that change. What Flood’s life is focused on is in the past, which leaves him to be sad, lonely, and drunk.
Read the following poems and write a detailed description for each of the title characters and explain how each is an example of the “real” instead of the “ideal.”
“Richard Cory“ (497)
The meaning of the name is that he was rich, but to the core, he was depressed. In reality, he thought he had nothing, but everyone in the town thought he had everything. People tend to idealize others based on the appearences, but the realism is that what’s really going on underneath the surface.
“Miniver Cheevy” (497)
The characters name Minimer Cheevy, suggests that it means minimum achiever. He wished that he was born into the Midevil times. You learn this from when he talks about loathing a khaki suit and missed the suits of armor. Also, he liked the idea of knights and chivalry and the romance of the Renaissance. What makes this real instead of ideal is that he wasn’t an important figure, he was more of an average joe. Cheevy just daydreams of being a knight, just like all other regular people daydream as well. That’s what seperates him from being ideal.
“Mr. Flood’s Party” (498)
The name is connected that he’s lonely and drowing from drinking so much. He’s receding into the past. Also, Flood has outlived all of his friends, which means he is probably not going to live much longer. He’s in an era of change, but is too old to keep up with that change. What Flood’s life is focused on is in the past, which leaves him to be sad, lonely, and drunk.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Journal 13 - Masters
Read “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” and answer the following questions.
1. What object symbolizes George Gray’s life? How is this object representative of him?
The object tha symbolizes George Gray’s life would be the sailboat. It represents him by saying that the when the sailboat is docked in the harbor with furled sails, it is him living his life simply and safely because he was to afraid to go out and experience life. Gray found that you should live your life and give it meaning, even if you are afraid.
2. How was Lucinda Matlock’s life different than George Gray’s? How do you interepret the last line of the poem?
Matlock’s life differs from Gray’s because she had accomplished many things in her time. She was not afraid to go out and experience the world, even if it meant sorrow. How I interpret the last line of the poem “It takes life to love life” is that everyone is given chances in their life, never knowing what is going to happen. You should use this in the future to learn to love and cherish the life that you have, since you don’t always know what’s ahead of you in the future.
3. How are “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” examples of realism?
Both of these stories relate to realism because each of them focus on the fact that you should be going through life unafraid and give meaning to your life. Live your life full of love, and most of all, take chances that you normally wouldn’t take.
1. What object symbolizes George Gray’s life? How is this object representative of him?
The object tha symbolizes George Gray’s life would be the sailboat. It represents him by saying that the when the sailboat is docked in the harbor with furled sails, it is him living his life simply and safely because he was to afraid to go out and experience life. Gray found that you should live your life and give it meaning, even if you are afraid.
2. How was Lucinda Matlock’s life different than George Gray’s? How do you interepret the last line of the poem?
Matlock’s life differs from Gray’s because she had accomplished many things in her time. She was not afraid to go out and experience the world, even if it meant sorrow. How I interpret the last line of the poem “It takes life to love life” is that everyone is given chances in their life, never knowing what is going to happen. You should use this in the future to learn to love and cherish the life that you have, since you don’t always know what’s ahead of you in the future.
3. How are “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” examples of realism?
Both of these stories relate to realism because each of them focus on the fact that you should be going through life unafraid and give meaning to your life. Live your life full of love, and most of all, take chances that you normally wouldn’t take.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Journal 12 - Young Goodman Brown
1. “Young Goodman Brown” is an allegory (symbolic narrative). What do the following represent?
Young Goodman Brown – a good person, innocent, but doesn’t understand the world and everybody’s true nature. He tries to remain good and resist the temptation throughout the story.
Faith – it represents not only his wife, but his religious faith as well. He talks about how Faith was holding him back, which can interpret as his religion holding him back from experiencing other things in the world.
The Elderly Traveller/Fellow-Traveller – personification of the devil. Everyone travels down the road of temptation
Goody Cloyse – corruption, hypocrisy
The Ceremony – this represents how everyone has a sinful nature to them. Celebrating a sinful nature and acknoledging that everyone has a sinful nature to them
The Pink Ribbon – when the ribbon falls and Goodman sees it, it represents the loss of faith
Young Goodman Brown’s Journey – in town people act a certain way, faithful, but in the woods, he learns the true nature of everyone.
2. Identify the following for “Young Goodman Brown”:
Theme Message of Theme Element Used to Establish
The theme for the story of Young Goodman Brown would be deception. Deception best describes it because in the story, it shows in the beginning that everyone in Salem is seen as faithful to God for the reason that they are all Puritans. When it becomes nightfall though, the main character starts to see everyone’s true nature, of which they were hiding. This true nature would be that they have become unfaithful. After learning this, the character starts to fall apart at knowing that everyone he ever knew that was at the ceremony was lie. The element that can be used to establish this story would be setting.
In addition, provide three direct quotes from the story that address your theme.
1. “There is no good on the earth; and sin is but a name. Come devil; for to thee is the world given.”
2. “leaving him in the heart of the dark wilderness, still rushing onward with the instinct that guides mortal man to evil.”
3. But, irreverently consorting with these grave, reputable, and pious people, these elders of the church, these chaste dames and dewy virgins, there were men of dissolute lives and women of spotted fame, wretches given over to all mean and filthy vice, and suspected even of horrid crimes.
Young Goodman Brown – a good person, innocent, but doesn’t understand the world and everybody’s true nature. He tries to remain good and resist the temptation throughout the story.
Faith – it represents not only his wife, but his religious faith as well. He talks about how Faith was holding him back, which can interpret as his religion holding him back from experiencing other things in the world.
The Elderly Traveller/Fellow-Traveller – personification of the devil. Everyone travels down the road of temptation
Goody Cloyse – corruption, hypocrisy
The Ceremony – this represents how everyone has a sinful nature to them. Celebrating a sinful nature and acknoledging that everyone has a sinful nature to them
The Pink Ribbon – when the ribbon falls and Goodman sees it, it represents the loss of faith
Young Goodman Brown’s Journey – in town people act a certain way, faithful, but in the woods, he learns the true nature of everyone.
2. Identify the following for “Young Goodman Brown”:
Theme Message of Theme Element Used to Establish
The theme for the story of Young Goodman Brown would be deception. Deception best describes it because in the story, it shows in the beginning that everyone in Salem is seen as faithful to God for the reason that they are all Puritans. When it becomes nightfall though, the main character starts to see everyone’s true nature, of which they were hiding. This true nature would be that they have become unfaithful. After learning this, the character starts to fall apart at knowing that everyone he ever knew that was at the ceremony was lie. The element that can be used to establish this story would be setting.
In addition, provide three direct quotes from the story that address your theme.
1. “There is no good on the earth; and sin is but a name. Come devil; for to thee is the world given.”
2. “leaving him in the heart of the dark wilderness, still rushing onward with the instinct that guides mortal man to evil.”
3. But, irreverently consorting with these grave, reputable, and pious people, these elders of the church, these chaste dames and dewy virgins, there were men of dissolute lives and women of spotted fame, wretches given over to all mean and filthy vice, and suspected even of horrid crimes.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Journal 11 - Walden
Write a summary of the following selections and identify a direct quote that you feel best expresses its main idea.
“Where I Lived and What I Lived For”
live life only dealing with the essentials
Quote: “To drive into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms…”
“Sounds”
He listens to the sounds of society, how they interact with other people to be amused, but he talks about how went into nature and just amused himself.
Quote: “I had this advantage, at least, in my mode of life, ever those who were obliged to look abroad for amusement, to society and the theater, that my life itself was becomemy amusement and never ceased to be novel.
“Brute Neighbors”
Exaggerated the greatness of the ants to a heroic level to show how similar people are in their behaviors. Therefore, you can find a reflection fo what we are in nature. By doing this, it shows how unheroic we are.
Quote: “I was surprised to find that the chips were covered with such combatants, that it was not a duellem, but a bellum, a war between two races of ants, the red always pitted against the black, and frequently two red ones to one black .”
“The Pond in Winter”
The first paragraph shows that the speaker of the poem wakes up to an answered dream that we can sit there and ask ourselves what life is all about or we can go out and experience it for ourselves and find a non-verbal answer. The next few paragraphs talk about how the speaker is inspired by the fishermens way of life. They do not care about the authorities and that they do not live by “the book” (Bible). They do not care about following the rules and learn through their own experiences because they are not artificial people but rather they are natural.
Quote: “But there was dawning Nature, in whom all creatures live, looking in at my broad windows with serene and satisfied face, and no question on her lips.”
“Spring”
Everything is starting to move and change in the beginning of Spring. Regret should be let go and everything be forgiven. Creation of the entire world out of nothing. When winter changes to spring, to the eye everything seems to just blossom.
Quote: “As every season seems best to us in its turn, so the coming in of spring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age.”
“Where I Lived and What I Lived For”
live life only dealing with the essentials
Quote: “To drive into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms…”
“Sounds”
He listens to the sounds of society, how they interact with other people to be amused, but he talks about how went into nature and just amused himself.
Quote: “I had this advantage, at least, in my mode of life, ever those who were obliged to look abroad for amusement, to society and the theater, that my life itself was becomemy amusement and never ceased to be novel.
“Brute Neighbors”
Exaggerated the greatness of the ants to a heroic level to show how similar people are in their behaviors. Therefore, you can find a reflection fo what we are in nature. By doing this, it shows how unheroic we are.
Quote: “I was surprised to find that the chips were covered with such combatants, that it was not a duellem, but a bellum, a war between two races of ants, the red always pitted against the black, and frequently two red ones to one black .”
“The Pond in Winter”
The first paragraph shows that the speaker of the poem wakes up to an answered dream that we can sit there and ask ourselves what life is all about or we can go out and experience it for ourselves and find a non-verbal answer. The next few paragraphs talk about how the speaker is inspired by the fishermens way of life. They do not care about the authorities and that they do not live by “the book” (Bible). They do not care about following the rules and learn through their own experiences because they are not artificial people but rather they are natural.
Quote: “But there was dawning Nature, in whom all creatures live, looking in at my broad windows with serene and satisfied face, and no question on her lips.”
“Spring”
Everything is starting to move and change in the beginning of Spring. Regret should be let go and everything be forgiven. Creation of the entire world out of nothing. When winter changes to spring, to the eye everything seems to just blossom.
Quote: “As every season seems best to us in its turn, so the coming in of spring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age.”
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Journal 10 - Insight
Othello’s Insight
Write a one paragraph response to the following question:
Often at the end of a play, Shakespeare’s tragic heroes often have a moment of insight. What is Othello’s insight? Look closely at Othello’s last speech before answering this question.
At the end of the play, Othello’s insight on what has happened to his life can be seen as logical. At the same time though, it is an interesting perspective on what his thought was on his whole situation. He begins to talk about how, throughout his life, he has obliged a great service to the Venetian Army. Continuing on that, Othello also describes how, basically, jealousy had overthrown all of his other emotions. By doing this, he had brought tragedy upon himself. Through this process, Othello had overall lost his identity of an honored soldier to a sort of lowlife murderer.
Write a one paragraph response to the following question:
Often at the end of a play, Shakespeare’s tragic heroes often have a moment of insight. What is Othello’s insight? Look closely at Othello’s last speech before answering this question.
At the end of the play, Othello’s insight on what has happened to his life can be seen as logical. At the same time though, it is an interesting perspective on what his thought was on his whole situation. He begins to talk about how, throughout his life, he has obliged a great service to the Venetian Army. Continuing on that, Othello also describes how, basically, jealousy had overthrown all of his other emotions. By doing this, he had brought tragedy upon himself. Through this process, Othello had overall lost his identity of an honored soldier to a sort of lowlife murderer.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Journal 9 - Free Will & Determinism
Free Will - The power of making free choices that are unconstrained by external circumstances or by an agency such as fate or divine will.
Iago: “'tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our
gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners” (1.3 361-3).
Determinism - The philosophical doctrine that every event, act, and decision is the inevitable consequence of antecedents, such as genetic and environmental influences, that are independent of the human will.
Othello: “Yet ‘tis the plague of great ones … ‘tis destiny unshunnable, like
death” (3.3 313-16).
Using the above definitions, write a paragraph that argues in support of each of the terms. In your paragraphs, use specific examples from Othello to support your ideas.
Everyone has the power of free will. What you do with it though is a whole other thing. In the story, many had accused Iago of forcing them into doing his deeds by manipulation. This can be disagreed upon because no one can force you to do anything. For example, when Othello had killed Desdemona, he had blamed Iago for his own doing. Othello had done this deed upon his own free will. Another example would be when Iago was trying to coerce Cassio into drinking, which eventually led him to become out of control and lose his position. Even though Iago had tried to convince him, it was on Cassio’s own free will that he had decided to drink more than he could handle.
When looking at the definition of determinism, Iago would almost be the only one that had the most influence on everyone. One of the main examples of this was when Iago had started to use his influence on Rodrigo. He had told Rodrigo to sell his lands to gain more money to give to Iago. By doing this, Rodrigo would travel to Cyprus with the rest to try to win over Desdemona. Iago had told Rodrigo that he was using his money to buy lavish gifts for Desdemona as well. Also, Iago had used Rodrigo to try to get rid of Cassio later in the story. Another way that Iago had used his influence was on his wife Emilia. He had told her that he needed Desdemona’s handkerchief for an important reason. Emilia had wanted to please her husband, so she had taken it, not knowing the reason of why he wanted it. In the end, this had caused great turmoil.
Iago: “'tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our
gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners” (1.3 361-3).
Determinism - The philosophical doctrine that every event, act, and decision is the inevitable consequence of antecedents, such as genetic and environmental influences, that are independent of the human will.
Othello: “Yet ‘tis the plague of great ones … ‘tis destiny unshunnable, like
death” (3.3 313-16).
Using the above definitions, write a paragraph that argues in support of each of the terms. In your paragraphs, use specific examples from Othello to support your ideas.
Everyone has the power of free will. What you do with it though is a whole other thing. In the story, many had accused Iago of forcing them into doing his deeds by manipulation. This can be disagreed upon because no one can force you to do anything. For example, when Othello had killed Desdemona, he had blamed Iago for his own doing. Othello had done this deed upon his own free will. Another example would be when Iago was trying to coerce Cassio into drinking, which eventually led him to become out of control and lose his position. Even though Iago had tried to convince him, it was on Cassio’s own free will that he had decided to drink more than he could handle.
When looking at the definition of determinism, Iago would almost be the only one that had the most influence on everyone. One of the main examples of this was when Iago had started to use his influence on Rodrigo. He had told Rodrigo to sell his lands to gain more money to give to Iago. By doing this, Rodrigo would travel to Cyprus with the rest to try to win over Desdemona. Iago had told Rodrigo that he was using his money to buy lavish gifts for Desdemona as well. Also, Iago had used Rodrigo to try to get rid of Cassio later in the story. Another way that Iago had used his influence was on his wife Emilia. He had told her that he needed Desdemona’s handkerchief for an important reason. Emilia had wanted to please her husband, so she had taken it, not knowing the reason of why he wanted it. In the end, this had caused great turmoil.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Journal 8 - Emerson's Aphorisms
1. In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed.
The point that Emerson is trying to make through this aphorism is that you have to be careful in what you do in life. When skating over thin ice, it is more likely to break underneath you. Then again, when skating over thin ice more quickly, it is less likely for it to break and then fall through. This exposes you to less danger overall. My reaction to this aphorism is that it can be helpful throughout life. It tells you to be careful throughout life, but when doing something dangerous, do it quickly so you won’t get hurt from it.
2. What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered.
The meaning of this aphorism that Emerson is trying to get across is that some “weeds” may have good qualities to them. People may ignore them or see them as a nuisance at first. When you dig deeper to their roots, you may find that there is good in it and is useful after all. My opinion on this aphorism is that there is a hidden message underneath it. It could be talking about a person that others walk by every day, such as someone in a lower class society, or maybe even homeless. However, you may find that they may have a hidden talent that no one knows about because of the way they are treated.
3. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
The meaning of this aphorism by Emerson talks about how should experiment in life. Try new things every day, because the more you experiment in life, the more life lessons are learned. Even if it involves making mistakes in life, you should still move on and acquire a meaning from that. My opinion from reading this would be to always try new things. Be able to live life to the fullest and learn from where you’ve fallen.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Journal 7 - Waterfowl/Raven
- Compare/contrast the different views of nature that are being presented in the poems. Refer to the list of classical and romantic characteristics and provide specific examples from the poems to support your analysis.
Each poem has a different view of what is to be focused upon. The poem “To a Waterfowl” focuses more on representing peace and tranquility, a calming environment, and so on. This is known as the classical views of nature. Unlike the first poem, “The Raven” focuses more on emotion, imagination, and also how to get beyond this world and into the afterlife. This explanation is known as romanticism. Also, another important factor is that the first poem is rational, while the second poem is more irrational. “To a Waterfowl” taken place in the evening, in the woods. While the speaker is in the woods, he spots a hawk and tries to find the message that the hawk is giving. The universal message that the speaker received from this experience was that God will guide you in the right path. Also, the impression that is taken from this poem is that it is calm and can be didactic. In “The Raven”, the setting takes place at midnight in the speaker’s home, specifically, in his bedroom. When the raven had come to the window of the speaker’s room, he had seen this as looking for an answer to see if he would be reunited with his love, Lenore, along with seeing if he would have a good experience in the afterlife. After “talking” with the raven, its answer didn’t insure him in knowing that he would have a good experience in the afterlife. Looking back at this, the overall impression of the scene would be chaotic. From examining both of these poems, they show that each had some sort of supernatural experience involved in them. They also focus on only one bird in the poems. Each bird gives them an experience that leads them to the answers of their questions, either connected to religion or to the afterlife.
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