"One bird said to Billy Pilgrim: 'Poo-tee-weet?'" (pg.215)
This is a reoccurring theme throughout the novel. Again and again this bird appears and says the exact same thing. While doing so, it helps reveal the theme of the novel. The theme is that there are minimal intelligent things to say about a war. All it is is a massacre of fellow humans. Birds have nothing to say about it, and neither do smart humans. Vonnegut is very anti-war throughout the book. He also reveals this theme by the progression and drastic change in Billy Pilgrim's life.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five: Comedic Relief
"He farted temendously and then he belched." (pg.189)
Here Vonnegut decides to utilize comedic relief. After so many tales of death and agony, this is much needed. This old man cannot stop farting and burping, which made me laugh. This changes the pace that the story had been going on. It interrupted the story in a way. Before this, there was talk of all the destruction in Dresden. So many people had died. There were bodies in pits buried underground underneath the rubble. Again, it must be hard for Billy to live through this, just going into the war to be a chaplain's assistant.
Here Vonnegut decides to utilize comedic relief. After so many tales of death and agony, this is much needed. This old man cannot stop farting and burping, which made me laugh. This changes the pace that the story had been going on. It interrupted the story in a way. Before this, there was talk of all the destruction in Dresden. So many people had died. There were bodies in pits buried underground underneath the rubble. Again, it must be hard for Billy to live through this, just going into the war to be a chaplain's assistant.
Slaughterhouse-Five: Personification
"The one flame ate everything organic, everything that would burn." (pg. 176)
The fire bombing of Dresden has begun. The fire is being personified as a hungry beast. It is engulfing everything in flames. It is eating everything and it is spreading fast. These fires are horrible, and many people are killed. Also, Americans bombers are to leave nothing behind. They even shoot at fellow Americans. That is awful, but it was apart of the war. This war damaged Billy on the inside. It changed his life forever, and he would never be the same again.
The fire bombing of Dresden has begun. The fire is being personified as a hungry beast. It is engulfing everything in flames. It is eating everything and it is spreading fast. These fires are horrible, and many people are killed. Also, Americans bombers are to leave nothing behind. They even shoot at fellow Americans. That is awful, but it was apart of the war. This war damaged Billy on the inside. It changed his life forever, and he would never be the same again.
Slaughterhouse-Five: Situational Irony
"They were, in fact, distant cousins, something they never found out." (pg.158)
This quote is talking about Billy and the guard named Werner Gluck. Because they resemble each other, Vonnegut draws a comparison between the two. They actually to turn out to be related. However, they never get to find this out. Gluck will go on to die in the firestorms in Dresden. Billy will survive. Gluck is also a lot like Billy in the way he acts. He is very timid and not very smart.
This quote is talking about Billy and the guard named Werner Gluck. Because they resemble each other, Vonnegut draws a comparison between the two. They actually to turn out to be related. However, they never get to find this out. Gluck will go on to die in the firestorms in Dresden. Billy will survive. Gluck is also a lot like Billy in the way he acts. He is very timid and not very smart.
Slaughterhouse-Five: Foreshadowing
"So I promised him I'd have this silly cocksucker shot after the war." (pg.141)
This quote from Paul Lazzaro is foreshadowing Billy's death. Lazzaro promised Weary that he would avenge his death by killing Billy. Billy sees his death. He describes it as him seeing purple and hearing a buzzing noise. Later on, Billy states that he will always die on February 13, 1976. Lazzaro will come back to shoot Billy. He will keep his promise to Weary. Billy accepts his death because he learned from the Tralfamadorians that he will always be alive.
This quote from Paul Lazzaro is foreshadowing Billy's death. Lazzaro promised Weary that he would avenge his death by killing Billy. Billy sees his death. He describes it as him seeing purple and hearing a buzzing noise. Later on, Billy states that he will always die on February 13, 1976. Lazzaro will come back to shoot Billy. He will keep his promise to Weary. Billy accepts his death because he learned from the Tralfamadorians that he will always be alive.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five : First Person
"That was I. That was me." (pg. 125)
The point of view that this story is told from is weird. Vonnegut is telling Billy's story in third person, but he goes into first person sometimes to intervene with the story. Here he is showing that he was in the prison with Billy. He is showing that he is relevant in the story. He is checking in with the reader in a way. He reminds the reader that he was there and he witnessed this as well. He does this because the reader can see that Billy is crazy. Vonnegut wants to reassure that these events are true by validating them with his presence.
The point of view that this story is told from is weird. Vonnegut is telling Billy's story in third person, but he goes into first person sometimes to intervene with the story. Here he is showing that he was in the prison with Billy. He is showing that he is relevant in the story. He is checking in with the reader in a way. He reminds the reader that he was there and he witnessed this as well. He does this because the reader can see that Billy is crazy. Vonnegut wants to reassure that these events are true by validating them with his presence.
Slaughterhouse-Five : Motif
"So it goes." (pg. 92)
Throughout the book, Vonnegut has used the phrase "so it goes" as a motif. He uses it after every time death is mentioned. He is trying to get a point across in doing this. He is saying that death is a way of life in war. People and things die all the time around you in war. With the phrase "so it goes," he is pointing out everytime he experienced death, which is a lot. Also, he is saying that death is inevitable. "So it goes" can be seen as him saying something like "life goes on" meaning that people will die, but you have to move on from that until it is your time to pass.
Throughout the book, Vonnegut has used the phrase "so it goes" as a motif. He uses it after every time death is mentioned. He is trying to get a point across in doing this. He is saying that death is a way of life in war. People and things die all the time around you in war. With the phrase "so it goes," he is pointing out everytime he experienced death, which is a lot. Also, he is saying that death is inevitable. "So it goes" can be seen as him saying something like "life goes on" meaning that people will die, but you have to move on from that until it is your time to pass.
Slaughterhouse-Five : Metaphor
"Through the valley flowed a Mississippi of humiliated Americans." (pg. 64)
This excerpt provides an example of a metaphor. The Mississippi is an American river, and the American soldiers are being marched in a line, flowing downhill as a river would. This is also an example of dramatic irony. The American soldiers are marching against their will like a river in their home country. They are on their way to different war prisons where they will undergo certain hardships. These hardships include things such as a lack of sufficient food and a lack of clothing that fits. Billy is stuck with a jacket that is far too small. The Germans did this in order to jeer and poke fun at him. They do not care what becomes of the American soldiers.
This excerpt provides an example of a metaphor. The Mississippi is an American river, and the American soldiers are being marched in a line, flowing downhill as a river would. This is also an example of dramatic irony. The American soldiers are marching against their will like a river in their home country. They are on their way to different war prisons where they will undergo certain hardships. These hardships include things such as a lack of sufficient food and a lack of clothing that fits. Billy is stuck with a jacket that is far too small. The Germans did this in order to jeer and poke fun at him. They do not care what becomes of the American soldiers.
Slaughterhouse-Five : Anecdote
"An anecdote: One time a recruit was watching him...Billy Pilgrim loved them." (pg.53)
Kurt Vonnegut decided to put an anecdote in the story here in order to portray something. He wanted to portray Billy's innocence in the story. Billy sees Adam and Eve naked on the boots. Nudity here is a symbol for innonce and Billy connects to this. He likes what he sees because that is who he is. He is an innocent, quiet, humble human being. He is a chaplain's assistant and does not even carry a weapon. He means no harm to anyone, and he is just caught up in his own life.
Kurt Vonnegut decided to put an anecdote in the story here in order to portray something. He wanted to portray Billy's innocence in the story. Billy sees Adam and Eve naked on the boots. Nudity here is a symbol for innonce and Billy connects to this. He likes what he sees because that is who he is. He is an innocent, quiet, humble human being. He is a chaplain's assistant and does not even carry a weapon. He means no harm to anyone, and he is just caught up in his own life.
Slaughterhouse-Five : Symbolism
"All there is to say about a massacre, things like 'Poo-tee-tweet'?" (pg.19)
Here, Vonnegut is telling us about a massacre that occured in the war from a bird's point of view. He is saying that we make such a big deal out of a massacre, but a bird just simply chirps at it. This is a symbol meaning that there truly aren't many intellectual things to say about a massacre or even war in general. This excerpt is anti-war because Vonnegut is saying that war is not smart. There is really nothing to say about a massacre that has any merit to it. He doesn't understand why massacres occur. He says that it is supposed to be silent after a massacre. But he is like a bird, chirping, wondering why this had to take place.
Here, Vonnegut is telling us about a massacre that occured in the war from a bird's point of view. He is saying that we make such a big deal out of a massacre, but a bird just simply chirps at it. This is a symbol meaning that there truly aren't many intellectual things to say about a massacre or even war in general. This excerpt is anti-war because Vonnegut is saying that war is not smart. There is really nothing to say about a massacre that has any merit to it. He doesn't understand why massacres occur. He says that it is supposed to be silent after a massacre. But he is like a bird, chirping, wondering why this had to take place.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The End of the Novel
"He was soon borne away by the waves, and lost in darkness and distance."
I enjoyed the novel as a whole, and I also liked the ending as well. I was not a fan of either Frankenstein or creature. I am content with Frankenstein dying and I am also content to see creature going to burn himself alive. I believe this whole mess was Victor's fault. He should have seen how hideous the creature was before he gave it life. Also, he shouldn't have ran away from his creation. After working so hard on it he runs away from it when all it wanted was nourishment. I understand he did not know it wanted that but he still should have tried to communicate with it in someway. If he would have cared for creature and tought him himself, then none of these tragedies would have taken place.
I enjoyed the novel as a whole, and I also liked the ending as well. I was not a fan of either Frankenstein or creature. I am content with Frankenstein dying and I am also content to see creature going to burn himself alive. I believe this whole mess was Victor's fault. He should have seen how hideous the creature was before he gave it life. Also, he shouldn't have ran away from his creation. After working so hard on it he runs away from it when all it wanted was nourishment. I understand he did not know it wanted that but he still should have tried to communicate with it in someway. If he would have cared for creature and tought him himself, then none of these tragedies would have taken place.
motif
"Over him hung a form which I cannot find words to describe - gigantic in stature, yet uncouth and distorted in its proportions."
Throughout the novel, Shelley uses the phrase "gigantic in stature" to describe the creature. At the very beginning of the novel, Walton sees the creature and describes it this way in his letter, and now at the end of the novel, he describes it in the same way. Also, it occurs to me that the creature is never given a name. This adds to the effect of the creature's description. Because it has no name, it can only be described the way it is. This adds a sense of horror and mystery to the novel because every time it appears it is described in this horrendous way. Shelley knows how to scare her readers by describing the creature in this terrifying way. The reader can clearly picture what this chilling, haunting monster would look like if it were chasing them.
Throughout the novel, Shelley uses the phrase "gigantic in stature" to describe the creature. At the very beginning of the novel, Walton sees the creature and describes it this way in his letter, and now at the end of the novel, he describes it in the same way. Also, it occurs to me that the creature is never given a name. This adds to the effect of the creature's description. Because it has no name, it can only be described the way it is. This adds a sense of horror and mystery to the novel because every time it appears it is described in this horrendous way. Shelley knows how to scare her readers by describing the creature in this terrifying way. The reader can clearly picture what this chilling, haunting monster would look like if it were chasing them.
Dynamic Character
"What does it avail that now I ask thee to pardon me?"
I believe that the creature is a dynamic character in this novel. Earlier in the novel, he was set on making Victor's life miserable. He killed his brother and his wife! But now, in this excerpt, he is extremely remorseful because he realizes that he is the reason for Victor's poor health that led to his death. He went from jeering at Victor when he was mourning over his murdered wife to crying over Victor's dead body. Creature says he will go and burn himself alive. He wants to do this in order to rid himself of his miseries. For the first time, he is experiencing overwhelming grief, and he cannot deal with it.
I believe that the creature is a dynamic character in this novel. Earlier in the novel, he was set on making Victor's life miserable. He killed his brother and his wife! But now, in this excerpt, he is extremely remorseful because he realizes that he is the reason for Victor's poor health that led to his death. He went from jeering at Victor when he was mourning over his murdered wife to crying over Victor's dead body. Creature says he will go and burn himself alive. He wants to do this in order to rid himself of his miseries. For the first time, he is experiencing overwhelming grief, and he cannot deal with it.
Anecdote
"No: from that moment I declared ever-lasting war against the species, and, more than all, against him who had formed me, and sent me forth to this insupportable misery."
While the creature is speaking to Victor, he tells an anecdote that explains why he hates humans. When he decided to present himself to the family, he did not get his desired result. Felix started to beat the crud out of him and he left. Although he could have easily retaliated and killed Felix, he chose not to. Every experience he has had with humans has been terrible. He says in this excerpt that he has declared war against Victor. From this, we can see that he blames his miserable life on his creator, and he seeks revenge. It is for this reason that he decides to make Victor's life as miserable as possible without actually physically harming him.
While the creature is speaking to Victor, he tells an anecdote that explains why he hates humans. When he decided to present himself to the family, he did not get his desired result. Felix started to beat the crud out of him and he left. Although he could have easily retaliated and killed Felix, he chose not to. Every experience he has had with humans has been terrible. He says in this excerpt that he has declared war against Victor. From this, we can see that he blames his miserable life on his creator, and he seeks revenge. It is for this reason that he decides to make Victor's life as miserable as possible without actually physically harming him.
Dramatic Irony
"I grasped his throat to silence him, and in a moment he lay dead at my feet."
Earlier in the novel, we saw Justine get killed because a jury deemed her the murderer of William. Even though she was convicted, Victor somehow knew all along that it was the creature who was the true murderer. Now, as the creature tells his story we see that it was the creature, not Justine, who killed William. Creature also put William's locket on Justine, which was a key part of why she lost her trial. This infuriates Victor and he demands the death of the creature. Frankenstein also takes creature's threat the wrong way. When the creature tells Victor he will be with him on his wedding night, Victor believes he will be killed then. However, the creature means that he will kill his wife, Elizabeth, and he keeps his promise and strangles her.
Earlier in the novel, we saw Justine get killed because a jury deemed her the murderer of William. Even though she was convicted, Victor somehow knew all along that it was the creature who was the true murderer. Now, as the creature tells his story we see that it was the creature, not Justine, who killed William. Creature also put William's locket on Justine, which was a key part of why she lost her trial. This infuriates Victor and he demands the death of the creature. Frankenstein also takes creature's threat the wrong way. When the creature tells Victor he will be with him on his wedding night, Victor believes he will be killed then. However, the creature means that he will kill his wife, Elizabeth, and he keeps his promise and strangles her.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Creature
"But how I was terrified when I viewed myself in a transparent pool!"
Creature just keeps amazing me as his story unfolds. It is filled with irony. First of all, he can speak, and he can speak very well. When we last saw him, he was moaning at Victor and scared him off. Now we see creature speaking gently and honestly to Victor trying to calm him down. Also, in this excerpt, creature describes how he is terrified of his appearence. This leads me to believe that he knows how a normal person should look and he has genuine human feelings, thought, and emotion. As the story unfolds, I am anxious to see how creature knows Victor's name and how he became so human-like in that amount of time.
Creature just keeps amazing me as his story unfolds. It is filled with irony. First of all, he can speak, and he can speak very well. When we last saw him, he was moaning at Victor and scared him off. Now we see creature speaking gently and honestly to Victor trying to calm him down. Also, in this excerpt, creature describes how he is terrified of his appearence. This leads me to believe that he knows how a normal person should look and he has genuine human feelings, thought, and emotion. As the story unfolds, I am anxious to see how creature knows Victor's name and how he became so human-like in that amount of time.
Situational Irony
"Devil, do you dare approach me?"
This excerpt is the very first thing that Victor Frankenstein says to the creature. This is situational irony because the creature is not a monster. Actually, the creature can talk and he actually has feelings. The irony is when the creature has to tell Victor to calm down. This shows that he is not what Victor thinks he is. He has a reason for approaching Victor. He wants to tell him his story about what had happened to him. He does this to try to keep Victor from killing him. Frankenstein is angry because he still believes that creature killed his brother even though creature explains that he would never do such a thing.
This excerpt is the very first thing that Victor Frankenstein says to the creature. This is situational irony because the creature is not a monster. Actually, the creature can talk and he actually has feelings. The irony is when the creature has to tell Victor to calm down. This shows that he is not what Victor thinks he is. He has a reason for approaching Victor. He wants to tell him his story about what had happened to him. He does this to try to keep Victor from killing him. Frankenstein is angry because he still believes that creature killed his brother even though creature explains that he would never do such a thing.
Dramatic Irony
"But now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart."
In this excerpt, Frankenstein is expressing his disgust and horror in his creation. This is dramatic irony because he had such a thirst for knowledge that he spent so long creating the creature. He also wanted to explore and discover. He expected to find beauty in his creation, but it was nothing of the sort. He ends up running away from the giant because he is so terrified. The creature then disappears and does not reappear until much later in the story. Victor worked so hard just to run away from what he thought was his masterpiece. Also, Victor is supposed to be excited for his discovery, but he becomes very ill soon after.
In this excerpt, Frankenstein is expressing his disgust and horror in his creation. This is dramatic irony because he had such a thirst for knowledge that he spent so long creating the creature. He also wanted to explore and discover. He expected to find beauty in his creation, but it was nothing of the sort. He ends up running away from the giant because he is so terrified. The creature then disappears and does not reappear until much later in the story. Victor worked so hard just to run away from what he thought was his masterpiece. Also, Victor is supposed to be excited for his discovery, but he becomes very ill soon after.
Indirect Characterization
"Every one loved Elizabeth."
Victor Frankenstein's family is described as rich, loving, and protective. They show this when they take in an orphan named Elizabeth Lavenza. In the excerpt I have chosen, she is indirectly characterized as being very kind and respectful. The reader can assume this because she is so well-liked. Also, Victor likes her so much that he develops a crush on her, but then realizes that they cannot be together, which makes him sad. They were raised as siblings and Elizabeth was very calm and intellectual. Victor says that he had a greater thirst for knowledge. This is also foreshadowing Victor creating creature out of curiosity and, above all, a thirst for knowledge and discovery.
Victor Frankenstein's family is described as rich, loving, and protective. They show this when they take in an orphan named Elizabeth Lavenza. In the excerpt I have chosen, she is indirectly characterized as being very kind and respectful. The reader can assume this because she is so well-liked. Also, Victor likes her so much that he develops a crush on her, but then realizes that they cannot be together, which makes him sad. They were raised as siblings and Elizabeth was very calm and intellectual. Victor says that he had a greater thirst for knowledge. This is also foreshadowing Victor creating creature out of curiosity and, above all, a thirst for knowledge and discovery.
Foreshadowing
"A being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature, sat in the sledge, and guided the dogs."
The beginning of Frankenstein starts out with four letters written by Robert Walton to a Mrs. Saville. In this letter, Robert is describing a strange event that he witnessed one morning. He describes a large figure commanding a sled of dogs racing across the ice. As the reader, we can foreshadow that this is the creature that will appear later on in the novel. Soon after we see this, we learn that this is indeed the creature created by Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein proceeds to tell his story to Robert after this. He warns Robert of making the same mistakes he did. Victor is on the move chasing his creature down for some unknown reason.
The beginning of Frankenstein starts out with four letters written by Robert Walton to a Mrs. Saville. In this letter, Robert is describing a strange event that he witnessed one morning. He describes a large figure commanding a sled of dogs racing across the ice. As the reader, we can foreshadow that this is the creature that will appear later on in the novel. Soon after we see this, we learn that this is indeed the creature created by Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein proceeds to tell his story to Robert after this. He warns Robert of making the same mistakes he did. Victor is on the move chasing his creature down for some unknown reason.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Tragic Flaw
"He never knew who he was."
This excerpt from Biff at the end of the play is exactly what Willy's tragic flaw was. He never knew who he was because he was living in a false reality. He always experienced illusions that put him in another world. Everything was different in this reality. Also, this is probably why his funeral was poorly attended. If he did not even know who he was, how could people he met get to know him well? This quote from the requiem also tells us that Biff has figured out his father's tragic flaw. He has learned from it, and he is moving on. However, Happy plans to become a salesman and says he will "not let (his) father die in vain" even though he did. This shows that Happy is becoming another Willy as the play ends.
This excerpt from Biff at the end of the play is exactly what Willy's tragic flaw was. He never knew who he was because he was living in a false reality. He always experienced illusions that put him in another world. Everything was different in this reality. Also, this is probably why his funeral was poorly attended. If he did not even know who he was, how could people he met get to know him well? This quote from the requiem also tells us that Biff has figured out his father's tragic flaw. He has learned from it, and he is moving on. However, Happy plans to become a salesman and says he will "not let (his) father die in vain" even though he did. This shows that Happy is becoming another Willy as the play ends.
Irony
"But where are all the people he knew? Maybe they blame him."
The requiem at the end of the play is portraying a funeral (that is what requiem means). This excerpt is from Linda speaking about how Willy's funeral is poorly attended. This is ironic because Willy is a salesman and has most likely met many people through his work and travels. However, there are not many people at his funeral. This is most likely because of Willy's problem of always seeing things. It almost seems like he lives in a false reality. He always sees a different life with younger versions of his loved ones and his mistress, who is a reappearing figure throughout his illusions. His illusions lead to him wanting a better life for Biff, and Biff learns from his father's death, while Happy does not.
The requiem at the end of the play is portraying a funeral (that is what requiem means). This excerpt is from Linda speaking about how Willy's funeral is poorly attended. This is ironic because Willy is a salesman and has most likely met many people through his work and travels. However, there are not many people at his funeral. This is most likely because of Willy's problem of always seeing things. It almost seems like he lives in a false reality. He always sees a different life with younger versions of his loved ones and his mistress, who is a reappearing figure throughout his illusions. His illusions lead to him wanting a better life for Biff, and Biff learns from his father's death, while Happy does not.
Protagonist
"Oh, Ben, I always knew one way or another we were gonna make it, Biff and I!"
There can be a case made for the protagonist of this story for either Willy or Biff. Personally, I believe Willy is the protagonist of this play. He is the main character because the family revolves around him. He is a salesman, so he goes out and earns money to help support his family. Also, as the reader, we see all of his illusions that he has. We can directly see Willy's personal problems and how they affect his life and family. A case could be made for Biff because Willy is always on him to make something out of himself in the business world. We see Biff develop as a character when he finally begins to snap on his father. He cannot take the constant criticism, which reminded me of Tom in "The Glass Menagerie."
There can be a case made for the protagonist of this story for either Willy or Biff. Personally, I believe Willy is the protagonist of this play. He is the main character because the family revolves around him. He is a salesman, so he goes out and earns money to help support his family. Also, as the reader, we see all of his illusions that he has. We can directly see Willy's personal problems and how they affect his life and family. A case could be made for Biff because Willy is always on him to make something out of himself in the business world. We see Biff develop as a character when he finally begins to snap on his father. He cannot take the constant criticism, which reminded me of Tom in "The Glass Menagerie."
Monday, February 27, 2012
Realism vs. Nonrealism
"Tom is distinctly shocked at her appearence. Even Jim blinks a little. He is making his first contact with girlish Southern vivacity and in spite of the night-school course in public speaking is somewhat thrown off the beam by the unexpected outlay of social charm."
Realism versus nonrealism is an important aspect of this play. Though the play is told from a nonrealistic view of a memory, it still contains realistic parts. Here, Jim is realistically described. Because of the unexpectedness of Amanda's appearence, he is thrown off, even when he is in a public speaking class. Another point in the story that is realistic is near the beggining when Amanda is talking to Tom but she is looking at his empty chair. This is portraying that Amanda is a complex, confused woman. An example of a nonrealistic part of the story is when at the same part, they are all eating facing the audience, not each other. The difference between realism and nonrealism helps to display the story as a memory, where the general idea is shown but not everything may be accurate.
Realism versus nonrealism is an important aspect of this play. Though the play is told from a nonrealistic view of a memory, it still contains realistic parts. Here, Jim is realistically described. Because of the unexpectedness of Amanda's appearence, he is thrown off, even when he is in a public speaking class. Another point in the story that is realistic is near the beggining when Amanda is talking to Tom but she is looking at his empty chair. This is portraying that Amanda is a complex, confused woman. An example of a nonrealistic part of the story is when at the same part, they are all eating facing the audience, not each other. The difference between realism and nonrealism helps to display the story as a memory, where the general idea is shown but not everything may be accurate.
Dynamic Character
"You know how Laura is. So quiet but - still water runs deep!"
In this excerpt, Amanda is talking about how she is concerned about Laura. Amanda is a dynamic character because at the beggining of the play, she seemed comfortable with Laura and uncaring towards Tom. By this point in the story, she is now concerned for Laura because she has discovered that she has dropped out of school. She wants her to find a man that she can be with and be well off with. Also, Amanda is talking to Tom about her concern. Earlier, it seemed as though she would never consult Tom about anything. Now she is concerned for Laura and asking Tom about it. From this point, she begins to show a whole new side that will impact the rest of the story.
In this excerpt, Amanda is talking about how she is concerned about Laura. Amanda is a dynamic character because at the beggining of the play, she seemed comfortable with Laura and uncaring towards Tom. By this point in the story, she is now concerned for Laura because she has discovered that she has dropped out of school. She wants her to find a man that she can be with and be well off with. Also, Amanda is talking to Tom about her concern. Earlier, it seemed as though she would never consult Tom about anything. Now she is concerned for Laura and asking Tom about it. From this point, she begins to show a whole new side that will impact the rest of the story.
Point of View
"I have things up my sleeve. But I am the opposite of a stage magician. He gives you the illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion."
This excerpt is from the very beggining of the story, and Tom is speaking. Right away he announces that he will be narrating the story. He says that he will tell the story out of his memory, which is unrealistic. Because the story is from his memory, there are specific parts in the play where it is obvious that unrealism is occuring. For example, it occurs when Tom asks Laura who's ever escaped from a coffin with only one nail. Right when he says that, the father's portrait lights up. It is as if the father is answering the question though we know this would never happen in a realistic world. In this case, nonrealism gives off a sense of irony because the father's portrait is focused on after the question is raised by Tom.
This excerpt is from the very beggining of the story, and Tom is speaking. Right away he announces that he will be narrating the story. He says that he will tell the story out of his memory, which is unrealistic. Because the story is from his memory, there are specific parts in the play where it is obvious that unrealism is occuring. For example, it occurs when Tom asks Laura who's ever escaped from a coffin with only one nail. Right when he says that, the father's portrait lights up. It is as if the father is answering the question though we know this would never happen in a realistic world. In this case, nonrealism gives off a sense of irony because the father's portrait is focused on after the question is raised by Tom.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Theme
"Duke Frederick, hearing how that every day men of great worth resorted to this forest, address'd a mighty power" (V.iv.77)
Here, Jaques de Boys is announcing that Duke Frederick has had a conversion and has reinstated the banished members of the forest. He is also adding to the theme of the play. One of the themes is nature heals. The reason Duke Frederick has had this conversion is because good men who are his civilians are going to the forest and he talks to a religious man to have his change of heart. Another reason that this theme is correct is that when they go to the forest they can marry who they want. In the city, some of the characters in the story cannot wed. At the end of the story, there are multiple weddings. Everyone is joyous together at the conclusion of the play.
Here, Jaques de Boys is announcing that Duke Frederick has had a conversion and has reinstated the banished members of the forest. He is also adding to the theme of the play. One of the themes is nature heals. The reason Duke Frederick has had this conversion is because good men who are his civilians are going to the forest and he talks to a religious man to have his change of heart. Another reason that this theme is correct is that when they go to the forest they can marry who they want. In the city, some of the characters in the story cannot wed. At the end of the story, there are multiple weddings. Everyone is joyous together at the conclusion of the play.
Dramatic Irony
"And I am your Rosalind." (IV.i.56)
Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, is speaking here and provides an example of dramatic irony. She is speaking to Orlando, who believes she is Ganymede, and pretends to be Rosalind. As the reader, we know the truth but Orlando does not. She asks Orlando questions about himself and his love for Rosalind. She does this to see if he is a good man. By this I mean she wanted to see if he was honest and what his true intentions were. Rosalind wanted to know if Orlando was really the right man for her. At the end of the play, Rosalind comes out of disguise and marries Orlando to make it a happy ending.
Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, is speaking here and provides an example of dramatic irony. She is speaking to Orlando, who believes she is Ganymede, and pretends to be Rosalind. As the reader, we know the truth but Orlando does not. She asks Orlando questions about himself and his love for Rosalind. She does this to see if he is a good man. By this I mean she wanted to see if he was honest and what his true intentions were. Rosalind wanted to know if Orlando was really the right man for her. At the end of the play, Rosalind comes out of disguise and marries Orlando to make it a happy ending.
Paradox
"Truly, shepherd, in respect of itself, it is a good life; but in respect that it is a shepherd's life, it is naught" (III.ii.35)
This quote is from Touchstone speaking to Corin giving his opinions on what he thinks the country life is like. He is saying that it is a good life, but that he prefers the court life. For example, he also says that he likes the solitude; however, he says he dislikes the private life. Touchstone prefers to live alone, but he also prefers that there be people arond to interact with. Corin responds by saying that he likes the country life. Corin starts to give reasons why and they begin to argue. They constantly keep one upping another. For example, when Corin says that people in the courts perfume their hands with civet Touchstone says that civet is better than tar. Corin also says it is weird to kiss the hand as a greeting; this is because in the country, people's hands are usually dirty.
This quote is from Touchstone speaking to Corin giving his opinions on what he thinks the country life is like. He is saying that it is a good life, but that he prefers the court life. For example, he also says that he likes the solitude; however, he says he dislikes the private life. Touchstone prefers to live alone, but he also prefers that there be people arond to interact with. Corin responds by saying that he likes the country life. Corin starts to give reasons why and they begin to argue. They constantly keep one upping another. For example, when Corin says that people in the courts perfume their hands with civet Touchstone says that civet is better than tar. Corin also says it is weird to kiss the hand as a greeting; this is because in the country, people's hands are usually dirty.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Reflective Essay
| Carl Webb and David Palmer |
| Othello and Iago |
The play Othello by William Shakespeare is a timeless and universal work that’s themes can relate to modern works of fiction and entertainment. One theme of the story is that love can hurt sometimes, and the poem “Disease of Your Affection” and the television show “24” also portray this theme. All of these works can relate to each other through the common theme that love is not always what people expect it to be. Also, people are hurt as a direct result of love in all of these works. Characters as well relate throughout these works through their actions and intents. This also proves that although Othello is an old piece of fiction, it can still be related to today’s works.
The poem “Disease of Your Affection” by Derek del Barrio says that his “love is no longer true.” The speaker also says he is “afraid of loneliness” and that the disease of his love’s affection is penetrating him (del Barrio 5-10). The author clearly does not trust his love completely if he is only with her out of fear. In the story Othello, Othello does not trust his wife, Desdemona, completely because he believes that she has been unfaithful to him. At one point, Othello becomes so angry that he strikes Desdemona (IV.i.222-225.). Although they are in love, Othello is too blind to just ask Desdemona about a possible affair; he, instead, takes matters into his own hands along with Iago. Iago can also relate to these works because of his deception. Iago deceives Othello to get revenge upon him for not giving him a higher position in the military. In the poem, the beauty of the author’s woman deceives him into thinking that he loves her when really he does not. “(Her) beauty like a virus attacking violently” shows that her beauty is the author’s weakness and it is attacking him, forcing him to portray a false love. Iago, likewise, manipulates Othello into thinking there is a false love between he and Desdemona. Iago and beauty are related in the sense that they both deceive to portray a false love in order to benefit them.
In the first season of the television show “24,” President David Palmer is dealing with a national crisis when he discovers that his wife, Sherry, has deceived him into covering up a murder that their son had committed. When David discovers this, he must decide if his wife is truly faithful to him, like Othello. However, he confronts her about it and she admits the truth. It is obvious that their relationship is damaged by this and they are both hurting. Sherry claims she did not want David to know because she loved him. David, like Othello, becomes angry at this. She also says that Carl Webb, one of David’s co-workers, was in on the cover up as well (9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.). Again, Iago can relate to another character: both Carl and Iago deceived their superiors for their own personal benefit. They both manipulated the love that their bosses had and both wound up getting caught; however, they both managed to hurt their bosses through their love with their spouses.
Sherry's evilness
In Othello, the character Iago can relate to characters of beauty in the poem “Disease of Your Affection” and Carl Webb in the television show “24” through deception by manipulating love. Also, Othello, President Palmer, and the author are all hurt by love in similar ways. Unfaithfulness is the underlying reason for their pain through love. Othello is a timeless story whose themes are portrayed through similar characters in modern day fiction and entertainment.
 |
| David and Sherry Palmer |
| Othello and Desdemona |
Works Cited
Perrine, Laurence. “Othello.” Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense.
Fort Worth. Harcourt College. 2002. 1361-462. Print.
Del Barrio, Derek. "Disease of Your Affection." Poems and Songs for People Who Don't like Poetry. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. <http://www.reject.org/lovepoems.html>.
Surnow, Joel, prod. "9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M." 24. FOX. Claremont, California, 5 Feb. 2002. Television.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Reflective Essay Warm-Up
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" lyrics
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" video
The song "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet connects to the conflict of cheating and loyalty in Othello. The lyrics in the song relate to the dilemma that Othello is faced with in the play. In the song, they sing "Well I could see, you home with me, but you were with another man, yea" and in the play, Othello believes that his wife, Desdemona, is sleeping with another man, Cassio. He loves her; however, he becomes furious that she may have cheated on him and loses faith in her. Jet goes on to sing "I know we, ain't got much to say, before I let you get away, yea!" This relates to Othello because when Othello suspects Desdemona about her cheating, he does not confront her about it until he tries to kill her. He did not say much to her from the time where Iago planted the idea in his head to when he begins to smother her. If Othello would have had something to say sooner, then maybe Desdemona would not have gotten away.
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" video
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4028155763541049389
The song "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet connects to the conflict of cheating and loyalty in Othello. The lyrics in the song relate to the dilemma that Othello is faced with in the play. In the song, they sing "Well I could see, you home with me, but you were with another man, yea" and in the play, Othello believes that his wife, Desdemona, is sleeping with another man, Cassio. He loves her; however, he becomes furious that she may have cheated on him and loses faith in her. Jet goes on to sing "I know we, ain't got much to say, before I let you get away, yea!" This relates to Othello because when Othello suspects Desdemona about her cheating, he does not confront her about it until he tries to kill her. He did not say much to her from the time where Iago planted the idea in his head to when he begins to smother her. If Othello would have had something to say sooner, then maybe Desdemona would not have gotten away.
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