My teammates in this activity are Shane, Edmond, and Maddie . Check out their blogs for their contributions to our understanding of this novel.
Passage Picker
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way."
The novel starts out with a potent and memorable list of paradoxes to depict the setting. This creative way of getting to the point and spicing up the exposition demonstrates Dickens' skill with writing.
A couple of passages that stood out to me where ones where Dickens personifies words by naming them such as Hunger, Death, and Want. . Read these passages.
"Death is Nature’s remedy for all things, and why not Legislation’s? Accordingly, the forger was put to Death; the utterer of a bad note was put to Death; the unlawful opener of a letter was put to Death; the purloiner of forty shillings and sixpence was put to Death; the holder of a horse at Tellson’s door, who made off with it, was put to Death; the coiner of a bad shilling was put to Death; the sounders of three-fourths of the notes in the whole gamut of Crime, were put to Death."
"The mill which had worked them down, was the mill that grinds young people old; the children had ancient faces and grave voices; and upon them, and upon the grown faces, and ploughed into every furrow of age and coming up afresh, was the sigh, Hunger. It was prevalent everywhere. Hunger was pushed out of the tall houses, in the wretched clothing that hung upon poles and lines; Hunger was patched into them with straw and rag and wood and paper; Hunger was repeated in every fragment of the small modicum of firewood that the man sawed off; Hunger stared down from the smokeless chimneys, and stared up from the filthy street that had no offal, among its refuse, of anything to eat. Hunger was the inscription on the baker’s shelves, written in every small loaf of his scanty stock of bad bread; at the sausage-shop, in every dead-dog preparation that was offered for sale. Hunger rattled its dry bones among the roasting chestnuts in the turned cylinder; Hunger was shred into atomics in every farthing porringer of husky chips of potato, fried with some reluctant drops of oil."
"Depressed and slinking though they were, eyes of fire were not wanting among them; nor compressed lips, white with what they suppressed; nor foreheads knitted into the likeness of the gallows-rope they mused about enduring, or inflicting. The trade sips (and they were almost as many as the shops) were, all, grim illustrations of Want."
I think that Dickens' goal in using personification was to make these qualities more present and alarming. When the reader envisions these as actual people, the result is that they will take them more seriously. The technique is creative and original theme that he carries through the text.
"All the people within reach had suspended their business, or their idleness, to run to the spot and drink the wine. The rough, irregular stones of the street, pointing every way, and designed, one might have thought, expressly to lame all living creatures that approached them, had dammed it into little pools; these were surrounded, each by its own jostling group or crowd, according to its size. Some men kneeled down, made scoops of their two hands joined, and sipped, or tried to help women, who bent over their shoulders, to sip, before the wine had all run out between their fingers. Others, men and women, dipped in the puddles with little mugs of mutilated earthenware, or even with handkerchiefs from women’s heads, which were squeezed dry into infants’ mouths; others made small mud-embankments, to stem the wine as it ran; others, directed by lookers-on up at high windows, darted here and there, to cut off little streams of wine that started away in new directions; others devoted themselves to the sodden and lee-dyed pieces of the cask, licking, and even champing the moister wine-rotted fragments with eager relish. There was no drainage to carry off the wine, and not only did it all get taken up, but so much mud got taken up along with it, that there might have been a scavenger in the street, if anybody acquainted with it could have believed in such a miraculous presence."
This passage stood out to me because of it's comedic effect. He highlights the severity of poverty with a comedic reaction to the spilling of wine. It creates a sort of dark humor, where the situation is equally alarming as it is comical. Interestingly enough, he makes a reference to this scene late in the novel.
"Headlong, mad, and dangerous footsteps to force their way into anybody’s life, footsteps not easily made clean again if once stained red, the footsteps raging in Saint Antoine afar off, as the little circle sat in the dark London window."
By making this reference, Dickens' subtlety reminds the reader of an earlier scene.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Practice Essay
Garcin became adept at tuning things out. He was spending eternity with a room full of people he despised, so naturally it became important to him that he heard as little as possible from them. Down in hell, he was used to hearing all types of odd noises from the outside. But this scream had a certain resonance with him. He had heard the voice before, sometime in his childhood. The voice brought back a sense of sentiment that he hadn't felt since he entered the room. Suddenly, the door was thrust open. The scream occurred again, this time louder.
Garcin froze. Clearly something had to be done. His conscience started to beg him to take action. But he had forgotten what it was like to feel, to take action on another’s behalf. He starts pacing the room terrified by the screams that he hears, trying to peek out the door to see who is causing them. But he can’t summon the courage to step outside of the room. Estella and Inez laugh and call him a coward, and in his heart he feels that they are right. He tries to prove them wrong but every time he starts to leave his heart races and he panics.
This situation epitomizes Garcin’s character. He is tremendously indecisive and afraid to take action. Sartre characterizes him through his past life and his dialogue. In his past life, he fled when he was called to duty. In his dialogue, he seeks acceptance from his peers, he wants them to tell him that he was not wrong in doing what he did. This is why he never takes action. Not only is he in trepidation of the unknown, but also he cannot bear the judgment of others. All of his actions are either dictated be the interest of himself or the judgment of others. He begs and screams for the door to open. As if to call his bluff, it swings wide open. Despite his clear desire to go outside, he doesn't for two reasons. One, his is deathly afraid of what could or could not be out there. He is uncomfortable in any situation where he does not have control. The second reason is because of the reaction he receives from Inez. She feels leaving the room would be cowardly, and he wants to prove that he is not a coward in the afterlife, since he was incapable to do it during his first life.
Garcin’s situation parallels that of the slaves from Plato’s allegory of the cave. Both are confined by their fear of the unknown. The slaves of the cave are shackled to and have reason to be afraid of the outside world. Garcin’s situation is a little bit different. He was never shackled against his will, but one could argue he is a victim of his circumstance. There is not enough evidence about Garcin’s life to really prove that his situation led him to be afraid. But the metaphor in Plato’s allegory connects the slaves to the entire human race. We are all shackled, by tradition, by fear, by hate. Garcin was never rescued by an enlightened soul, and surely he won’t be encountering any in hell. So he must save himself independently, which as Plato illustrates, is very difficult to do. No one will drag him into the light or out that door, he must find the courage to do it himself. I believe that if he ver found the courage to aid that scream, he would end up in a much better place.
Based off his characterization, even the most touching of occurrences would not uproot Garcin room his room of confinement. Like a prisoner of the cave, he will stay there with th shadows until someone else drags him out. It is the courage and selflessness that is lacking. Garcin needs to have more passion for others in order to summon the courage to help the terrified person outside the door. The prisoners of the cave need assistance to be freed from the cave and dragged out into the light to be enlightened. The human race needs individuals who have both the courage to seek enlightenment and the compassion to share it with the rest of us.
Garcin froze. Clearly something had to be done. His conscience started to beg him to take action. But he had forgotten what it was like to feel, to take action on another’s behalf. He starts pacing the room terrified by the screams that he hears, trying to peek out the door to see who is causing them. But he can’t summon the courage to step outside of the room. Estella and Inez laugh and call him a coward, and in his heart he feels that they are right. He tries to prove them wrong but every time he starts to leave his heart races and he panics.
This situation epitomizes Garcin’s character. He is tremendously indecisive and afraid to take action. Sartre characterizes him through his past life and his dialogue. In his past life, he fled when he was called to duty. In his dialogue, he seeks acceptance from his peers, he wants them to tell him that he was not wrong in doing what he did. This is why he never takes action. Not only is he in trepidation of the unknown, but also he cannot bear the judgment of others. All of his actions are either dictated be the interest of himself or the judgment of others. He begs and screams for the door to open. As if to call his bluff, it swings wide open. Despite his clear desire to go outside, he doesn't for two reasons. One, his is deathly afraid of what could or could not be out there. He is uncomfortable in any situation where he does not have control. The second reason is because of the reaction he receives from Inez. She feels leaving the room would be cowardly, and he wants to prove that he is not a coward in the afterlife, since he was incapable to do it during his first life.
Garcin’s situation parallels that of the slaves from Plato’s allegory of the cave. Both are confined by their fear of the unknown. The slaves of the cave are shackled to and have reason to be afraid of the outside world. Garcin’s situation is a little bit different. He was never shackled against his will, but one could argue he is a victim of his circumstance. There is not enough evidence about Garcin’s life to really prove that his situation led him to be afraid. But the metaphor in Plato’s allegory connects the slaves to the entire human race. We are all shackled, by tradition, by fear, by hate. Garcin was never rescued by an enlightened soul, and surely he won’t be encountering any in hell. So he must save himself independently, which as Plato illustrates, is very difficult to do. No one will drag him into the light or out that door, he must find the courage to do it himself. I believe that if he ver found the courage to aid that scream, he would end up in a much better place.
Based off his characterization, even the most touching of occurrences would not uproot Garcin room his room of confinement. Like a prisoner of the cave, he will stay there with th shadows until someone else drags him out. It is the courage and selflessness that is lacking. Garcin needs to have more passion for others in order to summon the courage to help the terrified person outside the door. The prisoners of the cave need assistance to be freed from the cave and dragged out into the light to be enlightened. The human race needs individuals who have both the courage to seek enlightenment and the compassion to share it with the rest of us.
What I miss in class...
A while back I played in a CIF semi-final, and I am grateful for the opportunity. Of course, we would have an in-class essay on that day! So I gave myself a period's worth of time to write this essay. Enjoy!
Plato’s metaphor in the “Allegory” compares the human race to the prisoners in cave in an attempt to illustrate the limits of human understanding and convey what is possible with open-mindedness. In my life, the allegory reminds me to be open to new people, ideas, and experiences, humble about our lack of illumination, and courageous enough to step into the light.
By using a metaphor, Plato can effectively convey his message. Terms such as shackles grasp the reader’s attention and highlight the severity of our situation. The contrast between light and darkness also masterfully explain our difficulty to fathom certain ideas. The emotions elicited will make the readers try to change their lifestyles in order to “save themselves from the cave.” It will make them humble, receptive and brave. These are the three qualities that reading the “Allegory” makes me want to improve in my life.
Tethered in the darkness, the prisoners would discuss the shadows they could perceive. When someone from the outside came and told them the actual depiction of these shadows, they laughed because they thought that they knew better. Had they been more receptive, perhaps they would have a better grasp on reality. So it is with our modern lives today. With the expansion of the internet, there are a lot of sources out there. Keeping an open mind is the best thing you can do to utilize this. Many people out there are more enlightened than others in certain areas. Take advantage of their enlightenment and allow them to help you. Do not force them to drag you into the light, rather seek it out yourself.
Part of Plato’s purpose in the “Allegory” was to remind us how little we actually know. IT is easy to get caught up in trivial things and to feel important because of your accomplishments. The “Allegory” reminds us that our accomplishments may be nothing more than excellence at recognizing shadows and that we are missing the reality. In my life, it reminds me to stay humble. By taking a step back out of my narrow personal mindset, I am better adjusted to the light and capable of perceiving the entire picture.
The last thing that the “Allegory” insists that the human race needs is courage. Only with the courage to step into the light can we reach illumination. This goes along with trying new things. Personally, I need to try to push the limits every once in a while. It is part of my identity. If I am not taking chances our leaving my comfort zone, I may as well be a prisoner in a cave, content to watch the shadows of the real world. To go out into reality and enjoy life takes courage, but it must be done.
Plato’s metaphor in the “Allegory” compares the human race to the prisoners in cave in an attempt to illustrate the limits of human understanding and convey what is possible with open-mindedness. In my life, the allegory reminds me to be open to new people, ideas, and experiences, humble about our lack of illumination, and courageous enough to step into the light.
By using a metaphor, Plato can effectively convey his message. Terms such as shackles grasp the reader’s attention and highlight the severity of our situation. The contrast between light and darkness also masterfully explain our difficulty to fathom certain ideas. The emotions elicited will make the readers try to change their lifestyles in order to “save themselves from the cave.” It will make them humble, receptive and brave. These are the three qualities that reading the “Allegory” makes me want to improve in my life.
Tethered in the darkness, the prisoners would discuss the shadows they could perceive. When someone from the outside came and told them the actual depiction of these shadows, they laughed because they thought that they knew better. Had they been more receptive, perhaps they would have a better grasp on reality. So it is with our modern lives today. With the expansion of the internet, there are a lot of sources out there. Keeping an open mind is the best thing you can do to utilize this. Many people out there are more enlightened than others in certain areas. Take advantage of their enlightenment and allow them to help you. Do not force them to drag you into the light, rather seek it out yourself.
Part of Plato’s purpose in the “Allegory” was to remind us how little we actually know. IT is easy to get caught up in trivial things and to feel important because of your accomplishments. The “Allegory” reminds us that our accomplishments may be nothing more than excellence at recognizing shadows and that we are missing the reality. In my life, it reminds me to stay humble. By taking a step back out of my narrow personal mindset, I am better adjusted to the light and capable of perceiving the entire picture.
The last thing that the “Allegory” insists that the human race needs is courage. Only with the courage to step into the light can we reach illumination. This goes along with trying new things. Personally, I need to try to push the limits every once in a while. It is part of my identity. If I am not taking chances our leaving my comfort zone, I may as well be a prisoner in a cave, content to watch the shadows of the real world. To go out into reality and enjoy life takes courage, but it must be done.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Thinking Outside the Box
Plato and Sartre both address limitations to thinking in different ways. In the allegory, thoughts are confined to a cave. There is an opening, but the prisoners are chained and prevented from escape. When they are released from their shackles, they are so accustomed to the darkness that they fear the light. In No Exit, a similar situation occurs. They are confined in a room by a locked door. The door opens open there request. They stand in apprehension and in the end none of them have the courage to see what is outside. They know that they cannot handle isolation in the room with the people they are stuck with, yet they fear something worse. The valet or whoever is in charge of the door seems to call them on their bluff. Garcin claims he would prefer torture to staying in the wretched room, yet when given the option, he will not leave. Both authors depict the limitations on thinking exclusively through dialogue. In the allegory, the dialogue presents the teacher-student aspect that parallels the enlightened-unenlightened situation found in the cave. In the play, the characters reveal themselves through their speech. They reveal how they ended up in hell, though it isn't all that important to them. The dialogue depicts the jockeying for power in a new situation that all sinful people will naturally take part in. The characters are limited by this type of thinking. They cannot cooperate. They rationally decide that silence will be the best for them, but they cannot resist the urge to speak. They form two-person alliances with one remainder, left for eternity. But these alliances do not last and they shift mercurially. These people would be liberated if they were capable of working for more than themselves.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Plato Sonnet
Plato depicted us, the human race
As prisoners, dwelling in a cave
Accustomed to darkness and adverse to life's grace
Said we needed help to be saved
Shadows are all we know
Until we are released from shackles and chains
And dragged into the light
Crawling and overwhelmed
An escapee would come back
And try to help his friends, left in the cave
But his enlightenment would not be received
And he wouldn't perceive shadows well in the darkness
But the enlightened must try
To save us from the cave
As prisoners, dwelling in a cave
Accustomed to darkness and adverse to life's grace
Said we needed help to be saved
Shadows are all we know
Until we are released from shackles and chains
And dragged into the light
Crawling and overwhelmed
An escapee would come back
And try to help his friends, left in the cave
But his enlightenment would not be received
And he wouldn't perceive shadows well in the darkness
But the enlightened must try
To save us from the cave
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Plato Study Questions
1. According to Socrates, what does the Allegory of the Cave represent?
The cave represents human beings and their inability to comprehend the truth and reach enlightenment.
2. What are the key elements in the imagery used in the allegory?
I felt the key elements were the fire and the sun representing different degrees of enlightenment. The use of shadows was also prevalent both in and out of the cave.
3. What are some things the allegory suggests about the process of enlightenment or education?
The allegory suggests that it takes an enlightened one to help out someone unenlightened, and they may have to "drag" them out of the cave. It also suggests that the truth can be overwhelming, as is the sun for someone sitting in a cave.
4. What do the imagery of "shackles" and the "cave" suggest about the perspective of the cave dwellers or prisoners?
The imagery suggests that they are suffering, whether they know it or not. They are suffering from not being free, their minds are confined.
5. In society today or in your own life, what sorts of things shackle the mind?
Traditions are probably the biggest shackle of the mind. Traditions and beliefs such as punting on fourth are clung on to and embraced when in reality we should be taking risks and exploring new ideas.
6. Compare the perspective of the freed prisoner with the cave prisoners?
The freed prisoner is both liberated from the cave, yet burdened with responsibility to the other cave prisoners.
7. According to the allegory, lack of clarity or intellectual confusion can occur in two distinct ways or contexts. What are they?
The two ways are from being overwhelmed from too much light or unable to discern because you are accustomed to more light.
8. According to the allegory, how do cave prisoners get free? What does this suggest about intellectual freedom?
The prisoners are freed by someone outside the cave. This suggests that interdependence is key to intellectual freedom.
9. The allegory presupposes that there is a distinction between appearances and reality. Do you agree? Why or why not?
I agree because perceptions are different for every person and not everyone can be correct.
10. If Socrates is incorrect in his assumption that there is a distinction between reality and appearances, what are the two alternative metaphysical assumptions?
If Socrates is incorrect, one possibility is that for each individual exists their own reality, and thus their perceptions are correct. Another, existentialist way of thinking might suggest that there is nothing more to it, that all there is to life is the cave.
The cave represents human beings and their inability to comprehend the truth and reach enlightenment.
2. What are the key elements in the imagery used in the allegory?
I felt the key elements were the fire and the sun representing different degrees of enlightenment. The use of shadows was also prevalent both in and out of the cave.
3. What are some things the allegory suggests about the process of enlightenment or education?
The allegory suggests that it takes an enlightened one to help out someone unenlightened, and they may have to "drag" them out of the cave. It also suggests that the truth can be overwhelming, as is the sun for someone sitting in a cave.
4. What do the imagery of "shackles" and the "cave" suggest about the perspective of the cave dwellers or prisoners?
The imagery suggests that they are suffering, whether they know it or not. They are suffering from not being free, their minds are confined.
5. In society today or in your own life, what sorts of things shackle the mind?
Traditions are probably the biggest shackle of the mind. Traditions and beliefs such as punting on fourth are clung on to and embraced when in reality we should be taking risks and exploring new ideas.
6. Compare the perspective of the freed prisoner with the cave prisoners?
The freed prisoner is both liberated from the cave, yet burdened with responsibility to the other cave prisoners.
7. According to the allegory, lack of clarity or intellectual confusion can occur in two distinct ways or contexts. What are they?
The two ways are from being overwhelmed from too much light or unable to discern because you are accustomed to more light.
8. According to the allegory, how do cave prisoners get free? What does this suggest about intellectual freedom?
The prisoners are freed by someone outside the cave. This suggests that interdependence is key to intellectual freedom.
9. The allegory presupposes that there is a distinction between appearances and reality. Do you agree? Why or why not?
I agree because perceptions are different for every person and not everyone can be correct.
10. If Socrates is incorrect in his assumption that there is a distinction between reality and appearances, what are the two alternative metaphysical assumptions?
If Socrates is incorrect, one possibility is that for each individual exists their own reality, and thus their perceptions are correct. Another, existentialist way of thinking might suggest that there is nothing more to it, that all there is to life is the cave.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
We Hang Together
Notes from Dr. Preston's article
Interdependence vs. independence
Independence glamorized by American culture
Interdependence more effective in the long run
Interdependence is reached unintentionally, like with Coke and Pepsi
Should view struggle to attract a resource rather than to fight its absence
Alliances should incorporate human interaction
With independence, the sacrifice towards "something greater than oneself" is lost
Even classic heroes were interdependent- needed father/mother figure, guide, even enemy
For alliance to work a sufficient answer is needed for "what's in it for me?"
Society is becoming more selfish
Less community participation, more divorces!
9/11 response demonstrated power of community support; everyone pitched in for victims
Interdependence vs. independence
Independence glamorized by American culture
Interdependence more effective in the long run
Interdependence is reached unintentionally, like with Coke and Pepsi
Should view struggle to attract a resource rather than to fight its absence
Alliances should incorporate human interaction
With independence, the sacrifice towards "something greater than oneself" is lost
Even classic heroes were interdependent- needed father/mother figure, guide, even enemy
For alliance to work a sufficient answer is needed for "what's in it for me?"
Society is becoming more selfish
Less community participation, more divorces!
9/11 response demonstrated power of community support; everyone pitched in for victims
Monday, November 11, 2013
A Poetic Inquiry
I selected the following sonnet to reflect my big question.
Bread and Music
by Conrad Aiken (1889-1973)
Music I heard with you was more than music,
And bread I broke with you was more than bread;
Now that I am without you, all is desolate;
All that was once so beautiful is dead.
Your hands once touched this table and this silver,
And I have seen your fingers hold this glass.
These things do not remember you, belovèd,
And yet your touch upon them will not pass.
For it was in my heart you moved among them,
And blessed them with your hands and with your eyes;
And in my heart they will remember always, —
They knew you once, O beautiful and wise.
I tried to tie this in to my big question which was, if you do not remember, was
"How are people capable of finding happiness in destitute conditions, yet are also able to find misery or at least discontent in the most optimal of circumstances?"
I felt that I thing I may have overlooked when trying to answer this question was the people that you are with. We draw hope not from our circumstances but rather from the people that are experiencing the situation with us. In this poem, the narrator still has all the possessions that were part of his happy life. But now he is missing a beloved one, and the things feel empty. Many people suffering are able to push on because of the inspiration of the others suffering with them. On the other hand, most people who find sorrow in their healthy and wealthy lives see themselves as "all alone." In a way, the people that have only each other are better off than the ones who have everything else.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Sonnet Analysis #1
Sonnet-"sonneto"- little song in Italian
Sung and performed live
Two types- Patrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets
Patrarchan- octet followed by sextet
Flowery imagery and language
Rhyming more often incorporated, not vital
Shakespeare saw as unrealistic, "no one really talks like that!"
Shakespearean sonnet- 3 quatrains and a couplet
Sung and performed live
Two types- Patrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets
Patrarchan- octet followed by sextet
Flowery imagery and language
Rhyming more often incorporated, not vital
Shakespeare saw as unrealistic, "no one really talks like that!"
Shakespearean sonnet- 3 quatrains and a couplet
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Performative Utterances Essay
Hamlet’s speech elicits actions and causes things to happen throughout the play. Hamlet’s words have a noticeable effect in his life because he makes promises and commands, demanding a response from his words. The characters are compelled into action because Hamlet’s words force, persuade, or beguile them. Hamlet’s words also have an effect on his character. In my life, self-overhearing is very crucial to my character. The way I act and talk with some friends and the way I act and talk with others accumulates into my character. I am reminded of the idea that “thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, and habits become character.” This idea sums up “self-overhearing.” What we say will ultimately define us. In Hamlet, this can be seen in the demands he gives, the promises he makes, and the soliloquies he performs. Word prove to be a double edged sword that will help receive what you want from others as well as well as change who you are yourself.
When Hamlet tells the actors to perform a play in a way that will reveal to Claudius that he knows his sin, he is using locutionary force. His words commence a chain of events that will inevitably lead to a conflict between him and Claudius. People use this roundabout way of reaching conflict all the time. People go out of their way because subtlety is coveted and respected, and using words to elicit actions rather than simply using actions demonstrates a sort of restraint. This also adds to the argument that Hamlet is not in fact crazy and is rationally using his words before he commits a reckless action.
There are a couple of oaths that are taken in the play, all of which demonstrate performative utterances and have an effect on the characters. When Hamlet swears that he will remember his father’s ghost, he has placed a guideline to follow throughout the play. Note that he does not swear that he will avenge his father, only that he will remember his appearance. By doing this he gives himself some moral leeway in case he decides that cannot kill. Had he made the outright promise to avenge his father, there would be no indecisive dilemma and he would have carried out the deed with celerity. The other instance of oath in the play occurs right after Hamlet makes his oath, when Hamlet makes Marcellus and Horatio swear to secrecy. This promise is slightly different in that it forbids, rather than obligates one to, an action. Promises are amongst the most powerful of performative utterances. Whether they compel someone to do something or not to do something, they hold someone accountable. After making a promise, one is subject to either follow their words or deal with the hefty consequences of dishonesty. This is evident in my life. I expect my friends and family to keep promises, and if they do not, they will have lost my trust. Inversely, when I make a promise, I am expected to keep it. For this reason I try make promises that I am not completely committed to. I have learned that it is best to tread softly with words to prevent being held accountable for simple thoughts and ideas. One must know when to leave room for doubt with phrases like “I think” or “I predict”; and when to speak boldly to remove doubt from your audience.
Hamlet reveals the most about himself in his soliloquies and this is also where “self-overhearing” has the most profound effect. The soliloquies are the sole time when Hamlet truly speaks his mind, so naturally “self-overhearing” is most likely to take place. One could argue that the whole time that Hamlet is playing the charade of a madmen his words subconsciously have a pernicious effect on him, causing him to actually believe that he is actually mad. To a marginal extent, I believe this may be true. But I think that ‘self-overhearing” will have a much stronger effect when the character means what he says. Most people today have a couple of identities. For myself, I have an academic identity, an athletic one, and a social one. Things I say while in one persona may not truly represent the other facets of me. These words do have an effect on me, though usually being conscious of them will negate this effect. The words that are genuinely changing are the ones spoken from the heart. When I am perfectly honest with people who I really trust, the words I say do in fact shape my way of thinking. After saying something aloud, I am much more likely to believe it. Suddenly it becomes part of my identity. When Shakespeare wrote for Hamlet to make those soliloquies, I believe that he was doing more than giving the audience a peak into Hamlet’s mind. I also believe that he was allowing Hamlet’s thoughts vocalize and thus become part of who Hamlet is. Memorizing “to be, or not to be” involved multiple repetitions of the soliloquy. Each time it was vocalized, the words made more sense and became more ingrained into my way of thinking. Through the power pure vocalization and repetition Hamlet’s rationale became inherent to me. This demonstrates that “self-overhearing” has real and tangible effects on us all.
Shakespeare’s play Hamlet hosts and abundance of examples of performative utterances. Hamlet’s words define his character when he gives a demand, swears an oath, and speaks his true thoughts. The effects of “self-overhearing” are evident in my life as well. The act of speaking ingrains ideas into our mindsets and ultimately shapes us into who we are. Words should be recognized as a tool that when wielded correctly, will serve you well but when used carelessly will come back to cut you.
When Hamlet tells the actors to perform a play in a way that will reveal to Claudius that he knows his sin, he is using locutionary force. His words commence a chain of events that will inevitably lead to a conflict between him and Claudius. People use this roundabout way of reaching conflict all the time. People go out of their way because subtlety is coveted and respected, and using words to elicit actions rather than simply using actions demonstrates a sort of restraint. This also adds to the argument that Hamlet is not in fact crazy and is rationally using his words before he commits a reckless action.
There are a couple of oaths that are taken in the play, all of which demonstrate performative utterances and have an effect on the characters. When Hamlet swears that he will remember his father’s ghost, he has placed a guideline to follow throughout the play. Note that he does not swear that he will avenge his father, only that he will remember his appearance. By doing this he gives himself some moral leeway in case he decides that cannot kill. Had he made the outright promise to avenge his father, there would be no indecisive dilemma and he would have carried out the deed with celerity. The other instance of oath in the play occurs right after Hamlet makes his oath, when Hamlet makes Marcellus and Horatio swear to secrecy. This promise is slightly different in that it forbids, rather than obligates one to, an action. Promises are amongst the most powerful of performative utterances. Whether they compel someone to do something or not to do something, they hold someone accountable. After making a promise, one is subject to either follow their words or deal with the hefty consequences of dishonesty. This is evident in my life. I expect my friends and family to keep promises, and if they do not, they will have lost my trust. Inversely, when I make a promise, I am expected to keep it. For this reason I try make promises that I am not completely committed to. I have learned that it is best to tread softly with words to prevent being held accountable for simple thoughts and ideas. One must know when to leave room for doubt with phrases like “I think” or “I predict”; and when to speak boldly to remove doubt from your audience.
Hamlet reveals the most about himself in his soliloquies and this is also where “self-overhearing” has the most profound effect. The soliloquies are the sole time when Hamlet truly speaks his mind, so naturally “self-overhearing” is most likely to take place. One could argue that the whole time that Hamlet is playing the charade of a madmen his words subconsciously have a pernicious effect on him, causing him to actually believe that he is actually mad. To a marginal extent, I believe this may be true. But I think that ‘self-overhearing” will have a much stronger effect when the character means what he says. Most people today have a couple of identities. For myself, I have an academic identity, an athletic one, and a social one. Things I say while in one persona may not truly represent the other facets of me. These words do have an effect on me, though usually being conscious of them will negate this effect. The words that are genuinely changing are the ones spoken from the heart. When I am perfectly honest with people who I really trust, the words I say do in fact shape my way of thinking. After saying something aloud, I am much more likely to believe it. Suddenly it becomes part of my identity. When Shakespeare wrote for Hamlet to make those soliloquies, I believe that he was doing more than giving the audience a peak into Hamlet’s mind. I also believe that he was allowing Hamlet’s thoughts vocalize and thus become part of who Hamlet is. Memorizing “to be, or not to be” involved multiple repetitions of the soliloquy. Each time it was vocalized, the words made more sense and became more ingrained into my way of thinking. Through the power pure vocalization and repetition Hamlet’s rationale became inherent to me. This demonstrates that “self-overhearing” has real and tangible effects on us all.
Shakespeare’s play Hamlet hosts and abundance of examples of performative utterances. Hamlet’s words define his character when he gives a demand, swears an oath, and speaks his true thoughts. The effects of “self-overhearing” are evident in my life as well. The act of speaking ingrains ideas into our mindsets and ultimately shapes us into who we are. Words should be recognized as a tool that when wielded correctly, will serve you well but when used carelessly will come back to cut you.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tools That Change the Way We Think
"Back in 2004, I asked [Google founders] Page and Brin what they saw as the future of Google search. 'It will be included in people's brains,' said Page. 'When you think about something and don't really know much about it, you will automatically get information.'
'That's true,' said Brin. 'Ultimately I view Google as a way to augment your brain with the knowledge of the world. Right now you go into your computer and type a phrase, but you can imagine that it could be easier in the future, that you can have just devices you talk into, or you can have computers that pay attention to what's going on around them and suggest useful information.'
'Somebody introduces themselves to you, and your watch goes to your web page,' said Page. 'Or if you met this person two years ago, this is what they said to you... Eventually you'll have the implant, where if you think about a fact, it will just tell you the answer."
-From In the Plex by Steven Levy (p.67)
Technology has had a tremendous effect on the way I think. I have never really had to memorize phone numbers or addresses because my phone can do it for me. Hopefully this is a good thing because it allows me to allocate my think to bigger and better things, letting the smaller, perhaps more trivial things be taken care of technology. But he TED talk on Filter Bubbles has warned me about letting technology do my thinking for me. All too often the brainpower I saved using my phone is only wasted through some other medium of technology. The beneficial side to technology is that when used effectively, it really does augment our learning capabilities. Resources are nearly unlimited and answers come as faster as you can type. So to quote a comic book, remember that with tools like the internet, "with great power comes great responsibility."
'That's true,' said Brin. 'Ultimately I view Google as a way to augment your brain with the knowledge of the world. Right now you go into your computer and type a phrase, but you can imagine that it could be easier in the future, that you can have just devices you talk into, or you can have computers that pay attention to what's going on around them and suggest useful information.'
'Somebody introduces themselves to you, and your watch goes to your web page,' said Page. 'Or if you met this person two years ago, this is what they said to you... Eventually you'll have the implant, where if you think about a fact, it will just tell you the answer."
-From In the Plex by Steven Levy (p.67)
Technology has had a tremendous effect on the way I think. I have never really had to memorize phone numbers or addresses because my phone can do it for me. Hopefully this is a good thing because it allows me to allocate my think to bigger and better things, letting the smaller, perhaps more trivial things be taken care of technology. But he TED talk on Filter Bubbles has warned me about letting technology do my thinking for me. All too often the brainpower I saved using my phone is only wasted through some other medium of technology. The beneficial side to technology is that when used effectively, it really does augment our learning capabilities. Resources are nearly unlimited and answers come as faster as you can type. So to quote a comic book, remember that with tools like the internet, "with great power comes great responsibility."
Vocabulary #9
aficionado-a person who likes, knows about, and appreciates a usually fervently pursued interest or activity
I am a basketball aficionado.
browbeat-to intimidate or disconcert by a stern manner or arrogant speech : bully
He would browbeat his way to the manager, who would tell him to calm down.
commensurate-equal in measure or extent
The workers called for commensurate benefits.
diaphanous-light, delicate, and translucent.
The diaphanous dress was very expensive.
emolument-a salary, fee, or profit from employment or office
He demanded an increase in emolument.
foray-a sudden attack or incursion into enemy territory, esp. to obtain something; a raid.
the village was forayed.
genre-category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.
What genre is your favorite?
homily-a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon
The preacher reassured him with homilies.
immure-enclose or confine (someone) against their will.
He was immured in solitary confinement.
insouciant-showing a casual lack of concern; indifferent
His attitude was insouciant.
matrix-an environment or material in which something develops; a surrounding medium or structure.
His matrix shaped him into who he is today.
obsequies-funeral rites
They solemnly performed the obsequies.
panache-flamboyant confidence of style or manner
His skill was not matched with his panache.
persona-the aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by others.
Her persona was not received well.
philippic-a bitter attack or denunciation, esp. a verbal one
Your philippic angers me.
prurient-having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters.
Mainstream media is very prurient.
sacrosanct-regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with.
He feels his problems are sacrosanct that he will not receive any help.
systemic-of or relating to a system, esp. as opposed to a particular part.
My injury is systemic and hurts everywhere.
I am a basketball aficionado.
browbeat-to intimidate or disconcert by a stern manner or arrogant speech : bully
He would browbeat his way to the manager, who would tell him to calm down.
commensurate-equal in measure or extent
The workers called for commensurate benefits.
diaphanous-light, delicate, and translucent.
The diaphanous dress was very expensive.
emolument-a salary, fee, or profit from employment or office
He demanded an increase in emolument.
foray-a sudden attack or incursion into enemy territory, esp. to obtain something; a raid.
the village was forayed.
genre-category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.
What genre is your favorite?
homily-a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon
The preacher reassured him with homilies.
immure-enclose or confine (someone) against their will.
He was immured in solitary confinement.
insouciant-showing a casual lack of concern; indifferent
His attitude was insouciant.
matrix-an environment or material in which something develops; a surrounding medium or structure.
His matrix shaped him into who he is today.
obsequies-funeral rites
They solemnly performed the obsequies.
panache-flamboyant confidence of style or manner
His skill was not matched with his panache.
persona-the aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by others.
Her persona was not received well.
philippic-a bitter attack or denunciation, esp. a verbal one
Your philippic angers me.
prurient-having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters.
Mainstream media is very prurient.
sacrosanct-regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with.
He feels his problems are sacrosanct that he will not receive any help.
systemic-of or relating to a system, esp. as opposed to a particular part.
My injury is systemic and hurts everywhere.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Performative Utterance in Hamlet
Notes
locutionary force-ability of language to deliver a message
illocutionary force-what is done is being said (orders)
perlocutionary force-consequences of words
"Self-overhearing"- character shapes itself through what the mind hears what is said about oneself
Hamlet may be effected by "self-overhearing himself" when he is acting a part
Scene with ghost example of illocutionary force because oaths are made
Hamlet does not swear to avenge his father, only to remember him
Problems of he play arise from characters not speaking their minds
Hamlets actions reflect poor acting, he is trying to "Out-Herod Herod"
Physical action insufficient to know what one is really up to
Hamlet can be himself when acting mad; does not need to conform to a preformed identity
Polonius the premodern man, Hamlet the modern, and Claudius in the middle
Thoughts on Hamlet (In Progress)
After discussion in class on Hamlet, I think that he is sharper than people give him credit for. When it was discussed on whether or not the ghost was really there, I felt compelled to side with Hamlet who seems to have way more going on than his mother. I am disappointed with Gertrude's obliviousness throughout the play. She is a queen and yet she is as naive as a child! I am curious whether or not Shakespeare was trying to reflect anything with her flat character. Her incompetence only highlights Hamlet's perceptiveness. Reflecting back on the course of the play, Hamlet always seems to be a few steps ahead of everyone else. For example, he is constantly doling out insulting puns that fly over the heads of the people he is making fun of. This demonstrates how much smarter he is than them, for he can carry a conversation and just toy with them while he is doing it. In the remainder of the play, I certainly give Hamlet the upper hand in the battle that will inevitably come between he and Claudius. If he uses his cunning correctly he is all but sure to come out on top.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
What I Think When I Think of Act III
Act III to me is where things really start to get heated. Hamlet starts acting rashly and recklessly. The question remains whether it is part of his act, or if he truly is crazy, or a little of both and to what extent of both. After watching the videos, Hamlet's apparent madness was well represented and seeing it visually helped me understand it better.I think that he is not insane, but that he is not acting cold-blooded either. Then again, he is cold-blooded enough to refrain from killing Claudius in prayer to deny him a passage into heaven.That shows both clarity of mind and deep-rooted hatred.The first drops of bloods are shed when Hamlet kills Polonius. He is not broken up by this at all, despite Polonius being Ophelia's father. I think his actions reflect that he is fed up with self-reflection and is ready to take matters into his own hands. Hamlet finally speaks his mind to his mother about his thoughts about her recent marriage. The potency of his anger towards his mother is lost because suddenly she is convinced that he is mad because he sees his father's ghost and she does not. Suddenly his words become the words of a madman rather than the words of reason.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Literature Analysis #3
Catch-22
1.Catch-22 is a collection of anecdotes from pilots in world war 2. The main character is Yossarian, who is constantly seeking ways to get out of combat. He fakes illness and injury. He is determined to live forever or die trying. He desperately attempts to reach the required amount of missions required, but the amount is always raised before he can reach it. The premise of Catch-22 is that no pilot can be relieved from duty on grounds of insanity. A request must be made to be dismissed from missions. The desire to avoid missions reflects sanity and therefore disqualifies the pilot’s dismissal. Multiple paradoxes like this are evident throughout the book, and they all tie back to catch-22.
Eventually Yossarian can’t take it anymore and wanders off to Rome. There he witnesses human atrocities. He is arrested for being in Rome without a pass and is offered a choice for his commanding officer. He can be honorably discharged if he flies 80 missions or he can be court-martialed. He chooses neither and flees to neutral Sweden, leaving the war and Catch-22 behind him.
2. The theme of Catch-22 is madness and how it stems from war. Every character is insane in his or her own way, and they all got that way as a result from the war. The entire catch-22 concept highlights the ubiquity of madness. A pilot can’t be excused from missions on grounds of insanity unless he asks. If the pilot is asks not fly missions because he is insane, then he does not qualify because he is exhibiting sane behavior.
3. The author’s tone is humorous and satiric. The text is full of examples. Heller pokes fun at America’s roots with Chief White Halfcoat. He tells his story of how his people were chased around and kicked about because everywhere they settled oil was found. Later in the novel, Heller casually mentions that the soldiers believe they have found oil and they decide to kick Chief White Halfcoat off the camp. Another example of Heller’s sardonic tone is when he makes from of militant punishment techniques. After several soldiers start moaning, the commanding officer challenges someone else to moan. A uninformed soldier unfortunately moans immediately after he says this. The commanding officer orders that he is shot in a fit of rage. He is eventually calmed down, but the incident questions the mindset of some military officers. His humorous tone is also evident in the dialogue. The perpetual misunderstandings and changing of stories from the characters has a comical effect.
4. Heller uses irony when he has a doctor claim “It’s not my business to save lives.” (pg 179) This underscores how policies in the medical field may undercut the actual purpose of saving lives. He also uses dichotomy when he mentions Snowden, froze to death in the”blazing summertime.” (pg 170) He utilizes dialogue throughout the novel. In that dialogue, he employs colloquial speech. (Pg 365) On page 69 he makes an allusion to Hamlet’s soliloquy with “To die or not to die, that was the question.” This is referring to the necessity that soldiers die for the war to be successful. He also uses italicized text to add emphasis to certain ideas. (pg 386) He also uses rhetorical questions (pg 164). Another technique that he uses throughout the novel is flashbacks to set up the present narrative. This technique puts things in context and adds meaning to anecdotes. He also uses imagery to highlight the terrors of war and the injuries incurred. (Pg 341) He also makes a continued reference to Catch-22. Anytime Yossarian’s curiosity is piqued, the answer is usually Catch-22.
Characterization-
1.Major ____ de Coverly is characterized directly. The men are too fearful of his company to even inquire about his first name, let alone have a conversation for him to reveal his character. Clevinger is also directly characterized in chapter 8. The author carefully describes him as one of those geniuses with no common sense, and then verifies his claim by characterizing Clevinger directly. The Texan is indirectly characterized though his words and his actions. Heller uses this technique for this character because his actions and words depict the type of people who just won’t stop talking, even if they aren’t being listened to. He also uses indirect characterization to develop the mild mannered chaplain.
2. The author’s diction changes a little when he focuses on character. He either uses direct characterization and uses more imagery or he switches to dialogue to develop the character indirectly.
3. Yossarian is round because he is developed fully, as compared to the other characters who exhibit only a couple of characteristics consistently throughout the novel. He is also a dynamic character because he makes a significant change in the novel. At first he fakes illnesses and injuries to get out of combat. But in the end he decides he must take matters into his own hands and he deserts and seeks refuge in the neutral Sweden.
4. After reading the novel I did not feel like I met an actual character because all the characters were exaggerated. Perhaps if I had undergone the struggles that the pilots did then I could relate to the madness, but without the experience I could only hypothesize how the stress of combat missions would drive people to such extremes. An example is when Orr rambles about putting crab apples in his cheeks. There is a comic and satirical effect, but the characterization is not realistic.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Dear Ophelia
Ophelia, I would normally tell you to follow your heart, but in this case, an anomaly I might add, you may not want to get mixed up any debauchery with Hamlet. His family is in an extremely bellicose state and it would be wise to expurgate yourself entirely. Nevertheless, it is your life and if you truly care for him then you may wish to follow him into his rancorous relations with his uncle. My best advice would be not to take any precipitous actions.It would be an abomination to see a brusque decision abase your life. I don't mean to sound churlish when I say that hamlet is trouble because frankly he is troubled. Best of luck to you and I hope you can solve this conundrum.
Literary Analysis #2
1.The novel starts through the eyes of Mariam, an illegitimate child who is ostracized by her father and his family. She reveres her father when it is her mother who provides for her and is proud of her. One day she runs off from her mother to visit her father. At her father’s house, she finds that he is ashamed to see her in public. Disillusioned, she comes back to her mother’s house, only to see her hanging from a noose in her despair for her lost daughter. Mariam is brusquely married off by her father to a man named Rasheed. Rasheed proves to be a controlling husband. He makes her wear a burka in public and his very critical of her housework and cooking.
The novel changes paradigms into the eyes of Laila, a young girl growing up in the midst of war-ridden Afghanistan. She identifies strongly with her erudite father and struggles with her overbearing mother. She also bonds with her one-legged neighbor boy, Tariq. Her brothers, who she never even met, were killed in battle. The news of this devastated her mother and caused her to be obsessed with the rebel movement. This forces her family to stay in Afghanistan when it is evident that they must leave for their own safety. Laila sees many of her friends either flee or perish from bombs dropped. In the meantime, Tariq and her become romantically entwined. When Tariq tells Laila that he is going to leave Afghanistan, emotions run high. The two physically embrace each other for their first and presumably last time. Soon after Tariq leaves, Laila is nearly hi by a stray bullet. This snaps her mother into action. To Laila’s delight, they plan to leave the country too and she will probably get to see Tariq again. Just as they are packing their stuff to leave, a bomb explodes and kills her parents. She is rescued by Rasheed.
Rasheed nurses Laila back to health and becomes interested in having her as a wife. She is informed that Tariq and his family were killed by a bomb. Laila, realizing that she is pregnant from Tariq, has no choice but to accept Rasheed’s hand in marriage. At first Rasheed is nice to Laila and mistreats Mariam, causing the two to dislike each other. But when his cruelty extends to both of them, the two bond in their struggle. Laila gives birth to a daughter named Aziza. Later, she gives birth to Rasheed’s child, Zalmai. The family struggles with Rasheed’s strictness. In the meantime, the Taliban takes control of the country with a noxious effect to the liberties of the civilians. The two wives attempt to escape Rasheed. They are caught and viciously punished. Later in the story,Tariq visits Laila. Rasheed had paid someone to tell Laila of his death; he was actually alive and well. When Rasheed finds out about Tariq and that Laila had been talking to him, his beating goes to the point that Mariam fears for Laila’s life. Desperately trying to save her best friend, Mariam swings a shovel down upon Rasheed and kills him. Mariam decides that she will accept the punishment from the Taliban and allow Laila, Tariq, and the children to survive and live a happy life. Though faced with the death penalty, she feels empowered and proud that she did help someone in her life.
The family escapes Afghanistan and Rasheed. They live peacefully in Pakistan for a couple years. One day, they see the twin towers burning on television. They hear that President Bush has just declared war on their country.
When Laila sees that her country has become relatively safe again, she feels obligated to live there and help it. She pushed Tariq to move back to their hometown. On their way back, Laila pays a visit to the place of Mariam’s childhood. Keeping Mariam in her heart, she goes home and performs acts of kindness helping her country.
2. The theme of the story is love overcoming adversity. Throughout the story, maternal love protects and encumbers the characters. Romantic love persists through lies and abuse. The love of friendship overcomes a mighty oppressor. Love is evident in many forms throughout the story and is the source of hope that allows the characters to survive their hardships.
3. The author’s tone is hopeful. Despite all the tragedies that occur, hope is always present in the tone of the text. For example, after the announcement of the Taliban’s new laws, Laila is confident that they cannot be enforced and states “this is Kabul. Women here used to practice law and medicine; they held office in the government.” Another example is how Mariam eagerly waited for Jalil, utterly convinced that he would come. Even after a day of waiting, she was persistent and claimed “I’m going to wait for him.” Another example is when Laila wants to go back to Herat. She is safe and happy, but she is not content. She sees hope for her hometown and wants to be part of it, she “wants to contribute.”
4. Hosseini uses dialogue throughout the story to develop his characters. Another technique he uses is colloquial language throughout to remind the reader of the setting. (Pg 128, 231) Another technique he uses is italicized text to add emphasis. (Pg 97, 171) Throughout the novel, he inserts historical events such as 9/11. He also makes references to a poem (Pg 172) and extends the reference into a metaphor of “a thousand splendid suns.” (Pg 366) The novel also refers to the Koran (pg 61) and other texts significant to the Afghani culture. There is also foreshadowing of Laila’s pregnancy. (pg 195) Also included are anecdotes such as the one on page 288. Another technique Hosseini uses is a comparison to Aziza’s stammer and earthquakes, stating that “powerful collisions deep down” sometimes only produce “a slight tremor” on the visible surface.
Characterization
1.The novel starts out with direct characterization. The author describes Jalil through Mariam/s eyes as a kind warm-hearted man. Later he is characterized indirectly through his actions and his words. The characterizations contrast because Jalil’s actions and cowardly and selfish and do not warrant Mariam’s affection. Another example of indirect characterization is the Taliban. They are characterized by their cruel laws that they set forth, demanding that women will “stay inside their homes at all times,” and if they do not, they will “be beaten and sent home.” Rasheed, on the other hand, is unpleasantly characterized directly when the author says that he has a “sag… to his eyelids” and a “swollen belly that entered the room before any other part of him did.”
2.The author’s diction becomes more descriptive when he uses direct characterization. He tends to use more metaphors and imagery to illustrate the character. For example, Mariam’s mother is described with a face “flushed red” and eyes “settled on Mariam in a flat, unblinking way.”
3.The protagonist is dynamic because she changes greatly after her whole life gets turned upside down. She goes from living a relatively comfortable life of learning and love to a life of survival and protection for the few things left in her life that she loves. She is a round character because she is developed fully and in multiple ways.
4.After reading this book a felt like I had met an actual person because the Laila experienced feelings that I could relate to. For example, when she feels that she need to contribute and to make her life worth Mariam’s sacrifice. I think this desire to make a difference is very common to human beings and made Laila feel like a real person.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Literary Fiction and Empathy
It is not surprising that studies have shown that reading fiction increases empathy. When you read fiction you are stepping inside someone else's shoes and viewing things from their perspective. This is one of the few times as human beings we are not concerned with ourselves and genuinely are preoccupied with the experiences of someone else. So when we perform this type of thinking when we are reading, there is a lasting effect on our social lives.We are suddenly capable of sympathizing with others and more tolerant of mistakes. This is a direct result of our mindset shift while reading literary fiction. While reading Hamlet, we are presented with his thoughts through soliloquy. Since we are not characters in the play, there is no reason for use to be preoccupied with ourselves and thus are very receptive to the feelings expressed by Hamlet. After this initial receptiveness we are enlightened with the perspective of others and are now more capable of understanding the motives and emotions of others, just from reading! Our paradigm is shifted away from ourselves and towards others. The more time spent in other's paradigms, the more empathetic we will be.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
What I Meant to Say Was
Here's an improved edition of my Canterbury Tales thesis.
Through subject matter, characterization, and tone, Chaucer uses his style to satirize society's preconceptions and prejudices about the characters in the tales..
Through subject matter, characterization, and tone, Chaucer uses his style to satirize society's preconceptions and prejudices about the characters in the tales..
Vocabulary #7
After our shenanigans with the drug cartel, we began to ricochet from truck to truck in order to eschew our enemies. Our ephemeral happiness was curtailed by a plethora of bullets that pierced the truck right before we entered the port. Luckily, we were able to outsmart the wonky grunts they sent after us, but we still found ourselves running through the marketplace with capricious music which juxtaposed the terror of our position. There was a schism between the massive crowd, so we were able to lose the additional ebullient drug cartel assassins. After the sesquipedalian chase, the four of us decided that we needed to get on a boat in order lose all trace of the drug cartel. Shane and Colter went to ask a local fisherman to help us, but instead it turned into a garrulous, inchoate debate that provided no help what so ever. The fisherman was perspicacious, who wore clothes made of mungo and used various diphthongs, which made his speech sound like complete codswallop at times. Now, his loquacious speech was absolutely terrible, but it was worth it in the end since he agreed to allow us to come on his boat. Each of us felt a great sense of relief and interdependence once we finally boarded the boat and set sail.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Green Eggs and Hamlet
a) What do you know about Hamlet, the "Melancholy Dane"? b) What do you know about Shakespeare? c) Why do so many students involuntarily frown when they hear the name "Shakespeare"? and d) What can we do to make studying this play an amazing experience we'll never forget?
A) I am the first to admit I am not particularly enlightened about Hamlet, or Shakespearean literature in general. Honestly, all I know about Hamlet is that he was a prince that made a soliloquy contemplating suicide. Everything else I know would be going off the assumption that the rumor I heard about the Lion King paralleling the story of Hamlet being true. If that is so, then the basic plot synopsis of the Lion King outlines my knowledge of Hamlet.
B)I know Shakespeare was a prolific writer who skillfully used rhyme and iambic pentameter in his plays. I know that he wrote both comedies and tragedies.
C)Students groan when they hear Shakespeare because they are reminded of long texts where they understand a third of the words and are constantly thumbing for footnotes.
D) To make studying this play unforgettable, it starts with us having a good attitude and being willing to actually enjoy this play. With open minds and persistence, I think that we have a wonderful experience with this play.
A) I am the first to admit I am not particularly enlightened about Hamlet, or Shakespearean literature in general. Honestly, all I know about Hamlet is that he was a prince that made a soliloquy contemplating suicide. Everything else I know would be going off the assumption that the rumor I heard about the Lion King paralleling the story of Hamlet being true. If that is so, then the basic plot synopsis of the Lion King outlines my knowledge of Hamlet.
B)I know Shakespeare was a prolific writer who skillfully used rhyme and iambic pentameter in his plays. I know that he wrote both comedies and tragedies.
C)Students groan when they hear Shakespeare because they are reminded of long texts where they understand a third of the words and are constantly thumbing for footnotes.
D) To make studying this play unforgettable, it starts with us having a good attitude and being willing to actually enjoy this play. With open minds and persistence, I think that we have a wonderful experience with this play.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
A Comparison's Tale
The tale of the Wife of Bath was similar to the tale I read in that the main character tells a tale of someone else. As it seems, this type of vicarious narration is common to many of the tales. Because of this style, the narrators are free to embellish their story without being criticized as boastful. This produces a similar tone in both stories, even though the topic isgreatly different. Chaucer clearly liked this technique of having a character's tale involve the tale of another character. The tale that the character chooses reflects something about the character and adds depth to the passage. In both tales, the narrator tells a story that pertains to their situation. For the Wife of Bath, her story shows what she thinks is important in love and marriage. For the yeoman, the tale shows irony in that he criticizes a canon guilty of the same type of misdeeds as his canon.
A Tale of Canterbury Tales
I read the tale of the Canon's Yeoman. The yeoman starts by describing, to his Canon's chagrin, the trials and tribulations in their pursuit of creating gold from other materials. Though clearly vexed, the canon does nothing to stop his yeoman's speech and simply dismisses himself from the conversation. The yeoman continues with his tale, admitting that they owe debts for borrowed materials that they promised would be turned into gold. He also describes a deceitful canon who took advantage of a priest through trickery.
Indirect Characterization-
1. The yeoman's foolishness is revealed through his discussion of his and his Canon's shady business dealings.
2. His disobedience is revealed when he ignores his Canon's advice to quit talking and avoid tainting his reputation.
3. The yeoman demonstrates his humility by admitting that he still can provide no insight to the trade of alchemy despite all his work with his canon.
4. The yeoman is honest and open with their struggles and the fact that alchemy is not a fruitful science and should not be pursued.
5. Before his tale about the deceitful canon, the yeoman concedes that not all canons are bad and they are poorly represented in this story just as Judas poorly represents the apostles.
Purpose-
Chaucer gives the voiceless a voice in this tale by telling it through the voice of a yeoman, or a servant. His canon's inability to shut him up pokes fun at the notion of having a servant. Chaucer also uses irony in the yeoman's tale. The yeoman critically tells of a deceitful canon when he and his canon are involved in very deceitful actions. Another irony is that the yeoman claims that his canon can pave the roads with gold, but he also says the alchemy is not a fruitful science.
Indirect Characterization-
1. The yeoman's foolishness is revealed through his discussion of his and his Canon's shady business dealings.
2. His disobedience is revealed when he ignores his Canon's advice to quit talking and avoid tainting his reputation.
3. The yeoman demonstrates his humility by admitting that he still can provide no insight to the trade of alchemy despite all his work with his canon.
4. The yeoman is honest and open with their struggles and the fact that alchemy is not a fruitful science and should not be pursued.
5. Before his tale about the deceitful canon, the yeoman concedes that not all canons are bad and they are poorly represented in this story just as Judas poorly represents the apostles.
Purpose-
Chaucer gives the voiceless a voice in this tale by telling it through the voice of a yeoman, or a servant. His canon's inability to shut him up pokes fun at the notion of having a servant. Chaucer also uses irony in the yeoman's tale. The yeoman critically tells of a deceitful canon when he and his canon are involved in very deceitful actions. Another irony is that the yeoman claims that his canon can pave the roads with gold, but he also says the alchemy is not a fruitful science.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Character Study (II+III)
Colter drove over to Edmond's house to pick him up. They would beheaded down to LAX to catch a flight to Costa Rica. Colter had promised to teach Edmond to show him how to surf, and what better place to teach and learn than tropical central America?
After a long drive discussing our adventure and frustrating security lines, Edmond and Colter were just minutes away from boarding their flight. Several athletes seemed to be aboard this flight. First, there was a tall, menacing looking fellow who had a red football jersey on. He wore the number four and his last name was "cuatro." Edmond and Colter discussed this and decided that it must be his name and his jersey, since they would remember any football player with that unique of a last name. Across from him was an equally intimidating football player in a blue football jersey. His jersey said "Torque" across the back. The two seemed to know each other and were getting involved in a a staring match. On Colter's right was a tall brown-eyed girl who, judging by her clothes and her luggage, must have been a volleyball player. Colter couldn't help but notice her shift uncomfortably in her seat when another football player, started to flirt with her. Colter was just about to intervene when suddenly "Torque" and "Cuatro" erupted into a full-fledged argument.
"You got some real nerve showing up here like this." Torque said.
Cautro coolly replied "And you, well I didn't know they let felons on international flights."
The two kept bantering and the conversation nearly boiled over into a scuffle. But then they were called to board their flight. Incensed and indignant, the two went to their separate seats.
"Wow, pretty intense." said Colter to the volleyball player who introduced herself as Maddie. She looked happy to talk to anyone other than the shady football player who persistently tried to talk to her.
"No kidding. I just can't wait to get away from all these people and into my volleyball tournament in Costa Rica," said Maddie.
Later on Colter discussed the situation with Edmond. Edmond seemed to side with Cautro, who had maintained his composure better during the conflict. Colter was put off by him though. Sometimes, he felt, it is the composed ones that have the most to hide. Either way, he was glad that he wasn't sitting next to either of them during the flight.
After a long drive discussing our adventure and frustrating security lines, Edmond and Colter were just minutes away from boarding their flight. Several athletes seemed to be aboard this flight. First, there was a tall, menacing looking fellow who had a red football jersey on. He wore the number four and his last name was "cuatro." Edmond and Colter discussed this and decided that it must be his name and his jersey, since they would remember any football player with that unique of a last name. Across from him was an equally intimidating football player in a blue football jersey. His jersey said "Torque" across the back. The two seemed to know each other and were getting involved in a a staring match. On Colter's right was a tall brown-eyed girl who, judging by her clothes and her luggage, must have been a volleyball player. Colter couldn't help but notice her shift uncomfortably in her seat when another football player, started to flirt with her. Colter was just about to intervene when suddenly "Torque" and "Cuatro" erupted into a full-fledged argument.
"You got some real nerve showing up here like this." Torque said.
Cautro coolly replied "And you, well I didn't know they let felons on international flights."
The two kept bantering and the conversation nearly boiled over into a scuffle. But then they were called to board their flight. Incensed and indignant, the two went to their separate seats.
"Wow, pretty intense." said Colter to the volleyball player who introduced herself as Maddie. She looked happy to talk to anyone other than the shady football player who persistently tried to talk to her.
"No kidding. I just can't wait to get away from all these people and into my volleyball tournament in Costa Rica," said Maddie.
Later on Colter discussed the situation with Edmond. Edmond seemed to side with Cautro, who had maintained his composure better during the conflict. Colter was put off by him though. Sometimes, he felt, it is the composed ones that have the most to hide. Either way, he was glad that he wasn't sitting next to either of them during the flight.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Canterbury Tales (I)
What stood out most to me when reading the Canterbury tales was the manner in which each character was described. Chaucer inserted ironies, some subtle, some not so subtle, into each of the character's descriptions. By naming the characters by their profession, Chaucer satirized popular stereotypes. Sometimes the characters physical appearance would contradict their names and other times their character would contradict one expected of their name. The character I want to know most about would be the Miller, just because the giggles I hear everytime it is brought up.
Character Study
Early in the morning, Colter woke up seconds before his alarm went off. He dressed slowly into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He put on a brand new pair of socks because he wanted it to be a good day, and its the little things that count. He goes downstairs and looks into the mirror to put in his contacts. He sees his tired, blue eyes and his messy, bleached blond hair. Years of morning practices have changed his appearance nearly as much as it has changed his character. With ten minutess left before he has to go, he eats a bowl of cereal for breakfast and gathers his stuff. He doesn't worry about forgetting anything, because, as his grandpa always said, you can travel anywhere in this world with just a toothbrush and a pair of board shorts.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Vocabulary #6
obsequious-obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
He was an obsequious follower
beatitude-supreme blessedness.
You have my beatitude.
bete noire-a person or thing that one particularly dislikes.
Nosy people are my bete noir.
bode-be an omen of a particular outcome.
The future does not bode well for the Lakers.
dank-disagreeably damp, musty, and typically cold
The gym was dank with sweat.
ecumenical-promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches
He was studied and ecumenical.
fervid-promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches
She would always fervidly raise her hand.
fetid-smelling extremely unpleasant.
The rotting eggs were fetid.
gargantuan-enormous.
That project was gargantuan!
heyday-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor.
Back in my heyday, I could throw a football two field lengths!
incubus-a cause of distress or anxiety
I lost a lot of sleep over that incubus of a test.
infrastructure-basic structure
The weak infrastructure caused the building to fall.
inveigle-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor.
He inveigled the truth out of the victim.
kudos-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor.
Marathon runners deserve kudos for their hard work.
lagniappe-something given as a bonus or extra gift.
His diatribe was uneffective and prolix.
protege-a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person.
My protege disappointed me.
prototype-a first, typical or preliminary model of something, esp. a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.
The prototype comes before the updated version.
sycophant-a first, typical or preliminary model of something, esp. a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.
He earned his promotion through being a sycophant.
tautology-the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style
This sentence demonstrates a tautology and a tautology is demonstrated in it.
truckle-submit or behave obsequiously
In stead of being stubborn, swallow your pride and truckle.
accolade-award
List your accolades on your resume.
acerbity-a sharp bitterness
His tone was full of acerbity.
attrition-the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure.
We worn down the East front through attrition.
bromide-a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate
The bromide was well-intended but not well received.
chauvinist-a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate
He was the stereotypical arrogant chauvinist.
chronic-persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.
I;m sick of you arriving chronically late!
expound-present and explain (a theory or idea) systematically and in detail
I don't understand, can you expound?
factionalism-The splitting of a group into factions; Conflict between factions
The cliques were all part of the factionalism present.
immaculate-spotless
Your room better be immaculate!
imprecation-a spoken curse
Refrain from making imprecations.
ineluctable-unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable.
The blinding light was ineluctable.
mercurial-volatile
His temrerment was capricious and mercurial.
palliate-make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.
Tylenol only palliates illness.
protocol-make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.
He ignored protocol.
resplendent-attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.
Her dress was resplendent.
stigmatize-describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.
His name was stigmatized.
sub rosa-hdescribe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.
My attack was sub rosa.
vainglory-inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity.
He was guilty of vainglory.
vestige- trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists.
The arrowhead is a vestige.
volition-the faculty or power of using one's will.
I made the decision without volition.
He was an obsequious follower
beatitude-supreme blessedness.
You have my beatitude.
bete noire-a person or thing that one particularly dislikes.
Nosy people are my bete noir.
bode-be an omen of a particular outcome.
The future does not bode well for the Lakers.
dank-disagreeably damp, musty, and typically cold
The gym was dank with sweat.
ecumenical-promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches
He was studied and ecumenical.
fervid-promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches
She would always fervidly raise her hand.
fetid-smelling extremely unpleasant.
The rotting eggs were fetid.
gargantuan-enormous.
That project was gargantuan!
heyday-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor.
Back in my heyday, I could throw a football two field lengths!
incubus-a cause of distress or anxiety
I lost a lot of sleep over that incubus of a test.
infrastructure-basic structure
The weak infrastructure caused the building to fall.
inveigle-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor.
He inveigled the truth out of the victim.
kudos-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor.
Marathon runners deserve kudos for their hard work.
lagniappe-something given as a bonus or extra gift.
Some people need incentives like lagniappes to work harder.
prolix- using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy.His diatribe was uneffective and prolix.
protege-a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person.
My protege disappointed me.
prototype-a first, typical or preliminary model of something, esp. a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.
The prototype comes before the updated version.
sycophant-a first, typical or preliminary model of something, esp. a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.
He earned his promotion through being a sycophant.
tautology-the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style
This sentence demonstrates a tautology and a tautology is demonstrated in it.
truckle-submit or behave obsequiously
In stead of being stubborn, swallow your pride and truckle.
accolade-award
List your accolades on your resume.
acerbity-a sharp bitterness
His tone was full of acerbity.
attrition-the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure.
We worn down the East front through attrition.
bromide-a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate
The bromide was well-intended but not well received.
chauvinist-a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate
He was the stereotypical arrogant chauvinist.
chronic-persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.
I;m sick of you arriving chronically late!
expound-present and explain (a theory or idea) systematically and in detail
I don't understand, can you expound?
factionalism-The splitting of a group into factions; Conflict between factions
The cliques were all part of the factionalism present.
immaculate-spotless
Your room better be immaculate!
imprecation-a spoken curse
Refrain from making imprecations.
ineluctable-unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable.
The blinding light was ineluctable.
mercurial-volatile
His temrerment was capricious and mercurial.
palliate-make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.
Tylenol only palliates illness.
protocol-make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.
He ignored protocol.
resplendent-attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.
Her dress was resplendent.
stigmatize-describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.
His name was stigmatized.
sub rosa-hdescribe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.
My attack was sub rosa.
vainglory-inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity.
He was guilty of vainglory.
vestige- trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists.
The arrowhead is a vestige.
volition-the faculty or power of using one's will.
I made the decision without volition.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
What a Character!
The most memorable fictional character I have encountered would have to be Holden Caulfield in The Catcher In the Rye by J.D. Salinger. The reason that he is so memorable is because of his honesty and self-expression. We see much of ourselves in Holden, making us cheer for him throughout the novel and also making us slow to pick up on his flaws. By writing from his perspective, Salinger allows us to really sympathize with his character. Salinger develops him through indirect characterization; the whole novel is basically told through his voice and his actions. His outlook and perspective throughout the novel are changing along with his mood, but at the end of the novel I would say he is still the same person and is a somewhat static character.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Declaration of Learning Independence
The desire to learn is an innate quality to every human being. It is what sets us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. Early on certain kids get the sense that they have a knack for learning and others get the sense that they do not. In reality, some kids are just more receptive to the common forms of education than others. Each individual will succeed better in a learning environment suited to them. For this reason, I am doing everything I can to gain admission to Princeton University. This school is my reach school; I chose it because of its unique approach to learning. It is a major research facility with the heart of a small liberal arts school. To achieve this goal I have mentally compartmentalized it into a couple of key steps. Currently I am in the process of fine-tuning my SAT skills. Next on the agenda is writing a killer application essay. Ever-present is my performance in my high school courses. With this lofty goal, my hard work has purpose and my gumption is replenished.
Vocabulary #5
obsequious-obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
Be a leader- not an obsequious follower!
beatitude-supreme blessedness
His luck was part of his beatitude.
bete noire-a person or thing that one particularly dislikes
You know snakes are my bete nior!
bode-be an omen of a particular outcome
Your future will not bode well if you keep up with this apathetic attitude.
dank-disagreeably damp, musty, and typically cold
The are was unpleasantly dank.
ecumenical-representing a number of different Christian churches
My religous beliefs are ecumenical.
fervid-intensely enthusiastic or passionate, esp. to an excessive degree
She loved him fervidly, but he could not match her enthusiasm.
fetid-smelling extremely unpleasant
The rotting lunch was fetid.
gargantuan-enormous
Your problems are not as gargantuan as you think.
heyday-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor
Make everyday your heyday!
incubus-a male demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women
The women was visited by an seductive incubus.
infrastructure-the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
The society crumbled due to its weak infrastructure.
inveigle-persuade (someone) to do something by means of deception or flattery
She could always inveigle information out of me.
kudos-praise and honor received for an achievement
If you can complete this you will have my kudos.
lagniappe-something given as a bonus or extra gift
Extra credit is a lagniappe.
prolix-(of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy
I prefer pithy speeches to prolix ones.
protege-a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person
My protege has much to learn.
prototype-a first, typical or preliminary model of something, esp. a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.
This is just the prototype, not the finished product.
sycophant-a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage
He earned his grade by being a sycophant towards his teacher.
tautology-the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style
His repetitive essay included numerous tautologies.
truckle-to submit or yield obsequiously or tamely
When dealing with a bellicose person, sometimes it is best to just swallow your pride and truckle.
Be a leader- not an obsequious follower!
beatitude-supreme blessedness
His luck was part of his beatitude.
bete noire-a person or thing that one particularly dislikes
You know snakes are my bete nior!
bode-be an omen of a particular outcome
Your future will not bode well if you keep up with this apathetic attitude.
dank-disagreeably damp, musty, and typically cold
The are was unpleasantly dank.
ecumenical-representing a number of different Christian churches
My religous beliefs are ecumenical.
fervid-intensely enthusiastic or passionate, esp. to an excessive degree
She loved him fervidly, but he could not match her enthusiasm.
fetid-smelling extremely unpleasant
The rotting lunch was fetid.
gargantuan-enormous
Your problems are not as gargantuan as you think.
heyday-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor
Make everyday your heyday!
incubus-a male demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women
The women was visited by an seductive incubus.
infrastructure-the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
The society crumbled due to its weak infrastructure.
inveigle-persuade (someone) to do something by means of deception or flattery
She could always inveigle information out of me.
kudos-praise and honor received for an achievement
If you can complete this you will have my kudos.
lagniappe-something given as a bonus or extra gift
Extra credit is a lagniappe.
prolix-(of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy
I prefer pithy speeches to prolix ones.
protege-a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person
My protege has much to learn.
prototype-a first, typical or preliminary model of something, esp. a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.
This is just the prototype, not the finished product.
sycophant-a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage
He earned his grade by being a sycophant towards his teacher.
tautology-the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style
His repetitive essay included numerous tautologies.
truckle-to submit or yield obsequiously or tamely
When dealing with a bellicose person, sometimes it is best to just swallow your pride and truckle.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Literary Analysis East of Eden
1. The exposition of the novel is concerned with introducing the major characters and their background. Steinbeck my change settings and leave characters behind for a couple of chapters, but they will always have an importance later in the story. He start by describing Samuel Hamilton and his family living in Salinas. Then he tells of the childhood of Adam and Charles Trask in the east, who acquires a large sum of money of enigmatic origins from the passing of their father. He also describes the devious Cathy Ames, who feels no remorse and becomes leaches off of a married man who fell in love with her. The stories intertwine when Cathy is badly beaten by the disillusioned man and winds up on the doorstep of Charles and Adam. Charles distrusts her but Adam is enthralled and asks her to marry him after she recovers. She agrees, secretly deciding she will use him to get back on her feet and move on with her plan. Adam and Cathy agree to leave for California. Before they leave, Cathy cheats on Adam with his brother. We later find that Charles is the father of Adam’s twin sons, Cal and Aron. In California Cathy gives birth to the twins, and then leaves as soon as she is recovered. She shoots Adam in the shoulder and leaves the family forever. She becomes a prostitute and gains the favor of her madam until she replaces her role. Adam is devastated. It is not until several months later after the prodding of Sam Hamilton and Adam’s servant Lee that he even names the boys. Growing up, the twins are raised by Lee more than by their father. They are not told about their mother. Aaron is amiable well-received. Cal is smarter but struggles in the shadow of his brother. When they are about twelve, Adam steps back into the picture as a real father. Cal wanders out at night and one night finds out who his real mother is. Aron falls in love with a girl named Abra. They are happy until Aron starts studying to be a minister and becomes committed to perfection and celibacy. He ends up going to Stanford, his tuition paid by Cal who becomes working with Sam Hamilton’s son Will in business. When he is away studying he paints Abra into a perfect sinless person that she is not. He comes back for Thanksgiving and is greeted by Cal and Adam. At the reunion Adam voices his displeasure for Cal’s monetary earnings and says he earned them dishonestly. Cal lashes out against his father’s preference of Aron and tells how his mother is a prostitute. Aron is shattered and changes his life by joining the army. Aron’s parents both cannot handle this. Cathy commits suicide upon hearing of her son’s reaction to her and Adam goes into a stroke. The story ends with Adam on his deathbed, finally offering his blessing to Cal.
2. The theme of the novel is overcoming a predisposition to evil. Inherited from his mother, Cal struggles with his darker qualities. He even prays to be good and more like his brother. His cognizance of his heritage first makes him despair that he is doomed to being evil. But Lee vehemently tells him that he cannot put this on his inheritance and that he is ultimately the one responsible for his being good or bad. In the end, he overcomes his predisposition and gains the blessing of his father for it.
3. Steinbeck’s tone is both informative and entertaining. This is what makes him such a great raconteur. My favorite example is when he is describing Cal and Aron. He notes that upon finding an ant hill, Aron would “lie on his stomach and watch the complications of ant life.” Cal, on the other hand, would “kick it to pieces and watch as the frantic ants took care of their disaster.” His tone is also open and perceptive. He owns that his voice is not unimpeachable- he wonders “if it was true” what he said early about Cathy being a monster. His casual informative tone is also demonstrated when he says “there is so much to tell about the Western country that it is hard to know where to start.”
4. Steinbeck utilizes extended metaphor in the passage about anthills I mentioned earlier. (pg 545) He also uses a long descriptive passage to start the story. (Ch 1) Throughout the novel, he utilizes dialogue to develop the characters. He uses an allusion to the story of Cain and Abel on page 300. The passage parallels fraternal relationships throughout the novel. He also uses colloquial language throughout the novel. An interesting technique he uses is contrasting Lee’s pidgin talk and his normal voice. (Pg 261, Pg 185) A couple times in the novel he uses first person, mentioning how a character is related to him. He uses hyperboles like “she had a terrible eye which could blanch of the skin of a bad child as easily as an almond.” (pg 149) Another technique used throughout the novel is switching character point of view. By doing this, the novel comes together like pieces of a puzzle. Steinbeck also personifies sins when describing Tom Hamilton’s story. His sins take a human form and torture him into suicide. (pg 405)
2. The theme of the novel is overcoming a predisposition to evil. Inherited from his mother, Cal struggles with his darker qualities. He even prays to be good and more like his brother. His cognizance of his heritage first makes him despair that he is doomed to being evil. But Lee vehemently tells him that he cannot put this on his inheritance and that he is ultimately the one responsible for his being good or bad. In the end, he overcomes his predisposition and gains the blessing of his father for it.
3. Steinbeck’s tone is both informative and entertaining. This is what makes him such a great raconteur. My favorite example is when he is describing Cal and Aron. He notes that upon finding an ant hill, Aron would “lie on his stomach and watch the complications of ant life.” Cal, on the other hand, would “kick it to pieces and watch as the frantic ants took care of their disaster.” His tone is also open and perceptive. He owns that his voice is not unimpeachable- he wonders “if it was true” what he said early about Cathy being a monster. His casual informative tone is also demonstrated when he says “there is so much to tell about the Western country that it is hard to know where to start.”
4. Steinbeck utilizes extended metaphor in the passage about anthills I mentioned earlier. (pg 545) He also uses a long descriptive passage to start the story. (Ch 1) Throughout the novel, he utilizes dialogue to develop the characters. He uses an allusion to the story of Cain and Abel on page 300. The passage parallels fraternal relationships throughout the novel. He also uses colloquial language throughout the novel. An interesting technique he uses is contrasting Lee’s pidgin talk and his normal voice. (Pg 261, Pg 185) A couple times in the novel he uses first person, mentioning how a character is related to him. He uses hyperboles like “she had a terrible eye which could blanch of the skin of a bad child as easily as an almond.” (pg 149) Another technique used throughout the novel is switching character point of view. By doing this, the novel comes together like pieces of a puzzle. Steinbeck also personifies sins when describing Tom Hamilton’s story. His sins take a human form and torture him into suicide. (pg 405)
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Remembering 9/11
Please take a moment to remember the victims of 9/11 and click on this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3spSAvJkm8
Not only is this song a tribute to the victims of 9/11, but I think Sage really captured America's emotional response. He is one of the view who portray the event holistically; presenting not just the catastrophe but also the aftermath and the public's and government's reactions. 9/11 brought out some of the best and worst in Americans. On the positive side, it united the country and brought a sense of patriotism. ("The flag shop is out of stock.") On the other hand, it resulted in racial profiling and xenophobia unparalleled since the Japanese interment camps after Pearl Harbor. When a country faces a tragedy, its true colors come out. Please remember this day and strive to make America the country that unites, not crumbles, when faced with a tragedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3spSAvJkm8
Not only is this song a tribute to the victims of 9/11, but I think Sage really captured America's emotional response. He is one of the view who portray the event holistically; presenting not just the catastrophe but also the aftermath and the public's and government's reactions. 9/11 brought out some of the best and worst in Americans. On the positive side, it united the country and brought a sense of patriotism. ("The flag shop is out of stock.") On the other hand, it resulted in racial profiling and xenophobia unparalleled since the Japanese interment camps after Pearl Harbor. When a country faces a tragedy, its true colors come out. Please remember this day and strive to make America the country that unites, not crumbles, when faced with a tragedy.
All of the Above
Looking back to the 1987 AP test I took at the beginning of the year, I am pretty happy with the results. Knowing how difficult an AP test can be, I was glad to see I was on the right track and at least had an idea for most of my answers. Not to mention I was barely out of my "summer mode" of thinking when I took that test. That being said, I will by no means be satisfied if I can not do better than that by May when I am taking the test. My biggest obstacle is the poetry. The test seemed to be a larger portion of poetry than the one I took last year. I struggled with the technical terms specific to poetry as well as plain comprehension and analysis of the authors ideas. Hopefully with constant work throughout the year I will be ready to tackle those poems in May.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Vocabulary #4
accolade-an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.
He recieved many accolades for his work in science.
acerbity-sharp and forthright
His acerbic tone ujpset his parents.
attrition-the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure
They broke our will in a persistent attrition.
bromide-a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate
He tried to soothe the baby with the bromide "there, there."
chauvinist-a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism
Europeans resent the chauvinistic attitude they believe Americans have taken to.
chronic-persisting for a long time or constantly recurring
Your complaints are as annoying as they are chronic.
expound-present and explain (a theory or idea) systematically and in detail
The procedure was expounded so thoroughly we were sick of hearing it.
factionalism-A group of persons forming a cohesive, usually contentious minority within a larger group
It is important for our entire team to be unified and not have to deal with factionalism.
immaculate-perfectly clean, neat, or tidy
Your report was immaculate- flawless.
imprecation-a spoken curse
When frustrated, he'll throw imprecation aimed at no one in particular.
ineluctable-unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable
His wrath was ineluctable.
mercurial- subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind
Thee bipolar schizophrenic was said to be mercurial.
palliate-make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.
My reasoning internally palliated the parlous situation.
protocol-the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.
He was rebuked for ignoring the protocol.
resplendent-attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous
She looked resplendent in her senior pictures.
stigmatize-describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval
Parents stigmatize drugs and alcohol the best they can.
sub rosa-happening or done in secret
Does it bother you that the government has so many sub rosa missions?
vainglory-inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity
Her vainglory put of a lot of suitors.
vestige-a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
The arrowheads are vestiges of the Sioux.
volition-the faculty or power of using one's will
He had volition when he committed the crime.
He recieved many accolades for his work in science.
acerbity-sharp and forthright
His acerbic tone ujpset his parents.
attrition-the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure
They broke our will in a persistent attrition.
bromide-a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate
He tried to soothe the baby with the bromide "there, there."
chauvinist-a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism
Europeans resent the chauvinistic attitude they believe Americans have taken to.
chronic-persisting for a long time or constantly recurring
Your complaints are as annoying as they are chronic.
expound-present and explain (a theory or idea) systematically and in detail
The procedure was expounded so thoroughly we were sick of hearing it.
factionalism-A group of persons forming a cohesive, usually contentious minority within a larger group
It is important for our entire team to be unified and not have to deal with factionalism.
immaculate-perfectly clean, neat, or tidy
Your report was immaculate- flawless.
imprecation-a spoken curse
When frustrated, he'll throw imprecation aimed at no one in particular.
ineluctable-unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable
His wrath was ineluctable.
mercurial- subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind
Thee bipolar schizophrenic was said to be mercurial.
palliate-make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.
My reasoning internally palliated the parlous situation.
protocol-the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.
He was rebuked for ignoring the protocol.
resplendent-attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous
She looked resplendent in her senior pictures.
stigmatize-describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval
Parents stigmatize drugs and alcohol the best they can.
sub rosa-happening or done in secret
Does it bother you that the government has so many sub rosa missions?
vainglory-inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity
Her vainglory put of a lot of suitors.
vestige-a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
The arrowheads are vestiges of the Sioux.
volition-the faculty or power of using one's will
He had volition when he committed the crime.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Beowulf Essay
As one of the few characters survived through literature of the Nordic culture, Beowulf epitomizes our understanding of the values of the Nordics. Through his character we can infer that they valued strength, courage, and valor. Today, the modern hero has been humbled and brought down to a more human level. For example, take Walt Kowalski from the film Gran Torino. Played by Clint Eastwood, Walt is a brave decorated war hero. But, from the perspective of his Hmong neighbors, he is a bigoted and bitter old man. Walt’s character demonstrates the realism of our culture today while Beowulf’s feats demonstrate the deification of the heroes of the past.
Beowulf’s glory is initially revealed through long monologues about his feats. While a reader today would find someone rambling about how they slayed sea monsters and other accomplishments to be boastful, in the historical context the author probably just meant to portray his glory. Walt offers none of such monologues but provides caustic yet comical dialogue throughout the film. His strengths and his flaws are exposed to the audience through his actions and his words. In both stories the writer chooses to utilize indirect characterization. Little is necessary for the author or other characters to reveal about either character that they have not revealed already themselves. In that way, Beowulf and Walt are similar. Both are honest and perhaps excessively blunt. Beowulf shows no restraint in talking about his achievements and Walt shows no restraint in offering his opinions about the minorities of his neighborhood.
Beowulf’s perfection served as a model to strive for in Nordic society. When presented with a parlous situation, a man of that time could remember Beowulf’s bravery. Compared to fighting Grendel without weapons, his problems would seem minuscule. Gran Torino elicits a different type of empathy from the audience. Walt is dignified, but he is also very hateful. At the end makes peace with his sins and his prejudices. He is portrayed honestly and as a human. His change and his forgiveness offer hope for the audience. If stubborn old Walt could change, why can’t they? Walt serves a vessel of hope; Beowulf served as an inspiration. These representations reflect the needs of their respective society. Today people need hope to better themselves, in the past the Nordics were more concerned with courage for battle and survival.
A common goal of both characters is vengeance. Nearly all of Beowulf’s battles are for vengeance. His battles with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon were all battles of vengeance. After hurting a comrade of Beowulf’s, you can expect him to come back at you tenfold. Walt took a different approach. To the surprise of all the other characters and the audience, he avenged his neighbor by making a restrained and passive sacrifice. He deceived armed gunmen into firing at him with witnesses, thus ending their deleterious presence in the neighborhood. The difference in violent and passive resistance demonstrates an evolution of thinking on vengeance.
Beowulf and Walt are both heroes exemplifying the values of their society. Beowulf’s immaculate nobility is a testament to worth of strength and valor of that period. Walt’s flawed character represents that of a modern hero; capable of being both revered and criticized. While the two characters are vastly different, they both resemble significant traits to their society.
Beowulf’s glory is initially revealed through long monologues about his feats. While a reader today would find someone rambling about how they slayed sea monsters and other accomplishments to be boastful, in the historical context the author probably just meant to portray his glory. Walt offers none of such monologues but provides caustic yet comical dialogue throughout the film. His strengths and his flaws are exposed to the audience through his actions and his words. In both stories the writer chooses to utilize indirect characterization. Little is necessary for the author or other characters to reveal about either character that they have not revealed already themselves. In that way, Beowulf and Walt are similar. Both are honest and perhaps excessively blunt. Beowulf shows no restraint in talking about his achievements and Walt shows no restraint in offering his opinions about the minorities of his neighborhood.
Beowulf’s perfection served as a model to strive for in Nordic society. When presented with a parlous situation, a man of that time could remember Beowulf’s bravery. Compared to fighting Grendel without weapons, his problems would seem minuscule. Gran Torino elicits a different type of empathy from the audience. Walt is dignified, but he is also very hateful. At the end makes peace with his sins and his prejudices. He is portrayed honestly and as a human. His change and his forgiveness offer hope for the audience. If stubborn old Walt could change, why can’t they? Walt serves a vessel of hope; Beowulf served as an inspiration. These representations reflect the needs of their respective society. Today people need hope to better themselves, in the past the Nordics were more concerned with courage for battle and survival.
A common goal of both characters is vengeance. Nearly all of Beowulf’s battles are for vengeance. His battles with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon were all battles of vengeance. After hurting a comrade of Beowulf’s, you can expect him to come back at you tenfold. Walt took a different approach. To the surprise of all the other characters and the audience, he avenged his neighbor by making a restrained and passive sacrifice. He deceived armed gunmen into firing at him with witnesses, thus ending their deleterious presence in the neighborhood. The difference in violent and passive resistance demonstrates an evolution of thinking on vengeance.
Beowulf and Walt are both heroes exemplifying the values of their society. Beowulf’s immaculate nobility is a testament to worth of strength and valor of that period. Walt’s flawed character represents that of a modern hero; capable of being both revered and criticized. While the two characters are vastly different, they both resemble significant traits to their society.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Will Study for Food
I plan on applying for the Elks scholarship. My brother received aid from them last year and I hope to do the same. If I succeed at the county level I can move up to larger scholarships at the state and national level. There is no certain amount that I need to attend college but I might take out a loan so every little bit counts. I think a good reasonable goal for me to shoot for is between $5,000 and $10,000. If I apply for several smaller scholarships and a couple larger ones, that just might do the trick.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Vocabulary #3
apostate-a person who forsakes his religion , cause, party
The preacher condemned the apostates.
effusive-expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner
I did my best to give my parents an effusive response when asked about my new shirt they bought me.
impasse-a situation in which no progress is possible, esp. because of disagreement; a deadlock
I only give up in math after working to an impasse.
euphoria- A feeling of great happiness or well-being
While surfing, the feeling I get is euphoria.
lugubrious-looking or sounding sad and dismal
Some days I just have to fight my lugubrious attitude.
bravado-Defiant or swaggering behavior
His bravado annoyed his friends.
consensus-general agreement
We talked until we reached consensus.
dichotomy-a division or contrast between two things that are opposed or entirely different
The writer was skilled at using potent dichotomies.
constrict-to make narrower
I felt constricted flying in the airplane.
Gothic-of, relating to, or resembling the Goths, their civilization, or their language
The Gothic mansion resembled those of an earlier time.
punctilio-a fine or petty point of conduct or procedure
Why argue over puntilios?
Metamorphosis-a transformation
He underwent a metamorphosis after high school.
raconteur-a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way
My grandpa was an excellent raconteur.
sine qua non- An essential element or condition
Your attendance is sine qua non.
quixotic-exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical
His dreams were quioxitc.
vendetta-a blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family
The Capulets had a vendetta with the Montagues.
non sequitur-an inference that does not follow from the premises
Your argument is non sequitur.
mystique-An aura of heightened value, interest, or meaning surrounding something, arising from attitudes and beliefs that impute special power or mystery to it
The rabbits foot has a certain mystique.
quagmire-a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot
My feet got stuck in the quagmire.
parlous-full of danger or uncertainty; precarious
The situation seems hairy and parlous.
The preacher condemned the apostates.
effusive-expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner
I did my best to give my parents an effusive response when asked about my new shirt they bought me.
impasse-a situation in which no progress is possible, esp. because of disagreement; a deadlock
I only give up in math after working to an impasse.
euphoria- A feeling of great happiness or well-being
While surfing, the feeling I get is euphoria.
lugubrious-looking or sounding sad and dismal
Some days I just have to fight my lugubrious attitude.
bravado-Defiant or swaggering behavior
His bravado annoyed his friends.
consensus-general agreement
We talked until we reached consensus.
dichotomy-a division or contrast between two things that are opposed or entirely different
The writer was skilled at using potent dichotomies.
constrict-to make narrower
I felt constricted flying in the airplane.
Gothic-of, relating to, or resembling the Goths, their civilization, or their language
The Gothic mansion resembled those of an earlier time.
punctilio-a fine or petty point of conduct or procedure
Why argue over puntilios?
Metamorphosis-a transformation
He underwent a metamorphosis after high school.
raconteur-a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way
My grandpa was an excellent raconteur.
sine qua non- An essential element or condition
Your attendance is sine qua non.
quixotic-exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical
His dreams were quioxitc.
vendetta-a blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family
The Capulets had a vendetta with the Montagues.
non sequitur-an inference that does not follow from the premises
Your argument is non sequitur.
mystique-An aura of heightened value, interest, or meaning surrounding something, arising from attitudes and beliefs that impute special power or mystery to it
The rabbits foot has a certain mystique.
quagmire-a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot
My feet got stuck in the quagmire.
parlous-full of danger or uncertainty; precarious
The situation seems hairy and parlous.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Why this Book?
For my literary analysis I chose East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I've always enjoyed his books and I was curious about this one. A couple weeks ago I found it in my garage and cracked it open. I enjoyed the first couple chapters and read just a little bit every night. Soon after that I find out that I need to choose an AP novel to read for my literary analysis. Obviously I went with the book I had already started and enjoyed. So far it has been a good decision. When I read Steinbeck, the pages turn themselves.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Vocabulary #2
accoutrements-An accessory item of equipment or dress
His outfit was complimented by a hat, lanyard, and other accoutrements.
apogee-the highest point in the development of something; the climax or culmination
He reached the apogee of his career; from there it was downhill.
apropos-with reference to; concerning
How do you feel apropos of the new gun-control laws?
bicker-argue about petty and trivial matters
Siblings will always bicker.
coalesce-come together and form one mass or whole
The team coalesced into the huddle.
contretemps-an unexpected and unfortunate occurrence
Her ex-husbands arrival was a contretemps.
convolution-a form or shape that is folded in curved or tortuous winding
The river was a convolution of water.
cull-select from a large quantity; obtain from a variety of sources
Our class was culled from the seniors at Righetti.
disparate-essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison
Apples and oranges are said to be disparate but I disagree-they're both round fruit.
dogmatic-inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true
His dogmatic manner put him in to a lot of arguments.
licentious-promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters
Her licentious dress had parents shield their children's eyes.
mete-dispense or allot justice, a punishment, or harsh treatment
The king meted out the day's execution like it was nothing important.
noxious-harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant
His presence was noxious and for that reason he was kicked off the team.
polemic-a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something
His campaigns consisted on solely polemics on the opposition.
populous-having a large population; densely populated
The city was populous.
probity-the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency
Her probity made her the apotheosis of a good child.
repartee-conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies
Our repartee was sharp enough to be televised.
supervene-occur later than a specified or implied event or action, typically in such a way as to change the situation
The retaliation supervened the attack and has changed my opinion.
truncate-To shorten by or as if by cutting off
His recital of the Laughing Heart was truncated by the bell.
unimpeachable-not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; entirely trustworthy
You can't argue with these unimpeachable facts.
His outfit was complimented by a hat, lanyard, and other accoutrements.
apogee-the highest point in the development of something; the climax or culmination
He reached the apogee of his career; from there it was downhill.
apropos-with reference to; concerning
How do you feel apropos of the new gun-control laws?
bicker-argue about petty and trivial matters
Siblings will always bicker.
coalesce-come together and form one mass or whole
The team coalesced into the huddle.
contretemps-an unexpected and unfortunate occurrence
Her ex-husbands arrival was a contretemps.
convolution-a form or shape that is folded in curved or tortuous winding
The river was a convolution of water.
cull-select from a large quantity; obtain from a variety of sources
Our class was culled from the seniors at Righetti.
disparate-essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison
Apples and oranges are said to be disparate but I disagree-they're both round fruit.
dogmatic-inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true
His dogmatic manner put him in to a lot of arguments.
licentious-promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters
Her licentious dress had parents shield their children's eyes.
mete-dispense or allot justice, a punishment, or harsh treatment
The king meted out the day's execution like it was nothing important.
noxious-harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant
His presence was noxious and for that reason he was kicked off the team.
polemic-a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something
His campaigns consisted on solely polemics on the opposition.
populous-having a large population; densely populated
The city was populous.
probity-the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency
Her probity made her the apotheosis of a good child.
repartee-conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies
Our repartee was sharp enough to be televised.
supervene-occur later than a specified or implied event or action, typically in such a way as to change the situation
The retaliation supervened the attack and has changed my opinion.
truncate-To shorten by or as if by cutting off
His recital of the Laughing Heart was truncated by the bell.
unimpeachable-not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; entirely trustworthy
You can't argue with these unimpeachable facts.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Beowulf Comprehension Questions
[Prologue]*
[Heorot is Attacked]*
[The Hero Comes to Heorot]*
[Feast at Heorot]*
[The Fight with Grendel] *
[Celebration at [Heorot] *
Beowulf and Grendel's Mother
[Another attack]
1. Grendel's mother comes to Heorot to avenge her son's death, she comes with an intent to kill and murders one of Hrothgar's closest friends. This is much different then Grendel's reason for killing, because he was so angry at all the noise and celebration.
2. Hrothgar's response is to tell Beowulf all about the two monsters and their lair, he is so upset because Grendel's mother killed his friend.
3. The mere (or lake) was a terrible place and Hrothgar was barely able to get through his description. It was a dark, cold place where the "heavens weep", however the moonlight shines on the lake to make it appear that it is on fire.
[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother]*
[Further Celebration at Heorot]
1. Beowulf gives Hrothgar the sword.
2. Hrothgar tells Beowulf about a hauteur king that let his pride in his own wealth lead to his demise. He tells Beowulf about this king, named Heremod, to warn him about the danger of trusting in your own power and that Beowulf needs to be concerned about the afterlife and not about this world.
3. He remembers at the last second that he needs to give back the sword named Hrunting back to Unferth before he leaves.
[Beowulf Returns Home]*
Beowulf and the Dragon
[The Dragon Wakes]
1. Part 2 takes place 50 years later. Hygelac and Heardred have died. Now there is the danger of a dragon.
2. The dragon is angry because a cup was stolen from its treasure. A man stole the cup to exchange it for his freedom. The dragon was protecting the treasure for an ancient civilization that had died out.
3. The dragon destroyed the homes of the kingdom.
4. Beowulf believed his home was burnt because he angered God. He orders a new shield because he knows wooden ones would be useless against the fire-breathing dragon. He fought this battle armed and felt no shame in doing so. He will bring the dragon with him to the end of his days.
5. Hygelac died fighting the dragon. Beowulf swam home after his death. When he returned home, he was offered to be king and he served as a regent.
6. Heardred was killed by Onela. Beowulf planned to avenge him by assembling an army to hunt down Onela.
7. Twelve other men accompany Beowulf.
8. Herebeald was killed accidently by his brother Haekythn. This depressed King Hrethel and made him focus less on the kingdom and more on his sorrow. After his death, the Swedes and the Geats waged war. Haethcyn was killed in battle. Beowulf avenged Hgyelac’s death by killing the dragon.
[Beowulf Attacks the Dragon]*
[Beowulf's Funeral]*
*Done by Kylie Sagisi, Edmond Yi, Jacob Fowler, Taylor Duguran, Lesther Valenzuela, or Miranda Nillowulf avenged Hgyelac’s death
by killing the dragon.
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