"'Look here, old sport, you've got to get somebody for me. You've got to try hard. I can't go through this alone." - Nick's idea of what Gatsby might have been thinking about his death, page 165.
What I believe to be the saddest part of this whole novel is the fact that absolutely no one came to Gatsby's funeral. Even though during his life he upheld the impression that he had lots of friends because he threw parties all the time, no one seemed to feel that they should go to his funeral. The only people that showed up were Nick, Gatsby's father, and the owl-eyed man. This reinforces my idea that Gatsby can be considered a protagonist of the story. People all around him gave him the impression that they wished to be his friend. Even the people he did business with did not take the time out of their days to attend the funeral. Basically, people only used him and his house. Everyone seemed to want to be involved in his life for the sole fact that he was rich and could throw them great parties. Daisy is a prime example. She only wanted to be with him because he was rich. Once he died, the so called love she had for Gatsby was gone and she seemed to just totally forget about everything they had. She continued on with her life with no consideration to the man that just died.
Monday, April 30, 2012
The Great Gatsby - Why I really dislike Tom
"'What if I did tell him? That fellow had it coming to him. He threw dust into your eyes just like he did in Daisy's, but he was a tough one. He ran over Myrtle like you'd run over a dog and never even stopped his car.'" - Tom Buchanon, page 178.
From the very beginning of the story, I never really liked Tom Buchanon. The second half of this novel only re-enforced my feelings and pushed me into disliking him even more. First of all, I think it's incredibly hypocritical for Tom to have had an affair with Myrtle and then become very jealous when he realized Daisy and Gatsby might be having an affair. All of a sudden it was very wrong for anyone to ever have an affair. To go along with this, even when it was all over, Tom still showed that he had feelings for Myrtle. He blamed Gatsby for her death and kept saying how he didn't even stop when he hit her. Little does he know, it was actually his own wife who killed Myrtle. He had no sympathy for the fact that he was basically the reason for why Gatsby died.
From the very beginning of the story, I never really liked Tom Buchanon. The second half of this novel only re-enforced my feelings and pushed me into disliking him even more. First of all, I think it's incredibly hypocritical for Tom to have had an affair with Myrtle and then become very jealous when he realized Daisy and Gatsby might be having an affair. All of a sudden it was very wrong for anyone to ever have an affair. To go along with this, even when it was all over, Tom still showed that he had feelings for Myrtle. He blamed Gatsby for her death and kept saying how he didn't even stop when he hit her. Little does he know, it was actually his own wife who killed Myrtle. He had no sympathy for the fact that he was basically the reason for why Gatsby died.
The Great Gatsby - Protagonist(s)
"A new world, material without being real, where poor ghosts, breathing dreams like air, drifted fortuitously about...like that ashen, fantastic figure gliding toward him through the amorphous trees." - Nick Carraway, page 161.
"When I had finished she told me without comment that she was engaged to another man. I doubted that, though there were several she could have married at a nod of her head, but I pretended to be surprised." - Nick Carraway, page 177.
Is it possible for a story to have two protagonists? I believe that this story does in fact have two protagonists. It is hard to distinguish between Nick and Jay who the true protagonist is. Therefore, I believe they both hold the position. For obvious reasons, Gatsby could be considered the protagonist. He loved Daisy and she didn't ever show the same love for him back. Then, he was wrongfully blamed for killing Myrtle. This resulted in him being murdered by Myrtle's husband. That sounds like a lot of forces negatively acting against Jay Gatsby if you ask me. On the other hand, Nick could also be considered the protagonist. He never really fit in with the lifestyle of New York City. This would be one of the main reasons he went back to Minnesota. Also, it seems as though Nick never really had any true friends. Finally, he became really close to Gatsby only to lose him as the result of a murder. Another reason he could be considered the protagonist is because of how Jordan treated him after everything went down. They used to really like each other. Then Jordan went off and got engaged to someone else, or at least pretended to get engaged to someone else.
"When I had finished she told me without comment that she was engaged to another man. I doubted that, though there were several she could have married at a nod of her head, but I pretended to be surprised." - Nick Carraway, page 177.
Is it possible for a story to have two protagonists? I believe that this story does in fact have two protagonists. It is hard to distinguish between Nick and Jay who the true protagonist is. Therefore, I believe they both hold the position. For obvious reasons, Gatsby could be considered the protagonist. He loved Daisy and she didn't ever show the same love for him back. Then, he was wrongfully blamed for killing Myrtle. This resulted in him being murdered by Myrtle's husband. That sounds like a lot of forces negatively acting against Jay Gatsby if you ask me. On the other hand, Nick could also be considered the protagonist. He never really fit in with the lifestyle of New York City. This would be one of the main reasons he went back to Minnesota. Also, it seems as though Nick never really had any true friends. Finally, he became really close to Gatsby only to lose him as the result of a murder. Another reason he could be considered the protagonist is because of how Jordan treated him after everything went down. They used to really like each other. Then Jordan went off and got engaged to someone else, or at least pretended to get engaged to someone else.
The Great Gatsby - Resolution
"After Gatsby's death the East was haunted for me like that, distorted beyond my eyes' power of correction. So when the blue smoke of brittle leaves was in the air and the wind blew the wet laundry stiff on the line I decided to come back home." - Nick Carraway, page 176.
As sad as it may be, Jay Gatsby's death can be considered the resolution of the story. Every little conflict that was happening suddenly seemed to come to an end. For example, the conflict between Tom and Daisy Buchanon's marriage seemed to end. Gatsby's death came in the wake of Myrtle's death. Both of these people are what caused Tom and Daisy to be unfaithful. With these two people dead, the couple is free to be faithful and loving to each other once again. Another conflict that wasn't as obvious was that Nick Carraway never seemed too happy to be living in New York City. Gatsby's death was like the final straw and is what pushed him to finally leave. Although Gatsby's death seems to be the resolution to the story, I am not particularly happy with how it ended. It was just so unhappy and I was left feeling like the story never came to a very good ending. Tom got to keep the girl he wanted, Gatsby lost the girl he loved and ended up dying, and Nick was left with no friends once again. The whole thing was just really sad.
As sad as it may be, Jay Gatsby's death can be considered the resolution of the story. Every little conflict that was happening suddenly seemed to come to an end. For example, the conflict between Tom and Daisy Buchanon's marriage seemed to end. Gatsby's death came in the wake of Myrtle's death. Both of these people are what caused Tom and Daisy to be unfaithful. With these two people dead, the couple is free to be faithful and loving to each other once again. Another conflict that wasn't as obvious was that Nick Carraway never seemed too happy to be living in New York City. Gatsby's death was like the final straw and is what pushed him to finally leave. Although Gatsby's death seems to be the resolution to the story, I am not particularly happy with how it ended. It was just so unhappy and I was left feeling like the story never came to a very good ending. Tom got to keep the girl he wanted, Gatsby lost the girl he loved and ended up dying, and Nick was left with no friends once again. The whole thing was just really sad.
The Great Gatsby - Dramatic Irony
"'Well, I tried to swing the wheel-' He broke off, and suddenly I guessed at the truth. 'Was Daisy driving?' 'Yes,' he said after a moment, 'but of course I'll say I was.'" - Jay Gatsby, page 143.
This moment is a great example of dramatic irony. Tom Buchanon believes that Gatsby is the one who killed his mistress. However, it was actually his own wife who killed Myrtle. My next question is how on earth Tom would react if he found out that Daisy killed her. He might become violent. Tom already showed that he has a violent side to him when he beat up Myrtle. Who knows what he would actually do when he found out that Daisy killed her, even if it was a complete accident. The other thing I thought was important to note is how much Gatsby loved Daisy. He was willing to take the blame for killing someone in order to protect her. However, Daisy doesn't really love him back in the same way. When Gatsby dies, she doesn't even visit him at his funeral. Basically, Gatsby was willing to protect someone he loved even though she would never do the same for him.
This moment is a great example of dramatic irony. Tom Buchanon believes that Gatsby is the one who killed his mistress. However, it was actually his own wife who killed Myrtle. My next question is how on earth Tom would react if he found out that Daisy killed her. He might become violent. Tom already showed that he has a violent side to him when he beat up Myrtle. Who knows what he would actually do when he found out that Daisy killed her, even if it was a complete accident. The other thing I thought was important to note is how much Gatsby loved Daisy. He was willing to take the blame for killing someone in order to protect her. However, Daisy doesn't really love him back in the same way. When Gatsby dies, she doesn't even visit him at his funeral. Basically, Gatsby was willing to protect someone he loved even though she would never do the same for him.
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Great Gatsby - Daisy's Motivations
"'They're such beautiful shirts,' she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. 'It makes me sad because I've never seen such - such beautiful shirts before.'" - Daisy Buchanon, page 92.
Ok, so it is a little hard to determine if Daisy truly is in love with anyone or if she is just a gold-digger, out to be with anyone who can make her rich. As soon as Gatsby left for the war, she was quick to marry someone else. Tom Buchanon happens to be very wealthy, only adding to my prediction that Daisy is a gold-digger. Additionally, Gatsby makes a point to make sure that Daisy sees his home. He wants to impress her. Maybe he, too, knows that she has a weakness for the finer things in life. He probably knows that if she sees his incredibly rich life and his incredibly nice home, then maybe she will fall in love with him again and he will be able to win her back. Being with someone like this will not make him happy. Perhaps the reason Tom cheats on her is because he knows she is just using him for his money. Perhaps he knows that she does not truly love him. This would explain his comment at the beginning of the novel when he said, "Don't believe everything you hear, Nick." This was immediately after he realized that Daisy and Nick were talking about his infidelity.
Ok, so it is a little hard to determine if Daisy truly is in love with anyone or if she is just a gold-digger, out to be with anyone who can make her rich. As soon as Gatsby left for the war, she was quick to marry someone else. Tom Buchanon happens to be very wealthy, only adding to my prediction that Daisy is a gold-digger. Additionally, Gatsby makes a point to make sure that Daisy sees his home. He wants to impress her. Maybe he, too, knows that she has a weakness for the finer things in life. He probably knows that if she sees his incredibly rich life and his incredibly nice home, then maybe she will fall in love with him again and he will be able to win her back. Being with someone like this will not make him happy. Perhaps the reason Tom cheats on her is because he knows she is just using him for his money. Perhaps he knows that she does not truly love him. This would explain his comment at the beginning of the novel when he said, "Don't believe everything you hear, Nick." This was immediately after he realized that Daisy and Nick were talking about his infidelity.
The Great Gatsby - Feeling Alone
"They had forgotten me, but Daisy glanced up and held out her hand; Gatsby didn't know me now at all. I looked once more at them and they looked back at me, remotely, possessed by intense life. Then I went out of the room and down the marble steps into the rain, leaving them there together." - Nick Carraway, page 96.
This is the point in the story when I felt the most sympathy for Nick. He thought he had a friend in Gatsby, but to me it looks as if Gatsby was only using him to get to Daisy. It says that Gatsby didn't know him anymore. Once he got what he wanted, Gatsby totally forgot about Nick. Now, Nick is left without anyone. The rain symbolizes his loneliness. Once he leaves the house and leaves two of the people he was most close to, he feels utterly deserted. However, there is still Jordan and hopefully this is just a temporary feeling he has. Maybe Gatsby will come to his senses and realize what a good friend Nick was to him. After all, he did reunite him with his former love.
This is the point in the story when I felt the most sympathy for Nick. He thought he had a friend in Gatsby, but to me it looks as if Gatsby was only using him to get to Daisy. It says that Gatsby didn't know him anymore. Once he got what he wanted, Gatsby totally forgot about Nick. Now, Nick is left without anyone. The rain symbolizes his loneliness. Once he leaves the house and leaves two of the people he was most close to, he feels utterly deserted. However, there is still Jordan and hopefully this is just a temporary feeling he has. Maybe Gatsby will come to his senses and realize what a good friend Nick was to him. After all, he did reunite him with his former love.
The Great Gatsby - Flashback
"One October day in nineteen-seventeen - (said Jordan Baker that afternoon, sitting up very straight on a straight chair in the tea-garden at the Plaza Hotel) - I was walking along from one place to another, half on the sidewalks and half on the lawns." - Jordan Baker, page 74.
Now this is when the novel really starts to get interesting. Jordan Baker uses a flashback to describe events that have a great impact on the characters' lives today and to explain the plan she and Gatsby would like Nick to help them with. Who would have thought that Daisy and Gatsby had a thing many years before? She remembers how devastated Daisy was on her wedding day when she received a letter from Gatsby. She was probably feeling like she was making a mistake and marrying the wrong man. Anyways, the purpose for Jordan telling this story is to try and convince Nick to invite both Daisy and Gatsby over at the same time so that they can see each other again after so many years apart. Personally, I do not think anything good will come of this. I predict that Daisy will start to have an affair with Gatsby. Sure Tom cheats on her but that does not make it okay for her to do the exact same thing and cheat on him. Hopefully an affair will not come from this whole situation. Daisy made the mistake of marrying Tom a long time ago and now should probably deal with the fact that she is with him instead of Gatsby. On the other hand, I think it is time for Gatsby to get over Daisy. He should find someone who chooses him from the beginning instead of someone who picks someone else and then wishes she had chosen Gatsby later after everything goes wrong.
Now this is when the novel really starts to get interesting. Jordan Baker uses a flashback to describe events that have a great impact on the characters' lives today and to explain the plan she and Gatsby would like Nick to help them with. Who would have thought that Daisy and Gatsby had a thing many years before? She remembers how devastated Daisy was on her wedding day when she received a letter from Gatsby. She was probably feeling like she was making a mistake and marrying the wrong man. Anyways, the purpose for Jordan telling this story is to try and convince Nick to invite both Daisy and Gatsby over at the same time so that they can see each other again after so many years apart. Personally, I do not think anything good will come of this. I predict that Daisy will start to have an affair with Gatsby. Sure Tom cheats on her but that does not make it okay for her to do the exact same thing and cheat on him. Hopefully an affair will not come from this whole situation. Daisy made the mistake of marrying Tom a long time ago and now should probably deal with the fact that she is with him instead of Gatsby. On the other hand, I think it is time for Gatsby to get over Daisy. He should find someone who chooses him from the beginning instead of someone who picks someone else and then wishes she had chosen Gatsby later after everything goes wrong.
The Great Gatsby - Direct Characterization
"His speaking voice, a gruff husky tenor, added to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed. There was a touch of paternal contempt in it, even toward people he liked - and there were men at New Haven who had hated his guts." - Nick Carraway, page 7.
Since he is the narrator of the story, Nick Carraway has the option to either directly or indirectly characterize each person in the novel. It seems that he has chosen, then, to use direct characterization not only to describe Tom Buchanon in the quote above, but also for most, if not all, of the other characters of the story. The quote above is how Nick decided to characterize Tom. Without even hearing him talk or seeing him act, the reader automatically has a more negative impression of Tom just because of the direct characterization Nick has given. How can we know for sure that Tom is the horrible guy that he seems to be portrayed? It is true that he is a cheater which is never okay, but who is to say that Daisy won't become exactly the same since she has recently gotten back in touch with her former love, Jay Gatsby. In fact, when Nick returned from standing outside by himself, he found Daisy crying on the couch close to Gatsby. This makes me think that she still has feelings for him.
Since he is the narrator of the story, Nick Carraway has the option to either directly or indirectly characterize each person in the novel. It seems that he has chosen, then, to use direct characterization not only to describe Tom Buchanon in the quote above, but also for most, if not all, of the other characters of the story. The quote above is how Nick decided to characterize Tom. Without even hearing him talk or seeing him act, the reader automatically has a more negative impression of Tom just because of the direct characterization Nick has given. How can we know for sure that Tom is the horrible guy that he seems to be portrayed? It is true that he is a cheater which is never okay, but who is to say that Daisy won't become exactly the same since she has recently gotten back in touch with her former love, Jay Gatsby. In fact, when Nick returned from standing outside by himself, he found Daisy crying on the couch close to Gatsby. This makes me think that she still has feelings for him.
The Great Gatsby - First Person Point of View
"It was a matter of chance that I should have rented a house in one of the strangest communities in North America. It was on that slender riotous island which extends itself due east of New York - and where there are, among other natural curiosities, two unusual formations of land." - Nick Carraway, page 4.
This entire book is told in the form of first person point of view. As a result of this, the reader sympathizes most with Nick Carraway and even tends to have the same feelings and opinions about the other characters that he has. For example, if one were to look at Jordan Baker in the situation she is in, one might be more likely to judge her upon the sole fact that she is a cheater and dishonest. However, since the novel is told in the eyes of Nick who is physically attracted to her, the reader doesn't seem to have this judgement. Just as Nick Carraway somewhat pushes this flaw to the side and forgets about, the reader also forgets this flaw. Also, since the story is told in the eyes of Nick, it makes it a little hard to determine whether or not Gatsby truly is trying to be a friend with him. At first, I felt that Gatsby was sincerely trying to be neighborly by inviting Nick to his home and taking him to lunch. Once I found out that Gatsby's true motivation was to become closer to Daisy, I started questioning the friendship that I though was beginning to form. Now I have started to believe that Gatsby is only using Nick to get closer to his long lost love and will perhaps dump him once his done using him as a way to get to Daisy.
This entire book is told in the form of first person point of view. As a result of this, the reader sympathizes most with Nick Carraway and even tends to have the same feelings and opinions about the other characters that he has. For example, if one were to look at Jordan Baker in the situation she is in, one might be more likely to judge her upon the sole fact that she is a cheater and dishonest. However, since the novel is told in the eyes of Nick who is physically attracted to her, the reader doesn't seem to have this judgement. Just as Nick Carraway somewhat pushes this flaw to the side and forgets about, the reader also forgets this flaw. Also, since the story is told in the eyes of Nick, it makes it a little hard to determine whether or not Gatsby truly is trying to be a friend with him. At first, I felt that Gatsby was sincerely trying to be neighborly by inviting Nick to his home and taking him to lunch. Once I found out that Gatsby's true motivation was to become closer to Daisy, I started questioning the friendship that I though was beginning to form. Now I have started to believe that Gatsby is only using Nick to get closer to his long lost love and will perhaps dump him once his done using him as a way to get to Daisy.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Frankenstein Part II - Motivation
"I shuddered to think that future ages might curse me as their pest, whose selfishness had not hesitated to buy its own peace at the price, perhaps, of the existence of the whole human race." - Victor, page 121.
The quote I have used above is a great example of Victor's motivation for why he decided not to continue with the development of the second creature. He had spent so many months traveling Europe and determining how he was going to create the second beast. He secluded himself on an island and began the process. Just as the creature was about finished and my anticipation was brought to it's height, he destroyed what was to be the first Creature's companion. As soon as Victor did this, I wondered, "WHY?!?!" His motivation/reasoning was because he did not want to leave the world and future generations with a massive problem that he himself had created. What if the two creatures started their own little family? There would be a completely new species of monsters on the planet that no one would be able to destroy. What if the female creature he was about to give life to turned out to be evil? There would be no way to stop her from creating chaos and destruction. Basically, Victor realized that although he had an obligation to the creature he created and an obligation to make him happy, he had an even larger obligation to the rest of humanity and to ensure that he not only killed the creature he had originally developed, but also stay away from developing another that could end up even more violent than the first.
Frankenstein Part II - The Creature's Reasons
"A frightful selfishness hurried me on, while my heart was poisoned with remorse." - The Creature, page 163.
I believe this quote is proof that the Creature was not evil by nature after all. He confesses that the reasons he did what he did was because he became selfish of all of humanity, including Victor. His envy and bitterness is what motivated him to kill and seek revenge. Originally, he was kind, warm, and happy. Humanity's hatefulness towards him and his inability to be loved by any other being is what temporarily changed him. Therefore, I believe that if Victor had gone ahead and created the second monster, the Creature would have probably kept his promise and gone and lived away from mankind. This theory is also supported by the fact that at the end of the novel, the Creature decided to kill himself. He felt bad for what he did and realized that he acted unjustly.
Frankenstein Part II - Elizabeth's Confusion
"Answer me, I conjure you, by our mutual happiness, with simple truth - do you not love another?" - Elizabeth, page 138.
When I read this part of the novel, I felt incredibly sympathetic for Elizabeth. She is confused by Victor's feelings. She believes that he does not want to marry her because he could possibly be in love with another. She and Victor's father, now, have both questioned Victor on this topic, believing that he feels a sort of obligation to his parents to marry Elizabeth. It is not without good reason that Elizabeth feels this way, though. Victor is always gone and embarking on different travels. The way his family probably sees it is that he is trying to get away from them. I felt so sad for Elizabeth because she confesses to loving Victor but also wants him to be happy. She would rather see him with someone else and be happy than be unhappy with her. However, the saddest part of this whole situation is that after Victor reassures Elizabeth that he loves her and after the two get married, she is brutally murdered by Victor's creation. In the end, instead of Elizabeth being unhappy without Victor, it is Victor being unhappy without Elizabeth.
When I read this part of the novel, I felt incredibly sympathetic for Elizabeth. She is confused by Victor's feelings. She believes that he does not want to marry her because he could possibly be in love with another. She and Victor's father, now, have both questioned Victor on this topic, believing that he feels a sort of obligation to his parents to marry Elizabeth. It is not without good reason that Elizabeth feels this way, though. Victor is always gone and embarking on different travels. The way his family probably sees it is that he is trying to get away from them. I felt so sad for Elizabeth because she confesses to loving Victor but also wants him to be happy. She would rather see him with someone else and be happy than be unhappy with her. However, the saddest part of this whole situation is that after Victor reassures Elizabeth that he loves her and after the two get married, she is brutally murdered by Victor's creation. In the end, instead of Elizabeth being unhappy without Victor, it is Victor being unhappy without Elizabeth.
Frankenstein Part II - Dramatic Irony
"And then I thought again of his words- 'I will be with you on your wedding night.'... In that hour I should die, and at once satisfy and extinguish his malice" - Victor, page 123.
The quote I have used above is a good example of dramatic irony. Victor believes that the Creature means that he is going to kill him on his wedding night. Therefore, Victor prepares himself for what he believes is going to be a fatal night for either him or the creature. However, the dramatic irony comes into play because the reader knows that the creature actually means that he is going to kill Elizabeth on their wedding night. He wants to get back at Victor by killing the person that means the most to him. Victor begins preparing himself for a night he thinks is going to be dangerous for himself, when he should be doing everything in his power to protect Elizabeth. I cannot help but think that if Victor had known the creature's real intentions, then he could have focused all of his energy on Elizabeth and her safety and perhaps kept her from being killed like all his other family members and friends. On another note, I find it incredibly impressive that after losing just about his entire family because of the monster he created, Victor is able to stay strong for the time being in order to kill the creature that has been reeking havoc on his entire life.
The quote I have used above is a good example of dramatic irony. Victor believes that the Creature means that he is going to kill him on his wedding night. Therefore, Victor prepares himself for what he believes is going to be a fatal night for either him or the creature. However, the dramatic irony comes into play because the reader knows that the creature actually means that he is going to kill Elizabeth on their wedding night. He wants to get back at Victor by killing the person that means the most to him. Victor begins preparing himself for a night he thinks is going to be dangerous for himself, when he should be doing everything in his power to protect Elizabeth. I cannot help but think that if Victor had known the creature's real intentions, then he could have focused all of his energy on Elizabeth and her safety and perhaps kept her from being killed like all his other family members and friends. On another note, I find it incredibly impressive that after losing just about his entire family because of the monster he created, Victor is able to stay strong for the time being in order to kill the creature that has been reeking havoc on his entire life.
Frankenstein Part II - Personification
"Despair had indeed almost secured her prey, and I should soon have sunk beneath this misery." - Victor, page 154.
The quote I have used above is a good example of the literary technique called personification. Victor is describing his emotions of despair as if they are some kind of living being. When he says that "despair had indeed almost secured her prey," he really means that his feelings of sadness were really close to killing him. He feels like he could just die from the emotions he is feeling. This use of personification is good at demonstrating that Victor's life is finally about to come to an end. I honestly have been extremely surprised that the monster hadn't killed Victor earlier in the book, especially since most of his anger has been focused on Victor. After everything that happened, I was a little irritated that Victor died from causes he placed upon himself, rather than a huge fight between him and the creature. The whole book seemed to be leading up to a great brawl between the two beings, yet it ended in no less than Victor dying of more natural causes and the creature admitting he was wrong and running off to the North Pole to kill himself.
The quote I have used above is a good example of the literary technique called personification. Victor is describing his emotions of despair as if they are some kind of living being. When he says that "despair had indeed almost secured her prey," he really means that his feelings of sadness were really close to killing him. He feels like he could just die from the emotions he is feeling. This use of personification is good at demonstrating that Victor's life is finally about to come to an end. I honestly have been extremely surprised that the monster hadn't killed Victor earlier in the book, especially since most of his anger has been focused on Victor. After everything that happened, I was a little irritated that Victor died from causes he placed upon himself, rather than a huge fight between him and the creature. The whole book seemed to be leading up to a great brawl between the two beings, yet it ended in no less than Victor dying of more natural causes and the creature admitting he was wrong and running off to the North Pole to kill himself.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Frankenstein - There Is Goodness After All
"I had been accustomed, during the night, to steal a part of their store for my own consumption; but when I found that in doing this I inflicted pain on the cottagers, I abstained, and satisfied myself with berries, nuts, and roots, which I gathered from a neighbouring wood." - The Creature, page 78.
When Victor first created this monster, he felt immediately that it was evil by nature. He did not for a second stop to wonder if it was capable of doing good. He just assumed that the Creature was out to harm others and that it was only going to cause destruction. The quote above proves that this assumption that Victor made is wrong. The Creature, at the time this quote is referring to, is thinking totally for himself. There is no one else around to tell him that if he steals the family's food, they will suffer. No one is telling him that this is bad. The Creature realizes all on his own that he should not steal from the family because it is inflicting pain on them. Therefore, there is some goodness in the Creature after all. The Creature is not evil by nature because, truthfully, it seems to me that he would much rather be good and loving than evil and destructive. All he wants is to be loved by others. The only reason he begins to act like a monster is because others are treating him like he is a monster.
When Victor first created this monster, he felt immediately that it was evil by nature. He did not for a second stop to wonder if it was capable of doing good. He just assumed that the Creature was out to harm others and that it was only going to cause destruction. The quote above proves that this assumption that Victor made is wrong. The Creature, at the time this quote is referring to, is thinking totally for himself. There is no one else around to tell him that if he steals the family's food, they will suffer. No one is telling him that this is bad. The Creature realizes all on his own that he should not steal from the family because it is inflicting pain on them. Therefore, there is some goodness in the Creature after all. The Creature is not evil by nature because, truthfully, it seems to me that he would much rather be good and loving than evil and destructive. All he wants is to be loved by others. The only reason he begins to act like a monster is because others are treating him like he is a monster.
Frankenstein - Misery Made Me A Fiend
"I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous." - The Creature, page 69.
When I read this, I realized that it was the Creature's way of admitting that he is now bad. I almost feel sorry for him because he feels that the reason he is now the way he is is because of how everyone treated him. Just because he is ugly and hideous does not give people the right to freak out when they see him, especially if they haven't actually gotten to know him. (Truthfully, I would probably react the exact same way as everyone else if I saw this monster.) However, the Creature is willing to change his ways and return to his previous, good-natured self, only if Victor agrees to listen to him and love him as his creation. Now, although I am saying that I feel sort of bad for the Creation, I am not saying that it is acceptable for him to be violent. If he is in fact the one that killed William, then that was totally wrong. Even if one is being extremely bullied, that is no good reason to go out and kill people. This is the perfect opportunity for Victor to fix the problem he has created. If Victor can show love and compassion to the Creature, the the Creature will stop being violent.
When I read this, I realized that it was the Creature's way of admitting that he is now bad. I almost feel sorry for him because he feels that the reason he is now the way he is is because of how everyone treated him. Just because he is ugly and hideous does not give people the right to freak out when they see him, especially if they haven't actually gotten to know him. (Truthfully, I would probably react the exact same way as everyone else if I saw this monster.) However, the Creature is willing to change his ways and return to his previous, good-natured self, only if Victor agrees to listen to him and love him as his creation. Now, although I am saying that I feel sort of bad for the Creation, I am not saying that it is acceptable for him to be violent. If he is in fact the one that killed William, then that was totally wrong. Even if one is being extremely bullied, that is no good reason to go out and kill people. This is the perfect opportunity for Victor to fix the problem he has created. If Victor can show love and compassion to the Creature, the the Creature will stop being violent.
Frankenstein - Allusion
"Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed." - The Creature, page 69.
The quote I have used above is an excellent example of an allusion. What the Creature means is that he is like Adam and Victor is like God. Just as God created mankind, Victor created the Creature. I find this allusion incredibly interesting for many reasons. The first and most obvious reason is because how on earth would the Creature know about the story of Adam and Eve? It seems that he has rapidly grown intellectually and I, personally, would like to know how he came to be so informed on a topic such as this. The other reason I find this allusion particularly interesting is because I feel it is the Creature's way of asking Victor to forgive him. Everyday mankind sins, yet God is always willing to forgive us. Similarly, the Creature probably knows that he has done wrong, yet hopes that Victor will look past his faults and love him for who he is. Everyone deserves to be forgiven, even if he or she is an ugly and disgusting monster.
Frankenstein - Foreshadowing
"Alas! I did not yet entirely know the fatal effects of this miserable deformity." - The Creature, page 80.
The quote I have used above is an example of foreshadowing. When the Creature sees his own reflection for the first time, he is completely shocked and terrified. He had no idea how ugly and scary he truly was. He then admits that he did not realize that his ugliness and deformities were going to have terrible and fatal effects on events in the future. We, as readers, do not know exactly what those fatal effects are, which is why this quote is an example of foreshadowing. We are left to wonder what exactly is going to happen. I believe this is the Creature's way of almost admitting that he was in fact the one who killed Walter. The reader can conclude that the Creature is going to probably become violent and kill someone. I almost feel sorry for the Creature. He is stuck in this ugly body and wants no more than to be loved by this family and to learn new and exciting things. However, his ugliness is a total setback and will probably prevent him from ever achieving those goals.
Frankenstein - Simile
"Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth." - Victor, page 21.
The quote I have found above is a great example of a simile. What Victor means is that although Isaac Newton was making great discoveries and putting forth new ideas, he often felt like what he was discovering was extremely small in comparison to the many other discoveries that can and will be found. Victor is using this simile to demonstrate the same feelings he has about the studies he is conducting himself. Although he intensely studied and made many of his own discoveries, he felt like there was still so much more to be found. What he was learning and studying was tiny in comparison to the many other things that are out there just waiting to be discovered. I believe this is a very good quality to have. Victor has a great thirst for knowledge and is always striving to learn the most possible and be the best intellect he can. It is unfortunate, however that this characteristic leads him to creating a being that may or may not be the cause of two deaths.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
A Raisin In The Sun; Act III
"What I am telling you is that we called you over here to tell you that we are very proud and that this - ...Travis, come here...This is my son, and he makes the sixth generation our family in this country." - Walter, page 148.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question from the list of study questions.
Discuss a character from Raisin who changes significantly, telling specifically of the forces that bring about this change. How does this character relate to the other characters before the change and how does this character relate to the other characters after the change?
I feel like I keep talking about Walter in all the blogs I have done for this play, but he is an important character who has a huge role in the story. He seems to be the character who went through the biggest change. At the beginning of the play, Walter seemed so engrossed in himself and opening his liquor store that he sort of forgot his morals. He didn't care that accepting Lindner's money would be degrading of himself and he would be allowing the white people to have a leg above them anyway. However, the main force that brought about Walter's change was probably Mama. She scolded him and made him feel bad. She wanted him to realize that he was being a disgrace to the family and to his father. This seemed like the final motivation that made Walter change his ways. At the end of the play, he did what was right, regardless if it was the easy way out. Mama and the rest of his family was incredibly happy with him and the end of the play finished on a more light-hearted note.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question from the list of study questions.
Discuss a character from Raisin who changes significantly, telling specifically of the forces that bring about this change. How does this character relate to the other characters before the change and how does this character relate to the other characters after the change?
I feel like I keep talking about Walter in all the blogs I have done for this play, but he is an important character who has a huge role in the story. He seems to be the character who went through the biggest change. At the beginning of the play, Walter seemed so engrossed in himself and opening his liquor store that he sort of forgot his morals. He didn't care that accepting Lindner's money would be degrading of himself and he would be allowing the white people to have a leg above them anyway. However, the main force that brought about Walter's change was probably Mama. She scolded him and made him feel bad. She wanted him to realize that he was being a disgrace to the family and to his father. This seemed like the final motivation that made Walter change his ways. At the end of the play, he did what was right, regardless if it was the easy way out. Mama and the rest of his family was incredibly happy with him and the end of the play finished on a more light-hearted note.
A Raisin In The Sun; Act III
"And we have decided to move into our house because my father - my father - he earned it for us brick by brick...We don't want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. And that's all we got to say about that...We don't want your money." - Walter, page 148.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question from the list of study questions.
Often, in life, a situation may reach a "point of no return" - the point after which the life of a person can never be the same. Describe such a turning point for a character in Raisin.
Walter could have very easily taken the money the man was offering and the family would have gained back what they had lost and been able to live a bit better. However, Walter stood his ground and refused the money. Now, he cannot take what he has said back. That is it. The family is going to move into the new house. Their lives are going to be a lot different because of this situation. It is going to be good because they are all going to be able to live more comfortable instead of being squished into such a tight space. However, the family is definitely going to have to be aware that they could be in danger since they are moving into a neighborhood consisting of all whites. They may be living more comfortably, but they are going to have to be on their toes more.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question from the list of study questions.
Often, in life, a situation may reach a "point of no return" - the point after which the life of a person can never be the same. Describe such a turning point for a character in Raisin.
Walter could have very easily taken the money the man was offering and the family would have gained back what they had lost and been able to live a bit better. However, Walter stood his ground and refused the money. Now, he cannot take what he has said back. That is it. The family is going to move into the new house. Their lives are going to be a lot different because of this situation. It is going to be good because they are all going to be able to live more comfortable instead of being squished into such a tight space. However, the family is definitely going to have to be aware that they could be in danger since they are moving into a neighborhood consisting of all whites. They may be living more comfortably, but they are going to have to be on their toes more.
A Raisin In The Sun; Act II, Scene Two
"You wouldn't understand yet, son, but your daddy's gonna make a transaction...a business transaction that's going to change our lives..." - Walter, page 104.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question from the list of study questions.
In literature, as in life, a character may search for a better way of life. Show how two characters from A Raisin In The Sun are searching for a better way of life. Explain what each character is hoping to gain through this search and discuss the ways in which each character attempts to bring about a change in his or her life.
One character that is very clearly searching for a better way of life is Walter. Walter feels that his job is not providing enough for his family. That is why he wants to use some of Mama's money to open a liquor store. He feels that by doing this, he can earn more money and provide for his family more. Walter is searching for a wealthier life. He wants to live more lavishly and be comfortable instead of nervous about making payments. Another character who is searching for a better way of life is Beneatha. She wants to escape what may seem like her destiny of living poor and as a minority. She wants to rise above the norm and become a doctor. She wants to be independent. In fact, when her family comments to her on who she should marry, she sort of just blows everything off. She is basically dating two people yet feels no love or connection with either of them. She seems to be looking for a life where she can depend only on herself instead of being strapped to someone else.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question from the list of study questions.
In literature, as in life, a character may search for a better way of life. Show how two characters from A Raisin In The Sun are searching for a better way of life. Explain what each character is hoping to gain through this search and discuss the ways in which each character attempts to bring about a change in his or her life.
One character that is very clearly searching for a better way of life is Walter. Walter feels that his job is not providing enough for his family. That is why he wants to use some of Mama's money to open a liquor store. He feels that by doing this, he can earn more money and provide for his family more. Walter is searching for a wealthier life. He wants to live more lavishly and be comfortable instead of nervous about making payments. Another character who is searching for a better way of life is Beneatha. She wants to escape what may seem like her destiny of living poor and as a minority. She wants to rise above the norm and become a doctor. She wants to be independent. In fact, when her family comments to her on who she should marry, she sort of just blows everything off. She is basically dating two people yet feels no love or connection with either of them. She seems to be looking for a life where she can depend only on herself instead of being strapped to someone else.
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Glass Menagerie, Scene 3
"Before the stage is lighted, the violent voices of Tom and Amanda are heard. They are quarreling behind the portieres. In front of them stands Laura with clenched hands and panicky expression." - stage directions.
What I thought was interesting was how upset and angry Tom seemed all the time. He tells Jim that he is going to leave his family because he is so unhappy. How is it that Amanda and Laura haven't realized that there is a possibility that he might leave? Especially since he is out all night at the movies, doing things that are similar to what Amanda's husband did before he left, then why wouldn't Amanda realize earlier the possibility. Although she does say that he can leave once a man has been found for Laura, I do not believe she knows the how serious his is about leaving. The other thing is that from the quote above, one can see that this quarreling really bothers Laura. Perhaps this contributes to why she is so awkward all the time. Perhaps she is so nervous about her family life that she can hardly stand to venture out into the real world and break out of her shell.
The Glass Menagerie, Scene 7
"Laura is still huddled upon the sofa, her feet drawn under her, her head resting on a pale blue pillow, her eyes wide and mysteriously watchful. The new floor lamp with its shade of rose-colored silk gives a soft, becoming light to her face, bringing out the fragile, unearthly prettiness which usually escapes attention." - stage directions.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question from page 1119 in my book.
How do the various physical effects - theatrical components such as sets, lights, costuming, makeup, gestures, stage movements, musical effects of song or dance, and so forth - reinforce the meanings and contribute to the emotional effects? By what means does the playwright indicate the nature of these physical effects - explicitly, through stage directions and set descriptions, or implicitly, through dialogue between characters?
In the quote I've listed above, the stage directions have a huge impact on how the audience portrays what is happening in the play. The audience realizes by these movements and so forth that Laura is incredibly nervous and the situation she is in is making her on edge. In other plays, like William Shakespeare's plays, the lack of stage directions, gestures, etc. make it a bit difficult for the audience or reader to understand exactly how some characters are feeling and the emotions they are portraying which we might not see if we were not watching the play first-hand. This play is unique because there are lots of theatrical components that help the audience to fully grasp how the characters are acting and feeling. The physical effects are indicated by the playwright explicitly through stage directions and set descriptions. This is portrayed by the quote I have used above. The playwright makes all of these physical effects obvious and clear to the reader. He included a brief overview at the beginning of each scene to sort of set up the scene itself. Then, embedded in the dialogue are stage directions and descriptions to further those physical effects.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question from page 1119 in my book.
How do the various physical effects - theatrical components such as sets, lights, costuming, makeup, gestures, stage movements, musical effects of song or dance, and so forth - reinforce the meanings and contribute to the emotional effects? By what means does the playwright indicate the nature of these physical effects - explicitly, through stage directions and set descriptions, or implicitly, through dialogue between characters?
In the quote I've listed above, the stage directions have a huge impact on how the audience portrays what is happening in the play. The audience realizes by these movements and so forth that Laura is incredibly nervous and the situation she is in is making her on edge. In other plays, like William Shakespeare's plays, the lack of stage directions, gestures, etc. make it a bit difficult for the audience or reader to understand exactly how some characters are feeling and the emotions they are portraying which we might not see if we were not watching the play first-hand. This play is unique because there are lots of theatrical components that help the audience to fully grasp how the characters are acting and feeling. The physical effects are indicated by the playwright explicitly through stage directions and set descriptions. This is portrayed by the quote I have used above. The playwright makes all of these physical effects obvious and clear to the reader. He included a brief overview at the beginning of each scene to sort of set up the scene itself. Then, embedded in the dialogue are stage directions and descriptions to further those physical effects.
The Glass Menagerie, Scene 6
"It's our turn now, to go to the South Sea Island - to make a safari - to be exotic, far-off! - But I'm not patient. I don't want to wait till then. I'm tired of the movies and I am about to move!" - Tom.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on page 1119 in my book.
How is dramatic suspense created? Contrast the amount of information possessed by the audience as the play proceeds with the knowledge that various individual characters have: what is the effect of such a contrast?
One way that dramatic suspense is created is when Tom tells Jim secretly that he is going to leave his family just like his father did. Personally, I found it a little shocking since it seems that the family has had a lot of difficult times after their father left. Why, then, would Tom feel like he could just leave Amanda and Laura. The information the audience knows is very different to the amount of information Amanda and Laura have. We realize that pretty soon, the electricity is going to go out since Tom didn't pay the bill and Amanda and Laura are going to be left to fend for themselves. The effect of this contrast is that the audience feels a bit sorry for Amanda and Laura since we have a feeling that their fate is not going to end well. It also keeps the audience alert and entertained because we are anticipating something terrible to happen. The audience knows something Amanda and Laura do not and we are interested to see how everything will play out.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on page 1119 in my book.
How is dramatic suspense created? Contrast the amount of information possessed by the audience as the play proceeds with the knowledge that various individual characters have: what is the effect of such a contrast?
One way that dramatic suspense is created is when Tom tells Jim secretly that he is going to leave his family just like his father did. Personally, I found it a little shocking since it seems that the family has had a lot of difficult times after their father left. Why, then, would Tom feel like he could just leave Amanda and Laura. The information the audience knows is very different to the amount of information Amanda and Laura have. We realize that pretty soon, the electricity is going to go out since Tom didn't pay the bill and Amanda and Laura are going to be left to fend for themselves. The effect of this contrast is that the audience feels a bit sorry for Amanda and Laura since we have a feeling that their fate is not going to end well. It also keeps the audience alert and entertained because we are anticipating something terrible to happen. The audience knows something Amanda and Laura do not and we are interested to see how everything will play out.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
As You Like It Act III, Scene ii
"[Aside to CELIA] I will speak to him like a saucy lackey, and under that habit play the knave with him." - Rosalind.
This is the part of the play that I didn't really understand. There are only two positive things I can think of that was gained from Rosalind pretending to be a man while in the presence of Orlando was that she could work and groom him into realizing what is considered modest and what is not considered modest when it comes to how he treats women. In addition to this, though, Rosalind's disguise contributes to one of the themes of the play. It contributes to the theme that states that things are not always as they may appear. Everyone who was around Rosalind thought that she was a man. In reality, she was a woman pretending to be a man. Other than these positive aspects, I do not really understand the point of her pretending to be a man while around Orlando. In fact, there were also some negative aspects to Rosalind's plan. For one, Phebe actually ends up falling in love with Rosalind because she believes she is a man.
As You Like It Act V, Scene iv
"Proceed, proceed: we will begin these rites, as we do trust they'll end, in true delights." - Duke Senior.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
Is the play a tragedy or comedy, a melodrama or a farce? If a comedy, is it primarily romantic or satiric? Does it mingle aspects of these types of drama? How important to experiencing the drama is the audience's awareness of the classification of the play?
This play is considered a comedy rather than a tragedy. In Shakespeare's time, comedy did not mean something that was to be funny. Instead, comedy referred to something happy, or something that ended joyfully. The play As You Like It ends with lots of marriages and a dance. Also, any conflicts between characters were resolved by the end of the play. Since the play was not sad or depressing, and it ended in something very happy, it is considered a comedy. This comedy could further be characterized as romantic. This is because the play literally ended with three marriages. It wasn't satiric because I was definitely not sitting there laughing when I was reading the play. Experiencing the drama is very important when it comes to the audience's awareness of the classification of the play. One must truly be immersed in the play and experience it as if he or she was actually in it to be able to classify it. Without being immersed in the play, one would not be able to realize that it is appealing to the emotions and that it is in turn a melodrama. Then, if one didn't really care about the characters who died, he or she might not really feel as if it were a tragedy.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
Is the play a tragedy or comedy, a melodrama or a farce? If a comedy, is it primarily romantic or satiric? Does it mingle aspects of these types of drama? How important to experiencing the drama is the audience's awareness of the classification of the play?
This play is considered a comedy rather than a tragedy. In Shakespeare's time, comedy did not mean something that was to be funny. Instead, comedy referred to something happy, or something that ended joyfully. The play As You Like It ends with lots of marriages and a dance. Also, any conflicts between characters were resolved by the end of the play. Since the play was not sad or depressing, and it ended in something very happy, it is considered a comedy. This comedy could further be characterized as romantic. This is because the play literally ended with three marriages. It wasn't satiric because I was definitely not sitting there laughing when I was reading the play. Experiencing the drama is very important when it comes to the audience's awareness of the classification of the play. One must truly be immersed in the play and experience it as if he or she was actually in it to be able to classify it. Without being immersed in the play, one would not be able to realize that it is appealing to the emotions and that it is in turn a melodrama. Then, if one didn't really care about the characters who died, he or she might not really feel as if it were a tragedy.
As You Like It Act I, Scene i
"She is at the court, and no less beloved of her uncle than his own daughter; and never two ladies loved as they do." - Charles.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
What themes does the play present? To what extent do the thematic materials of the play have an effect on the dramatic experience? Does the power of the ideas increase or decrease the pleasure of the theatrical experience? Does the play seem either too didactic or insufficient in its presentation of important human concerns?
One major theme this play presents is that things are not always as they may seem. The quote I used above is an example of this because although it was thought that Duke Frederick loved Rosalind like his own daughter, he actually was nervous about having her around because he believed that since she was the daughter of the banished Duke, she was probably a traitor. Rosalind and Celia both believed that Duke Frederick was fine with Rosalind staying with them, but they soon realized that it was all an act. Duke Frederick could not wait to get Rosalind out of the kingdom. The effect that this theme has on the dramatic experience is that it is a theme that we can all relate to in our everyday lives. It is a timeless theme that people of all generations can take into consideration and learn from. The power of this theme increases the pleasure of the theatrical experience because it makes the play that much more interesting. If things were always as they seemed in the play, then it would be incredibly boring. This play is definitely not too didactic. However, the play was not insufficient in its presentation of these themes because I knew exactly what the themes were. If it was insufficient, then it would probably be incredibly difficult to even know what those themes were.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
What themes does the play present? To what extent do the thematic materials of the play have an effect on the dramatic experience? Does the power of the ideas increase or decrease the pleasure of the theatrical experience? Does the play seem either too didactic or insufficient in its presentation of important human concerns?
One major theme this play presents is that things are not always as they may seem. The quote I used above is an example of this because although it was thought that Duke Frederick loved Rosalind like his own daughter, he actually was nervous about having her around because he believed that since she was the daughter of the banished Duke, she was probably a traitor. Rosalind and Celia both believed that Duke Frederick was fine with Rosalind staying with them, but they soon realized that it was all an act. Duke Frederick could not wait to get Rosalind out of the kingdom. The effect that this theme has on the dramatic experience is that it is a theme that we can all relate to in our everyday lives. It is a timeless theme that people of all generations can take into consideration and learn from. The power of this theme increases the pleasure of the theatrical experience because it makes the play that much more interesting. If things were always as they seemed in the play, then it would be incredibly boring. This play is definitely not too didactic. However, the play was not insufficient in its presentation of these themes because I knew exactly what the themes were. If it was insufficient, then it would probably be incredibly difficult to even know what those themes were.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Reflective Essay
Kennedy Prentice, Period 1, February 13, 2012, Reflective Essay
The plays written by William Shakespeare are highly esteemed and taught by teachers to students and scholars all over the world. What makes these plays so appealing to so many people is that their themes are considered timeless and universal. One example of the timelessness of Shakespeare’s themes is from that which argues that jealousy is a destructive force. This theme can be connected to many aspects of our culture today. The song “Jealous Guy” by John Lennon and the shocking true story of the last days of Stefanie Rengel are two sources that prove this timelessness of Shakespeare’s theme, which is presented in the play Othello.
John Lennon is one of the most celebrated names in the history of music. Even he can admit that jealousy can lead one astray. This is demonstrated in his song “Jealous Guy” (Click on the link to view the song lyrics.) where he admits to his love that being jealous was bad and caused him to wrongfully hurt her. Consider the line of the song that reads, “I was feeling insecure you might not love me anymore,” (John Lennon, 1). This feeling is identical to the feelings Othello had in Shakespeare’s play when he thought Desdemona was cheating on him. The problem is that both Lennon and Othello are only jealous which leads them into hurting the people they love. Lennon admits that he “began to lose control” and “didn’t mean to hurt [her],” (John Lennon, 1). Similarly, after finding out that he was deceived and Desdemona never cheated on him, Othello realized that he made a horrible mistake killing his true love. He cries out in sorrow, “Whip me, ye devils, from the possession of this heavenly sight! Blow me about in winds! Roast me in sulphur! Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire! O Desdemona! Desdemona! Dead! Oh! Oh! Oh!” (V, ii, 276-281). Jealousy created problems for both of these men and caused them to do things they wished they had never done. However, this idea that jealousy is destructive can be found in places other than songs and love stories filled with tragedy.
Stefanie Rengel was a fourteen year old girl who was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend, David Bagshaw. The reason David decided to stab her repeatedly was because his current girlfriend, Melissa Todorovic, became jealous of Stefanie and convinced David to kill her. “After David remarked he thought Stefanie was pretty, Melissa began to obsessively examine her pictures on Facebook,” (Jiménez, 3). This one remark is what prompted Melissa and David to plot the death of Stefanie Rengel. In both this situation and the situation regarding Othello, the jealous person felt the only way to solve the problem at hand was by killing the other individual. Othello plots to kill Desdemona when he speaks to Iago saying, “Get me some posion, Iago, this night. I’ll not expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again. This night Iago,” (IV, i, 188-190). The theme from Othello that jealousy is a destructive force connects very clearly with this current event because both circumstances ended in death. Life is taken for granted and the peoples’ views of what is right and wrong are clouded by their jealousy. Shakespeare’s writings are not only revered by teachers, professors, and scholars, but also feared by students. His work is intimidating for the sole reason that it can be hard to decipher and difficult to understand. However, if one takes the time to thoroughly study the material, he or she will find that the themes presented by Shakespeare are universal and timeless throughout all ages. It could be helpful for people to look at his work more as lessons and examples on how to live one’s life. Jealousy, as Shakespeare argues, never leads to anything positive and can become destructive if left to morph into pure negativity.
Works Cited
Perrine, Laurence. “Othello.” Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. Fort
Worth. Harcourt College. 2002. 1361-1462. Print.
Worth. Harcourt College. 2002. 1361-1462. Print.
Jiménez, Marina. "The Last Days of Stefanie Rengel." Toranto Life. Dec. 2009. Web. 9
Feb. 2012. http://www.torontolife.com/features/last-days-stefanie-rengel/.
Feb. 2012. http://www.torontolife.com/features/last-days-stefanie-rengel/.
"John Lennon - Jealous Guy Lyrics." Lyrics.com. Web. 12 Feb. 2012.
<http://www.lyrics.com/jealous-guy-lyrics-john-lennon.html>.
Monday, February 6, 2012
John Lennon - "Jealous Guy"
One of the huge conflicts, and also a major theme, centered around the play Othello is how jealousy can destroy everything. Othello believes Desdemona is cheating on him and betraying his love for her. This is not an unusual feeling for someone to have, though. Many people in today's world may find themselves caught in the trap of jealousy, even when there might not even be anything to be jealous of. The song "Jealous Guy" (click on the song title to view the complete lyrics.) by John Lennon is a perfect example of this jealousy. He even sings, "I began to lose control. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry that I made you cry." This relates perfectly to how Othello was feeling at the end of the play. Othello realized that he lost his mind and self-control. He also realized that it was wrong to kill Desdemona. He didn't mean to hurt her or make her cry. She was innocent all along. As I read the lyrics further, I was astonished at the similarities between this song and the play. The song says, "I was feeling insecure you might not love me anymore. I was shivering inside, I was shivering inside." This is exactly how Othello felt when Iago convinced him that Desdemona was cheating on him. One can even relate this feeling of "shivering inside" that Lennon sings about to the epileptic seizure Othello has. Go ahead and watch this video so you can see these similarities for yourself:
Thursday, February 2, 2012
My Frustration
"Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word." - Iago.
This line spoken by Iago was sort of like the last straw for me. Everyone in class would say how there was something about Iago that made them feel sympathy for him. Some said it was because the play was sort of told through his eyes. He was the one who would have moments where he would explain his plans and feelings to the audience. I just never really saw it, though. He was the villain and was plotting and planning to hurt lots of people, so I never felt any sympathy for him. However, I thought I would keep an open mind since so many others in my class were feeling differently. That was until I read this line. Even when he is caught and it is obvious that he is the villain, Iago won't even so much as explain his reasons and motives to the man who's life he destroyed. I just felt like screaming at Iago when I read this, and I am not really sure how Othello was able to keep from killing him.
This line spoken by Iago was sort of like the last straw for me. Everyone in class would say how there was something about Iago that made them feel sympathy for him. Some said it was because the play was sort of told through his eyes. He was the one who would have moments where he would explain his plans and feelings to the audience. I just never really saw it, though. He was the villain and was plotting and planning to hurt lots of people, so I never felt any sympathy for him. However, I thought I would keep an open mind since so many others in my class were feeling differently. That was until I read this line. Even when he is caught and it is obvious that he is the villain, Iago won't even so much as explain his reasons and motives to the man who's life he destroyed. I just felt like screaming at Iago when I read this, and I am not really sure how Othello was able to keep from killing him.Othello Act V, Scene ii
"Then must you speak of one that loved not wisely but too well; of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought, perplexed in the extreme; of one whose hand, like the base Indian, threw a pearl away..." - Othello.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
What themes does the play present? To what extent do the thematic materials of the play have an effect on the dramatic experience? Does the power of the ideas increase or decrease the pleasure of the theatrical experience? Does the play seem either too didactic or insufficient in its presentation of important human concerns?
One theme this play presents is that jealousy can have the power to destroy something that is good. Othello had everything he ever wished for when he married Desdemona. She was the perfect wife for him and loved him with all her heart. However, Othello let his jealousy get the best of him and it ended up ruining everything. He killed his one true love for reasons he felt were important but that ended up not even being true. Another theme found in this play is the perception of reality. Things are not always as they may seem. Everyone believed Iago was a pure and decent man. He was even called "honest Iago" by many of the other characters. In reality, Iago was an evil man full of hatred and resentment. People thought he was there to help and serve them when he was actually there hurting and betraying them. These themes effect the dramatic experience because they are themes we can relate to in our own lives. These themes are timeless themes that even people today can learn from. The power of these ideas increases the pleasure of the theatrical experience because we feel we can learn form them. I believe that this play is neither too didactic or insufficient in its presentation of these important human concerns. Although the entire play might be considered focused around these themes, I did not feel like they were being forced upon me. These themes are so relevant to our everyday lives that it is only natural to learn from them. However, the play was not insufficient in its presentation of these themes because I knew exactly what the themes were. If it was insufficient, then it would probably be incredibly difficult to even know what those themes were.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
What themes does the play present? To what extent do the thematic materials of the play have an effect on the dramatic experience? Does the power of the ideas increase or decrease the pleasure of the theatrical experience? Does the play seem either too didactic or insufficient in its presentation of important human concerns?
One theme this play presents is that jealousy can have the power to destroy something that is good. Othello had everything he ever wished for when he married Desdemona. She was the perfect wife for him and loved him with all her heart. However, Othello let his jealousy get the best of him and it ended up ruining everything. He killed his one true love for reasons he felt were important but that ended up not even being true. Another theme found in this play is the perception of reality. Things are not always as they may seem. Everyone believed Iago was a pure and decent man. He was even called "honest Iago" by many of the other characters. In reality, Iago was an evil man full of hatred and resentment. People thought he was there to help and serve them when he was actually there hurting and betraying them. These themes effect the dramatic experience because they are themes we can relate to in our own lives. These themes are timeless themes that even people today can learn from. The power of these ideas increases the pleasure of the theatrical experience because we feel we can learn form them. I believe that this play is neither too didactic or insufficient in its presentation of these important human concerns. Although the entire play might be considered focused around these themes, I did not feel like they were being forced upon me. These themes are so relevant to our everyday lives that it is only natural to learn from them. However, the play was not insufficient in its presentation of these themes because I knew exactly what the themes were. If it was insufficient, then it would probably be incredibly difficult to even know what those themes were.
Othello Act V, Scene ii
"Set you down this, and say besides that in Aleppo once, where a malignant and a turbaned Turk beat a Venetian and traduced the state, I took by the throat the circumcised dog and smote him, thus. (Stabs himself.) - Othello.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
Is the play a tragedy or comedy, a melodrama or farce? If a comedy, is it primarily romantic or satiric? Does it mingle aspects of these types of drama? How important to experiencing the drama is the audience's awareness of the classification of the play?
This play is definitely more of a tragedy than of a comedy. For one, three people die in the end as a result of a different character's evil persuasions. Othello kills his wife Desdemona, Iago kills his wife Emilia, and Othello kills himself after realizing the terrible thing he has done. If this were a comedy, it would have been more happy. It is important to realize that in Shakespearean time, comedy was not necessarily used to reference something funny. It was more characterized by something happy and not sad. This play was by no means happy so it is safe to say that it can be characterized as a tragedy. If I had to say whether this play is a melodrama or a farce, I would probably characterize it as a melodrama. A melodrama exaggerates the plot and characters in order to appeal to the emotions. Although I am not sure it is necessarily exaggerating the plot and characters, it is for sure appealing to the emotions. The audience is frustrated that no other characters realize the evil Iago is doing until the end when it is too late. Then the audience is also horrified with the deaths that occur at the end and sad that there was no happy ending. Finally, one must truly be immersed in the play and experience it as if he or she was actually in it to be able to classify it. Without being immersed in the play, one would not be able to realize that it is appealing to the emotions and that it is in turn a melodrama. Then, if one didn't really care about the characters who died, he or she might not really feel as if it were a tragedy.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
Is the play a tragedy or comedy, a melodrama or farce? If a comedy, is it primarily romantic or satiric? Does it mingle aspects of these types of drama? How important to experiencing the drama is the audience's awareness of the classification of the play?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Othello Act I, Scene iii
"She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used." - Othello.
The one thing I am a bit uncertain about is whether or not Desdemona truly loves Othello. The quote above is proof given by Othello, himself, that Desdemona fell in love with him because of the stories he told about his adventures. I wonder if she is not merely in love with the idea of being caught up in great adventures like the ones Othello has engaged in instead of being in love with Othello, himself. She could very well love the stories he told and not him. Additionally, Desdemona's father warned Othello that since she deceived him, she could very well deceive Othello, too. This seems like foreshadowing to me. On the other hand, she was very concerned about the welfare of Othello when his ship was caught out at sea. That fear for his life seemed very real so maybe she love him.
The one thing I am a bit uncertain about is whether or not Desdemona truly loves Othello. The quote above is proof given by Othello, himself, that Desdemona fell in love with him because of the stories he told about his adventures. I wonder if she is not merely in love with the idea of being caught up in great adventures like the ones Othello has engaged in instead of being in love with Othello, himself. She could very well love the stories he told and not him. Additionally, Desdemona's father warned Othello that since she deceived him, she could very well deceive Othello, too. This seems like foreshadowing to me. On the other hand, she was very concerned about the welfare of Othello when his ship was caught out at sea. That fear for his life seemed very real so maybe she love him.
Othello Act II, Scene iii
"Two things are to be done: My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress, I'll set her on, myself the while to draw the Moor apart and bring him jump when he may Cassio find soliciting his wife. Aye, that's the way. Dull not device by coldness and delay." - Iago.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book
How is dramatic suspense created? Contrast the amount of information possessed by the audience as the play proceeds with the knowledge that various individual characters have: what is the effect of such a contrast?
Dramatic suspense is created when Iago speaks alone on the stage and reveals his motivations and his plans for destroying Othello. The audience knows very well that Iago is evil and is going to betray Othello. The suspense comes because Othello has no idea what is happening and believes Iago is a very trustworthy person. The other characters even call Iago "honest Iago." This helps to reinforce the huge contrast between what the audience knows and what individual characters know. The audience can't help but get nervous every time Iago is on stage because we know that he is probably devising or putting into effect his evil plans. The effect of this contrast is that it keeps the audience captivated in what is going on. The audience is just waiting for some drastic event to happen as a cause of Iago's devious plans.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book
How is dramatic suspense created? Contrast the amount of information possessed by the audience as the play proceeds with the knowledge that various individual characters have: what is the effect of such a contrast?
Dramatic suspense is created when Iago speaks alone on the stage and reveals his motivations and his plans for destroying Othello. The audience knows very well that Iago is evil and is going to betray Othello. The suspense comes because Othello has no idea what is happening and believes Iago is a very trustworthy person. The other characters even call Iago "honest Iago." This helps to reinforce the huge contrast between what the audience knows and what individual characters know. The audience can't help but get nervous every time Iago is on stage because we know that he is probably devising or putting into effect his evil plans. The effect of this contrast is that it keeps the audience captivated in what is going on. The audience is just waiting for some drastic event to happen as a cause of Iago's devious plans.
Othello Act I, Scene iii
"He holds me well, the better shall my purpose work on him. Cassio's a proper man. Let me see now, to get his place, and to plume up my will in double knavery - How, how? - Let's see. -" - Iago.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
Identify the protagonist(s) and antagonist(s). Are there any foil characters? What dramatic functions are served by the various minor characters? Do they shed light on the actions or motives of the major characters? Do they advance the plot by eliciting actions by others? Do they embody ideas or feelings that illuminate the major characters or the movement of the plot?
In this play, the protagonist and antagonist are very clear. The protagonist is Othello and the antagonist is Iago. This is obvious from the quote I used above because Iago is the evil character who is trying to come up with a way to destroy Othello. Iago has a grudge against Othello because he didn't get the job as lieutenant and because he believes that Othello slept with his wife. Therefore, Iago will stop at nothing to get revenge on Othello and destroy his life. The foil characters of this play are Iago and Cassio. One reason for this is because Iago has no respect for women and believes that they are all the same and play the same dirty tricks on men. Cassio, on the other hand, greats Desdemona and Emilia with respect. He kneeled before Desdemona when she entered the scene and kissed Emilia as a sign of respect when she entered the scene. The functions of the minor characters are that they serve as a way for Iago to find a way to get revenge on Othello. For example, during the party after winning against the Turks, Iago says there are two men who want to have drinks with Cassio and himself. Then, Iago is able to get Cassio drunk. This ultimately is leading to Iago's revenge towards Othello. In this same way, they shed light on the motives of the major characters, especially Iago. These minor characters do advance the plot because they are being used by Iago. They do not, however, embody the ideas and feelings illuminated by the major characters.
For this blog, I am going to answer a question found on p. 1119 of my text book.
Identify the protagonist(s) and antagonist(s). Are there any foil characters? What dramatic functions are served by the various minor characters? Do they shed light on the actions or motives of the major characters? Do they advance the plot by eliciting actions by others? Do they embody ideas or feelings that illuminate the major characters or the movement of the plot?
In this play, the protagonist and antagonist are very clear. The protagonist is Othello and the antagonist is Iago. This is obvious from the quote I used above because Iago is the evil character who is trying to come up with a way to destroy Othello. Iago has a grudge against Othello because he didn't get the job as lieutenant and because he believes that Othello slept with his wife. Therefore, Iago will stop at nothing to get revenge on Othello and destroy his life. The foil characters of this play are Iago and Cassio. One reason for this is because Iago has no respect for women and believes that they are all the same and play the same dirty tricks on men. Cassio, on the other hand, greats Desdemona and Emilia with respect. He kneeled before Desdemona when she entered the scene and kissed Emilia as a sign of respect when she entered the scene. The functions of the minor characters are that they serve as a way for Iago to find a way to get revenge on Othello. For example, during the party after winning against the Turks, Iago says there are two men who want to have drinks with Cassio and himself. Then, Iago is able to get Cassio drunk. This ultimately is leading to Iago's revenge towards Othello. In this same way, they shed light on the motives of the major characters, especially Iago. These minor characters do advance the plot because they are being used by Iago. They do not, however, embody the ideas and feelings illuminated by the major characters.
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