"One thing was clear: Absolutely everybody in the city was supposed to be dead, regardless of what they were, and that anybody that moved in it represented a flaw in the design. there were to be no moon men at all." p.180
By far, this was the quote that stood out to me most in the novel. Vonnegut really sheds a light on war but does it more explicitly in this quote. He expounds on the "design"; the "design" refers to the design of war. The design is to take out the enemy...all of them. The moon extended metaphor also shows the attitude taken into war that the enemy isn't human, but the are some type of alien. These "moon men" aren't human and therefore are alright to kill indiscriminately. It shows a viewpoint not often shown to the American public that cast Americans as evil. In this novel, they are like any army; men sent to execute a plan or the "design" regardless of who stands in the way.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five Repetition
"They looked like a silent film of a barbershop quarter." p. 178
While reading through this novel, I started to notice a pattern. Quite often, Billy's time traveling is often triggered by a reoccurring image. An image such as this one, the barber shop quartet, sickens Billy. He doesn't realize why the barber shop quartet at his 18th wedding anniversary causes him to become nauseous. This time travel is more of a flashback, but he is reminded of the awful bombing at Dresden and realizes why it makes him sick. This is also another theme found in the novel. Billy hardly reveals any of this war stories to any of his family or friends and this repression leads people to think of him as crazy and may cause his real or imaginative time travelings.
While reading through this novel, I started to notice a pattern. Quite often, Billy's time traveling is often triggered by a reoccurring image. An image such as this one, the barber shop quartet, sickens Billy. He doesn't realize why the barber shop quartet at his 18th wedding anniversary causes him to become nauseous. This time travel is more of a flashback, but he is reminded of the awful bombing at Dresden and realizes why it makes him sick. This is also another theme found in the novel. Billy hardly reveals any of this war stories to any of his family or friends and this repression leads people to think of him as crazy and may cause his real or imaginative time travelings.
Slaughterhouse-Five POV
"And every day my Government gives me a count of military corpses created by military science in Vietnam." p.210
This story and novel is very unique in that it changes point of view. Somewhat like a soliloquy in a play, Vonnegut sometimes interrupts his own story to point out where he fits in. Often like a play, the narrator begins the story and ends it. The effect this creates is that Vonnegut is able to express his views more clearly. Throughout the story of Billy Pilgrim, he is able to make his snide, ironic, satirical or sarcastic remarks to more subtly make his point. In the last chapter, Vonnegut wraps up the plot and expands upon ideas found in the novel, like those of the Tralfamadorians. The story starts in 1st person, switches to 3rd person omniscient, and a combination in the last chapter. In doing this, he can tell the story of Billy Pligrim and makes his comments simultaneously.
This story and novel is very unique in that it changes point of view. Somewhat like a soliloquy in a play, Vonnegut sometimes interrupts his own story to point out where he fits in. Often like a play, the narrator begins the story and ends it. The effect this creates is that Vonnegut is able to express his views more clearly. Throughout the story of Billy Pilgrim, he is able to make his snide, ironic, satirical or sarcastic remarks to more subtly make his point. In the last chapter, Vonnegut wraps up the plot and expands upon ideas found in the novel, like those of the Tralfamadorians. The story starts in 1st person, switches to 3rd person omniscient, and a combination in the last chapter. In doing this, he can tell the story of Billy Pligrim and makes his comments simultaneously.
Slaughterhouse-Five Extended Metaphor
"It was realized then that ther was no food or water, and that the survivors, if they were going to survive, were going to have to climb over curve after curve on the face of the moon." p.180
This is one of the metaphors that is often repeated in referring to Dresden. This metaphor, is again, to attack war. Through his comparison, Vonnugut is saying, this isn't Earth; this is something foreign. There are no people, there is no food or water, they aren't crawling over holes but over a "curve on the face of the moon". We don't need to travel to Tralfamadore to find another planet; we do it to ourselves. Vonnegut also is saying that nuclear disarming is not the answer. Dresden was done with weapons that are called conventional. Although they are conventional, they killed hundreds of thousands in Dresden.
This is one of the metaphors that is often repeated in referring to Dresden. This metaphor, is again, to attack war. Through his comparison, Vonnugut is saying, this isn't Earth; this is something foreign. There are no people, there is no food or water, they aren't crawling over holes but over a "curve on the face of the moon". We don't need to travel to Tralfamadore to find another planet; we do it to ourselves. Vonnegut also is saying that nuclear disarming is not the answer. Dresden was done with weapons that are called conventional. Although they are conventional, they killed hundreds of thousands in Dresden.
Slaughterhouse-Five Motif
"Next to Lazzaro was the poor old high school teacher, Edgar Derby, mournfully pregnant with patriotism and middle age and imaginary wisdom. And so on." p.150
This motif is used always before describing Edgar Derby: poor old. From the revealing of his death by stealing a teapot, Vonnegut and Billy Pilgrim call him "poor old". The significance of this motif I think is found in the character that is Derby. He is not an average soldier; but, he is more or less the average American. He has an average job as a middle school teacher, is middle aged, and "pregnant with patriotism". Through his death, Vonnegut reveals who war affects most, average people. These people are affected for no or little reason, like stealing a teapot. Those who suffer most from war along with the soldiers are the people of the world.
This motif is used always before describing Edgar Derby: poor old. From the revealing of his death by stealing a teapot, Vonnegut and Billy Pilgrim call him "poor old". The significance of this motif I think is found in the character that is Derby. He is not an average soldier; but, he is more or less the average American. He has an average job as a middle school teacher, is middle aged, and "pregnant with patriotism". Through his death, Vonnegut reveals who war affects most, average people. These people are affected for no or little reason, like stealing a teapot. Those who suffer most from war along with the soldiers are the people of the world.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five The Connection
"There was a drunk on the other end. Billy could almost smell his breath-mustard gas and roses." p. 78
The drunk caller makes an appearance in the speaker's introduction in the first chapter. He says his name is Yon Yonson, although it isn't his true name. Is the narrator in the 1st chapter Vonnegut himself? I begin to wonder what, if any connection there is between this speaker and Bill Pilgrim. I believe this is the first intertwining of the stories and is a clear shout out to beginning of the book. The multiple plot and story lines rival that of a Tarantino movie and have me just as confused. At some point, they will hopefully be wrapped into one easily understood conclusion.
The drunk caller makes an appearance in the speaker's introduction in the first chapter. He says his name is Yon Yonson, although it isn't his true name. Is the narrator in the 1st chapter Vonnegut himself? I begin to wonder what, if any connection there is between this speaker and Bill Pilgrim. I believe this is the first intertwining of the stories and is a clear shout out to beginning of the book. The multiple plot and story lines rival that of a Tarantino movie and have me just as confused. At some point, they will hopefully be wrapped into one easily understood conclusion.
Slaughterhouse-Five Syntax
"Billy Pilgrim was on fire, having stood too close to the glowing stove." p.96
Personally, I would like thank Vonnegut. This story has been riveting, complex, and yet COMPLETELY understandable. He proves that simple syntax is regular English can actually be effective. No need for convoluted 9 line sentences. Vonnegut conveys his message through the plot and between the words without the overly complex vocab sentence structure. I have come to like this book for its simple yet challenging underlying themes and subtexts. A book about time travel and war that isn't cliched and is quite different. While, the jumps from time could be smoother, I like this book. His simple syntax with deep meanings could be the death of long sentences. So it goes. I can only hope.
Personally, I would like thank Vonnegut. This story has been riveting, complex, and yet COMPLETELY understandable. He proves that simple syntax is regular English can actually be effective. No need for convoluted 9 line sentences. Vonnegut conveys his message through the plot and between the words without the overly complex vocab sentence structure. I have come to like this book for its simple yet challenging underlying themes and subtexts. A book about time travel and war that isn't cliched and is quite different. While, the jumps from time could be smoother, I like this book. His simple syntax with deep meanings could be the death of long sentences. So it goes. I can only hope.
Slaughterhouse-Five Humor
"It can also be useful in rocketry." p.80
While weaving through time, war, and the mind of complex man, Vonnegut finds room for some humor. After telling the story of when Billy "shit thin gruel" after coughing. He follows it up with a condescendingly funny explanation of Newton's Third Law of Motion. There are several times when Vonnegut relieves his story with strong humor. The effect it creates is to lighten the mood. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was a horrid story meant to be gloomy and awful. Vonnegut also faces heavy and odd issues like war and time travel. He tells his story but weaves the humor in to keep the reader light and ready for the satire and sarcasm he also invokes. Vonnegut's purpose, whatever that it, isn't to just tell a great story like Shelley but to leave the reader wandering about the world and its workings.
While weaving through time, war, and the mind of complex man, Vonnegut finds room for some humor. After telling the story of when Billy "shit thin gruel" after coughing. He follows it up with a condescendingly funny explanation of Newton's Third Law of Motion. There are several times when Vonnegut relieves his story with strong humor. The effect it creates is to lighten the mood. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was a horrid story meant to be gloomy and awful. Vonnegut also faces heavy and odd issues like war and time travel. He tells his story but weaves the humor in to keep the reader light and ready for the satire and sarcasm he also invokes. Vonnegut's purpose, whatever that it, isn't to just tell a great story like Shelley but to leave the reader wandering about the world and its workings.
Slaughterhouse-Five Repetition
"So it goes." p.9
This phrase is repeated often throughout the story. It always follows the revelation of the death of someone of something. It is a universal phrase. At one point in the story, he talks about the death of a company or a person and follows it up with, "So it goes." Similarly he speaks of the death of a bug or something insignificant and follows it with, "So it goes." This apparent indifference reveals the effects the Tralfamadorians have had on Billy. Like the aliens, Billy no longer fears, dreads, or mourns death like other Earthlings. He knows that the person is only dead at that moment but alive at any other moment in time. His perception of time makes him unique but also crazy on Earth.
This phrase is repeated often throughout the story. It always follows the revelation of the death of someone of something. It is a universal phrase. At one point in the story, he talks about the death of a company or a person and follows it up with, "So it goes." Similarly he speaks of the death of a bug or something insignificant and follows it with, "So it goes." This apparent indifference reveals the effects the Tralfamadorians have had on Billy. Like the aliens, Billy no longer fears, dreads, or mourns death like other Earthlings. He knows that the person is only dead at that moment but alive at any other moment in time. His perception of time makes him unique but also crazy on Earth.
Slaughterhouse-Five Characterization
"Um." p.121
When asked by his new wife to share a story from World War II, Billy Pilgrim simply responds with "Um." This reveals some of the character of Billy Pilgrim. While he is open to share his experiences on Tralfamadore with an alien species, he is reluctant to reveal his war stories. This is most likely due to the emotional scarring he keeps hidden from losing great men like Edgar Derby. Dresden and all of the war certainly strained and stained Billy in ways he couldn't express. To keep it simple, he usually responds with "um". Billy seems so lost in his own world to determine present and what is going on in the real world. Not any different than most veterens and men, he internalizes his conflicts and they slowly eat at him.
When asked by his new wife to share a story from World War II, Billy Pilgrim simply responds with "Um." This reveals some of the character of Billy Pilgrim. While he is open to share his experiences on Tralfamadore with an alien species, he is reluctant to reveal his war stories. This is most likely due to the emotional scarring he keeps hidden from losing great men like Edgar Derby. Dresden and all of the war certainly strained and stained Billy in ways he couldn't express. To keep it simple, he usually responds with "um". Billy seems so lost in his own world to determine present and what is going on in the real world. Not any different than most veterens and men, he internalizes his conflicts and they slowly eat at him.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Let's play the Blame Game
"During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor do I find it blameable." p. 161
Victor then goes on to say that he had to obey his duty to all of humanity before his duty towards the creature to create a female. I totally agree with that; a species of creatures definitely would not be beneficial to the human race. In assessing blame in the entire story, Victor deserves partial blame. I do not blame him in the creation of the creature itself, for he was following his passions; but, I do blame him for the the preceding events and the after-creation. First of all, Victor should have had a plan for if it actually worked; which, by all indications, he thought it would. Strap the creature to a gurney, examine it, let it get somewhat acquainted to Victor and the world before letting it roam the world. For results of the creature, I do not blame the deaths of the creature's victims on Victor. We do not blame God for every wrong decision a human being. We, like the creature, have free will and responsibility. I blame Victor though for not embracing the creature he himself created. His lack of love towards the creature led to the continued mental deterioration of the creature's mental and emotion state leading the both his and Victor's tragic demise.
Victor then goes on to say that he had to obey his duty to all of humanity before his duty towards the creature to create a female. I totally agree with that; a species of creatures definitely would not be beneficial to the human race. In assessing blame in the entire story, Victor deserves partial blame. I do not blame him in the creation of the creature itself, for he was following his passions; but, I do blame him for the the preceding events and the after-creation. First of all, Victor should have had a plan for if it actually worked; which, by all indications, he thought it would. Strap the creature to a gurney, examine it, let it get somewhat acquainted to Victor and the world before letting it roam the world. For results of the creature, I do not blame the deaths of the creature's victims on Victor. We do not blame God for every wrong decision a human being. We, like the creature, have free will and responsibility. I blame Victor though for not embracing the creature he himself created. His lack of love towards the creature led to the continued mental deterioration of the creature's mental and emotion state leading the both his and Victor's tragic demise.
How could you not see that one coming?!
"I shall be with you on your wedding night."
This is one of the reasons I lose respect for Victor. I'm not sure whether he is more selfish, stupid, or blinded. Some say hindsight is 20/20, but I didn't see this in hindsight; I knew exactly what the creature was talking about. I have a few questions for Victor that would have made him think otherwise. Why wouldn't he just kill you now? Why wait? Why would he have not killed you earlier? Who has he gone after and killed each time? The fact that the creature didn't just strangle him as he stood there in conversation should have been a clue. Could Victor had thought the creature was aiming for poetic justice or something? For whatever reason, I think Victor wishes he had this one back. He certainly never would have abandoned Elizabeth for a moment on their wedding night.
This is one of the reasons I lose respect for Victor. I'm not sure whether he is more selfish, stupid, or blinded. Some say hindsight is 20/20, but I didn't see this in hindsight; I knew exactly what the creature was talking about. I have a few questions for Victor that would have made him think otherwise. Why wouldn't he just kill you now? Why wait? Why would he have not killed you earlier? Who has he gone after and killed each time? The fact that the creature didn't just strangle him as he stood there in conversation should have been a clue. Could Victor had thought the creature was aiming for poetic justice or something? For whatever reason, I think Victor wishes he had this one back. He certainly never would have abandoned Elizabeth for a moment on their wedding night.
Final Connection of the Frame Story
"Never did I behold a vision so horrible as his face, of such loathsome, yet appalling hideousness." p.163
This is the point in the story when the stories of Victor and Robert Walton collide. After finishing Victor's horrid cautious tale, Victor falls ill and dies. But, it is not only until the creature arrives, that the stories' line of sequence really hit. After promising Victor to hunt down the creature and his crew resolving to return south, Walton had certainly not expected the creature to come to him. Surprised and/or apparently unarmed, he cannot kill the creature and fulfill his promise. I'm not sure Walton is as emotionally scarred as someone like Victor to be able to kill anyways. Saying that, he does heed the advice of Victor and not being persuaded by the creature. He needs not to do the will of Victor; the creature is going down in flames.
This is the point in the story when the stories of Victor and Robert Walton collide. After finishing Victor's horrid cautious tale, Victor falls ill and dies. But, it is not only until the creature arrives, that the stories' line of sequence really hit. After promising Victor to hunt down the creature and his crew resolving to return south, Walton had certainly not expected the creature to come to him. Surprised and/or apparently unarmed, he cannot kill the creature and fulfill his promise. I'm not sure Walton is as emotionally scarred as someone like Victor to be able to kill anyways. Saying that, he does heed the advice of Victor and not being persuaded by the creature. He needs not to do the will of Victor; the creature is going down in flames.
Gigantic Stature Motif
"Over him hung a form which I cannot find words to describe:-gigantic in stature..."
Whenever anyone in the story cannot describe the creature in words, the words "gigantic stature" usually end up being used, not by coincidence. After a few mentions, I caught on. I'm not sure if there is truly any deeper meaning in this motif other than the fact to remind the reader of who it is these humans are seeing. I could not imagine what my reaction would be if I saw an ugly being of "gigantic stature" running at "superhuman speed" towards me or across land. Mary Shelley is simply reminding the reader of why the creature has such negative reactions with humans. While his intentions may be pure, his appearance will arouse fear. If someone lets him get close enough to hear him speak, it might be too late, in their minds. This gigantic stature ensures that people will know he isn't human from a ways off. For someone of gigantic stature, the creature does have some serious stealth, quickness, and ninja skills in avoiding been attacked my Victor and spotted by others other times.
Adam Allusion
"Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being in existence; but his state was far different from mine in every other respect." p.92
Upon first meeting the creature, he makes the comparison with him being Adam and Victor being God. As he tells his story and says himself, he is more like Satan. But worse. He argues that even the fallen angel had friends; he has no one. His Adam-like innocence is lost in his overwhelmingly constantly negative interaction with humans. To be honest, it is hard to not justify his actions from his point of view. The creature feels the only way to right the wrongs against him is to torture his creator. The way I think the creature differentiates from the Satan though is that he is not inherently evil but his life has made him a "wretch".
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Where was the legend born?
"...I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs." p.35
Thats it! No huge metal conductors at the top of the building with a wire leading to the creature that only rises when lightning strikes and then a crazy madman exclaiming "IT'S ALIVE!"? Instead, I get rain, it happens, and Victor runs away. I know stories adapt over the years, but this seems like a far ancestor from the Frankenstein I have grown up knowing. The fact that he is actually intelligent, doesn't have bolts coming out his neck, and not really having a name besides "creature" for now kind of disappointed me. The only commonalities I see are the fact there is a creator and an ugly monster. I was also surprised to find the creation happen so early. I was under the impression it was the climax of the story. From my diligent research and reliable answer from Yahoo! Answers (sarcasm), the only explanation is that the Frankenstein monster we know today first started in the 1930s movie. But, this, by far had to be the most non-intentional hilarious Frankenstein in history. Never seen the movie, but this has to be an accurate portrayal.
Killer of William
"This also was my doing!" p. 60
This is a quote from Victor that has lead me to figure out the killer. As stated in my previous blog, Shelley sometimes gives a way certain things by using the past tense. Since it is storytelling, the storyteller can use retrospect to say "was" or "seemed". When speaking of the death of Justine and the guilt he feels, Victor never once says, "I thought it was my doing." in reference to the him creating the monster he believes killed William and framed Justine, leading to her death. In this case, it the absence of any retrospective corrective thinking or words that cue me to think it was the creature that killed William. Not only this, but the creature saying "I expected this reception," and the fact he is actually intelligent lead me to believe this.
Theme of Guilt
"Justine died; she rested; and I was alive." p.61
The character feeling by far the most guilt is Victor. The fear expressed in this quote is the guilt of killing Justine. In creating the creature and seeing him at William's murder site, Victor is convinced that it killed William. In letting, as he feels, innocent Justine die kills him inside. In a way, though, he feels defenseless in that no one would believe his theory to the murderer. To escape his guilt, he flees home on a trek only to come face to face with what will be more guilt. Although initially angry at the creature, I feel Victor will express sympathy to his creation after hearing his story. He has to be able to sympathize with him in that Victor too is a lonely man in the Arctic when found by Walden.
The character feeling by far the most guilt is Victor. The fear expressed in this quote is the guilt of killing Justine. In creating the creature and seeing him at William's murder site, Victor is convinced that it killed William. In letting, as he feels, innocent Justine die kills him inside. In a way, though, he feels defenseless in that no one would believe his theory to the murderer. To escape his guilt, he flees home on a trek only to come face to face with what will be more guilt. Although initially angry at the creature, I feel Victor will express sympathy to his creation after hearing his story. He has to be able to sympathize with him in that Victor too is a lonely man in the Arctic when found by Walden.
Suspense
"I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous." p.69
It is very odd phrases like this that build suspense in this novel. Key word in that phrase: was. The past tense implies that the creature was once good but is not so anymore. This empty quote gives no reason as to why or how but leaves it to the reader to only wonder until stumbling upon it later in the novel. By slowly revealing background on the characters and then having ground-breaking events happen, such as the creation and death of William, Shelley builds suspense and then has the story blow up with large happenings. These events, like the run in with the creature, leave the reader to wonder what has been happening while Shelley has been focusing on another character. Parallel plots with different character create an absence of mystery and suspense that leaves the reader to wonder. We can only conjecture until the story starts to unravel and piece together.
It is very odd phrases like this that build suspense in this novel. Key word in that phrase: was. The past tense implies that the creature was once good but is not so anymore. This empty quote gives no reason as to why or how but leaves it to the reader to only wonder until stumbling upon it later in the novel. By slowly revealing background on the characters and then having ground-breaking events happen, such as the creation and death of William, Shelley builds suspense and then has the story blow up with large happenings. These events, like the run in with the creature, leave the reader to wonder what has been happening while Shelley has been focusing on another character. Parallel plots with different character create an absence of mystery and suspense that leaves the reader to wonder. We can only conjecture until the story starts to unravel and piece together.
Frame Story
"Strange and harrowing must be his story, frightful the storm which embraced the gallant vessel on its course and wrecked it-thus!" p. 14
The official beginning in the story in chapter 1 begins the story of Victor Frankenstein. But, before the odd and disturbing story of the creator, we are given some background and bigger frame story of Robert Walden. Inside of Victor's tale, he then encounters the creature he created who leads to tell his story. Usually, stories that have several stories can be difficult at time to follow. But, to this point, the plot line has been relatively easy to follow. Shelley does an excellent job of giving just the right amount of background and information to each back story to understand what's going on without giving up the entire plot. At some point, the creature story will close, leading to a closing of the Victor story, leading to a closing of the story of Robert Walden. All three are separate, interconnected stories with different plots, but commonalities between each.
The official beginning in the story in chapter 1 begins the story of Victor Frankenstein. But, before the odd and disturbing story of the creator, we are given some background and bigger frame story of Robert Walden. Inside of Victor's tale, he then encounters the creature he created who leads to tell his story. Usually, stories that have several stories can be difficult at time to follow. But, to this point, the plot line has been relatively easy to follow. Shelley does an excellent job of giving just the right amount of background and information to each back story to understand what's going on without giving up the entire plot. At some point, the creature story will close, leading to a closing of the Victor story, leading to a closing of the story of Robert Walden. All three are separate, interconnected stories with different plots, but commonalities between each.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
My personal connection to D.O.S
"He fought it out here and this is where I'm gonna win it for him." p.1630
Like Happy, my father is also a salesman. Not a traveling salesman, but a small used car lot owner/salesman. Thankfully, my dad is quite sane and is realistic. My father hasn't tried to create my future, like Willy did for his sons, but has supported me. Also, he would definitely not like me to follow in his footsteps. But, what Willy, my dad, and most fathers do or should do is support their sons. While Willy's dreams for his sons were quite unrealistic and far-fetched, he wanted his sons to be great at what they did.
Like Happy, my father is also a salesman. Not a traveling salesman, but a small used car lot owner/salesman. Thankfully, my dad is quite sane and is realistic. My father hasn't tried to create my future, like Willy did for his sons, but has supported me. Also, he would definitely not like me to follow in his footsteps. But, what Willy, my dad, and most fathers do or should do is support their sons. While Willy's dreams for his sons were quite unrealistic and far-fetched, he wanted his sons to be great at what they did.
Tragedy in Willy
"The boat. We'll be late. (He moves slowly off into the darkness.)" p.1628
One of the main reasons for the mental state of Willy Loman is his family life. Presently, he doesn't have the greatest relationship with either of his sons. Biff is scarred by the encounter with his father's mistress and learns to break free of his father's illusions. But, one of the horrific themes in Willy's life is abandonement. First, he is abandoned by his father, then Ben. The two male figures of leadership in his life were gone early in his life. In Act 2, Happy denies to the girls that Willy is even his father. Soon after, Willy is in tears and the boys run after the girls and leave their father alone in the restaurant.
One of the main reasons for the mental state of Willy Loman is his family life. Presently, he doesn't have the greatest relationship with either of his sons. Biff is scarred by the encounter with his father's mistress and learns to break free of his father's illusions. But, one of the horrific themes in Willy's life is abandonement. First, he is abandoned by his father, then Ben. The two male figures of leadership in his life were gone early in his life. In Act 2, Happy denies to the girls that Willy is even his father. Soon after, Willy is in tears and the boys run after the girls and leave their father alone in the restaurant.
Forshadowing of the stockings
"And thanks for the stockings. I love a lot of stockings." p.1564
Minuscule items, like stockings can often play a crucial role in the plot of a story. In something visual, like a play, the stockings might be easier to notice. In reading, it is only until it comes full-circle, does a reader notice a small item. Due to pride, Willy gets offended whenever Linda tries to repair her worn stockings. But, because of his monetary situation, he cannot provide her new stockings. The irony is that Willy is able to afford new stockings for the woman in his memory. It is also forshadowing and ironic that Biff is offended when Willy gives socks to his mistress.
Minuscule items, like stockings can often play a crucial role in the plot of a story. In something visual, like a play, the stockings might be easier to notice. In reading, it is only until it comes full-circle, does a reader notice a small item. Due to pride, Willy gets offended whenever Linda tries to repair her worn stockings. But, because of his monetary situation, he cannot provide her new stockings. The irony is that Willy is able to afford new stockings for the woman in his memory. It is also forshadowing and ironic that Biff is offended when Willy gives socks to his mistress.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Symbolism and transformation of Laura
"Horn! It doesn't matter. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise." p. 1282
Wait, is this the same Laura who screamed when Tom broke some of her figures earlier in the story? Yes and no. Physically, she is still obviously still Laura. But, physiologically, she seems to be a different person. Before, she was lonely, barely spoke and was reserved. Around Jim, she has opened up, danced, and feels as pretty as Jim tells her. Jim says once that she is different, but in a good way; she is unique. This made me think to why the unicorn was her favorite figurine. It too was lonely because it was different. Once the horn is broken, Laura says, "The horn was removed to make him feel less - freakish!" Jim removed Laura's horn to make her more like the rest of the horses, but still different.
Wait, is this the same Laura who screamed when Tom broke some of her figures earlier in the story? Yes and no. Physically, she is still obviously still Laura. But, physiologically, she seems to be a different person. Before, she was lonely, barely spoke and was reserved. Around Jim, she has opened up, danced, and feels as pretty as Jim tells her. Jim says once that she is different, but in a good way; she is unique. This made me think to why the unicorn was her favorite figurine. It too was lonely because it was different. Once the horn is broken, Laura says, "The horn was removed to make him feel less - freakish!" Jim removed Laura's horn to make her more like the rest of the horses, but still different.
Themes of the Glass Menagerie
"You are the only young man that I know of who ignores the fact that the future becomes the present, the present the past, and the past turns into everlasting regret if you don't plan for it!" p. 1259
Whether it is a universally accepted theme by literary scholars, a theme that jumped at me was maturity. With his father abandoning him at a young age, Tom has had to become mature, very quick. It also seems evident that due to him rushing his maturity he missed out on some key lessons. One of lessons he missed out from having to work to support to his family was how to handle stress and pressure. While Tom tries to cite a lack of adventure for him going to the movies every night, I seem to think his alcoholism stems from stress. Notice how he always leaves to go drink after him and his mother get into a fight. While Tom has become a man, he still has some growing up to do with his alcoholism and dealing with confrontation in general. He seems to think that him running from his family will solve his issues; I don't think so.
Whether it is a universally accepted theme by literary scholars, a theme that jumped at me was maturity. With his father abandoning him at a young age, Tom has had to become mature, very quick. It also seems evident that due to him rushing his maturity he missed out on some key lessons. One of lessons he missed out from having to work to support to his family was how to handle stress and pressure. While Tom tries to cite a lack of adventure for him going to the movies every night, I seem to think his alcoholism stems from stress. Notice how he always leaves to go drink after him and his mother get into a fight. While Tom has become a man, he still has some growing up to do with his alcoholism and dealing with confrontation in general. He seems to think that him running from his family will solve his issues; I don't think so.
Protagonists and Antagonists in Glass Menagerie
"Don't think about us, a mother deserted, an unmarried sister who's crippled and has no job!" p.1288
In looking at the plot of the story is hard to clearly define an antagonist in the story. The four main characters all seem like good people with flaws that come out throughout the story. Through the eyes of the memory of Tom though, I would have to define his mother Amanda as the antagonist. From Tom's memory, she is always badgering him like the quote above and yelling at him. Aside from the portrayal of Tom's memory, I think she is just trying to watch out for him to make sure he doesn't become an alcoholic traveling man like his father. Without the bias of Tom's memory, Tom could be seen as an antagonist due to him leaving his family. Defining a protagonist is just as hard. The reader could sympathize with Tom due to him carrying the family workload or Laura for her shortcomings, but neither is fighting for good like a protagonist.
In looking at the plot of the story is hard to clearly define an antagonist in the story. The four main characters all seem like good people with flaws that come out throughout the story. Through the eyes of the memory of Tom though, I would have to define his mother Amanda as the antagonist. From Tom's memory, she is always badgering him like the quote above and yelling at him. Aside from the portrayal of Tom's memory, I think she is just trying to watch out for him to make sure he doesn't become an alcoholic traveling man like his father. Without the bias of Tom's memory, Tom could be seen as an antagonist due to him leaving his family. Defining a protagonist is just as hard. The reader could sympathize with Tom due to him carrying the family workload or Laura for her shortcomings, but neither is fighting for good like a protagonist.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Depth
"Say you love me not, but say not so in bitterness." (III.v.50)
This simple quote from Sylvius is an expression of love. Yes, love is quite prevalent throughout this story. But, what disappointed me was the overall depth of this play. No elaborate schemes really, an easy to follow plot line, and a happy ending. Maybe since I was on retreat, I wasn't able to bounce ideas off of other people, but I generally was justed "ehh"ed by this play: nothing spectacular. Unlike Othello, no real universal themes to name and no elaborate and deep character conflicts, external or internal. Again, maybe due to my lack of time spent with the work contributed to my lack of grasp of a deep underlying theme or point. Like my reference in my previous blog, I would say this play was a romantic comedy: the guy gets the girl with a few laughs along the way. Touchstone provided humor in his shovinistic attitudes, the Dukes put a slight twist on the usual story with the ownership of the Kingdom; but, overall, I would call this play just a "ho-hummer".
This simple quote from Sylvius is an expression of love. Yes, love is quite prevalent throughout this story. But, what disappointed me was the overall depth of this play. No elaborate schemes really, an easy to follow plot line, and a happy ending. Maybe since I was on retreat, I wasn't able to bounce ideas off of other people, but I generally was justed "ehh"ed by this play: nothing spectacular. Unlike Othello, no real universal themes to name and no elaborate and deep character conflicts, external or internal. Again, maybe due to my lack of time spent with the work contributed to my lack of grasp of a deep underlying theme or point. Like my reference in my previous blog, I would say this play was a romantic comedy: the guy gets the girl with a few laughs along the way. Touchstone provided humor in his shovinistic attitudes, the Dukes put a slight twist on the usual story with the ownership of the Kingdom; but, overall, I would call this play just a "ho-hummer".
Genre-Comedy
"You to former honour I bequeath..." (V.iv.78)
The simply said statement is what sets apart this comedy from a tragedy. Obviously, a tragedy has tragic elements like death, failed romance, hatred, a tragic hero with a fatal flaw, and more death, in the case of Shakespeare. Contrastingly, a comedy like As you Like it has the happy ending every reader wishes for, characters reconcile, and the play ends in happy marriages. Specifically, I cannot decide if this play is more satirical or romantic. It seems a little satirical in the way that some characters like Touchstone mock love and what stands for. But, more prevalent is romance and love itself. Most of the main characters in the story are discovering love, reassuring their love, and pursuing unrequited love. In saying that, I would conclude this is a Shakespearean romantic comedy, without Adam Sandler
The simply said statement is what sets apart this comedy from a tragedy. Obviously, a tragedy has tragic elements like death, failed romance, hatred, a tragic hero with a fatal flaw, and more death, in the case of Shakespeare. Contrastingly, a comedy like As you Like it has the happy ending every reader wishes for, characters reconcile, and the play ends in happy marriages. Specifically, I cannot decide if this play is more satirical or romantic. It seems a little satirical in the way that some characters like Touchstone mock love and what stands for. But, more prevalent is romance and love itself. Most of the main characters in the story are discovering love, reassuring their love, and pursuing unrequited love. In saying that, I would conclude this is a Shakespearean romantic comedy, without Adam Sandler
Microsoft went down 3 points.
Themes- Deception
"And therefore look you call me Ganymeade." (I.iii.15)
This sentence changes the course of the play. Disguised as Ganymeade, Rosalind accomplishes many tasks that she would not be able to do as herself. Firstly, she is able to leave the Kingdom and with Celia and enter into the Ardenne Forest. Once in the forest, she is able to deceive a few more people for her benefit. But, what differs her from other deceptive and manipulative characters from previous Shakespearean plays *cough, cough Iago* is that she doesn't harm anyone in the process. In manipulating Orlando, she is able to test his love and devotion to her. In manipulating Phoebe, Rosalind is able to secure her for Sylvius, ensuring a happy ending for all, uncharacteristic of most Shakespearean plays I have read.
This sentence changes the course of the play. Disguised as Ganymeade, Rosalind accomplishes many tasks that she would not be able to do as herself. Firstly, she is able to leave the Kingdom and with Celia and enter into the Ardenne Forest. Once in the forest, she is able to deceive a few more people for her benefit. But, what differs her from other deceptive and manipulative characters from previous Shakespearean plays *cough, cough Iago* is that she doesn't harm anyone in the process. In manipulating Orlando, she is able to test his love and devotion to her. In manipulating Phoebe, Rosalind is able to secure her for Sylvius, ensuring a happy ending for all, uncharacteristic of most Shakespearean plays I have read.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Reflective Essay Interactive Blog
Reflective Essay
Throughout the history of man, there have been numerous
evil people. Hitler, Sadaam Hussein, Charles Manson, Stalin, and many other men
have wrecked havoc in our world for centuries. But, what sets the evil men from
the psychotically evil men is their motive. Those who are truly wicked have no
motive. They find their amusement in the death and fall of men. Those with the
usual motives of money, power, control, and revenge have clear and predictable
motives. But, those who just do evil deeds for the sake of evil are often more
unpredictable, diabolical, and therefore more fearful. Characters like Iago and
the Joker in The Dark Knight and a person like mass murderer Jim Jones
exemplify people with evil at their core, psychotic, and caused chaos within
their respective worlds.
One of the strongest and most immersive characters in
film history in the last 10 years was Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the deranged
Joker in the Dark Knight. From the opening scene in which the Joker
manipulates local criminals to do his dirty work and rob a bank, telling each
to kill the man doing the previous job in the plan, he is established as a
manipulative character. As Iago is able to manipulate Cassio, Othello, Emilia, and
Roderigo, the Joker is also able to shake the foundations of the most hardened
criminals of Gotham to put immense pressure on the Batman. Also, like Iago, the
Joker changes his story. While Iago claims that the reason he is after the Moor
is because he “twixt” his sheets or he wanted the duties of Cassio, it becomes
clear throughout the plot neither is the truth (I.i.367). Likewise, the Joker
offers many explanations for his scars. First he speaks of an episode with his
drunken father and a kitchen knife saying, “Then,
he looks at me and says, 'Why so serious?' Comes at me with the knife, 'Why so serious?'
Sticks the blade in my mouth, 'Let's put a smile on that face.'”. Then, he
tells a story of his supposed wife: “Hey, one day they carve her face. We have no money for
surgeries, she can't take it. I just want to see her smile again. I just want
her to know that I don't care about the scars. So I stick a razor in my
mouth...and do this...to myself. And you know what? She can't stand the sight
of me! She leaves. Now I start to see the funny side. Now I'm always smiling
(Nolan)." Which story is true? Like Iago’s unclear motives, the Joker’s
deranged stories of his scars are irrelevant in that the point is to reveal
their psychopathic nature.
 |
| Jim Jones of Lynn, Indiana |
Without a doubt, the most powerful
people in the world are leaders. While it takes followers for a movement to
gain steam, it takes a strong leader to maintain a movement. Objectively, one
cannot argue that Jim Jones was not a powerful leader with an innate ability to
get others to follow whatever he preached. Like Iago, Jones is able to persuade
people to do the unthinkable. Even in the face of repeated failure, Iago is
able to persuade Roderigo one last time to try to kill Cassio for him
(IV.ii.206-11). Jones was able to
convince hundreds of people to kill themselves as a part of a mass suicide by
saying, “We committed an act of revolutionary suicide protesting the conditions
of an inhumane world (Introduction-Jonestown).” Due to dedication to their
causes, both men are persuasive enough to convince their followers to do the as
they wish.
 |
| Two Face, previously Harvey Dent |
With the demented minds and
intentions of these three men, their plans caused chaos. Iago was able to
corrupt and control numerous people that ended in the death of 5 main
characters and the corruption of the most noble man of all, Othello. In the
case of the Joker, he created bedlam in the city of Gotham with his killings,
collaboration with thugs, corruption of local law enforcement, and completely
transforming upstanding crime fighter and Gotham City District Attorney Harvey
Dent into the evil Two Face. Jim Jones was able to get hundreds of people to
buy into his philosophies and kill themselves in the greatest American civilian
casualty before September 11, 2001. The
quote that can help best explain men like this comes from Alfred in The Dark
Knight in explaining the Joker: “Because some men aren't looking for
anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or
negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” Unfortunately for society, these misguided men
pop up in history every now and again with no precursor and will not stop until
their death.
Works Cited
Dark Knight, The. By Christopher Nolan. Perf. Christian Bale, Heath Ledger,
and Kirsten Dunst. Warner Bros. Pictures, 2008. Film.
"Introduction-Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples
Temple." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 13 Feb. 2012.
<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/introduction/jonestown-introduction/>.
Perrine, Laurence. “Othello.” Perrine’s Literature: Structures,
Sound, and Sense. Fort Worth. Harcourt College. 2002. 1362-462. Print.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Faithfully
One of the most amazing aspects of the character Othello in Othello is his undying devotion to Desdomona. As Iago reveals what he believes to be true of Desdemona's affair with Cassio, he still is loyal to her. His love never diminishes. Even as he is about to kill her, he rationalizes his killing as something that needs to be done, not out of anger, but out of what is right. When telling Lodovico of what to write back to Venice, he tells Lodovico to portray him in the right light: "Of one who not loved wisely but too well (V.ii.343)". In the song "Faithfully" by Journey, Steve Perry tells of "restless hearts" which perfectly fits Othello. He also characterizes Othello's love by saying "I'm forever yours, faithfully". Even through an affair and killing his wife, Othello's last actions are kissing the wife he killed. In Desdomona showing her devotion to Othello, saying she killed herself, she links herself to the song by staying true, loyal, and loving Othello "faithfully" like the song says, "you stand by me".
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Motives of Iago
"Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word (V, ii, 302-303)
This is all Iago leaves is with. No last explanation or spiteful words. Truthfully, I have no idea what Iago's motives were and will not pretend to know; but, all I can do is offer up possibilities. One theory I have depends on Iago's state of life. Obviously this was a man in an awful marriage, not where he wanted to be professionally, and possibly in a life he thought was meaningless. Being a little demented, he might have just had no hope in life and wanted to go out with a bang and be remembered. While that theory may be far-fetched, this one might be more plausible. What took down Othello? Jealousy. Multiple times in the story Iago speaks highly of Desdemona, which he often doesn't do for women. This leads me to believe he wanted Desdemona to himself, but knew how unrealistic it was. In order to right this wrong, he decides to take down Othello with the green-eyed monster that consumes him: jealousy. Either way, it seems obvious to me that Shakespeare is commenting on how much love can change, consume, and distort the minds of even the best and brightest. I'm reminded of the movie Hancock in which immortals are paired together at the creation of the universe and only become mortal and powerless when they get close to their eternal partner. All humans, even the great Othello, are weak to Cupid's arrows.
This is all Iago leaves is with. No last explanation or spiteful words. Truthfully, I have no idea what Iago's motives were and will not pretend to know; but, all I can do is offer up possibilities. One theory I have depends on Iago's state of life. Obviously this was a man in an awful marriage, not where he wanted to be professionally, and possibly in a life he thought was meaningless. Being a little demented, he might have just had no hope in life and wanted to go out with a bang and be remembered. While that theory may be far-fetched, this one might be more plausible. What took down Othello? Jealousy. Multiple times in the story Iago speaks highly of Desdemona, which he often doesn't do for women. This leads me to believe he wanted Desdemona to himself, but knew how unrealistic it was. In order to right this wrong, he decides to take down Othello with the green-eyed monster that consumes him: jealousy. Either way, it seems obvious to me that Shakespeare is commenting on how much love can change, consume, and distort the minds of even the best and brightest. I'm reminded of the movie Hancock in which immortals are paired together at the creation of the universe and only become mortal and powerless when they get close to their eternal partner. All humans, even the great Othello, are weak to Cupid's arrows.
Creation of suspense in Othello
"By Heaven, that should be my handkerchief ( IV,i,148)!"
This quote from Othello in Act 4 reveals how suspense is created the play. Usually, suspense is created by the reader, or in this case, the audience, being left in the dark. But, in Othello, suspense is created by the main characters being clueless to what is really happening. The suspense comes to its peak in the last act, last scene of the play where most of the cast ends up dead. As the pawns Othello, Roderigo, and Cassio do Iago's dirty work, he sits back and the audience is wondering when/if he will be found out. Not until the very last scene does his plan come to fruition, then blow up in his face. It had all gone well had Emilia kept her mouth shut.
This quote from Othello in Act 4 reveals how suspense is created the play. Usually, suspense is created by the reader, or in this case, the audience, being left in the dark. But, in Othello, suspense is created by the main characters being clueless to what is really happening. The suspense comes to its peak in the last act, last scene of the play where most of the cast ends up dead. As the pawns Othello, Roderigo, and Cassio do Iago's dirty work, he sits back and the audience is wondering when/if he will be found out. Not until the very last scene does his plan come to fruition, then blow up in his face. It had all gone well had Emilia kept her mouth shut.
Response to part of question 3-role of minor characters
"I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak. My mistress here lies murdered in her bed." (V.ii.183-184)
These are the words of Emilia, wife of Iago. In many ways, this minor character completely changes the plot. Without the presence of Emilia at the end, Iago possibly would have gotten away with his heinous plan. After being quiet and walked on by her husband in Act 2, she stands up for herself; rather, she actually stands up for Desdemona. Since the stakes and motivation has changed, she decides she won't let her husband get away with deceiving Othello, Cassio, Roderigo, and all the other people he lied to. Had it not been for her intervention, Iago most likely walks away a free man ready to ruin someone else's life. One other significance of Emilia is revealed early. Iago claims his motive for revenge against the Moor is that he supposedly slept with Emilia. Later this was dispelled; whether it was true or not, whether it even mattered to Iago, it was one of the motives he revealed.
These are the words of Emilia, wife of Iago. In many ways, this minor character completely changes the plot. Without the presence of Emilia at the end, Iago possibly would have gotten away with his heinous plan. After being quiet and walked on by her husband in Act 2, she stands up for herself; rather, she actually stands up for Desdemona. Since the stakes and motivation has changed, she decides she won't let her husband get away with deceiving Othello, Cassio, Roderigo, and all the other people he lied to. Had it not been for her intervention, Iago most likely walks away a free man ready to ruin someone else's life. One other significance of Emilia is revealed early. Iago claims his motive for revenge against the Moor is that he supposedly slept with Emilia. Later this was dispelled; whether it was true or not, whether it even mattered to Iago, it was one of the motives he revealed.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
POV in Othello
"The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, is of a constant, loving, noble nature, and I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona a most dear husband. Now, I do love her too, not out of absolute lust—though peradventure I stand accountant for as great a sin—but partly led to diet my revenge, for that I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat (II.i.267-275)." -Iago
Plays are a little unique in that there can't really be a 1st person point of view obviously; a play is either 3rd person limited or omniscient. While most plays let the audience in on the plot, not many do it from the point of the antagonist. Through this device used by Shakespeare, the audience knows everything the villain is about to do. Although Iago is definitely not a character to sympathize with, the audience finds itself wondering and to see if this plan will actually work and unfold as told. Also, while Iago is far from sane, he exhibits common human fears and emotions. Unfortunately, it isn't uncommon for a man to suspect infidelity, like Iago. While his fear may be unwarranted, it's plausible. The imperfect, evil, maniacal, and deceitful Iago definitely has trust and self-confidence issues and feels wronged by the world and must concoct an evil plan to get even with everyone.
Response to question #5 on themes
"Make me to see't, or at least so prove it that the probation bear no hinge nor loop to hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life (III.iii.365-367)!" -Othello
While going through this play, I haven't really thought too much about theme; I've been more focused on trying to figure out what Shakespeare is even saying. But, once I've figured out the plot and stumbled upon this question, I have a general feel of some of the themes. One of the things I have found is how easy it has been for Iago to draw out these bad traits from characteristically good people. He makes Othello jealous, Cassio a belligerent drunk, and makes his wife a thief. With these events, it seems Shakespeare is trying to point out the flaws of all men, even men we consider great, like Othello. Iago is able to mold other flimsy characters like Roderigo to do his will because of his simple mind, but he is even able to make a maniac out of reasonable man in Othello. The theme of the fact that humans are weak and easily manipulated isn't exactly the same as "live life to the fullest". While the theme is gloomy, it may be one of truths of humanity we sometimes fail to recognize.
Response it #4 on suspense
"Hell and nigh must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light (I.iii. 383-384)." - Iago
Throughout Othello, it becomes pretty clear that Iago is the only character fully aware of what's going on. This is due mainly because he is the architect of the master plan. While other characters call him trustworthy and loyal Iago, he plots behind their backs. This is in part what creates suspense in this play. The reader knows of Iago's plan but is in the dark to specifics entirely until the plan comes to fruition. What is also suspenseful throughout is waiting and seeing if one of the characters is going to catch on and spoil the evil plot. While the audience is watching the plot unfold flawlessly, they feel helpless. In the audience knowing of Iago's plan and the characters not knowing, the dramatic irony creates most of the suspense in Othello.
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