A Jury of her Peers
Susan Glaspell
A major theme in this short story is the assumption of gender roles in society. Since it was written nearly a hundred years ago, many things have changed and adapted in our modern society. The kitchen was the place for women in this time, and they assumed the role of housewife and homemaker. Interestingly, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters determined Mrs. Wright's state of mind from the way she had left her kitchen. The men don't get much out of this because they are so used to just having women take care of those sorts of things. "I shouldn't say she had the homemaking instinct" (Glaspell, page 413) expresses Mr. Hale's judgement of Mrs. Peters. His wife subtly disagrees and further explains Mrs Peters' role in making their home.
The first question in the book is also interesting because I hadn't given that much thought. Men were only granted the right to a jury of peers. The plot of this short story is ironic because the women are the ones to discover the truth and try Mrs. Peters when the men were the ones with the original right and were thought of to be more intelligent and intuitive with matters of the law.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Barbie Doll
"Barbie Doll"
Marge Piercy
This is probably the weirdest piece we're reading in this unit. The questions in the book were interesting, so I'll focus on some of them. She is different from a barbie doll in that she changes through the "magic of puberty" (Piercy, line 5). She also has a big nose and fat legs, which is nothing like the image of a usual barbie. She is also healthy, intelligent and strong, which demonstrate her deviation from the stereotypical barbie-like woman. The bittersweet ending proves her having accomplished looking so pretty, but she never got to appreciate it while alive. No one could see past her imperfections when she was younger, but they all claimed her to be so pretty after she had passed away. The third question is also interesting--I think the author used those phrases to prove her willingness to persevere and change herself.
The structure is also important because it does not really follow a set pattern for poetry. There are three stanzas, and each one is longer than the previous one. This adds to the depth of the barbie doll character in that she changed and adapted as she grew.
Marge Piercy
This is probably the weirdest piece we're reading in this unit. The questions in the book were interesting, so I'll focus on some of them. She is different from a barbie doll in that she changes through the "magic of puberty" (Piercy, line 5). She also has a big nose and fat legs, which is nothing like the image of a usual barbie. She is also healthy, intelligent and strong, which demonstrate her deviation from the stereotypical barbie-like woman. The bittersweet ending proves her having accomplished looking so pretty, but she never got to appreciate it while alive. No one could see past her imperfections when she was younger, but they all claimed her to be so pretty after she had passed away. The third question is also interesting--I think the author used those phrases to prove her willingness to persevere and change herself.
The structure is also important because it does not really follow a set pattern for poetry. There are three stanzas, and each one is longer than the previous one. This adds to the depth of the barbie doll character in that she changed and adapted as she grew.
To his Coy Mistress
"To his Coy Mistress"
Andrew Marvell
This poem was hilarious, mainly because the person who had my book previously wrote some awesome comments in the margins. He crudely translated many of the lines with hilarious modern phrases, but I think his analysis is a bit off.
The first thing I noticed with this poem is the hint at prose it offers with the indented paragraphs. This breaks up the poem into three segments, which I would not necessarily call stanzas. The first section presents the speaker's view that he and his mistress would be together if they only had more time--possibly, he means another life. Like, he wants to be with her, but he knows that it's not possibly in the current situation. The middle part of the poem demonstrates his longing for their relationship, but he always hears "Time's winged chariot hurrying near" (Marvell, line 22). This section ends with his expressing that he could only be with her in heaven, but no couples "embrace" in the afterlife. [Or as the prior owner of my book would say, "let's bang in a cemetery". I think that's slightly off, though... ;)] The last part of the poem shows his desire to live life now and enjoy the present because they may not have a future relationship.
Andrew Marvell
This poem was hilarious, mainly because the person who had my book previously wrote some awesome comments in the margins. He crudely translated many of the lines with hilarious modern phrases, but I think his analysis is a bit off.
The first thing I noticed with this poem is the hint at prose it offers with the indented paragraphs. This breaks up the poem into three segments, which I would not necessarily call stanzas. The first section presents the speaker's view that he and his mistress would be together if they only had more time--possibly, he means another life. Like, he wants to be with her, but he knows that it's not possibly in the current situation. The middle part of the poem demonstrates his longing for their relationship, but he always hears "Time's winged chariot hurrying near" (Marvell, line 22). This section ends with his expressing that he could only be with her in heaven, but no couples "embrace" in the afterlife. [Or as the prior owner of my book would say, "let's bang in a cemetery". I think that's slightly off, though... ;)] The last part of the poem shows his desire to live life now and enjoy the present because they may not have a future relationship.
Hunters in the Snow
Hunters in the Snow
Tobias Wolff
This story is awful in that the main characters are so mean to each other and they show no regard for their supposed friends. While funny, many of the comments, such as "it's the first diet I ever heard of where you gained weight from it," (Wolff, page 189) are very offensive disrespectful to each other.
A major element in this short story is the characterization of Kenny, Tub, and Frank. Tub is described as being fat, which is constantly brought up by his two friends in an offensive manner. The audience often feels sympathy for this particular character because he is made fun of so often by Kenny and Frank and he seems to have a serious problem with eating. Frank is an interesting character who is apparently in love with a fifteen-year-old babysitter. Kenny is annoying and the most aggressive in my opinion; he immaturely runs around and randomly (well, not really...) shoots the old dog.
All three are characterized as children because of the way they behave and treat each other. After the shooting incident, they immaturely point fingers at each other and get nothing solved. They also make fun of each other constantly and seem to have no respect, much like young children.
I couldn't really determine the exact ages of the three men because the author left out certain details in the story. We can guess approximate ages, but it seems important to the actions of the characters, such as in Frank's case with his declaring his love for a fifteen year old babysitter...
Tobias Wolff
This story is awful in that the main characters are so mean to each other and they show no regard for their supposed friends. While funny, many of the comments, such as "it's the first diet I ever heard of where you gained weight from it," (Wolff, page 189) are very offensive disrespectful to each other.
A major element in this short story is the characterization of Kenny, Tub, and Frank. Tub is described as being fat, which is constantly brought up by his two friends in an offensive manner. The audience often feels sympathy for this particular character because he is made fun of so often by Kenny and Frank and he seems to have a serious problem with eating. Frank is an interesting character who is apparently in love with a fifteen-year-old babysitter. Kenny is annoying and the most aggressive in my opinion; he immaturely runs around and randomly (well, not really...) shoots the old dog.
All three are characterized as children because of the way they behave and treat each other. After the shooting incident, they immaturely point fingers at each other and get nothing solved. They also make fun of each other constantly and seem to have no respect, much like young children.
I couldn't really determine the exact ages of the three men because the author left out certain details in the story. We can guess approximate ages, but it seems important to the actions of the characters, such as in Frank's case with his declaring his love for a fifteen year old babysitter...
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Othello
Othello
William Shakespeare
I want to spend my last post covering the change between Act I Othello and Othello at the end of the play. In the first Act, he is calm, rational, and even tempered when dealing with difficulties and problems. He had also proven himself in his accomplishments in certain battles and in how he treated his wife, whom he loved. When Barbantio freaks about his daughter's having married the Moor, Othello remains level headed and calmly asks for Desdemona's explanation. I loved that scene because their love was evident and felt by both (at the time). Of course, Iago had to come around and screw everything up, and Othello was never the same. By the final Act, things have changed dramatically, and Othello behaves viscously and murders the woman he had once loved so dearly. "Killing myself, to die upon a kiss" (V.ii.359) ends his life and explains his sorrow for having murdered his love.
Obviously, I have many theories as to Iago's motives throughout the entire play, and I heard Mr. Litz claim that Iago is gay, which would actually make a lot of sense. In Shakespeare's time, I'm sure no one openly spoke about it, so it makes sense that Iago wouldn't either, and he does seem to be after the men who would be the ones more likely to judge him. Maybe, he was secretly attracted to Othello... Anyway, he did come up with the story of Cassio kissing him and putting his thigh on his while sleeping, so I dont know...
William Shakespeare
I want to spend my last post covering the change between Act I Othello and Othello at the end of the play. In the first Act, he is calm, rational, and even tempered when dealing with difficulties and problems. He had also proven himself in his accomplishments in certain battles and in how he treated his wife, whom he loved. When Barbantio freaks about his daughter's having married the Moor, Othello remains level headed and calmly asks for Desdemona's explanation. I loved that scene because their love was evident and felt by both (at the time). Of course, Iago had to come around and screw everything up, and Othello was never the same. By the final Act, things have changed dramatically, and Othello behaves viscously and murders the woman he had once loved so dearly. "Killing myself, to die upon a kiss" (V.ii.359) ends his life and explains his sorrow for having murdered his love.
Obviously, I have many theories as to Iago's motives throughout the entire play, and I heard Mr. Litz claim that Iago is gay, which would actually make a lot of sense. In Shakespeare's time, I'm sure no one openly spoke about it, so it makes sense that Iago wouldn't either, and he does seem to be after the men who would be the ones more likely to judge him. Maybe, he was secretly attracted to Othello... Anyway, he did come up with the story of Cassio kissing him and putting his thigh on his while sleeping, so I dont know...
Othello Act V
Othello
William Shakespeare
Finally, some action!... As with all tragedies, there were many deaths in this final scene, but I must say that I was expecting at least one death to occur within the first half of the play.
Lines 294-295 explain the irony of the situation by claiming Othello to be an "honorable murderer," which seems to be a paradox. Usually, people who kill other people are seen to have no honor because they don't have respect for life, but really it applies in this situation as Othello killed Desdemona in order to preserve his, and possibly, her honor. Obviously, I don't think he should have killed either one of them, but the title is fitting in his case.
I am glad that Othello learned that Des had not been unfaithful because I would have been furious if he had died without that important knowledge. Maybe, he wouldn't have even died yet if he hadn't found out. I think he would have been able to convince others that she deserved what happened, and I don't think they would have had a problem with it. That doesn't matter now that he killed himself, but I just wanted to say I was glad he learned the truth. Too often in tragedies the protagonists die without even knowing the truth...
And no, I don't think Iago deserves the title of Greatest Villain of all Time because he did not murder hundreds of people, as other villains have done. However, I believe praise is in order for his amazing ability to deceive others and manipulate them.
William Shakespeare
Finally, some action!... As with all tragedies, there were many deaths in this final scene, but I must say that I was expecting at least one death to occur within the first half of the play.
Lines 294-295 explain the irony of the situation by claiming Othello to be an "honorable murderer," which seems to be a paradox. Usually, people who kill other people are seen to have no honor because they don't have respect for life, but really it applies in this situation as Othello killed Desdemona in order to preserve his, and possibly, her honor. Obviously, I don't think he should have killed either one of them, but the title is fitting in his case.
I am glad that Othello learned that Des had not been unfaithful because I would have been furious if he had died without that important knowledge. Maybe, he wouldn't have even died yet if he hadn't found out. I think he would have been able to convince others that she deserved what happened, and I don't think they would have had a problem with it. That doesn't matter now that he killed himself, but I just wanted to say I was glad he learned the truth. Too often in tragedies the protagonists die without even knowing the truth...
And no, I don't think Iago deserves the title of Greatest Villain of all Time because he did not murder hundreds of people, as other villains have done. However, I believe praise is in order for his amazing ability to deceive others and manipulate them.
Othello Act IV
Othello
William Shakespeare
Scene 2 opens with what I think to be a misunderstanding between Othello and Emilia who are discussing his wife with Cassio. I think Othello is asking about their intimacy when he asks "What, did they never whisper?"(IV.ii.6), and I think Emilia assumes he means normal speech. Othello is now looking for reasons to distrust and incriminate Des, so I think he assumes the worst and wants a reason. Even Emilia's constant assurances that Des is loyal and a faithful wife cannot convince Othello, as his even more loyal companion Iago has already fed him a string of lies--which he believes of course, or this would not be a Shakespearian tragedy... I alays hate scenes like this, where the audience knows one character is being honest, yet the other character does not believe her. Well, I guess we don't know for sure if she is being faithful or not, but I think she is because we are privy to only the protagonist's thoughts, which include orchestrating lies about Desdemona. I am confused about a couple parts of their conversation--why did she bring up her father? I think I might have missed part of the connection between him and Othello, or maybe I misread that part of the conversation. Also, she claims that she understands his fury...she just doesn't understand why he is furious a her. That does not make sense because we have no previous knowledge of her thoughts, and why would she think his anger appropriate.
William Shakespeare
Scene 2 opens with what I think to be a misunderstanding between Othello and Emilia who are discussing his wife with Cassio. I think Othello is asking about their intimacy when he asks "What, did they never whisper?"(IV.ii.6), and I think Emilia assumes he means normal speech. Othello is now looking for reasons to distrust and incriminate Des, so I think he assumes the worst and wants a reason. Even Emilia's constant assurances that Des is loyal and a faithful wife cannot convince Othello, as his even more loyal companion Iago has already fed him a string of lies--which he believes of course, or this would not be a Shakespearian tragedy... I alays hate scenes like this, where the audience knows one character is being honest, yet the other character does not believe her. Well, I guess we don't know for sure if she is being faithful or not, but I think she is because we are privy to only the protagonist's thoughts, which include orchestrating lies about Desdemona. I am confused about a couple parts of their conversation--why did she bring up her father? I think I might have missed part of the connection between him and Othello, or maybe I misread that part of the conversation. Also, she claims that she understands his fury...she just doesn't understand why he is furious a her. That does not make sense because we have no previous knowledge of her thoughts, and why would she think his anger appropriate.
Othello Act IV
Othello
William Shakespeare
The fourth act was the most interesting so far because it finally gave some direction as to where the play was finally headed. Throughout the first three acts, we see nearly every character make plans, but we don't really find out exactly what's in store until the fourth act. One of my favorite scenes so far is when Iago tricks Othello into thinking that Cassio is talking about Desdemona, though he is really speaking about Bianca. This scene is pivotal in convincing Othello of Desdemona's affair with Cassio because it also offers ocular proof--the handkerchief. This scene also displays some of Iago's best work, namely his deceit and false loyalty. The stage directions and ques are also important in this scene because they allow the audience to know which characters know what and hear what. In the film version we watched in class, Iago whispers "Bianca," so Othello does now know when the conversation switches from Desdsemona to Cassio's mistress. That was a good interpretation because it further demonstrated Iago's wit and ability to smoothly other people. One of my favorite lines is when Iago says "With her, on her; what you will," (IV.i.43)because it's hilarious to begin with but also gives Othello the chance to imagine his wife with Cassio, which further adds to his rage. Iago knows precisely what will trigger a response from Othello and he advantageously uses this knowledge to convince him of Desdemona's unfaithfulness. As I have said in almost every entry, I am still waiting for him to earn the title Greatest Villain of all Time...
William Shakespeare
The fourth act was the most interesting so far because it finally gave some direction as to where the play was finally headed. Throughout the first three acts, we see nearly every character make plans, but we don't really find out exactly what's in store until the fourth act. One of my favorite scenes so far is when Iago tricks Othello into thinking that Cassio is talking about Desdemona, though he is really speaking about Bianca. This scene is pivotal in convincing Othello of Desdemona's affair with Cassio because it also offers ocular proof--the handkerchief. This scene also displays some of Iago's best work, namely his deceit and false loyalty. The stage directions and ques are also important in this scene because they allow the audience to know which characters know what and hear what. In the film version we watched in class, Iago whispers "Bianca," so Othello does now know when the conversation switches from Desdsemona to Cassio's mistress. That was a good interpretation because it further demonstrated Iago's wit and ability to smoothly other people. One of my favorite lines is when Iago says "With her, on her; what you will," (IV.i.43)because it's hilarious to begin with but also gives Othello the chance to imagine his wife with Cassio, which further adds to his rage. Iago knows precisely what will trigger a response from Othello and he advantageously uses this knowledge to convince him of Desdemona's unfaithfulness. As I have said in almost every entry, I am still waiting for him to earn the title Greatest Villain of all Time...
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Othello Act III
Othello
William Shakespeare
Here we finally see the important symbol of a handkerchief, which we knew was important though we hadn't seen it so far. The handkerchief first appears in Act III when Des drops it--Othello had given it to her on their honeymoon, so it is very important to both of them. This symbol of their love and unity is dropped both literally and figuratively. Emilia then delivers the handkerchief to Iago, who sees a different meaning behind it. Of course, word comes around that Cassio has it, which would greatly upset Othello. I love the line "What will you do with "t, that you have been so earnest To have me filch it?" (Shakespeare, III.iii. 315-316) because it shows how others begin to see Iago. He plays into the major theme of jealousy and hatred as he is the one to tell Othello. While he appears to be the honest, loyal friend here, the audience knows his terrible, selfish motives behind his actions. I still don't understand how Iago is supposed to be so evil, when he doesn't actually kill people or do terrible deeds. I'm waiting for this terrible thing to happen, but he's just manipulating other people and trying to achieve his own ends. I definitely would not call him the most evil villain.
William Shakespeare
Here we finally see the important symbol of a handkerchief, which we knew was important though we hadn't seen it so far. The handkerchief first appears in Act III when Des drops it--Othello had given it to her on their honeymoon, so it is very important to both of them. This symbol of their love and unity is dropped both literally and figuratively. Emilia then delivers the handkerchief to Iago, who sees a different meaning behind it. Of course, word comes around that Cassio has it, which would greatly upset Othello. I love the line "What will you do with "t, that you have been so earnest To have me filch it?" (Shakespeare, III.iii. 315-316) because it shows how others begin to see Iago. He plays into the major theme of jealousy and hatred as he is the one to tell Othello. While he appears to be the honest, loyal friend here, the audience knows his terrible, selfish motives behind his actions. I still don't understand how Iago is supposed to be so evil, when he doesn't actually kill people or do terrible deeds. I'm waiting for this terrible thing to happen, but he's just manipulating other people and trying to achieve his own ends. I definitely would not call him the most evil villain.
Othello
Othello
William Shakespeare
The characterization is very important to the play and its overall meaning because the characters are so interesting, especially Iago.
Iago is interestingly the main character in the work, but he is also the antagonist which does not happen in many plays. Normally, we are privy to the thoughts, feelings, and motives behind the protagonist, so that makes this play more interesting and unique. Iago claims he is "honest"(Shakespeare, like every other line...), but the audience knows the truth because we hear his thoughts and motives. He acts as though he is loyal to Othello and Roderigo, but we know that he has his own selfish reasons in mind. One of my favorite parts is when he claims he does not know for sure if Emilia has been cheating on him, and then he claims that he will act as if it's true. That cracked me up, but it was really not good because it will probably cause someone's death in the future.
Othello, the protagonist, is portrayed as similar to Iago, but we know that only one of them is genuine. Othello is valiant, confident, and calm/rational, as we've seen from his accomplishments in battle and his dealings with others. I also love his love story with Des because it further proves his genuine motives and confident manner.
William Shakespeare
The characterization is very important to the play and its overall meaning because the characters are so interesting, especially Iago.
Iago is interestingly the main character in the work, but he is also the antagonist which does not happen in many plays. Normally, we are privy to the thoughts, feelings, and motives behind the protagonist, so that makes this play more interesting and unique. Iago claims he is "honest"(Shakespeare, like every other line...), but the audience knows the truth because we hear his thoughts and motives. He acts as though he is loyal to Othello and Roderigo, but we know that he has his own selfish reasons in mind. One of my favorite parts is when he claims he does not know for sure if Emilia has been cheating on him, and then he claims that he will act as if it's true. That cracked me up, but it was really not good because it will probably cause someone's death in the future.
Othello, the protagonist, is portrayed as similar to Iago, but we know that only one of them is genuine. Othello is valiant, confident, and calm/rational, as we've seen from his accomplishments in battle and his dealings with others. I also love his love story with Des because it further proves his genuine motives and confident manner.
Othello Act II
Othello
William Shakespeare
The second act includes further stereotyping and comments regarding specific gender roles, which was probably very common in the time period. Iago is the main culprit in this situation because he has some pretty interesting views of women and their roles in marriage. This is demonstrated by his actions toward and concerning his wife Emilia, who he often seems to ignore and even dislike. Even though she only speaks several times in Act II, Emilia comes off as a normal, polite women, yet Iago claims she is "pictures out of doors" (Shakespeare, II.i.109). He also talks about the four different types of women and offers compliments for each type. These are hilarious, but on a deeper level, they explain the real thoughts of Iago who believes all women manipulate men. I think that maybe Emilia either tricked him, or maybe her father or something. Well, she seems nice and polite, so I don't know about her having manipulated him, but we'll see. We don't know anything about Iago's father, but maybe his home as a child influenced his views of women and their roles in life--making babies and keeping households. That was also funny, but kind of a serious problem because some people unfortunately still hold similar beliefs.
William Shakespeare
The second act includes further stereotyping and comments regarding specific gender roles, which was probably very common in the time period. Iago is the main culprit in this situation because he has some pretty interesting views of women and their roles in marriage. This is demonstrated by his actions toward and concerning his wife Emilia, who he often seems to ignore and even dislike. Even though she only speaks several times in Act II, Emilia comes off as a normal, polite women, yet Iago claims she is "pictures out of doors" (Shakespeare, II.i.109). He also talks about the four different types of women and offers compliments for each type. These are hilarious, but on a deeper level, they explain the real thoughts of Iago who believes all women manipulate men. I think that maybe Emilia either tricked him, or maybe her father or something. Well, she seems nice and polite, so I don't know about her having manipulated him, but we'll see. We don't know anything about Iago's father, but maybe his home as a child influenced his views of women and their roles in life--making babies and keeping households. That was also funny, but kind of a serious problem because some people unfortunately still hold similar beliefs.
Othello Act I
Othello
William Shakespeare
A major theme prevalent in the first scene is racism and stereotyping. From the first conversations, we see the manner in which Othello is portrayed by his friend, Iago. He refers to him as simply "the Moor" and often "black" because he is from Morocco. When Iago talks to Barbantio, he claims that "an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe," (Shakespeare, I.i. 88-89). While this made us all laugh because of the sexual implication, it further demonstrates Iago's negative view of Othello and foreshadows something--most likely his death later in the play. Barbantio goes right along with Iago's claims about Othello because he does not want his daughter to marry someone without his consent. He does change his mind, however, when Des says she really does love Othello. I really enjoyed this scene because it was a nice little love story, which hasn't ended in tragedy yet.
And I don't really understand why some people say Iago is the greatest villain of all time because he really hasn't done anything terrible yet. Normal villains kill many people and perform terrible deeds, yet he has just betrayed and manipulated others who thought him to be so "honest." While I know this play is a tragedy and many people are likely to die by the end, I wonder what Iago will actually do next...
William Shakespeare
A major theme prevalent in the first scene is racism and stereotyping. From the first conversations, we see the manner in which Othello is portrayed by his friend, Iago. He refers to him as simply "the Moor" and often "black" because he is from Morocco. When Iago talks to Barbantio, he claims that "an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe," (Shakespeare, I.i. 88-89). While this made us all laugh because of the sexual implication, it further demonstrates Iago's negative view of Othello and foreshadows something--most likely his death later in the play. Barbantio goes right along with Iago's claims about Othello because he does not want his daughter to marry someone without his consent. He does change his mind, however, when Des says she really does love Othello. I really enjoyed this scene because it was a nice little love story, which hasn't ended in tragedy yet.
And I don't really understand why some people say Iago is the greatest villain of all time because he really hasn't done anything terrible yet. Normal villains kill many people and perform terrible deeds, yet he has just betrayed and manipulated others who thought him to be so "honest." While I know this play is a tragedy and many people are likely to die by the end, I wonder what Iago will actually do next...
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