-Compare uses and/or abuses of power as a theme in novels or short stories you have read. Say what this theme and its presentation contribute to each work you discuss.
-Look for the theme of power and the uses and/or abuses and how it affects each work.
-Darkness at Noon, The Metamorphosis
-To what extent would you agree that plot should be valued more highly than style in the novel and short story? In your answer you should refer to two or three novels or short stories you have studied.
-Should plot be valued more highly than style?
-Plot and style
-As I Lay Dying, The Bluest Eye
Monday, May 4, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Preparing for Paper I: The Unseen Commentary
I. Introduction
Thesis: In the poem "The Voice," Thomas Hardy develops a reminiscent mood to characterize the object, or the woman, that this poem is about.
II. Body
A. Repetition
1. "you"
a. addressing the mysterious woman that the narrator was once associated with
b. reveals that he is constantly thinking about her
c. emphasizes his obsession and reminiscence
2. repetition of rhetorical questions
a. narrator is disillusioned
b. reveals narrator's hopefulness
B. Diction
1. "or is it only"
a. makes everything else seem insignificant
b. de-emphasizes the importance of nature
c. supports narrator's obsession. wants the woman more than the world
2. "dissolved"
a. dehumanizes
b. in denial that the woman went away. disillusioned
3. "wan wistfulness"
a. sad, lonely, melancholy
b. desire and denial. slow acceptance
4. "faltering"
a. unsteady, unsure. in denial that it is not the woman
b. reconsidering whether it really is the woman
C. rhyme/meter
1. the rhyme scheme begins in the second stanza and continues to the end. the lack of the same structure in the first stanza indicates that the narrator is distraught.
III. Conclusion
Thesis: In the poem "The Voice," Thomas Hardy develops a reminiscent mood to characterize the object, or the woman, that this poem is about.
II. Body
A. Repetition
1. "you"
a. addressing the mysterious woman that the narrator was once associated with
b. reveals that he is constantly thinking about her
c. emphasizes his obsession and reminiscence
2. repetition of rhetorical questions
a. narrator is disillusioned
b. reveals narrator's hopefulness
B. Diction
1. "or is it only"
a. makes everything else seem insignificant
b. de-emphasizes the importance of nature
c. supports narrator's obsession. wants the woman more than the world
2. "dissolved"
a. dehumanizes
b. in denial that the woman went away. disillusioned
3. "wan wistfulness"
a. sad, lonely, melancholy
b. desire and denial. slow acceptance
4. "faltering"
a. unsteady, unsure. in denial that it is not the woman
b. reconsidering whether it really is the woman
C. rhyme/meter
1. the rhyme scheme begins in the second stanza and continues to the end. the lack of the same structure in the first stanza indicates that the narrator is distraught.
III. Conclusion
Thursday, March 26, 2009
MacGowan - Character Analysis
MacGowan is a young man that works at the local drugstore in Jefferson. He is manipulative and takes advantage of Dewey Dell's naivety. He notices right away that Dewey Dell is a country girl and assumes that she is uneducated. He and Jody, another employee, repeat and refer to Dewey Dell as a country girl and that she "looks pretty good, for a country girl" (242). MacGowan analyzes Dewey Dell's character and notices that she is "one of them black eyed ones that look like she'd as soon put a knife in you as not if you two-timed her" (242).
MacGowan continues talking to Dewey Dell who is in the drugstore in order to get drugs to "cure" her pregnancy. She is not easily convinced by MacGowan, who continues to believe that she is very naive and uneducated. MacGowan asks Dewey Dell if she is married but thinks to himself, "I never saw no ring. But like as not, they aint heard yet out there that they use rings" (243-244). He continues this assumption and answers her scrutiny about his credibility by explaining that, even though he is young and handsome, he is a doctor because women didn't get sick anymore until there were new doctors that were young and handsome. There is no evidence whether Dewey Dell believed this. Dewey Dell is obviously desperate because she repeats that she has money for the medicine and she says that she needs a doctor, even if he really isn't qualified.
In the end, Dewey Dell realises that she must do certain favors for MacGowan in order to get the medicine. However, MacGowan still believes that he has tricked Dewey Dell. He fills a flask with turpentine and gives it to her but she immediately recognizes the smell. Being desperate and in panic, Dewey Dell drinks the turpentine and promises to come back later to receive the rest of the medicine. Dewey Dell realises afterwards, or perhaps before, that the medicine will not work and that MacGowan was lying because she states, "It aint going to work" (251) after meeting with MacGowan for the rest of the medicine.
MacGowan is a trickster and a womanizer. He took advantage of Dewey Dell but still believed it was because she was uneducated and not because she was desperate and in panic.
MacGowan continues talking to Dewey Dell who is in the drugstore in order to get drugs to "cure" her pregnancy. She is not easily convinced by MacGowan, who continues to believe that she is very naive and uneducated. MacGowan asks Dewey Dell if she is married but thinks to himself, "I never saw no ring. But like as not, they aint heard yet out there that they use rings" (243-244). He continues this assumption and answers her scrutiny about his credibility by explaining that, even though he is young and handsome, he is a doctor because women didn't get sick anymore until there were new doctors that were young and handsome. There is no evidence whether Dewey Dell believed this. Dewey Dell is obviously desperate because she repeats that she has money for the medicine and she says that she needs a doctor, even if he really isn't qualified.
In the end, Dewey Dell realises that she must do certain favors for MacGowan in order to get the medicine. However, MacGowan still believes that he has tricked Dewey Dell. He fills a flask with turpentine and gives it to her but she immediately recognizes the smell. Being desperate and in panic, Dewey Dell drinks the turpentine and promises to come back later to receive the rest of the medicine. Dewey Dell realises afterwards, or perhaps before, that the medicine will not work and that MacGowan was lying because she states, "It aint going to work" (251) after meeting with MacGowan for the rest of the medicine.
MacGowan is a trickster and a womanizer. He took advantage of Dewey Dell but still believed it was because she was uneducated and not because she was desperate and in panic.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Siren Song Commentary
In the poem "Siren Song," Margaret Atwood uses a helpless tone to develop the theme of deception. She describes the men as being egotistical and the women as deceitful and crafty in using these two elements to lure men to their death.
Atwood uses repetition throughout the poem. In the third stanza, Atwood repeats "I" which makes it seem as if the speaker is victimizing herself to get sympathy. This repetition puts emphasis on the fact that the siren focuses on herself, seeming helpless and also drawing attention away from the sailor's ego. Atwood enforces this through the repetition of "you" in the last few lines. This repetition emphasizes the fact that the siren is clearly addressing and acknowledging the listener. Atwood also uses phrases such as "a cry for help" and "squatting on this island" which contribute to the helpless tone and cause the listener to sympathize with the siren and try to help. She uses masculine, war-related words such as "forces" and "squadrons" to cause the listener to become more egotistical.
Atwood's tone changes from helpless to bored in the last stanza. This is seen in the phrase, "Alas it is a boring song but it works every time." This indicates that the siren knows that she is in control and that she is bored that the song works every time to bring a man to despair and death. Atwood also repeats in the beginning of the poem that this is a "song," yet the siren merely speaks these words; possibly tricking the man into thinking that he is not listening to the deceitful song at the moment.
Atwood uses repetition throughout the poem. In the third stanza, Atwood repeats "I" which makes it seem as if the speaker is victimizing herself to get sympathy. This repetition puts emphasis on the fact that the siren focuses on herself, seeming helpless and also drawing attention away from the sailor's ego. Atwood enforces this through the repetition of "you" in the last few lines. This repetition emphasizes the fact that the siren is clearly addressing and acknowledging the listener. Atwood also uses phrases such as "a cry for help" and "squatting on this island" which contribute to the helpless tone and cause the listener to sympathize with the siren and try to help. She uses masculine, war-related words such as "forces" and "squadrons" to cause the listener to become more egotistical.
Atwood's tone changes from helpless to bored in the last stanza. This is seen in the phrase, "Alas it is a boring song but it works every time." This indicates that the siren knows that she is in control and that she is bored that the song works every time to bring a man to despair and death. Atwood also repeats in the beginning of the poem that this is a "song," yet the siren merely speaks these words; possibly tricking the man into thinking that he is not listening to the deceitful song at the moment.
Atwood's use of repetiton, diction, and tone contribute to the deception the sirens are able to create and the power they have over men. She uses this fact to criticize egotistical men and their view of women.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Midterm Break Plog
In the poem "Midterm Break," Seamus Heaney uses an almost indifferent tone in an attempt to create a comforting mood. He develops this tone through diction and the speaker reveals his true feelings through the use of euphemisms and ambiguity.
The poem begins with the auditory imagery of bells tolling and could be seen as either funeral bells or as a sign as the end of classes. Next, there is visual imagery such as the father crying, showing his sorrow physically. The speaker also describes the corpse of the little boy in detail. He examines that there is a "poppy bruise on his left temple" and notes that the boy was "paler now." These two lines indicate that the speaker was thoroughly examining the body, found no "gaudy scars," only a bruise and also notes that the body was paler than the last time the speaker saw him. At this point, the speaker indicates that it has been a while since he has seen this boy but the speaker remembers how the boy looked before. The speaker goes on to call the coffin a "four-foot box," effectively creating a euphemism which indicates that he is trying to comfort either himself or those around him. Throughout the poem, the speaker shows little emotion. He says his father is crying, not the speaker. The speaker felt embarrassed to shake the hands of the people trying to comfort him. Also, the speaker holds his mother's hand while she "coughed out angry tearless sighs." It seems as if he is trying to comfort her by not showing emotion because it is apparent that she is trying to hold back her emotions.
Heaney develops a sense of alienation throughout the poem. It starts with the speaker getting picked up with neighbors, not his own parents. The speaker seems to feel uncomfortable and embarrassed around the guests and "strangers" at his house. Heaney uses the word "strangers" to emphasize the alienation. The speaker also mentions that it has been six weeks since he's seen his brother.
Heaney also introduces a contrasting element in the poem which can contribute to the confusion the speaker may be feeling. In the third stanza, Heaney begins with the description of a baby cooing and ends the stanza with the words "old men." The baby is youthful and is still full of life whereas the old men are nearer to death than the baby. The speaker brings this point up again in the last stanza. Heaney repeats the fact that the coffin was four feet long, emphasizing the youth of the boy and contrasting it with the reality that he is dead. Heaney also reiterates the fact that the boy was young by using only one line instead of a stanza to show the finality and shortness of life for the young boy.
Although Heaney makes it seem as if the speaker is indifferent, there are clear signs that the speaker actually cares very deeply about the boy that died. The apathy and themes of alienation contribute to the possibility that the speaker did not know how to act properly in that sort of situation.
The poem begins with the auditory imagery of bells tolling and could be seen as either funeral bells or as a sign as the end of classes. Next, there is visual imagery such as the father crying, showing his sorrow physically. The speaker also describes the corpse of the little boy in detail. He examines that there is a "poppy bruise on his left temple" and notes that the boy was "paler now." These two lines indicate that the speaker was thoroughly examining the body, found no "gaudy scars," only a bruise and also notes that the body was paler than the last time the speaker saw him. At this point, the speaker indicates that it has been a while since he has seen this boy but the speaker remembers how the boy looked before. The speaker goes on to call the coffin a "four-foot box," effectively creating a euphemism which indicates that he is trying to comfort either himself or those around him. Throughout the poem, the speaker shows little emotion. He says his father is crying, not the speaker. The speaker felt embarrassed to shake the hands of the people trying to comfort him. Also, the speaker holds his mother's hand while she "coughed out angry tearless sighs." It seems as if he is trying to comfort her by not showing emotion because it is apparent that she is trying to hold back her emotions.
Heaney develops a sense of alienation throughout the poem. It starts with the speaker getting picked up with neighbors, not his own parents. The speaker seems to feel uncomfortable and embarrassed around the guests and "strangers" at his house. Heaney uses the word "strangers" to emphasize the alienation. The speaker also mentions that it has been six weeks since he's seen his brother.
Heaney also introduces a contrasting element in the poem which can contribute to the confusion the speaker may be feeling. In the third stanza, Heaney begins with the description of a baby cooing and ends the stanza with the words "old men." The baby is youthful and is still full of life whereas the old men are nearer to death than the baby. The speaker brings this point up again in the last stanza. Heaney repeats the fact that the coffin was four feet long, emphasizing the youth of the boy and contrasting it with the reality that he is dead. Heaney also reiterates the fact that the boy was young by using only one line instead of a stanza to show the finality and shortness of life for the young boy.
Although Heaney makes it seem as if the speaker is indifferent, there are clear signs that the speaker actually cares very deeply about the boy that died. The apathy and themes of alienation contribute to the possibility that the speaker did not know how to act properly in that sort of situation.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Punishment Poetry Blog
In the poem "Punishment," Seamus Heaney uses diction to show the chaos and disorder the speaker experiences as he examines the punishment done to the girl.
Heaney introduces a lot of contrast in the poem. For example, in the last stanza, he pairs the words "intimate" and "revenge." Along with the words "civilized" and "outrage." Intimate and civilized have positive connotations whereas revenge and outrage are negative. These oxymorons are both in the last stanza, giving a lasting impression of insanity. The speaker's insanity is developed throughout the poem. It is most evident in his descriptions of the corpse. He spends more than half the poem describing the state the corpse is in and recalling what the corpse looked like when it was still human. The speaker obsesses over the corpse and, more specifically, the punishment inflicted upon the corpse. He describes the more gruesome details about the corpse and even mentions that if he were to "cast...the stones of silence," he would have.
Heaney uses short, interrupted sentences in the beginning of this poem. This shows that the speaker is either distressed or eager to describe the corpse. He also jumps from thought to thought, further emphasizing the insanity of the speaker. He constantly contrasts himself; the speaker "almost [loves] the girl" but he would be able to punish her if given the chance. He also enjoys seeing the corpse's insides as they are revealed. The speaker introduces a lustful tone as he uses the word "voyeur" which establishes a relationship between the girl and the speaker.
The literary techniques such as oxymorons, diction, and the contrast contribute to the overall disorder of the poem which contributes to the speaker's disillusioned state of mind.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning: Poetry Log 2: Week 2: Semester 2: IB English 2
In the poem, "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," John Donne uses diction to create a calming and reassuring tone. This poem can be interpreted as the speaker reassuring his lover that they will always be together, even when the speaker dies.
Donne uses the repetition of the numbers "one" and "two" to emphasize the fact that the speaker and his lover believe they are one soul but also accept the reality that they are separate in body. Although they are separate physically, the speaker believes he and his lover are complementary like two "stiff twin compasses" or two feet. They are able to work separately but work best when together. Donne also repeats words such as "love" and uses love together with joy to create a calming, happy atmosphere when he refers to his lover, showing his enthusiam for their love for each other. The speaker believes that the love he and his lover share is "so much refin'd" and that they are connected through the mind and soul so they will not miss each other's physical properties. This reassures his lover that, although they may be far apart physically or spiritually, they will still be together in their minds and they will still be connected with their souls.
Donne also uses certain phrases to further reassure his lover that their love will last forever and also reiterate their relationship. The speaker states, "Such wilt thou be to me who must...obliquely run," when referring to the relationship between the feet. This sort of relationship means that the lover will follow the speaker where ever he goes; including heaven. In a further attempt to comfort his lover, Donne begins and ends the poem in a euphemism for death. In the first stanza, Donne says "virtuous men pass mildy away" and ends the poem with the lines "Thy firmness makes my circle just, And makes me end, where I begun." The use of circle provides imagery of the speaker's life cycle and the fact that he will go back to non-existence as he once was before he was born. This makes it sound more natural and also reassuring that the lover completed the speaker's life cycle, helping him move on.
Donne uses imagery, diction, and euphemisms to address the fact that the speaker is dying but he accepts his fate and wishes for his lover to be comforted and also wish him well.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Good-Morrow Commentary
In "The Good-Morrow," John Donne establishes a compassionate mood to demonstrate his love for his lover through his use of diction. This includes his use of repetition, catalog, personification, and connotation throughout the poem.
Donne uses repetition in the second stanza for emphasis. He repeats the word "worlds" four times to emphasize the idea at the time that every person is a part of their own world and that his world and his lover's world are separate but they found each other's world and therefore belong together. Donne also uses "love" twice in a sentence in the second stanza to put emphasis on their love for each other and that they are consumed by their love for one another. He contrasts "one little room" to "everywhere" to further emphasize that love gives everything a more meaningful existence.
The diction Donne uses in the first stanza give insight to his life before his lover. The words "weaned" and "childishly" make Donne seem as if he were immature before he met his lover. Donne's use of the word "sucked" shows that he was lustful before he met his lover and now she has matured him and he appreciates her for that. He also personifies souls in the second stanza as he states "good-morrow to our waking souls" which contributes to the compassionate mood.
Donne develops the theme of love rather than lust as he shows his compassion and love for his lover. He believes that he belongs with his lover because she is his other half. Donne believes they are "mixed equally" and therefore shows his deep feelings of love for his lover. Donne's use of language helps establish this compassionate mood.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Actively Resisting Cruelty!
DON'T BUY PUPPIES FROM A PET SHOP!
Pet shops buy puppies from puppy mills to try to make as much profit as possible. To further profits, the dogs at the puppy mills are used until they can no longer breed or give birth to more litters, they are given inadequate amounts of food, water and care, they are kept in small wire cages for their whole lives, and they suffer health issues such as rotting teeth and ulcers in their eyes. Many puppies that come from puppy mills have health problems or genetic disorders because of the poor conditions.
Every time you buy a puppy from a pet store, you are most likely supporting the puppy mill that dog came from and therefore supporting the abuse and exploitation of thousands of dogs.
Patti, Claire, and I greatly dislike puppy mills. To protest, we borrowed Claire's neighbor's dog (whom was adopted from a shelter), put a sign on him that said "Adopt a puppy," and walked around Claire's neighborhood informing people of the puppy mills and the better alternative of adopting from a shelter.
I have very strong feelings on this subject partly because I have a dog and I love him very much. I feel that dogs are like babies in the sense that, in the human world, they are helpless and need our support to survive. Therefore, when humans take away the right for a dog to live comfortably, i feel that that is as bad as treating a baby poorly. No one would lock up a baby in a wire cage for the rest of his or her life, would they? if anyone did do that, the person would be locked up in jail. Why shouldn't dogs be held on the same pedestal? They are as helpless as human babies. Just because an animal's life is "less significant" than a human's life does not give people the right to openly abuse animals. I understand that, if in a life or death situation, the human comes first. But when there is the luxury of treating both existences equally, what would prevent you from doing that?
I don't know of many pet stores around here that sell puppies (if you know one, tell me please:]) but next time i plan to go to one of those stores and inform the customers about puppy mills if they plan to buy a puppy. I want to be able to make a real difference.
Pet shops buy puppies from puppy mills to try to make as much profit as possible. To further profits, the dogs at the puppy mills are used until they can no longer breed or give birth to more litters, they are given inadequate amounts of food, water and care, they are kept in small wire cages for their whole lives, and they suffer health issues such as rotting teeth and ulcers in their eyes. Many puppies that come from puppy mills have health problems or genetic disorders because of the poor conditions.
Every time you buy a puppy from a pet store, you are most likely supporting the puppy mill that dog came from and therefore supporting the abuse and exploitation of thousands of dogs.
Patti, Claire, and I greatly dislike puppy mills. To protest, we borrowed Claire's neighbor's dog (whom was adopted from a shelter), put a sign on him that said "Adopt a puppy," and walked around Claire's neighborhood informing people of the puppy mills and the better alternative of adopting from a shelter.
I have very strong feelings on this subject partly because I have a dog and I love him very much. I feel that dogs are like babies in the sense that, in the human world, they are helpless and need our support to survive. Therefore, when humans take away the right for a dog to live comfortably, i feel that that is as bad as treating a baby poorly. No one would lock up a baby in a wire cage for the rest of his or her life, would they? if anyone did do that, the person would be locked up in jail. Why shouldn't dogs be held on the same pedestal? They are as helpless as human babies. Just because an animal's life is "less significant" than a human's life does not give people the right to openly abuse animals. I understand that, if in a life or death situation, the human comes first. But when there is the luxury of treating both existences equally, what would prevent you from doing that?
I don't know of many pet stores around here that sell puppies (if you know one, tell me please:]) but next time i plan to go to one of those stores and inform the customers about puppy mills if they plan to buy a puppy. I want to be able to make a real difference.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Lysistrata Blog 10
This play was considerably happier, less morbid, and funnier than the house of bernarda alba and Hedda Gabler.
You've got the women in Lysistrata; thinking about sex, abstinence, and the right thing to do for the greater good. they took action and did something positive. Hedda and Adela took action too, but that ended badly. And the women in The House of Bernarda Alba and Hedda Gabler were portrayed almost negatively. The women in Lysistrata were headstrong and willing to do something good. The women in the House of Bernarda Alba were constantly bickering with each other, gossiping, and off being scandalous. The women in Hedda Gabler were either your typical motherly woman type, obedient wife type, or socially defiant crazy type who goes and kills herself in the end.
Overall, Lysistrata was positive in both categories: The way women were portrayed (slightly sex-addictive but we'll forgive aristophanes for that one) and the ending. The House of Bernarda Alba and Hedda Gabler epically fail in those categories because the other characters continue as if nothing happened which means Adela and Hedda died for nothing.
You've got the women in Lysistrata; thinking about sex, abstinence, and the right thing to do for the greater good. they took action and did something positive. Hedda and Adela took action too, but that ended badly. And the women in The House of Bernarda Alba and Hedda Gabler were portrayed almost negatively. The women in Lysistrata were headstrong and willing to do something good. The women in the House of Bernarda Alba were constantly bickering with each other, gossiping, and off being scandalous. The women in Hedda Gabler were either your typical motherly woman type, obedient wife type, or socially defiant crazy type who goes and kills herself in the end.
Overall, Lysistrata was positive in both categories: The way women were portrayed (slightly sex-addictive but we'll forgive aristophanes for that one) and the ending. The House of Bernarda Alba and Hedda Gabler epically fail in those categories because the other characters continue as if nothing happened which means Adela and Hedda died for nothing.
Lysistrata Blog 9
Was it ethical of Lysistrata to use Peace (the girl) as a sacrifice to negotiate the treaty?
First of all, how old was this girl?? I hope she wasn't like 16. That's just wrong. But i have a feeling that she was unusually young.
Did she consent? you can't just offer other people as a "gift" for the men to ogle at. well, i guess she wasn't really a part of the treaty, she was more of a distraction. but at what price? it's kind of dehumanizing and humiliating. whoever this Peace girl was, she had a lot of influence. Probably partly because she was naked. but anyway, on page 101 Lysistrata asks Peace to lead the Spartans and the Athenians close together. Here comes the pun again. Peace was able to bring the two opposing forces together as well as peace, the concept. Since the two sides were at war, the only way to stop it was to have peace. Peace was calming and was able to effectively lead them close to Lysistrata.
She also never talks. That makes her seem as if she was just an object; something pretty to look at. How could Lysistrata do that to a fellow woman? wasn't that sort of demeaning sexism she was fighting against? She only supported it. I'm disappointed in you, Lysistrata.
First of all, how old was this girl?? I hope she wasn't like 16. That's just wrong. But i have a feeling that she was unusually young.
Did she consent? you can't just offer other people as a "gift" for the men to ogle at. well, i guess she wasn't really a part of the treaty, she was more of a distraction. but at what price? it's kind of dehumanizing and humiliating. whoever this Peace girl was, she had a lot of influence. Probably partly because she was naked. but anyway, on page 101 Lysistrata asks Peace to lead the Spartans and the Athenians close together. Here comes the pun again. Peace was able to bring the two opposing forces together as well as peace, the concept. Since the two sides were at war, the only way to stop it was to have peace. Peace was calming and was able to effectively lead them close to Lysistrata.
She also never talks. That makes her seem as if she was just an object; something pretty to look at. How could Lysistrata do that to a fellow woman? wasn't that sort of demeaning sexism she was fighting against? She only supported it. I'm disappointed in you, Lysistrata.
Lysistrata Blog 8
"She left our home, and happiness went with her. Now pain is the tenant. Oh, to enter that wifeless house, to sense that awful emptiness, to eat that tasteless, joyless food- it makes it hard I tell you. Harder all the time" Kinesias says this when trying to get Lysistrata to send Myrrhine down(81).
Does Kinesias say this because he truly loves and misses Myrrhine?
I don't believe he does. His last statements back up the fact that he only wants to see his wife so he can have sex with her. And it also backs up Myrrhine's assumption that Kinesias does not want her love.
It's interesting that Kinesias would approach the women in this manner. He tries to seem approachable and agreeable; willing to compromise just to see his wife. It's almost sweet, if it wasn't so fake. Apparently men can't fend for themselves. They can't cook or even change a baby's diaper on their own. And the house seems "empty" and sad without a woman which would be really touching if he didn't mean that now he couldn't have sex.
But maybe it's not fake. Maybe Myrrhine really is Kinesias' happiness and soulmate. and this also allows insight into the lives of the people at this time. Men today can cook but men back then would starve without women, i guess. and babies will go without baths or food.
Does Kinesias say this because he truly loves and misses Myrrhine?
I don't believe he does. His last statements back up the fact that he only wants to see his wife so he can have sex with her. And it also backs up Myrrhine's assumption that Kinesias does not want her love.
It's interesting that Kinesias would approach the women in this manner. He tries to seem approachable and agreeable; willing to compromise just to see his wife. It's almost sweet, if it wasn't so fake. Apparently men can't fend for themselves. They can't cook or even change a baby's diaper on their own. And the house seems "empty" and sad without a woman which would be really touching if he didn't mean that now he couldn't have sex.
But maybe it's not fake. Maybe Myrrhine really is Kinesias' happiness and soulmate. and this also allows insight into the lives of the people at this time. Men today can cook but men back then would starve without women, i guess. and babies will go without baths or food.
Lysistrata Blog 7
Why did Lysistrata bring the girl Peace along when meeting with the Spartans and Athenians?
I think it was to distract the men but also keep them focused at the same time. as crazy as that may sound, i think it might have worked. The men were after Peace, not the concept. but if Peace were not there, the men might not have wanted to compromise to get peace. This pun is almost too perfect to explain.
Peace might also have distracted the men from what they actually wanted to compromise for. The men were desperate for sex and they agreed to everything. So Lysistrata distracted them to keep them focused.
I think it was to distract the men but also keep them focused at the same time. as crazy as that may sound, i think it might have worked. The men were after Peace, not the concept. but if Peace were not there, the men might not have wanted to compromise to get peace. This pun is almost too perfect to explain.
Peace might also have distracted the men from what they actually wanted to compromise for. The men were desperate for sex and they agreed to everything. So Lysistrata distracted them to keep them focused.
Lysistrata Blog 6
I think this play had just too much happening in such a short time. First it starts with the men and women fighting. then they get along. Then the fight again. and then they make up. And i think it's outrageous that it was ONLY A DAY!! oh my god, these people don't wait for much, nor can they. they needed sex and that's why they compromised so fast.
It was quite comical though. But there were a lot of random things happening. maybe it was the translator's fault. it was shocking that he said he put in metaphors to make up for the ones he took out and stuff like that. doesn't that change the whole meaning and purpose of the play? imagine how much we might have missed because we couldn't read the original copy. That's just a little disappointing. Language jokes are the funniest but you can't fully understand those jokes unless you really know the language.
It was quite comical though. But there were a lot of random things happening. maybe it was the translator's fault. it was shocking that he said he put in metaphors to make up for the ones he took out and stuff like that. doesn't that change the whole meaning and purpose of the play? imagine how much we might have missed because we couldn't read the original copy. That's just a little disappointing. Language jokes are the funniest but you can't fully understand those jokes unless you really know the language.
Lysistrata Blog 5
I saw the Boycott yesterday and it was inspiring. First of all, Kathryn Blume is an amazing actress. She was so well composed and seemed to know her lines so well. She also performed amazingly. if they had actually made the play into a movie, i'm sure it would have been awesome because she already made us see props that weren't actually there and feel the tension between two people even though she was the only one performing.
The play was pretty much a parody of Lysistrata except that Lysistrata in itself is already really funny. I'm amazed that there are people that are able to practice so much environmentally friendly things. I wish we could. It's hard for an individual to keep up with these kind of things because it's easy to forget. and it's really inconvenient. Say you're the only one who doesn't use plastic. Imagine what life would be like if you wanted apple juice! You would have to pick and apple (organic, of course) and then use the juice squeezer and... ohh it's just too much work. well, there has to be something we can do. since the juice squeezer would be made of plastic.
The play was pretty much a parody of Lysistrata except that Lysistrata in itself is already really funny. I'm amazed that there are people that are able to practice so much environmentally friendly things. I wish we could. It's hard for an individual to keep up with these kind of things because it's easy to forget. and it's really inconvenient. Say you're the only one who doesn't use plastic. Imagine what life would be like if you wanted apple juice! You would have to pick and apple (organic, of course) and then use the juice squeezer and... ohh it's just too much work. well, there has to be something we can do. since the juice squeezer would be made of plastic.
Lysistrata Blog 4
How significant is the women's disobedience in Lysistrata?
When the women in Lysistrata display their defiance and work against the men of the city it shows their strong will and nature and their capability to be equal to men in ideas and rights. The women show that they can fight against men equally and prove their strength in taking the objects that are considered "feminine", such as cooking utensils, and using them against the men. This defiance shows that even familiar and seemingly safe objects (or people) can become dangerous in a matter of seconds.
The women show their capability to organize a revolt. They broke out of their social hierarchy, a brave decision, to improve their life for everyone. It also shows the extent to which they want to advocate peace over war. They are showing the men that their slogan is "make love, not war" but, ironically, use violence to get peace.
The status quo for women is being a housewife in a private sphere. They only have power within the house, not publicly. The men's status quo is war and having power in public. The women use violence and abstinence from sex to show that they can be on the same level as the men.
When the women in Lysistrata display their defiance and work against the men of the city it shows their strong will and nature and their capability to be equal to men in ideas and rights. The women show that they can fight against men equally and prove their strength in taking the objects that are considered "feminine", such as cooking utensils, and using them against the men. This defiance shows that even familiar and seemingly safe objects (or people) can become dangerous in a matter of seconds.
The women show their capability to organize a revolt. They broke out of their social hierarchy, a brave decision, to improve their life for everyone. It also shows the extent to which they want to advocate peace over war. They are showing the men that their slogan is "make love, not war" but, ironically, use violence to get peace.
The status quo for women is being a housewife in a private sphere. They only have power within the house, not publicly. The men's status quo is war and having power in public. The women use violence and abstinence from sex to show that they can be on the same level as the men.
Lysistrata Blog 3
"Make love, not war"
The over-used phrase during times of war that probably originated from Lysistrata. If people today used tactics like that, would the war in Iraq come to a peaceful end?
I don't think it would be very effective; the people who are serving in the war are overseas and are not able to see their husbands/wives/boyfriends/girlfriends until they could come home. People today don't value their relationships as much as the people in Lysistrata did. The troops could probably pay for a prostitute or something :o not trying to be bogus or anything.
But say everyone really did abstain. I still don't think that would be very effective. People can't be that desperate for sex. I mean, sure the people in Lysistrata couldn't last one day without sex but that's just for humor, right? There are people that are celibate their whole lives. I think they can handle a few years in order to finish a war. Unless it's a stupid war. Then maybe the leaders would try to quickly compromise.
The over-used phrase during times of war that probably originated from Lysistrata. If people today used tactics like that, would the war in Iraq come to a peaceful end?
I don't think it would be very effective; the people who are serving in the war are overseas and are not able to see their husbands/wives/boyfriends/girlfriends until they could come home. People today don't value their relationships as much as the people in Lysistrata did. The troops could probably pay for a prostitute or something :o not trying to be bogus or anything.
But say everyone really did abstain. I still don't think that would be very effective. People can't be that desperate for sex. I mean, sure the people in Lysistrata couldn't last one day without sex but that's just for humor, right? There are people that are celibate their whole lives. I think they can handle a few years in order to finish a war. Unless it's a stupid war. Then maybe the leaders would try to quickly compromise.
Lysistrata Blog 2
"Oh, I do love him! I'm mad about him! But he doesn't want my love" (81). Myrrhine says this when Kinesias comes to visit her in an attempt to have sex with her.
It's kinda sad that the women all love their husbands but they know that their husbands want only the sex aspect of the relationship. That makes me angry that the women would put up with something like that. They know that the men only want sex but they continue those relationships.
if these relationships are based on sex, i wonder what happened after the truce; were the men angry at their wives? Were the relationships fixed? Did the men respect their wives more?
It's kinda sad that the women all love their husbands but they know that their husbands want only the sex aspect of the relationship. That makes me angry that the women would put up with something like that. They know that the men only want sex but they continue those relationships.
if these relationships are based on sex, i wonder what happened after the truce; were the men angry at their wives? Were the relationships fixed? Did the men respect their wives more?
Lysistrata Blog 1
What would have happened if the men didn't agree to end the war? would the women have been able to continue to abstain or would they have given in? I believe that the women would have given in because they were also desperate for sex. The women even try running away by giving excuses such as taking care of the wool in the house, peeling flax, and even not wanting to give birth on forbidden ground (70-72). This shows that the women are very desperate to get out of Athenes and back to their husbands. They already showed signs of reluctance to agree to the oath in the beginning. Kleonike says, " there's nothing like it, Lysistrata!" (26). And Myrrhine would rather "walk through fire" (26).
However, the women were able to tempt the men without giving in. In pages 81 to 90, Myrrhine tempts Kinesias but then leaves him uncomfortable and alone on the cot. This shows her strong will because she said before the encounter, "Oh, I do love him! I'm mad about him!" (81).
Overall though, i believe that the women would have given in and the war would go on if the men didn't agree to end the war first.
However, the women were able to tempt the men without giving in. In pages 81 to 90, Myrrhine tempts Kinesias but then leaves him uncomfortable and alone on the cot. This shows her strong will because she said before the encounter, "Oh, I do love him! I'm mad about him!" (81).
Overall though, i believe that the women would have given in and the war would go on if the men didn't agree to end the war first.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hedda Blog Broj 10
Act Four is full of so many deaths. There's Aunt Rina, Lovborg, and Hedda. It's also, ironically, the beginning of many new relationships such as Thea's and Tesman's partnership in remaking the manuscript. And also Judge Brack's uselessness in Tesman's affairs.
I think act four is funny because everyone ignores Hedda. She has lost all the attention she desired to receive. For example, she tries playing the piano but Tesman (even Tesman!) ordered her to stop playing the piano. "But Hedda dearest-don't go playing dance music tonight! Think of Auntie Rina! And Eilert, too!" (303). Also, Hedda is useless and unwanted. Hedda asks Tesman and Thea, "Is there nothing the two of you can use me for here?" (303). And Tesman answers, "No, nothing in the world" (303) which pretty much means he's telling her that there is absolutely nothing Hedda can do that would help Tesman and Thea. Hedda no longer plays a prominent role in this play any longer. She is now the least important and most useless person in that room. She can't handle that fact and shortly kills herself afterwards.
I think act four is funny because everyone ignores Hedda. She has lost all the attention she desired to receive. For example, she tries playing the piano but Tesman (even Tesman!) ordered her to stop playing the piano. "But Hedda dearest-don't go playing dance music tonight! Think of Auntie Rina! And Eilert, too!" (303). Also, Hedda is useless and unwanted. Hedda asks Tesman and Thea, "Is there nothing the two of you can use me for here?" (303). And Tesman answers, "No, nothing in the world" (303) which pretty much means he's telling her that there is absolutely nothing Hedda can do that would help Tesman and Thea. Hedda no longer plays a prominent role in this play any longer. She is now the least important and most useless person in that room. She can't handle that fact and shortly kills herself afterwards.
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