• Blog – Aristotle teaches us that all tragedy should lead to catharsis. Now that you have finished the play, how do you feel toward the characters? Are you sorry for Othello? Enraged at Iago? Do you pity Desdemona or Cassio? What emotions of your own – if any – has the text helped you process? Can you imagine anything in your life that is similar to what has transpired here?
Aristotle’s theory is true; all tragedy should lead to catharsis. After reading Othello I have mixed emotions. Starting with Othello, he is the character I am most sympathetic for. This is because he was completely oblivious to Iago’s plan and the fact that it worked on him. However, I also have sympathy for Othello, but I do feel that if Othello would have trusted Desdemona then he wouldn’t have killed her. Another one of the characters I have sympathy for is Desdemona. Desdemona was the only honest character in Othello, she was accused of cheating on Othello, and she tried her best to live through it. Othello does not listen to Desdemona when she tries to tell him that she has not committed the crime. The last of the characters I have sympathy for it Cassio. While he is an appealing man to women, he never slept with Desdemona. Cassio’s character was a nice, peaceful man and that is what him the perfect target for Iago’s devious plan. While Iago’s plan ended up working, Rodriego had a note explaining Iago’s plan. Once I figured out Iago’s plan his character made me angry. He ruined people’s lives and caused unneeded chaos. So, after reading this book, sympathy and anger were the two most common emotions while reading this book. The story shows how some people are ruthless, and how those ruthless people can easily manipulate other peoples lives. Judging from that, there is nothing really that has happened in my life that I can relate to this.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Othello Blog 1
• Blog – Explain Iago’s plan as it stands at the end of Act I. After reading the beginning of Act II, do you believe he will be successful? What is leading you to your conclusion?
Iago’s plan is an interesting one. Iago despises Othello. While he and Roderigo are talking, Iago tells Roderigo to go to Cyprus and wait for Desdemona to come to him, because he believes that she will become bored with Othello. Since Iago hates Othello he said that he would help Roderigo have Desdemona and reminds Roderigo to bring lots of money. Iago is also trying to get Cassio’s position of lieutenant, which he thinks should have come to him. The beginning of act II takes place in Cyprus. At the end of act II scene II it is clear to me that Iago plans to drive Othello mad. After reading the short II scene I have somewhat of an idea if Iago’s plan will be successful or not. At the end of act II scene II I think that Iago’s plan will be successful. Iago is shaping his plan out of the confusion of his emotionally changed thoughts. He realizes that he controls the tool that he can use against Othello. His own jealousy that torments him is that weapon. This is because the Moor has proclaimed a holiday to be held at night during which the people can dance, make bonfires, along with other things. This chaos gives Iago sufficient time and opportunity to set his traps for the unsuspecting Othello. This feasting and dancing is also taking place at night, an even better chance for Iago to be successful. Also because Iago’s jealousy is so great is another reason I would bet that his plan works.
Iago’s plan is an interesting one. Iago despises Othello. While he and Roderigo are talking, Iago tells Roderigo to go to Cyprus and wait for Desdemona to come to him, because he believes that she will become bored with Othello. Since Iago hates Othello he said that he would help Roderigo have Desdemona and reminds Roderigo to bring lots of money. Iago is also trying to get Cassio’s position of lieutenant, which he thinks should have come to him. The beginning of act II takes place in Cyprus. At the end of act II scene II it is clear to me that Iago plans to drive Othello mad. After reading the short II scene I have somewhat of an idea if Iago’s plan will be successful or not. At the end of act II scene II I think that Iago’s plan will be successful. Iago is shaping his plan out of the confusion of his emotionally changed thoughts. He realizes that he controls the tool that he can use against Othello. His own jealousy that torments him is that weapon. This is because the Moor has proclaimed a holiday to be held at night during which the people can dance, make bonfires, along with other things. This chaos gives Iago sufficient time and opportunity to set his traps for the unsuspecting Othello. This feasting and dancing is also taking place at night, an even better chance for Iago to be successful. Also because Iago’s jealousy is so great is another reason I would bet that his plan works.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Luke Skywalker vs. Beowulf
• Blog – Compare Luke Skywalker to Beowulf. What makes them different? Do they share any traits in common? How are they both heroic?
Luke Skywalker and Beowulf are similar in several ways, but also very different. They are both called to action, but this can also be seen as a difference. While both Luke and Beowulf were called to action both acted in a very different way. Luke was to go with Obi-Wan-Kenobi to help Princess Leah. Luke was very reluctant to go and help because he wanted to stay on his own planet. On the other hand Beowulf willingly goes to help Hrothgar and to kill Grendel. The next difference would be Luke and Beowulf’s physical appearance. Luke is like a “normal” human being, meaning that he is not overly huge and fierce looking. Beowulf is just the opposite. Beowulf is huge, and intimidating. With these differences in the end both of these heroes face the challenge they were presented with despite being unwilling or willing.
Some of the similarities between Luke and Beowulf are that both received a mystical weapon. Luke received a light saber from Obi-Wan-Kenobi and Beowulf received a giant sword when fighting. Beowulf also has strength and courage, which can be seen as a mystic weapon. As said above they were both called to action, which is the second step in the hero cycle. Another way in that these two are similar is that both have a spiritual guide. Luke’s spiritual guide is Obi-Wan-Kenobi and for Beowulf it is fate. Luke’s spiritual guide helps him through the beginning of his journey by teaching him to use the force. Beowulf knows that he needed to help Hrothgar and hill Grendel, and later his mother, so that is how fate drove Beowulf.
Luke Skywalker and Beowulf are similar in several ways, but also very different. They are both called to action, but this can also be seen as a difference. While both Luke and Beowulf were called to action both acted in a very different way. Luke was to go with Obi-Wan-Kenobi to help Princess Leah. Luke was very reluctant to go and help because he wanted to stay on his own planet. On the other hand Beowulf willingly goes to help Hrothgar and to kill Grendel. The next difference would be Luke and Beowulf’s physical appearance. Luke is like a “normal” human being, meaning that he is not overly huge and fierce looking. Beowulf is just the opposite. Beowulf is huge, and intimidating. With these differences in the end both of these heroes face the challenge they were presented with despite being unwilling or willing.
Some of the similarities between Luke and Beowulf are that both received a mystical weapon. Luke received a light saber from Obi-Wan-Kenobi and Beowulf received a giant sword when fighting. Beowulf also has strength and courage, which can be seen as a mystic weapon. As said above they were both called to action, which is the second step in the hero cycle. Another way in that these two are similar is that both have a spiritual guide. Luke’s spiritual guide is Obi-Wan-Kenobi and for Beowulf it is fate. Luke’s spiritual guide helps him through the beginning of his journey by teaching him to use the force. Beowulf knows that he needed to help Hrothgar and hill Grendel, and later his mother, so that is how fate drove Beowulf.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Blog 2
• Blog – Comment on Wiglaf’s character throughout the end of the book. Is he honorable or heroic like Beowulf or does he display an additional set of values?
Wiglaf is definitely honorable throughout the end of the book. Wiglaf, unlike the other warriors stayed to fight alongside Beowulf. He was the only one willing to risk his life to help his ruler. Wiglaf then rightly accuses them of running when they vowed to fight. When Beowulf laid dying Wiglaf tries to comfort him and although Wiglaf is not Beowulf’s offspring, Beowulf thinks of him as a son, and passed control of the Geats to Wiglaf. I feel that Wiglaf earned the right to rule, rather than just inherit it. One why that Wiglaf showed honor/loyalty was when Beowulf sent him to get some of the treasure. Wiglaf could have easily taken some for himself, but instead did just what Beowulf asked of him and brought the treasure to him. Even though Wiglaf may not be as mighty as his predecessor, he certainly lacks nothing in courage and loyalty. I think that Wiglaf is very similar to Beowulf excluding Beowulf’s strength. Beowulf showed loyalty when he came to the assistance of the Danes and also when he returned to Greatland. Wiglaf shows the same loyalty when he stands beside Beowulf to fight the dragon. While it is Beowulf’s last battle Wiglaf goes on and directs Beowulf’s funeral. So not only has Wiglaf been loyal to Beowulf while Beowulf is alive, but also carries it to Beowulf’s death. At the end of the book Wiglaf condemns the ten men to exile, disowning them and denying their future rights to property and wealth, stating that it is better to die than it is to live in shame. “So it is goodbye to all you know and love on your home ground…every one of you will be dispossessed…a warrior will sooner die than live a life of shame.” (Pg. 195) This would be a saying that Beowulf would and did support so this shows that Wiglaf definitely has what it takes to replace Beowulf.
Wiglaf is definitely honorable throughout the end of the book. Wiglaf, unlike the other warriors stayed to fight alongside Beowulf. He was the only one willing to risk his life to help his ruler. Wiglaf then rightly accuses them of running when they vowed to fight. When Beowulf laid dying Wiglaf tries to comfort him and although Wiglaf is not Beowulf’s offspring, Beowulf thinks of him as a son, and passed control of the Geats to Wiglaf. I feel that Wiglaf earned the right to rule, rather than just inherit it. One why that Wiglaf showed honor/loyalty was when Beowulf sent him to get some of the treasure. Wiglaf could have easily taken some for himself, but instead did just what Beowulf asked of him and brought the treasure to him. Even though Wiglaf may not be as mighty as his predecessor, he certainly lacks nothing in courage and loyalty. I think that Wiglaf is very similar to Beowulf excluding Beowulf’s strength. Beowulf showed loyalty when he came to the assistance of the Danes and also when he returned to Greatland. Wiglaf shows the same loyalty when he stands beside Beowulf to fight the dragon. While it is Beowulf’s last battle Wiglaf goes on and directs Beowulf’s funeral. So not only has Wiglaf been loyal to Beowulf while Beowulf is alive, but also carries it to Beowulf’s death. At the end of the book Wiglaf condemns the ten men to exile, disowning them and denying their future rights to property and wealth, stating that it is better to die than it is to live in shame. “So it is goodbye to all you know and love on your home ground…every one of you will be dispossessed…a warrior will sooner die than live a life of shame.” (Pg. 195) This would be a saying that Beowulf would and did support so this shows that Wiglaf definitely has what it takes to replace Beowulf.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Beowulf 1
• Blog – At the opening of this excerpt, Unferth tries to tarnish Beowulf’s reputation by discussing his swimming match with Breca. Why would Unferth do this? How does Beowulf respond? How does his response contribute to his persona as a hero?
During the celebration, Unferth (one of Hrothgars retainers) interrupts the celebration to insult Beowulf’s reputation. Unferth talks about a swimming match when Beowulf was young, with another boy whose name was Breca. Unferth asserts that Beowulf was foolish to enter such a dangerous contest. Unferth also emphasized that Breca was the stronger one by beating Beowulf in seven nights. (Pg. 35) Unferth is telling everyone this story because Unferth concludes that if Beowulf couldn’t win a swimming match, then Beowulf could not possibly be any challenge for Grendel, who lives at the bottom of a lake. So swimming may prove to be an important part in the fight if Beowulf concludes to fight Grendel. Beowulf responds by first isolating the problem. Beowulf goes on to say that it “was mostly beer that was doing the talking.” (Pg. 37) Beowulf then went on to correct parts of Unferth’s story. Beowulf tells that each of them had a sword and body armor for protection from the monsters at sea. Beowulf also stated that the two swam together for five nights, not seven. Beowulf told about how the two of them were eventually pulled apart from each other by the rough seas. Beowulf told stories of how sea monsters tried to attack him and he is eventually saved by ‘fate’ after hilling nine monsters. Beowulf then goes back to addressing Unferth by saying that he has not heard of any such an achievement by him and that Unferth had killed his own brothers. Beowulf then says to Unferth that if his battle spirit were as sharp as his words Grendel may not have been so successful against King Hrothgar. This response to Unferth has shown how Beowulf is a hero. He showed admirable restraint without backing down, and Beowulf’s verbal attacks focused on Unferth.
During the celebration, Unferth (one of Hrothgars retainers) interrupts the celebration to insult Beowulf’s reputation. Unferth talks about a swimming match when Beowulf was young, with another boy whose name was Breca. Unferth asserts that Beowulf was foolish to enter such a dangerous contest. Unferth also emphasized that Breca was the stronger one by beating Beowulf in seven nights. (Pg. 35) Unferth is telling everyone this story because Unferth concludes that if Beowulf couldn’t win a swimming match, then Beowulf could not possibly be any challenge for Grendel, who lives at the bottom of a lake. So swimming may prove to be an important part in the fight if Beowulf concludes to fight Grendel. Beowulf responds by first isolating the problem. Beowulf goes on to say that it “was mostly beer that was doing the talking.” (Pg. 37) Beowulf then went on to correct parts of Unferth’s story. Beowulf tells that each of them had a sword and body armor for protection from the monsters at sea. Beowulf also stated that the two swam together for five nights, not seven. Beowulf told about how the two of them were eventually pulled apart from each other by the rough seas. Beowulf told stories of how sea monsters tried to attack him and he is eventually saved by ‘fate’ after hilling nine monsters. Beowulf then goes back to addressing Unferth by saying that he has not heard of any such an achievement by him and that Unferth had killed his own brothers. Beowulf then says to Unferth that if his battle spirit were as sharp as his words Grendel may not have been so successful against King Hrothgar. This response to Unferth has shown how Beowulf is a hero. He showed admirable restraint without backing down, and Beowulf’s verbal attacks focused on Unferth.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Color Purple
• Blog – What do you make of the end of this letter? Does it feel peaceful? Angry? Resilient?
This was a letter from Celie to her sister, Nettie. The letter talked about God and Celie’s relationship with him. From this letter I feel that Celie’s faith is strong but it is dependent on what other people have told her about God. At first Celie thought that God was a white male, because that is what everyone around her said. This changes when Shug tells her that God has no race or gender. “It? I ast. Yeah. It. God ain’t a he or a she, but a It. But what do it look like? I ast. Don’t look like nothing, she say.” (Pg. 2456) After hearing this Celie’s faith is now based on her interpretation of God, not one she learned from someone else. Shug has helped Celie open her view on religion but how Celie chooses to express it is up to her.
I think that there is some anger at the end of this letter. At the end of the letter Celie learns to respect life and everything it has to offer. This was learned after Shug told her to look at the flowers and embrace their beauty. “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” (Pg. 2457) However I think that Celie is angry because men see themselves as God. She has felt oppressed by men for too long. She feels as though she has done everything she can to please God and he just won’t listen.
This was a letter from Celie to her sister, Nettie. The letter talked about God and Celie’s relationship with him. From this letter I feel that Celie’s faith is strong but it is dependent on what other people have told her about God. At first Celie thought that God was a white male, because that is what everyone around her said. This changes when Shug tells her that God has no race or gender. “It? I ast. Yeah. It. God ain’t a he or a she, but a It. But what do it look like? I ast. Don’t look like nothing, she say.” (Pg. 2456) After hearing this Celie’s faith is now based on her interpretation of God, not one she learned from someone else. Shug has helped Celie open her view on religion but how Celie chooses to express it is up to her.
I think that there is some anger at the end of this letter. At the end of the letter Celie learns to respect life and everything it has to offer. This was learned after Shug told her to look at the flowers and embrace their beauty. “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” (Pg. 2457) However I think that Celie is angry because men see themselves as God. She has felt oppressed by men for too long. She feels as though she has done everything she can to please God and he just won’t listen.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Fires in the Mirrors
• Blog – After finishing the film, what emotions do you feel? What do you think Anna Deavere Smith was trying to do in creating this piece?
After watching “Fires in the Mirrors” I had mixed emotions. There are parts of me that think it is the Jews fault but other parts that make me feel as though it is the African Americans fault. The only person who felt as though the whole thing was an accident was Roslyn Malamud in “Coup.” She was an African American who clearly stated that what happened was an accident. She said that everyone in the same neighborhood wants the same things. As I recall this is the only person who felt as though the entire incident was just an accident. There were feelings of sadness when the Jewish man was stabbed for just being Jewish but also when the young African American boy was hit by the car.
Anna Deavere Smith, the producer of the movie was trying to show people all the different views on the incident. There were people who were laid back and others who were constantly shouting. She interviewed all different types of people from a mayor to an anonymous young man on the streets. She tried to balance out who she interviewed, balancing out interviewing Jewish people and African Americans. I think that she succeeded in her movie because each persons view was different, even if it was in the smallest way. I don’t think that she was biased in any way. This is because she played the role of each person she interviewed and said and did exactly what the person she interviewed did. She didn’t manipulate anyone’s interview to favor one side or the other, only the side they supported.
After watching “Fires in the Mirrors” I had mixed emotions. There are parts of me that think it is the Jews fault but other parts that make me feel as though it is the African Americans fault. The only person who felt as though the whole thing was an accident was Roslyn Malamud in “Coup.” She was an African American who clearly stated that what happened was an accident. She said that everyone in the same neighborhood wants the same things. As I recall this is the only person who felt as though the entire incident was just an accident. There were feelings of sadness when the Jewish man was stabbed for just being Jewish but also when the young African American boy was hit by the car.
Anna Deavere Smith, the producer of the movie was trying to show people all the different views on the incident. There were people who were laid back and others who were constantly shouting. She interviewed all different types of people from a mayor to an anonymous young man on the streets. She tried to balance out who she interviewed, balancing out interviewing Jewish people and African Americans. I think that she succeeded in her movie because each persons view was different, even if it was in the smallest way. I don’t think that she was biased in any way. This is because she played the role of each person she interviewed and said and did exactly what the person she interviewed did. She didn’t manipulate anyone’s interview to favor one side or the other, only the side they supported.
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