"I shall die, and what I now feel be no longer felt. Soon these burning miseries will be extinct. I shall ascend my funeral pile triumphantly, and exult in the agony of the torturing flames". (page 166)
In the end, the monster acts remorseful and greiving about the death of Frankenstein. I mean I was caught a little off gaurd because he had been so mean to him for a really long time! He was the cause of the deaths of every single person close to Frankenstein. He followed him, haunted him, and was just a jerk. I felt bad for the monster up until he started doing this, so by the end I really did not believe what the monster said. He should feel responsible for the death of Frankenstein. He had caused him so much emotional trauma and had just ruined his life. Why would he even feel bad? Because he didn't get to kill him himself? Even though he never said that is what he wanted to do, I felt like the monster wanted to because of all the messages and stuff about coming north. I also think that the monster was bipolar. One minute he is happy, the next he is not. How do we know he wouldn't be happy the next night that Frankenstein is dead? Lastly, he said he would commit suicide, but I was thinking that the ending would be the monster killing Walton or Walton killing the monster, something action-y! I was kinda disappointed by the ending, but it was still a good fit for the book. This would be because it fit the theme of guilt. Even though I don't believe the monster, there is not really any proof, just my feelings. So, the monster feels guilt and it causes him to regret what he had done.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Frankenstein
" Do not returen to your families with stigma of disgrace marked on your brows. Return as heroes who have fought and conquered, and who know not what it is to turn their backs on the foe". (page 160)
When I read this part, I was a little confused. Victor had felt responsible for William, Elizabeth, Justine, Clerval, and his father's death, so why is he wanting to put all of these men in danger as well? I guess I just thought that Victor would want to keep these people safe, no be responsible for their deaths. I am assuming that he thinks they will get hurt since he knows of the strength of the monster. Also, I think that the whole message of the story Victor told was not what I had thought it would be. I thought he was trying to just say that not everything is worth the risks pretty much. However, it seems that the point of his story was to keep Walton from chasing his dream, but to help him achieve his. I think it was a little selfish. Also, I think it is jus ta little ironic that he thinks that everyone thinks that this monster is their foe. The people did not even know who the monster was until Victor told them. I mean, why would they care? Victor would be the only one feeling like a hero.
When I read this part, I was a little confused. Victor had felt responsible for William, Elizabeth, Justine, Clerval, and his father's death, so why is he wanting to put all of these men in danger as well? I guess I just thought that Victor would want to keep these people safe, no be responsible for their deaths. I am assuming that he thinks they will get hurt since he knows of the strength of the monster. Also, I think that the whole message of the story Victor told was not what I had thought it would be. I thought he was trying to just say that not everything is worth the risks pretty much. However, it seems that the point of his story was to keep Walton from chasing his dream, but to help him achieve his. I think it was a little selfish. Also, I think it is jus ta little ironic that he thinks that everyone thinks that this monster is their foe. The people did not even know who the monster was until Victor told them. I mean, why would they care? Victor would be the only one feeling like a hero.
Frankenstein
"The threat of the fiend-' I will be with you on your wedding-night '". (page 139)
This is a motif used in the story as a reminder of the monster's presence in Victor's mind and actions. Victor is constantly reminded of the monster's threats. He cannot escape them, and I think that this has an affect of the character of the monster. At first, he is seen as the victim. Now, he is seen as the perpetrator, and he is the one who is instigating the unjust acts upon Victor. He threatens him, makes him fearful, and is always in Victor's head. I started to feel sympathy for Victor because he could not even be happy to get married because of this phrase said to him! Throughout the entire scenes leading up to and during the wedding, this phrase is repeated in order to emphasize the effect of the monster on Victor. It is also used as foreshadowing. It foreshadows the death of Elizabeth. It is so obvious that something bad is bound to happen, so when he left her for one minute I was pretty much ready for it.
This is a motif used in the story as a reminder of the monster's presence in Victor's mind and actions. Victor is constantly reminded of the monster's threats. He cannot escape them, and I think that this has an affect of the character of the monster. At first, he is seen as the victim. Now, he is seen as the perpetrator, and he is the one who is instigating the unjust acts upon Victor. He threatens him, makes him fearful, and is always in Victor's head. I started to feel sympathy for Victor because he could not even be happy to get married because of this phrase said to him! Throughout the entire scenes leading up to and during the wedding, this phrase is repeated in order to emphasize the effect of the monster on Victor. It is also used as foreshadowing. It foreshadows the death of Elizabeth. It is so obvious that something bad is bound to happen, so when he left her for one minute I was pretty much ready for it.
Frankenstein
"For an instant I dared to shake off my chains, and look around me with free and lofty spirit; but the iron had eathn into my flesh, and I sank again, trembling and hopeless, into my miserable self." (page 117).
The literary term here is symbolism. At first, I thought that Victor literally meant that he had chains on him, so then I was looking back like I had completelly missed something. Then, I read and thought about it. I realized that the chains symbolized the hold that the creature has on Victor. Victor wants to be happy and live his life, but the monster's words and threats haunt his every move and thought. He starts to feel normal again, and then poof. He rememberst that he must fulfill his promise in order to rid of these thoughts and the monster all together. He longs to forget his promise, but there is no way around it. He has the duty to do this, but he cannot bring himself to complete the task. He knows he has an obligation, but he does not want to do it, which shows him actually contemplating creating again. This is something that he had not done before when creating the current monster.
The literary term here is symbolism. At first, I thought that Victor literally meant that he had chains on him, so then I was looking back like I had completelly missed something. Then, I read and thought about it. I realized that the chains symbolized the hold that the creature has on Victor. Victor wants to be happy and live his life, but the monster's words and threats haunt his every move and thought. He starts to feel normal again, and then poof. He rememberst that he must fulfill his promise in order to rid of these thoughts and the monster all together. He longs to forget his promise, but there is no way around it. He has the duty to do this, but he cannot bring himself to complete the task. He knows he has an obligation, but he does not want to do it, which shows him actually contemplating creating again. This is something that he had not done before when creating the current monster.
Frankenstein
"This was then the reward of my benvolence! I had saved a human being from destruction, and as recompense I now writhed under teh miserable pain of a wound which shattered the flesh and bone." (page 101)
The literary term used here is dramatic irony. The monster tries to continue his longing to be accepted by humans by being someone of loving and benevolent nature. In this scene, he saves a girl from drowning, but he is shot by her father who thinks that the creature had harmed her instead. This shows how the monster is alienated from society as a result of his physical appearance. No matter what he does, he is not going to be treated how he wants merely because of how he looks. This shows that he just does not belong. The parallelism her is between the creature and his creator. Victor had once said how he had felt like he did not belong or fit in with society who was not his friends. This shows that although Victor finds the creature to be a complete opposite, that in reality they are more alike then he realizes. Also, the scene supports the theme of nature v. nurture. Although Victor is not blood related to the monster, they still have similarities. He created him, which left a mark on the monster. They have some kind of simmilarities that make the monster connected to him. I think that it supports that the monster functions as a result of both the nurture/living of his life, but he was also subconciously affected by his creator.
The literary term used here is dramatic irony. The monster tries to continue his longing to be accepted by humans by being someone of loving and benevolent nature. In this scene, he saves a girl from drowning, but he is shot by her father who thinks that the creature had harmed her instead. This shows how the monster is alienated from society as a result of his physical appearance. No matter what he does, he is not going to be treated how he wants merely because of how he looks. This shows that he just does not belong. The parallelism her is between the creature and his creator. Victor had once said how he had felt like he did not belong or fit in with society who was not his friends. This shows that although Victor finds the creature to be a complete opposite, that in reality they are more alike then he realizes. Also, the scene supports the theme of nature v. nurture. Although Victor is not blood related to the monster, they still have similarities. He created him, which left a mark on the monster. They have some kind of simmilarities that make the monster connected to him. I think that it supports that the monster functions as a result of both the nurture/living of his life, but he was also subconciously affected by his creator.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Frankenstein
"A flash of lightining illuminated the object, and discovered its shape plainly to me; its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy daemon to whom I had given life. What did he there? Could he be (I shuddered at the conception) the murderer of my brother?" (page 50) When I read this, I felt that this would be who killed William, yet I was still kind of shocked that he actually did. I think that it is strange that the creature knows where Victor and his family were, especially since he never told him. I find it quite strange, and I guess that people have said we find out later in the book how he knew. Also, during this time period I can understand how this would be a 'scary' book since it was the first of its kind. Even reading it now, I get a little caught off gaurd by how weird and creepy some of the story is. Also, this is just another instance where lightning occurs. I think that it my be some kind of symbol, but it is hard to decide what for. Maybe to emphasize the darkness or fear of the creature and intensify the setting of the scenes. It may have been used as a way to scare the audience even more. Lastly, I found it so sad that William died. If the monster did in fact kill him, then I am even more angry that Victor created that creature. It makes his mistake harm those he loves, and they are innocent.
Frankenstein
"Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel". (page 69) I found this quote to be very interesting. It almost emphasized the situational irony in my previous blog. Even the creation knew he should have been accepted with open arms by his creator. He alludes to the Bible by saying that he should have been Adam, the first creation of God. The creation is implicating that Victor was trying to play God. This adds to the theme of creation. Victor should not have done his experiment due to the morals surrounding his work. He is not God, yet he strived to achieve what God does. In addition, the creature recognizes that he is seen as the devil by Victor. This seems to cause sympathy towards him because he has no one else in the world. Even his creator fears him. I think that this also proves that Victor should not have created him since he has made him live in a life of sadness. The selfishness of Victor is portrayed in this one quote made by his creation.
Frankenstein
"I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but not that I had finished, the beauty of my dream vanished, and the breathless horror and disgust filled my heart". (page 35) The literary device used in this quote from the story is situational irony. Victor had dedicated so much time and became obssessed with achieving his creation. When it was completed, it would be expected that he would be thrilled and proud. Instead, he is in shock of what he did and completely afraid of the creature he once believed was beautiful. He could not even look at it, and he hid from it too. This provides situational irony due to the fact Victor reacted in an unexpected way. This scene also supports the theme of creation and the right or ability to create. Victor continually thought can I do it, and became obsessed with the goal of achieving his creation. This caused him to lack in the moral thinking of his work. It doesn't matter if you can do something if it does not help society or should not be done. This is something quickly realized by Victor. He should have thought about if he SHOULD do it instead.
Frankenstein
"Study had before secluded me from the intercourse of my fellow-creatures, and rendered me unsocial," (page 45) The literary device of theme is used also in the work. Theme provides a meaning to the work which can be universal and allow for readers to understand or find a connection. In Frankenstein, one of the themes invovles seclucsion and isolation. Furthermore, the sense of not belonging, either to a community or to one's own sense of self. The theme is effectively portrayed in this one quote because it provides the fact that Victor had secluded himself from the rest of the world, even his advisors who lived and breathed philosophy and sciences. In my small group, we discussed why Victor told the story of his creation and the point of it being told to Robert. We came to the conclusion that Victor is implying to Robert that if studies alienate you from the world, then don't do it. It is not human to focus on only one thing, and it will negatively affect yourself. The isolation also provides a glimpse of the reoccuring characteristic of Victor. He tends to pull away from society, mostly because he feels he does not fit in at the moment. Another time he does this is when Justine dies, and he decides to go into the mountains.
Frankenstein
"Listen to my history, and you perceive how irrevocably it is determined." (page 13) The literary device that is used in this book that makes a major impact on the work as a whole would be the frame story(ies). When Victor tells Robert he is going to tell him his story, a parallelism between the two is even more noticeable. Robert and Victor already have similarities, which is inferred when Victor prompts the story as an advice and heed to the goal of Robert. Mary Shelley uses the frames stories as a way to provide a basis of the percepted parallelism seen between the two early on. It connects Victor, Robert, and I am guessing the creation too. The frame story turns the book into something more complex and intriguing. It draws in the reader, and it will lead them to find similarities between the major characters. I also know that by the end, all of the stories will eventually return to the point of Victor's telling of the story. It will provide an insight on human life, which will also deepen the story.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Kite Runner:10
"There are a lot of children in Afghanistan, but little childhood." (page 318) I have been trying to spread out my blogs among the entire story, but I really have to talk about this phrase because it just stuck out to me while reading. It is sad that children in Afghanistan face the horrors and violence in their life. In Afghanistan, it is almost as if children are no longer children. They have lost all innocence so early in life, and they are unable to enjoy their childhood as a result of the violence occuring. When Hassan was raped, I was shocked that another kid did that to him. Assef obviously was robbed of a childhood, and he decided to do the same to Hassan, which ulitimately led to the loss of innocence in Amir as well. Sohrab losses innocence when faced with Assef as well, and as a child he tries to commit suicide. Child cherish life, but when robbed of childhood and the life of a child they turn into something no child should be. They become an adult at a young age, which is so sad to think about. This book opened my eyes to how much children should be protected. By opening their lives to the adult world at an early age, children begin a life without a chance to be kids.
The Kite Runner:9
"For you, a thousand times over." (page 371) The literary device used here is a motif. The motif begins with Hassan, and by the end of the book Amir is using it. It is repeated constantly in the book to stress the importance of the theme of friendship. The phrase is definitely strong. It is not a light phrase used loosely among anyone. Rather, it is a way of showing the complete dedication and loyalty to a dear friend. Hassan always shared this to Amir, and it constantly reminded him of the great friendship that he had. Although they grew distant, each was always there for each other in the end. In the ending, Amir wants to share with Sohrab that, like Hassan was for him, he would do anything for him. He was a true friend, and this time Amir is going to get it right. The ending may be ambiguous regarding how Sohrab will change or how their life will be affected, but this phrase is pretty much forshadowing that something is happening. Amir finally has shown he cares to a friend. He never really told Hassan, so I think that this is almost like his final redemption of the way he had treated his friend. He is going to show that he cares and not let anything in the past reoccur.
The Kite Runner:8
"My body was broke-just how badly I wouldn't find out until later-but I felt healed. Healed at last. I laughed." (page 289) There are multiple literary devices used in this single instance. The first is irony. It is completely ironic that when he is being beaten Amir laughs. Most people would not be laughing. Also, the instance is ironic because Assef just talked about how he laughed at the guy he hurt, and now Amir was doing it to him. Even though he is being hurt, Amir does not care because he is feeling relief. This brings me to my next literary device, which is paradox. This statement is paradoxal because Amir is broken yet healed. Once thought about, the reader can infer that Amir is referring to being healed from the guilt that had long been harping on his life. He had stood and watched Hassan get hurt by Assef. He had begged Hassan to hurt him after. Finally, Amir is feeling the redemption he has long desired. With Assef beating him up, he feels that he is finally getting what he deserves. The redemption is freeing him of the guilt he could not rid of. He is healed.
The Kite Runner:7
"I laughed. Partly at the joke, partly at how Afghan humor never changed." (page 266) This literary device is humor. I did not want to include the entire passage, but Amir and Farid are telling "Mullah Nasruddin jokes". It may seem like just another scene, but I think that it plays a huge role in the situation and the people in Afghanistan. There is war, injustice, and violence rampant in Kabul and all of Amir's native country. Despite the stress and seriousness of the situation, there is humor used in the story. It may have been a way for the author to relieve the reader of the serious, melancholy tone. Also, it could have been a way for him to relay to the audience that despite the situation surrounding them, the characters are still human. They have emotions and are not immune to the terrible situation surrounding them. Amir and Farid share in a moment that shares their human emotions and how in even the worst situations, a country cannot take this from them. They cannot be dehumanized completely no matter what the Talibans try. In other words, I think it was a way to show that even though they are the 'choosen' race according to Assef, they are still against the treatment of women, Hazaras, and all the others faced with the injustice.
The Kite Runner:6
"like father like son. But it was true, wasn't it? As it turned out, Baba and I were more alike than I'd ever known." (page 226) The literary device used here is the cliche "like father like son". This phrase is used many times regarding the similarities between sons and fathers. Sometimes it is like they are a minature version of the father. This cliche is used to provide contrast to the past Amir. He used to find himself as as complete opposite as his father. On page 22-23, even Baba doubts that they are even related. They are so different, that this phrase would have been seen as irony if used earlier. As the story plays out, this phrase becomes the truth. Both Baba and Amir have guilt, have lied, and both wanted redemption. It was a burden on them their entire life. This cliche also affects the theme of the lies that bind the father and son together. Amir finds them to be related once he learns of the fact that his father also lied and had guilt. The guilt that each faced in the end was a way to see that the father had an unconcious influence on the son. The realization of the similarity brought to light by the lies reveal that the two are related and have a weird, but present connection.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Kite Runner:5
"America was a river, roaring along, unmindful of the past. I could wade into this river, let my sins drown to the bottom, let the waters carry me someplace far. Someplace with no ghosts, no memories, and no sins." (page 136)
This entire excerpt is very important to the entire story. It is a metphor used by Amir to share with the reader his feelings towards America. I think that this contributes to the theme of possibility of redemption. Amir was burdened by his memory of betraying Hassan and the guilt that followed him. He was constantly reminded of this guilt where he lived before because he saw Hassan, or saw the places they used to play and have constant memories. America is the possiblity of starting over, of having a new beginning. Unlike his father, Amir rejoiced in the fact that he had the chance of a new beginning. His father (seen as 'crazy' by the Americans on page 128) did not like America and resented a new way of living. Amir wanted to make himself new and become a better person in America, which is seen when he graduates and tries so hard to be an American. Amir merely wants to clan the slate of his guilt. He longs to rid himself of the feelings that have kept him for so long, and America is where he finds this chance for the first time.
This entire excerpt is very important to the entire story. It is a metphor used by Amir to share with the reader his feelings towards America. I think that this contributes to the theme of possibility of redemption. Amir was burdened by his memory of betraying Hassan and the guilt that followed him. He was constantly reminded of this guilt where he lived before because he saw Hassan, or saw the places they used to play and have constant memories. America is the possiblity of starting over, of having a new beginning. Unlike his father, Amir rejoiced in the fact that he had the chance of a new beginning. His father (seen as 'crazy' by the Americans on page 128) did not like America and resented a new way of living. Amir wanted to make himself new and become a better person in America, which is seen when he graduates and tries so hard to be an American. Amir merely wants to clan the slate of his guilt. He longs to rid himself of the feelings that have kept him for so long, and America is where he finds this chance for the first time.
The Kite Runner:4
"There was a monster in the lake. It had grabbed Hassan by the ankles, dragged him to the murky water. I was that monster." (page 86)
This particular part of the story has a few important parts to it. The first is that this is one instance where Amir is remembering something someone has said to him. I think that this is style, and it emphasizes the internal thoughts of Amir. This is because he is remembering specific things that we as readers learned along with him. It is a realistic memory that the audience can grasp. They become more connected to because they have experienced it with him. In addition, this metaphor is one that supports the theme of guilt, which is an effect of betrayal. Amir feels that he IS a monster. He cannot escape the horrible thing he has done, and it effects how he views himself. It is a way of intensifying his guilt. Also, the entire metaphor is used to represent the act of Amir running away from Hassan's rape. He drug Hassan to the bottom because he had a chance to save hims, but his cowardness kept him from helping. Also, the bottom is Hassan losing innocence, friendship, and feeling unworthy and dirty about himself. He does not respect himself the same, which is seen one page 80 when Amir shares that he has barely spoken to Hassan and Ali says that he is acting depressed.
This particular part of the story has a few important parts to it. The first is that this is one instance where Amir is remembering something someone has said to him. I think that this is style, and it emphasizes the internal thoughts of Amir. This is because he is remembering specific things that we as readers learned along with him. It is a realistic memory that the audience can grasp. They become more connected to because they have experienced it with him. In addition, this metaphor is one that supports the theme of guilt, which is an effect of betrayal. Amir feels that he IS a monster. He cannot escape the horrible thing he has done, and it effects how he views himself. It is a way of intensifying his guilt. Also, the entire metaphor is used to represent the act of Amir running away from Hassan's rape. He drug Hassan to the bottom because he had a chance to save hims, but his cowardness kept him from helping. Also, the bottom is Hassan losing innocence, friendship, and feeling unworthy and dirty about himself. He does not respect himself the same, which is seen one page 80 when Amir shares that he has barely spoken to Hassan and Ali says that he is acting depressed.
The Kite Runner:3
"I saw something I'll never forget: Hassan serving drinks to Assef and Wali from a silver platter" (page 100).
Literary term: Situational Irony
The scene occuring at the end of Chapter 8 displays situational irony. This is due to the fact that Amir was in awe that Hassan is serving these boys who have scarred him for life. Instead of not serving them or standing up for himself, Hassan is gentleman and goes and does his job. He does not let his emotions show, and it surprises Amir that he can treat those people like royalty when they treated him like dirt. The situational irony here does two things. The first is that it reveals what kind of a person Hassan is. He is not someone who stands up for himself. He bottles up his emotions, and this just intensifies the emotional damage he is holding in since he is facing those who raped him. The fact that he does not retaliate even there shows that he is a person of character. In addition, I think that this scene emphasizes the theme of guilt since Amir sees it. It shows that he lets the injustice affect him more than Hassan does, and he is the one who actually experienced the horror. I think that this shows that the betrayal has an effect on people that cannot be explained.
Literary term: Situational Irony
The scene occuring at the end of Chapter 8 displays situational irony. This is due to the fact that Amir was in awe that Hassan is serving these boys who have scarred him for life. Instead of not serving them or standing up for himself, Hassan is gentleman and goes and does his job. He does not let his emotions show, and it surprises Amir that he can treat those people like royalty when they treated him like dirt. The situational irony here does two things. The first is that it reveals what kind of a person Hassan is. He is not someone who stands up for himself. He bottles up his emotions, and this just intensifies the emotional damage he is holding in since he is facing those who raped him. The fact that he does not retaliate even there shows that he is a person of character. In addition, I think that this scene emphasizes the theme of guilt since Amir sees it. It shows that he lets the injustice affect him more than Hassan does, and he is the one who actually experienced the horror. I think that this shows that the betrayal has an effect on people that cannot be explained.
The Kite Runner:2
" 'I think I have saratan,' I said. Cancer. " (page 14)
Literary term: Foreshadowing
This scene is foreshadowing of the scene on page 154 when Baba finds out he has the possibility of having cancer. Hossenini is a great author and uses very small details and scenes such as this to inform and hint at what may happen in the future. I had underlined this because I thought that this scene had to have some importance. Then, when I read when Baba found out he might have cancer I immediately remembered the fact that Amir once said this to Baba. The effect that this literary term has on the novel of the whole is that both scenes present a contrast in the characters of Baba and Amir. When Amir tells Baba he thinks this, he told him he could "get the soda" himself (page 14). This shows that Baba was not even listening to Amir's concerns. Even if it may sound absurd for a kid to say, it shows he is not one to show emotion or empathy since he does not comfort and tell him differently. In contrast, Amir questions the doctor more and does everything he can to find out for sure what is wrong with his father. Amir is sympathetic and caring. He takes action and is attentive to every detail while his father tends to ignore others sometimes. He thinks about himself and does not listen to the opinions of others.
Literary term: Foreshadowing
This scene is foreshadowing of the scene on page 154 when Baba finds out he has the possibility of having cancer. Hossenini is a great author and uses very small details and scenes such as this to inform and hint at what may happen in the future. I had underlined this because I thought that this scene had to have some importance. Then, when I read when Baba found out he might have cancer I immediately remembered the fact that Amir once said this to Baba. The effect that this literary term has on the novel of the whole is that both scenes present a contrast in the characters of Baba and Amir. When Amir tells Baba he thinks this, he told him he could "get the soda" himself (page 14). This shows that Baba was not even listening to Amir's concerns. Even if it may sound absurd for a kid to say, it shows he is not one to show emotion or empathy since he does not comfort and tell him differently. In contrast, Amir questions the doctor more and does everything he can to find out for sure what is wrong with his father. Amir is sympathetic and caring. He takes action and is attentive to every detail while his father tends to ignore others sometimes. He thinks about himself and does not listen to the opinions of others.
The Kite Runner:1
"To Hassan's brown corduroy pants lying on the bricks" (page 91).
Literary term: motif
This phrase can be considered a motif because it is mentioned more then once in the story. It is seen on page 84 as well. The phrase is used as a motif for multiple reasons. The first is that it emphasizes the internal thoughts and point of view of the story. It is the thoughts of Amir, and he shares us with the constant thought on his mind. Everyone has had something on their mind and just can't shake it off. In this case, Amir cannot get the picture of what happened to Hassan out of his mind. I think that it makes the story more personal because we see how much it effects the internal being of Amir. In addition, the motif serves as a way to strengthen the theme of the effect of betrayal on a person. Amir betrayed Hassan's friendship by not standing up for him. When Amir realizes how cowardly he is, he cannot rid himself of the constant flashback. The betrayal scarred his thoughts and causes him to continually guilt himself for what he did. In the story, guilt is the most powerful effect on them after betrayal, which is seen through his constant memory of the event. It is obvious that Amir is plagued by the memory and constantly feels guilt from it.
Literary term: motif
This phrase can be considered a motif because it is mentioned more then once in the story. It is seen on page 84 as well. The phrase is used as a motif for multiple reasons. The first is that it emphasizes the internal thoughts and point of view of the story. It is the thoughts of Amir, and he shares us with the constant thought on his mind. Everyone has had something on their mind and just can't shake it off. In this case, Amir cannot get the picture of what happened to Hassan out of his mind. I think that it makes the story more personal because we see how much it effects the internal being of Amir. In addition, the motif serves as a way to strengthen the theme of the effect of betrayal on a person. Amir betrayed Hassan's friendship by not standing up for him. When Amir realizes how cowardly he is, he cannot rid himself of the constant flashback. The betrayal scarred his thoughts and causes him to continually guilt himself for what he did. In the story, guilt is the most powerful effect on them after betrayal, which is seen through his constant memory of the event. It is obvious that Amir is plagued by the memory and constantly feels guilt from it.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Drama Blog- A Raisin in the Sun
I did not like Walter at all in this play. He is so selfish and thinks only of himself. He is only concerned about his own dreams, which is obvious when he losses all of the money that was supposed to be for both him and Beneatha (page 129). This is obvious that his dreams are his only concern. Also, when Mama tells him that Ruth is pregnant, he is not even happy or says anything to Ruth at all about it. This makes him so inconsiderate of her feelings and treats her badly. He also makes it clear that he has little respect for her in the beginning by pretty much saying she is not attractive when he says that she "looks yound this morning" but then quickly says "just for a second" and "it's gone now" (page 27). Walter is just so rude!!!!! Lastly, he is irresponsible. He goes out and drinks, doesn't go to work, and losses the money. He acts like a child! I mean even Travis asks on page 107 if he is drunk. That is just terrible for a kid to have to ask a parent that. He is only ten, and Walter is setting a terrible example for him.
Drama Blog- A Raisin in the Sun
#5
The major theme of this play presents itself in the very beginning of the play in the poem "Dreams Deffered" by Langston Hughes. This play revolves around the dreams of each of the people living in the house. This poem tells of the different ways that the dreams can fold out. The dreams of the family members are illustrated in the play, but the play still has other parts to it. It is not completely didactic, but the lessons it teaches are effective through this play. An example of one of the dreams would be Mama's dream of owning a home. Unlike most of the other dreams, hers actually comes true. It is difficult to overcome some of the difficulties and obstacles, such as the Welcoming Commitee, but in the end she is able to successfully fulfill her dream. We see this when Walter tells Lindner that they "decided to move into our house" (page 148). This shows a dream that "explodes" like the poem says since it is achieved and it is standing up against those who do not want them to move in. In contrast, the dream of Walter dries up "like a raisin in the son". He tried to invest in the liquor store, but the dream quickly was unable to happen. This play provides thematic material in each of the characters to support the them of dreams.
The major theme of this play presents itself in the very beginning of the play in the poem "Dreams Deffered" by Langston Hughes. This play revolves around the dreams of each of the people living in the house. This poem tells of the different ways that the dreams can fold out. The dreams of the family members are illustrated in the play, but the play still has other parts to it. It is not completely didactic, but the lessons it teaches are effective through this play. An example of one of the dreams would be Mama's dream of owning a home. Unlike most of the other dreams, hers actually comes true. It is difficult to overcome some of the difficulties and obstacles, such as the Welcoming Commitee, but in the end she is able to successfully fulfill her dream. We see this when Walter tells Lindner that they "decided to move into our house" (page 148). This shows a dream that "explodes" like the poem says since it is achieved and it is standing up against those who do not want them to move in. In contrast, the dream of Walter dries up "like a raisin in the son". He tried to invest in the liquor store, but the dream quickly was unable to happen. This play provides thematic material in each of the characters to support the them of dreams.
Drama Blog- A Raisin in the Sun
#1
This play would be considered realistic. The people and situations in this play are universal. A reader can compare each person to someone they know or have observed in today's world. For example, Walter and Ruth are a couple who constantly fights. On page 34, Ruth says to Walter that "I listen to you every day, every night and every morning, and you never say anything new". I think that this is kind of funny because we can easily find a couple who gets annoyed since they are always around one another. Also, the play has a realistic struggles. The time period of this is during the Civil Rights Movement. Since it is focused around a black family, the struggles they face, such as moving into a new house and getting a job, are understandable. I mean there are some point where it is exaggerated or unreal. Like when Walter is drunk yelling an African word while Bennie dances in her African outfit on pages 78-79. Overall though, the play employs realistic qualities that the audience can either relate to or at least understand to a certain extent.
This play would be considered realistic. The people and situations in this play are universal. A reader can compare each person to someone they know or have observed in today's world. For example, Walter and Ruth are a couple who constantly fights. On page 34, Ruth says to Walter that "I listen to you every day, every night and every morning, and you never say anything new". I think that this is kind of funny because we can easily find a couple who gets annoyed since they are always around one another. Also, the play has a realistic struggles. The time period of this is during the Civil Rights Movement. Since it is focused around a black family, the struggles they face, such as moving into a new house and getting a job, are understandable. I mean there are some point where it is exaggerated or unreal. Like when Walter is drunk yelling an African word while Bennie dances in her African outfit on pages 78-79. Overall though, the play employs realistic qualities that the audience can either relate to or at least understand to a certain extent.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Drama Blog- The Glass Menagerie
Amanda can be dramatic, selfish, manipulative, and controlling. We addressed this in class, and at first I totally agreed. She was so hard on Tom and tried to control and almost live through Linda. Although I thought this at first, I am beginning to see that she really does care about her kids. In class, someone said that she loves her kids, but her approach is the problem. After reading the first six scenes, I completely agree with this statement. I mean all moms can nag and make us angry, but Amanda just seems to do it all the time. She is so obsessed and worried about her children that she does not realize how she truly treats them. It seems as if she is just being hard towards Tom concering his job. However, she says "How do you think we'd manage if you were-" (page 1247). This implies that she is worried for making their lives a good as they can be. She loves her son, but she relies on him so much. I do not think that she was trying to be hard on him like saying he is terrible and not good at working. Rather, she is just taking her worries and stress out on him. She may do this, but she also shows little parts where she is caring about her kids and wants the best for them. For example, on page 1251, she says to Tom "Promise, son, you'll-never be a drunkard". This is one scene that shows that she is concerned and worried her son could potentially ruin himself. I think that her way of showing love is warning and trying to make them perfect so that there is no way their life can be bad or screwed up in any way. When I think of Amanda, I think of one of the women in the show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. My sister and I watched this together, and one of the women said she dedicated her life to her kids and that all she cared about were them. Just like Amanda, she showed her love in ways that made the kids mad or annoyed with her. She was trying to keep her daughter from going away for the summer, but this only made the daughter annoyed rather than make he stay. She lived through her kids and didn't have a life outside of that, which is what I think Amanda does.
Drama Blog- The Glass Menagerie
#6
The physical effects play an important role in this play. Unlike Shakespeare, Williams has every single detail of what is physically going to happen in the stage directions. I think that this is the case because he wants to emphasize the non verbal communication in the play. An example of the sets and stage movements would be on at the beginning of each scene. In the opening of Scene Two (page 1240), the stage directions explictly reveal the nervousness of Laura and intensifies the fear she has in the scene of her mother learning she has not been going to school. The actions and physical descriptions of Laura make this scene so clear that you can see the fear she has without her saying it out loud. I think that this also reinforces Amanda's effects on her children. Linda is obviously petrified of her mother, and the stage directions and movements make this point even stronger. Also, the Tennessee Williams uses the play's physical effects frequently in the play, which shows he wants to relay the enviornement to the audience. His play is more then just words. This physical part of the play makes it more realistic as well.
The physical effects play an important role in this play. Unlike Shakespeare, Williams has every single detail of what is physically going to happen in the stage directions. I think that this is the case because he wants to emphasize the non verbal communication in the play. An example of the sets and stage movements would be on at the beginning of each scene. In the opening of Scene Two (page 1240), the stage directions explictly reveal the nervousness of Laura and intensifies the fear she has in the scene of her mother learning she has not been going to school. The actions and physical descriptions of Laura make this scene so clear that you can see the fear she has without her saying it out loud. I think that this also reinforces Amanda's effects on her children. Linda is obviously petrified of her mother, and the stage directions and movements make this point even stronger. Also, the Tennessee Williams uses the play's physical effects frequently in the play, which shows he wants to relay the enviornement to the audience. His play is more then just words. This physical part of the play makes it more realistic as well.
Drama Blog- The Glass Menagerie
#1
This play employs both realistic and nonrealistic qualities. The realistic part would be that these characters are more modern compared to other plays we have read. They speak in a more modern way, unlike the Shakespeare. Also, some of the qualitites of them can be related to others in our life or seen in today's world. An example would be Amanda's anger towards her husband leaving them, or Tom's annoyance towards his mother. All of this can be relateable. I would say the play has some more nonrealistic qualities though. In the play, the fact that Tom is "the narrator of the play and also an character in it" (p 1236) is very unrealistic. I mean he is telling a story as if it is in the past, but at some parts he is acting like it is happening right then. It is kind of confusing, and very nonrealistic. Also, Tom finding a man so quickly to bring home is nonrealistic (page 1253). This is something that seems to be a very difficult task, so I am not sure how he does this so quickly.
This play employs both realistic and nonrealistic qualities. The realistic part would be that these characters are more modern compared to other plays we have read. They speak in a more modern way, unlike the Shakespeare. Also, some of the qualitites of them can be related to others in our life or seen in today's world. An example would be Amanda's anger towards her husband leaving them, or Tom's annoyance towards his mother. All of this can be relateable. I would say the play has some more nonrealistic qualities though. In the play, the fact that Tom is "the narrator of the play and also an character in it" (p 1236) is very unrealistic. I mean he is telling a story as if it is in the past, but at some parts he is acting like it is happening right then. It is kind of confusing, and very nonrealistic. Also, Tom finding a man so quickly to bring home is nonrealistic (page 1253). This is something that seems to be a very difficult task, so I am not sure how he does this so quickly.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Othello--CRAZY!
I knew characters would die at the end of the play because it was a tragedy, but I did not expect the people to die like this. I was sure that Cassio would die after Iago told Roderigo to kill him (IV.ii.221). He was the one who ending up living! I liked that he would get his revenge on Iago by deciding how he would be tortured (V.ii.366-369). I found it like poetic justice because all along it was Iago. Everyone thought Cassio was a terrible person when in reality he wasn't. I was also surprised that Iago actually hurt Cassio because he had done nothing really. I mean he had told people things and put thoughts in their mind, but he had never taken action like that. Emilia was surprising in standing up for herself by telling Iago she would not "charm her tongue"(V.ii..183). Instead, she calls him out and pretty much tells him he is a worthless liar who should die. Lastly, it was sad that Othello killed himself and Desdemona. He knew that she had done nothing against him, and what they had (according to the story) was true love. If it weren't for Iago, they would have lived happily ever after.
Othello--Protagonist and Antagonist
Othello is the protagonist of this play, or the hero. He is respected by lots of people, including the Duke (I.ii), and he has Desdemona. Desdemona is what Roderigo wants, so it can be said that Othello is who people want to be. His major flaw,or hubris, is how gullible and jealous he gets. By falling into the traps of Iago, he sets himself up for disaster. In Act IV, he slaps Desdemona as a result of the jealous ensued by Iago (IV.i.224). It shows that this is his flaw when Lodovico says "is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate call all-in-all sufficient?"(IV.i.249-250). This statement shows that Othello is not who he truly is after he gets jealous. He is not the person that the others know. The antagonist in the play is Iago. He is the evil one, and the character initiating all of the problems. He wants to bring down Othello because he thinks that he has slept with his wife, even though Emilia says that she did not(IV.ii.147). Also, he wants to bring down every other character until he gets what he wants. A set of foil characters would be Desdemona and Emilia. Emilia does not speak out against Iago's view of women while Desdemona does. Another would be Iago and Cassio because Cassio is seen as poliet since he treats women with respect while Iago does not. Lastly, I think that minor characters play an important role. They reveal things to the audience. I said above how Lodovico brings to attention that Othello really is respected, so it enhances the fact that he changed. Lastly, Roderigo plays an important role in the plan of Iago (V.i.23).
Othello--Themes
In Othello, there are a few themes that stood out to me. One of these themes is jealousy. Jealousy is the driving force in many of the actions the characters make. The worst part is that some of the jealousy is based off a notion or feeling, not even facts. Othello is a character who displays jealousy in Act V when he murders Desdemona. He says that "she must die, else she'll betray more men."(V.ii.6). This shows that his jealousy of Desdemona is great enough for him to find it reasonable to kill her. Also, his jealousy is based off what Iago makes him believe, which is based on no proof or facts. Iago always says "I think" or "I have heard". He never definitively says whether he knows for a fact Desdemona had an affair. Another person who has jealousy is Iago. He is the most jealous one in the play by far. Not only does he lie to every person in the play, but he even wounds Cassio in the leg (V.i.). He does everything because of his jealousy towards other people. He even says that he must have Cassio dead because if not Cassio's "daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly"(V.i.19-20). This shows how Iago is so jealous that he must try to get rid of anyone who makes him feel lacking.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Drama Blog- Othello 3
I do not like Iago at all. He is so sneaky towards every character in the story. In III.iii.322-323, He puts the handkerchief in Cassio's home. He lies and does anything in his power to get his way. I find him rude, especially when he talks down to Desdemona and Emilia in II.i.130-142. He is even decieving and rude to his wife, the one person you would expect him to treat right! Also, I find it very ironic when he talks about jealousy to Othello in Act III.iii.167-169. Earlier in the story he tells about his own jealousy for Cassio and his hate for Othello (I.ii.349-355). He is trying to warn someone about jealousy, yet jealousy is what is driving him to do all of the bad deeds he does. Also, he is very two faced. He tells about how he hates Othello(I.ii.349-355), and then he tells Othello "My lord, you know I love you" (III.iii.117). I just overall do not like Iago, and he is obviously the evil one in this play. I can't believe he is decieving so many people!
Drama Blog- Othello 2
The suspense in this play is created through Iago. I think that suspense is created by the many asides by Iago about his plan. In Act II.iii.39-54, Iago has an aside about his plan concerning Cassio. He plans on having him drink, which will lead to the next 'phase'. The suspense is created by the audience knowing what the plan is while all the characters besides Iago do not. The audience is filled in, so they have suspense by wanting the character to not fall into the plan set out by Iago. Also, I think that the suspense is caused by the audience knowing that the play is a trajedy, yet they are not sure of how things will happen. Instead, they are told the plan right before it happens. This leaves them wondering what is next. In the scene shared above, Iago and Cassio talk about how Cassio will not drink, then Iago says he will get him to drink. After drinking, Cassio leaves before fighting with Montano(II.iii.135). The time between the aside of Iago until the point of the plan being fulfilled causes suspense.
Drama Blog- Othello 1
The play Othello is a tragedy. I am not exactly sure how I would have known this besides being toldbefore we read it. By knowing what type of play this is, I think that the audience definitely reads and understands it in way different than that of a comedy. The issues and encounters of certain characters is not seen as humourous. Rather, the scenes relay a more serious and almost dark tone. Even if the scene seems to be a little funny, there is always that thought of the overalll trajedy and questions of what role it plays in that trajedy. I feel that this thought in the back of the minds of the audience causes them to read and take certain scenes in a different way. One example would be the talk between Iago, Emilia, and Desdemona in Act II. He says that "would she giver you so much of her lips as her tongue she oft bestows me, you'll have enoug"(II.i.109-111). In a comedy, this could be taken as a teasing thing to say. In the trajedy, it is taken seriously, and it reveals more about the character of Iago, which is very decietful, untrustworthy, and harsh. Also, the knowledge of the type of play allows for the sudience to pick up on people who have a dark vibe or personality because they are lookingout for those who are 'bad' and those who are'good'. For example, Iago is quickly established as one with jealousy for Moor in I.ii.349-355 and in the opening scene in Act I Scene I. The audience recognizes this aspect of his character and can infer that he will most likely have some kind of a role in the trajedy. Since jealousy is associated with sin or things that are bad, he will most likely be a almost villian like person.
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