"Rumfoord was thinking in a military manner: that an inconvenient person, one whose death he wished for very much, for practical reasons, was suffering from a repulsive disease." (p. 192)
Convenience. One word that makes all Americans jump for joy. In our society, we have endless amounts of convenience stores - for example, Walgreens, CVS, Target, McDonalds, Chick-fil-a, Marathon, etc, etc. The United States encourages laziness and apathy within society. We no longer have to work for what we need.
In Slaughterhouse-Five, Vonnegut not only criticizes the war, but the American mindset as well. Some Americans are so self-centered that they want others to die in order for more convenience in their own lives. War encourages this American mindset - murder as a convenience. During war, the number one goal is to defeat the enemy. This comes at the cost of millions of lives. The more people murdered, the more successful the war. Killing is convenient during war because it causes war to end faster. But this convenience comes at a price - a price that no one thinks about during war - a loss of family.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five: Advertising
"'It's like advertising. You have to tell the truth in advertising, or you get into trouble.'" (p. 171)
In this part of the novel, Trout tricks a woman into believing that everything he writes about actually happens. This is ironic because Trout is a science-fiction author. Obviously, his stories about aliens and time travel are not actually true. However, the lady believes him and intelligently states the quote above.
American ads are full of lies and dirty tricks. Almost everyday, I am the LUCKY winner on at least one website. Is it too good to be true? Of course. In our modern world, advertising is never truthful. Businesses constantly push ads into our face hoping to catch at least one person off guard to make a quick buck. Why do Americans allow this to happen? Once again, it all comes down to money. Deceiving ads encourage people to spend more money causing a boost in the economy. Modern American thinking says: "If it's good for most Americans, it's great for everyone!" Sure, the United States was established to protect the common good, but you must be smart/lucky enough to avoid falling into the minority. Interesting...
In this part of the novel, Trout tricks a woman into believing that everything he writes about actually happens. This is ironic because Trout is a science-fiction author. Obviously, his stories about aliens and time travel are not actually true. However, the lady believes him and intelligently states the quote above.
American ads are full of lies and dirty tricks. Almost everyday, I am the LUCKY winner on at least one website. Is it too good to be true? Of course. In our modern world, advertising is never truthful. Businesses constantly push ads into our face hoping to catch at least one person off guard to make a quick buck. Why do Americans allow this to happen? Once again, it all comes down to money. Deceiving ads encourage people to spend more money causing a boost in the economy. Modern American thinking says: "If it's good for most Americans, it's great for everyone!" Sure, the United States was established to protect the common good, but you must be smart/lucky enough to avoid falling into the minority. Interesting...
Slaughterhouse-Five: The Money Tree
"Trout, incidentally, had written a book about a money tree. It had twenty-dollar bills for leaves. Its flowers were government bonds. Its fruit was diamonds. It attracted human beings who killed each other around the roots and made very good fertilizer. So it goes." (p. 167)
When thinking about war, what is the main cause? Many times we think about disagreements or territorial issues as the cause of war; however, the main root to all wars is money. Money motivates people to make horrible, impulsive decisions. War is one of those not well thought out decisions.
The image of a money tree is the perfect symbol for this novel. In our modern society, people basically worship money as if it provides us with oxygen. But really, money is not what keeps the world ticking. It actually causes more destruction then it prevents. I like how the "fruit" of this money tree is the diamonds. Fruit is considered the most valuable and useful part of the tree. Just as fruit, humans consider diamonds to be essential to a successful life. Vonnegut emphasizes money as the cause of war in the last sentence of the excerpt. Again, humans are dehumanized by the author stating that humans make good fertilizer. During war, ethical principles are thrown out the window. Only positive effects are emphasized while the negatives remain hidden.
When thinking about war, what is the main cause? Many times we think about disagreements or territorial issues as the cause of war; however, the main root to all wars is money. Money motivates people to make horrible, impulsive decisions. War is one of those not well thought out decisions.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five: Machine
"Tralfamadorians, of course, say that every creature and plant in the Universe is a machine. It amuses them that so many Earthlings are offended by the idea of being machines." (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 154)
This quote connects to the theme of dehumanization. Vonnegut repeatedly dehumanizes his fellow humans, but most especially through the Tralfamaodrians, Billy's alien friends. The aliens view humans almost as if they are in a glass cage for inspection. Kind of creepy, but so it goes.
During war, what characterizes humans as machines? To begin, all soldiers wear the same exact clothing making them appear to be the exact same on the surface. When in formation, all personality is lost - soldiers are one unit, one team. They march in the exact same way, mimicking machines in a factory repeatedly doing the same motion. Finally, soldiers follow order without question. Machines do the same - humans press a button, a machine does the job. During a war, a commander says a command, the soldiers follow.
Does war really make humans into machines? No. But from the outside, Earthlings probably do appear to be machines. Vonnegut is pointing out how unnatural war is to the human race. War changes humans into something they are not meant to be.
This quote connects to the theme of dehumanization. Vonnegut repeatedly dehumanizes his fellow humans, but most especially through the Tralfamaodrians, Billy's alien friends. The aliens view humans almost as if they are in a glass cage for inspection. Kind of creepy, but so it goes.
During war, what characterizes humans as machines? To begin, all soldiers wear the same exact clothing making them appear to be the exact same on the surface. When in formation, all personality is lost - soldiers are one unit, one team. They march in the exact same way, mimicking machines in a factory repeatedly doing the same motion. Finally, soldiers follow order without question. Machines do the same - humans press a button, a machine does the job. During a war, a commander says a command, the soldiers follow.
Does war really make humans into machines? No. But from the outside, Earthlings probably do appear to be machines. Vonnegut is pointing out how unnatural war is to the human race. War changes humans into something they are not meant to be.
Slaughterhouse-Five: Children!
"The United States of America has been Balkanized, has been divided into twenty petty nations so that it will never again be a threat to world peace." (Slaugtherhouse-Five p. 142)
When my brother and I were little, we always had the same toys. But one Christmas, my mom decided to buy my brother a stuffed puppy. Instead of getting me the same one, my mom bought a stuffed cat (I know, a cat). I cried and cried because I wanted the puppy, not the stupid cat. My mom even tried to buy me a "similar" dog, but it just wasn't the same.
This same situation can be applied to modern war. Scary, isn't it? During World War I, the Central Powers divided Europe into little pieces. In turn, they took part of Germany away. Later, the piece we told Hitler he could not have, he still wanted for himself. Obviously, this led to a second war due to a conflict of interest.
In the quote above, Vonnegut is trying to prove that dividing nations does not, and never will, cause world peace. Ironically, dividing peoples only creates more bitterness and hatred. With twenty nations, there are twenty leaders and governments who all believe they are right. This creates turmoil which leads to war. The Central Powers never truly solved anything - they created a bigger problem.
When my brother and I were little, we always had the same toys. But one Christmas, my mom decided to buy my brother a stuffed puppy. Instead of getting me the same one, my mom bought a stuffed cat (I know, a cat). I cried and cried because I wanted the puppy, not the stupid cat. My mom even tried to buy me a "similar" dog, but it just wasn't the same.
This same situation can be applied to modern war. Scary, isn't it? During World War I, the Central Powers divided Europe into little pieces. In turn, they took part of Germany away. Later, the piece we told Hitler he could not have, he still wanted for himself. Obviously, this led to a second war due to a conflict of interest.
In the quote above, Vonnegut is trying to prove that dividing nations does not, and never will, cause world peace. Ironically, dividing peoples only creates more bitterness and hatred. With twenty nations, there are twenty leaders and governments who all believe they are right. This creates turmoil which leads to war. The Central Powers never truly solved anything - they created a bigger problem.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five: Cinderelly
"The Blue Fairy Godmother was embarrassed, and angry, too. "If I'd known was fighting a chicken," he said, "I wouldn't have fought so hard." (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 127)
Contrasting imagery adds to the irony of this novel. In the excerpt above, an Englishman feels bad for beating up a malnourished American. Later, he justifies his actions by calling Americans weak, dirty, and thieving. For the time being, the Englishman feels remorse.
A "Blue Fairy Godmother" contrasts greatly with the tough Englishman. This defines the foreign soldiers as complex characters. Although they are there to keep the camp running, they also have a soft side. For example, this particular Englishman starred in the soldier's rendition of Cinderella as the fairy godmother. This shows that war does not change the nature of humans; it only changes surface emotions and thinking. Naturally, humans are not meant to be pitted against one another; however, war can change thinking.
Contrasting imagery adds to the irony of this novel. In the excerpt above, an Englishman feels bad for beating up a malnourished American. Later, he justifies his actions by calling Americans weak, dirty, and thieving. For the time being, the Englishman feels remorse.
A "Blue Fairy Godmother" contrasts greatly with the tough Englishman. This defines the foreign soldiers as complex characters. Although they are there to keep the camp running, they also have a soft side. For example, this particular Englishman starred in the soldier's rendition of Cinderella as the fairy godmother. This shows that war does not change the nature of humans; it only changes surface emotions and thinking. Naturally, humans are not meant to be pitted against one another; however, war can change thinking.
Slaughterhouse-Five: Connections
"From this moment on, He will punish horribly anybody who torments a bum who has no connections!" (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 110)
This novel is written as an antiwar novel; however, it also contains other criticisms dealing with hypocrisy. Religion is the most prominent example of human hypocrisy. Christians everywhere claim to be "servants to the community," but how many people actually follow through with this commitment? In the novel, the aliens tell the story of Jesus' crucifixion from their eyes. To them, Jesus is killed because he does not have connections. Connections could relate to many things, but I believe this is referring to a connection with authority. Since Jesus did not associate with the Sanhedrin, the people condemned him to death. Not one person stood up for what they believed in to save him. In the modern world, connections with authority always help to create materialistic success; therefore, if the president and monetary leaders believe war is best for the world, everyone else goes along with it. Not one person dares to stray from the norm in order to fit in with society. Humans are too passive when dealing with the issues. Instead of relying on connections, people should try to be an individual.
Although the Tralfamadorians do not experience Earth, the are still able to make truthful generalizations about the human population. Pretty sad...
Although the Tralfamadorians do not experience Earth, the are still able to make truthful generalizations about the human population. Pretty sad...
Slaughterhouse-Five: Deja Vu
Vonnegut creates many similarities between Billy's life as a prisoner of war and his experiences on Tralfamadore. For example, in the excerpt above, Billy is told to take off his clothes by the Germans running the POW camp. When Billy first arrives at Tralfamadore, he is also told to take off his clothes. In both instances, Billy is thoroughly examined as if he is a wild, unknown creature. Billy's experience in the war is different than his experience with the aliens because the aliens were only examining him for discovery of different creatures. In the war, all the men were HUMAN. There was no reason for the Germans men (who were also human, believe it or not) to be examining the POW's like wild animals.
In both situations, men are dehumanized; however, the dehumanization of humans by other humans only takes place because of war. Again, the author points out the error of war. Without war, humans are relatively civilized with concrete values and morals. War causes all dignity to be thrown out the window. As seen before, human beings are treated as animals by other human beings. With violence, the human connection is lost.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five: Dehumanization
"When food came in, the human beings were quiet and trusting and beautiful. They shared." (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 70)
In this part of the novel, Billy and Weary are being transferred to a German camp for prisoners of war. Billy lets us know that the war is almost over, and the Germans are running out of space for their prisoners. While the prisoners are kept in trains, they are fed through ventilators. The ventilators are a symbol of life and health - through these openings in the train cars, Billy can see the outside world, eat, drink, and deposit waste.
This type of prison dehumanizes the passengers just as Nazi war camps. The passage above mimics this dehumanization by stating that the prisoners were "human beings," not Americans or prisoners. This suggests that the author believes war turns all humans involved into animals. Moral rules and instincts no longer apply to the winning team - only the "losers" or prisoners display admirable qualities. This is shown when he says "they shared," which is a basic value of humanity. In the real world, prisoners are less civilized than the rest of population. The author points out this irony to criticize the changing of mindset in war.
In this part of the novel, Billy and Weary are being transferred to a German camp for prisoners of war. Billy lets us know that the war is almost over, and the Germans are running out of space for their prisoners. While the prisoners are kept in trains, they are fed through ventilators. The ventilators are a symbol of life and health - through these openings in the train cars, Billy can see the outside world, eat, drink, and deposit waste.
This type of prison dehumanizes the passengers just as Nazi war camps. The passage above mimics this dehumanization by stating that the prisoners were "human beings," not Americans or prisoners. This suggests that the author believes war turns all humans involved into animals. Moral rules and instincts no longer apply to the winning team - only the "losers" or prisoners display admirable qualities. This is shown when he says "they shared," which is a basic value of humanity. In the real world, prisoners are less civilized than the rest of population. The author points out this irony to criticize the changing of mindset in war.
Slaughterhouse-Five: Hypocrisy
"People aren't supposed to look back. I'm certainly not going to do it anymore." (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 22)
Since this novel is written to be satirical, Vonnegut packs Slaughterhouse-Five with irony. For example, in the quote above, Billy states that he is never again going to look back; however, the whole plot is based upon an event that happened in the past - the firebombing of Dresden. Billy even claims that he still travels through the past with the assistance of his alien friends from Tralfamadore. So basically, the entire novel is based on hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy is a central theme in Slaughterhouse-Five. During the Vietnam War, many people claimed to be "anti-war" supporters, but they never really did anything to actually prevent or stop the war. People always cling to the most popular cause at the time to be considered "hip." In my opinion, many people supported the "Stop Kony 2012" campaign because it was the cool thing to do. The nationwide attention was good for the cause; however, where have all those supporters gone now? And plus, where were they before? The Invisible Children organization has been around for a long time. Supporting a cause can be good, but only for the right reasons and with real action.
Since this novel is written to be satirical, Vonnegut packs Slaughterhouse-Five with irony. For example, in the quote above, Billy states that he is never again going to look back; however, the whole plot is based upon an event that happened in the past - the firebombing of Dresden. Billy even claims that he still travels through the past with the assistance of his alien friends from Tralfamadore. So basically, the entire novel is based on hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy is a central theme in Slaughterhouse-Five. During the Vietnam War, many people claimed to be "anti-war" supporters, but they never really did anything to actually prevent or stop the war. People always cling to the most popular cause at the time to be considered "hip." In my opinion, many people supported the "Stop Kony 2012" campaign because it was the cool thing to do. The nationwide attention was good for the cause; however, where have all those supporters gone now? And plus, where were they before? The Invisible Children organization has been around for a long time. Supporting a cause can be good, but only for the right reasons and with real action.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Pointing Fingers
"During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor do I find it blameable." (Frankenstein p. 161)
When reflecting on his life, Victor reflects on who is to blame for all the misfortunes in his life. Now, I will decide who really is to blame because I can.
1. Creation of the creature: Victor
- Victor blames his creation his own madness; however, where does madness come from? I believe madness can only come from your own mind; therefore, Victor is at fault. Without his (later regretted) perseverance and intelligence, the creature would have never been created.
2. Murder of William: Victor
o Victor caused the creature to be lonely by abandoning him on the day of creation. He could have welcomed him into his home and taught him the ways of society. But instead, Victor abandons the creature causing him to be continuously rejected.
3. Death of Justine: Victor
o Victor never stood up for Justine even though he knew that she was innocent.
4. Murder of Henry: Creature
o The creature was angry about Victor refusing to create a second creature; however, I believe killing Henry was a little over the top. Victor had no idea what this right decision would lead to.
5. 5. Murder of Elizabeth: Creature/Victor
o Okay really, Victor should have seen this coming. Victor should have been protecting his wife the entire time. Again, the creature may have been good by nature, but this murder was really just too much. Sure, the creature suffered, but how is making Victor suffer helping the creature in any way?
Overall, I think Victor held much more blame than he claims. But hey, everyone deserves to die with a happy conscience.
Dreams
"My life, as it passed thus, was indeed hateful to me, and it was during sleep alone that I could taste joy. O blessed sleep! often, when most miserable I sank to repose, and my dreams lulled me even to rapture." (Frankenstein p. 151)
In the novel, sleep is an important symbol. Whenever Victor is feeling most miserable, he sleeps to escape reality. On p. 135, Victor even mentions developing an addiction to sleeping pills. When Victor is most troubled, he has nightmares about the creature. I believe these nightmares represent the guilt Victor feels for creating this monster. Later in the novel, Victor enjoys his dreams because they allow him to escape from his hellish-nightmare of a life. After all, his mother, father, sister/wife, friend, and brother are dead. Since Victor's dreams consist of the images of his loved ones, he begins to cherish the times he is asleep over the times he is awake.
Images of sleeping contribute to the theme of solitude in the novel. Victor seeks this solitude to escape from his own reality of life. Early in the novel, solitude in nature causes Victor to heal his scarred mind, but later, he can only reach a sense of peace through drugs and sleeping. I think this kind of solitude in sleep relates to death. Since he has lost everything good in his life, he welcomes death with open arms. Sleep is just a way to feel that high of death without actually dying.
In the novel, sleep is an important symbol. Whenever Victor is feeling most miserable, he sleeps to escape reality. On p. 135, Victor even mentions developing an addiction to sleeping pills. When Victor is most troubled, he has nightmares about the creature. I believe these nightmares represent the guilt Victor feels for creating this monster. Later in the novel, Victor enjoys his dreams because they allow him to escape from his hellish-nightmare of a life. After all, his mother, father, sister/wife, friend, and brother are dead. Since Victor's dreams consist of the images of his loved ones, he begins to cherish the times he is asleep over the times he is awake.
Images of sleeping contribute to the theme of solitude in the novel. Victor seeks this solitude to escape from his own reality of life. Early in the novel, solitude in nature causes Victor to heal his scarred mind, but later, he can only reach a sense of peace through drugs and sleeping. I think this kind of solitude in sleep relates to death. Since he has lost everything good in his life, he welcomes death with open arms. Sleep is just a way to feel that high of death without actually dying.
Adam and Eve
"I read and re-read the letter, and some softened feelings stole into my heart, and dared to whisper paradisiacal dreams of love and joy, but the apple was already eaten, and the angel's arm bared to drive me from all hope." (Frankenstein p. 139)
After Victor receives a letter from Elizabeth, he feels conflicting emotions. On one hand, Elizabeth is his best friend whom he loves. He wishes to marry her and live a long and prosperous life with her; however, Victor knows deep in his heart that this can never be so. In the excerpt, Shelly uses an allusion referring to the Bible to describe Victor's fate. Victor says that "the apple was already eaten," meaning that his dream of living with Elizabeth was ruined by the creature's threat of destroying his life. This image refers to the creation of Adam and Eve, and Eve eating from the forbidden tree. This action sealed the fate of humanity, just as Victor's creation sealed his own fate of misery and despair. Victor believes that the creature is going to kill him on his wedding night; however, the creature has other plans of murdering his wife. Instead of focusing on protecting his wife, Victor prepares to defend himself. Ultimately, this egotistic attitude leads to Victor's downfall. Victor isn't necessarily totally self-centered; he does feel despair when thinking about Elizabeth's reaction to her newly-made husband's death. But in reality, if Victor hadn't gone into solitude after creating the creature, he probably could have prevented the death of his entire body of loved ones.
After Victor receives a letter from Elizabeth, he feels conflicting emotions. On one hand, Elizabeth is his best friend whom he loves. He wishes to marry her and live a long and prosperous life with her; however, Victor knows deep in his heart that this can never be so. In the excerpt, Shelly uses an allusion referring to the Bible to describe Victor's fate. Victor says that "the apple was already eaten," meaning that his dream of living with Elizabeth was ruined by the creature's threat of destroying his life. This image refers to the creation of Adam and Eve, and Eve eating from the forbidden tree. This action sealed the fate of humanity, just as Victor's creation sealed his own fate of misery and despair. Victor believes that the creature is going to kill him on his wedding night; however, the creature has other plans of murdering his wife. Instead of focusing on protecting his wife, Victor prepares to defend himself. Ultimately, this egotistic attitude leads to Victor's downfall. Victor isn't necessarily totally self-centered; he does feel despair when thinking about Elizabeth's reaction to her newly-made husband's death. But in reality, if Victor hadn't gone into solitude after creating the creature, he probably could have prevented the death of his entire body of loved ones.
Darkness
"The cup of life was poisoned for ever; and although the sun shone upon me, as upon the happy and gay of heart, I saw around me nothing but a dense and frightful darkness, penetrated by no light but the glimmer of two eyes that glared upon me." (Frankenstein p. 134)
After discovering the death of his friend Henry Clerval and being convicted for the murder, Victor welcomes prison and even death. Henry was his best friend; the creature took this friend away due to Victor's lack of completing the creature's companion.
To describe the intensity of his grief, Shelly uses an antithesis of images. A bright description of the weather is soon clouded by the dark thoughts of Victor. The same sentence structure is used in both sentences to emphasize the difference between appearance and reality. This is the point where Victor realizes that he no longer has control of his life; since Victor did not complete the female creature, the creature now has the will to ruin every aspect of his life. Killing Henry and sending Victor to jail was just the first of his actions to ruin the scientist's life. Not only does Victor fear the future, he also is haunted by the images of the murders the creature had commited - William, Justine, Henry, and eventually his own wife.
After discovering the death of his friend Henry Clerval and being convicted for the murder, Victor welcomes prison and even death. Henry was his best friend; the creature took this friend away due to Victor's lack of completing the creature's companion.
To describe the intensity of his grief, Shelly uses an antithesis of images. A bright description of the weather is soon clouded by the dark thoughts of Victor. The same sentence structure is used in both sentences to emphasize the difference between appearance and reality. This is the point where Victor realizes that he no longer has control of his life; since Victor did not complete the female creature, the creature now has the will to ruin every aspect of his life. Killing Henry and sending Victor to jail was just the first of his actions to ruin the scientist's life. Not only does Victor fear the future, he also is haunted by the images of the murders the creature had commited - William, Justine, Henry, and eventually his own wife.
Nature vs. Nurture
"Thanks to the lessons of Felix and the sanguinary laws of man, I had learned how to work mischief." (Frankenstein p. 103)
One thing that has stuck throughout this book is that not one character blames himself for anything. Granted, a lot of things are not in the character's control, but still, you would think someone would own up to their mistakes. Not even Victor blames himself at the end of the novel because he says, "During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor do I find it blameable" (161). Sooo, building a creature who is a murderer... no big deal...
This quote is another example of the theme nature vs. nurture. In the scene, the creature places the necklace from William's neck in Justine's pocket to frame her for the murder. This is no accident; the creature fully realizes that she will suffer for the crime. But, oh no, this is not the poor creature's fault because he was good by nature. Felix was the one who taught him evil/clever things. The creature's lonesome upbringing caused him to do evil things, not his nature.
In my opinion, the creature does these evil acts out of bitterness towards the world. Yes, everyone rejects him because of his appearance, but many people experience this because they are different from society. Not all people who are rejected by the world become mastermind serial killers. If everyone who was ever rejected became a murderer, we would all be dead.
One thing that has stuck throughout this book is that not one character blames himself for anything. Granted, a lot of things are not in the character's control, but still, you would think someone would own up to their mistakes. Not even Victor blames himself at the end of the novel because he says, "During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor do I find it blameable" (161). Sooo, building a creature who is a murderer... no big deal...
This quote is another example of the theme nature vs. nurture. In the scene, the creature places the necklace from William's neck in Justine's pocket to frame her for the murder. This is no accident; the creature fully realizes that she will suffer for the crime. But, oh no, this is not the poor creature's fault because he was good by nature. Felix was the one who taught him evil/clever things. The creature's lonesome upbringing caused him to do evil things, not his nature.
In my opinion, the creature does these evil acts out of bitterness towards the world. Yes, everyone rejects him because of his appearance, but many people experience this because they are different from society. Not all people who are rejected by the world become mastermind serial killers. If everyone who was ever rejected became a murderer, we would all be dead.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Mother of the Year? Maybe not.
"I imagined that they would be disgusted, until, by my gentle demeanor and conciliating words, I should first win their favour, and afterwards, their love." (Frankenstein p. 81)Here are 7 reasons why the creature is good-natured:
- Attempts to sing with the birds, or "the little winged animals" (71)
- Does not react with violence when he is attacked by the villagers
- Experiences emotions of "pain and pleasure" while observing the family (75)
- Stops stealing food out of the family's pantry after discovering that they are poor
- Chops fire wood to relieve part of the family's daily labours
- Grows emotionally attached to the family even though he never actually meets them
- Learns the language of the family "to win their favour" (81)
Creation
"The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defense before they are condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man!" (Frankenstein p. 69)
In the novel Brave New World, technology allows humans the power to create life. Because of this power, humans attempt to make the perfect society; however, this society leads to the downfall of many characters. For example, John is an outcast in both the New World and the Reservation causing him to eventually commit suicide.
In both Brave New World and Frankenstein, creation is the central cause of disaster. Victor, the narrator of the story, continuously alludes to his eminent downfall. I believe this downfall will have to do with the creature he created. The creature has also experienced misery and loneliness due to the fact that he is different than all other humans. Victor is at fault for the creature's pain because of his power of creation.
The excerpt above points to the irony of Victor's denial of the creature. Victor wants to kill the creature for the creature's assumed murder of William. But in reality, does killing as a punishment for "murder" really solve anything? Victor needs to own up to his actions because the past can never be erased.
In the novel Brave New World, technology allows humans the power to create life. Because of this power, humans attempt to make the perfect society; however, this society leads to the downfall of many characters. For example, John is an outcast in both the New World and the Reservation causing him to eventually commit suicide.
In both Brave New World and Frankenstein, creation is the central cause of disaster. Victor, the narrator of the story, continuously alludes to his eminent downfall. I believe this downfall will have to do with the creature he created. The creature has also experienced misery and loneliness due to the fact that he is different than all other humans. Victor is at fault for the creature's pain because of his power of creation.
The excerpt above points to the irony of Victor's denial of the creature. Victor wants to kill the creature for the creature's assumed murder of William. But in reality, does killing as a punishment for "murder" really solve anything? Victor needs to own up to his actions because the past can never be erased.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Family
"She told me that that same evening William had teased her to let him wear a very valuable miniature that she possessed of your mother. This picture is gone, and was doubtless the temptation which urged the murderer to the deed." (Frankenstein p. 47)
Family plays a very powerful role in Victor's life. A letter from Elizabeth snaps Victor back into reality after his sickness. William's murder motivates Victor to return to his homeland. Victor's loyalty to Elizabeth and his father prevent him from committing suicide. In the novel, Justine is basically an adopted motherly figure to the family; therefore, Victor can never bring himself to believe that Justine is the true murderer.
In the excerpt above, Victor's father explains the motive for the murder in a letter to his son. Justine is deemed the murderer because the same locket placed around William's neck was found in Justine's pocket the next day. Victor refuses to believe the accusations made about Justine because he is completely set that the creature is the murderer. To me, this seems impossible - how could the creature know exactly where Victor's family lived and where they were going to be? It may be a coincidence (after all, Victor did see the creature at the site of the murder), but I believe the creature is innocent. The case made for Justine is more sound than Victor's assumptions about the creature. In the end, Victor and Elizabeth rely on family loyalty and connections to deny accusations.
For some reason, the accusations and death of Justine remind me of the Pretty Little Liars theme song. This is a pretty loose connection, but at least the song mentions a locket and secrets.
Family plays a very powerful role in Victor's life. A letter from Elizabeth snaps Victor back into reality after his sickness. William's murder motivates Victor to return to his homeland. Victor's loyalty to Elizabeth and his father prevent him from committing suicide. In the novel, Justine is basically an adopted motherly figure to the family; therefore, Victor can never bring himself to believe that Justine is the true murderer.
In the excerpt above, Victor's father explains the motive for the murder in a letter to his son. Justine is deemed the murderer because the same locket placed around William's neck was found in Justine's pocket the next day. Victor refuses to believe the accusations made about Justine because he is completely set that the creature is the murderer. To me, this seems impossible - how could the creature know exactly where Victor's family lived and where they were going to be? It may be a coincidence (after all, Victor did see the creature at the site of the murder), but I believe the creature is innocent. The case made for Justine is more sound than Victor's assumptions about the creature. In the end, Victor and Elizabeth rely on family loyalty and connections to deny accusations.
For some reason, the accusations and death of Justine remind me of the Pretty Little Liars theme song. This is a pretty loose connection, but at least the song mentions a locket and secrets.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Trapped
"I had often, when at home, thought it hard to remain during my youth cooped up in one place, and had longed to enter the world, and take my station among other human beings." (Frankenstein p. 25)
Victor was a typical teenager at one time. Even though his mother destined him to marry Elizabeth, Victor desires to discover the world beyond his home. After the death of his mother, Victor hits the road to study in Ingolstadt to reach his dream of scientific success. The passage above is ironic because Victor travels to Ingolstadt to discover the world and meet new people with different perspectives, but instead, he finds himself trapped in a lab for two years slaving over one project. At the university, Victor totally closes himself off from the world and basically causes himself to go insane. He accomplishes the opposite of what he originally planned.
The excerpt above also serves as foreshadowing for the creation of Frankenstein. Since Victor mentions being "cooped up in one place," the reader is led to believe being trapped somehow leads to the character's repeatedly mentioned downfall. The creation of Frankenstein traps Victor both physically and mentally - as soon as he creates the creature, he can no longer trust himself. Victor realizes that the human brain is capable of things that should be out of our control.
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| Ingolstadt |
Victor was a typical teenager at one time. Even though his mother destined him to marry Elizabeth, Victor desires to discover the world beyond his home. After the death of his mother, Victor hits the road to study in Ingolstadt to reach his dream of scientific success. The passage above is ironic because Victor travels to Ingolstadt to discover the world and meet new people with different perspectives, but instead, he finds himself trapped in a lab for two years slaving over one project. At the university, Victor totally closes himself off from the world and basically causes himself to go insane. He accomplishes the opposite of what he originally planned.
The excerpt above also serves as foreshadowing for the creation of Frankenstein. Since Victor mentions being "cooped up in one place," the reader is led to believe being trapped somehow leads to the character's repeatedly mentioned downfall. The creation of Frankenstein traps Victor both physically and mentally - as soon as he creates the creature, he can no longer trust himself. Victor realizes that the human brain is capable of things that should be out of our control.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
101!
"Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me - let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!" - (Frankenstein - p. 12)
The letters of the novel present an interesting frame story about a man who is extremely similar to Victor, the main character of the central story. Just as Victor, Walton is a man of ambition who seeks personal success within the scientific field; however, Victor seeks to tell his tale to warn Walton of scientific breakthroughs leading to personal downfalls. The excerpt above is the turning point of the frame story - when Victor decides to finally tell his story to Walton.
In the passage above, Shelley uses a metaphor to compare a scientific dream to a luxurious glass of wine. Just like wine, the dream seems to be good on the surface. But eventually, wine and overindulgence can lead to negative effects. After drinking too much wine, a person becomes drunk. In Victor's case, his obsession with animating a corpse causes the creation of a supposed evil creature (I am still not totally convinced the creature is evil). Victor sees that Walton has the same ambition and wishes to warn him of inquiry of knowledge.
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| Just finished painting my nails. |
In the passage above, Shelley uses a metaphor to compare a scientific dream to a luxurious glass of wine. Just like wine, the dream seems to be good on the surface. But eventually, wine and overindulgence can lead to negative effects. After drinking too much wine, a person becomes drunk. In Victor's case, his obsession with animating a corpse causes the creation of a supposed evil creature (I am still not totally convinced the creature is evil). Victor sees that Walton has the same ambition and wishes to warn him of inquiry of knowledge.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Escape
Mama: "He finally come into his manhood today, didn't he? Kind of like a rainbow after the rain..." (A Raisin in the Sun p. 151)
During Act III, Walter seems to give up hope: all the money is lost, and Mr. Lindner repeatedly asks the family not to move into the neighborhood. At one point, Walter loses it; he decides that the best thing to do is just to accept the money from Mr. Lindner and not put up a fight for the pride of his family and race; however, Mama tells Walter that this is not how she raised her family to be. She wants Walter to be strong and stand up for the hard work and determination of his father. In the end, Walter stands up for his family to Mr. Lindner showing that he has finally developed into a man.
Mama's simile of the rainbow is fitting for this situation. Right before this event, turmoil and chaos grip the household driving Mama to beat her child. The storm created in the household is not settled by money or riches; instead, Walter calms the storm through his words and courage. Without Walter's actions on that day, the family would be trapped in the tiny apartment forever; however, the Younger's are able to overcome social boundaries to reach their ultimate hopes and dreams of escaping the apartment.
During Act III, Walter seems to give up hope: all the money is lost, and Mr. Lindner repeatedly asks the family not to move into the neighborhood. At one point, Walter loses it; he decides that the best thing to do is just to accept the money from Mr. Lindner and not put up a fight for the pride of his family and race; however, Mama tells Walter that this is not how she raised her family to be. She wants Walter to be strong and stand up for the hard work and determination of his father. In the end, Walter stands up for his family to Mr. Lindner showing that he has finally developed into a man.
Mama's simile of the rainbow is fitting for this situation. Right before this event, turmoil and chaos grip the household driving Mama to beat her child. The storm created in the household is not settled by money or riches; instead, Walter calms the storm through his words and courage. Without Walter's actions on that day, the family would be trapped in the tiny apartment forever; however, the Younger's are able to overcome social boundaries to reach their ultimate hopes and dreams of escaping the apartment.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Money Money Money Money
Mama: "It ain't much, but it's all I got in the world and I'm putting it in your hands. I'm telling you to be the head of this family from now on like you supposed to be.
Walter: You trust me like that Mama?
Mama: I ain't never stop trusting you. Like I ain't never stop loving you." (A Raisin in the Sun p. 107)
During this excerpt, Mama hands Walter $6,500. Mama tells Walter to put $3,000 in the bank for Bennie, but the rest of the money is given to Walter to use at his own discretion. This is Walter's turning point in the story. After this interaction, Walter no longer bickers with his wife; instead, he takes her out to the movies and restarts their once abusive relationship. Ruth decides to keep the baby because of this change. Walter even decides to stop drinking. Later in the story, Walter buys his mother gardening tools for the new house after being told by the "Welcoming Committee" that the Younger family was not allowed to move into the neighborhood due to the "social standards" of the community. Nothing seems to be able to stop his happiness because he has everything he wants and needs - money.
At the end of Act II, Walter discovers that Willy stole all of the money he invested into the business. Instead of putting some of the money into the bank for Bennie, Walter gives all of the money to Willy. This causes the happiness to end. Mama no longer trusts her son; in desperation, she hits her son for losing her husband's life savings. This is ironic because Mama protests Ruth threatening to beat Travis earlier in the story. It is going to take a lot for Mama to ever trust her son once again, but I'm sure her love will endure through this hard time.
Walter: You trust me like that Mama?
Mama: I ain't never stop trusting you. Like I ain't never stop loving you." (A Raisin in the Sun p. 107)
During this excerpt, Mama hands Walter $6,500. Mama tells Walter to put $3,000 in the bank for Bennie, but the rest of the money is given to Walter to use at his own discretion. This is Walter's turning point in the story. After this interaction, Walter no longer bickers with his wife; instead, he takes her out to the movies and restarts their once abusive relationship. Ruth decides to keep the baby because of this change. Walter even decides to stop drinking. Later in the story, Walter buys his mother gardening tools for the new house after being told by the "Welcoming Committee" that the Younger family was not allowed to move into the neighborhood due to the "social standards" of the community. Nothing seems to be able to stop his happiness because he has everything he wants and needs - money. At the end of Act II, Walter discovers that Willy stole all of the money he invested into the business. Instead of putting some of the money into the bank for Bennie, Walter gives all of the money to Willy. This causes the happiness to end. Mama no longer trusts her son; in desperation, she hits her son for losing her husband's life savings. This is ironic because Mama protests Ruth threatening to beat Travis earlier in the story. It is going to take a lot for Mama to ever trust her son once again, but I'm sure her love will endure through this hard time.
Plants
Mama: "They spirited all right, my children. Got to admit they got spirit - Bennie and Walter. Like this little old plant that ain't never had enough sunshine or nothing - and look at it..." (A Raisin in the Sun - p. 52)
In this play, Mama's beloved plant means a lot more than just a household decoration. This plant is a symbol of Mama's children Bennie and Walter. Bennie dreams of becoming a doctor while Walter desires to open a liquor store in order to better their lives. Through Mama's upbringing, Walter and Bennie have developed ideas outside of Mama's control. For example, Bennie makes Mama extremely upset when she tells her that she no longer believes in God. After Mama's constant guidance like her tending of the plant, she can not believe that her child would believe something like this. Bennie and Walter dream of success because they never experienced anything outside of a poor life just as the plant never received enough sunshine or water. The plant also represents Mama's desire to live in a bigger house with a yard and garden. Mama feels that she is unable to adequately provide for her children and grandchildren in their current home. Moving to a bigger home was a desire she shared with her husband. Mr. Younger gave up this desire after losing a baby. This was a turning point for the family that never allowed them to move forward in their lives.
In this play, Mama's beloved plant means a lot more than just a household decoration. This plant is a symbol of Mama's children Bennie and Walter. Bennie dreams of becoming a doctor while Walter desires to open a liquor store in order to better their lives. Through Mama's upbringing, Walter and Bennie have developed ideas outside of Mama's control. For example, Bennie makes Mama extremely upset when she tells her that she no longer believes in God. After Mama's constant guidance like her tending of the plant, she can not believe that her child would believe something like this. Bennie and Walter dream of success because they never experienced anything outside of a poor life just as the plant never received enough sunshine or water. The plant also represents Mama's desire to live in a bigger house with a yard and garden. Mama feels that she is unable to adequately provide for her children and grandchildren in their current home. Moving to a bigger home was a desire she shared with her husband. Mr. Younger gave up this desire after losing a baby. This was a turning point for the family that never allowed them to move forward in their lives.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Unicorns, I Love Them
Jim: "Poor little fellow, he must feel sort of lonesome."
Laura: "Well, if he does he doesn't complain about it. He stays on a shelf with some horses that don't have horns and all of them seem to get along nicely together." ("The Glass Menagerie" Scene 7 - p. 1281)
A glass unicorn is the perfect choice for this play. Unicorns are mythical creatures that only possess one difference from horses - a horn. In the excerpt, Jim worries that the unicorn will not fit in with the other horses because he is so different; however, Laura tells Jim not to worry because the unicorn doesn't seem to mind. The unicorn is a symbol for Laura as a person. Laura also has a visible difference that makes her different from the rest of society - her physical handicap. Just as the unicorn, Laura does not feel self-conscious about her handicap anymore because she has become accustomed to her way of life. Besides her physical handicap, Laura also possesses a mental illness which prevents her from moving forward in her life. This does not allow her to fit in just as the unicorn's horn will never disappear. Because she is so different, Laura feels lonely and becomes attached to her glass collection. Jim attempts to coax Laura out of her shy state, but Laura soon returns to her own world when Jim tells Laura that he is engaged. In my opinion, Jim is a pretty big jerk.
Speaking of unicorns, here is one of my favorite unicorn moments of all time!
Tom
Tom: "Man is by instinct a lover, a hunter, a fighter, and none of those instincts are given much play at the warehouse!" ("The Glass Menagerie" Scene 4 - p. 1253)
Tom is obviously unhappy with his life - everyday, Tom does the exact same routine making little money at the warehouse and living with his mother. Amanda mentions that her children are "different;" however, is Tom really as different as she thinks? In the excerpt above, Tom dreams of bigger and better things beyond the warehouse. It seems as if Amanda gave up on Tom because her plans with Laura did not work out. Amanda considers Tom a failure without even giving him a chance. This quote foreshadows Tom's plan of leaving his family to join The Union of Merchant Seamen. The only problem with this plan is Tom is the bread-winner of the family; without his paycheck, the light bill will not be paid. Tom's plan shows that he is a selfish character without any regard for his mother or sister. Even though his mother treated him as a slave, it is still not right for him to leave his family behind especially not Laura. Tom is not a lover, hunter, or fighter, and personally, I do not believe he can do any of these things on his own. Because of his mother, he is extremely dependent on the family while his family relies on him.
Are You My Mother?
In "The Glass Menagerie," Laura suffers from many different obstacles. At the beginning of the story, we find that Laura is crippled and wears a leg brace. Later, Laura reveals that she dropped out of business school because of her shyness. Laura has an extremely hard time fitting in with society; I believe she has a mental condition such as autism which causes her to be timid and obsessed with one thing such as the glass horse.
In the excerpt above, Amanda, Laura's mother, tells Tom her worries about Laura. Amanda is worried that Laura will never find a husband and spend her life dependent on the family. Amanda uses a metaphor to describe her daughter as a lost bird without any nest. Amanda worries that without a feeling of belonging, Laura will possess low self-esteem; however, this is ironic because Laura already possess a low-esteem due to her mother's pressure and outlandish actions. This part of the story reminds me of a Dr. Seuss book called "Are You My Mother?" Throughout the story, the little bird tries to find its' home and family just as Laura attempts to find a husband she can belong to.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Oliver
"I love Aliena; say with her that she loves me; consent with both that we may enjoy each other: it shall be to your good; for my father's house and all the revenue that was old Sir Rowland's will I estate upon you, and here live and die a shepherd." (V.ii.69)
In this play, Oliver is a dynamic character. Through the acts, he experiences changes that morph his personality. In Act I, Oliver treats his brother Orlando like dirt. Instead of sending him to school to get an education, he treats him as a peasant. At one point, Oliver agrees to kill his younger brother in order to please Duke Frederick. After agreeing to this, Oliver experiences a change in personality. Duke Frederick's threats and mistreatment toward Orlando actually make Oliver want to defend his brother. Another event that changed Oliver is when he falls in love with Aliena. In the excerpt above, Oliver says that he will give up his former life in order to live the life of a shepherd with his girl. This means that Oliver actually cares about someone other than himself and things other than riches. Also, he decides to give his estate to Orlando - this is a major jump. In Act V, Oliver loves his brother enough to leave his own possessions to him. Without dynamic character's, the story line would never progress and no theme would be projected to the reader.
In this play, Oliver is a dynamic character. Through the acts, he experiences changes that morph his personality. In Act I, Oliver treats his brother Orlando like dirt. Instead of sending him to school to get an education, he treats him as a peasant. At one point, Oliver agrees to kill his younger brother in order to please Duke Frederick. After agreeing to this, Oliver experiences a change in personality. Duke Frederick's threats and mistreatment toward Orlando actually make Oliver want to defend his brother. Another event that changed Oliver is when he falls in love with Aliena. In the excerpt above, Oliver says that he will give up his former life in order to live the life of a shepherd with his girl. This means that Oliver actually cares about someone other than himself and things other than riches. Also, he decides to give his estate to Orlando - this is a major jump. In Act V, Oliver loves his brother enough to leave his own possessions to him. Without dynamic character's, the story line would never progress and no theme would be projected to the reader.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Horns
I would have to say, Touchstone is by far my favorite character in this play. Instead of a jester, I think Touchstone should just become a philosopher. But sadly, philosopher's were probably considered the fools of that time anyways.
In Touchstone's speech in Act III, he keeps referring to "horns." He states that "as horns are odious they are necessary." Horns are given to deer and other creatures in order to fight and protect themselves. Without knowledge of how to use these horns properly, they are useless. The same thing applies to humans. We are all given talents and gifts, but without the proper knowledge, these gifts may go to waste. We must find purpose and meaning for our talents to make a difference in the world. I found it a little ironic that Touchstone says this right before he is about to be married by Oliver to Audrey so that he can easily divorce her. Touchstone seems so moral, but he proves to also be a true fool.
And now, an exciting nature video!!
The Country Life
Duke Senior: "Hath not old custom made this life more sweet Than that of painted pomp? Are not these woods More free from peril than the envious court?" (II.i.17)
Native to the life of the city, Duke Senior is totally out of his element in the wild. First of all, Duke Senior and Jacques show pity for killing a deer in the forest as dinner. A true huntsman would not even care about the life of the deer. But yet, Duke Senior still praises the country life.
In the excerpt above, Shakespeare uses rhetorical questions to illustrate Duke Senior's current attitude about his situation. Since he was banished from his own kingdom, the Duke is attempting to make the best of his situation. He simply states that his life in the forest is free of worry and care. Also, his surroundings are more natural and not as showy and ornate. The Duke literally has no responsibilities or work. Instead, he can focus on one thing - survival. Rhetorical questions emphasize the thought process of the Duke to the audience allowing the audience to feel more connected with the characters.
Native to the life of the city, Duke Senior is totally out of his element in the wild. First of all, Duke Senior and Jacques show pity for killing a deer in the forest as dinner. A true huntsman would not even care about the life of the deer. But yet, Duke Senior still praises the country life.
In the excerpt above, Shakespeare uses rhetorical questions to illustrate Duke Senior's current attitude about his situation. Since he was banished from his own kingdom, the Duke is attempting to make the best of his situation. He simply states that his life in the forest is free of worry and care. Also, his surroundings are more natural and not as showy and ornate. The Duke literally has no responsibilities or work. Instead, he can focus on one thing - survival. Rhetorical questions emphasize the thought process of the Duke to the audience allowing the audience to feel more connected with the characters.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Appearance vs. Reality: Reflective Essay
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| An ad featured in Vogue. | . |
When flipping through a magazine, expensive ads line the pages with beautiful men and women displaying various name-brand clothing and shoes. These flawless models seem to live the perfect life possessing beauty, money, and fame; however, behind the surface, many models suffer from drug abuse, anorexia, and self-confidence issues. Media and ads in our world today perfectly display the difference between appearances and reality. Taking a closer look at the seemingly perfect lives of celebrities reveals a world filled with hardship and suffering. Shakespeare’s “Othello,” The Hunger Games, and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil all contain one timeless theme: appearances and reality are not always the same.
In the play “Othello, the Moor of Venice,” appearance and reality constantly contradict one another. Iago spreads lies and rumors about each of the characters creating malicious violence and drama. One specific instance from the play is when Othello listens to a conversation between Iago and Cassio. Iago purposely designs the conversation so that Othello believes that Cassio is speaking about Desdemona in a derogatory manner; however, Cassio only speaks of Bianca, his prostitute. During the conversation, Cassio mocks Bianca, stating, “I marry her! What a customer! I prithee bear some charity to my wit. Do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha” (IV.i.117-118). After hearing this line, Othello believes that Cassio is only using his wife for pleasure and does not truly love her. In reality, Cassio has done no wrong to Othello; however, Iago causes the conversation to appear in a different manner. At the end of the scene, Bianca arrives with the handkerchief, which Othello gave to Desdemona.
In the play “Othello, the Moor of Venice,” appearance and reality constantly contradict one another. Iago spreads lies and rumors about each of the characters creating malicious violence and drama. One specific instance from the play is when Othello listens to a conversation between Iago and Cassio. Iago purposely designs the conversation so that Othello believes that Cassio is speaking about Desdemona in a derogatory manner; however, Cassio only speaks of Bianca, his prostitute. During the conversation, Cassio mocks Bianca, stating, “I marry her! What a customer! I prithee bear some charity to my wit. Do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha” (IV.i.117-118). After hearing this line, Othello believes that Cassio is only using his wife for pleasure and does not truly love her. In reality, Cassio has done no wrong to Othello; however, Iago causes the conversation to appear in a different manner. At the end of the scene, Bianca arrives with the handkerchief, which Othello gave to Desdemona.
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| Othello being manipulated by Iago. |
Othello assumes that Desdemona gave Cassio the handkerchief who in turn carelessly handed it off to his prostitute. This false appearance of reality seals Desdemona’s fate – death by Othello.
In the novel The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins uses the manipulation of appearance in order to hide the reality of a dark situation. The story is set thousands of years into the future after the destruction of the modern world. Civilization splits into twelve districts that are ruled by the Capitol. In order to enforce order and prevent rebellion, the Capitol requires two tributes from each district to fight to the death in the hunger games. This event is televised so that every district views the violence occurring. Before the event, a parade featuring the twenty-four tributes takes place in the Capitol. The tributes wear flashy costumes that appeal to the rich, self-centered people of the Capitol. Katniss Everdeen, a tribute from District 12, states, “the people of the Capitol are going nuts, showering us with flowers, shouting out names, our first names, which they have bothered to find on the program” (Collins 70). The hunger games mean that death is certain for twenty-three of the contestants; however, the people of the Capitol ignore this fact, glorifying the event with money and riches. The Capitol forces the games to appear positive for the nation, bringing peace and fame to the districts. In reality, the games cause murder, hardship, and family tension. The Capitol attempts to keep order through this convoluted view, but rebellion soon follows.
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| The surrounding slums of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. |
One of the most witnessed spectacles in the world is the Olympic Games. Every country in the world dreams of making an appearance or even hosting the Olympics because this event brings not only fame but also wealth to the host. In 2016, the Olympic Games will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a country gripped by crime and poverty. Statistics show that around 20 people are assassinated per day in Rio. In addition, Rio holds the largest gap of economic inequality in the world (Zibechi). With all eyes on the city, the government must act to hide the reality of the situation in Rio and keep visitors safe. The government of Brazil plans to build walls around the poorest areas of Rio to contain the poor; however, thousands of people are murdered or disappear each day causing many to believe a genocide to be taking place. Vera Malaguti, a general secretary of Rio Institute of Criminology, describes the government’s plan as “a project of urban cleansing under the guise of restoring order to the city, for the benefit of the World Cup, the Olympics, and all capital investment that is flowing into Rio” (Zibechi). Through murder and deceit, Brazil will gain this ideal image demanded by the world. In reality, the view seen on the television will greatly differ from the events taking place on the other side of the wall.
In a world filled with technology, appearances and reality tend to differ more than ever. In “Othello,” The Hunger Games, and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, these differences led to negative results. Without knowledge of the truth, people are led in the wrong direction causing little progress. For example, in the State of the Union Address given by the president, only positive, encouraging words are spoken to the citizens of the United States. Without the full truth, America has little chance to grow and become more successful. In order to succeed as a nation, America must fully understand the reality of all positive and negative situations. When this occurs, appearance and reality will become one.
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| Obama giving the State of the Union Address. |
Works Cited
Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic, 2008. Print.
Perrine, Laurence. “Othello.” Perrine’s Literature: Structures, Sound, and Sense. Forth Worth. Harcourt College. 2002. 1361-462. Print.
Zibechi, Raúl. "Rio De Janeiro: Control of the Poor Seen as Crucial for the Olympics." Upside Down World. 20 Jan. 2010. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. <http://upsidedownworld.org/main/news-briefs-archives-68/2325-rio-de-janeiro-control-of-the-poor-seen-as-crucial-for-the-olympics>.
Monday, February 6, 2012
All the games you played...
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"But there's a side to you
That I never knew, never knew.
All the things you'd say
They were never true, never true,
And the games you play
You would always win, always win."
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These lines perfectly describe Emilia's feelings toward Iago when she discovers that Iago lied to Othello about Desdemona. This song is full of bitter emotion toward another person; Emilia is also bitter after finding that her husband basically caused the death of her best friend. Iago constantly played games throughout the entire play. He only told the truth when he was alone on stage. Iago "won" his games because he caused the death of his own wife, Othello, and Desdemona, destroying any power that Othello had over himself. I believe the only reason Iago manipulated others was so that he could feel powerful. Although Iago does not replace Cassio, he is able to take out Othello who was admired by the Senate. I think the creepy smile at the end of play really explains everything...
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Othello, Act V
Lodovico (to Iago): "O Spartan dog, More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea! Look on the tragc loading of this bed: This is thy work." (V.ii.360-364)
Tragedy or comedy? Pretty tough decision, but I'm going to have to go with tragedy. When the story closes, a total of four people have died: Desdemona, Emilia, Othello, and Roderigo. Unfortunately, Iago is injured not to the point of death. This play also combines elements of a melodrama due to an appeal to the emotions. For example, the work calls for sympathy for Othello and hatred for Iago due to his evil plan (and creepy smile). I think to really understand the play, the audience must first experience elements of the play such as Iago's annoying qualities and Roderigo and Othello's stupidity. Without this, the type of drama can never be discovered. Typically, in a Shakespeare tragedy, everyone dies at the end; however, the information that led to the deaths is pertinent in the understanding of the character's emotions and misunderstandings. Emotions are a key factor in all plays, but most especially in a tragedy. Without the suspense and intensity leading up to the end, I probably would not have paid much attention to the story. The element of tragedy is built into the dramatic irony and suspense making the work more interesting than depressing.
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| Iago, my fave. |
Othello the Puppet
Othello: "Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men." (IV.ii.6)
At the beginning of the play, I really liked Othello; he seemed like a really chill guy. I mean, he was a war hero, and he truly did love Desdemona. Over the course of the final act, I really lost a lot of respect for the guy. Let's start with the excerpt mentioned above. So, let me get this straight: the only way to get a person to stop doing something bad is to kill them? If the world really ran this way, there would be complete and utter chaos. Two wrongs do not make a right, but in the mind of Othello, he is always right. Typical alpha male attitude (strike #1). Secondly, Othello listens to everything Iago says. I mean come on! Does anyone in this play have an independent mind!? Roderigo, Othello, and Cassio are all manipulated by Iago in some way, shape or form, creating his own puppet show. The only people who are smart enough to stay away from the man are Desdemona and Emilia, the two women in the play. I think this shows that the women are the most independent characters in the play sticking to their opinion and standing up for what they think. Shakespeare may be making a social commentary on his time where women were constantly mistreated. With this play, Shakespeare defines women as strong, moral people with strong ideas and opinions, the opposite of the view of society.
At the beginning of the play, I really liked Othello; he seemed like a really chill guy. I mean, he was a war hero, and he truly did love Desdemona. Over the course of the final act, I really lost a lot of respect for the guy. Let's start with the excerpt mentioned above. So, let me get this straight: the only way to get a person to stop doing something bad is to kill them? If the world really ran this way, there would be complete and utter chaos. Two wrongs do not make a right, but in the mind of Othello, he is always right. Typical alpha male attitude (strike #1). Secondly, Othello listens to everything Iago says. I mean come on! Does anyone in this play have an independent mind!? Roderigo, Othello, and Cassio are all manipulated by Iago in some way, shape or form, creating his own puppet show. The only people who are smart enough to stay away from the man are Desdemona and Emilia, the two women in the play. I think this shows that the women are the most independent characters in the play sticking to their opinion and standing up for what they think. Shakespeare may be making a social commentary on his time where women were constantly mistreated. With this play, Shakespeare defines women as strong, moral people with strong ideas and opinions, the opposite of the view of society.
Othello, Act IV
Roderigo: "Every day, thou daffest me with some device, Iago, and rather, as it seems to me now, keepest from me all conveniency." (IV.ii.175-176)
Finally, someone figures out that Iago may not be as honest as everyone thinks. But of course, it is Roderigo, one of the least independent of the bunch...
In the excerpt above, Roderigo mentions that Iago may not be all that he promises; however, later he falls into Iago's trap, telling Iago that he will kill Cassio. This dramatic irony creates suspense for the reader. Suspense is created many times throughout Act IV. In this act, Iago is finalizing his plan, slowly sowing seeds of treachery and lies along the way. For example, Bianca returns angrily to Cassio after finding that the handkerchief Cassio had given her "belonged to another woman." When Othello witnesses this scene, he assumes that Desdemona gave the handkerchief to Cassio, and Cassio in turn gave it to Bianca, his prostitute. We, the audience, know for a fact that this is not the case because we saw Iago plant the handkerchief in Cassio's path; however, this creates suspense because the audience is constantly waiting on the moment when the characters finally figure out the truth. The audience possesses a significantly greater amount of information than all of the characters because we are able to witness every character's emotions and thoughts through soliloquies and stage directions. This effect allows the audience to better understand the dramatic irony of the play.
Finally, someone figures out that Iago may not be as honest as everyone thinks. But of course, it is Roderigo, one of the least independent of the bunch...
In the excerpt above, Roderigo mentions that Iago may not be all that he promises; however, later he falls into Iago's trap, telling Iago that he will kill Cassio. This dramatic irony creates suspense for the reader. Suspense is created many times throughout Act IV. In this act, Iago is finalizing his plan, slowly sowing seeds of treachery and lies along the way. For example, Bianca returns angrily to Cassio after finding that the handkerchief Cassio had given her "belonged to another woman." When Othello witnesses this scene, he assumes that Desdemona gave the handkerchief to Cassio, and Cassio in turn gave it to Bianca, his prostitute. We, the audience, know for a fact that this is not the case because we saw Iago plant the handkerchief in Cassio's path; however, this creates suspense because the audience is constantly waiting on the moment when the characters finally figure out the truth. The audience possesses a significantly greater amount of information than all of the characters because we are able to witness every character's emotions and thoughts through soliloquies and stage directions. This effect allows the audience to better understand the dramatic irony of the play.
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