"'You were his guardian angel.'"
I found a considerable amount of irony in this story. First off, the title is ironic because the drunkard referred to is Larry, who is not a habitual drunk, as the word implies. Secondly, the parents were aware that Larry intentionally intoxicated himself. In the end, instead of being scolded, Larry is commended. He is even generously described in divine terms. I took it as the mother believing Larry got drunk purposely to prevent his father from getting inebriated out of control. Larry did not do this. One would expect him to receive some sort of punishment, but the contrary occurs.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The Lottery...again
"'Nothing but trouble in that,' Old Man Warner said stoutly. 'Pack of young fools.'"
The story mentions other villages and their unorthodox removal of this tradition. The point that sticks out is that fact that these people who were against the lottery were young. It seems to me that the younger generation is always differing from the previous, and they tend to have higher moral standards. I think for example about the Vietnam War. Many of the protesters against the futile war were college students. The young seemed to have peace in mind. the younger generations also seem to be more inclined against racism. I always hear of people who are in no way racist, but always have older family members that are. It seems to me that with each generation, the values of the generation shift, and perhaps towards more commendable values.
The story mentions other villages and their unorthodox removal of this tradition. The point that sticks out is that fact that these people who were against the lottery were young. It seems to me that the younger generation is always differing from the previous, and they tend to have higher moral standards. I think for example about the Vietnam War. Many of the protesters against the futile war were college students. The young seemed to have peace in mind. the younger generations also seem to be more inclined against racism. I always hear of people who are in no way racist, but always have older family members that are. It seems to me that with each generation, the values of the generation shift, and perhaps towards more commendable values.
The Lottery
"A stone hit her on the side of the head."
The end to the story is unexpected. The narrator discusses a lottery, and its tradition. Everything seems normal. The interactions between people seem as would be accepted in a normal functioning community. There is no mention or allusion to the barbaric act of stoning someone. They are desensitized the the brutality to which they will participate in. There attitudes, in a subtle way, mimic the narrator's attitude. The narrator narrates from an objective point of view. He makes no judgment on the situation but merely reports the facts on the situation. I am guessing the author chose this route to add an element of surprise. The ending is unexpected because there is no clues to the atrocity that will unfold.
The end to the story is unexpected. The narrator discusses a lottery, and its tradition. Everything seems normal. The interactions between people seem as would be accepted in a normal functioning community. There is no mention or allusion to the barbaric act of stoning someone. They are desensitized the the brutality to which they will participate in. There attitudes, in a subtle way, mimic the narrator's attitude. The narrator narrates from an objective point of view. He makes no judgment on the situation but merely reports the facts on the situation. I am guessing the author chose this route to add an element of surprise. The ending is unexpected because there is no clues to the atrocity that will unfold.
You're Ugly, Too
"'Are you seeing anyone?' said Evan...'I'm seeing my house. I'm tending to it when it wets, when it cries, when it throws up.'"
I love the sarcasm in the story. Sarcasm is a key component to my type of humor. I like dry humor. I can, therefore, relate to Zoe. I also like how bold she is. This aspect is quite amusing. She boldly says "great tits," and I thought this was funny. The doctor jokes were enjoyable. I have to say I am surprised that we read this story, which is obviously inappropriate. I am glad, though, that we were able to. The administration thinks a tragedy will ensue if young adults hear a curse word. This is not true. Anyone, another source of humor irony of the Halloween party. Zoe has chin hair and brings to mind a man, while she associates with a man dressed as a women. It is almost as if Zoe is more fit to be a man, with her near disgust for men.
I love the sarcasm in the story. Sarcasm is a key component to my type of humor. I like dry humor. I can, therefore, relate to Zoe. I also like how bold she is. This aspect is quite amusing. She boldly says "great tits," and I thought this was funny. The doctor jokes were enjoyable. I have to say I am surprised that we read this story, which is obviously inappropriate. I am glad, though, that we were able to. The administration thinks a tragedy will ensue if young adults hear a curse word. This is not true. Anyone, another source of humor irony of the Halloween party. Zoe has chin hair and brings to mind a man, while she associates with a man dressed as a women. It is almost as if Zoe is more fit to be a man, with her near disgust for men.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Once upon a time
"YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED."
I thought this story was ironic. Time and money were spent by this happy family protecting themselves from the outside world. They were utterly paranoid. They had some many means of security and different forms of ensurance. This lead to the barb-wires that brutally cut the son. It is ironic that the drastic means of trying to be safe ended up with a boy seriously injured. It is also ironic that the harm came not from anyone outside, but from the parents' paranoia. Perhaps the theme is that worrying is detrimental. Worry can push us to far sometimes.
I thought this story was ironic. Time and money were spent by this happy family protecting themselves from the outside world. They were utterly paranoid. They had some many means of security and different forms of ensurance. This lead to the barb-wires that brutally cut the son. It is ironic that the drastic means of trying to be safe ended up with a boy seriously injured. It is also ironic that the harm came not from anyone outside, but from the parents' paranoia. Perhaps the theme is that worrying is detrimental. Worry can push us to far sometimes.
A worn path
"She walked on"
This short phrase seems to sum up the theme. Phoenix's persistence in walking the path reveals the theme of determinism and dedication. The grandson may even be dead, but she still walks the path for his sake. It was also discussed in class the theme of racism in the south. Phoenix represents a southern black women, and the white hunter represents the deliverer of racial prejudice. The worn path suggests reccurance, so perhaps the author is noting the reoccurring racism in the south. A black women will always be stopped on her journey by a white man may be a statement of prejudice. Then again, I may be looking to deeply into the story.
This short phrase seems to sum up the theme. Phoenix's persistence in walking the path reveals the theme of determinism and dedication. The grandson may even be dead, but she still walks the path for his sake. It was also discussed in class the theme of racism in the south. Phoenix represents a southern black women, and the white hunter represents the deliverer of racial prejudice. The worn path suggests reccurance, so perhaps the author is noting the reoccurring racism in the south. A black women will always be stopped on her journey by a white man may be a statement of prejudice. Then again, I may be looking to deeply into the story.
Miss Brill
"But when she put the lid on she thought she heard something crying."
To address the theme of this chapter, I will fittingly talk about...theme. The theme of the short story is loneliness. How is Miss Brill lonely, exactly? Well, she wears an eye sore of a fur coat, which lends her self to being laughed at. On Sunday, she is with no one. She eavesdrops in others' conversations to fulfill social needs. So there's the theme. I also want to establish the power of this loneliness. Miss Brill deluded herself. She believed that people actually were happy to see her, when in reality, she came off as laughable with her bold fur coat.
To address the theme of this chapter, I will fittingly talk about...theme. The theme of the short story is loneliness. How is Miss Brill lonely, exactly? Well, she wears an eye sore of a fur coat, which lends her self to being laughed at. On Sunday, she is with no one. She eavesdrops in others' conversations to fulfill social needs. So there's the theme. I also want to establish the power of this loneliness. Miss Brill deluded herself. She believed that people actually were happy to see her, when in reality, she came off as laughable with her bold fur coat.
Eveline
"She set her white face to him, passive, like a helpless animal."
I read an analysis on theme and found an applicable word, paralysis. She passively refuses to seek adventure and break routine. Her life is stagnant. The theme, to me, seems to be best described by paralysis. She is paralyzed in advancing her life. Adventure and love escape her. I found it apt to compare her to a helpless animal, as the author did. Animals don't break routine or stray from their niches. This is the same with her. Her life is instinctual and unchanging.
I read an analysis on theme and found an applicable word, paralysis. She passively refuses to seek adventure and break routine. Her life is stagnant. The theme, to me, seems to be best described by paralysis. She is paralyzed in advancing her life. Adventure and love escape her. I found it apt to compare her to a helpless animal, as the author did. Animals don't break routine or stray from their niches. This is the same with her. Her life is instinctual and unchanging.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Bartleby the G
"I would prefer not to."
Battleby is quite strange. His vocabulary is limited, consisting primarily of the words "I" "would" "prefer" "not" and "to." This character puzzles me but he also brings me joy. This sort of dry humor appeals to me. I can imagine a classmate, when asked to read or pray, say calmly "I would prefer not to." It would get better because that person's response would remain the same and people's frustrations would grow. On another note, how does Bartleby maintain a job? He basically says no to any sort of command. In the real world, I imagine an employee saying "I would prefer not to," and then the boss say "ok, you're fired." Maybe a good firing is what Bartleby needs.
Battleby is quite strange. His vocabulary is limited, consisting primarily of the words "I" "would" "prefer" "not" and "to." This character puzzles me but he also brings me joy. This sort of dry humor appeals to me. I can imagine a classmate, when asked to read or pray, say calmly "I would prefer not to." It would get better because that person's response would remain the same and people's frustrations would grow. On another note, how does Bartleby maintain a job? He basically says no to any sort of command. In the real world, I imagine an employee saying "I would prefer not to," and then the boss say "ok, you're fired." Maybe a good firing is what Bartleby needs.
Hunters in the Snow again
"'You don't know how good it feels to hear you say that.'"
I though the ending events of the story were touching, funny, and ironic. The story unfolds as three idiots with guns wander the woods in a hopeless hunting effort. Tub shoots Kenney. One might think that Frank might be angry with Tub, but that is not the case. Frank and Tub share in a touching moment of openness. Frank reveals his secret love of a child. Tub reveals his nerve-racking task of leading a secretive double life as someone who is actually fat. These moments brought humor to the story. Ironic humor, though, was introduced with the situation of Kenney. Kenney lay in pain, wounded by his friend. Tub and Frank seem unconcerned and delightfully have some pancakes.
I though the ending events of the story were touching, funny, and ironic. The story unfolds as three idiots with guns wander the woods in a hopeless hunting effort. Tub shoots Kenney. One might think that Frank might be angry with Tub, but that is not the case. Frank and Tub share in a touching moment of openness. Frank reveals his secret love of a child. Tub reveals his nerve-racking task of leading a secretive double life as someone who is actually fat. These moments brought humor to the story. Ironic humor, though, was introduced with the situation of Kenney. Kenney lay in pain, wounded by his friend. Tub and Frank seem unconcerned and delightfully have some pancakes.
Hunters in the Snow
"'Next thing you'll be wearing a nightgown, Frank. Selling flowers out at the airport.'"
The author indirectly characterizes the relationship between the three hunters. The three constantly poke fun at each other. They are actually quite rude to each other, even telling each other to "stop bitching." I find their relationship to comedic. It is in a way like the three scrooges. To add to this, comedy comes from Tub, the chubby man who lives a "double life," of over eating. Also, Frank is in love with a child. Lastly, in the end, Frank and Tub are sincerely unconcerned with their wounded friend, stopping to get pancakes for Tub.
The author indirectly characterizes the relationship between the three hunters. The three constantly poke fun at each other. They are actually quite rude to each other, even telling each other to "stop bitching." I find their relationship to comedic. It is in a way like the three scrooges. To add to this, comedy comes from Tub, the chubby man who lives a "double life," of over eating. Also, Frank is in love with a child. Lastly, in the end, Frank and Tub are sincerely unconcerned with their wounded friend, stopping to get pancakes for Tub.
Everyday Use
"No doubt that when Dee sees it she will want to tear it down. She wrote me once that no matter what where we "choose" to live, she will manage to see us."
The main agent of characterization used is indirect characterization. The example I choose was Dee, or Wangero I suppose. It is inferred that Dee thinks that she's above her family in some respects. She believes, illustrated by the quote, that her family is incapable of choosing a good place to live. Also, Dee shows this detachment from her family by her change of name. Another example is when Dee condescendingly implies that the quilts are for artistic purposes only. These facts make me view Dee negatively. It's as if she thinks she is above her family
The main agent of characterization used is indirect characterization. The example I choose was Dee, or Wangero I suppose. It is inferred that Dee thinks that she's above her family in some respects. She believes, illustrated by the quote, that her family is incapable of choosing a good place to live. Also, Dee shows this detachment from her family by her change of name. Another example is when Dee condescendingly implies that the quilts are for artistic purposes only. These facts make me view Dee negatively. It's as if she thinks she is above her family
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Interpreter of Maladies..again
"As his mind raced, Mr. Kapasi experienced a mild and pleasant shock."
The tone of the story on part of Mr. Kapasi is of desire, fantasy, and infatuation. The source of this tone comes from Mr. Kapasi misinterpretation of Mrs. Das interest in his career as flirtation. The dramatic irony is that for much of the story, Mr. Kapasi is unaware that Mrs. Das misinterprets him as a doctor and wants a remedy for her persistent dissatisfaction in her life, rather than actually being interested in him. I thought it was also ironic that the title has the word "interpreter" in it and a main component of the story is a misinterpretation.
Personally, the ending was a bit disappointing. Nothing Changed in Mr. Kapasi's life. It appears that he will return to his failed marriage. I guess I feel sympathy for him. On another note, I felt sorry for the Mr. Das because he is wholly unaware that one of his children isn't his, and that obviously, this rose from a violation of faithfulness.
The tone of the story on part of Mr. Kapasi is of desire, fantasy, and infatuation. The source of this tone comes from Mr. Kapasi misinterpretation of Mrs. Das interest in his career as flirtation. The dramatic irony is that for much of the story, Mr. Kapasi is unaware that Mrs. Das misinterprets him as a doctor and wants a remedy for her persistent dissatisfaction in her life, rather than actually being interested in him. I thought it was also ironic that the title has the word "interpreter" in it and a main component of the story is a misinterpretation.
Personally, the ending was a bit disappointing. Nothing Changed in Mr. Kapasi's life. It appears that he will return to his failed marriage. I guess I feel sympathy for him. On another note, I felt sorry for the Mr. Das because he is wholly unaware that one of his children isn't his, and that obviously, this rose from a violation of faithfulness.
A Rose for Emily
"One of us lifted something from it, and leaning forward, that faint and invisible dust dry and acrid in the nostrils, we saw a long strand of iron-gray hair."
It is astonishing the effects certain circumstances have on the human mind. Miss Emily is evidently very lonely, hence the persistent "poor Emily." She would rather have a dead body accompany her without the chance of leaving than to be alone. I think this morbid act not only stems from the fear of loneliness but also the inability to let go that is fundamental in her essence. This is seen when she still refuses to pay taxes even when the man who remitted her taxes is long since dead. For most people, time heals everything. We would not be able to function if we were never able to move on and forget tragic events such as the death of a loved one. It seems in the situation with Emily's father and Homer the evolutionary trait of, for lack of better words, being able to move on is absent.
It is astonishing the effects certain circumstances have on the human mind. Miss Emily is evidently very lonely, hence the persistent "poor Emily." She would rather have a dead body accompany her without the chance of leaving than to be alone. I think this morbid act not only stems from the fear of loneliness but also the inability to let go that is fundamental in her essence. This is seen when she still refuses to pay taxes even when the man who remitted her taxes is long since dead. For most people, time heals everything. We would not be able to function if we were never able to move on and forget tragic events such as the death of a loved one. It seems in the situation with Emily's father and Homer the evolutionary trait of, for lack of better words, being able to move on is absent.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Interpreter of Maladies
"Mr. Kapasi observed it too, knowing that this was the picture of the Das family he would preserve forever in his mind."
Much of the story follows Mr. Kapasi's obsession with Mrs. Das and his anxiety around such a women with whom he is infatuated. Mrs. Das confesses her unhappiness with her life as a mother and wife, and Mr. Kapasi reveals his discontent with his dull marriage. It seemed that these two unsatisfied characters were going to form a intimate relationship with each other, as their is an apparent mutual interest among them. Ironically, the resolution ends with the opposite. Mr. Kapasi's contact information is lost and the only memory of Mrs. Das is the fleeting piece of paper, symbolic of the possibility of forming a relationship. I thought this dynamic of the plot presented the mood of the story as generally unhappy and disappointing. Mr. Kapasi and Mrs. Das never develop intimacy, but have to return to their empty lives.
Much of the story follows Mr. Kapasi's obsession with Mrs. Das and his anxiety around such a women with whom he is infatuated. Mrs. Das confesses her unhappiness with her life as a mother and wife, and Mr. Kapasi reveals his discontent with his dull marriage. It seemed that these two unsatisfied characters were going to form a intimate relationship with each other, as their is an apparent mutual interest among them. Ironically, the resolution ends with the opposite. Mr. Kapasi's contact information is lost and the only memory of Mrs. Das is the fleeting piece of paper, symbolic of the possibility of forming a relationship. I thought this dynamic of the plot presented the mood of the story as generally unhappy and disappointing. Mr. Kapasi and Mrs. Das never develop intimacy, but have to return to their empty lives.
How I Met My Husband
"I was surprised when the mailman phoned the Peebleses' place in the evening and asked for me. "
Edie meets a WWII pilot, named Chris, and it is here where much of the story's focus is . Edie a few times has a chat and a cigarette with Chris, and even gets "intimate." The focus on their interaction and the title of the story suggest that this man will become Edie's husband. The irony is that Chris suddenly vanishes from the story and never contacts Edie again. Then, with only a minute appearance in the story, Carmichael is found out to become Edie's husband. The author implements the irony to stimulate the mind by giving our brains an unexpected twist. The story focuses extensively on Chris and suggested by the title, we think he is the husband. It is revealed though, that the husband is Carmichael, who is in no way dynamic to the plot of the story.
Edie meets a WWII pilot, named Chris, and it is here where much of the story's focus is . Edie a few times has a chat and a cigarette with Chris, and even gets "intimate." The focus on their interaction and the title of the story suggest that this man will become Edie's husband. The irony is that Chris suddenly vanishes from the story and never contacts Edie again. Then, with only a minute appearance in the story, Carmichael is found out to become Edie's husband. The author implements the irony to stimulate the mind by giving our brains an unexpected twist. The story focuses extensively on Chris and suggested by the title, we think he is the husband. It is revealed though, that the husband is Carmichael, who is in no way dynamic to the plot of the story.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Delight in Disorder
"Do more bewitch me than when art Is too precise in every part."
The pattern is continuous, as that is apt for this. The poem speaks of disorder. It is disorderly to not divide up a poem into clearly distinguishable stanzas without enjambments. As far as tone, it is admiring. It is ironic, though, that the speaker is admiring disorder in a person's wardrobe. I found the oxymoron of "wild civility," also showing the speakers admiration for disorderly wardrobe. I also noticed "is too precise" is in a way paradox. The point of being precise is to be close as possible, but as we find out this is not to the speaker's liking. Maybe he likes women who don't try so hard to impress by elegant wardrobe.
The pattern is continuous, as that is apt for this. The poem speaks of disorder. It is disorderly to not divide up a poem into clearly distinguishable stanzas without enjambments. As far as tone, it is admiring. It is ironic, though, that the speaker is admiring disorder in a person's wardrobe. I found the oxymoron of "wild civility," also showing the speakers admiration for disorderly wardrobe. I also noticed "is too precise" is in a way paradox. The point of being precise is to be close as possible, but as we find out this is not to the speaker's liking. Maybe he likes women who don't try so hard to impress by elegant wardrobe.
Lonely Hearts
"Do you live in...Is it you?"
The tone, first of all, is a tone of desire, as these people in the poem have "lonely hearts." I also noticed the stanza form of the poem. Another thing that stood out are the two refrains, the one of "wish come true" and "Do you live in North London.." This repetition emphasizes the loneliness of these various groups, from the executive to the gay vegetarian. It alerts the reader that many people are lonely and do have desires of fulfillment and a sense of belonging. Personally, I like the range of lonely people, from the gay to the executive. It pushes the theme of universal loneliness.
The tone, first of all, is a tone of desire, as these people in the poem have "lonely hearts." I also noticed the stanza form of the poem. Another thing that stood out are the two refrains, the one of "wish come true" and "Do you live in North London.." This repetition emphasizes the loneliness of these various groups, from the executive to the gay vegetarian. It alerts the reader that many people are lonely and do have desires of fulfillment and a sense of belonging. Personally, I like the range of lonely people, from the gay to the executive. It pushes the theme of universal loneliness.
Death, be not proud
"Death, be not proud, though some have called thee"
The poem utilizes continuous form. I noticed the personification of death in the poem. The speaker is angry towards. The speaker tells death not to be proud. Obviously, the speaker is either afraid of death and trying to overcome his fear by falsely assuming dominance over it, or he actually isn't afraid of death. The speaker mentions "those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow Die not." This regards death as not the end, pointing to an after life. Therefore, I believe the speaker isn't afraid of death, as he believes in the afterlife. Believing in the afterlife in a way mitigates the fear of death, because in this regard, death is seen as a the beginning of a new life.
The poem utilizes continuous form. I noticed the personification of death in the poem. The speaker is angry towards. The speaker tells death not to be proud. Obviously, the speaker is either afraid of death and trying to overcome his fear by falsely assuming dominance over it, or he actually isn't afraid of death. The speaker mentions "those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow Die not." This regards death as not the end, pointing to an after life. Therefore, I believe the speaker isn't afraid of death, as he believes in the afterlife. Believing in the afterlife in a way mitigates the fear of death, because in this regard, death is seen as a the beginning of a new life.
Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
"Rage, rage against the dying of the light"
First and foremost, the pattern of the poem is stanza. There are also two different refrains in the poem. There is also parallelism in stanzas three and five. Moving on, I took "dying of the light" to metaphorically mean death. The speaker's tone was a little judgmental. The speaker talks of men raging against death, meaning fighting death. The speaker even says that Good men will have to fight death. Maybe death is the speaker. He refers to death as "good night" and dying of life. I really have no idea, though.
First and foremost, the pattern of the poem is stanza. There are also two different refrains in the poem. There is also parallelism in stanzas three and five. Moving on, I took "dying of the light" to metaphorically mean death. The speaker's tone was a little judgmental. The speaker talks of men raging against death, meaning fighting death. The speaker even says that Good men will have to fight death. Maybe death is the speaker. He refers to death as "good night" and dying of life. I really have no idea, though.
That time of year
"That on the ashes of his youth doth die."
Since we are discussing pattern, I would like to note that the pattern is in continuous form (I read the Chapter a little bit!). I noticed some death imagery. There is the image of the deathbed. It is also mentioned the "ashes of his youth." So, the speaker is discussing death. It, though, is a metaphorical death of youth. I liked some other imagery in the poem. It talks of "black night doth take away." Night is closely related to negative things, such as death. The fact that night is taking away something leads me to believe that it is the death of youth. I also like the image of the cold breeze. Death is in this case seen as a cold breeze approaching. Well, that's what I got out of it.
Since we are discussing pattern, I would like to note that the pattern is in continuous form (I read the Chapter a little bit!). I noticed some death imagery. There is the image of the deathbed. It is also mentioned the "ashes of his youth." So, the speaker is discussing death. It, though, is a metaphorical death of youth. I liked some other imagery in the poem. It talks of "black night doth take away." Night is closely related to negative things, such as death. The fact that night is taking away something leads me to believe that it is the death of youth. I also like the image of the cold breeze. Death is in this case seen as a cold breeze approaching. Well, that's what I got out of it.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Hazel Tells LaVerne
"well i screams ya little green pervert"
Sincerely, I just don't get the poem. It is about black cleaning lady encountering a frog in the toilet. This frog wants to make her a princess, but evidently she is ok with being a cleaning lady. I think that was the part of the humor, because she could have easily kissed the frog and became a princess, provided that talking frogs don't lie. But instead, she decisively flushes the talking frog down the toilet. The least she could do is stay and chat with the frog, after having denying him a kiss. Anyway, I noticed the lack of punctuation in this poem, reminding me of "next to of course god." This poem, though, is much easier to understand. The syntax isn't jumbled and the poem flows smoothly.
Sincerely, I just don't get the poem. It is about black cleaning lady encountering a frog in the toilet. This frog wants to make her a princess, but evidently she is ok with being a cleaning lady. I think that was the part of the humor, because she could have easily kissed the frog and became a princess, provided that talking frogs don't lie. But instead, she decisively flushes the talking frog down the toilet. The least she could do is stay and chat with the frog, after having denying him a kiss. Anyway, I noticed the lack of punctuation in this poem, reminding me of "next to of course god." This poem, though, is much easier to understand. The syntax isn't jumbled and the poem flows smoothly.
Getting Out
"That year we hardly slept, waking like inmates"
The tone, I noticed, is nostalgic. "That year" indicates the event in the past. So what is the event? It is a divorce. I thought it was apt to say that they were like "inmates." Some marriages dissolve into misery quickly. I think maybe there is still a little bit of love left in the rough divorce. They cried when they parted, and this even bewildered the lawyer who had probably been through divorce cases multiple times. Also, the nature of the poem reveals love. The speaker is remembering this woman, so evidently she is still significant to him. The plastic mind doesn't remember things that are insignificant and unpleasant.
The tone, I noticed, is nostalgic. "That year" indicates the event in the past. So what is the event? It is a divorce. I thought it was apt to say that they were like "inmates." Some marriages dissolve into misery quickly. I think maybe there is still a little bit of love left in the rough divorce. They cried when they parted, and this even bewildered the lawyer who had probably been through divorce cases multiple times. Also, the nature of the poem reveals love. The speaker is remembering this woman, so evidently she is still significant to him. The plastic mind doesn't remember things that are insignificant and unpleasant.
The Apparition
"And thee, feigned vestal, in worse arms shall see"
I noticed an angry tone in this poem. The speaker is addressing some woman who I perceive to be a past lover. He says "feigned vestal" to say that she lied about being a virgin. Perhaps this disgraces him, or even more angering, perhaps she cheated on him. I believe the woman cheated on him because it is learned in the poem that she is laying with another man. On top of this, the speaker says "I had rather thous shouldst painfully repent." The speaker desires vengeance, which wouldn't be a desire evoked when finding out a lover isn't a virgin. I wonder why the speaker doesn't also direct his anger to the man the woman is with?
I noticed an angry tone in this poem. The speaker is addressing some woman who I perceive to be a past lover. He says "feigned vestal" to say that she lied about being a virgin. Perhaps this disgraces him, or even more angering, perhaps she cheated on him. I believe the woman cheated on him because it is learned in the poem that she is laying with another man. On top of this, the speaker says "I had rather thous shouldst painfully repent." The speaker desires vengeance, which wouldn't be a desire evoked when finding out a lover isn't a virgin. I wonder why the speaker doesn't also direct his anger to the man the woman is with?
Crossing the Bar
"And may there be no moaning of the bar When I put out to sea"
While reading the questions, I ascertained that this poem is about death. The metaphor used for death is embarking on a trip to sea. The speaker wishes for a mild death. He wants "no moaning of the bar" when he dies. I took that to mean that he wants no mourning when he passes. This is also reinforced when the speaker says "may there be no sadness of farewell."
I noticed the progression of the time in the story. It starts off at sunset. then proceeds into twilight. This change of time seemed apt in relation to the change the speaker will undergo. The speaker will embark of the journey of death, the end of life. He is near the moment of death, just as twilight is near night time.
While reading the questions, I ascertained that this poem is about death. The metaphor used for death is embarking on a trip to sea. The speaker wishes for a mild death. He wants "no moaning of the bar" when he dies. I took that to mean that he wants no mourning when he passes. This is also reinforced when the speaker says "may there be no sadness of farewell."
I noticed the progression of the time in the story. It starts off at sunset. then proceeds into twilight. This change of time seemed apt in relation to the change the speaker will undergo. The speaker will embark of the journey of death, the end of life. He is near the moment of death, just as twilight is near night time.
My mistress' eyes
"My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun"
I thought this poem was interesting, because I think it addresses the issue of love cliches. Commonplace in poetry is drawing comparisons about love using things like the sun or snow. The speaker contrasts all of this by saying his mistress is nothing like this. This, in a way, gives the realistic tone impression of an lifeless, dull lover, but in the last lines the speaker still proclaims his love to be rare. So, the love isn't meaningless and the mistress is worthy of admiration. The speaker says the mistress is as lovely as those "belied with false compare," or those blasted with cliche love similes and metaphors. The tone, along with realism, could be criticism of love sayings.
I thought this poem was interesting, because I think it addresses the issue of love cliches. Commonplace in poetry is drawing comparisons about love using things like the sun or snow. The speaker contrasts all of this by saying his mistress is nothing like this. This, in a way, gives the realistic tone impression of an lifeless, dull lover, but in the last lines the speaker still proclaims his love to be rare. So, the love isn't meaningless and the mistress is worthy of admiration. The speaker says the mistress is as lovely as those "belied with false compare," or those blasted with cliche love similes and metaphors. The tone, along with realism, could be criticism of love sayings.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Batter my heart, three-personed God
"Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new."
The speaker feels unworthy in the eyes of God. He wants his faith to be invigorated and for God to be harsher and more punishing towards him. In the overstatement above, the speaker desires basically a complete transformation from his current unworthy state to a worthiness in God's eyes. I thought it was ironic the extent to his feelings of incompetence in the line in which he calls God his enemy. He obviously loves God, or he wouldn't show so much dedication of a want for a stronger faith. But, it is radical to call him your enemy.
I am a little curious to the background of the author. I was wondering if John Donne was going through a struggle of faith when he wrote the poem. Was the struggle resolved? I can't say.
The speaker feels unworthy in the eyes of God. He wants his faith to be invigorated and for God to be harsher and more punishing towards him. In the overstatement above, the speaker desires basically a complete transformation from his current unworthy state to a worthiness in God's eyes. I thought it was ironic the extent to his feelings of incompetence in the line in which he calls God his enemy. He obviously loves God, or he wouldn't show so much dedication of a want for a stronger faith. But, it is radical to call him your enemy.
I am a little curious to the background of the author. I was wondering if John Donne was going through a struggle of faith when he wrote the poem. Was the struggle resolved? I can't say.
APO 96225
"'Please don't write such depressing letters. "You're upsetting your mother."
The poem touches on war, and is meant to criticize it a bit. The sad situation of worrying parents writing to their son is revealed. Their anxiety for their son pushes them to want to know the truth about his life in the war. They push and push for answers and then finally get one, which is grim to say they least. The son reveals that he has killed. Then, the father says to not write such awful things because the mother cant handle it. There is situational irony in that one would expect the mother to be able handle what she so tirelessly asked for, the truth about the son's situation. When it is revealed, she doesn't like it and doesn't want to hear it. I personally thought the mother was kind of irritating. What did she expect to hear? She wanted the truth. I think she knows enough about war to foresee that her son may have killed someone.
The poem touches on war, and is meant to criticize it a bit. The sad situation of worrying parents writing to their son is revealed. Their anxiety for their son pushes them to want to know the truth about his life in the war. They push and push for answers and then finally get one, which is grim to say they least. The son reveals that he has killed. Then, the father says to not write such awful things because the mother cant handle it. There is situational irony in that one would expect the mother to be able handle what she so tirelessly asked for, the truth about the son's situation. When it is revealed, she doesn't like it and doesn't want to hear it. I personally thought the mother was kind of irritating. What did she expect to hear? She wanted the truth. I think she knows enough about war to foresee that her son may have killed someone.
Ozymandias
"'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings; Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'"
This Ozymandias guy seems like a tyrant, a former one to be specific. He is said to have a "sneer of cold command," pointing to the tyranny of his order, and that he mocked "them" with his hand, "them" meaning his subjects. I find it a little funny the Situational Irony in the poem. On a pedestal, Ozymandias proclaims his glory and might. Now, this once mighty and feared tyrant lay dead, killed by the sands of time. It is ironic that the pedestal still proclaims his glory, though he is no more than a visage. I think the theme of the poem is a scorn for tyranny. The poem illustrates the once powerful tyrant Ozymandias as being nothing anymore, but a visage. The speaker is emphasizing the tyrant's weakness and vulnerability, though many tyrants in old times proclaimed to be gods.
This Ozymandias guy seems like a tyrant, a former one to be specific. He is said to have a "sneer of cold command," pointing to the tyranny of his order, and that he mocked "them" with his hand, "them" meaning his subjects. I find it a little funny the Situational Irony in the poem. On a pedestal, Ozymandias proclaims his glory and might. Now, this once mighty and feared tyrant lay dead, killed by the sands of time. It is ironic that the pedestal still proclaims his glory, though he is no more than a visage. I think the theme of the poem is a scorn for tyranny. The poem illustrates the once powerful tyrant Ozymandias as being nothing anymore, but a visage. The speaker is emphasizing the tyrant's weakness and vulnerability, though many tyrants in old times proclaimed to be gods.
Barbie Doll (Action figures)
"Then in the magic of puberty..."
The first thing that stuck out to me is the ironic tone of the poem. The speaker suggests that puberty is magical, but it is common knowledge that puberty is a rough patch in adolescence. The irony is fortified when we learn of the girls "fat nose" and "thick legs," and how persevering the girl is in apologizing for these eye sores by being well-mannered and good-natured. The simile that reinforces this is that she "wore out like a fan belt." This brings me to the overstatement in "she cut off her nose and her legs." The girl, out of shame, tries very much to make up for an ugly appearance, which she has no control over. She was a hearty, nice-mannered girl that wore herself out by being good-natured. In a way, she "cut off her nose and her legs" by taking many steps to divert any attention away from her appearance and by trying to emphasize the better qualities of herself. I think the author means to criticize this behavior of anxiety caused by appearances, and the guilt people feel for the aspect of their character that they cannot control. "To every woman a happy ending" is ironic to emphasize the tragedy in this girl wearing herself out to make up for an unpleasant appearance.
The first thing that stuck out to me is the ironic tone of the poem. The speaker suggests that puberty is magical, but it is common knowledge that puberty is a rough patch in adolescence. The irony is fortified when we learn of the girls "fat nose" and "thick legs," and how persevering the girl is in apologizing for these eye sores by being well-mannered and good-natured. The simile that reinforces this is that she "wore out like a fan belt." This brings me to the overstatement in "she cut off her nose and her legs." The girl, out of shame, tries very much to make up for an ugly appearance, which she has no control over. She was a hearty, nice-mannered girl that wore herself out by being good-natured. In a way, she "cut off her nose and her legs" by taking many steps to divert any attention away from her appearance and by trying to emphasize the better qualities of herself. I think the author means to criticize this behavior of anxiety caused by appearances, and the guilt people feel for the aspect of their character that they cannot control. "To every woman a happy ending" is ironic to emphasize the tragedy in this girl wearing herself out to make up for an unpleasant appearance.
Much Madness is divinest Sense
"Much Madness is divinest Sense...Much Sense-the starkest Madness..."
I noticed the paradox in "Much Madness is divinest Sense," meaning insanity is good, and "Much Sense-the starkest Madness-," meaning sanity is bad. It took me a minute to figure out what this meant. In the poem, the majority is referred to, and the speaker says "Assent-and you are sane-Demur,you're straightway dangerous." The author is referring to the fallacy that the majority is correct simply because they represent what most people believe. The paradox is primarily used characterize the speaker's criticizing attitude towards the majority and their concept of sanity. The speaker reverses the norm by telling us not to trust in the majority, for they do not know what is always sane. Sometimes, they could have it completely wrong, and what they perceive as sane may be terribly insane. There for it is sometimes necessary to "Demur," although the majority will probably brand you a lunatic.
I noticed the paradox in "Much Madness is divinest Sense," meaning insanity is good, and "Much Sense-the starkest Madness-," meaning sanity is bad. It took me a minute to figure out what this meant. In the poem, the majority is referred to, and the speaker says "Assent-and you are sane-Demur,you're straightway dangerous." The author is referring to the fallacy that the majority is correct simply because they represent what most people believe. The paradox is primarily used characterize the speaker's criticizing attitude towards the majority and their concept of sanity. The speaker reverses the norm by telling us not to trust in the majority, for they do not know what is always sane. Sometimes, they could have it completely wrong, and what they perceive as sane may be terribly insane. There for it is sometimes necessary to "Demur," although the majority will probably brand you a lunatic.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Joy of Cooking
"I have prepared my sister's tongue,..."
The speaker uses metonymy in the poem to characterize the speaker's regards to siblings, in the case irate. The tongue represents the sister, pointing out the fact that she is probably very bold, verbose, and annoyingly chatty. The act of cutting off the tongue and cooking it reveals anger and scorn. The heart, which represents the brother, is said to be cold, indicating that this guy is probably a nasty fellow. Again, the speaker expresses anger via the metaphor of cooking the heart. I share similar sentiments. While I do love dearly my siblings, we are prone to conflict. There are qualities of each sibling that I don't like. For example, my brother who is 21 is a bit rude and lacks common courtesy. My little brother exaggerates to my mother the intensity of a conflict, usually attaching blame to my side. I do not like these things. I, though, probably won't cook any of their body parts. I really only know how to use the microwave.
The speaker uses metonymy in the poem to characterize the speaker's regards to siblings, in the case irate. The tongue represents the sister, pointing out the fact that she is probably very bold, verbose, and annoyingly chatty. The act of cutting off the tongue and cooking it reveals anger and scorn. The heart, which represents the brother, is said to be cold, indicating that this guy is probably a nasty fellow. Again, the speaker expresses anger via the metaphor of cooking the heart. I share similar sentiments. While I do love dearly my siblings, we are prone to conflict. There are qualities of each sibling that I don't like. For example, my brother who is 21 is a bit rude and lacks common courtesy. My little brother exaggerates to my mother the intensity of a conflict, usually attaching blame to my side. I do not like these things. I, though, probably won't cook any of their body parts. I really only know how to use the microwave.
Dream Deferred
"What happens to a dream deferred?"
To take a break from metaphor, I'll speak on similes. The question posed in the beginning of the poem is then followed by a serious of similes, suggesting an answer to what happens to our forgotten dreams. Is the dream to shrivel and die like a raisin in the sun? Or is the dream to puss over like a nasty sore? Perhaps it will give off the aroma like that of rotten flesh, or even crust over like a syrupy sweet. These similes refer to the negative possibilities associated with deferred dreams. Then in the last line the author questions "Or does it explode?" The italics obviously place some significance on the words, so best is to analyze the words. I thought this reversal of the possibilities was interesting. All the similes refer to the dream dying. Then, interesting enough, a metaphor comes along and gives a new possibility. Could this dying dream perhaps explode into reality? Maybe the motivation to fulfill dreams stems from the fact that the dreams aren't fulfilled.
To take a break from metaphor, I'll speak on similes. The question posed in the beginning of the poem is then followed by a serious of similes, suggesting an answer to what happens to our forgotten dreams. Is the dream to shrivel and die like a raisin in the sun? Or is the dream to puss over like a nasty sore? Perhaps it will give off the aroma like that of rotten flesh, or even crust over like a syrupy sweet. These similes refer to the negative possibilities associated with deferred dreams. Then in the last line the author questions "Or does it explode?" The italics obviously place some significance on the words, so best is to analyze the words. I thought this reversal of the possibilities was interesting. All the similes refer to the dream dying. Then, interesting enough, a metaphor comes along and gives a new possibility. Could this dying dream perhaps explode into reality? Maybe the motivation to fulfill dreams stems from the fact that the dreams aren't fulfilled.
Toadzzzzzzzzzzzz
"Why should I let the toad work Squat on my life?"
Yet again, I find a metaphor. In this case, the speaker is expounding on his feelings regarding "toad work." Toad work is basically forced work, or work undertaken which is not for the purpose of fulfilling the talents or passions of the worker. A toad is an apt metaphor because it just squats all day. It is also relatively ugly. These adjectives describe the speaker's life. His life is "ugly," unpleasant, and he "squats." The narrator's life is squatting; that is, it is in a perpetual and dull state. So is the life of a toad, which lives "out of proportion." The proportion not balanced in this case refers to the balance of the work and fun. The speaker reveals that he is feeling depressed about being out of proportion, stating that the speaker works miserably "Just for paying a few bills!"
Yet again, I find a metaphor. In this case, the speaker is expounding on his feelings regarding "toad work." Toad work is basically forced work, or work undertaken which is not for the purpose of fulfilling the talents or passions of the worker. A toad is an apt metaphor because it just squats all day. It is also relatively ugly. These adjectives describe the speaker's life. His life is "ugly," unpleasant, and he "squats." The narrator's life is squatting; that is, it is in a perpetual and dull state. So is the life of a toad, which lives "out of proportion." The proportion not balanced in this case refers to the balance of the work and fun. The speaker reveals that he is feeling depressed about being out of proportion, stating that the speaker works miserably "Just for paying a few bills!"
I taste a liquor never brewed
"Not all the Vats upon the Rhine Yield such an Alcohol!"
The speaker seems to be in ecstasy, and so enthusiastic about drinking. Well, the speaker isn't actually drinking. This is revealed quite plainly in the title and in the first line. So, then the alcohol that he never actually brewed is a metaphor for, to be cliche, being high on life. The speaker does not seem inebriated off any real substance, but does seem to be happy to be alive. Another metaphor I noticed is in the last stanza, "leaning against the-Sun-." The speaker cannot conceivably be leaning against the sun, as he would be incinerated in a fraction of a second. The sun to me is the source of light. Light equates to brightness. Brightness is always associated with optimism and feelings of joy. So, the speaker, so close to the sun, is evidently enjoying himself, and not caring one bit about anything else ("I shall but drink the more!").
The speaker seems to be in ecstasy, and so enthusiastic about drinking. Well, the speaker isn't actually drinking. This is revealed quite plainly in the title and in the first line. So, then the alcohol that he never actually brewed is a metaphor for, to be cliche, being high on life. The speaker does not seem inebriated off any real substance, but does seem to be happy to be alive. Another metaphor I noticed is in the last stanza, "leaning against the-Sun-." The speaker cannot conceivably be leaning against the sun, as he would be incinerated in a fraction of a second. The sun to me is the source of light. Light equates to brightness. Brightness is always associated with optimism and feelings of joy. So, the speaker, so close to the sun, is evidently enjoying himself, and not caring one bit about anything else ("I shall but drink the more!").
Brght Star figurative language
Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art-..."
The main component of figurative language utilized in this poem is metaphor. The Bright Star is a metaphor for isolation. Words like "lone" and "aloft in the night" create an atmosphere of being alone. The star also is a metaphor for eternity. It is said to have "eternal lids" and to be a "sleepless Eremite." This characterization of the star is contrasted with the speaker. While the speaker does mention being "Awake forever in a sweet unrest," the speaker also mentions being "swoon to death." This last quotation reveals that the speaker is open to the possibility of death. The speaker is also contrasted in the fact that the speaker shares a love with a women. The speaker delights in the presence of his beloved, while the star is "aloft" in isolation for an eternity.
The main component of figurative language utilized in this poem is metaphor. The Bright Star is a metaphor for isolation. Words like "lone" and "aloft in the night" create an atmosphere of being alone. The star also is a metaphor for eternity. It is said to have "eternal lids" and to be a "sleepless Eremite." This characterization of the star is contrasted with the speaker. While the speaker does mention being "Awake forever in a sweet unrest," the speaker also mentions being "swoon to death." This last quotation reveals that the speaker is open to the possibility of death. The speaker is also contrasted in the fact that the speaker shares a love with a women. The speaker delights in the presence of his beloved, while the star is "aloft" in isolation for an eternity.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Panther
"It seems to him there are a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world."
This poem was the only one to actually make me feel sentiments of sorrow and anger. This mighty panther is a prisoner, confined inhumanely to a very condensed area. Animals have the capacity to feel. In the poem the panther feels hopeless, feeling like there is "no world." Around the world, there are numerous animals being exploited for selfish reasons, and thrown into small cages to live a miserable life. An example of this is cruelty is dog fighting. The masters starve the dog, have them fight to the death, and if they survive, they will most likely return to a small cage to live in a squalid condition. A mix of sorrow and anger erupts in me, as I am angered at the abusers and sorrowful to have such abusers exist in my world. Something has to be done. The world suc...I mean stinks.
This poem was the only one to actually make me feel sentiments of sorrow and anger. This mighty panther is a prisoner, confined inhumanely to a very condensed area. Animals have the capacity to feel. In the poem the panther feels hopeless, feeling like there is "no world." Around the world, there are numerous animals being exploited for selfish reasons, and thrown into small cages to live a miserable life. An example of this is cruelty is dog fighting. The masters starve the dog, have them fight to the death, and if they survive, they will most likely return to a small cage to live in a squalid condition. A mix of sorrow and anger erupts in me, as I am angered at the abusers and sorrowful to have such abusers exist in my world. Something has to be done. The world suc...I mean stinks.
Those Winter Sundays
"Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold..."
The mood of the poem is quite depressing, as it is about a man regretting being ungrateful to his father as a child. I think the author chose Winter because it is the season associated with depression. In winter, we are locked up in our house, like prisoners, without the spring/summer time beauty to refresh us. There is even this thing called seasonal depression, and many cases are of depression in the winter months. Winter clearly coincides with the depressing, regretful mood. Also, the colors blue and black are effective colors of the spectrum when expressing sorrow. We have the happy, lively colors, red, yellow, and orange, and the more slummed over colors, black and dark blue. It just wouldn't be applicable to mourn on a bright, sunny day, with vibrant plant life sprung up.
The mood of the poem is quite depressing, as it is about a man regretting being ungrateful to his father as a child. I think the author chose Winter because it is the season associated with depression. In winter, we are locked up in our house, like prisoners, without the spring/summer time beauty to refresh us. There is even this thing called seasonal depression, and many cases are of depression in the winter months. Winter clearly coincides with the depressing, regretful mood. Also, the colors blue and black are effective colors of the spectrum when expressing sorrow. We have the happy, lively colors, red, yellow, and orange, and the more slummed over colors, black and dark blue. It just wouldn't be applicable to mourn on a bright, sunny day, with vibrant plant life sprung up.
The Widow's Lament in Springtime
"Where the new grass flames as it has flamed often before but not with the cold fire that closes round me this year"
In the quote above, a paradox is seen in "cold fire." It is hard to understand how fire can be cold, so I'd like to try to explain clearly. Before the words "cold fire," grass is said to flame. Flame can be used as a verb, meaning to burn brightly. The grass isn't literally on fire, but it radiates its impressive beauty. By association with this use of the word flame, I believe "cold fire" is used to describe the mood the widow gives off. She radiates mourn and gloom intensely just as the beautiful plant life of the spring radiates is splendor. This provides for an effective juxtaposition in the poem. The spring live represents magnificent, cheerful beauty while the women is characteristic of lifeless brooding.
In the quote above, a paradox is seen in "cold fire." It is hard to understand how fire can be cold, so I'd like to try to explain clearly. Before the words "cold fire," grass is said to flame. Flame can be used as a verb, meaning to burn brightly. The grass isn't literally on fire, but it radiates its impressive beauty. By association with this use of the word flame, I believe "cold fire" is used to describe the mood the widow gives off. She radiates mourn and gloom intensely just as the beautiful plant life of the spring radiates is splendor. This provides for an effective juxtaposition in the poem. The spring live represents magnificent, cheerful beauty while the women is characteristic of lifeless brooding.
I felt a Funeral, in my Brain a second time
"And when they all were seated, A Service..."
I would like to expound on the motivation in choosing the metaphor of a funeral to describe a permanent lapse in sanity. The first, most obvious reason is that a funeral is an easy way to visually represent the passing of something. I think there is more to it, though. In a funeral, the loved ones gather around to grieve and to accept together the death of someone. Usually, when someone dies, their loved ones are initially in a state of disbelief. The mind can't contemplate something so significant happening in such a small amount of time. I think the speaker had been, prior to this funeral of the head, experiencing a growing mental turmoil, showing that some sanity had already diminished. The funeral, though, represents the ultimate absorption of the fact that sanity has been completely breached.
I would like to expound on the motivation in choosing the metaphor of a funeral to describe a permanent lapse in sanity. The first, most obvious reason is that a funeral is an easy way to visually represent the passing of something. I think there is more to it, though. In a funeral, the loved ones gather around to grieve and to accept together the death of someone. Usually, when someone dies, their loved ones are initially in a state of disbelief. The mind can't contemplate something so significant happening in such a small amount of time. I think the speaker had been, prior to this funeral of the head, experiencing a growing mental turmoil, showing that some sanity had already diminished. The funeral, though, represents the ultimate absorption of the fact that sanity has been completely breached.
I felt a Funeral, in my Brain
"Kept treading-treading-till it seemed That Sense was breaking through-..."
An important sense evoked in this poem is touch. Touch is evoked by use of the words "treading," "Drum," and "beating." The author utilizes the sense of touch to re-create the sense of immense mental pressure that is felt in the speaker descending into insanity. I thought it was interesting to see mental, abstract pressures being embodied in a physical form by the feet and drum in a dark funeral. Pressure and touch are ultimately used to characterize the precise moment in which the speaker enters mental insanity. The speaker's "Plan in reason" gave way do to the merciless pressure being exerted. This means that the mental turmoil within the speaker was under so much strain that it snapped, and the ability to function normally is lost.
An important sense evoked in this poem is touch. Touch is evoked by use of the words "treading," "Drum," and "beating." The author utilizes the sense of touch to re-create the sense of immense mental pressure that is felt in the speaker descending into insanity. I thought it was interesting to see mental, abstract pressures being embodied in a physical form by the feet and drum in a dark funeral. Pressure and touch are ultimately used to characterize the precise moment in which the speaker enters mental insanity. The speaker's "Plan in reason" gave way do to the merciless pressure being exerted. This means that the mental turmoil within the speaker was under so much strain that it snapped, and the ability to function normally is lost.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Perrine Blog
"These two criteria, I ask you to notice, are not different from those we bring to the judgment of a new scientific hypothesis."
I like the analogy that he draws to the scientific hypothesis, as it emphasizes the importance of not arbitrarily assigning meaning to a poem. I have to admit that I am not partial to poetry, as it is difficult for me to decipher the meaning of a poem. I guess this article provided some relief in that it claims that poetry is not an ambiguous mess of varying interpretations. Perrine calls this idea of equally valid interpretations heresy. While maybe that is a harsh word, I do agree. I think a writer writes for one specific meaning. It also appears sort of lazy to me to quickly judge meaning with out critically considering the contents of a poem.
I find his methods helpful. They seem to make sense. Still though, picking the simplest, most plausible explanation after examining the facts can still be open for interpretation. What one sees as the best explanation may only seem so because they are limited to only their point of view. I think it requires discussion to weed out less accurate interpretations and to locate the best possible explanation. Unrelated, I like when Perrine said that the best interpretations rely on the fewest assumptions not grounded in the poem. I never have pondered that method. I don't usually tally up the assumptions I am making when I read poetry, which is not very often.
I like the analogy that he draws to the scientific hypothesis, as it emphasizes the importance of not arbitrarily assigning meaning to a poem. I have to admit that I am not partial to poetry, as it is difficult for me to decipher the meaning of a poem. I guess this article provided some relief in that it claims that poetry is not an ambiguous mess of varying interpretations. Perrine calls this idea of equally valid interpretations heresy. While maybe that is a harsh word, I do agree. I think a writer writes for one specific meaning. It also appears sort of lazy to me to quickly judge meaning with out critically considering the contents of a poem.
I find his methods helpful. They seem to make sense. Still though, picking the simplest, most plausible explanation after examining the facts can still be open for interpretation. What one sees as the best explanation may only seem so because they are limited to only their point of view. I think it requires discussion to weed out less accurate interpretations and to locate the best possible explanation. Unrelated, I like when Perrine said that the best interpretations rely on the fewest assumptions not grounded in the poem. I never have pondered that method. I don't usually tally up the assumptions I am making when I read poetry, which is not very often.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Brave New World blog entry #20
"To hurt is as human as to breathe."-J. K. ROWLING
I was looking around on the web and I found this quote. I think it relates perfectly with the novel and the theme. In society, they have rather successfully gotten rid of suffering, and if there is a slight bit of suffering, you take soma. I think I've learned from the novel that suffering is human nature, and we shouldn't try to exterminate an important part of our nature. Our suffering builds our character, and makes us who we are. It builds our precious individualism, which is taboo in the novel. Individualism is key in life, it gives us our value. I remember a point in the novel when the director was talking about banishing Bernard, saying nonchalantly that society as a whole will move forward without him. This to me is degrading to life. Society has forgot about the value of each person. They seem to be concerned with this collective entity of society, and not the individual people who comprise it.
I was looking around on the web and I found this quote. I think it relates perfectly with the novel and the theme. In society, they have rather successfully gotten rid of suffering, and if there is a slight bit of suffering, you take soma. I think I've learned from the novel that suffering is human nature, and we shouldn't try to exterminate an important part of our nature. Our suffering builds our character, and makes us who we are. It builds our precious individualism, which is taboo in the novel. Individualism is key in life, it gives us our value. I remember a point in the novel when the director was talking about banishing Bernard, saying nonchalantly that society as a whole will move forward without him. This to me is degrading to life. Society has forgot about the value of each person. They seem to be concerned with this collective entity of society, and not the individual people who comprise it.
Brave New World blog entry #19
"And then the solitude! Whole days passed during which he never saw a human being." page 245
John seems to be enjoying himself in his new home, a home in which he is experiencing peaceful isolation. This is new for him. At the reservation, he was an outcast due to his race. He was constantly teased and tormented, as well as being battered by his mother by stories of a perfect, happy civilization. Then, when John makes it to society, he feels disgusted. He couldn't handle the universal happiness, which was void of all his religious virtues he had back at the reservation. Now, at the lighthouse, he is free to worship various gods and live a disciplined life with out the annoyance of other people. I think Huxley uses John to show that stability and universal happiness is an equal trade for passionate individualism. Social stability, while it appears to be happy, isn't truly happy because it sacrifices important parts of human nature.
John seems to be enjoying himself in his new home, a home in which he is experiencing peaceful isolation. This is new for him. At the reservation, he was an outcast due to his race. He was constantly teased and tormented, as well as being battered by his mother by stories of a perfect, happy civilization. Then, when John makes it to society, he feels disgusted. He couldn't handle the universal happiness, which was void of all his religious virtues he had back at the reservation. Now, at the lighthouse, he is free to worship various gods and live a disciplined life with out the annoyance of other people. I think Huxley uses John to show that stability and universal happiness is an equal trade for passionate individualism. Social stability, while it appears to be happy, isn't truly happy because it sacrifices important parts of human nature.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Brave New World blog entry # 18
"You can't have a lasting civilization without plenty of pleasant vices." page 237
Obviously, "pleasant vices" is the oxymoron I am referring to. The pleasant vices, I think, are the banishment of passion, high art, God, religion, and truth. In addition, I think the cowardly way people run from affliction, using soma, could be considered a "pleasant vice." John, contrastingly, does not see these vices as pleasant. Despite the sometimes truth being unpleasant, John values it above all. He is such a brave character to me. Taking things how they are and living with a harsh reality rather than living in a cheerful facade. I think Huxley wants us to learn from John. Like the novel Never Let Me Go, we must embrace our suffering, not run from it. Suffering is large part of humanity. It is especially important when this suffering is done in the name of truth and passion.
Obviously, "pleasant vices" is the oxymoron I am referring to. The pleasant vices, I think, are the banishment of passion, high art, God, religion, and truth. In addition, I think the cowardly way people run from affliction, using soma, could be considered a "pleasant vice." John, contrastingly, does not see these vices as pleasant. Despite the sometimes truth being unpleasant, John values it above all. He is such a brave character to me. Taking things how they are and living with a harsh reality rather than living in a cheerful facade. I think Huxley wants us to learn from John. Like the novel Never Let Me Go, we must embrace our suffering, not run from it. Suffering is large part of humanity. It is especially important when this suffering is done in the name of truth and passion.
Brave New World blog entry #17
"It hasn't been very good for truth, of course. But it's been very good for happiness." page 228
I would like to take from this quote two words, "truth" and "happiness." "Truth" represents the time before the nine years war, in which things like science, religion, passion, beauty, and art were prevalent and unrestricted. Obviously, then, "happiness" represents the new world order. Social stability and happiness for all is achieved by sacrificing humanness, a pursuit of truth and higher purpose. To me, Huxley in the novel is pushing for the pursuit of truth. We see the facade of happiness crumble and become just a false, reassuring shield from human nature and truth. It is a bit of good news to me that the three individuals, Bernard, John, and Helmholtz, wont be killed. They will be sent somewhere to be individuals with other people who have fallen out of rhythm with society. I am hoping some sort of revolution takes place, run by the individuals. I think, though, the ones in society to actually get behind the movement will be the alphas. They are really the only ones able to break their conditioning by way of free thought and inquiry. I think a revolution would jump start their desire for truth.
I would like to take from this quote two words, "truth" and "happiness." "Truth" represents the time before the nine years war, in which things like science, religion, passion, beauty, and art were prevalent and unrestricted. Obviously, then, "happiness" represents the new world order. Social stability and happiness for all is achieved by sacrificing humanness, a pursuit of truth and higher purpose. To me, Huxley in the novel is pushing for the pursuit of truth. We see the facade of happiness crumble and become just a false, reassuring shield from human nature and truth. It is a bit of good news to me that the three individuals, Bernard, John, and Helmholtz, wont be killed. They will be sent somewhere to be individuals with other people who have fallen out of rhythm with society. I am hoping some sort of revolution takes place, run by the individuals. I think, though, the ones in society to actually get behind the movement will be the alphas. They are really the only ones able to break their conditioning by way of free thought and inquiry. I think a revolution would jump start their desire for truth.
Brave New World blog entry #16
"'O brave new world, O brave new world...' In his mind the singing words seemed to change their tone. They had mocked him through his misery and remorse, mocked him with how hideous a note cynical derision! Fiendishly laughing, they had insisted on the low squalor, the nauseous ugliness of the night mare. Now, suddenly, they trumpeted a call to arms. 'O brave new world!' Miranda was proclaiming the possibility of loveliness, the possibility of transforming even the nightmare into something fine and noble. 'O brave new world!' It was a challenge, a command." page 210
I think this quote emphasizes the theme of words being piercing weapons. The words are so powerful that they take on a life of their own, and despite how they are contradictory to this situation (for example,"How beauteous mankind is!"), they still fuel Johns courage when bravely challenging the system.
John the savage shows his initiative in this chapter by trying to push his movement of freedom, but without success, seeing it was him against an entire world order. Though he doesn't succeed, I am glad to seem someone challenging the way of things. I have to say, early on, when Bernard reveals his miserable loneliness and disdain for society, I thought he was going to be the one to pose a challenge society. As we come to see, he does no such thing. In fact, he acts cowardly in this chapter. I am disappointed in him I must say. Perhaps John is the only one with enough courage to challenge this slavery masked with the illusion of fulfilling happiness because he is the only character in the novel to experience freedom. To see such a horrifying slaughter of freedom in the name of cheap, communal happiness is truly criminal to him.
I think this quote emphasizes the theme of words being piercing weapons. The words are so powerful that they take on a life of their own, and despite how they are contradictory to this situation (for example,"How beauteous mankind is!"), they still fuel Johns courage when bravely challenging the system.
John the savage shows his initiative in this chapter by trying to push his movement of freedom, but without success, seeing it was him against an entire world order. Though he doesn't succeed, I am glad to seem someone challenging the way of things. I have to say, early on, when Bernard reveals his miserable loneliness and disdain for society, I thought he was going to be the one to pose a challenge society. As we come to see, he does no such thing. In fact, he acts cowardly in this chapter. I am disappointed in him I must say. Perhaps John is the only one with enough courage to challenge this slavery masked with the illusion of fulfilling happiness because he is the only character in the novel to experience freedom. To see such a horrifying slaughter of freedom in the name of cheap, communal happiness is truly criminal to him.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Brave New World blog entry #15
"transformed and embellished by the soma in her blood..." page 200
I haven't really made any connections to music like it was suggested, so here it goes. Linda to me is the face of addiction. She kills herself by constantly taking soma holidays to forget her world. When she wasn't able to get soma, she took to mescal to run away from her reality. This reminds me of the song "Used to Get High" by the John Butler Trio. In this song, he touches not only on drug addiction, but common addictions of many kinds of things. My favorite part of the song is when he sings "Super size, large fries, big mac, coca cola Go on man, pick your poison Speed, weed, ecstasy, LSD Man, it don't bother me cos we're all on something." The song claims that addiction is common. The lyrics "Escape, can't wait all trying to get away" capture Linda's personality as well as much of the people in society in the novel. People must mitigate their afflictions by use of drugs. John Butler sings "can't deal, can't feel what's real. The people of this society live so unnaturally. They are often lost in a fabricated, drug induced world in order to cowardly turn away from some natural negative emotions, such as jealousy, shame, anger, sadness, embarrassment, guilt and grief.
I haven't really made any connections to music like it was suggested, so here it goes. Linda to me is the face of addiction. She kills herself by constantly taking soma holidays to forget her world. When she wasn't able to get soma, she took to mescal to run away from her reality. This reminds me of the song "Used to Get High" by the John Butler Trio. In this song, he touches not only on drug addiction, but common addictions of many kinds of things. My favorite part of the song is when he sings "Super size, large fries, big mac, coca cola Go on man, pick your poison Speed, weed, ecstasy, LSD Man, it don't bother me cos we're all on something." The song claims that addiction is common. The lyrics "Escape, can't wait all trying to get away" capture Linda's personality as well as much of the people in society in the novel. People must mitigate their afflictions by use of drugs. John Butler sings "can't deal, can't feel what's real. The people of this society live so unnaturally. They are often lost in a fabricated, drug induced world in order to cowardly turn away from some natural negative emotions, such as jealousy, shame, anger, sadness, embarrassment, guilt and grief.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Brave New World blog entry #14
"'A man-one man.'" page 187
Lenina, early on, perplexed me. She seemed minor and irrelevant. I wondered why Bernard stuck with her. But, now she seems more dynamic a character. The fact that she is able to break her conditioning by loving a single man says something has changed in her. Maybe she will develop into her own individual by the time the books over. I thought maybe she could develop a special relationship with John, but that seems doubtful. John was appalled and enraged at Lenina's lustful advances on him. Perhaps now John won't regard her as so perfect and majestically beautiful, and himself, so shamefully unworthy. I think John shouldn't be too harsh on her because he should realize that society has forced her into this way by way of hypnodapic teaching. She really hasn't learned to regard sex as a intimate and spiritual bond that should remain between two people throughout their lives.
Lenina, early on, perplexed me. She seemed minor and irrelevant. I wondered why Bernard stuck with her. But, now she seems more dynamic a character. The fact that she is able to break her conditioning by loving a single man says something has changed in her. Maybe she will develop into her own individual by the time the books over. I thought maybe she could develop a special relationship with John, but that seems doubtful. John was appalled and enraged at Lenina's lustful advances on him. Perhaps now John won't regard her as so perfect and majestically beautiful, and himself, so shamefully unworthy. I think John shouldn't be too harsh on her because he should realize that society has forced her into this way by way of hypnodapic teaching. She really hasn't learned to regard sex as a intimate and spiritual bond that should remain between two people throughout their lives.
Brave New World blog entry #13
"'Well, I'd rather be unhappy than have the sort of false, lying happiness you were having here.'"page 179
I just want to reflect on some motifs I've noticed so far.
1.Individualism-This is apparent throughout the book. Bernard, Helmholtz, and John are all alone. Recently, Bernard has fallen back into his loneliness due to a social faux pas. He was to show off the savage at a dinner with very important people, but John refused to go, and thus humiliating Bernard. Helmholtz has violated law by introducing his own rhymes, ones about being alone. This is dangerously bold in a society which has killed the individual.
2. Social Stability-This society has tried to create social stability, a Utopia, where it is thought that everyone is happy. This is clearly not true, because Bernard and others are miserably alone. I think Huxley is trying to say that a banishment of individuality must not take place in order for social stability. I think he is pushing the value of being an individual and the value of solitude. I can sympathize with this because I am an introverted person who needs solitude once in a while to collect his thoughts.
3. Words-I think the power of words is emphasized quite a lot in the novel. For example, John uses Shakespeare's powerful words frequently, and this gives him a sense of fulfillment. John, to express his anger towards Bernard, uses the zuni language. Helmholtz has landed himself into some trouble by writing about the taboo concept of being alone. Mustapha Mond rejects a piece of science, saying it is "not to be published," as it might threaten the citizens' happiness with the current society and might push them to find some bigger purpose, outside of the realm of the society.
I just want to reflect on some motifs I've noticed so far.
1.Individualism-This is apparent throughout the book. Bernard, Helmholtz, and John are all alone. Recently, Bernard has fallen back into his loneliness due to a social faux pas. He was to show off the savage at a dinner with very important people, but John refused to go, and thus humiliating Bernard. Helmholtz has violated law by introducing his own rhymes, ones about being alone. This is dangerously bold in a society which has killed the individual.
2. Social Stability-This society has tried to create social stability, a Utopia, where it is thought that everyone is happy. This is clearly not true, because Bernard and others are miserably alone. I think Huxley is trying to say that a banishment of individuality must not take place in order for social stability. I think he is pushing the value of being an individual and the value of solitude. I can sympathize with this because I am an introverted person who needs solitude once in a while to collect his thoughts.
3. Words-I think the power of words is emphasized quite a lot in the novel. For example, John uses Shakespeare's powerful words frequently, and this gives him a sense of fulfillment. John, to express his anger towards Bernard, uses the zuni language. Helmholtz has landed himself into some trouble by writing about the taboo concept of being alone. Mustapha Mond rejects a piece of science, saying it is "not to be published," as it might threaten the citizens' happiness with the current society and might push them to find some bigger purpose, outside of the realm of the society.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Brave New World blog entry #12
"'the Savage frequently goes to see her and appears to be much attracted to her-an interesting example of the way in which early conditioning can be made to modify and even run counter to natural impulses (in this case, the impulse to recoil from an unpleasant object).'" page 160-161
Throughout the novel, it is quite clear that Bernard is unique in his unorthodox individualism and his critique of hypnodapic conditioning. Here, though, Bernard is unable to see past his conditioning to realize something important about the nature of human beings. To Bernard, Linda is grotesque and "unpleasant." He finds it astonishing that John is so attracted (not physically) to his mother. It is ironic because the reader knows exactly why John has such an interest in his mother. It is so simple. She is his mother. Human beings grow up to love their mothers very dearly and remain attached to them throughout their lives, especially when they are young. What Bernard recognizes John doing is something he finds so counter to natural impulses is actually a fundamental natural impulse between a child and his mother.
Throughout the novel, it is quite clear that Bernard is unique in his unorthodox individualism and his critique of hypnodapic conditioning. Here, though, Bernard is unable to see past his conditioning to realize something important about the nature of human beings. To Bernard, Linda is grotesque and "unpleasant." He finds it astonishing that John is so attracted (not physically) to his mother. It is ironic because the reader knows exactly why John has such an interest in his mother. It is so simple. She is his mother. Human beings grow up to love their mothers very dearly and remain attached to them throughout their lives, especially when they are young. What Bernard recognizes John doing is something he finds so counter to natural impulses is actually a fundamental natural impulse between a child and his mother.
Brave New World blog entry #11
"Bernard felt positively gigantic-gigantic and at the same time light with elation, lighter than air." page 157
Bernard brings back John the savage to civilization, and becomes a huge hit. People treat him nicely, forget all about his physical short-coming, and finally receives extraordinary prowess with attracting females, saying he only has to hint to a girl to have her. This, of course, makes him feel complacently proud of himself. I think, along with his individualism, pride could be his Hubris. In one of his reports to Mustapha Mond on the savage, he lectured him about the "social order." This angered Mustapha. Bernard was so proud as to boldly criticize society to his fordship. I think this could quite frankly get him into trouble, especially if he carries on with his arrogance. People even foresee his downfall saying he "will come to a bad end," and wont "find another savage to help him out a second time."
Bernard brings back John the savage to civilization, and becomes a huge hit. People treat him nicely, forget all about his physical short-coming, and finally receives extraordinary prowess with attracting females, saying he only has to hint to a girl to have her. This, of course, makes him feel complacently proud of himself. I think, along with his individualism, pride could be his Hubris. In one of his reports to Mustapha Mond on the savage, he lectured him about the "social order." This angered Mustapha. Bernard was so proud as to boldly criticize society to his fordship. I think this could quite frankly get him into trouble, especially if he carries on with his arrogance. People even foresee his downfall saying he "will come to a bad end," and wont "find another savage to help him out a second time."
Brave New World blog entry #10
"'Murder kills only the individual-and, after all, what is an individual?'" page 148
The director is getting quite impatient with Bernard, and even quite angry. He then comes to speak of Bernard and his unorthodoxy. He here is implying that if Bernard is gone, society is intact. We later come to find that the director actually wants to banish him to Iceland. The rhetorical question in this quote captures the attitude of this society. They have banished the individual. They are one collective group, where "everyone belongs to everyone." (I think that's how that quote goes, but you get the point either way). This lack of individualism and even contempt for it reminds of the book "Anthem." In this novel, there is not only a lack of individualism, the word "I" isn't even a part of the vocabulary. When referring to one's self, a character used "We."
The director is getting quite impatient with Bernard, and even quite angry. He then comes to speak of Bernard and his unorthodoxy. He here is implying that if Bernard is gone, society is intact. We later come to find that the director actually wants to banish him to Iceland. The rhetorical question in this quote captures the attitude of this society. They have banished the individual. They are one collective group, where "everyone belongs to everyone." (I think that's how that quote goes, but you get the point either way). This lack of individualism and even contempt for it reminds of the book "Anthem." In this novel, there is not only a lack of individualism, the word "I" isn't even a part of the vocabulary. When referring to one's self, a character used "We."
Brave New World blog entry #9
"Delicious perfume! He shut his eye; he rubbed his cheek against his own powdered arm. Touch of smooth skin against his face, scent in his nostrils of musky dust-her real presence." page 143
When John is creeping around in the rest house, he walks into to find Lenina, who he is so utterly infatuated with, knocked out in a soma-holiday on the bed. Here, the author employs imagery to illustrate John's attraction to her beauty. On page 144, I found a metaphor that reinforces his incredible attraction to her. "The bird was too dangerous," thought John. He feels so unworthy to touch such a majestically beautiful women, describing his hesitation to touching her as though she is too "dangerous," like a touching a dangerous bird. He does deem it necessary,though, to spout out quotes from Shakespeare to the sleeping women. Words can be piercing, Helmholtz said, but not to someone who is knocked out on a large dose of drugs. Maybe he will find a more important use of his words later on in the novel, as Helmholtz has said.
When John is creeping around in the rest house, he walks into to find Lenina, who he is so utterly infatuated with, knocked out in a soma-holiday on the bed. Here, the author employs imagery to illustrate John's attraction to her beauty. On page 144, I found a metaphor that reinforces his incredible attraction to her. "The bird was too dangerous," thought John. He feels so unworthy to touch such a majestically beautiful women, describing his hesitation to touching her as though she is too "dangerous," like a touching a dangerous bird. He does deem it necessary,though, to spout out quotes from Shakespeare to the sleeping women. Words can be piercing, Helmholtz said, but not to someone who is knocked out on a large dose of drugs. Maybe he will find a more important use of his words later on in the novel, as Helmholtz has said.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Brave New World blog entry #8
"'Alone, always alone,' the young man was saying. The words awoke a plaintive echo in Bernard's mind. Alone, alone...'So am I.' he said, on a gush of confindingness . 'So terribly alone.'"page 137
Recently, a new character is introduced to the story, John, the viviparous son of a former society member who has been raised with the savages at the reservation. The savages are all dark-skinned (Huxley likes to contrast their darkness to other colors) and John of course is white. This sets him apart from the others, lending him to much torment and scorn. Another factor in his uniqueness among his peers is that he is one of the two people who knows how to read, the other being his mother. I think one of Huxley's main themes in the novel will be individualism. We start off the novel with no individualism, everyone is conforming so happily. Then, we learn of Bernard and his circumstantially uncanny feelings of isolation and agonizing loneliness evoked by small stature. Then, we learn of Helmholtz and his "mental excess," which has him feeling empty and desiring a greater purpose (i.e. loneliness). Then, most recently, we here of John and his constant contempt received from the racially different savages among the reservation, setting him apart. For these reason, I believe individualism will prove to be a very important aspect of the novel.
Recently, a new character is introduced to the story, John, the viviparous son of a former society member who has been raised with the savages at the reservation. The savages are all dark-skinned (Huxley likes to contrast their darkness to other colors) and John of course is white. This sets him apart from the others, lending him to much torment and scorn. Another factor in his uniqueness among his peers is that he is one of the two people who knows how to read, the other being his mother. I think one of Huxley's main themes in the novel will be individualism. We start off the novel with no individualism, everyone is conforming so happily. Then, we learn of Bernard and his circumstantially uncanny feelings of isolation and agonizing loneliness evoked by small stature. Then, we learn of Helmholtz and his "mental excess," which has him feeling empty and desiring a greater purpose (i.e. loneliness). Then, most recently, we here of John and his constant contempt received from the racially different savages among the reservation, setting him apart. For these reason, I believe individualism will prove to be a very important aspect of the novel.
Brave New World blog entry #7
"A few long notes and silence, the thunderous silence of the drums..."page 113
I found this quote to be quite interesting, as it is paradoxical. It contradicts itself by stating silence to be thunderous, thunderous being an adjective used to described something overpoweringly audible. I made some sense of it, though. I can imagine myself being there, lost in the sound of the drums. Nothing on my mind but the mesmerizing and hypnotic beats. My mind is engulfed in the music, we merge into one. I am at the mercy of the drum; I follow submissively the beats. My conscious can do nothing to interrupt my transcendent state; it must remain in this trance as long as the powerful pulsing of the drums continues. In the manner I just described the music, it is easier to see how drums, which are clearly audible, can be silent. The drums erase any connection with the outside world. No talking. No worrying about life. Just the music. People and problems seem so distant. I think silence can create this atmosphere quite well, therefore I believe there is a strong connection to be made.
I found this quote to be quite interesting, as it is paradoxical. It contradicts itself by stating silence to be thunderous, thunderous being an adjective used to described something overpoweringly audible. I made some sense of it, though. I can imagine myself being there, lost in the sound of the drums. Nothing on my mind but the mesmerizing and hypnotic beats. My mind is engulfed in the music, we merge into one. I am at the mercy of the drum; I follow submissively the beats. My conscious can do nothing to interrupt my transcendent state; it must remain in this trance as long as the powerful pulsing of the drums continues. In the manner I just described the music, it is easier to see how drums, which are clearly audible, can be silent. The drums erase any connection with the outside world. No talking. No worrying about life. Just the music. People and problems seem so distant. I think silence can create this atmosphere quite well, therefore I believe there is a strong connection to be made.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Brave New World blog entry #6
"He rage against himself-what a fool!-against the director-how unfair not to give him that other chance, that other chance which, he now had no doubt at all, he had always intended to take. And Iceland, Iceland..." page 104
Bernard is clearly different. He is introverted, and prefers solitude rather than being with a crowd of people. This has landed him in hot water. The director has recognized his unorthodox behavior and now, Bernard will be sent to Iceland, a dreadful place. In this chapter Bernard speaks of affliction and what it would be like to take on afflictions without soma, completely sober. Maybe this is his chance to experience pure affliction, not mitigated by drugs.
On an unrelated note, on page 103, Indians are referred to as savages. I think this is an allusion to the native Americans living in America when Americans came and forced them off their land and treated them with a characteristic cruelty. It's interesting how Huxley weaves history through his novel. Another obvious example is the deification of Henry Ford in the novel.
Bernard is clearly different. He is introverted, and prefers solitude rather than being with a crowd of people. This has landed him in hot water. The director has recognized his unorthodox behavior and now, Bernard will be sent to Iceland, a dreadful place. In this chapter Bernard speaks of affliction and what it would be like to take on afflictions without soma, completely sober. Maybe this is his chance to experience pure affliction, not mitigated by drugs.
On an unrelated note, on page 103, Indians are referred to as savages. I think this is an allusion to the native Americans living in America when Americans came and forced them off their land and treated them with a characteristic cruelty. It's interesting how Huxley weaves history through his novel. Another obvious example is the deification of Henry Ford in the novel.
Brave New World blog entry #5
"He was miserably isolated now as he had been when the service began-more isolated by reason of his unreplenished emptiness, his dead satiety." page 86
Chapter 5 is divided into two parts. Part one tells of Henry's night out with Lenina. Henry, after a couple grams of soma, is as happy as can be, stating that "everybody is happy now." He is fully content with the way his society runs, just as he was conditioned to be. In part two, Bernard attends a Solidarity Service, sometime type of exotic weird singing ritual. Everyone around his is in ecstasy and rapture, while he is feeling only anguish. He feels isolated and miserable with his life. It is pretty clear at this point that Henry and Bernard are foil characters. Henry is successful with the women, and enjoys his current life as a consumer. Bernard, with his small stature, isn't so successful with women, and doesn't enjoy living in this world like Henry does.
Chapter 5 is divided into two parts. Part one tells of Henry's night out with Lenina. Henry, after a couple grams of soma, is as happy as can be, stating that "everybody is happy now." He is fully content with the way his society runs, just as he was conditioned to be. In part two, Bernard attends a Solidarity Service, sometime type of exotic weird singing ritual. Everyone around his is in ecstasy and rapture, while he is feeling only anguish. He feels isolated and miserable with his life. It is pretty clear at this point that Henry and Bernard are foil characters. Henry is successful with the women, and enjoys his current life as a consumer. Bernard, with his small stature, isn't so successful with women, and doesn't enjoy living in this world like Henry does.
Brave New World blog entry #4
"What the two men shared was the knowledge that they were individuals." page 67
At this point, we learn of Bernard and Helmholtz and their individuality. They both feel a certain sense of loneliness and individualism. For Bernard, his small stature frustrates him and makes him feel inferior and not like a true alpha. For Helmholtz, his "mental excess," and his desire to do more important work set him apart from people in society. I think these two characters are in contrast with the other characters, such as Henry and Lenina, who are typical citizens going through the motions of the predetermined society, not feeling isolated from their fellow citizens. For this reason I feel that Bernard and Helmholtz are more dynamic characters. I think they will be central in the action of the story.
I like how the author sets up a contrast in two characters, that oddly makes them similar. Bernard feels inferior because he is significantly shorter than the alphas. For this reason he struggles to feel a sense of belonging in his caste. Contrastingly, Helmholtz feels exceedingly intelligent ("mental excess") and exceeding successful in other aspects of his life, such as physically abilities and his charisma with females. Helmholtz feels sort of empty in the respect that he should be doing something more, something more important. He talks of writing piercingly, but of writing of nothing of importance. Both Bernard and Helmholtz feel alone and feel like individuals.
At this point, we learn of Bernard and Helmholtz and their individuality. They both feel a certain sense of loneliness and individualism. For Bernard, his small stature frustrates him and makes him feel inferior and not like a true alpha. For Helmholtz, his "mental excess," and his desire to do more important work set him apart from people in society. I think these two characters are in contrast with the other characters, such as Henry and Lenina, who are typical citizens going through the motions of the predetermined society, not feeling isolated from their fellow citizens. For this reason I feel that Bernard and Helmholtz are more dynamic characters. I think they will be central in the action of the story.
I like how the author sets up a contrast in two characters, that oddly makes them similar. Bernard feels inferior because he is significantly shorter than the alphas. For this reason he struggles to feel a sense of belonging in his caste. Contrastingly, Helmholtz feels exceedingly intelligent ("mental excess") and exceeding successful in other aspects of his life, such as physically abilities and his charisma with females. Helmholtz feels sort of empty in the respect that he should be doing something more, something more important. He talks of writing piercingly, but of writing of nothing of importance. Both Bernard and Helmholtz feel alone and feel like individuals.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Brave New World blog entry #3
"Ending is better than mending." page 49
This aphorism is of course referring to consumerism. In this society, it is better to end than mend, meaning it is better to throw away and produce more than to conserve. This obviously makes it evident the importance of consumerism in this society. Consumerism is a "machine" that "turns, turns and must keep on turning-forever." It makes perfect sense that this society would idolize Henry Ford, the man to first mass produce automobiles. A.F. (after ford) follows the year number. They even cut the tops off the Christian crosses to make "T"s, referring to Ford's model T. They are obsessed with this man, seeing as he played a major role in consumerism.
Consumerism, today, drives modern societies. This a strong connection to the book that I see in real life. I personally think consumerism is wasteful, and that we should conserve, seeing as resources are limited. I wonder why the leaderships of the world aren't particularly concerned with resources in the novel. Acceptance of consumerism is dogmatic in this world, and so is the detestation of any system against consumerism (conservation).
This aphorism is of course referring to consumerism. In this society, it is better to end than mend, meaning it is better to throw away and produce more than to conserve. This obviously makes it evident the importance of consumerism in this society. Consumerism is a "machine" that "turns, turns and must keep on turning-forever." It makes perfect sense that this society would idolize Henry Ford, the man to first mass produce automobiles. A.F. (after ford) follows the year number. They even cut the tops off the Christian crosses to make "T"s, referring to Ford's model T. They are obsessed with this man, seeing as he played a major role in consumerism.
Consumerism, today, drives modern societies. This a strong connection to the book that I see in real life. I personally think consumerism is wasteful, and that we should conserve, seeing as resources are limited. I wonder why the leaderships of the world aren't particularly concerned with resources in the novel. Acceptance of consumerism is dogmatic in this world, and so is the detestation of any system against consumerism (conservation).
Brave New World Blog entry #2
"A love of nature keeps no factories busy." page 23
An aphorism is a short statement that observes some accepted truth in life. An aphorism can reveal much about a society. In this case, it reveals a great deal about this world, its general focus. The fact that a society would purposely quell a love for nature for the sake of productivity states much about that society. It's primary focus is on effectively running the state in way in which every aspect of society is predestined and serves a useful purpose. Society, in the novel, to expound on this point, implements hypnopadia (sleep teaching) to ingrain in the minds of the betas that being a beta is spectacular and that betas are very fortunate. This is done to produce content citizens, which means they will be content workers. Content workers work harder, and therefore add to the overall productivity of society. This is a prime example of how this society is bent on squeezing every bit of usefulness out of anything.
An aphorism is a short statement that observes some accepted truth in life. An aphorism can reveal much about a society. In this case, it reveals a great deal about this world, its general focus. The fact that a society would purposely quell a love for nature for the sake of productivity states much about that society. It's primary focus is on effectively running the state in way in which every aspect of society is predestined and serves a useful purpose. Society, in the novel, to expound on this point, implements hypnopadia (sleep teaching) to ingrain in the minds of the betas that being a beta is spectacular and that betas are very fortunate. This is done to produce content citizens, which means they will be content workers. Content workers work harder, and therefore add to the overall productivity of society. This is a prime example of how this society is bent on squeezing every bit of usefulness out of anything.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Brave New World Blog entry #1
"'Embryos are like photograph flim,' said Mr. Foster waggishly, as he pushed open the second door. "They can only stand red light." page 11
The novel starts out by describing the fertilization process of a certain society in the year A.F. 632. Human embryos, of which so many regard currently as a biological miracle, are compared to the photographs. This comparison effectually dehumanizes human life, as if it where as only significant as the process of developing photos. This dehumanization is markedly present throughout chapter one. In fact, on page 12, the development of these embryos is described at length in a manner which brings to mind a conveyor belt, which demeans these human embryos to the status of perishable consumer products. The author, on page 7, directly states this. "The principle of mass production at last applied to biology." The purpose of the first chapter is to introduce this new kind of world. An orderly world in which it is socially acceptable, in fact probably required, to mass produce human life on conveyor belts, and a world in which "the lower the caste," "the shorter the oxygen," meaning human life is purposely engineered in the developing stages to satisfy certain predetermined social classes (the intellectutaly inferior epsilons, for example).
The novel starts out by describing the fertilization process of a certain society in the year A.F. 632. Human embryos, of which so many regard currently as a biological miracle, are compared to the photographs. This comparison effectually dehumanizes human life, as if it where as only significant as the process of developing photos. This dehumanization is markedly present throughout chapter one. In fact, on page 12, the development of these embryos is described at length in a manner which brings to mind a conveyor belt, which demeans these human embryos to the status of perishable consumer products. The author, on page 7, directly states this. "The principle of mass production at last applied to biology." The purpose of the first chapter is to introduce this new kind of world. An orderly world in which it is socially acceptable, in fact probably required, to mass produce human life on conveyor belts, and a world in which "the lower the caste," "the shorter the oxygen," meaning human life is purposely engineered in the developing stages to satisfy certain predetermined social classes (the intellectutaly inferior epsilons, for example).
Friday, July 8, 2011
Blog entry #20 Never Let Me Go
"And I saw a little girl, her eyes tightly closed, holding to her breast the old kind world, one that she knew in her heart could not remain, and she was holding it and pleading, never let her go." page 272
To me, this quote captures the theme of the novel. The theme is one of inevitable loss and tragedy. The book makes it clear that all good things come to an end. It also states that tragedy will always be a part of society. People will get treated unfairly. People will wonder why it has to be. Atrocities happen all the time. I think the theme is also about acceptance of these atrocities. In the end of the novel, We see not Kathy weeping excessively, but we see her coming to terms with her life. She does not run off to get away from her life, but she stays and accepts her reality. If the tragedies must happen, we must accept them, says the theme of the novel.
To me, this quote captures the theme of the novel. The theme is one of inevitable loss and tragedy. The book makes it clear that all good things come to an end. It also states that tragedy will always be a part of society. People will get treated unfairly. People will wonder why it has to be. Atrocities happen all the time. I think the theme is also about acceptance of these atrocities. In the end of the novel, We see not Kathy weeping excessively, but we see her coming to terms with her life. She does not run off to get away from her life, but she stays and accepts her reality. If the tragedies must happen, we must accept them, says the theme of the novel.
Blog entry #19 Never Let Me Go
"'They wanted you back in the shadows'" page 265
I think this quote captures the attitude of many in the world. Many people want unpleasant things to be N.I.M.B.Y.'s (not in my back yard). For example, society places landfills far away, as they are unpleasant. People also tend to place the world's problems in the back of their minds. Government leaders, as well as regular people, are aware that world hunger is rampant, but they shrug it off and put it in the back of their minds. I guess people become apathetic because they think someone else will deal with it. This is recognized in psychology but I can't remember the proper term. People tend to distance themselves from problems or try to justify their apathy. It's just how the world works.
I think this quote captures the attitude of many in the world. Many people want unpleasant things to be N.I.M.B.Y.'s (not in my back yard). For example, society places landfills far away, as they are unpleasant. People also tend to place the world's problems in the back of their minds. Government leaders, as well as regular people, are aware that world hunger is rampant, but they shrug it off and put it in the back of their minds. I guess people become apathetic because they think someone else will deal with it. This is recognized in psychology but I can't remember the proper term. People tend to distance themselves from problems or try to justify their apathy. It's just how the world works.
Blog entry #18 Never Let Me Go
"We'd been thinking about the deferrals, the theory about the Gallery, all of it, for so long-and now, suddenly, here we were." page 244
Here, the author creates suspense. The author creates this suspense to get the reader to read on. I think it is especially suspenseful because now, the reader will get to know the truth about things mentioned so early in the book. The author strategically placed the quote above at the end of the book. This greatens the suspense. The gallery and deferrals have been alluded to many times, at all periods in the book, so not revealing the truth about them makes them all the more mysterious, and therefore the suspense is greater when we finally approach their revelation. I believe mystery is a key part of the novel. Why was Hailsham shut down? Who are the characters cloned from? How many clones are there? Are clones in Manu other counties?
Here, the author creates suspense. The author creates this suspense to get the reader to read on. I think it is especially suspenseful because now, the reader will get to know the truth about things mentioned so early in the book. The author strategically placed the quote above at the end of the book. This greatens the suspense. The gallery and deferrals have been alluded to many times, at all periods in the book, so not revealing the truth about them makes them all the more mysterious, and therefore the suspense is greater when we finally approach their revelation. I believe mystery is a key part of the novel. Why was Hailsham shut down? Who are the characters cloned from? How many clones are there? Are clones in Manu other counties?
Blog entry #17 Never Let Me Go
"unfinished atmosphere" page 219
"atmosphere of something being held back" page 228
I've been noticing that the author repeats his imagery. Above, there are two examples. There also many other examples throughout the book. I even wrote about this imagery in one of my previous blogs. The author seems partial to the word "atmosphere," and often utilizes it to describe the general attitudes in a situation. For example, when Kathy reminisced about the Hailsham woods, the atmosphere was of mystique and fear. The author also describe tension as "atmosphere." In the car ride back from seeing the boat, the feeling that things were being held back was described as the atmosphere of the situation.
"atmosphere of something being held back" page 228
I've been noticing that the author repeats his imagery. Above, there are two examples. There also many other examples throughout the book. I even wrote about this imagery in one of my previous blogs. The author seems partial to the word "atmosphere," and often utilizes it to describe the general attitudes in a situation. For example, when Kathy reminisced about the Hailsham woods, the atmosphere was of mystique and fear. The author also describe tension as "atmosphere." In the car ride back from seeing the boat, the feeling that things were being held back was described as the atmosphere of the situation.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Blog entry #16 Never Let Me Go
"I thought about Hailsham closing, and how it was like someone coming along with a pair of shears and snipping the balloon strings just where they entwined above the man's fist. Once that happened, there'd be no real sense in which those balloons belonged with each other any more." page 213
The purpose this analogy is to describe the effects on the students of the closing of Hailsham. Kathy believes that Hailsham was an important common ground that bound together many of the students at Hailsham. Now that the school is closed, the common ground has been lost, and the students gradually drift away from each other and lose connection. The effect of comparing students to balloons is one of an inevitable separation. There is no way the effortlessly maneuverable balloons will hold together in an atmosphere of constantly changing winds. This describes the fate of the students as they grow up and their connections are lost. I think this analogy is also relevant to the entirety of the story. Ever since the students left Hailsham, their connections have been weakened. This is apparent when Kathy moves on to the cottages. Their Hailsham group of friends shrinks, and eventually the students become carers and are sent across the country to care for donors.
The purpose this analogy is to describe the effects on the students of the closing of Hailsham. Kathy believes that Hailsham was an important common ground that bound together many of the students at Hailsham. Now that the school is closed, the common ground has been lost, and the students gradually drift away from each other and lose connection. The effect of comparing students to balloons is one of an inevitable separation. There is no way the effortlessly maneuverable balloons will hold together in an atmosphere of constantly changing winds. This describes the fate of the students as they grow up and their connections are lost. I think this analogy is also relevant to the entirety of the story. Ever since the students left Hailsham, their connections have been weakened. This is apparent when Kathy moves on to the cottages. Their Hailsham group of friends shrinks, and eventually the students become carers and are sent across the country to care for donors.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Blog entry #15 Never Let Me Go
"I could have just denied it, though Tommy probably wouldn't have believed me...But I could have done something. I could have challenged Ruth, told her she was twisting things, that even if i Might have laughed, it wasn't in the way she was implying. I could even have gone up to Tommy and hugged him, right there in front of Ruth." page 195
The author uses Anaphora when describing Kathy's retrospective thoughts. It is used to emphasize her "lethargy" at the moment towards the situation of the drawings. In retrospective, she can think of so many things that she could have said or done at the moment. Anaphora emphasizes the possibilities for handling the situation, though it is retrospective. This makes it clear that her mind was completely blank at the time. Besides emphasizing lethargy, I believe the anaphora serves to emphasize her shock and confusion towards Ruth. Kathy is stunned that Ruth would bring up such a private matter. Kathy feels a sense of betrayal. This is why, instead of saying anything to defend Tommy, Kathy simply storms off to avoid talking to them.
The author uses Anaphora when describing Kathy's retrospective thoughts. It is used to emphasize her "lethargy" at the moment towards the situation of the drawings. In retrospective, she can think of so many things that she could have said or done at the moment. Anaphora emphasizes the possibilities for handling the situation, though it is retrospective. This makes it clear that her mind was completely blank at the time. Besides emphasizing lethargy, I believe the anaphora serves to emphasize her shock and confusion towards Ruth. Kathy is stunned that Ruth would bring up such a private matter. Kathy feels a sense of betrayal. This is why, instead of saying anything to defend Tommy, Kathy simply storms off to avoid talking to them.
Blog entry #14 Never Let Me Go
"Back then, when you lost it, I used to think about it, in my head, what it would be like, if I found it and brought it to you. What you'd say, your face, all of that." page 173
It seems to me that Tommy cares more for Kathy than for Ruth. He, years later, made it important to find Kathy's tape when he had the chance. He also never gave away Kathy's secret concerning the boiler room. Throughout the book, one doesn't really learn of times in which Tommy does some sort of nice favor for Ruth. Tommy seems to show more interest in Kathy and her feelings. In Tommy's relationship, it seems that Ruth is domineering. Tommy never really tries to object to anything Ruth wants to do. He is, in modern slang, "whipped." I am predicting that later on, a relationship, or some kind of companionship, will unfold between the two.
It seems to me that Tommy cares more for Kathy than for Ruth. He, years later, made it important to find Kathy's tape when he had the chance. He also never gave away Kathy's secret concerning the boiler room. Throughout the book, one doesn't really learn of times in which Tommy does some sort of nice favor for Ruth. Tommy seems to show more interest in Kathy and her feelings. In Tommy's relationship, it seems that Ruth is domineering. Tommy never really tries to object to anything Ruth wants to do. He is, in modern slang, "whipped." I am predicting that later on, a relationship, or some kind of companionship, will unfold between the two.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Blog entry #13
"We're modeled from trash...Do you think she'd have talked to us like that if she'd have talked to us like that if she'd known what we really were?" page 166
I think the clones are symbols for different types of oppressed people. I think the clones represent a microcosm of inequality around the world. The world to this day is home to many different oppressed people. Some countries will and do relentlessly persecute dissidents, and often kill them, without remorse. I can draw a specific analogy between the clones and real people. Millions of young children are being forced to do harsh, manual labor, intended for men. Even to fully grown men the work some children across the world are forced into is slave labor. In the case of the clones, their entire life purpose is to provide their vital organs to benefit other people. It is innately wrong, I believe, to make people suffer for the gain of others. Children across the world work in harsh, squalid conditions for little or nothing so that some one can benefit off of their labor. The clones are brought into existent to be harvested like animals, so that other human beings can benefit.
I think the clones are symbols for different types of oppressed people. I think the clones represent a microcosm of inequality around the world. The world to this day is home to many different oppressed people. Some countries will and do relentlessly persecute dissidents, and often kill them, without remorse. I can draw a specific analogy between the clones and real people. Millions of young children are being forced to do harsh, manual labor, intended for men. Even to fully grown men the work some children across the world are forced into is slave labor. In the case of the clones, their entire life purpose is to provide their vital organs to benefit other people. It is innately wrong, I believe, to make people suffer for the gain of others. Children across the world work in harsh, squalid conditions for little or nothing so that some one can benefit off of their labor. The clones are brought into existent to be harvested like animals, so that other human beings can benefit.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Blog entry #12 Never Let Me Go
"What they were saying was that some Hailsham students in the past, in special circumstances, had managed to get a deferral. That this was something you could do if you were a Hailsham student. You could ask for your donations to be put back by three, even four years." Page 153
From this revelation about Hailsham, it is obvious that there is something different about Hailsham. The fact that at this one place the children could later in life possibly receive a deferral implies some sort of significance attached to Hailsham. The reason why Hailsham creates such awe and evokes interest when brought up is unknown at this point. I think the author intentionally creates this ambiguity to capture attention. Personally, I am quite intrigued as to why Hailsham is distinguished. Perhaps it is one of the few places in which donors live that has a particularly affectionate staff of guardians. I'm not entirely sure, but I'm sure the author intended to create this ambiguity for me to speculate over. I will just have to read on, and finding out more about Hailsham is sufficient to compel me to read on eagerly.
From this revelation about Hailsham, it is obvious that there is something different about Hailsham. The fact that at this one place the children could later in life possibly receive a deferral implies some sort of significance attached to Hailsham. The reason why Hailsham creates such awe and evokes interest when brought up is unknown at this point. I think the author intentionally creates this ambiguity to capture attention. Personally, I am quite intrigued as to why Hailsham is distinguished. Perhaps it is one of the few places in which donors live that has a particularly affectionate staff of guardians. I'm not entirely sure, but I'm sure the author intended to create this ambiguity for me to speculate over. I will just have to read on, and finding out more about Hailsham is sufficient to compel me to read on eagerly.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Blog entry #11 Never Let Me Go
"I'd had this notion there were two quite separate Ruths. There was one Ruth who was always trying to impress the veterans, who wouldn't hesitate to ignore me, Tommy, any of the others, if she thought we'd cramp her style. This was the Ruth I wasn't pleased with, the one I could see every day putting on airs and pretending-the Ruth who did the slap-on-the-elbow gesture. But the Ruth who sat beside me in my little attic room at the day's close, legs outstretched over the edge of my mattress, her steaming mug held in both her hands, that was the Ruth from Hailsham, and whatever had been happening during the day, I could just pick up with her where we'd left off the last time we'd sat together like that." page 129
Kathy juxtaposes her best friend, Ruth. First of all, this is an unusual juxtaposition because it is a single person being contrasted against herself. I think the author intended for this juxtaposition to reveal more dimensions about Ruth. I think it serves to indirectly characterize Ruth. From the juxtaposition, we can infer that she heavily concerned with the opinions of others. She even goes to the extent of copying the mannerisms of the veterans. But we see that there is still a side of her that isn't so superficial. Ruth still cares to pour her heart out to her most loyal friend, Kathy. This, I think, sets in stone Ruth's position as dynamic character.
Kathy juxtaposes her best friend, Ruth. First of all, this is an unusual juxtaposition because it is a single person being contrasted against herself. I think the author intended for this juxtaposition to reveal more dimensions about Ruth. I think it serves to indirectly characterize Ruth. From the juxtaposition, we can infer that she heavily concerned with the opinions of others. She even goes to the extent of copying the mannerisms of the veterans. But we see that there is still a side of her that isn't so superficial. Ruth still cares to pour her heart out to her most loyal friend, Kathy. This, I think, sets in stone Ruth's position as dynamic character.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Blog entry #10 Never Let Me Go
"Over time, they would fade from our minds, but for a while those essays helped keep us afloat in our new surroundings." page 115
Here, the author does not directly state that the essays are comparable to boats, but it is implied through the word "afloat." The purpose in this implied metaphor is to describe Kathy's feelings towards her "new surroundings." She is apprehensive and anxious because she has spent her entire life in the confines of Hailsham. Now, she must experience a frightening transition in her life. The author shows her desperation by characterizing the new environment as unstable and hectic like the ocean. Kathy needs to maintain her connection to Hailsham because it is all she has, save her friends. This is represented by a boat afloat in a new sea of surroundings. The essays represent a connection to a safe place, Hailsham, in a new situation, the Cottages.
Here, the author does not directly state that the essays are comparable to boats, but it is implied through the word "afloat." The purpose in this implied metaphor is to describe Kathy's feelings towards her "new surroundings." She is apprehensive and anxious because she has spent her entire life in the confines of Hailsham. Now, she must experience a frightening transition in her life. The author shows her desperation by characterizing the new environment as unstable and hectic like the ocean. Kathy needs to maintain her connection to Hailsham because it is all she has, save her friends. This is represented by a boat afloat in a new sea of surroundings. The essays represent a connection to a safe place, Hailsham, in a new situation, the Cottages.
Blog entry #9 Never Let Me Go
"'God knows what she meant.'" Page 108
The purpose of the apostrophe is the illustrate the degree to which Tommy is confused about the word "evidence" in this specific context. Tommy declares God as to be knowledgeable of this "evidence" because Tommy knows that few things are revealed around Hailsham to the students. I think the author intended to create this confusion with Tommy to create suspense. The fact that Tommy and Kathy are wholly confused about what Miss Lucy said makes the reader all the more confused. This will tightly grasp the readers attention because it is obvious that this "evidence" is significant. If it weren't so, why would the author include it in the dialogue on page 108? The reader is intrigued about the significance and excited about the revelation of this significance later in the novel. Saying that only the creator of the universe knows only increases the mystique.
The purpose of the apostrophe is the illustrate the degree to which Tommy is confused about the word "evidence" in this specific context. Tommy declares God as to be knowledgeable of this "evidence" because Tommy knows that few things are revealed around Hailsham to the students. I think the author intended to create this confusion with Tommy to create suspense. The fact that Tommy and Kathy are wholly confused about what Miss Lucy said makes the reader all the more confused. This will tightly grasp the readers attention because it is obvious that this "evidence" is significant. If it weren't so, why would the author include it in the dialogue on page 108? The reader is intrigued about the significance and excited about the revelation of this significance later in the novel. Saying that only the creator of the universe knows only increases the mystique.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Blog entry #8 Never Let Me Go
"In those days I had this secret game. When I found myself alone, I'd stop and look for a view- out of a window, say, or through a doorway into a room-any view so long as there were no people in it. I did this so that I could, for a few seconds, at least, create the illusion the place wasn't crawling with students, but that instead Hailsham was this quiet, tranquil house where I lived with just five or six others." Page 90
Kathy's personality, I can't help but notice, resembles my personality. She enjoys solitude, and the company of a few intimate friends. I often need time to myself to collect and organize my thoughts. I, as well, prefer the company of a few good friends rather than a noisy crowd of acquaintances. I just don't get the same enjoyment in carrying idle chat with what are practically strangers as I do when I am deeply absorbed in stimulating conversation with those who I feel most relaxed around. Kathy is partial to tranquility, as I am. I cherish times when there is nothing going on, when there is an overpowering silence that induces a tranquil trance in which my mind is free to wonder wherever it pleases, with no anxieties to hijack my train of thought. A quiet place is conducive to critically thinking and problem solving. I think this is why I abhor the times in which I go to a big, crowded event with masses of chatty individuals.
Kathy's personality, I can't help but notice, resembles my personality. She enjoys solitude, and the company of a few intimate friends. I often need time to myself to collect and organize my thoughts. I, as well, prefer the company of a few good friends rather than a noisy crowd of acquaintances. I just don't get the same enjoyment in carrying idle chat with what are practically strangers as I do when I am deeply absorbed in stimulating conversation with those who I feel most relaxed around. Kathy is partial to tranquility, as I am. I cherish times when there is nothing going on, when there is an overpowering silence that induces a tranquil trance in which my mind is free to wonder wherever it pleases, with no anxieties to hijack my train of thought. A quiet place is conducive to critically thinking and problem solving. I think this is why I abhor the times in which I go to a big, crowded event with masses of chatty individuals.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Blog entry #7 Never Let Me Go
"'Your lives are set out for you. You'll become adults, then before you're old, before you're even middle-aged, you'll start to donate your vital organs. That's what each of you was created to do.'" Page 81
I am beginning to make connections within the story. The word "created" implies that these children at Hailsham have been artificially born. Perhaps they are clones. This is why they have been taught to be cautious in their lives. They are taught to avoid cigarettes and to be wise when choosing a sexual partner. Their entire purpose in life is to provide vital organs to those in need. They must been meticulously careful in how the treat their bodies. This makes me wonder about the condition of the outside world at this time period. Is it in that great of need that it needs to produce humans solely for the purpose of their vital organs?
I am beginning to make connections within the story. The word "created" implies that these children at Hailsham have been artificially born. Perhaps they are clones. This is why they have been taught to be cautious in their lives. They are taught to avoid cigarettes and to be wise when choosing a sexual partner. Their entire purpose in life is to provide vital organs to those in need. They must been meticulously careful in how the treat their bodies. This makes me wonder about the condition of the outside world at this time period. Is it in that great of need that it needs to produce humans solely for the purpose of their vital organs?
Blog entry #6 Never Let Me Go
"This might all sound daft, but you have to remember that to us, at that stage in our lives, any place beyond Hailsham was like a fantasy land.." Page 66
The setting seems to be very important in shaping the minds of the children at Hailsham. They are so accustomed to Hailsham that anywhere outside is "fantasy land." This fact causes much mystique about the outside world. The Children, for sometime, speculate about the town Norfolk, suggesting that it could be one huge center for the lost items of England. They also are so intrigued about one character, Madame. Madame comes in from the outside world to take their priced works. The children all wonder what business she has with taking their work. What purpose does their work serve in the outside world, they wonder? Hailsham also confines the students to only knowing a few type of characters. They are never really able to experience the variety of positive and negative personalities that exist in the world. They are socially limited in the fact that the mostly only know guardians and other students at Hailsham.
The setting seems to be very important in shaping the minds of the children at Hailsham. They are so accustomed to Hailsham that anywhere outside is "fantasy land." This fact causes much mystique about the outside world. The Children, for sometime, speculate about the town Norfolk, suggesting that it could be one huge center for the lost items of England. They also are so intrigued about one character, Madame. Madame comes in from the outside world to take their priced works. The children all wonder what business she has with taking their work. What purpose does their work serve in the outside world, they wonder? Hailsham also confines the students to only knowing a few type of characters. They are never really able to experience the variety of positive and negative personalities that exist in the world. They are socially limited in the fact that the mostly only know guardians and other students at Hailsham.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Blog entry #5 Never Let Me Go
"When it got bad, it was like they cast a shadow over the whole of Hailsham." Page 50
The purpose of this imagery is to describe the effect the woods at Hailsham have on the atmosphere of Hailsham. It is understood that the woods don't literally cast a shadow encasing the whole of Hailsham. The image of the shadow helps to translate the attitude of the students concerning the woods into a visual. The children feel apprehensive wonder about what lurks inside the infamous Hailsham woods. This fear engulfs the entire body of students. A shadow can also engulf things, but it physical phenomenon. It is up to the reader to decipher the fear of the students by associating the physical reality of a shadow to an ominous atmosphere. When this is done, the woods accurately portray the overpowering, mystifying, and terrifying atmosphere of Hailsham.
The purpose of this imagery is to describe the effect the woods at Hailsham have on the atmosphere of Hailsham. It is understood that the woods don't literally cast a shadow encasing the whole of Hailsham. The image of the shadow helps to translate the attitude of the students concerning the woods into a visual. The children feel apprehensive wonder about what lurks inside the infamous Hailsham woods. This fear engulfs the entire body of students. A shadow can also engulf things, but it physical phenomenon. It is up to the reader to decipher the fear of the students by associating the physical reality of a shadow to an ominous atmosphere. When this is done, the woods accurately portray the overpowering, mystifying, and terrifying atmosphere of Hailsham.
Blog entry # 4 Never Let Me Go
"'Miss Emily had an intellect you could slice logs with.'" page 43
When describing the intellect of Miss Emily, hyperbole is utilized. The hyperbole, or figurative exaggeration, intends to focus the reader on the subject of Miss Emily's intelligence. This is done to make the impression that Emily is extraordinarily sharp. The hyperbole emphasizes just how intelligent Miss Emily appears to be. It would be mundane to plainly declare Miss Emily to be especially bright. Miss Emily's intellect appears to be so exceptional that describing it in the parameters of what the mind is actually cable of does not suffice. Her intellect is so keen that it takes on physical strength. This impossible declaration about her intellect effectually characterizes her intellect.
When describing the intellect of Miss Emily, hyperbole is utilized. The hyperbole, or figurative exaggeration, intends to focus the reader on the subject of Miss Emily's intelligence. This is done to make the impression that Emily is extraordinarily sharp. The hyperbole emphasizes just how intelligent Miss Emily appears to be. It would be mundane to plainly declare Miss Emily to be especially bright. Miss Emily's intellect appears to be so exceptional that describing it in the parameters of what the mind is actually cable of does not suffice. Her intellect is so keen that it takes on physical strength. This impossible declaration about her intellect effectually characterizes her intellect.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Blog entry # 3 Never Let Me Go
"it was like we'd walked from the sun right into chilly shade." page 35
This marks an important realization in Kathy's life. Kathy realizes that she is different than Madame. She realizes that Madame, as well as others in life, are really indifferent to Kathy's existence, and that many would rather shrug Kathy and her friends off to avoid contact. She says it is like walking into a chilly shade. The guardians, for the duration of Kathy's time at Hailsham, have been friendly and affectionate towards the children. They even are concerned when Tommy isn't working to his full potential. Now, though, she experiences the inevitable "chilly shade" of meeting people who react with sincere apathy to the sight of her. The simile above intends to describe the juxtaposition between the guardians that have frequented Kathy's presence and these new and uncanny kind of people, apathetic and "cold," if you will.
This marks an important realization in Kathy's life. Kathy realizes that she is different than Madame. She realizes that Madame, as well as others in life, are really indifferent to Kathy's existence, and that many would rather shrug Kathy and her friends off to avoid contact. She says it is like walking into a chilly shade. The guardians, for the duration of Kathy's time at Hailsham, have been friendly and affectionate towards the children. They even are concerned when Tommy isn't working to his full potential. Now, though, she experiences the inevitable "chilly shade" of meeting people who react with sincere apathy to the sight of her. The simile above intends to describe the juxtaposition between the guardians that have frequented Kathy's presence and these new and uncanny kind of people, apathetic and "cold," if you will.
Blog entry # 2 Never Let Me Go
"Of course, you don't exactly see yourself reflected back loads of times, but you almost think you do. When you lift an arm, or when someone sits up in bed, you can feel this pale, shadowy movement all around you in the tiles." Page 18
I've been noticing a conversational tone in the story. The narrator involves the reader in her story by the use of the pronoun "you." For example, when Kathy is describing one of the centres she has worked at, she describes it as if you were there experiencing it. She could have easily described the centre from her perspective, but she instead involved the reader. I think this is done intentionally by Ishiguro to get the reader more involved in Kathy's story. The conversational tone allows the reader to be more emotionally attached. The tone makes it seem as if you are there and she is pouring out her memories directly to you. They call it "conversational" for a reason; Ishiguro has created a one-way conversation, between Kathy in the reader, that is the medium through which the story is delivered.
I've been noticing a conversational tone in the story. The narrator involves the reader in her story by the use of the pronoun "you." For example, when Kathy is describing one of the centres she has worked at, she describes it as if you were there experiencing it. She could have easily described the centre from her perspective, but she instead involved the reader. I think this is done intentionally by Ishiguro to get the reader more involved in Kathy's story. The conversational tone allows the reader to be more emotionally attached. The tone makes it seem as if you are there and she is pouring out her memories directly to you. They call it "conversational" for a reason; Ishiguro has created a one-way conversation, between Kathy in the reader, that is the medium through which the story is delivered.
Blog entry # 1 Never Let Me Go
"I know when to hang around and comfort them, when to leave them to themselves; when to listen to everything they have to say, and when just to shrug and tell them to snap out of it." -page 3
The narrator employs parallelism in the very beginning of the book to characterize proficiency in her job as a carer. Parallelism is, in this case, intended to draw attention to what the narrator has to say. She wants the reader to be informed of her abilities. Perhaps Kathy finds a sense of pride in her achievement of commendable status as a carer. Ishiguro wants the main character, Kathy, to seem as human as possible when telling her story. This includes a human quality, pride, and a natural tendency to speak gently of one's self when speaking to others. This is Kathy's one chance at a first impression, so Kathy of course will present the positive, exemplary aspects of her character. This is why, I think, that in the beginning of the book she makes sure to explain her boasting (as she calls it) as to not come off as conceited. Kathy, for example, after exalting her own abilities, recognizes the many other carers who are "just as good who don't get half the credit."
The narrator employs parallelism in the very beginning of the book to characterize proficiency in her job as a carer. Parallelism is, in this case, intended to draw attention to what the narrator has to say. She wants the reader to be informed of her abilities. Perhaps Kathy finds a sense of pride in her achievement of commendable status as a carer. Ishiguro wants the main character, Kathy, to seem as human as possible when telling her story. This includes a human quality, pride, and a natural tendency to speak gently of one's self when speaking to others. This is Kathy's one chance at a first impression, so Kathy of course will present the positive, exemplary aspects of her character. This is why, I think, that in the beginning of the book she makes sure to explain her boasting (as she calls it) as to not come off as conceited. Kathy, for example, after exalting her own abilities, recognizes the many other carers who are "just as good who don't get half the credit."
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