Sunday, February 22, 2009
A Doll's House
In the beginning of the short story “A Doll’s House,” the main character, Nora, at first glance acts ditzy, and child-like. She seems to have no depth and follows the petty rules enforced by her husband. Her dumb act irritates and annoys readers. They react emotionally to her foolishness. They insist she is clueless and are angered by her stupidity, but in fact, I do not believe she is dumb at all. I feel Nora does not know herself, and therefore follows her husband’s guidelines and aims to please him for she does not know any other way to behave. Nora’s husband Torvald helps Nora continue to act naïve. He treats her as though she is a toy, or a doll, that he has to play with. He does not treat her with any true respect or treat her like a person with any substance. Because of the pleased response Nora receives from her husband when she acts ditzy or follows his commands, she continues to act in an immature manner. Nora does not know any better than to please her husband. She does not think of herself or how she feels, and therefore does not her know herself. Nora does not know what she wants, what she needs, or what she deserves. Nora’s relationship with her husband is empty and fake because Nora is unable to reveal her true self in fear of what may come from it. So, instead of listening to her thoughts, Nora ignores them and plays the role of Torvald’s ideal wife. But I believe in the end, Nora will know better and develop self-respect allowing her to no longer play the role of a “doll” but instead become a woman who learns about herself, and will finally realize what she deserves and needs.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Hamlet's Justified Insanity
This past week in class we discussed Hamlet’s possible insanity and his thoughts of suicide. The majority of the class seemed to believe that Hamlet is somewhat crazy, but I think his actions are an outcome from stress and anxiety. Over the course of only a few days, Hamlet lost his father, discovered his uncle was the killer, and was betrayed by his mother. On top of that, Hamlet believes the woman he loves, Ophelia, does not have to same feelings for him. It takes a very strong person to be able to remain stable when all of this stress is piled onto their lives. It does not surprise me that Hamlet questions whether he wants to live or not, and I think that if Hamlet is too depressed to live, it is okay for him to take his own life.
When Hamlet sees his father as a ghost, he is told to kill his uncle to avenge his father’s death. At this point Hamlet himself could be questioning his sanity, but despite a possible sense that the ghost may not truly be his father, Hamlet feels he has an obligation to avenge his father’s death. The thought of murdering someone I feel has shaken Hamlet. He does not seem like a violent man, and when Hamlet has an opportunity to kill his uncle, he stops because he thinks that if he kills his uncle while his uncle is praying, his uncle could go to heaven. In class, some people suggested that he was just a coward, but I think he wants to make sure that if he kills his uncle, it is done at the right time and is the right thing to do. Murdering his uncle may be too difficult of a task for Hamlet to fulfill. He may not have the strength to murder a man, and the responsibility he feels toward his father may be too much for him to bear. At this point, I feel that Hamlet feels too weak to live, but after Hamlet discovers Ophelia has killed herself, he seems to realize the finality of death, and steers somewhat away from the thought of taking his own life.
Overall, I do not think that Hamlet is crazy, and I think his thoughts of suicide are justified. Even though Hamlet questions whether his life is worth living, and he seems to be ready to give up, I think that he is too scared to kill himself. Once Ophelia is dead, he seems to realize there is more to live for, and life shouldn’t end so suddenly. I believe this will keep Hamlet from killing himself, and he will become a stronger man.
When Hamlet sees his father as a ghost, he is told to kill his uncle to avenge his father’s death. At this point Hamlet himself could be questioning his sanity, but despite a possible sense that the ghost may not truly be his father, Hamlet feels he has an obligation to avenge his father’s death. The thought of murdering someone I feel has shaken Hamlet. He does not seem like a violent man, and when Hamlet has an opportunity to kill his uncle, he stops because he thinks that if he kills his uncle while his uncle is praying, his uncle could go to heaven. In class, some people suggested that he was just a coward, but I think he wants to make sure that if he kills his uncle, it is done at the right time and is the right thing to do. Murdering his uncle may be too difficult of a task for Hamlet to fulfill. He may not have the strength to murder a man, and the responsibility he feels toward his father may be too much for him to bear. At this point, I feel that Hamlet feels too weak to live, but after Hamlet discovers Ophelia has killed herself, he seems to realize the finality of death, and steers somewhat away from the thought of taking his own life.
Overall, I do not think that Hamlet is crazy, and I think his thoughts of suicide are justified. Even though Hamlet questions whether his life is worth living, and he seems to be ready to give up, I think that he is too scared to kill himself. Once Ophelia is dead, he seems to realize there is more to live for, and life shouldn’t end so suddenly. I believe this will keep Hamlet from killing himself, and he will become a stronger man.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Antigone or Creon
Should the play Antigone be called Antigone or should it be called Creon? To me it seems as though Creon is the most influential character of the play and Antigone makes his character stronger and helps lead Creon to his demise. Throughout the play, Antigone is only in about two scenes, whereas Creon is in almost every scene. Although the reader draws a connection and a respect with Antigone, by the end of the play, the reader is solely focusing on Creon, and what is to become of him. Antigone is seen as a tragic character, but could Creon be one as well? I believe he is. He paved the way to his own downfall (with the help of drama Antigone caused), and even though throughout the story I was angry with him, by the end, I sympathize for him. He realizes that he had become too proud and because of his hubris, the ones he loved had taken their own lives. I will admit, it did take him a long time to confess to his wrong-doings, and to allow others to help him realize the corruption he caused, but once he confronted it, he took full responsibility for his actions. When Antigone was going to be killed for burying her brother, she gives in, and kills herself. Whereas, when Creon realizes that he was a part of the cause of both his son and Antigone's death, and was becoming feared by the townspeople, he confesses and feels remorse for his wrong-doings, and is punished by death.
Despite the fact that both Antigone and Creon cause a great impact on the reader, I believe the true focus of the play is on Creon. The reader finishes the play thinking of Creon's death and is left pondering the words, "There is no happiness where there is no wisdom; No wisdom but in submission to the gods. Big words are always punished, And proud men in old age learn to be wise." That is why I believe that play should be named after Creon and not Antigone.
(345 words)
Despite the fact that both Antigone and Creon cause a great impact on the reader, I believe the true focus of the play is on Creon. The reader finishes the play thinking of Creon's death and is left pondering the words, "There is no happiness where there is no wisdom; No wisdom but in submission to the gods. Big words are always punished, And proud men in old age learn to be wise." That is why I believe that play should be named after Creon and not Antigone.
(345 words)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Death of Ivan Ilynch
In the novella "The Death of Ivan llynch"
the characters care solely about their status and wealth. The obsession to achieve wealth and status make people unable to remember life’s importances. Such qualities include integrity, kindness, and respect. In the first page of the novella family and friends gather for Ivan Ilych’s funeral, yet it is said that when the men hear of Ilynch’s death their first thought is the possibility of self promotion within the work force. Ilynch’s best friend “sacrificed his usual nap” in order to attend the funeral. Through these actions it is apparent that in this society the people are self-centered and have no worry for anyone else’s well-being. At the funeral Ilynch’s wife describes the pain she suffered in her husband’s last days, for she had to tolerate his screams and tend to his illness. She obviously had no concern for her husband in his last days and felt no sorrow once he passed on.
During Ilynch’s life it seemed he was unhappy and lived to climb the social latter. His goal in life was to fulfill his duty and his duty was considered by authority figures. During Ilynch’s childhood it seemed he had a moral compass, but his compass became skewed as society views altered his mindset. In school he felt disgusted with himself when he disobeyed, but when he saw people of good position do the same things, he felt that they were not as bad. His actions seemed to worsen as he grew older. Ilynch was well liked by everyone and said to be good natured, but he had an affair while married. Ilynch did not marry for love. Although he was in love with his wife, he chose to marry because society looked highly on their match.
In the first half of this novella, one gets the feeling that people have lost the ability to think for themselves and instead of thinking about their actions or following their hearts, they are swayed to meet society’s standards. Money and status are held in higher regard than integrity and self-respect. Everyone is in competition with one another to get ahead first and farthest. Consideration of others is ignored and the quest for self gain prevails.
372 words
the characters care solely about their status and wealth. The obsession to achieve wealth and status make people unable to remember life’s importances. Such qualities include integrity, kindness, and respect. In the first page of the novella family and friends gather for Ivan Ilych’s funeral, yet it is said that when the men hear of Ilynch’s death their first thought is the possibility of self promotion within the work force. Ilynch’s best friend “sacrificed his usual nap” in order to attend the funeral. Through these actions it is apparent that in this society the people are self-centered and have no worry for anyone else’s well-being. At the funeral Ilynch’s wife describes the pain she suffered in her husband’s last days, for she had to tolerate his screams and tend to his illness. She obviously had no concern for her husband in his last days and felt no sorrow once he passed on.
During Ilynch’s life it seemed he was unhappy and lived to climb the social latter. His goal in life was to fulfill his duty and his duty was considered by authority figures. During Ilynch’s childhood it seemed he had a moral compass, but his compass became skewed as society views altered his mindset. In school he felt disgusted with himself when he disobeyed, but when he saw people of good position do the same things, he felt that they were not as bad. His actions seemed to worsen as he grew older. Ilynch was well liked by everyone and said to be good natured, but he had an affair while married. Ilynch did not marry for love. Although he was in love with his wife, he chose to marry because society looked highly on their match.
In the first half of this novella, one gets the feeling that people have lost the ability to think for themselves and instead of thinking about their actions or following their hearts, they are swayed to meet society’s standards. Money and status are held in higher regard than integrity and self-respect. Everyone is in competition with one another to get ahead first and farthest. Consideration of others is ignored and the quest for self gain prevails.
372 words
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Comparison Between Heart of Darkness and Waiting for the Barbarians
In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, Conrad demonstrates the desire the Europeans have to overtake Africa. This desire to take over a colony continues to be shown in the Waiting for the Barbarians. But unlike Heart of Darkness, J.M. Coetzee seems to realize and shows through the magistrate that it wrong to destroy the “enemy” for the “enemy” may be what is helping to keep the empire thriving. Cortez also shows the beginning of compassion toward the “barbarians.”
Through the characters I see a connection between Kurtz and Colonel Joll. Both are authority figures who choose to abuse the Africans and the “barbarians.” And both seem to fail in their desire for power and expansion of the empire. Kurtz leaves his fallen empire and says “The horror!” It is as though he may now realize how awful he treated the African natives. In this respect, he shares similar characteristics to the magistrate. Both feel a sense of guilt and terror to what they have caused and witnessed in the empires they were apart of destroying. After Kurtz has lost his power over the natives and is no longer in control of the empire he dies. Colonel Joll also ends up with a distressed empire. In the end of the novel Coetzee expresses a fear in the people. People begin to gossip about the harm the barbarians will cause such as rape and destruction. The people of the empire become frightened of what lies ahead. Colonel Joll definitely lost power and seems to have put it in the hands over the barbarians. The people under his empire make decisions on what they think the barbarians will do. They both also have someone who is challenging their authority; the magistrate and Marlow. The magistrate and Kurtz do not agree with their leaders decisions and are haunted by the brutality they have witnessed.
The magistrate seems to think that sometimes he is similar to Colonel Joll. They both are working to defeat the enemy and although the magistrate is not physically beating the barbarians he is apart of the cause and does not try to stop this abuse. Even though the magistrate does help the blind barbarian girl, he is unsuccessful because he in turn is punished. Despite the fact that the magistrate does not seem to agree with the treatment of the barbarians he still would chose to keep the job he holds because he thinks it would be better for the barbarians if he was in his position rather than someone else. This is similar to Marlow in Heart of Darkness. He is independent and becomes skeptical of the how the white men treat the Africans, making him skeptical of imperialism. (450)
Through the characters I see a connection between Kurtz and Colonel Joll. Both are authority figures who choose to abuse the Africans and the “barbarians.” And both seem to fail in their desire for power and expansion of the empire. Kurtz leaves his fallen empire and says “The horror!” It is as though he may now realize how awful he treated the African natives. In this respect, he shares similar characteristics to the magistrate. Both feel a sense of guilt and terror to what they have caused and witnessed in the empires they were apart of destroying. After Kurtz has lost his power over the natives and is no longer in control of the empire he dies. Colonel Joll also ends up with a distressed empire. In the end of the novel Coetzee expresses a fear in the people. People begin to gossip about the harm the barbarians will cause such as rape and destruction. The people of the empire become frightened of what lies ahead. Colonel Joll definitely lost power and seems to have put it in the hands over the barbarians. The people under his empire make decisions on what they think the barbarians will do. They both also have someone who is challenging their authority; the magistrate and Marlow. The magistrate and Kurtz do not agree with their leaders decisions and are haunted by the brutality they have witnessed.
The magistrate seems to think that sometimes he is similar to Colonel Joll. They both are working to defeat the enemy and although the magistrate is not physically beating the barbarians he is apart of the cause and does not try to stop this abuse. Even though the magistrate does help the blind barbarian girl, he is unsuccessful because he in turn is punished. Despite the fact that the magistrate does not seem to agree with the treatment of the barbarians he still would chose to keep the job he holds because he thinks it would be better for the barbarians if he was in his position rather than someone else. This is similar to Marlow in Heart of Darkness. He is independent and becomes skeptical of the how the white men treat the Africans, making him skeptical of imperialism. (450)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Complexities of the Magistrate
J.M. Coetzee’s, Waiting for the Barbarians, is written strictly in the present tense. Since the story is actively developing the reader is captured in time with the Magistrate. (The reader is learning the story at the same time as the Magistrate.)
The Magistrate is a complex character. He does not seem to agree with the torture that is afflicted upon the barbarians, but works for people who do. He seems to be siding with the barbarians. When talking to a colleague about possibly pushing the barbarians into the mountains he fights for them by saying that barbarians are nomads who will not allow themselves to be pushed into the mountains. Furthermore, he says all the barbarians want is their land back, so they can roam free in their pastures. He ends his discussion by saying, “I wish that these barbarians would rise up and teach us a lesson,”(2:50). He seems to believe that the barbarians will outlive the English in this land which suggests that he does not have the strongest confidence in his men’s defeat over the barbarians.
Magistrate becomes close to a barbarian woman. After meeting a blind barbarian woman, and spending multiple nights with her, he takes her back to her own people. Risking his life, he travels through the harsh winter, so she can be safe at home. He truly cares for her on this journey. Before the journey he bought he boots, fur, gloves and a rabbit skin cap. Magistrate is gentle toward the blind woman. When the blind woman is menstruating and no other man will go near her, the Magistrate brings her food and comforts her. He even sleeps in the tent beside her. When the blind woman is united with other barbarians the Magistrate confirms that she does not have to go with them if she does not want to, she can stay with him if she would like. I find his compassion toward her to be very honorable.
Although some characteristics of the Magistrate are honorable others are not. He suggests he is quite the womanizer when he wants to be, but he is very mixed up with his feelings toward women. Sometimes he desires them and other times they mean nothing to him. He questions himself often, wondering whether the girl he is with is pretty or not, or if their sexual encounters really mean anything to him. He seems very confused when it comes to women and his morals toward women, but when it comes to his morals toward how he treats the barbarians he stays true. He is kind and generous. Characteristics I would like to see him carry over in other aspects of his life.
448 words
The Magistrate is a complex character. He does not seem to agree with the torture that is afflicted upon the barbarians, but works for people who do. He seems to be siding with the barbarians. When talking to a colleague about possibly pushing the barbarians into the mountains he fights for them by saying that barbarians are nomads who will not allow themselves to be pushed into the mountains. Furthermore, he says all the barbarians want is their land back, so they can roam free in their pastures. He ends his discussion by saying, “I wish that these barbarians would rise up and teach us a lesson,”(2:50). He seems to believe that the barbarians will outlive the English in this land which suggests that he does not have the strongest confidence in his men’s defeat over the barbarians.
Magistrate becomes close to a barbarian woman. After meeting a blind barbarian woman, and spending multiple nights with her, he takes her back to her own people. Risking his life, he travels through the harsh winter, so she can be safe at home. He truly cares for her on this journey. Before the journey he bought he boots, fur, gloves and a rabbit skin cap. Magistrate is gentle toward the blind woman. When the blind woman is menstruating and no other man will go near her, the Magistrate brings her food and comforts her. He even sleeps in the tent beside her. When the blind woman is united with other barbarians the Magistrate confirms that she does not have to go with them if she does not want to, she can stay with him if she would like. I find his compassion toward her to be very honorable.
Although some characteristics of the Magistrate are honorable others are not. He suggests he is quite the womanizer when he wants to be, but he is very mixed up with his feelings toward women. Sometimes he desires them and other times they mean nothing to him. He questions himself often, wondering whether the girl he is with is pretty or not, or if their sexual encounters really mean anything to him. He seems very confused when it comes to women and his morals toward women, but when it comes to his morals toward how he treats the barbarians he stays true. He is kind and generous. Characteristics I would like to see him carry over in other aspects of his life.
448 words
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Are Human One Race of Many?
External differences due to climate, food, habits, ect.
Argued that many races remain altogether unchanged.
“Natural Selection” with animals depends on “self-dependence and individual isolation”
-keeps animals uniform standard
Humans are more sympathetic, keeping the sick alive. This increases mental and moral qualities .
-Help learn to use nature for survival. (live in harmony with environment helps keep numbers)
“Great modifications of structure and of external form, which resulted in the development of man out of some lower type of animal, must of occurred before his intellect had raised him above the condition of the brutes”
-helps resist natural selection
"kept in harmony with the slowly changing universe around him by an advance in mind rather than body”
“common origin of all mankind”
Argued that many races remain altogether unchanged.
“Natural Selection” with animals depends on “self-dependence and individual isolation”
-keeps animals uniform standard
Humans are more sympathetic, keeping the sick alive. This increases mental and moral qualities .
-Help learn to use nature for survival. (live in harmony with environment helps keep numbers)
“Great modifications of structure and of external form, which resulted in the development of man out of some lower type of animal, must of occurred before his intellect had raised him above the condition of the brutes”
-helps resist natural selection
"kept in harmony with the slowly changing universe around him by an advance in mind rather than body”
“common origin of all mankind”
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