"There was a Jim O'Connor we both knew in high school-If that is the one that Tom is bringing to dinner-you'll have to excuse me, I won't come to the table." page 1264
This play has presented itself as more appealing to me. The language is much easier to follow. Also the plot of the play is more realistic. Although, the play is more realistic, some aspects still present themselves as highly unlikely. Some of the situations are blown way out of proportion which is annoying. Amanda acts like Jim is automatically going to marry Laura. She acts like this dinner is such a big deal. Really, Jim is just having dinner with them because Tom invited him, not because he has any interest in Laura. Also, Amanda worries that Laura will never get married just because she has not had as many callers as she did. Not getting married is not as bad as she makes it seem. Just because she is not married yet also does not prove that she will not. Amanda gets all dressed up as if she is the one meeting the boy and acts crazy. This was very annoying because she was very immature. Also, just because Laura knew Jim in high school should not mean that she cannot come to the table with him. He does not even remember her. She blew it way out of proportion. She did not even give the situation a chance. While the play was easier to understand, the exaggeration made some of the events annoying.
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Glass Menagerie- Question 2
"To begin with, I turn back time. I reverse it to that quaint period, the thirties, when the huge middle class of America was matriculating in a school for the blind. Their eyes had failed them, or they had failed their eyes..." page 1236
This is Tom speaking as the narrator. He uses distinctly different language when he is the narrator as opposed to when he is a character. As a narrator, Tom speaks more properly. He uses more advanced diction and more complex sentence structure. As a character, Tom uses a more simple form of speaking. He uses smaller words and shorter sentences. Tom speaks differently because when he is a character, he has to portray a certain part. He must align himself with the character and how he would speak. As the narrator, he is supposed to be more objective. He must view the play as an observer rather than a participant. He uses different language in the two senses so the audience can easily tell when he is the narrator and when he is the character. If Tom used the narrator language throughout, the play would lose some of its realism. People don't actually talk the way he does as the narrator so it would not seem as real. Because he talks in a common way it is easier to believe the play. Also, the smaller sentences portray him as an uneducated character as he is.
This is Tom speaking as the narrator. He uses distinctly different language when he is the narrator as opposed to when he is a character. As a narrator, Tom speaks more properly. He uses more advanced diction and more complex sentence structure. As a character, Tom uses a more simple form of speaking. He uses smaller words and shorter sentences. Tom speaks differently because when he is a character, he has to portray a certain part. He must align himself with the character and how he would speak. As the narrator, he is supposed to be more objective. He must view the play as an observer rather than a participant. He uses different language in the two senses so the audience can easily tell when he is the narrator and when he is the character. If Tom used the narrator language throughout, the play would lose some of its realism. People don't actually talk the way he does as the narrator so it would not seem as real. Because he talks in a common way it is easier to believe the play. Also, the smaller sentences portray him as an uneducated character as he is.
The Glass Menagerie- internal conflict
"But I'm not patient. I don't want to wait till then. I'm tired of the movies and I am about to move!" page 1268
This quote provides an example of an internal conflict. Tom has an internal conflict throughout the play. First, he is in search of action and adventure. To attempt to ease this desire, he goes to the movies often. He wants to see other people's lives because he is not satisfied in his own. In this quote, Tom's internal conflict is heightened. He is no longer appeased by just going to the movies. He wants to have the experiences that the people in the movies have rather than just watching them. It is not as easy as just moving on with his life to find adventure. Tom is torn between his responsibilities at home and what he wants. What has kept him at home this long is his sister. He feels like he needs to help with his sister. He cannot stand being at home any longer. He has had enough and feels like he has to leave, no matter what. The conflict exists between what he wants to do and what he feels he ought to do.
This quote provides an example of an internal conflict. Tom has an internal conflict throughout the play. First, he is in search of action and adventure. To attempt to ease this desire, he goes to the movies often. He wants to see other people's lives because he is not satisfied in his own. In this quote, Tom's internal conflict is heightened. He is no longer appeased by just going to the movies. He wants to have the experiences that the people in the movies have rather than just watching them. It is not as easy as just moving on with his life to find adventure. Tom is torn between his responsibilities at home and what he wants. What has kept him at home this long is his sister. He feels like he needs to help with his sister. He cannot stand being at home any longer. He has had enough and feels like he has to leave, no matter what. The conflict exists between what he wants to do and what he feels he ought to do.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
As You Like It Act III
Orlando: "He is drowned in the brook: look but in, and you shall see him."
Jaques: "There I shall see mine own figure."
Orlando: "Which I take to be either a foor or a cipher."
While I was rather disappointed in the humor, or lack thereof, contained in this "comedy," some small quotes were rather witty. I thought that some of the phrases or comebacks they had were funny. This was one part that I found funny. Jaques was confused when Orlando told him where he could find a fool, but Orlando was implying it was him. I thought this was funny because it was rather short but it was making fun of someone and he did not realize it right away. The small details that probably are insignificant to the overall plot seemed to be the funniest to me. The play as a whole was a let down because I was expecting a more humorous storyline, but maybe the term comedy was vague. The small details and conversations seemed to have the most humor. I also found humor in everyone falling in love with people and having an eight person wedding. This did not happen until the end, however. The play was rather slow to get going. I felt like nothing significant happened in the first three acts, but the details ended up contributing to the conclusion.
Jaques: "There I shall see mine own figure."
Orlando: "Which I take to be either a foor or a cipher."
While I was rather disappointed in the humor, or lack thereof, contained in this "comedy," some small quotes were rather witty. I thought that some of the phrases or comebacks they had were funny. This was one part that I found funny. Jaques was confused when Orlando told him where he could find a fool, but Orlando was implying it was him. I thought this was funny because it was rather short but it was making fun of someone and he did not realize it right away. The small details that probably are insignificant to the overall plot seemed to be the funniest to me. The play as a whole was a let down because I was expecting a more humorous storyline, but maybe the term comedy was vague. The small details and conversations seemed to have the most humor. I also found humor in everyone falling in love with people and having an eight person wedding. This did not happen until the end, however. The play was rather slow to get going. I felt like nothing significant happened in the first three acts, but the details ended up contributing to the conclusion.
Indirect Characterization- As You Like It
"Indeed, my lord,
The melancholy Jaques grieves at that,
And, in that kind, swears you do more usurp...
Almost to bursting, and the big round tears
Coursed one another down his innocent nose
In piteous chase; and thus the hairy fool,
Much marked of the melancholy Jaques,
Stood on the extremists verge of the swift brook,
Augmenting it with tears." (II,i, 18)
In this quote, the first lord is characterizing Jaques. He is introduced before we actually meet him. We learn about his emotions and feelings before he enters the action. Through this conversation about him, we learn that he is very interested in the environment. He feels bad for the deer that was killed. This is an effective way of introducing the character without directly saying what he is like. This lets the audience know what the other characters think about him. Jaques does not actually enter the action right away. He is introduced by the other characters then enters later. It is hard to directly characterize in a play unless a narrator speaks. I think the introducing Jaques is effective because the audience can make judgement on him. The use of indirect characterization allows the audience to learn about Jacques before he is even in the play. This gives us background information.
The melancholy Jaques grieves at that,
And, in that kind, swears you do more usurp...
Almost to bursting, and the big round tears
Coursed one another down his innocent nose
In piteous chase; and thus the hairy fool,
Much marked of the melancholy Jaques,
Stood on the extremists verge of the swift brook,
Augmenting it with tears." (II,i, 18)
In this quote, the first lord is characterizing Jaques. He is introduced before we actually meet him. We learn about his emotions and feelings before he enters the action. Through this conversation about him, we learn that he is very interested in the environment. He feels bad for the deer that was killed. This is an effective way of introducing the character without directly saying what he is like. This lets the audience know what the other characters think about him. Jaques does not actually enter the action right away. He is introduced by the other characters then enters later. It is hard to directly characterize in a play unless a narrator speaks. I think the introducing Jaques is effective because the audience can make judgement on him. The use of indirect characterization allows the audience to learn about Jacques before he is even in the play. This gives us background information.
Parallelism- As You Like It
"I will help you, if I can: I would love you if I could. To-morrow meet me all togther. I will marry you, if ever I marry woman, and I'll be married to-morrow: I will satisfy you, if ever I satisfied man, and you shall be married to-morrow: I will content you, if what pleases you contents you, and you shall be married to-morrow." (V, ii, 71)
Rosalind uses parallelism in this scene. She is trying to satisfy everyone. Everyone seems to be in love with the wrong person at this point. Orlando loves Rosalind and is pretending to be in love with the fake man Ganymede. Phebe falls for Ganymede but Silvius is in love with Phebe. With her plan, Rosalind attempts to make sure everyone's love works out. The use of parallelism in this case with the repetition of "I will... if" shows that she is speaking to everyone equally. The use of parallelism is effective because all the scenarios deal with the same subject. The use of parallelism connects all of her efforts. The repeated sentence structure effectively demontrates the equality of the situations and that Rosalind cares about all of them equally.
Rosalind uses parallelism in this scene. She is trying to satisfy everyone. Everyone seems to be in love with the wrong person at this point. Orlando loves Rosalind and is pretending to be in love with the fake man Ganymede. Phebe falls for Ganymede but Silvius is in love with Phebe. With her plan, Rosalind attempts to make sure everyone's love works out. The use of parallelism in this case with the repetition of "I will... if" shows that she is speaking to everyone equally. The use of parallelism is effective because all the scenarios deal with the same subject. The use of parallelism connects all of her efforts. The repeated sentence structure effectively demontrates the equality of the situations and that Rosalind cares about all of them equally.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Othello Relates
Shakespeare’s “Othello,” though written several years ago, still aligns with life in 
the twenty-first century. This timeless work relays enduring themes of love, jealousy, lust, and loyalty. The the
me of jealousy presents itself consistently throughout the play in various circumstances. Jealousy over love exists as the most prominent theme still applicable to modern life. As is apparent in both the novel New Moon, the second book in the Twilight series, and the movie 27 Dresses, love evokes jealous feelings from others.
Prevalent in “Othello,” the theme of jealousy conveys the loyalty, or rather lack of loyalty that the characters possess. Throughout the play, the characters experience the joy of love, and the envy that often accompanies this emotion. Roderigo first worries about losing Desdemona and her love when
he hears that she will wed Othello. Roderigo loved Desdemona and she turned him down. He still has feelings for her and wants her love. Roderigo envies Othello, for the feelings he receives from Desdemona. Love evokes jealousy out of people because love is such a coveted emotion. Roderigo enlists the help of Iago to win the love of Desdemona. Also, Othello shows jealousy towards Cassio. He believes that Desdemona, his wife, is cheating on him with Cassio. This makes Othello jealous that Cassio receives Desdemona’s love. When Emilia learns of Othello’s feelings, she discusses the matter with Emilia. Emilia attempts to ease her frustration by saying, "[Jealous souls] are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they are jealous. 'Tis a monster begot upon itself, born on itself (III, iv, 154-156)." The knowledge of love makes people jealous of that feeling. Everyone wants to be loved.
the twenty-first century. This timeless work relays enduring themes of love, jealousy, lust, and loyalty. The the
me of jealousy presents itself consistently throughout the play in various circumstances. Jealousy over love exists as the most prominent theme still applicable to modern life. As is apparent in both the novel New Moon, the second book in the Twilight series, and the movie 27 Dresses, love evokes jealous feelings from others.Prevalent in “Othello,” the theme of jealousy conveys the loyalty, or rather lack of loyalty that the characters possess. Throughout the play, the characters experience the joy of love, and the envy that often accompanies this emotion. Roderigo first worries about losing Desdemona and her love when
he hears that she will wed Othello. Roderigo loved Desdemona and she turned him down. He still has feelings for her and wants her love. Roderigo envies Othello, for the feelings he receives from Desdemona. Love evokes jealousy out of people because love is such a coveted emotion. Roderigo enlists the help of Iago to win the love of Desdemona. Also, Othello shows jealousy towards Cassio. He believes that Desdemona, his wife, is cheating on him with Cassio. This makes Othello jealous that Cassio receives Desdemona’s love. When Emilia learns of Othello’s feelings, she discusses the matter with Emilia. Emilia attempts to ease her frustration by saying, "[Jealous souls] are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they are jealous. 'Tis a monster begot upon itself, born on itself (III, iv, 154-156)." The knowledge of love makes people jealous of that feeling. Everyone wants to be loved.Presently, film and literature continue to convey the same message of jealousy. Both the novel New Moon and the film 27 Dresses contain jealous characters. They are jealous of the other characters’ love or their own lack of love. Just as Roderigo is jealous over Othello’s marriage to Desdemona, Jane becomes jealous of Tess’ marriage to George in 27 Dresses. Jane has had a crush on George for several years and her younger sister, Tess, comes to visit and gets engaged to George. Jane tries to cover up her jealousy by saying she is happy for Tess and that it is not Tess’ fault because she did not know how she really felt. Jane was in love with George first just as Roderigo was in love with Desdemona before Othello. Similarly, in New Moon, Jacob loves Bella first. After moving to Forks, Bella and Jacob are introduced by their fathers. They become friends and Jacob grows to love Bella. The problem is that Bella loves Edward. Jacob loved her first, but Bella loves Edward. This evokes jealousy from Jacob. In one of his angry fits, Jacob yells, “Well, I’m so sorry that I can’t be the right kind of monster for you, Bella. I guess I’m just not as great as a bloodsucker, am I? (Meyer 307)” He wishes that he could be perfect for Bella just as Edward is perfect for Bella. The consistency between the situations in all three of these prevails as jealousy over love. All three scenarios prove that often the one who loves someone first, continues to love them even after he or she is in love with someone else.
The jealousy of love exists even when someone is already in love. Once someone is in love, he or she does not become immune to jealousy. In all three works, the timelessness of jealousy over love is evident. Just as Othello becomes jealous of Cassio when he thinks that he is having an affair with Desdemona, Kevin becomes jealous of George. Jane loves George even though he does not love her back. Kevin wants Jane to love him, not George. Kevin calls Jane out after seeing her flirt with her sister’s fiancé by saying, “And then it dawned on me. Of course you’re upset, you’re planning your sister’s wedding to the man that you’re in love with (27 Dresses).” (See video from 2:45 to 5:00) The envy plagues Kevin because he loves Jane but she does not want to love him back. The jealousy also affects people who are already in love. Even though Edward and Bella are in love, Edward still envies Jacob’s friendship with Bella. Edward knows that he will never have the same relationship with Bella that Jacob has. As much as Edward loves Bella, he knows that she also loves Jacob. He worries about the security of their relationship because he sees the way that she looks at Jacob. He is jealous because he can never have the friendship with Bella that Jacob has. Jacob pledges his loyalty to Bella by saying, “Yeah, I’ll always be your friend. No matter what you love (Meyer 409).” Edward realizes Jacob will always be around and that is why he is jealous. The various works all prove that jealousy of love persists throughout time. Various forms of jealousy exist and prevail as people envy others for their love and relationships.
Proven to be a timeless writer, Shakespeare presents themes that persist over several years. Issues of his time remain prevalent in the current culture. While culture and society have changed, the themes Shakespeare writes about continue to exist. As would be expected, t
he themes should persist for several years to come. He wrote about timeless matters such as jealousy and love which will exist as long as humanity. The human nature people will allow his work to stay relevant in the future. Jealousy and love will not leave society because the human person is the root of society. People will not be immune to these natural human emotions so the themes included in Othello will still be applicable for years to come.
Works Cited
27 Dresses. Dir. Anne Fletcher. Perf. Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Edward
Burns, Judy Greer. 20th Century Fox, 2008. DVD.
Meyer, Stephenie. New Moon. New York: Hachette Book Group, 2007. Print. Twilight.
Perrine, Laurence. “Othello.” Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. Forth Worth.
Harcourt College. 2002. 161-462. Print.
he themes should persist for several years to come. He wrote about timeless matters such as jealousy and love which will exist as long as humanity. The human nature people will allow his work to stay relevant in the future. Jealousy and love will not leave society because the human person is the root of society. People will not be immune to these natural human emotions so the themes included in Othello will still be applicable for years to come.Works Cited
27 Dresses. Dir. Anne Fletcher. Perf. Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Edward
Burns, Judy Greer. 20th Century Fox, 2008. DVD.
Meyer, Stephenie. New Moon. New York: Hachette Book Group, 2007. Print. Twilight.
Perrine, Laurence. “Othello.” Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. Forth Worth.
Harcourt College. 2002. 161-462. Print.
Monday, February 6, 2012
My Heart Can't Tell You No by Sara Evans
My Heart Can't Tell You No by Sara Evans
This song by Sara Evans correlates nicely to the relationship between Othello and Desdemona. The lyrics correspond to Othello's thoughts about Desdemona. He believes Desdemona likes Cassio. He thinks "the one [he] love's in love with someone else." Desdemona tries to tell him that she has been nothing but faithful and that there is nothing between Cassio and her. Othello doesn't listen. This is like in the song when she says that she wants to believe that the relationship with someone else is over. Othello wants to believe that the there is not relationship between Cassio and Desdemona, but it is hard for him because Iago is making the situation worse. Sara Evans sings about not wanting the boy to call any more and pretend to need
her. Othello similarly does not want Desdemona to pretend that she still loves him if she really doesn't. Othello wants all of Desdemona's love for himself and will not be happy sharing it with someone else. The lyrics in the song, "your crazy if you think just half your love could ever please me," are what Othello is feeling. Seeing Desdemona and Cassio together, even casually tortures him. In the song, "There's only one solution I know: you got to stay away from me, stay away from me!" Similarly, in the play Othello thinks that he has no choice but to kill Desdemona. By killing Desdemona, she will be away from him and won't be able to be unfaithful to any other men. He thinks this is the only way to fix the situation.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Act IV- Almost Busted
"With naught but truth. I have wasted myself out of my
means. The jewels you have had from me to deliver to Desdomona
would half have corrupted a votarist. You have told me she hath re-
ceived them, and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden
respect and acquaintance, but I find none." IVii 184-188
This scene had me in great anticipation. I thought someone finally was going to catch all of Iago's lies. This made me think that the situation was going to resolve itself. But then again, that would not be a typical Shakespeare tragedy. I was glad that someone was finally begin to notice who Iago really was. Then, Iago is able to manipulate his way out of trouble again. He convinces Roderigo to do something that he is supposed to do for Othello. Basically Roderigo is going to do Iago's dirty work. Iago is a very persistent man. Somehow he is able to keep causing drama that benefits him without other people catching him. Everyone trusts Iago as an honest character because of the facade he puts on when in reality he is a conniving jerk. He never even says he is sorry or gives a good excuse for all of his lies. I think he gets a rush from the way he creates all these issues and lies and tries to avoid getting caught.
means. The jewels you have had from me to deliver to Desdomona
would half have corrupted a votarist. You have told me she hath re-
ceived them, and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden
respect and acquaintance, but I find none." IVii 184-188
This scene had me in great anticipation. I thought someone finally was going to catch all of Iago's lies. This made me think that the situation was going to resolve itself. But then again, that would not be a typical Shakespeare tragedy. I was glad that someone was finally begin to notice who Iago really was. Then, Iago is able to manipulate his way out of trouble again. He convinces Roderigo to do something that he is supposed to do for Othello. Basically Roderigo is going to do Iago's dirty work. Iago is a very persistent man. Somehow he is able to keep causing drama that benefits him without other people catching him. Everyone trusts Iago as an honest character because of the facade he puts on when in reality he is a conniving jerk. He never even says he is sorry or gives a good excuse for all of his lies. I think he gets a rush from the way he creates all these issues and lies and tries to avoid getting caught.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Act V- Dynamic Character
"No, I will speak as liberal as the north.
Let Heaven and men and devils, let them all,
All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak." Vii 219-221
Emilia is a dynamic character in the play Othello. When Emilia is first presented in the play, she is a quiet character. She is rather submissive to Iago. She lets him criticize and berate her. At the beginning, she foils Desdemona who is rather loud and outspoken. In Act V, Emilia begins to show other personality traits. She begins to show the complexity of her character. Emilia stands up to Iago. She shows that she is committed and loyal when she stands up for Desdemona. No matter how much Iago tells her to stop or leave, she persists. She continues to support Desdemona agains Iago. I am glad that she stood up for herself because Iago is a jerk and deserves to hear what Emilia has to say. Emilia proves to be a dynamic character in that she is quiet and submissive as well as persistent and outspoken.
Let Heaven and men and devils, let them all,
All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak." Vii 219-221
Emilia is a dynamic character in the play Othello. When Emilia is first presented in the play, she is a quiet character. She is rather submissive to Iago. She lets him criticize and berate her. At the beginning, she foils Desdemona who is rather loud and outspoken. In Act V, Emilia begins to show other personality traits. She begins to show the complexity of her character. Emilia stands up to Iago. She shows that she is committed and loyal when she stands up for Desdemona. No matter how much Iago tells her to stop or leave, she persists. She continues to support Desdemona agains Iago. I am glad that she stood up for herself because Iago is a jerk and deserves to hear what Emilia has to say. Emilia proves to be a dynamic character in that she is quiet and submissive as well as persistent and outspoken.
Act V- Epithet
"I say thy husband. Dost understand the word?
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago." Vii 152-153
Throughout the play, Iago is characterized as honest. All of the other characters attribute honesty to Iago because he plays to the character. He tells them all what they want to hear so they will like him. The audience knows how dishonest Iago is, but the characters all think of him as honest. The repeated reference to Iago as honest Iago reminds the audience that the characters do not know about Iago's lies. I think the use of epithet is effective because it portrays the gullibility of the other characters. Also, the epithet proves that Iago's lies have been effective. He is able to get away with the lies without people knowing he is lying until the end. The ending is more dramatic because the other people still believe Iago is honest until they put it all together at the end. When people find out that he told so many lies, they should question everything else Iago told them.
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago." Vii 152-153
Throughout the play, Iago is characterized as honest. All of the other characters attribute honesty to Iago because he plays to the character. He tells them all what they want to hear so they will like him. The audience knows how dishonest Iago is, but the characters all think of him as honest. The repeated reference to Iago as honest Iago reminds the audience that the characters do not know about Iago's lies. I think the use of epithet is effective because it portrays the gullibility of the other characters. Also, the epithet proves that Iago's lies have been effective. He is able to get away with the lies without people knowing he is lying until the end. The ending is more dramatic because the other people still believe Iago is honest until they put it all together at the end. When people find out that he told so many lies, they should question everything else Iago told them.
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