One example of a character who lives to pursue pleasure is Cecily Cardew. Although she is not as extreme as some of the other characters and may even come across at first as innocent and naive, her selfish actions are later revealed. The first thing you discover about Cecily's selfish nature is that she constantly avoids studying. She avoids it because she dislikes it, and as a result, she is a very ignorant person. But despite this she faces no consequences for her lack of intelligence. Mrs. Prism rarely tries to reinforce her education and nobody judges her based on her stupidity. Another way Cecily pursues pleasure is by fretting over her garden. Cecily is very attentive to how things look so she spends the time she should be studying watering her garden and making it beautiful. She does this to escape the boredom of her everyday life, and nobody tries to stop her, except for maybe Mrs. Prism who doesn't try very hard. On top of this Algernon even compares her beauty to that of her flowers, thus enforcing her behaviour. The final and most extravagant way Cecily pursues pleasure is through writing. When Algernon discovers that Cecily created a fantasy engagement between the two of them Cecily says "... I was forced to write your letters for you, three times a week and sometimes oftener." Cecily had created a fantasy in her mind about being engaged to Algernon which she brought to life by writing about it in her diary and writing letters to herself. She does this to pretend she has the dramatic romantic life she's always wanted but doesn't have. Her actions come across as desperate and somewhat creepy but despite this, Algernon does not find her any less desirable and the two end up actually getting married. Cecily is ultimately a good example of a character who lives for pleasure. Though some may argue that she is like any other teenage girl, selfish and air headed and wishing for what she doesn't have, but unlike other girls who only wish, Cecily actively pursues her desires without any regard for what other people think of her actions. And even when Cecily does behave like a greedy brat, she still often gets what she wants.
I'm sorry sorry sorry this was posted so late! My computer at my mom's isn't working so I had to wait until saturday evening to do it at my dad's. I'm sorry!
1. It was hard coming up with examples for Cecily because there really is only one obvious way she pursues pleasure. If you have any other ideas please tell me. I didn't change much from my first draft except that I took out the first two concrete details because they were no longer required for the assignment. (Thank GOD, they sucked.)
2. Just give me any comments you may have. Are there any other examples of how she pursues pleasure? Should I change the CD? Did I overuse some words?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Dishonesty in The Importance of Being Earnest
Dishonesty is a major theme in The Importance of Being Earnest. Epigrams occur quite often in the dialogue where the character will contradict him or herself in a humorous way. Oscar Wilde paints the picture of the upper class being spoiled and snobbish, often lying to get there way no matter who they may hurt or what problems may ensue. The title of the play itself is a contradiction. Earnest means to be truthful, serious, and polite, which none of the characters in this story are. The characters lie about their identities and pretend that they have friends or relatives to visit so they can escape from their everyday lives.
Oscar Wilde, to me, seems to be saying that lying and being dishonest is okay. Even after almost all of the characters are revealed to be liars, none of them face any consequences for their actions and they all live happily ever after. He might be saying that dishonesty can never be eradicated from our lives so we should instead live with it and even use it to our personal advantage.
Oscar Wilde, to me, seems to be saying that lying and being dishonest is okay. Even after almost all of the characters are revealed to be liars, none of them face any consequences for their actions and they all live happily ever after. He might be saying that dishonesty can never be eradicated from our lives so we should instead live with it and even use it to our personal advantage.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
10 Evaluations
1. Enola
Video
It was mostly just a listing of character's while the song Beasts of England played. I didn't understand how this conveyed examples of literary elements.
2. Aaron
Picture
I thought it was a very creative idea for a project. He had a unique way of conveying literary elements. Was a good representation of the cycle the characters go through.
3. Galen
Comic
Fun to look at. Successfully demonstrated understanding of literary elements.
4. Daryl
Picture
Demonstrated his memory and understanding of discussion topics. Showed his understanding of the connection of the story to the Russian Revolution.
5. Olivia
Picture
Very cute and funny. Conveys understanding of literary elements (though it may be a bit of a stretch.)
6. Emma
Collage
Nice symbolism. Conveys understanding of literary elements.
7. Matt
Picture
Fun to look at but I... didn't... get it. I don't think it showed understanding of any literary elements.
8. Joel
Picture
Demonstrated irony effectively, but not much else.
9. Catherine
Picture
Named characters and demonstrated her understanding of their social standing, but I'm not sure it met requirements for literary elements.
10. Porter
Comic
Very funny. Demonstrated his understanding of irony.
Well what can I say? I don't really think I'm fit to judge my classmate's projects in the first place. I think the majority of them did very good jobs. I probably should have payed closer attention to the project requirements. I do think that I used a creative project idea that few people chose.
Video
It was mostly just a listing of character's while the song Beasts of England played. I didn't understand how this conveyed examples of literary elements.
2. Aaron
Picture
I thought it was a very creative idea for a project. He had a unique way of conveying literary elements. Was a good representation of the cycle the characters go through.
3. Galen
Comic
Fun to look at. Successfully demonstrated understanding of literary elements.
4. Daryl
Picture
Demonstrated his memory and understanding of discussion topics. Showed his understanding of the connection of the story to the Russian Revolution.
5. Olivia
Picture
Very cute and funny. Conveys understanding of literary elements (though it may be a bit of a stretch.)
6. Emma
Collage
Nice symbolism. Conveys understanding of literary elements.
7. Matt
Picture
Fun to look at but I... didn't... get it. I don't think it showed understanding of any literary elements.
8. Joel
Picture
Demonstrated irony effectively, but not much else.
9. Catherine
Picture
Named characters and demonstrated her understanding of their social standing, but I'm not sure it met requirements for literary elements.
10. Porter
Comic
Very funny. Demonstrated his understanding of irony.
Well what can I say? I don't really think I'm fit to judge my classmate's projects in the first place. I think the majority of them did very good jobs. I probably should have payed closer attention to the project requirements. I do think that I used a creative project idea that few people chose.
New Year's Resolution
Normally I never make new year's resolutions. My dad says that people shouldn't use a holiday as an excuse to change themselves. People can change whenever they want. But,for the sake of this post, I will pinpoint one of my many flaws and go over how I can make myself better.
I guess my worst flaw is how I procrastinate. It's human nature to procrastinate, we all do it, but I seem to have a big problem with it. Whenever I get a project, I usually do it at the last minute. I do this because whenever I get a project I become very anxious. I get worried that I'll make mistakes, turn in poor work and end up getting a bad grade. So what I do is instead of tackling the project early and doing it calmly and carefully, I avoid it because I'm afraid of failure.
I've known this about myself for a long time and believe me I've tried fixing it, but its been very difficult. So maybe I need a battle plan. I could start making to-do lists so I don't have to worry about forgetting things I'm supposed to do. When I get a project, I could try cutting up the work into smaller pieces so the task doesn't seem so intimidating. These strategies should prove to be very helpful.
By not procrastinating not only will my work be better, but I'll also fell less stressed about school. The idea of impending projects won't keep me up at night anymore because I will have them taken care of. I think just the reward of better grades and less stress will keep me sticking to this resolution.
I guess my worst flaw is how I procrastinate. It's human nature to procrastinate, we all do it, but I seem to have a big problem with it. Whenever I get a project, I usually do it at the last minute. I do this because whenever I get a project I become very anxious. I get worried that I'll make mistakes, turn in poor work and end up getting a bad grade. So what I do is instead of tackling the project early and doing it calmly and carefully, I avoid it because I'm afraid of failure.
I've known this about myself for a long time and believe me I've tried fixing it, but its been very difficult. So maybe I need a battle plan. I could start making to-do lists so I don't have to worry about forgetting things I'm supposed to do. When I get a project, I could try cutting up the work into smaller pieces so the task doesn't seem so intimidating. These strategies should prove to be very helpful.
By not procrastinating not only will my work be better, but I'll also fell less stressed about school. The idea of impending projects won't keep me up at night anymore because I will have them taken care of. I think just the reward of better grades and less stress will keep me sticking to this resolution.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Animal Farm Creative Project
Animal Farm Poem
Beasts of England from far and near,
listen if you'd please
We would like to say
that on this day
Farmer Jones has run off in fear
After a gunning
we sent his men running
they can no longer do us harm
And so we must cheer
so loud and clear
Hurrah for Animal Farm!
Animal Farm, where pastures are green
and where no danger shall dwell
Where our motto is right, uptight, and tright
"All animals are equal"
Comrades we shall lead you,
but please have a heart
We must eat your apples and your milk
to keep us strong and smart
All the rumors that've spread
That Snowball's not dead
Are complete and utter lies.
He is a flicker of dust
A metal to rust
A tyrant with no alibis.
But now a hero is in our midst
We must hail his name as one
A pig with power
To light our dark hour
All hail Napoleon!
Animal Farm, where the pastures are cut by the admirably obedient,
Where the leader is good, who saves our food,
Napoleon was heaven-sent!
You will begin work on the windmill at a quarter to eight,
No breaks, how do you think we will last if we do not work these hours straight?
Your tired hooves are no matter to our Big Brother, Napoleon,
You will work, and work, and Work, and WORK, until construction is done!
So build the windmill on our Animal Farm that will provide electricity,
The things you've heard of Snowball are false, our leader thought the windmill up, see?!
Our leader is sad to announce that there are traitors amongst our kin,
So let the dogs out, his secret police, to punish them for their sin!
This is what happens when you disobey what our loving leader has said,
We rip your throats, and steal your oats,
Stay in line or we'll have your head!
On Animal Farm where we labor for free, and work all through the night!
Take the good horse Boxer for example:
"Napoleon is always right!"
It's sad to hear that strong Boxer has died while the windmill was being made,
But mourn not, for there is work to be done,
While we engage in trade!
One dead horse for "precious supplies", get to work, you have a year.
While your hooves are prying, your old ones dying,
We pigs pour a cup of beer!
Animal Farm, where the pigs and dogs exert complete control,
And those who say WE disobey are WRONG, you ought to know!
Ladies and gentlemen, the civilized, may I have your attention please?
Napoleon is proud to say that our subordinates are on their knees.
They work, they sow, they obey, and they can never do us harm,
So good farmers of England, let's have a drink, courtesy of Manor Farm!
Animal Farm, it was formerly called, now ceases to exist.
We drink and smoke and engage in trade,
How can good humans resist!?
Beasts of England from far and near,
listen if you'd please
We would like to say
that on this day
Farmer Jones has run off in fear
After a gunning
we sent his men running
they can no longer do us harm
And so we must cheer
so loud and clear
Hurrah for Animal Farm!
Animal Farm, where pastures are green
and where no danger shall dwell
Where our motto is right, uptight, and tright
"All animals are equal"
Comrades we shall lead you,
but please have a heart
We must eat your apples and your milk
to keep us strong and smart
All the rumors that've spread
That Snowball's not dead
Are complete and utter lies.
He is a flicker of dust
A metal to rust
A tyrant with no alibis.
But now a hero is in our midst
We must hail his name as one
A pig with power
To light our dark hour
All hail Napoleon!
Animal Farm, where the pastures are cut by the admirably obedient,
Where the leader is good, who saves our food,
Napoleon was heaven-sent!
You will begin work on the windmill at a quarter to eight,
No breaks, how do you think we will last if we do not work these hours straight?
Your tired hooves are no matter to our Big Brother, Napoleon,
You will work, and work, and Work, and WORK, until construction is done!
So build the windmill on our Animal Farm that will provide electricity,
The things you've heard of Snowball are false, our leader thought the windmill up, see?!
Our leader is sad to announce that there are traitors amongst our kin,
So let the dogs out, his secret police, to punish them for their sin!
This is what happens when you disobey what our loving leader has said,
We rip your throats, and steal your oats,
Stay in line or we'll have your head!
On Animal Farm where we labor for free, and work all through the night!
Take the good horse Boxer for example:
"Napoleon is always right!"
It's sad to hear that strong Boxer has died while the windmill was being made,
But mourn not, for there is work to be done,
While we engage in trade!
One dead horse for "precious supplies", get to work, you have a year.
While your hooves are prying, your old ones dying,
We pigs pour a cup of beer!
Animal Farm, where the pigs and dogs exert complete control,
And those who say WE disobey are WRONG, you ought to know!
Ladies and gentlemen, the civilized, may I have your attention please?
Napoleon is proud to say that our subordinates are on their knees.
They work, they sow, they obey, and they can never do us harm,
So good farmers of England, let's have a drink, courtesy of Manor Farm!
Animal Farm, it was formerly called, now ceases to exist.
We drink and smoke and engage in trade,
How can good humans resist!?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Why I Chose Insomnia
I chose Insomnia by Dana Gioia because, as someone who has experienced insomnia, I understand what the author was trying to convey to the audience. When you are awake at night, you feel as if you are the only one alive. You start noticing noises that you would not normally notice. Ordinary objects suddenly seem to come alive. Dana shows that he understands this experience when he chooses the line, "the murmur of property, of things in disrepair." The idea of inanimate objects making taking on lives of their own is an almost unbelievable experience that only someone sleep deprived can truely understand. Dana seems to understand this perfectly.
The tone of this poem is very dark. The narrator seems to be questioning an insomniac. The questions are ones that are aimed at making the said insomniac feel helpless. The reader in turn feels sorry for the poor sleep deprived individual being questioned.
When I read this poem out loud, I don't want to be to enthusiastic or dramatic, as this is not how the poem is intended to be read. I want to be calm, appear almost wise. I will translate the poem's dark helpless feeling by reading slowly and in a cruel questioning manner.
The diction is not very complicated or formal. I would call it neutral diction. But aside from that there weren't many connotations I could identify. Connotations could identify were useless, dark, endless, drone, and discomfort. These words contribute to the poem's dark tone.
The tone of this poem is very dark. The narrator seems to be questioning an insomniac. The questions are ones that are aimed at making the said insomniac feel helpless. The reader in turn feels sorry for the poor sleep deprived individual being questioned.
When I read this poem out loud, I don't want to be to enthusiastic or dramatic, as this is not how the poem is intended to be read. I want to be calm, appear almost wise. I will translate the poem's dark helpless feeling by reading slowly and in a cruel questioning manner.
The diction is not very complicated or formal. I would call it neutral diction. But aside from that there weren't many connotations I could identify. Connotations could identify were useless, dark, endless, drone, and discomfort. These words contribute to the poem's dark tone.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Poems!
1. BARTER
2. HARTLEY FIELD
3. KEEPING THINGS WHOLE
4. ALL THIS AND MORE, ISRAFEL
It is difficult to choose my favorite poem of these five. I enjoyed them all in different ways. But, because I am an avid Poe fan, I'd have to say I enjoyed Israfel the most. It is a poem about the Islamic angel of the trumpet. It describes the beauty of his song while the Earthbound poet is limited to his own music. I also enjoyed All This And More, simply because of its dark tone, but I can't really tell what it is about. The language in it is much easier to understand than that of Israfel though.
I didn't really dislike any of these poems. Probably my least favorites were Barter and Keeping Things Whole. They were the shortest and the most simple, and I found that that took away from my interest in the poems content. I did not have to think hard or search for meaning while reading these poems, which made them seem almost boring compared to the other poems.
Of these five poems I will either choose All This And More or Israfel. I've read Israfel many times so I feel like I have a deep connection with it. But on the other hand, All This And More would be more of a challenge because its meaning is hard to decipher, which could be more fun. I think if I had to choose between the two though, I would choose Israfel, simply because I am a dedicated Poe fanatic. ALL HAIL THE AMAZING EDGAR ALLEN POE!
I think physical presence will be easy for me because I have good posture and can make eye contact. I also think the level of difficulty will be easy for me because I'm good at memorization and have no problem taking my time with difficult poems. Dramatic appropriatness will be difficult because I have trouble being in front of people and might mess up.
The two poems I watched were by Stanley Andrew Jackson and Jackson Hille. Stanley was able to completely memorize a complicated poem and performed it very well. He was sometimes over dramatic but overall he did very well. Jackson's tone was excellent throughout the reading of his poem and the audience really got the sense that he understood his poem.
I'm a little nervous for poetry outloud, simply because I'm scared of speaking in front of a group. But hopelfully my enjoyment of the poetry I've chosen will shine through in my performance and I will be able to overcome my shyness.
2. HARTLEY FIELD
3. KEEPING THINGS WHOLE
4. ALL THIS AND MORE, ISRAFEL
It is difficult to choose my favorite poem of these five. I enjoyed them all in different ways. But, because I am an avid Poe fan, I'd have to say I enjoyed Israfel the most. It is a poem about the Islamic angel of the trumpet. It describes the beauty of his song while the Earthbound poet is limited to his own music. I also enjoyed All This And More, simply because of its dark tone, but I can't really tell what it is about. The language in it is much easier to understand than that of Israfel though.
I didn't really dislike any of these poems. Probably my least favorites were Barter and Keeping Things Whole. They were the shortest and the most simple, and I found that that took away from my interest in the poems content. I did not have to think hard or search for meaning while reading these poems, which made them seem almost boring compared to the other poems.
Of these five poems I will either choose All This And More or Israfel. I've read Israfel many times so I feel like I have a deep connection with it. But on the other hand, All This And More would be more of a challenge because its meaning is hard to decipher, which could be more fun. I think if I had to choose between the two though, I would choose Israfel, simply because I am a dedicated Poe fanatic. ALL HAIL THE AMAZING EDGAR ALLEN POE!
I think physical presence will be easy for me because I have good posture and can make eye contact. I also think the level of difficulty will be easy for me because I'm good at memorization and have no problem taking my time with difficult poems. Dramatic appropriatness will be difficult because I have trouble being in front of people and might mess up.
The two poems I watched were by Stanley Andrew Jackson and Jackson Hille. Stanley was able to completely memorize a complicated poem and performed it very well. He was sometimes over dramatic but overall he did very well. Jackson's tone was excellent throughout the reading of his poem and the audience really got the sense that he understood his poem.
I'm a little nervous for poetry outloud, simply because I'm scared of speaking in front of a group. But hopelfully my enjoyment of the poetry I've chosen will shine through in my performance and I will be able to overcome my shyness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)