"Jane passionately told her aunt that she was not deceitful. Jane claimed that if indeed she were, she would have said that she loved her aunt, but instead she declared that she did not love her at all. Actually, she stated she disliked her aunt the most of anybody in the world, except for her aunt's son, John Reed. Jane believed giving the book about the liar to her would be pointless. Instead, Jane insisted that Mrs. Reed give the book to her daughter Georgiana because Georgiana tells lies, not Jane. Jane was not about to stop sharing her beliefs there though. She continued to tell her aunt that she was glad she was no relation of hers. Jane then promised that she will never call her aunt again as long as she lives. She will never come to see her when she is grown up. If anyone asks Jane how she liked her aunt and how she treated her, Jane will say the very thought of Mrs. Reed makes her sick. Jane firmly believed that Mrs. Reed treated her with miserable cruelty" (34-35).
Re-writing this passage in a third person point of view completely changes my interpretation of the novel. Jane no longer appears as a strong, rebellious, and powerful young girl. Instead, she appears as an ordinary girl who has been mistreated and is unhappy in her situation. Originally, Jane’s innermost thoughts and feelings are presented in a way in which we can relate to and easily enter her world. When Jane reveals her emotions to her aunt in first person, we feel a closer connection and a sense of directness. Witnessing Jane stand up to her aunt first hand, demonstrates her bold and courageous personality. During this time period, children were meant to be seen, not heard. By hearing Jane, we see that she is not afraid to challenge her role in society. We feel that we are involved in the events and observing everything as if we were actually there. When her emotions are simply described, we have a more difficult time identifying and relating to Jane. Jane possess all the details of the story, but in a third person narrative, the story becomes less about Jane, and more about the actual story line. Unfortunately, Jane loses everything that makes her unique and dominant in the novel.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Essential #9
How do Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein compare and contrast as men, scholars, and scientists?
Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein are both ambitious explorers in search of unpossessed knowledge. Robert Walton is an Englishmen, poet, and captain of a ship. He is on a long, difficult journey to the North Pole. Victor Frankenstein is a Genevese, scientist, and extremely passionate about his interest. Once Frankenstein notices Walton’s desire to explore the North Pole at all costs: “I would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my hope, to the furtherance of my enterprise” (11), Frankenstein immediately feels compelled to tell the story of his destruction. Walton demonstrates the importance of family by consistently writing to his sister. Similarly, Frankenstein values his family through beginning his story with a description of his mother and father. Both men posses a large amount of knowledge and consider themselves self-educated in regards to their favorite studies. While on his ship, Walton starts to feel lonely and is in search of a friend; he is able to find one in Frankenstein. On contrary, Frankenstein begins with an abundance of friends, but he will soon lose them. In Walton’s quest to the North Pole, he shows fear, uncertainty, and doubt about his future; however, Frankenstein has confidence and hope on his quest to find out the mystery of life. Frankenstein reveals that he may have achieved his dream, but it did not come without a cost. He became completely obsessed and absorbed in his mission that he neglected his family, friends, and social life. Frankenstein’s story serves primarily to warn Walton about the state he is currently in and the danger of the acquisition knowledge: “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been” (13).
Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein are both ambitious explorers in search of unpossessed knowledge. Robert Walton is an Englishmen, poet, and captain of a ship. He is on a long, difficult journey to the North Pole. Victor Frankenstein is a Genevese, scientist, and extremely passionate about his interest. Once Frankenstein notices Walton’s desire to explore the North Pole at all costs: “I would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my hope, to the furtherance of my enterprise” (11), Frankenstein immediately feels compelled to tell the story of his destruction. Walton demonstrates the importance of family by consistently writing to his sister. Similarly, Frankenstein values his family through beginning his story with a description of his mother and father. Both men posses a large amount of knowledge and consider themselves self-educated in regards to their favorite studies. While on his ship, Walton starts to feel lonely and is in search of a friend; he is able to find one in Frankenstein. On contrary, Frankenstein begins with an abundance of friends, but he will soon lose them. In Walton’s quest to the North Pole, he shows fear, uncertainty, and doubt about his future; however, Frankenstein has confidence and hope on his quest to find out the mystery of life. Frankenstein reveals that he may have achieved his dream, but it did not come without a cost. He became completely obsessed and absorbed in his mission that he neglected his family, friends, and social life. Frankenstein’s story serves primarily to warn Walton about the state he is currently in and the danger of the acquisition knowledge: “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been” (13).
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Essential #8
Are Katherine and Petruchio in love?
True love is the ability to look past the imperfections in your partner and see a beautiful person inside. While everyone saw Katherine as rude, unpleasant, and insolent, Petruchio was able to look past these obstacles. He continually complimented her and was the only one willing to marry her. Her disrespectful behavior was most directly linked to her unhappiness due to jealousy of her sister and fear of never fitting into society. When two people are in love, they are willing to make sacrifices and will do whatever it takes to make the other person happy. By conforming to her new role as a wife, Katherine was forced to obey the difficult wishes of her husband. Even though Petruchio kept Katherine hungry and tired, he did this to help her. Katherine submitted herself entirely to Petruchio when she claimed, “what you will have it be named, even that it is, and so it shall be so for Katherine” (187). By the end of the play, Petruchio gave Katherine what she ultimately wanted. She was able to gain a social position in which she could command respect and consideration from others. Petruchio’s commitment to Katherine’s transformation demonstrated his desire to make a happy marriage. Love cannot exist without trust and loyalty. When the men decided to test the loyalty of their wives, Petruchio demonstrated his trust in Katherine when he raised the wager from twenty to one hundred crowns. His decision to raise the wager proved beneficial when Katherine was the only woman to obey her husband.
True love is the ability to look past the imperfections in your partner and see a beautiful person inside. While everyone saw Katherine as rude, unpleasant, and insolent, Petruchio was able to look past these obstacles. He continually complimented her and was the only one willing to marry her. Her disrespectful behavior was most directly linked to her unhappiness due to jealousy of her sister and fear of never fitting into society. When two people are in love, they are willing to make sacrifices and will do whatever it takes to make the other person happy. By conforming to her new role as a wife, Katherine was forced to obey the difficult wishes of her husband. Even though Petruchio kept Katherine hungry and tired, he did this to help her. Katherine submitted herself entirely to Petruchio when she claimed, “what you will have it be named, even that it is, and so it shall be so for Katherine” (187). By the end of the play, Petruchio gave Katherine what she ultimately wanted. She was able to gain a social position in which she could command respect and consideration from others. Petruchio’s commitment to Katherine’s transformation demonstrated his desire to make a happy marriage. Love cannot exist without trust and loyalty. When the men decided to test the loyalty of their wives, Petruchio demonstrated his trust in Katherine when he raised the wager from twenty to one hundred crowns. His decision to raise the wager proved beneficial when Katherine was the only woman to obey her husband.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Essential #7
How are Prince Hamlet and Polonius similar?
Both Prince Hamlet and Polonius devised secrete plots to prove their beliefs as true. For example, Polonius believed that Hamlet’s madness came from his love for his daughter Ophelia. He decided to hide behind a curtain while Ophelia confronted Hamlet. Similarly, Hamlet believed that Claudius was guilty of his father’s murder; however, there was a possibility that the ghost was actually the devil. Hamlet had Claudius watch a play that resembled his father’s murder which would hopefully drive Claudius to confess.
Both Polonius and Prince Hamlet have multiple personalities. Polonius first appeared as a compassionate, nurturing father to his son, Laertes. He gave Laertes a blessing and valuable advice to live by. Not long after Laertes left, Polonius ordered Reynaldo to spy on Laertes and make malicious rumors about him. In the beginning, Hamlet was slow and careful to act. He did not immediately kill Claudius, instead he chose to wait hoping Claudius would admit his sins. While Hamlet appeared cautious, his actions at the end of Act 3 were far from cautious. Without even knowing who the man behind the curtain was, Hamlet instantly thrust his sword through the curtain, killing Polonius. Hamlet had no intention of killing Polonius; he wanted to kill the king. His actions were arrogant and extremely impulsive.
Hamlet and Polonius only cared about themselves and tried to exert power over the female characters. Polonius did not want Ophelia to have a relationship with Hamlet because he felt it would hurt his reputation with the king. He ordered her never to speak to Hamlet, and she obeyed. Similarly, Hamlet was outraged by his mother’s marriage to his uncle. He felt his mother had committed one of the greatest sins. In reality, Gertrude was only a queen without a king. She needed to marry in order to do what was best for the country. Hamlet ordered his mother to refrain from going to bed with Claudius. Both Polonius and Hamlet wanted to have power and would do whatever it took to get that power.
Both Prince Hamlet and Polonius devised secrete plots to prove their beliefs as true. For example, Polonius believed that Hamlet’s madness came from his love for his daughter Ophelia. He decided to hide behind a curtain while Ophelia confronted Hamlet. Similarly, Hamlet believed that Claudius was guilty of his father’s murder; however, there was a possibility that the ghost was actually the devil. Hamlet had Claudius watch a play that resembled his father’s murder which would hopefully drive Claudius to confess.
Both Polonius and Prince Hamlet have multiple personalities. Polonius first appeared as a compassionate, nurturing father to his son, Laertes. He gave Laertes a blessing and valuable advice to live by. Not long after Laertes left, Polonius ordered Reynaldo to spy on Laertes and make malicious rumors about him. In the beginning, Hamlet was slow and careful to act. He did not immediately kill Claudius, instead he chose to wait hoping Claudius would admit his sins. While Hamlet appeared cautious, his actions at the end of Act 3 were far from cautious. Without even knowing who the man behind the curtain was, Hamlet instantly thrust his sword through the curtain, killing Polonius. Hamlet had no intention of killing Polonius; he wanted to kill the king. His actions were arrogant and extremely impulsive.
Hamlet and Polonius only cared about themselves and tried to exert power over the female characters. Polonius did not want Ophelia to have a relationship with Hamlet because he felt it would hurt his reputation with the king. He ordered her never to speak to Hamlet, and she obeyed. Similarly, Hamlet was outraged by his mother’s marriage to his uncle. He felt his mother had committed one of the greatest sins. In reality, Gertrude was only a queen without a king. She needed to marry in order to do what was best for the country. Hamlet ordered his mother to refrain from going to bed with Claudius. Both Polonius and Hamlet wanted to have power and would do whatever it took to get that power.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Essential #6
What parallels can be drawn between the Pardoner's Prologue and his tale? How is this tale different from the other two that we have studied?
Every vice the Pardoner lists in his tale are vices in which he is guilty of. For example, the Pardoner does not start his tale until he is finished drinking his ale. Soon after beginning his tale he claims that “wine is a lecherous thing and drunkenness, a squalor of contention and distress” (247). In addition, the Pardoner attacks swearing and perjury: “let me speak a word or two of swearing and perjury; the Bible is unsparing. It’s an abominable thing to curse and swear, it says; but perjury is worse” (249). It is obvious the Pardoner is guilty of lying when he tries to sell the relics to the pilgrims after admitting they were fake. He also subtly swears right before the beginning his story, “O for the love of Jesus Christ who died (250).” In his tale, just as the “young man was utterly content to kill them both and never to repent” (255), the Pardoner is content to lie and disregard his lesson. The central theme of the Pardoner’s sermons are all the same; greed is the root of all evil. Before reading the tale it is evident that nothing beneficial comes out of being greedy, and therefore, we can infer that all three men are going to lose their lives due to avarice. Unlike the Knight’s and the Miller’s tale, the Pardoner’s tale has no suspense. Both the Knight and the Miller use vivid imagery to show us a message. Contradictorily, the Pardoner repeatedly states the message. Courtly love is a subject both the Knight and the Miller touch upon in their tales, whereas the only reference to love the Pardoner makes is the love of money. The Knight stresses the importance of positive characteristics, such as honor, friendship, and loyalty. The Pardoner emphasizes the significance of negative characteristics, such as greed, gluttony, and perjury.
Every vice the Pardoner lists in his tale are vices in which he is guilty of. For example, the Pardoner does not start his tale until he is finished drinking his ale. Soon after beginning his tale he claims that “wine is a lecherous thing and drunkenness, a squalor of contention and distress” (247). In addition, the Pardoner attacks swearing and perjury: “let me speak a word or two of swearing and perjury; the Bible is unsparing. It’s an abominable thing to curse and swear, it says; but perjury is worse” (249). It is obvious the Pardoner is guilty of lying when he tries to sell the relics to the pilgrims after admitting they were fake. He also subtly swears right before the beginning his story, “O for the love of Jesus Christ who died (250).” In his tale, just as the “young man was utterly content to kill them both and never to repent” (255), the Pardoner is content to lie and disregard his lesson. The central theme of the Pardoner’s sermons are all the same; greed is the root of all evil. Before reading the tale it is evident that nothing beneficial comes out of being greedy, and therefore, we can infer that all three men are going to lose their lives due to avarice. Unlike the Knight’s and the Miller’s tale, the Pardoner’s tale has no suspense. Both the Knight and the Miller use vivid imagery to show us a message. Contradictorily, the Pardoner repeatedly states the message. Courtly love is a subject both the Knight and the Miller touch upon in their tales, whereas the only reference to love the Pardoner makes is the love of money. The Knight stresses the importance of positive characteristics, such as honor, friendship, and loyalty. The Pardoner emphasizes the significance of negative characteristics, such as greed, gluttony, and perjury.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Essential #4
Where do we see seduction and lust start to destroy Gawain, our young hero? What is the author trying to tell us?
Sir Gawain may be one of the most courageous, noble, and audacious knights in the kingdom, however, since he is only human, he is going to give into temptation and make mistakes. The Green Knight enters Camelot abruptly, and immediately challenges the knights to a game. The game is simple: someone strikes him with the ax, and then in a year and a day, he can return the strike. Sir Gawain is enticed and the first to agree to the challenge. As he took the heavy ax to the green knight’s neck, Sir Gawain did not get the result he wanted. The Green Knight was still alive; he picked up his head and was off. While on his journey to meet the Green Knight, Gawain comes across a castle. The host was welcoming, but he also challenges Sir Gawain to a game. The host requests that as he goes off hunting with his men, Sir Gawain stays in bed and around the castle. He also requests that he spends time with the ladies. In the end, whatever the host wins in the woods he will give to Gawain, and whatever Gawain earns, he must offer to the host. Similar to the Green Knight’s challenge, this game is not as innocent and as easy as it seems. By staying at home, Gawain is expected to be seduced by the ladies. The five knightly virtues are friendship, generosity, courtesy, chastity, and piety. Sir Gawain is required to uphold these virtues at all times; however, by having an affair with the host’s wife, Gawain has already disobeyed them. The code of chivalry which has formed Sir Gawain’s moral policy has been totally shattered. If lust overcomes Gawain again, he will run into more trouble, for he cannot give back what he has given to the ladies. The author is trying to tell us that if we do not uphold our values at all times we will face negative consequences.
Sir Gawain may be one of the most courageous, noble, and audacious knights in the kingdom, however, since he is only human, he is going to give into temptation and make mistakes. The Green Knight enters Camelot abruptly, and immediately challenges the knights to a game. The game is simple: someone strikes him with the ax, and then in a year and a day, he can return the strike. Sir Gawain is enticed and the first to agree to the challenge. As he took the heavy ax to the green knight’s neck, Sir Gawain did not get the result he wanted. The Green Knight was still alive; he picked up his head and was off. While on his journey to meet the Green Knight, Gawain comes across a castle. The host was welcoming, but he also challenges Sir Gawain to a game. The host requests that as he goes off hunting with his men, Sir Gawain stays in bed and around the castle. He also requests that he spends time with the ladies. In the end, whatever the host wins in the woods he will give to Gawain, and whatever Gawain earns, he must offer to the host. Similar to the Green Knight’s challenge, this game is not as innocent and as easy as it seems. By staying at home, Gawain is expected to be seduced by the ladies. The five knightly virtues are friendship, generosity, courtesy, chastity, and piety. Sir Gawain is required to uphold these virtues at all times; however, by having an affair with the host’s wife, Gawain has already disobeyed them. The code of chivalry which has formed Sir Gawain’s moral policy has been totally shattered. If lust overcomes Gawain again, he will run into more trouble, for he cannot give back what he has given to the ladies. The author is trying to tell us that if we do not uphold our values at all times we will face negative consequences.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Top Ten Rules for Dating
1.) Always try to look your best. Dress to impress and remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you look sloppy, you are sending the message that you don’t care and this date is a waste of your time.
2.) Have a positive attitude and keep a smile on your face. No one wants to be around a pessimist. Don’t forget that when you smile, you immediately look more attractive and friendly. A warm smile is welcoming and the perfect way to put your date at ease.
3.) Be respectful and polite. This includes showing up on time and whatever you do, do not pull out your cell phone! Try to ask questions, remain interested, and pay attention to what your date has to say. Make eye contact, but do your best not to stare at them or make them feel uncomfortable.
4.) Relax! Even if you are nervous at first, dating is supposed to be fun. Confidence is key in any new situation, dating is no different. Remember that this person would never have asked you out or agreed to go on a date, if they did not want to be with you.
5.) Be honest. It may seem easier said than done, but a relationship is guaranteed to fail if it is based on lies. Even if you are afraid your date won’t like the truth or the truth is not as exciting as you want it to be, keep in mind that if they do not like you for who you are, they are not worth it. For example, do not say you absolutely love hockey to impress them if you hate it. You will save yourself from the agony next week when he surprises you with Bruins season tickets.
6.) Be generous with compliments, when they are true. Everyone loves to be told how wonderful they are. Whether you tell them they look like a super model, or simply laugh at their jokes, you are making your date feel comfortable and giving them a sense of approval and reassurance.
7.) Do your research. Some people may think it is creepy, but it is actually very thoughtful and helpful. If you find out your date is a vegetarian, don’t take her to a steakhouse. Another thing to keep in mind, especially for the gentlemen, is all girls love gifts, you simply cannot go wrong with a box of chocolates or flowers.
8.) Don’t “forget” your wallet. Ladies, don’t assume your date will pay for you. Kindly offer to pay, however, the gentlemen should be more than willing to pay for you. When he does pay, keep in mind that he did not have to and this was very thoughtful of him. After the night, make sure to thank him.
9.) Keep the conversation light, laidback, and fun. Try to make each other laugh, but don’t try too hard, because then you’ll just look silly. Avoid talking about any controversial or heavy subjects. Be careful what you say. For example, do not go on and on about how much you hate people from New York, because you may later find out that he is from New York.
10.) If someone breaks your heart, do not give up. Keep your head held high at all times. Do not settle for anything less than the best. If your date does not make you happy or bring the best out in you, they are a waste of your time. You have heard it said many times before, but it is true, there are plenty of fish in the sea. If your heart is ever in a million pieces, buy yourself a quart of cookie dough ice cream and move on with your life. I promise things will definitely get better.
2.) Have a positive attitude and keep a smile on your face. No one wants to be around a pessimist. Don’t forget that when you smile, you immediately look more attractive and friendly. A warm smile is welcoming and the perfect way to put your date at ease.
3.) Be respectful and polite. This includes showing up on time and whatever you do, do not pull out your cell phone! Try to ask questions, remain interested, and pay attention to what your date has to say. Make eye contact, but do your best not to stare at them or make them feel uncomfortable.
4.) Relax! Even if you are nervous at first, dating is supposed to be fun. Confidence is key in any new situation, dating is no different. Remember that this person would never have asked you out or agreed to go on a date, if they did not want to be with you.
5.) Be honest. It may seem easier said than done, but a relationship is guaranteed to fail if it is based on lies. Even if you are afraid your date won’t like the truth or the truth is not as exciting as you want it to be, keep in mind that if they do not like you for who you are, they are not worth it. For example, do not say you absolutely love hockey to impress them if you hate it. You will save yourself from the agony next week when he surprises you with Bruins season tickets.
6.) Be generous with compliments, when they are true. Everyone loves to be told how wonderful they are. Whether you tell them they look like a super model, or simply laugh at their jokes, you are making your date feel comfortable and giving them a sense of approval and reassurance.
7.) Do your research. Some people may think it is creepy, but it is actually very thoughtful and helpful. If you find out your date is a vegetarian, don’t take her to a steakhouse. Another thing to keep in mind, especially for the gentlemen, is all girls love gifts, you simply cannot go wrong with a box of chocolates or flowers.
8.) Don’t “forget” your wallet. Ladies, don’t assume your date will pay for you. Kindly offer to pay, however, the gentlemen should be more than willing to pay for you. When he does pay, keep in mind that he did not have to and this was very thoughtful of him. After the night, make sure to thank him.
9.) Keep the conversation light, laidback, and fun. Try to make each other laugh, but don’t try too hard, because then you’ll just look silly. Avoid talking about any controversial or heavy subjects. Be careful what you say. For example, do not go on and on about how much you hate people from New York, because you may later find out that he is from New York.
10.) If someone breaks your heart, do not give up. Keep your head held high at all times. Do not settle for anything less than the best. If your date does not make you happy or bring the best out in you, they are a waste of your time. You have heard it said many times before, but it is true, there are plenty of fish in the sea. If your heart is ever in a million pieces, buy yourself a quart of cookie dough ice cream and move on with your life. I promise things will definitely get better.
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