Poetry Timed Writing: Sirens

                Within the excerpts from the Odyssey and Siren Song, the authors describe the Sirens from two different points of view. While each text acknowledges the enticing nature of the Sirens’ song, the differing perspectives show that although the song may be irresistible to the listener, the song can also become boring to the singer.

                The excerpt from the Odyssey depicts the Sirens as completely irresistible. Odysseus is aware that he is about to encounter the island where the Sirens live, so he prepares for the encounter: “I stopped the ears of my comrades one by one” (7). The extensive preparation Odysseus goes through shows that he is aware of the danger of the Sirens’ song. However, Odysseus still finds the song irresistible: “the heart inside me throbbed to listen longer” (20). Even though Odysseus knows what will come of him if he goes to the Sirens’ island, he still wants to venture to the island upon hearing the song. The text shows that the Sirens are very dangerous and extremely enticing at the same time. The listener is powerless to the hold the song has over to the people who hear the music.

                 Unlike the excerpt from the Odyssey, Sirens Song portrays the Sirens are bored and disinterested. The reader learns that the poem is told from the point of view of a Siren when the speaker of the poem asks, “if I do, will you get me/ out of this bird suit?” (11-12). The speaker is aware of the danger of the song because the music “forces men / to leap over squadrons / even though they see the beached skull” (5-6). The image of men racing to hear the songs even though there is physical proof that people have died on the island shows the dangerous power of the song. The strong hold the song has over most men directly contrasts the speaker’s last sentence: “Alas / it is a boring song / but it works every time” (25-27). The speaker displays a very disinterested tone; the outcome of the song is so obvious that the whole situation has become boring. Although the boredom in the speaker’s tone contrasts the power of the Sirens’ song, the poem shows that the song is not enticing to the singer. Rather, the song is a boring ritual that has become routine.

                All in all, the two texts show that the Sirens’ songs are not only dangerous to the listener because men are unable to resist the music, but the songs are also a boring routine to the ones who sing the song. Thus, the Sirens are portrayed as dangerous, irresistible, and altogether disinterested in the mayhem caused by the music.

P&P #9: 3.1-3.3

                During Book III of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Elizabeth meets Miss Darcy for the first time. Elizabeth expresses her first impression of Miss Darcy: “she had heard that Miss Darcy was exceedingly proud; but the observation of a few minutes convinced her that she was only exceedingly shy” (217). Throughout the novel, society is quick to judge others based on prior knowledge or a first encounter with a person. With such quick judgment, shyness could easily be mistaken for pride. Elizabeth recognizes Miss Darcy’s true personality, and Lizzy is able to look past the false rumors about Georgiana. Although Miss Bennett is able to discern shyness and pride within Miss Darcy, Elizabeth was unable to distinguish the two characteristics when she first met Mr. Darcy. Although Lizzy has a right to be angry with Mr. Darcy due to his insult toward Elizabeth, she has held a negative propensity against him for a long time. Through Miss Bennett’s interpretation of Miss Darcy, the audience can see that Elizabeth can look past the seemingly haughty surface of a person and determine the person’s personality. However, Lizzy still bases her opinion of Mr. Darcy on their first encounter. Thus, Elizabeth’s perception of Mr. Darcy must solely be surmised from the one insult he directs toward Lizzy at the ball. 

P&P #7: 2.16-end of book 2

                Toward the end of book two, Elizabeth shows concern for her sister, Lydia. When Lydia is invited to go visit with Mrs. Forester, Elizabeth opposes the idea and tells her father, “Our importance, our respectability in the world, must be affected by the wild volatility, the assurance and disdain of all restraint which mark Lydia’s character” (Austen 195). On the surface, Elizabeth’s concern for Lydia’s disposition appears to stem from the negative reputation Lydia gives the Bennett family. However, Elizabeth’s concern for reputation cannot precipitate from such reservations. Although Elizabeth does partake in balls and courting which dominate society, she participates in a very unconventional manner. Lizzy Bennett does not desperately search for a husband, for she turns down proposals from more than one man. Moreover, Elizabeth cannot be too troubled by her family’s reputation because she is aware of her family’s lower societal class. Even though Lizzy feels affronted when Mr. Darcy talks down about her family, she later confesses that she knows there is truth in his accusations. Thus, Elizabeth’s concern for Lydia cannot originate from the affect Lydia has on the family’s reputation. Elizabeth is simply acting as a concerned older sister who does not want her little sister going out and flirting with all the men in the town. As a sister, Elizabeth’s fears are reasonable even if her father cannot see the true meaning behind Lizzy’s words.

Pride and Prejudice: ch 1-2.4

                The title of the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen explains the social interactions between the characters. The novel features a judgmental society where a person’s pride is one of the first characteristics to be judged. Mary, one of the Bennett sisters, says that “Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves” (Austen 19). When Elizabeth Bennett first meets Mr. Darcy she believes him to be a very proud man. Mr. Darcy’s initial excessive pride and indifference toward Elizabeth causes him to be viewed as unpropitious in the Bennett household. First impressions are very important within the novel’s society, and pride can make or break the perception of a character. Along with judgment of pride, there is also a great deal of prejudice within the society. Mr. Collins tells Elizabeth, “I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to decide what is right than a young lady like yourself” (Austen 85). Elizabeth is not an obsequious character; rather, she likes to express her opinion freely. However, Elizabeth’s opinion is not highly regarded within society because she is a woman, and she is especially a woman of lower social class. Gender and class division are extremely apparent within the novel, for the Bennett girls must marry in order to be guaranteed a place to live after their father passes away. All in all, pride and prejudice refer to the interactions among characters within the novel.

                A major section of the novel is when Mr. Collins proposes marriage to Elizabeth. Mr. Collins starts of the proposal with “My reasons for marrying me are” (Austen 92) and goes off to list a laundry list of reasons why Elizabeth should marry him. From start to finish, the proposal appears to be very businesslike. Mr. Collins came to the Bennett’s residence in order to marry one of the girls because Mr. Collins will inherit the residence after Mr. Bennett dies. Mr. Collins then selects one of the girls and proposes only a few days later. Although Mr. Collins says there is a “violence of my affection” (Austen 93) for Elizabeth, a few days are not long enough for him to develop any true feelings for her. Elizabeth gracefully, but profusely, denies the proposal, but Mr. Collins believes the refusal is simply a sign of her affection. Mr. Collins appears to be an awkward character, so his inability to take obvious social cues may be due to his lack of social interaction. However, Mr. Collins inability to take the rejection may also be at the fault of a society where most people appear to be in a hurry to get married. He may believe a marriage proposal, especially one with a guaranteed settlement, is virtually impossible to refuse. Hence, Mr. Collins proposal is extremely businesslike as many other marriages appear to be within the novel.

AP Practice 1995

                In Othello by William Shakespeare, Othello is a black man living in a white society. The contrasting reactions of Brabantio and the officials show that the society generally looks down upon the black race, but Othello manages to be in good standing with the officials due to his military status.

                Brabantio reacts negatively to Othello because Othello wants to marry Desdemona. Brabantio repeatedly refers to Othello as a ‘Moor’, which is a derogatory racial slur. Brabantio is angry that his daughter is going to marry a black man; Brabantio believes that he only way Desdemona would have ever agreed to marry Othello is by being manipulated by some type of black magic. Brabantio’s assumptions that Othello manipulated Desdemona show that Brabantio sees Othello as lesser because he is black; Othello could never be good enough for his pure, virtuous daughter. Brabantio’s horror to the idea of Desdemona marrying a moor shows that interracial marriages generally did not occur in that time period. The white race was portrayed as the superior race. Brabantio also believes that the officials will be opposed to Othello and Desdemona’s wedding. Brabantio’s strong belief that the officials will support him shows the audience that the officials usually did not support the intermarriage between a black and a white. All in all, Brabantio’s vehemently negative reaction toward the marriage shows that, during that time period, society assumed the black race was a lesser race.

                Even though Brabantio believes he has the support of the officials, when Brabantio goes to talk to the officials about the wedding, he finds that the officials support the wedding rather than oppose it. The officials even give Othello their blessing and believe that the two would make a great pair. Brabantio is shocked, but the officials’ blessings show that the black race, on very rare occasions, could be considered an equal or even superior, to the white race. Othello is a man of high military status, and he has a powerful and commanding presence. All in all, Othello is highly respected by the officials. However, the fact that Othello is the only highly respected black man within the play shows that Othello’s status is a very special case; the black race can attain courtesy from the officials, but the courtesy is very uncommon. Othello’s special treatment by the officials further supports the assertion that, during that time period, the black race assumed to be inferior; the white race could not see the black race as equal.

                All in all, Brabantio’s reaction toward Othello and the officials’ acceptance of solely Othello shows that society assumed the black race to be inferior. Society did not see the unequal view as immoral, for the officials and other characters within the play just accepted the race division as the way life was supposed to be.  Hence, Othello’s good standing with the officials is rare and unusual.

Poetry Slam Poem #3 (Tamar, Amanda, Brad, Sam Ng)

3. Sight

Sometimes I wonder, do we all see the same

When the light goes through the eye and gets flipped by the brain?

When we look at a tree, the image we see

Enters through a hole in our eye- then it’s flipped upside down, and right side up in the brain-

Sometimes I wonder, do we all see the same?

What if my world is upside down and yours right side up?

What if the colors we see do not really match up?

What if my blue is your red, and your red is my green?

These things we call colors, what do they really mean?

Are they just names that we have assigned,

To fit a society in which we all must be aligned?

If we set up a television through a wire in our mind,

Would the image from each of us be of the same kind?

I know the sky is blue, as we all do

But what if my night is your day and your sunrise my sunset? What if my grass is blue and your sky is green and in this world of colors-

Is it really all just black and white?

A canvas for our mind to paint.

A coloring book to use as a guide.

Because sometimes I wonder, do we all see the same?

Poetry Slam Poem #2 (Tamar, Amanda, Brad, Sam Ng)

2. “Nobody’s Perfect”

Growing up is easy when you have great role models.

From Drake and Josh on Nick to Kim Possible on Disney,

How could you go wrong with an idol like Hannah Montana?

But as she has taught us “Everybody makes mistakes, everybody has those days”*

As Lindsay Lohan has demonstrated to us in many ways!

Public intoxication, terrible situations, public humiliation, testing drugs’ limitations,

She keeps rehab running with all her drug use,

How could such a cute little girl turn to such abuse?

When she lost her parent trap twin, she lost all her luck

So Lindsay Lohan’s future didn't quite go as planned,

But we can always rely on Amanda Bynes for some sound advice.

Like her tweet from last night!

Teaching the young women of the world how to woo a man:

“I want @Drake to murder my…” Never mind.

By the way she’s single

And obviously ready to mingle.

From the Amanda Show to DUI’s

Who knew what else to expect?

Now she does what she wants, regardless of any respect

Clearly “It’s a party in the USA”*

All our Disney divas have let us down.

Our role models aren't who the seemed to be

So if anything goes wrong, blame Walt Disney.

(*credit to Miley Cyrus and where credit is due for the "Nobody's Perfect" and "Party in the USA" lyrics.)

Poetry Slam Poem #1 (Tamar, Amanda, Brad, Sam Ng)

1. Keeping Him Alive

Sitting on my grandfather's lap,
I look about the room
scanning the statues and carpets and overflowing bookshelves
a scene I know all too well, and I feel
comforted, as my grandfather speaks about a distant war,
a time I have never known, but somehow
the stories come alive.
His voice rises and falls to the beat of marching soldiers
he remembers a fallen friend
and the man whose life he took on his first and final shot.

He speaks proudly of his decision

To lay down his arms; to walk…and walk…and walk…

Until he found his General, and became a medic.

I’m proud of him, too.

He shows me the scar where the shrapnel spared him,

And shivers at the memory of a winter spent unconscious in the snow.

He falters; I can sense his sadness-

A sadness that endures for a lifetime.
He wants me to know these stories

So I listen because- I must know these stories:

But I was too young to understand
And maybe, I still am. Yet,
I will continue to keep his story alive:
Grandpa, I won't let you down.

Hamlet #6

                In Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Hamlet continues to be isolated from society throughout the final acts of the play. In Act 3, Scene 4, Hamlet talks to Gertrude. During the conversation Hamlet ends up killing Polonius because Hamlet thought Polonius was Claudius. Gertrude is understandably shaken by Hamlet’s violent outburst, and she must also be afraid that Hamlet is going to kill her as well. However, Gertrude attempts to hide her fear by agreeing with Hamlet. Hamlet reprimands Gertrude on her behavior since Laertes died, and Gertrude responds, “Thou turn’st my eyes into my <very> soul” (III.iv.100). Hamlet believes he is having a major breakthrough with Gertrude, but the queen is simply pretending to be on Hamlet’s side in order to save herself. Once Hamlet starts talking to the ghost, Gertrude is certain that Hamlet is crazy since Gertrude cannot see the ghost. In the next act, Gertrude describes Hamlet to Claudius: “Mad as the sea and wind when both contend / Which is the mightier” (IV.i.7-8). Just when Hamlet begins to believe he is beginning to get a grasp on society again, Hamlet ends up being mistaken by a madman due to his interaction with the ghost and his violent actions. Even Hamlet’s own mother has lost all hope for her son’s sanity. All in all, Hamlet continues to appear crazier, and thus Hamlet becomes more and more isolated from the world.

Poem #4

Keeping Him Alive

Sitting on my grandfather's lap,
I look about the room
scanning the statues and carpets and overflowing bookshelves
a scene I know all too well, and I feel
comforted, as my grandfather speaks about some distant war,
a time I have never know, but somehow
the stories come alive.
His voice rises and falls like the sound of marching soldiers
he speaks of a fallen friend
and the man whose life he took on his first and final shot
He wants me to know these stories
I must know these stories-

But I was too young to understand
And maybe, I still am. Yet,
I will continue to keep his story alive:
Grandpa, I won't let you down.

Poem #3

Ode to My Shift

The engine stops. Wind blows.
A big sigh, and-
Time to sprint! I rush to the door
Passed the greeter and the manager and the cashier
all the way to the back of the club
just. in. time.

Punching in at 9:00 am.

I sign on to the register
Clean the belt
And the coffee grinders.
A monotonous routine,
broken up only by the occasional member:
"Can you tell me where I can find this?"
"Of course!" I hear myself answer
in a voice all too chipper for only...

10:30 am?

The store is quiet- church time.
But it's only the 'calm before the storm'.

And then it's 11:15 am.

Brace yourself...
"Hi! How are you? Can I see your membership card?
Let me get that for you. No need to pick up that heavy bag yourself!"
The beeping and the hustling and the bustling and the humming that is the middle of the day
Surrounds me, and I watch
As the lines get more crowded and the people get more impatient and the spills become more frequent and I just want some

Peace. 1:00 pm; my break.
All too short.

Then it's
back to the beeping and the hustling and the bustling and the humming that is the middle of the afternoon
and the lines get long and the people get cranky and the spills keep happening
and all I can do is
keep this smile fixed upon my face
faking a cheerfulness I didn't know what possible
waiting...
    waiting for:

freedom. 3:00 pm.

Hamlet #5

                During Act 3, Scene 2 of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Hamlet invites Claudius and his mother to a play. The play is a reenactment of what Hamlet believes to have happened around the time of his father’s death. When a character named Lucianus enters the play, Hamlet says, “This one is Lucianus, nephew to the king” (III.ii.268). Ophelia replies to Hamlet’s extensive knowledge of the play by saying, “You are as good as a chorus, my lord” (III.ii.269). Ophelia appears to suspect that Hamlet set up the play to be a direct comparison between the recent events of Claudius and Gertrude.  She has seen the recent change in Hamlet’s behavior, and Ophelia knows that Hamlet is bothered by the recent marriage between his mother and uncle. The combined madness in Hamlet’s behavior and Polonius’s warnings about Hamlet cause Ophelia to distance herself from Hamlet. Ophelia knows Hamlet invited Claudius and Gertrude to the play out of poor intentions. Everyone is trying to figure out what has caused the recent change in Hamlet, and Ophelia is the character who appears to know the most about Hamlet’s behavior; however, no one is asking Ophelia her opinion on Hamlet. Thus, Claudius may be able to learn what is wrong with Hamlet if the king realizes he must ask Ophelia about the change in behavior.

Hamlet #4

                At the end of Act 2, Hamlet vows that he will “catch the conscience of the King” during the play (II.ii.633-634). Hamlet wants to determine whether or not the Claudius killed King Hamlet. There is nothing Hamlet hates more than people appearing to be something they are not, and Hamlet believes that Claudius is attempting to cover up the murder. Hamlet also believes that “the guilty creatures sitting at a play” cannot hide their emotions when faced with a play that mirrors the source of the guilt (II.ii.618). Hamlet realizes that the theater is a façade of real life, but Hamlet also realizes that the theater also directly connects to the audience and makes the audience react in a very pronounced way. A reaction from Claudius during the play will confirm Hamlet’s suspicions on whether or not Claudius killed King Hamlet. However, a reaction during a play is not enough proof to determine whether or not a person committed murder. Unfortunately, Hamlet is a moody, impulsive teenager who appears to be going mad. That madness will cause Hamlet to think irrationally, and Hamlet will most likely not be able to see that he does not have enough evidence to accuse Claudius of murder. All in all, Hamlet’s current instability will surely be a factor that drives the tragedy of the play.

Sound and Sense #14: Structure Poem

The Death of a Dream

You are young, believing you can be anything.

A veterinarian caring

An actor starring

The President taking charge

But me… I want to be a soccer player.

You grow older, believing you can be anything.

On with the shin guards

Now time for the socks

Lace up the beloved cleats

Time to go to practice.

You make sacrifices, knowing you can be anything.

A repeated phrase

Said not with regret-

But with pride.

I can’t, I have soccer.

You keep playing, and the plans change.

Soccer isn’t realistic

Think about your future

It’s time to grow up…

Is this what maturing means?

Can it really mean the death-

of a dream?

Poem Post #2

Mother Knows Best

Are your clothes packed?
Bags ready?
Do you have enough shampoo?
Are you sure you have your toothbrush?
Here, let me check for you.

Is your dorm set?
All clean?
I'll be checking up for sure.
Don't forget how to do your laundry!
You won't have me to guide you anymore.

Remember to make your bed
and dust the furniture
and sweep the floor.
Always make sure to use your Purell
and separate the whites
Can I think of anything more?...

Hey! Don't roll your eyes at me!
never forget that mother knows best.

Hamlet #2

                In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the family dynamic between Hamlet, his mother, and Claudius is very unstable. However, the family dynamic between Laertes, Ophelia, and Polonius is very stable. Ophelia is currently dating Hamlet, but Polonius does not want his daughter dating Hamlet. After Polonius voices his negative opinion of Hamlet, Ophelia says, “I shall obey, my lord” (I.iii.145). Instead of being a defiant teenager, Ophelia respects her father’s opinion of Hamlet. Ophelia’s response shows that she has a great respect for her father. On the contrary, Hamlet has no respect for Claudius as is shown when Hamlet publicly ridicules his mother and Claudius in front of the entire council. Laertes’ respect for Polonius is shown when Claudius is told leave by Polonius: “Most humbly do I take my leave, my lord” (I.iii.87). Laertes never talks back to his father; he simply obeys Polonius’ wishes. All in all, Laertes and Ophelia have a great respect for their father, while Hamlet does not hesitate to voice his disapproval of his mother’s and Claudius’ choices.

Poetry Blog Post: Death

7            

A life above? A black abyss?

Which one did not seem amiss?

Late at night-- she couldn’t sleep,

Anxiety set in, and she began to weep.

Her parents woke to hear her cries,

Her fears she confessed caught them by surprise.

“Do not worry!” her mother exclaimed.

“You’re far too young!” her father proclaimed.

Seven-years-old, with her whole life ahead

Yet she couldn’t shake the feeling of dread.

Leaving this world, who knows what’s next?

The philosophies only tend to perplex.

Is there a He and does He have plans?

Can we really count on more beyond this life span?

A life above? A black abyss?

Which one does not seem amiss?

Othello #7

            In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Othello recognizes he has committed a fatal action that he cannot undo. In Act 5, Scene 2 Othello kills Desdemona. After Desdemona’s death Emilia reveals that Iago was lying about Desdemona and Cassio sleeping together. Upon realizing Iago’s lies, Othello looks at Desdemona’s corpse and says, “This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven” (V.ii.32). Othello has already accepted that he is going to die by committing suicide, and Othello also accepts that he will not be joining Desdemona in heaven. Desdemona is a virtuous figure within the play, and, according to Christian beliefs, Desdemona will be able to enjoy heaven for eternity; Othello also knows that Desdemona is in heaven. Othello’s evil murder of Desdemona means that Othello will be condemned to the underworld. Desdemona’s virtue further highlights Othello’s recent malevolent actions. During Othello’s final speech, the audience is able to find sympathy for Othello in regard to Iago’s manipulation, but Desdemona’s heavenly virtue means the audience can never forgive Othello for the murder. Therefore, the murder of Desdemona marks the final straw in Othello’s downfall, and Othello can never return to the extreme happiness he felt just a few days before. 

Othello Act 5, Scene 2 lines 1-24

            In the opening lines of Act 5, Scene 2 in the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Othello is about to kill Desdemona. Through Othello’s soliloquy in Act 5, the audience realizes the immense change Othello has gone through as a character. At the beginning of the play, Othello was a calm, rational character. However, in Act 5 Othello has let his emotions take over his previous logical thoughts. These emotions lead to the death of Desdemona. As Othello looks upon Desdemona sleeping he says, “O balmy breath, that dost almost persuade / Justice to break her sword!” (V.ii.17-18). Othello then kisses Desdemona who still has a profound effect over him. Othello recognizes Desdemona’s beauty and perceived innocence. Previously, Othello would have looked upon the perceived innocence and laughed at the idea of Desdemona being unfaithful. However, Iago has caused Othello to doubt his own instincts of Desdemona’s pure nature. Othello no longer trusts his own judgment; therefore, even though Othello does still love Desdemona as shown through the kiss, Othello cannot shake his own jealous emotions. Othello’s inability to shake irrational emotions shows that Iago has taken over Othello’s mind. Hence, Othello’s soliloquy demonstrates his decline from a calm, rational character to a character that is driven by jealousy and emotions.

Othello #5

            In Act 4, Scene 1 of Othello by William Shakespeare, the audience experiences a negative shift in Othello’s character. Desdemona’s confusion for the change in “sweet Othello” is only heightened when Othello hits Desdemona and calls her “Devil!” (IV.i.267-268). In the previous acts, Othello would not dare lay a hand on Desdemona. Lodovico also notices a negative change in Othello and proclaims, “My lord, this would not be believed in Venice” (IV.i.270). When Othello was in Venice, Othello was composed, rational, and perfect in his speech. Since Othello has moved to Cyprus, Othello no longer keeps his emotions in check. Othello is easily manipulated by Iago into believing that Desdemona is cheating; however, Desdemona is completely faithful to Othello. The change in location mirrors the change in Othello. The marring of Othello’s seemingly perfect nature shows the audience the complete control Iago appears to have over all of the characters in the play. Othello and Desdemona’s marriage used to have no problems, but Iago was able to take down Othello’s composure and marriage simply by igniting jealousy within Othello. Through Othello’s seemingly impossible change in character, the audience is able to determine that Iago controls the fate of each of the characters.

Othello #4

            In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, the main character, Othello, appears to be in a euphoric bliss at the beginning of the play, but he eventually falls to the great depths of despair by the end of the play. Othello’s fall from grace is best noticed through Othello’s changing relationship with his wife. During one conversation where Desdemona attempts to have Cassio reinstated as Othello’s lieutenant, Othello will not listen to Desdemona’s pleas. Desdemona requests, “I pray, talk me of Cassio” (III.iv.108), but Othello simply responds, “The handkerchief!” (III.iv.109). Othello is asking about the handkerchief because he wrongly suspects that Desdemona gave the handkerchief to Cassio. Othello has lost trust in his wife, for Othello believes Iago’s false accusations that Desdemona is cheating with Cassio. Othello’s loss of trust in Desdemona marks the beginning of Othello’s downfall. Since Othello can no longer trust Desdemona, he becomes paranoid of the intentions of those around him. Othello does not trust neither Desdemona nor Cassio; however, the person Othello should not trust is Iago. Unfortunately, Iago is the only character that Othello fully trusts. Through Othello’s costly decision to trust Iago over his own wife, Iago leads Othello towards a tragic end. 

Othello #3 blog post

     In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Cassio and Roderigo are two characters who are heavily influenced by Iago. Iago is able to influence Cassio and Roderigo due to the pair’s dire need to accomplish a goal; Roderigo wants Desdemona to fall in love with him, and Cassio wants to restore his reputation.  Iago suggests for Cassio to convince Desdemona to talk to Othello on Cassio’s behalf. Desdemona’s influence on Othello could restore Cassio to the position of lieutenant. Cassio listens to the advice and thanks “honest Iago” (II.iii.335). However, Iago is not trustworthy. Iago tells Roderigo to hint to Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are involved with each other. Ultimately, Iago is not trustworthy because Iago is manipulating both Cassio and Roderigo so that Iago can get revenge on Othello. Iago wants revenge because he believes Othello wrongly chose Cassio to be lieutenant over himself. Although Cassio is portrayed as an intellectual while Roderigo is portrayed as a fool, Iago is able to easily manipulate both of the men into taking his own advice. The two men are unable to see Iago is only working for his personal benefit because both men are blinded by a goal; Cassio wants Othello’s forgiveness while Roderigo wants Desdemona’s love. These goals leave both men vulnerable to Iago’s manipulation, and the audience realizes that Iago cannot be trusted. 

Sound and Sense #13 p. 234 exercise

1. Choice A more successfully adapts sound to sense because the repeated ‘your’ followed by a soft g sound melodically links the last two clauses.

2. Choice B more successfully adapts sound to sense because the excerpt is written in iambic pentameter, while the last line in Choice A has an extra syllable in the last line breaking the musical effects of the excerpt.

3. Choice B more successfully adapts sound to sense because the hard c sound links ‘out-cast’ and ‘crows’ which adds to the negative connotation of crows, and the soft s sound links ‘across’ and ‘whiteness’ painting a vast scenery for the reader.

4. Choice B more successfully adapts sound to sense because the euphonious l, v, and s sounds add to the melodious feel of the poem. Also, the soft t sounds in ‘tells’ and ‘twilight’ links the two lines together.

5. Choice A more successfully adapts sound to sense because the poet uses alliteration to link ‘thousand’ to ‘through’, ‘moan’ to ‘gnarled’, and ‘quiet’ to ‘countless’.

6. Choice A more successfully adapts sound to sense because the harsh sh and st sounds add to the larks lack of tune.

7. Choice B more successfully adapts sound to sense because the end rhyme of the couplet connects the two lines and brings attention to the harsh b and g sounds.

8. Choice A more successfully adapts sound to sense because the repeated s sounds within the excerpt link the actions of the Night and Day to the world.

9. Choice B more successfully adapts sound to sense because the ABAB rhyme scheme adds to the melodic effect of the poem that symbolizes the routine of the end of the day.

10. Choice B more successfully adapts sound to sense because the end rhyme of the couplet gives rhythm to the poem making the poem more pleasing to the reader. 

Othello #2: Act 2, Scene 1

            In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago continues to manipulate others for his own benefit; however, no one seems to know that Iago is being deceitful. When Desdemona asks Iago how he ‘praises’ different types of people, Iago describes each type in a clever, but somewhat cruel, way. Desdemona appears horrified by Iago’s classifications, so Cassio explains that Iago “speaks home” (II.i.180). ‘Speaking home’ means that Iago speaks bluntly and honestly about others; Iago is not the best speaker, but Iago speaks the truth. However, Iago is not truthful. Iago is trying to go behind Cassio’s back so that Iago can be promoted to the position of Lieutenant. Iago reveals the plan to get Cassio demoted to Roderigo after Cassio and Desdemona leave the scene. The audience knows of Iago’s selfish intentions, but Iago continues to convince each person he talks to that he is acting in the person’s best interest. All in all, Iago cannot be trusted, for Iago is only looking to get revenge on Othello for choosing Cassio to be Lieutenant instead of Iago. 

Othello #1: Iago's Motives

     In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, the reader meets Iago. Iago is a sneaky character who appears to manipulate others for his own benefit. Namely, Iago wants to take down Othello. Although these manipulations make Iago seem selfish, Iago may have reasons to dislike Othello. First, Othello made Cassio lieutenant of the army which is a position Iago was hoping to attain. Iago says, Cassio “never sat a squadron in the field” (I.i.23). Since Cassio is much less experienced in warfare than Iago, Iago believes Othello was wrong to make Cassio the lieutenant. However, Othello is already experienced in warfare and may want an intellectual man to be the second in command. Cassio is an intellectual man who may be a good complement for Othello. Another contributing factor towards Iago’s hatred for Othello is that Iago suspects that his wife has slept with Othello: “it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheet / ‘Has done my office” (I.iii.430-431). However, Iago is unable to conclude whether or not Othello has in fact slept with his wife. Iago is jealous of Othello and therefore may be trying to come up with reasons to hate Othello. Iago’s jealously also shows when he describes Othello: “But he, as loving his own pride and purposes, / Evades them with a bombast circumstance” (I.i.13-14).  Iago describes Othello as very arrogant. Although Othello may overestimate himself at times, Iago definitely exaggerates Othello’s pride. Iago is most likely jealous of Othello since Othello is a highly respected army official even though Othello is also a Moor. All in all, Iago is unhappy that Othello chose Cassio to be lieutenant of the army over himself. Thus, Iago attempts to convince himself that Othello has done many wrongs in order to justify the hatred Iago feels towards Othello.

Poetry Blog Post #12

Chapter 12: Rhythm and Meter

(Flow) rhythm- any wavelike recurrence of motion or sound

Accented/stressed- given more prominence in pronunciation than the rest

Rhetorical stresses (in speech) - stressing words you want to emphasize

End-stopped line- end of line corresponds with natural speech pause

Run-on line- line moves on without pause into next line

Caesuras- pauses within line

Free verse- poetic line is basic rhythmic unit

Prose poem- depends entirely on ordinary prose rhythms

(Pattern) meter- identifying characteristic of rhythmic language we can tap our feet to

Foot- unit of meter; 1 accented syllable and 1 or 2 unaccented syllables

Kinds of feet:

1.      u/ u/ Iamb/Iambic

2.      /u /u Trochee/Trochaic

3.      uu/ uu/ Anapest/Anapestic

4.      /uu /uu Dactyl/ Dactylic

5.      // Spondee/Spondaic

Metrical lines measured by naming number of feet in them ex. Monometer = 1 foot

Metrical variations:

1.      Substitution (replace one foot with another)

2.      Extrametrical syllables (additions to beginning/end of lines)

3.      Truncation (omission of unaccented syllable at either end of line)

Scansion-process of defining metrical form of poem

1.      Identify prevailing foot

2.      Name number of feet in line

3.      Describe stanzaic pattern (if any)

Expected rhythm- meter we expect to hear

Heard rhythm- actual rhythm of words

Grammatical and rhetorical pauses- contribute to variations

The Stranger Essay Outline: Topic #5

Thesis: Through Meursault’s reaction to his own execution and Maman’s death, the reader is able to determine that Camus feels death is a personal journey that causes an appreciation for life.

1.       Camus writes Meursault as a character that is completely indifferent to Maman’s death which raises questions surrounding the social norms of mourning a loved one.

“Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don’t know” (3).

“So close to death, Maman must have felt free then and ready to live it all again” (122).

These two contrasting views Meursault has on Maman’s death show that Maman did not mourn his mother’s death because Maman was truly living life when she died. Meursault does not want to spend his life obsessing over the death of others.

2.       Camus emphasizes the fear the human race has towards death through Maman’s choice to have a religious burial after leading an impious life.

“While not an atheist, Maman had never in her life given a thought to religion” (6).

More than likely Maman chose a religious burial with the fear of death in mind. Camus acknowledges that there is fear surrounding death, but Camus also expresses that religion seems to take away from the appreciation of the current life.

3.      Once Meursault realizes he is to be executed, Meursault’s sudden appreciation for life supports Camus’ statement that death causes an appreciation for life.

“I spend my days watching how the dwindling of color turns day into night” (108).

***find other quotation

Meursault no longer feels constrained by society, and now realizes he can appreciate the world around him. According to Camus a life without societal pressures instills the most personal happiness.

4.      Camus criticizes society’s reflex to turn to religion when faced with death through Meursault’s reaction to the chaplain.

(Meursault speaking about religion) “I just didn’t have time to interest myself in what didn’t interest me” (117).

(The chaplain talking to Meursault) “You’re wrong, my son” (118).

The chaplain is utterly horrified that Meursault refuses God so close to Meursault’s execution, but Meursault is living with very limited time. Meursault wants to enjoy living the last moments of life and not preoccupy himself with preparations for death.

The Stranger #5

            In the novel The Stranger by Albert Camus, Mersault explains his thoughts on the way the guillotine is used during an execution. Mersault tells the reader that a person “walks up to [the guillotine] the way you walk up to another person. That bothered me” (112). Mersault is bothered by the guillotine’s use due to the lack of imagination. Mersault compares executions by the guillotine to the way the structure of life takes away from personal contentment. Mersault does not see beauty in society’s structure; rather, Mersault believes that structure dismisses the beauty of life. Merasult’s view of life can by contrasted to Dorian’s view of life in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Generally, Dorian can find beauty in the world around him and appreciate the aesthetic appeal of a situation. Contrarily, Mersault is only able to look beyond societal structure appreciate the world’s beauty once Mersault realizes he is going to die. Throughout the novel The Stranger, the reader is lead to believe that Mersault lacks emotions. However, Mersault does not lack emotions. Mersault simply cannot find meaning behind social norms that do not focus on being content with life in the present moment. According to Mersault, societal structure takes away personal free will just like how the guillotine executes a victim. 

The Stranger #4

            In the novel The Stranger by Albert Camus, the reader is unable to discern whether or not Mersault has emotions. The reader questions Mersault’s lack of emotions especially during Mersault’s trial. Mersault rarely appears to show emotion during the trial even though Mersault is on trial for killing an Arab. During one part of the trial, Mersault explains, “I had this stupid urge to cry, because I could feel how much all these people hated me” (90). Mersault definitely concerns himself with social acceptance since external hatred makes Mersault want to cry. However, Mersault experiences a rather emotionless urge to cry. Mersault describes the urge as ‘stupid’, for Mersault usually does not cry. Crying would mean showing emotion, and Mersault is definitely not comfortable showing emotion to the reader. Mersault does not see a point in crying, and once again pushes a human emotion away. Since Mersault does not show emotion to the reader, the reader is still unable to declare whether or not Mersault is capable of human emotion.