1. Choose one of the values of romanticism we discussed: emotion over reason, nature over human-made, impermanence of humanity, the individual over the collective, valuing rural life. writing sparked by individual emotion instead of borrowing from other genres or over thinking writing.
2. Choose three literary works from the Romantic Unit. How does the Romantic value you chose come out in these three literary works.
3. Incorporate at least two direct quotations from these works to support your assertion. Use "/" to indicate breaks in lines
4. Remember to explain the why's and how's surrounding your assertions/claims i.e. how does this or that literary work represent the value you choose or why do you think the Romantics focused on these values in their writing over others? Why were the Romantics drawn to such themes?
5. As always, solid topic sentences and varied sentence structure are always helpful.
The romantic era was filled with many stories of emotion and feeling that had to do with nature along with many other aspects of life. Nature being valued over man-made things is one values that romantics lived by that led to many great pieces of literature. Three pieces just from our book that show this value are, Ode to the West Wind, The World is too Much With Us, and Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard. Each of these selections show in their own way how the romantics used feeling and emotion in their writing beyond the normal writers of that century. In Ode to the West Wind Shelly tells how nature has more life and meaning than man made things when he says, "The winged seeds, where they lie cold and low/Each like a corpse within its grave, until/Thine azure sister of the Spring shall blow." He talks about all the facets of nature in a way that gives them life and emotion. In The World is too Much With Us by William Wordsworth he talks about how people don't value nature and only worry about the now and what they want. He also depicts how people don't realize how good they really have it when he says,"Little we see in Nature that is ours;/We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!" Finally in Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard by Thomas Gray he shows readers that in the end everything will go back to nature. He says,"The boast of heraldry, the pomp or power,/And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,/Awaits alike the inevitable hour./The paths of glory lead but to the grave." To me this shows that we should not get wrapped up in what we have or worldly things because in the end we can't take that with us and what really matters is your legacy and what you leave behind.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Blake & Burns Poems
1. Robert Burns is known as the national poet of Scotland; how does Burns incorporate/
honor is Scottish heritage in the poems “Auld Lang Syne•” and “John Anderson My
Jo”?
In the first poem he talks about the friendliness of the Scottish people and how they can have a good time and in the second poem he talks about the true love that two Scottish people shared.
2. What idea concept is being praised/honored in “Auld Lang Syne”?
How is this same theme extended in “John Anderson, My Jo”? How do these values reflect the values of Romanticism? How do they contrast with the values of the Age of Reason?
He is showing the that Scottish people are people who enjoy life and live for the moment by enjoying a drink and remembering old friends, then how the two loved each other in the second one. This reflects romanticism because it shows how they live for that moment and are "flying by the seat of their pants" so to speak, while it contrast the Age of Reason by thinking with their hearts instead of their heads.
3. What does the metaphor of the hill in the second stanza of John Anderson, My Jo
represent?
It represents life and all of life's troubles and hard times and how they have gone through them together.
4. Explain how William Blake•s upbringing/worldview influenced the type of poetry he wrote.
When he was younger he had visions of celestial bodies so when he wrote in incorporated these visions into his writing and wrote a more visual and spiritual ties, which were unconventional at the time.
5. How are “The Lamb” and “The Tyger” similar to each other? (Read “About the
Selection” on p 679) What two sides of the human soul do the animals represent?
Why did Blake it equally important to understand both sides? In a religious framework, what do the two animals represent?
The two have exactly the same rhyme scheme and are wrote almost identically in structure. The lamb represents innocence while the tyger represents experience. It is equally important to understand both because they are both key parts of human nature and life. The lamb represents Jesus in a religious framework and the tyger represents evil made by God (eden).
6. How do William Blake•s three poems celebrate the untameness of nature and reject the urbanity/structured society? How does this reflect Romanticism?
He looks at normal things in an abstract view. He also looks as though things are in nature and not like the normal hustle and bustle of a big society. He also gives the pieces and what they talk about a more religious view instead of a normal more conservative, logical view.
honor is Scottish heritage in the poems “Auld Lang Syne•” and “John Anderson My
Jo”?
In the first poem he talks about the friendliness of the Scottish people and how they can have a good time and in the second poem he talks about the true love that two Scottish people shared.
2. What idea concept is being praised/honored in “Auld Lang Syne”?
How is this same theme extended in “John Anderson, My Jo”? How do these values reflect the values of Romanticism? How do they contrast with the values of the Age of Reason?
He is showing the that Scottish people are people who enjoy life and live for the moment by enjoying a drink and remembering old friends, then how the two loved each other in the second one. This reflects romanticism because it shows how they live for that moment and are "flying by the seat of their pants" so to speak, while it contrast the Age of Reason by thinking with their hearts instead of their heads.
3. What does the metaphor of the hill in the second stanza of John Anderson, My Jo
represent?
It represents life and all of life's troubles and hard times and how they have gone through them together.
4. Explain how William Blake•s upbringing/worldview influenced the type of poetry he wrote.
When he was younger he had visions of celestial bodies so when he wrote in incorporated these visions into his writing and wrote a more visual and spiritual ties, which were unconventional at the time.
5. How are “The Lamb” and “The Tyger” similar to each other? (Read “About the
Selection” on p 679) What two sides of the human soul do the animals represent?
Why did Blake it equally important to understand both sides? In a religious framework, what do the two animals represent?
The two have exactly the same rhyme scheme and are wrote almost identically in structure. The lamb represents innocence while the tyger represents experience. It is equally important to understand both because they are both key parts of human nature and life. The lamb represents Jesus in a religious framework and the tyger represents evil made by God (eden).
6. How do William Blake•s three poems celebrate the untameness of nature and reject the urbanity/structured society? How does this reflect Romanticism?
He looks at normal things in an abstract view. He also looks as though things are in nature and not like the normal hustle and bustle of a big society. He also gives the pieces and what they talk about a more religious view instead of a normal more conservative, logical view.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Romantic Era
1. When did the Romantic Era begin and end? Overall, how does the book describe the movement? How does it contrast to the Enlightenment/Age of Reason?
The romantic era lasted from 1785 to 1832. The book describes it as a rebellion against the rational. It is different from the enlightenment and age of reason because it was spontaneous and had no "rhyme or reason" to it.
2. What were the major political developments/changes that occured during the Romantic Era?
There was a civil reform because there was a span of three weak kings which lead to powerful prime ministers. In 1832 parliamentary seats were redistributed.
3. The introduction describe three pre-Romantic poets; how did these poets bridge the gap between Neoclassicism and Romanticism? What were the name of the three pre-Romantics discussed in the book?
Thomas Gray, Robert Burns, and William Blake all bridged the gap by writing in new styles that were for the common man and in a normal mans terms and were written with native dialect.
4. What publication really began the Romantic Era? Why was the publication pivotal in the Romantic movement? What statements were the two authors trying to make with it? Who were considered the second generation of Romantics? What did they celebrate through their literature?
Lyrical Ballads really started the Romantic Era and was pivotal because it explained the movement and what its writing was about. They stated that it should be for the common man and explained their revolutionary theory of poetry. George Gordon, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelly and John Keats were the second generation and they celebrated the first generation and their ideas.
5. What is a Gothic novel? What are some examples of it?
Long stories containing elements of suspense, mystery, magic, and the macabre. The Castle of Otranto, The Mysteries of Udolpho, and Frankenstein are all examples.
6. What type of novel did Jane Austen right?
She wrote novels of manners
The romantic era lasted from 1785 to 1832. The book describes it as a rebellion against the rational. It is different from the enlightenment and age of reason because it was spontaneous and had no "rhyme or reason" to it.
2. What were the major political developments/changes that occured during the Romantic Era?
There was a civil reform because there was a span of three weak kings which lead to powerful prime ministers. In 1832 parliamentary seats were redistributed.
3. The introduction describe three pre-Romantic poets; how did these poets bridge the gap between Neoclassicism and Romanticism? What were the name of the three pre-Romantics discussed in the book?
Thomas Gray, Robert Burns, and William Blake all bridged the gap by writing in new styles that were for the common man and in a normal mans terms and were written with native dialect.
4. What publication really began the Romantic Era? Why was the publication pivotal in the Romantic movement? What statements were the two authors trying to make with it? Who were considered the second generation of Romantics? What did they celebrate through their literature?
Lyrical Ballads really started the Romantic Era and was pivotal because it explained the movement and what its writing was about. They stated that it should be for the common man and explained their revolutionary theory of poetry. George Gordon, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelly and John Keats were the second generation and they celebrated the first generation and their ideas.
5. What is a Gothic novel? What are some examples of it?
Long stories containing elements of suspense, mystery, magic, and the macabre. The Castle of Otranto, The Mysteries of Udolpho, and Frankenstein are all examples.
6. What type of novel did Jane Austen right?
She wrote novels of manners
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Pride and Prejudice
1. What character has the pride and which character has the predjudice? Explain.
Elizabeth has the pride and Darcy has the prejudice. Darcy looks down at people at some points and thinks lowly of some people. Elizabeth has pride because she is very prim to herself and will not marry the man because she
2. What are examples of gender inequity in the movie? How does this gender inequity impact the decisions of some characters?
Women were courted or forced to marry a man. That a sophisticated woman should have to read and study a lot, basically do everything. Elizabeth declines marriage for herself while her friend gets married for the reason that she feels its sensible.
3. What are examples of social class playing a role in how characters interact?
Lower class women had little to no say in their own life while upper class women did. Lower class women were accused of marring for money rather than for love.
4. Based of the movie, what were some of the expected norms/behavior women were expect for conform to? How does Elizabeth Bennett break out against these roles?
They were expected to marry when they were asked and to look pretty and not have opinions. Elizabeth turned a man down and was outspoken at the dance.
5. What do you think Jane Austen was trying to comment on about love/courtship for time period/world? Is it satirical in nature at all?
That marriage was expected when it was fitting or convenient for others than the woman involved. It is satirical because she over exaggerated the point of it.
Elizabeth has the pride and Darcy has the prejudice. Darcy looks down at people at some points and thinks lowly of some people. Elizabeth has pride because she is very prim to herself and will not marry the man because she
2. What are examples of gender inequity in the movie? How does this gender inequity impact the decisions of some characters?
Women were courted or forced to marry a man. That a sophisticated woman should have to read and study a lot, basically do everything. Elizabeth declines marriage for herself while her friend gets married for the reason that she feels its sensible.
3. What are examples of social class playing a role in how characters interact?
Lower class women had little to no say in their own life while upper class women did. Lower class women were accused of marring for money rather than for love.
4. Based of the movie, what were some of the expected norms/behavior women were expect for conform to? How does Elizabeth Bennett break out against these roles?
They were expected to marry when they were asked and to look pretty and not have opinions. Elizabeth turned a man down and was outspoken at the dance.
5. What do you think Jane Austen was trying to comment on about love/courtship for time period/world? Is it satirical in nature at all?
That marriage was expected when it was fitting or convenient for others than the woman involved. It is satirical because she over exaggerated the point of it.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Candide
Answer the following that reading Candide,
1. Write a summary paragraph of the selection.
This is a story about a young boy who was raised in a fancy and great castle where there was no wrong or wrong doing. He then became love struck by Maedmoiselle Cunegonde and kissed her. Candide was expelled from the castle for this. He then goes on to the Bulgarians and is treated great at first then is put in the army and is thrashed for going on a walk and believing in freedom. During the war he escapes to Holland and is then again criticized for his believes in God and that the pope is not the anti-Christ. At the end of the story he runs into his philosopher from when he was a young boy at the castle, who is now homeless.
2. What philosophical idea is Voltaire satirizing through the work?
He is satirizing the idea that people are ridiculed for their ideas a believes daily, even if what they believe in is right and just. He is also satirizing the idea that everything happens for the best.
3. What are examples of Voltaire satirizing war and government in Candide? What are example of Voltaire satirizing religion in Candide?
He satirizes war by showing that you were looked upon as a hero and the perfect size, and government where the young boy gets 4000 lashes for going on a walk away from their society. He satirizes religion when the man asks him if he believes that the pope is the anti-Christ and when he answers he does not care he is only hungry the man replies that he is not worthy to eat.
4. What is the irony in Pangloss's appearance at the end of the selection?
It is ironic because Candide lives by this man's philosophies and thinks he was right about everything all the time and in the end that man becomes homeless and worse off than Candide.
5. Do you agree with Voltaire's critique of philosophical optimism, or do you think he's too skeptical and bitter toward the idea that everything that happens is for the best? Why or why not?
I think that his critique is good because bad things do happen and are unavoidable. It is a part of life and something everyone has to deal with, but also I do believe that there is a reason for everything and that there is a bigger plan.
1. Write a summary paragraph of the selection.
This is a story about a young boy who was raised in a fancy and great castle where there was no wrong or wrong doing. He then became love struck by Maedmoiselle Cunegonde and kissed her. Candide was expelled from the castle for this. He then goes on to the Bulgarians and is treated great at first then is put in the army and is thrashed for going on a walk and believing in freedom. During the war he escapes to Holland and is then again criticized for his believes in God and that the pope is not the anti-Christ. At the end of the story he runs into his philosopher from when he was a young boy at the castle, who is now homeless.
2. What philosophical idea is Voltaire satirizing through the work?
He is satirizing the idea that people are ridiculed for their ideas a believes daily, even if what they believe in is right and just. He is also satirizing the idea that everything happens for the best.
3. What are examples of Voltaire satirizing war and government in Candide? What are example of Voltaire satirizing religion in Candide?
He satirizes war by showing that you were looked upon as a hero and the perfect size, and government where the young boy gets 4000 lashes for going on a walk away from their society. He satirizes religion when the man asks him if he believes that the pope is the anti-Christ and when he answers he does not care he is only hungry the man replies that he is not worthy to eat.
4. What is the irony in Pangloss's appearance at the end of the selection?
It is ironic because Candide lives by this man's philosophies and thinks he was right about everything all the time and in the end that man becomes homeless and worse off than Candide.
5. Do you agree with Voltaire's critique of philosophical optimism, or do you think he's too skeptical and bitter toward the idea that everything that happens is for the best? Why or why not?
I think that his critique is good because bad things do happen and are unavoidable. It is a part of life and something everyone has to deal with, but also I do believe that there is a reason for everything and that there is a bigger plan.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Gulliver's Travels
Choose one the world's that Gulliver visits; What social issue(s)/human fault is Swift commenting on through Gulliver's visit to this world? What details from this world bring it out? Is the movie subtle or blatant in how they reveal this? How does the medium of film help to bring out the satire more than just the book could by itself? Did the movie make you think or did you think it was a poor adaptation? Why?
The Land of the Houyhnhnm's the horses show us all of humans flaws from greed and pride to selfishness and inconsideration. We see this from how they view the yahoos. The yahoos are men and women who act as savages and bring forth all the points of human flaws with extreme exaggeration but it is shown to us by the horses because of how they perceive the yahoos which makes Gulliver realize that these are human flaws. The film portrays the yahoos as greasy muddy creatures so we see them as an entire different race but yet when Gulliver gets muddy we see that humans look the exact same way. The movie brought out more real points and showed us visually humans flaws and how we should go about living our lives from learning form the horses.
The Land of the Houyhnhnm's the horses show us all of humans flaws from greed and pride to selfishness and inconsideration. We see this from how they view the yahoos. The yahoos are men and women who act as savages and bring forth all the points of human flaws with extreme exaggeration but it is shown to us by the horses because of how they perceive the yahoos which makes Gulliver realize that these are human flaws. The film portrays the yahoos as greasy muddy creatures so we see them as an entire different race but yet when Gulliver gets muddy we see that humans look the exact same way. The movie brought out more real points and showed us visually humans flaws and how we should go about living our lives from learning form the horses.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Pg 566-570
Answer the following questions from page 566-570.
1. What was the Restoration in British History?
The Restoration began in 1660 when Charles II became king and ended the Protestant Interregnum.
2. How did the political system change through the Restoration and 17th Century?
It became more of a constitutional monarchy. They gave parliament the right to levy taxes, along with other wide-ranging powers.
3. Why is this time also called the Age of Reason/Enlightenment? Give examples of people from this time who contributed to this label.
It is called the Age of reason or Enlightenment because during this time period philosophers, writers and scientists were defining new ways to look at the world they lived in. Sir Isaac Newton revealed an orderly, clockwork universe regulated by rational principles.
4. Define what Neoclassicism is how it was incorporates into the literature during the time. What was this age also called that relates to this concept?
Is reverting back and using literature from ancient Romans and Greeks to emulate. This time period is known as the Neoclassical Literature of the eighteenth century.
5. The Enlightenment/Restoration is divided up into three areas based on people's names. What are they? What characteristics/authors/literary genres is associated with each age?
Age of Dryden, the Age of Pope, and the Age of Johnson. Dryden-began with the restoration of the monarchy and ended with the death of John Dryden, this time period with associated with satirical writing. Pope- was the peak of the neoclassicism writing. Alexander Pope was the big writer of this time period. Johnson- Samuel Johnson was the biggest writer of this age and wrote in neoclassicism ideas that related more to the freer more emotional, more natural style of the Romantics.
1. What was the Restoration in British History?
The Restoration began in 1660 when Charles II became king and ended the Protestant Interregnum.
2. How did the political system change through the Restoration and 17th Century?
It became more of a constitutional monarchy. They gave parliament the right to levy taxes, along with other wide-ranging powers.
3. Why is this time also called the Age of Reason/Enlightenment? Give examples of people from this time who contributed to this label.
It is called the Age of reason or Enlightenment because during this time period philosophers, writers and scientists were defining new ways to look at the world they lived in. Sir Isaac Newton revealed an orderly, clockwork universe regulated by rational principles.
4. Define what Neoclassicism is how it was incorporates into the literature during the time. What was this age also called that relates to this concept?
Is reverting back and using literature from ancient Romans and Greeks to emulate. This time period is known as the Neoclassical Literature of the eighteenth century.
5. The Enlightenment/Restoration is divided up into three areas based on people's names. What are they? What characteristics/authors/literary genres is associated with each age?
Age of Dryden, the Age of Pope, and the Age of Johnson. Dryden-began with the restoration of the monarchy and ended with the death of John Dryden, this time period with associated with satirical writing. Pope- was the peak of the neoclassicism writing. Alexander Pope was the big writer of this time period. Johnson- Samuel Johnson was the biggest writer of this age and wrote in neoclassicism ideas that related more to the freer more emotional, more natural style of the Romantics.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Cavalier vs. Puritan
We read literature from two opposing forces, the Puritans and the Cavaliers represented by Milton/Bunyan and Lovelace/Marvel respectively.
1. Describe the worldviews of these groups.
Cavaliers live for today and live to make profit from their lives right now and not for the future, while Puritans live for tomorrow and the after-life, they prepare to go to the life after everything.
2. How do these worldviews contrast with each other?
Cavaliers are more reckless and care about today while Puritans are more reserved and prepare for the future and the after life.
3. Give specific examples from selections we read that represent these worldviews?
Marvel says in his piece that if they do not get married now that something may happen and they may not live to see tomorrow or it happen. In Milton's piece it is mostly about the after life and why things are the way they are there, talking about why Satin is in hell and why God rules heaven.
4. Which worldview do you align yourself with more?
I don't think that i could align myself one way or another because I do live for now but I am also living for my future and am close to God. I take every day for what it is worth and make the most of my opportunities which is more on the cavalier side but then again I plan for my future and look ahead and am thinking about my after life which is the puritan side.
1. Describe the worldviews of these groups.
Cavaliers live for today and live to make profit from their lives right now and not for the future, while Puritans live for tomorrow and the after-life, they prepare to go to the life after everything.
2. How do these worldviews contrast with each other?
Cavaliers are more reckless and care about today while Puritans are more reserved and prepare for the future and the after life.
3. Give specific examples from selections we read that represent these worldviews?
Marvel says in his piece that if they do not get married now that something may happen and they may not live to see tomorrow or it happen. In Milton's piece it is mostly about the after life and why things are the way they are there, talking about why Satin is in hell and why God rules heaven.
4. Which worldview do you align yourself with more?
I don't think that i could align myself one way or another because I do live for now but I am also living for my future and am close to God. I take every day for what it is worth and make the most of my opportunities which is more on the cavalier side but then again I plan for my future and look ahead and am thinking about my after life which is the puritan side.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Rural poem questions
What do you think about living here? What are the benefits? What are the drawbacks? Do you plan to live in a rural area once you've established a career? Why or why not?
I love where I have grown up and where we live. I think living in a rural lifestyle and growing up here teaches you things you can not learn in a big city. I think that you learn a better work ethic and better people skills because you know everybody and everybody knows you. I also think that there is a minor drawback of not being around a big city because there is limited resources of fun in a small town community and living in a bigger city doesn't have that problem. I think after I have established my career I plan to live in a bigger city because there is more opportunity there. On the other hand I want to have ties to a smaller rural community as well because there is no substitute for this kind of living and what it teaches you.
I love where I have grown up and where we live. I think living in a rural lifestyle and growing up here teaches you things you can not learn in a big city. I think that you learn a better work ethic and better people skills because you know everybody and everybody knows you. I also think that there is a minor drawback of not being around a big city because there is limited resources of fun in a small town community and living in a bigger city doesn't have that problem. I think after I have established my career I plan to live in a bigger city because there is more opportunity there. On the other hand I want to have ties to a smaller rural community as well because there is no substitute for this kind of living and what it teaches you.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Hamlet vs Macbeth
1. Friendship and Betrayal
Hamlet- R&G are hired by the King and Queen to find out what is wrong with Hamlet and why he has been acting the way he has been. I think that this is betrayal because if they were Hamlet's friends they would try to find out for themselves and not be "spies" for the King and Queen.
Macbeth- Banquo and Macbeth are friends in the beginning of the play and are told that one will be king and one's children will become king. This starts to cause controversy when Macbeth lies to Banquo telling him he doesn't think about it and from then on all the betrayal starts and Macbeth ends up killing Banquo for power and to keep his power. The ultimate form of betrayal.
2. Supernatural acts
Hamlet- In Hamlet the ghost in the first act sets up the whole play and is the reason the plot happens. The ghost appears and tells Hamlet that he is his father and he was poisoned and killed by Claudius. This supernatural power is why Hamlet goes into rage and regains the power from the corruption.
Macbeth- In Macbeth three witches make predictions about their future and how Macbeth will become king and Banquo's children will be better kings. This causes controversy in this story by making Macbeth so hungry to keep his power that he kills his friends family and tries to kill him just so they won't take over the throne.
3. Rage
Hamlet- Hamlet is in a rage when he figures out that Claudius poisoned his father and that he is un-rightfully taking his fathers throne. This rage leads to the restoration of the throne and the kingdom when Hamlet kills Claudius. This rage also leads to unnecessary deaths when he kills Polonius and Laertes. It also leads to the death of Getrude because she drank the poisoned wine that was supposed to kill Hamlet.
Macbeth- In Macbeth rage plays two roles in the story. Macbeth you could say is in a blind rage and is killing unnecessarily because he wants to keep power and gain the kingdom. He ends up killing Banquo and then Macduff's family to keep the power but Macduff is not killed and flees. When he returns he has brought an army and a lot of rage with him because of the crimes Macbeth committed. Macduff in the end ends up killing Macbeth and restores the throne from corruption.
Hamlet- R&G are hired by the King and Queen to find out what is wrong with Hamlet and why he has been acting the way he has been. I think that this is betrayal because if they were Hamlet's friends they would try to find out for themselves and not be "spies" for the King and Queen.
Macbeth- Banquo and Macbeth are friends in the beginning of the play and are told that one will be king and one's children will become king. This starts to cause controversy when Macbeth lies to Banquo telling him he doesn't think about it and from then on all the betrayal starts and Macbeth ends up killing Banquo for power and to keep his power. The ultimate form of betrayal.
2. Supernatural acts
Hamlet- In Hamlet the ghost in the first act sets up the whole play and is the reason the plot happens. The ghost appears and tells Hamlet that he is his father and he was poisoned and killed by Claudius. This supernatural power is why Hamlet goes into rage and regains the power from the corruption.
Macbeth- In Macbeth three witches make predictions about their future and how Macbeth will become king and Banquo's children will be better kings. This causes controversy in this story by making Macbeth so hungry to keep his power that he kills his friends family and tries to kill him just so they won't take over the throne.
3. Rage
Hamlet- Hamlet is in a rage when he figures out that Claudius poisoned his father and that he is un-rightfully taking his fathers throne. This rage leads to the restoration of the throne and the kingdom when Hamlet kills Claudius. This rage also leads to unnecessary deaths when he kills Polonius and Laertes. It also leads to the death of Getrude because she drank the poisoned wine that was supposed to kill Hamlet.
Macbeth- In Macbeth rage plays two roles in the story. Macbeth you could say is in a blind rage and is killing unnecessarily because he wants to keep power and gain the kingdom. He ends up killing Banquo and then Macduff's family to keep the power but Macduff is not killed and flees. When he returns he has brought an army and a lot of rage with him because of the crimes Macbeth committed. Macduff in the end ends up killing Macbeth and restores the throne from corruption.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Mcbeth prediscussion
Circle either agree or disagree for each statement. There are no right or wrong answers, and you will not be graded on which one you choose.
Agree/Disagree 1. Our fate is predetermined.
Agree/Disagree 2. It is natural for humans to strive for power.
Agree/Disagree 3. When in power, humans will do anything to maintain it.
Agree/Disagree 4. An accomplice is just as guilty as the person who commits a crime.
Agree/Disagree 5. If you kill, you should be killed in return (“an eye for an eye”).
Choose two of the above questions to discuss in writing. Explain why you chose the answer you did in 3-4 sentences. Please include examples to support your viewpoint. You will be using your explanations in small group and class discussions, so be specific!
1) I think our fate is not predetermined because I feel God determines what our future holds by decisions we make every day. Yes I do feel everything happens for a reason and there is a bigger picture and a plan God sets out for us, but I think it is determined by the decisions we make every day. If you decide to commit a crime God will fitfully change your destiny because of your decisions I believe.
5) I do not think that in all cases it is right to say you should be killed if you kill someone because accidents happen. I think that if you maliciously kill another human being than yes punishment of death may be in your cards but there are cases where we ask people to kill other humans in war and I do not feel that those people should be punished by death! They should be commended for serving their country. Also if a doctor makes a mistake in medicine or cannot cure a patient or has to "pull the plug" so to speak they should not be punished by death! I think "an eye for an eye" is only applicable in certain situations.
Agree/Disagree 1. Our fate is predetermined.
Agree/Disagree 2. It is natural for humans to strive for power.
Agree/Disagree 3. When in power, humans will do anything to maintain it.
Agree/Disagree 4. An accomplice is just as guilty as the person who commits a crime.
Agree/Disagree 5. If you kill, you should be killed in return (“an eye for an eye”).
Choose two of the above questions to discuss in writing. Explain why you chose the answer you did in 3-4 sentences. Please include examples to support your viewpoint. You will be using your explanations in small group and class discussions, so be specific!
1) I think our fate is not predetermined because I feel God determines what our future holds by decisions we make every day. Yes I do feel everything happens for a reason and there is a bigger picture and a plan God sets out for us, but I think it is determined by the decisions we make every day. If you decide to commit a crime God will fitfully change your destiny because of your decisions I believe.
5) I do not think that in all cases it is right to say you should be killed if you kill someone because accidents happen. I think that if you maliciously kill another human being than yes punishment of death may be in your cards but there are cases where we ask people to kill other humans in war and I do not feel that those people should be punished by death! They should be commended for serving their country. Also if a doctor makes a mistake in medicine or cannot cure a patient or has to "pull the plug" so to speak they should not be punished by death! I think "an eye for an eye" is only applicable in certain situations.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Hamlet Act 4 and 5 blog
1. What common event takes place in the lives of Hamelt, Fortinbras, and Laertes? How are the reactions of three similar? How does each cope differently in the the event?
All three of them have their father killed and all want revenge and to react. Hamlet just thinks and doesn't react right away, Fortinbras marches 20,000 troops into Poland to seek revenge and Laertes kills Hamlet in revenge.
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
He goes from thinking it would be better to live in confidence and knowing what your living in that to die and go to the unknown to thinking that there is nothing to live for and it is better to die. It makes me think about what is really important in life and what to live for.
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
Yes I believe so, because he is acting on his feelings and that is what Hamlet wants to do but can't.
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
Literal poisons have a huge impact because in the end that is ultimately how everyone dies. In a metaphorical sense you could say that Hamlet is poisoned throughout the story with everything that happened and also I think Gertrude is also poisoned because after she marries Claudius it ultimately leads to the downfall of the entire play.
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
Yes I think he does because he avenges his fathers death and I also think he deserves the funeral that he gets because he did what he did and it is what Fortinbras would have done.
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
I think Claudius, Laertes, Polonius, and Hamlet all bring their death upon themselves because they are all instigators in what happens to them and the main reason for what happened. I think Gertrude is the biggest victim because she drank the poison on accident. Ophelia is also a victim because she is didn't do anything to deserve it
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
Yes I did like the play a lot because there was many different levels of plot and it is very well played out and thought out.
All three of them have their father killed and all want revenge and to react. Hamlet just thinks and doesn't react right away, Fortinbras marches 20,000 troops into Poland to seek revenge and Laertes kills Hamlet in revenge.
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
He goes from thinking it would be better to live in confidence and knowing what your living in that to die and go to the unknown to thinking that there is nothing to live for and it is better to die. It makes me think about what is really important in life and what to live for.
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
Yes I believe so, because he is acting on his feelings and that is what Hamlet wants to do but can't.
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
Literal poisons have a huge impact because in the end that is ultimately how everyone dies. In a metaphorical sense you could say that Hamlet is poisoned throughout the story with everything that happened and also I think Gertrude is also poisoned because after she marries Claudius it ultimately leads to the downfall of the entire play.
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
Yes I think he does because he avenges his fathers death and I also think he deserves the funeral that he gets because he did what he did and it is what Fortinbras would have done.
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
I think Claudius, Laertes, Polonius, and Hamlet all bring their death upon themselves because they are all instigators in what happens to them and the main reason for what happened. I think Gertrude is the biggest victim because she drank the poison on accident. Ophelia is also a victim because she is didn't do anything to deserve it
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
Yes I did like the play a lot because there was many different levels of plot and it is very well played out and thought out.
Act 4 and 5 Hamlet study guide
1. What common event takes place in the lives of Hamelt, Fortinbras, and Laertes? How are the reactions of three similar? How does each cope differently in the the event?
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hamlet Act 3 blog
1. Hamlet gives advice about acting to the Players before "The Mousetrap" in Act III sc i. Do you agree with the acting advice he gives? Who is your favorite actress/actor? Why?
Yes I do agree with him about his advice. Acting should be real and full of real emotion. My favorite actor is Will Smith because he can put so much emotion into his parts and really plays the parts he does well. He is also very smooth in delivery of lines which adds to the dramatic parts of the movie.
2. Do you think Hamlet crosses the line in how he acts toward Ophelia, R & G, and Queen i.e. rudely? Even though he's the hero of the story, do you like him as a character overall? Do his flaws make him a more compelling character? Why or why?
I think he is a very emotional character and is very blunt and up front with what he says. I don't think he crosses the line because of the situation he has been put in with the ghost and with his mother getting married so soon. Overall I think he is a very strong character and makes the play. His flaws make the story I think because he then can go on rants and do things that make the story better.
3. Claudius evidently feels guilt during Act III sc iii; however, he finds difficult to ask for forgiveness. Why is this so? Is there any any way Claudius can be redeemed?
Because he doesn't actually feel that guilty about it and still just thinks about himself and saving himself. I don't think there is any chance of Claudius redeeming himself in anyway, especially in Hamlet's eyes.
4. Hamlet's fatal flaw in the inability to act, and his tendency to overanalyze situations. Think of other films/books you've viewed. What's one of the characters flaws? Do you think Hamlet can overcome his flaw by the end of the play?
In the movie Liar Liar Jim Carey can not tell a lie which in a lot of cases is a flaw. I think Hamlet will overcome his flaws after what needs to be done is done, so in the end i guess you could say that he will never overcome them because what he does is with him forever.
5. Was the Ghost actually in the room with the Queen or was he just imagining it? Why or why not?
I think he was imagining it because the Queen could not see it.
Yes I do agree with him about his advice. Acting should be real and full of real emotion. My favorite actor is Will Smith because he can put so much emotion into his parts and really plays the parts he does well. He is also very smooth in delivery of lines which adds to the dramatic parts of the movie.
2. Do you think Hamlet crosses the line in how he acts toward Ophelia, R & G, and Queen i.e. rudely? Even though he's the hero of the story, do you like him as a character overall? Do his flaws make him a more compelling character? Why or why?
I think he is a very emotional character and is very blunt and up front with what he says. I don't think he crosses the line because of the situation he has been put in with the ghost and with his mother getting married so soon. Overall I think he is a very strong character and makes the play. His flaws make the story I think because he then can go on rants and do things that make the story better.
3. Claudius evidently feels guilt during Act III sc iii; however, he finds difficult to ask for forgiveness. Why is this so? Is there any any way Claudius can be redeemed?
Because he doesn't actually feel that guilty about it and still just thinks about himself and saving himself. I don't think there is any chance of Claudius redeeming himself in anyway, especially in Hamlet's eyes.
4. Hamlet's fatal flaw in the inability to act, and his tendency to overanalyze situations. Think of other films/books you've viewed. What's one of the characters flaws? Do you think Hamlet can overcome his flaw by the end of the play?
In the movie Liar Liar Jim Carey can not tell a lie which in a lot of cases is a flaw. I think Hamlet will overcome his flaws after what needs to be done is done, so in the end i guess you could say that he will never overcome them because what he does is with him forever.
5. Was the Ghost actually in the room with the Queen or was he just imagining it? Why or why not?
I think he was imagining it because the Queen could not see it.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hamlet Act 2 blog
1. Based on what he does during Act II, how would you characterize Polonius?
He is a scheming person who thinks he knows why everything is happening the way it is. He feels like he is in control because he supposedly knows why Hamlet is acting the way he is.
2. During his conversations with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Act II Sc ii, Hamlet describes his perceptions of reality? In your own words, describe Hamlet's worldview? Are you an optimist, pessimist, or a realist? Why?
Hamlet is a pessimist person who views the world as a horribly painful and meaningless place but he remains there because he knows what is in this world and after that he does not know what it like. The fear of the unknown is worse than the world he knows now. Optimist, I feel like I look for the good in things and always find a way to look at things in a bright light.
3. Is Polonius justified in how he plans to use Ophelia to find more about Hamlet?
I think it would be a good idea if Ophelia agreed to the plan and they told her what was going on just because they shouldn't just use her or her feelings like that to find out what they want to know.
4. At this point in the play, do you think Hamlet is really crazy or his he pretending to be insane? How does Hamlet act differently when he's around people and when he's giving soliloquies by himself i.e. end of Act II?
I think that he is rouge in a sense, he is crazy, but with reason and on purpose. He has seen a ghost and the ghost told him to seek revenge. Hamlet acts crazily around people who matter and who he is seeking revenge on and will make an impact on those people too. By himself he is very reflective and rational about his thoughts about what he is trying to do and why.
5. Why do you think Hamlet's so attracted to the theater/acting? Why do you think he uses the play as a way to test his theory? Is Hamlet right be angry at himself for not acting on the ghost's words? Why?
Because he himself is a very good actor. He is also attracted to it because it is something he can control and understands very well. Because he can do it without anyone other than himself and Claudius knowing. I think that he shouldn't be angry with himself because he still has control over the situation and can act on the ghost's words any time he wants to.
6. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern wrong for spying on Hamlet? Why or why not? How do you think Hamlet feels after they admit they were sent for by the Queen and King?
I think that they are not wrong because they are trying to help their friend in finding out what is wrong with him. Hamlet probably felt somewhat betrayed but the fact that R&G didn't lie to him and did end up telling Hamlet they were sent by the King and Queen would make him feel like they were really there for him and not for the King and Queen.
He is a scheming person who thinks he knows why everything is happening the way it is. He feels like he is in control because he supposedly knows why Hamlet is acting the way he is.
2. During his conversations with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Act II Sc ii, Hamlet describes his perceptions of reality? In your own words, describe Hamlet's worldview? Are you an optimist, pessimist, or a realist? Why?
Hamlet is a pessimist person who views the world as a horribly painful and meaningless place but he remains there because he knows what is in this world and after that he does not know what it like. The fear of the unknown is worse than the world he knows now. Optimist, I feel like I look for the good in things and always find a way to look at things in a bright light.
3. Is Polonius justified in how he plans to use Ophelia to find more about Hamlet?
I think it would be a good idea if Ophelia agreed to the plan and they told her what was going on just because they shouldn't just use her or her feelings like that to find out what they want to know.
4. At this point in the play, do you think Hamlet is really crazy or his he pretending to be insane? How does Hamlet act differently when he's around people and when he's giving soliloquies by himself i.e. end of Act II?
I think that he is rouge in a sense, he is crazy, but with reason and on purpose. He has seen a ghost and the ghost told him to seek revenge. Hamlet acts crazily around people who matter and who he is seeking revenge on and will make an impact on those people too. By himself he is very reflective and rational about his thoughts about what he is trying to do and why.
5. Why do you think Hamlet's so attracted to the theater/acting? Why do you think he uses the play as a way to test his theory? Is Hamlet right be angry at himself for not acting on the ghost's words? Why?
Because he himself is a very good actor. He is also attracted to it because it is something he can control and understands very well. Because he can do it without anyone other than himself and Claudius knowing. I think that he shouldn't be angry with himself because he still has control over the situation and can act on the ghost's words any time he wants to.
6. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern wrong for spying on Hamlet? Why or why not? How do you think Hamlet feels after they admit they were sent for by the Queen and King?
I think that they are not wrong because they are trying to help their friend in finding out what is wrong with him. Hamlet probably felt somewhat betrayed but the fact that R&G didn't lie to him and did end up telling Hamlet they were sent by the King and Queen would make him feel like they were really there for him and not for the King and Queen.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hamlet Act 1 blog
1. Pick a passage from Act I of Hamlet. Write it down. Practice citing it (Ham.Act.Scene.Line Numbers). Why did you pick this passage? What do you think it's trying to say?
"Your loves, as mine to you. Farewell.
My father's spirit in arms! All is not well.
I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come.
Till then sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise,
Through all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes." (Hamlet, Act 1 Scene II, 273-277)
I picked this passage because it is a good quote looking into how Hamlet really feels and what he thinks of the situation. It is a good resemblance of what may come of the play and what events will happen. Its trying to say that his revenge and his father's name will be redeemed in time if he just waits now.
2. The ghost in Hamlet plays a crucial role in setting events in motion? Are you a Horatio(skeptic of ghosts) or a Marcellus(believer in ghosts)? Why or why not?
I believe that there are angels which would mean there has to be ghost. I have not seen one ever but I do believe that in the right place at the right time there are spirits and "ghosts". I believe this because i believe in angels and for angels to be true ghosts as well have to be.
3. We get to know characters via a variety of channels: what they do, what they say, what they think, how they're described, and what others say/think about them. Do a character analysis of one of the following characters: Hamlet, Claudius, Horatio, Gertrude Find a specific passage for each of the following.
What They Say/Think:He doesn't believe in the ghost but after he sees it he feels that they should tell Hamlet and be loyal to him.
Passage:"Before my God, I might not this believe
without the sensible and true avouch
of mine own eyes."
What They Do:Horatio tells Hamlet of what he has seen and is loyal to him and believes in letting Hamlet know.
Passage:"Season our admiration for a while
with an attent ear, till I may deliver
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you."
How They're Described:He is described as a non believer until he witnesses it with his own eyes and he is a loyal person to Hamlet the king's son.
Passage:"Hail to your lordship!"
What Other Characters Say/Think About Them:Hamlet believes Horatio and listens to him. He wants to go see the ghost.
Passsage:"I will watch tonight.
Perchance 'twill walk again." Hamlet
Based on all of the textual evidence, what is your overall opinion about this character?
My opinion of Horatio is that he is a very logical person who is loyal and honest. He doesn't try to keep things from people and is trustworthy and loyal to his king's son.
4. Put yourself in Hamlet's position, what would would do with the news from the ghost? Do you trust the ghost's word or do you need better evidence? Would you tell anyone else what the ghost said to you or would you keep it a secret?
I would believe what the ghost said but I would hold off for a while until the ghost came to me and told me exactly what to do. I wouldn't tell anyone of that happening and would keep it to myself.
"Your loves, as mine to you. Farewell.
My father's spirit in arms! All is not well.
I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come.
Till then sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise,
Through all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes." (Hamlet, Act 1 Scene II, 273-277)
I picked this passage because it is a good quote looking into how Hamlet really feels and what he thinks of the situation. It is a good resemblance of what may come of the play and what events will happen. Its trying to say that his revenge and his father's name will be redeemed in time if he just waits now.
2. The ghost in Hamlet plays a crucial role in setting events in motion? Are you a Horatio(skeptic of ghosts) or a Marcellus(believer in ghosts)? Why or why not?
I believe that there are angels which would mean there has to be ghost. I have not seen one ever but I do believe that in the right place at the right time there are spirits and "ghosts". I believe this because i believe in angels and for angels to be true ghosts as well have to be.
3. We get to know characters via a variety of channels: what they do, what they say, what they think, how they're described, and what others say/think about them. Do a character analysis of one of the following characters: Hamlet, Claudius, Horatio, Gertrude Find a specific passage for each of the following.
What They Say/Think:He doesn't believe in the ghost but after he sees it he feels that they should tell Hamlet and be loyal to him.
Passage:"Before my God, I might not this believe
without the sensible and true avouch
of mine own eyes."
What They Do:Horatio tells Hamlet of what he has seen and is loyal to him and believes in letting Hamlet know.
Passage:"Season our admiration for a while
with an attent ear, till I may deliver
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you."
How They're Described:He is described as a non believer until he witnesses it with his own eyes and he is a loyal person to Hamlet the king's son.
Passage:"Hail to your lordship!"
What Other Characters Say/Think About Them:Hamlet believes Horatio and listens to him. He wants to go see the ghost.
Passsage:"I will watch tonight.
Perchance 'twill walk again." Hamlet
Based on all of the textual evidence, what is your overall opinion about this character?
My opinion of Horatio is that he is a very logical person who is loyal and honest. He doesn't try to keep things from people and is trustworthy and loyal to his king's son.
4. Put yourself in Hamlet's position, what would would do with the news from the ghost? Do you trust the ghost's word or do you need better evidence? Would you tell anyone else what the ghost said to you or would you keep it a secret?
I would believe what the ghost said but I would hold off for a while until the ghost came to me and told me exactly what to do. I wouldn't tell anyone of that happening and would keep it to myself.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Hamlet prediscussion questions
1. Is revenge sometimes the right approach in dealing with someone that has wronged you? Why or why not?
I feel that revenge is a way for people to vent their feelings if they have been wronged. I feel that revenge will not fix what has happened or do anything more that just keep the wrongdoing going. On the other hand it is a way to vent and possibly get over and through the problem.
2. Is it better to think before you act or act before you think? Why?
I think that depends on the situation. There are times when you need to just react and not think about what you are doing and then there are times where it requires a lot of time and thought because it could be a life-altering decision.
3. Is there one singular reality, or do each of create our own realities through our perceptions and attitudes?
I think reality and truth are both perceived differently by each single person. I feel that reality is based on personal experiences and what you believe to be true. It is also to an extent based on what your morals are because that is how you live your life and obviously how you live your life you are going to believe is reality and truth.
4. What are the qualities of a good friendship? Is it ever okay to spy on a friend if you are concerned about them?
I feel that trust, dependability and honesty are three of the biggest foundations of a friendship. I feel that you should look out for the best interests of your friend but spying on them is invading their personal space and I don't think that doing that for the fact of looking out for them is right.
5. Should parents let their children make their own mistakes and let them learn from it, or should they keep a close eye on them?
I think is crucial that kids make their own mistakes and learn from them because the best way to learn is to experience those times and mistakes. I think parents should watch out for their kids and make sure they are on the right path but as for the mistakes, I feel that to experience them is the best way to learn from them.
6. Should children always be supportive of parents if they decide to remarry after their spouse’s death or divorce?
I think that it would be hard for a child to accept someone else as their father or mother if thats not who they grew up with or if its not what they want. I think that its up to the child about how they feel with it and what they do and if they accept it. I also feel that its the parents choice if they want to remarry or not, but I think that the child should have his or her own opinion about it.
7. Is there ever a time when grieving process goes too far?
I don't think you can mourn or grieve a death or a loss for too long. To a point you will always grieve a great loss like losing your mother or father because as you go through life you will always want them and have a need for them and miss them. Over little insignificant things though yes I believe that someone can grieve and mourn for too long.
I feel that revenge is a way for people to vent their feelings if they have been wronged. I feel that revenge will not fix what has happened or do anything more that just keep the wrongdoing going. On the other hand it is a way to vent and possibly get over and through the problem.
2. Is it better to think before you act or act before you think? Why?
I think that depends on the situation. There are times when you need to just react and not think about what you are doing and then there are times where it requires a lot of time and thought because it could be a life-altering decision.
3. Is there one singular reality, or do each of create our own realities through our perceptions and attitudes?
I think reality and truth are both perceived differently by each single person. I feel that reality is based on personal experiences and what you believe to be true. It is also to an extent based on what your morals are because that is how you live your life and obviously how you live your life you are going to believe is reality and truth.
4. What are the qualities of a good friendship? Is it ever okay to spy on a friend if you are concerned about them?
I feel that trust, dependability and honesty are three of the biggest foundations of a friendship. I feel that you should look out for the best interests of your friend but spying on them is invading their personal space and I don't think that doing that for the fact of looking out for them is right.
5. Should parents let their children make their own mistakes and let them learn from it, or should they keep a close eye on them?
I think is crucial that kids make their own mistakes and learn from them because the best way to learn is to experience those times and mistakes. I think parents should watch out for their kids and make sure they are on the right path but as for the mistakes, I feel that to experience them is the best way to learn from them.
6. Should children always be supportive of parents if they decide to remarry after their spouse’s death or divorce?
I think that it would be hard for a child to accept someone else as their father or mother if thats not who they grew up with or if its not what they want. I think that its up to the child about how they feel with it and what they do and if they accept it. I also feel that its the parents choice if they want to remarry or not, but I think that the child should have his or her own opinion about it.
7. Is there ever a time when grieving process goes too far?
I don't think you can mourn or grieve a death or a loss for too long. To a point you will always grieve a great loss like losing your mother or father because as you go through life you will always want them and have a need for them and miss them. Over little insignificant things though yes I believe that someone can grieve and mourn for too long.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Matrix questions #2
1. The character of Cypher makes a decision that returning to the Matrix and living in its alternative reality instead of being fully conscious of the reality. This goes against the decision made by the released prisoner from the Cave. Why do you think Cypher decided to go back to the Matrix instead of living fully aware? Is his reasoning valid? Is ignorance bliss? Why?
I think Cypher decided to go back to the alternate reality because his will to fight for control of the real world back was weak and he was easily persuaded. I think with his personal feelings he is in the realm of valid reasoning, but he shouldn't of have betrayed the people who fought to give him the chance to see real life. I think that it is up to a persons morals and beliefs as to if ignorance is bliss. If a person can live without knowing the truth and reality then yes to them ignorance is bliss but to other people, people like me, who need and want to know the truth and reality then no ignorance is not bliss.
2. Neo is prophecized to be the one by Morpheus. Does Neo seem to accept this high profile role? What other character from literature you've read seems to be placed in this hero/savior role by others?
Neo I think as the movie goes on is realizing his potential and how me might actually be the one to defeat the machines. I think that Neo is learning and fulfilling that role. Jesus in the bible I feel is paralleled by the matrix and Neo.
3. Humans are described by humans as a disease, imperfect, for a perfected technological program, yet the machine is viewed as the enemy/evil even though its reason and logic is supposed unflawed. What would the world be like if everyone was perfect and logical? What are other examples in movies and books where technology becomes the enemy/evil?
If everything and everyone in the world was perfect the why would we learn? We would never be able to experience failure and learn how to better ourselves and society. Another movie where technology over takes the human race is i-robot.
I think Cypher decided to go back to the alternate reality because his will to fight for control of the real world back was weak and he was easily persuaded. I think with his personal feelings he is in the realm of valid reasoning, but he shouldn't of have betrayed the people who fought to give him the chance to see real life. I think that it is up to a persons morals and beliefs as to if ignorance is bliss. If a person can live without knowing the truth and reality then yes to them ignorance is bliss but to other people, people like me, who need and want to know the truth and reality then no ignorance is not bliss.
2. Neo is prophecized to be the one by Morpheus. Does Neo seem to accept this high profile role? What other character from literature you've read seems to be placed in this hero/savior role by others?
Neo I think as the movie goes on is realizing his potential and how me might actually be the one to defeat the machines. I think that Neo is learning and fulfilling that role. Jesus in the bible I feel is paralleled by the matrix and Neo.
3. Humans are described by humans as a disease, imperfect, for a perfected technological program, yet the machine is viewed as the enemy/evil even though its reason and logic is supposed unflawed. What would the world be like if everyone was perfect and logical? What are other examples in movies and books where technology becomes the enemy/evil?
If everything and everyone in the world was perfect the why would we learn? We would never be able to experience failure and learn how to better ourselves and society. Another movie where technology over takes the human race is i-robot.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Matrix questions
1. Explain how Neo's experience in and out of the Matrix parallels the Allegory of the Cave. Be specific using examples from each text.
Neo and everyone else in the world it like the four men chained to a wall in the face is we believe what we see. Neo is like the man who got cut free and shown the real world when they brought him in and took him out of the matrix and showed him the real world. At this point in time Neo is still learning and experiencing the real world like the man who got cut free before he will understand completely everything.
2. Morpheus poses the question, "what is real? how do you define real?" We're going to read literature that poses that very question. What tools and indicator do we use to define and describe the world around us? Is reality a definite concept measurable and quantifiable, or is it a fluid concept defined by perceptions? Why?
Usually people perceive real things by what they can feel emotionally or physically, what they can see with their own eyes and what is proven to work and be real. We describe life and reality by what we have determined to be things that can be proven or seen or touched. But, reality I feel is a fluid concept that is defined by peoples perceptions and thoughts and experiences. People feel think things are real because they have been able to experience those ideas and things and have physically encountered it. Other things are just thought to be and accepted as real because they have been proven, but these things may not be reality because as technology advances and we can more in depth experiment with ideas accepted facts can and will be challenged and possibly changed as it has been in the past.
3. The Matrix is part of the science-fiction genre, and while we may not be controlled by technology in the literal sense as The Matrix describes, does our current society in 2008 parallel the the world of The Matrix in certain ways? Has technology actually the lessened the quality of life in some ways? Why or why not?
I feel that technology has advanced our society by leaps and bounds and we wouldn't be where we are not without it. I feel that it has been and intricate part in our lives and very practical and important. On the other hand i don't think we should make everything we do able to be done with technology. I still feel that manual labor and man power is one of the most important parts of a society. So no I don't think technology has lessened the quality of life I actually think that it has vastly improved it but technology can only help and improve to a point.
Neo and everyone else in the world it like the four men chained to a wall in the face is we believe what we see. Neo is like the man who got cut free and shown the real world when they brought him in and took him out of the matrix and showed him the real world. At this point in time Neo is still learning and experiencing the real world like the man who got cut free before he will understand completely everything.
2. Morpheus poses the question, "what is real? how do you define real?" We're going to read literature that poses that very question. What tools and indicator do we use to define and describe the world around us? Is reality a definite concept measurable and quantifiable, or is it a fluid concept defined by perceptions? Why?
Usually people perceive real things by what they can feel emotionally or physically, what they can see with their own eyes and what is proven to work and be real. We describe life and reality by what we have determined to be things that can be proven or seen or touched. But, reality I feel is a fluid concept that is defined by peoples perceptions and thoughts and experiences. People feel think things are real because they have been able to experience those ideas and things and have physically encountered it. Other things are just thought to be and accepted as real because they have been proven, but these things may not be reality because as technology advances and we can more in depth experiment with ideas accepted facts can and will be challenged and possibly changed as it has been in the past.
3. The Matrix is part of the science-fiction genre, and while we may not be controlled by technology in the literal sense as The Matrix describes, does our current society in 2008 parallel the the world of The Matrix in certain ways? Has technology actually the lessened the quality of life in some ways? Why or why not?
I feel that technology has advanced our society by leaps and bounds and we wouldn't be where we are not without it. I feel that it has been and intricate part in our lives and very practical and important. On the other hand i don't think we should make everything we do able to be done with technology. I still feel that manual labor and man power is one of the most important parts of a society. So no I don't think technology has lessened the quality of life I actually think that it has vastly improved it but technology can only help and improve to a point.
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