The Great Gatsby - The Ending

"So we beat on, boats against the current, home back ceaselessly into the past." p. 189

I feel like this book started out really well. It had a great plot with interesting characters. However, as it continued, I had a hard time investing myself in the novel. As the story unfolded, it became more apparent that Fitzgerald was not the most descriptive author in my opinion. He barely went into detail about anything that seemed important. And once I got to the second half of the book, it seemed as if he was speeding through the writing in order to get to the end. The whole killing the mistress seemed way out of left field to me and I just didn't really enjoy the flow of the book. Perhaps the most frustrating part of this was the narrator. Nick was a character in the story but he didn't really pass many judgments or comments on the happenings in the story. He merely just told them how they happened with little commentary. Needless to say I was not a fan of the way Fitzgerald utilized the first person point of view.

The Great Gatsby - Gatsby has a father?

"It was a photograph of the house, cracked in the corners and dirty with many hands... He had shown it so often that I think it was more real to him now than the house itself." p. 180

I think that Gatsby's dad serves as a sharp contrast to all of the other characters in the book. Unlike the others, he was not "new money" or "old money". He was not selfish or deceiving. He was not careless and cheating. Even after his son had deserted him, he still had genuine love and admiration for Gatsby after all of these years. As the quote above demonstrates, Gatsby's father was not concerned with material possessions. The picture that his son had sent back to him of the house stood for so much more than an image of his wealth. Instead, his father saw it as a benchmark for his son's success. Instead of seeing the lavish extravagance of the house, he saw the hard work that Gatsby had done in order to obtain it. That is what made him proud. It wasn't how much Gatsby had, but how far he had come. This is sharply contrasted with all of the other characters in the book. For example, Daisy only loved Gatsby for what he had and what she could offer him; not what he had done to get to where she was. I really admire his father for not being like Daisy and he is easily my favorite character in the book.

The Great Gatsby - Shallowness

"I tried to think about Gatsby then for a moment, but he was already too far away, and I could only remember, without resentment, that Daisy hadn't sent a message or a flower." p. 176

This is a perfect example of how the characters in this book were shallow, self-centered, stereotypical rich aristocrats (Can you tell that I don't like them very much?). I will first start off by criticizing Daisy, for whom the quote is about. Why did she not go to the funeral? He died! Because of HER! Ah, frustration. She claimed to be so in love with him and dedicated quite some time to being with him. However, when he died as a result of her actions, she couldn't be bothered to merely write a letter of condolence or send flowers for the grave, let alone show up to the poor guy's burial. She had what she wanted in Tom and could care less about her former love. Next, Gatsby was also incredibly shallow. He had countless parties with all of these "friends", but never took the time to actually get to know these people. That's why no one showed up at his funeral. He just used all of these people in order to get closer to Daisy. He dedicated his whole life to this quest and never even got her in the end. And the only reason he "loved" her in the first place was because she had lots of money and social status. Thus, his shallowness consumed his life and led to his death. 

The Great Gatsby - Dramatic Irony

"It all happened in a minute but it seemed to me that she wanted to speak to us, thought we were somebody she knew. Well, first Daisy tuned away from the woman toward the other car, and she she lost her nerve and turned back. The second my hand reached the wheel I felt the shock- it must have killed her instantly." p. 151

This part of the book is the perfect example of dramatic irony. Mrs. Wilson, thinking that the car was being driven by Tom, attempted to stop the vehicle to talk to her lover, most likely about her being required to leave with Mr. Wilson because he found out she was cheating on him. Maybe she was warning him that Mr. Wilson was going to kill him. However, this will never be known because she didn't make it that far (and I can't say that I'm sorry about that fact). The ironic part is that Tom's mistress was killed by Tom's wife. How's that for a twist? It was apparent early on in the book that Daisy was upset by the fact that Tom was cheating on her, but she seemed to do little about it. So it was a coincidence that she indirectly took action as soon as she decided that she wanted to stay with Tom and not with her own lover, Gatsby.

The Great Gatsby - Theme (Amuurika!)

"He stretched out his hand desperately as if to snatch only a wisp of air, to save a fragment of the spot that she had made lovely for him. But it was all going by too fast now for his blurred eyes and he knew that he had lost that part of it, the freshest and the best, forever." p. 161

A major theme of this novel is giving up all one has to live the American dream. Gatsby is a perfect example of this. He started out as a poor man with very little. He decided that he wanted more from life, so he moved out and tried various jobs in order to obtain riches. Meeting Daisy solidified this desire. She symbolized the American dream. She had wealth and social status, so it's a no-brainer that Gatsby instantly coveted her (or, more like. a life like her's). After going to war, he swore to make his dream of Daisy a reality. He worked hard and became wealthy; a step required if he was going to get Daisy to love him. However, once he had Daisy within reach, she slipped away swiftly as Tom proved himself superior to Gatsby at dinner. It was then apparent that Daisy was extremely self-centered and careless, for she did not truly love Gatsby for himself, but only for the status that he exuded. When that status was put in danger, her "love" shriveled back up and she crawled back to stable Tom. Oftentimes, this often happens to those who seek the American dream like Gatsby. Once they attain it or are close to attaining it, the dream vanishes and leaves them with nothing. In Gatsby's case, it left him with death. What a sad ending.

The Great Gatsby - Tom and Daisy

"...but there was an excitement in her voice that men who had cared for he had found difficult to forget; a singing compulsion, a whispered "Listen", a promise that she had done gay, exciting things just a while since and that there were gay, exciting things hovering in the next hour." p. 14

I think there is a big difference between the characters of Tom and Daisy. Tom is characterized as being "a sturdy, straw haired man of 30 with a rather hard mouth and supercilious manner... appearance of always leaning aggressively forward" (p. 11). He is cheating on his wife, Daisy, with Myrtle Wilson. That didn't make much sense to me, because she is described as not being very attractive, while Daisy is nearing perfection in Nick's eyes. She is characterized as being "sad and lovely, [with] bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth" (p.13). She also semi cheats on her spouse, but in a different way. She had been in love with Gatsby prior to her marriage to Tom, whereas Tom is just escaping his marriage just because. Daisy seems to be a calm personality that would not hurt anyone whereas Tom seems to have little regard for the feelings of others (he must know that Daisy knows that he is cheating on her...).

The Great Gatsby - Gatsby Needs Some Friends

"You're sure you want me to come?" "Absolutely, old sport." p. 95

Gatsby is an interesting character. He frequently uses the phrase, "old sport", which to me, indicates some sort of friendship. However, Gatsby strikes me as a character who has little to no friends. While he is at his party, he stands on a balcony overlooking his guests and watching others have a good time. Nick sees him standing in his yard with his arms outstretched to a dock across the water. Later, we find out that he is doing that towards Daisy. I think all of this shows how lonely Gatsby is. I do see him receiving the friendship he needs with Nick and I hope things work out between him and Daisy because I pretty much hate Tom.

The Great Gatsby - Battle of the Eggs

"I lived in the West Egg, the - well, the less fashionable of the two, though this is a most superficial tag to express the bizarre and not a little sinister contrast between them." p. 9

First of all, I was a little confused as to why they refer to the sections of lands or islands as "eggs". It just seems a bit odd. That aside, I think the difference between the East and West Eggs are hard to miss. The most obvious difference is the contrast between wealth. Those on West Egg are described as "new money"; that is, they just came into money and have not yet made it into the close-knit society of the aristocrats. Those on East Egg have a lot of money and belong to the social group that share that commonality. In short, the East Egg-ers are seen as more sophisticated. However, I believe that that is merely on the surface. They are, as far as I can tell, people who like to lie, party, and get drunk. That does not seem very sophisticated to me. Nick, who lives on West Egg, appears more sophisticated because he does not lie, attends a few parties, and has only been drunk twice, thus making him more sophisticated.

The Great Gatsby - point of view

"I wanted to get out and walk eastward toward the park through the soft twilight but each time I tried to go I became entangled in some wild strident argument which pulled me back, as if with ropes, into my chair. Yet high over the city our line of yellow windows must have contributed their share of human secrecy to the casual watcher in the darkening streets, and I was him too, looking up and wondering. I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life." p. 40

I think the point of view of this novel is essential in decoding some of the scenes that unfold. This is because the narrator is an outsider. Because of this, he is able to take a step back and not get tangled up in the crazy scandals of those around him. Nick Carraway being the narrator serves the purpose of having an unbiased character tell the story. He is involved with the other characters, but he is rarely the center of the stories that he tells. They always involve the lives of those around him while he more observes. If any of the other characters told the story, I believe that there would be a strong bias and the reader could be swayed to perceive the events in a different light. At the very beginning, Nick says that he is not judgmental; which helps a great deal in understanding the events rather than one character's one-sided view.

The Great Gatsby - characterization

"'Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,' he told me, 'just remember that all of the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.'" p. 6

Nick Carraway initially characterizes himself as someone who does not judge others. However, he also mentions that he has a bit of a higher morale than those around him. I thought that this was just him being boastful, but as I continued to read the story, I realized that this is true. This was first demonstrated when Tom was accused, then later found guilty, of having a lover other than his wife. Another example is Jordan, who admitted to cheating in her first golf match. Nick believes that he is the most honest person she knows. Finally, there is skepticism of just how honest Gatsby is when he is telling Nick of his past, displaying that his history does not really make logical sense. All of this put together gives Nick plenty of reason to be judgmental towards the other characters in the novel. However, the narrator goes with the flow and does not condemn or confront any of the other characters, really, further showing his nonjudgmental behavior that he first characterized himself as being associated with.

Frankenstein - That's It?

"I shall collect my funeral pile, and consume to ashes this miserable frame, that its remains may afford no light to any curious and unhallowed wretch, who would create such another as I have been. I shall die. I shall no longer feel the agonies which now consume me, or be the prey of feelings unsatisfied yet unquenched." p. 166

I was very surprised by the abruptness to which this novel ended. There was this whole build up in the entire novel of exactly why Victor was chasing the creature when Walton found him. I was a bit disappointed in how it turned out. I thought there would be some giant fight or, at the very least, a conflict resolution. No. The creature did not even have a chance to give his apologies to his creator. Victor just died. But before that could happen, he gave instructions to Walton to "thrust your sword into his heart" (p. 155). So, once again, I was expecting a battle between the two, and I was let down. I enjoyed this novel and I was really hoping that there would be some big ending that would either make me say, "Awwwwwwwwww" or drop my jaw to the floor.

Frankenstein - Climax

"And then I thought again of his words - 'I will be with you on your wedding-night.'" p. 123

There were lots of turning points throughout the novel for me as a reader, but I feel like this is the true climax that Shelley was intending. Up until this point, Victor is really in no danger. Yes, he lost a loved one, but basically everyone he loves is still alive and well. However, this all about to change. The creature had finally found what he had been yearning for for all of his existence: love and acceptance. He truly believed that he was going to receive that gift from the second creature that Victor was creating. But when he did indeed not get that present, he was determined to make Victor pay. So now, the creature is hopeless and set on revenge and Victor believes that he is the one that the creature is coming after. After his best friend's death, he decides that he will just have to defend himself and fight the creature. However, he was not the one that needed saving, as Elizabeth was murdered by the creature on his wedding night.

I realize that I just summarized a ton, but the main point of this was that the creature saying that he was going to see Victor once again on his wedding night was the climax of the story.

Frankenstein - motivation

"I shuddered to think that future ages might curse me as their pest, whose selfishness had not hesitated to buy its own peace at the price, perhaps, of the existence f the whole human race." p. 121

There are many instances that motivation comes up in this story. The motivation behind Victor destroying the female creature was that he came to terms with how selfish he was being. He did not know that was in store for him or the creature. If he were to create another, he believed that, possibly, all hell would break loose. Deciding not to take his chances, he destroyed the second creature.

Because of this act, the first creature is overcome with rage, and most likely extreme disappointment and hurt that he will no longer have a partner, that he vows to kill everyone that Victor loves by saying that he will see him on his wedding night. That was the motivation behind the creature killing Henry as well as Elizabeth.

This was not the first time that the creature had given into his anger and frustration. After he found the journal in his lab coat pocket and after he had been rejected by his "protectors", the creature decides that he is going to hurt the man that put this horrible life into his hands. That is what motivates him to kill William. He believes that William is Victor's son when he hears the boy say "Frankenstein", and ends up strangling the boy to death. All in all, motivation plays a big role in the novel and understanding why characters did the things that they did.

Frankenstein - Didactic

"You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine have been." p. 13

I believe that Frankenstein could be considered a didactic piece of literature for multiple reasons. First, it shows you the dangers of judging a book by its cover. Everyone who encountered the creature looked upon him with horror and disgust. However, he was really like an infant, trying to figure out the world for himself. Because of this, he was left to find things out on his own and was led down a dark path. If Victor had stepped forward and nurtured him like a creator should, then maybe the creature would not have killed everyone that Victor loved and put him through complete misery.

The next lesson that makes this didactic is the importance of not only having knowledge, but wisdom as well. Victor learned this the hard way. Instead of thinking about the implications and consequences of creating a new form of life, he just went right ahead and did it. Of course, he was smart and knowledgeable enough to perform this task, but he truly did not have the wisdom to see what this would really mean. In hindsight, Victor realizes that he should not have done what he did and wants to warn Walton about the dangers as well. He seems the same sort of fire in Walton and knows that he will go down a dark path if he doesn't stop himself soon. So he takes it upon himself to show Walton the wisdom he has acquired in hopes that Walton does not make the same mistakes.

Frankenstein - epithet

"Over him hung a form which I cannot find words to describe: - gigantic in stature, yet oncouth and distorted in its proportions... never did I behold a vision so horrible as his face, and of such loathsome, yet appalling hideousness." p. 163

Whenever Shelley is describing the creature I noticed that she used similar adjective pretty consistently throughout the novel. The epithet she uses is predominantly "gigantic". From the very first introduction of the creature, he is described as having "the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature" (p. 4). The fact that she always characterized him in this way served the purpose to segregate the monster further. By constantly commenting on his size, he is isolated more and is seen as an outcast immediately. I feel as if Shelley did this in order to make the point of how different the creature appeared, thus adding to his overall rejection from humans.

Frankenstein - What an Intelligent 2 Year Old!

"Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed." p. 69

It honestly makes no sense how a creature could be living for two years and already have a better vocabulary than an eighteen year old honor student. Nevertheless, I have to give him props. The monster taught himself everything after Frankenstein showed him no sense of love or compassion as his creator. By observing others, the monster was able to become extremely articulate as well as intelligent enough to devise a plan to win the affection of others. In just two years he was able to become, as far as I could tell, an honorable member of society. He figured out the rights and wrongs and even does good deeds for his neighbors. He puts his own desires aside to help others, which is something that takes years and lots of growth. I don't think this point has any real relevance other than I thought it was a kind of neat point to make. It's almost kind of scary how fast he learned things. Maybe that is because it was a stolen brain that had already made all of those neural connections. But I digress. There is no need to try to make logical sense of fiction books such as this. :)

Frankenstein - What happened to Mel Brooks?!

"Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room, and continued a long time traversing my bedchamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep." p. 35

"Young Frankenstein" is a movie that I can recall watching at a very young age that easily put me in stitches. Yet, the thought of a completely crazy scientist (no one can deny that Gene Wilder was insane and just a tad creepy) creating a monster from bodies he obtained after an evening of grave robbing was a big pill for me to swallow as a kid. That one movie framed my entire belief on what this classic tale was all about. However, I could not have been more wrong. The differences between the book and the movie parody are numerous. For starters, the creation scene was much of the basis of the movie while Shelley got it over with early on in the book. Further, there was no evil laugh or lightening striking. Frankenstein in the book was even completely terrified of his creation. Another difference, and probably the biggest disappointment, was there was no Igor. I was really looking forward to him. Frankenstein in the book did his experiments in complete secrecy, whereas in the movie there was Igor, his sidekick servant, and various other people who I forget the names of.

Frankenstein - anecdote

"Do you remember on what occasions Justine Moritz entered our family? Probably you do not; her mother, was a widow with four children, of whom Justine was the third. This girl had always been the favourite of her father; but, through a strange perversity, her mother could not endure her, and after the death of M. Moritz, treated her very ill." p. 41

The excerpt that I have found is from Elizabeth's letter to Frankenstein. She is trying to jog his memory about Justine Moritz. With this brief anecdote, Frankenstein, as well as the reader, is able to learn more about the character of Justine. This is important because Justine plays an extremely important role as the story continues regarding Frankenstein's brother and the monster that he had created nearly two years ago. This is not the only anecdote that I have noticed while reading. Nearly every time a new character is introduced, the writer goes into some detail in order to characterize the character (duh!). For example, when the professors are introduced, a brief explanation is given for each of them. This is helpful in the story because I was able to understand more of where the characters were coming from and then I could begin to comprehend the main characters' reactions to each of the minor characters.

Frankenstein - frame story

"Strange and harrowing must be his story, frightful the storm which embraced the gallant vessel on its course and wrecked it-thus!" p. 14

In the novel, there are many different things going on. One of the biggest literary devices being utilized throughout the book is frame stories. The story starts off as a man (Walton) writing a series of letters to his sister while he is on a voyage. He is relaying the tales of his journey, which prompts him to tell his sister about the man he saw chasing after a monstrous creature. This man is Frankenstein, who begins to tell his tale. So that is one story within a story. In the midst of his storytelling, Frankenstein's story is interrupted with the story of his creation. Now, there is a story within a story within a story. Not to mention there are lots of little stories within each of the characters' narrations. The story can be a bit confusing at times. However, I think all of these frame stories make the story seem more real. I know that when I am telling stories I like to give every detail and all the background information. So all of these back stories really make this book more enjoyable to me as a reader, but can make analyzing a bit more difficult because you have all of these different speakers talking about all different characters and events.

Frankenstein - point of view

"But I consented to listen, and seating myself by the fire which my odious companion had lighted, he thus began his tale.

'It is with considerable difficulty that I remember the original era of my being: all the events of that period appear confused and indistinct.' " p. 70

Point of view plays an integral role in the way this story is formed. In order to fully grasp what is happening in the plot, the reader must be able to keep up with exactly who's point of view this is all coming from. The quote that I have selected - and the point I am at in the story- is spoken by the monster. That monster is telling his tale to his creator, Frankenstein. Frankenstein is telling all of this to Walton who is relaying it to his sister in a letter. So as the story continues and changes, so do the storytellers. The changing point of view allows the reader to sort of hear all sides of the story. In a way, it makes it more like a movie or a play, where the viewer can see what is happening to all the characters. The changing voice also gives the reader a chance to understand what is occurring in the thoughts of the different characters. Each is going on his own specific journey and it is very interesting to find out how all of the journeys and stories interlock with one another.

A Raisin In the Sun - Money, Money, Money

"So now it's life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life- now it's money. I guess the world really do change..." - Mama

I think this book was sort of eye opening for a lot of people when it was published. It was for me. I know that there are people out there who never stop to think about the effects money has on the people who have the least of it. The Younger's, for example, have so little of it that they can hardly afford anything. This was most clearly demonstrated when Ruth was going to get an abortion because she didn't think that they could afford another baby. That is one of the saddest things to me. Whenever I think about abortions, I tend to think about young mothers who aren't ready to raise a child and don't want to go through the embarrassment of having to carry one for nine months. However, I never really think about the mothers who simply cannot afford to have a baby. That is something that deeply saddens me. Not only about the poor condition that people are raised in, but it also makes me sad about human dignity in general. I know I'm kind of going off topic here, but what kind of world do we live in that can afford to spend all this money to enhance our lives or make them longer, yet they cannot help those out who cannot simply afford to bring new lives into existence?

Anyways, this reinforced the idea that the family is centered so much around money. That check was the driving force for the plot and allowed all of their dreams to come true. Which raises the question: can money really bring happiness?

A Raisin In the Sun - The Glass Menagerie

"The Younger living room would be a comfortable and well-ordered room if it were not for a number of indestructible contradictions to this state of being..."

This play connected a lot with The Glass Menagerie. The main connection I saw was the integral part that the setting played in both. In each story, the action was centered around an apartment. All the conflicts and struggles each family had took place (for the most part) in the apartment. It was how they hid away from the world and coped with their problems as a single unit. Another similarity is, in each story, there is a mother who drives the plot. Both have set goals that they strive for and they ultimately want the best for their children. Whether that be moving to a new house or finding a husband for her daughter, each mother tries her hardest to do what is right. Finally, there are characters in both plays that desire to overcome obstacles or escape their current situation. Basically all the characters in A Raisin In the Sun want to do their own things but struggle because of a lack of money. Walter wants a liquor store to prove that he is worth something. Mama and Ruth want a nice house of their own. Beneatha wants to make a change in bettering mankind. In The Glass Menagerie, Tom wants to set sails and explore, just like they did in all the adventurous movies he watched. Laura, I think, also wants to escape the confines of her handicap and begin to be the person she always had the potential to be.

A Raisin In the Sun - loneliness

Asagai: (Rather quickly for him) That when it is all over - that you come home with me-

Beneatha: (Staring at him and crossing away with exasperation) Oh-Asagai-at this moment you decide to be romantic!

11. I think that Beneatha is the most lonely character in the play. She is widely set apart from the other young women because she is an African American who is also a feminist. During this time, they did not hold a whole lot of social power. The members in her family and the two men she was involved with basically told her that she was wrong in her feminist ways. I think she is also one of the loneliest members in the family. She is trying to go through college to become a doctor, which is frowned upon by those she is closest to. Also, she is the last one to receive money for her endeavors in the family (even though she never actually receives it because Walter invests the money in the liquor store). Finally, she is lonely because she doesn't think that anyone understands her desire to learn about her heritage. So she is excited about the idea of moving with Asagai to continue on a new journey that will hopefully fill some sort of void in her life.

The Glass Menagerie - Poor Laura

"You didn't mention that he was engaged to be married." p. 1287

As my title of this blog entry states: poor Laura! It's really not hard for the reader to take Laura's side on everything that happens in this story. I instantly felt sorry for her when Williams mentioned her crippled leg. That feeling of sympathy grew as the story went on. She had to drop out of school because she had an embarrassing moment and her mother constantly reminds her of how she doesn't have any callers at night. Not to mention she is constantly put in between Amanda and Tom. But perhaps the most depressing thing about Laura is that she finally got a caller, Jim, to give her a chance he ended up being engaged to someone else. That had to have been completely awful. And as if that wasn't enough, Tom left her alone with Amanda. I just generally feel really sorry for Laura in the entire story.

The Glass Menagerie - Tom's Dilemma

3. What is Tom's dilemma? Why is he always quarreling with his mother? What is his attitude toward Laura? Why does he finally leave? Does he ever resolve his dilemma?

"You think I'm crazy about the warehouse? You think I'm in love with the Continental Shoemakers? You think I want to spend fifty-five years down there in that -celotex interior! with -fluorescent- tubes! Look! I'd rather somebody picked up a crowbar and battered out my brains-- than go back mornings. I go!" p. 1246

Tom's dilemma is that he is trying so hard to break out of the confines of his depressing life. Day in and day out, he goes to a mundane job that he hates. Then every night he lives out fantasies vicariously through the actors in the movies he watches. He desires to leave this place behind and go on adventures like they do in the movies. I think a big reason he fights with Amanda is because she refuses to see all that he does for her and Laura. He hates what he does everyday but he continues to do it in order to pay for the two women in his life. And his one source of joy - going to the movies - is constantly being tainted by his mother's constant nagging about him going out instead of staying home with her. So he easily gets in quarrels with her. When it comes to Laura, Tom is very kind. He cares for her a great deal and is somewhat sympathetic of the struggles Laura has to face as well. Not only does she have to deal with the daily, physical pain of her leg, but she also has to deal with how Amanda treats her, which can end up being a greater challenge. So Tom feels like it is his duty to protect her and be there for her. I don't think Tom resolves his dilemma because when he leaves, he isn't fully escaping his problems. He still has to think back and have the regret of leaving Laura behind to deal with their mother.

The Glass Menagerie - Dynamic Character

"One Sunday afternoon in Blue Mountain - your mother received - seventeen!- gentlemen callers! Why, sometimes there weren't chairs enough to accommodate them all." p. 1238

Even though there are really only three main characters in the story, they are really the only ones needed to bring the story to life. This is due partly to Amanda being such a dynamic character. On one hand, she is a sweet, caring mother who will do anything for her children. This is demonstrated by her waking Tom up in the morning and by her trying to get Laura some "callers". However, I think she can be a bit controlling and overemotional. For example, she refuses to speak to Tom when he upsets her and she made Laura too scared/ashamed to admit that she had dropped out of school. And, as the character information states, she is living in an unreal world. She dwells on the past and almost refuses to look into the present or the future. She holds onto her kids too tightly and doesn't really get over her husband that left her.

"As You Like It" - major disappointment

"Proceed, proceed: we will begin these rites, as we do trust they'll end, in true delights." Act V.iv.78

This was one of the worst things we have read all year. The reason I am saying that is not because it was a beyond-belief-horrible play; it followed Othello, which was a fantastic play and one of my favorite things that we have read thus far. There was no real plot or driving force in the story. I feel as if Shakespeare wrote characters doing certain things just to write them. The series of events did not make much sense and the story was too underdeveloped. Othello was such a wonderful tragedy that had great characters and a suspenseful plot. As You Like It, however, had none of that. In the beginning, it started out pretty good with the whole, brother on brother hatred kind of thing. But that faded as soon as the characters all started to fall in love with on another. The plot did not really make sense. This would only be considered halfway decent to me if I was watching the play onstage and I wasn't into thinking too deeply. Other than that, Shakespeare really let me down on this one.

"As You Like It" - antagonists (or lack thereof)

"...for my part, he keeps me rustically at home, or, to speak more properly, stays me here at home unkept; for call you that keeping fora gentleman of my birth, that differs not from the stalling of an ox? His horses are bred better..." Act I.i.1

In "As You Like It", I feel as if there is really no true antagonist. The story starts out with Oliver treating his younger brother, Orlando like dirt. Oliver basically tricks Orlando into fighting in this wrestling match that Oliver believes Orlando will lose badly. Then, when his plans don't work out accordingly, he chases after him. But that pursuit quickly becomes pushed to the background. Another character I believed was going to be the antagonist was Duke Jr. But, like Oliver, that was not really made that prominent to the audience. In addition, there was no real pursuit. There was not a sense of a conflict, battle, or anything that required the characters confronting their enemies. At the end of the play everyone just got along all fine and dandy and there was no real resolution. Shakespeare clearly showed his laziness in the the lack of real antagonists.

"As You Like It" - theme

"Duke Frederick, hearing how that every day Men of great worth resorted to this forest... where meeting with an old religious man, after some question with him, was converted." Act V. iv. 77

One of the major themes of this play is the power nature has on the characters. Throughout the play, the people who are facing difficult times often retreat to the forest. This allows them to escape the life in the city and experience real nature firsthand; something they were all not accustomed to. For example, while in the forest, Oliver changes his feelings for his brother, Orlando, after he experiences nature and the animals there. Another example is where Orlando writes all of his love poems and messages about/to Rosalind on the bark of the trees. This shows that nature has a positive effect on the characters. Touchstone seems to be the only character who truly does not like the forest. He was talking about city life and how it was more civil and simply better than the life of someone who lived out in nature. He also wished that he could go back to the city (pg 23). But other than that, nature is what brings all of the characters together in the end and allows them to live in harmony and gives them the chance for lots o' marriages.

Reflective Essay

First off, for your viewing pleasure, you can watch a high school project that I randomly found on "Othello". I wouldn't bother posting this if it weren't for the song that they sing at the end. So if you would enjoy a little chuckle, watch this. :)

Throughout all of history, adultery has been a prevalent, constant offense in societies all around the world. No matter what culture, time period, or region of the world, adultery finds a way to crop up in daily life. Traces of adultery can even be linked back to Shakespeare’s time, as demonstrated through Othello. This sin is still being committed four hundred years later. Men and women alike are still being accused of and grieving from the effects of adultery. This is established by songs such as “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy and even cause for impeachment of a United States President.

The first example of how adultery is a timeless theme in humanity is illustrated when the character Desdemona is wrongfully accused of committing adultery. Even today, similar allegations are being made. Desdemona is contrasted with the song "It Wasn't Me" by artist Shaggy. In the song, Shaggy is cheating on his girlfriend with his neighbor. His girlfriend then catches him -multiple times - yet he denies he ever committed the act. Under guidance of his hard-to-understand friend, Shaggy is led down a path of lies and deceit. However, in Othello, Desdemona is not anything like Shaggy. While both Shaggy and Desdemona shut down any ideas that they were cheating on their significant other, Desdemona is the only one who is innocent. Desdemona loved Othello above all others and said in the story how she would never treat her husband as husbands often treat their wives. She described to Emilia that she would not even dream of cheating on Othello, saying “No, by this heavenly light!” (Act IV.iii.51) when asked if should would consider committing adultery. Shaggy did not have this conviction. He had little regard for his significant other because, on top of cheating on her, he also lied about it. In the song, the singer says, “I had tried to keep her from what she was about to see. Why should she believe me when I told her it wasn’t me?” (Shaggy) Shaggy lacked the honor and obedience that Desdemona clearly conveyed. There are many reasons people commit adultery; however, curiosity and boredom are among the most common. Some people get a thrill out of breaking the rules and seeing if they can get away with it. The adulterers often admit they love their significant other or spouse but still lie and cheat. Shaggy definitely abused his freedom in this case and ended up hurting his relationship with his girlfriend, something extremely common in the human existence.

Lyrics to "It Wasn't Me"

Adultery is not only demonstrated by famous, 90’s R&B celebrities. Even society’s esteemed seem to be unable to escape the tempestuousness that infidelity can bring. In 1992, former president Bill Clinton was accused of committing adultery while he was in office. The country was in a state of outrage once they heard the news. However, his own wife had forgiven him. When Hilary Clinton was interviewed after the incident, she said, “You know, I'm not sitting here – some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette. I'm sitting here because I love him, and I respect him, and I honor what he's been through and what we've been through together. And you know, if that's not enough for people, then heck, don't vote for him” ("In 1992, Clinton Conceded Marital 'Wrongdoing'"). Even though Bill Clinton was publically unfaithful to his wife, she still remained faithful to him. This is similar to how Desdemona was faithful to Othello. He had murdered her because of jealousy, yet she was not angry with him. This blind love and devotion is also shown throughout the world and history.

Link to article with Bill and Hilary Clinton

Infidelity can be traced back to the beginning of time. Because of this, adultery is proven to be a timeless quality of human life that is likely to never be altered. As long as a lust for others is a part of the biology of people, then the sin will be committed. However, if there are people such as Desdemona in the world, then that number could decrease. If Othello were to see the pure love that his wife harbored for him, then he might not have murdered her. The same goes for the rest of the world. If people were to love each other more freely and openly, then accusations would not be made as quickly as they are. The Iago’s of the world would not convince naïve beings of false assumptions. All in all, the human condition would greatly increase.

Works Cited

"In 1992, Clinton Conceded Marital 'Wrongdoing'" Washington Post: Breaking News, World, US, DC News & Analysis. 26 Jan. 1992. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. .

Perrine, Laurence. “Othello”. Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound and Sense. Fort Worth.

Harcourt College. 2012. 1 361-462. Print.

Shaggy. It Wasn't Me. Shaggy. MCA Records, 2001. CD.

It Wasn't Desdemona But Was Definitely Shaggy

Lyrics to "It Wasn't Me" by Shaggy

The character of Desdemona is contrasted with the song "It Wasn't Me" by artist Shaggy. In the (not quite school appropriate) song, Shaggy is cheating on his girlfriend with his neighbor. His girlfriend then catches him -multiple times - yet he denies he ever committed the act. Under guidance of his hard-to-understand friend, Shaggy is led down a path of lying and deceit. However, in "Othello", Desdemona is not anything like Shaggy. While both Shaggy and Desdemona shut down any ideas that they were cheating on their significant other, Desdemona is the only one who is true in her denying. Desdemona loved Othello above all others and said in the story how she would never treat her husband as husbands often treat their wives. She described to Emilia that she would not even dream of cheating on Othello, a thought that had crossed Emilia's mine once or twice when thinking of her own husband, Iago. Shaggy did not make this conviction. He had little regard for his significant other because, on top of cheating on her, he also lied about it. Shaggy lacked the honor and obedience that Desdemona clearly conveyed. In a way, Shaggy is more like Iago because he is lying in order to cover up a situation that results in hurting others but helps him and gives him some sort of gain.

Othello - What is with the creepy smile?!

Alright, what were Iago's motives at the end?! Why was he happy?! He is going to be tortured to near death and he is HAPPY?! It just makes no sense. So what exactly motivated Iago throughout the play? The whole time I was waiting to hear some big revelation of why Iago acted the way he did beyond the reasons he mentioned earlier in the story. Nevertheless, he was a cool character. All annoying-ness aside about how he ended things without coming clean about his motives, he was totally bad rear-ended for not spilling his secrets. I can't help but to admire a villain like this. Even though I am all for the good heroes, I love an even better bad guy. I don't really know what I am saying in this blog post; I mainly just wanted to get my questions out there that I asked about in the beginning. But seriously, what were his motives? Maybe one day someone will unearth a hidden sequel or epilogue that Shakespeare wrote...

Othello - Iago steals the show

Question:

Though Othello is the protagonist, the majority of the soliloquies and asides are given to Iago. Why?

Answer:

I think this play is similar to "Julius Caesar" in such a way that Julius is the central character, but not the main character. Othello is Caesar. The play is centered around him and he plays an important role, but he isn't the person who is driving the plot. That character is Iago (the equivalent to Brutus). Since the play is generally pushed by him, his soliloquies and asides are far more important than Othello's. If Iago did not let the audience in on what he was thinking or what his motives were, then the play simply would not make sense. All we would see is this crazy manipulator who is messing with everyone's lives for no apparent reason. Iago's asides are extremely imperative in order to understand the plot. If not that, they are important to maybe have the audience hate to love Iago's genius.

Othello - What if?

Question:

How would the effect of the play have been different if Othello had died before discovering Desdemona's innocence?

Answer:

The most obvious difference would be that he would not have killed himself. Othello takes his own life only after realizing that he wrongfully - even though it was already wrong to kill someone; it was just LESS wrong because she was cheating on him - murder Desdemona. The regret he felt after killing her was something I think all audiences could relate to on some level. Therefore, he received sympathy. In addition, this could ruin the audiences hatred for Iago. I can admit that while reading the whole story, I was a little bit on Team Iago, as I'm sure a lot of people were. However, when Othello killed himself due to Iago's actions, my love turned to a dislike (I can't say hate because who didn't love that creepy smile at the end?!). So if Othello never killed himself after knowing the truth, then people would remain on Team Iago perhaps forever.

(enjoy your mental break due to this nicely placed blank section)

The effect of the play would be different because audiences love to have problems resolved. So if Othello were to die before the innocence was revealed, then Shakespeare would have had an uproar of angry fans demanding an immediate refund, throwing tomatoes at the actors, crossing their hearts to never ever see another play again, etc. etc. But as for the characters within the play, they would not know of Desdemona's innocence and would theoretically go on forever thinking that she had committed adultery. This could greatly effect Cassio as well, considering he was the one that had been accused of being a partner in crime, if you will.

Othello - Iago at the end of Act III

"Damn her, lewd minx! Oh, damn her, damn her!

Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw

To furnish me with some swift means of death

For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant." (III iii 285)

This is the turning point in the play. Iago has just tipped the first domino in his master plan and is watching as they all come crashing down, falling right into place. He has finally been appointed to lieutenant, the job that he has wanted from the beginning of "Othello". I do not like Iago, but I cannot help but to admire the way he manipulated the situation in his favor. In this one act, he got revenge on Cassio, placed doubt and jealousy into Othello's mind, and then got himself the position he always wanted. He is an extremely bright and quick-thinking character. As I was reading the parts of the story that I should dislike Iago for, I couldn't help but smile at his clever, witty ways. I think this is mostly because of the fact that the story is told from his perspective. This would be totally different if it were told from one of the protagonists' point of views.

Othello - theme

Question:

What themes does the play represent?

Answer:

I think a common theme of "Othello" would be the cliche, you can't judge a book by its cover. This is demonstrated very early in the play. Othello is quickly described as being a Moor and therefor less of a person because of the color of his skin. "What a full fortune does the Thick-lips owe

If he can carry’t thus!" (I i 66) However, as the play progresses, Othello is considered a brave warrior of Venice and the Duke looks to him for military guidance and leadership. This shows that Othello is not all that he appears to be. Perhaps the biggest example of the theme would be Iago. This character appears to be a genuine companion, often being called "honest" and "a good friend". This is far from the truth due to the fact that Iago is deceiving every person he is in contact with in order to spin his web of deceit a bit more. For example, he tricks Roderigo into paying him for splitting up Othello and Desdemona, but in reality, Iago needs this to happen anyways.

Othello - characters

Question:

"Identify the protagonist(s) and antagonist(s). Are there any foil characters? What dramatic functions are served by the various minor characters? Do they shed light on the actions or motives of the major characters? Do they advance the plot by eliciting actions by others? Do they embody ideas or feelings that illuminate the major characters or the movement of the plot?"

Answer:

The protagonists in "Othello" are the characters of Othello, Cassio, and Roderigo. Roderigo- even though he is trying to go against Cassio and Othello- would be considered a protagonist because he does those things under the influence of Iago's deception. Which brings me to the antagonist, Iago. He is against pretty much every other character in the play and is solely focused on bringing down others in order for personal gain and revenge.

Roderigo could be considered a foil character to Iago because Roderigo values love the most and Iago manipulates those who are around him to accomplish goals that will only benefit himself. Also, he treats his wife like dirt saying, "Sir, would she give you so much of her lips as her tongue she oft bestows on me, you'll have enough" (II i 109). For this same reason, Cassio is a foil character to Iago as well. Cassio greets Desdemona by saying, "Grettings my lady, and may God always be with you" (II i 90). He then proceeds to embrace and kiss her.

In Act I, the Duke - a minor character- shows Othello's integrity and leadership by calling him to help with the war and believing his statement about his marriage to Desdemona. He says to Barbantio, "Your son-in-law is far more fair than black" (I iii 286). This shows that Othello is an honestly good man. Emilia shows that Iago is not a good husband based on the conversation they had with Desdemona about women in general and the compliments (or lack thereof) that Iago would give them.