Are Katherine and Petruchio in love?
Considering the many interpretations of love, one can be certain that “love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant” (1 Corinthians 13:4). When it comes to the case of Katherine and Petruchio, their relationship does not fall into this understanding. The relationship is unbalanced. Petruchio is certainly not patient with Kate but acts as a dictator if Katherine were to go against his word: “She ate no meat today, nor none shall eat. Last night she slept not, nor tonight she shall not” (4.1.197-8). He takes a dominant role in the relationship because of monetary motives, which is further depicted when he bets on Katherine's loyalty. Katherine, on the other hand, has become extremely docile and obedient. Her patience is seen in her submissive responses to Petruchio: “What you will have it named, even that it is, and so shall be so for Katherine” (4.5.24-5). The reason for Katherine’s prior malicious and spiteful behavior is not clear; however, she may have put up defenses not to keep others down, but to see who was willing to fight through the barriers, and that is what Petruchio did. For that reason, Katherine is in love with Petruchio, but Petruchio is in love with money.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Essential #7
Do you think that Hamlet has created his own insanity or has he lost his sense of reality completely?
Hamlet has neither created his own insanity nor has he lost his sense of reality. He is simply attempting to carry out his late father’s wishes and does this by devising his own personal scheme to act as though he is insane so he will not be at fault for any rash behavior that may be rendered. Hamlet’s act of stabbing Polonius; however, was not part of this plot, but rather in act out of impulse and rage—not insanity. Hamlet was overwhelmed with emotion and did not suppress it. This is ironic because prior to this scene, Hamlet praises his best friend Horatio for his ability to act with reason over emotion: “blessed are those whose blood and judgment are so well commeddled” (3.2.72-74). With this blanket of emotional distress clouding Hamlet’s rationale and initial motives, it is clear to King Hamlet that his son’s promise was slow to come about and returns to snap him out of his overpowering rage.
Hamlet has neither created his own insanity nor has he lost his sense of reality. He is simply attempting to carry out his late father’s wishes and does this by devising his own personal scheme to act as though he is insane so he will not be at fault for any rash behavior that may be rendered. Hamlet’s act of stabbing Polonius; however, was not part of this plot, but rather in act out of impulse and rage—not insanity. Hamlet was overwhelmed with emotion and did not suppress it. This is ironic because prior to this scene, Hamlet praises his best friend Horatio for his ability to act with reason over emotion: “blessed are those whose blood and judgment are so well commeddled” (3.2.72-74). With this blanket of emotional distress clouding Hamlet’s rationale and initial motives, it is clear to King Hamlet that his son’s promise was slow to come about and returns to snap him out of his overpowering rage.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Essential 6
What parallels can be drawn between the Pardoner's Prologue and his tale? How is this tale different from the other two that we have studied? Think in regards to the Pardoner's voice and how Chaucer's style changes.
In the prologue, the Pardoner tells of his fraudulence in all that he does. Essentially, the pardoner is called to be a Man of God, a preacher, one who guides others. However, this is not the case. Through his preaching, the Pardoner does not try to free his followers of sin, but finds means to take revenge on those who have hurt him. He preaches for pecuniary gain, rather than spiritual gain. The Pardoner bluntly states, “I make my living out of avarice”, but then preaches against these offenses (245). Similarly, the tale tells the story of three young men that suffered consequences because they immersed themselves in sinful acts such as indulgence, avarice, and debauchery. The pardoner is certainly guilty of these same sins. The tale differs from the previous tales we have read because it is told in a type of satirical manner where the Pardoner ironically attempts to convey a meaning of purity when he is obviously not. Also, in every other tale, the taletellers were personified through their stories. The Pardoner’s tale, on the other hand, sheds light on the importance of avoiding sinful acts; as he makes his living based on sinful acts.
In the prologue, the Pardoner tells of his fraudulence in all that he does. Essentially, the pardoner is called to be a Man of God, a preacher, one who guides others. However, this is not the case. Through his preaching, the Pardoner does not try to free his followers of sin, but finds means to take revenge on those who have hurt him. He preaches for pecuniary gain, rather than spiritual gain. The Pardoner bluntly states, “I make my living out of avarice”, but then preaches against these offenses (245). Similarly, the tale tells the story of three young men that suffered consequences because they immersed themselves in sinful acts such as indulgence, avarice, and debauchery. The pardoner is certainly guilty of these same sins. The tale differs from the previous tales we have read because it is told in a type of satirical manner where the Pardoner ironically attempts to convey a meaning of purity when he is obviously not. Also, in every other tale, the taletellers were personified through their stories. The Pardoner’s tale, on the other hand, sheds light on the importance of avoiding sinful acts; as he makes his living based on sinful acts.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Essential #4
Choice 2: Where do we see seduction and lust start to destroy Gawain, our young hero? What is the author trying to tell us?
Honor and nobility define the society in which Gawain lives in. It is evident that Gawain’s actions and choices revolve around such virtues, as we can see when he describes the five knightly virtues by which he lives by: friendship, generosity, courtesy, chastity, and piety. Because Gawain is chivalrous and yearns to uphold these ideals, he takes on the challenge the Green Knight puts forth. After realizing he has been tricked, Gawain remains courageous and is determined to go through with the agreement in order to fulfill his knightly duty. During his journey to the Green Knight’s chapel when staying at the castle, he falls for several temptations failing to uphold his virtues.
Seduction and lust begin to destroy Gawain from when he foolishly accepts the Green Knight's game to when he rejects his chivalric ideals and succumbs to the host’s wife’s allurement. When considering this affair, it leads one to question how Gawain will fulfill the agreement made with the host: “Whatever I win in the woods I will give you at eve, and all you have earned you must offer me” (lines 1106-1107). Gawain is certainly unable to do so. All the tests, games, and agreements included in this poem are the author’s means of shedding light on the importance of applying virtue to personal choice. The author emphasizes the importance of choice; the choice to uphold the virtues embedded into one's character or in a sense, lose everything as a result of discarding these ideals.
Honor and nobility define the society in which Gawain lives in. It is evident that Gawain’s actions and choices revolve around such virtues, as we can see when he describes the five knightly virtues by which he lives by: friendship, generosity, courtesy, chastity, and piety. Because Gawain is chivalrous and yearns to uphold these ideals, he takes on the challenge the Green Knight puts forth. After realizing he has been tricked, Gawain remains courageous and is determined to go through with the agreement in order to fulfill his knightly duty. During his journey to the Green Knight’s chapel when staying at the castle, he falls for several temptations failing to uphold his virtues.
Seduction and lust begin to destroy Gawain from when he foolishly accepts the Green Knight's game to when he rejects his chivalric ideals and succumbs to the host’s wife’s allurement. When considering this affair, it leads one to question how Gawain will fulfill the agreement made with the host: “Whatever I win in the woods I will give you at eve, and all you have earned you must offer me” (lines 1106-1107). Gawain is certainly unable to do so. All the tests, games, and agreements included in this poem are the author’s means of shedding light on the importance of applying virtue to personal choice. The author emphasizes the importance of choice; the choice to uphold the virtues embedded into one's character or in a sense, lose everything as a result of discarding these ideals.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Rule of Relationships
1. Trust is key. Do not overreact and jump to conclusions, nor assume anything because most likely you are wrong. With no trust, the relationship lacks one of the fundamental components that lead to a successful bond.
2. Make sure to communicate. You cannot expect her to read your mind. You must be fully capable of articulating your needs.
3. Spend the right amount of time with her. It is okay to spend time with friends and family; however, always make the effort to make time for her. By doing this, you are showing your appreciation for the relationship you have.
4. Treat her like the queen she is. Whether it is through speech, gifts, hugs, or something as simple as the way you hold her hand.
5. Compromise. Relationships are supposed to be give and take. If only one person is compromising in a relationship, it’s not a relationship.
6. Make an attempt to get along with her friends and family. The people she is closest with usually have a huge influence in her life and could be deciding on the future of the relationship.
7. Values. The two of you should have shared/set values. It makes the time that you share easier, because you both have the same values.
8. Prayer. As Tyler Perry says, “A couple that prays together stays together!”
9. Don’t take things too seriously. Try to make the relationship as fun as possible, but also knowing when to stop.
10. Cherish her for who she is and who she’s not. From her beauty, her intelligence, her hopes, her dreams, to her flaws, her corny jokes, her bad hair days, and everything in between.
2. Make sure to communicate. You cannot expect her to read your mind. You must be fully capable of articulating your needs.
3. Spend the right amount of time with her. It is okay to spend time with friends and family; however, always make the effort to make time for her. By doing this, you are showing your appreciation for the relationship you have.
4. Treat her like the queen she is. Whether it is through speech, gifts, hugs, or something as simple as the way you hold her hand.
5. Compromise. Relationships are supposed to be give and take. If only one person is compromising in a relationship, it’s not a relationship.
6. Make an attempt to get along with her friends and family. The people she is closest with usually have a huge influence in her life and could be deciding on the future of the relationship.
7. Values. The two of you should have shared/set values. It makes the time that you share easier, because you both have the same values.
8. Prayer. As Tyler Perry says, “A couple that prays together stays together!”
9. Don’t take things too seriously. Try to make the relationship as fun as possible, but also knowing when to stop.
10. Cherish her for who she is and who she’s not. From her beauty, her intelligence, her hopes, her dreams, to her flaws, her corny jokes, her bad hair days, and everything in between.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Beowulf: Essential #2
Discuss the role of women in Beowulf. How do Wealtheow and Grendel's mother compare and contrast in their roles?
In Beowulf, women play fundamental roles within the society. They are depicted as extremely hospitable and docile within the margins of a patriarchal rule. Their sense of self worth and purpose in life are shown to be in accordance with being of service to their husbands. This best describes Wealhtheow, the wife of Hrothgar. In the text, we are first introduced to Wealhtheow as “adorned with gold, that proud woman greeted the men in the hall, [and] offered the cup” (Lines 606-607). We see her as friendly and amiable toward her guests; however, not only is she bejeweled, Wealhtheow is walking around the room carrying the cup to Hrothgar and then immediately to Beowulf, as a recognition of rank. It was her responsibility to carry out such subservient actions during those times.
In addition, Beowulf presents certain women as monsters, contrary to Wealhtheow’s character. Grendel’s mother can be placed in this category. She plays a more masculine role, rather than being adorned with jewelry and being of service to a particular ruler. Her masculinity and physical strength exert influence upon the society. She is extremely violent and settles her disputes through aggressive means. Grendel’s mother instills fear while; Wealhtheow instills comfort and happiness throughout the society.
In Beowulf, women play fundamental roles within the society. They are depicted as extremely hospitable and docile within the margins of a patriarchal rule. Their sense of self worth and purpose in life are shown to be in accordance with being of service to their husbands. This best describes Wealhtheow, the wife of Hrothgar. In the text, we are first introduced to Wealhtheow as “adorned with gold, that proud woman greeted the men in the hall, [and] offered the cup” (Lines 606-607). We see her as friendly and amiable toward her guests; however, not only is she bejeweled, Wealhtheow is walking around the room carrying the cup to Hrothgar and then immediately to Beowulf, as a recognition of rank. It was her responsibility to carry out such subservient actions during those times.
In addition, Beowulf presents certain women as monsters, contrary to Wealhtheow’s character. Grendel’s mother can be placed in this category. She plays a more masculine role, rather than being adorned with jewelry and being of service to a particular ruler. Her masculinity and physical strength exert influence upon the society. She is extremely violent and settles her disputes through aggressive means. Grendel’s mother instills fear while; Wealhtheow instills comfort and happiness throughout the society.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Beowulf: Essential #1
What are the social obligations of a hero? Is Beowulf aware of his deification process?
The social obligations of a leader are bravery and dedication to ones people. A hero must be willing to protect its people while also moving them forward by prosperous means. In Beowulf it is said that Scyld Scefing “terrified his foes…until the men of every neighboring tribe…were obliged to obey him and pay him tribute” (Lines 6-10). It is clear that a leader must be willing to destroy those against him and his people and in return acquire “praise and honor” (Line 8). Also, a leader must be valiant in military battles, which can be attributed to Hrothgar. He “won honor in war, glory in battle, and so ensured his followers’ support” (Line 64-66). Due to his willingness to give of himself in war, it can be understood that a hero must be other-centered in order to ensure safety among his community. A leader must also be stern yet compassionate, bold yet kind, and give orders but also be considerate. Furthermore, we can come to the conclusion that through such social obligations, he “who wins renown will always prosper among any people” (Line 24-25).
Beowulf is certainly aware of his deification process. However, unlike several men, Beowulf has a sense of humility in his acknowledgment of his deification process. In the beginning of the poem, “Beowulf searched out the bravest of the Geats, asked them to go with him” (Lines 205-206). If he was not aware of his honor and might, Beowulf would have not made such a long journey in order to be of service to Hrothgar. Beowulf explains that he has come “with most honorable intentions” (Line 265) which sheds light on his modest disposition and also his confidence in the fact that he can be of great aid. Beowulf’s daring and poised nature certainly gives way to the understanding that he is indeed aware of his becoming idealized and adored.
The social obligations of a leader are bravery and dedication to ones people. A hero must be willing to protect its people while also moving them forward by prosperous means. In Beowulf it is said that Scyld Scefing “terrified his foes…until the men of every neighboring tribe…were obliged to obey him and pay him tribute” (Lines 6-10). It is clear that a leader must be willing to destroy those against him and his people and in return acquire “praise and honor” (Line 8). Also, a leader must be valiant in military battles, which can be attributed to Hrothgar. He “won honor in war, glory in battle, and so ensured his followers’ support” (Line 64-66). Due to his willingness to give of himself in war, it can be understood that a hero must be other-centered in order to ensure safety among his community. A leader must also be stern yet compassionate, bold yet kind, and give orders but also be considerate. Furthermore, we can come to the conclusion that through such social obligations, he “who wins renown will always prosper among any people” (Line 24-25).
Beowulf is certainly aware of his deification process. However, unlike several men, Beowulf has a sense of humility in his acknowledgment of his deification process. In the beginning of the poem, “Beowulf searched out the bravest of the Geats, asked them to go with him” (Lines 205-206). If he was not aware of his honor and might, Beowulf would have not made such a long journey in order to be of service to Hrothgar. Beowulf explains that he has come “with most honorable intentions” (Line 265) which sheds light on his modest disposition and also his confidence in the fact that he can be of great aid. Beowulf’s daring and poised nature certainly gives way to the understanding that he is indeed aware of his becoming idealized and adored.
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