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.
Monday, January 4, 2010
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.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Pride and Prejudice Essay
Macda Gerard
AP English 11: Mr. George
17 April 2009
Pride & Prejudice Essay
In “a world of social, moral and economic stability…where characters are free to make their own choices and pursue their hearts’ desires” (Austen XIII) happiness is rare. Throughout the novel Pride and Prejudice, the world of valuing social stability and making choices stimulates the emerging of marital motives. Society does not provide many choices for unmarried women as they age, which forces many to seek marriage with the understanding that contentment may later arrive as long as they are secured. Through acting on their hearts’ desires, some women hold a disposition that attract them to pursue a mercenary marriage or perhaps a prudential marriage in order to insure security; however, a marriage based on love is most favorable and results in security but also ultimate happiness.
In the novel, women are highly encouraged to marry as soon as possible: “Young women should always be properly guarded and attended, according to their situation in life” (Austen 208). Women did not commonly receive inheritance from their fathers; instead, entails were often passed down to the sons of families. With the lack of pecuniary aid, it created limited options for a comfortable single lifestyle. This entailed living with relatives as a dependent or residing with employers and taking on jobs such as a teacher or housekeeper. Many women sought eagerly to marry in order to avoid such inauspicious lifestyles and gain security through finances and beneficial rewards. Marriage became the only way out of said situations often resulting in desperation to gain a husband through financial and practical motives.
Many characters were willing to marry simply because marriage was the only means of obtaining financial security. Throughout the novel, Wickham is clearly demonstrated as having motives pertaining to money or other rewards for marrying. When speaking of Wickham’s relations with Miss King, it is evident that he simply wanted her for a financial gain: “But he paid her not the smallest attention till her grandfather’s death made her mistress of this fortune?” Furthermore, in regards to Wickham’s relationship with Lydia, it is evident that he had no intention of marrying her. However, the rogue married Lydia after Darcy offered an amount of money that would guarantee him an opportunity for a job and the absolution of debts. Wickham certainly was not alone in his mercenary beliefs.
Mrs. Bennet certainly had mercenary motives pertaining to her daughters. She felt it was her ultimate purpose to marry her daughters solely to their advantage. However, in doing so, she was depicted as extremely shallow and insatiable: “[Mrs. Bennett’s] thoughts and her words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials, fine muslins, new carriages, and servants" (226). And on Elizabeth's marriage she exclaims: "What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! ... A house in town! ... Ten thousand a year!” (365-366). Mrs. Bennet ceased to judge by first impression or civility and solely took into account how much the men were worth, which would be the crux of her judgment toward the men. Contrary to seeking pecuniary aid from marriage, many also look to practical matters as well.
A prudent marriage implies that there is a practical sense to the union. Many seek to marry for prudent motives with the sole intention of being content and satisfied. Mr. Collins exemplifies these motives through his initial proposal to Lizzy: “I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish” (105). Throughout the desperate attempts to acquire her approval, Mr. Collins does not once mention love. This was simply a pretense of passion working as a masquerade for his practical desire of marriage. This clearly demonstrates that his sole purpose of obtaining a wife was to ensure that she was provided for, disregarding emotion within the marriage.
Charlotte seeks a prudent marriage as a way of securing her lasting contentment. This is clearly expressed by Charlotte, whose pragmatic views on marrying are articulated countless times: “Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honorable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want” (122). In marrying Mr. Collins, she achieves this but does not expect ultimate happiness: “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of choice” (24). Her intent of marrying was not to achieve extreme happiness but to achieve satisfaction. While this may indeed be sensible, other motives for marrying may result in a more gratifying end.
Marrying for love is certainly prevalent among characters in the novel. Bingley and Jane traveled a long journey before attaining their ultimate happiness. Due to the fact that Bingley was in love with Jane, he did not hesitate to step down from his high social standing to meet hers. However, because of a misunderstanding, Jane and Bingley were separated, causing Jane great sorrow. Later on, Bingley took it upon himself to return and continue his courtship of Jane. He proposed to her choosing to disregard any opinions his sisters may have had. Regardless of what may have seeped through the cracks of their love, it is genuine and will remain unchanged.
The greatest illustration of ultimate happiness is demonstrated through Darcy’s strive for Lizzy’s hand in marriage. Darcy’s love did not act as a motive solely to marry her, but also pushed him to overcoming obstacles. With a shaky start beginning at the Meryton Ball, “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me” (13), prejudices arose and trickled throughout their relationship. Nevertheless, Darcy proves his undying love for Lizzy by humbling himself and paying for Lydia and Wickham’s marriage, along with paying for Wickham’s debt, and providing him with a job despite the fact that Darcy loathes him. Darcy disregards the disapproval of others and sets aside the fact that he is of a higher social standing and proclaims his love to Lizzy by proposing.
In both love marriages, Bingley and Darcy undergo leaps and bounds to achieve their goal of obtaining a wife that completes them. In regards to Jane and Lizzy, not only do love marriages bestow a sense of enduring happiness upon each couples, it also provides them with lasting contentment and financial security. All had to face ridicule at some point; however, their love prevails over all condemnation. Love marriages result in ultimate happiness and more, whereas prudential and mercenary marriages tend to border contentment and certainly never come into proximity of the ultimate happiness and contentment experienced in love marriages. “Love is the condition in which happiness of another person is essential to your own.” (Robert Heinlein). Love trumps all.
AP English 11: Mr. George
17 April 2009
Pride & Prejudice Essay
In “a world of social, moral and economic stability…where characters are free to make their own choices and pursue their hearts’ desires” (Austen XIII) happiness is rare. Throughout the novel Pride and Prejudice, the world of valuing social stability and making choices stimulates the emerging of marital motives. Society does not provide many choices for unmarried women as they age, which forces many to seek marriage with the understanding that contentment may later arrive as long as they are secured. Through acting on their hearts’ desires, some women hold a disposition that attract them to pursue a mercenary marriage or perhaps a prudential marriage in order to insure security; however, a marriage based on love is most favorable and results in security but also ultimate happiness.
In the novel, women are highly encouraged to marry as soon as possible: “Young women should always be properly guarded and attended, according to their situation in life” (Austen 208). Women did not commonly receive inheritance from their fathers; instead, entails were often passed down to the sons of families. With the lack of pecuniary aid, it created limited options for a comfortable single lifestyle. This entailed living with relatives as a dependent or residing with employers and taking on jobs such as a teacher or housekeeper. Many women sought eagerly to marry in order to avoid such inauspicious lifestyles and gain security through finances and beneficial rewards. Marriage became the only way out of said situations often resulting in desperation to gain a husband through financial and practical motives.
Many characters were willing to marry simply because marriage was the only means of obtaining financial security. Throughout the novel, Wickham is clearly demonstrated as having motives pertaining to money or other rewards for marrying. When speaking of Wickham’s relations with Miss King, it is evident that he simply wanted her for a financial gain: “But he paid her not the smallest attention till her grandfather’s death made her mistress of this fortune?” Furthermore, in regards to Wickham’s relationship with Lydia, it is evident that he had no intention of marrying her. However, the rogue married Lydia after Darcy offered an amount of money that would guarantee him an opportunity for a job and the absolution of debts. Wickham certainly was not alone in his mercenary beliefs.
Mrs. Bennet certainly had mercenary motives pertaining to her daughters. She felt it was her ultimate purpose to marry her daughters solely to their advantage. However, in doing so, she was depicted as extremely shallow and insatiable: “[Mrs. Bennett’s] thoughts and her words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials, fine muslins, new carriages, and servants" (226). And on Elizabeth's marriage she exclaims: "What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! ... A house in town! ... Ten thousand a year!” (365-366). Mrs. Bennet ceased to judge by first impression or civility and solely took into account how much the men were worth, which would be the crux of her judgment toward the men. Contrary to seeking pecuniary aid from marriage, many also look to practical matters as well.
A prudent marriage implies that there is a practical sense to the union. Many seek to marry for prudent motives with the sole intention of being content and satisfied. Mr. Collins exemplifies these motives through his initial proposal to Lizzy: “I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish” (105). Throughout the desperate attempts to acquire her approval, Mr. Collins does not once mention love. This was simply a pretense of passion working as a masquerade for his practical desire of marriage. This clearly demonstrates that his sole purpose of obtaining a wife was to ensure that she was provided for, disregarding emotion within the marriage.
Charlotte seeks a prudent marriage as a way of securing her lasting contentment. This is clearly expressed by Charlotte, whose pragmatic views on marrying are articulated countless times: “Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honorable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want” (122). In marrying Mr. Collins, she achieves this but does not expect ultimate happiness: “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of choice” (24). Her intent of marrying was not to achieve extreme happiness but to achieve satisfaction. While this may indeed be sensible, other motives for marrying may result in a more gratifying end.
Marrying for love is certainly prevalent among characters in the novel. Bingley and Jane traveled a long journey before attaining their ultimate happiness. Due to the fact that Bingley was in love with Jane, he did not hesitate to step down from his high social standing to meet hers. However, because of a misunderstanding, Jane and Bingley were separated, causing Jane great sorrow. Later on, Bingley took it upon himself to return and continue his courtship of Jane. He proposed to her choosing to disregard any opinions his sisters may have had. Regardless of what may have seeped through the cracks of their love, it is genuine and will remain unchanged.
The greatest illustration of ultimate happiness is demonstrated through Darcy’s strive for Lizzy’s hand in marriage. Darcy’s love did not act as a motive solely to marry her, but also pushed him to overcoming obstacles. With a shaky start beginning at the Meryton Ball, “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me” (13), prejudices arose and trickled throughout their relationship. Nevertheless, Darcy proves his undying love for Lizzy by humbling himself and paying for Lydia and Wickham’s marriage, along with paying for Wickham’s debt, and providing him with a job despite the fact that Darcy loathes him. Darcy disregards the disapproval of others and sets aside the fact that he is of a higher social standing and proclaims his love to Lizzy by proposing.
In both love marriages, Bingley and Darcy undergo leaps and bounds to achieve their goal of obtaining a wife that completes them. In regards to Jane and Lizzy, not only do love marriages bestow a sense of enduring happiness upon each couples, it also provides them with lasting contentment and financial security. All had to face ridicule at some point; however, their love prevails over all condemnation. Love marriages result in ultimate happiness and more, whereas prudential and mercenary marriages tend to border contentment and certainly never come into proximity of the ultimate happiness and contentment experienced in love marriages. “Love is the condition in which happiness of another person is essential to your own.” (Robert Heinlein). Love trumps all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
