Monday, April 30, 2012
Slaughterhouse 5: Anti-War or Not?
"The doctors agreed: He was going crazy. They didn't think it had anything to do with the war." Page 100
So the question is: war or no war? I was under the impression this was an anti-war novel. I believed that, like these no-good Communists above, who poison America with unpatriotic nonsense, Kurt was going to tell us exactly why we should never have a war again. However, if anything, this is satirical in regards to war in a way. Although the scenes depicting Dresden were accurate, Vonnegut stayed very removed either way from his stance on war. I was impressed with his ability to create a character that merely acknowledged what he saw as he did many other parts of his life, not taking away the horror of the situation but the experience they gavee him for his life. I am still undecided as to whether this is indeed an anti-war novel or a relaying of events.
Slaughterhouse 5: Chirp Chirp
"BAM! BLAM BLAST POW! BOOM! WHIZ! *Grunt, wheeze, moans of pain , suffering, and anguish*" -- Derby's death
I won't even lie, the analysis for this blog was looked up online. But I wanted to reflect on how true it is. When the bird tweets that at Billy, It is almost as if this is a question. I used to wonder what the significance of this was. Yet now I realize that a bird asking Billy why humans did such things was sort of fit in with the theme of the novel. Why? Why did Derby get shot for a petty thievery amidst the destruction and death? Why was Dresden destroyed if it had no real military significance? Why a war in the first place? The bird is Vonnegut's reaction to what he saw in the days he was a prisoner of war. Why?
Slaughterhouse 5: Conceding to War?
"'It had to be done,' Rumfoord told Billy, speaking of the destruction of Dresden.
'I know," said Billy." Page 198
This is the first instance throughout the novel, aside from Billy failing to protest Vietnam bombing at a Lion's Club meeting, that Pilgrim takes a stance on what he saw. He often describes it as awful, or does not talk about it at all. Yet it is very rare that we see Billy reflect on his experiences as the aftermath of a necessary measure. He is obviously scarred from his experiences, such as remembering the "barbershop quartet" of German guards as they looked at the destruction of Dresden. Billy, despite this, is accepting the desolation as necessary to the cause of the war. His concession to war sort of had an odd characterization effect to me, showing how powerless this man felt at this point in his life, time traveling constantly and no longer caring about his death.
'I know," said Billy." Page 198
This is the first instance throughout the novel, aside from Billy failing to protest Vietnam bombing at a Lion's Club meeting, that Pilgrim takes a stance on what he saw. He often describes it as awful, or does not talk about it at all. Yet it is very rare that we see Billy reflect on his experiences as the aftermath of a necessary measure. He is obviously scarred from his experiences, such as remembering the "barbershop quartet" of German guards as they looked at the destruction of Dresden. Billy, despite this, is accepting the desolation as necessary to the cause of the war. His concession to war sort of had an odd characterization effect to me, showing how powerless this man felt at this point in his life, time traveling constantly and no longer caring about his death.
Slaughterhouse 5: The Moon
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the moon. We've all seen it, right? Well take a look behind this astronaut. What do you see? Nothing? Correct. Now try for a minute to imagine this kind of environment on Earth. After Dresden was bombed, Billy describes it looking like the moon, plus some ruins of buildings. The firestorm killed every single person and living organism that wasn't protected by some sort of shelter. Desolation beyond recognition from the firepower dropped on the city. I think that the only thing more amazing than the appearance of the place would have been that anybody was able to survive it. Billy was lucky, to say the least.
Slaughterhouse 5: Campbell the Juxtaposition
"He was Howard W. Campbell, an American who had become a Nazi." Page 162
This man is a walking juxtaposition. He approaches the American prisoners in his custom made uniform. He sports a cowboy hat, boots, a red, white, and blue swastika, and a silhouette of Abraham Lincoln. As he describes his uniform to the prisoners of war, he speaks with pride of the accomplishments of the Americans. However, this idiot is fighting for the Nazis. What kind of man preaches of the wonders of America while sporting a swastika? Derby was right in calling this man a snake. yet more interesting than his lack of patriotism is the contradiction in his message, of both American pride and honor in fighting for the Nazis, and American enemy.
This man is a walking juxtaposition. He approaches the American prisoners in his custom made uniform. He sports a cowboy hat, boots, a red, white, and blue swastika, and a silhouette of Abraham Lincoln. As he describes his uniform to the prisoners of war, he speaks with pride of the accomplishments of the Americans. However, this idiot is fighting for the Nazis. What kind of man preaches of the wonders of America while sporting a swastika? Derby was right in calling this man a snake. yet more interesting than his lack of patriotism is the contradiction in his message, of both American pride and honor in fighting for the Nazis, and American enemy.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Slaughterhouse 5: Foreshadowing
"He said, too, that he had been kidnapped by a flying saucer in 1967." Page 25
The foreshadowing in this story is not quite normal. In chapter two, in the first two pages, every significant event that happens to Billy throughout the story is listed in a very matter-of-fact manner. This type of foreshadowing tells the reader what the book is about exactly. However, this is an effective tool used by Vonnegut. Because the audience knows what will happen throughout the book, they anticipate and wait to see how certain events will play out. Additionally, because chronological order plays no significant role in the story, the audience has no idea when an event will occur. This direct foreshadowing is unusual though very effective in keeping the reader engaged in the story.
The foreshadowing in this story is not quite normal. In chapter two, in the first two pages, every significant event that happens to Billy throughout the story is listed in a very matter-of-fact manner. This type of foreshadowing tells the reader what the book is about exactly. However, this is an effective tool used by Vonnegut. Because the audience knows what will happen throughout the book, they anticipate and wait to see how certain events will play out. Additionally, because chronological order plays no significant role in the story, the audience has no idea when an event will occur. This direct foreshadowing is unusual though very effective in keeping the reader engaged in the story.
Slaughterhouse 5: Billy Pilgrim
"Billy is spastic in time," Page 23
Billy is a very complicated character. At first glance, he seems an innocent and naive young man caught up in a conflict much bigger than himself. However, once he begins his time travel, he sees the world in a whole new perspective. He no longer fears death or its consequences. Many times throughout the story I wondered if Billy was simply insane, and that none of this was real at all. It could possibly be a consequence of post traumatic stress syndrome, since many time travels are associated with terrible events, such as the war, or the death of his wife which caused him to go public about his experiences with the Tralfamadorians. His mental delirium could be a side effect of the terrible events in his life. He remained much too calm during his time as a prisoner of war, and perhaps hallucinations are an outlet for his fear.
Billy is a very complicated character. At first glance, he seems an innocent and naive young man caught up in a conflict much bigger than himself. However, once he begins his time travel, he sees the world in a whole new perspective. He no longer fears death or its consequences. Many times throughout the story I wondered if Billy was simply insane, and that none of this was real at all. It could possibly be a consequence of post traumatic stress syndrome, since many time travels are associated with terrible events, such as the war, or the death of his wife which caused him to go public about his experiences with the Tralfamadorians. His mental delirium could be a side effect of the terrible events in his life. He remained much too calm during his time as a prisoner of war, and perhaps hallucinations are an outlet for his fear.
Slaughterhouse 5: Sight
"Billy again enrolled in the Ilium school of Optometry." Page 24
Throughout the novel, sight is a subject hit upon again and again. Billy becomes an optometrist. This in itself is not so unusual. However, we learn that Billy experienced horrible sights during the war and his time as a p.o.w. of the Germans. Additionally, the Tralfamadorians taught him many things about sight. Because they saw in the fourth dimension, they explained to Billy that what they saw was the existence of all time. There was no today and tomorrow, since everything was visible to them. Additionally, they explained to Billy that his perspective was limited, so he began to see the world the way they did, with no perspective of time or consequence.
Throughout the novel, sight is a subject hit upon again and again. Billy becomes an optometrist. This in itself is not so unusual. However, we learn that Billy experienced horrible sights during the war and his time as a p.o.w. of the Germans. Additionally, the Tralfamadorians taught him many things about sight. Because they saw in the fourth dimension, they explained to Billy that what they saw was the existence of all time. There was no today and tomorrow, since everything was visible to them. Additionally, they explained to Billy that his perspective was limited, so he began to see the world the way they did, with no perspective of time or consequence.
Slaughterhouse 5: Kurt as Narrator
"I was there. So was my old war buddy, Bernard V. O'Hare." Page 67
Throughout the novel, we see little glimpses of the character of the author, Kurt Vonnegut. Aside from the first chapter, the quote above is a small interjection from the author as narrator of the story. This helps the reader to remember that the experiences of Billy in the war, though not exactly like Kurt's, were very similar. The issues he writes about are reality, not entirely fiction. This helps to bind him to the story and the events that happened to him during the firebombing of Dresden. After this connection that Vonnegut shares with the readers is established, he goes on with the story, until he gently reminds his audience once again that he lived these events, he felt these emotions, and he saw the destruction at Dresden.
Throughout the novel, we see little glimpses of the character of the author, Kurt Vonnegut. Aside from the first chapter, the quote above is a small interjection from the author as narrator of the story. This helps the reader to remember that the experiences of Billy in the war, though not exactly like Kurt's, were very similar. The issues he writes about are reality, not entirely fiction. This helps to bind him to the story and the events that happened to him during the firebombing of Dresden. After this connection that Vonnegut shares with the readers is established, he goes on with the story, until he gently reminds his audience once again that he lived these events, he felt these emotions, and he saw the destruction at Dresden.
Slaughterhouse 5: "So it goes."
"While Billy was recuperating in a hospital in Vermont, his wife died accidentally of carbon-monoxide poisoning. So it goes." Page 25
The repetition of this phrase throughout the novel, every time someone dies, creates a sort of nonchalant attitude towards death. This is fitting in a novel centered around the horrors and destruction of war. Billy's perspective of death as just another event that occurs in time takes the edge off of his life. The reader never feels that Billy is in any real imminent danger, being as they know he lives past the war. This displays Billy's character as one of peacefulness, which sharply juxtaposes the harsh realities and dangers of war throughout the novel. The presence of death is often noted, though rarely heeded, throughout the novel. This also helps the reader to follow the Tralfamadorian tendencies of accepting death as one part of a reality, in which life is just as present.
The repetition of this phrase throughout the novel, every time someone dies, creates a sort of nonchalant attitude towards death. This is fitting in a novel centered around the horrors and destruction of war. Billy's perspective of death as just another event that occurs in time takes the edge off of his life. The reader never feels that Billy is in any real imminent danger, being as they know he lives past the war. This displays Billy's character as one of peacefulness, which sharply juxtaposes the harsh realities and dangers of war throughout the novel. The presence of death is often noted, though rarely heeded, throughout the novel. This also helps the reader to follow the Tralfamadorian tendencies of accepting death as one part of a reality, in which life is just as present.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Frankenstein: Creature Reflection
"I am content to suffer alone" Page 165
I find myself confused as to whether the creature is good or bad. You had mentioned in class how Shelley intentionally did this. At times, I hate the creature, such as in the cemetery when Victor was mourning and it laughed in his hear. It laughed. I would have killed it right there. Yet when I think about it, I cannot help but wonder if it was conditioned to be evil. It had only witnessed, never experienced, love or compassion from anything in its miserable life. If you were hated by all, would you not turn evil? My final confusion as to whether or not I like the creature happened when, upon the death of Victor, it mourned for him. It cried because of what it had done, and had a final repentance for the deeds of its life. I found myself wanting to forgive it, even though it was the cause of Victor's death.
Also, random question. What the heck happened to Ernest? Is he still alive?
I find myself confused as to whether the creature is good or bad. You had mentioned in class how Shelley intentionally did this. At times, I hate the creature, such as in the cemetery when Victor was mourning and it laughed in his hear. It laughed. I would have killed it right there. Yet when I think about it, I cannot help but wonder if it was conditioned to be evil. It had only witnessed, never experienced, love or compassion from anything in its miserable life. If you were hated by all, would you not turn evil? My final confusion as to whether or not I like the creature happened when, upon the death of Victor, it mourned for him. It cried because of what it had done, and had a final repentance for the deeds of its life. I found myself wanting to forgive it, even though it was the cause of Victor's death.
Also, random question. What the heck happened to Ernest? Is he still alive?
Frankenstein: Foil Character
"I come back ignorant and disappointed." Page 160
Walton, although very similar to Frankenstein, acts as a foil to him in the story. Unlike Frankenstein, who was incredibly driven to reach his goal, Walton quits at the first sign of trouble from his crew. Victor was obsessed with reaching the end of his quest for knowledge. He put aside all relations, not even bothering to write back to his loved ones in his focused work to achieve his goal. Walton certainly writes to his sister often. Additionally, he shows a lack of stomach when he surrenders to the will of his crew. This leaves Walton with the image of being either not as driven in his desire for greatness, or perhaps too conservative to let the passion consume him. Either way, he certainly learns the dangers of the pursuit when he looks upon the dead body of Frankenstein.
Walton, although very similar to Frankenstein, acts as a foil to him in the story. Unlike Frankenstein, who was incredibly driven to reach his goal, Walton quits at the first sign of trouble from his crew. Victor was obsessed with reaching the end of his quest for knowledge. He put aside all relations, not even bothering to write back to his loved ones in his focused work to achieve his goal. Walton certainly writes to his sister often. Additionally, he shows a lack of stomach when he surrenders to the will of his crew. This leaves Walton with the image of being either not as driven in his desire for greatness, or perhaps too conservative to let the passion consume him. Either way, he certainly learns the dangers of the pursuit when he looks upon the dead body of Frankenstein.
Frankenstein: The Fall of Knowledge
"Thus my hopes are blasted by cowardice and indecision." Page 160
Just three days after the writing of this letter, Victor falls ill and dies. Thus, he loses his life to his battle with the spawn of knowledge. Soon after, the creature, upon seeing Victor dead, decides to kill itself. Again, its thirst for the knowledge of love and want has tainted it, rendering it an evil and moral-less murderer. This evil within the creature leads to decisions that it later cannot live with, thus acting as its own destruction. Walton's cowardly crew refuses to continue on the voyage, ending his quest for knowledge of the unknown. The theme of the beginning of the novel, which was 'beware of the pursuit of knowledge', never reverses itself. In fact, the warning is shown to be followed through with. All quests for knowledge end in heartbreak and sorrow.
Just three days after the writing of this letter, Victor falls ill and dies. Thus, he loses his life to his battle with the spawn of knowledge. Soon after, the creature, upon seeing Victor dead, decides to kill itself. Again, its thirst for the knowledge of love and want has tainted it, rendering it an evil and moral-less murderer. This evil within the creature leads to decisions that it later cannot live with, thus acting as its own destruction. Walton's cowardly crew refuses to continue on the voyage, ending his quest for knowledge of the unknown. The theme of the beginning of the novel, which was 'beware of the pursuit of knowledge', never reverses itself. In fact, the warning is shown to be followed through with. All quests for knowledge end in heartbreak and sorrow.
Frankenstein: Slave and Master
"You are my creator, but I am your master- obey!" Page 122
In his creation of the monster, Victor is its assumed master. The creature itself claims that he considered Victor his God, and itself Adam. Yet the situation changes, as the creature points out above. Victor feels himself "chained", "imprisoned" and "contained" by his promise to create another female monster. He is bound by his love for his family. However, at the end of the novel, when the creature is in the cabin with Victor's body, it weeps for its "master and creator". This confusing part of the situation, as well as the creatures intense sadness at the death of Frankenstein, creates a strenuous relationship between creature and master that is never fixed, and constantly changed throughout. The reader sees a continuous cycle of pity and compassion between these two beings, followed by hatred and vengeance, malicious intents and then back to pity and sympathy.
In his creation of the monster, Victor is its assumed master. The creature itself claims that he considered Victor his God, and itself Adam. Yet the situation changes, as the creature points out above. Victor feels himself "chained", "imprisoned" and "contained" by his promise to create another female monster. He is bound by his love for his family. However, at the end of the novel, when the creature is in the cabin with Victor's body, it weeps for its "master and creator". This confusing part of the situation, as well as the creatures intense sadness at the death of Frankenstein, creates a strenuous relationship between creature and master that is never fixed, and constantly changed throughout. The reader sees a continuous cycle of pity and compassion between these two beings, followed by hatred and vengeance, malicious intents and then back to pity and sympathy.
Frankenstein: Loneliness
"Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?" Page 104
The creature speaks these words when he demands that victor create a woman creature for him. There is no doubt that loneliness is the only sensation the creature has gotten used to in its pathetic life. Yet it is not only he who suffers loneliness. Walton finds himself in dire want of a friend on his expedition to the arctic. Victor sees himself as miserably alone in his pursuit of the monster. This common feeling of loneliness binds the three main characters together, in a clashing, fateful series of encounters. In the end of the novel, all are again left in their loneliness. Victor dies, unsatisfied with the work he has left to do. The creature goes to kill itself, frightfully alone and not wanting to ever be discovered. Walton himself is left heartbroken not only with the loss of Victor, his good friend, but also with the failure of his expedition.
The creature speaks these words when he demands that victor create a woman creature for him. There is no doubt that loneliness is the only sensation the creature has gotten used to in its pathetic life. Yet it is not only he who suffers loneliness. Walton finds himself in dire want of a friend on his expedition to the arctic. Victor sees himself as miserably alone in his pursuit of the monster. This common feeling of loneliness binds the three main characters together, in a clashing, fateful series of encounters. In the end of the novel, all are again left in their loneliness. Victor dies, unsatisfied with the work he has left to do. The creature goes to kill itself, frightfully alone and not wanting to ever be discovered. Walton himself is left heartbroken not only with the loss of Victor, his good friend, but also with the failure of his expedition.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Frankenstein: Predictions
"but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with blood of your remaining friends." Page 68
Based on the Creature's terrible terrible threat, I am going to predict that Victor does not do as the monster says. It seems as though this tale of his has a purpose to it beyond letting Frankenstein know where he has been. And I also predict that because Victor will not comply with the monster's requests, he will see his family die one by one at the monster's hand. Once this happens, I think Victor will snap, develop an intense, raging hatred towards the ugly being he created and will do all he can to destroy it. They will get into a chase, which will lead them to the arctic, where Walton will come in, and then the story is over. Or I could be completely wrong.
Based on the Creature's terrible terrible threat, I am going to predict that Victor does not do as the monster says. It seems as though this tale of his has a purpose to it beyond letting Frankenstein know where he has been. And I also predict that because Victor will not comply with the monster's requests, he will see his family die one by one at the monster's hand. Once this happens, I think Victor will snap, develop an intense, raging hatred towards the ugly being he created and will do all he can to destroy it. They will get into a chase, which will lead them to the arctic, where Walton will come in, and then the story is over. Or I could be completely wrong.
Frankenstein: Death
"...the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts." Page 60
Death is another common theme throughout the story. Beginning with Caroline's untimely death, we start on a spree of death in Victor's family. It has led to his family's slow demise, dropping them off one by one. On top of that, the grief experienced by his father and Elizabeth is pulling them down into a continuous state of melancholy and depression. Their very characters and countenances are being transformed by the death and misfortune afflicting the Frankenstein family. To make matters worse, Victor's sense of guilt over Justine and William's dying has made him a useless member of the family as well. Despite his father's attempts to drag him out of his sad state, Victor cannot help anyone. He leaves yet again, even when Elizabeth and his father need him the most.
Death is another common theme throughout the story. Beginning with Caroline's untimely death, we start on a spree of death in Victor's family. It has led to his family's slow demise, dropping them off one by one. On top of that, the grief experienced by his father and Elizabeth is pulling them down into a continuous state of melancholy and depression. Their very characters and countenances are being transformed by the death and misfortune afflicting the Frankenstein family. To make matters worse, Victor's sense of guilt over Justine and William's dying has made him a useless member of the family as well. Despite his father's attempts to drag him out of his sad state, Victor cannot help anyone. He leaves yet again, even when Elizabeth and his father need him the most.
Frankenstein: Nature
"and I ceased to fear, or to bend before any being less almighty than that which had created and ruled the elements." Page 64
The above quote is by Frankenstein, on his journey into the Chamounix Valley. Throughout the novel, we have thus far seen nature as a key role in the mood of the central characters. Victor is extremely influenced by nature, most likely because of his interest in natural philosophy. When he is extremely depressed at the deaths of Justine and William, a trip up into the mountains lifts his fears and apprehensions. Even the creature itself is influenced by the elements. When the "lonely, dreary" winter is over and spring approaches, its mood is made much better. Nature in this novel acts as a healing entity to the characters, yet also is a reflection of mood, such as the dreary winters in which Frankenstein and the creature are depressed in.
The above quote is by Frankenstein, on his journey into the Chamounix Valley. Throughout the novel, we have thus far seen nature as a key role in the mood of the central characters. Victor is extremely influenced by nature, most likely because of his interest in natural philosophy. When he is extremely depressed at the deaths of Justine and William, a trip up into the mountains lifts his fears and apprehensions. Even the creature itself is influenced by the elements. When the "lonely, dreary" winter is over and spring approaches, its mood is made much better. Nature in this novel acts as a healing entity to the characters, yet also is a reflection of mood, such as the dreary winters in which Frankenstein and the creature are depressed in.
Frankenstein: The Creature
"I perceived, as the shape came nearer (sight tremendous and abhorred!) that it was the wretch whom I had created." Page 68
Knowing by now that this is not the stereotypical monster we see at Halloween, I am nonetheless impressed with the magnificence of the creature. For one, his physical appearance seems both awe inspiring and terrible at the same time. To imagine a gargantuan, man-like figure approaching at inhuman speeds is frightening as well as exciting. The physical ability of the creature, to be stronger than any man and with better coordination and ability, seems to create a certain fear about it. Yet its intellectual capacity is the real shocker in the story. This creature is eloquent and well-spoken to Victor. In fact, it seems more eloquent after two years than Victor himself. It is extremely intelligent. Yet despite its' intelligence, it reacts to events in animal-like ways, making it a dangerous and difficult foe to compete with.
Knowing by now that this is not the stereotypical monster we see at Halloween, I am nonetheless impressed with the magnificence of the creature. For one, his physical appearance seems both awe inspiring and terrible at the same time. To imagine a gargantuan, man-like figure approaching at inhuman speeds is frightening as well as exciting. The physical ability of the creature, to be stronger than any man and with better coordination and ability, seems to create a certain fear about it. Yet its intellectual capacity is the real shocker in the story. This creature is eloquent and well-spoken to Victor. In fact, it seems more eloquent after two years than Victor himself. It is extremely intelligent. Yet despite its' intelligence, it reacts to events in animal-like ways, making it a dangerous and difficult foe to compete with.
Frankenstein: Victor Frankenstein
"He is generally melancholy and despairing." Page 10
Victor Frankenstein is the farthest thing from mad scientist one could get. In fact, as the audience we are shown about his childhood. His Gothic and macabre obsession with the undead actually stems from his deep fascination with the beauty of nature and wonder of how the natural world functions. His character is complex to say the least, however. His fascination turns into an unhealthy obsession that consumes his entire life. How ironic it is that his greatest success was also his greatest downfall. We see his mental and emotional ups and downs throughout the story, and watch his physical health deteriorate and then build itself back up again. The genius within this man leads to an animalistic, instinctual hunting of the creature.
Victor Frankenstein is the farthest thing from mad scientist one could get. In fact, as the audience we are shown about his childhood. His Gothic and macabre obsession with the undead actually stems from his deep fascination with the beauty of nature and wonder of how the natural world functions. His character is complex to say the least, however. His fascination turns into an unhealthy obsession that consumes his entire life. How ironic it is that his greatest success was also his greatest downfall. We see his mental and emotional ups and downs throughout the story, and watch his physical health deteriorate and then build itself back up again. The genius within this man leads to an animalistic, instinctual hunting of the creature.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Death of a Salesman: Willy Loman
"I never have to wait in line to see a buyer. 'Willy Loman is here!' That's all they have to know, and I go right through." Act 1, Page 1561
Be warned, Mr. Costello. This is a hate blog, my personal reflection, on Willy.
Willy Loman. The man with no plan. The man who wastes his entire life and ruins the lives of his sons, all to prove in the end that he is worth more dead than alive. He is immature, selfish, rude, mean, and inconsiderate. We see Willy's true character first in his treatment of his wife. He cheats on her, despite her being entirely in love and dedicated to him. He tells her to shut up when she speaks. Next, to his sons. He tears them down and seconds later builds them up. He makes their inferiority complexes by always telling them if they are not the best, they are nothing. He was a terrible father to them. Personally, he does not get much better. He is too prideful to take the job Charley offers him, though he is not too prideful to take his money. He is just a fake, a phony, just as Biff called it all those years ago.
Be warned, Mr. Costello. This is a hate blog, my personal reflection, on Willy.
Willy Loman. The man with no plan. The man who wastes his entire life and ruins the lives of his sons, all to prove in the end that he is worth more dead than alive. He is immature, selfish, rude, mean, and inconsiderate. We see Willy's true character first in his treatment of his wife. He cheats on her, despite her being entirely in love and dedicated to him. He tells her to shut up when she speaks. Next, to his sons. He tears them down and seconds later builds them up. He makes their inferiority complexes by always telling them if they are not the best, they are nothing. He was a terrible father to them. Personally, he does not get much better. He is too prideful to take the job Charley offers him, though he is not too prideful to take his money. He is just a fake, a phony, just as Biff called it all those years ago.
Death of a Salesman: Protagonist & Antagonist
"BIFF: There will be no pity for you, you hear it? No pity!
WILLY: You hear the spite!" Act 2, Page 1624
As a reader, I found myself struggling to identify who the protagonist and antagonist were. They seemed to switch throughout the play. Technically, Willy is the protagonist. He is the main character around whom the story and its events revolve. This would make Biff the antagonist, since it is the two men's unceasing conflict that causes Willy's hallucinations and episodes. More than that, it is his mere presence that sets Willy off onto his self-destructive path. Yet Biff could also be the protagonist. He is a wanderer, who upon his return home finds no support or comfort from his family. His father is insensitive and rude to him, putting stresses and pressures upon him to become something he has no desire to be. This would make Willy the antagonist. It is up in the air. Either way it works. Although I still hate Willy.
WILLY: You hear the spite!" Act 2, Page 1624
As a reader, I found myself struggling to identify who the protagonist and antagonist were. They seemed to switch throughout the play. Technically, Willy is the protagonist. He is the main character around whom the story and its events revolve. This would make Biff the antagonist, since it is the two men's unceasing conflict that causes Willy's hallucinations and episodes. More than that, it is his mere presence that sets Willy off onto his self-destructive path. Yet Biff could also be the protagonist. He is a wanderer, who upon his return home finds no support or comfort from his family. His father is insensitive and rude to him, putting stresses and pressures upon him to become something he has no desire to be. This would make Willy the antagonist. It is up in the air. Either way it works. Although I still hate Willy.
Death of a Salesman: Social Commentary
"He cried! Cried to me. That boy- that boy is going to be magnificent!" Act 2, Page 1627
One of the questions following the play said that some critics view the play as a social commentary. I have a split stance on this take. On the one hand, this is indeed a social commentary on certain aspects of American life, the American dream, and family as a whole. This shows the brutal reality of competition in business, showing an example of a man simply not cut out for his job. He falls behind in sales. Consequently, even at the age of sixty, his salary is taken away from him for his poor performance. It also shows what hard work can do for an individual. Bernard, despite being ridiculed for his studious tendencies as a young man, grows up to be a very successful lawyer. Finally, it shows that all families are dysfunctional in one way or another. However, it certainly is not a social commentary on normal problems faced by the average American citizen, being as most Americans are not insane and excruciatingly immature.
One of the questions following the play said that some critics view the play as a social commentary. I have a split stance on this take. On the one hand, this is indeed a social commentary on certain aspects of American life, the American dream, and family as a whole. This shows the brutal reality of competition in business, showing an example of a man simply not cut out for his job. He falls behind in sales. Consequently, even at the age of sixty, his salary is taken away from him for his poor performance. It also shows what hard work can do for an individual. Bernard, despite being ridiculed for his studious tendencies as a young man, grows up to be a very successful lawyer. Finally, it shows that all families are dysfunctional in one way or another. However, it certainly is not a social commentary on normal problems faced by the average American citizen, being as most Americans are not insane and excruciatingly immature.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
The Glass Menagerie: Amanda
"Overcome selfishness! Self, self, self is all that you ever think of!" Scene 5
Amanda is perhaps one of the most whacked out characters I have ever had the displeasure of seeing in our plays. Tom and Amanda had constant arguments throughout the play, and I do not blame him. She is obsessed with the past. It seems that at least once in every scene she talks about her past, about her glory days as a young girl in the south. She has yet to move on to the present. What is more than her obsession with the past is her obsession with herself. Although she loves her children, she forgets her place. When Jim comes over for dinner, she talks and talks and talks and ends up being more annoying that gracious and welcoming. Also, she dresses up nicer than she should just for a boy to come over. What is the purpose of this? I feel as though she is trying to live through Laura's courting of a boy, since her days are over and gone.
Amanda is perhaps one of the most whacked out characters I have ever had the displeasure of seeing in our plays. Tom and Amanda had constant arguments throughout the play, and I do not blame him. She is obsessed with the past. It seems that at least once in every scene she talks about her past, about her glory days as a young girl in the south. She has yet to move on to the present. What is more than her obsession with the past is her obsession with herself. Although she loves her children, she forgets her place. When Jim comes over for dinner, she talks and talks and talks and ends up being more annoying that gracious and welcoming. Also, she dresses up nicer than she should just for a boy to come over. What is the purpose of this? I feel as though she is trying to live through Laura's courting of a boy, since her days are over and gone.
The Glass Menagerie: Irony of Abandonment
"I'm like my father. The bastard son of a bastard! See how he grins? And he's been absent going on sixteen years!" Scene 6
Fathers that walk out on their families can devastate the children. There is no doubt that growing up, Tom and Laura greatly felt his absence. If not necessarily out of want for a father, it would be because their mother constantly talks about him. Tom is forced to nearly give up his dreams to support the family. He is now the man of the house. However, it is ironic that despite everything his father's abandonment had caused him, Tom was willing to walk away as well. Did he ever worry about how Laura and his mother would survive? He surely must have felt a guilt. Yet he does not necessarily mention a heavy conscience. Perhaps the reason he walked out is because that is what he learned from the only male role model he ever had.
Fathers that walk out on their families can devastate the children. There is no doubt that growing up, Tom and Laura greatly felt his absence. If not necessarily out of want for a father, it would be because their mother constantly talks about him. Tom is forced to nearly give up his dreams to support the family. He is now the man of the house. However, it is ironic that despite everything his father's abandonment had caused him, Tom was willing to walk away as well. Did he ever worry about how Laura and his mother would survive? He surely must have felt a guilt. Yet he does not necessarily mention a heavy conscience. Perhaps the reason he walked out is because that is what he learned from the only male role model he ever had.
The Glass Menagerie: Symbolism
"Oh, be careful- if you breathe, it breaks!" Scene 7
The symbolism of Laura's glass collection is quite evident. Of course there is the physical aspect; the fragility of the glass is like Laura and her crippled condition. What is more, though, is how a simple thing like glass can become so pretty. This is like Laura. Throughout the beginning of the play she is an ordinary and old-fashioned girl. It just takes the right light- and circumstances, for her true beauty to shine through. As far as her favorite piece of her collection goes, it's parallelism to its owner is remarkable. At first, we see the unicorn as her favorite piece because, like her, it is different from all of the other pieces. It lives in its own world and existence, just like she does. Jim comes along and breaks the fragile piece. However, all he does is normalize the unicorn by knocking off its' horn so that it fits in with the rest of the selection. Jim also breaks Laura. It is true that he should not have kissed her. However, he did. Yet he gave her the potential confidence she needed to fit in with the rest of society.
The symbolism of Laura's glass collection is quite evident. Of course there is the physical aspect; the fragility of the glass is like Laura and her crippled condition. What is more, though, is how a simple thing like glass can become so pretty. This is like Laura. Throughout the beginning of the play she is an ordinary and old-fashioned girl. It just takes the right light- and circumstances, for her true beauty to shine through. As far as her favorite piece of her collection goes, it's parallelism to its owner is remarkable. At first, we see the unicorn as her favorite piece because, like her, it is different from all of the other pieces. It lives in its own world and existence, just like she does. Jim comes along and breaks the fragile piece. However, all he does is normalize the unicorn by knocking off its' horn so that it fits in with the rest of the selection. Jim also breaks Laura. It is true that he should not have kissed her. However, he did. Yet he gave her the potential confidence she needed to fit in with the rest of society.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
As you Like It: Antagonist and Protagonist
"I knew when seven justices could not take up a quarrel, but when the parties were met themselves, one of them thought but of an ‘if’, as ‘If you said so, then I said so’, and they shook hands and swore brothers. Your ‘if’ is the only peacemaker; much virtue in ‘if’." V.iv.92
Though this quote doesn't exactly fit with the theme, it is about arguments and brothers, both ideas in this blog post. Throughout this play, we see multiple antagonists and protagonists. Of course there are the main pair, Orlando and his evil older brother Oliver. However, throughout the play we see other pairs. Duke Frederick is the antagonist of his family while Duke Senior is the protagonist, the laid-back, go with the flow kind of guy. Yet again, the mean Duke acts as an antagonist of Rosalind, exiling her into the forest with her father. This, like the unusually common love theme, is unique in its frequent appearance throughout the play. Good versus evil is emphasized throughout. The irony in this, however, is that in the end, there ends up being no evil. Oliver has a change of heart after being saved by Orlando. Frederick has a conversion after meeting a religious man. Yet again, this is unusual being as normally the villain dies in Shakespeare's plays.
Though this quote doesn't exactly fit with the theme, it is about arguments and brothers, both ideas in this blog post. Throughout this play, we see multiple antagonists and protagonists. Of course there are the main pair, Orlando and his evil older brother Oliver. However, throughout the play we see other pairs. Duke Frederick is the antagonist of his family while Duke Senior is the protagonist, the laid-back, go with the flow kind of guy. Yet again, the mean Duke acts as an antagonist of Rosalind, exiling her into the forest with her father. This, like the unusually common love theme, is unique in its frequent appearance throughout the play. Good versus evil is emphasized throughout. The irony in this, however, is that in the end, there ends up being no evil. Oliver has a change of heart after being saved by Orlando. Frederick has a conversion after meeting a religious man. Yet again, this is unusual being as normally the villain dies in Shakespeare's plays.
As You Like It: Love
"Here comes a pair of very strange beasts, which in all tongues are called fools." V.i.3
What an appropriate theme! With yesterday being Valentine's day, I can think of nothing better to focus on other than the ridiculous amount of love occurring in this play. Now before I get criticized for taking away from the emotion in the play, let me explain. I understand that there has to be at least one complicated love story in every Shakespearean play. In this case, the main love story was between Orlando and Rosalind. That was expected. However, what was not expected was every single character present falling in love with someone else. Phoebe fell in love with Ganymede, Celia fell in love with Oliver (who, I might add, began as an evil man), Silvius loves Phoebe, and William is in love with Audrey, who becomes the mistress of Touchstone. What is this nonsense? The love plot becomes so intricate and complicated that it was difficult to remember all of that. Is there such a thing as too much love? I feel as though old Will overextended his theme in this play. Yet it will forever be remembered as one of his greatest comedies of all time.
As You Like It: Irony
"Come, woo me, woo me, for now I am in a holiday humour and like enough to consent. What would you
say to me now, an I were your very very Rosalind?" IV.i.12
Today in class, my group had discussed where the humor was in this comedy. As we discovered, it was the irony of the play that the audience laughed at. Upon thinking about it, I realized it was rather humerous. We have Rosalind, acting like Ganymede, acting like Rosalind. As confusing as that is, it also brings me a chuckle when she says things like "if I were your very own Rosalind?" Why would she not just reveal herself to Orlando? Perhaps this is the irony in it though. Another irony is Phoebe falling in love with Rosalind's disguise. That's awkward. What is more concerning is that Rosalind must have played the part of a boy very very well in order to accomplish these ironic feats. Perhaps too well. I am by no means classifying this play as a knee-slapper, though I have opened my mind to the possibility that it might be comically entertaining if my life consisted of plowing fields and milking cows.
say to me now, an I were your very very Rosalind?" IV.i.12
Today in class, my group had discussed where the humor was in this comedy. As we discovered, it was the irony of the play that the audience laughed at. Upon thinking about it, I realized it was rather humerous. We have Rosalind, acting like Ganymede, acting like Rosalind. As confusing as that is, it also brings me a chuckle when she says things like "if I were your very own Rosalind?" Why would she not just reveal herself to Orlando? Perhaps this is the irony in it though. Another irony is Phoebe falling in love with Rosalind's disguise. That's awkward. What is more concerning is that Rosalind must have played the part of a boy very very well in order to accomplish these ironic feats. Perhaps too well. I am by no means classifying this play as a knee-slapper, though I have opened my mind to the possibility that it might be comically entertaining if my life consisted of plowing fields and milking cows.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Othello!!!
Othello is one of Shakespeare's greatest works. It is a work of relatable characters, themes, and motivations that remain relevant in our world today. One of Shakespeare's themes, seen especially throughout the later acts of the play, is a soldier's difficulty in maintaining balance between family and duty.
Othello enters the play as an extremely successful general in the Venetian army. He has many campaigns under his belt, and has done great services for the government. More than his success in his campaigns is the attitude he displays throughout it all. He is level headed and does not let emotions get the best of him. He is known for keeping his cool under intense circumstances. However, this all changes with the implanting of Iago's seed of jealousy. Othello suddenly loses his temper frequently, and is consistently agitated and irritable. His troubled love life interferes with his commitment to duty and he can no longer focus on the task of running Cyprus successfully. Othello becomes consumed with the concept of Desdemona cheating on him and struggles to maintain his role as leader and diplomat. In fact, he fails miserably in his attempt. When Lodovico brings news from Venice to Othello, he witnesses Othello striking Desdemona after she says that she cares about Cassio. Othello fails in his role as diplomat and lets his emotions get the best of him, to the point that Lodovico questions who he is: " Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce?".
Othello is not alone in his struggle to balance personal matters with his duty. In the movie Jarhead, Marine sniper Anthony Swafford also has difficulty remaining devoted to his mission as a soldier while he worries about his girlfriend back home. Many of his fellow soldiers, all of whom were stationed in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm, receive letters from their sweethearts back home telling them they no longer want a relationship. Swafford becomes anxious as he awaits for his own "Dear John" letter. He oftentimes has nightmares about his girlfriend, particularly after seeing a comrade discover that his marriage was over. Swafford eventually gets the letter he was dreading, and the effects it has on his morale are devastating. Swafford lets this pressure get the best of him, and threatens to shoot one of the men in his unit for no reason. He then turns the gun on himself and tells the man to shoot him. The events going on back home took such an emotional toll on Swafford that, like Othello, although he tried to remain calm and focused on the mission, he could not function properly as a soldier.
A very real-life example of this struggle men in the line of duty feel is SPC Antonio Hernandez, a member of the Army National Guard from Houston, Texas.
After he and his girlfriend discovered that they were pregnant with their first child, Hernandez was exuberant. However, he was deployed to Fort Bliss, a training base in El Paso, weeks before his girlfriend's induced labor. Despite requesting a few days of emergency leave, Hernandez was told by his Sergeant that he would not be able to witness the birth of his daughter. "“Not being able to be here for my daughter is tough on me. It's going to be hard trying to be over there and focused on my job without even having a chance to meet my daughter first”. Hernandez had to sit through seven hours on the plane, unable to think about anything but the safety of his girlfriend and unborn child. Although he ended up being granted three days of leave and saw the birth of his daughter, Hernandez was torn for between his duty to his country and family. Much like Othello, his aching heart was a major distraction from his duties at hand.
Othello, Anthony Swafford, and Antonio Hernandez all dealt with their internal disparity in their own ways, right or wrong. Yet these men, despite their stories being hundreds of years apart, all shared the same common, timeless difficulty of juggling duty and personal matters. This struggle between personal life and responsibility will go on forever, as long as men have work to be done and love in their hearts.
Othello enters the play as an extremely successful general in the Venetian army. He has many campaigns under his belt, and has done great services for the government. More than his success in his campaigns is the attitude he displays throughout it all. He is level headed and does not let emotions get the best of him. He is known for keeping his cool under intense circumstances. However, this all changes with the implanting of Iago's seed of jealousy. Othello suddenly loses his temper frequently, and is consistently agitated and irritable. His troubled love life interferes with his commitment to duty and he can no longer focus on the task of running Cyprus successfully. Othello becomes consumed with the concept of Desdemona cheating on him and struggles to maintain his role as leader and diplomat. In fact, he fails miserably in his attempt. When Lodovico brings news from Venice to Othello, he witnesses Othello striking Desdemona after she says that she cares about Cassio. Othello fails in his role as diplomat and lets his emotions get the best of him, to the point that Lodovico questions who he is: " Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce?".
Othello is not alone in his struggle to balance personal matters with his duty. In the movie Jarhead, Marine sniper Anthony Swafford also has difficulty remaining devoted to his mission as a soldier while he worries about his girlfriend back home. Many of his fellow soldiers, all of whom were stationed in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm, receive letters from their sweethearts back home telling them they no longer want a relationship. Swafford becomes anxious as he awaits for his own "Dear John" letter. He oftentimes has nightmares about his girlfriend, particularly after seeing a comrade discover that his marriage was over. Swafford eventually gets the letter he was dreading, and the effects it has on his morale are devastating. Swafford lets this pressure get the best of him, and threatens to shoot one of the men in his unit for no reason. He then turns the gun on himself and tells the man to shoot him. The events going on back home took such an emotional toll on Swafford that, like Othello, although he tried to remain calm and focused on the mission, he could not function properly as a soldier.
After he and his girlfriend discovered that they were pregnant with their first child, Hernandez was exuberant. However, he was deployed to Fort Bliss, a training base in El Paso, weeks before his girlfriend's induced labor. Despite requesting a few days of emergency leave, Hernandez was told by his Sergeant that he would not be able to witness the birth of his daughter. "“Not being able to be here for my daughter is tough on me. It's going to be hard trying to be over there and focused on my job without even having a chance to meet my daughter first”. Hernandez had to sit through seven hours on the plane, unable to think about anything but the safety of his girlfriend and unborn child. Although he ended up being granted three days of leave and saw the birth of his daughter, Hernandez was torn for between his duty to his country and family. Much like Othello, his aching heart was a major distraction from his duties at hand.
Othello, Anthony Swafford, and Antonio Hernandez all dealt with their internal disparity in their own ways, right or wrong. Yet these men, despite their stories being hundreds of years apart, all shared the same common, timeless difficulty of juggling duty and personal matters. This struggle between personal life and responsibility will go on forever, as long as men have work to be done and love in their hearts.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Not Your Fault
AWOLNATION's "Not Your Fault" identifies very closely with some conflicts in Othello.To start off with, the song is centered around a beautiful girl, as the play is. The singer of the song is amazed that such a woman would be interested in him, since he is a "joke in his own mind". Othello himself is amazed at the beauty of Desdemona, and cannot get enough of her. The chorus of the song goes on to explain the various reasons in which it's not the girl's fault that bad things happen. Because he is crazy for her, because he is confused, nothing is her fault. This was Othello's initial perception of Desdemona. He was madly in love with her and did anything she asked of him. However, once his jealous tendencies kicked in, Othello ended up being driven insane by the story Iago told him. After killing her and realizing the truth, Othello once again realized that it was not her fault. In fact, in the last scene of the play, Othello and all others realize that it is no one's fault but Iago. The blame game had gone on far too long, and everyone discovered that it was, in fact, all Iago's fault. Othello did more than "fight with himself till he's bleeding", he took his own life upon his discovery that it was not Desdemona's fault. AWOLNATION was obviously inspired by this play when they wrote this song.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Othello: Roderigo
"I know his gait, 'tis he. Villain, thou diest!" V.i.22
Roderigo. Oh, naive Roderigo. He is the only character throughout the play who repeatedly gets the short end of the stick. In fact, he is the only one who is so weak willed, that Iago changes his perspective completely every time that Roderigo becomes angry at him, even to the point of murdering another man. He is basically the pocket behind Iago's evil plans. And so comes the brilliant irony that I pointed out today in class. By the end of the play, Roderigo's pockets turn out to be Iago's demise. They find the notes between the two, revealing all. And this is the ultimate irony of all. Roderigo, the stupid, love struck, falsely bearded man, takes down the all mighty Iago.
Roderigo. Oh, naive Roderigo. He is the only character throughout the play who repeatedly gets the short end of the stick. In fact, he is the only one who is so weak willed, that Iago changes his perspective completely every time that Roderigo becomes angry at him, even to the point of murdering another man. He is basically the pocket behind Iago's evil plans. And so comes the brilliant irony that I pointed out today in class. By the end of the play, Roderigo's pockets turn out to be Iago's demise. They find the notes between the two, revealing all. And this is the ultimate irony of all. Roderigo, the stupid, love struck, falsely bearded man, takes down the all mighty Iago.
Othello: Soliloquy
"The Moor already changes with my poison. Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons, Which at first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little, act upon the blood," III.iii.326-329
In Othello, soliloquies chiefly serve to inform the audience as to a character's thoughts. In the case of Iago, we mainly discover his intentions and plans. In fact, the maliciousness in his thoughts contrast sharply to the character he most often acts like on stage. Without this soliloquy, he would not appear as cunning in his actions or words. In Othello, we see his internal conflict. Without his soliloquies, he would seem like an ignorant obeying servant, blindly doing anything suggested to him. In either case, they are clever ways in which Shakespeare lets the audience know something that the other characters in the play do not. It is like telling the story in the first person and lets us follow the thought processes of characters.
In Othello, soliloquies chiefly serve to inform the audience as to a character's thoughts. In the case of Iago, we mainly discover his intentions and plans. In fact, the maliciousness in his thoughts contrast sharply to the character he most often acts like on stage. Without this soliloquy, he would not appear as cunning in his actions or words. In Othello, we see his internal conflict. Without his soliloquies, he would seem like an ignorant obeying servant, blindly doing anything suggested to him. In either case, they are clever ways in which Shakespeare lets the audience know something that the other characters in the play do not. It is like telling the story in the first person and lets us follow the thought processes of characters.
Othello: Theme of Jealousy
"Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on." III.iii.167-168
Though the theme of jealousy does not appear until the third act, it is perhaps the most relevant theme throughout the entire play. Here, with Iago's villainous words, the seed is planted in Othello's mind. This seed grows and grows to the point that it consumes Othello and eventually leads to his strangling of Desdemona, and his ultimate suicide. As this theme of jealousy grows more and more, it creates suspense and tension that keeps the audience entertained and paying attention. In the case of Shakespeare, this jealousy may be a bit over exaggerated. An experienced military leader such as Othello would most likely not be so obsessed with the idea a lower ranking officer put into his mind. However the realism of his jealousy is one that everybody can relate to in some way or another.
Though the theme of jealousy does not appear until the third act, it is perhaps the most relevant theme throughout the entire play. Here, with Iago's villainous words, the seed is planted in Othello's mind. This seed grows and grows to the point that it consumes Othello and eventually leads to his strangling of Desdemona, and his ultimate suicide. As this theme of jealousy grows more and more, it creates suspense and tension that keeps the audience entertained and paying attention. In the case of Shakespeare, this jealousy may be a bit over exaggerated. An experienced military leader such as Othello would most likely not be so obsessed with the idea a lower ranking officer put into his mind. However the realism of his jealousy is one that everybody can relate to in some way or another.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Othello: Iago the Villain
"God buy you, take mine office. O wretched fool That lov’st to make thine honesty a vice! O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world, To be direct and honest is not safe."
Iago is possibly the greatest villain of all time. Not only is he a manipulative liar, but I find myself rooting for him in his plan! In some grotesquely skewed way, I view Iago as the protagonist. He is a passionate soldier, angered at being passed over for a promotion he deserved. Othello was correct in Act III when he said that Iago understands human behavior. He reads motives and emotions so well that he can accomplish anything he wants to, outsmarting even his General. This made me think: is Iago perhaps a better leader than Othello? He is certainly smarter and more driven. He has military experience, and is cunning and sly. It is my opinion that if he ends up taking over the army, he will be extremely successful. But before that can happen, he must kill off his opponents....
Iago is possibly the greatest villain of all time. Not only is he a manipulative liar, but I find myself rooting for him in his plan! In some grotesquely skewed way, I view Iago as the protagonist. He is a passionate soldier, angered at being passed over for a promotion he deserved. Othello was correct in Act III when he said that Iago understands human behavior. He reads motives and emotions so well that he can accomplish anything he wants to, outsmarting even his General. This made me think: is Iago perhaps a better leader than Othello? He is certainly smarter and more driven. He has military experience, and is cunning and sly. It is my opinion that if he ends up taking over the army, he will be extremely successful. But before that can happen, he must kill off his opponents....
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Othello: Suspense
"Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light." I.iii.83-84
Shakespeare's plays were anything but complex. As we have discussed in class, they are simple in stage action and props. No backdrops are used. Therefore, one might think that creating suspense would be difficult to do, right? Not entirely. Nowadays, when we go out to movies, the suspense is so obvious that we can see a climatic moment coming from miles away. In this play, it is a slower pace that builds up over time. This is mostly created through Iago's soliloquies at the end of scenes and acts. The audience discovers his plan bit by bit, always before he plays it out. That way the audience always knows something that the characters of the play do not, creating some suspense. This play sure is a nail-biter!
Shakespeare's plays were anything but complex. As we have discussed in class, they are simple in stage action and props. No backdrops are used. Therefore, one might think that creating suspense would be difficult to do, right? Not entirely. Nowadays, when we go out to movies, the suspense is so obvious that we can see a climatic moment coming from miles away. In this play, it is a slower pace that builds up over time. This is mostly created through Iago's soliloquies at the end of scenes and acts. The audience discovers his plan bit by bit, always before he plays it out. That way the audience always knows something that the characters of the play do not, creating some suspense. This play sure is a nail-biter!
Othello: Protagonist and Antagonist
"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse" I.iii.362
In the first act, it is quite obvious that the protagonist is Othello himself. He is a general, at odds with the Turkish army, while the whole world is against him. Not only is there mutiny in his army (though he is unaware), but his wife, and particularly those around him, are rooting for their marriage to fail. He seems to be fighting every aspect of his life, though he is doing so with incredible success. The antagonist is Iago. He is doing everything he can to achieve his own selfish gains. He is a manipulator and user, and destroys the lives of those around him simply to get to where he wants to be. He particularly takes advantage of Roderigo, preying on his love for Desdemona. Roderigo is a foil character in that his innocence and manipulable personality contrast with Iago's evil soul.
In the first act, it is quite obvious that the protagonist is Othello himself. He is a general, at odds with the Turkish army, while the whole world is against him. Not only is there mutiny in his army (though he is unaware), but his wife, and particularly those around him, are rooting for their marriage to fail. He seems to be fighting every aspect of his life, though he is doing so with incredible success. The antagonist is Iago. He is doing everything he can to achieve his own selfish gains. He is a manipulator and user, and destroys the lives of those around him simply to get to where he wants to be. He particularly takes advantage of Roderigo, preying on his love for Desdemona. Roderigo is a foil character in that his innocence and manipulable personality contrast with Iago's evil soul.
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