"I go to movies because-I like adventure. Adventure is something I don't have much of at work, so I go to the movies." (pg. 1252)
All of the Wingfields are dreamers. Amanda dreams about her son being rich and her daughter being popular. She wants Tom to have a secure job so that he can have nice things. She wants Laura to be a businesswoman or have lots of suitors and get married. She doesn't see what her children really are or what they want. Tom wants adventure. He wants to write poems and have an interesting life, but he works at a warehouse. He doesn't have adventure in his life, so he likes to go to the movies and dream he does. Laura lives in the world of her glass figures. She can't deal well with the real world, so she hides in the house and polishes her little animal figurines. She doesn't see that this isn't the real world and that she can't live like that forever.
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Glass Menagerie - Complex Family Relationship
"I'm going to opium dens! Yes, opium dens, dens of vice and criminals' hang outs, Mother. I've joined the Hogan gang, I'm a hired assassin, I carry a tommy-gun in a violin case!I run a string of cat-houses in the Valley! they call me Killer, Killer Wingfield, I'm leading a double-life, a simple, honest warehouse worker by day, by night a dynamic czar of the underworld, Mother." (pg. 1247)
Even though this family loves each other very much, they also get on each others' nerves. In this example, Amanda is yelling at Tom for going to the movies every night. However, she believes that he is really doing something much worse. Tom is frustrated with his life, and he is angry by her invasion of his privacy. Laura is the peacemaker, and she tries to get them to reconcile. Even though Tom and Amanda get very angry with each other, they forgive each other in the end and fix their relationship. Amanda, as a mother, cares for her children very much and wants the best for them. However, this comes off in the wrong way. She wants Tom to be rich and have a nice job. She wants Laura to either be a successful businesswoman or get married. These are things that she wants though, and not necessarily what her children want. This leads to much of the conflict.
Even though this family loves each other very much, they also get on each others' nerves. In this example, Amanda is yelling at Tom for going to the movies every night. However, she believes that he is really doing something much worse. Tom is frustrated with his life, and he is angry by her invasion of his privacy. Laura is the peacemaker, and she tries to get them to reconcile. Even though Tom and Amanda get very angry with each other, they forgive each other in the end and fix their relationship. Amanda, as a mother, cares for her children very much and wants the best for them. However, this comes off in the wrong way. She wants Tom to be rich and have a nice job. She wants Laura to either be a successful businesswoman or get married. These are things that she wants though, and not necessarily what her children want. This leads to much of the conflict.
The Glass Menagerie - Realism vs. Nonrealism
"The play is memory. Being a memory play, it is dimly lighted, it is sentimental, it is not realistic. In memory everything seems to happen to music. That explains the fiddle in the wings. I am the narrator of the play, and also a character in it." (pg. 12360
This play is full of both nonrealism and realism. One of the most important examples of nonrealism is that Tom can address the audience. He talks to the audience and explains things to them. He can direct the play, as shown on page 1238 when he motions to get more light on Amanda. Another example of nonrealism is that for most of the play, there are only three characters, and then at the end there are only four. Examples of realism include how the family interacts with each other. They fight and disagree, but in the end they love each other. They also talk realistically. They don't always speak in complete sentences.
This play is full of both nonrealism and realism. One of the most important examples of nonrealism is that Tom can address the audience. He talks to the audience and explains things to them. He can direct the play, as shown on page 1238 when he motions to get more light on Amanda. Another example of nonrealism is that for most of the play, there are only three characters, and then at the end there are only four. Examples of realism include how the family interacts with each other. They fight and disagree, but in the end they love each other. They also talk realistically. They don't always speak in complete sentences.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
"As You Like It" - The End
"His crown bequeathing to his banish'd brother,
And all their lands restored to them again
That were with him exiled." (pg. 78)
This play is the ultimate happy wedding. No person is left out of the perfect conclusion. Everyone gets what they want. There are three weddings. Oliver and Orlando reconcile. Duke Senior gets his dukedom back. Duke Frederick decides he loves religion. Orlando is the heir to the dukedom and Oliver gets to keep all of his possessions. Everyone who was in the forest with Duke Senior gets to spend the rest of their lives partying in the castle. Honestly, I was really irritated with this ending. I know that this was supposed to be a comedy, but it was a total letdown. After reading Othello, I wanted at least a semblance of drama.
And all their lands restored to them again
That were with him exiled." (pg. 78)
This play is the ultimate happy wedding. No person is left out of the perfect conclusion. Everyone gets what they want. There are three weddings. Oliver and Orlando reconcile. Duke Senior gets his dukedom back. Duke Frederick decides he loves religion. Orlando is the heir to the dukedom and Oliver gets to keep all of his possessions. Everyone who was in the forest with Duke Senior gets to spend the rest of their lives partying in the castle. Honestly, I was really irritated with this ending. I know that this was supposed to be a comedy, but it was a total letdown. After reading Othello, I wanted at least a semblance of drama.
"As You Like It" - Dynamic Character
"'T was I; but 't is not I: I do not shame
To tell you what I was, since my conversion
So sweetly tastes, being the thing I am." (pg. 65)
Oliver is a dynamic character who changes from cruel and bitter to kind and loving. In the beginning of the play, Oliver loved power and mistreated his brother Orlando. This begins to change when Duke Frederick gives him a taste of his own medicine. Duke Frederick threatens to take away all of Oliver's possessions if he does not bring back Orlando. Then, when Oliver is almost killed and Orlando saves him, he realizes that he should not turn in his brother to Duke Frederick. The last thing that changes Oliver is Celia. Oliver's love for Celia turns him into a better person. He gives up all of his possessions to Orlando so that he can live as a shepherd in the forest with Celia.
To tell you what I was, since my conversion
So sweetly tastes, being the thing I am." (pg. 65)
Oliver is a dynamic character who changes from cruel and bitter to kind and loving. In the beginning of the play, Oliver loved power and mistreated his brother Orlando. This begins to change when Duke Frederick gives him a taste of his own medicine. Duke Frederick threatens to take away all of Oliver's possessions if he does not bring back Orlando. Then, when Oliver is almost killed and Orlando saves him, he realizes that he should not turn in his brother to Duke Frederick. The last thing that changes Oliver is Celia. Oliver's love for Celia turns him into a better person. He gives up all of his possessions to Orlando so that he can live as a shepherd in the forest with Celia.
"As You Like It" - Theme
"...for my father's house and all the revenue that was old Sir Rowland's will I estate upon you..." (pg. 69)
One of the major themes of this play was the power of love to heal relationships. One way this is evident is how Oliver fixes his relationship with Orlando. He does this after he falls in love with Celia. He reconciles with his brother and gives Orlando all of his possessions because of his love for Celia. In the same way, Orlando's love for Rosalind helps to heal the brothers' relationship. Because of his love for Rosalind, Orlando is able to overcome is bitterness from how Oliver treated him. After Orlando falls in love, he is able to forgive Oliver. The brothers' relationship is healed as a result of their love for Celia and Rosalind and how that love changes them.
One of the major themes of this play was the power of love to heal relationships. One way this is evident is how Oliver fixes his relationship with Orlando. He does this after he falls in love with Celia. He reconciles with his brother and gives Orlando all of his possessions because of his love for Celia. In the same way, Orlando's love for Rosalind helps to heal the brothers' relationship. Because of his love for Rosalind, Orlando is able to overcome is bitterness from how Oliver treated him. After Orlando falls in love, he is able to forgive Oliver. The brothers' relationship is healed as a result of their love for Celia and Rosalind and how that love changes them.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Reflective Essay
Everyone will face some time in their life when they must be courageous. In the Shakespearean play Othello, Othello must show this bravery when his love for Desdemona is tested by her father Brabantio. Othello is accused of many evil tricks, but he remains determined that his love for his wife is true. This theme of showing and defending love in the face of courage is timeless; it is present in the Gay Rights Movement and the young adult novel Perfect Chemistry.
Whether one believes the homosexual way of life to be correct or incorrect, these people are in defiance of the standard way of believing. Showing romantic love for someone of the same sex takes an immense amount of courage. Often times, they are faced with ridicule, prejudice, and hate. Despite this, they remain firm in their love for their partner and deal with the social rejection. It is not uncommon that they face violence and hate crimes. For example, three men were just arrested for threatening violence against homosexuals. They distributed pamphlets “that showed an image of a mannequin hanging from a noose...said capital punishment was the only way to rid society of homosexuality.” ("Gay Killing Trio under New Hate Crime Legislation.") [The entire article can be read here] When Othello confesses his love for Desdemona, everyone is upset by how unorthodox their relationship is. Brabantio even tells Othello “Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her!” (I.ii.63) Othello faces hate from all of these people, yet he remains firm in his love for Desdemona, similar to how in homosexuals stay strong against ridicule for their love for their partners.
The Gay Rights Movement
In addition to the Gay Rights Movement, the theme of being courageous when showing love is present in the young adult novel Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. [The book's website can be found here] The story centers around Brittany, a typical privileged girl and Alex, a Mexican gang member. Much to the objection of their friends and family, they fall in love. Brittany’s mother, who wants her daughter to be the perfect golden child, believes that Alex will ruin Brittany’s future. “‘If I ever...EVER find you were out with that boy again, I’ll have no problem convincing your father that you should be sent to boarding school for the rest of your senior year.” (Elkeles, p. 249) Rascism is one of the most prominent reasons that people object to love. If Alex had been Caucasian, Brittany’s mother would not have had any problem with him. Had Othello been the same race as Desdemona, their marriage would not have been objected to. Even more than that, Brabantio would have encouraged the match due to Othello’s important political standing. Race often stands in the way of love, but both stories show that courage can overcome that.
Othello is accused of bewitching Desdemona so that she would fall in love with him
Although obstacles may stand in the way, love can overcome them all with courage. No matter what, there will be someone opposed to a couple’s love and relationship. However, as long as they are strong in their love, they can overcome that. The current Gay Rights Movement and the young adult novel Perfect Chemistry demonstrate how William Shakespeare’s play Othello and its them of love even through hostility are timeless.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Othello Music Connection
The song Once by Rascal Flatts represents the depression Othello felt when he was told that Desdemona was cheating on him. He loves Desdemona greatly, but he believes that she does not truly love him back. As the song says, "I remember you sayin' I was the one, and nothing could change that but you were wrong." In the beginning of the play, Othello is calm and collected whenever his and Desdemona's love is challenged. When Brabantio accuses him of bewitching Desdemona, he doesn't get emotional, but simply tells them to ask Desdemona. When Iago first hints that there may be something between Desdemona and Cassio, Othello brushes the idea away. However, the thing that changes it is Iago and the jealousy that he plants in Othello's mind. It causes Othello to believe that Desdemona is having an affair, and that idea tears him apart. The artist says "I'm so lost, so alone." Othello can not function with the belief that Desdemona doesn't love him.
Rascal Flatts
Othello (thinks he) hears from Cassio about his affair with Desdemona
Rascal Flatts
Othello (thinks he) hears from Cassio about his affair with Desdemona
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Othello - Shakespeare - the end!
"Myself will straight aboard, and to the state
This heavy act with heavy heart relate." (V.ii.370-371)
After I finished Othello, I was disappointed by how the ending didn't really get tied up. Iago never gives a true answer for why he did this. He was jealous of Cassio and Othello was supposedly having an affair with Emilia, but Cassio is fired and it was only a rumor about Emilia and Othello. Iago goes on with his plan, but there isn't ever a solid reason. Also, I wanted to know what happened to Iago. What will happen to him now that everyone knows? What happened to Bianca and Cassio? Most of all though, I wonder if Iago felt any kind of remorse for what he did.
This heavy act with heavy heart relate." (V.ii.370-371)
After I finished Othello, I was disappointed by how the ending didn't really get tied up. Iago never gives a true answer for why he did this. He was jealous of Cassio and Othello was supposedly having an affair with Emilia, but Cassio is fired and it was only a rumor about Emilia and Othello. Iago goes on with his plan, but there isn't ever a solid reason. Also, I wanted to know what happened to Iago. What will happen to him now that everyone knows? What happened to Bianca and Cassio? Most of all though, I wonder if Iago felt any kind of remorse for what he did.
Othello - Shakespeare - questions pg. 1119 #5
"That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee
Thou gavest to Cassio." (V.ii.48-49)
What themes does the play present?
One of the main themes of this play is jealousy. Iago is jealous of Cassio because Cassio is named Lieutenant. Also, Iago is jealous because there is a rumor that Othello is sleeping with Iago's wife. These are the two reasons for why Iago acts the way he does. Othello is jealous because he believes that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Iago creates this jealousy and then plays off of it for the entire plot. Othello kills Desdemona because of jealousy, but later realizes it was wrong. Bianca is jealous because she believes that Cassio is with another woman, which leads to her unknowingly revealing to Othello the Cassio had the handkerchief.
Thou gavest to Cassio." (V.ii.48-49)
What themes does the play present?
One of the main themes of this play is jealousy. Iago is jealous of Cassio because Cassio is named Lieutenant. Also, Iago is jealous because there is a rumor that Othello is sleeping with Iago's wife. These are the two reasons for why Iago acts the way he does. Othello is jealous because he believes that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Iago creates this jealousy and then plays off of it for the entire plot. Othello kills Desdemona because of jealousy, but later realizes it was wrong. Bianca is jealous because she believes that Cassio is with another woman, which leads to her unknowingly revealing to Othello the Cassio had the handkerchief.
Othello - Shakespeare - questions pg. 1461 # 16
"Oh, are you come, Iago? You have done well,
That men must lay their murders on your neck." (V.ii.168-169)
How would the effect of the play have been different if Othello had died before discovering Desdemona's innocence?
If Othello had not discovered Desdemona's innocence, he probably would not have killed himself. The main reason he wanted to kill himself was because of the guilt he felt at killing his wife. When he realized what he had done, he felt so bad that he couldn't continue to live. He killed Desdemona because he loved her so much that he couldn't stand to see her with anyone else. When he found out that she had been true to him, he felt so much regret that his only option was suicide. The effect of the play would have been different because after seeing Othello's regret, the audience feels much more sympathy for him. Without knowing that she is innocent, it is just a sad story. However, the fact that Othello finds out later that he was mistaken makes his death much more powerful.
That men must lay their murders on your neck." (V.ii.168-169)
How would the effect of the play have been different if Othello had died before discovering Desdemona's innocence?
If Othello had not discovered Desdemona's innocence, he probably would not have killed himself. The main reason he wanted to kill himself was because of the guilt he felt at killing his wife. When he realized what he had done, he felt so bad that he couldn't continue to live. He killed Desdemona because he loved her so much that he couldn't stand to see her with anyone else. When he found out that she had been true to him, he felt so much regret that his only option was suicide. The effect of the play would have been different because after seeing Othello's regret, the audience feels much more sympathy for him. Without knowing that she is innocent, it is just a sad story. However, the fact that Othello finds out later that he was mistaken makes his death much more powerful.
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