Ohello 6

Desdemona is truly a wonderful character. It is terrible that she is the one to be accused of such harsh things, because it is really the opposite of what she would do. Desdemona has a great balance of pleasing others, and standing up for what she believes in. She is very pleasant to all characters, and in the case of Cassio, she is firm in her action to have Othello reinstate him. Desdemona has done nothing wrong, and still she is punished severely.

Comment from Ross's Blog:

Nice work, your thought's have been expressed very clearly. I am curious as to why Othello is so quick to buy what Iago says, but in turn does not trust his wife at all.

Othello 5

The main symbol in this story is the handkerchief. The meaning of this important symbol has changed over the course of the novel. At first, it was a symbol for love, when Othello gave it to Desdemona initially. Almost like a ring, it showed his commitment and love for her. However, as Iago has tainted Othello, it has turned into a device of hatred and jealousy. It is nearly an alternate embodiment of Othello, as he started out loving, then turned jealous. Secondly, the way male characters names end in 'O' and female characters names end in 'A' is also important. It creates a separation between the sexes, and is further amplifies the rising conflict between Othello and Desdemona. Finally, Shakespeare references people to animals multiple times. This creates the effect that humans are very connected to feral instincts. This is similar to a theme in Lord of the Flies, although portrayed differently. 

Comment from James' Blog:

I especially agree with how each character's name ends with an O for a male, or A for a woman, it was definitely intentional. I think it is another way to create separation between the two genders. As we get closer to the end of the story, it becomes more apparent that there is conflict between man and woman.

Othello #4

"I: Will you think so? O: Think so, Iago? I: What, to kiss in private? O: An unauthorized kiss! I: Or to be naked with her friend in bed, an hour or more, not meaning any harm? O: Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm? It is hypocrisy against the devil" (4.1, lines 1-7).

This passage highlights Iago perfectly. In this section, he creates spiteful lies out of thin air. His malevolence is in full fury from this point on.  Iago doesn't just say it is bad, but rather turns his statements into questions, so Othello has to react. This passage is also important, because it is the leading into Othello's  first apparent epileptic seizure. His seizure adds another layer to his emotions. It is clear that it really effects his temperament, because if Shakespeare but this is, that it will have importance to the story. As the Moor is having his fit, Iago is telling Cassio how Othello "breaks out to savage madness" when is effected by epilepsy, further showing it effects his mood (4.1, l. 55).

On a side note, I am curious as to how Shakespeare created such an evil character. Iago's villainy is at an unimaginable level, almost supernatural. I wonder if he interacted with someone in his life who was similar to Iago's character.

Comment from Olivia's blog:
Great analysis! I agree, the conflict is rising at a rapid pace! Your comment is really what intrigued me, I was wondering the same thing. I am very curious why Othello is so quick to believe Iago and everything he is saying, with the lack of evidence. Also, on the flip side, he shows no trust in his just married wife, this is a major point the story hinges on, and it seems very unrealistic.

Othello Characters + Actors

Othello:
"This fellow's of exceeding honesty,and know all qualities with a learned spirit, of human dealings" (3.3, p.   129).
"The servants of the Duke? And my lieutenant? The goodness of the night upon you, friends!"(1.2, p. 21).

Morgan Freeman is the obvious choice to play Othello. In my opinion, he is very strong in nature( and physique), and can convey his emotions very well. And also, he is one of the premier african-american actors, which is important because Othello is black.

Iago:
"Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it, that he would steal away so guiltylike" (3.3, p. 113).
"I hate the Moor. My cause is hearted; thine hath no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him"(1.3, p. 53)

I think that William Dafoe would be the best actor for Iago's character. When I think of a villain, he is the first person to come to mind. His appearance also makes him seem more villainous. In the movie Spiderman, he played the Green Goblin, who was at first an honest character, and aligned with the protagonist, but then turned on him. This is much like what Iago is doing in this story.

Desdemona:
"Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, If I have any grace or power to move you, . . . I prithee call him back" ( 3.3, p. 113).
Othello - "Give me a living reason she's disloyal"(3.3, p. 141).

Evangeline Lilly would make a perfect Desdemona. This actor played the character Kate on Lost. Kate was strong, and stood up for what was right. I see a strong resemblance between the two characters, therefore I think Evangeline could play the part very well.

Emilia:
"I am glad I have found this napkin. ... My wayward husband hath a hundred times wooed me to steal it... I nothing but to please his fancy" ( 3.3, p. 133).
"If it be not for some purpose of import, give't me again. Poor lady, she'll run mad when she shall lack it" ( 3.3, p. 135).

Emilia is a weak character. Her love for Iago blinds her to what is right. Although she knows Desdemona loves the napkin, she steals it anyways only to please Iago. Angelina Jolie could play the part well. I also see a sense of villainy in her, as I do in Emilia.

From Blake's blog:

It's interesting we picked half of the same actors. Also, the quotes you picked highlight the characters well. Nice job.

16th Century Research

16th Century Turks:
The present day of Turkey in the 1500's was under control of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire's capital city was Constantinople, which is now the Turkish city of Istanbul. The Ottoman Empire covered Northern Africa and most of the Mediterranean. The Ottoman Empire was allied with Germany, Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria in WWI. In 1299, The Ottomans took power, and in 1923 the Empire was abolished.

The Flag of Turkey

The Ottoman Empire at the height of it's power

Comments:

• I never related Venice to Music, interesting.
• I thought that a Moor was from a specific country, good to know. 
• Wow, it's so wierd that there were so many superstitions in that time. It's probably because they couldn't truly understand what the disease was about.
• How were the crops ruined by Americans?

Othello

It is nice to be reading a legitimate play again! Compared to The Piano Lesson Othello is definitely more appropriate to our age level. Although the reading is somewhat harder to understand, there is more to get out of it. Shakespeare's writings are a little hard to understand, but that is half the fun of it.

From what I understand the first scene to be, Iago is telling Roderigo how he is unhappy that Othello did not pick him to be his lieutenant.He is angry at both Othello and at Cassio, whom was picked instead of him, because he feels he is more apt to do the job. Iago starts to get revenge on Othello by first waking up Othello's wife's father, named Barbantio. Iago yells that Barbantio is being robbed.

Piano Lesson #8

August Wilson uses Doaker as a symbol of peace in The Piano Lesson to create growth in other characters. As Boy Willie and Berniece are explaining their opinions, Doaker doesn’t “say nothing about who’s right and who’s wrong” (46). Doaker always vouches for what is morally right, and does not pick a side. This makes him a neutral and righteous person. The most important characteristic of any neutral party is to not pick a side, because if they did it would make their decisions immoral. By putting this characteristic into Doaker’s character, Wilson Implies that that is what his role is. By having Doaker stay neutral, it allows the characters to express their opinions. When Boy Willie and Berniece express different opinions, it allows the two characters to become separate entities, therefore forcing them to mature and grow.

Journal #7

This story is getting more and more serious every chapter. At first, this book seemed to be rather universal, not too serious or humorous, but now it is very adult. The tone has shifted considerably. I think the interaction between Lymon and Berniece is significant. I think this shows that Berniece may want to be with Lymon, instead of Avery. The friendship between Boy Willie and Lymon may be ruined if Willie finds out what Lymon did.

From Madison's blog:
Good points. Do you think that Berniece will chose Lymon or Avery? Or even neither? It's strange that the author doesn't pick a side, but rather makes the reader form an opinion themselves.

Piano Lesson #6

This scene, although short, is significant. Similar to the last scene, it further develops characters, specifically Berniece and Avery. Berniece really holds on to the belief that, "the past is present." Although true, she really needs to move on. Her past is controlling her life, and making it unable to see what good things are in front of her. Avery sees this too, when he says, "'Everybody got stones in their passway. You got to step over them or walk around them"(70). I believe that Avery will eventually get to Berniece, and she will say yes to his numerable attempts to propose to her. On a side note, I think it's odd that August Wilson has not set a clear protagonist or antagonist, but rather made the reader choose sides.

from Harrison's Blog:
malnatia said...
Very interesting connection to Maretha, Beniece and her mother. I completely agree. Berniece's stubbornness is really getting in the way. It is causing much conflict that I hope will get resolved soon.

Piano Lesson #5

In this chapter, characters are developed more, especially Sutter's ghost and Wining Boy. When Doaker tells that he too had seen the ghost, it further adds to the realism and believability of the ghost. Sutter's ghost really becomes a character in this book after this chapter. We also see what Wining Boy is like. Throughout this chapter, he is very concerned about money. He tries to sell all of his possessions to make a profit, even if that means using his own family. He seems to be consumed by gambling.

From Olivia's blog:
malnatia said...
Yes, the humor in this scene is a great example of comic relief. It helps take away from the seriousness. Also, it show what the characters are like. You can see that Wining Boy has a sense of humor, but also that he thinks he is experienced when it comes to women. The type of jokes that he delivered show that he is immature.

The Piano Lesson 4

So many things happened in the part we had to read! I enjoyed how many things were explained in this section: mainly the Ghosts of the Yellow Dog, and why the piano is important. I feel like the conflict between Berniece and Boy Willie will be the main conflict for the story. It seems like it already is taking over the majority of the dialogue. Also, I wonder what will happen to the piano. Will Boy Willie find a way to take it out of the house and sell it? Or will Berniece end up keeping it?

Comment of Ross's Blog:
Great insight! What do you think this foreshadowing relates to? Maybe that someone else will die to the Ghost of the Yellow Dog? Or that something else will be happen with the piano?

Piano Lesson 3

The singing in the second "chapter" we read was really effective in setting a tone for the book. Although strange and obnoxious, it put another layer of culture into the book. Almost all of the characters knew the song, showing togetherness with each other. Also, music seems to have an increasingly important effect on the people and the book. I think it to be as a symbol for the family. This could be why Berniece doesn't want to sell the piano: she fears she will lose another part of the family if she does.

From Berit's Blog:
I agree. In the other books we read, some characters were also shown to be less important than others. In Cry some character's weren't named, only like the white man, or Gertrude's son. And in Lord of the Flies how the younger children were grouped together and called the "chillun."

The Piano Lesson #2

I am unsure if Berniece actually saw a ghost, or if she made it up. It seems more likely that she would make it up, doing so would give a valid reason for Boy Willie to leave. However, Doaker says that she doesn't make things up. It's interesting that from the beginning of a book, main characters are being analyzed, and the author makes the reader take a side to trust the character or not.

For Harrison's blog
I agree with your analysis. Especially when you ask why. Maybe the piano has something to do with a ghost or apparition? There have already been reports of two ghosts: the one that supposedly pushed Sutter in, and Sutter himself.

Piano Lesson 1

My first impression of this book was so different than what I had expected. When I read the title, The Piano Lesson I thought of sophistication, and elegance. However, the first pages of the book are almost the complete opposite of that. The language, especially the use of the word "niggers" is off-putting. Also, the characters seem to be unintelligent, repeating the same questions and answers over and over again. Although this takes place in the south, it is more vulgar than the present day south.

malnatia said...
Great insight. I also think that most of the characters aren't too intelligent. Rambling about watermelons ≠ a Yale scholarship.

Cry Journal 9

"...[t]here was a white man sitting still upon a horse. He seemed to be waiting for the car, and with something of a shock, he realized that it was Jarvis" (276). I tabbed this because it made me wonder if the perspective will shift to Jarvis' point of view again.

"...[h]e went out to look at the clouds, for it was exciting to see them after weeks of pitiless sun" (275). THis is important, because it describes rain as hopeful, unlike what rain usually brings, sorry and sadness.

Blog Journal 8

The use of setting in Alan Paton's Cry, The Beloved Country creates an extended metaphor that connects Kumalo's family with the land. At first, both Kumalo and the setting are described as strong, "Where you stand the grass is rich and matted, you cannot see the soil" (1). However, "[t]he rich green hills break down"(1). Relating to Kumalo, he becomes emotionally and physically frail while learning of his son's wrongdoings. Soon, " [t]he great red hills stand desolate, and the earth has torn away like flesh"(2).

Cry Journal 7

Carlo Petrini is a former food writer who started the organization, slowfood.com
Through slowfood.com, Carlo is trying to change the way the world makes, eats and enjoys food. Community by community all around the globe, Carlo and his company strive to do four major things: defend food biodiversity, develop networks, educate about food and taste, and to connect producers and consumers

The Children of Hope Foundation, founded by Yusuf Kulca, provide kids on the street with food, shelter and much more. In the major Turkish city of Istanbul, many homeless children were neglected by the government, until Yusuf Kulca came along. Although there is much work to be done, Yusuf has created a greater tolerance for the children, and encouraged many other Turkish people to help.

Megan Iskander set up the Care with Love foundation in 2003. Basically, Megan and her team set up houses to train personnel to provide healthcare to the people of the community. The workers go through a 4 month training course. The workers that go to Iskander's courses are from all walks of life, and some even deemed un-employable by other people.

Cry Journal 6

Alan Paton names the characters of Cry, the Beloved Country wisely. For instance, he only relates to the son of Gertrude as Gertrude's son, or the boy. In doing this, you only relate to the boy with Gertrude, so whatever characteristics you associate Gertrude with, you also do with the son. This creates the effect that the boy is a petty or minor character, even though he is related to numerous times. You can assume by doing this, that the boy will be a static character.

Cry Journal 5

Separating the novel into different books has many different effects. First, it adds a new perspective to the story. This allows to see the plot from a different light, showing other opinions, emotions, and maybe completely different parts of the plot. Secondly, it adds more emphasis to the second book. By making it a new book, rather than a chapter, it shows that something important will happen, or that there is a shift of some sort. Finally, it makes the book more interesting. Telling the story from a different point of view is greatly easier to read than from one's perspective the whole book.

Cry Journal 4

Oppression of African-american people:

http://jbs.sagepub.com/content/35/6/802.abstract

Darfur violence:

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Rebel-Group-Urges-Security-Council-to-Help-End-Darfur-Violence-104386584.html

Cry Journal 3

The author uses repetition to make points of emphasis throughout the novel. He repeats the phrases, "have you a room to let?" and "have you a house for me yet?" in chapter 9 (85,86). In doing this, it shows how persistent the people are. They need to be persistent to survive, however. The determination eventually pays off, when a new city is formed by the people, after they take the leftover supplies. Alan Paton also repeats the image of a mother by the sick child. The mother symbolizes hope, protection and peace. The child dies even with the support of the mother. Although tragic, the author accurately portrays the life of the South African people of the time. Reading this, I felt greatly empathetic to the people, who were greatly less fortunate than I am. Thirdly, repetition is used describing the idea that all roads lead to Johannesburg. This is obviously literally not the case, but it shows how greatly important the city is to the culture. It is drawing most of the people in, promising a new life. The population as a whole shifts from living in rural areas to living in the cities. This shift of culture may be significant part of the plot.

Cry Journal 2

Alan Paton characterizes the two genders differently. This has a significant impact on the story. Firstly, he does not even name the females, only Mrs. Name, mother, or wife. The only woman he names is Gertrude, but it is the umfundisi's sister, so that makes sense. The females are also of less importance to the novel. Their role is mainly to keep the household in order. The men are the main characters of the story. Nearly all of the book so far has been about Kumalo and Msimangu's travelings.

Cry Journal 1

I tabbed the second and third paragraph of chapter one. The passage shows a change in the setting, but also shows a change in the culture. I also tabbed the last paragraph of the first chapter. "[t]he red blood of the earth" shows that there has been violence, or that violence is imminent (34). The interaction between Stephan and his wife is important, so I tabbed it. Both him and his wife share their own opinions. Showing their emotions, but still respecting and loving each other. This shows that the author intends for these characters to be generally good people. When umfundisi departs for Johannesburg, he takes the "carriage for non-Europeans"(43). Even before the apartheid happened, there is already segregation between the citizens of South Africa. This may be a main conflict throughout the story.

Theme analysis of Lord of the Flies

The theme: "Corruption and fear are internal among human beings, not an external force" is further developed by use of characters and setting. "'Fancy thinking the Beast as something you could hunt and kill!' said the head ... 'and I'm the Beast'" (Golding 143). This shows that the mind can mislead you into believing in things that are not even there. Even the hallucination Simon has shows that the human mind would rather show that something is evil rather than safe and friendly. The use of The Lord of the Flies symbolizes the evil inside of every human being. Some have more control on their inner beast than others. Ralph has great self-control, where Jack almost immediately caves into the evil instincts. The setting is also used to extend a major theme of William Golding's novel. In the fifth chapter, a younger child tells of his nightmare, describing how he was fighting the things in the trees. This shows how people always need something to fear, making harmless vines into ominous creatures.

Lord of the Flies with girls

That phrase just doesn't work. The book would be entirely different if girls were characters in the story. There most likely would have been a whole new set of conflicts, themes, and character roles. Stereotypically, girls act very different around girls as they do boys. Also, girls tend to want and need different things than guys do. Both things can create enormous amounts of drama. This potential conflict would take away from the conflict between Ralph and Jack. The conflict between Jack and Ralph even is the outline for a theme for the book. William Golding had to make a decision whether or not to include females in Lord of the Flies. He made the right decision. If he had, the book would have been drastically altered.

LotF First Page

Piggy is described more in this first page than anything else. Golding made that decision to signify Piggy's importance in the book. The author decided to have Piggy talk before describing him, or even naming him. This is important because later on in the book, Piggy always wants to talk, but the other's always dismiss his comments.  Also, Ralph is listening to Piggy, allowing him to talk without interrupting him. Over the course of the book, Ralph is one of the only people that sticks up for Piggy. This creates two opposing sides, Ralph along with Piggy, and Jack's group of people. This conflict escalates throughout the novel. It is even one of the main themes of the story, civilized life against the savage instincts of human kind.

William Golding uses certain colors to create a message. Red and yellow are both warning colors, signifying to stay away, that something bad may happen. Piggy also echoes the bird's witch-like cry. Connecting the ominous cry with piggy foreshadows something bad happening to Piggy. Also, the author decides to frankly describe Piggy as a fat, careful boy with glasses. These attributes are later used as vices as the other boys to intimidate and bully him. The foreshadowing of the bird along with the physical defects of Piggy combine to show that something terrible will happen to him, which is eventually the barbaric murder of Piggy.