Hamlet #4

Hamlet is able to perpetuate his facade as a madman and devise a plan to see whether or not Claudius is the real murderer of King Hamlet. No one suspects Hamlet of doing anything wrong which allows him to pursue his plot. His plot revolves around a certain play:"the play's the thing/Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king" (2.2.606-607). Hamlet cannot decide whether or not to trust the ghost of the king and the play seems to be the answer. Hamlet wishes to take justice in his own hands and expose King Claudius for his true identity, a murderer 

Letter

Em,
I am so proud of you and I know that if your mother was there to watch you graduate, she would be overflowing with pride as well. Now that you are going off to college in just a few months, I would just like to remind you that education is the key to success in this world. However you classify success (material, financial, personal growth), education is what opens the doors to a brighter future. That being said, emphasis should be put on your education rather than your social life. I'm not saying that your social life is not important but, when it comes to decision making, education should come first. You aren't paying thousands of dollars to smoke joints and chill out with your friends. You are going to college to expand your breadth of knowledge to better yourself. Oh and that reminds me, if there is one thing that life has taught me over and over again, it's that there are never any good stories that come from the use of drugs. My brother being the prime example, a heroin addict, who's addiction eventually led to his death. Len Bias! Signed a multi-million dollar contract with the Celtics, dies that night from cocaine. I know you're smart but these are just reminders. You shouldn't let experimentation get the best of you. The only experiments I want you conducting are in a science lab, okay? I know you are a big hippy-dippy but use that to fight Monsanto and Halliburton. Not smoke pot and do drugs. I love you and you are very bright girl so I want you to continue to make good decisions when I send you off on your own. I know that there are big things ahead Em.

Dad

Figurative Language: The Author to Her Book, Anne Bradstreet

The speaker in this poem uses an extended metaphor to compare the book that she wrote to a child/offspring. In the first lines of the play she establishes this metaphor: "Thou ill-informed offspring of my feeble brain" (Line 1). She compares this book/novel that she has written to an unintelligent child. The use of figurative language helps to convey an image of  a poorly written book that the author seems to lament.The novel is a creation of her mind, just as a child would be a creation of her body. She refers to her book as "My rambling brat (in print)" (Line 8). She personifies the book as a rambling child. The word rambling has a negative connotation of senseless and ongoing gibberish. This enforces the idea that she does not think very highly of her book or writing style. The metaphor is continued by calling the book a brat. Again, emphasizing her dislike and negative thoughts regarding this book or "offspring". The speaker makes an attempt at editing her book but she seems to be unsuccessful, this is portrayed again through the use of personification and metaphorical language: "I washed thy face, but more defects I saw/And rubbing off a spot still made a flaw" (Lines 13-14). She compares the editing process to washing the face of a child. She is unhappy with the appearance of the child meaning that she is unhappy with her attempts at fixing the book. She is embarrassed that her book has been put into the public's eye but justifies the publication with her lack of money: "If for thy Father asked, say thou had'st none;/And for thy Mother, she alas is poor/Which caused her thus to send thee out of door" (Lines 22-24). She compares her book to a bastard child. She is embarrassed to call it her own but she has to send it out the door so she can make money. Rural families would often use their children to help on the farm. She makes this comparison to the publication of her book, sending it out the door and into the hands of the public.

Hamlet #2

Hamlet finally sees the ghost of what appears to be his father. After appearing three nights in a row with no words or gestures, Hamlet is the one who is able to make the ghost respond. It is apparent that the ghost has been trying to reach Hamlet rather than the other men on guard. The ghost appears after Hamlet makes a lengthy speech regarding his uncle and his partying: "The dram of evil, Doth all the noble substance of a doubt To his own scandal" (1.4.39-41). Hamlet states how even a small amount of evil can discredit something that is noble. These lines could be referencing his uncle's rapid marriage to Gertrude despite all the warnings against it. This could be seen as an act of evil that gives the royal family a bad reputation. It is ironic that the ghost appears right after this speech by Hamlet, the ghost motions for Hamlet to follow him, perhaps wanting to deliver some sort of message regarding the subject. I believe that King Hamlet's spirit is stalking the castle because he is upset and wants to communicate. Ghosts usually appear when their spirits are unrest. I believe that King Hamlet will continue to appear until he is able to rest properly.

Hamlet #1

Hamlet desires to go away to study in Wittenberg but his mother and uncle are adamantly against it. Hamlet respects their opinion calmly and decides to stay. He does not seem to have a fiery temper, he is rational and thoughtful: "I shall in all my best obey you" (1.2.124). Hamlet could become enraged about their decision and point out his mother's rapid marriage but he does not. After their discussion Hamlet tells the audience about how he mourns for his father and that he believes his mother was married too quickly. Hamlet seems to believe that it is unfair/unjust that she was able to move on so soon after his father's death. Hamlet is a very respectful, educated and even tempered man. This is how he is characterized in the first scene. However, because this is a Shakespearean tragedy, I predict a slow devolution of these traits throughout the next five acts.

Othello #7

In scene 5.2, all conflicts are resolved. Even though Othello, Desdemona and Emilia die, Iago does not get away with his insidious plot. He is taken away to be tortured and killed. Many characters refer to Iago as the devil or Demi-devil in this scene, seeing no motive behind the evil that he has bestowed upon them. Emilia even calls Othello the devil once she sees that he has murdered Desdemona: "O, the more angel she, and you the blacker devil" (5.2.161). Emilia casts Othello off as a an outsider. He is no longer an admired general, he is a black, evil man who has been corrupted by the devil. Othello has been taken advantage of by Iago. Iago never reveals any further motives other than the position being taken from him. His plan seems to be a hyperbolic reaction to the initial injustice. Iago is an evil villain solely for the purpose of being an evil villain.

The Snow Man by Wallace Stevens

In this poem, the speaker illustrates a barren, calm, winter landscape. The pine trees are "crusted with snow" (line 3). The use of the word "crusted" makes one think of freezing temperatures and ice. In line 5 the speaker also describes the junipers as "shagged with ice", the use of the word shag evokes an image of freezing, rough, ice. It makes the reader picture ice that has been hanging on the junipers for a long period of time, as opposed to recently formed ice. The descriptive language provides a beautiful January scene, yet the poem ends with the line "beholds nothing that is not there and the nothing that is" (line 14-15). The poem progresses through lines of beautiful imagery but the last lines leave the reader with nothingness. There is misery in the wind and there is a landscape of nothing.

Othello #6 Sh*t goes dooooooown

Othello is overcome with emotion as he talks to Desdemona. He is no longer the strong, valiant, general from the beginning of the play. Although he receives no direct evidence of Desdemona's unfaithfulness, he still continues to slander her name. He calls her a whore, a strumpet and completely believes Iago's wild accusations. Othello no longer uses reason or logic. He lets his overwhelming emotions drive his decisions and actions. Yet, Iago is still able to completely manipulate not only Othello but the rest of the characters as well. Emilia has inclinations to believe that there is villain behind Othello's sudden distrust of Desdemona. However, Iago makes sure to chime in, claiming that this could not be the case. The characters are blinded by Iago's kind demeanor. He portrays himself as an honest and genuine gentleman but on the inside he is a heartless devil. Iago's aside in Act 5 scene 1 lines 12-17, embraces dramatic irony: "Now whether [Roderigo] kill Cassio, or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, every way makes my gain" (5.1.13-15). The characters remain clueless to Iago's ruthless plot. Yet the final steps to Iago's plan are in motion. He seems to be unaffected by Roderigo and Cassio's potential death and continues his manipulation. Iago seems to not care about Roderigo's death because Roderigo was beginning to suspect Iago of wrongdoing. In Iago's mind, Roderigo was an obstacle that needed to be taken out. Even though some people have suspicions of Iago's evil, he is able to persuade them into believing otherwise. However, Iago realizes what is at stake: "This is the night that either makes me or fordoes me quite" (5.1.150-151). This brief aside further demonstrates dramatic irony and highlights Iago's wickedness. He is completely amoral and feels no remorse for the evils that he has committed

Othello #5

Iago is extremely manipulative in Act 4 Scene 1. He fools Othello into believing that Cassio has slept with Desdemona and Othello is completely overwhelmed with emotion, so much so that he passes out. This over emotional reaction could be associated with his North African heritage. Moors are considered to be emotional and less controlled by reason. Or Othello's response could just demonstrate how much he truly loves Desdemona and how upset he is by her "unfaithfulness". Despite Iago's manipulation, Othello still does not suspect him of any wrong-doing. Iago's revenge plan far exceeds the initial injustice that was done to him. It leaves the audience wondering why Iago wishes to bring misery into Othello's life. Othello seems to be a very kind, respectful and modest gentleman. Yet, Iago's actions make the reader think otherwise. Does Othello really portray the man he is on the inside? Or is Iago just overreacting and overcome with jealousy? Othello still trusts Iago and he will until Iago's plans have been exposed. As Othello is beating Desdemona in public, it demonstrates his fiery emotion. He responds rapidly without actually figuring out the whole story. His calm, reasonable demeanor has been lost. His wild reaction completely contrasts the Othello that was previously showering Desdemona with compliments in the previous act. Iago's lies have completely changed how Venice views Othello. The once celebrated general is now a wild and irrational moor.

Cross by Langston Hughes

Before I read the poem Cross by Langston Hughes, I initially thought that it held some sort of religious meaning because of the title. I immediately associated the word cross with Jesus Christ and Christianity. I also thought that perhaps cross referred to the feeling of anger or fury. However, after reading the poem I realized that the title was referencing the speaker's mixed background, his mother black and his father white. The word cross has many denotations and it is clear that Hughes chose this title for a reason. The poem's subject matter came as a complete surprise to me because that idea had not came to me prior to actually reading the poem. Langston uses more colloquial language in this poem using phrases such as "old man" and referring to his mother as "ma". I believe that this is appropriate for the subject matter because it presents the idea that his aristocratic father did not help educate him. Considering that Hughes was raised during the time of racism and segregation it would be more common for African Americans to use colloquial language, not having access to equal educational opportunities. He presents the apparent difference between the lifestyles of white society and African American society, his father dying in a big white house and his mother in a shack. There is apparent inequality but what does this mean for the speaker? If he is mixed, what is his fate? This cross represents an even more complex criticism of his society.

Othello Act 1: Iago's Dilemma

At the beginning of this play, Iago finds himself in a misfortunate predicament. He is forced to work under a moor named Othello. Iago seems to dislike Othello primarily due to the fact that he is of Arabic descent. Iago plans to secretly work against Othello while showing false signs of loyalty to his command. He comes up with this elaborate lie that Othello is having sex with Barbantio's daughter: "now, very now, an old black ram, is tupping your white ewe" (1.192-93). The thought of Barbantio's daughter having an interracial relationship is deeply offensive to him. Barbantio wishes to punish Othello for this horrible crime. There is an apparent racist motive behind Barbantio's actions. The metaphor of the black ram mating with the white ewe further emphasizes the apparent contrast between these two classes of people. Othello is portrayed as this dark, vile creature while Barbantio's daughter is viewed as this pure, white and sacred lamb. The use of black and white imagery highlights the negative views this society has towards the moors.

Circles

One is too many and never enough,
Trading hard work and dedication for an utterly synthetic rush,
Happiness that comes with a price tag,
Making up for all that I lack,
My only friend, worth my time,
Or is that an illusion fabricated in my mind?
Defeated, depleted, motivation derived from a couple of lines.
Dazed, detached, unconscious bliss,
Voluntarily drowning in the abyss,
From the pearly gates of heaven, I hope mum cannot see,
The hopeless dark powers that are enveloping me.

Forbidden Love 1984 #5 & #6

My predictions were correct!! I knew there was something sly about this young woman. However, I did not predict that Winston and her were going to have a  sex driven love affair. Julia seems to be a paradox. On the outside, she appears to be one of the most dedicated party members. She volunteers, sports the chastity sash and marches in all the parades on the front lines, holding banners. However, when she isn't in the eyes of a telescreen, she turns into this sex goddess who completely despises everything the party stands for. Even though she hates the party, she thinks that any plans of a revolution would be unwise and unreachable. That's what I find most interesting, such a rebellious, smart, young lady believes that revolution is impossible. The only way to act out is private and without any watching eyes. By having these love affairs together, Winston believes they are signing their death certificates. Yet Julia finds excitement in her small rebellious acts against the party.

Who invited you?

As Marlow continues his account of the expedition, affairs within the company seem to be unorganized and chaotic. Marlow's ship has been badly damaged and in need of repair. He is stuck in the ruthless jungle with little hope of seeing his way out, the repair is expected to take months. Marlow's encounter with the brick layer is strange. He observes that this man has a more luxurious resting place than most of the company men. He even has a whole candle to himself which seems to be unusual. What is even more unusual is that this "brick layer" does not seem to exhibit any work at all. He does not deserve the luxuries of light and comfort that have been presented to him. There is no sign of the brick layer's trade within the station. This makes Marlow question if his presence is truly needed. He describes this station as "unreal as everything else--as the philanthropic pretence of the whole concern, as their talk, as their government, as their show of work" (93). There is no purpose to their presence in this station or the entire region. He compares the state of this station to the company as a whole. There seems to be no form of organization and no philanthropic goals. The only thing present is the selfish exploitation of the native community, senseless jobs and the dark jungle.

Marloooooh

The novel begins on a ship, with the narrator detailing the Thames river and its brilliance. He is abruptly interrupted by Marlow, an experienced seaman, pessimistically reminding him of the dangers as well. Marlow seems to be a realist, stating that although the Thames has been a place of excellence, it has also "been one of the darkest places of the Earth" (Conrad 67). Marlow goes on to share an account of his expedition to the Congo. He describes the natives as near death, malnourished, chained and overworked. He also claims that the Company he works for, labels them as enemies. In the following paragraph he describes the white accountant with his fancy, elegant and expensive clothes. The juxtaposition of these paragraphs further illuminates the extreme differences in culture. The wealthy aristocrats with garments of silk ruling over the native tribes who do not even wear clothing. This so called "trading" company is really just exploiting the natives tribes for their resources. As Marlow explains, the shore has washed away the natives' once primitive lifestyle with the legality of contracts and slavery.

Peace out

I would choose to leave. I would not be able to live with the fact that everyone in Omelas prospers off  the exploitation of an innocent child. I would run for the hills with the hope of inspiring more individuals to make my choice. When I am depressed or sad, I tend to take the world's problems and make them my own. I'll find myself crying about the existence of predator drones and war in the Middle East, making my initial cause of despair obsolete. I don't know if that makes me an angst ridden teenager or a compassionate person. I would simply go mad if I knew about the existence of that child. I would camp out in the mountains and meditate, live without luxury. I just could not stay in that city. No matter how many muscular dudes begged me to stay and copulate with them, I could not live with the guilt. Pretending that it does not exist, does not change anything.

I Go Back to May 1937

In this poem by Sharon Olds, she is looking at a photograph of her parents graduating from college. She talks of their innocence and naiveness, unaware of their whole life ahead of them. She urgently wishes to warn them against a potentially disastrous relationship. However, she knows that her warning would bring about quite a predicament. She would not exist if it weren't for her parents dysfunctional relationship. Even though her parents suffered because of their choices, she was born to write and tell of these events. She wants to save them from the sad situation but she makes the selfish choice of life as opposed to her parents happiness

A Broken Appointment

This poem by Thomas Hardy details a certain woman who is uninterested in him. The first line of the first stanza (which is also the last line), "you did not come", illustrates a disappointed and despondent Thomas Hardy. He has been let down by this fair woman, who did not show up when she was expected. Hardy's use of the words, loss, numb, grieved and reluctance help contribute to the poem's melancholic and hopeless tone. This mystery woman never came to soothe Hardy's sorrows and does not love him as he loves her. This is  evident by the first line of the second stanza "you love not me" (also the last line). He uses the parallel structure of "you did not come" and "you love not me" to make his sadness clear. He places the responsibility of his unhappiness upon this woman.

Denial-George Herbert

In the poem Denial by George Herbert, he discusses his doubtfulness in the existence of God. The tone of this piece is melancholic and defeated. Herbert discusses his desperate devotions to God that fall on his "silent ears". The moment when he needs God's guidance there seems to be no answer or "no hearing". Herbert uses the metaphor "My feeble spirit, unable to look right, like a nipped blossom, hung, discontented". He compares his weak spirit to a nipped blossom. Herbert's spirit is unsatisfied with his current circumstances just as a blossom would be if it were to be plucked. Herbert's poem also acts as another desperate call to God, as he asks God to waste no time and to mend his rime. Herbert's use of the word "rime" illustrates a wintry, dreary and depressing scene. Herbert seems to be desperate for God's assistance but has lost faith that he is listening to the cries.

Same Love

Antonio's relationship with Bassanio is full of overwhelming love and loyalty. Antonio is more than willing to risk all of his wealth and his life, in order to fulfill the aspirations of his dearest friend. However, there is a point where one begins to question, is this just innocent amity? Or is there a more hidden, intimate relationship between Antonio and Bassanio? There are several scenes with Anotonio  that make the reader question whether or not he is a heterosexual. As Bassanio proposes the loan to Antonio, he finds that his friend is eager to offer his aid. Antonio informs Bassanio that, "[his] purse, [his] person, [his] extremist means/Lie all unlocked to [Bassanio's] occasion" (1.1.137-138). Not only does Antonio offer up his wealth but also his person. This could be interpreted to have some sexual dimensions, Antonio possibly alluding to a more than friendly relationship between himself and Bassanio. In Act 2, Antonio claims "he only loves the world" (2.8.50) for Bassanio. Antonio's love seems to be dramatic considering Bassanio is just his pal. Antonio also convinces Bassanio to give away Portia's ring. Were there hidden motives behind this persuasion? Antonio perhaps secretly resents Portia for being Bassanio's lover. When Bassanio gives away the ring it symbolizes a dim future for his relationship with Portia. Maybe once they're in Splitsville, him and Antonio can live happily ever after like it was always meant to be. 

Faith can heal you

Out of all the characters in The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is the only one who practices Judaism. Intolerance of the Jewish faith is apparent amongst the Christian characters in the play. Shylock's treatment by the other characters is harsh, he suffers many verbal insults and criticisms. Not only is he spat upon by Antonio but Shylock is also referred to as the devil by Solanio. The Christians seem to have no patience for Shylock, often teasing and belittling him. Shylock's thirst for vengeance is fueled by his mistreatment by others. However, Shylock is not merely a victim. He reveals his true feelings about Antonio in Act 1, Scence 3: "I hate him for he is a Christian" (1.3.38). Antonio hates Shylock because he is a Jew and Shylock hates Antonio because he is a Christian. This religious conflict contributes to the other conflicts within the play, such as Antonio and Shylock's disturbing money for flesh agreement. Shylock's hatred towards Antonio is so fierce that he does not care about losing 3,000 ducats. He simply wants to watch Antonio suffer for all the cruelties he has committed towards Shylock. This Christan Vs. Jew conflict may also mirror the thoughts and feelings of many Elizabetheans of time period, seeing as Jews were officially banned from England in 1290.

Shylock

Shylock the Jewish moneylender is a convoluted yet intriguing character in the Merchant of Venice. Shylock is portrayed as unfriendly and greedy. Although it is unsaid formally within the text of the play, one can infer that Shylock practices usury (the lending of money at extreme rates of interest). Shylock's hatred for Antonio spawns off of Antonio's generosity. Antonio lends out money to many Venetians for no interest at all,which forces Shylock to decrease his interest rates: "[Antonio] lends out money gratis and brings down/The rate of usance here with us in Venice" (Shakespeare 1.3.40-410). Thus causing Shylock to lose money. Shylock is selfish with his money, piling away all of his ducats. Antonio is more than willing to offer everything he has in order to help a friend. Although Antonio has unquestionable benevolence, he is extremely antisemitic and unkind towards Shylock: "You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog,/And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine/And all for use of that which is mine own" (Shakespeare 1.3.107-109). Shylock's gruesome request of Antonio's flesh for the penalty of defaulting on their loan seems disturbing. Yet Shylock's justification for this vengeful consequence is Antonio's fiery, antisemitic words. As the play continues, the reader begins to feel sorry for Shylock as his daughter runs away (partially due to her father's Jewish heritage) with all his precious ducats and gems. Now Shylock seems to be a poor, bullied Jewish man who is just trying to make a living in Venice. Shylock's hard exterior is a result of his mistreatment by others.