"It is here, Hamlet. {Hamlet,} thou art slain. / No med'cine in the world can do thee good. / In thee there is not half an hour's life. / The treacherous instrument is in {thy} hand, / Unbated and envenomed. The foul practice / Hath turned itself on me. Lo, here I lie, / Never to rise again. Thy mother's poisoned. / I can no more. The King, the King's to blame" (5.2.344-351)
Laertes has been stabbed by Hamlet who used Laertes's poisoned sword, and in his dying breath, Laertes reveals to Hamlet what has happened. Laertes says that Hanlet has been poisoned by Laertes and his sword, and in a half an hour, he will die. He also reveals that he himself has inadvertantly been poisoned and he will die as well. Then, Laertes says that Gertrude has been poisoned by the wine in the cup, and finally, it was Claudius's plot that caused all of this. This revelation forces Hamlet to finally kill Claudius.
Laertes most likely revealed all of this to Hamlet because Laertes felt betrayed by Claudius after his plot killed him as well. It's also possible that Laertes felt remorseful about his actions, and because he was dying as well, he wanted to repent for his sins and gain forgiveness from Hamlet. The good part about this is that Claudius'd actions will not go unpunished, because Hamlet kills him soon after. Now Laertes can die knowing that the knave of a king has been put in his place.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Hamlet (5.1)
"No, faith, not a jot; but to follow him thither, / with modesty enough and likelihood to lead it, {as, / thus:} Alexander died, Alexander was buried, Alex-/ander returneth to dust; the dust is earth; of earth / we make loam; and why if that loam whereto he was converted might not stop a beer barrel?" (5.1.214-219)
Again, Hamlet is comtemplating what death is like, but this time, he is talking about the cycle of a decaying body. He uses an allusion to Alexander the Great, the famous Greek warrior who conquered most of the Middle East and Asia before dying of fever in Babylon. After his death, he was buried underneath the earth. Hamlet says that even someone like Alexander the Great dies and becomes a part of the earth. He then goes on to alude to his next train of thought: what happens next? Bodies turn to dust and become a part of the earth; this same earth can be made into loam, which can then be distilled into beer. So Hamlet is thinking: is the cycle of death merely where what he eat and drink is a product of the earth from which the dust of dead bodies had lain. It is a very morbid thought, but then again, Hamlet has been depressed within the whole play, that seeing his mind turn to something like this is no real suprise. Now, is it possible that his death may be coming near, and will Hamlet be able to accept death when it comes to claim him?
Again, Hamlet is comtemplating what death is like, but this time, he is talking about the cycle of a decaying body. He uses an allusion to Alexander the Great, the famous Greek warrior who conquered most of the Middle East and Asia before dying of fever in Babylon. After his death, he was buried underneath the earth. Hamlet says that even someone like Alexander the Great dies and becomes a part of the earth. He then goes on to alude to his next train of thought: what happens next? Bodies turn to dust and become a part of the earth; this same earth can be made into loam, which can then be distilled into beer. So Hamlet is thinking: is the cycle of death merely where what he eat and drink is a product of the earth from which the dust of dead bodies had lain. It is a very morbid thought, but then again, Hamlet has been depressed within the whole play, that seeing his mind turn to something like this is no real suprise. Now, is it possible that his death may be coming near, and will Hamlet be able to accept death when it comes to claim him?
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Hamlet (4.5-4.7)
"How came he dead? I'll not be juggled with. / Ti hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil! / Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! / I dare domination. To this point I stand, / That both the worlds I give to negligence, / Let come what comes, only I'll be revenged / Most throughly for my father" (4.5.148-154)
Laertes has learned from Claudius that Hamlet has killed Laertes's father, Polonius, and in a rage, Laertes vows to avenge his father's death. Immediately, the reader can see a huge contrast within the characters of Hamlet and Laertes. Hamlet's father died two months before Hamlet even thought about seeking revenge, and it was only after his father's ghost told him about the murder, as well as the play to begin to plot out Claudius's death. On the other hand, as soon as Laertes learns that his father has died, he cries for revenge. It is possible that the reason for this difference in character is because Hamlet didn't immediately know how his father died, whereas Laertes learned that it was murder when he heard of it. Either way, both of these characters now have a thirst for revenge over their father's deaths, and it will be interesting to see how Hamlet will enact his revenge while Laertes tries to kill him.
Laertes has learned from Claudius that Hamlet has killed Laertes's father, Polonius, and in a rage, Laertes vows to avenge his father's death. Immediately, the reader can see a huge contrast within the characters of Hamlet and Laertes. Hamlet's father died two months before Hamlet even thought about seeking revenge, and it was only after his father's ghost told him about the murder, as well as the play to begin to plot out Claudius's death. On the other hand, as soon as Laertes learns that his father has died, he cries for revenge. It is possible that the reason for this difference in character is because Hamlet didn't immediately know how his father died, whereas Laertes learned that it was murder when he heard of it. Either way, both of these characters now have a thirst for revenge over their father's deaths, and it will be interesting to see how Hamlet will enact his revenge while Laertes tries to kill him.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Hamlet Act 3 Scenes 1 & 2
"There's something in [Hamlet's] soul / O'er which his melancholy sits on brood, / And I do doubt the hatch and the disclose / Will be some danger; which for to prevent, / I have in quick determination / Thus set it down: he shall with speed to England / For demand of our neglected tribute. / Haply the seas, and countries different, / With variable objects, shall expel / This something-settled matter in his heart" (Shakespeare 3.1.178-187)
King Claudius was listening to what Hamlet was saying to Ophelia, when something Hamlet said caught his ear. Hamlet said, "Those that are married already, / all but one, shall live" (3.1.160-161). After hearing this, plus everything else Hamlet said about being depressed,not being in love with Ophelia, etc, Claudius believes that Hamlet may know that he killed Hamlet's father. Claudius grows fearful of this revelation, and as a result, he quickly plans a way to get Hamlet out of his life. His solution: sending Hamlet to England, where he will be fay away from Claudius, and will be unable to exact his revenge on him. The King says to Polonius that he hopes Hamlet will calm down and forget about whatever is troubling him if he's out of Denmark, but Claudius conceals the fact that he believes he knows why Hamlet is so depressed. However, will Claudius be able to send Hamelt to England, or will Hamlet find a way to stay in Denmark?
This passage also develops Claudius's character as a coward; he inconspicuously kills King Hamlet to take the crown, and when he believes his cover is blown, he cowers behind a "plan" to save himself. He too much of a coward to do something proactive to rid himself of this problem he has. I've got a feeling that Claudius's cowardice will come back to haunt him further on in the play.
King Claudius was listening to what Hamlet was saying to Ophelia, when something Hamlet said caught his ear. Hamlet said, "Those that are married already, / all but one, shall live" (3.1.160-161). After hearing this, plus everything else Hamlet said about being depressed,not being in love with Ophelia, etc, Claudius believes that Hamlet may know that he killed Hamlet's father. Claudius grows fearful of this revelation, and as a result, he quickly plans a way to get Hamlet out of his life. His solution: sending Hamlet to England, where he will be fay away from Claudius, and will be unable to exact his revenge on him. The King says to Polonius that he hopes Hamlet will calm down and forget about whatever is troubling him if he's out of Denmark, but Claudius conceals the fact that he believes he knows why Hamlet is so depressed. However, will Claudius be able to send Hamelt to England, or will Hamlet find a way to stay in Denmark?
This passage also develops Claudius's character as a coward; he inconspicuously kills King Hamlet to take the crown, and when he believes his cover is blown, he cowers behind a "plan" to save himself. He too much of a coward to do something proactive to rid himself of this problem he has. I've got a feeling that Claudius's cowardice will come back to haunt him further on in the play.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Hamlet (1.5)
"Yes, by Saint Patrick, but there is, Horatio, / And much offense, too. Touching this vision here, / It is an honest ghost-that let me tell you. / For your desire to know what is between us, / O'ermaster 't as you may" (Shakespeare 1.5.152-156).
Hamlet has heard from his father's ghost that the old king was poisoned by his brother, Claudius. The ghost has also told Hamlet that he wants his son to kill Claudius and avenge King Hamlet's death. After the ghost departs, Horatio and Marcellus appear and asks what has happened. Hamlet does not reveal anything, except that he believes that the ghost has told him the truth. Hamlet believes the ghost because it is his father, who Hamlet loved very much, and given (what seems like) his strained relationship with Claudius, he believes Claudius could do something like that. Hamlet does not tell his friends what he has learned because he fears that the two of them could spread the word that Claudius murdered King Hamlet. If that were to happen, Denmark would be thrown into a state of chaos, and with a battle over land impending, chaos in Denmark would cause the country to lose the land. Hamlet keeps the information to himself as he vows to avenge his father's death.
Hamlet has heard from his father's ghost that the old king was poisoned by his brother, Claudius. The ghost has also told Hamlet that he wants his son to kill Claudius and avenge King Hamlet's death. After the ghost departs, Horatio and Marcellus appear and asks what has happened. Hamlet does not reveal anything, except that he believes that the ghost has told him the truth. Hamlet believes the ghost because it is his father, who Hamlet loved very much, and given (what seems like) his strained relationship with Claudius, he believes Claudius could do something like that. Hamlet does not tell his friends what he has learned because he fears that the two of them could spread the word that Claudius murdered King Hamlet. If that were to happen, Denmark would be thrown into a state of chaos, and with a battle over land impending, chaos in Denmark would cause the country to lose the land. Hamlet keeps the information to himself as he vows to avenge his father's death.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Hamlet (1.2)
"My father's spirit-in arms! All is not well. / I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come! / Till then, sit still, my soul. [Foul] deeds will rise, / Though all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's / eyes" (Shakespeare 1.3.277-281)
Horatio, Marcellus, and Barnardo have told Hamlet that they have seen his father's ghost, and they believe that the ghost wants to se his son. Hamlet decides that he will join them in their shift that night to see his father's ghost with them. When they leave, Hamlet notes that something must be wrong if his father was wearing his arms. In addition, Hamlet suspects some treacherous action might have taken place, whether it pertains to the impending battle against young Fortinbras, or whether it pertains to King Hamlet's death. Hamlet is visibly excited to see his father again, which shows that he must have been close to him; in addition, Hamlet's reaction to what the ghost was wearing is an indication that he knew his father very well. It'll certainly be interesting to see whether the ghost will talk to Hamlet or not, and what the ghost might say if it does.
Horatio, Marcellus, and Barnardo have told Hamlet that they have seen his father's ghost, and they believe that the ghost wants to se his son. Hamlet decides that he will join them in their shift that night to see his father's ghost with them. When they leave, Hamlet notes that something must be wrong if his father was wearing his arms. In addition, Hamlet suspects some treacherous action might have taken place, whether it pertains to the impending battle against young Fortinbras, or whether it pertains to King Hamlet's death. Hamlet is visibly excited to see his father again, which shows that he must have been close to him; in addition, Hamlet's reaction to what the ghost was wearing is an indication that he knew his father very well. It'll certainly be interesting to see whether the ghost will talk to Hamlet or not, and what the ghost might say if it does.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Pride and Prejudice XV (Ch.16-19)
"Well my dear," said [Mr. Bennet], when [Elizabeth] ceased speaking, "I have no more to say. If this be the case, he deserves you. I could not have parted with you, my Lizzy, to any one less worthy" (Austen 317)
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have finally assented to marry, so Mr. Darcy goes to Mr. Bennet to ask for his consent for the marriage. Mr. bennet cannnot believe that Lizzy really wishes to marry a man who Mr. Bennet thinks Lizzy does not like. However, Lizzy induces him to know the truth, and Mr. Bennet's reply to Lizzy is that he could not be any happier for his daughter, and Mr. Darcy is indeed a truly deserving man for his daughter. His approbation to the marriage allows for the two to be married, bringing the love story full circle: the two lovers, who had to overcome a lot, including foils (Miss Bingley, Lady Catherine, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins) as well as personal problems (lack of contempt for the other, social class, etc.) are now able to live "happily ever after." A great ending to a great love story.
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have finally assented to marry, so Mr. Darcy goes to Mr. Bennet to ask for his consent for the marriage. Mr. bennet cannnot believe that Lizzy really wishes to marry a man who Mr. Bennet thinks Lizzy does not like. However, Lizzy induces him to know the truth, and Mr. Bennet's reply to Lizzy is that he could not be any happier for his daughter, and Mr. Darcy is indeed a truly deserving man for his daughter. His approbation to the marriage allows for the two to be married, bringing the love story full circle: the two lovers, who had to overcome a lot, including foils (Miss Bingley, Lady Catherine, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins) as well as personal problems (lack of contempt for the other, social class, etc.) are now able to live "happily ever after." A great ending to a great love story.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Pride and Prejudice XIV (Ch.13-15)
"Neither duty, not honour, nor gratitude," replied Elizabeth, "have any possible claim on me in the present instance. No principle of either would be violated by my marriage to Mr. Darcy. And with regard to the resentment of his family, or the indignation of the world, if the former were excited by his marrying me, it would not give me one moment's concern - and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn" (Austen 301).
Lady Catherine has visited Longbourn to prevent a marriage of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, for Lady Catherine has heard that the two of them were to be united after Jane and Mr. Bingley's union. For the next few pages, Lady Catherine importunes Elizabeth to think about how platry such a union between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy would be by attacking Ms. Bennet's lack of wealth, connections, and the fact that Lady Catherine wants Dracy to marry her daughter. At first, Elizabeth denies that there is a connection between herself and Mr. Darcy, but due to her disdain of Lady Catherine, she begins to goad her, by saying that such a union wouldn't be such a bad thing. Her final remark to Lady Catherine is that both Mr. Darcy and herself would be happy in a marriage, and if either family, or the world altogether, were to object such a union, she would care less. Elizabeth is finally allowing her feelings to overcome her, and she pretty muchs admits that she does indeed love Mr. Darcy and could see a marriage between them. She doesn't care what anyone else thinks of a marriage, she just wants to be with Darcy.
Now that she has proclaimed her love, she must seek Darcy and proclaim it to him. Hopefully, she won't be a jerk and accost him again.
Lady Catherine has visited Longbourn to prevent a marriage of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, for Lady Catherine has heard that the two of them were to be united after Jane and Mr. Bingley's union. For the next few pages, Lady Catherine importunes Elizabeth to think about how platry such a union between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy would be by attacking Ms. Bennet's lack of wealth, connections, and the fact that Lady Catherine wants Dracy to marry her daughter. At first, Elizabeth denies that there is a connection between herself and Mr. Darcy, but due to her disdain of Lady Catherine, she begins to goad her, by saying that such a union wouldn't be such a bad thing. Her final remark to Lady Catherine is that both Mr. Darcy and herself would be happy in a marriage, and if either family, or the world altogether, were to object such a union, she would care less. Elizabeth is finally allowing her feelings to overcome her, and she pretty muchs admits that she does indeed love Mr. Darcy and could see a marriage between them. She doesn't care what anyone else thinks of a marriage, she just wants to be with Darcy.
Now that she has proclaimed her love, she must seek Darcy and proclaim it to him. Hopefully, she won't be a jerk and accost him again.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Pride and Prejudice XIII (Ch.10-12)
"Write to me very often, my dear. As often as I can. But you know married women have never much time for writing. My sisters may write to me. They will have nothing else to do" (Austen 276).
Lydia has married to Mr. Wickham and shall be traveling in his regiment with him for a while. Mrs. Bennet has asked her to write often, and she replies that married women don't have time to do so. Then she takes an affronting shot at her sisters by saying that they could write often because they were not married like she was. It's amazing how proud Lydia is of herself. She is impertinent because she willingly runs off with Wickham, then decides to prydently marry him, and mocks her sisters for marrying before any of them. Lydia certainly seems and acts like an insolent child. She must be so proud of herself for her predicament.
Why is it that so many women in Pride and Prejudice solely care about marriage and nothing else? Sometimes this really gets on my nerves and makes the novel a little less appealing then I think it is.
Lydia has married to Mr. Wickham and shall be traveling in his regiment with him for a while. Mrs. Bennet has asked her to write often, and she replies that married women don't have time to do so. Then she takes an affronting shot at her sisters by saying that they could write often because they were not married like she was. It's amazing how proud Lydia is of herself. She is impertinent because she willingly runs off with Wickham, then decides to prydently marry him, and mocks her sisters for marrying before any of them. Lydia certainly seems and acts like an insolent child. She must be so proud of herself for her predicament.
Why is it that so many women in Pride and Prejudice solely care about marriage and nothing else? Sometimes this really gets on my nerves and makes the novel a little less appealing then I think it is.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Pride and Prejudice XII (Ch7-9)
"My dear, dear Lydia!" [Mrs. Bennet] cried: "This is delightful indeed!-She will be married!-I shall see her again!-She will be married at sixteen!-My good kind brother!-I knew how it would be-I knew he would manage everything. How I long to see her! and to see dear Wickham too!" (Austen 256)
Oh Mrs. Bennet, how I hate you so! Two chapters ago, Mrs. Bennet had been condemning Lydia for running off with Mr. Wickham and now, she is ecstatic for her marriage to the man. Her disposition on the subject rapidly changes from one chapter to the next... It makes me wonder just how ignorant she can really be. How can you go from blaming everyone but herself for Lydia's impertinence in running off with Wickham to approbating her decision to marry him? Because Mrs. Bennet only seems to care if her daughters marry; doesn't matter to who or how, but as long as they marry, she ok with whatever they do. What a role model! (Sarcasm)
Oh Mrs. Bennet, how I hate you so! Two chapters ago, Mrs. Bennet had been condemning Lydia for running off with Mr. Wickham and now, she is ecstatic for her marriage to the man. Her disposition on the subject rapidly changes from one chapter to the next... It makes me wonder just how ignorant she can really be. How can you go from blaming everyone but herself for Lydia's impertinence in running off with Wickham to approbating her decision to marry him? Because Mrs. Bennet only seems to care if her daughters marry; doesn't matter to who or how, but as long as they marry, she ok with whatever they do. What a role model! (Sarcasm)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Pride and Prejudice XI (Ch.3-6)
"'If I had been able,' said [Mrs. Bennet], 'to carry my point of going to Brighton with all my family, this would not have happened; but poor dear Lydia had nobody to take care of her. Why did the Forsters ever let her go out of their sight?I am sure there was some great neglect or other on their side, for she is not the kind of girl to do such a thing [...] And now here's Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight Wickham wherever he meets him, and then will be killed, and what is to become of us all?'" (Austen 240)
Mrs. Bennet is probably the most ignorant character ever created in a novel: she blames everyone but herself for allowing Lydia to run of with Wickham, when if is wasn't for her terrible parenting and her begging Mr. Bennet to allow Lydia to go with the officers, this would not have happened. Mrs. Bennet is the one who precipitated these odious events, and yet she cannot figure that out for herself. Even worse, none of the other characters seem willing to remind Mrs. Bennet of her unpropitious actions. Maybe they feel sorry for Mrs. Bennet because she is in agony over these events, but I feel like Lizzy should have said something to the effects of "Well, you shouldn't have encouraged her..." Maybe this could knock some common sense into Mrs. Bennet, and maybe she'll stop being such an ignorant character.
Yeah, not gonna happen.
Mrs. Bennet is probably the most ignorant character ever created in a novel: she blames everyone but herself for allowing Lydia to run of with Wickham, when if is wasn't for her terrible parenting and her begging Mr. Bennet to allow Lydia to go with the officers, this would not have happened. Mrs. Bennet is the one who precipitated these odious events, and yet she cannot figure that out for herself. Even worse, none of the other characters seem willing to remind Mrs. Bennet of her unpropitious actions. Maybe they feel sorry for Mrs. Bennet because she is in agony over these events, but I feel like Lizzy should have said something to the effects of "Well, you shouldn't have encouraged her..." Maybe this could knock some common sense into Mrs. Bennet, and maybe she'll stop being such an ignorant character.
Yeah, not gonna happen.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Pride and Prejudice VIII (Ch.11-13)
"But when this subject was succeeded by his account of Mr. Wickham, when [Elizabeth] read with somewhat clearer attention, a relation of events, which, if true, must overthrow every cherished opinion of his worth, and which bore so alarmingly an affinity to his own history of himself, her feelings were yet more accutely painful and more difficult of definition... When she had gone through the whole letter, though scarcely knowing anything of the last page or two, put it hastily away, protesting that she would not regard it, that she would never look at it again" (Austen 173-174)
Ms. Elizabeth Bennet has finally learned Mr. Darcy's side of the Darcy-Wickham story, and she does not know who to believe (at first). However, because she has such a huge prejudice against Mr. Darcy, not just for his mannerisms but for the fact that he ruined her sister's felicity, she will not believe what he has written. She thinks so ill of Darcy right now, that she cannot even begin to believe that Wickham, who seemed like such an amiable person, would try to elope with Georgiana Darcy for her fortune. Elizabeth finely displays her big flaw as a character, and the one reason she needs to round out: she has too much prejudice where her opinion never falters no matter what. Darcy declared his love, was rejected, and tried to fill her in on his life, and yet she can't believe him just because of her opinion of him. The good thing is that after this display of impertinence, she seems to let up on Darcy and thinks it's possible Darcy's telling the truth. It will certainly be interesting to see whether she'll ever forgive him.
Ms. Elizabeth Bennet has finally learned Mr. Darcy's side of the Darcy-Wickham story, and she does not know who to believe (at first). However, because she has such a huge prejudice against Mr. Darcy, not just for his mannerisms but for the fact that he ruined her sister's felicity, she will not believe what he has written. She thinks so ill of Darcy right now, that she cannot even begin to believe that Wickham, who seemed like such an amiable person, would try to elope with Georgiana Darcy for her fortune. Elizabeth finely displays her big flaw as a character, and the one reason she needs to round out: she has too much prejudice where her opinion never falters no matter what. Darcy declared his love, was rejected, and tried to fill her in on his life, and yet she can't believe him just because of her opinion of him. The good thing is that after this display of impertinence, she seems to let up on Darcy and thinks it's possible Darcy's telling the truth. It will certainly be interesting to see whether she'll ever forgive him.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Pride and Prejudice VII (Ch.6-10)
""Has Your governess left you?" "We never had any governess." "No governess! How is that possible? Five daughters brought up at a home without a governess! I never heard of such a thing. Your mother must have been quite a slave to your education." Elizabeth could hardly help smiling, as she assured [Lady Catherine] that had not been the case" (Austen 141).
Lady Catherine is talking to Elizabeth to learn about her family and herself. She cannot understand what Elizabeth is telling her, for she has never experienced such a thing. Lady Catherine, being a very wealthy woman, does not understand how Elizabeth and her family could live the way they have. Lady Catherine has grown up rich, has has been surrounded by the wealthy, so she has only known of her upbringing. To hear of a difference is appalling to her. It is interesting to see how her views differ from ELizabeth's, solely due to her position in society. Lady Catherine does not assent with Elizabeth's upbringing; at the same time, she seems to act very amiable with Elizabeth, despite her lack of wealth. Lady Catherine seems to be a very cordial and affable woman who, although knows she is of a higher rank and shows it off, can accept the differences in societal upbringing. I wonder whether her views will change as the novel progresses.
Lady Catherine is talking to Elizabeth to learn about her family and herself. She cannot understand what Elizabeth is telling her, for she has never experienced such a thing. Lady Catherine, being a very wealthy woman, does not understand how Elizabeth and her family could live the way they have. Lady Catherine has grown up rich, has has been surrounded by the wealthy, so she has only known of her upbringing. To hear of a difference is appalling to her. It is interesting to see how her views differ from ELizabeth's, solely due to her position in society. Lady Catherine does not assent with Elizabeth's upbringing; at the same time, she seems to act very amiable with Elizabeth, despite her lack of wealth. Lady Catherine seems to be a very cordial and affable woman who, although knows she is of a higher rank and shows it off, can accept the differences in societal upbringing. I wonder whether her views will change as the novel progresses.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Pride and Prejudice IV (Ch.17-20)
"Really, Mr. Collins," cried Elizabeth with somw warmth, "you puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal [of marriage] in such a way as may convince you of its being one" (Austen 95).
A brash Mr. Collins decided that he wished to marry Elizabeth, and so he proposed to her; she rejected his proposal, and yet he continued to vex her by saying that he would continue to try and convince her to marry. Elizabeth's disposition on the subject does not change, and still Mr. Collins barrages her with thoughts of marriage. The dynamic between these two characters is interesting, where Mr. Collins is seemingly desperate in his attempts to woo Elizabeth, and Elizabeth shows her willpower and headstrong attitude which is unlike that of most women in her time. What's more interesting is how Elizabeth tries to be amiable in her refusal, which would only encourage Mr. Collins even more to try again. But why is it that Elizabeth would refuse a marriage? Is it because she does not know Mr. Collins well enough to warrant a marriage? Or is there another man in her thoughts, one who she will come to like further on in the novel?
A brash Mr. Collins decided that he wished to marry Elizabeth, and so he proposed to her; she rejected his proposal, and yet he continued to vex her by saying that he would continue to try and convince her to marry. Elizabeth's disposition on the subject does not change, and still Mr. Collins barrages her with thoughts of marriage. The dynamic between these two characters is interesting, where Mr. Collins is seemingly desperate in his attempts to woo Elizabeth, and Elizabeth shows her willpower and headstrong attitude which is unlike that of most women in her time. What's more interesting is how Elizabeth tries to be amiable in her refusal, which would only encourage Mr. Collins even more to try again. But why is it that Elizabeth would refuse a marriage? Is it because she does not know Mr. Collins well enough to warrant a marriage? Or is there another man in her thoughts, one who she will come to like further on in the novel?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Pride and Prejudice II (Ch 7-10)
"[Elizabeth] has nothing, in short, to recommend her, but being an excellent walker. I shall never forget her appearence this morning. She really looked almost wild." "She did indeed, Louisa. I could hardly keep my countenance. Very nonsensicel to come at all! Why must she be scampering about the country because her sister had a cold? Her hair so untidy, so blowsy!" (Austen 32)
Miss Bingley and Miss Darcy are sharing their dislike of Elizabeth Bennet, noting her appearence when she arrived. Their uncordial remarks show not just their dislike of her in general, but how she represents her view of women. Miss Bingley and Darcy note that she does not seem to care about her appearence as she allows herself to arrive at a breakfast-parlour looking filthy, and they believe she had no reason to come just for her sister. While this part shows howmuch of an odious feeling they have towards Elizabeth, it also displays their sense of jealousy towards her. They view Elizabeth as carefree, unabiding by the rules and guidelines of being a women; something both despicable and yet amazing to see from any women in their time. The fact that Mr. Dacry seems to fancy Elizabeth over Miss Bingley, given Elizabeth's appearence and nature, fuels Miss Bingley's jealousy towards Miss Bennet. Overall, it will be interesting to watch if Miss Bingley continues to act with malics towards Elizabeth, and who Mr. Darcy will want in the end.
Miss Bingley and Miss Darcy are sharing their dislike of Elizabeth Bennet, noting her appearence when she arrived. Their uncordial remarks show not just their dislike of her in general, but how she represents her view of women. Miss Bingley and Darcy note that she does not seem to care about her appearence as she allows herself to arrive at a breakfast-parlour looking filthy, and they believe she had no reason to come just for her sister. While this part shows howmuch of an odious feeling they have towards Elizabeth, it also displays their sense of jealousy towards her. They view Elizabeth as carefree, unabiding by the rules and guidelines of being a women; something both despicable and yet amazing to see from any women in their time. The fact that Mr. Dacry seems to fancy Elizabeth over Miss Bingley, given Elizabeth's appearence and nature, fuels Miss Bingley's jealousy towards Miss Bennet. Overall, it will be interesting to watch if Miss Bingley continues to act with malics towards Elizabeth, and who Mr. Darcy will want in the end.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Alchemist Essay (Revised)
I hope this looks much better then before... I know there's a lack of quotes, and most of the changes are only th emistakes I made, but honestly, I couldn't find more that needed to be changed otherwise... "Blandness" cannot be changed, unfortunately:
Brian Monahan
Mr. George
World Lit. Honors
5 January 2011
Comparison of our Journeys: Me vs. Santiago
Everyone experiences some kind of life-changing journey in his or her lifetime; maybe even multiple times in a life. These kinds of journeys may be something as simple as picking out a career to follow, or looking for a treasure in the Pyramids. Though each journey followed may be different, the one thing every journey has in common is that there is a beginning, middle, and an end. For Santiago, his journey began with the gypsy and Melchizedek’s push, continued with the caravan and the Alchemist, and ended when he found his treasure. My journey began when I realized I wanted to be a writer, will continue through college, and end once I’ve written my first novel.
Every journey starts with the beginning, the time where you must decide what it is you are doing within your journey. For Santiago, his journey began after meeting both the gypsy woman and Melchizedek. The gypsy interpreted Santiago’s dream and told him that he must go to Egypt to find his treasure, yet Santiago does not believe he can make it to Egypt. Melchizedek visits Santiago and defines what a Personal Legend is to him: “It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is” (Coelho 21). Melchizedek explains that Santiago has always wanted to travel and find some kind of treasure, and so the Pyramids are his source of treasure. He convinces Santiago to travel to the Pyramids and fulfill his Personal Legend. Both the gypsy and Melchizedek gave Santiago the push he needed to begin his journey towards his Personal Legend, and they allowed him to follow his dreams.
My journey began when I realized that I liked to write, and I had a vivid imagination. I came up with many ideas for possible novels, but never thought much of them. In my junior year of high school, I began to write down one of these ideas, and continued to write about it in senior year, where I decided that I would create a novel out of what I’d written. It was in senior year that I realized my Personal Legend and began my journey as a writer. I just needed to push myself towards my dreams, and once I did so, I could begin my journey. Santiago and I both needed a small push to begin our journeys, and once we were pushed, we began the undertaking of our life-changing adventures.
The middle portion of the journey is where one travels and progresses through life to reach the end goal. The middle of Santiago’s journey consisted of his travels in the caravan and meeting the Alchemist. Santiago travels through the desert on the caravan to reach an oasis. There, he meets Fatima, the love of his life, and becomes high counselor of the oasis after predicting that a group of soldiers would raid the oasis. Once Santiago has all of this, he begins to walk away from his Personal Legend; this is one of the reasons the Alchemist comes to him. The alchemist, an omen reader like Santiago, knows Santiago is thinking of settling down and forgetting about the treasure. The alchemist persuades Santiago to continue by giving him a description of his legend-less future: “You’ll be the counselor of the oasis, marry Fatima and be happy for a year. Sometime during the second year, you’ll remember about the treasure and the omens will speak of it. You’ll ultimately ignore them. During the third year, the omens will continue to speak of your treasure and your Personal Legend. Eventually, the omens will abandon you, because you’ve stopped listening to them” (Coehlo 119-120). Santiago could never be fully satisfied with life because he had never fulfilled his Personal Legend, and would live the rest of his life wondering why he never did. The alchemist’s word rekindles the fire in Santiago and keeps him moving to find his treasure. The middle of Santiago’s journey is very trying and almost deters him from his goal, and in my journey, I hope to never encounter a time where I begin to lose that desire to fulfill my Personal Legend.
The middle of my journey will be college and majoring in writing. In college, I will be working on improving on my writing skills and becoming more descriptive and fluent in my writing. For four years, I will be following my Personal Legend by becoming a better writer, and eventually, I will graduate college with a degree in writing. If I do begin to lose the desire to write, like Santiago and his desire to find his treasure, I’m sure I will have an “Alchemist” who will guide me through the tough times. In the end, like Santiago, I will continue in my journey to become a writer, like Santiago continued his journey to find treasure. When the middle of the journey is finished, we finally reach the end.
In the end of a journey, the person undertaking the journey finds what he is looking for and finally realizes his Personal Legend. Santiago ends his journey by reaching the Pyramids. Once there, he began to dig in a sand dune for his treasure; however, a band of refugees find him and attack him, forcing Santiago to scream out, “I’m digging for treasure!” (Coelho 162). The refugees leave him, but the leader turns back and reveals to Santiago, “Two years ago, right here on this spot, I had a recurrent dream, too. I dreamed that I should travel to the fields of Spain and look for a ruined church where shepherds and their sheep slept. In my dreams, there was a sycamore growing out of the ruins of the sacristy, and I was told that, if I dug at the roots of the sycamore, I would find a hidden treasure” (Coehlo 163). This revelation allows Santiago to realize that his treasure had been in Andalusia all along, but by going to the Pyramids, he had seen the treasure of the Pyramids themselves, and had been able to travel like he always wanted. In the end, Santiago realized that his Personal Legend was not only about the treasure itself, but the ability to travel farther than he ever imagined. His journey ended with him reaching his goal and finding his treasure; I expect my journey to end the same way.
My journey shall end after college, and I will continue to write my first novel until it is finished. Once finished, I will have it edited and published for the world to enjoy. Once the first novel is out, I will have reached the end of my journey to become a writer, but that end will become the beginning of the next journey: writing more novels for the world to enjoy. Both Santiago and I realize that we have a treasure to find and a goal to reach, and no matter what, we will work to find that treasure.
Everyone experiences a journey in their life; everyone’s journey has a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning is where it all starts, when the gypsy and Melchizedek help Santiago realize his Personal Legend, and when I realize it on my own. The middle is the huge travel, where Santiago goes on the caravan, finds Fatima, and has the Alchemist help him continue to search for treasure. The middle is where I go to college and work towards graduation. The end is when both Santiago and I reach our goal and find our treasure. Both of these journeys are a life-changing adventure, and through the good times and the bad times, both Santiago and I will reach the end with success.
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