The Villanelle is a closed form poetic structure with five tercet stanzas and ending with a quartet stanza. It also uses an aba rhyme scheme and is in iambic pentameter. One special rule that Villanelles follow is that the first and last lines of the first stanza must be alternated at the end of the other tercet stanzas and both must be repeated at the end of the quartet stanza. In "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night", Dylan Thomas utilizes the repetitive rhyme of the Villanelle to strengthen the message of his poem.
The first stanza introduces the theme of the poem and the two repeated messages, "Do not go gentle into that good night/ Rage, rage against the dying of the light" (lines 1, 3). From here on, these two lines alternate at the end of every other stanza. This not only makes the Villanelle's aba rhyme scheme easier to accomplish but also forces the reader to remember these lines. This helps associate the content of stanzas 2-6 with the poems main theme of never quitting or dying without a fight.
Stanzas 2-5 describe different men. The ambiguity of each description allows the reader to speculate as to who these men could be and what is their purpose in life. Each stanza also defines its' group of men with an adjective. They are either, Wise, Good, Wild, and Grave. Alternatives to these words such as Intelligent, Decent, Uncivilized, and Evil suggest that Thomas is including all men into his poem. By doing so Thomas sends the message that all men, no matter what spectrum of profession or personality they belong to, always fight before relinquishing their lives.
The aba rhyme present throughout the poem also strengthens the idea that all the men mentioned in Thomas' poem must follow the same pattern of life. Another message in this poem that the Villanelle supports is that everyone exists in a cycle in which people die, but that does not mean that they should not struggle to survive.
The final quartet stanza introduces the narrator's father. His mentioning associates him with the other four men. It is especially apparent that the father is dying when the narrator says that he is, "...there on the sad height" (16). The poem ends with the narrator pleading to his father to continue fighting death by repeating the two aforementioned lines. What is interesting is when the narrator says, "Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray" (17). It appears that the narrator prays to his father, alluding that his father might already be dead. His death is a curse and a blessing upon him because he misses his father and learned the lesson that he repeats.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Blog Entry 9: "The Lamb" and "The Tyger"
The poems "The Lamb" and "The Tyger", both written by William Blake, have narrators who question and speak to two different animals. The difference between the two poems is the animals that they are named after and the interaction of both narrators with them. The narrators are especially interesting because they appear to be the same person, but engage the lamb with courtesy while fearing the tyger.
From the levels of diction and syntax of the two poems, it is apparent that both the narrator of "The Lamb" and "The Tyger" are the same person. The sentence, "Little Lamb, who made thee?" ("The Lamb" 1), shares a similar syntax structure to the sentence, "What immortal hand or eye/ Could frame thy fearful symmetry?" ("The Tyger" 3-4). In both sentences, the narrator asks the Lamb and the understood Tyger who made them while following the same subject-verb-object pattern. The narrator also asks both animals this particular question repeatedly throughout both poems. By doing so, Blake shows that both narrators follow a similar thought pattern and are likely to be the same person. They also use similar wording, such as the word thee and similar rhymes such as, "Gave thee clothing of delight,/ Softest clothing wooly bright;" ("The Lamb" 5-6), and also, "Tyger! Tyger! burning bright/ In the forest of the night," ("The Tyger" 1-2).
Both poems have a common theme involving a creator. In "The Lamb" the speaker gives credit to the creator for making of the lamb. They often praise the lamb and compares the creator, the lamb, and them self by stating, "We are called by his name" ("The Lamb" 19). The tone seems to be of a condescending nature because the narrator asks the lamb who created it. The narrator knows the answer to their own question, suggesting that they see the lamb as an innocent animal.
This is not the case in "The Tyger". The narrator appears to fear or respect the creature as they describe it with grim words such as "burning bright", "fearful" and "dread". Another contrast to "The Lamb" is that while the narrator also questions who made the Tyger, the narrator genuinely does not know the answer. But perhaps the narrator does know the answer and denies it when they state, "Did he who made the Lamb make thee?" ("The Tyger" 20).
From the levels of diction and syntax of the two poems, it is apparent that both the narrator of "The Lamb" and "The Tyger" are the same person. The sentence, "Little Lamb, who made thee?" ("The Lamb" 1), shares a similar syntax structure to the sentence, "What immortal hand or eye/ Could frame thy fearful symmetry?" ("The Tyger" 3-4). In both sentences, the narrator asks the Lamb and the understood Tyger who made them while following the same subject-verb-object pattern. The narrator also asks both animals this particular question repeatedly throughout both poems. By doing so, Blake shows that both narrators follow a similar thought pattern and are likely to be the same person. They also use similar wording, such as the word thee and similar rhymes such as, "Gave thee clothing of delight,/ Softest clothing wooly bright;" ("The Lamb" 5-6), and also, "Tyger! Tyger! burning bright/ In the forest of the night," ("The Tyger" 1-2).
Both poems have a common theme involving a creator. In "The Lamb" the speaker gives credit to the creator for making of the lamb. They often praise the lamb and compares the creator, the lamb, and them self by stating, "We are called by his name" ("The Lamb" 19). The tone seems to be of a condescending nature because the narrator asks the lamb who created it. The narrator knows the answer to their own question, suggesting that they see the lamb as an innocent animal.
This is not the case in "The Tyger". The narrator appears to fear or respect the creature as they describe it with grim words such as "burning bright", "fearful" and "dread". Another contrast to "The Lamb" is that while the narrator also questions who made the Tyger, the narrator genuinely does not know the answer. But perhaps the narrator does know the answer and denies it when they state, "Did he who made the Lamb make thee?" ("The Tyger" 20).
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Blog Entry 8: Dickinson & Hardy
This week's readings gave a glimpse into the world of Poetry. I found all poems to be enjoyable and thought provoking. The one poem that did catch my attention was "The Man He Killed" by Thomas Hardy, however, the poem that I found least enjoyable was "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson. Hardy's poem presents a clearer and easier to understand message whereas Dickinson's poem leaves the reader with a more ambiguous interpretation.
The subject matter of Dickinson's poem proved to be difficult to identify. The poem seems to be about a person enjoying the varying aspects of life and not allowing Death to interfere. I am still unsure of this explanation even after having read the poem several times. Most of the poem is presented in broken sentences and makes it difficult to understand what message the poem is trying to present. The format and pattern in-which the information is confused me. One example is the section which says, "Or rather-He passed Us-/ The Dews drew quivering and chill-/ For only Gossamer, my Gown-/ My Tippet-only Tulle-" (13-16). Passages such as this one appear odd. There is no sense of unity between one phrase toward the next and the subjects being spoken of did not give me any coherent idea. The whole poem did not make any sense to me and bothers me greatly. Perhaps this was Dickinson's intended purpose.
Hardy's poem was more enjoyable for me because I found the words and structure to be simple and had a message that is easily grasped. The essay on page 669 that focuses on this story also helped give a clearer perspective by reinforcing my interpretation. The subject presents many ideas to the reader. The morality of war and purpose of it come to mind when reading this poem. The language is still easy to follow and the format covers only a few thoughts at a time which makes it easier to follow along. The idea that attracted me most toward this poem was empathy. A person reflects on how he a man that he killed could have very well been his friend given different circumstances. It is this notion that reveals the sadness that accompanies war. It is because of this message that I found this poem overwhelming.
The subject matter of Dickinson's poem proved to be difficult to identify. The poem seems to be about a person enjoying the varying aspects of life and not allowing Death to interfere. I am still unsure of this explanation even after having read the poem several times. Most of the poem is presented in broken sentences and makes it difficult to understand what message the poem is trying to present. The format and pattern in-which the information is confused me. One example is the section which says, "Or rather-He passed Us-/ The Dews drew quivering and chill-/ For only Gossamer, my Gown-/ My Tippet-only Tulle-" (13-16). Passages such as this one appear odd. There is no sense of unity between one phrase toward the next and the subjects being spoken of did not give me any coherent idea. The whole poem did not make any sense to me and bothers me greatly. Perhaps this was Dickinson's intended purpose.
Hardy's poem was more enjoyable for me because I found the words and structure to be simple and had a message that is easily grasped. The essay on page 669 that focuses on this story also helped give a clearer perspective by reinforcing my interpretation. The subject presents many ideas to the reader. The morality of war and purpose of it come to mind when reading this poem. The language is still easy to follow and the format covers only a few thoughts at a time which makes it easier to follow along. The idea that attracted me most toward this poem was empathy. A person reflects on how he a man that he killed could have very well been his friend given different circumstances. It is this notion that reveals the sadness that accompanies war. It is because of this message that I found this poem overwhelming.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Blog 6:Hamlet Acts 3,4,& 5
Much death ensues at the end of Hamlet. Given all that the reader knows by now, King Claudius could easily be blamed for all that occurs.
While I do not think Claudius is purely evil, he is not merely a flawed human being either. Throughout the play, Hamlet paints Claudius as the villain, however there is one scene where the reader is given a rare insight into the thoughts and reflections of Claudius. On page 1411, there is a monologue from Claudius in-which he reminisces on the death of his brother. He states that he indeed did murder Hamlet Sr. but also makes it clear that he seeks forgiveness and repentance for what he has done. At this point, some remorse is spared toward Claudius as this page shows that he could just be a flawed human who serves his own ambition and vice.
There is another scene that contradicts the notion about Claudius' virtue. Pages 1431-1434 contain a dialogue between Claudius and Laertes. Laertes by this point, thinks only of revenge for the death of Polonius. Claudius modestly discusses of a plan to set up both Laertes and Hamlet to battle each other so that Laertes may defeat Hamlet. They both agree on a plan but Laertes' rage is fueled once again by the message that his sister has drowned. Claudius tells Gertrude, "How much I had to do to calm his rage" (1434). Claudius not only devises a plan to eliminate Hamlet, but also lies to Gertrude about the encounter with Laertes so that no suspicion casts upon him. This scene shows the cunning and deceitful nature that Claudius holds and counteracts the idea that he is merely a flawed person.
In fact, all of the murders portrayed in this story can be linked directly toward Claudius. Claudius himself killed the king. He told Polonius to hide in Gertrude's room, placing him in a precarious situation that ends in his death. This death then leads to Ophelia's suicide. He then aids in Laertes' plan to murder Hamlet, which leads to Gertrude's, Laertes', Hamlet's, and his own death.
Truly, Claudius' faults and willful acts play toward not only the deaths of his family and friends, but also the degradation of the Danish Kingdom. The story ends with some confused English Ambassadors and Polish forces within the castle walls, with no immediate heir to the thrown. With no leadership, it is likely that given this situation, Poland and England would take as much spoils as they possibly can.
Claudius is a tragic character, but i do not think this play could be titled The Tragedy of King Claudius. Hamlet is a much more fitting central character due to his roundness. He goes through multiple changes throughout the story. From woeful youth, to vengeful agent, to rude lunatic, the stories focus on Hamlet leaves a graver impression on the reader and the audience.
While I do not think Claudius is purely evil, he is not merely a flawed human being either. Throughout the play, Hamlet paints Claudius as the villain, however there is one scene where the reader is given a rare insight into the thoughts and reflections of Claudius. On page 1411, there is a monologue from Claudius in-which he reminisces on the death of his brother. He states that he indeed did murder Hamlet Sr. but also makes it clear that he seeks forgiveness and repentance for what he has done. At this point, some remorse is spared toward Claudius as this page shows that he could just be a flawed human who serves his own ambition and vice.
There is another scene that contradicts the notion about Claudius' virtue. Pages 1431-1434 contain a dialogue between Claudius and Laertes. Laertes by this point, thinks only of revenge for the death of Polonius. Claudius modestly discusses of a plan to set up both Laertes and Hamlet to battle each other so that Laertes may defeat Hamlet. They both agree on a plan but Laertes' rage is fueled once again by the message that his sister has drowned. Claudius tells Gertrude, "How much I had to do to calm his rage" (1434). Claudius not only devises a plan to eliminate Hamlet, but also lies to Gertrude about the encounter with Laertes so that no suspicion casts upon him. This scene shows the cunning and deceitful nature that Claudius holds and counteracts the idea that he is merely a flawed person.
In fact, all of the murders portrayed in this story can be linked directly toward Claudius. Claudius himself killed the king. He told Polonius to hide in Gertrude's room, placing him in a precarious situation that ends in his death. This death then leads to Ophelia's suicide. He then aids in Laertes' plan to murder Hamlet, which leads to Gertrude's, Laertes', Hamlet's, and his own death.
Truly, Claudius' faults and willful acts play toward not only the deaths of his family and friends, but also the degradation of the Danish Kingdom. The story ends with some confused English Ambassadors and Polish forces within the castle walls, with no immediate heir to the thrown. With no leadership, it is likely that given this situation, Poland and England would take as much spoils as they possibly can.
Claudius is a tragic character, but i do not think this play could be titled The Tragedy of King Claudius. Hamlet is a much more fitting central character due to his roundness. He goes through multiple changes throughout the story. From woeful youth, to vengeful agent, to rude lunatic, the stories focus on Hamlet leaves a graver impression on the reader and the audience.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Hamlet Acts 1 & 2: Vengeance Bound by Chains
The first two acts of Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, set the plot for the story. As the story progresses, many details reveal themselves to the reader. Following Shakespeare's reputation, Hamlet is filled with dilemmas that plague the protagonist. Having arrived recently, Hamlet discovers that his father has been killed and his mother married his uncle, who has taken his rightful spot to the thrown. As soon as Hamlet is given a chance to speak in the play, he makes his contempt for the circumstances well known. Claudius, Hamlet's uncle and the new king, refers to Hamlet as his son, to which Hamlet replies, "A little more than kin, and less than kind" (1362). Due to this rash and immediate answer, it is apparent that Hamlet deeply despises his uncle and now even more so because he has taken the throne that belonged to his father, but more importantly Hamlet himself.
The death of Hamlet's father disturbs him deeply. Hamlet, still in grievance of his father's death, exclaims, "So excellent a king, that was to this Hyperion to a satyr, so loving to my mother..." (1364). Hamlet respected and loved his father. He describes his father as being a good king, and loving husband to his mother. Naturally the death of someone's father would bring much grief toward many people, but Hamlet must endure another blow toward his families honor. His mother has married his uncle and married him within a brief period after his death. Hamlet acknowledges this as he exclaims, "She married, O most wicked speed, to post With such dexterity and incestuous sheets...", and further criticizes his mother by stating, "...a beast that wants discourse of reason Would have mourned longer- married with my uncle..." (1364). Hamlet questions the actions that his mother has taken place. What is interesting though, is that while he immediately antagonizes his uncle and his actions, he seems to want to deny that his mother is consenting to all of this. He has a bias toward his mother, but most likely naturally has one because the Queen is his mother.
Hamlet does lead the reader toward in interesting proposal though. Why would the Queen agree to marry her husbands brother? Should she have not protested the idea instead? Perhaps she did not care for the sanctity of her son's birth right, or the honor of her former husband due to selfish reasons. Regardless of her reasoning, the decision seems to drive her son mad.
Later, Hamlet is confronted by the Ghost of his dead father. The apparition pleads to Hamlet and asks that he murder his uncle so that he may be avenged and rest in peace. Despite a fabulous and heroic speech that follows, Hamlet does not immediately take action and instead visits the woman he loves, Ophelia. Under orders to do so, she reveals the incident to her father as she states, "...And with a look so piteous in purport As if he had been loosed out of hell To speak of horrors he comes before me" (1380). Hamlet's mental health is not fairing well with all the events that have come to pass. Ophelia has the impression that Hamlet has gone mad.
Later in the play, it is revealed that Hamlet is indeed suffering and tormented. He has a conversation with Rosencrantz and describes how, "Denmark is a prison" (1386). Toward the end of Act 2 it is revealed why Hamlet believes so when he confesses, "But I am pigeon-livered, and lack gall", and that he feels, "Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, must like a whore unpack my heart with words, And fall a-cursing like a very drab" (1394). Hamlet has intentions to avenge his father, but cannot because he feels powerless and lacks the courage to do so. This monologue reveals Hamlet's torment.
The death of Hamlet's father disturbs him deeply. Hamlet, still in grievance of his father's death, exclaims, "So excellent a king, that was to this Hyperion to a satyr, so loving to my mother..." (1364). Hamlet respected and loved his father. He describes his father as being a good king, and loving husband to his mother. Naturally the death of someone's father would bring much grief toward many people, but Hamlet must endure another blow toward his families honor. His mother has married his uncle and married him within a brief period after his death. Hamlet acknowledges this as he exclaims, "She married, O most wicked speed, to post With such dexterity and incestuous sheets...", and further criticizes his mother by stating, "...a beast that wants discourse of reason Would have mourned longer- married with my uncle..." (1364). Hamlet questions the actions that his mother has taken place. What is interesting though, is that while he immediately antagonizes his uncle and his actions, he seems to want to deny that his mother is consenting to all of this. He has a bias toward his mother, but most likely naturally has one because the Queen is his mother.
Hamlet does lead the reader toward in interesting proposal though. Why would the Queen agree to marry her husbands brother? Should she have not protested the idea instead? Perhaps she did not care for the sanctity of her son's birth right, or the honor of her former husband due to selfish reasons. Regardless of her reasoning, the decision seems to drive her son mad.
Later, Hamlet is confronted by the Ghost of his dead father. The apparition pleads to Hamlet and asks that he murder his uncle so that he may be avenged and rest in peace. Despite a fabulous and heroic speech that follows, Hamlet does not immediately take action and instead visits the woman he loves, Ophelia. Under orders to do so, she reveals the incident to her father as she states, "...And with a look so piteous in purport As if he had been loosed out of hell To speak of horrors he comes before me" (1380). Hamlet's mental health is not fairing well with all the events that have come to pass. Ophelia has the impression that Hamlet has gone mad.
Later in the play, it is revealed that Hamlet is indeed suffering and tormented. He has a conversation with Rosencrantz and describes how, "Denmark is a prison" (1386). Toward the end of Act 2 it is revealed why Hamlet believes so when he confesses, "But I am pigeon-livered, and lack gall", and that he feels, "Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, must like a whore unpack my heart with words, And fall a-cursing like a very drab" (1394). Hamlet has intentions to avenge his father, but cannot because he feels powerless and lacks the courage to do so. This monologue reveals Hamlet's torment.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Blog Entry 4: Option 1: A Blooming Flower
The Chrysanthemums, by John Steinbeck, depicts an intriguing encounter between Elisa Allen, a seemingly dull woman with hidden passion, and a Traveling Man who fixes pots, pans, and scissors. Being introduced somewhat blandly, Elisa begins to display increasingly erratic behavior during and after her encounter with the Traveling man. My initial impression of this story left me confused as to why Elisa experienced sudden changes in character as described by her husband, however, Steinbeck's use of symbolism helped me shape conclusions and theories about the story.
The story uses contextual symbols to stimulate the readers understanding of the two main characters and the actions that they take. There are two symbols in this story that are referred to several times. The first is the Chrysanthemums and the second is Elisa's attire. Roberts and Zweig explains the relationship between Elisa and the Chrysanthemums as they, "symbolize her kindness, love, orderliness, femininity, and motherliness" (384). These traits display themselves throughout the story such as when the Narrator describes how careful and kind Elisa is these flowers. Her orderliness and motherliness is also shown when explaining to the Traveling man how to tend to the flowers. In the beginning of the story, Elisa trims her flowers almost out of contempt, symbolizing how she has to sever her own passion due to her current way of life. Later in the story, Elisa hands a few of her flowers to the Traveling man, which she later discovers tossed on the side of the road. This could symbolize Elisa exposing her passionate side to the man, who then rejected her by throwing the flowers out the side of the road.
Elisa's outfit begins with a gardening costume that hides most of her feminine features. This costume could represent the boring, non-exciting lifestyle that she lives and the emotions that she has. When the dialogue between her and the Traveling man ensues, she begins to remove specific parts of her outfit, such as her gloves and hat. When the conversations ends, Elisa runs inside the home, took off her, "soiled clothes and flung them into the corner" (421). She then took a thorough shower and spent much attention in getting dressed, "as a symbol of her prettiness" (421). The encounter with the man symbolizes how his arrival and inquisition about the flowers allowed her to release some of her emotion that the dress kept hidden. The shower incident suggest that she felt unclean about the situation and washed away her guilt. The new clothes allowed her to express her passionate self. This new change even startles her husband as his notion of her appearance and persona is altered.
The Chrysanthemums symbolic devices helps create a deeper understanding of this story and of the strife that Elisa keeps bottled up. They help put the emotions and feelings into perspective and gives the story substance and depth.
The story uses contextual symbols to stimulate the readers understanding of the two main characters and the actions that they take. There are two symbols in this story that are referred to several times. The first is the Chrysanthemums and the second is Elisa's attire. Roberts and Zweig explains the relationship between Elisa and the Chrysanthemums as they, "symbolize her kindness, love, orderliness, femininity, and motherliness" (384). These traits display themselves throughout the story such as when the Narrator describes how careful and kind Elisa is these flowers. Her orderliness and motherliness is also shown when explaining to the Traveling man how to tend to the flowers. In the beginning of the story, Elisa trims her flowers almost out of contempt, symbolizing how she has to sever her own passion due to her current way of life. Later in the story, Elisa hands a few of her flowers to the Traveling man, which she later discovers tossed on the side of the road. This could symbolize Elisa exposing her passionate side to the man, who then rejected her by throwing the flowers out the side of the road.
Elisa's outfit begins with a gardening costume that hides most of her feminine features. This costume could represent the boring, non-exciting lifestyle that she lives and the emotions that she has. When the dialogue between her and the Traveling man ensues, she begins to remove specific parts of her outfit, such as her gloves and hat. When the conversations ends, Elisa runs inside the home, took off her, "soiled clothes and flung them into the corner" (421). She then took a thorough shower and spent much attention in getting dressed, "as a symbol of her prettiness" (421). The encounter with the man symbolizes how his arrival and inquisition about the flowers allowed her to release some of her emotion that the dress kept hidden. The shower incident suggest that she felt unclean about the situation and washed away her guilt. The new clothes allowed her to express her passionate self. This new change even startles her husband as his notion of her appearance and persona is altered.
The Chrysanthemums symbolic devices helps create a deeper understanding of this story and of the strife that Elisa keeps bottled up. They help put the emotions and feelings into perspective and gives the story substance and depth.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Blog Entry 3, Option 1: No Amontillado per il povero Fortunato
Edgar Allen Poe's "A Cask of Amontillado" places a heavy emphasis on setting. Although much of the setting takes place inside Montresor's, the narrator, family catacomb some inferences can be made. The country that the story takes place is Italy. Montresor describes the attitudes of his acquaintances and Fortunato as lacking in "the true virtuoso spirit", and that, "their enthusiasm is adopted to suit the time and opportunity..." (525). This attitude that influential Italians maintain, as well as Fortunato, holds significance in that it reveals their slyness.
Further in the story, Montresor looks for Fortunato in a carnival festival. Both men are dressed for the occasion, however, Montresor pays little attention to anything happening around him except for mentioning that it is chaotic. This zeal toward finding Fortunato reveals how deeply Montresor despises Fortunato because of the intent he Montresor has once he finds him. The time of day, Dusk, also signals the ending of the day, and the ending of life. The fact that Fortunato is at the festival, dressed in what seems as a jester's outfit, could also suggest how foolish he really is.
Montresor describes how he leads Fortunato through, "...several suites of rooms to the archway that led into the vaults", and then, "...passed down a long winding staircase..." (526). the lengthy description of how isolated the area Montresor is leading Fortnato toward foreshadows the ending. It can be thought that the reader is delving into the mind of Montresor, a well hidden catacomb full of death that is damp, dark and cold.
As soon as Fortunato enters the catacomb, his cold makes him have a violent reaction because of the nitre that has formed on the walls, further strengthening the notion of how damp Montresor's catacomb is. The catacomb also appears to be symbolic, drawing a parallel between Montresor and the illness that is slowly tearing away at Fortunato's health. They are both silent, deadly killers.
As the two men reach the end of the increasingly dampening catacomb, Fortunato runs into a wall that marks the very end of the catacomb, the nearing end of the story, and the ending of his life. After Montresor shackles Fortunato, he begins the to close the entrance to the small room, or niche, with bricks. Fortunato cries as each layer is placed, symbolic of his impending doom. At one point during the story, Montresor seems to hesitate at the thought of what he is doing. It is the settings, the catacombs, that revives the animosity toward Fortunato that drives him Forward.
Finally, as midnight approaches, Montresor places the last brick. Both time and setting are utilized to end Fortunato's life.
Further in the story, Montresor looks for Fortunato in a carnival festival. Both men are dressed for the occasion, however, Montresor pays little attention to anything happening around him except for mentioning that it is chaotic. This zeal toward finding Fortunato reveals how deeply Montresor despises Fortunato because of the intent he Montresor has once he finds him. The time of day, Dusk, also signals the ending of the day, and the ending of life. The fact that Fortunato is at the festival, dressed in what seems as a jester's outfit, could also suggest how foolish he really is.
Montresor describes how he leads Fortunato through, "...several suites of rooms to the archway that led into the vaults", and then, "...passed down a long winding staircase..." (526). the lengthy description of how isolated the area Montresor is leading Fortnato toward foreshadows the ending. It can be thought that the reader is delving into the mind of Montresor, a well hidden catacomb full of death that is damp, dark and cold.
As soon as Fortunato enters the catacomb, his cold makes him have a violent reaction because of the nitre that has formed on the walls, further strengthening the notion of how damp Montresor's catacomb is. The catacomb also appears to be symbolic, drawing a parallel between Montresor and the illness that is slowly tearing away at Fortunato's health. They are both silent, deadly killers.
As the two men reach the end of the increasingly dampening catacomb, Fortunato runs into a wall that marks the very end of the catacomb, the nearing end of the story, and the ending of his life. After Montresor shackles Fortunato, he begins the to close the entrance to the small room, or niche, with bricks. Fortunato cries as each layer is placed, symbolic of his impending doom. At one point during the story, Montresor seems to hesitate at the thought of what he is doing. It is the settings, the catacombs, that revives the animosity toward Fortunato that drives him Forward.
Finally, as midnight approaches, Montresor places the last brick. Both time and setting are utilized to end Fortunato's life.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Blog Entry 2, Option 1 : I dont want to become that kind of writer
In How to Become a Writer, author Lorrie Moore describes how Francie, a disgruntled young woman, struggles with writing and other obstructions she faces as a young adult.
The stories narrator, Francie, speaks in a second person point of view which makes it unique among other short stories. What makes this story more interesting is that she is not speaking to the reader but rather herself. The following quote is an example as she instructs the reader to, "Give it to Mr. Killian as your final project. When you get it back, he has written on it: 'Some of your images are quite nice, but you have no sense of plot'" (148). The reader likely does not know of a Mr. Killian. This use of second person point of view makes the reader think that maybe the "advice" that Francie is presenting may just be a disguise of her true intention; to reveal the different events that shaped her life and emotions that accompanied them. As a result, a sense of doubt forms in the reader's mind as they probably no longer expect for this story to teach them how to become a writer.
This story could be told in a first or third person point of view, but it would be missing much of its humorous charm. For example, the following quote is told in the second point of view, "Insist you are not very interested in any one subject at all, that you are interested in the music of language, that you are interested in-in-syllables, because they are the atoms of poetry, the cells of the mind, the breath of the soul" (150). When told in the first person it loses its funny undertone, "I insisted that i am not very interested in any one subject at all and that i am interested in the music of language, that i am interested in syllables, because they are the atoms of poetry, the cells of the mind" (150).
Another thing that should be considered is that perhaps the reader has the impression that they will become a better writer because of the title of the story. Francie ends up quitting her job and school and apparently never becomes a writer. What the author might have been referring to is how Francies experiences developed her into what is understood as a "writer" a person with wild imagination but has no job or goal in life.
The stories narrator, Francie, speaks in a second person point of view which makes it unique among other short stories. What makes this story more interesting is that she is not speaking to the reader but rather herself. The following quote is an example as she instructs the reader to, "Give it to Mr. Killian as your final project. When you get it back, he has written on it: 'Some of your images are quite nice, but you have no sense of plot'" (148). The reader likely does not know of a Mr. Killian. This use of second person point of view makes the reader think that maybe the "advice" that Francie is presenting may just be a disguise of her true intention; to reveal the different events that shaped her life and emotions that accompanied them. As a result, a sense of doubt forms in the reader's mind as they probably no longer expect for this story to teach them how to become a writer.
This story could be told in a first or third person point of view, but it would be missing much of its humorous charm. For example, the following quote is told in the second point of view, "Insist you are not very interested in any one subject at all, that you are interested in the music of language, that you are interested in-in-syllables, because they are the atoms of poetry, the cells of the mind, the breath of the soul" (150). When told in the first person it loses its funny undertone, "I insisted that i am not very interested in any one subject at all and that i am interested in the music of language, that i am interested in syllables, because they are the atoms of poetry, the cells of the mind" (150).
Another thing that should be considered is that perhaps the reader has the impression that they will become a better writer because of the title of the story. Francie ends up quitting her job and school and apparently never becomes a writer. What the author might have been referring to is how Francies experiences developed her into what is understood as a "writer" a person with wild imagination but has no job or goal in life.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Blog Entry One: A Worn Path
Often authors introduce characters in fiction stories as complex, human-like people. The central character in "A Worn Path", named Phoenix Jackson, shows exactly how intriguing one single person can be through her actions, possessions, and thoughts.
The author, Eudora Welty, reveals a great deal about her character through her clothing and name. A phoenix is a bird often attributed with flames. This suggests that Phoenix Jackson, despite her old age, is a fiery woman. Her attire consists of a red rag, a black dress, and shoes with untied shoe laces. The red rag further strengthens the notion of her fiery personality. The untied shoe laces could suggests that she probably does not care for such a trivial matter. The black dress is an interesting article as it denotes mourning for the loss of a loved one. It is also revealed that Phoenix is a black woman.
Phoenix's actions and thoughts also show much about her character. She speaks to inanimate objects and sometimes blames them for her short comings. She seems to have a constant worry of getting her dress torn which means that it has value to her. One incident in the forest tells much about her psychological health as she imagines a little boy handing her some cake. Another incident occurs in which she crosses a log that is suspended over a lake. For an elderly woman to do an action as dangerous as that shows how determined she is to get to her destination, which is revealed to be a town that is very far away. Through all these events, it becomes more apparent to the reader that Phoenix is a strong willed woman with some mental health issues.
Toward the end of the story, it is revealed by a nurse that Phoenix went to town to get medicine for her grandson. The nurse alludes that Phoenix's grandson is dead, but Phoenix denies this and asks for the medicine.
The author placed much emphasis on Phoenix's character and revealed a shocking truth toward the end of the story. Her use of character disclosure made this an enjoyable yet emotional story to read with great depth for the length that it was presented in.
The author, Eudora Welty, reveals a great deal about her character through her clothing and name. A phoenix is a bird often attributed with flames. This suggests that Phoenix Jackson, despite her old age, is a fiery woman. Her attire consists of a red rag, a black dress, and shoes with untied shoe laces. The red rag further strengthens the notion of her fiery personality. The untied shoe laces could suggests that she probably does not care for such a trivial matter. The black dress is an interesting article as it denotes mourning for the loss of a loved one. It is also revealed that Phoenix is a black woman.
Phoenix's actions and thoughts also show much about her character. She speaks to inanimate objects and sometimes blames them for her short comings. She seems to have a constant worry of getting her dress torn which means that it has value to her. One incident in the forest tells much about her psychological health as she imagines a little boy handing her some cake. Another incident occurs in which she crosses a log that is suspended over a lake. For an elderly woman to do an action as dangerous as that shows how determined she is to get to her destination, which is revealed to be a town that is very far away. Through all these events, it becomes more apparent to the reader that Phoenix is a strong willed woman with some mental health issues.
Toward the end of the story, it is revealed by a nurse that Phoenix went to town to get medicine for her grandson. The nurse alludes that Phoenix's grandson is dead, but Phoenix denies this and asks for the medicine.
The author placed much emphasis on Phoenix's character and revealed a shocking truth toward the end of the story. Her use of character disclosure made this an enjoyable yet emotional story to read with great depth for the length that it was presented in.
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