A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell
In this housewife gone bad short story, readers learn early on that Minnie Foster killed her husband, yet the readers are the only people who know this for certain. Still though, the county attorney is rather certain that Minnie killed her husband, but he needs to uncover her motive for doing so in order to prove she committed the crime. Ironically, as the smart and clever men go out searching for clues, it is Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters who discover the truth. The men attempt to throw the women a bone when Mr. Hale states, "No telling; you women might come upon a clue to the motive- and that's the thing we need," but then says, "But would a woman know a clue if they did come upon it?"(Glaspell, 413). Clearly, Mr. Hale has no faith that the women could be capable of finding anything, yet, it is the women who uncover the mystery. They discover a bird that Mrs. Wright loved had been killed by having its neck wrung, which coincidentally is how Mr.Wright was murder. Mrs. Hale and Mrs.Peters piece together that Mr.Wright must have killed the bird, causing Mrs.Wright to snap and kill her husband. The interesting part is why these two women never revealed this information? Did they feel pity for Mrs. Wright? Is it possible that they were sick of being undermined by their husbands and wanted to retaliate in this secret manner? It is unclear...
Thursday, February 28, 2013
blog #3
Hunter's in the Snow by Tobias Wolff
This disturbing short story left me feeling slightly uneasy and uncomfortable by the end of it. The three characters mentioned, Frank, Tub, and Kenny, all seem to be facing there own set of problems, which help to characterize each man. Tub is self conscious of his weight, yet indulges in gluttony. Frank is married, yet is having an affair with a fifteen-year old. Lastly, Kenny is simply the bully, poking fun at Frank's and Kenny's imperfections. The story really starts to take a gruesome turn when Kenny lashes out and shoots the tree and dog, then threatens tub. I was immediately reminded of an untamed animal, recklessly attacking and causing destruction. The animal instinct then spreads when Tub shoots Kenny due to his threat. After the incident, they figure they better take Kenny to the hospital, but they make a few stops along the way. Tub and Kenny stop for coffee and pancakes, completely disregarding that their friend is potentially dying in the back seat. It becomes clear that the men have not intention of taking Kenny to the hospital when the narrator states, " But he was wrong. They had taken a different turn a long way back," (Wolff, 201). The question is, did they want him to die? Or did they not realize he would die if they didn't take him to the hospital? After all of Kenny's teasing, it is possible that the two were fed up with it and didn't want to deal with it anymore. It may also be possible that since Kenny was always teasing Tub about being a woos, Tub and Frank may have thought Kenny was strong and could handle not going to the hospital.
This disturbing short story left me feeling slightly uneasy and uncomfortable by the end of it. The three characters mentioned, Frank, Tub, and Kenny, all seem to be facing there own set of problems, which help to characterize each man. Tub is self conscious of his weight, yet indulges in gluttony. Frank is married, yet is having an affair with a fifteen-year old. Lastly, Kenny is simply the bully, poking fun at Frank's and Kenny's imperfections. The story really starts to take a gruesome turn when Kenny lashes out and shoots the tree and dog, then threatens tub. I was immediately reminded of an untamed animal, recklessly attacking and causing destruction. The animal instinct then spreads when Tub shoots Kenny due to his threat. After the incident, they figure they better take Kenny to the hospital, but they make a few stops along the way. Tub and Kenny stop for coffee and pancakes, completely disregarding that their friend is potentially dying in the back seat. It becomes clear that the men have not intention of taking Kenny to the hospital when the narrator states, " But he was wrong. They had taken a different turn a long way back," (Wolff, 201). The question is, did they want him to die? Or did they not realize he would die if they didn't take him to the hospital? After all of Kenny's teasing, it is possible that the two were fed up with it and didn't want to deal with it anymore. It may also be possible that since Kenny was always teasing Tub about being a woos, Tub and Frank may have thought Kenny was strong and could handle not going to the hospital.
blog #2
My Mistress' Eye by William Shakespeare
Many times while reading poetry, one stumbles upon romantic love poems that speak of a goddess like women, who is perfect and lovely in every way. This is not that poem. Shakespeare's My Mistress' Eye, is basically about everything his mistress is not. The narrator states, "Coral is far more red than her lip's red" and "If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head,"(Shakespeare, 885). The multiple similes and metaphors seen throughout this poem create the almost compliments the narrator uses to describe his lover. Yet, amongst all the shortcomings the narrator mentions about his lover, his ends with "by heaven, I think my love as rare," claiming even though he just said all these insulting things, he loves his mistress (Shakespeare, 885). In the end, I think the narrator is making the point that love does not blind flaws, but that doesn't mean one doesn't love a person. Love is about seeing someones imperfections and loving them anyways! That is what makes love so special. The fact that someone can see another person weaknesses and shortcomings, yet love them anyway is what makes love is so genuine and remarkable.
Many times while reading poetry, one stumbles upon romantic love poems that speak of a goddess like women, who is perfect and lovely in every way. This is not that poem. Shakespeare's My Mistress' Eye, is basically about everything his mistress is not. The narrator states, "Coral is far more red than her lip's red" and "If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head,"(Shakespeare, 885). The multiple similes and metaphors seen throughout this poem create the almost compliments the narrator uses to describe his lover. Yet, amongst all the shortcomings the narrator mentions about his lover, his ends with "by heaven, I think my love as rare," claiming even though he just said all these insulting things, he loves his mistress (Shakespeare, 885). In the end, I think the narrator is making the point that love does not blind flaws, but that doesn't mean one doesn't love a person. Love is about seeing someones imperfections and loving them anyways! That is what makes love so special. The fact that someone can see another person weaknesses and shortcomings, yet love them anyway is what makes love is so genuine and remarkable.
Gender Unit blog #1
Barbie Doll by Marge Piercy
This melancholy poem emphasizes the lack of self esteem young women face due to high standards and harsh criticism seen in today's society. Now, more than ever, young women are faced with the pressure to attain the perfect, thin body, combined with flawless facial features, in order to be seen as a beautiful woman. This, inevitably, will lead women to do insane, and unhealthy things, such as reader see in Barbie Doll. She was told she had " a great big nose and fat legs," which like any girl, would automatically destroy their self esteem and self image (Piercy, 835). As humans, our biggest and most desired goal is to fit in and be accepted; therefore, if a person is told there is something wrong with them, they automatically experience a sense of inadequacy and incompetence. So, in order to fit into our brutal and judgmental society, the girl mentioned in the poem faked a smile, tried to diet and exercise, and played coy. Yet, this was not enough, and like so many women, the girl could not take the pressure and imperfection. She harmed herself and took her own life, to free her from this pain. Ironically, in her casket, was she finally found pretty. Once she had a new nose, pretty makeup, and a nice dress, did people finally think she was worth the compliment. With this is mind, our society as a whole should look at the suffering and pain people endure in order to attain "perfection", which clearly does not exist. We must realize that people are more than aware of their imperfection; therefore, it is our duty to help and encourage people, rather than pushing them down.
This melancholy poem emphasizes the lack of self esteem young women face due to high standards and harsh criticism seen in today's society. Now, more than ever, young women are faced with the pressure to attain the perfect, thin body, combined with flawless facial features, in order to be seen as a beautiful woman. This, inevitably, will lead women to do insane, and unhealthy things, such as reader see in Barbie Doll. She was told she had " a great big nose and fat legs," which like any girl, would automatically destroy their self esteem and self image (Piercy, 835). As humans, our biggest and most desired goal is to fit in and be accepted; therefore, if a person is told there is something wrong with them, they automatically experience a sense of inadequacy and incompetence. So, in order to fit into our brutal and judgmental society, the girl mentioned in the poem faked a smile, tried to diet and exercise, and played coy. Yet, this was not enough, and like so many women, the girl could not take the pressure and imperfection. She harmed herself and took her own life, to free her from this pain. Ironically, in her casket, was she finally found pretty. Once she had a new nose, pretty makeup, and a nice dress, did people finally think she was worth the compliment. With this is mind, our society as a whole should look at the suffering and pain people endure in order to attain "perfection", which clearly does not exist. We must realize that people are more than aware of their imperfection; therefore, it is our duty to help and encourage people, rather than pushing them down.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Blog #4
Othello by William Shakespeare
The truth has come out, but of course it is now too late. Before Othello could be proven wrong about Desdemona sleeping with Cassio, he already killed his wife, leaving her dead on their bed. Shortly following, Iago is so angered by Emilia's outburst that he stabs her and kills her. Her last words, filled with honesty and truth, were "Moor, she was chaste, she loved thee, cruel Moor. So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true. So speaking as I think, alas, I die,"(V, ii, 265). Emilia vocalizes one last time that Desdemona was an honest and loving wife, and that evil Othello does not deserve. So distraught and filled with self hate, Othello then takes his own life. The three dead lay together, all representing the destruction of Iago. So what does happen to Iago then? Lodovico says that Iago must be tortured, but I highly doubt that will work out. Iago escaped trouble numerous times throughout this play. Who is to say that Iago doesn't sneak himself out of this mess like all the messes prior? I guess we will never know...
The truth has come out, but of course it is now too late. Before Othello could be proven wrong about Desdemona sleeping with Cassio, he already killed his wife, leaving her dead on their bed. Shortly following, Iago is so angered by Emilia's outburst that he stabs her and kills her. Her last words, filled with honesty and truth, were "Moor, she was chaste, she loved thee, cruel Moor. So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true. So speaking as I think, alas, I die,"(V, ii, 265). Emilia vocalizes one last time that Desdemona was an honest and loving wife, and that evil Othello does not deserve. So distraught and filled with self hate, Othello then takes his own life. The three dead lay together, all representing the destruction of Iago. So what does happen to Iago then? Lodovico says that Iago must be tortured, but I highly doubt that will work out. Iago escaped trouble numerous times throughout this play. Who is to say that Iago doesn't sneak himself out of this mess like all the messes prior? I guess we will never know...
Blog #3
Othello by William Shakespeare
Thus far in act five, two murders and one injury have already occurred. Through the manipulation of Roderigo, Iago has managed to both injure Cassio and get Roderigo killed. Yet, Iago appears as innocent as ever. This is the first time though that Iago has personally inflicted physical pain himself, rather than through the use of others. Although no one knows it but the readers, Iago is the one who struck Cassio's leg, causing him his severe wound. Also in this act, readers see a change within Emilia. Once seen as a quiet and obedient woman, Emilia transforms into a loud and outspoken character who will be stepped on no more. Through these drastic changes, readers see Emilia becoming a dynamic character. During a heated conversation with Othello, Emilia states," Do thy worst. This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven than thou wast worthy her,"(V, ii, 170) and Thou hast not half that power to do me harm as I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt! As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed—I care not for thy sword, I’ll make thee known,"(V, ii, 175). These bold remarks would seem entirely out character for Emilia just a few acts ago, but now she stands and fights for justice. She knows what Othello has done and what Iago has done. It appears as if Emilia is the only person in the play who realizes the truth.
Thus far in act five, two murders and one injury have already occurred. Through the manipulation of Roderigo, Iago has managed to both injure Cassio and get Roderigo killed. Yet, Iago appears as innocent as ever. This is the first time though that Iago has personally inflicted physical pain himself, rather than through the use of others. Although no one knows it but the readers, Iago is the one who struck Cassio's leg, causing him his severe wound. Also in this act, readers see a change within Emilia. Once seen as a quiet and obedient woman, Emilia transforms into a loud and outspoken character who will be stepped on no more. Through these drastic changes, readers see Emilia becoming a dynamic character. During a heated conversation with Othello, Emilia states," Do thy worst. This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven than thou wast worthy her,"(V, ii, 170) and Thou hast not half that power to do me harm as I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt! As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed—I care not for thy sword, I’ll make thee known,"(V, ii, 175). These bold remarks would seem entirely out character for Emilia just a few acts ago, but now she stands and fights for justice. She knows what Othello has done and what Iago has done. It appears as if Emilia is the only person in the play who realizes the truth.
Blog #2
Othello by William Shakespeare
Iago stirs the pot even more with the fabrication of another encounter between Desdemona and Cassio. While talking to Othello, Iago makes a comment that Cassio has been bragging to him about Desdemona. Iago claims that Cassio admitted to sleeping with her, which sends Othello into epileptic shock. Situational irony takes place when Iago instructs Othello to hide while he speaks to Cassio. Iago asks Cassio about Bianca, but he knows Othello will mistakenly believe Cassio is talking about Desdemona. Cassio makes multiple crude comments about Bianca, such as ,"Alas, poor rogue, I think indeed she loves me." and "I marry her! What? A customer? Prithee bear some charity to my wit. Do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha!" (IV, i, 100-110). All of Cassio's remark infuriate Othello, and once Cassio exits, Othello announces that he must kill Cassio and Desdemona. Bianca showing up with handkerchief only made the situation even more believable. Through the eyes of Othello, Cassio now looks like a deceiving man who sleeps with numerous women, including Desdemona. Othello now has the proof he needed to take action on the situation , which is clear when he begins to plot how he will murder the two.
Iago stirs the pot even more with the fabrication of another encounter between Desdemona and Cassio. While talking to Othello, Iago makes a comment that Cassio has been bragging to him about Desdemona. Iago claims that Cassio admitted to sleeping with her, which sends Othello into epileptic shock. Situational irony takes place when Iago instructs Othello to hide while he speaks to Cassio. Iago asks Cassio about Bianca, but he knows Othello will mistakenly believe Cassio is talking about Desdemona. Cassio makes multiple crude comments about Bianca, such as ,"Alas, poor rogue, I think indeed she loves me." and "I marry her! What? A customer? Prithee bear some charity to my wit. Do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha!" (IV, i, 100-110). All of Cassio's remark infuriate Othello, and once Cassio exits, Othello announces that he must kill Cassio and Desdemona. Bianca showing up with handkerchief only made the situation even more believable. Through the eyes of Othello, Cassio now looks like a deceiving man who sleeps with numerous women, including Desdemona. Othello now has the proof he needed to take action on the situation , which is clear when he begins to plot how he will murder the two.
Othello set two Blog #1
Othello by William Shakespeare
After being verbally attacked by Othello, Desdemona speaks with Emilia and Iago about Othello calling her a whore. Desdemona is shocked by his words and cannot comprehend what she has done to make Othello say such terrible things. Verbal irony is extremely present in this conversation. So disturbed and moved by Desdemona's pain, Emilia states," I will be hanged, if some eternal villain, some busy and insinuating rogue,
some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, have not devised this slander. I will be hanged else!,(IV, ii, 135). Basically, Emilia is saying that some evil, lying, heartless person just made up this rumor to get something, and she is exactly right. Little does Emilia and Desdemona know, this villain is Iago, who is standing right next to them, comforting Desdemona, when he is the one who put her in this situation. Emilia continues by saying that she wishes such a monster could be unmasked and receive the punishment they deserve. Iago just stands there innocently, going along with the whole thing. No one questions Iago or distrusts him, they keep coming to him for advice and comfort, which he only uses to his advantage. Ironically, the more Iago hurts these people, the more they seem to be drawn to him.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Blog #4
Othello by William Shakespeare
"Her handkerchief drops,"(III, iii, 295). Although this small side note seems irrelevant, I believe it is symbolic for what is about to unfold. The action of the fallen handkerchief represents the broken trust Othello now feels toward Desdemona. Previously, Othello loved Desdemona without question or worry, but after his conversation with Iago, he now sees her as deceitful. The handkerchief reveals their soon to be fallen relationship. Othello had asked Desdemona to always keep the handkerchief near to her and to use it for comfort. It was a symbol of their loving and devoted relationship. Now, as it falls to the floor, it is clear that there time of happiness and bliss is over. Due to Iago's plan, only drama and dishonesty will characterize their relationship. This only escalate when Othello is told that the handkerchief in Cassio's possession. Iago has officially won this battle. He is now the lieutenant and has convinced Othello that Desdemona is a cheater. Bravo.
Blog #3
Othello by William Shakespeare
So begins the planting of the see. While Iago is with Othello, he continually makes these sly remarks, but when Othello asks him to elaborate, Iago plays the "oh, it's nothing" card. My frustration toward Iago is increasingly rapidly. His good boy routine is becoming rather old. Remarks such as, " 'Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady, Know of your love?' 'He did, from first to last. Why dost thou ask?' 'But for a satisfaction of my thought, No further harm.' "( III, iii, 95-100). As is Iago asks anything for no reason at all! Everything he does has a false motive. The dramatic irony increases as Othello begins to pick up on Iago's hints. Readers know the Iago is just playing inception with Othello, but Othello honestly thinks Iago is just looking out for him. He even believes Iago is not saying as much as he truly knows in order to spare his feelings. Iago has Othello right where he wants him, and Othello is more trusting of Iago than ever.
So begins the planting of the see. While Iago is with Othello, he continually makes these sly remarks, but when Othello asks him to elaborate, Iago plays the "oh, it's nothing" card. My frustration toward Iago is increasingly rapidly. His good boy routine is becoming rather old. Remarks such as, " 'Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady, Know of your love?' 'He did, from first to last. Why dost thou ask?' 'But for a satisfaction of my thought, No further harm.' "( III, iii, 95-100). As is Iago asks anything for no reason at all! Everything he does has a false motive. The dramatic irony increases as Othello begins to pick up on Iago's hints. Readers know the Iago is just playing inception with Othello, but Othello honestly thinks Iago is just looking out for him. He even believes Iago is not saying as much as he truly knows in order to spare his feelings. Iago has Othello right where he wants him, and Othello is more trusting of Iago than ever.
Blog #2
Othello by William Shakespeare
Iago's true nature is seen in his conversation with Desdemona and Emilia ( more or less of Emilia...). During this conversation, Iago rudely depicts every type of woman, offending both Desdemona and Emilia. In this scene, a few characters actually get to see Iago's not so nice side. Desdemona's characterization is most accurate when she describes Iago as " the most profane and liberal counselor"(II, i, 130). Desdemona can see Iago's true colors, which will hopefully help her in the near future when Iago attempts to make it seems as if she has slept with Cassio. Clever Iago though already has a plan to make this affair seem a more realistic. He has convinced Cassio to ask Desdemona to help restore Othello's faith in Cassio, and then to report to Othello that Desdemona lust for Cassio. The perfect setup. As much as I dislike Iago for being pure evil, I admit, the man is a genius when it comes to scheming. While Cassio believes he is getting his position back, he will really will be digging his own grave, leaving Iago with clean hands.
Iago's true nature is seen in his conversation with Desdemona and Emilia ( more or less of Emilia...). During this conversation, Iago rudely depicts every type of woman, offending both Desdemona and Emilia. In this scene, a few characters actually get to see Iago's not so nice side. Desdemona's characterization is most accurate when she describes Iago as " the most profane and liberal counselor"(II, i, 130). Desdemona can see Iago's true colors, which will hopefully help her in the near future when Iago attempts to make it seems as if she has slept with Cassio. Clever Iago though already has a plan to make this affair seem a more realistic. He has convinced Cassio to ask Desdemona to help restore Othello's faith in Cassio, and then to report to Othello that Desdemona lust for Cassio. The perfect setup. As much as I dislike Iago for being pure evil, I admit, the man is a genius when it comes to scheming. While Cassio believes he is getting his position back, he will really will be digging his own grave, leaving Iago with clean hands.
Othello Blog #1
Othello by William Shakespeare
It amazes me how sneaky and devious Iago is. He makes it look so easy! How ironic that he is presented as honest Iago, when in reality he is secretly devising evil plans to destroy all those around him. The irony seen thus far is incredible. First, seen in Act 1, Iago believes Othello has slept with his wife (it's not even for certain!), so in order to punish Othello, Iago is going to make him feel the betrayal he feels. In order to do so though, he must throw Cassio in the mix. Now, not only is Iago going to punish Othello, but is going to penalize Cassio for being promoted over him. Basically, what Iago wants, Iago gets. For such an "honest" man, he seems rather malevolent, yet not one seems to seen this side of Iago. Everyone goes on trusting him and looking at him as a true and genuine man. To the audience, Iago states, "He’s done my office. I know not if ’t be true, but I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety. He holds me well.The better shall my purpose work on him. Cassio’s a proper man. Let me see now, To get his place and to plume up my will In double knavery. How? How?"(I,iii, 325-330). Iago is about to take out two people in one swing, but his evil plan is suspected by no one.
It amazes me how sneaky and devious Iago is. He makes it look so easy! How ironic that he is presented as honest Iago, when in reality he is secretly devising evil plans to destroy all those around him. The irony seen thus far is incredible. First, seen in Act 1, Iago believes Othello has slept with his wife (it's not even for certain!), so in order to punish Othello, Iago is going to make him feel the betrayal he feels. In order to do so though, he must throw Cassio in the mix. Now, not only is Iago going to punish Othello, but is going to penalize Cassio for being promoted over him. Basically, what Iago wants, Iago gets. For such an "honest" man, he seems rather malevolent, yet not one seems to seen this side of Iago. Everyone goes on trusting him and looking at him as a true and genuine man. To the audience, Iago states, "He’s done my office. I know not if ’t be true, but I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety. He holds me well.The better shall my purpose work on him. Cassio’s a proper man. Let me see now, To get his place and to plume up my will In double knavery. How? How?"(I,iii, 325-330). Iago is about to take out two people in one swing, but his evil plan is suspected by no one.
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