blogpost #8: tone

Tone reflects the speaker's attitude toward the subject of work. In "To His Coy Mistress," Marvell uses a three-part structure, each consisting of different tones in order to convey the theme of carpe diem.  In lines 1-20, Marvell speaks to his mistress in the condition:  "Two hundred to adore each breast, But thirty thousand to the rest." Marvell employs a high-spirited tone, which expresses the magnitude of his love for his mistress, without considering the withering effects of time.  In a perfect, timeless world, he could afford to be patient; however, lines 21-32 play a pivotal role in the poem, as these lines serve as a reality check for the mistress. Although he states that he would be patient in their relationship in a timeless world, Marvell uses the second part to emphasize the constraints of time:  "The beauty shall no more be found."  Marvel, using a rather ominous tone, stresses that, unlike his conditional world where beauty would be preserved, their youth, beauty, and fertility cannot be taken for granted.  In the final part, lines 33-46, Marvell employs an urgent tone.  In the previous part, he had made his claim that the boundaries of time were actual; however, in the third part, he takes what he said in the second part and says that they should make the best of their relationship before time runs out.  While lines 33-46 is the only part that concretely stresses "carpe diem," both of the other parts have just as important a role in demonstrating it.  Lines 1-32 serve as a introduction to the final part, as they serve as a build-up for his theme of carpe-diem that is fully expressed in the last 14 lines.

blogpost #7: diction

Well-chosen diction is essential for properly conveying a theme.  Similarly, diction goes hand-in-hand with an author's feeling of the subject that he is writing about.   Shelley feels very strongly against those who support a gentle perspective of time, which is why he uses bombastic language compounded with a mocking tone in his poem "Ozymandias."  Shelley obviously felt that using bombastic and mocking diction would be the best approach to conveying his perspective of time: that everything, including the "king of kings," ultimately crumbles to the all-powerful forces of time.

blogpost #6: Personification/Figurative Language

In E.E. Cummings' "Ponder," he uses personification in order to demonstrate the deteriorating nature of time.  Throughout the poem, Cummings explores time's crumbling effects using a variety of literary devices; however, his utilization of personification truly stimulates his perspective of the forces of time. The words "Them Greediest Paws" expresses the avaricious nature of time. In giving time a life-like and objective attribute to time, which is subjective and therefore has no attributes, he clearly delivers his outlook to the reader in a more relatable and vivid fashion.

Blogpost #5

In "To An Athlete Dying Young," Housman uses poetic sounds in order to perpetuate a tragic yet comforting mood.  Housman's utilization of iambic tetrameter, AABB rhyme scheme, melancholy and consoling diction, and arrangement of words all play a role in appealing to the reader's emotion.  Thus, by using poetic sounds, Housman enables the reader to make a deeper connection to the poem.  Without poetic sounds such as rhyme, diction, and syntax, Housman would not have been able to appeal to the reader's emotions.  Subsequently, the reader would become disconnected without poetic sounds, as the poem would appear to lack complexity and be dull.

blog post #4: symbol

Symbols play an essential role in literary texts for several reasons. They prevent the oversimplification of an author's works.  Not only do they preserve and carry the meaning of the text, but symbols also enhance literary texts because they allow for a greater connection between the reader and the text itself.  In having a symbol, the author is essentially implanting an idea into the reader, encouraging the reader to analyze the text more carefully, and allowing the reader to get a better understanding of the text.  Symbols are also personalized and maintain different meanings for different people, so there is always room for interpretation.  Not only are they personalized, but symbols be anything, such as characters or setting.  Therefore, symbols are very useful to authors and the reader as long as they are used properly.

Blogpost #2: Characters : Contrast how character is revealed in ‘Prufrock’ vs. in a novel like Pride and Prejudice.

In both Prufrock and Pride and Prejudice, the base of the character is revealed through the setting.  In Prufrock, the character maintains a sense of absolute futility throughout the play.  The poem is set to the pot-WWI era, a time period that maintained a similar sense of hopelessness due to the catastrophic nature of the war.  In Pride and Prejudice, the setting and characters are intertwined, as the patriarchal notions of the setting are interjected into some characters.  Therefore, the setting is a reflection of how a character will act.

Blog post #3: Setting

In Prufrock, Austen, and Shakespeare, each setting similarly is a contributing factor to the background of the story.  Without a setting, a literary works is essentially incomplete.  A setting is key to understanding the motives of the author, and even the characters themselves.  A setting may also provide insight on what a character might do next.  In Prufrock, the setting is post-WW1.  Therefore, taking the setting into consideration, the reader can understand Prufrock's excessively grim diction and use of literary devices.  In Shakespeare, the setting is in a very religious time period.  Therefore, many of the characters actions can be foretold when taking the setting into consideration.  For example, Hamlet's decision to spare Cladius' life when he was praying was based on a religious belief of the time period.  In Austen, the setting is in 19th century English society, which explains the patriarchal aspect of society.  In Austen, the setting would explain things such as Mr. Collins proposal to Liz, Charlotte Lucas' decision to get married, and Mrs. Bennet's outlook on life.

Blog post #1

Austen and Shakespeare similarly build their plot around the internal and external conflicts of and between characters; however, at the same time, both authors use a different plot structure.  In Pride and Prejudice, the plot revolves around both internal and external conflicts between the characters.  Both the external ideals of 19th century English society and interpersonal relationships between characters play a huge role in determining the direction of the novel.  Similar to Pride and Prejudice, Hamlet's plot revolves around the internal and external conflicts afflicting Hamlet.  While both works correspondingly build their plot around the conflict of their characters, they follow a different sequence in delivering their plot.  Hamlet follows the conventional narrative, using exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.  Pride and Prejudice, however, strictly emphasizes the development of interpersonal relationships and the surrounding society.  Because Austen's scope is more narrow in the sense that she focuses on multiple characters in depth, she only loosely follows a conventional sequence.

Hamlet Esse Comments

This essay reflects my growth as a writer.  In my previous essay, I had a fairly general focus; however, in this essay, I had a very clear and narrow focus.  In doing so, I was able to write a better essay.  While I spent less time on this one, I spent a lot of time thinking out my ideas which helped me save time and provide a solid structure to my essay.  I look forward to mastering the techniques of devising a college level essay over the year, as I am starting to grasp how to properly write one.

To last, or not to last

The possibility of becoming truly eternalized has sparked an enduring debate among poets.  A.E. Housman and Percey Bysshe Shelley’s stance on the conception of time demonstrates the polarization of this debate: Housman believes that memories can withstand the withering effects of time, while Shelley believes that time crumbles everything in its path.  Both poets attempt to validate their own theory by examining the relationship between a significant person and time.  In Housman’s “To an Athlete Dying Young,” a young star athlete’s life is ended abruptly; however, using gentle and comforting language, he affirms that the athletes memory will far outlive his own tragically ended life.  In “Ozymandias,” Shelley uses bombastic language compounded with a mocking tone to demonstrate that even the king of kings’ works could not escape the deterioration of time.  

Poetry Comparison #2

In Ozymandias and To His Coy Mistress, both Shelley and Marvell indicate the supremacy of time in relation to mankind through different situations.  In Ozymandias, Shelley uses a desolate and empty setting to demonstrate that time has withered away the memory of the "king of kings."  In To His Coy Mistress, the speaker uses the crumbling effect of time as a resource in persuading his mistress to fornicate with him. Both authors essentially mock people for their inability to grasp the essence of time.  The mistress and the king of kings evidently do not understand the boundaries of time, as the king believes his memory will withstand time and the mistress is relatively prudent.

Performance choices

Johnny, Carlin, and I decided to perform the scene where Rosencranz and Guildenstern attempt to pry information from Hamlet.  I was playing Guildenstern, and tried to act exceedingly happy after first conversing with Hamlet.  Then, as Hamlet began to verbally attack me, I began to act very defensive and weak.

Poetry Comparison

In both Ozymandias and (ponder, darling these busted statues), the overwhelmingly dominance of time is a major theme; however, both authors demonstrate the power of time in different ways.  In Ozymandias, Shelley uses irony to express that nothing lasts forever: "Nothing besides remains." (12).  Shelley indicates that time ultimately crumbles everything, even the king of kings.  The tone is almost mocking because the king truly believed that he would be eternalized; however, Shelley proves that time is the dominating force over all of mankind through his bombastic language..  In (ponder, darling these busted statues), e.e. cummings essentially parodies the forces of time. While he makes a similar point to the one made in Ozymandias, his poetry lacks bombastic language that would generally be included in a poem regarding time.

Discussion 4

Both Laertes and Polonius object to Ophelia's relationship with Hamlet because they are concerned with her well-being.  They perceive Hamlet as having gone mad.  Not only do they believe that Hamlet has gone mad, but they also believe that Hamlet's royal background will negatively affect Ophelia.  While they share similar objections, they expressions of these objections are different.  While Polonius is demanding, tedious, and condescending in his persuasion, Laertes is more kind and serves as a great brother.  Obviously, Laertes has a more respectful view of women in general, while Polonius's sexist notions suggest his condescending view of women.

Horatio: Seasoned with a Side of Reason

In Hamlet, Shakespeare uses patterns of language for different characters to illustrate in depth the prevalence of existing relationships.  After enduring the murder of his father and the remarriage of his mother, Hamlet exhibits unreasonable and indecisive behavior.  Although he possesses good intentions, Hamlet's lack of direction and devastated emotional state, in part, is a result of not having a living father figure.  Horatio, Hamlet's greatest friend, serves not only as a protectorate of Hamlet, but also as source of logic and skepticism for Hamlet's increasingly insensible behavior.  Shakespeare's juxtaposition of Horatio’s sensible decisiveness to Hamlet’s irrational behavior enables the audience to clearly discern that Horatio is the voice of reason for Hamlet.

One well-written paragraph on any small aspect of Prufrock

"I have measured out my life with coffee spoons"

Prufrock illustrates the complexities of society through very bleak diction.  This line in particular indicates the speaker's absolute sense of futility.  The speaker's perception of society is very calculating, as he has literarily measured out his life in an extremely humdrum fashion.  By making this statement, the speaker indicates that he is convinced that there is unquestionably nothing for him to look forward to in the future and that his perception of society is skewed.  Yes, it is quite possible that if a person drank coffee everyday for his entire live, he could potentially measure out his life with coffee spoons; however, why would someone ever be in that mindset?  Evidently, the speaker lacks faith in society, and therefore, he does not see any beauty in society whatsoever.

“Coy Mistress”: Essay with ONE central, interesting claim about the poem

In To His Coy Mistress, Marvell uses a three-part structure, each consisting of different tones and emotions in order to convey the theme of carpe diem.  In lines 1-20, Marvell speaks to his mistress in the condition:  "Two hundred to adore each breast, But thirty thousand to the rest." Marvell employs a high-spirited tone, which expresses the magnitude of his love for his mistress, without considering the withering effects of time.  In a perfect, timeless world, he could afford to be patient; however, lines 21-32 play a pivotal role in the poem, as these lines serve as a reality check for the mistress. Although he states that he would be patient in their relationship in a timeless world, Marvell uses the second part to emphasize the constraints of time:  "The beauty shall no more be found."  Marvel, using a rather ominous tone, stresses that, unlike his conditional world where beauty would be preserved, their youth, beauty, and fertility cannot be taken for granted.  In the final part, lines 33-46, Marvell employs an urgent tone.  In the previous part, he had made his claim that the boundaries of time were very much real; however, in the third part, he takes what he said in the second part and says that they should make the best of their relationship before time runs out.  While the third part is the only part that concretely stresses "carpe diem," both of the other parts have just as important a role in demonstrating it.  Both parts serve as a introduction to the final part, as they are different proposals.

How the 3-part structure and sound and poetic devices enhance meaning of "Coy Mistress"

Andrew Marvell in "To His Coy Mistress," expresses his love and passion for his mistress; however, he also emphasizes the limitations that time has placed on their love.  Therefore, he states that they must make the most out of their relationships within its boundary of time.  In lines 1-20, the writer speaks in the conditional.  He states that in a perfect world, they could do whatver they pleased without worrying about time; however, line 21-32 play a pivotal role.  This portion of the poem servesas a reality check, emphasizing the withering constraints of time.  Then, from lines 33-46, the writer expresses the urgency of their relationship.  He states that they need to do everything they can before time runs out. 

Mr. Collins

When evaluating the behavior of Mr. Collins, it is important not to jump to any conclusions.  Yes, Mr. Collins is undoubtedly a pompously sexist moron; however, in the 19th century, his behavior is suggested to not be so far of from the status quo of males.  He may, in fact, be the nightmare of that time period; however, Austen suggests that many other men acted like him.  Mr. Collins sexist notions are extremely exaggerated to bring attention to the reader of the injustices of the time period, which makes him a fairly comical character.  Evaluating Mr. Collins with a 21st century interpretation would suggest that he is the epitome of a patriarchal figure.  While his behavior may have unnoticeably assimilated into 19th century society, it would definitely seem even more shocking in 21st century society.

My essay: An Examination of Societal Structure and Sexism Through Mr. Collins

I am pretty happy with my essay.  I definitely worked as hard as I could, and thought my ideas were original.  My strong sentence structure and vocabulary reflect the amount of time that I devoted to the paper.  Not only that, but my thesis sets a strong foundation for the entire paper.  On the other hand, I drifted off-topic at times.  At the same time, while my essay may have gone a little off-topic, I believe that it still had a very good flow.  Without a doubt, this was the strongest essay I have written in my opinion.

My favorite Essay #3

Out of A2, V for Vanessa, and T for Tallulah, my favorite was A2.  I liked this essay for quite a few reasons.  First, the writing style is very conversational and is complimented by great vocabulary.  Next, the author takes a very edgy stand, which exemplifies college-style writing.  The author does a fine job of backing up his claim, while avoiding a particularly example-based essay.  I enjoyed reading this essay because it made me think about Darcy in a muuch different way.

Favorite Essay #2

Out of "Dust Flowers of Flowery Dusk: How Environment and Appearance Shape Character Introduction and Perception," "A for Alfi," and "B for Beatrice," my favorite was "Dust Flowers of Flowery Dusk: How Environment and Appearance Shape Character Introduction and Perception."  The author connected the two books very well and used strong vocabulary.  Not only was the vocabulary impressive, but the ideas presented are well-thought out, especially considering the author had to take two books and connect their similarities and differences.

Favorite Essay #1

Out of "An Examination of Class and Economy: Austen's molding of Mr. Hurst," "Faulty First Impressions," and "Precise Introductions for Individual Interpretations," my favorite (by far) was "An Examination of Class and Economy: Austen's molding of Mr. Hurst."  I believed the author was very original and creative for taking the smallest character in the book as an example.  The author takes a very edgy stand, which suggests that Mr Hurst, who's role is extremely limited, embodies all that Austen satirizes.  Also, the author provides clear and strong evidence that backs up the thesis.  The author also stays on track and ultimately delivers the point.

An Examination of the Patriarchal and Snobby Nature of 19th Century Society

Austen emphasizes the epitome of the ideal patriarchal and snobbishly aristocratic society through interactions with Mr. Collins.