"As yet I looked upon crime as a distant evil, benevolence and generosity were ever present before me, inciting within me a desire to become an actor in the busy scene where so many admirable qualities were called forth and displayed. But in giving an account of the progress of my intellect, I must not omit a circumstance which occurred in the beginning of the month of August of the same year." p. 122
I enjoyed how Mary Shelley expressed the conversion from good to evil in this novel. The monster starts out in a child-like innocence and is filled with love for everything. Though he is attacked, he still searches for love. When he lives in the hovel, he is disgusted by crime. However, when love is taken from him, when he is attacked by what he loves, he revolts and becomes evil. Then, he uses this lesson, the need for love, against his own creator, as leverage. In the end, he regrets this. The process of his change, as seen through his own eyes is deep and quite interesting to me, because of its several levels. It is a complex change, and I really enjoyed seeing how each small event lead to a more dramatic effect on the creation's life.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Creation's Guilt - Frankenstein
"That is also my victim!" he exclaimed. "In his murder my crimes are consummated; the miserable series of my being is wound to its close! Oh, Frankenstein! Generous and self-devoted being! What does it avail that I now ask thee to pardon me? I, who irretrievably destroyed thee by destroying all thou lovedst. Alas! He is cold, he cannot answer me." p. 207
It is a wonder to me that after all of this time the creation finally expresses guilt for the murders he has done. Though they may have been meant to injure Victor, they ultimately corrupted the creation's self. I also think it is interesting that he refers to Victor as one of his victims, his own creator. These circumstance are few that allow me to now pity the monster, though his acts are fiendish, they do have some small backing. It is clear that the creation understands what love is to a person, and what a lack of it can do as well. He clearly expresses his agony at what he has done, and this emotion must also come from his lack of love. When he goes on to state the pain he felt all along, it seems foolish of him to have continued in the murders. In the end, his preparedness for death is both sad and expected.
This is a rap version of the plot of Frankenstein.
It is a wonder to me that after all of this time the creation finally expresses guilt for the murders he has done. Though they may have been meant to injure Victor, they ultimately corrupted the creation's self. I also think it is interesting that he refers to Victor as one of his victims, his own creator. These circumstance are few that allow me to now pity the monster, though his acts are fiendish, they do have some small backing. It is clear that the creation understands what love is to a person, and what a lack of it can do as well. He clearly expresses his agony at what he has done, and this emotion must also come from his lack of love. When he goes on to state the pain he felt all along, it seems foolish of him to have continued in the murders. In the end, his preparedness for death is both sad and expected.
This is a rap version of the plot of Frankenstein.
Tragedy - Frankenstein
"She left me, and I continued some time walking up and down the passages of the house and inspecting every corner that might afford a retreat to my adversary. But I discovered no trace of him and was beginning to conjecture that some fortunate chance had intervened to prevent the execution of his menaces when suddenly I heard a shrill and dreadful scream. It came from the room into which Elizabeth had retired. As I heard it, the whole truth rushed into my mind, my arms dropped, the motion of every muscle and fibre was suspended; I could feel the blood trickling in my veins and tingling in the extremities of my limbs. This state lasted but for an instant; the scream was repeated, and I rushed into the room" p. 186
I don't feel like this novel qualifies as a tragedy in the same way in which some of Shakespeare's stories do, but I do feel that it has its own type of tragic manner to it. First, Victor feels that he is accomplishing the greatest feat of his life, only then to hate himself for it. Then, he lives to see the death of his brother, and innocent family friend, his own best friend, the woman he loves above all else, and his father. His entire life is filled with death and misery, and yet the monster still taunts him, At one point I still felt for the monster, but now, for all of the loss Victor has seen, it is difficult to do so. It is truly tragic that any one monster could do so many things to harm one person, moreover his creator. It is even more tragic that the cause of the monster's anger, his deformity, was not an intention on his master's part. It was circumstantial. Resultant of all of this, Victor suffers, and his work if for naught, and in my opinion, that is indeed tragedy.
I don't feel like this novel qualifies as a tragedy in the same way in which some of Shakespeare's stories do, but I do feel that it has its own type of tragic manner to it. First, Victor feels that he is accomplishing the greatest feat of his life, only then to hate himself for it. Then, he lives to see the death of his brother, and innocent family friend, his own best friend, the woman he loves above all else, and his father. His entire life is filled with death and misery, and yet the monster still taunts him, At one point I still felt for the monster, but now, for all of the loss Victor has seen, it is difficult to do so. It is truly tragic that any one monster could do so many things to harm one person, moreover his creator. It is even more tragic that the cause of the monster's anger, his deformity, was not an intention on his master's part. It was circumstantial. Resultant of all of this, Victor suffers, and his work if for naught, and in my opinion, that is indeed tragedy.
Mood - Frankenstein
"With this resolution I traversed the northern highlands and fixed on one of the remotest of the Orkneys as the scene of my labours. It was a place fitted for such a work, being hardly more than a rock whose high sides were continually beaten upon by the waves. The soil was barren, scarcely affording pasture for a few miserable cows, and oatmeal for its inhabitants, which consisted of five persons, whose gaunt and scraggy limbs gave tokens of their miserable fare. Vegetables and bread, when they indulged in such luxuries, and even fresh water, was to be procured from the mainland, which was about five miles distant." p.157
In this passage, Victor's newest residence is described in detail. Prior, he established his feelings about the making of another creation as a mate for the first. As he describes this desolate island, with little growing and poor inhabitants, a mood of woe is created. I feel that this is to reflect Victor's innermost feelings about the job set ahead of him. Being removed from the mainland, he is so too removed from others because of his work. More description is later given as to the condition of the hut he decides to inhabit. This gives a further mood of isolation, weariness, and decay, all reflective of Victor's own person. I feel like these are emotions seen frequently throughout the novel, but they are never as fully recognized by his surroundings as they are in this setting.
In this passage, Victor's newest residence is described in detail. Prior, he established his feelings about the making of another creation as a mate for the first. As he describes this desolate island, with little growing and poor inhabitants, a mood of woe is created. I feel that this is to reflect Victor's innermost feelings about the job set ahead of him. Being removed from the mainland, he is so too removed from others because of his work. More description is later given as to the condition of the hut he decides to inhabit. This gives a further mood of isolation, weariness, and decay, all reflective of Victor's own person. I feel like these are emotions seen frequently throughout the novel, but they are never as fully recognized by his surroundings as they are in this setting.
Foreshadowing - Frankenstein
"And where does he now exist? Is this gentle and lovely being lost forever? Has this mind so replete with ideas, imaginations fanciful and magnificent, which formed a world, whose existence depended on the life of its creator; has this mind perished? Does it now only exist in my memory? No, it is not thus; your form so divinely wrought, and beaming with beauty, has decayed, but your spirit still visits and consoles your unhappy friend.
Pardon this gush of sorrow; these ineffectual words are but a slight tribute to the unexampled worth of Henry, but they soothe my heart, overflowing with the anguish which his remembrance creates. I will proceed with my tale." p. 149
This is one example of foreshadowing that happens throughout the the novel, however, it is not the most subtle. In the giving of this paragraph, it is suggested that Clerval will die, and in a tragic way. It also expresses some guilt on Victor's behalf. It can then be assumed that this death is by the monster's hands, which further complicates the plot. In general, I like foreshadowing novels. However, I felt that this foreshadowing was too grandiose and gave away too much key information in the future of the plot. It is disappointing to me that Clerval will be the next to die, especially because he seems to be one of the most enthusiastic characters of this novel. This foreshadowing is key though because it does mean that further conflict must occur and be resolved before the termination of the novel.
Pardon this gush of sorrow; these ineffectual words are but a slight tribute to the unexampled worth of Henry, but they soothe my heart, overflowing with the anguish which his remembrance creates. I will proceed with my tale." p. 149
This is one example of foreshadowing that happens throughout the the novel, however, it is not the most subtle. In the giving of this paragraph, it is suggested that Clerval will die, and in a tragic way. It also expresses some guilt on Victor's behalf. It can then be assumed that this death is by the monster's hands, which further complicates the plot. In general, I like foreshadowing novels. However, I felt that this foreshadowing was too grandiose and gave away too much key information in the future of the plot. It is disappointing to me that Clerval will be the next to die, especially because he seems to be one of the most enthusiastic characters of this novel. This foreshadowing is key though because it does mean that further conflict must occur and be resolved before the termination of the novel.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Creature - Frankenstein
""How can I move thee? Will no entreaties cause thee to turn a favourable eye upon thy creature, who implores thy goodness and compassion? Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing? They spurn and hate me. The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge." p. 94
To me, it is funny that within this novel there are 3 characters so very similar to each other. Robert, Victor, and his monster are all looking for friendship. They search for acceptance and love, despite their difficulty in finding it with others. I think this is interesting, because each puts so much work towards it that they seem almost to drive that goal, that friends away. On the creature's own part it is more pitiable still. Not only can he find no friend, he can only find enemies. He is so fearsome, that he drives others away, or they he. He may speak eloquently, but it means nothing because of the fear he brings to others. I feel like these similarities are going to continue on throughout the novel. Eventually, they will likely result in some sort of climacticly similar event as well, I believe.
To me, it is funny that within this novel there are 3 characters so very similar to each other. Robert, Victor, and his monster are all looking for friendship. They search for acceptance and love, despite their difficulty in finding it with others. I think this is interesting, because each puts so much work towards it that they seem almost to drive that goal, that friends away. On the creature's own part it is more pitiable still. Not only can he find no friend, he can only find enemies. He is so fearsome, that he drives others away, or they he. He may speak eloquently, but it means nothing because of the fear he brings to others. I feel like these similarities are going to continue on throughout the novel. Eventually, they will likely result in some sort of climacticly similar event as well, I believe.
The Creation - Frankenstein
"It was a dreary night in November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instuments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being onto the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the mornign; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open, it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated from its limbs." p. 56It is in my personal opinion that this creation is better than those of the movies. It is not boasting or over developed in discrption. As such, it better fits Victor's character as a whole. He is usually to a degree at least modest. Additionally, he doesn't want others to know the specific details of how he created the monster that he did. In this way, a movie which shows lightning and giant machinery and which has the statement of : "IT'S ALIVE" is not suiting to the story as a whole. Since this moment so much terrified Victor, it only seems right that he should not go into extreme detail, else he need to relive it again. Overall, this interpertation seems more human as well, because he does see the fault in his ways and is regretful instead of prideful.
Point of View - Frankenstein
"Yesterday the stranger said to me, "You may easily percieve, Captain Walton, that I have suffered great and unparelled misforntunes. I had determined at one time that the memory of these evils should die with me, but you have won me to alter my determination." p. 28
As this story begins, it focuses on the letters of one Robert Walton, the captain of a ship sailing to the North. This First Person POV focuses on his life over a period of month, and the happenings around him. This gives basic character details and leads to the finding of Victor Frankenstein. HE then takes over the story, again in First Person POV, in chapter one. Not only does this POV help to contrast the two characters, it also helps to emphasize their similarities. This also allows for a framestory to be created, adding more depth and color to the novel. The change in POV gives distinct shift in the plotline of the story, but also leaves much to be resolved. I feel that upon the end of Victor's story, Robert's must therefore commence.
As this story begins, it focuses on the letters of one Robert Walton, the captain of a ship sailing to the North. This First Person POV focuses on his life over a period of month, and the happenings around him. This gives basic character details and leads to the finding of Victor Frankenstein. HE then takes over the story, again in First Person POV, in chapter one. Not only does this POV help to contrast the two characters, it also helps to emphasize their similarities. This also allows for a framestory to be created, adding more depth and color to the novel. The change in POV gives distinct shift in the plotline of the story, but also leaves much to be resolved. I feel that upon the end of Victor's story, Robert's must therefore commence.
Allusion - Frankenstein
" I had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then, but when those muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived." p. 57
In this quote, the play of Dante's Inferno, and the author, Dante, are alluded to. In this play, the different levels of Hell are described in great detail. The tortures, monsters, and sights there are things of complete evil, all designed by Dante's own writing. They were used to be punishment for people's sins, and as the each level progressed, the sins, and the punishments, worsened. In this statement, Victor is saying that his creation is so horrible to behold that even Dante, who thought of the tortures of Hell could not have designed what had come of Victor's "new being". Thus, it can be implied that the monster which Victor created was more terrifying than believable. It went against nature in its appearance, adding to Victor's fear. In refering to this play though, Victor's knowlege is also expressed.
In this quote, the play of Dante's Inferno, and the author, Dante, are alluded to. In this play, the different levels of Hell are described in great detail. The tortures, monsters, and sights there are things of complete evil, all designed by Dante's own writing. They were used to be punishment for people's sins, and as the each level progressed, the sins, and the punishments, worsened. In this statement, Victor is saying that his creation is so horrible to behold that even Dante, who thought of the tortures of Hell could not have designed what had come of Victor's "new being". Thus, it can be implied that the monster which Victor created was more terrifying than believable. It went against nature in its appearance, adding to Victor's fear. In refering to this play though, Victor's knowlege is also expressed.
Foil - Frankenstein
"I applied so closely, it may be easily conceived that my progress was rapid. My ardour was indeed the astonishment of the students,a nd my proficiency that of the masters. ...Two years passed in thsi manner, during which i paid no visit to Geneva, but was engaged, heart and soul, in the pursuit of some discoveries which I hoped to make." p. 48
This quote was in reference to the study habits of Victor Frankenstein. His apparent foil in this story is Henry Clerval. In comparison, Victor prefers to study the science behind life, where as Henry studies the morals of it. In chapter 7 Henry learns languages for efficiency and success. Victor learns them to pass the time, but for no real use. Throughout the story so far, Victor and Henry, though friends, seem polar opposites. This is true even so far as Victor's work results in what he sees as an abomination, but Henry works to heal Victor from his illness, a truly good and thoughtless act. The point of having this foil is to create a comparison for Victor, to show his flaws. Henry is the more natural humanistic person, and Victor is a form of corrupeted being. In this, the foil character is necessary to see the extreme deviance Victor has come to from the normal person.
This quote was in reference to the study habits of Victor Frankenstein. His apparent foil in this story is Henry Clerval. In comparison, Victor prefers to study the science behind life, where as Henry studies the morals of it. In chapter 7 Henry learns languages for efficiency and success. Victor learns them to pass the time, but for no real use. Throughout the story so far, Victor and Henry, though friends, seem polar opposites. This is true even so far as Victor's work results in what he sees as an abomination, but Henry works to heal Victor from his illness, a truly good and thoughtless act. The point of having this foil is to create a comparison for Victor, to show his flaws. Henry is the more natural humanistic person, and Victor is a form of corrupeted being. In this, the foil character is necessary to see the extreme deviance Victor has come to from the normal person.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
1984 - THE END
p. 298 "He loved Big Brother."
For one, I can not say that I particularly liked this ending, but in itself, it made sense. In this case, the strategies of the Party won out above all else, even love itself. I feel like this ending shows what pain and the human mind itself can conquer. It is possible for one to change what they remember and what they forget merely by choosing it. In my opinion, it is sad that Winston in the end finally gives in to the Party's teachings. He finally gives up on his past and believes all that he remembers is a fantasy. This is most saddening because he removes memories of happiness with his mother, of which he does not have many. I wonder myself how this novel might have been different had the ending been different. However, I feel the that the ending chosen had to be, because of the flow of the plot of the novel. The ending truly shows what evil human kind can create and how much corruption power can spawn.
For one, I can not say that I particularly liked this ending, but in itself, it made sense. In this case, the strategies of the Party won out above all else, even love itself. I feel like this ending shows what pain and the human mind itself can conquer. It is possible for one to change what they remember and what they forget merely by choosing it. In my opinion, it is sad that Winston in the end finally gives in to the Party's teachings. He finally gives up on his past and believes all that he remembers is a fantasy. This is most saddening because he removes memories of happiness with his mother, of which he does not have many. I wonder myself how this novel might have been different had the ending been different. However, I feel the that the ending chosen had to be, because of the flow of the plot of the novel. The ending truly shows what evil human kind can create and how much corruption power can spawn.
!984- The Power of the Party
p. 256 "We shall squeeze you empty and then we shall fill you with ourselves."
I feel like this quote may be a bit of foreshadowing of what will happen to Winston before he dies. He will be converted, as O'Brien has threatened, and then he will be killed. This quote stuck with me, and I feel that if might be because of the violence instilled in it. The word squeeze, in this connotation, is harsh. In my mind I am reminded of a paint tube being squeezed till the very last drop of paint is gone. In this case, O'Brien basically speaks of pushing Winston until all of his self, his personality, his own thoughts, are gone from him. Then and only then can the Party fill him with their own beliefs. Then Winston might convince himself of their truth,because of his own loss of self. The quote summarizes the entire goal of the Party, to rid the World of all but its own beliefs. In this way, I feel like this quote is essential to the novel and the understanding of the Party's goals as a while.
I feel like this quote may be a bit of foreshadowing of what will happen to Winston before he dies. He will be converted, as O'Brien has threatened, and then he will be killed. This quote stuck with me, and I feel that if might be because of the violence instilled in it. The word squeeze, in this connotation, is harsh. In my mind I am reminded of a paint tube being squeezed till the very last drop of paint is gone. In this case, O'Brien basically speaks of pushing Winston until all of his self, his personality, his own thoughts, are gone from him. Then and only then can the Party fill him with their own beliefs. Then Winston might convince himself of their truth,because of his own loss of self. The quote summarizes the entire goal of the Party, to rid the World of all but its own beliefs. In this way, I feel like this quote is essential to the novel and the understanding of the Party's goals as a while.
1984- Static Character
p. 233 "It was my little daughter," said Parsons with a sort of doleful pride. "She listened at the keyhole. Heard what I was saying, and nipped off to the patrols the very next day. Pretty smart for a nipper of seven, eh? I don't bear her any grudge for it. In fact I'm proud of her. It shows I brought her up in the right spirit, anyway."
This is Parsons speaking of being turned in to the Thought Police while he and Winston are together in one of the white rooms. Throughout the novel, there are descriptions of Parsons and his pride in the Party. He never wavers from this belief. In fact, it is shown that he does all that he can to work for the Party, including volunteer work. Parsons speaks often of the pride he has in his children, even when they are turning in people who may be innocent. At this point, having been turned in to the Though Police, he doesn't even doubt that he has committed a crime, he just excepts is because he feels they can never be wrong. He is clearly a static character because of his lack of change, even as he faces the threat of vaporization. Despite this fact, he holds true to his devotion to the Party and would not speak against them for the world. Doubtlessly, as he speaks of thanking the Thought Police for catching him before he had 'gotten worse' Parsons is an example of the most devoted of citizens. This shows that even those might be vaporized for nothing, if only to instill terror.
This is Parsons speaking of being turned in to the Thought Police while he and Winston are together in one of the white rooms. Throughout the novel, there are descriptions of Parsons and his pride in the Party. He never wavers from this belief. In fact, it is shown that he does all that he can to work for the Party, including volunteer work. Parsons speaks often of the pride he has in his children, even when they are turning in people who may be innocent. At this point, having been turned in to the Though Police, he doesn't even doubt that he has committed a crime, he just excepts is because he feels they can never be wrong. He is clearly a static character because of his lack of change, even as he faces the threat of vaporization. Despite this fact, he holds true to his devotion to the Party and would not speak against them for the world. Doubtlessly, as he speaks of thanking the Thought Police for catching him before he had 'gotten worse' Parsons is an example of the most devoted of citizens. This shows that even those might be vaporized for nothing, if only to instill terror.
1984 - Simile
p. 220 "She had had her momentary flowering, a year, perhaps, of wildrose beauty, and then she had suddenly swollen like a fertilized fruit and grown hard and red and coarse, and then her life had been laundering, scrubbing, darning, cooking, sweeping, polishing, mending, scrubbing, laundering, first for children, then for grandchildren, over 30 unbroken years."
Throughout Winston's time in the room above Mr. Charrington's shop, descriptions are given of the woman who sings outside the room's window. Winston describes her as strong and large at some points. He describes her singing voice as beautiful at another. In this case, the use of simile, of relating her to a fruit that has grown ripe, shows a greater respect. In stating that she is like a fruit, he says that she gives birth to many more proles. In this sense, she is spreading her seeds, which in Winston's mind are the people who will end the Party. The simile used here shows that the proles have greater strength, they are not like weak flowers that shrivel and die. Instead, they produce fruit, they would continue on, and carry their spirit with them. I feel that this simile is important to the novel, because it helps describe Winston's final realization of all that the proles might be capable of, in generations to come.
Throughout Winston's time in the room above Mr. Charrington's shop, descriptions are given of the woman who sings outside the room's window. Winston describes her as strong and large at some points. He describes her singing voice as beautiful at another. In this case, the use of simile, of relating her to a fruit that has grown ripe, shows a greater respect. In stating that she is like a fruit, he says that she gives birth to many more proles. In this sense, she is spreading her seeds, which in Winston's mind are the people who will end the Party. The simile used here shows that the proles have greater strength, they are not like weak flowers that shrivel and die. Instead, they produce fruit, they would continue on, and carry their spirit with them. I feel that this simile is important to the novel, because it helps describe Winston's final realization of all that the proles might be capable of, in generations to come.
1984 - Imagery
p. 181 "There was a riotous interlude while posters were ripped from the walls, banners torn to shreds and trampled underfoot. The Spies performed prodigies of activity in clambering over the rooftops and cutting the streamers that fluttered from the chimneys. But within two or three minutes it was all over. The orator, still gripping the neck of the microphone, his shoulders hunched forward, his free hand clawing at the air , had gone straight on with his speech...."
The descriptive imagery which goes on in this scene helps to give further detail of the peoples' reaction to a change in history before their eyes. Since so much description is offered, it is easy to see how quickly the people are willing to change their own memories, to give up the past. This explains how it is that no one can recall a time before when Oceania was at war with Eastasia These details show what extreme power the Party holds. They control what is remembered and forgotten, and in this scene, one is given a prime example of the change in the citizens' everyday life. The image of the orator, "clawing at the air", is violent and powerful, and the fact that he did not pause in his speech shows the power the Party holds. They are prepared for change on a whim. Overall, the imagery of the occurrences on pages 180-182 help to clarify some of the situations and changes of the past Winston had alluded to in previous pages.
The descriptive imagery which goes on in this scene helps to give further detail of the peoples' reaction to a change in history before their eyes. Since so much description is offered, it is easy to see how quickly the people are willing to change their own memories, to give up the past. This explains how it is that no one can recall a time before when Oceania was at war with Eastasia These details show what extreme power the Party holds. They control what is remembered and forgotten, and in this scene, one is given a prime example of the change in the citizens' everyday life. The image of the orator, "clawing at the air", is violent and powerful, and the fact that he did not pause in his speech shows the power the Party holds. They are prepared for change on a whim. Overall, the imagery of the occurrences on pages 180-182 help to clarify some of the situations and changes of the past Winston had alluded to in previous pages.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Telescreens- 1984
"Only the Thought Police mattered. Behind Winston's back the voice from the telescreen was still babbling away about pig iron and the over-fulfillment of the Ninth Three-Year Plan. The telescreen received and transmitted simultaneously. Any sound that Winston made, above the level of a low whisper, would be picked up by it; moreover, so long as he remained withing the field of vision which the metal plaque commanded, he could be seen as well as heard. There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being wathced at any given moment. How often, or on what system, the Though Police plugged in on any individual wire. IT was eve conceivable they watched everybody all the time."p.2-3
Telescreens to me, seem conceivable especially in this day and age. If we can have cameras designed to look like inauspicious household articles and wiretapping, then telescreens are nothing. That is kind of scary. The fact of the matter is, a lot of what was predicted in this novel is now true or at least plausible. There is a potential for many of the methods of government control portrayed in this novel. Furthermore, I feel that the being watched every second of one's life, though useful as a scare tactic by the government, could have the potential to lead to a revolt. These screens do contribute a great part to the disagreement many seem to hold with the government's reign. All in all, I believe the telescreen is one of the means by which the government best holds their position of power. They are always present, a constant reminder of the "watching" that the citizens experience. The ability for a government to do this is thus unsettling in many ways.
Telescreens to me, seem conceivable especially in this day and age. If we can have cameras designed to look like inauspicious household articles and wiretapping, then telescreens are nothing. That is kind of scary. The fact of the matter is, a lot of what was predicted in this novel is now true or at least plausible. There is a potential for many of the methods of government control portrayed in this novel. Furthermore, I feel that the being watched every second of one's life, though useful as a scare tactic by the government, could have the potential to lead to a revolt. These screens do contribute a great part to the disagreement many seem to hold with the government's reign. All in all, I believe the telescreen is one of the means by which the government best holds their position of power. They are always present, a constant reminder of the "watching" that the citizens experience. The ability for a government to do this is thus unsettling in many ways.
Two Minutes Hate - 1984
"The Hate rose to its climax. The voice of Goldstein had become an actual sheep's bleat, and for an instant the face changed into that of a sheep. Then the sheep-face melted into the figure of a Eurasian soldier who seemed to be advancing, huge and terrible, his submachine gun roaring and seeming to spring out of the surface of the screen, so that some of the people in the front row actually flinched backwards in their seats. But in the same moment, drawing a deep sigh of relief from everybody, the hostile figure melted into the face of Big Brother, black-haired, black-moustachio'd, full of power and mysterious calm, and so vast that he almost filled up the screen." p. 15-6
The sequence of events within the Two Minutes Hate are to a degree baffling. How at this time period, could one think of such an occurrence? I wonder myself if there is no relation to some events in World War II. It sounds a bit like brain washing, as well as doctoring of video footage. The strangest thing to me is that time is taken several times out of the day, almost like prayer, to participate in this Two Minutes Hate. I feel that the violence depicted is in part a hostility incurred by the government that is then directed away from themselves toward some scape-goat enemy. I find it odd that so many people could lose themselves in the anger of the crowd. In some ways, this reminds me of the stoning in The Lottery. The crowd joins in because it is tradition and if one person is participating, the others are more likely to.
In addition, here is a commercial that is a reference to Big Brother that I didn't understand till reading this novel.
The sequence of events within the Two Minutes Hate are to a degree baffling. How at this time period, could one think of such an occurrence? I wonder myself if there is no relation to some events in World War II. It sounds a bit like brain washing, as well as doctoring of video footage. The strangest thing to me is that time is taken several times out of the day, almost like prayer, to participate in this Two Minutes Hate. I feel that the violence depicted is in part a hostility incurred by the government that is then directed away from themselves toward some scape-goat enemy. I find it odd that so many people could lose themselves in the anger of the crowd. In some ways, this reminds me of the stoning in The Lottery. The crowd joins in because it is tradition and if one person is participating, the others are more likely to.
In addition, here is a commercial that is a reference to Big Brother that I didn't understand till reading this novel.
Internal Conflict - 1984
"DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER....theyll shoot me i dont care theyll shoot me in the back of the neck i dont care down with big brother they always shoot you in the back of the neck i dont care down with big brother"
p. 18-9
This is one thought process that Winston writes out on paper that is continuously going through his mind. Despite his disgust and disagreement with the current government, he also fears acting against it. This is apparent from the thoughts we are given through the 1st person narrative. In going against the government, vaporization may be imminent, but continued support still will likely end in his death. If the main character of the novel has these thoughts, it can thus be inferred that this is a common thought for many characters in the novel. Thus this internal conflict is important because it gives even more detail into how the government is affecting people's daily lives and thoughts. It is most interesting because it shows the control that Winston struggles to have over himself during these conflicting times. This internal conflict is key to understanding the government's immense control and truthfully, power, both physically and mentally over the people.
p. 18-9
This is one thought process that Winston writes out on paper that is continuously going through his mind. Despite his disgust and disagreement with the current government, he also fears acting against it. This is apparent from the thoughts we are given through the 1st person narrative. In going against the government, vaporization may be imminent, but continued support still will likely end in his death. If the main character of the novel has these thoughts, it can thus be inferred that this is a common thought for many characters in the novel. Thus this internal conflict is important because it gives even more detail into how the government is affecting people's daily lives and thoughts. It is most interesting because it shows the control that Winston struggles to have over himself during these conflicting times. This internal conflict is key to understanding the government's immense control and truthfully, power, both physically and mentally over the people.
Mood - 1984
"A kilometer away the Ministry of Truth, his place of work, towered vast and white above the grimy landscape... Were there always these vistas of rotting nineteenth- century houses, their sides shored up with balks of timber, their windows patched with cardboard and their roofs with corrugated iron, their crazy garden walls sagging in all directions? And the bombed sites where the plaster dust swirled in the air and the willow herb straggled over the heaps of rubble: and the places where the bombs had cleared a larger path and there had sprung up sordid colonies of wooden dwellings like chicken houses?" p. 3
Descriptions such as this litter the novel of 1984. These can of course be contributed to setting, but that also set the mood for the novel itself. In this futuristic view of London, despair is evident in the ramshackle living of the people. The four Ministry buildings rise above all else. This can set a mood of overpowering by the government, which stands high above the city. The people have been crushed and oppressed, which is visible in the housing descriptions provided. This sets a mood of helplessness, as even minimal repairs are crude and inadequate. These settings help for the reader to move forward in the novel with an understanding of the characters' own feelings and conditions, which further drive the story.
Descriptions such as this litter the novel of 1984. These can of course be contributed to setting, but that also set the mood for the novel itself. In this futuristic view of London, despair is evident in the ramshackle living of the people. The four Ministry buildings rise above all else. This can set a mood of overpowering by the government, which stands high above the city. The people have been crushed and oppressed, which is visible in the housing descriptions provided. This sets a mood of helplessness, as even minimal repairs are crude and inadequate. These settings help for the reader to move forward in the novel with an understanding of the characters' own feelings and conditions, which further drive the story.
Dialect - 1984
"times 17.3.84 bb speech malreported africa rectify
times 18.12.83 forecasts 3 yp 4th quarter 83 misprints verify current issue
times 14.2.84 miniplenty malquoted chocolate rectify
times 3.12.83 reporting bb dayorder doubleplusungood refs unpersons rewrite fullwise upsub antefiling." p. 38
This is just one example of the many times that the dialect of "Newspeak" is used throughout the novel 1984. In this case, the dialect switches from what we know as modern English to that of Newspeak. The main character himself usually uses modern English with only a few impositions of Newspeak outside his work. This exemplifies his resistance to the control the government holds over their lives. Newspeak symbolizes the ultimate take over, a point at which even language will have been demolished. In this novel, dialect is important because it shows who has accepted the government and its demands into their lives to a greater or a lesser degree. This also is used to show just how great the government's/ Big Brother's power in the country has grown. If speech is being controlled, then it is assumable that there is nearly no free will if any available to the common man at this point.
times 18.12.83 forecasts 3 yp 4th quarter 83 misprints verify current issue
times 14.2.84 miniplenty malquoted chocolate rectify
times 3.12.83 reporting bb dayorder doubleplusungood refs unpersons rewrite fullwise upsub antefiling." p. 38
This is just one example of the many times that the dialect of "Newspeak" is used throughout the novel 1984. In this case, the dialect switches from what we know as modern English to that of Newspeak. The main character himself usually uses modern English with only a few impositions of Newspeak outside his work. This exemplifies his resistance to the control the government holds over their lives. Newspeak symbolizes the ultimate take over, a point at which even language will have been demolished. In this novel, dialect is important because it shows who has accepted the government and its demands into their lives to a greater or a lesser degree. This also is used to show just how great the government's/ Big Brother's power in the country has grown. If speech is being controlled, then it is assumable that there is nearly no free will if any available to the common man at this point.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Raisin in the Sun - Opinion
I truthfully enjoyed reading this play. I liked that I could understand its context and the emotions of each character without feeling distracted by Shakespearean wordings. I especially liked the transformation ending of this play, in which Walter finally understands what his mother has been saying. (p. 148) This is an extreme contrast to Glass Menagerie, where Tom never truly sees his faults. This transformation seems to be a theme throughout this play. Beneatha changes to a degree in this play, as does Walter several times. I also feel that the characters of Ruth and Mama are closely tied together, because they share so many traits and seem to be the glue of the family. Overall, I liked this play because it left me wanting to know what else would happen to the family. Thus, I truly knew that I had been drawn in, as any play intends to do.
A Raisin in the Sun - #7
The action of this play only covers approximately 4 days with a difference of hours and weeks interspersed between them. None of this action is presented in the form of a report, but is all dramatized. It is explained that Walter gave away his money and that it was stolen, but aside from this, everything else is acted. (p.127) The action that is not included is seemingly unimportant, since it goes unexplained. That which is acted out are the most important events over the time period of about 2 weeks. There doesn't seem to be any meaning behind that which is dramatized or reported. I feel that the way that everything is acted out fits the play perfectly, because it allows audience to see the interactions in the family and emphasize its importance. In this way, what is shown is important to the play.
A Raisin in the Sun - #4
In a Raisin in the Sun, suspense is created numerous times by the withholding of information. For example, when the man from the neighborhood's welcoming committee is at the door, Beneatha does not immediately tell the family who is at the door.(p. 113) The money is alluded to several times before it arrives, building the suspense for its arrival. Conversations between Beneatha and Asagai are often times stilted and awkward, building suspense for their seemingly hidden romance (p. 61, 131) These amongst many other moments create a suspenseful feel to the play. The contrast in the knowledge that the characters and the audience has creates an air of waiting that appears suspenseful at times. In expecting for some situations to happen, Asagai + Beneatha, the loss of the $, etc.... the audience is forced to wait for the moment at which the situation will occur, drawing them further into the play.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Glass Menagerie: My Take
I really enjoy the fact that Tennessee Williams put so much detail into the stage descriptions and characterization, As a techie, and stage manager, every little foot note or italicized word is so important. None of the scripts that I have ever worked with have had as much detail as this one does. The first page and a half alone is just description, such as " At the rise of th4e curtain the audience is faced with the dark, grim rear wall of the Wingfield tenement. this building is flanked on either side by dark, narrow alleyways..." (p. 1235). Not only does a script like this allow for character development, but it creates an image, almost like a set design written in words. I really like this play because of its attention to detail and description. And now I kind of wish we could perform this play here at Roncalli just so I could help with the sets and the stage layout. This would be a dream come true, because every resource one might need seems to already be listed in the script. :D
The Glass Menagerie: #2
I feel like this play is mainly a comedy because of exaggeration. However, I can also see how this may also be melodramatic. There is a mixture in this play of multiple types of drama. I don't feel like the experiences of this drama are only understood through the classification of this play because it is such a combination. An example of melodrama in this play is the fighting and bickering between Amanda and Tom, such as on page 1245-6. This fighting is exaggerated, but creates melodrama that draws the audience in and helps to better express the characters' anger and strife. Finally, the music which is often played, or the lights on different faces or the portrait are to a degree comedic in their timing. Overall, the play has a more serious feel to it than comedic, as though the melodrama slightly overrules the comedy.
The Glass Menagerie: #4
In this play, dramatic suspense is created in several ways. One, way in which this occurs is through the fact that Tom is both a narrator and a character. p. 1236 " I am the narrator of the play, and also a character in it." This allows Tom to provide us with key information which the other characters do not know. For example, he begins the play by describing the plot to the reader, or audience of it. This creates a dramatic effect, because symbols are given and are easier to search for. The suspense is furthered through the different music and lighting cues given throughout the play which make ironic or symbolic suggestions. One such example of this is on p. 1238 where "Tom motions for music and a spot light on AMANDA." These directions create some of their own dramatic suspense, because the audience knows that this is a memory, but the characters do not.
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