Tragedy is defined as a lamentable, dreadful, or fatal event or affair; calamity; disaster by dictionary.com and generally speaking I agree with this definition. This genre is usually (for me) associated with tears instead of laughter. I find the very idea of Shakespeare's work being called a tragedy amusing, not because i think he is incapable of writing it, but because the way he writes it makes it more amusing than tragic.
Quote:
MACBETH: I'll go no more:I am afraid to think what I have done;Look on't again I dare not.
LADY MACBETH: Infirm of purpose!Give me the daggers: the sleeping and the dead Are but as pictures: 'tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed,I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal; For it must seem their guilt.
Exit.
In this scene the true loveliness of Lady MacBeth comes alive! She is basically saying to her husband (who is supposed to be the one in charge in accordance with the gender roles of the time) give me the knives you idiot ill clean up your mess. This is an obvious showing of Shakespeare's view on gender roles which often appears in his writing. She refers to the notions he has about the dead as childish. Putting him once more in a feminine light and her in a masculine light.
I love this play by Shakespeare, not as much as A Midsummer Nights Dream, but a lot. Lady MacBeth is possibly my favorite female role in any given play EVER. Just her take charge attitude with her husband and the way she obviously wears the pants is so humorous that I'm not entirely sure why this is a tragedy and not a Comedy. Although into both catagories it fits because of the ending. his opnion of gender roles is clear in this play making it one of his better works when combined with the humor provided to a tragedy. Good work, Bard.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Comedy- Mid Summer Nights Dream
I don't know a single person who doesn't like a good comedy. Something light and funny with unexpected twists and turns often produces laughter from even the most stoic of critics. The confusion Shakespeare creates in order to produce the comedic effect is just as amusing as the puns he creates so lavishly. I love the genre comedy and if i do watch a movie is it often of this genre. While comedy is wonderful, as we learned in class it is often hard to nail down what it is that makes something funny. Sort of like nailing jello to a tree.
Speaking of nailing jello to a tree, I imagine that these fools would try to do just that kind of thing (if they had jello in their time):
SNOUT:Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion?
STARVELING:I fear it, I promise you.
BOTTOM:Masters, you ought to consider with yourselves: tobring in--God shield us!--a lion among ladies, is amost dreadful thing; for there is not a more fearfulwild-fowl than your lion living; and we ought tolook to 't.
SNOUT:Therefore another prologue must tell he is not a lion.
BOTTOM:Nay, you must name his name, and half his face mustbe seen through the lion's neck: and he himselfmust speak through, saying thus, or to the samedefect,--'Ladies,'--or 'Fair-ladies--I would wishYou,'--or 'I would request you,'--or 'I wouldentreat you,--not to fear, not to tremble: my lifefor yours. If you think I come hither as a lion, itwere pity of my life: no I am no such thing; I am aman as other men are;' and there indeed let him namehis name, and tell them plainly he is Snug the joiner.
This is probably part of the most ridiculous exchanges within the entire play. Bottom and his troope of actors (haha) are so smitten with themselves that they seem to think their acting is so wonderful and lifelike that they may frighten the Ladies. The most amusing part of this passage would be the diction. Shakespeare intentionally makes these fools misuse words and misspells other in order to contribute to the chaos factor which helps create the humor.
Speaking of nailing jello to a tree, I imagine that these fools would try to do just that kind of thing (if they had jello in their time):
SNOUT:Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion?
STARVELING:I fear it, I promise you.
BOTTOM:Masters, you ought to consider with yourselves: tobring in--God shield us!--a lion among ladies, is amost dreadful thing; for there is not a more fearfulwild-fowl than your lion living; and we ought tolook to 't.
SNOUT:Therefore another prologue must tell he is not a lion.
BOTTOM:Nay, you must name his name, and half his face mustbe seen through the lion's neck: and he himselfmust speak through, saying thus, or to the samedefect,--'Ladies,'--or 'Fair-ladies--I would wishYou,'--or 'I would request you,'--or 'I wouldentreat you,--not to fear, not to tremble: my lifefor yours. If you think I come hither as a lion, itwere pity of my life: no I am no such thing; I am aman as other men are;' and there indeed let him namehis name, and tell them plainly he is Snug the joiner.
This is probably part of the most ridiculous exchanges within the entire play. Bottom and his troope of actors (haha) are so smitten with themselves that they seem to think their acting is so wonderful and lifelike that they may frighten the Ladies. The most amusing part of this passage would be the diction. Shakespeare intentionally makes these fools misuse words and misspells other in order to contribute to the chaos factor which helps create the humor.
History-Richard III
Before I start any analyzing I would look to look at the genre of History. (yay) Shakespearian histories are somewhat different than the average history. Shakespeare helped to shape the opinion of his people, and in effect altered opinions to reflect in the histories written following his publications. While I find history boring in most cases the very fact that his plays altered how history was written down (and perceived) for a period of time makes history all that more interesting. Truly the master of words Shakespeare finds a way to make even the most evil people appear interesting and makes a bloody struggle for power seem like it was all in a days work. Well done, Shakespeare- you held my attention in history for more than ten minutes.
"GLOUCESTER: Well, your imprisonment shall not be long; Meantime, have patience."
The true cunning of Richard III is apparent in this double entendre. While Richard appears to have great concern for his brother's position and vows to do anything he can to help, he has a truly dark side that is apparent in this scene. Moments before his brother Clarence walks in, Richard is discussing how it is his right to do the evil that he is doing in order to get to the throne. When Clarence appears on his way to the Tower, Richard makes the above promise. One would hardly suspect that Richard would be the reason that Clarence's imprisonment will not be long, only because of his death.
As I have said, history is not exactly my forte. on the other hand it is difficult to read a Shakespearean play and not get caught up in the story. This talent of Shakespeare's (that is, to present a story and weave in history) is a good one, and this has helped me to further enjoy this play. This particular play kept me interested because Richard reminded me of Mr. Klimas in his evil ways. =) In my opinion it was well written (if not a little exaggerated) and a good play.
"GLOUCESTER: Well, your imprisonment shall not be long; Meantime, have patience."
The true cunning of Richard III is apparent in this double entendre. While Richard appears to have great concern for his brother's position and vows to do anything he can to help, he has a truly dark side that is apparent in this scene. Moments before his brother Clarence walks in, Richard is discussing how it is his right to do the evil that he is doing in order to get to the throne. When Clarence appears on his way to the Tower, Richard makes the above promise. One would hardly suspect that Richard would be the reason that Clarence's imprisonment will not be long, only because of his death.
As I have said, history is not exactly my forte. on the other hand it is difficult to read a Shakespearean play and not get caught up in the story. This talent of Shakespeare's (that is, to present a story and weave in history) is a good one, and this has helped me to further enjoy this play. This particular play kept me interested because Richard reminded me of Mr. Klimas in his evil ways. =) In my opinion it was well written (if not a little exaggerated) and a good play.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
I think I'm crosseyed. Perhaps I have carpal tunnel now.
Poem 246 Page 305
First and foremost I must say that this poem literally made me "LOL." I could envision my own grandmother in her out of style clothing that is intentionally mismatched to keep the busybodies at church gawking. The capturing of lost youth in the speakers near future is evident by the lack of conformity, or rhyme scheme. Jenny Joseph uses neither rhyme nor any particular number of lines in a stanza to get her point across. Joseph is criticising people and their self conscience views in lines 16-19 "But now we must have clothes that keep us dry / and pay our rent and not swear in the street / and set a good example for the children. / We must have friends to dinner and read the papers."
This poem is an interesting piece of satire laced with overstatement. The speaker, who wishes for change and even says that she maybe ought to practice now, criticises others for doing this in her speaking, but ironically is still living this life herself. The very idea that someone would eat "only bread and pickle for a week" is obvious overstatement, which lends to the humor of the poem.
As i mentioned, this was a great peom. I acutally printed a copy for my grandmother. Jenyy Joseph captures the very fun of childhood and shows that older women dont always have to be dignified, but rather can live a little.
First and foremost I must say that this poem literally made me "LOL." I could envision my own grandmother in her out of style clothing that is intentionally mismatched to keep the busybodies at church gawking. The capturing of lost youth in the speakers near future is evident by the lack of conformity, or rhyme scheme. Jenny Joseph uses neither rhyme nor any particular number of lines in a stanza to get her point across. Joseph is criticising people and their self conscience views in lines 16-19 "But now we must have clothes that keep us dry / and pay our rent and not swear in the street / and set a good example for the children. / We must have friends to dinner and read the papers."
This poem is an interesting piece of satire laced with overstatement. The speaker, who wishes for change and even says that she maybe ought to practice now, criticises others for doing this in her speaking, but ironically is still living this life herself. The very idea that someone would eat "only bread and pickle for a week" is obvious overstatement, which lends to the humor of the poem.
As i mentioned, this was a great peom. I acutally printed a copy for my grandmother. Jenyy Joseph captures the very fun of childhood and shows that older women dont always have to be dignified, but rather can live a little.
There is no painting in this book... some portrait.
Symbol:
One major symbol in this book was the birds and flight. Birds are discussed in almost every chapter throughout the novel and show Stephen's desire to "take flight" and get away from his situation in life. Stephens last name, and plight are similar to Daedalus. Both want to escape from where they are. Daedalus built wings out of twine, wax, and feathers to fly away and Stephen (and his strikingly similar last name) too wants to fly out of his current situation. Both manage to do so.
Quote:
"Is a chair finely made tragic or comic? Is the portrait of Mona Lisa good if I desire to see it? Is the bust of Sir Philip Crampton lyrical, epical, or dramatic? Can excrement or a child or a louse be a work of art? If not,why not?" Page 232
I found this particular quote interesting. This part in the novel is Stephens true turning point towards his realizations on life. His questioning of things that are, such as a finely made chair, are fascinating. He sees here that things have two sides. The chair, while finely made will see nothing but some one's rear. This could be both tragic (as a lot of work and love has been put into the chair) or comic (which is self explanatory.) The chair itself is, in essence a view of life. He continues this thought by question the value of something based on desire. Again, these are the kinds of questions that lead him to realize himself in his entirety. The idea that anything can be a work of art is showing that he has learned; that beauty of any kind is in the eye of the beholder is a new concept to him, as he has been so oriented around his standing for a good part of his life.
Opinion:
I found that the novel was easier to understand with class discussion. Perhaps a second reading of this book would enable me to further enjoy it, however I did have a rough time with it. I liked the authors use of simple language initially and that the language progressed with Stephen himself, and I found that to be an effective tool in helping me to understand the changes in his life. Joyce's life is exposed throughout the novel, which makes it even more compelling to me. Overall I liked the book but really do feel that to truly appreciate it I need to reread it.
One major symbol in this book was the birds and flight. Birds are discussed in almost every chapter throughout the novel and show Stephen's desire to "take flight" and get away from his situation in life. Stephens last name, and plight are similar to Daedalus. Both want to escape from where they are. Daedalus built wings out of twine, wax, and feathers to fly away and Stephen (and his strikingly similar last name) too wants to fly out of his current situation. Both manage to do so.
Quote:
"Is a chair finely made tragic or comic? Is the portrait of Mona Lisa good if I desire to see it? Is the bust of Sir Philip Crampton lyrical, epical, or dramatic? Can excrement or a child or a louse be a work of art? If not,why not?" Page 232
I found this particular quote interesting. This part in the novel is Stephens true turning point towards his realizations on life. His questioning of things that are, such as a finely made chair, are fascinating. He sees here that things have two sides. The chair, while finely made will see nothing but some one's rear. This could be both tragic (as a lot of work and love has been put into the chair) or comic (which is self explanatory.) The chair itself is, in essence a view of life. He continues this thought by question the value of something based on desire. Again, these are the kinds of questions that lead him to realize himself in his entirety. The idea that anything can be a work of art is showing that he has learned; that beauty of any kind is in the eye of the beholder is a new concept to him, as he has been so oriented around his standing for a good part of his life.
Opinion:
I found that the novel was easier to understand with class discussion. Perhaps a second reading of this book would enable me to further enjoy it, however I did have a rough time with it. I liked the authors use of simple language initially and that the language progressed with Stephen himself, and I found that to be an effective tool in helping me to understand the changes in his life. Joyce's life is exposed throughout the novel, which makes it even more compelling to me. Overall I liked the book but really do feel that to truly appreciate it I need to reread it.
Spring Forward
Poem 214 Page 281
The human speaker, who never identifies themselves, is not the important part of this poem. The true speaker of this poem is in Mother Nature herself. Dickinson lovingly describes nature as the speaker, "or noons report away." This is not the only point in the poem where nature, or something of god is speaking. The lack of consistent rhyme in this poem gives it a free feel, but the opening stanzas has a distant and melancholy feel. The use of words like, "scarcely" and "solitary" hint at this feel.
The use of personification gives Mother Nature life through spring. Dickinson uses words like "reports", "waits", "speaks" and "passes" to make spring come to life. This personification makes it easier to connect spring with youth. Wholly Dickinson is showing that youth must follow nature in its changing. "It passes, and we stay-" is telling us that youth, like the seasons will pass but who we are will remain, merely altered.
I am a huge fan of Emily Dickinson, and this poem is one of my favorites. My favorite lines are "That science cannot overtake / But human nature feels" and this is because I feel a very close connection to nature, and am not a 2+2=4 kind of person, as Mr. Ripley would say. There are just somethings in life that one feels that science will never capture. Youth is one of those things.
The human speaker, who never identifies themselves, is not the important part of this poem. The true speaker of this poem is in Mother Nature herself. Dickinson lovingly describes nature as the speaker, "or noons report away." This is not the only point in the poem where nature, or something of god is speaking. The lack of consistent rhyme in this poem gives it a free feel, but the opening stanzas has a distant and melancholy feel. The use of words like, "scarcely" and "solitary" hint at this feel.
The use of personification gives Mother Nature life through spring. Dickinson uses words like "reports", "waits", "speaks" and "passes" to make spring come to life. This personification makes it easier to connect spring with youth. Wholly Dickinson is showing that youth must follow nature in its changing. "It passes, and we stay-" is telling us that youth, like the seasons will pass but who we are will remain, merely altered.
I am a huge fan of Emily Dickinson, and this poem is one of my favorites. My favorite lines are "That science cannot overtake / But human nature feels" and this is because I feel a very close connection to nature, and am not a 2+2=4 kind of person, as Mr. Ripley would say. There are just somethings in life that one feels that science will never capture. Youth is one of those things.
I ran. I ran so far away.... -sings to self-
Poem 250 Page 311
The speaker of the poem is a black male. This is insinuated by the diction of the word "Suh" and as it is stated in line four "why come the black boys don't run off." There is only one rhyme in "The warden said to me" and it is the fourth and eighth line. The rhyme there is distinctly masculine which helps the reader understand that the speaker is male; the use of the term "boy" says also, that the speaker is male, but the masculinity in the rhyme in comparison to the childish connotation provides a clear divide between the speaker and the warden. The parenthesis help show what the speaker is thinking but would not dare to say out loud because of his social status. However the words "innocently, I think," show that while the speaker is merely thinking these words he is also questioning they way that things are in his life. He is unsure if the answer he is providing is simply an automatic response or if he genuinely means what he says.
Poems like this disturb me but always seem to catch my attention. I liked that Knight used the masculine rhyme only once so that the reader got the sense that the masculinity is present, but dimmed by the use of the word "boy." These subtle hints are, for me, what makes a poem truly excellent.
The speaker of the poem is a black male. This is insinuated by the diction of the word "Suh" and as it is stated in line four "why come the black boys don't run off." There is only one rhyme in "The warden said to me" and it is the fourth and eighth line. The rhyme there is distinctly masculine which helps the reader understand that the speaker is male; the use of the term "boy" says also, that the speaker is male, but the masculinity in the rhyme in comparison to the childish connotation provides a clear divide between the speaker and the warden. The parenthesis help show what the speaker is thinking but would not dare to say out loud because of his social status. However the words "innocently, I think," show that while the speaker is merely thinking these words he is also questioning they way that things are in his life. He is unsure if the answer he is providing is simply an automatic response or if he genuinely means what he says.
Poems like this disturb me but always seem to catch my attention. I liked that Knight used the masculine rhyme only once so that the reader got the sense that the masculinity is present, but dimmed by the use of the word "boy." These subtle hints are, for me, what makes a poem truly excellent.
Before TV? Poem 295 Page 343
"There once was a poet named Will
Who tramped his way over a hill
And was speechless for hours
Over some stupid flowers
This was years before TV, but still." -Some Idiot on the Internet. =)
Published first in 1807, and revised in 1815 "The Daffodils" or "I wandered Lonely as a Cloud" was written about an experience Wordsworth had while out with his sister. Wordsworth recalls this experience of pleasure when he is "in vacant or in pensive mood..." The speaker is able to convey the reality of this moment in his life by stating that he himself is the poet, "A poet could not but be gay" and this authenticates the tranquility of the experience for both the reader and the speaker. The lyrical nature of this poem is added to by the quatrain-couplet rhyme scheme ( a b a b c c) that lends itself to a singsong/childlike nature. In this childlike innocence the speaker feels "the bliss of solitude" and while at the time of the viewing the speaker had "but little thought/ what wealth the show to me had brought:" he is able to later bring forth in his mind the free-ness that he had experienced.
By beginning the poem with a simile " I wandered lonely as a cloud" the author denotes the freedom of both the moment and the poem; the speaker is both physically free (in an open space and alone) as well as mentally and emotionally free. By describing himself as a cloud he is telling the reader that this journey is celestial or transcendental in that he is beyond what he troubling him in life and allowing himself to enjoy the true nature of God, and through God, nature.By singling himself out and insinuating a distance between himself and the dancing daffodils the speaker shows both his present loneliness and his loneliness at the time. The personification of the "host, of golden daffodils;" adds to the solitary nature of the speaker's transcendental and innocent experience.
This poem I happened to enjoy immensely. The imagery of the daffodils is reminiscent of my favorite time of year, and the experience of the the speaker makes me want to go out and find my own band of daffodils to gaze upon. Wordsworth's unusual take on the daffoils "dance" makes this poem particularly outstanding in that the common description of "waves" (such as that seen in "America The Beautiful") is not applied to the daffodils but instead to the outdoing of the waves of the bay nearby, "The waves beside them danced; but they / Outdid the sparkling waves in glee."
Who tramped his way over a hill
And was speechless for hours
Over some stupid flowers
This was years before TV, but still." -Some Idiot on the Internet. =)
Published first in 1807, and revised in 1815 "The Daffodils" or "I wandered Lonely as a Cloud" was written about an experience Wordsworth had while out with his sister. Wordsworth recalls this experience of pleasure when he is "in vacant or in pensive mood..." The speaker is able to convey the reality of this moment in his life by stating that he himself is the poet, "A poet could not but be gay" and this authenticates the tranquility of the experience for both the reader and the speaker. The lyrical nature of this poem is added to by the quatrain-couplet rhyme scheme ( a b a b c c) that lends itself to a singsong/childlike nature. In this childlike innocence the speaker feels "the bliss of solitude" and while at the time of the viewing the speaker had "but little thought/ what wealth the show to me had brought:" he is able to later bring forth in his mind the free-ness that he had experienced.
By beginning the poem with a simile " I wandered lonely as a cloud" the author denotes the freedom of both the moment and the poem; the speaker is both physically free (in an open space and alone) as well as mentally and emotionally free. By describing himself as a cloud he is telling the reader that this journey is celestial or transcendental in that he is beyond what he troubling him in life and allowing himself to enjoy the true nature of God, and through God, nature.By singling himself out and insinuating a distance between himself and the dancing daffodils the speaker shows both his present loneliness and his loneliness at the time. The personification of the "host, of golden daffodils;" adds to the solitary nature of the speaker's transcendental and innocent experience.
This poem I happened to enjoy immensely. The imagery of the daffodils is reminiscent of my favorite time of year, and the experience of the the speaker makes me want to go out and find my own band of daffodils to gaze upon. Wordsworth's unusual take on the daffoils "dance" makes this poem particularly outstanding in that the common description of "waves" (such as that seen in "America The Beautiful") is not applied to the daffodils but instead to the outdoing of the waves of the bay nearby, "The waves beside them danced; but they / Outdid the sparkling waves in glee."
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Faces of a Stranger...We Love to Try them On
This book was a difficult read, and I truly struggled with it. Even after much class discussion there were many things that just left me shaking my head and bewildered. I called in some help from friends (thanks Nickle for answering my questions as best you could) but even after that this book still made me feel like a bottom feeder in that I had so much trouble with it I had to ask questions of my patient friends often and still have questions in class. I liked the idea of this book, and enjoyed the thought of the “what ifs.” This book reminded me a little bit of Lord of the Flies, and I thoroughly enjoyed that book.
“It was unearthly, and the men were—No, they were not inhuman. Well, you know, that was the worst of it—the suspicion of their not being inhuman. It would come slowly to one. They howled and leaped, and spun, and made horrid faces; but what thrilled you was just the thought of their humanity—like yours—the thought of your remote kinship with this wild and passionate uproar. Ugly. Yes, it was ugly enough; but if you were man enough you would admit to yourself that there was in you”
This quote shows his twisted view of the natives. It is almost as if by making them less human, and giving them animal like characteristics, he makes what is really going on more bearable. The author’s diction helps create a savage picture of the natives using words like “howled” and “roar” and shows that this display has intrigued Marlow and that he is coming around to the idea of being just as “savage” as those he is watching.
Kurtz’s character is an interesting one. I personally struggled with the idea that he might not even really be a character, he might be like an alter ego of Marlow. This idea is backed by Kurtz’s death and Marlow’s decision to step back form the leap he could have easily made. Kurtz is on a basic level the “wild side” of every human. Billy Joel wrote a whole song about this called The Stranger LyricsArtist(Band):Billy Joel
Well we all have a face
That we hide away forever
And we take them out and show ourselves
When everyone has gone
Some are satin some are steel
Some are silk and some are leather
They're the faces of the stranger
But we love to try them on
Well we all fall in love
But we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets
There are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised
That you never saw the stranger
Did you ever let your lover see
The stranger in yourself?
Don't be afraid to try again
Everyone goes south
Every now and then
You've done it, why can't
Someone else?
You should know by now
You've been there yourself
Once I used to believe
I was such a great romancer
Then I came home to a woman
That I could not recognize
When I pressed her for a reason
She refused to even answer
It was then I felt the stranger
Kick me right between the eyes
Well we all fall in love
But we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets
There are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised
That you never saw the stranger
Did you ever let your lover see
The stranger in yourself?
Don't be afraid to try again
Everyone goes south
Every now and then
You've done it why can't
Someone else?
You should know by now
You've been there yourself
You may never understand
How the stranger is inspired
But he isn't always evil
And he is not always wrong
Though you drown in good intentions
You will never quench the fire
You'll give in to your desire
When the stranger comes along.
“It was unearthly, and the men were—No, they were not inhuman. Well, you know, that was the worst of it—the suspicion of their not being inhuman. It would come slowly to one. They howled and leaped, and spun, and made horrid faces; but what thrilled you was just the thought of their humanity—like yours—the thought of your remote kinship with this wild and passionate uproar. Ugly. Yes, it was ugly enough; but if you were man enough you would admit to yourself that there was in you”
This quote shows his twisted view of the natives. It is almost as if by making them less human, and giving them animal like characteristics, he makes what is really going on more bearable. The author’s diction helps create a savage picture of the natives using words like “howled” and “roar” and shows that this display has intrigued Marlow and that he is coming around to the idea of being just as “savage” as those he is watching.
Kurtz’s character is an interesting one. I personally struggled with the idea that he might not even really be a character, he might be like an alter ego of Marlow. This idea is backed by Kurtz’s death and Marlow’s decision to step back form the leap he could have easily made. Kurtz is on a basic level the “wild side” of every human. Billy Joel wrote a whole song about this called The Stranger LyricsArtist(Band):Billy Joel
Well we all have a face
That we hide away forever
And we take them out and show ourselves
When everyone has gone
Some are satin some are steel
Some are silk and some are leather
They're the faces of the stranger
But we love to try them on
Well we all fall in love
But we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets
There are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised
That you never saw the stranger
Did you ever let your lover see
The stranger in yourself?
Don't be afraid to try again
Everyone goes south
Every now and then
You've done it, why can't
Someone else?
You should know by now
You've been there yourself
Once I used to believe
I was such a great romancer
Then I came home to a woman
That I could not recognize
When I pressed her for a reason
She refused to even answer
It was then I felt the stranger
Kick me right between the eyes
Well we all fall in love
But we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets
There are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised
That you never saw the stranger
Did you ever let your lover see
The stranger in yourself?
Don't be afraid to try again
Everyone goes south
Every now and then
You've done it why can't
Someone else?
You should know by now
You've been there yourself
You may never understand
How the stranger is inspired
But he isn't always evil
And he is not always wrong
Though you drown in good intentions
You will never quench the fire
You'll give in to your desire
When the stranger comes along.
Where's Waldo?
I found this book to be rather interesting. The white and black motifs that were constant throughout the novel made it almost like a Where’s Waldo? Game by the time I had reached the end. I was playing Where’s TIM? on every page. The point the story was making was still a valid one in today’s society and everyone can see the relation to today. There were many complicated symbols but even at surface value this book had a good ring to it.
"But don't you think he should be a little blacker?"(303)
This statement just shows how the Brotherhood views him as a replaceable resource and not as a human being. This seems to be a common theme throughout the novel as well. He is chosen for his voice and that is it, and no one cares one whit about him so long as he is doing as he is told. This-, being stated right in front of his face shows how unimportant he really is to the woman and how much more the “cause” is than the humans involved. This seems strange for people that call themselves The Brotherhood.
One major symbol in TIM is the “optic white’ paint. The interesting part of this paint is the black base required to make it. Without this black base the white paint is not what it should be. This white paint, which clearly symbolizes the nature of the white population of the time, is used to cover anything and everything. As was true in society at the time, there was often more than one black hand involved in things white folk received credit for.
"But don't you think he should be a little blacker?"(303)
This statement just shows how the Brotherhood views him as a replaceable resource and not as a human being. This seems to be a common theme throughout the novel as well. He is chosen for his voice and that is it, and no one cares one whit about him so long as he is doing as he is told. This-, being stated right in front of his face shows how unimportant he really is to the woman and how much more the “cause” is than the humans involved. This seems strange for people that call themselves The Brotherhood.
One major symbol in TIM is the “optic white’ paint. The interesting part of this paint is the black base required to make it. Without this black base the white paint is not what it should be. This white paint, which clearly symbolizes the nature of the white population of the time, is used to cover anything and everything. As was true in society at the time, there was often more than one black hand involved in things white folk received credit for.
Player Piano
Kurt Vonnegut’s black humor made a book that I found just barely bearable-at least tolerable. At this point I was more than sick of dystopia novels but in spite of its complicated and detailed story I enjoyed and appreciated Vonnegut’s writing style. His humor made it comfortable for someone to examine the possibilities of what is already occurring in society today and forced me to seriously consider how much I let impersonal machines do the simple things in life for me. Illium’s intricate works triggered memories of a field trip I had taken when I was little and made me wonder at how close to that scary society we already are. His novel certainly was one of the most eye openings, second in my opinion to only We and at that not by much of a margin.
"Anita slept-- utterly satisfied, not so much by Paul as by the social orgasm of, after years of the system's love play, being offered Pittsburgh" (page 135).
Just the very comparison of a job opportunity to intimacy show how mechanic this society has become. Anita has had much social foreplay and actually seems to enjoy it more than sex itself. Her main concern lies in Pittsburg, which has become the “finished product” of a successful life time to her. Her job is simply as machine-like as anything in Illium and this just shows that Paul himself even knows that.
I felt that Paul Proteus was a cowardly character. He rarely finds a way to challenge himself, allows his wife (that he does not love) run his life for him, and even when faced with the exact truth of the way things are, he puts it aside. In my opinion Vonnegut intentionally made him cowardly as to make his decisions that pull away from society more dramatic. I felt however that this only made his character more pathetic in that after so much time he finally brought the necessary thought to the obvious.
"Anita slept-- utterly satisfied, not so much by Paul as by the social orgasm of, after years of the system's love play, being offered Pittsburgh" (page 135).
Just the very comparison of a job opportunity to intimacy show how mechanic this society has become. Anita has had much social foreplay and actually seems to enjoy it more than sex itself. Her main concern lies in Pittsburg, which has become the “finished product” of a successful life time to her. Her job is simply as machine-like as anything in Illium and this just shows that Paul himself even knows that.
I felt that Paul Proteus was a cowardly character. He rarely finds a way to challenge himself, allows his wife (that he does not love) run his life for him, and even when faced with the exact truth of the way things are, he puts it aside. In my opinion Vonnegut intentionally made him cowardly as to make his decisions that pull away from society more dramatic. I felt however that this only made his character more pathetic in that after so much time he finally brought the necessary thought to the obvious.
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