Wednesday, April 22, 2009
why i need help
As people might or might not have noticed I get sick, a lot. These past few weeks I've been sick even more then usual and to add to that I had extra band rehearsals that got me out of school. While that wasn't a bad thing being sick is annoying and I'm no behind a bit in school. So if anyone wants to help me catch up, especially in math and English, that would be very nice.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Macbeth LRJ #1
Jessica Dudman
Ms. Peifer
10 IB per.5
2-23-09
Within the first act of Macbeth the audience is already given a strong impression of three characters. Macbeth himself, Lady Macbeth, and Banquo. All three show themselves to be complex characters with a sense of good and evil in conflict with one another. Macbeth is the most complex and the character most built upon. "noble Macbeth" (1.2.70). The very first thing the audience learns of Macbeth is that he is good, brave, and honorable. Even the king calls him noble. But after hearing the witches prophecy that he will be king Macbeth is first afraid and then the conflict of right and wrong starts within him. Lady Macbeth on the other hand faces no such conflict. She instead starts working to find a way to get her husband upon the throne as soon as possible. On one hand this makes her seem cruel and evil, but she does it for her husband because she loves him and wants the best for him. Banquo's character is much less clear then the other two despite the fact he is in all most as many scenes as Macbeth himself. In fact although he was in the same battle as Macbeth he wasn't even mentioned to the king and he is shunted of to the side more then one would expect. he is very obviously a secondary character and yet appears to be vital to the story which is very interesting.
The most obvious theme is that of good versus evil or right against wrong. "Cannot be ill, cannot be good" (1.3.132). Here Macbeth is trying to figure out what to do about the witches prophecy but he can't. Lady Macbeth later convinces him to murder the king which allows evil to win. The fact that ambition could motivate them to murder someone they knew tells a lot about their character. Another theme is confusion in the dark and the weather setting the mood. When ever Macbeth is pondering what should be done it is always dark or foul weather.
The image i remember clearest is when Lady Macbeth is convincing Macbeth to kill the king and she says, "I would, while it was smiling in my face,/ Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums/ And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you/ Have done to this" (1.7.57-60). This image is the strongest in the act for me. This is because it's so graphic and bloody against an innocent and unprotected child. I like children and I dislike violence, combining the two made it easy to remember the image.
Ms. Peifer
10 IB per.5
2-23-09
Within the first act of Macbeth the audience is already given a strong impression of three characters. Macbeth himself, Lady Macbeth, and Banquo. All three show themselves to be complex characters with a sense of good and evil in conflict with one another. Macbeth is the most complex and the character most built upon. "noble Macbeth" (1.2.70). The very first thing the audience learns of Macbeth is that he is good, brave, and honorable. Even the king calls him noble. But after hearing the witches prophecy that he will be king Macbeth is first afraid and then the conflict of right and wrong starts within him. Lady Macbeth on the other hand faces no such conflict. She instead starts working to find a way to get her husband upon the throne as soon as possible. On one hand this makes her seem cruel and evil, but she does it for her husband because she loves him and wants the best for him. Banquo's character is much less clear then the other two despite the fact he is in all most as many scenes as Macbeth himself. In fact although he was in the same battle as Macbeth he wasn't even mentioned to the king and he is shunted of to the side more then one would expect. he is very obviously a secondary character and yet appears to be vital to the story which is very interesting.
The most obvious theme is that of good versus evil or right against wrong. "Cannot be ill, cannot be good" (1.3.132). Here Macbeth is trying to figure out what to do about the witches prophecy but he can't. Lady Macbeth later convinces him to murder the king which allows evil to win. The fact that ambition could motivate them to murder someone they knew tells a lot about their character. Another theme is confusion in the dark and the weather setting the mood. When ever Macbeth is pondering what should be done it is always dark or foul weather.
The image i remember clearest is when Lady Macbeth is convincing Macbeth to kill the king and she says, "I would, while it was smiling in my face,/ Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums/ And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you/ Have done to this" (1.7.57-60). This image is the strongest in the act for me. This is because it's so graphic and bloody against an innocent and unprotected child. I like children and I dislike violence, combining the two made it easy to remember the image.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Dreams
I very much enjoy my dreams. I rarely have nightmares and the dreams I have are mostly some kind of interesting story. I've heard many people talk about the subconscious meaning behind dreams, but mine almost never seem to have much of a connection to what is going on in my life. the only connection I usually notice is that the people in my dreams are often real people. My friends often appear in my dreams although not always accurately. In one dream I have had one of my closest friends was my twin and my brother became an alien child. Not all of my dreams have real people though, once I wasn't even in my dream it was a dream about a boy who is found by eccentric aliens and taken to visit other planets. One of the planets was run by large hunched back raccoons. Although even in that dream there was one thing that connected it to the world, a cat I had seen the day before ran across the path right before I woke up. I once read that most people don't dream in color, but I think that I do, maybe when I wake up my brain adds the color on top for some reason. I'm curious about other people's dreams. If anyone would like to tell me about dreams they have had I would be very interested to hear about them.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Inferno Commentary
Jessica Dudman
10 IB
Ms. Peifer
9/1/09
"I was a man of arms: then took the rope
of the Franciscans, hoping to make amends:
and surely I should have won to all my hope
but for the Great Priest -may he rot in Hell!-
who brought me back to all my earlier sins;
and how and why it happened I wish to tell
in my own words: while I was still encased
in the pulp and bone my mother bore, my deeds
were not of the lion but of the fox: I raced
through tangled ways; all wiles were mine from birth
and i won to such advantage with my arts
that rumor of me reached the ends of the earth.
But when I saw before me all the signs
of the time of life that cautions every man
to lower his sail and gather in his lines,
that which had pleased me once, troubled my spirit,
and penitent and confessed, I became a monk.
Alas! What joy I might have had of it!" (Dante Canto 27, lines 64-82)
This passage is of one of the evil councilors speaking to Dante. He is telling Dante about himself and lamenting what paths in life lead him to his fall into Hell. The lament of the damned is a prevalent theme although some of the sinners don't seem to feel remorse most appear to if only because of the torment they now face. Dante uses very interesting phrases in his writing. Parts sound almost poetic while others summon up rather graphic images.
The sorrows of the sinners is prevalent through out the tale, "I was a man of arms: then took the rope of the Franciscans, hoping to make amends" (64-65). This character was remorseful even while alive, but he still wound up in Hell. Another reinforced theme that reemerges through out the book is that of the authors disdain for Boniface VIII referred to here as "the Great Priest -may he rot in Hell!" (67). Great Priest is used as another name for Pope.
Dante's use of language is the most interesting part of his story because it's what has stayed relavent as time passed. He combines many different styles to add interest to the story. One technique that he uses are metaphors, "the time of life that cautions every man to lower his sail and gather in his lines" (78-79). This is a metaphor for middle age or a near death experience.
Another literary device he uses is when he adds contrast by using slightly crude imagery. "while I was still encased in the pulp and bone my mother bore" (70-71). This use of imagery is very powerful and makes the other parts even more lyrical. Although it is crude it also adds intrest. This layering of tecniques is facinating.
This passage exemplarifies Dante's skill in manipulating language and literary tecniques. The contrast between the flowy metaphor and the crude imagery is facinating. The passage uses many of his skills and Dante's talent really shows. It is an interesting passage that uses many literary devices.
10 IB
Ms. Peifer
9/1/09
"I was a man of arms: then took the rope
of the Franciscans, hoping to make amends:
and surely I should have won to all my hope
but for the Great Priest -may he rot in Hell!-
who brought me back to all my earlier sins;
and how and why it happened I wish to tell
in my own words: while I was still encased
in the pulp and bone my mother bore, my deeds
were not of the lion but of the fox: I raced
through tangled ways; all wiles were mine from birth
and i won to such advantage with my arts
that rumor of me reached the ends of the earth.
But when I saw before me all the signs
of the time of life that cautions every man
to lower his sail and gather in his lines,
that which had pleased me once, troubled my spirit,
and penitent and confessed, I became a monk.
Alas! What joy I might have had of it!" (Dante Canto 27, lines 64-82)
This passage is of one of the evil councilors speaking to Dante. He is telling Dante about himself and lamenting what paths in life lead him to his fall into Hell. The lament of the damned is a prevalent theme although some of the sinners don't seem to feel remorse most appear to if only because of the torment they now face. Dante uses very interesting phrases in his writing. Parts sound almost poetic while others summon up rather graphic images.
The sorrows of the sinners is prevalent through out the tale, "I was a man of arms: then took the rope of the Franciscans, hoping to make amends" (64-65). This character was remorseful even while alive, but he still wound up in Hell. Another reinforced theme that reemerges through out the book is that of the authors disdain for Boniface VIII referred to here as "the Great Priest -may he rot in Hell!" (67). Great Priest is used as another name for Pope.
Dante's use of language is the most interesting part of his story because it's what has stayed relavent as time passed. He combines many different styles to add interest to the story. One technique that he uses are metaphors, "the time of life that cautions every man to lower his sail and gather in his lines" (78-79). This is a metaphor for middle age or a near death experience.
Another literary device he uses is when he adds contrast by using slightly crude imagery. "while I was still encased in the pulp and bone my mother bore" (70-71). This use of imagery is very powerful and makes the other parts even more lyrical. Although it is crude it also adds intrest. This layering of tecniques is facinating.
This passage exemplarifies Dante's skill in manipulating language and literary tecniques. The contrast between the flowy metaphor and the crude imagery is facinating. The passage uses many of his skills and Dante's talent really shows. It is an interesting passage that uses many literary devices.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Beowulf LRJ #3
Jessica Dudman
Ms. Peifer
10 IB
12-9-08
Many values in this tale are repeated and reinforced. One such values is that of personal bravery and pride. "I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord away" (Heaney 2535-2537). This sort of ideal is very prevalent through out the story and shows the societies favoritism towards the overly brave. Another less prevalent one shown in this section is loyalty. "we pledged our loyalty to our lord in the hall, promised our ring-giver we would be worth our price" (2634-2626). Which is a bit odd for in many cultures loyalty to a leader is one of the most prevalent values.
This section of the story has some differences from the others. The most obvious ones are the fact that after this fight Beowulf dies, and he had assistance in defeating the monster. "he caught the hero in a rush of flame and clamped sharp fangs into his neck. Beowulf's body ran wet with his life-blood" (2690-2693). Beowulf's death befitted a hero like him. One of his kinsmen helped him defeat the dragon. "now the youth was to enter the line of battle with his lord" (2625-2626). The kinsmen made it possible for Beowulf to defeat the dragon but he had never need assistance before.
Beowulf lived his long life well by their values and he was given a death appropriate to that. "After many trials, he was destined to face the end of his days in this mortal world; as was the dragon" (2341-2343). This foreshadows that Beowulf and the dragon would kill one another which is a respectable death for a warrior with the added pride of being able to take down their foe with their last act on Earth. "for the king, this would be the last of his many labours and triumphs in the world" (2709-2711). This adds a kind of bittersweet tone but also implies that it was a good death.
Ms. Peifer
10 IB
12-9-08
Many values in this tale are repeated and reinforced. One such values is that of personal bravery and pride. "I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord away" (Heaney 2535-2537). This sort of ideal is very prevalent through out the story and shows the societies favoritism towards the overly brave. Another less prevalent one shown in this section is loyalty. "we pledged our loyalty to our lord in the hall, promised our ring-giver we would be worth our price" (2634-2626). Which is a bit odd for in many cultures loyalty to a leader is one of the most prevalent values.
This section of the story has some differences from the others. The most obvious ones are the fact that after this fight Beowulf dies, and he had assistance in defeating the monster. "he caught the hero in a rush of flame and clamped sharp fangs into his neck. Beowulf's body ran wet with his life-blood" (2690-2693). Beowulf's death befitted a hero like him. One of his kinsmen helped him defeat the dragon. "now the youth was to enter the line of battle with his lord" (2625-2626). The kinsmen made it possible for Beowulf to defeat the dragon but he had never need assistance before.
Beowulf lived his long life well by their values and he was given a death appropriate to that. "After many trials, he was destined to face the end of his days in this mortal world; as was the dragon" (2341-2343). This foreshadows that Beowulf and the dragon would kill one another which is a respectable death for a warrior with the added pride of being able to take down their foe with their last act on Earth. "for the king, this would be the last of his many labours and triumphs in the world" (2709-2711). This adds a kind of bittersweet tone but also implies that it was a good death.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Beowulf LRJ #2
Jessica Dudman
Ms. Peifer
10 IB
12-9-08
This tale is full of societal values. "It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning" (Heaney 1384-1385).This encouragement of revenge shows a strong value on pride, specifically a warriors pride. It is different from some other cultures in which forgiveness is encouraged. The also felt that it was necessary to do great thing before they die, "Let whoever can win glory before death" (1387-1388). This implies that what ever their belief in the after life is it is connected to how much they achieve while they are alive.
Beowulf was such an amazing, one of a kind hero and to make that really clear to the audience they gave him some unrealistic abilities. "It was the best part of a day before he could see the solid bottom" (1495-1496). Here Beowulf is swimming to the bottom of the lake in full armor, with his weapons and it takes him most of the day to do it. No one else could do that because they would need to breathe. Another point in the story makes it even clearer just how special Beowulf is, "only Beowulf could wield it in battle" (1562). And now Beowulf is going to kill the monster with a giant sword.
There are lots of interesting phrasings in the story but one of my favorites is, "Bear up and be the man I excpect you to be" (1395-1396). Part of the reason this line is so amusing is because our current society has a similar phrase but it is more often used as a joke. It also shows a societal value and adds to the tone of the story. Another line I enjoy is, "the dismal wood, mountain trees growing out at an angle above grey stones" (1414-1416). The detail in this quote is wonderful, it is very easy to imagine what that place looked like and it adds more af a feeling of forboding to the story.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Beowulf LRJ #1
Jessica Dudman
Ms. Peifer
10 IB
12-5-08
The values in This Old English society have a lot of focus on war and fighting but they also have other interesting ideals. For instance the have a lot of emphasis on respect and giving freely to others, "a young prince must be prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him" (Heaney 24). This shows that in their society it was important to be respectful for one wouldn't do well in a fight if they had no friends to help them. They also had interesting burial practices. "launched him alone out over the waves... bewailing him and mourning their loss" (Heaney 46-49). They sent the body out on the water towards the next life, all though they didn't seem particularly worried about what happened to the body and goods afterwards.
Alliteration is an interesting way of getting a readers attention and it shows more of the oral tradition which the original story was. one such alliteration is, "the path to power among people" (Heaney 24). The emphasis on the words starting with p connect the important ideas in the line. It emphasises the desire for power and influence while also later giving advice on how it should be gained. An other alliteration connects the warrior mind set of the culture to the family, "four times a father, this fighter prince" (Heaney 59). the combination of fighter and father really catches the eye, and adding four implies that he is a blessed father because he is a fighter.
Kennings are used often in the tale and they can be a bit confusing for some of the phrases don't quite match up with modern phrasing. On the other hand they give a lot of descriptive detail. "that dark death-shadow" (Heaney 160). This is describing Grendel and is a forbidding and accurate description. The Old English language often had many kennings for just one noun. For example the sea could be, "the swan's road" (Heaney 200). All though swans don't swim in the ocean it gives a sense of beauty to the idea it represents. One kenning that sounds odd when translated to modern English is, "word-hoard" (Heaney 258). It stands for speech or the character's knowledge of words but it just doesn't quite sound the same.
Ms. Peifer
10 IB
12-5-08
The values in This Old English society have a lot of focus on war and fighting but they also have other interesting ideals. For instance the have a lot of emphasis on respect and giving freely to others, "a young prince must be prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him" (Heaney 24). This shows that in their society it was important to be respectful for one wouldn't do well in a fight if they had no friends to help them. They also had interesting burial practices. "launched him alone out over the waves... bewailing him and mourning their loss" (Heaney 46-49). They sent the body out on the water towards the next life, all though they didn't seem particularly worried about what happened to the body and goods afterwards.
Alliteration is an interesting way of getting a readers attention and it shows more of the oral tradition which the original story was. one such alliteration is, "the path to power among people" (Heaney 24). The emphasis on the words starting with p connect the important ideas in the line. It emphasises the desire for power and influence while also later giving advice on how it should be gained. An other alliteration connects the warrior mind set of the culture to the family, "four times a father, this fighter prince" (Heaney 59). the combination of fighter and father really catches the eye, and adding four implies that he is a blessed father because he is a fighter.
Kennings are used often in the tale and they can be a bit confusing for some of the phrases don't quite match up with modern phrasing. On the other hand they give a lot of descriptive detail. "that dark death-shadow" (Heaney 160). This is describing Grendel and is a forbidding and accurate description. The Old English language often had many kennings for just one noun. For example the sea could be, "the swan's road" (Heaney 200). All though swans don't swim in the ocean it gives a sense of beauty to the idea it represents. One kenning that sounds odd when translated to modern English is, "word-hoard" (Heaney 258). It stands for speech or the character's knowledge of words but it just doesn't quite sound the same.
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