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.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Ismene's Innocence
Jessica Dudman
Ms. Peifer
10 IB
11-26-08
Antigone as it is well known is being punished for the act of burying her traitorous brother Polyneices. She is innocent in the eyes of the gods although guilty in the eyes of the crown. That is not my primary concern. I am here to tell you that her sister Ismene should be spared of any punishment. She is innocent at heart in front of the gods and completely innocent in the eyes of the crown.
Her innocence to the gods first as the gods will is forever while kings come and go. The burial rites denied Polyneice are a right given by the gods to ensure the eternal spirits well being. Such is a terrible fate and what type of woman could condemn a loved brother to such a fate? Although Ismene did not give her brother his burial rights physically herself as she said to Antigone "Let me respect the dead and die with you" (Sophocles 623). Antigone committed the act alone but had Ismene been given more time to think about what was good and just she would of helped bury her brother.
On the other side she is all so innocent from the crown's point of view. For she did not commit this 'crime'. Having played no physical role the people, who can not truly know the hearts of others as the gods can, can not punish her for merely a thought. If they punished every poor soul who had thought of burying the dead left to rot without rights then the city would lose a great many citizens. "The city is upset about the girl" (Sophocles 786) as Haemon said many of the people in the city feel that what Antigone did was good. As what fault can be found within her sister?
Ismene is not the brave soul her sister is, but her heart is as pure. to punish such a girl would be an evil act and would rob Thebes of another good citizen. Even Creon himself has said she is innocent "not the one whose hands are clean" (Sophocles 883). There are none alive who should have the power to send this girl to a death she doesn't deserve.
Ms. Peifer
10 IB
11-26-08
Antigone as it is well known is being punished for the act of burying her traitorous brother Polyneices. She is innocent in the eyes of the gods although guilty in the eyes of the crown. That is not my primary concern. I am here to tell you that her sister Ismene should be spared of any punishment. She is innocent at heart in front of the gods and completely innocent in the eyes of the crown.
Her innocence to the gods first as the gods will is forever while kings come and go. The burial rites denied Polyneice are a right given by the gods to ensure the eternal spirits well being. Such is a terrible fate and what type of woman could condemn a loved brother to such a fate? Although Ismene did not give her brother his burial rights physically herself as she said to Antigone "Let me respect the dead and die with you" (Sophocles 623). Antigone committed the act alone but had Ismene been given more time to think about what was good and just she would of helped bury her brother.
On the other side she is all so innocent from the crown's point of view. For she did not commit this 'crime'. Having played no physical role the people, who can not truly know the hearts of others as the gods can, can not punish her for merely a thought. If they punished every poor soul who had thought of burying the dead left to rot without rights then the city would lose a great many citizens. "The city is upset about the girl" (Sophocles 786) as Haemon said many of the people in the city feel that what Antigone did was good. As what fault can be found within her sister?
Ismene is not the brave soul her sister is, but her heart is as pure. to punish such a girl would be an evil act and would rob Thebes of another good citizen. Even Creon himself has said she is innocent "not the one whose hands are clean" (Sophocles 883). There are none alive who should have the power to send this girl to a death she doesn't deserve.
Work Cited
Sophocles."Antigone".Sophocles Antigone.Trans. Ian Johnston.9 Aug 2008.Vancouver Island University Malaspina.24 Nov 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
LRJ #2
Jessica Dudman
Ms. Peifer
10 IB
11-26-08
The most prevalent ideal repeated through out the entire play is the theme of proper respect for the dead. The two brothers show both sides of this as Eteocles is being given a proper funeral because he fought for his home city. But Polyneices who fought for the other side was not allowed a funeral at all. "He is honouring one with a full funeral and treating the other one disgracefully!" (Sophocles 26-27). The plot of the play is Antigones decision to try and give her brother the burial he deserves.
All though the play is about Antigone, Creon fits the requirements of the tragic hero better. His fatal flaw is his stubborn belief that he's all ways right. "You now control all laws concerning those who've died and us as well- the ones who are still living" (Sophocles 244-246). This tells of his complete power which only feeds his fatal flaw.
In this play the anagnorisis and peripetia are at the same point stretched over a few paragraphs starting with Haemon's suicide and ending with Creons realizations about himself after his wife's death. The catharsis is the end paragraph
"The most important part of true success is wisdom—not to act impiously towards the gods,
for boasts of arrogant men bring on great blows of punishment— so in old age men can
discover wisdom." (Sophocles 1491-1495)
The women in the play show the feelings towards women and their roles. "By birth we're women, and, as such, we shouldn't fight with men" (Sophocles 77-78). The women were supposed to follow the men unless they are against the gods. All so the woman's first duty was to her family.
Ms. Peifer
10 IB
11-26-08
The most prevalent ideal repeated through out the entire play is the theme of proper respect for the dead. The two brothers show both sides of this as Eteocles is being given a proper funeral because he fought for his home city. But Polyneices who fought for the other side was not allowed a funeral at all. "He is honouring one with a full funeral and treating the other one disgracefully!" (Sophocles 26-27). The plot of the play is Antigones decision to try and give her brother the burial he deserves.
All though the play is about Antigone, Creon fits the requirements of the tragic hero better. His fatal flaw is his stubborn belief that he's all ways right. "You now control all laws concerning those who've died and us as well- the ones who are still living" (Sophocles 244-246). This tells of his complete power which only feeds his fatal flaw.
In this play the anagnorisis and peripetia are at the same point stretched over a few paragraphs starting with Haemon's suicide and ending with Creons realizations about himself after his wife's death. The catharsis is the end paragraph
"The most important part of true success is wisdom—not to act impiously towards the gods,
for boasts of arrogant men bring on great blows of punishment— so in old age men can
discover wisdom." (Sophocles 1491-1495)
The women in the play show the feelings towards women and their roles. "By birth we're women, and, as such, we shouldn't fight with men" (Sophocles 77-78). The women were supposed to follow the men unless they are against the gods. All so the woman's first duty was to her family.
Work Cited
Sophocles."Antigone."Sophocles Antigone.Trans.Ian Johnston. 9 Aug 2008.Vancouver Island University Malaspina. 24 Nov 2008 .
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ismene's Letter
To my sister
Dearest, foolish Antigone, how can you dare to disobey your uncle, and king? Do you not comprehend the punishment you will face? I weep for you and for myself. For once you are caught our uncle will not show you mercy, and I will be alone. For the only family i have left is you dear sister, I do not feel like a part of our uncles family. They do not know me as you do. You are much closer to them then I am, what will your future groom think? Even if our uncle lets you live, which seems unlikely, he will never let you marry his son. You are bringing more shame to our family. Yet as I write I can not help but recall our brothers. They did not deserve to die so young. Our poor dear Polyneices, king Creon has decreed that his soul should have no rest. I can not bear that thought! I should have listened when you spoke with me, and thought of Polyneices soul rather then the risks. But my chance to right that wrong has been lost, but I pray for your success an that you will be able to forgive my weakness.
Your apologetic sister
Ismene
Dearest, foolish Antigone, how can you dare to disobey your uncle, and king? Do you not comprehend the punishment you will face? I weep for you and for myself. For once you are caught our uncle will not show you mercy, and I will be alone. For the only family i have left is you dear sister, I do not feel like a part of our uncles family. They do not know me as you do. You are much closer to them then I am, what will your future groom think? Even if our uncle lets you live, which seems unlikely, he will never let you marry his son. You are bringing more shame to our family. Yet as I write I can not help but recall our brothers. They did not deserve to die so young. Our poor dear Polyneices, king Creon has decreed that his soul should have no rest. I can not bear that thought! I should have listened when you spoke with me, and thought of Polyneices soul rather then the risks. But my chance to right that wrong has been lost, but I pray for your success an that you will be able to forgive my weakness.
Your apologetic sister
Ismene
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Help!
I've never had a blog before and I'm not that great at figuring websites out. So if anyone want to tell me how to do anything with this i would greatly appreciate it. Also because I don't want this deleted as spam I'm going to write a few more sentences. My favorite color is turquise, and generally my favorite subject is science although not chemistry specifically.
thoughts on technology
Technology is anything that makes a persons life easier. modern technology like computers and the Internet have many uses. I use these on a regular basis to research topics that interest me and I enjoy exploring the Internet and playing games. Websites like facebook make keeping in contact with friends easy and convenient.
I mostly use technology as an entertainment tool although it can be very useful for academic purposes too. I personally tend to have trouble working together with technology. I can play games and do basic information searches on the Internet, but ask me to do something new and I wind up staring blankly at the computer (or other technologically advanced piece of equipment). I am terrible figuring out how these sorts of things work, I need clear, simple instructions before I can do anything.
My brother on the other hand is practically one with the computer. He is all ways doing something online. He even takes a programing course, and attends an online academy! As you can see my brother and I have very different relationships with technology despite being raised in the same household.
I mostly use technology as an entertainment tool although it can be very useful for academic purposes too. I personally tend to have trouble working together with technology. I can play games and do basic information searches on the Internet, but ask me to do something new and I wind up staring blankly at the computer (or other technologically advanced piece of equipment). I am terrible figuring out how these sorts of things work, I need clear, simple instructions before I can do anything.
My brother on the other hand is practically one with the computer. He is all ways doing something online. He even takes a programing course, and attends an online academy! As you can see my brother and I have very different relationships with technology despite being raised in the same household.
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