"I often referred the several situations, as their similarity struck me to my own. Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being in existence; but his state was far differentfrom mine in every other respect." page 124
This brings up an intresting form of allusion and comparision. The story of Adam and Eve is very well known. Evryone knows the story but if you look closely there really are a lot of similaritites to the story of Frankenstein. This also brings religion into the picture. the creature is different from Adam becaue he is not loved by his creator and he is not as perfectly made as adam. This shows how Victor failed in his attempt in playing God and in doing so made an immoral sin that resulted in the creature suffering. The story is also were the creature may have gotten the idea that he wanted a lady friend. He saw that God made Adam a lady and he didn't want to be lonely either. THe stories parallel each other very well but show that human actions can not compare to God's actions.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Conclusion
"Farewell! I leave you, and in you the last of humankind whome these eyes will ever behold. Farewell, Frankenstein!" page 211
THis was a rather anitclimatic ending in a way. Everyone in Victor's life is dead and the monster plans to kill himself. Fortunately for me I'm one of those people who enjoy these types of endings. It was sad yet taught alot about human nature. We may be filled with anger and seek revenge but when we see the effects of our wrong doings we are remorseful. (If only the monster would have realized this before he killed everyone..). We also learn that our hateful actions will come back around to us. Both Victor and the monster realize that it was because of their own hate that so many people died. I think it would have been really interesting if the story would have gone in a different way. FOr example, if Frankenstien would have created the monster a lady friend. He mentions that he worries they will have children etc. I think that could have made a pretty good sequal.
THis was a rather anitclimatic ending in a way. Everyone in Victor's life is dead and the monster plans to kill himself. Fortunately for me I'm one of those people who enjoy these types of endings. It was sad yet taught alot about human nature. We may be filled with anger and seek revenge but when we see the effects of our wrong doings we are remorseful. (If only the monster would have realized this before he killed everyone..). We also learn that our hateful actions will come back around to us. Both Victor and the monster realize that it was because of their own hate that so many people died. I think it would have been really interesting if the story would have gone in a different way. FOr example, if Frankenstien would have created the monster a lady friend. He mentions that he worries they will have children etc. I think that could have made a pretty good sequal.
Parallelism
"Hideouse Monster let me go!" page 136
"Great God who are you!" page 128
Through out the story there is a repeating theme of rejection. THe monster is first rejected by his creator, then the cottagers, then William, then the girl he tried to save. In fact this repeated rejection is what lead him to act appon his hatred for victor. Another theme that is associated with this is that the people fear and hate the creature because of his looks. The reader understands that he only seeks companionship and love. The monster makes a comment when he frames Justine for murder that he learned his evil ways from man. THis is certainly the case. THe monster starts out lost and reaching for his creator and ends up being constanly rejected to the point of hating his life and not caring for the lives around him. Prejeduce and hatred inspire his actions and are the driving force in the story.
"Great God who are you!" page 128
Through out the story there is a repeating theme of rejection. THe monster is first rejected by his creator, then the cottagers, then William, then the girl he tried to save. In fact this repeated rejection is what lead him to act appon his hatred for victor. Another theme that is associated with this is that the people fear and hate the creature because of his looks. The reader understands that he only seeks companionship and love. The monster makes a comment when he frames Justine for murder that he learned his evil ways from man. THis is certainly the case. THe monster starts out lost and reaching for his creator and ends up being constanly rejected to the point of hating his life and not caring for the lives around him. Prejeduce and hatred inspire his actions and are the driving force in the story.
Foreshadowing
"I will revenge my injuries; if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear, and cheifly towards you my arch enemy, because my creator, do I swear inextinguishable hatred." page 139
All of the Creature's story is told by him to Frankenstien. When he ends his tale with his request for a lady friend he says if Frankenstien fails he will certainly kill everyone he loves and make him as lonely as he is himself. Frankenstein makes a comment to Walton about how he really did kill Henry. This clues in the reader that Victor will fail in making the lady friend and his loved ones will die. While there are brief glimpses of forshadowing through out the story this is the most dramatic because it basically tells us how the next few chapters are going to go. The author uses this technique when the frame story shifts becasue there are over lapping events such as the death of william and finding out who killed him. This made the story more interesting because we know what happens a little bit but we find out the other sides of the story at separate times.
All of the Creature's story is told by him to Frankenstien. When he ends his tale with his request for a lady friend he says if Frankenstien fails he will certainly kill everyone he loves and make him as lonely as he is himself. Frankenstein makes a comment to Walton about how he really did kill Henry. This clues in the reader that Victor will fail in making the lady friend and his loved ones will die. While there are brief glimpses of forshadowing through out the story this is the most dramatic because it basically tells us how the next few chapters are going to go. The author uses this technique when the frame story shifts becasue there are over lapping events such as the death of william and finding out who killed him. This made the story more interesting because we know what happens a little bit but we find out the other sides of the story at separate times.
Irony
"It is true that I am a wretch. I have murdered the lovely and the helpless; I have strangled the Innocent as they slept and grasped to death his throat who never injured me or any other living thing. I have devoted my creator, the seclect specimen of all that is Worthy of my love and admiration"
WHAT!!? This whole time the monster has been devoted to revenge. He sought out Victor and killed his loved ones. It was completely unexpected to find him weeping over Victor's dead body. I think this further goes to show the human-like emotions that the creaute portrayed in the beginning of the novel. We see that the creature feels guilt. Through out the story, the monster struggles with lack of purpose and social interaction. He finds purpose when he seeks revenge on Victor. But in the end he is horrified with what he has done and despises his life. This is another form of ironic doubling because Victor died hating what he had done. This was an ironic twist of events that really shows the truth about the monster and humanity as a whole in his response.
WHAT!!? This whole time the monster has been devoted to revenge. He sought out Victor and killed his loved ones. It was completely unexpected to find him weeping over Victor's dead body. I think this further goes to show the human-like emotions that the creaute portrayed in the beginning of the novel. We see that the creature feels guilt. Through out the story, the monster struggles with lack of purpose and social interaction. He finds purpose when he seeks revenge on Victor. But in the end he is horrified with what he has done and despises his life. This is another form of ironic doubling because Victor died hating what he had done. This was an ironic twist of events that really shows the truth about the monster and humanity as a whole in his response.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Splice
There is a movie that has just come out in the past year called "Splice". In this movie, two scientists create a kind of clone out of genetic studies etc. When the clone is first created, they are disgusted and scared of their creation. They don't fully comprehend what they have created and if they even should have. Through the story there is a debate over weather this is moral or not. In the end the clone kills them all (sorry spoiler). This story is very similar to Frankenstien. HE is disgusted with his creation. Weather it be over morals or appearance, it is unsure. (another spoiler!) ALso similar is that Frankenstiens creation kills his loved ones. The Splice movie was like a modern day Frankenstien with some really weird sci-fi twists. In both stories the scientists feel responible for their creations. This is a theme of the book.
Monster!!!
If you were to ask anyone who has not read the oringinal verion of Frankenstien, they would 1. say Frankenstien is the monster not the doctor and B. Say that Frankenstien is an angry terrifying monster! However, us wise scholars who have indulged in the REAL story have discovered that the "monster" may very well be gentel in nature. Frankenstien is not an mad scientist in the ways that movies deplict him. However he is obsessive with his work. There is no flash of lightening and rejoicing from Frankenstien. In fact Frankenstien is immediately disgusted by his creation. It is odd how media and Hollywood always distorts the true story to please the audience. However they miss out on all the themes of the story and the lessons it teaches of human nature. On another note, I think its really sad that Frankenstien instanly rejects his creation. I automatically thought of a small child looking to its parents and being turned away because they are ugly or the parent decied they were a bad idea after all. poor creature thing :(
Imagery
"Heaven shower blessings on you, and save me, that i may again and again tesify my fratitude for all your love and kindness." page 18
Mary Shelly uses tons of flowery imagery. this gives the reader a great description of the scenery and the characters. It helps the reader understand the plot more thouroughly. However it has caused some confusion in class discussion. In walton's letters to his sister he describes his love for her in such a flowery fashion that is sounds like the the love of lovers not family members. Walton is also very similar to Victor who married his sister. This can cause some confusion as to Walton's and margrets relationship. However it is important to take into acount the time eara of the story and the poetic background of the author. Most of this descriptive language is hyperbole but helps the reader to understand scenery and emotions more clearly.
Mary Shelly uses tons of flowery imagery. this gives the reader a great description of the scenery and the characters. It helps the reader understand the plot more thouroughly. However it has caused some confusion in class discussion. In walton's letters to his sister he describes his love for her in such a flowery fashion that is sounds like the the love of lovers not family members. Walton is also very similar to Victor who married his sister. This can cause some confusion as to Walton's and margrets relationship. However it is important to take into acount the time eara of the story and the poetic background of the author. Most of this descriptive language is hyperbole but helps the reader to understand scenery and emotions more clearly.
Structure/style
"Letter 1 To Mrs. Saville, England St. Petersburgh Dec. 11th" Page 15
The beginning of the novel is told to us through Walton's letters to his sister. Later he also writes in his journal. This is a very informative structure for the reader and lets them learn alot about the characters right away. First of all the very first line tells us the setting, the date, and one of the valued characters in the story. Further more, this structure allows the reader to understand the narrators inner feelings and experiences. In the case of Walton we learn of his past events that have lead him up to this point. This is slightly unrealistic because he is writing to his sister who would already know his past. The important details are included in these letters because they are short summaries of what the character has been doing, just like a real letter would be. However this does help the reader understand the story more thoroughly.
The beginning of the novel is told to us through Walton's letters to his sister. Later he also writes in his journal. This is a very informative structure for the reader and lets them learn alot about the characters right away. First of all the very first line tells us the setting, the date, and one of the valued characters in the story. Further more, this structure allows the reader to understand the narrators inner feelings and experiences. In the case of Walton we learn of his past events that have lead him up to this point. This is slightly unrealistic because he is writing to his sister who would already know his past. The important details are included in these letters because they are short summaries of what the character has been doing, just like a real letter would be. However this does help the reader understand the story more thoroughly.
Frame Strory
"..listen to my history and you will understand how irrevocably it is determined." page 29
In the first six chapters we learn of Walton and his quest to the North Pole. HE begins the book as the sole narrator. However, this changes when Victor Frankenstein is taken aboard. For awhile we learn about Frankenstein through Walton's narrations but later Frankenstein desires to tell Walton his story. While we are learning Walton's story, we are then learning Frankensteins story and later in the book we will learn the monster's story. This frame story structure allows the narration of the book to be switched from character to character. It also allows for direct characterization. We learn the way that Walton thinks and who/what he values most. When Frankenstein is the narrator we learn the same things about him. I think this is an interesting way to tell a story because we can learn the plot from all view points and there are different events happening at the same time.
In the first six chapters we learn of Walton and his quest to the North Pole. HE begins the book as the sole narrator. However, this changes when Victor Frankenstein is taken aboard. For awhile we learn about Frankenstein through Walton's narrations but later Frankenstein desires to tell Walton his story. While we are learning Walton's story, we are then learning Frankensteins story and later in the book we will learn the monster's story. This frame story structure allows the narration of the book to be switched from character to character. It also allows for direct characterization. We learn the way that Walton thinks and who/what he values most. When Frankenstein is the narrator we learn the same things about him. I think this is an interesting way to tell a story because we can learn the plot from all view points and there are different events happening at the same time.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
THEND
As I began reading this novel, I was a little worried because I had been told that the ending was not well written and was disapointing. However, I found the ending to leave the reading feeling like the story wasn't really over but it was hopeful. I think this make the story seem more realistic. In reality, problems are never totally resolved but we hope that in the end it will be more positive with a brighter future. I especially found it interesting that Amir has humbled himself from the boy we betrays his servant to the man who servs the servants son in America. I think this was a good use of irony that demonstrates how Amir was redeeming himself and his father for their betrayal. The ending was stylized in a way that left the reader wondering what would happen next and kept them thinking about it for days. It also reflected on the major themes.
DYNAMIC CHARACTER
DYNAMIC CHARACTER is one who changes in some important way as a result of the story’s action.
pg. 371 " for you a thousand times over"
Amir is a dynamic character that finally, after more than 30 years, learns his lesson and has almost changed completely in dynamics. Amir begins the story as a child seeking only his father's acknowledgment. He is selfish and cowardly and will never fight his own battles. This is something that Amir struggles with for most of his life. He slowly begins to out grow this when he is living in American and has to take care of his father. Latter when he goes to Afghanistan he realizes there is no one to fight his battles for him any more and he has to redeem himself. Amir makes up for his past selfishness and fights for sohrab. He treats Sorab like a son and serves him however he can. Hassan said the quote above to Amir when they were children. This quote is repeated by Amir to Hassan's son at the end of the story. Just as Hassan loved Amir and would serve him forever, so would Amir serve and love Sohrab. This is a complete change of Amir's characterization as a child and earlier in the book.
pg. 371 " for you a thousand times over"
Amir is a dynamic character that finally, after more than 30 years, learns his lesson and has almost changed completely in dynamics. Amir begins the story as a child seeking only his father's acknowledgment. He is selfish and cowardly and will never fight his own battles. This is something that Amir struggles with for most of his life. He slowly begins to out grow this when he is living in American and has to take care of his father. Latter when he goes to Afghanistan he realizes there is no one to fight his battles for him any more and he has to redeem himself. Amir makes up for his past selfishness and fights for sohrab. He treats Sorab like a son and serves him however he can. Hassan said the quote above to Amir when they were children. This quote is repeated by Amir to Hassan's son at the end of the story. Just as Hassan loved Amir and would serve him forever, so would Amir serve and love Sohrab. This is a complete change of Amir's characterization as a child and earlier in the book.
Theme
THEME the insight about human life that is revealed in a literary work.
pg. 359 " I wondered if that was how forgivness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."
pg. 226 " Baba and I were more alike than I ever would have thought we had both betrayed the people who would have given thier lives for us."
There are two themes of the book that really stand out. First is that of betrayal. Amir betrays Hassan when he does not help him when he is being raped. This betrayal is an underlying motive for Amir's actions through out the rest of the book. Later in the story we learn that Baba had betrayed Ali and lied to Amir and Hassan his entire life. This lie was the reason why Ali and Hassan were treated differently around the house and why Baba was so attached to Hassan. This theme of Betrayal is accompanied by a theme of forgiveness and seeking redemption. Amir's guilt is always present. It is constantly driving him to make certain choices such as going back to afghanistan and adopting Sohrab. These themes connect the plot of the story together and teach a lesson to the reader.
pg. 359 " I wondered if that was how forgivness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."
pg. 226 " Baba and I were more alike than I ever would have thought we had both betrayed the people who would have given thier lives for us."
There are two themes of the book that really stand out. First is that of betrayal. Amir betrays Hassan when he does not help him when he is being raped. This betrayal is an underlying motive for Amir's actions through out the rest of the book. Later in the story we learn that Baba had betrayed Ali and lied to Amir and Hassan his entire life. This lie was the reason why Ali and Hassan were treated differently around the house and why Baba was so attached to Hassan. This theme of Betrayal is accompanied by a theme of forgiveness and seeking redemption. Amir's guilt is always present. It is constantly driving him to make certain choices such as going back to afghanistan and adopting Sohrab. These themes connect the plot of the story together and teach a lesson to the reader.
FOIL
FOIL A character who acts as contrast to another character. Often a funny side kick to the dashing hero, or a villain contrasting the hero.
pg. 221 "A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who won't stand up for anything."
It is a reoccuring theme, the desire Amir has for his father to be proud of him. It is what causes Amir to make the decision not to help Hassan and it is what makes Amir believe that he is a weak man. Baba has stories of fighting a bear and he is admired by the entire afghan community for his donations and strong will. One event that really shows Baba's character is when he stands up to the Russian soldier who wants to rape the Afghan woman in order for the travelers to pass. Amir, on the other hand, won't fight for himself when the other boys pick on him. He is not athletic and would rather stay inside and read a book. Baba is disapointed with Amir constantly and becomes frustrated with Amir's emotions. This direct contrast is what drives the plot of the story. Amir would have helped Hassan if it woudn't have put his father's pride in jepordy. Hassan may have continued to live with Amir and would have gone to America. Amir wouldn't have felt like he needed to prove himself to be couragous when he travels back to affghanistan, if Baba hadn't been always shutting him down.
pg. 221 "A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who won't stand up for anything."
It is a reoccuring theme, the desire Amir has for his father to be proud of him. It is what causes Amir to make the decision not to help Hassan and it is what makes Amir believe that he is a weak man. Baba has stories of fighting a bear and he is admired by the entire afghan community for his donations and strong will. One event that really shows Baba's character is when he stands up to the Russian soldier who wants to rape the Afghan woman in order for the travelers to pass. Amir, on the other hand, won't fight for himself when the other boys pick on him. He is not athletic and would rather stay inside and read a book. Baba is disapointed with Amir constantly and becomes frustrated with Amir's emotions. This direct contrast is what drives the plot of the story. Amir would have helped Hassan if it woudn't have put his father's pride in jepordy. Hassan may have continued to live with Amir and would have gone to America. Amir wouldn't have felt like he needed to prove himself to be couragous when he travels back to affghanistan, if Baba hadn't been always shutting him down.
ALLEGORY
ALLEGORY story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities.
pg. 239, 261, 295 (Dreams)
Through out the story the narrator has many dreams that symbolize other characters and events. These often point out an underlying theme, forshadow an event, or symbolize the true feelings of the characters. These dreams have symbols through out. for example, on page 239 Amir sees a man getting shot, realizes that it is Hassan, and then later realizes that he is the man shotting the gun. This is symbolic of Hassan being trapped in his race, social status, and country. It also demonstrates how AMir feels he betrayed Hassan by not fighting for him and leaving him in Afghanistan where he was killed. This dream shows Amir's emmense guilt. This allegory clues the reader into themes with an event that they can connect to the story.
pg. 239, 261, 295 (Dreams)
Through out the story the narrator has many dreams that symbolize other characters and events. These often point out an underlying theme, forshadow an event, or symbolize the true feelings of the characters. These dreams have symbols through out. for example, on page 239 Amir sees a man getting shot, realizes that it is Hassan, and then later realizes that he is the man shotting the gun. This is symbolic of Hassan being trapped in his race, social status, and country. It also demonstrates how AMir feels he betrayed Hassan by not fighting for him and leaving him in Afghanistan where he was killed. This dream shows Amir's emmense guilt. This allegory clues the reader into themes with an event that they can connect to the story.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Stream of Consciousness
(Page 73-77) "A Memory:..."
-A style of writing that portrays the inner (often chaotic) workings of the character's mind.
This is the most intense part of the book so far. This leads Amir to make choices that will effect the rest of his life. Hassan is being attacked by Assef and his two friends and Amir is watching from out of sight at his friend is raped. This passage is marked by the thoughts or memories that Amir has while watching his friend. The stream of consciousness begins with a memory Amir has of his father telling him that hassan and himself were fed from the same breast as infants. This shows the closeness he and Hassan have even as children. Next Amir thinks of a dream in which he is in danger and a hand reaches out to save him. This is symbolic and shows how Amir always had help from Hassan and others but Amir denies Hassan in his time of need. Amir then remembers the sacrificing of the lamb. He is always bothered by the face the lamb has right before it is slaughtered and it reminds him of Hassan's face now. This shows how Amir has compassion and feelings but he doesn't act on these but sits back and watches the harm being done. This style of writing was appropriate for the scene. Amir was faced with danger and a choice to make. It is difficult to think clearly at times like this and these past memories show the person he has become. The style of writing allows the reader to learn more about Amir as a character and why he made the choice he did.
-A style of writing that portrays the inner (often chaotic) workings of the character's mind.
This is the most intense part of the book so far. This leads Amir to make choices that will effect the rest of his life. Hassan is being attacked by Assef and his two friends and Amir is watching from out of sight at his friend is raped. This passage is marked by the thoughts or memories that Amir has while watching his friend. The stream of consciousness begins with a memory Amir has of his father telling him that hassan and himself were fed from the same breast as infants. This shows the closeness he and Hassan have even as children. Next Amir thinks of a dream in which he is in danger and a hand reaches out to save him. This is symbolic and shows how Amir always had help from Hassan and others but Amir denies Hassan in his time of need. Amir then remembers the sacrificing of the lamb. He is always bothered by the face the lamb has right before it is slaughtered and it reminds him of Hassan's face now. This shows how Amir has compassion and feelings but he doesn't act on these but sits back and watches the harm being done. This style of writing was appropriate for the scene. Amir was faced with danger and a choice to make. It is difficult to think clearly at times like this and these past memories show the person he has become. The style of writing allows the reader to learn more about Amir as a character and why he made the choice he did.
motif
page 23 "morning" page 36 "sunrise" page 44 " winter" page 47"winter" page 49"winter"
Page 55"blind" page 73 "shut my eyes tight" page 81"night" page 86"night" page 95"total darkness"
Motif- a reoocuring image, word or phrase that ties back to the theme
Through out the story there is a repetition of words such as the ones listed above that are linked to the struggles Amir is dealing with. in the begining of Amir's childhood, all the chapters seem to start with morning and sunrise. However this ends and is replaced the winter that Hassan is attacked. Winter is then used through out the story stymobizing not only the season in which Hassan was abused but the way Amir felt. These feelings include cold/heartless and guilty. He was trapped with a secret and guilt. After Hassan leaves and Amir and his father have to flee the country, there are many uses of phrases that hint at darkness. These are related to the people smuggling and fear associated with it. These phrases attach important events together. They key the reader into the significance of an event and symbolicly express the emotion associated with this event.
Page 55"blind" page 73 "shut my eyes tight" page 81"night" page 86"night" page 95"total darkness"
Motif- a reoocuring image, word or phrase that ties back to the theme
Through out the story there is a repetition of words such as the ones listed above that are linked to the struggles Amir is dealing with. in the begining of Amir's childhood, all the chapters seem to start with morning and sunrise. However this ends and is replaced the winter that Hassan is attacked. Winter is then used through out the story stymobizing not only the season in which Hassan was abused but the way Amir felt. These feelings include cold/heartless and guilty. He was trapped with a secret and guilt. After Hassan leaves and Amir and his father have to flee the country, there are many uses of phrases that hint at darkness. These are related to the people smuggling and fear associated with it. These phrases attach important events together. They key the reader into the significance of an event and symbolicly express the emotion associated with this event.
Who's to blame!?
(page 77) "Maybe Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay to win Baba."
Through out the book, it is a common theme that Amir is trying desperately to win Baba's approval. However Baba is not pleased with his son that never stands up for himself, cries, is scared of things, and is often car sick. As a child it is Amir's ultimate goal to be wanted by Baba and to make him proud. Amir will go to any means to do this. This is certainly clear when Hassan is attacked and Amir does not go and help him. He says at first that it may have been partly due to fear or cowardance but in the end he knew it was because he wanted to please Baba and in order to do that he needed the kite that Hassan had and he wanted to run home and be praised. Amir's wish comes true and Baba wants to spend time with him. In reality they never really get any closer and in the end Amir looses Hassan and the short-lived pride of his father. The reader's first instinct is to blame Amir for what happened to Hassan. He could have prevented it or at least lessened the horrific outcome. However I have found that the root of this evil can be traced back to Baba. If Baba had had just a little pride for his son, maybe he woun't have gone to such extremes. If Baba hadn't lied aobut Hassan being his son, Hassan wouldn't have had to endure such ridicoule. It is difficult to put the blame souly on Amir when his father has impacted the actions of his son and the people around him.
Through out the book, it is a common theme that Amir is trying desperately to win Baba's approval. However Baba is not pleased with his son that never stands up for himself, cries, is scared of things, and is often car sick. As a child it is Amir's ultimate goal to be wanted by Baba and to make him proud. Amir will go to any means to do this. This is certainly clear when Hassan is attacked and Amir does not go and help him. He says at first that it may have been partly due to fear or cowardance but in the end he knew it was because he wanted to please Baba and in order to do that he needed the kite that Hassan had and he wanted to run home and be praised. Amir's wish comes true and Baba wants to spend time with him. In reality they never really get any closer and in the end Amir looses Hassan and the short-lived pride of his father. The reader's first instinct is to blame Amir for what happened to Hassan. He could have prevented it or at least lessened the horrific outcome. However I have found that the root of this evil can be traced back to Baba. If Baba had had just a little pride for his son, maybe he woun't have gone to such extremes. If Baba hadn't lied aobut Hassan being his son, Hassan wouldn't have had to endure such ridicoule. It is difficult to put the blame souly on Amir when his father has impacted the actions of his son and the people around him.
Characterization
(Page 3) "I can still see Hassan up on that tree, sunlight flickering through the leaves on his almost perfectly round face, a face like a Chinese doll chiseled from hardwood: his flat, broad nose,narrow eyes like bamboo leaves."
The author exersices many uses of characterization in the bigging of the book. He describes characters appearances and personalities. This is known as direct characterization and speaks clearly to the audience informing them of important information about the characters and their relationship in perspective to the plot. Further more the author goes on to tell us background information about the charcters. This includes the death of Amir's mother, Hassan's mother, and the relationship between hassan and Amir as well as Baba and Ali. This keys the reader into why the character makes certain choices that influence the out come of the story. The author also allows us to fully understand the characters through their actions and behavior towards each other. Hassan takes care of Amir and cares for him dearly. This is clear through his servatude, friendship, and defense. Baba finds Amir to be a disapintment. This is clear through Baba's avoidance and frustration. This characterization puts the charcters personality and past into action and lets the reader decide what they truly think about the character.
The author exersices many uses of characterization in the bigging of the book. He describes characters appearances and personalities. This is known as direct characterization and speaks clearly to the audience informing them of important information about the characters and their relationship in perspective to the plot. Further more the author goes on to tell us background information about the charcters. This includes the death of Amir's mother, Hassan's mother, and the relationship between hassan and Amir as well as Baba and Ali. This keys the reader into why the character makes certain choices that influence the out come of the story. The author also allows us to fully understand the characters through their actions and behavior towards each other. Hassan takes care of Amir and cares for him dearly. This is clear through his servatude, friendship, and defense. Baba finds Amir to be a disapintment. This is clear through Baba's avoidance and frustration. This characterization puts the charcters personality and past into action and lets the reader decide what they truly think about the character.
Aghanistan History
(page 25) "I was Sunni and he was Shi'a, and nothing was ever going to change that. Nothing."
(page 36) "July 17, 1973 Kabul woke the next morning to find that the monarchy was a thing of the past."
The historic background of the Sunni–Shia split lies in the schism that occurred when the Islamic prophet Muhammad died in the year 632, leading to a dispute over succession to Muhammad as a caliph of the Islamic community spread across various parts of the world which led to the Battle of Siffin. Sectarian violence persists to this day from Pakistan to Yemen and is the most common element of friction throughout the Middle East. Over the years Sunni-Shia relations have been marked by both cooperation and conflict, often with deadly violence. A period of relative harmony during most of the 20th century has been replaced by conflict, particularly following the start of the Iraq War. Today there are differences in religious practice, traditions and customs as well as religious beliefs.
The Soviet War in Afghanistan was a nine-year conflict involving the Soviet Union, supporting the Marxist-Leninist puppet government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan against the indigenous Afghan Mujahideen and foreign "Arab–Afghan" volunteers. The mujahideen found other support from a variety of sources including the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Egypt, China and other nations. The Afghan war became a proxy war in the broader context of the late Cold War.
The initial Soviet deployment of the 40th Army in Afghanistan began on December 24, 1979 under Soviet premier Leonid Brezhnev. The final troop withdrawal started on May 15, 1988, and ended on February 15, 1989 under the last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Due to the interminable nature of the war, the conflict in Afghanistan has sometimes been referred to as the Soviet Union's Vietnam War.
Kabul is an ideal city because of its location. It was made the capital of afghanistan. Since the 1980s Soviet war in Afghanistan, the city has been a target of militant groups. It is currently being re-developed but attacks by Taliban and other militants are slowing down the reconstruction process.
The background of the story is centered around the historical events that have taken place in Afghanistan in the past fifty years. They greatly impact where Amir goes and the choices he makes.
(page 36) "July 17, 1973 Kabul woke the next morning to find that the monarchy was a thing of the past."
The historic background of the Sunni–Shia split lies in the schism that occurred when the Islamic prophet Muhammad died in the year 632, leading to a dispute over succession to Muhammad as a caliph of the Islamic community spread across various parts of the world which led to the Battle of Siffin. Sectarian violence persists to this day from Pakistan to Yemen and is the most common element of friction throughout the Middle East. Over the years Sunni-Shia relations have been marked by both cooperation and conflict, often with deadly violence. A period of relative harmony during most of the 20th century has been replaced by conflict, particularly following the start of the Iraq War. Today there are differences in religious practice, traditions and customs as well as religious beliefs.
The Soviet War in Afghanistan was a nine-year conflict involving the Soviet Union, supporting the Marxist-Leninist puppet government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan against the indigenous Afghan Mujahideen and foreign "Arab–Afghan" volunteers. The mujahideen found other support from a variety of sources including the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Egypt, China and other nations. The Afghan war became a proxy war in the broader context of the late Cold War.
The initial Soviet deployment of the 40th Army in Afghanistan began on December 24, 1979 under Soviet premier Leonid Brezhnev. The final troop withdrawal started on May 15, 1988, and ended on February 15, 1989 under the last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Due to the interminable nature of the war, the conflict in Afghanistan has sometimes been referred to as the Soviet Union's Vietnam War.
Kabul is an ideal city because of its location. It was made the capital of afghanistan. Since the 1980s Soviet war in Afghanistan, the city has been a target of militant groups. It is currently being re-developed but attacks by Taliban and other militants are slowing down the reconstruction process.
The background of the story is centered around the historical events that have taken place in Afghanistan in the past fifty years. They greatly impact where Amir goes and the choices he makes.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Death of a Salesman compared to The Glass Menagerie
There are many similarities between these two plays. Most obviouse is the memory aspect of the play. However it is slightly different because the Glass Menagerie is a memory as its entirety while Death of a Salesman is real-time with the influence of Willy's memory. The characters are somewhat similar. The parents are overbearing on their children and they are treated like they are much younger than they actually are. The parents mistakes in the past are effecting how they treat their children now. THe setting of the two plays are aslo very similar. There is a transparent fourth wall that the light shines through in both plays. The family's live in apartments. Even though neither of these plays are musicals, they both have a music aspect to them; the flute and the glass menagerie song. This music adds to symbolic meaning in the plays. The similarities in the two plays are very intersting and I think it will be even more intersting to see what a Raison in the Sun has that is similar to the two.
#6. Theatrical components
Death of a salesman has a set that is set up so as a transparent fourth wall exist. The audience can see through this wall when the light is shown through. THis shows what different characters are doing while a specific action is taking place. As things are happening in the present, characters walk through the doors while during willy's memories the characters seem to walk through the walls. This set adds to the nonrealistic aspect of the play. There is a tune played on a flute that is heard whenever Willy thinks about his car that he once drove. This is a theatrical commponent that makes the audience realize that the car has a significance to Willy that is notable. The theatrical components add to the play because without them we may not pick up on some of the symbolic components of the play and the memories of Willy.
Death of a Salesman- #1 realistic vs. nonrealistic
While reading the Glass Menagere, We discussed the realistic and nonrealistic parts of the play in depth. Death of a salesman also has a realistic/nonrealistic quality. The play takes place in the present and the people are leading real lives. However. Willy, the father, is trapped in the past and has trouble distiquishing between the past and the present. He often thinks that his memories are the present. HE is haunted by his past and he is unable to get rid of it until he kills himself. So Willy's character is living in a nonrealistic world but the other characters are. Further more, because Willy's memories haunt him there are actual ghosts that have a part in the play. Willy aslo hears music and talks to his son biff as if he were younger and even when Biff is not around. This realistic/nonrealistic clash creats an interesting story thatrevolves a man coping with his past or in Willy's case not coping.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Theme? The ending? What?
While I thought this was a really interesting play from the way it was set up and presented, I also found it to be confusing. THe author explains some of the symbols and actions of the movie. These all tell us about the plot being a memory but they don't explain the significance of the memory. I think it was an important stepping stone for both TOm and Laura. Tom found that there is nothing he can do to please his mother. Unless he actually knew that Jim was engaged.. Laura also found that she has potential. Amanda, however, says that Tom has tricked them and that she will be forever stuck at home with her crippled daughter leaving her right in the place she was before the gentleman caller came to vist. I think this has a theme of what memories or events in our lives impact where we are today. For example, why Tom has become like is father. I also don't quite see the conection with the title and the glass figurines. I think they are fragile like Laura and when she gives one away she is realizing that she is not so fragile. But I have to believe there is more to it than that.
#5 the scenery
Tennesse Williams spells out for the reader the importance of the scenery and the props. He explains that because this play is a memory play, there is dim lighting and the important events have background music just like they would in a real persons memory. This play is set up very different than most. There is a translucent screen creating a sort of "fourth wall". This adds more of a realistic aspect to the stage but also could make a muddled image like a memory. The family enters and leaves the house by way of the fire escape symbolizing escaping from the house. The music has a big impact on the play. This is one of the only plays I have heard of that isn't a musical but has music especially made for it. However this adds the effect to the idea that this is a memory and that events are enhanced (by music) by whom ever the person remembering is.
#1 real or not?
This is an interesting play because it presents the plot in a fashion that the reader (or viewer) is not familiar with. Tom is presented at both the narrator and character in the story. THis in itself is unusual. Tom then tells us that the play is a memory, so the setting is in both the present and the future. Because the play is a memory, characters and events are enhanced just as the person remembering the events sees them. This is a difficult concept to grasp beacuse usually a story is told in past or present. This part of the play is nonrealistic. Along with this is the music in the background and the set. Things that are realistic include the events. There may in fact be an overbearing mother with a cripled daughter and rebelious son. These events could take place and make the play something that the audience can relate to. In this way the play displays both realistic and nonrealistic convention.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
the stupid handkerchief
First of all handkerchiefs are nasty! people blow their noses in them and then carry them around its disgusting. Anyway, there is so much suspician assosiated with this nasty object. this handkerchief is Othello's first gift to Desdomona. It was given to him by his mother who had it made by a witch. the withch claimed that as long as Othello's mother had the handkerchief her husband would love her. Emilia finds the handkerchief and brings it to Iago who asks her to copy the stitching. He then uses the handkerchief to place in Cassio's room Bianca finds it there and thinks Cassio is with another woman. Othello sees Bianca yell at Cassio for having the handkerchief and his suspicians of Desdoma's affair are confirmed. OMG!! the horrible handkerchief ruined everyone's lives!It would be pretty cool if someone gets killed with the handkerchief, like Iago! it would bring the handkerchief's terror in full circle.
characteristics of the characters (#3)
Characters enhance a story by by their actions and words and create a plot. It is obviouse that Iago is the antagonist while Cassio, Othello, Roderigo, and desdemona are the protagonists. Iago manipulates theses characters into an intricate web of selfish lies.However, with out the help of the monor characters the story would be lacking. Iago uses minor characters such as his wife, Emilia, to trick Othello and the others. For example, with out Emilia Desdemona's handkerchief would not have ended up with Cassio and if Bionca hadn't been involved with Cassio Othello wouldn't have over heard his conversation and thought it was about Desdamona. These small characters provide the main characters with detail and allow Iago to futher manipulate them.
Play Genre (#2)
Shakespere wrote a variety of different plays. These include comedy, historical, and tragidy. Othello is a tragidy. Trageic plays are characterized by a hero with a tragic flaw that leads to his demize. IN the play Othello, Othello is the hero and his tragic flaw may be a variety of things. The most apparent ones are that of jealousy, too trusting, and quick to judgement.These flaws will lead to Othello's death. Which the reader already knows because of the common characterisics of tragic plays. However it is uncertain by act four what this death will be. I also think Cassio and Desdamona will die. Iago will hopefully die or be locked up.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Character Background
Knowledge of the background of the characters allows the reader to understand the motives. We learn in the first scene of the play that Iago is agree that he was not promoted to Lutentant. Furthermore, he has heard rumors of Othello sleeping with his wife and this makes him seek revenge. We also can see that he has a very self-seeking personality and is manipulative. Roderigo was denied the request to marry Desdemona. This had led him to be jealous of Othello and seek revenge over Brabatio. We also learn that Othello is a Moor and because of this he is judged. For example, Brabatio automatically thinks that he has tricked his daughter and that he is bad. Because we learn of each character's background we understand why they make the decisions they do and why they act in a certain way.
Extra Ordinary!!!
Othello stands out from the other characters for quite a few reasons. First of all he is a Moor. This means he is from Africa and is black. He is often made fun of and judged unfairly because of this. In fact, Othello is accused of using magic and is treated like he is lower class by a few of the characters. Furthermore,Othello is an accomplished leader of the military. He has won many battles and is respected for his expert leading skills and knowledge. Othello seems to be the hero of the story. His tragic flaw is that he is jealous and suspisios of others. This makes it easy for Iago to trick Othello into believing that Desdemona is cheating on him. This flaw leads him to his self-inflicted doom.
Revenge and prejudgement
As we were told before reading this play, Othello has some major themes. One theme is that of revenge. Iogo seeks revenge on Othello for choosing Casio as his luteniant while Rodriges wants Othello's wife, Desmoda, for himself. Iago and Rodriges manipulate the characters to achieve revenge through out the play. THis is seen when Iago turns Brabantio against Othello but pretends to be Othello's loyal officer. Iago is not what he seems. Rodriges seeks revenge by telling Brabantio that his daughter has married Othello and tries to get Othello imprisioned or killed. Another theme is prejudgment. Most of the characters prejudge Othello for being a Moor. In fact he accusssed of using magic by Brabantio. I'm sure these themes will be carried out more clearly through out the play. These themes are timeless and universal.
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