Sunday, January 30, 2011

Trifles by Susan Glaspell

Abstract
      Mr.Hale and Harry were on their way into town with a load of potatoes when they stopped by the Wright's house. Mr.Hale was stopping by to see if John Wright would want to get a party telephone with him. As he got to the house it looked as though no one was home until he saw that Mrs.Wright was sitting in the rocker pleating her apron. Mr.Hale asked where Mr.Wright was and Mrs.Wright said he was dead. Mr.Hale couldn't believe this and called Harry to come and see what had happened. They saw that Mr.Wright had been wrung by his neck.
       The county attorney and sheriff were now at the house to investigate. Mrs.Wright was taken into town into jail. Mrs.Hale and Mrs.Peters were also along to help investigate. They searched the house for clues, but couldn't find anything. Mrs. Peters and Mrs.Hale were noticing small things that were not normal and they figured out that Mrs.Wright killed her husband, but they weren't going to tell the guys that discovery.


Response
       Mrs. Wright was a lady that was very simple and didn't take pride in herself at all, at least that's what Mrs. Peters and Mrs.Hale saw, but before she got married that image was different. As they were waiting around the house for the guys to gather clues. They started finding clues of their own. They saw that the bread was left out on the counter and their was one loaf still to be baked. Another thing they found suspicious was the the house wasn't clean or put together. It was dirty and not kept up. They thought this must be because Mrs.Wright didn't have the energy or need to clean, she had given up.
       While Mrs.Hale was looking down she found that there was quilting basket on the floor. They started looking at it and saw that there were quilt squares and most were already sewn except for one that didn't looked very well sewn at all. It looked as though Mr.Wright was nervous about something. What would make Mrs.Wright nervous, was it her life, or her husband? John Wright was known to be a nice guy, but he was a "hard man". This probably was how he was with his wife too.
        Another thing Mrs.Peters and Mrs.Hale found was bird cage with broken door. It looked as though someone was angry with the bird and wanted it gone. The women suspected that Mr.Wright was sick of the bird singing and killed it. This idea was confirmed when they found the bird with it neck wrung, and placed inside a silk satchel in Mrs.Wright's quilting basket.
          All these clues lead to one thing, oppression. Mrs.Wright was being oppressed by her husband. She was unhappy and lonely, but there was nothing that she could do about it. She did what she was told and didn't argue with her husband. The only people that saw this were the women in the story. The men were totally oblivious to this idea because they thought that the women couldn't do anything or any investigative work because they were women.
         Throughout the story there are many different remarks and actions that show that the men looked down upon the women. They talk about when they first enter the house, how filthy it is. The women answer back that it's hard to upkeep a whole farm by themselves. As the story continues Mr. Hale states the women are always worrying about trifles, or small unnecessary things. The women take offense to this comment because if women didn't pay attention to trifles, there are things that wouldn't ever be done around the house.
       As it is shown through this story many women are oppressed by men. Although the women feel this they don't do anything about it and try to deal with it on their own. The men are oblivious to the thought that women can think on their own and figure things out quicker than they can sometimes.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Hamlet- Act 5

Act 5-
Scene 1-
       The first clown and second clown are digging a grave for Ophelia. They said that she must have been defending herself from the water, but couldn't get away and that's how she drowned. It is a sin of the church that you must not commit suicide. If you do this you will not have proper funeral and you won't be buried in the church cemeatary.
        Hamlet and Horatio are on their way back to the castle when they see the first clown digging the grave. Hamlet asks who he's digging it for, but he won't answer Hamlet. The first clown just keeps talking around Hamlet's questions. Hamlet and Horatio hide because they hear people coming with a casket. He is surprised to see that it is Ophelia who has died. Before they are about to bury her Laertes jumps in the grave and says that he'll be buried alive with her. This angers Hamlet and he comes out from his hiding spot and insults Laertes, saying that he'll never love Ophelia as much as Hamlet does. The Queen tries to get Hamlet to calm down and says that he might not be as crazy as he seems.


Scene 2-
         When Hamlet was traveling to England he found that in the letters that Claudius was telling England to kill Hamlet. Hamlet couldn't believe this and rewrote the letters telling the King that he should kill the carriers of the letters immediately, all this was being told to Horatio. Once Hamlet was back to Denmark Osric comes to Hamlet asking him to fight. Hamlet was invited to fight Laertes, and Claudius has a bet saying that Laertes will win. 
            While Laertes and Hamlet are fighting Claudius poisons Hamlet's drinking cup. As the fight goes on the Queen give Hamlet her handkerchief, and takes a drink of Hamlet's cup. Claudius realizes that he's poisoned his wife, and he can't believe it. Laertes is then injured and so is Hamlet. They accidently exchange swords and Hamlet wounds Laertes with his own weapon. Then Laertes tells Hamlet that it was Claudius's fault, so Hamlet forces him to drink the poison and he dies.
             Through all this mayham Laertes dies from the poison on the sword. Hamlet says his goodbyes to Horatio and all the others watching and dies too. As Hamlet's dying he hears the horns from Fortinbras's army. They were on their way back from the win in Poland. Fortinbras was surprised to hear of all the deaths. In the end Horatio and Fortinbras sit down and talk about the happenings and the story behind it all.


Response-
           This reading goes by very quickly. I think this is because there are so many events that are happening. The acts of  Hamlet seem very calm for all of the camotion that is going on. This is because Hamlet knows he is going to die. He wants to die for his father. Hamlet has done all he can do to avenge his father's death. I think that the fact that Hamlet had to avenge his father's death drove him crazy because he didn't know how to do it. Hamlet didn't want to hurt anyone because that went against all he believe, but he thought if he didn't avenge his fathers death what is the point of living.
             After Hamlet finally found out that Claudius would die there was no other reason to live. Hamlet had done what he was asked to do and his life was lived for. I think this is a huge turning point in the story when Claudius dies because there is no fight to fight anymore. Hamlet has done all he can do. 
              Hamlet's tone in the start of the second scene is really angry and almost like he can't take anything anymore. As the fight goes on it builds up until finally when Hamlet forces Claudius to drink out of the goblet. This is the point where his craziness peaks and there is not more he can do. He doesn't show any emotion over his mother's death except that he wants to kill Claudius for killing her, but Hamlet was already going to do that anyways.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Hamlet- Act 4

Act 4-
Scene 1-
      Gertrude tells Claudius that when Hamlet was in her room talking to her he accidently killed Polonius. Claudius is shocked by this happening. Claudius orders that Guildenstern and Rosencrantz go and get Hamlet and Polonius's corpse and bring it to the church to have a funeral.

Scene 2-
     Hamlet hid the body of Polonius. Then Rosencrantz and Guildenstern come to ask Hamlet where he has hidden the body, but Hamlet won't tell them. Hamlet won't tell him because he doesn't trust Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He knows they're only there because Claudius told them to talk to Hamlet since they were friends of Hamlet. 

Scene 3-
         Rosencrantz goes to the king and explains that Hamlet wouldn't tell him where he put Polonius's body. Claudius orders that he see Hamlet immediately. Hamlet explains that he is being eaten up by worms and these worms fish eat, which Claudius eats, so therefore he is eating the king. Hamlet gives him a hint saying that it's in the hallway somewhere so servants go looking for it. Hamlet is then assisted to get on the ship to go to England. Claudius sends letters to England pleading that they kill Hamlet once he gets there.
  
Scene 4-
        As Hamlet is on his way to England he comes across an army. It happens to be the army from Norway, who is directed by Fortinbras. Hamlet talks to the Captain and asks why they are attacking a small piece of land in Poland. The Captain says he's not quite sure and doesn't think its worth it, honestly. Hamlet thinks about what the Captain said and realizes that if you don't think violent then they aren't worth thinking or using.

Scene 5-
       Ophelia comes to the queen speaking nonsense. Gertrude is sure that she has gone crazy because of the death of her father. Claudius feels bad for a Ophelia, and he can't believe all the bad things that are happening at one time to him and his kingdom. Laertes has came back from France and is going to avenge his father's death. He is going to kill Claudius because Laertes believes that Claudius did it. Claudius promises that he didn't do it. If  he is guilty Claudius will give up his throne, crown, kingdom, and life.

Scene 6-
        A sailor has brought a letter to give to Horatio. It is from Hamlet, he has been taken by pirates. Guildenstern and Rosencrantz got away and are on their way to England. Hamlet asks Horatio to save him and to let the sailor go to the King. The sailor has many letters to the Claudius to read too.

Scene 7-
       Laertes visits Claudius and says that he wants to kill who murdered who killed his father. Laertes learns that it was Hamlet who killed his father. As they are talking Claudius receives a letter from Hamlet saying that he is returning home in a few days. Laertes asks if he can kill Hamlet, Claudius says that's fine. They plan that they will have duel and people will bet for who will win. If Laertes doesn't kill him with his sword covered in poisonous oil then they will hand him a drink that's poisoned for Hamlet to drink. So either way Hamlet will die and it will be no one's fault.  

Response-
         While Hamlet speaks in this Act you see how he's actually crazy. As Rosencrantz and Guildenstern ask Hamlet where he left Polonius's corpse, Hamlet doesn't answer. He just talks about the worms that will eat his body, which the king will eat eventually. This makes no sense at all to me and I think Hamlet's Id is taking over even more.
         All Hamlet can think about is killing Claudius and not letting Claudius get what he wants. Any question that people ask Hamlet he talks around it. He will never give them a definite answer. These is just on example of Hamlet's craziness in the start.
          As the story goes on Hamlet is off to England and is excited about it. I wonder why Hamlet would be happy about leaving his mother alone with Claudius? There must be something that Hamlet knows and Claudius doesn't because why would Hamlet willingly leave Denmark? I think that there is something that is Hamlet isn't telling anyone. He wants to leave England, but then I think he will come back and kill Claudius out of nowhere. This is shocking and probably won't see it coming but I think that's what will happen in the future. We know for sure that Hamlet is coming home from his letters.
           Is Hamlet really coming home or is he just trying to make Claudius paranoid? He could just be using psychology against Claudius. Maybe Hamlet wants Claudius  to think that he's coming home soon, but Hamlet won't appear home for a month or so. If this is the case the Claudius wouldn't be prepared for the attack, in which Hamlet would catch him off guard. Hamlet might be going crazy but some of the things he does makes him appear that he might still be halfway normal.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Hamlet- Act 3

Act 3-
Scene 1-
         Claudius and Polonius arrange for Ophelia to meet Hamlet on accident. As they meet, Claudius and Polonius are spying on them to hear what Hamlet has to say. They are trying to figure out why Hamlet is in the mood he is. Hamlet speaks to Ophelia and says that he doesn't want to be with her or marry her because she is a whore and has cheated on him. Hamlet explains that he feels bad for anyone that will try to marry her in the future. Claudius and Polonius are surprised by this because Hamlet shows no signs of craziness.
Scene 2-
          Claudius, Gertrude, and Polonius all come to the play along with Hamlet and others. Before the prologue of the play is started two actors come out on stage. They act as if someone got poison in their ear and dies. Then the prologue starts and they don't say much at all about what just happened. The play starts and it's a about a king and queen, and the queen talks about the face that she'd never remarry if the king died. They talk about this for awhile. Hamlet wanted this play to be acted out in front of Claudius to see how he reacted to what happens because the play is a lot like what Claudius has done. Claudius reacts and orders that the play be stopped. He is angry that Hamlet would have a play like this shown.
Scene 3-
          Claudius and Gertrude agree to send Hamlet away to England. He is suppose to be going for business, but Hamlet can't stay in Denmark because Hamlet is too crazy to have in the country. Hamlet is ordered to go talk to his mother, and Polonius says he will hide and spy on the conversation. All agree that that would be fine to do. Claudius starts to think about what he has done and he feels guilt. He doesn't know if he can ever be forgiven, but keep the rewards. Hamlet sees that Claudius is praying, asking for forgiveness, and he draws his sword to kill Claudius, but then decides not to.

Scene 4-
           Hamlet is going to talk to his mother. She asks him why he had to insult his father, Claudius? Hamlet says that he didn't insult him at all. Hamlet says that the Queen needs to look at herself and who she used to be, this scares the queen and she cries help. Polonius answers from behind the tapestry, where he was hiding. This startles Hamlet and he sticks his knife through the tapestry and kills Polonius. Hamlet then continues talking to his mother and asks her why she would do such a cruel thing to him. Why would she marry her husband's brother? Hamlet tells her to look at a picture and he explains that his father was good looking and friendly and Claudius just looked cruel and deceiving. While Hamlet is talking to his mother the ghost of his father appears. It tells him to be nice to his mother because she has been shocked by what Hamlet has said. Hamlet begs his mother to not sleep with Claudius tonight because that's all he wants.

Response-
        Hamlet is really starting to outsmart Claudius. Claudius believes that Hamlet is crazy and he can't function normal at all. Polonius had caught on to the fact that Hamlet had a method to his madness. All these emotions and thoughts are affecting the psychological aspect of this story.
        Hamlet's ego is in full force here because he is thinking realisticly on how he will get Claudius to admit what he's done. Hamlet starts to think about what would make Claudius feel guilt, he doesn't come up with an idea until he hears that a troupe is coming toward their castle. Hamlet talks to this troupe and asks if the they will perform, "The Murder of Gonzago". This story is a lot like the life that Claudius is living. As this play is being acted out Claudius becomes inpatient and doesn't like the play at all. He orders that it be stopped and leaves immediately. This makes Claudius go in to his Ego. He becomes aware of what he's done. He can't stand the guilt and is trying to hide it the best he can. By Hamlet using his ego this make Claudius's ego come out too.
         Polonius was trying to be friendly to the king and queen because he wants to impress them. He wants to  have the king and queen on his side so that he will be able to eventually kill Hamlet. I think this is Polonius's Id taking over because he wants so bad to have the throne eventually or just have power he'll do anything to get it. The only way to gain this power or dream he has is to do small things that don't mean much at all. By Polonius doing good things for the queen he is eventually killed, which is ironic. He wanted to kill Hamlet, but in return is killed by Hamlet himself.
          

  

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Hamlet- Act 2

Act 2


Scene 1-
       Polonius told Reynaldo the servant to go to Paris and see what Laertes has been up to. Polonius asks Reynaldo to go around talking to people about Laertes in a negative way so that he can get the truth out of them. He is going to lie so that he gets what he wants. Ophelia tells her father that Hamlet visited her and scared her a bit. He came into her room looking terrible took  her hand and then backed away and left. Hamlet also wrote a love letter to her telling her how much he loved her.


Scene 2-
         Claudius orders two of Hamlet's friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to figure out why Hamlet it acting the way he is. Polonius comes to Claudius and says that he sees that Hamlet has changed. Polonius says that he knows why Hamlet is the way he is. He is crazy because of the love for Ophelia. Polonius says that he'll talk to Hamlet and figure everything out. Claudius agrees to this and say Polonius can do this. Hamlet meets Polonius and he knows that his parents have sent him. Hamlet knows that Polonius is trying to do and he'll out smart them. Hamlet orders that the players perform for him and his parents one night soon. He knows that this play is known for making people confess what they've done especially murders.


Response-
         Throughout this scene there is a troupe that is coming to the castle to perform for Hamlet's and his family. When the players first enter Hamlet starts quoting a part from a play, and the player finishes it. This dialogue is about a guy attacking another man. As he tries to kill him he succeeds and they killer gets the man's kingdom. This directly relates to Claudius killing King Hamlet. Hamlet purposely wanted to show this experience to Polonius because he wants him to feel guilty. I think Hamlet thinks Polonius knows about Claudius killing Hamlet's father.          
           As Hamlet is reciting lines from the play he has a certain tone. He very anxious and expressive. He wants to leave a lasting impression on Polonius and make him feel sorry for Hamlet. I think Hamlet wants Polonius to fear him. In the lines he recites he is almost implying that the man who doesn't like the other guy will kill him. Hamlet wants to show that he will kill who ever stands in his way.
          The way that Shakespear writes this Act really shows how much he feels for Hamlet. He has Claudius and Polonius going together to go against Hamlet. Hamlet knows that this is happening and out smarts them both. Throughout this act he is insulting them both without them knowing so. Polonius thinks that Hamlet isn't smart and is completely clueless. Hamlet has a plan to out smart Claudius and Polonius. He orders that a play be performed. This play was called, "The Murder of Ganzago".
          This play is the perfect play to be performed in front of Claudius. This play was known for making people confess what they've done wrong. Hamlet wanted to watch Claudius watch this play and see how he would react. He wanted to see the facial expressions that Claudius  expressed and try to catch him for his fathers death. Hamlet knows that if he can make Claudius vulnerable then he can get him to confess the murder  that he committed. 
        

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Hamlet- Act1

Act 1
Scene 1-
       Bernardo and Marcellus have seen a ghost while on guard at night. They told Horatio about their experience, but he doesn't believe them. One night they are all on guard and the ghost appears. Horatio tries to speak to the ghost but it just vanishes. The ghost is dressed in combat gear and looks just like the King that was killed. The ghost reappears and Bernardo, Marcellus, and Horatio try to force it to speak by advancing towards it with a spear, which scares the ghost off. They regret doing this and wish to know why the ghost keeps reappearing.
Scene 2-
       Claudius writes to the Fortinbras's uncle telling him that he should stop whatever his nephew is plotting to do to Denmark. He knows that Fortinbras is angry about King Hamlet taking his father's land many years ago, that is why Fortinbras wants to attack Denmark to get his land back. Claudius confronts Hamlet and tells him that he needs to stop mourning over the loss of his father. He must accept that Claudius is his new father. Hamlet hates that thought of this. Bernardo and Marcellus come to tell Hamlet that they have seen the ghost of his father. Hamlet demands that he see this ghost therefore Hamlet will stand guard with Bernardo and Marcellus that coming night.
Scene 3-
        Laertes is on his way back to France, which is where he came from. He tells his sister, Ophelia that she must beware of Hamlet. Hamlet may want to be with Ophelia, but once they are the state of Denmark will control their relationship because he will have to act for the nation. He is just being nice to get her, Laertes says. Polonius says the same things and says that Ophelia must not see Hamlet anymore. Opehlia agrees because she doesn't know what else to believe.
Scene 4-
         Hamlet, Bernardo, and Marcellus are all on guard and it's a little after midnight. They see that the ghost appears. Hamlet pleads that the ghost explain why it's here and what it wants. Then ghost motions to talk to Hamlet alone, so he follows. Bernardo and Marcellus don't trust the ghost so they follow too.
Scene 5-
           Hamlet meets up with the ghost. This ghost is the ghost of his father. The ghost tells Hamlet how he was killed. Everyone in Denmark said that he was poisoned by a snake that bit him while he was sleeping in the forest. All this was lie because the truth is, Claudius poured henbane poison into King Hamlet's ear and  killed him. Hamlet is outraged by this news and can't wait to avenge his father's death, and kill his uncle who killed his father. Claudius lured Gertrude to turn against her husband and be with Claudius, which makes them incensed, this also makes Hamlet angry.
      
Response
          Most of this story is based on the thoughts of Hamlet and Claudius. They are both determined to get their ways even if they irrational. At the beginning of the story Hamlet definitely shows his ego, because he is in mourning. There is no way he can control the reality of what he is going through, the death of his father. As they story continues he is questioned about his ego because Claudius doesn't like that he is wearing black and always moping around the castle. 
             Claudius is definitely influenced by his dreams or Id. He wanted to be king and he wanted it so bad that he killed his brother. Why would someone kill their own brother? That thought is something that wouldn't enter many people's minds. He was obviously out of his conscious mind, in order to kill his brother. Claudius had always dreamed of being king, and hated King Hamlet that he'd doing anything to have the throne, which is what he did.
            Claudius then had to switch his thinking in order to think realistically about how he'll get the throne. He knows that he must charm the queen, Gertrude, with lust. So he flirts with her and gets her to love Claudius. By swaying Gertrude to think like this she no longer has an attachment to King Hamlet, which makes it easier to kill him. Another thing that Claudius uses his Ego for is when he thinks up a way to kill King Hamlet. His thought is to poison him, which is smart because then there is no proof. People will just suspect he was bitten by a snake or that he was poisoned, but they don't know who it was that did it.
             At the end of the story when Hamlet has spoke to the ghost his Id starts to kick in. He starts to think irrational because all he wants to do is to avenge his fathers death. Hamlet is so  angry he will do anything, even if it requires him to act crazy. He is determined to kill his uncle, Claudius. The only reason Hamlet becomes irrational is because of his anger.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Oedipus Rex- Scenes 3&4/ Exodos

Abstract
      Oedipus finds out that he is incensed and that in fact his wife is his mother too. He didn't understand how this could be possible until it was explained to him by one of the messengers who knew the shepherd that found Oedipus when he was younger. Oedipus was abandoned by his parents when they heard the oracle from Apollo about their son killing his father. They left Oedipus to die, but he was found by a man who then gave Oedipus to the shepherd who gave him to his so called parents. Once Oedipus was older he heard of this oracle and wanted to escape. While he was escaping he killed Laios, who was Oedipus's actual father. Oedipus cannot believe this at all. He immediately goes to his wife which he finds has hung herself. Oedipus tears his eyes out with the brooch’s on his wife's dress. He wants to be blind because then he won't see those that he created a troubled life for. He begs that Kreon the new ruler takes him out in the middle of nowhere and dumps him off there to die.



Response
       As I read this story I felt that the ending was kind of predictable. I feel that Sophocles set these thoughts up earlier in the play, with Kreon telling Oedipus that he murdered Laios. At first Oedipus doesn't want to believe it's true and he can't think of any evidence that would make this true until he talks to the messenger. he then puts the pieces together and realizes that Laios was in fact his father.
       Scenes three and four really deal with the theory that Sigmund Freud developed called "Psychosexual development". In this theory Sigmund tells us how younger boys want to kill their fathers so that they can have their mother's to themselves. This theory is present in the oracle that Apollo tells Laios and his wife when Oedipus was younger. The whole problem with Oedipus is that he was trying to prevent himself from killing his father, when in actuality thats exactly what he did. 
       Once Oedipus is older and finds out what he has done, he goes into a state of denial. He doesn't want to admit he killed his father and even more he doesn't want to say that his children are from his mother. This thought just brings shame on Oedipus. Once he accepts what he has done, he makes sure that he receives the consequences that were put in place for the murderer of Laios. On top of those consequences Oedipus cuts his eyes out. He feels as though what he has done he can never live with and doesn't want to see those he hurt. He apologizes to his children and wants to make sure that they marry in the future and are not effected by his poor decisions.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Oedipus Rex- Prologue and Scenes 1&2

Abstract
     Oedipus is is the King of Thebes, and ruler overall. He orders Kreon to visit two different shrines and see what the gods want him to do about his town. Oedipus needs answers from the gods because his city is dying from a plague. Kreon is days late from him travels and this worries Oedipus. Once Kreon gets home he tells Oedipus that they must kill everyone because they need to avenge the death of Laios and figure out who killed him. Oedipus doesn't agree with this thought completely.
       Oedipus demands that any people that know about Laios's death must speak up. If they do they'll receive an award. Oedipus is determined to find the murder. He expresses that the penalty for killing Laios is that the murder is not allowed in any homes in the city of Thebes. The murder will also not be allowed in the church and never be spoke to by Oedipus Rex.
       Oedipus orders all his workers to be under oath and tell what they know about Laios's death. Kreon doesn't show up to this which makes Oedipus suspicious because he was the one who spoke of the murder in the first place.
      Oedipus then talks to Teiresias and begs him to tell Oedipus who the murderer is, but Teiresias refuses to talk. Oedipus figures out that Kreon made all this up so that he could get the throne, which angered Oedipus even more. Kreon says he didn't kill Laios, but Oedipus doesn't believe Kreon. He talks to his wife, Iokaste, about it and she says that Kreon never lies. This just make Oedipus even more angry because his wife isn't on his side of this fight. Kreon claims that Oedipus killed Laios which is actually his father. The reason why Oedipus did this is so he would be with his mother. Oedipus can't believe that Kreon would say something like that and wants him killed.



Response
    This whole story is based on the thoughts that Oedipus is thinking. Everything that he does is based on his emotions even if has nothing to back up his belief. I feel that Oedipus's anger is what gets the best of him. Just because Oedipus is ruler means he can do whatever he wants no questions asked. Most people in the city of Thebes don't challenge his decisions, except for Kreon. Kreon feels as though he really knows whats right and the indeed Oedipus is the murder of Laios. Kreon says this because he knows that this will anger Oedipus and get him off topic of thinking that Kreon killed Laios. All the tactics used by Kreon are psychological. He wants Oedipus to have to think deeply and maybe even have self doubt so then Kreon won't be killed. This is just one instant when the psychology comes into play in this story.
      As I began to read even more I found that the theory that Sigmond Freud developed is represented. Kreon claims that Laios was indeed Oedipus's father. So he believes that Oedipus killed his father, Laios, so that he could be with his mother. It just so happens that his mother is that one that his is also married to and had a son with. So as you can see Freud's theory is present in this story.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Poetry Entry #2

My Last Duchess
        This poem is based on Alfonso II who was a duke of Ferrara in Italy and loved his duchess very much. He had her painted on a wall. This painting is admired by the duke. He expresses how alive she looks in the painting and how he wants to show it off to those who enter his home. 
         The duke then begins to talk about his duchess and her characteristics. She had a heart that was easy  to make happy. Her skin was very pale and flush. Then the duke starts to tell a story about the duchess being in the orchard and she was lost. A guy with a horse helped her out of the orchard and she blushed as she said thank you. This happened often that she would flirt with other guys. 
          The Duke talks about how the Duchess should be happy with him because she is with someone who has a nine-hundred year old name. He starts to order her around and tell her what she should do. The duchess doesn't like this at all. She becomes unhappy and eventually leaves him.



My Papa's Waltz
        This poem is about a boy that is waltzing with his father, who has been drinking whiskey. As he's dancing with his dad he's trying to ignore the smell of the whiskey that is taking over the air. They danced and danced until the pans in the kitchen ell off the shelves. Then the boy's mother came in with a frown on her face, not too happy at what she saw. The father's hands were worn and battered. As the boy stood with his father he was a lot shorter and his ear rubbed on his dad's belt buckle. As they continued to dance the father took the boy to his bed.

Poetry Enrty #1

To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time By Robert Herrick
            I feel like this title says a lot. The first part of the title is “To the Virgins…” This is written to people who don’t take chances or experience much in their lives therefore making them virgins. The next part of the title says, “to Make Much of Time” which is saying live your life and don’t be so cautious all the time.
            The first stanza talks about how you should cherish what you have now because the next moment you know it could be gone. Then it goes on to say in the second stanza that every day you get closer and closer to heaven. This gives you even more of a reason to live your life and try new things all the time. As the poem progresses it talks about how your youth is the best time of your life, even though you’ll go through things that aren’t easy. It only makes you a better person. In the last stanza it expresses that you must use your time you have in life and not regret anything. As you go through your life you’ll lose your youth and you don’t want to have to stay stuck in one place because you were never adventurous.

I wandered lonely as a cloud By William Wadsworth
            The poet is thinking about himself writing poetry and how he must think and wonder to figure out what he wants to write about. He finds himself staring at these daffodils and how they are so blissful. They dance in the breeze and all through the day and night. He talks about how there must be ten thousand of them that just dance and move. All these daffodils make him inspired to write his poetry unlike him sitting at home on his couch, but if he thinks of the daffodils he is inspired to write once again.

Annabel Lee By Edgar Allen Poe
            The narrator is in love with Annabel Lee, which is a maiden that lives in a kingdom by the sea. Annabel and the narrator have been in love forever; since they were little. Annabel Lee was the most loving person and loved with so much love.
            The angels of the high heavens wished for the love between these two to be taken away. By taking this love away this killed Annabel Lee because that’s what she lived for. Annabel Lee’s death saddens the narrator and he will never leave her side. He will always love her whether she’s physically with him or not.
            Everything that the narrator sees reminds him of Annabel Lee, like the stars and the moon makes him think of her and her beauty. When night comes he lies down next to her tomb and falls asleep with her by the sea, which is where they spent most of their time together.