Response to Class Material

Dear Ceremony,
I know this is unexpected, and unprompted, but I love you. Yes, I used the L-word. This is a big step, so just hear me out. I love your imagery, you contain so many fantastic word paintings that even without a plot you could be complete. Don't listen to the others who call you confusing, you're just complex. The shifting times are just an added spice. Through our relationship I've learned so much, both about Native American culture and how empty my life was before I understood allusions. And even though you seem to be Native American-Ordinary People at times, it does not diminish my adoration. Everyone has faults. Even me (hint: writing letters to literature). I love that your plot is part road novel, part Born on the Fourth of July, part fascinating folklore, and all self discovery. Perhaps one day you can return my feelings, until then I'm stalking Leslie Marmon Silko.
Affectionately,
Emily

Close Reading

Fire and Ice - Maureen Dowd  
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/opinion/sunday/dowd-fire-and-ice.html?ref=opinion

             This article is a comparison of Newt Gingrich and Barack Obama. Gingrich is the fire, Obama the ice, as the author runs with this metaphor and contrasts both politics and personalities.
             The diction of this piece is an interesting blend of extra-ordinarily educated and slang. Alternating between "pugilistic" and "weepy boy crush", the author comes to seem like a politics professor gleefully going off the book. This causes a slightly contradictory effect, perhaps it isn't the wisest to make this opinion your own, but you're dying for the chance to quote the article. Although the author does use diction to appear an Obamaddict, she is clearly disparaging of Gingrich. Notably, she calls Gingrich "Newt" frequently. This would mean less if his name was "Kevin", but let's face it, "Newt" sounds hilarious. Who names their kid "Salamander-like Amphibian"? This creates a condescending view of Gingrich.
              Similarly to the diction in this article, the language is a hybrid of class and slang. She draws upon popular culture to riff on the candidates and creates amusing monikers. Greek illusions are common, featuring references to Icarus, Mount Vesuvius, and Sparta. These clever slights and comparisons would fly by the uneducated, but when deployed successfully are laugh-bombs that also provide good cometary on the candidates.
                The author uses some particulary creative imagery. One such is "Nutty Newt is dancing a fandango on Mitt Romney’s head", effectively belittling both candidates in the most effective way: making them a joke. This humorous imagery can be decidedly more biting then some of the most incendiary language.

Open Prompt Dec 4

1980. A recurring theme in literature is the classic war between a passion and responsibility. For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in which a character confronts the demands of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.

                  From Romeo and Juliet to Star Wars, the conflict between love and moral duty remains a popular theme in literature and art. Aside from adding human drama, many authors use this conflict to advance other messages. Charlotte Bronte is one such author in her work Jane Eyre. The moral dilemma Jane faces in her love for Mr. Rochester creates what could be considered one of the earliest feminist novels.

         Although Jane and Rochester face many barriers to their relationship, none is more resolute then Jane’s moral convictions. Wealth and social boundaries are more easily overcome then Rochester’s still binding marriage to the insane Bertha. Despite her love for Rochester, Jane declines becoming his mistress for religious and personal convictions. Jane realizes that by being his mistress she would lose her self-respect and sense of equality in the marriage. Although Jane is poor, she is also proud and would see herself perpetually a dependent of Rochester.

         Jane’s decision to leave Rochester casts her in a role other than the traditional damsel in distress found in other Gothic and Victorian Literature. An individual, Jane will not permit herself to compromise her beliefs for the sake of an easy life. Showing self-reliance uncommon of other heroines of the day, Jane seeks out employment away from Thornfield. The feminist message of the novel is further enhanced by Jane’s eventual return to Rochester. True to her own desires, Jane does not allow herself to be pressured into a marriage with St. John while she still loves Rochester. Only when Jane feels she has equity with Rochester, financially and socially, does she agree to marry him.

         The moral obstacle to love in Jane Eyre adds a layer of complexity to the romance. Instead of simply becoming a hurdle to overcome, it defines Jane’s relationship with Rochester and with herself. In her struggling with this dilemma, Jane becomes part of the feminist pantheon.

        

Close Reading November 20

How about better parents?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/20/opinion/sunday/friedman-how-about-better-parents.html?scp=2&sq=november%2020%20opinion%20article&st=Search

In this article, a response to the recent debate about our education system and funding, the author makes the case that what is really needed is more parental involvement.

On a first read, the language and tone of the author is at first hard to distinguish. By the title, we know exactly what the author's ideas are, but as there seems to be nary a sentence without a quote. This projects others' voices into the article. However, we get to hear the author's voice by the quote selection and manipulation. The quote fanaticism projects an air of desiring to seem well informed and confidence inspiring. After all, how can you not trust quotes from studies and scientists? When not quoting, the author uses a semi-formal tone, creating a sense of reliability and familiarity.

Although the author does not  include much slang, the diction is not particularly note-worthy. Neither poet-laureate nor trailer park, it gives the reader something of a non-impression, removing most traces of a persona.

The syntax of this piece gradually diminishes in complexity. The sentences in the last paragraph are short, repetitive, and begin with conjunctions. Although some writers might use this to emphasize a point, as the author is merely restating an opinion (or the title) it creates an impression that the author ran out of steam and slapped on an ending. The syntax is largely repetitive: brief sentence, sentence with quote. This creates a feeling that the whole article would work better as bullet points and listed information. The author has merely compiled information instead of making conclusions and explaining it.

Nov 20 Response to Class material

Death of a Salesman. Hrm. I liked the points, but frankly was glad to have finished it. It created a complicated emotion, part pity, part extreme distaste. Willy is pitiful, but still majorly messed up his sons. It's hard to reconcile these emotions. I think I feel worst for Happy. He was always overshadowed by Biff, yet most believes in his father's legacy.

Our essays were a tad... rough. The highest score we had in our group was a 5. It's so hard to remember to hit all the points of the essay while being insightful AND original. Stupid 9. Oh well, onward we shall go!

Open Prompt 5

1974. Choose a work of literature written before 1900. Write an essay in which you present arguments for and against the work's relevance for a person in 1974. Your own position should emerge in the course of your essay. You may refer to works of literature written after 1900 for the purpose of contrast or comparison. Much Ado about Nothing

             In a society that is obsessed with the new, it’s easy to imagine that past works have little relevance today. This is an untrue assessment based on the continued applicability of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The exploration of gender relations and problems of courtship gives it lasting appeal. However, modern readers’ unfamiliarity of Shakespeare’s poetic techniques and language often provide an impediment to its accessibility.

         The battle of the sexes forms a large part of the dialogue of Much Ado About Nothing. The “merry war” between Beatrice and Benedick provides an ongoing commentary on which gender is capable of enduring love, and their doubts that either can commit. Through their witty arguments they spurn each other’s respective gender for what they perceive as intrinsic flaws, uttering disparagements very familiar to modern readers. Fidelity is a main plot point in this work. Hero’s supposed affair reveals an enormous double standard for sexual morality. Although most fathers today would not threaten to kill their daughters, there is still a different stigma attached to female sexual behavior outside marriage than to male “exploits”.

         The hazards of courtship drive the adventures and misadventures of the characters. The leap of faith needed to trust is a recurring theme for both the male and female characters. Benedick disparages love because he feels he cannot trust women while the often repeated song decries men as “deceivers ever”. Fear of rejection paralyzes both sets of lovers. Don Pedro woos Hero in place of Claudio and neither Benedick nor Beatrice are willing to pursue the other until they are convinced they will not be spurned. With these common dilemmas Shakespeare creates characters we identify with to this day.

         Shakespeare’s poetic conventions and use of early modern English can serve to distance the modern reader. The use of iambic pentameter is now an uncommon convention and can make the dialogue seem unnatural and forced to modern ears. Words in Early Modern English had slightly different sounds and thus created rhymes that no longer translate well. Many of his puns and humor derive themselves from idioms no longer in use.

         Despite the setback of outmoded language devices, Much Ado About Nothing remains relevant to today’s reader. The trials of love remain constant, human nature has changed little in the past four-hundred years. We are still plagued by insecurities, jealousies, and desire literature to help us sigh no more after the misadventures of the heart.

Open Prompt October 30

1979. Choose a complex and important character in a novel or a play of recognized literary merit who might on the basis of the character's actions alone be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and why the full presentation of the character in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might. Avoid plot summary.

His favorite hobby being ultra-violence, it is doubtless that Alex of A Clockwork Orange should be considered evil. The delight he experiences in rape and random acts of violence first causes revulsion in the reader, yet gradually a sense of sympathy develops for him. Through alienating Alex to his peers and pitting him against an equally repugnant society, Burgess creates a more sympathetic reaction than Alex’s actions deserve at face value.

            Although mindlessly destructive, Alex is isolated from the  droogs he commands. His great appreciation of art and beauty gives him a depth his peers will never understand.  The reader comes to admire Alex for his taste and wit. Further sympathy is given to Alex as his gang betrays him, although one abhorrers Alex’s actions, pity and outrage is still felt for his misfortunes. One can easily relate to the experience of being stabbed in the back more than empathize with Alex’s victims through the separation caused by Burgess’ Nadsat language.

            When compared to a hypocritical and equally violent government, Alex’s actions paint him in a better light. As they torture and experiment on him the reader feels that Alex becomes something of a martyr. Alex comes to symbolize freewill instead of drug-fueled violence.  Burgess turns Alex into a passionate opponent of hypocrisy. The government that punishes him for his violent acts receives the same joy he does in violence.

            Although we should condemn Alex for his violence, we find ourselves drawn to his magnetic personality and suffering. Burgess creates a moral dilemma, we gradually come to respect him as a protagonist, yet are repulsed by his actions.

Response to class Material

We've nearly concluded our time with The American Dream, examining themes, characterization, and how many metaphors for sex Albee can cram in there. The more I read the play, the more I like Grandma. She's wise without being pretentious, and has the best comic timing in the entire play. I really enjoyed her spats with Mommy. Albee has an interesting point, the idea of America was founded with more social ideals in mind, while it has become a materialistic and unsatisfying scramble. Maybe this is why Finland has a ridiculously high percent of artisan furniture makers, lower average income, and much greater national level of happiness.
In other news, we've been continuing with our work in creating concise essays. I'm glad we got a shot to rewrite the Eros essay. Detail example in mine was akin to "Eros said some things".

Close Reading Oct 23

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/10/23/do-good-debaters-make-good-presidents/debates-are-slugfests-that-promote-extremism
Debates are Slugfests that Promote Extremism

The diction choice of the title pretty much sets the informal tone for this article. The author doesn't really try to put on any kind polished diction choices, giving it the sense of debating politics with Aunt Jane and Uncle Jimmy. Sure, they're reasonably informed, but this isn't what they do for a job. It gives the article a trustworthy, familiar feeling, but not necessarily the most formal. The use of some light slang permeates the article.
The author also employs informal syntax. Many sentences begin with conjunctions and follow informal speech patterns. One gets a feeling that this is exactly as the author talks, it creates an almost chummy feeling.
Saving the article from feeling like an undereducated piece of mush, the author incorporates sophisticated detail. Including the Douglass/Lincoln debates was an effective tool in conveying knowledge and being able to trace continuities. Although bringing up Reagan is not particularly impressive, the author provides good examples of how debates swayed the election.

Open Prompt 2 (moved from end of previous post)

1982. In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. Avoid plot summary.

        

         Violence is sometimes a plot device in novels, a source of conflict or a way to reveal characterization. In other works violence serves to advance the author’s thematic message, A Clock-Work Orange being a prime example. Through use of pervasive violence in his dystopian novel, Burgess advances his statements on brain-washing, societal values, and maturation.

         Just as he uses his slang language of Nadsat to give the reader a feeling of Alex’s brainwashing, Burgess desensitizes the reader with his barrage of violence. Working against the revulsion-triggering Luvodico’s Technique Alex undergoes, the reader is no longer repulsed by the brutality of the actions. Further working against the automatic distaste disturbing violence creates, he makes sociopath Alex a compelling narrator. Despite his delight in rape and “ultra violence”, Alex’s wit, distinguished tastes, and alienation make him appealing, mudding the reader’s moral sensibilities. Burgess conditions the reader through the use of violence to add complexity to his defense of free will.

         Violence allows Burgess to comment on the society and government he has created. Although the government decides to forcibly reform Alex’s violent behavior, the officials are shown to be just as brutal as he is, notably when the doctors administering the Luvodico Technique enjoy Alex’s anguish. Alex, and the acts of violence he commits, are then seen in a more sympathetic light. He becomes a rebel against their hypocrisy, willing to do what they don’t but would like to. Violence comes to symbolize a government not bent on keeping people safe, but keeping people in control.

         At the end of A Clockwork Orange Alex finds that violence is no longer satisfying. Destruction no longer gives him the same enjoyment; he becomes bored in of ultra-violence. Alex matures. Burgess uses violence to make the destructive impulses all humans have into an adolescent phase on the way to mental adulthood. By having Alex grow out of violence Burgess chooses to characterize human nature as not one inherently evil, the developed mind leans towards compassion.

         More than a shock-tool, the violence in A Clockwork Orange gives it thematic value. Without this brutal imagery Burgess could not create a revolting and complex idea for the reader to grapple with. Violence becomes more disturbing as one is no longer disgusted.

Open Prompt 3

1983. From a novel or play of literary merit, select an important character who is a villain. Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of the character's villainy and show how it enhances meaning in the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.

            Villains are an essential part of most any work. Apart from their obvious role in plot creation, they reveal and propel the author’s message. Lady Macbeth is exactly this type of character. Complex, ambitious, and definitely evil, she embodies the themes of gender identity conflict and insanity that permeate Macbeth.

         Lady Macbeth acts as the driving force behind Macbeth’s ascension through her ruthless ambition. So determined is Lady Macbeth to become queen, she attempts to purge herself of any empathetic and “feminine” characteristics. She equates her femininity with mothering qualities, declaring to herself that she would bash in the skull of the infant she nursed. Notably, she and Macbeth appear to have no children; symbolically Lady Macbeth is incapable of nourishing life, she is too consumed by her own ambition. Lady Macbeth’s campaign against the stereotypical “delicate” qualities of females extends beyond her own gender. When she needs to goad Macbeth into action she attacks his masculinity, calling him a woman when he hesitates to kill King Duncan.

         Although she is capable of dealing with Macbeth’s growing insanity in front of guests, Lady Macbeth eventually cracks under the guilt of her actions. The appearance and obsession with the unreal is mirrored in speeches of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. While he is immediately guilt stricken, he hallucinates a dagger. Her reaction is delayed, but more impressively insane; Lady Macbeth’s guilt manifests itself in blood she cannot rid her hands of and she eventually kills herself. Insanity becomes a form of atonement; only through her death can she clean her hands of her part in treason.

         Lady Macbeth, arguably the true villain of Macbeth, becomes the play. Through her manipulation and ambition she develops the themes of gender conflict and insanity. Her death marks the end of Macbeth’s bloody reign, once the driving ambition was gone, his tenuous claim to throne evaporated too.

Response to Class Material 2

I don't know about you, but I really enjoy Albee. So funny, so biting. I really enjoyed reading "The American Dream" in class, plays have to be read aloud to really make sense to me. I never can seem to get a sense for how to flows and breathes without listening to it performed. That was a great time too, I'm glad everybody read with such gusto. It stinks to have people be unenthusiastic. In other news, we've been continuing our work on constructing essays, paying particular attention to thesis and intro sentences. Those are really the tricky parts of the essay in my opinion. Once you have the track laid out the essay can almost chug along on its own.

Close Reading 2

Up From Ugliness
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/opinion/sunday/douthat-up-from-ugliness.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
The passing of Steve Jobs, the contraversial visionary or phony, has prompted many to reflect on his life and accomplishments. So soon after his death, the glowing sides of his career are discussed and admired. The author of this article is no exception, crediting Jobs with something of a aesthetic renaissance.
A contemplative and thoughtful mood is sustained through most of the article, interesting in that the author seems to take pains not to present an overly glorified view of Jobs. Although the Jobs' gadgets are described as "exquisite" they are also referred to as a "mirror to our vanity" conserning the lack of strides made in medicine in comparison. The diction of this article walks the fine line between educated and snobbery. While the author choices many words of above average education ("utilitarian", "curvaceous", "solipsism"), the author is not above describing architechture as "blah". This creates a sense of trust, the author is not putting on airs of education, but happens to be educated and genuinely use impressive vocabulary in normal conversation. The diction choices help maintain a somewhat soleum tone to the article.
One of the most convincing supports of the author's crediting Jobs with bringing back elegance is the lush use of imagery. The architecture of the 80's involves bulldozing, "buried heart of pine floors under shag carpeting" and "raw cement". In contrast when talking about Jobs creations, flowing and dream imagery accompanies. There is a nod to Steam-punk imagination and suave choices of grace and beauty. This helps the author's message that Jobs should not be hailed for creating a market for electronic trinkets, but that his real contribution is a legacy of aesthetic perfection.

Responses to Course Material

September 26, 2011
Class has been heavy on emphasizing the need to "learn how to learn". I'm glad we're starting with this because great basic skills help make the much more challenging aspects of class less formidable.
Annotating works is one of my favorite skills, I really stay engaged through underlining and making notes. In my eyes a pristine page equals laziness. Essay prompts are probably the most helpful things to annotate, it's easy to forget a key part of the response. I view the thesis as the most important, but most challenging part of an essay. Sometimes it's hard to keep it concise while hitting all the aspects of the essay.

Open Prompts

1970. Choose a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot. 

In some works, authors create a society we know; an often nostalgic reflection of our life. One feels they can live in Avonlea or Cold Sassy, converse with the characters, and understand their values. Other works instead  provide glaring contrast to comment on our society and dangers the author perceives. Huxley belongs in this second camp with his challenging novel Brave New World. Through the numbed and materialistic standards of his dystopia and its destructive effect on John, Huxley comments on human nature and his fears for the goals we may pursue. 

The standards of the dystopia in Brave New World revolve around creating comfort and peace; facilitated ultimately through detachment. The lack of live births and families seek to eliminate the entangling and often painful bonds of kinship; severing one of the deepest attachments, that between mother and child, as shown through Lenina's constant consumption of birth-control pills and undergoing hormonal pregnancies. The words "mother", "father", and  "birth" become taboo and shameful. A communistic approach to relationships is taken to further avoid the heartache and jealousies of love and monogamy; exclusivity is frowned upon and Lenina is chided for a continuous relationship. Work, another stress, is mechanized or performed by the genetically altered and brainwashed Epsilons, leaving the Alphas and Betas to secure jobs they are brainwashed to enjoy. The conflict of religion is done away with and the hole is replaced with "orgy-porgies", drug laced community orgies to create unity and provide an imitation spiritual experience. They now worship materialism, counting date by the "year of our Ford". Drug use as an escape from discomfort and grief is encouraged through the mantra of "I take a gramme and only am". 

The effect of this society on John, and on humanity, is soul-destroying. Originally viewing the society as a haven from his pariah condition on The Reservation, John delights in the wonders the city can offer, exclaiming rapterously "Oh Brave New World, that hath such people in it!", quoting Shakespeare and reflecting the innocence of Miranda in his utterance. John has been raised on Shakespeare, taught a life of passion and strife from his words. His speech therefore contrasts with the city's unpoetic mantras and represents the falseness of his expectations. At first smitten with Lenina, John imagines her to be something of a virginal and floral Juliet, despite her lack of comprehension of his words of commitment and undying love. In an image of the gulf between what he believes a life should be and his new society, John rejects Lenina's sexual advances and decries her, and the entire society, an "impudent scrumpet". John is eaten away by the materialistic values of the World State, enraged by the mere curiosity shown by children at his mother's death. Realizing that he cannot live a life without pain, that humanity is not satisfied without struggle, John hangs himself in an act of penance and violent rebellion. 
The World State's values result in the destruction of John, comfort and fear of ostracism killing passion and individualism. This dystopian vision serves as Huxley's commentary on what we feel may fill the void and how material pleasures will never satisfy a spiritual need. Shakespeare is our voice of civilization, anguish and elation both, but it can be drowned out by the murmurings of numbing ease. 

1982. In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. Avoid plot summary.

        

         Violence is sometimes a plot device in novels, a source of conflict or a way to reveal characterization. In other works violence serves to advance the author’s thematic message, A Clock-Work Orange being a prime example. Through use of pervasive violence in his dystopian novel, Burgess advances his statements on brain-washing, societal values, and maturation.

         Just as he uses his slang language of Nadsat to give the reader a feeling of Alex’s brainwashing, Burgess desensitizes the reader with his barrage of violence. Working against the revulsion-triggering Luvodico’s Technique Alex undergoes, the reader is no longer repulsed by the brutality of the actions. Further working against the automatic distaste disturbing violence creates, he makes sociopath Alex a compelling narrator. Despite his delight in rape and “ultra violence”, Alex’s wit, distinguished tastes, and alienation make him appealing, mudding the reader’s moral sensibilities. Burgess conditions the reader through the use of violence to add complexity to his defense of free will.

         Violence allows Burgess to comment on the society and government he has created. Although the government decides to forcibly reform Alex’s violent behavior, the officials are shown to be just as brutal as he is, notably when the doctors administering the Luvodico Technique enjoy Alex’s anguish. Alex, and the acts of violence he commits, are then seen in a more sympathetic light. He becomes a rebel against their hypocrisy, willing to do what they don’t but would like to. Violence comes to symbolize a government not bent on keeping people safe, but keeping people in control.

         At the end of A Clockwork Orange Alex finds that violence is no longer satisfying. Destruction no longer gives him the same enjoyment; he becomes bored in of ultra-violence. Alex matures. Burgess uses violence to make the destructive impulses all humans have into an adolescent phase on the way to mental adulthood. By having Alex grow out of violence Burgess chooses to characterize human nature as not one inherently evil, the developed mind leans towards compassion.

         More than a shock-tool, the violence in A Clockwork Orange gives it thematic value. Without this brutal imagery Burgess could not create a revolting and complex idea for the reader to grapple with. Violence becomes more disturbing as one is no longer disgusted.

           

Close Reading September 9

 

Palestine Statehood

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/12/opinion/palestinian-statehood.html?ref=opinion

 The conflict between Israel and Palestine continues, creating strong opinions on the best course of action. The author of this article is no exception. Through use of diction the author seems to almost be begging you to view his or her view as informed and knowledgeable. The words “ruinous”, “acute”, and “pursue” replace more common, and certainly less scholarly, words. Oddly, the author slips into more common phrases and idioms as the article continues, making the previous diction choices seem forced and stilted. Having an extensive vocabulary and naturally using obscure words would be more convincing if seen throughout the entire piece. By the inconsistency the author then appears to be faking intellectualism. Throughout the article the author calls to mind images of a lazy, almost apathetic U.S. America’s role in peacekeeping is described as a “listless effort”. Contrasting images of American stupor, the author creates images of a restless and volatile situation in the Middle East. The hostility between Turkey and Egypt is phrased as “alarming tensions flared”, calling up images of destructive and untamable wildfire. As the article winds down, there is a tangible shift in the language of the author’s phrases. Originally accusatory (“used any excuse to thwart peace negotiations”), they mellow into a plan of action, such as the suggestion to return to the 1967 Israel-Palestine borders. This makes the author seem more credible, instead of just a rant the author attempts to inspire a course of action.