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
Sunday, December 11, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
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.
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