Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Prompt revising #2

1971. The significance of a title such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is so easy to discover. However, in other works (for example, Measure for Measure) the full significance of the title becomes apparent to the reader only gradually. Choose two works and show how the significance of their respective titles is developed through the authors' use of devices such as contrast, repetition, allusion, and point of view.

It is true that some titles portray the inner context in a quite obvious manner. What is "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" about? Oh, some boy named Huckleberry Finn goes on some adventures; it is clear. However, titles such as "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest"  does not explain the anything about the plot when one looks at the cover of the book. The novel portrays the idea of those who are disadvantaged and how they are treated in society. The novel looks into the lack of respect those with disorders experience and how it is not right because they are like any other human.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" proves the idea of those with mental disorders and their treatment. The protagonist, Randle McMurphy, is entered into the ward because he was diagnosed as a psychopath after he was sentenced to serve time in prison. McMurphy is the "one" who flies over the cuckoo's nest. This is not apparent in the title, and the "cuckoo's nest" is the ward, itself. A reader needs to piece these elements together in order to understand the title of the book. Throughout the novel, things change throughout the ward the moment McMurphy enters. He helps and hurts those around him, but he is a major impact over all. Basically, the novel develops themes of independence and confidence. There are many, many symbols that create the image of the title, and McMurphy's impact is a major one.

This title takes some thinking and studying to truly see the themes that it is portraying, but the hidden message inside of the title is quite prominent. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" is a classic pieces of literature with a hidden message within its title.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Course material 2/10

Most of the recent material we have studied has been "Hamlet"; it was a struggle for me, personally. I had a lot of trouble with the language and interpreting Shakespeare's words; however, DIDLS was very prominent throughout my annotations. From the beginning of the year, we learned about DIDLS  and it really helps when figuring out literature. There are many connections that have come about based on themes in "Hamlet". For instance, there is the idea of certainty thoughout the play, and now we are seeing a similar theme in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead". We have just began this play, and alread there are many similarities to "Hamlet", and not just the characters and the excerpts. There are similar themes and motifs as well such as: death and coincidence. I have just began annotating and already DIDLS is coming into play; it all comes back around.