Prompt Revising #1

1984. Select a line or so of poetry, or a moment or scene in a novel, epic poem, or play that you find especially memorable. Write an essay in which you identify the line or the passage, explain its relationship to the work in which it is found, and analyze the reasons for its effectiveness.

**I realize now that "Twilight" does not meet the standards of quality "literary merit"; however, I will edit this as if it is.

In this day and age, there are many novels that reflect the ideas of pop culture. One of these novels is simply, "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer. The novel is a classic love story between and guy and a girl in high school; however, Edward is a vampire, and Bella falls in love anyway. The idea of unexpected romance is prominent within the text, and one particular scene proves this the best. During the scene where Bella and Edward are in the meadow there is not much dialogue, but there is plenty of imagery that describes the scene and makes it so memorable. 

During the couple's time spent in the meadow, Bella discovers what Edward's skin looks like in the sun. She describes it as "white despite the faint flush from yesterday's hunting trip, literally sparkled, like thousands of tiny diamonds were embedded in the surface" (260). This was a climactic moment for there relationship because it shows how they are growing closer and are becoming more deeply involved. The novel as a whole is based around the development of their relationship, and this scene is the perfect example of this. Bella seems to study edward and even compares him to a statue by saying, "A perfect statue, carved in some unknown stone, smooth like marble, glittering like crystal (260)." The way in which Edward is described in this scene brings forth vivid images and ideas that are important to the story.

Stephanie Meyer must have had a good reason to place this scene where it is and the way that it is. For instance, it seems as though she was making the connection between the two characters more prominent, but it, also, seems to make a direct connection with the audience. Personally, the passage made me more engaged in the novel and made me think about the ideas and controversies that could be thought of while reading. For example, Bella's descriptions are almost fantasy-like, and the fact that Edward is a vampire makes that a reasonable point. It is almost a scene in which the love is too good to be true, but because of this controversy, it makes the story more engaging because readers, like myself, put themselves into the scene and fantasize about the situation as if it were them. 

The ideas in this one scene are effective in making the audience think about and fantasize about this even after they put the book down. I find that "Twilight" creates a new romance and a new idea for readers to enjoy, and the meadow scene brings this to life. 

Hamlet 1/21

Characters
Hamlet: 

• play is based around his character
• avenging his father's death
• reoccurring idea of his youth
• insane? is it an act?  
• life is going wrong (Ophelia, Mom, Uncle, kingdom, insanity, personally)

 Ophelia: 

• affair with Hamlet
• portrayed as innocent and pure
• grieves her father's death
• turns crazy
• feels betrayed by her brother for leaving her

Gertrude:

• King dies, marries his Brother
• Incest?
• betrayal to husband and son
• Queen with a reputation to uphold
• cares for her son, wants to help him

Claudius:

• Kills his brother
• assumes the crown by marrying the Queen
• wanting to kill Hamlet
• betrays the family
• strong, sturdy personality 

Themes
Certainty: There are aspects in the play that are always uncertain. Is this character supposed to by acting this way? Is it an act, or is it really? Is there incest? Pregnancy? Suicide? Hamlet is seen to be "crazy" throughout the entirety of the play; it is uncertain if it was an act or if he was actually mentally insane. Ophelia turns crazy after her father passes, but there are some secrets. Some say she was pregnant with Hamlet's child. Some think she just went crazy because she was grieving for her father. 

Insanity: Was Hamlet simply mad? He acts crazy and is supposed to be insane, but maybe he was really. When he sees the ghost and the ghost speaks to him is also a sign of his insanity. Ophelia turns crazy and skips around, sings, and is almost ditzy. However, her insanity is always followed by deeper clues. 

Death: ALMOST everyone dies. It starts with the King, and then Hamlet to avenge his father. He kills Polonius. Ophelia commits suicide. The king tries to poison hamlet, the Queen gets it instead. Laertes gets killed by the sword. Hamlet makes the king drink the poison, and finally Hamlet falls. Death is seen everywhere all throughout the play. 

Motifs
Incest: The Queen displays incest for marrying her husband's brother shortly after death.
Women: Hamlet loses faith in women after his mother betrays their family. Ophelia is told to stop seeing him, and he had loved her. He makes a huge mistrust amongst women in the society.

Quotes
"To be or not to be..." is a very well known quote throughout today's society. It has a misinterpretation of pertaining to a person's well being, goals or achievements. It is in actuality a quote of Hamlet considering suicide. After all the betrayal and insanity going on around him he does not feel the need to live. However, he goes on in order to avenge his father's death.  
 

Course Material 1/13

The majority of what we have been recently working on has been "Hamlet", and it has been one crazy part of this class. First, I was just trying to understand the context of the story because it really was a struggle to just get any comprehension out of it. For those of you who understood Shakespeare with ease, you're lucky! I had to really work with it. However, with the help of DIDLS and my knowledge of literature and resources I was able to work my way through it. I never realized how much DIDLS would actually come up throughout this class. Diction, imagery, details, language, and syntax was quite apparent throughout EVERY work, article, or essay we have studied throughout this class, and it has mostly come in handy throughout our annotations. There are always those times when you are blanking on things to write in your thousands of notes, but then you remember DIDLS and can figure out something to write down. It actually makes the tedious annotations a little bit easier! I like being able to culminate all of the ideas learned throughout the course and putting it towards the recent studies like "Hamlet".

Close Reading 12/16

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/18/opinion/the-gun-challenge-reason-for-hope.html?hp&_r=0

America has been through tragedy after tragedy. Recently, there was a shooting of an elementary school and 20 children were shot and killed. This article is based off of this event and it is making the point that America needs to change and adjust with regards to gun control laws. There needs to be some sort of adjustment made in America to overcome these tragic events because America has become so modern and the use of guns needs to be reduced. the use of detail, diction, and language assists the idea and voice being portrayed.

The detail in this piece contains examples of tragedies in America's history and how we have over come them. For example, the author said that we are a "country that recoiled in horror at the Triangle shirtwaist factory and took steps to protect the lives of factory workers". This is showing the efforts out forth to change the way America was running; it's time to change gun laws. What about discrimination? This country went to great measures to create equality for all. All of this detail describing American adds to the idea of gun control needing more regulation.

This editorial also contains superb diction. For instance, the phrase "find hope in the determination" is used to create a major effect that was brought upon an innocent elementary school. Even "Democrats with 'A' ratings" are discussing the change that is in sight due to gun violence. The phrase above is great diction because it describes the Democrats as very highly ranked, and this is used as evidence that a change is needed.It is important to include such strong words because it helps create the strong voice of the piece.

The voice would not be as strong without the use of language. When one hears the words "murders of 20 children", there is a sort of cringing, twist of the stomach emotion that is evoked. It is such an unbelievable event that the right language helps to persuade the audience of the importance of gun control. The author even criticizes Obama's failure to do anything about the gun control laws. By using the phrase "mass killing during his tenure, people are drawn away from the Obama administration's doings because nobody is pleased by the words "mass killing". Emotion is strongly evoked throughout the language of the piece.

The fact that America needs to take a stand against gun violence is constructed here, and the voice of the piece is enhanced by the use of detail, diction, and language.

Open Prompt 12/9

1970 Also. Choose a work of recognized literary merit in which a specific inanimate object (e.g., a seashell, a handkerchief, a painting) is important, and write an essay in which you show how two or three of the purposes the object serves are related to one another.

"The Great Gatsby" is a novel of great literary merit, and it has been used time and time again as a representation of America's history. Not only does the novel itself contain examples into the past of America, but it also creates symbols that are used to portray these ideas. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock showcases the many thoughts of Jay Gatsby and more importantly America.

As Jay Gatsby looks across the water from his own land, he admires the green light that comes from the end of Daisy's dock. Gatsby and Daisy have a history between them, which Gatsby cannot seem to get off of his mind. As he looks into the glow of the light he reminisces on his past, and he remains hopeful for the future. All of his hopes and dreams for the future are presented through this one, important symbol. His love for Daisy is prominent throughout the entire novel. The green light is only a symbol of his adoration.

The American Dream seems to be a major theme throughout the novel, as well. Gatsby's longing for the unattainable (Daisy), is symbolic of the way America has been. For instance, many American's look forward to the picture perfect lifestyle; a family, stable job, and money. However, for many American's this is a difficult goal to reach. Because the green light symbolizes Gatsby's goals for the future that are unlikely, it is clear that the American Dream is portrayed through the light, too.

The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is such a simple roadmap that guides us through the novel's ideas. Nevertheless, it is quite important to the understanding of the story. The green light is entirely basic, but it creates great themes and meanings throughout the play, and portrays America and a man's hopes for the future. 

Death of a Salesman Analysis 12/3

Author: Arthur Miller

• From New York City
• Studied at University of Michigan

Tone: kind, yet honest

• Takes the sensitive scenes into a kind, tender way
• Ensures that it is still honest

Symbols:

• Stockings-Linda versus Woman, main issue in the affair
• Rubber Hose-Willy is planning on committing suicide
• Diamonds-represents the materialistic view point in America

Setting: 

• 1940s with daydreams into Willy's past
• Loman Household
• Brooklyn, New York
• Trips to Boston

Plot:

Willy Loman is a salesman in New York, and he has two aspiring sons. One of his sons Biff, has been Willy's "favorite"and Willy has the greatest expectations for Biff. However, Biff doesn't always agree with his father, and therefore they argue a lot. Willy has many daydreams to his past, and the way he ideally thought life was going to go for him; he was caught in a dream. Biff discovers his father having an affair and loses trust. The book is centralized around materialism and the effects of materials on society. 

Significant Characters:

• Willy: salesman, father, husband, caught in a dream, suicidal
• Biff: son of Willy, trying to be independent, wants to be on his own, tries to get his point across to Willy

Quotes:

"Why is he crying"-Willy Loman

• He says this while Biff breaks down and cries to him because of the life he has lived, and he is trying to help Willy to see reality. Willy takes meaning to Biff's crying and feels almost complete and important to his son's life.

"Diamond is hard and rough to the touch."-Willy Loman

• A diamond is a symbol for money and the materials yearned for in society. There is difficult to reaching a diamond, as it is to earn money.

Theme: The American Dream

• "Well-liked", "attractive" people are successful. You can't get anywhere with out good looks and personality.
• Materialism is prominent in the dream. Money is yearned for, and items are prized.
• Hard work=success
• Willy's Dream vs. His own life

Course Material 12/2

Let's see, where should I begin? Well, "Death of a Salesman" turned out to have similar meanings to "The American Dream", and that must be one of the reasons why we studied it! Making connections. That seems to be what this class is primarily about. I've seen a connection throughout all of the assignments and readings. DIDLS is always around during and outside of class. It has actually been quite useful. It was part of the terms test; it was part of the textbook readings. Annotations revolve around DIDLS, and the in class activities improve our understanding of it. Last "Course Material" blog, I was critiqued (by Matthew Hammerly) that I did not make connections in that blog. However, it made me realize that I need to think about that more and respond to it more deeply. (Thanks, Matthew:)) Anyway, you know what I don't like? Peer responses. I appreciate the feedback, but I don't really like get feedback from my peers; sometimes there seems to be a little bit of competitive edge. However, I suppose it is helpful, and it gives me the opportunity to improve.
We are just starting "Hamlet", and I just don't understand a word of it. That is all. Wish me luck!