Thursday, May 5, 2016
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Blog #24: Hamlet Act 4 Social Media Post
Please do not let it be true! According to Peter J Seng's recent newspaper article, Ophelia is dead. She was found lying in a stream, similar to that of a beautiful mermaid. I was not a perfect boyfriend by any means, but I blame her death squarely on Polonius and Laertes - individuals who unknowingly caused her great uneasiness and mistrust that was "so ingrained in her father and brother".
It is true anger directed at my mother found its way to Ophelia at times. This is embodied when I stated that "You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it" (3.1.119-120). Please understand, good Ophelia, that this dark side of myself came from about by my mother's poor actions and my father's murder. Make no mistake, I was blinded during this point in my life.
Polonius and Laertes caused many of Ophelia's struggles later in life. As Seng says, "The interview with Ophelia may have begun as a rash and frightened father's attempt to warn his daughter about the ways of the world, but it ends as groundless slander." Laertes was never in favor of our relationship, at one point even stating "Perhaps he loves you now, And now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch
The virtue of his will, but you must fear" (1.3.14-16). We were happy. There was nothing disingenuous about our young love. Alas, her downfall is clearly indicated by the "distorted vision of the world that Polonius and Laertes impress on Ophelia." Even with the bias, Ophelia still understood my good heart, "my honored lord, you know right well you did, and with them words of so sweet breath composed" (3.1.99-101). I will always appreciate her faith in me, even when others encouraged her to spy and report back.
And let's not forget, Ophelia would have never gone insane if Polonius had not spied on me and my mother in her own bedroom. "Behind the arras I’ll convey myself To hear the process. I’ll warrant she’ll tax him home" (3.2.29-30) he once stated to King Claudius, according to multiple reports. His political cunning was the death of him, and ironically, the death of his daughter he once cared so much about. Polonius was a grotesque man that I do not forgive. Of course, we all know this because I once said "If your messenger find him not there, seek him i' th' other place yourself" (4.3.34-36). I only wish his life was spared so Ophelia could still be alive. Perhaps now both of our lives (and afterlives) can escape expectation that acted as giant weights on our shoulders. Maybe now we can truly be ourselves.
-Hamlet
It is true anger directed at my mother found its way to Ophelia at times. This is embodied when I stated that "You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it" (3.1.119-120). Please understand, good Ophelia, that this dark side of myself came from about by my mother's poor actions and my father's murder. Make no mistake, I was blinded during this point in my life.
Polonius and Laertes caused many of Ophelia's struggles later in life. As Seng says, "The interview with Ophelia may have begun as a rash and frightened father's attempt to warn his daughter about the ways of the world, but it ends as groundless slander." Laertes was never in favor of our relationship, at one point even stating "Perhaps he loves you now, And now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch
The virtue of his will, but you must fear" (1.3.14-16). We were happy. There was nothing disingenuous about our young love. Alas, her downfall is clearly indicated by the "distorted vision of the world that Polonius and Laertes impress on Ophelia." Even with the bias, Ophelia still understood my good heart, "my honored lord, you know right well you did, and with them words of so sweet breath composed" (3.1.99-101). I will always appreciate her faith in me, even when others encouraged her to spy and report back.
And let's not forget, Ophelia would have never gone insane if Polonius had not spied on me and my mother in her own bedroom. "Behind the arras I’ll convey myself To hear the process. I’ll warrant she’ll tax him home" (3.2.29-30) he once stated to King Claudius, according to multiple reports. His political cunning was the death of him, and ironically, the death of his daughter he once cared so much about. Polonius was a grotesque man that I do not forgive. Of course, we all know this because I once said "If your messenger find him not there, seek him i' th' other place yourself" (4.3.34-36). I only wish his life was spared so Ophelia could still be alive. Perhaps now both of our lives (and afterlives) can escape expectation that acted as giant weights on our shoulders. Maybe now we can truly be ourselves.
-Hamlet
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Blog #23: Hamlet Act 3 Social Media Post
Imagery:
--"The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" (3.1.59). Hamlet is immediately questioning the validity of life, by asking whether it is better to endure hardship or give up.
--"For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause." (3.1.67-69). Hamlet explicitly expresses concern with the assumption that life after death will automatically be happier.--"To grunt and sweat under a weary life" (3.1.78). Emphasizes just how difficult life is for many people with vivid actions that may take place.
Ethos:
--"Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought" (3.1.84-86). Hamlet applies a natural rule of nature to all human beings which improves his credibility to the audience.Pathos:
--"The fair Ophelia!—Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remembered" (3.1.90-91). The relationship between the two is remembered. It is sad to think of people who will miss you when you're dead, so this discourages death.
--"The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th' unworthy takes" (3.1.74-75). Plays on the fact that current leaders are inefficient in society, logic that can be defended.
Paradox:
--"To die, to sleep—
No more—and by a sleep to say we end" (3.1.61-62). The only way the struggle to survive goes away is when a person is dead
--"To die, to sleep" (3.1.61). Repeated various times in the soliloquy that emphasizes death cures heartache
Infinitive:
--"To be or not to be" is what Hamlet is discussing for thirty lines. This is talking about deciding to to live or die determines quality and happiness of life
Tone: The tone is distraught and conflicted since Hamlet has multiple opinions on the purpose of life. He is genuinely struggling to cope with events and thoughts in his head at the moment.
Diction: The diction is very elevated to show he is understanding of the conflict he faces. He also uses bleak imagery to develop the tough conditions people live in
Metaphor 1: States that death and sleep are essentially the same thing
Metaphor 2: Shows that death is uncertain by comparing it to an undiscovered country
Comparisons:
-- "No more—and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache and the thousand natural shocks" (3.1.61-62). Compares sleep to death
--"When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause" (3.1.68-69). States how we should think long and hard about this subject
--"For who would bear the whips and scorns of time" (3.1.71). Going to list how difficult life on earth is for many people
Opposition 2: If he doesn't commit suicide, he will have to deal with hardships on Earth instead of going into an easy sleep
Opposition 3: He says fear stops suicide, but often times fear of life on Earth can actually push people towards suicide
Philosophical questions: Is it a person's moral duty to forge on throughout life, or is the ultimate prize afterlife? If life is this unfulfilling, is it really worth living at all?
Conclusions: Hamlet believes people should take their time when making important decisions. He also thinks it would be cowardly to not follow the ghost's commands as there is no 'correct' answer to death.
Mise En Scene Analysis
I personally believe the Branagh intepretation is the best Hamlet adaptation of the four videos. First I like how Hamlet is staring at a mirror, which also acts as a door. A couple of times Claudius is seen with fear in his eyes on the other side of the door. This embodies overarching reasons Hamlet is so emotionally torn apart by symbolizing the power struggle between the two characters. By having Hamlet stare directly into Claudius' eyes, it reinforces order vs disorder and revenge+spying in the play. All of Hamlet's trust issues and overall sorrow is due to Claudius killing his father. Hamlet is trying to figure out how to best avenge his death - the major theme in this "to be or not to be" soliloquy. The setting was also royal and fancy. This confirmed my mental image of the play. It was a good decision to not move around the camera too much, as the tone shifts and overall topics at hand were not drastic. Hamlet's chain of logic felt more smooth this way. As the camera zooms in from an over-the-shoulder medium shot to an extreme close up of the mirrored image, you can see the intensity on Hamlet's face. It is a serious, thoughtful speech with a lot of 'inward looking' by Hamlet. I also liked how when he pulled the sword that could represent a tone shift of ending a life instead of dealing with real-world problems society has to face.
Rankings
My personal order from best to worst is Branagh, Olivier, and then Hawke. I found the Hawke video to be creative, but it lost the royal 'charm' from that time period. In both of the other videos, I thought there was less acting emotion from Hamlet. Given how this is a famous soliloquy, I was hoping to be moved more. Instead, everything felt too scripted and not geninue enough. I liked the idea of Olivier sitting on a cliff near death, but didn't think the transition to Orphelia was smooth enough. I did like the authenticity of the Olivier video more than Hawke.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Blog #22: Hamlet Act 2 Social Media Post
The movie Gladiator tells the life of Maximus Decimus Meridas throughout his riches, rags, and then back to riches story line. Maximus, a general, is chosen to be heir of the Roman Empire, over the son of the Emperor himself. Such an arrangement was not agreed to lightly. Fighting for the future royalty position occurs, and Maximus eventually loses the struggle. He escapes immediate execution, but not before his loved ones are murdered.
Maximus begins to train as a gladiator in slave conditions. It is only through this road of trials that he is able to overthrow the corrupt leadership in Rome. He also calls upon the support of Lucilla, the movie's love interest. Maximus becomes an extremely popular gladiator. The climax of the movie is when Maximus fights Commodus (the son to the late Emperor) for the Roman Empire in the gladiator ring. Maximus is battling to avenge the death of his family members, and to "out" the corrupt leadership that is ruining traditional Roman values.
Just my luck, is it not? As the ghost of my father said, I must avenge his murder by committing the same act on my Uncle. I know, in my heart, this is my duty just as Maximus in Gladiator was convinced as well.
Oh how I feel for Maximus! He must feel positively horrendous knowing a cold-blooded killer is emperor of a great nation, and that only he himself can fix the mess. It is a giant weight on his shoulders much like I have been "prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell" (2.2.547). Of course, Maximus is a fighter, with his strength unmatched. Words, however, are my greatest weapon. How am I to remove the crown off Claudius' head? "Am I a coward?" (2.2.530) Am I truly capable of fulfilling the final wish of my perfect father? We shall hope I am, otherwise Denmark shall be permanently rotten.
I must be strong, not just for all involved, but for my own well-being. Maximus never wavered, never portraying himself to be in compromising situations. He struck ultimate fear in the eyes of his enemy, Commodus, when he stated, "I think you have been afraid all your life" before battle. I can learn from this great man! Instead I am acting like a weak individual,"Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words" (2.2.548). Now is a time for action.
Perhaps the idea I have is correct. I shall make my Uncle sit through a play similar to my father's murder. "If he do blench, I know my course" (2.2.560-561). Then I know this man is truly a murderer, How ironic, a play originally designed to entertain Claudius could be used to incite fear against the power structure. Are you not entertained?
Of course, Maximus knew for a fact that Commodus is an enemy to the state, as he was around to know Commodus murdered his family. The only 'proof' I possess is anecdotal evidence from my father's ghost. For all I know, it "May be the devil, and the devil hath power T' assume a pleasing shape" (2.2.561-562). I need to be certain of my next decision and proceed with caution, so I do not join father in purgatory, or worse, hell.
Should I continue my pursuit in avenging father's death, similar to Maximus? Or is revenge a dish best served not at all? How should I respond in this crucial moment in my life? All comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Evidence: "You could, for a need, study a speech of some dozen or sixteen lines which I would set down and insert in ’t, could you not?" (2.2.500-503).
Tweet:
@FirstPlayer You are very good actors...I expect a good performance tomorrow! #Denmark #ontheline
Evidence: "My lord, we were sent for" (2.2.250).
Tweet:
@myfriends Quit spying on me for others. I know you too well #notmad #justdisappointed
Evidence: "What, are they children?" (2.2.321).
Tweet:
@childactors Go back to coloring books and arithmetic! #AdultsAct
Evidence: "A goodly one, in which there are many confines, wards, and dungeons, Denmark being one o' th' worst" (2.2.230).
Tweet:
@mother Still not happy #yourfault #quitpartying
Evidence: "If he do blench, I know my course" (2.2.560-561).
Tweet:
@TheKing I am watching you #YouKnowWhatYouDid #prepareforwar
Monday, February 15, 2016
Blog #21: Hamlet Act 1 Social Media Post
I wish, more than anything, that my father be still alive. It is true when my mother says, "your father lost a father" (1.2.90). Of course I understand life passes on - but in this fashion? No, it does not seem right, not when Denmark appears to be in utter disarray. I suspect foul play in regards to the death of my father.
Now my wretched uncle is King, a man who is greatly inferior to my father who was "So excellent a king, that was to this hyperion to a satyr" (1.2.140-141). There is no way Claudius can support this "weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable" country any longer! (1.2.133). Just the thought of staying in Denmark, and not Wittenberg, makes me shudder. The only reason I stay is out of respect for my mother, a woman I greatly admire. Even she is causing alarm when she brushes aside my rational sorrow. Maybe it is her who has moved on too quickly! "Frailty, thy name is woman!" (1.2.146). For all that my father did to provide shelter and happiness, this is the return he receives? It is not what he deserves, I say. It would not have been so bad if she did spring to "wicked speed to post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets" (1.2.157-158). As I stated, my father and uncle have no relation except for similar blood type. I guess that is just how women are like
--Hamlet
Quote:
"Frailty, thy name is woman!" (1.2.146)
Tweet:
is father even buried yet? #toosoon #notright
Quote:
"He was a man. Take him in for all is all" (1.2.186).
Tweet:
great king, even better man #youwillbemissed #rip
Quote:
"I doubt some foul play" (1.2.255).
Tweet:
Justice will find my father, one way or another #BewareOfGreed #PowerCorrupts
Quote:
"Your leave and favor to return to France" (1.2.51).
Tweet:
Lucky Laertes! I am #StuckInDenmark
Quote:
"I do beseech you, give him leave to go" (1.2.61).
Tweet:
Polonius, mind helping me out of a jam #GetMeOutOfHere #RottenDenmark
Now my wretched uncle is King, a man who is greatly inferior to my father who was "So excellent a king, that was to this hyperion to a satyr" (1.2.140-141). There is no way Claudius can support this "weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable" country any longer! (1.2.133). Just the thought of staying in Denmark, and not Wittenberg, makes me shudder. The only reason I stay is out of respect for my mother, a woman I greatly admire. Even she is causing alarm when she brushes aside my rational sorrow. Maybe it is her who has moved on too quickly! "Frailty, thy name is woman!" (1.2.146). For all that my father did to provide shelter and happiness, this is the return he receives? It is not what he deserves, I say. It would not have been so bad if she did spring to "wicked speed to post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets" (1.2.157-158). As I stated, my father and uncle have no relation except for similar blood type. I guess that is just how women are like
--Hamlet
Quote:
"Frailty, thy name is woman!" (1.2.146)
Tweet:
is father even buried yet? #toosoon #notright
Quote:
"He was a man. Take him in for all is all" (1.2.186).
Tweet:
great king, even better man #youwillbemissed #rip
Quote:
"I doubt some foul play" (1.2.255).
Tweet:
Justice will find my father, one way or another #BewareOfGreed #PowerCorrupts
Quote:
"Your leave and favor to return to France" (1.2.51).
Tweet:
Lucky Laertes! I am #StuckInDenmark
Quote:
"I do beseech you, give him leave to go" (1.2.61).
Tweet:
Polonius, mind helping me out of a jam #GetMeOutOfHere #RottenDenmark
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Blog #20: TEWWG Fishbowl Discussion Feedback
To Yash Patel:
http://patelyashapenglish2016.blogspot.com/
http://patelyashapenglish2016.blogspot.com/
Congrats on completing your food memoir and Socratic
seminar! I thought your voice really came through in the video and through your
writing. It was neat how you made the "mama's boy" comment at the end
of the video to have the relationship be the last thing the audience remembers
after watching. Later in the fishbowl discussion, I found it interesting that
you made the connection between TEWWG and Rapunzel. Your question about outside
powers diminishing voice and power of Janie sparked a good conversation about
the role of society in regards to your prompt. As a member of your Rapunzel
powerpoint group, I completely agree with your analysis there. Great work!
To Abbey Marshall:
http://marshallabbey2016.blogspot.com/
http://marshallabbey2016.blogspot.com/
Congrats on completing your food memoir and Socratic
seminar! I thought you did a great job telling us the background of your story
and how the oranges/orange juice connected to it. The editing of the video made
it really fluid to watch as well. It was a nice touch seeing family pictures
while you were speaking, as I think that helped everyone envision your story. I
also noticed the orange color scheme on the digital poster which is a small,
but cool addition. During the fishbowl discussion you raised a lot of good
questions to the group, and interpreted questions from others very well.
Overall, nice job on this project.
To James Zhu:
http://zhujamesapenglish2016.blogspot.com/
http://zhujamesapenglish2016.blogspot.com/
Congrats on completing your food memoir and Socratic
seminar! I liked how you talked about being stuck in between two cultures, so
it was interesting how you combined that idea into your thanksgiving food. Your
subtitles were also very humorous! I think you did a great job asking questions
of the other people in the Socratic seminar that helped the group delve deeper
into many issues regarding your group prompt. The most interesting part of the
discussion to me was when you mentioned how she did not like to work in the
fields with Logan, but did not mind working in the muck with Tea Cake. That
really shows her progression and a deeper level of complexity on your part.
To Charlie:
http://yucharlieapenglish2016.blogspot.com/
Congrats on completing your food memoir and Socratic
seminar! I thought your memoir was well written and the voice in the writing
was very apparent. It was also cool how you related that to your upbringing and
your family heritage, specifically this quote "o some, fish stew is just a
food. But to me, it became more: it became a reminder of sacrifice and hard
work..." That really summarized your overall attitude toward the fish
stew. In your fishbowl discussion, you mentioned many hypothetical scenarios
about the novel that showed a deeper level of understanding with the
text.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Blog #18: Food Memoir Rough Draft
Rough Draft
“College? He’s going to… where?” Confused and alarmed, my 5 year old brain did not fully understand what that meant. It’s probably like school, I reassured myself. He’ll ride the school bus, take really hard classes, go to recess, take some more really hard classes, and then be home in time for dinner.
Of course, college is not like kindergarten. The impact of my brother graduating high school to live three hours from home did not sink in. Until it did. Bags packed and hugs graciously given, the car motored away. Minutes turned into hours, hours turned into days.
Lonely isn’t the right word. I still had my mom, my dad, my other brother, and our two dogs. Sadness was not a complete way to describe my feelings either, not with the important topics of elementary school to keep myself preoccupied. That paper isn’t going to cut itself. Still, something was missing.
Then one day my mom had an idea, “Noah, why don’t we make those brownies you and your brother like? You know, the peppermint patty ones?” Josh was known, is known, for his sweet tooth. I glanced out the window imagining him walking through the door, surprised by tasty sweets and a cool aroma in the kitchen. I nodded my head.
With winter break approaching, my parents let me (me!) help bake. This huge honor was not to be taken lightly. [go through procedure of making the brownies, incorporate the senses]. Finally I could fill the empty void nagging at me. As we ate at the dinner table, everything felt complete again.
Throughout my childhood these brownies served as a lifeline between me and my siblings. Saying goodbye is tough no matter the age, but it made the return home that much sweeter. No matter where we were in our different phases of life, on a small level we still shared that simple brownie recipe.
I realized this may be the last time I eat these brownies, until I myself am coming home from college for the first time. It’s an unnerving thought imagining a complete role reversal that requires a different kind of maturity.
But it’s not a truly scary proposition. In fact, it will be comforting to know family is waiting back home. Maybe it’s true family never really left.
Ingredients:
Pillsbury Fudge Brownies Mix (9x13 Family size)
2 eggs (amount listed on box)
oil (amount listed on box)
water (amount listed on box)
1-2 bags of York peppermint patties
Directions:
1. Make and bake brownies according to directions on box
2. While the brownies are baking, unwrap the peppermint patties and squish them
3. Take the brownies out of the oven 5 minutes before they are done baking
4. Place the squished peppermint patties evenly all over the top of the brownies
5. Put the brownies back into the oven for the remaining 5 minutes
6. When the brownies are done take them out of the oven and spread the melted peppermint patties with a metal icing spreader or butter knife
7. Let the brownies cool. Eat and enjoy
Ingredients:
Pillsbury Fudge Brownies Mix (9x13 Family size)
2 eggs (amount listed on box)
oil (amount listed on box)
water (amount listed on box)
1-2 bags of York peppermint patties
Directions:
1. Make and bake brownies according to directions on box
2. While the brownies are baking, unwrap the peppermint patties and squish them
3. Take the brownies out of the oven 5 minutes before they are done baking
4. Place the squished peppermint patties evenly all over the top of the brownies
5. Put the brownies back into the oven for the remaining 5 minutes
6. When the brownies are done take them out of the oven and spread the melted peppermint patties with a metal icing spreader or butter knife
7. Let the brownies cool. Eat and enjoy
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