“resolute in his helmet, Beowulf spoke: “Greetings to Hrothgar. I am Hygelac’s kinsman, one of his hall-troop. When I was younger, I had great triumphs. Then news of Grendel, hard to ignore, reached me at home: sailors brought stories of the plight you suffer in this legendary hall, how it lies deserted, empty and useless once the evening light hides itself under heavens dome. So every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve to come here to you, King Hrothgar, because all knew of my awesome strength. They had seen me boltered in the blood of enemies when I battled and bound five beasts, raided a trolls nest and in the nights sea slaughtered sea-brutes. I have suffered extremes and avenged the Geats (their enemies brought it upon themselves, I devastated them.)
In the story of Beowulf, much of what happens is because how powerful he is and the awesomeness of his strength. This is seen in the passage, and that’s only one of the reasons it is vitally important to the progression of Beowulf. It’s also full of literary devices and back round information.
Beowulf, through out the whole story, is defeating larger than life monsters. “…I battled and bound five beasts, raided a trolls nest and in the nights sea slaughtered sea-brutes.” Beowulf has a long history of conquering beasts, which is something one has to know before accepting how simply he destroyed the infamous Grendel and his mother. “…because all knew of my awesome strength.” Even he boasts of his power. Recognizing that Beowulf is mighty beyond all reason is essential to the story. This passage demonstrates that perfectly.
This passage provides a brief back round for Beowulf, “I am Hygelac’s kinsman, one of his hall troop. When I was younger, I had great triumphs.” And provides an explanation to why he is there. “Then news of Grendel, hard to ignore, reached me at home: sailors brought stories of the plight you suffer in this legendary hall” “So every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve to come here to you” This portion makes the passage vital to the story as well. Without it one has no idea where Beowulf comes from or why he has chosen to come.
This section of Beowulf is full of literary devices. The alliteration helps amplify the mood of the of the speech “in the nights sea slaughtered sea-brutes.” Also it helps to create a more interesting tone in this quote. “So every elder and experienced councilman” Kennings are also seen in the case of “sea-brutes.”
Beowulf. Trans. Seamus Heaney. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2008.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Beowulf LRJ#3
Alex O'Brien
Ms. Peifer
Hour 5 10 IB
10 December 2008
In this section of Beowulf the value of loyalty can be seen often. Loyalty is one of the strongest ideas in the story of Beowulf, valued by everyone from Beowulf to the common man. “Your deeds are famous, so stay resolute, my lord defend your life now with the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you.” (Heaney 2666 – 2668) This is a quote from a soldier of Beowulf’s; he is confirming his allegiance, showing how loyal he is before such a great battle. Beowulf’s great heroism brings forth the loyalty in his people. Beowulf too shows signs of the deep-seated value. “You are the last of us, the only one left of the Waegmundings. Fate swept us away, sent my whole brave high born clan to their final doom.” (Heaney 2813 – 2816) This shows Beowulf in his final moments using his last breath to show his enduring faithfulness to his people, the Waegmundings.
There are many differences in "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon" which separates it significantly from the others. This section reveals a side of Beowulf previously unseen, a side with weakness. “His home, the best of buildings, had been burnt to cinder” (Heaney 2325 – 2326) The dragon has destroyed Beowulf’s town and home. Something that would have never happened to the Beowulf I remember from the first two sections. This dragon is exposing his soft under belly. "His mind was in turmoil, unaccustomed anxiety and gloom confused his brain" (Heaney 2331 – 2333) Here Beowulf is shown experiencing the hindrances that come with defeat. Beowulf struggles though out the whole section and ultimately dies. However in this section Beowulf shows traits more regularly seen from a common man, such as dismay and fear. His power is not as awesome as it once was; this is done to allow one to relate to Beowulf most in his time of lamentation.
Even though Beowulf’s final battle with the dragon causes his death it would most definitely be considered an honorable and fitting end for a hero. "... I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die." (Heaney 2795-2798) It is a very honorable thing, to die in battle. One of the things that made his dying so noble is that he deceased in battle while saving people. One can’t think of a more dignified way to perish. Beowulf was a true hero and he died like one.
Ms. Peifer
Hour 5 10 IB
10 December 2008
In this section of Beowulf the value of loyalty can be seen often. Loyalty is one of the strongest ideas in the story of Beowulf, valued by everyone from Beowulf to the common man. “Your deeds are famous, so stay resolute, my lord defend your life now with the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you.” (Heaney 2666 – 2668) This is a quote from a soldier of Beowulf’s; he is confirming his allegiance, showing how loyal he is before such a great battle. Beowulf’s great heroism brings forth the loyalty in his people. Beowulf too shows signs of the deep-seated value. “You are the last of us, the only one left of the Waegmundings. Fate swept us away, sent my whole brave high born clan to their final doom.” (Heaney 2813 – 2816) This shows Beowulf in his final moments using his last breath to show his enduring faithfulness to his people, the Waegmundings.
There are many differences in "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon" which separates it significantly from the others. This section reveals a side of Beowulf previously unseen, a side with weakness. “His home, the best of buildings, had been burnt to cinder” (Heaney 2325 – 2326) The dragon has destroyed Beowulf’s town and home. Something that would have never happened to the Beowulf I remember from the first two sections. This dragon is exposing his soft under belly. "His mind was in turmoil, unaccustomed anxiety and gloom confused his brain" (Heaney 2331 – 2333) Here Beowulf is shown experiencing the hindrances that come with defeat. Beowulf struggles though out the whole section and ultimately dies. However in this section Beowulf shows traits more regularly seen from a common man, such as dismay and fear. His power is not as awesome as it once was; this is done to allow one to relate to Beowulf most in his time of lamentation.
Even though Beowulf’s final battle with the dragon causes his death it would most definitely be considered an honorable and fitting end for a hero. "... I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die." (Heaney 2795-2798) It is a very honorable thing, to die in battle. One of the things that made his dying so noble is that he deceased in battle while saving people. One can’t think of a more dignified way to perish. Beowulf was a true hero and he died like one.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Beowulf LRJ#1
In Beowulf there is a strong value of the sense community. The people of this society take great joy in celebrating together. “He handed down orders for men to work on a great mead-hall meant to be a wonder of the world forever… there he would dispense his god-given goods to the young and old…” (Heaney 68-72) Hrothgar, the king, feels blessed because of his position and wealth and he feels the need to give back to the community. He shows his affection by building a great mead hall, a place for celebration and means for him to continue to give to his people.
In the tale of Beowulf alliteration is quite frequent. Alliteration brings the story to life, it draws attention to the phrase, emphasizes it. “God-given goods” (Heaney 72) This quote is referring to wealth of the king and how he attributes it all to the gods. The alliteration brings ones attention to it. Another example of alliteration in Beowulf is "...their heathenish hope; deep in their hearts they remembered hell." (179-180). This quotes shows the people once again putting all their faith in god save them from the terrors of Grendel. “Away with a will in their wood-wreathed ship. Over the waves with the wind behind her” (Heaney 216-217) this passage is ridden with alliteration, it contains a ridiculous amount. It speaks of the majesty with which Beowulf and his men sail.
A kenning is an expression used in the place of a noun, usually for the purpose of alliteration. “Whale-road” (Heaney 10) This is a perfect example of a kenning, turning ocean into whale road. "Treasure- seat" (Heaney 168) This kenning is simply saying the throne is of great value and importance.
In the tale of Beowulf alliteration is quite frequent. Alliteration brings the story to life, it draws attention to the phrase, emphasizes it. “God-given goods” (Heaney 72) This quote is referring to wealth of the king and how he attributes it all to the gods. The alliteration brings ones attention to it. Another example of alliteration in Beowulf is "...their heathenish hope; deep in their hearts they remembered hell." (179-180). This quotes shows the people once again putting all their faith in god save them from the terrors of Grendel. “Away with a will in their wood-wreathed ship. Over the waves with the wind behind her” (Heaney 216-217) this passage is ridden with alliteration, it contains a ridiculous amount. It speaks of the majesty with which Beowulf and his men sail.
A kenning is an expression used in the place of a noun, usually for the purpose of alliteration. “Whale-road” (Heaney 10) This is a perfect example of a kenning, turning ocean into whale road. "Treasure- seat" (Heaney 168) This kenning is simply saying the throne is of great value and importance.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Creon's Guilt
Creon is guilty, without a doubt. There were three deaths in the play, Antigone, Haemon and Eurydice and in a way he was responsible for all of them. Each of them was a suicide triggered by the previous suicide: Eurydice killed herself because Haemon killed himself because Antigone killed herself and she killed her self because of Creon. Creon’s extremely stubborn actions caused Antigone to do what she did.
Creon’s pride is what makes him guilty and his inability to listen to others. First Haemon try’s to convince old Creon that there has been an error in his judgment “'no woman,' they say, 'ever merited her doom less,-none ever was to die so shamefully for deeds so glorious as hers; who, when her own brother had fallen in bloody strife, would not leave him unburied, to be devoured by carrion dogs, or by any bird:-deserves not she the meed of golden honor?'” (Sophocles 693-697) But rather than thinking of the big picture and the fate of Antigone, he is purely focused on how he will be viewed as king and how he can’t listen to others because of his stature “Am I to rule this land by other judgment than mine own?” (Sophocles 137) Then he received warnings of terrible things in his future by Teiresias, “Thou wilt learn, when thou hearest the warnings of mine art. As I took my place on mine old seat of augury, where all birds have been wont to gather within my ken, I heard a strange voice among them; they were screaming with dire, feverish rage, that drowned their language in jargon; and I knew that they were rending each other with their talons, murderously; the whirr of wings told no doubtful tale.” (Sophocles 179)
All of which he ignored based solely on his pride and position as king.
Creon had a chance to right his wrong but he chose not to. This is why he is guilty,
He even confesses it. “"Alas for me . . . the guilt for all of this is mine—it can never be removed from me or passed to any other mortal man. I, and I alone . . . I murdered you . . . I speak the truth.” (Sophocles 840) The case is rested, Creon is guilty.
Sophocles. “Antigone.” The Internet Classics Archive. Trans. R. C. Jebb. 04 Oct. 2000.
Classics.mit.edu. 24 Nov. 2008
Creon’s pride is what makes him guilty and his inability to listen to others. First Haemon try’s to convince old Creon that there has been an error in his judgment “'no woman,' they say, 'ever merited her doom less,-none ever was to die so shamefully for deeds so glorious as hers; who, when her own brother had fallen in bloody strife, would not leave him unburied, to be devoured by carrion dogs, or by any bird:-deserves not she the meed of golden honor?'” (Sophocles 693-697) But rather than thinking of the big picture and the fate of Antigone, he is purely focused on how he will be viewed as king and how he can’t listen to others because of his stature “Am I to rule this land by other judgment than mine own?” (Sophocles 137) Then he received warnings of terrible things in his future by Teiresias, “Thou wilt learn, when thou hearest the warnings of mine art. As I took my place on mine old seat of augury, where all birds have been wont to gather within my ken, I heard a strange voice among them; they were screaming with dire, feverish rage, that drowned their language in jargon; and I knew that they were rending each other with their talons, murderously; the whirr of wings told no doubtful tale.” (Sophocles 179)
All of which he ignored based solely on his pride and position as king.
Creon had a chance to right his wrong but he chose not to. This is why he is guilty,
He even confesses it. “"Alas for me . . . the guilt for all of this is mine—it can never be removed from me or passed to any other mortal man. I, and I alone . . . I murdered you . . . I speak the truth.” (Sophocles 840) The case is rested, Creon is guilty.
Sophocles. “Antigone.” The Internet Classics Archive. Trans. R. C. Jebb. 04 Oct. 2000.
Classics.mit.edu. 24 Nov. 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
LRJ TWO
There is a lot of imagery used through out Antigone, but an image that you can see repeated a great deal is that of a proper burial for Polyneices. To this society, having a body go unburied one of the greatest insults imaginable. One can tell because of the amount of care she expresses on the subject. “Yes. I’ll do my duty to my brother—and yours as well, if you’re not prepared to. I won’t be caught betraying him.” (Sophocles 56-58) The thought of the body going unburied is too much for Antigone to handle. “He’s to have no funeral or lament, but to be left unburied and unwept, a sweet treasure for the birds to look at, for them to feed on to their heart’s content.” (Sophocles 34-37)
A fatal flaw can be seen in Creon. It is his stubbornness and lack of cooperation. Creon is in a position of great power, but with great power comes great responsibility. He decides to not allow the burial of Polyneices. This was a foolish mistake and even after he subconsciously knows that he is wrong he will not bend simply because of his pride ”Do you want me to show myself weak before the people? Or to break my sworn word? No, and I will not.” (Sophocles 217) His pride is once again brimming when he speaks to Teiresias “You can be sure you won’t change my mind to make yourself more rich.” (Sophocles 1190-1191)
The Peripeteia seems to happen when Creon is talking to the Choragos after consulting with Teiresias. “Ah me, 'tis hard, but I resign my cherished resolve,-I obey. We must not wage a vain war with destiny.” (Sophocles 288) However Creon comes to the peirpetia
Too late and despite his best efforts there is nothing he could possibly do to stop what had been set in motion. The following chain of events (The deaths of Haemon, Antigone and Eurydice) is what leads to the Anagnorisis. Creon falls to the lowest point he has been in the play and lets his heart out “Oh Hades, all-receiving whom no sacrifice can appease! Hast thou, then, no mercy for me? O thou herald of evil, bitter tidings, what word dost thou utter? Alas, I was already as dead, and thou hast smitten me anew! What sayest thou, my son? What is this new message that thou bringest-woe, woe is me!-Of a wife's doom-of slaughter headed on slaughter?” (Sophocles 840) It just so happens that this point in the play is also the Catharsis because Creon has nothing left, he is left in a depressed pitiful state, leaving one feeling great sorrow for him. He even wishes death upon himself “Oh, let it come, let it appear, that fairest of fates for me, that brings my last day,-aye, best fate of all! Oh, let it come, that I may never look upon to-morrow's light.” (Sophocles 840)
In Antigone, Women are depicted in two different ways. The first is seen through Ismene. She is timid, afraid and feels like she must obey the unwritten law regarding a women’s place. “Nay, we must remember, first, that we were born women, as who should not strive with men; next, that we are ruled of the stronger, so that we must obey in these things, and in things yet sorer.” Through Antigone the second depiction is seen. Antigone is strong, confident and knows what she is doing is right. Her statements to Creon show all of this. “So for me to meet this doom is trifling grief; but if I had suffered my mother's son to lie in death an unburied corpse, that would have grieved me; for this, I am not grieved. And if my present deeds are foolish in thy sight, it may be that a foolish judge arraigns my folly.” (Sophocles) There is a massive difference between the two portrayals; one might say that they are opposites.
A fatal flaw can be seen in Creon. It is his stubbornness and lack of cooperation. Creon is in a position of great power, but with great power comes great responsibility. He decides to not allow the burial of Polyneices. This was a foolish mistake and even after he subconsciously knows that he is wrong he will not bend simply because of his pride ”Do you want me to show myself weak before the people? Or to break my sworn word? No, and I will not.” (Sophocles 217) His pride is once again brimming when he speaks to Teiresias “You can be sure you won’t change my mind to make yourself more rich.” (Sophocles 1190-1191)
The Peripeteia seems to happen when Creon is talking to the Choragos after consulting with Teiresias. “Ah me, 'tis hard, but I resign my cherished resolve,-I obey. We must not wage a vain war with destiny.” (Sophocles 288) However Creon comes to the peirpetia
Too late and despite his best efforts there is nothing he could possibly do to stop what had been set in motion. The following chain of events (The deaths of Haemon, Antigone and Eurydice) is what leads to the Anagnorisis. Creon falls to the lowest point he has been in the play and lets his heart out “Oh Hades, all-receiving whom no sacrifice can appease! Hast thou, then, no mercy for me? O thou herald of evil, bitter tidings, what word dost thou utter? Alas, I was already as dead, and thou hast smitten me anew! What sayest thou, my son? What is this new message that thou bringest-woe, woe is me!-Of a wife's doom-of slaughter headed on slaughter?” (Sophocles 840) It just so happens that this point in the play is also the Catharsis because Creon has nothing left, he is left in a depressed pitiful state, leaving one feeling great sorrow for him. He even wishes death upon himself “Oh, let it come, let it appear, that fairest of fates for me, that brings my last day,-aye, best fate of all! Oh, let it come, that I may never look upon to-morrow's light.” (Sophocles 840)
In Antigone, Women are depicted in two different ways. The first is seen through Ismene. She is timid, afraid and feels like she must obey the unwritten law regarding a women’s place. “Nay, we must remember, first, that we were born women, as who should not strive with men; next, that we are ruled of the stronger, so that we must obey in these things, and in things yet sorer.” Through Antigone the second depiction is seen. Antigone is strong, confident and knows what she is doing is right. Her statements to Creon show all of this. “So for me to meet this doom is trifling grief; but if I had suffered my mother's son to lie in death an unburied corpse, that would have grieved me; for this, I am not grieved. And if my present deeds are foolish in thy sight, it may be that a foolish judge arraigns my folly.” (Sophocles) There is a massive difference between the two portrayals; one might say that they are opposites.
Spohocles. "Antigone." Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: World Literature. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2001. 814-826
Sophocles. "Antigone." The Internet Classic Archive. Trans. R.C. Jebb. 04Oct2000. Classics. mit. edu. 24 Nov 2008 http://classics.mit.edu/Sophocles/antigone.html.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Poll Closed
The results are in and Ian is indeed the the meanest man in all of Ms. Peifers 5th period english class. He wins with a whopping 156 votes. Megatron came in a distant second. Jake Wythers and Chad tied for third.
Honorable mentions:
aleandro
aaron (sorry for misspelling your name)
last place:
ryan readinger
(just kidding)
Honorable mentions:
aleandro
aaron (sorry for misspelling your name)
last place:
ryan readinger
(just kidding)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Ryan Quotes
Infamous Quotes from Ryan Readinger
(im not kidding, actually siad each of these)
(they are listed in chronological order)
(all in complete seriousness)
"i like xbox, mostly xbox live, never the wii, I HATE THE WII!"
"Why can't you see that you are my child!"
"who are you and what do you want with my trousers!?!?!"
"don't you ever touch my touch my fore head agian!!!"
"I suppose now would be a good time to go to the rest room!"
"are you trying to tell me that a watermelon is a fruit!!!!!
"you can't kill me, im already dead!"
"i would dance with you, IF YOU WERENT SO UGLY!!!!" (directed at chad)
"Pass me that juicey juice, im bout to do something craaaaAAAaaazy!"
"Get out of my mothers car!!!!!"
"hole in 6! thats a new record!!!!"
"you'll never get away with this!!"
(im not kidding, actually siad each of these)
(they are listed in chronological order)
(all in complete seriousness)
"i like xbox, mostly xbox live, never the wii, I HATE THE WII!"
"Why can't you see that you are my child!"
"who are you and what do you want with my trousers!?!?!"
"don't you ever touch my touch my fore head agian!!!"
"I suppose now would be a good time to go to the rest room!"
"are you trying to tell me that a watermelon is a fruit!!!!!
"you can't kill me, im already dead!"
"i would dance with you, IF YOU WERENT SO UGLY!!!!" (directed at chad)
"Pass me that juicey juice, im bout to do something craaaaAAAaaazy!"
"Get out of my mothers car!!!!!"
"hole in 6! thats a new record!!!!"
"you'll never get away with this!!"
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Letter
Dear Sister Antigone,
I will start by saying you are a brave soul. The people of the town consider a you hero, much more so than a criminal. They talk of your great feat. However, I don’t think you realize how dangerous going against the king is, you don't realize the ramifications of your actions. I fear that Creon will have your head for this. I just hope you’re prepared, for the worst.
Polyneices would thank you. I laid awake last night wondering how I could go on knowing that my own brother was going to be food for carrion birds. He deserved a proper burial, whether he fought against our country or not, and thanks to you, he got it. I am a coward, a foolish coward. If only I had seen through my selfish ways earlier. Well, know matter what your punishment is, I will under go it with you. Through the good or the bad, the thick or the thin, I will stand at your side. Let us hope for the thick and good, our family ties may help us a great deal. By the end of the week our souls maybe resting with our brother's. May the gods have mercy on you, you did the right thing.
Please Forgive -
Ismene
I will start by saying you are a brave soul. The people of the town consider a you hero, much more so than a criminal. They talk of your great feat. However, I don’t think you realize how dangerous going against the king is, you don't realize the ramifications of your actions. I fear that Creon will have your head for this. I just hope you’re prepared, for the worst.
Polyneices would thank you. I laid awake last night wondering how I could go on knowing that my own brother was going to be food for carrion birds. He deserved a proper burial, whether he fought against our country or not, and thanks to you, he got it. I am a coward, a foolish coward. If only I had seen through my selfish ways earlier. Well, know matter what your punishment is, I will under go it with you. Through the good or the bad, the thick or the thin, I will stand at your side. Let us hope for the thick and good, our family ties may help us a great deal. By the end of the week our souls maybe resting with our brother's. May the gods have mercy on you, you did the right thing.
Please Forgive -
Ismene
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Telephone Booth Stuffing: A Fad of The 50's
One of the most well known fads of all time is Telephone Booth stuffing. It was started by several college students who would squeeze themselves into a telephone booth until no one else could fit inside. Although the fad was popularized by colleges from the west coast in the U.S., it was actually started in South Africa where twenty-five students packed themselves into a booth and claimed they had set a world record. Soon, many colleges around the world were trying to beat each other's records. The fad died out in 1959, but was reincarnated in the form of Volkswagen stuffing a few years later.
I hope that one day soon telephone booth stuffing will become popular again and my bedfellows and i can participate in such an event!
I hope that one day soon telephone booth stuffing will become popular again and my bedfellows and i can participate in such an event!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Blogging outrageous
Blogs, eh? Well prior to the past few days i have had almost zero experience with blogging. If i were to collect a large number of followers and have something interesting to write about, blogging would be the perfect thing to do. I'm actually rather exited to begin my blogging experience now that i think about it.
Well here it is, my blog. Its pretty fancy, i have to say. Well i really need some thing to blog about, so I'm going to blog about my schedule. Recently, two days ago to be specific, my schedule underwent a drastic change. More than half my day shifted around. i have to say i rather pleased with it, it is the reason i reside in this class. 5th period English IB, its fantastic.
Monday, November 10, 2008
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