“What you really are is a Bunburyist. I was quite right in saying you were a Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced Bunburyists I know.
Jack: What on earth do you mean?
Algernon: You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose. Bunbury is perfectly invaluable. If it wasn’t for Bunbury’s extraordinary bad health, for instance, I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123)
This passage from The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is when Algernon first informs Jack of the ways of the Bunburyist and how even with out knowing, he already is one. The author’s purpose in this passage is to create humor. It is achieved through repetition, farce and absurdity.
Through this entire this passage repetition is used to create humor. “What you really are is a Bunburyist. I was quite right in saying you were a Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced Bunburyists I know.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123). The word Bunburyist is used extremely often through out this passage. It’s humorous because when a word is repeated a certain amount times, it simply begins to become funny. It also helps the case that “Bunburyist” is a made up word that sounds comical already.
In this passage traces of farce can be seen through out as an undertone. “You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury… I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123). In this passage it is revealed that both Jack and Algernon have other identities that they assume whenever they please. Algernon uses a fictional character, Bunbury, as an excuse to do as he pleases. Jack uses his fictional identity in order to come to town as he wishes. This is farcical because it is ridiculous and deals with false identities. It is humorous because of how ludicrous it is and it is simply amusing.
This passage demonstrates the pure absurdity that can be seen through The Importance Of Being Earnest. “You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123) The notion that two grown men have invented fictional characters to childishly get what they want is absurd. The notion that these two men happen to be best friends continues to elevate the absurdity. The irrationality of this is humorous for the audience because it is funny to imagine this actually happening and to hear Jack and Algernon converse about it so peculiarly.
This passage from The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde demonstrates humor through the repetition of the word “Bunburyist”, Through the farcical nature of the conversation and also through the pure absurdity of the Bunburyist subject matter. The humor is executed quite well.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Atsumori
Alex O’Brien
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB, Hr 5
5 May 2009
“Young Reaper:
Unlocked for from men of our condition, you say!
Have you not read:
"Do not envy what is above you
Nor despise what is below you"?
Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen,
Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers
Through poets' verses are known to all the world.
Wonder not to hear among us
The sound of a bamboo-flute.
Preist: You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.”
This passage comes from the play Atsumori by Seami Motokiyo. It shows a part of a conversation between the Young Reaper and the Priest. The reaper passes on important information to the priest. In this passage Motokiyo’s purpose is to convey the value of equality among men. If the priest were to not let any of the circumstances cloud his judgment about the day he killed Atsumori, he would have been able to move on much faster. The Buddhist themes help prove that through Buddhism even great enemies can achieve peace. The author’s purpose is achieved through use of imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism.
In this passage quotation is used to help support the purpose. "Do not envy what is above you Nor despise what is below you"? (Motokiyo, Atsumori 52 – 54) The Reaper here quotes a seemingly Buddhist value, one that if he were to accept would help him come to peace. By the end of the story Rensei does come to terms with it and it helps guide him to enlightenment in the situation. “You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 61) Here Motokiyo has Rensei agree with the stated value only to further stress its importance.
In this passage symbolism is seen frequently. “Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo here talks of many men, all engaging in the act of making music with the flute. These flautists are all different but they are equal; thus further enforcing the main point of the passage.
In this passage imagery is also used frequently. “woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo uses the imagery of the different beings playing the flute to creatively prove that that men are equal.
In this passage from Atsumori, Seami Motokiyo uses imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism to prove his purpose. The purpose being that all men are equal which supports Buddhist culture which the supports the true purpose of the play; to prove that with the guidance of Buddhism even the worst of enemies can over come their struggles.
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB, Hr 5
5 May 2009
“Young Reaper:
Unlocked for from men of our condition, you say!
Have you not read:
"Do not envy what is above you
Nor despise what is below you"?
Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen,
Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers
Through poets' verses are known to all the world.
Wonder not to hear among us
The sound of a bamboo-flute.
Preist: You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.”
This passage comes from the play Atsumori by Seami Motokiyo. It shows a part of a conversation between the Young Reaper and the Priest. The reaper passes on important information to the priest. In this passage Motokiyo’s purpose is to convey the value of equality among men. If the priest were to not let any of the circumstances cloud his judgment about the day he killed Atsumori, he would have been able to move on much faster. The Buddhist themes help prove that through Buddhism even great enemies can achieve peace. The author’s purpose is achieved through use of imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism.
In this passage quotation is used to help support the purpose. "Do not envy what is above you Nor despise what is below you"? (Motokiyo, Atsumori 52 – 54) The Reaper here quotes a seemingly Buddhist value, one that if he were to accept would help him come to peace. By the end of the story Rensei does come to terms with it and it helps guide him to enlightenment in the situation. “You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 61) Here Motokiyo has Rensei agree with the stated value only to further stress its importance.
In this passage symbolism is seen frequently. “Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo here talks of many men, all engaging in the act of making music with the flute. These flautists are all different but they are equal; thus further enforcing the main point of the passage.
In this passage imagery is also used frequently. “woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo uses the imagery of the different beings playing the flute to creatively prove that that men are equal.
In this passage from Atsumori, Seami Motokiyo uses imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism to prove his purpose. The purpose being that all men are equal which supports Buddhist culture which the supports the true purpose of the play; to prove that with the guidance of Buddhism even the worst of enemies can over come their struggles.
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