My initial impressions of Macbeth were that he was courageous, well respected among his peers and quite noble. "For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name- Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel" (Shakespeare 1.2 16 – 17) This quotes from the captain shows that Macbeth is thought highly of, a brave warrior and is respected by those of high authority. All are things that show him to be a good man.
Lady Macbeth comes off much darker than her male counter part. She is very ambitious and powerful yet cunning and possibly evil. “Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this” Lady Macbeth Is saying that she would murder her own child had she promised that to Macbeth. This shows that Lady Macbeth is very cunning and ambitious; she will say anything to get what she wants. She also hints that she is capable of horrible things, such as the murder of a child.
Banquo seems to be a generally good person. He is a noble soldier and quite respectful. “Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.” (Shakespeare 1.4 150) Here Banquo shows that he is quite loyal and respectful to Macbeth, two very good character traits. Banquo fights nobly along side Macbeth, proving that he is a true warrior at heart.
A common theme scene through out act one is ambition. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth fall victim to it. “What cannot you and I perform upon th’unguarded Duncan?” (Shakespeare 1.7 70 – 71) This shows Lady Macbeth talking about how she and Macbeth could kill Duncan and get away with the thrown. All her regard for chivalry and honor is over shadowed by her ambition and lust for power. Macbeth too, lets Lady Macbeth persuade him. His initial response to the prophecy is to let happen what happens, but after talking to Lady Macbeth he lets his ambition get the best of him.
A striking image that I am left with after reading act one is that of Lady Macbeth. “I would while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I sworn as you have done this.” (Shakespeare 1.7 57 - 60) This passage is shacking to me because it is very graphic and incredibly unexpected. The image of her murdering a smiling baby is rather demented. Even Macbeth is caught off guard by this remark and almost completely shocked into following the command of Lady Macbeth.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
sonnet
Not marble, nor the gilded monuments
Of princes, shall outlive this powerful rime;
But you shall shine more bright in these contents
Than unswept stone, besmear’d with sluttish time.
When wasteful war shall statues overturn,
And broils root out the work of masonry,
Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick fire shall burn
The living record of your memory.
’Gainst death and all-oblivious enmity
Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room
Even in the eyes of all posterity
That wear this world out to the ending doom.
So, till the judgment that yourself arise,
You live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes.
Shakespeare's purpose in writing Sonnet 55 was to show that love and his poetry are eternal, unlike all other things. He talks of how no matter what happens, love will be a constant because of the poetry he has written. Shakespeare uses tone, metaphors, comparisons and confidence to achieve his purpose.
In Sonnet 55 Shakespeare made several comparisons. “But you shall shine more bright in these contents Than unswept stone, besmear’d with sluttish time.” (Shakespeare 3 - 4) He is saying that over time stone will wither away, along will all other things, except for love, and it will shine brightly. “The living record of your memory. ’Gainst death and all-oblivious enmity Shall you pace forth” (Shakespeare 8 – 10) He is saying that when put against death and violence of any kind, love won’t be stopped and will continue with full force.
Shakespeare uses the tone of writing in his poetry to enhance the effect. “Even in the eyes of all posterity That wear this world out to the ending doom.” (Shakespeare 10 – 11) He includes this dark imagery to show contrast between it and the lighter imagery he uses to define love “But you shall shine more bright in these contents” (Shakespeare 3) Shakespeare is seen here using light imagery to describe love. It is a common theme through out the poem.
The confidence used by Shakespeare helps him achieve the purpose because the reader can see that Shakespeare is very confident that love and this poetry will last through time. “You live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes.” (Shakespeare 14) His confidence is seen here. He is saying that love will live in this poetry and this poem will last forever. He also says that love will “dwell in lovers eyes”, meaning people will always feel love.
In Sonnet 55 Shakespeare used metaphors and comparisons to show that love will not be stopped by time or death. He used tone to subliminally describe love as a great thing and even when pitted against very evil things it will live on. He used confidence to show that he believed it was true and subconsciously drawing you into the belief as well. Shakespeare’s efforts did not go unnoticed
Of princes, shall outlive this powerful rime;
But you shall shine more bright in these contents
Than unswept stone, besmear’d with sluttish time.
When wasteful war shall statues overturn,
And broils root out the work of masonry,
Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick fire shall burn
The living record of your memory.
’Gainst death and all-oblivious enmity
Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room
Even in the eyes of all posterity
That wear this world out to the ending doom.
So, till the judgment that yourself arise,
You live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes.
Shakespeare's purpose in writing Sonnet 55 was to show that love and his poetry are eternal, unlike all other things. He talks of how no matter what happens, love will be a constant because of the poetry he has written. Shakespeare uses tone, metaphors, comparisons and confidence to achieve his purpose.
In Sonnet 55 Shakespeare made several comparisons. “But you shall shine more bright in these contents Than unswept stone, besmear’d with sluttish time.” (Shakespeare 3 - 4) He is saying that over time stone will wither away, along will all other things, except for love, and it will shine brightly. “The living record of your memory. ’Gainst death and all-oblivious enmity Shall you pace forth” (Shakespeare 8 – 10) He is saying that when put against death and violence of any kind, love won’t be stopped and will continue with full force.
Shakespeare uses the tone of writing in his poetry to enhance the effect. “Even in the eyes of all posterity That wear this world out to the ending doom.” (Shakespeare 10 – 11) He includes this dark imagery to show contrast between it and the lighter imagery he uses to define love “But you shall shine more bright in these contents” (Shakespeare 3) Shakespeare is seen here using light imagery to describe love. It is a common theme through out the poem.
The confidence used by Shakespeare helps him achieve the purpose because the reader can see that Shakespeare is very confident that love and this poetry will last through time. “You live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes.” (Shakespeare 14) His confidence is seen here. He is saying that love will live in this poetry and this poem will last forever. He also says that love will “dwell in lovers eyes”, meaning people will always feel love.
In Sonnet 55 Shakespeare used metaphors and comparisons to show that love will not be stopped by time or death. He used tone to subliminally describe love as a great thing and even when pitted against very evil things it will live on. He used confidence to show that he believed it was true and subconsciously drawing you into the belief as well. Shakespeare’s efforts did not go unnoticed
Thursday, January 29, 2009
ryan quotes 3
"that dude is so buff, hoi ha hoi ha hoi ha hoi"
"IM DEFENDING HEAVEN FROM HELL"
"well this LRJ inst going to write its self!"
"the prophesy has been for filled"
"Sniped! sniped! oh whata snipe!"
"IM DEFENDING HEAVEN FROM HELL"
"well this LRJ inst going to write its self!"
"the prophesy has been for filled"
"Sniped! sniped! oh whata snipe!"
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Inferno
“On this side he plunged down from heaven’s height
and the land that spread here once hid in the sea
and fled North to our hemisphere for fright;
and it may be that moved by the same fear,
the one peak that still rises on this side
fled upward leaving this great cavern here.”
Down there beginning at the further bound
Of Beelzebub’s dim tomb, there is no space
not known by sight, but only by the sound
of a little stream descending through the hollow
it has eroded from the massive stone
in its endlessly entwining lazy flow.”
My guide and I crossed over and began
to mount that little known and lightless road
to ascend into the shining world again.
He first, I second, without thought of rest
we climbed the dark until we reached the point
where a round opening brought in sight the blest
and beauteous shining of Heavenly cars.
And we walked out once more beneath the Stars.”
(124 – 143) Canto 34
This passage comes from the final chapter in The Inferno in which Dante and Virgil reach the ninth and final circle of hell and exit back to the world. In the passage they climb Lucifer himself all the way out of hell. There is symbolism, imagery, and uses of literary devices, which all are important to this section and make it more interesting.
He first, I second, without thought of rest we climbed the dark until we reached the point where a round opening brought in sight the blest and beauteous shining of Heavenly cars. And we walked out once more beneath the Stars.” (Aligheri 139 – 143) This is an example of symbolism. Dante says he climbed the dark until he came to the blest and walked beneath the stars. Climbing the dark represents him traveling through hell and learning the ways of God through Virgil and through his own eyes. Coming to the blest symbolizes Dante becoming truly enlightened. At the beginning of the story Dante felt sympathy for those who were damned but at the end he feels nothing towards them except for hatred. Walking beneath the stars symbolizes Dante completing the first part of his journey and being ready to move forward in his quest.
Literary devices are used through out this fragment of the story. Alliteration is seen often, “endlessly entwining” (Aligheri 135), “heaven’s height” (Aligheri 124) “blest and beauteous”. (Aligheri 141 – 142) All of these make Dante’s exodus from hell much more climactic. Connotation is also used. When Dante is in hell every thing is made to seem dark and gloomy. “dim tomb” (Aligheri 131) “climbed the dark”. (Aligheri 140) However when he’s out every thing is bright and cheerful. “the shining world” (Aligheri 138) “beneath the Stars” (Aligheri 143)
The passage is vitally important to the story as a whole. It is the grand finale. In this passage Dante and Virgil have finally reached the end of their journey though hell. Throughout this journey Dante has seen terrible things but they have led to his enlightenment, which is seen in this passage, which make even more important!
This section is very important to the story, arguably the most important. It is full of alliteration, connotation, metaphors and all around beautiful writing. The Inferno wouldn’t be the same with out it or if it were changed in anyway.
and the land that spread here once hid in the sea
and fled North to our hemisphere for fright;
and it may be that moved by the same fear,
the one peak that still rises on this side
fled upward leaving this great cavern here.”
Down there beginning at the further bound
Of Beelzebub’s dim tomb, there is no space
not known by sight, but only by the sound
of a little stream descending through the hollow
it has eroded from the massive stone
in its endlessly entwining lazy flow.”
My guide and I crossed over and began
to mount that little known and lightless road
to ascend into the shining world again.
He first, I second, without thought of rest
we climbed the dark until we reached the point
where a round opening brought in sight the blest
and beauteous shining of Heavenly cars.
And we walked out once more beneath the Stars.”
(124 – 143) Canto 34
This passage comes from the final chapter in The Inferno in which Dante and Virgil reach the ninth and final circle of hell and exit back to the world. In the passage they climb Lucifer himself all the way out of hell. There is symbolism, imagery, and uses of literary devices, which all are important to this section and make it more interesting.
He first, I second, without thought of rest we climbed the dark until we reached the point where a round opening brought in sight the blest and beauteous shining of Heavenly cars. And we walked out once more beneath the Stars.” (Aligheri 139 – 143) This is an example of symbolism. Dante says he climbed the dark until he came to the blest and walked beneath the stars. Climbing the dark represents him traveling through hell and learning the ways of God through Virgil and through his own eyes. Coming to the blest symbolizes Dante becoming truly enlightened. At the beginning of the story Dante felt sympathy for those who were damned but at the end he feels nothing towards them except for hatred. Walking beneath the stars symbolizes Dante completing the first part of his journey and being ready to move forward in his quest.
Literary devices are used through out this fragment of the story. Alliteration is seen often, “endlessly entwining” (Aligheri 135), “heaven’s height” (Aligheri 124) “blest and beauteous”. (Aligheri 141 – 142) All of these make Dante’s exodus from hell much more climactic. Connotation is also used. When Dante is in hell every thing is made to seem dark and gloomy. “dim tomb” (Aligheri 131) “climbed the dark”. (Aligheri 140) However when he’s out every thing is bright and cheerful. “the shining world” (Aligheri 138) “beneath the Stars” (Aligheri 143)
The passage is vitally important to the story as a whole. It is the grand finale. In this passage Dante and Virgil have finally reached the end of their journey though hell. Throughout this journey Dante has seen terrible things but they have led to his enlightenment, which is seen in this passage, which make even more important!
This section is very important to the story, arguably the most important. It is full of alliteration, connotation, metaphors and all around beautiful writing. The Inferno wouldn’t be the same with out it or if it were changed in anyway.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Commentary (406-424)
“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.
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.
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.
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