My Favorite Assignment of Semester 1

-My favorite assignment of semester 1 was the Hamlet movie essay. I thought it was a smart way to make the standard 3 to 5 page essay fun and interesting. I really enjoyed analyzing the whole picture and the work of art, as opposed to just the text that can get boring at certain times. I found myself really enjoying what I was writing and wrote more than I usually do. This essay really wasn't a burden, as standard essays tend to be, because I really enjoyed what I was writing about. I really enjoyed this assignment and I definitely think it should stay in the curriculum every year. 

Performance Choices

-In our version of a portion of Act I, scene ii, Alexander, Alan, and I decided to base our performance choices off of Laurence Olivier's adaptation. I played the king, and really tried to show the seperation between Claudius and Hamlet + Gertrude. I was on one side of the stage, and Hamlet (Alan) + Gertrude (Alexander) were very close to each other on the opposite side of the stage. I also tried to spotlight the fact that Claudius gets a little jealous and annoyed that Hamlet and Gertrude are being so intamite. I even attempted to pull away Gertrude. Overall, I played Claudius as a very seperated character from what was going on between Hamlet and Gertrude.

The Love Song of J Alfred Prufock - T.S. Eliot

-"To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet" (27). There is an an extremely harsh truth in these words. Most people do in fact prepare an attitude, or face, when they meet people. This is a truth most people do not want to admit. Everyone adapts to fit a certain image that other people will like and relate to. This is not necessarily a bad trait because every single person acts a particular way around someone. For example, people with multiple groups of friends will act slightly different depending on the group of friends, and this is a completely normal trait that is not a wrong thing to do. However, where things get tricky is when people go to far, and put on too much of an act. You then find certain people acting completely different, someone they are totally not, just to try to fit in. That is the sad truth that most people do not want to admit. Life can sometimes be a very cruel place that judges you on every little thing you do. Some people feel the need to change themselves completely just to be noticed and recognized by people they meet and think they need to impress. The line gives hint at a reason why J. Alfred Prufrock is so sad a lonely. The hint that Prufrock is not himself, and it led to his unhappiness and potentially why this love song is to no one in particular, because he has no one to share it with. Although, T.S. Eliot's words speak much greater than just the poem. They are a life lesson for people to realize that unhappiness comes from not being yourself.

Important Words & Passages In Hamlet

• Act II 755-758 "fishmonger" 
• Hamlet attempts to confuse Polonius in order to convince Polonius that Hamlet is crazy. Polonius asks Hamlet if he knows who he is, and Hamlet responds with: "you are a fishmonger." Not only does this confuse Polonius and leads him to believe Hamlet is insane, but it is also a way for Hamlet to speak down to Polonius
• 763-766 "the play's the thing" 
• In Hamlet's soliloquy he reveals his plan for the players to reveal what King Claudius had done to Hamlet's father. The important line in the soliloquy is: "I'll have these players / Play something like the murder of my father." The passage sums up Hamlet's plot for revenge.
• Act III 766-769 "To be or not to be"
• Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" reveals his inner struggle of whether to live or die. This passage is so important to the play because it summarizes Hamlet's struggle, and gives reasoning for his actions.
• 787-791 Queen: "cleft my heart in twain" 
• Queen Gertrude expresses her sadness due to Hamlet's "insanity." She relays to Hamlet that his insanity has broken her heart.
• 816-820 Osric 
• Osric's character is in the play for comic relief. Osric enters the play in the darkest and most depressing scene, in which Hamlet, Laertes, Gertrude, and Claudius are all about to die. His foolish behavior brings a little comedy and light to the play right before everyone dies.

Figurative Language

-Figurative Language is also known as a figure of speech or metaphorical language. Simply, figurative language is language that is not literal. Figurative language is seen in literary devices such as similes, metaphors, personification, and analogies, among many others. Figurative language permeates Hamlet. For example, in Hamlet's soliloquy in Act II, Hamlet states: "For murder, though it have no tongue, will speak" (2.2.521). Hamlet's use of figurative language brings more emphasis to what he is stating. Hamlet is emphasizing the fact that King Claudius does not speak of his foul murder; however, his plan to get the players to act out what happened, the truth will be revealed. The use of figurative language allows the reader to understand the importance of the line and what Hamlet is planning on doing.

Claudius' Manipulation of Laertes

-King Claudius uses his skills of manipulation to turn Laertes' anger, due to the death of his father, from himself to Hamlet. Laertes stormed into the castle demanding to speak to Claudius. Claudius used Laertes' anger as a tool to turn him against Hamlet. King Claudius skillfully calmed down Laertes, and then refocused his anger against Hamlet. Claudius states to Laertes: "That I am guiltless of your father's death..." The King is successful in manipulating Laertes to want to seek revenge for his father by killing Hamlet. The irony of the situation is that Claudius is really at fault for the death of Polonius because he is the one that made Polonius spy on Hamlet. King Claudius manipulated Laertes to do what he wanted through his use of eloquent speech, which Claudius has been effectively using through the play.

Hamlet & Gertrude

Hamlet and Gertrude have an extremely interesting and complex relationship. Hamlet is strangely obsessed with his mother's sexual life with King Claudius. At first is seems as though he is angry about it because he believes their marriage is a disgrace to his father. Later, the reader realizes Hamlet is more obsessed with his mother having sexual relations, rather than the disgrace she brings to Hamlet's father. Hamlet gets so obsessed with his mothers actions, he eventually confronts her about it. He states to her: "Nay, but to live / In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed, / Stew'd in corruption, honeying and making love / Over the nasty sty..." (3.3.91-4). Hamlet is completely demeaning and speaks down to Gertrude in hopes of making her very upset. He is trying to get her to understand how horrid he thinks her actions are. He makes it seem as though he is doing this because of his father; however, perhaps he is yelling at Gertrude because Hamlet himself is obsessed with his mother's sexual relations and does not want her doing such deeds with Claudius.

Sounds - 'Hamlet' & 'Out,Out'

-Sound is the musical quality of poetry that can bring more depth to a text. I can be created through word choice, among other devices, such as alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, and cadance. In Hamlet's sililoquy in Act II, there are many examples of sound. For example, he states about himself: "bloody, bawdy villain!" Hamlet uses plosive language in this line. The plosive sounds of bloody and bawdy bring life to the text. It allows the reader to understand that it is a very important line to understand how Hamlet views himself. In 'Out, Out' Robert Frost uses sound to allow the reader to create a clear mental picture of what is going on. For example, in the first line of the poem Frost writes: "The buzz-saw snarled and rattled..." The sounds of snarled and rattled are very harsh and violent. Not only does this create a vivid picture in the reader's mind, but it also sets up the scene for what is to come in the poem. The use of sound brings more depth to a text, especially in both 'Hamlet' and 'Out, Out.'

Essay Continued

Public v. Private Speech: Hamlet’s Controlled Insanity & Claudius’ Selfish Guilt

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, characters' language allows the read to understand the true meaning of what the characters are saying. Hamlet and King Claudius are perfect examples of characters whose language allows the reader to understand the true intent of what they are saying. Interestingly enough, both Hamlet and Claudius have a different way of speaking in a public and private setting. However, the way in which they do so contrasts completely. Hamlet, in public, tries to hid his true feelings, which he reveals in private speech. Claudius seems to be a compassionate ruler, whereas in private the reader understands his selfish attitudes. Therefore, although both Hamlet and King Claudius use dramatic language to disguise the truth, Hamlet uses his speech to hide his true feelings and Claudius uses his speech to hide his true, selfish attitude.

Both Hamlet and King Claudius hide their true emotions while they speak in public. Hamlet hides his true feelings in public speaking by pretending to be crazy. He believes that his insanity will give him time to get revenge for his father. Hamlet’s facade is clearly visible when he speaks with the king's advisor, Polonius. Hamlet realizes that Polonius is spying on him for the king, so Hamlet does the best he can to act as though he is crazy. For example, Polonius runs into Hamlet and asks if he knows him. Clearly Hamlet knows who Polonius is because he is the King's advisor, and Hamlet is involved with Polonius' daughter, Ophelia. Strangely enough, Hamlet responds to Polonius' question with: "Excellent well; you are a fishmonger" (2.2.173). Hamlet's statement confuses Polonius because later in the conversation Hamlet talks about his affection for his daughter, right after he asks Polonius if he has a daughter! Hamlet's plan is extremely effective because he leaves Polonius confused as ever, yet he does have a suspicion that there is a reason, or "method" for Hamlet's madness. Contrasting to Hamlet’s way of hiding his true intentions for revenge, King Claudius hides his guilt by being very commanding and asserting his authority. Claudius kills his brother, the king, and then steals Hamlet’s right to the throne all due to his selfish attitude and quest for power. Because he gained the crown in this manner, while in public, he must hide his guilt. When Claudius speaks in public, especially to Hamlet, he is extremely assertive and demeaning. Claudius’ first real demeaning conversation with Hamlet has to do with Hamlet grieving over the death of his father. It is likely that the reasons for Claudius being so angry over this is because Hamlet’s grieving reminds Claudius of his guilt. Claudius states to Hamlet: “’Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet” (1.2.87). Claudius’ tone is extremely demeaning and he treats Hamlet like he is a young child. Claudius relays to Hamlet that is grieving is “sweet,” but he continues to state that all people loose their father, and Hamlet needs to get over the fact that his father is dead. Claudius believes that Hamlet has been mourning for too long, even though it has only been a month, and this is due to the fact Hamlet’s grieving is a constant reminder of Claudius’ guilt. Although both Hamlet and Claudius hide their true feelings and intentions while speaking in public, they go about doing so in completely opposite ways.

Symbol - "The Second Coming"

-Symbols carry more than just the literal meaning, and point the way to the meaning of the work as a whole. In "The Second Coming," by William Butler Yeats, symbols permiate the poem. One of the most meaningful symbols is the symbol of the Falcons widening gyre. "Turning and turning in the widening gyre." This symbol relates to Yeats' view of society. He feels as though society is spinning downward to the "second coming" of the Messiah. Yeats believes that the "end of the earth" is coming because society has become too corrupt and chaotic. This symbol does not only symbolize how Yeats feels about sociey, but it also symbolizes the poem as a whole. The symbol of the widening gyre is the first line in this poem, and it sets up what is to come. A falcon flying in a spiral downward is a beatiful symbol that Yeats created to reveal his thoughts on how society is being destroyed.

Intro + 1st Body (Rough)

     In Shakespeare's Hamlet, characters' language allows the read to understand the true meaning of what the characters are saying. Hamlet and King Claudius are perfect examples of characters whose language allows the reader to understand the true intent of what they are saying. Interestingly enough, both Hamlet and Claudius have a different way of speaking in a public and private setting. However, the way in which they do so contrasts completely. Hamlet, in public, tries to hid his true feelings, which he reveals in private speech. Claudius seems to be a compassionate ruler, whereas in private the reader understands his selfish attitudes. Therefore, although both Hamlet and King Claudius use dramatic language to disguise the truth, Hamlet uses his seech to hide his true feelings and Claudius uses his speech to hide his true, selfish attitude.
     Both Hamlet and King Claudius hide their true emotions while they speak in public. Hamlet hides his true feelings in public speaking by pretending to be crazy. He believes that his crazy attitude will give him time to get revenge for his father. Hamlets facade is clearly visible when he speaks with the king's advisor, Polonius. Hamlet realizes that Polonius is spying on him for the kings, so Hamlet does the best he can to act as though he is crazy. Hamlet runs into Polonius when Polonius asks if Hamlet knows him. Clearly Hamlet knows who Polonius is because he is the King's advisor, and Hamlet is involved with Polonius' daughter. Strangly enough, Hamlet responds to Polonius' question with: "Excellent well; you are a fishmonger" (Act II, scene ii, line 173). Hamlet's statement confuses Polonius because later in the conversation Hamlet talks about his affection for his daughter, right after he asks Polonius if he has a daughter! Hamlet's plan is extremely effective because he leaves Polonius confused as ever, yet he does have a suspicion that there is a reason, or "method" for Hamlet's madness.

Figurative Language

-Figurative language is language that is not literal, a figure of speech. It explains or expands on an idea by comparing it to something else. Figurative language can be expressed as a simile, metaphor, personification, or an analogy. Figurative language can also be expressed as an overstatement, understatement, paradox, or irony. In Hamlet, for example, Polonius uses figurative language all the time. For example, Polonius states: "Take this from this, if this be otherwise."Polonius is referring to his head, and he tells the king that if he is lying the king should execute him. This language is extremely figurative because Polonius is overstating his point. He is really only trying to prove that he is not lying, but he uses figurative language to do it. Shakespeare uses Polonius' figurative language to bring comic relief to the tragedy.

Setting

-Setting indicates the time and place and also the where and when of a literary text; however, the use of setting differs in fiction and plays. Setting in fiction sets the tone of the story, as well as the time and place. For example, in Pride and Prejudice, Austen uses the setting to present the social classes in which the characters live. With her use of setting, the reader understands how the Bennets fit into society, as opposed to Mr. Bingley. In plays, setting is mainly for the purpose of the physical set on stage. The playwright must keep in mind the setting of the scene and how it should look while he writes. For example, in Hamlet, Shakespeare writes about the setting before each scene.  Act I scene i: "[Elsinore. A platform before the castle.] This lets the director of the play, as well as the reader understand how each scene should be set up. Although the use of setting differs in fiction and plays, the main purpose of setting is to indicate to the reader the time and place of which the story is taking place.

Character Compare & Contrast Essay: Intro (Rough)

-In Shakespeare's Hamlet, characters' language allows the read to understand the true meaning of what the characters are saying. Hamlet and King Claudius are perfect examples of characters whose language allows the reader to understand the true intent of what they are saying. Interestingly enough, both Hamlet and Claudius have a different way of speaking in a public and private setting. However, the way in which they do so contrasts completely. Hamlet, in public, tries to hid his true feelings, which he reveals in private speech. Claudius seems to be a compassionate ruler, whereas in private the reader understands his selfish attitudes. Therefore, although both Hamlet and King Claudius use dramatic language to disguise the truth, Hamlet uses his seech to hide his true feelings and Claudius uses his speech to hide his true, selfish attitude.

Hamlet v. Claudius: Speeches Act I, Scene ii

-In Act I: scene ii, Hamlet and Claudius both make speeches that reveal a lot about their character. Through Claudius' speech to Hamlet, it is revealed that Claudius is an extremely selfish man. Claudius is arguing with Hamlet because Hamlet is still mourning over the death of his father one month after his death. Claudius states that it is natural for someone to loose their father, and therefore Hamlet should not still be mourning. Claudius' way of speaking is very interesting, because most of the time he comes off as a compassionate person; however, his passion is just a facade for his inner selfishness. Hamlet, on the other hand, has two opposing ways of speaking. When he speaks in public, he hides his inner depression and acts as if everything is okay. He also is very witty in his speech. When Hamlet is alone, his speech illustrates his depression and anger towards Claudius and his mother. He is also very confused that his mother could move on and be happy so quickly after her husband died. Hamlet felt as though his mother was madly in love with his father. Hamlet, as-well-as Claudius, have a very complex way of speaking. Claudius and Hamlet both hide their true feelings in the way they speak in public; however, the reader is still able to pick up on how they both actually feel through the way they speak.

Character: Elizabeth v. Hamlet

-Characters are developed in contrasting ways in both fiction and drama. In fiction, characters can be introduced by either direct or indirect characterization. Although Jane Austen uses both direct and indirect characterization to introduce Elizabeth, the reader learns more about Elizabeth through her words and how she interacts with other characters, thus she is introduced mostly through indirect characterization. In the case of the main characters of fiction, there is a protagonist and an antagonist. In Pride and Pejudice, Elizabeth would be considered the protagonist, and society norms would be considered the antagonist. Throughout the novel, Elizabeth is in constant conflict with societal norms. She believes that marriage should be for love and not economic stability. Elizabeth has trouble accepting that in certain cases her individual thinking is too radical.  Elizabeth would also be considered a round character. A round character is a character who exhibits a range of emotions and changes over the course of the story. Elizabeth is not short on her emotions, and also her emotions towards Mr. Darcy changes over the course of the novel. In the case of drama, characters are introduced through dialogue because plays do not have a narrator. In Hamlet, Hamlet is introduced through his words. The biggest instance where his character is revealed is during his monologue in Act 1: Scene ii. In this monologue, Hamlet reveals that he has thoughts of suicide and is disgusted by his mothers actions. The reader really gets a sense of who Hamlet is as in person through his speech and how he interacts with other characters. In plays, characters attitudes and personality are revealed through the content of what is being said, the way it is being said, and the reaction and response from other characters.

Hamlet: Claudis' Speech

-Shakespeare introduces Claudius' true character as a selfish man in his Act 1 speech. Hamlet is still mourning his father's death, while his uncle and now step-father wants Hamlet to be celebrating the recent marriage. Claudius states that it is natural for someone to loose their father, and therefore Hamlet should not still be mourning. He believes that Hamlet has been mourning for too long. He then commands Hamlet to stop mourning. Not only is Hamlet angered by this, but also by the fact that he was next in line to take the throne until Claudius married his mother, Gertrude. Claudius then goes on to tell Hamlet he loves him like a son, while also telling Hamlet he cannot study in Wittenberg because it conflicts with his (Claudius') desires. Through this speech, we see that Claudius is extremely selfish, and we also see the tension between Hamlet and Claudius.

Compare/Contrast - "Slam, Dunk, & Hook" & "Fast Break"

Intro

Body 1 - Imagery

• SDH - Vivid and powerful imagery
• FB - Graceful and picturesque imagery
• Compare and contrast on imagery

Body 2 - Style & Syntax

• SDH - Combination of fragments and short/choppy sentences
• FB - One long sentence
• Compare and contrast on style & syntax

Conclusion


-Using the essay structure of breaking it up by point is a much better way of setting this compare and contrast essay up. This allows the writer to focus on two main points and go into detail about them. It also allows the reader to understand and follow the essay much easier. It is also good to mention in either the into or conclusion about what kind of people these authors may be. Personally, I believe the first author wrote about his childhood and how he misses those days playing pick-up. The second author seems more like a sport announcer, using more complex basketball terms. Either way you set up the essay will work (by poem or point), but setting it up by point seems to be the better and more concise way of setting up this perticular compare and contrast essay.

Plot

A conventional plot begins with the exposition, then the rising action, followed by the climax, to the falling action, and finally the denouement. In between the exposition and the rising action, and incident occurs to start a conflict. In between the falling action and the denouement is the the resolution that solves the conflict. In Pride and Prejudice, the plot follows a similar plot; however, it is comprised of multiple climaxes. For example, the first proposal from Mr. Darcy can be considered as well as Lydia running away. All of these incidents follow the model stated above. Another novel that follows this model is the Great Gatsby. The climax the novel being when Daisy ran over Myrdle in Gatsby's car and Gatsby takes the blame for it. The resolution to into the denouement being when Gatsby gets shot. This plot model is the basis for most short stories, novels, and plays. This also is the model that Shakespeare used in his plays.

Woodchucks - Maxine Kumin v. Traveling through the Dark - William Stafford

-Both poems deal with the death of animals; however, their tones differ. "Woodchucks" has a much more harsh tone, whereas "Traveling through the Dark" has much more soft and compassionate tone towards the dead doe. In "Woodchuks," the narrator is very violent towards the animals. He is only concerned with getting rid of them by killing them. "Gassing the woodchucks didn't turn out right." The poems attempts to show how cruel humanity can be, and how little humanity cares for nature. In "Traveling through the Dark," the narrator gets the dear of the road because he wants to prevent other doe's from dying. "It is usually best to roll them into the canyon: that road is narrow; to swerve might make more dead." The narrator has a closer connection with nature and cares for nature. These poems contrast in views of how humanity views and cares for nature.

D. W. Harding - On Pride and Prejudice

-One Point I agree with is the point that Jane Austen detests Mrs. Bennet. Although I find detest too strong of a word, I feel that Austen does portray her in a negative light. Austen's personality relates closest to Elizabeth's, which is the polar opposite of Mrs. Bennet. Austen also believes that marriage should be for love not economic progress, which relates to Elizabeth's attitude, and differs from Mrs. Bennet. However, I do feel that Austen has respect for Mrs. Bennet because she does have an individual personality, but she does not agree or approve with her way of thinking.

-One point I disagree with the claim that Austen as a satirist is misleading. I believe Austen creates a clear picture in where she uses satire to poke fun at how society of her time worked. Again, Austen closely relates to Elizabeth and Elizabeth does not agree with the society norms at that time. Both Austen and Elizabeth at society with dislike because of their differing views such as marriage for love. I believe Austen's satire is clear at poking fun at society, not as a negative way, but as a playful one.

Revising Essay Rough Draft

First, I need to finish my last body paragraph on Mr. Bennett and Jane. Once I finish analyzing where they are on the 'Individual vs. Society' spectrum, I will go back and edit my thesis. My thesis needs to be refocused on the ideas I developed in my body paragraphs while writing my rough draft. As of right now, I need to make a bolden claim. At the moment, my thesis is too vague. Next, I need to go through the body paragraphs and synthesize my examples because they are also too vague. Finally, I will write my conclusion on modern day society and how it relates to the Bennet family. If I do all of this correctly, I believe I will have a solid, final draft essay.

Individual vs. Society - Intro + Body 1 (Rough Draft)

Individual v. Society Spectrum: The Bennet Family

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the Bennet family is a perfect example of the struggles between individuality and conforming to society. The family presents these struggles from different angles. Elizabeth Bennet is on the side of the individual. Elizabeth believes that marriage is not for economic sustainability, but for love. Her view of marriage clearly differs from her mother, who is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Mrs. Bennet feels as though marriage should be strictly for economic sustainability. Granted, her role as a mother is to make sure her daughters grow up and have successful lives, so wanting her daughters to marry for economic reasons is acceptable. Balancing out the two extremes are Mr. Bennet and Jane Bennet. Mr. Bennet leans more towards the side of the individual; however, he still wants to see his daughters marry. Jane, on the other hand, wants to marry for the economic sustainability; however, she does have feelings for Mr. Bingley. Individuality should only be somewhat compromised for the larger needs of the group and society as long as one's morals are not lost, which is seen in all aspects of the Bennet family.

Elizabeth Bennet is on one extreme side of the spectrum; she is a complete and total individual for her time. Elizabeth believes that marriage is about love and happiness that is shared between to individuals. This is somewhat of radical thinking for the time period. Most women married in order to be stable economically. This is the case of Elizabeth’s dear friend Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte states: “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance” (Austen 14). This way of thinking is common for the time period; however, Elizabeth finds Charlotte’s statement to be foolish. Elizabeth states in response: “You make me laugh, Charlotte…” (14). Elizabeth, being such an individual, finds it absurd that women marry for reasons other than love. Granted, she understands why the women of her time marry for economic sustainability; however, she feels as though the most important part of marriage is the love and connection that is shared by two individuals. This is the reason why she is not overjoyed at the fact that Mr. Bingley and company were coming to Netherfield Park, and that they could be potential husbands.  Elizabeth proves throughout the novel that she is a true individual and she does not believe into conforming to society’s ways.

Ranking Sample Essays

Essay A

• Thesis - The thesis is stated clearly and is sufficiently limited in scope. The thesis is also arguable...one could argue the validity of the clame that Austen tries to influence the way the reader percieves a character.
• Analysis - The analysis was insightful and backed up the thesis. The writer presents a well thought out and convincing argument on how Austen influences the readers opinion.
• Style - The writer wrote clear and concise. The writing was not only conversational, but it was also sophisticated.
• Overall Grade - A-

Essay B

• Thesis - The thesis is limited in scope; however, it is not arguable. The writer is merely stating fact, rather than presenting an interesting argument on how the reader can interpret the text how they wish.
• Evidence - The evidence is generally solid, but again it is mearly stating fact, not presenting an argument.
• Style - Clear yet it is lacking sophistication in areas of the essay.
• Overall Grade - B

Essay C

• Thesis -The thesis is vague and unarguable. There is a large scope and is just stating common fact. The thesis is also somewhat hard to follow and poorly written.
• Evidence - The evidence is also vague and does not go into depth. The analysis also does not go into detail and mearly rephrases the evidence.
• Style - The writing style is poor and it seems as though the writer did not take time to plan, write, and then revise.
• Overall Grade - C+

Individual vs. Society - Intro + Working Thesis

To what extent should individuality be compromised for the larger needs of the group and society?


-The Bennet family is a perfect example of the struggles between individuality and conforming to society. The family presents these struggles from different angles. Elizabeth Bennet is on the side of the individual. Elizabeth believes that marriage is not for economic sustainability, but for love. Her view of marriage clearly differs from her mother, who is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Mrs. Bennet feels as though marriage should be strictly for economic sustainability. Granted, her role as a mother is to make sure her daughters grow up and have successful lives, so wanting her daughters to marry for economic reasons is acceptable. Balancing out the two extremes are Mr. Bennet and Jane Bennet. Mr. Bennet leans more towards the side of the individual; however, he still wants to see his daughters marry. Jane, on the other hand, wants to marry for the economic sustainability; however, she does have feelings for Mr. Bingley. Individuality should only be somewhat compromised for the larger needs of the group and society as long as one's morals are not lost, which is seen in all aspects of the Bennet family.

To His Coy Mistress - Andrew Marvell

The narrator uses the three stanzas to present his argument of love; each stanza taking a different approach. The first stanza is very slow and leisurely. The narrator expresses how he will love the mistress for many hundreds of years. "An hundred years should go to praise thine eyes..." (13-4). He is being extremely playful trying to woo the mistress with crazy, yet romantic confessions of love. The narrator goes even further to state: "But thirty thousand (years) to the rest" (16). His love is so over exaggerated that it can be interpreted two ways. The narrator is either trying to be extremely romantic, or his intentions are strictly sexual and he is saying anything to woo the mistress. By reading further, it seems as though he is more concerned with a sexual encounter rather than long lasting love. This is quite hypocritical to the first stanza which is filled with statements of long-lasting love.

Outside Reading

For my outside reading assignment, I've decided to read posts on the music blog RCRD LBL. I try to stay up to date by checking out other music blogs; however, I have not read much on RCRD LBL. RCRD LBL is a great site with intelligent writers who create in depth blogs about different songs, albums, artists, and performances. The posts aren't very long, so I plan on trying to read a couple every day!

http://rcrdlbl.com/

Introduction to Poetry - Billy Collins

Collins' poem is a frustration towards the lack of creativity and feeling that his students have while reading poetry. Collins uses four of the five senses to explain, through imagery, what his students should do while reading a poem to experience what the author has written. Most importantly, Collins wants his students to feel the poem: "...walk inside the poem's room and feel the walls for a light switch." He wants them to find the emotion of the poem, rather than analyze it for the real meaning: "They being beating it with a hose to find out what it really means."  According to Collins, the real meaning of a poem is what you discover while reading it.

Welcome.

Welcome to my English IV blog.

My name is Andrew and I am currently a senior in high school. I love everything there is to love about music. One of my all-time favorite bands is Neutral Milk Hotel...as you can see by my blog's background. I love the style of music they produce and I could listen to them all day.