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.