"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife"
Judging from the language and tone of this quote, the characters in this novel will have strict societal expectations. The phrase "be in want of" suggests that the book is set a long time ago because people no longer speak like that regularly. In the olden days, society was very structured and those who lived on the outside of its bounds were severely outcast. In the case of this quote, the society demands that a man with money "must be in want of a wife". Not only does this quote require a certain set of steps in a man's life, but it goes on to objectify women. According to the quote, after acquiring money, the next logical step in life is to acquire a wife. The society's view on women being inferior is also displayed because the wife is put after acquiring a good fortune, and it is expected that the man want her not for love but possibly status. The use of the word "universally" places the connotation that all members of society not only know this fact, but comply with it. Society will be a huge factor in the plot of the novel because it will place expectations on the lives of the characters. With this rigid tone set so early on in the text, the plot will likely have something to do with characters who defy society probably in the name of love. Society will push them away as it does all who are different, this theme has been reoccurring across many of the pieces we have read this year, but it also applies to us today. People who have different views than what society deems acceptable have forever been ridiculed and put down. This text will in some way display the effects of an oppressive society and its expectations on innocent characters who want nothing more than to follow their hearts.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Scarlet Letter Blog 2
Every mother clutches onto her children with a certain maternal protection and need to love them, but Hester's relationship regarding Pearl goes much deeper. Pearl is the ultimate paradox in Hester's life, she represents two conflicting emotional strains, "The object of her affection and the emblem of her guilt and torture"(93). Pearl is the prize, yet she is the punishment. Hester lost everything through her sin and her sole compensation was this "intolerant brood"(86), who not only serves as a daily living reminder of her mistakes, but also another less than cooperative obstacle in Hester's daily life. Hester loves Pearl not only because of her maternal connection, but for her very survival "This boon was meant, above all things else to keep this mother's soul alive"(104). Without Pearl, Hester has hardly anything to live for, society ravaged her life because of her sin. Hester is kept out of further sin only because of the presence of Pearl, without her Hester would not think twice about turning to darkness"Had they taken her from me, I would willingly have gone with thee"(107). Hester must live with two constant reminders of her sin, the "A" and Pearl, but these crosses she must bear are her salvation. They have made her stronger and given her reason to keep out of sin, a reason to prove society wrong. Despite the evident hardship that Pearl adds to Hester's life, she does show that Hawthorne believes good can come out of an evil situation because Pearl forces Hester to become stronger and gives her a reason to stay away from sin. By staying away from sin, Hester has been able to turn her life around which may redeem her in the eyes not only of the reader and God, but also of society and the father of her child.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Scarlet Letter 1
Hester allows her personality and feelings about her punishment to shine by embroidering the A on her clothes so elaborately. She is showing the towns people that they cannot break her spirit,"(the letter) seemed to express the attitude of her spirit, the desperate recklessness of her mood by its wild and picturesque peculiarity"(51). The town wants her to be gloomy and dull, just like it is, but Hester refuses. The town is judging her, but she acts as though she could care less. She chooses to not only acknowledge the wrath of the people, but embrace it. Through this defiant character, the author portrays a sense of nonconformity. Most would have hung their heads, but Hester displays her elaborate letter. The author is showing that she refuses to be brought down, even in the face of societal wrath. The A does not stand for adultery, it stands for Hester's ability to persevere. Her sins have not directly impacted the people, yet they say "They should have put the brand of iron on Hester Prynne's forehead"(49). Hawthorne forces the reader to reflect on modern society and see that not too much has changed, people still socially persecute those who have done them no wrong. Hester was supposed to be an example of shame, but through the strategic use of her punishment, she has become an example of nonconformity and defiance.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
MLK/Syllogism Extra Credit
True Syllogism:
Oppressed people yearn for freedom.
The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself.
Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever.
This syllogism is true because it is a part of human nature to want freedom. When this manifests itself, people who are oppressed will eventually fight back, whether violently or not. Their actions will either change the mind of the oppressor, or cause an argument to ensue, but they will be heard. Once oppression manifests itself, even from thoughts into words, the oppressed is freed a little bit because they have been able to speak their mind, once their thoughts are heard, freedom will surely follow.
False Syllogism:
Oppressed people yearn for freedom.
The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself.
Oppressed people are violent.
This is false because there are nonviolent ways to argue against one's oppression.
True Syllogism:
Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.
Segregation statutes distort the soul and damage the personality.
Segregation laws are unjust.
This is true because segregation goes against the principles of equality by discriminating based solely on one's color. Discrimination degrades people based on appearance and forces people apart, this mentality and practice is unjust.
False Syllogism:
Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.
Segregation statutes distort the soul and damage the personality and is unjust.
An unjust law is no law at all, so segregation is no law.
This is false because although we can all agree that segregation is a terribly unjust practice, at the time of the letter, it was in fact a law.
Oppressed people yearn for freedom.
The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself.
Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever.
This syllogism is true because it is a part of human nature to want freedom. When this manifests itself, people who are oppressed will eventually fight back, whether violently or not. Their actions will either change the mind of the oppressor, or cause an argument to ensue, but they will be heard. Once oppression manifests itself, even from thoughts into words, the oppressed is freed a little bit because they have been able to speak their mind, once their thoughts are heard, freedom will surely follow.
False Syllogism:
Oppressed people yearn for freedom.
The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself.
Oppressed people are violent.
This is false because there are nonviolent ways to argue against one's oppression.
True Syllogism:
Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.
Segregation statutes distort the soul and damage the personality.
Segregation laws are unjust.
This is true because segregation goes against the principles of equality by discriminating based solely on one's color. Discrimination degrades people based on appearance and forces people apart, this mentality and practice is unjust.
False Syllogism:
Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.
Segregation statutes distort the soul and damage the personality and is unjust.
An unjust law is no law at all, so segregation is no law.
This is false because although we can all agree that segregation is a terribly unjust practice, at the time of the letter, it was in fact a law.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Crucible Debate
I think that both of the groups who debated which character was the true cause of the troubles in the book did phenomenal jobs. The first group had great presence, their confidence and volume were high and engaging to the audience. They also used outside information to make their points. However, they did not use very much evidence. The second group used a lot of evidence and adapted well to the rebuttals that went against them. Both groups analyzed the text well and made good points. The groups were sort of foil characters to one another because where one group lacked, the other group did well. Due to this, I would have to call it a tie.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Syllogism Blog
False Syllogisms:
1. Main premise: Those who are pure of heart tell the truth.
Minor premise: "The pure of heart need no lawyers" (93).
Conclusion: Those who tell the truth need no lawyers
This syllogism is false because as sadly proved through the text, the truth does not always prevail. Although telling the truth is part of having a pure heart, the pure of heart do need lawyers, which makes the conclusion false. In a utopia, the cries of the innocent would have been heard and the truth would have shone through the web of deceit woven by the accusers, but in 1692 Salem, this was regrettably not the case.
2. Main premise: Witches lie
Minor Premise: Abigail lies
Conclusion: Abigail is a witch
This syllogism is false because although lying may be a characteristic of a witch, it is not a trait limited solely to them. Everyone has at some point lied and not been considered a witch. Although both premises are true to a degree, the conclusion that is reached from them is false because it was made from an illogical jump in generalizations.
3. Main premise: Football teams will play in the superbowl this year.
Minor premise: The Houston Texans are a football team.
Conclusion: The Houston Texans will play in the superbowl.
This is false because although two teams will play in the superbowl, and the Texans are a team, they will not be in the superbowl. Both premises are true, but the conclusion is not because although football teams play in the superbowl, not all of them do every year, only two. This gives the Texans a 1 in 16 chance of making it there, odds that become slimmer with every loss. The Texans have a chance to be in the superbowl, just like every other NFL team, but obtaining that goal would be a result of their effort and game play rather than their simply being a team.
True Syllogisms:
1. Main Premise: Cars require gas to run.
Minor Premise: My mom's car is blue.
Conclusion: My mom's blue car requires gas in order to run.
This is true because both premises are true and lead to a true conclusion. Although the color of the car does not effect the fact that it needs gas, both statements are still true.
2. Major Premise: Dogs wag their tails when they are happy.
Minor Premise: My dog is wagging her tail.
Conclusion: My dog is happy.
This is true because a universal trait among dogs is wagging their tails when they are happy. Therefore when my dog wags her tail, it can be logically concluded that she is happy.
3. Major Premise: Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen.
Minor Premise: Water is a key component of lakes.
Conclusion: Lakes contain hydrogen and oxygen.
This is true because both premises are true and logically create the conclusion. Since lakes must be made of water and water must be made of hydrogen and oxygen, then lakes in turn have hydrogen and oxygen in them.
1. Main premise: Those who are pure of heart tell the truth.
Minor premise: "The pure of heart need no lawyers" (93).
Conclusion: Those who tell the truth need no lawyers
This syllogism is false because as sadly proved through the text, the truth does not always prevail. Although telling the truth is part of having a pure heart, the pure of heart do need lawyers, which makes the conclusion false. In a utopia, the cries of the innocent would have been heard and the truth would have shone through the web of deceit woven by the accusers, but in 1692 Salem, this was regrettably not the case.
2. Main premise: Witches lie
Minor Premise: Abigail lies
Conclusion: Abigail is a witch
This syllogism is false because although lying may be a characteristic of a witch, it is not a trait limited solely to them. Everyone has at some point lied and not been considered a witch. Although both premises are true to a degree, the conclusion that is reached from them is false because it was made from an illogical jump in generalizations.
3. Main premise: Football teams will play in the superbowl this year.
Minor premise: The Houston Texans are a football team.
Conclusion: The Houston Texans will play in the superbowl.
This is false because although two teams will play in the superbowl, and the Texans are a team, they will not be in the superbowl. Both premises are true, but the conclusion is not because although football teams play in the superbowl, not all of them do every year, only two. This gives the Texans a 1 in 16 chance of making it there, odds that become slimmer with every loss. The Texans have a chance to be in the superbowl, just like every other NFL team, but obtaining that goal would be a result of their effort and game play rather than their simply being a team.
True Syllogisms:
1. Main Premise: Cars require gas to run.
Minor Premise: My mom's car is blue.
Conclusion: My mom's blue car requires gas in order to run.
This is true because both premises are true and lead to a true conclusion. Although the color of the car does not effect the fact that it needs gas, both statements are still true.
2. Major Premise: Dogs wag their tails when they are happy.
Minor Premise: My dog is wagging her tail.
Conclusion: My dog is happy.
This is true because a universal trait among dogs is wagging their tails when they are happy. Therefore when my dog wags her tail, it can be logically concluded that she is happy.
3. Major Premise: Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen.
Minor Premise: Water is a key component of lakes.
Conclusion: Lakes contain hydrogen and oxygen.
This is true because both premises are true and logically create the conclusion. Since lakes must be made of water and water must be made of hydrogen and oxygen, then lakes in turn have hydrogen and oxygen in them.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Crucible Blog 2
The trials in Salem were based entirely on here say and persuasion, lacking evidence, fact, and underlying truth. By targeting the societal outcasts first, Abigail and her motley crew of "afflicted" girls gain credibility which they will use down the road to victimize their true targets. Goody Osburn and Goody Good are not very highly regarded in Salem, so when the accusations against them arise, little fact is needed to persuade the public. With the public under this spell, judges and Reverend Parris, whose jobs depend on their approval ratings, have no qualms about making the lowly suffer. These people of power see no reason to attempt to bring out truth. In their eyes, no one substantial is suffering. The lies of the court have grown so large that it is hard for them to determine what is truth and what is not. Miller's portrayal of the trials and how the truth is lost depicts how he views truth as an easily manipulated and covered up ideal. He sees from his own life experiences, and those of the Salem Tragedy, that when power is in the right hands, truth can be put aside even in a life or death matter. Miller's message about truth is that it does not equate common consensus, truth should not be based on opinion or personal differences, rather facts, yet societies through history show one that this is not true. Societies claim to be so righteous, yet they turn a blind eye to their true flaws.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Crucible Blog 1
Accordig to Miller, the Salem tragedy was the horrifically epic, and unbeliveably inhumane series of events that were the Salem witch trials, but more so, the mentality that allowed them. People turned on their neighbors, using personal differences to accuse and prosecute innocent people. Society made those on its fringe into scape goats. The theocratic rule of Salem allowed for innocent people to be prosecuted. The paradox in it all is how an institution, like religion that is to be based upon vales, being good, and being fair, an institution whose early ancestors had fought needless prosecution back in their homelands and come here to a free land for rights could ultimately turn around and do the same. People whose ancestors lived through the pain of undeserved repression had turned on their neighbors and inflicted the same pain on them. In the modern era, situations similar to this arise to a lesser degree everyday, as Miller puts it "There is no prospect yet that we will discover its resolution"(7). As long as people find comfort in finding someone to blame for societal chaos, this mentality will exist. Today, discriminations against various races, groups, and sexual orientation exist promminently. Just because of one's appearance or choices, society finds it acceptable to assume that they are just like everyone else who looks or acts that way, and take the whole group to task on irrelevant issues. Society will always find it easier to blame problems on a peripheral unpopular group than to face its faults head on.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Huck Finn Blog
"Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and sivilize (sic) me, and I can't stand it"(Twain 283).
This quote displays just how far Huck has come. In the beginning of the novel, Huck would have given anything for a stable, loving home environment. Anything would have been better to him than living under his tyrannical father. However, as the story progresses, Twain provides Huck with life experiences that force him to grow up faster and question the society that he lives on the edge of. After his encounters with the injustice, feuds, frauds, and survival, Huck has come to see that society is not as great as he had assumed and that maybe he was better off when he lived his own life on the river. Twain is teaching us about societal stagnancy and its questionable principles. As society stayed the same, Huck changed morally and intellectually, in the end out growing commonly held values. Twain is trying to show the reader that it is not until one steps away from society that one can truly see the troubles within it. Also, it is not until one questions authority or common belief that the world can ever change. Through the innocent eyes of young Huck Finn, the reader can see a society in the most raw way; he is unburdened by the desire for money and success, making his views pure and unbiased. When one looks at themselves in society, one must consider if the ways of society are truly good and moral, or just made to seem that way. When one takes out of the equation the things that drive them everyday and in doing so, their justification of actions, they can see the world as Huck does. This is what Twain looks to provoke a reader of today's society with, the timeless message of stepping back and seeing where society is, as opposed to where it should be.
This quote displays just how far Huck has come. In the beginning of the novel, Huck would have given anything for a stable, loving home environment. Anything would have been better to him than living under his tyrannical father. However, as the story progresses, Twain provides Huck with life experiences that force him to grow up faster and question the society that he lives on the edge of. After his encounters with the injustice, feuds, frauds, and survival, Huck has come to see that society is not as great as he had assumed and that maybe he was better off when he lived his own life on the river. Twain is teaching us about societal stagnancy and its questionable principles. As society stayed the same, Huck changed morally and intellectually, in the end out growing commonly held values. Twain is trying to show the reader that it is not until one steps away from society that one can truly see the troubles within it. Also, it is not until one questions authority or common belief that the world can ever change. Through the innocent eyes of young Huck Finn, the reader can see a society in the most raw way; he is unburdened by the desire for money and success, making his views pure and unbiased. When one looks at themselves in society, one must consider if the ways of society are truly good and moral, or just made to seem that way. When one takes out of the equation the things that drive them everyday and in doing so, their justification of actions, they can see the world as Huck does. This is what Twain looks to provoke a reader of today's society with, the timeless message of stepping back and seeing where society is, as opposed to where it should be.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
F451 Day10 HW
"I wasn't crying for him at all, but for all the things he did"(Bradbury 155).
As Montag talks to Granger, he is beginning to find himself not only intellectually but emotionally as well. Montag discovers that he is not weird for not crying at the thought of Millie's death. As Granger points out, it is not so much a person that you remember, but their actions, their manner. Millie has neither of these for Montag. She never did much, she never changed anything, so how is Montag to remember her? She did nothing drastic that will be remembered.But in this society, does anyone do anything drastic? They cannot. They must all do the same things, because they are only allowed to know the same things. If everything is the same, memory serves no purpose, as history will just repeat itself, over and over.
"That's where we met! I remember now. Chicago"(Bradbury 160).
With chaos about to ensue, Montag finds himself pinned to the ground, alone with his thoughts. Only then, in this frantic moment, does he remember where he met Millie. One of the most memorable dates in our society, and Montag struggles to place it. This shows just how unimportant interpersonal relationships are to these people. As quickly as the memory surfaced, it fades from him, and he moves on to the next thing. No detail, no color, just fact. Chicago, a long time ago.
As Montag talks to Granger, he is beginning to find himself not only intellectually but emotionally as well. Montag discovers that he is not weird for not crying at the thought of Millie's death. As Granger points out, it is not so much a person that you remember, but their actions, their manner. Millie has neither of these for Montag. She never did much, she never changed anything, so how is Montag to remember her? She did nothing drastic that will be remembered.But in this society, does anyone do anything drastic? They cannot. They must all do the same things, because they are only allowed to know the same things. If everything is the same, memory serves no purpose, as history will just repeat itself, over and over.
"That's where we met! I remember now. Chicago"(Bradbury 160).
With chaos about to ensue, Montag finds himself pinned to the ground, alone with his thoughts. Only then, in this frantic moment, does he remember where he met Millie. One of the most memorable dates in our society, and Montag struggles to place it. This shows just how unimportant interpersonal relationships are to these people. As quickly as the memory surfaced, it fades from him, and he moves on to the next thing. No detail, no color, just fact. Chicago, a long time ago.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
F451 Day9 HW
"Welcome back from the dead"(Bradbury 150).
After finding the others who are running away, Montag has stumbled across new life. Due to the parlor walls, the world believes he is dead. If the parlor walls say it, the people believe it. Montag is dead to them. This allows Montag to, in a way, start fresh. He has new outlooks, new realizations, all which have helped him to put the world in a better perspective. With the help of the men he meets, he just might be able to survive. Montag was the to the world, and dead in his robotic mind, but now he is alive. Alive, and ready to go.
"It was not burning. It was warming"(Bradbury 145).
Montag is beginning to see how closed he was to the world around him before. He sees that the sun, time, and burning are all interconnected. But he also sees the difference between the way the sun burns and the way in which the firemen burn. The sun burns to cause light, to be constructive, helpful, where as the firemen burn to destruct and keep people living in darkness. The firemen burn, and scald, and bring about pain. The sun warms, brings gentle light, and opens up the world for people. The sun is Montag's light bulb, it signifies his new ideas and sense of awareness.
After finding the others who are running away, Montag has stumbled across new life. Due to the parlor walls, the world believes he is dead. If the parlor walls say it, the people believe it. Montag is dead to them. This allows Montag to, in a way, start fresh. He has new outlooks, new realizations, all which have helped him to put the world in a better perspective. With the help of the men he meets, he just might be able to survive. Montag was the to the world, and dead in his robotic mind, but now he is alive. Alive, and ready to go.
"It was not burning. It was warming"(Bradbury 145).
Montag is beginning to see how closed he was to the world around him before. He sees that the sun, time, and burning are all interconnected. But he also sees the difference between the way the sun burns and the way in which the firemen burn. The sun burns to cause light, to be constructive, helpful, where as the firemen burn to destruct and keep people living in darkness. The firemen burn, and scald, and bring about pain. The sun warms, brings gentle light, and opens up the world for people. The sun is Montag's light bulb, it signifies his new ideas and sense of awareness.
Monday, May 10, 2010
F451 Day8 HW
"He could see the helicopters falling falling like the first flakes of snow in the long winter to come"(Bradbury 129).
As Montag begins to run away, he can sense the urgency and length of his journey to come. He knows that for every obstacle he encounters now, there will be countless more challenging up ahead. He knows it is him against the world. The first helicopters do not pose too much of a threat to Montag, and he is able to over come them with a certain ease, just as one is not impeded by a little bit of snow. But as the search for him gets worse, his life will become one big blizzard.
"Beatty wanted to die"(Bradbury 122).
Beatty had provoked Montag tirelessly, forcing him to burn his own home and books, all the while tormenting and taunting him with quotes. However, Beatty had never seemed to consider the possibility of Montag turning and pointing his fire at him. Why not? With all of his vast knowledge and ideas, Beatty must know that when given a motive and a weapon, and years of abuse, this was something Montag might do. So why provoke him, Beatty had nothing to gain from harping on Montag, so maybe he did want to die. Maybe his knowledge left him lonely, isolated from a world that relates better with "white clowns" and "families" than they do with real people. Maybe Beatty saw the error of his ways, and wished to end it all, but had no way to explain why. Maybe, in his final moments, Beatty wanted to be a martyr. By allowing Montag to kill him, Beatty would in turn, make Montag the subject of police attention. In isolating Montag, it would keep him from being able to spread his new thoughts on the world to any other radical people. But maybe, just maybe, Beatty did not want to die. No book in the world could have prepared him for a sudden burst of temper and flame.
As Montag begins to run away, he can sense the urgency and length of his journey to come. He knows that for every obstacle he encounters now, there will be countless more challenging up ahead. He knows it is him against the world. The first helicopters do not pose too much of a threat to Montag, and he is able to over come them with a certain ease, just as one is not impeded by a little bit of snow. But as the search for him gets worse, his life will become one big blizzard.
"Beatty wanted to die"(Bradbury 122).
Beatty had provoked Montag tirelessly, forcing him to burn his own home and books, all the while tormenting and taunting him with quotes. However, Beatty had never seemed to consider the possibility of Montag turning and pointing his fire at him. Why not? With all of his vast knowledge and ideas, Beatty must know that when given a motive and a weapon, and years of abuse, this was something Montag might do. So why provoke him, Beatty had nothing to gain from harping on Montag, so maybe he did want to die. Maybe his knowledge left him lonely, isolated from a world that relates better with "white clowns" and "families" than they do with real people. Maybe Beatty saw the error of his ways, and wished to end it all, but had no way to explain why. Maybe, in his final moments, Beatty wanted to be a martyr. By allowing Montag to kill him, Beatty would in turn, make Montag the subject of police attention. In isolating Montag, it would keep him from being able to spread his new thoughts on the world to any other radical people. But maybe, just maybe, Beatty did not want to die. No book in the world could have prepared him for a sudden burst of temper and flame.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
F451 Day7 HW
"If you let it go on, it'd burn our lifetimes out"(Bradbury 115)
When Beatty states this, he is speaking to the mystery and uncertainty of fire. Beatty encourages fire, he lived to burn things. However, what he says is so true. If books continue to be burned, not only the lifetimes of people in history, but also the lifetimes of people to come will be erased. Anything that happens, will be burned into nonexistence. If no one remembers the people who have lived, if no one can learn anything from history, the world will be unable to move forward. And, if not watched well, the fires could do more than kill the books and knowledge, they could kill people.
"For everyone nowadays knows, is absolutely certain, that nothing will ever happen to me"(Bradbury115).
This mindset is very relate able. When ever you think of something bad happening, or you hear about something terrible on the news, you automatically think that the odds of it happening to you are slim to none. But when it does happen to you, you have no idea what to do. This is the situation that Guy finds himself in. He never expected to question his job, his beliefs, but now that he does, he is unsure of how to use these new feelings and ideas and put them into action.
When Beatty states this, he is speaking to the mystery and uncertainty of fire. Beatty encourages fire, he lived to burn things. However, what he says is so true. If books continue to be burned, not only the lifetimes of people in history, but also the lifetimes of people to come will be erased. Anything that happens, will be burned into nonexistence. If no one remembers the people who have lived, if no one can learn anything from history, the world will be unable to move forward. And, if not watched well, the fires could do more than kill the books and knowledge, they could kill people.
"For everyone nowadays knows, is absolutely certain, that nothing will ever happen to me"(Bradbury115).
This mindset is very relate able. When ever you think of something bad happening, or you hear about something terrible on the news, you automatically think that the odds of it happening to you are slim to none. But when it does happen to you, you have no idea what to do. This is the situation that Guy finds himself in. He never expected to question his job, his beliefs, but now that he does, he is unsure of how to use these new feelings and ideas and put them into action.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
F451 Day 5 HW
"I think he's one of the nicest-looking men ever became president"(Bradbury 96).
The society of the book as been simplified to much, that the people now measure the quality of a political candidate solely on their looks. As the women discuss the two candidates in the election, it becomes blatant that their only concern was how the people looked. This begs the question of in order to eliminate one of the political parties, the government made one candidate, "A little short man ... [who] mumbled"(Bradbury 97), in order to make there be only one option. This society has digressed so much that the voters, instead of listening to the words, and choosing candidates with similar views to their own, choose the best looking. The people seem unconcerned and disinterested as to who leads the country, as long as someone does the job.
"That's the good part of dying; when you've nothing to lose, you run any risk you want"(Bradbury 85).
As Guy grapples with his feelings, and the meaning of his life, he finds that knowing he has nothing to lose has freed his mind of fear. Knowing that his life is so bad, so robotic, so "blah", Guy knows that to lose it would not be so bad. He is not truly living if everything he does can never change. If his life is so rigid that he welcomes any change, even if this change may cost him. If he lives and succeeds, he will be a hero, if he dies trying, he will be a martyr like the woman in the house, his death will spark the fire in another.
The society of the book as been simplified to much, that the people now measure the quality of a political candidate solely on their looks. As the women discuss the two candidates in the election, it becomes blatant that their only concern was how the people looked. This begs the question of in order to eliminate one of the political parties, the government made one candidate, "A little short man ... [who] mumbled"(Bradbury 97), in order to make there be only one option. This society has digressed so much that the voters, instead of listening to the words, and choosing candidates with similar views to their own, choose the best looking. The people seem unconcerned and disinterested as to who leads the country, as long as someone does the job.
"That's the good part of dying; when you've nothing to lose, you run any risk you want"(Bradbury 85).
As Guy grapples with his feelings, and the meaning of his life, he finds that knowing he has nothing to lose has freed his mind of fear. Knowing that his life is so bad, so robotic, so "blah", Guy knows that to lose it would not be so bad. He is not truly living if everything he does can never change. If his life is so rigid that he welcomes any change, even if this change may cost him. If he lives and succeeds, he will be a hero, if he dies trying, he will be a martyr like the woman in the house, his death will spark the fire in another.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
F451 Day 5 HW
"Does the white clown love you"(Bradbury 77).
Mildred desperately dances around answering this question, because she does not know the answer. Mildred refers to the parlor walls as her family, she listens to them constantly, she watches them, she lives by them, yet who are they to her? It is not that she does not want to answer the question, she simply does not know the answer. If you never loved, or were loved, how can you know if something loves you? Mildred does not have the ability to know love, since it is nowhere in her life. Everything about her life is predetermined, programmed into her, nothing she does of feels is her own will. She can say the word love, but she does not know its meaning. The white clown cannot love her, but can she even love the white clown?
"Is it because we're having so much fun at home we've forgotten the world?"(Bradbury 73).
This is modern day America. If any single statement can consolidate our world views and sum up our lack of concern in most foreign affairs, this quote can. It is not that we as a country do not care about the rest of the world, but why think of things thousands of miles away when you have things to do? Well, while we sit home with our TV's and Ipod's the rest of the is going, moving, changing. But how will this affect us? The world starves while we see McDonald's on every corner. The world is in school while we are spending July on the beach. The world does not seem to like us, but we do not seem to mind. It is not that we want to be this way, we just have forgotten how not to be this way. It is not that we decided one day to be this way, it just progressively happened. It is not that we all are entirely this way, it is that it is our appearance. And in a world like ours, that is all that seems to matter.
Mildred desperately dances around answering this question, because she does not know the answer. Mildred refers to the parlor walls as her family, she listens to them constantly, she watches them, she lives by them, yet who are they to her? It is not that she does not want to answer the question, she simply does not know the answer. If you never loved, or were loved, how can you know if something loves you? Mildred does not have the ability to know love, since it is nowhere in her life. Everything about her life is predetermined, programmed into her, nothing she does of feels is her own will. She can say the word love, but she does not know its meaning. The white clown cannot love her, but can she even love the white clown?
"Is it because we're having so much fun at home we've forgotten the world?"(Bradbury 73).
This is modern day America. If any single statement can consolidate our world views and sum up our lack of concern in most foreign affairs, this quote can. It is not that we as a country do not care about the rest of the world, but why think of things thousands of miles away when you have things to do? Well, while we sit home with our TV's and Ipod's the rest of the is going, moving, changing. But how will this affect us? The world starves while we see McDonald's on every corner. The world is in school while we are spending July on the beach. The world does not seem to like us, but we do not seem to mind. It is not that we want to be this way, we just have forgotten how not to be this way. It is not that we decided one day to be this way, it just progressively happened. It is not that we all are entirely this way, it is that it is our appearance. And in a world like ours, that is all that seems to matter.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
F451 Day 4 HW
1. Beatty's analogy that, "A book is a loaded gun in the house next door"(Bradbury 51), is the sad reality of this society. When given the power of their own knowledge, people can rise up and demand change, people can question the ideas of their superiors, and above all, people become less predictable as they begin to make their own decisions. In this way, knowledge is a much a threat to the monotony of this society as would be a gun. If a book could cause this much danger, would not you want t make sure your neighbors did not possess any? If you were always told the contents of a book, foreign to and beyond you, could do so much, would not you be scared of them? Beatty recognizes that people fear the idea of a book because they are so difficult to understand and so non commonplace.
2. When Beatty says, "If you don't want a man unhappy politically, don't give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none"(Bradbury 61), he is defending the evolution of humans into robots. As the ability to think and to choose for oneself diminishes, as the ideas that anything can ever change disappear, society becomes one, unchanging, never ending, cycle. The less and less people do, the less and less they question, the less and less they are people. Without the ability to deviate from their course, people would be robots. So, to give no choices on one thing, would in this society lead to all things, to do this, no one would think. If no one's thinking, no one's changing anything, if nothing can change, where is anything going? It is not going at all, the car of civilization would go from being stuck in traffic to parked on the highway.
2. When Beatty says, "If you don't want a man unhappy politically, don't give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none"(Bradbury 61), he is defending the evolution of humans into robots. As the ability to think and to choose for oneself diminishes, as the ideas that anything can ever change disappear, society becomes one, unchanging, never ending, cycle. The less and less people do, the less and less they question, the less and less they are people. Without the ability to deviate from their course, people would be robots. So, to give no choices on one thing, would in this society lead to all things, to do this, no one would think. If no one's thinking, no one's changing anything, if nothing can change, where is anything going? It is not going at all, the car of civilization would go from being stuck in traffic to parked on the highway.
Monday, May 3, 2010
F451 Day 3 HW
1. Bradbury incorporates the scene with the old woman as a tool with which to convey the monotony of Guy's society. Before his encounter with the old woman, Guy has never seemed to think very much about his job, he does it, goes to bed, gets up, does it again. But after seeing the woman, he realizes that he is not only hurting people, but also that there must be some significance to books that would make that woman want to stay with hers until the end. Now, Guy finds reasons to question actions that had become for him involuntary. His eyes have been opened slightly to the magnitude of what he does.
2. When Guy states "Well, this fire'll last me the rest of my life. God! I've been trying to put it out, all night, in my mind. I'm crazy with trying"(Bradbury 51), he is speaking to the fact that the vision of the woman burning in the house with her books will stay with him always. No matter how hard he will try to extinguish it from his mind, it will always be there. When Guy asks himself the question "How do you get so empty...Who takes it out of you?"(Bradbury 44), he finds the answer in the fire. He, along with everyone else in his society become empty as they lose touch with their emotions, no one else seems half as bothered by the fire as Guy. The fire that drives them through life is out, they act out of routine. As Guy begins to realize this, it begs the question how did this come to be? Without seeing the woman in the fire and Clarisse, would not he be just as blank as the others?
2. When Guy states "Well, this fire'll last me the rest of my life. God! I've been trying to put it out, all night, in my mind. I'm crazy with trying"(Bradbury 51), he is speaking to the fact that the vision of the woman burning in the house with her books will stay with him always. No matter how hard he will try to extinguish it from his mind, it will always be there. When Guy asks himself the question "How do you get so empty...Who takes it out of you?"(Bradbury 44), he finds the answer in the fire. He, along with everyone else in his society become empty as they lose touch with their emotions, no one else seems half as bothered by the fire as Guy. The fire that drives them through life is out, they act out of routine. As Guy begins to realize this, it begs the question how did this come to be? Without seeing the woman in the fire and Clarisse, would not he be just as blank as the others?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
F451 Day 2 HW
1. In this section we learn that the firemen are reminiscent of the thought police of 1984. They control the books,and in turn the history. Therefore, they also control the conscious thoughts, emotional depth, and knowledge of the general public. These men are tough, blunt, and seem to act much like robots. They hear an alarm, they act, with no thought as to who they affect or what they destroy, it is merely their job. The so called history of the firemen is clearly a fabrication, which can lead the reader to believe that the burning of books, much like the ministry of truth in 1984, is in order to control the past. Benjamin Franklin was not a firemen, but whoever is in charge of rewriting history, has made it that way, so in the reality of the people, this must be accepted as truth. The firemen are feared because they burn things, but the people really should be fearing them because not only do they have all the power, they do not understand the magnitude of their actions.
2. Clarisse does not fit in at school because she is "anti social". This is far from the truth seeing as she is entirely in her comfort zone to commence talking to a random stranger. However, at school she is scared of other children her age because they kill one another, making her fear entirely justified. Her definition of social is ironic in our society today. She defines social as "Talking to you about things"(Bradbury 29), and being not social is "To get a bunch of people together and not let them talk"(29). This is ironic to our society, because in many scenarios we willingly and purposely gather, but are often consumed with our own personal electronics and do not talk to other people. Also, this idea of not being social, is much like how in 1984 the characters could technically talk, but were brought down so much by the fear of getting arrested that they did not.
2. Clarisse does not fit in at school because she is "anti social". This is far from the truth seeing as she is entirely in her comfort zone to commence talking to a random stranger. However, at school she is scared of other children her age because they kill one another, making her fear entirely justified. Her definition of social is ironic in our society today. She defines social as "Talking to you about things"(Bradbury 29), and being not social is "To get a bunch of people together and not let them talk"(29). This is ironic to our society, because in many scenarios we willingly and purposely gather, but are often consumed with our own personal electronics and do not talk to other people. Also, this idea of not being social, is much like how in 1984 the characters could technically talk, but were brought down so much by the fear of getting arrested that they did not.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
F451 Day 1 HW
1. Due to the way in which Clarisse describes the reasons that people find her strange lead the reader to believe that compared to our world, the world of the novel, not Clarisse, is strange. She describes, driving slow on the highway, talking, flammable houses, and billboards being twenty feet long as strange, while to our world, they are quite ordinary. The world of the novel seems to be another distopic, futuristic one.
2. From Mildred's suicide attempt, we learn not only about Guy and Mildred's relationship, but also about their society. The reader may infer from the fact of all the suicide attempts the operators reported that life is probably not too good in this society, which in turn means that Guy and Mildred's relationship is not too good. However, Guy seems to want the best for Mildred and comes to her aid as soon as he can. Also, he sticks up for her when the operators talk about her. However, from the way the novel presents talking, the reader may assume that the two do not talk very much.
2. From Mildred's suicide attempt, we learn not only about Guy and Mildred's relationship, but also about their society. The reader may infer from the fact of all the suicide attempts the operators reported that life is probably not too good in this society, which in turn means that Guy and Mildred's relationship is not too good. However, Guy seems to want the best for Mildred and comes to her aid as soon as he can. Also, he sticks up for her when the operators talk about her. However, from the way the novel presents talking, the reader may assume that the two do not talk very much.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Native Son: 14
"As the white mountain had once loomed over him, so now the black wall of death loomed closer with each fleeting hour"(Wright 419).
Bigger's emotions have grown, whether or not he knows it. Before, the world to him was one, unconquerable, cohesive mountain of hate, comprised of all the white people. Now, Bigger sees the black wall of his death coming closer. He knows he is about to die, but now, instead of accepting it for what it is, Bigger sees his life in a new light. He sees that once he is dead, his life will have truly meant nothing. Once he is dead, no one can ever know why he did what he did. Once he is dead, it is forever. Bigger has never been forced to sit and seriously contemplate his life, but his last few days in jail force him to do this. Bigger may not know what he feels, but he is feeling emotions foreign to him. The hate and fear have been replaced with regret and a sense of strange calmness. Bigger, for the first time knows exactly what is happening in his life.
Bigger's emotions have grown, whether or not he knows it. Before, the world to him was one, unconquerable, cohesive mountain of hate, comprised of all the white people. Now, Bigger sees the black wall of his death coming closer. He knows he is about to die, but now, instead of accepting it for what it is, Bigger sees his life in a new light. He sees that once he is dead, his life will have truly meant nothing. Once he is dead, no one can ever know why he did what he did. Once he is dead, it is forever. Bigger has never been forced to sit and seriously contemplate his life, but his last few days in jail force him to do this. Bigger may not know what he feels, but he is feeling emotions foreign to him. The hate and fear have been replaced with regret and a sense of strange calmness. Bigger, for the first time knows exactly what is happening in his life.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Native Son: 13
"This boy is young, not only in years, but in his attitude toward life"(Wright 377).
As Max depicts the horrific life of Bigger Thomas, he strikes with in the court an emotional note. He is finding within them the ability not only to sympathize, but to see how the court, the city, and the people made Bigger what he is. While Buckley shows Bigger to be a ruthless, cold hearted killer, Max is showing how he never wanted or asked for this life, it was forced upon him. While Buckley tries to stir up anger, Max shows the court how to find the Bigger within themselves, with the hopelessness, and aggravation that ruled his life. When Max states that Bigger is young in his attitude toward life, he is not only speaking to Bigger's lack of social or worldly knowledge, he is also speaking to Bigger's raw, untamed emotions that he has neither been taught to handle or control.
As Max depicts the horrific life of Bigger Thomas, he strikes with in the court an emotional note. He is finding within them the ability not only to sympathize, but to see how the court, the city, and the people made Bigger what he is. While Buckley shows Bigger to be a ruthless, cold hearted killer, Max is showing how he never wanted or asked for this life, it was forced upon him. While Buckley tries to stir up anger, Max shows the court how to find the Bigger within themselves, with the hopelessness, and aggravation that ruled his life. When Max states that Bigger is young in his attitude toward life, he is not only speaking to Bigger's lack of social or worldly knowledge, he is also speaking to Bigger's raw, untamed emotions that he has neither been taught to handle or control.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Native Son: 12
"He lay on the cold floor sobbing; but really he was pushing forward with his puny strength against a world too big and too strong for him"(Wright 310).
As Bigger lays in jail, despair and frustration are taking over parts of him that once only knew hate. He now sees not only the error of his ways, but exactly what lead him to do everything. He desperately wants to convey to the outside world what got him here, and his motives, yet he cannot seem to find the words. This frustration leads him to discover that the world is simply too strong, too big, too ready to judge, for him to ever be able to push forth. There is nothing left for him to do but wait and trust, two feelings he is unaccustomed to.
As Bigger lays in jail, despair and frustration are taking over parts of him that once only knew hate. He now sees not only the error of his ways, but exactly what lead him to do everything. He desperately wants to convey to the outside world what got him here, and his motives, yet he cannot seem to find the words. This frustration leads him to discover that the world is simply too strong, too big, too ready to judge, for him to ever be able to push forth. There is nothing left for him to do but wait and trust, two feelings he is unaccustomed to.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Native Son: 11
"From somewhere in him, out of the depths of flesh and blood and bone, he called up energy to run and dodge with but one impulse:he had to elude these men"(Wright 264).
Bigger cannot think in the same ways that we do. He cannot plan things out with the same consciousness we do. He cannot execute in the moment with the same thoughts for what to do next that we do. But one thing that Bigger can do, and has carried him through his life is survive. No matter what life throws at him, Bigger is able to use his self preservation instincts to survive. From a less than supportive childhood, to finding energy even when his body is an icicle, Bigger lives on. He never gives up, always fights until the end. But how long until the end will catch up with him, he can only outrun the world for so long.
Bigger cannot think in the same ways that we do. He cannot plan things out with the same consciousness we do. He cannot execute in the moment with the same thoughts for what to do next that we do. But one thing that Bigger can do, and has carried him through his life is survive. No matter what life throws at him, Bigger is able to use his self preservation instincts to survive. From a less than supportive childhood, to finding energy even when his body is an icicle, Bigger lives on. He never gives up, always fights until the end. But how long until the end will catch up with him, he can only outrun the world for so long.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Native Son: 10
"At that moment he wanted to walk out into the street and up to a policeman and say, 'No! Jan didn't help me! He didn't have a damn thing to do with it! I-I did it!'"(Wright 245).
Bigger has an unhealthy tendency to desire telling everyone of his personal triumphs, no matter the horror of them. Instead of being grateful that the idea of Jan has sidetracked the police, and diminished the blame on Bigger's shoulders, Bigger sees it as him not receiving credit for his brilliant actions. Blame versus credit. This difference in thought is a key in what separates Bigger from the rest of the people. While most would think that they had dodged a bullet, Bigger sees that he is again going unnoticed. Bigger does not know how to handle his emotions, in the same way, he does not understand the difference between attention and negative attention. Hungry for attention, recognition, power, Bigger will stop at nothing. Deep emotions which manifest through intense outbursts are results of years of repression and lack of attention, that have finally reared their ugly head.
Bigger has an unhealthy tendency to desire telling everyone of his personal triumphs, no matter the horror of them. Instead of being grateful that the idea of Jan has sidetracked the police, and diminished the blame on Bigger's shoulders, Bigger sees it as him not receiving credit for his brilliant actions. Blame versus credit. This difference in thought is a key in what separates Bigger from the rest of the people. While most would think that they had dodged a bullet, Bigger sees that he is again going unnoticed. Bigger does not know how to handle his emotions, in the same way, he does not understand the difference between attention and negative attention. Hungry for attention, recognition, power, Bigger will stop at nothing. Deep emotions which manifest through intense outbursts are results of years of repression and lack of attention, that have finally reared their ugly head.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Native Son: 9
"All you ever caused me was trouble, just plain black trouble"(Wright 230).
Terror has overcome Bigger. Mary's bones have been discovered and now, the only person who knows his secret is questioning their relationship. If Bigger's life was not considered to have entirely fallen apart before, it certainly has now. Even Bessie sees him for what he really is, and all he really ever meant to her. But the most troubling part of her revelation is how she describes him as black trouble. Racism was so far ingrained in the 1930's society that Bessie even uses it against Bigger, as an instinct. Bessie uses the term as if they are one in the same, this speaks to the harsh reality that was 1930's Chicago, the terrible mindset that people were born having to overcome, the bias that existed even among the same race.
Terror has overcome Bigger. Mary's bones have been discovered and now, the only person who knows his secret is questioning their relationship. If Bigger's life was not considered to have entirely fallen apart before, it certainly has now. Even Bessie sees him for what he really is, and all he really ever meant to her. But the most troubling part of her revelation is how she describes him as black trouble. Racism was so far ingrained in the 1930's society that Bessie even uses it against Bigger, as an instinct. Bessie uses the term as if they are one in the same, this speaks to the harsh reality that was 1930's Chicago, the terrible mindset that people were born having to overcome, the bias that existed even among the same race.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Native Son: 8
"It was getting a little chilly, the fire was dying"(Wright 210).
Although literally the fire in the Dalton house was dying, so was the fire within Bigger. At the start of his endeavor, Bigger was invigorated by the feelings brought on by his constant danger. These feelings however seem to be wearing him down, making him more nervous and restless than excited. The drive, the fire to continue is dying out as the world seems to be closing in on him and his crime. The snow that is the white world is putting the fire out, the fire that is the drive is diminishing, it is only a matter of time before Bigger caves in completely and feels the sting of frost bite.
Although literally the fire in the Dalton house was dying, so was the fire within Bigger. At the start of his endeavor, Bigger was invigorated by the feelings brought on by his constant danger. These feelings however seem to be wearing him down, making him more nervous and restless than excited. The drive, the fire to continue is dying out as the world seems to be closing in on him and his crime. The snow that is the white world is putting the fire out, the fire that is the drive is diminishing, it is only a matter of time before Bigger caves in completely and feels the sting of frost bite.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Native Son: 7
"If you killed her you'll kill me"(Wright 178).
Bigger has everything figured out, he thinks. He has a perfect ransom note, a perfect person to blame the crime on, a perfect plan, a perfect life ahead, yet his accomplice has something to be desired. The one weak link in his plan is Bessie. Weak of mind, and easily influenced by alcohol, Bessie was clearly not the person to confide his deepest secret in. The dysfunctional relationship has come to a head through the intensity of his new situation. They have both changed and grown, but their relationship has not. The pressure that he has placed on Bessie coupled with her new found realization as to who he really is, makes for one ticking time bomb.
Bigger has everything figured out, he thinks. He has a perfect ransom note, a perfect person to blame the crime on, a perfect plan, a perfect life ahead, yet his accomplice has something to be desired. The one weak link in his plan is Bessie. Weak of mind, and easily influenced by alcohol, Bessie was clearly not the person to confide his deepest secret in. The dysfunctional relationship has come to a head through the intensity of his new situation. They have both changed and grown, but their relationship has not. The pressure that he has placed on Bessie coupled with her new found realization as to who he really is, makes for one ticking time bomb.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Native Son: 6
"They wanted him to draw the picture and he would draw it like he wanted it"(Wright 158).
Bigger was the last person to have seen Mary, whatever he says she was doing, everyone must take in blind faith as fact. As he is being questioned, Bigger can say whatever he wants, so long as it is in the realm of possibility, and Mr. Dalton and Britten must trust him, they have no one else. This is the ideal situation for Bigger, he can now direct the blame to Jan, outlining endless possibilities as to what could have happened. Every time he goes to color in his picture, he must be careful to stay within the lines. Any slight story alteration, any deviation from his original story and all the suspicion will be on him in a flash. So for now, Bigger has the power and the ability to draw his picture, but as he goes along, he must make sure that when he starts again, he is still using the same color crayon.
Bigger was the last person to have seen Mary, whatever he says she was doing, everyone must take in blind faith as fact. As he is being questioned, Bigger can say whatever he wants, so long as it is in the realm of possibility, and Mr. Dalton and Britten must trust him, they have no one else. This is the ideal situation for Bigger, he can now direct the blame to Jan, outlining endless possibilities as to what could have happened. Every time he goes to color in his picture, he must be careful to stay within the lines. Any slight story alteration, any deviation from his original story and all the suspicion will be on him in a flash. So for now, Bigger has the power and the ability to draw his picture, but as he goes along, he must make sure that when he starts again, he is still using the same color crayon.
Native Son: 5
"What his knife and gun had once meant to him, his knowledge of having secretly murdered Mary now meant"(Wright 150).
Bigger's gun and knife had once given him a feeling of safety and confidence. As long as he carried them, no one could freely do damage to him. He now sees his secret in the same way. Just knowing something that no one else knew would make him feel powerful, but a secret with this much weight, this much ability to alter his life, gives him not only the sense of power, but a sense of impending danger. The longer he keeps the secret, the greater his feeling of power and the lesser his feeling of danger. This will end badly for him because his new found confidence is making him do things he has never done before, something that is not bad, except when you have just committed a crime and are about to be under scrutiny of the law.
Bigger's gun and knife had once given him a feeling of safety and confidence. As long as he carried them, no one could freely do damage to him. He now sees his secret in the same way. Just knowing something that no one else knew would make him feel powerful, but a secret with this much weight, this much ability to alter his life, gives him not only the sense of power, but a sense of impending danger. The longer he keeps the secret, the greater his feeling of power and the lesser his feeling of danger. This will end badly for him because his new found confidence is making him do things he has never done before, something that is not bad, except when you have just committed a crime and are about to be under scrutiny of the law.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Native Son: 4
"It was the first time he had ever been in their presence without feeling fearful"(Wright 113).
Bigger is a new man. After murdering Mary, he has found a new sense of confidence. A rather odd reaction for someone who must now hide from the truth and constantly live in a lie. Bigger is no longer fearful of people, especially his friends. He acts on impulse still, but now instead of doing so in fear, he does so with a certain confidence, he feels invincible despite his small guilt. Above suspicion for now, Bigger feels on top of the world, but this cannot last for long. While his lies can hold him for now, he will eventually be brought down. His biggest giveaway may end up being his apparent change in manner.
Bigger is a new man. After murdering Mary, he has found a new sense of confidence. A rather odd reaction for someone who must now hide from the truth and constantly live in a lie. Bigger is no longer fearful of people, especially his friends. He acts on impulse still, but now instead of doing so in fear, he does so with a certain confidence, he feels invincible despite his small guilt. Above suspicion for now, Bigger feels on top of the world, but this cannot last for long. While his lies can hold him for now, he will eventually be brought down. His biggest giveaway may end up being his apparent change in manner.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Native Son: 3
"She doubled up with laughter. He tightened with hate"(Wright 81).
Bigger is never at ease with white people, especially Mary. To him she is a ticking time bomb, about to get him fired. Every one of her care free actions make him all the more nervous. This nervous energy comes to a climax when Mrs. Dalton comes in and nearly catches him with Mary. Bigger acts on an impulse. A crazy person needing desperately to survive, Bigger does not know what to do. Rather he knows how to solve his immediate problem, yet not the repercussions. The more the situation spiraled out of control, the less Bigger was able to think clearly. He is numb to all feelings except hate, fear, and tension, and he acts to appease these feelings, no matter the awful terrible results.
Bigger is never at ease with white people, especially Mary. To him she is a ticking time bomb, about to get him fired. Every one of her care free actions make him all the more nervous. This nervous energy comes to a climax when Mrs. Dalton comes in and nearly catches him with Mary. Bigger acts on an impulse. A crazy person needing desperately to survive, Bigger does not know what to do. Rather he knows how to solve his immediate problem, yet not the repercussions. The more the situation spiraled out of control, the less Bigger was able to think clearly. He is numb to all feelings except hate, fear, and tension, and he acts to appease these feelings, no matter the awful terrible results.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Native Son: 2
"But his movement would have called attention to himself and his black body"(Wright 71).
The fact that someone ever had to feel this way is despicable. To think that there was a time when drawing attention to yourself, due to the color of your skin caused a person fear and kept them from moving, is saddening. However, this was Bigger's reality. The massive weight of oppression has shaped Bigger so greatly that he dislikes his skin, and doing anything that would cause others to notice it. Bigger lives his life trying to blend in. Mary and Jan scare him because they allow him to put his guard down and be different. Bigger is torn between living like he always has, being subordinate, and accepting the new freedoms that are being set before him in the name of keeping his job. Being thrust into this situation, and not being equipped with social knowledge or good emotional outlets will prove to be difficult for Bigger to handle.
The fact that someone ever had to feel this way is despicable. To think that there was a time when drawing attention to yourself, due to the color of your skin caused a person fear and kept them from moving, is saddening. However, this was Bigger's reality. The massive weight of oppression has shaped Bigger so greatly that he dislikes his skin, and doing anything that would cause others to notice it. Bigger lives his life trying to blend in. Mary and Jan scare him because they allow him to put his guard down and be different. Bigger is torn between living like he always has, being subordinate, and accepting the new freedoms that are being set before him in the name of keeping his job. Being thrust into this situation, and not being equipped with social knowledge or good emotional outlets will prove to be difficult for Bigger to handle.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Native Son: 1
"His entire body hungered for keen sensation, something exciting and violent to relieve the tautness"(Wright 36).
Bigger has no outlet for is feelings. He has neither the words, nor the audience to tell others how he feels. He has neither the money, nor the means to keep himself entertained. With all of this pent up energy, added to an already stressful home situation, Bigger is at his breaking point. He lets his frustration out in short violent bursts that have hurt, and will continue to hurt the people around him. Bigger hungers for something, but he cannot seem to put his finger on exactly what that something is. The future looks bleak for this struggling individual, the reader can only hope he finds something, anything positive with which to release his energy.
Bigger has no outlet for is feelings. He has neither the words, nor the audience to tell others how he feels. He has neither the money, nor the means to keep himself entertained. With all of this pent up energy, added to an already stressful home situation, Bigger is at his breaking point. He lets his frustration out in short violent bursts that have hurt, and will continue to hurt the people around him. Bigger hungers for something, but he cannot seem to put his finger on exactly what that something is. The future looks bleak for this struggling individual, the reader can only hope he finds something, anything positive with which to release his energy.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
1984: 14
"He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother"(Orwell 298).
Winston has turned his mind inside out. He allowed the tactics of the Party to get inside of him and change him forever. The battle that Winston had once fought against the Party, became the battle he fought against himself for the Party. In the end, Winston won. Not the battle he once forged, but the battle that allowed him to survive. Winston once mentioned that it is in human nature to try to survive as long as possible, he won that battle. He unconsciously adapted, and won the battle of survival. If he fought to keep human nature alive, by his surviving, he won. Human nature, its emotions, its individualism might be dying in Oceania, but the nature of surviving will live on as long as the world in run by fear.
Winston has turned his mind inside out. He allowed the tactics of the Party to get inside of him and change him forever. The battle that Winston had once fought against the Party, became the battle he fought against himself for the Party. In the end, Winston won. Not the battle he once forged, but the battle that allowed him to survive. Winston once mentioned that it is in human nature to try to survive as long as possible, he won that battle. He unconsciously adapted, and won the battle of survival. If he fought to keep human nature alive, by his surviving, he won. Human nature, its emotions, its individualism might be dying in Oceania, but the nature of surviving will live on as long as the world in run by fear.
1984: 13
"If you are a man, Winston, you are the last man. Your kind is extinct; we are the inheritors"(Orwell 270).
If a lunatic is a minority of one, then Winston is a lunatic. He is the last person in Oceania who possesses human emotions and the gut feelings that separate us from animals or robots. As the Party slowly but surely diminishes emotions and makes all its members numb to feelings, Winston stood firm in his beliefs. He worked tirelessly to keep himself from becoming just another Party member, from believing in all the propaganda, from being a robot. Now, caught in the glare of the Party headlights, Winston is falling into the mold. Not only is his kind extinct, he is too.
If a lunatic is a minority of one, then Winston is a lunatic. He is the last person in Oceania who possesses human emotions and the gut feelings that separate us from animals or robots. As the Party slowly but surely diminishes emotions and makes all its members numb to feelings, Winston stood firm in his beliefs. He worked tirelessly to keep himself from becoming just another Party member, from believing in all the propaganda, from being a robot. Now, caught in the glare of the Party headlights, Winston is falling into the mold. Not only is his kind extinct, he is too.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
1984: 12
"We do not merely destroy our enemies; we change them"(Orwell 253).
The Party cannot reconcile itself to merely total physical control; it must control the mind, body, and soul of each member. But why? At this point, nothing is unfathomable in this book, but one question remains. Why. What is it to the Party to control the final minor thoughts of a dying man? Thoughts unspoken, never to be noted, never to start rebellion. Why take so much interest in conversion, if death is the automatic next step? Is it not a waste of time and energy, better used to cultivate hate or some other artificial emotions in the loyal Party members? What makes each thought so individually important? If no action can be taken, if the words agree with the Party, there is no value to whether or not the weakened, doubled over in pain, mindless victim truly believes in what they are saying. They have no way to act upon what they think, no way to alter the Party's political stance, so let them die with the inner peace that they stood strong. Or is this satisfaction, even in death, a threat?
The Party cannot reconcile itself to merely total physical control; it must control the mind, body, and soul of each member. But why? At this point, nothing is unfathomable in this book, but one question remains. Why. What is it to the Party to control the final minor thoughts of a dying man? Thoughts unspoken, never to be noted, never to start rebellion. Why take so much interest in conversion, if death is the automatic next step? Is it not a waste of time and energy, better used to cultivate hate or some other artificial emotions in the loyal Party members? What makes each thought so individually important? If no action can be taken, if the words agree with the Party, there is no value to whether or not the weakened, doubled over in pain, mindless victim truly believes in what they are saying. They have no way to act upon what they think, no way to alter the Party's political stance, so let them die with the inner peace that they stood strong. Or is this satisfaction, even in death, a threat?
Monday, February 8, 2010
1984: 11
"In the face of pain, there are no heroes"(Orwell 239).
As Winston tries to collect the broken fragments of thought that stir in his mind, he is also trying with desperation to survive. He awaits the razor blade, yet knows it would be against every muscle in his waning body to kill himself. He knows that he will, as he has done is whole life, struggle against death. How is this different? Winston knows all his actions will lead to a certain death, no matter how he strives to live on, it is only a matter of time. He has nothing left to lose at this point, no Julia, no Brotherhood, no hope. There is nothing heroic left for him to do. There is no revolting now, there is no journal writing, there is no crime in the name of the Brotherhood, and above all, there is no standing up to the guards. All Winston has left to do is shrink away from pain and live moment by moment in wait.
As Winston tries to collect the broken fragments of thought that stir in his mind, he is also trying with desperation to survive. He awaits the razor blade, yet knows it would be against every muscle in his waning body to kill himself. He knows that he will, as he has done is whole life, struggle against death. How is this different? Winston knows all his actions will lead to a certain death, no matter how he strives to live on, it is only a matter of time. He has nothing left to lose at this point, no Julia, no Brotherhood, no hope. There is nothing heroic left for him to do. There is no revolting now, there is no journal writing, there is no crime in the name of the Brotherhood, and above all, there is no standing up to the guards. All Winston has left to do is shrink away from pain and live moment by moment in wait.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
1984: 10
"But no advance in wealth, no softening of manners, no reform or revolution has ever brought human equality a millimeter nearer"(Orwell 202).
As Winston reads the book explaining how the world really works, it is truly eerie how close some of the book's ideals are to our own world. No matter how the world has progressed throughout history, we really have not come any closer to equality. No matter what form of government has been employed, we have not come any closer to equality. Now, in Winston's world, they are farther than ever from obtaining equality, they have a rigid classes that allow for no movement. People cannot move up, they cannot move down. They must live, day in and day out the exact same way. The Proles will be Proles, the Inner Party will be the Inner Party. Nothing equal, nothing changing. But is true equality really the goal? Or just equal opportunity? In our world, equal opportunity to move up is what we have found to work, but would that work in Oceania, or when given the freedoms we have in our world, will another Party-like regime take over in the ensuing chaos?
As Winston reads the book explaining how the world really works, it is truly eerie how close some of the book's ideals are to our own world. No matter how the world has progressed throughout history, we really have not come any closer to equality. No matter what form of government has been employed, we have not come any closer to equality. Now, in Winston's world, they are farther than ever from obtaining equality, they have a rigid classes that allow for no movement. People cannot move up, they cannot move down. They must live, day in and day out the exact same way. The Proles will be Proles, the Inner Party will be the Inner Party. Nothing equal, nothing changing. But is true equality really the goal? Or just equal opportunity? In our world, equal opportunity to move up is what we have found to work, but would that work in Oceania, or when given the freedoms we have in our world, will another Party-like regime take over in the ensuing chaos?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
1984: 9
"The best books, he perceived, are those that tell you what you already know"(Orwell 200).
As human beings, it is our instinct to look for reassurance. We find validation for our actions by seeking examples of people acting, feeling, or thinking the same way that we do. It is in our nature to gravitate towards things similar to ourselves. This aspect of Winston is clear, both in the way he seeks companionship from others who share his contempt for the Party and the way in which he treats the book. Winston looks for people who think like he does, and share his need to stay human, thus satisfying the part of him that needs reassurance. As he reads the book, Winston finds that it puts together all of his jumbled feelings and thoughts, in this way, his actions and thoughts have been validated. In our own lives, we are much like Winston, we like things that prove our point, and we need reassurance. Winston is staying in touch with the part of him that needs answers, asks questions, and looks for reason.
As human beings, it is our instinct to look for reassurance. We find validation for our actions by seeking examples of people acting, feeling, or thinking the same way that we do. It is in our nature to gravitate towards things similar to ourselves. This aspect of Winston is clear, both in the way he seeks companionship from others who share his contempt for the Party and the way in which he treats the book. Winston looks for people who think like he does, and share his need to stay human, thus satisfying the part of him that needs reassurance. As he reads the book, Winston finds that it puts together all of his jumbled feelings and thoughts, in this way, his actions and thoughts have been validated. In our own lives, we are much like Winston, we like things that prove our point, and we need reassurance. Winston is staying in touch with the part of him that needs answers, asks questions, and looks for reason.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
1984: 8
"There is no possibility that any perceptible change will happen within our own lifetime. We are the dead"(Orwell 176).
There is no hope among the Brotherhood. No matter how much they can chip away at the juggernaut of the Party, they will never, in this time be able to fully overcome them. Despite this, the members are still ready and willing to give their lives up for the cause. They offer to work tirelessly and even cause pain for the innocent. They work not for themselves, but for the future. As Winston and Julia embark on this journey, they are prepared for torture, pain, and even never seeing one another again. Knowing that by joining the Brotherhood you face certain death, the object is again not to stay alive, but to stay human. The one part of every person that the Party cannot control are their innermost feelings. The Brotherhood needs to preserve the ideas of being human and rebellion for the future generations.
There is no hope among the Brotherhood. No matter how much they can chip away at the juggernaut of the Party, they will never, in this time be able to fully overcome them. Despite this, the members are still ready and willing to give their lives up for the cause. They offer to work tirelessly and even cause pain for the innocent. They work not for themselves, but for the future. As Winston and Julia embark on this journey, they are prepared for torture, pain, and even never seeing one another again. Knowing that by joining the Brotherhood you face certain death, the object is again not to stay alive, but to stay human. The one part of every person that the Party cannot control are their innermost feelings. The Brotherhood needs to preserve the ideas of being human and rebellion for the future generations.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
1984: 7
"It was like the foretaste of death, like being a little less alive"(Orwell 159).
If thoughtcrime is death, then what is acting upon thoughtcrime? The feeling, the knowledge that death is on your horizon. If you know that by simply thinking things that should not be thought you are crawling closer to you death, then surely you would know that by acting upon these impulses, you are leaping towards your certain demise. Yet something in the characters pushes them past caution and into defiance. The human instinct to not want to be alone, physically or mentally pushes Winston, Julia, and O'Brien to branch out and find the others who must be like them. If they know that their deaths are impending due to their mere thoughts, then what else have they to lose by acting upon them? They are becoming slowly less alive as they bound towards the grave. Buried alive by unorthodox thoughts and actions.
If thoughtcrime is death, then what is acting upon thoughtcrime? The feeling, the knowledge that death is on your horizon. If you know that by simply thinking things that should not be thought you are crawling closer to you death, then surely you would know that by acting upon these impulses, you are leaping towards your certain demise. Yet something in the characters pushes them past caution and into defiance. The human instinct to not want to be alone, physically or mentally pushes Winston, Julia, and O'Brien to branch out and find the others who must be like them. If they know that their deaths are impending due to their mere thoughts, then what else have they to lose by acting upon them? They are becoming slowly less alive as they bound towards the grave. Buried alive by unorthodox thoughts and actions.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
1984: 6
"So long as human beings stay human, death and life are the same thing"(Orwell 136).
To live, you must have the freedom to make your own choices. Otherwise, one life would be the same as the next. This is the world in which Winston lives. The Party promotes uniformity. It is this very concept that rebels like Winston and Julia seek to escape. If you are not living your own life, what are you living? Are you even living at all? To these questions, Winston would argue no. So long as humans can feel the desire to live their own lives, being alive and not allowed to do so will be the same as death. The suppression of emotions, the constant biting your tongue, and the invasion of privacy that is Telescreens kill the people. Not physically maybe, but it kills them mentally and emotionally. With those two parts dead, all that is left is a robotic skeleton. Robots don't live and die, they just exist. A "dead" robot and a "live" one would have the same mental capacity, none.
To live, you must have the freedom to make your own choices. Otherwise, one life would be the same as the next. This is the world in which Winston lives. The Party promotes uniformity. It is this very concept that rebels like Winston and Julia seek to escape. If you are not living your own life, what are you living? Are you even living at all? To these questions, Winston would argue no. So long as humans can feel the desire to live their own lives, being alive and not allowed to do so will be the same as death. The suppression of emotions, the constant biting your tongue, and the invasion of privacy that is Telescreens kill the people. Not physically maybe, but it kills them mentally and emotionally. With those two parts dead, all that is left is a robotic skeleton. Robots don't live and die, they just exist. A "dead" robot and a "live" one would have the same mental capacity, none.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
1984: 5
"I hate purity, I hate goodness. I don't want any virtue to exist anywhere. I want everyone to be corrupt to the bones"(Orwell 125).
If Big Brother paints the picture that the Party is good, and always right, then he also says rebellion is bad. Through restriction of thought and action, people are slowly oppressed into the oblivion of following their set path. This path, like the Party, is good. It must be so, since there is no other way. In this passage that Winston stated in a fit of passion and strength, his true raw feelings of hatred for all things Party related and therefore "good" shine through. Any action, major, insignificant, short lived, long lasting, no matter, it brings a sense of victory to Winston. Beating the Party is the only reason to keep going on with the daily drudgery. Wherever Winston can find even the smallest sliver of hope that there are others who feel similarly, he is happy and reassured about his life. Finding a friend in Julia allows him to see that there are others. Purity, goodness, and virtue, will most likely soon just become status quo as people lose the ability to function on their own. Soon after that, they will be eliminated by Newspeak.
If Big Brother paints the picture that the Party is good, and always right, then he also says rebellion is bad. Through restriction of thought and action, people are slowly oppressed into the oblivion of following their set path. This path, like the Party, is good. It must be so, since there is no other way. In this passage that Winston stated in a fit of passion and strength, his true raw feelings of hatred for all things Party related and therefore "good" shine through. Any action, major, insignificant, short lived, long lasting, no matter, it brings a sense of victory to Winston. Beating the Party is the only reason to keep going on with the daily drudgery. Wherever Winston can find even the smallest sliver of hope that there are others who feel similarly, he is happy and reassured about his life. Finding a friend in Julia allows him to see that there are others. Purity, goodness, and virtue, will most likely soon just become status quo as people lose the ability to function on their own. Soon after that, they will be eliminated by Newspeak.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
1984: 4
"Until they become conscious they will never rebel and until they have rebelled they cannot become conscious"(Orwell 70).
Winston writes this line in his journal. It become apparent that he fully understands how the people must overcome mental blocks in order to rebel. They must become conscious of better times and conditions and a reason to fight in order to rebel. Yet in order to grasp in its entirety the rebellion and in order to see that there would be a reason to ever rebel, the people must become conscious of another time and place when things where better. Both of these scenarios are much the same, and both are necessary if anything is to be done about Big Brother. The fact that neither of these have been realized, allows Big Brother and The Party to keep the population under the fist of oppression.
Winston writes this line in his journal. It become apparent that he fully understands how the people must overcome mental blocks in order to rebel. They must become conscious of better times and conditions and a reason to fight in order to rebel. Yet in order to grasp in its entirety the rebellion and in order to see that there would be a reason to ever rebel, the people must become conscious of another time and place when things where better. Both of these scenarios are much the same, and both are necessary if anything is to be done about Big Brother. The fact that neither of these have been realized, allows Big Brother and The Party to keep the population under the fist of oppression.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
1984: 3
"Orthodoxy means not thinking-not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness"(Orwell 53).
Following the rules, trusting in Big Brother, living day to day, are all eventually going to require no thought what so ever if Big Brother has his way. The less thought, the less questioning, the more automatic appropriate actions become, and the slimmer the margin of error. Being a perfect person in this society makes you not a person at all, it makes you a robot. Where the human shell once held emotions, there is now emptiness. The less thought, the less things like this will be missed, until one day all the people go about automatically, unconscious of there being any other way.
Following the rules, trusting in Big Brother, living day to day, are all eventually going to require no thought what so ever if Big Brother has his way. The less thought, the less questioning, the more automatic appropriate actions become, and the slimmer the margin of error. Being a perfect person in this society makes you not a person at all, it makes you a robot. Where the human shell once held emotions, there is now emptiness. The less thought, the less things like this will be missed, until one day all the people go about automatically, unconscious of there being any other way.
Monday, January 11, 2010
1984: 2
"The chosen lie would pass into permanent records and become truth"(Orwell 45).
Winston's job is using his imagination. He fabricates history in order to make it satisfactory to The Party. Living in a society where nothing is certain, the date, your name, events in books, nothing is necessarily real. How can people go along in a society where they live not knowing the difference between fact and fiction, not knowing enough to think and question for themselves the control of the Party As outrageous as this might be, does it, in a way relate to our society? Is this just a way of depicting how the media in our day and age manipulate stories in order to make flashy headlines or support their political stand point? Or is this just a totally separate unfathomable society. Although we have freedoms and can find for ourselves the information we want, the portrayals of the information we receive in order to make the writer's opinion seem more righteous draw parallels between the outlandishly twisted world of the book and our own, sometimes left uninformed world.
Winston's job is using his imagination. He fabricates history in order to make it satisfactory to The Party. Living in a society where nothing is certain, the date, your name, events in books, nothing is necessarily real. How can people go along in a society where they live not knowing the difference between fact and fiction, not knowing enough to think and question for themselves the control of the Party As outrageous as this might be, does it, in a way relate to our society? Is this just a way of depicting how the media in our day and age manipulate stories in order to make flashy headlines or support their political stand point? Or is this just a totally separate unfathomable society. Although we have freedoms and can find for ourselves the information we want, the portrayals of the information we receive in order to make the writer's opinion seem more righteous draw parallels between the outlandishly twisted world of the book and our own, sometimes left uninformed world.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
1984 : 1
"Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimeters inside your skull"(Orwell 27).
This line in the book contains a mix of both truth and falseness. It begs the question do the people in the book actually control their minds. Although technically Big Brother and the Party cannot be inside the minds of the people, they control every aspect of their lives with such completeness, not even their minds belong to themselves anymore. The Party is trying desperately by using the Thought Police and rewriting history to control the memories and conscious thoughts of the people. Their minds are trained to follow the rules so well that everything they think and do are controlled. No rebellion, nothing unplanned, no memories. All this considered, is your brain really yours? If you cannot choose what to think or say, you do not know which of your memories have truly occurred, you live in fear that others know what you are thinking, is your mind truly yours? Yes, no one can take it away from you, but if you are told how to use it, then it might as well not belong to you.
This line in the book contains a mix of both truth and falseness. It begs the question do the people in the book actually control their minds. Although technically Big Brother and the Party cannot be inside the minds of the people, they control every aspect of their lives with such completeness, not even their minds belong to themselves anymore. The Party is trying desperately by using the Thought Police and rewriting history to control the memories and conscious thoughts of the people. Their minds are trained to follow the rules so well that everything they think and do are controlled. No rebellion, nothing unplanned, no memories. All this considered, is your brain really yours? If you cannot choose what to think or say, you do not know which of your memories have truly occurred, you live in fear that others know what you are thinking, is your mind truly yours? Yes, no one can take it away from you, but if you are told how to use it, then it might as well not belong to you.
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