1. What is significant about Wilder continually crying and the difference in the parent's actions towards the event?
2. The death motif. Why does everything relate back to death? ex. Jack's comparion of age to obituaries.
3. What is the real reason Tweedy comes to visit Jack?
4. Why is jack's daughter, Bee,so intelligent? Why are others so intimidated by her when she is family?
5. Why does Wilder cry when seeing Babette on t.v. and the other run to greet her?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Responses to W.N. questions
1.Why does Murrary find "The Most Photographed Barn in America" so interesting? Or rather the people at the barn. This question comes from She Said She Said's blog and after reading it I have some what of a conclusion to why Murray takes a special interest in the barn. First off, I think it becomes quite apparent in the first three chapters of the book that this Murray guy is a little different. Usually, people are attracted to colorful vibrancy when it comes to marketing, it is appealing; however, we learn early on that Murray enjoys white packaging. This leads me to believe that he is a man that strives to be a nonconformist, a foil to Jack, whose family is depicted to be slightly brainwashed. I do not think Murray finds the barn itself interesting, as the blogger noticed, I think he is confused more than anything at why so many people would come see this one particular barn that is so often photographed when there are literally millions of barns in America. His interest suggests he is not a typical man or a follower in any way.
2. 9. Why is the school evacuation played off as not too serious? There is little discussion of it... why? This question came from Fettucini Alfredo's blog and appealed to me because after reading it I wondered the same thing. In today's society would a school evacuation be made a much bigger deal than the one in the novel? I think it definitely would, I mean people did not die or anything but the many headaches, eye irritations, and taste of metal left in the mouth is truly bizarre. The author's delivery of news that would seem shocking to us, or at least myself, is delivered with a flatness, almost like the author is bored. I think this serves to show a further development in conformity and a state of brainwashing. The author shows us that these characters are unlikely to think on their own and simply do what they are told, and never question it. This is the biggest instance I have noticed so far to display qualities of a true dystopian society.
3. 7. Describe Jack and Babette's relationship. The author of this question is Symphony. I would describe their relationship as cute. That was the first word the popped into my head and I think it really fits them; they have both come from previous marriages and have had other children with other people, yet are together now and still happy. They tell each other how they are feeling and take part in their hobbies together as well. The chapter in which Babette and Jack are discussing what to do one evening before going to bed is a little disturbing at first, yet, Jack's final choice in spending the evening with his wife laughing and looking at old pictures is touching and shows a certain happiness between them that was not noticed as much before. I find it interesting that the two can have a moment like this when this novel at other times has strong dystopian elements; it is unusual in most dystopian stories to find such a pure happiness, however, it is only the beginning of the novel....
2. 9. Why is the school evacuation played off as not too serious? There is little discussion of it... why? This question came from Fettucini Alfredo's blog and appealed to me because after reading it I wondered the same thing. In today's society would a school evacuation be made a much bigger deal than the one in the novel? I think it definitely would, I mean people did not die or anything but the many headaches, eye irritations, and taste of metal left in the mouth is truly bizarre. The author's delivery of news that would seem shocking to us, or at least myself, is delivered with a flatness, almost like the author is bored. I think this serves to show a further development in conformity and a state of brainwashing. The author shows us that these characters are unlikely to think on their own and simply do what they are told, and never question it. This is the biggest instance I have noticed so far to display qualities of a true dystopian society.
3. 7. Describe Jack and Babette's relationship. The author of this question is Symphony. I would describe their relationship as cute. That was the first word the popped into my head and I think it really fits them; they have both come from previous marriages and have had other children with other people, yet are together now and still happy. They tell each other how they are feeling and take part in their hobbies together as well. The chapter in which Babette and Jack are discussing what to do one evening before going to bed is a little disturbing at first, yet, Jack's final choice in spending the evening with his wife laughing and looking at old pictures is touching and shows a certain happiness between them that was not noticed as much before. I find it interesting that the two can have a moment like this when this novel at other times has strong dystopian elements; it is unusual in most dystopian stories to find such a pure happiness, however, it is only the beginning of the novel....
Monday, April 11, 2011
W.N. Chapters 2,4,6,8,10, & 12 DS Qs
2. Is Jack truly happy with his not-so-pleasant looking wife newest wife?
4. Why would any mother in their right mind force their children to spend their Friday night free-time watching television that upsetted them?
6. In what sense is Jack obsessed with Hitler? Does he worship him or just intrigued by him? To name one's son Heinrich is a little intense, or at least that is what I think.
8. At the beginning of Jack's transformation into a much more scholarly professor, why had he not considered the most obvioous change needed to be made, to learn German? Why is physical appearance so predominant in all of the reading so far?
10. Why would Jack feel comforted by the fact that his back account has been validated? Shouldn't it be without checking or worry?
12. Why does this novel seem slightly arbitraty at times, lacking a concrete plot, and and sometimes disconnected and void of emotion?
4. Why would any mother in their right mind force their children to spend their Friday night free-time watching television that upsetted them?
6. In what sense is Jack obsessed with Hitler? Does he worship him or just intrigued by him? To name one's son Heinrich is a little intense, or at least that is what I think.
8. At the beginning of Jack's transformation into a much more scholarly professor, why had he not considered the most obvioous change needed to be made, to learn German? Why is physical appearance so predominant in all of the reading so far?
10. Why would Jack feel comforted by the fact that his back account has been validated? Shouldn't it be without checking or worry?
12. Why does this novel seem slightly arbitraty at times, lacking a concrete plot, and and sometimes disconnected and void of emotion?
Act 3 Scene 1
1. Scene one of the third Act begins with a discussion between the King and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern discussing what they have decided after viewing Hamlet in his state of "madness." Coming to the conclusion that he protrayed a false sense of kindness to the two, the king decides they will go to the play that night to further spy on Hamlet. After the Queen has left, Polonius and the King discuss their plans to catch Hamlet in his madness with love being the source. Using Ophelia to set up the scene with a Bible in hand to disguise her sins, the King has a small aside in whith he admits to his guilty feelings that are brought out therough Polonius' idea of the Bible's masking abilities. Ophelia attempts to be sweet and cordial with Hamlet and he returns the qualities until she tries to give him back his belongings form a long lost love. Hamlet completely denies loving her and insists that she goes to a nunnery for she is a whore who should not marry. Polonius and the King decide after Hamlet's little outburst that the source of his madness is not love and the king becomes fearful of the intense soliloquy spoken by Hamlet about death and dreams.
2. The signigicance of this scene is to begin an exposure of the king's guilt; to suggest that the crimes accused of him may be true. Also, this scene proves to Ophelia, Polonius, and the King that the source of Hamlet's madness stems not from love, but possibly something much more deep and involving secrets he knows about the King. Hamlet shows great wit and control in this scene that develops him further as an intelligent young man that is not any sense of the word crazy, but yet very skilled.
4. If thou dost marry, I’ll give thee this plague for thy dowry. Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery, go. Farewell. Or, if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them. To a nunnery, go, and quickly too. Farewell.
Hamlet speaks the above lines to Ophelia after realizing she is no longer on his side. I find his suggestion that she should marry a fool rather than a wise man for he will know she will cheat on him funny. Most of his accusations in this scene seem a bit far-fetched; however, his losing her trust evoked great emotion and he wanted to prove that loving her did not cause his so called "madness."
2. The signigicance of this scene is to begin an exposure of the king's guilt; to suggest that the crimes accused of him may be true. Also, this scene proves to Ophelia, Polonius, and the King that the source of Hamlet's madness stems not from love, but possibly something much more deep and involving secrets he knows about the King. Hamlet shows great wit and control in this scene that develops him further as an intelligent young man that is not any sense of the word crazy, but yet very skilled.
4. If thou dost marry, I’ll give thee this plague for thy dowry. Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery, go. Farewell. Or, if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them. To a nunnery, go, and quickly too. Farewell.
Hamlet speaks the above lines to Ophelia after realizing she is no longer on his side. I find his suggestion that she should marry a fool rather than a wise man for he will know she will cheat on him funny. Most of his accusations in this scene seem a bit far-fetched; however, his losing her trust evoked great emotion and he wanted to prove that loving her did not cause his so called "madness."
Friday, March 18, 2011
Hamlet Act 1 Scene 4
1. Well, this scene was fairly short. In the beginning Hamlet and Horatio are waiting for for the ghost to appear and while they wait they begin to discuss the reputation of Hamlet's people as drunkards. Finishing the conversation, Horatio hears the first sounds of the ghost appearing, making Hamlet unnerved with the presence asking questions aloud about why the ghost appears before him when he was just so recently buried. After arguing with the other guards and Horatio, Hamlet decides his life is worthless and can not do any harm to his soul for he is only a ghost; basically, Hamlet feels he has nothing to lose in following the ghost in the hopes he will prompt him to speak. The other guards decide to follow Hamlet in case the ghost forces him to hurl himself into the sea or something else extremely dangerous.
4. Why, what should be the fear?
I do not set my life in a pin’s fee,
And for my soul—what can it do to that,
Being a thing immortal as itself?
It waves me forth again. I’ll follow it.
I appreciate these lines spoken by Hamlet to the guards. I think it is admirable that he is willing to take the risk. Also, his revealing of the value of his own life is not surprising, but almost expected after all he has been through and his admitting this to the guards shows his carelessness at the time and his will to speak to the ghost.
2. I think that this scene is significant because it pieces bits together before the actual scene of the conversation with the ghost. It serves the purpose of preparing the reader for the conversation by reviling Hamlet's attitude before and after seeing the ghost. It shows the effect of the presence and how real the situation has become to him.
4. Why, what should be the fear?
I do not set my life in a pin’s fee,
And for my soul—what can it do to that,
Being a thing immortal as itself?
It waves me forth again. I’ll follow it.
I appreciate these lines spoken by Hamlet to the guards. I think it is admirable that he is willing to take the risk. Also, his revealing of the value of his own life is not surprising, but almost expected after all he has been through and his admitting this to the guards shows his carelessness at the time and his will to speak to the ghost.
2. I think that this scene is significant because it pieces bits together before the actual scene of the conversation with the ghost. It serves the purpose of preparing the reader for the conversation by reviling Hamlet's attitude before and after seeing the ghost. It shows the effect of the presence and how real the situation has become to him.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 Response
1. summarize the scene. The scene begins with an announcement from the new king telling his people that he is happy yet sad about his brothers death. Happy to have Gertrude as his new wife and sad his brother is dead. He then shares with Cornelius and Voltemand the importance of the task of delivering a letter to a Norweigan man, that is their duty. He gives permission to Laertes, with his father's consent, to travel to France. Claudius then speaks to his son with wife present about not leaving for another town and to stop mourning. Hamlet suggests that his downcast eyes, mood, and dark clothing only hint at his true feelings; he agrees to stay for his mother's sake, yet does not fully agree to calling the new king his father. Hamlet describes his pain of the death of his father and his mother's new marriage in the first soliloquy of the play. He meets with Horatio, Marcellus, and Barnardo as they discuss their reason for being their as well as what had been seen previously. Hamlet is amazed yet confused by the sighting and wishes he was there when it happened as the details continue to unfold before him. In the end they decide that that night's watch Hamleet will join. The scene ends with Hamlet alone thinking that the description of his father as "armed" must mean bad things ahead and that he is very excited to her the hidden autrocities about to be revealed to him.
4. I really liked the whole soliloquy in this scene. I thought is very strongly depiccted what is going through Hamlet's mind as a lot of bad news begins to affect him. In lines 129-132 Hamlet comments on his wish to commit suicide but that it is against God's will.
Oh, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt,
Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew,
Or that the Everlasting had not fixed
His canon 'gainst self-slaughter!
I find this reaction to be not too extreme. I can understand why he feels the need to escape life after his father has been killed and his mother has remarried his uncle whom he sees as unfit for the throne. I think the lines really display his feelings and desires that he hides to the world through his dark clothing, mood, and eyes.
2. The significance of scene two in the play "Hamlet" is o establish the characters of Claudius and Gertrud, to give insight into the details of the main characters, and to display Hamlet's true feelings about the current situation. Without this scene in the play the reader would be left extremely confused as this scene ties up bits and pieces and develops characters feelings as well as very important plot limes and introductions to new antagonists.
4. I really liked the whole soliloquy in this scene. I thought is very strongly depiccted what is going through Hamlet's mind as a lot of bad news begins to affect him. In lines 129-132 Hamlet comments on his wish to commit suicide but that it is against God's will.
Oh, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt,
Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew,
Or that the Everlasting had not fixed
His canon 'gainst self-slaughter!
I find this reaction to be not too extreme. I can understand why he feels the need to escape life after his father has been killed and his mother has remarried his uncle whom he sees as unfit for the throne. I think the lines really display his feelings and desires that he hides to the world through his dark clothing, mood, and eyes.
2. The significance of scene two in the play "Hamlet" is o establish the characters of Claudius and Gertrud, to give insight into the details of the main characters, and to display Hamlet's true feelings about the current situation. Without this scene in the play the reader would be left extremely confused as this scene ties up bits and pieces and develops characters feelings as well as very important plot limes and introductions to new antagonists.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Part one of ATPH questions
1. What can be inferred through Blevins leaving the dinner table of the Mexican family? 2. Who is Louisa and Arturo? 3. Why does Blevins panic when the thunderstorm rolls in? 4. Why does John Grady Cole want to run the ranch? 4. What kind of a mother id John Grady Coles's? 5. What can be inferred through the scene of John and his mother's about their relationship? 6. What kind of a relationship does John have with his father? 7. What does John want to leave the town with Rawlins? 8. What is significant about the scenery of sunsets in the west in the novel? 9. How does the setting of the novel compare to traditional westerns? 10. Why do Rawlins and John want to be cowboys? 11. Why does McCarthy not translate the Spanish into English? 12. What is significant, if anything, about the formatting of the novel? 13. Why do John and Rawlins treat Blevins like an immature kid when they are kids themselves? 14. How is the setting involved in the plot line? 15. What does the money from Rawlins pocket look like when he hands it to the lady to buy cider in Mexico? 16. How did John learn to speak Spanish? 17. Where is John's dad now? 18. Why did John's grandfather die? 19. What do the boys plan to do in Mexico? 20. Where are the boys originally from?
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