semester 1

I really enjoyed the film essay assignment from this semester. It changed the way I was able to watch films and gave me an analytical perspective. I thought that watching the short scenes of Hamlet in different versions showed the amount of creativity that was put into the works by their directors. Overall, it was a great assignment unlike any essay I had written before and I really enjoyed it.

performance choices

If I would've been in class to perform Hamlet, I would've portrayed the scene similarly to the David Tennant version. I think this version is the best in truly showing Hamlet's emotional side. I would make sure to show a contrast between Hamlet's speech with his parents and Hamlet's speech in his soliloquy. I think that the true meaning of a soliloquy is for a character to expose all of his feelings to the audience. So, I would want to act out all of Hamlet's emotions. Moreover, I would perform Hamlet as detached from his parents as David Tennant does in his version.

j. alfred prufrock

The fragmented style of TS Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," reflects the modern man's place in the city and the city's chaotic, fast-paced nature. Eliot's style throws together different ideas which, in effect, come together to create a new picture. For example, fragments such as "yellow smoke" show the industrial elements of a modern society which Eliot tries to portray throughout the poem. Moreover, I see the line, "there will be a time to murder and create," as Eliot showing that there will be time to do many things in a lifetime. However, what you make of this time is what counts. "Visions and revisions" shows that there will be time to correct past mistakes and truly better one's life. The use of the fragments helps convey his message of the meaning of life.

wordz

When Polonius uses the word loose on page 755, he is essentially using his daughter for bait and offering her to the King and Queen. This further emphasizes the obedient nature of Ophelia. When Hamlet says, "I took thee for thy better", he exclaims to Polonius that he killed him because he thought he was the King. When the queen says "Thou hast cleft my heart in twain", she is expressing her sadness and telling Hamlet that he has broken her heart because he has lost his mind. The use of the character, Osric, provides some comic relief in this time of tragedy because of his foolish behavior. Moreover the bodies that begin to pile up after everyone starts to die which demonstrates a gloomy atmosphere and tone.

imagery/figurative language

Imagery and figurative language build the metaphorical aspects of a story. Imagery provides the reader with descriptive senses to draw him closer to the story. Figurative language uses literary devices such as hyperbole, personification, and metaphor to exaggerate certain features and characteristics. In Hamlet, Shakespeare uses a lot of figurative language and imagery to create vivid scenes in the reader's mind. "I lov'd Ophelia: forty thousand brothers could not, with all their quantity of love, make up my sum." (pg 817). Hamlet express his love for Ophelia through hyperbole to truly show how much he cares about her. Shakespeare uses overstatement to make the scene seem more dramatic and animated to the reader.

laertes & claudius

King Claudius uses Laerte's state of mind after his father has died to his advantage to try and manipulate and corrupt him. For example, Claudius says: "Laertes, was your father dear to you? Or are you like the painting of a sorrow, a face without a heart?" (808). Claudius accuses Laertes of only showing sorrow on the outside to build up more anger within Laertes and incline him further to want to seek vengeance. Claudius asks these rhetorical questions to infuriate Laertes and manipulate him to want to kill Hamlet. Claudius proves to be very scheming and cunning in his ways of influencing Laertes.

hamlet attacks his mom

Hamlet's language with his mother reflects their troubled relationship and how he constantly criticizes her. After Hamlet has just killed Polonius, he immidiately tries to justify the murder by accusing his mother of killing his own father. "A bloody deed! almost as bad, good mother, as kill a king, and marry with his brother". Even after Hamlet has committed a horrible act, he can only think of accusing his mother of killing his father. Hamlet therefore shows that his moral values have detiorated and have no purpose in his life.

sounds in poetry

Sounds in poetry and in novels create a specific tone which carries throughout the entire work. Sounds are expressed through literary terms such as alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia. Different letters connote different types of tones. For example plosive consonants such as b or p demonstrate harsh tones. In "Out, Out", Frost uses onomatopoeia to express a harsh tone as the poem is about a boy that has his hand cut off. "The buzz-saw snarled and rattled in the yard". Frost uses the words snarled and rattled to make the poem seem more realistic and to project a vivid image into the readers head. Moreover, in "Hamlet", Shakespeare employs vulgar language to connote an angry tone: "You jig, you amble, and you lisp;". Hamlet calls Ophelia these names which imply a negative tone to the scene and give the situation an unpleasant sound.

u serious hamlet? whats wrong wit u

Through Hamlet’s interactions with other characters, the reader learns that he tends to mask his true emotions and deranged side with a false front. Hamlet truly seems like a completely different character when others are present. Shakespeare alters Hamlet’s speech to emphasize a dramatic tone in his soliloquies to give the impression of normalcy in his speech with others. Moreover, Hamlet is not straight forward and rather conceals his emotion with unclear language: “Seems, madam! Nay it is; I know not “seems”” (1.2, 76). Hamlet reuses the word ‘seems’ which connotes an uncertain tone. This tone completely contrasts his speech when he is alone, as it is much more suppressed. Shakespeare creates this contrast to highlight Hamlet’s split personality and further highlight his crazed mind. The reason behind creating a character with a split personality is to heighten the complexity of the play. With Hamlet’s two sides, more conflicts can arise between Hamlet and others and Hamlet and himself. However, as the play continues, Hamlet’s split personality slowly morphs into one as his inner side begins to predominate. For example, within Hamlet’s dialogue with Ophelia, the reader and Ophelia begin to notice how Hamlet’s mind has been altered: “You jig, you amble, and you lisp; you nick-name God’s creatures, and make your wantonness your ignorance” (3.1, 136-137). Hamlet begins to appear more open in this scene with Ophelia, but also appears to be more cruel with his language. He calls Ophelia all types of unpleasant names and she eventually comes to the conclusion that he has lost his mind.

symbol

Symbols are objects, places, events, or characters that hold a deeper meaning than the literal definition. Symbols hold a place in the work as a whole and typically recur throughout. An example of symbol in Hamlet, would be light which represents the truth being revealed: "Give me some light: away! Lights, lights, lights!" (3.2, 230-231). The light represents truth because the King is just witnessing the part of the play that Hamlet wrote in and is suspicious. Moreover, in The Second Coming, Spiritus Mundi represents the soul of the world and how it is hoping for a second coming. The theme of this poem is desperation and Yeats mentions the symbol of the Spiritus Mundi to further emphasize this theme.

hamlet is one craxy jabroni

TITLE: Hamlet's Split Personality: The Emotionally Unstable vs. The Rational Façade

INTRO: Concealing emotions within oneself can tend to mask one’s true character with a false projected image that is only a mere representation of the person. In Hamlet, Shakespeare introduces Hamlet in rather depressing circumstances as he is just coping with the death of his father. Hamlet appears to be more honest when he is with himself rather than when he is surrounded by others. Shakespeare presents this difference in Hamlet to further develop his character and demonstrate his lack of self expression. As revealed in Hamlet’s soliloquies, he is much more truthful and speaks his mind. Through these isolated settings, Hamlet also appears mentally unstable. Without these scenes with Hamlet alone, the reader would only know the other, more concealed, side of him. Evident in his interactions with King Claudius and his mother, Hamlet does not express his full opinions and seems reserved. Therefore, although Hamlet’s speech with others and with himself may appear to be similar, close examination reveals that Hamlet’s speech is more honest with himself which, in effect, works to fully develop both sides of his character.

1ST BODY: Hamlet’s speeches when he is alone show the reader his deranged and emotionally unstable side due to his inner turmoil from his father’s death. In his first soliloquy, Hamlet expresses his disapproval of Claudius and his mother. This is the first instance where the reader sees the more emotional side of Hamlet. Not only does his tone change, but he also uses more figurative language to convey his emotions to the reader: “How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable, seem to me all the uses of this world!” (1.2, 133-134). Shakespeare uses hyperbole to exaggerate Hamlet’s speech and to indicate a more dramatic tone in his voice. This use of overstatement contrasts with his seemingly flat tone of voice when conversing with others. Hamlet displays his full range of emotion when with himself and does not hesitate to censor any of this thoughts. Furthermore, Hamlet proves to possess these two characters at the end of his first soliloquy when Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo walk in: “It is not nor it cannot come to good: But break, my heart; for I must hold my tongue” (1.2, 158-159). When others come into Hamlet’s presence, he becomes reserved and becomes a completely different person. As the play progresses, Hamlet seems more mentally unstable in his soliloquies. His personality seems more split and he appears to be self-loathing. After Hamlet tells the First Player he wants to add in a couple lines to a play to expose Claudius, he immediately blames himself and questions his morality: “With this slave’s offal: bloody, bawdy villain! Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain!” (2.2, 507-508). Hamlet berates himself for seeking vengeance on the King. Shakespeare uses plosive consonants to emphasize Hamlet’s infuriated tone. Moreover, this speech is permeated with rhetorical questions which further displays Hamlet’s split personality persona. Hamlet is truly a different person when he is alone, showing the effects of his father’s death on his character.

OUTLINE:

- Intro

- Hamlet's personality alone

- Hamlet's personality when around others

- Conclusion

figurative language in hamlet, cousin

Figurative language is the description of something comparing it to something else. It is the opposite of literal language and is usually used to describe traits about a character or setting. For example, in Hamlet, when the ghost is talking to Hamlet, he uses figurative language: "Make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres, thy knotted and combined locks to part and each particular hair to stand an end, like quills upon the fretful porpentine" (17, Act 1 Scene 5). The ghost uses many similes and metaphors while describing Hamlet's eyes and hair. He describes his eyes like stars and his hair like the pins of a porcupine. This use of figurative language exaggerates his features while describing them at the same time.

setting, jabroni...

Setting provides the circumstances and base of a story to build around. The setting is important in creating a real atmosphere for the reader to delve into for a complete reading experience. An example of setting is in Pride and Prejudice when Austen is first introducing the Bennet family. Not only does she describe the type of house and community that they live in, but she also introduces the time of the story. With knowledge of the time period, the reader can suspect what kind of customs the society possessed then. Moreover, Austen speaks of the family's economic status and how much more poor they are compared to other families. So, setting is very important in creating the whole basis for a story.

hamlet v hamlet

Concealing emotions within oneself can tend to mask one’s true character with a false projected image that is only a mere representation of the person. In Hamlet, Shakespeare introduces Hamlet in rather depressing circumstances as he is just coping with the death of his father. Hamlet appears to be more honest when he is with himself rather than when he is surrounded by others. Shakespeare presents this difference in Hamlet to further develop his character and demonstrate his lack of self expression. As revealed in Hamlet’s soliloquy, he is much more truthful and speaks his mind. Without these scenes with Hamlet alone, we would only know the other, less open, side of him. Evident in Hamlet’s interactions with King Claudius and his mother, he does not express his full opinions and seems reserved. Therefore, although Hamlet’s speech with others and with himself may appear to be similar, close examination reveals that Hamlet’s speech is more honest with himself which in effect, works to fully develop his character.

hamlet vs. elizabeth

Hamlet and Pride and Prejudice differ in their characterization of characters and how they are introduced. In Hamlet, Hamlet is described through indirect characterization, showing how he is as a character through his actions and discussions with other characters. For example, we learn through his soliloquy, that he tends to hold back his emotions. Hamlet is having suicidal thoughts but we do not learn this until he is by himself and is more honest with himself. Austen uses direct characterization to introduce her characters but throughout the book, we learn more about the characters through direct characterization. Elizabeth at first is described directly about her traits and attributes but eventually we learn more about her through her interactions with others. For example, at first Austen introduces us to Elizabeth as a cynical person but throughout the novel we learn that Elizabeth has the potential to see the good in Darcy.

CHARACTER

Characters are the main proponents of a story and can have a range of different behavior and traits that develop the story. These characteristics are usually discovered through direct or indirect characterization. In Pride and Prejudice, though Austen may use direct characterization to initially introduce a character, she employs indirect characterization throughout the novel for the reader to learn more about the characters. For example, we learn that Elizabeth Bennet is a very outspoken and honest woman through her dealings with Darcy and her friends such as Charlotte. Moreover, Shakespeare uses indirect characterization in his works such as Hamlet as well. We learn that Hamlet tends to hold back his true opinions through the difference between his soliloquy and his exchanges with King Claudius and his mother. He is shown to be more honest when he is by himself and shows his true feelings.

Claudius & Hamlet

The difference between Hamlet's and Claudius' speeches are in their tone and language. Hamlet truly feels sad about his father dying which is shown in language. He uses phrases such as, "Together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief, that can denote me truly" which demonstrates that Hamlet is depressed. King Claudius' response to Hamlet shows that he is insenstive and unsympathetic towards their loss. His response is surprising becuase he thinks that Hamlet is overreacting even though they have both just lost a loved one. Cladius believes that Hamlet's mourning is a duty rather than just a simple grieving for a loss: "To give these mourning duties to your father". He wants Hamlet to move on rather than live in the past and grieve.

slam, dunk, and hook & fast break

A compare and contrast essay on Slam, Dunk, & Hook and Fast Break would be more successful using the element by element structure. Most topics are easier to write about using this structure because you are able to compare and contrast the two work throughout the essay. Moreover, this structure is easier on the reader because he does not have to try and remember the points brought up in the previous paragraphs. I would use the topics of imagery and style for my paragraphs in this essay. In Slam, Dunk, & Hook, the poet uses more metaphorical language to describe the events while the poet in Fast Break uses clearer and more descriptive language. The style in Slam, Dunk, & Hook is more choppy and the ideas are more spread apart. Fast Break flows much more than Slam, Dunk, & Hook and creates a graceful manner.

PLOT

The plot of a story is a series of events that describe what kind of things are happening and why. Plot is very important to the story as it has to make sense and be believable to its audience. It does not have to be realistic but the plot has to make sense. The plot usually goes through five main stages to develop: the exposition, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and denouement. The exposition introduces all the necessary elements of the story such as the characters and setting. The rising action is the build up of events eventually leading to conflict. The climax is the peak of the story in which the action and emotion reaches their highest point. The falling action is the point where the conflict begins to be resolved. Finally, the denouement is when the conflict has been resolved and the story ends.

An example of plot is Pride and Prejudice. The novel begins by introducing the characters and setting the atmosphere for the rest of the story while beginning to create some early conflicts. This all builds to the climax which, I believe, is when Darcy proposes to Elizabeth for the first time because this creates the biggest conflict in the story between Elizabeth and Darcy and Elizabeth and herself. The falling action and denouement occur as Elizabeth begins to love Darcy which eventually ends in their marriage. Another example of plot is Death of a Salesman. Although the story is hard to follow because it is a collection of events from the past, it still follows the guidelines of plot. The climax being when Biff makes his father realize that they are both failures in the American dream.

Woodchucks and Traveling through the Dark

Both of the poems involve the topic of the death of animals but differ in their tone. The first poem, Woodchucks, has a harsher tone and a darker feel. Throughout the poem, the narrator describes the hunting and eventually killing of the woodchucks in a degrading way. The narrator treats these animals as objects of entertainment and doesn't think twice when he hunts them. The tone appears almost inhumane in the way the animals are being described: "the murderer inside me rose up hard." The narrator speaks of feeling like a murderer in a positive way which shows the dark tone of the poem. In the second poem, the narrator has to make a decision about what to do with an already dead deer. The tone of the second poem seems more appreciative towards nature and animals as the narrator chooses to do whats best for others' safety and the deceased deer. The narrator is more considerate and caring towards nature.

DW Harding

There are both aspects with which I agree on and disagree on within Harding's essay on Pride and Prejudice. I agree with Harden to a certain extent that Austen detests Mrs. Bennet to criticize the follies of society. Although Austen may not go so far as detesting Mrs. Bennet, she does use her as a means fo criticizing certain aspects of society. Harden states, "Consequently the proposal scene is not only comic fantasy, but it is also, for Elizabeth, a taste of the fantastic nightmare in which economic and social institutions have such power over the values of personal relationships". Harding is correct in his view that Austen is showing the fact that economic status has more value than personal relations in a marriage at the time. However, I disagree with Harden when he claims that Austen wrote in a satirical kind of tone to stay on good terms with her associates. I think he is analyzing her intentions a little too far and that Austen was only trying to show the faults of society in a subtly humerous kind of way instead of blatantly criticizing them.

Essay Revision

I plan to develop my points further to move out of the general form of the essay. I also need to open my paragraphs in a better way. Instead of using broad points, I need to tie in these sentences to the thesis. Moreover, I need to give better introductions to my quotations instead of just plopping them randomly in the paragraphs. Mainly, I plan to think more about my topic and try to make a more debatle and interesting point.

Paragraph Two

A prime example of a character who demonstrates individualistic values is Elizabeth Bennet. She proves she can truly handle the pressures of society in a way that does not isolate her. Elizabeth rises above the harsh societal expectations of the 1800’s and stays loyal to her values. For example, Mrs. Bennet expects Elizabeth to marry a man as soon as she finds the opportunity in hopes of obtaining a comfortable economic status. However, Elizabeth believes in finding true love rather than marrying a man for his money. “I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as may convince you of its being one” (Austen 75). When Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, she finds it absurd that he would even think of asking for her hand in marriage. Elizabeth goes against society’s favorable choice and declines his offer for her own individual reasons. Elizabeth’s decision defines her independent character and shows that she will not conform to society. Even though Elizabeth’s mother ostracizes her for this decision, the moral strength Elizabeth displays outweighs any previous expectations her mother had set. In Elizabeth’s case, she does not care to fit the needs of society which exhibits her moral character.

Sample Essay Ranking

In the first sample essay, "Conflicting First Impressions; Austen's Misleading Character Introductions and How They Affect the Reader", I believe that the point that the writer is trying to make is not very strong. The thesis is more of a fact and not an arguable and interesting point. The evidence provided is fairly strong; however, the bulk of the essay relies on the thesis which, as stated earlier, is not very informative. The citations are correct and the style is acceptable so I would rank this essay in the B range.

In the second sample essay, the thesis compares two works and creates an arguable topic. The writer also analyzes his/her sources in great detail and provides contrasting arguments. The style is very concise and is written in a sophisticated way. Overall, I would rank this paper in the A range.

First of all, in the third essay, the title is way too long and confusing. The style of this essay is very awkwardly worded and lacks sophistication. Most of the sentence structure is very confusing and does not get the point across. Moreover, in the fourth paragraph, the writer tries to analyze too many quotes and can not focus on his thesis. I would rank this essay in the C range.

First Paragraph, First Draft

An individual can often lose himself in society if he does not uphold his moral values. Most people will agree with the majority of a group to 'fit in'. They do not want to disagree with the whole of the group in hopes of not being seen as different. While this can be seen as just to a certain extent, an individual must defend his values to refrain from losing his identity. Not only does maintaining individuality set oneself apart from others, but also shows one's moral strength and willingness to protect his values. Moreover, the individual has a voice and his opinion is important in showing opposing sides. Therefore, individuality should not be compromised to fit the needs of society because the individual loses his opinion and lacks an adherence to his own moral values.

To His Coy Mistress

Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress" is a loving and passionate poem at first that eventually turns into a poem of urgency. In the first stanza, the narrator has a slower tone and uses hyperbole to exaggerate his love for the woman. However, as the poem continues and the entire tone is changed by the word "but", the narrator's mood seems to have shifted and his sense of urgency has risen. "Time's winged chariot hurrying near". Only a couple lines after the narrator has just stated that he would wait for eternity for his love, he now tells her that their time is running out. He suddenly changes direction and is hypocritical in his love vows. Moreover, the word 'hurrying' further demonstrates the fast paced tone in the second and third stanzas.

-KefBrando

Outside Reading Book

For my outside reading book I've decided to read the novel, Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk. The movie Fight Club is one of my favorites and I discovered that the movie was based on this novel. I'm really excited to read it and see how it differs from the film.

-KefBrando

Billy Colins' "Introduction to Poetry"

Collins urges his students to come to the meaning of poetry by themselves. He makes this clear through the line, "and feel the walls for a light switch". This use of imagery juxtaposes the reality of his students' actions in the line, "and torture a confession out of it". Instead of reading the poetry for its meaning and purpose, the students simply read the poetry for content and try to find a concrete meaning as quickly as possible. However, Collins wants them to rid themselves of the narrow-minded mindset that they view poetry with.

-KefBrando

Welcome to my blog!!!!!!!!

Welcome to my life, my existence, my blog. One of my favorite books is Death of a Salesman. I really enjoy the movie Pulp Fiction and one my favorite musicians is Lil B "The Based God".

-KefBrando