A Jury of Her Peers
Susan Glaspell
The characterization of Mrs Wright is complex for she is viewed as two people: Mrs Wright and Minnie Foster. According to the investigators, the woman is Mrs Wright. However, when the "professionals" are no longer present, Mrs Hale and Mrs Peters refer to the woman as Minnie Foster, the woman they knew as her friend. As the story progresses, the women became increasingly regretful that they didn't visit more, because they found clues that revealed the truth about Minnie's life. The attorney assumed the gals wouldn't find anything, saying "but would the women know a clue if they did come upon it?" (Glaspell 412). However, they continually discovered that Mrs Wright lived a lonely life, and was talked down to by her husband. They then began to notice things being half-done, implying that Minnie had to leave her work in a hurry. They then discovered a strangle bird, and slowly pieced together the reason for Mr Wright's death. He crushed the bird during an argument with Minnie, and she strangled him in retaliation. The women only learned this from being in the kitchen and, supposedly, out of the way of the crime scene. While the men were stubbornly looking at the little evidence, the women discovered the motive, and hid it from the police to protect their now friend.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Friendship always wins
Hunters in the Snow
Tobias Wolff
The story begins following alongside three dysfunctional friends. It's clear they all have personal and psychological issues they deal with, but they mask over their issues with jabs at each other. Typical men, not sharing their feelings but instead making fun of their buds. Their jokes slowly morph into hostility throughout the story, and the boiling point comes when Kenny gets shot. Though tensions are still high, the trio begins working together to help Kenny. They begin to grow closer as friends, and start sharing the issues they deal with in their life. Tub and Frank grow the closest while trying to get Kenny to the hospital. A bit of irony is in the fact that, though Frank and Tub have became as strong as ever, Kenny is suffering in the back of his pick up truck while bleeding out. Frank said that Kenny's blankets are "'not doing him any good...We might as well get some use out of them'" (Wolff 201). It's almost as though Frank and Tub liked each other, but disliked Kenny more. The peak of irony is revealed at the end, when the reader learns that Frank was going the wrong way to the hospital. Though Frank and Tub are best friends, there is a strong possibility that they had killed their other friend, and they're totally oblivious.
On a lighter note...
Tobias Wolff
The story begins following alongside three dysfunctional friends. It's clear they all have personal and psychological issues they deal with, but they mask over their issues with jabs at each other. Typical men, not sharing their feelings but instead making fun of their buds. Their jokes slowly morph into hostility throughout the story, and the boiling point comes when Kenny gets shot. Though tensions are still high, the trio begins working together to help Kenny. They begin to grow closer as friends, and start sharing the issues they deal with in their life. Tub and Frank grow the closest while trying to get Kenny to the hospital. A bit of irony is in the fact that, though Frank and Tub have became as strong as ever, Kenny is suffering in the back of his pick up truck while bleeding out. Frank said that Kenny's blankets are "'not doing him any good...We might as well get some use out of them'" (Wolff 201). It's almost as though Frank and Tub liked each other, but disliked Kenny more. The peak of irony is revealed at the end, when the reader learns that Frank was going the wrong way to the hospital. Though Frank and Tub are best friends, there is a strong possibility that they had killed their other friend, and they're totally oblivious.
On a lighter note...
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
It doesn't sound nice, but it is
My Mistress' Eyes
William Shakespeare
Men are genuinely nice people, we just don't sound nice. The poem is satirical in a sense that it ridicules most love sonnets. A typical love poem would talk up the woman like she is some sort of goddess, incapable of error. That view of women is thrown out the window by the speaker! He describes his love as pretty plain, and somewhat off-putting. He describes her features as they are, and to be honest, the woman doesn't sound too attractive. However, the speaker makes the sonnet into something sweet by the end. He stats that "I think my love as rare as any belied with false compare" (Shakespeare 885). Despite all of her flaws and dullness (no offense to this woman), the speaker still loves her. Not just that, but he proclaims that he loves her so much that he can speak about her truthfully and still love her. He doesn't need to talk her up in a way that most sonnets do, he is attracted to her with all of her imperfections. Though he sounds mean throughout the poem, the speaker is chivalrous and is truly in love.
William Shakespeare
Men are genuinely nice people, we just don't sound nice. The poem is satirical in a sense that it ridicules most love sonnets. A typical love poem would talk up the woman like she is some sort of goddess, incapable of error. That view of women is thrown out the window by the speaker! He describes his love as pretty plain, and somewhat off-putting. He describes her features as they are, and to be honest, the woman doesn't sound too attractive. However, the speaker makes the sonnet into something sweet by the end. He stats that "I think my love as rare as any belied with false compare" (Shakespeare 885). Despite all of her flaws and dullness (no offense to this woman), the speaker still loves her. Not just that, but he proclaims that he loves her so much that he can speak about her truthfully and still love her. He doesn't need to talk her up in a way that most sonnets do, he is attracted to her with all of her imperfections. Though he sounds mean throughout the poem, the speaker is chivalrous and is truly in love.
Who hasn't disassembled a Barbie?
Barbie Doll
Marge Piercy
The poem stereotypes this particular girl into the category of the future housewife. She "was born as usual and presented dolls that did pee-pee and miniature GE stoves and irons" (Piercy 835). Her toys growing up was a child and an oven, so her future occupation was fairly well laid out to her. This stereotype only intensifies the struggle she went through during her teen years. Kids became judgmental only focusing on two minor physical features that weren't like everyone else's. Despite her prominent intelligence and kindness, people on saw her physical imperfections. She began to think it was so crucial to look normal that she tried to fix herself. When normal measures didn't work, she figured she could remedy her situation like she fixed her dolls' imperfections, by swapping parts. So she cut off her legs and nose, you know, like a sane person. What was ironic was that people saw her as calm and beautiful in her coffin. I suppose it is what she wanted, and she was happy to be pretty, but it is sad that joy comes from such grim measures.
Marge Piercy
The poem stereotypes this particular girl into the category of the future housewife. She "was born as usual and presented dolls that did pee-pee and miniature GE stoves and irons" (Piercy 835). Her toys growing up was a child and an oven, so her future occupation was fairly well laid out to her. This stereotype only intensifies the struggle she went through during her teen years. Kids became judgmental only focusing on two minor physical features that weren't like everyone else's. Despite her prominent intelligence and kindness, people on saw her physical imperfections. She began to think it was so crucial to look normal that she tried to fix herself. When normal measures didn't work, she figured she could remedy her situation like she fixed her dolls' imperfections, by swapping parts. So she cut off her legs and nose, you know, like a sane person. What was ironic was that people saw her as calm and beautiful in her coffin. I suppose it is what she wanted, and she was happy to be pretty, but it is sad that joy comes from such grim measures.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
You can't spell "Irony, AG" without Iago...
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
I knew the story was a Shakespearean tragedy, but I assumed that meant someone would succeed. Both Iago and Othello were the losers in the end. Iago lost because, though he caused Othello much despair, he wasn't there to make the final blow to Othello. Since Othello killed himself, Iago won't have any other opportunities to see Othello as a shattered man. Besides the fact that Othello committed suicide, he also suffered great defeat. He lived long enough to realize he murdered a near-perfect woman and realized his adviser had been lying to him for days, possibly weeks. Furthermore, he was made a fool when his fellow delegates learned of his misfortune. And oh how the irony strolls in when his plans were revealed. Othello was dethroned and "Cassio rules in Cyprus" (Shakespeare 1460), making Cassio the commanding General. Iago, from the beginning, was mad at Cassio for stealing his job and assumed he would be gotten rid of with ease. Not only did he survive a stabbing from Iago, but he got promoted! There is no doubt that Iago will be rotting away in a cell for a long time, but boy was he a good villain.
William Shakespeare
I knew the story was a Shakespearean tragedy, but I assumed that meant someone would succeed. Both Iago and Othello were the losers in the end. Iago lost because, though he caused Othello much despair, he wasn't there to make the final blow to Othello. Since Othello killed himself, Iago won't have any other opportunities to see Othello as a shattered man. Besides the fact that Othello committed suicide, he also suffered great defeat. He lived long enough to realize he murdered a near-perfect woman and realized his adviser had been lying to him for days, possibly weeks. Furthermore, he was made a fool when his fellow delegates learned of his misfortune. And oh how the irony strolls in when his plans were revealed. Othello was dethroned and "Cassio rules in Cyprus" (Shakespeare 1460), making Cassio the commanding General. Iago, from the beginning, was mad at Cassio for stealing his job and assumed he would be gotten rid of with ease. Not only did he survive a stabbing from Iago, but he got promoted! There is no doubt that Iago will be rotting away in a cell for a long time, but boy was he a good villain.
Women, always ruining things
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
Emilia, Iago's own wife, is the one who foiled his dastardly plot. It was clear that she idolized Desdemona, and when she heard she had died and killed herself, she knew that something didn't add up. She quickly deduced that Othello was the one that killed her, but again was confused as to why such a noble man could do such an act. When she learned it was Iago who had been whispering evil into Othello's ear, she had had enough. She cursed his name, and yelled for all to hear. Othello still had faith in Iago, probably because he wanted his murder to be justified. However, Emilia, Iago's own wife wanted him to "rot half a grain a day! He lies to the heart" (Shakespeare 1454). She cared about Desdemona so much that she tossed aside her marriage, and stepped out of her comfort zone to make it clear that her mistress died unjustly. She was the key to unraveling the truth. In the first half of the play, she came off as a simple maid, who acted as a reluctant henchman to Iago's revenge spree. The murder of her best friend changed her, changed her in a way that honored the one she wanted to stand up for. She died clearing the name of her friend, and cursing the name of men everywhere.
...yay for men.
William Shakespeare
Emilia, Iago's own wife, is the one who foiled his dastardly plot. It was clear that she idolized Desdemona, and when she heard she had died and killed herself, she knew that something didn't add up. She quickly deduced that Othello was the one that killed her, but again was confused as to why such a noble man could do such an act. When she learned it was Iago who had been whispering evil into Othello's ear, she had had enough. She cursed his name, and yelled for all to hear. Othello still had faith in Iago, probably because he wanted his murder to be justified. However, Emilia, Iago's own wife wanted him to "rot half a grain a day! He lies to the heart" (Shakespeare 1454). She cared about Desdemona so much that she tossed aside her marriage, and stepped out of her comfort zone to make it clear that her mistress died unjustly. She was the key to unraveling the truth. In the first half of the play, she came off as a simple maid, who acted as a reluctant henchman to Iago's revenge spree. The murder of her best friend changed her, changed her in a way that honored the one she wanted to stand up for. She died clearing the name of her friend, and cursing the name of men everywhere.
...yay for men.
Does anyone else think Iago is lying? Just me then...?
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
Roderigo has been Iago's assumed ally from the beginning of the story, and he has taken the role of dutiful henchman to Iago's deeds. However, it is in Act IV that he is fed up with Iago, and begins to crack through the mountain of mischief Iago has constructed. The money that Iago had Roderigo save up was used to buy jewels as a gift for Desdemona. Iago told him she accepted the gift as a token of love, but Roderigo saw no signs of such affection. It may be due to his frustration, but Roderigo attacks Iago for his wrongdoings done to Roderigo and no longer believes Iago is the honest man everyone thinks. It is here that Iago shows his greatest act of villainy. Iago even applauds Roderigo for noticing his lies by saying "your suspicion is not without wit...thou hast...purpose, courage, and valor" (Shakespeare 1441). He turns Roderigo back into his favor by baiting him with Desdemona, the very thing he has proven to not have gotten for Roderigo in the past! One would think Roderigo would be wary to follow a man like Iago, but he is blinded by lust, and even agrees to kill a military commander to get to her. Roderigo doesn't even consider the consequences of murder and then the stealing of a general's wife. It is because of this blind loyalty that I believe Iago has dealt with Roderigo for this long. Roderigo will kill Cassio, and Iago will have an easy time of pinning the murder on Roderigo, telling authorities that Roderigo was an insane lunatic, and honest old Iago had nothing to do with it...
William Shakespeare
Roderigo has been Iago's assumed ally from the beginning of the story, and he has taken the role of dutiful henchman to Iago's deeds. However, it is in Act IV that he is fed up with Iago, and begins to crack through the mountain of mischief Iago has constructed. The money that Iago had Roderigo save up was used to buy jewels as a gift for Desdemona. Iago told him she accepted the gift as a token of love, but Roderigo saw no signs of such affection. It may be due to his frustration, but Roderigo attacks Iago for his wrongdoings done to Roderigo and no longer believes Iago is the honest man everyone thinks. It is here that Iago shows his greatest act of villainy. Iago even applauds Roderigo for noticing his lies by saying "your suspicion is not without wit...thou hast...purpose, courage, and valor" (Shakespeare 1441). He turns Roderigo back into his favor by baiting him with Desdemona, the very thing he has proven to not have gotten for Roderigo in the past! One would think Roderigo would be wary to follow a man like Iago, but he is blinded by lust, and even agrees to kill a military commander to get to her. Roderigo doesn't even consider the consequences of murder and then the stealing of a general's wife. It is because of this blind loyalty that I believe Iago has dealt with Roderigo for this long. Roderigo will kill Cassio, and Iago will have an easy time of pinning the murder on Roderigo, telling authorities that Roderigo was an insane lunatic, and honest old Iago had nothing to do with it...
I'm starting to think Iago won't be killing anyone.
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
Not only is Iago a master of manipulation, but he has also artfully put his plans into motion without blood getting on his hands. In order to get revenge on Othello, he could have killed Othello, his wife Desdemona, his friend Cassio, or destroyed his reputation, or any combination. However, Iago went with destroying Othello's mind. On its own, this sounds like a mild revenge, but Othello's insanity will lead to more emotional and physical torment. Iago wants Othello to kill Desdemona because he wants Othello to never be able to love again. Furthermore, Iago prompts Othello to "strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated" (Shakespeare 1432). Iago is so trusted by Othello, that Othello is willing to, in blunt force, murder his wife and most likely have to take the blame for the murder. Iago also tells Othello that he shall deal with Cassio while Othello kills Desdemona. But Iago rinses his hands yet again by convincing Roderigo to kill Cassio. He assures Roderigo that he will be there to back him up, but it is Roderigo's job to crush the only thing that stands between him and Desdemona. At least, that's the information that Iago has been feeding him.
William Shakespeare
Not only is Iago a master of manipulation, but he has also artfully put his plans into motion without blood getting on his hands. In order to get revenge on Othello, he could have killed Othello, his wife Desdemona, his friend Cassio, or destroyed his reputation, or any combination. However, Iago went with destroying Othello's mind. On its own, this sounds like a mild revenge, but Othello's insanity will lead to more emotional and physical torment. Iago wants Othello to kill Desdemona because he wants Othello to never be able to love again. Furthermore, Iago prompts Othello to "strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated" (Shakespeare 1432). Iago is so trusted by Othello, that Othello is willing to, in blunt force, murder his wife and most likely have to take the blame for the murder. Iago also tells Othello that he shall deal with Cassio while Othello kills Desdemona. But Iago rinses his hands yet again by convincing Roderigo to kill Cassio. He assures Roderigo that he will be there to back him up, but it is Roderigo's job to crush the only thing that stands between him and Desdemona. At least, that's the information that Iago has been feeding him.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Act III: This is going to be a long line of dominoes.
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
Act III marks the betrayal of Othello's trust by Desdemona. Though the evidence he gathered is circumstantial, Othello is beginning to see what Iago is illustrating for him. What's impressive is that Iago is still maintaining his status of wise friend while feeding Othello all these potentially horrible truths about Desdemona. He does this by reminding Othello that none of these rumors are one hundred percent accurate. He includes, in nearly every conversation, that "I speak not yet of proof. Look to your wife. Observe her well with Cassio" (Shakespeare 1410). This way, Othello is in control of whatever his mind imagines his wife doing, it is not because Iago manipulated him in any way, noooooo (he said sarcastically). I find Othello's relationship with Desdemona to have gone through a dramatic shift, and it is somewhat ironic. In Act I, the couple was in love and Othello defended the honor of himself and his new wife. Now the love is deteriorating away, and he suspects that she has forsaken all respect for him, this being weeks after their marriage. If Othello has gotten this paranoid, this quickly, it foreshadows how villainous this supposed protagonist will become.
Act II: Let's try to evaluate Iago
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
Iago is after Othello because he heard a rumor that Othello slept with Emilia, Iago's wife. Now, though it is a rumor, I understand where he is coming from. Honor is a big part of the society they are living in, but why doesn't Iago burn Othello's house down or stab him in the leg? It's because Iago wants a punishment worthy of the crime. We knew that Iago acts his evil out through manipulation and deceit, but that is because he suspects Othello used such tactics to sleep with his wife. Furthermore, Iago doesn't trust women. He is aware of the tricks they can play in the game of love, he just applies those tricks in the game of revenge. He states that "if she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, the one's for use, the other useth it" (1386 Shakespeare). Women attract men with how they look, but use manipulation and other tactics to keep a man around forever. Iago recognized these practices, mastered them, and made his target to be revenge rather than marriage. The same tricks Othello (allegedly) used to get with Iago's wife, Iago will use on others to have Othello's sanity and well-being stricken from him.
William Shakespeare
Iago is after Othello because he heard a rumor that Othello slept with Emilia, Iago's wife. Now, though it is a rumor, I understand where he is coming from. Honor is a big part of the society they are living in, but why doesn't Iago burn Othello's house down or stab him in the leg? It's because Iago wants a punishment worthy of the crime. We knew that Iago acts his evil out through manipulation and deceit, but that is because he suspects Othello used such tactics to sleep with his wife. Furthermore, Iago doesn't trust women. He is aware of the tricks they can play in the game of love, he just applies those tricks in the game of revenge. He states that "if she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, the one's for use, the other useth it" (1386 Shakespeare). Women attract men with how they look, but use manipulation and other tactics to keep a man around forever. Iago recognized these practices, mastered them, and made his target to be revenge rather than marriage. The same tricks Othello (allegedly) used to get with Iago's wife, Iago will use on others to have Othello's sanity and well-being stricken from him.
Act II, Iago is up to no good, startin' makin trouble in the neighborhood
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
Iago sets his plans into motion in Act II. His end game is to get close to Othello so that he can destroy him, both physically and mentally. Iago is cunning enough to realize that there needs to be a lot of leg work before he can squash Othello, so the reader sees Iago go from person to person establishing some kind of relationship with them. He makes sure to give his "friends" a sense of security, as well as portray himself as an honest guardian of sorts. When facing the ordeal of Cassio's fight and Othello's interrogation, Iago carefully pleases all parties involved, allowing him to be viewed by his peers as a truly respectable friend. He stats that he would "rather have his tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offense to Michael Cassio. Yet I persuade myself to speak the truth" (1398 Shakespeare). He builds tension between Cassio and Othello (which is part of his master plan), yet he appears as though he is helping out his friends to the attendees. After Othello fires Cassio, Iago is the one who attempts to comfort his "friend" Cassio, and suggests he should ask Desdemona to convince Othello that he should forgive Cassio. Little does Cassio know that Iago plans to insinuate to Othello that his wife is unfaithful, and Cassio is her lover.
William Shakespeare
Iago sets his plans into motion in Act II. His end game is to get close to Othello so that he can destroy him, both physically and mentally. Iago is cunning enough to realize that there needs to be a lot of leg work before he can squash Othello, so the reader sees Iago go from person to person establishing some kind of relationship with them. He makes sure to give his "friends" a sense of security, as well as portray himself as an honest guardian of sorts. When facing the ordeal of Cassio's fight and Othello's interrogation, Iago carefully pleases all parties involved, allowing him to be viewed by his peers as a truly respectable friend. He stats that he would "rather have his tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offense to Michael Cassio. Yet I persuade myself to speak the truth" (1398 Shakespeare). He builds tension between Cassio and Othello (which is part of his master plan), yet he appears as though he is helping out his friends to the attendees. After Othello fires Cassio, Iago is the one who attempts to comfort his "friend" Cassio, and suggests he should ask Desdemona to convince Othello that he should forgive Cassio. Little does Cassio know that Iago plans to insinuate to Othello that his wife is unfaithful, and Cassio is her lover.
Act I, I think Othello is a Moor
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
As a commanding general of the Italian army, one would think Othello would deserve some massive respect. However, Othello is almost never referred to by name when he is not present, he is instead called the Moor (as well as a handful of other demeaning names). Despite the air of racism amongst his peers, Othello has earned success in most things he does, and has never boasted about his achievements. Rather, he works towards winning the next battle or establishing his next friendship. The Duke, though higher in status than Othello, sees great potential in Othello and voices it by saying to Brabantio "Your son-in-law is far more fair than black" (1379 Shakespeare). This left-handed compliment makes it clear that Othello is burdened by his skin color, but his virtuous gallantry shines brighter than his physical qualities. This characterization of Othello earned him his wife Desdemona. His hardships he faced attracted Desdemona to him, and he had to conquer even more obstacles by marrying her away from the custody of her father. He even had the loyalty and brilliance to offer his life to Brabantio if it turned out Desdemona truly didn't love Othello. His actions echo the qualities that Othello exudes...for now.
William Shakespeare
As a commanding general of the Italian army, one would think Othello would deserve some massive respect. However, Othello is almost never referred to by name when he is not present, he is instead called the Moor (as well as a handful of other demeaning names). Despite the air of racism amongst his peers, Othello has earned success in most things he does, and has never boasted about his achievements. Rather, he works towards winning the next battle or establishing his next friendship. The Duke, though higher in status than Othello, sees great potential in Othello and voices it by saying to Brabantio "Your son-in-law is far more fair than black" (1379 Shakespeare). This left-handed compliment makes it clear that Othello is burdened by his skin color, but his virtuous gallantry shines brighter than his physical qualities. This characterization of Othello earned him his wife Desdemona. His hardships he faced attracted Desdemona to him, and he had to conquer even more obstacles by marrying her away from the custody of her father. He even had the loyalty and brilliance to offer his life to Brabantio if it turned out Desdemona truly didn't love Othello. His actions echo the qualities that Othello exudes...for now.
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