Othello 6

With Othello, the author uses foreshadowing a lot. Foreshadowing adds suspense and curiosity to the play and keeps you wondering what's going to happen and have you try to make predictions. Othello is constantly keeps saying things that will leader to future events that are bigger and better, or worse in this case. Although some of the foreshadowing that is made is wrong, but that happens on purpose to add another elements to the writing.
Another technique that Shakespeare includes in Othello is the style of his dialogue. He often gives one character a big long monologue with another character saying one lined answers. I think this helps with the visual aspect that you have to create while reading a novel. It helps slow you down and understand what is happening. A third technique that Shakespeare often uses in Othello is symbolism. Shakespeare uses the handkerchief as a symbol of love, and jealousy. It symbolizes love because of how Othello got it and why he gave it to Desdemona. But, on the other hand, it symbolizes jealousy because this is what creates another conflict, this is what helps Iago convince Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful, and this is what helps show that jealousy (in this novel) overcame him and resulted in him killing the one he loved. 

Othello 5

Iago: "Her honor is an essence that's not seen; they have it very oft that have it not. But, for the handkerchief--"
Othello: "By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it. Thou said'st- Oh, it comes o'er memory as doth the raven o'er the infectous house, boding to all- he had my handkerchief"(165).


I think this passage is really important because this is where Iago is planting the seed in Othello's head that Desdemona is not faithful to him. And when he is convincing Othello he never actually says it straight forward, he just acts as if he doesn't want to say it (even though it is a lie) and this make Othello freak out and get angry. He believes Iago/ This is when you can tell that things are going to get worse...

Othello 4-Casting

I can picture this being Iago because I think of someone that has a dark side, but also is strong in his own way.

 I can picture this as Roderigo because I think he's just along for the ride kind of. So, he wants to take Othello down but isn't as evil as Iago. Plus, I just like Chris Pine...

And for Othello I dont know what his name is-but the guy that played Odysseus (or some one that looks like him) would be great for this part. When I think of Othello I think of some one kinda big/strong, with curly hair. 

I think Rachel McAdams would make a good Desamona, and I see her as being able to pull off Desdemona's personality

I think "gretchen" (if thats how you spell it) from "mean girls" could be good at playing Emilia. Because in Mean Girls she is one of the dumb one that doesn't know whats really going on but wants to fit in

Othello 3

I think Iago is a manipulative jerk. He uses and will probably use anyone to get to his goal. I think he is jealous of everyone-even if he got promoted I think he is the kind of guy that is never happy with what he has. He will just be upset about the next thing (that he doesn't have). Roderigo, I think, is only helping him because he is sad and possibly jealous that Othello has Desdemona. It's not right for Iago to use people whether those people know it or not.

Reading Othello

For me, reading Othello was really difficult. It took a lot of time and patience, I had to read it, go back and look at the words I didn't know, then summarize/put it into words we use today. It became very frustrating, but I like the feeling of accomplishment if I got it. (what happened). I'm not sure what all happened and I could be mistaken on what I think happened so I hope we got to go over it in class.

Othello 2

Scene One was to inform us that Othello and Brabantio's daughter have eloped. In the beginning of the scene, Iago and Roderigo are talking about Iago's job and how he isn't being promoted and someone (othello) else is, he his only book smart-he doesn't know/hasn't been in a real fight. Rodrigo is just hurt that he got shot down, whereas Iago is miffed that he didn't get a promotion and blames Othello. It is really obvious who is the one behind everything, Iago, and shows how racist people are and what jealousy can do.

Final Project Essay- body paragraph

In The Piano Lesson, Wilson uses.... to show....
When Avery talks to Berniece he is very straight forward; even though he speaks with his mind, not his heart. Everything he has to say comes from his idea that they should be together, not that he wants to be with her. "It makes for better congregation if the preacher was settled down and married" (66). When Avery says this, it shows that his love for her may not be real. That really he just wants to be with her to 'do the right thing' in their society. Because of that Berniece always push's him away, but lets him think there is still a chance for a future. In the book, whenever they have a conversation, Bernice is rude or stubborn, and that shows that she doesn't love him either. He knows he can offer her good things, such as security because of his job, good money, and they could become really close. But he tries to convince his love3 for her and why they should be together, he is also trying to convince him self, which means even if they love each other, they are not in love with each other.

The Piano Lesson #7

While reading the scene I thought that Berniece and Lymon were getting along very well. In my opinion there might be a relationship between them. She was being very kind and telling him that we will find a girl and that he'll be alright. But then if they had a relationship, I wonder what would happen with Avery. If she likes them both then she'll have to choose and that could create a conflict. While reading this I could tell Lymon even if he talks about having a good time and getting girls, he really is serious about finding one that will stay with him. Boy Willie  just wants to have a good time and you could tell that when they talk and how they feel (their perspectives) about women is different. The author,  I think, used foreshadowing in this scene.

My Comment::
I think this is gonna be a big deal later in the story. Avery and Lymon both going for Berniece. But Avery has been waiting for a long time and Berniece doesn't seem very nice to him, then with Lymon she was all calm and relaxed. I think she might like being with Lymon..

The Piano Lesson #6

In the section that we had to read on our own, I thought that Berniece was right when she pointed out that it was wrong that a man can be without a women but a women can't be without a man. I agree that that is wrong and it shouldn't be like that but I also think that she needs to realize that Avery isn't going to wait around for her to be ready, he has already given her a long time. She shouldn't expect him to wait for her forever. Avery was right to stand up and say what he thought. I think that she isn't willing to change and is living in the past. I also think that its not just what happened with her husband but also a (past) family issue, that makes her so hesitant and afraid to move forward. She can come up with as my excuses and procrastinate, but it will really only hurt her in the end.

My Comment:
I was thinking the same thing! Also I think it will come up later in the book but because there was a problem in the past. You can tell that they family, in general, has gone through a lot. Maybe she is scared, but I don't think she should have Avery waiting for her like that.

The Piano Lesson #5

In the passage that we read today I mostly thought that the part about Wining Boy selling the suit to Lymon was important. In my opinion it is weird that Lymon actually bought the suit. I also found it odd that Wining Boy sold it to him because he is helping sell watermelons which makes my think he doesn't have much money. It also shows how desperate Wining Boy actually is, for money. He took advantage of him, but it didn't seem like he really cared. And Lymon didn't realize he was being taken advantage of because he thinks he's going to get him some girls. In addition, I think it is weird how they seem close but they are kind of against each other (in a sense-over the piano).

my comment:
I had the same thoughts. I think that Lymon got taken advantage of but he wouldn't realize that unless some one told him. I am hoping that doesn't happen alot to him, because it seems like Wining Boy knew he could persuade him and I think Lymon has been used before.

Piano Lesson #4

While reading on Friday, I found what Doaker had to say kind of overwhelming. It was when he was explaining the background of the piano, and the story about when they were slaves when I realized how much sentimental value that the piano holds for their family. I'm excited and sort of worried about what will happen to it because in the end some one will get hurt. Also another part that was very interesting to me was when Doaker was talking about the train. It seemed metaphorical and like it was foreshadowing an event. I really want to read some more and find out more about there past because I don't think the author has let the characters tell us everything yet.

My comment:
I also think the ghost of Sutter is confusing. I think that it is weird that they don't think that its them imagining, but they also don' tsay that think that it isn't real. (if that makes sense). I want the author to explain it some more.

Piano Lesson #3

I liked reading this part because you got to learn more about there past. It also helped answer some questions that I had. During this part they told the story of the piano, the Ghost of the Yellow Dog, talked about back when there were slaves and they finally discussed what happened to their spouses.  I think the way that they talk to each other is interesting. It surprised me that they don't ever really get mad at each other even though they are accusing each other of wrong doings.

My comment,
We had the same ideas.  I was also glad that they talked about the past, because before today it was confusing. I think that the Ghost of the Yellow dog will continue throughout the story.

Piano Lesson #2

I think it's interesting how the author has everyone fight a lot, even though they are siblings. Also that they accuse each other of stealing, pushing a guy down the well and try to sell their sisters piano. They make it seems as if their family has been torn apart before. The fact that they refer to the past a lot makes me think that there is something that happened but they don't like talking about it...In addition it is strange that the believe in Ghost or spirits. What is the author's race?? My guess is that through out the book they will become closer.

my comment:
I was thinking that the ghost thing was weird too. Maybe something happened and that's why they will believe in it so easily.

Piano Lesson #1

When I found out we were gonna read The Piano Lesson I thought it was going to be a regular novel. But, I actually really like the fact that it is a play. It's different to read and it also helps you understand exactly what the author is think because off the stage directing but he is sort of vague when he talks about the characters because we don't them that well, at least not yet.. I was shocked that they use crude language, but I also thinks it gives the story a little personality, which could be good or not. A thought I had, because we aren't very far in the book, was that music, in some way, will be what connects everyone together. the book seems like it is going to be fast paced, and I think it will be fun to read.

Wrote on Madison's wall:

I agree with what you have said. I also like your idea/comment about how they're all family. I didn't really think about it, but now I'm thinking the author did it on purpose. (and we'll figure out why later).

FAMILY AND SOIL PARALLEL

In Cry, the Beloved Country, Alan Potan uses soil (land) to parallel Kumalo's family because just like land, it needs to be taken care of in order to stay healthy and survive. When Kumalo is there and can pay attention to the soil it is in good shape but when he leaves, to go to Johannesburg to find his son and his sister, it gets ignored and ultimately suffers. It's parallel because the soil if its not payed attention to it is broken and dried out and it cannot function by its self, just lke Kumalo's family, his brother and sister cannot be alone in Johannesburg. They need the attention and support from there tribe. "The tribe was broken, and would be mended no more." Chapter 13. They cannot be part of a broken tribe.

NO NAMES-Cry Journal

I think Alon Paton did not give some people a name because it helps show that there is another character that is more important then the one without a name. For example, I think Gertude's son did not have a name because he actually just told mre about Gertrude. The story at that moment was more focused on her. Alan Paton used him to show what the situation was like for Gertrude and to exaggerate the hard time that she went through. He was less significant that her, yet helped show part of Gertrude. He is almost like a foil character, in the sense that he helps portray someone else's personality.

Separating a book

There are many reasons for separating a book into parts. But I think it is mostly used to either change the perspective or changing the subject. For Cry, the Beloved Country, I think that Paton uses three separate books for changing the subject and introducing a new idea or character. It also helps emphasize the important things for the previous book because you know that if Alan Paton brings up the same concept as before, it is probably something that you should pay attention to.

Oppression

Holocaust
http://www.islamdenouncesantisemitism.com/thetruth.htm

Cambodia-killing fields
http://www.sa.org.au/international/2855-no-justice-for-survivors-of-cambodias-killing-fields

If you copy and paste it will work 

Cry, The Beloved Country #3

PHRASE: Power, Money and Corruption
I think that Paton repeats this phrase because it foreshadows events and it also shows that it is an important part of the book. Each word can be a metaphor for something or someone later in the book. Power and money could relate to the white men and how they have people work for only 3 shillings, although they should be paid more. That that could lead to a conflict and corrupt society, or that it has already has. Using this phrase shows a lot of things depending on how you interpret it.
CONCEPT: Being Lost
You how this concept is shown when Paton describes the streets on Johannesburg, and then later has a character confirm it. It's as if there are so many streets that are so long and mysterious that you don't know which one to travel down. At first you think of it as a good thing, but when you begin to understand the danger of Johannesburg and realize that some of them need or want to go home; they are scared. They don't know what they want, what to do or what is best for themselves of their family. They need to get out of that horrible place and go back to what they know and what is good for them.
IMAGE: Women
I think he uses women as a symbol to show that most that don't have families, in Johannesburg, are prostitutes. This shows the amount of suffering that they do to get by. It also expands your knowledge on how bad Johannesburg actually is. I think one reason(this could be completely wrong:/) that he doesn't describe the girls in detail that much is because he wants the story that they tell, like Stephen's sisters' to be really significant. That they are telling the story that most of the girls that live there are going through. They are generalized in society so he does that with his writing.

Cry, The Beloved Country #2

When Potan writes about men and women I think that, surprisingly, they are treated equally. While opening the letter Kumalo and his wife seem to have a great amount of respect for each other. But in his writing he addresses  the women more properly than he does for the men. Before reading this book I assumed that the women would be treated a lot differently just because when the book was written. But I came to find that they are being treated fairly and have a good amount off respect for each other.

Cry, The Beloved Country #1

I tabbed the beginning of chapter one because it uses descriptive words to describe the setting also because it portrays this place to be peaceful and wonderful. Like it was a place you would be happy to stay at. He described Africa in a way that made it sound beautiful and that there was a lot of nature. I think that later this will be important to the story.

 While reading the conversation after the letter was delivered and I thought that showed a shift in the mood. That it isn't as happy as it seems to be on the surface. Also because you don't know anything about the letter and when people go to Johannesburg they don't come back, it makes it suspenseful and have some tension. I think it's showing that there is a conflict somehow which is foreshadowing.

 While reading the four chapters I noticed that Alan Paton wrote in third person. I think this sorta of gives the feel that the reader is an outsider because we aren't familiar with their culture or their history. His word choice is kind of dark and mysterious. I think this was done on purpose and that we'll find out why as we read more

Stephen Kumalo is an important character, I think, because he is described so much and is followed so closely. So far, you always know what he's doing and how he's doing it. Also Kumalo seems like a very precise person. He has to be on time and do things exactly how they are supposed to be done. This shows his personality that he'll have for the novel.

LOTF-Journal #3

Even though there were many reoccurring themes one of the most important, I think, is that fear is within. It's just mental and it can only be conquered mentally. It's not physical, like the boys thought, there was no beast. They created the idea of the beast to hide that they truly are just scared to be stuck on an island.
Two ways that William Golding developed this theme is through characters and through the setting. First, he used the littluns, and had them be the ones crying and tell the older boys that there was a beast. They were the ones that helped start the idea of the beast. Also he used the setting, it was always dark when the beast appeared, which helped disguise what was really out there, which made the boys unknowledgable about what was really going on. This frighten Ralph and Jack. So when they went to find the beast on the mountain and it was dark which cause them to be more afraid, they didn't want to get close to it and because of that the fear remained. If they would have gotten closer they would have seen that it was just a parachutist trying to help them not scare them. I think that the boys if they were older would have realized that there was no beast, but because they were young and stilled had their parent around when they were scared and had never really been on their own, they were just confused and didn't know what to do.

LOFT-Journal #2

If there were girls in the Lord of the Flies I think that it would have been a lot different, also it would have been way more complicated to write. At first I thought they could have kept the boys together and stayed at the shelters to take care of the little ones while the boys hunted or kept the fire going. They could have kept them civilized and help them stick to some rules/stay together. As the book went on they could have kept them as one tribe and from becoming like savages. But the more I thought about it I started thinking that if the boys were trying to impress the girls it could have been a potential conflict. Or if the girls went off to do there own thing or refused to help in certain ways that could have been important that would make the boys angry and become a problem. Also, they could have made certain friends and become anti-social to everyone else but those mew friends. So, I think the book could have gone either way, but that could only be determined by what kind of personalities William Golding gave them. It's a lot simpler with only boys to have to write about.

LOFT-Journal #1

First, I think it's interesting how William Golding doesn't describe any thing about Piggy, all you know is that he is just a voice out in the jungle. Before he is described or even named the author has him talking which could also be foreshadowing the fact that through out the book he is always talking. Also I think that when he is talking and Ralph never seems intersted, that is foreshadowing because eventhough Piggy talks alot through out the book no one really pays attention to what he has to say they just disregaurd it as if what he has to say is not intelligent.

Second (kind of ties in with the first one) when it says "searching out safe lodgments for his feet" you get the hint that William Golding is trying to make. That Piggy is intelligent and careful. He let the reader know this before his physical appearance, which is opposite from Ralph. He could have done this to show that they are different, and that he looked different from all the other boys which could be why some of them didnt want to listen to him. This created a conflict for the boys especially when Ralph stands up for him and agrees with him. Which leades to the split between the group and created two tribes.