Monday, November 7, 2011
Ever Wonder...?
Ever wonder what the word "wonder" really means? Well I do, so that is why I choose to dig deeper into the history of the word. "Wonder" is a very versatile word. It can be used to describe the day or it can be used to describe an indescribable monument that represents a country. I know there are many forms of wonder including wonderful, wondrous, wonder woman, wonder bread, seven wonders of the world, etc. Not many words have the capability of being used in so many different ways. I have also noticed that the word seems to be a large component of advertising; probably because it has such a positive connotation and emotion associate with it. But I wonder if there are any ways that use the word negatively. I too, like many others tend to overuse the word and therefore its meaning has become less and less important when I hear or use the word. I want to further explore the origins of the word and its meanings. For example, was the word "wonder" originally intended to describe grandiose events, objects, and people; or was it meant to describe every day occurrences that are shocking to us; or possibly even it was meant to describe humans that are extraordinary. Today the word can describe all of the above but was this its original intention; was this what it is supposed to do? I am also very interested in learning about the first uses of wonder in the writing. All of these questions I hope to answer while exploring the origins and history of the word "wonder."
Monday, October 31, 2011
"Frankenstein, Feminism, and the Fate of the Earth"
The critique I chose was from a book called "The Gender Atom" which is not at all about Frankenstein but in the first chapter, it makes some very good points about Mary Shelly's intentions in Frankenstein.
These are the following main points the author makes:
> Frankenstein is traditional because it is a horror story that involves the "frightened female swooning in the monster's arms." However, the story is untraditional because the hero as a scientist is a "new society identity" never touched upon in fiction. The author also points out that this is the "first true science fiction."
>The reading also claims that Mary Shelly placed a warning in her story that warned society about the dangers of science. The author claims that Mary Shelly believed when the power of science is placed in the wrong hands, it can lead to serious danger and harm others.
>The author points out that "Frankenstein" adopts the idea that "scientists have done such a thorough job of portraying themselves as guardians of rationality that many of them may believe they... have no psychology at all." For this reason, the author also believes that readers see the destiny of scientists as one of isolation.
>In the review, a "mad scientist" is defined as a man who is disconnected from his motivations and therefore he becomes emotionally and morally hardened. In fact the author suggests that Mary Shelly observed her "lifelong neurotic" husband in order to form the character of Victor Frankenstein.
>Mary Shelly was possibly trying to unmask the scientists who were seen as perfect. But she also "give[s] psychology some its most fruitful insights." The author claims that Mary Shelly bases her story off of feminist psychology because feminists psychology also contends that "scientists cannot know the whole of nature because scientists are themselves not whole."
It seems that for the most part, this review was a review of Mary Shelly's intentions in creating the character of Victor Frankenstein and his story.
These are the following main points the author makes:
> Frankenstein is traditional because it is a horror story that involves the "frightened female swooning in the monster's arms." However, the story is untraditional because the hero as a scientist is a "new society identity" never touched upon in fiction. The author also points out that this is the "first true science fiction."
>The reading also claims that Mary Shelly placed a warning in her story that warned society about the dangers of science. The author claims that Mary Shelly believed when the power of science is placed in the wrong hands, it can lead to serious danger and harm others.
>The author points out that "Frankenstein" adopts the idea that "scientists have done such a thorough job of portraying themselves as guardians of rationality that many of them may believe they... have no psychology at all." For this reason, the author also believes that readers see the destiny of scientists as one of isolation.
>In the review, a "mad scientist" is defined as a man who is disconnected from his motivations and therefore he becomes emotionally and morally hardened. In fact the author suggests that Mary Shelly observed her "lifelong neurotic" husband in order to form the character of Victor Frankenstein.
>Mary Shelly was possibly trying to unmask the scientists who were seen as perfect. But she also "give[s] psychology some its most fruitful insights." The author claims that Mary Shelly bases her story off of feminist psychology because feminists psychology also contends that "scientists cannot know the whole of nature because scientists are themselves not whole."
It seems that for the most part, this review was a review of Mary Shelly's intentions in creating the character of Victor Frankenstein and his story.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
It's All For You
Are selfless acts a characteristic of human nature? In other words, is it true that humans will often sacrafice their own lives in order to save the lives of someone they love or feel loyal too? In tje 14th century English tale Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and the modern day television series Prison Break the human ability to be selfless is evident as the two main characters offer their life and safety for the protection of a loved one. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain is a typical knight who shows loyalty to his lord; who in this case is King Arthur. Gawain embarks on a path towards his death all in the name of King Arthur, while the entire time he carries on modestly. Similarly, Michael Scofield, the protagonist in Prison Break, purposely gets arrested and is placed in prison with his innocent brother who is on death row. The show primarily focuses on the brothers attempting to escape from prison, but Michael gave up everything he had in order to rescue his brother. Both Sir Gawain and Michael Scofield reflect the human ability to selflessly devote ones entire time in effort into saving the life of someone else.
Knighthood is defined by the relationship of a knight and his liege lord; therefore, during this time period it was adequate for Sir Gawain to take up a challenge in order to save King Arthur’s life. The selfless act Sir Gawain performs is apart of his duty as a knight. The lord, King Arthur in this case, has the final say over the knight’s career, marriage, and even death.[i] Gawain is not only a knight of King Arthur’s, but he is also King Arthur’s nephew, which implies that there is more loyalty than just the traditional lord and knight relationship. When the Green Knight enters King Arthur’s Court and presents King Arthur with a dangerous challenge, Sir Gawain is the first and only to step in and take the challenge. At this point Gawain says, “I am the weakest, I wot, and the feeblest of wit, and it will be the less loss of my life if ye seek sooth. For save that ye are mine uncle naught is there in me to praise, no virtue is there in my body save your blood…” In this case, Gawain is implying that he needs to risk his life because losing his life will be the least of loss and because he is bound by blood to King Arthur. This passage implies that humans have an innate duty to protect members of their family under all circumstances.
It is also in a TV show such as Prison Break that one sees the durable force between family members that leads one man to commit a selfless act for that of his brother. Michael Scofield intentionally gets arrested and placed in the gruesome and violent Fox River State Penitentiary purposely in order to rescue his brother Lincoln Burrows. Burrows was framed and innocently put jail for homicide and is now on death row. Scofield left behind a very good life as a successful engineer in order to rescue his innocent brother. While in prison, Scofield gets in fights, battles racism, and even gets part of his foot cut off. Throughout the first season, it is unclear what led Scofield to give up his life in order to rescue his brother’s. There is no indication that the brother’s have an unusually close connection and no background is provided on their relationship. Therefore, it is unclear what is driving Scofield’s selfless deed. It can only be assumed that the family connection is the catalyst in Scofield’s mission. Prison Break demonstrates the characteristic of human nature that drives one to save the life of another family member.
Two entirely different works of art, one being 14th century literature and one being a modern day hit television series, both imply that it is the human duty to protect a family member. In both cases, the justification for these two selfless acts is due to one factor and that is that the hero is related to person he is trying to save.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Summer Reading Books
This Summer I picked a few books off the summer reading list. My top books I chose were
1984
Robinson Crusoe
Atonement
The Picture of Dorian Gray
I started reading Atonement first and then realized how slowly it started. I made it through about 200 pages and decided there had to be a better book on the list. It wasn't that Atonement wasn't good, I would just rather read something else, not my style of book.
Then came 1984. I chose to read it because my sister had said it was her favorite book and she was not the only one who had told me that. I always love futuristic novels and ones that are kind of sci fi and kind of fantasy but at the same time a bit realistic. Orwell creates a communist theme where society is controlled by The Party and every citizen virtually has no individuality and no freedom. Citizens cannot follow human instinct to do what they want. The most baffling concept is the Thought Police; spies that are placed in society to make sure even one's own thoughts are in line with the ideas of The Party. The society Orwell creates is almost an unthinkable one to those who go about every day activities without realizing the kind of freedom they have over their life. Orwell's abilities to take the unimaginable and make it such a palpable reality really make this story incredible. The greatest strengths of 1984 was definitely the story line and the main character.
The story obviously takes place in 1984, the future at the time Orwell wrote the novel. At the time Orwell wrote the novel (around 1947), the socialistic society Orwell creates was entirely possible as the world came out of World War II. The dystopian society Orwell creates is so detailed and reasonable that it is scary. You would think that a society where no one is allowed the freedom to think their own thoughts, would never be possible. However, Orwell takes the impossible and makes it probable! The novel takes place in the country of Oceania and in the novel, there are basically only three nations: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. As you read on, you learn that each nation is governed the same way, and yet is constantly at war with each other. As Orwell begins his story, he holds back a lot of secrets. In the first half of the book, he doesn't explain how The Party works, what the rules of society are, how many people are against the Party, or even how The Party came to be in existence. In other words, most of the book is loose ends. It is not until later that these ends are tied together and the reader becomes aware of what is going on in the book the same time the main character does. As the truths about society, and how evil but logical the party really, is starts to unfold, it is almost like the reader is caught in a nightmare they cant escape.
The main character of the novel, Winston, is largely apart of what makes the novel such a good book. This is because the character can relate to Winston on an intimate level and feels sympathetic for him. Winston is caught in this evil world and every day, he wonders the same thing the reader does: Why is the party here, how did it get here, was the world always this way, am I alone in thinking all of this? Winston feels isolated from society and starts to disobey rules that the rest of society follows. The actions Winston starts to take including writing in a diary his own free thoughts, and having an affair with a young woman (sex is not allowed unless permitted by the party), are dangerous actions that can land you in the Ministry of Love (a place where no one is clear what happens in there). However, Winston takes those risks in hope of one day meeting fellow members of the Brotherhood, a rumored group that stands united against The Party. The reader feels hopeful just as Winston does. As the reader is allowed into Winston's mind, which doesn't always happen in great story telling, the reader feels what Winston feels and that includes, rage, hate, anger, love, angst, depression, excitement, thrill, etc. It is a whirlwhind of emotions that cannot be expressed properly because it is against the law. This makes the story more intense when just where the reader thinks that Winston will be safe and the Party will end and everything in the world will be good again, Winston finally is captured. The reader and Winston assume he will be captured and killed and at least then, he will leave this awful society. But no, the reader is tricked. In the end, Winston is transformed and brainwashed into a member of society just as the Party wants and Winston becomes what he truly despises. This leaves the reader isolated in feeling sympathetic and hateful of the main character. This truly is a roller coaster story.
Sadly, I cannot say the same wonderful things about Robinson Crusoe. I picked Robinson Crusoe because I love the idea of main characters being caught in hardships. Books such as The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell always draw me in. I have a thing for islands and being stranded. However, Crusoe got everything! With Crusoe, I never saw a real character transformation and that is what I was waiting for. I wanted to see what happens to a human when they are stranded on an island alone and have to go against everything they are used to. Frankly, the book was a bit boring, nothing exciting really happened. It took too long for Crusoe to get on the island and kind of get the story going... He was handed everything he needed to survive and really did not have to struggle. The kind of book I was expecting was something like the move Castaway with Tom Hanks. I guess what I am trying to say is that I needed a character transformation. Nevertheless, the book was beautifully written. The language and rhetoric kept me going. The time period also interested me. In my opinion Castaway is some what of a modern Robinson Crusoe.
The Picture of Dorian Gray I have just started reading, can't really say much about that yet.
1984
Robinson Crusoe
Atonement
The Picture of Dorian Gray
I started reading Atonement first and then realized how slowly it started. I made it through about 200 pages and decided there had to be a better book on the list. It wasn't that Atonement wasn't good, I would just rather read something else, not my style of book.
Then came 1984. I chose to read it because my sister had said it was her favorite book and she was not the only one who had told me that. I always love futuristic novels and ones that are kind of sci fi and kind of fantasy but at the same time a bit realistic. Orwell creates a communist theme where society is controlled by The Party and every citizen virtually has no individuality and no freedom. Citizens cannot follow human instinct to do what they want. The most baffling concept is the Thought Police; spies that are placed in society to make sure even one's own thoughts are in line with the ideas of The Party. The society Orwell creates is almost an unthinkable one to those who go about every day activities without realizing the kind of freedom they have over their life. Orwell's abilities to take the unimaginable and make it such a palpable reality really make this story incredible. The greatest strengths of 1984 was definitely the story line and the main character.
The story obviously takes place in 1984, the future at the time Orwell wrote the novel. At the time Orwell wrote the novel (around 1947), the socialistic society Orwell creates was entirely possible as the world came out of World War II. The dystopian society Orwell creates is so detailed and reasonable that it is scary. You would think that a society where no one is allowed the freedom to think their own thoughts, would never be possible. However, Orwell takes the impossible and makes it probable! The novel takes place in the country of Oceania and in the novel, there are basically only three nations: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. As you read on, you learn that each nation is governed the same way, and yet is constantly at war with each other. As Orwell begins his story, he holds back a lot of secrets. In the first half of the book, he doesn't explain how The Party works, what the rules of society are, how many people are against the Party, or even how The Party came to be in existence. In other words, most of the book is loose ends. It is not until later that these ends are tied together and the reader becomes aware of what is going on in the book the same time the main character does. As the truths about society, and how evil but logical the party really, is starts to unfold, it is almost like the reader is caught in a nightmare they cant escape.
The main character of the novel, Winston, is largely apart of what makes the novel such a good book. This is because the character can relate to Winston on an intimate level and feels sympathetic for him. Winston is caught in this evil world and every day, he wonders the same thing the reader does: Why is the party here, how did it get here, was the world always this way, am I alone in thinking all of this? Winston feels isolated from society and starts to disobey rules that the rest of society follows. The actions Winston starts to take including writing in a diary his own free thoughts, and having an affair with a young woman (sex is not allowed unless permitted by the party), are dangerous actions that can land you in the Ministry of Love (a place where no one is clear what happens in there). However, Winston takes those risks in hope of one day meeting fellow members of the Brotherhood, a rumored group that stands united against The Party. The reader feels hopeful just as Winston does. As the reader is allowed into Winston's mind, which doesn't always happen in great story telling, the reader feels what Winston feels and that includes, rage, hate, anger, love, angst, depression, excitement, thrill, etc. It is a whirlwhind of emotions that cannot be expressed properly because it is against the law. This makes the story more intense when just where the reader thinks that Winston will be safe and the Party will end and everything in the world will be good again, Winston finally is captured. The reader and Winston assume he will be captured and killed and at least then, he will leave this awful society. But no, the reader is tricked. In the end, Winston is transformed and brainwashed into a member of society just as the Party wants and Winston becomes what he truly despises. This leaves the reader isolated in feeling sympathetic and hateful of the main character. This truly is a roller coaster story.
Sadly, I cannot say the same wonderful things about Robinson Crusoe. I picked Robinson Crusoe because I love the idea of main characters being caught in hardships. Books such as The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell always draw me in. I have a thing for islands and being stranded. However, Crusoe got everything! With Crusoe, I never saw a real character transformation and that is what I was waiting for. I wanted to see what happens to a human when they are stranded on an island alone and have to go against everything they are used to. Frankly, the book was a bit boring, nothing exciting really happened. It took too long for Crusoe to get on the island and kind of get the story going... He was handed everything he needed to survive and really did not have to struggle. The kind of book I was expecting was something like the move Castaway with Tom Hanks. I guess what I am trying to say is that I needed a character transformation. Nevertheless, the book was beautifully written. The language and rhetoric kept me going. The time period also interested me. In my opinion Castaway is some what of a modern Robinson Crusoe.
The Picture of Dorian Gray I have just started reading, can't really say much about that yet.
Books I Love!
1. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls- I read this book at age 12 or 13 and to this day I consider it to be the best book I have ever read. As I began reading the book I did not know it was a true story until the end. It was the most incredible story. It was written in a way that a young teenager can understand and an incredible storyline of the troubles and hardships of a young girl throughout her life. I recommend this book to everyone!
2. 1984 by George Orwell- Forever this book has been recommended to me and I did not read it until this summer because it appeared on the summer reading list. I love utopian books because for me, that kind of storyline requires a serious imagination for me to picture it in my head. The main character hit me hard as he appears to be triumphant and strong but then in the end he sadly turns into the kind of person he despises the most.
3. Too Late to Say Goodbye by Ann Rule- First of all, I love the works of Ann Rule. She is an incredible writer of non fiction murder stories. She brings together the emotions, the details, and the tense feeling of reading a murder story so wonderfully. The story flows and is constantly moving. You are on the edge of your seat always waiting to see what happens next. Also, I'm kind of a sucker for murder stories.
4. The Alienist by Caleb Carr- Read this book for my ID paper and ended up LOVING my ID paper!!!! I would not have chosen any other book once again, because I am a sucker for murder stories. Carr incorporates a real life historic characters, scenes, and events into a fictional story. It is incredible the way he puts this book together. However, I can say I would not have appreciated this book as much if I was not forced to dig into the history and truly appreciate the amount of time Carr took into making 95% of this novel 100% historically accurate. The other 5% though, is incorporated beautifully into the novel!
5. Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire- By far my favorite Harry Potter. Don't really feel the need to explain this one. My favorite part is the game at the end. Basically the second half of the book is the entire climax when Harry is thrown into this challenge and competes against others and finds himself in a situation he never predicted.
6. The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald- Incredible novel!!!!! love Gatsby's character, Nick Carraway I actually do not like very much. The whole book, I was wishing Gatsby was the main character, I wanted to see more into his life and that is the main reason I kept reading.
7. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway- Although I am not a particular fan of Hemmingway's writing, I did love the story. I loved the plot and the scene. This book made me fall in love with Paris and Spain. I despised Brett but at the same time loved her. It mixed my emotions and made me think of what it was like to live at that time period. The bull fights were the best part.
8. The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut- for those of you who love being confused and thrown into the world of existentialism, this is an amazing book. The futuristic setting, the mix of sci fi and fantasy and the confusion of not knowing really what the hell is going on is a rush for one's emotions. I read this book for English last year and ended up writing a blog on it and I am so glad I did. I got to express those bottled up emotions and tensions I felt while reading the book. If I hadn't been able to voice my opinions about this book, I may not have read it all the way through.
2. 1984 by George Orwell- Forever this book has been recommended to me and I did not read it until this summer because it appeared on the summer reading list. I love utopian books because for me, that kind of storyline requires a serious imagination for me to picture it in my head. The main character hit me hard as he appears to be triumphant and strong but then in the end he sadly turns into the kind of person he despises the most.
3. Too Late to Say Goodbye by Ann Rule- First of all, I love the works of Ann Rule. She is an incredible writer of non fiction murder stories. She brings together the emotions, the details, and the tense feeling of reading a murder story so wonderfully. The story flows and is constantly moving. You are on the edge of your seat always waiting to see what happens next. Also, I'm kind of a sucker for murder stories.
4. The Alienist by Caleb Carr- Read this book for my ID paper and ended up LOVING my ID paper!!!! I would not have chosen any other book once again, because I am a sucker for murder stories. Carr incorporates a real life historic characters, scenes, and events into a fictional story. It is incredible the way he puts this book together. However, I can say I would not have appreciated this book as much if I was not forced to dig into the history and truly appreciate the amount of time Carr took into making 95% of this novel 100% historically accurate. The other 5% though, is incorporated beautifully into the novel!
5. Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire- By far my favorite Harry Potter. Don't really feel the need to explain this one. My favorite part is the game at the end. Basically the second half of the book is the entire climax when Harry is thrown into this challenge and competes against others and finds himself in a situation he never predicted.
6. The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald- Incredible novel!!!!! love Gatsby's character, Nick Carraway I actually do not like very much. The whole book, I was wishing Gatsby was the main character, I wanted to see more into his life and that is the main reason I kept reading.
7. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway- Although I am not a particular fan of Hemmingway's writing, I did love the story. I loved the plot and the scene. This book made me fall in love with Paris and Spain. I despised Brett but at the same time loved her. It mixed my emotions and made me think of what it was like to live at that time period. The bull fights were the best part.
8. The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut- for those of you who love being confused and thrown into the world of existentialism, this is an amazing book. The futuristic setting, the mix of sci fi and fantasy and the confusion of not knowing really what the hell is going on is a rush for one's emotions. I read this book for English last year and ended up writing a blog on it and I am so glad I did. I got to express those bottled up emotions and tensions I felt while reading the book. If I hadn't been able to voice my opinions about this book, I may not have read it all the way through.
Monday, August 22, 2011
One Good Book
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.
The scary part about these lines, is that George Orwell proved them to be more than true in his famous novel 1984. This novel is beyond good and timeless. Written over 50 years ago, the lessons this story teaches are still relevant. The quote above is not exactly the perfect example of storytelling but it is intriguing. From the beginning, Orwell grabs the reader's attention under the impression that he will explain the statements later on; and Orwell definitely meets that expectation. 1984 is an interesting story because Orwell takes an unthinkable scenario and turns it into a reality. At the end of this book, the reader can walk away thinking it is the most ridiculous story ever made but completely realistic and true. Not only is the theme well written but the characters are incredible. Orwell begins with his character Winston who appears to be a hero, someone who will prevail in the end and the story will still be incredible. Yet while Orwell is playing with these contradicting themes, he creates a hero and makes him an unpredictable tragic hero. Winston is also in love, but in the end love doesn't prevail and neither does heroism. The end of this book is unpredictable and when I got to the last 10 pages, I was reading so slowly because I didn't want the story to end. Orwell takes an unrealistic scenario and makes it into a believable one with incredible poise. This book is though provoking and an easy read. I would recommend it to anyone.
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.
The scary part about these lines, is that George Orwell proved them to be more than true in his famous novel 1984. This novel is beyond good and timeless. Written over 50 years ago, the lessons this story teaches are still relevant. The quote above is not exactly the perfect example of storytelling but it is intriguing. From the beginning, Orwell grabs the reader's attention under the impression that he will explain the statements later on; and Orwell definitely meets that expectation. 1984 is an interesting story because Orwell takes an unthinkable scenario and turns it into a reality. At the end of this book, the reader can walk away thinking it is the most ridiculous story ever made but completely realistic and true. Not only is the theme well written but the characters are incredible. Orwell begins with his character Winston who appears to be a hero, someone who will prevail in the end and the story will still be incredible. Yet while Orwell is playing with these contradicting themes, he creates a hero and makes him an unpredictable tragic hero. Winston is also in love, but in the end love doesn't prevail and neither does heroism. The end of this book is unpredictable and when I got to the last 10 pages, I was reading so slowly because I didn't want the story to end. Orwell takes an unrealistic scenario and makes it into a believable one with incredible poise. This book is though provoking and an easy read. I would recommend it to anyone.
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