Thursday, April 13, 2017
Question 8: Language Part 3
I have elected to use my Poetry Outloud Assignment pass for this blog post.
Question 7: Language part 2
Excerpt: (pg. 131)
The ground was hard, the air was still, my road was
lonely; I walked fast till I got warm, and then I walked
slowly to enjoy and analyse the species of pleasure
brooding for me in the hour and situation. It was three
o’clock; the church bell tolled as I passed under the belfry:
the charm of the hour lay in its approaching dimness, in
the low-gliding and pale-beaming sun. I was a mile from
Thornfield, in a lane noted for wild roses in summer, for
nuts and blackberries in autumn, and even now possessing
a few coral treasures in hips and haws, but whose best
winter delight lay in its utter solitude and leafless repose. If
a breath of air stirred, it made no sound here; for there was
not a holly, not an evergreen to rustle, and the stripped
hawthorn and hazel bushes were as still as the white, worn
stones which causewayed the middle of the path. Far and wide, on each side, there were only fields, where no cattle
now browsed; and the little brown birds, which stirred
occasionally in the hedge, looked like single russet leaves
that had forgotten to drop.
Why I Chose this excerpt:
I think, one challenge that writers face in a book that lacks a lot of action like this one, is making sure that it is realistic enough for the audience to connect to. Because they can be at times boring to read, there has to be some sort of investment in the book. Bronte partially accomplished this with her breaking of the third wall (discussed in the previous blog), but another way she forces the audience to care about the story was by making it realistic to the point that the audience could physically put themselves in the position of the character. Readers do this all the time while reading but when the character feels as real as Jane did in this story, it takes on new layer of investment.
The passage above was not singled out for any reason, and there were plenty of other passages that would have worked. This is true because I want to look at the wording chosen for Jane's description of the scene around her. The diction used throughout this passage fits Jane to a tee. She is clearly educated based on lines such as "but whose best winter delight lay in its utter solitude and leafless repose". An english peasant would not use "delight" or "repose" in their descriptions. But with this, you can also tell that she is not of the highest education because of the opening line, "The ground was hard, the air was still, my road was lonely". I would imagine a university graduate to say something along the lines of "The compact earth, the air halcyon, my passage empty." This happy medium that Bronte found makes Jane a much more realistic character and a much more relatable character. Without this aspect of the book, I highly doubt it would be as nearly as successful as it is. There is little plot (of interest anyway), and the story is fine at best, but the book connect with it's readers. You not only observe Jane's horrible life, you experience it with her.
Why I Chose this excerpt:
I think, one challenge that writers face in a book that lacks a lot of action like this one, is making sure that it is realistic enough for the audience to connect to. Because they can be at times boring to read, there has to be some sort of investment in the book. Bronte partially accomplished this with her breaking of the third wall (discussed in the previous blog), but another way she forces the audience to care about the story was by making it realistic to the point that the audience could physically put themselves in the position of the character. Readers do this all the time while reading but when the character feels as real as Jane did in this story, it takes on new layer of investment.
The passage above was not singled out for any reason, and there were plenty of other passages that would have worked. This is true because I want to look at the wording chosen for Jane's description of the scene around her. The diction used throughout this passage fits Jane to a tee. She is clearly educated based on lines such as "but whose best winter delight lay in its utter solitude and leafless repose". An english peasant would not use "delight" or "repose" in their descriptions. But with this, you can also tell that she is not of the highest education because of the opening line, "The ground was hard, the air was still, my road was lonely". I would imagine a university graduate to say something along the lines of "The compact earth, the air halcyon, my passage empty." This happy medium that Bronte found makes Jane a much more realistic character and a much more relatable character. Without this aspect of the book, I highly doubt it would be as nearly as successful as it is. There is little plot (of interest anyway), and the story is fine at best, but the book connect with it's readers. You not only observe Jane's horrible life, you experience it with her.
Question 6: Language Part 1
Excerpt: (pg. 111)
Reader, though I look comfortably accommodated, I am not very tranquil in my mind. I thought when the coach stopped here there would be some one to meet me; I looked anxiously round as I descended the wooden steps the ‘boots’ placed for my convenience, expecting to hear my name pronounced, and to see some description of carriage waiting to convey me to Thornfield. Nothing of the sort was visible; and when I asked a waiter if any one had been to inquire after a Miss Eyre, I was answered in the negative: so I had no resource but to request to be shown into a private room: and here I am waiting, while all sorts of doubts and fears are troubling my thoughts.
Why I chose this excerpt:
I would not be doing right by the book to ignore Bronte's breaking of the third wall, for this language question. Because it is written in the first person and is narrated from Jane's point of view, when Bronte breaks the wall and directly addresses the reader it adds a layer to the book that, I think, makes Jane Eyre so special. With phrases like, "Reader, though I look comfortably accommodated" Bronte creates a fireside conversation like atmosphere. This atmosphere makes the book more enjoyable because it is as if you're sitting down with a relative listening to the stories of their life. The "I"s are just as important as the "reader"s to create this feeling. Most novelists avoid using "I" in reference to the writer (obviously they use it when characters revere to themselves, but that's different), but Bronte uses it freely and it is an aspect of the book that I really like. I really like this layer she adds because it makes me feel more invested into Jane. At times, this book can be arduous but when it feels like a conversation it makes it easier for me to stay focused on the story because I now care about what happens next to Jane (even if it's not always that interesting).
Reader, though I look comfortably accommodated, I am not very tranquil in my mind. I thought when the coach stopped here there would be some one to meet me; I looked anxiously round as I descended the wooden steps the ‘boots’ placed for my convenience, expecting to hear my name pronounced, and to see some description of carriage waiting to convey me to Thornfield. Nothing of the sort was visible; and when I asked a waiter if any one had been to inquire after a Miss Eyre, I was answered in the negative: so I had no resource but to request to be shown into a private room: and here I am waiting, while all sorts of doubts and fears are troubling my thoughts.
Why I chose this excerpt:
I would not be doing right by the book to ignore Bronte's breaking of the third wall, for this language question. Because it is written in the first person and is narrated from Jane's point of view, when Bronte breaks the wall and directly addresses the reader it adds a layer to the book that, I think, makes Jane Eyre so special. With phrases like, "Reader, though I look comfortably accommodated" Bronte creates a fireside conversation like atmosphere. This atmosphere makes the book more enjoyable because it is as if you're sitting down with a relative listening to the stories of their life. The "I"s are just as important as the "reader"s to create this feeling. Most novelists avoid using "I" in reference to the writer (obviously they use it when characters revere to themselves, but that's different), but Bronte uses it freely and it is an aspect of the book that I really like. I really like this layer she adds because it makes me feel more invested into Jane. At times, this book can be arduous but when it feels like a conversation it makes it easier for me to stay focused on the story because I now care about what happens next to Jane (even if it's not always that interesting).
Question 5: Setting
Excerpt: (pg. 113)
Again I looked out: we were passing a church; I saw its
low broad tower against the sky, and its bell was tolling a quarter; I saw a narrow galaxy of lights too, on a hillside,
marking a village or hamlet. About ten minutes after, the
driver got down and opened a pair of gates: we passed
through, and they clashed to behind us. We now slowly
ascended a drive, and came upon the long front of a
house: candlelight gleamed from one curtained bow-
window; all the rest were dark. The car stopped at the
front door; it was opened by a maid-servant; I alighted and
went in.
‘Will you walk this way, ma’am?’ said the girl; and I followed her across a square hall with high doors all round: she ushered me into a room whose double illumination of fire and candle at first dazzled me, contrasting as it did with the darkness to which my eyes had been for two hours inured; when I could see, however, a cosy and agreeable picture presented itself to my view.
Why I chose this excerpt:
Jane Eyre takes place in 19th century England. It starts in Jane's childhood at her aunt's home, Gateshead. Jane then goes to school at Lowood where she graduates and then teaches afterwards for a brief period. But most of the book takes place at her next place of employment and the home of Mr. Rochester, Thornfield. Above is her first description of the grounds.
I chose this excerpt because I believe it symbolically represents Jane's life. Jane's life is miserable, but Thornfield is a place of rebirth for Jane. She has friends who care for her, and she for them. She loves Adel, her student and she falls in love with Mr. Rochester. Despite all of these positive swings she describes the house having "candlelight gleam[ing] from one curtained bow- window; all the rest were dark." Light (generally used as a symbol of hope) is missing from this picture because Jane's life will not markedly improve with this home. She does get happiness out of the things mentioned before, but it doesn't last. Her marriage is ruined by Mr. Rochester's first wife and she abandons Thornfield leaving Adel and her coworker friends behind.
The overall setting of the story, has great affect on the reader. Jane is constantly surrounded by wealthy people yet she rarely gets to benefit from the prosperity around her. Her life is so difficult and the "villains" of this story have it so easy, that it makes it easier for the audience to associate with Jane and hate the "villians".
‘Will you walk this way, ma’am?’ said the girl; and I followed her across a square hall with high doors all round: she ushered me into a room whose double illumination of fire and candle at first dazzled me, contrasting as it did with the darkness to which my eyes had been for two hours inured; when I could see, however, a cosy and agreeable picture presented itself to my view.
Why I chose this excerpt:
Jane Eyre takes place in 19th century England. It starts in Jane's childhood at her aunt's home, Gateshead. Jane then goes to school at Lowood where she graduates and then teaches afterwards for a brief period. But most of the book takes place at her next place of employment and the home of Mr. Rochester, Thornfield. Above is her first description of the grounds.
I chose this excerpt because I believe it symbolically represents Jane's life. Jane's life is miserable, but Thornfield is a place of rebirth for Jane. She has friends who care for her, and she for them. She loves Adel, her student and she falls in love with Mr. Rochester. Despite all of these positive swings she describes the house having "candlelight gleam[ing] from one curtained bow- window; all the rest were dark." Light (generally used as a symbol of hope) is missing from this picture because Jane's life will not markedly improve with this home. She does get happiness out of the things mentioned before, but it doesn't last. Her marriage is ruined by Mr. Rochester's first wife and she abandons Thornfield leaving Adel and her coworker friends behind.
The overall setting of the story, has great affect on the reader. Jane is constantly surrounded by wealthy people yet she rarely gets to benefit from the prosperity around her. Her life is so difficult and the "villains" of this story have it so easy, that it makes it easier for the audience to associate with Jane and hate the "villians".
Question 4: Themes
Excerpt: (pg. 276)
I approached my cheek to her lips: she would not
touch it. She said I oppressed her by leaning over the bed,
and again demanded water. As I laid her down—for I
raised her and supported her on my arm while she
drank—I covered her ice-cold and clammy hand with
mine: the feeble fingers shrank from my touch—the
glazing eyes shunned my gaze.
‘Love me, then, or hate me, as you will,’ I said at last, ‘you have my full and free forgiveness: ask now for God’s, and be at peace.’
Why I chose this excerpt:
One theme that stood out throughout this story is family and the quest to find loved ones. From Aunt Reed, to Helen Burns, to Mr. Rochester Jane spent most of this book finding familial love. At Gateshead, her extended family essentially threw her out of the home. At Lowood, the strict rules kept anyone from getting close (or in Helen and the other student's cases, they'd die or leave because it's a school) And then obviously at Thornfield, both Mr. Rochester and Jane find love within each other and try to make it work.
I chose this specific excerpt because it solidified this theme for me as a big concept in this book. In this scene, Aunt Reed is still quite rude to Jane and despite "not touch[ing]" her, Jane still offers her "full and free forgiveness". This unconditional offering only happens in families, and even though this was barely a family Jane still felt obligated to her horrible Aunt. This stood out as a character defining moment for Jane. To be able to rise above the wickedness of her Aunt and then later her cousins, was enlightening to her character and spoke to this overall theme.
The saying goes "Blood is thicker than water" and thats because family ties are always closer than friendships or acquaintances , no matter how bad it can get. This is supported by Jane in this passage and throughout the book as she is always willing to forgive those she loves.
‘Love me, then, or hate me, as you will,’ I said at last, ‘you have my full and free forgiveness: ask now for God’s, and be at peace.’
Why I chose this excerpt:
One theme that stood out throughout this story is family and the quest to find loved ones. From Aunt Reed, to Helen Burns, to Mr. Rochester Jane spent most of this book finding familial love. At Gateshead, her extended family essentially threw her out of the home. At Lowood, the strict rules kept anyone from getting close (or in Helen and the other student's cases, they'd die or leave because it's a school) And then obviously at Thornfield, both Mr. Rochester and Jane find love within each other and try to make it work.
I chose this specific excerpt because it solidified this theme for me as a big concept in this book. In this scene, Aunt Reed is still quite rude to Jane and despite "not touch[ing]" her, Jane still offers her "full and free forgiveness". This unconditional offering only happens in families, and even though this was barely a family Jane still felt obligated to her horrible Aunt. This stood out as a character defining moment for Jane. To be able to rise above the wickedness of her Aunt and then later her cousins, was enlightening to her character and spoke to this overall theme.
The saying goes "Blood is thicker than water" and thats because family ties are always closer than friendships or acquaintances , no matter how bad it can get. This is supported by Jane in this passage and throughout the book as she is always willing to forgive those she loves.
Question 3: Characters
Excerpt: (pg. 199 - 200)
First, there was Mrs. Eshton and two of her daughters. She had evidently been a handsome woman, and was well preserved still. Of her daughters, the eldest, Amy, was rather little: naive, and child-like in face and manner, and piquant in form; her white muslin dress and blue sash became her well. The second, Louisa, was taller and more elegant in figure; with a very pretty face, of that order the French term minois chiffone: both sisters were fair as lilies. Lady Lynn was a large and stout personage of about forty, very erect, very haughty-looking, richly dressed in a satin robe of changeful sheen: her dark hair shone glossily under the shade of an azure plume, and within the circlet of a band of gems.
First, there was Mrs. Eshton and two of her daughters. She had evidently been a handsome woman, and was well preserved still. Of her daughters, the eldest, Amy, was rather little: naive, and child-like in face and manner, and piquant in form; her white muslin dress and blue sash became her well. The second, Louisa, was taller and more elegant in figure; with a very pretty face, of that order the French term minois chiffone: both sisters were fair as lilies. Lady Lynn was a large and stout personage of about forty, very erect, very haughty-looking, richly dressed in a satin robe of changeful sheen: her dark hair shone glossily under the shade of an azure plume, and within the circlet of a band of gems.
Mrs. Colonel Dent was less showy; but, I thought,
more lady-like. She had a slight figure, a pale, gentle face,
and fair hair. Her black satin dress, her scarf of rich foreign
lace, and her pearl ornaments, pleased me better than the
rainbow radiance of the titled dame.
But the three most distinguished—partly, perhaps, because the tallest figures of the band—were the Dowager Lady Ingram and her daughters, Blanche and Mary. They were all three of the loftiest stature of women. The Dowager might be between forty and fifty: her shape was still fine; her hair (by candle-light at least) still black; her teeth, too, were still apparently perfect. Most people would have termed her a splendid woman of her age: and so she was, no doubt, physically speaking; but then there was an expression of almost insupportable haughtiness in her bearing and countenance. She had Roman features and a double chin, disappearing into a throat like a pillar: these features appeared to me not only inflated and darkened, but even furrowed with pride; and the chin was sustained by the same principle, in a position of almost preternatural erectness. She had, likewise, a fierce and a hard eye: it reminded me of Mrs. Reed’s; she mouthed her words in speaking; her voice was deep, its inflections very pompous, very dogmatical,—very intolerable, in short. A crimson velvet robe, and a shawl turban of some gold-wrought Indian fabric, invested her (I suppose she thought) with a truly imperial dignity.
But the three most distinguished—partly, perhaps, because the tallest figures of the band—were the Dowager Lady Ingram and her daughters, Blanche and Mary. They were all three of the loftiest stature of women. The Dowager might be between forty and fifty: her shape was still fine; her hair (by candle-light at least) still black; her teeth, too, were still apparently perfect. Most people would have termed her a splendid woman of her age: and so she was, no doubt, physically speaking; but then there was an expression of almost insupportable haughtiness in her bearing and countenance. She had Roman features and a double chin, disappearing into a throat like a pillar: these features appeared to me not only inflated and darkened, but even furrowed with pride; and the chin was sustained by the same principle, in a position of almost preternatural erectness. She had, likewise, a fierce and a hard eye: it reminded me of Mrs. Reed’s; she mouthed her words in speaking; her voice was deep, its inflections very pompous, very dogmatical,—very intolerable, in short. A crimson velvet robe, and a shawl turban of some gold-wrought Indian fabric, invested her (I suppose she thought) with a truly imperial dignity.
Blanche and Mary were of equal stature,—straight and
tall as poplars. Mary was too slim for her height, but
Blanche was moulded like a Dian. I regarded her, of
course, with special interest. First, I wished to see whether
her appearance accorded with Mrs. Fairfax’s description;
secondly, whether it at all resembled the fancy miniature I
had painted of her; and thirdly—it will out!— whether it
were such as I should fancy likely to suit Mr. Rochester’s
taste.
Why I chose this excerpt:
Obviously the main characters in this book are fully developed and given a full background. Jane Eyre has both dynamic and static qualities that you'd expect in any real person and any fully developed character. However, I am going to take this question to review the other characters in this book.
This passage exemplifies a tendency in this book in which, Bronte continuously provides extraneous information that has very little effect on the book. This passage describes the rich guests, who stay at Mr. Rochester's home for a good portion of the book. And although they keep popping up in every scene (obviously, they're there), they don't really have much effect on the story. The fact that Mrs. Dent is "less showy" has zero effect on the plot and never comes back into play. Bronte is trying to paint a full picture so the reader can clearly see the scene as intended, but all of this excessive information weighs on the reader's ability to focus on what's really important. If these details cam back into play or even if the story was focused on these characters more, then I might not be as upset, but given the circumstances it is far too much bang for the little buck.
With that said, the amount of detail Bronte puts into her characters is very useful when discussing the main characters of the book. Jane, Mr. Rochester, Mrs. Fairfax and Mrs. Ingram are all well developed and the reader has a good sense of the tensions between each relationship. In these cases I am ok with excess amounts of details because it helps the reader understand each scene, but the details provided in the passage above do not accomplish such a task.
Why I chose this excerpt:
Obviously the main characters in this book are fully developed and given a full background. Jane Eyre has both dynamic and static qualities that you'd expect in any real person and any fully developed character. However, I am going to take this question to review the other characters in this book.
This passage exemplifies a tendency in this book in which, Bronte continuously provides extraneous information that has very little effect on the book. This passage describes the rich guests, who stay at Mr. Rochester's home for a good portion of the book. And although they keep popping up in every scene (obviously, they're there), they don't really have much effect on the story. The fact that Mrs. Dent is "less showy" has zero effect on the plot and never comes back into play. Bronte is trying to paint a full picture so the reader can clearly see the scene as intended, but all of this excessive information weighs on the reader's ability to focus on what's really important. If these details cam back into play or even if the story was focused on these characters more, then I might not be as upset, but given the circumstances it is far too much bang for the little buck.
With that said, the amount of detail Bronte puts into her characters is very useful when discussing the main characters of the book. Jane, Mr. Rochester, Mrs. Fairfax and Mrs. Ingram are all well developed and the reader has a good sense of the tensions between each relationship. In these cases I am ok with excess amounts of details because it helps the reader understand each scene, but the details provided in the passage above do not accomplish such a task.
Question 2: Narrative Viewpoint
Excerpt (pg. 96-98):
‘Jane, your little feet are bare; lie down and cover yourself with my quilt.’
‘Jane, your little feet are bare; lie down and cover yourself with my quilt.’
I did so: she put her arm over me, and I nestled close to
her. After a long silence, she resumed, still whispering -
‘I am very happy, Jane; and when you hear that I am dead, you must be sure and not grieve: there is nothing to grieve about. We all must die one day, and the illness which is removing me is not painful; it is gentle and gradual: my mind is at rest. I leave no one to regret me much: I have only a father; and he is lately married, and will not miss me. By dying young, I shall escape great sufferings. I had not qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world: I should have been continually at fault.’
‘But where are you going to, Helen? Can you see? Do you know?’
‘I believe; I have faith: I am going to God.’
‘Where is God? What is God?’
‘My Maker and yours, who will never destroy what He
created. I rely implicitly on His power, and confide wholly in His goodness: I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which shall restore me to Him, reveal Him to me.’
‘Good-night, Jane.’
Her grave is in Brocklebridge churchyard: for fifteen
years after her death it was only covered by a grassy
mound; but now a grey marble tablet marks the spot,
inscribed with her name, and the word ‘Resurgam.’
Why I chose this excerpt:
Jane Eyre is told from the point of Jane Eyre herself. She is the only narrator in this story. The author has chosen to use the main character as the narrator, in order to effectively use first person pronouns.
I chose this passage because it exemplifies the power of the first person story telling that is used in Jane Eyre. In this scene Jane's best friend, and at this point only friend, ties of disease. It pulls on the emotional strings of the reader because Jane Eyre wasn't asleep, "I was asleep, and Helen was - dead." Bronte's use of first person personal pronouns instead of third person sterile ones, makes this tragic scene and the overall story more emotional. Instead of simply observing the story take place, the readers can insert themselves into the story.
This book was not written for an intense plot that will captivate the minds of readers all across the globe. It is the story of a modest girl who lives slightly above average. But the book is still read today because of the emotional draw it has on it's readers. This is just one of many scenes that the reader feels for Jane and the reader is only able to fully feel Jane's distraught throughout the entire book because of the use of the first person pronouns.
‘I am very happy, Jane; and when you hear that I am dead, you must be sure and not grieve: there is nothing to grieve about. We all must die one day, and the illness which is removing me is not painful; it is gentle and gradual: my mind is at rest. I leave no one to regret me much: I have only a father; and he is lately married, and will not miss me. By dying young, I shall escape great sufferings. I had not qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world: I should have been continually at fault.’
‘But where are you going to, Helen? Can you see? Do you know?’
‘I believe; I have faith: I am going to God.’
‘Where is God? What is God?’
‘My Maker and yours, who will never destroy what He
created. I rely implicitly on His power, and confide wholly in His goodness: I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which shall restore me to Him, reveal Him to me.’
‘You are sure, then, Helen, that there is such a place as
heaven, and that our souls can get to it when we die?’
‘I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to Him without any misgiving. God is my father; God is my friend: I love Him; I believe He loves me.’
‘And shall I see you again, Helen, when I die?’
‘You will come to the same region of happiness: be received by the same mighty, universal Parent, no doubt, dear Jane.’
Again I questioned, but this time only in thought. ‘Where is that region? Does it exist?’ And I clasped my arms closer round Helen; she seemed dearer to me than ever; I felt as if I could not let her go; I lay with my face hidden on her neck. Presently she said, in the sweetest tone -
‘How comfortable I am! That last fit of coughing has tired me a little; I feel as if I could sleep: but don’t leave me, Jane; I like to have you near me.’
‘I’ll stay with you, DEAR Helen: no one shall take me way.’
‘Are you warm, darling?’ ‘Yes.’
‘I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to Him without any misgiving. God is my father; God is my friend: I love Him; I believe He loves me.’
‘And shall I see you again, Helen, when I die?’
‘You will come to the same region of happiness: be received by the same mighty, universal Parent, no doubt, dear Jane.’
Again I questioned, but this time only in thought. ‘Where is that region? Does it exist?’ And I clasped my arms closer round Helen; she seemed dearer to me than ever; I felt as if I could not let her go; I lay with my face hidden on her neck. Presently she said, in the sweetest tone -
‘How comfortable I am! That last fit of coughing has tired me a little; I feel as if I could sleep: but don’t leave me, Jane; I like to have you near me.’
‘I’ll stay with you, DEAR Helen: no one shall take me way.’
‘Are you warm, darling?’ ‘Yes.’
‘Good-night, Helen.’
She kissed me, and I her, and we both soon slumbered. When I awoke it was day: an unusual movement
roused me; I looked up; I was in somebody’s arms; the nurse held me; she was carrying me through the passage back to the dormitory. I was not reprimanded for leaving my bed; people had something else to think about; no explanation was afforded then to my many questions; but a day or two afterwards I learned that Miss Temple, on returning to her own room at dawn, had found me laid in the little crib; my face against Helen Burns’s shoulder, my arms round her neck. I was asleep, and Helen was—dead.
She kissed me, and I her, and we both soon slumbered. When I awoke it was day: an unusual movement
roused me; I looked up; I was in somebody’s arms; the nurse held me; she was carrying me through the passage back to the dormitory. I was not reprimanded for leaving my bed; people had something else to think about; no explanation was afforded then to my many questions; but a day or two afterwards I learned that Miss Temple, on returning to her own room at dawn, had found me laid in the little crib; my face against Helen Burns’s shoulder, my arms round her neck. I was asleep, and Helen was—dead.
Why I chose this excerpt:
Jane Eyre is told from the point of Jane Eyre herself. She is the only narrator in this story. The author has chosen to use the main character as the narrator, in order to effectively use first person pronouns.
I chose this passage because it exemplifies the power of the first person story telling that is used in Jane Eyre. In this scene Jane's best friend, and at this point only friend, ties of disease. It pulls on the emotional strings of the reader because Jane Eyre wasn't asleep, "I was asleep, and Helen was - dead." Bronte's use of first person personal pronouns instead of third person sterile ones, makes this tragic scene and the overall story more emotional. Instead of simply observing the story take place, the readers can insert themselves into the story.
This book was not written for an intense plot that will captivate the minds of readers all across the globe. It is the story of a modest girl who lives slightly above average. But the book is still read today because of the emotional draw it has on it's readers. This is just one of many scenes that the reader feels for Jane and the reader is only able to fully feel Jane's distraught throughout the entire book because of the use of the first person pronouns.
Question 1: Overview
Excerpt: (pg 334-336)
‘It simply consists in the existence of a previous marriage. Mr. Rochester has a wife now living.’
‘It simply consists in the existence of a previous marriage. Mr. Rochester has a wife now living.’
My nerves vibrated to those low-spoken words as they
had never vibrated to thunder—my blood felt their subtle
violence as it had never felt frost or fire; but I was
collected, and in no danger of swooning. I looked at Mr. Rochester: I made him look at me. His whole face was
colourless rock: his eye was both spark and flint. He
disavowed nothing: he seemed as if he would defy all
things. Without speaking, without smiling, without
seeming to recognise in me a human being, he only
twined my waist with his arm and riveted me to his side.
‘Who are you?’ he asked of the intruder.
‘My name is Briggs, a solicitor of—Street, London.’ ‘And you would thrust on me a wife?’
‘I would remind you of your lady’s existence, sir,
which the law recognises, if you do not.’
‘Favour me with an account of her—with her name,
her parentage, her place of abode.’
‘Certainly.’ Mr. Briggs calmly took a paper from his
pocket, and read out in a sort of official, nasal voice:-
‘‘I affirm and can prove that on the 20th of October A.D.—(a date of fifteen years back), Edward Fairfax Rochester, of Thornfield Hall, in the county of -, and of Ferndean Manor, in -shire, England, was married to my sister, Bertha Antoinetta Mason, daughter of Jonas Mason, merchant, and of Antoinetta his wife, a Creole, at— church, Spanish Town, Jamaica. The record of the marriage will be found in the register of that church—a copy of it is now in my possession. Signed, Richard Mason.’’
Why I chose this excerpt:
This story is about a women named Jane Eyre (obviously) and her life. It's not about any crazy adventures or fierce battles between foes, it's simply the life of Jane Eyre. It follows Jane, through her life chronologically, with some gaps in between. This makes the book extremely boring at times, because life, especially other people's lives, can be super uninteresting. With that said, Jane's life is wretched. From her wicked Aunt to strict schooling, her childhood is nonexistent or worse. Her adult life is an improvement, but marginal. She falls in love with her "master" (her boss man) and he with her, although he courted her with an unique strategy to say the least. When the two try to marry, they are interrupted by a man who has proof that Mr. Rochester is married to another women. Eventually Mr. Rochester tracks her down and they live "happily ever after" but most of the book is pretty depressing.
The marriage, plot twisting scene is depicted above. But I chose this scene not for it's effect on the plot but to exemplify a tragic characteristic of Jane Eyre. Jane allows things to happen to her. She fights back and argues with very little throughout the entire book. In this scene, for example, her wedding (which she was very excited for) was cut off and deemed invalid by two complete strangers (At least to her. Technically she does know Mr. Mason, but that doesn't count), yet despite this the most action she takes to intervene with the problem is that she "made Mr. Rochester look at" her. This inaction, taken by Jane is a reoccurring thing and I believe leads to many of her conflicts throughout the book and has a large effect on the plot which is why I brought it up for this question.
I also chose to reveal this thought because I believe it speaks to one of the main ideas of this story. Life happens, and overall it pretty much stinks. So you can not stand by idle and watch it slip away as Jane does. She lives a horrible life, so learn from her and step up to improve your own life.
‘My name is Briggs, a solicitor of—Street, London.’ ‘And you would thrust on me a wife?’
‘I would remind you of your lady’s existence, sir,
which the law recognises, if you do not.’
‘Favour me with an account of her—with her name,
her parentage, her place of abode.’
‘Certainly.’ Mr. Briggs calmly took a paper from his
pocket, and read out in a sort of official, nasal voice:-
‘‘I affirm and can prove that on the 20th of October A.D.—(a date of fifteen years back), Edward Fairfax Rochester, of Thornfield Hall, in the county of -, and of Ferndean Manor, in -shire, England, was married to my sister, Bertha Antoinetta Mason, daughter of Jonas Mason, merchant, and of Antoinetta his wife, a Creole, at— church, Spanish Town, Jamaica. The record of the marriage will be found in the register of that church—a copy of it is now in my possession. Signed, Richard Mason.’’
Why I chose this excerpt:
This story is about a women named Jane Eyre (obviously) and her life. It's not about any crazy adventures or fierce battles between foes, it's simply the life of Jane Eyre. It follows Jane, through her life chronologically, with some gaps in between. This makes the book extremely boring at times, because life, especially other people's lives, can be super uninteresting. With that said, Jane's life is wretched. From her wicked Aunt to strict schooling, her childhood is nonexistent or worse. Her adult life is an improvement, but marginal. She falls in love with her "master" (her boss man) and he with her, although he courted her with an unique strategy to say the least. When the two try to marry, they are interrupted by a man who has proof that Mr. Rochester is married to another women. Eventually Mr. Rochester tracks her down and they live "happily ever after" but most of the book is pretty depressing.
The marriage, plot twisting scene is depicted above. But I chose this scene not for it's effect on the plot but to exemplify a tragic characteristic of Jane Eyre. Jane allows things to happen to her. She fights back and argues with very little throughout the entire book. In this scene, for example, her wedding (which she was very excited for) was cut off and deemed invalid by two complete strangers (At least to her. Technically she does know Mr. Mason, but that doesn't count), yet despite this the most action she takes to intervene with the problem is that she "made Mr. Rochester look at" her. This inaction, taken by Jane is a reoccurring thing and I believe leads to many of her conflicts throughout the book and has a large effect on the plot which is why I brought it up for this question.
I also chose to reveal this thought because I believe it speaks to one of the main ideas of this story. Life happens, and overall it pretty much stinks. So you can not stand by idle and watch it slip away as Jane does. She lives a horrible life, so learn from her and step up to improve your own life.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Merchant in Venice- Act I
This was challenging to get into at first because of the Shakespearian language and it being written in play format. Although doable, this made some parts very confusing one the first go around. For instance, on multiple occasions a character had an aside which I didn't see and thought they were just flat out insulting each other in the conversations. This confused me several times on the first go.
As for the play itself, I found it to be fairly boring and basic thus far. The lead chest is obviously the winner for Portia and I'm sure there will be romantic drama as there was in Romeo and Juliet.
-Sorry this is late.
As for the play itself, I found it to be fairly boring and basic thus far. The lead chest is obviously the winner for Portia and I'm sure there will be romantic drama as there was in Romeo and Juliet.
-Sorry this is late.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Truth Essay Rhetoric Sandbox
I tried to incorporate some compare and contrast work between truth and lies in order to dispel the notion that these concepts can't work together. I think I was effective but when I finished I questioned the need for such a paragraph. I'm not entirely sure if it helps the argument I'm making. Obviously with edits and revisions I can make it work, but I'll have to see if this is where I want to take my essay. Maybe I'll fool around with a different approach instead. For now I think it's ok for a starting point, I'm just not fully confident it will be anything like my ending point.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
1984 Part III
Chapter 1
Whoa! This chapter was intense. And depressing. Also, SCREW O'BRIEN! I knew he was too good to be true for a book like this. Like wow. What scum. The scene with the man and the bread was brutal. I would much rather be dead then struggle in a place like this.
Chapter 2
I don't understand big brother. The effort put into "curing" Winston does not make any sense. This is part of the "why" Winston was wondering about earlier. But I still don't get it. Like I understood the explanations from "the book" but the explanations O'Brien gives are not satisfactory. This is far too much effort for one rebel. This is an unsustainable system, yet big brother will "live forever".
Chapter 3
Poor Winston. They broke him. Not spiritually yet, but his body is broken. Like that imagery was Holocaust like. Him holding onto Julia is sweet but also creepy. They didn't date for very long yet she is his light. IDK man, their whole relationship was weird to me. Also knowing you're a dead man walking would be horrible. Just end it so you have some control over something.
Chapter 4
I guess this is an improvement? It's still horrible and confusing and depressing but go Winston! As I see the book coming to an end I rethink the plot and realize there wasn't much. He almost joins a rebellion and then gets captured and destroyed. I guess that's Orwell's point. Big Brother is in fact always watching.
Chapter 5
OMG HE BROKE! I never liked his relationship with Julia but he finally threw her under the bus! What a disgusting chapter but also wow! Fear of pain from something scary broke Winston, when truly unbearable pain didn't. What a crazy concept but also probably very real. This makes me wonder how real this book is? How much research into psychology Orwell did? Even if Big Brother is unlikely, how likely is the interactions between the people in this book?
Chapter 6
What a depressing ending. He reunites with Julia to find out she broke too. He has no relations and then his final victory is LOVING big brother?? This is just sad. He is broken. This isn't a book about rebelling against an oppressive government this a book about breaking people. This is about the government not the people.
Final Remarks
What a strange book. There is no protagonist. You want to like Winston but he sucks. He was a horrible child and he loses in the end. Julia turns everyone off instantly and other that everyone is clearly a bad guy. There is no plot either. Like what happened in this book? NOTHING! One unlikeable man was broken by his horrible government. The end.
Despite these strange aspects, this book is still manages to be powerful. It is essentially a psychology book. It deals with how a person works and less with why a person works. It shows you the breaking point of humanity, which surprisingly isn't death. I'm not sure what I got out of this book, but it's there. There's a mark. I just don't know what it it yet.
Whoa! This chapter was intense. And depressing. Also, SCREW O'BRIEN! I knew he was too good to be true for a book like this. Like wow. What scum. The scene with the man and the bread was brutal. I would much rather be dead then struggle in a place like this.
Chapter 2
I don't understand big brother. The effort put into "curing" Winston does not make any sense. This is part of the "why" Winston was wondering about earlier. But I still don't get it. Like I understood the explanations from "the book" but the explanations O'Brien gives are not satisfactory. This is far too much effort for one rebel. This is an unsustainable system, yet big brother will "live forever".
Chapter 3
Poor Winston. They broke him. Not spiritually yet, but his body is broken. Like that imagery was Holocaust like. Him holding onto Julia is sweet but also creepy. They didn't date for very long yet she is his light. IDK man, their whole relationship was weird to me. Also knowing you're a dead man walking would be horrible. Just end it so you have some control over something.
Chapter 4
I guess this is an improvement? It's still horrible and confusing and depressing but go Winston! As I see the book coming to an end I rethink the plot and realize there wasn't much. He almost joins a rebellion and then gets captured and destroyed. I guess that's Orwell's point. Big Brother is in fact always watching.
Chapter 5
OMG HE BROKE! I never liked his relationship with Julia but he finally threw her under the bus! What a disgusting chapter but also wow! Fear of pain from something scary broke Winston, when truly unbearable pain didn't. What a crazy concept but also probably very real. This makes me wonder how real this book is? How much research into psychology Orwell did? Even if Big Brother is unlikely, how likely is the interactions between the people in this book?
Chapter 6
What a depressing ending. He reunites with Julia to find out she broke too. He has no relations and then his final victory is LOVING big brother?? This is just sad. He is broken. This isn't a book about rebelling against an oppressive government this a book about breaking people. This is about the government not the people.
Final Remarks
What a strange book. There is no protagonist. You want to like Winston but he sucks. He was a horrible child and he loses in the end. Julia turns everyone off instantly and other that everyone is clearly a bad guy. There is no plot either. Like what happened in this book? NOTHING! One unlikeable man was broken by his horrible government. The end.
Despite these strange aspects, this book is still manages to be powerful. It is essentially a psychology book. It deals with how a person works and less with why a person works. It shows you the breaking point of humanity, which surprisingly isn't death. I'm not sure what I got out of this book, but it's there. There's a mark. I just don't know what it it yet.
Monday, February 13, 2017
1984 Part II- Chapters 9 and 10
Chapter 9
The book was not what I expected. It almost sounded like the party wrote it. From the chapter titles to the explanation of the war it, sounded like justification for what is going on in the world. The explanation made logical sense but it didn't sound like a revolution. The analysis of societies, I found interesting a true in some sense to the real world. No matter how fair or equal a society is set up to be it always breaks down into a high, middle and low class. Orwell's book is applying more and more to the real world as it progresses.
Chapter 10
This was a devastating chapter to say the least. The nice man renting the home to Winston was apparently a Thought Police spy. I don't understand where the book is going to go because according to Winston they'll be dead soon. I liked the shop keeper too, so I'm pretty upset he turned out to be a bad guy.
The book was not what I expected. It almost sounded like the party wrote it. From the chapter titles to the explanation of the war it, sounded like justification for what is going on in the world. The explanation made logical sense but it didn't sound like a revolution. The analysis of societies, I found interesting a true in some sense to the real world. No matter how fair or equal a society is set up to be it always breaks down into a high, middle and low class. Orwell's book is applying more and more to the real world as it progresses.
Chapter 10
This was a devastating chapter to say the least. The nice man renting the home to Winston was apparently a Thought Police spy. I don't understand where the book is going to go because according to Winston they'll be dead soon. I liked the shop keeper too, so I'm pretty upset he turned out to be a bad guy.
1984 Part II- Chapters 7 and 8
Chapter 7
I hate Winston now. He was a horrible child. Like wow. Nothing about is appealing to me anymore. I won't know why Orwell decided to build his character like this but I hate it. I also didn't like his narration at the end of the chapter. The proles are people but he isn't? I didn't follow that argument at all.
Chapter 8
I just don't understand how Winston knew O'brien was a rebel. It doesn't add up. Also, why did he bring Julia?? That was not thought out. The book easily could have ended right there, with "The Though Police arrived within 4 minutes, brought us to 'court' where we were instantly executed." The end.
The brotherhood is really creepy and seems a bit unnecessary. I see the plan, but I also think straight rebelling would work. I would think the proles would rise up against the Party if they were motivated by someone.
I hate Winston now. He was a horrible child. Like wow. Nothing about is appealing to me anymore. I won't know why Orwell decided to build his character like this but I hate it. I also didn't like his narration at the end of the chapter. The proles are people but he isn't? I didn't follow that argument at all.
Chapter 8
I just don't understand how Winston knew O'brien was a rebel. It doesn't add up. Also, why did he bring Julia?? That was not thought out. The book easily could have ended right there, with "The Though Police arrived within 4 minutes, brought us to 'court' where we were instantly executed." The end.
The brotherhood is really creepy and seems a bit unnecessary. I see the plan, but I also think straight rebelling would work. I would think the proles would rise up against the Party if they were motivated by someone.
1984 Part II- Chapters 5 and 6
Chapter 5
What I found most interesting about this chapter was how well Orwell predicted the future of politics. Julia, in my opinion, represents a lot of people in today's world that don't care about the big picture because they don't see how it affects them individually. In some aspects thinking about the big picture and future generations has improved, like with global warming, but as a whole I think I am part of a generation that thinks mainly about themselves.
Chapter 6
This short chapter brought more questions than answers. What's he been doing with the diary? Is he sure this isn't a set up to eliminate him from the earth? Is he seeing what he wants to see? Why would he think O'Brien is the brotherhood leader? He doesn't seem to be thinking this through.
What I found most interesting about this chapter was how well Orwell predicted the future of politics. Julia, in my opinion, represents a lot of people in today's world that don't care about the big picture because they don't see how it affects them individually. In some aspects thinking about the big picture and future generations has improved, like with global warming, but as a whole I think I am part of a generation that thinks mainly about themselves.
Chapter 6
This short chapter brought more questions than answers. What's he been doing with the diary? Is he sure this isn't a set up to eliminate him from the earth? Is he seeing what he wants to see? Why would he think O'Brien is the brotherhood leader? He doesn't seem to be thinking this through.
1984 Part II- Chapters 3 and 4
Chapter 3
This was a pretty slow chapter about their dates and whatnot but there was a line very late in the chapter that caught my attention. Winston said "life and death are the same thing" and Julia was up in arms about this. Depending on the prompt I think this scene could be useful in an essay.
Chapter 4
It's interesting that makeup, even back when this book was written goes hand in hand with looking feminine. Winston has nothing physically desirable about him and I wonder why Orwell made his main character that way. Usually a hero has a flaw but is on the whole a golden boy. Winston however is gross looking, old and scared of bugs. I wonder how this character development will affect the story.
This was a pretty slow chapter about their dates and whatnot but there was a line very late in the chapter that caught my attention. Winston said "life and death are the same thing" and Julia was up in arms about this. Depending on the prompt I think this scene could be useful in an essay.
Chapter 4
It's interesting that makeup, even back when this book was written goes hand in hand with looking feminine. Winston has nothing physically desirable about him and I wonder why Orwell made his main character that way. Usually a hero has a flaw but is on the whole a golden boy. Winston however is gross looking, old and scared of bugs. I wonder how this character development will affect the story.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
1984 Part II- Chapters 1 and 2
Chapter 1
I KNEW IT! I TOTALLY CALLED IT THAT SHE WAS A GOOD GUY. The note this is very classic which surprises me because form the article we read I thought Orwell was all about being original. The sneaking around of this chapter is way more interesting to read that most of Part I but without part I then we wouldn't understand why they had to be so sneaky so there's a give and take there.
Chapter 2
Well... Their relationship is moving fast. The bird thing was kind of weird and I didn't understand why that was included. But the most interesting part of the chapter for me was the very end when Winston their relationship was a political act. I found that to be a interesting view on what was going on. I also found it interesting that Winston hates "goodness". The Party has punished them with "purity" and "goodness" so much that Winston not only hates the Party but hates what the Party strive for even though in theory it is a good thing.
I KNEW IT! I TOTALLY CALLED IT THAT SHE WAS A GOOD GUY. The note this is very classic which surprises me because form the article we read I thought Orwell was all about being original. The sneaking around of this chapter is way more interesting to read that most of Part I but without part I then we wouldn't understand why they had to be so sneaky so there's a give and take there.
Chapter 2
Well... Their relationship is moving fast. The bird thing was kind of weird and I didn't understand why that was included. But the most interesting part of the chapter for me was the very end when Winston their relationship was a political act. I found that to be a interesting view on what was going on. I also found it interesting that Winston hates "goodness". The Party has punished them with "purity" and "goodness" so much that Winston not only hates the Party but hates what the Party strive for even though in theory it is a good thing.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
1984- Chapter 8
This chapter was all over the place. I thought the old man was going to be super interesting and enlightening but he turned out to be useless. And then I thought the shop was going to be empty and useless and it turned out to be inspirational for Winston. I did find it interesting that the old man worked in American units but the young bar tender only knew the metric system. This suggests not only a change in government but a take over from a different government during the revolution.
The girl from work popped up again and I'm still not convinced she's a bad guy. I think she and Winston might go on to safe free will and society but what do I know.
The girl from work popped up again and I'm still not convinced she's a bad guy. I think she and Winston might go on to safe free will and society but what do I know.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
1984- Chapters 6 and 7
Chapter 6
This was a gross chapter with the old prostitute and whatnot, but it was also revealing about Winston and the Party as a whole. Expelling sex from a society is a hefty goal for the Party to set and is clearly a work in progress seeing that prostitutes and still running around. I think the most interesting line from this chapter was "The Party was trying to kill the sex instinct, or, of it could not be killed, then to distort it and dirty it." This interested me because the party is openly admitting that they can not control everything and even though there isn't much hope, there is some and to quote The Force Awakens: "rebellions are built off hope!"
Chapter 7
This chapter felt like the turning point for Winston. He put together his current thoughts with his prior experiences and it appears that he will try to make a difference in his creepy world. The question is how? The book so far has been a lot of back stories and not a lot of action, we'll see if that changes going into part 2 and see if Winston starts making an army.
I hope this book doesn't turn into endless gloom because even though that is more probable for the setting it would be way more depressing to read.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
1984- Chapters 1-5 Thoughts and Reaction
Chapter 1
This is obviously a introductory chapter and it introduces a scary and depressing world. The TV is super creepy and the Ministry of Truth seems robotic but with humans. Also whats with the weird names? "Ministry of Truth", "Thoughtcrime", "Ministry of Love" etc. They all seem good based on title and then he describes their function and it's like nope, just kidding, we all suck. I think I already see the plot developing in that my guess is that Winston revolts against this terrifying government but I may be wrong...
Chapter 2
This chapter was creepy, obviously, but the worst part was when Winston was interacting with the children. WHY DO THEY WANT TO SEE A HANGING?? LIKE WTF (pardon my abbreviated french). but seriously what? Like I played imaginary fighting as a kid but I was never happy or excited to see or hear that someone died! So they really creeped me out.
I have noticed that despite some of the descriptions being color, like the cabbage water from the neighbors, I am only imagining shades of grey (not the film/ movie). IDK if this is because of previous media or just a result of the descriptions and setting but I only see grey sky, building, people. I even imagine the TV and black and white. Weird right?
Chapter 3
I enjoyed chapter three because of the insight it provides regarding Winston's background. It delves into his family and a little bit of the evolution of Big Brother. The development of the fictional world really intrigues me as a reader, especially when it is done well and although this world is creepy I still find in cool.
I also liked this chapter because of how the story is narrated. It is set up to be a third person narration but a lot of the narration happens inside Winston's head which I find pretty cool, and honestly relatable. A lot more happens in a person's head then we realize and I think Orwell is doing a pretty good conveying that complexity.
Chapter 4
Seeing Winston working was both interesting and terrifying at the same time. I found it interesting because it developed the work further but it was terrifying because it shows the amount of control the government has. It's very strange that the government has to change past in order to maintain control in the present. Interesting concept and view but also horrifying. Winston's coworker neighbor is suspicious and I suspect we have yet to see the end of him.
I think it's weird that the government uses normal people like Winston to change the papers and what naught. Aren't they worried he'll catch on and say something?
Chapter 5
This chapter was completely in the cafeteria and it was interesting to read the roller coaster inside Winston's head. At first he seemed unamused or uninterested in what Syme had to say. Then he seemed very interested in what everyone around him was saying. And then when Parsons should up he seemed disturbed by Parson's kids, who are in fact disturbing. But the end of the chapter was the most interesting part. When Winston sees the pretty girl starring at him. Right now Winston thinks she is a spy and out to get him but I think she is part of the revolution that I see happening. Her and Winston's coworker from across the hall, I believe are going to be big players in this plot.
This is obviously a introductory chapter and it introduces a scary and depressing world. The TV is super creepy and the Ministry of Truth seems robotic but with humans. Also whats with the weird names? "Ministry of Truth", "Thoughtcrime", "Ministry of Love" etc. They all seem good based on title and then he describes their function and it's like nope, just kidding, we all suck. I think I already see the plot developing in that my guess is that Winston revolts against this terrifying government but I may be wrong...
Chapter 2
This chapter was creepy, obviously, but the worst part was when Winston was interacting with the children. WHY DO THEY WANT TO SEE A HANGING?? LIKE WTF (pardon my abbreviated french). but seriously what? Like I played imaginary fighting as a kid but I was never happy or excited to see or hear that someone died! So they really creeped me out.
I have noticed that despite some of the descriptions being color, like the cabbage water from the neighbors, I am only imagining shades of grey (not the film/ movie). IDK if this is because of previous media or just a result of the descriptions and setting but I only see grey sky, building, people. I even imagine the TV and black and white. Weird right?
Chapter 3
I enjoyed chapter three because of the insight it provides regarding Winston's background. It delves into his family and a little bit of the evolution of Big Brother. The development of the fictional world really intrigues me as a reader, especially when it is done well and although this world is creepy I still find in cool.
I also liked this chapter because of how the story is narrated. It is set up to be a third person narration but a lot of the narration happens inside Winston's head which I find pretty cool, and honestly relatable. A lot more happens in a person's head then we realize and I think Orwell is doing a pretty good conveying that complexity.
Chapter 4
Seeing Winston working was both interesting and terrifying at the same time. I found it interesting because it developed the work further but it was terrifying because it shows the amount of control the government has. It's very strange that the government has to change past in order to maintain control in the present. Interesting concept and view but also horrifying. Winston's coworker neighbor is suspicious and I suspect we have yet to see the end of him.
I think it's weird that the government uses normal people like Winston to change the papers and what naught. Aren't they worried he'll catch on and say something?
Chapter 5
This chapter was completely in the cafeteria and it was interesting to read the roller coaster inside Winston's head. At first he seemed unamused or uninterested in what Syme had to say. Then he seemed very interested in what everyone around him was saying. And then when Parsons should up he seemed disturbed by Parson's kids, who are in fact disturbing. But the end of the chapter was the most interesting part. When Winston sees the pretty girl starring at him. Right now Winston thinks she is a spy and out to get him but I think she is part of the revolution that I see happening. Her and Winston's coworker from across the hall, I believe are going to be big players in this plot.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
A note to Mrs. PD
This past week I had been "saving" my posts instead of "publishing" them. This was my mistake but I just caught it so I just dumped the last like 15 chapters onto you at once. I am so sorry about this!
Chapters 38- End Thoughts and Reaction
Chapter 38
This chapter might have been the most frustrating yet. They have a hole into Jim's cabin and us eit to get a grindstone into the cabin but Huck and Tom couldn't do it by themselves so they get Jim out and use his help to get the grind stone in and then they LEAVE JIM BACK IN THE CABIN. Tom is just absolutely insane. And then on top of this lunacy Tom wants to give Jim all the rodents and varmints to make the cabin more realistic. WHO CARES. God. I just wanted to reach into my book and grab Tom by his neck.
Chapter 39
The animal gift for Jim is ridiculous and the amount of time this scheme has taken is unreal. Jim is stuck in a 10 foot by 10 foot cabin and Tom wants to play pretend for multiple weeks. Even though I'm bashing on him I did think the anonymous letters was super cool and an interesting development to watch unfold.
Chapter 40
This was an exciting chapter to finally see Jim set free. The butter scene with Aunt Sally was hilarious but all the men with their guns was kind of creepy and scary. I thought when the dogs came it was game over but it makes sense that they wouldn't bark at Huck and Tom. Tom getting shot was unfortunate but honestly I was so frustrated with him by this point that I thought he deserved it. Too bad Huck had to go back to town though because Jim should really be getting a move on.
Chapter 41
Huck did a nice job getting the doctor but it was really unfortunate that he ran into Uncle Silas. He should have known people were going to be looking for him but I guess it's realistic to have a kid not think everything through. I did like seeing Aunt Sally caring so much because for much of the book she is yelling and comes across crazy but this chapter shows the softer more caring side of her and I liked that.
Chapter 42/ Chapter the Last
Tom being brought back was a dissappointing ending to the book because I wanted Jim and Huck to go back onto the river but I did like that he cared if Jim got away or not. I did like that Jim got to go free and that they didn't hang him, even though the logic behind not hanging him was disturbing. Explaining the whole jig to Aunt Sally was awkward and funny when it was explained to Uncle Silas. All in all I liked the book a lot until these past 10 chapters or so. I think this book is more about morality than it is about a plot or book.
Chapters 32- 37 Thoughts and Reaction
Chapter 32
This chapter was just flat out realistic. Jim happens to be sold to the relatives of Tom Sawyer and they happened to have been expecting Tom visiting them, AND they were NEVER told what he looked liked. And on top of all this, they were just going to roll with Tom leaving his bag back at the docks? Ugh! This is infuriating because it takes away from the realism of the book. When this book comes across realistic it's so much easier to connect with the characters and to be invested into the little plot that happens.
Chapter 33
Despite my frustration with this portion of the book, I did find the reunion between Huck and Tom very cute. When Tom thought Huck was a ghost coming back to haunt I laughed out loud. It was great to see them work together again like they were at the beginning of the book. I do hope Huck doesn't blow it and get caught up with Duke and King again because I am sick of those characters.
Chapter 34
This was an interesting chapter because of the scheming done by one Top Sawyer. Huck offered a standard plan that made logical sense and would work just fine. This plan however did not sit well with Tom because for some reason he thought he'd have some fun while handling a human beings future. This, I believe, speaks to the racist undertone that has been present throughout the book and is obviously a real thing during the time period. At the end of the chapter I was confused by the slave who claimed to see witches. I did not understand his purpose or why he was included in the chapter or book at all.
Chapter 35
This chapter is either confusing, frustrating or both. Tom is obsessed with making the rescue "real" and refuses to do anything logical. Saw off the foot of the bed? Dig a tunnel with spoons? What? I was yelling at my book because I just couldn't understand why he was so insistent. I was also a little upset with how condescending Tom was to Huck. Huck has been doing just fine without Tom and he comes in like the second coming of Jesus. What have you ever done Tom? Maybe if I read The adventures of Tom Sawyer I'd know but he is very annoying.
Chapter 36
So Tom apparently wants to make it a "realistic" escape as long as it isn't too much work because he finally gave into using the pick ax and shovel. But despite this he is still just flat out crazy. Why would they need a rope latter if they are digging a tunnel? Come on Tom, be reasonable. The crazy slave came back in this chapter and I still don't understand why he is in this book.
Chapter 37
This chapter was hilarious to read at the expense of Aunt Sally. Tom and Huck messing around with the sheets and spoons was just priceless. When they were miss counting the spoons and then adding or taking one away, I could barely read I was laughing so hard. I also appreciated the boys stopping up the rat wholes. This is yet another example of Huck's moral compass. He believes in fairness and helping those who help him. I really like that about Huck.
This chapter was just flat out realistic. Jim happens to be sold to the relatives of Tom Sawyer and they happened to have been expecting Tom visiting them, AND they were NEVER told what he looked liked. And on top of all this, they were just going to roll with Tom leaving his bag back at the docks? Ugh! This is infuriating because it takes away from the realism of the book. When this book comes across realistic it's so much easier to connect with the characters and to be invested into the little plot that happens.
Chapter 33
Despite my frustration with this portion of the book, I did find the reunion between Huck and Tom very cute. When Tom thought Huck was a ghost coming back to haunt I laughed out loud. It was great to see them work together again like they were at the beginning of the book. I do hope Huck doesn't blow it and get caught up with Duke and King again because I am sick of those characters.
Chapter 34
This was an interesting chapter because of the scheming done by one Top Sawyer. Huck offered a standard plan that made logical sense and would work just fine. This plan however did not sit well with Tom because for some reason he thought he'd have some fun while handling a human beings future. This, I believe, speaks to the racist undertone that has been present throughout the book and is obviously a real thing during the time period. At the end of the chapter I was confused by the slave who claimed to see witches. I did not understand his purpose or why he was included in the chapter or book at all.
Chapter 35
This chapter is either confusing, frustrating or both. Tom is obsessed with making the rescue "real" and refuses to do anything logical. Saw off the foot of the bed? Dig a tunnel with spoons? What? I was yelling at my book because I just couldn't understand why he was so insistent. I was also a little upset with how condescending Tom was to Huck. Huck has been doing just fine without Tom and he comes in like the second coming of Jesus. What have you ever done Tom? Maybe if I read The adventures of Tom Sawyer I'd know but he is very annoying.
Chapter 36
So Tom apparently wants to make it a "realistic" escape as long as it isn't too much work because he finally gave into using the pick ax and shovel. But despite this he is still just flat out crazy. Why would they need a rope latter if they are digging a tunnel? Come on Tom, be reasonable. The crazy slave came back in this chapter and I still don't understand why he is in this book.
Chapter 37
This chapter was hilarious to read at the expense of Aunt Sally. Tom and Huck messing around with the sheets and spoons was just priceless. When they were miss counting the spoons and then adding or taking one away, I could barely read I was laughing so hard. I also appreciated the boys stopping up the rat wholes. This is yet another example of Huck's moral compass. He believes in fairness and helping those who help him. I really like that about Huck.
Chapters 27-31 Thoughts and Response
Chapter 27
This chapter reveals the first real action from Huck since running away from his father. He stole the money, hid it inside the coffin and proceeded to successfully lie to King and Duke about everything he did and saw. From this action we see a more defiant moral compass for Huck. He has never been comfortable with King and Duke's games but he has also never tried to interfere with the process. In this chapter he utterly destroys the con because he likes and feels bad for the daughters of the decease. This is also supported by his emotional response to Mary Jane's tears over her father's coffin. throughout the book thus far we've seen Huck struggle with his morality and conformity but now we are hopefully seeing Huck give into his moral side and leave conformity it the dust.
Chapter 28
In this chapter we see Huck's emotional connection with Mary Jane come to fruition as he informs her of the con and requests her assistance in putting a stop to it. We also see, however, the old Huck alive and well as he still created multiple back up plans to save himself should something go awry. We also see Huck return to his old self in the sense that he fails to create a believeable lie to tell the others where Mary Jane has gone. Huck managed to completely throw the slaves under the bus about the money but fails to lie about the simple stuff. This is an interesting contradiction or plot hole to keep an eye on.
Chapter 29
This was a tense chapter to say the least. With the real uncles arriving and Huck caught up in the middle of it all I was very concerned how they were going to get out of it. The writing test was a interesting read but I found it very convenient that there was no way to prove that the real Uncles were real. I was also frustrated with the escape of both Huck and Duke and King. Why would everyone want to get the gold? It's not theirs! I did not understand why they would let go of the people they were set on killing not two pages ago! Twain really was not making me happy with the ending of this chapter.
Chapter 30
This was a quick read and a fairly uneventful chapter. King has got some anger management problems but Huck is very lucky Duke is still around because Duke is always saving his butt. I was surprised they never thought Huck hid the gold when they were talking about how it got in the coffin. This result of the con seems like a lesson in karma, because they had a lot of cash coming there way and instead are back on the river dead broke.
Chapter 31
This was a disappointing chapter but inevitable. I was really excited for Huck to ditch Duke and King but when Jim was taken away I felt bad for both of them. I was annoyed that Huck ran into Duke in the neighboring town. Won't these two just go away! I was getting nervous at the end of the chapter with Huck walking into the country side and Duke lying about who Jim was sold to. I do hope Jim and Huck can get back together and Jim can live free in the North.
This chapter reveals the first real action from Huck since running away from his father. He stole the money, hid it inside the coffin and proceeded to successfully lie to King and Duke about everything he did and saw. From this action we see a more defiant moral compass for Huck. He has never been comfortable with King and Duke's games but he has also never tried to interfere with the process. In this chapter he utterly destroys the con because he likes and feels bad for the daughters of the decease. This is also supported by his emotional response to Mary Jane's tears over her father's coffin. throughout the book thus far we've seen Huck struggle with his morality and conformity but now we are hopefully seeing Huck give into his moral side and leave conformity it the dust.
Chapter 28
In this chapter we see Huck's emotional connection with Mary Jane come to fruition as he informs her of the con and requests her assistance in putting a stop to it. We also see, however, the old Huck alive and well as he still created multiple back up plans to save himself should something go awry. We also see Huck return to his old self in the sense that he fails to create a believeable lie to tell the others where Mary Jane has gone. Huck managed to completely throw the slaves under the bus about the money but fails to lie about the simple stuff. This is an interesting contradiction or plot hole to keep an eye on.
Chapter 29
This was a tense chapter to say the least. With the real uncles arriving and Huck caught up in the middle of it all I was very concerned how they were going to get out of it. The writing test was a interesting read but I found it very convenient that there was no way to prove that the real Uncles were real. I was also frustrated with the escape of both Huck and Duke and King. Why would everyone want to get the gold? It's not theirs! I did not understand why they would let go of the people they were set on killing not two pages ago! Twain really was not making me happy with the ending of this chapter.
Chapter 30
This was a quick read and a fairly uneventful chapter. King has got some anger management problems but Huck is very lucky Duke is still around because Duke is always saving his butt. I was surprised they never thought Huck hid the gold when they were talking about how it got in the coffin. This result of the con seems like a lesson in karma, because they had a lot of cash coming there way and instead are back on the river dead broke.
Chapter 31
This was a disappointing chapter but inevitable. I was really excited for Huck to ditch Duke and King but when Jim was taken away I felt bad for both of them. I was annoyed that Huck ran into Duke in the neighboring town. Won't these two just go away! I was getting nervous at the end of the chapter with Huck walking into the country side and Duke lying about who Jim was sold to. I do hope Jim and Huck can get back together and Jim can live free in the North.
Monday, January 2, 2017
Chapters 22- 26 Thoughts and Reaction
One general thought I have is that the title of the book is "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" but what I've noticed is that a lot of the story is Huck watching a scene play and not really having much effect on it. I find it to be very similar to The Great Gatsby and Nick, in which Nick see's everything play out but doesn't do much about it.
Chapter 22
The opening scene on Sherburn's yard was very intense. I found his speech powerful and frightening and I certainly understand the crowd dispersing. The second half of the chapter with the disastrous performance was much lighter and more of what most of the book has been like. Everyone once in a while there's these intense scenes that the lynch mob, but most of this book has been pretty light hearted fun adventuring.
Chapter 23
The new performance I found hilarious to read! I thought everything about this chapter was funny, from the performance to the stupid spectators I thought this was a very funny chapter. I loved that the towns people got fooled twice on the same gag. I don't know why but I seem to always root for the expert conmen even though I know I would pissed if I ever were to get conned.
Chapter 24
This was a super cool chapter because it shows us how the next big con is pulled off. The chapter itself was kind of boring, aside from the SICK ARAD sign, but paired with the next few chapters I really glad it's in the book. Being in on the con and understanding how it works is really cool and makes for an interesting read.
Chapter 25
This chapter was so nerve racking when the doctor guy showed up and tried to ruin all the fun but the towns people/ daughters of the deceased are about as smart as a brick so no problem. I wonder/ think the doc will be back but for now it's just funny to see Duke and King run circles around these fools.
Chapter 26
This chapter contradicts my initial statement on this blog post because Huck starts to actually get into the action. I find it interesting to watch how much Huck's moral compass and emotional connections effect his decision making. Because the towns people in the last con were threatening he had no problem taking off, but because the women are so clueless and upset about their father he feels terrible and is trying to stop the con. I also find it interesting to see how careful Huck is to protect himself. He always thinks through his plans to make sure he is not caught in the middle of it all. I think this forward thinking is a result of his father and how terrible that experience was. Huck knows how bad it can get so he is now super careful to avoid any risk of personal danger.
Chapter 22
The opening scene on Sherburn's yard was very intense. I found his speech powerful and frightening and I certainly understand the crowd dispersing. The second half of the chapter with the disastrous performance was much lighter and more of what most of the book has been like. Everyone once in a while there's these intense scenes that the lynch mob, but most of this book has been pretty light hearted fun adventuring.
Chapter 23
The new performance I found hilarious to read! I thought everything about this chapter was funny, from the performance to the stupid spectators I thought this was a very funny chapter. I loved that the towns people got fooled twice on the same gag. I don't know why but I seem to always root for the expert conmen even though I know I would pissed if I ever were to get conned.
Chapter 24
This was a super cool chapter because it shows us how the next big con is pulled off. The chapter itself was kind of boring, aside from the SICK ARAD sign, but paired with the next few chapters I really glad it's in the book. Being in on the con and understanding how it works is really cool and makes for an interesting read.
Chapter 25
This chapter was so nerve racking when the doctor guy showed up and tried to ruin all the fun but the towns people/ daughters of the deceased are about as smart as a brick so no problem. I wonder/ think the doc will be back but for now it's just funny to see Duke and King run circles around these fools.
Chapter 26
This chapter contradicts my initial statement on this blog post because Huck starts to actually get into the action. I find it interesting to watch how much Huck's moral compass and emotional connections effect his decision making. Because the towns people in the last con were threatening he had no problem taking off, but because the women are so clueless and upset about their father he feels terrible and is trying to stop the con. I also find it interesting to see how careful Huck is to protect himself. He always thinks through his plans to make sure he is not caught in the middle of it all. I think this forward thinking is a result of his father and how terrible that experience was. Huck knows how bad it can get so he is now super careful to avoid any risk of personal danger.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Chapters 17-21 Reactions and Thoughts
As a whole I found these to be very weird chapters with a lot characters and descriptions that don't seem very relevant. I also found that strangers in this book are friendly to the point that it's kind of creepy.
Chapter 17
In this chapter Huck is taken in by the Grangerford Family and gives an overwhelming amount of details about the house and family. I found this odd because within a few chapters he runs away from the family and feud so it seemed unnecessary to build such a vivid scene. I also found it odd that thus family just took in a strange boy and should no sign of trying to return him to his family. I understand that they were trying to be kind but it was a little over the top.
Chapter 18
This feud is extremely similar to the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Both these families are crazy and have hold onto grudges for way too long. It;s crazy to think that feuds like this really excited in what we think is such a civilized society. I don'd know if this was the book or just me but I also found this chapter particularly difficult to understand with the accents and broken english.*
Chapter 19
Getting back with Jim and getting back onto the raft felt like retuning to the old routine until they ran into "Duke" and "King". I am still unclear whether they were just playing with the boys when they said they were royalty or if they actually introduce themselves like that. Either way I also found it creepy how friendly these grown men were to these kids alone on the river at all hours. Maybe I've been watching too much news but a lot of red flags went up for me during this situation.
Chapter 20
Duke and King showed their true colors in this chapter. Both are clearly con artists and thieves which explains why they ask so few questions of Huck and Jim. Although I found them clever and likable (which is all part of the con) I am still a little lost on their backgrounds. They explained why they were on the run briefly but not enough for me to get the whole picture. I wonder if that will come out in the future chapters?
Chapter 21
I found this chapter to be very cute to see how excited Duke and King were about the performance. I understand that it's another con to make money but it's still entertaining to picture the sword fighting on the raft. It was also hilarious to red his rendition of Hamlet's Soliloquy which, everyone in Pre-Lit knows, wasn't even close. This was a highly entertaining chapter but I still wonder if Twain is going anywhere with these characters or if they are simply filling to Huck's story.
*I also find it interesting that even when the characters pronunciate a word correctly Twain will still misspell the word. For instance he spelled "Arkansas", "Arkansaw" which is would be read the same so I wonder why he bothered to make that distinction.
Chapter 17
In this chapter Huck is taken in by the Grangerford Family and gives an overwhelming amount of details about the house and family. I found this odd because within a few chapters he runs away from the family and feud so it seemed unnecessary to build such a vivid scene. I also found it odd that thus family just took in a strange boy and should no sign of trying to return him to his family. I understand that they were trying to be kind but it was a little over the top.
Chapter 18
This feud is extremely similar to the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Both these families are crazy and have hold onto grudges for way too long. It;s crazy to think that feuds like this really excited in what we think is such a civilized society. I don'd know if this was the book or just me but I also found this chapter particularly difficult to understand with the accents and broken english.*
Chapter 19
Getting back with Jim and getting back onto the raft felt like retuning to the old routine until they ran into "Duke" and "King". I am still unclear whether they were just playing with the boys when they said they were royalty or if they actually introduce themselves like that. Either way I also found it creepy how friendly these grown men were to these kids alone on the river at all hours. Maybe I've been watching too much news but a lot of red flags went up for me during this situation.
Chapter 20
Duke and King showed their true colors in this chapter. Both are clearly con artists and thieves which explains why they ask so few questions of Huck and Jim. Although I found them clever and likable (which is all part of the con) I am still a little lost on their backgrounds. They explained why they were on the run briefly but not enough for me to get the whole picture. I wonder if that will come out in the future chapters?
Chapter 21
I found this chapter to be very cute to see how excited Duke and King were about the performance. I understand that it's another con to make money but it's still entertaining to picture the sword fighting on the raft. It was also hilarious to red his rendition of Hamlet's Soliloquy which, everyone in Pre-Lit knows, wasn't even close. This was a highly entertaining chapter but I still wonder if Twain is going anywhere with these characters or if they are simply filling to Huck's story.
*I also find it interesting that even when the characters pronunciate a word correctly Twain will still misspell the word. For instance he spelled "Arkansas", "Arkansaw" which is would be read the same so I wonder why he bothered to make that distinction.
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