"Document 2: This one concerns the strange experiences Miu had fourteen years ago. She was stuck inside a Ferris wheel overnight in an amusement park in a small Swiss town, and looking through binoculars at her own room she saw a second self there. A doppelganger. And this experience destroyed Miu as a person...she was split in two" (164).
"In the world we live in, what we know and what we don't know are like Siamese twins, inseparable, existing in a state of confusion...to use the image of the Siamese twins again, it's not like they always get along. They don't always try to understand each other. In face the opposite is more often true...confusion reigns, we end up lost..." (134-135).
The idea of the double caught my eye right away. I am currently in a Gothic in literature and film class (with Janine, so I know she at least will follow me on this one) and the idea of the doppelganger (or double) is a Gothic element we have followed through multiple works in literature and in movies. The doppelganger has appeared in literature like Edgar Allen Poe and movies such as the Shining. The double creates and element of confusion. It can be an alternate identity of the main character or a biological twin or another demonic character representative of the main character's dark side. It is many time the projection of the main charcarter's inner evil on the outside world. Seeing the doppelganger referenced in Sputnik Sweetheart surprised me at first. Sputnik Sweetheart is definitely not a conventional Gothic novel. However, this idea of the double is definitely used efficiently as a Gothic element. Miu has lost herself to her double, and Sumire personifies the double as a state of confusion, loneliness, and loss.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sputnik Sweetheart
"I drank some cheap wine I'd gotten on sale, mixed with Perrier, and watched a soccer match I'd videotaped. Everytime I saw a pass I thought I wouldn't have done myself, I shook my head and sighed. Judging the mistakes of stranges is an easy thing to do-and it feels pretty good" (76).
Doesn't the narrator just speak the truth here? I couldn't help but laugh knowingly when reading this line. It is so easy to judge another person's mistakes and hypothetically think that you could have done better in the same situation. I have never played soccer a day in my life, yet if I go to see a game I can easily critique someone' s bad pass or wrong move. Being judgmental is a huge hurdle to overcome in social scenes. People compare themselves to their friends, acquaintances, and even figures and standards of the media. It is easy to quickly judge someone else based on a first impression or even someone else's opinion. It is probably my greatest downfall, pre-judging people before I get to know them. I am beginning to find out that my first impression is usually always wrong. I am also starting to realize that the flaw I can usually find in others is a flaw I myself have. It is the whole "pot calling the kettle black" phenomenon. I guess I am learning that what bothers me most about friends and family members is what bothers me most about myself. However, as our narrator points out, it is easier to judge others before ourselves.
Doesn't the narrator just speak the truth here? I couldn't help but laugh knowingly when reading this line. It is so easy to judge another person's mistakes and hypothetically think that you could have done better in the same situation. I have never played soccer a day in my life, yet if I go to see a game I can easily critique someone' s bad pass or wrong move. Being judgmental is a huge hurdle to overcome in social scenes. People compare themselves to their friends, acquaintances, and even figures and standards of the media. It is easy to quickly judge someone else based on a first impression or even someone else's opinion. It is probably my greatest downfall, pre-judging people before I get to know them. I am beginning to find out that my first impression is usually always wrong. I am also starting to realize that the flaw I can usually find in others is a flaw I myself have. It is the whole "pot calling the kettle black" phenomenon. I guess I am learning that what bothers me most about friends and family members is what bothers me most about myself. However, as our narrator points out, it is easier to judge others before ourselves.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
In Response to Christina
"My own luck was being born white and middle-class into a house full of books, with a father who encouraged me to read and write" (Rich, 170).
Christina made the observation in her blog based on our class discussion that the word "choice" shouldn't actually be used when describing most women and whether they stay at home with their children or work. In the 50's most women were expected to stay at home; they were not given a choice. Career choices were limited to teachers, nurses, and secretaries. Most women never dreamed of going to college. In 2008 most women still are not even given a choice; however, the tables have turned. Today most women must work to make money and support themselves and their children. Most families in America rely on two incomes; mothers who aren't married are often forced to work not one but two jobs to make ends meet. Adrienne Rich makes a valid point in her essay "When We Dead Awaken." I, too, am lucky enough to be born white and middle-class. I was encouraged to read, write, and spend my childhood believing I could be anything in the world I wanted to be. I think it is safe to say that the majority of students here at Richmond have similar backgrounds and have similar opportunites. Even though I may be priviledged enough to eventually have a choice between staying home with my children or pursuing a powerhouse career, I recognize that, for most women, choice does not exist. Maybe choice shouldn't have been the topic of discussion in our Monday's class. Maybe the focus should have been on opportunity and circumstance.
Christina made the observation in her blog based on our class discussion that the word "choice" shouldn't actually be used when describing most women and whether they stay at home with their children or work. In the 50's most women were expected to stay at home; they were not given a choice. Career choices were limited to teachers, nurses, and secretaries. Most women never dreamed of going to college. In 2008 most women still are not even given a choice; however, the tables have turned. Today most women must work to make money and support themselves and their children. Most families in America rely on two incomes; mothers who aren't married are often forced to work not one but two jobs to make ends meet. Adrienne Rich makes a valid point in her essay "When We Dead Awaken." I, too, am lucky enough to be born white and middle-class. I was encouraged to read, write, and spend my childhood believing I could be anything in the world I wanted to be. I think it is safe to say that the majority of students here at Richmond have similar backgrounds and have similar opportunites. Even though I may be priviledged enough to eventually have a choice between staying home with my children or pursuing a powerhouse career, I recognize that, for most women, choice does not exist. Maybe choice shouldn't have been the topic of discussion in our Monday's class. Maybe the focus should have been on opportunity and circumstance.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Split at the Root
"And I, who believed my life was intended to be so interesting and meaningful, was connected to those dead by something-not just mortality but a taboo name, a hated identity" (Adrienne Rich, 228).
This essay really made me connect with Adrienne Rich; I not only feel that I understand her or her poem's better, but I also feel that I understand myself better. Interestingly enough, my dad is Jewish and my mom is Christian. In this sense, Rich and I have a lot in common. I was actually raised Christian, but the fact that I am connected to Judaism and that my ancestors were plagued by the horrors of the Holocaust are things that I have to deal with. It is easy to forget this part of myself because I live in a majorally Christian world. Rich brings up the question of identity. We explored identity with White Castle and Nietzsche, but Rich provides a new outlook on the question. Who am I? How does my Jewish heritage contribute to who I am? I don't feel the same sort of struggle that Rich does when asking myself this question. I am Christian by faith, part Jewish by blood. I think that identity is a multi-dimensional complex concept. I am part German, part Austrian, and part English. I celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. Identity shouldn't be a single word or idea; in fact, it shouldn't be.
This essay really made me connect with Adrienne Rich; I not only feel that I understand her or her poem's better, but I also feel that I understand myself better. Interestingly enough, my dad is Jewish and my mom is Christian. In this sense, Rich and I have a lot in common. I was actually raised Christian, but the fact that I am connected to Judaism and that my ancestors were plagued by the horrors of the Holocaust are things that I have to deal with. It is easy to forget this part of myself because I live in a majorally Christian world. Rich brings up the question of identity. We explored identity with White Castle and Nietzsche, but Rich provides a new outlook on the question. Who am I? How does my Jewish heritage contribute to who I am? I don't feel the same sort of struggle that Rich does when asking myself this question. I am Christian by faith, part Jewish by blood. I think that identity is a multi-dimensional complex concept. I am part German, part Austrian, and part English. I celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. Identity shouldn't be a single word or idea; in fact, it shouldn't be.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Othello on Jealousy
Emilia: But jealous souls will not be answered so they are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they're jealous. It is a monster begot upon itself, born on itself. (III.IV.180)
Jealousy is a very important theme in Othello and is a theme responsible for the destruction of each character. Iago is Jealous of Othello for taking a military position he had wanted. He is also jealous of Othello for marrying Desdemona, a woman he lusts after. Iago is jealous of Othello and Cassio because he thinks they both have had sexual relations with his wife. Othello's jealousy from watching Cassio with Desdemona leads him to believe his wife has been unfaithful. Jealousy fuels the action in the play; it is the reason for the downfall of Iago and Othello, the play's protagonist and antagonist. Jealousy is an innate trait of human nature that only ends in destruction. Jealousy motivates Iago to destroy Othello and gives Othello the tools needed to fall for Iago's master plans.
I think that Shakespeare is trying to teach his audience a lesson about the evils of jealousy. Jealousy is the most destructive human quality in existence; he refers to it as "a monster." Jealousy has the ability to completely consume the body, mind, and soul. Like a monster, it creeps up on its victim and slowly takes over each thought and emotion. Jealousy ruins romantic relationships and friendships. I think we could all learn from Shakespeare's message: beware of the green-eyed monster; avoid him at all costs. If we don't take heed, the result could be as tragic as Othello's fate.
Jealousy is a very important theme in Othello and is a theme responsible for the destruction of each character. Iago is Jealous of Othello for taking a military position he had wanted. He is also jealous of Othello for marrying Desdemona, a woman he lusts after. Iago is jealous of Othello and Cassio because he thinks they both have had sexual relations with his wife. Othello's jealousy from watching Cassio with Desdemona leads him to believe his wife has been unfaithful. Jealousy fuels the action in the play; it is the reason for the downfall of Iago and Othello, the play's protagonist and antagonist. Jealousy is an innate trait of human nature that only ends in destruction. Jealousy motivates Iago to destroy Othello and gives Othello the tools needed to fall for Iago's master plans.
I think that Shakespeare is trying to teach his audience a lesson about the evils of jealousy. Jealousy is the most destructive human quality in existence; he refers to it as "a monster." Jealousy has the ability to completely consume the body, mind, and soul. Like a monster, it creeps up on its victim and slowly takes over each thought and emotion. Jealousy ruins romantic relationships and friendships. I think we could all learn from Shakespeare's message: beware of the green-eyed monster; avoid him at all costs. If we don't take heed, the result could be as tragic as Othello's fate.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
CLOWN: Why masters, have your instruments been in Naples, that they speak i' th' nose thus?
MUSICIAN: How, sir? How?
CLOWN: Are these, I pray you, wind instruments?
MUSICIAN: Ay, marry, are they, sir.
CLOWN: Oh, thereby hangs a tail.
MUSICIAN: Whereby hangs a tale, sir?
CLOWN: Marry sir, by many a wind instrument that I know. But, masters, here's money for you, and the general so likes your music that he desires you, for love's sake, to make no more noise with it.
CLOWN:If you have any music that may not be heard, to 't again. But, as they say, to hear music the general does not greatly care.
(III.iii)
Shakespeare never fails to add comic relief to his plays; in this way, his plays appear beyond their time. I actually enjoy when the clown enters. He plays with words and experiments with language. The idea of comic relief is still used in movies and plays today. I know Shakespeare is responsible for the invention of hundreds of words, but is he responisble fo the use of comic relief as well?
MUSICIAN: How, sir? How?
CLOWN: Are these, I pray you, wind instruments?
MUSICIAN: Ay, marry, are they, sir.
CLOWN: Oh, thereby hangs a tail.
MUSICIAN: Whereby hangs a tale, sir?
CLOWN: Marry sir, by many a wind instrument that I know. But, masters, here's money for you, and the general so likes your music that he desires you, for love's sake, to make no more noise with it.
CLOWN:If you have any music that may not be heard, to 't again. But, as they say, to hear music the general does not greatly care.
(III.iii)
Shakespeare never fails to add comic relief to his plays; in this way, his plays appear beyond their time. I actually enjoy when the clown enters. He plays with words and experiments with language. The idea of comic relief is still used in movies and plays today. I know Shakespeare is responsible for the invention of hundreds of words, but is he responisble fo the use of comic relief as well?
The handkerchief
The handkerchief becomes an important tool in Iago's grand scheme to foil Othello. An Egyptian sorceress gave the handkerchief to Othello's mother and told her that it would make her desirable and keep Othello’s father loyal, but if she lost it or gave it away, Othello’s father would leave her. Othello’s mother gave him the magic handkerchief on her deathbed, instructing him to give it to the woman he desired to marry. The handkerchief represents Desdemona’s chastity, and her giving it away is a sign that she has given her body away. Because Cassio receives the handkerchief, it looks as if Desdemona has had an affair with him. Unfortunately, however, Desdemona is framed. Iago is a master manipulator, and he uses Othello's family heirloom to his advantage.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Othello: Iago on Women
"Come on, come on. You are pictures out of door, bells in your parlors, wild-cats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds."
In Act II.i, Iago argues with Desdemona and Emilia over the competence and worthiness of women. Iago hates women accuses his wife of sleeping around. Iago is a villian; very manipulative of every one around him. This particular passage is so straightforward, however, that it is shocking. Iagon blatantly degrades women to their faces. He verbally abuses his wife and Desdemona without thinking twice or second-guessing himself.
In Act II.i, Iago argues with Desdemona and Emilia over the competence and worthiness of women. Iago hates women accuses his wife of sleeping around. Iago is a villian; very manipulative of every one around him. This particular passage is so straightforward, however, that it is shocking. Iagon blatantly degrades women to their faces. He verbally abuses his wife and Desdemona without thinking twice or second-guessing himself.
Hamm on Iago
Andrew Hamm came to speak to us today about Shakespeare. I thouroughly enjoyed his presentation; he introduced an entirely new way to look at Shakespeare. At first introducing the book as the enemy, he made Shakespeare come alive as a performance. It cannot be read, it must be enacted. He also opened my eyes to the character Iago. Iago is known is known Shakespeare's ultimate villain. His motivations are countless: resentment that Othello passed him over for a promotion in favor of Michael Cassio; jealousy because he heard a rumor that Othello slept with Iago's wife, Emilia; and suspicion that Cassio slept with Emilia too. Hamm introduced the idea that maybe Iago's true motivation is not any of excuses but the fact that that he is inherently evil.
"The Moor is of a free and open nature
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by th' nose
As asses are.
I have 't. It is engendered! Hell and night
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light"
(31).
In his soliloquy, Iago brings to light his devilish plan to kill Othello. He really is a cruel person with no real reason for wanting to kill Othello. Hamm recognized that every other villain in Shakespeare had a legitimate motivation for doing their bad deeds. (For Example, Cassius's motivation is pure patriotism and fear of Caesar being a despotic ruler in Julius Caesar.) Hamm had a lot of interesting points and knowledge to share. I'm really glad he came to the class today.
"The Moor is of a free and open nature
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by th' nose
As asses are.
I have 't. It is engendered! Hell and night
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light"
(31).
In his soliloquy, Iago brings to light his devilish plan to kill Othello. He really is a cruel person with no real reason for wanting to kill Othello. Hamm recognized that every other villain in Shakespeare had a legitimate motivation for doing their bad deeds. (For Example, Cassius's motivation is pure patriotism and fear of Caesar being a despotic ruler in Julius Caesar.) Hamm had a lot of interesting points and knowledge to share. I'm really glad he came to the class today.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Digital Life Story 2
I FINALLY put music to my words AND uploaded pictures onto jumpcut! I originally thought music would take away from my words, but after playing with a lot of music I realized that the music actually enhanced my words. Even though I am a technologically challenged person, I am very thankful we are learning how to do podcasts. I'm sure I will be able use this for a future presentation. Putting this project together has reinforced the epiphany I came to; I am so thankful for my family and realize that, even though my family is broken up, it is complete in the sense that we love one another.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)