''Somebody needs to build your confidence up and make you proud instead off shy andd turning away and- blushing- Somebody- ought to- ought to- kiss you.'' (jpage 1283-1284, scene 7)
I think that Jim saw a bit off his old self in Laura. He had gone through a similar thing and knew what she was going through. He wanted too make her feel special and build up her confidence. He would have majorly failed if he had said that he was engaged upon first arriving. I think that he needed to tell Laura about Betty because he didn't want to get her hopes up and then crutch them and her self confidence when he didn't call. I think for a while Jim got caught up in the moment and felt special in Laura's presence too. He had to tell Laura about Betty as much as he needed to remind himself. He loved Betty and needed to be faithful to her. I think that Jim saw the need to help Laura and the only way he knew how was treating her like a normal person. I think that even the short time with Jim reminded Laura of what she could be. I think he helped her gain a bit of confidence and brought her out of her shy nature. Jim treated Laura very well also because he is a gentleman and that is what he does. He seems to be a kind and driven man that is willing to help people when they need it. I think Jim figured out early on the reason for his invitation to dinner, but he took it by the horns and ran with it. He really helped the family even if it wasn't in the way they were expecting.
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Glass Menagerie-2
''Why, listen, if self is what I thought of, Mother, I'd be where he is--GONE!'' (page 1247, scene 3)
In this quote, Tom is explaining to his mother that he is in fact not selfish. He pays the rent and all of the bills for his mother and sister because his father left. Tom has a dilemma the entire play. This dilemma is whether or not to leave. He quarrels with his mother because he treats him like he is a young child, but he is a grown adult providing for his family. His mother wants more out of him, but he can't offer more while taking care of them. He believes that he can do whatever he wants with his money and time as long as the bills get paid. Mother wants to keep him on a shorter leash. He sometimes needs a break from his lliffe. He feels bad for Laura and her condition, so he does everything he can for her. He wants her to succeed, but he is not as pushy as Mother when it comes to getting married and finding a job. He finally leaves because he is tired missing out on life and the world because he is couped up in his house with a job as a factory worker. He followed his father's footsteps and went in search of adventure. I believe that he does resolve his dilemma because he finally takes his life into his own hands. He is no longer waiting around for something good to happen. He left and is now taking an active role in making something happen.
In this quote, Tom is explaining to his mother that he is in fact not selfish. He pays the rent and all of the bills for his mother and sister because his father left. Tom has a dilemma the entire play. This dilemma is whether or not to leave. He quarrels with his mother because he treats him like he is a young child, but he is a grown adult providing for his family. His mother wants more out of him, but he can't offer more while taking care of them. He believes that he can do whatever he wants with his money and time as long as the bills get paid. Mother wants to keep him on a shorter leash. He sometimes needs a break from his lliffe. He feels bad for Laura and her condition, so he does everything he can for her. He wants her to succeed, but he is not as pushy as Mother when it comes to getting married and finding a job. He finally leaves because he is tired missing out on life and the world because he is couped up in his house with a job as a factory worker. He followed his father's footsteps and went in search of adventure. I believe that he does resolve his dilemma because he finally takes his life into his own hands. He is no longer waiting around for something good to happen. He left and is now taking an active role in making something happen.
The Glass Menagerie-1
''You know what I judge to be the trouble with you?'' Inferiority complex! Know what that is? That's what they call it when someone low-rates himself!'' (page 1279, scene 7)
In this quote Jim is telling Laura what he sees in her. He sees a girl with no confidence in herself or her abilities. The symptoms of her mental condition seem to be no confidence and a shy disposition. I think that most can be traced to her physical handicap, but it is not solely blaim. I think her unsureness of herself made her seclude herself from others since an early age. Because of this, she has no friends which probably furthers here mental condition. Also, her total lack of success may also be a contributing factor considering she failed out of high school and community college. Laura never leaves the house, so she never has a chance to be outgoing or sure of herself. I think that her condition has worsened after years of being cooped up in her house with her mother and brother for so many years. She is a sympathetic character because readers feel bad for her condition. We feel sorry for the fact that she is physically and mentally handicapped. She also gives a sense of being helpless which makes readers sympathize with her. Her relationship with her mother is much better than Tom's relationship with their mother. She respects her mother and is not bothered by her. However, her relationship is similar to Tom's in that they both lie to her about their whereabouts to avoid disappointing her
In this quote Jim is telling Laura what he sees in her. He sees a girl with no confidence in herself or her abilities. The symptoms of her mental condition seem to be no confidence and a shy disposition. I think that most can be traced to her physical handicap, but it is not solely blaim. I think her unsureness of herself made her seclude herself from others since an early age. Because of this, she has no friends which probably furthers here mental condition. Also, her total lack of success may also be a contributing factor considering she failed out of high school and community college. Laura never leaves the house, so she never has a chance to be outgoing or sure of herself. I think that her condition has worsened after years of being cooped up in her house with her mother and brother for so many years. She is a sympathetic character because readers feel bad for her condition. We feel sorry for the fact that she is physically and mentally handicapped. She also gives a sense of being helpless which makes readers sympathize with her. Her relationship with her mother is much better than Tom's relationship with their mother. She respects her mother and is not bothered by her. However, her relationship is similar to Tom's in that they both lie to her about their whereabouts to avoid disappointing her
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
As You Like It: 3
"Neither call the giddiness of it in question, the poverty of her, the small acquaintance, my sudden wooing, nor her sudden consenting, but say with me, I love Aliena."
Love at first site seems to be the way to go in this world. People see each other and fall into an obsessive and overdramatic love. I personally think this is crazy and do not believe in love at first sight. Quoting When in Rome, "That's not even long enough for a credit check." In the end, there are going to be four marriages on one day. Rosalind to Orlando, Oliver to Celia, Phebe to Silvius, and Touchstone to Audrey. That is crazy! Everyone is moving way to fast. Thanks to Mr. Costello, I understand that this is how it is in comedies, but it is a bit unrealistic. I think that all of these people are merely infatuated. Maybe all of the fresh air is messing with the heads of all of the city people. Anyways, the love at first sight gets a bit annoying especially when reading it on Valentine's day. Oh well, I prefer this gooey love stuff over the death in Othello.
Love at first site seems to be the way to go in this world. People see each other and fall into an obsessive and overdramatic love. I personally think this is crazy and do not believe in love at first sight. Quoting When in Rome, "That's not even long enough for a credit check." In the end, there are going to be four marriages on one day. Rosalind to Orlando, Oliver to Celia, Phebe to Silvius, and Touchstone to Audrey. That is crazy! Everyone is moving way to fast. Thanks to Mr. Costello, I understand that this is how it is in comedies, but it is a bit unrealistic. I think that all of these people are merely infatuated. Maybe all of the fresh air is messing with the heads of all of the city people. Anyways, the love at first sight gets a bit annoying especially when reading it on Valentine's day. Oh well, I prefer this gooey love stuff over the death in Othello.
As You Like It: 2
"Was 't you that did so oft contrive to kill him?"
" 'T was I"
"Who gave me fresh array and entertainment, committing me unto my brother's love." (Page 65, IV, iii)
These quotes demonstrate Oliver as a dynamic character. At the beginning of the play, Oliver wanted his brother Orlando dead. He also was not treating his brother according to his late father's wishes. In Act IV, Oliver is involved in a situation that transforms him. Oliver is treatened by Duke Frederick and realizes that he doesn't like being treated the way he has been treating his brother. Oliver realizes that Orlando deserves to be treated better and not constantly fearing for his life. Later Orlando saves Oliver's life even though he has not always been nice to him. Oliver realizes the importance of his brother. Oliver transforms and starts treating Orlando with respect. He also helps him by delivering a message to Gandymede about why Orlando failed to return within two hours. This shows that Oliver is starting to care about his brother.
" 'T was I"
"Who gave me fresh array and entertainment, committing me unto my brother's love." (Page 65, IV, iii)
These quotes demonstrate Oliver as a dynamic character. At the beginning of the play, Oliver wanted his brother Orlando dead. He also was not treating his brother according to his late father's wishes. In Act IV, Oliver is involved in a situation that transforms him. Oliver is treatened by Duke Frederick and realizes that he doesn't like being treated the way he has been treating his brother. Oliver realizes that Orlando deserves to be treated better and not constantly fearing for his life. Later Orlando saves Oliver's life even though he has not always been nice to him. Oliver realizes the importance of his brother. Oliver transforms and starts treating Orlando with respect. He also helps him by delivering a message to Gandymede about why Orlando failed to return within two hours. This shows that Oliver is starting to care about his brother.
As You Like It: 1
"I'll have no worse a name than Jove's own page; and therefore look you call me Ganymede. But what will you be called?"
"Something that hath a reference to my state; no longer Celia, but Aliena." (Page 15, I, iii)
This quote is an example of dramatic irony. The audience knows that these are the disguises that Rosalind and Celia will be in for the majority of the remainder of the play. However, the characters are unaware of the disguises and treat them as third party people. The other characters act as if Rosalind and Celia are not present. This is especially evident when Gandymede offers to help Orlando with his love sickness with Rosalind. Since dramatic irony is present, readers are able to learn the characters feelings and intents more clearly because characters can speak freely. Dramatic irony is used to allow the reader understand the full picture of what is happening in the play. It also is useful because it creates a bit of suspense with the readers because they wonder when and under what circumstances they will be revealed. Te dramatic irony is effective because as readers we know what is really going on, but some characters are left in the dark.
"Something that hath a reference to my state; no longer Celia, but Aliena." (Page 15, I, iii)
This quote is an example of dramatic irony. The audience knows that these are the disguises that Rosalind and Celia will be in for the majority of the remainder of the play. However, the characters are unaware of the disguises and treat them as third party people. The other characters act as if Rosalind and Celia are not present. This is especially evident when Gandymede offers to help Orlando with his love sickness with Rosalind. Since dramatic irony is present, readers are able to learn the characters feelings and intents more clearly because characters can speak freely. Dramatic irony is used to allow the reader understand the full picture of what is happening in the play. It also is useful because it creates a bit of suspense with the readers because they wonder when and under what circumstances they will be revealed. Te dramatic irony is effective because as readers we know what is really going on, but some characters are left in the dark.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Reflective Essay-Othello
“Everywhere you look you can write a book on the trouble of a woman and a man” (Hayes). The tradition of marriage has been around for thousands of years. Unfortunately, unfaithful spouses and affairs have been around equally as long. Throughout history, affairs have proven to be a
source of distrust, ruined relationships, and death. It violates the sacredness of marriage and the promise of for better or for worse. Othello is full of allegations of affairs and unfaithfulness. Like many other pop culture and historical items, Othello shares the theme of marriage as a minor technicality in intimate relationships for some people. Two such items include the song “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” by Alan Jackson and the story of King Henry and his multiple wives. These examples show that this theme is timeless because it was applicable in the fifteen hundreds and is still applicable today.
The theme of not valuing marriage and viewing it as a minor technicality is also evident in King Henry VIII’s story. He had six wives in a period of thirty-eight years. Apparently, the commitment of marriage meant nothing to him. Henry attempted to remain devout to his first wife Catherine, but he had at least two mistresses throughout their marriage. However, he grew frustrated with the lack
of a male heir and insisted that their marriage was never consummated and thus void (Eakins). Like the men in Othello, Henry did not show much concern for the commitment he made in marriage. Similar to Othello, he got rid of the things that did not please him. He had the wives who did not produce him a son killed. The cruelty and lack of concern for the women he was supposed to love is especially evident in the story of his second wife, Queen Anne Boleyn. 
“The Queen herself was arrested at Greenwich and was informed of the charges against her: adultery, incest and plotting to murder the King” (Eakins). Henry was not shy about ending the lives of those who did not please him. In the same way, Othello killed Desdemona because he believed that she was not being faithful and giving him the undivided attention he deserved. Both men were rash and selfish.
Eakins, Lara E. "The Six Wives of Henry VIII." Tudor History. Lara E. Eakins, June 2007. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. http://tudorhistory.org/wives/.
Hayes, Jerry. "Who's Cheatin' Who." Rec. 07 Apr. 1997. Who's Cheatin' Who. Alan Jackson. Keith Stegall, 1997. CD.
Perrine, Lawrence. "Othello." Perrine's Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. Fort Worth. Harcourt College. 2002: 1361-462. Print.
source of distrust, ruined relationships, and death. It violates the sacredness of marriage and the promise of for better or for worse. Othello is full of allegations of affairs and unfaithfulness. Like many other pop culture and historical items, Othello shares the theme of marriage as a minor technicality in intimate relationships for some people. Two such items include the song “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” by Alan Jackson and the story of King Henry and his multiple wives. These examples show that this theme is timeless because it was applicable in the fifteen hundreds and is still applicable today.The theme of marriage as a mere technicality is apparent throughout Othello. Allegations of infidelity are rampant in the entirety of the play. Iago suspects Othello of having an affair with Emilia (I, iii, 366-368). Othello 
accuses Desdemona of having an affair with Cassio (V, iii, 210-211). Bianca is Cassio’s mistress (IV, i, 165). All of these actions and accusations show that these men do not value the sacredness of marriage. The men accuse their women of cheating when they in fact are no better. None of them think about how their actions will affect their spouse. Also, none of them valued the promise of marriage like they should. Emilia was always faithful to Iago, but he never treated her properly. He failed to recognize his responsibility as a husband to show love and integrity towards his wife. Likewise, Othello did not trust Desdemona as he should as a husband. He instead listened to Iago and killed his wife over supposed adultery. Othello killed the woman with whom he was madly in love only weeks ago. Desdemona had shown nothing besides faithfulness and dedication to Othello, yet he was very quick to label her as a whore and get rid of her. Othello disrespects Desdemona many times throughout the play. One such instant is when he compares her to “a closet lock and key of villainous secrets” (IV, ii, 22). He does not honor her with the trust she deserves. These actions show that neither Iago nor Othello truly cherish the value of marriage or believe in working thing out.
accuses Desdemona of having an affair with Cassio (V, iii, 210-211). Bianca is Cassio’s mistress (IV, i, 165). All of these actions and accusations show that these men do not value the sacredness of marriage. The men accuse their women of cheating when they in fact are no better. None of them think about how their actions will affect their spouse. Also, none of them valued the promise of marriage like they should. Emilia was always faithful to Iago, but he never treated her properly. He failed to recognize his responsibility as a husband to show love and integrity towards his wife. Likewise, Othello did not trust Desdemona as he should as a husband. He instead listened to Iago and killed his wife over supposed adultery. Othello killed the woman with whom he was madly in love only weeks ago. Desdemona had shown nothing besides faithfulness and dedication to Othello, yet he was very quick to label her as a whore and get rid of her. Othello disrespects Desdemona many times throughout the play. One such instant is when he compares her to “a closet lock and key of villainous secrets” (IV, ii, 22). He does not honor her with the trust she deserves. These actions show that neither Iago nor Othello truly cherish the value of marriage or believe in working thing out.
The theme of not valuing marriage and viewing it as a minor technicality is also evident in King Henry VIII’s story. He had six wives in a period of thirty-eight years. Apparently, the commitment of marriage meant nothing to him. Henry attempted to remain devout to his first wife Catherine, but he had at least two mistresses throughout their marriage. However, he grew frustrated with the lack
of a male heir and insisted that their marriage was never consummated and thus void (Eakins). Like the men in Othello, Henry did not show much concern for the commitment he made in marriage. Similar to Othello, he got rid of the things that did not please him. He had the wives who did not produce him a son killed. The cruelty and lack of concern for the women he was supposed to love is especially evident in the story of his second wife, Queen Anne Boleyn. 
“The Queen herself was arrested at Greenwich and was informed of the charges against her: adultery, incest and plotting to murder the King” (Eakins). Henry was not shy about ending the lives of those who did not please him. In the same way, Othello killed Desdemona because he believed that she was not being faithful and giving him the undivided attention he deserved. Both men were rash and selfish.The theme of a disregard for the sacredness of marriage in the context of other intimate relationships is still widespread today. In media, this message is all too 
prevalent. One song that elaborates on the prevalence of infidelity today is “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” by Alan Jackson. “Who's cheatin' who, who's being true who don't even care anymore” (Hayes). This lyric shows that cheating is so common and expected that many people do not really care how their actions are affecting others. According to this song, it does not matter if one is faithful anymore because everyone is cheating someone. Not only does this song elaborate that cheating is rampant, but it also idolizes it. “It makes you wonder who’s doing right with someone tonight and who’s car is parked next door” (Hayes). The line “who’s doing right” makes it seem like it is a good thing to cheat on one’s spouse. It gives the impression that cheating is something deserving in praise.
prevalent. One song that elaborates on the prevalence of infidelity today is “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” by Alan Jackson. “Who's cheatin' who, who's being true who don't even care anymore” (Hayes). This lyric shows that cheating is so common and expected that many people do not really care how their actions are affecting others. According to this song, it does not matter if one is faithful anymore because everyone is cheating someone. Not only does this song elaborate that cheating is rampant, but it also idolizes it. “It makes you wonder who’s doing right with someone tonight and who’s car is parked next door” (Hayes). The line “who’s doing right” makes it seem like it is a good thing to cheat on one’s spouse. It gives the impression that cheating is something deserving in praise.The behavior of cheating and violating the commitment of marriage has been widespread for centuries. This theme found in Shakespeare’s Othello is timeless as evidence from the past and present. Othello, King Henry VIII, and “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” all promote the act of disregarding the promises of fidelity involved with marriage. Married couples promise each other and the state to stay together and work out problems for life. Othello violates this promise by killing Desdemona over mere allegations. King Henry made no attempt to make any of his marriages last. Alan Jackson’s song promotes the act of cheating and disregards that in order to be cheating, one must be breaking the bond of a marriage. These three instances that contain the theme of viewing marriage as a mere technicality when involving oneself in other intimate relations promote this behavior throughout the centuries. The fact that this theme is so universal is not a good thing because a behavior like this should not be approved or advocated.
Works Cited
Eakins, Lara E. "The Six Wives of Henry VIII." Tudor History. Lara E. Eakins, June 2007. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. http://tudorhistory.org/wives/.
Hayes, Jerry. "Who's Cheatin' Who." Rec. 07 Apr. 1997. Who's Cheatin' Who. Alan Jackson. Keith Stegall, 1997. CD.
Perrine, Lawrence. "Othello." Perrine's Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. Fort Worth. Harcourt College. 2002: 1361-462. Print.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Reflective Essay Warm-Up
The song "Who's Cheatin' Who" by Alan Jackson provides a wonderful connection to all of the cheating in "Othello." It connects to the confusion of who is sleeping with who in Othello because there is a large number of 
accusations with no evidence to support them. Emilia cheated on Iago with Othello. Desdemona cheated on Othello with Cassio. Bianca is Cassio's whore. There are so many unfounded claims that make readers wander who is really cheating on whom. "I thought I knew her well I really couldn't tell that she had another lover on her mind." These lines from the song connect to Othello's thoughts. He thought he knew her well enough that he would be able to tell if something was amiss. However, Iago forces him to confront the possibility that she has another love on her mind. Othello doesn't know how he could have missed the fact that she was thinking about someone else. (He didn't miss it because those feelings were never really present.)Thursday, February 2, 2012
Plays: Othello 6
"A likely piece of work, that you should find it in your chamber and not know who left it there! This is some minx's token, and I must take out the work? There, give it your hobbyhorse. Wheresoever, you had it, I'll take out no work on't." Page 1432, Act IV, scene i, lines 143-146
This quote bring the hankerchief into the story. Throughout the work, the hankerchief is involved with the supposed affair. Everyone has their opinions as to who has it and how they have it. Othello sees it as proof of Desdemona's affair. Iago sees it as a tool to get things to happen the way he wants. The hankerchief is also the piece of the puzzle that helps Emilia piece together everything that has unfolded in Act V. Once Othello tells Emilia that Iago's hunch was proven with the handkerchief, she is able to make the connection that Iago planned everything out. I also think that the connection is a bit of a symbol of the whole scheme becuase it is present or mentioned with pretty much every step of Iago's plan. It is as if it is a way for us to keep up with what point in Iago's plan we are reading.
This quote bring the hankerchief into the story. Throughout the work, the hankerchief is involved with the supposed affair. Everyone has their opinions as to who has it and how they have it. Othello sees it as proof of Desdemona's affair. Iago sees it as a tool to get things to happen the way he wants. The hankerchief is also the piece of the puzzle that helps Emilia piece together everything that has unfolded in Act V. Once Othello tells Emilia that Iago's hunch was proven with the handkerchief, she is able to make the connection that Iago planned everything out. I also think that the connection is a bit of a symbol of the whole scheme becuase it is present or mentioned with pretty much every step of Iago's plan. It is as if it is a way for us to keep up with what point in Iago's plan we are reading.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Plays: Othello 5
"My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago." Page 1454, Act V, Scene ii, line 153
This line reveals what Iago's epithet has been the entire play. Iago is repeatedly referred to as honest. However, readers are aware of the fact that he is anything but honest. I think this epithet is ironic because Iago spends the entire time manipulating people for his own good. This epithet characterizes how Iago appears to the characters. This is important because it explains and justifies the actions that the characters take that the readers percieve as stupid. One of these actions is trusting Iago. The characters all seem to trust him to help them because he acts honest and genuinely concerned for them. I think this epithet also shows how manipulative Iago was because everyone called him honest. An epithet is a generally accepted adjective that describes the character, so it must have been a consensus that Iago was a good and honest man.
This line reveals what Iago's epithet has been the entire play. Iago is repeatedly referred to as honest. However, readers are aware of the fact that he is anything but honest. I think this epithet is ironic because Iago spends the entire time manipulating people for his own good. This epithet characterizes how Iago appears to the characters. This is important because it explains and justifies the actions that the characters take that the readers percieve as stupid. One of these actions is trusting Iago. The characters all seem to trust him to help them because he acts honest and genuinely concerned for them. I think this epithet also shows how manipulative Iago was because everyone called him honest. An epithet is a generally accepted adjective that describes the character, so it must have been a consensus that Iago was a good and honest man.
Plays: Othello 4
"Moor, she was chaste. She loved thee, cruel Moor, so come my soul to bliss as I speak true. So speaking as I think, I die, I die." Page 1457, Act V, scene II, lines 247-250
In the fifth act, readers are shown that Emilia is a dynamic character. She makes a drastic change from the beginning acts to now. In the beginning, Emilia was subservient and quiet. She didn't stand up to Iago and just let him insult her in front of her friends. Now, in act five, after dramatic deaths, Emilia is more active in asserting her views. She becomes direct, forceful, and nonintimidated. She finally stands up for herself and Desdemona. She is not afraid to stand up to Othello and let him know that he unjustly murdered his wife because Desdemona was nothing but faithful. This dramatic change in Emilia's character shows that everyone can change and most people have an inner tiger just waiting to let loose. For Emilia, her inner tiger was released when she watched multiple people die because of what she would later discover to be her husband's lies and manipulation. I think this helps show that truly only Iago knew what he was doing and nobody could have predicted this outcome (except Iago).
In the fifth act, readers are shown that Emilia is a dynamic character. She makes a drastic change from the beginning acts to now. In the beginning, Emilia was subservient and quiet. She didn't stand up to Iago and just let him insult her in front of her friends. Now, in act five, after dramatic deaths, Emilia is more active in asserting her views. She becomes direct, forceful, and nonintimidated. She finally stands up for herself and Desdemona. She is not afraid to stand up to Othello and let him know that he unjustly murdered his wife because Desdemona was nothing but faithful. This dramatic change in Emilia's character shows that everyone can change and most people have an inner tiger just waiting to let loose. For Emilia, her inner tiger was released when she watched multiple people die because of what she would later discover to be her husband's lies and manipulation. I think this helps show that truly only Iago knew what he was doing and nobody could have predicted this outcome (except Iago).
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