"I was honoured by a cordiality of reception that made me feel I really possessed the power to amuse him [Rochester]" (138).
It is evident that Jane is beginning to develop an attachment to Rochester as they spend more time together. Although this is her first affectionate relationship with a man, it is not what separates Rochester & Jane's relationship from Jane's past acquaintanceships (Helen, Mary, Ms. Temple). In the statement above, Jane is not only happy to be in Rochester's presence, but she is actually honored. The use of this word indicates that she is able to form a deeper connection with him, because of his superiority. As much as he tries to deny it, Jane is his subordinate as his employee. Fully acknowledging her inferiority, Jane expects to be treated with absolute disregard, disrespect, and scorn. However, on the contrary, Rochester actually treats her with regard, respect, and admiration: "I might have been as good as you, [Jane] - wiser, - almost as stainless. I envy your peace of mind, your clean conscience" (128). His words shock Jane, because she has never received compliments - especially from someone in a higher class than herself Therefore, it is natural that Jane would purposely use the word honored instead of a simple happy.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Intertextual Analysis: Frankenstein & Into the Wild
Initially, Frankenstein's reaction to his own creation of a monster was a bit perplexing, however, it is clear that his reaction is an exemplification of the universal truth presented throughout this novel as well as in the movie, Into the Wild. "Happiness not real when it is not shared" is presented in the movie and is reaffirmed through Frankenstein's behavior. Frankenstein became so consumed with science and nature that when he actually achieved his goal, he was unable to celebrate his accomplishment. By the end of the film, Into the Wild, it is more than obvious that the main character could not enjoy what he loved most due to the absence of companionship. The universal truth presented is challenging the validity of essentially any and everything, when only one person believes it to be true. My belief that two plus two equals five (hypothetically, of course) is invalid, because it is not a truth shared by more than one individual. Just as Frankenstein and Christopher McCandless's happiness was non-existent due to lack of companionship. What makes happiness real if there is nobody else to express that same emotion? How could Christopher or Frankenstein possibly express emotions of happiness without sharing it with another being just like them? It was not until "Clerval called forth the better feelings of [Frankenstein’s] heart" that "inanimate nature had the power of bestowing on [him] the most delightful sensations" (45).
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Ideal Society
The perfectly balanced and ideal society consists of Albert Einstein, Tyra Banks, Detective Janine Busby, Franklin Mumford, and Dr. Gregory House. Originally, my society consisted of all these individuals, with the exception of Albert Einstein. I had initially included Kanye West as an entertaining and immoral figure. However, I traded West with Einstein, when I realized the insignificance of an entertainment figure, since I had already inserted Tyra Banks who is entertaining in her own way. I also felt that placing someone specifically for their immoral actions was pointless as well, because as time passes, eventually all these individuals will clash and somebody will do something worth punishing anyway. Thus, Einstein seemed like a more viable option, because he could contribute much more. Einstein also fits in well with my society, because Franklin Mumford has the potential to do great things, if not greater things in the future. Therefore, Einstein would serve as the perfect role model and teacher to him. Dr. House is fundamental, because he isn’t simply a doctor, he is a diagnostician so there is essentially nothing he hasn’t seen or isn’t prepared to see. As for my inclusion of the women, Tyra Banks and Detective Janine Busby, I wanted to make sure they were great mother figures and were in dominant roles. It is crucial for any child to have a maternal figure in their lives. I also purposely chose these women, because of their professions. They work in fields that have been typically regarded as a man’s job, but in my society, the men will step down as the women take the role of mother and superwoman.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Perfect Society
Fictional Character - Dr. Gregory House, diagnostician, from the TV show 'HOUSE'
Role: Medical service/healer; comedian; teacher
WHY: He is an expert in deciphering unknown conditions; passionate about helping others while taking a more witty and sarcastic approach to medicine & serious situations. He is willing to teach those eager to learn.
Non-Fiction - Detective Janine Busby
Role: law enforcement, mother figure, warrior
WHY: She is strong & can be the prime example of the strength women possess; ensures & cares about the safety of others while also enforcing laws - (moral, state) no matter what.
Non-Fiction - Kanye West, rapper & producer
Role: Entertainment, immoral person
WHY: He makes great music & is a musical genius. Makes impulsive decisions & impulsive statements which often leads him into trouble, which also adds excitement to society.
Non-Fiction - Tyra Banks, Model, TV personality, actress
Role: entertainment, teacher, mother figure, businesswoman
WHY: She is inspirational and can motivate others to reach for the stars; she isn't afraid to step outside the norm to be herself & to make people laugh. Another representation of an 'Alpha Female'.
Fiction - Franklin Mumford, from the TV show 'My Wife & Kids'
Role: scholar, dreamer/abstract thinker
WHY: He is a young scholar with an intellect higher than most adults. He is a dreamer and is willing to explore & discover new things that will make society progressive.
Role: Medical service/healer; comedian; teacher
WHY: He is an expert in deciphering unknown conditions; passionate about helping others while taking a more witty and sarcastic approach to medicine & serious situations. He is willing to teach those eager to learn.
Non-Fiction - Detective Janine Busby
Role: law enforcement, mother figure, warrior
WHY: She is strong & can be the prime example of the strength women possess; ensures & cares about the safety of others while also enforcing laws - (moral, state) no matter what.
Non-Fiction - Kanye West, rapper & producer
Role: Entertainment, immoral person
WHY: He makes great music & is a musical genius. Makes impulsive decisions & impulsive statements which often leads him into trouble, which also adds excitement to society.
Non-Fiction - Tyra Banks, Model, TV personality, actress
Role: entertainment, teacher, mother figure, businesswoman
WHY: She is inspirational and can motivate others to reach for the stars; she isn't afraid to step outside the norm to be herself & to make people laugh. Another representation of an 'Alpha Female'.
Fiction - Franklin Mumford, from the TV show 'My Wife & Kids'
Role: scholar, dreamer/abstract thinker
WHY: He is a young scholar with an intellect higher than most adults. He is a dreamer and is willing to explore & discover new things that will make society progressive.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Modern Day Chivalric Code
Man’s guide to life aka the CHIVALRIC CODE
1) Don’t lie! (Most of you are horrible at it anyway). Equivocating and omitting is accepted. Telling your spouse everything can be quite selfish because you are alleviating yourself of the pain brought on by guilt & thrusting that pain onto the shoulders of someone else.
2) Be considerate. Work on being honest but also taking one’s feelings into consideration as well.
3) Get in touch with your feelings. REAL MEN CRY! It is OKAY to cry, just let it out. It will bring you much closer to the person you care about.
4) Get a job. Nobody wants to be with a man who cannot provide for them, let alone take care of themselves. A sense of motivation, independence, and confidence is a turn on.
5) Have a purpose – set a goal. Couch potatoes are the worst! Believe in something and take action.
6) Take pride in family. It is one of the most important aspects of one’s life and is a great indicator as to how a man values the meaning of unconditional love.
7) Don’t say it unless you mean it. Ensure that you can actually carry out all your promises and simply stand by your word.
8) Eliminate sex. Not to say practice abstinence but If you can until marriage, that’s great. However, next time you enter a relationship, try to think with your head and not with your…
9) Be Strong. Not just physically, but mentally as well.
10) Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not to please someone else. Never forget who you are! LOVE yourself.
1) Don’t lie! (Most of you are horrible at it anyway). Equivocating and omitting is accepted. Telling your spouse everything can be quite selfish because you are alleviating yourself of the pain brought on by guilt & thrusting that pain onto the shoulders of someone else.
2) Be considerate. Work on being honest but also taking one’s feelings into consideration as well.
3) Get in touch with your feelings. REAL MEN CRY! It is OKAY to cry, just let it out. It will bring you much closer to the person you care about.
4) Get a job. Nobody wants to be with a man who cannot provide for them, let alone take care of themselves. A sense of motivation, independence, and confidence is a turn on.
5) Have a purpose – set a goal. Couch potatoes are the worst! Believe in something and take action.
6) Take pride in family. It is one of the most important aspects of one’s life and is a great indicator as to how a man values the meaning of unconditional love.
7) Don’t say it unless you mean it. Ensure that you can actually carry out all your promises and simply stand by your word.
8) Eliminate sex. Not to say practice abstinence but If you can until marriage, that’s great. However, next time you enter a relationship, try to think with your head and not with your…
9) Be Strong. Not just physically, but mentally as well.
10) Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not to please someone else. Never forget who you are! LOVE yourself.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Essential #4
Create an intertextual analysis of "Beowulf" and William Henley's "Invictus".
In his writing, Henley has established himself as a strong man determined to overcome all adversities. These characteristics are predominately present in the epic poem Beowulf. While many characters in Beowulf face overwhelming obstacles, Beowulf has definitely emerged from “out of the night that covers [him]” (‘Invictus’ Henley). He has proven countless times that he does not give up, no matter how difficult the challenge (i.e – his battle with the sea serpents during a race with Breca). Henley exerts a sense of confidence in his achievements in terms of overcoming all barriers, similar to the confidence seen in Beowulf: “[Beowulf] rejoiced in his night’s work, his glorious achievement … [he] made good his boast to the East-Danes” (816-818). Despite their complete belief in their own capabilities, Henley and Beowulf also realize that they cannot achieve greatness on their own. In the midst of his ‘boasting’, if you will, Henley acknowledges the source of all his strength: “I thank whatever Gods may be/For my unconquerable soul” (‘Invictus’ Henley). His thanks and praise to the man above is identical to Beowulf’s thanks and praise upon his battle with Grendel. He recognized that if it weren’t for the Lord, he would not have defeated Grendel. However, what separates Beowulf and Henley is Beowulf’s shift from a Christ-like figure to a conquerable soul that gave into temptation. In the end, despite Beowulf’s mistakes, he is a definite representation of Henley’s belief: “I am the master of my fate/I am the captain of my soul” (‘Invictus’ Henley). Not only has Beowulf fulfilled his fate as a warrior but he has also taken control of his fate.
In his writing, Henley has established himself as a strong man determined to overcome all adversities. These characteristics are predominately present in the epic poem Beowulf. While many characters in Beowulf face overwhelming obstacles, Beowulf has definitely emerged from “out of the night that covers [him]” (‘Invictus’ Henley). He has proven countless times that he does not give up, no matter how difficult the challenge (i.e – his battle with the sea serpents during a race with Breca). Henley exerts a sense of confidence in his achievements in terms of overcoming all barriers, similar to the confidence seen in Beowulf: “[Beowulf] rejoiced in his night’s work, his glorious achievement … [he] made good his boast to the East-Danes” (816-818). Despite their complete belief in their own capabilities, Henley and Beowulf also realize that they cannot achieve greatness on their own. In the midst of his ‘boasting’, if you will, Henley acknowledges the source of all his strength: “I thank whatever Gods may be/For my unconquerable soul” (‘Invictus’ Henley). His thanks and praise to the man above is identical to Beowulf’s thanks and praise upon his battle with Grendel. He recognized that if it weren’t for the Lord, he would not have defeated Grendel. However, what separates Beowulf and Henley is Beowulf’s shift from a Christ-like figure to a conquerable soul that gave into temptation. In the end, despite Beowulf’s mistakes, he is a definite representation of Henley’s belief: “I am the master of my fate/I am the captain of my soul” (‘Invictus’ Henley). Not only has Beowulf fulfilled his fate as a warrior but he has also taken control of his fate.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Essential Question #2
What are a hero's social obligations?
Heroes are socially obligated to set an example for their society. While heroes are entitled to make mistakes at times, they must also work to creating a positive reputation or image for themselves. Without these particular credentials, a figure can often be overlooked and ultimately not even be considered a hero. The famous philosopher Socrates stated that “The only way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear”. Therefore, it is important that people who are considered heroes do not solely rely on their heroic actions for recognition. In addition, heroes are also obligated to be martyrs. This does not necessarily mean that all heroes must die in order for them to be considered heroic. It simply means that heroes must be courageous enough to accept the fact that they may lose their life during a mission. All feelings of fear, apprehension, and selfishness must go out the window when one takes on the role of a hero. Feelings such as fear and/or apprehension are ultimately a hindrance to a hero’s mission. They are emotions that often cloud one’s judgment; therefore, a hero must rid themselves of anything that may cause this. These are the characteristics that separate the average Joe from a hero, and if one can fulfill these obligations, then they can be a hero.
Heroes are socially obligated to set an example for their society. While heroes are entitled to make mistakes at times, they must also work to creating a positive reputation or image for themselves. Without these particular credentials, a figure can often be overlooked and ultimately not even be considered a hero. The famous philosopher Socrates stated that “The only way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear”. Therefore, it is important that people who are considered heroes do not solely rely on their heroic actions for recognition. In addition, heroes are also obligated to be martyrs. This does not necessarily mean that all heroes must die in order for them to be considered heroic. It simply means that heroes must be courageous enough to accept the fact that they may lose their life during a mission. All feelings of fear, apprehension, and selfishness must go out the window when one takes on the role of a hero. Feelings such as fear and/or apprehension are ultimately a hindrance to a hero’s mission. They are emotions that often cloud one’s judgment; therefore, a hero must rid themselves of anything that may cause this. These are the characteristics that separate the average Joe from a hero, and if one can fulfill these obligations, then they can be a hero.
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