Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Floating Trees
Today, I decided to read the poem of the day on poetryfoundation.org. I found it to be quite enjoyable. Here it is:
Floating Trees
a bed is left open to a mirror
a mirror gazes long and hard at a bed
light fingers the house with its own acoustics
one of them writes this down
one has paper
bed of swollen creeks and theories and coils
bed of eyes and leaky pens
much of the night the air touches arms
arms extend themselves to air
their torsos turning toward a roll
of sound: thunder
night of coon scat and vandalized headstones
night of deep kisses and catamenia
his face by this light: saurian
hers: ash like the tissue of a hornets’ nest
one scans the aisle of firs
the faint blue line of them
one looks out: sans serif
“Didn’t I hear you tell them you were born
on a train”
what begins with a sough and ends with a groan
groan in which the tongue’s true color is revealed
the comb’s sough and the denim’s undeniable rub
the chair’s stripped back and muddied rung
color of stone soup and garden gloves
color of meal and treacle and sphagnum
hangers clinging to their coat
a soft while bulb to its string
the footprints inside us
iterate the footprints outside
the scratched words return to their sleeves
the dresses of monday through friday
swallow the long hips of weekends
a face is studied like a key
for the mystery of what it once opened
“I didn’t mean to wake you
angel brains”
ink of eyes and veins and phonemes
the ink completes the feeling
a mirror silently facing a door
door with no lock no lock
the room he brings into you
the room befalls you
like the fir trees he trues her
she nears him like the firs
if one vanishes one stays
if one stays the other will or will not vanish
otherwise my beautiful green fly
otherwise not a leaf stirs
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Blogging Hamlet:: Act II, Scene ii
1. Summary: Act II scene ii is a scene of mammoth proportions. I'll try my best to summarize it in a clear and concise fashion, but I make no promises.
This scene opens with the arrival of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, both of whom are Hamlet's friends from Whittenberg. The King and Queen, concerned about Hamlet's lunatic behavior, send the pair to spy on him. Polonius then enters, announcing the return of Voltimand, an ambassador to Norway, who brings news of its aged king. Voltimand begins his tale. The Norwegian king rebuked Fortinbras for attempting to attack Denmark. However, when Fortinbras vowed to never again attack Denmark, the king gave Fortinbras a grand sum of money and urged him to attack Poland instead. Now, Fortinbras asks permission to march through Denmark to reach Poland. Relieved that Fortinbras failed in his attempt to attack Denmark, Claudius hastily announces that he will see to the business later and dismisses Voltimand. Polonius then expresses his own qualms regarding Hamlet. He ironically begins an unnecessarily grandiloquent explanation on the importance of succinctness before finally offering his own explanation for Hamlet's apparent madness: the prince is madly in love with his daughter, Ophelia. After he reads one of Hamlet's many love letters, Polonius sees Hamlet on the balcony and quickly concocts a plan. He decides to send Ophelia to talk to Hamlet. Hiding in the curtains, he, the king, and the queen, will be able to hear the couple's conversation. The King and Queen assent to this plan and exit, leaving Polonius alone with Hamlet. Polonius attempts to strike up a conversation with the latter, but the only result seems to be a display of cold irritability from Hamlet. The prince even calls Polonius a "fishmonger." Polonius leaves, observing that while some of Hamlet's responses were seemingly erratic, they were actually "pregnant" with veiled insults. (Almost done!) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern meet the unhappy Hamlet who laments his disappointments of Denmark. Hamlet then pressures his friends until they admit to have been sent as spies. Rosencrantz then mentions a theater troupe that is performing near the castle. Hamlet becomes excited and invites his friends to stay at Elsinore. In the castle, Hamlet warmly welcomes the troupe and asks a member to perform an excerpt depicting the fall of Troy and the deaths of the Trojan king and queen. Hamlet is deeply moved by the scene, and accompanies the actor to his room. Along the way, Hamlet asks if the troupe could perform The Murder of Gonzago with a few added lines by himself. The actor accepts. Hamlet then goes to a private room and begins his monologue, which will be explored in the upcoming sections.
2. Quote:
~Hamlet, lines 518 to 523
I really found Hamlet's monologue to be quite interesting. To me, the passage almost gives off a general air of confused bipolarity. His (perhaps) feigned madness seems to trickle into his speech as he jumps from self-pity to incredulousness to more self-pity to fearful doubt to ravenous bloodthirstiness. Anyway, I can relate to Hamlet in this excerpt as he incredulously observes the tears the actor had shed during his monologue. I'm not saying that I too wallow in self pity, but I understand where he is coming from. These lines effectively depict the internal strife Hamlet is experiencing. I also sense that Hamlet is almost tempted to express his knowledge to others from the way he broods over what would happen if the actor knew the horrific acts of Claudius.
3. Reaction to Polonius:
To me, Polonius comes off as just a petty, unworthy henchman who has delusions of grandeur. Surprisingly, instead of being ticked off as Hamlet is at Claudius's goon, I am finding myself rather enjoying his shallow complacency. I must admit I laughed at his topsy-turvy speech on the merits of conciseness. I also found his intellectual defeat at the hands of Hamlet to be quite entertaining. How can an old man be out witted by a half-crazed college student? Lastly, I loved how the actor from the movie portrayed Polonius during the actor's monologue. Trying to redeem himself after Hamlet chastises him for being philistine, Polonius vaguely says "that's good, that's good" in a desperate attempt to make himself look cultured. Nice try Polonius.
My view of Polonius:
This scene opens with the arrival of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, both of whom are Hamlet's friends from Whittenberg. The King and Queen, concerned about Hamlet's lunatic behavior, send the pair to spy on him. Polonius then enters, announcing the return of Voltimand, an ambassador to Norway, who brings news of its aged king. Voltimand begins his tale. The Norwegian king rebuked Fortinbras for attempting to attack Denmark. However, when Fortinbras vowed to never again attack Denmark, the king gave Fortinbras a grand sum of money and urged him to attack Poland instead. Now, Fortinbras asks permission to march through Denmark to reach Poland. Relieved that Fortinbras failed in his attempt to attack Denmark, Claudius hastily announces that he will see to the business later and dismisses Voltimand. Polonius then expresses his own qualms regarding Hamlet. He ironically begins an unnecessarily grandiloquent explanation on the importance of succinctness before finally offering his own explanation for Hamlet's apparent madness: the prince is madly in love with his daughter, Ophelia. After he reads one of Hamlet's many love letters, Polonius sees Hamlet on the balcony and quickly concocts a plan. He decides to send Ophelia to talk to Hamlet. Hiding in the curtains, he, the king, and the queen, will be able to hear the couple's conversation. The King and Queen assent to this plan and exit, leaving Polonius alone with Hamlet. Polonius attempts to strike up a conversation with the latter, but the only result seems to be a display of cold irritability from Hamlet. The prince even calls Polonius a "fishmonger." Polonius leaves, observing that while some of Hamlet's responses were seemingly erratic, they were actually "pregnant" with veiled insults. (Almost done!) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern meet the unhappy Hamlet who laments his disappointments of Denmark. Hamlet then pressures his friends until they admit to have been sent as spies. Rosencrantz then mentions a theater troupe that is performing near the castle. Hamlet becomes excited and invites his friends to stay at Elsinore. In the castle, Hamlet warmly welcomes the troupe and asks a member to perform an excerpt depicting the fall of Troy and the deaths of the Trojan king and queen. Hamlet is deeply moved by the scene, and accompanies the actor to his room. Along the way, Hamlet asks if the troupe could perform The Murder of Gonzago with a few added lines by himself. The actor accepts. Hamlet then goes to a private room and begins his monologue, which will be explored in the upcoming sections.
2. Quote:
"What’s Hecuba to him or he to Hecuba
That he should weep for her? What would he do
Had he the motive and the cue for passion
That I have? He would drown the stage with tears
And cleave the general ear with horrid speech,
Make mad the guilty and appall the free..."~Hamlet, lines 518 to 523
I really found Hamlet's monologue to be quite interesting. To me, the passage almost gives off a general air of confused bipolarity. His (perhaps) feigned madness seems to trickle into his speech as he jumps from self-pity to incredulousness to more self-pity to fearful doubt to ravenous bloodthirstiness. Anyway, I can relate to Hamlet in this excerpt as he incredulously observes the tears the actor had shed during his monologue. I'm not saying that I too wallow in self pity, but I understand where he is coming from. These lines effectively depict the internal strife Hamlet is experiencing. I also sense that Hamlet is almost tempted to express his knowledge to others from the way he broods over what would happen if the actor knew the horrific acts of Claudius.
3. Reaction to Polonius:
To me, Polonius comes off as just a petty, unworthy henchman who has delusions of grandeur. Surprisingly, instead of being ticked off as Hamlet is at Claudius's goon, I am finding myself rather enjoying his shallow complacency. I must admit I laughed at his topsy-turvy speech on the merits of conciseness. I also found his intellectual defeat at the hands of Hamlet to be quite entertaining. How can an old man be out witted by a half-crazed college student? Lastly, I loved how the actor from the movie portrayed Polonius during the actor's monologue. Trying to redeem himself after Hamlet chastises him for being philistine, Polonius vaguely says "that's good, that's good" in a desperate attempt to make himself look cultured. Nice try Polonius.
My view of Polonius:
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!
There's a Harry Potter marathon on ABC! I just cant' help thinking of Hamlet every time I see Gilderoy Lockhart.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Hamlet Response
I really liked She Said She Said's concise blog post about Hamlet, Act I Scene ii. We shared many of the same thoughts about Hamlet's father's ghost, like why doesn't the ghost speak to anyone but Hamlet? Is he going crazy? These are a few ideas that I also had. Well, great minds think alike, right? :D
Blogging Hamlet, Act I, Scene iv
1. Summary: Hamlet, Marcello, and Horatio stand guard outside Elsinore to watch for the ghost. Hamlet explains the Danish custom of carousing, and bitterly imagines the other countries' negative view of the aristocracy of Denmark. The ghost then appears and beckons Hamlet. Hamlet's companions warn Hamlet about following the phantom, believing that he could get harmed. Nevertheless, Hamlet follows the ghost.
2. Quote: "But to my mind, though I am native here and to the manner born, it is a custom more honored in the breach than the observance. This heavy-handed revel east and west makes us traduced and taxed of other nations. They clep us drunkards, with swinish phrase soil our addition; and indeed it takes from our achievements, though performed at height, the pith and marrow of attribute."
During these lines, I really feel for Hamlet and his kingdom. I understand where Hamlet is coming from; the Danish reputation really rests on the king's shoulders, and by acting irresponsibly, Claudius is soiling Denmark's reputation. This, unfortunately, is taking foreigners' attention away from the merits of the nation and towards its faults. How sad.
3. Reaction to the Ghost:
Finally! Some phantasmic action! Unlike the ghosts and witches in Macbeth, I really enjoyed the ghost in Hamlet. I think my intrigue springs from the movie, which did a nice job of portraying the eerie late Hamlet. In this scene, he is silent, which poses some questions. 1) Why can't he speak in front of Hamlet's friends? This is the second time he has refused to speak to them. 2) If the ghosts didn't speak to Hamlet's friends, is it possible that that he isn't speaking to mortals at all? In that case, is Hamlet hallucinating the bulk of the next scene? Hmmm... seems suspicious.
2. Quote: "But to my mind, though I am native here and to the manner born, it is a custom more honored in the breach than the observance. This heavy-handed revel east and west makes us traduced and taxed of other nations. They clep us drunkards, with swinish phrase soil our addition; and indeed it takes from our achievements, though performed at height, the pith and marrow of attribute."
During these lines, I really feel for Hamlet and his kingdom. I understand where Hamlet is coming from; the Danish reputation really rests on the king's shoulders, and by acting irresponsibly, Claudius is soiling Denmark's reputation. This, unfortunately, is taking foreigners' attention away from the merits of the nation and towards its faults. How sad.
3. Reaction to the Ghost:
Finally! Some phantasmic action! Unlike the ghosts and witches in Macbeth, I really enjoyed the ghost in Hamlet. I think my intrigue springs from the movie, which did a nice job of portraying the eerie late Hamlet. In this scene, he is silent, which poses some questions. 1) Why can't he speak in front of Hamlet's friends? This is the second time he has refused to speak to them. 2) If the ghosts didn't speak to Hamlet's friends, is it possible that that he isn't speaking to mortals at all? In that case, is Hamlet hallucinating the bulk of the next scene? Hmmm... seems suspicious.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Poem of the day!
This was the poem of the day on poetryfoundation.org. Enjoy! :)
Elegance
by Linda Gregg Linda Gregg
All that is uncared for.
Left alone in the stillness
in that pure silence married
to the stillness of nature.
A door off its hinges,
shade and shadows in an empty room.
Leaks for light. Raw where
the tin roof rusted through.
The rustle of weeds in their
different kinds of air in the mornings,
year after year.
A pecan tree, and the house
made out of mud bricks. Accurate
and unexpected beauty, rattling
and singing. If not to the sun,
then to nothing and to no one.
Elegance
by Linda Gregg Linda Gregg
All that is uncared for.
Left alone in the stillness
in that pure silence married
to the stillness of nature.
A door off its hinges,
shade and shadows in an empty room.
Leaks for light. Raw where
the tin roof rusted through.
The rustle of weeds in their
different kinds of air in the mornings,
year after year.
A pecan tree, and the house
made out of mud bricks. Accurate
and unexpected beauty, rattling
and singing. If not to the sun,
then to nothing and to no one.
Rereads.
Recently, I've found myself rereading a lot of books. Most of these we've read in class, but a few have been personal favorites that I read on my own free time. Here's a list:
1. Great Expectations: I've forgotten how much I truly loved this book. The plot is so cynically twisted that it gives me shivers. Of course, like every reread, I've picked on little subtleties that I hadn't picked up my freshman year. For example, at Mrs. Joe's funeral, Pumblechook yells "handkerchiefs at the ready!" and systematically instructs the mourners to wipe their tears in a rather oddly general-like fashion. These fine points slipped my mind the first time through. I also loved noticing the hints to later events that seemed so blatantly evident my second read through. I became excited at my sort of omnipresence whenever I came across these. It felt that I had some secret that no one else knew about.
2. A Man for All Seasons: I came across this in my room while I was cleaning out my bookshelf the other day. I read it all in one sitting (it probably took an hour or so). I was amazed by how much my PoV concerning Sir Thomas More had changed. I had always viewed him as a martyr, but it was only after my reread that I had fully come to appriciate how he stood by his belifs so whole heartedly. I distinctly remember a fishbowl we had about this book in freshman Block. Someone had actually chided More for beign strong and not giving in to King Henry VIII. I think that if we had had the same fishbowl now, this comment would have not been made due to our increased maturity.
3. Little Women: I absolutely adore this book. It is a perfect, cheerful, light read fit for any leisure filled day. I read it in about two hours and fully understood the playful humor in the book this time around. It was definately enjoyable to reread!
4. Pride and Prejudice: I had read this book and Jane Eyre and Robinson Crusoe in 8th grade when I was over at my relatives' house, bored to death by lack of children my age. We were staying over at their house for a whopping month, and luckily, the my relatives' college aged daughter had left a few books in her bookshelf. Due to my boredom and the availability of books, I read for that month. However, as an 8th grader, Pride and Prejudice's full meaning did not entirely enter my head. This past reread has allowed me to understand not only understand the more complicated aspects of 18th century English, but to understand the major themes in the novel. On a side note, I really enjoyed Pride and Prejudice more than Sense and Sensibility.
1. Great Expectations: I've forgotten how much I truly loved this book. The plot is so cynically twisted that it gives me shivers. Of course, like every reread, I've picked on little subtleties that I hadn't picked up my freshman year. For example, at Mrs. Joe's funeral, Pumblechook yells "handkerchiefs at the ready!" and systematically instructs the mourners to wipe their tears in a rather oddly general-like fashion. These fine points slipped my mind the first time through. I also loved noticing the hints to later events that seemed so blatantly evident my second read through. I became excited at my sort of omnipresence whenever I came across these. It felt that I had some secret that no one else knew about.
2. A Man for All Seasons: I came across this in my room while I was cleaning out my bookshelf the other day. I read it all in one sitting (it probably took an hour or so). I was amazed by how much my PoV concerning Sir Thomas More had changed. I had always viewed him as a martyr, but it was only after my reread that I had fully come to appriciate how he stood by his belifs so whole heartedly. I distinctly remember a fishbowl we had about this book in freshman Block. Someone had actually chided More for beign strong and not giving in to King Henry VIII. I think that if we had had the same fishbowl now, this comment would have not been made due to our increased maturity.
3. Little Women: I absolutely adore this book. It is a perfect, cheerful, light read fit for any leisure filled day. I read it in about two hours and fully understood the playful humor in the book this time around. It was definately enjoyable to reread!
4. Pride and Prejudice: I had read this book and Jane Eyre and Robinson Crusoe in 8th grade when I was over at my relatives' house, bored to death by lack of children my age. We were staying over at their house for a whopping month, and luckily, the my relatives' college aged daughter had left a few books in her bookshelf. Due to my boredom and the availability of books, I read for that month. However, as an 8th grader, Pride and Prejudice's full meaning did not entirely enter my head. This past reread has allowed me to understand not only understand the more complicated aspects of 18th century English, but to understand the major themes in the novel. On a side note, I really enjoyed Pride and Prejudice more than Sense and Sensibility.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Kindle! :D
I'm now the proud owner of a black Amazon Kindle. Initially, when my mom brought it home, I was skeptical, because I didn't think a machine could ever replace a book. But now, while I do still prefer books, I've come to enjoy the convenience of having multiple books in a compact device. (:
The only problem I see with the Kindle is the fact that it's rather difficult to maneuver through the book. Also, there's a weird black and white transition screen that pops for a split second before the next page shows up. Yuck.
Nevertheless, I've already downloaded Hamlet, and almost all of the classics are free, so I think the Kindle will soon become my portable AP Lit study companion. I'm really excited! I love the screen, which doesn't even look like a screen. It has no glare and kind of looks like a printed sheet of paper. It's really neat.
The only problem I see with the Kindle is the fact that it's rather difficult to maneuver through the book. Also, there's a weird black and white transition screen that pops for a split second before the next page shows up. Yuck.
Nevertheless, I've already downloaded Hamlet, and almost all of the classics are free, so I think the Kindle will soon become my portable AP Lit study companion. I'm really excited! I love the screen, which doesn't even look like a screen. It has no glare and kind of looks like a printed sheet of paper. It's really neat.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Blogging Hamlet: Act 1, Scene 2
1. Summary:
The scene opens with King Claudius's speech to his court, explaining his marriage to Gertrude. Claudius claims he misses his brother dearly, but becomes optimistic as he looks towards the future. Laertes asks for permission to return to France, and Claudius agrees, heartily giving his blessing. Claudius then chides Hamlet on how he has been mourning his father's death for to long. He does not wish for Hamlet to study in Whittenberg again, and asks Hamlet to stay in the castle. After the the king, queen, and courtiers leave, Hamlet begins to unload all his inner thoughts and troubles. However, is is cut short when Marcello, Bernando, and Horatio enter the room. They tell Hamlet of the sightings of his father's ghost, and Hamlet wishes he could have been there. He makes up his mind to look for his father's ghost when night comes.
4. Quote from the scene:
"Oh that this too too sullied flesh would melt,
Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!
Or that the Everlasting had not fixed
His canon 'gainst self slaughter! Oh God, God."
I basically fell in love with Hamlet's soliloquy on pages 27 and 28. The passage highlights Hamlet's immense anguish at his father's untimely death a quite beautiful way. For example, Hamlet does not simply want to commit suicide. Rather, he wishes his "too too sullied flesh would melt... into a dew." His inner torment is expressed as he remarks how "weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable" the world now seems to him. He is tortured by the fact that in a mere month, his father passed away and his mother hastily married his uncle. He feels strangely misunderstood as he is alienated from his kingdom; it seems to him that he is the only mourner amidst an unwarranted celebration. He tenderly remembers his father, an "excellent king," and is confused by the conflicting images of his lovingly devoted mother prior to his father's death, and his blissfully apathetic mother after his father's passing. He curses the "wicked speed" but quickly quiets down when he hears someone approaching.
5. Reaction to Claudius:
King Claudius is frustrating me. His monologue on page 25 gave a strange urge to punch someone in the face. Hamelet is obviously mourning his father's death, but does Claudius leave him alone? No! He treats Hamelet's grief as a sin, condemning his nephew as one "of impious stubborness." He taunts Hamlet by calling his "mind impatient" and his "heart unfortified." He even blames Hamlet for finding "faults in heaven" and being "against the dead." In short, Claudius is actually treating Hamlet as one who is blatantly against his late father. What uncle does that? An uncle who's up to no good, that's who. You may have read my previous post about how I heard that Hamlet was like The Lion King. Well so far, it's sure turning out to be that way. In the movie, Simba has an evil uncle who gains the throne after the king's death. I'm going to make a prediction here - Claudius killed Hamlet's father.
The scene opens with King Claudius's speech to his court, explaining his marriage to Gertrude. Claudius claims he misses his brother dearly, but becomes optimistic as he looks towards the future. Laertes asks for permission to return to France, and Claudius agrees, heartily giving his blessing. Claudius then chides Hamlet on how he has been mourning his father's death for to long. He does not wish for Hamlet to study in Whittenberg again, and asks Hamlet to stay in the castle. After the the king, queen, and courtiers leave, Hamlet begins to unload all his inner thoughts and troubles. However, is is cut short when Marcello, Bernando, and Horatio enter the room. They tell Hamlet of the sightings of his father's ghost, and Hamlet wishes he could have been there. He makes up his mind to look for his father's ghost when night comes.
4. Quote from the scene:
"Oh that this too too sullied flesh would melt,
Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!
Or that the Everlasting had not fixed
His canon 'gainst self slaughter! Oh God, God."
I basically fell in love with Hamlet's soliloquy on pages 27 and 28. The passage highlights Hamlet's immense anguish at his father's untimely death a quite beautiful way. For example, Hamlet does not simply want to commit suicide. Rather, he wishes his "too too sullied flesh would melt... into a dew." His inner torment is expressed as he remarks how "weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable" the world now seems to him. He is tortured by the fact that in a mere month, his father passed away and his mother hastily married his uncle. He feels strangely misunderstood as he is alienated from his kingdom; it seems to him that he is the only mourner amidst an unwarranted celebration. He tenderly remembers his father, an "excellent king," and is confused by the conflicting images of his lovingly devoted mother prior to his father's death, and his blissfully apathetic mother after his father's passing. He curses the "wicked speed" but quickly quiets down when he hears someone approaching.
5. Reaction to Claudius:
King Claudius is frustrating me. His monologue on page 25 gave a strange urge to punch someone in the face. Hamelet is obviously mourning his father's death, but does Claudius leave him alone? No! He treats Hamelet's grief as a sin, condemning his nephew as one "of impious stubborness." He taunts Hamlet by calling his "mind impatient" and his "heart unfortified." He even blames Hamlet for finding "faults in heaven" and being "against the dead." In short, Claudius is actually treating Hamlet as one who is blatantly against his late father. What uncle does that? An uncle who's up to no good, that's who. You may have read my previous post about how I heard that Hamlet was like The Lion King. Well so far, it's sure turning out to be that way. In the movie, Simba has an evil uncle who gains the throne after the king's death. I'm going to make a prediction here - Claudius killed Hamlet's father.
Friday, March 4, 2011
A poem by me! (:
I wrote this poem when I was suffering from writer's block last week when writing the ATPH rough draft.
Writer’s Block.
By: Me
I’m staring blankly at the paper,
wondering which prompt I should choose.
Should I focus my paper on irony
or allusions of which there are so few?
But of course it must be symbols,
just see how they bounce off the page.
But I can’t think. What is it about McCarthy
that leaves me in such a daze?
I quickly flip through the book
and see horses, blood, and Alejandra.
I stop – my mind is sidetracked.
Suddenly I’m humming Lady Gaga.
I try to put on my best poker face
as I see my mom pass the door.
Can she tell that I’m not working?
I’ve been at this since half past four.
“Crap,” I say as my mom taps the door,
calling me down for dinner.
I guess it’s alright if I skip a meal.
It won’t hurt if I get a little thinner.
“Maybe a little break will do me good,”
I think as I open up internet explorer.
Then an hour later I find myself
still staring at pictures on Tumblr.
I open up a new blank word
(the internet tabs – I close them).
But instead of typing a masterpiece on McCarthy,
I write instead this poem.
It’s a quarter after ten
and my paper still isn’t finished.
But maybe if I show Mr. Hill these thought out verses,
I’ll earn a little extra credit.
Little Women
I recently read Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. I think it's a wonderful book! It is set in the Civil War era and centers around the four March children: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.
Here's a quick overview of the characters' personalities:
So yeah. The novel really follows the girls as they grow up. However, it's not a tiring coming of age novel (I really dislike those), but rather a cute, fun, and easy read! I especially loved Jo and Mr. Baher together. ♥
Here is an excerpt from one of Jo's poems that I really liked.
“Hither, hither from thy home,
Airy sprite, I bid thee come!
Born of roses, fed on dew,
Charms and potions canst thou brew?
Bring me here, with elfin speed,
The fragrant philter which I need.
Make it sweet and swift and strong,
Spirit, answer now my song!”
Here's a quick overview of the characters' personalities:
So yeah. The novel really follows the girls as they grow up. However, it's not a tiring coming of age novel (I really dislike those), but rather a cute, fun, and easy read! I especially loved Jo and Mr. Baher together. ♥
Here is an excerpt from one of Jo's poems that I really liked.
“Hither, hither from thy home,
Airy sprite, I bid thee come!
Born of roses, fed on dew,
Charms and potions canst thou brew?
Bring me here, with elfin speed,
The fragrant philter which I need.
Make it sweet and swift and strong,
Spirit, answer now my song!”
Act 1, Scene 1
1. Summary: It is night in Elsinore, Denmark, and a night guard named Bernando is watching the grounds with a fellow guard named Marcello when Horatio, a friend of Prince Hamlet, arrives. Bernando and Marcello discuss an odd happening that has been occurring for the past two days: the ghost of the recently late King Hamlet seemingly walks about at night sporadically. Horatio, of course, doesn’t believe this. However, the ghost appears at that moment, astonishing Horatio. He notes that the ghost is clad in armor, and assumes that the ghost is warning the kingdom of an impending attack. However, before much more can be said, the vision disappears. In a few moments, however, it reappears, and this time, Horatio tries to speak to it. Unfortunately, dawn arrives and the phantom vaporizes once more before it has a chance to speak.
2. "What art thou that usurp'st this time of night,/Together with that fair and warlike form/In which the majesty of buried Denmark/Did sometimes march? By heaven, I charge thee, speak!" ~Horatio, lines 50-53
3. Coming soon!
Here's a quick illustration:
2. "What art thou that usurp'st this time of night,/Together with that fair and warlike form/In which the majesty of buried Denmark/Did sometimes march? By heaven, I charge thee, speak!" ~Horatio, lines 50-53
3. Coming soon!
Here's a quick illustration:
Oops. I started this before I found out about the "Odd" and "Normal" thing. Sorry.
Spoiler alert!
If you don’t know/haven’t read Hamelt, I would advise you not to read the following.
I’m really excited for Hamlet partially because it gives me an excuse to watch The Lion King again. From what I heard, the story of a prince whose father is slain by a jealous brother who flees his kingdom and lives with two great guys for years before finally returning to avenge his father’s death after seeing his father's apparition is not the brainchild of Disney, but rather Shakespeare. Of course, I’ve been told that Disney made some minor alterations. If The Lion King went perfectly with the book, Serabi (Simba’s mom) would have married Scar, and Simba himself would have died. But who really wants to see that?
Anyway, I’m super excited for Hamlet. (:
In my hype, I drew a little lion on the top of the Hamlet blogging instructions.
And then revamped it on paint:
:D
♥
I’m really excited for Hamlet partially because it gives me an excuse to watch The Lion King again. From what I heard, the story of a prince whose father is slain by a jealous brother who flees his kingdom and lives with two great guys for years before finally returning to avenge his father’s death after seeing his father's apparition is not the brainchild of Disney, but rather Shakespeare. Of course, I’ve been told that Disney made some minor alterations. If The Lion King went perfectly with the book, Serabi (Simba’s mom) would have married Scar, and Simba himself would have died. But who really wants to see that?
Anyway, I’m super excited for Hamlet. (:
In my hype, I drew a little lion on the top of the Hamlet blogging instructions.
And then revamped it on paint:
:D
♥
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