Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thanksgiving Break: Updates for the week of November 29
Work on a first draft of a creative piece for the Somers Project
2002 Free Response: collaboration on de Botton's essay notes
Tone: AWKWARD!!!!!!!! Uncomfortable!!!
Embarrassing!
Narrator: Sarcasm!!!! Narrator has an opinion
Reference to the daughter's cleavage
Light bulbs
Dad looking at world horizontally
"Achhooooo" daughter mocking dad’s sneeze
Dad is described as cruise ship.. flailing arms
Conversation between four of them…
Boyfriend faded away
Disconnect among each other
Parents are either fighting, mom speaks disparagingly of husband’s family
Exaggeration: HYPERBOLE!!!!!
PARALLELISM between mother and father
Alain de Botton employs various techniques to produce a comic effect in Kiss and Tell. The scene begins with a couple at the theater on a date. It is evident at the onset of the piece that a seemingly pleasant evening will turn into a farcical one with the girl’s first line indicating her parents are in the theater as well. De Botton is clear to use elements such as hyperbole, point of view, and literary allusion to advance the comical scene in his text.
De Botton uses point of view in a number of ways throughout the piece. Through the use of dialogue, for example, the point of view of the narrator and characters involved in the piece elucidate a comical distress. This is evident in line 17 when the female character, Isabel states, “with any luck, they’ll be too busy arguing to glance up.” This line quickly offsets the potentially awkward situation the couple may encounter by displacing the focus on her parents’ flaws. Additionally,
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Friday
Due this Monday: Completed practice reading test #1
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Rey's journal entries: Crime and Punishment
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
AP Assignment and suuplies
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_questions/2002.html#name10
Please go to the 2010 exam, and selection question 1 (The Century Quilt). Then, when you are done writing the essay, take a look at the scoring guidelines. Write a brief reflection (1-2 paragraphs) about what you feel are your strengths, and which areas you would like to improve upon.
Supplies for the class: A notebook or section in your binder for notes, a folder, post-it notes, and pens.
I look forward to seeing you all on Monday.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Welcome back to school!
I have truly enjoyed watching you reflect, react, and express your thoughts on the texts, and each others' journals. Your ideas were rich, thoughtful, and showed a depth of understanding. I am extremely excited about this upcoming school year. We will be reading a range of literary works, engaging in thoughtful literary discussions, and becoming even more skillful readers and writers as we prepare for college.
Best wishes for a successful school year,
Ms. T
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sky's journals: Streetcar Named Desire
Journal #1:
All I knew when I before I started reading this book was that a male figure that fell down to his knees and yelled STELLA!!! So I assumed that Stella was the main character. I was really curious about the title and I liked that sort of mystery. One of the first quotes that caught my eye that mentioned the title was when Blanche said “They told me to take a street-car named Desire, and transfer to one called Cemeteries, and ride six blocks and get off at—Elysian Fields!” When she said that I realized two things one that she was the main character, two that death and tragedy weren’t far behind, it was foreshowing the story that she had to unfold.
Blanche always has the feeling that she is better then everyone with the clothes that she wears and the way she acts looking down upon where her sister lives. You can see from the start that she is a fallen tragic character. She gets defensive when she says that she has lost Belle Reve and turns it on Stella for leaving and marrying a “Polack” and not staying and helping her save the place. She seems so helpless and confused, and that leads to her alcoholic needs. Also I hate the way the men act barbaric and manly controlling and rude, sport enthusiasts and beer chuggers. I still wonder how Blanche story will unveil.
A Street Car named Desire
Journal #2:
The more I read this book and I feel so bad for Blanche she is such a tragic character with so many problems, and I feel her spiraling down towards insanity. As I find more things out about her it makes sense why she is the way she is. After her young husband dies she feels like the only way to be happy is being with a man. This theme of constant dependence on men to be complete (happy) is why I dislike this book. Blanche can’t find happiness if she not with a man or with someone telling her she’s beautiful. For example the paperboy, how she suicides him and kisses him as a tip. I thought that it showed how much of a low self esteem she had. That’s why with Mitch she teases him and he likes her playfulness and they are both sad lonely people who “need someone” and get along.
Also I hate Stella and Stanley’s relationship he so aggressive and angry controlling. He hits her he throws things and breaks things and she still convinces herself that she loves him and that everything is fine. The women in this book seem so helpless. Why can’t she leave him, why can’t Stella be independent find another person who won’t hit her while she is pregant? This is a perfect example of the constant dependence on men to be happy. When we read a Dolls House I felt so proud of Nora she was strong and independent and broke free from the traditional life of a Woman. I feel the opposite when I read this book I hate the men and women dynamics. I feel like yelling at Stella telling to file a divorce, and marry a man that wont abuse her and a man she won’t be afraid of.
A Street Car Named Desire
Journal # 3:
The last real tragic book I read and truly felt bad for the main character was King Lear that was in 8th grade. I think this tops that, I felt heavy hearted and sad when I read the ending. When Stanley raped Blanche not only did he cheat on his wife he stabbed Blanche last grips on reality he took one of the most important thing to her sexuality and her outer beauty. He lied and cheated on his wife with her sister. He doesn’t get to comfort Stella when the Doctor takes her away to the mental hospital. He doesn’t get to hold a baby in his arms look down and feel any joy. I felt like the Villain won in this book. Unlike in King Lear that virtually everyone in the book died so you comforted yourself with that thought. The family had a happy ending based on lies. When is that ever right?
I hated how depressing this book was how bad it made me feel, which I figure the author really did do a good job if he really made you feel so sad and so much sorrow for the main characters downfall. I loved how I could follow Blanche character through her spiraling fall towards insanity, I could see her signs of insanity when she mentions that Millionaire guy that loves her and someday will see him and be with him. The symbolically she always takes bathes to cleanse herself of all the “things she has done” her past. All the troubles she had added up to her emotional bank that eventually exploded when Stanley raped her and lead to her ultimate downfall.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Drew's journals: A Streetcar Named Desire
Journal #1-
The first thing that came to mind when reading this book was that there were a lot of conflicting personalities. Immediately Stella and Stanley’s personalities seemed to clash. Stanley is a very dominant man while Stella is more subtle and willing to do whatever he says. As soon as Blanche entered the picture I knew Stanley and her would definitely bump heads. They both have distinct personalities that clearly do not mix well. I was a little confused by Blanche. I feel like something is wrong with her but I can’t quite put my finger on it. One thing that I really enjoyed was the atmosphere that it put me in. I could easily imagine old school New Orleans and the two story building which they lived in. Stella appears to be very dependent on Stanley. The way she tells Blanche how she cries like a baby while he is gone and lies in his lap as soon as he gets home shows her dependence.
Journal #2-
The drama is beginning to develop now that I am in the middle of the book. Blanche has progressively become more annoying in my opinion and I give Stanley a lot of credit for putting up with her odd activities such as bathing for an hour every night. I like the character that Mitch is being given. He seems like an average good guy who is just looking for the right girl, unfortunately I feel like Blanche is not the one for him. She is too much of a mental case. I still can’t figure her out. The story that she told about her first love did bring things into perspective for me but I am still a little lost. Was she saying that she walked in on her boyfriend and another man making love? She is also quite the liar. I feel like she is being dishonest about the real reason that she lost her house. I think I have also found some sort of symbolism. The bottle of whiskey is a symbol for alcoholism which Blanche and Stanley resort to in order to escape reality. It doesn’t do well for either of them because Stanley begins to act crazy and Blanche starts to act too flirtatious with random men, including Stan. However I have to keep in mind that this is the older times where alcohol was much more casual to drink as opposed to the modern day where it is used for different reasons.
Journal #3-
I think I am missing something. I understand that Blanche was taken away by doctors because she is a crazy woman, but what exactly was wrong with her, and why? I can’t believe that Stanley raped her! I knew that he had some problems of his own but I didn’t think he was that messed up. I’m a little disappointed in Stella. She seriously gave up on her sister all because her husband wanted her out. I understand Blanche was a handful, but I felt like Stella did not really give enough of an effort as she should have being her sister. I am happy that Mitch got the hint and backed off because Blanche is quite the loose girl, he deserves better. I would have really liked to see this play in real life. The music that is supposed to be playing in the background would have made the scenes have a lot stronger of an effect. I wonder if things are going to go back to normal now that Blanche is gone or will things be different between Stanley and Stella now. She really put their marriage to the test, which is not good on account of the fact they were about to have a baby. I hope to find out exactly what was wrong with Blanche and why but overall it was a good book to read!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Kristina's journal #1: Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment: Journal #1
When I first picked this book I was excited because the blurb really grabbed my attention. However, as I began reading not only was the language and format of the book confusing, but it was also quite boring. I was ready for action when I picked it up but after reading the first couple of chapters I knew I was in for a long wait. I read the book and immediately noted a few things about Raskolnikov: 1) He was very poor. 2) He was plotting something regarding Ms. Ivanovna and 3) He seemed to be a generally paranoid character but with a good heart. I say this because in chapter two he is seen giving Marmeladov and his family money. I also notice that Raskolnikov makes it a habit to leave his house when he is overwhelmed, especially dealing with financial issues. I soon predict that later in the book he will feel forced to do something extreme in order to establish a better financial future. The pressure for money heightens in chapter four when he finds out his sister is marrying just to support him. Once I finished Part One I was finally satisfied with this book. Finally I got the action I was waiting for. I am now looking forward to the rest of this book. =) After reading Part one I predict that this man might commit more crime and might not be able to stop… I also feel that the guilt of his murderous acts will eat him alive and might drive him to insanity.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sky's journal: Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment
I guess I was right most of the book it was Raskolnikov eating himself alive from the guilt of the murder. Watching Raskolnikov character go through such changes and torment, reminded me sort of Kafas Metamoropish. I felt like Gregor was tormented by being a bug traped in a body, which he couldn’t get out of, and Raskolnikov was tormented and trapped by his guilt and the insanity that it leads it too. He also thought that he was better than humanity, putting himself above everyone. Eventually he came to accept his mediocrity as a person, but he still stood to justify his action of murder. I think the only real time he felt like he wasn’t above the norm was when he realized that he loved Sonya.
Raskolnikov’s relationships with the other characters in the novel show a lot about his personality and understanding of himself. Although he cares about Razumikhin, Pulcheria Alexandrovna, and Dunya, Raskolnikov is so caught up in his cynical outlook of life that he is unappreciative of their attempts to help him. I feel like he turns to Sonya as this other person who bends around the socail norms, but the difference between them is what Sonya is doing is for the sake of her family,(I don’t think she would prostitute if her family had money) , but no one is forced Raskolnikov into his actions and he committed his crimes for his sake alone.
I really did enjoy reading this book it was hard at first but once you got used to all the names it was a long journey. I do recommend this book to someone with a lot of patients and to people who know how to handle long books.
Madalina's journals for Crime and Punishment and Streetcar Named Desire
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Brandon's journal #1: Crime and Punishment
Amy's journals: Crime and Punishment
This book is very confusing. Sometimes I have to read the same paragraph at least two times to understand it clearly. I feel like the storyline isn’t so clear. It’s all over the place. Dostoevsky included a lot of useless details that are not relevant to the story. To me, the most confusing thing is the characters’ names. The names are so hard, and they have more than one name to refer themselves. I have to peek at the translator’s note every 2 minutes to check the characters’ names.
The tone and the mood of this book are very dark and depressing. The main character, Raskolnikov, seems to be a very depressed character. (He acts like a psycho too). On the other hand, I think he is pretty intelligent. He planned out everything to murder Alyona Ivanova and her sister. I was astonished when he escaped Alyona’s apartment without getting caught. He was smart enough to go inside someone else’s apartment to hide in there for a moment, and then run back out. I also felt bad for Alyona’s sister. There was no reason for her to die. Lizveta was killed because Raskolnikove had to cover up his trace. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. As I was reading the book, I realized that poverty could cause major corruptions. One reason why Raskolnikov killed Alyona was because he was poor. If he weren’t poor, maybe he would’ve not killed her. The theme “poverty” comes up a lot throughout the book.
journal #2:I guess Raskolnikov isn’t so cold hearted. He feels guilty of what he had done. He even threw out all the things he stole from Alyona’s house. Though I found it a bit ironic how he became “ill” after he committed the murder. He had a fever and didn't even have any strength to move his body. He was also scared whenever people talked about the murder case. After committing such crime, I was surprised with Raskolnikov’s reaction.
In part two, Luzhin visited Raskolnikov’s house. Luzhin seems really conceited and arrogant. When Zossimov and Razumikhin started to discuss about the murder case, Luzhin tried to show off his cleverness by interrupting in their conversation. However, Razumikhin finds this disrespectful and did not like it. Therefore, he criticized him. Just then, Raskolnikov comes in and announced that Luzhin wants to marry his “poor” sister. This statement offended Luzhin, and he left the house. Although I feel bad for Luzhin, I understand Raskolnikov’s hatred towards Luzhin. Raskolnikov’s sister, Dunya, is sacrificing herself to help him. She decided to marry Luzhin because she knows Raskolnikov needs financial help. Even I would not allow this marriage if I was Raskolnikov.
Zossimov realized something about Raskolnikov. He told Razumikhin that every time they talk about the murder, Raskolnikov gets irritated. Zossimov sensed a suspicious behavior of Raskolnikov. I wonder if people will find out that it was Raskolnikov who killed Alyona Ivanova and Lizveta.
journal #3:The book was not about murder and the consequences, but it was about human nature, how one reacts and feels based on the situation. Crime and Punishment is a murder story, told from a murderer’s point of view. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about a murder story from the murderer’s point of view. I always thought the murderer is the bad one, and I would feel pity for the poor victims. Because Raskolnikov was the narrator, it opened my eyes to a new perspective.
After killing Alyona Ivanova and Lizveta, Raskolnikov had to deal with his conscience and the guilt inside of him. He couldn’t sleep, eat, and was afraid to meet people. I think what Dostoevsky is trying to portray in the book is that it is easier to commit a crime or get punished for what you have done, than to hide your feelings and feel guilty inside you. Raskolnikov had proved this. It was easier for him to kill Alyona and Lizveta. Though, what made him go insane and ill was the part where he tried to trick people and pretend that he hadn’t done anything.
Towards the end of the book, religion plays a significant role. Right before Raskolnikov went to the police station to confess, Sonya gave him a cross. The cross symbolizes Jesus. Jesus died on the cross to forgive us our sins. The cross depicts that Raskolnikov can be forgiven once he confesses. It also symbolizes that he can come back to the world with no worries, and no feeling of guilt. He can forget about his crime and start a new life.
Sky's journal #2: Crime and Punishment
Friday, August 27, 2010
Kristina's comments:
Okay Franny !
I agree with almost everything you say except the fact that you don't like Blanche ! How could you not? she is who makes this play ! I do however 100% agree with your classification of Stanley =) I hate him as well (due to his womanizing ways)!! I also think it would be a great movie to see just so we could juxtapose the two. The most interesting part of your journals for me was when you analyze how it was all stanley's fault that her and Mitch ended. I also feel that he could of been her "savior" (per say).
(To gabe : street car named desire)
I found it really interesting how many connections you made to other pieces of literature we have read. I never even thought to make the connection between Stella’s ostracize of Stanley’s alcohol problem and Linda in A Death of a Salesman. I find that by reading your journals i got a better outlook on how to connect different literary pieces with one another. I also noticed that we had alot of things in common when it came to characterizing the characters.
(To Lenny: street car named desire)
Lenny!!
I found out that you and I my friend had alot of similar predictions while reading this amazing book! For example how her and Mitch would not last because of Blanche's web of lies. I also completely agree with your statement int Journal #3 :"This book was great, although the ending was rather predictable. I felt bad for Blanche; after Stella left, she lost everything. She couldn't handle being alone so she looked for comfort from strangers and children." This qoute in itself sounds exactly like what i was trying to verbalize in my journals. I must say though that although it was a predictable ending, throughout the book i had hope for Blanche and really wanted things to turn around for the better.
Rey,
i found your first journal to be very interesting ! lol just being on the blurb and art of the cover (bold move my friend) lol. (Okay back to proper writing). I also completely agreed with your relation to Blanche YOU ARE HER MY FRIEND ! But seriously i liked your analysis on Blanche more than anyone else's because you didn't judge her for her past mistakes. (I also made a connection with the Mexican lady selling the flower's, but i said it signified the end of her lies not sanity ? :)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Rachel's journal #3: Crime and Punishment
Everyone was such weasels back then. Svidrigailov is the biggest of them all. I’m actually glad that he committed suicide. Yes, I know, it’s terrible to feel schadenfreude, but in this case, it’s natural. He was such a scumbag, that I was happy to see him go. I wonder if there ever was any money for Dunya. Also, why in the hell would his dead wife that he supposedly murdered leave any money to her husband’s crush? That seems like a forced act. Perhaps on her deathbed Svidrigailov forced her to add the money to her will. I wouldn’t put it past him.
I’ve been confused so many times in this book over names that I’ve decided finally to never read this book again and save myself the headache.
Was there really that much disease back then? Both mental and physical? Because it seems strange that what killed Ivanovna also killed Ivanovna’s wife, and made her tear and beat at her children’s clothes.
In total, Svidrigailov publically committed suicide, and told a cop right before he was going to do it that if anyone asked, he was in America. Raskolnikov’s guilt ate at himself until he finally turned himself in (with Sonya’s help), and went to prison. Nikolai is not in jail because of Raskolnikov. Razumikhin is no longer friends with Raskolnikov, after learning that he’s a murderer, proving that he wasn’t really friends with Raskolnikov after all. Katerina Ivanovna is dead, along with her husband, leaving her children orphans. Sonya and Raskolnikov are in love. Dunya and Luzhin are not married.
I just realized the similarity between this book and Hamlet. The main characters, both male, are recovering from traumatic experiences in which an innocent person died. Both carried that around, until finally it ate away at them, and they killed people. However, in the end of Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov is paying for his crimes by doing time, whereas in the end of Hamlet, Hamlet pays for his crimes with his life. Also, only in Hamlet did he drive away the love of his life. In Crime and Punishment, they “lived happily ever after”... sort of. This was a good book, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to someone with a lot of free time.
Rachel's journal #2: Crime and Punishment
I think everyone knows a person like Razumikhin. They are caring, loyal, super friendly, passionate, and stone cold stupid. He cares for people so much that he doesn’t have any room in his mind for intelligence. He has street smarts, but no useful knowledge. I think I can safely say that he will not be finding out about Raskolnikov’s murder streak unless he is told directly. He’s just not smart enough to deduce.
Oh God I haven’t cried over a book since Lovely Bones. But why did Raskolnikov as a child call a dying woman, forced to carry a cart full of heavy drunk men like a horse, a nag, even after her death? I bet the reason he felt compelled to kill the pawnbroker and the pawnbroker’s sister was because the memory of this incident was clouding his judgment, and forcing him to make up for the fact that he couldn’t save the woman from dying, and he couldn’t kill the men for murdering her. He’s got serious issues that still, after all this time, are not worked out, and are manifesting themselves in his current life. There’s a good chance he’s going to kill again, if he isn’t caught for the first murders. Because in a study I read somewhere, it says that murderers often play out a tragic death from their past, and won’t stop reliving it until he changes the outcome, which is impossible, or perfectly recreates the initial incident. Good luck with that! Basically Raskolnikov is a sociopath with a plagued memory in a volatile time in Russia’s history. He’s destined to kill again, basically!
Rachel's journal #1: Crime and Punishment
Just read up to page 40, and I’ve come to the conclusion that whatever Raskolnikov is planning will have something to do with the marriage of his sister to this man, Luzhin. I wonder what kind of man he is, because he is described as having money, but nothing more. So far there is Raskolnikov, his sister, his mother, his future brother-in-law, his landlady, a pawnbroker, and the pawnbroker’s sister. I wonder how all these people are going to tie into his “big scheme”. The anticipation is killing me!
Raskolnikov is an idiot. A complete idiot. An idiot, not in the sense that he knows nothing, or is unintelligent, but an idiot in the sense that he makes HORRIBLE decisions. What was he thinking? He’s a poor man handing out money so a drunk girl can go home, and making policemen think he’s crazy, and making enemies with a man who wants to rape the girl, who’s obviously violent... the only decisive conclusion I can come to is that his “terrible deed” that he’s planning on doing has something to do with money, and his imminent insanity. Hopefully I’m right. Reading on!
Sky: Journal #1: Crime and Punishment
When I first saw the title of the book I thought of Law and Order the television series. Ying yang title so to speak Crime and Punishment and Law and Order, not that the two have anything in common but the balanced titles rang a bell. You do the crime and accept the punishment and you break the law and must follow order of trials and judges and so forth. As I started reading I got overwhelmed with tons of long confusing names, sort of like when we read “the Jungle”. This book also reminded me of Shakespeare all of his tragic books Hamlet and King Lear. In those books we knew when people died we knew who killed them it common, almost. I remember at the end of King Lear we counted all the characters who died it like it was no big deal.
Just this once the spin on things to look at a murder from the opposing side is fascinating. To hear the murders torment of what he has done. And for once not look at death as something someone had to do to get a throne or get ahead. Maybe this also has to do with the different time periods in which the books are taken place and when they were written? I am not sure why Raskolnikov killed who he killed maybe for the same motives as in Shakespeare. But at least this time we can see the murder suffer some sort of punishment.
Rey's complete journal #3 reposted: A Streetcar Named Desire
I know I’m not supposed to use anything except the proper English language but OMG! The play was absolutely brilliant! Where do I begin? There are several things I want to discuss such as Blanche and Stella’s relationship, Blanche and Stanley‘s relationship at the end of the play and Blanche and Mitch’s intense dialogue scene. Also, several other significant points that I want to bring up was the vendor who was selling flowers for the dead, Blanches late husband, Blanches life prior to her visit and of course the ending.
The relationship between Stella and Blanche is very delicate and intricate. The tiniest upset could break them. Throughout the whole play, Stella took care of Blanche. She fetched her soda whenever she wanted it and helped her accommodate to her tiny home. She even spoke out of turn towards Stanley for Blanche. That shows that Stella truly cares and worries for Blanche. However it seems as though Blanche completely acts as if its Stella’s job to wait on her hand and feet. Blanche and Stanley’s scene was very thought provoking! The sexual innuendo was too much to handle at 2 A.M while I was reading it. I can not believe that Stanley raped Blanche. However this raises several questions and concerns. Can it really be called rape? Although Blanche made a fuss of the ordeal, the entirety of the play made me assume she was a sexually frustrated woman and was willing to get it from anyone. When Stanley said “we’ve had this date for a while now”, it almost blew my mind! My instincts from my previous journals were right! I had said earlier that there was a huge “fireball of heat and tension”. I just didn’t know that tension would lead to sex. Also it was Stanley who came on to Blanche, not vice versa. Blanches relationship with Mitch was kind of awkward I felt. I felt as if Blanche only wanted to be with Mitch because it was the easy way out. Clearly Mitch was enthralled by Blanches faux-aristocratic exterior and I feel Blanche took advantage of that fact because since she couldn’t have her husband, he was the next best thing. They ended on an awkward note though.
Blanches late husband is also intriguing! The story of Blanches late husband was a key part in understanding Blanche. Her insecurity most probably comes from the fact that her husband had relations with a man while they were married. That must have been a huge blow to her self-esteem. I understand how Blanche must have felt as a similar scenario happened with me. After an ordeal such as that, it explains why Blanche went on a spree with men around her town. After their family died and she lost the plantation, what else could an insecure woman do but to chase down every temporary high to satisfy her. To quote Blanche, she repeatedly calls her late husband a “young boy”. Perchance she uses the term young boy because when you are young, you don’t know exactly what you want. Because he got married to Blanche and had an affair with another man, Blanche calls him a young boy because he still did not know exactly what he wanted despite the fact that they were already wed.
The one part of the play that confused me was the old woman who was selling flowers for the dead. I don’t understand exactly why she was there. However perhaps the woman can be a symbol for the death of Blanches sanity. This is because directly after that scene, Blanche is “raped” by Stanley. After her and Stanley have their moment, it becomes completely apparent that Blanche is insane. There were several points throughout the book that hinted Blanches insanity however by the last scene, it became blatantly apparent. Their would be music that would play from the blue piano, depending on the mood of the situation (ie. The music would go from fast to slow depending on what was going on). I’m pretty sure that the music was only heard by Blanche. Also, by the last scene, Blanche was convinced that her ex-beau was going to come for her even though clearly he wasn’t. When the doctor and nurse came, she broke down on the floor struggling. Clear signs of insanity. It was unfortunate that Blaire had to go like that. What im not sure of was Stella saying that she could not live with Stanley if what Blanche said were true. Since she sent Blanche away, does that mean she took Stanley’s side?
One last thing that was a point of significance was the variation between the play and the movie. (which might I say, was really good. Marlon Brando was a 18th century Adonis) At the end of the play, Stella returns to Stanley after Blanche is taken away. In contrast, the film ends with Stella running up the stairs to Eunice’s apartment vowing never to return to Stanley. What I would like to open up to discussion is “why would the directors want to make such a dramatic change from the play to the film”.
Lenny's journals: Crime and Punishment
The title of this book, Crime and Punishment, makes me think that this book will probably involve someone who commits a crime and struggles to overcome its consequences. As I start reading Crime and Punishment, I find the main character Raskolnikov very peculiar. His clothes are worn and he hides from people, making me wonder what happened with him that would make him act this way. He has probably has went through many hardships. Although his talk of his "crime" is also rather strange; I wonder what it is. He also talks to himself a lot, so he probably doesn't have anyone he can talk to, but based on his surroundings, I wouldn't want to get too close to anyone either.
I wonder what his plan is. Hes really hesitant to do it, but it seems like hes going to do it to the pawnshop owner. Raskolnikov probably doesn't really want to commit this act because he keeps thinking it over. I predict that Raskolnikov will probably get drunk or something and do it eventually (because of the name of the book.)
Journal # 2
So far, I'm guessing the book's message is that the greatest punishment of a crime is knowing that the person did the crime and living with that guilt. I think the murder was completely uncalled for, especially the second murder! If everyone started chopping people they don't like with axes, we wouldn't have many people in this world. Raskolnikov should have just dealt with his dislike of the pawnbroker. And the pawnbroker's sister was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Although Raskolnikov killed the 2 people, I don't think he is completely heartless. He donated money to a family who recently lost a life, although the money wasn't his to donate in the first place. He was at least trying to do some good. Clearly Raskolnikov is not sane, which is probably why his dislike of someone made him murder that person. Now, whenever he hears of the murder he gets tense and faints. This is probably making his mental condition worse.
I predict that Raskolnikov will probably go insane and start seeing things that are taunting him and then he becomes the direct cause of his death. And only after his death does everyone find out it he's the murderer; something that is unexpected.
Journal # 3
That was an unexpectedly bad ending; this book was a little too long and boring for an ending like that. I didn't expect Raskolnikov to just turn himself in. One thing that was rather surprising is that the police officer said that he believed Raskolnikov was innocent just before Raskolnikov told him that he actually did kill the people. If Sonya wasn't waiting outside the police station, Raskolnikov would have probably ran away, not confessing to his crime. This shows that in the end, what his sister thought of him meant more to him than himself.
I don't understand why Raskolnikov thought he would be like Napoleon if he committed the murders. Raskolnikov's action didn't really benefit anyone, it only brought pain to people. Raskolnikov's initial plan was to spread the wealth; unfortunately, he hid the items he stole and nobody got any of it. Even if he gave the items to the poor, it would be obvious that he was the murderer, thus making the crime pointless unless he was willing to go to jail or die. In the end, his plan was only half thought out and rather childish.
After thinking about the book, I noticed that a major theme is sacrifice. Raskolnikov sacrificed Alyona for the poor (although it failed.) Sonya and Dunya's sacrificed were much more noble. Sonya sacrificed her body to get money for Marmeladov's family. Dunya sacrificed herself by marrying a man she didn't love in order to get her family more income. In the end, Raskolnikov also sacrificed his freedom for his reputation.
Lenny's journals: A Streetcar Named Desire
As I began reading scene one of A Street Car Named Desire, Blanche and Stella are well characterized. Upon Blanches arrival, she is instantly disappointed by where her sister lives and jokes about it by saying that she could only imagine such a place to be in a work of Edger Allan Poe's. She seems shy because she doesn't say much to Eunice. Once Blanche leaves with Stella, she is no longer taciturn; she barely lets Stella speak a word as she leads their conversations and talks mostly about herself. I wonder why Blanche is showed up in New Orleans, even though she doesn't like it. I also wonder what happened in Belle Reve and what she's hiding.
Stella is characterized as a pushover and a very passive character. She enjoys watching her husband bowl and when Stanley isn't there for a while, all she can think about is him, showing that she doesn't have much of a life aside from her husband. When Stella is with Blanche, she mostly listens to what Blache has to say. "You never did give me a chance to say much Blanche. So I just got in the habit of being quiet around you" said Stella, as Blanche replied "A good habit to get into." These lines demonstrate the relationship between the sisters; Stella supports Blanche, while Blanche is used to having control. I wonder if, or rather, how Stellas personality will effect her relationships.
Journal # 2
After reading about half of the book, more is revealed about Blanche. She deeply cares and worries for her sister. For example, the night when Stanley attacked Stella, Blanche stayed out all night worrying for her sister. After reuniting with Stella, she scolds her sister for staying with such a brutish man and plans an escape for Stella. However, from Stella's point of view, Blanche might be taking too much control of someone else's life. We also learn that Blanche is very lonely after most of the people in Belle Reve have died. Blanche fell in love with Mitch, who she believes is the best man out of Stanley's group. However, she often lies to Mitch, saying that she is younger than Stella and that she doesn't drink alcohol much. She also says she needs things like a chinese lantern over a light and flashy clothes to make her feel beautiful. At the end of scene five, she also flirts with and kisses a young boy who was collecting donations. I think she did this because she was feeling lustful and nervous before her date with Mitch and needed to feel like she was beautiful enough to do whatever she wanted.
I predict that Blanches insecurities and lies will lead to more pain for her. Mitch is bound to find out and lying is never a way to keep a relationship together. Stella might get tired of being bossed around by her sister and might keep her distance from Blanche. Blanches need to feel beautiful is probably one of the causes of her financial hardships as all she has in her wallet is change while she has dozens of fine dresses.
Journal # 3
This book was great, although the ending was rather predictable. I felt bad for Blanche; after Stella left, she lost everything. She couldn't handle being alone so she looked for comfort from strangers and children. Because she was so desperate for comfort, she lost her reputation, her job, and her home. When she was with Mitch and imagining the same polka music as when her husband died, I predicted that someone was going to die, but what really died was her relationship with Mitch as the tense moment brings the truth of Blanche's past to light. Blanches paper lantern symbolized her ability to hide, but when Mitch tore the paper lantern off of the light bulb, Blanche must have felt weak, as she could no longer hide her appearance or her past. At the end of scene ten, Blanche lost her pride as she was raped by the man she despised the most. During scene eleven, Blanche lost her sister as she chose to believe Stanley over Blanche. I find it also significant when Stanley tore Blanches paper lantern from the light bulb right before she was taken away. She stopped running away and followed the doctor.
This book is also interesting because of the way Williams uses instruments to support the story. I could imagine how tense a situation is when I imagine trumpets following scenes, such as when Stanley attacked Stella.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Kristina's journals: A Streetcar Named Desire
My first impression of A Street Car Named Desire was literally “Oh no, not another book about love and tragedy.” This of course was me judging by only the title and the half naked man on the cover. As I read the first few scenes however, it became evident that this book was nothing like any books we have read so far. Although many themes we explored in the past were clearly present in this book, such as love, death, intermingling of races, sex, and delusion, each was explored in a whole new light. Each character within the first scene was already established and each seemed to have their own dilemma. Stella the sensitive housewife who lives under the wing of her husband, Blanche the delusional sister who seems to be too high maintenance, and Stanley, the much to macho man who seems to have a violent and shady side to himself.
As scene one unfolded we learn nothing more then each person’s relationship to the other. As I read I felt especially interested in Blanche. Her character was seemingly stuck-up and rude I remember noting this especially after reading pages 19 and 20 when she states, “What are you doing in a place like this? ... Why didn’t you tell me you lived in these conditions?” I also noted that in contrast to her sister, Stella seemed to be a much more humble and delicate character. I also found Blanche to be a very flirtatious character especially on page 80 when she addresses Stanley. After seeing how the two reacted to one another I predicted that there would be a sexual relationship between the two.
Scene three was not as interesting to me, all I noted was the eager suspicion that Stanley had towards Blanche when it came to Belle Reve. Scene three was the scene that completely bobbled my mind. It was when I began to strongly resent Stanley for what he did to Stella. I also took note of how this scene brought me back to “A Doll’s House” when it came to the superior role of the husband in the marriage. I also remember loosing all pity for Stella when she went back to Stanley. This completely annoyed me because I felt that he was just going to do it again. Stanley had just been recognized as my least favorite character!!! The last thing I took note of was the connection between Blanche and Mitch. Scene four was when I decided that Blanche regardless of her strange ways was my favorite character. This is because I completely agree with her views of Stanley which she speaks of on page 77.
Journal #2:
Okay so first thing I must say is that I read this entire book in a total of like four hours. Once I was presented with the lunacy in scenes 1-4 I knew I had to keep reading. I also felt a bit foolish for my first impression of the title and cover ( =/ ). As I read scene five I became a little perplexed. I began to realize that Blanche (my favorite character) is not a straight shooter and is clearly hiding something. This is evident on page 77 when Stanley mentions a man name Shaw and she suddenly becomes defensive. I also pick up on Blanche's drinking habit and the way in which she conducts herself around men. This all sadness me and I almost feel guilty about declaring her my favorite. However I decide that although she is a drunk and a bit of a whore she is the character which draws me in more and more.
In scene six I realize that Blanche has still not confessed her age to Mitch and I predict that this lie will be the end of their romance in the end. I am slowly becoming more and more disappointed in Blanche. I also find her story of her husband committing suicide hard to believe and wonder if this woman who seems to be obtaining a reputation of a liar for herself is actually telling the truth. Scene seven completely startles me! As I learn slowly about the life Blanche left behind I feel disappointed and find it hard to believe, but mostly because I don’t want to… I realize however, it is all very possible. Scene eight is one of the most intense scenes so far. Blanche’s past is revealed and all secrets are out. My prediction was right about Mitch and her being over however, I didn’t think Stanley would actually be the catalyst to it. As Stanley’s violence and cruelty is again observed I question not only Blanche’s sanity, but his mental stability. I thought it was ironic that such an intense scene could end in such a pleasant way…The baby is on its way!!
Journal #3:
Before I read scene nine I looked at the last scene to see how many there were. I was devastated to see only eleven ( = ( ). At this point I was contemplating putting the book down just so I could have a good read the next day, but I didn’t… I was too anxious to read on. Scene 9… WOW! It is simply mind boggling how I thought the scenes couldn’t get any more intense. I felt like I was watching a soap opera! This scene defiantly signifies the end to Blanche’s secret life and the end to her lies. This is even symbolized by the Mexican woman who is selling “flowers for the dead.” Although I know the past that Blanche has lived and that she is the least honorable character in the book I still feel that her insanity is not her fault. It has to do with the unfortunate losses she has suffered in her life, her father, her husband, the Belle Reve, and even the abandonment she suffered by her sister. I also feel bad for Mitch at the end of this scene because I can tell he really wanted to pursue their relationship.
Okay I was annotating the whole time while reading and when it came to scene ten all I wrote was “Holy “shrimp” what just happened?! Did Stanley just rape his wife’s sister?!!” This play is absolutely ridiculous! As soon as I think the action is done with this happens! I realize I am undeniably in love with this book . As I approached scene eleven (dreadfully) I wonder what could possibly happen now. The first thing that catches my eye however is the opening narration of this scene “It is some weeks later, Stella is packing Blanche’s things.” Now I just have thoughts racing through my mind… Why didn’t she leave sooner? Does Stella know what happened? Where is Blanche going to go? I decide to read on and find out. I read the scene and I must admit I was a bit disappointed. First I was disappointed that Stella did not believe her sister, although I knew it was unlikely due to her mental state. I am then devastated that Blanche is going to live in some loony house with doctors and nurses. I feel that all Blanche needed to end her fantasy life was love and care. Till the end she remained my favorite character who I feel was undermined by those surrounding her. A Street Car Named Desire would be nothing without Blanche.
At the end of the book I go back to the cover which I once found…well you know weird. I then decide that the man on the cover is Stanley… (Whether it is or not) and that the title is actually a good fit for this play. A Street Car named Desire is not only the name of the train in the book, but it also symbolizes who Blanche is. Her greatest quality is shown through this title, her desire for a new life, for love and care, and for someone to accept and forgive her.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Frances' journals: Streetcar Named Desire and Crime and Punishment
My first impression of this book was a good one. I was instantly attracted to the title, because it sounds like a riveting drama. Then, as I delved into the book, confusion soon followed. For starters, the names of the characters are too complicated, and when their names begin with the same letter (like “R” for example), I start to lose track of who’s who. This book reminded me of The Jungle in that way, because I remember when I first started reading it; I was aggravated by the weird names that were continuously introduced. It seems like new characters with strange names keep being introduced. Upon studying, I’ve discovered that this book is quite comparable to Dostoevsky’s own life (aside from the murders, I would assume).
Raskolnikov also reminds me of Dorian Gray, because he is characterized as handsome, with an evident touch of lunacy. Just like Mr. Gray, he may be aesthetically pleasing, but mentally; he’s hideous (too bad there’s no portrait to reveal his inner psychosis). Also similar to Dorian Gray, Raskolnikov seems to have a love interest that is concealed by all the issues that he is dealing with. I think the author is trying to convey a message of insecurity and uncertainty to the reader about Raskolnikov’s character. Though he committed an unjust, awful act, he isn’t a complete criminal. I think the best description of Raskolnikov’s behavior is the fact that desperation can often lead to duplicity; which seems to have the ability to ultimately result in demise.
Frances’ Journal # 2: Crime & Punishment
The only illness Raskolnikov seems to be plagued by is guilt, well-deserving, rightful guilt. In fact, I think Raskolnikov is plagued by three G’s: greed, gloom, and guilt. His greed and desire for money sank him into an abyss of depression, ultimately inspiring him to commit an atrocious act. After doing so, he realized it was completely unnecessary, and obviously wrong; thus ensued his guilt.
After reading further, the book slightly reminds me of Marquez’s Chronicle of a Death Foretold. More and more people are finding out about what Raskolnikov did, my curiosity lies in finding out if anyone will confront the authorities and turn him in. Even though he’s been daintily talked into turning himself in, it isn’t enough. It seems like soon everyone will know what he did, and everyone will be too timid to relinquish the truth; or at least force him to do so. However, I am assuming eventually Raskolnikov will be punished for his crime; otherwise the title would be for naught, yes?
I also think Raskolnikov’s surroundings may have contributed to his maniacal actions. The people that he surrounds himself with, willingly or unwillingly, don’t seem to be coherent either. His location seems to be the setting for misfortune, psychiatric malfunction, and blatant misdeed. The psychological aspect of this book is also very strong. There seems to be a lot of dreams and nightmares involving death and disgust. “They [dreams] are a completely valid psychological phenomenon, specifically the fulfillment of wishes; they can be classified in the continuity of comprehensible waking mental states; they are constructed through highly complicated intellectual activity.” From a Freudian perspective, dreams are a continuation of the actual mental state; it is no coincidence that Raskolnikov suffered from nightmares after committing murder.
Frances’ Journal # 3: Crime & Punishment
"If he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be punishment-as well as the prison." (Dostoevsky, 230) I think Raskolnikov’s true punishment was being locked away for several years without human embrace or ability to receive tender love. This reverts back to his initial introduction as a character, a wily, isolated man. His crime was remaining isolated and wanting to avoid the world. Being able to love someone and to share intimate feelings for someone legitimately allowed him to express his emotion, and clearly acknowledge his wrongdoing. This then allowed him to finally repent, after many moments of ignorance and an all too long period of evasiveness.
A large theme in the book is irony. Though Raskolnikov minutely questions his motives, when he eavesdrops and hears that the world would be better off without the pawnbroker, he feels justified in what he wants to do. Then, when he hears that she will be home alone, he feels extremely justified and even believes that circumstances have been manipulated for him to do what he wants. That instance correlates to real life, because oftentimes people want to do something even though they realize it’s wrong. When they receive what they perceive as even the slightest bit of justification, they run wild with the concept.
“…but those sick pale faces were bright with the dawn of a new future, of a full resurrection into a new life. They were renewed by love; the heart of each held infinite sources of life for the heart of the other." (Dostoevsky, 471) In the end, though Raskolnikov was rightfully imprisoned, I think it isn’t an outlandish statement to say that his soul was set free by the truth and by being able to acknowledge his love for someone else. His longing to be with the one he desired and to no longer crave isolation paved the way for his release from eternal upset.
Frances’ Journal # 1: A Streetcar Named Desire
I’m thinking this story’s going to be awesome. Look at the title. Look at the good-looking fellow on the cover. What could possible go wrong? I open it up and look at the character list. I can already tell it’s set in an older time. I can tell so by the picture and by the fact that two of the characters are “a Negro Woman” and “a Mexican Woman.” Before I get to the character list actually, the author has me laughing when he says that he “…mistook the chocolate sauce for gravy and poured it over the sirloin steak.” So, now I’m thinking that this guy is cool and he clearly stumbled upon affluence, probably with this book.
I immediately formed my impression of the characters. Stella is a humble lady; she lives a modest life, yet enjoys every second of it. I didn’t like Blanche from the very beginning. She came to see her sister, yet at every chance she got, she seemed to belittle the new life she made for herself (and seemed to actually like). The loss of Belle Reve seems to have made Blanche bitter, probably also because they’ve lost all their relatives as well. I think Blanche has more issues than she is willing to let on. I definitely think she has a secret alcohol addiction and is in dire financial straits. The men in the book seemed to be average, sports enthusiasts, and beer guzzlers.
I liked how the name of the book was used in the play. I always like when authors do that, even though some people think it’s tacky. I’m still wondering how the story will end up, and the point of it. I’m curious as to what character the story will revolve around. Also, isn’t it a coincidence that their names are Stella and Stanley?
Frances’ Journal # 2: A Streetcar Named Desire
The description of Stanley on Page 29 allowed me to instantaneously harvest enmity for him. In short, he revolts me due to his basic classification as a womanizer. His first interactions with Blanche allude to his vile and disturbing background. “It’s hard to stay looking fresh.” (Williams, 30) I liked this quote from Blanche. It made me laugh; I guess Tennessee Williams was more modern than he even knew. For a while in the middle of the play, it seems like Blanche is hitting on Stanley and maybe they’re even flirting with one another; which is weird on several different levels. Then at the end of Scene 2, Blanche admits she was flirting with Stanley, which is gross. I think this is foreshadowing something that will happen between Blanche and Stanley.
I think it’s so cool to see where that little saying “Stella!” comes from. I was actually really happy when I read that. Obviously, Stanley is abusive. He has serious problems. When Blanche was talking about how she teaches high school students that kind of aren’t appreciative of what she teaches them, I thought of Mrs. Tramantano, even though we always appreciate what she has to teach us (insert laugh). Mitch seems to hint at the fact that Stella and Stanley engage in violent interactions often. Females are once again portrayed as fools. There’s no way she should have gone back to him after he abused her, especially since she’s with child. I think Stella is stupid. It is ridiculous that she allows…desire…to keep her in a relationship with Stanley. Aside from that, I appreciate how reference to the book title is once again incorporated into the book on Page 70. When Stella and Blanche refer to riding in a streetcar named Desire, I think metaphorical value is hidden in their words. They each have their respective set of secrets, possibly driven by dark desire; particularly Blanche it seems.
Frances’ Journal # 3: A Streetcar Named Desire
I was disappointed at how the men in this book were portrayed, as Blanche once called Stanley, they were “bestial.” Towards the end, it seemed almost as if Mitch had been swindled by Stanley into hating Blanche as much as he did. “You’re not clean enough to bring in the house with my mother.” (Williams, 121) At that point, I knew all respect for Blanche from any of the characters was gone because of conniving Stanley.
I am very upset and displeased with the play’s ending. In the end, it seems like Stella chose her husband over her sister. I don’t think it’s so much that she doesn’t believe her sister, but the fact that she doesn’t want to believe her sister; for fear of having to start a new life, or even more disgusting, for fear of losing Stanley, whose only attributes seem to be physical and seem to lie in the bedroom. Stanley repulsed me at every possible turn. From the introduction, I annotated that I didn’t like Stanley, and then he seemed to want to ruin Blanche’s life by exposing her darkest secrets to people she loved; then I REALLY didn’t like him. He got his way with Blanche, he got his way with Mitch, and he got his way with Stella. The only winner in this book seems to be him, in my opinion, the character who is also the antagonist.
Aside from Stanley, this book as a whole was superb. I think it would be awesome to watch the movie to see how it compares and contrasts to the text. Of course, it was intended to be in motion, so it’s probably just as good if not better. “-I have always depended on the kindness of strangers,” Blanche says just before she’s about to be whisked off to the madhouse. Blanche reverberates back to her younger days, when she had several encounters with strangers that would haunt her for many years. Blanche seems ready to accept her fate, though unknowingly; as Stella and the rest of the characters watch, and some anticipate, her departure. I think her leaving and the holding of Stella’s baby as Stanley finds an open place in her blouse signifies the hurt Stanley will eminently cause their child…and Stella.