Just finished with Crime and Punishment, and I think that this is a book I will always remember. Contrary to many things that my classmates say, I think that this story has many insightful components and literary techniques that one can observe and admire. However, I do concord that many of the character's speeches were very verbose and could have been curtailed a little. Yet this could also be due to the fact that this is a translated book and not a story written in English directly. Being able to speak another language myself, I know how many things are misinterpreted and translated with a different meaning.
Even though Raskolnikov is not a typical character, I think he has a lot of compelling traits, which enlarge the curiosity of the reader throughout the story. I was indeed amazed at the character of Sofya as well. At first she seemed frail and a martyr as a cause of her family. However, these difficulties drove her to have a strong character with a compassionate heart. For instance when first told about the crime that Raskolnikov had committed she responded "'What, what have you done to yourself!'" (pg411). A common teenager, like her, would have become extremely afraid and would have run away. Yet she thought equally of the effect of the murder on the murderer as well as its effect on the victims.
I also became very intrigued by the way Raskolnikov depicted his crime. Even after much criticism and facing the realism of what he had done, he still kept explaining it with the idea that he had previously written about in the magazine. On page 415 he said, "'You see, I had wanted to become a Napoleon, that's why I killed...'". Evidently many famous historical figures, which caused a drastic change in history, were his idols, and the motives which drove him to kill. This notion that he held so strongly, reminded me of the idea conveyed in The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. She also categorizes people in two factions; those that are selfish or egotist and the selfless or the second-handers, which Ralskolnikov seems to label as extraordinary and ordinary. Having read both of these books in a relatively close time period, I notice many similarities between the two; in writing style and content of ideas. Both of these books are worth the reading.
Showing posts with label Claryliz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Claryliz. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Summer reading Assigment: Crime and Punishment Journal #2-- Claryliz
Two hundred more pages to read, and I slightly disagree with many of my classmates' opinions. It is relevant that the main character, Raskolnikov, has mental illness, and therefore needs psychological help. However, I believe that is his character and many of Dostoevsky's literary techniques that makes this novel such a compelling story. Being a story that was written so long ago, this is a story that can still occur today, and that can even attract readers in the twenty-first century, like myself. Not thoroughly read and a reader might feel that this story is just a verbose account of all the ridiculous ideas and actions of Raskolkinov. Yet I believe that this is a great story.
Raskolnikov seems to have two personalities, and one unifying idea. When one first reads about his crime, one thinks that it was just an impulse that he did without mayor thought. However, one then analyzes that his life has not been the best in the last couple of months; he had to quit college since he could not afford it, he was not living with his family (which he at the time loved), he barely had any friends (and of course not a girlfriend as well), he had a couple of months alone in his room, with NO ONE to talk to, and many things to imagine by himself. When asked about the article that he wrote on crime, I seemed to understand even more why he thought that his actions had to be done. He explained that there seemed to be two kinds of people: the "extraordinary" and the "ordinary." The first have the right to go over or defeat certain "obstacles" to get to their goal, and the latter "first preserves the world and increases it numerically," (pg261). In other words, the extraordinary goes beyond what is seen with the naked eye to go beyond and produce something for the future, while the ordinary like the word implies, is the regular man who lives for the moment. While hearing a young man complain in the tavern about the old lady, he felt even more right to kill her, since he would be eliminating one to help many others.
I definitely disagree with this theory of mind; however, with it I came to understand his character a bit more. He is still a perplexing character with many different personalities that is probably conflicted with a mental illness.
Raskolnikov seems to have two personalities, and one unifying idea. When one first reads about his crime, one thinks that it was just an impulse that he did without mayor thought. However, one then analyzes that his life has not been the best in the last couple of months; he had to quit college since he could not afford it, he was not living with his family (which he at the time loved), he barely had any friends (and of course not a girlfriend as well), he had a couple of months alone in his room, with NO ONE to talk to, and many things to imagine by himself. When asked about the article that he wrote on crime, I seemed to understand even more why he thought that his actions had to be done. He explained that there seemed to be two kinds of people: the "extraordinary" and the "ordinary." The first have the right to go over or defeat certain "obstacles" to get to their goal, and the latter "first preserves the world and increases it numerically," (pg261). In other words, the extraordinary goes beyond what is seen with the naked eye to go beyond and produce something for the future, while the ordinary like the word implies, is the regular man who lives for the moment. While hearing a young man complain in the tavern about the old lady, he felt even more right to kill her, since he would be eliminating one to help many others.
I definitely disagree with this theory of mind; however, with it I came to understand his character a bit more. He is still a perplexing character with many different personalities that is probably conflicted with a mental illness.
Summer reading Assigment: Crime and Punishment Journal #1-- Claryliz
Journal #1
I have just read the first part and some of part two of Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. So far I'm really interested in the book and intrigued by the main character, Raskolnikov. Since the beginning of the story, one can see that he has some mental issues, and that he is therefore different from most "normal" people. However, I'm doubtful about the process which led him get to such a state. Logistically, someone doesn't just wake up one day and starts being "crazy." There are many actions that lead certain people to act a certain way, and I'm curious to know what really happened to him in his past.
I'm also perplexed by some of his past that we now know from the beginning. I wonder what really happened with the girl who, I believe, was his girlfriend and ostensibly died. Raskolnikov also seems to be ostracized from society in such a way that he is treated as pariah, with the exception of certain people who learned to tolerate him. He is apparently young and does not seem to be able to stand in his feet well (economically and socially), and people who often are in these cases tend to go back "home." I wonder why he doesn't consider going back, since he evidently loves his mother and sister. And I'm almost fearful of this kind of love, since he seems to object to his sister's decision to get married. He sees it as her sacrifice for him and her mother. In addition, this brings me to the idea that maybe he is just like any teenager or young adult who wants to prove that he can be an autonomous young adult, capable of resisting the urge to go back home.
In the other hand, I also emphatically agree with some of my classmates, who think that if he had such a ferocious desire to get some money, he certainly did not have to kill Alyona and her sister, Lizakta. No one has a right to take someone else's life, and definitely not in exchange for money. I'm sure he knows this very well, and I think he became unconscious of this when he committed the crime (even though that is no excuse). I also wonder if he actually has some mental illness or disease because he seemed to get physically sick and mentally unconscious right after the robbery and homicide. Yet this could also be due to that fact that he became really scared afterwards and could have gone into a panic reaction mode.
As of now I'm full of questions, and very interested in the book. Even thought the story can be traumatizing for some, and eye-opening for others, I think it is a story that will unravel many interesting aspects.
I have just read the first part and some of part two of Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. So far I'm really interested in the book and intrigued by the main character, Raskolnikov. Since the beginning of the story, one can see that he has some mental issues, and that he is therefore different from most "normal" people. However, I'm doubtful about the process which led him get to such a state. Logistically, someone doesn't just wake up one day and starts being "crazy." There are many actions that lead certain people to act a certain way, and I'm curious to know what really happened to him in his past.
I'm also perplexed by some of his past that we now know from the beginning. I wonder what really happened with the girl who, I believe, was his girlfriend and ostensibly died. Raskolnikov also seems to be ostracized from society in such a way that he is treated as pariah, with the exception of certain people who learned to tolerate him. He is apparently young and does not seem to be able to stand in his feet well (economically and socially), and people who often are in these cases tend to go back "home." I wonder why he doesn't consider going back, since he evidently loves his mother and sister. And I'm almost fearful of this kind of love, since he seems to object to his sister's decision to get married. He sees it as her sacrifice for him and her mother. In addition, this brings me to the idea that maybe he is just like any teenager or young adult who wants to prove that he can be an autonomous young adult, capable of resisting the urge to go back home.
In the other hand, I also emphatically agree with some of my classmates, who think that if he had such a ferocious desire to get some money, he certainly did not have to kill Alyona and her sister, Lizakta. No one has a right to take someone else's life, and definitely not in exchange for money. I'm sure he knows this very well, and I think he became unconscious of this when he committed the crime (even though that is no excuse). I also wonder if he actually has some mental illness or disease because he seemed to get physically sick and mentally unconscious right after the robbery and homicide. Yet this could also be due to that fact that he became really scared afterwards and could have gone into a panic reaction mode.
As of now I'm full of questions, and very interested in the book. Even thought the story can be traumatizing for some, and eye-opening for others, I think it is a story that will unravel many interesting aspects.
Summer reading Assigment: Crime and Punishment Journal #1-- Claryliz
Journal #1
I have just read the first part and some of part two of Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. So far I'm really interested in the book and intrigued by the main character, Raskolnikov. Since the beginning of the story, one can see that he has some mental issues, and that he is therefore different from most "normal" people. However, I'm doubtful about the process which led him get to such a state. Logistically, someone doesn't just wake up one day and starts being "crazy." There are many actions that lead certain people to act a certain way, and I'm curious to know what really happened to him in his past.
I'm also perplexed by some of his past that we now know from the beginning. I wonder what really happened with the girl who, I believe, was his girlfriend and ostensibly died. Raskolnikov also seems to be ostracized from society in such a way that he is treated as pariah, with the exception of certain people who learned to tolerate him. He is apparently young and does not seem to be able to stand in his feet well (economically and socially), and people who often are in these cases tend to go back "home." I wonder why he doesn't consider going back, since he evidently loves his mother and sister. And I'm almost fearful of this kind of love, since he seems to object to his sister's decision to get married. He sees it as her sacrifice for him and her mother. In addition, this brings me to the idea that maybe he is just like any teenager or young adult who wants to prove that he can be an autonomous young adult, capable of resisting the urge to go back home.
In the other hand, I also emphatically agree with some of my classmates, who think that if he had such a ferocious desire to get some money, he certainly did not have to kill Alyona and her sister, Lizakta. No one has a right to take someone else's life, and definitely not in exchange for money. I'm sure he knows this very well, and I think he became unconscious of this when he committed the crime (even though that is no excuse). I also wonder if he actually has some mental illness or disease because he seemed to get physically sick and mentally unconscious right after the robbery and homicide. Yet this could also be due to that fact that he became really scared afterwards and could have gone into a panic reaction mode.
As of now I'm full of questions, and very interested in the book. Even thought the story can be traumatizing for some, and eye-opening for others, I think it is a story that will unravel many interesting aspects.
I have just read the first part and some of part two of Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. So far I'm really interested in the book and intrigued by the main character, Raskolnikov. Since the beginning of the story, one can see that he has some mental issues, and that he is therefore different from most "normal" people. However, I'm doubtful about the process which led him get to such a state. Logistically, someone doesn't just wake up one day and starts being "crazy." There are many actions that lead certain people to act a certain way, and I'm curious to know what really happened to him in his past.
I'm also perplexed by some of his past that we now know from the beginning. I wonder what really happened with the girl who, I believe, was his girlfriend and ostensibly died. Raskolnikov also seems to be ostracized from society in such a way that he is treated as pariah, with the exception of certain people who learned to tolerate him. He is apparently young and does not seem to be able to stand in his feet well (economically and socially), and people who often are in these cases tend to go back "home." I wonder why he doesn't consider going back, since he evidently loves his mother and sister. And I'm almost fearful of this kind of love, since he seems to object to his sister's decision to get married. He sees it as her sacrifice for him and her mother. In addition, this brings me to the idea that maybe he is just like any teenager or young adult who wants to prove that he can be an autonomous young adult, capable of resisting the urge to go back home.
In the other hand, I also emphatically agree with some of my classmates, who think that if he had such a ferocious desire to get some money, he certainly did not have to kill Alyona and her sister, Lizakta. No one has a right to take someone else's life, and definitely not in exchange for money. I'm sure he knows this very well, and I think he became unconscious of this when he committed the crime (even though that is no excuse). I also wonder if he actually has some mental illness or disease because he seemed to get physically sick and mentally unconscious right after the robbery and homicide. Yet this could also be due to that fact that he became really scared afterwards and could have gone into a panic reaction mode.
As of now I'm full of questions, and very interested in the book. Even thought the story can be traumatizing for some, and eye-opening for others, I think it is a story that will unravel many interesting aspects.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Summer reading Assigment: A Streetcar Named Desire Journal #3--Claryliz
Finishing A Streetcar Named Desire, there are many things that are clear to me, such as understanding that Blanche was not in a good state of mind after all. However, throughout the book I felt like I did not fully understand some details as the story went on. There were also some messages in the story that I did not agree with as well. Furthermore, there seemed to be acceptance in the fact that Stella and Eunice were both abused by their husbands. Initially I thought that Stanley was doing the right thing (and for some part I still agree with him), however, he did many unscrupulous things that Stella seemed to freely condone. Overall I find the story had many analyzing pieces that one could scrutinize, such as the author’s diction, and structure which he used, which are very peculiar. Perhaps the method of his writing was avant-garde or interesting, but as far as the content of the story, I did not become a fan of it.
As I mentioned earlier, I suspected some hint of abnormality in Blanche’s behavior, and I said that maybe it had some type of connection with the author’s life. Now that I’m done reading the story I think is directly related to his personal life. Stella, who was the character who could not bear to see her sister, Blanche, seen as a lunatic, represents Tennessee Williams himself. Blanche, who was demonstrated to need attention, seems to be a symbol for his siblings, who did in real life end up being traumatized. Indeed this story seemed to inform more about the author’s personal life, then to be a “new” story.
As I mentioned earlier, I suspected some hint of abnormality in Blanche’s behavior, and I said that maybe it had some type of connection with the author’s life. Now that I’m done reading the story I think is directly related to his personal life. Stella, who was the character who could not bear to see her sister, Blanche, seen as a lunatic, represents Tennessee Williams himself. Blanche, who was demonstrated to need attention, seems to be a symbol for his siblings, who did in real life end up being traumatized. Indeed this story seemed to inform more about the author’s personal life, then to be a “new” story.
Summer reading Assigment: A Streetcar Named Desire Journal #2--Claryliz
Still doubtful about Stanley, I came to respect his character. At first he seemed like he was just interested in making sure that his wife’s money was safe (he continuously mentioned the “Napoleonic code”). However, he was brave and smart enough to confront Blanche. While she is successfully manipulating her sister and making it seem like she did nothing to be ashamed of, Stanley tried to decipher her plans. I found myself apprehensive when he went to her clothes and showed his wife the reality. Oblivious to what her sister is really doing, Stella did not see what her husband tried to explain to her, which was obvious to Stanley. I liked that he took the situation into his hands to discover Blanche. However, this also brings the point about whether he had a right to that. Even though she did look like she was lying, does he have a right to just go into her personal items without permission? I raised this question and think that this is applied to many mundane situations if one comes to consider it.
I also wonder about Blanche’s peculiar behavior with Mitch as well as vice versa. Without knowledge about the ending, I expect some type of connection between the two. Was there some love involved between the two in the past? Did Blanche come to her sister’s house just because she lost her money in luxury, or did she come to find something else? Whatever it is I think Stanley will be able to discover the truth.
I also wonder about Blanche’s peculiar behavior with Mitch as well as vice versa. Without knowledge about the ending, I expect some type of connection between the two. Was there some love involved between the two in the past? Did Blanche come to her sister’s house just because she lost her money in luxury, or did she come to find something else? Whatever it is I think Stanley will be able to discover the truth.
Summer Reading assignment: Journal #1 A Streetcar Name Desire-Claryliz
Upon reading Act One of A Streetcar Named Desire, I became very observant of the character of Blanche. She seems to be manipulative and seems to be hiding something from her sister, Stella. Constantly nervous and wanting to have a drink after denying that she wants more, I suspect that she is a heavy drinker. She is definitely afraid, and in my opinion is trying to take advantage of her sister. Accustomed to a different lifestyle, she conspicuously disparages her sisters’ home, which I agree is extremely rude. Eunice’s response to seeing her arriving at the home, and contemplating her form of behavior when asking whether she was at the right place, gave me an immediate conclusion that this had to be her last resource. A person of such nice physical appearance and at the same time, disgust for her new poor surroundings is unlikely to come just for a visit with all of her belongings.
Apart from giving an image of manipulation, she does not seem to be right on her mind. She, herself, accepted that she was not very far from lunacy. This is evident when she continues to talk rapidly about preposterous things and at the same time continues to question her sister about her silence. And here is where I began to worry for Stella. Mentioned that Stella is younger of the two I expected a different relationship with her sister. However, when Blanche asked her about her silence, she confirmed that it had always been like that, where Stella was always the one listening. Therefore, I wonder if Stella will leave herself to be so vulnerable to the manipulations of her sister, who seemed to obtain what she wanted after hysterically crying the “difficulties” that she had been through. Her sister immediately seemed to feel the onus and the guiltiness of leaving her sister behind. Stella’s tears worry me, because I fear if she will be gullible enough to believe her sister’s words.
Referring back to Blanche’s supposed nervous state of mind, and lunacy, I wonder if this is a personal connection to the author’s real life. As mentioned at the beginning he had two siblings with mental issues. So I wonder if Blanche is a case of a mental issue like she says she was about to, or whether she wants something else from her sister.
Apart from giving an image of manipulation, she does not seem to be right on her mind. She, herself, accepted that she was not very far from lunacy. This is evident when she continues to talk rapidly about preposterous things and at the same time continues to question her sister about her silence. And here is where I began to worry for Stella. Mentioned that Stella is younger of the two I expected a different relationship with her sister. However, when Blanche asked her about her silence, she confirmed that it had always been like that, where Stella was always the one listening. Therefore, I wonder if Stella will leave herself to be so vulnerable to the manipulations of her sister, who seemed to obtain what she wanted after hysterically crying the “difficulties” that she had been through. Her sister immediately seemed to feel the onus and the guiltiness of leaving her sister behind. Stella’s tears worry me, because I fear if she will be gullible enough to believe her sister’s words.
Referring back to Blanche’s supposed nervous state of mind, and lunacy, I wonder if this is a personal connection to the author’s real life. As mentioned at the beginning he had two siblings with mental issues. So I wonder if Blanche is a case of a mental issue like she says she was about to, or whether she wants something else from her sister.
Summer Reading assignment: Journal #1 A Streetcar Name Desire-Claryliz
Upon reading Act One of A Streetcar Named Desire, I became very observant of the character of Blanche. She seems to be manipulative and seems to be hiding something from her sister, Stella. Constantly nervous and wanting to have a drink after denying that she wants more, I suspect that she is a heavy drinker. She is definitely afraid, and in my opinion is trying to take advantage of her sister. Accustomed to a different lifestyle, she conspicuously disparages her sisters’ home, which I agree is extremely rude. Eunice’s response to seeing her arriving at the home, and contemplating her form of behavior when asking whether she was at the right place, gave me an immediate conclusion that this had to be her last resource. A person of such nice physical appearance and at the same time, disgust for her new poor surroundings is unlikely to come just for a visit with all of her belongings.
Apart from giving an image of manipulation, she does not seem to be right on her mind. She, herself, accepted that she was not very far from lunacy. This is evident when she continues to talk rapidly about preposterous things and at the same time continues to question her sister about her silence. And here is where I began to worry for Stella. Mentioned that Stella is younger of the two I expected a different relationship with her sister. However, when Blanche asked her about her silence, she confirmed that it had always been like that, where Stella was always the one listening. Therefore, I wonder if Stella will leave herself to be so vulnerable to the manipulations of her sister, who seemed to obtain what she wanted after hysterically crying the “difficulties” that she had been through. Her sister immediately seemed to feel the onus and the guiltiness of leaving her sister behind. Stella’s tears worry me, because I fear if she will be gullible enough to believe her sister’s words.
Referring back to Blanche’s supposed nervous state of mind, and lunacy, I wonder if this is a personal connection to the author’s real life. As mentioned at the beginning he had two siblings with mental issues. So I wonder if Blanche is a case of a mental issue like she says she was about to, or whether she wants something else from her sister.
Apart from giving an image of manipulation, she does not seem to be right on her mind. She, herself, accepted that she was not very far from lunacy. This is evident when she continues to talk rapidly about preposterous things and at the same time continues to question her sister about her silence. And here is where I began to worry for Stella. Mentioned that Stella is younger of the two I expected a different relationship with her sister. However, when Blanche asked her about her silence, she confirmed that it had always been like that, where Stella was always the one listening. Therefore, I wonder if Stella will leave herself to be so vulnerable to the manipulations of her sister, who seemed to obtain what she wanted after hysterically crying the “difficulties” that she had been through. Her sister immediately seemed to feel the onus and the guiltiness of leaving her sister behind. Stella’s tears worry me, because I fear if she will be gullible enough to believe her sister’s words.
Referring back to Blanche’s supposed nervous state of mind, and lunacy, I wonder if this is a personal connection to the author’s real life. As mentioned at the beginning he had two siblings with mental issues. So I wonder if Blanche is a case of a mental issue like she says she was about to, or whether she wants something else from her sister.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
