Quote: "Iago. Blessed fig's-end! The wine she drinks is made of grapes. If she had been blessed, she would never have loved the Moor. Blessed pudding!"(2.1.251-253)
Significance: This quote is significant because it shows that Iago's hatred of Othello is so great, the it has spread to those associated with the Moor. He cannot see any goodness in those who favor Othello, so he justifies his hatred by creating flaws in them, so he can have a legitimate reason for disliking them.
Question: Does Rodergio like Iago, or is this strictly business?
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Othello Quote Analysis
Quote: "Roderigo. It is silliness to live when to live is torment; and then we have a prescription to die when death is our physician."(1.3.303-305)
Significance:
This quote shows the characterization of Roderigo, who believes that a life of pain is no life to live, and that death would be a much better fate. I like the language used in this quote. It's not difficult to understand, yet it's not straight-forward. This is common in Shakespeare's work, although this is the first time I ever found anything positive out of it.
Question: Is Roderigo given a tragic or comedic role in the story?
Significance:
This quote shows the characterization of Roderigo, who believes that a life of pain is no life to live, and that death would be a much better fate. I like the language used in this quote. It's not difficult to understand, yet it's not straight-forward. This is common in Shakespeare's work, although this is the first time I ever found anything positive out of it.
Question: Is Roderigo given a tragic or comedic role in the story?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Essay
Nathaniel Burns-Sarno
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
December 13, 2008
A Separate Peace: Essay Response Number Eleven
Finny’s Fall: Accident or Attack?
Emotion can be a very powerful quality for a human being to possess. It can do great good, as well as great evil, depending on how it is let out. Putting too much emotion into something can be harmful to both you and those around you, while putting too little emotion into something does not get you anywhere. Releasing emotion comes with a few risks of how those around you will interpret it. Even the slightest expression of emotion can loose a person many friends if looked at through the wrong eyes. So, it would seem that the only safe thing to do would be to keep your emotions to yourself. After doing so at first, one would feel perfectly fine, maybe even a little better. However, it would only be a temporary feeling of peace. Over time, those emotions will pile on top of each other, and the results will be disastrous. It could harm not only oneself, but also those around them. Such was the case of Gene “accidentally” causing his best friend, Phineas, to fall to what could have been his death. The cause of Phineas’ fall was clear; Gene had been bottling up his emotions at the expense of his friendship and sanity. Phineas’ fall was no accident.
Throughout the novel, it is made clear many times that Gene is envious of Phineas, who seems to be perfect in every way. He was popular, he was athletic, and his viewpoint of the world was so unique that Gene could barely understand him. Phineas seemed to have a hold on everyone around them, drawing them closer to him as if they were balls of metal caught in the field of his “magnet of charisma”. No one would know this better than Gene, who was Phineas’ best friend. However, their close relationship did not stop Gene from feeling a great deal of resentment for Phineas.
The first mistake Gene made was banishing his feelings of envy from his mind for the sake of convenience to himself. Gene seemed sure that there was no ill-will between he and Phineas. However, when Gene says, “Phineas could get away with anything. I couldn’t help envying him that a little, which was perfectly normal. There was no harm in envying even your best friend a little,”(25), it seems that he is trying to convince himself more than anyone else. I find it a bit odd that Gene never once expresses these feelings of envy to Phineas for the remainder of the novel. After all, Phineas was always sincere with Gene. Why could Gene not return the favor? Perhaps because that was not the kind of person Gene is. After all, telling Phineas that he envied him would be showing an emotion, and Gene seems to want to keep his emotions locked up. It is not too shocking that Gene said nothing, but still, had he made even the slightest gesture to make his feelings clear, it could very well have saved Phineas’ leg, and, in effect, his life.
Gene sees Phineas as the perfect person, even going as far to say, “It made Finny seem too unusual for-not friendship, but too unusual for rivalry.”(45) Gene, having admitted that Phineas was in competition with no one, could have taken a good step to overcoming his envy. However, knowing this fact about Phineas only made Gene envy him more, as it was a trait that few possessed. This would have been harmless had Gene made some attempt to convey his feelings. However, once again, Gene keeps quiet about his feelings. This action started him on the road to distraction, it was only natural that it would drive him through it.
Gene soon gives up his notions of Phineas being beyond rivalry by actually attempting to reach a point of competition with him by improving on the areas where Phineas needed work, such as academics. In Gene’s mind, doing so would rid him of any jealousy of Phineas by making the both of them even. Gene’s thoughts on this were:
He had won and been proud to win the Galbraith Football Trophy and the Contact Sport Award, and there were two or three other athletic prizes he was sure to get this year or next. If I was head of the class on Graduation Day and made a speech and won the Ne Plus Ultra Scholastic Achievement Citation, then we would both have come out on top, we would be even, that was all. We would be even….(52)
Gene was right to want to rid himself of his jealousy of Phineas, but he went about it the wrong way. Instead of attempting to excel everywhere that Phineas could not, he should have just been happy for his friend. Gene continuously says in the novel that he wanted to be like Phineas. Why then, could he not just be himself? That is what Phineas did, after all.
However, Gene soon goes back to his belief that Phineas is beyond rivalry after realizing that unlike Phineas with sports, academics did not come naturally to Gene. This may have been the piece of frustration that lead to his outburst of causing Phineas to fall from the tree, for it was the last feeling Gene bottled up before they all came shooting out to knock Phineas off of his perch.
The final nail in my argument that Gene intentionally caused Phineas to fall from the tree is that Gene actually felt remorse after Phineas was injured, and even tells Phineas, “I jounced the limb. I caused it… I deliberately jounced the limb so you would fall off.”(70) Most would see this as Gene expressing a false sense of “survivor’s guilt”, and saying something that he did not really mean. However, I find that hard to believe. In the past, Gene could not even bring himself to display true emotions. How could false emotions be any different?
Without a doubt, Gene caused Phineas’ accident. Whether he actually wanted to or not is still ambiguous. However, he felt the need to harm Phineas, and acted on impulse. And whether impulse is helpful or harmful, it is never accidental.
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
December 13, 2008
A Separate Peace: Essay Response Number Eleven
Finny’s Fall: Accident or Attack?
Emotion can be a very powerful quality for a human being to possess. It can do great good, as well as great evil, depending on how it is let out. Putting too much emotion into something can be harmful to both you and those around you, while putting too little emotion into something does not get you anywhere. Releasing emotion comes with a few risks of how those around you will interpret it. Even the slightest expression of emotion can loose a person many friends if looked at through the wrong eyes. So, it would seem that the only safe thing to do would be to keep your emotions to yourself. After doing so at first, one would feel perfectly fine, maybe even a little better. However, it would only be a temporary feeling of peace. Over time, those emotions will pile on top of each other, and the results will be disastrous. It could harm not only oneself, but also those around them. Such was the case of Gene “accidentally” causing his best friend, Phineas, to fall to what could have been his death. The cause of Phineas’ fall was clear; Gene had been bottling up his emotions at the expense of his friendship and sanity. Phineas’ fall was no accident.
Throughout the novel, it is made clear many times that Gene is envious of Phineas, who seems to be perfect in every way. He was popular, he was athletic, and his viewpoint of the world was so unique that Gene could barely understand him. Phineas seemed to have a hold on everyone around them, drawing them closer to him as if they were balls of metal caught in the field of his “magnet of charisma”. No one would know this better than Gene, who was Phineas’ best friend. However, their close relationship did not stop Gene from feeling a great deal of resentment for Phineas.
The first mistake Gene made was banishing his feelings of envy from his mind for the sake of convenience to himself. Gene seemed sure that there was no ill-will between he and Phineas. However, when Gene says, “Phineas could get away with anything. I couldn’t help envying him that a little, which was perfectly normal. There was no harm in envying even your best friend a little,”(25), it seems that he is trying to convince himself more than anyone else. I find it a bit odd that Gene never once expresses these feelings of envy to Phineas for the remainder of the novel. After all, Phineas was always sincere with Gene. Why could Gene not return the favor? Perhaps because that was not the kind of person Gene is. After all, telling Phineas that he envied him would be showing an emotion, and Gene seems to want to keep his emotions locked up. It is not too shocking that Gene said nothing, but still, had he made even the slightest gesture to make his feelings clear, it could very well have saved Phineas’ leg, and, in effect, his life.
Gene sees Phineas as the perfect person, even going as far to say, “It made Finny seem too unusual for-not friendship, but too unusual for rivalry.”(45) Gene, having admitted that Phineas was in competition with no one, could have taken a good step to overcoming his envy. However, knowing this fact about Phineas only made Gene envy him more, as it was a trait that few possessed. This would have been harmless had Gene made some attempt to convey his feelings. However, once again, Gene keeps quiet about his feelings. This action started him on the road to distraction, it was only natural that it would drive him through it.
Gene soon gives up his notions of Phineas being beyond rivalry by actually attempting to reach a point of competition with him by improving on the areas where Phineas needed work, such as academics. In Gene’s mind, doing so would rid him of any jealousy of Phineas by making the both of them even. Gene’s thoughts on this were:
He had won and been proud to win the Galbraith Football Trophy and the Contact Sport Award, and there were two or three other athletic prizes he was sure to get this year or next. If I was head of the class on Graduation Day and made a speech and won the Ne Plus Ultra Scholastic Achievement Citation, then we would both have come out on top, we would be even, that was all. We would be even….(52)
Gene was right to want to rid himself of his jealousy of Phineas, but he went about it the wrong way. Instead of attempting to excel everywhere that Phineas could not, he should have just been happy for his friend. Gene continuously says in the novel that he wanted to be like Phineas. Why then, could he not just be himself? That is what Phineas did, after all.
However, Gene soon goes back to his belief that Phineas is beyond rivalry after realizing that unlike Phineas with sports, academics did not come naturally to Gene. This may have been the piece of frustration that lead to his outburst of causing Phineas to fall from the tree, for it was the last feeling Gene bottled up before they all came shooting out to knock Phineas off of his perch.
The final nail in my argument that Gene intentionally caused Phineas to fall from the tree is that Gene actually felt remorse after Phineas was injured, and even tells Phineas, “I jounced the limb. I caused it… I deliberately jounced the limb so you would fall off.”(70) Most would see this as Gene expressing a false sense of “survivor’s guilt”, and saying something that he did not really mean. However, I find that hard to believe. In the past, Gene could not even bring himself to display true emotions. How could false emotions be any different?
Without a doubt, Gene caused Phineas’ accident. Whether he actually wanted to or not is still ambiguous. However, he felt the need to harm Phineas, and acted on impulse. And whether impulse is helpful or harmful, it is never accidental.
Friday, December 5, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis
Quote: "I never killed anybody and I never developed an intense level of hatred . Because my war ended before I even put on a uniform; I was on active duty all my time at school; I killed my enemy there."(204)
Significance:
.....He's serious? He seriously just said that? He just declared Finny to have been his enemy? Really? And he thinks he's better without Finny around? Are you kidding me? Y'know, there's a word for the kind of person Gene is in every language. In Swahili, it's "Kumbafu."(Umm...will I lose points for saying that? )I thought he was a bad person at first, but this quote proved me wrong. Turns out he was downright despicable. Why couldn't he be the one to die? Seems the meaning of "protagonist" changed in the last few years. He's just....a Kak(more Swahili). But if I saw him covered in flames, I'd probably douse him off....and if the police showed up, I'd pretend I didn't know I was using oil.
Question: So, why were Finny and Gene friends, in the first place?
Significance:
.....He's serious? He seriously just said that? He just declared Finny to have been his enemy? Really? And he thinks he's better without Finny around? Are you kidding me? Y'know, there's a word for the kind of person Gene is in every language. In Swahili, it's "Kumbafu."(Umm...will I lose points for saying that? )I thought he was a bad person at first, but this quote proved me wrong. Turns out he was downright despicable. Why couldn't he be the one to die? Seems the meaning of "protagonist" changed in the last few years. He's just....a Kak(more Swahili). But if I saw him covered in flames, I'd probably douse him off....and if the police showed up, I'd pretend I didn't know I was using oil.
Question: So, why were Finny and Gene friends, in the first place?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis
Quote: "I did not cry then or ever about Finny. I did not even cry when I stood watching him being lowered into his family's straight-laced burial ground outside of Boston. I could not escape a feeling that this was my own funeral, and you do not cry in that case."(194)
Significance:
Gene seems to think that in losing Finny, he's lost himself. This gives me the impression that in their friendship, Finny had always been the leader, and Gene the follower. Since Finny is gone, Gene is left with no idea of what to do. Perhaps the whole impulse of Gene causing Finny's accident was to break away from Finny in order to make his own decisions. But know that he has the complete opportunity, he has learned that to be impossible.
Question: What will be Brinker's reaction to this?
Significance:
Gene seems to think that in losing Finny, he's lost himself. This gives me the impression that in their friendship, Finny had always been the leader, and Gene the follower. Since Finny is gone, Gene is left with no idea of what to do. Perhaps the whole impulse of Gene causing Finny's accident was to break away from Finny in order to make his own decisions. But know that he has the complete opportunity, he has learned that to be impossible.
Question: What will be Brinker's reaction to this?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis
Quote: "The words shocked Phineas into awareness. He whirled as though being attacked from behind. 'You get the rest of the facts, Brinker!' he cried. 'You get all your facts!' I had never seen Finny crying, 'You collect every f-ing fact there is in the world!' He plunged out the doors."
Significance:
I had become evident from the last few chapters that Finny had changed from his usually cheery demeanor. However, it is in this chapter that Finny actually exhibits full on emotional behavior. It shows that underneath Finny's uncaring attitude, there is fear; Fear of learning the truth, and even more-so, fear of accepting it. Phineas may not want to change, but it seems like he does not have a choice in the matter.
Question: What is it with Brinker wanting to know the truth so badly? Didn't he just say in this chapter that he'd accepted that Phineas had been crippled, and that was the end of it?
Significance:
I had become evident from the last few chapters that Finny had changed from his usually cheery demeanor. However, it is in this chapter that Finny actually exhibits full on emotional behavior. It shows that underneath Finny's uncaring attitude, there is fear; Fear of learning the truth, and even more-so, fear of accepting it. Phineas may not want to change, but it seems like he does not have a choice in the matter.
Question: What is it with Brinker wanting to know the truth so badly? Didn't he just say in this chapter that he'd accepted that Phineas had been crippled, and that was the end of it?
Monday, December 1, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis
Quote: "Leper had escaped from spies. I seized the conclusion and didn't try to go beyond it. I suppose all our Butt Room stories about him intriguing around the world had made me half ready to half believe something like this." (140)
Significance
This quote shows Gene lying to himself to avoid any unpleasant thoughts. Not knowing exactly what awaited him when he'd see Leper after so long, he seeks to comfort himself, so is not to worry about what could have gone wrong. This quote also shows that Gene is so good at lying to himself, that he almost believes it. Yet, I do not see this as Gene being a pathological. Rather, I see it as him hanging on to the what happiness the world has left for him. In a way, I guess he adopted a few of Phineas' characteristics.
Question: If that was Gene's best thought on the subject, what was his worst?
Significance
This quote shows Gene lying to himself to avoid any unpleasant thoughts. Not knowing exactly what awaited him when he'd see Leper after so long, he seeks to comfort himself, so is not to worry about what could have gone wrong. This quote also shows that Gene is so good at lying to himself, that he almost believes it. Yet, I do not see this as Gene being a pathological. Rather, I see it as him hanging on to the what happiness the world has left for him. In a way, I guess he adopted a few of Phineas' characteristics.
Question: If that was Gene's best thought on the subject, what was his worst?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis
Quote: "Only Phineas failed to see what was so depressing. Just as there was no war in his philosophy, there was also no dreary weather."(128)
Significance:
This quote shows that although Phineas has changed a bit, he is still for the most part his usual self. No matter how hard things are, he keeps a positive outlook on life, or at least demonstrates one. So, either he is naturally happy, or he cares enough about those around him to not add to the displeasure.
Question: Is Phineas just putting on an act?
Significance:
This quote shows that although Phineas has changed a bit, he is still for the most part his usual self. No matter how hard things are, he keeps a positive outlook on life, or at least demonstrates one. So, either he is naturally happy, or he cares enough about those around him to not add to the displeasure.
Question: Is Phineas just putting on an act?
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis
Quote: "The moment was past. Phineas I know had been even more startled than I to discover this bitterness in himself. Neither of us ever mentioned it again, and neither of us ever forgot that it was there." (117)
Significance:
This quote pops out as a piece of foreshadowing. It not only shows that Gene's good times with Finny are just about over, but it also shows that the bad times are sure to come. Phineas' "accident" obviously left him with a few kinks in his cheery armor, just enough to allow bitterness to seep through. Clearly, Gene and Phineas are about to enter some rough times
Question: Will Phineas cause trouble for Gene, or will it be the other way around?
Significance:
This quote pops out as a piece of foreshadowing. It not only shows that Gene's good times with Finny are just about over, but it also shows that the bad times are sure to come. Phineas' "accident" obviously left him with a few kinks in his cheery armor, just enough to allow bitterness to seep through. Clearly, Gene and Phineas are about to enter some rough times
Question: Will Phineas cause trouble for Gene, or will it be the other way around?
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis
Quote: "Everything that had happened throughout the day faded like that first false snowfall of the winter. Phineas was back."
Quote Significance:
Once again, it seems that the quote at the end of the chapter holds the most significance. This quote shows complete shock, as well as a bit of fear. It's hard to believe that Gene didn't see this coming in the first place. After all, throughout the course of this chapter, Gene seemed to be trying to take Finny's place, as he said he would have to. The return of Phineas was bound to happen sooner or later. Gene should have planned his reaction.
Question: Is Phineas' return going to have a positive or negative effect on Gene?
Quote Significance:
Once again, it seems that the quote at the end of the chapter holds the most significance. This quote shows complete shock, as well as a bit of fear. It's hard to believe that Gene didn't see this coming in the first place. After all, throughout the course of this chapter, Gene seemed to be trying to take Finny's place, as he said he would have to. The return of Phineas was bound to happen sooner or later. Gene should have planned his reaction.
Question: Is Phineas' return going to have a positive or negative effect on Gene?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis
Quote: "So to Phineas I said, 'I'm too busy for sports,' and he went into his incoherent groans and jumbles of words, and I thought the issue was settled until at the end he said, 'Listen pal, if I can't play sports, you're going to play them for me,' and I lost part of myself to him then, and I soaring sense of freedom revealed that this must've been my purpose from the first; to become a part of Phineas." (85)
Significance:
It seems here that Gene is either exited about his new role, or horrified by it. It could actually be a mixture of both. He did want to be Phineas, after all. Still, he may be fearful that he would one day feel the same disdain for himself that he felt for Phineas. It's obvious that he's going to set out to be the next Phineas, but how will he do it?
Question: Just how is Gene feeling about what Phineas said?
Significance:
It seems here that Gene is either exited about his new role, or horrified by it. It could actually be a mixture of both. He did want to be Phineas, after all. Still, he may be fearful that he would one day feel the same disdain for himself that he felt for Phineas. It's obvious that he's going to set out to be the next Phineas, but how will he do it?
Question: Just how is Gene feeling about what Phineas said?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis 5
Quote: "It struck me then that I was injuring him again. It occurred to me that this could be an even deeper injury than what I had done before. I would have to back out of it, I would have to disown it."(Page 71)
Significance: This quote shows that Gene may have been subconsciously willing to cause Finny physical harm, but he still had enough morals to not allow himself to harm Finny emotionally. This is most likely because despite his jealousy of Finny, Gene still considers him to be his closest friend. Gene got what he wanted, after all. Because of the accident, Finny is no longer athletically gifted. Thus, Gene has nothing left to envy. However, Gene does not want to lose Finny as a friend, so he is sure to not upset him.
Quote: Will Gene come to appreciate Finny more in his current state?
Significance: This quote shows that Gene may have been subconsciously willing to cause Finny physical harm, but he still had enough morals to not allow himself to harm Finny emotionally. This is most likely because despite his jealousy of Finny, Gene still considers him to be his closest friend. Gene got what he wanted, after all. Because of the accident, Finny is no longer athletically gifted. Thus, Gene has nothing left to envy. However, Gene does not want to lose Finny as a friend, so he is sure to not upset him.
Quote: Will Gene come to appreciate Finny more in his current state?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis 4
Quote: "It seemed that he had made some kind of parallel between my studies and his sports. He probably thought anything you were good at came without effort. He didn't know yet that he was unique."
Significance: This quote shows that Phineas was without a doubt unaware of how great he was at everything. More than that, it shows that Gene was completely aware of how oblivious Phineas was to his own greatness. Therefor, some of the things Gene said in past chapters are contradicted. So, either Gene is constantly changing his mind, or he simply wants to change the truth to justify his jealousy.
Question: Why would Gene contradict himself in this instance?
Significance: This quote shows that Phineas was without a doubt unaware of how great he was at everything. More than that, it shows that Gene was completely aware of how oblivious Phineas was to his own greatness. Therefor, some of the things Gene said in past chapters are contradicted. So, either Gene is constantly changing his mind, or he simply wants to change the truth to justify his jealousy.
Question: Why would Gene contradict himself in this instance?
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Separate Peace Quote Significance 3
Quote: "Was he trying to impress me or something? Not tell anybody? When he had broken the school record without a day of practice? I knew he was serious about it , so I didn't tell anybody about it."(Page 44)
Significance of Quote:
This quote shows that Gene may not fully understand Phineas, but he still trusts his judgement. This is most likely because he has known Phineas for a long time, and has yet to see him get himself in trouble. While this shows trust, it also shows a bit of risk. There is such a thing as being too confident.
Question: Is Phineas just trying to prove everything to himself, or also to those around him?
Significance of Quote:
This quote shows that Gene may not fully understand Phineas, but he still trusts his judgement. This is most likely because he has known Phineas for a long time, and has yet to see him get himself in trouble. While this shows trust, it also shows a bit of risk. There is such a thing as being too confident.
Question: Is Phineas just trying to prove everything to himself, or also to those around him?
A Separate Peace Quote Significance 2
Quote:"I was beginning to see that Phineas could get away with anything. I couldn't help envying him that a little, which was perfectly normal. There was no harm in envying even your best friend a little."
Quote Significance:
This quote is significant because it seems to be an obvious foreshadowing of things to come. I believe that in time, Gene's jealousy towards Phineas will take a turn for the worst, and it will tear their friendship apart. It just seems like too odd of a thing to think.
Question: Is Gene glad that Phineas is the way he is?
Quote Significance:
This quote is significant because it seems to be an obvious foreshadowing of things to come. I believe that in time, Gene's jealousy towards Phineas will take a turn for the worst, and it will tear their friendship apart. It just seems like too odd of a thing to think.
Question: Is Gene glad that Phineas is the way he is?
A Separate Peace Quote Analysis
Phineas: Fun-loving, excitable, athletic, friendly, and daring
"No one but Phineas could think up such a crazy idea.He of course saw nothing the slightest bit intimidating about it. He wouldn't; or wouldn't admit it if he did. Not Phineas." (Page 14)
Gene: Descriptive, apprehensive, logical, nostalgic, and obsessive.
" In the deep, tacit way in which feeling becomes stronger than thought, I always felt that the Devon school came into existence the day I entered it, was vibrantly real while I was a student there, and then blinked out like a candle the day I left." (Page 9-10)
Significant Quote: "The houses were as handsome and as unusual as I remembered. Clever modernizations of old Colonial manses, extensions in Victorian wood, capacious Greek Revival temples lined the street, as impressive and forbidding as ever."(Page 20-11)
Significance of quote
This quote is significant because it shows not only Gene's attention to detail, but his admiration for it, as well. It almost seems like an obsession with him, as he does it several more times throughout the chapter. This could spring from him being either naturally sentimental or naturally bitter.
Question: Does Gene think of his past as completely horrible, or is he grateful to it for shaping him into who he would become?
Phineas: Fun-loving, excitable, athletic, friendly, and daring
"No one but Phineas could think up such a crazy idea.He of course saw nothing the slightest bit intimidating about it. He wouldn't; or wouldn't admit it if he did. Not Phineas." (Page 14)
Gene: Descriptive, apprehensive, logical, nostalgic, and obsessive.
" In the deep, tacit way in which feeling becomes stronger than thought, I always felt that the Devon school came into existence the day I entered it, was vibrantly real while I was a student there, and then blinked out like a candle the day I left." (Page 9-10)
Significant Quote: "The houses were as handsome and as unusual as I remembered. Clever modernizations of old Colonial manses, extensions in Victorian wood, capacious Greek Revival temples lined the street, as impressive and forbidding as ever."(Page 20-11)
Significance of quote
This quote is significant because it shows not only Gene's attention to detail, but his admiration for it, as well. It almost seems like an obsession with him, as he does it several more times throughout the chapter. This could spring from him being either naturally sentimental or naturally bitter.
Question: Does Gene think of his past as completely horrible, or is he grateful to it for shaping him into who he would become?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Antigone Essay part 2
When Oedipus accuses Creon of treason, Creon keeps a level head and is able to carefully counter each point made by his brother-in-law. This shows that Creon is not only well-educated, but also logical. Creon made many good points in this argument. However, one point by Creon stands out; “Who would choose uneasy dreams to don a crown/ when all the kingly sway/ can be enjoyed without?/ I could not covet kingship for itself/ when I can be a king by other means/ All my ambitions now/ are satisfied through you, without anxiety.” This statement proves that while Creon may not have been a king, he shared all the power of one. However, Creon is not corrupt. The reason for this is obvious, and also contained in Creon’s statement; Creon does not share the responsibility of a king. So, between Oedipus the King and Antigone, not much has changed about Creon’s position. The only difference is that in Antigone, Creon was burdened with responsibility. It only took this small change to cause a series of larger changes in Creon.
In Antigone, Creon’s character has changed drastically. He is no longer insightful, compassionate, or respectful. He is now blind, cruel, and pig-headed. This Creon displays none of his original traits, or his original way of speaking. He left behind his pity for others, only to become pitiful, himself. The death of his two sons, who died in battle with one another, had a great effect on Creon. Not only did it make him emotional, it made him irrational. Creon ordered that only one of his sons be buried, as the other, Polynices had fought against the city, and thus was not worthy of a warrior’s burial. Of course, Creon had let his emotions get the better of him when he made this edict. Things only become worse when Antigone, Creon’s niece and daughter to Oedipus, went against Creon’s law and buried Polynices. Outraged, Creon locks Antigone in Polynices’ tomb to die, without even considering any of what Antigone had said to him. This does not seem like the Creon who once said, “Listen to my answer to your charge./ And when you’ve heard me, judge.”*(Oedipus pg. 28) In fact, it sounds just the opposite, proving that Creon has become corrupt. However, since the only thing that he has gained since Oedipus the King is responsibility, it does not take a genius to figure out what caused him to divert from his path of justice. It is only when it is too late, and Antigone is dead that Creon realizes the error of his ways. However, unlike Oedipus before him, Creon admits to it being his fault. This shows that Oedipus and Creon may have been similar to an extent, but they were always different beings. The difference between them could have been fear. Oedipus never had a second thought about his boastful nature. Creon, having seen that, may have been fearful of pride, and tried to avoid it at every turn. However, there is truth in the old saying, “If you fear it, you shall become it’s slave.”
While power may not have lead to Creon’s downfall, it certainly contributed to it. After all, without his royal power, Creon would not have been able to order Antigone to death, and thus add more demerits to his fate. However, power only ended his downfall. It was responsibility that began it. The sad truth is, without the power, Creon may have never been able to break away from damnation.
Power is simply an object. It is a sword to be kept at your side, and used only when you see fit. It causes no harm unless you command it to. Responsibility is another object; a crown without jewels. It is indeed harmless, to both you and the world. However, without jewels, there is little point in wearing a crown. It is the jewels that make the crown, after all. Thus, one would seek as many jewels as they could, and use them to adorn their crown. With each jewel they would find, their crown would become greater, but also heavier, slowing the wearers pace and weighing them down. It is only a matter of time before the jewels weigh down the crown so much that it cuts of the brain-circulation of the one wearing it, making them unable to think of much besides the crown and the jewels. What do these jewels represent, you ask? The answer is simple; each jewel represents a person whom one is responsible for. Responsibility starts out harmless enough, as it is not difficult to provide one or two people with the things the need. However, the more people one is responsible for, the more they are burdened. The burden drives them to madness, and eventually a disinterest in anyone but themselves. Power is not like that. No matter how many people one is in charge of, they are never burdened. It is only when they feel the need for responsibility that they are plagued. After a period long period of thought, I have decided that phrases like, ”Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” do not accurately depict the relationship between power and corruption. Indeed, I have learned the more proper phrase for the subject is, “Heavy the head that wears the crown.”
In Antigone, Creon’s character has changed drastically. He is no longer insightful, compassionate, or respectful. He is now blind, cruel, and pig-headed. This Creon displays none of his original traits, or his original way of speaking. He left behind his pity for others, only to become pitiful, himself. The death of his two sons, who died in battle with one another, had a great effect on Creon. Not only did it make him emotional, it made him irrational. Creon ordered that only one of his sons be buried, as the other, Polynices had fought against the city, and thus was not worthy of a warrior’s burial. Of course, Creon had let his emotions get the better of him when he made this edict. Things only become worse when Antigone, Creon’s niece and daughter to Oedipus, went against Creon’s law and buried Polynices. Outraged, Creon locks Antigone in Polynices’ tomb to die, without even considering any of what Antigone had said to him. This does not seem like the Creon who once said, “Listen to my answer to your charge./ And when you’ve heard me, judge.”*(Oedipus pg. 28) In fact, it sounds just the opposite, proving that Creon has become corrupt. However, since the only thing that he has gained since Oedipus the King is responsibility, it does not take a genius to figure out what caused him to divert from his path of justice. It is only when it is too late, and Antigone is dead that Creon realizes the error of his ways. However, unlike Oedipus before him, Creon admits to it being his fault. This shows that Oedipus and Creon may have been similar to an extent, but they were always different beings. The difference between them could have been fear. Oedipus never had a second thought about his boastful nature. Creon, having seen that, may have been fearful of pride, and tried to avoid it at every turn. However, there is truth in the old saying, “If you fear it, you shall become it’s slave.”
While power may not have lead to Creon’s downfall, it certainly contributed to it. After all, without his royal power, Creon would not have been able to order Antigone to death, and thus add more demerits to his fate. However, power only ended his downfall. It was responsibility that began it. The sad truth is, without the power, Creon may have never been able to break away from damnation.
Power is simply an object. It is a sword to be kept at your side, and used only when you see fit. It causes no harm unless you command it to. Responsibility is another object; a crown without jewels. It is indeed harmless, to both you and the world. However, without jewels, there is little point in wearing a crown. It is the jewels that make the crown, after all. Thus, one would seek as many jewels as they could, and use them to adorn their crown. With each jewel they would find, their crown would become greater, but also heavier, slowing the wearers pace and weighing them down. It is only a matter of time before the jewels weigh down the crown so much that it cuts of the brain-circulation of the one wearing it, making them unable to think of much besides the crown and the jewels. What do these jewels represent, you ask? The answer is simple; each jewel represents a person whom one is responsible for. Responsibility starts out harmless enough, as it is not difficult to provide one or two people with the things the need. However, the more people one is responsible for, the more they are burdened. The burden drives them to madness, and eventually a disinterest in anyone but themselves. Power is not like that. No matter how many people one is in charge of, they are never burdened. It is only when they feel the need for responsibility that they are plagued. After a period long period of thought, I have decided that phrases like, ”Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” do not accurately depict the relationship between power and corruption. Indeed, I have learned the more proper phrase for the subject is, “Heavy the head that wears the crown.”
Antigone Essay
Nathaniel Burns-Sarno
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
October 29, 2008
Antigone Essay
Power: The True Source of Corruption?
The Age of Sword and Sandal. It was a dangerous time, during which the gods reigned supreme and unleashed a petty wrath upon those who dared to disobey them. Every city was plagued by war, and heroes were few and far between. These times called for great kings to take control. They were needed comfort and guide their subjects. The people welcomed these leaders, and treated them with the highest regard. Why would they not? After all, it was the kings who provided them with guidance and hope. The people gained much prosperity under these kings. However, in order for something to be gained, something else must be given in return. A great number of times, the price for a kingdom’s prosperity was a king’s sanity. Such was the case with a character in the Oedipus Plays of Sophocles. His name was Creon. Indeed, he was a wise, fair, and just man. He saw only what was right, and did anything he could to bring peace into the lives of those around him. Unfortunately, as he leaves behind the life of a man to take up the life of a king, he also leaves behind his greatest traits. His wisdom was traded for ignorance his fairness for cruelty, and justness for tyranny. What could have turned him into such a cold-hearted monster? Perhaps it was the power? It seems like a very logical answer. In fact, it does contribute to what he eventually becomes. However, I do not believe that power alone could have caused such a change in the personality of Creon. Power only goes so far. On its own, power is one of life’s greatest luxuries. However, the gift of power can easily become a curse with only a small drop of poison that is responsibility. It is my belief that it was the responsibility of a king, not the power, that drove Creon to drive out his heart.
Creon’s introduction came in the first of the Oedipus Plays of Sophocles, Oedipus the King. Here, we see Creon as the logical and compassionate prince consort. He displays no ill will to wards anyone, even when another displays ill will to wards him. Such kindness would not be a rarity among a member of royalty. After all, one who is in line for the throne has little to complain about. Being Queen Jocasta’s brother gave Creon every right to the luxuries shared by the king and queen. Most importantly, Creon shared their power. The only thing that Jocasta and Oedipus kept for themselves was the weight of their city, which remained firmly rested on their backs. However, despite the fact that nothing is expected of him, Creon still tries to make things fair within the city of Thebes, which Oedipus rules. Creon does this by seeking to take some of the weight off of Oedipus’ back, and also by attempting to clear his name when accused of treason by Oedipus. It is during an address to the citizens of Thebes dealing with the fact that Oedipus has accused him of treason that Creon displays his compassion for Oedipus by saying, “If he thinks that in all this turmoil of our times/that any word or act of mine/ was ever done in malice, done to harm/ I’d rather end my life than live so wronged.”(Oedipus the King, pg 28). This shows that Creon would rather die than be accused of any wrong-doing, and thus is no wrong-doer, himself. For what guilty man would take offence at being called guilty? While this quote from Creon gives us a good idea of what kind of person he is, it only helps Creon’s character. For one to understand why it would be it was not likely for Creon to be corrupted by power, they need only examine Creon’s argument with Oedipus.
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
October 29, 2008
Antigone Essay
Power: The True Source of Corruption?
The Age of Sword and Sandal. It was a dangerous time, during which the gods reigned supreme and unleashed a petty wrath upon those who dared to disobey them. Every city was plagued by war, and heroes were few and far between. These times called for great kings to take control. They were needed comfort and guide their subjects. The people welcomed these leaders, and treated them with the highest regard. Why would they not? After all, it was the kings who provided them with guidance and hope. The people gained much prosperity under these kings. However, in order for something to be gained, something else must be given in return. A great number of times, the price for a kingdom’s prosperity was a king’s sanity. Such was the case with a character in the Oedipus Plays of Sophocles. His name was Creon. Indeed, he was a wise, fair, and just man. He saw only what was right, and did anything he could to bring peace into the lives of those around him. Unfortunately, as he leaves behind the life of a man to take up the life of a king, he also leaves behind his greatest traits. His wisdom was traded for ignorance his fairness for cruelty, and justness for tyranny. What could have turned him into such a cold-hearted monster? Perhaps it was the power? It seems like a very logical answer. In fact, it does contribute to what he eventually becomes. However, I do not believe that power alone could have caused such a change in the personality of Creon. Power only goes so far. On its own, power is one of life’s greatest luxuries. However, the gift of power can easily become a curse with only a small drop of poison that is responsibility. It is my belief that it was the responsibility of a king, not the power, that drove Creon to drive out his heart.
Creon’s introduction came in the first of the Oedipus Plays of Sophocles, Oedipus the King. Here, we see Creon as the logical and compassionate prince consort. He displays no ill will to wards anyone, even when another displays ill will to wards him. Such kindness would not be a rarity among a member of royalty. After all, one who is in line for the throne has little to complain about. Being Queen Jocasta’s brother gave Creon every right to the luxuries shared by the king and queen. Most importantly, Creon shared their power. The only thing that Jocasta and Oedipus kept for themselves was the weight of their city, which remained firmly rested on their backs. However, despite the fact that nothing is expected of him, Creon still tries to make things fair within the city of Thebes, which Oedipus rules. Creon does this by seeking to take some of the weight off of Oedipus’ back, and also by attempting to clear his name when accused of treason by Oedipus. It is during an address to the citizens of Thebes dealing with the fact that Oedipus has accused him of treason that Creon displays his compassion for Oedipus by saying, “If he thinks that in all this turmoil of our times/that any word or act of mine/ was ever done in malice, done to harm/ I’d rather end my life than live so wronged.”(Oedipus the King, pg 28). This shows that Creon would rather die than be accused of any wrong-doing, and thus is no wrong-doer, himself. For what guilty man would take offence at being called guilty? While this quote from Creon gives us a good idea of what kind of person he is, it only helps Creon’s character. For one to understand why it would be it was not likely for Creon to be corrupted by power, they need only examine Creon’s argument with Oedipus.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Antigone Quote 2
Quote: "Then lead me please away, a rash weak foolish man, a man of sorrows, who killed you son, so blindly. And you my wife-so blind. Where can I look? Where hope for help, when everything I touch is lost and death has leapt upon my life."- Creon pg. 252
Significance: This quote not only shows that Creon acted similar to Oedipus, but also shared a similar fate to Oedipus. Because of his downfall, Creon realized his tragic flaw, and left the throne, the same as Oedipus had done before him.
Question: Was it just power that corrupted Creon, or did his son's betrayal of him turn him into what he would become?
Anigone Quote 1
Quote: "In only what is right. It is my merit not my years that count."-Haemon pg 223
Significance: I see this as Haemon going against all tradition in order to defend the one he loves, Antigone, from his father, Creon. Not only is Haemon questioning his father, he's questioning a king! This shows Haemon's boldness, but also his beliefs in justice. Haemon's character quickly shifted from being a submissive prince to an advocate for what is right. In my eyes, it's a good change.
Question: Why would Haemon wait to say these things to his father, rather than saying them right away? Was he going for shock-value?
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