WOW! It's the end of quarter 3! This quarter is usually the hardest quarter but it was very short. Now, we are preparing for the AP Test! I believe that I'm ready for it! I LOVE ENGLISH! Last year, I got a 3 on my AP Language Test and I believe I can get higher because of your teachings. I still need a little bit of help on my terminology! If I stay focus on my flashcards and paying attention in class, I can definitely get a 4 or 5!
I believe I'm very strong in the writing portion. The only thing about the writing portion is understanding the prompt. On the multiple-choice section, the terminology gets me. In the end, my strengths and weaknesses match. Since we really didn't cover interesting novels this quarter, I didn't really like it so much. Their Eyes Are Watching God was interesting but I already read it twice! I knew the plot, I knew the characters, and the story line. I loved the fact that we covered poetry. I love poetry! We got really deep into the basics of poetry but when it comes to the types of poetry and the actual poets, I love it! My favorite book would have to be Their Eyes Are Watching God. The only reason being is the fact that it's taken place in the country. My whole family is from the country. When I was reading the story and learning the motifs, I could connect very well. Again, my strengths and weaknesses really weren't that great. If I had to choose, I would say understanding the prompt and terminology.
Awwww, One more quarter to go! (well half!) Let's Make It Count! :D
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Othello Essay!!!
Nature in Othello “But still, it’s true that good things can go bad, away from their true natures—” (Othello). In the Shakespearean play, Othello , the character Othello acts as a guide within the plot. Whenever the play changes and plot thickens, so does his character and personality. Shakespeare portrays this character in two different lights throughout the play; each scene, he becomes more unlike his previous nature. His character contributes to the overall effect of the play. Shakespeare uses characterization to depict the character Othello and his influences on the minor characters to develop and determine his true nature.
Lastly, the nature of Othello (and himself) is ironic. Ironies are all throughout this character and his ways because there are so many moments in the plot when what seems to be turns out to be radically different from what actually is. An example would be the killing of his true love. As a gentle spirit, or the at least a lover, you wouldn’t expect the love of your life would kill their beloved. Along with his insanity, Othello begins to take Iago’s dissuasion as motivations to kill his wife. His nature begins to slowly diminish as he monologues to his prey before taking her life. For example, Act 5, Scene 2, Page 1, Lines 1-24, clearly questions Othello’s sanity and states his insanity. The reader can detect the nobleman slowly turning into a savage beast. Finally, the death of Othello is probably the most ironic of all ironies in this play. For instance, Act 5, Scene 2, Page 18, Lines 354-372, he begins to evaluate the events leading to his suicidal stabbing. He started out as an humble man with a high position in the army and a love of his life. Next, he becomes manipulated and tricked, unbeknownst, by his ensign Iago. From naivety to insanity, our tragic hero Othello dies with his newfound nature in hand.
Having a character that changes within a play or novel may not seem like a very important feature in the plot of a play but it influences it greatly. But then the question of “what is their nature“ will arise. When the reader is familiar with the way a character is in the beginning, they usually don’t suspect much change from the first scene to the next. By Shakespeare using characterization to describe the change of Othello and how he influences the lives and outcomes of his friends’ lives, was an easier way to try and develop Othello’s nature. But with all the controversy of Othello’s true nature, is there really a thin line between man and beast?
Othello starts out as an pure man who holds and wields power but faces a lot of challenges from his city and kinsmen. He is portrayed in a gentle and innocent light based on his actions and dialogue in the beginning of the play. Othello started off as an average citizen whom some envied and would like to see his downfall. For example, in Act 1, Scene 1, Page 1, Lines 8-18, Iago says “Despise me If I do not. Three great ones of the city (In personal suit to make me his lieutenant) Off-capped to him, and by the faith of man I know my price, I am worth no worse a place. But he (as loving his own pride and purposes) Evades them with a bombast circumstance Horribly stuffed with epithets of war, And in conclusion Nonsuits my mediators.”. In this quote, Iago realized that three nobleman awarded Othello high office and refused Iago as his lieutenant. This can easily be portrayed as Iago’s motive for Othello’s demise. Next, Othello was caught having sex with the senator’s daughter by Iago. In this situation, Othello still contains his gentle nature. For example, Act 1, Scene 2, Page 2, Lines 31-33, Othello says “Not I, I must be found. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul Shall manifest me rightly.” Othello is content in his problem that he faces and still believes his good nature will prevail all. Lastly, The conversation between Iago and Othello explains that even though he went behind the senator‘s wishes, he still stayed true to his love. In Act 1, Scene 2, Page 1, Line 24-26, Othello says “…..For know, Iago, But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhousèd free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea’s worth. He still, in turn, expresses his love in such a way that he gave up his freedom just because of Desdemona and regardless of what the townspeople think.
Othello soon becomes persuaded and dissuaded by those around him. His close colleagues and friends become even closer enemies. They begin to manipulate him and turn his life upside down. For example, Act 1, Scene 3, Page 15-16, Lines 329-341, Iago monologues about a events that he will create and manipulate to ruin Othello. This shows that Iago, the infamous “honest one”, begins to concoct his plan for Othello’s end. Now, because Iago is successful in his plans, Othello becomes affected and develops a suspicion towards Desdemona. For instance, Act 3, Scene 3, Page 12, Line 263-282, presents all the suspicion Othello has after Iago planted his manipulative seeds. This shows how the manipulation from Othello’s close “friends” are beginning to get to him. Almost immediately, Othello‘s personality begins to change from calm and gentle into a man filled with rage. For instance, in Act 3, Scene 3, Page 17, Line 369-373, Othello says to Iago “Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof Or by the worth of mine eternal soul Thou hadst been better have been born a dog Than answer my waked wrath!“. Othello has never acted so suspicious and angry in the previous Acts or scenes. Now, the reader can identify the change of nature’s between the “two Othello’s”.
Lastly, the nature of Othello (and himself) is ironic. Ironies are all throughout this character and his ways because there are so many moments in the plot when what seems to be turns out to be radically different from what actually is. An example would be the killing of his true love. As a gentle spirit, or the at least a lover, you wouldn’t expect the love of your life would kill their beloved. Along with his insanity, Othello begins to take Iago’s dissuasion as motivations to kill his wife. His nature begins to slowly diminish as he monologues to his prey before taking her life. For example, Act 5, Scene 2, Page 1, Lines 1-24, clearly questions Othello’s sanity and states his insanity. The reader can detect the nobleman slowly turning into a savage beast. Finally, the death of Othello is probably the most ironic of all ironies in this play. For instance, Act 5, Scene 2, Page 18, Lines 354-372, he begins to evaluate the events leading to his suicidal stabbing. He started out as an humble man with a high position in the army and a love of his life. Next, he becomes manipulated and tricked, unbeknownst, by his ensign Iago. From naivety to insanity, our tragic hero Othello dies with his newfound nature in hand.
Having a character that changes within a play or novel may not seem like a very important feature in the plot of a play but it influences it greatly. But then the question of “what is their nature“ will arise. When the reader is familiar with the way a character is in the beginning, they usually don’t suspect much change from the first scene to the next. By Shakespeare using characterization to describe the change of Othello and how he influences the lives and outcomes of his friends’ lives, was an easier way to try and develop Othello’s nature. But with all the controversy of Othello’s true nature, is there really a thin line between man and beast?
Man And Beast! (Get it?)
Quarter 2 Reflection!
I have to say, I liked Quarter 2 better than Quarter 1. Quarter 1 was kind of confusing and tedious. This quarter was more relaxed and independent. First off, I would like to say that the best skill I learned was keeping my interests open and trying new things. I know the seems like it doesnt pertain to English but trust me, it does! With all the college representatives and guest speakers, I really learned that everything is not for everybody. I also learned that you shouldn't dismiss a option if you do not have a solution. Basically, if I have a problem that someone is offering me an option or solution to it, I shouldn't turn it down. My least favorite part of Quarter 2 was the Midterms. I hated that midterm! (even though I heard I got the highest score). But, the midterm was so long and I really didn't understand some of the terms used that much.
With that being said, the biggest challenge that I had was reading Othello. I love Shakespearean plays and Greek Mythology (even though that was irrelevant) but this book had alot of symbols and motifs. There is nothing wrong with that but it was kind of difficult to comprehend at times. I faced that challenge by re-reading alot that I read. I also had to change the location of where I read that book because there was alot of distractions. Lastly, if it got this severe, I would Sparknotes the modern version and read the text under that title. I believe these were good solutions and I will suggest them to anyone who needs them.
Wow. Quarter 2 went passed so quick. Awww, we're about to walk. =(
With that being said, the biggest challenge that I had was reading Othello. I love Shakespearean plays and Greek Mythology (even though that was irrelevant) but this book had alot of symbols and motifs. There is nothing wrong with that but it was kind of difficult to comprehend at times. I faced that challenge by re-reading alot that I read. I also had to change the location of where I read that book because there was alot of distractions. Lastly, if it got this severe, I would Sparknotes the modern version and read the text under that title. I believe these were good solutions and I will suggest them to anyone who needs them.
Wow. Quarter 2 went passed so quick. Awww, we're about to walk. =(
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