What are the universal struggles/motifs that make "Phaedra" timeless?
Phaedra has many motifs that make it a beloved piece of work that many people still read and respect today. The obvious two motifs would be the conflict between reason and passion, and selfishness. The reason modern people enjoy this reading is because these motifs are have been and I believe always will be as long as there is humans. Ever since she laid eyes on Hippolytus, she said she has loved him. Phaedra knows that she cannot love him or she will be either exiled from the Troezen or killed. She only tells Hippolytus because she thinks she will be able to tell him without any repercussions from Theseus. This situation was basically a "Should I follow my mind or my heart?" situations that many people, especially teenagers, face today. People today face these situations between passion, love and reason; they always want to make the right decision, but don't know which to follow. Another major motif is selfishness. All the characters seemed to promote and display selfishness. Theseus seemed to be selfish by obviously going away for so long leaving his child and wife all alone. Also in the introduction it says that Theseus was known for "...womanizing (he leaves a trail of women behind him wherever he goes)" (362). This further displays Theseus' selfishness toward his family. Phaedra is the character that shows the main display of selfishness. She had no care who her actions affected other than herself. In Act V, Scene I Phaedra blames her shortcomings and selfishness on Oenone and has her taken away. Phaedra knew what she was saying and doing to Hippolytus as she tried to convince the King he came on to her. Also, Phaedra also shows her selfishness as she tells Oenone about her jealousy over Aricia and Hippolytus. Selfishness and the conflict between reason and passion are all going to be problems humans will have to face in life. Phaedra is timeless because almost anyone can identify with these motifs.
How is Phaedra's and Theseus' relationship different than that of Orgon's and Elmire's in Tartuffe?
In Phaedra, Theseus immediately believed his wife over his son about Hippolytus coming on to Phaedra, despite his son's pleas and appeals. Theseus stood by his wife until she was on her deathbed and finally admitted she was wrong and was the one who came onto Hippolytus. Also in Phaedra, Theseus seemed to deeply care for Phaedra despite his "heroic womanizing" (362). He truly stood by her and seemed to believe almost everything she said. In Tartuffe, this was a completely different situation. Orgon didn't really trust his wife and her unwanted assumptions about Tartuffe. He thought she and his own son were lying about Tartuffe coming on to Elmire. He didn't even care when Dorine was talking about how sick Elmire was; Orton kept asking about how Tartuffe was doing. Another difference between their two relationships is that in Phaedra, Phaedra seems to be the selfish one and in Tartuffe, Orgon seems to be the selfish one when it comes to their relationship. Phaedra only wanted what was best for her and one can assume that she couldn't wait till Theseus was presumed dead, so she could tell Hippolytus how she really felt about him. Orgon, on the other hand, was very selfish to his wife and disregarded many of the things she had to say about Tartuffe and his actions. Theseus' and Phaedra's relationship was more trustful than Orgon's and Elmire's and also the roles of the selfish partner were switched.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Tartuffe 2/Phaedra 1
Did any characters develop or undergo a transformation during the course of the play? Who? How? Why? In what ways do the characters reveal the theme of the play? Explain.
In the beginning, despite his families' doubts, Orton stood by Tartuffe and believed that since he was at church numerous times a day he was a trustworthy, God-loving individual. Throughout the beginning of the play, Orton seemed to only care about Tartuffe. In Act I, Scene 4, as Dorine was talking about how Elmire was sick and how she was unable to even eat; all Orton wanted to know was how Tartuffe was. Orton wouldn't and didn't want to believe that Tartuffe was a man willing and full of deception. Despite Damis' truthful accusations of Tartuffe trying to molest with Elmire, Orton would not believe that Tartuffe could do something so deceitful. Even after Tartuffe admitted by saying "Yes, Brother, I'm a wicked man i fear:/ A wretched sinner, all depraved and twisted..." (340). Orton simply asked why would his son try to stain Tartuffe's purity and did not believe him. Only after did Orton hide under the table and hear and see Tartuffe's deceitful actions did he finally believe and realize what the others were saying was true. The transformation Orton saw is that he can see that people although may say they are trustworthy, and honorable, they may be a completely different person who is truly a lying, cunning person. I think Orton's character transformation helps reveal a theme of dishonesty and deceit. This reveals the theme because throughout the play deceit played a major role, because without it there would be no plot. Deceit happened in Tartuffe, when Orton was going to force Mariane to marry Tartuffe, and of course when Tartuffe tried to force himself onto Elmire.
The Art of Suspense, Anticipation, and Expectation
I believe Moliere delays the entrance of Tartuffe, so the reader can see what everyone else thinks about Tartuffe, and for them to develop their own views on Tartuffe. If Tartuffe would have been introduced in the first scene, the reader would not have been able to make their opinion of him very accurate. It allows the reader to see and hear of the deceitfulness of Tartuffe before actually meeting and seeing it for themselves. From Orton's point of view the reader should see him as a trustworthy man who lives to serve God, but from the rest of the characters they believe he is a lying, untrustworthy person. Delaying Tartuffe's interest in the play, giving the reader different opinions, and allowing the reader to make their on inferences about Tartuffe gives suspense to the story because the reader will then continuously wonder until he enters whether Tartuffe is truly a holy man and Orton's assumptions are correct, or whether Tartuffe is truly a con man. While watching Tartuffe, and skimming the text, I believed Tartuffe would be as the family had explained. As Tartuffe entered the plot he met and exceeded my expectations. He seemed crazier and less holy than the characters explained. The way as soon as Elmire and him were alone, he immediately started to come on to her.
Why does Phaedra treat Hippolytus badly, but then professes his love for him?
I believe Phaedra treats Hippolytus badly because she herself doesn't want to believe that she is truly in love with him. She wants it to just go away, and if she keeps suppressing her emotions then she won't love Hippolytus anymore. If she treats him bad, then she might start to believe that she really does hate him. Also, I think she treats him poorly, so others and himself will not catch on to her infatuation. If people were to catch on, then she her life would become miserable. I'm sure she would be exiled and possibly put to death when Theseus returned from his journey. In Act I, Scene 3 as Phaedra shudders as she hears Hippolytus' name and Oenone says "That name has made you shudder, as it should" (369). Here she pretends to shutter, because the people she's surrounded by would be appalled by her being in love with Hippolytus. Phaedra all in all hides her love in order to protect herself from being rejected, and because she knows it is wrong.
In the beginning, despite his families' doubts, Orton stood by Tartuffe and believed that since he was at church numerous times a day he was a trustworthy, God-loving individual. Throughout the beginning of the play, Orton seemed to only care about Tartuffe. In Act I, Scene 4, as Dorine was talking about how Elmire was sick and how she was unable to even eat; all Orton wanted to know was how Tartuffe was. Orton wouldn't and didn't want to believe that Tartuffe was a man willing and full of deception. Despite Damis' truthful accusations of Tartuffe trying to molest with Elmire, Orton would not believe that Tartuffe could do something so deceitful. Even after Tartuffe admitted by saying "Yes, Brother, I'm a wicked man i fear:/ A wretched sinner, all depraved and twisted..." (340). Orton simply asked why would his son try to stain Tartuffe's purity and did not believe him. Only after did Orton hide under the table and hear and see Tartuffe's deceitful actions did he finally believe and realize what the others were saying was true. The transformation Orton saw is that he can see that people although may say they are trustworthy, and honorable, they may be a completely different person who is truly a lying, cunning person. I think Orton's character transformation helps reveal a theme of dishonesty and deceit. This reveals the theme because throughout the play deceit played a major role, because without it there would be no plot. Deceit happened in Tartuffe, when Orton was going to force Mariane to marry Tartuffe, and of course when Tartuffe tried to force himself onto Elmire.
The Art of Suspense, Anticipation, and Expectation
I believe Moliere delays the entrance of Tartuffe, so the reader can see what everyone else thinks about Tartuffe, and for them to develop their own views on Tartuffe. If Tartuffe would have been introduced in the first scene, the reader would not have been able to make their opinion of him very accurate. It allows the reader to see and hear of the deceitfulness of Tartuffe before actually meeting and seeing it for themselves. From Orton's point of view the reader should see him as a trustworthy man who lives to serve God, but from the rest of the characters they believe he is a lying, untrustworthy person. Delaying Tartuffe's interest in the play, giving the reader different opinions, and allowing the reader to make their on inferences about Tartuffe gives suspense to the story because the reader will then continuously wonder until he enters whether Tartuffe is truly a holy man and Orton's assumptions are correct, or whether Tartuffe is truly a con man. While watching Tartuffe, and skimming the text, I believed Tartuffe would be as the family had explained. As Tartuffe entered the plot he met and exceeded my expectations. He seemed crazier and less holy than the characters explained. The way as soon as Elmire and him were alone, he immediately started to come on to her.
Why does Phaedra treat Hippolytus badly, but then professes his love for him?
I believe Phaedra treats Hippolytus badly because she herself doesn't want to believe that she is truly in love with him. She wants it to just go away, and if she keeps suppressing her emotions then she won't love Hippolytus anymore. If she treats him bad, then she might start to believe that she really does hate him. Also, I think she treats him poorly, so others and himself will not catch on to her infatuation. If people were to catch on, then she her life would become miserable. I'm sure she would be exiled and possibly put to death when Theseus returned from his journey. In Act I, Scene 3 as Phaedra shudders as she hears Hippolytus' name and Oenone says "That name has made you shudder, as it should" (369). Here she pretends to shutter, because the people she's surrounded by would be appalled by her being in love with Hippolytus. Phaedra all in all hides her love in order to protect herself from being rejected, and because she knows it is wrong.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tartuffe 1
Discuss at least 3 important trends in literature during "The Enlightenment of Europe."
Three important trends during "The Enlightenment of Europe" were society, human reason, and convention & authority. Writer's in the 18th century most always "assumed the superior importance of the social group and of shared opinion" (297). The writers always wanted what was in the best interest for the group and the community instead of being selfish and what was best for themselves. They firmly believed in individual submission for the good of the group. Also society had an effect on the roles of women in the literature. Since erotic love plays were less popular and important, this caused women's positions in literature to become insignificant. The women's work seemed to be in the home and for the home. Another trend among the Enlightenment was human reason. The Enlightenment thinkers and writers encouraged people of this time period to think for themselves, and think deeper into the messages that they were truly saying. Finally, another common trend of Enlightenment literature is authority. In the book it says "...all important writers attempted to ally themselves with the authority of tradition, declaring themselves part of a community extending through time as well as space" (300). Authority came into conflict during satire. Writers did not want to seem peculiar when describing the actions of others', thus pulling away from tradition they wrote about conflicts of reason and passion, and forces of stability and instability.
Why do you believe that "Moliere" continues to be read and beloved?
In today's society literature's main purpose is to entertain the reader. Although, Moliere usually commented and wrote about the problems that were facing his society he used humor and a storyline to tell the story and message. In the 17th century, readers were able to see the message of the story and also be entertained. I believe the reason that "Moliere" is still able to be read and loved by many today is because he uses humor to tell his stories. Humor allows readers to be actually have fun while reading and truly be entertained. Humor is used by Moliere just as it is used by many present day successful writers, which is why his stories are still read by many today.
What insight do you gain from the preface and petitions leading up to the play?
The purpose of the preface and the petitions were to defend his work. He took these pages to explain that although his work offended them, the purpose wasn't to offend. He wanted to poke fun at people in a joking way. I believe the preface and petitions show Moliere's determination, and dedication to his work. It shows he is determined to show people that the purpose of "Tartuffe" was not to completely make fun of anyone. It shows that he truly loves writing and satire and that he is dedicated to show people that. It shows insight that he was very delighted by his works and would stand by them, regardless of who disliked them or were offended by them. Also these writings leading up to the plays give insight that people are still the same today as they were in the 17th century generally speaking. Today, people of all ages don't like to be made fun of and equally is true for the people who were offended by Moliere's "Tartuffe."
Three important trends during "The Enlightenment of Europe" were society, human reason, and convention & authority. Writer's in the 18th century most always "assumed the superior importance of the social group and of shared opinion" (297). The writers always wanted what was in the best interest for the group and the community instead of being selfish and what was best for themselves. They firmly believed in individual submission for the good of the group. Also society had an effect on the roles of women in the literature. Since erotic love plays were less popular and important, this caused women's positions in literature to become insignificant. The women's work seemed to be in the home and for the home. Another trend among the Enlightenment was human reason. The Enlightenment thinkers and writers encouraged people of this time period to think for themselves, and think deeper into the messages that they were truly saying. Finally, another common trend of Enlightenment literature is authority. In the book it says "...all important writers attempted to ally themselves with the authority of tradition, declaring themselves part of a community extending through time as well as space" (300). Authority came into conflict during satire. Writers did not want to seem peculiar when describing the actions of others', thus pulling away from tradition they wrote about conflicts of reason and passion, and forces of stability and instability.
Why do you believe that "Moliere" continues to be read and beloved?
In today's society literature's main purpose is to entertain the reader. Although, Moliere usually commented and wrote about the problems that were facing his society he used humor and a storyline to tell the story and message. In the 17th century, readers were able to see the message of the story and also be entertained. I believe the reason that "Moliere" is still able to be read and loved by many today is because he uses humor to tell his stories. Humor allows readers to be actually have fun while reading and truly be entertained. Humor is used by Moliere just as it is used by many present day successful writers, which is why his stories are still read by many today.
What insight do you gain from the preface and petitions leading up to the play?
The purpose of the preface and the petitions were to defend his work. He took these pages to explain that although his work offended them, the purpose wasn't to offend. He wanted to poke fun at people in a joking way. I believe the preface and petitions show Moliere's determination, and dedication to his work. It shows he is determined to show people that the purpose of "Tartuffe" was not to completely make fun of anyone. It shows that he truly loves writing and satire and that he is dedicated to show people that. It shows insight that he was very delighted by his works and would stand by them, regardless of who disliked them or were offended by them. Also these writings leading up to the plays give insight that people are still the same today as they were in the 17th century generally speaking. Today, people of all ages don't like to be made fun of and equally is true for the people who were offended by Moliere's "Tartuffe."
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Story of the Stone -- Revised
Why is magic a significant part of many pieces of ancient literature?
Throughout the many ancient literature pieces I have read through World Literature I & II, magic has been a significant part in many of the stories such as Monkey and A Thousand and One Nights, and The Story of the Stone is no exception. This story demonstrates magic when the stone "having undergone the melting and moulding of a goddess, possessed magic powers" (149). I believe magic is a common practice in much of ancient literature because it allows the readers to escape from reality and use their imagination. An example of magic in The Story of the Stone is when the stone is able to talk and can change himself in size and to any color he prefers. This may help the many ancient readers who were reading this at the time to escape themselves from their daily problems and stress. Magic in literature also allows for readers to explore worlds that are unseen in their everyday lives. Readers are able to use their imagination and see things such as a Monkey who can disguise himself into other beings. These are several reasons why I believe that magic was included in many of the stories during the ancient times. It wasn't just to entertain, it was to allow for an escape.
Throughout the many ancient literature pieces I have read through World Literature I & II, magic has been a significant part in many of the stories such as Monkey and A Thousand and One Nights, and The Story of the Stone is no exception. This story demonstrates magic when the stone "having undergone the melting and moulding of a goddess, possessed magic powers" (149). I believe magic is a common practice in much of ancient literature because it allows the readers to escape from reality and use their imagination. An example of magic in The Story of the Stone is when the stone is able to talk and can change himself in size and to any color he prefers. This may help the many ancient readers who were reading this at the time to escape themselves from their daily problems and stress. Magic in literature also allows for readers to explore worlds that are unseen in their everyday lives. Readers are able to use their imagination and see things such as a Monkey who can disguise himself into other beings. These are several reasons why I believe that magic was included in many of the stories during the ancient times. It wasn't just to entertain, it was to allow for an escape.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Story of the Stone
What is a common element in many ancient and modern literary works? Why?
In The Story of the Stone, magic played a role in the story, just as it did in many other ancient works. The Story of the Stone demonstrates magic when the stone "having undergone the melting and moulding of a goddess, possessed magic powers" (149). Throughout Chapter 1, the stone is able to talk, and change his size and color. This is similar to ancient pieces like Monkey, when the Monkey is able to disguise himself as Pigsy's wife to try and get him to divorce Mr. Kao's daughter. Magic seemed to be an entertaining aspect of Chinese literature that the Chinese enjoyed reading. Throughout modern times also magic has been seen through many popular fairytales, movies, books, etc. In Cinderella, a popular fairy tale, Cinderella has her fairy godmother change a pumpkin into a carriage and animals into horses to get her to the ball. Also in popular movies and books like Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Nanny McPhee all use magic to help their plot affectively develop. It is evident across many centuries that people still like to be entertained with elements of magic throughout stories.
In The Story of the Stone, magic played a role in the story, just as it did in many other ancient works. The Story of the Stone demonstrates magic when the stone "having undergone the melting and moulding of a goddess, possessed magic powers" (149). Throughout Chapter 1, the stone is able to talk, and change his size and color. This is similar to ancient pieces like Monkey, when the Monkey is able to disguise himself as Pigsy's wife to try and get him to divorce Mr. Kao's daughter. Magic seemed to be an entertaining aspect of Chinese literature that the Chinese enjoyed reading. Throughout modern times also magic has been seen through many popular fairytales, movies, books, etc. In Cinderella, a popular fairy tale, Cinderella has her fairy godmother change a pumpkin into a carriage and animals into horses to get her to the ball. Also in popular movies and books like Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Nanny McPhee all use magic to help their plot affectively develop. It is evident across many centuries that people still like to be entertained with elements of magic throughout stories.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monkey
Are the characters consistent in their actions?
Throughout Monkey, the Monkey and Tripitaka remain consistent in their traits and actions. Before Monkey joins Tripitaka’s journey to India he caused too much havoc in the Halls of Heaven and was placed under a mountain for five-hundred years. Throughout Monkey, the Monkey remains consistent through his actions. Monkey describes the journey and at every stop Monkey tried to help with the various problems people were having. He would trick, and fight until he solved their problem, even though it was not the most moral thing to do. He is constantly trying to be involved in others’ lives, although this seems good and holy to some, he is meddling in others’ lives and just causes more trouble. An example of this would be when he tried to overthrow the false king and replace him with the preserved king. He didn’t take into account that the Bodhisattva Manijusri and Buddha were trying to punish the King for not being considerate (69-71). Tripitaka also remains the same throughout this work. To me, he seemed kind of like the "side kick" of the story. Monkey was always handling the action to "protect" his Master. Tripitaka just lead the way and tried to keep the Monkey focused on the task, which was to make good decisions and get the scriptures in India. Throughout Monkey, the Monkey remains as a sly, mischevious, meddling character, and Tripitaka also remains consistent in his "behind the scenes," leader character traits throughout this piece of literature.
How is suspense created in the story? Can you find examples of mystery?
Near the end of each chapter of Monkey something along the lines of, "If you do not know how the story goes on, you must listen to what is told in the next chapter" (64). I believe this adds a little to the suspense factor of Monkey. It doesn't really give any insight to how they get out of the situation they are in, so the reader has to keep reading to decide. This is similar to what Sharazad did in "A Thousand and One Nights" so she her life was spared by the King. Also, throughout the story, it is never known which situation the Monkey will get Tripitaka and himself in, so there is suspense and a longing to figure out what and how they are going to be able to manage the situation they are currently in and if they are ever going to make it to India to get the scriptures. On page 61 Pigsy was demanding Monkey bring the dead Emperor back to life just as about as Tripitaka was thinking about giving up. In order to get the Monkey to bring him to life, Tripitaka started reciting the spell that would cause pressure to Monkey's head and the chapter ended. This causes a mystery because the reader has no idea whether the Monkey will cave and travel to the World of Light to bring the Emperor back to life or just deal with the pain. So in order to find out the reader has to read the next chapter in order to continue with the story.
Monday, January 9, 2012
First Blog
- Contemporary western culture now includes movies and television in addition to novels, dramas, plays, poetry, and short stories. Movies and television are more popular now than going to watch a play or reading poetry and books among certain groups of people.
- I believe that literature mainly plays as a entertainment and informational role in culture. It tries to keep the reader or watcher entertained through an interesting story line, relate able characters, etc. Also, reference books, magazines, etc. try to keep readers educated about the newest and most prevalent stories.
- In past cultures, literature served a greater purpose in society. In previous cultures literature served as the central core of society. It kept people entertained, along with expressing their ideas and problems with society and the government. Literature of past cultures thoroughly explain the problems their country is facing and struggling with and what they want to do about it. Literature allowed them to try and make a difference.
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