Accoutrements (n.) Addition clothing or equipment; items worn by a person to be used for a specific purpose.
Apogee (n.) The point of orbit most distant from the body that is being orbited; the farthest or highest point; the apex.
Apropos (adv.) Used to state that a speaker's beliefs or opinion are unrelated to any previous conversations. (adj.) Very appropriate to a situation. (prop.) with reference to; concerning.
Bicker (v.) To argue about petty and trivial matters; to fall or flow with a repetitive noise, patter. [as in water against a window]
Coalesce (v.) To come together and form one mass as a whole.
Contretemps (n.) An unexpected and unfortunate event.
Convolution (n.) A form or part that is folded or coiled; one of the corvex folds of the surface of the brain.
Cull (v.) To select from a large quantity; obtain from a variety of sources. (n.) a selective slaughter of animals
Disparate (adj.) Essentially different in kind, not allowing for comparison. (n.) things so unlike that is difficult to compare them.
Dogmatic (adj.) Incline to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.
Licentious (adj.) Unprincipled in sexual matters; disregarding rules or conventions (in literature or grammar)
Mete (v.) Dispense or allot justice, a punishment, or harsh treatment.
Noxious (adj.) Harmful, poisonous, or unpleasant.
Polemic (n.) A strongly written or verbal attack on someone.
Populous (adj.) A densely populated area, large in population.
Probity (n.) The quality of having good principles ; honesty and decency.
Repartee (n.) Conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies.
Supervene (v.) To occur later than a specified or implied event or action, usually to try and change a situation.
Truncate (v.) To shorten by cutting off something; To replace the side of a crystal with a plane face. (adj.) Appearing to end early or suddenly.
Unimpeachable (adj.) Unable to be doubted, criticized, or questioned. Entirely trustworthy.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Beowulf Comprehension Questions
[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation] (lines 1-85, pp. 33-34)
1. Scyld was abandoned as a baby, but he became a successful leader- that’s what was unusual. Scyld’s body was sailed away on a boat, like the way he had come as an infant. Hrothgar is Scyld’s grandson.
1. Scyld was abandoned as a baby, but he became a successful leader- that’s what was unusual. Scyld’s body was sailed away on a boat, like the way he had come as an infant. Hrothgar is Scyld’s grandson.
[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36)1.Hrothgar built Heorot, a mead hall. Grendel attacks Heorot and kills Hrothgar’s men, making Hrothgar sad. Grendel attacked the next night and a war started. It lasted over twelve years. The Danes leave their Christian beliefs and go back to paganism.
[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42)
1. What Beowulf hears of Grendel attacking Heorot, he, along with fourteen men, goes to Heorot in order to kill Grendel.
2. The Geats first meet a warden who asks them stated their business. Beowulf introduces himself and tells the guard that they came to help Hrothgar get rid of Grendel
3. Hrothgar’s herald’s name is Wulfgar. He also asks for an introduction and the reason that they came, and he encourages Hrothgar to meet the men. Hrothgar says that he knows Beowulf. No, it does not surprise me that Hrothgar knew who Beowulf was because if news of Grendel reached the Geats, then news of the Geats might have reached Heorot.
4. Beowulf assures Hrothgar that he will get rid of Grendel. Hrothgar gave treasures to Beowulf’s father’s enemies so that he could avoid conflict.
1. What Beowulf hears of Grendel attacking Heorot, he, along with fourteen men, goes to Heorot in order to kill Grendel.
2. The Geats first meet a warden who asks them stated their business. Beowulf introduces himself and tells the guard that they came to help Hrothgar get rid of Grendel
3. Hrothgar’s herald’s name is Wulfgar. He also asks for an introduction and the reason that they came, and he encourages Hrothgar to meet the men. Hrothgar says that he knows Beowulf. No, it does not surprise me that Hrothgar knew who Beowulf was because if news of Grendel reached the Geats, then news of the Geats might have reached Heorot.
4. Beowulf assures Hrothgar that he will get rid of Grendel. Hrothgar gave treasures to Beowulf’s father’s enemies so that he could avoid conflict.
[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)
1. Unferth accuses Beowulf of loses a swimming competition with another warrior. Beowulf first blames Unferth for being drunk before he states that there were many sea monsters that he had to kill and that they were both young when it had happened. This excerpt is relevant to the poem because Beowulf is the main character, and readers can know more about him. Beowulf accuses Unferth of killing his own brothers.
2. Queen Wealhtheow handed everyone mead.
[The Fight with Grendel] (lines 662-835, pp. 46-49)
1. Unlike many other heroes, Beowulf relinquishes his weapons and armor, putting his fate in God’s hand.
2. When Grendel enters Heorot, he takes and eats one of the Geats. Beowulf grabs Grendel’s arm, and Grendel becomes afraid due to Beowulf’s strength. Grendel tries to leave, and Beowulf’s warriors try to help. However, their swords don’t affect Grendel. Grendel does leave, but his arm gets torn off. After he leaves, Grendel goes to die.
1. Unferth accuses Beowulf of loses a swimming competition with another warrior. Beowulf first blames Unferth for being drunk before he states that there were many sea monsters that he had to kill and that they were both young when it had happened. This excerpt is relevant to the poem because Beowulf is the main character, and readers can know more about him. Beowulf accuses Unferth of killing his own brothers.
2. Queen Wealhtheow handed everyone mead.
[The Fight with Grendel] (lines 662-835, pp. 46-49)
1. Unlike many other heroes, Beowulf relinquishes his weapons and armor, putting his fate in God’s hand.
2. When Grendel enters Heorot, he takes and eats one of the Geats. Beowulf grabs Grendel’s arm, and Grendel becomes afraid due to Beowulf’s strength. Grendel tries to leave, and Beowulf’s warriors try to help. However, their swords don’t affect Grendel. Grendel does leave, but his arm gets torn off. After he leaves, Grendel goes to die.
[Celebration at Heorot] (lines 836-1250, pp. 49-60)
1. Beowulf is like Sigemund because he is “war-like”, but he is not like Heremond who planned out his wars.
2. Hrothgar is terribly excited and says that he thinks of Beowulf as a son. Hrothgar says that he will give Beowulf anything that he desired. Unferth was proven wrong by Beowulf successfully killing Grendel.
3. The story is about Finn, who was a Frisian king. Many of his followers were killed, including Hnaef. Finn’s wife pressures him to end the conflict due to the many deaths. This suggests that a woman’s wisdom is much needed in a marriage that might end enmity.
1. Beowulf is like Sigemund because he is “war-like”, but he is not like Heremond who planned out his wars.
2. Hrothgar is terribly excited and says that he thinks of Beowulf as a son. Hrothgar says that he will give Beowulf anything that he desired. Unferth was proven wrong by Beowulf successfully killing Grendel.
3. The story is about Finn, who was a Frisian king. Many of his followers were killed, including Hnaef. Finn’s wife pressures him to end the conflict due to the many deaths. This suggests that a woman’s wisdom is much needed in a marriage that might end enmity.
4.When the feasting resumes Wealhtheow reminds Hrothgar that he has his own sons, so she asks him not to put Beowulf on the throne.
5. Beowulf gives the necklace to Queen Hygd. Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to look after her daughters and protect them if needed.
6. Many men sleep in the beer hall because there is no more room in the sleeping quarters. This is a mistake because Grendel’s mother comes to retrieve Grendel’s torn arm and proceeds to take Hrothgar’s closest companion.
5. Beowulf gives the necklace to Queen Hygd. Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to look after her daughters and protect them if needed.
6. Many men sleep in the beer hall because there is no more room in the sleeping quarters. This is a mistake because Grendel’s mother comes to retrieve Grendel’s torn arm and proceeds to take Hrothgar’s closest companion.
[Another Attack] (lines 1251-1382, pp. 60-62)
1. Grendel’s mother came to Heorot for a different reason than Grendel. She came to take back her son’s torn arm and get revenge by taking Hrothgar’s friend.
2. Hrothgar is immensely saddened because Grendel’s mother had killed his closest friend.
3. The mere is like a lake.
1. Grendel’s mother came to Heorot for a different reason than Grendel. She came to take back her son’s torn arm and get revenge by taking Hrothgar’s friend.
2. Hrothgar is immensely saddened because Grendel’s mother had killed his closest friend.
3. The mere is like a lake.
[Beowulf Fights Grendel’s Mother] (lines 1383-1650, pp. 63-68)
1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that if he should die in battle with Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar should give his treasure to Hygelac.
2. Beowulf and his men find the bloody remains of the men that Grendel’s mother had taken.
3. Beowulf puts on some armor, and he takes the sword Hrunting.
4. Grendel’s Mother tries to crush Beowulf, but his armor prevents it from happening. The mere is filled with other sea monsters.
5. The sword that Beowulf borrowed from Unferth doesn’t harm Grendel’s mother.
6. Beowulf sees a sword hanging in the lair and uses it to kill her.
7. Beowulf uses a big sword to to cut her throat. When Grendel’s mother dies, the sword melts, so Beowulf takes the hilt of the sword to Hrothgar.
8. All of the other men had left after they lost hope that Beowulf would return alive.
Answers above courtesy of the amazing Ashley Hong
- Beowulf gives Hrothgar the hilt of the sword he used to kill Grendel and his mother as their blood had melted away the blade.
- Hrothgar tells Beowulf the story of Heremod who ruled by using fear and an iron-fist. He was selfish and lost the support of his people. Hrothgar tells Beowulf to learn from this as God gives the power to rule and gain wealth, but an unguarded-soul is required to go beyond that power.
- To Unferth, Beowulf leaves Hrunthing, the sword that had accompanied him for so long and served him well.
Beowulf Returns Home
- Hrothgar approves of Beowulf, believing he would make a wise and worthy king .
- Hygd is the wife of Hyegelac. She is very kind unlike Modthryth who was a ruthless ruler and would have men killed if they looked her way.
- Beowulf wishes to marry off Freawaru in order to buy time by creating peace with the Heathobards. He knows that fighting will resume, but hopes that some agreement will be able to made before then. This shows that Beowulf has tactical skills as well as his strength.
- He casually refers to his defeat of Grendel, not to be arrogant, but to remind himself and others to have faith in his decisions.
- He is given Hygelac's boar standard, suit of armor, and a sword from Hrothgar. He is told to use it well, showing that Hygelac has respect for him and believes in his greatness.
The Dragon Wakes
- This section takes place 50 years after the events of the first. In that time, both Hygelac and Heardred have died.
- The dragon was angry because a tribe of people had stolen some of his treasure. The tribe had followed the lone man who stole the cup to where the treasure was hidden.
- The dragon attacked the countryside of the Geats, burning everything down and killing many people.
- He believes the dragon is looking for him and has an iron shield crafted to withstand the dragon's fire. Beowulf once again says he will fight barehanded, but he will die fighting.
- Hygelac died during an invasion from another tribe. Beowulf vowed to avenge his death and is offered the chance to rule Hygelac's kingdom but refuses.
- It is unclear as to how Heardred died, but his death was most likely caused by the dragon. Beowulf is determined to kill the dragon, far more than he was when he had to battle Grendel.
- He takes 13 men to with him to fight the dragon.
- Heardred is killed by the men of the Swedish King. Beowulf then kills all who were responsible for hsi death causing tension between the Geats and the Swedish.
Beowulf Attacks the Dragon
- Beowulf orders his men to wait outside and to only help if he is in a dire situation.
- He fails to severely injure the dragon and gets burned by its flames. Beowulf's companions abandon him and flee into the forest, Wiglaf condemns them for leaving their king to death and goes to assist Beowulf.
- Once again, Beowulf cannot harm the dragon and is fatally injured himself. Wiglaf, fueled by anger, manages to kill the beast.
- Wiglaf is instructed to retrieve the dragon's treasure. Upon his return, Beowulf is pleased by the amount of gold, happy that he will not die poor. Beowulf then make Wiglaf king and asks to be buried in a tower.
- Wiglaf is furious at the companions for leaving their King behind and worries that the Geats will become targets of neighboring clans.
- The city is informed of Beowulf's death. The Geats are harassed by Ongentheow's army and Hygelac brings reinforcements. Ongetheow is killed by Eofor who was avenging his brother's death. The Geats are told by the messenger to place the gold on Beowulf's pyre so it will melt with him. The dragon is the final image in the messenger's speech.
- Wiglaf tells the crowd that the death and sacrifice of one person can caused so much pain to those around them and to do it so hastily.
- The dragon's body is left untouched, but its treasure is used in the Beowulf's pyre.
- Beowulf's body burns, a widow sings about the dangers to come, and a tower is built on the site of the funeral pyre.
- "Thus made their mourning the men of Geatland,
for their hero's passing his hearth-companions:
quoth that of all the kings of earth,
of men he was mildest and most beloved,
to his kin the kindest, keenest for praise."
These are not words that describe a warrior, they are words that describe a King. Fearless and selfless, beloved by his people because everything he did was for his people.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Beowulf Notes
- Beowulf can not be identified as either fact or fiction. No clear distinction between what is history and what is myth.
- Great king was given a large amount of gold from his people. Had a son, Beowulf(not the hero) who repeated the process. King Scyld died and subjects gave him a burial at sea.
- Beowulf handed over kingdom to Healfdene who had three heirs: Heorogar, Hrothgar, and Halga. Middle child was great in battle and was generous to the people. Heorot was built in his honor. The Giant, Grendel, heard the celebration of the people.
- Grendel kidnapped 30 of Hrothgar's thanes. Thanes were frighten by the giants and decided to leave. The giant continued to bother Hrothgar for years to come and attacked anyone who came close to Heorot and the moor. Hrothgar forced to leave his throne.
- Hygelac of the Geats became aware of the situation between Hrothgar and Grendel. Sent his mightiest warrior with backup to the Danes. Arrived safely; were confronted by a stranger demanding to know why they were there.
- Leader says he is Son of Ecgtheow and explains that they are there to kill the giant. The stranger agrees to guard the boat from enemies and takes them to Heorot.
- The leader introduces himself to Wulfgar to be Beowulf and wishes to go see Hrothgar. He seems to be a very strong warrior.
- Hrothgar has heard of Beowulf's strength and welcomes them to his land. Wulfgar grants them entrance, but they must leave their weapons. Beowulf boasts that he had already killed five giants and will do it again without armor or weapons.
- Hrothgar explains the conflict between the Geats and the Wylfings and reveals his older brother was killed when he was younger. Grendel has killed many men at night.
- Beowulf is challenged by Unferth for the right to the quest. Unferth asks if was Beowulf who had had a contest with Breca, son of Beanstan, at sea for seven days. Beowulf confirms that it was him and he killed a sea monster with only his sword.
- Hrothgar and Wealhtheow are pleased by Beowulf's eagerness to complete the task.
- Beowulf challenges Grendel without armor and weapons like he stated he would earlier. He believes this will make the fight even and God will choose the right winner. A shadow-walker sneaks through the hall.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Vocabulary #1
Adumbrate (v.) to represent in outline.
Apotheosis (n.) an exalted or glorified example.
Ascetic (adj.) strict, spiritual discipline.
Bauble (n.) a small, showy ornament of little value; a trinket.
Beguile (v.) to charm or enchant someone, sometimes in a deceptive manner. To trick someone into doing something.
Burgeon (v.) to grow or increase rapidly; to flourish.
Complement (n.) a thing that completes or brings to perfection. (v.) to add to something to improve it or make better.
Contumacious (adj.) stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority
Curmudgeon (n.) a bad-tempered or surly person.
Didactic (adj.) intended to teach and convey information or instructions.
Disingenuous (adj.) not candid or sincere, typically by pretending to know less than what is actually known.
Exculpate (v.) to show or declare that someone is innocent of wrongdoings.
Faux pas (n.) a social blunder or indiscretion.
Fulminate (v.) express vehement protest; to develop a disease suddenly and severely.
Fustian (n.) a strong cotton and linen fabric; high flown or affected writing or speech .
Hauteur (n.) haughty manner or spirit; arrogance.
Inhibit (v.) hinder, restrain, or prevent. To prevent or prohibit someone from doing something.
Jeremiad (n.) a prolonged lamentation or complain (a work of literature)
Opportunist (n.) One who takes advantage of any opportunity to achieve an end, often with no regard to for principle or consequences.
Unconscionable (adj) not right or reasonable; unreasonably excessive
Apotheosis (n.) an exalted or glorified example.
Ascetic (adj.) strict, spiritual discipline.
Bauble (n.) a small, showy ornament of little value; a trinket.
Beguile (v.) to charm or enchant someone, sometimes in a deceptive manner. To trick someone into doing something.
Burgeon (v.) to grow or increase rapidly; to flourish.
Complement (n.) a thing that completes or brings to perfection. (v.) to add to something to improve it or make better.
Contumacious (adj.) stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority
Curmudgeon (n.) a bad-tempered or surly person.
Didactic (adj.) intended to teach and convey information or instructions.
Disingenuous (adj.) not candid or sincere, typically by pretending to know less than what is actually known.
Exculpate (v.) to show or declare that someone is innocent of wrongdoings.
Faux pas (n.) a social blunder or indiscretion.
Fulminate (v.) express vehement protest; to develop a disease suddenly and severely.
Fustian (n.) a strong cotton and linen fabric; high flown or affected writing or speech .
Hauteur (n.) haughty manner or spirit; arrogance.
Inhibit (v.) hinder, restrain, or prevent. To prevent or prohibit someone from doing something.
Jeremiad (n.) a prolonged lamentation or complain (a work of literature)
Opportunist (n.) One who takes advantage of any opportunity to achieve an end, often with no regard to for principle or consequences.
Unconscionable (adj) not right or reasonable; unreasonably excessive
Reflections on Week One
1. Are there any factors that you think are going to affect your participation or experience in this class? Access to a computer? Mobile/smart phone? Transportation? Friends/family? Schedule?
2. Think of an awesome best ever learning experience that changed you. What did you learn? Where were you? What happened? Who else was there? Did it teach you anything about how you learn (or pay attention... or remember, or think?) How did you know what was happening?
3.What are you most [excited/concerned] about in this class? What do you look forward to in learning? How do you think it can/will make a practical difference in your life?
I don't believe that there is anything that would inhibit my ability to learn in this class besides my medical disabilities.
It might seem a little ridiculous, but the best learning experience I ever had was when I watched Rise of the Guardians. My friends and I were at the movie theater to watch Les Mes, but all the tickets were sold out, and so, we chose to watch a children's movie. Watching that movie made me realize that I wanted to be a Texture and Lighting Artist. I appreciated the complex and realistic details put into the animation and I am no longer able to watch a 3D animated film for just the plot.
I am most excited and looking forward to the harsh criticism of my peers. It will provide me with incentive to write better. The ability to write more elegantly will help me in the future by being able to be taken seriously.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Essay #2 Montaigne/Austen
Many of Montaigne's ideas may seem scatterbrained, constantly changing from topic to topic, but this is not always the case. There are times when he applies a more structured style of writing. As far Foster's notion goes, Montaigne supports it to an extent. His essays cover a multitude of different subjects, yet there are sophisticated and well written.
As a writer and philosopher, Michel de Montaigne's style and writings often reflect his thinking and personal opinions. He approaches topics with skepticism and expresses himself with brutal honesty. To him, humanity will never reach certainty and have no reason to believe themselves to be more intelligent than animals.
It would be far more easier to describe the differences between the styles of Montaigne and Jane Austen than to explain their similarities. Montaigne was a French philosopher during the 1500's, while Austen was an English novelist born more than two hundred years later. Austen focused on romanticized fantasies with female protagonists to be the showcases of her feminist ideals, and Montaigne viewed the world as it is.
Surprisingly enough, sometimes there similarities that transcend time. Both authors reveal their opinions on subjects such as society, morality, and religion through their writing and characters. Common styles include irony and realism.
Austen's novels might look more refine and uniform than Montaigne's essays, but in fact her character's often go through confusing situations and conflicts. Her full-length books resemble barely outlined sketches more than Montaigne's short essays. While short, Montaigne's essays manage to say everything that is needed to be said.
As a writer and philosopher, Michel de Montaigne's style and writings often reflect his thinking and personal opinions. He approaches topics with skepticism and expresses himself with brutal honesty. To him, humanity will never reach certainty and have no reason to believe themselves to be more intelligent than animals.
It would be far more easier to describe the differences between the styles of Montaigne and Jane Austen than to explain their similarities. Montaigne was a French philosopher during the 1500's, while Austen was an English novelist born more than two hundred years later. Austen focused on romanticized fantasies with female protagonists to be the showcases of her feminist ideals, and Montaigne viewed the world as it is.
Surprisingly enough, sometimes there similarities that transcend time. Both authors reveal their opinions on subjects such as society, morality, and religion through their writing and characters. Common styles include irony and realism.
Austen's novels might look more refine and uniform than Montaigne's essays, but in fact her character's often go through confusing situations and conflicts. Her full-length books resemble barely outlined sketches more than Montaigne's short essays. While short, Montaigne's essays manage to say everything that is needed to be said.
1987 AP Exam
- c 31.d
- a 32.c
- c 33.d
- e 34.b
- d 35.e
- d 36.e
- d 37.b
- b 38.a
- a 39.c
- c 40.c
- d 41.b
- b 42.a
- b 43.b
- d 44. e
- a 45.b
- b 46.c
- c 47.b
- e 48.a
- d 49.d
- b 50. d
- e 51.a
- d 52.b
- a 53. e
- a 54.b
- d 55.c
- e 56.b
- a 57.d
- c 58. d
- b 59.a
- b 60. b 61. e
Questions 19, 29, 34, 45, 49, 51, 52, 55,and 59 are the bane of my existence. Many of these questions have more than one opinions that could be considered correct, must read the question very carefully.
Free Response Questions:
Question 1-
To Eliot, leisure was once a beautiful and refreshing thing and has been changed by the passing of time. Industry and the modernization of the world has made leisure different than what it once was. Instead of enjoying simple things, such as reading the newspaper, people are taking train rides and going to art museums.
The story makes use of common literary devices to elicit a response from the readers. George Eliot chose to include such devices as: personification, repetition, metaphor, and parallelism. These devices were most likely chosen to showcase Eliot's opinion of "Leisure" to her readers.
By studying the tone of the author, one can infer that she bitter and resentful of the world no longer being a quiet and relaxing place. She longs for the past, when she could enjoy herself by being free of politics and smelling the scent of apricots from the orchards; when cities didn't exist and the country was what everyone once called home.
Free Response Questions:
Question 1-
To Eliot, leisure was once a beautiful and refreshing thing and has been changed by the passing of time. Industry and the modernization of the world has made leisure different than what it once was. Instead of enjoying simple things, such as reading the newspaper, people are taking train rides and going to art museums.
The story makes use of common literary devices to elicit a response from the readers. George Eliot chose to include such devices as: personification, repetition, metaphor, and parallelism. These devices were most likely chosen to showcase Eliot's opinion of "Leisure" to her readers.
By studying the tone of the author, one can infer that she bitter and resentful of the world no longer being a quiet and relaxing place. She longs for the past, when she could enjoy herself by being free of politics and smelling the scent of apricots from the orchards; when cities didn't exist and the country was what everyone once called home.
Question 2-
Even the friendliest of neighbors can turn against each other. The Crucible written by playwright Author Miller tells the story of a once nice town turning to Hell upon the mere mention of witchcraft. Those convicted attempt to clear their names. Although, in the end, many innocent still perished.
The play makes use of themes like intolerance, hysteria, and distrust to create drama that draws the reader in. Historical characters make appearances and add some sense of realism to the story. The story itself, is considered to be a tragedy with John Proctor as its tragic hero.
Accusations of witchcraft are thrown left and right, and soon the townsfolk begin to realize the ridiculousness of the Witch Trials, although they have no power to stop them. Attempts to expose Abigail Williams as the cause of the mayhem fail, and John Proctor was executed despite Reverend Hale and his efforts.
In tragic sense, the protagonist dies, his wife now carries his unborn child, and the real culprit escapes. The town has been torn apart by paranoia and many lay dead. Disaster caused by a selfish young woman and church officials who were far too stubborn to accept change, but mostly feared it.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Poetry #1
1. From what poem/author does this commercial borrow (without credit)?
It is poem written by Charles Bukowsi called "The Laughing Heart"
2. Why might the use of this poem by a corporation be considered ironic?
The poem is about living your life the way you wish to live it without the fear of someone or something imposing on your freedom. The use of this poem in a commercial is ironic because of the line, "Don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission," yet by choosing to buy their company's product you are submitting yourself to them.
3. Does the poem reflect the reputation of the author? Why/why not?
Bukowsi's writing has the reputation of combining intimacy with male fantasies. I do not believe this particular piece of writing reflects that. It is my opinion that "The Laughing Heart" is more a representation of the strength he gained and lessons he learned by growing up in an abusive household.
4. How did you find the answers to #1 & #3? Describe your research process and your sources in detail.
The answer to #1 was written in the comments section on the Youtube page, it would have been just as easy to type a line of the poem into the Google searchbar.
For #3, I did use Google and simply typed in his name. I found small articles on his writings and style.
Resources:
http://blog.bestamericanpoetry.com/the_best_american_poetry/2011/09/bukowski.html
http://www.poemhunter.com/charles-bukowski/
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/charles-bukowski
It is poem written by Charles Bukowsi called "The Laughing Heart"
2. Why might the use of this poem by a corporation be considered ironic?
The poem is about living your life the way you wish to live it without the fear of someone or something imposing on your freedom. The use of this poem in a commercial is ironic because of the line, "Don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission," yet by choosing to buy their company's product you are submitting yourself to them.
3. Does the poem reflect the reputation of the author? Why/why not?
Bukowsi's writing has the reputation of combining intimacy with male fantasies. I do not believe this particular piece of writing reflects that. It is my opinion that "The Laughing Heart" is more a representation of the strength he gained and lessons he learned by growing up in an abusive household.
4. How did you find the answers to #1 & #3? Describe your research process and your sources in detail.
The answer to #1 was written in the comments section on the Youtube page, it would have been just as easy to type a line of the poem into the Google searchbar.
For #3, I did use Google and simply typed in his name. I found small articles on his writings and style.
Resources:
http://blog.bestamericanpoetry.com/the_best_american_poetry/2011/09/bukowski.html
http://www.poemhunter.com/charles-bukowski/
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/charles-bukowski
Essay #1
There is a quote, spoken by man known as Richard von Weizsaecker, and it reads, "Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer; the secret of redemption lies in remembrance." It was the guilt of living that drove Nathan Price deeper into God's tight embrace. He saw himself as a coward, being lucky enough to escape that retched death march while his comrades died around him. As a result, Reverend Price sought to rescue as many souls as he could, but little did he know that his beloved "Poisonwood Bible " would eventually come between him and everyone around him.
In the beginning, it was a noble goal and Nathan Price had good intentions. Although, it was soon very evident that he was intolerant of ideas he was not familiar with. His refusal to learn and/or accept any of the native customs drove a wedge between him and many of the villagers, including Mama Bekwa Tataba and Chef Tata Ndu. Without the support and respect of the village chef, very few townsfolk actually took his preachings seriously.
Frustrated with the lack of progress, Reverend Price began to focus more and more on his refining his teachings and sermons, resulting in the withdrawal of his family. God had clouded his vision to the events that were unfolding around him. His constant refusal to leave the area caused his wife and daughter, Orelanna and Rachel, to become spiteful towards him. Meanwhile, his attempts to impose gender roles onto Leah caused her to lose respect for him.
His devotion to God turned into an obsession with redeeming himself . He was not able to save the lives of his comrades, and in his mind, he believed God saw him as a failure. Frighten by the idea of Hell, Nathan chose to forget his initial reason for redemption and instead of avenging his fallen comrades, he chose his own salvation. The safety and well-being of his family meant nothing to him, his only worry was the condition of his soul.
Unknowingly to him, it was Nathan's own selfishness that led to his exile. Barbara Kingsolver does not give much insight into the years of isolation Nathan faced after the departure of his family, but it seems that he was not affected much as his daughters were. Reverend Nathan Price was indeed a servant of God, and in his insane delusion he lost his family and eventually his life.
In the beginning, it was a noble goal and Nathan Price had good intentions. Although, it was soon very evident that he was intolerant of ideas he was not familiar with. His refusal to learn and/or accept any of the native customs drove a wedge between him and many of the villagers, including Mama Bekwa Tataba and Chef Tata Ndu. Without the support and respect of the village chef, very few townsfolk actually took his preachings seriously.
Frustrated with the lack of progress, Reverend Price began to focus more and more on his refining his teachings and sermons, resulting in the withdrawal of his family. God had clouded his vision to the events that were unfolding around him. His constant refusal to leave the area caused his wife and daughter, Orelanna and Rachel, to become spiteful towards him. Meanwhile, his attempts to impose gender roles onto Leah caused her to lose respect for him.
His devotion to God turned into an obsession with redeeming himself . He was not able to save the lives of his comrades, and in his mind, he believed God saw him as a failure. Frighten by the idea of Hell, Nathan chose to forget his initial reason for redemption and instead of avenging his fallen comrades, he chose his own salvation. The safety and well-being of his family meant nothing to him, his only worry was the condition of his soul.
Unknowingly to him, it was Nathan's own selfishness that led to his exile. Barbara Kingsolver does not give much insight into the years of isolation Nathan faced after the departure of his family, but it seems that he was not affected much as his daughters were. Reverend Nathan Price was indeed a servant of God, and in his insane delusion he lost his family and eventually his life.
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