Shakespearish Love

Everyone can relate to Shakespeare. He has a way of doing that; creating stories of which people can love because of comparisons and similarities. When discussing Twelfth Night, the ultimate love story, I, personally, can very much identify with. I believe that Shakespeare's message of love in this play is that nothing will stop true love.

Some people gawk at the idea of "true love" and think that love of that likeness is not attainable. I for one, do not identify with these people, and rather, I agree with Shakespeare in the idea that true love is very present and soul mates do exist. In Twelfth Night, the perfect examples of true love are Olivia and Sebastian and Viola and Orsino. Although Orsino had been enamored by Olivia for most of the play, Shakespeare shows that in the end, Viola and Orsino prove true love and, therefore, should be together. Even when Viola was thought of as "Cesario," a man, for the majority of the play, Orsino still is attracted to him/her. This shows that true love can prevail even with the obstacles of same sex. Orsino was attracted and in love with Viola, no matter her appearance or nature.

Olivia, on the other hand, demonstrates true love, but in a different nature. She possesses the idea that the idea of a person can be loved truly. She is obsessed with the icon of Cesario and vows to stay with him forever. But when she realizes Cesario is actually a woman, she is relieved to find Sebastian to fill the place. During the entire play, Olivia is in love with the idea of Sebastian, but only finds him at the end. For Olivia, this is a real sign of pure, true love.

Shakespeare plays with the idea that true love with always prevail. Whether it is the idea or person we are discussing, love will always bring soul mates together. This is why most his plays end with resolutions of all sorts. I can greatly relate to Shakespeare's idea of love because I believe that true love will always be attained. I believe that no matter the track of one's life, he/she will always end up in their true lover's hands. If they get married to another, divorce is imminent, because that person will search for their real significant other until the end of time. A sign that one has found his/her true love is happiness. Viola, Orsino, Olivia, Sebastion, Sir Toby, and Maria are all left happy in the end of Twelfth Night, all having found their soul mates. I think Shakespeare's message is that he is trying to prove that the happiness of these characters is achieved because they have settled, finally, with their true love; and he is attempting to convince people to search for their heart's desire, if it kills them. In this aspect, love is concurrent with happiness, and while I am entirely happy, I am convinced I have found my soul mate. (498)

The Darkness Envelops

Darkness, to me, is the essence of twisted people, scary stories, and terrifying remarks. It not only literally can mean the absence of light, but also, at the same time, take on a metaphorical and abstract form. Whenever I think of darkness, I think of secretive, wretched, or simply scary things. Many poems and stories can be classified as "dark". For instance, I would consider all of Edgar Allen Poe's work dark.

The word "darkness" always brings me back to my favorite episode of the show "Dexter". In describing his killing habits and urge, Dexter refers to his violent pressure within as his "dark passenger". To me, this was extremely significant and embodied every sense of the word "dark". The drive that brings the most innocent to commit crimes as terrible as murder can only be described as one thing: darkness.

I already know that "darkness" takes on two different meanings, but they can be also considered the same. Although its abstract meaning (gloomy, pessimistic, tragedy) is entirely different from its literal meaning (no light), both can describe each other. "Gloomy" things generally are seen as having no light, while things containing no light are usually classified as scary or pessimistic.

The idea of darkness interests me. Although the word does not define me, I find myself relating to aspects of it. I can be a cheerful person, but at the same time, I consider myself "out-of-the-ordinary". Dark things seem to break the norms of society, and through my research so far, I have found that, generally, darkness is associated with outcasts. For instance, in Shakespeare's "All's Well that End's Well", he refers to the black prince, that no one likes, and being enveloped by darkness. And although Shakespeare associates evil with darkness, he also identifies it with unfamiliarity.

Also through my research so far, I have learned that the meaning of "darkness" has drastically evolved over time. For hundreds of years, darkness was only seen in the literal "absence of light" sense of the word, but after a while, it slowly became more and more abstract. The most recent definition merely is "obscure". Does this mean that the word "darkness" has entirely transformed to mean "different"?

A Questionable Pardoner

Now, goode men, God forgeve yow your trespas,
And ware yow fro the sinne of avaryce.
Myn holy pardoun may yow alle waryce,
So that ye offre nobles or sterlinges,
Or elles silver broches, spones, ringes.

These lines from the Pardoner's Tale really interest me because they demonstrate the Pardoner's hypocrisy and ability to easily not practice what he preaches. He just finished telling a story of how terrible it is to lie, swear, drink, kill, and gamble following a sermon on how these things can only get you in trouble. And now, he is telling the pilgrims to donate to his greedy self in order to receive a good trip to heaven. So my question is:

How can someone so easily deceive and teach people lessons that he, himself, does not follow?

It is remarkable how he does it and the only person who catches him and objects is the Host. Afterwards, the Pardoner feels very embarrassed. I think the answer to this question is that after have living a life fueled by greed and lies, the ability to deceive his disciples is second nature to him. Without thinking, the Pardoner is able to teach people about the consequences of misbehavior, and immediately misbehaving afterward. He said in his Prologue that his entire life was filled with greed, which is an honest thing to admit and therefore he can be somewhat respected for it. But, at the same time, it is hard for me to understand how people can hear of how I man is fueled by greed and then almost simultaneously give him money. If the Pardoner needs the money, it might be smarter for him to not admit his faults. He also should be reluctant to tie this misdemeanors of his stories to his own life. The Pardoner's deceptive nature makes him a good, interesting member of the Canterbury pilgrims.

I think that this can relate to everyone as well though. Not anyone always practices what they preach. Although everyone knows what is right and what is moral, almost nobody always does the right thing. Because the thing is, everyone is always driven by a motive; and whether good or bad, big or small, these motives guide people's lives. Incentives have almost driven people to do good and bad things. The Pardoner tells a story about what happens when three people's greedy incentives lead to their doom: an almost premonition of something that might happen to him. That is why it is hard to blame the Pardoner. Yes, he is greedy and could seem evil, but he is just fueled by incentive like everyone else.

I am not saying at all that one should follow the ways of the Pardoner. I'm just saying that hatred of deceit towards him should possibly not be the first reaction when reading about him. Sympathy might be a better approach. Because in the end, the corruption of all these pilgrims can be translated into our lives, and I think Chaucer is trying to prove a point that they represent all the aspects of us, whether good or bad. (517)

The Physician

Chaucer tells us of the magnificent physician in The Canterbury Tales as well.  He claims that the doctor knows the secret behind everything, including things from sicknesses to the stars.  “He knew the cause of everich maladye,” Chaucer says. (Line 419)  Actually, he knows mostly about the stars and is considered an astrologist.  Chaucer makes it seem as if the physician is very important to the fellowship because he can help cure anything and will help every other person a great deal.  He will  gve “the sick man his boot.” (Line 424)  He is also very worldly and knows most books.  He has read over 14 books listed in the passage alone. Also, Chaucer says that he makes good choices and is very healthy.  Chaucer seems to make him clash a bit with the church man and the monk though to say that “he read but little in the Bible.” (Line 438).  But nevertheless he is made out to be very helpful and of good influence to everyone on the pilgrimage.

Thomas á Wall doing Thomas á Becket

Thomas Becket is the reason behind the Canterbury Tales.  He was the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, but 8 years later, in 1170, was murdered.  He had become the Archbishop after have becoming close to Theobold, and after Theobold died, Becket took over the reigns.  There was a rivalry between the Archbishop and King Henry at this point because Becket had consolidated the landed revenues of Canterbury under his control.  The two argued over the legalities and jurisdictions much until Henry threatened Becket with severe repercussions.  Becket eventually excommunicated Henry and many other bishops until, finally, the King sent four knights to Canterbury.  When Becket refused to come back to court with them, the four murdered him.  To this day, the Catholic Church reveres Thomas Becket as a saint and a martyr and keeps a shrine dedicated to him in Canterbury.  This is the reasoning for the Tales of Canterbury; the pilgrims are marching to the holy shrine.

The Fall of Aeschere

(I know Aeschere isn't one of the chosen characters but he seemed to be a good, small character to write this on)

Oh Lord! The celebrations after Beowulf's kill of Grendel were a bit over the top.  I mean, we all knew he could probably do it in the first place, so why is it such a big deal?  I guess I am forever grateful to him for saving our people, but how many times have I (in coalition with Hrothgar) saved our people?  I can't count how many times I, Aeschere, Hrothgar's most trusted adviser, have told him to fight these people or take this land.  And I never got a celebration like this!  I guess I might feel better about it in the morning and I'll just get some rest...


*Snore*

*Wake up* "Huh? Did anyone hear that?" Somethings coming, I can feel it.  Then suddenly the door of Herot flies off and hits the inner wall.  Oh my God! What is that?! All I can see is a giant shadow of what looks to be Grendel, but much, much larger.  And its coming straight for me.  I try to run, don't turn back, but as I do, a giant claw seems to pick me up.  Oh no, it has me! As I raise up stories and stories, the Danes seem to turn from people into ants.  And then the wind hits my face.  We're running now, out the door and through what seems to be a forest.  It is still to dark to see the figure.  It puts me down on the ground gently.  Until *whack*

I must've been hit with something hard, a rock maybe? But i wake up in the day time again in some sort of cave.  Looking around, the place looks very dismal and scary.  But in the corner there appeared to be piles of gold and silver.  Long lost weapons and treasures of the Earth lied every where.  I grabbed a small golden knife, thinking that if I were to make it out of here alive, I would make it out a rich man.

I tip-toe towards the light outside but all of a sudden the "thing" jumps into the doorway.  I quiver and shake in the corner of the room as it walks closer to me.  And now that it's day time, I can see that 'it' is...is... Grendel? No, Grendel's wife? No couldn't be.  Oh Lord, it must be Grendel's mom, the monster my grandparents always told horrific stories of when I was a child.  Oh no.  She dripped what appeared to be water off her body, but it was strange.  As the water touched the ground it seemed to burn right through the rock as if it were some sort of acid.

But then she brings her hand down.  A nice gesture perhaps? So I put my hand out as well.  But strangely, instead of meeting my hand to shake it, she puts one of her claws near my neck.  Her long nail resembles Beowulf's sword and it approaches my neck (a bit too close for comfort).  And with one swipe she quickly swings the claw into my-------------------- (532)

Beowulf: What a Man

The idea of strength is a common theme in Beowulf and it is regularly referred to as the deciding factor for stature.  The reason Beowulf is considered a hero and is able to fight Grendel and his mother, is basically his ability to wield great power, with minimal skill.  That is why at times, he finds no need for his sword, and instead uses solely the power of his hands.
   
Previously, Beowulf had become known for his abilities when he defeated sea monsters and swam great lengths to save many.  For this very reason, after have being attacked over and over again, King Hrogthgar called upon Beowulf to fight off the monsters at Heorot.  Unferth is very jealous of Beowulf’s strength, but it is what sets the two characters apart.  Not only does his strength enable him to defeat these terrible monsters, it also allows Beowulf to summon great confidence and courage.  Again and again, his strength is referenced.  For instance, the poem makes a point to include the fact that Beowulf, alone, could only carry Grendel’s head, while four other men of Heorot could barely do it.  Or when he fights Grendel, it is highlighted that only the grip of Beowulf’s arms was able to rip Grendel’s arm off.  Also, when Beowulf is introduced, he is described as very, extremely powerful.  The next passage is only a partial segment of the detail of Beowulf’s strength during his introduction.

This was heard of at his home by one of Hygelac's followers,
 a good man among the Geats, Grendel's raidings
he was for main strength of all men foremost that trod the earth at that time of day;
 build and blood matched.

Lines like “He was for main strength of all men foremost” that exaggerate the strength of a human make the poem extraordinary.  And since the epic cannot be dissected for what is myth and what is history, if a person like Beowulf existed, then he is, obviously, greatly exaggerated in the poem. 

He also makes his own strength very known.  You could say that Beowulf brags a lot, but does so with good intentions and good reasons.  Before fighting Grendel, he announces he will kill him with solely his hands.  He also recounts many stories of his past, recalling himself as the “strongest swimmer.”  He uses his strength to make known his power and therefore, in return, he receives many rewards.  Although he has a big mouth, no one (such as Unferth) is able to speak up to him because no one has anything else to back themselves up.  Beowulf is the strongest of all and uses it greatly to his advantage.
   
It is also his strength that greatly defines Beowulf as a typical hero.  He stands for all that is good and just the basis of the book (the idea that he traveled great distances to unselfishly defeat a monster for the people’s good) exemplifies his courageous and honorable nature.  And although he is not modest whatsoever, Beowulf, time and time again, saves innocent people from evil. (509)

Some Recent Books

1.    Watchmen- This was my first graphic novel and it was my introduction to many books like it.  I loved the story line because it was written to coincide with the Vietnam and Cold War.  It was interesting to read about how the lives of these ‘super-heroes’ changed the course of history.  Also, I always like dark, twisted books, and it was exciting to read about how supposedly ‘heroes’ were actually corrupt.
2.    A Clockwork Orange- This is one of my favorite books of all time.  I read it this summer and first read the book, then followed along with it while watching the movie, and finally researched the making, writing, and history of it.  I love reading books about alternate worlds, especially a very dark one, where crime was committed.
3.    The Odyssey- Reading the Odyssey was iconic to me.  I realized that it provides the base for many movies and other books, and it was interesting to read about the toils of such a tremendous hero.  After reading the book, I discovered that many movies I liked, such as Oh Brother Where Art Thou?  And Cold Mountain Are interpretations of the Odyssey. The trials of a traveling wandering such as Odysseus can be found in culture everywhere and it was cool to read about where the idea came from.
4.    Theodore Rex- This is one of the only historical biographies I had ever read and it really was an eye-opener.  Not only did it make me respect Theodore Roosevelt very much, it gave me a historical perspective and explained to me the foundation that most of our country is set upon today.  It fascinated me to learn how much things have changed, and Theodore Roosevelt is one of the most interesting people I have ever read about.
5.    The Red Death- Edgar Allen Poe is one of my favorite writers because I am intrigued by much dark literature.  The Red Death especially was my favorite by Poe because of its dark nature.  The disease that caused the death disgusted me and the horror of the mansion they were in is written like nothing else.  A symbol of the grim reaper even comes into play, to suggest that there is a higher nature working at this.  The entire concept and dark influence fascinated me to an extreme extent.
6.    Lord of the Rings-  After watching The Fellowship of the Ring, I found myself facing one of my favorite stories of all time.  I, afterward, read both The Two Towers and The Return of the King.  I had to finish both the books before watching the movies.  The vast complexity of the story, and background from which is created is so in depth and well written, that I read The Return of the King in almost one sitting.  I found it so interesting that every race had a different background, making the story flow very well, and it was filled with much adventure.  This book then lead me to begin my interest in other fantasy series, movies, and books.
7.    Farenheight 9/11- I read this book at Chaparral High School as part of the English course and it sparked my interest in tales of an altered world again.  Just like A Clockwork Orange, the story by Ray Bradbury takes place in a completely different world, where this time, everything is opposite.  This concept was so entertaining, that after reading some, I would just sit back and think of how this different society would affect every part of my life (590).

Summer Reading- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

This summer, I encountered two of the most fascinating books I have ever read.  They both involve the evolution of a person’s mind.  The first book I read was A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess and the second was Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe.  Both were extraordinary books and exemplified how a person’s change in mindset can, in fact, change that person as a whole.   A Clockwork Orange, in particular, stressed this aspect of the human mind and I found it very interesting.

  First of all, I like to read books involving a different world in which the norms accepted are drastically different from those in society today.  The world of crime in which A Clockwork Orange takes place greatly intrigued me for it exemplified a world in which crime, above all else, prevailed.  The main character and his “droogs” take part in the crime as well.  Also, the slang used in the dialect of the book, and of the narrator, Alex, made it interesting to read because it is similar to modern English, yet very different.  Using words like “horrorshow” in place of “good” and “cutter” in place of “money”, the book made me imagine a world in the future, in which the slang we used drastically takes over.

The state of mind interested me the most though.  The book starts out with Alex and his gang with criminal minds, going through the city, beating people up, and raping innocent women.  The narrator’s tone changes drastically between this point and after Alex comes out of the hospital.  Due to watching films of brutality, rape, and murder alone, doctors erase moral choice from Alex’s mind and turn him into an innocent, normal citizen.  I found this idea very exciting because erasing the moral choice from a person not only changes his/her behavior, but also questions if he/she is a person or not.  Choice is a huge part of being a human being in my opinion, and it is proven throughout this book, that the elimination of this aspect can alter a person entirely.  This terrible realization that the modification of Alex’s mind is unacceptable is made at the end of the book though, and in consequence, they change his mind back to “criminal-like.”  I found it interesting that the government in A Clockwork Orange found this “mind-changing” inhumane (as would I) and therefore, had to face the ramifications of changing Alex back.

After further reading about the writing of the book, I also discovered that the final chapter that I had read was not included in many books.  I found this very interesting because the last chapter describes Alex’s ability to face morality and make the right decision on his own, after have given back his criminal mind.  If Burgess had left this out in some versions, he would have implied that Alex stayed a criminal forever.  This idea further stresses the point that morality and choice are both parts of being human and are important aspects of life.  After reading A Clockwork Orange, I much contemplated the severity of changing one’s mind involuntarily and how changing it changes the person as a whole (524).