Homework task: How Holden acts like a child and how Holden acts like an adult

Holden behaves (language, actions, reactions) like an adolescent.	Holden behaves (language, actions, reactions) like an adult.
"..I kept standing there, of giving old Jane a buzz- I mean calling her long distance at B.M... The only reason I didn't call him was because I wasn't in the mood." (pg. 63) He is afraid to call her because he thinks she will judge him	Holden’s strong focus of the ducks in the lake and where they go, is symbolic to life and where he will go into life. "I was wondering where the ducks went when the lagoon got all icy and frozen over. I wondered if some guy came in a truck and took them away to a zoo or something. Or if they just flew away." (pg. 13). Even if he doesn’t want to grow up, he slowly does.
He asks a complete stranger that is his cab driver, "Would you care to stop on the way and join me for a cocktail"" (pg. 60. He doesn’t want to face the reality of being alone; where he has left school and needs to tell his parents of his situation of being expelled for failing academically.	When Holden visits Central Park and sees the lake he has a realisation, "Then, I finally found it. What it was, it was partly frozen and partly not frozen." The lake is transitioning into two states, frozen and not frozen. Which is ultimately a symbol of what he is doing; transitioning into adulthood from adolescence.
"Last year I made a rule that I was going to quit horsing around with girls that, deep down, gave me a pain in the ass. I broke it though, the same week I made it- the same night, as a matter of fact." (pg. 63). He tries to make up rules like an adult, but ends up breaking them almost immediately.	"I started giving the three witches at the next table the eye again. That is, the blond one... I just gave all three of them this very cool glance and all." (pg. 70). Tries to act grown up in front of these 3 ladies.
"The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody'd move. You could go there a hundred thousand times, and that Eskimo would still be just finished catching those two fish, the birds would still be on their way south, the deer would still be drinking out of that water hole, with their pretty antlers and their pretty, skinny legs, and that squaw with the naked bosom would still be weaving that same blanket." (pg. 121). This shows that he wishes that everything would stay the same, so he wouldn’t have to be an adult and stay a child forever.	."..this one psychoanalyst guy they have here, keeps asking me if I'm going to apply myself with I go back to school next September. It's such a stupid question, in my opinion. I mean how do you know what you're going to do till you do it? The answer is you don't. I think I am, but how do I know"" (pg. 213). He snaps back to reality and realises that he will apply himself better at school.
He finds the adultword repulsive and show-offy. "The band was putrid." (pg. 69) and "They were mostly old and show-offy looking guys" (pg. 69)	When Holden is at Phoebe’s school and he sees the words “Fuck you” on walls, he rubs it out.
"I think they should've at least offered to pay their drinks they had before I joined them..." (pg. 75). Due to his innocence and how young he looks and acts, the 3 ladies left him to pay the bill.	He drinks, smokes, even orders a prostitute.
Holden deities his siblings and anyone who is a child and not an adult: as if they are all child prodigys. He says of his sister Phoebe, "You should see her. You never saw a little kid so pretty and smart in your life. She's really smart." (pg. 67).
His red hunting hat symbolises his childish ways, but in special events he takes it off, saying it looks “childish” and “stupid.”
Comes up with unrealistic ideas, such as his plans to run away and live someplace far away and live a simple life.

 

Homework Task: The Catcher in the Rye

What do you think of the idea that although “he cannot change the world in which he lives … it is possible for him [Holden] to find his own place within it”? Write 2-3 paragraphs outlining your response to this statement. Be sure to make specific references to the novel.

The idea that although "he cannot change the world in which he lives ... It is possible for him [Holden] to find his own place within it," is very true and the novel, The Catcher in the Rye, demonstrates this within the character of Holden Caulfield. Whole novel, the character of Holden is searching for his identity and belonging and acceptance by engaging in mature activities. He struggles to find himself as he isolates himself from society and people who want to help him and criticizes others. He is in the process from adolescence to 'phony' adulthood. Physical changes for Holden show that he is defiant against the natural process of adolescence and the hormones that come with this,  "I looked exactly like the guy in the article with lousy hormones." (p. 254). Holden feels that he needs to maintain his youth and innocence, but in contrast, he also feels that he needs to act mature, "I ordered a Scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it-I said it fast as hell, because if you hem and haw, they think you're under twenty-one and won't sell you any intoxicating liquor," (p. 91).  Holden is torn between his 'want' of staying an adolescent forever, but there is this push for him to transition on to adulthood. He is trying to find who he is through these mature activities. Flirting with older women, is another example. Whenever he does so, the women question his age and laugh at him for his efforts,  "I started giving the three witches at the next table the eye again …. They probably thought I was too young to give anybody the once-over." (p. 91). Although he attempts to join the adulthood through these activities, he constantly rejects and criticizes their flaws.

In the last chapter of the book, Holden realizes that he can't hold in to adolescence forever and his view of 'phony' adults is almost gone. This shows that he is ultimately growing up and seeing things in a different perception. This is the turning point for Holden as he realizes that he needs to move on and he can now find who he truly is, instead of trying to change everyone else around him to act like him. "I don't know what the hell to say. If you want to know the truth, I don't know what I think about it. I'm sorry I told so many people about it," (p. 192). He has changed, as in the beginning of the novel, he felt the need to tell everyone everything, but now he regrets it. Also, at times throughout the novel, he has criticized everyone and called them "phony" and had nothing nice to say about them, but at the end, he is in a state where he needs those he rejected, "About all I know is, I sort of miss everybody I told about." (p. 192).

Feedback on Practise Persuasive Essay

• no clear thesis statement
• body para's are good
• not consistent persuasive language
• last para, change "not relate to.." to "wouldn't appreciate.."

drafted by Gina Calder

Despite being described as a coming of age novel, Peter Goldsworthy's novel, Maestro constructs a representation of growing up that cannot relate to female readers due to its focus on the male voice.

Notes:
Sexualisation of women/ chauvinistic/ objectifies the,
No perspective of women
Cant compare to the experiences of the girls and boys



Persuasive:
No first person, third person, (we) my opinion sound like facts, rhetorical questions, opinions/ facts, emotive language

Many of you may think that Peter Goldsworthy's novel, 'Maestro', is a bildungsroman. The theme of growing up is very well represented through the eyes of Paul, but this representation is not something that we, as women can relate to. The novel is completely written from Paul's point of view, without any inclusion from women. Through Paul's perspective, it is evident that he displays chauvinistic values. Also, the experiences and significant events told through Paul's perspective cannot be compared to those that us, as women, experience. All these factors contribute to the idea that the representation of growing up cannot be related to female readers, as ourselves.

Paul Crabbe's perspective of women in the novel is sexualised. Paul objectifies the women he fancies, such as Megan. He focusses on Megan's exterior appearance, rather than wanting to get to know her on a personal level.  "Megan's desk stood in front of mine, and perhaps it was her back that I first loved: the furred nape of her neck, her smooth bare shoulders, the thick cumulus of pale hair." (p. 32) Megan's looks was what initially provoked Paul to like Megan. Her good looks stimulated Paul to have 'dreams' about her, which again, sexualises Megan. When finally he gets the opportunity to have sexual intercourse with Megan, he assumed that "She loved to be touched, bitten, licked-but passively..." p. 80. He assumes that women like to do all these things and I don't know about you, but I cannot relate to this what so ever! Again, when he meets Rosie, who becomes his girlfriend later on, he found her annoying. Later in the book, Paul has an epiphany and suddenly he falls madly in love with her because of her looks."I watched-hypnotised - the slow, tidal rise and fall of her breasts with each breath." p. 70. Paul says nothing of women in the book, but sexual opinions and he ultimately objectifies women. As a result, we cannot relate to what Paul says.

The significant events and experiences in the novel, 'Maestro' are male experiences told through Paul, and as women, we can't relate to these experiences as they do not occur to us. Paul's dreams of Megan and, "[He] woke up the next morning sticky again, and warm and wetly contented in the groin..." (p.34-35). This is a male experience that will never happen to women, and so, how can we relate to something that we have never experienced? The focus on Paul's voice, gives no insight into a female character or voice in the novel, giving absolutely no opportunity for us to relate in any way.

The novel, 'Maestro' by Peter Goldsworthy has a strong focus on the male voice of Paul. Ultimately, women who read this novel cannot relate to the experiences and actions in the novel. The sexualisation of women in the novel is something that women obviously cannot relate to. In addition, the experiences that just men, and men only experience, is again, not something that women can relate to. Although this novel is represented as a coming-of-age novel, the focus on Paul's voice gives us as women, nothing to relate to.

Writing Exercise: Letter to Keller from Paul: Maestro by Peter Goldsworthy

-->

Letter Plan:

-to Keller

-doesn’t need his help

-sick of his advice

-epiphany that he isn’t as good as he wants to be, won’t be a famous pianist

-is grateful

-can now move on with his life

Herr Keller,

I would like to thank you deeply, from the bottom of my heart. Your advice to me about my work seemed irrelevant to me a couple of days ago.  I felt that you looked too deep into my work and that you didn’t seem to appreciate my work. I felt that I didn’t need a book of notes or advice every time I sent you a letter or a tape recording of myself. I just wanted you to listen to it. I didn’t want you to tell me all the bad stuff all the time. Sometimes I just wanted to get a reply where you were satisfied or at least close to satisfied. I was over-filled with anger when I sent you a tape-recording of me playing, not only to receive criticism but pages and pages full of it! After reading only the first page, I decided to chuck it in the bin. Feeling of regret over-came me, and I retrieved it to read the rest.

That’s when I knew. Playing the piano isn’t my special talent. It’s a hobby, but all my hope in becoming something grande, just vanished. Just like that. I now know that I will never become a famous pianist, because when I get negative criticism I don’t take it well and how do I expect to be great  when I can’t improve? That’s why I’m grateful… you have made me realise that I need to move on from my aspirations.

I would’ve come up north to visit you and play, days on end. However, my duties as boyfriend are more important to me. I love Rosie and I think I always will. I’ve loved playing the piano, but it’s something that I am not sure about in the future.

You were a great teacher, nothing to compare to! However, all your hard work came to rubbish, because I was just an average pianist. Maybe someday I could teach piano and teach a young child how to become truly great at playing the piano. 

I hope someday we can meet again. Thank you ever so much for everything you have taught me, and I know that I will most definitely teach your lessons to other people who want to learn. You have endured such a painful life, and everyday must’ve been a learning curve for you. That’s why you were so great and beautiful at playing the piano, because every time you played, you were your best critic and worst critic. My arrogance is stopping me from being a better pianist. I can now move on with my life, and I only have you to thank for opening my eyes to this.

All the best,

Paul Crabbe.

"My Father's Axe" Questions

My Father’s Axe by Tim Winton

Briefly summarise the story – its subject matter. The story begins in the present day, with a man who cannot find his father's axe. He then goes to describe the significance of this axe, where he describes his childhood memories. These memories consist of him learning from his dad how to chop wood. Soon chopping wood becomes a form of hobby or something that makes him relaxed or satisfied. For example, when he saw his father sobbing, he went to the back of the house and chopped some wood until his arms hurt. The story goes back and forth from past to present; of memories of the axe and his childhood to the present; where he still can't find the axe. The fact that he can't find the axe is keeping him up at night, so much that he has gruesome nightmares. These nightmares are very detailed and gruesome in the fact that they describe both him and his father being axed with body parts going everywhere. However, these dreams relate to his childhood. For example, he has a dream where his son, Jamie, axes his head into two halves and then rolls these halves down the road where cars drive over the pieces. This relates to his childhood, as he used to axe melons in half and then he would watch as the cars drove over the melons and would squish all the contents. He feels almost empty without this axe. I think that this axe has ultimately became the object which holds so many memories and so much of his past and family, both good and bad, and I think by losing this object, he has lost something so personal and so close to his heart. In the end, he goes and buys a new axe. Just as he buys it, a man and his son come and the son confesses he stole the axe. In this moment, the man goes and gets the new axe he bought and gives to the young boy who stole his axe.

How does the writer establish the relationship between father and son? The writer establishes the relationship between the father and son through the object of the axe. The axe ultimately brings them together in the first place and creates the many memories that he now has as an adult. The son looks up to his father and has great admiration for his father, "He taught me how to split wood though, I could never do it like him, those long, rhythmic, semi-circular s like a ballet dancer's warmup...". However, once he reaches adolescence, he grows embarrassed of his father's affectionate ways and he outgrows his childhood love for his father. His view towards him changes in that retrospect as well, "Sometimes he looked at me in disappointment, and sometimes I looked at him the same way...". This is evidence to show that at times their relationship had it's downs. However, it is the axe that is the conflict in this story and I think that for the young man, the axe has acted as almost a metaphorical glue between him and his father and those memories he has.

Identify the various stages in the narrative – orientation, complication/s, climax, resolution. The orientation in the beginning of the narrative is at the family home, then they all went as a family on a holiday to a beach shack at a rivermouth up north, where they went to look at the on shore reefs. Later, the young boy marries and has askn and moves back into the family home. The complications in the narrative include: the disappearance of his father's axe, his mother's death, his nightmares about his axe, his wanting to retrieve the axe so badly and his relationship with his father. The climax of the narrative is when he has all those gruesome dreams and he decides that there is nothing to do but buy a new axe, as it has caused him much heart-ache. The resolution, was ultimately buying the axe, but then the young boy and his father confess that the young boy stole his axe, when he decides to swap his new axe with his old, treasured one. In a way, I think that the young boy and his father in the end become almost a mirrored image of who he was with his father and I think that in gratification, he gives the young boy the new axe so he can have all the wonderful memories he had with the axe and with his father.

What is the importance of the axe throughout? Is it a thing of monetary value or does it have symbolic importance? Explain. I think that the axe acts as something of symbolic importance. Though out his whole childhood and adolescence life, the axe acted as something he could always turn to and was something he could let out his anger on. Ultimately, it was something of great value to him, as it also acted as a reminder of his mother and especially of his father, who he has a significant relationship with. The axe was something that both the young boy and his father had in common, they both loved to chop wood, they thrived on the feeling of seeing and feeling the wood break under the power of the axe. So I believe it was a symbol of memories within his childhood, and it acted almost as the 'glue' to his relationship with his father.
Explain the narrator’s dreams. What is their significance? The narrator's dreams are very gruesome and in much detail. His first dream, is him chopping wood with so much passion and then it appears that he is floating upwards. This angers him, as he wants to stay and chop more wood, "No, I don't want to lift up,". Soon, the axe head comes off the handle and ultimately chops his father's head off. His next dream, recalled himself dissected in all pieces. All his body parts were chopped and all over the place, despite this, he looked, "...peaceful enough, like a photograph." then he son cones along with an axe and chops his head into two halves. He then grabs his head like a bowling bowl and bowls it down the road where cars squish the remnants, until nothing was left. Although these dreams may sound gruesome to the average reader, these dreams were of significant importance to him. For example, his last dream where his son skidded his two halves of his head down the road, was something that he used to do when he was a child, but with melons, and it was something of great happiness to him. These dreams are sparking memories deep down in his head, to a time ling ago, when he was just a child. These memories are frightening him in the form of nightmares, as it is expressing the mourning of the loss of his axe. This axe has great meaning to him and now that it is gone, it has affected everything in his life.

Does the story contain a message about growing up? Identify the key values underpinning the narrative. The message contains a message about growing up, which is that, we all grow up and grow out of things that used to have great importance to us at the time, but once we are older and have a family, etc. those things come back into our lives and makes the person much more appreciative of those times/ relationships or even objects in this case. The key values in this narrative is that, you must enjoy childhood while you can, because once adolescence comes, you grow up too quickly, in want to be a 'grown-up'. Also, it expresses that you must value your relationships with the significant people in your life while you can, because when you grow up they might not be there anymore, so you have to expand your memories as much as you can, so when they are gone, you have those happy memories of when they were there in you life. Another value underpinning the narrative is that you have to appreciate everything and everyone.
Discuss the significance of the story’s ending. I believe that the ending acts as a mirror of who he used to be with his dad and the sort of passion he had within himself. The young boy obviously has an interest with the axe and so, with gratitude, he gives the young hoy the new axe, which will serve as something of great importance within the young boy's life as it was in his. I think he swapped the axe's, because there was too much of himself and of his father within the axe, and too much memories that it was so personal to him. By giving the young boy the new axe, it is almost encouraging the young boy to create special memories and relationships which will later make him appreciative of the axe when he is older. It's almost like starting a new page or new life with this axe.

Give it an alternate title. Justify your choice. An alternative title for this narrative would be, 'Never Let Me Go.' This title would be in the perspective of the axe and all the memories it with holds. Also, although the axe was gone for a while, it somehow made its way back to its owner, which shows that it will never be gone forever, but just for a short period of time. Also, it also refers to the end of the narrative, as now he has his old axe back and it is almost like an affirmation that he will never lose it again, because of how personal it is.

Drafted English: My Special Place

It's after school, we all start charging in, ready to attack the one who got afternoon tea. Noise quickly rises. One girl after another comes through the double doors, and everyone is greeted with boisterous excitement, as if we haven't seen each other in days. The over- used, felty couches are overflowing with girls trying to squeeze in to sit down. The afternoon light is glowing, filling the room with so much exuberance. Girls rushing past you, in a hurry to get to their afternoon sports. Others, are slouching in their spots. The TV then flicks on, making it more difficult to speak to others, so we all start talking even louder. But not as loud as we get when the afternoon tea comes. As we come to realise that "it's the gross lemon cakes," the excitement rapidly decreases. Gossip is the hot topic every afternoon. As one girl shares, others eagerly wait for their turn to share. Each story embraced with roaring laughter or utter shock. As time flies by, the kitchen table turns its glossy self into a foul space. Stench of rotting food steals into your nose. By 4.30, spoons and knives become scarce. And somehow the highly cherished Milo runs away, only to leave an empty can when it comes back. By 5, the noise is almost gone. You sit on the couch by yourself watching the TV, wanting someone to come through the door so you can have some company. You can almost hear the buzzing brains of the girls as they are doing their studies. Others, busily telling gossip or jokes. And the whole time, the common-room sat still. It sits there, whilst the space is full and when it is empty. It brings everyone together. Together as a family, because every boarder is family to me

My Special Place

It's after school, we all start charging in, ready to attack the one who got afternoon tea. Noise quickly rises. One girl after another comes through the double doors, and everyone is greeted with boisterous excitement, as if we haven't seen each other in days. The over- used, felty couches are overflowing with girls trying to squeeze in to sit down. The afternoon light is glowing, filling the room with so much exuberance. Girls rushing past you, in a hurry to get to their afternoon sports. Others, are slouching in their spots. The TV then decides to turn on, making it more difficult to speak to others, so we all start talking even louder. But not as loud as we get when the afternoon tea comes. As we come to realise that "it's the gross lemon cakes," the excitement rapidly decreases. Gossip is the hot topic every afternoon. As one girl shares, others eagerly wait for their turn to share. Each story embraced with roaring laughter or utter shock. As time flies by, the kitchen table turns its glossy self into a foul space. By 4.30, spoons and knives become scarce. And somehow the highly cherished Milo runs away, only to leave an empty can when it comes back. By 5, the noise is almost gone. You sit on the couch by yourself watching the TV, wanting someone to come through the door so you can have some company. You can almost hear the buzzing brains of the girls as they are doing their studies. Others, busily telling gossip or jokes. And the whole time, the common-room sat still. It sits there, whilst the space is full and when it is empty. It brings everyone together. Together as a family, because every boarder is family to me.

The advertisement is positioned to view the concept of growing up through the targeted audience. The advertisement is targeted at parents who are quite well off and who have a daughter. The ad pin points the idea that teens are vulnerable, lazy and are party goers. The use of "you" and "your" is targeted at the daughters parents. The ad is trying to make the parents over protective, by "throwing" the ideas in the parents face that growing up is dangerous, through the use of drugs and alcohol. The parents are then advised to guide their teens life by,

Write a letter to the New Governor of Cyprus reporting to his equivalent in Venice, the events that have just taken place, given your account of who was the ‘real’ villain. You may like to recall Brabantio’s earlier words and or quote some of Lodovico’s assertions in Act 4:Scene 2.

To the New Governor of Cyprus,

I would like to inform you that a number of key events have occurred in the past few days with regards to the general, Othello.

The, “...noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient,” (Act 4: Scene 1: 243-244) has murdered his faithful wife, in belief that she was dishonest with his Lieutenant Cassio. This objective was planted into the mind of Othello, by his ancient, Iago. The, “Honest Iago,” (Act 2: Scene 3: 7) manipulated Cassio, Iago, Roderigo and his wife Emilia, into making his plan for revenge on Othello work, by playing with Othello’s insecurities and his race. Shortly after acknowledging that Iago has deceived him, Othello stabbed himself and lay dead next to his wife Desdemona and the dead Emilia (who after seeing what happened to the faithful Desdemona, killed herself in grief). This death bed now lies as the end result of Iago’s evil genius plan to ‘ruin’ Othello and his reputation.

Iago in the beginning, played with Iago’s race, calling him “An old black ram who is tupping a white ewe,” (Act 1: Scene 1: 91-91). Iago constantly throughout the play, tried to make Othello jealous. When Iago asked Cassio about Bianca, Othello thought he was talking about Desdemona, and this was the idea of Iago, “Othello shall go mad; and his unbookish jealousy must construe,” (Act 4: Scene 1: 108-109). Iago’s plan had consequently worked and his anger gets the better of him, “O perjur’d woman, thou dost stone my heart,” (Act 5: Scene 2: 74) and “...she must die, else she’ll betray more men,” (Act 5: Scene 2: 6).

After the deaths, the villainous Iago was captured and decided that he shall be tortured until death, while Cassio became General.

I hope this has given you insight into the occurrences here.

Kind regards.

 

Iago

Iago in the play, Othello, gains a reputation for being honest and reliable, when in reality is manipulative, wanting revenge and a liar. Iago gained his reputation of honesty by manipulating people and situations, and through-out the play is constantly referred to as “Honest Iago,” or “Iago is most honest,” (Act 2: Scene 3: 7, by Othello and Cassio. The significance of Iago’s ‘honesty’ is that the audience can view the ‘real’ Iago, which couldn’t be any more different than the so called, “Honest Iago.” In reality, Iago is controlling, dishonest and has this obsession of destroying Othello. He constantly reaffirms his plan to destroy Othello and it always involves the manipulation of other characters in the play, “Two things are to be done My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress- I’ll set her on- Myself a while to draw the Moor apart and bring him jump when he may Cassio find Soliciting his wife,” (Act 2: Scene 3: 293-298). Shakespeare positions the audience to view the ‘many Iago’s’ in the play, as he changes his character when talking to different people in the play. This allows the audience to see exactly how controlling Iago is. There is a contrast in Iago’s character when he is in the presence of Othello, “My Lord, you know I love you,” (Act 3: Scene 3: 132) in which Othello replies, “I think thou dost; And for I know thou’rt full of love and honesty,” (Act 3: Scene 3: 133-134). Shakespeare positions the audience to feel the trust Othello has in Iago and can link that this trust led by Iago helped him manipulate Othello. Also, it provides the audience and insight on how trust and honesty are values embedded in the play in which characters admire. Iago is clever, in the sense that he knows how to act and be in the presence of certain people and constantly tries to gain the trust from all characters in the play, even thought he is revenging against them.

For each of the following characters, write a concise paragraph that explores what sort of person he/she is. You may need to consider a combination of physical and personality traits to accurately explore the character.

Othello

Othello, the main character in the play, Othello, is a man who is proud and strong, but at times is seen as naive and easily manipulated. In the beginning of the play, Othello to many is seen as the brave, strong leader who has successfully won in war and Othello himself believes his accomplishments will add to more of a reason as to why he should be able to marry Desdemona, “My services which I have done the signiory Shall out-tongue his complaints...my demerits May speak, unbonneted, to as proud a fortune as this I have reach’d.” (Act 1: Scene 2: 20-26). Shakespeare’s use of personification to the words of ‘demerits’ and ‘services’ provide and insight into how your service at war is very much valued and respected in the play. The audience is positioned to view Othello as a courageous, proud leader and fighter. However, certain characters demoralise Othello for his skin colour, as Othello, being a black man, is frowned upon in the play. When Iago is informing Brabantio of Othello’s and Desdemona’s marriage he says, “An old black ram is tupping your white ewe,” (Act 1: Scene 1: 91-92). The use of binary opposition of the ‘black’ and ‘white’ allows the audience to clearly see the distinction and contrast between the two colours and how they relate back to Desdemona and Othello. The audience is positioned to see that in the play, marriage of the opposite race is devalued and frowned upon. Throughout the play, Othello’s character changes through the genius manipulation of Iago. With this change, Othello becomes more aggressive, completely naive and his speech becomes short and choppy. When Othello hits Desdemona, Lodovico asks, “Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake?” (Act 4: Scene 1: 243-245). Shakespeare positions the audience to view the change through characters other than the people close to Othello, and this shows how much of a change Othello has undertaken since being under the influence of Iago. Also, it provides an insight into the Senate’s minds, where they all believe that Othello is a great fighter and leader and they value this in Othello. Desdemona also sees the change in Othello and asks, “Why do you speak so startingly and rash?” (Act 3: Scene 4” 79). This positions the audience to see that Desdemona values the ability to speak beautifully and have the art of speech, which Othello had, but begins to fade when under the influence of Iago. All in all, Othello in the beginning is the perfect representation of a great leader and fighter, but his values and attitudes begin to change and distort through-out the play due to the influence of Iago and these changes are visible to other characters and the audience.

Write an extend response that discusses the various 'versions' of Iago that the audience is exposed to and consider how he contributes to our understanding of the various themes within the play.

1. Make sure you include direct evidence
2. Makes sure you reference the evidence (Act 3, Scene 5, 45-50)
3. Discuss positioning techniques
4. Consider the values, attitudes and ideas that are embedded within the text
5. Use well-constructed sentences and paragraphs.
6. Proof-read carefully.

Through-out the play, Othello, Shakespeare positions the audience to view the many personalities of the character, Iago, where the audience get a real insight into the real Iago. In the play, Iago disrupts the natural peace and causes conflict through his genius manipulation towards other characters such as; Othello, Cassio and Roderigo. When manipulating Roderigo he explains his hate for Othello, ‘Though I [Iago] do hate him [Othello] as I do hell-pains, Yet, for necessity of present life, I must show out a flag and sign of love,” (Act 1: Scene 1: Lines 147-149). Although, Iago has much hate for Othello he acknowledges that he needs to not show this hate in front of Othello, but rather show love. This ‘version’ of Iago is derived from the fact that Iago believes he should’ve been Othello’s lieutenant rather than Cassio, “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place,” (Act 1: Scene 1: Line 11). This displays the theme of jealousy, where Iago was given the low position of an ancient, where he believes he should rather be the Lieutenant. Again, the theme of jealousy arises once more, where he believes Othello slept with Emilia, “For that I do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leap’d into my seat,” (Act 2: Scene 1: Lines 214-215). This shows that in the play, loyalty between a husband and a wife is very much valued, so much that death be the answer.

Iago plays a different character when in the eyes of Othello and this plays an important role in the play, Othello. When Iago is by himself or talking to Roderigo he is has quite prejudices ideas towards Othello, “An old black ram Is tupping your white ewe,” (Act 1: Scene 1: Lines 88-89). The use of binary opposition between the colours of ‘white’ and ‘black’ allows the audience see the racist slurs made against Othello and to therefore, make it clear of the prejudice theme that is constant through-out the play. With this in mind, it is clear that being a black man in the play is looked down upon and therefore, being a person of the white race is valued. Although Iago talks quite rudely behind Othello’s back, he is most kind and honest when in the presence of Othello, much so that Othello comments quite often of Iago’s “honesty and love,” (Act 2: Scene 3: Line 195). This is another ‘version’ of Iago where he is seen as a kind companion in Othello’s eyes. This displays how two faced Iago is and helps us, as the audience, to understand the underlying theme of deception and disloyalty between friendships and relationships in the play by Iago.

15.10.12 Journal

Today we started listening to the audio version of Othello.

• A question I have is: why was Othello the only black man? or was he the only black man in the play?
• Many people are very prejudiced against the character of Othello and give him  a bad name to the audience even before he even appears in the play. 

Important lines in Act 1: Scene 1 and 2:

• line 65 in at 1 scene 1 "I am not what I am" by Iago
• Lines 88-89 animal imagery-binary opposition
• lines 113-133 Act 1 Scene 1 "Gross clasps of a lascivious Moor"
•  Act 1 Scene 2 line 83, "To fear not to delight"

Homework

Why has Shakespeare chosen to introduce the main character in this way? How are we, as the audience, being positioned to see Othello and to see other characters?

 

 

In the play, Othello, William Shakespeare decides to introduce his main character, Othello, much later in the play, and as a result, we as the audience are being positioned to see Othello and other characters even before they are seen in the play. Shakespeare's deliberate choice of introducing Othello by the use of other characters, allows the audience to understand that he is a black man who is very much prejudiced against in the beginning of the film, only because of his skin colour. Othello is referred to as

“an old black ram” (I.i.88),
 

in which the audience can identify the racist language chosen to describe Othello. As the audience, we are positioned to see Othello as a black man who serves other people or almost acts as a slave, which shows that the characters in Othello really sever Othello's reputation as the head of the army. Moreover, he is referred to as

“the thick-lips” (I.i.66),
 

which again emphasises the harsh language choices used by other characters in the play to describe Othello. As the audience we are positioned to see the charaters in the play as very prejudice and jealous of Othello's character and position in the play. As a result of the input of other characters in the play introducing Othello's character to the audience, the audience gets a prejudged perception of Othello as a black man who isn't respected by others in the play.
 

 



Journal Entry 10.10.12

Today we watched the movie Othello. *Roderigo is very obsessed with Desdemona, and I don't think that she is aware of this. He will literally do anything for her and he tries to impress her very much. *It's hard to say whether Desdemona actually admires Cassio as it is evident that they share chemistry, but maybe later it will be more distinct that she doesn't like him. *Iago is very good at persuading others to do things that he wants them to do- very manipulative, he's very good at planning things out the way he wants in order for everything to get as planned. *You can definatley see how in the time, the colour of your skin was very much a direct representation of who you were, and Othello being a black man, he got many prejudices against him. *Another theme that has been evident is the theme of jealousy between Cassio and Iago and Roderigo and Othello. This jealousy causes many conflicts between other characters.

9.10.12 Journal Entry

Meaning behind the play: I think the meaning behind the play is to show the themes of deception, love, friendship, disloyalty, social class and prejudice.

Characters: Mr Collins and Charlotte Lucas

How important is the character of Charlotte Lucas to the story? Charlotte Lucas plays a vital role in Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice. Charlotte is the dear friend of Lizzy, and the choice she makes plays an important role in the impact between Lizzy and Darcy. Charlotte is viewed as very pragmatic and chooses to marry for comfort rather than for love, as Lizzy does. One of the techniques that Austen uses when writing about Charlotte Lucas is satire, as the character conforms to society’s view on marriage. Love to Charlotte is not the most vital aspect within a marriage and she believes that “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” The audience is positioned to understand that within Charlotte’s world, happiness is not always likely within a marriage and she acknowledges this by agreeing to marry Mr Collins, not for love, but for a comfortable home. Her role in the novel, allows the audience to view the contrast between Charlotte’s character and Lizzy Bennet’s character. How important is the character of Mr Collins to the story? Mr Collins is quite an important character in Pride and Prejudice, by the way that the author, Jane Austen allows the audience to view his character. Austen satirizes Mr Collins in positioning the readers to view him as a baboon who is too engrossed in Lady Catherine’s life and forgets his own morals and values. “I would advise you merely to put on whatever of your clothes is superior to the rest ...she likes to have the distinction of rank preserved" (137 Austen). He thinks very highly of Lady Catherine and degrades Lizzy by making himself appear ‘better’ than Lizzy. Austen satirizes Mr. Collins because people shouldn't demoralize themselves for the sake of people higher than them on the social ladder of society. This technique allows the audience to laugh at the ignorance of Mr Collins and stupidity, and is an important character as he emphasises the idea of social class in the novel.

Poem analysis

The World is Too Much with Us 1.)The World is Too Much with Us is a poem written by William Wordsworth is about human destruction on this world and how the human race takes for granted for what we have on this earth. Despite the power that the human race holds, we do not use this power to help the world and the environment that we live in. Although the poem is set within the Romantic Era, this poem is still very relevant to today's society. The title itself, proves evidence of the poem's greater meaning,which is that humans and there environment simply cannot co-exist because of the damage that the humans are inflicting. 2.)The concept of earths sustainability and the limited control humans posses over such forces as weather and nature is not new. The most interesting part of the poem for me is the fact that, despite being written in a different era, the basic ideas and principles maintain relevance in today's society. With pressing issues like global warming, overpopulation and threatened species appearing regularly in the news the topics suggested in the poem have greater significance. 3.) The central emotion shown through the poem is guilt, this is shown by the way that Wordsworth says 'The World is Too Much With Us' meaning the human race, being the main reason for destruction in the world. We are at times prone for taking for granted the power of nature that the world provides us (humans) with. The implementation of imagery and descriptive and emotive language, "This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon," evokes a further sense of understanding and involvement in the subjects of the poem as it would have for people in the romantic era (the era of which this poem was written). 4.) 'The World is Too Much With Us' connects to readers in the 21st century in aspects of how the nature is taken for granted by the human race. Author, William Wordsworth was aware of the problem back then,but somehow he also knew that the problem would arise later in life. He writes, "The world is too much with us; late and soon." This is meaning that it has been happening and it will continue within the 21st century. Also, Wordsworth also writes, "Little we see in Nature that is ours." Today, we may see ourselves as owning the land, but nature acts independently of us. In out society today, the human race are taking hold of nature and building sky scrapers and houses and man made desires. We are not seeing the beauty in nature. It is a sign of a talented writer to create a piece that maintains relevance generations on. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud By William Wordsworth The poem, "I wandered Lonely as a Cloud" is a poem written by William Wordsworth, about having the full appreciation of nature and to be mesmerised by nature, that you forget about your own reality. The repetition of the title name, "I wandered Lonely as a Cloud" refers to the author, wandering aimlessly through a field of daffodils. The poet himself, is mesmerised by the beauty of what he sees. But as the poem goes on, he writes about his reality which is "...when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood," which is referring to how his reality saddens him. But then he reminds himself of what he saw and "..then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils." It was a true experience for him and the image of the field of daffodils can be called upon in his mind anytime. William Wordsworth may have written this poem to allow the audience to ponder on their appreciation of nature and what they find is true beauty and a true experience. His own personal experience of wandering through the field of daffodils affected him and he can now call upon the image in his mind whenever he is feeling low. The audience may either relate or not relate to Wordsworth, but either way, the audience can feel the admiration that Wordsworth has for nature and it inspires the readers to do so too. When he writes, "Ten thousand saw I at a glance,"is an exaggeration to how many daffodils he saw, this exaggeration is on Wordsworth's behalf to almost excite the audience. Wordsworth is able to take the audience on a journey of reflection that may result in changed perspectives and approaches to the natural world. The emotions that are evident in the poem is gratification and appreciation. Wordsworth very much appreciates the scene that he sees and he can't take his eyes off of it, "I gazed---and gazed...". He goes on to describe the beauty of the daffodils and what affect it has on him, "The waves beside them danced;but they out did the sparkling waves in glee." however, as he progreses through the poem, Wordsworth describes how when he is at home he is consumed by sadness, so he calls upon the image of the daffodils and "... Then my heart with pleasure fills." There is this real appreciation for the nature and the image of the daffodils, as the affect it has on a person can change their mood immediately. I think the audience would feel the need to go out into nature and experience it properly, because once you go back to your reality you might regret not appreciating the nature properly. This poem connects to readers of the 21st century as nature in this day and age is not very much appreciated by many. Many of the older generations still love and enjoy nature, however, the younger generation, the children of the future, are consumed by society. Society has built barriers such as;video games, Macbooks, iPads, iPhones and other technology devices, which leaves the younger generation no time to enjoy the nature. Nature is very much taken for granted and sooner or later, it won't be as beautiful as it is now, due to global warming. Wordsworth's poem is almost a shout out to people to go out and enjoy what the world offers. When Wordsworth writes, "...but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought," describes how Wordsworth didn't realise the importance of what he was seeing. This relates to readers today, as it explains how you must appreciate everything around you, in order to be most happiest.

english homework: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

what you think are the main themes, your opinion of at least two characters and a general opinion of the book (there must be a detailed reason - you can't simply tell me you hate it because it is hard or boring). Main themes: - love - class - journey opinion of Mr. Collins: he is very proud that he has a residence near Lady Catherine de Bourgh and that he dines with her. He very much brags about her wealth and class. He comes across as very snobby and annoying. Opinion of Mr Wickham: he seems very attractive and charming. But once you find out that he made the story up about Mr Darcy you see that he really is a liar and he’s selfish. Opinion of book: I think the book is alright. It was quite interesting that Mr Bingley was so under the influence of Mr Darcy (how Mr Darcy influenced him to go back home and that Jane didn’t love him). I like how although Elizabeth is expected to marry Mr Collins, she doesn't. It shows that she is independent and goes against her mother’s wills. I would think she would do anything her parents wanted her to do- thought that was the norm back then. It’s an interesting storyline. I can see why there has been so many adaptations of the story- Bridget Jones’ Diary, etc. I also found it interesting how Elizabeth’s friend agreed to marry Mr Collins, even though she didn’t really love him fully. She married him because of the assurance. Assurance of a home, wealth, etc. It shows that it would’ve been really hard for women back then. Because all the wealth would go to the men in the family and women didn’t have jobs, etc. written overview: I have read the whole book.