"I Can't Make You Love Me."

In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the characters appear to view love as a curse.  Most of the characters think of love as a force that affects its victims wildly.  The characters in Twelfth Night suffer from being in love - whether it is the force itself or the fact that their lovers do not reciprocate the same feelings. Orsino even refers to his feelings of love as "fell and cruel hounds."  Furthermore, Olivia refers to these feelings as a type of plague.  In addition, at another point Orsino refers to love as an appetite that he must fulfill, however, he is unable to.

I do not wholeheartedly agree with Shakespeare’s view on love.  I see love as a feeling that two people share together – a feeling that grows, or, in some cases, a connection that naturally exists.  I do not think it is a curse – after all, without love, life is like the seasons with no summer.  I do, however, agree with the view of Shakespeare’s characters when they state that love is a force that affects its victims wildly.  Love is unpredictable – but isn’t that the beauty of it?  I suppose that unreciprocated love could serve as a type of plague haunting its victims.  This view could also apply to Orsino’s appetite that he is unable to fulfill. 

I believe that all of Shakespeare’s views of love that he presents in Twelfth Night are all plausible ideas; however, I feel that at times they intersect with my own views.  For the sake of drama, Shakespeare’s characters do not appear to accept the reality that their love will not be fulfilled.  Rather, the characters attempt to control what is happening. They appear to attempt to change each other’s feelings – an act that I feel is impossible.

I believe that love is divine – at least true love.   It is a feeling that is naturally already there.  Love is when two forces combine to create one unique force. 

In Twelfth Night, the characters attempt to make these forces combine.  I believe that is impossible. 

However, I do agree that at times love can act as a plague.  It is undoubtedly at times, as Orsino states, an appetite that cannot be fulfilled.  Therefore, I do agree with these aspects of love that are presented in Twelfth Night.  Love can be cruel, but I think it is cruel for a reason.  There’s a sense of glory that comes with love.

Therefore, while I do not agree wholeheartedly with the ideas of love presented in Twelfth Night, I do agree with some aspects.  I don’t agree with Shakespeare’s characters thinking that they can force love upon one another.  In the words of Bonnie Raitt, “I can’t make you love me.”  Some things in life are not able to be controlled.  Just like the seasons of the year, love comes and goes.  It affects its victims wildly, happening at times when least expected.  Love does act as an appetite that can never be fulfilled, however, once it is, its true power is realized.  

"Mama, what is my destiny?"

For this word search project, I have chosen to define and research the word destiny.  Why would I choose this word?  Because I feel that everyone has a certain destiny, and I am fascinated by this concept.  What is my destiny? What is yours?

This word means so much to me.  It is essentially what life is about.  Destiny defines our purpose.

I know that this is a very significant word.  It is defined as, "the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future."  To me, destiny refers to many things.  Pertaining to history, it can refer to manifest destiny and our mission as a nation.  It can refer to operas and lyrics to popular music.  Or, destiny can refer to one of the most memorable movie lines in cinematic history, "Luke, it is your destiny."

I have chosen to explore this word because at this stage of my life, I am unsure what my destiny.  There are many forks in the road, each bringing about its own sorrows and happiness, and here I sit, unsure of which way to go.

I admire the use of destiny in the film Slumdog Millionaire.  The director, Danny Boyle, has had much commentary on the idea of destiny.  Therefore, I look forward to study this word, and maybe in turn come upon some understanding as to what is written and what is not.

It seems that choosing this word might have been my destiny.

-Jeremy

An Hundred False Lapses More

“By this gaude have I wonne, yeer by yeer,

An hundred mark sith I was Pardoner.

I stonde lyk a clerk in my pulpet,

And whan the lewed peple is doun y-set,

I preche, so as ye han herd bifore,

And telle an hundred false Iapes more.”

These six lines from the Pardoner's Tale are very interesting.  These lines illustrate exactly who the Pardoner is.  Basically, the Pardoner is admitting to the fact that he makes a lot of money off of a scam.  He declares that he tells "a hundred lies" to people and by doing this makes about a hundred gold coins a year.  I find these lines interesting because although they show the deceptive nature of the Pardoner, they also demonstrate his honesty.  He admits to the reader the basis of his scam.  He tells the reader that he is fake.

Furthermore, the following lines are very interesting.  They show the hypocritical nature of the Pardoner.

“But shortly myn entente I wol devyse;

I preche of no-thing but for coveityse.

Therfor my theme is yet, and ever was—

“Radix malorum est cupiditas.”

Thus can I preche agayn that same vyce

Which that I use, and that is avaryce.

But, though my-self be gilty in that sinne,

Yet can I maken other folk to twinne

From avaryce, and sore to repente.

But that is nat my principal entente.

I preche no-thing but for coveityse;

Of this matere it oughte y-nogh suffyse.”

Basically, the Pardoner admits to preaching out of sheer greed.  He declares that the reason why he preaches about how the love of money is the root of all evil is so that he can preach about the "same sin that I myself indulge in."

This demonstrates a meaningful quality to the Pardoner.  He almost has two personas.  One that realizes the evils of society and works to point them out and fix them, and one that indulges in these evils.

But why is the Pardoner such a hypocritical character?  Did Chaucer mean to write about such a conflicting character?

I think that the conflicting beliefs of the Pardoner make him the character he is.  Without these conflicting ideas, the Pardoner would be an average, boring character.  The reader becomes so interested in the Pardoner because he is so real, so human.  His conflicting beliefs represent the contradictory nature of humans and the societies that govern.

Chapter 3, Project #2 - Ivanhoe

In Chapter 1 of Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott, there is an excerpt in which two characters have a conversation. These two characters, Wamba and Gurth, are two extremely interesting characters.  Wamba, a Jester dresses elaborately and contrasts greatly to Gurth, a swine-herd.  In this excerpt, Wamba and Gurth have a conversation in which they discuss the differences between the names of animals and the names of the food they produce.

Wamba asks, "Why, how call you those grunting brutes running about on their four legs?"  The herd repleies, "Swine, fool, swine." To which Wamba retorts, "And swine is good Saxon...but how call you the sow when she is flayed, and drawn, and quartered, and hung up by the heels, like a traitor?"  The swine-herd answers, "Pork."

I thought this conversation was really funny and interesting because it shows how things change in meaning after they have been affected in a certain way. For example, the "grunting brutes" are called swine when they are alive, but once they have been "flayed" they are known as pork.

Wamba continues, "...so when the brute lives, and is in the charge of a Saxon slave, she goes by her Saxon name; but becomes a Norman, and is called pork, when she is carried to the Castle-hall to feast among the nobles." Furthermore, Wamba declares, "Nay, I can tell you more...there is old Alderman Ox continues to hold his Saxon epithet, while he is under the charge of serfs...but becomes a fiery French gallant when he arrives before the worshipful jaws that are destined to consume him....he is Saxon when he requires tendance, and takes a Norman name when he becomes matter of enjoyment."

I thought this was very interesting.  This excerpt goes to show how that under certain circumstances, names take a significant role.  What type of name is used and how it is used sets a certain degree in conversation.  This can be linked to a more modern usage of the terms Mr. Mrs. and Ms.  We have titles and in casual conversation with friends we often leave these titles out. However, in a more professional setting these surnames are required.

Language is a beautiful thing. :)

Through the Eyes of Wiglaf

My hero has fallen.  Beowulf stands no more. But I feel as if the time has come unexpectedly.  Had the warriors acted how they should have, Beowulf's life would have been spared.  He fought for their lives and protected our country with his life, and his very own people could not even offer their own protection.

I do not know what horrors lie ahead.  I fear the future.  Our country now lies in the hands of its invaders.  I pray that we have the strength to survive.  I cannot believe I allowed this to happen.  If only I had helped Beowulf sooner.

Regrets are better left unspoken.

Chapter 2: Exercises and Projects

2.  Certainly Uncertain

     "He wants you back," he screamed in to the night air like the sound of a bell that did not ring, save for the love that howled in his heart.  How could this be?  Smashed dreams live on at the site of their birth.  A tired man looks at his tired hands and knows not what lies in front of him.  He knows what it is to love, but not what it is to be loved.  In to her heart, he will beat once more.  Time is an odd thing  At any point do things in fact end?
     "I don't know," he says.  You show the world to me.  A man's thoughts live on in a boy's dream.  Two worlds crash in to one and at that hour a link is joined, one that can't be split.  Time goes by, and they meet out of the blue.  In to her heart, he beats once more.

3.  The Runic Alphabet

     (See chart) Futhorc, a runic alphabet used by the Anglo-Saxons, was descended from the Elder Futhark of 24 runes and contained between 26 and 33 characters.  It was used probably from the fifth century onward, for recording Old English and Old Frisian.  Regarding the history of the Anglo-Saxon futhorc, there are competing theories as to the origins.  One theory proposes that it was developed in Frisia, and from there spread later to England.  Another holds that runes were first introduced to England from Scandinavia where the futhorc was modified and then exported to Frisia.  However, both theories have their inherent weaknesses.

4. Alfred the Great

    Alfred the Great, born in 849, was King of Wessex from 871-899.  Alfred the Great is noted for his defense of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of southern England against the Vikings, becoming the only English king to be accorded the epithet - "the Great."  Alfred was the first King of the West Saxons to style himself "King of the Anglo-Saxons."  Alfred was a learned man who encouraged education and improved his kingdom's legal system and military structure.  He is regarded as a saint by some Catholics, but has never been officially canonized.  He may often be depicted in stained glass in Church of England parish churches.  His successor was Edward the Elder.  Alfred the great died in 899.

Blog Assignment #2

  Throughout my time, I have read numerous books, whether it be for school or for my own personal interest.  Below is a list of my top 5 books – these books range from classic tales to personal journals or guides to topics I enjoy. 

  Here is a list of my top 5 books:

1.     The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I read this book in the 4^th grade, after my Father recommended that I check it out.  Ever since I picked it up in 4^th grade, I’ve bought numerous copies of it and even read it a few more times.

2.     Catcher In The Rye, J.D. Salinger.  I find this book very memorable to me because I feel like I share much in common with the main character, Holden Caulfield.  Also, it’s a very honest book – what more could you ask for?

3.     Johnny Got His Gun, Dalton Trumbo.  I picked this book up after watching the film.  I think it’s a very meaningful story.

4.     Rebel Without A Crew, Robert Rodriguez.  I picked this book up in a book store after I graduated the 8^th grade.  As my interest in film grew, I began reading books about how to make films.  Robert Rodriguez is one of my favorite directors, and his book follows the journey that he took in making his first film.  This book has served as a guide for my future filmmaking techniques and the way I approach making a film.

5.     Understanding Movies, Louis Giannetti.  My Grandparents sent me this book.  It includes some very interesting analyses of many popular films.

Blog Assignment #1

    Over the course of the summer, I chose to read two books: Frankenstein, a novel written by Mary Shelley during the 18^th century, and A Clockwork Orange, a novel written by Anthony Burgess and published in 1962.  As I stared blankly at the two books that rest beside me on my nightstand, I thought about the stories that these two novels held.  I had not done any background research on the material of these two books, so I was in for a surprise.  And so, with this curious attitude, I picked up the first book.  I stared at the cover in confusion. The title glared back at me in large letters: FRANKENSTEIN.  Thus began my journey in to the mind of Mary Shelley and through an 18^th century world.

    The story begins with a Captain Robert Walton embarking on a journey to explore the North Pole.  Through his correspondence with his sister, Margaret Walton Saville, we learn that Captain Walton is on a mission to achieve fame through scientific exploration.  Unfortunately, the Captain’s ship becomes trapped in a barrier of broken ice.  During their “captivity,” the crew notices a man on a sled in the distance.  Later, a man is found floating on a raft near the boat.  The crew rescues this man and brings him to the Captain’s attention.  As Frankenstein begins to recover, he begins to talk to Captain Walton.  It is through this encounter that we learn of Frankenstein’s tale.  At first, I was confused with the many transitions that took place.  The book travels from the letters of Captain Walton and then to Frankenstein’s narration of his journey.  Although at first confusing, this transition proved to be extremely clever.  Through Frankenstein’s tale, we learn that he, like Captain Walton, embarked on his own journey to achieve fame through scientific exploration.  His mission was to create a being that he could share his desires and feelings with.  After months of preparation, Frankenstein succeeded, however, his creation was disastrous.  Built from a collection of bones from charnel-houses, Frankenstein’s creation was a hideous catastrophe.  Frankenstein, fearful of what he has done, flees the scene of his creation.  The rest of the novel explains Frankenstein’s later encounters with his horrid creature and the revenge plots that ensue.  After Frankenstein’s monster wreaks havoc on society in an attempt to find a companion, Frankenstein vows to destroy his creation.  Through a plethora of events, we are taken back to the place of the beginning.  Frankenstein is travelling the North Pole in hopes of finding his monster and destroying it.  After Frankenstein’s narration, we are taken back once again through a transition to Walton’s narration.  Walton concludes with Frankenstein’s unfortunate death, due to an illness gained from the long journey to find his monster.  At the end of the novel, Walton goes to check on Frankenstein and finds the monster mourning over his master’s body.  After confronting Captain Walton, the monster leaves in sadness, never to appear again. 

    Personally, I think this was a well-written novel.  Once I was aware of the transitions that Mary Shelley was using, I enjoyed her clever storytelling and her use of frame story.  I thought the ending was kind of abrupt – with the monster’s brief appearance and disappearance.  I hoped for more of a conclusion – possibly with Frankenstein and his monster coming face-to-face and finding some sort of agreement.  I hoped for Frankenstein to be freed from the guilt that ensued his journey (due to the death of his friends and family by his monster’s hands).  I hoped for the monster to gain a companion and friend and live like he wished.  Shelley really personalized the character of the monster.  I felt his pain and sadness, living in a lonely world that judged him by his appearance and not his true character.  Therefore, due to the themes and characters that Mary Shelley utilized in her novel, I found Frankenstein to be a very worthwhile and pleasing novel.

-           -  JABDO

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