“[…] The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not,/ Is of a constant, loving, noble nature,/ And I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona/ A most dear husband” (2.1 40).
Iago’s statement once again enforces the concept of him truly being the embodiment of evil. Iago realizes Othello to be a respected, moral, and loving. Iago decides that he hates Othello anyway. His hatred for Othello, however, seems to lack intercity. Iago fails to provide good reason for hating Othello. It seems to be mere jealousy or perhaps a sick game that Iago conducts. It is almost as if Iago has chosen Othello at random to be the victim of his game. Iago wants to use people like Rodrigo and Cassio to angry Othello while he remains in good will with Othello. Iago enjoys creating strife and chaos for others for the sheer purpose of testing his ability to manipulate others.
Question: Why does Iago hate Othello so much? If so, is his reason practical?
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Othello Act 1 Scene 2-3
“Thus do I ever make my fool my purse;/ For I mine own gained knowledge should profane /
If I would time expend with such snipe/But for my sport and profit. I ate the Moor,/ And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets/ H’ as done me office. I know not if’t be true,/ But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,/ Will do, as if for surety. He holds me well:/ The better shall my purpose work him. “ (1.3 27)
This quote vividly demonstrates how Iago is the embodiment of evil within the play. Iago admits to himself how he is using Rodrigo. Prior to this Iago lectures Rodrigo for the second time, on how he should deal with his inability to marry Othello’s wife. Iago is exploiting Rodrigo’s desperation. Iago will keep manipulating people until he is confronted. Eventually living a lie catches up with you and the same befall Iago. He will be exposed.
What will Iago use Rodrigo’s money for?
If I would time expend with such snipe/But for my sport and profit. I ate the Moor,/ And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets/ H’ as done me office. I know not if’t be true,/ But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,/ Will do, as if for surety. He holds me well:/ The better shall my purpose work him. “ (1.3 27)
This quote vividly demonstrates how Iago is the embodiment of evil within the play. Iago admits to himself how he is using Rodrigo. Prior to this Iago lectures Rodrigo for the second time, on how he should deal with his inability to marry Othello’s wife. Iago is exploiting Rodrigo’s desperation. Iago will keep manipulating people until he is confronted. Eventually living a lie catches up with you and the same befall Iago. He will be exposed.
What will Iago use Rodrigo’s money for?
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Separate peace essay, “Does Gene see Finny as a friend or an enemy?”
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Michael Rossi
December 09, 2008
English 10 Honors/Mr. George
English Essay “Does Gene see Finny as a friend or an enemy?”
Gene’s true friend
Gene spent the majority of his duration at Devon in turmoil, due to his lack of self confidence. He constantly struggled to realize his purpose and subdue his envy. Gene wanted to believe that Finny shared his animosity and sense of rivalry. Not only did this thought never cross Finny’s mind, but in fact it was the exact opposite. Gene later realizes, “Now I knew that there never was and never could have been any rivalry between us” (Knowles 59). Finny was, in fact, Gene’s greatest ally in the battle against himself and through his death Gene finally realizes this. Finny was sacrificed for Gene so that Gene would be endowed the clairvoyance bring about a radical change in himself.
Throughout the text, Gene remains a dynamic character, always changing his attitude and goals. Much of this alteration is caused by Gene’s inability to identify his true problems. Finny has always made a genuine endeavor to better Gene and has remained a true friend until the end. Gene’s inner voice often misguides him into foolish actions which Gene clearly regretsward. This is best exhibited after Gene jounced Finny from the tree, “That night I slept easily, and it was only on waking up that this illusion was gone, and I was confronted with myself, and what I had done to Finny” (62). Gene realizes that Finny is not an enemy: however, he fails to recognize Finny is an asset.
When Gene loses his composure, he often directs the blame to a section of himself, rather than accepting the blame. One example of this is when he flung Finny from the tree:” and
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then my knees bent and I jounced the limb” (60). Gene directed the blame to his knees; as if they forced him to jounce the limb. This shows that Gene has recognized a force within himself that seems to think for itself. When Gene’s extreme emotions are unrestricted this force seems to exert its dominion over Gene even more. For example, when Leper tests Gene’s patience and agitates Gene so immensely that he kicks his chair out from under him. When Leper’s mother saw, Gene acknowledges, that a force other than his own led him to his actions “she must have thought, ‘a terrible temper, no self control, but he’s sorry, and he is a good boy underneath’ (146). When Gene suggests what Leper’s mother must be thinking, he states that he must be a good boy underneath. By saying underneath, Gene is referring to the scapegoat personality he uses to shield himself from blame. The surface (being Gene’s dark side) is first acknowledged as an adversary; and this is the turning point of Gene’s depiction of his enemy.
Through dying, Finny’s positive characteristic merged with those of Gene’s to allow Gene to see life from a whole new perspective. When Finny died Gene finally grasped just how dear Finny was to him, “I did not cry then or ever about Finny.[…] I could not escape a feeling that this was my own funeral, and you do not cry in that case” (194). This statement illustrates just how much a friend Finny was. This funeral was not Gene’s distant cousin whom Gene had only spoken to on occasion; rather this is Gene’s closest companion. Gene was so stricken by a plethora of emotions, that this feeling never removed itself from Gene’s mind.
Gene knew Finny so well that he was able to feel what he believes Finny must have felt. This is a connection that one does not have with any arbitrary human being, but a best friend whose attitude and observations can be simulated by past experience and constant scrutiny. Gene expresses this understanding when he describes his experiences during the war. Gene states, “I
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never killed anybody and I never developed an intense level of hatred for the enemy. Because my war ended before I ever put on a uniform” (204). This philosophy is that of Finny’s. It pertains to Finny’s ever-expanding spheres of loyalty that he would not be able to identify the enemy or validate the war. This also demonstrates what Gene has achieved since Finny’s death and Gene’s assimilation.
Beforehand, Gene was unable to restrain himself from potentially violent actions. Gene’s conflict with Quakenbush is an intense example of this: “‘You, Quakenbush, don’t know anything about who I am.’ That launched me, […] I hit him hard across the face” (79). The latest (Finny-like) Gene is not only the aggressor in these circumstances, he fails to realize them altogether due to adapting to Finny’s ever-expanding spheres of loyalty.
Finny’s death exposed Gene to a gateway of opportunities and insight that was once out of reach for Gene. Finny changed Gene for the better; he changed him in the way that only a best friend. The older and wiser Gene interjects judgments within the text about his current views on past occurrences that often are contrary to his adolescent beliefs. This is the chief indicator that Gene has grown emotionally and intellectually from his past. Gene was changed by the only one who ever made him show regret, the only one who remained by him until the end, and the only one to never recognize these deeds as anything out of the standard routine, Finny.
Michael Rossi
December 09, 2008
English 10 Honors/Mr. George
English Essay “Does Gene see Finny as a friend or an enemy?”
Gene’s true friend
Gene spent the majority of his duration at Devon in turmoil, due to his lack of self confidence. He constantly struggled to realize his purpose and subdue his envy. Gene wanted to believe that Finny shared his animosity and sense of rivalry. Not only did this thought never cross Finny’s mind, but in fact it was the exact opposite. Gene later realizes, “Now I knew that there never was and never could have been any rivalry between us” (Knowles 59). Finny was, in fact, Gene’s greatest ally in the battle against himself and through his death Gene finally realizes this. Finny was sacrificed for Gene so that Gene would be endowed the clairvoyance bring about a radical change in himself.
Throughout the text, Gene remains a dynamic character, always changing his attitude and goals. Much of this alteration is caused by Gene’s inability to identify his true problems. Finny has always made a genuine endeavor to better Gene and has remained a true friend until the end. Gene’s inner voice often misguides him into foolish actions which Gene clearly regretsward. This is best exhibited after Gene jounced Finny from the tree, “That night I slept easily, and it was only on waking up that this illusion was gone, and I was confronted with myself, and what I had done to Finny” (62). Gene realizes that Finny is not an enemy: however, he fails to recognize Finny is an asset.
When Gene loses his composure, he often directs the blame to a section of himself, rather than accepting the blame. One example of this is when he flung Finny from the tree:” and
Rossi, 2
then my knees bent and I jounced the limb” (60). Gene directed the blame to his knees; as if they forced him to jounce the limb. This shows that Gene has recognized a force within himself that seems to think for itself. When Gene’s extreme emotions are unrestricted this force seems to exert its dominion over Gene even more. For example, when Leper tests Gene’s patience and agitates Gene so immensely that he kicks his chair out from under him. When Leper’s mother saw, Gene acknowledges, that a force other than his own led him to his actions “she must have thought, ‘a terrible temper, no self control, but he’s sorry, and he is a good boy underneath’ (146). When Gene suggests what Leper’s mother must be thinking, he states that he must be a good boy underneath. By saying underneath, Gene is referring to the scapegoat personality he uses to shield himself from blame. The surface (being Gene’s dark side) is first acknowledged as an adversary; and this is the turning point of Gene’s depiction of his enemy.
Through dying, Finny’s positive characteristic merged with those of Gene’s to allow Gene to see life from a whole new perspective. When Finny died Gene finally grasped just how dear Finny was to him, “I did not cry then or ever about Finny.[…] I could not escape a feeling that this was my own funeral, and you do not cry in that case” (194). This statement illustrates just how much a friend Finny was. This funeral was not Gene’s distant cousin whom Gene had only spoken to on occasion; rather this is Gene’s closest companion. Gene was so stricken by a plethora of emotions, that this feeling never removed itself from Gene’s mind.
Gene knew Finny so well that he was able to feel what he believes Finny must have felt. This is a connection that one does not have with any arbitrary human being, but a best friend whose attitude and observations can be simulated by past experience and constant scrutiny. Gene expresses this understanding when he describes his experiences during the war. Gene states, “I
Rossi, 3
never killed anybody and I never developed an intense level of hatred for the enemy. Because my war ended before I ever put on a uniform” (204). This philosophy is that of Finny’s. It pertains to Finny’s ever-expanding spheres of loyalty that he would not be able to identify the enemy or validate the war. This also demonstrates what Gene has achieved since Finny’s death and Gene’s assimilation.
Beforehand, Gene was unable to restrain himself from potentially violent actions. Gene’s conflict with Quakenbush is an intense example of this: “‘You, Quakenbush, don’t know anything about who I am.’ That launched me, […] I hit him hard across the face” (79). The latest (Finny-like) Gene is not only the aggressor in these circumstances, he fails to realize them altogether due to adapting to Finny’s ever-expanding spheres of loyalty.
Finny’s death exposed Gene to a gateway of opportunities and insight that was once out of reach for Gene. Finny changed Gene for the better; he changed him in the way that only a best friend. The older and wiser Gene interjects judgments within the text about his current views on past occurrences that often are contrary to his adolescent beliefs. This is the chief indicator that Gene has grown emotionally and intellectually from his past. Gene was changed by the only one who ever made him show regret, the only one who remained by him until the end, and the only one to never recognize these deeds as anything out of the standard routine, Finny.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 13
"My fury was gone, I felt it gone, dried up at the source, withered and lifeless. Phineas had absorbed it and taken it with him, and was rid of it forever."
Gene was at a constant state of distraught when it came to his relationship with his friend Finny. Gene’s intense rivalry developed into full blown jealousy. Gene made himself emotionally and socially distant and easily irritable. When Finny died Gene claimed that a part of him died. The part that died was his hatred, jealousy, and competitive nature. Gene not only lost his rival he realized how destructive such an intense feeling is when channeled against others. Through Finny’s death, Gene has been reborn.
Question: Is Gene to blame for being so cold and accepting towards Finny's death so nonchalantly?
Gene was at a constant state of distraught when it came to his relationship with his friend Finny. Gene’s intense rivalry developed into full blown jealousy. Gene made himself emotionally and socially distant and easily irritable. When Finny died Gene claimed that a part of him died. The part that died was his hatred, jealousy, and competitive nature. Gene not only lost his rival he realized how destructive such an intense feeling is when channeled against others. Through Finny’s death, Gene has been reborn.
Question: Is Gene to blame for being so cold and accepting towards Finny's death so nonchalantly?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 12
"I did not cry then or ever about Finny. I did not even cry when I stood watching him being lowered into his family's strait-laced burial ground outside of Boston. I could not escape a feeling that this was my own funeral, and you do not cry in that case."
When Gene learned of Finny’s demise his reaction was lacking. It lacked complexity and it lacked compassion. Two things would most often be key components of the feelings one would have over the loss of a best friend. Finny simply claimed that Finny was a part of him and did not exhibit sadness then or ever. This is especially disturbing because the last encounter he had with Finny was an argument about Finny chances in a potential military battle. Most people after reflecting on the death of a best friend would immediately burst into tears not take them for granted as a part of them and never revisit it again in their minds. If Gene does consider Finny to be a part of him it is all the more reason to cry and mourn their loss especially since their last encounter was not a pleasant one.
Question- When will Gene realize what he has lost?
When Gene learned of Finny’s demise his reaction was lacking. It lacked complexity and it lacked compassion. Two things would most often be key components of the feelings one would have over the loss of a best friend. Finny simply claimed that Finny was a part of him and did not exhibit sadness then or ever. This is especially disturbing because the last encounter he had with Finny was an argument about Finny chances in a potential military battle. Most people after reflecting on the death of a best friend would immediately burst into tears not take them for granted as a part of them and never revisit it again in their minds. If Gene does consider Finny to be a part of him it is all the more reason to cry and mourn their loss especially since their last encounter was not a pleasant one.
Question- When will Gene realize what he has lost?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 11
"You get all your facts!" [...] "you collect every f-ing fact there is in the world!" He plunged out the doors. (Knowles 177)
Finny fails to accept anything that opposes his separate peace. Finny told Gene that he was his best friend and has maintained this to be true for the duration of the story. Finny will not allow Gene to receive the blame that he deserves. When Brinker relentlessly pursues his suspicion of Gene and grows close to receiving the truth, Finny feels threatened that his peace may be infringed upon. Finny, unable to handle this flees to the stairs where he falls, along with his separate peace.
How will Brinker react to Finny’s misfortune? How will Gene react? Will there reactions oppose one another’s?
Finny fails to accept anything that opposes his separate peace. Finny told Gene that he was his best friend and has maintained this to be true for the duration of the story. Finny will not allow Gene to receive the blame that he deserves. When Brinker relentlessly pursues his suspicion of Gene and grows close to receiving the truth, Finny feels threatened that his peace may be infringed upon. Finny, unable to handle this flees to the stairs where he falls, along with his separate peace.
How will Brinker react to Finny’s misfortune? How will Gene react? Will there reactions oppose one another’s?
Monday, December 1, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 10
"Do you think I want to hear every gory detail! Shut up! I don't care! I don't care what happend to you, Leper, I don't give a damn! Do you understand that? This has nothing to do with me! Nothing at all! I don't care!"
Gene verbally lashes out at Leper because his asinine story is so unreal and repulsive. Gene does not only attack Leper because of the story, he also attacks him because he had lost all prior mannerism and value for others. Gene is frustrated that Leper had changed; even more so because the war had changed him. Gene is about to go into this war and he does not wish to become crazed and foolish like Leper. Gene does not wish to relinquish the peace he had dwelled in at Devon. He not wish disorder in his separate peace away from the war.
Question: Will Gene and Leper recreate their friendship?
Gene verbally lashes out at Leper because his asinine story is so unreal and repulsive. Gene does not only attack Leper because of the story, he also attacks him because he had lost all prior mannerism and value for others. Gene is frustrated that Leper had changed; even more so because the war had changed him. Gene is about to go into this war and he does not wish to become crazed and foolish like Leper. Gene does not wish to relinquish the peace he had dwelled in at Devon. He not wish disorder in his separate peace away from the war.
Question: Will Gene and Leper recreate their friendship?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 9
"Everyone contributed to this legend except Phineas." [...] Finny has said, "If someone gave Leper a loaded gun and put it at Hitler's temple, h'ed miss." (Knowles 127)
Finny assumes a very hostile position when others are given Gene’s attention. Earlier in the novel Finny tells Gene that he is his best friend. Throughout the novel Finny has maintained this even though Gene risked Finny’s life. Finny feels connected to Gene like a brother. Finny ushered Gene away from the butt room and showed little appreciation to Leper when others were honoring him. Finny has grown accustom to being number one in Gene’s life. They are usually training for the Olympics or tutoring Finny. The butt room crowd disrupts this cycle and Finny acts out of character.
Question: How will Finny react to Leper addressing Gene as his best friend on the letter?
Finny assumes a very hostile position when others are given Gene’s attention. Earlier in the novel Finny tells Gene that he is his best friend. Throughout the novel Finny has maintained this even though Gene risked Finny’s life. Finny feels connected to Gene like a brother. Finny ushered Gene away from the butt room and showed little appreciation to Leper when others were honoring him. Finny has grown accustom to being number one in Gene’s life. They are usually training for the Olympics or tutoring Finny. The butt room crowd disrupts this cycle and Finny acts out of character.
Question: How will Finny react to Leper addressing Gene as his best friend on the letter?
Friday, November 28, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 8
“This moment was past. Phineas I know had been even more startled than I to discover this bitterness in himself.” (Knowles 117)
Ever since Finny has returned to Devon he has demonstrated a substantial alteration in his conduct, and has brought about a new theme in the novel, change. This verbal lash toward Gene was not something that Finny had done prior to his injury. Finny seems to have also developed an appreciation for academics as well. This is best exhibited on page 119 when Gene claims that he was occupied with dividing his time between tutoring Finny and being coached by him for the Olympics. Also, there is a new (and perhaps less trivial) issue between Gene and Finny. Now that rivalry has been dismissed, (Gene no longer sees Finny as mere competition) Gene and Finny’s views on the war differ tremendously as clash with one another at times. Finny also disclaims the war’s existence. This could be perceived as Finny trying to discourage Gene from joining the service with Brinker.
Question: Will Finny’s new attitude be one that Gene would enjoy befriending?
Ever since Finny has returned to Devon he has demonstrated a substantial alteration in his conduct, and has brought about a new theme in the novel, change. This verbal lash toward Gene was not something that Finny had done prior to his injury. Finny seems to have also developed an appreciation for academics as well. This is best exhibited on page 119 when Gene claims that he was occupied with dividing his time between tutoring Finny and being coached by him for the Olympics. Also, there is a new (and perhaps less trivial) issue between Gene and Finny. Now that rivalry has been dismissed, (Gene no longer sees Finny as mere competition) Gene and Finny’s views on the war differ tremendously as clash with one another at times. Finny also disclaims the war’s existence. This could be perceived as Finny trying to discourage Gene from joining the service with Brinker.
Question: Will Finny’s new attitude be one that Gene would enjoy befriending?
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 7
"[...]I was used to finding something deadly in things that attracted me; there was always something deadly lurking in anything I wanted, anything I loved." (Knowles 101)
This quote states much about Gene’s past actions and dynamic personality. An excellent example of this is Gene’s academic rivalry with his classmates (particularly Chet Douglas). This attracted him because he wished to be the best student who made a speech. He strived to be an overall better person than his friend Finny. This was damaging (perhaps not deadly) to his social life, especially to his relationship with Finny and his mental health, which was clearly compromised. When Gene put so much emphasis and time into his studies he allowed himself to be completely consumed by it, so much so that he perceived any request from a friend to do something recreational or enjoyable as a threat or offense to his academic progress.
Question: Will Gene change for the better and change his insecure attitude toward Finny now that he has returned?
This quote states much about Gene’s past actions and dynamic personality. An excellent example of this is Gene’s academic rivalry with his classmates (particularly Chet Douglas). This attracted him because he wished to be the best student who made a speech. He strived to be an overall better person than his friend Finny. This was damaging (perhaps not deadly) to his social life, especially to his relationship with Finny and his mental health, which was clearly compromised. When Gene put so much emphasis and time into his studies he allowed himself to be completely consumed by it, so much so that he perceived any request from a friend to do something recreational or enjoyable as a threat or offense to his academic progress.
Question: Will Gene change for the better and change his insecure attitude toward Finny now that he has returned?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A Separate peace chapter 6
"Im too busy for sports." (john knowles 84) [...] Liten pal, if I can't play sports, you're going to play them for me," (85)
Gene feels that sports are cynical and they have let down Finny. Finny claimed in his “commandments” that nothing bad can ever come of sports. Finny’s entire existence revolved around sports and he was good at them. When Finny fell and broke his leg all of that was taken away from him; taken away by Gene who pushed shook him to his fall. Due to this Gene has developed a fear of sports. Finny tells Gene that he must play sports in his absence. Gene cedes to Finny’s will because of his guilt.
Question: Will gene sports? If so, will he become a great athlete that Finny once was?
Gene feels that sports are cynical and they have let down Finny. Finny claimed in his “commandments” that nothing bad can ever come of sports. Finny’s entire existence revolved around sports and he was good at them. When Finny fell and broke his leg all of that was taken away from him; taken away by Gene who pushed shook him to his fall. Due to this Gene has developed a fear of sports. Finny tells Gene that he must play sports in his absence. Gene cedes to Finny’s will because of his guilt.
Question: Will gene sports? If so, will he become a great athlete that Finny once was?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 5
"Sports are finished."(John Knowles 63)
This new from Doctor Stanpole devastates Gene. He had finally realized that Finny never harbored ill will for him during any point of Gene’s single sided rivalry. Gene admits to being the reason that Finny had fell and is beginning to realize the extent of damage caused by his self righteousness. Finny lived for sports, he was great at them and this had all been taken away by Gene. Gene has helped break one of Finny’s commandments; that nothing bad can come of sports. Sports can bring grief for one who loves them and knows he cannot play them. Gene recognizes that he is responsible for his actions and tries to shield himself from reality. Will Finny and Gene's friendship remain unchanged?
This new from Doctor Stanpole devastates Gene. He had finally realized that Finny never harbored ill will for him during any point of Gene’s single sided rivalry. Gene admits to being the reason that Finny had fell and is beginning to realize the extent of damage caused by his self righteousness. Finny lived for sports, he was great at them and this had all been taken away by Gene. Gene has helped break one of Finny’s commandments; that nothing bad can come of sports. Sports can bring grief for one who loves them and knows he cannot play them. Gene recognizes that he is responsible for his actions and tries to shield himself from reality. Will Finny and Gene's friendship remain unchanged?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 4
"I didn't know you need to study," [...] "I didn't think you ever did. I though it just came to you." (John Knowles 58)
Finny’s question established that he was never envious of Gene. Gene assumed that because Finny excelled in athletics that he wished to devastate Gene’s academics; in order to increase his own value. This spurred Gene along in his studies, helped himself become very studious, and drove him to academic excellence. When Finny suggested that Gene should abandon studying French and watch Leper leap from the tree into the water; this infuriated Gene who was diligently working. At this instance Gene grasped reality. He realized that Finny was so nonchalant in his work ethic. He did not pose a grave threat to Gene. His lethargic approach to “studying” (for French) consisted of him passing asinine, half French notes to Gene who was consumed by his studies. This was nothing like Gene. Gene felt that Finny was so inferior to him that there was never a rivalry or enmity. Gene claims that he and Gene were “not of the same quality.” (59)
Question: Will Finny decease in the infirmary?
Finny’s question established that he was never envious of Gene. Gene assumed that because Finny excelled in athletics that he wished to devastate Gene’s academics; in order to increase his own value. This spurred Gene along in his studies, helped himself become very studious, and drove him to academic excellence. When Finny suggested that Gene should abandon studying French and watch Leper leap from the tree into the water; this infuriated Gene who was diligently working. At this instance Gene grasped reality. He realized that Finny was so nonchalant in his work ethic. He did not pose a grave threat to Gene. His lethargic approach to “studying” (for French) consisted of him passing asinine, half French notes to Gene who was consumed by his studies. This was nothing like Gene. Gene felt that Finny was so inferior to him that there was never a rivalry or enmity. Gene claims that he and Gene were “not of the same quality.” (59)
Question: Will Finny decease in the infirmary?
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Separate Peace chaper 3
"My God! So I really did it. you know what? i thought i was goign to do it. (John Knowles 43)
Finny’s athletic ability surprises Gene and himself as he shatters the school swimming record. A. Hopkins Parker was the last member of the Devon school to set the record. He graduated before Finny and Gene has arrived at Devon. Finny was outraged that no one had surpassed this record since then. He and Gene located a stopwatch which was used to determine if Finny could overcome Hopkins’ standard. Finny rose to the challenge and defeated Hopkins’ record by .7 seconds. This surprised finny and left Gene to be in a state of, what he refers to as shock on page forty-five. Finny was not a swimmer and he had broken the school swimming record without any prior practice.
Question: Will Finny and Gene be punished for leaving the school campus?
Finny’s athletic ability surprises Gene and himself as he shatters the school swimming record. A. Hopkins Parker was the last member of the Devon school to set the record. He graduated before Finny and Gene has arrived at Devon. Finny was outraged that no one had surpassed this record since then. He and Gene located a stopwatch which was used to determine if Finny could overcome Hopkins’ standard. Finny rose to the challenge and defeated Hopkins’ record by .7 seconds. This surprised finny and left Gene to be in a state of, what he refers to as shock on page forty-five. Finny was not a swimmer and he had broken the school swimming record without any prior practice.
Question: Will Finny and Gene be punished for leaving the school campus?
A Separate peace chaper 2
"Im glad I put on something for a belt! I would certainly would hate the embarrassment of having my pants fall down at the Headmaster's tea." (John knowles 28)
This quote vividly demonstrates Finny’s knack for avoiding punishment others would likely face. Finny attended a tea party among other Devon students and headmasters. Finny began a heated conversion about the war in central Europe by stating, “I think we ought to bomb the daylights out of them, as long as we don’t hit any women or children or old people, don’t you?(26)
This sparked a disagreement with Mr. Patch-Withers (the Headmaster) who claimed there was no precious art in central Europe; and his wife (Mrs. Patch-Withers). She claimed bombing was far too dangerous because of the potential destruction of schools, churches, and hospitals. Finny, who was enjoying this dispute decided to remove his jacket to provide himself with additional comfort. In doing so, he showed that he had neglected to wear a belt and was in fact, wearing a neck-tie around his waist. Finny claimed it was a peculiar tribute to the school and continued to claim it was merely a jest. Not only did he successfully shield himself from probable punitive measures, he also succeeded in making Mrs. Patch Withers laugh.
Question: Will Finny's people skills ever fail and leave him in a state of turmoil?
This quote vividly demonstrates Finny’s knack for avoiding punishment others would likely face. Finny attended a tea party among other Devon students and headmasters. Finny began a heated conversion about the war in central Europe by stating, “I think we ought to bomb the daylights out of them, as long as we don’t hit any women or children or old people, don’t you?(26)
This sparked a disagreement with Mr. Patch-Withers (the Headmaster) who claimed there was no precious art in central Europe; and his wife (Mrs. Patch-Withers). She claimed bombing was far too dangerous because of the potential destruction of schools, churches, and hospitals. Finny, who was enjoying this dispute decided to remove his jacket to provide himself with additional comfort. In doing so, he showed that he had neglected to wear a belt and was in fact, wearing a neck-tie around his waist. Finny claimed it was a peculiar tribute to the school and continued to claim it was merely a jest. Not only did he successfully shield himself from probable punitive measures, he also succeeded in making Mrs. Patch Withers laugh.
Question: Will Finny's people skills ever fail and leave him in a state of turmoil?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Essay topic 3 essay
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Michael Rossi
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
October 26, 2008
Essay Topic 3: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Describe the downfall of Creon in “Antigone” in relation to how we see him in “Oedipus.” What sparks this change? What do you see as the turning point for Creon’s downfall? Describe the different ways Sophocles shows the corrupting force of power.
Blind Tyranny
Creon has changed drastically from “Oedipus the king” to “Antigone,”. Creon was once the voice of reason and represented most of what today’s modern audience would concur with. In Antigone, his once bright insight has been dulled. Creon was once loyal to the will of the God’s. He scolded Oedipus for being so stubborn and dense. He witnessed the sacrilege and impiety that brought about Oedipus’s downfall. Creon is at even greater fault than Oedipus. This is true because Creon failed to learn from Oedipus’s mistakes; even though he preached against it, and was warned by Tiresias. Because of this he has become a contradiction in himself and has failed to learn from the former king’s errors.
As Creon’s becomes king he devalues the opinion and guidance offered to him by others. Being a king means you rule over others, why would it be logical that someone could possess superior knowledge? If that were so, would the more intelligent person not be king? This is Creon’s “dead end” sign on his road to bettering himself as a ruler and excelling. His arrogance is displayed for the first time when he states, “I am the kind of man who can’t and never could/ abide the tongue-tied ruler who through fear/ backs away from advice
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(198). Creon shuns virtually divine advice from Tiresias before properly assessing the situation, “Old man,/ you pot away at me like all the rest.” (237) This is foolish because Oedipus’s life began to fall apart when he shunned Tiresias’s advice: advice that Creon supported: “If you really think a stubborn mind is something to be proud of, / then you’re not thinking straight. “ (30) Also, if Creon considered Tiresias’s warning with a more level mind then perhaps he could have preserved his loved one’s lives.
The reason his wife Eurydice died is because she believed that her son had died, and this made her commit suicide, “My son’s voice strikes my ears./ Hurry, Hurry, servants , to the tomb,/…Haemon, bridegroom, broken,/ cursed the father who had robbed him.” (246) His wife would most likely not have committed suicide if Haemon had not gotten into a conflict with his father. Haemon would probably not have argued with his father if Creon had listened to Tiresias’s advice and released Antigone more promptly. These possibly different outcomes would not have been probable because Creon rejects all reason other than his own. He rejects the ideas of his own people, and he even rejects the will of the God’s.
Creon’s downfall is a contribution of many factors; however, one mistake that he and Oedipus both make during their rule is their inability to cede to the Gods’ will. When Oedipus disobeys the God’s unfavorable fate was bestowed upon him. Creon knew that he was not listening to the Gods. He displayed this when he yells at Tiresais that he will not listen,” Not even if Zeus’s eagles come, and fly away/ with carrion morsels to their master’s throne.” (237) Creon was a fool for thinking that anything different would befall him. Creon did reject the Gods in
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that statement. Perhaps, not as harshly as Jocasta had by saying there is no such thing as fate; but nevertheless he took his God’s name in vain and chose not to listen to them until it was too late.
One thing that Creon does do more quickly than Oedipus is realize his flaws. The first time Creon exhibits this is when he acknowledges the possibility that he did in fact, lead to his family members death, “…Murdered son, father murdering./Son, My son, cut down dead!/ New life that’s disappeared/ And by no youthful foolishness/But by my folly.“ (248) Even though Creon does realize this and tries to rectify the situation by attempting to release Antigone, but she had already hung herself.
In the end Creon lost his voice of reason and was consumed by the darkness that he fought against. Absolute power corrupts absolutely because it puts whoever is on top on such a high pedestal that they believe they are a God. In doing so, you lose everything that makes you superior. If you are the only teacher, and you have no students, when you declare yourself the greatest teacher in the world then you are a teacher of nothing. If you are a king and have no subjects, then in the words of Haemon, “A one man state is no state at all.” (224)
Michael Rossi
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
October 26, 2008
Essay Topic 3: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Describe the downfall of Creon in “Antigone” in relation to how we see him in “Oedipus.” What sparks this change? What do you see as the turning point for Creon’s downfall? Describe the different ways Sophocles shows the corrupting force of power.
Blind Tyranny
Creon has changed drastically from “Oedipus the king” to “Antigone,”. Creon was once the voice of reason and represented most of what today’s modern audience would concur with. In Antigone, his once bright insight has been dulled. Creon was once loyal to the will of the God’s. He scolded Oedipus for being so stubborn and dense. He witnessed the sacrilege and impiety that brought about Oedipus’s downfall. Creon is at even greater fault than Oedipus. This is true because Creon failed to learn from Oedipus’s mistakes; even though he preached against it, and was warned by Tiresias. Because of this he has become a contradiction in himself and has failed to learn from the former king’s errors.
As Creon’s becomes king he devalues the opinion and guidance offered to him by others. Being a king means you rule over others, why would it be logical that someone could possess superior knowledge? If that were so, would the more intelligent person not be king? This is Creon’s “dead end” sign on his road to bettering himself as a ruler and excelling. His arrogance is displayed for the first time when he states, “I am the kind of man who can’t and never could/ abide the tongue-tied ruler who through fear/ backs away from advice
Rossi 2
(198). Creon shuns virtually divine advice from Tiresias before properly assessing the situation, “Old man,/ you pot away at me like all the rest.” (237) This is foolish because Oedipus’s life began to fall apart when he shunned Tiresias’s advice: advice that Creon supported: “If you really think a stubborn mind is something to be proud of, / then you’re not thinking straight. “ (30) Also, if Creon considered Tiresias’s warning with a more level mind then perhaps he could have preserved his loved one’s lives.
The reason his wife Eurydice died is because she believed that her son had died, and this made her commit suicide, “My son’s voice strikes my ears./ Hurry, Hurry, servants , to the tomb,/…Haemon, bridegroom, broken,/ cursed the father who had robbed him.” (246) His wife would most likely not have committed suicide if Haemon had not gotten into a conflict with his father. Haemon would probably not have argued with his father if Creon had listened to Tiresias’s advice and released Antigone more promptly. These possibly different outcomes would not have been probable because Creon rejects all reason other than his own. He rejects the ideas of his own people, and he even rejects the will of the God’s.
Creon’s downfall is a contribution of many factors; however, one mistake that he and Oedipus both make during their rule is their inability to cede to the Gods’ will. When Oedipus disobeys the God’s unfavorable fate was bestowed upon him. Creon knew that he was not listening to the Gods. He displayed this when he yells at Tiresais that he will not listen,” Not even if Zeus’s eagles come, and fly away/ with carrion morsels to their master’s throne.” (237) Creon was a fool for thinking that anything different would befall him. Creon did reject the Gods in
Rossi 3
that statement. Perhaps, not as harshly as Jocasta had by saying there is no such thing as fate; but nevertheless he took his God’s name in vain and chose not to listen to them until it was too late.
One thing that Creon does do more quickly than Oedipus is realize his flaws. The first time Creon exhibits this is when he acknowledges the possibility that he did in fact, lead to his family members death, “…Murdered son, father murdering./Son, My son, cut down dead!/ New life that’s disappeared/ And by no youthful foolishness/But by my folly.“ (248) Even though Creon does realize this and tries to rectify the situation by attempting to release Antigone, but she had already hung herself.
In the end Creon lost his voice of reason and was consumed by the darkness that he fought against. Absolute power corrupts absolutely because it puts whoever is on top on such a high pedestal that they believe they are a God. In doing so, you lose everything that makes you superior. If you are the only teacher, and you have no students, when you declare yourself the greatest teacher in the world then you are a teacher of nothing. If you are a king and have no subjects, then in the words of Haemon, “A one man state is no state at all.” (224)
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