“He knew now that Britten was trying to find out if her were a Communist. It was something he had not counted on, ever.” (161)
For the first time Bigger felt doubt and failure in his plan. Britten represents adversity to Bigger’s success. Britten is the type of white that hates Bigger the most. He is a poor white, so he must repress Bigger in order to attempt to remind Bigger (and himself) that Bigger is below him. Bigger is not likely to take kindly to this so he may try to kill Britten so no one will be left to oppose him.
Will Britten give up on his suspicion of Bigger?
How will Bigger deal with the flaw in his plan?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Native son 94-140
"And now that he had kill Mary he felt a lessening of tension in his muscles; he had shed an invisible burden he had long carried." (114)
The invincible burden in Bigger’s life is being suppressed by the white man, who Bigger acknowledges to be a natural force. By killing Mary, Bigger does not attempt to resist that force, but simply side step it redirect it. Bigger attempts to exploit the Dalton’s belief that because Bigger is black he could not have possibly accomplished a murder (specifically one of their daughter). Bigger’s plan to focus the blame of Mary’s murder on Jan is his way of redirecting the force right back at the white people. Bigger breaks their laws and has them pay for it.
Will Mr. Dalton suspect Bigger of murdering Mary?
Will Peggy put two and two together and learn that Bigger killed Mary?
The invincible burden in Bigger’s life is being suppressed by the white man, who Bigger acknowledges to be a natural force. By killing Mary, Bigger does not attempt to resist that force, but simply side step it redirect it. Bigger attempts to exploit the Dalton’s belief that because Bigger is black he could not have possibly accomplished a murder (specifically one of their daughter). Bigger’s plan to focus the blame of Mary’s murder on Jan is his way of redirecting the force right back at the white people. Bigger breaks their laws and has them pay for it.
Will Mr. Dalton suspect Bigger of murdering Mary?
Will Peggy put two and two together and learn that Bigger killed Mary?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Native son 77-94
“He was a murderer, a Negro murderer, a black murderer. He had killed a white woman.” (87)
Due to the manner of Mary’s murder Bigger has further played into the racial stereotype. To burn a body that is potentially still living was a rash decision made by Bigger. If Bigger were to be caught, then he punishment would be greatly magnified. Bigger should have (and still should) come clean and confessed his accidental misfortune. Whereas now Bigger cannot escape the web of lies that he has strung himself to.
Did Mrs. Dalton notice Bigger?
Will Jan learn of Mary’s murder? If so will his perception of racial equality be changed?
Due to the manner of Mary’s murder Bigger has further played into the racial stereotype. To burn a body that is potentially still living was a rash decision made by Bigger. If Bigger were to be caught, then he punishment would be greatly magnified. Bigger should have (and still should) come clean and confessed his accidental misfortune. Whereas now Bigger cannot escape the web of lies that he has strung himself to.
Did Mrs. Dalton notice Bigger?
Will Jan learn of Mary’s murder? If so will his perception of racial equality be changed?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Native son 53-77
“We’ll own all that some day, Bigger,” Jan said with a wave of his hand. “After the revolution it’ll be ours. But we’ll have to fight for it.” (68)
In this section Jan employs inclusive language to describe his ideal for the communist future. Terms such as “we’ll” and “ours” would imply that Bigger has accepted communism and agrees to join in the revolution. Bigger has not approved or disproved joining communism because he does not even begin to understand the meaning. Knowing Bigger’s personality, he will likely believe that Mary and Jan are in an evil communist cult and he will report this to Mr. Dalton.
Will Bigger side with Mr. Dalton or the communists?
Will Mrs. Dalton be able to convince Bigger to attend nigh school?
In this section Jan employs inclusive language to describe his ideal for the communist future. Terms such as “we’ll” and “ours” would imply that Bigger has accepted communism and agrees to join in the revolution. Bigger has not approved or disproved joining communism because he does not even begin to understand the meaning. Knowing Bigger’s personality, he will likely believe that Mary and Jan are in an evil communist cult and he will report this to Mr. Dalton.
Will Bigger side with Mr. Dalton or the communists?
Will Mrs. Dalton be able to convince Bigger to attend nigh school?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Native son 33-53
"This was not his world; he had been foolish to in thinking that he would have liked it." (44)
Bigger often fluctuates between acknowledging his family as his top priority and he wonders why he even cares about them in the first place. The radical change in who Bigger associates with likely contributes to these changes in attitude. If Mr. Dalton helps Bigger to care about his family by proving that he is one of the white folks who is good to their colored worker then Bigger's perception of white people is likely to improve.
Will Bigger enjoy his time with the Dalton's enough to alter his perception of white people?
How will Bigger and Mary's relationship progress? Will it lead to love that is forbidden and angers Mr. Dalton?
Bigger often fluctuates between acknowledging his family as his top priority and he wonders why he even cares about them in the first place. The radical change in who Bigger associates with likely contributes to these changes in attitude. If Mr. Dalton helps Bigger to care about his family by proving that he is one of the white folks who is good to their colored worker then Bigger's perception of white people is likely to improve.
Will Bigger enjoy his time with the Dalton's enough to alter his perception of white people?
How will Bigger and Mary's relationship progress? Will it lead to love that is forbidden and angers Mr. Dalton?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Native son 1-33
"moments of silence and moments of anger- like ebbing and flowing from the tug of a far away, invisible force. Being this way was a need of his as deep as eating." (29)
Bigger’s stubborn attitude and Delinquency has opposed him thus far in the novel. Each time Bigger is silent he is either contemplating crimes, his hatred of others, or his dissatisfaction with the white populace. Each time Bigger unleashes his anger he harms someone close to him emotionally or physically such as Gus or his mother. Hatred, anger and thievery are typically not becoming especially for a man in whom his family depends.
Will Gus successfully asist bigger with the robbery of Blum's?
How can Bigger get the job that his family needs him to if he has spent the vast majority of his carfare?
Friday, March 20, 2009
1984 essay
Rossi, 1
Michael Rossi
March 16, 2009
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
1984 English Essay, Topic: Are we supposed to see Winston as a hero, a failure, or just your average man? Make sure to argue using contributing factors such as the society he lives in, his options for rebellion, and his final outcome.
Winston’s Warning
In the novel 1984 Winston Smith is undoubtedly a failure. Winston exhibits attributes that would lead one into believing that he in fact, is a hero. Winston attempted to rebel against society and over through the party. Winston nearly achieves hero status and as a result, his failure is substantially more devastating. George Orwell created Winston as a failure so that Winston could operate as a warning to others that the world is headed in a negative direction.
A hero is one who succeeds in conquering an arduous set of circumstances through determination and selflessness. Throughout the novel, Winston maintained heroic qualities that would lead one to believe he would emerge triumphant against the party. Winston rebelled against society and attempted to be the change that he wished to see in the world. Winston knew that the party was spreading lies and he wished to bring about justice for himself and the proles. When a hero succeeds he reinforces a concept, such as standing up for one’s beliefs. When a heroic person is defeated, the force that has beaten them is the ultimate power. Winston comes quite close to fulfilling heroic circumstances; however, there is one defining characteristic that he cannot overcome. Winston failed to overcome the party. Heroes may waver or make mistakes, however, they ultimately cannot fail.
Winston failed in action, thought, and belief against the party. The first and foremost way in which Winston failed was in action. Through his action, Winston attempted to use sex as means of rebellion against the party: “Scores of times she had don’t it; he wished it had been
Rossi, 2
hundreds-thousands. Anything that hinted at corruption always filled him with a wild hope. Who knew? Perhaps the Party was rotten under the surface, its cult of strenuousness and self-denial simply a sham concealing iniquity” (125). Winston falsely believed that sex was a rebellion, however not even intercourse could escape the watchful eye of the party. The disparity between reality and what Winston believes is remarkably immense. Winston believes that he is committing an extreme act of rebellion, while he is actually providing the party with further evidence against him. A concrete example of this occurs when O’Brien challenges Winston and his haughty attitude: “And you consider yourself morally superior to us, with our lies and cruelty?” “Yes, I consider myself superior.” […] “It was the sound track of the conversation he had with O’Brien, on the night he enrolled himself in the brotherhood. He heard himself promising to lie, to steal, to forge, to murder, to encourage drug taking and prostitution, to disseminate venereal diseases, to throw vitriol in a child’s face.” (270). O’Brien defeats Winston in every attempt Winston offers to defend himself.
Thought is another way in which Winston is defeated by the party. Unable to control Winston’s hatred for the party he shouts, “Down With Big Brother [,]Down With Big Brother [,]
Down With Big Brother [,] Down With Big Brother [,]Down With Big Brother” (18). This outburst is emblematic of Winston’s subconscious rebellion. Winston realizes that such thoughtcrime is death and claims, “We are the dead” (221). Winston does this in order to attempt to fool himself into believe death will not be as excruciating as Winston imagines (perhaps to eradicate his fear).
Rossi, 3
The party finally defeats Winston utterly and completely when he relinquishes his love for Julia: “Do it to Julia! Do it to Julia! Not me! Julia! I don’t care what you do to her. Tear her face off, strip her to the bones. Not me! Julia! Not me! (286). O’Brien was able to play upon Winston’s fear of rats in order to eradicate Winston’s last virtue. Julia was also unable to stay true to Winston. When they finally reunited, their meeting was substantially less intensive because they had been sucked dry by the party.
George Orwell created Winston as a failure so that Winston could operate as a warning to others that the world is headed in a negative direction. During the time period of George Orwell’s life particularly when he wrote 1984, there was a great deal of hardship. The origin of this hardship was derived from World wars one and two (both of which Orwell endured). Orwell utilized Winston as an avatar to show the world if a group such as the party were to take power in their society, then they might create an impregnable tyranny that may last forever. Big brother, Stalin, or Hitler all attempted to create superior societies by suppressing different individuals. In Hitler’s case it was exterminating the Jews. As for Stalin he wished to rid the world of those who opposed communism. The party wished to maintain their society and convert the traitors. Stalin and Hitler were both defeated because they were opposed by others who believed them to be wrong. In the party’s case none opposed them. On the contrary they were supported. How can a force be defeated if no one wishes to oppose them? The answer is that the force cannot be defeated. One cannot rebel if they do not have a reason for rebellion. Humanity must never lose sight of equality, virtue, and the vision that governments are meant to serve the people since it is the people who award the government its power. Governments are called upon to lead its
Rossi, 4
people to success and prosperity. Should a government seize power by forcing them to realize that they cannot sit on a thrown made of bayonets.
Michael Rossi
March 16, 2009
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
1984 English Essay, Topic: Are we supposed to see Winston as a hero, a failure, or just your average man? Make sure to argue using contributing factors such as the society he lives in, his options for rebellion, and his final outcome.
Winston’s Warning
In the novel 1984 Winston Smith is undoubtedly a failure. Winston exhibits attributes that would lead one into believing that he in fact, is a hero. Winston attempted to rebel against society and over through the party. Winston nearly achieves hero status and as a result, his failure is substantially more devastating. George Orwell created Winston as a failure so that Winston could operate as a warning to others that the world is headed in a negative direction.
A hero is one who succeeds in conquering an arduous set of circumstances through determination and selflessness. Throughout the novel, Winston maintained heroic qualities that would lead one to believe he would emerge triumphant against the party. Winston rebelled against society and attempted to be the change that he wished to see in the world. Winston knew that the party was spreading lies and he wished to bring about justice for himself and the proles. When a hero succeeds he reinforces a concept, such as standing up for one’s beliefs. When a heroic person is defeated, the force that has beaten them is the ultimate power. Winston comes quite close to fulfilling heroic circumstances; however, there is one defining characteristic that he cannot overcome. Winston failed to overcome the party. Heroes may waver or make mistakes, however, they ultimately cannot fail.
Winston failed in action, thought, and belief against the party. The first and foremost way in which Winston failed was in action. Through his action, Winston attempted to use sex as means of rebellion against the party: “Scores of times she had don’t it; he wished it had been
Rossi, 2
hundreds-thousands. Anything that hinted at corruption always filled him with a wild hope. Who knew? Perhaps the Party was rotten under the surface, its cult of strenuousness and self-denial simply a sham concealing iniquity” (125). Winston falsely believed that sex was a rebellion, however not even intercourse could escape the watchful eye of the party. The disparity between reality and what Winston believes is remarkably immense. Winston believes that he is committing an extreme act of rebellion, while he is actually providing the party with further evidence against him. A concrete example of this occurs when O’Brien challenges Winston and his haughty attitude: “And you consider yourself morally superior to us, with our lies and cruelty?” “Yes, I consider myself superior.” […] “It was the sound track of the conversation he had with O’Brien, on the night he enrolled himself in the brotherhood. He heard himself promising to lie, to steal, to forge, to murder, to encourage drug taking and prostitution, to disseminate venereal diseases, to throw vitriol in a child’s face.” (270). O’Brien defeats Winston in every attempt Winston offers to defend himself.
Thought is another way in which Winston is defeated by the party. Unable to control Winston’s hatred for the party he shouts, “Down With Big Brother [,]Down With Big Brother [,]
Down With Big Brother [,] Down With Big Brother [,]Down With Big Brother” (18). This outburst is emblematic of Winston’s subconscious rebellion. Winston realizes that such thoughtcrime is death and claims, “We are the dead” (221). Winston does this in order to attempt to fool himself into believe death will not be as excruciating as Winston imagines (perhaps to eradicate his fear).
Rossi, 3
The party finally defeats Winston utterly and completely when he relinquishes his love for Julia: “Do it to Julia! Do it to Julia! Not me! Julia! I don’t care what you do to her. Tear her face off, strip her to the bones. Not me! Julia! Not me! (286). O’Brien was able to play upon Winston’s fear of rats in order to eradicate Winston’s last virtue. Julia was also unable to stay true to Winston. When they finally reunited, their meeting was substantially less intensive because they had been sucked dry by the party.
George Orwell created Winston as a failure so that Winston could operate as a warning to others that the world is headed in a negative direction. During the time period of George Orwell’s life particularly when he wrote 1984, there was a great deal of hardship. The origin of this hardship was derived from World wars one and two (both of which Orwell endured). Orwell utilized Winston as an avatar to show the world if a group such as the party were to take power in their society, then they might create an impregnable tyranny that may last forever. Big brother, Stalin, or Hitler all attempted to create superior societies by suppressing different individuals. In Hitler’s case it was exterminating the Jews. As for Stalin he wished to rid the world of those who opposed communism. The party wished to maintain their society and convert the traitors. Stalin and Hitler were both defeated because they were opposed by others who believed them to be wrong. In the party’s case none opposed them. On the contrary they were supported. How can a force be defeated if no one wishes to oppose them? The answer is that the force cannot be defeated. One cannot rebel if they do not have a reason for rebellion. Humanity must never lose sight of equality, virtue, and the vision that governments are meant to serve the people since it is the people who award the government its power. Governments are called upon to lead its
Rossi, 4
people to success and prosperity. Should a government seize power by forcing them to realize that they cannot sit on a thrown made of bayonets.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
1984 part two pages end
“The long-hoped- for bullet was entering his brain.” (297)
Before Winston was captured, the most important aspect of his life was his relationship with Julia. At one point Winston acknowledged Julia as the only thing in his life that made his existence worth living .He risked his life just to be with her. When Julia and Winston are reunited after their time in prison and once passionate mutual love is gone and with it, Winston’s will to survive.
Torpid (275) - having lost motion or the power of exertion or feeling
Coherent (275 - logically or aesthetically ordered or integrated
Before Winston was captured, the most important aspect of his life was his relationship with Julia. At one point Winston acknowledged Julia as the only thing in his life that made his existence worth living .He risked his life just to be with her. When Julia and Winston are reunited after their time in prison and once passionate mutual love is gone and with it, Winston’s will to survive.
Torpid (275) - having lost motion or the power of exertion or feeling
Coherent (275 - logically or aesthetically ordered or integrated
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
1984 part two pages 260-274
“No. I believe it. I know that you will fail.” (269)
Thus far, every attempt that Winston has made to prove O’Brien wrong and convince himself that he is right has failed. Winston reaches the point where he is so flustered that he cannot even offer reason to why he is correct. This is much like the debating tactics of a child. In order to obtained what they desire infants whine and fuss and declare that they are right, but cannot prove or explain why. Winston’s desire to witness the fall of the party has reduced his argument to that of a child.
Despotism (268) - exercise of power
Vitriol (270) - a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate
Thus far, every attempt that Winston has made to prove O’Brien wrong and convince himself that he is right has failed. Winston reaches the point where he is so flustered that he cannot even offer reason to why he is correct. This is much like the debating tactics of a child. In order to obtained what they desire infants whine and fuss and declare that they are right, but cannot prove or explain why. Winston’s desire to witness the fall of the party has reduced his argument to that of a child.
Despotism (268) - exercise of power
Vitriol (270) - a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
1984 part two pages 239-260
“I think I exist” (259)
Winston has remained diligent in his belief of the truth. So far Winston has wavered, but not given in to torture or threats. As long as Winston’s truth differs from that of the party’s O’brien will not kill him. If Winston has been killed before O’brien has changed him into believing in the Party, then O’brien and all party ideology will have been destroyed. Winston will break the system or alter it so that his fate will not entail death, or it will not entail death in the same way that other thought criminals experience it. Winston is special because he understands the truth. His death will be special because false truth is unable to be imposed upon him.
Ruffians (241)- a tough, lawless person; roughneck; bully
Rotund (241)- round in shape
Winston has remained diligent in his belief of the truth. So far Winston has wavered, but not given in to torture or threats. As long as Winston’s truth differs from that of the party’s O’brien will not kill him. If Winston has been killed before O’brien has changed him into believing in the Party, then O’brien and all party ideology will have been destroyed. Winston will break the system or alter it so that his fate will not entail death, or it will not entail death in the same way that other thought criminals experience it. Winston is special because he understands the truth. His death will be special because false truth is unable to be imposed upon him.
Ruffians (241)- a tough, lawless person; roughneck; bully
Rotund (241)- round in shape
Thursday, March 5, 2009
1984 part two pages 218-239
“It was my little daughter,” (233) […] “Pretty smart for a nipper of seven, eh? I don’t bear her any grudge for it. In fact I’m proud of her. It shows I brought her up in the right spirit, anyway” (233)
Winston has always acknowledged Parsons as an insolent, fool who was the ideal Party member. Parsons’ loyalty to the party is derived from fear, but out of blind reverence. Nothing could turn Parsons against the Party because his ignorance prevents him from being able to perceive that things will not always unravel in his favor. Parsons’ praising demeanor to being betrayed by his own daughter demonstrates his unconditional respect for the Party.
Supple (219) – Moving and bending with agility; limber.
Jowl (222) - The flesh under the lower jaw, especially when plump or flaccid.
Winston has always acknowledged Parsons as an insolent, fool who was the ideal Party member. Parsons’ loyalty to the party is derived from fear, but out of blind reverence. Nothing could turn Parsons against the Party because his ignorance prevents him from being able to perceive that things will not always unravel in his favor. Parsons’ praising demeanor to being betrayed by his own daughter demonstrates his unconditional respect for the Party.
Supple (219) – Moving and bending with agility; limber.
Jowl (222) - The flesh under the lower jaw, especially when plump or flaccid.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Part 2 Ignorance is strength
“Sanity is not statistical.” (217)
After reading the chapter of the brotherhood’s book, Winston has solidified his knowledge in the party’s methods. Their methods rely upon their subject’s ignorance and terror. To maintain the stupidity and fear over its subjects the Party employs doublethink and blackwhite which are, in themselves, contradictory. Knowing this Winston feels more confident in his sanity even though the society and culture that Winston is exposed to says otherwise.
Inimical (211) – The state or quality of being inimical or hostile; hostility; unfriendliness.
Apex (208) - The highest point; the vertex
After reading the chapter of the brotherhood’s book, Winston has solidified his knowledge in the party’s methods. Their methods rely upon their subject’s ignorance and terror. To maintain the stupidity and fear over its subjects the Party employs doublethink and blackwhite which are, in themselves, contradictory. Knowing this Winston feels more confident in his sanity even though the society and culture that Winston is exposed to says otherwise.
Inimical (211) – The state or quality of being inimical or hostile; hostility; unfriendliness.
Apex (208) - The highest point; the vertex
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
1984 part two pages 184-201
“The war, therefore, if we judge it by the standards of previous wars, is merely an imposture.” (199)
War is no longer preserving rights, acquiring territory, or expanding the sphere of influence a country posses. It is merely a method of gaining an outlet of surplus resources that the government does not wish to employ to improve the living conditions of its citizens. This system is impregnable and mutually beneficial to super states even in the midst of battle. This must be disheartening for Winston. He must truly believe that he along with an unknown handful of others will be more successful in destroying the party than one of its militant enemies.
empirical (189) - originating in or based on observation or experience
drudgery (189) - dull, irksome, and fatiguing work : uninspiring or menial labor
War is no longer preserving rights, acquiring territory, or expanding the sphere of influence a country posses. It is merely a method of gaining an outlet of surplus resources that the government does not wish to employ to improve the living conditions of its citizens. This system is impregnable and mutually beneficial to super states even in the midst of battle. This must be disheartening for Winston. He must truly believe that he along with an unknown handful of others will be more successful in destroying the party than one of its militant enemies.
empirical (189) - originating in or based on observation or experience
drudgery (189) - dull, irksome, and fatiguing work : uninspiring or menial labor
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