The Invisible Man MOR

In The Invisible Man, I guess I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it is a very depressing story. Of course, it makes sense that the story isn't happy, however I guess I thought there would be some inkling of a hero within the narrator, and he seems to just be in a lull of unhappiness. He himself doesn't really know what to do. I see now why Mrs. Disher had us watch the introductory videos to this book, because it helps put a visual to what is going on. One of the more difficult things to grasp is the narrator’s opinion of his grandpa. In chapter one, the narrator says “I could never be sure of what he meant… And whenever things went well for me I remembered my grandfather and felt guilty and uncomfortable” (16). The narrator seems to respect his grandpa, but there is emotional baggage and almost fear on some level of his grandpa, seen again in chapter two when the narrator is talking about looking at a photo of his grandpa. He says, “It was a face that fascinated me. The eyes seemed to follow everywhere I went… I awoke the the old man’s [his grandfather] laughter ringing in my ears” (33). His dream had been about going to the circus with his grandpa. It will be interesting to see how the narrator characterizes his relationship with his grandfather further, and see if that gets paralleled in any other relationships through the book,The Invisible Man. 

Death of a Salesman- Political/Marxist lens

In the play Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, the man character Willy and his family of three others are slaves to money. The play as a whole represents the death of the "American Dream." When one pictures the American Dream, one pictures a content family with the latest technology, kids in school on their way to higher education, the man providing for the family and the mother running the household. Willy’s family is experiencing the failure of that dream. Both kids are out of high school, trying to make money but having trouble Linda is trying desperately to uphold the household, but so often we see bits and pieces of the household breaking, requiring money to get working again, and money is something becoming harder to come by. Willy loses his job, and can no longer provide for the family. In a time where capitalism was revered by America, Death of a Salesman offers an interesting take on the negative side of capitalism, exposing the servitude people experience when in a society where money makes the world go on. This contrasts with the Utopian, Marxist Dream, which seeks to remove the power money holds. Willy’s money worries are exemplified when he's talking to Linda about the refrigerator needing fixing. He says, “I just finished paying for the car and it’s on its last legs. The refrigerator consumes belts like a goddam maniac… They time them so when you finally paid for them, they’re used up.” Where the advancement of technology is something to celebrate, when society becomes a slave to what one has to do to keep up technology, then things become difficult for middle class families. This is also displayed when Willy is talking to Howard about getting a recorder. Willy hears about the recorder and says, “I think I’ll get one myself.” Howard responds with, “Sure they’re only and hundred and a half. You can’t do without it.” This represents the sickness that is the obsession to have what others do. The situation is seen as annoying because obviously Willy cannot afford a recorder, yet still has the temptation to buy one for the sake of showing off, just as Howard does. Capitalism, arguably, drives society into this material obsession, which is what Marxism seeks to eradicate, by putting all on level footing. 

New Years Photo Walk

I thought quite a bit about college on my walk. Perhaps it is because my family and I seem to always find ourselves wandering back into the same conversation about where I am going to school. I completed my applications for all of the colleges I am applying to. It is done, and yet there is so much to do. Walking was refreshing. Walking alone was different, but because I am such a social person, being alone is necessary for me, so that I can think about myself not in the context of others. I have to make this decision about college, and of course my parents preference plays a lot into the decision, but I have to remind myself that this is not their decision. My photos are of the city. I love this city, and it is sad that I am leaving, but some how my leaving will enable the city to still hold magic for me. This year in Seattle has been like no other. I've met people who's impression on me will stay for the rest of my life. I will keep these photos and all the rest I have taken throughout the year so that I can remember this year when it is gone.

Medea MOR

In this first section of Medea, we were introduced to a few of the characters. One thing I find interesting about plays is that they often don't introduce their main character first, like movies or TV shoes do, or even books. In Medea, we are first introduced to the Nurse, who is very loyal to her mistress, cares for the children, and hates Jason, Medea's husband who is leaving her for the daughter of Creon, King of Corinth. The Nurse makes the statement, "Jason is no friend of people in this house." Medea and Jason had gone through a lot together, leaving a trail of bodies behind them, which Medea contributed to for the sake of her love for Jason. Now, he is leaving her and she is in despair. One thing that I thought was interesting throughout the passage was how the characters talked about men. The Attendant/Tutor/Pedagogue seems as if he is making excuses for what Jason did, saying in lines 107-108, "What mortal man is not [bad to his family]? Don’t you know yet
 all men love themselves more than their neighbors." Medea also herself says in lines 245-246, "Many men, I know, become too arrogant,
 both in the public eye and in their homes." It will be interesting to see what other comments are made about this.
Patsy- Do you have a favorite character so far? I think mine is the Nurse. I like her loyalty to Medea, and her sass that she shows to the Attendant.

Antigone Trial Review

All in all, I felt that our Antigone mock trial went well. I think one highlight was the witness questions of Haemon by the prosecution-- a job well done by Verity and Patsy. I also thought Tiresias, played by Mackenzie, was a very well done character, with great answers. Creon's closing speech was eloquent and well written by James. Of course I am glad the defense won, however it was a good fight, and not an easy one. I think everyone did very well.

Antigone Quote and Question 2

On page 153 of Antigone, my quote is, "Mark this, my son: all men fall into sin. But sinning, he is not for ever lost. Hapless and helpless, who can make amends and has not set his fave against repentance."

My question is, if this society is supposed to be polytheist, why the Biblical references?

Antigone Quote and Question

My quote from Antigone is by the Ismene, who came in right after Antigone is brought to Creon because she buried Polynices. Ismene says,
"I did it-- yes-- if she will let me says so. I am as much to blame as she is."
My question is, why did Ismene do this? She seemed so opposed because of the threat of death, and now she wants to take credit for the burial. Why?