In the section where Beowulf battles the fire breathing dragon, some Anglo Saxon values were displayed. First off Beowulf knew of the dragons reign of terror, as the destruction continued he only then realized this dragon was evil and needed to be stopped after his own home was ruined. "The Beowulf was given bad news, a hard truth: his own home, the best building, had been burnt to a cinder, the throne room of the Geats." (2324-2327) This shows that the idea of having a home is really important to this culture. Beowulf was devastated when he realized the comforts of his own place destroyed, and this was his main incentive to slay the dragon.
There are some major differences between this section of Beowulf and the other sections in this story. At this point the story is nearing its end and Beowulf is starting to show some weakness for the first time. After his house was burnt down it leaves him in a more vulnerable state. Now not only is he fighting the dragon for the protection of others, but also because the dragon took something he loved from him. "Anxiety weighed on his brave heart..." (2784-2785) He is doubting his luck for the first time when searching for the leader of the Geats.
He dies in an honorable state, although the ending may appear to be an unfortunate circumstance, Beowulf sacrificed his own life in the deafeate of the dragon. This is an appropetite death for a hero, who was so pure at heart. His final word include those of not regret but thankfullness of the all he was able to do to help his people ""To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that i behold this treasure here in front of me, that i have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day i die."" (2794-2799)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
LRJ #2-Beowulf
The values of this section include other concepts of Anglo Saxon culture. Those of which are expressed through determined attitudes to finish what fight was started. A battle with an enemy doesn't end until defeated. Even if it means fighting it out with any associations of the enemy like in this case Beowulf is out to get the the mother Grendel, even though she is just a connection of the villein.
The creatures that are described in Beowulf are fictional beasts. That prove there power through violent gory action. The imagery is very intense, yet unrealistic. The monstrous figures are used to exaggerate the the sense of danger. So once defeated, the hero seems braver and stronger.
Some of my favorite quotes in this section of the story are first: "Suddenly light glittered, a light brightened within, as bright and clear as the candle of the sky." This metaphor describes a sudden realization that was like a light being lit inside.
The creatures that are described in Beowulf are fictional beasts. That prove there power through violent gory action. The imagery is very intense, yet unrealistic. The monstrous figures are used to exaggerate the the sense of danger. So once defeated, the hero seems braver and stronger.
Some of my favorite quotes in this section of the story are first: "Suddenly light glittered, a light brightened within, as bright and clear as the candle of the sky." This metaphor describes a sudden realization that was like a light being lit inside.
Friday, December 5, 2008
LRJ #1-Beowulf
The story of Beowulf reflects the Anglo Saxon values through aspects of the theme. Some examples of the cultural traits presented are when the stories elaborate adventures take unexpected turns. These reflect this societies sense of creativity and show the entertainment value of story telling. Beowulf is full of exaggerations and mystical creatures that put heroic characters in danger. Anglo Saxon people tell these tall tails to portray an idealistic warrior figure.
Figurative language commonly used in Beowulf is alliteration, which pairs similar sounding words in the same phrase."and stealthy night-shapes came stealing forth" (650) the S sound in stealthy, shapes and stealing create a rhythm in the flow of the word. This use appears frequently throughout the story.
Another literary concept that is also used often. "He was desperate to flee to is den and hide with the devils litter," (754) When he describes the situation as "devils litter" this compares the feeling to being bad enough to want to hide away with the devils children, like hell.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
LRJ#2-Antigone
Images that frequently appear through out the story of Antigone is the strong sense of death, and the awareness of this topic. The characters in this play all express there attitudes towards the after life. Antigone shows no fear, even the threat of execution doesn't seem to phase her. It shows that even aware of this consequence her morals are more important. Ismene seems to struggle with her willingness to risk her life standing up to law, even if its for the right reasons. It seems Ismene, in general, has a stronger will to live. While Antigone shows less of this, then her obedient sister. She seems to believe a world, where the corrupt can disrespect her family honors, is not worth living in.
Antigone's stubbornness to stand up for something she believes in brings conflict to not only her character, but the whole plot. In this quote: "There is no guilt, in reverence to the dead." (824) it shows that when an act of good towards the dead is frowned upon by others. One should know within themselves, that even if the person is not alive to show appreciation, it is an honorable act. No one could get in the way of how she felt, her sibling deserved a proper funeral and that was that. Her fatal flaw affects everything and eventually brings the story to its climax.
Antigone reaches anagnorisis after the point in which she knows she stands alone in this act of a burial and has moved on from trying to persuade Ismene to help her. Once she has attempted the burial and soon after got caught when the act was only half finished. She comes to a major realization after a guard brings her in to talk to Creon. "Wouldst thou do more then to take and slay me?"(823). Her use of verbal irony here shows her confidence and lac of intimidation against the King. She puts up a strong fight to show Creon where she stands."Pass, then, to the world of the dead, and, it thou must needs love, love them. While I live no women shall rule me" (824) Creon then ended the scene with this tone, And left the audience on edge with this shocking statement. Antigones fate was sealed as her defense infuriated Creon and her death was sentenced.
The play concludes with a major use of peripeteia. The tragic figures all come together when Antigone, Haimon and the Queen all commit suicide in the act of pure sorrow and loss from all that is good. Each character had different reasons for committing their deaths, but the general incentive could be blamed on the pain Creon caused all of them. Once it is known of Creon's plan for the execution of Antigone this is what changes the situation dramatically.
Women are portrayed in this story as figures with high power over the well being of society. The characterizations of these females seem to have the greatest affect over the state, and mood, of the others in the play. Although women weren't seen as having any rule over men, at the time, they also seemed to control aspects of authority through influence of the male.
Antigone's stubbornness to stand up for something she believes in brings conflict to not only her character, but the whole plot. In this quote: "There is no guilt, in reverence to the dead." (824) it shows that when an act of good towards the dead is frowned upon by others. One should know within themselves, that even if the person is not alive to show appreciation, it is an honorable act. No one could get in the way of how she felt, her sibling deserved a proper funeral and that was that. Her fatal flaw affects everything and eventually brings the story to its climax.
Antigone reaches anagnorisis after the point in which she knows she stands alone in this act of a burial and has moved on from trying to persuade Ismene to help her. Once she has attempted the burial and soon after got caught when the act was only half finished. She comes to a major realization after a guard brings her in to talk to Creon. "Wouldst thou do more then to take and slay me?"(823). Her use of verbal irony here shows her confidence and lac of intimidation against the King. She puts up a strong fight to show Creon where she stands."Pass, then, to the world of the dead, and, it thou must needs love, love them. While I live no women shall rule me" (824) Creon then ended the scene with this tone, And left the audience on edge with this shocking statement. Antigones fate was sealed as her defense infuriated Creon and her death was sentenced.
The play concludes with a major use of peripeteia. The tragic figures all come together when Antigone, Haimon and the Queen all commit suicide in the act of pure sorrow and loss from all that is good. Each character had different reasons for committing their deaths, but the general incentive could be blamed on the pain Creon caused all of them. Once it is known of Creon's plan for the execution of Antigone this is what changes the situation dramatically.
Women are portrayed in this story as figures with high power over the well being of society. The characterizations of these females seem to have the greatest affect over the state, and mood, of the others in the play. Although women weren't seen as having any rule over men, at the time, they also seemed to control aspects of authority through influence of the male.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
LRJ #1- A Letter From Ismene
Dear Antigone,
Ive given our previous conversation a lot of thought, I realize now how wrong I was to judge you. You were fighting for something for all the right reasons. I now admire your courage to stand up against the law, that was disgracing everything we stand for. Although the punishment is great for burring an enemy properly, you are my sister and Polyneices my brother. It is my duty to show respect to the dead, and support my family.
King Creon's rule, made me overlook what I value most, out of fear for the consequences. It was a risk I am now willing to take. I know some how we shall find a way to throw a proper funeral for our sibling, and honor the death of a great man.
-Your loving sister Ismene
Ive given our previous conversation a lot of thought, I realize now how wrong I was to judge you. You were fighting for something for all the right reasons. I now admire your courage to stand up against the law, that was disgracing everything we stand for. Although the punishment is great for burring an enemy properly, you are my sister and Polyneices my brother. It is my duty to show respect to the dead, and support my family.
King Creon's rule, made me overlook what I value most, out of fear for the consequences. It was a risk I am now willing to take. I know some how we shall find a way to throw a proper funeral for our sibling, and honor the death of a great man.
-Your loving sister Ismene
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Techno
I know techno is not short for technology, but it should be . If I were to express my views on this issue I would say technology helps us with important equipment. In hospitals and labs, computers are a major progression that help discover ways to save many lives.
Although the use of technology in my home, for everyday life occasion seem to be a useful tool. It is also a distracting activity that takes time away from my day, when I should be up to things i value more.
Although the use of technology in my home, for everyday life occasion seem to be a useful tool. It is also a distracting activity that takes time away from my day, when I should be up to things i value more.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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