aficionado- a serious devotee of some particular music genre or musical performer
browbeat- to discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate
commensurate- able to be measured by a common standard
diaphanous- Of such fine texture as to be transparent or translucent
emolument- Payment for an office or employment
foray- A sudden raid or military advance
genre- A realistic style of painting that depicts scenes from everyday life
homily- An inspirational saying or platitude
immure- To confine within or as if within walls; imprison
insouciant- carefree or unconcerned; light-hearted
matrix- a substance, situation, or environment in which something has its origin, takes form, or is enclosed
obsequies- A funeral rite or ceremony
panache- A bunch of feathers or a plume, especially on a helmet.
persona-
The role that one assumes or displays in public or society; one's
public image or personality, as distinguished from the inner self
philippic- a bitter or impassioned speech of denunciation; invective
prurient- unusually or morbidly interested in sexual thoughts or practices
sacrosanct- Regarded as sacred and inviolable
systemic- Of or relating to systems or a system
tendentious- Marked by a strong implicit point of view; partisan
vicissitude- A change or variation
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Literature Analysis #2: Brave New World
1. Brave New World is a novel about our world in which everyone is given specific jobs according to how they are bred. This novel is set in the future and is based on a utopian society. Your class is based on how much oxygen you are given when still an egg. Those given less oxygen tend to be of a lower class and vice versa. The God everyone worships was the creator of the modern assembly line, Henry Ford. The narrative certainly fulfills the authors purpose in that it demonstrates how absurd such a society would be. The entire novel is one complete satire
2. The theme of the novel reflects the idea of a society engulfed in technology. People in this society find that life is too overwhelming to truly understand so by controlling all aspects of life, one releases the normal stress of life itself. The author portrays through the novel how the reality of such a life is quite lackluster, in fact the qualms and fears that people have actually make life much more interesting.
3. The author's tone can be seen as very melodramatic. The reason for this is because the author wants the reader to understand that the life the characters are sadly experiencing is so dull that it must me made interesting with a taste of sarcasm. "Hinted at the gravity of the so-called "trauma of decanting," and enumerated the precautions taken to minimize, by a suitable training of the bottled embryo, the dangerous shock." This quote obviously makes little sense out of context, which is what the author I believe was trying to accomplish. "Bernard drew a deep breath and squared his shoulders, bracing himself to meet the dislike and disapproval which he was certain of finding within." Once again the author offers a sense of great drama in order to make the scene more enticing. Finally sayings including "Orgy Porgy" and "Thank Ford!" represent again the dramatic and overwhelming sarcasm the author portrays throughout the entire novel.
4.
Characterization:
1. "The world’s stable now. People are happy; they get what they want, and they never want what they can’t get... And if anything should go wrong, there’s soma." This quote is a great example of indirect characterization. The author wants to portray just how naive Mustapha Mond really is when it comes to the world around him.
"Put your arms around me...Hug me till you drug me, honey...Kiss me till I’m in a coma. Hug me honey, snuggly..." Once again the author takes advantage of indirect characterization to portray the melodramatic personalities of the many characters in the novel.
"Each of them carried a notebook, in which, whenever the great man spoke, he desperately scribbled. Straight from the horse's mouth." This quote represents direct characterization in that the director is seen as a higher figure that the students look up to.
"Beckoning to a fair-haired, ruddy young man who happened to be passing at the moment." Again the author is making great use of direct characterization in order to reveal physical traits about that single character.
2. When the author begins to describe a character, his diction becomes much more elementary when compared to the rest of the novel. "His fordship Mustapha Mond! The eyes of the saluting students almost popped out of their heads. Mustapha Mond! The Resident Controller for Western Europe! One of the Ten World Controllers." As the reader notices when the author decided to describe a character he makes sure that the readers are able to fully grasp what exact persona each character gives off. Instead of intertwining difficult words into his text, he would rather have the reader understand the character rather than be lost in a complicated description.
3. I believe the main character is mostly static throughout the entire novel until he is finally blinded by is optimism. John is a character who is rejected by both the past and the future, however is he able to keep himself afloat by communicating his thoughts and ideas through the works of Shakespeare. He wants to see the world as it is but finds it often confusing and somewhat dull. I feel that he is also a very flat character in that he never truly changes his ways until his death. With the occurrence of John's death the reader is able to grasp the idea that John has decided to take the most drastic route by proclaiming his opposition to the world around him. I believe that if John could have developed a more "livelier" way of conflicting the outside world, he could have possibly been a dynamic character.
4. Honestly I feel that I have merely read a character. The characters in the novel are not people I really would like to meet, therefore I have no interest in finding a deeper meaning to each character. I cannot simply pinpoint an exact textual example because I feel as the the entire novel is one example of the world I do not wish to live in. I believe life is meant to be difficult and that it is our right to be free in expressing ourselves. This novel offers a satirical version of what life would be if we could not control our own future, and that scares me. For all of these reasons I feel that I have only read about characters rather than "meeting" these characters per say.
2. The theme of the novel reflects the idea of a society engulfed in technology. People in this society find that life is too overwhelming to truly understand so by controlling all aspects of life, one releases the normal stress of life itself. The author portrays through the novel how the reality of such a life is quite lackluster, in fact the qualms and fears that people have actually make life much more interesting.
3. The author's tone can be seen as very melodramatic. The reason for this is because the author wants the reader to understand that the life the characters are sadly experiencing is so dull that it must me made interesting with a taste of sarcasm. "Hinted at the gravity of the so-called "trauma of decanting," and enumerated the precautions taken to minimize, by a suitable training of the bottled embryo, the dangerous shock." This quote obviously makes little sense out of context, which is what the author I believe was trying to accomplish. "Bernard drew a deep breath and squared his shoulders, bracing himself to meet the dislike and disapproval which he was certain of finding within." Once again the author offers a sense of great drama in order to make the scene more enticing. Finally sayings including "Orgy Porgy" and "Thank Ford!" represent again the dramatic and overwhelming sarcasm the author portrays throughout the entire novel.
4.
- Imagery--"Meanwhile, it was a privilege. Straight from the horse's mouth into the notebook. The boys scribbled like mad." This quote gives the reader the understanding of the physical appearance of the Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning. It also gives some kind of comic relief. (pg.4). "He rubbed his hands. For of course, they didn't content themselves with merely hatching out embryos: any cow could do that." Once again the other uses imagery to give a sense of the complexity taking place in this factory. The author gives the idea that what is developing is something truly important. (pg. 13)
- Onomonopia--Organ Store in the sub-basement. Whizz and then, click! the life-hatches flew open." The word "whizz" imitates the sound of a some kind of operation being done with fidelity and quickness. Makes this part of the scene more appealing to read. (pg.9)
- Simile--"He pointed upwards. Like chickens drinking, the students lifted their eyes towards the distant ceiling." The students taking the tour are in awe when the director decided to point at the galleries connected to the ceilings. Makes the reader understand just how great the setting really is. (pg.11)
- Satire--"...you all remember, I suppose, that beautiful and inspired saying of Our Ford's: History is bunk." In this quote the author presents the idea that history should not be remembered because of the constant struggles humans had to endure. (pg.34) . "What suffocating intimacies, what dangerous, insane, obscene relationships between the members of the family group." The idea of family is being highly criticized in this quote in order for the reader to understand that the simple idea disgusted the majority of the population. (pg.37)
- Pun--"The more stitches the less riches..." This quote enables the reader to understand the concept of consumerism which is highly prioritized as keeping the balance of the society as a whole. They believe that if you fix what you buy, there is no point to continue to consume which will throw off the economy. (pg. 51)
- Diction--"Phosgene, chloropicrin, ethyl iodoacetate, diphenylcyanarsine, trichlormehty, chloroformate, dickhlotethy sulphide. Not to mention hydrocyanic acid." Most of the general public would not know what any of these chemical structures are, however the author uses these once again to intrigue the reader." (pg.47). "The President stood up, made the sign of the T and, switching on the synthetic music, let loose the soft indefatigable beating of drums and choir of instruments--near wind and super-string--that plangently repeated..." This novel certainly aims to write towards a direct age group. The diction presented in this quote is far from elementary.
- Syntax--"On Rack 10 rows of next generation's chemical workers were being trained in the toleration of lead, caustic soda, tar, and chlorine." The author's syntax waste's no time circumnavigating around details. Instead the author tends to get right to the point without wasting any precious time.
- Motif-- The novel focuses heavily on sex as a motif. I feel that this motif is used so frequently because sex is something that is known as a great stress reliever and the main focus of this novel is to relieve stress in some way.
- Symbol-- Soma is a drug taken in order to feel basically more happy and relaxed. Again the author is stressing the point that the general population cannot survive on stress which why it often needs things like Soma to relieve it.
- Irony-- The title itself is quite ironic. Brave New World when taken into consideration is not at all what it seems. In fact the world that the characters thrive in is consumed by fear, not lead by bravery.
Characterization:
1. "The world’s stable now. People are happy; they get what they want, and they never want what they can’t get... And if anything should go wrong, there’s soma." This quote is a great example of indirect characterization. The author wants to portray just how naive Mustapha Mond really is when it comes to the world around him.
"Put your arms around me...Hug me till you drug me, honey...Kiss me till I’m in a coma. Hug me honey, snuggly..." Once again the author takes advantage of indirect characterization to portray the melodramatic personalities of the many characters in the novel.
"Each of them carried a notebook, in which, whenever the great man spoke, he desperately scribbled. Straight from the horse's mouth." This quote represents direct characterization in that the director is seen as a higher figure that the students look up to.
"Beckoning to a fair-haired, ruddy young man who happened to be passing at the moment." Again the author is making great use of direct characterization in order to reveal physical traits about that single character.
2. When the author begins to describe a character, his diction becomes much more elementary when compared to the rest of the novel. "His fordship Mustapha Mond! The eyes of the saluting students almost popped out of their heads. Mustapha Mond! The Resident Controller for Western Europe! One of the Ten World Controllers." As the reader notices when the author decided to describe a character he makes sure that the readers are able to fully grasp what exact persona each character gives off. Instead of intertwining difficult words into his text, he would rather have the reader understand the character rather than be lost in a complicated description.
3. I believe the main character is mostly static throughout the entire novel until he is finally blinded by is optimism. John is a character who is rejected by both the past and the future, however is he able to keep himself afloat by communicating his thoughts and ideas through the works of Shakespeare. He wants to see the world as it is but finds it often confusing and somewhat dull. I feel that he is also a very flat character in that he never truly changes his ways until his death. With the occurrence of John's death the reader is able to grasp the idea that John has decided to take the most drastic route by proclaiming his opposition to the world around him. I believe that if John could have developed a more "livelier" way of conflicting the outside world, he could have possibly been a dynamic character.
4. Honestly I feel that I have merely read a character. The characters in the novel are not people I really would like to meet, therefore I have no interest in finding a deeper meaning to each character. I cannot simply pinpoint an exact textual example because I feel as the the entire novel is one example of the world I do not wish to live in. I believe life is meant to be difficult and that it is our right to be free in expressing ourselves. This novel offers a satirical version of what life would be if we could not control our own future, and that scares me. For all of these reasons I feel that I have only read about characters rather than "meeting" these characters per say.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tools That Change the Way We Think
RELIANCE. "I can't believe I forgot how to make that recipe! Oh wait, let me just find it in my favorites bar." "What time did that movie start again? Check Moviefone you idiot!" "I wonder what my friends are doing tonight? Just check out the good ol' Facebook wall." We now live in a society where our minds merely consume ideas and spit them out within a couple of minutes. We have adapted to the fact that the internet is our savior and without "him" we would be lost. NO WE WOULDN'T! People lived thousands of years before Twitter, before Instagram, before Tumblr, and actually enjoyed life.
Although it may appear that my anger is seething through this very text, I am apart of that percent which views the internet as a heavenly being. I am constantly checking my phone. In fact I have gotten to a point where I believe my leg is vibrating when in reality I am fantasizing with the idea that someone has actually texted me. I must admit that I have become a "tech holic".
The question now becomes, how should we as a society fight this addiction? Should we pursue the lives of those in the novel Fahrenheit 451, but instead burn houses that contain technology rather then books? Or is there a less radical path that we may pursue? Whatever the solution may be, my way of life and millions upon billions of others have been changed because of technology. Time will only tell if this leads to our advancement, or to our demise.
Although it may appear that my anger is seething through this very text, I am apart of that percent which views the internet as a heavenly being. I am constantly checking my phone. In fact I have gotten to a point where I believe my leg is vibrating when in reality I am fantasizing with the idea that someone has actually texted me. I must admit that I have become a "tech holic".
The question now becomes, how should we as a society fight this addiction? Should we pursue the lives of those in the novel Fahrenheit 451, but instead burn houses that contain technology rather then books? Or is there a less radical path that we may pursue? Whatever the solution may be, my way of life and millions upon billions of others have been changed because of technology. Time will only tell if this leads to our advancement, or to our demise.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Vocabulary: Fall List #9
Abortive: failing to produce the intended result
"The Los Angeles Lakers were abortive after going 0-82 during the regular season."
Bruit: spread a report or rumor widely
"My friend bruited that I had failed my English final, when in reality I had aced it!"
Contumelious: scornful and insulting behavior
"A contumelious person is most likely a strongly disliked person."
Dictum: a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source; a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle
"The President must make dictum's during the debates or his popularity will diminish."
Ensconce: establish or settle
"After I punished my friend in Battle Ship, I ensconced my dominance over him."
Iconoclastic: characterized by attack on established beliefs or institutions
"A terrorist can be seen as a true iconoclastic by frightening those who seem powerless."
In medias res: a narrative that begins somewhere in the middle of a story rather than the beginning
"I find in medias res to be quite annoying!"
Internecine: destructive to both sides in a conflict
"The nuclear bomb proved to be internecine for both sides."
Maladroit: ineffective or bungling; clumsy
"Basketball is a game in which being maladroit cannot be accepted."
Maudlin: self-pitying or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness
"The maudlin woman could not take herself away from the bar."
Modulate: exert a modifying or controlling influence on
"Parents often modulate rules for their children to prevent them from running into trouble."
Portentous: of or like a portent; done in a pompously or overly solemn manner
"Without realizing his portentous actions, the husband made an incredibly self-centered remark."
Prescience: the power to foresee the future
"With precise prescience, I believe I could have a much better control on my life."
Quid pro quo: a favor or advantage granted in return for something
"The quid pro quo I had used to find a date to homecoming was given to me after I helped my friend find a date as well."
Salubrious: health-giving, healthy; pleasant, not run-down
"I was given a salubrious amount of turkey on Thanksgiving day."
Saturnalia: the ancient Roman festival of Saturn in December; an occasion of wild revelry
"The dance was anything but a Saturnalia."
Touchstone: a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized
"Without a touchstone, the Olympic athletes would not be able to compete at the highest level."
Traumatic: emotionally disturbing or distressing; relating to or causing psychological trauma
"I find that traumatic scenes in movies are actually quite humorous."
Vitiate: spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of; destroy or impair the legal validity of.
"The racer decided to cheat and vitiate his competitor's car."
Waggish: humorous in a playful, mischievous, or facetious manner
"Children often become the most waggish when surrounded by other children."
"The Los Angeles Lakers were abortive after going 0-82 during the regular season."
Bruit: spread a report or rumor widely
"My friend bruited that I had failed my English final, when in reality I had aced it!"
Contumelious: scornful and insulting behavior
"A contumelious person is most likely a strongly disliked person."
Dictum: a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source; a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle
"The President must make dictum's during the debates or his popularity will diminish."
Ensconce: establish or settle
"After I punished my friend in Battle Ship, I ensconced my dominance over him."
Iconoclastic: characterized by attack on established beliefs or institutions
"A terrorist can be seen as a true iconoclastic by frightening those who seem powerless."
In medias res: a narrative that begins somewhere in the middle of a story rather than the beginning
"I find in medias res to be quite annoying!"
Internecine: destructive to both sides in a conflict
"The nuclear bomb proved to be internecine for both sides."
Maladroit: ineffective or bungling; clumsy
"Basketball is a game in which being maladroit cannot be accepted."
Maudlin: self-pitying or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness
"The maudlin woman could not take herself away from the bar."
Modulate: exert a modifying or controlling influence on
"Parents often modulate rules for their children to prevent them from running into trouble."
Portentous: of or like a portent; done in a pompously or overly solemn manner
"Without realizing his portentous actions, the husband made an incredibly self-centered remark."
Prescience: the power to foresee the future
"With precise prescience, I believe I could have a much better control on my life."
Quid pro quo: a favor or advantage granted in return for something
"The quid pro quo I had used to find a date to homecoming was given to me after I helped my friend find a date as well."
Salubrious: health-giving, healthy; pleasant, not run-down
"I was given a salubrious amount of turkey on Thanksgiving day."
Saturnalia: the ancient Roman festival of Saturn in December; an occasion of wild revelry
"The dance was anything but a Saturnalia."
Touchstone: a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized
"Without a touchstone, the Olympic athletes would not be able to compete at the highest level."
Traumatic: emotionally disturbing or distressing; relating to or causing psychological trauma
"I find that traumatic scenes in movies are actually quite humorous."
Vitiate: spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of; destroy or impair the legal validity of.
"The racer decided to cheat and vitiate his competitor's car."
Waggish: humorous in a playful, mischievous, or facetious manner
"Children often become the most waggish when surrounded by other children."
Notes on Hamlet
I must admit that I am very enthralled by Hamlet's revenge. Since the play began I thought that Hamlet would immediately seek revenge, however he has instead let time run its course. Even when he had a perfectly good chance to inflict the pain on Claudius that he had received earlier in the play, Hamlet decided to wait. This is the only thing that has evolved since the start of the play for me.
From this point in the play I believe that Hamlet will create a plan in order to truly destroy the life of Claudius. The effort he has put in to restrain his anger for this long proves that whatever he comes up with will be epic to say the least.
From this point in the play I believe that Hamlet will create a plan in order to truly destroy the life of Claudius. The effort he has put in to restrain his anger for this long proves that whatever he comes up with will be epic to say the least.
Who Was Shakespeare?
Shakespeare is quite the myth. Many believe that he could possibly be a fake. It is known that Shakespeare's father was a glover who could not write. In fact he marked an "X" when signing documents. So why would Shakespeare be able to write with such ease and grace?
There is a theory that a man by the name of Edward DeVere is the true artist behind these great works of literature. DeVere was a nobleman, but because Shakespeare often ridiculed the upper class in his works, one may find it easy to understand why DeVere would go to such great lengths to hide his identity. Furthermore, DeVere spent a significant time in Italy and Europe, supporting again the idea that DeVere is the author since many of Shakespeare's works take place in Venice and other European locations.
I believe we (and I am talking about my generation) have been handed down by past generations an ugly reputation of Shakespeare himself. Every time his name is mentioned in a crowd of teenagers a shriek of horror is bound to emerge. This is not our fault however because we have merely been bequeathed this terrible reputation.
I think I finally understand that Shakespeare cannot be taken seriously. I believe that by not taking his works seriously, one is able to understand the true meanings of his timeless themes. I certainly do not mean that one should merely glide over this literature, but to find those meanings that truly speak to them.
Duck Duck Go
http://www.field-of-themes.com/shakespeare/essays/Emanormyth.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shakespeare
There is a theory that a man by the name of Edward DeVere is the true artist behind these great works of literature. DeVere was a nobleman, but because Shakespeare often ridiculed the upper class in his works, one may find it easy to understand why DeVere would go to such great lengths to hide his identity. Furthermore, DeVere spent a significant time in Italy and Europe, supporting again the idea that DeVere is the author since many of Shakespeare's works take place in Venice and other European locations.
I believe we (and I am talking about my generation) have been handed down by past generations an ugly reputation of Shakespeare himself. Every time his name is mentioned in a crowd of teenagers a shriek of horror is bound to emerge. This is not our fault however because we have merely been bequeathed this terrible reputation.
I think I finally understand that Shakespeare cannot be taken seriously. I believe that by not taking his works seriously, one is able to understand the true meanings of his timeless themes. I certainly do not mean that one should merely glide over this literature, but to find those meanings that truly speak to them.
Duck Duck Go
http://www.field-of-themes.com/shakespeare/essays/Emanormyth.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shakespeare
To Facebook or Not to Facebook?
Honestly my first impressions of Facebook were full of excitement. My mom had previously renounced any thought of my personal information being open to the world wide web. However after much pressure, I was able to convince her that my maturity exceeded most online and that I could and should have a Facebook. When my mom could think of no other rebuttal's, she finally allowed me to join the world of Facebook, I was ecstatic to say the least. Now I could find and communicate with friends in a safe environment, or could I? After reading "Why Facebook is After Your Kids", I am starting to find Facebook as less appealing than I first thought. According to this article, Facebook is able to basically steal my private information and sell it off to companies yearning for a needy teenager. This is taking place all without my knowledge.
Yes, Facebook does allow human beings to share information with the rest of the word, but for what price? There must be a line drawn that separates our viral being from those who wish to use it to their advantage.
Yes, Facebook does allow human beings to share information with the rest of the word, but for what price? There must be a line drawn that separates our viral being from those who wish to use it to their advantage.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Autopsy of Vocab Midterm
- I felt I did better than I expected. In fact, my qualms and worries about my score were shunned after I received my test back.
- I can attribute the outcome to the time I put in studying. I believe if I would have studied at least fifteen to twenty minutes longer each night and started earlier I would have improved my score. I also did not reach out to my mom for help like I had planned, but instead used the resources Michelle Arriaga posted on her blog.
- Again like I said above in order to improve my score i must start studying at an earlier date. If I am to do this however a schedule must be included so that I will be able to track how much time I am giving each night to studying. Next time I will also take advantage of an adult's assistance so that my verbal studying will be just as profound as my cerebral studying.
Fresh Prince of Denmark: Remix of Hamlet
Now this is the story all about how
My life got flipped, turned upside down
And I'd like to take a minute just sit right there
I'll tell you how I started to seize revenge on my evil uncle Claudius
My life got flipped, turned upside down
And I'd like to take a minute just sit right there
I'll tell you how I started to seize revenge on my evil uncle Claudius
In west Denmark born and raised
In the castles lower bailey where I spent most of my days
Chilling out, fencing, relaxing all cool
When my evil Uncle Claudius, was up to no good
Decided to kill my father Hamlet because he thought he'd be hood I got a little crazy and my mom got scared
And said to her new husband that I must be cared
I called on some players I knew would help me and when they came near I told them how to mock the death of my father and it became clear
When Claudius ran out of the play after poison was dropped into one of the actors ear
He was the true murderer and my revenge was sincere
I was called by my mom about seven or eight
And I yelled at her and she screamed for help
For someone was spying on us so my sword I whelped
and stabbed that darn Polonius right in the heart
P.S. I know this is very corny, hopefully you found it humorous though!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Vocabulary: Fall List #8/Vocab Paragraph on Hamlet
abeyance (noun) A
state of temporary disuse or suspension
beleaguer (verb) Beset with difficulties
carte blanche (noun) Complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best
cataclysm (noun) A large-scale and violent event in the natural world
debauch (verb) Destroy or debase the moral purity of; corrupt.
eclat (noun) An enthusiastic approval
fastidious (adjective) Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
gambol (verb) Run or jump about playfully
imbue (verb) Inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality
inchoate (adjective) Just begun and so not fully formed or developed
lampoon (verb) Publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule or sarcasm
malleable (adjective) Easily influenced; pliable
nemesis (noun) The inescapable or implacable agent of someone's or something's downfall
opt (verb) Make a choice from a range of possibilities
philistine (noun) A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them
picaresque (adjective) Of or relating to an episodic style of fiction dealing with the
queasy (adjective) Nauseated; feeling sick
refractory (adjective) Stubborn or unmanageable
savoir-faire (noun) The ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations
Hamlet is a very ambivalent character to say the least. The cataclysm that beleaguers his life is the sudden death of his father. Hamlet's actions become refractory when told his father's death was merely an accident, in fact he is quite queasy at the idea that his mother is so malleable to believe this terrible event was nothing more than an accident. Hamlet decides to opt out from the celebration arranged for the new king Claudius. Even when he does however, Claudius indirectly lampoons Hamlet with such savoir-faire that the audience is not even given a chance to recognize the insult. Hamlet is finally given an eclat at revenge when the ghost of his father visits him and speaks of his own murder.
ambivalent (adjective) Having
mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
beleaguer (verb) Beset with difficulties
carte blanche (noun) Complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best
cataclysm (noun) A large-scale and violent event in the natural world
debauch (verb) Destroy or debase the moral purity of; corrupt.
eclat (noun) An enthusiastic approval
fastidious (adjective) Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
gambol (verb) Run or jump about playfully
imbue (verb) Inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality
inchoate (adjective) Just begun and so not fully formed or developed
lampoon (verb) Publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule or sarcasm
malleable (adjective) Easily influenced; pliable
nemesis (noun) The inescapable or implacable agent of someone's or something's downfall
opt (verb) Make a choice from a range of possibilities
philistine (noun) A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them
picaresque (adjective) Of or relating to an episodic style of fiction dealing with the
adventures
of a rough and dishonest but appealing hero
queasy (adjective) Nauseated; feeling sick
refractory (adjective) Stubborn or unmanageable
savoir-faire (noun) The ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations
Hamlet is a very ambivalent character to say the least. The cataclysm that beleaguers his life is the sudden death of his father. Hamlet's actions become refractory when told his father's death was merely an accident, in fact he is quite queasy at the idea that his mother is so malleable to believe this terrible event was nothing more than an accident. Hamlet decides to opt out from the celebration arranged for the new king Claudius. Even when he does however, Claudius indirectly lampoons Hamlet with such savoir-faire that the audience is not even given a chance to recognize the insult. Hamlet is finally given an eclat at revenge when the ghost of his father visits him and speaks of his own murder.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Advice Column-Style Letter Helping Ophelia
Dear Ophelia,
Your situation is completely ecumenical. I hope you understand that love is very complex especially when the one you have feelings for has recently experienced a traumatic event. The death of his father has been a great bane for Hamlet. I believe you should therefore empathize with his feelings. For this reason I suggest giving Hamlet time to overcome the sadness that has engulfed his life. Sometimes the best way to help someone is by giving them space.
When it comes to your father and brother I understand that their thoughts are quite dogmatic, however I believe you are old enough to make your own decisions. Although they are merely trying to look out for your best interests and can seem very cantankerous at times, I believe they are being overly protective which is why you must not be malcontent with them. Also, do not let your father and brother be harbinger's for a sad and desperate future. Ultimately seek beatitude and pursue Hamlet, but let him recover before you give him all your love.
Lastly, I give you kudos for reaching out to someone besides your own kin. I hope this response was not too prolix but gave you an understanding of how to build your infrastructure of love with the prince of Denmark.
Best of luck,
Ryland Towne
Your situation is completely ecumenical. I hope you understand that love is very complex especially when the one you have feelings for has recently experienced a traumatic event. The death of his father has been a great bane for Hamlet. I believe you should therefore empathize with his feelings. For this reason I suggest giving Hamlet time to overcome the sadness that has engulfed his life. Sometimes the best way to help someone is by giving them space.
When it comes to your father and brother I understand that their thoughts are quite dogmatic, however I believe you are old enough to make your own decisions. Although they are merely trying to look out for your best interests and can seem very cantankerous at times, I believe they are being overly protective which is why you must not be malcontent with them. Also, do not let your father and brother be harbinger's for a sad and desperate future. Ultimately seek beatitude and pursue Hamlet, but let him recover before you give him all your love.
Lastly, I give you kudos for reaching out to someone besides your own kin. I hope this response was not too prolix but gave you an understanding of how to build your infrastructure of love with the prince of Denmark.
Best of luck,
Ryland Towne
Monday, October 1, 2012
Midterm Review/Study Strategy
My study strategy I must say will be very complex...not! All I am planning to do is simply review all the vocabulary lists and have my mom test me on them.
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