Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sons & Lovers: Summary of Part 1
In the first chapter of the book we are introduced to "The Morels" a low class family that lives in the "Hell Rows", a poverished neighbourhood in England. The Morel family consist of a devout mother her husband a miner and her two children, 7 year old son William, and a 5 year old girl by the name of Annie. Mrs. Morel is also pregnant expecting a third child. The book starts with her family's simple begininings we are take to a scene where Mrs. Morel and Annie meet William at a fair and spend the day out with him. In this scene we find out that Mr. Morel frequent a bar and that William is an adventurous little tyke. Then shortly after Mrs. Morel relives the scene of her childhood. The physical features and the personality of Mrs. Morel parents or the Coppards. Gertrude's childhood friend John Field is revealed to us, we also learn of hw Gertrude Coppard met her dear husband Mr. Morel and what attracted her to him, in such detail that we find out exactly what straw caused "the camel's back to break" in her "happy marriage". More and more incidents of Mr. Morel advancing in discuss to her husband. There is the incident where William gets his hair cut by Mr. Morel and the incident where Mr. Morel goes out with a friend that Mrs. Morel dislikes. The first chapter seems to be mainly a setting for the family and a prelude of what is to come.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Prologue to Year 2
Have you ever been betrayed and give an example?
I dont normally show emotions or let people in on my feelings so it is a rare occurance but yes I have been betrayed and in fact it was a quite recently. You see one of the benefits of the Antigua State College is the mergeance of all the secondary schools, so when school opened last year I was re-acquainted with an old flame. So being teenagers alot of the free time we had was spent flirting with one another mostly in jest, or atleast so i thought. Fast forward now about a month of flirting and catching up, we went to a party on the weekend and we spent the night in the same manner. Knowing how young people behave a party isnt complete without rum, so a group of us were having fun, drinking etc. The girl and I spent the bout half the night together but never in a secluded "we're a couple" kind of setting just talking and joking and an occasional flirt or what not. Towards the end of the night we are all winding down about to head home and the corner of my eye I see the girl and my good friend walk off. Now please note I was not jealous or anything I was just observing, as far as I knew we were just friends, but then they started kissing... I instantly became irate! Apparently without my knowledge* I had caught feelings for this girl and my good friend just ignored all of that and threw me under the bus like that. *(I say without my knowledge because we were always flirty and playful but this problem of jealousy never arose before, its possible because of the fact that it was a daily repitition I had just started assuming that she was mine But either way my friend didnt know whether or not my feelings for her were real as far as he knew I spend everyday at school with this chick, I always talked about this chick and what not. If he was confused about whether or not I truly liked her he should've atleast checked or something but whatever am over it now.)
What did you do & how did you feel?
At the time it happened I was angry, I just left the party without a word and found my way home. I didn't want to deal with any of them. I just left to avoid an altercation. Didn't make sense to fight for something that wasn't there. Ever felt betrayed and in the end misunderstood the situation?
Honestly I want to say no because I believe that I either stop the situation before I get betrayed or never know about the situation until its in my face. There was one time a friend of mine was troubling a girl that I was troubling I didnt really feel betrayed but I wasnt sure if he was serious or not. They claim that it was a joke but you can't trust anyone nowadays....
Looking at "Merchant of Venice" and "Much Ado About Nothing" , why do the characters always seem to resort to voilence and trickery?
In Merchant of Venice the main character Antonio went to an enemy to borrow money, Shylock and unfortunately for Antonio he could not pay back his debt. Therefore Shylock wanted a pound of flesh which was promised to him.
In Much Ado About Nothing Don John spends most of the play attempting to ruin his half brother, Don Pedro's, life. Both directly and indirectly through Claudio.
I think most of Shakespeare's characters resort to trickery because at the time of being written social problems were solved by only that medium. Police were rarities and vigilantes were popular. As seen in Merchant of Venice (when the deal was made no mention of police was said, the deal was made between the two and if broken would be solved between the two)
In Much Ado About Nothing Don John spends most of the play attempting to ruin his half brother, Don Pedro's, life. Both directly and indirectly through Claudio.
I think most of Shakespeare's characters resort to trickery because at the time of being written social problems were solved by only that medium. Police were rarities and vigilantes were popular. As seen in Merchant of Venice (when the deal was made no mention of police was said, the deal was made between the two and if broken would be solved between the two)
What is the Elizabethan theatre ?
The Elizabethan theatre was established in the period of Queen Elizabeth the first because actors were viewed upon as liars and thieves by society. The nomadic lifestyle was inhibited thus giving way to the Elizabeth acting troupes and the Elizabethan theatre. The theatre was erected 1576 by a John Burbage, an entrepeanour who say revenue in the increasing popularity of the plays. In 1599 the Globe theatre opened with William Shakespeare as a co-owner and the business was a huge sucess.
The Elizabethan theatre was established in the period of Queen Elizabeth the first because actors were viewed upon as liars and thieves by society. The nomadic lifestyle was inhibited thus giving way to the Elizabeth acting troupes and the Elizabethan theatre. The theatre was erected 1576 by a John Burbage, an entrepeanour who say revenue in the increasing popularity of the plays. In 1599 the Globe theatre opened with William Shakespeare as a co-owner and the business was a huge sucess.
What does the term "Theatre of the Absurd" mean?
Theatre of the Absurd refers to certain plays which stress the illogical or irrational aspects of life, usually to show that modern life is pointless. Examples of this genre of plays are Macbeth and Rosencrantz and Guildenstorm are Dead by Stoppard.
Theatre of the Absurd refers to certain plays which stress the illogical or irrational aspects of life, usually to show that modern life is pointless. Examples of this genre of plays are Macbeth and Rosencrantz and Guildenstorm are Dead by Stoppard.
Who is William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminant dramatist. Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. His actual birthdate remains unknown, but is traditionally observed on 23 April and he was baptised in Stratford-upon-Avon on 26 April 1564. Shakespeare began his career as an actor, writer and part owner of a play company called the Lord's Chamberlain Men (later known as the Kings Men) in London. Few records of Shakespeare's private life exist.
Most of Shakespeare's work was produced between 1589 and 1613, this included 38 plays(including Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth), 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems(Venus & Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece) and several other poems. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories, genres he raised to the peak of sophistication and artistry by the end of the 16th century. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608, including Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth, considered some of the finest works in the English language. In his last phase, he wrote tragicomedies, also known as romances, and collaborated with other playwrights. Most of the plays were performed in the Elizabethan theatres of that Era. In his later years, Shakespeare became part of the ownership of the famous Globe Theatre where many of his plays were later performed. The Globe opened in autumn 1599, with Julius Caesar one of the first plays staged. Most of Shakespeare's greatest post-1599 plays were written for the Globe, including Hamlet, Othello and King Lear.William Shakespeare died on April, 1616. However, written upon his tomb stone is an appeal bearing a curse to anyone who were to move his bones. It read:"Good friend, for Jesus´ sake forbeare
To digg the dust enclosed here!
Blest be ye man that spares thes stones
And curst be he that moues my bones."
Shakespeare has been commemorated in many statues and memorials around the world, including funeral monuments in Southwark Cathedral and Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey.
To digg the dust enclosed here!
Blest be ye man that spares thes stones
And curst be he that moues my bones."
Shakespeare has been commemorated in many statues and memorials around the world, including funeral monuments in Southwark Cathedral and Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Difficult Marriages
"Elizabeth feels that there are disadvantages for children born out of marriages like her fathers'."Discuss this statement.
In Jane Austens' novel "Pride and Prejudice", the main focus of all the women within the novel is to be married. It is an ideal that drives all the women in this story because to them without a husband around their arm they are worthless. Therefore if that is the mentality of society a marriage cannot be truly happy because a woman with marry because of stability not because of compatibility.
The most marriage fixated woman in the entire book is Mrs. Bennet, i can only assume that she may have come from nothing and been introduced into a little wealth upon her marriage. Mrs. Bennet is completely obsessed with finding her daughters suitable husbands and her husband seems completely annoyed by it. In fact the couple are so incompatible it is strange to imagine that they are married. Throughout the entire book Mr. Bennet shows no sign of affection towards his wife and Mrs. Bennet shows no sign of compassion for his opinions. They merely tolerate each other not love each other.
It is then no surprise that Elizabeth has developed this theory about difficult marriages. The signs of disadvantages exist within her very own household. For example Lydia's little stunt in which she elopes with Mr. Wickham. She obliviously is a rebellious child who wasnt properly socialized as a child which is one effect of a difficult marriage.
Which leads me to my next point although it is a proven fact that difficult marriages can lead to the children suffering both mentally, emotionally and physically. I do not think just giving up on the marriage is the answer because having a fragmented family is just as damaging to a child as a difficult marriage.
Thus my recommendation if you find yourself in a difficult marriage try to work things out but always keep up the "happy family" phasaud in front of the children. The children do not need to be involved in your adult trivialities. By keeping up the phasuad the children aren't affected untilt hey are old enough to realize and when they are of that age, the damge that a difficult marriage can cause is minimal for they are already mostly developed.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Literature Test
“Betrayal is a theme introduced at the very beginning of this play how does this constant stream of betrayal affect the outcome of the plot and which characters are affected most.”
Betrayal is defined as the breaking or violation of a presumptive contract, trust, or confidence. And due to the secrecy and plotting of both friend and foe in the book, betrayal is a regular occurrence throughout the pages of “Much Ado About Nothing” pages. There are a quite a few examples of betrayal throughout this book ranging from the miniscule and playful to the malicious and cruel. All of which nevertheless affect the outcome of the play.
For example, Don Pedro devised an idea to make Beatrice and Benedick fall in love. It seemed innocent enough but Don Pedro knew of Benedick’s wishes never to get married and completely ignored them and betrayed them by plotting for his betrothal. Another form of Betrayal is the fact that Borachio used poor lady Margaret as a puppet in Don John’s plan to slander the name of Lady Hero. Borachio violated her trust by using her as a pawn in a plan, while she merely thought that she was being “wooed”.
The major betrayal in the story is the plan that Don John has to get revenge of sorts on his brother. Don John hates his brother the Prince of Morocco, Don Pedro and thus plotted to ruin the wedding of his Claudio and Hero. Don John made a plan to slander the name of Hero and have Claudio disgrace her name in the front the entire town. Don John lied to his brother Don Pedro and Claudio and violated the trust that he had between his brother and him. He merely used this to his advantage and due to the betrayal of Don John the wedding between Claudio and Hero was cancelled and Hero was shamed in a most heinous manner which even caused her “death”. This was the climax of the book.
In conclusion, I must say that betrayal was an integral part of the novel and it was due to this major theme and others such as deception and love that the book is such an interesting tragic-comedy, filled with twists and turns.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Humour is Vital in any Comedy
“Humour is vital in any Comedy. Though Dogberry and his constables play a minor role in Much Ado About Nothing there presence is vital. To what extent do you agree with this statement?”
In my opinion humour is unequivocally vital in any comedy. Humour is the life-blood that flows through any comedy. Although humour can be found in other literary pieces, a comedy is not a comedy without humour. In fact, comedy is defined as a narrative where the woes are looked at as amusing rather than disastrous and ends happily. Furthermore humour is the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to provoke laughter and provide amusement. Thus, it can be seen that there is a fundamental relationship between humour and comedy.
It has been established that comedy and humour are very intricately related. Consequently we must establish the humorous elements of the comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing”. In the book, humour is expressed by Beatrice and Benedick; the “merry war” between these two can be seen as amusing because of the pure openness and harshness of the comments made between these two. For example, in the very first scene of Act 1 they greeted each other with an exchange of insults such as “God keep your ladyship still in that mind! some gentle man or other shall 'scape a predestinate scratched face” spoken by Benedick to Beatrice as to rudely tell her that she should continue her belief not to take a husband but not to save her, to save her husband from a grave mistake. Beatrice responds by saying “Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such a face as yours were” insulting Benedick back and saying that his face is even uglier than any man’s who could possibly be “scratched”. The little back and forth between these two major characters are quite amusing to read, but this banter does not last throughout the entire book and isn’t a dominant aspect of humour.
The major source of humour throughout the book emanates from Dogberry and his constables. Dogberry is the head of police in the town of Messina and he isn’t the brightest of men for he continually uses malapropisms such as “thou villain, thou art full of piety” and “the most senseless and fit man”. In Act 3 Scene 3 his crew of comedic relief appear in four scenes throughout the book and due to their seeming lack of professionalism, they cause the audience to be entertained as well as do the job of thwarting the villains. For example, when asked how the men should react should someone refuse to stand in Don Pedro’s name, Dogberry replies, “Why then take no note of him, but let him go, and presently call the rest of the watch together, and thank God you are rid of a knave”. In Act 3 Scene 5, Dogberry and Verges attempt to explain to Leonato that they have caught two very suspicious men and wish to interpret them. However, their attempts to communicate their message are so long-winded, foolish, and generally mixed up that they fail to convey how urgent the matter is. To the reader, who already knows that if only Dogberry and Verges were not so bad at expressing themselves the entire climax of the book may have been avoided, it may be seen as humorous. In the interrogation scene, Act 4 Scene 2, Dogberry and Verges become so annoying that Conrade becomes so angry that he insults Dogberry. The lack of respect that a criminal has for a police man is also a sign of hilarity. Finally the final comedic scene, Act 5 Scene 1, Dogberry and his men bring the villains to Claudio and the others in an attempt to have a denouement but once due to Dogberry’s lack of professionalism and mastery of language, the task proves a bit tedious. Even resulting Don Pedro asking the criminals themselves what they have done. Nonetheless the unlikely heroes get the job done in such a style that it exudes humour and amusement.
In closing, there are two sources of comedy in the book the minor is Benedick and Beatrice, the two witty lovers who spar with a brilliant display of intellect and the major source Dogberry, Verges and his watchmen. Their brand of humour is completely different from that provided by Benedick and Beatrice, Dogberry and Verges get half their words wrong, providing humour with their ignorance. Even though most of the humour derived from mere plays on words, without the comedic aspect of Dogberry and his team the book “Much Ado About Nothing” could not be truly deemed a “comedy” for Beatrice and Benedick’s battle are not prevalent enough or amusing enough to supply the reader with comedic relief. Therefore, because of the consistent and amusing humour in the Dogberry scenes it is safe to say that his role is vital because without him “Much Ado About Nothing” is not a comedy.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Much Ado About Nothing Act Summary
Act 1
In Act 1 of Much Ado About Nothing we are introduced to all the major charachters of the book. The play starts out at the house of Leonato, where he receives news of the approching arrival of heroes froma recent war Don Pedro, Benedick, Claudio and John the Bastard (who is Don Pedro's half brother). All these people arrive and are housed by Leonato. Immediately Benedick and Beatrice begin snipping at one another, proving their animousity which is a very prevelant issue in the play. Also, just as instantaneously Claudio falls head over heals for Hero, Leonato's daughter. After the introductions are over and Benedick and Beatrice's "merry war" is finished, Claudio approaches Benedick for advice on how to woo his new love. Unfortunately, Benedick makes it very clear that he does not believe in the sacrament of marriage and wishes "to die a bachelor". By the hand of Cupid, Don Pedro joins the conversation and vouches for love by offering to woo Hero and even getting approval fom Leonato in the name of Signior Claudio.
Now this news spreads extremely fast to the people in Leonato's house. Leonato's brother, Antonio, and Leonato go for a walk and Antonio explains the situation of Claudio's love for Hero. Leonato has no problem and even goes one further to tell his daugter, Hero in advance.
Alas not everyone hearing this news is thrilled. Borachio, a follower of John the Bastard overheard Antonio and Leonato's discussion and reported it to John the Bastard. Being such a hateful person, John the BAstard begins to devise a plan to sabotage his brother's good intentions and ruin Claudio and Hero's happy ending.
Act 2
In Act 2 of Much Ado About Nothing all of the characters plans are put into motion. Leonato hosts a big masquerade ball for the vistors and everyone uses it to their advantage. Beatrice manages to insult Benedick yet again without even knowing that it was Benedick she was talking to. Don Pedro also used his to disguise to woo Hero in the name of Claudio, which was working perfectly until John the Bastard and his follower Borachio intentionally approached Claudio and pretended to think that he was Benedick to tell him that Don Pedro is planning to woo Hero for himself. Claudio was persuaded but not for long because later on that night when the masks were lifted the good ews of Hero and Claudio's betrothal was announced to all. Claudio was estatic again. Don Pedro was also happy that his plan had succeeded too. He was so proud he decided to endevour on another trial, getting Benedick and Beatrice together. He plotted and planned with the others and they went to work.
Seeing that their plan didnt quite exactly work out, Borachio and John the Bastard devised another attempt to ruin the joy of the newlyweds. They proposed a plan to have Margaret dress in Lady Hero's clothes and be caught in promiscuous positions infront of her window in order to frame poor Hero.
Don Pedro's plan was also set in motion, he Leonato and Claudio had a very long discussion amongst themselves ( intentionally within the earshot of Benedick) about the undying love that they swear poor Beatrice has for Benedick and yet cannot admit. And Benedick willingly takes it all as the law from God above and is immediately smitten and believes that a marriage is possible with such a fair woman as the lady Beatrice. Benedick convinces himself that she has all the attributes that he is looking for in a woman and completely ignores the "merry war" of which they contantly partake.
Act 3
In Act 3 of Much Ado About Nothing the master plan of Don Pedro is continued, where the ladies now confess the maddening love that Benedick has professed about Beatrice. Hero and Ursula conversed on what Claudio had allegedly told Hero. But the words of Benedick love was so moving that even Beatrice was willing to "tame her wild heart at his hands". Beatrice just as easily took the mere gossip as the word of God and believed it.
John the Bastard's plan moved along quite swiftly as well he managed to meet Don Pedro, his brother, and Claudio taking a mere stroll. And he proceeded to lead them to the window of fair Hero where Margaret dressed in Hero's clothes was seen through the window, making love with Borachio. This broke Claudio's heart and they (Claudio and Don Pedro) decided to shame Hero the next day at the wedding service as revenge for her "treachery".
After the deed is done, Borachio proceeds to tell Conrade the tale while walking late at night but he does not realize the guards are listening to every word after Borachio has finished telling his story the gurads quickly rush them and hold them until there boss returns.
Hero, Margeret, Beatrice and Ursula spend the next scene getting ready for the wedding that Hero is about to have to Claudio. Hero is completely oblivious to the shame she is about to recieve.
All the while the boss of the gurad Dogberry tries to go to Leonato for him to inspect Borachio and Conrade so that he may see exactly what lies they have to tell him but sadly Leonato took no time to see what "trivialities" Dogberry had to offer he had a wedding to go to as far as he was concerned. If only he had done the inspection the sotry would have had a different outcome.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Act1 The Movie vs.The Book
Act 1 in the Book
In the actual published book. Act 1 was an introduction the characters of the book. We met the major characters such as Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio, Hero, Don John, Benedick and Beatrice.We were even introduced to the major conflicts that shall take place throughout the book i.e. the "merry war" between Benedick and Beatrice and the scheming ways of John the Bastard. Although, sad to say, it was a bit lacking in description and due to the language of Shakespeare's time it was a bit difficult to truly grasp the meaning and ideas of the characters. That could be a result of the actual persons who read but even reading to oneself proved difficult at times.
Act 1 in the Movie
In the movie on the other hand, the description and detail of surroundings and scenery was extremely exquisite. It helped me to add more details to the story that i had already read. Also the actors added to the expression of the words and feelings by their emotive gestures, vocalics, choremetics and phonics. All these features helped grab my attention even more than the book could. The music also dramatically changed the way that i viewed the play. Through listening to the music i was able to be intertwined into the play and i personally got emotive reactions from jus listening to the music. I think the movie does a better job at portraying the true ideas of the book
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Life & Times of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminant dramatist. Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. His actual birthdate remains unknown, but is traditionally observed on 23 April and he was baptised in Stratford-upon-Avon on 26 April 1564. Shakespeare began his career as an actor, writer and part owner of a play company called the Lord's Chamberlain Men (later known as the Kings Men) in London. Few records of Shakespeare's private life exist.
Most of Shakespeare's work was produced between 1589 and 1613, this included 38 plays(including Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth), 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems(Venus & Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece) and several other poems. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories, genres he raised to the peak of sophistication and artistry by the end of the 16th century. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608, including Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth, considered some of the finest works in the English language. In his last phase, he wrote tragicomedies, also known as romances, and collaborated with other playwrights. Most of the plays were performed in the Elizabethan theatres of that Era.
In his later years, Shakespeare became part of the ownership of the famous Globe Theatre where many of his plays were later performed. The Globe opened in autumn 1599, with Julius Caesar one of the first plays staged. Most of Shakespeare's greatest post-1599 plays were written for the Globe, including Hamlet, Othello and King Lear.William Shakespeare died on April, 1616. However, written upon his tomb stone is an appeal bearing a curse to anyone who were to move his bones. It read:
"Good friend, for Jesus´ sake forbeare
To digg the dust enclosed here!
Blest be ye man that spares thes stones
And curst be he that moues my bones."
Shakespeare has been commemorated in many statues and memorials around the world, including funeral monuments in Southwark Cathedral and Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey.
In his later years, Shakespeare became part of the ownership of the famous Globe Theatre where many of his plays were later performed. The Globe opened in autumn 1599, with Julius Caesar one of the first plays staged. Most of Shakespeare's greatest post-1599 plays were written for the Globe, including Hamlet, Othello and King Lear.William Shakespeare died on April, 1616. However, written upon his tomb stone is an appeal bearing a curse to anyone who were to move his bones. It read:
"Good friend, for Jesus´ sake forbeare
To digg the dust enclosed here!
Blest be ye man that spares thes stones
And curst be he that moues my bones."
Shakespeare has been commemorated in many statues and memorials around the world, including funeral monuments in Southwark Cathedral and Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Questions about Brother Man
1. The major conflicts in the book are:
2. Internal Conflict is a mental or emotional struggle that occurs within character whereas External Conflict is a struggle between the protagonist and another character against nature or some outside force
4. The basic idea of irony is to say or imply something and mean or do something else. This most evident in the character of Brother Man and his nteraction with the residents of Orange Lane, especially those who he help significantly. In the early stages of the novel, the reader sees that Brother Man is the epitome of a Saviour, namely Jesus Christ. Brother Man, having been converted to the faith from a 'bad' youth, was conpassionate and understanding, having experience some similar cases as people in the lane, he helped emotionally spiritually as well as financially. To the rude display of gratefulness by the people inb the lane by pelting Brother Man to a pulp near death after his help this very people who abse him now.
- Papicita and Girlie who constantly battled as Girlie struggled with Papacita's blatant infidelity. External
- Cordelia where she struggles with her sanity. Internal
- Papacita and Minette where Papapcita was tryong to "woo" Minette but Minette constantly refused his advances.External
- Minette, as she battles between her love for Brother Man and what she should do because he shows no interest. Internal
- Papcita & Brother Man, Papicita competes with Brother Man for the love of Minette (even though Brother Man doesnt see Minette in that way. External
- Brother Man & Cordelia, Cordelia believes that Brother Man is purposely not healing her son. External
- Brother Ambo & Brother Man, Brother Ambo is jealous of Brother Man's success. External
2. Internal Conflict is a mental or emotional struggle that occurs within character whereas External Conflict is a struggle between the protagonist and another character against nature or some outside force
3.The 3 types of iroy are:
- Situational Irony
- Verbal Irony
- Dramatic Irony
4. The basic idea of irony is to say or imply something and mean or do something else. This most evident in the character of Brother Man and his nteraction with the residents of Orange Lane, especially those who he help significantly. In the early stages of the novel, the reader sees that Brother Man is the epitome of a Saviour, namely Jesus Christ. Brother Man, having been converted to the faith from a 'bad' youth, was conpassionate and understanding, having experience some similar cases as people in the lane, he helped emotionally spiritually as well as financially. To the rude display of gratefulness by the people inb the lane by pelting Brother Man to a pulp near death after his help this very people who abse him now.
Angry Citizen
Crosbies
St. John's
Antigua
5th November 2010
Editor
of Jamaica Sun
Tivoli Gardens
Jamaica
West Indies
Dear Editor,
I am writing to report a civil indecency that I witnessed on Orange Lane. I witnessed a savage vengeful crowd descend upon one poor citizen by the name of John Power or more famously hailed "Brother Man". The crowd rusheed this citizen out of pure ignorance and prejudice and it saddens me to have to report it.
The crowd was enraged because a few days prior a brutal homocide occured in which a man with dreadlocks murdered a young couple. Since then the people got the mentality that all people with dreadlocks or rastafarians are murderes or essentially bad people. This is so far from the truth and I am crestfallen that people in this day and age are so one-minded and thick headed. Have we not grown past the stereotyping and irrational prejudism? In these times it cannot be acceptable that people have the mentality that "one rasta is a murderer so they all must be murderers too". Also our society doesnt condone citizens who take the law into their own hands and exercise vigilante justice. We as a society have established a legal system capable of prosecution for offenders, therefore it is unnecessary and illegal for citizens to take the law into their own hands.
In my opinion, Rastafarians are not any diffrent from regular people. Rastafarianism is a monotheistic religion that believes who worship Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, former Emperor of Ethiopia as God incarnate, the Second Advent. Rastafari is not a highly organized religion; it is a movement and an ideology. Although the religion and beliefs for Rastas are different, it does not mean that they are extremists or murderers. The only "criminal" belief that rastas have iz the fact that they use cannabis on a regular basis for spiritual purposes while most Christians societies beleive cannabis is an illegal substance. So it can now be seen that Rastafarians are not that much different from Christians. Furthermore, i reiterate the fact that even if one Rasta did have an "extremist" mentality it does not mean that all Rastas share in his ideals.
It saddens me to have to write this letter to you Mr. Editor but i just felt that I should share my opinions and concerns, thank-you for your time.
Yours Thankfully,
Zachary Phillips
Monday, October 25, 2010
Questions on Brother Man
1. Some of the Narrative techniques used in the novel Brother Man are:
4. Some of the themes in Brother Man are:
Papacita is a young man who apparently doesn't like hard work and is a well-known 'Cassonova' to most girls in the village. He is involved in a counterfeit scheme - A scandal where both he and a man named Fellows make and use counterfeit cash. When the police (Corporal Jennings) seem to be catching on, Fellows flees the scene immediately.
Girlie and Papacita seem to have a dysfunctional relationship. They are constantly bickering with each other. This is because of Papacita's constant flirting and infidelity. Papacita leaves Girlie and decides to live elsewhere with the thought of Minnette in his mind. Girlie of course being distraught and emotionally unstable about this decision follows him and ends up committing murder.
Cordelia, in the beginning, is very ill. Brother Man heals her and she is very grateful. However, a few days later her child is sick. Cordelia calls Brother Man to heal her baby boy, but this time, his prayer's are unanswered. He gives her money and tells her to take the baby to the hospital. However, after going to the hospital only once, she decides to get involved with obeah and goes to Bra' Ambo. In the end, she is driven to insanity and she ends up suffocating her child and then killing herself.
Brother Man is a very religious but when a murder takes place and the murderer was said to have long hair and a beard like Brother Man, Persons begin to ostracize bearded men with long hair classifying them as murderers. In the end, Brother Man is stoned by several persons who believe the theory that all bearded men with long hair are murderers and Minnette saves him .
7. Some examples of flashbacks are the scene were Brother Man tells Minette of his past and when Minette returns the favour and divulges her past to Brother Man.
- Point of View-Roger Mais strategically uses this narrative technique. He consistently changes the persona in each chapter thus, giving different perspectives and views of the events of the story. He often writes in omniscient so as to express every character involved in the book's thoughts and feelings in the first person.
- Foreshadowing-The tension between Brother Man and Brother Ambo in the early scenes of the book shows that there will be some kind of conflict towards the end of the novel. Papacita and Girlie's dysfunctional relationship also foreshadows a gruesome outcome for the couple.
- Theme-There are several themes displayed in the book due to the fact that Roger Mais takes the time to involve everyone to express their views. The fact that as the chapter changes a new persona is introduced is a leading factor to the variety of themes.
- Setting.
- Characterization-Characters such as Brother Man, Minette, Girlie,Cordelia, Jesmina are all model examples of characters within the novel that would attract a reader's sympathy. Meanwhile characters such as Papacita and Bra Ambo definitely are exempt from this bunch
- Plot-there are many varying & intricate plots within this story
4. Some of the themes in Brother Man are:
- religion
- betrayl
- abuse
- poverty
- jealousy
- greed
- revenge
- love
- infidelity
Papacita is a young man who apparently doesn't like hard work and is a well-known 'Cassonova' to most girls in the village. He is involved in a counterfeit scheme - A scandal where both he and a man named Fellows make and use counterfeit cash. When the police (Corporal Jennings) seem to be catching on, Fellows flees the scene immediately.
Girlie and Papacita seem to have a dysfunctional relationship. They are constantly bickering with each other. This is because of Papacita's constant flirting and infidelity. Papacita leaves Girlie and decides to live elsewhere with the thought of Minnette in his mind. Girlie of course being distraught and emotionally unstable about this decision follows him and ends up committing murder.
Cordelia, in the beginning, is very ill. Brother Man heals her and she is very grateful. However, a few days later her child is sick. Cordelia calls Brother Man to heal her baby boy, but this time, his prayer's are unanswered. He gives her money and tells her to take the baby to the hospital. However, after going to the hospital only once, she decides to get involved with obeah and goes to Bra' Ambo. In the end, she is driven to insanity and she ends up suffocating her child and then killing herself.
Brother Man is a very religious but when a murder takes place and the murderer was said to have long hair and a beard like Brother Man, Persons begin to ostracize bearded men with long hair classifying them as murderers. In the end, Brother Man is stoned by several persons who believe the theory that all bearded men with long hair are murderers and Minnette saves him .
Jesmina returns home only to find that someone has broken into her house asking for the whereabouts of her husband, Shine and the weed. Jesmina quickly maneuvers out the window before the man could cause any bodily harm to her and stays with Brother Man and Minnette for a while.
6. Foreshadowing refers to a suggestive peice in a literary work which begins to develop an idea before it actually occurs. In this way it serves as an introduction to a few of the book's main characters. Foreshadowing is evident in the "Chorus of the People in the Lane" like at the beginning of the book. On page eleven, there is mention of Bra Ambo. We get the sense that he is someone of great influence but are still not quite made aware of his purpose in the novel. His predictions are taken seriously by the villagers but the reader doesn't yet know why. In the chorus of the people in the lane Cordelia's name also appears and is related to her boyfriend who has been taken up by the police for drugs. This signifies Cordelia's problematic position even at the very start of the book. This continues throughout the book and only gets worst. From the series of foreshadowing among the villagers we also learn that they respect Bra Man as a godly man stating that he shows the gospel way. In the same respect there is already some comparison drawn between himself and Bra Ambo. The contradiction between them is shown when someone says that they'd rather follow Bra Ambo's way. Already Mais is letting the reader know that there is some difference between both Brother Man and Bra Ambo.
6. Foreshadowing refers to a suggestive peice in a literary work which begins to develop an idea before it actually occurs. In this way it serves as an introduction to a few of the book's main characters. Foreshadowing is evident in the "Chorus of the People in the Lane" like at the beginning of the book. On page eleven, there is mention of Bra Ambo. We get the sense that he is someone of great influence but are still not quite made aware of his purpose in the novel. His predictions are taken seriously by the villagers but the reader doesn't yet know why. In the chorus of the people in the lane Cordelia's name also appears and is related to her boyfriend who has been taken up by the police for drugs. This signifies Cordelia's problematic position even at the very start of the book. This continues throughout the book and only gets worst. From the series of foreshadowing among the villagers we also learn that they respect Bra Man as a godly man stating that he shows the gospel way. In the same respect there is already some comparison drawn between himself and Bra Ambo. The contradiction between them is shown when someone says that they'd rather follow Bra Ambo's way. Already Mais is letting the reader know that there is some difference between both Brother Man and Bra Ambo.
7. Some examples of flashbacks are the scene were Brother Man tells Minette of his past and when Minette returns the favour and divulges her past to Brother Man.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Brother Man
1. Roger Mais who was born in Kingston in 1905 and died in 1955 was a Jamaican journalist, novelist, poet, and playwright. He was born to a middle-class family in Kingston, Jamaica.Mais launched his career as a journalist and contributor for the weekly newspaper, Public Opinion from 1939 to 1952, which was associated with the People's National Party. He also wrote several plays, reviews, and short stories for the newspaper,in fact, Mais has published over a hundred short stories. He wrote three novels "the Hills were Joyful Together"(1953),"Brother Man"(1954) and "Black Lightning"(1955). By 1951, Mais had won ten first prizes in West Indian literary competitions. His integral role in the development of political and cultural nationalism is evidenced in his being awarded the high honor of the Order of Jamaica in 1978.
2.The concensus of the reviews of Roger Mais' Brother Man consider the book to be strongly religious with regards to the indepth nature of rastafariamism. Critque Annie Paul states in her review that "It’s interesting to read Brother Man today, when Rastas and things Rastafarian have acquired such cultural charisma that their image". She exaggerated the fact that rastafarianism has become a very prominent religion in society as it is was triggered in song by Bob Marley and the forms varied along with their founders but it was refreshing to have this religion in particular being exhibited in book, namely by Roger Mais.Other critiques note that the novel depicts a contrast from what culture in Jamaica had once been like in comnparison to what it is now. Imani claims in his review "(Brother Man) is not a mere historical artefact providing a window into Jamaica’s past, but shows an improvement in style, a sophistication in the development of themes and exploration of human character". He further explains that Mais' way of developing his characters also reflects the change or the growth into a new fashion.
3. Rastafarianism dates back to the 1930s and the black 'Back to Africa' movement, its adherents worship Haile Selassie, the former emperor of Ethiopia, under his precoronation name: Ras Tafari. Believers consider the emperor a divine being and champion of the black race, and await redemption in the form of repatriation to Africa. Although Rastafarians have evolved since the early 1930s from a fringe subculture into a trend-setting movement. Their reggae music and dreadlocks have become cultural icons. Devout Rastafarians have been known to reject Western medical treatment, contraception and legal marriage, while forbidding funerals, secondhand clothing and the eating of pork, among other taboos. But marijuana, also known as 'the holy herb' or ganja, took on the role of a religious sacrament as the movement gathered speed. Today, Rastafarians and their imitators are everywhere on Jamaica, an island of 2.6 million people. The religion of Rastafarianism has about 600 thousand followers. Yet sadly many still complain of workplace discrimination, snubs, and the government's refusal to grant them full religious rights.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Forms of Prose Fiction
- Novel- a story that fills a book
- Noveller-a piece of fiction that is shorte than a novel but longer than a short story
- Short story-is a piece of fiction that is shorter than a novel but less complicated in plot than a novel
- Narrative tevhniques-techniques used in telling a story. Essentially the means used in telling a story
- Characterization- the way in which a writer creates characters in a narrative to attract or repel our sympathy
- Setting-a background, scene, surrounding or environment in a narrative
- Theme- the subject about which a person, write ,speaks or thinks
- Plot- the plan of a literary work especially of drams and novels
- Style-the way something is done, made, said or written
- Imagery-use of words to produce images in the mind of the reader
- Symbols-obejects which represent something else
- Irony-saying the opposite of what you mean in order to emphasize it
- Satire-using humour or exxageration to show what is bad or weak about a person or thing
- Allusion- a passing reference in a work of literature to a historical event
- Stream of conscienceness-a literary technique that presents the thoughts and feelings of a character as they occur.
- Interior monologue-an attempt to convey words the process of conscience or thoughts
- Juxtapostion-an act or instance of placing close together or side to side especially for comparison or contrast.
- Motif- a recurring significant event or subject in a narrative.
- Flashback- a literary device in which an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological event of the narrative
- Foreshadowing-to present an indication or a suggestion of beforehand.
- Time frame-is a period during which something takes place or is projected to occur.
- action-adeventure
- detective
- fantasy
- horror
- romance
- science fiction
- thriller
- western
- Cultural-the training and refinement of the intellect, interest, taste, skills and art.
- Intellectual-the ability to reason and understand or to perceive relationships.
- Ethnic-designating or of a population subgroup having a common cultural heritage as distinguished by customs, characteristics, language, common history.
- Social-of or having to do with human beings living together, as a group in a situation in which their dealing with one another affect their common welfare.
- Political-of or concerned with government, the statement of politics.
- Religious-characterized by adherence to religious or a religion, devout, pious, gladly.
- Moral- A practical lesson about right and wrong conduct.
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