In the novel, V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, the protagonist, V, has a vision of England as a nation of anarchy instead of its current state as a fascist nation. With power of the nation up in the air, the novel presents resistance within society as very weak. V quotes, “But the people are so cowed and disorganized. A few might take the opportunity to protest, but it’ll just be a voice crying in the wilderness” (194). This view on society makes anarchy seem impossible, which therefore makes V’s efforts and goal also seem impossible. If society is not organized enough within itself to be heard, then there could only be chaos, and not anarchy. V has a very idealistic view for society, yet it is almost an unattainable utopia. His methods for attaining this society are also ironic in that he kills in order to force society to come together and fight an unknown villain. His murderous acts seem to cause more chaos than unity.
There are various instances in the novel where the graphic depiction of the text exemplifies the meaning of the story. For example, while Evey is locked in her cell and reads the letter that Valerie left, the images that depict Valerie’s life serve as a powerful view into the history and meaning of Valerie’s message to Evey (156-160). More specifically, the recurring image of Valerie looking onto the pond shows the reader that what is being said along with those images has great significance. Another example of the images serving as a powerful message is seen when Rosemary has her monologue about her husband’s death after his funeral (101-106). Rosemary’s sadness and vulnerability now that her husband is gone is especially highlighted in the graphics. The most telling pictures are of her in her home (p. 103). Here, Rosemary’s sadness can be seen, and it proves to the reader that her feelings for her husband were real, despite his threat to kill her. In this same sequence of Rosemary’s dialogue, the pictures also juxtapose Evey’s life through the graphics. This tactic serves as a comparison between Evey and Rosemary’s life, without directly saying it in the text. Without the pictures, the reader may not have been able to draw the connection of the two women’s vulnerability and lack of security.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Graphs, Maps, Trees
In his article, “Graphs, Maps, Trees,” Frank Moretti describes a new way to look at and analyze literature. He thoroughly describes that by looking at literature based on graphs, we can see how trends throughout history can define our understanding of literature. He looks at novel sales, genre popularities, and gender preferences throughout history and juxtaposes these results in various graphs.
By looking at literature in this way, we are able to see how events in history and cultural trends directly affect the power of literature throughout time. Moretti explains, “The novel has an uncertain relation to politics and social movements” (8). Although he describes this correlation as “uncertain,” there is a definite connection between literature and social events throughout time. This analyzing is able to allows us to understand literature and its purpose based on the social happenings of time.
However, this method of analyzing is also limited. Although it delves into the historical and social context of literature, it ignores the spiritual and intellectual purpose behind novels. It is a very factual and concrete way of looking at motives and purpose of literature. However, it does not look into the specificities of certain novels in order to analyze true meaning.
Another approach similar to Moretti’s is to analyze literature based on looking at the natural state of the earth. Looking back throughout history, a general observation could be made that earlier in time, when the earth was at a more natural state, there was a stronger connection between literature and nature. On the other hand, closer to times like today, literature becomes more distant and takes on a more cynical view towards the natural state of the earth.
For example, in looking at the novel, Super Sad True Love Story, by Gary Shteyngart, a much more cynical view can be seen towards the world and how human interaction takes place within the earth.
By looking at literature in this way, we are able to see how events in history and cultural trends directly affect the power of literature throughout time. Moretti explains, “The novel has an uncertain relation to politics and social movements” (8). Although he describes this correlation as “uncertain,” there is a definite connection between literature and social events throughout time. This analyzing is able to allows us to understand literature and its purpose based on the social happenings of time.
However, this method of analyzing is also limited. Although it delves into the historical and social context of literature, it ignores the spiritual and intellectual purpose behind novels. It is a very factual and concrete way of looking at motives and purpose of literature. However, it does not look into the specificities of certain novels in order to analyze true meaning.
Another approach similar to Moretti’s is to analyze literature based on looking at the natural state of the earth. Looking back throughout history, a general observation could be made that earlier in time, when the earth was at a more natural state, there was a stronger connection between literature and nature. On the other hand, closer to times like today, literature becomes more distant and takes on a more cynical view towards the natural state of the earth.
For example, in looking at the novel, Super Sad True Love Story, by Gary Shteyngart, a much more cynical view can be seen towards the world and how human interaction takes place within the earth.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
M Butterfly
The film, “M Butterfly,” combines the topics of gender, ethnicity, politics, and the arts by demonstrating how these are all expected and accepted by society. Each topic holds certain expectations by society, and this film demonstrates what happens when these expectations aren’t followed or met.
The film shows the expectations for gender roles through Song Liling and Jeanne Gallimard. Acting as a Chinese woman, Song was expected to, as Gary Shteyngart would say, “protect the mystery,” especially from the white man. For Jeanne Gallimard, her absence in presence throughout the film demonstrated how she was expected to be at home. Instead of going to all the functions that Rene went to, besides the office party, Jeanne was absent from the music show and the Chinese opera. Another interesting example of how women are seen in society is demonstrated when Song says, “because men are the only ones who know how a woman should act.” This implies that the man controls the woman. Their actions are only accepted by the standards of men.
Different ethnicities have different connotations and expectations within society. This was most clearly seen when Song explains to Rene the difference between the two situations of “Madam Butterfly”. If the story had been between a white woman and an Asian man, people would feel differently and not find the story beautiful anymore. This demonstrates the supremacy of the white race in society. It shows that everything becomes circumstantial when it comes to race. This is also connected to politics within society. Because the white race is known as superior, it is natural for society to accept them as the main political force. This can be seen with the power that the French hold in Beijing.
In the film, the arts play a role in joining the two worlds of the French and the Chinese. “Madam Butterfly” had always been seen as a Western piece of art, but it affected Rene to see it in a different way when Song performed a scene from it. This new perspective acted as a way for a more in depth understanding of this particular piece of work.
The film shows the expectations for gender roles through Song Liling and Jeanne Gallimard. Acting as a Chinese woman, Song was expected to, as Gary Shteyngart would say, “protect the mystery,” especially from the white man. For Jeanne Gallimard, her absence in presence throughout the film demonstrated how she was expected to be at home. Instead of going to all the functions that Rene went to, besides the office party, Jeanne was absent from the music show and the Chinese opera. Another interesting example of how women are seen in society is demonstrated when Song says, “because men are the only ones who know how a woman should act.” This implies that the man controls the woman. Their actions are only accepted by the standards of men.
Different ethnicities have different connotations and expectations within society. This was most clearly seen when Song explains to Rene the difference between the two situations of “Madam Butterfly”. If the story had been between a white woman and an Asian man, people would feel differently and not find the story beautiful anymore. This demonstrates the supremacy of the white race in society. It shows that everything becomes circumstantial when it comes to race. This is also connected to politics within society. Because the white race is known as superior, it is natural for society to accept them as the main political force. This can be seen with the power that the French hold in Beijing.
In the film, the arts play a role in joining the two worlds of the French and the Chinese. “Madam Butterfly” had always been seen as a Western piece of art, but it affected Rene to see it in a different way when Song performed a scene from it. This new perspective acted as a way for a more in depth understanding of this particular piece of work.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Consumer Culture
One of the main themes in Gary Shteyngart’s novel, Super Sad True Love Story, is the exaggeration of consumer culture and how its identity is being completely reshaped as time continues to progress. The idea that as a society, Americans are going down a path of superficial consumerism and economic downfall is a point Shteyngart continues to stress throughout the novel.
For example, when Eunice is GlobalTeening with her friend, she says, “And then he dresses awful…but next week we’re going shopping for stuff actually made out of ANIMAL PRODUCTS like cotton and wool and ca$hmere and all that good stuff” (p. 113). Eunice describes Lenny’s style as “old-school hipster from the 70s” and that it is awful. This demonstrates how important clothing and exterior image is within society. The identity of a person is mostly shown through what they wear. The “good” stuff that Eunice values and wishes to see Lenny wear, such as “ca$hmere,” basically screams consumerism. With the dollar sign as a substitute for the letter s only proves that this new change of consumer identity has a direct relation to the economic crisis that America is facing in the novel.
Another excerpt that highlights on this idea states, “ ‘I think she shops…So fucking racist” (p. 162-163). Here, we see another relationship between consumerism and the economy. The idea that the “ant” saves too much and therefore the government is encouraging them to spend shows a new identity forming amongst the public. People no longer have the freedom to spend and save as they choose without the government telling them what to do with their money. It almost seems as if the free nation of America is turning into the communistic system of Russia or China.
Lastly, the novel states from Eunice Park’s point of view, “So I had lunch and went Real Time Shopping with Sally…” (p. 145). This shows a completely new identity for consuming. “Real Time Shopping” is known for actively going out and shopping, rather than just doing so from a handy apparat. This shows how shopping doesn’t even require moving anymore, and that it is a rare occasion when someone actually performs the act of shopping. This stands out because our world today is on this track and it can be seen. Online shopping and Netflix make it so easy to just sit on our butts all day without getting up.
For example, when Eunice is GlobalTeening with her friend, she says, “And then he dresses awful…but next week we’re going shopping for stuff actually made out of ANIMAL PRODUCTS like cotton and wool and ca$hmere and all that good stuff” (p. 113). Eunice describes Lenny’s style as “old-school hipster from the 70s” and that it is awful. This demonstrates how important clothing and exterior image is within society. The identity of a person is mostly shown through what they wear. The “good” stuff that Eunice values and wishes to see Lenny wear, such as “ca$hmere,” basically screams consumerism. With the dollar sign as a substitute for the letter s only proves that this new change of consumer identity has a direct relation to the economic crisis that America is facing in the novel.
Another excerpt that highlights on this idea states, “ ‘I think she shops…So fucking racist” (p. 162-163). Here, we see another relationship between consumerism and the economy. The idea that the “ant” saves too much and therefore the government is encouraging them to spend shows a new identity forming amongst the public. People no longer have the freedom to spend and save as they choose without the government telling them what to do with their money. It almost seems as if the free nation of America is turning into the communistic system of Russia or China.
Lastly, the novel states from Eunice Park’s point of view, “So I had lunch and went Real Time Shopping with Sally…” (p. 145). This shows a completely new identity for consuming. “Real Time Shopping” is known for actively going out and shopping, rather than just doing so from a handy apparat. This shows how shopping doesn’t even require moving anymore, and that it is a rare occasion when someone actually performs the act of shopping. This stands out because our world today is on this track and it can be seen. Online shopping and Netflix make it so easy to just sit on our butts all day without getting up.
Monday, January 10, 2011
"All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace" by Richard Brautigan
In his poem, “All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace,” Richard Brautigan leaves the reader with an open-ended message on his view of technology. First, it could be interpreted as having an anti-technology tone and message. This can be seen through his use of subtleties. Brautigan opens the poem with, “I like to think (and/the sooner the better!)” (line 1-2). His use of parentheses gives the reader the idea of the phrase to be an internal side mark from the speaker, as if he was not actually saying it, but rather thinking it. The use of parentheses is seen again when Brautigan writes, “I like to think/(right now, please!)” (line 9-10). By this time, the use of parentheses by Brautigan gives the reader a sense of tonal sarcasm. This parenthetical text demonstrates the idea that society is so dependent on technology that people need instant answers from it in order to think.
Another interpretation could leave the reader thinking that Brautigan had a pro-technology tone and message. This interpretation can be seen through his diction and word choice. Throughout the poem, Brautigan uses terms such as, “cybernetic meadow” (line 3), “programming harmony” (line 6), and “machines of loving grace” (line 25). These terms all have natural and positive connotations to them. Brautigan’s choice to use diction of natural beauty can lead the reader to believe that technology should be a natural thing that society should embrace for mankind’s benefit.
I believe the first interpretation of Richard Brautigan’s poem is more convincing. Through his tone of sarcasm created by subtleties, his message is that technology really is an unnatural thing that humans rely on far more than we should be. His use of parentheses creates a tone of sarcasm to the reader, which makes the natural and positive word choice seem all in a tone of sarcasm as well. It reads in a tone that is mocking the idea of a cyber world rather than promoting it. Although his description, “a cybernetic meadow/where mammals and computers/live together in mutually/programming harmony” (line 3-6), may seem like a convincing pro-technology argument, his sarcastic tone created by parentheses leads the reader to realize how unnatural a situation like this could be.
Another interpretation could leave the reader thinking that Brautigan had a pro-technology tone and message. This interpretation can be seen through his diction and word choice. Throughout the poem, Brautigan uses terms such as, “cybernetic meadow” (line 3), “programming harmony” (line 6), and “machines of loving grace” (line 25). These terms all have natural and positive connotations to them. Brautigan’s choice to use diction of natural beauty can lead the reader to believe that technology should be a natural thing that society should embrace for mankind’s benefit.
I believe the first interpretation of Richard Brautigan’s poem is more convincing. Through his tone of sarcasm created by subtleties, his message is that technology really is an unnatural thing that humans rely on far more than we should be. His use of parentheses creates a tone of sarcasm to the reader, which makes the natural and positive word choice seem all in a tone of sarcasm as well. It reads in a tone that is mocking the idea of a cyber world rather than promoting it. Although his description, “a cybernetic meadow/where mammals and computers/live together in mutually/programming harmony” (line 3-6), may seem like a convincing pro-technology argument, his sarcastic tone created by parentheses leads the reader to realize how unnatural a situation like this could be.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
"Casabianca" by Felicia Hemans
In her poem, "Casabianca," Felicia Hemans uses contradicting images in order to demonstrate her viewpoint on war. Her use of imagery serves as a way for the reader to observe connotations based on her word choice. By using images of burning fire juxtaposed with images of childlike innocence, she is able to convey her argument that war destroys much more than human lives, but also purity and innocence.
She begins the poem with an image of war by using the term, "burning deck" (line 1). This image immediately gives the reader a picture of anger, rage, passion and fire. This line introduces the setting of her poem in order for the reader to understand the tone of the poem to be very serious and dark. The image of a burning deck also allows the reader to make mental connotations to the images of war. Hemans' use of burning fire imagery introduces the common knowledge and interpretation of war. In other words, she reminds the reader of what they already know about war: the passion, pain, and raging torment of those who fight.
When first introducing the character of the young boy in the poem, Hemans uses terms such as, "beautiful and bright" (line 5) and "proud though childlike" (line 8). This serves as a shift in image for the reader as Hemans goes from images of war and fire to images of innocence. The purpose for this contradiction is to introduce the idea of purity in relation to war. It is uncommon to think that these two subjects relate, but by conveying them together in her poem, Hemans is abel to argue that war acts as a means for the loss of purity and righteousness in society. By using imagery that conveys childlike innocence, Hemans introduces the consequence of war that the reader may or may not have thought of. Through her use of childlike imagery, Hemans is able to argue that the loss of innocence and purity among society as a result of war is just as much of a loss, if not more, as the loss of human lives.
Felicia Hemans' use of contradictory images served as a way to demonstrate her argument that loss of innocence within a society due to war is just as grave as the casualties. She argues her point through the poem by juxtaposing these two very different images, just as she does in the closing of her poem by saying, "But the noblest thing that perish'd there/Was that young, faithful heart" (line 39-40).
Monday, January 3, 2011
William Shakespeare
In my own world, where everything I think is absolute truth, William Shakespeare is the god of literature. Don't get me wrong, I respect many other authors from throughout the ages with very high regards of admiration, but I have yet to find someone who could surpass the talents of Shakespeare. I haven't read all of his works, which might cause this blog post to stir various counterarguments against my opinion, but from what I have read, I will never be able to forget. My favorite piece of Shakespeare's is Hamlet. For me, it is amazing how intertwined all of Shakespeare's opinions and thoughts about society were quilted through the play. I find it quite superhuman to be able to translate all of those thoughts and ambiguities into one play. Even more amazing to me is Shakespeare's thorough use of iambic pentameter, which is something that convinces me that his brain can not be human. My own hypothesis is that Shakespeare's mind was able to process thoughts about ten times faster than anyone else. Since this can not be proven false today, it is what I will depend on for understanding how Shakespeare was able to accomplish all of his literary feats. To me, his understanding of humans, society, and life itself is not quite absolute. However, it is the clearest notion of these understandings that I have ever encountered. Reading Shakespeare's works make me analyze and really question the nature of humans, and I often find myself coming to what may be the beginning of a conclusion for these intricacies. For these listed reasons and many more, I have decided to title my blog as, "Shakespeare Knows Best." Through the course of English 3, I hope to find someone or something that can impress me as much as William Shakespeare has, because if I do, I might just name a blog after them.
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