Now that you've finished reading this play, what is your reaction to it? Explain what you like about it and what you dislike. Be specific. Does it deserve the critical and popular reception that it has received over the years? Why or why not?
My first reaction as I was reading was that the play was very boring and pointless. It seemed to me as if Pinter was sitting in a room observing what was happening between three people and writing down every mundane and dull event which took place. Although the obvious description of the surroundings and the introduction of characters is a characteristic of absurdist plays, Pinter’s excessive and meticulous description is unnecessary and makes it tiresome to read. On the other hand, it is understandable that Pinter might have a particular view which he wants to come alive on stage. Since an audience would not have to read all the description I can see why he might be so meticulous. The play also lacked any humorous elements. There was nothing amusing about the repetition or any of the few events which did take place. The reader is also never certain if what Daves is saying is true which I found to be very frustrating.
It was only until we discussed the play in class that I began understanding the hidden and subtle messages imbedded in the dull dialogue in addition to the meanings found in the character's actions. Without knowing the historical context in which the play was written it is very difficult to understand what the writer is trying to say. Perhaps for the intended audience at the time, only a few years after WWII, this play may have been amusing. However, for someone reading or watching the play today, it is very dull and I personally was unable to relate to it.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, October 12, 2008
IOP Presentation
1. Write a brief descriptive paragraph that summarizes your IOP. Be sure to include the topic, your thesis, and the hook and any visual aids you used.
For my IOP, I discussed the two foils of the novel "The Rock of Tanios" Gerios and the Sheikh. The argument of my presentation was that Gerios is a submissive character unlike his foil, the Sheikh, who is a commanding figure and in control of the village. I presented several arguments all of which where supported by evidence in the form of quotations from the text. For visual stimulation I used a power point which also enhance my presentation. There are six main points to my presentation.
1) Gerios is a flat character whose only aim is to please the Sheikh at the beginning of the novel.
2) The Sheikh is reveared by his subjects, he looks out for their best interests and in return they are loyal and obedient.
3)Gerios is submissive to the Sheikh, unappreciated by the villagers, and incapable of harming others.
4) Although the Sheikh is in control of the village he must answer to all those above him.
5)Gerios' love for his son and the fear of losing him drove him to kill the Patriarch and act completly out of character.
6)The Sheikh does not lose the loyalty and love of his people even after he loses power.
These points lead me to discuss a theme and another major motif in the novel. The father-son motif in the novel is evident when Gerios risks his life for his sons's. As for the theme of feudality and the feudal system, it is discussed in points 4 and 6.
For my IOP, I discussed the two foils of the novel "The Rock of Tanios" Gerios and the Sheikh. The argument of my presentation was that Gerios is a submissive character unlike his foil, the Sheikh, who is a commanding figure and in control of the village. I presented several arguments all of which where supported by evidence in the form of quotations from the text. For visual stimulation I used a power point which also enhance my presentation. There are six main points to my presentation.
1) Gerios is a flat character whose only aim is to please the Sheikh at the beginning of the novel.
2) The Sheikh is reveared by his subjects, he looks out for their best interests and in return they are loyal and obedient.
3)Gerios is submissive to the Sheikh, unappreciated by the villagers, and incapable of harming others.
4) Although the Sheikh is in control of the village he must answer to all those above him.
5)Gerios' love for his son and the fear of losing him drove him to kill the Patriarch and act completly out of character.
6)The Sheikh does not lose the loyalty and love of his people even after he loses power.
These points lead me to discuss a theme and another major motif in the novel. The father-son motif in the novel is evident when Gerios risks his life for his sons's. As for the theme of feudality and the feudal system, it is discussed in points 4 and 6.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Oracle Night
2. How did you like the multi-layered plot? Was the plot too complicated or did you find it engaging? Which plot did you like the best: Sid and Grace's story or Nick Bowen's?
Unlike most of the novels we have been assigned to read over the course of the past few summers, I actually enjoyed reading "Oracle Night". The novel was engaging and full of twists and shocking revelations. The presence of a second plot within the novel made it more compelling, in fact the without that second plot the novel would not have been as interesting, the two parallel stories complement each other. The idea behind Bowen's story was interesting to begin with. The idea that a single random event could drastically change the course of a person's life is interesting to explore. As Orr begins to narrate the series of somewhat strange events which lead Bowen to the room of phonebooks, I slowly became more and more interested in what was going to happen at the end. Unfortunately, the story ends abruptly with Nick trapped in the room with no way out. The main plot of the novel was even more intriguing as it was more complex and developed. Auster is able to smoothly shift from one plot to the other without confusing the reader. Several questions are raised by the end of the novel. The Portuguese notebooks for example seem to have some sort of power over those who write in them. Trause warns Orr of their ability to inspire and their cruelty as well. Trause also raises the issue that the future is within us and that when we write, we are not writing about the past or the present but the future. My only objection to the novel is the ending. I felt there should have been something more to it.
Unlike most of the novels we have been assigned to read over the course of the past few summers, I actually enjoyed reading "Oracle Night". The novel was engaging and full of twists and shocking revelations. The presence of a second plot within the novel made it more compelling, in fact the without that second plot the novel would not have been as interesting, the two parallel stories complement each other. The idea behind Bowen's story was interesting to begin with. The idea that a single random event could drastically change the course of a person's life is interesting to explore. As Orr begins to narrate the series of somewhat strange events which lead Bowen to the room of phonebooks, I slowly became more and more interested in what was going to happen at the end. Unfortunately, the story ends abruptly with Nick trapped in the room with no way out. The main plot of the novel was even more intriguing as it was more complex and developed. Auster is able to smoothly shift from one plot to the other without confusing the reader. Several questions are raised by the end of the novel. The Portuguese notebooks for example seem to have some sort of power over those who write in them. Trause warns Orr of their ability to inspire and their cruelty as well. Trause also raises the issue that the future is within us and that when we write, we are not writing about the past or the present but the future. My only objection to the novel is the ending. I felt there should have been something more to it.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Rock of Tanios
In what way or ways do you "connect" with the book The Rock of Tanios by Amin Maalouf? In what way is it accessible or familiar to you?
Having lived my entire life in Lebanon, I could relate to many characters and events which took place in the novel. It is astonishing how many things have remained the same throughout the past 150 years in Lebanon. The first thing I noticed when I began reading was the use of Arabic words and proverbs. “ Yabni”, “ Ya binti”, “ khweja”, “ saj”, and “ Hajje” are some of the many Arabic words that Amin Maalouf incorporated into the novel, and that are still used today. I also found several Arabic proverbs. Although it was difficult to translate a few, I identified several which are still being told today. Those who do not understand Arabic and have a very limited understanding of the Lebanese culture would find it difficult to understand much of the novel. At the same time, the use of Arabic words, and the details which refer to Lebanese/Arabic culture and traditions made the novel much more enjoyable for me. I was amused for example by the formulas and traditions associated with specific meetings and events. When the villagers give their condolences to the Sheikh he receives every person differently depending on several factors such as rank, relation to the sheikh…etc. Formulas are still a large part of our culture. The political situation has also remained largely the same. Other countries involve themselves in our politics and instead of uniting, we fight ourselves. In the novel, the Reverend Stolton reports in his journal “the only ones who cannot be forgiven are the local people, Christians and Druse…”. People are separated according to their religions and today it is not only the Christians and Druse but also the Sunnis and Chiates as well. Today's political situation is due to the segregation between the religious groups just like in the 1800s. Because of the reasons stated above it was very easy for me to connect with the novel and its character as they reflect the Lebanese culture and its traditions.
Having lived my entire life in Lebanon, I could relate to many characters and events which took place in the novel. It is astonishing how many things have remained the same throughout the past 150 years in Lebanon. The first thing I noticed when I began reading was the use of Arabic words and proverbs. “ Yabni”, “ Ya binti”, “ khweja”, “ saj”, and “ Hajje” are some of the many Arabic words that Amin Maalouf incorporated into the novel, and that are still used today. I also found several Arabic proverbs. Although it was difficult to translate a few, I identified several which are still being told today. Those who do not understand Arabic and have a very limited understanding of the Lebanese culture would find it difficult to understand much of the novel. At the same time, the use of Arabic words, and the details which refer to Lebanese/Arabic culture and traditions made the novel much more enjoyable for me. I was amused for example by the formulas and traditions associated with specific meetings and events. When the villagers give their condolences to the Sheikh he receives every person differently depending on several factors such as rank, relation to the sheikh…etc. Formulas are still a large part of our culture. The political situation has also remained largely the same. Other countries involve themselves in our politics and instead of uniting, we fight ourselves. In the novel, the Reverend Stolton reports in his journal “the only ones who cannot be forgiven are the local people, Christians and Druse…”. People are separated according to their religions and today it is not only the Christians and Druse but also the Sunnis and Chiates as well. Today's political situation is due to the segregation between the religious groups just like in the 1800s. Because of the reasons stated above it was very easy for me to connect with the novel and its character as they reflect the Lebanese culture and its traditions.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Lord Byron
2. Many believe that the life of George Gordon, Lord Byron has eclipsed his poetry. Do you agree? Which do you find more interesting and why?
George Gordon’s poetry is a kind of autobiography. His mock epic, Don Juan, includes events which parallel those in his own life. The story of his life is full of affairs, betrayal, adventure, and suffering. Although his works include similar characteristics, his life remains more interesting.
In “Don Juan”, the protagonist has an affair, travels the world, and encounters many obstacles throughout his journey. Those who are familiar with Lord Byron and “Don Juan” can easily find similarities between George Gordon’s life and that of the protagonist. Even though Byron’s life remains much more fascinating I would not say that it eclipses his work. Byron’s life is saturated with affairs, drama, adventure, and anguish. All of these factors make his life an epic in itself. His life is a long story and his “Don Juan” narrates the events of his life. At the same time, Byron states his opinions and makes fun of the imperfections of life and the hypocrisy of high society. While his life in full of drama, this work contains an additional touch of humor making it more interesting and enjoyable for the readers.
George Gordon’s bisexuality and his numerous affairs and lovers as well as his many adventures have made him infamous, yet as fascinating as his life may be, his work is still equally impressive. “Don Juan” is a masterfully written epic which mocks several romantic poets of the time, the hypocrisy of high society, and the nature of love. Its themes are universal and still applicable today. Since many events in the epic are taken directly from Byron’s life, the plot makes the poem interesting and captivating making it enjoyable to read.
George Gordon’s poetry is a kind of autobiography. His mock epic, Don Juan, includes events which parallel those in his own life. The story of his life is full of affairs, betrayal, adventure, and suffering. Although his works include similar characteristics, his life remains more interesting.
In “Don Juan”, the protagonist has an affair, travels the world, and encounters many obstacles throughout his journey. Those who are familiar with Lord Byron and “Don Juan” can easily find similarities between George Gordon’s life and that of the protagonist. Even though Byron’s life remains much more fascinating I would not say that it eclipses his work. Byron’s life is saturated with affairs, drama, adventure, and anguish. All of these factors make his life an epic in itself. His life is a long story and his “Don Juan” narrates the events of his life. At the same time, Byron states his opinions and makes fun of the imperfections of life and the hypocrisy of high society. While his life in full of drama, this work contains an additional touch of humor making it more interesting and enjoyable for the readers.
George Gordon’s bisexuality and his numerous affairs and lovers as well as his many adventures have made him infamous, yet as fascinating as his life may be, his work is still equally impressive. “Don Juan” is a masterfully written epic which mocks several romantic poets of the time, the hypocrisy of high society, and the nature of love. Its themes are universal and still applicable today. Since many events in the epic are taken directly from Byron’s life, the plot makes the poem interesting and captivating making it enjoyable to read.
Monday, April 7, 2008
My Poem #2
Please Don't Make Fun!!
I wasn't in the mood to write a poem. Also its CONTEMPORARY so ...
Drained, despondent, depressed,
Searching, searching, racking my brain!
What is it?
I know it!
Somewhere, it has to be in here somewhere!
What!
Why! Why can’t I find it?
I know it!
I know I know it!
So close!
Almost!
Its, its, its…
Maybe if I…
No!
Noo!
That won’t work. Nothing works!
What about,
Perhaps,
Could it be,
Dismal!
Yes that’s it! Dismal!
Drained, despondent, depressed, dismal.
That’s the first line, yes, dismal.
Now for the second line of the poem!
I wasn't in the mood to write a poem. Also its CONTEMPORARY so ...
Drained, despondent, depressed,
Searching, searching, racking my brain!
What is it?
I know it!
Somewhere, it has to be in here somewhere!
What!
Why! Why can’t I find it?
I know it!
I know I know it!
So close!
Almost!
Its, its, its…
Maybe if I…
No!
Noo!
That won’t work. Nothing works!
What about,
Perhaps,
Could it be,
Dismal!
Yes that’s it! Dismal!
Drained, despondent, depressed, dismal.
That’s the first line, yes, dismal.
Now for the second line of the poem!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
My Reaction to Disgrace
When I first looked at the cover page I was impressed with the fact that this novel won The Booker Prize. After reading the comments on the back page I became even more interested in reading the novel. During the first few chapters, I couldn't put the book down. The chapters were short and the plot was rapidly unfolding. The style of writing is simple and leaves a lot of room for interpretation even though the speaker explains everything going on in his head. One of the things I found irritating though were the small phrases or words in different languages and the allusions referring to the life of Byron. I found myself continuously referring back to the Internet to try to find the meaning of the words and more about the mentioned allusion.
By the time I reached the climax, I began to lose interest in the story. When Lurie goes to live in the country with his daughter, the story becomes dull. The only engrossing event is the climax which is only a few pages long. From that point on there is a lot of repetition. Lurie and his daughter constantly argue about the lurid details of the attack and specifically Lucy's rape. Towards the end of the novel, Lurie becomes more absorbed in his work. For pages, he talks about the life of Lord Byron and his affair with Lady Caroline Lamb.
Finally, I reached the ending. As glad as I was to have finished the novel, I felt that the ending was very abrupt. The author leaves the reader with a sense of uncertainty. Coetzee does not verify whether Lucy marries Petrus or not, and he also hints that Lurie might have cancer.
By the time I reached the climax, I began to lose interest in the story. When Lurie goes to live in the country with his daughter, the story becomes dull. The only engrossing event is the climax which is only a few pages long. From that point on there is a lot of repetition. Lurie and his daughter constantly argue about the lurid details of the attack and specifically Lucy's rape. Towards the end of the novel, Lurie becomes more absorbed in his work. For pages, he talks about the life of Lord Byron and his affair with Lady Caroline Lamb.
Finally, I reached the ending. As glad as I was to have finished the novel, I felt that the ending was very abrupt. The author leaves the reader with a sense of uncertainty. Coetzee does not verify whether Lucy marries Petrus or not, and he also hints that Lurie might have cancer.
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