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.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Is Shakespeare Overrated?
Shakespeare’s work is captivating, compelling, and gripping. Readers of any era, culture, or ethnicity can relate to his works, this adds to his popularity. His works examine the different aspects of the human nature. The themes he deals with are universal making his works timeless. In Romeo and Juliet for example, Shakespeare tells the story of two lovers separated by their families. Many can relate to this since lovers have always been separated because of their differences which include class, race, age, gender…etc.
His works overflows with imagery and figurative language, he also uses poetic devices and is especially known for his puns. In “Hamlet” for example Shakespeare uses puns extensively in the following lines uttered by Hamlet:
" …This fellow might be
in's time a great buyer of land, with his statutes,
is recognizances, his fines, his double vouchers,
his recoveries: is this the fine of his fines, and
the recovery of his recoveries, to have his fine pate
full of fine dirt?..."
Shakespeare uses images and figurative language in his sonnets allowing the readers to become engrossed in them. In one example from sonnet 29, Shakespeare uses a simile to compare his state to a lark singing in the morning.
Even though Shakespeare has proven himself to be a master playwright and poet, he is not necessarily the greatest writer of all time. Countless other poets and writers deserve to be given the same recognition. Although the number of sonnets he has written is menacing it does not mean that they are better than those written by poets throughout the centuries and in different languages. Other than the excessive use of puns, William Shakespeare’s works are not very different from the works of other great writers.
His works overflows with imagery and figurative language, he also uses poetic devices and is especially known for his puns. In “Hamlet” for example Shakespeare uses puns extensively in the following lines uttered by Hamlet:
" …This fellow might be
in's time a great buyer of land, with his statutes,
is recognizances, his fines, his double vouchers,
his recoveries: is this the fine of his fines, and
the recovery of his recoveries, to have his fine pate
full of fine dirt?..."
Shakespeare uses images and figurative language in his sonnets allowing the readers to become engrossed in them. In one example from sonnet 29, Shakespeare uses a simile to compare his state to a lark singing in the morning.
Even though Shakespeare has proven himself to be a master playwright and poet, he is not necessarily the greatest writer of all time. Countless other poets and writers deserve to be given the same recognition. Although the number of sonnets he has written is menacing it does not mean that they are better than those written by poets throughout the centuries and in different languages. Other than the excessive use of puns, William Shakespeare’s works are not very different from the works of other great writers.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
A sonnet by me
Time
Time flows carrying oblivious bystanders
Time rushes by with deceptive ease
She is impatient and unforgiving
She never lingers and always leaves
Time has no conscience, she feels no guilt
She is sometimes vindictive and always cold
She dangles strings of hope then pulls them away
Time tempts the young and tortures the old.
Those who are able to learn from her wisdom
Possess the greatest power of all
If they can befriend man's ultimate enemy
They can conquer any obstacle, big or small
Time is always watching, lurking around the corner
And only the prudent learn to embrace her.
Time flows carrying oblivious bystanders
Time rushes by with deceptive ease
She is impatient and unforgiving
She never lingers and always leaves
Time has no conscience, she feels no guilt
She is sometimes vindictive and always cold
She dangles strings of hope then pulls them away
Time tempts the young and tortures the old.
Those who are able to learn from her wisdom
Possess the greatest power of all
If they can befriend man's ultimate enemy
They can conquer any obstacle, big or small
Time is always watching, lurking around the corner
And only the prudent learn to embrace her.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Boooooored?? good! ur in the right place.
Do u feel like doing something crazy?! Do u want to scream?! Are u hyper from recently ingesting a large amount of coffee?! If u answered yes then leave this blog NOW! This blog was created by bored bloggers with bored bloggers and for bored bloggers to bore anyone who enters. If u are about to fall asleep or have absolutely positively nothing else whatsoever to do then this is the perfect blog for you. (N.B. many thanks to Mr. Webster for giving us the inspiration to create this blog.)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sonnets
I found sonnets to be a very interesting as a poetic form. Since sonnets only consist of 14 stanzas, poets must incorporate a lot of meaning in a few sentences. This makes sonnets a very rich form of poetry. At the same time sonnets are precise and the speaker does not bore the reader with long sentences and unending paragraphs. In the first eight lines of Shakespear's first sonnet the speaker discusses how beauty fades as the beautiful grow old and time passes. If the beautiful are only concerned with themselves and do not share their beauty with the wold through sex it will eventually die out. In the 11th line, the speaker says,"Within thine own bud buriest thy content". Within the context of the sonnet the bud could be interpreted to mean penis and its content is the sperm. Many Shakespearean sonnets contain similar words with dual meanings making them interesting to read since the reader can interpret it differently every time.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
JM Coetzee: Lurie's problem of sex
1. The first line of the novel begins with "For a man of his age, fifty-two, divorced, he has, to his mind, solved the problem of sec rather well." What is the "problem" that he has solved? Has he really solved it?
David Lurie believes that he has solved the problem of sex. For him the problem is having sex without having to deal with the complications that follow. After getting married and divorced twice, he has come to realize that he does not need to be married and have children to be happy. He is content with his mediocre job and lifestyle and believes that 90 minutes of sex a week is enough to satisfy him. When the prostitute, Soraya, who he sleeps with is forced to stop working for a few weeks, he is unable to stay away from her and hires a private investigator to track her down. When he is unable to be with Soraya, he quickly finds someone else to satisfy him. He sleeps with one of his students, Melanie, who is young enough to be his daughter. Their relationship is very awkward. On the hand she is his lover, yet on the other hand she is like a daughter to him. Lurie knows the consequences of sleeping with a student but even when he realizes it has gone too far he is unable to sever all ties with her because he has quickly grown attached to her for the simple reason that she satisfies him emotionally and sexually. David Lurie believes that having sex once a week with a prostitute satisfies him but he does not realize that he is getting attached to anyone who is able to satisfy him sexually in order to fill an emotional gap.
David Lurie believes that he has solved the problem of sex. For him the problem is having sex without having to deal with the complications that follow. After getting married and divorced twice, he has come to realize that he does not need to be married and have children to be happy. He is content with his mediocre job and lifestyle and believes that 90 minutes of sex a week is enough to satisfy him. When the prostitute, Soraya, who he sleeps with is forced to stop working for a few weeks, he is unable to stay away from her and hires a private investigator to track her down. When he is unable to be with Soraya, he quickly finds someone else to satisfy him. He sleeps with one of his students, Melanie, who is young enough to be his daughter. Their relationship is very awkward. On the hand she is his lover, yet on the other hand she is like a daughter to him. Lurie knows the consequences of sleeping with a student but even when he realizes it has gone too far he is unable to sever all ties with her because he has quickly grown attached to her for the simple reason that she satisfies him emotionally and sexually. David Lurie believes that having sex once a week with a prostitute satisfies him but he does not realize that he is getting attached to anyone who is able to satisfy him sexually in order to fill an emotional gap.
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