Thursday, January 29, 2009
1.29.09
Today is already Thursday. Which is good because this week went by really fast. Tomorrow is already Friday. I love Fridays. Actually I love the weekends. Last weekend I went to Denver to visit my cousin who lives there with her husband. I saw Boulder, which is where Colorado University is. I really liked Boulder, and I bet it is a lot prettier in the summer. I like summer a lot better, I'd rather be too hot than too cold. I also like how green and pretty it is outside during the summer. Also my birthday is in the summer, so all the more reason to like it. I do like to ski, but not enough to favor winter. I had a dream last night where I was planning on going to Costa Rica, and was so happy to get out of the cold. Then I woke up and was so disappointed, I had to go to school and I was still in Minnesota. It was an unfortunate morning.
Friday, December 5, 2008
LRJ 1: Beowulf: values, alliteration, and kennings
Ruthie Ritchart
Ms.Peifer
10 IB Hour 5
5 December 2008
1. The values of Beowulf are strong community, military strength, and faith on a leader. This is described in the text, "...it would be his throne-room and there he would dispense/his God-given goods to young and old-..." (Heaney 71-72). This quote is telling about Hrothgar and how he rules as king. It is saying he would help out all of the community with his good talents in leading. The military strength is also mentioned. "He was four times a father, this fighter prince:/one by one they entered the world,/Heorogar, Hrothgar, the good Halga/ and a daughter, I have heard, who was Onela's queen,/a balm in bed to the battle-scarred Swede." (Heaney 59-64). This explains that military strength is valued and important if one wanted to be prominent in this society. These Anglo-Saxon people also wanted to follow a strong leader, mentally and physically.
2. Alliteration is a commonly used literary device in Beowulf. Alliteration added to the oral story telling, making it flow easier and dramatic. " There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of man tribes..." (Heaney 4 ). This quote was telling of a great warrior king, alliteration was used to make his story more exciting. " The ship rode the water,/broad-beamed, bound by its hawser/and anchored fast." (Heaney 301-303). This eases the diction of the text. " Their mail-shirts glinted,/hard and hand-linked; the high-gloss iron/of their amour rang." (Heaney 321-323 ). Alliteration was important in a time of stories being passed down through generations orally.
3. Kennings, which were poetic phrases, are used frequently in Beowulf to provide better imagery and creative words for the reader or listener. "...came sealing forth/under the cloud-murk" (Heaney 650-651), is an example of one, meaning an overcast sky with gray clouds. The kennings used in Beowulf give a normal noun more imagery. "...of waves and gore and wound-slurry" (Heaney 848). In this case, wound-slurry is used to describe Grendel's injury given by Beowulf and all that is oozing out of it. Kennings gave more to the story for the mind to imagine.
Ms.Peifer
10 IB Hour 5
5 December 2008
1. The values of Beowulf are strong community, military strength, and faith on a leader. This is described in the text, "...it would be his throne-room and there he would dispense/his God-given goods to young and old-..." (Heaney 71-72). This quote is telling about Hrothgar and how he rules as king. It is saying he would help out all of the community with his good talents in leading. The military strength is also mentioned. "He was four times a father, this fighter prince:/one by one they entered the world,/Heorogar, Hrothgar, the good Halga/ and a daughter, I have heard, who was Onela's queen,/a balm in bed to the battle-scarred Swede." (Heaney 59-64). This explains that military strength is valued and important if one wanted to be prominent in this society. These Anglo-Saxon people also wanted to follow a strong leader, mentally and physically.
2. Alliteration is a commonly used literary device in Beowulf. Alliteration added to the oral story telling, making it flow easier and dramatic. " There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of man tribes..." (Heaney 4 ). This quote was telling of a great warrior king, alliteration was used to make his story more exciting. " The ship rode the water,/broad-beamed, bound by its hawser/and anchored fast." (Heaney 301-303). This eases the diction of the text. " Their mail-shirts glinted,/hard and hand-linked; the high-gloss iron/of their amour rang." (Heaney 321-323 ). Alliteration was important in a time of stories being passed down through generations orally.
3. Kennings, which were poetic phrases, are used frequently in Beowulf to provide better imagery and creative words for the reader or listener. "...came sealing forth/under the cloud-murk" (Heaney 650-651), is an example of one, meaning an overcast sky with gray clouds. The kennings used in Beowulf give a normal noun more imagery. "...of waves and gore and wound-slurry" (Heaney 848). In this case, wound-slurry is used to describe Grendel's injury given by Beowulf and all that is oozing out of it. Kennings gave more to the story for the mind to imagine.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Antigone Paper. 11.26.08.
Ruthie Ritchart
Ms. Peifer
10 IB Hour 5
26 November, 2008
Sophocles. “Antigone.” Sophocles Antigone. Trans. Ian Johnston. 9 Aug. 2008. Vancouver
Island University Malaspira. November 26,2008..
Ms. Peifer
10 IB Hour 5
26 November, 2008
Creon is Guilty
There were three deaths in Antigone, and all of the individuals were closely related to Creon. Creon's wife Eurydice, his son Haimon, and his niece Antigone, all committed suicide on the same day. It is believed that these suicides were due to Creon's rash actions. He sentenced Antigone to death, causing a chain reaction. Antigone then ended her own life. Haimon, to whom she was to be married, decided he could not live without Antigone, and his death followed shortly after. Eurydice, after learning this information, also committed suicide and blamed her husband for their son's death. Creon is guilty and should suffer the consequences. These events were avoidable.
The crime Antigone was being punished for was trivial. She only wanted to lay her brother's body to rest peacefully. Creon did not approve and forbade it. Knowing family was important and wanting to honor her brother, Antigone disobeyed with good reason. This crime was not deserving of a death sentence. Antigone told Creon this, "But if I’d allowed my own mother’s dead son to just lie there, an unburied corpse, then I’d feel distress. What going on here does not hurt me at all. If you think what I’m doing now is stupid, perhaps I’m being charged with foolishness by someone who’s a fool." (Sophocles 527-533). Antigone spoke the truth, Creon was foolish in his decision. By the time he realized this, it was too late.
When Haimon discovers Creon's plans for Antigone, he went to speak with his father. They got into an argument while Haimon tried to defend his bride. Haimon saw Creon wasn't going to back down because of his hard-headedness, and threatened Creon with his own suicide. "Then she’ll die—and in her death kill someone else." (Sophocles 859). With this, Haimon implied he would end his own life should Antigone die. The thought of his son's death should have changed Creon's mind. Creon's actions caused enough distress to then make his wife kill herself due to Haimon's unfortunate death.
Creon had plenty of warning to change his mind. Teirisias, a blind prophet, warned Creon of the misfortune. "Men who put their stubbornness on show invite accusations of stupidity. Make concessions to the dead—don’t ever stab a man who’s just been killed. What’s the glory in killing a dead person one more time? I’ve been concerned for you. It’s good advice. Learning can be pleasant when a man speaks well, especially when he seeks your benefit." (Sophocles 1144-1151). Creon should have yielded to this advice, but his selfishness and stubbornness prevented him from doing so.
Creon is guilty and deserves punishment for his thoughtless actions. When learning of all three deaths, even he admits to fault. "Alas for me . . . the guilt for all of this is mine—it can never be removed from me or passed to any other mortal man. I, and I alone . . . I murdered you . . . I speak the truth. Servants—hurry and lead me off, get me away from here, for now what I am in life is nothing." (Sophocles 1461-1469). Creon also declares this, again confessing to murder: "Then take this foolish man away from here. I killed you, my son, without intending to, and you, as well, my wife. How useless I am now. I don’t know where to look or find support. Everything I touch goes wrong, and on my head fate climbs up with its overwhelming load." (Sophocles 1485-1490). Creon is guilty, for even he believes so.
Works Cited
Sophocles. “Antigone.” Sophocles Antigone. Trans. Ian Johnston. 9 Aug. 2008. Vancouver
Island University Malaspira. November 26,2008.
Monday, November 24, 2008
LRJ #2 on Antigone, 11.24.08
Ruthie Ritchart
Ms. Peifer
10 IB Hour 5
24 November 2008
A repeated image in Antigone is the unburied body of Polyneices. These are not flattering images. "But his body must lie in the fields, a sweet treasure for carrion birds to find as they search for food" (Sophocles 816). This was said by Antigone while speaking of her brother's abandoned corpse. Creon also spoke of it, "...he shall lie on the plain, unburied; and the birds and the scavenging dogs can do with him whatever they like." (Sophocles 819). These images play into the main idea of the Greek drama. Antigone did not want to leave his brother's body dishonored and unburied. Creon saw Polyneices as an enemy to his land and wanted to humiliate the late Polyneices, banning anyone to give him proper burial rights. This is how Antigone fell to her punishment and death. She could not ignore the family values she believed in and saw Polyneices as a brother before an enemy.
The fatal flaw of Creon was stubbornness. It was this characteristic that led him to his downfall and brought on the tragic ending in Antigone. Creon was too stubborn to change his mind about Antigone's fate or his opinion of his nephew, Polyneices. Teiresias, a fortune teller, comes to warn Creon of his choices, but Creon tells him this, "No doubt. Speak: Whatever you say, you will not change my will." (Sophocles 837). Haimon, Creon's son and Antigone's fiancee, also attempts to convince Creon otherwise and Creon replies, "For since I have taken her, alone of all the city, in open disobedience, I will not make myself a liar to my people-I will slay her." (Sophocles paragraph 175). Creon is too stubborn to back out of his word now. He is fearful of looking foolish and weak to his people if does not keep the punishment. Creon's actions reveal he is too stubborn and prideful to be compassionate about the matter. Even after Haimon threatens to kill himself should Antigone die, Creon does not budge.
Nearing the end of the play, Creon comes to realize his mistake, comes to his peripetia. "Ah me, 'tis hard, but I resign my cherished resolve,-I obey. We must not wage a vain war with destiny." (Sophocles paragraph 288). Creon also declares this, "Even as I am I'll go:-on, on, my servants, each and all of you,-take axes in your hands, and hasten to the ground that ye see yonder! Since our judgment hath taken this turn, I will be present to unloose her, as myself bound her. My heart misgives me, 'tis best to keep the established laws, even to life's end." (Spohocles paragraph 290). Although his new intent was too late. He finds that his wife Eurydice, his son Haimon, and his niece Antigone have all committed suicide due to his actions. When Creon has a change of heart he races to free Antigone only to find her dead, along with Haimon. Eurydice ends her life after learning of her husband's actions, blaming him for Haimon's death. Creon discovers his true character when arriving to his anagnorisis. "...Oh it is hard to give in! But it is worse to risk everything for stubborn pride." (Sophocles 837). He then experiences great sorrow and shows the audience or readers great emotion through catharsis. "It is right that it should be. I alone am guilty. I know it, and I say it. Lead me in, quickly, friends. I have neither life nor substance. Lead me in." (Sophocles 841). It is here that Creon accepts his actions and takes responsibility for the tragedy.
Throughout Antigone, there is characterization of women. Antigone, for whom the play is named, is a woman. She is depicted as brave, strong, and someone who values family over everything else. Antigone stands up to her uncle's law that forbids the burial of her brother. She knows of the dire consequences and still proceeds, courageously. Antigone is caught disobeying Creon's wishes, and is sentenced to death. Instead of pleading and begging for her life, she accepts her fate and faces it. While being brought to the tomb she will be left in to die Antigone says this, "See me, citizens of my fatherland, setting forth on my last way, looking my last on the sunlight that is for me no more; no, Hades who gives sleep to all leads me living to Acheron's shore; who have had no portion in the chant that brings the bride, nor hath any song been mine for the crowning of bridals; whom the lord of the Dark Lake shall wed." (Sophocles paragraph 224). Antigone sacrificed her life to bring honor to her brother, showing selflessness. Being that Antigone is the main character, her characterization must have reflected Sophocles's views on others.
Ms. Peifer
10 IB Hour 5
24 November 2008
LRJ 2- Imagery, fatal flaw, anagnorisis, peripetia, catharsis, and the characterization of women in Antigone
A repeated image in Antigone is the unburied body of Polyneices. These are not flattering images. "But his body must lie in the fields, a sweet treasure for carrion birds to find as they search for food" (Sophocles 816). This was said by Antigone while speaking of her brother's abandoned corpse. Creon also spoke of it, "...he shall lie on the plain, unburied; and the birds and the scavenging dogs can do with him whatever they like." (Sophocles 819). These images play into the main idea of the Greek drama. Antigone did not want to leave his brother's body dishonored and unburied. Creon saw Polyneices as an enemy to his land and wanted to humiliate the late Polyneices, banning anyone to give him proper burial rights. This is how Antigone fell to her punishment and death. She could not ignore the family values she believed in and saw Polyneices as a brother before an enemy.
The fatal flaw of Creon was stubbornness. It was this characteristic that led him to his downfall and brought on the tragic ending in Antigone. Creon was too stubborn to change his mind about Antigone's fate or his opinion of his nephew, Polyneices. Teiresias, a fortune teller, comes to warn Creon of his choices, but Creon tells him this, "No doubt. Speak: Whatever you say, you will not change my will." (Sophocles 837). Haimon, Creon's son and Antigone's fiancee, also attempts to convince Creon otherwise and Creon replies, "For since I have taken her, alone of all the city, in open disobedience, I will not make myself a liar to my people-I will slay her." (Sophocles paragraph 175). Creon is too stubborn to back out of his word now. He is fearful of looking foolish and weak to his people if does not keep the punishment. Creon's actions reveal he is too stubborn and prideful to be compassionate about the matter. Even after Haimon threatens to kill himself should Antigone die, Creon does not budge.
Nearing the end of the play, Creon comes to realize his mistake, comes to his peripetia. "Ah me, 'tis hard, but I resign my cherished resolve,-I obey. We must not wage a vain war with destiny." (Sophocles paragraph 288). Creon also declares this, "Even as I am I'll go:-on, on, my servants, each and all of you,-take axes in your hands, and hasten to the ground that ye see yonder! Since our judgment hath taken this turn, I will be present to unloose her, as myself bound her. My heart misgives me, 'tis best to keep the established laws, even to life's end." (Spohocles paragraph 290). Although his new intent was too late. He finds that his wife Eurydice, his son Haimon, and his niece Antigone have all committed suicide due to his actions. When Creon has a change of heart he races to free Antigone only to find her dead, along with Haimon. Eurydice ends her life after learning of her husband's actions, blaming him for Haimon's death. Creon discovers his true character when arriving to his anagnorisis. "...Oh it is hard to give in! But it is worse to risk everything for stubborn pride." (Sophocles 837). He then experiences great sorrow and shows the audience or readers great emotion through catharsis. "It is right that it should be. I alone am guilty. I know it, and I say it. Lead me in, quickly, friends. I have neither life nor substance. Lead me in." (Sophocles 841). It is here that Creon accepts his actions and takes responsibility for the tragedy.
Throughout Antigone, there is characterization of women. Antigone, for whom the play is named, is a woman. She is depicted as brave, strong, and someone who values family over everything else. Antigone stands up to her uncle's law that forbids the burial of her brother. She knows of the dire consequences and still proceeds, courageously. Antigone is caught disobeying Creon's wishes, and is sentenced to death. Instead of pleading and begging for her life, she accepts her fate and faces it. While being brought to the tomb she will be left in to die Antigone says this, "See me, citizens of my fatherland, setting forth on my last way, looking my last on the sunlight that is for me no more; no, Hades who gives sleep to all leads me living to Acheron's shore; who have had no portion in the chant that brings the bride, nor hath any song been mine for the crowning of bridals; whom the lord of the Dark Lake shall wed." (Sophocles paragraph 224). Antigone sacrificed her life to bring honor to her brother, showing selflessness. Being that Antigone is the main character, her characterization must have reflected Sophocles's views on others.
Works Cited
Spohocles. "Antigone." Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: World Literature. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2001. 814-826
Sophocles. "Antigone." The Internet Classic Archive. Trans. R.C. Jebb. 04Oct2000. Classics. mit. edu. 24Nov2008 http://classics.mit.edu/Sophocles/antigone.html.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Chemistry bores me...And Kelsey
Kelsey and I are in Chemistry right now in the computer lab and don't know what or how to do sublevels in principle energy levels. We have a sub so we can't ask him. Mat is bored too. We still have 20 minutes left...
Letter From Ismene, LRJ #1, 11-17-08
Dear Antigone,
About your plans of burying Polyneices, I am torn on my decision. I do love you and our brother. I do want to support you in your brave feat. But also I am scared for our safety. You want to honor family, but Creon is our uncle. Polyneices went against his wishes. I fear Creon's anger. Now that I know of your plan, I too am in danger. I suppose I have nothing left to lose, for if you get caught, we will both be punished. I will help you in honoring our brother's death. He did not die fighting for us, but he died passionately and bravely. No matter his choices, I still love him. I understand your desire to save him from humiliation. You're right, it must be done. At the beginning of writing to you, I was unsure. It has become apparent while searching for my answer that family is above all. I am sorry I ever doubted you. We will do this together, be punished together, and bring honor to our brother together. I cannot believe my hesitation almost came between the values of family. Please forgive me and let me assist you in this duty.
Your sister,
Ismene
About your plans of burying Polyneices, I am torn on my decision. I do love you and our brother. I do want to support you in your brave feat. But also I am scared for our safety. You want to honor family, but Creon is our uncle. Polyneices went against his wishes. I fear Creon's anger. Now that I know of your plan, I too am in danger. I suppose I have nothing left to lose, for if you get caught, we will both be punished. I will help you in honoring our brother's death. He did not die fighting for us, but he died passionately and bravely. No matter his choices, I still love him. I understand your desire to save him from humiliation. You're right, it must be done. At the beginning of writing to you, I was unsure. It has become apparent while searching for my answer that family is above all. I am sorry I ever doubted you. We will do this together, be punished together, and bring honor to our brother together. I cannot believe my hesitation almost came between the values of family. Please forgive me and let me assist you in this duty.
Your sister,
Ismene
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thoughts on Blog
I think this blogging idea is good once it is all set up because right now it is very confusing. Once I get used to it I think it will be a really good idea because as students we will be able to share thoughts and ideas. This will help improve the work quality because of working together.
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