My astrological sign is Virgo. Virgos are perfectionists and that definately holds true for me; I'm not a perfectionist in a way that everything has to be right. For me everything just needs to look neat and orderly; which, brings me to yet another trait that is correct: Virgos are very tidy. Also, they are very practical which is also another one of my personality traits. I tend to look at the true facts rather than be over dramatic about things and think it's the end of the world. My sign is supposedly smart which, yes, I do think I'm smart, but I don't think I'm SUPER smart. Strangely, there are many traits of a virgo that I do have. Virgos pay attention to detail, they're shy and modest, they are patient, they are reliable, and the list of qualities that are common for me could go on for awhile.
After realizing all the characteristics I have in common I believe that there could be possible relevance; however, it could just be a coincidence. Astrology is the same a stereotyping. At times it can turn out to be true but at other times it's the complete opposite. My feelings are mixed. I also believe that the person has most of the effect of "fate". If they get their daily horoscope and truly follow it than their actions will effect what happens in life; however, someone who doesn't follow it won't have such a defined path; they follow their own rules. In Act 3 once Mercutio dies Romeo states,"This day's black fate on more days doth depend."(3.1.124) One person's action has affected everyone's future. I don't call that "fate" because anyone can alter their future by simply changing their ways. Also, Romeo believes that death is better than banishment since he cannot be with Juliet; however, if he had given up he would truly be dead. His time to die wasn't then; his action fought off fate/death. He's given the chance to see Juliet and be with her; I consider that luck; it wasn't something that was going to happend for sure.Yes, one day the time will come when they do die and death is the ONLY true fate for them or anyone. The only thing that predicts our future is our actions, nothing is permanent and set in stone until it happens. The only true "fate" we have is death which is a constant theme throughout the play. Things are born into this world and once they are done, they die.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Culture Shock
Romeo and Juliet by The Killers
A love struck Romeo, sings the streets a serenade
Laying everybody low, with a love song that he made
He finds the street light, steps out of the shade
'n' says something like, "You and me babe, how about it?"
Juliet says, "Hey it's Romeo, you nearly gave me a heart attack"
He's underneath the window, she's singing, 'Hey la, my boyfriend's back
You shouldn't come around here, singing up at people like that'
Anyway, what you gonna do about it?
Juliet, the dice was loaded from the start,
And I bet, then you exploded in my heart,
And I forget, I forget, the movie song
When you gonna realize, it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?
Come up on different streets, they both were streets of shame,
Both dirty, both mean, yes, and the dream was just the same,
And I dreamed your dream for you, and now your dream is real
How can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals?
You can fall for chains of silver, you can fall for chains of gold
You can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
You promised me everything, you promised me thick and thin, yeah
Now you just say, "Oh Romeo, yeah, you know I used to have a scene with him"
Juliet, when we made love you used to cry
I said "I love you like the stars above, I'll love you till I die"
And there's a place for us, you know the movie song
When you gonna realize, it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?
I can't do the talks, like they talk on the TV
And I can't do a love song, like the way it's meant to be
I can't do everything, but I'll do anything for you
I can't do anything 'cept be in love with you
And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be
And all I do is keep the beat, 'n the band company
And all I do is kiss you, through the bars of a rhyme
Juliet, I'd do the stars with you, anytime
Juliet, when we made love you used to cry
I said "I love you like the stars above, I'll love you till I die"
And there's a place for us, you know the movie song
When you gonna realize, it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?
And a love struck Romeo, sings the streets a serenade,
Laying everybody low, with a love song that he made
He finds a convenient street light, steps out of the shade
'n' says something like, "You and me babe, how about it?"
Laying everybody low, with a love song that he made
He finds the street light, steps out of the shade
'n' says something like, "You and me babe, how about it?"
Juliet says, "Hey it's Romeo, you nearly gave me a heart attack"
He's underneath the window, she's singing, 'Hey la, my boyfriend's back
You shouldn't come around here, singing up at people like that'
Anyway, what you gonna do about it?
Juliet, the dice was loaded from the start,
And I bet, then you exploded in my heart,
And I forget, I forget, the movie song
When you gonna realize, it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?
Come up on different streets, they both were streets of shame,
Both dirty, both mean, yes, and the dream was just the same,
And I dreamed your dream for you, and now your dream is real
How can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals?
You can fall for chains of silver, you can fall for chains of gold
You can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
You promised me everything, you promised me thick and thin, yeah
Now you just say, "Oh Romeo, yeah, you know I used to have a scene with him"
Juliet, when we made love you used to cry
I said "I love you like the stars above, I'll love you till I die"
And there's a place for us, you know the movie song
When you gonna realize, it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?
I can't do the talks, like they talk on the TV
And I can't do a love song, like the way it's meant to be
I can't do everything, but I'll do anything for you
I can't do anything 'cept be in love with you
And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be
And all I do is keep the beat, 'n the band company
And all I do is kiss you, through the bars of a rhyme
Juliet, I'd do the stars with you, anytime
Juliet, when we made love you used to cry
I said "I love you like the stars above, I'll love you till I die"
And there's a place for us, you know the movie song
When you gonna realize, it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?
And a love struck Romeo, sings the streets a serenade,
Laying everybody low, with a love song that he made
He finds a convenient street light, steps out of the shade
'n' says something like, "You and me babe, how about it?"
This song does refer to the story of Romeo and Juliet since both names are mentioned in this song; however, in this version Juliet, after having a relationship with Romeo, lost her feelings for him. Romeo is still in love with Juliet though and the only way he can express it is through this "love song." I just recently came across this song and it made me think that Romeo and Juliet would be extremely tragic if they lost their love for one another; the story would lose its appeal.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Extra Credit Blog: English Reflection
If I were to go back in time and watch myself in Honors English this year I think I would be blown away. When I chose this class I knew that it would be a challenge, but I never would have imagined just how much effort I've had to put into it. It isn't just about reading a book and taking a huge test on it. There are many hidden meanings throughout a story. It's like finding buried treasure: sometimes you find the gold(in this case understanding it and having that "ah hah!" moment) or sometimes you come to find nothing. Ah and the ongoing topic of motif. That was a hard concept to grasp but now picking up on a motif almost comes naturally; in fact, one of my close friends actually finds motifs while we're watching a movie. It'll be completely silent and all of a sudden I'll hear, "That could be a motif!" Also, acting is a big part of English this year from Great Expectation skits to reading The Importance of Being Earnest aloud in class. Reflecting back I realize that yes, English isn't my favorite subject in the entire universe, but it's never the same. It has also taught me many MANY things from something as simple as grammar to something that seems as pointless as diagramming sentences. English has definately brought out the motivation within me.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Skit Prep
One part that I think should be a skit is when Pip first meets the convict when he is a small boy. He's frightened by the convict and helps him out by giving him food and a file. The file is a big motif throughout the book and the whole event is the basis of Pip's ongoing feelings of guilt. The scene also introduces a very important character; although we don't know that he's important during that scene.
Another good scene to act out would be when Pip goes to see Miss Havisham and Estella at the Satis House for the first time. Estella constantly reminds Pip of his common boy traits and it makes Pip very self conscious. Pip's first visiting is the start of his "chain." Without that start he wouldn't have wanted to become a gentleman so badly. He might've treated people with more respect. The skit would show the basis of Pip's feelings throughout the story and his relationship to Estella and Miss Havisham.
The last scene that I suggest is when Pip goes to Wemmick's house for the first time. At his house Wemmick's is cheerful and lighthearted; the complete opposite from at work. Wemmick's at work and at home is a big contrast and really shows his and Pip's relationship. Wemmick's is one of the few people who Pip trusts with everything. Also the Aged Parent shows his caring side!
Another good scene to act out would be when Pip goes to see Miss Havisham and Estella at the Satis House for the first time. Estella constantly reminds Pip of his common boy traits and it makes Pip very self conscious. Pip's first visiting is the start of his "chain." Without that start he wouldn't have wanted to become a gentleman so badly. He might've treated people with more respect. The skit would show the basis of Pip's feelings throughout the story and his relationship to Estella and Miss Havisham.
The last scene that I suggest is when Pip goes to Wemmick's house for the first time. At his house Wemmick's is cheerful and lighthearted; the complete opposite from at work. Wemmick's at work and at home is a big contrast and really shows his and Pip's relationship. Wemmick's is one of the few people who Pip trusts with everything. Also the Aged Parent shows his caring side!
Friday, March 19, 2010
More Questions About Great Expectations
In chapter 42 Abel Magwitch is telling Pip and Herbert the events of his life. Well while he is concluding discussing Arthur and Compeyson Herbert is writing in a book cover. Within the book cover he is writing a message to Pip that says, "Young Havisham's name was Arthur. Compeyson is the man who professed to be Miss Havisham's lover."(352) So Compeyson is the man who broke Miss Havisham's heart and part of the reason why she is bitter and wants revenge. The thing I don't under stand is the young Havisham Arthur. Yes, he worked with/for Compeyson but since he's a young Havisham is he related to Miss Havisham? Or is it just a coincidence?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Great Expectations: A Question About a Passage
Before I ask whoever is reading this my question I'm going to inform you that the pages in my book do not match up with the ones in the books that most people have. The page I cite will be around the actual correct page though!
When Estella arrives in London her and Pip go to a little room for tea. While in the room Estella's mood turns dark as the topic of Miss Havisham and her aquintances comes up and she says,"It is not easy for even you," said Estella, "to know what satisfaction it gives me to see those people thwarted, or what an enjoyable sense of the ridiculous I have when they are made ridiculous. For you were not brought up in that strange house from a mere baby.-I was. You had not your little wits sharpened by their intriguing against you, suppressed and defenceless, under the mask of sympathy and pity and what not that is soft and soothing.-I had."(267 ch. 33) I understand that Estella has negative feelings towards Miss Havisham's relations. I understand that Estella has negatives feelings for Miss Havisham's aquantences and that they show sympathy and pity for her but since it's a "mask of sympathy and pity" they're covering their true feelings towards Estella. So my question is what are their actual feelings regarding Estella?
When Estella arrives in London her and Pip go to a little room for tea. While in the room Estella's mood turns dark as the topic of Miss Havisham and her aquintances comes up and she says,"It is not easy for even you," said Estella, "to know what satisfaction it gives me to see those people thwarted, or what an enjoyable sense of the ridiculous I have when they are made ridiculous. For you were not brought up in that strange house from a mere baby.-I was. You had not your little wits sharpened by their intriguing against you, suppressed and defenceless, under the mask of sympathy and pity and what not that is soft and soothing.-I had."(267 ch. 33) I understand that Estella has negative feelings towards Miss Havisham's relations. I understand that Estella has negatives feelings for Miss Havisham's aquantences and that they show sympathy and pity for her but since it's a "mask of sympathy and pity" they're covering their true feelings towards Estella. So my question is what are their actual feelings regarding Estella?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Great Expectations: Photo
The picture I chose was of a baby bird leaving its nest for the first time in its life. Think of the itty bitty bird as Pip. The bird must leave its home in order to learn more about the world around it and grow up. Pip must also leave his family and village in order to become a gentleman. He has no idea what lies ahead in his journey, just as a baby bird is oblivious to the ways of the world. As both their knowledges increase they will grow and begin to thrive in various ways. For Pip his growth will lead to him becoming a gentleman and having "great expectations."
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