Journal #10

Othello’s Insight

At the end of the play, Othello had a moment of revelation when everything he did came into focus. Othello realized that he had been deceived into killing the woman that he loved. He didn’t want to be remembered as the man who killed his loving wife, but as a soldier who honorable served Venice. He threw away the one thing that was most valuable to him, Desdemona. He didn’t understand how well she loved and how pure she truly was until he lost her. Othello was taken over by his emotions and didn't think the situation through. Othello killed himself after this speech because he couldn’t live with the damage he had done. He took the honorable way out so that he could be remembered for the good services he performed for the state and not for the atrocity he just committed.

Journal #9 - Free Will vs. Determinism

In Othello many character advocate that free will is the only force present. All people have the power to control their destiny. Life if filled with choices and we are free to pick any of the innumerable paths in front of us. Iago explains to Rodrigo, “Virtue! a fig! 'tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners” (1.3 361-3). The quote illustrates that you reap what you sow. Everything that happens to you is because of free will. Iago later says, “when this advice is free I give and honest, probable to thinking and indeed the course to win the Moor again” (2.3.357-9). The people Iago councils have the choice to follow his advice or not. He gives good advice about what the best course of action would be but only intends to ensnare the victims who chose to follow it. Despite his Free will, Iago fails to succeed in the end.

In Othello is seems that many of the actions are a result of environmental influences that are working independently from free will. Iago warns Othello, “Beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green eyed Monster…” (3.3.195-96). This suggests that the genetic inclination towards jealousy influences characters like Othello. Othello is overcome by jealousy and can’t control himself. Othello had the free will not to fall prey to these outside forces but it was inevitable. The path was already laid out for Othello and he was helpless not to follow it. Iago also says, “When devils will, the blackest sins put on, they do suggest at first with heavenly shows” (2.3.370-71). This also shows that environmental influences can be subtle and appear good, but they can lead you down the wrong pay. Othello was lead down the pay he believed fate destined for him.

Journal #8

Emerson’s Aphorisms

5. To be great is to be misunderstood.

The aphorism is trying to make the point that being misunderstood is part of being great. If you are great then there are people less great than yourself. The people who think you are great with not understand how you are higher than themselves. You will have knowledge and ideas beyond that of the average person. I agree with this opinion and think it is closely tied with Emerson’s love of the instinctual part of man. You need to be in touch with part of your brain other than logic, reason, and past experience in order to be great. You have to think outside the box and come up with new and interesting ways of solving problems.

8. In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed.

The aphorism is trying to make the point that when you are in a dangerous position, you don’t want to walk slowly because you could fall into trouble. You want to get away from the thin ice as quickly as possible. This links back to Emerson’s belief that you should go through your life without stopping and analyzing everything you do. I agree with this position because if you took your time and went through life slowly, then you wouldn’t get far. It would be much easier to rush past the trouble and get on with your life. Live your life on instinct and get in touch with the deeper part of yourself.

13. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.

The aphorism makes the point that life has an infinite number of results and possibilities. It is almost impossible to tell what the result will be. You may fail or succeed in your life. I agree that life is an experiment. You are trying out something new and uncertain of the result. After the experiment is completed, you have a larger picture of how life works. If you continue experimenting, then you will learn more and more. I think that all life is one experiment after another. You are like a scientist trying to see what will work to solve each problem that you are confronted with. Anything could happen and anything will happen.

Journal #7

William Cullen Bryant’s “To a Waterfowl” (p.151) and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” (p.181)

In Bryant’s “To a Waterfowl,” the classical views of nature are clearly clashing with romantic views of nature given by Poe in “The Raven.” Bryant writes about a calm and tranquil scene at sunset. He writes about the solitary bird that is guided across the vast sky. Bryant wonders if “there is a power whose care teaches thy way along that pathless coast.” The poem is calm and orderly. The poem takes place at sunset and is meant to be peaceful. As Bryant concludes, he ponders the lesson that the bird is teaching him. Bryant says that the same power that guides the bird to its summer home will “lead my steps aright.” The poem is very logical and rational. It’s not openly religious but it alludes to it. He uses a plain style of writing that is easy to read. The tone is happy and calming which reflects Bryant's view of nature. The poem is also is trying to convey a deeper lesson to the reader. The classical view is that nature is something to observe and meditate on.

Poe writes using a romantic view of nature. His poem is imaginative and spontaneous. He has a clear rhythm throughout the lines that is often dropped and picked up in the next stanza. The poem is very emotional. The tone is dark and depressing, just like the way Poe views nature. Poe's poem is very ornate and not as easy to understand. The rhythm and repetition are unique to this poem. It helps to create the gloomy mood. The poem is suspenseful and builds up to the point when Poe comes across the raven. It takes place “once upon a midnight dreary, while [he] pondered, weak and weary.” The setting is a lot darker and more mysterious than Bryant’s poem. Poe talks about how he lost his love, Lenore. He is not in a stable state, so when the raven appears he takes it as a sign. He heard tapping at his window and opens it up. Poe says that the raven flew in and “perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door.” This sign was meant to convey wisdom and is more subjective than Bryant’s poem.

Poe is looking for solace from the raven but when asked if he will be united with Lenore again, the raven croaks “Nevermore.” That is the bird’s response to all his questions and it makes Poe even more saddened and depressed than he was before. He is constantly calling the bird a demon and wants it to leave his room. The poem is irrational and it doesn’t make sense that a raven would be talking to him. Bryant ends his poem feeling better about life but Poe ends feeling more depressed than before. The poems are both dealing with birds but Bryant's poem is more calming. Poe writes in a darker form of romanticism. Both poems are written in 1st person. Poe's raven is viewed as a demon but Bryan's bird is a divine messenger. The characteristics reflected on the birds reflects their view of nature.

Journal #6

From Ben Franklin’s The Autobiography

1. Explain what was involved in Franklin’s plan for self-perfection? What conclusion did Franklin come to regarding the effectiveness of this plan?

Franklin conceived his plan for self-perfection after devising a project to achieve moral perfection. He conceived 13 virtues that he believed to be necessary or desirable. He planned to acquire one virtue at a time and use the virtues that he achieved1st to aid in acquiring others. The next virtue builds on the ones already in place. Franklin’s 1^st virtue was temperance and that made all the others easier to achieve. He marked his progress in a little book and after going a week without breaking the virtue, he could move on to the next.

It took Franklin years to get all of the virtues in place because of interference from business and travel. Franklin concluded that no one can get read of all their faults and that a perfect character would only lead you to be envied and hated. A benevolent man should have a couple faults. He found himself much happier after attempting to acquire all the virtues even though he didn't achieve perfection. He did get some of the virtues in place despite struggling through others.

2. Do you feel that a plan such as Franklin’s would improve you as a person? Why or why not? What would be your top five virtues?

I think a plan like Franklin’s would improve me as a person because I am not perfect. There are virtues that I am lacking in and need to improve upon. I think that an ordered regiment of acquiring virtues would help me be a happier person like Franklin claimed after attempting the same task. My top 5 virtues would be order, frugality, industry, tranquility, and humility. These are the virtues that I find most important.

Journal #5

Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”

1. Identify the specific argument that Paine is making in each paragraph. For each of the arguments, identify whether Paine is making an emotional, ethical, or logical appeal and suggest an effective counterargument.

#1
The argument in the 1st paragraph is that the revolution will be hard but in the end, it will be worth it. Also, the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph will be in the end. Freedom is going to cost a heavy price and it takes a great sacrifice to give it value.
The appeal is mainly emotional because Americans are mistreated and Paine is talking about how glorious it will be when freedom is achieved. It is logical because they are under slavery of Britain and need to be freed. It is ethical because that they are doing to the colonies is wrong.
The counter point is that the Americans owe the English. They wouldn’t have the freedom that they have through England and they are under government control. This is treason against the state and it will be bad if we lose. There is no certainty for victory.

#2
The argument for the 2nd argument is that God will not let America loose; he will not let Britain destroy us with military force. The appeal is Ethical because the king is wrong and America is right. God is on America’s side and that is why we will win. America is morally right so they must triumph. The counter point is that God may not want a war and he might not help America. Also, God could be on England’s side. The king is backed by divine right so God could be on his side.

#3
The argument in the 3rd paragraph is that Paine is trying to get America to fight as soon as possible so it is not left to their children. He wants to fight now so the next generation can enjoy peace because eventually there will be a separation. The appeal is logical because he is saying that the separation will occur eventually. It is emotional because he is talking about helping out America’s children and giving them peace. It is ethical because Paine wants to improve future generations. The counter argument is that we shouldn’t fight because it may be worked out. There could also be diplomacy to work out the problem. Losing a parent or the war could negatively impact a child.

#4
The argument in the 4th paragraph is that America wouldn’t fight an offensive war against Brittan but the English have invaded and destroyed our property. They are like a thief breaking into your house. We need to defend ourselves from the British. It is an argument by analogy, comparing the king to a thief. The appeal is emotional because it is addressing how you would feel if someone would break into your house. It is ethical because if you are being attacked then you need to fight back. The counter argument is that Britain is so much more powerful than the colonies, that it is not ever worth trying to fight them. The colonies would lose and get ever stricter treatment from Britain.


2. Can you identify any of the logical fallacies that we discussed in Paine’s arguments? If so, which ones? Overall, what do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of Paine’s arguments?

The logical fallacies include devices like faulty analogies where Paine says that Britain is putting the colonies into slavery when it is not true. He also claims that the King is breaking into our house and stealing from us when he isn’t. The writing is ad homonym because he is personally attaching the king and calling him names.It is begging the question because Paine is assuming that the colonies will win. Also, he assumes what God wants the colonies to win. He writes in aphorisms about the mood of the country. His writing is dogmatic because America tried to avoid war but Britain is still going to attach. It is a matter of faith that God will not let the colonies lose. His writing has a faulty dichotomy because he only gives the two extreme. We can either be with the king or with the colonies.

The weaknesses are that and the colonies might not win. The colonies actually have a good amount of freedom even though Paine makes it seem like they don’t. He failed to mention the sacrifices that will need to be made. Also, God may not be on the colonies’ side. Paine’s main weakness is logic. He doesn’t make logical sense in his writings because he claims things that aren’t certain. He doesn’t use facts or statistics to back up his argument.

The strengths are that it will be great if America wins. Paine is persuasive in reasons other than logic. He can touch people on an emotional level. The strengths of his argument are that the colonies are feeling wronged by Britain. He is appealing to the emotions of the Americans. Eventually the colonies will split with Britain so we should separate now and save future generations from tyranny.

Journal 4

Descriptive Writing Assignment

I sat down with my family and prepared for dinner. The smell of hickory smoke filled the air as my dad lifted the grill lid and took off a few grilled chicken breasts. I took a piece and set it on my plate along with a soft, white roll and a pile of mashed potatoes. I gently set the chicken breast in the roll and spread a dab of mayonnaise on top. The roll was as soft and fluffy as a pillow. It was lightly dusted with flower. I took a bite and my taste buds were immediately assaulted by the rich, creamy flavor of the mayo combined with the juicy, char grilled flavor of the chicken breast. The chicken was perfectly done. It was slightly charred and cooked to a perfect shade of white. It was delicious!

Then, I picked up my spoon and scooped up a portion of mashed potatoes. They were freshly cook and the steam still rolled off there summit. It took a bite. The mashed potatoes were creamy and smooth, with a hint of butter. I could taste a light salty flavor along with a subtle taste of chives. I picked up my sandwich again and took another bite. This time I could also taste a lite peppery tang along with the juicy flavor of the chicken. I happily finished the rest of my meal and was stuffed.

Journal 3

Ann Hodgman

1. Cite three specific examples of Hodgman’s descriptive imagery that you find to be particularly effective.

“The cheese chews like fresh play-doh, whereas the meat chews like play-doh that’s been sitting on a rug for a couple of hours” (p. 78)

“When I pulled open the container, juice spurted all over my hand, and the first chunk I speared was trailing a long grey vein” (p. 79)

“The mock marrow inside was a bit more problematic: in addition to looking like the sludge that collects in treads of my running shows, it was bursting with tiny hairs” (p. 81)

2. What do you think Hodgman’s purpose was in writing this essay? What overall message/meaning do you take from the essay?

I think that the overall purpose was to gross out the reader. She is showing us how gross the food is that we give to our dogs. The overall message is that he shouldn’t be duped by dog food companies into buying their food. They focus on marketing the food so that people want to buy it for their dogs and not so that dogs will eat healthier. She is investigating the marketing claims that people don’t usually look into. Also, dogs can’t tell us what they think of the food. The food is filled with strange ingredients and byproducts that aren’t healthy. Why should we feed this disgusting food to our dogs if we wouldn’t want to eat it ourselves? The essay is a satire and not meant to be serious.

Journal 2

Annie Dillard

1.The moths in the opening of the essay are hollow shells wrapped in a spider cocoon. The moths are in the corner of the bathroom at the beginning and are like dust on the floor. The moth at the campsite it burned by the candle and glows like a light bulb in the fire. The moths in the beginning represent wasting away and not living life to the fullest. The moth in the campsite is representing being consumed by ambition like being a writer consumes you. The moth jumps right into the fire without hesitation.

2.Dillard wanted to know how many of her students would be willing to give up their lives to be writers. She tells her students that being a writer will consume you. You must go at your life with a broadax and remove all distractions. You have to give everything you have to be successful.

3. The fire references include; the book The Day on Fire, the candle at the campsite, the cat’s tail catching on fire, and the three candles that the author leaves on in here home. People light candles for remembrance and prayer, so a candle represents the prayer. The larger significance of fire is that it consumes things. Fire is dangerous and can be harmful. It is like how being a writer takes all of you. You can’t be devoted to anything else. Fire is destructive but also enchanting and beautiful.

4. a.The London quote is similar to the comparison of the two moths. The one moth became dust on the floor. The other moth was consumed by fire and became ashes. Dillard would rather go out in a brilliant flash than wither and waste away. The moth in fire was consumed just like being a writer consumes your life. London doesn’t want you to waste your life. London explains this through comparison of magnificent and boring things.

b.The Yeats quote is about how educating students is not just pouring more information into their heads, it is about igniting the passion that is already locked inside them. The fuel for this fire is already inside students and it just needs the spark. This also goes back to how being a writer consumes you like a fire. Filling a pail is boring and lighting a fire is more passionate.

c. The Kafka quote is about how a book breaks through the frozen sea inside us like an ax would. This goes back to how the Dillard says you need to go at your life with a broadax. They are both meant to make your travel easier. You need to clear a path and remove distractions.

Journal 1

Narrative: October Fear

It was a brisk October afternoon back in 2005. James stepped outside of his rural home and shivered as the cool wind ruffled his blue mesh jacket. He was tall, thin, and broad-shouldered. His light brown hair was cut short and he was clean shaven. He was in his twenties and had a slight build. James was preparing to step outside with his eighty pound German Shepherd, Caesar. James hooked on the leather dog leash and the duo set out for an evening stroll. James had noticed that Caesar was acting high-strung and was constantly tugging at his lead. As they walked along, the wind whistled through the maple trees causing them to drop golden leaves on the damp road side. A shiver traveled down James’ spine as he looked up at the shaking trees; their branches dancing in the cool air as a thunderstorm rumbled in the distance.

Suddenly, Caesar stopped in his tracks. His ears pointed straight up and turned in as if he was trying to focus on a sound. Due to the growing darkness, James strained to see what Caesar was locked on to. The shadows seemed to be descending from the trees and wrapping around them. James asked, “What is it, Boy?” The Only light came from a distant car cresting the top of a hill, half a mile away.

Caesar stared intently into the darkness; his muscles tensed and his lips drew back into a snarl. Caesar let out a low growl and took a tentative step forward. James jumped back as a bat flew overhead; its wings fluttering through the crisp air. James yanked the leash, “Caesar let’s go!” Caesar didn’t move a muscle. He stood resolute as if he was a stone statue.

To James’ growing unease, he began hearing rustling in the field across the road. At first, James was curious but this curiosity soon turned into horror as a large black shape reared up not more than forty yards away. Caesar began barking, not his normal bark but a low deep bellow. The dark shape moved closer and closer. The hair on the back of James’ neck stood up as he was frozen in fear. Then all of the sudden, the tall figure slinked out of the shadows. “Boo,” shouted the figure as it jumped out. To James’ relief it was a person not an animal. “Luke, your scared me half to death,” exclaimed James. “What are you doing out here anyway?” Caesar jumped up and licked Luke in the face. “Hey Caesar…cut it out,” said Luke. Luke was a neighbor and a good friend. “I thought I would give you a scare,” Luke said. “Did it work?” James glared at him. “That wasn’t funny,” He said. “You shouldn’t play tricks like that on people. You really had me worried!” “Sorry,” Luke Said. “I didn’t think you would freak out that much!”