In, "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon," the value of pride and strength is reinforced by the actions of Beowulf. Even in his old age he is more than willing to fight the fire-breathing dragon on his own. He explains his emotions, "'I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning..." (Heaney lines 2511-2515). Beowulf is more concerned with winning on his own,and maybe dying, rather than fighting amongst his people and winning victoriously. In lines 2545-2547 this emotion is described: "Yet the Prince of the rings was too proud to line up with a large army against the sky-plague" (Heaney ). Beowulf's pride is represented through his strength. His decision to fight alone is a very important value to the Anglo-Saxons.
There are several differences between "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon" and other sections of Beowulf. The section shows Beowulf in an almost defenseless state, which had never been represented in the previous readings. In the battle against the dragon this is revealed: "...in spite of his wounds, mortal wounds, he still spoke for he well knew his days in the world had been lived out to the end: his allotted time was drawing to a close, death was very near." (Heaney lines 2724-2728). Beowulf knew he was going to die, and was willing to admit it. His exposed self is once again described in lines 2331-2333, "his mind was in turmoil, unaccustomed anxiety and gloom confused his brain" (Heaney). In this section, Beowulf is given almost human-like qualities to represent the state of mind he was in before his death, giving this section more meaning than the others. His vulnerable self is revealed throughout the entire text, its purpose to allow the reader to relate themselves to Beowulf.
The circumstances of Beowulf's death would be considered honorable and fitting for a hero of that era. The people living during this time believed that the most noble and honorable way to die was in battle. This was the main reason that Beowulf decided fight against the fire-breathing dragon in the first place. He knew that he was going to die soon because he was old and his death could be gratified if he were to die as a proud warrior. The quote "...the king gathered his strength and drew a stabbing knife he carried on his belt, sharpened for battle. He stuck it deep into the dragon's flank. Beowulf dealt it a deadly would" (Heaney lines 2702-2705), shows how Beowulf conjured up strength to kill the evil monster. Then he comes to the realization that he is being poisoned: "...Beowulf discovered deadly poison suppurating inside him, surges of nausea, and so, in his wisdom, the prince realized his state..." (Heaney lines 2714-2717). With pride and wisdom, Beowulf allows his death to greet him, open-armed and unafraid.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
LRJ2: Beowulf Values, Something Unrealistic, and Favorite Quote
In Beowulf, Christian values and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons are revealed. This is most likely due to the author. Again and again he brings God into the context of the story. For example, in lines 685-687 the author writes, "And may the Divine Lord in his wisdom grant the glory of victory to whichever side he sees fit" (Heaney). Beowulf says this because he wants the Lord to see that he shall either die victoriously in battle or win alive and well, yet it is God's will to decide. The author is also able to use God as an adjective: "...a God-cursed scream and strain of catastrophe..." (Heaney line 785). In this case, "God-cursed scream" means catastrophe and mayhem. God and Christian references are used frequently throughout Beowulf, either to illustrate a scene or bring faith into a key part of the story
An unrealistic scene from Beowulf is the Battle in which he goes against Grendel's mother. They fought for quite a while and Beowulf eventually becomes weaponless. However, he luckily was able to acquire a sword in which he uses to kill her. "Then he saw a blade that blooded well, a sword in her armory, an ancient heirloom from the days of the giants, an ideal weapon, one the anyone would envy..." (Heaney lines 1557-1560). The sword described in this passage seems all to perfect, and is found at such a convenient time. It seems to far fetched that Beowulf would be able to access and get a hold of such a magnificent weapon, just in time to kill Grendel's mother.
One of my favorite quotes from Beowulf, is when Beowulf has killed Grendel and his head is being admired by the people in the mead hall. "Grendel's head was hauled by the hair, dragged across the floor where the people were drinking, an honor for both queen and company to behold. They stared in awe. It was an astonishing sight" (Heaney lines 1647-1650). I really like this quote because it contains imagery of the defeated Grendel's beheaded face and the reaction of the people to this sight. This quote also shows the values of the Anglo-Saxons. They were so amazed, astounded, and proud that their hero Beowulf, had rescued their lovely dining hall. This quote ends the story on a good note.
An unrealistic scene from Beowulf is the Battle in which he goes against Grendel's mother. They fought for quite a while and Beowulf eventually becomes weaponless. However, he luckily was able to acquire a sword in which he uses to kill her. "Then he saw a blade that blooded well, a sword in her armory, an ancient heirloom from the days of the giants, an ideal weapon, one the anyone would envy..." (Heaney lines 1557-1560). The sword described in this passage seems all to perfect, and is found at such a convenient time. It seems to far fetched that Beowulf would be able to access and get a hold of such a magnificent weapon, just in time to kill Grendel's mother.
One of my favorite quotes from Beowulf, is when Beowulf has killed Grendel and his head is being admired by the people in the mead hall. "Grendel's head was hauled by the hair, dragged across the floor where the people were drinking, an honor for both queen and company to behold. They stared in awe. It was an astonishing sight" (Heaney lines 1647-1650). I really like this quote because it contains imagery of the defeated Grendel's beheaded face and the reaction of the people to this sight. This quote also shows the values of the Anglo-Saxons. They were so amazed, astounded, and proud that their hero Beowulf, had rescued their lovely dining hall. This quote ends the story on a good note.
Friday, December 5, 2008
LRJ1: Beowulf Values, Alliteration, and Kennings
In Beowulf, many values are expressed. The value of great strength is represented in lines 9-11, "In the end each clan on the outlying coasts/beyond the whale-road had yield to him/and begin to pay tribute. That was one good king" (Heaney). The kings men had great respect for him and had appreciation, which shows the great strength that his leadership imprinted on on them. The strength and goodness of king Hrothgar is also shown in lines 71-72: "...it would be his throne-room and there he would dispense/his God given goods to young and old-..." (Heaney). Hrothgar distributed his talents to all his people, bringing them together.
Alliteration is frequently used throughout Beowulf to make the story more dramatic, especially because it was originally told orally. "There was Shield Sheafson, Scourge of many tribes..." (Heaney line 4) is an example of the repeated consonant. It makes the paragraph flow. Another example of alliteration is in lines 301-302, "The ship rode the water,/broad-beamed, bound by it's hawser" (Heaney). Alliteration allows for rhythm and ease while reading Beowulf.
The purpose of kennings in Beowulf is to give an ordinary noun imagery by rephrasing it in a hyphenated form. In lines 650-651 a kenning is used: "...came stealing forth/under the cloud-murk." (Heaney) In this sentence, cloud-murk is referring to the dark, cloudy, sky. Another kenning can be found in line 848. "... of waves and gore and wounds-slurry" (Heaney). In this battle scene, wounds-slurry is used to provide imagery for an injury of Grendel's, with its guts spilling out. Overall, kennings are a fun way to portray an ordinary noun.
Alliteration is frequently used throughout Beowulf to make the story more dramatic, especially because it was originally told orally. "There was Shield Sheafson, Scourge of many tribes..." (Heaney line 4) is an example of the repeated consonant. It makes the paragraph flow. Another example of alliteration is in lines 301-302, "The ship rode the water,/broad-beamed, bound by it's hawser" (Heaney). Alliteration allows for rhythm and ease while reading Beowulf.
The purpose of kennings in Beowulf is to give an ordinary noun imagery by rephrasing it in a hyphenated form. In lines 650-651 a kenning is used: "...came stealing forth/under the cloud-murk." (Heaney) In this sentence, cloud-murk is referring to the dark, cloudy, sky. Another kenning can be found in line 848. "... of waves and gore and wounds-slurry" (Heaney). In this battle scene, wounds-slurry is used to provide imagery for an injury of Grendel's, with its guts spilling out. Overall, kennings are a fun way to portray an ordinary noun.
Monday, November 24, 2008
LRJ#2: Antigone
In Sophocles' Antigone, he uses imagery to portray the body of Polyneices'. This repeated image provokes the concept of the entire play. In the opening, Antigone describes the body: "But his body must lie in the fields, a sweet treasure for carrion birds to find as they search for food" (Sophocles 816). Antigone goes on to say how this is not the way that Polneices'(her past brother) would want to be remembered. Creon then argues and pursues, "...he shall lie on the plain, unburied; and the birds and the scavenging dogs can do with it whatever they like" (Sophocles 819). Polyneices' body lying on the plain is the entire controversy that the play is revolving around. If the reader could not picture this image, they would be unable to comprehend the essence of the story and Antigone's reasoning later in the play.
A fatal flaw in, Antigone, is that of Creon. He is stubborn, and unwilling to admit his mistakes and decisions. Even before Tiresias speaks with him, Creon's rigidity is exposed. This becomes evident in their conversation when he exclaims, "Whatever you say, you will not change my will" (Sophocles 837). When stating this, Creon implies that no matter what the prophet is going to say to him, it will not change his mind or alter his actions. Their conversation again exposes Creon's "know it all" mindset. He says to Tiresias: "From my experience I can confirm the help you give" (Sophocles lines 106-107). When Creon says this he suggests that he already knows what Tiresias is going to predict. Tiresias goes on to tell him that his "luck is is once more on fate’s razor edge" (Sophocles line 109). Creon's stubbornness is results in the deaths of his loved ones.
The anagnorisis of Creon is when he realizes his stubbornness and admits his mistakes. Creon reluctantly speaks of his errors: "Oh it is hard to give in! but it is worse to risk everything for stubborn pride" (Sophocles 837-839). He finally is able to come to a realization and accept that he has made mistakes in judgment. His epiphany causes him to say, "It is right that it should be. I alone am guilty. I know it, and I say it" (Sophocles 841). At this moment in the play, it is clear that Creon knows what he has done wrong and why things resulted the way they did.
Peripetia in Antigone, is when Creon's fortune is reversed. Once Tiresias tells Creon to free Antigone from her cave, he immediatly goes to fetch her thinking that all will become right again. He is unfortunately too late and discovers that Antigone and his son, Haimon, have killed themselves--just as the prophet had predicted. His genuine sorrow is portrayed when viewing their bodies: "When Creon saw him the tears rushed to his eyes" (Sophocles 840). Creon feels bad that he is the cause of their deaths and learns his lesson. The chorus leader tells him, "Alas, it seems you’ve learned to see what’s right—but far too late" (Sophocles lines 1269-1270). Creon goes into the situation thinking that everything is going to be fine, but as it turns out all goes wrong.
Catharasis, an emotional release of the reader, happens near the end of the play. Emotions such as pity and resentment are removed from the mind of the reader when Creon makes the decision to give up on his own life. He explains this emotion in the statement, "...for now what I am in life is nothing" (Sophocles lines 1321-1322). Creon feels such shame and lifelessness that his emotions bring him to say, "Oh, let it come, so that I never see another dawn" (Sophocles lines 1331-1332). His sadness and emptiness are the release of his inner feelings and tension building up inside of him.
In Antigone, women are characterized as brave and noble people. Creon however, looks down upon the female gender. His opinion becomes apparent throughout the play, and through several comments. In response to Haimon's pleading he says, "It seems as if this boy is fighting on the woman's side" (Sophocles lines 704-705). Although Creon puts down Antigone, he does not stop her. Antigone's bravery is shown throughout the play. She bravely and defiantly states: "Creon is not strong enough to stand in my way" (Sophocles line 34). The courageous actions she takes to have her beloved brother Polyneices' body be buried shows her strength. She states this feeling, "For me meeting this fate won't bring any pain. But if I'd allowed my own mother's dead son to just lie there, an unburied corpse, then I'd feel distress" (Johnston 526-529). Antigone explains how she would feel if Polyneices was not buried. Overall, women are characterized as loyal and courageous, but are looked down upon by King Creon.
Works Cited
Sophocles. "Antigone." Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: World Literature. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2001. 814-826.
---. "Antigone." Johnstonia. Trans. Ian Johnson. May 2005. 24 November 2008 < http://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/Sophocles/Antigone.htm >.
A fatal flaw in, Antigone, is that of Creon. He is stubborn, and unwilling to admit his mistakes and decisions. Even before Tiresias speaks with him, Creon's rigidity is exposed. This becomes evident in their conversation when he exclaims, "Whatever you say, you will not change my will" (Sophocles 837). When stating this, Creon implies that no matter what the prophet is going to say to him, it will not change his mind or alter his actions. Their conversation again exposes Creon's "know it all" mindset. He says to Tiresias: "From my experience I can confirm the help you give" (Sophocles lines 106-107). When Creon says this he suggests that he already knows what Tiresias is going to predict. Tiresias goes on to tell him that his "luck is is once more on fate’s razor edge" (Sophocles line 109). Creon's stubbornness is results in the deaths of his loved ones.
The anagnorisis of Creon is when he realizes his stubbornness and admits his mistakes. Creon reluctantly speaks of his errors: "Oh it is hard to give in! but it is worse to risk everything for stubborn pride" (Sophocles 837-839). He finally is able to come to a realization and accept that he has made mistakes in judgment. His epiphany causes him to say, "It is right that it should be. I alone am guilty. I know it, and I say it" (Sophocles 841). At this moment in the play, it is clear that Creon knows what he has done wrong and why things resulted the way they did.
Peripetia in Antigone, is when Creon's fortune is reversed. Once Tiresias tells Creon to free Antigone from her cave, he immediatly goes to fetch her thinking that all will become right again. He is unfortunately too late and discovers that Antigone and his son, Haimon, have killed themselves--just as the prophet had predicted. His genuine sorrow is portrayed when viewing their bodies: "When Creon saw him the tears rushed to his eyes" (Sophocles 840). Creon feels bad that he is the cause of their deaths and learns his lesson. The chorus leader tells him, "Alas, it seems you’ve learned to see what’s right—but far too late" (Sophocles lines 1269-1270). Creon goes into the situation thinking that everything is going to be fine, but as it turns out all goes wrong.
Catharasis, an emotional release of the reader, happens near the end of the play. Emotions such as pity and resentment are removed from the mind of the reader when Creon makes the decision to give up on his own life. He explains this emotion in the statement, "...for now what I am in life is nothing" (Sophocles lines 1321-1322). Creon feels such shame and lifelessness that his emotions bring him to say, "Oh, let it come, so that I never see another dawn" (Sophocles lines 1331-1332). His sadness and emptiness are the release of his inner feelings and tension building up inside of him.
In Antigone, women are characterized as brave and noble people. Creon however, looks down upon the female gender. His opinion becomes apparent throughout the play, and through several comments. In response to Haimon's pleading he says, "It seems as if this boy is fighting on the woman's side" (Sophocles lines 704-705). Although Creon puts down Antigone, he does not stop her. Antigone's bravery is shown throughout the play. She bravely and defiantly states: "Creon is not strong enough to stand in my way" (Sophocles line 34). The courageous actions she takes to have her beloved brother Polyneices' body be buried shows her strength. She states this feeling, "For me meeting this fate won't bring any pain. But if I'd allowed my own mother's dead son to just lie there, an unburied corpse, then I'd feel distress" (Johnston 526-529). Antigone explains how she would feel if Polyneices was not buried. Overall, women are characterized as loyal and courageous, but are looked down upon by King Creon.
Works Cited
Sophocles. "Antigone." Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: World Literature. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2001. 814-826.
---. "Antigone." Johnstonia. Trans. Ian Johnson. May 2005. 24 November 2008 < http://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/Sophocles/Antigone.htm >.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Creon Angered by Bold Antigone
Creon is the new king of Thebes and would like Polyneices' older brother, Etocles to be honored. Creon, however, does not want the dead Polyneices to have a proper burial, let alone be buried at all. He thinks that Polyneices should be left to die above ground, and eaten by carrion animals. A bold and daring Antigone defies the King buries her passed brother Polyneices. Her sister, Ismene is not quite as courageous as Antigone. She wants her brother to be buried properly as well, but is scared of being executed by King Creon. Creon then punishes Antigone by banishing her to an abandoned cave where she will starve to death. The real question is, did our new king do the right thing? Is he fit to rule Thebes? Send in responses to the address located at the bottom of the newspaper.
Creon: The Cause of Suicides
Yesterday, after much dispute, Creon buried Polyneices. It wasn't until after the gods had spoken to him through the blind prophet, Tiresias, that Creon realized what horrible things he had done to the people of Thebes. Creon's actions were the cause of three suicides: Antigone, Eurydice, and even Haemon, his own son.
Ismene and Antigone wanted to give their dead brother, Polyneices, a proper burial. Creon, however, insisted that Polynieces was a disgrace and that his body should be left on the battlefield to be eaten by animals. Antigone has the bravery to defy him. Creon banishes her to a cave and instead of living through the horridity, Antigone hangs herself.
As Tiresias declared, Creon loses his son Haemon. Haemon decides to take his own life once he hears of the death of his fiance, Antigone. Eurydice, Creons wife, kills herself once the messenger god informs her that Haemon and his bethrothed Antigone have taken their own lives. The origins of Antigone, Eurydice, and Haemon can all be traced back to Creon. Creon continues to reign the kindgom, and his punishment brings wisdom and insight.
Ismene and Antigone wanted to give their dead brother, Polyneices, a proper burial. Creon, however, insisted that Polynieces was a disgrace and that his body should be left on the battlefield to be eaten by animals. Antigone has the bravery to defy him. Creon banishes her to a cave and instead of living through the horridity, Antigone hangs herself.
As Tiresias declared, Creon loses his son Haemon. Haemon decides to take his own life once he hears of the death of his fiance, Antigone. Eurydice, Creons wife, kills herself once the messenger god informs her that Haemon and his bethrothed Antigone have taken their own lives. The origins of Antigone, Eurydice, and Haemon can all be traced back to Creon. Creon continues to reign the kindgom, and his punishment brings wisdom and insight.
Friday, November 14, 2008
My Friday evening in a nutshell.
Tonight is a Friday night, and I am blogging. I have a good reason not to be out and about though! I am babysitting at my neighbors house. She has an adorable 9-month old baby who I enjoy sitting for. I recently fed him a bottle, played with him, and put him to sleep. He's a cutie. My main objective this weekend is to earn money. I spent most of it shopping these past few weeks, and I hate when my kiddy ATM machine is empty! I'm also babysitting tomorrow night and I plan on cleaning my bathrooms and raking my neighbors backyard. Hopefully all my work will pay off!
This evening I am anticipating the newest Degrassi episode which is airing right now. Luckily my neighbors have DVR (digital video recording) so I put the show on pause so I could devote my full attention to writing this. I was really bored earlier today so I decided to curl my hair, make cookies, and watch all my TV episodes that I had recorded from Thursday night. My thursday night TV shows include Ugly Betty, The Office, and 30 Rock. I was very pleased with The Office episode. I would have to say my favorite character is Oscar. I mean, Jim and Pam are the obvious favorites, but Oscar has suddle humor and he's such a cutie. I thought Jennifer Aniston was hilarious on 30 Rock, and Ugly Betty was decent. For dinner I had chili which was delicious. The cornbread that went with the chili, however, was not. We had a defective cooking package and the bread didn't rise. It was like eating cardboard. Later, I'm going to call my friend Gabby, who used to live in Minnesota but moved to Philadelphia a couple years ago. Its been froever since i've talked to her and i'm really looking forward to it! I've gotta fill her in on all recent happenings and I have to hear about whats new in her life.
On another note, Twilight comes out next Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am currently trying to convince my parents to let me go to the midnight showing on Thursday night. I think i've almost get 'em. I really hope the movie is as good as the books. For all you Twilight Fans--Jacob is better than Edward. Sorry. I loved Edward until he betrayed Bella, which was not okay with me. Alright i'm out. Peace.
PS Check out the song "Vegas" by Sara Bareilles, its on my music player.
This evening I am anticipating the newest Degrassi episode which is airing right now. Luckily my neighbors have DVR (digital video recording) so I put the show on pause so I could devote my full attention to writing this. I was really bored earlier today so I decided to curl my hair, make cookies, and watch all my TV episodes that I had recorded from Thursday night. My thursday night TV shows include Ugly Betty, The Office, and 30 Rock. I was very pleased with The Office episode. I would have to say my favorite character is Oscar. I mean, Jim and Pam are the obvious favorites, but Oscar has suddle humor and he's such a cutie. I thought Jennifer Aniston was hilarious on 30 Rock, and Ugly Betty was decent. For dinner I had chili which was delicious. The cornbread that went with the chili, however, was not. We had a defective cooking package and the bread didn't rise. It was like eating cardboard. Later, I'm going to call my friend Gabby, who used to live in Minnesota but moved to Philadelphia a couple years ago. Its been froever since i've talked to her and i'm really looking forward to it! I've gotta fill her in on all recent happenings and I have to hear about whats new in her life.
On another note, Twilight comes out next Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am currently trying to convince my parents to let me go to the midnight showing on Thursday night. I think i've almost get 'em. I really hope the movie is as good as the books. For all you Twilight Fans--Jacob is better than Edward. Sorry. I loved Edward until he betrayed Bella, which was not okay with me. Alright i'm out. Peace.
PS Check out the song "Vegas" by Sara Bareilles, its on my music player.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Me + Computers = Love
I love computers, and have loved them since I was a little girl. My appreciation for them however, has changed drastically over the past years. When I was a little girl I played CD-ROM computer games. Those were the best. My favorites included Magic School Bus Animals, Reader Rabbit's Journey, Barbie Detective, Tonka Trucks, Barbie Magic Hairstyler (which I still enjoy), and Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiago? As I grew older, my taste in computer games evolved. I began playing Roller Coaster Tycoon, which became more of an obsession opposed to a game. It was the perfect game for me, because it involved the organization and decoration of an amusement park. I highly anticipated the release of Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, which met all my meticulous needs. In junior high, I entered the MySpace phase--which I am very ashamed of. During this time I spent a lot of time on my computer carefully photoshopping and giving photos effects. Then sitting around and waiting for the blaring red "NEW Picture comments!" notification on my home page. Finally, I was introduced to the amazing social networking website: Facebook. I adore Facebook!! It has everything perfectly organized, has news feeds, tagged pictures, and status updates. I can keep in touch with friends that have moved away or changed schools, talk with my family that lives in New York and even just have fun chatting with my friends from Central Highschool. I think that this blogging experience is going to be a good one. My last experience...was not so good. I had a super lame Xanga account in the 7th grade. The blog had no purpose and I maybe logged on there a total of 5 times. I intend to keep this blog updated as much as I can! I am really glad that our 10IB class has started blogs because I think that everyone will encourage eachother to keep them updated and interesting. Computers are a great way to keep in touch and have fun. I'm really looking forward to feedback not only from Ms. Peifer but from my classmates. I think its going to be a fun rest of the year!
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