This made me chuckle. This blog is for dodgey personal ads which appear on the Craigslist site -
You suck at Craigslist
Occasionally I read someone calling for stricter regulation on tutors, either in the press or from someone offering a tutoring service where you pay for a disclosure to register. My attitude is, parents and children can generally spot weirdos themselves and should use their own judgement when selecting a tutor.
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Lord of the Flies - character essay plan
‘Choose a novel in which the fate of a main character allows the author to explore his chosen theme.’
1. Introduction
‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding is an example of a novel in which the fate of Ralph allows the author to explore his chosen theme, of civilisation and savagery. By the end of the novel, Ralph is one of the last survivors who hasn’t turned into a killer as part of Jack’s ‘tribe’. In this essay I will show how the author sets the scene and creates a turning point, with the deaths of Simon and Piggy.
2. The climax
At the end of the novel, Ralph is pursued by the boys to the beach, where he meets the perplexed group of soldiers who have just landed. He is asked:
“We saw your smoke. And you don’t know how many of you there are?”
“No, sir”
• dramatic way to end the novel - the soldiers show the contrast between an orderly society and a chaotic one
• smoke symbolises the hunters fire; and the fire Ralph and Piggy tried to keep alive
• pessimistic ending to the novel –Ralph was unable to achieve a fair and peaceful society.
• Ralph had neither the knowledge or experience to do this on his own, and his relationship with Piggy was not close enough for him to be able to use Piggy’s intelligence
• Without civilisation’s rules, savagery triumphs
The choir
Ralph’s fate is foreshadowed by the arrival of the choir in the first chapter of the novel:
‘Within the diamond haze of the beach something dark was fumbling along.’
• Ralph and Piggy called the meeting after blowing in the conch
• interrupts the meeting with his arrival, along with the rest of the choir. This foreshadows the novel’s tragic ending
• suggests that Ralph’s rule on the island will come to an end
• Description of the ‘creature’: continued with the idea of the ‘beast’ later on
• Religious overtones – black cloaks suggest monks
• The boys represent the irrational forces of religion, superstition and violence
The beast / the murder of Simon
Ralph becomes like a hunted animal at the end of the novel, in the same way that Simon becomes a ‘beast’ when he is murdered by the hunters –
‘A thing was crawling out of the forest. It came darkly, uncertainly. The shrill screaming that rose before the beast was like a pain.’
• Reminds the reader of the ‘creature’ image which describes the choirboys’ arrival
• Simon is sceptical but finally he is murdered because he is mistaken for the beast
• Simon represents individuality and creativity – this cannot be allowed in Jack and Roger’s violent society, so he is sacrificed
• Suggestion that he is a ‘Christ-like figure’, who is destroyed by a senseless mob
• the island descends into tyranny under the rule of Jack and finally murder, the ‘beast’ shows how the situation deteriorates.
The death of Piggy
Falph’s fate is also determined by the death of Piggy:
‘The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist’
• Piggy’s death – killed by Roger’s stone; foreshadowed by Roger tormenting younger children with stones earlier on
• Gruesome – Piggy’s brains are splattered, suggesting the end of intellect and science
• Destruction of the conch – the end of civilisation
• Roger has become Jack’s right-hand-man in the same way that Piggy was to Ralph – yet Roger is only interested in torture
Conclusion
I would therefore argue that Golding uses symbols to emphasise the failures of Ralph and Piggy’s leadership and the ascendancy of Jack and Roger. The book’s pessimistic tone contains a message that, without competent leadership, society descends into superstition and violence.
1. Introduction
‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding is an example of a novel in which the fate of Ralph allows the author to explore his chosen theme, of civilisation and savagery. By the end of the novel, Ralph is one of the last survivors who hasn’t turned into a killer as part of Jack’s ‘tribe’. In this essay I will show how the author sets the scene and creates a turning point, with the deaths of Simon and Piggy.
2. The climax
At the end of the novel, Ralph is pursued by the boys to the beach, where he meets the perplexed group of soldiers who have just landed. He is asked:
“We saw your smoke. And you don’t know how many of you there are?”
“No, sir”
• dramatic way to end the novel - the soldiers show the contrast between an orderly society and a chaotic one
• smoke symbolises the hunters fire; and the fire Ralph and Piggy tried to keep alive
• pessimistic ending to the novel –Ralph was unable to achieve a fair and peaceful society.
• Ralph had neither the knowledge or experience to do this on his own, and his relationship with Piggy was not close enough for him to be able to use Piggy’s intelligence
• Without civilisation’s rules, savagery triumphs
The choir
Ralph’s fate is foreshadowed by the arrival of the choir in the first chapter of the novel:
‘Within the diamond haze of the beach something dark was fumbling along.’
• Ralph and Piggy called the meeting after blowing in the conch
• interrupts the meeting with his arrival, along with the rest of the choir. This foreshadows the novel’s tragic ending
• suggests that Ralph’s rule on the island will come to an end
• Description of the ‘creature’: continued with the idea of the ‘beast’ later on
• Religious overtones – black cloaks suggest monks
• The boys represent the irrational forces of religion, superstition and violence
The beast / the murder of Simon
Ralph becomes like a hunted animal at the end of the novel, in the same way that Simon becomes a ‘beast’ when he is murdered by the hunters –
‘A thing was crawling out of the forest. It came darkly, uncertainly. The shrill screaming that rose before the beast was like a pain.’
• Reminds the reader of the ‘creature’ image which describes the choirboys’ arrival
• Simon is sceptical but finally he is murdered because he is mistaken for the beast
• Simon represents individuality and creativity – this cannot be allowed in Jack and Roger’s violent society, so he is sacrificed
• Suggestion that he is a ‘Christ-like figure’, who is destroyed by a senseless mob
• the island descends into tyranny under the rule of Jack and finally murder, the ‘beast’ shows how the situation deteriorates.
The death of Piggy
Falph’s fate is also determined by the death of Piggy:
‘The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist’
• Piggy’s death – killed by Roger’s stone; foreshadowed by Roger tormenting younger children with stones earlier on
• Gruesome – Piggy’s brains are splattered, suggesting the end of intellect and science
• Destruction of the conch – the end of civilisation
• Roger has become Jack’s right-hand-man in the same way that Piggy was to Ralph – yet Roger is only interested in torture
Conclusion
I would therefore argue that Golding uses symbols to emphasise the failures of Ralph and Piggy’s leadership and the ascendancy of Jack and Roger. The book’s pessimistic tone contains a message that, without competent leadership, society descends into superstition and violence.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
The Great Gatsby – Setting essay
Alternative wordings introduced by ellipses (…)
A novel which is set during a time of political and social change is ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F Scott Fitzgerald.
… F Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ explores the era of social and political change known as the ‘Roaring Twenties’, through the narrator, lowly stockbroker Nick, and the self-made millionaire, Jay Gatsby.
The writer uses key techniques such as setting, symbolism and characterisation to convey the theme of the American Dream and the political and social views of the period in which the story is set.
… Through this protagonist, the author is able to capture the essence of an age where it was possible to ruthlessly pursue the ‘American Dream’ of material wealth and popularity; yet his success is also hollow, because he fails to win over Daisy Buchanan from her husband Tom; and in the end, he is tragically killed.
Gatsby has made his wealth partly from bootlegging and shady business associations. He exemplifies the extravagance of the ‘Jazz Age’. Nick’s first impressions of his wealthy neighbour are through his wild parties:
[oranges quote]
This conveys the great waste that occurs in order for the wealth to have their fun. The ‘pyramid’ also shows Gatsby’s need to show off. It is not enough for him to have found success – other people need to know as well.
In this historical period, Gatsby is something of a paradox. Although he has great wealth he is a poor man with respect to loved ones. He has few friends and little contact with his family. This is ironic as the size of Gatsby’s parties would suggest he is popular. However, this flamboyance is actually designed to impress Daisy, his first love. We are given an insight into this in the scene where he shows off his wardrobe to Daisy and Nick:
[shirts quote]
Everything about Gatsby is extravagant, down to his choice of clothes. Strangely, Daisy starts weeping – perhaps her feelings of love for Gatsby are confused with her need for security and pampering; as if love and money are the same thing to her. This conveys the emptiness of life for wealthy people in the Twenties.
Yet while the novel conveys the glamour of the Jazz Age, it also shows a seedier side through the symbolism of the Valley of Ashes, a derelict strip of land between East and West Egg. Only the poor characters of the book live here, and the valley’s physical and moral ruin is evident in Fitzgerald’s description:
[eyes quote]
Eckleberg perhaps symbolises the failure of capitalism, as it ruins the environment and makes people destitute; yet his sign also suggests a fallen idol or a false God, who has abandoned the poor. It embodies the fact that in the middle of growth, optimism and decadence there is also neglect and apathy. It is in this setting that the climax occurs, when Daisy runs down Myrtle and her husband goes after Gatsby for revenge. The rich have somewhere to run to, away from the desolate valley, but Gatsby cannot evade retribution the same way as Daisy and Tom.
The people of East Egg are born rich and have no idea of the real value of money, or the worth of ordinary people. Daisy kills Myrtle and thinks she can escape punishment as she is rich; and throughout the book there are examples of Tom’s adultery. This is a carefree, but immoral society. The rich answer to no-one and don’t suffer consequences:
[car quote]
This shows the arrogance of East Egg residents. Tom has no need for the extra money but Tom wants to emphasise his control over Wilson. In this episode, the American Dream is shown to have a false side – Wilson is a hard working mechanic who has earned everything he owns, but he has to defer to Tom, who inherited his wealth. In this way, the ability to live the life you want by working for it is shown to have its limitations.
Therefore, ‘The Great Gatsby’ is a novel which evokes the time of political and social change known as the Roaring Twenties. Although Gatsby shows a genuine love for Daisy, he tries to win her back by living a shallow, materialistic life. The author’s use of symbolism, setting and characterisation convey the idea that extravagance can’t be confused with real happiness.
Introduction
A novel which is set during a time of political and social change is ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F Scott Fitzgerald.
… F Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ explores the era of social and political change known as the ‘Roaring Twenties’, through the narrator, lowly stockbroker Nick, and the self-made millionaire, Jay Gatsby.
The writer uses key techniques such as setting, symbolism and characterisation to convey the theme of the American Dream and the political and social views of the period in which the story is set.
… Through this protagonist, the author is able to capture the essence of an age where it was possible to ruthlessly pursue the ‘American Dream’ of material wealth and popularity; yet his success is also hollow, because he fails to win over Daisy Buchanan from her husband Tom; and in the end, he is tragically killed.
First impressions of Gatsby
Gatsby has made his wealth partly from bootlegging and shady business associations. He exemplifies the extravagance of the ‘Jazz Age’. Nick’s first impressions of his wealthy neighbour are through his wild parties:
[oranges quote]
This conveys the great waste that occurs in order for the wealth to have their fun. The ‘pyramid’ also shows Gatsby’s need to show off. It is not enough for him to have found success – other people need to know as well.
Gatsby and Daisy
In this historical period, Gatsby is something of a paradox. Although he has great wealth he is a poor man with respect to loved ones. He has few friends and little contact with his family. This is ironic as the size of Gatsby’s parties would suggest he is popular. However, this flamboyance is actually designed to impress Daisy, his first love. We are given an insight into this in the scene where he shows off his wardrobe to Daisy and Nick:
[shirts quote]
Everything about Gatsby is extravagant, down to his choice of clothes. Strangely, Daisy starts weeping – perhaps her feelings of love for Gatsby are confused with her need for security and pampering; as if love and money are the same thing to her. This conveys the emptiness of life for wealthy people in the Twenties.
Symbolism of Ash Valley
Yet while the novel conveys the glamour of the Jazz Age, it also shows a seedier side through the symbolism of the Valley of Ashes, a derelict strip of land between East and West Egg. Only the poor characters of the book live here, and the valley’s physical and moral ruin is evident in Fitzgerald’s description:
[eyes quote]
Eckleberg perhaps symbolises the failure of capitalism, as it ruins the environment and makes people destitute; yet his sign also suggests a fallen idol or a false God, who has abandoned the poor. It embodies the fact that in the middle of growth, optimism and decadence there is also neglect and apathy. It is in this setting that the climax occurs, when Daisy runs down Myrtle and her husband goes after Gatsby for revenge. The rich have somewhere to run to, away from the desolate valley, but Gatsby cannot evade retribution the same way as Daisy and Tom.
East Egg – the upper classes
The people of East Egg are born rich and have no idea of the real value of money, or the worth of ordinary people. Daisy kills Myrtle and thinks she can escape punishment as she is rich; and throughout the book there are examples of Tom’s adultery. This is a carefree, but immoral society. The rich answer to no-one and don’t suffer consequences:
[car quote]
This shows the arrogance of East Egg residents. Tom has no need for the extra money but Tom wants to emphasise his control over Wilson. In this episode, the American Dream is shown to have a false side – Wilson is a hard working mechanic who has earned everything he owns, but he has to defer to Tom, who inherited his wealth. In this way, the ability to live the life you want by working for it is shown to have its limitations.
Conclusion
Therefore, ‘The Great Gatsby’ is a novel which evokes the time of political and social change known as the Roaring Twenties. Although Gatsby shows a genuine love for Daisy, he tries to win her back by living a shallow, materialistic life. The author’s use of symbolism, setting and characterisation convey the idea that extravagance can’t be confused with real happiness.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Othello essay
Choose a play which involves a tragic theme and show how the dramatist makes the play a moving experience for the audience. You may refer to structure, characterisation, key scene(s) or any other appropriate feature.
‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare is an example of a play which features the tragic theme of deceit. Othello’s downfall is caused by the machinations of the evil Iago. He is transformed from the valiant but modest soldier at the start of the play into a murderer, eaten up by jealousy at the end. In this essay, I will show how the playwright makes this a moving experience for the audience as Othello’s tragic flaw gradually overwhelms him – he possesses such personal integrity that he can’t see the flaws in those closest to him.
At the start of the play, in Act 1, Scene 2, we see that Othello is plain-talking, heroic, yet already too trusting of Iago, who enters the stage talking to him. Iago is onstage at the very beginning, and tells Rodrigo of his plan to undermine the Moor. In this way, we are prepared for the deception that unfolds. Yet Othello himself reveals that he thinks actions speak louder than words –
Let him do his spite:
My services which I have done the signiory
Shall out-tongue his complaints.
It is ironic that he places more value in words than deeds, when it is Iago’s words that will poison his love for Desdemona. He is confident that he will persuade Brabantio to accept their marriage as he has a high status in their society. On the other hand, Iago has been passed over for promotion and has heard rumours that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia. It is significant that Iago reacts so strongly to rumours, which are the words of others. Othello’s seriousness and dignity are in contrast to Iago’s smutty racial jokes in the opening scenes; he has little time for intrigue or wordplay. Our early admiration for Othello helps make the play a moving experience as Iago is victorious in the end.
Iago is able to use Othello’s directness and noble past against him. He is also able to exploit the bravery and intelligence of Desdemona. She is another character who we admire early on, so her murder at the hands of her beloved husband adds to the shocking tragedy of the climax. When she first appears on stage in Act 1, Scene 3, she implores the council ‘To assist my simpleness.’ Asking for help is an assertive move that makes the men in the situations obliged to help her, as a ‘mere girl’.
So that, dear lords, if I be left behind,
A moth of peace, and he go to the war,
The rites for which I love him are bereft me
Describing herself as a ‘moth of peace’ suggests she is frail and helpless. A moth also has connotations of night and mystery, which might subtly explain her attraction to the foreign adventurer, Othello. Although Othello shows personal integrity, his description of the wooing of Desdemona in Act 1, Scene 3 is revealing. He regales her with tales of battles and adventures, including brushes with the fantastical Anthropophagi. They grew close through his storytelling. From this, we see that there is both an aspect of make-believe in their romance; and that Desdemona has a powerful ability to influence others. The audience’s sympathy for Desdemona adds to the feeling of loss when she dies.
The chemistry between Othello and Desdemona is exploited by Iago in the turning point of the play, Act 3, Scene 3, where the final tragedy is set in motion. Iago uses reverse-psychology to undermine Othello’s trust in Desdemona, by seemingly let slip ‘Ha! I like not that!’ He pretends to be reluctant to explain himself, but gradually he reveals his fake suspicions about Desdemona and Cassio. Cassio persuades Desdemona to entreat Othello to reinstate him, knowing her power of influence. Following this, Iago uses the handkerchief to convince his master of his wife’s betrayal. In this way, Iago turns Othello’s reliance on actions over words against him – he is unable to see that Iago has secret motivations.
The sense of tragedy is heightened towards the climax of the play, as Othello prepares to kill Desdemona. Even though he is in a murderous rage, he is concerned for her immortal soul and wants her to confess so that she can go to heaven when she dies. He has a soliloquy over her sleeping body -
Put out the light, and then put out the light:
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
Here, Othello sees Desdemona is a personification of the sun – ‘flaming minister’. This is in contrast to her own description of herself as a ‘moth’ earlier in the play. The sun gives life to everything, so killing her is like banishing life from the world. Even though Othello is eloquent in this stage of the action, actions are all-important to him – he wakes her up before he kills her. At the same time, he has become dependent on her words – she confesses even though she doesn’t know what she has done. In this way, Iago is finally victorious over the more noble Othello, because he has made him put faith in words, which can be deceiving.
Therefore I would argue that the tragedy of Othello comes about from the protagonist’s main flaw, that he is blind to the evil motivations and false words of those around him. Seeing his fall, and the death of his true love, is what makes the play a moving experience for the audience.
‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare is an example of a play which features the tragic theme of deceit. Othello’s downfall is caused by the machinations of the evil Iago. He is transformed from the valiant but modest soldier at the start of the play into a murderer, eaten up by jealousy at the end. In this essay, I will show how the playwright makes this a moving experience for the audience as Othello’s tragic flaw gradually overwhelms him – he possesses such personal integrity that he can’t see the flaws in those closest to him.
At the start of the play, in Act 1, Scene 2, we see that Othello is plain-talking, heroic, yet already too trusting of Iago, who enters the stage talking to him. Iago is onstage at the very beginning, and tells Rodrigo of his plan to undermine the Moor. In this way, we are prepared for the deception that unfolds. Yet Othello himself reveals that he thinks actions speak louder than words –
Let him do his spite:
My services which I have done the signiory
Shall out-tongue his complaints.
It is ironic that he places more value in words than deeds, when it is Iago’s words that will poison his love for Desdemona. He is confident that he will persuade Brabantio to accept their marriage as he has a high status in their society. On the other hand, Iago has been passed over for promotion and has heard rumours that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia. It is significant that Iago reacts so strongly to rumours, which are the words of others. Othello’s seriousness and dignity are in contrast to Iago’s smutty racial jokes in the opening scenes; he has little time for intrigue or wordplay. Our early admiration for Othello helps make the play a moving experience as Iago is victorious in the end.
Iago is able to use Othello’s directness and noble past against him. He is also able to exploit the bravery and intelligence of Desdemona. She is another character who we admire early on, so her murder at the hands of her beloved husband adds to the shocking tragedy of the climax. When she first appears on stage in Act 1, Scene 3, she implores the council ‘To assist my simpleness.’ Asking for help is an assertive move that makes the men in the situations obliged to help her, as a ‘mere girl’.
So that, dear lords, if I be left behind,
A moth of peace, and he go to the war,
The rites for which I love him are bereft me
Describing herself as a ‘moth of peace’ suggests she is frail and helpless. A moth also has connotations of night and mystery, which might subtly explain her attraction to the foreign adventurer, Othello. Although Othello shows personal integrity, his description of the wooing of Desdemona in Act 1, Scene 3 is revealing. He regales her with tales of battles and adventures, including brushes with the fantastical Anthropophagi. They grew close through his storytelling. From this, we see that there is both an aspect of make-believe in their romance; and that Desdemona has a powerful ability to influence others. The audience’s sympathy for Desdemona adds to the feeling of loss when she dies.
The chemistry between Othello and Desdemona is exploited by Iago in the turning point of the play, Act 3, Scene 3, where the final tragedy is set in motion. Iago uses reverse-psychology to undermine Othello’s trust in Desdemona, by seemingly let slip ‘Ha! I like not that!’ He pretends to be reluctant to explain himself, but gradually he reveals his fake suspicions about Desdemona and Cassio. Cassio persuades Desdemona to entreat Othello to reinstate him, knowing her power of influence. Following this, Iago uses the handkerchief to convince his master of his wife’s betrayal. In this way, Iago turns Othello’s reliance on actions over words against him – he is unable to see that Iago has secret motivations.
The sense of tragedy is heightened towards the climax of the play, as Othello prepares to kill Desdemona. Even though he is in a murderous rage, he is concerned for her immortal soul and wants her to confess so that she can go to heaven when she dies. He has a soliloquy over her sleeping body -
Put out the light, and then put out the light:
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
Here, Othello sees Desdemona is a personification of the sun – ‘flaming minister’. This is in contrast to her own description of herself as a ‘moth’ earlier in the play. The sun gives life to everything, so killing her is like banishing life from the world. Even though Othello is eloquent in this stage of the action, actions are all-important to him – he wakes her up before he kills her. At the same time, he has become dependent on her words – she confesses even though she doesn’t know what she has done. In this way, Iago is finally victorious over the more noble Othello, because he has made him put faith in words, which can be deceiving.
Therefore I would argue that the tragedy of Othello comes about from the protagonist’s main flaw, that he is blind to the evil motivations and false words of those around him. Seeing his fall, and the death of his true love, is what makes the play a moving experience for the audience.
Othello essay plan
Choose a play which involves a tragic theme and show how the dramatist makes the play a moving experience for the audience. You may refer to structure, characterisation, key scene(s) or any other appropriate feature.
‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare is an example of a play which features the tragic theme of deceit.
• Othello’s downfall is caused by Iago’s manipulation.
• transformed from a valiant but modest soldier at the start of the play into a murderer at the end.
• Othello’s tragic flaw gradually overwhelms him – he possesses such personal integrity that he can’t see the flaws in those closest to him.
At the start of the play, in Act 1, Scene 2, we see that Othello is plain-talking, heroic, yet already too trusting of Iago, who enters the stage talking to him.
• Iago is onstage at the very beginning, and tells Rodrigo of his plan
• we are prepared for the deception that unfolds.
• Othello himself reveals that he thinks actions speak louder than words –
Let him do his spite:
My services which I have done the signiory
Shall out-tongue his complaints.
• he places more value in words than deeds - Iago’s words that will poison his love for Desdemona.
• confident that he will persuade Brabantio to accept their marriage
• Iago has been passed over for promotion and has heard rumours that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia.
• Iago reacts strongly to rumours, which are the words of others.
• Othello’s seriousness and dignity are in contrast to Iago’s smutty racial jokes in the opening scenes;
• Our early admiration for Othello helps make the play a moving experience as Iago is victorious in the end.
Iago is able to use Othello’s directness and noble past against him. He is also able to exploit the bravery and intelligence of Desdemona.
• She is another character who we admire early on,
• When she first appears on stage in Act 1, Scene 3, she implores the council ‘To assist my simpleness.’ - makes the men in the situations obliged to help her
• Tells the men -
So that, dear lords, if I be left behind,
A moth of peace, and he go to the war,
The rites for which I love him are bereft me
• ‘moth of peace’ suggests she is frail and helpless.
• A moth also has connotations of night and mystery, which might subtly explain her attraction to the foreign adventurer, Othello.
• Othello’s description of the wooing of Desdemona in Act 1, Scene 3 – he tells her tales of his battles and adventures
• there is both an aspect of make-believe in their romance; and that Desdemona has a powerful ability to influence others
• The audience’s sympathy for Desdemona adds to the feeling of loss when she dies.
The chemistry between Othello and Desdemona is exploited by Iago in the turning point of the play, Act 3, Scene 3, where the final tragedy is set in motion.
• Iago uses reverse-psychology ‘Ha! I like not that!’
• He pretends to be reluctant to explain himself
• Cassio persuades Desdemona to entreat Othello to reinstate him, knowing her power of influence.
• Iago uses the handkerchief to convince his master of his wife’s betrayal; he turns Othello’s reliance on actions over words against him
• he is unable to see that Iago has secret motivations.
The sense of tragedy is heightened towards the climax of the play, as Othello prepares to kill Desdemona.
• Even though he is in a murderous rage, he is concerned for her immortal soul and wants her to confess so
• Othello’s soliloquy while she sleeps -
Put out the light, and then put out the light:
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
• Othello sees Desdemona is a personification of the sun – ‘flaming minister’
• in contrast to her own description of herself as a ‘moth’ earlier in the play; the sun gives life to everything, so killing her is like banishing life from the world.
• actions are all-important to Othello – he wakes her up before he kills her
• But he has become dependent on her words – she confesses even though she doesn’t know what she has done.
• Iago is finally victorious over the more noble Othello, because he has made him put faith in words, which can be deceiving.
Therefore I would argue that the tragedy of Othello comes about from the protagonist’s main flaw, that he is blind to the evil motivations and false words of those around him. Seeing his fall, and the death of his true love, is what makes the play a moving experience for the audience.
‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare is an example of a play which features the tragic theme of deceit.
• Othello’s downfall is caused by Iago’s manipulation.
• transformed from a valiant but modest soldier at the start of the play into a murderer at the end.
• Othello’s tragic flaw gradually overwhelms him – he possesses such personal integrity that he can’t see the flaws in those closest to him.
At the start of the play, in Act 1, Scene 2, we see that Othello is plain-talking, heroic, yet already too trusting of Iago, who enters the stage talking to him.
• Iago is onstage at the very beginning, and tells Rodrigo of his plan
• we are prepared for the deception that unfolds.
• Othello himself reveals that he thinks actions speak louder than words –
Let him do his spite:
My services which I have done the signiory
Shall out-tongue his complaints.
• he places more value in words than deeds - Iago’s words that will poison his love for Desdemona.
• confident that he will persuade Brabantio to accept their marriage
• Iago has been passed over for promotion and has heard rumours that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia.
• Iago reacts strongly to rumours, which are the words of others.
• Othello’s seriousness and dignity are in contrast to Iago’s smutty racial jokes in the opening scenes;
• Our early admiration for Othello helps make the play a moving experience as Iago is victorious in the end.
Iago is able to use Othello’s directness and noble past against him. He is also able to exploit the bravery and intelligence of Desdemona.
• She is another character who we admire early on,
• When she first appears on stage in Act 1, Scene 3, she implores the council ‘To assist my simpleness.’ - makes the men in the situations obliged to help her
• Tells the men -
So that, dear lords, if I be left behind,
A moth of peace, and he go to the war,
The rites for which I love him are bereft me
• ‘moth of peace’ suggests she is frail and helpless.
• A moth also has connotations of night and mystery, which might subtly explain her attraction to the foreign adventurer, Othello.
• Othello’s description of the wooing of Desdemona in Act 1, Scene 3 – he tells her tales of his battles and adventures
• there is both an aspect of make-believe in their romance; and that Desdemona has a powerful ability to influence others
• The audience’s sympathy for Desdemona adds to the feeling of loss when she dies.
The chemistry between Othello and Desdemona is exploited by Iago in the turning point of the play, Act 3, Scene 3, where the final tragedy is set in motion.
• Iago uses reverse-psychology ‘Ha! I like not that!’
• He pretends to be reluctant to explain himself
• Cassio persuades Desdemona to entreat Othello to reinstate him, knowing her power of influence.
• Iago uses the handkerchief to convince his master of his wife’s betrayal; he turns Othello’s reliance on actions over words against him
• he is unable to see that Iago has secret motivations.
The sense of tragedy is heightened towards the climax of the play, as Othello prepares to kill Desdemona.
• Even though he is in a murderous rage, he is concerned for her immortal soul and wants her to confess so
• Othello’s soliloquy while she sleeps -
Put out the light, and then put out the light:
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
• Othello sees Desdemona is a personification of the sun – ‘flaming minister’
• in contrast to her own description of herself as a ‘moth’ earlier in the play; the sun gives life to everything, so killing her is like banishing life from the world.
• actions are all-important to Othello – he wakes her up before he kills her
• But he has become dependent on her words – she confesses even though she doesn’t know what she has done.
• Iago is finally victorious over the more noble Othello, because he has made him put faith in words, which can be deceiving.
Therefore I would argue that the tragedy of Othello comes about from the protagonist’s main flaw, that he is blind to the evil motivations and false words of those around him. Seeing his fall, and the death of his true love, is what makes the play a moving experience for the audience.
Great Gatsby Essay Plan - character essay
“A character which engaged your sympathy …”
Introduction
The protagonist of ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F Scott Fitzgerald is an example of a character who engages our sympathy because he has romantic ideals, even though he lives in a jaded, cynical world.
• Brief plot summary
• Setting – affluent New York, in contrast to the Midwest where Nick is from
First impressions
Nick’s first impressions of Gatsby and his materialistic life come at the start of the novel. At this point, I didn’t feel sympathetic towards Gatsby as he gives the impression of wealth and charm. The first things Nick hears and sees of Gatsby’s world are the lavish parties at his mansion:
There was music coming from my neighbour’s house …
• Gatsby is seen through Nick’s eyes – he is a friend who admires him, and this engages the reader’s sympathy
• Self-made man – changed his name and made a fortune; has links to organised crime through Meyer Wolfsheim
• Gave lavish parties to people he didn’t really know, his rich neighbours; this might make him seem fake, rather than powerful
Gatsby and Daisy
Yet even though he has invented a ‘persona’ for himself, Gatsby is still a romantic, idealistic figure, and his relationship with Daisy is one of the most important in the book. This makes him seem more human and shows that, even though his is a millionaire, he has ordinary feelings. This is shown in the chapter where Nick sees him get ready for his meeting with Daisy:
Gatsby, in a white flannel suit …
• Shows his materialism; likes expensive clothes to impress people
• Also shows his romanticism – desire to win Daisy back for good
• Met when he was a young man working as a diver; created his wealthy life in order to win Daisy over
• He is clearly better than Daisy’s cynical, cheating husband Tom
Gatsby and Tom
However, the book ends in tragedy, for Gatsby will never be accepted by the ‘old Aristocracy’ of the town. Although the reader might not approve of the ruthless, and possibly criminal way Gatsby got to the top, it is clear that Tom is just as amoral:
“No, he doesn’t”, said Tom coldly. “And if you feel that way about it…
• This contrast shows Gatsby in a better light
• Symbolism of ‘Ash valley’ – the materialistic, godless world they live in, ruled by people like Tom
The climax – feelings at the end
The outcome of the book is that Daisy stays with Tom and Gatsby dies young. I felt a sense of waste that he died for no reason, and that his dreams were unfulfilled.
• The climax - Gatsby’s murder: Gatsby was too naïve for the world of cheating and betrayal that he tried to live in
• Gatsby was finally crushed by the class system – he underestimated Daisy’s devotion to Tom, who came from a wealthy background
• After his murder his neighbours do not attend his funeral – he has failed to become one of them
Conclusion
Therefore I would argue that Gatsby is a character who engages the reader’s sympathy, even though he has amassed his money and influence through selfish and immoral business dealings. In some ways, he is too ‘noble’ for the spoilt upper class milieu which he is desperate to be a part of, and this gives the novel its tragic climax.
Introduction
The protagonist of ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F Scott Fitzgerald is an example of a character who engages our sympathy because he has romantic ideals, even though he lives in a jaded, cynical world.
• Brief plot summary
• Setting – affluent New York, in contrast to the Midwest where Nick is from
First impressions
Nick’s first impressions of Gatsby and his materialistic life come at the start of the novel. At this point, I didn’t feel sympathetic towards Gatsby as he gives the impression of wealth and charm. The first things Nick hears and sees of Gatsby’s world are the lavish parties at his mansion:
There was music coming from my neighbour’s house …
• Gatsby is seen through Nick’s eyes – he is a friend who admires him, and this engages the reader’s sympathy
• Self-made man – changed his name and made a fortune; has links to organised crime through Meyer Wolfsheim
• Gave lavish parties to people he didn’t really know, his rich neighbours; this might make him seem fake, rather than powerful
Gatsby and Daisy
Yet even though he has invented a ‘persona’ for himself, Gatsby is still a romantic, idealistic figure, and his relationship with Daisy is one of the most important in the book. This makes him seem more human and shows that, even though his is a millionaire, he has ordinary feelings. This is shown in the chapter where Nick sees him get ready for his meeting with Daisy:
Gatsby, in a white flannel suit …
• Shows his materialism; likes expensive clothes to impress people
• Also shows his romanticism – desire to win Daisy back for good
• Met when he was a young man working as a diver; created his wealthy life in order to win Daisy over
• He is clearly better than Daisy’s cynical, cheating husband Tom
Gatsby and Tom
However, the book ends in tragedy, for Gatsby will never be accepted by the ‘old Aristocracy’ of the town. Although the reader might not approve of the ruthless, and possibly criminal way Gatsby got to the top, it is clear that Tom is just as amoral:
“No, he doesn’t”, said Tom coldly. “And if you feel that way about it…
• This contrast shows Gatsby in a better light
• Symbolism of ‘Ash valley’ – the materialistic, godless world they live in, ruled by people like Tom
The climax – feelings at the end
The outcome of the book is that Daisy stays with Tom and Gatsby dies young. I felt a sense of waste that he died for no reason, and that his dreams were unfulfilled.
• The climax - Gatsby’s murder: Gatsby was too naïve for the world of cheating and betrayal that he tried to live in
• Gatsby was finally crushed by the class system – he underestimated Daisy’s devotion to Tom, who came from a wealthy background
• After his murder his neighbours do not attend his funeral – he has failed to become one of them
Conclusion
Therefore I would argue that Gatsby is a character who engages the reader’s sympathy, even though he has amassed his money and influence through selfish and immoral business dealings. In some ways, he is too ‘noble’ for the spoilt upper class milieu which he is desperate to be a part of, and this gives the novel its tragic climax.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
A View From The Bridge Essay
Question - Discuss a play with a powerful theme. Show how the playwright introduces this theme and how they use techniques to bring it to life for the audience.
One of the themes explored in ‘A view from the bridge’ is that of jealousy. Eddie’s jealousy over his attractive young niece Catherine seems to be more powerful than his love for Beatrice and his sense of honour as a Sicilian American. Miller uses characterisation, symbolism and plot to show how Eddie’s dark side gradually causes his death.
Eddie is initially described as an ordinary, hard-working man. At the start of the play, he is fatherly towards Catherine, flattering her for her new skirt and encouraging her to find her own life. He gently scolds her for ‘walking wavy’ – aware that she is now a woman. However, there is a hint of overprotectiveness to this, and a tension with his wife Beatrice. As they sit chatting, he tells Catherine not to trust people but Beatrice tries to reassure her. He responds:
Eddie [strangely and quietly resentful] You lived in a house all your life, what do you know about it?
We can interpret this in several ways. Either he doesn’t love Beatrice and resents his ordinary life with her; or, he is in love with his niece and admires her aspirations; or perhaps enjoys his power over Beatrice, for the fact he is a working man and she is a housewife. Eddie is a complex character so all these emotions may be going on at once. This idle comment sets the scene for the change in their relationships caused by the entrance of Marco and Rudolpho.
The author uses the scene where Rudolpho sings to show the birth of Eddie’s intense jealousy. The change in Eddie is subtle immediate. He asks Catherine ‘What’s the high heels for, Garbo?’ He may feel jealousy at Rudolpho’s flamboyance; but at the same time, he compares Catherine to a vain movie actress. He is suddenly aware of the fact that her aspirations in life might succeed and seeks to pull her back down to their level. Having an attractive girl in his house might give him the extra status in life that he needs, so he is scared to lose her.
The author uses commonplace objects as symbols to show the unfolding drama. At the start of the play there is Eddie’s preoccupation with Catherine’s short skirt; then he mentions her heels in order to disparage her. When Eddie hits Rudolpho and Marco feels threatened, the latter raises a chair over Eddie’s head ‘like a weapon’. The play unfolds with the backdrop of Brooklyn bridge and the piers, which are symbols of working class life. Marco threatens Eddie with an everyday object, which shows how limited Eddie’s life is.
The playwright uses the scene where the two Sicilians are arrested to show the collapse in Eddie’s values. His jealousy ultimately causes him to go to the police, betraying the code of silence of his Sicilian community. After spitting in Eddie’s face, Marco delivers the ultimate insult to Eddie’s honour as he is led away –
That one stole the food from my children!
Eddie responds: ‘He’s gonna take that back or I’ll kill him!’ In their society, it is vital for a man to provide for their family. Eddie needs Catherine in order to feel like he is a provider, as well as to share the company of an attractive young woman. In this way, Eddie’s need to be someone special causes the fixation on his niece. This leads to his tragic end as Marco turns his own knife upon him.
Therefore I would argue that at the heart of ‘A view from the bridge’ is Eddie’s jealousy for his niece, and his frustration at the limited life he has led. These feelings make him an ambiguous character, and create a compelling drama for the audience.
One of the themes explored in ‘A view from the bridge’ is that of jealousy. Eddie’s jealousy over his attractive young niece Catherine seems to be more powerful than his love for Beatrice and his sense of honour as a Sicilian American. Miller uses characterisation, symbolism and plot to show how Eddie’s dark side gradually causes his death.
Eddie is initially described as an ordinary, hard-working man. At the start of the play, he is fatherly towards Catherine, flattering her for her new skirt and encouraging her to find her own life. He gently scolds her for ‘walking wavy’ – aware that she is now a woman. However, there is a hint of overprotectiveness to this, and a tension with his wife Beatrice. As they sit chatting, he tells Catherine not to trust people but Beatrice tries to reassure her. He responds:
Eddie [strangely and quietly resentful] You lived in a house all your life, what do you know about it?
We can interpret this in several ways. Either he doesn’t love Beatrice and resents his ordinary life with her; or, he is in love with his niece and admires her aspirations; or perhaps enjoys his power over Beatrice, for the fact he is a working man and she is a housewife. Eddie is a complex character so all these emotions may be going on at once. This idle comment sets the scene for the change in their relationships caused by the entrance of Marco and Rudolpho.
The author uses the scene where Rudolpho sings to show the birth of Eddie’s intense jealousy. The change in Eddie is subtle immediate. He asks Catherine ‘What’s the high heels for, Garbo?’ He may feel jealousy at Rudolpho’s flamboyance; but at the same time, he compares Catherine to a vain movie actress. He is suddenly aware of the fact that her aspirations in life might succeed and seeks to pull her back down to their level. Having an attractive girl in his house might give him the extra status in life that he needs, so he is scared to lose her.
The author uses commonplace objects as symbols to show the unfolding drama. At the start of the play there is Eddie’s preoccupation with Catherine’s short skirt; then he mentions her heels in order to disparage her. When Eddie hits Rudolpho and Marco feels threatened, the latter raises a chair over Eddie’s head ‘like a weapon’. The play unfolds with the backdrop of Brooklyn bridge and the piers, which are symbols of working class life. Marco threatens Eddie with an everyday object, which shows how limited Eddie’s life is.
The playwright uses the scene where the two Sicilians are arrested to show the collapse in Eddie’s values. His jealousy ultimately causes him to go to the police, betraying the code of silence of his Sicilian community. After spitting in Eddie’s face, Marco delivers the ultimate insult to Eddie’s honour as he is led away –
That one stole the food from my children!
Eddie responds: ‘He’s gonna take that back or I’ll kill him!’ In their society, it is vital for a man to provide for their family. Eddie needs Catherine in order to feel like he is a provider, as well as to share the company of an attractive young woman. In this way, Eddie’s need to be someone special causes the fixation on his niece. This leads to his tragic end as Marco turns his own knife upon him.
Therefore I would argue that at the heart of ‘A view from the bridge’ is Eddie’s jealousy for his niece, and his frustration at the limited life he has led. These feelings make him an ambiguous character, and create a compelling drama for the audience.
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