Here is a link to one of the short stories I wrote earlier this year:
http://teenink.com/fiction/sci_fi_fantasy/article/377000/Consequence/
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Beowulf (Blog Reading Log 2)
I finished Beowulf early this past week, and enjoyed it overall. Though the plot was a bit melodramatic, the book was easier to read than Shakespeare and the Odyssey. It was rather refreshing to return to literature written in a style more similar to modern English!
One of the main themes in Beowulf was that of heroism. Both physical strength and wisdom are attributes that are highly valued, and of course the protagonist Beowulf has both. The author's voice was interesting in the sense that he seemed to not only detail Beowulf's adventures but also portrayed Beowulf in a nearly mythological sense.
The plot was unique as well. The book seemed like a stereotypical fairy tale at the beginning as Beowulf traveled to slay monsters, but **spoiler alert** when Beowulf dies at the end, the work transforms into a tragedy. This reveals Beowulf's humanity as, despite his inhuman strength, his age is finally his downfall. Furthermore, it intrigued me how the writer focused in great detail on three main events, then only briefly indicated the passage of time. At one point, over fifty years passed, yet this is relayed to the reader in a matter of a few sentences.
I can understand why Beowulf's popularity has waxed and waned over the years. This was not my favorite piece of classical literature; however, it was well worth the read.
One of the main themes in Beowulf was that of heroism. Both physical strength and wisdom are attributes that are highly valued, and of course the protagonist Beowulf has both. The author's voice was interesting in the sense that he seemed to not only detail Beowulf's adventures but also portrayed Beowulf in a nearly mythological sense.
The plot was unique as well. The book seemed like a stereotypical fairy tale at the beginning as Beowulf traveled to slay monsters, but **spoiler alert** when Beowulf dies at the end, the work transforms into a tragedy. This reveals Beowulf's humanity as, despite his inhuman strength, his age is finally his downfall. Furthermore, it intrigued me how the writer focused in great detail on three main events, then only briefly indicated the passage of time. At one point, over fifty years passed, yet this is relayed to the reader in a matter of a few sentences.
I can understand why Beowulf's popularity has waxed and waned over the years. This was not my favorite piece of classical literature; however, it was well worth the read.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Beowulf (Blog Reading Log 1)
This week I have been reading Beowulf, an epic poem written over a thousand years ago. I chose this book first of all, because it is in my school's curriculum, so I thought I should read it for test-out purposes; also, I thought that as we have been reading some classic literature in class, I could sample a variety of ancient texts!
I noticed that the conflict in Beowulf initially began early in the plot with the introduction of a bloodthirsty, murderous, demonic monster. However, the overall pace of the book so far seems fairly constant, and the tension is slowly rising. Though it is an epic like the Odyssey, and the author reminds me of an English, Christian, and slightly more refined Homer, the pace is more comparable to that of Frankenstein. Additionally, I am enjoying the flow of the poem's structure more than I did that of the Iliad and the Odyssey. Furthermore, from the details the author gave, I inferred that one's genealogy was still very important in that time and culture.
I noticed that the conflict in Beowulf initially began early in the plot with the introduction of a bloodthirsty, murderous, demonic monster. However, the overall pace of the book so far seems fairly constant, and the tension is slowly rising. Though it is an epic like the Odyssey, and the author reminds me of an English, Christian, and slightly more refined Homer, the pace is more comparable to that of Frankenstein. Additionally, I am enjoying the flow of the poem's structure more than I did that of the Iliad and the Odyssey. Furthermore, from the details the author gave, I inferred that one's genealogy was still very important in that time and culture.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Macbeth - Gamma Rays Comparison
The character relationships in both Macbeth and TEOGROMITMM were very interesting, as well as often unhealthy.
First of all, the conflict in Macbeth was more external, with opposing characters such as Malcolm and Macduff fighting the Macbeth family. The tension in Gamma Rays usually originates between family members, so it is a more internal conflict. Thus the conflict in Gamma Rays was more personal to Tillie, and affected her emotions differently than the fighting did those of Macbeth. Additionally, Tillie and mother and sister seem to realize some of their issues, while Macbeth isn't aware of his own declining mental health.
Macbeth and Tillie's families both struggled as the main characters strove to reach their goals. However, Tillie's family may have become closer through the process, while Macbeth distanced himself from his friends and family. Also, while Tillie challenged herself to be successful throughout the play, Macbeth destroyed others to gain superiority. Tillie her sister enjoy her accomplishment, while Macbeth is unable to sate his desire for more power.
Both families sought acceptance and respect. The status of Tillie's family is based more on character - for instance, how Ruth enjoys more social popularity than Tillie, as she has a personality that is more more widely accepted as normal - while the power of Macbeth's family results solely from his rank and riches. This may have a correlation with the time period in which the plays are set. Furthermore, Tillie's family maintains the ability to enjoy the small pleasures in life, like how Ruth liked hearing stories and Tillie's mother wanted to open a shop. On the contrary, Macbeth's family never seems satisfied or happy.
Overall, I thought Tillie's family was more endearing than Macbeth's. For much of the play, Macbeth and his wife could appear cold and calculating.
First of all, the conflict in Macbeth was more external, with opposing characters such as Malcolm and Macduff fighting the Macbeth family. The tension in Gamma Rays usually originates between family members, so it is a more internal conflict. Thus the conflict in Gamma Rays was more personal to Tillie, and affected her emotions differently than the fighting did those of Macbeth. Additionally, Tillie and mother and sister seem to realize some of their issues, while Macbeth isn't aware of his own declining mental health.
Macbeth and Tillie's families both struggled as the main characters strove to reach their goals. However, Tillie's family may have become closer through the process, while Macbeth distanced himself from his friends and family. Also, while Tillie challenged herself to be successful throughout the play, Macbeth destroyed others to gain superiority. Tillie her sister enjoy her accomplishment, while Macbeth is unable to sate his desire for more power.
Both families sought acceptance and respect. The status of Tillie's family is based more on character - for instance, how Ruth enjoys more social popularity than Tillie, as she has a personality that is more more widely accepted as normal - while the power of Macbeth's family results solely from his rank and riches. This may have a correlation with the time period in which the plays are set. Furthermore, Tillie's family maintains the ability to enjoy the small pleasures in life, like how Ruth liked hearing stories and Tillie's mother wanted to open a shop. On the contrary, Macbeth's family never seems satisfied or happy.
Overall, I thought Tillie's family was more endearing than Macbeth's. For much of the play, Macbeth and his wife could appear cold and calculating.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-In-the-Moon Marigolds Act I
I find this play is very well written! There is a lot of depth to the characters' personalities, and they have multiple facets.
I can relate to Tillie's inquisitiveness and interest in science, as well as her love of school. I too desire to learn. Also, her thought process sometimes seems similar to mine, how one thought leads to another until there is a web of varied topics. Furthermore, I can understand the disappointment she feels when some people don't recognize her accomplishments or don't understand her strengths. Lastly, there seem to be certain moments of joy and serenity in the midst of the troubles of life in the book, and I believe everyone can probably relate to that.
Thankfully, I can say that I do not have a disturbed mother who discourages attending school and creates an unhealthy environment for her daughters to grow up in!
I can relate to Tillie's inquisitiveness and interest in science, as well as her love of school. I too desire to learn. Also, her thought process sometimes seems similar to mine, how one thought leads to another until there is a web of varied topics. Furthermore, I can understand the disappointment she feels when some people don't recognize her accomplishments or don't understand her strengths. Lastly, there seem to be certain moments of joy and serenity in the midst of the troubles of life in the book, and I believe everyone can probably relate to that.
Thankfully, I can say that I do not have a disturbed mother who discourages attending school and creates an unhealthy environment for her daughters to grow up in!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Macbeth Essay
Macbeth's personality undergoes a great deal of evolution during the play. In the beginning, his companions view him as a noble and brave friend. However, as soon as he is tempted by the witches' prophesy that he will become Thane of Cawdor and king, he starts to believe he is superior to his peers and more worthy of the positions. This causes him to be distanced from the other characters. Nevertheless, despite his courage in battle, Lady Macbeth is able to manipulate him into killing King Duncan against his instincts.
Initially, Macbeth feels guilty for the murder and regrets it. Yet he acts like he is the victim, as if it was a terrible experience that targeted him. Macbeth at first seems scared of the reality he created for himself. However, once he tastes power, he desires more and is unwilling to relinquish that which he has. He becomes more commanding and confident, and even begins excluding and resisting the control of Lady Macbeth. His morals degrade as he has his friend Banquo murdered, and he becomes increasingly callous. The witches' prophesy also makes him cocky, as he believes he's invincible.
Macbeth develops an arrogant attitude because he believes the witches' prophesy ensures his success. Eventually, Macbeth becomes willing to be violent and is determined to remain king. He is apathetic, and murders Macduff's wife and children without considering how it may affect his former friend. Macbeth's tyranny and abandonment of Lady Macbeth, as well as her own guilt, drove her to worry, madness, and ultimately suicide. Macbeth seems to imply that her untimely death inconvenienced him. He says that life is meaningless, perhaps revealing an underlying depression that tells him that his titles have no value in the end. This point is proven in the sense that once what he fears in the prophesy comes true, Macbeth becomes very frightened. He continues to try to reassure himself, but his crimes finally lead to his death.
Initially, Macbeth feels guilty for the murder and regrets it. Yet he acts like he is the victim, as if it was a terrible experience that targeted him. Macbeth at first seems scared of the reality he created for himself. However, once he tastes power, he desires more and is unwilling to relinquish that which he has. He becomes more commanding and confident, and even begins excluding and resisting the control of Lady Macbeth. His morals degrade as he has his friend Banquo murdered, and he becomes increasingly callous. The witches' prophesy also makes him cocky, as he believes he's invincible.
Macbeth develops an arrogant attitude because he believes the witches' prophesy ensures his success. Eventually, Macbeth becomes willing to be violent and is determined to remain king. He is apathetic, and murders Macduff's wife and children without considering how it may affect his former friend. Macbeth's tyranny and abandonment of Lady Macbeth, as well as her own guilt, drove her to worry, madness, and ultimately suicide. Macbeth seems to imply that her untimely death inconvenienced him. He says that life is meaningless, perhaps revealing an underlying depression that tells him that his titles have no value in the end. This point is proven in the sense that once what he fears in the prophesy comes true, Macbeth becomes very frightened. He continues to try to reassure himself, but his crimes finally lead to his death.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Tragedy of Macbeth (Act 1)
I enjoy Shakespeare's writing style, though his tragedies can be very depressing (obviously). The speech in the plays is very elegant, and though the old English may take more time to interpret, I find it well worth the effort. He is usually very detailed in his writing, and his descriptions are very thorough. In Macbeth, specifically, he begins the play quickly with conversation. The plot advances rapidly from that point. Macbeth seems to have been written at a faster pace than, say, Frankenstein.
Thus far, Irish captains under king Duncan, Macbeth and Banquo, have defeated Norwegian rebels. The thane (lord) of Cawdor has been killed, and Duncan declares that Macbeth will be the new thane of Cawdor. Meanwhile, Macbeth and Banquo meet three witches, who say Macbeth will be thane of Cawdor and later king, and that Banquo's children will be kings. Macbeth is then told by those under Duncan that he is now the thane of Cawdor, so he assumes - and desires - to be king. However, Duncan announces his eldest son as his successor. When Duncan comes to visit Macbeth at his castle, Lady Macbeth convinces her husband that they should kill the king.
As I mentioned, the plot seems to be progressing faster than some of Shakespeare's other works. Shakespeare already diffuses some suspense as to the truth of the three witches' words when Macbeth is declared thane of Cawdor. Yet, the majority of the action is yet to come, as this being a tragedy, we know that the murder of the king cannot bring good to Macbeth. Also, Shakespeare is subtle in the upset of Macbeth's plans, as the scene in which the king declares his son his successor is brief. The entire plot is ominous.
Plays offer a different type of characterization, as the only option is to use indirect characterization. Shakespeare uses dialogue to tell about the actions and traits of the characters, and I believe this gives the reader a more in-depth idea of the characters' personalities.
Macbeth apparently suffers a major personality change. He was a loyal and "valiant" captain, a seemingly close friend to Banquo, and described by his wife as being too kind. Yet when tempted with the possibility of power, he becomes greedy and violent.
Banquo seems to be a mild person, who is wise and cautious as portrayed by how he warns Macbeth not to trust the witches.
From the readers' perspective, King Duncan seems to be good-natured and a just king, but ignorant and too trusting. This may result from the fact that we know Macbeth's intentions, but he doesn't.
Lady Macbeth, from the first scene she appears in, is shown to be manipulative and selfish. She seems to have little guilt for evil acts. For a woman in that time period, Shakespeare gives her a surprising amount of power, because she was the one who first gave Macbeth the idea of killing the king and greatly influences his decisions.
Thus far, Irish captains under king Duncan, Macbeth and Banquo, have defeated Norwegian rebels. The thane (lord) of Cawdor has been killed, and Duncan declares that Macbeth will be the new thane of Cawdor. Meanwhile, Macbeth and Banquo meet three witches, who say Macbeth will be thane of Cawdor and later king, and that Banquo's children will be kings. Macbeth is then told by those under Duncan that he is now the thane of Cawdor, so he assumes - and desires - to be king. However, Duncan announces his eldest son as his successor. When Duncan comes to visit Macbeth at his castle, Lady Macbeth convinces her husband that they should kill the king.
As I mentioned, the plot seems to be progressing faster than some of Shakespeare's other works. Shakespeare already diffuses some suspense as to the truth of the three witches' words when Macbeth is declared thane of Cawdor. Yet, the majority of the action is yet to come, as this being a tragedy, we know that the murder of the king cannot bring good to Macbeth. Also, Shakespeare is subtle in the upset of Macbeth's plans, as the scene in which the king declares his son his successor is brief. The entire plot is ominous.
Plays offer a different type of characterization, as the only option is to use indirect characterization. Shakespeare uses dialogue to tell about the actions and traits of the characters, and I believe this gives the reader a more in-depth idea of the characters' personalities.
Macbeth apparently suffers a major personality change. He was a loyal and "valiant" captain, a seemingly close friend to Banquo, and described by his wife as being too kind. Yet when tempted with the possibility of power, he becomes greedy and violent.
Banquo seems to be a mild person, who is wise and cautious as portrayed by how he warns Macbeth not to trust the witches.
From the readers' perspective, King Duncan seems to be good-natured and a just king, but ignorant and too trusting. This may result from the fact that we know Macbeth's intentions, but he doesn't.
Lady Macbeth, from the first scene she appears in, is shown to be manipulative and selfish. She seems to have little guilt for evil acts. For a woman in that time period, Shakespeare gives her a surprising amount of power, because she was the one who first gave Macbeth the idea of killing the king and greatly influences his decisions.
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