BLOG #14: FINAL THREE-PARAGRAPH REFLECTION

Throughout this first semester, I have slowly but surely switched my brain from a focus in rhetoric to a focus in binary opposites in complexity. We have looked at prose and poetry alike, identifying complexities within the author's portrayal of characters that creates a unique perspective that makes the writing interesting and worthwhile. Though I have yet to improve my writing from my benchmark scores, I am confident that next semester I will be able to use my acquired skills to do so.

Likewise, the most important skill I have gained through the first semester is the ability to identify binary opposites, both concrete and abstract, to create meaning. This has helped me understand the goal of literature and our analysis of the meaning created by the author's decisions in composition. Another skill that has assisted this skill is my broader knowledge of literary devices and the hero's journey that help me better understand the stages of development that occur within the piece.

Overall, I have gained a greater understanding of the literature exam and am more comfortable with the skills I need to do well and the skills I have yet to learn. In the future, this means practicing identifying the meaning of the work as a whole and how the complexities the author creates contribute to this.

BLOG #13: SOCRATIC DISCUSSION FINAL MATERIALS

BLOG #12A: SELFIE EXTRA CREDIT BLOG POST

A notable aspect of Claudius' character is that he will do anything to maintain his image or advance his social standing. While the most significant example of this is murdering his own brother, King Hamlet, it can also be seen in Act 5 Scene 2. Claudius plots to kill Hamlet by poisoning his wine during the fencing match, but Hamlet declines. Gertrude goes to take a drink. When Claudius sees this, he warns her to stop, saying "Gertrude, do not drink," (5.2.264). She carries on anyway, but Claudius makes no further effort to dissuade her. This decision of choosing inaction over action was to hide his intent of poisoning Hamlet, but in doing so, he needed to sacrifice Gertrude's life. This reflects upon Claudius' character in that he cares more about hiding his wrongdoing than his own wife's life. In the Instagram post, Gertrude is shown lying on the floor of the throne room, dead, while the King Hamlet's ghost is shown in the corner expressing anger. Front and center is Claudius. The nature of the selfie is to make oneself look good. This self-preservation is paralleled in Claudius's choice to keep silent and let Gertrude die. On the other hand, the apparition is a representation of the contrast between Claudius' feelings for Gertrude compared to King Hamlet's. Claudius cares very little for her wellbeing, showing his lack of concern for others. It is this disparity in character that infuriates Prince Hamlet, as he holds Claudius in lower regard, which is shown when he compares Claudius to "a mildewed ear" (3.4.65). This ultimately drives Hamlet kill Claudius shortly before he dies himself. Thus, Claudius' selfish ambition results in his own downfall.

BLOG #12: HAMLET SOCIAL MEDIA BLOG POST

"Why did you come here?" 

"To bring those who have wronged me to justice."

This is the mission of the honorable Prince Oberyn Martell in Season 4 Episode 8 of Game of Thrones, and in many ways the same mission has bestowed itself upon thine own prince. You see, the Viper, as Prince Martell is known, didn't make the long journey from Dorne to King's Landing without reason, no. He was seeking out the Mountain, responsible for the death of his sister, Princess Elia Martell, as well as the murder of her children. Likewise, I seek to appease my lord father’s soul in “his foul and most unnatural murder,”(1.5.25). Aye, to avenge the unjust deaths of one's pure kin is a noble quest indeed.

You see, like the Mountain, the inadequate Claudius is no true nobleman and has no place upon the court. They each hath no honorable bone in their bodies. They are the seeds of corruption, the roots of the reason for why “something is rotten in the state[s] of [their nations],” (1.4.90). Though King's Landing is admittedly in a state of greater disrepair. While the rest of the royal court carries on with their lives with what appears to be grace and virtuosity, these beasts walk among them, presenting only false facades to hide their transgressions. In passing they are called “knight” and “king”, but in reality they are no more than knaves. And Elia's children, oh, the children. Such purity and innocence has been lost. Though King Hamlet was no child, he was a pious and noble ruler, most fit to be king. Compared to their victims, Claudius and the Mountain are “like a mildewed ear blasting [their] wholesome [victims],”(3.4.65-66). And not to mention the brutish means of their murders! King Hamlet was merely “sleeping in [his] orchard [when] the serpent stung [him]”(1.5.35-36). The Mountain, after slaughtering Elia’s darling babes, did rape her with their blood upon his hands. Like mine father, their murders be most “foul and unnatural,” (1.5.25), too. Such cowardice, striking the innocent in their defenseless states!

Thus, I must conclude, to slay a beast like the Mountain who can commit such heinous crimes is a privilege and honor for Prince Oberyn. But what of I then? What of the false king, Claudius, who sits upon the throne, that which is rightfully mine? "What would [Prince Oberyn] do, had he the motive and the cue for passion that I have?" (2.2.481-483).

BLOG #11: GROUP ODE