Symbol- sym·bol
noun /ˈsimbəl/
symbols, plural
The AP definition:
-Something which stands for something else, yet has a meaning of its own.
The dictionary definitions:
-A thing that represents or stands for something else, esp. a material object representing something abstract
the limousine was another symbol of his wealth and authority
-A mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process, e.g., the letter or letters standing for a chemical element or a character in musical notation
-A shape or sign used to represent something such as an organization, e.g., a red cross or a Star of David
Look down at your keyboard, and see the characters attached to corresponding numbered keys. These are symbols. They stand for something else, but have their own meaning...
# is a hashtag, and represents a number,
& represents the word 'and',
% is used as 'percent', and,
$ is a dollar sign, used to discuss money.
There are also more symbols available on a computer...
♥ is a heart, which can represent a heart or love,
≈ means 'approximately',
♀ stands for 'female', and
∞ means 'infinity'.
Symbols are also used in religion...
✡ this is the Star of David, the symbol of the Jewish religion,
✞ this is a cross, often used to represent the death of Jesus.
Symbols are a huge part of literature.
You can find examples of symbolism in nearly everything you read, if you look out for them. One of my favorite examples of symbolism is in Harry Potter. Every student at Hogwarts is sorted into one of the four houses, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. Each house has different qualities that make it special, and has a symbol to match it. For example, Gryffindor's symbol is a lion, because Gryffindors are said to be courageous, and Slytherin's symbol is a snake, because although they are smart, they have a dark side to them.
Symbolism in Literature
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thinking Outside the Box
Plato's Allegory of the Cave, and Sartre's No Exit are both allegories that connect an abstract idea to a real life example through an extended metaphor. In Allegory of the Cave, Plato compares a cave to a life lacking truth, and the prisoners aren't able to leave the cave and find the sun, or the ultimate truth. It shows that we often only see a perceived reality and accept that, instead of venturing for truth and knowledge. In No Exit, three people are in a drawing room, where they must deal with each others' personalities. At first they don't want to admit their wrong doings, but eventually they do, coming to the conclusion that "hell is other people." The three characters are driving themselves crazy due to their own issues in their heads.
Sartre believed that everyone has the ability to become who they want to be, but it is up to them to make the right decisions or to act in a certain way as to reach their full potential. It can't be given to them. This idea is very similar to Plato's. In the cave, the prisoners didn't know any better, and didn't want to know any better. They were fine where they were because of their chains, whether the chain be laziness, fear, or comfort. In No Exit, the characters are fearful of the others judging them, or what is perceived of them. In both cases, they are afraid of taking responsibility of their actions and their lives, so they decide rather to live in a dull place where nothing of value can occur.
Sartre believed that everyone has the ability to become who they want to be, but it is up to them to make the right decisions or to act in a certain way as to reach their full potential. It can't be given to them. This idea is very similar to Plato's. In the cave, the prisoners didn't know any better, and didn't want to know any better. They were fine where they were because of their chains, whether the chain be laziness, fear, or comfort. In No Exit, the characters are fearful of the others judging them, or what is perceived of them. In both cases, they are afraid of taking responsibility of their actions and their lives, so they decide rather to live in a dull place where nothing of value can occur.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Literature Analysis 3
Daisy Miller
By Henry James
1) The novel opens as Winterbourne meets Daisy Miller in Switzerland while visiting his aunt. They talk and Winterbourne is intrigued by her personality. She is not as proper as the European girls, as she is American, and she talks openly about her life. The two set a date to visit an old castle together on their own and Winterbourne promises Daisy that he will introduce her to his aunt. His aunt refuses to meet Daisy, saying that she is unrefined and common. The two go through on their date and have a good time, conversation coming easily and friendly. Daisy makes Winterbourne promise that since he is leaving he must visit her in Rome next winter.
When Winterbourne goes to Rome, he hears that there are many bad things being said about Daisy. Her reputation is going down for associating herself with lower class and shady men. Winterbourne tries to talk to her but she does not listen to him, and continues to see a man named Giovanelli. Daisy's mother also warns her of what will happen if she stays with Giovanelli, but Daisy dismisses her mother's warnings. Daisy tells Winterbourne both that she is and then that she is not engaged to Giovanelli. Winterbourne sees the two outside late at night in Rome, and tells them they must go in so they don't get malaria. Daisy quickly falls ill and gives Winterbourne a note that says she was never engaged and that she hopes Winterbourne remembers their time at the castle. Daisy dies and Giovanelli tells Winterbourne that she never would have married him. Winterbourne realizes he has spent too much time worried about Daisy and he returns to his life in Geneva.
2)The theme of the novel is culture. Daisy and Winterbourne were both Americans, which made them stand out from the people around them. They weren't part of the style of Europe, and that caused them both problems. Daisy was looked down upon and became an outcast, no longer being invited to parties or to social events because of her choice of men and who she associated herself with. Winterbourne was so intrigued by Daisy because she was different from the European girls who weren't as open and and were more proper. This ultimately caused his heartbreak.
3)The tone is very light. It is never intense or dramatic, instead staying friendly and conversational. It is non-chalant and detached.
“The young ladies of this country have a dreadfully poky time of it, so far as I can learn; I don’t see why I should change my habits for them.” Daisy Miller
“ “I am afraid your habits are those of a flirt” said Winterbourne gravely
“Of course they are,” she cried, giving him her little smiling stare again. “I’m a fearful, frightful flirt! Did you ever hear of a nice girl that was not? But I suppose you will tell me now that I am not a nice girl.”
“You’re a very nice girl; but I wish you would flirt with me, and me only.””
'I have more friends in New York than in Schenectady-more gentleman friends; and more young lady friends too," she resumed in a moment. She paused again for an instant; she was looking at Winterbourne with all her prettiness in her lively eyes and in her light, slightly monotonous smile. 'I have always had,' she said, 'a great deal of gentleman's society.'"
" 'Since you have mentioned it,' she said, 'I am engaged.' . . .
4)-Syntax: The author uses long descriptions about occasions and thoughts with little dialogue.
"The young lady meanwhile had drawn near. She was dressed in white muslin, with a hundred frills and flounces, and knots of pale-coloured ribbon. She was bare-headed; but she balanced in her hand a large parasol with a deep border of embroidery; and she was strikingly, admirably pretty."
- Foreshadowing: Many people continue to warn Daisy of getting malaria but she doesn't take the advice and it causes her death. Winterbourne's aunt also tells him not to take part in anything to do with Daisy because it will be a mistake but he doesn't listen, and she ends up breaking his heart.
"I haven’t the least idea what such young ladies expect a man to do. But I really think that you had better not meddle with little American girls that are uncultivated, as you call them. You have lived too long out of the country. You will be sure to make some great mistake."
-Symbolism: Daisy represents American ideals. She is naive and self centered but also innocent and unaware of social levels. Her brother Randolph is everything of an American tourist who no one appreciates, being obnoxious and uncultured.
“But this young girl was not a coquette in that sense; she was very unsophisticated; she was only a pretty American flirt.”
-Tone: because the tone is so detached, it makes the story appear almost melancholy, because there is only confusion and no concrete facts or feelings.
-Setting: Placing two Americans in a European setting changes the culture that they are used to and puts them in new situations, like the one Daisy finds herself in where she is suddenly looked down upon.
“”What has she been doing?”
“Everything that is not done here. Flirting with any man she could pick up; sitting in corners with mysterious Italians; dancing all the evening with the same partners; receiving visits at eleven o’clock at night. Her mother goes away visitors come.”
By Henry James
1) The novel opens as Winterbourne meets Daisy Miller in Switzerland while visiting his aunt. They talk and Winterbourne is intrigued by her personality. She is not as proper as the European girls, as she is American, and she talks openly about her life. The two set a date to visit an old castle together on their own and Winterbourne promises Daisy that he will introduce her to his aunt. His aunt refuses to meet Daisy, saying that she is unrefined and common. The two go through on their date and have a good time, conversation coming easily and friendly. Daisy makes Winterbourne promise that since he is leaving he must visit her in Rome next winter.
When Winterbourne goes to Rome, he hears that there are many bad things being said about Daisy. Her reputation is going down for associating herself with lower class and shady men. Winterbourne tries to talk to her but she does not listen to him, and continues to see a man named Giovanelli. Daisy's mother also warns her of what will happen if she stays with Giovanelli, but Daisy dismisses her mother's warnings. Daisy tells Winterbourne both that she is and then that she is not engaged to Giovanelli. Winterbourne sees the two outside late at night in Rome, and tells them they must go in so they don't get malaria. Daisy quickly falls ill and gives Winterbourne a note that says she was never engaged and that she hopes Winterbourne remembers their time at the castle. Daisy dies and Giovanelli tells Winterbourne that she never would have married him. Winterbourne realizes he has spent too much time worried about Daisy and he returns to his life in Geneva.
2)The theme of the novel is culture. Daisy and Winterbourne were both Americans, which made them stand out from the people around them. They weren't part of the style of Europe, and that caused them both problems. Daisy was looked down upon and became an outcast, no longer being invited to parties or to social events because of her choice of men and who she associated herself with. Winterbourne was so intrigued by Daisy because she was different from the European girls who weren't as open and and were more proper. This ultimately caused his heartbreak.
3)The tone is very light. It is never intense or dramatic, instead staying friendly and conversational. It is non-chalant and detached.
“The young ladies of this country have a dreadfully poky time of it, so far as I can learn; I don’t see why I should change my habits for them.” Daisy Miller
“ “I am afraid your habits are those of a flirt” said Winterbourne gravely
“Of course they are,” she cried, giving him her little smiling stare again. “I’m a fearful, frightful flirt! Did you ever hear of a nice girl that was not? But I suppose you will tell me now that I am not a nice girl.”
“You’re a very nice girl; but I wish you would flirt with me, and me only.””
'I have more friends in New York than in Schenectady-more gentleman friends; and more young lady friends too," she resumed in a moment. She paused again for an instant; she was looking at Winterbourne with all her prettiness in her lively eyes and in her light, slightly monotonous smile. 'I have always had,' she said, 'a great deal of gentleman's society.'"
" 'Since you have mentioned it,' she said, 'I am engaged.' . . .
4)-Syntax: The author uses long descriptions about occasions and thoughts with little dialogue.
"The young lady meanwhile had drawn near. She was dressed in white muslin, with a hundred frills and flounces, and knots of pale-coloured ribbon. She was bare-headed; but she balanced in her hand a large parasol with a deep border of embroidery; and she was strikingly, admirably pretty."
- Foreshadowing: Many people continue to warn Daisy of getting malaria but she doesn't take the advice and it causes her death. Winterbourne's aunt also tells him not to take part in anything to do with Daisy because it will be a mistake but he doesn't listen, and she ends up breaking his heart.
"I haven’t the least idea what such young ladies expect a man to do. But I really think that you had better not meddle with little American girls that are uncultivated, as you call them. You have lived too long out of the country. You will be sure to make some great mistake."
-Symbolism: Daisy represents American ideals. She is naive and self centered but also innocent and unaware of social levels. Her brother Randolph is everything of an American tourist who no one appreciates, being obnoxious and uncultured.
“But this young girl was not a coquette in that sense; she was very unsophisticated; she was only a pretty American flirt.”
-Tone: because the tone is so detached, it makes the story appear almost melancholy, because there is only confusion and no concrete facts or feelings.
-Setting: Placing two Americans in a European setting changes the culture that they are used to and puts them in new situations, like the one Daisy finds herself in where she is suddenly looked down upon.
“”What has she been doing?”
“Everything that is not done here. Flirting with any man she could pick up; sitting in corners with mysterious Italians; dancing all the evening with the same partners; receiving visits at eleven o’clock at night. Her mother goes away visitors come.”
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The BIG Question
Are there qualities in our individual and cultural understandings of success that set us up for failure?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Language of Hamlet
Although Hamlet and Beowulf both deal with revenge, their type of language is very different. Hamlet is trying to get revenge by killing his uncle, and Beowulf is trying to protect his people so that the monsters cannot cause havoc anymore. Beowulf is nearly perfect, he has immense strength, can conquer any monster, and is the hero of the area. Hamlet's accomplishments may not seem as great compared to Beowulf, but that is because the story is presented in a whole different way, where you can see Hamlet's flaws as well as into his head.
Part of Hamlet's action is done through talking, where as in Beowulf, the action is very exciting. Beowulf fights with monsters, beheads them, and uses swords and shields in full combat. It has little dialogue, and focuses more on the action. In Hamlet, it is the very opposite. There is little physical action because talking replaces the action. In his "To be or not to be" soliloquy, he is discussing the idea of death and has made a decision that he won't take his own life. It may not seem like a momentous action but it is Hamlet's form of acting.
Hamlet also talks to himself, and shows his thinking and his flaws. Throughout Hamlet's soliloquies, you can see his thought process. He shares his ideas, and you can see how he gets from decision to decision, and what motivates him. In Beowulf, you can't really see inside his head. He acts for the good of the community, and he acts like a hero. He has no weakness, he does what is right, simply because that's what is expected of him. Beowulf doesn't talk to himself or share his inner thoughts like Hamlet does.
The main difference in the two stories is the way the characterization is formed. Hamlet seems more human because his ideas are voiced and he has flaws. Beowulf is nearly perfect, defeating whatever comes his way and always doing good and protecting people. Hamlet is a more relateable character because the author chooses to show us inside his head.
Part of Hamlet's action is done through talking, where as in Beowulf, the action is very exciting. Beowulf fights with monsters, beheads them, and uses swords and shields in full combat. It has little dialogue, and focuses more on the action. In Hamlet, it is the very opposite. There is little physical action because talking replaces the action. In his "To be or not to be" soliloquy, he is discussing the idea of death and has made a decision that he won't take his own life. It may not seem like a momentous action but it is Hamlet's form of acting.
Hamlet also talks to himself, and shows his thinking and his flaws. Throughout Hamlet's soliloquies, you can see his thought process. He shares his ideas, and you can see how he gets from decision to decision, and what motivates him. In Beowulf, you can't really see inside his head. He acts for the good of the community, and he acts like a hero. He has no weakness, he does what is right, simply because that's what is expected of him. Beowulf doesn't talk to himself or share his inner thoughts like Hamlet does.
The main difference in the two stories is the way the characterization is formed. Hamlet seems more human because his ideas are voiced and he has flaws. Beowulf is nearly perfect, defeating whatever comes his way and always doing good and protecting people. Hamlet is a more relateable character because the author chooses to show us inside his head.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Question Everything
Both sophomore year and this year one thing has continued to stand out to me- question everything. If you don't find out the reason behind something or all the information you can, then you can fall victim to it. Don't miss opportunities by not finding out the details. Look at a different perspective. Be silly, or be serious. Whatever you do, make sure you think. Don't automatically accept things, but find out for yourself. Be your own person, make your own decisions, take responsibility, and question everything.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Roy Christopher Presentation Notes
Today in class we had the opportunity to talk to Roy Christopher and these are some of the points that stood out to me.
-Analog vs Digital~ we aren't "naturally" digital even though we have grown up in a digital age, we are a mixture of both.
-Remix/Mash-up Culture~ internet history has pieces of hip-hop culture, where you take some of this and some of that and put it together to remix it and create something even better.
-Analog Scaffolding- learn the ideas and the process of something before going completely digital so that you are aware of the basis of something and the main concepts.
-Participate- program or be programmed, the more you know about how things work the sooner you can reach digital maturity.
-There is an "at home" aspect of the computer that won't go away.
-Digital natives may be able to squeeze out the analog eventually.
-Older generations don't trust youth with technology or new things, when they should stop worrying and trust us.
-People know the difference between what type of language to use, like texting abbreviations vs formal writing.
-You can create your own new identity online.
-Multi-tasking is a myth, the more you divide your focus the more you lose quality.
-DIY aspect~ huge part of the web and the future, we must create our own opportunities.
-The end is up to us.
-You don't have to adapt if you don't want to.
-There is no technological end.
-Analog vs Digital~ we aren't "naturally" digital even though we have grown up in a digital age, we are a mixture of both.
-Remix/Mash-up Culture~ internet history has pieces of hip-hop culture, where you take some of this and some of that and put it together to remix it and create something even better.
-Analog Scaffolding- learn the ideas and the process of something before going completely digital so that you are aware of the basis of something and the main concepts.
-Participate- program or be programmed, the more you know about how things work the sooner you can reach digital maturity.
-There is an "at home" aspect of the computer that won't go away.
-Digital natives may be able to squeeze out the analog eventually.
-Older generations don't trust youth with technology or new things, when they should stop worrying and trust us.
-People know the difference between what type of language to use, like texting abbreviations vs formal writing.
-You can create your own new identity online.
-Multi-tasking is a myth, the more you divide your focus the more you lose quality.
-DIY aspect~ huge part of the web and the future, we must create our own opportunities.
-The end is up to us.
-You don't have to adapt if you don't want to.
-There is no technological end.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)