Personal convictions and shared beliefs, the private and public life, sometimes seem at odds in the modern world. How did you find your chosen works touched on this conflict, and with what effect?
Both The Wild Duck and Blood Wedding seem to share a common theme in that they both contain characters that lead different public and private lives.
In The Wild Duck the character of Hjalmar when he is in public he tends to be shyer(spelling?) and less social. When he goes home to his family he tells them how social and witty he was around the rich people. Also, when Gregers, a rich friend, visits him in his home, Hjalmar has bread, butter, and beer brought out which he had previously stated he did not want. In both instances, Hjalmar changes his chararcter when in public and when in private. This creates a feeling that this character is unreliable. The reader cannot trust what he says because they do not know if he is putting on a face for the people he is around or being his natural self.
I also see this tendency in Blood Wedding with the Bride. When in the presence of her future husband and his mother, she is quiet, polite, everything a good wife should be. When alone with her maid or Leonardo she becomes extremely angry and aggressive. This can be seen again right after the marriage and she (sort of) calmly says she has a headache and would like to lie down, but once alone she runs away with Leonardo. Again this creates a character that you can't trust, however it seems more clear cut in Blood Wedding that the Bride despises her public life. It adds to the motif of secrets as well.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tragedy Comments
Jarrad's Wild Duck Creative:
The first half of this is very good and definately reflects that you've been involved in the class discussions. The part about the Ekdal family being in high social status I'm not sure about though. When old Ekdal is leaving the party everyone feels awkward around him, and Hjalmar's life is essentially paid for him. I do not feel that they are in high social standing, especially since Gina was a maid for Werle. If anything I believe that the family's name has already fallen from grace and Hjalmar is trying is trying to restore it, thus the last bit about Gina trying the keep the family respected among high social classes isn't really true to the story...The rest is good though
For some reason it wouldn't post but this was written for Nikki's Oedipus Journal #2
Again, my computer wouldn't let me post it for whatever reasone but this is for Emily's Wild Duck Journal #4
This is good! I like it! The only part that I am unsure about is the last line. We don't know at this point whether or not Werle is going to be disgraced (unless you do know that and you were just adding some foreshadow). To me that line makes Hjalmar sound like he personally is going to find some way to disgrace Werle, which I don't see it in Hjalmar's character/personality
The first half of this is very good and definately reflects that you've been involved in the class discussions. The part about the Ekdal family being in high social status I'm not sure about though. When old Ekdal is leaving the party everyone feels awkward around him, and Hjalmar's life is essentially paid for him. I do not feel that they are in high social standing, especially since Gina was a maid for Werle. If anything I believe that the family's name has already fallen from grace and Hjalmar is trying is trying to restore it, thus the last bit about Gina trying the keep the family respected among high social classes isn't really true to the story...The rest is good though
For some reason it wouldn't post but this was written for Nikki's Oedipus Journal #2
I agree that "Ignorance is Bliss" is a common theme in Oedipus and I see it in The Wild Duck as well. Could a possible extension of this be one should not be involved with others business? While it would have been a jerk move for Oedipus to ignore his people, he would have stayed a lot happier had he kept to himself. Similarly, in the Wild Duck, if Gregers had kept to himself the Ekdal family would be much happier.
Again, my computer wouldn't let me post it for whatever reasone but this is for Emily's Wild Duck Journal #4
This is good! I like it! The only part that I am unsure about is the last line. We don't know at this point whether or not Werle is going to be disgraced (unless you do know that and you were just adding some foreshadow). To me that line makes Hjalmar sound like he personally is going to find some way to disgrace Werle, which I don't see it in Hjalmar's character/personality
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Wild Duck Journal #6
"Visual action can be as important on the stage as speech." How far do you agree with this claim?
I believe that how applicable this quote is depends on the particular play.
For example, in Oedipus, there is minimal stage directions and most of the plot can be found in the dialogue. While some stage directions definately accent the dialogue (for example: Jocasta's "turning sharply" during the messanger's part emphasizes her shock and her moment of realization.). These accents however are not nearly as important as the dilogue.
In The Wild Duck this quote is much more applicable. Much more suddle things can be found in the stage directions that assist in giving clues to the attitudes of certain characters. For example, after an argument with Gina, the stage directions describe Hjalmar as "glum" and "listless" while working. This assists in the reader's knowledge of how Hjalmar feels after the argument, he is truely upset about this. The stage directions could have just as easily shown him being angry or restless, but the stage directions that contribute to the visual aspect of the play play a major role in the reader/watcher knowing how a character feels.
I believe that how applicable this quote is depends on the particular play.
For example, in Oedipus, there is minimal stage directions and most of the plot can be found in the dialogue. While some stage directions definately accent the dialogue (for example: Jocasta's "turning sharply" during the messanger's part emphasizes her shock and her moment of realization.). These accents however are not nearly as important as the dilogue.
In The Wild Duck this quote is much more applicable. Much more suddle things can be found in the stage directions that assist in giving clues to the attitudes of certain characters. For example, after an argument with Gina, the stage directions describe Hjalmar as "glum" and "listless" while working. This assists in the reader's knowledge of how Hjalmar feels after the argument, he is truely upset about this. The stage directions could have just as easily shown him being angry or restless, but the stage directions that contribute to the visual aspect of the play play a major role in the reader/watcher knowing how a character feels.
The Wild Duck Journal #5
A diary entry by Hjalmar
Dearest Diary,
Old Werle invited me to a dinner party tonight. A little out of the blue, but the old man has always been so kind to me. If not for him I would not have my photography job or my home, and I would not have met my beautiful, wonderful wife Gina. He also gives my aging father some simple work as a copier. Despite their quarrels in the past, Werle has become a great asset to my family and I do like him for it.
It was also good to see my old friend Gregers there. I know we had our differences in the past, but we seem to have reconciled tonight and returned to our old roles as friends.
Coming home tonight was a great and sad thing. It is hard to be among all of those important men who treat my father so coldly. But I forgot to bring my dearest Hedvig a treat. I could see how much it broke her heart, she must of thought her father forgot all about her. It broke my heart just about as much as I'm sure it did hers. I do love my daughter so much, she means the world to me.
And coming home to see my wife was wonderful too. She is always so good to me. Her and Hedvig work to please me so much. Gregers paid a surprise visit. I wasn't upset by it, but I felt the need to have Hedvig bring out the beer as well as the bread and butter. I hadn't wanted it earlier, but having such wealthy company seems to implicitly demand it. The good news about his visit was that he decided to rent the spare room! We've been needing the extra income, with so much spent on food and beer and such. I was happy to have him here, but Gina seemed oddly against it. It was odd, she's been wanting that room rented just as much as me. She says she's concered it will bring the elder Werle's quarrels into the house. I see her point, but I think she is overreacting too much.
Well, I am off to bed. I do think I would like to help Gregers move in in the morning.
Hjalmar
Dearest Diary,
Old Werle invited me to a dinner party tonight. A little out of the blue, but the old man has always been so kind to me. If not for him I would not have my photography job or my home, and I would not have met my beautiful, wonderful wife Gina. He also gives my aging father some simple work as a copier. Despite their quarrels in the past, Werle has become a great asset to my family and I do like him for it.
It was also good to see my old friend Gregers there. I know we had our differences in the past, but we seem to have reconciled tonight and returned to our old roles as friends.
Coming home tonight was a great and sad thing. It is hard to be among all of those important men who treat my father so coldly. But I forgot to bring my dearest Hedvig a treat. I could see how much it broke her heart, she must of thought her father forgot all about her. It broke my heart just about as much as I'm sure it did hers. I do love my daughter so much, she means the world to me.
And coming home to see my wife was wonderful too. She is always so good to me. Her and Hedvig work to please me so much. Gregers paid a surprise visit. I wasn't upset by it, but I felt the need to have Hedvig bring out the beer as well as the bread and butter. I hadn't wanted it earlier, but having such wealthy company seems to implicitly demand it. The good news about his visit was that he decided to rent the spare room! We've been needing the extra income, with so much spent on food and beer and such. I was happy to have him here, but Gina seemed oddly against it. It was odd, she's been wanting that room rented just as much as me. She says she's concered it will bring the elder Werle's quarrels into the house. I see her point, but I think she is overreacting too much.
Well, I am off to bed. I do think I would like to help Gregers move in in the morning.
Hjalmar
The Wild Duck Journal #4
To what extent have you found it possible, in your consideration of literary works, to searate the individual from his or her public role?
In both Oedipus and The Wild Duck I have found it difficult to seperate the characters from their public roles.
In Oedipus, he probably would have been viewed very differently had he not been a king. As the king, he has people depending on him to solve the problems plauging their city (which are being caused by Oedipus himself). Since it is his responsibility to help these people as king, it emphasizes his self-centeredness that he denies the truth for a while as self-preservation. Had he been a common person, his defensive reaction would probably seem more logical, he's just trying to save himself. However, since he is in the role of helping his people then it creates a self-centered character when he tries to save himself at first.
Also, in The Wild Duck it is hard to view Werle's actions in any other manner as cut-throat and selfish when we know that he is wealthy and well known. Especially knowing the Old Ekdal lives in shame mostly becuase of Werle emphasizes a cold-hearted aspect to him. Also, his affair and setting up Hjalmar with the Gina (whom Werle had an affair with) to disguise the pregnancy adds to a cold character. Had he not been wealthy it may have seemed that he was making fair business decisions and trying to patch up a mistake. His wealth and social status though add an element of Werle being above everyone else and getting his way. It also makes him seem like he is covering his behind by firing Ekdal for the business mistake and setting up Hjalmar with his mistress. It makes it seem that his business, money and social status are the only things important to him, creating a cold character.
In both Oedipus and The Wild Duck I have found it difficult to seperate the characters from their public roles.
In Oedipus, he probably would have been viewed very differently had he not been a king. As the king, he has people depending on him to solve the problems plauging their city (which are being caused by Oedipus himself). Since it is his responsibility to help these people as king, it emphasizes his self-centeredness that he denies the truth for a while as self-preservation. Had he been a common person, his defensive reaction would probably seem more logical, he's just trying to save himself. However, since he is in the role of helping his people then it creates a self-centered character when he tries to save himself at first.
Also, in The Wild Duck it is hard to view Werle's actions in any other manner as cut-throat and selfish when we know that he is wealthy and well known. Especially knowing the Old Ekdal lives in shame mostly becuase of Werle emphasizes a cold-hearted aspect to him. Also, his affair and setting up Hjalmar with the Gina (whom Werle had an affair with) to disguise the pregnancy adds to a cold character. Had he not been wealthy it may have seemed that he was making fair business decisions and trying to patch up a mistake. His wealth and social status though add an element of Werle being above everyone else and getting his way. It also makes him seem like he is covering his behind by firing Ekdal for the business mistake and setting up Hjalmar with his mistress. It makes it seem that his business, money and social status are the only things important to him, creating a cold character.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Oedipus Journal #3
Stylistic techniques (imagery, figurative language, sensory detail)
A large majority of Oedipus is simply thought process and dialouge which is rather dull. There is hardly any imagery, figurative language or sensory detail. However, once Oedipus discovers that he is Jocasta's son and husband and he has killed his father, the following seen becomes full of vivid, often disgusting, imagery. It starts by describing Jocasta's agony, using many mournful and destructive words. Then Oedipus enters and a simile is used to compare him to a maddened beast, and very "angry" words words are used. Next when he finds his mother hanging some tender words are sprinkled in... And finally when he stabs out his eyes, some really disturbing imagery is used. Really, I had to stop reading for a bit because it was so gross.
I believe these two pages of the book contain more imagery/figurative language/sensory details than the rest of the book combined. It really emphasizes the climax, and the tragic nature of the play. Regular life is ho hum, but tragic moments are vivid and often remembered with great detail.
A large majority of Oedipus is simply thought process and dialouge which is rather dull. There is hardly any imagery, figurative language or sensory detail. However, once Oedipus discovers that he is Jocasta's son and husband and he has killed his father, the following seen becomes full of vivid, often disgusting, imagery. It starts by describing Jocasta's agony, using many mournful and destructive words. Then Oedipus enters and a simile is used to compare him to a maddened beast, and very "angry" words words are used. Next when he finds his mother hanging some tender words are sprinkled in... And finally when he stabs out his eyes, some really disturbing imagery is used. Really, I had to stop reading for a bit because it was so gross.
I believe these two pages of the book contain more imagery/figurative language/sensory details than the rest of the book combined. It really emphasizes the climax, and the tragic nature of the play. Regular life is ho hum, but tragic moments are vivid and often remembered with great detail.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Oedipus Journal #2
Reactions to specific situations by characters
I will be writing about Jocasta's thought process when the messenger is revealing the truth about Oedipus.
My dear husband Liaus, how I miss you so. Cut down in your prime. My husband Oedipus has worked himself up over trying to find your killer. He fears it might be himself, but this is not possible for the servant told me you were killed by a band of theives. And I know that the gods' prophecies could not be true, our only son is dead, long dead.
What's this? A messanger, he says he has good news. Polybus... is dead? Because of sickness? Oh how wonderful! Oedipus so feared that prophecy of killing his father and sleeping with his mother. Now it is not possible for Polybus has died simply from old age. He is still so afraid of sleeping with his mother through, he need not worry. The likely hood of that happening now are slim to none. After all, he defied the first part of the prophecy.
But...wait. The messenger, he says Oedipus was adopted? He's not the son of Polybus? Perhaps he was some slave child that Polybus took pity on...What?! He found him in the woods by Mount Cithaeron?! Calm down Jocasta, be rational. Your baby is long dead, and many people abondon unwanted babies in the mountains.
No...no No NO! He found him with his ankles pin together?! He recieved him from one of MY servants! NO! Oh gods! Oh merciful gods, why! Oedipus, my husband, my son! He HAS killed his father and slept with me, his mother! He has fufilled your prophecies and now I will die or I will live the rest of my life in misery!!
*She runs into the palace screaming where she then hangs herself*
I will be writing about Jocasta's thought process when the messenger is revealing the truth about Oedipus.
My dear husband Liaus, how I miss you so. Cut down in your prime. My husband Oedipus has worked himself up over trying to find your killer. He fears it might be himself, but this is not possible for the servant told me you were killed by a band of theives. And I know that the gods' prophecies could not be true, our only son is dead, long dead.
What's this? A messanger, he says he has good news. Polybus... is dead? Because of sickness? Oh how wonderful! Oedipus so feared that prophecy of killing his father and sleeping with his mother. Now it is not possible for Polybus has died simply from old age. He is still so afraid of sleeping with his mother through, he need not worry. The likely hood of that happening now are slim to none. After all, he defied the first part of the prophecy.
But...wait. The messenger, he says Oedipus was adopted? He's not the son of Polybus? Perhaps he was some slave child that Polybus took pity on...What?! He found him in the woods by Mount Cithaeron?! Calm down Jocasta, be rational. Your baby is long dead, and many people abondon unwanted babies in the mountains.
No...no No NO! He found him with his ankles pin together?! He recieved him from one of MY servants! NO! Oh gods! Oh merciful gods, why! Oedipus, my husband, my son! He HAS killed his father and slept with me, his mother! He has fufilled your prophecies and now I will die or I will live the rest of my life in misery!!
*She runs into the palace screaming where she then hangs herself*
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