Kite Runner

                #2

  In the book The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, the main character Amir, has a privileged upbringing. His father, Baba, is rich by Afghan standards, and as a result, Amir grows up accustomed to having what he wants. The only thing he feels deprived of is a connection with Baba, which he blames on himself. He thinks Baba wishes Amir were more like him, and that Baba holds him responsible for killing his mother, who died during his birth. Amir, consequently, behaves jealously toward anyone receiving Baba’s affection. His relationship with Hassan shows this. Though Hassan is Amir’s best friend, Amir feels that Hassan, a Hazara servant, is beneath him. When Hassan receives Baba’s attention, Amir tries to assert himself by verbally attacking Hassan. He mocks Hassan’s ignorance, for instance, when he calls him an imbecile, or plays tricks on him. At the same time, Amir never learns to assert himself against anyone else because Hassan always defends him. All of these factors play into his cowardice in sacrificing Hassan, his only competition for Baba’s love.

#7

In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, The kite symbolizes many things in this portion of the story. The three main ones we came up with were the kites symbolizing freedom, power, and Amir’s relationships. This goes with kites symbolizing freedom. This shows us that Afghanistan is free and the story said that Russia would soon learn just as Britain learned that Afghanistan is in fact free. So this foreshadows the events that are about to take place in Afghanistan and how Russia would try to take over Afghanistan. When it comes to their kite-flying they don’t have any rules they just play the way they have been playing for a long time. They have their festivals and traditions that they will continue unlike being confined by any rules or being 

controlled.

#1

In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Amir and Hassan had a good relation because they used to play with each other and have a great time with each other, but Amir never officially called him as a friend. Amir wouldn’t let him play with him when his school friends were with him. He was also jealous because Baba would admire Hassan more because he was more manly then Amir. Amir also wanted Baba to pay less attention to Hassan then he did. The quote that describes this is when he says” Baba asked me to fetch Hassan to, but I lied and told him he had the runs, I just wanted Baba all to myself” (kiterunner, 14). There for the relation between them two are more servants to person relationship then friendship relationship

.#2

Hassan is a truly good and beautiful person even though he's had his fair share of hard times. In fact, Hassan has it tougher than Amir from the beginning. Not only did Hassan lose his mother (like Amir), his mother flat-out rejected him:

Sanaubar had taken one glance at the baby in Ali's arms, seen the cleft lip, and barked a bitter laughter. [...]. She had refused to even hold Hassan, and just five days later she was gone. (2.29-30)

But Hassan, unlike Amir, is a selfless and joy-filled creature. As Amir says, "Hassan never denied me anything," and we watch Hassan again and again think of others before himself (2.2). Hassan covers for Amir when they get in trouble. He defends Amir when the neighborhood bullies threaten them. The boy also serves Amir and Baba with the thoughtless goodwill of a saint.

Hassan gets even more saintly. When Amir betrays Hassan in the alleyway, Hassan looks up with resignation. Amir describes his expression as "[t]he look of the lamb" (7.133). Hassan's ability to suffer without becoming bitter really separates Amir and Hassan. Even years later, after being driven out of the house by Amir and losing his father to a land mine, Hassan writes letters to Amir filled with warmth and nostalgia for their time in Kabul. Somehow, Hassan never thinks to hold a grudge against Amir. It's unthinkable – it's simply not part of the makeup of this character.

Perhaps in the novel Hassan represents the good life Amir should aspire to imitate. That said, Hassan also infuriates Amir with his goodness. After Amir betrays Hassan, Hassan continues to serve Amir tirelessly. The two boys go up to the pomegranate tree and Amir begins to pelt Hassan with pomegranates. Amir calls Hassan a "coward" and begs Hassan: "Hit me back!" (8.88). Hassan just takes it and never fights back.

#9

The significance of the title The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is, Flying a kite--or kite running--is as much of a national sport in Afghanistan as playing baseball or football is in the United States. The title refers to the characters Hassan, the good friend of Amir, who is the narrator of the story. It also refers to the event that changes the lives of both of these boys, the competitive kite running that Amir wins, with the help of Hassan, after which Amir shames himself by not coming to the aid of Hassan when he needs him. Besides referring to these characters and these events, the title also refers the freedom of the kite made possible by controlling it through manipulation of the spool. The freedom, then, is only partial, but beautiful, a cooperation, in this case, between 2 boys and nature. Because this is a story of their friendship, naming the book Kite Runner, captures all of these aspects of it.

#14

In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, there are many controversial themes that carry out to show the prevalent meaning that correlates with the life of the author himself. I believe that Hosseini's life was exactly the same as he wrote Amir's life in the book. The tragic moments that occur in Afghanistan and intersect with personal life in the novel are very detailed as if it had happened to Khaled Hosseini himself. Since he was originally from Afghanistan, and his age falls in correctly with the novel, its nonsense to think that the story was a memoir. All historical events in the novel, are true, with the Hazaras and Pashtuns, as well as the Taliban.
I believe that it all correlates with the writer's personal life, and is very relevant. The story also is broken down to where it can be related to any situation in life, such as any kind of guilt or forgiveness, as well as rape and parental figures and showing emotions. The book touches base with many life lessons, to where I believe many authors do when writing a book. The author will always write about something they have personally interacted with, so they can share it with other people. I, for one, feel that is one important reason about novels and books, to not only inform people, but to help them and share with them your personal experiences, so you can help them as well.

#10

I chose the scene in Khaled's The Kite Runner of where Amir returns to Afghanistan in order to go and retrieve Hassan's son Sahrob (I probably spelled his name wrong - sorry). There are several things that I do want to discuss about the next sets of paragraph. First off, the soccer event that Amir and his friend Rahim attend. The fact that the couple was stoned in the middle of half time for a soccer game is completely ludicrous. Someone would have to be completely crazy to think that that was completely normal; even though it really did and probably still does happen, it almost sounds too far-fetched to believe. What's even worse was that they said it was for the glory of God, their Allah. Anyway, the next part of Amir's return I want to discuss would have to be his encounter with Assef and how he finally stands up for someone and himself. I'm completely satisfied with the fact that he stood up to his past and basically told him "No, I'm not like that anymore" and did what he thought was right. That right there took courage and it's something I don't think I could ever do. I also enjoyed the fact that Sahrob did use a slingshot just like his father did.

The Taming of The Shrew

Taming of the Shrew: Act 4 & 5

Act 4

1. How is Petruchio's masculinity represented? Examine his treatment of servants, Kate, etc.

Pertuchio comes across as a pretty powerful man. He treats his servants terribly and beats and strikes them as well. When it comes to Kate he acts mostly nice to and claims everything he does he does for love only to try and attempt to "tame" Kate.


2. Many critics mark the sun/moon scene in the road to Padua (scene 5) as the turning point in the play which indicates Kate's taming. What is different about this scene? If she is tamed, what is she submitting to? Is it really a "submission," or can it be interpreted in other ways?

In this scene Kate comes across as submitting but she is actually just doing it without really submitting it's kind of like a forfeit She's doing it but not agreeing to it.

Act 5

1. Analyze Kate's final speech. Is she sincere or ironic? Should we take her at her word? Or should we imagine a gap between what she says and what she means? Does the context of her words change their meanings? What are different possibilities in performing this scene?

Kate is completely sarcastic. If you look back upon the rest of the book she is way to stubborn to change. Especially in the scene with the moon, even though Petruchio is saying that the moon is the sun and that he is right, Kate reacts as if she was saying, ok whatever you say can you please just shut up.

There are different ways you could perform this. You could make Kate come across as sincere or sarcastic. It would all just depend on body language and how speak your words.


2. What happens to the power dynamics in this scene–between men and men, women and women, men and women?

Men to men are very equal even though they all think they are the best and have the best; always trying to outwit one another. Women to women are very jealous of one another and try to bring each other down, but yet some positive there because women look out for one another. Men to women is more of a dominance role play, because the female is supposed to be controlled by the male; to love him and serve him as a loyal wife "should".

Taming of the Shrew: Act 2 & 3

1. How does Petruchio "tame" Kate? Consider how he seems to define their roles.  Petruchio tames Kate by talking with her and saying nice and romantic  things to her even though she is being completely rude while he is trying to woo her. 

2.How does Katherine act in the scenes where she says little or nothing? For example, in Act 2, scene 1, how does Katherine behave when Petruchio reports on his success in wooing Kate and in their plans for marriage? Because the text provides little explanation, you must decide how she would act based on your interpretation of her character from previous scenes.   Honestly she doesn't seem to care other than the fact of being forced to be married.

3. imagine viewing this play in the Elizabethan era. Identify 4 moments of comedy.
 -Petruchio walking into his own wedding dressed in rags
 -when the Lord is all for playing a big joke on Sly, the drunkard.
 -Petruchio exclaiming that he is the plan with the plan and is going to tame Kate.
 -The Lord making his page dress up as a woman.
.

4. Disguise is a major theme in TotS. What famous Bible story involves deceit and disguise?  

The story of Jacob and Esau that involves disguise and deceit. Esau was the favorite child of him and his twin Jacob from his father. Jacob did not like that; therefore, he disguised himself as Esau as he was hairy, so Jacob wore sheep skin and went to their blind father and took Esau's birthrights from him.

 Taming of the Shrew: Induction and Act 1

Describe each character:

• Katherine- rude and outspoken, she is the shrew.
• Bianca- quiet and naive, also very well mannered and respectful. She is a "perfect" lady.
• Gremio- an old man who is greedy, conceited, stubborn and determined to win Bianca's hand in marriage.
• Hortensio- sneaky and blinded by love for Bianca, also would do anything to get her
• Petruchio- a man who is very wealthy and odd, and wants Kate mostly for her money
• Lucentio- a honored man, who is blinded by love and will do anything to get what he wants

1. Compare Katherine and Bianca to modern day people - Cinderella and her two stepsisters, no one wants to be with the stepsisters but the mother wont let anyone get near Cinderella because she is their slave.The Induction portrays role-playing. Who acts the part of whom? Why? How does such role-playing address issues of gender and class? What effects might these representations have on the play?    The Lord portrays a servant, and the page portrays a lovely wife. Sly is being portrayed to himself by the Lord, page, and others that he is a King or very high royalty to play a joke on him. The play issues playing a woman was something looked down upon so lower class people played those parts.
2. From the outset, we learn from Bianca's suitors that Katherine is the less desirable of the two sisters. Examine and question this claim. How are Biance and Katherine different? What ma kes Katherine rather than Bianca the shrew?   Bianca s rather quiet, sweet, and well mannered, while Katherine is the total opposite, which is that she shares her opinion, very independent, and very rude. Katherine is more of the shrew because she is so sour and harsh towards everyone including people who try to be nice to her.

Othello

Act I

1. What conflicts do you already see beginning to emerge? Choose two quotes from Act I that expose these conflicts. Explain why each quote is significant and what it reveals about the characters.

In the very beginning, Iago right of the bat shows his hatred for Othello when he is talking about how Othello got the place of lieutenant. He says                                                                                                              "Three great ones of the city (In personal suit to make me his lieutenant) Off-capped to him, and by               the faith of man I know my price, I am worth no worse a place." He basically says that he was just                 as deserving, if not more, of the position that Othello had been granted.

• Another quote of Iago is "So it’s all decided. I've worked it out. With a little help from the devil, I’ll bring this monstrous plan to success." This quote shows the reader that Iago, from the get go, has something bad planned out for all.

2. Create three discussion questions of your choice based on Act I

• What would you do with your daughter if you were in Barbinto's place?
• Would Othello be better off without Desdemona?
• Why does Roderigo let himself stay in love with a person who he has no hope of getting?

3. In a paragraph each, analyze the character of Othello and Iago (so far).

• Othello is a very humble and honest man. He has worked very hard to have the job he has, especially dealing with all the accusations. He is very loyal, seemingly very brave and willing to do whatever it takes to do what is right for Cyprus. He also has a true heart of love for Desdemona, despite the forbidden love that her father disagrees upon, he truly loves her and does not want to lose her. Othello is also slightly blinded to his officer Iago who truly despises him.
• Iago comes across very shrewd and not afraid to say what he's thinking. He has an obvious grudge on Othello and even goes as far as planning to completely destroy everything about him. He is self centered and uses other people to get himself ahead. He does this by befriending them and then manipulating them with patronizing them.

Act II

1. Choose one of Iago's soliloquies (end of 2.1 or end of 2.3) and thoroughly analyze it. 

As you analyze think about the following questions:

1. What is Iago saying?

2. Figurative language?

3. How is his rhetoric? His tone?

4. What is he revealing? Revealing about himself?

• At the end of 2.1, Iago's soliloquy explains to the audience the reasons as to why he is acting out his plans. He accuses Othello of sleeping with his wife and so he is looking for revenge on the man.  He comes up with a ruse, saying that Desdemona, his "one true love" and Othello's wife, is having an affair with Othello's subordinate Cassio, in order to enrage Othello. Iago seems to have several different reasons for planing out this type of revenge on Othello, even claiming that Othello slept with his wife a long time ago. Although if Desdemona is Iago's true love, then one would not consider that he would really care for the fact that someone had slept with his current wife. He just uses this as an excuse to hate Othello even more and to justify his actions even further.

2. In Act II Iago launches his plan to destroy Othello. What is his motive? Jealousy? Racism? Is he opportunistic? A sociopath? All of the above? None of the above? Use TEXTUAL SUPPORT. 

• Iago certainly has a motive's. The first motive is revenge, at the end of Act II, Scene I. Iago says, "I love her too, not simply out of lust, but also to feed my revenge. I have a feeling the Moor slept with my wife. That thought keeps gnawing at me, eating me up inside. I won’t be satisfied until I get even with him, wife for wife." This shows that he wants to get revenge on the Moor for his affair with his wife.

3. Choose another character (from film, books, etc) that reminds you of Iago. Explain

• The Volturi in Twilight are similar to Iago in the fact they use information to twist coven's around and tear them apart, ultimately causing destruction to the members who don't have special abilities, They do this because they want vampire's with special abilities to make their coven stronger. 

3. Create two discussion questions from Act II that you would like to discuss with the class.

• Do you think Iago's plan work?
• Would you believe Iago if you were Othello?

Act III

1. What is a tragic flaw? What do you believe is Othello's tragic flaw? What is your tragic flaw? Explain.

• A tragic flaw is a flaw in a (main) character that ultimately brings the character to sorrow or ruin.
• Othello's suffering results mostly from his poor judgment.  He trusts the wrong people and mistrusts those who are most loyal to him (Desdemona and Cassio).  In Act 3, he sets aside his sensible, military side and falls prey to Iago's manipulation.                
• I have the inability to say no. If someone ask me to do something for them I put away everything I'm doing to do it for them. I usually end up having fifty task at one time and it ultimately breaks me. I suffer from it, my grades suffer from it, and those around me suffer by watching me go crazy from trying to make sure everything is perfect.                                                                 

 2. Below is the Shakespearean and modern version of Othello. Examine the quote about a good reputation. What does Iago mean through this quote? How valuable do you believe a reputation is? What is your reputation? What kind of name do you have amongst others? 

"A good reputation is the most valuable thing we have—men and women alike. If you steal my money, you’re just stealing trash. It’s something, it’s nothing: it’s yours, it’s mine, and it’ll belong to thousands more. But if you steal my reputation, you’re robbing me of something that doesn’t make you richer, but makes me much poorer."

"Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,

Is the immediate jewel of their souls.

Who steals my purse steals trash. 'Tis something, nothing:

'Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands.

But he that filches from me my good name

Robs me of that which not enriches him

And makes me poor indeed."

• Basically Iago means that reputations are all we have, as people. He also say's that people can take your money, but it doesn't matter because it will belong to so many people throughout the years. In his mind money is equal to nothing. However if your reputation is destroyed, it leaves you less of a person and the one who ruined it is basically king of the castle. It's great tfor the one who ruined it, but to the one who just lost their basic identity it's terrible. 
• I believe reputations are important in the world today. Basically because your reputation, whether it be false or true, is how people judge you. 
• My reputation is different with everyone I know. For example my reputation with Michaela, Mckayla, Izzy, and Emily is the geeky nerdy girl who knows way to many weird and unusual facts, but my reputation with Kassidy is the wild crazy weirdo who will do anything for a laugh. My reputation is also different with my family and teachers as well. To some I'm a wallflower with others I'm a goody goody who can do no wrong. I present my self differently with every person I know.

3. Connect this quote to another film/movie/book or to your own personal life. 

Ideas can be like poisons. At first they hardly even taste bad, but once they get into your blood they start burning like hot lava.

Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons

Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,

But with a little act upon the blood

Burn like the mines of sulfur.

• When I was younger people planted the idea in my head that I was too weird to be loved by anybody. Eventually I started to believe it and I fell into are dark hole which I couldn't get out of for a long time. I still to this day don't speak my mind about much when it comes to my opinions or feelings because I still fear I'll hear it again.

Act IV

1. In Act 4 we learn the character of Desdemona. Choose two quotes that you believe best illustrate her character. 

• "I’d never do such a bad thing, not for the whole world!"
• "I swear I have no idea why he stopped loving me. Here I’m kneeling to swear that if I ever did anything to destroy his love for me, either by thoughts or actions, or if I ever took pleasure in anyone else, or if I never did love him, or don’t love him now—even though he tries to shake me off—then I hope I have a life of misery! Unkindness is powerful, and his unkindness may kill me, but it’ll never destroy my love." 

2. How is Othello changing in Act 4? What is the effect of his public humiliation of Desdemona by slapping her?

• Othello has become everything Iago wanted. Othello now believe Desdemona is cheating on him and he is now planning to kill her.When he slaps her in public it gets Emilia concerned and it lets Iago know his plan is working. It also leads others to think he always acts this way or that he's slowly losing his mind. 

3. At the end of Act 4 we get a glimpse into the private world of women. How does Shakespeare portray this world?

• The women are curious, and talk about other women they think are less valuable than them, and wondering how some women could do such a thing. Shakespeare has portrayed them to be very emotional,

4. Analyze "The Willow Song". What is the literal meaning of this song? What does this song symbolize?

• "Willow Song" is about a woman who loves her husband dearly, but he is going mentally insane and she is afraid that he won't be around for her anymore. This is the same situation that Desdemona is in with Othello. He is slowly losing his wits and she's afraid that everything will be taken from her when he does. 

Act V

1. At the end of this scene we witness the murder of several characters. Did this ending satisfy you? Why or why not?

• I was satisfied with the ending because everyone in the end basically got what they deserved, Iago honestly could have suffered more but it's still a good ending. 

2. This play is considered to be one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Why is it so tragic (avoid the answer: they all died).

• Everyone dyeing had nothing to do with it being a tragedy, it was everything that led up to that. it shows how easy people can be manipulated and torn apart ending in the destruction of loved ones.

3. What does the handkerchief symbolize?

• The handkerchief is a symbol of many things; the main thing it symbolizes is the wedding sheets. To Iago, it is his seed and the instrument that puts his evil plan in motion. For Othello and Desdemona, it is a symbol of their undying love and also of Desdemona's faithfulness to Othello. To Cassio it's a symbol of undoing - it being in his possession ultimately leads Othello to the decision to let Iago kill him.

4. Examine Othello's last words. What do these words show us about him?

• His last words showed us how noble he was to the end. And how sincere his feelings for his wife were. After coming back to his senses, Othello makes the decision to take his own life. Instead of living with his guilt of killing his wife, he takes the burden of committing suicide, in hopes of proving that he was truly devoted to her and that the grief of killing her was just too much for him.

How to read Literature like a professor 10-27

Chapter 10 -- It’s More Than Just Rain or Snow

Discuss the importance of weather in a specific literary work, not in terms of plot.

• Weather plays a huge role in Marvel's Daredevil upon the fact Daredevil is blind. The only time he can see is when it rains. When the rain hits the ground or people around him it creates a sound that his super sensitive ears pick up and with that he is able to see. It's like a sonar. 

Interlude -- Does He Mean That

Chapter 11 --...More Than It’s Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence

Present examples of the two kinds of violence found in literature. Show how the effects are different.

1.  the violence that a character inflicts upon himself or another character
2.  when the author uses violence on a character only to make an advancement in their story. 

An example of the first type of violence is in Harry Potter when Voldemort kills Harry's parents, and tries to kill him as well. Voldemort is inflicting this violence onto Harry. This makes Voldemort out to be evil, and furthers the plot with the fight between good - Harry - and evil - Voldemort.

An example of the second type of violence is in the novel, New Moon, where Harry Clearwater dies from a heart attack. His death shows no significance to the story, except to push the plot along and lead to confusion when Edward mistakenly believes Bella has died. Thus he goes to the Volturi to have himself offed. 

Chapter 12 -- Is That a Symbol?

Use the process described on page 106 and investigate the symbolism in something we have read this year (short story or novel).

The Lame Shall Enter First 

• The telescope: What is the significance of the telescope? What does it have to do with anything in the story? Once reading the story, the answer is obvious. Norton's obsession with the stars and finding his way to outer space is symbolic of what is going to occur in the story. Ultimately, Norton commits suicide and begins his movement into the stars and space.
• Sheppard: Who is he? Why is he important to the story? It's really obvious after having read the story. Sheppard is symbolic of the Bible, a Christ figure that sacrifices himself and everything he has to save Rufus. 
• Rufus: Why is he important to the story? He is symbolic of the devil. He makes his way into Sheppard's life and tears it to shreds, effectively taking everything from him - including pushing his son to commit suicide.
• Rufus's club foot: Is it important? It's highly important, as it symbolizes Rufus's own personal shortcomings, i.e. being abused, becoming a problem child, ruining someone else's life, etc.

Chapter 13 -- It’s All Political

Assume that Foster is right and “it is all political.” Use his criteria to show that one of the major works assigned to you this year is political.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower 

The story is based in the 1990s, and contains many elements that were actually happening in the 90s. The stigma around high school and how much it sucks is true, and Chbosky's own opinions find their way into Charlie's thoughts and writings. The book reflects the happenings and teen culture at the time the novel takes place; in other words, all of the sex and drugs is politically correct for that age group at that time frame.

Chapter 14 -- Yes, She’s a Christ Figure, Too

Apply the criteria on page 119 to a major character in a significant literary work. Try to choose a character that will have many matches. This is a particularly apt tool for analyzing film -- for example, Star Wars, Cool Hand Luke, Excalibur, Malcolm X, Braveheart, Spartacus, Gladiator and Ben-Hur.

 Gandalf the Grey from Lord of the Rings is a Christ figure. 

• He entertains children with tricks, meaning he is good with children. 
• He sacrifices himself for his fellowship. 
• Gandalf calls on help from higher powers to help save his fellowship. 
• He defeats death and is resurrected. 

Spock in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a Christ Figure

• He exposes himself to a lethal amount of radiation in order to save the crew of the Enterprise, and is later "resurrected".

Neo in The Matrix Trilogy

• Although the film series makes many visual and textual references to various religions, many Christ figure parallels exist. He is repeatedly called "the One" in a messianic sense; Neo saves various people (and all humanity at the trilogy’s conclusion); he suffers and dies; he rises from the dead; and, at the end of the first film, ascends into the sky.

Chapter 15 -- Flights of Fancy

Select a literary work in which flight signifies escape or freedom. Explain in detail.

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl signifies flight for freedom in many ways. The main character of the children's story is James Henry Trotter and is an orphan forced to live with his horrific aunts Sponge and Spiker. He stumbles along an old wise man who gives him a jumping bean consumed with magic. James spills the jumping bean under a peach in his backyard. He discovers the giant peach and decides to explore inside it and leave his horrible life behind. James takes a journey all over the world in the giant peach with his new found friends, the talking insects. The story end with the pit of the peach becoming a mansion located in Central Park. James Trotter found home in the peach mansion with his insect friends and turned it into a tourist attraction for everyone's enjoyment. James and the Giant Peach symbolizes flight and freedom for the young orphan James who found love and a home.

Chapter 16 -- It’s All About Sex...

Chapter 17 -- ...Except the Sex

OK ..the sex chapters. The key idea from this chapter is that “scenes in which sex is coded rather than explicit can work at multiple levels and sometimes be more intense that literal depictions” (141). In other words, sex is often suggested with much more art and effort than it is described, and, if the author is doing his job, it reflects and creates theme or character. Choose a novel or movie in which sex is suggested, but not described, and discuss how the relationship is suggested and how this implication affects the theme or develops characterization.

• A good example of a novel in which sex is suggested but not described is Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. In this novel the characters Edward and Bella are on their honeymoon so of course the subject of sex is going to come up. Though the couple has talked about sex before they never dare tried it do to the fact that there is a risk that Edward, a vampire, could kill Bella during the act of intercourse. It is their honeymoon though so they finally decided to give it a try. The author never directly describes the intercourse (in the book) but it is definitely hinted. The story goes from Edward and Bella holding each other in the lake to Bella waking up in her bed the next morning surrounded by feathers from the ripped up pillows. Another good indicator that the author puts in is that Bella wakes up in a rather “happy and satisfied” mood. After the intercourse the theme of the novel takes a turn because Bella begins showing signs of pregnancy which is strange because Edward is a vampire and vampires can’t get humans pregnant. All of this and more is able to happen because of the suggested sex!

Chapter 18 -- If She Comes Up, It’s Baptism

Think of a “baptism scene” from a significant literary work. How was the character different after the experience? Discuss.

• When I imagine a "baptism scene" I think about the movie called The Thirteenth Year. It’s a video about when this boy, Cody, turns thirteen he finds out that he is actually a mermaid. I think I'm reminded of baptism because he begins a whole new life half human, half mermaid. Cody receives a fresh start, although he did not ask for one, unlike the tradition Catholic baptism which symbolizes the freedom from original sin and the entering into the Church. Once Cody realizes he's growing scales and a tail every time he touches water he finds out who is true friends are. Also, baptisms are almost always associated with water (which causes him to become a mermaid). The water is used to wash away the impurities that the human body has at birth, also in The Thirteenth Year the water starts the life of Cody as a mermaid.

Chapter 19 -- Geography Matters...

Discuss at least four different aspects of a specific literary work that Foster would classify under “geography.”

• One example of this I noticed was in the movie Dinotopia. The whole island appears to be ancient and untouched by the outside world, it is a place where dinosaurs and humans live together and is almost a utopia. The place is run by tradition and sacred laws that have been held for hundreds of years and is very delicate. This helped to show what kind of people the viewer is to expect in this near perfect place. In such a place someone wouldn't expect much danger, but there is. When the Rainy Basin is shown, it proves to be very dangerous. This is the place that all the carnivorous dinosaurs live, and they are not afraid to attack. It is always raining here, hence the name, and there also seems to be frequent storms, which would probably go along with the dangerous theme of the place.

Chapter 20 -- ...So Does Season

Find a poem that mentions a specific season. Then discuss how the poet uses the season in a meaningful, traditional, or unusual way. (Submit a copy of the poem with your analysis.)

• In the poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” by Robert Frost, the narrator tells of when he was out and about during a winter night, probably running some sort of errand. He passes by the woods, which, it being winter, are gradually being covered with snow. He stops to watch for a little while, and though he enjoys the scene, he realizes that he can’t stay because he has other commitments that need to be fulfilled before he rests. Frost’s story is emphasized by the fact that it’s winter. The woods look picturesque in the soft, silent, drifting snow. Winter is also the period in which hibernation occurs, so when Frost mentions resting, it fits like a hand to a glove in this poem of winter. This poem expresses fatigue, and because of that fatigue, it also expresses the sense of duty the narrator feels to whatever ‘quest’ he happens to be on.

Interlude -- One Story

Write your own definition for archetype. Then identify an archetypal story and apply it to a literary work with which you are familiar.

• An archetype is an aspect of a story, whether it is something as small as a symbol or something as large as the overall theme of the story, which has been repeated or borrowed many times throughout the history of literature. This reappearance actually strengthens the impact it has on the reader. One idea behind a story that comes to mind when I think of an archetype is the idea of the superhero. This idea goes all the way to the myths of heroes like Achilles who was favored by the gods and given some special ability. These heroes were greater than the average man. Some had extreme strength like Hercules and some where invincible except in one little spot like Achilles. The superheroes of today don’t all have special powers, but some do. The idea behind the superhero is that they do something greater than that of an average man, and it is usually to save a city or defeat evil. Many stories of superheroes come to mind when think if this archetype. Most people are familiar with Batman. Batman is the hero of Gothem City which is where he lives. He saves the city from many villains, whether it is the Joker, the Scarecrow, the Riddler, or Two-Face. He always defeats the villain and saves the city. Spider-man is another great example of a superhero. Spider-man saves the people from the evil of many villains. A few of these villains he defeats are the Green Goblin, Dr, Octopus, Sandman, and Vulture. Spider-Man and Batman, along with all of the other superheroes always defeat the villain. The most interesting thing about the superhero archetype is the fact that every villain each superhero faces is different. When you read a book or see a movie with a superhero, you know the superhero will come out on top. You just don’t know over who or how, which is what makes it so interesting.

Chapter 21 -- Marked for Greatness

Figure out Harry Potter’s scar. If you aren’t familiar with Harry Potter, select another character with a physical imperfection and analyze its implications for characterization.

• A character with a special one of a kind mark or physical implication suggests the character will accomplish greatness. Also, a mark suggests the character is different. Harry Potter is marked with a lightening bolt shaped scar on his forehead. Knowing that he was marked when his mother sacrificed her life for his, tells me that somehow his life would be different from anyone else’s. Since his mother saved his life, Harry Potter’s quest was to save others to in a way return the favor. Harry had many more difficult struggles to face than anyone else such as he has to battle the most evil creature and win to save the world. Along with Harry's uniqueness, there were difficulties and embarrassments he faced; people looked at him as if he had three heads. He could hear snake voices and even talk to snakes. Other unique qualities that he obtains are the ability to see the horses that most people could not perceive. He is the fastest flier in the school. He had the most stress out of any of the Hogwart students. Not only did he need to keep up with his grades, but he had to save everyone from Voldemort otherwise they would be doomed. His mark of greatness is the mark of a hero. The scar made him a stronger person because the struggles he faced tested his strengths emotionally, mentally, and physically. His destined greatness, that nobody else could conquer, was defeating Voldemort. When Voldemort attacked Harry, part of Voldemort, evil, transferred to Harry. Harry in the end defeated Voldemort, so Voldemort had to flee from inside Harry. The scar symbolizes the evil that effects all us.

Chapter 22 -- He’s Blind for a Reason, You Know

Chapter 23 -- It’s Never Just Heart Disease...

Chapter 24 -- ...And Rarely Just Illness

Recall two characters who died of a disease in a literary work. Consider how these deaths reflect the “principles governing the use of disease in literature” (215-217). Discuss the effectiveness of the death as related to plot, theme, or symbolism.

• Two characters that I can remember dying from a disease are: Edward from Twilight, and Beth from Little Women. Edward is slowly dying from the Spanish influenza and Carlisle makes a promise to Edward’s mother that he won’t let Edward suffer too much from the disease. Seeing how much pain the influenza was causing Edward, Carlisle decides to turn him into a vampire like himself. So if you think about it, if it wasn’t for Edward dying from the influenza he never would have become a vampire and there would not be the infamous Twilight. 

• My second example of the death of Beth in Little Woman was also very important for the plot of the story. Beth was always an ill child and she eventually ends up passing away from a disease. (not sure exactly what disease that it was) Her death allows her sisters, Meg and Jo to see how much they really loved their little sister and how they wished they would have spend more time with her while they still had the chance. Beth’s death also makes Jo into a calmer and more sympathetic person as she tries to instill a little bit of Beth’s ways into herself.

Chapter 25 -- Don’t Read with Your Eyes

After reading Chapter 25, choose a scene or episode from a novel, play or epic written before the twentieth century. Contrast how it could be viewed by a reader from the twenty-first century with how it might be viewed by a contemporary reader. Focus on specific assumptions that the author makes, assumptions that would not make it in this century.

• After much thought, I have decided to use The Odyssey by Homer. It tells of Odysseus' great journey on the way home from Troy. In modern society we can understand the Odyssey but it seems too far-fetched to believe. Contemporaries of Homer would find this as a totally believable story. In the twenty-first century there would be no need to go on a sea voyage to make it home because we have planes. In ancient Greece ships were the standard mode of transportation. We also cannot grasp a ten year voyage because we can fly anywhere in a matter of hours. Other aspects are the mystical creatures such as the Cyclops and the witch Circe. In modern culture we don't believe in such things while on the other hand the ancient Greeks were firm believers creatures like this. Throughout the Odyssey Odysseus frequently comes in contact with the Greek gods which was considered normal for heroes of the time. We don't get experiences like this and they aren't in our stories and movies which make this hard to comprehend.

Chapter 26 -- Is He Serious? And Other Ironies

Select an ironic literary work and explain the multivocal nature of the irony in the work.

• Shakespeare’s play, “The Taming of a Shrew,” is an ironic work because in the beginning Katherine is the hardheaded, stubborn one who refuses to listen to what other people want her to do. She rarely recognizes Petruchio as her husband and doesn’t ever listen to what he tries to tell her. She is described to us as a very opinionated and strong woman, which is a very good quality to have compared to all the other women during her time. Then, towards the end of the play, all the husbands have a bet on whose wife will come first when they call for them. Everyone tells a servant to call on their wives and none of the women come out, except for Katherine. Based on what we knew about Katherine before, we never would have expected her to come calling at all, let alone be the first to arrive. What’s even more ironic is she yells at the other women for not coming when their husbands called for them, when earlier she was telling them how wrong it was for them to come to their husbands every beck and call.

Chapter 27 -- A Test Case

Read “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield, the short story starting on page 245. Complete the exercise on pages 265-266, following the directions exactly. Then compare your writing with the three examples. How did you do? What does the essay that follows comparing Laura with Persephone add to your appreciation of Mansfield’s story?

• I read and analyzed the story. I followed the directions exactly and answered the questions. I didn't do too badly. My answer was geared toward the social class system and how the Sheridans were so much better than the people that lived down the hill in the cottages. They were completely oblivious to life outside of their house and the hill it was on. Laura gained knowledge of what it was like outside of her perfect little world on top of the hill. I didn’t catch onto the Persephone connection until Foster started talking about the large dog “running by like a shadow”, and about Laura crossing the “broad road”. After understanding that Foster was hinting at something, I made the connection. I realized that the large dog was a reference to Cerberus in the Underworld and the broad road was a reference to the River Styx in the Underworld. I then realized that Laura was a resemblance of Persephone and Mrs. Sheridan of Demeter. Although I didn’t catch onto this reference right away, I caught on before Foster explained straight up that this was a reference of the story. This realization of the reference to Persephone adds an appreciation to Mansfield’s story. I can more deeply understand the meaning of the story by making the connection to a Greek myth.

How to Read Literature like a Professor 8-9

Chapter 8 -- Hanseldee and Greteldum
Think of a work of literature that reflects a fairy tale. Discuss the parallels. Does it create irony or deepen appreciation?

• Ella Enchanted reflects the story of Cinderella but with several ironic twists. A few of the many parallels in both the classic and the new tale include: an evil stepmother, spoiled stepsisters, a formal ball, glass slippers, a prince, and of course a fairy godmother. But it’s the differences that reveal the irony and make the reader think. For example, the fairy godmother, who in Cinderella becomes the protagonist’s salvation, almost destroys her in Ella Enchanted. The author, Gale Carson Levine, has Ella “gifted” (cursed) with a forced obedience to any direct order. And to top it all off, in the movie version, Ella is nearly forced to kill the very prince she is destined to marry.

• Harry Potter reflects some parts in The Lord of the Rings. For example, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, there is a scene where Ron leaves Harry and Hermione under the locket's evil influence and the stress of being on the run. In The Lord of the Rings, it is similar that the Ring has a strong evil power on everyone who carries it: Frodo becomes suspicious to his friend Sam. And also, the locket is connected to Voldmort's life whereas the Ring is connected to Sauron's. These parallels deepen appreciation because J.K.Rowling might manages to use the influence and power of The Lord of the Rings strengthen her story.

Chapter 9 -- It’s Greek to Me
Write a free verse poem derived or inspired by characters or situations from Greek mythology. Be prepared to share your poem with the class.

How to Read Literature like a professor 1-7

Chapter 1 -- Every Trip Is a Quest (Except When It’s Not)
List the five aspects of the QUEST and then apply them to something you have read (or viewed) in the form used on pages 3-5.

1. The quester
2. a place to go
3. the stated reason to go there
4. challenge & trials
5. the real reason to go.

Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles PC Game

• The quester - You, the player.
• a place to go -  The site upon which the great hound was called.
• the stated reason to go there - To help Lord Henry Baskerville lift the supposed curse.
• challenge & trials - Finding hidden objects and puzzles.
• the real reason to go. - To help Sherlock prove magic and curses do not exist.

Chapter 2 -- Nice to Eat with You: Acts of Communion
Choose a meal from a literary work and apply the ideas of Chapter 2 to this literary depiction.

• In Cassandra Clare's "Clockwork Angel" The main character Tessa has breakfast with the Shadowhunters. Tessa at this point is still new to the idea of Shadowhunters, angels, and demons. So during breakfast she takes the opportunity to ask as many questions as she can. In doing so she ticks of one Shadowhunter in particular named Jessamine, who doesn't even want to be a Shadowhunter at all. Jessamine eventually starts yelling towards Tessa which ultimately foreshadows their relationship.  

Chapter 3: --Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires
What are the essentials of the Vampire story? Apply this to a literary work you have read or viewed.

• an older figure representing corrupt, outworn values 
• a young, preferably virginal female 
• a stripping away of her youth, energy, virtue 
• a continuance of the life force of the old male 
• the death or destruction of the young woman

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Older figure: Demise, the main and final villain.
Young female: Zelda, the goddess.
Stripping away: To be revived, Demise's underlings quite literally strip away her soul and everything she was, leaving her hollow shell of a body as they feed her soul to their master.
Continuance: Demise becomes ultimately revived and is freed of the seal that had been placed on him before.
Death/Destruction: Because of the prior events, Zelda dies in the present tense timeline. However, because of the time travelling aspect of the games, she is saved in the past.

Chapter 5 --Now, Where Have I Seen Her Before?
Define intertextuality. Discuss three examples that have helped you in reading specific works.

• Intertextuality — the act of a work or piece of literature gaining inspiration from another (there's no such thing as a wholly original work of literature)

1. Shakespeare — because everyone knows Shakespeare's works even without reading them, it is easy to go back on them for reference when reading something similar to it. Ex. "Romeo and Juliet"
2. The Bible — Being read bible stories by my aunt as a child helped because I can stories like "The Chronicles of Narnia" and relate it back to the bible. 
3. Dracula — Although being written in 1897 it has been the base of many Vampire novels and movies. It was also continue to be because a vampire without somewhat of the basic traits that make your mind go back to the first novel, it's just not a vampire.

Chapter 6 -- When in Doubt, It’s from Shakespeare...

Discuss a work that you are familiar with that alludes to or reflects Shakespeare. Show how the author uses this connection thematically. Read pages 44-46 carefully. In these pages, Foster shows how Fugard reflects Shakespeare through both plot and theme. In your discussion, focus on theme.

• The "Titanic" reflects Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" in various ways. Both couples a seperated by Forbidden/socially unacceptable love: Romeo and Juliet from either side of a family feud (Rose is upper, Jack is not.) Third party unrequited love interest: Caledon Hockley, Paris (both wealthy)- Both couples are separated, by fate or circumstances beyond their control: Romeo is banished for killing Tybalt, Jack is framed as a thief- Romeo and Jack both sacrifice themselves because of their love for Juliet/RoseThe base line is that they both follow Aristotle's guidelines for a Tragedy. Both themes cover the nasis of "Love conquers all, or goes on".
•  Also both couples have the same initials. Rose, Jack - Romeo, Juliet.

Chapter 7 -- ...Or the Bible
Discuss 3 Biblical allusions that appear in a film, short story, or novel other than "The Lame Shall Enter First." Be creative and imaginative in these connections.

• The Chronicles of Narnia - Aslan the lion, alludes to Jesus by sacrificing himself in order to save an innocentm, Edmund. Aslan then rises form the dead to destroy the White Witch
• Tom and Jerry - Considering the fact Jerry the mouse is only two inches high and Tom the cat is about 3 feet tall, I would consider this an allusion to "David and Goliath". Especially if you take in the account that Jerry, being at a huge disadvantage, always wins.
• The Harry Potter Series - Harry Potter is also an allusion to David an Goliath with Harry, being David, and to save the Hogwarts student he defeats Voldemort, Goliath, This is a true underdog story since Harry is only a teenage boy and Voldemort is an all-powerful wizard.
• Finding Nemo - Dory is a Good Samaritan. She offers to help Marlin find Nemo which had no benefit to her at all. Through out the movie, she was always comforting others and trying to make everything okay.

No Country For Old Men

Themes

1.   Chance

2.   Death

3.   Changing of times

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Meaning of the Work as a Whole

            That life is really a game of chance. As well, life goes on,

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3 Important Quotations

***Type out each quote and in 3-5 sentences explain how/why that quote is significant to the overall meaning.

“It’s been traveling twenty-two years to get here. And now it’s here. And it’s either heads or tails.”  — Anton Chigurh

In this scene of the movie, Anton flips a coin and explains to the man across the counter why it is important that he calls it. However, the coin itself is a symbol of fate in two different ways. In one way, the coin fulfilled its fate of getting to that point in time and getting flipped to be either heads or tails and there was nothing it could do about it. Another way is it is the judge in which Anton makes the decision of who to kill and who not to kill. The fate of his victims lie with the coin. If they call correctly, they live; if they call incorrectly, they die. It fulfills its own fate by fulfilling others’ fates.
“The crime you see now, it's hard to even take its measure. It's not that I'm afraid of it. I always knew you had to be willin' to die to even do this job. But, I don't want to push my chips forward and go out and meet somethin' I don't understand. A man would have to put his soul at hazard. He'd have to say: 'O.K., I'll be part of this world.”—Sheriff Ed Bell

At the beginning, Sheriff Bell gives opening lines to set the tone of the story. He speaks about his family, and how hard it was to live in the country he’s in. To be a part of that country, a person would have to sacrifice and change with the times to keep adjusted and able to do the duty they were given. Once Bell aged, he found himself unable to adjust to the new times. He could no longer cope with the country laid out in front of him, proving that nothing stays the same forever.

“All right then. Two of 'em. Both had my father in 'em. It's peculiar… And I knew that whenever I got there, he'd be there. And then I woke up.” —Sheriff Ed Bell

Bell closes out the movie describing two dreams he had. He’d just retired, and hadn't anything really to talk about. In his dreams, he was always with his father in some way, always younger than he. His life is going on, and now, he is subtly dreaming of the future —his end. Death to him is nothing but darkness, but his dad was already there waiting for him to build a fire and light up all that darkness he has to look forward to. After going through such a bloodbath, the movie ends with death in a very subtle way and is entirely left up to interpretation.

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Character Analysis

·         Sheriff Bell- Sheriff Bell is the main character of the story. Regardless of the plot following Moss and Chigurh, it really is about him. At the time, Bell was contemplating retirement, but wasn’t entirely decided. This case was his last, and it proves to him that regardless of trying, he was just too old for the job he had. He wasn’t able to adjust to what was being demanded of him by the case and himself.

·         Llewelyn Moss- Moss is a war veteran is stumbles upon two million dollars leftover from a shootout over drugs. Being greedy over the money, he chooses to try and escape with it. He is mostly successful, using skills from his wartime and sneaky antics, but overall is unable to predict the Mexicans’ moves and gets killed after prepping for his standoff with Chigurh. He is wise, and represents the prey in the theme of hunter and prey.

·         Anton Chigurh- As the tall, dark, and creepy antagonist, Chigurh proves to be not only heartless to those he kills and a representation of evil, but also as a genius. He was able to throw together a homemade shotgun from his captive bolt pistol, but was able to escape police custody and tend to his wounds without anyone batting an eye at his thievery in the drug store. He understands people’s minds, and is a dark angel of sorts, acting out in terms of fate while still working for his own gain. He is true to his word and makes no decisions on his own about innocent people, leaving the fate of most of his victims to mere chance by flipping the coin. He is a hunter, and is a master at disappearing, as he was never caught by police even after wrecking his car. He also doesn’t seem to like it when people get in his way, as he decides to kill his boss for giving the Mexicans a receiver and tells Moss that regardless of him returning the money, he will kill him.

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How to Read Literature Like a Professor

Choose 3 Chapters and Connect those chapters to the movie. Go into specific detail as to how each chapter connects to a part of the movie. 

Chapter 1: Every Trip is a Quest (Except When It's Not)
The entire story is about Moss's trip out of Chigurh's reach. He wanted to get away with the two million, and he had a goal to do. This makes his endeavors a quest. Parallel to that, Chigurh is also on a quest to catch him and retrieve the money that was stolen.
Chapter 11: ...More Than It's Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence
No Country for Old Men is a bloodbath. Save for the anti-climatic end, the entire plotline is based solely around greed and violence. Chigurh murders man after man and Mexicans drop like flies in large groups. Even the main character falls ill to the constant violence.
Chapter 12: Is That A Symbol?
Symbols pop up left and right in the movie, the main reoccurring one being the coin that Chigurh flips. It changes physically because he gives the coin away, but it is always replaced with another just like it. It is a symbol of chance. There is always a 50/50 chance that you will guess correctly when calling it. When guessed correctly, the symbol changes to that of fate and luck. The coin becomes a lucky coin, and symbolizes that they are lucky and should treasure it.
14. Yes, She’s a Christ Figure, Too

In a way Chigurh comes across as a christ-like figure because through the entire film he is charge up until he gets into the car crash. He also see's himself as a justice keeper cause every person he kills he felt deserved to die.