"To His Coy Mistress"- Motif

"To His Coy Mistress"
by Andrew Marvell

The speaker of the poem is a young man who loves a young woman and is speaking about how much time they have.  Time is the motif in this poem, as it referenced many times and the change in mood/tone of the poem is based on a different perception of time.  The first half of the poem talks about what the speaker would do if he had, basically, all the time in the world.  He exaggerates, saying than a "hundred years should go to praise thine eyes...two hundred to adore each breast" (Marvell, 803).  The speaker says that if he and the women were immortal, and youth was eternal, he could spend centuries admiring her beauty and waiting for her to return his love.  As romantic as this sounds, the tone soon changes when the speaker is honest and bluntly says that, unfortunately, the lovers do not have all the time in the world.  "But at my back I always hear time's winged chariot hurrying near" (804).  Because they do not have much time, and both beauty and youth dwindle quickly, the speaker suggests that the lovers enjoy the moment, and enjoy each other now, before they are too old.  He uses the fear of time, or time running out, to possibly convince the woman that they should, "like amorous birds of prey...at once our time devour" (804).

"Barbie Doll"- irony and satire

"Barbie Doll"
by Marge Piercy

The poem focuses on a young girl, healthy, smart, and strong, who faced criticism from her peers.  This is something many people relate to, and like many girls, the subject of the poem tried desperately to change her imperfections.  "She went to and fro apologizing" (Piercy, 835).  "She was advised to..exercise, diet, smile, and wheedle" (836).  Now the last stanza is where the girl in the poem takes the teasing farther than a normal person would.  It takes the reader by total surprise: "So she cut off her nose and her legs and offered them up" (836).  The girl honestly killed herself to be perfect.  Not figuratively, literally.  And the most ironic part is the last three lines, the ones that stood out to me the most.  When the girl was lying in her coffin- "Doesn't she look pretty? everyone said.  Consummation at last.  To every woman a happy ending" (836).  Are you kidding me!?  A happy ending?  Apparently the only thing that makes women happy is being seen as beautiful.  This girl thought that beauty was worth death, or at least extreme pain.  Consummation means perfect ending.  The irony is that she killed herself for the perfect ending.  The perfect/happy ending wasn't to live, it was to be beautiful, which is outrageous.
I think this poem is also a little satire of our idealized culture and the kind of teasing that people, especially teens endure.  Today, we are all just compared to unrealistic images and some people become obsessed with acceptance or perfection, leading to negative results.

"Jury of Her Peers" -Question 2

"Jury of Her Peers"

by Susan Glaspell

The prevailing theme or motif in this story is that of gender.  There is a clear separation between the role and position of males compared to that of females.  This ties in to the title of the work- "A Jury of Her Peers."  Mrs. Hart and Mrs. Peters are Mrs. Wright's peers not only because they are are females, but also because they understand her and are similar to her in other ways.  One of the ways that we see the women portrayed as peers is when Mrs. Hale stands up for Minnie and the state of her house.  The men criticize the dishes, the towels and the cleanliness of the house.  Martha retorts that farm work is hard, and men's hands get very dirty fast.  The attorney responds to Martha's defenses by saying that she is "loyal to her sex."  Martha further compares herself to Minnie, saying, "I'd hate to have men comin' into my kitchen, snoopin' round and criticizen' " (Glaspell, 414).  After the women find the bird with the broken neck, Mrs. Peters even says that when a boy hurt her cat, she would have hurt him if someone hadn't held her back (Glaspell, 422).
The men come back downstairs and are almost finished investigating.  "Then Martha Hale's eyes pointed the way to the basket in which was hidden the thing that would make certain the conviction of the other women..." (Glaspell, 425).  Mrs. Wright is referred to as the other women, including her in the group with Martha and Mrs. Peters- women coming together.  There seems to be a silent agreement between the two women that the bird must be hidden, the men cannot find the evidence.  Mrs. Wright's crimes are judged by a "jury of her peers" and she is deemed innocent, as shown by both Mrs. Peters and Martha's actions to hide the damning evidence.  The men would not have judged Mrs. Wright so kindly.

"Hunters in the Snow" -Motivation

"Hunters in the Snow"
by Tobias Wolff

The biggest question I had when reading this story was, "Why the heck are they doing these things?"  Why would Kenny almost run Tub over with his truck?  Why wouldn't Frank and  Kenny help Tub through the fences?  Why did Kenny shoot the dog?  Why did Tub shoot Kenny?  Why would Frank and Tub stop for a break twice while their friend was bleeding out in the back of a freezing cold truck?
So many questions and I can only give answers to two of them.  They connect, and I believe there is some irony involved as well.  The two questions that can be answered, at least partially, are why did Kenny shoot the dog, and why did Tub shoot Kenny?
As the three men are coming back to the house from hunting on the farmer's land, Kenny says that he hates a post, and he shoots it.  Then Kenny said, "I hate that tree," and shot the tree.  Then he looks at the dog and says, "I hate that dog."  Tub was completely amazed that Kenny shot the dog- "'What did he ever do to you?' Tub asked. 'He was just barking'" (Wolff, 192).  At this point in the story, it seemed to everyone, the characters and the reader, that Kenny had no legitimate reason for shooting the dog.  Its astounding to think that Kenny would shoot the dog just because he didn't like it or it was barking.
Tub was scared and confused and Kenny turned to him.  "I hate you."  Tub immediately responded and reacted by shooting Kenny in the stomach.  Tub's motivation seemed simple- "He was going to shoot me but I shot him first" (Wolff, 193).  Kenny said he hated things, then shot them.  When Kenny said he hated Tub, Tub thought Kenny was going to shoot him.  It seems slightly reasonable, but the men are friends, so Tub shouldn't have automatically assumed that Kenny was going to shoot him.  And Tub's reasons for his reaction is where the irony comes in.  Kenny said he hated the dog, and shot it.  Tub thought Kenny shot the dog because he hated it, and would shoot Tub because Kenny hated Tub.  But Tub and the reader soon learn the real reason Kenny shot the dog.  "'You asked him to?' Tub said. 'You asked him to shoot your dog?'" (Wolff, 194).  The dog was old and dying, and the owner didn't have a gun and loved the dog too much anyway.  Kenny was doing the old man a favor.  The whole basis for Tub shooting Kenny is gone.
Though those two actions have some motivation, all the other actions seem to lack true motivation, and that adds to the mystery of the story and the characterization of the characters- as emotionally messed-up, selfish bullies .

Othello- Dynamic Characters

Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare

Othello has changed dramatically since the beginning of the play.  He used to be calm, collected, mature, and loving.  By the end, he has turned jealous, distrusting, and murderous.  Lodovico says, "O thou Othello, that wert once so good, fall'n in the practice of a damned slave, what shall be said to thee?" (V.ii.290-292)
The once good Othello was destroyed by the plotting of the evil Iago.  Iago himself, not surprisingly, has sustained the same character traits through out the work, though characters' view of him changed.  Iago has always been evil.  And he caused the change in Othello, manipulating and using him until he kills his innocent wife, then, discovering her innocence, kills himself.  No one could have predicted such a drastic change in the brave and loyal Othello.

Though Emilia is only a minor character, her change is also drastic.  Initially, she was extremely quiet, and would not even defend herself against Iago.  In addition, she did what he wanted almost without question.  Now, with her mistress slain on the bed, and Othello telling her why, Emilia explodes.  She is so incredulous that her husband was the one that started Othello's suspicions of his wife.  Emilia knows how innocent Desdemona was, and she tells Othello that, along with the fact that Iago asked her to steal the handkerchief for his owns means.  Emilia screams at and curses Iago: "You told a lie, an odious, damned lie, upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie!.. Villiany, villiany, villiany! I think upon 't. I think I smell 't. Oh, villiany! I thought so then. I'll kill myself for grief. Oh, villiany, villiany!" (V.ii.179-180, 189-192).  When Iago tells her to be queit, she says, "I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak" (V.ii.183).  She changed drastically in defense of her friend, and finally recognizes Iago's evilness.
Iago is the root cause of the changes in all the dynamic characters.  The changing of the characters adds to the complexity of the play and the development of the tragedy.

Othello- Metaphor

Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare

When talking about murdering the beautiful Desdemona, Othello compares it to a few different things.  These comparisons shows how Othello still loves Desdemona, and recognizes her beauty and vitality.
"Put out the light, and then put out the light. If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, I can again thy former light restore...When I have plucked the rose, I cannot give it vital growth again.  It needs must wither. I'll smell it on the tree" (V.i.7-15)
Desdemona is compared to a light and a rose.  Both of these things are beautiful and enjoyable.  Othello says that a candle can be relight, but once he kills Desdemona, he cannot bring her back.  And once he plucks the rose, I cannot live anymore, it has no choice but to die.  The last sentence is Othello appreciating Desdemona's beauty and life while she maintains it- just like he would smell a rose before he plucks it and it dies.  Roses are sweet and light is warm, just like Desdemona.  These comparisons show that Othello might be slightly reluctant to murder her, or at least a little saddened by it.  He cries, but they are cruel tears.
Though he might regret it, and though he seems hesitant, Othello ends up killing Desdemona.  Just like the beautiful rose is plucked and the bright light is extinguished.

Othello- Juxtaposition/Diction

Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
Act IV, scene 1

Once Othello is convinced that Desdemona is having an affair with Casiso, he enraged with Cassio.  "I would have him nine years a-killing" (IV.i.166).  But Othello stil compliments Desdemona, because he still has feelings for her.  "A fine woman! A fair woman! A sweet woman!" (IV.i.166-167).  Iago tells Othello  he must forget that, and Othello's feelings or expression of them seem to do a complete 180.  "Aye, let her rot, and perish, and be damned tonight, for she shall not live."  But then he goes back to positive diction: "Oh the world hath not a sweeter creature" (IV.i.169-171).
Iago tells Othello to cut it out, and Othello keeps switching back and forth in his feelings for Desdemona: "Hang her! I do but say what she is, so delicate with her needle, an admirable musician- oh, she will sing the savageness out of a bear- of so high and plenteous wit and invention-...And then, of so gentle a condition... I will chop her into messes" (IV.i.174-184).
These juxtaposing thoughts/words reveal the complex emotions Othello is experiencing.  He loves his wofe very much, and is crushed by the thought that she would cheat on him.  Othello hates Cassio and at times, seems to want Desdemona dead, but part of him still loves her.  These crazy emotions will most likely allow Iago to be even more manipulative and he will be able to more easily convince Othello to take drastic measures, like killing Desdemona.  Soon we shall see which of the conflicting emotions wins out... (since Othello is a trajedy, I'm going to hazard a guess that the negative emotion prevails and Desdemona ends up getting strangled in her bed...but thats just a guess.)

Othello- Symbol

Othello, the Moore of Venice
William Shakespeare

The handkerchief was first mentioned early in the play, and Othello later tells Iago why it is so important.  It has a history in his family.  Iago had told Othello that he saw Cassio with the handkerchief, and that was proof that Cassio and Desdemona have a relationship.

Iago mentions the handkerchief again at the beginning of Act IV.  He tells Othello that if he, Iago, gives his wife something, like a handkerchief, it is hers to give away.  Iago is trying to manipulate and anger Othello.  Speaking of the handkerchief, Iago says, "Why, then, 'tis hers, my lord, and being hers, she may, I think, bestow't on any man."  Othello replies, "She is protectoress of her honor too.  May she give that?" (IV.i.12-15).  Othello is reiterating the importance of the handkerchief and compares Desdemona's giving it away to giving away her honor.  The handkerchief is very important to Othello and if he finds that another man has it, he will be furious.
When Iago brings up the handkerchief again, Othello says, "By Heavan, I would most gladly have forgot it. Thou said'st- oh it comes o'er my memory, as doth the raven o'er the infected house boding to all- he had my handkerchief" (IV.i.19-22).  Here the handkerchief is compared to an evil omen.  It will bring evil tidings to all (foreshadowing?).  Othello is convinced that Cassio has the handkerchief, and therefore believes that Cassio is in a relationship with Desdemona.
Later in the first scene, Bianca storms in and yells about the handkerchief found in Cassio's house.  It was Desdemona's.  Iago suggests to Othello that Desdemona gave it Cassion, who then gave it to his whore.  Othello is so hurt that he wants Desdemona dead
Just like with Othello's parents, the husband will no longer love the wife if she looses the handkerchief.
The prophecy has come true.

symbol

Othello- Minor Characters

Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare

Though Iago is truthfully the main focus of the play, and Othello is obviously important, hence the title, the minor characters also play an important role. Roderigo is introduced as, basically, Iago's puppet. Desdemona is Brabantio's daughter and Othello's wife, and is involved with other people, including Iago's wife Emilia.
Roderigo does whatever Iago says, even selling his land for money that Iago told him to get. Roderigo follows Iago's advice, even when Iago is only using him.
Iago and Desdemona have a conversation about women that characterizes both of them. Iago is misogynistic and critical, and Desdemona is out spoken and clever. Desdemona might be a force to be reckoned with in Iago's unfolding plans.
One character that was specifically characterized in Acts II and III was Iago's wife, Emilia. Iago says she is nagging and loud. But, Emilia barely even spoke in Act II. But soon, Emilia is characterized by her actions she takes in reference to Desdemona's cherished handkerchief. "Emilia: I am glad I have found this napkin. This was her first remembrance from the Moor. My wayward husband hath a hundred times wooed me to steal it..." (III.iii.291-294) Even though her husband isn't very nice to her, she still obeys his wishes, even though they might hurt her friend Desdemona. I am interested to see how the minor characters continue to add to the complexity of the work, and also how Iago will find a way to use these minor characters to his benefit.

Othello- Motivation

Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare

The primary question to all of Iago’s plans and ideas is, why is he doing this? What is the end to his evil means?  Some may argue that Iago is pure evil, that he gets joy out of manipulating other people like his naïve puppets.  I say that Iago has a few concrete, and extremely selfish goals, and that he will do anything he can to reach them.  ‘Anything’ includes hurting, using, and selfishly using others for his own personal gain.  Iago initially uses Roderigo for his money, then he wants Roderigo to start a fight with Cassio so that Cassio will lose his job.  Iago tells Roderigo that Cassio stands in the way of Roderigo’s possible relationship with Desdemona.  Iago says that Cassio would be Desdemona’s second choice if she left Othello and that Cassio was flirting with her: “Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? Didst not mark that?” (II.i.240-241)  Iago truly wants Cassio to be fired because he wants Cassio’s job.  He wants to be Othello’s lieutenant.  Iago manipulates others simply to get what he wants, and I’m sure he will continue to do that throughout the play.

Othello- Dramatic Irony

Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare

The unique point of view leads to an abundance of dramatic irony.  I cannot count the times in the first three acts that Iago was referred to as “honest Iago.”  But since the point of view is told from the view of Iago, the reader knows that Iago is the complete opposite of honest.  Iago is manipulating every single person he comes in contact with, yet still manages to keep face in front of Cassio, Othello, and others.  “Othello: Iago is most honest” (II.iii.7).

When Iago tries to convince Cassio to drink, because it’s a party and everyone is doing it, Cassio replies, “Not tonight, good Iago. I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking” (II.iii.28).  Iago knows that Cassio is a lightweight, and wants to get him drunk so that he will start a fight and lose his job.  And even when Cassio does lose his job because of Iago, he still takes Iago’s advice on how to get back into Othello’s favor.  But Iago’s advice to Cassio will simply make it easier for Iago to convince Othello that Cassio and Desdemona have a relationship.  The reason the reader knows all this is because of Iago’s aside and soliloquies.  Because the reader knows Iago’s motives and plans, but he comes off as honest, loving and caring to the other characters, there is constant dramatic irony.

Othello- Point of View

Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare

The point of view in this play is very important to the concept of the story and the meaning of the work as a whole.  The point of view is unique in that the story is from the side of the villain.  The reader sees events as Iago, the antagonist, sees them.  This gives the reader a behind the scenes look on the evil plotting of the villain, which leads to a greater understanding of many of the characters, especially Iago.  The reader sees how Iago manipulates various characters, including Roderigo and Montano, for his own gain.  For example, Iago uses Roderigo to get money. “Roderigo: Iago, who hast had my purse As if the strings were his” (I.i.2-3).  “Iago: Thus do I ever make my fool my purse” (III.iii.363).

If the point of view was that of the protagonist, Othello, the reader would see the actions of characters such as Roderigo and Mon, but we would not know the driving force behind the actions.  Iago could be argued as the protagonist because he really is the driving force behind the action of the play.  From the point of view the play is written in, the reader sees first-hand the source of the coercion and conflict.