"Mirror" by Sylvia Plath

Mirror

Sylvia Plath

I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.

Whatever I see, I swallow immediately.

Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike

I am not cruel, only truthful –

The eye of a little god, four-cornered.

Most of the time I meditate on the opposite wall.

It is pink, with speckles. I have looked at it so long

I think it is a part of my heart. But it flickers.

Faces and darkness separate us over and over.

Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me.

Searching my reaches for what she really is.

Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon.

I see her back, and reflect it faithfully

She rewards me with tears and an agitation of hands.

I am important to her. She comes and goes.

Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness.

In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman

Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish.

Appearances have become a central focus to our current society. We witness both women and men fretting over their looks emphasizing the importance of appearances. Therefore, this poem addresses the theme of appearances and truth through a mirror. The mirror is first described as “silver and exact” (Plath 1). The color silver represents the comprise between the colors black and white so it is often associated with neutrality and objectivity. Therefore, Plath mentions the color gray and the word “exact” to express the mirror's objectivity. Furthermore, the mirror's objectivity is reiterated when Plath describes the mirror as truthful and sincere. Plath hopes to depict mirrors in the first stanza as truthful objects which she will later contradict at the second stanza. Nevertheless, Plath goes on to describe the mirror as possessing “the eye of a little god” conveying the mirror's superiority (5). A mirror is a truthful object that does not lie and is characterized as pure and innocent. By emphasizing the purity of the mirror, Plath is saying that in the beginning of our lives we focus on our appearances in an innocent manner. To add on to her claim, she humanizes the mirror by quoting “I think it is a part of my heart” (8). Plath then creates a shift in her poem at the beginning of the second stanza. She now calls and characterizes the mirror as “a lake” (10). It is interesting to note that Plath describes the mirror as a lake because she is implying that the mirror is now subjective and flawed. When someone look for their reflection on the lake, their appearances can often be distorted. Therefore, Plath creates this significant shift regarding mirrors and appearances. She then introduces a woman who constantly looks at the mirror for support. However, this woman is not even satisfied by the mirror so she “turns to those liars, the candles or the moon” (12). The mirror is obviously not satisfied with the woman's actions since it calls the candles and moon as liars. The mirror is disappointed and a little bit offended that the woman attempts to distort her appearance. Previously, the mirror was used to telling the truth but this woman rejects the truth. Because the mirror sees great distress and anxiety from the woman, it begins to evaluate its value and innocence. The mirror finally realizes that its innocent and pure nature is being stripped away by the woman. The woman relies on the mirror to feel better about herself pressuring the mirror to lie. The mirror feels responsible for the woman and wishes to be “important to her” (15). Yet, the mirror never gives in to this temptation and expresses the truth about the woman once again. The mirror states that the woman “drowned a young girl” meaning that the woman has killed her own innocent views on appearances (17). The woman's obsession on her appearance destroyed the real meaning of beauty and made her self-conscious. Now, the woman looks like a “terrible fish” conveying that her recognition of true beauty is gone forever (18). 

Wilde Satirizes Marriage

As a fan of the Jane Austen and Bronte sisters, I became intrigued by the play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Also, I watched numerous films such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Jane Eyre, and Wuthering Heights so I was pretty much informed about the values and etiquettes in this regency period. Therefore, I was greatly amused by this play since it hilariously satirizes the society of England around the 1800s. First of all, the play satirizes and mocks the idea of marriage. From the beginning, Algernon confidently states “I have often observed that in married households the champagne is rarely of a first-rate brand” (1). Algernon is satirizing marriage through this claim insisting that marriage often spoils the pleasures of life. In the novels of Jane Austen, Austen often depicts marriage as a happy union joined by two people who love each other deeply. Yet, Wilde undermines this whole idea by presenting women as silly and imaginary beings and men as deceitful beings who have a double life. The women who are presented as silly and imaginary beings are Gwendolyn and Cecily. Gwendolyn presents herself as a naive individual when she states to Jack “the moment Algernon first mentioned to me that he had a friend called Ernest, I knew I was destined to love you” (9). She is basically saying that she is only going to marry Jack because of his alleged name, Ernest. The irony is that Jack is living a double life where he is known as Ernest in the city and Jack in the country. Hence, Wilde is attempting to portray this couple as an insincere couple since they are both not truthful to each other. Furthermore, Gwendolyn further plunges into the depth of imagination when she gets excited about Jack’s mysterious past. After learning that her mother disapproves of Jack, she passionately claims “the story of your romantic origin, as related to me by mamma, with unpleasing comments, has naturally stirred the deeper fibres of my nature” (14). Gwendolyn is in love with the idea of Jack and is excited to marry such a mysterious individual. Yet, in reality, Jack is not mysterious but rather a pleasure seeker who has a double life. Next, the couple of Cecily and Algernon also represents an insincere union that has been fabricated by imaginations and lies. The first meeting between Cecily and Algernon indicates their relationship as fake. Algernon impersonates as Earnest who is not even a real person in order to charm Cecily. Cecily, who has already been intrigued by the bad rumors circulating around Earnest, is immediately attracted to Algernon because he is a bad boy. Cecily even surprises Algernon by revealing that she has been creating this imaginary ideal of their love from a long time ago. She even wrote in her diary “I determined to end the matter one way or the other, and after a long struggle with myself I accepted you under this dear old tree here.  The next day I bought this little ring in your name, and this is the little bangle with the true lover’s knot I promised you always to wear” which didn’t even happen in real life(28). Overall, Wilde is hoping to mock both women and men’s unrealistic ideal toward marriage.

Geishas

Recently, I have been reading a novel called Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. In this novel, Golden focuses on the main character, Sayuri, who is a geisha. Since the novel focuses on geishas, I thought it would be interesting to analyze the role of geishas in Japanese society and culture. Originally, I thought that geishas were prostitutes who put on white makeup and red lipstick. Yet, my opinion was contradicted by this novel because it depicted geishas as dexterous and clever beings. Therefore, I will analyze the characters of Sayuri, Mameha, Pumpkin, and Hatsumomo who were all geishas. Sayuri is the main character of the novel and becomes a geisha after meeting the Chairman. She admits that she’d set her “sights on becoming a geisha only to win the affections of the Chairman” which seems like a pretty shallow reason (421). Yet, Sayuri is deeply attached to the profession as a geisha because through this job she found herself. She realizes that life is like water. She claims, “But now I know that our world is no more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean. Whatever our struggles and triumphs, however we may suffer them, all too soon they bleed into a wash, just like a watery ink on paper” (428). Through her take on life, we can infer that she has a complex relationship with her profession as a geisha. She claims “the afternoon when I met Mr.Tanaka Ichiro really was the best and worst of my life” (7). The day she met Mr. Tanaka led to her eventual journey into becoming a geisha. Therefore, Sayuri expresses that becoming a geisha was a blessing but also a curse. Her job as a geisha was a blessing she was able to learn many forms of art such as dance and music. Also, she was able to interact with powerful men which taught her the art of socialization. Through this education and socialization, Sayuri was able to become independent and well-informed enough to survive the cruel and harsh world. However, her profession as a geisha also took away her humanity since she was controlled by Mother and men such as Nobu, the General, and Dr. Krab. Next, Mameha views the profession of a geisha as survival. She is extremely realistic and even gives advice to Sayuri by saying “you must be sure that men’s feelings remain always under your control” (295). Therefore, Mameha is very crafty and intelligent so she can control the powerful men around her. Also, she puts her personal feelings aside in order to provide a better life for herself. Meanwhile, Pumpkin and Hatsumomo view the profession of geisha as a way to get what they want. In order words, they became geishas out of greed. Hatsumomo obviously does not take her job seriously as a geisha since she an affair with a married man and drinks excessively. She does not know how to control the men around her and is instead controlled by the men which drives her to madness. Pumpkin is also persuaded to become a geisha in order to elevate her status in Japan. Therefore, she betrays Sayuri in order to advance herself in the geisha industry. Overall, the profession of geisha in Japan is a vital part to Japanese culture and to some people's individuality.  

Sonnet 67

Sonnet 67

Edmund Spenser

1 Like as a huntsman after weary chase,

2 Seeing the game from him escap'd away,

3 Sits down to rest him in some shady place,

4 With panting hounds beguiled of their prey:

5 So after long pursuit and vain assay,

6 When I all weary had the chase forsook,

7 The gentle deer return'd the self-same way,

8 Thinking to quench her thirst at the next brook.

9 There she beholding me with milder look,

10 Sought not to fly, but fearless still did bide:

11 Till I in hand her yet half trembling took,

12 And with her own goodwill her firmly tied.

13 Strange thing, me seem'd, to see a beast so wild,

14 So goodly won, with her own will beguil'd.

In class, we discussed sonnets which are 14 line poems that focus on the subject of love. Therefore, “Sonnet 67” by Edmund Spenser deals with love specifically pertaining to the “cruel fair” lady and her desperate suitor. In this particular sonnet, the suitor is the huntsman who is going through a “weary chase” (1). The “cruel fair” lady is the “gentle deer” who is elusively escaping the huntsman (7). The sonnet starts out with presenting the suitor as a desperate and almost pitiful suitor. It can be inferred that he was relentlessly chasing the deer since the chase turned weary for him. Then the sonnet mentions the word “game” to describe this chase in the view of the deer and huntsman (2). For the “cruel fair” lady, the chase is an activity of amusement while the suitor views the chase as a procedure for gaining an end. These sharply contrasting views emphasize the fickle nature of women and the constancy of men. Then, the speaker emphasizes the cold nature of the lady by describing that she “escaped away” (2). Her quick escape reveals that she is elusive, fearless, and cunning. Next, the suitor appears to have given up the chase when he rests on some “shady place” (3). The suitor is tired out by the fickle nature of the woman that he gives up. He describes the long pursuit as a “vain assay” which he uses to justify his decision to quit. (5) In response, the lady returns and drinks from the “next brook” to look at the suitor with “milder look” (8-9). She deliberately looks at the suitor to question why he is not continuing the pursuit and to give a hint that she is willing to accept him. Her action reiterates her cunning and cold nature since she is willing to approach him when he is not trying. As a result, the desperate suitor gains hope and “half trembling” takes the lady (11). The speaker then uses the phrase “firmly tied” which closely relates to the concept of marriage (12). Hence, the speaker is stating that the lady and suitor are now united as wife and husband. The suitor was eventually successful in gaining the affection of the “cruel fair” lady. At the end of the sonnet, the speaker exclaims that it is strange that the “beast so wild” is “beguiled” by her own will (13-14). In other words, he is questioning how a cunning and fierce lady could be tricked by her own will and led to marriage. The lady was tricked by her own mind which the speaker finds greatly ironic. She was the one who used the suitor for entertainment but at the end she was the one who became the suitor’s prize. Therefore, the speaker might be alluding that fickle women can trick themselves by focusing on the chase rather than the sincere feelings of the suitor. This point can closely relate to our current society where people often fall in love with the idea of being in love rather than focus on the sincere feelings towards someone.

Rebirth or Moments of Enlightenment?

In class, we discussed how the hospital scene represented the rebirth of the narrator. People talked about how the “strange white” overalls the narrator was wearing represented a blank slate (231). Moreover, the narrator goes on to say “I was no longer afraid. Not of important men, not of trustees and such; for knowing that there was nothing which I could expect from them, there was no reason to be afraid” (249). It seems that the narrator has gone through a rebirth due to his clothing and state of mind. Yet, I must disagree with this idea about the rebirth because I do not believe that the narrator was ever reborn throughout the book. I rather believe that he continuously experiences moments of realization and enlightenment nor rebirth. The first reason why I must object to the idea about rebirth is that even before the hospital scene he had this important moment that changed his life drastically. When the narrator reads Dr. Bledsoe’s letter, he is forced into reality. He realizes the extreme betrayal and even quotes “Twenty-five years seemed to have lapsed between his handing me the letter and my grasping its message” (191). By emphasizing the phrase “twenty-five years”, the narrator is pointing out that this event was a moment of great realization (191). He realized Dr. Bledsoe’s duplicitous character and later on stated “Everyone seemed to have some plan for me, and beneath that some more secret plan” (194). He becomes aware of the deceit that lies in society representing a great transition in his life. Therefore, I cannot see how the narrator was reborn in the hospital scene when he was already changed significantly. My second reason why I must object to the idea about the narrator’s rebirth is that he later on experiences more life-altering changes. For instance, he leaves Mary’s house to join the Brotherhood. He quotes “This was a new phase, I realized, a new beginning, and I would have to take part of myself that looked on with remote eyes and keep it always at the distance of the campus, the hospital machine, the battle royal- all now far behind” (335). In other words, he is basically hopeful about this new beginning in his life which contradicts with the idea of rebirth during the hospital scene. How can the narrator face two rebirths during a short period of time? The only logical explanation I can see is that the narrator is going through a transition in his life throughout the book. Lastly, the narrator faces the greatest realization and enlightenment when he is stuck in the hole. Holes can connect back to the allegory of Plato’s cave which emphasized that a hole can be a place of enlightenment. Hence, the narrator discovers himself and society in this hole. He exclaims “ I’m invisible, not blind”  representing his enlightenment on his identity (576). Furthermore, he states “Life is to be lived, not controlled” symbolizing his realization that he was controlled all his life (577). So he decides to live his life by being himself.

The Women in Invisible Man

The novel Invisible Man addresses many themes ranging from individuality to politics. Therefore, this book addresses the role of women through its characters as well. The main female characters are Emma, Mary Rambo, the narrator’s lover and Sybil. First, Emma is introduced to narrator at the Chthonian. The place of Chthonian often relates to the underworld drawing a connection between the evil underworld and Emma. Hence, Ellison might be emphasizing that Emma symbolizes the corrupt and sinful women. Also, it is assumed that Emma is the mistress of Jack reinforcing her sinful character. Moreover, she goes on to say “but don’t you think he should be a little blacker?” after meeting the narrator (303). She presents herself as a presumptuous individual who treats the narrator as a tool. The narrator also tries to use Emma as a tool but at the last moment he decides that “she was far too sophisticated and skilled in intrigue to compromise her position” (515). Emma has this intense energy which presents women as powerful forces that cannot be messed with. Second, Mary Rambo appears in the narrator’s life in order to allude to the biblical figure, Mary and symbolize a maternal force. Mary Rambo has the name of Mary who most people associate with the virgin Mary. Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ and often represents innocence, love and family. Therefore, Mary Rambo can be representative of a christ figure to the narrator’s life. Ellison is making a comment that some women are inherently innocent and symbols of good. He also attempts to present Mary as a strong maternal force. For instance, he describes Mary as “a force, a stable, familiar force like something out of my past which kept me from whirling off into some unknown” (258). The narrator keeps associating Mary with his past inferring that he relies on Mary because she is like his mother. Mothers are the ones who are stable forces that make sure their children go into the right path. Consequently, Mary attempts to guide the narrator and be his protector by offering him shelter and food. She also gives important advice to him by stating “I’m in New York, but New York ain’t in me” (255). Thirdly, the woman who becomes the narrator’s lover symbolizes temptation. The narrator first describes her as “a symbolic role of life and feminine fertility” which seems to emphasize her lustful character (409). She then goes to seduce the narrator because she is not satisfied with her marriage to an aloof husband. The narrator is pulled into a world of temptation that he eventually regrets with great passion. Ellison is suggesting that some women can represent tempting forces that often disturb the other gender, males. Lastly, Sybil is introduced to the narrator as an opportunity to get some information about the Brotherhood. Yet, he realizes that Sybil is not an ordinary, lonely, and neglected wife. Sybil is driven by this fantasy of being raped by a black man. Ellison mentions Sybil in his book to illustrate that she is a vulnerable force that was shaped by society. Sybil only has this unusual fantasy because she wants to escape confined society by touching on the issue of racism. The women in Invisible Man may be minor characters but they all help the narrator go through his enlightenment.

The Color Red in Invisible Man

In the Norton-Expulsion part of Invisible Man, the color red is a recurring motif. Red often connotes fire, blood, sins, passion, lust, power and family. Therefore, the color red is a significant symbol in this novel. More specifically, the color red in the chapters 2 to 9 helps to indicate the sinful and lustful characters. First, Mr. Norton is revealed to be a sinful and dishonest character. Therefore, Ellison purposefully identifies him with the color red. For example, Ellison describes that “his face reddened” when he learned of Trueblood’s crime (49). Also, Norton is described to possess “a red Moroccan-leather wallet” which emphasizes the color red in Norton’s life (69). Norton is associated with the color red probably due to the assumption that he committed the same crime that Trueblood committed. I became extremely suspicious of Norton when he described his daughter in a lustful manner. He states that “her beauty was a well-spring of purest water-of-life, and to look upon her was to drink and drink and drink again” (42). The diction of drink connotes a strong desire to consume something so it ominously foreshadows Norton’s sinful character. Moreover, he looks at Trueblood “with something like envy and indignation” which raises the suspicion further. Why else would he be jealous of Trueblood who got away with a heinous crime? Secondly, the color red depicts Jim Trueblood as a sinful individual. Even his name contains the word “blood” which is an indicator of violence or lust. As we know, Trueblood is an individual who committed a crime against his own daughter. He took advantage of his daughter’s vulnerability and innocence while also destroying his relationship with his wife. He then continues to defend himself by saying that he “dropped into the dream” (57). Obviously, he is trying to escape reality by creating an illusion. He is an epitome of a sinful character since he violated the trust and love of a family. The word “blood” in his name is more closely related to sin and evil not love and family. The last character that is often associated with the color red is Dr. Bledsoe. Like Trueblood, Bledsoe’s name contains the past term of the word “blood.” Bledsoe is a cunning and immoral character who always puts his interests first. He claims that he is “still the king down here” which depicts his strong desire to maintain his power (142). He also makes this controversial statement that I can never forget. He states “I’ll have every Negro in the country hanging on tree limbs by morning if it means staying where I am” (143). Bledsoe refuses to acknowledge other people’s hardships making him a selfish and power hungry individual. Therefore, he commits a sin by masking his true self. He lies to his family, friends, and students in order to maintain his desires and power. It seems like all these characters negatively impact the narrator due to their sinful nature. Yet, I must also point out that they represent reality that the narrator needs for growth.

"Woman Work"

Woman Work
by Maya Angelou

I've got the children to tend
The clothes to mend
The floor to mop
The food to shop
Then the chicken to fry
The baby to dry
I got company to feed
The garden to weed
I've got shirts to press
The tots to dress
The can to be cut
I gotta clean up this hut
Then see about the sick
And the cotton to pick.

Shine on me, sunshine
Rain on me, rain
Fall softly, dewdrops
And cool my brow again.

Storm, blow me from here
With your fiercest wind
Let me float across the sky
'Til I can rest again.

Fall gently, snowflakes
Cover me with white
Cold icy kisses and
Let me rest tonight.

Sun, rain, curving sky
Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone
Star shine, moon glow
You're all that I can call my own.     

Poems are considered one of the most important means of conveying one's opinions, thoughts, and desires. Therefore, the poem "Woman Work" by Maya Angelou addresses the narrator's inner desires and thoughts. Obviously, this poem is narrated by a woman who is most likely a housewife around the 1950s or 1960s. The narrator is constantly busy since she’s “got the children to tend/ the clothes to mend/ the floor to mop/ the food to shop” (Lines 1-4). As a result of the arduous workload, she often feels trapped in a metaphorical prison she cannot escape. Therefore, she finds nature as her sanctuary because she can be true to herself and feel accepted. For instance, the narrator states “Shine on me, sunshine” which reflects her desire to be appreciated and looked at (15). Therefore, she asks the sun to shine on her so she can feel better about herself. Next, the narrator says “Rain on me, rain”. The word “rain” connotes cleansing and baptism which can be related to the narrator (16). The narrator wishes to be cleansed of the mental and physical exhaustion she had to endure. It can also be interpreted that she wishes to cleanse her identity as a slave. She states that she has “cotton to pick” which alludes to slavery in the United States (14). During the period of slavery, many African-American slaves were forced to work in cotton plantations. Nevertheless, the narrator clearly desires to be treated equally so she turns to nature for freedom and equality. Furthermore, the narrator goes on to describe nature as her sanctuary. For example, she goes on to say “Storm, blow me from here/With the fiercest wind/Let me float across the sky” (19-21). The image of the woman floating across the sky symbolizes her pursuit of freedom and peace. The sky is a place of silence and infinite height so the narrator wishes to reach the sky. By floating in the sky, she will find peace and feel that she is free to do whatever she wants. The sky is a place without limits which the narrator desperately craves for. Next, the woman states “Fall gently, snowflakes/ Cover me with white/ Cold icy kisses and/ Let me rest tonight” (23-26). Snow is usually associated with the color white which connotes purity and innocence. For that reason, the narrator wishes to be kissed by gentle snowflakes to discover her purity and innocence. Also, she can be attempting to get back her purity and innocence that she lost through marriage. Lastly, the narrator sadly declares “Sun, rain, curving sky /Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone/Star shine, moon glow/You're all that I can call my own” (27-30). Her revelation further reinforces the point that nature is her sanctuary. It is also sad that she can call nature as her own because it hints that she has no power and opinion regarding her life. I predict that the narrator is an African- American housewife who struggles with her identity and inner desires for freedom.

Is Hamlet a Parasite to Women?

Spoiler alert: Do not read this if you haven’t finished the play.                                                                                 

If you have read the play Hamlet, you will notice that the women around Hamlet become tragic figures. For instance, Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, and Hamlet’s lover, Ophelia, all face tragic deaths. Therefore, I am here to analyze if Hamlet symbolizes a parasite to women. I will first focus on Gertrude who is considered to be one of the most significant people in Hamlet’s life. Gertrude is described my Hamlet as a “beast” who “post[ed] / with such dexterity to incestuous sheets” (11). Hamlet plays a moral judge who criticizes his mother with extreme words. His sharp and caustic thoughts toward women made me ponder if Hamlet served as a parasite to his mother. For instance, he verbally attacks his mother by saying “you question with a wicked tongue” which conveys his antagonistic feelings for her (72). His harsh words hurt her emotional state so much that she exclaims “O, speak to me no more./ These words like daggers enter in my ears” (75). Hamlet almost seems to be psychologically killing his mother through these painful words. Yet, one must argue that Gertrude’s death is the strongest evidence to support that Hamlet is a parasite to women. Gertrude dies after drinking the poisoned drink that was intended for Hamlet during the bloody fight. She states to Hamlet before sipping the poisoned drink, “Here’s to thy health” (118). The fact that the drink was intended for Hamlet indicates the harmful effect he has on his closed ones specifically women. Moreover, it is thought-provoking that the queen is killed by drinking poison. When she consumed the poison, the inside of her body started to degrade and destroy itself. Another individual deeply impacted by Hamlet’s parasitical nature is Ophelia. Ophelia is the lover of Hamlet who is spurned and abandoned by him. Hamlet says hateful and painful words to her during their break-up scene. For instance, he says “I loved you not” and calls her a “jig”, “amble”, and “lisp” (55). As a result of Hamlet’s cruel speech, Ophelia dejectedly declares “O, woe is me” (56). She is further tortured and wounded by Hamlet when she learns that he has killed her father, Polonius. Therefore, she goes mad. During her mad state, she sings several songs on how Hamlet betrayed her. For instance, she sings “Before you tumbled me,/ You promised me to wed” which refers to Hamlet’s lie that he would marry her (88). Also, Ophelia constantly carries flowers which are symbolic of her mental state. She carries daisies and violets which respectively represent unhappy love and faithfulness. Obviously, these particular flowers connect to Hamlet reiterating the point that he has destroyed her life. Like Gertrude, Ophelia faces a tragic end when she drowns. It is uncertain whether she kills herself or had an accident near the “glassy stream” (100). Nevertheless, Ophelia loses her life which was full of innocence, purity, and love. It can be said that Hamlet took away her precious life supporting the point that he is a parasite to women. Even though I’m basically criticizing Hamlet here, I do know that he is extremely guilty about it. His parasitical nature might just be his fate.

Who is Hamlet?

One must ask when reading the play Hamlet, who is Hamlet? Is he the villain or the good guy? Is he a tragic hero? Is he mad? Unfortunately, the play allows each reader to develop its own opinion. Therefore, I will be speaking about my opinion regarding Hamlet’s identity. I believe that Hamlet is intellectual, cunning, condescending, morally judgmental, immature, and crazy. I know my interpretation is extremely negative but I can’t help feel that Hamlet is very misguided. I admit that he will always be the smartest guy in the room but he doesn’t need to be so pompous. For instance, he boldly makes the statement, “frailty, thy name is woman” which is directed to his own mother and other women in general (11). Who is he to judge the whole woman population? He acts like a moral judge which can also be interpreted as Hamlet thinking that he is God. God is known to be the moral judge of humanity not a Denmark prince. Also, I thought it was presumptuous for Hamlet to lecture on the players regarding acting. He states that certain players “imitated humanity so abominably” which is pretty ironic (58). Hamlet is the one who is on the mission of acting crazy. In other words, he is like an actor too because he conceals his true self. Hamlet is lying to himself and eventually becomes consumed by this act. Apparently, he is pretending to be “mad” but I actually think that he is legitimately mad. For instance, he makes this sinister statement, “his soul may be as damn’d and black” which is about his decision to damn Claudius into hell (71). His plan to kill the King at a moment of vulnerability seems sinister and cruel. Moreover, he seems mad when he ominously states “O, from this time forth,/ My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth” (86). He is willing to become violent to fulfill his supposed destiny. (Killing Polonius was not part of the revenge plan he had.) Lastly, I think that Hamlet is immature and stubborn. He was so rude and callous during the play at Act III. He relentlessly insulted Ophelia by making vulgar statements that obviously hurt her deeply. (We must remember that they had just recently broken up.) Hamlet seems to take advantage of their breakup to torture Ophelia. He was probably upset with Ophelia because she was not “honest” and “fair” to him (54). Like a child, he insults Ophelia by making these statements that allude to their past relationship. I just cannot bring myself to respect Hamlet because he is inconsiderate and impolite. After he learns of his father’s murder, he becomes so bitter, emotionally driven, and crazy. What if the ghost of Hamlet’s father was actually the devil? The ghost drove him to take extreme measures which might damn him to hell. Could Hamlet have been saved if the ghost had not appeared? Regardless of my opinion of Hamlet, I do believe that he has the right to avenge his father’s death but I would recommend a revenge employing the justice system.

Dr. Blesdoe is a Hypocrite!

As I began reading Invisible Man, I quickly noticed a certain character, Dr. Blesdoe. Dr. Blesdoe is the president of the university that the narrator attends and is a greatly respected individual in this society. In the beginning, the narrator views Dr. Blesdoe as a role model he aspires to become. He even states that Dr. Blesdoe “was the example of everything I hoped to be: Influential with wealthy men all over the country, consulted in matters concerning the race; a leader of the people; the possessor of not one, but two Cadillacs, a good salary and a soft, good-looking and creamy complexioned wife” (101). In my opinion, Dr. Blesdoe seems a bit superficial probably due to his possessions and immense power. As I read more of the novel, I realized the true nature of Dr. Blesdoe. Dr. Blesdoe is a hypocrite! He is a conniving, selfish, and ambitious individual who will take extreme measures to maintain his status and power. We get a first glimpse of Dr. Blesdoe’s true nature when he learns that the narrator took Mr. Norton to the slave- quarter section. Dr. Blesdoe gets extremely angered by this fact that he passionately exclaims to the narrator, “Haven’t you the sense God gave a dog? We take these white folks where we want them to go, we show them what we want them to see.” (102). His revelation reveals his superficial and insincere character. He is basically admitting that he is acting to be someone else in order to get what he wants. He even has this ability to put on a mask to conceal his inner emotions. He acts as a wise leader of the African- American race when in reality he is not.  Therefore, he is a hypocrite. He is secretly a manipulative person which the narrator catches on. For example, the narrator states that Dr. Blesdoe “demanded that everyone attend” these chapel meetings which focused on inciting hope for the college students (115). It is later inferred that Dr. Blesdoe forces this activity on his students to appear as an individual who believes in them. In reality, Dr. Blesdoe manipulates this meeting in order to prove to the white leaders that he is a powerful and intelligent man. He doesn’t care about the students. He even says, “I’ll have every Negro in the country hanging on tree limbs by morning if it means staying where I am” (141).  What kind of person says these kinds of horrible things? Can you imagine what the narrator must feel when his role model bluntly says this to him? I greatly dislike Dr. Blesdoe because he is a liar who even lies to himself. He decides to ignore the world around him in order to advance himself in the power hierarchy. He has no intention of helping the African- American students because apparently he is “the king down here” who cannot be stopped (141). He seriously needs to get over himself. I hope Dr. Blesdoe gets what he deserves.

Dissection of the Prologue in Invisible Man

Currently, I am reading a novel called Invisible Man which is written by Ralph Ellison. As I read the prologue of the novel, I came to an understanding of the whole book. I believe the prologue was incorporated in order to depict and firmly state the narrator’s state of mind.  In the beginning of the prologue, the narrator quotes “I am an invisible man.” (3). When I think of the word “invisible”, I first come up with the meaning of not being seen. Therefore, it seems likely to me that the narrator is metaphorically referring himself as “invisible” in order to convey his thought that no one really SEES him. However, I know that the word “invisible” can mean other things as well. Hence, I searched the word “invisible” with the Merriam Webster Dictionary. I found that the word “invisible” can mean incapable by nature of being seen, hidden, imperceptible, and not being reflected in statistics. Surprisingly, all these definitions of this particular word all fit within the prologue. For instance, the meaning of incapable of being seen can be applied with what the narrator says in the beginning of the prologue. He states that when people approach him “they see only my surrounding, themselves, or figments of their imagination-indeed, everything and anything except me” (3). In other words, the narrator is stating that it is inherent for people to be unable to really look and see others. People are so caught up with their own lives and thoughts that it is impossible for them to really look into a person’s true self. Secondly, the definition of hidden and imperceptible can also be found in the prologue. For example, the narrator mentions how he has “been carrying a fight with Monopolated Light & Power” (5). This particular fight is discovered to be an imperceptible and hidden one because the company fails to notice its enemy, the narrator. The narrator has been secretly draining the company’s power with his “1,369 lights” which correlates with the definition of “invisible” (7). The narrator is hidden and imperceptible to the eyes of the Light & Power Company. Lastly, the definition of not being reflected in statistics appears when the narrator recounts the event when he beat up a white man. His beating of the man was featured in the Daily News which the narrator scoffs at by exclaiming “poor fool, poor blind fool, I thought with sincere compassion, mugged by an invisible man!” (5). In this context, the word “invisible” means  not being reflected in statistics since the news story only covered the victim’s picture and description and not the actual mugger. Essentially, the narrator hopes to convey his real identity, invisibility. The narrator is rather proud that he is invisible because he doesn’t need to care about his appearance or his surroundings. He values truth which is why he possesses “1,369 lights” in his home. He even states that “The truth is light and light is the truth.” which emphasizes his appreciation for truth (7). I believe that this novel is going to be about the importance of truth and reality.

Hamlet's View on Women and Its Impact on His Future

In class, we have briefly discussed about Hamlet’s views toward women. So far only two women, Queen Gertrude and Ophelia, have stood out as the significant women in Hamlet’s life. Therefore, we will first analyze Hamlet’s views on Gertrude, his mother. We have learned in the beginning of the play that Gertrude committed incest by marrying Hamlet’s uncle. (In the Elizabethan Era, marrying one’s brother-in-law was condemned as incest.) Hence, Hamlet looks down on his mother and morally judges her in a negative manner. For instance, he sarcastically remarks to his mother “Ay, madam, it is common” (9). The word “common” connotes vulgarity in this context so Hamlet uses this particular diction to express his disdain for her. In other words, Hamlet is calling his mother vulgar and sinful. Moreover, he attacks his mother’s character by passionately exclaiming “Frailty, thy name is woman” (11). Hamlet disapproves of his mother because she shows weakness in character and judgment. He even manages to call her a “beast” that is illogical and “wicked” (11). It seems very unusual that Hamlet has such negative feelings for his mother despite the fact that they are related by flesh and blood. In my opinion, Hamlet’s rejection of his own kin foreshadows a disruption within his state of mind. He is suddenly overcome with such intense and harsh emotions toward his mother that he fails to maintain his sanity. By focusing only on the negative aspects of his life, Hamlet will most likely be driven to obsession of revenge and disregard for all other women. Speaking of other women, Ophelia seems like a very important individual to Hamlet. We know that Hamlet and Ophelia are lovers but we are not aware of the depth of their relationship. Nevertheless, it seems that Hamlet has a good opinion towards Ophelia but I sense an emptiness/doubt in their relationship. I noticed that Hamlet does not speak or think of Ophelia during the whole first act. Yet, I do not doubt that there SEEMS to be an affection between them. For instance, Ophelia has stated that Hamlet “made many tenders/Of his affection” to her which confirms their relationship (18). However, I still cannot suppress this feeling of doubt over Hamlet’s affection for Ophelia. He has already made his opinion clear on women when he quoted “Frailty, thy name is woman”. Also, what will happen when Hamlet learns that Ophelia will not speak to him because of her father’s command? Will he condemn her as a weak woman for following her father’s orders? (I think Ophelia’s father knows about Claudius’s sins which will further exacerbate Hamlet’s opinions toward Ophelia.) I predict that Hamlet will be disappointed with Ophelia’s obedience to Claudius’s right hand man that he will be driven more to seek revenge. He might feel that he has been rejected by all the people he previously loved, Gertrude and Ophelia. Therefore, he might think all blame goes to Claudius deepening his dangerous obsession. It seems evident to me that Hamlet’s views on women will worsen. Without a woman’s love (motherly or romantic), Hamlet be unable to control his reckless actions and thoughts.

Who is Gertrude?

                In class, we discussed Queen Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother and Claudius’ new bride. Many of my classmates expressed their opinions on Queen Gertrude which was either positive or negative. Therefore, I am here to analyze both sides. First I am going to focus on the positive/good Gertrude. There is this theory that Queen Gertrude only got married to Claudius to protect Hamlet. We know that Claudius is a suspicious and shady character because he married his sister-in-law. Also, he is shown to be antagonistic towards Hamlet by stating to him that “to persever/ in obstinate condolement is a course? Of impious stubbornness: tis unmanly grief” (9). He is basically telling Hamlet that he is just an immature boy who is unnecessarily stubborn. Therefore, Queen Gertrude might have known Claudius’ ill feelings towards Hamlet that she married him to protect her son. She seems worried that her son will lose his life like the late king that she begs Hamlet, “I pray thee, stay with us; go not to Wittenberg” (10). It can be viewed by some people that Gertrude is sacrificing herself depicting her as a strong and heroic individual. Lastly, some might point out Hamlet’s first soliloquy which describes Gertrude’s overflowing grief on King Hamlet’s death. She is said to “have follow’d [Hamlet’s] poor father’s body,/Like Niobe, all tears” which appears as a sincere gesture (11). Her strong emotional response to the King’s death portrays her as a morally good and devoted wife. Yet, the others view Gertrude as a morally corrupt individual by also pointing out Hamlet’s first soliloquy. Hamlet states that “within a month….she married. O, most wicked speed, to post/with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” (11). Through Hamlet’s revelation, we learn that Gertrude married Claudius, her brother-in-law after only one month after her first husband’s death. To some, her action indicates duplicity and incites suspicions in people’s minds. Did Gertrude only marry Claudius to maintain her position as queen? Was there an affair between Claudius and Gertrude in the past? It seems quite suspicious and abnormal that she married a family member at such speed knowing that she is committing incest. Also, her deliberate disapproval and disregard for Hamlet’s mourning seems cruel. She coldly states to Hamlet, “all that lives must die/ Passing through nature and eternity” (9) which is an unkind gesture to Hamlet’s fragile emotional state. However, I have come to the conclusion that Gertrude is actually a morally good person. I believe that she married Claudius in order to protect her son, the immediate person to the throne of Denmark. She is sacrificing herself and playing the role of a happy wife to preserve her loved ones. She is also a rather alert and wise individual because she quickly married Claudius fully knowing the dangers that could have claimed Hamlet’s life. She threw away her honor, pride, and body to protect her son. (Unfortunately, Hamlet fails to understand his mother’s actions.) But who am I to judge? I just only read two scenes of the first act.

R.I.P Quxxn

       

Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter

John Crow Ransom

There was such speed in her little body,   

And such lightness in her footfall,   

It is no wonder her brown study

Astonishes us all.

Her wars were bruited in our high window.   

We looked among orchard trees and beyond   

Where she took arms against her shadow,   

Or harried unto the pond

The lazy geese, like a snow cloud

Dripping their snow on the green grass,   

Tricking and stopping, sleepy and proud,   

Who cried in goose, Alas,

For the tireless heart within the little   

Lady with rod that made them rise

From their noon apple-dreams and scuttle   

Goose-fashion under the skies!

But now go the bells, and we are ready,   

In one house we are sternly stopped

To say we are vexed at her brown study,   

Lying so primly propped.

               Over the winter break, I was informed of tragic news that astonished me greatly. My favorite Youtuber, who was called Quxxn, passed away. I was so shocked by this unfortunate and tragic news that I was in daze for some time. It was hard to believe that such an energetic and happy person could be gone forever and never to return. As a result, I often think about Quxxn which led me to discover a poem that reminds me of her. The poem “Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter” by John Crowe Ransom seems to relate to Quxxn’s passing. First, the title “Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter” reminds me of Quxxn in a bittersweet way. The speaker of the poem obviously is not well acquainted with John Whiteside’s daughter because he doesn’t even know her name. I, too, don’t even know Quxxn’s real name and life story. I just know that she was a young woman who loved playing The Sims and enjoyed life. Yet, both the speaker and I share a bittersweet feeling for the deceased ones. Even though we don’t know these individuals, we feel sad over their passing because they remain so alive in our memories. For instance, the speaker of the poem reminisces about “such speed in [the little girl’s] little body” and the “lightness in her foot fall” (Line 1-2). By emphasizing lively diction such as “speed” and “foot fall”, the speaker is attempting to depict his memories of the girl as positive and sweet (Line 1-2).. Through this emphasis, we can understand the poet’s astonishment and sadness over the girl’s sudden death. Like the speaker, I am saddened by Quxxn’s passing because I am bombarded with memories of her upbeat and friendly personality. Her videos always started with a happy introduction which depicted her as an energetic and cheerful person so it comes as a surprise that I can never see or hear her voice anymore. However, the speaker and I have realized that death is a natural part of life that we must accept. Therefore, “we are ready” to accept her “brown study” (Line 17-18). (Brown study according to The Free Dictionary means a state of deep thought which represents death in this poem.) The poem definitely discusses a great theme on life which I consider AP Lit merit. As we live our lives, we will be faced with deaths of people who are close to us or slightly acquainted with. It is perfectly normal to grieve for the dead but it is our duty to move on with our lives. We cannot be frozen in a moment that is full of sorrow and regret. Humans are destined to live their lives at full potential. Finally, I can predict that some will argue that the speaker of the poem is indifferent and harsh towards the little girl’s death given that he does not know her name. Yet, I see the speaker’s positive and lively descriptions of the little girl such as “tireless heart within the little/Lady” as an indication of his affection and appreciation for her (Line 13-14).