Each tanka contains a few examples of simple assonance. In “I waited and I” by Princess Nukada, the long “I” sound is repeated several times. “I waited and I/… My blind” (Nukada 1-3). In the phrase “But… Of the summer mountain” (Mitsune 1-3) in “The End of My Journey” by Oshikochi Mitsune, the words “but,” “summer,” and “of” repeat the “uh” sound. “Now, I cannot tell” by Ki Tsurayuki has examples of both assonance and alliteration. The words “But” and “plum” (Tsurayuki 3) share the same sound, as do the words “place” and “fragrance” (Tsurayuki 4-5). The line “But the petals of the plum/In this place” (Tsurayuki 3-4) is alive with alliteration. In the poem “How Helpless My Heart!” by Ono Komachi, assonance appears in the words “stream” and “reed” (Komachi 2-3) and “helpless” and “tempt” (Komachi 1-2). The first line is also an excellent example of alliteration -- “How helpless my heart!” (Komachi 1), with the “h” sound at the beginning of every word. Finally, the last tanka by Priest Saigyo has the same sound throughout, in the phrase “single thing” (Saigyo 1), as well as the words “changing” (Saigyo 2), “in” (Saigyo 3), and “shining” (Saigyo 5). Assonance is important in these poems because it draws everything in together -- because of the necessary brevity, tankas are at risk of sounding pieced-together and awkward. Inner rhyme also helps the flow of the poem, and strengthens the themes by putting the emphasis on words that sound the same.
Every poem has inner themes of nature, but each deals with a unique issue as well. “I Waited and I” by Princess Nukada is about the ties between two lovers, and how sadness from being separated can break one’s heart. “The End of My Journey” by Oshikochi Mitsune is about a man, who, tired from a long journey, rests briefly in a beautiful spot in nature. This talks about how it is beneficial to sometimes take a break from busy life and reflect. The theme of “Now, I Cannot Tell” by Ki Tsurayuki is more complex -- friends move on in life, but the memories of time spent together still remain. “How Helpless My Heart!” by Ono Komachi is about how the speaker has had his or her heart broken and now feel lost and separated from the rest of the world. The final tanka by Priest Saigyo (“Every Single Thing”) is about how though our lives seem to move fast and sometimes out of control, we can always find something steady to hold on to.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
LRJ 5 -- Tu Fu Poetry Comparisons
The two poems “Jade Flower Palace” and “Night Thoughts Afloat” by Tu Fu are both striking, not easily forgotten fragments of an ancient Chinese civilization. “Jade Flower Palace” has a haunting, chilling mood that transports the reader back into the very image it provokes. “Night Thoughts Afloat” is more calm and gentle, like the waves lapping against the side of a boat. Their tones are similar -- both are lonely, while “Jade Flower Palace” echoes with reminiscent memories, and “Night Thoughts Afloat” seems more hopeless and sad.
The settings in both poems have natural aspects to them. “Jade Flower Palace” flies us to the ruins of an old castle, taken over by nature. It is rustic and overgrown, and the descriptions send shivers down one’s back. Vivid pictures appear when Tu Fu describes how the “wind moans in the pines” (2), how there are “green ghost fires in the black rooms,” (6) and how “their painted cheeks have crumbled/ away” (13-14). “Night Thoughts Afloat,” on the other hand, is in the quiet peace of a river at night, undisturbed by human interference. Gentle scenes from nature both soothe the mind and sadden it, like “bent grasses/ in a gentle wind” (1-2) and “the moon’s afloat/ in this Great River” (6-7). Both poems use many images from nature, as well as lush descriptions and bright colors to convey the emotion of the poet.
“Jade Flower Palace” has more concrete detail contained in it than “Night Thoughts Afloat,” but both poems are in such a dreamlike trance it is hard to pin anything down. In the former, the images of “ruins beside the cliffs” (5) and “only/ a stone horse is left” (14) are stark and realistic, showing how Tu Fu is mourning the loss of perhaps not just the palace. In the latter, “stars hang/ above the broad plain” (5-6) is such a realistic image one can almost believe they are under the exact night sky being described. The phrase also carries a slightly lonely edge, because the stars seem quiet, alone in the heavens, waiting for something that never seems to appear.
The settings in both poems have natural aspects to them. “Jade Flower Palace” flies us to the ruins of an old castle, taken over by nature. It is rustic and overgrown, and the descriptions send shivers down one’s back. Vivid pictures appear when Tu Fu describes how the “wind moans in the pines” (2), how there are “green ghost fires in the black rooms,” (6) and how “their painted cheeks have crumbled/ away” (13-14). “Night Thoughts Afloat,” on the other hand, is in the quiet peace of a river at night, undisturbed by human interference. Gentle scenes from nature both soothe the mind and sadden it, like “bent grasses/ in a gentle wind” (1-2) and “the moon’s afloat/ in this Great River” (6-7). Both poems use many images from nature, as well as lush descriptions and bright colors to convey the emotion of the poet.
“Jade Flower Palace” has more concrete detail contained in it than “Night Thoughts Afloat,” but both poems are in such a dreamlike trance it is hard to pin anything down. In the former, the images of “ruins beside the cliffs” (5) and “only/ a stone horse is left” (14) are stark and realistic, showing how Tu Fu is mourning the loss of perhaps not just the palace. In the latter, “stars hang/ above the broad plain” (5-6) is such a realistic image one can almost believe they are under the exact night sky being described. The phrase also carries a slightly lonely edge, because the stars seem quiet, alone in the heavens, waiting for something that never seems to appear.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Shakespeare Comparison Paper
Claire Hinkley
Peifer 4
English 10 IB
18 March 2009
Shakespeare Comparison Paper
“Man in his time plays many parts.” This quote is representative of all humans, for everyone grows and changes throughout their lifetime. Perhaps this is why it is included in many great works of literature. The great William Shakespeare included it in many of his plays, including Macbeth and As You Like It. In these plays especially, the four characters that can most relate to this quote are probably Rosalind, Macbeth, Oliver, and Lady Macbeth, for each go through at least one transformation in the course of the play.
Rosalind, the protagonist in As You Like It, changes so many times throughout the story it can become a bit confusing for the readers. At first she is herself, Rosalind. Then she pretends to be a man (“Ganymede”) when she travels into the Forest of Arden. Finally, she pretends to be a man acting like a woman. “Were it not better,/ Because I am more than the common tall,/ That I did suit me all points like a man?… And therefore look you call me Ganymede.” (Shakespeare 1.3.121-132) She becomes Ganymede most practically for protection, for two women traveling alone in the forest would be dangerous to both. Later, when she is “acting” like Rosalind, it is driven by her curiosity to find out more about the one whom she loves. Rosalind’s switching of identities shows she is courageous, brave, smart, and resourceful. Shakespeare is also possibly making a point that women can be just as strong and brave as men when given the opportunity to be without judgment. Rosalind receives this opportunity because everyone she meets believes her to be a boy.
Macbeth starts out the play as a good thane, loyal to his king and country and happy with his position in life. However, the witches’ prophecy changes that. The notion of unlimited power is a poisonous seed in Macbeth’s mind, and it rapidly grows into a thorny vine that smothers all his guilty thoughts and remnants of his conscience. Macbeth becomes ruthless, ambitious, and bloodthirsty, and he stops at nothing in his quest for power. “I have no spur/ To ##### the sides of my intent, but only/ Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself/ And falls on th' other.” (Shakespeare 1.7.25-29) This change in character is helped along by his wife, Lady Macbeth, but eventually he surpasses her in greed and they separate, to meet again only in death. Macbeth’s change in character is a vivid warning of what happens when one becomes too powerful. The author could also have been suggesting that women are not to be trusted, since Lady Macbeth pushed her husband into more sin when he hesitated. He also could have been showing the audience a tyrant to make them appreciate King James.
Oliver, from As You Like It, is another character who does a complete turnaround in the role that he plays. At first he is malicious and cruel to his younger brother Orlando. “Oh, that your Highness knew my heart in this:/ I never loved my brother in my life” (Shakespeare 3.1.13-14) However, after Orlando saves his older brother from a lioness, Oliver becomes thoughtful and kind. “I do not shame/ To tell you what I was, since my conversion/ So sweetly tastes, being the thing I am.” (Shakespeare 4.2.161-163) Oliver’s change in character is meaningful because it shows how people can change through love, time, and life-or-death situations. Shakespeare also makes an interesting point on how there is good in everyone -- it sometimes just needs time to come out.
Lady Macbeth is a woman who plays many parts during the portion of her life captured in the play. In the beginning, she is very ambitious, and pushes her husband to kill Duncan. Then, slowly, we see her composure slipping, until she finally goes mad with guilt and commits suicide. The difference between the poised, ambitious, greedy Lady Macbeth at the start of the play and the shaking, guilt-ridden, sleepwalking woman at the end is enormous and startling. “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!—One, two. Why, then, 'tis time to do 't. Hell is/ murky!—Fie, my lord, fie! A soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows/ it, when none can call our power to account?—Yet who would have thought the/ old man to have had so much blood in him.” (Shakespeare 5.1.25-28) It sends a ringing warning to everyone in the audience. This change of character is important for many reasons. Lady Macbeth’s slipping sanity acts as both a comparison to her husband, who on the contrary grows colder and more greedy with every day; and also is a startling measure of the severity of the deeds committed by the couple. Though at first the lady’s suicide might seem like a symbol of the weakness of woman compared to men, it really shows the range of emotions women are capable of feeling. The guilt and sadness Lady Macbeth feels, though physically caused her death, ultimately might have saved her immortal soul from damnation. Macbeth was unable to feel regret, and this could be a much more far-reaching and deep flaw than the mental breakdown his wife experienced.
In the two plays As You Like It and Macbeth, the four characters Lady Macbeth, Oliver, Macbeth, and Rosalind especially make many changes to both their physical and mental characters throughout their respective stories. These different aspects to their personalities prove that everyone is multi-faceted and one should never judge another right away, for there is always more than meets the eye. As people grow, they change, and will always adapt to different situations. There are many forces acting upon everyone, and people will play many parts during their life, for nothing lasts forever.
Peifer 4
English 10 IB
18 March 2009
Shakespeare Comparison Paper
“Man in his time plays many parts.” This quote is representative of all humans, for everyone grows and changes throughout their lifetime. Perhaps this is why it is included in many great works of literature. The great William Shakespeare included it in many of his plays, including Macbeth and As You Like It. In these plays especially, the four characters that can most relate to this quote are probably Rosalind, Macbeth, Oliver, and Lady Macbeth, for each go through at least one transformation in the course of the play.
Rosalind, the protagonist in As You Like It, changes so many times throughout the story it can become a bit confusing for the readers. At first she is herself, Rosalind. Then she pretends to be a man (“Ganymede”) when she travels into the Forest of Arden. Finally, she pretends to be a man acting like a woman. “Were it not better,/ Because I am more than the common tall,/ That I did suit me all points like a man?… And therefore look you call me Ganymede.” (Shakespeare 1.3.121-132) She becomes Ganymede most practically for protection, for two women traveling alone in the forest would be dangerous to both. Later, when she is “acting” like Rosalind, it is driven by her curiosity to find out more about the one whom she loves. Rosalind’s switching of identities shows she is courageous, brave, smart, and resourceful. Shakespeare is also possibly making a point that women can be just as strong and brave as men when given the opportunity to be without judgment. Rosalind receives this opportunity because everyone she meets believes her to be a boy.
Macbeth starts out the play as a good thane, loyal to his king and country and happy with his position in life. However, the witches’ prophecy changes that. The notion of unlimited power is a poisonous seed in Macbeth’s mind, and it rapidly grows into a thorny vine that smothers all his guilty thoughts and remnants of his conscience. Macbeth becomes ruthless, ambitious, and bloodthirsty, and he stops at nothing in his quest for power. “I have no spur/ To ##### the sides of my intent, but only/ Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself/ And falls on th' other.” (Shakespeare 1.7.25-29) This change in character is helped along by his wife, Lady Macbeth, but eventually he surpasses her in greed and they separate, to meet again only in death. Macbeth’s change in character is a vivid warning of what happens when one becomes too powerful. The author could also have been suggesting that women are not to be trusted, since Lady Macbeth pushed her husband into more sin when he hesitated. He also could have been showing the audience a tyrant to make them appreciate King James.
Oliver, from As You Like It, is another character who does a complete turnaround in the role that he plays. At first he is malicious and cruel to his younger brother Orlando. “Oh, that your Highness knew my heart in this:/ I never loved my brother in my life” (Shakespeare 3.1.13-14) However, after Orlando saves his older brother from a lioness, Oliver becomes thoughtful and kind. “I do not shame/ To tell you what I was, since my conversion/ So sweetly tastes, being the thing I am.” (Shakespeare 4.2.161-163) Oliver’s change in character is meaningful because it shows how people can change through love, time, and life-or-death situations. Shakespeare also makes an interesting point on how there is good in everyone -- it sometimes just needs time to come out.
Lady Macbeth is a woman who plays many parts during the portion of her life captured in the play. In the beginning, she is very ambitious, and pushes her husband to kill Duncan. Then, slowly, we see her composure slipping, until she finally goes mad with guilt and commits suicide. The difference between the poised, ambitious, greedy Lady Macbeth at the start of the play and the shaking, guilt-ridden, sleepwalking woman at the end is enormous and startling. “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!—One, two. Why, then, 'tis time to do 't. Hell is/ murky!—Fie, my lord, fie! A soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows/ it, when none can call our power to account?—Yet who would have thought the/ old man to have had so much blood in him.” (Shakespeare 5.1.25-28) It sends a ringing warning to everyone in the audience. This change of character is important for many reasons. Lady Macbeth’s slipping sanity acts as both a comparison to her husband, who on the contrary grows colder and more greedy with every day; and also is a startling measure of the severity of the deeds committed by the couple. Though at first the lady’s suicide might seem like a symbol of the weakness of woman compared to men, it really shows the range of emotions women are capable of feeling. The guilt and sadness Lady Macbeth feels, though physically caused her death, ultimately might have saved her immortal soul from damnation. Macbeth was unable to feel regret, and this could be a much more far-reaching and deep flaw than the mental breakdown his wife experienced.
In the two plays As You Like It and Macbeth, the four characters Lady Macbeth, Oliver, Macbeth, and Rosalind especially make many changes to both their physical and mental characters throughout their respective stories. These different aspects to their personalities prove that everyone is multi-faceted and one should never judge another right away, for there is always more than meets the eye. As people grow, they change, and will always adapt to different situations. There are many forces acting upon everyone, and people will play many parts during their life, for nothing lasts forever.
Monday, March 16, 2009
As You Like It LRJ 5
Everything has worked out right, and I am completely happy! We all have married -- dear Celia with Oliver, who almost as soon as setting eyes on each other were in love; Silvius with Phoebe, who transferred her affections to the devoted man; and even Touchstone with a rather random peasant girl named Audrey. And of course, my wonderful Orlando and I are together at last.
It all fell into place so perfectly, even I was a bit surprised. I convinced them all I was under the tutelage of a magician and I could bring Rosalind here for Orlando. When I admitted I am her, they weren’t completely surprised, for I think they saw similarities between her and Ganymede.
Finally, a messenger appeared, saying Orlando has all his lands back! My uncle has decided to become a monk. This is unexpected, but not at all undeserved. We will move back with my husband, for he is now a duke. Oliver has lands too, so Celia and I will always be close. I am beginning to think the Forest of Arden is somewhat magical, for it took my plans and executed them perfectly. I am sure Touchstone and Jaques will be happy, and I bear them no ill will whatsoever. In fact, I do think we all just might live happily ever after.
--Rosalind
It all fell into place so perfectly, even I was a bit surprised. I convinced them all I was under the tutelage of a magician and I could bring Rosalind here for Orlando. When I admitted I am her, they weren’t completely surprised, for I think they saw similarities between her and Ganymede.
Finally, a messenger appeared, saying Orlando has all his lands back! My uncle has decided to become a monk. This is unexpected, but not at all undeserved. We will move back with my husband, for he is now a duke. Oliver has lands too, so Celia and I will always be close. I am beginning to think the Forest of Arden is somewhat magical, for it took my plans and executed them perfectly. I am sure Touchstone and Jaques will be happy, and I bear them no ill will whatsoever. In fact, I do think we all just might live happily ever after.
--Rosalind
As You Like It LRJ 4
We are all still in the Forest, and though I admit I rather miss my house, it is all worth it for I can see Orlando! I am so worried for him now, for earlier today, something most alarming happened. His brother Oliver came by and informed us Orlando was wounded in saving him from a hungry lioness! He even produced the bloody handkerchief to prove his bravery. I forgot my role as Ganymede for a moment and fainted, which made Oliver slightly suspicious. I am not sure I completely convinced him it wasn’t real.
I met a Monsieur Jaques today as well, who I do not like at all. He is a melancholy fellow, and thinks a great deal of himself. He was trying to convince me that he has traveled all over Europe! What a liar. He is quite melancholy, and though he seems to think this makes him poetic and admirable, I think it makes him about as interesting and intelligent as a post.
I simply cannot wait to see my Orlando again. I will continue with my charade, but I don’t think it needs to be for much longer, for I can see he is a good man, honorable and brave. I only hope he recovers from his injuries! I will go inquire to Oliver as to their severity.
--Rosalind
I met a Monsieur Jaques today as well, who I do not like at all. He is a melancholy fellow, and thinks a great deal of himself. He was trying to convince me that he has traveled all over Europe! What a liar. He is quite melancholy, and though he seems to think this makes him poetic and admirable, I think it makes him about as interesting and intelligent as a post.
I simply cannot wait to see my Orlando again. I will continue with my charade, but I don’t think it needs to be for much longer, for I can see he is a good man, honorable and brave. I only hope he recovers from his injuries! I will go inquire to Oliver as to their severity.
--Rosalind
As You Like It LRJ 3
I have found my father. But I can scarcely think of him now that I have discovered who has been staying with him -- Orlando, my wrestler!
He covered the trees of the forest of Arden with poems for me, and though some of them were not very good, I know that he loves me! He thinks that I am a man, but I have a plan. I need to make truly sure he is a good man, so I am going to pretend to give him lessons on “forgetting” his love for me. I will act as myself, Rosalind, though he will believe it is Ganymede.
I wish he would come! He was so late for our meeting today that I happened upon two shepards while I was waiting. One of them is a truly dreadful woman by the name of Phoebe who has somehow captured the heart of the good man Silvius! I am afraid she has fallen in love with Ganymede. I’m not too worried about this though… I know it will all work out. Celia has given me very good advice.
I do wonder why Orlando has come into the forest. I will ask him next time I see him. But where is he?
--Rosalind
He covered the trees of the forest of Arden with poems for me, and though some of them were not very good, I know that he loves me! He thinks that I am a man, but I have a plan. I need to make truly sure he is a good man, so I am going to pretend to give him lessons on “forgetting” his love for me. I will act as myself, Rosalind, though he will believe it is Ganymede.
I wish he would come! He was so late for our meeting today that I happened upon two shepards while I was waiting. One of them is a truly dreadful woman by the name of Phoebe who has somehow captured the heart of the good man Silvius! I am afraid she has fallen in love with Ganymede. I’m not too worried about this though… I know it will all work out. Celia has given me very good advice.
I do wonder why Orlando has come into the forest. I will ask him next time I see him. But where is he?
--Rosalind
As You Like It LRJ 2
How kind these shepards are to strangers! For we were walking along the path, poor Celia about to faint, when we happened upon a kind man called Corin. He offered us food and shelter immediately and with no suspicion! It is a very nice change from court. Now we are going to purchase this land and house for him, I believe.
Touchstone has been very entertaining lately. I don’t think he wishes himself to be with us, however, for today he said, “Ay, now am I in Arden, the more fool I. When I was at home I was in a better place, but travelers must be content.” However, it must be so, though I am sorry to cause him discomfort. Dear Celia is closer than a sister, and she has stayed true by my side through this whole ordeal. I hate to think I am causing her pain. She must be missed by now, and Touchstone as well… I hope my uncle stays in his palace, for meeting him here cannot bode well for anyone involved.
I still cannot wait to find my father. It is what is driving me through this difficult journey… well, my father and perhaps the memory of my wrestler. But I must focus on the task ahead -- the forest is necessary, and I hope we all will become stronger because of it. Now I must stop, for we must continue on in our search. I think I will go ask the shepard Corin if he knows of my father’s whereabouts.
--Rosalind
Touchstone has been very entertaining lately. I don’t think he wishes himself to be with us, however, for today he said, “Ay, now am I in Arden, the more fool I. When I was at home I was in a better place, but travelers must be content.” However, it must be so, though I am sorry to cause him discomfort. Dear Celia is closer than a sister, and she has stayed true by my side through this whole ordeal. I hate to think I am causing her pain. She must be missed by now, and Touchstone as well… I hope my uncle stays in his palace, for meeting him here cannot bode well for anyone involved.
I still cannot wait to find my father. It is what is driving me through this difficult journey… well, my father and perhaps the memory of my wrestler. But I must focus on the task ahead -- the forest is necessary, and I hope we all will become stronger because of it. Now I must stop, for we must continue on in our search. I think I will go ask the shepard Corin if he knows of my father’s whereabouts.
--Rosalind
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