Charles Spencer
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
December 14, 2010
1) What are the values shown in this section of Beowulf? This section of Beowulf is perhaps the most meaningful selection, and displays values that extremely stress loyalty and sacrifice of oneself for the greater cause. Beowulf is a loyal king to his subjects and is very strongly obligated to protect them. As the threat of the fire breathing dragon onsets, Beowulf, even in his old age goes on to fight. A sense of loyalty especially comes into play when Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, 'took up the cross' for Beowulf and combated the dragon at his side. "I remember that time when the mead was flowing, how we pledged loyalty to our lord in the hall"( Beowulf 2633-2634). Wiglaf found the call of duty in the pledge made to his king, and was obligated to fight. The ultimate sacrifice comes at the end when Beowulf dies at the hand of the dragon for his people.
2) How is this story different from the other sections of Beowulf? Aside from the plot this selection of Beowulf differs in the portrayal of Beowulf. By no means is he shown as weaker, however he is showing his age. Beowulf has been the Lord of the Geats for years and he is now well aged. He also has lost his constant advantage he gained from him sword that never failed him, as it was struck down and no match for the dragon.
3) Why would the circumstances of Beowulf's death be considered an honorable and fitting end for a hero of that era? A hero can never be defeated, and when the 'bad guy' is defeated, death is not defeat. Beowulf's death was a fitting end because he defeated the last enemy threatening the Geats, the dragon, in a honorable way. In the era of Beowulf, honor was the basis upon which warriors wished to die, and how Beowulf fought without the advantage of his sword, even dying for his city, was very honorable.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Beowulf LRJ2: The Battle with Grendel's Mother
Charles Spencer
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
December 14, 2010
1) Explain the values of their society. Cite textual evidence to support your statements: The values in the society of Beowulf are mainly based upon revenge, and responsibility. Revenge is a very common attribute found in literature of many different cultures. In the case of Beowulf, he killed Grendel in defense of his city, but no deed can go unpunished. In this culture, getting back at someone for hurting you is not the single motive for revenge. It is important in Beowulf's culture to get the last word in their life; which never seems to simply be a conversation. No battle is won until everyone is defeated: "...an avenger lurked and was still alive, grimly biding time. Grendel's mother..."(Beowulf 1257-1258). What is notable about the tendencies of revenge in Beowulf's society is that when one is defeated or killed, in this case Grendel, there is someone who steps up to continue fighting for his cause. This also shows the responsibility the people of this culture had to fight for the common cause. Granted, Grendels's cause was not one of nobility and bravery, nevertheless his mother respected her responsibility to fight for her son.
2) What is unrealistic in the story? Why are these unrealistic stories a part of Beowulf? What effect does these details create for the reader/society that would have originally listened to the story? The common unrealistic character to Beowulf is his general invulnerability. Specific to this excerpt from Beowulf, Grendel and his mother are unrealistic, as they are giants. Both of these unrealistic concepts come together in this excerpt when Beowulf and Grendel's mother are fighting underwater, and specifically how Beowulf's metal armor does no ill favor to him underwater. These unrealistic characteristics in Beowulf, as well as many others in heroic literature, are present to show the power possessed in the protagonist, for example Beowulf's ever faithful sword, and his armor that he can wield in water. The powers possessed by Beowulf excite the reader, and sparks thought of such unrealistic events, which makes the reader wish to read on.
3) Name a couple of your favorite quotes. Explain why you like these quotes and what they add to the meaning of the work as a whole. "So he overcame the foe, brought down the hell-brute."(Beowulf 1273-1274) The overall power and might of Beowulf are displayed here. The way this is written showcases the classic battle of good verses evil, placing Beowulf high on his pedestal, over coming the 'foe' and the 'hell-brute'. This overall fits into the hero complex found in Beowulf throughout the story.
"Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke..."(Beowulf 1383) A simple statement of introduction is often all that needs be said about a hero. This quote is short, but explains a great deal about the culture, such as his lineage, 'son of Ecgtheow', which is fitting with the rest of Beowulf.
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
December 14, 2010
1) Explain the values of their society. Cite textual evidence to support your statements: The values in the society of Beowulf are mainly based upon revenge, and responsibility. Revenge is a very common attribute found in literature of many different cultures. In the case of Beowulf, he killed Grendel in defense of his city, but no deed can go unpunished. In this culture, getting back at someone for hurting you is not the single motive for revenge. It is important in Beowulf's culture to get the last word in their life; which never seems to simply be a conversation. No battle is won until everyone is defeated: "...an avenger lurked and was still alive, grimly biding time. Grendel's mother..."(Beowulf 1257-1258). What is notable about the tendencies of revenge in Beowulf's society is that when one is defeated or killed, in this case Grendel, there is someone who steps up to continue fighting for his cause. This also shows the responsibility the people of this culture had to fight for the common cause. Granted, Grendels's cause was not one of nobility and bravery, nevertheless his mother respected her responsibility to fight for her son.
2) What is unrealistic in the story? Why are these unrealistic stories a part of Beowulf? What effect does these details create for the reader/society that would have originally listened to the story? The common unrealistic character to Beowulf is his general invulnerability. Specific to this excerpt from Beowulf, Grendel and his mother are unrealistic, as they are giants. Both of these unrealistic concepts come together in this excerpt when Beowulf and Grendel's mother are fighting underwater, and specifically how Beowulf's metal armor does no ill favor to him underwater. These unrealistic characteristics in Beowulf, as well as many others in heroic literature, are present to show the power possessed in the protagonist, for example Beowulf's ever faithful sword, and his armor that he can wield in water. The powers possessed by Beowulf excite the reader, and sparks thought of such unrealistic events, which makes the reader wish to read on.
3) Name a couple of your favorite quotes. Explain why you like these quotes and what they add to the meaning of the work as a whole. "So he overcame the foe, brought down the hell-brute."(Beowulf 1273-1274) The overall power and might of Beowulf are displayed here. The way this is written showcases the classic battle of good verses evil, placing Beowulf high on his pedestal, over coming the 'foe' and the 'hell-brute'. This overall fits into the hero complex found in Beowulf throughout the story.
"Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke..."(Beowulf 1383) A simple statement of introduction is often all that needs be said about a hero. This quote is short, but explains a great deal about the culture, such as his lineage, 'son of Ecgtheow', which is fitting with the rest of Beowulf.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Beowulf LRJ 1: Introduction/Battle with Grendel
Charles Spencer
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
December 8, 2010
1) Old literature is an excellent window through which one can look and see that values and traditions of many culture. In Beowulf, the old Anglo-Saxon English culture is portrayed, containing many classic 'medieval' elements such as castles and the monster Grendel himself. The values of the culture in Beowulf are those of warmth, and heroism The culture in Beowulf values the warmth of gatherings and interaction with other people, and the author shows it by portraying the banquets and the kingdom of Shielding's 'mead hall'. "Then it was like old times in the echoing hall, proud talk and the people happy, loud, and excited..." (Beowulf, 38-44) shows how the terrorizing reign of Grendel has affected the people of Hrothgar. They are unable to live comfortably and feel the warmth that they value with the threats from Grendel. Also, due to the overshadow of Grendel, heroes are not only valued in the culture, they are also relied upon for comfort. As shown in the taken lines from Beowulf, it takes the arrival of a hero to provide comfort enough for a warm, social hall. As a whole, the culture's way of life is interrupted by Grendel.
2) Kennings are to Beowulf as Homeric similes are to the Iliad and the Odyssey; abundant and necessary. Just as Homeric similes, kennings are an identifying characteristic present in its story. This particular translation of Beowulf uses kennings to not only amplify the effect of words, but also to show characteristics of the culture. Kennings show the culture of Beowulf's spirituality, especially when describing things such as the son and Beowulf himself. Kennings such as: "...captain of evil..."( Beowulf 749), "...horn-rigged hall..."(Beowulf 779), and "...these reavers from hell..."(Beowulf 163) show the culture's use of such kennings in place of important people and places in this story, such as (many of) Grendel, and the mead hall in the horn rigged hall.
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
December 8, 2010
1) Old literature is an excellent window through which one can look and see that values and traditions of many culture. In Beowulf, the old Anglo-Saxon English culture is portrayed, containing many classic 'medieval' elements such as castles and the monster Grendel himself. The values of the culture in Beowulf are those of warmth, and heroism The culture in Beowulf values the warmth of gatherings and interaction with other people, and the author shows it by portraying the banquets and the kingdom of Shielding's 'mead hall'. "Then it was like old times in the echoing hall, proud talk and the people happy, loud, and excited..." (Beowulf, 38-44) shows how the terrorizing reign of Grendel has affected the people of Hrothgar. They are unable to live comfortably and feel the warmth that they value with the threats from Grendel. Also, due to the overshadow of Grendel, heroes are not only valued in the culture, they are also relied upon for comfort. As shown in the taken lines from Beowulf, it takes the arrival of a hero to provide comfort enough for a warm, social hall. As a whole, the culture's way of life is interrupted by Grendel.
2) Kennings are to Beowulf as Homeric similes are to the Iliad and the Odyssey; abundant and necessary. Just as Homeric similes, kennings are an identifying characteristic present in its story. This particular translation of Beowulf uses kennings to not only amplify the effect of words, but also to show characteristics of the culture. Kennings show the culture of Beowulf's spirituality, especially when describing things such as the son and Beowulf himself. Kennings such as: "...captain of evil..."( Beowulf 749), "...horn-rigged hall..."(Beowulf 779), and "...these reavers from hell..."(Beowulf 163) show the culture's use of such kennings in place of important people and places in this story, such as (many of) Grendel, and the mead hall in the horn rigged hall.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Antigone LRJ: Find three examples of dramatic irony.
Charles Spencer
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
November 30, 2010
Dramatic irony is very abundant in Antigone, as which is common in many tragic literary works. An outstanding example of dramatic irony occurs in the situation between Ismene and Antigone when Ismene has a sudden and surprising change of heart. At first Ismene is strong against Antigone going off to bury Polyneices' body, for she does not feel like it is right to disobey the king, and fears what his reaction would be. After Antigone does her deed, she stands up and asks for death, claiming she is equally guilty. This is ironic because she is choosing death, which is a horrible fate, however it is seen as a glorified future in this situation.
Another instance of dramatic irony occurs in the form of the entire story of Antigone. Antigone goes out to prevent her brother from dying in a way by granting him passage to the afterlife. The repercussions of her actions in combination with Creon's stubbornness cause more death, including that of Antigone herself, which is ironic in her respect.
A final example of dramatic irony in Antigone is in scene five of the play, lines 1-140, in which Teiresias lends his prophetic advice to Creon. Creon however disregards this advice to free Antigone, and as Teiresias warns, she had killed herself before he chose to free her, which ironically in turn caused the death of Haimon and Euridice as well.
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
November 30, 2010
Dramatic irony is very abundant in Antigone, as which is common in many tragic literary works. An outstanding example of dramatic irony occurs in the situation between Ismene and Antigone when Ismene has a sudden and surprising change of heart. At first Ismene is strong against Antigone going off to bury Polyneices' body, for she does not feel like it is right to disobey the king, and fears what his reaction would be. After Antigone does her deed, she stands up and asks for death, claiming she is equally guilty. This is ironic because she is choosing death, which is a horrible fate, however it is seen as a glorified future in this situation.
Another instance of dramatic irony occurs in the form of the entire story of Antigone. Antigone goes out to prevent her brother from dying in a way by granting him passage to the afterlife. The repercussions of her actions in combination with Creon's stubbornness cause more death, including that of Antigone herself, which is ironic in her respect.
A final example of dramatic irony in Antigone is in scene five of the play, lines 1-140, in which Teiresias lends his prophetic advice to Creon. Creon however disregards this advice to free Antigone, and as Teiresias warns, she had killed herself before he chose to free her, which ironically in turn caused the death of Haimon and Euridice as well.
Antigone LRJ: In two-three paragraphs, explore who you think was the best example of unshakable will power. Explain also whether you think Sophocles saw this "unshakable will power" as a virtue or a flaw.
Charles Spencer
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
November 30, 2010
There are at least three outstanding characters will 'unshakable will power'. Creon, Antigone, and Haimon all show a definite amount of will power in their roles in Antigone. Creon shows his strong and adamant will through his upkeep of the punishment of Antigone through all of the adversity. Haimon was very persistent in trying to convince his father to free Antigone, even so to the point of killing himself. It is Antigone's character in which the presence of 'unshakable will power' stands out. She first goes behind her king to bury her brother, and then stands up for herself, even to the point of bringing herself to death when Creon would not do it.
Sophocles shows Antigone's will power as a virtue, as she is the dramatic hero in the play. It is because of Antigone that Creon makes his choices, however Sophocles uses this to show Creon's cowardly instincts. By giving Antigone this true unshakable will power Sophocles tests Creon, a test which he goes on to fail. Despite Antigone's death in the end, her will power still shines as a virtue, for she dies a hero for burying her brother and granting him an afterlife.
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
November 30, 2010
There are at least three outstanding characters will 'unshakable will power'. Creon, Antigone, and Haimon all show a definite amount of will power in their roles in Antigone. Creon shows his strong and adamant will through his upkeep of the punishment of Antigone through all of the adversity. Haimon was very persistent in trying to convince his father to free Antigone, even so to the point of killing himself. It is Antigone's character in which the presence of 'unshakable will power' stands out. She first goes behind her king to bury her brother, and then stands up for herself, even to the point of bringing herself to death when Creon would not do it.
Sophocles shows Antigone's will power as a virtue, as she is the dramatic hero in the play. It is because of Antigone that Creon makes his choices, however Sophocles uses this to show Creon's cowardly instincts. By giving Antigone this true unshakable will power Sophocles tests Creon, a test which he goes on to fail. Despite Antigone's death in the end, her will power still shines as a virtue, for she dies a hero for burying her brother and granting him an afterlife.
Antigone LRJ: How are women characterized in the play? Find textual evidence to support your statements.
Charles Spencer
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
November 30, 2010
It is very common for women to be stereotyped in early Grecian and Romantic literature. Such stereotypes often weaken the image of women, showing them as objects to be pillaged and claimed by men. In this early literature it was also very rare for women to show prominent protagonist roles, they were often portrayed as widowed wives or victims of men. Antigone's character is unique in the sense that she is a strong woman, who is adept at asserting herself and her opinions, as well as acting on her own.
Antigone's strength is first showcased in her appeal to Ismene, informing her of her plan to bury Polyneices. In comparable literature, women are often not even centered enough to showcase their opinions. However Antigone is very vocal, and quite curt at that, "Ismene, I am going to bury him. Will you come?"(Sophocles 31-32). Simply through the vocalizing of her opinions, Antigone's character defies the stereotypes set in place by earlier literature such as the Odyssey. After Antigone's actions of burying her brother, her defense of her action also helps to portray her strength as a woman character, "...I am only mortal. And if I must die Now, before it is my time to die, surely this is no hardship..." (Sophocles 66-68). In saying this, she portrays herself as the tragic hero, who must die for what is right. Even though she is a woman, she is still strong enough to act on her own, and die for her heroic actions if she must.
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
November 30, 2010
It is very common for women to be stereotyped in early Grecian and Romantic literature. Such stereotypes often weaken the image of women, showing them as objects to be pillaged and claimed by men. In this early literature it was also very rare for women to show prominent protagonist roles, they were often portrayed as widowed wives or victims of men. Antigone's character is unique in the sense that she is a strong woman, who is adept at asserting herself and her opinions, as well as acting on her own.
Antigone's strength is first showcased in her appeal to Ismene, informing her of her plan to bury Polyneices. In comparable literature, women are often not even centered enough to showcase their opinions. However Antigone is very vocal, and quite curt at that, "Ismene, I am going to bury him. Will you come?"(Sophocles 31-32). Simply through the vocalizing of her opinions, Antigone's character defies the stereotypes set in place by earlier literature such as the Odyssey. After Antigone's actions of burying her brother, her defense of her action also helps to portray her strength as a woman character, "...I am only mortal. And if I must die Now, before it is my time to die, surely this is no hardship..." (Sophocles 66-68). In saying this, she portrays herself as the tragic hero, who must die for what is right. Even though she is a woman, she is still strong enough to act on her own, and die for her heroic actions if she must.
Antigone LRJ: What is the character's fatal flaw? Find textual evidence where the reader sees this fatal flaw in the play.
Charles Spencer
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
November 30, 2010
The ultimate tragedy in Antigone is the suicide of Haimon, Euridice, and Antigone herself. Even though Antigone is the title character of the play, it is the actions of the king, Creon, that fuels the tragic events. Creon is a very strong character, however this shows him as stubborn, and his stubbornness is his undoing, even after he tries to 'take it back'. The ultimate cause of Creon's stubbornness is the 'king complex' in his head that tells him once Kings make a decision it must be obeyed, and not even the king can go back on it.
Creon orders that Polyneices is not to buried after his death as he goes against the king and the city, and when Antigone goes and buries him in spite of Creon's orders, Creon is faced put in a difficult position. His anger towards Antigone coerces his to send her to die. Even after the pleads from Haimon, Creon is intent on not changing his position on the matter, saying "Whoever is chosen to govern should be obeyed- Must be obeyed, in all things, great and small" (Sophocles 34-37). This shows that in the beginning Creon is simply angry because he is the king, and he can not have his subjects disobeying him. This clouds his judgment and prevents him from seeing the nobility and reasoning behind Antigone's actions in burying her brother. Even as Creon begins to see Antigone's viewpoint, his stubbornness in upholding his 'noble king' status distracts him long enough for Antigone to kill herself the tragedy of the play to unfold.
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
November 30, 2010
The ultimate tragedy in Antigone is the suicide of Haimon, Euridice, and Antigone herself. Even though Antigone is the title character of the play, it is the actions of the king, Creon, that fuels the tragic events. Creon is a very strong character, however this shows him as stubborn, and his stubbornness is his undoing, even after he tries to 'take it back'. The ultimate cause of Creon's stubbornness is the 'king complex' in his head that tells him once Kings make a decision it must be obeyed, and not even the king can go back on it.
Creon orders that Polyneices is not to buried after his death as he goes against the king and the city, and when Antigone goes and buries him in spite of Creon's orders, Creon is faced put in a difficult position. His anger towards Antigone coerces his to send her to die. Even after the pleads from Haimon, Creon is intent on not changing his position on the matter, saying "Whoever is chosen to govern should be obeyed- Must be obeyed, in all things, great and small" (Sophocles 34-37). This shows that in the beginning Creon is simply angry because he is the king, and he can not have his subjects disobeying him. This clouds his judgment and prevents him from seeing the nobility and reasoning behind Antigone's actions in burying her brother. Even as Creon begins to see Antigone's viewpoint, his stubbornness in upholding his 'noble king' status distracts him long enough for Antigone to kill herself the tragedy of the play to unfold.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Everyone. I'm starting a blog.
Hello Cyberspace! My name is Charles Archambaud (ar-sham-boe) Spencer, and because I am so lucky, I get to start a blog for school today! At the moment I am 15 years of age, and in my second year at St. Paul Central High School, which offers great challenges to me. My favorite subjects are English and Chemistry, because they are based around exploration. Outside of school I play baseball and swim competitively. My friends are the most important thing to me in the world, and I really hate writing about myself.
I have never exactly understood what a blog is. I have memories of watching Arthur the Aardvark on TV as a small kid, in which my favorite character, Buster Baxter, kept a blog. He traveled around with his father frequently and wrote about his travels in his blog. This shaped my future understanding of blogs, being that I thought they were only for travelers. When I later found out they are outlets for one to write in about virtually anything, it puzzled me. That is so vague! What is one to write about; what they ate for breakfast? Why would anyone read that. My opportunity to start a blog of my own has shown me how significant blogs can be. One is able to share their work with the world, an opportunity that I am very excited to use.
The concept of having this blog is really exciting to me because I greatly enjoy analyzing literature, and turning it inside out in a way to show what I see in it. Branching off from that, I also like to hear people's reactions to my work, and their opinion on it. In this blog, potentially millions could read what I read--radical.
I have never exactly understood what a blog is. I have memories of watching Arthur the Aardvark on TV as a small kid, in which my favorite character, Buster Baxter, kept a blog. He traveled around with his father frequently and wrote about his travels in his blog. This shaped my future understanding of blogs, being that I thought they were only for travelers. When I later found out they are outlets for one to write in about virtually anything, it puzzled me. That is so vague! What is one to write about; what they ate for breakfast? Why would anyone read that. My opportunity to start a blog of my own has shown me how significant blogs can be. One is able to share their work with the world, an opportunity that I am very excited to use.
The concept of having this blog is really exciting to me because I greatly enjoy analyzing literature, and turning it inside out in a way to show what I see in it. Branching off from that, I also like to hear people's reactions to my work, and their opinion on it. In this blog, potentially millions could read what I read--radical.
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