Pan's Labyrinth

This film has blended reality with mythic themes by having Ofelia's fantasy world and the real world. No one else in the film sees the faun or the fairies but Ofelia. I feel the fairy tale books that the viewer sees Ofelia with in the beginning of the movie help to fuel her belief in the fantasy world. I think that the fantasy world was also fueled by the death of her mother and the horrible world she has to live in. I think it acts as an escape for her from the world and the captain. The movie is like a fairy tale in the way the number three shows up. Ofelia has three tasks to perform. Within those tasks the number three is seen (three stones in the toad's belly, three choices to use the key, and three fairies trying to help Ofelia with the eye hand creature). There are many different ways in which this movie in which this movie blends reality with myth.

Run Lola Run

I feel that this film blended reality with myth in a few ways. One was through the transformation to animation instead of real life. Another way was when Lola screamed. She screamed a few times...One time broke a clock and another stopped the ball on black 20 when she was gambling. It was kind of hard for me to understand the meaning behind this film. I can only think of how it has to do with time and how everything you do has a consequence (no matter how little the thing done was). I find it interesting how the director shows how the different choices effect the outcomes in the movie and how differently the interactions with the same people were over and over again. This movie was like a fairy tale to me because it was done in three...meaning that there were three different scenarios of choices made.

The Ogre - Day 4

2. I think the mirror twins represent good and evil. They are opposites, they mirror each other. Much of the novel seems to be these good and evil opposites. I feel the twins help the reader to realize that not everything is as it seems. These twins looked so much alike, but their personalities are not the same. "These multiple and contradictory personalities largely cancel each other out, and all that remains is the naked and massive mob. Personality, which is spirit, penetrates flesh and makes it porous, light and breathing, as yeast spiritualizes dough. If personality disappears, the bullion of flesh returns to its native purity and gross weight" (Tournier, 287). If there is no personality everyone will be the same and one would not be able to tell the other apart. I find it funny how in the beginning it was difficult to tell Hajo and Haro apart, but as time went on (a few days) living with them it was very easy to tell them apart.

3. Ephraim means "fruitful. In the Hebrew bible Ephraim is the younger of Joseph's two sons. He is in Genesis 48:19. His older brother is Manasseh. Though Manasseh is older Ephraim takes control over him in all matters.

The Ogre - Day 3

2. Animals definitely play a large role in this novel. Before Rominten Abel is seen taking care of the pigeons. He only desires them and wants to touch them. After they are killed he feels he is the only one to ingest them. He doesn't want them to die. In Rominten he is told to kill the animals which he finds to be cruel. The sight of dead animals is an unpleasant situation for Abel. I think that the hunt of animals could symbolize the hunt for the Jews during the Holocaust.

3. Bluebeard serves as a mirrored image to Abel because the horse is of a size big enough for Abel and the horse can handle the weight. I feel that since Abel enjoys carrying childen it reflects the horse that carries Abel. A horse symbolizes power, nobility, strength, etc. This could be said of Abel as well.

The Ogre - Day 2

1) Abel Tiffauges took releif in his pigeons. He was available/picked to help the lieutenant because he said no one wanted to keep him and this is how he became involved with the pigeons. He felt that they were something to love and desire. "The pigeons, instead of merely being a welcome pretext for getting away, became little creatures loved and desired, each with its own irreplaceable personality" (Tournier, 140). He enjoyed spending time with them. I feel he felt a sense of control because he felt he knew he could chose whichever he wanted for the delivery of letters and he took an enjoyment of feeling their "little palpitating bodies." Soon it was only the pigeons he wanted to see, touch and posses. I think the pigeons gave Abel meaning at that time.

2) I preferred how the first chapter of this book was written in first person compared to the next chapters in the book. I liked how the reader got to see the truth of the situation and the truth of Abel. Getting into Abel's mind and reading his thoughts appeals to me more than reading about the story in third person, though I feel it serves as importance for the reader to see how everything else is outside of Abel (to see the society around him).

The Ogre - Day 1

1) When Abel first presents himself as an ogre my first reaction was to think of some large unappealing monster. The word ogre is first presented in the novel when Abel says Rachel calls him this. My immediate reaction was that they had a bad relationship. Further on Abel goes and describes the origins of the word. He says ogre comes from "monstrare" which means "to show", (I thought immediately to the Italian word "mostrare" which also means "to show"). With this, Abel says that a monster is something shown and exhibited. The more monster-like the qualities the more exhibited it will be which I can agree with. A quote that stuck out to me is "If you don't want to be a monster, you've got to be like your fellow creatures, in conformity with the species, the image of your relations" (Tournier, 4). I feel this relates to the world today. If someone is seen as anything other than what society considers "normal" these people are indeed perceived somewhat as monsters and treated differently (like being exhibited, shown, watched, etc.).

2) I think part one is written as a diary because it helps to give the reader a closer, more intimate look as to what is going on through the eyes of Abel, how he views things around him. I feel he calls these his "sinister writings" because what he writes is who he really is and what he believes in the writings, and if he was this way outside of his writings society would consider him to be an ogre, a monster of sorts.

One Hundred Yeard of Solitude: Ch. 16 - 20

The notion of time in chapter 18-

Melquiades has prophecies which are meant to be considered for the future. It is strange because Aureliano the second reads these predictions as family history of the Buendia family. The reader finds out that Melquiades prophecies are extremely accurate to the historty of the town. It is kind of funny in a way because Aureliano reads about his destruction while he is reading it which gives a sense of this is how it is going to be and how it has to be. It seems to be an unavoidable path.


The importance of Pilar Ternera surviving throughout (almost) the entire novel-

I feel that Pilar Ternera lasted pretty much throughout the entire novel for good reasons. She is a fortune-teller who helps the Buendia family throughout the novel. I feel she has much wisdom that helps a great deal in guiding the family. I also feel that her relationships with Colonel Aureliano Buendia and Jose' Arcadio is of importance throughout the novel because of the children she brought forth due to the relationships.

One Hundred Yeard of Solitude (Day Two)

For today's blog, speak about two themes that you find in these chapters that you feel relate to the novel as a whole. Please use specific quotations or references from the text to support your ideas.


1) In these chapters I feel that death and war, as themes, are important. In chapter 7 Jose' Arcadio dies, but no one knows how. They don't know if murder or suicide was the cause. Many of the other Buendias die as well. War changes characters in this novel. For example, Colonel Aureliano Buendia changes and loses his sensitive self, and he becomes more tough due to his experiences in war. His loss of memory is horrible and he lost all emotion. He even attempts suicide.

2) I feel that incest is a theme in these chapters as well. Aureliano Jose' begins to become extremely attracted to his aunt Amaranta. These two sleep naked together and touch, but they never have intercourse. They are almost caught at one point in the novel and after that Amaranta decides to stop the whole thing. Due to this Aureliano joins the army. I feel this is important because in the earlier chapters we found out that Jose' Arcadio Buendia and Ursula Iguaran, whom are married, are actually cousins as well as husband and wife. I think this may become a trend in the future of the readings and is a good thing to keep in mind.

One Hundred Yeard of Solitude (Day One)

1. Choose a character from these first five chapters and do a "study" of him or her. How does the novel present this character? Why? What do you think he or she represents within the novel? (Think about archetypes, myths, etc. - Garcia Marquez is drawing from a lot of myth and literature here in his creation of this novel). Refer to specific scenes within the novel to support your answer.

One character in these first five chapters that stuck out to me was Jose' Arcadio Buendia. He is the founder of his town and is first seen always experimenting. I thought it to be a bold move of him when he took his wife's money and melted it in one of his experiments. His wife Ursula is pretty disapproving of his experiments, but does not really voice it with force. Over time he becomes more and more of a homebody, staying away from human contact. I think he is important because he found Macondo and is always on the hunt for knowledge. He wants nothing but the best for his village. One invention, not that of Jose' Arcadio Buendia, is ice. The gypsies bring it to Macondo and it is said to be one of the greatest inventions ever to date.

"'It's the largest diamond in the world.'"
"'No,' the gypsy countered. 'It's ice'"
...
"'This is the greatest invention of our time" (One Hundred Years of Solitude, Marquez, pg: 17 & 18).
Allowing the gypsies to bring forth this invention was something helpful for the village. Jose' Arcadio Buendia shows through this that he cares for his people. This could possibly be a foreshadowing of good things to come for the village, and of what type of person Jose' Arcadio Buendia may be.

2. Choose a theme / symbol you find to be important within these initial chapters. How does this comment upon what we have read thus far? Why do you feel this to be the case? Refer to specific scenes / quotations in the novel to support your answer.

One theme I feel to be important is the uncertainty of time. Marquez does not go in order of time periods. I feel this is important because perhaps one needs to read about something from the present, not understand, and then read about the past to fully grasp what the author is trying to do. I feel this will become clearer as the book continues. It is also difficult to say what the year is in this novel thus far for the present time. There is mention of the sixteenth century and of a time when nothing was named, but it s hard to determine when exactly. I feel the inventions give a good clue to the time period as well the scene when Jose' Arcadio Buendia hypothesized about the world not being flat.

Grimm's Fairy Tales Day Two

In Rapunzel there is the reoccurring theme like many of the other fairy tales that there is a damsel in distress. Rapunzel is trapped by a witch in a tower. Again, like the other fairy tales, one reads about an evil witch. "In his anxiety the man consented, and when the child was born the Witch appeared at the same time, gave the child the name "Rapunzel," and took it away with her" (Grimm's Fairy Tales, Rapunzel, pg: 67). Another theme in this story is the happy ending with the Prince. "Then he (the Prince) led her away to his kingdom, where he was received with great demonstrations of joy, and where they lived long contented, and happy" (Grimm's Fairy Tales, Rapunzel, pg: 69). Here the Prince saves Rapunzel and after they return to his kingdom and live happily ever after, not knowing anymore of the evil Witch who stole Rapunzel.

A theme in the story Bearskin is the violence, like the other stories. For example, "raising his musket, he shot the bear in his forehead, so that he tumbled in a heap upon the ground, and did not stir afterwards. This is not the only type of violence in these stories. There is many different methods of violence that one can read. Another them in this story is women as property. "Come with me, my daughters are all wonders of beauty, so choose one of them for a wife" (Grimm's Fairy Tales, Bearskin, pg:339). Here the father is putting his daughters on the market for the man to choose. The daughters have no say in if they want to go with the man or not.

Grimm's Fairy Tales Day One

1. Many of these stories have become part of our own cultural and national heritage (especially the Disney-fied "princess" culture so popular over the last decade). What do you think it is about these stories that have caused them to become "internationalized," and in many ways represent what it is to be a child (all children know at least one version of many of these stories)? What themes / messages are transmitted in and through them that have made certain of them universal?

I believe these stories have been "internationalized" due to the moral of the stories. I feel that every culture can relate to what is right and wrong, and these stories help to prove their points. There are many different morals in each of these stories. For example, in The Frog Prince the King's daughter attempted to not keep her promise to the frog who helped her get back the ball from the water. The King made his daughter do as she promised the frog upon finding out the details. "Then the King said, "What you have promised, that you must perform; go and let him in" (Grimm's Fairy Tales, The Frog Prince, pg: 17). After the King's daughter threw the fog against the wall the frog turned into a handsome Prince. Then the two were companions after and lived very happily. This becomes one universal example of how if you keep your promises good things will come from it.

2. What is the function of gender in these stories? What messages are transmitted through them concerning the roles of men and women? Why do you think this is the case? (When we think "fairy tale" what does this imply concerning gender roles? Do these stories support or subvert this accepted convention (or possibly both)?)

The function of gender roles in these stories is generally having the woman as the damsel in distress, helpless without a man. And the man is supoosed to be the Prince/knight in shining armor to save the princess. This gives the message that women need men and that they also need them to "live happily ever after". In The Handless Maiden the Miller's daughter is in distress after the Miller promises the Evil Spirit could have what was behind the mill. The daughter was behind the mill, unknowingly by the Miller at the time. The daughter had to go without water, bathing, and had to have her hands cut off. The Miller was against this but had to obey the Evil Spirit. The daughter seemed to understand the father was in charge and that she was pretty much helpless. "She replied "Dear father, do with me what you will. I am your daughter" (Grimm's Fairy Tales, The Handless Maiden, pg: 114). The daughter eventually leaves home and is alone. Soon after she is discovered by a King and winds up happy in the end. This is another example of how gender roles are played (a woman is saved by a man) in these fairy tales.

Don Quixote (Day Six / Chapters 46 - 52)

In chapter LII there is a fight between Don Quixote and the goatherd. During this fight they are at a dogfight. This represents that Don Quixote is seen as somewhat of an animal by the priest and the others they are with. That he is nothing more than an insane man who cannot control himself. The priest and others are laughing at Don Quixote at first, but then indulge in Don Quixote's beliefs and ideas of knighthood and knights. I feel that by them playing along only feeds how Don Quixote acts. By them playing along with this shows that they use him as somewhat of a toy and that is all he is good for (their entertainment).


I think throughout Part one Don Quixote does realize for some points the distinguishing factoros between reality and fiction. Though I feel he is more true, and will continue to stay more true, to his knightly ways. I think this reality he created for himself is something that took a lot of work on his part, and he is enjoying his way of life and won't let others ruin it for him.

Don Quixote (Day Five / Chapters 36 - 45)

In these chapters there is a story from the captive about Clara and Don Louis. Cara and Don Louis show how many people during that time had the attributes that Don Quixote had. This is the idea of women falling in love with them, women that are unknown to them. These women drive them to insanity and are seen as objects of beauty. The men fight over these gorgeous women as well. Some women do not want to be desired by men so they dress as men so they would gain no attention. These women generally become involved in a dangerous situations and are stranded waiting to be saved by a man. Zoraida is an exception to the above statements.

Don Quixote - Chapters 28 - 35

I have been impressed with your responses to Don Quixote this far. For these chapters, I'd like you to pick two quotes that interest you and which you find comment on major themes within the novel (ones we have discussed or new themes you find here). Be sure to state from which chapter your quotes come and be prepared to discuss them in class.

Chapter XXXII:

Talk of the chivalric books happens in this chapter. Sancho, the innkeeper, Dorothea, the barber, and priest speak of how these books have harmed Don Quixote. The barber and the priest want to burn the books about chivalry so Don Quixote can no longer read them and fill his head with crazy ideas of knights and knighthood, but the innkeeper disagrees with this and wants to keep his book intact. The innkeeper allows the priest to copy on of the parts which he then reads to the crowd. This parts was based on two people living in Florence, Italy. One man wanted to put the wife's chastity and purity to the test. These two friends deceived each other, one not really testing the wife, and then actually falling in love with the wife. The story is seen as more true than parts of the novel itself. The situation would seem completely untrue because a husband should not distrust his wife like that so the priest 's thoughts on this can't be true.

Don Quixote (Day Three)

As we did for Tuesday's class, please bring in your own analysis of two episodes which you find reflect either (1) themes we have already discussed in class or (2) new themes that you deem important / revolutionary.

Chapter XX:
In this chapter I believe there is an important theme about tradition. Sancho tells a story, and he says each line twice. Don Quixote implore him to only tell things once, but Sancho tells him it is tradition in his homeland, and it must be told this way. So Don Quixote allows Sancho to continue on with the story. Sancho tells Don Quixote to keep track of the goats in the story. At a certain point Sancho asks Don Quixote how many goats, and he cannot tell him, therefore Sancho does not continue on with the story. I feel that Don Quixote allowing Sancho to tell the rest of the story shows he has respect for him. I think it also shows that Sancho has a sense of belonging with his homeland, sharing this story. When I first read this, I felt it was a foreshadowing for another story from Sancho.


Chapter XXI:
In this chapter Don Quixote mistakes a barber for a knight. In reality this man is just a man, riding a mule, wearing a basin. Don Quixote sees a horse instead of a donkey, a helmet instead of a basin, and a knight instead of a barber. This shows how knighthood is still effecting him on his adventures. Don Quixote believes in something that is not really there which reinforces this whole truth vs. reality idea.

Don Quixote - Chapters 10 - 18

For Tuesday, please write about two episodes in these chapters that you feel reflect the themes we discussed last Thursday (the ideals of chivalry in the "modern world," the constant play between truth and fiction, trickery and reality, the role of myth, the novel as a meta-fiction, the play with authorship, etc.).

Chapter XVI:
In this chapter Don Quixote and Sancho come upon an inn. This inn is mistaken, by Don Quixote, as a castle. The inn keeper's daughter takes care of Don Quixote's wounds and Don Quixote believe that she fell in love with him and that she will meet up with him that night in his bed. Someone comes to Don Quixote's bed that night, but it is not the beautiful daughter, it is Maritornes. Again we see how Don Quixote sees the inn as something that it is not. He also believes that the daughter is a maiden that has fallen in love with his chilvalrous, knightly ways, but this is not the case. The line between reality and fiction is shown through these two examples from Don Quixote.


Chapter XVII:
In this chapter there is a mystical potion that Don Quixote believe only worked on him and not on Sancho. His reasoning for this is because he threw up right away & felt much better when he woke up from sleep whereas Sancho did not throw up & felt ill because he is the knight and Sancho is not. "I believe that all this mischief happens to thee, Sancho, because thou art not a knight; for, I am persuaded, that this liquor will be of service to none but such as are of the order of knighthood" (Don Quixote, Cervantes, Pg: 121). Therefore the balsam was magical, but this is all in the mind of Don Quixote because he feels he has special treatments and abilities as a knight. I feel that this mythical balsam only feeds into Don Quixote's beliefs of knighthood and all that involves knights as being real.

Canti 28 - 34

For this last day of the Inferno, I'd like you to pick two quotations from these final Canti that you feel in some way comment upon the work as a whole or address main themes within the work. It would also be great if the quotes connected back to our theme of myth (as we discussed the first day -- this latter part may be a bit harder though).

Canto 34 (lines 133-139)
In these lines there is talk about the slightly visible beauty that Heaven has from a round opening seen from a hidden road and of stars. I feel the beauty that is just barely there is proof to Dante and Virgil (as well as the reader) that the journey through the Inferno, all the horrible sights, smells, and interactions are soon to be worth it. I feel that the stars represent hope. Their light shines and gives a sense of warmth and of good things to come, which will be Paradiso. The stars also make me think of the different constellations we have named over time.

Canto 29 (lines 1-12)
I feel that in these lines it sums up all that was seen by Dante. He says how his eyes could not pull away from what he was seeing. Everything including what he was seeing at that moment seemed to intoxicate Dante and put him in some kind of trance. He feels the need to stay and weep over what he is seeing. I feel this shows how much Dante was effected by the journey through the Inferno. Virgil asks why he stares. He states that time is short now and there is more than just these mutilated and tortured souls/creatures to see. I feel Virgil saying this is a foreshadowing to to good that Dante will see from Paradiso.

Canti 21 - 27

1. Given that we have now almost completed the Inferno, do you feel the text is "character driven"? (Meaning, are Dante and Virgil propelling the story along?) If not, then what? Why do you think Dante chooses to write the epic in this manner?

I believe Dante and Virgil are propelling the story along because they interact with most of the characters/creatures met during the Inferno and they converse and give meaning to what is happening during the poem. Virgil is guiding Dante and helps to protect him in any possible way. They explain what is going on and also in detail the surroundings around them. They help to draw a vivid picture in the reader's mind about what is going on here.


Canto XXI (lines 97 - 99)
In these lines Dante speaks of how he got closer to his guide, Virgil, because of the demons. This shows to me a great trust and respect that Dante has for Virgil because he feels that no matter what bad is around him he will have Virgil to protect him and continue to be his guide for as long as possible. Virgil gives soothing words to Dante to calm him down and to not worry. He tells Dante to let them do what they will and to ignore their calls and shouts given towards them.

Dante's Inferno (Canti 14 - 20)

2. Dante's views on homosexuality (especially concerning his conversation Brunetto Latino in Canto 15 and his reaction to the three souls who resemble "naked and oiled" wrestlers in Canto 16). How might his reaction to these souls contrast / resemble his interaction with previous souls? Why do you feel this to be the case?

Dante understood homosexuality different than what we think of it today. During his time homosexuality was generally shunned upon more with two men than with two women. The men in Canti 15 and 16 show this. Homosexuality was against nature. Homosexuality was not really seen as homosexuality; meaning it was not seen as a sexual orientation. It was seen as sodomy and it was against religious beliefs. People who were involved in these activities were penalized when caught. They were called sodomites and they were considered to be sinners, hence why they are seen in the Seventh Circle; Second Ring and Third Ring. In the Second Ring Brunetto Latino is there and him and Dante have a respect for each other. Brunetto was like a mentor to Dante. Brunetto Latino was married with children, but had many relations with men.



3. The description of the Geryon in Canto 17. How do you interpret this fantastical creature that signifies fraud? Why do you think the notion of fraud is important for Dante (especially given the fact that he is a writer -- what do writers do? What is the nature of fictional literature?) Do you see any other meanings in this creature?

Geryon is a very complex creature in the Inferno. There are many different parts to Geryon; the face of a man, a scorpion tail, hairy features, as well as reptilian ones. I feel that these different parts can represent different traits in the creature. For example, the face of a man can represent how this creature can potentially be just like man, the scorpion tail can represent how easily one can be wounded by this creature (because one sting from a scorpion is sometimes all that is needed for serious injury), the hair may represent something hidden, and the reptilian features, i feel, could represent sneaky tendencies as well as suspicious ones. Fraud is an important thing for Dante, as a writer, because in writing one must succeed in having the reader believe whatever is written, whether it is true or not. They must make up stories for others to enjoy.

Dante's Inferno Canti (7 -13)

I would like you to choose two quotes that interest you and do a "close reading" of them. This means that you should (1) put the quotes into context within the larger narrative, (2) write about the themes you see in these quotes and why they are important, and (3) try to find meaning within the symbolism. Please try to stay away from plot summaries -- I'm pushing you to come up with your own ideas concerning the text.

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Canto IX (34-60):
In the lines 37-39 of this Canto there are three Furies as guardians for the City of Dis. The three infernal Furies had snakes and serpents for girdles and hair. I feel these serpents give off a sneaky and sly feeling, as well as a fearful one, to the travelers. Medusa in the other lines also represents fear. It is just one more obstacle in the way of the entire journey that must be taken. Not being able to look someone in the eye, for the fear of being turned to stone, would provoke a deep fright in anyone. This Gorgon has the potential to keep you down there and never allowing you to return above. When Virgil used his own hands to cover Dante I feel that was a foreshadow to Dante to be misled by Virgil. I believe it also shows the loyalty Virgil has for Dante. It could possibly be that Virgil did not trust Dante to not look since Dante already was covering his eyes with his own hands.

Canto XIII (22-108):
These lines speak about tree stumps, twigs, and branches that are dark, fiery, and bleeding. At one point Dante pulls a twig and then is questioned by it as to why he tore/broke it accusing him of being a pitiless human being having no mercy. Dante disagrees with this because later on in this Canto he states that he is unable to ask a question due to the amount of pity he has. There is too much pity in his heart. I think that Dante feels this way because this accusation is an accusation questioning his faith in the lord. I believe that the tree stumps and bushes represent one of the lowest forms of being because they are stuck to the ground and cannot move. They must forever be in the fiery city to suffer. They are forever trapped there where the Harpies can feed on the darkened leaves.

Dante's Inferno Canti (1 - 6)

1. Canto 1: How does Dante 'set up' the journey here? What themes / ideas does he bring forth to accomplish this? What kind of journey is this? What is the pilgrim's state of mind at this time? Why?

-Dante sets up the journey by stating how he was uncertain of how he ended up in the forest and how he abandoned the true path. His journey is fearful as well as shameful, and it will only get worse because he is yet to be in Hell. There are three different beasts that make his accent difficult and because of these impediments he was forced to turn back at times. The beasts were a leopard, lion, and a she-wolf. Dante eventually meets Vigil who proceeds to guide him on his journey.

2. In the other canti that you read for this day, choose one canto which particularly strikes / interests you. What reading / interpretation of this canto can you bring to the discussion on Tuesday?

-Out of all the canti that were necessary to read for Tuesday the one that stuck out to me the most was canto V. This canto involved Dante in the Second Circle with the Minos. I loved that the Minos determines the depth Hell is appropriate for the sinner by wrapping his tail around himself. I can picture in my mind the Minos in Hell. The way it is worded makes it clear in my mind. This canto also speaks about love and lust. I feel that love and lust pertain to today's life and many people will be able to relate to them. Love does compels people to do things no matter the time period. This is one of the many reasons why I feel these Canti are so famous and studied by many different people.