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.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, February 8, 2010
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 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.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, February 1, 2010
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.
-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.
-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.
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