Rachel Rodgers

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Knight's Tale-Book 1

tale is out of chronological order
suppliants-petitioners
cavalcade-a procession of mounted men
Theseus shows mercy
105-110: shift from a glorious homecoming to a battle to avenge the kings' deaths
140: pyres is a continuation of pagan rituals in England
pennon-flag, banner
anon-immediately
186-188: personification of spring
donjon-dungeon
blenched-shrunk, flinched
trow-believe
Palamon and Artica fight over Emily, each insisting that he loved her first
wont-used to
fettered-chained, bound
404-406: comparison between drunk man and life
prescience-foresight
amain-at full speed
galls-something severe or bitter
Artica and Palamon both have advantages and disadvantages

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Modern Sexism

In contemporary times, sexism towards both women and men can be seen in the workplace and in the family.
At Panera, all of the girls work at the register, as barista, or in the bakery, particularly all of the pretty girls. Less pretty girls tend to be put in the dining room to clean up dishes and maintain its cleanliness. All of the guys work behind the counter making food. There are some girls trained to do this, but they are an exception to the rule. Even most of the managers are young women in the midst of their college education. Girls make up an astounding majority of Panera's staff, a pertinent example of reverse sexism.
In contrast, traditional European families often practice conservative views of men and women. Men get served by the women, who cook and clean everything related to the meal. Women are taught to be ideal housewives and mothers, and the men learn how to be successful in an intimidating economy. It would be considered unacceptable for a woman to hold a more prestigious position than her husband, who is viewed as the sole breadwinner. Sexism can lean in favor of either sex in today's world.

Monday, September 3, 2012

The Dream of the Rood

First, second stanza glorify the cross of Christ
"gilded with gold" used in both stanzas
vesture-clothing, shrubbery
holt-woods
foemen-enemies in war
raiment-clothing
bale-harm, misery, sorrow
wan-pallid, sickly
all action happening within the dream
caitiffs-despicable people
When did Wielder become a title for God?
tone is hopeful
some alliteration (a mnemonic device?)

The Purpose of Digressions in Beowulf

How do the digressions contribute to the artistic value of the story?
I noticed digressions being used as foils as I was reading Beowulf.
What makes Beowulf's youth so inglorious?
How does Scyld's funeral suggest a bright future?
How does Beowulf's funeral suggest the end of a glorious past and a forboding future?
What is a wergild?
I thought that Beowulf did become the king of the Geats, not Heardred.
I don't understand what part wyrd plays in the end of the poem.
lots of Biblical digressions and references
How is the poem a "failure" if it's trying to glorify Christian and pagan ideas?

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Beowulf Impressions, Inferences and Questions

End of Chapter 1: I heard many complaints about this book, but I actually want to keep reading! I can't keep the characters' names straight though. Too many H's.
Start of Chapter 2: Is Grendel the villain?
Start of Chapter 3: Who is Healfdene?
End of Chapter 5: What will happen to Grendel? quest narrative, into a heart of darkness to become wiser
End of Chapter 9: Hrothgar trusts Beowulf with everything.
End of Chapter 11: Who will win this battle and/or war? Will there be a twist at the end, or will Beowulf succeed until the last page?
Chapter 13: Beowulf becomes a pseudo-celebrity among thanes.
End of Chapter 14: Is Grendel still alive?
End of Chapter 16: Burning bodies on a funeral pyre is a pagan ritual, but they worship the Christian God.
End of Chapter 18: Beowulf must be some leader if he gets all these awesome gifts and his men are so loyal.
End of Chapter 19: Tales of cowardly and selfish rulers make Beowulf look better.
End of Chapter 23: Now Grendel's dead.
End of Chapter 26: Is Grendel a metaphor for the beast inside of us or evil in general?
""I long...safe and sound!" (67): Isolationist viewpoint from Hygelac
Chapter 28: Beowulf's point of view is juxtaposed with the narrator's point of view on the quest to kill Grendel.
End of Chapter 31: Will Beowulf fight again?
Start of Chapter 36: Will Wiglaf be the next king?
"This word...saints' reward." (88): juxtaposition of pagan ritual to heavenly promises
End of Chapter 40: What was the point of this story? When does it take place in relationship to Beowulf's rule? Beowulf is a Christ figure.
Start of Chapter 42: Beowulf's weakness is treasure.