Comedies of William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream- Act 1 Scene 1
LYSANDER
Ay me! For aught that I could ever read,
Could ever hear by tale or history,
The course of true love never did run smooth.
But either it was different in blood—
HERMIA
O cross! Too high to be enthralled to low.
LYSANDER
Or else misgraffèd in respect of years—
HERMIA
O spite! Too old to be engaged to young.
LYSANDER
Or else it stood upon the choice of friends—
HERMIA
O hell, to choose love by another's eyes!

Passage Analysis-

I chose this passage from A Midsummer Night's Dream because it shows the difficulty these two characters are faced with, when wanting to get married. They seem very much in love, however Hermia's father, Egeus does not give his consent for their marriage. Egeus is used as a blocking mechanism so they are forced to runaway to get married. Lysander says that in all marriages they face obstacles, and this just shows how difficult it can be for two people in love to be together. But her father's disapproval eventually causes the confusion with the love potion, and leads to even more problems. Lysander and Hermia's love for one another is strong and they could not imagine not being together. However they do come off sounding shallow, because they speak of how horrible it would be to marry someone who is not at their own level. That shows that they need the honor of the name that comes along with their wife or husband, which makes them look very bad. This is almost intended to mock marriage, yet these two people do seem to be dedicated to one another. All of the events that unfold later in the play, in the woods, stems from their dedication and commitment to one another. Their trouble with love, then lends itself to foreshadow the love that each Demetrius and Helena share for two different people. This entire play is centered around love and the trouble it can cause for people, however without it our lives would so empty. This passage just shows the importance of love throughout and how it can effect people.

The Tempest- Act 4 Scene 1
PROSPERO
(to FERDINAND) If I have too austerely punished you,
Your compensation makes amends, for I
Have given you here a third of mine own life—
Or that for which I live—who once again
I tender to thy hand. All thy vexations
Were but my trials of thy love and thou
Hast strangely stood the test. Here, afore heaven,
I ratify this my rich gift. O Ferdinand,
Do not smile at me that I boast of her,
For thou shalt find she will outstrip all praise
And make it halt behind her.

Passage Analysis-

This passage from The Tempest shows that Prospero wants to fulfill his daughters wishes, and let her marry Ferdinand. This part of the play shows that love does not have to be difficult and that, it can go how you wanted it to. In stories many times either the father is forcing the marriage, or will not approve of the marriage. This play is somewhat different because Prospero doesn't really like Ferdinand, but he is willing to except their marriage out of his love for his daughter. It is a happy ending that the main characters can agree upon. It signifies everything coming together, and Prospero is able to except and forgive his brother, he is able evolve and see the good in his life. He no longer holds a grudge and he just wants his daughter's happiness, and to move on. He is able to come to his own conclusion about the marriage and is able to turn his entire life around. This passage symbolizes how far he has come and him finally excepting the marriage.

The Taming of the Shrew- Act 2 Scene 1
PETRUCCIO
Marry, so I mean, sweet Katherine, in thy bed.
And therefore, setting all this chat aside,
Thus in plain terms: your father hath consented
That you shall be my wife, your dowry 'greed on,
And, will you, nill you, I will marry you.
Now, Kate, I am a husband for your turn,
For, by this light, whereby I see thy beauty,
Thy beauty that doth make me like thee well,
Thou must be married to no man but me.
For I am he am born to tame you, Kate,
And bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate
Conformable as other household Kates.

Passage Analysis-

For this marriage, Petruccio only wants to marry Kate because of her father's money and not because of her. He wants to tame her, and ultimately change her into something she is not, however what he wants her to be. This is an example of a forced marriage that may benefit other people however, it will not benefit Kate. Her father gave his permission and therefore she can not do anything about it. To love someone, is to love them for who they are and to marry them for who they are, but not marry them with the intent to change them. She lets Petruccio know her hatred for him, however he will not budge and he insists on their marriage and insists that he can tame her. Out of Baptista's desperation to find Kate a suitor, and Petruccio's desperation for his wealth, Kate really is given no choices. This marriage is not mutual, and Petruccio's only goal is to make her his wife, so she can serve him. The lack of love is depressing and nothing can stop his determination.

Comparison-

The similarities between all three of the passages from these plays is that of having to do with marriage and love. Each shows a different kind of love or different kind of approval for marriage. They deal with the difficulties that go along with love and sometimes the disapproval of it. In both A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest, they start with disapproval. Lysander is denied Hermia's hand in marriage and Ferdinand is put to the test to win Miranda's hand. However, they over come the challenges they are faced with and are eventually able to wed. In The Taming of the Shrew, Kate is forced into a marriage with Petruchio that does not seem as though it will last. However at the end of the book they are still together and he was able to tame her. Even though somewhat different forms of love and marriage, they all do share that very important theme. The theme of love is the basis for these plays and how marriage does not only change the people getting married but the people that are around them. No matter how difficult it was for these characters they end up together and allow their love to guide them.

The language plays a huge part in these plays, because many of these characters are so convincing. Petruccio puts Kate's criticisms of him and replies with complementing her. He is so fast to flatter her and tell her of her beauty repeatedly for effectiveness. The bantering back and forth that these two share makes the words so vivid as to how much she hates him and how determined he is to marry her. Also Prospero's speech and forgiving the people who betrayed him and him rising above is, very real. The light yet obvious humor that is throughout all of these plays, adds to the sometimes serious conversations. The use of words to express feelings and evoke emotion, helps the reader get a sense of the comedic tone. Even the Jackass in A Midsummer Night's Dream miss uses words, however that is Shakespeare's exact intention and even when someone is lacking language it is adding to the play. He has so much thought behind the words he uses and he gives you a sense for his characters just by their words alone.

Comedies-

The genre that all of these plays have in common is that they are comedies, which is a reason for the humorous comments made throughout them. Some characters, such as Puck, and even Kate who add some comedic comments, make some of the more serious issues in the play seem lighter and easier than they actually are. The genre sometimes includes spirits, fairies, and magic that you would not see in a tragedy, or a history. It is light hearted and fun, which makes the plays more enjoyable. They make jokes, or just say things that in the moment can be taken as humorous, and they play tricks and use disguises, to create a more comedic story. Even though these plays do deal with many problems and are serious at times, the overall objective is to make the reader laugh. I found the love potion in A Midsummer Night's Dream that make the characters love different people, very fun and humorous. Everyone pry's in other peoples lives and relationship. Especially Puck's character who uses trickery and his slyness to make mischief throughout the play. Also some of the character's shallowness and having no real depth to them can add to the comedy. But they do seem to have real love throughout each, even if it is not always consistent. They all share the fact that they have marriages, and the difficulties that come along with each of them. The weddings seem to work out in the end, but it is always a problem getting to that point. This genre is easy and much less intense, yet still just as thought provoking as any other.

My Opinion-

My opinion of A Midsummer Night's Dream, is that it is very amusing and entertaining. All the characters play important parts in helping with the humor in the play. Puck, Oberon, and Titania are all very interesting and funny, and the story line helps keep the play light and fresh. The fights over silly things, and having the characters very confused at times is good. The Tempest I see as being more about forgiveness and love, than anything else. Prospero is able to use magic to create the storm in the beginning of the play, and that shows the less serious nature of the play. However, Prospero's growth and ability to forgive his brother and allow his daughter to marry Ferdinand, shows how far he has come. Even though, he does not approve of Ferdinand at first and gives him many tests to overcome, he eventually gives his consent, which makes me really like him.It is a nice happy ending and I like that Prospero does not seek revenge any longer and he just lets it stay in his past. I see The Taming of the Shrew, as being funny, yet more serious than the other two plays. Even though, it does have its humorous moments, it kind of makes me really angry. I do not like that Petruccio is only marrying Kate because of her father's wealth, and her father just wants a suitor for her, and does not care what kind of person he is. Petruccio wants to change Kate, and therefore does not really love her, I hate that he says he is going to tame her. Also, when they come back at the end of the play, Kate seems to be changed and even though she was very mean before, I don't like that she changed for him. Because I highly doubt that she wanted to change, and makes her character seem weak and just obeying whatever her new husband says. However all of these plays are funny in their own ways, and I am able to appreciate all of them in their own way.

Histories of William Shakespeare

King Richard the 3rd- Act 1 Scene 2

LADY ANNE

Dost grant me, hedgehog? then, God grant me too
Thou mayst be damned for that wicked deed!
O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous!

GLOUCESTER

The fitter for the King of heaven, that hath him.

LADY ANNE

He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.

GLOUCESTER

Let him thank me, that holp to send him thither;
For he was fitter for that place than earth.

LADY ANNE

And thou unfit for any place but hell.....

GLOUCESTER

Your beauty was the cause of that effect;
Your beauty: which did haunt me in my sleep
To undertake the death of all the world,
So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom....

Nay, do not pause; for I did kill King Henry,
But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me.
Nay, now dispatch; 'twas I that stabb'd young Edward,
But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on.

[Here she lets fall the sword]

Take up the sword again, or take up me.

LADY ANNE

Arise, dissembler: though I wish thy death,
I will not be the executioner....

GLOUCESTER

And wet his grave with my repentant tears,
I will with all expedient duty see you:
For divers unknown reasons. I beseech you,
Grant me this boon.

LADY ANNE

With all my heart; and much it joys me too,
To see you are become so penitent.
Tressel and Berkeley, go along with me.

Passage Analysis-

I chose this scene in Richard the 3^rd because it gives the reader insight as to what is to come from Richard in the rest of the play. His well scripted and well executed pleas to Anne manipulates her into believing his apparent grief for the murders he has committed. These passages from the same scene show the parts to Richards plan, and how they work out so perfectly for him. At first Anne is distraught and very much upset, however through their conversation, she begins to give into his supposed sincerity and eventually gives in. Even though she is so adamant about her complete hatred of him, he somehow persuades her rather easily to believe him. This specific conversation foreshadows the abilities of Richards words to convince people of whatever he wants, and the enormous effect that they have over people in this play. Richard seduces Anne, because being married will bring him one step closer to the throne, and not because of love. He is fueled by his own bitterness and does not care about the length at which he will have to go to be King of England. It is not because of romance but because of furthering himself, in his journey to being all powerful. He uses flattery and compliments to win over Anne and she falls to his genuineness, even though it is completely false.

King Henry the 5th- Act 5 Scene 2

KING HENRY V

An angel is like you, Kate, and you are like an angel.

I am glad thou canst speak no better English; for, if
thou couldst, thou wouldst find me such a plain king
that thou wouldst think I had sold my farm to buy my
crown.

If thou canst love a
fellow of this temper, Kate, whose face is not worth
sun-burning, that never looks in his glass for love
of any thing he sees there, let thine eye be thy
cook. I speak to thee plain soldier: If thou canst
love me for this, take me: if not, to say to thee
that I shall die, is true; but for thy love, by the
Lord, no; yet I love thee too.

KATHARINE

Is it possible dat I sould love de enemy of France?

KING HENRY V

No; it is not possible you should love the enemy of
France, Kate: but, in loving me, you should love
the friend of France; for I love France so well that
I will not part with a village of it; I will have it
all mine: and, Kate, when France is mine and I am
yours, then yours is France and you are mine.

Passage Analysis-

I found this passage intriguing because it shows that really all that Henry wants is glory and honor. He wants to be very powerful and unite England and France. He really does not care about Katharine, however marrying her would help both countries come together, and that way he will have more influence. This passage even though not the same quality of his earlier speeches, still gives great recognition to his ability to get what he desires. He flatters her and says that it does not matter that they can not understand each other very well, which is ironic because he loves her, but yet he can not talk to her. Even though Henry makes himself out to be this plain soldier who is not good at communicating with anyone, he is lying. He is able to speak so commandingly and effectively that, you know this is all part of his plan to manipulate her into marriage. He makes it seem that he is less than he really is and that he would be very lucky to have Katharine as his wife. His backwards way of convincing her is so sly and clever that even though she only can understand part of what he is saying, she knows she can not deny his request.

Comparisons-

The connection that these two passages have is uncanny, because both men only have one thing in mind, and that is to gain as much power as they can. Neither Richard, nor Henry, care about the women they are seducing in these passages, they are only using them to get ahead. They want the glory of having the throne and will stop at nothing to get what they want. They both are able to be very convincing in similar ways to gain both Anne and Katharine's trust. They allow themselves to seem almost desperate for them to agree, and will stop at nothing to succeed in their plots. Both men use flattery and go to great lengths to please these women with compliments. Richard acts very remorseful for his crimes and makes it seem like it is partly Anne's fault for the death of her husband and his father. Forcing her to feel guilty and then switching from hostility towards Richard, to gratitude for his remorseful state. Henry just makes it seem that he would take care of Katharine and France, and that even though he is a plain man he will give her what she needs because he loves her.

Language plays a huge part in these two passages and in the plays in general. Richard and Henry are so very convincing in their manipulation of these two women, and winning them over. Anne hates Richard and Katharine can barely understand Henry, and yet somehow they are both are able to beguile them into courtship. Both are desperate for power and they each use their apparent skill and tactic with words to ensure the conquest at the given moment. Richard uses flattery and trickery to change Anne's mind, and make her somehow forgive him for the devastation that he had caused her. He uses reverse psychology to sway her from one side to another, and she falls victim to his deception. He repeats himself for one purpose and that is to make Anne really hear his sincerity. Henry uses somewhat of the same tactics in complementing Katharine and saying she is an angel and that he will protect her. He however, lowers his intelligence to seem plain and unable to say what he wants to in the way he wants to. The way they use their individual language to their advantage is a major theme throughout both plays. Without their speeches and just purely convincing nature the plays would be no where near what they really are. Language plays a pivotal role in King Richard the 3^rd and King Henry the 5^th.

Histories-

The fact that both of these plays have historical genres, make for some even more similarities. One similarity in both of these plays is the participation in battles, and being the leader of the army. Richard and Henry are the leaders of their armies and go and fight in violent battles to defend their power. Also death plays a huge part in the plays, contributing to both characters rise to power. And eventually Richard is killed in battle after falling off his horse, and dying somewhat surprisingly. Both kill innocent people, the people that they are supposed to be closest with, and make up their minds to do so. In both of these historical plays they deceive and turn against many people they should be loyal to, to further themselves. Even the language as I discussed before plays a huge role in each of these characters success, however it also can get them into trouble. The historical genre comes through with England's struggle for stability and a king that can produce that for them. Also the fact that Richard acts as a true villain and a very dishonest person adds to this genre. He is the bad guy who everyone ends up hating. However, Henry is seen as a hero and a motivator for his army. He is able to encourage his troops and he is a huge reason for the victory over France. Even their power hungriness, that shows the reader their political aims and intentions. They are desperate for power and honor, that they go to great lengths to achieve this.

Opinion-

My opinion of Richard is that of disgust, however in a strange way somewhat envious. I would never want to betray the closest people to me, and become so emotionless to be able to kill, as if it were just a game. However, Richard is able to control and influence so many people not by actions, but by his words. He is so very convincing that you can do nothing but commend him for his abilities to get what he wants when he wants it, evil as it may be. What I can not stand about him though, is his willingness to cast people aside if it means he can get ahead politically speaking. No one was safe and he would have anyone killed he had to, if it meant he could achieve more power over England. The way he goes about murdering his brother and his nephews is just so emotionless and thoughtless. He shows no remorse for the devastating occurrences that he had complete control over, until much later in the play when it was too late. With Henry it was somewhat different. He rose up from being lazy and doing nothing productive really, and became king, with all the responsibility thrust upon him. He wanted to prove that he was worth something and he wanted glory and honor in England. However, he did have to kill some people to gain this power, one being his close friend. I don't agree with this, but he is forced to choose between being a loyal friend or doing what he can for the country. Henry is able to rise to whatever occasion even though, some may have doubted him. I admire how persuasive he is just like Richard and he is a kinder person I think, however determined and brutal when he needs to be. He can change and adjust his mannerisms when he needs to and it proves very effective. I definitely think he is the better king and I think he does want whats best for his country and he truly is brilliant.

A Tale of Two Cities

Passage-

"I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss, and, in their struggles to be truly free, in their triumphs and defeats, through long years to come, I see the evil of this time and of the previous time of which this is the natural birth, gradually making expiation for itself and wearing out."

"I see the lives for which I lay down my life, peaceful, useful, prosperous and happy, in that England which I shall see no more. I see Her with a child upon her bosom, who bears my name. I see her father, age and bent, but otherwise restored, and faithful to all men in his healing office, and at peace. I see the good old man, so long their friend, in then years' time enriching them with all he has, and passing tranquillity to his reward."

..."It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."-Sydney Carton (pg 292-293)

I have chosen this passage because it is a true representation of how Sydney Carton has come full circle and can finally be at peace with himself. Sydney Carton goes through a huge transformation from a lazy lawyer's clerk, into a stand up man during a terrible time. Charles Dickens does compare in this passage Carton to the devastating French revolution. They both mirror one another and when he is gone from this Earth and in peace, eventually France will have peace as well. It is just a very significant and pivotal moment in this book, the ultimate turning point and the ending to make everything better, with the ultimate sacrifice.

This passage definitely highlights the full achievement of character by Carton, and his sacrifice for the people he cared about. Lucie plays a huge part in Carton's realization that his life had almost no meaning. He went through life as only an observer and he really didn't start acting upon his emotions until further in the novel. Lucie aids him in his journey to become a better person and to finally do something of worth. He saves a family from great grief and from the horribleness of separation from the person you love. Carton brings a family together when, in such a difficult time, all that gets you through is family. What Carton gives up, just for a friend to have another chance, is truly amazing. No matter how insignificant his life may have been, he still had to give up everything for someone else, and not many people could do that. He becomes an inspiration and his memory will now live on in great respect, instead of indifference.

My Opinion-

I think that Charles Dickens did a very good job developing these characters, and I really understand their importance to this novel. Each character has a central role in this book and they are very descriptively depicted, which helps the reader understand the language of the book better. The way he describes Marquis Evrémonde in the beginning of this novel is heart wrenching, and really makes me despise that character. As he rides through the streets and he hits a child, and feels no shame in his actions, he can not be human. His actions are so heartless and completely unimaginable, that the way he is described makes my stomach turn. When an author has a way of really getting to you, so much, that you feel sick, that is brilliant writing.

I also love the development of Carton into an actual man with feelings and something that is meaningful to him. Even though, he knows that the person he loves will never love him back, that does not make him bitter, yet somehow it makes him better. He is inspired by Lucie and her loving, caring personality, and he in turn inspires the reader with his devotion to be known for something more. Carton puts the togetherness of a family, before his own life, and no matter what, you have to commend him on that. In my opinion he truly is a hero. Also, the way Lucie helps her father through a time of impending doom, is very admirable. It does show her caring demeanor, and that she really is a good person. She has a way about her that enables her to help the people in her life that are in desperate need of it, and she saves them. I think her character is excellent at helping people and she strives to be there when someone is in need.

I also enjoy how every one's lives in the end are all intertwined and somehow linked to one another, due to great writing. However, I do have to say it was very difficult to read and fully understand at times, because of the time period it was written in. The style and sophistication of his writing, is sometimes hard to follow and it is most definitely not a fast read. It has its pros and cons, however overall it was an alright book.

Symbol-

Madame Defarge's knitting represents the time period and the harshness of the French revolution. Since, she does knit a list of the soon to be victims, this shows her resentment and just overall bitterness throughout this book. She is not a good person and for her families suffering, she inevitably wants others to suffer because of that. She can not get past the revengeful nature of her existence and she represents the bad part of the revolution. She is a symbol of what is wrong with France and is partially to blame for why the revolution is taking place. Madame Defarge just shows the evil that of course has to be somewhere in this novel, and the danger that lurks behind you.

The Importance of Being Ernest

Passage-

Algernon. Literacy criticism is not your forte, my dear fellow. Don't try it. You should leave that to people who haven't been at a University. They do it so well in the daily papers. What you really are is a Bunburyist. I was quite right in saying you were a Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced Bunburyists I know.
Jack. What on earth do you mean?
Algernon. You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose. Bunbury is perfectly invaluable. If it wasn't for Bunbury's extraordinary bad health, for instance, I wouldn't be able to dine with you at Willis's to-night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.
...
Jack. You had much better dine with Aunt Augusta.
Algernon. I haven't the smallest intention of doing anything of the kind. To begin with, I dined there on Monday, and once a week is quite enough to dine with one's own relations. ... Besides, now that I know yo to be a confirmed Bunburyist I naturally want to talk to you about Bunburying. I want to tell you the rules.
Jack. I'm not a Bunburyist at all. If Gwendolen accepts me, I am going to kill my brother, indeed I think I'll kill him in any case. Cecily is a little too much interested in him. It is rather a bore. So I am going to get rid of Ernest. And I strongly advise you to do the same with Mr.... with your invalid friend who has the absurd name.
Algernon. Nothing will induce me to part with Bunbury... (pg. 6-7)

I chose this specific passage because it introduces the reader to what a Bunburyist is, and what they are all about. This conversation between Jack and Algernon really show cases their contrast in personalities. It is clear that Jack is much more mature than Algernon and, he is ready to commit to a women. Jack is ready to settle down with Gwendolen and this shows how much he really does care for her. Jack has moved pass the stage where he needs to lie to be accepted as a stand up guy, and he is ready for the responsibility of a honorable man. He does not want to have a mischievous side, and he wants to rid himself of his double life. However, this passage shows just how much maturing Algernon needs to do, because he still loves being mischievous. Algy is not ready to settle down and he uses an imaginary person, the importance of Bunbury, to get out of many social situations. He can not fathom the thought of being loyal to only one person, and he still needs to have the freedom he feels is completely necessary. Algernon needs to do some growing up, and Jack is ready for that moment of true commitment and loyalty.

This passage foreshadows the problems that Jack and Algernon are going to face further into to the play because of their double lives. The author is hinting at a situation that is going to arise that involves both of these men being caught in their lies. Even though, Algernon thinks Bunbury is the best thing that has happened to him and that he could never live without Bunbury, that will all change. Also, Jack is going to pay for his younger brother Ernest, and the lies he has created around Ernest. This just shows that there is something in store for them and eventually they will be found out. They can not hide from their past and their lies are going to catch up with them, in a most unexpected way.

It is just very ironic that the entire play is based solely on one lie that, got completely out of hand. Jack's brother Ernest causes so much trouble for everyone, and it is so unnecessary. This passage reveals that Algernon is not opposed to leading a double life, and that he supports Jack. Jack also mentions Cecily and how she is interested in Ernest, which also foreshadows, Algernon's idea to become Jack's brother, Ernest. This part is just an introduction, for what is to come, and why the entire play unfolds in the way it did.

My Opinion-

I thought this play was very humorous, however the characters have no real depth to them. All of their arguments are trivial and do not have any huge importance. The characters are only concerned with small issues, and they do not get involved with the deeper side of anything. Jack and Algernon argue regularly throughout the play, sometimes about nothing, for example the muffin argument. These two men have just been left by their fiances and they care to argue over a muffin, rather than find the women they supposedly love. Their priorities are just somewhat confusing and I do not understand or agree with many of the insane things they say.

I also find Cecily very funny and a very enjoyable character, who is not all together, however she is quite entertaining. The way that she had planned to be engaged to "Ernest" no matter who he was, without much knowledge of him at all. She does not even know that much about him, even forgetting the fact that she has never met him. The part where she says she had to call of the engagement, not because of a fight or a difference of opinion, but because during an engagement you need to call it off at least once. There is no feelings or emotions behind the engagement of Algernon and Cecily. They did not even know each other for more than a couple hours and the were already engaged, that is just insane.

I love the quirkiness to this play, however I do not like their way of life and their passive views on important topics. All of the characters just seem selfish and only concerned with themselves. I do like the lightness of this play, but I just can not fathom their way of living and the choices they make.

Symbol-

Food is always a source of argument for the characters, throughout the entire play. Everything including the cucumbers, the sugar and cake, and the muffins all are large sections of disagreement for the characters. Algernon and Jack fight over such a simple thing, like a muffin, and Gwendolen and Cecily do the same thing with cake. This just is a way to get across their trivial arguments and the insignificance of their disagreements. It definitely plays a central part in this play, always coming up at certain points, and that was no doubt intentional by the author. The food just shows the lack of depth and meaning to their disputes and their lives.

Cat's Cradle

Quote/Passage-

"To whom it may concern: These people around you are almost all of the survivors on San Lorenzo of the winds that followed the freezing of the sea. These people made a captive of the spurious holy name named Bokonon. They brought him here, placed him at their center, and commanded him to tell them exactly what God Almighty was up to and what they should do. The mountebank told them that God was surely trying to kill them, possible because He was through with them, and that they should have the good manners to die. This, as you can see, they did.

The note was signed by Bokonon." (pg. 182)

I chose this particular passage, because it really symbolizes the depth behind the Bokononist religion, which there was none of. The entire island of San Lorenzo with all the people, Papa Monzano, the Hoenikkers, Mona, and the people all centered their lives around lies. The entire bokononist religion has no truth behind it, however so many of these people follow it. It shows the insignificance of the religion and how many people had to pay for being persuaded into believing it. They all died for no reason and Bokonon, the one who created it, was to blame. He was such a hypocrite making them die for this religion when he, being the person behind it all, would not die for it himself. He just knew that the island would not be function able without something, so he based it all on lies. It just shows his cowardliness and that this religion that everyone ends up following, is completely pointless.

Even John, who seems to be one of the only normal characters in this book, is persuaded into believing this book full of lies and deceit. It just shows how if you advocate something enough, eventually people are going to start going along with it, even if they do not know why. It just shows how influential some things that are so simple can be. Even half the poems, if not most of the poems in the book of Bokononists, are words jumbled together that really do not make any sense what so ever. It just rambles on, making it seem like their is vital information within its pages, however nothing holds any real importance.

It also represents one of the main themes throughout the book, that people can make huge inventions or discoveries, however they do not think about how it will affect others. They do not take into consideration the significance of their actions and they are unable to fathom the negative effects it can have on people. Bokonon in this passage shows that he did not care at all about the people that Bokononism influenced and he did not care if they lived or died. Felix Hoenikker is exactly the same because with his input on the atomic bomb and the invention of ice nine, he is wiping out most of the world. Ice nine has the power to kill so many people, however him and his children can not realize the terrible effects that these things have on other people. It just shows their lack of consideration and understanding for the people who their inventions are going to affect.

My Opinion-

I did enjoy this book because, no matter how many times you read it, there is always something that will be new. It really makes me stop and think, and I do not know all the answers to the questions in this book, which I like. It is so different from anything else I have ever read, and the uniqueness of it, intrigued me. I also definitely like the style of writing and I found it to be a fast read. The way the chapters were broken up also was something that helped it go fast and hold my interest.

No matter how complex, the characters were so interesting and I thought John was very likable. I loved the similarities and differences shown between Ilium and San Lorenzo. Also the introduction to ice nine and Bokononism made me all the more curious to continue reading. Some of the things that are important to these characters, are so hard to comprehend, especially Felix. Yet, that is just part of the depth to his character explanation. I feel however far fetched this book may be, it is still an awesome read that keeps you entertained throughout the entire thing.

I think Kurt Vonnegut did a really good job with his descriptions of the characters and the overall mood and tone he sets in the book. I love the change of scenery from Ilium to San Lorenzo. I also liked the ending, even though I did not at first. Even though it was a little predictable, it still was just so crazy and imaginative that I changed my opinion about it. The tornadoes and everything being turned to ice, is just so unimaginable, however really interesting. However, I did not like the immaturity and inconsideration of both Felix and Bokonon. Both of these men were the reasons for so many peoples deaths, and it they were very unnecessary. That, I found a hard time accepting, just because I felt that Felix did not care about anyone else in the world except himself, and it is hard handle.

Symbols/Themes/Etc.-

Bokononism symbolizes how easy it is to make up a religion and to sell it to people, because they are so easily manipulated into believing lies. The people of San Lorenzo just go along with this religion never questioning it, or investigating its deeper meaning. It just shows that people are so easily influenced because everyone feels the need to follow and believe in something. The people of San Lorenzo were desperate for something to believe in, and that is why Bokononism influenced them so heavily.

Ice nine symbolizes that the immaturity of only a few people and the geniusness of another, can destroy the world. It shows that some people do not know what to do with power and some do not understand its importance. Ice nine is an example that one invention has the power to destroy everyone and everything. It just shows how irresponsible someone can be and that many people do not care about anyone but themselves. Ultimately, it is that one person can have the overwhelming power to destroy all of mankind.

Anthem

The Passage-

Today, the Golden One stopped suddenly and said:
"We love you."
But then they frowned and shook their head and looked at us helplessly.
"No," they whispered, "that is not what we wished to say."

They were silent, then they spoke slowly, and their words were halting, like the words of a child learning to speak for the first time:

"We are one...alone...and only...and we love you who are one...alone...and only."

We looked into each other's eyes and we knew that the breath of a miracle had touched us, and fled, and left us groping vainly. And we felt torn, torn for some word we could not find.

I chose this passage because it is so innocent and real, and really shows the Golden One's emotions. It shows their struggle to truly express themselves and their vocabulary that they have to overcome. Even though it is a hurdle for them to really say what they want to, they are both determined to try. This just is an example of the difficulties they have to face by leaving their society, however their independent personalities show their readiness. It is hard for a reader to understand the struggle that these characters have, with finding the word "I". They really have to work their way up to it, to find its true meaning and full importance.

Also I thought this was a good example of just how sheltered and deprived they were in their old society. The city they once lived in, chose what you were to do, and Equality and The Golden One had no say in the matter. I can not imagine not having any input about what I was going to do for the rest of my life. Also they can not show any interest or affection to anyone. It is just another example of a society that is so strict and unreasonable , that they will not make any exceptions for someone who is different and wants change. That government is so set in its ways that it can not see the importance and significance of Equality's new discovery. This government just puts such a weight upon their backs and this passage shows them really breaking away and finding themselves.

This shows that even with so many people against them and an entire life that pushes them in the wrong direction, they can find what matters most. They have found each other and can care and love one another, even if it was once forbidden. Now the forest gives them an endless amount of possibilities and a fresh start. They can show their love for one another and not have to hide it or be ashamed of it.

My Opinion-

I really enjoyed this book a great deal because the characters are inspirational. They are examples that if you are brave enough to make your own choices and not conform to society, even though it may be challenging, it can work. Their life in the forest, gives them their independence and the freedom that they were desperate for. It just makes the reader aware that it is possible that running away from a bad place with no idea where you are going, can turn out to be an amazing thing.

They have an endless amount of possibilities and they can be who they were meant to be, not who they were forced to be. They can enjoy life and now know what it is like to have the love of another person. Even though they will face challenges they can grow with one another and learn from their mistakes together, and I think that is amazing. Instead of going through life, always wonder what would have been, if they just followed their heart and took that leap of faith, now they do not have to wonder. Equality and the Golden One can live a happy life, that they have chosen for themselves.

I just think this book has a great message and I did not want to put it down. It was not hard to read at all and it was one of my favorites. I love that he was so excited about his invention and he risked a lot for what he believed in. Equality stands alone from the others, however he is not afraid, but ready for what faces him. All it takes is one person, one person to take the first step and set a way for a better life for many. Equality, just shows that making your own choices, and decisions, can have incredible results.

Symbols/Theme/Etc.-

Equality himself, symbolizes hope for that society because he left. Eventually either he will go back to get more people, or he will have inspired others to do what they want and not what they are told. He will form a new society, one of freedom and he will encourage everyone to be different and be an individual. No matter how it happens, it will happen and he has made that possible, by not being afraid of the unknown.

A theme that is very important throughout this book, is one of individual importance. This society where everyone acts the same and does what they are told, is an example of exactly what is wrong with their lives. The author is sending the message that it is better to do be who you are than, to be something you are not, because at least you will be happier. Individuality is so significant to a society and for people to be diverse in what they know, and how they express themselves, through what they are passionate about. To be your own person is the most important thing possible. The development throughout this novel is key because everyone in that society has yet to find their individualities. They need to know what it feels like to be one person, who controls their own life.

Also the author is sending the message, that no matter what, you can not be held back by your fears. To make your life not revolve around apprehension, and just act on your impulses without worrying about the outcome, is so important. To let yourself be less of a person, because of fear, is just a waist. Fear should not have any impact on how you go about life, and Equality is a great example of bravery.

Another symbol is the forest, because it symbolizes opportunity and possibilities. Instead of being confined in his society, not able to be himself, he is able to do anything in the forest. It is a place of calm and serenity, and the freedom to do as he pleases. The city and the forest are complete opposites of each other, not just because of the nature aspect, but because of the opportunity aspect. The forest is just an open place full of hope and happiness.

The Handmaid's Tale

Quote-

Throughout The Handmaid's Tale there is always some hope for Offred to maybe one day be free. Her friend, Moira, acts as an inspiration to Offred, because she does what she wants and she is not afraid of the consequences. She is an independent, strong person, who really does give Offred the impression that she is a women who is determined and does not quit. This really is the only encouragement that Offred has to go on for, a good part of the book. However at a surprising turn of events, Moira can not take anymore, and that is why I chose this specific passage, "So here I am. They even give you face cream. You should figure out some way of getting in here. You'd have three or four good years before your snatch wears out and they send you to the bone yard. The food's not bad and there's drink and drugs, if you want it, and we only work nights."

"Moira," I say. "You don't mean that." She is frightening me now, because what I hear in her voice is indifference, a lack of volition. Have they really done it to her then, taken away something- what? - that used to be so central to her? And how can I expect her to go on, with my ideas of her courage, live it through, act it out, when I myself do not?

This passage, just shows how much Offred had invested in Moira and her strength of character. That was very important to Offred and it gave not only Offred hope, but the readers hope, that Offred might be able to be like Moira and take things into her own hands. However, this passage really changes the mood of the book after that point because it seems as though there is no way out and Offred will be a Handmaid forever. This just made everything different and if Moira someone with great spirit and fight, could not break through the barriers of Gilead, then could anyone? Also it seems to affect Offred in a really negative way, because she feels that she can not be disappointed in Moira, when she has not done anything that comes close to that.

This passage is also very important because it shows just how harsh the Republic of Gilead is, and how hard it is to escape. Moira signifies a person who fights and does not give up, however even this society with all its rules and regulations is able to break her down. It just shows the difficulty of this place and the government that is heading it, they must see the suffering they are putting all these people through, yet they still do it. Their daily struggles from day to day, are direct results of the choices the government has made to help the birth rate, however ruin their lives in the process.

My Opinion-

I found The Handmaid's Tale hard to follow sometimes and it definitely was not a fast read. I do not really like the overall mood throughout the book, because it is very depressing. Offred is happy by the simplest things, because it is so hard to see the good in this strict society. Religion plays a huge role in this book and many different religions are hinted at and maybe criticised by the author. The government really is harsh in what these people can and can not do. I hate how the women are not allowed to read, and they take many of their privileges away. Even though this society is supposed to protect women from being raped or just violence in general, it is definitely not better than their lives were before Gilead. Offred was truly happy with her family before this, and know she is depressed and so very lonely. The government no doubt made it worse for almost everyone, including men, because they took away the many freedoms that they once had. Offred remembers her life before and longs to go back to her husband and daughter, however she knows that that is nearly impossible. I just hate that this book does not give Offred the chance to take a stand and do what she wants to, and try and escape. I expected her to step up and at least attempt some kind of rebellion against Gilead, and set an example for others to do the same. But that never happens.

One thing I did like was the ending because at least it did end with a little bit of hope. Even though it is unlikely she was saved, at least it is not a definite that she failed to be. It does give that last glimmer of hope, and lets the reader decide for themselves what to believe.

Theme/Symbols/Etc.

The Eyes show that they represent the highest power possible, being named the Eyes of God. They give that sense of no matter what you do, somehow you will be found out eventually. The government has Eyes everywhere and Offred and some others are afraid of doing anything wrong in case they are being watched. Also, she can not really trust anyone, because who knows who is watching and against her. The Eyes just make all the people of this place, haunted by the fact that if they slip up or say something offensive, someone will probably find out. It gives the reader the impression that there are people lurking behind every street corner, just waiting for someone to mess up. It is not a healthy way to run a society, scaring the people into obeying, and killing them for the most absurd things. They Eyes just represent too much power, however there is nothing that can be done to stop it.

A theme throughout this book is that this place of Gilead is for the protection of women. They are concerned with them getting raped, or being exploited inappropriately, and they are in need of protection. However, the irony in this is that, Offred is almost forced to have sex with the Commander when they go to the club and it borders on rape. As does that entire place that they go to, and it shows the same things are happening however it is a secret now. It is even worse because their is no more passion or romance to this society anymore, just women being used. It is terrible what they have to live through and it is ridiculous that anyone could think that this place is better for women.