Ryan Readinger
Ms. Peifer
Hour 5 10 IB
13 December 2008
Beowulf Commentary
This passage from Beowulf is significant to the story because it sums up what the Danish man is like and it gives the reader an idea of the values of the Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. It shows the audience how Beowulf’s power really started off. It also shows that the Anglo Saxons had a great belief in the Christian god and that He had the power to decide the fate of any man. The passage shows Hrothgar’s pride in his work, but it also shows his faith and his ability to give away his power. In the same way the passage also shows Beowulf’s eagerness and ability to take that power.
In the passage, the author uses the words in the lines, more so than the way they are put together. The author uses descriptive words to get his point across such as in the lines “Ward and guard it, for it is the greatest of houses. /Be on your mettle now, keep in mind your fame, /beware of the enemy.” (Heaney, 658-660). Words like Ward and mettle kind of beef of the lines and make reading it more interesting because it’s not just simple language. Later on in the passage, the author uses a kenning to keep the reader interested, “Hrothgar departed then with his house-guard” (Heaney, 662). The kenning is used to make the language in the story seem less tradition in a way, because it makes the words more descriptive when the author could have just used simple language. The use of kennings is common throughout the story, and that’s what makes it interesting.
The passage is able to briefly characterize Hrothgar and Beowulf, and it shows how much faith Hrothgar has in Beowulf. It also shows the wealth of Hrothgar, because he has “the greatest of houses and he tells Beowulf “There’s nothing you wish for/ that won’t be yours if you win through alive.” (Heaney, 660-661). That line shows that Hrothgar will give anything to have Beowulf rid his great hall of Grendel, and that is the main point of the story.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Beowulf LRJ #3
The values in this section of the tale of Beowulf are still pride, strength and keeping your name immortalized. Although, in this section, there is also the value of dying a acceptable death and dying a heroic death, which Beowulf does. Beowulf knows his death is upon him, but he wanted to slay the dragon before he died. He does this and thats what makes his death heroic. A proper death is highly valued in Anglo-Saxon culture. The text continues to talk about Beowulfs strength and his will power which were constantly praised by his men.
This section is different from the others because of the premise of Beowulfs death. In the other stories it was always about Beowulf winning the battles and going on to boast about his victories, but in this passage it was about him slaying his final enemy but dying in the process. This section also focuses more on Beowulfs stuggles with his enemys instead of Beowulfs victories over them.
Beowulfs death was an honorable one because he died doing an honorable deed and he died in battle which was considered an honorable death. His end was that of a heros because he killed the monster that was tormenting the citizens of his land, and the people knew him as a great hero by doing that.
This section is different from the others because of the premise of Beowulfs death. In the other stories it was always about Beowulf winning the battles and going on to boast about his victories, but in this passage it was about him slaying his final enemy but dying in the process. This section also focuses more on Beowulfs stuggles with his enemys instead of Beowulfs victories over them.
Beowulfs death was an honorable one because he died doing an honorable deed and he died in battle which was considered an honorable death. His end was that of a heros because he killed the monster that was tormenting the citizens of his land, and the people knew him as a great hero by doing that.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Beowulf LRJ #2
The main values of the Anglo-Saxons were that of strength and heroism. Throughout Beowulf, Beowulf is constantly trying to keep his name immortal and the author is always talking about Beowulfs great strength. "But a warrior of Hygelac's heard of Grendel's doings; he was the strongest of men alive in that day, mighty and noble"(Breeden). Strength and the act of showing strength is a strong value in Anglo-Saxon cutlture, because it makes it seem like everybody is way better if you have more strength than somebody else. The immortalization of a name is also a main value as well and the author of Beowulf makes it seem that both Hrothgar and Beowulf are striving to have their name be remembered. "So Hrothgar decided he would build a mead-hall, the greatest the world had ever seen, or even imagined. There he would share out to young and old alike all that God gave him (except for public lands and men's lives),"(Breeden).
Beowulfs strength is the most unrealistic part of this story. The ability to rip the arm off of a monster that is twices the size of you is just unbeleiveable. Beowulf focuses his confidence around his strength so if he didnt have enourmous strength he wouldnt have any confidence. These unrealistic showings of Beowulfs overpowering strength are in the story to beef it up a little. Its unrealistic, but it makes it even more great, and it makes Beowulf even more of an awesome hero, which the people wanted and that was how the author wanted Beowulf to be remembered.
My favorite qoutes are all the ones that have a descriptive effect on the story. "Each was hateful to the other alive. The horrible monster endured a wound: the bone-locks of his shoulder gave way, and his sinews sprang out."(Breeden). That quote shows the awesomeness of Beowulf and the full extent of his strength, which is quite unrealistic, but it adds such a descriptive peice to the battle."The fated fugitive's bloody tracksled into the water-monster's mere.There bloody water boiled,a horrible swirl of wavesmingled with hot gore."(Breeden). This quote has the same effect that the other quote has as well, it adds a nasty but descriptive edge to the story and makes it more intersesting.
Beowulfs strength is the most unrealistic part of this story. The ability to rip the arm off of a monster that is twices the size of you is just unbeleiveable. Beowulf focuses his confidence around his strength so if he didnt have enourmous strength he wouldnt have any confidence. These unrealistic showings of Beowulfs overpowering strength are in the story to beef it up a little. Its unrealistic, but it makes it even more great, and it makes Beowulf even more of an awesome hero, which the people wanted and that was how the author wanted Beowulf to be remembered.
My favorite qoutes are all the ones that have a descriptive effect on the story. "Each was hateful to the other alive. The horrible monster endured a wound: the bone-locks of his shoulder gave way, and his sinews sprang out."(Breeden). That quote shows the awesomeness of Beowulf and the full extent of his strength, which is quite unrealistic, but it adds such a descriptive peice to the battle."The fated fugitive's bloody tracksled into the water-monster's mere.There bloody water boiled,a horrible swirl of wavesmingled with hot gore."(Breeden). This quote has the same effect that the other quote has as well, it adds a nasty but descriptive edge to the story and makes it more intersesting.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Beowulf LRJ #1
The author of Beowulf uses alliteration to emphasize the words in phrases that are important to the plot of the story. In this passage, "is the path to power among people everywhere"(Heaney, 25), the author uses alliteration to emphasize "the path to power" which makes power more of a important part of the story. Another passage the author uses alliteration in is "Cain's clan, whom the creator had outlawed"(Heaney, 106), empahsizes the point that Cain's clan was condemned, therfore Grendel too, and that makes Grendel even more sinister. The alliteration in this passage "stealthy night-shapes came stealing forth"(Heaney, 650), makes the passage, more descriptive and makes the line easier to picture.
The kennings in this story actually make the story more fun in some ways, because some of them are kind of ridiculous, but a lot of the kennings make the subject more interesting by making the name more descriptive. "for who could be blind to the evdience of his eyes, the obviousness of that hall-watchers hate?"
The kennings in this story actually make the story more fun in some ways, because some of them are kind of ridiculous, but a lot of the kennings make the subject more interesting by making the name more descriptive. "for who could be blind to the evdience of his eyes, the obviousness of that hall-watchers hate?"
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
LRJ #2
Death is a common image throughout the play. Death is the main premise of the plot and the story revolves around the deaths of many people and how they deal with those deaths. The first instance where death is in the story is right in the beginning when Antigone tells Ismene she is going to bury her brothers dead body. "What, hath not Creon destined our brothers, the one to honoured burial, the other to unburied shame? Eteocles, they say, with due observance of right and custom, he hath laid in the earth, for his honour among the dead below. But the hapless corpse of Polyneices-as rumour saith, it hath been published to the town that none shall entomb him or mourn, but leave unwept, unsepulchred, a welcome store for the birds, as they espy him, to feast on at will." (Sophocles). This first look at death in the play really sets up the plot for the rest of the play and Polyneices death also is the base cause for others to die to. The other parts where death comes in to play in the story are when Antigone, Haimon and, Creons wife all kill themselves. "Lead me away, I pray you; a rash, foolish man; who have slain thee, ah my son, unwittingly, and thee, too, my wife-unhappy that I am! I know not which way I should bend my gaze, or where I should seek support; for all is amiss with that which is in my hands,-and yonder, again, a crushing fate hath leapt upon my head." (Sophocles). All the deaths in this play have a major effect on how the story turns out and Sophocles uses it to prove that death is always there , and by being stubborn, that can cause terrible things to happen.
Creons fatal flaw is that it takes some thing terrible to make him realize that he make a mistake. His inability to see the effects of his actions is a part of this fatal flaw. He is constantly stubbon throught the play and it takes some one to come and convince him to change his mind, but that was already too late. "Even as I am I'll go:-on, on, my servants, each and all of you,-take axes in your hands, and hasten to the ground that ye see yonder! Since our judgment hath taken this turn, I will be present to unloose her, as myself bound her. My heart misgives me, 'tis best to keep the established laws, even to life's end." (Sophocles) Creon finally realizes that his decision was wrong after being convinced to let Antigone go, but his overwhelming stubbornness makes this command happen to late. He convinces himslef that his desicion to sentence Antigone is correct and it takes numerous people to tell him otherwise. This eventually causes the death of Antigone, his son and his wife, and all because of his stubbornness. Creon finally realizes his wrongdoing at the very end of the play, when the news of his son's and wife's deaths reaches him. He laments about this for along time crying out for his own death, because he knows that he caused these deaths. Because of his inability to rule correctly he is banshied and loses everything, his Peripeteia. The audience is led throughout the play to beleive that Creon is a stubborn and wrathful leader and king, which he is, but in the end the audience is meant to almost pity Creon for his losses. This is the Catharsis, because the audince is cleaned of their previous thoughts about Creon and set with completely different thoughts.
Women are characterized in Antigone to be unfit to stand up to men. That nothion is repeatedly said thoughout the play, even by women themselves. "Nay, we must remember, first, that we were born women, as who should not strive with men; next, that we are ruled of the stronger, so that we must obey in these things, and in things yet sorer." (Sophocles) They are made out to be less than men, but even then Antigone still goes and defys Creons law. "O dastard nature, yielding place to woman!" (Sophocles). The men in the play constantly degrade women, and are always comparing what is said to be weak and cowardly behavior to that of a woman.
Creons fatal flaw is that it takes some thing terrible to make him realize that he make a mistake. His inability to see the effects of his actions is a part of this fatal flaw. He is constantly stubbon throught the play and it takes some one to come and convince him to change his mind, but that was already too late. "Even as I am I'll go:-on, on, my servants, each and all of you,-take axes in your hands, and hasten to the ground that ye see yonder! Since our judgment hath taken this turn, I will be present to unloose her, as myself bound her. My heart misgives me, 'tis best to keep the established laws, even to life's end." (Sophocles) Creon finally realizes that his decision was wrong after being convinced to let Antigone go, but his overwhelming stubbornness makes this command happen to late. He convinces himslef that his desicion to sentence Antigone is correct and it takes numerous people to tell him otherwise. This eventually causes the death of Antigone, his son and his wife, and all because of his stubbornness. Creon finally realizes his wrongdoing at the very end of the play, when the news of his son's and wife's deaths reaches him. He laments about this for along time crying out for his own death, because he knows that he caused these deaths. Because of his inability to rule correctly he is banshied and loses everything, his Peripeteia. The audience is led throughout the play to beleive that Creon is a stubborn and wrathful leader and king, which he is, but in the end the audience is meant to almost pity Creon for his losses. This is the Catharsis, because the audince is cleaned of their previous thoughts about Creon and set with completely different thoughts.
Women are characterized in Antigone to be unfit to stand up to men. That nothion is repeatedly said thoughout the play, even by women themselves. "Nay, we must remember, first, that we were born women, as who should not strive with men; next, that we are ruled of the stronger, so that we must obey in these things, and in things yet sorer." (Sophocles) They are made out to be less than men, but even then Antigone still goes and defys Creons law. "O dastard nature, yielding place to woman!" (Sophocles). The men in the play constantly degrade women, and are always comparing what is said to be weak and cowardly behavior to that of a woman.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Antigone Paper
Creon's persona in this play is that of a person so stubborn, that that stubbornness can make one guilty of causing death. Creon is depicted as a person who is so sure of them selves that they cant tell a good decision from a bad one. Creon's poor decision making skills and outright stubborn attitude cause deaths and for himself and others, and it takes many people to change just one ill-fated decision.
Creon's decision to not have Polyneices body buried is a decision that will eventually cause the demise of his rule. It's silly how he orders this to happen without thinking about the consquences of it. Creon doesnt realize how important it is to Antigone that her brothers body be buried and how set she is to do it, even if it causes her death. "Such, 'tis said, is the edict that the good Creon hath set forth for thee and for me,-yes, for me,-and is coming hither to proclaim it clearly to those who know it not; nor counts the matter light, but, whoso disobeys in aught, his doom is death by stoning before all the folk. Thou knowest it now; and thou wilt soon show whether thou art nobly bred, or the base daughter of a noble line." (Sophocles). Creon is so sure of his decision that he shakes off any suggestion that he change his mind about his sentecing of Antigone for doing what was right. He finally relents and realizes that he should release Antigone, but that decision came too late. The consequences of his actions already took place, and the fact that he could have chaged the outcome just by listening to others is the biggest flaw in Creons character and the fact that his poorly made decisions makes him guilty of the deaths of Antigone, Haimon, and his wife.
Creon may have, given in to changing his mind and giving the order to let Antigone free, but the decision to have her imprisoned is the one problem that causes death. He was so caught up in his own pride and his image of great glory for thebes that he made the law to punish anyone who buried that traito Polyneices. That one law causes the death of his family, and he later realizes his fatal mistake. "Ah me, this guilt can never be fixed on any other of mortal kind, for my acquittal! I, even I, was thy slayer, wretched that I am-I own the truth. Lead me away, O my servants, lead me hence with all speed, whose life is but as death! " (Sophocles).
Creons stubbornness and self pride are the causes of his terrible desicion making skills and the main but second hand cause for the deaths of Antigone, Haimon and Creons wife. Those two characteristics and the results of them are the reason why Creon is guilty of those deaths.
Creon's decision to not have Polyneices body buried is a decision that will eventually cause the demise of his rule. It's silly how he orders this to happen without thinking about the consquences of it. Creon doesnt realize how important it is to Antigone that her brothers body be buried and how set she is to do it, even if it causes her death. "Such, 'tis said, is the edict that the good Creon hath set forth for thee and for me,-yes, for me,-and is coming hither to proclaim it clearly to those who know it not; nor counts the matter light, but, whoso disobeys in aught, his doom is death by stoning before all the folk. Thou knowest it now; and thou wilt soon show whether thou art nobly bred, or the base daughter of a noble line." (Sophocles). Creon is so sure of his decision that he shakes off any suggestion that he change his mind about his sentecing of Antigone for doing what was right. He finally relents and realizes that he should release Antigone, but that decision came too late. The consequences of his actions already took place, and the fact that he could have chaged the outcome just by listening to others is the biggest flaw in Creons character and the fact that his poorly made decisions makes him guilty of the deaths of Antigone, Haimon, and his wife.
Creon may have, given in to changing his mind and giving the order to let Antigone free, but the decision to have her imprisoned is the one problem that causes death. He was so caught up in his own pride and his image of great glory for thebes that he made the law to punish anyone who buried that traito Polyneices. That one law causes the death of his family, and he later realizes his fatal mistake. "Ah me, this guilt can never be fixed on any other of mortal kind, for my acquittal! I, even I, was thy slayer, wretched that I am-I own the truth. Lead me away, O my servants, lead me hence with all speed, whose life is but as death! " (Sophocles).
Creons stubbornness and self pride are the causes of his terrible desicion making skills and the main but second hand cause for the deaths of Antigone, Haimon and Creons wife. Those two characteristics and the results of them are the reason why Creon is guilty of those deaths.
Monday, November 17, 2008
POLYNEICES BURIED!
Breaking news, the proclaimed traitor, Polyneices, was buried by an unspecified person, reported late yesterday. The so called "burial" took place where Polyneices was slain in battle, at an uncertain time yesterday. Authorities are still searching for the suspect, and no suspects have been disclosed to the public. King Creon states in an adress to the public, "The people of Thebes and I are greatly angered by this blatant defying of orders and rules set down by me, the king, and whoever commited this atrocity will be severly punished. I am ashamed to hear that my commands would be disrupted.". King Creon refused to comment about any suspects thought to have taken part in the crime, although, a search conducted by the city sentries show no trace of any burial ritual at all. "Further extensive search on this crime must be done to find out who did this foul act", the leading city sentry said in a breif interveiw after the discovery of the crime. Hopfully soon the criminal will befound.
-Ryanticus, The Thebes Press
-Ryanticus, The Thebes Press
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Blog song.
I was sittin up in english when ms peifer said lets start up a blog
so we headed to the library to work on it like hogs!
i thought to myself, well this is kinda cool
and it was a general consensus that it was the coolest thing in school
i love how our class is so in-depth with technology
and its cool how we can set up a blog diligently
Man this is so cool
its not for fools
and the only way to do it it through the school
Mac is watchin videos on his page
my blog is so magical you maight mistake it for a mage
I like to play games on my homie jakes place
I fly around a planet sprayin stuff that looks like mace!
I like to read my quotes that alex writes about
Most of them arent true and when I tell them I make them pout
WHAT! ITS THE BLOGGA PAGE!
I WRITE ABOUT MY LIFE WHILE DRINKIN TEA WITH SAGE!
Man this is so cool
its not for fools
and the only way to do it it through the school
Mac is watchin videos on his page
my blog is so magical you maight mistake it for a mage
I like to play games on my homie jakes place
I fly around a planet sprayin stuff that looks like mace!
I like to read my quotes that alex writes about
Most of them arent true and when I tell them I make them pout
WHAT! ITS THE BLOGGA PAGE!
I WRITE ABOUT MY LIFE WHILE DRINKIN TEA WITH SAGE!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The New Blog
I used to know nothing about computers, but over the years, I've gotten steadily more into knowing more about computers and the internet. I would like to know more, and thats really why I'm eager to start this blog and explore what you can do on the internet. I've never started a blog before, but i don't think its that confusing so I would like to do it some more I guess. Even though technology is growing everyday, I'd like to keep up with as much of it as I can.
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