The Office vs. Volpone

Since I completed all of my Ruminations for the class I still wanted to contribute to the class, and when Professor Calhoun mentioned that the characters in Volpone could be seen as similar to those in The Office it sparked off ideas in my mind. In the play Volpone, the tale of Volpone’s trickery is constantly twisting and turning as the characters in the play are scheming and lying to each other until the whole things blows up in Volpone’s face. This is a weekly occurrence with Steve Carell’s character Michael Scott who would play Volpone. He is always plotting some kind of scheme as he sidekick Dwight Schrute played by Rainn Wilson is at his side, which of course would play Mosca. Nano would be played by Ed Helmes (Andy) who keeps Volpone (Michael Scott) amused with jokes. Castrone who never speaks in the play would obviously be played by Brian Baumgartner (Kevin), as you never can understand when he speaks. Celia who displays goodness would be played by Jenna Fischer (Pam) who in The Office is usually the one who does well by others. The mean and vicious Corvino would be played by Craig Robinson, as he is always curt with his answers to everyone. The deceitful Voltore always looking to climb the ladder of success would be played by Paul Lieberstein who is also looking to knock others over to climb the money ladder. Leslie David Baker (Stanley) would play Corbaccio as he is always complaining of not feeling well. Bonario son of Corbacio who rescues Celia would be played by John Krasinski (Jim) who deep down inside is an honorable man. The very proper Fine Madame Would-be would be Amy Ryan (Holly) she thinks she is better than everyone else in The Office. Creed Bratton (Creed) would be Sir Politic Would-be as he looks like an English Knight. Finally the Hermaphrodite Androgyno would be played by Kate Flannery (Meredith) she just seems to fit that part right.

Creative Engagement- Debate on The Internet as Utopia

The Internet as Utopia: An Overview of the Debate

I found this information from the The New York Public Library website (http://utopia.nypl.org/I_meta_2.html). It is an idea that we have not touch based on during all of our Ruminations and Blogs. I really enjoyed the many insightful thoughts that everyone had on Utopia and am happy that Professor Calhoun gave us the chance to look more into this topic.


In the ongoing search for the ideal society, the Internet has been proposed as a "place" in which a utopia could exist. Parallels to previous notions of utopian thought are discussed in "Cyber-Utopianism" and the Evolution in Utopian Thought. Despite these comparisons, there has been a heated debate on the question of whether the Internet qualifies as a utopia: some argue that it is or should be considered as a possible utopia; others regard it as purely a new form of communications technology and not the basis of an ideal "place" or "community"; still others perceive it to be dystopic, or anything but ideal, as a real or potential threat to man and society.

Cyberspace consists of transactions, relationships, and thought itself, arrayed like a standing wave in the web of our communications. Ours is a world that is both everywhere and nowhere, but it is not where bodies live. We are creating a world that all may enter without privilege or prejudice accorded by race, economic power, military force, or station of birth.

We are creating a world where anyone, anywhere may express his or her beliefs, no matter how singular, without fear of being coerced into silence or conformity. …We believe that from ethics, enlightened self-interest, and the commonweal, our governance will emerge.-- from John Perry Barlow, "A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace," available at the website of the Electric Frontier Foundation, 1996


Proponents of the Internet have contended that with nothing more than access to a computer, modem, and ISP, users can freely create and participate in a community unbounded by the physical limitations of time, space, and being. The unprecedented personal freedom, unrestricted access, and varied modes of communication and communities that this metaworld affords all contribute to the Internet’s consideration as a "place" where a utopia, no longer imaginary or remote but not physically substantive, can be constructed and inhabited.

Those who contend that the Internet is not a utopia argue that a digitally networked world does not provide the elements necessary to create an ideal community. Some consider the Internet to be simply the latest progression in communications technology, and not a revolutionary mechanism that has enabled metaphysical transformations and communities composed of "virtual" identities.


Others consider the Internet to be decidedly dystopic in nature: the perverse melding of real and simulated; the realm of an electronically connected elite made vulnerable by individuals — fanatics, predators, spammers, cybersquatters, and hackers — not to mention businesses, governments, and other organizations. Big Brother — in the form of governments, corporations, employers, teachers, and parents — is indeed watching and controlling access to information and people on the Internet. All these factors have contributed to concerns that the Internet is at best commercial and propagandistic but quite possibly illusory and subversive, or even dehumanizing and life-threatening.

Creative Engagement- Utopian ideals are also not the same as a Utopia

Utopian ideals are also not the same as a Utopia. Leaders in our history such as Adolf Hitler wanted a Utopian world that in his eyes would be a perfect way of life for all to follow. Hitler was mad man who killed and dehumanized entire races of people in trying to achieve his Utopia. François Marie Charles Fourieris a man probably must of you have never heard of was a French utopian socialist philosopher who’s utopian socialist views inspired the founding of the community called La Reunion near present-day Dallas, Texas. Although Fourier did not find the need to kill to achieve his Utopia he still manage to dehumanize the Jewish race “There were incentives: jobs people might not enjoy doing would receive higher pay. Fourier considered trade, which he associated with Jews, to be the "source of all evil" and advocated that Jews be forced to perform farm work in the phalansteries. But Fourier had some good ideas he was a supporter of women’s rights and defended homosexuality.
So throughout history there were and still are men and women who seek a Utopian world. But in all cases their Utopian World is never really perfect in the end it seems that someone always suffers.

If you are interested in reading more about François Marie Charles Fourier following this link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fourier

Which Utopia is the Perfect Utopia?

When finding out we were reading Thomas More’s Utopia, almost instantaneously I thought of a couple of books I read in Middle School that related to a Utopian society. For example, one book titled The Giver by Lois Lowry focuses on the combination of both a utopian and dystopian society. In The Giver, the surroundings and environment appear uncorrupted, where all its members are comfortable and cause no harm to themselves or to others. Therefore, the reader views this as a Utopian society, or an ideally perfect state. But there are evident differences in Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Thomas More’s Utopia, such as it is said that there are no animals, (pg. 547 in Book 2 Utopia discusses how farmers feed the animals), there is no nature (pg. 529 in Book 2 Utopia says, “Every house has a door to the street and another to the garden”), and in the The Giver as the story unravels we find that is not a perfect society, but a society that is missing diversity, color and love which demonstrates the idea that their world obtains dystopian characteristics as well. Another story that popped into my head was Animal Farm by George Orwell. A main difference that stood out to me was government. In Animal Farm it is evident that each individual wants full power and no one is willing to share it. In the beginning of their plot of rebellion they decide their government system will be called ‘animalism’ with specific guidelines they all must follow. A main one that causes controversy is, “All animals are created equal” which, as time passes, turns into, “All animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal.” On the other hand, in Utopia there is a representative democracy. Even though both of these stories exerted the idea of a Utopian society all had different occurrences and outcomes within. In my opinion, More’s story appeared to have the most peaceful described cities, and organized leadership and lifestyles, which made me question, whether or not a Utopian society in reality, could ever exist. Therefore I decided to look into what More’s main purposes of writing these books were.
Utopia was written in response to some difficulties More was having within his own life due to the way that England was being run. More’s new idea and way of thinking ignited some chaos. A main one, for example, was between the powers of religion over the power of monarchy, which resulted More being beheaded. A direct quote in Norton shows this, “When More was required to take the oath for the Act of Succession and the Act of Supremacy, affirming that the king rather than the pope was the supreme head of the church in England, he declined.” Overall, I feel like More’s intentions were to open people’s eyes to a life they could dream for and put into actions and not have to be forced under cruel rule filled with malfunction, and misuse of power. I liked the way More put forth his ideas and because of that it definitely opened my eyes to a more positive way of running a society…. if only this did actually happen, I wonder where we would be today.

Newark Clean-Up (Wildcard)

Dear Karen,
         Just thinking about you, and figured I would update you a little bit about what I was involved with this past weekend. On Saturday morning I volunteered to do the Newark Clean-up. I met my friends at the Municipal Building where we signed in, picked up our gloves, and trash bags and headed to our assigned location. We picked up litter for approximately two hours; collecting it off of the grass, sidewalks, and in the parking lots of Library Avenue. Many people stopped us to ask what organization we were affiliated with.  When our time was up we put all of our bags together and were amazed at the amount of trash that we had picked up. We all decided to share the most strange or bizarre thing that we found and after that we headed back to the Municipal Building. The Lion’s Den had hot dogs, drinks, and snacks prepared for us as a thank you for volunteering our time. We all felt amazing that we put our time, energy, and effort into something as simple as picking up garbage. Later that day, I drove down the road and you could honestly see the difference. People carelessly throw smaller things such as their receipts, candy wrappers, and cigarette butts on the floor, thinking that there will be no affect, but in reality these items add up and make places look dirty. Being able to see the success from volunteering is honestly so rewarding. I believe in karma- what goes around comes around, and I hope that when people have the time and opportunity to volunteer they will and as a result, gain the feeling of achievement just like I did. See you this weekend!

Love,

Jamie  

Is this Propaganda in Disguise?

         The OED defines propaganda as “any association, systematic scheme, or concerted movement for the propagation of a particular doctrine or practice”. Moreover, it adds that the propagation of information is carried out “by an interested party, esp. in a tendentious way in order to encourage or instill a particular attitude or response”

Literature in any form is a great way to disguise what a writer wants you to believe so they can gain your trust for their benefit. In Drayton’s Ode. To the Virginian Voyage, Drayton’s main purpose is to present Virginia to England as an ideal place filled with lush and rich land, as seen in line 27  “ And the fruitfull’st Soyle”, his aim potentially was to in turn get the backing from the Queen to pursue future travel and possibly the colonization of the land.  In the prose, Drayton’s slips in the name of Richard Hakluyt in line 68. “Industrious Hackluit.” Hackliut was a great supporter of travel to the New World who compiled explorer’s travels into a book. Did using Hackliut uncover new confidence needed by English explorers not to give up in finding the New World worthy of colonization?  Drayton’s prose and Raleigh works where great tools to find reluctant investors. By declaring on paper and using maps and words such as in line 30 “All greater than your Wish” to lure and create a sense of excitement and curiosity was a propaganda tool so important to the growth and expansion of England’s territory worldwide.

 In researching Drayton’s ode I found a bit of information that is very interesting.  In 1607 the London Company set out on three ships, the Godspeed, Discovery, and the Sarah Constant to “Earth’s only paradise’, Virginia. Drayton wrote a prose to the group of Englishmen traveling on these ships. I read that the passengers sang during their four and half month journey.

Britons, you stay too long, 


Quickly aboard bestow you, 


And with a merry gale,


Swell your stretched sail, 


With vows as strong 


As the winds that blow you.



Your course securely steer,


West and by South forth keep; 


Rocks, lee shores nor shoals, 
Where Eolus scowls,


You need not fear,



So absolute the deep.


And cheerfully at sea 
Success you still entice, 


To get the pearl and gold,


And ours to hold VIRGINIA,

 
Earth's only paradise!


And in regions far

 
Such heroes bring ye forth 


As those from whom we came; 
And plant our name


Under that star


Not known unto our north

So, can it be safely said that Drayton’s Ode. To the Virginian Voyage was a successful propaganda tool? It obviously enticed the King to fund the trip and to spark the interest to those Englishmen to travel thousands of miles to Virginia sight unseen.

Maps were also an important tool not only for navigational purpose but also to lure people to unknown land for the benefit of the mother country. Looking at a map was a form of communication, which can hide a hidden agenda.  Within the maps borders cartographers scripted symbols that had hidden meanings. Maps provided communication between the ruler of a country and his people. From May 1607 to the fall of 1609, Captain John Smith was a leader of the Jamestown colony, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Smith explored the area zealously and described Virginia in vivid detail in letters, reports and maps. (Novus Orbis: Images of the New World part 3) Was it fair that cartographers used deceit to make their kingdom more valuable? Diogo Riberio’s 1529 world map, drawn for King Charles V of Spain, drew the lucrative Molucca spice islands incorrectly to place them in Spain’s sphere of influence. (Jardine, 1996, p. 274).

Beowulf an Inspiration to J.R.R. Tolkien

 I wanted to dissect Beowulf, as I didn’t get to grasp the entire context of it the first week.  After doing a third pass reading it struck me that I have read a story in high school that reminded me of Beowulf. The book was J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. After doing some research, an interesting fact that I found was that the epic poem Beowulf was indeed a huge influence for Tolkien. He said, “Beowulf is in fact so interesting as poetry, in places poetry so powerful, that any historical value it may possess must always be of secondary importance.” (http://www.sfsu.edu/~medieval/Volume5/Beowulf.html)

It is evident that Tolkien based many of his characters off of the characters and objects in Beowulf. For example, Beorn in Lord of the Rings is compared to Beowulf in Beowulf. Immediately one would notice that they share half of their names (“Beo”). Beorn is a shape changer throughout the book as he can transform into a bear. Beowulf translates as “bee-wolf” which means bear as well. Along with their similar names both men have extraordinary strength and can tear their enemies apart with their strong clench. (http://valarguild.org/varda/Tolkien/encyc/papers/Ancalagon/TolkienandBeowulf.htm)

In both the epic poem and the story, there are struggles within their great journeys, and the battles that they fought. Tolkien took the imagery from Herot and used it to create the halls of Beorn and Théoden. Another thing that amazed me was that Tolkien thought of the title of his book from a line in Beowulf. Line 2345 reads, "Oferhogaode ða hringa fengel," usually translated, "Yet the prince of the rings was too proud..." This advocates Beowulf's characteristic of sharing gold rings and other rewards from battle with his men, and therefore, earning their loyalty. It seems that there is strong evidence that Tolkien translated this title into "Lord of the Rings”. (http://moongadget.com/origins/lotr.html)

I believe Tolkien changed the way people viewed Beowulf. In the past, believing in a fantasy world and mythical creatures would be looked down upon. He made it okay to believe in these ideas- to think there is evil even in good men and there is more to life then what is before us. After finding out all this information, I wonder how the author of Beowulf would feel that Tolkien borrowed so many of Beowulf’s characters, weapons, great halls and battles against good and evil. I believe that is okay, as in literature and art, as well as science and math, when something new is formed and put forth to others, it always is based from a previous discovery. More importantly, many people have enjoyed reading both pieces, which is a huge success for both authors as a main part of writing is attracting an audience.

There are very appealing comparisons to be found between the two pieces. Since I am not of avid knowledge of Lord of the Rings, the links that I have focused throughout this rumination will describe in detail the many similarities to Beowulf if any one is interested in looking further into this discovery!

Creative Engagement/ Where Did That Word Come From?

Having to search for a word in Oxford English Dictionary resulted in a thought coming to my mind. How many words did Shakespeare contribute to our vocabulary? This is what I found. Shakespeare is credited by the Oxford English Dictionary with the introduction of nearly 3,000 words into the language. His vocabulary, as culled from his works, numbers upward of 17,000 words (quadruple that of an average, well-educated conversationalist in the language). In the words of Louis Marder, "Shakespeare was so facile in employing words that he was able to use over 7,000 of them—more than occur in the whole King James version of the Bible—only once and never again." (http://www.bardweb.net/language.html) This is AMAZING as he had very little formal education.

The link will provide the words Shakespeare invented.

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/biography/wordsinvented.html

A Sonnet To A Past Loved One

It is believed that in Sonnet 55, the speaker is seeking to build a metaphoric monument dedicated to his beloved, the fair lord. It seems that the character of the fair lord reoccurs throughout some of Shakespeare’s sonnets. I find it interesting that the ‘fair lord’ is not described or revealed throughout this sonnet as it leaves a mysterious tone and allows the reader to assume which characteristics he obtains. The poet says, “you live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes (Line 14),” which may show that it doesn’t matter exactly how he is described because he is inhabited in the eyes of those who loves him- especially the writer in this case. Another interesting thought is that the reference to Judgment day (Line 13), may propose that the fair lord’s identity will be revealed as one must be themselves and pure when God is deciding if one can enter heaven.

After having the opportunity of visiting Shakespeare’s house a few years ago, I remember learning that his son died at an early age. It is said that Hamnet’s death had an effect on Shakespeare’s tone in his writing. So, because of that I wanted to bring up the possibility of this Sonnet being about Hamnet’s death, rather than the ‘fair lord’. There are certain pieces throughout the sonnet that demonstrates this idea. To start off, the “gilded monument” that he is writing about in Line 1 can be referring to a memorial being build for Hamnet. Another one in particular was  “You shall shine more bright (Line 3).” When thinking about what shine bright, the sun comes into mind- sun/son. The homophones of son and sun allow the reader to think that Shakespeare’s son will shine on in people’s hearts after his death.

It is also evident that immortality is a huge part of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Throughout his pieces he depicts the negative effects of time- the inevitable effects on beauty. For example, he talks about how he does not want his beloved to develop features such as wrinkles or grow gray hair. Throughout Sonnet 55 Shakespeare refers to the word “live” and words that include “live” in them, for example “outlive (line 2)”, “living record (line 8)”, “oblivious (line 9)”, and “you live in this (line 14).” This reoccurring word can mean different things such as living in an afterlife, living in a memory, or his desire to have his son be alive again.

When making an opinion on whom you think the sonnet is about- Hamnet or ‘fair lord’ one may think about how intimately it is written. It seems like it can go either way. Shakespeare was very close with his son, so it is understandable that he would want a golden monument for him in his honor. But on the other hand, the reader has had previous experience with the fair lord as he is mentioned throughout other sonnets. I like how Shakespeare has left it open for interpretation- we’ll probably never get a definite answer, and I am sure that people who will be re-reading all of these sonnets in the present and in the future, new ideas will come into mind and the cycle will continue.

The Typical Sonnet Sequence

Sir Philip Sidney’s From Astrophil and Stella is filled with misery, confusion, passion and suffering. Astrophil, the narrator in these sonnets, falls madly in love with Stella, a charming, beautiful woman. By reading the sonnets the reader can pick up on Astrophil’s extreme obsession with Stella. Emotions overflow each sonnet, some with more of an uplifting mood than others. For example, in Sonnet 2, the reader immediately can feel the strong emotions that overcome Astrophil. It makes the reader question, what is it about her that he is so infatuated with? Why can’t she love him back? Why doesn’t she love him back? When first reading this sonnet the feelings he was expressing were somewhat overwhelming. Being that this is only the second sonnet, the reader can feel somewhat sorrowful for Astrophil, especially when he ends the sonnet with, “To make myself believe that all is well, while with a feeling skill I paint my hell (lines 13-14).” It is the idea of being happy on the outside but distraught on the inside.

I think it would be insightful if there were a sonnet sequence with Stella’s internal feelings and emotions because throughout From Astrophil and Stella the reader is mainly focused and informed on Astrophil’s desires and longings. It would give a new perspective on the plot that Sidney is portraying. Learning about Stella’s inner thoughts could answer many questions that the reader was having and open up new ones. Just as the book Grendel opened up new point of views, I feel like a sonnet sequence by the character of Stella would do the same.

It is clear that Edmund Spenser’s From Amoretti sonnet sequence is filled with love and passion due to Spenser’s recent courtship and marriage with Elizabeth Boyle. These sonnets distinctly stood out to me because of how the narrator did not have an overwhelming amount of distress or despair due to a woman in which he is in love with, is not loving him back. Although, there are some points throughout the sonnets where he seems discouraged, he has a way to change that emotion and induce romance into situations. For example, in Sonnet 65 Elizabeth obtains doubt, as she does not want her freedom taken away once they are united. Amoretti immediately seems to reverse these negative thoughts with saying, “That fondly feare to loose you liberty, when loosing one, two liberties ye gayne…” (lines 2-4). He moves on to relate her feeling of captivity to a “gentle birde” entrapped in a cage. A bird itself does not feel like a prisoner as she can sing and is taken care of which overall leads to satisfaction- “feeds her fill.” Together they can heal each other’s wounds and therefore when they are indeed married she will not have to fear.

The reason I chose these two authors was because of how Spenser’s From Amoretti’s sonnet sequence seemed to defy the typical sonnet sequence. I used Sir Philip Sidney’s From Astrophil and Stella to show how the sonnets that I have had to read are typically filled with longings for lust, and the idea of wanting something that you cannot have. Spenser’s sonnets were filled with romance, love and the desire to be in lust even after death, which he demonstrated through compliments and descriptive characterization with his word choice. I found it intriguing to read a sonnet sequence in which sadness or discouragement did not take over each sonnet.

Lyric Sequence Blog- Wildcard

The album I chose to do for my Wildcard is Keep Your Eyes Ahead by The Helio Sequence. The album begins with the person being in a state of denial that he is still in love. As it continues to the middle of the album he expresses a different mood as now he is becoming more free, for example as seen in Shed Your Love, “escaping it all to see what I could find.” He is exploring throughout his day and wishes for an old love to shed love so he can capture it. As the album moves towards the last song the listener learns that he has no regrets about walking out on his love, “ I’ll walk out that door and I won’t shed a tear.”

           The first song on the album is Lately it has a melancholic feel to it once listening to the lyrics and hearing the distinct repetition, as the person is trying to convince himself that he is not in love anymore. He continues to express that could care less about what his past love is doing, “I never think of calling you or how things could have been.” He it clear that he is in a state of turmoil as he is not able to concentrate or sleep. This makes the listener question; does he really want to let go? Or does he wish he could have her back? I believe that he indeed wants her back and is in denial of his true feelings, which is a typical part of trying to fall out of love with someone. His love for her is deep within in his soul and no matter how many times he says “Lately, I don’t think of you at all” it seems that is all he can do.

Track Listing

1. "Lately" – 4:10
2. "Can't Say No" – 3:32
3. "The Captive Mind" – 3:34
4. "You Can Come to Me" – 4:00
5. "Shed Your Love" – 3:18
6. "Keep Your Eyes Ahead" – 4:25
7. "Back to This" – 3:34
8. "Hallelujah" – 4:29
9. "Broken Afternoon" – 4:18
10. "No Regrets" – 1:42

Major Themes Throughout Beowulf

Heroism, reputation, and allusion to God are major ideas that are presented in Beowulf. It seems that the more you act like a hero, the more you are respected and supported by others. To act and become a hero, one must achieve something that others have not been able to do before. Beowulf proves himself to have heroic qualities throughout this poem, but these qualities are what God chooses for him.

            Starting off with the introduction really helped in giving an idea of what was expected of various characters, for example, “When a warrior vowed loyalty to his lord, he became not so much his servant as his voluntary companion, one who would take pride in defending him and fighting in his wars.” (30-31). It also prepares the reader for the type of mood that the poem will start off which helps demonstrate what type of language and vibe will come ahead. It primed me for a poem that I had never previously read before. 

The beginning of the poem immediately gave the sense of how important it is to have courage throughout ones lifetime, so when death occurs he will be remembered for all of the audacious things that had previously been done and therefore a good reputation will stay alive. Line of ancestry was also demonstrated in the prologue, “…when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line. Behavior that’s admired.” (34) Respect and support for those who will fight for other is evident and seems to be important for those who hold that position.

God plays a very important role throughout Beowulf it is evident how Beowulf acknowledges God as his protector time and time again in the poem. He takes it upon himself to travel to Heorot and fight the demon Grendel or as he quotes, “God-cursed Grendel (48)” and whoever else comes in his way of obtaining peace for the people. The idea of heaven and hell is apparent when “The hero observed that swamp-like thing from hell…(66).” Throughout his soliloquies he references to God as the one who has the power to choose his fate and assist him in his times of need. For example, during the celebration that occurred after the defeat of Grendel and Grendel’s mom Beowulf exclaims, “…if God had not helped me, the outcome would have been quick and fatal. (69)” Once he successfully defeated the enemies he immediately became viewed as more of a God-like figure. To overpower these monsters he needed to have characteristics such as courage and desire to prove the desire of heroism within him.  He truly does believe that “Almighty God rules over mankind and always has (48).” God’s presence is huge and every action that takes place; whether it is to win a battle, or be superior, He is the one who has the power to demonstrate who is capable of achieving greatness or failing miserably.            

Testing

Just experimenting writing on my blog!