:: vocabulary web

:: vocabulary web

:: vocabulary web

:: vocabulary web

:: vocabulary web

:: www assignment

Syllogism, three-part deduction,

Kinda sound like some sensual seduction.

Metonymy, association name,

And guess what suckers you just lost the game.

Anaphora, repetition in successive phrases,

Anaphora, repetition in successive phrases,

Anaphora, repetition in successive phrases,

Bowlerize, censor prudishly,

as if its something nudishly.

Locus classicus, classic example,

I’m sure that everyone would like a small sample.

Reiterate, to repeat,

Manjit Manjit Manjit.

Rambling, Desultory,

Lets go and, watch some Maury.

You are not the father,

You are not the father,

You are not the father.

Iyssophobia, fear of insanity,

Were so famous were like Christianity.

Schism, division,

Oh no circumcision.

Apotheosis, rising to god status,

As in get out my breathing apparatus.

Precursor, forerunner,

Now were rapping and looking like stunners.

Euphony, beautiful sound,

You know like when you here that someone gets around.

Idee fixe, obsession,

And now this is the end of this crazy jam session

:: ORYX & CRAKE the use of technology and governmental control

The novel Oryx & Crake is a tale describing a world vastly contrasting from society today, although it is not too far from a possible future. This story is told from the perspective of the character snowman, possibly the only human survivor after (what we believe to have occurred) an apocalypse. His tale, recounting the details of the finals days of human history, describes a world where technology is the main source of power in all existence. The theme of this novel is greatly influenced by governmental control and the dangers of technology.

The topic of government control is a very important factor to the novel overall. In regard to the compounds in Oryx and Crake, every individual and movement is closely monitored by security known as the CorpSeCorps. You could say that the reason this security is needed is to protect the compounds from outer danger, but in reality it is probably to protect the citizens from the dangers within the walls of the compounds. Jimmy plays a key role in an investigation after his mother flees; this is an example of the influence the security has on the lives of these people. Every single movement is perfectly monitored in order to discover any new findings that could lead to the mother’s whereabouts.

Scientifically speaking, technology is something that makes life easier, however in this novel, technology is something that begins to complicate the lives of many individuals and creates a large divide in social class (in Jimmy’s perspective). Atwood examines the development of science and technology in this novel, for an example genetic engineering, which plays an important role with the creation of the transgenic animals.

As the novel progresses, the term technology begins to complicate and entirely transforms into a serious matter of morality. Is scientific technology morally neutral in regard to this Novel?   

Technology will one day overtake its own creators

:: literature web

:: socratic seminar

THE VALUE OF SCIENCE, a lecture by Richard Feynman

Science is an intellectual and practical interest consisting the study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiments.

In Richard Feynman’s lecture, The Value of Science, Feynman discusses and expresses the importance of scientific studies and its impact on society. He provides the readers, (well in this case the audience of the lecture) with supporting evidence and examples of scientific knowledge and a term he expresses as intellectual enjoyment.

“He argues that scientific knowledge is morally neutral, that although people can use scientific knowledge either for good or for ill, science is not something that can be ignored or stopped.” When reading this statement at first, I was unsure of the exact meaning, especially by the statement that scientific knowledge is morally neutral. But after reading the lecture, I understood the approach of Feynman when conveying his ideas about science.

Among his various theories and ideas, I enjoyed reading the practical relation that science has to reality. These relations include, medical applications and technological research produced from scientific discoveries. In regards to this theme, I believe that Feynman’s term of intellectual enjoyment greatly relates to this relation of civilization. I especially was enthralled when reading about his journey to Honolulu, where he learnt of a proverb “To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven; the same key opens the gates to hell.” This is an example of his scientific knowledge, an “enabling power to do either good or bad”. Whereas the term he refers to as intellectual enjoyment is something an individual receives from reading and learning.

In conclusion I feel there are a diverse range of topics discussed and expressed, from the scientific relation to education to the many responsibilities as scientists, in this lecture regarding the value that science has in our world. “It is our responsibility as scientists, knowing the great progress and great value of a satisfactory philosophy of ignorance, the great progress that is the fruit of freedom of thought, to proclaim the value of this freedom, to teach how doubt is not to be feared but welcomes and discussed, and to demand this freedom as our duty to all coming generations.”  

Unknown VOCAB

·      Negated

·      Cerebrum

·      Voltaires

·      Proponents

Questions to Ponder

“When a scientist doesn’t know the answer to a problem, he is ignorant. When he has a hunch as to what the result is, he is uncertain. And when his is pretty darn sure of what the result is going to be, he is in some doubt. We have found it of paramount importance that in order to progress we must recognize the ignorance and leave room for doubt. Scientific knowledge is a body of statement of varying degrees of certainty-some most unsure, some nearly sure, none absolutely certain.

Using the above excerpt from the lecture, The Value of Science by Richard Feynman, answer the following questions.

1.     What does Feynman mean when he states, “we must recognize the ignorance and leave room for doubt”? Does this statement suggest that doubt is a key factor that can over time leads to success?

2.     What is the difference between uncertainty and being ignorant?

3.     How do the terms, ignorance, certainty, and doubt relate to scientific progress and/or success?

:: oryx & crake IDEALS & MORALITY VERSUS REALITY & SCIENCE

Oryx & Crake is an unforgettable, compelling vision of the future. In this dystopian piece of literature, Atwood expresses and examines various outlooks in life, which in reality are beyond our imagination. Atwood’s novel is based in a society where success is revolved around multinational corporations, and where there is a divide between civilization and science. The entire novel is themed around the subject of science and the various genetic plantations to better humanity. There are many key factors that influence and impact the structure of this novel, some points that I feel are of great importance are; ideals, morality, reality and science. These elements are the foundation to the novel.

IDEALS :: satisfying one’s conception of what is perfect

MORALITY :: principles concerning the distinction between right & wrong or good & bad behavior

REALITY :: the world or state of things as they actually exist

SCIENCE :: intellectual and practical activity, consisting the study of structures and behavior of the physical and natural world through observations and experiments

I believe that the terms ideal and morality are connected to one another as they both in a sense relate to the same matter. And ideal life is significantly influenced by morality.  Without the differentiation of proper and improper behavior and decisions, an ideal society would be unrealistic.

The relationship between reality and science is quite obvious, as society (especially in current times) is immensely impacted by the development of science and growth of technology.

Ideals & Morality are considerably different in comparison to Reality & Science.  One aspect focuses on an idealistic society, one where idealism almost becomes a factor of utopia; a perfect imagined state/place. Whereas reality focuses on current standings in time and present obstacles that humanity is left to deal with. However in relation to this novel, Oryx and Crake, we are reading about all four topics in proximity of each other.

just imagine if society relied on the science of technology to decipher our morality ? 

:: ORYX & CRAKE

:: ORYX & CRAKE Brainstorming in Regards to the Novel …

Basic Plot

Elements of Dystopian Fiction

·      the family

·      society

·      government

·      science

·      technology

JIMMY (snowman)

·      an outcast …

·      no family connection

o   unique father-son relationship

o   distant mother

·      diverse and utopian society

·      new creations and inventions

·      no government

·      science is a key factor in society

o   technology

o   plantations

o   innovation

·      powerful corporations

·      genetic engineering

·      unknown plague ?

o   cause of the dystopia

o   disease

o   isolation

·      strange environment

o   green-eyed children

o   new man-kind 

:: dystopian society

:: response to another blogg..

http://sydneyjaneeyre.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-4-chapters-28-38.html#comments

:: reader response ..chapters 28-38

2. Compare and contrast St. John to Rochester. Who is the better choice for a husband for Jane? Why?

“He is not my husband, nor ever will be. He does not love me: I do not love him. He loves (as he can love, and that is not as you love) a beautiful young lady called Rosamond. He wanted to marry me only because he thought I should make a suitable missionary’s wife, which she would have not done. He is good and great, but severe; and, for me, cold as an iceberg. He is not like you sir: I am not happy at his side, nor near him, nor with him. He has no indulgence for me – no fondness. He sees nothing attractive in me; not even youth – only a few useful mental points” (Chapter 37, Page 451)

Jane is torn between two men, she is unable, at first, to decide whether she should follow her heart or accept St. John’s request and his oblation.  As mentioned in the above excerpt from the novel, in regards to Jane, St. John is as cold as an iceberg. There is no love or acceptance of Jane in the relationship. Whereas, Mr. Rochester truly adores Jane, she is the love of his life, and he treats her as his equal. You could define their love for each other as a passionate blazing fire. “And for all, Mr. Rochester sought her as if she has been the most precious thing he had in the world, he never could hear a word of her, and he grew savage,” (Chapter 36, Page 435).  Mr. Rochester completely changed after he lost Jane; he longed to have her back at his side.

I believe in the case of Jane’s happiness, she would be immensely happy with Rochester, as he offers her a lifetime of love without marriage, instead of a marriage without love. Rochester clearly proves to be a better choice as a husband for Jane, (“Literally I was (as he called me) the apple of his eye,” (Chapter 38, Page 459). Later on as discovered, Rochester and Jane are able to share more then just a bond by marriage, but Jane is fully her “her husbands life as fully as he is hers,”  (Chapter 38, Page 459). St. John only wanted to marry Jane for her use and holy purposes; he did not truly love her for her character and individuality. “I scorn your idea of love, I scorn the counterfeit sentiment you offer: yes, St. John, and I scorn you when you offer it,” (Chapter 34, Page 415-416) 

6. What about Jane leads to her happiness at the end of the novel?

Jane’s dignity, triumphs, independence and passion are all key factors that lead to her satisfaction at the end of the novel. Jane has proved herself to be a respectful woman who is capable of overcoming life long obstacles and achieving contentment. “He loved me so truly, that he knew no reluctance in profiting by my attendance: he felt that I loved him so fondly, that to yield that attendance was to indulge my sweetest wishes,” (Chapter 38, Page 459).

At the end of the novel, Jane is finally reunited with her love, Mr. Rochester, and he asks her hand in marriage again. As she finally agrees, I believe that Jane has at last discovered where her happiness belonged all this time; and of which was in the heart of Mr. Rochester. “No woman was ever nearer to her mate than I am: ever more absolutely bone of his bond, and flesh of his flesh. To be together is for us to be at once as free as in solitude, as gay as in company….we are precisely suited in character-perfect concord is the result,” (Chapter 38, Page 459).

The main reason behind Jane’s happiness and existence was because of her love for Rochester. She proved that love never fails, although there were many obstacles she had to overcome in order to face her love once again. Mr. Rochester was the one aspect that kept Jane living and strong, and in the end it was proven that they were both meant to be together.  The above picture conveys the message that love has its own way of happening. 

:: socratic seminars part o n e .

#1 JOAN DIDION'S ESSAY, ON SELF-RESPECT 

Self Respect can be defined as dignity. It is the attribute of being worthy of high regard or value. Possessing self-respect allows an individual to be confident and courageous. Respecting yourself is key factor in order to lead your life in accordance to your moral ethics.

In Joan Didion’s essay, On Self Respect, there are various topics discussed and explored. Although the style of her essay is very abstract and there is no proper form present, I enjoy reading her free structure as it adds an essence of individuality.

Taken from the essay, there are three major factors that significantly relate to the overall tone, which are honesty, integrity and discipline. It is clearly obvious that the majority of the work by the writer is taken from her life experience. The main obstacle that Didion faced as a young adult has greatly influenced and impacted her overall thought on self-respect. This obstacle was the acceptance into the Phi Beta Kappa society, which, I later researched to discover, is an academic honor society advocating excellence in liberal arts and sciences. From not being elected, her failure drastically discouraged her and turned her hopes away, “I lost the conviction that lights would always turn green for me….lost a certain touching faith.” From this life changing moment, her perspective vastly altered and led her to later on believe that self-respect is of great importance.

On a side note, I don’t seem to fully understand the point of the narrative about the Indians. Does this play of great importance and relate to the overall theme?

In conclusion, I believe the final statement of the essay is a strong fact that provokes meaningful thought for the reader and in a sense leaves the reader wanting more. “Without it, one eventually discovers the final turn of the screw: one runs away to find oneself, and finds no one at home?"

Unknown Vocabulary ::   

·      Marvel

·      Phi Beta Kappa

·      Ambiguous

·      Platitudes

·      Phenobarbital

·      Interminable

·      Adultery

·      Donnee

·      Liaison

·      Coaxed

·      Intrinsic

Questions to Ponder ::

1.     Define self-respect, what does it mean to you as an individual?

2.     What do you think Didion meant by her concluding statement, without it, one eventually discovers the final turn of the screw: one runs away to find oneself, and finds no one at home?

3.     How does the story of the Indians, relate to the overall theme of self-respect?

:: response on another blogg ..

http://janedeline.blogspot.com/2010/09/jane-eyre-blog-response-ch21-27.html#comments

:: reader response ..chapters 21-27

1.   2.  Create a character analysis of Rochester that either supports or denies him as a Byronic Hero.

Rochester is truly a very fascinating character, although I believe he is not a typical found love interest that you would find in an ordinary romantic novel. However in the gothic atmosphere of this narrative, his alluring personality in fact enthralls the reader to believe that his Byronic nature plays of great importance to his overall role.

What precisely defines a Byronic hero... a melancholy (meaning long lasting sadness), & rebellious young man who is distressed by a terrible deed he committed in the past.

Just by comprehending the above definition, I realized that Rochester possesses the traits of a Byronic hero. “Rochester has a terrible secret-a remnant from his past that could threaten any hope of happiness with his only love,” his past carries a grave and dark secret which only increases the complexity of the novel.

The biggest factor to his secret is the existence of his mad wife, Bertha Mason, “to burn people in their beds at night, to stab them, to bite their flesh from their bones, and so on,” Chapter 27, Page 306. Bertha, who he had married purely for looks and unfortunate circumstances with his family, led Rochester to misery and as a result influenced him to become the man he was present day.

He is distressed for numerous reasons such as…

• ·      “I now hate the recollection of the time I passed with Celine, Giacinta, and Clara,” Chapter 27, Page 317
• ·      “My father and my brother Rowland knew all this; but they thought only of the thirty thousand pounds, and joined in the plot against me,” Chapter 27, Page 311
• ·      “Bertha Mason, the true daughter of an infamous mother, dragged me through all the hideous and degrading agonies which must attend a man bound to a wife at once intemperate and unchaste,” Chapter 27, Page 311

The troubled past of Mr. Rochester has greatly influenced his role as a flawed hero. The mystery and imperfection of his character is what makes him stand out, “Jane! Will you hear reason? (He stooped and approached his lips to my ear) because if you won’t, I’ll try violence.” Chapter 27, Page 307.

The complexity of Mr. Rochester’s character portrays the image of a Byronic Hero. 

1.     3. Examine Jane’s love for Rochester. Has it had a negative or positive impact on her life and her character? 

Jane Eyre, is a story of a spirited young lady’s fight for her independence and respect in a society where she has continuously faced hardships and been an out cast to civilization. This tale, which has created an unforgettable romance between Jane, with her strong nature, & Rochester, with his enchanting appeal, and led to a powerful bond, has shaped the overall impact of passion in her life.

To sum up Jane’s affection for Mr. Rochester, I would have to say that she has highly valued three key factors, which are; Honesty, Self-Respect & Hope. Jane longs for true love and for Mr. Rochester, however when she is faced with the difficult task of acceptance she does not cave in. Instead she chooses her path of dignity. In regards to Jane, love is not blind.

Although at this point in the story, Jane has fled Thornfield, and the circumstances are not looking optimistic, I personally believe that her love for Rochester has played a positive impact on her life and overall character. Through her encounters and display of affection, Jane has awakened as a new being, “I looked at my face in the glass, and felt it was no longer plain: there was hope in its aspect, and life in its color,” Chapter 24, Page 261. 

I believe that the image relates to the quote “I looked at my face in the glass, and felt it was no longer plain: there was hope in its aspect, and life in its color,” Chapter 24, Page 261.  Whenever I look at this image I really feel that it symbolizes the key aspect that love is not blind, but in regards to Jane her love for Rochester was uncontrollable. 

:: response to another blogg..

http://ayshaenglish20.blogspot.com/

:: reader response..chapter 11-21

Though Jane Eyre is not a gothic novel, it contains gothic elements especially when Jane is at Thornfield. Discuss these elements and the effect they have on both Jane’s development as a character and the novel as a whole.

Gothic Fiction is its own sinister genre of literature combining elements of romance and horror. Although Jane Eyre is not a gothic novel, as stated above, the tale includes many elements of gothic fiction such as darkness, madness & secrets. These elements used in the novel create vibrant suspense and drama, always leaving the reader in anticipation. From the mysterious eerie laugh belonging to Grace “and is she possessed with a devil?” (chapter 15, page 151) to the supernatural red-room containing the ghost of the late Mr. Reed “any sign of violent grief might waken a preternatural voice”, (chapter 2, page 16) this novel has incorporated dreadfully dark and complex themes.

In regards to the gothic elements, the main focus and the primary complication is Mr. Rochester. Even though he is very passionate and attentive, and also the key to Jane’s romance, Mr. Rochester hides a terrible secret. Any trace from his past could threaten his happiness and any future relationship.

Due to the recent events taking place at Thornfield, I feel that Jane has become quite accustomed to the traditions; however, her life could be in severe danger. She may have grown and developed as a character, especially now that she has a new life and new responsibilities, but by falling in love and being entranced by her new affection her emotional and even physical state could be at risk.

As the novel begins to progress and advance, there are many new and unforeseen twists occurring. Overall, these dark elements are adding an increasing amount of essence to the story. 

Discuss the role of art in Jane’s life with specific reference to the text, especially in her artwork.

Art plays an essential role in Jane’s life. To her, art is an escape that truly gives her a reason to live for. In reference to the text the reader finds that Miss. Eyre is truly talented in the course of art, “it is as fine a picture as any Miss Reed’s drawing-master could paint, let alone the young ladies themselves,” (Chapter 10, pg 93).

In chapter 13, Mr. Rochester is greatly immersed in Jane’s art portfolio. It is on page 127 when she goes into detail about describing her various pictures. ‘I must premise as they are nothing wonderful…As I saw them with the spiritual eye, before I attempted to embody them, they were striking; but my hand would not second my fancy, and in each case it had wrought out but a pale portrait of the thing I had conceived,” (chapter 13, page 127) I find this excerpt very inspiring, due to the fact that I admire how Jane is so humble about her own artwork.

Jane tends to work on her art when she is living in the moment “The subjects had, indeed, risen vividly on my mind” (chapter 13, page 127) and is very focused, “I was absorbed, sir: yes, and I was happy” (chapter 13, page 128). 

The reason I have chosen this image is to portray the fact that Jane fancies to sometimes live in her artwork. Jane’s artwork many times reflects happiness that she wished would occur in her daily life and she longs to impress Mr. Rochester and prove to him her capabilities. I truly believe that this impassioned pictured is masked with many uncovered secrets and possibilities. 

:: poem analysis, mini essay...how the choice of your reading displays social commentary

“But passion sometimes would prevail,” these are the words of Robert Browning from his poem Porphyria’s Lover, which was first published in 1836. This particular poem is one of Browning’s earliest and most controversial pieces. In this literary work, the speaker is visited by an admirer, Porphyria, who has gone against the rules of society to be with her lover and reveal her “heart’s endeavor” for him. Society during the Victorian Age prohibited imprudent modesty, however, Porphyria made a decision to risk her social standings in order to visit her beloved and prove to him that passion is an uncontrollable power. Throughout the poem, the author has figuratively displayed the behavior of an individual who is deeply in love and what actions they have taken despite the fact that their social reputation could be at risk.

The Victorian Age was a society controlled by strict codes of conduct, however, even with these restrictions authors and artists strategized to express notorious affairs that took place. In relation to the poem, the whole scenario that occurs completely demoralizes society’s values of the time. The behavior of Porphyria can be labeled as inappropriate due to the fact that she is risking her status in society.  “Porphyria worshipped me, surprised,” this excerpt states the affection of Porphyria for the speaker, and gives readers the idea of her immodesty especially in regard to the era. Victorian literature was known for combining romance and emotion, but this exhilarating poem exaggerates the story of a man who is obsessed with Porphyria. Overall, the poem portrays the victory of one man despite the rules of society.

Women were taught to replicate fragile delicate flowers incapable of making their own decisions and ensuring that they had proper morals and values. Whether married or single, all Victorian Women were presumed to be weak and helpless. This was just the way of society during this time period. The morals and values of women in the Victorian era vastly differ from those that society upholds today. Due to the various moral behaviors that were strictly allowed in civilization many problems aroused to the limitation of manners and how an individual can think, act or what they can stand for.  In the poem, it is clearly depicted that Porphyria is going against the rules of her time era in order to satisfy her desires.

 

Prudence in regards to the men and women of the Victorian age was a key aspect of social standard, however, this poem relates to a more imprudent structure. During the Victorian age, if a woman took a lover it was essential to not make it public. If it did become public knowledge, the woman would be segregated from society and practically banished, but on the other hand, this would not affect the social life of the man. The speaker, being conceited and vain yearns for Porphyria’s affection for all eternity. This instigates his decision of strangling her, resulting in a crime of passion.

As a Victorian writer of the 19^th century, Robert Browning explored the uncontrollable power of passion in the poem, Porphyria’s Lover, and displayed immodest behavior of those who are obsessed. This controversial piece of literature displays affection that is lacking humility to social standings of the era. It portrays the strict civilization of the Victorian age and the “dissever” between men and women. By exposing this tendentious topic to readers, Browning has opened the hearts and minds proving that passion can be a source of immorality. 

:: response on another blogg ..

http://sydneyjaneeyre.blogspot.com/2010/09/blog-1-chapters-1-10.html#comments

:: Reader Response ..chapters 1-1o

1. What is your initial opinion of Jane? What aspects of the narrative help to develop this opinion? What can you determine about her character by her statements and her surrounding?

When the name Jane Eyre comes to mind, I sense pure innocence.  This is because of her young blameless mind. Her character portrays true passion, honesty, and strength; which are all essences that I admire and therefore make me realize what a dominant young lady she is. At first, during the opening chapter, I was unable to grasp and understand her true character but instead I felt pity for all her suffering and misfortunes. Unfortunately due to inexorable circumstances, poor Jane Eyre was sent to live with her prejudiced family members, where she is forced to deal with abusive and uncouthly situations. Jane is forced to believe that she is unworthy, such as in chapter 2 on page 18 she is told “you are less than a servant, for you do nothing for your keep.”  These incidents that take place regarding Jane and her family (in particular between her aunt Mrs. Reed & cousin John) play a very impactful and influential role in her upbringing. I believe this is the case because of the fact that as years pass, past events that have taken place in her life have influenced many of her decisions. Jane has grown into a determined and committed young lady because of her experiences and obstacles that she has faced and fortunately overcome. 

The novel Jane Eyre is written from the perspective of Jane herself, even though it is “not to be a regular autobiography,” chapter 10, page 84. I believe that the narration certainly develops more emotion and compassion to the protagonist. Reading the novel and visualizing the situations she had to face, from her point of view, truly impacts the overall judgment of the character.

In regards to Jane’s character, I deem that her personality can be determined by comprehending the first beginning paragraphs in the novel. “The cold winter wind had brought with it clouds so somber, and a rain so penetrating, that further out-door exercise was now out of the question,” Chapter 1, page 6. Just by reading this statement and visualizing her surroundings that she describes, I was able to understand Jane better. Jane is an oppressed soul, just waiting to be released.

4. Discuss the connection between setting and Jane’s internal thoughts and feelings.

In relation to the above, I have chosen to portray the connection between Jane’s internal thoughts & feelings and the setting by the following excerpt from the novel …

“The cold winter wind had brought with it clouds so somber, and a rain so penetrating, that further out-door exercise was now out of the question” Chapter 1, Page 6.

When I contemplate about the above excerpt I feel as if Jane is trapped and unable to express her true identity. She is forced to live within a shell and is restrained from achieving her full potential. The weather, as described above, is somber and penetrating just as Jane is herself. There is no color or meaning to Jane’s life because she has never been determined to accomplish anything. She feels as if she has nothing to live for.

I find the image (to the left) inspiring, mainly because it proves that when you set your mind to achieve a goal or task anything is possible. The image can be used as a guide of optimism and strength for Jane.