Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Victorian Period
When reading these sonnets it made me realize how much they resemble the circle of life. Each sonnet represents a phase/maturity we face as we live our lives. First, we read Ulysses, which discusses the excitements and success in lives. This poem is really like a recap of a life gone by, I envision it as a lesson about how we should learn from the success and fulfillments this poem discusses. Then we move onto My Last Duchess which expresses a fresh start and new beginning. This poem reveals marriage and the effects of it, then it shows us the wonderful second chance some are given. Also, in the assignment we read poems that discuss love, life, temptation, and death. Each one of these poems allow me to relate, because each holds a situation we all must face at some point and time.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Henry Thoreau
“Where I Lived and What I Lived For”
In this chapter of Thoreau's story I think we are able to see personality. What he lives for, longs for, and what he wants from life. We are able to see his favorite farm, which he visited often. He takes us through his house and describes the roof and boards. He goes on to explain an area near Walden, and it is here he discusses the stillness of the water. He tells us how important it is that he gets up every morning, admires the stillness of the water, and then takes a bath in it. At the end he relates his discussion to humans and the seriousness we take in life. It is here that he expresses the importance to be a kid and enjoy life.
“Conclusion”
As I read Conclusion I felt a sense of completion to Thoreau’s life. He urges us to view the vast creation that God has created. He tells us to see the seas, land, rocks, mountains, and all that nature has to offer. He also brings us back to the realization that God has created everything. Without him we would not have this beautiful earth we call home. After reading this chapter, you feel a true urge to get up and explore the outdoors.
“Economy”
In this chapter Thoreau discusses the importance of money, power, business, trade, wealth, and the condition of the poor. He expresses to us that if we want change we must do so in our lives. If we make the change in what we do, say, or believe then it will spill over onto society. He also discusses the importance of occupation in society. It is in this chapter that he introduces us into four part separated society. This chapter was certainly interesting and enlightening.
In this chapter of Thoreau's story I think we are able to see personality. What he lives for, longs for, and what he wants from life. We are able to see his favorite farm, which he visited often. He takes us through his house and describes the roof and boards. He goes on to explain an area near Walden, and it is here he discusses the stillness of the water. He tells us how important it is that he gets up every morning, admires the stillness of the water, and then takes a bath in it. At the end he relates his discussion to humans and the seriousness we take in life. It is here that he expresses the importance to be a kid and enjoy life.
“Conclusion”
As I read Conclusion I felt a sense of completion to Thoreau’s life. He urges us to view the vast creation that God has created. He tells us to see the seas, land, rocks, mountains, and all that nature has to offer. He also brings us back to the realization that God has created everything. Without him we would not have this beautiful earth we call home. After reading this chapter, you feel a true urge to get up and explore the outdoors.
“Economy”
In this chapter Thoreau discusses the importance of money, power, business, trade, wealth, and the condition of the poor. He expresses to us that if we want change we must do so in our lives. If we make the change in what we do, say, or believe then it will spill over onto society. He also discusses the importance of occupation in society. It is in this chapter that he introduces us into four part separated society. This chapter was certainly interesting and enlightening.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
William Wordsworth
Tintern Abbey:
This poem is first introduced by saying that it has been five years since he has been to these cliffs and this landscape that he so desperately loves. He paints us a picture of this beautiful scene in nature and truly makes you feel like you are there with him. I also loved the way that he would need to recall this "Special" place when he was traveling. Even though he had not been there for years physically he was there everyday mentally! This was a beautiful poem!
The World is Too Much Without Us:
This poem basically sums up our everyday life! It talks about how we are too busy to enjoy the world around us!He makes a good point when he basically says that he would rather be pagan than to ignore the beauty that God has surrounded us with!
Exposition and Reply:
In this poem William Wordsworth's friend is trying to tell him that men should learn from books!
The Tables Turned:
This is more of a response to the previous poem. Wordsworth tells his friend that men should learn from nature and experience more that relying on books for education!
This poem is first introduced by saying that it has been five years since he has been to these cliffs and this landscape that he so desperately loves. He paints us a picture of this beautiful scene in nature and truly makes you feel like you are there with him. I also loved the way that he would need to recall this "Special" place when he was traveling. Even though he had not been there for years physically he was there everyday mentally! This was a beautiful poem!
The World is Too Much Without Us:
This poem basically sums up our everyday life! It talks about how we are too busy to enjoy the world around us!He makes a good point when he basically says that he would rather be pagan than to ignore the beauty that God has surrounded us with!
Exposition and Reply:
In this poem William Wordsworth's friend is trying to tell him that men should learn from books!
The Tables Turned:
This is more of a response to the previous poem. Wordsworth tells his friend that men should learn from nature and experience more that relying on books for education!
John Keats
Ode on a Grecian Urn
I found this poem to be very interesting! Keats is describing a Greek urn and is basically describing the joy and bliss that life brings us. He really uses his imagination to describe the story of two lovers. At the very end he does an amazing job summing up the importance of life. "Beauty is truth,truth beauty,-that is all." I think if we ever truly grip that quote our lives could be changed drastically!!
I found this poem to be very interesting! Keats is describing a Greek urn and is basically describing the joy and bliss that life brings us. He really uses his imagination to describe the story of two lovers. At the very end he does an amazing job summing up the importance of life. "Beauty is truth,truth beauty,-that is all." I think if we ever truly grip that quote our lives could be changed drastically!!
William Blake
As I started reading the Songs of innocence I realized that it was familiar territory! I remember reading those in high school. The poems were very enjoyable and easy to understand. In the songs of innocence there is almost a feeling of someone questioning life and all that is involved. However, when you make the switch to Songs of Experience the poems become really depressing and almost morbid. William Blake done a spectacular job making you realize that sometimes you must grow up and become an adult. He shows you the childlike side of life then quickly turns and shows you the responsibilities of being an adult. Somehow reading these poems made me want to stay a kid forever!! Being an adult is hard to adjust to sometimes. It's kinda funny because we grow up as kids wishing we were adults, but when we are adults we wish we were kids! I guess this proves that we as humans will never truly be happy and content!
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