A major theme that seems to be portrayed in Pride and Prejudice is love and marriage. Its three main outlooks are seen through Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and Lydia. Mrs. Bennet represents the typical views of society which is a marriage based off reputation and wealth. She believes that “a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”… and if she finds such a man who comes into town, “he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters” (3). In Mrs. Bennet’s mind, women, (specifically her daughters) must behave in a certain way and live according to the norms of society. It is only by living this kind of lifestyle that a marriage proposal will be obtained. Marriage thus becomes an obligation and love has no valid place, it is something that will maybe develop later in the future. Overall, society portrays marriage to just be an opportunity to climb the social latter and gain public opinion. However, Elizabeth’s relationship with Mr. Darcy is a different outlook. Their marriage is based off of genuine and honest emotion as seen when Elizabeth tells Jane, “I love him” (240). Although Mr. Darcy has plenty of money, it is not an essential factor in Elizabeth’s mind as it is to the rest of society. In fact, she turned down Mr. Darcy’s first proposal because she had not felt those feelings of affection and love as she later did. Elizabeth and her sister Jane are the only characters who marry for true love and coincidently are the only characters who in the end are truly happy. Contradictory to both Mrs. Bennet’s and Elizabeth’s outlook on love and marriage is Lydia. Lydia goes against social norms when she elopes with Mr. Wickham and lives with him before they are married. To Lydia love is fun in the moment, it is flirty and adventures. Her immaturity reveals her irresponsibility and carelessness when it comes to love. She is a character who lives for the happiness of the moment but is approach to love eventually runs dry when the thrill and pleasure of it all is gone. Throughout the entire novel there seemed to be the question, what is love? Whether it be societies view or Elizabeth’s and Lydia’s there was no clear answer. However, the fact that Elizabeth and Jane were the only married, successful, and truly happy characters seems to suggest that marriage is something that can only thrive off of true and sincere emotion rather than the material things.
The ideal reader who comes across this novel should see that the way in which society views and accepts marriage may not be the right way. The pressures and norms of society or from the family are not necessarily the means of finding true happiness. It is following the heart and speaking freely about our feelings without worry of judgment which allows us to be ourselves. The reader should come to the conclusion that no amount of wealth or high societal status can compare to the real and honest feelings of love. However, Austin also shows how love is not just a thrill, a live for the moment and passion approach but rather something more. Love is deeper, it’s patient and it’s kind.
I personally agree with Austin’s view of love. It is so easy to get caught up on how society portrays love and relationships and a lot of times those relationships fail. When we side with society, we tend to lose those things that are important, like real heartfelt and personal emotions. Excitement and material possessions only last for so long yet that seems to be what society screams at us. It tells us to live in the moment, to live to make ourselves happy, whatever gives us pleasure. They make everything seem fun and perfect yet they fail to reveal the whole truth. There are always consequences for our actions. The saddest part about society to me today is that marriage and love has lost all meaning. People don’t get married off of genuine love. They get married like Lydia, finding pleasure and excitement in the moment and then later finding themselves empty and bored. The solution is then divorce and before you know it they’re off on an adventure run again. Love has become an empty word replaced with personal pleasure. Sex is encouraged, it is a way to explore your sexuality and make yourself feel good. There’s no commitment and there’s no emotion, it’s just physical. I, like Jane and Elizabeth want something real, something sacred and genuine. I am not afraid to be myself and speak my opinions to the Miss Bingleys’ and Lady Catherines’. I am waiting for that man rich or poor that God places before me and who respects me and loves me for who I truly am despite the norms of society.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Symbolism
There are many different objects in my home that portray my character or tell a story. However, there are only a few that are very special and symbolize a part of my life. The first one is the board game TROUBLE. I don’t know why or when but as far back as I can remember my grandpa and I played this game together. It got to the point that every time I saw him (which was about 3-4 times a week) we would play it 2-3 times. I became known as the champ because I could totally cream my grandpa. Maybe that’s why I loved to play it so much. As my high school days came we played less and less as I had homework to do, but when summer came it was like the old times. I still see my grandfather 3-4 times a week but now we don’t play games anymore. He has been diagnosed with ALS which is a nerve disease and he can no longer talk, eat or move on his own. Every time I walk through the back room and see the dusty TROUBLE box that lies in the shelf or even the brand new, unopened box on the store shelf, I am reminded of my grandfather. That game symbolizes the laughter and once happy times we use to share. It represents my childhood and summer days at grandma’s house. It is a memory that is forever ingrained into my heart. I hope to keep that old game box and keep it for the rest of my life as it is something that has become so dear to me.
Another symbol is a frog. In some cultures it represents luck pr fertility as frogs lay many eggs. It can also symbolize transformation and renewal as frogs grow from tadpoles to adult frogs. To me though, frogs represent my childhood and an old friend. When I was in 3rd grade I acquired an obsession over frogs. Everything that had a frog on it I was attracted to. Eventually my whole room became green and there was frog stuff everywhere. Then, in 4th grade my mom caught two frogs in the yard and bought a cage and some food and told me I could keep them. I named these frogs Legs and Lola. I had never had my own pet before so I was very excited. These frogs became my companions through the rest of my elementary years. I cleaned their cage every week and watched them jump around. Although there were some glitches such as an accidental loose cricket in the house, or sleepless nights because of croaking, these frogs were the best present that had happened to me. In an ironic sort of way Legs and Lola fulfilled the symbol of growth and transformation as well. For in October of my sixth grade year I woke up to find them dead. On that same morning I also began my womanly “special time”. It was almost as if they were saying, “Ok, it’s time for you to grow up now so we are going to go.” Looking back on it all now I am so very thankful that I was able to have those two years of fascination and companionship. To this day when I see or hear a frog I’m reminded of my two special buddies who gave me so much love and comfort.
The last little symbol that represents a piece of my life is a silver ring on my left hand. It is a promise ring I asked my parents for on one Christmas several years ago. It symbolizes a promise to God and to me to save myself for my husband. It is also a representation of my faith and what I believe in. I never take this ring off besides when I’m doing dirty jobs such as painting or yard work. I find that when it is off I sometimes panic because my hand feels naked without it and I immediately search my mind to figure out where I put it. When I look at my ring I’m reminded of the beauty of marriage and the excitement for my future husband. I thank God for giving me the strength to wait and am proud to honor him in my innocence.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Death of a Salesman
In the play, Death of a Salesman, Willy’s hallucinations about his past life and brother Bernard convey his psychological problem of living in the past. Throughout the entire play Willy’s illusions are intertwined with his present life. By seeing into his mind, the reader sees why Willy is the way he is and where he comes from. Willy’s dream is to be a wealthy, well liked business man. Reputation seems to be everything to him, even towards his boys Happy and Biff. For example, they look up to him and see him as the perfect, held together father when they are little and Willy sees them as becoming just like him as he says, “you guys together could lick the civilized world” (67). We see how proud Willy is of Biff in his dreams as he brags about him saying “he has nerves of iron” and that he will become a football star (55). It is in these dreams that Willy is happy and proud because he is the one who is on top and looked upon. However, when Biff discovers that his father’s life was all a lie when he catches him in an affair, he loses all admiration. This could then be seen as the decline of Willy’s state of mind as he loses the trust and respect of his first son.
In addition to the reputation and popularity that Willy seeks for, he also looks up to success and wealth, especially in his brother Bernard. Whenever Willy seems to see his dead brother it is when things go terribly wrong with his job or he is distressed about money. Willy hallucinates about his brother because he found and became everything Willy had wanted to be. Although Willy had always wanted the life of his brother and had pretended to find the riches and success in business, he ultimately had failed to go out and grasp it. Therefore, the reader also sees that Willy’s mental state is a result of failure and abandonment.
Ultimately, Willy is trying to live his life through his kids because he did not achieve his own dream of success and riches. It is his own distress and disappointment that drives him deeper into a sense of madness when his kids don’t follow and become what he has wanted them to. Now, not only does Willy fail to prosper in his own life but he also fails when trying to prosper through the lives of Happy and Biff as they do not want the same things as him. Through Willy’s psychological state his fears become reality when he kills himself and no one comes to his funeral. He dies without riches, without a high reputation, and without success and honor.
In addition to the reputation and popularity that Willy seeks for, he also looks up to success and wealth, especially in his brother Bernard. Whenever Willy seems to see his dead brother it is when things go terribly wrong with his job or he is distressed about money. Willy hallucinates about his brother because he found and became everything Willy had wanted to be. Although Willy had always wanted the life of his brother and had pretended to find the riches and success in business, he ultimately had failed to go out and grasp it. Therefore, the reader also sees that Willy’s mental state is a result of failure and abandonment.
Ultimately, Willy is trying to live his life through his kids because he did not achieve his own dream of success and riches. It is his own distress and disappointment that drives him deeper into a sense of madness when his kids don’t follow and become what he has wanted them to. Now, not only does Willy fail to prosper in his own life but he also fails when trying to prosper through the lives of Happy and Biff as they do not want the same things as him. Through Willy’s psychological state his fears become reality when he kills himself and no one comes to his funeral. He dies without riches, without a high reputation, and without success and honor.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Walk With The Clouds
I went on an afternoon stroll about an hour ago. I was a little unsure because it looked like it was going to rain but as I walked it actually seemed to get brighter and the sun came out behind the clouds. I was actually most intrigued by the sky. The gray clouds were so dark yet so beautiful. It reminded me of my life in a way. There are times, especially during school when stress becomes too much and the amount of homework is overbearing. My life becomes a giant black cloud reading to burst with tears as it seems like I can’t possibly go on. But then…a ray of sunshine breaks through and there is a spark of hope. God seems to pull away my troubles and shine his light and warmth in on me. Gradually, as I take hold of his warmth and his love my clouds and stress begin to part and blue sky appears. The funny thing about my walk is the sky did just that. As I walked on, the sun came out and blue sky appeared. It was so beautiful as the trees became a silhouette in the sun’s shadow.
I then listened to the wind as it whispered through the trees and shook the branches. It was a peaceful kind of sound…and then …a song filled the air. You could hear the notes as they fluttered through the sky and I wondered; what is it like to be a bird? What is it like to be able to have the most beautiful view in the world? What is it like to be able to go up high and look down to see just how small we truly are?
I walked on wondering until I came to a sign that told me if I were to go straight it would be a DEAD END. That of course got me thinking all over about life. Life is a journey; it is a road we must walk. Sometimes, there are dead ends which we choose to ignore and it is not until we reach the very end and we are stuck that we realize we were wrong and must turn around and start again. Other times, we are walking and when we look straight ahead it looks like there is no end. It is just a long road full of twists and turns and we never know what we will see behind the next corner.
As I walked over the hills and around the turns I could start to feel my feet and legs getting tired but I knew that I was almost home so I kept on chuggin. Maybe that’s all the hope we need. Whether it is God shining through our darkness or knowing that every day brings us one step closer to our home in eternity. We can always count on Him being right here with us every step of the way, and without that comfort, without that hope, all there is is never ending roads and dead ends that are clouded over with gray.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
In this poem, the prose meaning is about a man who is on a “little horse” (5) going through the woods that are covered in snow. He is on a journey, to and where we do not know but he does stop to ask himself if he is lost, “to ask if there is some mistake” (10). He knows he cannot stop but most make it to his destination so he continues by giving “his harness bells a shake” (11). He finds the woods “lovely, dark and deep” (13) as he continues his journey so we know he is encouraged to move on and must make it to his destination because he tells himself he has “miles to go before [he] sleep[s]” revealing that he will not give up on his long journey (15, 16).
The total meaning of this poem is all about the journey of life. When the woods are called “lovely, dark and deep” they not only are referring to the beauty of nature but it is also describing life itself (13). Furthermore, when the man “stop[s] without a farmhouse near” it can reflect how he may feel alone in life and surrounded by “frozen lake[s]” and “the darkest evening[s]” (6,7-8). The cold icy lakes and darkness can be the obstacles and challenges of life that the man must pass. He may be asking himself why he is facing these hardships or “if there is some mistake” (10). However, the man tells himself, “I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep” (14-15). He recognizes the responsibilities and other obligations in life he must fulfill so he cannot just give up. He can also be viewed as being torn between the beauty of nature (being in the woods and snow) and the duties and tasks of life. Either way, he must go on through the “miles” of life and continue its long journey before he gives up and “sleeps”.
To me, this poem is symbolic of my life. As the years pass there are many times I must get through the lonely snow covered woods in order to get to where I want to be. When I’m hurting or frustrated I ask myself why this happening is, there must be some mistake. The stress and business of high school and college prep are the “frozen lakes” and empty farmhouses that I must pass. In the chaos I can sometimes forget the road that I’m on and it is the beauty in nature such as the snow covered trees or breathtaking sunrise that bring me back to the peace and love in Christ and his creation. I am then reminded of the miles before me filled with promise and hope. I realize that I can get through the dark woods and resist the “sleep” of giving up and quitting. There is so much God had planned for me and I know he has a special purpose for me so I will pick up the reins again and give the “harness bells a shake” and allow Him to guide me through life to me destination (9).
The total meaning of this poem is all about the journey of life. When the woods are called “lovely, dark and deep” they not only are referring to the beauty of nature but it is also describing life itself (13). Furthermore, when the man “stop[s] without a farmhouse near” it can reflect how he may feel alone in life and surrounded by “frozen lake[s]” and “the darkest evening[s]” (6,7-8). The cold icy lakes and darkness can be the obstacles and challenges of life that the man must pass. He may be asking himself why he is facing these hardships or “if there is some mistake” (10). However, the man tells himself, “I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep” (14-15). He recognizes the responsibilities and other obligations in life he must fulfill so he cannot just give up. He can also be viewed as being torn between the beauty of nature (being in the woods and snow) and the duties and tasks of life. Either way, he must go on through the “miles” of life and continue its long journey before he gives up and “sleeps”.
To me, this poem is symbolic of my life. As the years pass there are many times I must get through the lonely snow covered woods in order to get to where I want to be. When I’m hurting or frustrated I ask myself why this happening is, there must be some mistake. The stress and business of high school and college prep are the “frozen lakes” and empty farmhouses that I must pass. In the chaos I can sometimes forget the road that I’m on and it is the beauty in nature such as the snow covered trees or breathtaking sunrise that bring me back to the peace and love in Christ and his creation. I am then reminded of the miles before me filled with promise and hope. I realize that I can get through the dark woods and resist the “sleep” of giving up and quitting. There is so much God had planned for me and I know he has a special purpose for me so I will pick up the reins again and give the “harness bells a shake” and allow Him to guide me through life to me destination (9).
Friday, November 5, 2010
Analysis of Miracle Ice Cream
Miracle's truck comes down the little avenue,
Scott Joplin ragtime strewn behind it like pearls,
and, yes, you can feel happy
with one piece of your heart.
Take what's still given: in a room's rich shadow
a woman's breasts swinging lightly as she bends.
Early now the pearl of dusk dissolves.
Late, you sit weighing the evening news,
fast-food miracles, ghostly revolutions,
the rest of your heart.
The idea of music as it "strewn[s]" behind a truck contributes to the last line where there is only "one piece of the heart". Just like the heart is not yet complete neither is the music as it is scattered like pearls. Pearls are symbols of beauty and purity and are usually strung together with several. However, even if a pearl is alone it is still beautiful; and if the heart is only half a heart it can still "feel happy". Ultimately, the reader sees that although the author only uses parts of objects there is still a positive and uplifting meaning.
Moreover, the poem uses contradicting words to produce a mellow and light hearted tone. For instance, "rich shadow" and "pearl of dusk" are not usually described within each other. Rich is associated with prosperity and abundance where as shadow can be associated with darkness and gloom. In addition, a pearl is bright and gorgeous where as dusk is fading in light and dull. When rich and pearl are therefore used before the darker, less joyous words the meaning is not as negative.
Furthermore, a "woman's breasts" are usually associated with comfort and security for a young child and the fact that they are described as "swinging lightly" conveys a gentle a soft motion. The miracles of ice cream are also compared to "fast food". This portrays how some of the simplest things in life can bring someone joy and peace. "Ghostly revolutions" also shows how eerie and unpleasant things can be changed and fixed with the simple pleasures of ice cream. In the end, after the ice cream has been found, you find "the rest of your heart", the pieces are put back together and the problems washed away. In conclusion, through the uplifting and positive connotations and imagery the poem displays a soft and light hearted tone.
Scott Joplin ragtime strewn behind it like pearls,
and, yes, you can feel happy
with one piece of your heart.
Take what's still given: in a room's rich shadow
a woman's breasts swinging lightly as she bends.
Early now the pearl of dusk dissolves.
Late, you sit weighing the evening news,
fast-food miracles, ghostly revolutions,
the rest of your heart.
The idea of music as it "strewn[s]" behind a truck contributes to the last line where there is only "one piece of the heart". Just like the heart is not yet complete neither is the music as it is scattered like pearls. Pearls are symbols of beauty and purity and are usually strung together with several. However, even if a pearl is alone it is still beautiful; and if the heart is only half a heart it can still "feel happy". Ultimately, the reader sees that although the author only uses parts of objects there is still a positive and uplifting meaning.
Moreover, the poem uses contradicting words to produce a mellow and light hearted tone. For instance, "rich shadow" and "pearl of dusk" are not usually described within each other. Rich is associated with prosperity and abundance where as shadow can be associated with darkness and gloom. In addition, a pearl is bright and gorgeous where as dusk is fading in light and dull. When rich and pearl are therefore used before the darker, less joyous words the meaning is not as negative.
Furthermore, a "woman's breasts" are usually associated with comfort and security for a young child and the fact that they are described as "swinging lightly" conveys a gentle a soft motion. The miracles of ice cream are also compared to "fast food". This portrays how some of the simplest things in life can bring someone joy and peace. "Ghostly revolutions" also shows how eerie and unpleasant things can be changed and fixed with the simple pleasures of ice cream. In the end, after the ice cream has been found, you find "the rest of your heart", the pieces are put back together and the problems washed away. In conclusion, through the uplifting and positive connotations and imagery the poem displays a soft and light hearted tone.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Who I am
According to the Myers-Briggs Test I am... a ISFJ
11% Introverted
1% Sensing
75% Felling
78% Judging
An ISFJ is a person who likes to serve others. They like to feel needed and loved but do not like "give-and-take" relationships.The older the friendship, the more SIFJ's value it. In the work place and friendships you can count on them to be loyal and hardworking. They know that the work that they do is good but they do not like to praise themselves and they won't turn a person down if they ask for help or assistance. As a result, they are often taken advantage of. Although they are loyal to their job and it is very important to them to get it done and do it right, their family is first and the center of their life.
Some careers for ISFJ's are: teaching, social work, nursing, medicine, clerical and secretarial work.
I agree with almost everything Myers-Briggs said I was!! I love to help and serve others and it is so hard for me to turn someone away or say no. I love to work hard and do the job right. My closest and longest friends are the ones' I want to be in my life forever and the ones' I would do anything for. I treasure our relationships and know i can count on them for anything. I am also a person who likes to feel needed and loved. However, I will not get into a relationship with someone if I know their whole heart isn't in it or they don't treat me the way I know i should be. When i let someone into my heart it's genuine and it's important to me. I don't want a relationship that's only going to last a few months. I'm slow and careful to open my heart to someone because I don't want to be hurt. I fall for the person who i know could be there for me forever. However, the test said that i was the type of person that you couldn't count on to jump in after a friend if they were in a fight. For me, I would. I would be right in there defending my friend and trying to break up the fight if it were physical; and if it was verbal, i would be there to back them up (but not egging it on). Lastly, I have always had a passion to be a nurse. So to see that ISFJ's would do well in nursing really makes me happy :)
11% Introverted
1% Sensing
75% Felling
78% Judging
An ISFJ is a person who likes to serve others. They like to feel needed and loved but do not like "give-and-take" relationships.The older the friendship, the more SIFJ's value it. In the work place and friendships you can count on them to be loyal and hardworking. They know that the work that they do is good but they do not like to praise themselves and they won't turn a person down if they ask for help or assistance. As a result, they are often taken advantage of. Although they are loyal to their job and it is very important to them to get it done and do it right, their family is first and the center of their life.
Some careers for ISFJ's are: teaching, social work, nursing, medicine, clerical and secretarial work.
I agree with almost everything Myers-Briggs said I was!! I love to help and serve others and it is so hard for me to turn someone away or say no. I love to work hard and do the job right. My closest and longest friends are the ones' I want to be in my life forever and the ones' I would do anything for. I treasure our relationships and know i can count on them for anything. I am also a person who likes to feel needed and loved. However, I will not get into a relationship with someone if I know their whole heart isn't in it or they don't treat me the way I know i should be. When i let someone into my heart it's genuine and it's important to me. I don't want a relationship that's only going to last a few months. I'm slow and careful to open my heart to someone because I don't want to be hurt. I fall for the person who i know could be there for me forever. However, the test said that i was the type of person that you couldn't count on to jump in after a friend if they were in a fight. For me, I would. I would be right in there defending my friend and trying to break up the fight if it were physical; and if it was verbal, i would be there to back them up (but not egging it on). Lastly, I have always had a passion to be a nurse. So to see that ISFJ's would do well in nursing really makes me happy :)
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