In da house

Ya know what? There is a mouse in my house. The scurrying, shuffling, tapping sounds have confirmed my fears. Also, this sick small brown and white creature that shuffles out from under the couch while I watch Lost seems to affirm my theory. This little guy is quite special. He has managed to eat more than twice his weight in peanut butter without setting off the multiple sets of traps located throughout our humble abode. He has obtained the power to paralyze my mother with simply his presence. One would think that this is just a small creature, what is there to be scared of? But as much reason as we have presented my Mom is still terrified of the two ounce menace. He also has taken a liking to computer cords, which explains why my internet is incredibly slow. My question is, why is he such a problem? What is wrong with coexisting? I mean, it's freezing outside, we have a warm house, and apparently we have an unlimited supply of peanut butter. JUST KIDDING! This is not an ok situation. I mean, yeah where is he going to go... but I don't want this squirmy creature living in the walls 0f my room! I don't care where he goes. As long as it's OUT. Unless he wants to come back and watch Lost some time... upon invitation only of course :)

Beowulf's Bravery

Claire McGlave

Ms. Peifer

English 10 IB P. 5

13 December 2008

Beowulf Commentary

“If this combat kills me, take care
of my young company, my comrades in arms.
And be sure also, my beloved Hrothgar,
to send Hygelac the treasures I received.
Let the lord of the Gears gaze on that gold,
let Hrethel’s son take note of it and see
that I found a ring-giver of rare magnificence
and enjoyed the good of his generosity.
And Unferth is to have what I inherited:
to that far-famed man I bequeath my own
sharp-honed, wave-sheened wonderblade
With Hrunting I shall gain glory or die.

After these words, the prince of the Weather Geats
was impatient to be away and plunged suddenly:
without more ado, he dived into the
heaving depths of the lake. It was the best part of the day
before he could see the solid bottom.” (Haney, lines 1480-1496).

This is a very captivating quote because most of it comes directly from Beowulf himself. This is a rare occurrence in this great story. This quote, from third section of Beowulf, occurs when he fights Grendel’s mother. It is a great demonstration of the unknown author’s consistent work. It shows Beowulf’s greatness, and utilizes many impressive literal devices. The sentiment of this selection is very melancholy, which is fitting given that this story has many aspects, sad and happy, which add to its body.

There are several prominent themes in Beowulf. The most important is that Beowulf is brave, and he dies an honorable death. Here he is about to leave for a great battle, and must make a departing speech to the people. With his words “With Hrunting I shall gain glory or die.” (Haney, line 1491) he shows how important glory is, and how the only way to die an honorable death is to die in battle. As you can see, the Geat people love Beowulf, they glorify him because he has won many battles, he is the ultimate warrior. He shows them gratitude by saying “I found a ring-giver of rare magnificence and enjoyed the good of his generosity.” (Haney, lines1486-1487). This is an essential part of the story because it brings the people to Beowulf, makes them even more loyal to him by showing he has feelings and respect as well as glory. The last main theme is bravery. Beowulf is the bravest of all, as we can see when the narrator says “with out more ado, he dived into the heaving depths of the lake” (Haney, lines1494-1495). Earlier in the story this lake is described as a marsh, bubbling with bile, stinking, and full of strange dying creatures. Not many would gladly dive in to go to battle as Beowulf did.

This section is a great demonstration of the literary devices used in Beowulf. The most prominent (throughout the story) is alliteration. A great example is “Let the lord of the Geats gaze on that gold” (line 1484). In the original text (before translation) there was alliteration in every line, but that did not completely succeed through the translations. Alliteration catches the readers’ attention, keeps them engaged. It also gives the poem rhythm and style, a fun thing to catch if one is looking for it. Another literary device used is epithets. These are common in the epic stories of ancient Greece, but they also appear throughout Beowulf. Examples include: “Lord of the Geats” (line1484), “Hrethel’s Son” (line 1485), and “Prince of the Weather-Geats” (line1892). These are all substitutes for names of characters in this story. The author uses epithets to describe and personify the characters, as well as adapt their names to fit the original literary pattern of the poem. Lastly, this author used many strong adjectives. For example: magnificence, far-famed, plunged, and heaving. These words brighten up the story, they emphasize each point the author is trying to make. Without extreme adjectives, this story would be monotonous and boring. Beowulf used to be portrayed as a song before it was put into writing. The syntax of the author brought the music up and down, adding feeling and interest to however the Bard chose to play it. All of these devices are essential to making the story of Beowulf a success.

This tale is inspirational, action packed, at times even sad. It tells much about the Geats society, and their values of bravery, glory, and gratitude. This legend has a great history; it was always a song before it was put to writing. The author, however, brilliantly designed the syntax and rhythm to make this an enjoyable read, even after several translations. What is still in question is, did the Geats people truly love and glorify Beowulf for all the great things he did? Or were they just envious? Did they only honor him because each man longed for his glory himself?

Works Cited

Beowulf. Trans. Seamus Haney. New York: W.W. Naton and Company, 2008.

Beowulf LRJ #2

1.) Values:
Thinking quickly is a value in the Geats society, as shown when Beowulf quickly decides to rid himself of his sword when fighting Grendel's mother. He drops his sword, and fights her with his bare hands. He says, "So must a man do who intends to gain enduring glory in a combat. Life doesn't cost him a thought." (Haney, lines 1533-153). This quote also shows that glory is important to the Geats society. Beowulf used his instincts and bravery to get glory- all of this was treasured by his society. Another example of glory is when Beowulf returns with Grendel's head. "In he came then, the Thane's commander, the arch warrior, to address Hrothgar: his courage was proven, his glory was secure." (Haney, lines 1644-1646). This is a pure example of someone presenting another to their society as glorious, which shows they value that trait.

2.) Unrealistic Parts of Beowulf:
The most prominent unrealistic part of this story is when Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother underwater. They could never be underwater long enough for this fight to occur with out drowning. The narrator says, "Watching the lake water, saw a heave-up and surge of waves and blood in the backwash." (Haney, lines 1592-1594). This is completely not plausible, but this drama makes the story much more effective, and was more enjoyable for people to here as a song. It surly added crescendos, differences in pace, and excitement to the music. Another example of this is when Beowulf decides to fights Grendel's mother with his bare hands, because his sword has broke. "So she pounced upon him and pulled out a broad, whetted knife, now she would avenge her only child." (Haney, lines 1546-1548). This is simply another example of a situation no one could have lived through, which is what makes Beowulf so amazing, and this story so much fun to read or hear.

3.) Favorite Quotes:
My favorite quotes of this story are the most descriptive one. They add more personalization to the story, and improve the visual so the story is more adventurous. The first is from when Beowulf killed Grendel's mother. It reads "Meanwhile, the sword began to wilt into gory icicles, to slather and thaw." (Haney, lines1606-1608). I love the lavish adjectives used, and that passage makes me really realize the importance of that battle. Another quote takes place earlier in the story, when Beowulf's armor is being described. It says "Beowulf got ready, donned his war-gear, indifferent to death; his mighty, hand-forged, fine webbed mail would soon meet with the manace underwater. It would keep the bone-cage of his body safe" (Haney, lines 1442-1446). This quote makes me really admire Beowulf, see how brave he is, even though he knows he may be facing death. It also gives me a great picture, even though it doesn't specifically describe Beowulf himself. The last quote I will discuss is from the last verse, describing Beowulf's return. "his courage was proven, his glory was secure. Grendel's head was hauled by the hair, dragged across the floor where the people were drinking, a horror for both queen and company to behold. They stared in awe. It was an astonishing sight." (Haney, lines 1646-1650). Although this is a bit gruesome, it really portrays the values of the story nicely. It also wraps up this section of the story nicely. I also think it is humorous that Beowulf can walk into the mead hall, dragging a bleeding monster head, and everyone, even the queen, will "stare at him in awe". This is a nice, bright way to finish the story of a hard battle.

Antigone Paper

Claire McGlave

Ms. Peifer

10 IB English p. 5

26 November, 2008

Innocence

Antigone is innocent. She has honored the death of a family member, as anyone would be expected to do.  Her brother disobeyed the law by fighting against his own city. He was refused a burial, and left out to be devoured by the sources of nature. Though her families honor may have contradicted the law, she was right to defend her heritage. 

One may say that Antigone's brother, Polyneices, broke the law and should not be honored by a burial. He went against his city, his people, even his own brother. He was standing up for what he believed in, he was headstrong just like his sister. Without people like this, how would our world improve? Things would never change if people never took a stand, many issues would never be addressed.  This is why it is important to recognize people who are independent and tenacious. 

When the king decreed that Polyneices should not have a burial, Antigone was outraged. This is completely dishonorable to her brother. Regarding this the king said: "It hath been proclaimed to our people that none shall grace him with secpulture or lament, but leave him unburied, a corpse for birds and dogs to eat, a ghastly sight of shame." (Sophocles, lines 235-238).  Antigone has values. She chose to stand up for her brother. She shows this when she says, "But if I'd allowed my own mother's dead son to just lie there, and unburied corpse, then I'd feel distress. What going on here does not hurt me at all." (Sophocles, lines 527-531). Antigone had the courage to stand up for her brother, and the virtue to know that she needs to do so. She has proven a very honorable character, and therefore much respect is demanded. 

Works Cited

Sophocles. "Antigone"  The Internet Classics Archive. (this is underlined) Trans. R.C. Jebb. 04              Oct. 2000. classics.mit.edu 25 Nov 2008                              

Antigone LRJ #2

Claire McGlave
Ms. Peifer
10 IB English Hr. 5
11/24/08

Antigone LRJ #2

An important image comes from Antigone, when she speaks of her brother, Polyneices, being left out to be eaten alive. She says, "But his body must lie in the fields, a sweet treasure for carrion birds to find as they search for food. " (Sophocles, lines 21-22). This is important because it shows Antigone's point very virtually, which is very convincing. It is referenced many times later in the play. For example, when the sentry is informing Crion of what has happened, he says, "The dead man- Polyneices, out there, somewhere new dust on the flesh!" (Sophocles, lines 100-103). Also, "Look- the body just mounded over with dirt!" (Sopholces, lines 113-114). and lastly, "The ground was dry, not a sign of digging, no. Not a wheel track in the dust, no trace of anyone." (Sophocles, lines 108-109). These are all examples of the sentry describing Polyneices' body. One last one is, "We went back and brushed the dust back from the body. The flesh was soft by now, and stinking." (Sophocles lines 24-25). These are all very graphic descriptions, which are quite efective with readers.
Antigone's fatal flaw is being so tenacious. She is always very headstrong, which is quite an honorable quality. However, this can get her into trouble. This is shown in the play, when Antigone says to Creon, " I know all too well I’m going to die—how could I not?—it makes no difference what you decree. And if I have to die before my time, well, I count that a gain." (Sophocles lines 519-521). She is talking about burying her dead brother, and how important this to her. So important she would be willing to die for it. This is very impressive, but as the play proves, it will seal her fate.
Antigone has always seen the truth. From her point of view, she has always done the right thing, in burying her brother and freeing her sister. Her headstrong ways lead her to have confidence in everything she does. This means that she is always seeing the truth, or at least her own truth.
The catharsis of this play occurs when the audience finds Antigone dead by hanging herself. They aren't especially surprised, but it was quite brutal and graphic. This emotion was intensified when Haimon kills himself along Antigone. This could make the audience feel sad, or even defeated because they may have thought something would prevail and the characters wouldn't die tragically. That was a very tragic climax.
Women in this play are characterized very boldly in this play. For example, Antigone went against the king for her brother's honor. Ismene completely changed her mind, and sided with her sister which was a very bold move. However, without this strength they show by being bold makes the story have a point and it makes it more interesting. Without all these character traits the story would be boring and pointless.

Antigone Writing Assignment

Polyneices Found Buried!

After a great battle between Polyneices and his brother Eteolcles (who was defending our fair kingdom) both brothers remain dead. A grand burial service was held for great Eteocles, honoring his service to our King. His foe Polyneices, the enemy of our city was declared to be left to the dogs and vultures, may they do what they will with him. Just moments ago, word has come that this man tainted with evil and rebellion for his own kingdom was found buried! This is such a dishonor to our King, whoever has committed this distasteful and ridiculous felony will surely be charged with death. May all beware, for this foe is lurking among us. 

What's In a Name?

I was enjoying a dinner with my family and some neighbors this weekend, when the common topic of school came about in our conversation. After the normal, standard questions of "how's school?" or "what's your favorite class?" using the internet for school purposes became a topic of discussion. Once the dinner table heard I had a new blog, they all decided they wanted to see what we were doing... and have all decided to become followers! When they found out I had such a mundane name as "English grade 10 IB journals" we decided that I could be much more creative than that. So, after many, many suggestions (many of which were clever plays on my name that went right over my head) we narrowed it down to five choices. And then we were stuck. We could not seem to settle on one. It dawned on us that this is a decision to be left to the people that matter the most- the readers! So I have posted a poll based on our top 5 choices.... give me some input, and let the best title win!

:)