Blog Post #3 - Iago's Fire Fetish

As Iago develops his plot against those he feels did him wrong, his views of war shift from that waged against the army of an enemy nation to that fought against personal enemies. In his mind, war changes from a religion of valor and glory to a game of manipulation. Iago transforms his war from a battle with faceless soldiers to a vendetta of personal devastation. However, Iago doesn't hurt only his target; he ruins the lives of many, setting the lives of countless characters ablaze in his attempt to bring down Othello (and Cassio). He even goes so far as to stab his wife. Intentionally destroyed lives or just part of the tragic vision, the deaths and ruinations of these characters shows Iago's lack of moral limitations. Like a pyromaniac, he chars the lives of everyone around him.

Blog post #2 - Oedipus Wrecks

Initially after reading Oedipus Rex, I was puzzled by the many layers that made up the play. I found it hard to balance the constant dramatic irony and the many metaphors with a basic understanding of the plot. However, once I came closer to grasping the meaning of the play, I came to understand Oedipus's dilemma regarding the revelation of his incest with his mother. Is it better to learn of a wrongdoing in order to stop it but be horrified by this revelation, or should one stay in the dark (there go the metaphors again) but not resolve the problem? Though this is a bit of an extreme example, this reflects tough decisions with no ideal outcome that all people must make.

Blog post #1 - On travel

In The Innocents Abroad, Mark Twain wrote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, all foes to true understanding. Likewise tolerance, or broad, wholesome charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in our little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." This passage reflects humankind's need to be more open-minded, a quality that I particularly admire in people. A lack of understanding has been a factor in a great deal of the world's conflicts, from massive wars to minor quarrels between two individuals. Open-mindedness would counter these problems and allow for a more peaceful world.
Additionally, this quotation reflects my interest in travel, one of my greatest passions. I enjoy spending time abroad and find traveling a way to experience various cultures from around the world. Because of its promotion of travel as a way to eliminate bigotry, this passage epitomizes my ideals.

Blog Post #6 - The Sound and the Fury

Benjy's chapter is told from the perspective of a mentally retarded man. Due to his disability, he has no sense of time. All his memories blend together. However, he is aware of the impending downfall of the family, but he cannot communicate this problem to them because he is impaired.

Quentin's chapter is ruled by time. Quentin is haunted by the ticking of his grandfather's watch, counting down the seconds until he dies. Nonetheless, Quentin in stuck in the past at the time in which he is trying to come up with a solution to Caddy's pregnancy.

Jason narrates his chapter mean-spiritedly, reflecting him as an individual. Conflict is rife throughout this chapter.

Dilsey's chapter contains by far the most imagery. Faulkner paints the scenes with great detail, a stark contrast to the other three chapters. The images in the chapter create a sense of peace, false though it may be.