A last note on Gulliver . . .

Is Gulliver a Yahoo?

That Gulliver

Clearly, Swift gives the reader a contrast with the Lilliputians and the Brobdingnagians in terms of size. What does the stature of the inhabitants suggest about the size of their egos and their moral standards?

We didn't talk about it too much, but in each land we are introduced to the ruling class and to the peasants (the Lilliputian who helps Gulliver and Glumdalclitch). Are there any differences between the two classes in each land and between both lands? In other words, are the peasants in both places similar to each other in terms of moral behavior, AND are the peasants similar to the ruling classes in terms of moral behavior in each land? In other other words, can you characterize the moral character of ALL Lilliputians and ALL Brobdingnagians?

Oh, one more: How different are they from people today?

The Way of the World

This play, although perfomed, has not to my finding been made into a movie. Do you think that is an oversight (and now a career path for you), or do you think there are other reasons? Be specific in your answers.

Take the Week Off

We haven't read far enough, I don't think, to have a beneficial discussion of Congreve just yet. I'll remind us all to start again next week.

Types and Imagery

We discussed in class that in Volpone the characters (and institutions, I might suggest) are types rather than individuals. What traits of human nature, or stereotypes of institutions (I'm thinking of the Scrutineo [Act 4.4]) are exposed and exploited in the play through the various characters? How does the animal imagery emphasize the stereotype?

End Justifies the Means?

It is pretty clear that the characters in Volpone think that the end will justify the means. Do you think that is the attitude of the play? Is that what the audience should think? In your answer, be specific in the characters that do believe that the end justifies the means--no matter what means--and then show how the play may or may not contradict the attitudes of the characters.

The Language of Poetry

Herbert and Herrick stand in contrast to the more intellectual Donne, I think. Does the simplicity of the language--especially of Herbert--trivialize the subject? Or do you find Herbert's religious poetry and Herrick's love poetry more powerful because their language is simpler? And this is not to say that they are easier to understand--what it important is the power of the message.

Not Done with Donne

We didn't get to discuss the poetry of John Donne much in class, so let's go for it now. Which of the poems did you find the easiest to understand and which not so much? What struck you as the most dominant image/symbol/metaphor in all these poems? Why?

She's the Man

I know we haven't finished the film yet, but we will!

Clearly, this movie is a modern retelling of Twelfth Night. It seems, however, that it has some basic differences, especially in the motivation for the disguise. How would you compare Viola in the play to Viola in the movie? How does (or not) the movie use the Malvolio/Malcolm character?

Remember that you must post TWICE a week. Those of you who only post once will get only half credit for this portion of your grade, despite how long and developed your posts are.

Twelfth Night

What do you think Malvolio . . . oh forget it!

As ridiculous as the plot of Twelfth Night is, it nevertheless comments on human nature. What characteristics of human nature does the play exploit in the disguise theme as well as the joke playing on, well, you know, Malvolio? And,the play really is about love--so does it make a statement about that as well? And about the humans that fall in it?

The Language of Malory and Marlowe

We discussed in class the difficulty of simply understanding the language of Malory and Marlowe. It seems, however, that part of the import of the works resides in the way the stories (of Arthur, of Love) are told. What difference would it make if you read these works in modern translation? What might be lost?

Excuse, again, the late post. I haven't had access to a computer until now. Amazing, isn't it??

Sir Gawain the Coward?

We discussed this a little in class, but I think it deserves more discussion. Do you think that Sir Gawain's failure was really a failing? Do you agree with Arthur and the rest of the Knights of the Round Table in their response to Sir Gawain's story? Why or why not?

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

What do you think of Sir Gawain as a man/knight/hero from your first impression of him? Remember the manner in he volunteeers to take Arthur's place in the beheading game and how he is treated by the company in the hall and by the Green Knight. What do all those things suggest about his character?

Please excuse the late post!!