Date of Service: January 28, 2011
Time Spent: 2 Hours
Total Time: 2 Hours
Action: Finding a Mentor
Next Action: Meeting with my mentor, finding an organization for community service
How am I doing?
I am trying to find a mentor that has skills and knowledge in video production and making. I looked up many companies online, but all of them seem to be for profit. I may have to keep my mentor hours separate from my community service hours. I would learn techniques from my mentor and apply what I learned to my community service portion. I called the San Francisco Film Society, but the woman on the phone did not want to communicate with me very well. I wrote down a few numbers from video companies in the bay. I will call them tomorrow.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Bigger Picture
Catch-22, What is the What
Many Stories in One:
Joseph Heller and Dave Eggers were able to capture the lives of many characters through the view of one narrator. Through the eyes of Yossarian and Achak, the reader was able to understand not only what the narrator was going through, but what others around them experienced. I like how the authors can focus on one character, yet tell the story of many others at the same time.
With Catch-22, this type of writing helps the readers understand Yosarrian's emotions and how he begins to go insane. By specifically knowing the story of each character, instead of just knowing them as Yossarian's colleagues, we know them as the people who helped Yossarian go crazy. The one's who helped drive him to flee. Their personalities and actions all combine to give an atmosphere of chaos and humor.
In What is the What, Achak describes his unwanted adventures through southern Africa. His story not only captures himself, but he also captures what is happening to everyone around him. Through his story, the reader is able to look into the lives of those who have suffered. His details help fill in the gaps to a bigger picture, which was a genocide happening in the 21st century. I liked how the book brings awareness and educates what has happened and is happening in other countries.
Overall, I found most of the summer reading books enjoyable.
How to Read Literature Like a Professor taught me new ways on how to look at texts and not everything is flatly what it says.
1984 was my favorite from the group of books. It had suspense and I liked analyzing and looking for meaning in the text.
Catch-22 was slightly long and felt that some things were unnecessary, but that's what brought all the humor. It was a different style of writing to read and I found it funny.
I liked how What is the What
brings awareness to what happened in Sudan. To read about what Achak and others went through makes me feel more grateful and thankful.
Many Stories in One:
Joseph Heller and Dave Eggers were able to capture the lives of many characters through the view of one narrator. Through the eyes of Yossarian and Achak, the reader was able to understand not only what the narrator was going through, but what others around them experienced. I like how the authors can focus on one character, yet tell the story of many others at the same time.
With Catch-22, this type of writing helps the readers understand Yosarrian's emotions and how he begins to go insane. By specifically knowing the story of each character, instead of just knowing them as Yossarian's colleagues, we know them as the people who helped Yossarian go crazy. The one's who helped drive him to flee. Their personalities and actions all combine to give an atmosphere of chaos and humor.
In What is the What, Achak describes his unwanted adventures through southern Africa. His story not only captures himself, but he also captures what is happening to everyone around him. Through his story, the reader is able to look into the lives of those who have suffered. His details help fill in the gaps to a bigger picture, which was a genocide happening in the 21st century. I liked how the book brings awareness and educates what has happened and is happening in other countries.
Overall, I found most of the summer reading books enjoyable.
How to Read Literature Like a Professor taught me new ways on how to look at texts and not everything is flatly what it says.
1984 was my favorite from the group of books. It had suspense and I liked analyzing and looking for meaning in the text.
Catch-22 was slightly long and felt that some things were unnecessary, but that's what brought all the humor. It was a different style of writing to read and I found it funny.
I liked how What is the What
brings awareness to what happened in Sudan. To read about what Achak and others went through makes me feel more grateful and thankful.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Not Very Optimisitic
Catch-22
Pessimistic:
Yossarian looks at life as a negative thing.At first, he sees no point in living because he is going to end up dying anyway. He has no faith in God or any deity. Not until he enters the hospital does he begin to feel grateful for his life. A few events make him appreciate his life:
-The soldier in white shows him how lucky he is not to be in that type of physical state
-Realizing he has not caught any dangerous diseases
-Acting as a dying son and seeing how the family was sadden
Yossarian begins to feel guilty that he has been lucky with his health.As we look into the past events, the reader begins to see how he became paranoid about his missions and why he really wants to live. War changes everyone in different ways, but it has helped Yossarian figure out the value of life. I feel that Yossarian is trying to cheat death in so many ways, that he ends up dying in the end of the book anyway.
Another Catch:
Yossarian wants to marry Luciana, but Luciana does not want to marry him because she thinks he is crazy. She thinks he is crazy because he wants to marry her. Another circumstance that Yossarian cannot get around or escape from.
Pessimistic:
Yossarian looks at life as a negative thing.At first, he sees no point in living because he is going to end up dying anyway. He has no faith in God or any deity. Not until he enters the hospital does he begin to feel grateful for his life. A few events make him appreciate his life:
-The soldier in white shows him how lucky he is not to be in that type of physical state
-Realizing he has not caught any dangerous diseases
-Acting as a dying son and seeing how the family was sadden
Yossarian begins to feel guilty that he has been lucky with his health.As we look into the past events, the reader begins to see how he became paranoid about his missions and why he really wants to live. War changes everyone in different ways, but it has helped Yossarian figure out the value of life. I feel that Yossarian is trying to cheat death in so many ways, that he ends up dying in the end of the book anyway.
Another Catch:
Yossarian wants to marry Luciana, but Luciana does not want to marry him because she thinks he is crazy. She thinks he is crazy because he wants to marry her. Another circumstance that Yossarian cannot get around or escape from.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Serious Side
Catch-22, Chapters: Kid Sampson, Piltchard & Wren
A Turn Of Tone:
I feel like in these two chapters, the tone became slightly more serious. Heller did leave room for comic relief, but he started to show the reality of the dangers of war. We begin to tap in to Yossarian's emotions more deeply as we see his true colors every time he enters a plane.
-Tearing out the intercom: Seems pathetic and panicked at first, but it was smart of him to try his best to get out of the mission.
-Submerging in the water after backing out from the first Bologna mission: Water is cleansing. Just the whole scene made Yossarian feel like out of place in the world. He went in feeling okay and he came out feeling guilty once he noticed the mission was just a milk run.
-Yossarian's fear: The second Bologna mission brings Yossarian's plane under attack. He panics wildly and we see how cowardly he is compared to his comrades. It makes me think Yossarian is the only sane one among his squadron because he panics.
Other Note:
I found Aarfy pretty interesting. His name made me think he is like a dog, as he has the sound of a bark. He is easily amused and he does not get scared. He lets Yossarian beat him up, like a master or owner, yet he does not mind it. At the same time he really does not care what is happening as he takes out his pip to smoke as if he were lounging around.
A Turn Of Tone:
I feel like in these two chapters, the tone became slightly more serious. Heller did leave room for comic relief, but he started to show the reality of the dangers of war. We begin to tap in to Yossarian's emotions more deeply as we see his true colors every time he enters a plane.
-Tearing out the intercom: Seems pathetic and panicked at first, but it was smart of him to try his best to get out of the mission.
-Submerging in the water after backing out from the first Bologna mission: Water is cleansing. Just the whole scene made Yossarian feel like out of place in the world. He went in feeling okay and he came out feeling guilty once he noticed the mission was just a milk run.
-Yossarian's fear: The second Bologna mission brings Yossarian's plane under attack. He panics wildly and we see how cowardly he is compared to his comrades. It makes me think Yossarian is the only sane one among his squadron because he panics.
Other Note:
I found Aarfy pretty interesting. His name made me think he is like a dog, as he has the sound of a bark. He is easily amused and he does not get scared. He lets Yossarian beat him up, like a master or owner, yet he does not mind it. At the same time he really does not care what is happening as he takes out his pip to smoke as if he were lounging around.
Rain,Food, and Reward
Catch-22
Rain:
It seems that rain is generally good in this book. The men did not have to do their deadly mission in Bologna because it was raining. Usually, people like it to stop raining so they could go outside and do what they need to, but this stops them from doing their missions. At one point they sing the rhyme for rain to go away, but really they rather have it stay. Even when the men crashed the car in the rain, they were happily drunk.
Food:
Milos' food brings the men together all in one place. It keeps them happy, especially the fresh food he gets, and they are at peace. There is just something about food and the dinner table that gets people to ease their minds for a moment.
Reward:
It seems a bit backwards that Yossarian gets an award for doing something wrong. To cover up an ashamed action of friendly fire, he get a medal and promoted. It was to set an example to the other men, but that is a bad example to set. It makes me disappointed in Yossarian, but now I understand more why he wants to stop doing missions.
Other note:
What's up with the blank in Major ____ de Coverly's name? I don't understand.
Rain:
It seems that rain is generally good in this book. The men did not have to do their deadly mission in Bologna because it was raining. Usually, people like it to stop raining so they could go outside and do what they need to, but this stops them from doing their missions. At one point they sing the rhyme for rain to go away, but really they rather have it stay. Even when the men crashed the car in the rain, they were happily drunk.
Food:
Milos' food brings the men together all in one place. It keeps them happy, especially the fresh food he gets, and they are at peace. There is just something about food and the dinner table that gets people to ease their minds for a moment.
Reward:
It seems a bit backwards that Yossarian gets an award for doing something wrong. To cover up an ashamed action of friendly fire, he get a medal and promoted. It was to set an example to the other men, but that is a bad example to set. It makes me disappointed in Yossarian, but now I understand more why he wants to stop doing missions.
Other note:
What's up with the blank in Major ____ de Coverly's name? I don't understand.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Forever Green
Catch-22, Wintergreen
The chapter Wintergreen has the theme of death. Clevinger, Mudd, and the men are Bologna deaths are discussed. Wintergreen, a plant stays green in the winter. Its used and tea and most importantly it can be used as a medicine to help relieve. Death relieves people,especially in the war, who don't want to continue to experience pain and suffering.
-The men are are used to always being surrounded by death and wonder when they are going to be next. Clevingers disappearance didn't even startle them. They know death is unavoidable, but they think its coming soon.
-Even Wintegreen almost drowned when he was digging holes.
-Mudd or the dead man was the guy who had no chance as he was shipped off right away. Mud is dirty, unwanted, useless, and no value. His name says it all for him.
Other Note:
-Yossarian is Assyrian. Assyrians are from the middle east and use to have a big kingdom. Now their population is some what displaced from their original homeland. Yossarian feels out of place and all he wants to do is get back home.
The chapter Wintergreen has the theme of death. Clevinger, Mudd, and the men are Bologna deaths are discussed. Wintergreen, a plant stays green in the winter. Its used and tea and most importantly it can be used as a medicine to help relieve. Death relieves people,especially in the war, who don't want to continue to experience pain and suffering.
-The men are are used to always being surrounded by death and wonder when they are going to be next. Clevingers disappearance didn't even startle them. They know death is unavoidable, but they think its coming soon.
-Even Wintegreen almost drowned when he was digging holes.
-Mudd or the dead man was the guy who had no chance as he was shipped off right away. Mud is dirty, unwanted, useless, and no value. His name says it all for him.
Other Note:
-Yossarian is Assyrian. Assyrians are from the middle east and use to have a big kingdom. Now their population is some what displaced from their original homeland. Yossarian feels out of place and all he wants to do is get back home.
Major Major
Catch-22
Major Major Major Major. What a name. I feel bad for for him and how is dad was totally inconsiderate. The guy is constantly being ridiculed and he always running away from people when they are not running away from him. His father thinks of his son as a joke as he purposely named him as a joke. At first I thought his father wanted him to be something great and powerful, naming him Major, but instead he just did it for laughs. His birth was a joke to his father because it took him one day to come out and it only took God six days to create the world. To deal with his name, he takes on multiple identities. Washington Irving for when he signs papers, but ironically Irving was an advocate against copyright infringement. He looks like Henry Fonda, the actor, but dislikes it. Actors try to be someone they are not and Major tries to be someone else. Then he switches to John Milton, a poet.Signing under a forged name is his way to rebel and get back at the world for always making fun of his name.
Major is also getting rained on and cleansed. He went from being timid and taking orders and then he toughened up in the rain and began to threaten others. Then once again it rained on him when he got promoted and he lost his basketball friends and began to run away from others again.
Major Major Major Major. What a name. I feel bad for for him and how is dad was totally inconsiderate. The guy is constantly being ridiculed and he always running away from people when they are not running away from him. His father thinks of his son as a joke as he purposely named him as a joke. At first I thought his father wanted him to be something great and powerful, naming him Major, but instead he just did it for laughs. His birth was a joke to his father because it took him one day to come out and it only took God six days to create the world. To deal with his name, he takes on multiple identities. Washington Irving for when he signs papers, but ironically Irving was an advocate against copyright infringement. He looks like Henry Fonda, the actor, but dislikes it. Actors try to be someone they are not and Major tries to be someone else. Then he switches to John Milton, a poet.Signing under a forged name is his way to rebel and get back at the world for always making fun of his name.
Major is also getting rained on and cleansed. He went from being timid and taking orders and then he toughened up in the rain and began to threaten others. Then once again it rained on him when he got promoted and he lost his basketball friends and began to run away from others again.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
No Escape and Women
Catch-22, Chapters 7 and 8
No Escape From Death:
Yosarrian is constantly trying to escape the war and avoid his missions. He'll try to get into the hospital, purposely not eat his fruit, or continue to eat food with soap in it. He believes that if he continues being a bombardier, death would come soon. Death is unavoidable, but by also purposely trying to harm himself he really is getting closer death either way. So by trying to escape death he is keeps making himself closer to death.
Theme of Women:
Heller exploits women as powerless, weak, and low. The men treat them as ragdolls and do as they please. By belittling the women, Heller makes the men look more powerful and smarter than then actually are. It also makes them look like inconsiderate and hormonal fools. The men are always around other men and seeing a women is just a treat for them.
Other Note:
I liked how Heller takes things very literally to add a comic effect. When Clevinger is being prosecuted in the court, the big mustache guy uses words ad tone to make himself look tough. At one point, he picks on the recorder and asks him to read back the last line and gets the response "read me back the last line". It was funny and clever. Which also makes me think Clevinger sounds like clever and he did act slightly witty in the court.
No Escape From Death:
Yosarrian is constantly trying to escape the war and avoid his missions. He'll try to get into the hospital, purposely not eat his fruit, or continue to eat food with soap in it. He believes that if he continues being a bombardier, death would come soon. Death is unavoidable, but by also purposely trying to harm himself he really is getting closer death either way. So by trying to escape death he is keeps making himself closer to death.
Theme of Women:
Heller exploits women as powerless, weak, and low. The men treat them as ragdolls and do as they please. By belittling the women, Heller makes the men look more powerful and smarter than then actually are. It also makes them look like inconsiderate and hormonal fools. The men are always around other men and seeing a women is just a treat for them.
Other Note:
I liked how Heller takes things very literally to add a comic effect. When Clevinger is being prosecuted in the court, the big mustache guy uses words ad tone to make himself look tough. At one point, he picks on the recorder and asks him to read back the last line and gets the response "read me back the last line". It was funny and clever. Which also makes me think Clevinger sounds like clever and he did act slightly witty in the court.
Are they really crazy?
Catch-22
Yossarian and the other men are constantly accusing each other of being crazy. One is crazy for yelling, the other is crazy for going around hitting people, and another is crazy for not minding the war. If they are all crazy, then technically they are sane. They would be crazy if they were not "crazy". A crazy person is different from the normal and sets them apart from everyone else. Maybe if one person was isolated from the squadron, then that person looks crazy in a public setting. Yet, inside the squadron the person will fit in just fine since everyone around him is crazy, making him look completely normal.So no one is really crazy and they are all perfectly fine. Then again, they are all just a bunch of nut cases brought together.
Yossarian and the other men are constantly accusing each other of being crazy. One is crazy for yelling, the other is crazy for going around hitting people, and another is crazy for not minding the war. If they are all crazy, then technically they are sane. They would be crazy if they were not "crazy". A crazy person is different from the normal and sets them apart from everyone else. Maybe if one person was isolated from the squadron, then that person looks crazy in a public setting. Yet, inside the squadron the person will fit in just fine since everyone around him is crazy, making him look completely normal.So no one is really crazy and they are all perfectly fine. Then again, they are all just a bunch of nut cases brought together.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The Catch
The catch is a never ending circle. You're allowed to go home if you are crazy, but you have to ask to go home and once you ask, you are sane. Crazy people never admit they are crazy, if they do, then they are not really crazy. By asking, you are basically calling yourself sane because you are not crazy enough to go out and fly. Since flying around with bombs and attacking people is crazy. It's a brilliant catch that allows the army to keep their "crazy" soldiers. So technically, no one is every really crazy. The other part of the catch is that you always have to obey orders from your commander. Even though all the soldiers missions are completed, they still must do more if their commander says they need to do more. It's a never ending trap that's unfair, but fascinating how they could never get out. I wonder if there is any loopholes.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Could you repeat that?
Catch-22, Chapters 3 and 4
I noticed Heller makes a point to make his characters repeat themselves. They would say one thing and then say it again as a question. It adds a good comic effect. I found it funny when Yossarian wanted to know why Orr would stick things in his cheeks, but his questions just led to more questions instead of answers. It seemed like he was talking to an innocent little kid. I also found it humorous when the men didn't know who was T.S. Eliot and they went around asking what it meant.
Theme of Flying:
Flying usually means freedom and the ability to let one's self go. Instead, Yossarian and Doc Daneeka both hate to fly. The doctor feels claustrophobic and is concerned about his health. He doesn't have high goals and chooses to not take the risk. They both don't want to die and could care less about the missions. This time, flying restricts who they are.
Side Note:
Each chapter is named after a character, but the chapter doesn't entirely focus on the person as Heller switches to other people easily. Also, they all have unique names and nicknames. It's getting a little hard to keep track of everyone and their ranks.
I noticed Heller makes a point to make his characters repeat themselves. They would say one thing and then say it again as a question. It adds a good comic effect. I found it funny when Yossarian wanted to know why Orr would stick things in his cheeks, but his questions just led to more questions instead of answers. It seemed like he was talking to an innocent little kid. I also found it humorous when the men didn't know who was T.S. Eliot and they went around asking what it meant.
Theme of Flying:
Flying usually means freedom and the ability to let one's self go. Instead, Yossarian and Doc Daneeka both hate to fly. The doctor feels claustrophobic and is concerned about his health. He doesn't have high goals and chooses to not take the risk. They both don't want to die and could care less about the missions. This time, flying restricts who they are.
Side Note:
Each chapter is named after a character, but the chapter doesn't entirely focus on the person as Heller switches to other people easily. Also, they all have unique names and nicknames. It's getting a little hard to keep track of everyone and their ranks.
Catch-22
Chapters 1 and 2
The first thing I noticed was Heller's way of switching the subject swiftly from paragraph to paragraph. He would describe one thing and then describe something else entirely different, then go back to something he described earlier. I also like the sense of humor and tone he gave to Yossarian. For example, he messes with the letters in the hospital and is quick to judge others. It seems like he either likes someone or doesn't like someone. He immediately hated the Texan and liked the chaplain. Yossarian likes to call other crazy, but he seems crazy himself. I also found it funny that he gets mad that people are trying to shoot him while he is trying to bomb them. Of course people would retaliate if they were being bombed.
I actually got the Crime and Punishment reference made in chapter two when Clevinger is talking to Yossarian. Raskolnikov was crazy enough to murder and became paranoid that he was always being watched. Yossarian is crazy enough to bomb people and he is also paranoid that someone is always trying to kill him.
The first thing I noticed was Heller's way of switching the subject swiftly from paragraph to paragraph. He would describe one thing and then describe something else entirely different, then go back to something he described earlier. I also like the sense of humor and tone he gave to Yossarian. For example, he messes with the letters in the hospital and is quick to judge others. It seems like he either likes someone or doesn't like someone. He immediately hated the Texan and liked the chaplain. Yossarian likes to call other crazy, but he seems crazy himself. I also found it funny that he gets mad that people are trying to shoot him while he is trying to bomb them. Of course people would retaliate if they were being bombed.
I actually got the Crime and Punishment reference made in chapter two when Clevinger is talking to Yossarian. Raskolnikov was crazy enough to murder and became paranoid that he was always being watched. Yossarian is crazy enough to bomb people and he is also paranoid that someone is always trying to kill him.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Big Brother is Always Watching
1984-Finished
Orwell packed a good amount of irony and extended metaphors in the book. I really enjoyed reading it. To help me understand the book to a greater extent, I looked into Orwell's point of view. He experienced both World Wars and lived in England. I think Orwell was trying to use 1984 to warn society of what could happen with a totalitarian state, trying to think of the future. He continuously experienced war, which influenced why Oceania was always in a war. He was making a statement against the harshness of a non-democratic country and its affect on the people. The three countries, Oceania, Eastasia, and Eurasia remind me of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. One state may be the ally and the other may be the enemy. Just how Churchill and Roosevelt were against Stalin and one point they were all allies.
The Ending:
In the end, Winston didn't become a martyr because he was brainwashed and learned to love Big brother. It was interesting that he still had that slight rebellion side to him when he hoped Oceania lost the battle against West Africa, yet he was not charged with any thoughtcrime. Also, he was able to talk to Julia freely. I suppose once you were brain washed, the Thought Police knew there was no turning back. Though, he still had that slight hint of consciousness against Big Brother even though he thinks two plus two is five.
Orwell packed a good amount of irony and extended metaphors in the book. I really enjoyed reading it. To help me understand the book to a greater extent, I looked into Orwell's point of view. He experienced both World Wars and lived in England. I think Orwell was trying to use 1984 to warn society of what could happen with a totalitarian state, trying to think of the future. He continuously experienced war, which influenced why Oceania was always in a war. He was making a statement against the harshness of a non-democratic country and its affect on the people. The three countries, Oceania, Eastasia, and Eurasia remind me of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. One state may be the ally and the other may be the enemy. Just how Churchill and Roosevelt were against Stalin and one point they were all allies.
The Ending:
In the end, Winston didn't become a martyr because he was brainwashed and learned to love Big brother. It was interesting that he still had that slight rebellion side to him when he hoped Oceania lost the battle against West Africa, yet he was not charged with any thoughtcrime. Also, he was able to talk to Julia freely. I suppose once you were brain washed, the Thought Police knew there was no turning back. Though, he still had that slight hint of consciousness against Big Brother even though he thinks two plus two is five.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Doublethink
1984-End of Part 2, Half of Part 3
Fun to Play With Irony:
Orwell plays with irony throughout the whole book, but his irony begins to make actual sense. Fire can't be cold, but Orwell actually makes war peaceful. He creates a communistic, socialist, and totalitarian society that is able to keep a stable hierarchy. An infinite war allowed society to succeed economically and keep their minds busy. They don't attack each other and they get a sense of nationalism, something that everyone has a hatred for, whether it be with Eurasia or Eastasia. With the use of doublethink, the mind is to believe one thing is something else. Torturing Winston to make him believe two and two is five, is the same thing of making him believe the fake past, the rewritten past, is actually the past. I love how Orwell made irony and oxymorons to really be what they say.
-Even though O'Brien is torturing Winston, Winston still likes him because he is someone he could talk to. Julia just wasn't that intelligent.
-I also found that the Party makes no martyrs. By making the non-guilty actually guilty, makes the persecutors like heroes.
Quick Notes:
-The prole woman is beautiful to Winston because she is fertile and motherly. Winston always remembered his mother and how she worked to satisfy him.
-The telescreen was behind the portrait of a church.God intently listens to a church, just as Big Brother was listening to Winston the whole time.
-When the paperweight shattered, the coral was smaller than Winston expected. The paperweight represented Winston in a way and in reality, Winston turned out to be more fragile than he wanted.
-The cell walls and light were bright. As if he were in purgatory, waiting to be judged.
On the side note, this is why society should always be educated. In order to remain conscious of their leaders and not be taken advantage of.
Fun to Play With Irony:
Orwell plays with irony throughout the whole book, but his irony begins to make actual sense. Fire can't be cold, but Orwell actually makes war peaceful. He creates a communistic, socialist, and totalitarian society that is able to keep a stable hierarchy. An infinite war allowed society to succeed economically and keep their minds busy. They don't attack each other and they get a sense of nationalism, something that everyone has a hatred for, whether it be with Eurasia or Eastasia. With the use of doublethink, the mind is to believe one thing is something else. Torturing Winston to make him believe two and two is five, is the same thing of making him believe the fake past, the rewritten past, is actually the past. I love how Orwell made irony and oxymorons to really be what they say.
-Even though O'Brien is torturing Winston, Winston still likes him because he is someone he could talk to. Julia just wasn't that intelligent.
-I also found that the Party makes no martyrs. By making the non-guilty actually guilty, makes the persecutors like heroes.
Quick Notes:
-The prole woman is beautiful to Winston because she is fertile and motherly. Winston always remembered his mother and how she worked to satisfy him.
-The telescreen was behind the portrait of a church.God intently listens to a church, just as Big Brother was listening to Winston the whole time.
-When the paperweight shattered, the coral was smaller than Winston expected. The paperweight represented Winston in a way and in reality, Winston turned out to be more fragile than he wanted.
-The cell walls and light were bright. As if he were in purgatory, waiting to be judged.
On the side note, this is why society should always be educated. In order to remain conscious of their leaders and not be taken advantage of.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Proles Have Feelings
1984- The Proles
At first I thought the Proles were mindless common people, but really they are stronger than the Party as they have a sense of emotion. Party members are set up with their life partners, have fake friendships, and have to pretend to be happy. On the other hand, the Proles still have family to push them through things and make them happy. For example, when the rocket bomb was coming down,a mother Prole went go get her child that was playing outside.The theme of a mother and child constantly appears because there is a strong bond between a protective mother over her child.The Party members are more like robots, while the Proles remain to be human.
At first I thought the Proles were mindless common people, but really they are stronger than the Party as they have a sense of emotion. Party members are set up with their life partners, have fake friendships, and have to pretend to be happy. On the other hand, the Proles still have family to push them through things and make them happy. For example, when the rocket bomb was coming down,a mother Prole went go get her child that was playing outside.The theme of a mother and child constantly appears because there is a strong bond between a protective mother over her child.The Party members are more like robots, while the Proles remain to be human.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
"It was a political act."
1984-Part 2, Chapter 2
Rebel to Cause Corruption:
Well, that makes perfect sense now. Orwell flat out tells us Winston and Julia's rendezvous "was a political act". Julia and Winston both wanted to rebel against the government. Julia doesn't really love him, since she apparently has had sexual relations with hundreds of men, but she wants Winston as a partner because he does not support the Party. Winston is pleased with her multiple affairs because it gives them hope that there are other men who are willing to go against Big Brother's rules. Plus, Julia does not just hook up with normal Party men,but men who are "different" and i want to cause rebel. The meeting and deed is a strong political statement, saying Big Brother can not fully control them.
Other Notes:
-Winston and Julia met in a forest. The setting is mysterious,able to hide secrets, and magical. Plus, the place showed up in his dreams.
-A bird appeared in flight and singing a song. There was nothing for it to sing about, but still wants to fly freely. There is nothing happy going on in London, but Winston still wants his ability to think freely, do what he wants, and spread his wings.
Rebel to Cause Corruption:
Well, that makes perfect sense now. Orwell flat out tells us Winston and Julia's rendezvous "was a political act". Julia and Winston both wanted to rebel against the government. Julia doesn't really love him, since she apparently has had sexual relations with hundreds of men, but she wants Winston as a partner because he does not support the Party. Winston is pleased with her multiple affairs because it gives them hope that there are other men who are willing to go against Big Brother's rules. Plus, Julia does not just hook up with normal Party men,but men who are "different" and i want to cause rebel. The meeting and deed is a strong political statement, saying Big Brother can not fully control them.
Other Notes:
-Winston and Julia met in a forest. The setting is mysterious,able to hide secrets, and magical. Plus, the place showed up in his dreams.
-A bird appeared in flight and singing a song. There was nothing for it to sing about, but still wants to fly freely. There is nothing happy going on in London, but Winston still wants his ability to think freely, do what he wants, and spread his wings.
A Drunk, Some Fruit, and A Girl
1984- Chapter 8 and Part 2-I
Information from the Proles:
-The proles are not afraid to talk, especially if they are drunk. Winston tries to get information from a drunk old man, but is unsuccessful. The white haired and old people are suppose to have the wisdom and guidance to the younger generations.
- I was surprised the shopkeeper had good English, especially being a prole.Perhaps he has more information to give.
The paperweight was hard on the outside, yet contained a fragile piece on the inside. It was also heavy like a burden. Suggesting Winston is like a paperweight, since he liked it.
The destroyed church picture represents the destruction of religion and a belief of God.
The poem about the Oranges and Lemons is actually a real poem. It discusses how the churches owe money, but doesn't know when to pay it back. So, heads get chopped off. I believe there's more significance to this poem. I have to come back to this one.
The Girl:
I can't help but think the girl who slipped the "I love you" note is either trapping Winston or she is part of an organization that wants to overthrow Big Brother. It's just weird to say "I love you" to someone you barely know and just been watching from afar. The girl is just too mysterious. The fact that she's a virgin, white, and pure also gives her this essence of innocence and fairness that makes her seem like a good character.
Information from the Proles:
-The proles are not afraid to talk, especially if they are drunk. Winston tries to get information from a drunk old man, but is unsuccessful. The white haired and old people are suppose to have the wisdom and guidance to the younger generations.
- I was surprised the shopkeeper had good English, especially being a prole.Perhaps he has more information to give.
The paperweight was hard on the outside, yet contained a fragile piece on the inside. It was also heavy like a burden. Suggesting Winston is like a paperweight, since he liked it.
The destroyed church picture represents the destruction of religion and a belief of God.
The poem about the Oranges and Lemons is actually a real poem. It discusses how the churches owe money, but doesn't know when to pay it back. So, heads get chopped off. I believe there's more significance to this poem. I have to come back to this one.
The Girl:
I can't help but think the girl who slipped the "I love you" note is either trapping Winston or she is part of an organization that wants to overthrow Big Brother. It's just weird to say "I love you" to someone you barely know and just been watching from afar. The girl is just too mysterious. The fact that she's a virgin, white, and pure also gives her this essence of innocence and fairness that makes her seem like a good character.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Two Plus Two Is Five
1884-Chapter 7
Winston believes there is hope in the Proles. The proles are the tolerated underclassmen, once slaves, yet still hard workers. There is a bunch of them, so they could start a rebellion, but fear stops them. Maybe if they had a leader, like Winston to help them start an uprising. I think Orwell is making an extended metaphor for some ethnic group that was really harassed, but I'm not sure which group of people. This whole book is basically an extended metaphor for government oppression and lack of freedom or rights.
-There's definitely something about that Chestnut Tree
-Aaronson and Rutherford falsely confessed. I want to know more about these founders and their importance. The name Rutherford reminds me of Earnest Rutherford, the chemist who was able to split the atom. That's a lot of energy and power one guy has discovered. Leading to nuclear energy and bombs.
Winston believes there is hope in the Proles. The proles are the tolerated underclassmen, once slaves, yet still hard workers. There is a bunch of them, so they could start a rebellion, but fear stops them. Maybe if they had a leader, like Winston to help them start an uprising. I think Orwell is making an extended metaphor for some ethnic group that was really harassed, but I'm not sure which group of people. This whole book is basically an extended metaphor for government oppression and lack of freedom or rights.
-There's definitely something about that Chestnut Tree
-Aaronson and Rutherford falsely confessed. I want to know more about these founders and their importance. The name Rutherford reminds me of Earnest Rutherford, the chemist who was able to split the atom. That's a lot of energy and power one guy has discovered. Leading to nuclear energy and bombs.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Backward Society
1984-Chapters 5 and 6
Restriction:
-The society and government is not expanding and growing, but rather containing opportunities. For example, by the year 2050, there will be less words by having no opposites to words. I found this slightly humorous, imagining people saying "plusgood" or "ungood" is just silly. Their society begins to lack variety and creation, thus lacking thought, which Big Brother wants.
-Demonstrations are usually to express opposition, not praise it. The Party praises the government's decision to rations and limitations. Freedom becomes restricted.
-Desire and passion are not allowed. Wives and husbands are not allowed to love, but the point is for them to reproduce.
-Ministry is like the mafia. Killing off people for having opinions. It's ironic that the Ministry of Love holds executions.
Other Note:
-Party members are starting to sound like ducks. Words are just becoming sounds with no meaning.Most of them look like beetles. Beetles are pests, not colorful,ugly, hard to get rid of, and plenty of them. Not much variety happening there.
Restriction:
-The society and government is not expanding and growing, but rather containing opportunities. For example, by the year 2050, there will be less words by having no opposites to words. I found this slightly humorous, imagining people saying "plusgood" or "ungood" is just silly. Their society begins to lack variety and creation, thus lacking thought, which Big Brother wants.
-Demonstrations are usually to express opposition, not praise it. The Party praises the government's decision to rations and limitations. Freedom becomes restricted.
-Desire and passion are not allowed. Wives and husbands are not allowed to love, but the point is for them to reproduce.
-Ministry is like the mafia. Killing off people for having opinions. It's ironic that the Ministry of Love holds executions.
Other Note:
-Party members are starting to sound like ducks. Words are just becoming sounds with no meaning.Most of them look like beetles. Beetles are pests, not colorful,ugly, hard to get rid of, and plenty of them. Not much variety happening there.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
"We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness"
I wonder where they are going to meet...
1984- Chapters 2-4
Theme of Fear and Loyalty:
In chapters 2 and 3, Winston is always in constant fear that Big Brother, or the Thought Police, will find out that he is not loyal to the Party and country.
-Winston goes to help Mrs. Parson and her kids accuse him of being a criminal. Even though it is child play, Winston can't help but feel guilty and scared,as if he was really being accused.
The Dream in Chapter 3:
-Tries to remember his mother, his protector, caregiver, family.
-Part of the setting is in Golden Country. The place seems peaceful with swaying field, a slight breeze, and a stream, but the place still has its "holes". The place is not perfect with bitten pastures and mole holes. There are blemishes.
-Dad has thin soles, possibly means he traveled many places, has a good amount of knowledge.
-Family dies to save them as they disappear under the water. It begins a new chapter in his life as he has to take care of himself. There's the theme of water and we all read that whenever a character comes in contact with water, its a life changing moment.
-The ministry girl is white, so she is pure and Winston likes the idea of her throwing her clothes, like she is starting fresh and she can get rid of all the baggage.
-Winston woke up naked. He is himself, bare and unrestricted when he is dreaming, but when he puts on his clothes he has to act like a Party member and he is not himself.
- I wonder why he said "Shakespeare" when he woke up from his dream. There has to be some reason why Orwell made that illusion.
Other Notes:
-Winston's last name is Smith.Smith: producer, maker, forges things, plays with fire, attacks cold and hard things, must be tough, works hard
-Winston has an injury on his ankle. All great heroes have their flaws.
-Everyone is referred to as "Comrade". Comrades are suppose to be friendly and helpful, yet everyone seems to be anti-social and keeps to themselves.
-Interesting how they can create non-existent people and destroy existent people.
-Ministry of Truth is shaped like a pyramid. Pyramids are for kings and represent wealth and power.
-The INGSOC poster fell down, perhaps foreshadowing for the fall of the "principles of Ingsoc".
1984- Chapters 2-4
Theme of Fear and Loyalty:
In chapters 2 and 3, Winston is always in constant fear that Big Brother, or the Thought Police, will find out that he is not loyal to the Party and country.
-Winston goes to help Mrs. Parson and her kids accuse him of being a criminal. Even though it is child play, Winston can't help but feel guilty and scared,as if he was really being accused.
The Dream in Chapter 3:
-Tries to remember his mother, his protector, caregiver, family.
-Part of the setting is in Golden Country. The place seems peaceful with swaying field, a slight breeze, and a stream, but the place still has its "holes". The place is not perfect with bitten pastures and mole holes. There are blemishes.
-Dad has thin soles, possibly means he traveled many places, has a good amount of knowledge.
-Family dies to save them as they disappear under the water. It begins a new chapter in his life as he has to take care of himself. There's the theme of water and we all read that whenever a character comes in contact with water, its a life changing moment.
-The ministry girl is white, so she is pure and Winston likes the idea of her throwing her clothes, like she is starting fresh and she can get rid of all the baggage.
-Winston woke up naked. He is himself, bare and unrestricted when he is dreaming, but when he puts on his clothes he has to act like a Party member and he is not himself.
- I wonder why he said "Shakespeare" when he woke up from his dream. There has to be some reason why Orwell made that illusion.
Other Notes:
-Winston's last name is Smith.Smith: producer, maker, forges things, plays with fire, attacks cold and hard things, must be tough, works hard
-Winston has an injury on his ankle. All great heroes have their flaws.
-Everyone is referred to as "Comrade". Comrades are suppose to be friendly and helpful, yet everyone seems to be anti-social and keeps to themselves.
-Interesting how they can create non-existent people and destroy existent people.
-Ministry of Truth is shaped like a pyramid. Pyramids are for kings and represent wealth and power.
-The INGSOC poster fell down, perhaps foreshadowing for the fall of the "principles of Ingsoc".
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