Ralph and the Chivalric codes

Ralph is a character from "The Lord of the Flies." We read this novel about 3-4 months ago and it displayed many heroic qualities in each of its characters. I chose Ralph because he was the leader for most of the time the boys were on the island. The traits Ralph mostly displays are honour, and loyalty. Ralph has an interesting type of honor. He tries to stay true to where he came from (the modern world) and he tries to bring the human qualities to the island. Ralph is loyal to the group of kids on the island, trying to provide leadership and food. Even though Ralph is fairly honorable and loyal. He does is not that courageous and courteous. He's honest, but not all the time, and that deprives him of the quality. For Ralph to be a true hero in this story and in the literature world, I would say he needed at least two more qualities and possibly a third. It does not matter which other ones he possesses because they are all so close in definition. One reason why Ralph could be considered a hero is because he took charge of a group of boys of all different ages, and he immediately was liked by all except one. Jack. Even though Jack blackmailed him and taunted him, Ralph was still able to keep the island a peaceful place until several deaths occured. I still think Ralph deserves some heroic recognition.

Sir Launcelot Compare Contrast

The first story that we read was one that I could not take seriously. When I was reading "Sir Launcelot" I kept thinking about Monty Python and the holy grail. All the funny events that happened in the story were ironic, and overly dramatic. Poking a guy in the shoulder, carrying him off the horse, and throwing him in jail? Who thinks of that? The other tale that we read was a little more serious. It was more of a story of betrayal and something friends need to understand.  People were more serious, and the themes were more grown up. I enjoyed reading the story more, as it related to more modern stories I have read. Arthur pulling the sword out of the stone marked that he was the next ruler. Merlin was the wizard that brought the Queen together with the King, and the new son was destined to be the heir to the throne. there were all these occurrances that made the story fun to read. More so than Sir Launcelot. Overall, I liked reading the two stories, however I never felt that they would be something I could keep reading. The one I liked more was the second one we read. King Arthur.

Sir Launcelot Compare Contrast

Conscientious Objectors

Not burying Polyneices was just pure cruelty. Antigone thought so too. Just like me, she spoke her mind and demanded that her brother would be taken good care of even though he was dead. Doing something or persuading something to happen that is right is always a good thing to do. However it may not always be good for everyone involved. Antigone knew from the beginning that there would be restraining forces trying to prevent her from even touching her brother after the battle. BUT HE'S HER BROTHER! Even though he may have been pissed that Eteocles was unwilling to give up his throne, there was an agreement that needed to be kept. Polyneices had the right to be angry and force was the only thing he could apply to attempt gaining power of Thebes. Because Antigone thought highly of both of her brothers and loved them equally, she felt each one needed to be respected no matter what they may have done that was un-loyal to the kingdom. To show her undying love for her siblings she states: "There is no guilt in reverence for the dead." (Antigone 2. 106) This quote shows that she doesn't care about the rules Creon has made. It wasn't right to just let a loved one rot at the setting where he tried to gain respect and rule. 

The Role of Government

Creon is a stubborn man, arrogant and has a high self esteem. The government category he would fit in would either be an absolute monarchy or tyranny. He wants everything to be in his control. He believes that Thebes needs a strong ruler, and one the can make his own laws to keep order in the city. On the other hand, his son Haemon disagrees. He leans heavily towards a democracy. A government where the people can decide what they want in life. Haemon is a young adult who starts out having a lot of respect for his father. No matter what his father did, he would politely disagree until Creon determined Antigone’s fate. Haemon was awestruck by the bold decision his father decided to carry out. The decision to send Antigone into exile did not sit well with Haemon and the respect he once had slipped away. After all, Antigone is Haemon’s fiancé. Because Creon’s word is law, Haemon has no power to change Antigone’s fate and surely no good could come from this. To prove this Creon declares: “My voice is the one voice giving orders in this city!” (Antigone 3. 105) This obviously sends the message Creon is not in the mood to negotiate. If only Creon would have allowed the burial of Antigone’s brother this conflict would not have been initiated and the family feud would not have started. I believe that Haemon’s view of a democratic Thebes was humanly right. Yet Thebes was not in a state to have its people running the government. Creon’s rule was stiff and kept everything in line which was needed in those times. The belief that he could overrule the God’s (they were big at the time) gave Creon a bad reputation amongst the citizens of Thebes. Haemon also was not in favor of the disobedience his father displayed towards the gods. Haemon enforced the citizens by saying: “I have heard the citizens muttering and whispering in the dark about this girl/ She covered her brother’s body. Is this indecent?” (Antigone 3 61-65) This shows that the citizens do not think Antigone has committed a malicious crime. Creon’s error in judgment and unpopularity amongst the citizens led to Creon’s demise. 

Final In-class Essay Caesar Upgrade

In Julius Caesar, the diversity of characteristics in the characters all combine to create a theme. The conflicts created by the characters bring forth the themes that Shakespeare wanted to present, and do it in a very effective way. Conflicts such as Portia trying to convince Brutus form clashes of different beliefs thus creating the theme of honesty and loyalty. Another major conflict that occurs in the story is the disagreement between Brutus and Cassius. These two men have different beliefs, other expectations, and diverse values that bring forth the themes trust and obedience. Throughout the story, more conflicts are introduced, each one adding more to an integrated theme. Writing devices also keep the story flowing adding more disputes and arguments. Rhetorical devices and figures of speech all add more emotion to the dialogue creating a liable position in each conversation. 

As the first conflict, we have Brutus versus Cassius. In the earlier stages of the story, Cassius had pure hatred and disgust on the thought of Caesar's rule. Brutus knew that Caesar was not helping rome, and he needed to be dethroned. Here we have the theme of right and wrong, including justice. Brutus wants to keep the assassination honorable, and Shakespeare had made it clear it was a dear value of Brutus. On the other hand, cassius and in all his loathing kept urging Brutus to murder Caesar and annihilate all his values. Get rid of what he established and forget he ever existed. There are more conflicts that are born from this main external conflict, which by itself creates another theme. 

After a meeting with his followers, Brutus paces through his gardens thinking. Portia, his wife, walks out of the house and wants to understand what is bothering Brutus. She knows Brutus very well, and with her qualities of speech, she tries to convince Brutus into telling her what is going on. Brutus has to make a choice now to whom he must be loyal to. After all, Portia is his wife and they have a strong relationship. However, telling Portia what he and the conspirators have been plotting would break the word he was bound to keep. Despite all the nagging and persuading, Brutus was able to keep the upcoming murder a secret. Honor and loyalty were the themes presented in this conflict, and the qualities of the characters obviously showed during the intense conversation. Making the each speech and conversation more interesting, William Shakespeare uses conventions and diction to his advantage. 

Using rhetoric and specifically chosen diction we can understand the position each character takes in a conflict. The writing helps create the conflicts which then radiate the themes. Integrating ethos, the appeal to right and wrong, make readers think about a situation. Making use of pathos grabs readers by appealing to their emotions. All of these tactics help elevate the importance of a conflict, and make sure the readers receive a clear message. The words are just as important as the system they are put into. Each word has its own meaning yet using a word that truly works can help the reader understand so much more. 

In some way all the characters in Julius Caesar create the climax of the story built up by separate internal and external conflicts. Everything plays a part in showing highs and lows of relationship and rules. The characters themselves, the devices used, the words chosen, all contribute to making a story intense and deep. Involving the audience in the play is key for them to understand new values and ideas. William Shakespeare makes everything count and the outcome is a timeless classic. 

Paragraph Analysis #2

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!”

 As Antony is speaking to the citizens of Rome, he tries to convince them that Caesar’s death is not something that can just slip by. The love they used to have for Caesar has to be a reason for revenge against the conspirators. His convincing speech has enough rhetorical devices to make the crowd a rowdy one. Pathos, parallelism, and counterarguments all contribute to overpower Brutus' earlier speech. To prove that Antony uses pathos, he states: "I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. / The good is oft interred with their bones; / So let it be with Caesar..."(Caesar 3.2    ) This proves that Antony did love Caesar and his love for him will not die. This maintains Antony's view of Caesar being great and the citizens reflect on all the things that Caesar has provided for them. Once Antony has captured his audience's emotions, he includes counterarguments proving that Brutus was wrong about Caesar. "When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept;/ Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:/ Yet Brutus says he was ambitious." (Caesar 3.2    ) This counterargument demonstrates the modesty and compassion Caesar had for his people, and Brutus is a liar in saying he was an ambitious man. Together with the counterarguments, Antony integrates parallelism to emphasize the "bad" Brutus. "For Brutus is an honorable man; / And Brutus is an honorable man, / And Brutus is an honorable man." (Caesar 3.2    ) At this point, the crowd is convinced that Brutus was a traitor and a murderer. Over the course of the speech, the diction and repetition used in Antony’s allows him to win the Romans over, and a civil war is going to occur.

 

Speech Analysis #1

                                                            “No, Not an Oath”

            As Brutus talks to his new followers, he is trying to make up his mind how to get rid of Caesar in an honorable way. In the process of convincing his new followers, Brutus incorporates rhetorical devices as a method of persuasion. Pathos and ethos are used. To show emotional attachment Brutus says: “The sufferance of our souls and time’s abuse-/ If these be motives weak, break off betimes.” (Caesar 2.1. 115-116) What this quote brings is belief in the upcoming task and a reason to follow Brutus. This was an example of pathos. The audience can now understand that the murder will be difficult emotionally and they start to feel uncomfortable( I did. ). The next rhetorical device used is ethos. As Brutus tries to convince his new fellows (and himself) that this gruesome killing will be for the better he states: “To think our cause, did need an oath… if he do break the smallest particle/ of any promise that hat pass’d from him.” (Caesar 2.1. 134-140) What this brings to the table is a realization of how serious the situation is. If the situation they are in now (under the rule of Caesar) is not enough to fuel their passion for righteousness, then they might as well not try to kill Caesar. We as readers give credit to Brutus to still find the good in bad, and know that the killing of Caesar will be for the better. Through these two rhetorical devices, Brutus not only convinces his new followers to believe in their motives, but he also assures himself that this is the right thing to do. Emotionally, Brutus goes through a hard time making the decision to get rid of such a “great” ruler, however he still finds a way to do the murder in an honorable way.

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears!

I chose this speech because well… I like it. In this particular speech, Antony convinces his audience that what Brutus has done was crude and evil. He also wanted to prove the Brutus was trying to demean Caesar and take away all the glory that he has earned. This speech is spoken right after Brutus’ speech during Caesar’s burial. Rhetorical devices were effective and made Antony believable. Pathos, ethos and rhetorical questions were all the types of rhetorical devices that Antony used, and each helped to further get the audience on Antony’s side. The effect of this speech? Civil war, and political turmoil. The city goes crazy, and Antony’s new followers are out to kill the Caesar’s life-enders…