Scene Analysis

Remember The Titans: Scene Analysis

Ever since the beginning of the United States of America, a free and diverse nation, the inhabitants of this great country fight and struggle with the equality of all races and people. Throughout the centuries, many individuals continuously strive to change the injustice of racism and segregation in order to create a truly free land. One such story of one such circumstance became publicly known in the form of a non-fiction movie, Remember The Titans, a story of a Negro football coach who changed a segregated town in the South. During the scene of the fall football camp, Coach Boon takes his players on a run to Gettysburg and relays to them the importance of respect for one another no matter what race that person may be. This scene, directed by Boaz Yakin, reveals, through reaction shots, a specific character, and the music, that although the world may seem against a person or group, if that person or group stands up for the right thing they will ultimately prevail. Only through through sacrifice and struggle can this be accomplished. He also reveals, through the lighting, the setting, and close up shots of the characters, the importance of respecting others in order to keep humanity strong and together.

Through the use of reaction shots, a main character, and the music, the director illustrates the importance of standing up for the right thing in order to achieve “victory” over injustice even though the journey brings about hardships and sacrifice. At the beginning of Coach Boon’s speech, he stresses the idea that throughout history people die for what they believe in and the camera takes a shot of the player’s faces in response. The fatigue and intensity in the reaction shots of the characters create a reflective and solemn tone, which emphasizes the idea that standing up for the truth comes hand in hand with sacrifice and struggle. Gerry Bertier, a main character, huffs and puffs as he strives to catch his breath after running. This struggle for gaining complete composure and a calm state symbolizes the hardships that the players face once they return to civilization and a segregated community. Through his fatigued actions and solemn facial responses to Coach Boone’s words, Gary portrays the hardships that one must face in order to overcome injustice and stand up for truth and justice. The intense and serious music that plays during the climax of Coach Boone’s speech gives the scene a majestic and triumphant tone showing that hope never completely vanishes and that one must stand up for the right thing even through the hardships. The truth will ultimately prevail.

Through the lighting, the setting, and close up shots of the characters, the director shows the importance of respecting others in order to keep humanity strong and together. The high contrast lighting, after the players break from their run, shows the lack of respect amongst the players to each other. This allusion of shadow and darkness from their lack of respect creates a tone of hopelessness and discouragement. As long as the players disrespect each other, they cannot work as a team and continue to destroy their “world”. After Coach Boone speaks for a time, the lighting changed to a lower contrast and brightens the tone to hopeful and gives the feeling of a more connected group of men. The players begin to gain respect for one another. The setting during Coach Boone’s speech involves a mist, the solemn sight of Gettysburg, and a sunrise which all contribute to the majestic and intense tone of the scene. The setting backs up the coach’s important words and the mood of the scene. The fact that the team runs to Gettysburg creates the idea of a new respect for one another and the importance of that respect in order to avoid a fate like those at Gettysburg. The close up shots throughout the coach’s speech shows the intense faces of the players and the extent to which they are taking the coach’s words. Their serious and heartfelt faces show the newfound respect that the players have for each other and their coach. They are growing together as a team and as a family.

This inspirational scene reveals that although the world may seem against a person or group, if that person or group stands up for the right thing they will ultimately prevail. This cannot, however, occur without sacrifice and struggle. The scene also illustrates the importance of respecting others in order to keep a society strong and united. These issues are relayed through the lighting, music, setting, reaction shots, close up shots and a main character. Through these different techniques and components, the director conveys to the viewer that if a person or group cannot respect their fellow human beings or stand up for the truth no matter what the cost, society and even the world will fall apart and mankind will never experience true peace.

Remember the Titans Movie Scene

Movie: Remember the Titans

Scene: Lesson From the Dead

Scene Running Time: 2:22

Discription of the Scene:

The scene begins with a fade into shot of a wood where the football players are panting and running. Its early morning and they are running through a creek as the camera pans downward to show different levels of the terrain as the boys are running. The camera cuts from that scene and show in a long shot the boys continuing to run. The camera fades into the next clip where one player is struggling to continue and the other is encouraging him to keep going. The camera is focused on these two players but shows the others in the background until they all stop exhausted and the camera pans through the players. The camera cuts over to the coach who is standing in front of a mist Gettysburg. He pauses and asks the players about the significance of the ground they are standing on. The camera shows a long shot of him and then cuts back to zoom in on some of the players catching their breath. The camera cuts back to the coach and shows him at a low angle as he tells the players about what their ancestors fought for. The camera cuts back to the players and a inspiring, low and beautiful music is heard in the background. The camera scans back to the coach at a long shot and mist is coming from the field as he speaks about how his family was torn apart by the civil war. The camera scans over the player again and pans their faces moving upward. The camera scans back to the coach a bit zoomed in. Back to a zoom in on some of the players. As the music grows louder and more inspirational the camera zooms in to the coach and he tells the players that they can learn a lesson from the dead about how to work together as a team regardless of color. Back to the players and then back to the coach and then back to the players and again back to the coach.

Theme Journal

GENDER ROLES:

In Medea, the gender roles of men and woman really stand out. Not only are woman considered lower to men in status but they are thought of as a tool for reproduction and pleasure and to take care of the man. When Jason left Medea, he didn't think twice about the fact that he was cheating on her or being unfaithful. In fact, he assumed that it was the right thing to do and that Medea should just deal with the situation because of her place. This is very similar to the way women are supposed to behave in both versions of Antigone. They are to act with reverence and respect to the men because they are underneath them. The men dominate the women but are afraid when the women suddenly take charge and become strong as humans.

BLINDNESS:

In Oedipus, blindness is a prominent theme throughout the story. It reveals the lack of sight that Oedipus uses to solve problems and to see the world but not the physical sight. Oedipus is blind to reality and refuses to face the truth even though at times truth is staring at him in the face. This theme can also be seen throughout the play of Antigone although the blindness is seen in Creon. Creon is smacked in the face with the truth and morally right decisions through Antigone's strength and reluctance to give into what is wrong but he refuses to open his eyes and do what is right because of his inner fear of losing power.

Choose two themes and discuss how each theme is similar or different to a theme in the other plays.

Journal: Word Choice

Journal: Word Choice
Creon uses the word "happiness" very often. This idea of one being satisfied in life reflects Creon's character as well as Antigone's character. Anouilh uses the term to help the reader understand what Creon and Antigone want out of life. Creon believes that happiness can be achieved and therefore pushes the idea on others. Antigone believes that only a select few obtain happiness and only find it when they peacefully lay at rest in the afterlife. This outlines the manner in which both of the characters act and how each of them end up in the story.

Anoulih's usage of ambiguous terms allows the reader to feel uncertain about the characters and their motives. When he uses these terms, it is hard to relate to exactly the character is trying to say and what the message Anouilh is trying to convey. The lack of details and clarity provides some wiggle room for the reader to make their own conclusions to some degree and extent. The terms often leave room for an opinion other than what the writer was originally expressing.

Journal for Character

MEDEA

The motivation behind the character Medea comes from her eagerness to get back at her husband Jason for deserting her for another woman. She decides to do the worst possible thing that could hurt him the most, take away his woman and take away his children. Because of the intensity and cruel intentions behind her motives, she carries them out without a moments hesitation and the plan does work. 

EVIDENCE

"Death take you all--you and your father: The whole house wither" (Medea 37).

"I kill my sons--my own--no one shall snatch them from me... Never again alive shall he see thesons he had by me, nor any child by this new bride of his" (Medea 58).

Antigone 3

Journal: 4 literary techniques and their effects

Repetition: "Stronger than all fever, stronger than any nightmare, stronger that the shadow of the cupboard that used to snarl at me and turn into a dragon on the bedroom wall" (Antigone 14). This repetition of the word "stronger" emphasizes the amount of strength that Antigone needs to perform the task of burying her brother against the law. She must change her personality from weak to strong.

Personification: "Your arms around me aren't lying are they?" (Antigone 17). Antigone speaks about Haemon's arms as "lying" conveys the message that she is making sure that Haemon is not just putting his arms around her because he has to but because he truly is showing Antigone that he loves her. His arms are conveying that he loves her and Antigone is reassuring herself that he truly does before she dies.

Foreshadow: "But if there was a reason why I couldn't go on talking to her--" (Antigone 15). This foreshadows the end of Antigone's life and what will happen to her once she is caught. She will never be able to speak to her dog again.

Similie:  "A little young for what, my kitten?" (Antigone 14). This comparison of Antigone to a kitten is used to help the reader to understand the kind of motherly affection that the nurse has for Antigone. She calls her a kitten to show affection and to make her feel comfortable during her time of sorrow.

Antigone 2 Anouilh's Version

Journal:

The 1940s in Europe were mostly centered around WWII. This could have greatly influenced Anouilh in writing Antigone because he was also French and were facing a great amount of pain and suffering. He probably went through a lot of hard times that influenced the way that he wrote the play and how he may have depicted the different circumstances in Antigone. He might have used the circumstances in the war to interpret his version of Antigone. 

Antigone 1

Knowledge Level 

How is Antigone related to Haemon?

Why is Antigone condemned to death?
Comprehension Level 

What was Antigone's reason for turning herself in?

Why did Antigone insult her uncle, Creon?
Application Level 

How do human beings defend other human beings?

How does society influence one's decision?
Analysis 

What is the importance of symbols?

How does foreshadow play a role in Antigone?

Synthesis 

How does the chorus play an important role in Greek tragedies?

Why does the creator chose to use figurative language?

Evaluation 

Why does doing what is right bring about pain and suffering?

Was Antigone in the right or was she only rebelling?

Medea Journal 3

Journal 3:

The elements of tragedy in Medea are very similar. In the plays Oedipus and Medea, both tragic heroes bring about their own downfall, both of their ends are determined by fate and pity and fear are invoked in the audience which helps the audience to relate to the characters and the plot. Media does not act out of selflessness nor does she try to have vengeance for others but instead all of her motives are centered around herself. Oedipus's actions and attempts are for the greater good of the community and the city, not as much for himself. They both are very emotional and have a great amount of pain and suffering in their lives that affects everyone around them. They both are susceptible  to error and use their free will which ultimately determines their fate. Overall, Medea and Oedipus are both very similar tragic characters.

3 TECHNIQUES!

• Symbol - money: The symbol of money in Antigone is used for Creon to use as an excuse for what is really the reason he has become so power hungry. He speaks about the negative effects of money on the society in order to change the direction of the irresponsibility from him to the people. In this way, Creon gets away with any sense of injustice or immorality because he just "blames it on the money".
• Foreshadow - "He is my brother and -- deny as you will --" (61): This is foreshadowing the possibility that Ismene will deny taking any part in burying her brother when Antigone is caught. This shows the different character types of the two women as well as how they both will act under deathly penalties.
• Personification - "Rough talk flew thick and fast..." (72): The effect of this statement is to emphasize how quickly rumors and information spread throughout the guards and how important the words were.

Medea Journal 3

The gods in the play Medea both act as a scapegoat and a reference for Medea and Jason. Jason and Medea respect and honor the gods in Medea by Sophocles but use the gods as a source to help them prove their points of view and how to obtain what they want.

 

JASON

q      "Do you suppose the gods of old no longer rule?" (Medea 48). Jason refers to the gods when he wants to prove a point or to really emphasize something to Medea. He says this to point out to Medea that nothing has changed and that she should except the fact that

q      “Well, as far as I am concerned, it was Aprodite and no one else in heaven or earth who saved me on my voyage” (Medea 50). Jason does not believe that he was helped through his voyage but only refers to the gods out of fear and respect.

q      “In that case, heaven be my witness…” (Medea 52). Jason says this because the gods hold such an important role in the Greek traditions and they are greatly feared and respected.

 

MEDEA

q      “O Zeus, what made you give us clear signs for telling mere glitter from true gold, but when we need to know the base metal of a man no stamp upon his flesh for telling counterfeit?” (Medea 49). Medea looks to the gods to confirm what they desire rather than actually asking for what they wish.

q      “O Zeus, remember the author of this crime” (Medea 43). She says this because they will act as the source of her revenge and a witness to the situation.

• “O might Themis, and Artemis, Queen…” (Medea 38). She calls upon the gods whenever she is in distress or needs help. They are her “friends”.
  

OUTLINE 2

Lion King Vs. Westside Story II

I.               Intro

A.    It’s hard to do what is right.

B.    In the movies Lion King and Westside Story, through the use of foreshadow and plot conflicts the creators show that doing what is right requires sacrifice. This is important because the society does not support this concept and therefore the desire to do what is right is rapidly decreasing.

II.             Body

A.    Simba and Anton

1.     Discussing the significance of the different ways the creator uses Simba and Anton to foreshadow what is to come. What he does and says to reveal how things will turn out in the end

2.     Analyze the meaning behind his action and compare them to Anton.

B.    Scar and Simba; Hispanic gang and American gang

1.     Discuss the different plot conflicts of the fighting within groups and the struggle to survive.

2.     Analyze each gang

3.     Analyze the comparison to each gang

III.           Conclusion

A.    Restate Thesis

B.    Worldview: Without motivation to do what is right from the world around one cannot expect to sacrifice for good.

OUTLINE 1

Lion King Vs. Westside Story

I.               Intro

A.    It’s hard to do what is right.

B.    In the movies Lion King and Westside Story, through the use of foreshadow and plot conflicts the creators show that doing what is right requires sacrifice. This is important because the society does not support this concept and therefore the desire to do what is right is rapidly decreasing.

II.             Body

A.    Foreshadow

1.     Discussing the significance of the different ways the creator uses the characters to reveal what is to come. Both movies have characters that say and do different things revealing things to come in the movie.

2.     Analyze two different characters with examples of how each of them foreshadows future events.

3.     Simba

4.     Anton

B.    Plot Conflicts

1.     Discuss the different plot conflicts of the fighting within groups and the struggle to survive.

2.     Analyze the conflicts between the two gangs

3.     Analyze the conflicts between Simba and Scar

III.           Conclusion

A.    Restate Thesis

B.    Worldview: Without motivation to do what is right from the world around one cannot expect to sacrifice for good.

Medea Journal 2

Journal 2:

The chorus in Medea acts as the sympathizer for Medea in her time of grief. They build her up and share in her sorrows like little children to do older siblings whom they want to fit in with. "Oh, my poor Medea--Into a sea-race of sorrows" (Medea 44). The chorus backs Medea up in order to emphasize the amount of pain and suffering that has fallen upon Medea. Medea is the prominent character in the story as well as the most tragic character. In order to emphasize this aspect Sophocles allows them to be a background to the main character to clarify and fill in the gaps for the audience. While Oedipus refers to the chorus as a crowd of people or the people present, Medea refers to the chorus as her friends, her loyal comrades who will back her up and support her or give her advise. This is shown at the beginning of Oedipus when he speaks to all of the people praying at the temple instead of confiding to. He just informs or generalizes his words.

Media Journal 1

Journal 1:

Sophocles evokes fear in the audience by allowing some things to be left open. He does not reveal everything at once which gives his plays some mystery and suspense. He uses the nurse in Media to foreshadow quite a lot of events in the story but only allows her to give a little bit of insight so that the audience in not sure what will happen in the story which brings about fear. "She hates her sons. Takes no pleasure in their sight. I dread to think of what is hatching in her mind" (Media 34). This quote foreshadows the wrath that will take place from Media to those she loves but does not reveal everything. The effect that Sophocles has in creating this suspense is that it gives the audience both excitement and fear. The fear is also evoked by the connection that the audience feels with the reality that the tragic events in Sophocles' plays can also occur in their own lives.

Sophocles evokes pity in the audience by stressing the amount of pain and suffering that falls upon the characters. He uses phrases and specific word choice to allow the audience to really feel the grief that the character feels in the play. When Media encounters the nurse, her words of anguish cry out to the audience. "Oh, what misery! Oh, what pain! Cursed sons, and a mother for cursin! Death take you all -- you and your father: The whole house wither" (Media 37). This quote depicts the amount of pain and suffering that Media feels now that Jason has deserted her. Husbands leaving their wives were common enough in those days that pity from maybe a first-hand experience could be felt from many members of the audience. This allows the readers to really get into the play and to relate to the characters.

Oedipus Journal 4

Journal 4:

"You are my great example, you, your life your destiny" (Oedipus 233). This reocurring image of destiny in one's life was a great part of Greek culture. The Greeks believed that destiny and fate controlled what ultimately happened to one's life. This cultural belief played a huge role in Sophecles' plays as well. The characters in the play go to the oracle, one who can predict one's destiny, to learn of their future and how to avoid fate if possible. The author uses this image to allow the viewers of the play to better connect to the plot and the characters. The mutual understanding allows the play to be not only better understood but also more enjoyable. "... you were born for pain" (Oedipus 232). This quote demonstrates the importance of fate in the lives of the Greeks and even in Sophocles' play. It reveals how they believed that fate was determined even before one's birth and that nothing can prevent it which allows the author to make a very interesting plot and also connect it to the lives of the readers.

Oedipus Journal 3

Journal 3:

The role of the gods is very prominent throughout this section and the rest of the play. They are always present and are prayed to for every problem. Jocasta prays to Apollo to take pity and help Oedipus. She is beside herself and when mortals are helpless and don't know what to do, they pray to the gods for support and help. The gods have power that they can use for both good and evil. In order to stay in their favor, mortals must sacrifice offerings and pray to them for help. The gods are jealous and don't like to be ignored or put down. The connection between mortals and the gods suggest how low the people actually are and how utterly helpless they are without the help of the gods.

Sophocles uses metaphors to help the reader understand the play and deeper meanings of the play better and to also allow the reader to connect with the plot. The symbols are used to help the reader to identify the themes and the important pieces to the play. They provide a deeper understanding of the play.

The characters believe that the gods have the ultimate say in life and can change circumstances for better or for worse. They believe that the gods are very powerful and much more capable of doing the right things and making the right choices. The people pray to the gods for wisdom, and all the other virtues.

Oedipus Journal 2

Journal 2: 

Oedipus demonstrates deficient qualities of a leader. Not only does he act irrationally, without thinking about his decisions or asking for help, but he also acts out of anger and the passions built up inside of him. "You - here? You have the gall to show your face before the palace gates?" (595). Oedipus does not even think about whom he is accusing or the consequences of his words. He acts in such an emotional manner that it is hard to really take him seriously and think of him as a calm and collected role model. In the beginning of the story, Oedipus seems to be a caring and thoughtful man who thought things through to such an extent that one might think of him as an excellent king who is taking care of his people. As the story continued and Oedipus began to reveal his emotional and irrational way of dealing with problems, as seen through his interactions with Teiresias and Creon, which causes one to think that he is not so worthy a leader as previously implied. Creon and Teiresias both seem very calm and wise, thinking things through and using their judgment for the benefit of the people and not themselves. They both speak about things that need to be addressed but also leave things do not need to be revealed under the shadows. They use discernment. 

Oedipus Journal 1

p. 159

Oedipus approaches the altar, where his people are gathered in prayer for the plague and proclaims how he will fix the problem himself.

p. 160

The priest describes who has gathered and then relays the devastation upon the land from the plague.

p. 161

The priest speaks about Oedipus's heroism and glory, implores him for his help and then proclaims how he can act as their hero again.

p. 162

Oedipus states a few words of self proclamations and then reveals that he has sent his brother-in-law to see the oracle to find an answer to the plague and then Creon arrives.

p. 163

Creon is welcomed and Oedipus pushes him to announce the news for all to hear.

p. 164

Creon announces that in order to free the city from the plague, Apollo commands that the former leader, Laius, was killed and that the murders must be killed also.

p. 165

The two men wonder how to find these killers and Creon is about to reveal a clue.

p. 166

Thieves killed Laius and the Sphinx had convinced the people to forget the incident.

p. 167

Oedipus rises to the challenge himself and then gives orders to both the priests and guards.

p. 168

The chorus welcomes the gods, asks them what happened and then invites them to come down.

p. 169

The chorus relays the devastating circumstances and implores for help.

p. 170

They beseech the different gods to use their different powers to help their circumstances.

Journal 3 Dystopian

DYSTOPIAN JOURNAL 3

The novel warns us that if we do not begin to communicate between us as a man and a woman, a distance will be created that turns pleasure into a duty if our society fails to change. The absence of pleasure in sexuality will stifle women’s rights and limit their ability to speak publicly about their inner conflicts. Without the communication of sex, not only are women’s rights stifled but love and commitment cease to exist in relationships and eventually cease to exist in society. If our society does not have sexual relations and real passion and emotion, we as people will become disconnected to one another and very alone. We will no longer be able to share our feelings of love even if we want to. The only alternatives that the author gives us are to begin to speak out against society with our feelings and perspectives on the subject of sex. If women feel oppressed by men or by the government, they should speak out or nothing will be accomplished. Those with issues must speak up and take risks to raise awareness for others to do the same. The author's vision is powerful but unrealistic. The reality is that our society speaks up about sexuality so much that when one is feeling sexually oppressed, it tends to be brushed aside and forgotten or not addressed in an appropriate manner. Our society has come to take sex too lightly.

Sexuality. Almost everyone feels it's presence, but how many people actually talk about it? Margaret Atwood's book The Handmaid's Tale brings light onto this struggle. Women in the society are expected to be modest, and therefore are forbidden from engaging in any other sexual contact other than with their Commander, and they must dress in clothes which cover their entire bodies. To add to this, the women are not expected to speak about sex either. In fact, they are not expected to speak at all. The women are not only sexually oppressed, but mentally oppressed as well. Margaret Atwood's use of profanity, graphic images, and tone towards sex creates an uncomfortable environment for the reader, showing that society does not publicly address sexuality. This lack of attention towards sexuality restricts women's ability to express their opinions freely on the subject.
During the Ceremony, Offred thinks about what her Commander does to her. She refuses to call it making love because she feels it an inappropriate term in describing what happens in every Ceremony. "Below it the Commander is fucking" (Atwood 94). Most books do not use profanity out of fear of offending the reader, but Atwood does here. Her use of profanity intends to offend the reader and make them feel uncomfortable. The lack of comfort comes from talking about sex, but there should not be a lack of comfort about the natural act. Atwood shows through this how society lacks to address sexuality. Offred also only thinks these thoughts in her head, but never out loud. She is not able to speak out in any way against her Commander, and she only thinks against him sexually. This shows how her ability to express her opinions on sexuality are restricted.
Margaret Atwood uses graphic images to relay the lack of attention given to one's sexuality. She reveals this throughout the book. After taking her daily walk, Offred tries to show off her sexuality to the guards. "I hope they get hard at the sight of us and have to rub themselves against the painted barriers, surreptitiously" (Atwood 22). Atwood describes the desire for a public relationship in a gruesome manner. Instead of describing Offred's desire for the guards to long for her in a simple way Atwood uses gory and graphic images to set an uncomfortable setting for the reader. The discomfort created by the sexual references reveals that the society does not discuss sexuality as much as it should thus limiting how much the women can emotionally reveal to the public. Because Offred hopes that they internally break the rules of wanting a woman, Atwood shows the reader how rebellious the Handmaids feel. They feel imprisoned and used.
Margaret Atwood uses various techniques to make the reader feel uncomfortable about sexuality showing the lack of communication about sex. The absence of pleasure in sexuality stifles women’s rights and limits their ability to speak publicly about their inner conflicts.Without sexuality publicly addressed, the women of the society become sexually oppressed and sex goes from pleasurable to a duty.

ROUGH DRAFT!

ROUGH DRAFT!!!!! FOR JOHN

Sexuality. Almost everyone feels it's presence, but how many people actually talk about it? Margaret Atwood's book The Handmaid's Tale brings light onto this struggle. Women in the society are expected to be modest, and therefore are forbidden from engaging in any other sexual contact other than with their Commander, and they must dress in clothes which cover their entire bodies. To add to this, the women are not expected to speak about sex either. In fact, they are not expected to speak at all. The women are not only sexually oppressed, but mentally oppressed as well. Margaret Atwood's use of profanity, graphic images, and tone towards sex creates an uncomfortable environment for the reader, showing that society does not publicly address sexuality. This lack of attention towards sexuality restricts women's ability to express their opinions freely on the subject.
During the Ceremony, Offred thinks about what her Commander does to her. She refuses to call it making love because she feels it an inappropriate term in describing what happens in every Ceremony. "Below it the Commander is fucking" (Atwood 94). Most books do not use profanity out of fear of offending the reader, but Atwood does here. Her use of profanity intends to offend the reader and make them feel uncomfortable. The lack of comfort comes from talking about sex, but there should not be a lack of comfort about the natural act. Atwood shows through this how society lacks to address sexuality. Offred also only thinks these thoughts in her head, but never out loud. She is not able to speak out in any way against her Commander, and she only thinks against him sexually. This shows how her ability to express her opinions on sexuality are restricted.
Margaret Atwood uses graphic images to relay the lack of attention given to one's sexuality. She reveals this throughout the book. After taking her daily walk, Offred tries to show off her sexuality to the guards. "I hope they get hard at the sight of us and have to rub themselves against the painted barriers, surreptitiously" (Atwood 22). Atwood describes the desire for a public relationship in a gruesome manner. Instead of describing Offred's desire for the guards to long for her in a simple way Atwood uses gory and graphic images to set an uncomfortable setting for the reader. The discomfort created by the sexual references reveals that the society does not discuss sexuality as much as it should thus limiting how much the women can emotionally reveal to the public. Because Offred hopes that they internally break the rules of wanting a woman, Atwood shows the reader how rebellious the Handmaids feel. They feel imprisoned and used.
Margaret Atwood uses various techniques to make the reader feel uncomfortable about sexuality showing the lack of communication about sex. The absence of pleasure in sexuality stifles women’s rights and limits their ability to speak publicly about their inner conflicts.

Propaganda

http://www.the-forum.com/Posters/images/wwi148.jpg
(World War I -US) don't waste food while others starve!

Analysis:

Americans around the world were starving while others were eating plentifully and wasting the extra food. The point of this poster is to make known that the Americans wasting food need to step it up and share what they have, thus avoiding wasting any food. Food and money was scarce during WWI and people were wasting it. Anger broke out in the poor of America and people began creating posters like this one to raise awareness. This poster targets the wealthier, more wasteful classes. When seeing such a disturbing image of children begging and starving, many people began to turn their habits around and not wasting food. The image is pretty realistic and portrays a mother with her daughter both starving. The image stays in people's minds and also is appropriate because it makes one feel uncomfortable but also states the truth. 

Distopian Journal 2

Topic B:

Moira is a young energetic girl who doesn't agree with the society that surrounds her. She feels trapped and unable to be free to do as she pleases. Many times throughout the book, Moira becomes more and more eager to get out and live the life she wants to. She feels compelled and forced to be someone who she isn't. She doesn't want to be valued for her ability to bear children she wants to be worth something. Moira is logical and very independent. The society doesn't let her personality shine. She loves women instead of men and cannot be with another woman no matter what the circumstances are. The society oppresses her. "If I were Moira, I'd know how to take it apart , reduce it to its cutting edges [...] She said that was no excuse. Moira was always more logical than I am" (Atwood 171).

This passage shows how self-relient she is and how much she needs to be independent. Women can't even show their faces let alone be their own women. Moira must resist. She acts in a somewhat ruthless manner. Whatever she can get away with she does and without a hesitation. She'll do almost anything for a change in scenery. Unfortunately, society is too smart for Moira and she is forced to cope with the life she is "forced" to live. She must deal in reality and with her present situation. She is caught and punished every time she rebels. She cannot escape this prison.

Athanasia Dorrance

Symbols Handmaids Tale:

The symbol of "red" is shown throughout the book. Red symbolizes the inner rebellion of everyone in the society. Even though outwardly people do not show the resentment they have for the rules and restrictions of their society, by wearing red they all secretly feel it. They don't know what they feel or why but something about their society is wrong and too limiting. The idea of the handmaids is absurd and everyone knows it but because of the leaders who tell them that its okay, they don't completely realize it. "Everything except the wings around my face is red: the color of blood, which defines us" (Atwood 8). The color of blood, red, represents the rebellion rushing through everyone's veins. They know that the way in which they live is wrong.

Dystopian Journal 1

Topic A:

"I stop walking. Ofglen stops beside me and I know that she too cannot take her eyes off these women. We are fascinated, but also repelled. They seem undressed. It has taken so little time to change our minds, about things like this. Then I think: I used to dress like that. That was freedom" (Atwood 38).

This passage in This passage The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood describes the society in which the narrator resides. Freedom is not a luxury in which the women of this society possess. The lack of freedom is produced from the government and the pressure to keep women low. When the narrator walks alongside her partner, Oglen, on her routinely walk she realizes that she used to be like the young tourists who wear whatever they please. They have freedom to live but because of the society the narrator lives in, she can't even share eye contact with other human beings. This cage that the women in her situation live in is a controlled environment and oppresses the inhabitants. The environment has caused the two women to begin to believe in what they are told to believe. The narrator shows disgust with the skimpy way the tourists dress. The controlled society has brainwashed these women and cause them to believe that its okay. The narrator remembers what her life used to be like before she was sucked into this society and cannot help rebelling in her heart a little bit against what is expected of her.

(192) Word Count

THESIS

In Brave New World, Huxley proves that one can be an outsider and still find happiness in an environment of people who believe that life is centered on being a part of society and following others no matter what one feels is right. Huxley creates four different characters to portray this idea: Lenina Crowne, Bernard Marx, and Helmholtz Watson.

Journal 8: The Stranger

Journal 1:

At the end of the book, Meursault comes to the conclusion that life is only worth living if you want it to be worth something. He realizes that no one cares when you die and no one will remember you. Camus doesn't want the reader to come to the same conclusion and instead wants us to understand that this is Meursault's only way of coming to terms with his capital punishment of death. Meursault ends up happy at the end of the book because he really believes that he doesn't need to live anymore and that it really doesn't matter when he dies. 

Thesis Statement: The Stranger

Thesis:

Through the motifs of Meursault's sexual desires, hunger and the remembrance of his mother's death, Camus reveals that by living in the moment one can avoid emotional conflicts that occur in everyday life.

Journal 7: The stranger

Journal 1: 

Camus creates a part one and two to distinguish and emphasize Meursault's change in character. By creating two different parts to a plot and separating them, the reader can understand Meursault's change in character better. In both the first and second parts, the sun is used as a reoccurring symbol of Meursault's inner struggle. Another parallel is that the similarities between Meursault's lifestyles at home in is his apartment an when he lived in his jail cell. Camus accomplishes the reader's understanding of how Meursault changes in character and how his personality, revealed in the first part, is fulfilled in the second part. It help the reader understand Meursault's actions and motivation behind his actions in the second part.

Journal 6: The stranger

1. Word Choice

• Analysis: Camus uses very uncomplicated and plain words.
  
• Question: Why does Camus chose not to explain things with elaborate, elegant sentences?
  

2. Sentences

• Analysis: Camus tends to write statements and flat out the way things are.
• Question: Why doesn't Camus change his syntax very often?

3. Images

• Analysis: Camus always describes scenes by sight and touch but hardly uses any of the other senses.
• Question: Why does Camus rely on only a few senses to describe images or setting?

4. Symbols

• Analysis: Camus uses symbols such as the sun and Meursault's hunger.
• Question: Why does Camus use the sun as a negative thing for Meursault when it is supposed to be positive?

5. Figures of Speech

• Analysis: Camus rarely shows deliberate metaphors and similies but shows irony when Meursault, who doesn't care about anything and doesn't take part in anything, becomes an "important" murderer, 
  
• Question: Why doesn't Camus create more obvious and deep metaphors?

6. Rhetorical Device:

• Analysis: The narration and the dialogue of Meursault are very parallel and express the same emotions and feelings, of one who doesn't care about anything.
• Question: Why doesn't the narrator show more emotion and feeling than the dialogue?

7. Patterns

• Analysis: A motif is Meursault's constant want for sexual intercourse with any woman. 
• Question: Why does Camus chose to make the reader uncomfortable

8. Narrators

• Analysis: The narrator is in first person objective; I
• Question: Why does Camus chose to make the narrator so boring and plain?

9. Structure:

• Analysis: The pace is consistent and not too fast or slow
• Question: Why does Camus start at the point where Meursault's mother has just dies instead of letting the reader get to know the mother a bit more?

THESIS STATEMENTS

1. Camus choses to only use statements in The Stranger, because the style highlights the attitude of Meursault, portrays Meursault as a man without many curiosities, and allows the reader to see very clearly into the narrator.

2. Camus choses to use a first person objective because the character of Meursault can be understood more clearly, Camus wishes to completely make the book about Meursault and his thoughts, and to allow the reader to know all that is taking place in Meursault's mind.

3. Camus choses to use nonemotional words with Meursault because his character does not show emotion, Camus portrays Meursault as uninterested in life, and to show existentialism through Meursault's character. 2. Camus keeps Meursault's speech simple and concise because he wants to emphasize that Meursault's thoughts and actions are simple and concise, Meursault does not have much to say, and Camus is showing Meursault's character through his speech.

4. Camus chooses seemingly non-important words for Meursault's thoughts because Meursault does not care about life, believes that very few things are important, and Meursault not only acts like nothing is important but he also thinks like nothing is important.

5. Camus uses simple words over elegant and refined words because in order to describe Meursault and what he is thinking and doing Camus must use simple words.

6. Camus mentions Maman funeral throughout the story because Meursault feels guilty about not feeling emotions for her, so he continues to bring up his mother so that he doesn't feel as badly.

7. Camus uses the image of light as being harsh and unbearable because light is normally an image of good and warmth, but Meursault is not an average man and what would normally be pleasant he finds it unbearable.

8. Camus choses to accent how repetitive Meursault's life is because when Meursault commits murder, the change in Meursault's life continues to go on almost the same whereas normal people's lives would drastically change.

9. Camus describes time as going slower while Meursault is in jail because at last Camus wants to emphasize that now Meursault has to think back into his "emotional" years in order to pass the time.

Journal 5: The Stranger

Journal 5: 

My philosophy completely dominates my opinion of the book. I enjoy reading the book because I think the character of Meursault is interesting but I find him very annoying also. I am a firm believer in God (I'm a Greek Orthodox Christian) and therefore believe very much in the importance of my life and those around me. I believe and have faith in things which affect my morals and the way I live my life. Meursault's "I don't care"  attitude bothers me a lot and because of what I believe, my opinion of books and the connections I make with characters in books is  strongly influenced. Meursalt's philosophy of going with the flow and not caring about things and mine strongly clash. He would rather please someone who is completely immoral than displease him because he doesn't care. Even if I liked someone, I would never support his immoral actions.

Motif of Sun and Hunger

Journal 4:

Motifs: Sun and Hunger

Sun: "The sun was shining almost directly overhead onto the sand, and the glare on the water was unbearable" (Camus, 52). The sun shows its intensity most because he's alone and notices it more.

Sun: "Once out in the street, because I was so tired and also because we hadn't opened the blinds, the day, already bright with sun, hit me like a slap in the face" (Camus, 47). The sun is almost a symbol of reality and when Meursault is exposed to it he cannot handle the intensity

Sun: "The whole time there was nothing but he sun and the silence, with the low gurgling from the spring and the three notes" (Camus, 55). Meursault ignores everything else but the sun, silence and soft noises. This could be his way of gaining solitude while still being with other people.

Hunger: "He asked me if things were 'all right now.' I told him yes they were and said I was hungry" (Camus, 26). Meursault's character shines through this quote when he replies to a question about his diseased mother through hunger. He doesn't care about what happened so much in the past versus what is happening in the present.

Hunger: "For some reason I thought of Maman... I wasn't hungry, and went to bed without dinner" (Camus, 39). Meursault's emotions are shown through his physical feelings like hunger.

Journal 3: The Stranger

Journal 3:

ORTHODEISM

Philosophy: God is the creator of the universe and as part of his creation we are called to live according to his commandments, teachings and examples.

Principals:

• We are made in His image - Developed in the Old Testament of the Bible, and it is important because if we are made in His image we should strive to be more like Him.
• Humility is essential to growing in our faith in God - Jesus exemplifies humility throughout the Bible, and it is important because a selfless attitude aids in loving living according to God. 
• A relationship with Christ benefits your faith in Christ - Jesus stresses this throughout the Bible, and it is important because if one grows in their relationship with Him, He can help them to live eternally with Him in heaven.
• Self-respect goes hand in hand with respect for others - We are made in God's image, and this is important because when we learn to respect ourselves we grow in respect for others, as well as God who made us.
• Only God knows when we will die or if we will go to heaven - If we trust in God, and strive to do His will, then we pray that He will accept us in His heavenly Kingdom.
• God has made each of us special and different and holds a place for us in heaven - God tells us in the Bible that He holds a place for us and we must follow his commandments to be reunited with him in heaven.
• God gives everyone free will - Throughout the Bible God gives us free will, and  this is important because if we have free will then we ultimately chose Him. He does not force anyone to be with Him forever in heaven.

Journal 2: The Stranger

Journal 1: 

Meursault's actions consisted of going to the beach and flirting with Marie Cardona the day after he got back, and having sex with her that night. On Sunday Meursault slept in and made breakfast for himself. He then sat and watched people, while he smoked cigarettes, on the streets all day until the day passed and he made dinner for himself and went to bed. Meursaults activities seem unimpressive and pointless. He does not mourn after his mother or even seem to notice she has died. He does nothing productive or useful at all. As he describes what he has done that day, he shows very little or no emotion at all. He describes things with the bare minimum so that the reader understands the situation and nothing else. 

Camus creates this protagonist because he is so different from the average person. He is detached from life and very unemotional. This difference affects the reader and intrigues he/she to find out more about the character. Camus is writing about a very "average Joe" character which is so unlike anything most protagonists.

Journal 1: The Stranger

Journal 1: The two translations are different because of the way in which the narrator portrays "himself" through his voice. In the second translation the narrator expresses himself as flippant and almost full of himself. The narrator only cares about what his boss and the lady at the restaurant thinks. He doesn't express any feelings about his mother at all. In the first translation the narrator expresses his thoughts with a more formal approach. He speaks about his mother with a sense of respect instead of love. Because of these differences the reader can chose to connect with one more than the other. The different ways that the narrator expresses his feelings on what he is doing about his mother dying in the different translations gives the reader a better idea of who the character is. He doesn't seem to mind that his mother just died.

Feb. 17 Journal 19 and 20

Journal:

The structure of the book ties in the plot very well. Hurston introduces the reader to Tea Cake in the first chapters of the book and he is not mentioned until at least halfway through the book. The beginning's descriptions of Janie and the town set the tone for the entire book. The reader is immediately drawn into the story as the town judges Janie her first steps back in town. Janie becomes this unknown character with an unknown past and the entire book slowly unfolds her story using all the symbols and motifs mentioned in the first few chapters. The end of the book closes using the same symbols and motifs as in the beginning of the book. This structure allows the reader to clearly understand the novel because it flows and consistently refers back to the beginning of the book.

Feb. 16 Journal 16-17, 18

Journal 16 & 17:

Mrs. Turner's relationship with her husband reveals her character. She is a strong willed person who takes charge of situations. Her husband would rather sit back and deal with his wife, letting her do all that she intends to do. Their relationship causes Mrs. Turner to become even more adamant and headstrong than she already is because of her husband's submissive nature. Janie and Tea Cake on the other hand have a completely different relationship. Tea Cake is the man of the house and the head of the household. He beats his wife to show his authority and power, but as a couple their love is more complete and stable than Mrs. Turner and her husband's relationship. Janie loves her husband and her love shines through even when she cannot always have her say. Mrs. Turner has the power in her family like many other couples on the muck and what she says overrides her husbands wishes. Sop-de-Bottom and his wife are in the same position. His wife would fight back if he ever beat her unlike Tea Cake and Janie.

Journal 18:

The title, Their Eyes Are Watching God, reveals a significant amount about the characters in the book. The characters believe in God but do not understand His motives or what He has planned. They live in fear of Him and respect Him more than love Him. They only think of God when they need Him. The significance of the title demonstrates the characters relationship with each other is centered around their relationship and view of God. Hurston shows the reader how relationship between the characters in the book is a reflection of their relationship with God. The blacks have an underlying fear for each other as well as the white men like they fear God. 

Journal Chapters: 13-14

Literary Technique 1: Metaphor

Evidence: pg. 131  "Pianos living three lifetimes in one."

Why: Hurston choses to use this passage of personification to connect the intensity of the fun that Janie and Tea Cake were having to Janie's life. A piano is an instrument that can change the mood of an entire setting through the music. "Living three lifetimes in one" is a metaphor to Janie's different experiences with men. Her first husband, Logan, was dull and lacked the passion that Janie yearned for. Her life with him was a life full of nothingness. The piano played the tune of a dull and dreary melody. Janie left Logan for Joe who at first swept her off her feet, but instead placed her in a fancy white house and molded her into the position of a  stuck-up mayor's wife. She submissively lived her life for him changing the "piano mood" to loneliness. Then when Tea Cake sauntered into her life, she realized that she could live life the way she wanted to and the piano played all three tunes into one adventurous, joyful tune. 

Literary Technique 2: Symbol

Evidence: pg. 134 "The men held big arguments here like they used to on the store porch."

Why: This reference to the porch symbolizes the similarities to Janie's old home and her new one. Hurston makes it very clear to the reader that the porch symbolizes home and the only consistent thing in Janie's life. Every since she was a small girl, the porch has been a place of comfort and rest. Hurston again mentions the porch as Janie is getting settled into her new way of life. The comfort and rest is coming back to Janie.

Literary Technique 3: Characterization

Evidence: 136 "Janie learned what it felt like to be jealous."

Why: Janie is characterized as a strong, peaceful, determined woman but this new description, jealous, is used to describe the change and newness in her. Hurston reveals through this passage the change in Janie. Janie knows what it feels to really care for someone (Tea Cake) and this love brings about her jealousy. Because of her newly found confidence she discovers jealousy which shows her change as a character.

Chapter 11-12 Journal

Janie has completely changed in chapters 11 and 12. The motivation behind this is the freedom that she is left with after her husband, Jodie, dies. When Janie and Jodie were married, Janie did not have the freedom to do anything that pleased her. She had to do whatever Jodie wanted her to do and she did it out of love, obedience and a desire to keep the peace. After Jodie died, Janie realizes that wants to begin living her life the way SHE wants to live it. She forgets anything anyone ever told her and does what she wants to do for a change. Janie changes in multiple ways because of this. She begins to find who she is as a person which causes her to expand her activities and to live with more confidence. She realizes her dislikes and likes, and her passions and hobbies. She also changes the way she views herself. She begins to notice her outer qualities. She begins to dress herself up and try new things with her hair. She changes her mindset from pleasing others to pleasing herself.

Rewritten Zora Neale Hurston paragraph

So Laura started to feel pain. Pain, that frightening being with sharp nails and a quick tongue who lived in the shadows. The all-consuming one who waits on the porch like a thorn waiting to pierce the flesh of the victim. What need has Pain for a cure, and what remedies can stand in his way? He watches his puny prey from beneath the porch that is hidden by the world. Waits patient and lurking for many hours with his breath deep and concentrated, waiting for the victim to bid him come. Been waiting by before one could die or why was a lie. She was sure to find a scale from his back, lying by her porch any day now. She was afraid and nervous too. Poor Tom! He should not be left by hisself to handle it alone. She suggested Sergius go to him, but Tom said No. These friends gave sho good advice for what they have fixed before, but didn't know how to fix something like this. He'd be alright once the man with the bag found what had been his problem. He wasn't going to die at all. That was what he thought. But Sergius told her something else, so she knew. And then if he hadn't, the next morning she was sure to find out, for neighbors  began to crowd around the yard in the flowers and on top of the newly painted porch. People who would not have been seen in sight around the house now came in. Just sat on the porch and waited. Fear, that silent beast, had enclosed the porch.

Literary Terms:

1. pg 26 - Figurative Language

"Long before the year was up, Janie noticed that her husband had stopped talking in rhymes to her."

As Janie and Logan's marriage progressed, Janie notices the change in tone from her husband. Logan no longer speaks soothingly of love and affection towards Janie (rhymes) but instead he begins to ask her to do work. The love that Logan has for Janie is no longer expressed because Janie refuses to allow him into her heart. Her dreams of love and passion still posses her and hinder any possible thought of learning to love the man to whom she is now bound to.

2. pg. 26 - Characterization 

"But springtime reached her in there so she moved everything to a place in the yard where she could see the road. The noon sun filtered through the leaves of the fine oak tree were she sat and made lacy patterns on the ground." 

Zora Neale Hurston uses the description of Janie's surrounding to show the beauty of the world in which Janie lives in and how Janie wants to see the road amidst it all. Hurston depicts Janie as free spirited in this scene, out in nature and able to see the road where adventure could come around any corner. Janie is thinking beyond what her new life has given her. She yearns for something more beautiful and different.

3. pg. 27 - Imagery 

"Logan held his wad of tobacco real still in his jaw like a thermometer of his feelings while he studied Janie's face and waited for her to say something."

This depiction of holding the tobacco as still as a thermometer portrays Logan's uneasiness about what he is asking his wife, Janie, to do. He is not only intimidated by her but is hesitant about his present actions and stands stiff as he waits for her response, like one getting their temperature checked. Logan loves her and care about her opinions, even if she does not return the same affection.

4. pg 31 - Metaphor

"The sun from ambush was threatening the world with red daggers, but the shadows were gray and solid-looking around the barn."

This metaphor takes place right after Janie threatens to leave Logan. As Janie goes out into the world the next morning, the "threatening daggers" represent the pain from Logan and what his words the night before meant to her. She feels as if she is nothing but a lonely shadow against the barn. Hurston shows how much Logan's words meant to her whether they would hold fast in her heart or not.

5. pg 32 - Epiphany

"What was she losing so much time for? A sudden newness and change came over her."

Janie suddenly realizes how time was not worth wasting. She knew what she had to do and she knew how to do it. Janie couldn't live a life of protection and certainty. She wanted passion, love and to be treated "lak a lady". Janie wanted change, and she knew she would never be content until she did something about it.

Journal 1:

The narration differs from the dialect in that the dialect portrays the way the African Americans spoke at this place and time and the narration portrays the average American dialect with no regional accents. The effect that this distinction has on the book is that the reader can better relate to the characters in the story through the African American dialect. The reader can also more fully understand the setting of the story which draws the reader into the book. The absence  of a specific dialect in the narration provides a distinction between the two depicted cultures and gives a sense of how the author choses to portray herself.

Journal 2:

The setting affects the text in a significant way. The setting portrays the atmosphere in which the characters live in and also depicts who they are. Because of the African American dialect, the reader can come to a conclusion about the types of different characters, where they might live and what kind of background they have. The setting describes the place in which the characters live as a tight community, full of gossipers and friends. The people are interested in every new change that occurs in the community proving that not very much happens in the town. Where they live (setting) accounts for the specific dialect as well.