Othello Comments (ABSENT)

This is what you told me to do because I was ABSENT on Tuesday, December 7, 2010.

On Blake's Blog:
I commented:
"I had no idea that the first edition of the Bible in Greek was printed there! I learned a lot of new things just by reading this."

On Katie's Blog:
"I find it interesting that Cyprus was made up of 80% Greek and 20% Turks when Shakespere seems to only focus on the Turks population... I also whould like to know what the term American means, because there was no true America until a century later..."

On Haley's Blog:
"I now understand why Othello was called "The Moor" because Moor means dark, and he has dark skin."

On Trevor's Blog:
"Wow! I would have never thought that the 16th century was when people stopped believing that Demon's caused Epilepsy. I also think it is silly that they thought it was a contagious disease.
P.S. I like the rubber ducky background :)"

Character Analysis

Desdemona-
Desdemona is a wise, confident young lady. She is graceful, sweet, and intelligent. She also knows when to say her opinions and when to hold her tongue. She is very obedient and loyal. She is the kind of woman that every little girl dreams of becoming and looks up to. She is very loving and honest as well. She should be a princess.

Othello Act 4 Scene 3

3 techniques from the play and their effect(s).

1.)
TECHNIQUE: The author switches between different dialogues.
EFFECT: This switching creates the sense of being able to know what is happening at a certain time and to know that these two conversations are taking place at the same time.
2.)
TECHNIQUE: The author uses forshadowing.
EFFECT: The reader gets the sense that Desdemona may die or there will be an attempt to kill her. It creates an erie mood and a suspicious tone.
3.)
TECHNQUE: The author uses metaphors.
EFFECT: It helps the reader to understand the meaning and underlying meanings to the words. It also helps to set the mood.

Othello Act 4 Scene 1 Key Passage Analysis

The passage that I decided to analyze was:
"OTHELLO:
She is protectress of her honor too.
May she give that?
IAGO:
Her honor is an essence that's not seen;
They have it very oft that have it not.
But, for the handkerchief -
OTHELLO:
By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it.
Thou said'st - Oh, it comes o'er my memory
As doth the raven o'er the infectious house,
Boding to all - he had my handkerchief.
IAGO:
Ay, what of that?
OTHELLO:
That's not so good now" (Othello 4.1 14-24).

Analysis:

Here, Othello is talking with Iago. Othello is saying that with the handerkerchief, Desdemona gave away her honor and loyalty to him. Othello is using a metaphor for the fact that he feels horrible and angry and like the fact that Iago brought it up is like the last straw. Othello is also saying that he wishes he could forget it. I think that this will prove to be important later on, because it show's how Othello is changing both emotionally and mentally. He is starting to let his jealousy get the best of him.

Jaleesa

Jaleesa, I know you are creeping on my blog! ;) lol
You can go ahead and look at what I have done. I think you will find everything in order. I hope that reading my blog helps you! :) and Feel Better Soon!!!!!! :)

Othello Memorization

"Her father loved me, oft invited me, still questioned me the story of my life from year to year - the battles, sieges, fortunes that I have passed. I ran it through, even from my boyish days to th' very moment that he bade me tell it, wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances, of hairbreadth scapes i'th'imminent deadly breach, of being taken by the insolent foe and sold to slavery, of my redemtion thence, and 'portance in my travels history, of antres vast and deserts idle, rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven, it was my hint to speak - such was the process - and of the cannibals that each other eat, the Anthropophagi, and the men whose heads do grow beneath their shoulders. These things to hear would Desdemona seriously incline: but still the house affairs would draw her thence, which, ever as she could would haste dispatch, she'd come again with greedy ear and devour up my discourse, which I, observing, took once a pliant hour and found good means to draw from her a prayer of earnest heart"

Othello Act 3 Scene 4 Casting Call!!!!!

Calling all actors! I am Michelle Vollmuller. I am casting for the Shakesperian play: Othello, The Moor of Venice.
Roles Needing to be Cast:
Emilia-
"Come on, come on. You are pictures out of doors,
Bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens,
Saints in your injuries, devils being offended,
Players in your huswifery, and huswives in your beds" (Othello 2.1 111-114).
"I am glad I have found this napkin.
This was her first remembrance of the /moor.
My wayward husband hath a hundred times
Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token -
For he conjured her she should ever keep it -
That she reserves it evermore about her
To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out,
And give't Iago. What he will do with it
Heaven knows, not I;
I nothing but to please his fantasy" (Othello 3.3 306-315).

I think that Isabella Fogliazza should play Emilia. Emilia will do anything to please her husband. She has a desperate look to her eyes. Isabella looks like the picture of what I believe Emilia would look like.

Othello Act 3 Scene 4 Casting Call!!!!

Calling all actors! I am Michelle Vollmuller. I am casting for the Shakesperian play: Othello, The Moor of Venice.
Roles Needing to be Cast:
Iago-
"Were I the Moor I would not be Iago.
In following him, I follow but myself -
Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
But seeming so for my peculiar end.
For when my outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my heart
In compliment extern, 'tis not long after
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at. I am not what I am" (Othello 1.1 59-67).
"Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have
told thee often, and I retell thee again and again, I hate
the Moor. My cause is hearted; thine hath no less rea-
son. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him.
If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure,
me a sport" (Othello 1.3 366-371).

I think that Raoul Bova should play Iago. To me, he looks like a man who is decieving and selfish. He is also italian, just like Iago.

Othello Act 3 Scene 4 Casting Call!!!

Calling all actors! I am Michelle Vollmuller. I am casting for the Shakesperian play: Othello, The Moor of Venice.
Roles Needing to be Cast:
Desdemona -
"But that I love the gentle Desdemona,
I would not my unhoused free condition
Put into circumscription and confine
For the sea's worth" (Othello 1.2 25-28).
"My noble father,
I do perceive here a divided duty.
To you I am bound for life and education;
My life and education both do learn me
How to respect you. You are the lord of duty;
I am hitherto your daughter. But here's my husband,
And so much duty as my mother showed
To you, preferring you before her father,
So much I challenge that I may profess
Due to the Moor my lord" (Othello 1.3 182-191).

I think that Monica Bellucci should play Desdemona. Desdemona is supposed to be italian and very beautiful. Monica Bellucci is italian. I think that she fits the description of Desdemona.

Othello Act 3 Scene 4 Casting Call!!!!

Calling all actors! I am Michelle Vollmuller. I am casting for the Shakesperian play: Othello, The Moor of Venice.
Roles Needing to be Cast:
Othello -
"Now, by heaven,
My blood begins my safer guides to rule,
And passion, having my best judgement collied,
Essays to lead the way. Zounds, if I stir,
Or do but lift this arm, the best of you
Shall sink in my rebuke" (Othello 2.3 198-203).
"Most potent, grave, and reverend signors,
My very noble and approved good masters:
That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter,
It is most true; true, I have married her.
The very head and front of my offending
Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech,
And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace;
For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith,
Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used
Their dearest action in the tented field;
And little of this great world can I speak
More than pertains to feats of broils and battle,
And therefore little shall I grace my cause
In speaking for myself" (Othello 1.3 78-91).

I think that Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje should play Othello. To me, he looks like an Othello. The actor knows Italian, as well as English. He looks like a warrior and a man who has worked hard.

Othello Act 2 Scene 1

Iago, his wife, and Desdemona get to Cyprus safely. Cassio greets them and tells them that the Turks have blown off course. Othello arrives and greets his wife. Othello tells them that the Turks have drowned. Iago is plotting his revenge as everyone exchanges greetings and such. Iago explains to Roderigo that Cassio loves Desdemona and she him. He says that Roderigo must anger Cassio in order for them to start the rumors. Roderigo agrees. Iago finds himself falling for Desdemona as well.

I think that Iago is just using Roderigo and that in the end, Iago will hurt Othello, Cassio, Roderigo, himself, and Desdemona. I do not think that this plan will end well.

Othello Act 1 Scene 3

Brabantio takes Othello to the Duke. Othello tells the Duke, Brabantio, and the other Senators how he wooed Desdemona. Desdemona comes and confirms Othello's story. Othello and Desdemona recieve Brabantio's blessing. Othello recieves orders from the Duke to go to Cyprus. Othello and Desdemona make arrangements for Desdemona to go with Iago and have Iago's wife take care of him. Roderigo speaks to Iago of drowning himself because he loves Desdemona, but he cannot have her. Then Roderigo and Iago make a plan to get revenge on Othello by making him believe that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio.

I think that this play keeps adding new layers and twists to the plot. It is very intriguing. I am excited to keep reading and find out if Roderigo and Iago's plan works.

Othello Act 1 Scene 2

Othello is talking to Iago about why Iago wasn't promoted. Iago is trying to boast/impress/make himself seem better than the other man. Iago sees torches coming and tells Othello that he needs to hide. Othello says no. It turns out to be one of Othello's officers. The officer tells Othello that he needs to come with him because he has been summoned by the Duke. They see more torches. This time it turns out to be Brabantio and Roderigo. Brabantio has Othello arrested, but the officer says that Brabantio can't do that. Brabantio explains the situation and takes Othello away.

I thought this was intriguing. I also thought that this would be somewhat of how the book/play ends. Apparently, I was wrong. So now, I will have to read the whole book/play to find out how it ends. I will just have to figure out a new guess for how the book/play ends.

Othello Act 1 Scene 1

Iago did not get promoted to officer by "the Moor". He is telling Roderigo about this. Then Roderigo and Iago go to Brabantio's house and wake him. They tell Brabantio that his daughter has run off with "the Moor". Roderigo wanted to marry Brabantio's daughter. Now, both Roderigo and Iago have reasons to be angry with "the Moor". Brabantio finds out that his daughter really has run off and gotten married to "the Moor". He is very infuriated and worried. He, his servants, his men, and Roderigo go off to find them.

I thought this was very interesting that Iago and Roderigo know eachother and both dislike "the Moor". I also find it interesting that Brabantio doesn't know that his daughter has run off and gotten married. This is making for an interesting book.

My Body Paragraph

    Wilson uses comparing and contrasting to convey the theme that a person will do whatever it takes to fulfill their dreams, even if it means cheating their own family. “I aint talking about all that, woman. I aint talking about selling my soul. I’m talking about trading that piece of wood for some land. Get something under your feet. Land the only thing God aint making no more of. You can always get another piano” (50). Boy Willie is basically saying that the piano is worthless. It has no meaning and no value. He does not seem to realize how much it means to Berniece. All he cares about is fulfilling his dream, to get land. He is telling Berniece to let him have it because he cannot see the value. He also tells her that she can always get another piano. By saying that the piano is made of wood and she can always get another, he contradicts himself. He says that no more land is being made, but wood is from land. By saying that she can get another piano, he is indirectly stating that he can always get a different piece of land. He really should think before he speaks.

Conclusion

In The Piano Lesson, the piano symbolizes history. In the history, people fight over the piano to achieve their dreams. In the present, people are fighting over the piano for the same reason. This conveys the theme that people will do whatever it takes to get what they want, even if it means cheating their own family. We put the piano and the different things it represents. We put Sutter’s ghost to represent the history of the family and the piano. Berniece and Boy Willie represent the family and the fact that the history lives through them. They are willing to do anything to achieve their dreams. We also put a saw, a rope, a gun, and the board with wheels. These symbolize hard work, achieving your dreams, and the struggle between family differences. People are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their dreams. Sometimes, they go too far.

Intro for The Piano Lesson essay

    In the book, The Piano Lesson, August Wilson portrays the theme that a person will do whatever it takes to fulfill their dreams, even if it means cheating their own family. The piano, in The Piano Lesson, symbolizes history. In the family’s history, people fight over the piano in order to achieve their dreams. In the present, people are fighting over the piano for the same reason. This conveys the theme that people will do whatever it takes to fulfill their dreams, even if it means cheating their family. Boy Willie is willing to take the piano, even though his sister, Berniece, doesn’t want him to. They both own half of it. Boy Willie wants to take the piano and sell it to buy land. That’s his dream. Berniece’s dream is to see Maretha grow up and play the piano. They both want the piano, and they are arguing over it. Both of them want it to fulfill a dream.

The Piano Lesson

THE END!

The Piano Lesson Act 2 Scene 5

I like that we finally learn why the Yellow Dog is called the Yellow Dog. I have been wondering that throughout the book. Boy Willie is still very intent on getting that piano. He also has very elaborate stories, and he likes to fight with Berniece. He never leaves her alone. Deep down they must really love eachother, otherwise they probably would have had one fight and that would have been it. I like that Boy Willie really has an interest in the piano's history and the people behind it and that he wants to celebrate all of that. He really takes pride in where he comes from. Although, why does he want to sell it if he thinks it has such meaning? I find it interesting that while they are trying to move the piano, Winning Boy comes in and says that he doesn't want it to be moved. It seems like everyone, but Boy Willie, wants it to stay. I also find it curiousser that Sutter's ghost is felt this time, rather than seen. There is finally a bit of comedy to this book. While Avery is trying to bless the house, Boy Willie seems to be going mad by imitating Avery and such.
I love the ending. We finally find out why the piano is so important. It keeps evil away. It helps in troubled times. It is a symbol of hope, strength, courage, love, and hard work. It tells the story of their lives and pasts. It also helps in the midst of utter despair.

The Piano Lesson Act 2 Scene 4

I thought that is was interesting that Winning Boy sees Sutter's ghost as well. To me, that proves that he is not here for Boy Willie like Berniece thinks Sutter is. I also think that it is strange that we hear Sutter's ghost, and then Lymon and Boy Willie cannot move the piano. Was Sutter's ghost sitting on it? Was Sutter's ghost what was holding it down? I also find it intriguing that Boy Willie is obsessed with taking the piano, selling it, and getting Sutter's land. That seems to be the only thing on his mind. I wonder if he will ever succeed in moving the piano.

The Piano Lesson Act 2 Scene 3

The book seems to go from a book that is exceptable to every age range, to a book that is more mature and adult. I think it is very interesting that the transition is very quick, abrupt, and clear. Most books would make a slower transition. This is very unique. I also find it interesting that Lymon goes from this very quite person to someone who talks, a lot. I wonder if Berniece will end up marrying Lymon instead of Avery. The plot just got a twist and thickened. Now, the book is getting interesting....

The Piano Lesson Act 2 Scene 2

Avery does not seem to be interested in marrying Berniece for the right reasons. It sounds like he wants to marry her to attract more people to his Church. It doesn't seem like he really cares about Berniece. He starts out with saying how it looks to have a preacher unmarried. To me it sounds like he wants to marry Berniece for the Church politics rather than love.

The Piano Lesson Act 1 Scene 1 (make up)

I think that the ghost is there because he doesn't want Boy Willie to have his land. I think that the ghost is a warning. I don't think that he will show up again.

The Piano Lesson Act 1 Scene 1 (make up)

Berniece seems to be a very resonable person. She seems to have a level head on her shoulders. When she saw the ghost, I thought that she was a little crazy or just overly tired.

Doaker seems to be a man who knows what's good and what's bad. He know's what's what. He doesn't get into other people's business or bother himself with it.

The Piano Lesson Act 1 Scene 1 (make up)

Lymon seems to be a person that just goes along with every thing. He isn't looking for trouble, but he ends up getting in trouble because of Boy Willie. He also seems to be very quite.

The Piano Lesson Act 1 Scene 1 (make up)

The character of Boy Willie, to me, seems very rude and boisterous. He seems to be only concerned with himself. He doesn't seem to realize that he is in someone else's house.

Act 2 Scene 1

11/22/10        The Piano Lesson

When Sutter's ghost was first mentioned at the beginning of the book, I thought that it was going to be a one time appearance. I found it very interesting that the author has the ghost appear multiple times. It makes Sutter's ghost a true character, rather than just a one time character. I found that it gave the book an extra layer of intrigue and mystery, because no one knows EXACTLY why Sutter's ghost keeps appearing. We could say it is for Boy Willie. We could say it is for the piano. Why does he keep appearing? What is he there for? I guess I will have to keep reading...

English Assignment 10/30/10

1. Read about what three Ashoka fellows are doing to try and improve the world. Click here to do so. 2. Summarize what each person's idea is on your own blog. 3. Start visiting your peers' blogs and leave at least two comments discussing the ideas you think are of value. 4. Refine your list about what you will write about in your persuasive paper. 5. Pick one concept for your paper.

Dennis Karpes -
Dennis Karpes is from the Netherlands. He created the global brand, "Dance4Life". Dance4Life helps to fight AIDS/HIV. As of now, there are more than 300,000 teenagers from over 20 different countries involved.

Abdellah Aboulharjan -
Abdellah is from France. He is mentoring teens from poor areas. He is helping them to become entrepreneurs so that they may become better people and help their communities.

Jayanthi Dandeniya -
Jayanthi is from Sri Lanka. In the 1980s, more than 60, 000 Sri Lanka citizens were taken by state agents, including Jayanthi's fiance and brother. She is helping families to come together and share their experience of their loss in public ways. This is helping to raise awareness as well as bring some comfort to the families. Thanks to her efforts, a Monument to the disappeared was erected.

English Assignment 11/1/10

I tabbed the first page of  chapter 32, especially the part about the letters. These letters are a good portion of what that chapter is about. Kumalo had been waiting for them and now they are there. We find out that there will be no mercy in Kumalo's son's trial. This is an important point in the book. I also tabbed the part about the people coming and putting the sticks in the ground. I tabbed this because this was of interest to me because I did not understand why they were doing this and it did not explain.

English Assignment 10/30/10

The land parallels the Kumalo family. "These hills are grass-covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it. ... The grass is rich and matted, you cannot see the soil." This is at the beginning of the book. At the begining, life for the Kumalo family is happy, and they only have the responsibilities of day to day life. About halfway through the book, these hills are not rich and full of grass. The grass is dead and the soil shows through. The soil is dry and barren and the cattle are dying. At this point, the Kumalos's life has changed drastically. Their son is in jail and is going to be hung. They are devastated. Closer to the end of the book, their is a big rainstorm that comes. This means that a big change, for the better is coming. The Kumalo's, at this point, are starting to rebuild their lives. They have started to get a better life for themselves and the rest of the community.

English Assignment 10/30/10

Pick one character who does not have a name. Look back to all the times they are mentioned. What is the effect of using this character? Why do you think Alan Paton did not give them a name? Do you think this was a good decision on his part? Why or why not?

I picked the man who helps Kumalo when he enters the city, but then he robs Kumalo. The effect of using this character is that it can relate to anyone. Anyone could try to help you, but do they have other reasons to help you besides just to help. Alan Paton did not give them a name because it is more general, and it lets the reader think back on their own life experiences. Yes, I do think this was a good decision. I think this was a good decision because it gives it more meanng and more of an ability to inner reflect on it. If he had given the man a name, it would not have been personal.

English Assignment 10/11/10

Why does the author have two different books/perspectives?
I think that the author has two different perspectives to show how a situation can affect people. The author shows the differences in how Kumalo's family is taking this vs. how Jarvais's family is taking this. The author also shows how the situation is the same and the families are going through some of the same things. The author shows that either side of the situation can be the bad one to be on.

English 10/4/10

Links:

The Holocaust Museum
http://www.ushmm.org/

The Religious Oppression in China
http://www.religioustolerance.org/rt_china.htm

English Assignment 10/3/10

"eleven miles", "long journey", "Johannesburg", "Alexandra", "white man", "no buses", "huh", "For he had Tomlinson's brains, and your brother's voice, and Dubula's heart,...", "Have no doubt it is fear now...", "sullen", "boy", "Tixo", "Bible", "priest", "boycott", "courts", "helping with their cars", "old", "women", "cripples", "All roads lead to Johannesburg.", "room to let", "shilling", "house", "house is full", "sorry", "five years", "Orlando", "Dubula", "houses", "Have you a house for me yet?", "There is no house yet.", "bewilders me", "committee", "too much", "not much", "Let us go tonight...", "sacks", "poles", "iron", "digging and hammering", "child", "husband", "wife", "land by the railway lines", "rain", "Shanty Town", "Shanty Town is up overnight", "squatters", "Quietly my child,... your mother is by you.", "The child coughs badly, her brow is hotter than fire.", "...have mercy upon us.", "winter", "what will we do in the rain and winter?", "That is my husband standing by the house."

"Quietly my child, your mother is by you."
People tend to be loud when they are fearful. A mother is a sign of comfort and safety. Here the author is saying to not me afraid because there is hope and comfort on the way.

"Have no doubt it is fear now..."
This is saying that people are afraid. Some because of what is going on around them and others because of what they have done in life and what will happen to their eaternal soul.

English Assignment 9/30/10

How does Alan Patton characterize the different genders? Is the difference significant? Why or why not?

Alan Patton characterizes men as superior to women. This is a significant difference. He characterizes men more like a cheif. Women are characterized as more of the humble supporters or servants. The men are characterized as having power, working, and belonging in Johannesburg. The women are characterized as weak, and belonging back with the tribes on the homelands.

English Assignment 9/29/10

What did you tab (4) and Why?

I tabbed the large narrative parts, important parts of the plot, words that I didn't know, new characters, and setting.

English Class

Our new English class word: Jackin! haha

English Homework 9/20/10

The theme that I picked was, If you don't speak up, others will try to impose their will upon you. William Golding develops this theme in multiple ways throughout the book. One way that Golding develops this is in the meeting when Piggy disapproves of what Jack wants to go and do. Piggy doesn't say anything at first. He tries to speak up, but it is too late for Jack had already left. Another way that Golding develops this is through the littluns. The littluns go to every meeting. The biguns do not think that the littluns count as a part of the group. The littluns are forced to go along with whatever the group is doing, because they do not speak up against it. This silence causes them to be thought of as people that are "just there". No one seems to truely care if they are safe or not. This is how Willaim Golding develops the theme.

9/13/10

If there had been boys and girls on the island, the author would have had to make some very different decisions. For one, some of the names would have had to been different. Another is that, the author would have had to describe situations from a girl's point of view instead of a boy's only. The author also would have had to change the plot a little because not all girls would do some of the things that the boys do in the book. Not all girls would go hunting or chant in a circle in the rain. There also would have been a different sort of perspective in the book along with another type of intelligence that wasn't in the book. These are some of the different decisions that would have been made.

English Assignment 9/12/10

2. "... searching out safe lodgements for his feet, ..."

The author makes the decision of putting this peice into the first page. The author does this because he is describing Piggy with more than just the physical characteristics. This he does without mentioning his name. He does this so that the audience feels like Piggy is more of a real person rather than just a character.

English Assignment 9/12/10

1. "... a bird, a vision of red and yellow, flashed upwards with a witch-like cry; ..."
The author had to make the decision of putting this into the book. This is some of the only color that the reader has seen in the book so far. It also foreshadows how the book will end. The book ends with the whole forest being set a-light. The bird is red and yellow and so is fire. Fire also flashes upward just like the bird.

Football

GO TIGARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello World

Hey Everyone!