The book starts out telling about a man named Winston, who enters his home in Victory Mansions. He lives in a place called Airstrip One, which apparently used to be England. He believes that it is 1984 but isn't exactly sure: "To begin with, he did not know with any certainty that this was 1984." (Page 9). The narrator also describes a guy known as Big Brother, who seems to be in charge of everything. As Winston enters his house a device called a telescreen gives a news report. Telescreens watch the activity of the citizens: "You had to live-did live, from habit that became instinct-in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized." (Page 5). He begins to write in his diary about movies, which reminded him of an incident that happened that morning. He describes the Two Minute Hate, a session where a video about a traitor named Emmanuel Goldstein is played to make the citizens angry and hate him: "A hideous ecstasy of fear and vindictiveness, a desire to kill, to torture, to smash faces in with a sledge hammer, seemed to flow through the whole group of people like an electric current, turning one even against one's will into a grimacing, screaming lunatic." (Page 17). And throughout the book so far one slogan is repeated over and over: "WAR IS PEACE FREEDOM IS SLAVERY IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH." It seems like the people live by this slogan and can't escape it: "Even from the coin the eyes pursued you. On coins, on stamps, on the covers of books, on banners, on posters, and on the wrapping of a cigarette packet--everywhere. Always the eyes watching you and the voice enveloping you." (Page 30). Winston continues to write in his diary, which is considered a bad thing: "This was not illegal (nothing was illegal, since there were no longer any laws), but if detected it was reasonably certain that it would be punished by death, or at least by twenty-five years in a forced-labor camp." (Page 9). He realizes that he keeps writing the same thing over and over: "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER." Winston is horrified that he has written this, because the Thought Police could come after him. Someone knocks on his door and it turns out to be Mrs. Parsons, who needs help repairing her sink. He goes to her flat and her children start to harass him about his thoughts. When he returns home he freaks out and hides his diary. Winston has a dream about his mother and sister and feels somewhat responsible for their deaths: "He could not remember what happened, but he knew in his dream that in some way the lives of his mother and his sister had been sacrificed to his own." (Pages 33-34). He wakes up and it is time for Physical Jerks, a fitness program on the telescreen. Winston goes to work where he destroys old documents and updates new records. He meets with Syme for lunch and they talk about Newspeak. As they talk, Winston thinks that Syme will be vaporized: "One of these days, thought Winston with sudden deep conviction, Syme will be vaporized. He is too intelligent. He sees too clearly and speaks too plainly." (Page 59). Winston writes in his diary that he had an affair with a prostitute and how much sex is frowned upon in his world: "The unforgivable crime was promiscuity between Party members." (Page 72). Winston writes in his diary that a rebellion lies within the proles and that's the only way. He talks about how awful his world is: "The ideal set up by the Party was something huge, terrible, and glittering--a world of steel and concrete, of monstrous machines and terrifying weapons--a nation of warriors and fanatics, marching forward in perfect unity, all thinking the same thoughts and shouting the same slogans, perpetually working, fighting, triumphing, persecuting--three hundred million people all with the same face." (Page 82).
So far in the story it basically describes Winston's world and what he deals with everyday. It's pretty dark and depressing and makes the reader think about what it would be like if their life was like this. I think it's pretty interesting so far and can't wait to read what happens to Winston next.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Twelfth Night Acts 4 and 5
Act 4 Scene 1 opens with Sebastian talking to the fool. The fool is bothering Sebastian and Sebastian just wants him to go away: "I prithee, foolish Greek, depart from me. There's money for thee. If you tarry longer, I shall give worse payment." (IV.i.18-20). Andrew and Toby enter and Andrew and Toby start fighting. Olivia enters and tells them to stop fighting: "Hold, Toby! On thy life I charge thee hold!" (IV.i.45). Sebastian is extremely confused by what is going on: "What relish is in this? How runs the stream? Or I am mad, or else this is a dream. Let fancy still my sense in Lethe steep; if it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!" (IV.i.59-63). I feel pretty bad for Sebastian. He just survived a ship wreck and arrived in this crazy town with Andrew trying to kill him and Olivia trying to hook up with him!
In Act 4 Scene 2 Maria's crazy schemes continue when she has the fool dress up as a priest to banish the demon inside Malvolio: "Out, hyperbolical fiend! How vexest thou this man! Talkest thou nothing but of ladies?" (IV.ii.26-27). Malvolio rants about how everyone hates him and makes him look like an idiot: "And I say, there was never a man thus abused." (IV.ii.47-48). The fool takes off the costume and talks to Malvolio. Malvolio denies that he is crazy: "I am as well in my wits, fool, as thou art." (IV.ii.91). Malvolio asks for the fool's help in sending a letter to Olivia: "Good fool, some ink, paper, and light; and convey what I will set down to my lady." (IV.ii.112-114). I actually understand now why Maria plays so many pranks on Malvolio. He is incredibly cocky and desperate! He won't seem to take no for an answer and is acting creepy. Hopefully Olivia sets him straight.
Act 4 Scene 3 Sebastian and Olivia pretty much get engaged: "If you mean well, now go with me and with this holy man into the chantry by." (IV.iii.22-24). I think this is absolutely ridiculous! Sebastian has known her for maybe a day and already wants to marry the woman! Everyone in this play seems to be insane!
In Act 5 Scene 1 Antonio arrives in Orsino's court and explains how he saved Sebastian's life. Olivia arrives and talks about her and Cesario's wedding, which Viola is completely surprised and confused by: "Who does beguile you? Who does do you wrong?" (V.i.139-140). Olivia keeps insisting that they are married and has the priest come and prove it: "A contract of eternal bond of love, confirmed by mutual joinder of your hands, attested by the holy close of lips, strength'ned by interchangement of your rings." (V.i.156-159). Of course Orsino gets angry at Viola: "Farewell, and take her; but direct thy feet where thou and I, henceforth, may never meet." (V.i.168-169). Andrew comes in and says that Cesario stabbed Toby and once again Viola is confused. Sebastian enters and everyone is shocked that there are two Sebastians/ Cesarios: "An apple cleft in two is not more twin than these two creatures. Which is Sebastian?" (V.i.222-224). Viola and Sebastian ask each other about who they are and come to realize that they are brother and sister. Orsino discovers that Viola is actually a woman and decides to marry her. Fabian admits that he, Toby, Andrew and Maria played a prank on Malvolio and Malvolio declares that he will get revenge. I guess this play ended happily, but I still think it's really strange that everyone fell in love within hours of meeting the person. It's also weird that Orsino is in-laws with Olivia, the woman he wanted to marry. The fool seemed to be in more of the play than any of the others and he seemed more sane than the others as well. This play was extremely crazy, but I do admit there were some pretty funny parts in it.
In Act 4 Scene 2 Maria's crazy schemes continue when she has the fool dress up as a priest to banish the demon inside Malvolio: "Out, hyperbolical fiend! How vexest thou this man! Talkest thou nothing but of ladies?" (IV.ii.26-27). Malvolio rants about how everyone hates him and makes him look like an idiot: "And I say, there was never a man thus abused." (IV.ii.47-48). The fool takes off the costume and talks to Malvolio. Malvolio denies that he is crazy: "I am as well in my wits, fool, as thou art." (IV.ii.91). Malvolio asks for the fool's help in sending a letter to Olivia: "Good fool, some ink, paper, and light; and convey what I will set down to my lady." (IV.ii.112-114). I actually understand now why Maria plays so many pranks on Malvolio. He is incredibly cocky and desperate! He won't seem to take no for an answer and is acting creepy. Hopefully Olivia sets him straight.
Act 4 Scene 3 Sebastian and Olivia pretty much get engaged: "If you mean well, now go with me and with this holy man into the chantry by." (IV.iii.22-24). I think this is absolutely ridiculous! Sebastian has known her for maybe a day and already wants to marry the woman! Everyone in this play seems to be insane!
In Act 5 Scene 1 Antonio arrives in Orsino's court and explains how he saved Sebastian's life. Olivia arrives and talks about her and Cesario's wedding, which Viola is completely surprised and confused by: "Who does beguile you? Who does do you wrong?" (V.i.139-140). Olivia keeps insisting that they are married and has the priest come and prove it: "A contract of eternal bond of love, confirmed by mutual joinder of your hands, attested by the holy close of lips, strength'ned by interchangement of your rings." (V.i.156-159). Of course Orsino gets angry at Viola: "Farewell, and take her; but direct thy feet where thou and I, henceforth, may never meet." (V.i.168-169). Andrew comes in and says that Cesario stabbed Toby and once again Viola is confused. Sebastian enters and everyone is shocked that there are two Sebastians/ Cesarios: "An apple cleft in two is not more twin than these two creatures. Which is Sebastian?" (V.i.222-224). Viola and Sebastian ask each other about who they are and come to realize that they are brother and sister. Orsino discovers that Viola is actually a woman and decides to marry her. Fabian admits that he, Toby, Andrew and Maria played a prank on Malvolio and Malvolio declares that he will get revenge. I guess this play ended happily, but I still think it's really strange that everyone fell in love within hours of meeting the person. It's also weird that Orsino is in-laws with Olivia, the woman he wanted to marry. The fool seemed to be in more of the play than any of the others and he seemed more sane than the others as well. This play was extremely crazy, but I do admit there were some pretty funny parts in it.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Twelfth Night Act 3
In Act 3 Scene 1 Viola and the fool have a very "deep" conversation about words. I honestly didn't understand the point of this part of the scene and why it was necessary to the play. Viola talks to Olivia trying to make Olivia fall in love with Orsino: "Madam, I come to whet your gentle thoughts on his behalf." (III.i.107-108). Olivia tells Cesario that she is in love with him: "By maidhood, honor, truth, and everything, I love thee so that, maugre all thy pride, nor wit nor reason can my passion hide." (III.i.152-154). Viola finally sets her straight and tells her she does not love her back: "By innocence I swear, and by my youth, I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth, and that no woman has; nor never none shall mistress be of it, save I alone." (III.i.159-162). Olivia doesn't seem to give up hope: "Yet come again; for thou perhaps mayst move that heart which now abhors to like his love." (III.i.165-166). Olivia is pretty psycho inmy opinion. Cesario flat out tells her that he will never love her and she still seems to have hope that he'll come around. Talk about desperate!
In Act 3 Scene 2 Andrew is bummed because he saw Olivia flirting with Cesario: "Marry, I saw your niece do more favors to the Count's servingman than ever she bestowed upon me. I saw't i' th' orchard." (III.ii.5-7). Toby and Fabian tell Andrew to challenge Cesario to a fight: "Why then, build me thy fortunes upon the basis of valor. Challenge me the Count's youth to fight with him; hurt him in eleven places." (III.ii.34-36). Andrew decides to write a letter for Toby to give to Cesario. Then Maria enters and tells Toby and Fabian to watch her prank go into action: "If you desire the spleen, and will laugh yourself into stitches, follow me." (III.ii.68-69). I don't understand why Toby is playing a prank on Andrew with yet another letter but I guess it would be pretty entertaining to watch Andrew fight a guy who is really a girl.
In Act 3 Scene 3 Antonio and Sebastian are travelling and Sebastian wants to see some of the sights but Antonio can't: "I do not without danger walk these streets." (III.iii.25). Antonio tells Sebastian to meet him at the Elephant Inn. I think this scene was pretty short and boring, but I think it was necessary for an update on Sebastian.
In Act 3 Scene 4 Olivia is setting up for dinner when Malvolio enters all lovestruck: "Why appear you with this ridiculous boldness before my lady?" (III.iv.38-39). Malvolio starts quoting the letter he thinks Olivia wrote to him and Olivia, naturally, is confused. Cesario arrives and Olivia tells Maria to take care of Malvolio and the funny thing is that Malvolio thinks that everything is going according to plan: "Why, everything adheres together, that no dram of a scruple, no scruple of a scruple, no obstacle, no incredulous or unsafe circumstances--what can be said?" (III.iv.82-85). Fabian, Maria and Toby have some fun by picking on Malvolio and acting like there is a demon inside him. Andrew enters and gives Toby the letter he wrote: "Here's the challenge; read it. I warrant there's vinegar and pepper in't." (III.iv.149-150). Toby tells Cesario that Andrew wants to fight him, Cesario doesn't want to but draws his sword anyway and Antonio interrupts, thinking that Cesario is Sebastian, which makes Viola believe that her brother is alive. This scene was very important to the play and I'm anxious to see if Viola discovers her brother and what will happen if she does.
In Act 3 Scene 2 Andrew is bummed because he saw Olivia flirting with Cesario: "Marry, I saw your niece do more favors to the Count's servingman than ever she bestowed upon me. I saw't i' th' orchard." (III.ii.5-7). Toby and Fabian tell Andrew to challenge Cesario to a fight: "Why then, build me thy fortunes upon the basis of valor. Challenge me the Count's youth to fight with him; hurt him in eleven places." (III.ii.34-36). Andrew decides to write a letter for Toby to give to Cesario. Then Maria enters and tells Toby and Fabian to watch her prank go into action: "If you desire the spleen, and will laugh yourself into stitches, follow me." (III.ii.68-69). I don't understand why Toby is playing a prank on Andrew with yet another letter but I guess it would be pretty entertaining to watch Andrew fight a guy who is really a girl.
In Act 3 Scene 3 Antonio and Sebastian are travelling and Sebastian wants to see some of the sights but Antonio can't: "I do not without danger walk these streets." (III.iii.25). Antonio tells Sebastian to meet him at the Elephant Inn. I think this scene was pretty short and boring, but I think it was necessary for an update on Sebastian.
In Act 3 Scene 4 Olivia is setting up for dinner when Malvolio enters all lovestruck: "Why appear you with this ridiculous boldness before my lady?" (III.iv.38-39). Malvolio starts quoting the letter he thinks Olivia wrote to him and Olivia, naturally, is confused. Cesario arrives and Olivia tells Maria to take care of Malvolio and the funny thing is that Malvolio thinks that everything is going according to plan: "Why, everything adheres together, that no dram of a scruple, no scruple of a scruple, no obstacle, no incredulous or unsafe circumstances--what can be said?" (III.iv.82-85). Fabian, Maria and Toby have some fun by picking on Malvolio and acting like there is a demon inside him. Andrew enters and gives Toby the letter he wrote: "Here's the challenge; read it. I warrant there's vinegar and pepper in't." (III.iv.149-150). Toby tells Cesario that Andrew wants to fight him, Cesario doesn't want to but draws his sword anyway and Antonio interrupts, thinking that Cesario is Sebastian, which makes Viola believe that her brother is alive. This scene was very important to the play and I'm anxious to see if Viola discovers her brother and what will happen if she does.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Twelfth Night Act 2
In Act 2 Scene 1 of Twelfth Night Antonio and Sebastian, Viola's twin brother, are talking. Sebastian thinks his twin sister drowned: "But you, sir, altered that, for some hour before you took me from the breach of the sea was my sister drowned." (II.i.21-23). This is ironic because Viola thinksher brother is dead but he is obviously alive. Sebastian decides to go to Orsino's court.
In Act 2 Scene 2 Malvolio gives Viola/Cesario a ring from Olivia. Viola is confused by this and hopes that Olivia hasn't fallen for her: "I left no ring for her. What means this lady? Fortune forbid my outside have not charmed her." (II.ii.17-18). Viola realizes she has a problem: the duke loves Olivia, Olivia loves Cesario and Viola loves the duke. It seems like quite the love triangle. The strange part is that all of these people are in love with people that they barely even know.
In Act 3 Scene 3 Toby and Andrew ask the fool to sing love songs. Pretty soon Andrew and Toby join in and they are all acting like idiots. Malvolio comes in and tells them to shut up or leave: "If not, and it would please you to take leave of her, she is very willing to bid you farewell." (II.iii.99-101). Toby, Andrew and Maria then start to gossip about Malvolio: "Possess us, possess us. Tell us something of him." (II.iii.138-139) and "Marry, sir, sometimes he is a kind of Puritan." (II.iii.140). Maria decides she wants to get revenge on Malvolio: "He shall think, by the letters that thou will drop, that they will come from my niece, and that she's in love with him." (II.iii.164-166). I thought this scene was pretty ridiculous and unnecessary. Andrew, Toby and the fool start singing about love, Malvolio tells them to shut up and Maria decides to play a prank on Malvolio. What did Malvolio do to her, anyway?
In Act 2 Scene 4 Orsino and Cesario talk about love. Orsino asks if Cesario has ever been in love: "My life upon't, young though thou art, thine eye hath stayed upon some favor that it loves. Hath it not, boy?" (II.iv.22-24). Viola hints around that she loves the duke by saying that she loves someone like the duke and the same age. Orsino asks Cesario to talk to Olivia again and he refuses to take no for an answer: "I cannot be so answered." (II.iv.89). Viola tries to talk him out of loving Olivia if she doesn't love him back, but ends up taking a jewel to Olivia to show Orsino's love: "Give her this jewel. Say my love can give no place, bide no denay." (II.iv.125). I think Orsino is being a little creepy. I'm pretty sure that if Olivia says no the first time she isn't going to magically change her mind after receiving a jewel from him. I have to give him credit for his determination, though.
In Act 2 Scene 5 Toby, Andrew and Maria watch Maria's plan go into action. They hide and Malvolio walks by imagining what it would be like to marry Olivia. He discovers the love letter and reads it out loud. He thinks Olivia loves him: "She did commend my yellow stockings of late, she did praise my leg being cross-gartered, and in this she manifests herself to my love, and with a kind of injunction, drives me to the habits of her liking." (II.v.166-170). Malvolio decides to go after Olivia and Andrew, Toby and Maria want to see him make a fool out of himself. I'm not really sure why they pulled a prank on Malvolio other than the fact that he is an egotistical jerk, but it's a pretty good prank nonetheless. I'm curious to see what happens to Malvolio!
In Act 2 Scene 2 Malvolio gives Viola/Cesario a ring from Olivia. Viola is confused by this and hopes that Olivia hasn't fallen for her: "I left no ring for her. What means this lady? Fortune forbid my outside have not charmed her." (II.ii.17-18). Viola realizes she has a problem: the duke loves Olivia, Olivia loves Cesario and Viola loves the duke. It seems like quite the love triangle. The strange part is that all of these people are in love with people that they barely even know.
In Act 3 Scene 3 Toby and Andrew ask the fool to sing love songs. Pretty soon Andrew and Toby join in and they are all acting like idiots. Malvolio comes in and tells them to shut up or leave: "If not, and it would please you to take leave of her, she is very willing to bid you farewell." (II.iii.99-101). Toby, Andrew and Maria then start to gossip about Malvolio: "Possess us, possess us. Tell us something of him." (II.iii.138-139) and "Marry, sir, sometimes he is a kind of Puritan." (II.iii.140). Maria decides she wants to get revenge on Malvolio: "He shall think, by the letters that thou will drop, that they will come from my niece, and that she's in love with him." (II.iii.164-166). I thought this scene was pretty ridiculous and unnecessary. Andrew, Toby and the fool start singing about love, Malvolio tells them to shut up and Maria decides to play a prank on Malvolio. What did Malvolio do to her, anyway?
In Act 2 Scene 4 Orsino and Cesario talk about love. Orsino asks if Cesario has ever been in love: "My life upon't, young though thou art, thine eye hath stayed upon some favor that it loves. Hath it not, boy?" (II.iv.22-24). Viola hints around that she loves the duke by saying that she loves someone like the duke and the same age. Orsino asks Cesario to talk to Olivia again and he refuses to take no for an answer: "I cannot be so answered." (II.iv.89). Viola tries to talk him out of loving Olivia if she doesn't love him back, but ends up taking a jewel to Olivia to show Orsino's love: "Give her this jewel. Say my love can give no place, bide no denay." (II.iv.125). I think Orsino is being a little creepy. I'm pretty sure that if Olivia says no the first time she isn't going to magically change her mind after receiving a jewel from him. I have to give him credit for his determination, though.
In Act 2 Scene 5 Toby, Andrew and Maria watch Maria's plan go into action. They hide and Malvolio walks by imagining what it would be like to marry Olivia. He discovers the love letter and reads it out loud. He thinks Olivia loves him: "She did commend my yellow stockings of late, she did praise my leg being cross-gartered, and in this she manifests herself to my love, and with a kind of injunction, drives me to the habits of her liking." (II.v.166-170). Malvolio decides to go after Olivia and Andrew, Toby and Maria want to see him make a fool out of himself. I'm not really sure why they pulled a prank on Malvolio other than the fact that he is an egotistical jerk, but it's a pretty good prank nonetheless. I'm curious to see what happens to Malvolio!
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