Life of Pi Blog 1

For my book of choice, I decided to read Life of Pi. It may seem like it is just the story about a young man who gets stuck on a life boat for several months with the only company of a wild tiger, but there is so much depth and symbolism in this story that can be discussed. In the beginning of the story we learn that the narrator is also the main character, Piscine Molitor Patel, or Pi for short. Pi tells the reader about how his family lived and India and his father owned a zoo. Pi continues to tell about who he is and what his life is like.  He even goes into extreme detail about the origin of his name and how he came to be known as Pi. He was tormented as a child because his first name got mistaken for "pissing" and he describes how happy he was to find an escape through the use of a nickname: "And so, in that Greek letter that looks like a shack with a corrugated tin roof, in that elusive, irrational number with which scientists try to understand the universe, I found refuge." Pi also informs the reader that he is not a member of one religion but in fact three! He openly practices Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. He doesn't think that it is a problem to have three faiths at the same time: "Bapu Gandhi said, 'All religions are true.' I just want to love God." I have to say I agree with him, to an extent. I believe that people have religions because they want to worship God and love God and Pi is learning how people from other religions praise Him. I think it's a good idea to get to learn about other methods of worship, but it's also a little risky to be involved in three completely different faiths, especially ones that don't necessarily get along. Pi tells us that eventually his family had to sell the zoo because of issues with the government and how they were planning on moving to Canada. This is where the trouble begins. The family loads up a huge ship full of the remaining animals and they set sail for North America. The ship, unfortunately, sinks, and Pi is left all alone on a small lifeboat with an injured zebra, a hyena, an orangutan and a tiger.
I really like this book so far. I like the way that it is narrated by the main character and I also like the fact that it is a drama and a comedy at the same time. The author, Yann Martel, touches on many hot issues like religion and the difference between what's real and what's not. This story is so unbelievable that it's actually believable. I enjoy that there's never a dull moment and you never know what is going to happen next. The author uses so much detail and describes how Pi is feeling every step of the way and the reader is able to connect with Pi on a deeper level.

Frankenstein Blog 4

In the final section of the book the monster begins to feel the pain of his isolation. The monster desperately wants a family to call his own and to be included in something for once in his existence: "As yet I looked upon crime as a distant evil; benevolence and generosity were ever present before me, inciting within me a desire to become an actor in the busy scene where so many admirable qualities were called forth and displayed." The monster decides to approach the family after reading some notes written by Victor describing the creation of the monster. He speaks to the blind old man and tells him that he his lonely and doesn't know what to do. The old man tells him this: "Do not despair. To be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate; but the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious self interest, are full of brotherly love and charity. Rely, therefore, on your hopes; and if these friends are good and amiable, do not despair." The fact that Shelley used a blind old man in this part shows that if more people would be blind to the physical appearance of others we would be more compassionate and trusting. The other members of the family return to the house and are frightened by the appearance of the monster. The old man's son gets violent toward the monster and the monster escapes. The monster is saddened and angered by the fact that Victor made him so hideous and feels that no one will ever want him. The monster knows that he could have killed the whole family easily if he wanted to, but the fact that he didn't shows that he is not out to harm people and he just wants to be loved and accepted despite his scary appearance. He realizes that humans are to blame, especially his creator: "From that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and, more than all, against him who had formed me, and sent me forth to this insupportable misery." The monster finally confronts his creator and demands that he make him a female companion to spend his existence with. He promises that he and his companion will never bother humans and he will be forever grateful. Victor knows the consequences might be bad, but he is willing to take the risk to make his creation happy. As time goes on, however, Victor continues to put off his promise and the monster becomes angry. Long story short the monster ends up getting revenge on Victor by killing Elizabeth and Victor promises to devote the rest of his life to finding and destroying his creation.
I think this has got to be the tragedy of all tragedies. First Victor's mother dies and his little brother too. Then in the end his beloved almost wife Elizabeth dies which leads to the death of his father and then he dedicates his life to killing the monster but he dies before he finds it. Victor would have been better off if he had just ignored his creepy desire to create a monster and live his life like a regular young man. Shelley's message was very good, however, and it was very clear that too much power can lead to disaster.

Frankenstein Blog 3

Victor discovers that Justine has been killed for murdering William, Victor's brother. Victor enters a deep depression that he doesn't think he will get out of: "The blood flowed freely in my veins, but a weight of despair and remorse pressed on my heart, which nothing could remove." I think he is saying that he may still be actually living, but he's not living in the sense of being happy and enjoying himself. Victor's father realizes he is upset and tries to make him feel better. They travel to Belrive and there Victor encounters the monster: "I perceived, as the shape came nearer (sight tremendous and abhorred!) that it was the wretch whom I had created." Victor yells at the monster refers to it as "devil". It's ironic that Victor wants nothing to do with the monster now that he finished it and put so much time into it and now he's afraid of his creation. The monster convinces Victor to come with him to a hut on the mountain, where the monster tells his story. To be honest I'm surprised the monster didn't harm Victor after the way Victor yelled at him. The monster doesn't even seem to be a monster except for his appearance, and seems to make a sort of peace offering when he asks Victor to listen to his story. This just makes Victor look like an ass and I think he realizes it.
The monster tells about his struggles to Victor, especially when he first awakens: "It was dark when i awoke; I felt cold also, and half-frightened, as it were instinctively, finding myself so desolate." Even though the monster is a monster, he was still scared of first entering the world, just like a human. The monster encounters a family, and realizes he is sad and lonely: "Night quickly shut in; but, to my extreme wonder, I found that the cottagers had a means of prolonging light by the use of tapers, and was delighted to find that the setting of the sun did not put an end to the pleasure I experienced in watching my human neighbors." The monster even begins to develop feelings and is saddened by the fact that the people weren't always happy: "They were not entirely happy. The young man and his companion often went apart, and appeared to weep. I saw no cause for their unhappiness; but I was deeply affected by it."
It seems like this "monster" isn't a monster at all. He seems compassionate for people and has no intention of hurting them. Victor thinks that just because his creation is physically terrifying doesn't mean he is harmful. I think that this was the point Shelley was trying to make: People are people no matter what they look like and that they shouldn't be judged on their appearance. The monster is scary but has way more affection than his creator will ever have. Victor loses his brother and mother and thinks his life is pointless and feels sorry for himself but the monster has no family and he probably never will and doesn't seem affected by it.

Frankenstein Blog 2

In the next part of the book Victor describes his childhood. He explains how he and his sister were so different, yet they fit perfectly together: "Harmony was the soul of our companionship, and the diversity and contrast that subsisted in our characters drew us nearer together." It seems like one of the very few friends Victor has happens to be his sister, which is kind of sad. Victor says that he would intentionally avoid people and his "temper was sometimes violent, and my passions vehement; but by some law in my temperature they were turned, not towards childish pursuits, but to an eager desire to learn, and not to learn all things indiscriminately." This shows that Victor is extremely intelligent and way more mature than other children his age. He has a great love for science, but his father knows little about science, so Victor has to explore on his own: "My father was not scientific, and I was left to struggle with a child's blindness, added to a student's thirst for knowledge." Victor talks about going to college and how he must fend for himself and make an effort to meet new people and interact. However, he gets very involved in his schoolwork and returns to his old ways of being anti-social, perhaps even worse this time around. I think in a way it's admirable that Victor is so wrapped up in his studies and isn't so concerned about being social and going out and having fun. But at the same time, I think it's unhealthy for a college student, or anyone for that matter, to devote their entire being to studying and learning and working on his creation. When he finally finishes his creation he is scared of it: "Oh! no mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then; but when those muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived." It's ironic that Victor put all of this hard work and passion into this creation and it ended up being less than his expectations and he actually becomes terrified of his work. he becomes so stressed out about his creation that he becomes ill. This shows that Victor is already becoming obsessed with his work and it is just going to get worse and worse.
I think the book so far is alright in terms of what is going on but in terms of language I think Shelley is right on. The complex words she uses shows how intellectual Victor is and how passionate he is about science and his creation. It can be a little hard to follow at times but the word choice fits perfectly with the character. The fact that a woman wrote this story makes it even more interesting. Women at this point in time were thought of incapable of doing a lot of things, so Shelley writing a book of great importance is very empowering and refreshing. I hope the story gets more eventful as it goes on.

Frankenstein Blog 1

The novel starts out with a series of letters written by Robert Walton to Mrs. Saville, his sister. In his letters he explains that he is on a voyage to the Arctic. Walton seems like a very optimistic person in his first letter: "These reflections have dispelled the agitation with which I began my letter, and I feel my heart glow with an enthusiasm which elevates me to heaven; for nothing contributes so much to tranquillese the mind as a steady purpose--a point on which the soul may fixits intellectual eye. He hopes that this expedition will make some purpose in his life. I thought this was a strange but good way to start this book because it sets the tone of a dark story and it isn't the typical "Once upon a time" we're all accustomed to. After reading the four letters from Walton the reader starts chapter 1, where the narration is switched to Victor Frankenstein. The chapter starts out with Victor
narrating about his life story and he talks about how his mother and father met. It's a little creepy because of how far they are apart in age and also considering the fact that the narrator's father took in Caroline, the narrator's mother, in as a daughter! The narrator talks about being born in Italy and the way his parents took pride in their only son and how perfect his life was. He talks about his family adopting a girl named Elizabeth. Victor seems to adore Elizabeth and the last line of the chapter seems to imply that he becomes a little overprotective: "No word, no expression could body forth the kind of relation in which she stood to me --my more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only."
Victor continues to explain his story and says that his life hasn't always been rainbows and unicorns: "I feel exquisite pleasure in dwelling on the recollections of childhood, before misfortune had tainted my mind, and changed its bright visions of extensive usefulness into gloomy and narrow reflections upon self." He talks about the death of his mother and I think that this is the start of Victor's misfortune. I see a lot of similarities between Robert Walton and Victor. Both men have a drive for learning and both are very determined. I think Shelley opened the novel with letters from Walton to his sister to show the reader the close resemblance. Victor seems to become so hungry for knowledge that he becomes kind of obsessed with his creation and I think this is because of the death of his mother.
I think this book will start to get very interesting as it progresses. It becomes evident that Victor is already starting to lose his mind and this obsession will eventually do more harm than good.

Pride and Prejudice Blog 3

In the next part of the book Elizabeth receives a letter from Darcy. In the letter, he explains his intentions for trying to break up Jane and Bingley and he tells Elizabeth the truth about Mr. Wickham. Darcy tells her that Wickham wanted to marry his sister Georgiana, but he only wanted to take advantage of her: "Mr. Wickham's chief object was unquestionably my sister's fortune, which is thirty thousand pounds; but I cannot help supposing that the hope of revenging himself on me was a strong inducement." (pg. 229). I think Darcy seems very sincere in his letter and seems like a completely different character from how he was described earlier in the book. Even Elizabeth is surprised by this transformation and cannot believe he would actually apologize to her. When she reads about the part about Wickham, she is a little hesitant to believe it. She assumes that it isn't true and tosses it aside, but something inside of her wonders if Darcy is telling the truth. This shows that Elizabeth may actually have some trust in Darcy despite his terrible personality.
Elizabeth decides to return home even though Lady Catherine wishes she would stay longer. When she gets back home Elizabeth and Collins meet for breakfast and Collins brags about how happy he is and how perfect his marriage is: "My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking. There is in everything a most remarkable resemblance of character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other." (pg. 244). I think Collins's description of his marriage is actually pretty corny. I mean, if he and Charlotte were made for each other, why was he trying to marry Elizabeth just the other week? And most importantly, why is he rubbing all this in Elizabeth's face? It's obvious that he's still upset about the rejection and trying to make Elizabeth regret her decision. That seems like the type of thing a child would do but oh well.
Elizabeth tells Jane about Wickham and how she doesn't want to see him again. She explains the letter to Jane and Jane is appalled that someone would do such an evil thing. Jane feels sorry for Darcy and thinks about the pain he went through, which shows that Jane is kindhearted and sympathetic.
Later on Elizabeth tours Pemberley Estate and begins to wonder what it would be like to live there: "They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!" (pg. 274). This sort of implies that later on she actually might become the mistress of Pemberley and marry Darcy. During this visit, Elizabeth's opinion of Darcy changes because she hears nothing but good things about him: "This was praise of all others most extraordinary, most opposite to her ideas. That he was not a good-tempered man had been her firmest opinion. Her keenest attention was awakened; she longed to hear more." (pg. 278).
I think this part of the book has really showed the reader that Elizabeth's opinion of Darcy is slowly changing for the better and shows that their relationship will continue to grow. I think that Elizabeth and Darcy will definitely fall in love eventually, but the question is if they will actually stay together.

Pride and Prejudice Blog 2

In the next part of Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth meets a man named Wickham. She seems to like Wickham and becomes pretty good acquaintances with him. Many people, including Jane, do not like Wickham and warn Elizabeth to stay away from him: "Mr. Wickham is by no means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very imprudent, and he has deserved to lose Mr. Darcy's regard." (pg. 109). Later on, Mr. Collins asks Elizabeth to marry him! It's kind of strange to me that back in this era people would get married so fast without dating much or anything, they just talk a few times and dance at balls or whatever and get married in a flash. Elizabeth tries to turn him down in the best way possible but he just doesn't seem to get the hint: "I am not now to learn that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time." (pg. 122). This guy seems to be completely full of himself! He obviously thinks he is too great to be rejected by anyone and is too big-headed to realize he's not wanted. I feel bad for Elizabeth! All these strange men wanting to marry her and other guys talking bad about her and then wanting her (Mr. Darcy). Mrs. Bennet finds out that Elizabeth rejected the proposal and becomes furious. She tells Mr. Bennet and expects him to fix the problem, but Elizabeth ends up with an ultimatum: She either marries Collins and never sees her father again or does not marry Collins and never sees her mother again.
A few days later, news comes in that Mr. Collins has proposed to Elizabeth's friend Charlotte and she has accepted. Elizabeth is shocked by this: "The strangeness of Mr. Collins's making two offers of marriage within three days was nothing in comparison of his being now accepted." (pg. 144). This line was a little funny because it's saying that Collins's ability to actually get accepted is extremely strange and surprising. Not only is all this drama going on for Elizabeth, but Jane is having some of her own. Bingley's evil sister keeps writing the Bennets letters about how her brother is going to marry Miss Darcy and how wonderful Miss Darcy is. In my opinion Miss Bingley is like the horrible, mean, popular girl in high school and it's her main mission to make the Bennet sisters miserable. I don't know why she has all this hate for the sisters besides the fact that Mr. Darcy has an interest in Lizzy, but really, who cares? She has the same opportunity as Elizabeth to get with Darcy and it's obvious he doesn't like her. Maybe if she was nicer and not all about herself Darcy would pay attention to her.
So far this book is pretty drama-filled and intense. I'm pretty eager to see what happens between Elizabeth and Wickham and if Bingley actually marries Miss Darcy, although I think this is one of those books where everything ends happily. I guess I'll have to wait and see!

Pride and Prejudice Blog 1

In the beginning of the book the Bennet family discovers that a wealthy man named Mr. Bingley is moving in at Netherfield Park. Mrs. Bennet seems especially excited by this news because she wants one of her daughters to marry him. Already I realize that Mrs. Bennet is very superficial and controlling. She hasn't even met Mr. Bingley and she wants one of her daughters to marry him! He could be a total creep for all she knows! It's obvious that she only cares about social rank and money. Later the Bennet girls and their mother go to a party along with Mr. Bingley and his friend Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy is a very rude and arrogant man: "He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everybody hoped that he would never come there again." (pg. 12). It's strange that Darcy and Bingley are even friends since Darcy is cruel and cocky and Bingley is kind and friendly. When the Bennets return from the party Mrs. Bennet tells Mr. Bennet about the ball and how happy she was that Bingley danced with Jane twice. Mr. Bennet does not seem to care at all. In fact, he seems to get angry at his wife for going on and on about the ball: "If he had had any compassion for me he would not have danced half so much! For God's sake, say no more of his partners." (pg. 14). It's ironic that Mrs. Bennet calls Darcy a "high" and "conceited" man for not taking a liking to Elizabeth when she herself is being shallow and conceited for thinking that her daughters only deserve the richest and the best.
Later on, the unthinkable happens: Mr. Darcy becomes interested in Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy seems to be one of those people that has everything they could possibly want and the one thing they know they can't have they desperately try to get it. Darcy is only fascinated by Elizabeth and has no desire to be with her, not yet anyway. Caroline Bingley invites Jane over for dinner and Mrs. Bennet makes Jane go by horseback in order to stay overnight. Jane gets caught in a rainstorm and becomes sick. She has to stay at the manor until she recovers. She asks Lizzy to visit her, which stirs up a whole bunch of drama. Miss Bingley seems to be fighting Elizabeth for Darcy's attention and talks bad about her: "Eliza Bennet is one of those young ladies who seek to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing their own; and with many men, I dare say, it succeeds. But, in my opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art." (pg. 45). Miss Bingley seems really foolish in my opinion. She tries so hard to get Darcy's attention by making herself seem perfect and Elizabeth so poor and unworthy of him. She actually makes herself look bad because she is so critical. It's funny how Darcy is falling for Elizabeth who has no interest in him whatsoever.
So far I actually sort of like this book. Even though it was written in the 1800s it's pretty easy to follow and I can relate to it. A lot of drama is going on in the book, just like in high school. The characters a pretty realistic and there is always something going on. I think that even though Elizabeth has absolutely no interest in Mr. Darcy she will eventually fall in love with him. I also think Jane and Bingley will end up together, but I guess I'll have to keep reading to discover what really happens.

The Catcher in the Rye Blog 4

In the last section of the book Holden goes on his date with Sally. It's so obvious that he doesn't even like her and claims he loves her when he sees her, probably just because she looked good: "I didn't even like her much, and yet all of a sudden I felt like I was in love with her and wanted to marry her." I feel bad for Sally because Holden just goes out with her because she's good looking and makes her believe he genuinely likes her. He even says he thinks her voice is annoying. Holden claims how he hates things that are corny and over-the-top but Sally is exactly that. It's obvious that he's very immature and doesn't know what he wants. Although it seems that Holden is, or tries to be, down to earth, which I like about him. During the movie Sally sees a guy she knows and they talk for a long time and she completely forgets about Holden, so she must not be too crazy about him either. After the movie they went skating and Holden talks to Sally about running away together. It's obvious that she thinks he's crazy and wants to leave, and I don't blame her. Once Holden gets an idea in his head, no matter how ridiculous, he tries to go through with it and doesn't realize how silly it is.

After the horrible date with Sally, Holden tries to call Jane again. I really wish he would just get together with Jane because it's obvious that he actually cares about her unlike Sally. He calls this guy named Carl Luce and wants to meet up with him for a drink. I think Holden makes up any excuse just to get a drink. Holden starts talking about Carl Luce and how he could tell if people were gay or lesbian. Holden even has his doubts about Carl and thinks he might be a little 'flitty'. It's weird that Holden calls up these people he isn't even close to and really doesn't even like them and tries to go out with them like they have been friends forever. I realize he probably does this because he's lonely and doesn't have that many friends. In a way I feel bad for him because he's alone and can't go home to his family but then again it's his own fault he's on his own in the first place.

After Holden has a drink with Carl he gets drunk and starts walking all over the city feeling lonely and sorry for himself. He decides to go to his house and visit Phoebe, which probably isn't the best idea since he's drunk. He sneaks in the house and tries not to wake anyone up. He watches Phoebe sleep for a while and then wakes her up. She is excited to see him, but then finds out he got kicked out of school. Then Holden calls up Mr. Antolini and asks to stay with him for a little bit since he has no place to go. Mr. Antolini agrees and then Holden's parents come home. He hides and then Phoebe lends him all of her money. I think that Phoebe is a really good sister and loves her brother a lot because she gets upset when he flunks out of school and lets him borrow all of her Christmas money and I think Holden knows it. He wants to visit her all the time because he knows she loves him and will always love him no matter how many schools he gets kicked out of.

Holden goes to stay at the Antolini's and after he wakes up to find Mr. Antolini petting Holden's head Holden freaks out and leaves immediately. Holden gets another crazy idea to go live in the woods and decides to write a goodbye letter to Phoebe. He meets her in front of a museum and she wants to go with him. He says she can't and she cries and says she won't go to school anymore if he leaves. I think this is the point he realizes he has been foolish failing every school he does to and not caring and setting a bad example for his little sister. He realizes he wants Phoebe to have a good future and not end up like him so he decides to do the mature thing and go back home.

I thought the ending to the story was abrupt, but I thought it fit with the whole story. Holden turns out to be sort of sensitive and says that he misses everyone he's had the chance to meet, even Stradlater and Ackley. I think he learns that life is full of surprises and you never know what's going to happen until it happens.

The Catcher in the Rye Blog 3

In the next part of the story Holden goes back to the hotel. As he gets in the elevator a man named Maurice asks him if he wants a good time. The man asks Holden how old he is and Holden lies and says 22. Holden ends up buying a prostitute for a short amount of time. It's crazy to me that this hotel would have prostitutes available, especially for people that are not being honest about their age, like Holden. I realize that this is probably a low end hotel by the way Holden describes it: "The whole lobby was empty. It smelled like fifty million dead cigars. It really did." The prostitute comes and is ready to get down to business but Holden stalls for a little bit then decides he is scared and not ready for this. He makes up an excuse that he had a recent operation but he will pay her anyway. One thing I did find interesting is that Holden actually felt sorry and sad for the girl: "I took her dress over to the closet and hung it up for her. It was funny. It made me feel sort of sad when I hung it up. I thought of her going in a store and buying it, and nobody in the store knowing she was a prostitute and all. The salesman probably just thought she was a regular girl when she bought it. It made me feel sad as hell--I don't know why exactly." This shows that Holden actually has sympathy for people despite his tough exterior. The fact that he didn't do what he was expected to do with the prostitute showed that he knows right from wrong and he knew it isn't right for this girl to be treated the way she is.

Later on Holden calls up a girl named Sally and asks her out to a movie. It's obvious that he doesn't like her much: "She gave me a pain in the ass, but she was very good-looking." He probably just wants to spend some time with someone he knows, just to feel less lonely. He tries to call Jane, but when her mother answers, he hangs up right away. I think he's afraid that Jane might be home and if he tried to ask her out he might get rejected. That makes it obvious that he really has feelings for Jane and that Holden really has a soft side.

Holden decides to go to Grand Central Station and have some breakfast. There he meets two nuns who are also teachers. One is an English teacher and Holden tells her that English is his best subject. Holden offers to give them ten dollars as a contribution. I think this is ironic because earlier Holden claimed to be an atheist: "I can't always pray when I feel like it. In the first place, I'm sort of an atheist. I like Jesus and all, but I don't care too much for most of the other stuff in the Bible."

I think it's funny that Holden continues to think he's tough and mature, even though he does nice things like donate money and buy a record for his little sister. However, he even admits that he isn't as tough as he would like to be: "I'd have the damn gloves right in my hand and all, but I'd feel I ought to sock the guy in the jaw or something--break his goddam jaw. Only, I wouldn't have the guts to do it. I'd just stand there trying to look tough." I don't know why Holden continues to carry on with this tough guy act when it's obvious it makes him look young and immature. Maybe as the book progresses Holden will realize he is acting very childish when he tries to be an adult and will decide to change his ways.

The Catcher in the Rye Blog 2

In the story Holden and Stradlater get into a big fight when Stradlater comes back from his date with Jane. Holden gets mad because he thinks Stradlater had sex with her and punches him in the face, which shows he has some feelings for Jane. Stradlater tackles Holden and makes him bleed all over the place. After the fight Holden goes into Ackley's room: "I had a feeling old Ackley'd probably heard all the racket and was awake. So I went through the shower curtains into his room, just to see what the hell he was doing." Holden claims that he went in to check on Ackley, but I really think that Holden wanted a friend there for him and wanted someone to comfort him, which his funny considering how much Holden says he can't stand Ackley. I think Ackely is a pretty funny character, especially when it comes to his religion: "I don't care what you say about me or anything, but if you start making cracks about my goddam religion for Chrissake--" Ackley claims that he is very religious but says things like "goddam" and "Chrissake". It's pretty ironic to me. I also think that Ackley is pretty similar to Holden, especially in the way he talks and curses all the time.

After fighting with Stradlater and getting no comfort from Ackley, Holden decides to leave Pencey for good. Holden takes a bus into New York, where he meets the mother of one of his classmates, Ernest Morrow. He finds the woman very attractive, but then again Holden finds a lot of women attractive, so he's a very hormonal young man. After talking to her for a while, Holden asks her out for a few drinks, which seems crazy because 1) he is too young to buy drinks 2) he just met this woman and 3) she is way too old for Holden. Even though she turned him down I think his attempt was still funny, especially because he kept making up stories to impress her.

After Holden gets off the bus he goes to a trashy hotel. There he goes to a phone booth and calls up this slutty girl one of his friends knows. Again he asks her out for a few drinks but she declines. I think Holden thinks if he buys a woman a few drinks he's going to get lucky, which is probably true considering the women he's asked out already. It's funny that Holden says he doesn't understand sex at all but it's all he thinks about and even though he makes rules for himself, he ends up ignoring them: "Sex is something I really don't understand too hot. You never know where the hell you are. I keep making up these sex rules for myself, and then I break them right away."

As the story goes on Holden describes his little sister Phoebe. Again I notice he describes her in a positive and proud way, like he described his brother Allie: "You should see her. You never saw a little kid so pretty and smart in your whole life. She's really smart." I notice that he only talks about Allie, Phoebe and Jane in a good way and everyone else he doesn't really care for. He especially talks about Jane in a good way: "You never even worried, with Jane, whether your hand was sweaty or not. All you knew was, you were happy. You really were." I think that Holden really cares about Jane and I think he will try to get in contact with her later in the book.

The Catcher in the Rye Blog 1

In the first part of The Catcher in the Rye the main character, Holden Caulfield, narrates the story and starts out talking about how he got kicked out of Pencey Prep. He explains how he has kicked out of many different schools because he doesn't care about his education. He makes it sound like it's the school that is awful and not his lack of trying: "They don't do any damn more molding at Pencey than they do at any other school. And I didn't know anybody there that was splendid and clear thinking and all." Holden seems very negative about everything and he doesn't care about anything, either. Holden talks about visiting his history teacher Mr. Spencer and how he had to listen to Mr. Spencer talk about why he was failing Holden: "I flunked you in history because you knew absolutely nothing." And while Mr. Spencer keeps repeating why Holden failed, Holden is perfectly polite and agrees with everything he says, while in his head he is getting pissed off and wants to leave already. I thought this part was pretty funny because Holden decided to be nice and visit his sick teacher for the last time and his teacher makes him miserable by criticizing him the whole time.

Holden also talks about a kid named Ackley who always bothers Holden and supposedly hates everyone: "He hated Stradlater's guts and he never came in the room if Stradlater was around. He hated everybody's guts, damn near." It's pretty funny that Holden basically tells Ackley to go away, but he never gets the hint. Holden can't seem to get away even when he make a big effort to. Then Holden's roommate Stradlater comes in and asks Holden if he can borrow his coat and asks if Holden can write a paper for him. It's pretty ironic that Stradlater asks the kid that is failing almost all of his classes to write a paper for him. It's even more ironic that Holden agrees to do it. So Holden decides to write the descriptive paper about his brother Allie's baseball glove, which had poems written all over it. His brother died of leukemia and this seems to me like the only thing so far that Holden talks about without resentment and talks about his brother with compassion: "He was terrifically intelligent. His teachers were always writing letters to my mother, telling her what a pleasure it was having a boy like Allie in their class." It seems like Holden really cared about his brother and was devastated when he died because he broke all the windows with his hand: "I slept in the garage the night he died, and I broke all the goddam windows with my fist, just for the hell of it."

After reading so far I think this is a pretty funny book and I'm not even sure that was the author's intention. Just the irony and the swearing is just funny. I know this was a pretty controversial book back in the day and I can see why: there is a swear word on almost every page. Compared to books today, however, this is nothing. I also notice that when Holden is talking about something, he rambles on about something else entirely different or explains why something happened and has to constantly return back to what he was originally talking about. I can't wait to see what happens next in Holden's interesting life.

1984 Blog 3

In the next part of 1984 the Party announces that after all this time hating Eurasia, it turns out that Eastasia was actually the enemy: "At just this moment it had been announced that Oceania was not after all at war with Eurasia. Oceania was at war with Eastasia. Eurasia was an ally." (Page 196). Within minutes of the speaker announcing this news, the crowd goes crazy and begins to hate Eastasia. Winston knows that the fact that they had hated Eurasia will be erased from history: "Although no directive was ever issued, it was known that the chiefs of the Department intended that within one week no reference to the war with Eurasia, or the alliance with Eastasia, should remain in existence anywhere." (Page 199). Winston knows he will have a lot of work to do with this change in alliance. I think it's strange that all of a sudden the people can just lose their hate for Eurasia and gain so much hate for Eastasia in a matter of minutes just because the Party tells them to.

Winston goes to the room he shares with Julia and starts to read a book by Emmanuel Goldstein called "The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism". It is about the social classes in Oceania and that there is no life without war. Goldstein says in his book that no matter what there will always be wars between the three nations: "In one combination or another, these three superstates are permanently at war, and have been so for twenty-five years." (Page 202). It's depressing that there will always be a war going on and there is absolutely no solution so the only answer is hate for the enemy country and every once in a while the alliances switch up and they become allies with the country they once despised. This cycle would get old after a while and the people are obviously so brainwashed that they can't break free from it all.

When Winston and Julia wake up they are startled by a bunch of men that have broken into their room. It turns out that they had been spied on the whole time! The men attack Winston and Julia and take Julia away. Mr. Charrington enters the room and it's revealed that he is in fact a member of the Thought Police. I always thought it was kind of strange that Mr. Charrington let Winston stay in the room that was supposedly safe and free from any telescreens without anything in return.

Winston finds himself in a cell where he is constantly being monitored. He hasn't eaten anything for a long time and wonders if they will even bother to feed him: "But he was also hungry, with a gnawing, unwholesome kind of hunger. It might be twenty-four hours since he had eaten, it might be thirty-six. He still did not know, probably never would know, whether it had been morning or evening when they arrested him. Since he was arrested he had not been fed." (Page 247). Winston couldn't even put his hand in his pocket: ""Smith!" yelled a voice from the telescreen. "6079 Smith W! Hands out of pockets in the cells!"" By the description of the cell it seems like the Party wants to torture their prisoners and make them sorry that they ever broke the law and try to go against them. They want to make it clear that they will find the rebels and make sure they are punished for their actions.

1984 Blog 2

Next in 1984 Winston goes into a bar in the prole district and starts to talk to a man about the past. He asks the man if times were different in the past: "Do you feel that you have more freedom now than you had in those days? Are you treated more like a human being?" (Page 100). The man doesn't give him a straight answer and Winston gets frustrated. Winston leaves and finds himself in front of the store in which he bought the diary. He goes inside and encounters the shopkeeper. Winston looks around a bit and decides to buy an old paperweight, which could have been suspicious: "Anything old, and for that matter anything beautiful, was always vaguely suspect." (Page 106). The shopkeeper takes Winston to a secret room, a room Winston notices doesn't have a telescreen. The shopkeeper says: "I never had one of those things. Too expensive. And I never seemed to feel the need of it, anyhow." (Page 107). The man, named Mr. Charrington, makes it seem like having a telescreen isn't required and he doesn't seem to care about not having one. Mr. Charrington recites a rhyme about churches: "Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St. Clement's, you owe me three farthings, say the bells of St. Martin's!" (Page 110). The rhyme makes Winston think of the past and what it could have been like and how different it probably was. Winston leaves the shop and notices the dark haired girl and thinks she is spying on him. He considers killing the girl: "He could keep her on track till they were in some quiet place, and then smash her skull in with a cobblestone." (Page 112). In my opinion Winston seems very paranoid. He was scared that the Party would catch him writing bad things in his diary and now he thinks that this girl is spying on him. I understand standing up to the Party and Big Brother is very risky, but if Winston wants to be rebellious he needs to man up and do it!

In Part 2 Winston goes to work and sees the girl with dark hair with an arm sling. The girl falls down and Winston helps her up. In the process the girl slips him a note. He takes the note and after a long while of debating he decides to read it. It turns out that the girl loves him, or so it says. Winston is surprised by this: "For several seconds he was too stunned even to throw the incriminating thing into the memory hole." (Page 118). I was very surprised at this turn of events. I definitely thought she was spying on him since she happened to be wherever he was and it doesn't really make sense to me that she would be in love with him, especially since they have never talked to each other before. A few days after receiving the note Winston sits at the girl's lunch table. They briefly spoke and decided to meet up in private. They met in Victory Square and agreed to meet again at a later date. I honestly think this whole situation is weird. Winston just wants the girl sexually and it's pretty gross since he's way older than her. I think Winston is a pervert and is constantly thinking about sex.

Winston and the girl finally meet up alone and basically have sex. Turns out that Julia has done it plenty of times and Winston loves her for it: "Listen. The more men you've had, the more I love you. Do you understand that?" (Page 137). This seems more like a political agenda and part of Winston's rebellion scheme to me. The two continue their affair and take up residence in the room above Mr. Charrington's shop. I'm pretty confused about what has happened so far. It doesn't make sense that Winston and Julia are an "item" now and Winston is in love with Julia because she is a whore and slept with so many members of the Party. It just shows that it's part of his hate for the Party and doesn't really have anything to do with his "love" for Julia.

1984 Blog 1

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.

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.

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.

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!

Twelfth Night Act 1

In Act 1 Scene 1 of Twelfth Night the duke of Illyria proclaims his love for music saying that it makes him feel even more in love: "If music be the food of love, play on, give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die." (I.i.1-3). He says that he loves a woman named Olivia: "O, when mine eyes did see Olivia first, methought she purged the air of pestilence. That instant was I turned into a hart, and my desires, like fell and cruel hounds, e'er since pursue me." (I.i.20-24). Valentine tells him that Olivia is not seeking love out of respect for her dead brother: "The element itself, till seven years' heat, shall not behold her face at ample view; but like a cloistress she will veiled walk, and water once a day her chamber round with eye-offending brine: all this to season a brother's dead love, which she would keep fresh and lasting in her sad remembrance." (I.i.27-33). This doesn't seem to affect Orsino too much as he continues to babble on about "how will she love when the rich golden shaft hath killed the flock of all affections else that live in her." (I.i.36-38). It seems to me that Orsino is so desperately in love with Olivia that he will do anything to be with her, which is a little scary. It also seems like he has never even met Olivia and just views her from a distance, which makes the situation even more creepy.
In Act 1 Scene 2 Viola arrives to Illyria on a ship. Apparently her brother died but she hopes that maybe he is still alive: "My brother he is in Elysium. Perchance he is not drowned." (I.ii.4-5). Viola and the captain discuss the duke and Olivia and Viola decides she wants to work for the duke: "Conceal me what I am, and be my aid for such disguise as haply shall become the form of my intent. I'll serve this duke." (I.ii.53-55). I'm not completely sure why Viola has to disguise herself as a man, but I guess that's why this is considered a comedy.
In Act 1 Scene 3 Sir Toby and Maria talk about Toby's bad drinking habits. Maria advises him to stop drinking so much: "Your cousin, my lady, takes great exceptions to your late hours." (I.iii.5-6). Toby doesn't think he has a drinking problem and doesn't want to change his ways: "Confine? I'll confine myself no finer than I am. These clothes are good enough to drink in, and so be these boots too. And they be not, let them hang themselves in their own straps." (I.iii.10-13). Sir Andrew enters and is intoduced to Maria. He tries to woo her , but ends up failing: "Ay, sir, I have them at my finger's ends. Marry, now I let go your hand, I am barren." (I.iii.77-78). Toby and Andrew talk about Olivia and Andrew thinks he should go home because he has no chance with her: "Faith, I'll home tomorrow, Sir Toby. Your niece will not be seen; or if she be, it's four to one she'll none of me." (I.iii.102-104).  Toby reassures him that there is still hope: "She'll none o' th' Count. She'll not match above her degree, neither in estate, years, nor wit; I have heard her swear't. Tut, there's life in't, man." (I.iii.106-108). After reading this scene I think that Toby is a drunk, Maria is bitter and is sick of men and Andrew is just plain stupid.
In Act 1 Scene 4 Viola enters in her disguise, dressed like a man named Cesario. The duke asks Viola to talk to Olivia and tell her how much he loves her: "O, then unfold the passion of my love; surprise her with discourse of my dear faith; it shall become thee well to act my woes." (I.iv.24-26). Viola has a problem with this because she herself is in love with the duke: "Yet a barful strife! Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife." (I.iv.41-42). It's odd to me that Viola has already fallen in love with the duke when she has just met him. He hasn't even showed any affection for her whatsoever. He thinks she's a man!
In Act 1 Scene 5 Viola speaks with Olivia. She tells Olivia that the duke loves her: "With adorations, with fertile tears, with groans that thunder love, with sighs of fire." (I.v.256-257). Olivia says that she does not love him: "Your lord does know my mind; I cannot love him." (I.v.258). After talking to Viola/Cesario, Olivia feels like she has fallen in love with Cesario: "Even so quickly may one catch the plague? Methinks I feel this youth's perfections with an invisible and subtle stealth to creep in at mine eyes." (I.v.296-299). I think it's a little strange that Olivia has fallen in love with Cesario, especially since Cesario is actually a woman. I knew this would happen right when the duke arranged for Cesario to speak with Olivia. This play has been pretty interesting and strange so far and I think it will get even more strange as it progresses.

Othello Act 3 Scenes 3 and 4, Act 4 Scenes 1, 2 and 3, and Act 5 Scenes 1 and 2

In Act 3 Scene 3 Desdemona wants to give Cassio another chance and reassures him that Othello won't be angry with him: "Do not doubt, Cassio, but I will have my lord and you again as friendly as you were." (III.iii.4-7). Othello and Iago enter and Cassio leaves because he is uncomfortable: "I am very ill at ease, unfit for mine own purposes." (III.iii.32-33). Desdemona tells Othello that Cassio feels bad about what happened and Othello should talk to him: "I' sooth so humbled that he hath left part of his grief with me to suffer with him. Good love, call him back." (III.iii. 52-54). Iago and Othello are then left alone and Iago starts to ask questions about Cassio. Othello becomes suspicious: "Nay, yet there's more in this? I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings, as thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts the worst of words." (III.iii. 130-134). Iago tells Othello to watch Desdemona: "Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio." (III.iii.197). Othello begins to think that Desdemona is cheating on him: "She's gone. I am abused, and my relief must be to loathe her." (III.iii.266-267). Othello and Desdemona leave for dinner and Desdemona drops her special handkerchief. Emilia gives it to Iago who plans on using it to frame Desdemona: "I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin and let him find it." (III.iii.318-319). Iago tells Othello that he saw Cassio with Desdemona's napkin and Othello wants Cassio dead: "Within these three days let me hear thee say that Cassio's not alive." (III.iii.469-470).
In Act 3 Scene 4 Desdemona and Othello meet up. Othello asks Desdemona for her napkin but she obviously does not have it. He keeps bugging her about where it is and she keeps avoiding the question. She even changes the subject at one point: "Why, so I can; but I will not now. This is a trick to put me from my suit: pray you let Cassio be received again." (III.iv.87-89). Othello gets angry and leaves. Everyone wonders why Othello is angry so Iago goes to talk to him. Meanwhile, Bianca enters and Cassio asks her to make a copy of Desdemona's napkin: "I know not neither, I found it in my chamber. I like the work well. Ere it be demanded, as like enough it will, I would have it copied." (III.iv.187-189).
In Act 4 Scene 1 Iago and Othello have a conversation about Desdemona and Cassio. Iago tells Othello that Desdemona and Cassio were in bed together: "With her, on her; what you will." (IV.i.35). Cassio arrives and Othello hides while Cassio and Iago talk about Bianca. Cassio claims he doesn't love her and Bianca angrily storms in with Desdemona's handkerchief. With this, Othello is certain she is cheating on him. Othello plans to kill Desdemona: "Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated." (IV.i.209-210). Iago offers to kill Cassio: "And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker." (IV.i.213). Lodovico and Desdemona enter. Othello shows his anger towards Desdemona and hits her. Lodovico is astonished by this.
In Act 4 Scene 2 Othello and Emilia discuss Desdemona. Emilia says that Desdemona is a good person and whoever says otherwise is evil: "If any wretch have put this in your head, let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse, for if she be not honest, chaste, and true, there's no man happy." (IV.ii.15-18). This is ironic because it was her own hsband who said this about Desdemona. Desdemona and Othello speak of Desdemona's infidelity and she has no idea of what he is accusing her of: "By heaven, you do me wrong!" (IV.ii.80). Iago comes in, acting like he has no idea what is going on and why Othello said what he said: :Beshrew him for 't! How comes this trick upon him?" (IV.ii.128-129). Iago convinces Roderigo to kill Cassio in exchange for Desdemona.
Nothing much happens in Act 4 Scene 3, but in Act 5 Scene 1 Roderigo attempts to kill Cassio. Roderigo is killed by Iago and Cassio is wounded.
In Act 5 Scene 2 Othello smothers Desdemona and he admits it: "She's like a liar gone to burning hell. 'Twas I that killed her." (V.ii.128-129). Iago kills Emilia after she tells Othello the truth about the handkerchief. Othello chases down Iago and stabs him and later stabs himself. Before he dies, Othello kisses Desdemona, knowing he falsely accused her.
After reading this entire play, I definitely blame Iago, but everyone had the chance to ignore him and move on with their lives. If Othello didn't listen to the rumors that Iago told him, he wouldn't have killed his wife and ultimately himself. Even if the rumors were true, he could have calmly discussed the matter with his wife. He should believe his wife anyway instead of some random guy. Isn't marriage based on trust? In the end,Othello's jealousy overcame him and he handled things in the worst way possible.