Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Scarlet Letter (Custom House)
1. What is the primary purpose for the Custom House introduction?
An introduction is something that introduces: as a (1): a part of a book or treatise preliminary to the main portion. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introduction) An author uses an introduction to present the reader with background information on how or why the story was written. The introduction can help the reader better understand the story by giving valuable information, such as; the time period, customs, religious background, important characters, etc. It also helps the reader get to understand and fully grasp the author's point of view. Without an introduction, the reader would not be able to understand some ideas or concepts behind the story. Nathaniel Hawthorne gives the reader background information in his introduction so that the reader is more familiar with the Custom-House.
The primary purpose for the Custom-House introduction was to give the reader a better understanding of the people living in the Custom-House and their ways of living. In the introduction, the reader is given an overview of Hawthorne's points of views on the Custom-House. He thinks that those who once occupied Salem, were hurting it. He states "by her own merchants and ship-owners, who permit her wharves to crumble to ruin..." (Custom-House 6) The introduction also gave the reader the background information about the "Scarlet Letter" and how the diary of Pue will be the basic outline for the story. He states "Prying further into the manuscipt, I found the record of other doings and sufferings of this singular woman, for most of which the reader is refferd to the story entitled "The Scarlet Letter..." (Custom-House p32) He goes on saying "the main facts of that story are authorized and authenticated by the document of Mr. Surveyor Pue." Hawthorne is basically citing his sources of information.
2. What significant change does Hawthorne admit to making in telling the story contained in the diary?
Hawthorne admits to putting his own twist to the story in the diary. He states "I must not be understood as affirming, that, in the dressing up of the tale, and imagining the motives and modes of passion that influenced the characters who figure in it. I have invariably confined myself withing the limits of the old Surveyor's half a dozen sheets of foolscrap." (Custom-House p32) Hawthorne is basically saying that his story is inspired by actual events that took place, but still influenced by things of his imagination and creation. Therefore, not all things in this book are true. Hawthorne was just adding interest, meaning, and character to the story or events that were told in the diary. One can say, that Hawthorne used the diary as the outline for the story.
Hawthorne took it upon himself to create this story by putting himself in that time period even though he may not have been familiar with it. It may seem simple, but creating a story based on true events and been restricted on not violating the authenticity of them, can be very challenging. Hawthorne took a risk in doing so. He states "On the contrary, I have allowed myself, as to such points, nearly altogether as much license as if the facts had been entirely of my own invention. What I contend for is the authenticity of the outline." (Custom-House p32) He is basically stating that his whole purpose is to keep the outline of the story true. The other factors that will play in the story wont be real or based on real events.
3. What potential impact will this change have on the story?
The fact that Hawthorne made this into his own work, will have a great impact on the story. Since the story was based on a diary, which to many might not have seemed interesting, Hawthorne gave it life, meaning and a purpose. One can thank Hawthorne for doing so. Maybe the diary itself was not interesting or exciting, but the events and people in it were. Hawthorne just brought the story to life with his own work. Overall, he turned the story into an engaging narritive to the reader.
The fact that Hawthorne was able to do so, to one may seem amazing. To create a story based on true events and giving it your own thoughts can be difficult. What could be even more difficult is to be able to keep the authenticity of the actual occurings. Hawthorne was able to do so. He took this great challenge as a writer and was able to complete his goal. Thanks to Hawthorne, the story was brought to life and now recognized wordly for its success.
An introduction is something that introduces: as a (1): a part of a book or treatise preliminary to the main portion. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introduction) An author uses an introduction to present the reader with background information on how or why the story was written. The introduction can help the reader better understand the story by giving valuable information, such as; the time period, customs, religious background, important characters, etc. It also helps the reader get to understand and fully grasp the author's point of view. Without an introduction, the reader would not be able to understand some ideas or concepts behind the story. Nathaniel Hawthorne gives the reader background information in his introduction so that the reader is more familiar with the Custom-House.
The primary purpose for the Custom-House introduction was to give the reader a better understanding of the people living in the Custom-House and their ways of living. In the introduction, the reader is given an overview of Hawthorne's points of views on the Custom-House. He thinks that those who once occupied Salem, were hurting it. He states "by her own merchants and ship-owners, who permit her wharves to crumble to ruin..." (Custom-House 6) The introduction also gave the reader the background information about the "Scarlet Letter" and how the diary of Pue will be the basic outline for the story. He states "Prying further into the manuscipt, I found the record of other doings and sufferings of this singular woman, for most of which the reader is refferd to the story entitled "The Scarlet Letter..." (Custom-House p32) He goes on saying "the main facts of that story are authorized and authenticated by the document of Mr. Surveyor Pue." Hawthorne is basically citing his sources of information.
2. What significant change does Hawthorne admit to making in telling the story contained in the diary?
Hawthorne admits to putting his own twist to the story in the diary. He states "I must not be understood as affirming, that, in the dressing up of the tale, and imagining the motives and modes of passion that influenced the characters who figure in it. I have invariably confined myself withing the limits of the old Surveyor's half a dozen sheets of foolscrap." (Custom-House p32) Hawthorne is basically saying that his story is inspired by actual events that took place, but still influenced by things of his imagination and creation. Therefore, not all things in this book are true. Hawthorne was just adding interest, meaning, and character to the story or events that were told in the diary. One can say, that Hawthorne used the diary as the outline for the story.
Hawthorne took it upon himself to create this story by putting himself in that time period even though he may not have been familiar with it. It may seem simple, but creating a story based on true events and been restricted on not violating the authenticity of them, can be very challenging. Hawthorne took a risk in doing so. He states "On the contrary, I have allowed myself, as to such points, nearly altogether as much license as if the facts had been entirely of my own invention. What I contend for is the authenticity of the outline." (Custom-House p32) He is basically stating that his whole purpose is to keep the outline of the story true. The other factors that will play in the story wont be real or based on real events.
3. What potential impact will this change have on the story?
The fact that Hawthorne made this into his own work, will have a great impact on the story. Since the story was based on a diary, which to many might not have seemed interesting, Hawthorne gave it life, meaning and a purpose. One can thank Hawthorne for doing so. Maybe the diary itself was not interesting or exciting, but the events and people in it were. Hawthorne just brought the story to life with his own work. Overall, he turned the story into an engaging narritive to the reader.
The fact that Hawthorne was able to do so, to one may seem amazing. To create a story based on true events and giving it your own thoughts can be difficult. What could be even more difficult is to be able to keep the authenticity of the actual occurings. Hawthorne was able to do so. He took this great challenge as a writer and was able to complete his goal. Thanks to Hawthorne, the story was brought to life and now recognized wordly for its success.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Anne Bradstreet Response
Anne Bradstreet
Suffering from paralysis, strong and persistent Anne Bradstreet did not allow for her illness to deprive her from living a happy life. She was a mother to eight children and a wife to Simon Bradstreet, whom she loved dearly. Anne was well-educated and a liberated thinker. She was very passionate about poetry and soon became a poet herself. Little did she know that her work would one day be open to the public. In her poem “The Author to Her Book” she degrades her work and herself.
In “The Author to Her Book,” Anne Bradstreet strongly criticizes herself and her work very unconstructively. “Thou ill-formed offspring of my feeble brain.” (The Author to Her Book) This metaphor is describing her writings which are the offspring of her brain. She also has a great way of diction throughout her piece. When she views her writings as “ill-formed offspring,” one can see she doesn’t really think of her work as anything of importance or worth looking at. Anne uses diction by referring to her brain as “My feeble brain.” In this phrase she views her brain as something very week and not strong, lacking knowledge and intellect. Something one would question, since she was very well educated and clever. “Where errors were not lessened.” (The Author to Her Book) In this phrase, Anne is trying to say that her pieces of work still contained many imperfections and needed much work. Therefore, not prepared for being published or brought out to the open.
Not only does Anne pass judgment on her work, but also upon herself. “I cast thee by as one unfit for light.” (The Author to Her Book) Anne sees herself as “unfit for light.” She doesn’t feel worthy of being on the spot light or to even be given any attention. She goes on in her piece stating, “Thy visage was so irksome in my sight.” In this phrase, one can say that Anne views her appearance as something extremely irritating and annoying. “I washed thy face, but more defects I saw, And rubbing off a spot still made a flaw.” (The Author to Her Book) In Anne‘s frustration and disappointment towards viewing herself, she probably felt that washing her face would change her appearance, but facing sad reality that it did nothing. She then goes on mentioning her legs as a flaw, due to the paralysis. “I stretched thy joints to make thee even feet, Yet still thou run’st more hobbling than is meet.” (The Author to Her Book) Evidently, Anne is pointing out her imperfections and her defects. The fact that she is suffering from paralysis must hurt her deeply. Seeing that her feet are weak she is forced to limp. This probably is the result of her lack in self-esteem. “In better dress to trim was my mind, But nought save homespun cloth i’ th’ house I find. In this array mongst vulgars may‘st thou roam.” (The Author to Her Book) Anne is criticizing herself and the way she dresses. She uses the word “vulgars” depicting those characterized by ignorance that she must roam about with in the type of clothing she is in.
Overall, one can see in the many ways that Anne Bradstreet belittles herself and her work through out the poem. She probably resents the fact that her poems were published. “The Author to Her Book,” is a great piece of writing in which one can view the type of reaction Anne had towards the postings of her work without her consent. She has a great use of diction and metaphor throughout the entire poem. Anne used words like “irksome, blemishes, and hobbling,” to depict herself to the audience and for use of imagery. She used Pathos in a way for the audience to see where she is coming from with her thoughts and to get her point across that her writings nor herself were worthy of the public.
Anne Bradstreet
http://www.annebradstreet.com/anne_bradstreet_bio_001.htm
In 1612, Anne Bradstreet was born in Northampton, England, to the parents Thomas Dudley and Dorothy Yorke. She “was a well educated girl, tutored in history, several languages and literature…” (Biography) At 16 she was married to 25 year old Simon Bradstreet. In 1630, her along with her family emigrated to America. The three month journey was difficult for Anne due to the harsh living conditions and bad weather. Anne's father and husband along with
“John Winthrop made up the Boston settlement's government.” (Biography) Even after arriving, Anne still found it difficult to adapt. She became ill after suffering from paralysis, but this didn't hold back Anne in living a happy life. Once her and her husband settled down and had their house made, they had 8 children, whom she much loved and cared for. One tragic night, the Bradstreet home caught fire and the family was left homeless. Soon after they got back on their feet and went on about their lives. Simon Bradstreet was always traveling due to his political duties. Because of this, Anne always found herself at home with the children. In her past time she read her fathers books and taught her children. Poetry was her one of her passions. "She wrote for herself, her family, and close circle of educated friends, and did not intend on publication." (Biography) Her work was secretly copied by her brother-in-law and published in England, where it did quite well. Her poetry was influenced by her life experiences, religion, and her vast love for her family and husband. She was a free minded thinker and an early feminist. Her health weakened after being struck with tuberculosis. Short after, she lost her daughter to illness. Ann kept strong and her acceptance of death said her daughter to be in a better place. On September 16, 1672, at age 60, in Andover, Massachusetts, she passed away.
In 1612, Anne Bradstreet was born in Northampton, England, to the parents Thomas Dudley and Dorothy Yorke. She “was a well educated girl, tutored in history, several languages and literature…” (Biography) At 16 she was married to 25 year old Simon Bradstreet. In 1630, her along with her family emigrated to America. The three month journey was difficult for Anne due to the harsh living conditions and bad weather. Anne's father and husband along with
“John Winthrop made up the Boston settlement's government.” (Biography) Even after arriving, Anne still found it difficult to adapt. She became ill after suffering from paralysis, but this didn't hold back Anne in living a happy life. Once her and her husband settled down and had their house made, they had 8 children, whom she much loved and cared for. One tragic night, the Bradstreet home caught fire and the family was left homeless. Soon after they got back on their feet and went on about their lives. Simon Bradstreet was always traveling due to his political duties. Because of this, Anne always found herself at home with the children. In her past time she read her fathers books and taught her children. Poetry was her one of her passions. "She wrote for herself, her family, and close circle of educated friends, and did not intend on publication." (Biography) Her work was secretly copied by her brother-in-law and published in England, where it did quite well. Her poetry was influenced by her life experiences, religion, and her vast love for her family and husband. She was a free minded thinker and an early feminist. Her health weakened after being struck with tuberculosis. Short after, she lost her daughter to illness. Ann kept strong and her acceptance of death said her daughter to be in a better place. On September 16, 1672, at age 60, in Andover, Massachusetts, she passed away.
Anne Bradstreet
http://www.annebradstreet.com/anne_bradstreet_bio_001.htm
In 1612, Anne Bradstreet was born in Northampton, England, to the parents Thomas Dudley and Dorothy Yorke. At 16 she was married to 25 year old Simon Bradstreet. In 1630, Anne and her family emigrated to America. She found the 3 month journey very difficult due to the harsh living conditions and bad weather. Even after their arrival, Anne still found it difficult to adapt. Anne's father and husband along with John Winthrop made up the British settlements government. Anne was very well educated. She was tutored in literature, history and various languages. She then suffered from paralysis, but this didn't hold her back in living a happy life. After her and her husband settled down and made a home, she had 8 children. Unfortunately, one night their house caught fire and were left homeless. Soon enough they got back on their feet and continued on with their lives.
In 1612, Anne Bradstreet was born in Northampton, England, to the parents Thomas Dudley and Dorothy Yorke. At 16 she was married to 25 year old Simon Bradstreet. In 1630, Anne and her family emigrated to America. She found the 3 month journey very difficult due to the harsh living conditions and bad weather. Even after their arrival, Anne still found it difficult to adapt. Anne's father and husband along with John Winthrop made up the British settlements government. Anne was very well educated. She was tutored in literature, history and various languages. She then suffered from paralysis, but this didn't hold her back in living a happy life. After her and her husband settled down and made a home, she had 8 children. Unfortunately, one night their house caught fire and were left homeless. Soon enough they got back on their feet and continued on with their lives.
Cabeza De Vaca
This picture to me depicts Cabeza De Vaca's experience with the Indians. It depicts the Indians way of dressing and hard labor. Cabeza De Vaca had to live like them under the circumstances. He performed the job and eventually dressed like them. He eventually had to be accustomed to their ways of living since he hadn't found the Spaniards after the shipwreck. Cabeza De Vaca describes his happenings as exausting and painful. Maybe because of the fact that as a settler he didn't perform much hard labor after all. Compared to his easy way of life in Spain, what his life became while living with the Indians could be seeing as unwished and miserable. It wasn't anything how Cabeza De Vaca would have expected.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Christopher Columbus
In this picture one can see the arrival of the settlers to the New World. The Indians look surprised and cautious about them. You can see this by the way they stand, leaning back not really sure to aproach the settlers. In the background you can see the settlers already posting up a cross. This refers to the very strong religious background of Christianity that these settlers had at that time. The differences between the Indians and the settlers is shown very clearly. The settlers are fully dressed and the Indians with little coverings. In this picture you can see the Indians offering what looks to be valuable materials like gold and other metals. The settlers look pleased and stand a firm ground. This shows how Christopher Columbus's settlers saw the Indians as people they could easily take advantage of. Which later carries on to all the tragedies and malignant actions the settlers take on the Indians.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Apply
Write a similie comparing a tree with a domesticated animal. In your similie, use a word that is normally used as a noun (like lipsticked) as an adjective (like lipsticked). Share your similie with the class.
- The twigged tree like the dogs legs.
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