Done with Hamlet

Well, we are officially done reading Hamlet by William Shakespeare and I have to say that I didn't think it was as great as people make it seem. One of the possible reasons for that is because it was tragedy filled with people plotting revenge on one another. I’m used to seeing that situation in almost any movie or television show. But I guess I have to realize that it was more popular back in the Elizabethan Age. Another reason why I didn't really like is that I thought it was too sad. I thought the entire play was sad because people kept dying. Also, I had trouble following the play because of the old English language, like most people I’m sure. I've been told there were a few, not many, humorous parts, but I could never tell which part was supposed to be funny. If I didn't use the No Fear Shakespeare link on Spark notes  I would definitely have trouble working on assignments. I did learn something from Hamlet, though. After reading this play, I learned that revenge is not always the answer. Almost everyone in Hamlet was seeking revenge, including Hamlet. He accomplished his goal, but it cost the lives of the people he knew and loved as well as his own. Overall, Hamlet was a decent play to me, but it was not as interesting as I thought.

Hamlet and Ophelia

My blog post is a little bit early this week because I’m probably not going to be able to receive any internet connection to complete it. But I would to talk about my overall view on Hamlet so far. Hamlet is somewhat confusing to me. I mean, I understand that he is upset about the death of his father, King Hamlet, but there were so many unanswered questions inside my head. Most of those questions were answered in our class discussions. One of questions was about Hamlet and Ophelia and their overall relationship. During their conversation in Act III, Hamlet said that he used to love Ophelia and she believed him but then Hamlet said the she shouldn't have believed him because he didn't love her. I had no clue what that meant. One of my classmates said that it was the insane mood he was in that made him sound like he wasn't making any sense. I understood that because in Acts I & II, Hamlet was going completely insane because of his father’s death. So King’s Hamlet’s death might have affected the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia. They were probably happy and actually in love. Then when the king died, everything began to change, at least for Hamlet. His mood changed, he always wore black, and talked about complete nonsense. His father’s death has seriously gotten into his head.

Where I like to read

I don’t know if you know this, but I’m not the biggest fan of reading. I will read when I have to and I will read when I feel like it (which is very rare). Reading just hasn’t been my best friend lately. When I’m reading something that I actually like, which are certain drama and romance novels, there many places that I can read those novels. I like to read in my bedroom because I know I can have some privacy. I like to read in the car or on the plane when I’m traveling. I like to read in the locker room before I practice or play. As you can see I like to read pretty much anywhere, but I will anywhere because no matter where I am, I always picture myself in a peaceful place. The peaceful place only exists because of my music. That’s right! I have to listen to music when I study or even read. I feel like it helps me concentrate a little bit better. I can’t take the silence. I get distracted too easily when it’s quiet. You probably can’t tell in class but it’s true. It makes me uncomfortable.

I have to admit, though, that my reading interests have expanded more and more since my freshman year at Dunbar. That means that I have been reading more and that’s always a good thing.

Dicsussion Items #2

On Monday, we had day two of small group discussions over Oedipus Rex. I have to admit, though, that I did not like that play very much. It seemed like there was so much going on, but it was hard to handle it all because it seemed so short. Most of group agreed that it could’ve been a little longer. But maybe if we got a chance to actually watch the play, it would probably seem better because the director change alter certain scenes and put additional ones in.

One part I was confused on was why the mother, Jocasta, hung herself. After discussing it with my class mates, I realized that I missed the part when she found out that Oedipus, her husband, is also her son. She killed herself because of shame as well as guilt. I wouldn’t blame her though. I mean, how would feel you found out that you’ve been sleeping with your own son or daughter?

I also wondered why Oedipus blinded himself. One classmate said that he did it so he wouldn’t have to see the mess he has caused. Before he blinded himself, Oedipus was already blind (metaphorically). He did not want to see what trouble he has caused. He only saw what he wanted to see.

Discussion questions (late)

First of all I apologize for the late post. :) But anyways, we started doing small group discussions last class on our drama reading (Oedipus Rex). We had questions and comments that we wrote for homework to share with the class. Now to be honest, my questions were kind of general because I didn't really know if I was doing it right. But I did get them answered. Okay, so the first one wasn't really a question; more of a comment. I thought Oedipus was an arrogant person who was a little self-centered and full of pride. One classmate commented that he was just to say that he will kill the murderer of the previous king when the murder was really him. So what's going to happen when everyone finds out that Oedipus was the murder. I've never read or seen this story before so I'm really curious as to what happens next.
My next question was asking everyone what their opinion was on Kreon. One said that he was having to constantly defend himself for a crime did not commit. Also, everyone in my group pretty much agreed the Kreon would probably make a monarch than Oedipus, which is probably true because we know that or Oedipus doesn't really deserve that turbofan responsibility.
I can't really say anything about my last question because it never got answered. I didn't think it was a very good question anyways. I am looking forward to finding out how the play ends. Not sure why though because I'm not a big fan of Greek literature or theatre. But let's see what happens. :)

Help From Google

I’m pretty sure that all, if not, most of us have used Google or some kind of website to “help” us out with our reading. I mean tell me that you have used Google at least once on one of the books you've read. Exactly! After Reading Bob Garfield’s article, “Google, My Co-Author”, I've come to realize that even those who are more intelligent when it comes about literature than the average high school student use Google when needed. I’m not afraid to admit that I've used websites such as Google for books that I didn't really have time to read. It’s not always the best choice though and by that I mean it’s not always reliable. Garfield says that Google “… is utterly unselfconscious. It doesn't care what you think about who it knows and where it has been…” He’s right! When you look up something on Google, it usually gives you the general answer of whatever you’re looking for. Plus, it’s really tempting to just copy and paste whatever you’re looking for. But everyone knows that is plagiarism, which is illegal. That’s when Google becomes difficult to use. You may have found the information, but you still have to put that information in your own words.

Honestly I think everyone should read Garfield’s article because it is a very helpful and reliable source. 

2015 :)

So apparently by 2015, all textbooks will be electronic. That would really be a lifesaver. First of all, how many of us have ever forgotten one of our textbooks when we get to school? I know I have. I've done it multiple times. This would take away the stress of carrying books around all day. Plus, less back problems will occur because students aren't carrying books on their back. This would be great for middle school, high school and especially college students. What a relief!! I actually told my mom about this change and she was ecstatic! She totally agrees that it would be much easier and more suitable for this generation. The world basically revolves around technology nowadays. Although, there are some people who would probably think differently about this change. Sometimes, we have to realize that technology is not everyone's best friend. To be honest, I do think it would be a complete waste of time and money for those who are attend grade school. I don't think they would use this opportunity as well as those with higher education. But you never know. All I'm saying is that I am really excited about this new technology change. Maybe, if we're lucky, it will come sooner than 2015. But we'll just have to wait and see shall we?