Blog Portfolio 2

Blog Portfolio 2: Blog Portfolio 

I. Coverage 

1. "The Traveling Onion"

2. Narrative Poem

3. Rap Lyrics 

4. Deception in Much Ado

5. Paradox in Much Ado

6. Much Ado: Comedy or Tragedy?

7. Kite Runner: Ch. 13

8. Kite Runner: "I run" 

II. Depth 
I chose to highlight this post because I felt my online independent research helped provide further analysis when it can to  identifying what rhyme schemes or repetition was located within the rap song, Feel Good Inc. by the Gorillaz. By learning and depicting the different types of rhyme such as internal or end rhyme, I was able to better understand the song's message and my own understanding and knowledge on rhyme. However, I was surprised about how much value and influence rhyme and repetition has on a particular song. Not only does it create a certain flow within the piece, but the story behind the song became apparent, something I was unaware  before hand. Without this back ground information, I would not have been able to complete the assignment as I would not know any type of rhyme scheme or story line behind the song. Overall, by going in depth, I was able to understand the overall assignment and piece much better. 

III. Discussion 

My post on The Traveling Onion by Naomi Shihab Nye revived many comments.While many agreed with my theme, that you should never take anything for granted, most of the comments I acquired gave me feed back on my analysis. Although, they liked the many literary techniques I used to support my theme, most said that I needed to focus on one technique in particular in order to develop my analysis further.  Thus, some of my peer made suggestions to which technique was the strongest or how to incorporate several techniques within my post. This caused a debate as people raised their opinions.The comments that followed my posts illustrated many perspectives thus, capturing the idea of a discussion.

V. Xenoblog 

The comment I made on Mary Kate's blog was able to demonstrate my ability to provide thoughtful and new ideas and/or perspectives.In her recent post entitled "I Ran" she stated that the phrase "I Ran" was interpreted as a positive expression. Although I agree with her post, I also included several quotes from The Kite Runner that I had collected and posted in my blog, giving my own perspective. By illustrating that the phrase "I Ran" could be interpreted negatively I brought forth a new perspective on the matter, an allowed Mary Kate to expand on her post.  I then also included other student's blog posts who had similar ideas to that of mine,  in the hope that Mary Kate could strengthen her argument. Overall, my comment helped develop new ideas with regards to The Kite Runner as well as provide hard examples and evidence from the text. 

VI. Review 

 I chose to review "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" because personally, Spider-Man was my favorite childhood superhero growing up and I felt very strongly about the recent release of Marc Webb's sequel. Although, I did not find the movie to be as "amazing" as I though it would be or recommended it to people, I wanted to give my honest opinion on the film. While growing up, it was the Spider-Man's comic books I read before bed and I wanted to relate them to the film. Within my review, I summarize the plot and then give my personal feed back on the movie, commenting on what aspects the movie did well, or more likely with the case of my post, what the movie did not do well. Overall, in no way was I intending to sound harsh or discourage people from watch the movie, but as a superhero fan, felt obliged to comment on the motion picture. 

My Review on the Amazing Spiderman 2

While many fans had been eagerly anticipating the sequel to the Marc Webb’s Amazing Spider-Man, “Amazing Spider-Man 2,” although thrilling, was lacking in many departments. The movie, which was an action packed and romantic film, had high expectations, but left supporters disappointed, and in no way lived up to the “amazing” standards set by the original motion picture.

            While Spidy or Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield),  had enjoyed swinging around New York Cities’ skyscrapers, putting a stop to any crime or danger present, as well as spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone), quickly discovers that being a hero is not all it’s cracked up to be. When his old friend, Harry Osborn, returns to New York in order to be reunited with his dying father, things being to head south. After Harry inherits his father’s fortune and company, OSCORP, he soon discovers the corporation’s secret. While at boarding school, Harry’s father had been funding research in which one could create super natural beings, much like Spider-Man or more recently a villain by the name of Electro. Shortly after, Harry is diagnosed with the same illness his father had. Harry realizing Spider-Man is his only hope begs for his help, and when Peter refuses, strikes a deal with Electro. When both villains unite, Peter has to make a choice between either helping a friend or taking on the full responsibility of Spider-Man and putting an end to the danger.

            As the movie progresses one is quick to discover that the conflict Peter is confronted with, although physical is also mental, as he must, in some cases, overlook his own beliefs. But just how far can one go before they loose all sense of morality. If Peter gives into Spider-Man’s duty to protect New York at any cost, will he still be himself, or will harming people, even those who deserve it, get the better of him?  This causes the audience to question their own morals and to what length they might go to when when pressured. Not only does Peter’s internal conflict engage viewer but thickens the plot, as he must deal with a timeless theme.

            Personally I find rating this movie very difficult, as while it is exciting and action packed, the movie’s plot was unoriginal and almost too much. Although, Peter’s conflict with himself is interesting, it is a cross road every superhero must overcome with the outcome being, no surprise, saving the villain. Despite this action being heroic and proving they are pure; it is predictable and old, words no one would ever use to described the original “Amazing Spider-Man.” What many viewers enjoyed about the first film was it was fresh as it added a new spin on the original plot line, something the “Amazing Spider-Man 2” did not uphold. Perhaps, if Marc Webb had stuck to the comic book’s story, although predictable and covers no new material would have left fan satisfied, but once again, the film did not deliver. Electro, within the original comic book series, was green and very much human. He was not blue or sparkled, and defiantly was not able to turn into electrical currents. Within the movie, Electro was given far too many powers, many of which have never existed. While Marc Webb might have included such powers to hype up the movie, it was too much and distracted the audience from the Electro’s character.  Furthermore, there were far way too many villains.

One or two bad guys is understandable, but three. That’s insane! Granted Webb wished to include as much of the original comic book story line within his promised trilogy, it was still far too much, and far too fast. Not only did he down grade the villains in order to incorporate all of them, many were never so post to meet and unite, such as the Green Goblin and Electro. Peter Parker, within the comic books, defeated them one at a time over the course of his career.

Furthermore, while everyone knew Peter would eventually get engaged to Mary Jane, Gwen’s final scene was a huge disappointment. This was perhaps one of the biggest scenes within the movie and the one anxious fans were anticipating. Would Gwen die as written in the comic books, or would she continue to live an ordinary life, much like in the first Spider Man trilogy, directed by San Raimi? While her death might have pleased comic book fans, it was poorly done and again predictable, as fans stated it was a scene where it was heard not to role your eyes or shake your head. Overall, although the movie was entertaining and full of dramatic scenes or boss battles, it was far too much and felt rushed. Personally, I do not gravitate towards this movie and only hope that Webb is able to save the story before it becomes out of hand, dialing the action scenes down and sticking more to the comic book’s original plot line.

                                        

"I Ran"

     Within the book the Kite Runner the phrase "I Ran" holds a great deal of significance and is used repeatedly throughout the book. In the beginning "I Ran" is interpreted with negative diction and emotion. As Amir runs away from Assef, choosing to be a coward and saving himself, he leaves Hassan alone in the ally. "I had one last chance to make a decision. One final opportunity to decide who I was going to be. I could step into that alley, stand for Hassan-the way he'd stood up for me all those times in the past-and accept whatever would happen to me. Or I could run. In the end, I ran."(pg. 77) In previous chapters, Amir was characterized as a boy who depended on his fathers approve, willing to throw friend ships away in order to receive such love. However as the story progresses Amir matures and develops as a character as he realizes his past sins, agreeing to save Sohrab, in order to redeem himself. In the end of the novel, although the ending was not as dramatic as perhaps someone might have expected,  Amir clearly cares for the boy and begins to run kites with him stating "for you a thousand times over" (pg. 371) Amir is no longer running from his past but running towards it, embracing it with open arms. "I am a grown man running with a swarm of screaming children. But I didn't care. I ran with the wind blowing in my face, and a smile as wide as the valley of Panjsher on my lips. I ran" (pg. 371) By the end of the story Amir's sins are no longer a burden and are forgiven. Amir has found peace. In the beginning of the story, the reader believes the plot to be Amir running away from his past, but in reality he is running towards his future, ready to begin his new life.

The Significance of the Fight Scene Within the Kite Runner

Within chapter twenty two, Amir confronts the Taliban about Sohrab, insisting he is to take the boy within him. However, the chapter then takes a surprising and dark turn, as he realizes the man guarding Sohrab is no other than Assef. Assef, now an older and crueler man, agrees to free the boy. However, Amir “had to earn him” as they had “unfinished business…Assef had promised that in the end he’d get us both. He’d kept his promise with Hassan. Now it was my turn.” (pg. 286) Amir realizing that he could no longer run had to face his past and fight Assef.  As Amir describes the fight he notes it can back in flashed unsure “if he gave him a good fight” (pg. 287) He recalls the fight as bloody and gruesome, him getting knocked around, his bones breaking, and skin bleeding. However, he states something significant. He said “I don’t know at what point I started laughing, but I did. And the harder I laughed, the harder he kicked me” (pg 289) Assef demands to know what is so funny and Amir says “Since the winter of 1975,” the year Hassan was raped and he considered himself a coward, he “felt at peace. I laughed because I saw that, in some hidden nook in a corner of my mind, I’d been looking forward to this…I felt healed” (pg 289). Amir recalled the day he pelted Hassan with pomegranate, demanding him to fight him because he felt so guilty. Hassan had refused and in some twisted way, Amir felt as though he should have been punished, that he should have felt the pain Hassan felt. When Assef fights Amir, he feels as thou he is finally receiving his punishment and that the pressure and guilt he has felt has been lifted. The significance of the fight scene is Amir’s in chapter twenty two is to illustrate Amir’s burden being lifted. Amir can now let go of his past, and although it might still haunt him, he can now move on. 

The Shift Within Chapter 13 of the Kite Runner

     Within chapter thirteen of The Kite Runner,  one can see multiple shifts within the novel. Perhaps one of the most significant changes within the plot line is Baba's, Amir's father, death. Up until chapter 13, Amir has stressed his desire to please his father, who has a major influence on his actions and personality, as Amir has stated in chapter seven, that he would do anything to be in his father's favor. " I had to slay, to win Baba" (pg 77). However, towards the end of chapter twelve, Baba is diagnosed with Oat Cell Carcinoma, an untreatable cancer and then shortly into chapter 13 passes away. Until this point, Baba has always guided and shaped Amir, now he has to find his own voice. "Baba couldn't show me the way anymore; I'd have to find it on my own" (pg 174). For the first time in the novel, Amir is lost and unsure of where to go. Within the following chapters, Amir's actions will be solely his own with no pressure from his father. Because of this, Amir is finally confronted with his past that he can no longer escape. With Baba out of the picture, so to say, Amir is recalling his previous actions regarding Hassan and wondering if pleasing his father was worth the consequences. Furthermore, until chapter thirteen Amir has stated that the only person he has ever loved is Baba, regarding Ali and Hassan as servants. "but he's not my friend. He's my servant" (pg 41) In chapter thirteen, Amir does admit he loves Soraya. This can be considered a turning point in the story as Amir is opening up and is some ways maturing while caring for others and their feelings. He also opens himself up and begins to regard other people not just himself, or his father. Because of his fathers death, he is accepted into a new family and starts to form new relationships with the General and his wife. Finally, the novel's plot shifts once again when Amir and Soraya try to conceive a child. Up until the end of chapter 13, their married life was very happy. However, the longer they try to have a kid, the more depressed Soraya becomes and the colder their marriage becomes. "And I could almost feel the emptiness within Soraya's womb, like it was a living breathing thing. It had seeped into our marriage, that emptiness, into our laughs, and your lovemaking" (pg 189). Once again we can see the plot shifting, as Amir and Soraya both seem to be very happy at first but now their marriage seem to become cold, and them more distant. Again, Amir's past seems to haunt him, as he believes his fate is because of his past sins. Overall, this chapter is very significant because of all the mentioned shifts in the plot line.

Much Ado About Nothing: Comedy or Tragedy?

     I believe that the play Much Ado About Nothing can be considered both a comedy and/or a tragedy as there are certain elements within the play that represent both humor or sorrow. To begin,  Shakespeare uses multiple examples of comedic expressions or actions within the play, therefore engaging the audience and creating a playful and light mood. For example, Dogberry is one of the most significant characters within the play that creates an entertaining atmosphere. He conveys comedy mainly within his thoughts and speech, whereupon he repetitively says " I am an ass...I had been writ down an ass." (4.2.74-85) He also refers to himself as a coxcomb or fool emphasizing that he is a jester or sorts, often creating jokes or amusing others. Another example of comedic or amusing events within the play is the love story between Beatrice and Benedick, as both question the others feelings as well as their own: "This can be no trick....I will be horribly in love with her." (2.3.210-224) "Can this be true....Benedick, love on. I will requite thee." (3.1.7-111) Although their thoughts or lines are not as amusing as Dogberry's, their actions and their own stubbornness create an overall comedic scene. For example within the movie, "Much Ado About Nothing", the actual act I found to be quite amusing as the combination of Beatrice's and Benedick's actions, facial expressions, and monologues created a hilarious and entertaining scene. However, there are also multiple examples of tragedy and deception.. Although there are no actual deaths within the play, Hero does fake her own death as the climax arises and a dark atmosphere descends the audience. "She dying - as it must be so maintain'd..then shall he mourn. (4.1.213-229) No only does Hero fake her death creating a bleak atmosphere, but there are also similar examples of negative or cruel trickery. Similarly Don John tricks his brother and friends into thinking Hero is no longer virtuous. Moreover, all are quick to turn  turn on each other and Hero in particular. "May this be so? If I see anything tonight, I will shame her." (3. 2. 103-109) Additionally, Hero's father turns on her quickly  too. "Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes." (4. 1. 122) So despite having humor within the play, there are examples of treachery, despite, lies, cruelty, death, and abandonment within the play concluding that "Much Ado About Nothing" can also be an example or tragedy .

The Paradoxical Relationships Within the Play Much Ado About Nothing

Hero and Claudio 

     At first glance one would assume after characterizing Hero and Claudio that their relationship was golden or they were always meant to be. However as the story progresses, one can conclude this is not the case. At the beginning of the play both characters seem to have similar traits. Claudio is characterized as noble, brave, fearless, and virtuous. "He hath borne himself beyond the promise of his age, doing in the figure of a lamb the feat of a lion." (I. I. 9-14) Hero is also characterized as a kind, gentile, and virtuous young girl. "She is the sweetest lady that ever I looked on." (I. I. 171-172) One would believe that Hero and Claudio having matching personalities would therefore have a stable and sweet relationship. However in Act III Claudio's true nature begins to appear. Claudio soon seems to be portray as a  bit immature. Not only was he to shy to confront Hero about his feels, which is not considered brave or fearless, he convinces Don Pedro to device her. This action does not match his stated noble characteristics. Furthermore, he also is quick to accuse and turn on people. "May this be so? If I see anything tonight, I will shame her." (III. II. 103-109) Without even hesitating he states he will turn on Hero and toss her to the side if she has been disloyal. This action is not to be considered noble or virtuous as he has not actually been confronted with the truth, but either way he has already disregard Hero. Thus, although the couple may appear sweet, Claudio has some what of a mixed personality as his characteristics seem to change from the battle feild to the comforts of home. As the reader discovers Claudio's true personalities, they can conclude that he is not who he appears and therefore not a suitable partner for Hero. Their relationship is not paradoxical but completely clashes.

Beatrice and Benedick 

     While Hero and Claudio appear to have a strong relationship, it is the opposite with the case of Beatrice and Benedick. At first glance both characters seem to dislike each other  endlessly teasing each other, too stubborn and proud to admit defeat. "I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Benedick; nobody marks you. What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?" (I. I. 105-107) Both Beatrice and Benedick are no doubt portrayed as witty and clear and it is love that is born out of their hatred for each other. Both soon trying to please each other. "He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man." (II. I 30-31) When Beatrice claims she dislikes men with beards, Benedick gladly shaves his in order  to impress her. Furthermore, although both claim to hate each other and refuse to marry, when hints are dropped that the other loves them, they seem to forget about their hatred and immediately fall in love with the other."Benedick, love on. I will requite thee, taming my wild heart to thy loving hand." (III. I. 111-113) Both characters stubbornness and pride is what allows them to love each other as they are both trying to prove that are not unable to love but are passionate and caring. Therefore, a love is born out of hate and their own stubbornness. Their relationship paradoxical.