A Streetcar Named Desire

White Woods

Blanche's deepest desire is to be desired. She has an obsession with her looks and the Stella is careful to often compliment her looks and make Stanley do the same. She is past her prime but desperately clings to her youth and anyone that can make her feel young and desirable again. She flirts with Stanley and even admits to Stella that she flirts with him. She does not reveal her true intentions in doing so, perhaps because she does not wish to admit her true desires to herself. Although Stanley is not Blanche's perfect picture of a man, she finds him desirable and there is a strong sexual tension underlying every heated discussion the two have. Stanley does not truly desire  Blanche in the same way she desires him. Though he can be abusive, he truly loves and their relationship is full of passion. He is immune to Blanche's fake feminine charms that have obviously worked on the other men in her life. This is what sets him apart for Blanche. He is unattainable and does not seem to want her. This drives her crazy, or crazier, and whether or not she admits it to herself this confuses her feelings towards him, which are definitely beyond the point of brotherly love. Stella desperately desires to keep the peace between Stanley and Blanche. She and Stanley have a strong, passionate connection that makes her overlook all of his abuses.

Poetry

Terza Rima: 

A form of poetry that uses iambic tercets. Terza Rima uses an "ABA BCB CDC" rhyme scheme and in order to link the stanzas together. At the end of the poem, the rhyme scheme is "XYX YZY Z." Dante's The Divine Comedy was the first poem written in terza rima. In English, it is usually written in iambic pentameter and the poem can be any length, there is not strict line limit. The tercets have often been used to symbolize the Holy Trinity, again originating with Dante's The Divine Comedy.  

Villanelle:

A villanelle has a very strict structure. There must be nineteen lines and contain repeated rhymes and refrains, two each. Villanelles have five tercets and end with a quatrain. The first and third lines of the first tercet are used as the last lines of the following stanzas, in an alternative fashion. This is represented by: AbC abA abC abA abC abAC. This form is derived from French poets that used the name Villanelle to describe their subject matter, idealized portrayals of country life with rustic themes. These poets did not follow the strict rules that Villanelles were later given. 

"Do not go gentle into that good night" by Dylan Thomas 

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas' "Do not go gentle into that good night" is a Villanelle. "Do not go gentle into that good night" and "Rage, rage against the dying of the light" are the two refrains that are repeated. Each of these lines are a powerful, and emotional. This is a truly great feat to accomplish with a Villanelle in the English language because if its strict form. The inevitability of old age and death is one of the main themes of this poem. This is not a poem of despair, but a call to arms. Thomas is urging those that are near the end to go out with a bang, not fade away into nothing. The ending quatrain brings in his person connection with the mention of his father. He implores him to not give up the fight, but to "rage against the dying of the light." 

Sestina:

Sestina poems use a lot of repetition. They have 6 6-line stanzas, sestets. They have 39 lines and no set length for the individual lines but a very strict repetition pattern.  ABCDEF FAEBDC CFDABE ECBFAD DEACFB BDFECA ECA (or ACE). The last three lines are called the envoi and it also has to include BDF words within the lines. Instead of a rhyme scheme, Sestinas use this repetition of the last words of the lines for a semi-rhyme. 

Indefinable.

Poetry is whatever you want it to be. A poem can rhyme, but it doesn't have to. It can be broken up into lines or it can be in paragraphs. Poetry can be about anything or any subject matter. So, what makes something a poem? The author's intent has a lot to do with it. Poetry is an art form and therefore can come in any size, shape, or style imaginable. It can have any meter or verse. It can be conventional or shatter the mold of what we think a poem should be. It is truly impossible to define what a poem is; but Webster's dictionary makes a valiant attempt: "A piece of writing that usually has figurative language and that is written in separate lines that often have a repeated rhythm and sometimes rhyme." Even this official definition is very vague. It uses words like "often" and "sometimes" to try to cover as many bases as possible while still leaving wiggle room. There are no rules as to who can write poetry or what it can mean to a reader. That is why I think it is ridiculous to have multiple choice questions based on poetry that deal with meaning or interpretation. If I do not interpret the poem the same way as the person that wrote the question, I have no chance to get that question right. You cannot force such an art form into such a rigid mold. 

AP Literature is Depressing.

So far, AP Literature has been a truly depressing class, perhaps rightfully so. Plays like Othello and Waiting for Godot reveal many unsavory truths about mankind. We are a jealous, savage, purposeless, bored, worthless bunch. That is not a sentiment that incurs much faith for the future of humanity. There have been many lively discussions about each of the works we read and each one gave me something new to think about. Often though, these discussions led me to the conclusion that humanity is terrible, has always been terrible, and there is not much hope for the future. Learning about Transcendentalism was the exception. That taught me to "suck out all the marrow of life" but nihilism taught me that we cannot know anything and that everything is meaningless. Overall my outlook on life is much dimmer now than it was at the beginning of the year, but the jury is still out on whether or not this is a good thing. Through reading and discussions I discovered many new ways to look at life, and many hidden truths about human nature and purpose. If these things are true, whether or not they make me happy, this was a valuable class and my knowledge has been greatly broadened.

Existentialism, Nihilism, and Absurdity

Existentialism:

Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot is full of fast-paced dialogue but in all that wordiness, the characters do not actually say much. Existentialism is an analysis of human existence and how individuals, through acts of will, are ultimately responsible for their own development. It has also been said that existentialism is "thinking about existence." This aspect of the philosophy especially relates to Waiting for Godot. The characters talk incessantly but without saying anything of real substance. By constantly talking about absurd things or in a confusing manner, they are freed from their thoughts and they do not have to think about their existence or make any real decisions in their lives.

[Long silence.]

Vladimir: Say something!

Estragon: I'm trying.

[Long silence.]

Vladimir: [in anguish] Say anything at all!

Estragon: What do we do now?

Vladimir: Wait for Godot.

Estragon: Ah!

[Silence]

Estragon: This is awful! (Waiting for Godot act II)

Silences play an important role in the play. The characters seem to fear silence because it would force them to think about their life, their position, their actions, and their existence. The characters try to avoid existential thinking but through this, Beckett is able to make a powerful statement about human existence and its futility.

Nihilism:

Waiting for Godot drips of nihilistic philosophies and undertones. Nihilism states that nothing can be known, everything is meaningless and that nothing can be believed in. Beckett especially emphasizes that nothing can be known in Waiting for Godot. Vladimir and Estragon do not know anything. They do not know what day it is, what time it is, or what they did the day before. They do not know if events really happened or if they were a dream. They do not know what Godot looks like. They do not know if the road with the tree is the right place to meet him. Estragon seems the be even more confused than Vladimir and does not believe him.

Vladimir: The tree, look at the tree.
[Estragon looks at the tree.]
Estragon: Was it not there yesterday?
Vladimir: Yes of course it was there. Do you not remember? We nearly hanged ourselves from it. But you wouldn’t. Do you not remember?
Estragon: You dreamt it. (Waiting for Godot act II)

Vladimir and Estragon are unreliable and make the audience question what is real and if any of these events are actually happening. They do not seem to have a purpose. They do nothing. They say nothing substantial. Nothing changes in their world and they do not ever do anything. They are inactive, skeptical, and know nothing. They are nihilists whether they chose to be or if their situation forced it upon them.

Absurdity:

Waiting for Godot is a truly absurd work of literature. The dialogue and story-line are unique to say the least. The made up words and crazy characters add to the confusion. Waiting for Godot pioneered the "Theatre of the Absurd" genre. It is characterized not by rigid constructs and logical argument but by irrational thought and illogical speeches.

"I resume but not so fast I resume the skull fading fading fading and concurrently simultaneously what is more for reasons unknown in spite of the tennis on on the beard the flames the tears the stones so blue so calm alas alas on on the skull the skull the skull" (Waiting for Godot act II)

The first time the character Lucky speaks in the entire play is to utter a long speech like the except above. It is illogical and full of repeated nonsense. It is truly absurd. Through all of this confusion though, there is sense of beauty and truth to what Beckett is trying to say. What is Beckett trying to say? No one knows. There are many theories and interpretations of the play but he crafted it in such a way that it does not fit any one mold perfectly. It is not just a nihilistic play. It is not just a Christian allegory. It is the absurdity of the play that keeps it from being interpreted in one set way.

What are you waiting for?

Waiting for Godot is a thoroughly bizarre play. The fast-paced dialogue and strange characters seem to be completely absurd but in actuality the play is relatable. It asks the audience some truly great questions about humanity, society and even their personal lives. On the surface, many may see this play as a Christian allegory  and that Vladimir and Estragon represent all of humanity in our fruitless plight waiting for God to come save us. There may be some merit to this comparison and that may be one of the societal concerns that the play represents but there is so much more. One of the things that I take from this play is an overwhelming attitude that nothing we do or say really matters. This nihilistic message reflects a latent fear of all humans that they are truly insignificant. Many people would not be willing to admit that this fear exists, or they do not agree that they share this fear. Waiting for Godot also represents that we are all waiting for something. We don't always know what. We don't know if it will come. Sometimes we may even be scared that we actually might get what we want because that will bring changes and force us to do something new. There are so many human flaws, quirks, and idiosyncrasies that this play forces us to confront, even own up to.

What is Water?

One of my biggest fears in life is being unoriginal. I live under the constant awareness that probably every thought I have ever had, someone else has already had. It could have been yesterday or two years ago or a thousand years ago. It doesn't matter when, it just matters that my every thought or witty quip or action has probably already been done and that other person probably did it better, or had a better sense of comedic timing. David Foster Wallace hit this fear right on the nose in his speech and made my fear even more real and likely. I do not want to go through life live millions of other people are going through life at the same time all around the world. We are not all unique in our thinking and even if the thoughts themselves differ, the way we think or our "Default Setting" is practically the same. And that is what I want to fight against. I know that is a problem, one that I want to avoid at all costs. I want to be able to think for myself, use what I have been given to live a life that no one else has ever lived before. The key to this is all in the way we think and how we want to see the world. I want to see the world in a new light. I don't know everything, I never will, and I want to accept that and turn off my automatic negative reaction to most things. I want to be an original.

The Human Condition

“The Human Condition” is the subject of all literature. It has never been fully covered in all of those writings and will never be fully covered in centuries more. I cannot be fully explained or examined because it means something different to every person. To me it is, at any point in time, what it means to be human to a particular group of people. Their thoughts, dreams and actions. How they judge their worth. What it means to be a man or a women. What they think will make them happy and why they will never attain that elusive goal. The Human Condition encompasses everything that makes a human what we are. In light of that, I think that “Waiting For Godot” will be about what these particular characters think will make them happy and fulfill their lives and how they will never get it. It is in human nature to want more, always want what we don’t have and can never have. Once we do have what we thought we wanted there is always more. We are all waiting for something. Something that will never come. 

Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris

Clybourne Park left more questions than answers. In terms of action, it is considerable lacking. The first act merely consists of a lively discussion in the house in 1959. The second act consists of a meeting in that same house in 1959. A lot is packed into those two acts but when looked at as a whole, not much really happens. In a play like this, with little action, the emphasis is placed on the characters and dialogue. The dialogue in this play is crucial, but what is not said may be even more important. The racial issues introduced in the first act remain throughout the entire play but as it progresses, other minorities are brought under fire. By the end of the play nearly every group in society has been attacked in some way or another. By criticizing everyone, Norris unites his audience.

Much of the language in the play is crude and the vulgar jokes play a key role. While many people were shocked and appalled at some of the slurs that were lobbed, they were truly necessary to the play. They were not said to get a laugh or simply to shock for the sake of  the impact it will have. The jokes were supposed to make the audience feel a little uncomfortable. To allow them to have an initial reaction and then force them to question their own values afterwards. Why did you laugh at that joke? On some level do you think it is true or acceptable? Norris tries to make the audience think about how racial issues pertain to them personally, not about racism in general or in the 1950s or how it has changed. For the most part, he was successful in turning the critical lens on his audience and forcing them to question themselves.

Under Pressure

In A Raisin In The Sun, characters' motivations are influenced by pressures from outside sources. Both Ruth and Mama feel that they have to take certain actions because of the pressures from other members of the family, their financial situation, but the greatest pressure of all comes from Walter Lee. 

Mama puts Walter in charge of the rest of the insurance money. This is the result; the action that was caused by an outside pressure. That outside pressure was none other than Walter Lee. Even since he found out about the money, he acted like it was his even though it was solely his mothers. He made elaborate plans of investing the money, drew up the papers and tried to convince his mother to sign off the money to him, to gamble it all on the liquor store. She refuses this at first, but Walter slowly beats her over the head with guilt and snide, digging comments until she buckles. She puts him in charge of the money but only after Walter says things like, "So you butchered up a dream of mine - you - who always talking 'bout your children's dreams..." (95) Mama would have stuck to her guns, spent the money on the house and save the rest to improve the family's quality of life had it not been for the enormous force of guilt on her shoulders, put there by Walter Lee. 

Ruth is another character under pressure. She put a five dollar down payment on an abortion. If the Younger family was better off financially, do you think she would have done this? The Youngers barely scrape by as it is and she feels that if she brings another person into the world the family may not make it. She would never get an abortion under any other circumstances, Walter Lee even said so flat out to his mother. Their financial troubles as well as the troubles in her marriage force Ruth to consider an option against her beliefs. 

Wuthering Heights ~ By Emily Bronte

"Wuthering Heights is the name of Mr. Heathcliff's dwelling. 'Wuthering' being a significant provincial adjective, descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather." (6)

This quotation stood out to me because it reveals where Bronte got the title for the novel. Wuthering Heights is a place, where much of the action in the beginning of the book takes place. The fact that the entire book is named after with estate indicates that it is of great significance and will weigh heavily on the plot for the rest of the book as well. The "atmospheric tumult" to which the narrator is referring is weather but in actuality it reveals that the house has endured much more tumult than storms. Very early in the book this mystery surrounding Heathcliff's checkered and sad past is created and maintained.

"The intense horror of nightmare came over me; I tried to draw back my arm, but the hand clung to it, a most melancholy voice sobbed. 'Let me in - let me in!" (28)

This quotation represents a break in the story. Before this, the action is very subdued and quiet. This passage is intense, even frightening. It breaks this monotonous plot-line and begins to reveal the true tragic past of Heathcliff and Wuthering Heights. The dream, in its entirety is very exciting, terrifying, and bloody. It is highly symbolic though the reader does not yet know how or why. A lot of mystery surrounds Catherine and why even the mention of her name or the narrator staying in her room affects Heathcliff so much. This dream is really what hooked me into the story and afterwards I could not put the book down. I had to learn more. I am completely invested and now I have to know: what happened with Heathcliff and Catherine? Why is her story so haunting?

Alone

Each character in A Raisin in the Sun is alone. No two characters are alike. They are all separated by their ideas, beliefs and desires. No two characters want the same things.

Walter Lee feels completely alone in his own home, surrounded by his family. He even vocalizes his feelings of loneliness in the first act. He wants to have a real discussion with his wife about his hopes and dreams for their lives and livelihood. She responds by telling him to eat his eggs. He is tired of no one sharing his dreams and no one being willing to listen to him, sympathize or lend a kind ear. He is alone because none of the people in his life are supportive of his dreams or endeavors. It is not just about the ten thousand dollars, although no one in the house supports his plan for investing the money. Outside of that plan no one will even listen to his goals or why he wants to spend that money. When he is at home, surrounded by his entire family he feels completely out of place and alone. He feels that he needs to leave home in order to find any sense of peace and Mama recognizes that this is a truly dangerous thing.

Beneatha is also alone. She is separated from her family, namely her mother, by her beliefs and values. She is searching for her identity and her heritage. She wants to find out where she comes from. That is why she is drawn to Asagai. She wants to marry for love, not for money. Her sister and mother cannot grasp this concept. They do not understand why she prefers Joseph to George. She does share one thing with her brother. She dreams of a better life for herself. She is not content with being a nurse or a housekeeper or any typical role she is expected to play. She has bigger dreams. She wants to be a doctor. Her brother is not entirely supportive of this dream even though he shares a similar dream of a better life for himself. Beneatha is alone.

Oppression

Oppression is so deeply ingrained in humanity it will always be a relevant issue. This is a sad truth that Lorraine Hansberry touched on in her quote:

 "I don't think there is anything more universal in the world than man's oppression of man. This is what most great dramas have been about, no matter what the device of telling it is."

She is absolutely right. Plays from centuries ago deal with the great issue of oppression. This has not stopped and will never stop. Oppression exists in countless forms in every country, state, county and city. There are, of course, different levels to this oppression. The oppression can be subtle. A word. A name. An off color comment. The oppression can hit you like a ton of bricks. Innocent arrests and deaths. Suspended rights. Genocide. Oppression can come in all of these forms and innumerable others. Hansberry hit it right on the nose when she said that there will be oppression wherever there is man. We can deny it up and down. We can try to look the other way. But oppression exists now, perhaps especially now, and it is an unfortunate truth that cannot be ignored. Truly great dramas have almost exclusively been about dramas because of how real they are to their audience. They are relatable and will always be relatable.

Keep Up Appearances

Has their really been a change in this country, or is that just the way it appears? Appearance and language are not all there is to racial equality. The "n-word" may not be used by white America as much. But that doesn't mean that America is racially equal. A black woman may not be denied a job opportunity because of the color of her skin but that doesn't mean race wasn't a factor. Isn't giving someone a job just to avoid appearing racist just as racists as denying someone a job because of the color of their skin? Both scenarios reflect a deep-seeded racial issue in America. Giving someone a job based on their race can say that they were not the best qualified person for the job. This is not right either. True racial equality in the work force is nowhere in sight but a step in the right direction will come when someone can get a position solely based on their merit, regardless of race. 

Appearances are very important to most people. They are very concerned about coming off as racist but are not at all concerned about actually being racist. They don't throw around derogatory slurs but that does not mean they are completely clean. Two of my favorite comedians are Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele. In one of their bits they say that "racist" is the n-word for white people. They say that white people are terrified of being called racist and will do anything to avoid it. The bit is very funny but it holds an alarming amount of truth. We are so concerned with what we say and how we appear so we aren't called racist, but we aren't willing to look deeper to see if we actually are. 

Senior Year: Socially, Spiritually, & Academically.

AP Literature has been a very good class so far. I hate do the AP packets so early in the year because I have not learned anything in the course yet and getting nearly 100% of the questions wrong just stresses me out to no end. Other than that I have really enjoyed the class. I really liked the choices for independent novels this year and loved reading Catch-22. The Transcendentalist unit is my favorite so far but the lively discussions about all of the short stories we read were very informative and fun.

My entire senior year has gone by like a blur. I cannot believe that midterms are only two weeks away. I do not have any inkling of senioritis. I do not have a social or spiritual life this year, it is all academic. Applying to college is a full time job that is continuing even after I have all of my applications turned in. This full time job on top of the four advanced classes, yes I went temporarily insane last year when I signed up for four AP classes, leaves pretty much no time for anything else. I have been getting buy, not struggling too much, but a lot of my other activities have suffered because of the amount of work that I have. So far I have not achieved my goal for this year because I have not been accepted to any colleges yet. I have not heard anything at all but I think that once I have been accepted to that first school a lot of my stress and anxiety about next year will go away. I just do NOT want to end up at MCC.

If You Want To Be A Transcendentalist, Be A Transcendentalist

If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out

Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
'Cause there's a million things to be
You know that there are

And if you want to live high, live high
And if you want to live low, live low
'Cause there's a million ways to go
You know that there are

[Chorus:]
You can do what you want
The opportunity's on
And if you can find a new way
You can do it today
You can make it all true
And you can make it undo
you see ah ah ah
its easy ah ah ah
You only need to know

Well if you want to say yes, say yes
And if you want to say no, say no
'Cause there's a million ways to go
You know that there are

And if you want to be me, be me
And if you want to be you, be you
'Cause there's a million things to do
You know that there are

[Chorus]

Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
'Cause there's a million things to be
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are

This Cat Stevens song has strong ties to several Transcendental ideals and teachings of Emerson and Thoreau. This song champions individualism and is a true "Be true to yourself" anthem. It repeats several times that "you can do what you want". It is not a very complicated or deep song but it holds a lot of truth. Life truly can be that simply as to find what you want to do with your life and then do whatever you can to accomplish that goal. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true." This song goes right along with this quote, encouraging all that listen to it to simply do what they want to do despite any barriers or naysayers that may stand in the way. As the song says, "The opportunity's on...you can do it today."

This is not like the typical "stay true to yourself" tween pop song. The line "And if you want to be me, be me." sets it apart. Stevens is saying that if you don't like what you are, change it. If you want to be a different person, do it. Henry David Thoreau said, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." Stevens is saying the same thing. Pick what you want to do with your life and follow that dream; it is really that simple. The ability to change and become whatever you want already lies inside of you and all you have to do is bring it to the surface. This coincides very closely with Transcendental ideas that say all knowledge is already within every human being. Intuition is much greater than and external logic because the answers and ability already lie within us. The line, "You know that there are." is repeated many times and it is reminiscent of this inner knowledge idea. You can be and do whatever you want, but only if decide to make the most of yourself. 

Transcendentalists

"What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Actions drown out what you have to say. This quotation is still relevant today. It reminds me of so many politicians, public figures, and people that I know personally. These people say all of the right things but never back it up in their actions. On paper, in words, they can build an entire personality and existence that does not reflect even the tiniest aspect of their true selves. A life time of writing about peace, nonviolence, and morality does not eradicate a murder. Even one action contrary to what you claim to believe negates all that you have to say, ruins your credibility and topples your reputation. You must practice what you preach, and walk the walk if you want to be respected and heard.

"Be true to your work, your word, and your friend." - Henry David Thoreau

Life can be boiled down to several simple goals, ideals to strive for. This aphorism from Thoreau is one of them. Nothing is worth doing if it is not done well. You must be true to your work, whatever you choose to do. There is honor in every job down to the lowliest position. Your word is your reputation and your honor. If you do not take it seriously, you will lose your reputation, all respect and you can become a joke. Without friends, you have nothing. The individual is important and key to self awareness, but trusting and loving relationships cannot be found within oneself. That is why it is important to be true to the friends you have. These are three of the most important aspects of life and all three must be taken seriously, and their full worth understood.

"My happiness is not the means to any end. It is the end. It is its own goal. It is its own purpose." (Rand 72)

Happiness is not a destination, it is a journey. Equality has never truly known happiness until he reached the forest and gained his independence. He has just come to this realization that happiness or trying to attain happiness is the reason man is on this earth. In his previous society, there was no consideration for the happiness of anyone. No matter what ones' strengths were, the Council arbitrarily decided the Life Mandate for each person. Equality has finally discovered that in the real world reaching happiness and doing what you are good at and what you love go hand in hand. Happiness is not something to be cast aside as a fleeting moment on the way to the top. Not every decision is driven to attain material wealth or prosperity. That is why there are poor, starving artists and those that risk everything to reach their dreams.