this is a sound for my presentation. :)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Jane Austen
Jane Austen was born on Decemeber16, 1775. Her parents were George and Cassandra Austen. Jane was taught at home, except in 1783 when she went to a tutor in Southampton. Unfortunately, she left due to an outbreak of a disease. She loved to read and one of the books she loved to reread over and over again was Richardson's Sir Charles Grandison. She started to write Love and Friendship in 1787. Afterwards she began writing Sense and Sensibility, First Impressions and Northanger Abbey. Jane loves to go to parties and balls, which gave her many ideas for books and novels. In 1800 George Austen moved to Bath when he decided to retire. That summer Austen apparently had a secret romance, which inspired her to write Persuasion. 2 years later, Harris Bigg-Wither proposed to Jane, she accepted at first but the next morning she ran away with her sister. She never married. They moved back to Southampton when her father died. She also began to rewrite Sense and Sensibility. It was published in 1811, but the author was anonymous. The book made little money, but she decided to carry on and rework First Impressions. It was published in 1813, when it was renamed Pride & Prejudice. In 1814, Mansfield Park was published and the book was sold out in six months. She then began on the book, Emma, which was dedicated to the Prince of England and published in 1815. Persuasion was published the next year. In 1817 she began to write Sanditon, but it was never finished. She died on July 18th 1817, in Winchester. No one knows how Jane actually died but some say it was Addison's disease ("Pemberley").
Jane's influences when writing were George Eliot, Burney, and Radcliffe ("Pemberley"). She had an ambition to change eighteenth century fiction, because she thought it was unrealistic of how humans actually interact (Jones). Most of her inspiration came from her own life. All the parties, social gatherings, love, it all came from her life and it appears in almost every story Austen has created. She grew up in a middle class family therefore most of her characters were from middle-class society. She did not make the novels tragic or over the top. she wanted to keep her novels normal like their lives. During her life, women depended on the men for their very life's and futures. Their job in life was to marry a man that could give them a nice home and lifestyle.Women with good wealth and appearance were easier to marry off. Marriage was bot done for love, but by money. Income was constantly talked about like social rank. Jane Austen realized the power of marriage and money when her father died. She realized that in order to sustain a happy life she would have to marry (Jones). This gave her many inspirations for her books, especially Pride & Prejudice and Emma. Marriage and Income are both very common themes that are placed in Austen's books, due to the time in which she was living in, and how her family raised her. Fullerton, Susannah. "Jane Austen Biography." Jane Austen Society of Australia. JASA, 09 Mar 2008. Web. 5 Aug 2011. http://www.jasa.net.au/jabiog.htm.
Jones, Chris. "A Look into the Life of Jane Austen: Her Passions and Inspiration." associated content. yahoo, 2011. Web. 5 Aug 2011. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/799845/a_look_into_the_life_of_jane_austen.html.
"Biography: Life (1775-1817) and Family." Pemberley. Republic of Pemberley, 2010. Web. 5 Aug 2011. http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/janelife.html#life1a.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Emma: Quote 10
August 3 , 2011
Page 368
"I cannot make speeches, Emma:"—he soon resumed; and in a tone of such sincere, decided, intelligible tenderness as was tolerably convincing.—"If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am.—You hear nothing but truth from me.—I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it.—Bear with the truths I would tell you now, dearest Emma, as well as you have borne with them. The manner, perhaps, may have as little to recommend them. God knows, I have been a very indifferent lover.—But you understand me.—Yes, you see, you understand my feelings—and will return them if you can. At present, I ask only to hear, once to hear your voice."
The tone of this quote is " sincere, decided, intelligible tenderness..." just like the author explained in the quote. Mr. Knightley is admitting his love to Emma. The writing style of the dashes shows the hesitation Mr. Knightley is feeling while trying to explain love. It also shows how caring and thoughtful Mr. Knightley's personality is. This quote also uses some complicated word choice and diction. It reveals Mr. Knightleys high education and rank. The last line he repeats the word "hear", to emphasise how he wants to hear the words back from Emma. He appears to want to hear "I love you" more than anything in the world from Emma and that he will be devastated if she does not.
Page 368
"I cannot make speeches, Emma:"—he soon resumed; and in a tone of such sincere, decided, intelligible tenderness as was tolerably convincing.—"If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am.—You hear nothing but truth from me.—I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it.—Bear with the truths I would tell you now, dearest Emma, as well as you have borne with them. The manner, perhaps, may have as little to recommend them. God knows, I have been a very indifferent lover.—But you understand me.—Yes, you see, you understand my feelings—and will return them if you can. At present, I ask only to hear, once to hear your voice."
The tone of this quote is " sincere, decided, intelligible tenderness..." just like the author explained in the quote. Mr. Knightley is admitting his love to Emma. The writing style of the dashes shows the hesitation Mr. Knightley is feeling while trying to explain love. It also shows how caring and thoughtful Mr. Knightley's personality is. This quote also uses some complicated word choice and diction. It reveals Mr. Knightleys high education and rank. The last line he repeats the word "hear", to emphasise how he wants to hear the words back from Emma. He appears to want to hear "I love you" more than anything in the world from Emma and that he will be devastated if she does not.
Emma: Quote 9
August 3, 2011
Page 351
"Why was it so much worse that Harriet should be in love with Mr. Knightley, than with Frank Churchill? Why was the evil so dreadfully increased by Harriet's having some hope of a return? It darted through her, with the speed of an arrow, that Mr. Knightley must marry no one but herself!"
This quote again uses rhetorical questions. She is asking these to herself trying to arrange her feelings about Harriet falling in love with Mr. Knightley. Emma feels jealous and angry from the thought of Harriet and Mr. Knightley marrying. This quote also shows a different side of Emma. Emma seems like she has no self-steem and it makes Harriet seem above Emma. Dramatic irony is used, since the readers know Mr. Knightley loves Emma, but she doesn't. The last sentence is a metaphor saying the feeling of loving Mr. Knightley hit her fast like an arrow. I believe this is the climax of the novel. This is the moment when Emma gets the most attached and hurt. It shows she has changed and how willing she is to have Mr. Knightley as her husband.
Page 351
"Why was it so much worse that Harriet should be in love with Mr. Knightley, than with Frank Churchill? Why was the evil so dreadfully increased by Harriet's having some hope of a return? It darted through her, with the speed of an arrow, that Mr. Knightley must marry no one but herself!"
This quote again uses rhetorical questions. She is asking these to herself trying to arrange her feelings about Harriet falling in love with Mr. Knightley. Emma feels jealous and angry from the thought of Harriet and Mr. Knightley marrying. This quote also shows a different side of Emma. Emma seems like she has no self-steem and it makes Harriet seem above Emma. Dramatic irony is used, since the readers know Mr. Knightley loves Emma, but she doesn't. The last sentence is a metaphor saying the feeling of loving Mr. Knightley hit her fast like an arrow. I believe this is the climax of the novel. This is the moment when Emma gets the most attached and hurt. It shows she has changed and how willing she is to have Mr. Knightley as her husband.
Emma: Quote 8
August 3, 2011
Pages 281 & 282
"My dear Jane, are you sure you did not wet your feet?—It was but a drop or two, but I am so afraid:—but Mr. Frank Churchill was so extremely—and there was a mat to step upon—I shall never forget his extreme politeness.—Oh! Mr. Frank Churchill, I must tell you my mother's spectacles have never been in fault since; the rivet never came out again. My mother often talks of your goodnature. Does not she, Jane?—Do not we often talk of Mr. Frank Churchill?—Ah! here's Miss Woodhouse.—Dear Miss Woodhouse, how do you do?—Very well I thank you, quite well. This is meeting quite in fairy-land!—Such a transformation!—Must not compliment, I know—(eyeing Emma most complacently)—that would be rude—but upon my word, Miss Woodhouse, you do look—how do you like Jane's hair?—You are a judge.—She did it all herself. Quite wonderful how she does her hair!—No hairdresser from London I think could.—Ah! Dr. Hughes I declare—and Mrs. Hughes. Must go and speak to Dr. and Mrs. Hughes for a moment..."
"Old Maid." Rant-ology!. Web. 3 Aug 2011. <http://rekedar.wordpress.com/>.
Pages 281 & 282
"My dear Jane, are you sure you did not wet your feet?—It was but a drop or two, but I am so afraid:—but Mr. Frank Churchill was so extremely—and there was a mat to step upon—I shall never forget his extreme politeness.—Oh! Mr. Frank Churchill, I must tell you my mother's spectacles have never been in fault since; the rivet never came out again. My mother often talks of your goodnature. Does not she, Jane?—Do not we often talk of Mr. Frank Churchill?—Ah! here's Miss Woodhouse.—Dear Miss Woodhouse, how do you do?—Very well I thank you, quite well. This is meeting quite in fairy-land!—Such a transformation!—Must not compliment, I know—(eyeing Emma most complacently)—that would be rude—but upon my word, Miss Woodhouse, you do look—how do you like Jane's hair?—You are a judge.—She did it all herself. Quite wonderful how she does her hair!—No hairdresser from London I think could.—Ah! Dr. Hughes I declare—and Mrs. Hughes. Must go and speak to Dr. and Mrs. Hughes for a moment..."
Doesn't this just sound confusing? This quote is from Miss Bates. who LOVES to talk. The writing style is short and choppy with dashes consistently after every thought. It shows how uneducated and "loopy" Miss Bates is. (she is ADD in my opinion) She constantly moves on to a new subject, rambling about any and everything. Miss Bates is also used as a metaphor throughout the story. Harriet compares her to Emma when they discuss on not being married. They frequently say if you are not married then you will end up an old maid like Miss Bates. I feel sorry for the old woman. At one time she had money and a good life, but now she has lost everything.
Emma: Quote 7
August 3, 2011
Page 132
"How could she have been so deceived? He protested that he had never thought seriously of Harriet-never! She looked back as well as she could, but it was all confusion. She had taken up the idea, she supposed, and made everything bend to it. His manners, however, must have been unmarked, wavering, dubious, or she could not have been so misled."
If I had to choose a genre for this quote and the entire novel, I would say a satire. Austen uses irony in almost every chapter. This quote is ironic because Emma finally realized Mr. Elton fell in love with herself and not Harriet. It also uses rhetorical questions to convey how upset and angry Emma is feeling at the moment. Of course she also feels guilt of trying to set up Harriet and failing to do so. All her hard work of trying to match make Harriet backfired and led Mr. Elton to believe Emma was the ones who had feelings for him.
Page 132
"How could she have been so deceived? He protested that he had never thought seriously of Harriet-never! She looked back as well as she could, but it was all confusion. She had taken up the idea, she supposed, and made everything bend to it. His manners, however, must have been unmarked, wavering, dubious, or she could not have been so misled."
If I had to choose a genre for this quote and the entire novel, I would say a satire. Austen uses irony in almost every chapter. This quote is ironic because Emma finally realized Mr. Elton fell in love with herself and not Harriet. It also uses rhetorical questions to convey how upset and angry Emma is feeling at the moment. Of course she also feels guilt of trying to set up Harriet and failing to do so. All her hard work of trying to match make Harriet backfired and led Mr. Elton to believe Emma was the ones who had feelings for him.
Emma: Quote 6
August 3, 2011
Page 119
"Now, it so happened that in spite of Emma's resolution of never marrying, there was something in the name, in the idea of Mr. Frank Churchill which always interested her. She had frequently thought-especially since his father's marriage with Miss Taylor-that if she were to marry, he was the very person to suit her in age, character, and condition. He seemed by this connexion between the families quite to belong to her. She could not but suppose it to be a match that everybody who knew them must think of."
This quote proves how ridiculous Emma is when it comes to marriage. She swore she would never marry and if she did it would only be for love, but she has never met Mr. Frank Churchill. She has only heard gossip and news from The Westons. She already assumes that she will like him due to his place in society and his upbringing with the Churchills. This also reveals how important and common it is for small towns to gossip. Highbury is shaped around gossip. Later it is revealed that Frank, like Emma, also likes to gossip especially about Jane and her secret lover who sent the piano. The reader finds out ironically that Frank was the sender of the piano.
Page 119
"Now, it so happened that in spite of Emma's resolution of never marrying, there was something in the name, in the idea of Mr. Frank Churchill which always interested her. She had frequently thought-especially since his father's marriage with Miss Taylor-that if she were to marry, he was the very person to suit her in age, character, and condition. He seemed by this connexion between the families quite to belong to her. She could not but suppose it to be a match that everybody who knew them must think of."
This quote proves how ridiculous Emma is when it comes to marriage. She swore she would never marry and if she did it would only be for love, but she has never met Mr. Frank Churchill. She has only heard gossip and news from The Westons. She already assumes that she will like him due to his place in society and his upbringing with the Churchills. This also reveals how important and common it is for small towns to gossip. Highbury is shaped around gossip. Later it is revealed that Frank, like Emma, also likes to gossip especially about Jane and her secret lover who sent the piano. The reader finds out ironically that Frank was the sender of the piano.
Emma: Quote 5
August 3, 2011
Page 114
" I speak as a friend, Emma. You had better look about you and ascertain what you do and what you mean to do."
Mr. John Knightley confronts Emma about Mr. Elton and her matchmaking. He warns her to watch out because what she means to do is not often what everyone else sees. The dramatic irony is that Mr. John is right that Mr. Elton does indeed like Emma and not her friend, Harriet. When Mr. Elton framed the picture of Harriet, he did it for Emma since she drew the subject. Austen uses allegory. The picture is a symbol of affection from Mr. Elton.
Page 114
" I speak as a friend, Emma. You had better look about you and ascertain what you do and what you mean to do."
Mr. John Knightley confronts Emma about Mr. Elton and her matchmaking. He warns her to watch out because what she means to do is not often what everyone else sees. The dramatic irony is that Mr. John is right that Mr. Elton does indeed like Emma and not her friend, Harriet. When Mr. Elton framed the picture of Harriet, he did it for Emma since she drew the subject. Austen uses allegory. The picture is a symbol of affection from Mr. Elton.
Emma: Quote 4
August 3, 2011Page 83
" My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings,
Lords of the earth! their luxury and ease,
Another view of man my second brings;
Behold him there, the monarch of the seas!
that is ship- plain as can be. now for the cream.
But Ah! united [courtship, you know]. what reverse we have!
Man's boasted power and freedom all are flown;
Lord of the earth and sea, he bends a slave,
And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone. "
This is a riddle that Mr. Elton makes and send to the Woodhouse address. Ironically the riddle was meant for Emma, but she mistakes it for Harriet. Emma is actually the one to figure out the clues, while Harriet is oblivious. This shows the difference in rank and education between Emma and Harriet. Emma finds the clues very easy while Harriet doesn't even figure out one. Mr. Elton wrote the riddle to show Emma his love and the want of Emma as his wife. The riddle is a symbol of how love can be misunderstood and manipulated based on your own judgement and mindset.
Emma: Quote 3
August 3, 2011
Page 64
"Your meaning must be unequivocal; no doubts or demurs; and such expressions of gratitude and concern for the pain you are inflicting a propriety requires will present themselves unbidden to your mind, I am persuaded. You need not be prompted to write with the appearance of sorrow for his disappointment."
This really shows Emma's true character to me. After reading the offer of marriage to Harriet from Mr. Martin, Emma thinks she should decline, but unlike Emma the reader knows that Harriet actually has feelings for Mr. Martin. This shows how persuading Emma can be when it comes to Harriet's decisions. Harriet has no self-dignity, therefore she goes to Emma for help with everything! Instead of marrying Mr. Martin, she refuses him because that is what Emma wants her to do. Emma thinks she is being sneaky by emphasizing the words you and your to make it seem like it is Harriet's personal decisions but in reality it is Emma's.
Page 64
"Your meaning must be unequivocal; no doubts or demurs; and such expressions of gratitude and concern for the pain you are inflicting a propriety requires will present themselves unbidden to your mind, I am persuaded. You need not be prompted to write with the appearance of sorrow for his disappointment."
This really shows Emma's true character to me. After reading the offer of marriage to Harriet from Mr. Martin, Emma thinks she should decline, but unlike Emma the reader knows that Harriet actually has feelings for Mr. Martin. This shows how persuading Emma can be when it comes to Harriet's decisions. Harriet has no self-dignity, therefore she goes to Emma for help with everything! Instead of marrying Mr. Martin, she refuses him because that is what Emma wants her to do. Emma thinks she is being sneaky by emphasizing the words you and your to make it seem like it is Harriet's personal decisions but in reality it is Emma's.
Emma: Quote 2
August 3, 2011
Page 29
"Matrimony, as the origin of change, was always disagreeable; and he by no means yet reconciled to his own daughter's marrying."
This is a quote from Mr. Woodhouse, Emma's father. This book's theme is all about marriage.In the 1800's is was a woman's job to find a husband that could let her have a happy life. For the most part, nobody married for love. Mr. Woodhouse is very static and hates change, he doesn't like marriage because it changes everything around him. I think that is why Emma said she couldn't marry Mr. Knightley because she knew her father would hate the change of having Emma married. I find it kinda ironic that Jane Austin never got married, yet that is pretty much all she writes about in her books.
Page 29
"Matrimony, as the origin of change, was always disagreeable; and he by no means yet reconciled to his own daughter's marrying."
This is a quote from Mr. Woodhouse, Emma's father. This book's theme is all about marriage.In the 1800's is was a woman's job to find a husband that could let her have a happy life. For the most part, nobody married for love. Mr. Woodhouse is very static and hates change, he doesn't like marriage because it changes everything around him. I think that is why Emma said she couldn't marry Mr. Knightley because she knew her father would hate the change of having Emma married. I find it kinda ironic that Jane Austin never got married, yet that is pretty much all she writes about in her books.
Emma: Quote 1
August 3, 2011
Page 27
"The real evils indeed of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way and a disposition to think a little too well of herself..."
This quote really shows the character of the protagonist, Emma. It shows her flaw, which is being too spoiled and conceited. It also foreshadows a mistake or mistakes she will make in the book dealing with her spoiled lifestyle. Mr. Knightley is the only character that actually lets Emma know about her flaws. At first I thought it was due to the brother-sister relationship between the two, but towards the end of the novel I realized he was trying to better Emma as a person so he could have a better suitor of a wife.
Page 27
"The real evils indeed of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way and a disposition to think a little too well of herself..."
This quote really shows the character of the protagonist, Emma. It shows her flaw, which is being too spoiled and conceited. It also foreshadows a mistake or mistakes she will make in the book dealing with her spoiled lifestyle. Mr. Knightley is the only character that actually lets Emma know about her flaws. At first I thought it was due to the brother-sister relationship between the two, but towards the end of the novel I realized he was trying to better Emma as a person so he could have a better suitor of a wife.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Emma: Final Response
July 31, 2011
Final Response
This whole book to me had only two themes, which were marriage and social status. The entire plot of the story was Emma trying to match make Harriet. The suitors Emma brings for Harriet were all too high of rank for her, but in the end Harriet chooses a man equal in rank for Harriet whom she had feelings for at the very beginning. Of course at the end, Emma match makes herself with her friend, George Knightley. The book has a fairytale ending with everyone being coupled off. I think Jane Austin is a wonderful author, she didn't bore me like Ian McEwan. The irony she uses in the book, helped keep me entertained especially when Mr. Elton admitted he liked Emma and when Emma mistook Harriet liking Frank instead of Mr. Knightley. Austen also wrote a protagonist "whom no-one but myself will much like". ("USQ") I actually liked Emma, even though she was spoiled and rotten she was pretty easy to like due to her humour. The novel "Emma" reminds me of a 1990's film called "Clueless". I actually watched the movie about a week ago on Oxygen, I went online to look up more on the movie and the opening review was "Jane Austen might never have imagined that her 1816 novel Emma could be turned into a fresh and satirical look at ultra-rich teenagers in a Beverly Hills high school." I think it is pretty awesome that old and famous novels are being turned into films that teenagers enjoy to watch. ("Clueless: Review") Emma and Clueless are both popular, rich girls who try to bring up a loser or low ranked individual into their social circle. Eventually in both it backfires and they end up getting a happy ending.
"Bing." Clueless: Review. Cinema Source, 2011. Web. <http://www.bing.com/movies/search/synopsis?q=Clueless&id=2222172c-a7c7-4667-abe9-cd35a559606c&FORM=DTPMVO>.
"USQ Artsworx." USQ. University of Southern Queensland, 19 Jul 2009. Web. 31 Jul 2011. <http://www.usq.edu.au/artsworx/schoolresources/emma/janeausten>.
Final Response
This whole book to me had only two themes, which were marriage and social status. The entire plot of the story was Emma trying to match make Harriet. The suitors Emma brings for Harriet were all too high of rank for her, but in the end Harriet chooses a man equal in rank for Harriet whom she had feelings for at the very beginning. Of course at the end, Emma match makes herself with her friend, George Knightley. The book has a fairytale ending with everyone being coupled off. I think Jane Austin is a wonderful author, she didn't bore me like Ian McEwan. The irony she uses in the book, helped keep me entertained especially when Mr. Elton admitted he liked Emma and when Emma mistook Harriet liking Frank instead of Mr. Knightley. Austen also wrote a protagonist "whom no-one but myself will much like". ("USQ") I actually liked Emma, even though she was spoiled and rotten she was pretty easy to like due to her humour. The novel "Emma" reminds me of a 1990's film called "Clueless". I actually watched the movie about a week ago on Oxygen, I went online to look up more on the movie and the opening review was "Jane Austen might never have imagined that her 1816 novel Emma could be turned into a fresh and satirical look at ultra-rich teenagers in a Beverly Hills high school." I think it is pretty awesome that old and famous novels are being turned into films that teenagers enjoy to watch. ("Clueless: Review") Emma and Clueless are both popular, rich girls who try to bring up a loser or low ranked individual into their social circle. Eventually in both it backfires and they end up getting a happy ending.
"Bing." Clueless: Review. Cinema Source, 2011. Web. <http://www.bing.com/movies/search/synopsis?q=Clueless&id=2222172c-a7c7-4667-abe9-cd35a559606c&FORM=DTPMVO>.
"USQ Artsworx." USQ. University of Southern Queensland, 19 Jul 2009. Web. 31 Jul 2011. <http://www.usq.edu.au/artsworx/schoolresources/emma/janeausten>.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
The End of Emma
July 30,2011
Pages 371-412
Pages 371-412
All ends well in the novel, Frank and Jane get married. Harriet and Mr. Martin get married, and finally Emma and Mr.Knightley get married. Everybody found their suitor, including the ones that didn't want one at first. They are all perfect couples because they each have opposites but are equal in rank. Frank and Emma would have never worked out, because they are to vain and stubborn. Harriet wouldn't have worked out with either because she was in the wrong rank as the others. At the end, she realized she made a mistake and chose to marry Mr.Martin after all. Both Harriet and Emma changed and became round characters. Even though Emma at first made bad choices, she finally learned to listen to other people and show respect to people that were of equal and lesser rank than herself. Harriet learned to follow her own hearts and stop letting others interfere in her personal decisions. Mr. Knightley was static, and made good choices throughout the novel and helped shape Emma into a better person and suitor for his wife.
"Transition Period - 1800-1830 (Orchestral Landmarks) ." YouTube. Web. 30 Jul 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj_dsp74XHs>.
More Than Friends
July 30, 2011
Pages 338-371
FINALLY, Mr. Knightley and Emma are together! The way he declares his love is too cute! " Emma, I accept your offer, extraordinary as it may seem, I accept it and refer to you as a friend. Tell me, then, have I no chance of ever succeeding?"(368) This may be my new favorite quote. This reveals the whole theme of the novel: marriage. Almost everyone is now engaged or married apart from Harriet. I feel really bad for her. I wish she could find the perfect man. Jane and Frank and are now engaged also. They finally admitted to a secret engagement. I am surprised though they didn't get banished from society or something, aren't secret engagements low to society? Also, Emma and Mr. Knightley are a perfect match, they are both high in society and rich. The both attended the same parties too. They were the most logical choice to get married. How silly of Emma to think Mr. Knightley likes Harriet and Jane.
If you start the video at 9:42 is starts the scene of Mr.Knightley telling Emma he loves her. :)
One question that I asked while reading this novel was If Emma was going to live with Mr. Knightley at Donwell Abbey. I realized after that Donwell Abbey is a pun. Donwell looks like Done Well. It gives insight of the home of Mr.Knightley showing his home without really describing it. It also shows his personality. Showing how much he cares for the look of his home making sure it is well and acceptable for visitors. Also the word Abbey also describes the home without narration. An abbey is a place of worship and praise. It reveals that his home is beautiful and a place frequently admired.
One question that I asked while reading this novel was If Emma was going to live with Mr. Knightley at Donwell Abbey. I realized after that Donwell Abbey is a pun. Donwell looks like Done Well. It gives insight of the home of Mr.Knightley showing his home without really describing it. It also shows his personality. Showing how much he cares for the look of his home making sure it is well and acceptable for visitors. Also the word Abbey also describes the home without narration. An abbey is a place of worship and praise. It reveals that his home is beautiful and a place frequently admired.
"Vol 3 - Chapter 13 - Emma by Jane Austen ." YouTube. Web. 30 Jul 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d--YypXgX9E&feature=BFa&list=SP22D71E11918DAE33&index=49>.
Emma has a Heart?
July 30, 2011
Pages 305-338
Chapters 8 and 9 of volume 3, show how Emma is changing. She is turning into a round character. "She could have no doubt- putting everything together- that Jane was resolved to receive no kindness from her. She was sorry, very sorry." (337) Emma changes to actually feel sorry for Jane instead of being jealous of her. Part of the reason Jane is upset is because of Frank, obviously something is going on since they both seemed mad at the Box Hill Party. Now that Franks mother has passed away, I think he will declare his love of Jane. If so, that is going to be a huge shock to Emma, because she still thinks Frank and Harriet would make a good couple. A motif that occurs in the story is parties. Many parties and dinners happen throughout the story. This is where the reader really gets to understand all of the characters and their personalities.
The parties signify the leisure activities of the people of Highbury.The point of the parties is to see how everyone reacts arounf other characters. It reveals each characters characterization. For instance, Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley is very relaxed at parties and doesn't like to dance. You can tell he is very caring and thoughtful. He also asked Harriet to dance when she was declined by Mr. Elton. Mr. Knightley being a charming gentleman, asked her in order to make her seem less embarrased. This is also where you find the flaw of Mr. Knightley. Austen uses Mr. Knightley's jealousy to reveal his anger and resentment to any man Emma fancies at a party. The author creates a joyous mood during the party, but the mood changes when Mr. Knightley sees Frank with Emma.
"Emma Dance Scene." beatter Living Through Beowulf. Web. 30 Jul 2011. <http://www.betterlivingthroughbeowulf.com/?p=6755>.
Pages 305-338
Chapters 8 and 9 of volume 3, show how Emma is changing. She is turning into a round character. "She could have no doubt- putting everything together- that Jane was resolved to receive no kindness from her. She was sorry, very sorry." (337) Emma changes to actually feel sorry for Jane instead of being jealous of her. Part of the reason Jane is upset is because of Frank, obviously something is going on since they both seemed mad at the Box Hill Party. Now that Franks mother has passed away, I think he will declare his love of Jane. If so, that is going to be a huge shock to Emma, because she still thinks Frank and Harriet would make a good couple. A motif that occurs in the story is parties. Many parties and dinners happen throughout the story. This is where the reader really gets to understand all of the characters and their personalities. The parties signify the leisure activities of the people of Highbury.The point of the parties is to see how everyone reacts arounf other characters. It reveals each characters characterization. For instance, Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley is very relaxed at parties and doesn't like to dance. You can tell he is very caring and thoughtful. He also asked Harriet to dance when she was declined by Mr. Elton. Mr. Knightley being a charming gentleman, asked her in order to make her seem less embarrased. This is also where you find the flaw of Mr. Knightley. Austen uses Mr. Knightley's jealousy to reveal his anger and resentment to any man Emma fancies at a party. The author creates a joyous mood during the party, but the mood changes when Mr. Knightley sees Frank with Emma.
Uh-Oh!
Harriet, like Emma, decides in this chapter that she will never marry because the man she loves is too good for her. Harriet never fully tells Emma the name but gives her clues. Emma thinks it is Frank, but I believe it is Mr. Knightley! Emma is too oblivious to realize that is who Harriet is talking about. Harriet is a clone of Emma, so of course Harriet would end up liking the same person as Emma does. The thing is Harriet has already "loved" two people in this book: Mr. Martin and Mr. Elton. She has very poor judgement and I think she loves everyone who Emma tries to set her up with. But I don't think Emma is going to be very happy if she realizes she likes Mr. Knightley. Mr.Knightley also discusses how he thinks something is going on between Jane and Frank, Emma is still oblivious to it all and cannot fathom the idea. Also, I think the word games they are playing are a symbol of the games Frank is playing throughout the book. He acts as though he likes Emma, yet he is with Jane secretly. He is playing games, and Mr. Knightley tries to warn Emma of them, but she is too stubborn to listen.
These chapters really reveal the tone of the novel. The tone is satirical and ironic. Almost everything Emma does backfires on her. It is almost witty and humor like, but Emma's flaws and failures create a satirical tone throughout the novel. It lso reveals another theme in the novel, "we're all fools when it comes to love". This theme deals with almost every character in the novel. Emma thought she would never marry, but she ended up falling in love with Mr. Knightley even though she was misguided in the beginning of the book. Harriet was also a fool in love, since she changed her wannabe fiance three times. Mr. Elton aw well is also a fool in love, he loved Emma while his actions were thought to have been for Harriet. Mr. Elton did everything for Emma and follwed her like a puppy, but after he was rejected he ended up marrying a woman from Bath.
"Playing Cards." Leaders Institute. Web. 30 Jul 2011. <http://www.leadersinstitute.com/free-team-building-activity-playing-card-shuffle/>.
These chapters really reveal the tone of the novel. The tone is satirical and ironic. Almost everything Emma does backfires on her. It is almost witty and humor like, but Emma's flaws and failures create a satirical tone throughout the novel. It lso reveals another theme in the novel, "we're all fools when it comes to love". This theme deals with almost every character in the novel. Emma thought she would never marry, but she ended up falling in love with Mr. Knightley even though she was misguided in the beginning of the book. Harriet was also a fool in love, since she changed her wannabe fiance three times. Mr. Elton aw well is also a fool in love, he loved Emma while his actions were thought to have been for Harriet. Mr. Elton did everything for Emma and follwed her like a puppy, but after he was rejected he ended up marrying a woman from Bath.
"Playing Cards." Leaders Institute. Web. 30 Jul 2011. <http://www.leadersinstitute.com/free-team-building-activity-playing-card-shuffle/>.
Mr. Knightley
July 30, 2011
Pages 248-274
"Jane Austen." The Works of Jane Austen. Web. 30 Jul 2011. <http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fass/projects/stylistics/authors/austen.htm>.
Pages 248-274
I have noticed that in this book, Mr.Knightley is the only character that really analyses the other characters in the story. I believe Jane Austen wrote Mr. Knightleys part as her own. It seems that he is the only character that knows the truth of each character and their faults, including Emma. Mr. Knightley is the mouth of the author in this story. So far all of Mr.Knightley's accusation have been true. He notices the bad and good in every character, especially Emma who he is always scolding at for her character against Mrs. Elton, Jane, and Frank Churchill. Also, Jane Fairfax at the party decides she must become a governess since she does not have a rich family. She uses a simile of a slave trade to show how unfair it is that some people get born into wealthy families while others must get jobs and traded. This contrasts Emma and Jane as well. It reveals that the Emma whether she marries or not, will still be rich, unlike Jane who must marry a rich man in order to stay high in society.
"Jane Austen." The Works of Jane Austen. Web. 30 Jul 2011. <http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fass/projects/stylistics/authors/austen.htm>.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Emma Doesn't Change
July 29, 2011
Pages 216-248
Pages 216-248
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| “I would have gotten away with it, too, if it hadn't been for you meddling kids!" |
Emma still has not learned her lesson on meddling with other peoples' hearts and business. She realizes she is not in love with Frank and immediately after she comes to this realization, she tries to match make him with Harriet. I thought she was going to change, but instead she seems to be a static character and falls back in her old ways. She is too tempted to meddle with peoples lives. Mrs. Elton gets on my nerves, she is very rude and I don't think she knows her rank in society. She thinks she is above Emma and the Knightleys, but she is actually below them. She even calls Mr. Knightley just by his last name, which was very improper! I bet everyone was amazed by her calling him that because I know Emma was. I think Mrs. Elton and Mr. Elton are a good match though. They are both weird and rude, and I personally don't like either of them.
After rereading this section I realized how sneaky of a writer Jane Austin is. The author changes her point of view often to make the reader only see what she wants the reader to see. If the novel was told from the same point of view then we could really get a good insight to that character, but Austen changes the narrator in order to keep secrets from the reader. She briefly gives us hints of what is going on but for the most part she leave sit to Emma's imagination. Again, this is another flaw of Emma. Emma tends to make up thinks in order to satisfy her desires, like her "matchmaking". She imagines Mr. Elton to like Harriet but in return he had no feelings for her. Imagination is one of her biggest flaws and is what most of the action and conflict comes from in the story. This made me refer back to "Atonement". Briony also lets the power of imagination alter reality, like Emma. Fortunatley, Emma's imaginative mind wasn't as destructive as Brionys.
"MysteryInc." The Nerd Signal. Web. 29 Jul 2011. <http://www.thenerdsignal.net/?p=465>.
After rereading this section I realized how sneaky of a writer Jane Austin is. The author changes her point of view often to make the reader only see what she wants the reader to see. If the novel was told from the same point of view then we could really get a good insight to that character, but Austen changes the narrator in order to keep secrets from the reader. She briefly gives us hints of what is going on but for the most part she leave sit to Emma's imagination. Again, this is another flaw of Emma. Emma tends to make up thinks in order to satisfy her desires, like her "matchmaking". She imagines Mr. Elton to like Harriet but in return he had no feelings for her. Imagination is one of her biggest flaws and is what most of the action and conflict comes from in the story. This made me refer back to "Atonement". Briony also lets the power of imagination alter reality, like Emma. Fortunatley, Emma's imaginative mind wasn't as destructive as Brionys.
"MysteryInc." The Nerd Signal. Web. 29 Jul 2011. <http://www.thenerdsignal.net/?p=465>.
A Love Square
July 29, 2011
Pages 188- 216
Pages 188- 216
Emma and Mr.Knightley. Jane and Frank Churchill. Emma and Frank Churchill. Jane and Mr.Knightley. This is a love square. All four characters are involved with the other somehow. They are all accusing the others of liking somebody. Frank gives some gossip to Emma, involving Jane and Mr. Knightley. Emma becomes jealous but declares it is not for any feelings to Mr. Knightley but of his estate, and the person he would be marrying aka Jane. This is foreshadowing a love interest between Mr. Knightley and Emma. I think their is definitely a spark between them, but Emma only has eyes for Mr. Churchill at the time. Frank tries to make Emma believe all these men like Jane, but he never says himself. For instance, in an early chapter he was talking about Mr. Dixon liking her, and now he is talking about Mr. Knightley liking her also. It seems Frank and Emma do have something in common: gossip. The author seems to be comparing the secret love interest of Frank and Jane to Emma and Mr. Knightley. I believe in the end both couples will get together.
In these chapters, Jane austen brings a foil to the reader's notice. The author compares Frank and Emma showing their similaities and their differences. Frank and Emma clash too much, because they are almost two similar. They both think they are a perfect match, but are unable to fall in love with each other. Frank loves to party and have fun, where as Emma does not like change and likes to stay at her home. That is why she and Mr. Knightley remain at her estate instead of moving to Donwell Abbey.
In these chapters, Jane austen brings a foil to the reader's notice. The author compares Frank and Emma showing their similaities and their differences. Frank and Emma clash too much, because they are almost two similar. They both think they are a perfect match, but are unable to fall in love with each other. Frank loves to party and have fun, where as Emma does not like change and likes to stay at her home. That is why she and Mr. Knightley remain at her estate instead of moving to Donwell Abbey.
Frank Churchill
July 29, 2011
Pages 147-188
"Man Silhouette." Clker.com. Web. 29 Jul 2011. <http://www.clker.com/clipart-24011.html>.
Pages 147-188
Emma already likes Mr. Frank Churchill, and she hasn't even met him yet. Just from the gossip of her neighbors she has created her own personality for him. The author still hasn't exactly given me much information about Frank Churchill. Jane Austen has kept him a mystery. Also the interaction with Jane and Frank is weird to me. Jane said she met him, but she made it seem like they barely talked, however when Frank talks to Emma he knows a great deal of Jane. I think the very limited interaction of both characters and their mysterious presence is foreshadowing a relationship between the two. I think their is something going on between the two characters that they want to be hidden. Of course, I don't think Emma can be anymore jealous of Jane than she already is. Mr Knightley on the other hand seems to dislike Frank Churchill. Is the reason jealousy, due to Emma liking Frank? Because if so, Mr Knightley and Emma seem to fight about everything.
A reoccuring motif in the novel is gossip. The motif helps to develop and inform the text’s major theme. Gossiping is the social way aroung Highbury. It is the common way of life for the upper society and is the way they obtain information. Although gossip is fun for the residents, most of it was untrue and caused conflicts in the novel. For instance, the gossiping of Frank Churchill. Everyone in Highbury has considered him a true and honest fellow who would be a great suitor of a husband, but it is not until much later in the book that they realize he was secretly engaged and was dishonest proving that the information was a lie.
A reoccuring motif in the novel is gossip. The motif helps to develop and inform the text’s major theme. Gossiping is the social way aroung Highbury. It is the common way of life for the upper society and is the way they obtain information. Although gossip is fun for the residents, most of it was untrue and caused conflicts in the novel. For instance, the gossiping of Frank Churchill. Everyone in Highbury has considered him a true and honest fellow who would be a great suitor of a husband, but it is not until much later in the book that they realize he was secretly engaged and was dishonest proving that the information was a lie.
Back from Vacation
July 29, 2011
Pages 111-145
Emma gets a taste of her own medicine during this couple of chapters. Mr. Elton finally reveals his true love for Emma, Emma thinks he is joking and reminds him of Harriet. Mr. Elton immediately talks of Harriet's low rank. This is ironic because Emma turned down Mr. Martin for Harriet because of his low rank, and now the man she is trying to set up Harriet with is turning her down for the very same reason. Also this is the first time in the entire book that Emma is alone with a man. This makes the scene more awkward and revealing due to the intimacy between Emma and Mr. Elton. Also Harriet and Emma seem like complete opposites. When Emma tells Harriet about the affair with Mr. Elton, Harriet wasn't upset and didn't even blame Emma. Harriet has a pure heart unlike Emma who is stubborn and spoiled. Emma realizes from this experience that she still has some stuff to learn in this world.
The turing point of these chapters is when Mr. Elton accuses Emma that she was the object of his affections all along. Mr. Elton firmly believed Emma knew he loved her. This reveals Emma's flaw. It shows that she is not in control as she one believed she was. She nows feels as if she was manipulated, and for the first time she does not say anything. She remains silent and in complete shock. This is the moment where you start to see the change in Emma's character. She realized the mistake she made in matchmaking and sees how her decisions have made social interactions invlolving her chaotic, and we know that she likes everything to be in order. She no longer feels the authority she once had., and now is removed and detatched from society. This shows a comparison to Miss Bates, who like Emma was once rich but eventually she lost all of her money and now lives off kindness from the upper class.
Pages 111-145
Emma gets a taste of her own medicine during this couple of chapters. Mr. Elton finally reveals his true love for Emma, Emma thinks he is joking and reminds him of Harriet. Mr. Elton immediately talks of Harriet's low rank. This is ironic because Emma turned down Mr. Martin for Harriet because of his low rank, and now the man she is trying to set up Harriet with is turning her down for the very same reason. Also this is the first time in the entire book that Emma is alone with a man. This makes the scene more awkward and revealing due to the intimacy between Emma and Mr. Elton. Also Harriet and Emma seem like complete opposites. When Emma tells Harriet about the affair with Mr. Elton, Harriet wasn't upset and didn't even blame Emma. Harriet has a pure heart unlike Emma who is stubborn and spoiled. Emma realizes from this experience that she still has some stuff to learn in this world.
The turing point of these chapters is when Mr. Elton accuses Emma that she was the object of his affections all along. Mr. Elton firmly believed Emma knew he loved her. This reveals Emma's flaw. It shows that she is not in control as she one believed she was. She nows feels as if she was manipulated, and for the first time she does not say anything. She remains silent and in complete shock. This is the moment where you start to see the change in Emma's character. She realized the mistake she made in matchmaking and sees how her decisions have made social interactions invlolving her chaotic, and we know that she likes everything to be in order. She no longer feels the authority she once had., and now is removed and detatched from society. This shows a comparison to Miss Bates, who like Emma was once rich but eventually she lost all of her money and now lives off kindness from the upper class.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Matchmaker
July 21, 2011Pages 79-110
I think the Mr. Elton, Harriet, Emma drama is very ironic. I love the fact that as the reader, we know Mr.Elton actually likes Emma, but Emma believes he likes Harriet. When Mr. Elton writes the love note, Emma mistakes it as love for Harriet. But in reality, the love note was actually for Emma. This is Emma's fault for playing Mr. Elton on. Emma tries to play matchmaker, but it is backfiring. Instead of making everyone fall in love with Harriet, everyone is falling in love with Emma. If Emma would just think to her own life, and not meddle with everyone elses then this wouldn't happen. I think Mr. Elton is going to break Harriet's heart because he is going to admit his feelings for Emma. I just hope Harriet doesn't start liking Mr. Elton. She needs to learn to tell Emma no and make her own decisions.
"Heart." Ageless Living. Web. 21 Jul 2011. http://www.fabafter50.com/index.html.
Harriet Needs Her Own Mind
July 21, 2011
Pages 52-78
Pages 52-78
Harriet is Emma's lackey. Harriet doesn't have a mind of her own and lets Emma dictate her. She even asks for Emma's approval of marring Mr. Martin. Even though Martin is the best choice for Harriet, Emma disapproves of him because he is of low rank. This novel doesn't make marriage seem like love at all. It's all about marrying someone of rank or someone who has enough money to let you live nicely. I guess back in the 1800's the woman's only goal in life was to marry. I guess who you married back then, decided where you were in society. That is why Emma wants Harriet to marry someone in the higher rank, because Harriet is so low she needs a richer man to keep her high in society. I still think that she needs to marry Mr.Martin though, he seems like a nice gentleman, even if Emma's claims he is not.
"wedding rings." stock.xchng. Web. 21 Jul 2011. http://www.sxc.hu/photo/894080.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Emma Introduction
July 20, 2011
Pages 27-52
Emma Woodhouse is an interesting character. Like Briony from Atonement, Emma is concieted and in her own mindset. You can tell from the first chapters that Emma's goal for the book is to have a greater respect for others. Emma is a very static character. She is used to her world and when Miss Taylor marries off, Emma can't take the new change. Since she lost a friend, she now searches for a companion and finds Harriet. This book is also about social rank. Emma is at the very top, and doesn't even associate with the lower class people. Her new friend, Harriet, is at the very bottom, but she takes her under her wing to help bring her into high society. This isn't because she cares about Harriet, it is because she now has a loss of a friendship and has extra time, and because she wants people to recognize her as a good person who helped bring someone who is nothing into a high class woman.
Pages 27-52
Emma Woodhouse is an interesting character. Like Briony from Atonement, Emma is concieted and in her own mindset. You can tell from the first chapters that Emma's goal for the book is to have a greater respect for others. Emma is a very static character. She is used to her world and when Miss Taylor marries off, Emma can't take the new change. Since she lost a friend, she now searches for a companion and finds Harriet. This book is also about social rank. Emma is at the very top, and doesn't even associate with the lower class people. Her new friend, Harriet, is at the very bottom, but she takes her under her wing to help bring her into high society. This isn't because she cares about Harriet, it is because she now has a loss of a friendship and has extra time, and because she wants people to recognize her as a good person who helped bring someone who is nothing into a high class woman. "Emma (signet classic)." Amazon. Web. 20 Jul 2011. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0451526279.
Ian McEwan
July 18, 2011
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Ian McEwan is a well known British author, that was born on June 21, 1948 from David and Rose McEwan. Aldershot, England is his hometown, but his father was in the army, so he had to move a lot as a child. His father used to tell him stories of war life during World War II. This is probably how he got most of his background information for his World War II stories. His father abused Rose and was an alcoholic, and his Mother had vascular dementia. It wasn't until 2002, that he realized he had a brother given up for adoption during the times of World War II.![]()
His name was David Sharpe and is 6 years older than Ian McEwan. In 1959 Ian attended Woolverstone Hall Boarding School in England. He attended Sussex University for college to study English. After he went to the University of East Anglia and joined a creative writing class under Malcolm Bradbury. His first story was "Conversation With a Cupboardman." In 1975 he published his first collection of short stories called "First Love, Last Rites". This collection won the Somerset Maugham Award, a British literary prize given to the best writer according to the Society of Authors. His second collection of short stories was "In Between the Sheets". He was asked in 1978 to write a play for BBC, but the play was banned due to sexual subject matter. His first published novel he ever wrote was The Cement Garden. He married Penny Allen and has two sons, but they divorced shortly due to his fame in Britain. Peggy fled to France with her new boyfriend, Ismay Tremain, with her sons, but she was later ordered to return to Britain. McEwan married Annalena McAfee later. She was the editor of The Guardian. He got the nickname "Ian MacAbre" because his first couple of stories were about sex, death, and violence. Some of Ian McEwan's famous novels are "The Child in Time", "Enduring Love", "Amsterdam", and "Atonement." He has written 10 novels total, and two short story collections. His most recent story is "On the Chesil Beach" which was written in 2007. In 2008 he wrote an opera called "For You", and a children's book called "The Daydreamer". He won the most prestigious literary award, Man Booker Prize. He is considered on of England's best novelists and is honored for his writing style and dark stories (Brennan).
Ian McEwan is an atheist, and believes that religion corrupts people's ways of thinking and that they misinterpret what their religion says. He is also against terrorism, After the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, Ian McEwan wrote many essays on the attack on terrorism. Ian McEwan's inspiration is Kafka.
"Atonement" had had many controversies. Ian McEwan has been accused of plagiarizing Lucilla Andrews' "No Time for Romance". Many authors like Thomas Pynchon defend Ian McEwan and claim he is not plagiarizing Andrew's autobiography. McEwan did admit to using the book for research. "On Chesil Beach" was also considered for plagiarizing Claire Henderson-Davis book, "After the Church". The most notable comparison of the two was the central characters name-Florence. Which is also Claires' mother's name(McEwan).
His name was David Sharpe and is 6 years older than Ian McEwan. In 1959 Ian attended Woolverstone Hall Boarding School in England. He attended Sussex University for college to study English. After he went to the University of East Anglia and joined a creative writing class under Malcolm Bradbury. His first story was "Conversation With a Cupboardman." In 1975 he published his first collection of short stories called "First Love, Last Rites". This collection won the Somerset Maugham Award, a British literary prize given to the best writer according to the Society of Authors. His second collection of short stories was "In Between the Sheets". He was asked in 1978 to write a play for BBC, but the play was banned due to sexual subject matter. His first published novel he ever wrote was The Cement Garden. He married Penny Allen and has two sons, but they divorced shortly due to his fame in Britain. Peggy fled to France with her new boyfriend, Ismay Tremain, with her sons, but she was later ordered to return to Britain. McEwan married Annalena McAfee later. She was the editor of The Guardian. He got the nickname "Ian MacAbre" because his first couple of stories were about sex, death, and violence. Some of Ian McEwan's famous novels are "The Child in Time", "Enduring Love", "Amsterdam", and "Atonement." He has written 10 novels total, and two short story collections. His most recent story is "On the Chesil Beach" which was written in 2007. In 2008 he wrote an opera called "For You", and a children's book called "The Daydreamer". He won the most prestigious literary award, Man Booker Prize. He is considered on of England's best novelists and is honored for his writing style and dark stories (Brennan).Ian McEwan is an atheist, and believes that religion corrupts people's ways of thinking and that they misinterpret what their religion says. He is also against terrorism, After the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, Ian McEwan wrote many essays on the attack on terrorism. Ian McEwan's inspiration is Kafka.
"Atonement" had had many controversies. Ian McEwan has been accused of plagiarizing Lucilla Andrews' "No Time for Romance". Many authors like Thomas Pynchon defend Ian McEwan and claim he is not plagiarizing Andrew's autobiography. McEwan did admit to using the book for research. "On Chesil Beach" was also considered for plagiarizing Claire Henderson-Davis book, "After the Church". The most notable comparison of the two was the central characters name-Florence. Which is also Claires' mother's name(McEwan).
Works Cited
Brennan, Carol. "Ian McEwan." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Advameg, 2011. Web. 18 Jul 2011. http://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2004-Ko-Pr/McEwan-Ian.html.
McEwan, Ian. "Home." IanMcEwan.com. Ian McEwan Website, 27 May 2011. Web. 18 Jul 2011. http://www.ianmcewan.com/.
"Author Profiles: Ian McEwan - General Fiction." BooksOnline.co.uk. SplashWeb, 2010. Web. 18 Jul 2011. http://www.booksonline.co.uk/authors/ianmcewan.html.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Atonement: Quote 10
July 18, 2011
Pages 350 & 351
"How can a novelist achieve atonement when, with her absolute power of deciding outcomes, she is also God? There is no one, no entity or higher form that she can appeal to, or be reconciled with, or that can forgive her. There is nothing outside her. In her imagination she has set the limits and the terms. No atonement for God, or novelists, even if they are atheists. It was always an impossible task, and that was precisely the point. The attempt was all."
This passage just proves to me that Briony never fully got atonement. She said it herself that it is impossible to achieve atonement if you are God, and Briony definitely considers herself a godly figure. It also shows that Briony is static and although she thinks she has changed, I don't think she has. I don't understand how writing a happy ending can be considered atonement, because I bet Cecilia and Robbie (if they were still alive) still do not forgive Briony for what she did.
In Briony's eyes though she felt she did reach atonement. Briony is so used to lying and storytelling that she can not can not come out of her imaginative world. She can not distinguish between imaginary and reality. This was her ultimate flaw, throughout the book. In her imaginary world, her metaphor she uses of her and god is correct because she can manipulate whatever outcome she wants.
Pages 350 & 351
"How can a novelist achieve atonement when, with her absolute power of deciding outcomes, she is also God? There is no one, no entity or higher form that she can appeal to, or be reconciled with, or that can forgive her. There is nothing outside her. In her imagination she has set the limits and the terms. No atonement for God, or novelists, even if they are atheists. It was always an impossible task, and that was precisely the point. The attempt was all."
This passage just proves to me that Briony never fully got atonement. She said it herself that it is impossible to achieve atonement if you are God, and Briony definitely considers herself a godly figure. It also shows that Briony is static and although she thinks she has changed, I don't think she has. I don't understand how writing a happy ending can be considered atonement, because I bet Cecilia and Robbie (if they were still alive) still do not forgive Briony for what she did.
In Briony's eyes though she felt she did reach atonement. Briony is so used to lying and storytelling that she can not can not come out of her imaginative world. She can not distinguish between imaginary and reality. This was her ultimate flaw, throughout the book. In her imaginary world, her metaphor she uses of her and god is correct because she can manipulate whatever outcome she wants.
Atonement: Quote 9
July 18, 2011
Page 349
''There was our crime- Lola's, Marshall's, and mine- and from the second version onward, I set out to describe it. I've regarded as my duty to disguise nothing- the names, the places, the exact circumstances- I put it all there as a matter of historical record.''
This quote kinda makes me angry, because it seems as if Briony is trying to make herself feel better by also blaming Lola and Paul for locking Robbie in Jail and causing Cecilia's and her own life, destructive. Maybe this helps the guilt she feels. I guess they could be partly to blame since Paul was the actual rapist and Lola didn't help at all by defending or accusing. It makes me feel like Briony didn't really learn her lesson after all.
This quote is ironic to me, because Briony is the one to blame. It was her imagination and her lies that created this book. And now since almost everyone is dead she wants to publish the story. She also says that the story is historically accurate, which I highly doubt. Briony loves to tell lies, so parts of this story can be incorrect due to Briony's type of writing. She likes to manipulate and change stories to her liking. And is she isn't "disguising" anything, then how come she had to wai tuntil the character sin the novel were dead? Is this a cover up? Or did she really disguise something in the novel?
Page 349
''There was our crime- Lola's, Marshall's, and mine- and from the second version onward, I set out to describe it. I've regarded as my duty to disguise nothing- the names, the places, the exact circumstances- I put it all there as a matter of historical record.''
This quote kinda makes me angry, because it seems as if Briony is trying to make herself feel better by also blaming Lola and Paul for locking Robbie in Jail and causing Cecilia's and her own life, destructive. Maybe this helps the guilt she feels. I guess they could be partly to blame since Paul was the actual rapist and Lola didn't help at all by defending or accusing. It makes me feel like Briony didn't really learn her lesson after all.
This quote is ironic to me, because Briony is the one to blame. It was her imagination and her lies that created this book. And now since almost everyone is dead she wants to publish the story. She also says that the story is historically accurate, which I highly doubt. Briony loves to tell lies, so parts of this story can be incorrect due to Briony's type of writing. She likes to manipulate and change stories to her liking. And is she isn't "disguising" anything, then how come she had to wai tuntil the character sin the novel were dead? Is this a cover up? Or did she really disguise something in the novel?
Atonement: Quote 8
July 18, 2011
Page 249
"I'll wait for you was elemental. It was the reason he had survived. It was the ordinary way of saying she would refuse all other men. Only you. Come back."
This shows the love of Robbie and Cecilia. Even though everything has kept them from being together, they still love each other and will come back to see each other. The words "come back" are a motif. Cecilia use to use them for when her baby sister had nightmares, but now she uses the words for Robbie to come back to England from the war in France. It shows that Cecilias "alliance" or connection has moved from her families and Brionys to Robbies.
Page 249
"I'll wait for you was elemental. It was the reason he had survived. It was the ordinary way of saying she would refuse all other men. Only you. Come back."
This shows the love of Robbie and Cecilia. Even though everything has kept them from being together, they still love each other and will come back to see each other. The words "come back" are a motif. Cecilia use to use them for when her baby sister had nightmares, but now she uses the words for Robbie to come back to England from the war in France. It shows that Cecilias "alliance" or connection has moved from her families and Brionys to Robbies.
Atonement: Quote 7
July 18, 2011
Page 174
“Cecilia remained where she was, facing down the drive, tranquility watching the car as it receded, but the tremors along the line of her shoulders confided she was crying, and Briony knew she had never loved her sister more than now.”
Cecilia watches as the police car leaves with Robbie. This is the last time they REALLY see each other. The other time they did was only for a brief time at a cafe and it was "dissatisfying". This is also the moment that Briony realized she made a mistake. Briony saw her sister cry as the car pulled off, Briony realized that Cecilia hadn't been attacked, instead Cecilia was actually in love with Robbie. This is where the guilt starts playing a role in the story. One of the main themes in the book is guilt, because in order for Briony to make amends she has to feel the guilt from what she did.
Page 174
“Cecilia remained where she was, facing down the drive, tranquility watching the car as it receded, but the tremors along the line of her shoulders confided she was crying, and Briony knew she had never loved her sister more than now.”
Cecilia watches as the police car leaves with Robbie. This is the last time they REALLY see each other. The other time they did was only for a brief time at a cafe and it was "dissatisfying". This is also the moment that Briony realized she made a mistake. Briony saw her sister cry as the car pulled off, Briony realized that Cecilia hadn't been attacked, instead Cecilia was actually in love with Robbie. This is where the guilt starts playing a role in the story. One of the main themes in the book is guilt, because in order for Briony to make amends she has to feel the guilt from what she did.
Atonement: Quote 6
July 18, 2011
Page 146
“Within the half hour Briony would commit her crime.”
Obviously, this is foreshadowing. It clearly states Briony would commit the crime of the story sometime within the next couple of pages or thirty minutes. This is also where the plot thickens. It is almost climatic. This is where there is a change in the story. After she "commits her crime" the rest of the story is her trying to atone the situation. This sets the story for Briony's atonement, wish is her goal throughout the novel.
Page 146
“Within the half hour Briony would commit her crime.”
Obviously, this is foreshadowing. It clearly states Briony would commit the crime of the story sometime within the next couple of pages or thirty minutes. This is also where the plot thickens. It is almost climatic. This is where there is a change in the story. After she "commits her crime" the rest of the story is her trying to atone the situation. This sets the story for Briony's atonement, wish is her goal throughout the novel.
Atonement: Quote 5
July 18, 2011
Pages 106 & 107
"With the letter, something elemental, brutal, perhaps even criminal had been introduced, some principle of darkness, and even in her excitement over the possibilities, she did not doubt that her sister was in some way threatened and would need her help."
The letter is a symbol of Robbie's love to Cecilia. It gets misinterpreted into something evil -almost as if it was a villain. The letter did introduce something criminal. It introduced the "crime" Briony was going to commit, and how excited she was about the possibilities of it. The way the passage is written tries to make you think she is doing the deed out of love for her sister, and wanting to protect her. But in the end it ends up destroying and killing her beloved sister.
Pages 106 & 107
"With the letter, something elemental, brutal, perhaps even criminal had been introduced, some principle of darkness, and even in her excitement over the possibilities, she did not doubt that her sister was in some way threatened and would need her help."
The letter is a symbol of Robbie's love to Cecilia. It gets misinterpreted into something evil -almost as if it was a villain. The letter did introduce something criminal. It introduced the "crime" Briony was going to commit, and how excited she was about the possibilities of it. The way the passage is written tries to make you think she is doing the deed out of love for her sister, and wanting to protect her. But in the end it ends up destroying and killing her beloved sister.
Atonement: Quote 4
July 18, 2011
Page 106
"The very complexity of her feelings confirmed Briony in her view that she was entering an arena of adult emotion and dissembling from which her writing was bound to benefit. What fairy tale ever had so much by way of contradiction?"
This passage is the result of Briony reading the note Robbie wrote to Cecilia. this is the moment when Briony loses her innocence. It showed she was moving into grown-up things that she couldn't understand. Briony misinterpreted the note due to immaturity and not understanding this new world of adulthood she was entering. Of course, the narrator (Briony) only notices the possible change in writing. Her lifelong goal is to become a great writer, and now she believed she can benefit from this and create a story involving the romance of Robbie and Cecilia.
Yes, Briony reached adulthood from this quote but she is a storyteller. She has made up lies throughout the entire book. Therefore she is used to writing happy endings like "fairy tales" because she can make up whatever she want. So is it justified? I don't think so, but from the narrators point of view she feels justified by giving Cecilia and Robbie a happy ending.
Page 106
"The very complexity of her feelings confirmed Briony in her view that she was entering an arena of adult emotion and dissembling from which her writing was bound to benefit. What fairy tale ever had so much by way of contradiction?"
This passage is the result of Briony reading the note Robbie wrote to Cecilia. this is the moment when Briony loses her innocence. It showed she was moving into grown-up things that she couldn't understand. Briony misinterpreted the note due to immaturity and not understanding this new world of adulthood she was entering. Of course, the narrator (Briony) only notices the possible change in writing. Her lifelong goal is to become a great writer, and now she believed she can benefit from this and create a story involving the romance of Robbie and Cecilia.
Yes, Briony reached adulthood from this quote but she is a storyteller. She has made up lies throughout the entire book. Therefore she is used to writing happy endings like "fairy tales" because she can make up whatever she want. So is it justified? I don't think so, but from the narrators point of view she feels justified by giving Cecilia and Robbie a happy ending.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Atonement: Quote 3
July 17, 2011
Page 72
"The cost of oblivious daydreaming was always this moment of return, the realignment with what had been before and now seemed a little worse. Her reverie, once rich in plausible details, had become a passing silliness before the hard mass of the actual. It was difficult to come back."
This quote describes Briony too perfectly. Briony's tragic flaw is she is so self-absorbed that she can't separate imaginary things from things in real life. When Briony starts to wander around in her daydreaming world, it is very hard for her to "come back" into the real world because she is living in a different world that she understands better. One obstacle Briony must overcome through her life is keeping her writing and non-realistic world from the world she actually lives in.
Page 72
"The cost of oblivious daydreaming was always this moment of return, the realignment with what had been before and now seemed a little worse. Her reverie, once rich in plausible details, had become a passing silliness before the hard mass of the actual. It was difficult to come back."
This quote describes Briony too perfectly. Briony's tragic flaw is she is so self-absorbed that she can't separate imaginary things from things in real life. When Briony starts to wander around in her daydreaming world, it is very hard for her to "come back" into the real world because she is living in a different world that she understands better. One obstacle Briony must overcome through her life is keeping her writing and non-realistic world from the world she actually lives in.
Atonement: Quote 2
July 17, 2011
Page 5
"But hidden drawers, lockable diaries, and cryptographic systems could not conceal from Briony the simple truth: She had no secrets. Her wish for a harmonious, organized world denied her the reckless possibilities of wrongdoing. Mayhem and destruction were too chaotic for her tastes, and she did not have it in her to be cruel. ... Nothing in her life was sufficiently interesting or shameful to merit hiding; no one knew about the squirrel's skull beneath her bed, but no one wanted to know.”
This was the first quote that really stuck to me while reading. It is very ironic now reading it after finishing the book. Although Briony maybe wished for a harmonious and organized world, she ended up causing chaos within her family and the ones she loved. She didn’t realize but lying about Robbie raping Lola made her cruel and reckless. And she definitely felt shameful after the incident when she realized Cecilia loves Robbie and he wasn’t guilty.
Page 5
"But hidden drawers, lockable diaries, and cryptographic systems could not conceal from Briony the simple truth: She had no secrets. Her wish for a harmonious, organized world denied her the reckless possibilities of wrongdoing. Mayhem and destruction were too chaotic for her tastes, and she did not have it in her to be cruel. ... Nothing in her life was sufficiently interesting or shameful to merit hiding; no one knew about the squirrel's skull beneath her bed, but no one wanted to know.”
This was the first quote that really stuck to me while reading. It is very ironic now reading it after finishing the book. Although Briony maybe wished for a harmonious and organized world, she ended up causing chaos within her family and the ones she loved. She didn’t realize but lying about Robbie raping Lola made her cruel and reckless. And she definitely felt shameful after the incident when she realized Cecilia loves Robbie and he wasn’t guilty.
Atonement: Quote 1
July 17, 2011
Introduction by Jane Austin
"Dear Miss Morland, consider the dreadful nature of the suspicions you have entertained. What have you been judging from? Remember the country and the age in which we live. Remember that we are English: that we are Christians. Consult your own understanding, your own sense of the probable, your own observation of what is passing around you. Does our education prepare us for such atrocities? Do our laws connive at them? Could they be perpetrated without being known in a country like this, where social and literary intercourse is on such a footing, where every man is surrounded by a neighbourhood of voluntary spies, and where roads and newspapers lay everything open? Dearest Miss Morland, what ideas have you been admitting?"
They had reached the end of the gallery; and with tears of shame, she ran off to her own room.
This quote is actually from Northranger Abbey by Jane Austin. It was chosen to be the introduction of Atonement. This quote is valuable because it foreshadows the theme of the novel- Atonement. The passage is nothing but a long question. The person speaking is accusing the character of accusing an innocent person of a crime. He is asking the perpetrator who is she to judge someone and asks her to use common sense, decency, and her conscience to make good decisions. "Tears of shame" show the guilt Miss Moreland shed for the wrong decisions she has made. Like Miss Moreland, Briony yearns for atonement throughout the novel.
Introduction by Jane Austin
"Dear Miss Morland, consider the dreadful nature of the suspicions you have entertained. What have you been judging from? Remember the country and the age in which we live. Remember that we are English: that we are Christians. Consult your own understanding, your own sense of the probable, your own observation of what is passing around you. Does our education prepare us for such atrocities? Do our laws connive at them? Could they be perpetrated without being known in a country like this, where social and literary intercourse is on such a footing, where every man is surrounded by a neighbourhood of voluntary spies, and where roads and newspapers lay everything open? Dearest Miss Morland, what ideas have you been admitting?"
They had reached the end of the gallery; and with tears of shame, she ran off to her own room.
This quote is actually from Northranger Abbey by Jane Austin. It was chosen to be the introduction of Atonement. This quote is valuable because it foreshadows the theme of the novel- Atonement. The passage is nothing but a long question. The person speaking is accusing the character of accusing an innocent person of a crime. He is asking the perpetrator who is she to judge someone and asks her to use common sense, decency, and her conscience to make good decisions. "Tears of shame" show the guilt Miss Moreland shed for the wrong decisions she has made. Like Miss Moreland, Briony yearns for atonement throughout the novel.
Atonement: Final Response
July 17, 2011
I did not like this book because I couldn't stand the protagonist. She's rude, self-absorbed, and doesn't live in the real world. She believed that if she wrote Robbie and Cecilia a happy ending, then that would atone for her being a lying brat. I don't think she ever truly realized the extent of devastation that her lies created. Two innocent lovers died, never having the opportunity to live a loving and fulfilled life. She also let a pedophile get away with raping a child. She destroyed the relationship between the Tallis family and Miss Turner. In my eyes, she is a coward because she had multiple chances to come clean and apologize, but she never did. She waited until everyone involved was dead and buried before confessing. And even when she waited until everyone died, she still made excuses about why she had to wait to come clean. It's almost as if the author is trying to redeem her to the reader in her interaction with the soldier in part two. I wanted to believe she redeemed herself, but even then I didn't really feel confident that she had. Even though she was a child when she committed these sins, I don't think she really learned anything from any of it. As an adult, she knew right from wrong yet she continued to ignore her role in it by not making it right. Yes, she wrote Robbie and Cecilia a happy ending, but WE know, and Briony knows, that they never got that.
I did not like this book because I couldn't stand the protagonist. She's rude, self-absorbed, and doesn't live in the real world. She believed that if she wrote Robbie and Cecilia a happy ending, then that would atone for her being a lying brat. I don't think she ever truly realized the extent of devastation that her lies created. Two innocent lovers died, never having the opportunity to live a loving and fulfilled life. She also let a pedophile get away with raping a child. She destroyed the relationship between the Tallis family and Miss Turner. In my eyes, she is a coward because she had multiple chances to come clean and apologize, but she never did. She waited until everyone involved was dead and buried before confessing. And even when she waited until everyone died, she still made excuses about why she had to wait to come clean. It's almost as if the author is trying to redeem her to the reader in her interaction with the soldier in part two. I wanted to believe she redeemed herself, but even then I didn't really feel confident that she had. Even though she was a child when she committed these sins, I don't think she really learned anything from any of it. As an adult, she knew right from wrong yet she continued to ignore her role in it by not making it right. Yes, she wrote Robbie and Cecilia a happy ending, but WE know, and Briony knows, that they never got that.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
The End of Atonement
July 16, 2011
Pages 333-351
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Pages 333-351
This ending of book just ticked me off. I like happy endings, and it killed me when Briony stated that "It is only in this last version that my lovers end well, standing side by side on a South London pavement as I walk away." (350) That was a totally shock right there. I can't believe that Cecilia and Robbie never saw each other after the accusation of rape from Briony. It now makes me think if any of this book was real? She stated that she wrote many drafts of the story so I highly doubt most of this book is real. How do you know, because I don't think Briony ever really grew up. I think she still has the mind set of the thirteen year old she was. I think she is still in her own imaginary world and even after all these years she can't escape it. I don't believe she got atonement either, which was the whole plot of the book. I believe she thinks she resolved the issue, but I disagree. She seems as though she's lived with the guilt and now could care less. The last line of the book concludes that when she says, "But now I must sleep." (351)
As the reader, we really don't know if any of this story is real. Since Briony is a storyteller she can write whatever she wants to write about. For all we know she could have made up the whole entire story. It wouldn't surprise me if she villainies herself for a story, she likes attention. "The Trials of Arabella" foreshadow the book. The play was never full acted out until the end, it showed that Briony is so involved in writing that she likes drama to be in her life and her writing. The play was written to make Leon more serious about love, instead it was Cecilia who became more serious about love ironically.
As the reader, we really don't know if any of this story is real. Since Briony is a storyteller she can write whatever she wants to write about. For all we know she could have made up the whole entire story. It wouldn't surprise me if she villainies herself for a story, she likes attention. "The Trials of Arabella" foreshadow the book. The play was never full acted out until the end, it showed that Briony is so involved in writing that she likes drama to be in her life and her writing. The play was written to make Leon more serious about love, instead it was Cecilia who became more serious about love ironically.
"Imaginary World." Zazzle. Web. 16 Jul 2011. <http://www.zazzle.co.uk/imaginary_world_poster-228217796331154281>.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Lola Marshall
July 16, 2011
Pages 297-330
This also shows an insight into Lola's character. Lola has no self esteem. She can be manipulated very easily, especially from Paul. Lola probably has not felt any love from her family, especially after her parents sent them to the Tallis house. She probably sees her divorced parents and gets scared needing someone to rely on, and Paul just happens to be there. Even when Briony accused Robbie of assaulting Lola, she seems at first hesitant as if she knew who it really was who raped her, but she remains silent trying to keep Paul safe.
"Andrew: Encore Entertainment ." BlogSpot. Web. 16 Jul 2011. <http://encorentertainmnt.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-weddings-atonement.html>.
They Needed Mederma Back Then
July 15, 2011
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I think it is kind of ironic that Briony has decided to be a war nurse. Aren't nurses suppose to heal and help mend broken objects and emotions? Briony damaged her family and now she is trying to help others through the guilt she feels from her past. She realizes after having to treat wounds and scars that she can not undo the damage that happened. And that scars will always be left and are very hard to remove or can't be removed at all. This is a metaphor of not just the "scars" she left on Robbie and Cecilia, but the "scars" she left on her relationship with her family. I believe this is the reason for the title "atonement". She is trying to forgive and make amends to all of the destruction she has brought for the ones she loves. The question is, will they forgive her or not?
"atrophic scar suitable for Demaroller treatments." Dermaroller Planet. Web. 15 Jul 2011. <http://www.dermaroller-planet.com/scars>.
Pages 253- 297
I think it is kind of ironic that Briony has decided to be a war nurse. Aren't nurses suppose to heal and help mend broken objects and emotions? Briony damaged her family and now she is trying to help others through the guilt she feels from her past. She realizes after having to treat wounds and scars that she can not undo the damage that happened. And that scars will always be left and are very hard to remove or can't be removed at all. This is a metaphor of not just the "scars" she left on Robbie and Cecilia, but the "scars" she left on her relationship with her family. I believe this is the reason for the title "atonement". She is trying to forgive and make amends to all of the destruction she has brought for the ones she loves. The question is, will they forgive her or not?1930's & 1940's
July 15, 2011
Pages 226-250
After reading these couple of pages, I've notices that Mace and Nettle remind me of the twins from part one of the book- Pierrot and Jackson. It is kind of curious to me that in chapter fourteen, Robbie was the one to find the twin boys and bring them home and now he is with two soldiers trying to get home as well. I think this is foreshadowing that Robbie, Mace, and Nettle will in fact return home to England. I believe the author is trying to compare the totally different lifestyles of war and home by trying to make all the characters familiar. McEwan also compares war and home by showing how destructive both are to Robbie. Robbie can't seem to get away from both worlds and it doesn't seem like good is coming out of either. Both lifestyles are chaotic and show the reader how life was back in the years of World War II.
Pages 226-250
After reading these couple of pages, I've notices that Mace and Nettle remind me of the twins from part one of the book- Pierrot and Jackson. It is kind of curious to me that in chapter fourteen, Robbie was the one to find the twin boys and bring them home and now he is with two soldiers trying to get home as well. I think this is foreshadowing that Robbie, Mace, and Nettle will in fact return home to England. I believe the author is trying to compare the totally different lifestyles of war and home by trying to make all the characters familiar. McEwan also compares war and home by showing how destructive both are to Robbie. Robbie can't seem to get away from both worlds and it doesn't seem like good is coming out of either. Both lifestyles are chaotic and show the reader how life was back in the years of World War II.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Betrayal
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| "Final hump on the camel's back." |
July 13, 2011
Pages 201-226
Honestly, this part of the book is really boring me with too much war stuff. I was thankful when Turner(now what the narrator calls him instead of Robbie, I guess it is a new self of identity. A new him.) began recalling the moment at the pool when Briony, at the age of 10, told Robbie she loved him. Briony must have felt betrayal when she read the note Robbie wrote Cecilia about how much he loved her. Briony was already felt betrayed about the note but the final hump on the camel's back was when she caught Cecilia and Robbie in the library. If I was Robbie, I wouldn't be able to forgive Briony. He even states on page 220, "Yes, she was a child at the time, and he did not forgive her. He would never forgive her. That was the lasting damage." I don't blame him, she completely ruined his life. I know she feels guilt, but I don't think I could ever fully forgive her if she did something like what she did to Robbie.
Looking back at this section after finishing the book, it is ironic that Robbie died during the war. Shortly after he was in jail, he had a choice to stay or go to war, he chose the army because he thought he would be able to see Cecilia sooner. If he had not gone into the army, he could have gotten out of jail and seen Cecilia. But then again, those are all ifs. This section reverses the situation. Up until this point you think Briony has only done wrong and betrayed Robbie, but the author adds more conflict by showing that Robbie in turn betrayed the persona by liking her sister.
Looking back at this section after finishing the book, it is ironic that Robbie died during the war. Shortly after he was in jail, he had a choice to stay or go to war, he chose the army because he thought he would be able to see Cecilia sooner. If he had not gone into the army, he could have gotten out of jail and seen Cecilia. But then again, those are all ifs. This section reverses the situation. Up until this point you think Briony has only done wrong and betrayed Robbie, but the author adds more conflict by showing that Robbie in turn betrayed the persona by liking her sister.
"Dromedary Camel." Zoological Wildlife Foundation. Web. 13 Jul 2011. <http://zoologicalwildlifefoundation.com/uploads/images/Animals%20/Ungulates/Dromedary-Camel.jpg>.
Part 2=Different Book?
July 13, 2011
Pages 175-201
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This section of the book is very peculiar. There are no chapters unlike the first part of the novel. It is just paragraphs and when a new section begins there is a little break in the format. There is a new setting (World War II, France), new characters (Nettle & Mace), even new dialect (the "f" word). It is almost as if this is a completely different book entirely. I believe McEwan does this to show a different style of writing and a different feel of the next portion of the story. He is conveying a different plot, the first part was about destruction but now it is about hope and determination. Even though this portion is sad and depressing due to the war, there is also some happiness. Robbie is determined to make it back to England to see his true love.The section ends with a letter Cecilia writes to him stating she will wait for him and he needs to “come back”.
"World War II." The Dail Caller. Web. 13 Jul 2011. <http://dailycaller.com/2010/09/21/reclusive-world-war-ii-heroine-to-be-buried/>.
Pages 175-201
This section of the book is very peculiar. There are no chapters unlike the first part of the novel. It is just paragraphs and when a new section begins there is a little break in the format. There is a new setting (World War II, France), new characters (Nettle & Mace), even new dialect (the "f" word). It is almost as if this is a completely different book entirely. I believe McEwan does this to show a different style of writing and a different feel of the next portion of the story. He is conveying a different plot, the first part was about destruction but now it is about hope and determination. Even though this portion is sad and depressing due to the war, there is also some happiness. Robbie is determined to make it back to England to see his true love.The section ends with a letter Cecilia writes to him stating she will wait for him and he needs to “come back”."World War II." The Dail Caller. Web. 13 Jul 2011. <http://dailycaller.com/2010/09/21/reclusive-world-war-ii-heroine-to-be-buried/>.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The End of Part 1
July 12, 2011
Pages 151-175
Pages 151-175
All I can say after this section is wow. This story is almost a tragedy with Briony being the tragic hero, but I don't like that word to define her since I believe she is nothing close to a hero. If she was my sister I would slap her, I don't care how bad of a writer she wants to be or how protective she is trying to be of a sister, she is still WRONG. I love how at first when she's asking Lola about who raped her she assumes it's Robbie but she wasn't sure. By the end of the night, the girl has said it so much that she now actually believes he committed the crime. This reminds me of a verbal evolution: The more you say a word, the less likely it will change. Briony is so self-absorbed in her imaginative world that she misreads what is really going on around her, and therefore commits a crime that changes not just her life but the people around her too. The song here is the song that plays in the movie when Robbie is handcuffed and leaves in the police car. It is titled Farewell, because they will be parted and must say good-bye.
Briony already has had trouble between her writing world and reality. I believe it is due to immaturity and loneliness. Cecilia has been away to college and Briony hasn't really had anyone to look up to. She loves her sister but lately she hasn't been around and Briony is fighting for her attention. The rest of her family is just kind of odd, no one is at home usually except for Emily. And she rarely gets out of bed. I think Lola allows Robbie to take the blame because she is too insecure and feels too strongly for Paul. Also Briony is very convincing for being so young, Lola just let her take the reins on the situation. I don't think Briony can atone for this deed, it is too late. If she decided to come clean about it no one would believe her because they figured she would be lying. But that is all Briony does anyway is lie, but the investigators don't know that. Briony is the only "witness" they have, so they kind of have to listen to her story and believe it as best as they can.
Briony already has had trouble between her writing world and reality. I believe it is due to immaturity and loneliness. Cecilia has been away to college and Briony hasn't really had anyone to look up to. She loves her sister but lately she hasn't been around and Briony is fighting for her attention. The rest of her family is just kind of odd, no one is at home usually except for Emily. And she rarely gets out of bed. I think Lola allows Robbie to take the blame because she is too insecure and feels too strongly for Paul. Also Briony is very convincing for being so young, Lola just let her take the reins on the situation. I don't think Briony can atone for this deed, it is too late. If she decided to come clean about it no one would believe her because they figured she would be lying. But that is all Briony does anyway is lie, but the investigators don't know that. Briony is the only "witness" they have, so they kind of have to listen to her story and believe it as best as they can.
"Atonement Soundtrack-Farewell ." YouTube. Web. 12 Jul 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiVebY4ZyBQ>.
Dinner Time!
July 12, 2011
Pages 131- 150
As I started reading this chapter, I read about the dinner table scene where everyone is discussing the bruises and scratches on Lola's arm. Lola tells Briony it was her brothers that did it, but i think she's lying. I think Paul Marshall raped her. From his attitude and her denying everything and claiming she doesn't know how it happened make my claim seem factual. My question is though: Why doesn't she tell anyone? I don't think it's because she's scared of him. I think it is because she secretly likes him and liked the moment they had even though it was against her will, but how can you like someone so cruel that hurts you physically. And he didn't just bruise her physically, but mentally too. This just adds to the conflict of the novel and create a more awkward dinner table scene. It seems as though everything is going bad at one moment of the story.
I think it is a combination of everything. Paul had money so he could help Lola's family out. Also during this time period, men were in charge and women did not have a lot of say. Men were socially ranked higher than women. Sexual assault was pushed back in peoples minds, and it wasn't a big issue of the time. Paul also had a nice reputation, alot of people liked him and Lola thought he was a nice man. All of these things contributed to Paul's and Lola's relationship.
Pages 131- 150
As I started reading this chapter, I read about the dinner table scene where everyone is discussing the bruises and scratches on Lola's arm. Lola tells Briony it was her brothers that did it, but i think she's lying. I think Paul Marshall raped her. From his attitude and her denying everything and claiming she doesn't know how it happened make my claim seem factual. My question is though: Why doesn't she tell anyone? I don't think it's because she's scared of him. I think it is because she secretly likes him and liked the moment they had even though it was against her will, but how can you like someone so cruel that hurts you physically. And he didn't just bruise her physically, but mentally too. This just adds to the conflict of the novel and create a more awkward dinner table scene. It seems as though everything is going bad at one moment of the story.
I think it is a combination of everything. Paul had money so he could help Lola's family out. Also during this time period, men were in charge and women did not have a lot of say. Men were socially ranked higher than women. Sexual assault was pushed back in peoples minds, and it wasn't a big issue of the time. Paul also had a nice reputation, alot of people liked him and Lola thought he was a nice man. All of these things contributed to Paul's and Lola's relationship.
Monday, July 11, 2011
No More Innocence
July 11, 2011
Pages 102-131
Pages 102-131
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| White is the color of innocence. |
This section is composed of two chapters, these two chapters show the loss of innocence for both Briony and Cecilia. This is a very dramatic part of the book, it is almost climatic. I looked up a symbol for the innocence and the color white came up. It is a great representation because of Brides. They wear white to show their innocence and purity. The loss of innocence for the two sisters however are different. For Briony, "The very complexity of her feelings confirmed Briony in her view that she was entering an arena of adult emotion and dissembling from which her writing was bound to benefit." This states that she is moving on into a chaotic world leaving back a childish way of life. This also foreshadows a major conflict of Briony between Robbie's & Cecilia's relationship.The book talks of her maybe going to the police about it, but nothing has happened yet due to the dinner party. Of course, the reason why Cecilia lost her innocence is pretty obvious, her relationship with Robbie is pretty "blossoming". I've noticed that the author creates many ironic moments in this novel. A great example of dramatic irony was when Leon said "Briony's hotheaded decision. On a cooler day we'd be in the library watching the theatricals now." (page 122) This made me crack up because unlike Leon, we know that there were some pretty good theatricals going on right before the dinner.
"white cloth." PlumParty. Web. 11 Jul 2011. <http://www.plumparty.com/20096.html>.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Shakespeare is Found Everywhere
July 10, 2011
Pages 76- 101
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"Shakespeare." Pipes Show Cocaine Smoked. Web. 10 Jul 2011. <http://cocaine.org/shakespeare/index.html>.
Pages 76- 101
This section of the book is mostly about Robbie and him writing an apology note to Cecilia, while McEwan is describing Robbie from the things in his room and on his desk. There is a big allusion in the book from a play by Shakespeare. On page 27 it states, "As the outer reaches of the desk, various photographs; the cast of Twelfth Night on the college lawn, himself as Malvolio, cross gartered. How apt." I wasn’t familiar with the play so I googled it and found a summary on the “Twelfth Night” After reading the summary there is a lot that is in common with Malvolio and Robbie. Both are of lower rank than their beloved, are stewards or a son of a steward, and desire to be above their rank. Malvolio at the end of the play is seen as a villain and suffers from the people around him. Malvolio is seen as a tragic hero. I wonder if this is a foreshadow to what will happen to Robbie in this book?
Briony Needs Anger Management
July 10, 2011
Pages 52-75
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Briony is a very interesting protagonist. The girl has some MAJOR issues that she needs to sort out. After her play goes terribly wrong during rehearsal she pouts and leaves the room. Lola watches Briony head to the water as she is looking out the window. It is very ironic to me that as Lola is watching from the window in the nursery, Briony is daydreaming about beheading her! What a creepy little girl! I would say that her mother needs to give her some counseling but her mother, Emily has no authority over her children. Emily believes Briony is golden. On page 62 she says, "Poor darling Briony, the softest little thing, doing her all to entertain her hard-bitten wiry cousins with the play she had written from her heart. To love her was to be soothed." The mom needs to have a reality check and get out of the bed and really look at her children. She does absolutely nothing and claims to have headaches all the time. I wonder why McEwan makes every character unbearable, so far I don't really have a character I like. Then again, I do prefer love stories and happy endings so maybe this just isn't my type of book.
I think Ian McEwan makes the protagonist gloomy and "Gothic-like" to show the time period the story is set in. This was not a happy time for England and its people. The message being sent is I think people were too caught up in World War II to notice how their home life was, especially in Briony's case with her mother. Briony is not only the protagonist, but she is also the antagonist. It is she, that later causes tragic in her own life, it was her choice and nobody elses. Therefore, the dilemma is between Briony and herself.
"Briony." wikispaces. Web. 10 Jul 2011. http://moronepediahonors.wikispaces.com/atonement.
Pages 52-75
I think Ian McEwan makes the protagonist gloomy and "Gothic-like" to show the time period the story is set in. This was not a happy time for England and its people. The message being sent is I think people were too caught up in World War II to notice how their home life was, especially in Briony's case with her mother. Briony is not only the protagonist, but she is also the antagonist. It is she, that later causes tragic in her own life, it was her choice and nobody elses. Therefore, the dilemma is between Briony and herself.
"Briony." wikispaces. Web. 10 Jul 2011. http://moronepediahonors.wikispaces.com/atonement.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Cecilia & Robbie
July 8, 2011
pages 27-51
I really like the chemistry of Robbie and Cecilia. Pages 27, 28,29 were all about the breaking of the very expensive vase her dead uncle got many years ago. The vase is a symbol of the wealth the Tallis family has, but when the vase breaks it foreshadows the family showing that soon it is going to break into pieces just like the vase. Also, when Cecilia takes of her clothes and heads into the water, it shows that she is not the same person Robbie remembered from before they went to college. Although they went to the same university they were from different circles and barely talked to each other. Like in college, the two are in different circles in society, and I think that is why they have kept their love secret from their families. I do believe this is a love story, but it is also about rank and society. If it was just a love story then, Robbie and Cecilia would probably already be together, but it is "class and societal expectations" that are keeping them apart. I can't see either characters changing. It seems they are stuck in their ways and don't intend on changing anything except their relationship status.
"Atonement OST- Briony." YouTube. Web. 8 Jul 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6cmHY1XMZI.
pages 27-51
I really like the chemistry of Robbie and Cecilia. Pages 27, 28,29 were all about the breaking of the very expensive vase her dead uncle got many years ago. The vase is a symbol of the wealth the Tallis family has, but when the vase breaks it foreshadows the family showing that soon it is going to break into pieces just like the vase. Also, when Cecilia takes of her clothes and heads into the water, it shows that she is not the same person Robbie remembered from before they went to college. Although they went to the same university they were from different circles and barely talked to each other. Like in college, the two are in different circles in society, and I think that is why they have kept their love secret from their families. I do believe this is a love story, but it is also about rank and society. If it was just a love story then, Robbie and Cecilia would probably already be together, but it is "class and societal expectations" that are keeping them apart. I can't see either characters changing. It seems they are stuck in their ways and don't intend on changing anything except their relationship status.
"Atonement OST- Briony." YouTube. Web. 8 Jul 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6cmHY1XMZI.
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