As this year has progressed, we have read many texts and looked at a variety of big ideas. For this week's blog post, I would like for you to choose one of the books we have read this year that you believe is your favorite thus far.
Once you have chosen, be sure to answer the following questions in your post:
1. Why is it your favorite?
2. How do you think it speaks beyond the pages of the text?
3. What are at least three quotes that really resonate with you?
EX: For me, I would have to choose Hamlet. I fell in love with Hamlet when I was a senior in high school and every time I read it, I am moved beyond words by the emotions I feel. I cannot say I have experienced the betrayal or loss that he has experienced. But I understand feeling lost. I understand asking the questions about who we are, why are we here, and do we even matter. I don't ask them as someone who is melancholy. I ask them as a way to genuinely work toward figuring out my role in the world. I like these because they force me to ask questions and this is where knowledge comes. I can also say, that my answers may change depending on where I am this world. That is the beauty of literature. We never come to a book as the same person we were the first time we read it.
POLONIUS:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.(1.3.84-86)
Once upon a time, I had a phone case with this quote. It is a reminder that we cannot please others. We must be true to ourselves at all times. When it is time to question our integrity or to make choices, we must be true to what we think is right. We must always be ourselves.
HAMLET:
To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause—there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life. (3.1.66-70)
I can't quite put my finger on this one. But for me, this is about what happens after. Is the rest silence like he says later or is there more? Are we simply bound by what we can do here and now, or can we be more?
OPHELIA:
Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be.
God be at your table. (4.5.5-6)
I wonder if we know what we are? Are we stagnant or in a perpetual state of change constantly moving toward something else? We can say in this moment we are one thing, but the future is ours to create.
My favorite book that I have read for class so far is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I’m fascinated by the supernatural elements of the story as well as the theme of mortality and each character’s view on it. But the story is so much more than occult fiction, it is a warning against vanity and pride, admiration and egotism. In the modern world we live in where retweets and likes equate to acceptance by one’s peers, The Picture of Dorian Gray exemplifies what can happen if we become too caught up in the material things in life.
ReplyDelete“If I ever did a crime, I would come and confess it to you.” (Wilde. 38. 6)
This quote is the original “she’s my person” quote from Grey’s Anatomy. It speaks to the strong, although abusive, friendship that formed between Dorian and Lord Henry. I believe everyone has a person in their life that they can go to with their darkest secrets and not receive judgement in return.
“Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic.” (Wilde. 26. 6)
I find this quote incredibly comforting. To me, it means that in order for something beautiful to grow, one must encounter strife. It also reminds me to remember that not everyone is as fortunate as I am behind closed doors, that others are fighting their own battles but something good will come of it.
“There is nothing that art cannot express.” (Wilde. 7. 6)
I love this quote because it pertains to what I want to do for the rest of my life. Dance is such a personal artform I truly believe there is not a concept in the world that cannot be expressed through movement.
I also enjoyed this book this year! I completely agree with the social commentary and how today's social media runs our's and Donald Trump's life.
DeletePersonally my favorite book we have have read so far this year would be Waiting for Godot. The play is short and can be a quick read, but once you begin to dig deeper there is so much more to the play then what is just on the page. The play speaks on the idea of relying on others to tell you how to live your life. Looking to others to speak for you, instead of looking to yourself. Throughout the play the two main characters are waiting for the mysterious man Godot who is supposed to tell them what they are supposed to do, but day after day and night after night he never shows up. However every day they return to the same tree. What I gained from Waiting for Godot was that you have to think for yourself. You cannot just let time go by waiting for others to make decisions for you. Every individual has to think and live for themselves. You control actions and your actions have effects on everything around you. You have to not let yourself form to the characteristics of other people around you. Everyone has the power to be their own person. You cannot let time just pass you by and not making any progress completely your goals, waiting for something spectacular to happen, you have to become your own person. Make decisions, work towards your goals.
ReplyDeleteEstragon: Charming spot. [He turns, advances to front, halt facing auditorium.] Inspiring prospects. [He turns to Vladimir.] Let’s go.
Vladimir: We can’t
Estragon: Why not?
Vladimir: Were waiting for Godot (Beckett 6)
This one of the first times we learn that Vlad and Gogo are set on waiting for Godot and will continue to wait single day. They are letting this idea of this magical man coming to give them all the answers. This for me plants the question in my head, would I let myself be content waiting for someone else or another event determine what I do everyday, let them decide what will happen? Throughout the story I think about this question coming to the conclusion I need to think for myself and be independent of everyone else's influence
Vladimir: Wait...we embraced...we were happy...happy...what do we now that we’re happy...go on waiting...waiting...let me think...it’s coming...go on waiting...now that we’re happy...let me see...ah! The tree! (Beckett 56)
Vladimir is pondering what they should do now that Gogo and him are happy. He is struggling with this because all they know is to wait for Godot to tell them what to do. This reminds to always go towards happiness on my own. Do not overthink everything and wait for answers. Chase happiness on my own and do whatever it is that makes me happy.
Vladimir: Let us not waste our time in idle discourse! [Pauses Vehemently.] Let us do something, while we have the chance! It is not everyday that we are needed. Not indeed that we personally are needed. (Beckett 70)
This quote reminds to always take action when I have the chance. Take every opportunity that I am given. Do not wasted time just sitting around or arguing. Live my life to the fullest all the time because life is short to not take action.
My favorite book that we’ve read this year is probably Crime and Punishment. I really enjoy mystery and suspense in any movies of books I read and C+P gave me that. I’m very fascinated with true crime and the science behind sociopaths/psychopaths (which Raskolnikov was) so I really enjoyed analyzing this text. I think C+P tries to get rid of the alienation of the “outcasts” in society. Raskolnikov as a murderer, Svidrigailov as a creep, Sofya as a prostitute, etc. These types of people are shunned from the “normal” society because they do not fit the usual standards. At the end of the novel when Raskolnikov finally realises his wrongdoings, it shows that the outcasts in society can apologize for their way of life when that is not the case in the real world. Dostoyevsky's morphed reality of mistakes then apology is what one can hope for from the outcasts, but it does not happen in reality.
ReplyDelete“There are chance meetings with strangers that interest us from the first moment, before a word is spoken.” (1.2.8)
I like this quote because I too have felt a strange interest in strangers and the lives they live. When I was little, I would ride my bike around the neighborhood and I liked to see people out in their yard or having fun at dinner time through their windows at dusk. I always found it so interesting that everyone knows different people, does different things, and lives a different life than me.
“He drove away thought; thought tortured him. All he knew, all he felt was that everything must be changed” (2.6.124)
The reason I like this quote is because I sometimes get so caught up in thinking that I have to stop myself from getting frustrated. Whenever I think about my meaning in life or the lack of guarantee of my future career and family, it freaks me out because I don’t know all the answers.
“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth” (3.5.210)
This quote is my favorite in the entire novel. When one gains intelligence and values love, it can be hard to live in the world we are in now. Understanding the world and that it is not always good makes me feel like Raskolnikov in this quote. Being more aware has made me more upset with the world and myself as a person because there’s so much to understand and accept.
I believe that The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde has been my favorite novel this year. I feel as though this is one of the first novels I have actually understood on my own this year. The author uses plenty of figurative language to clarify the meaning of his novel, being the betrayal necessary for beauty and youth. Rather than minimizing the message to strictly beauty/youth, I think the idea can be expanded to the idea of taking advantage of others to get what you want. Dorian constantly abuses people and in all different ways, such as, Sibyl Vane, James Vane, Basil, Alan Campbell. In society, I constantly see people abusing relationships for their own benefit. I’m sure many can relate to this, everyone has that one friend that only reaches out to you when they need something from you.
ReplyDelete“Choice is taken from them, and conscience is either killed, or if it lives at all, lives to give rebellion its fascination, and disobedience its charm.” (Wilde 179).
Here, the narrator is referring to what psychologists see when the passion for sin dominates one’s nature. I question to what level of conscience they are referring to? I feel as though conscience could not be killed entirely. If you don’t know what is considered “good” then how can you judge what is “bad” and vice versa? Then, if it were to “live at all” I feel as though there would be a stronger feeling of regret and guilt to be felt that would overwhelm the “charm” of sin.
“He was always late on principle, his principle being that punctuality is a thief of time” (Wilde 44).
The first time I read this, I totally agreed and thought it had a resonating, in depth meaning. In questioning time as a whole, it is all relative. My definition from morning, afternoon, evening, night could be different from the next person’s. On the other hand, if I were late to a professional interview and just used this quote, or said my principle was to be late, I would probably get kicked out on the spot.
“She had killed herself for love of you. I wish I had ever had such an experience. It would have made me in love with love for the rest of my life” (Wilde 97).
Who in their right mind would say this? I’m sure it is romantic for about .4 of a second, but then there is a burden forever. Dorian basically killed Sybil and is definitely responsible for her suicide, but Lord Henry romanticizes it. There are people who are currently in love with love, and they didn’t have to kill anyone for it! It’s not love. It is just infatuation.
My favorite book so far this year is Brave New World. I’ve always enjoyed reading about utopias/dystopias because I liked to see what others thought an imperfect or perfect world would be like and if this supposed utopia was actually possible. Further, it’s always fun to compare the utopia to parts in history because there are always some similar parts. But Brave New World was different from some of the other literary utopias I have read about, instead of using fear to rule, Huxley wrote that they just kept happiness at its core to achieve this “perfection.” But beyond the idea of Brave New World being just another book about a utopia, it serves as a warning against giving up all the things we have right now like art, culture, and etc. It also warns against technology that could be used to oppress. And overall, Brave New World presented a unique warning for the future.
ReplyDeleteMustapha Mond - “But truth’s a menace, science is a public danger. As dangerous as it’s been beneficent.” (Huxley 227).
This makes me question if science and truth are truly bad things for society. If there should be boundaries on science or no boundaries at all and what is too far in science.
Mustapha Mond - “We believe in happiness and stability. A society of Alphas couldn’t fail to be unstable and miserable. Imagine a factory staffed by Alphas - that is to say by separate and unrelated individuals of good heredity and conditioned so as to be capable (within limits) of making a free choice and assuming responsibilities. Imagine it!” (Huxley 222).
This part truly defines what this utopian society is based on which is happiness. This shows that maybe people can not reach a utopia because of our ability to make choices and to be able to think for ourselves unlike those trapped in Huxley’s utopia.
Mustapha Mond - “You can’t make flivvers without steel - and you can’t make tragedies without social instability. The world’s stable now. People are happy; they get what they want, and they never want what they cant get. They’re well off; they’re safe; they’re never ill; they’re not afraid of death; they’re blissfully ignorant of passion and old age; they’re plagued with no mothers or fathers; they’ve got no wives, or children, or lovers to feel strongly about; they’re so conditioned that they practically can’t help behaving as they ought to behave. And if anything should go wrong, there’s soma.”
The excerpt frightens me because of the sacrifices these people made to reach this utopian society. They’ve essentially given up what makes them unique by letting others tell them what’s right and what’s wrong and by taking away all these variables like culture and etc.
This was kind of a hard pick, but I think that Brave New World by Aldous Huxley has been my favorite book so far. What made me pick this book over others read this year is the clarity of language used. I greatly appreciate when dense prose does not get in the way of sharing ideas. As far as the content of the book is concerned, I watched a video essay once on how realism works in films that basically boiled down to the idea that to achieve truly relatable realism in anything, you have to make something so peculiar and nuanced that it could only be an organic thing as opposed to a planned thing. Reading this book, I felt this exactly; there are ideas of hedonism and the progression of technology in the book that are foreign yet familiar, presented in a squeaky clean space-age cloche that houses a home-cooked meal all the same. This book could be picked up in 100 years, when we are either driving in hovercars or bracing for our inevitable destruction, and it would still cause its readers to ask themselves what they have done to preserve the genuine human experience over time. To me, this is crucial in the book’s hold on relevance over time.
ReplyDeleteChapter 16: “And, of course, stability isn’t nearly so spectacular as instability” (Huxley 221).
The larger paragraph in which this quote is found was one of my favorite passages of the book, but I think this quote is most important. It’s a simple reminder to us that none of the good has any worth without exposure to the bad. Without highs and lows, life is a depressing, gently downward-sloping flat line.
Chapter 14: “Undoing all their wholesome death-conditioning with this disgusting outcry--as though death were something terrible, as though anyone mattered as much as all that!” (Huxley 206)
There is so much that can be said about this quote from the nurse, but my main takeaway from it was the importance of all of the things in our lives that ‘don’t matter’ or don’t serve an immediate purpose. To live in such an efficient, everyone-for-everyone-else society is to live without the things that give meaning to our lives beyond what is required of us.
End of Chapter 7: “I mean, when a child asks you how a helicopter works or who made the world--well, what are you to answer if you’re a Beta and have always worked in the Fertilizing Room? What are you to answer?” (Huxley 122)
This quote goes beyond the class system or the method of genetic engineering in this book. It asks the reader to consider how the world has pressured them into serving one exact purpose (i.e. getting a degree, becoming an expert in one thing) rather than living their own life to the fullest. This is probably my favorite quote of the book.
My favorite book we read this year would have to be Hamlet. I thought that despite the time period Hamlet was still a relatable and interesting character. I also like how universal the play is and being able to relate to the references now. The plot was easy to follow, though the language was challenging, but it helped me learn more about Shakespearean diction. I also really enjoyed analyzing the monologues and watching how each film adaptation interpreted them differently.
ReplyDeleteI think it speaks beyond the text because it sets up an outline for themes of betrayal and vengeance. This is a story that can be told again and again but with a twist. It reminded me of the intertextuality chapter of Foster we read last year.
“Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.” (2.2.5.)
This quote is from Hamlet's letter to Ophelia. It is one of the only genuine feelings Hamlet shows through the text because at this point he was not putting on an act as part of his plan. It really sparks the interest in whether Hamlet really loved Ophelia or not.
"My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go." (3.3.4.)
This quote is when Claudius is pleading for God to forgive him because he knows Hamlet will kill him. It speaks to me because it's basically saying you can say whatever you want, but if you don't mean it it doesn't matter. Claudius was only praying because he knew he was in danger and wanted salvation. He was not truly sorry for his actions, if he were, only truly then, his prayers would we worthy of God's attention.
"Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice; Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment" (1.3.3.)
This is advice that Polynius gives to Laertes before he leaves. I just feel like it is very fatherly and humble advice and can be words to live by. I think that this makes Laertes the way he is, and though he tried to avenge his family out of love his forgiving and noble nature shone in the end when he forgave hamlet, even after he stabbed him.
My favorite book we’ve read so far would be Waiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett. It would be my favorite because it’s quirky and is open to multiple interpretations. Because of it, everyone’s interpretation is a reflection of themselves, and what they are looking for, which I think is really cool. As for the text itself, you find characters, that although they are ridiculous, relate to our flaws and bad habits. Their wayward ideas and goofiness balances out emotional depth and poignant statements that make you think about mortality and existence. The book is tackles mortality, religion, stagnancy, and existence in ways that will never be irrelevant. It’s a book that forces you to look back at your actions and compare them to the characters.
ReplyDelete“Vladimir: Did I ever leave you?
Estragon: You let me go.”(38)
This resonates with me because in my life, there were many times that I’ve been let go by people that I looked up to or trusted. I would be told it was my own fault for being left behind, so I relate to Estragon’s frustration. It’s something important to remember for me, because I know there are always people that will let you go when they shouldn’t, something I’ve also experienced.
“Vladimir: There’s man all over for you, blaming on his boots the faults of his feet” (4)
I used to externalize my problems, and it always brought me down, but as I’ve gotten older, I have learned to take responsibility, but it is easier it for all to blame others, and it’s something I deal with with loved ones and it is incredibly straining. To me, this quote is a caution to myself and to everyone.
“Pozzo: Have you not done tormenting me with your accursed time! It's abominable! When! When! One day, is that not enough for you, one day he went dumb, one day I went blind, one day we'll go deaf, one day we were born, one day we shall die, the same day, the same second, is that not enough for you? They give birth astride of a grave, the light gleams an instant, then it's night once more”(62)
Time and life is wild and existence is wild and sometimes I think about how we are all just tiny drops in a giant bucket, but it only takes one drop to cause the bucket to spill. Life is all about trying to spill the bucket before we evaporate, but once we evaporate, we’re done. I think that it’s crazy, and this quote captures it perfectly.
My favorite book so far this year would be Waiting for Godot. The dynamic of Estragon and Vladimir builds the book, how their opposite personalities balance and work well together. The underestimation of Lucky relates to me as I’ve grown through high school. His ability to speak a vast, intellectual monologue once given the ability (through his hat) shocked the other characters. Similarly, when I pass a test or express knowledge that most did not know I could relates to how I can prove myself in ways that others thought I wasn’t capable of. I like how the humorous characters and strange events express an underlying meaning that can only be noticed through analyzation of the text. The comedic characteristics of each character relives the harsh meaning of the text. It’s an extremely real book and it is usually hard for most to grasp and face reality, which is what I love about it. The subtle, yet honest truth of the novel intrigues me. Most authors write books to give a lesson or present a theme, but Beckett writes about the reality of the world, and just lays it all out there.
ReplyDelete“There’s man all over for you, blaming on his boots the faults of his feet.”
It is a common human trait to never own up to fault, rather to just blame it on another. Beckett explicitly states this trait through a personified boot. This quote makes me think: will we, as a society, always act this way?
“‘Let's go.’
‘We can't.’
‘Why not?’
‘We're waiting for Godot.’”
This conversation between Estragon and Vladimir expresses the main cycle of the book, and life. Estragon and Vladimir are waiting at the tree for Godot, who never shows up. Similarly, everyone in the world is waiting around for success, but not enough perseverance and effort is put into achieving such. We’re waiting for something that will never come.
“I'm like that. Either I forget right away or I never forget.”
This is my all time favorite quote, representing that words spoken to others need to be considered before stated. This directly expresses myself, as I’ll either forget what is said to me or remember it indefinitely.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz is my favorite book that I have read so far this year. I believe that the novel is very relatable to real life, which many individuals encounter the same obstacles. Also, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao evoked a great amount of emotion from me. Accurately displayed throughout the text are: physically and emotionally abusive relationships, poor values and decisions, and the bad treatment of others. I personally cannot relate to any of the characters, but I feel their pain and sadness. One of the main themes illustrated in the text is: “Do people have control over their own destiny?”, which is very intriguing to me. The family tells their story of the fukú and how it has cursed them, but I truly believe that is it a symbol to cover up poor decisions or mistakes. Beli did not follow La Inca’s advice and she remained with the Dominican gangster, Lola ran away and had many emotionally abusive relationships, and Oscar stayed with Ybon- which these were not the greatest decisions or ended in their favor. Another important theme in the books is: “Is love a blessing or a curse?”, which I believe it is demonstrated in both ways. The author makes it very ironic how Oscar had finally found reciprocative love, but it then ends up being the thing that kills him. Along with Beli, which her “love” for the gangster almost ended her life. I think that this novel shines light upon real world problems that occur in many people's lives and encourages individuals to be kind and compassionate. The novel also teaches people to make morally correct decisions. In conclusion, I believe that The Brief Wondrous Life Of Oscar Wao was an excellent novel that displays many common obstacles in society.
ReplyDelete“Couldn’t make friends for the life of him, too dorky, too shy, and too weird. He no longer went anywhere near the girls because at best they ignored him, at worst they shrieked and called him gordo asqueroso”(Diaz 17).
This quote is very important to me because I have witnessed this same very thing. Bullying is a huge issue around the world, which it makes me very upset that Oscar was constantly made fun of and couldn't find a girlfriend or a true friend. This quote also shines light upon the fact that society is very cruel and hurtful. Oscar’s lack of reciprocated love, friends, and moral support drives him to attempt to commit suicide later in the novel. I believe that it is very important to be kind and helpful towards others because you never know what kind of pain they are going through.
“But if these years have taught me anything it is this: You can never run away. Not ever. The only way out is in” (Diaz 209).
Said by Lola, I find this quote very encouraging. It is saying that you should not give up or run away from your problems. The only way to be successful is to face and overcome these challenges. I believe that it is essential to never give up and always try your hardest. I also think that it is possible to triumph failure.
“Love was a rare thing, easily confused with a million other things, and if anybody knew this to be true it would be him. He told them about Ybon and the way he loved her and how much they had risked and that they’d started to dream the same dreams and say the same words”(Diaz 321).
I believe that this quote really displays the power of love. I think love is a very important aspect of life, regardless of if it comes from a significant other, friend, or family member. Many are willing to sacrifice everything for love, just as Oscar did.
My favorite text we have read thus far would have to be Crime and Punishment. I love the social commentary and how the text interacts with the idea of mental illness. It speaks beyond the plot of the story because it shows what a person will do when they become isolated from society. Also, the text really analyses what alcohol does to the mind, body, and spirit.
ReplyDelete1. "What filthy things my heart is capable of. Yes,filthy above all, disgusting, loathsome, loathsome! [...] But no words, no exclamations, could express his agitation. The feeling of intense repulsion [...]" (Dostoevsky.1.1)
This quote in my opinion really just shows how Rodya really hated himself. The diction in this quote showcases depression and this is probably why this character was the way he was. When constantly degrading oneself it has to take a toll.
2. "At first he was for making up to Sonia himself and then all of a sudden he stood on his dignity: "how," said he, 'can a highly educated man like me live in the same rooms with a girl like that?"(Dostoevsky.1.2).
Uhg. This young women is selling her body and soul just to stay alive. She gives whatever money she can to her father just so he can give into his addiction to alcohol. Still, Marmeladov believes he is above his own daughter.
3. "The old woman was a mistake perhaps, but she’s not the point! The old woman was merely a sickness...I was in a hurry to step over... it wasn’t a human being I killed, it was a principle! So I killed the principle, but I didn’t step over, I stayed on this side... All I managed to do was kill. And I didn’t even manage that, as it turns out..." (Dostoevsky.3.6).
This truly shows how twisted Raskolnikov's mind has become. He is trying to justify an attempted murder and even goes to far to say that the women was barely human. This could be showing guilt but also could be demonstrating that Rodya only carried because the results were not what he wanted.
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ReplyDeleteThe book that I enjoyed reading the most this year was Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Huxley’s ability to illustrate a society that is controlled by drugs and sex has caused me to ponder upon the society that we are given today. The book has shown me that the value of freedom is much greater than that of happiness; in a way, freedom is its own sort of happiness. Although the restrictions that are placed within Huxley’s society are not plausible in our own society, the ideas and themes that Huxley presents are indeed plausible; Huxley allows us to explore the importance of family, religion, and class structure, three important aspects of our society today. Thus, the relatability and thoughtfulness of this novel has captured my attention and has caused this novel be my favorite read this year.
ReplyDeleteChapter 17: “But I don’t want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness, I want sin” (Huxley 215).
This quote captures the other half of freedom, the freedom to feel pain and suffer. Without this freedom, happiness would reside without value. True happiness cannot be felt without sorrow.
Chapter 17- “God isn’t compatible with machinery and scientific medicine and universal happiness. You must make your choice.” (Huxley 210).
The theme of happiness vs freedom has pondered my mind throughout the entire novel. Thus, Huxley’s direct mentioning of this idea gained my interest. Does religion need a role in society? Can it coexist with universal happiness?
Chapter 16 - “It hasn't been very good for truth, of course. But it’s been very good for happiness One can’t have something for nothing. Happiness has go to be paid for. You're paying for it, Mr. Watson--paying because you happen to be too much interested in beauty. I was too much interested in truth; I paid too.” (Huxley 229)
Sometimes, you must choose to serve the people. Although you may desire something, there is always some price that comes to your desire; whether it be giving up the truth of reality or giving up happiness. I know that all my quotes revolve around this theme of happiness vs freedom, however, it is because of this theme that I have chose this novel to be my favorite. This theme has resonated with me and allowed me to enjoy this novel thoroughly.
I would have to say that my favorite book that we’ve read so far this year is Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I enjoyed this novella for the philosophies and viewpoints on life and society that the Underground Man had to share. It was interesting to examine the Underground Man divulge his thoughts and opinions on his life and the lives of others, and then see how his viewpoints affected his actions and character in the second part of the novella. In regards to how the book resonates beyond its pages, I think it just forces readers to consider the way they approach their interactions with the world around them. The Underground Man let the opinions of others control his actions the way he viewed himself. Due to this, he lived a life of solitude with little human interaction and a sour attitude toward society. This makes us consider how we let society impact us, and prompts us to question if we are truly living our lives on our own accord or if we are living in fear.
ReplyDelete“Now I’m living out my life in a corner, trying to console myself with the stupid, useless excuse that an intelligent man cannot turn himself into anything, that only a fool can make anything he wants out of himself. It’s true that an intelligent man of the nineteenth century is bound to be a spineless creature, while the man of character, the man of action, is, in most cases, of limited intelligence” (1.1.5)
This quote struck me quite hard the first time I read it. In my eyes, it addresses the seemingly backwards way that society functions sometimes. In popular culture we see people of strong character - people who are outgoing and sociable - are favored in society over people of intelligence, and who may not be as outgoing as “the man of character.” Although this is not totally true in today’s society, it is still a trend that can be seen.
“But what if a quite absurd whim, my friends, turns out to be the most advantageous thing on earth for us, as sometimes happens? Specifically, it may be more advantageous to us than any other advantages, even when it most obviously harms us and goes against all the sensible conclusions of our reason about our interest - because, whatever else, it leaves us our most important, most treasured possession: our individuality” (1.8.9)
This quote impacts me personally, as it addresses the advantages and disadvantages of individuality. We live in a society where individuality is valued, but only to a certain extent. After a certain line is crossed, individuality turns into “weird” and suddenly individuality is no longer desired. I am very aware of what makes me an “individual” compared to everyone else. And there have been many times in which I have consciously buried some of that individuality to avoid being criticized or judged.
“I believe this is so and I’m prepared to vouch for it, because it seems to me that the meaning of a man’s life consists in proving to himself every minute that he’s a man and not a piano key” (1.8.17)
I always thought this quote was interesting as it poses a meaning to life that revolves around validation. In my eyes, it says that the point of life is to prove to yourself that you are living the best life you can. If one is not continuously reaching for one’s greatest potential, then they are simply a static puzzle piece in the grand machinery that is life. What man seems to crave is dynamic, and if we cannot create this for ourselves, then all we are is a piano key.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley has been my favorite book of the year. I am fascinated by how a utopia can seem so alluring and idealistic on the surface, yet offer a deeply dystopian reflection of our own society underneath. I love how this book takes a darker look at our hyper-consumerist lifestyle and our endless quest for pure euphoria. Characters like John, Bernard, and Helmholtz offered a unique perspective on a society that blindly pursues perfection as one that strips the human experience of the greater meaning and truth. I found myself truly moved by the central question that the book poses: whether we should live our lives in pure bliss and enjoyment, or with genuine purpose, truth, and knowledge. I am amazed by how a book written in the 1930s can still have such great applications towards the current day and the future that our society is moving towards. I think that the novel made a uniquely fascinating criticism of our blind consumerist society of ease and bliss that made me question my everyday lifestyle.
ReplyDelete“Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the overcompensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand.”
This quote makes a deeply introspective, yet disturbing view on what true happiness entails by painting it as a positive feeling that is derived through negative elements of life like instability, pain, fear, and misfortune. I find this quote to also be inspirational, because it claims that happiness can only be achieved through sacrifices and obstacles.
“People were ready to have even their appetites controlled then. Anything for a quiet life. We've gone on controlling ever since. It hasn't been very good for truth, of course. But it's been very good for happiness. One can't have something for nothing. Happiness has got to be paid for.”
I see this quote as a testament to how humans can be so easily controlled by what they naturally crave. It is interesting yet disheartening to think that truth and meaning must be sacrificed in order to experience joy and pleasure in our lifetime.
“And there’s always soma to calm your anger, to reconcile you to your enemies, to make you patient and long-suffering. In the past you could only accomplish these things by making a great effort and after years of hard moral training. Now, you swallow two or three half-gramme tablets, and there you are. Anybody can be virtuous now. Christianity without tears-that's what soma is.”
This quote provides another perspective on how people can be controlled by what they want. It also hinds at the idea that our future societies will use drugs, commodities, or anything pleasure inducing in order to keep people content and satisfied with the lives they live.
My favorite book that I have read for this class is Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I found it to be an exciting read with an interesting take on a utopian world. The hatcheries where people were created, the lack of emotional bonds, the soma, I found each element more fascinating than the next. While reading the novel, you are taken on a journey through this society, and the safe, stable conditions begin to reveal how a perfect society can still have its faults. This book tells an exciting story, but it serves so much more of a purpose than just that. Huxley gives warning to us as we become more and more dependent on our technology and conveniences that this could be where we are headed. While it may seem nice to have everything provided and thought out for you, we see through the characters in the book, particularly John the savage just how important mother, monogamy, and romance - the three bad words, are.
ReplyDelete“One believes things because one has been conditioned to believe them” (Huxley 26).
I believe that this quote reflects both the society of Brave New World, but also society in the real world. In Brave New World, people are hypnotized by repeated lessons that are played into their heads while they are sleeping. After these repetitions, these messages become indisputable truth for these people. Several times throughout the book, if a sentence was told to a character, they would immediately go into a trance-like state and finish the line with a sentence taught to them from the repetitions. This also goes to show in the real world, as things like racism and stereotypes are often taught to people, as people are not born racist.
“I want to know what passion is. I want to feel something strongly” (Huxley 60).
This quote is spoken by Hemholtz, who was revealed to be very unhappy with the society that he lived in. The world that he lived in focused so much on creating an emotionless society in order to protect people from pain, but Hemholtz reveals that he would rather feel negativity with positivity instead of a constant feeling of neutrality.
“Pain was a fascinating horror”
The characters in this book did not know what pain was, but they knew the idea of it from the past. To them, pain was an unreal threat, a nightmare told to scare children. They found it a very interesting and disgustingly entertaining topic, which shows just how emotionless and censored this society was.
My favorite text this year has been Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I’ve always been interested in authoritarianism and the dangers of it and Brave New World did a wonderful job of illustrating that idea. Although the new society is presented as a utopia, the reality is anything but. The characters in the novel have been reduced to nothing but bodies under the complete control of the government, living under the guise that this life is much happier than the chaos of the old world. Brave New World did an excellent job of showing just how far things can go wrong when people complacently give up their rights, one by one, in turn for “stability”.
ReplyDelete“You’ve got to choose between happiness and what people used to call high art. We’ve sacrificed the high art.”
“Community, Identity, Stability”
“We believe in happiness and stability. A society of Alphas couldn’t fail to be unstable and miserable.”
All three of these quotes were impactful to me because they all show how authoritarianism can be packaged up to sound beneficial when in fact, the reality is quite often the opposite. The new world government did such an amazing job brainwashing the citizens that no one was able to realize just how bad things were.
For me, I would have to choose Hamlet. While the play showcases the struggles of Danish royals, what Shakespeare has really written about are the core elements that drive myself: grief, betrayal, love (or the lack thereof) and family. I lose myself in the story, and find myself there too. In five acts, Shakespeare brilliantly portrays just what happens when it feels like the entire world has turned against us. And that’s a feeling I can relate to. The best literature gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are, which is precisely what Hamlet achieves.
ReplyDeleteClaudius:
“When sorrow comes, they come not single spies, but in battalions”
(Act IV, Scene V)
Claudius says this line to Gertrude while pretending to be concerned about Ophelia. It means that when bad things happen, they don’t come one at a time. Life has many ways of testing a persons will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once. It never rains but it pours.
Hamlet:
“To be or not to be”
(Act III, Scene I)
In six words Hamlet states the ultimate dilemma of life. To exist, or not to exist. That is the question. And what a question. Of course, many go through their lives never giving this a moments thought, but there are also many people who ask this of themselves at some stage in their lives. The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but finding something to live for.
Polonius:
“This above all: to thine own self be true”
(Act I, Scene III)
It takes nothing to join the crowd, but everything to stand alone. The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most of everyday. There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than one being unapologetically themselves; comfortable in their own perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.