Ya Know What Really Grinds My Gears?

Well, I'm a pretty neurotic guy, so this just might become a recurring segment on my blog.

You know what really grinds my gears? When you boot up your computer and it makes that ear-splitting sound to celebrate your return to cyberspace. What is the point of that? I'm turning on my computer, not booting up the Starship Enterprise. I don't get a fanfare when I turn on my iPod or phone, so why would I expect that kind of fuss from my Mac? It sounds like someone in a movie just discovered God, but really I'm just checking my facebook. And I can't turn it off unless I mute the entire computer. That really grinds my gears!!

You know what else grinds my gears? Vaughn Williams. He sucks. We're playing The Wasps Overture in orchestra right now and it's darn near impossible. My bassoon teacher can't play parts of it and he's a certifiable bassoon psycho. Also, there many sections where just the bassoons play and it becomes quite apparent how bad I really am. A pox on thee, Vaughn Williams, for shattering my self esteem so.

Beowulf LRJ #3

In the final battle with the fire breathing dragon, many values are exhibited. For example, Beowulf accepts that fighting the monster is part of his destiny, which manifests the value of accepting death as a part of life, "After many trials, he was destined to face the end of his days in this mortal world." (Heany 2341). This shows that Beowulf does not fear death, but rather sees it as just another event in his assumedly immortal life. Another value that is shown is one of pride. As Wiglaf comes to help Beowulf, he ponders on what it truly means to be a hero, "I would rather my body were robed of the same burning blaze as my gold-giver's body than go back home bearing arms." (2651). Wiglaf would rather die a gruesome death alongside his master and leader than come home knowing that he was a coward. This type of pride is very evident in many sections of Beowulf.

Although there are numerous similarities between this section and the other Beowulf readings, there are also many differences. For example, this is the first instance in which Beowulf insists on fighting alone, "'Men at arms, remain here on the barrow, safe in your armor...This fight is not yours.'" (2529). In Beowulf's previous adventures he traveled with a contingent of warriors at his side, but in his final battle he cannot bring himself to put any others in danger. Also, this section is different than the others because it is the first time Beowulf is drastically hurt at the hands of a foe, "Beowulf's body ran wet with his life-blood." (2692). Indeed, this is the first time that Beowulf is portrayed as even mildly helpless, the first time he has truly required the help of others, as exhibited in Wiglaf's speech, "Now the day has come when this lord we serve needs sound men to give him their support." (2646).

Although tragic, Beowulf's death was a very honorable one. As Beowulf begins to fall ill from his wounds, the narrator explains the nobility of Beowulf's final actions, "So every man should act, be at hand when needed." (2708). This dictates that Beowulf died as he had lived: a hero to the people, aiding them when they needed him most. As Beowulf lays dying, he does not lament over his passing, but is reassured that his actions will protect him in the after life, "Because of my right ways' the Ruler of mankind need never blame me when the breath leaves my body." (2741). This shows that even though Beowulf has died, his spirit will live on in virtuous memory.

Beowulf LRJ#1

During Beowulf's confrontation with the great beast Grendel, many Anglo Saxon values are expressed. One such value is loyalty to your superiors. As Beowulf fights with Grendel, all the warriors that he commands assemble in order to protect their leader, "Beowulf's warriors brandished many a sword, inheritances from the ancient days, trying to protect their chief" (Breeden, 132)*. This shows that as soldiers under Beowulf, they are responsible for doing everything in their power to protect him, even at a risk of their own mortality. This value is also shown when the narrator makes a keen effort not to give an unfair representation to the king Hrothgar, "They, however, never found fault with the gracious Hrothgar--he was a good king."(208). This shows that even though Hrothgar did not fulfill his duties and protect his people, he is still considered a good leader.

One of the most common literary devices used in Beowulf is alliteration. It is found in practically every line of the epic, but it's purposes are often different. There are many examples of this in the fight with Grendel. "the wine-hall withstood the battle, that the beautiful building did not fall to the ground." (98). In this passage, the sound of the letter 'B' is used to express to magnitude and importance of the battle, and also the strength of the mead hall. Another example of alliteration is found after Grendel cries oust in pain. "The din rose louder, the Danes stood in dreadful terror" (115). Here, the repetition of the letter 'D' is used to express the fear of the townsfolk.

Kennings are small, metaphorical phrases that can be used in place of nouns. They appear very often in Beowulf, such as when the narrator refers to a warrior's breaking joints as "bone-locks" (60). By doing this, the author gives us a more literal interpretation of Grendel's body, which makes his demise much more graphic. Also, the narrator refers to fog as "cloud murk" (22). By doing this, the author expresses the tone of the passage in a noun, without having to add any more adjectives or adverbs.

*All line numbers are from online translation from the Wiki.

Beowulf LRJ#2

Many values and traditions of Anglo Saxon society can be seen in the behavior of Beowulf, a powerful soldier and this story's protagonist. One such value is avenging the death of those close to you. As Beowulf addresses his men, he tells them not to grieve for their fallen comrade, but rather to seek vengeance on Grendel's mother. "It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning." (1384). By saying this, Beowulf implies that to take time to be sad over a loved one's death is to waste time, where as taking revenge would properly resolve the issue. Another value shown in the text is one of glory, especially in taking a physical trophy from your victories. Beowulf expresses this after he decapitates Grendel, "His courage was proven, his glory was secure. Grendel's head was hauled." (1646). This quote shows the connection Beowulf sees between his courageous actions and his lasting glory. As if being the victor wasn't enough, he also feels the need to bring home a souvenir: Grendel's disembodied head. He needs a constant reminder of his actions.

There are several unrealistic aspects of this story, but the vast majority of them are found in Beowulf. He is capable of superhuman abilities that could never exist in real life. For example, he was able to hold his breath underwater for several hours, "He dived into the heaving depths of the lake. It was the best part of a day before he could see the bottom." (1494). Also, Beowulf has incredible strength. He can easily carry Grendel's head on his own, but when he passes it on to his men it takes 4 people to lift it, "It was a task for four to hoist Grendel's head on a spear and bear it under strain" (1637). Such exaggerations of human capabilities are used to enhance Beowulf's persona as a magnificent hero. By shocking the reader with such improbable situations, we better understand the power and importance of Beowulf.

Although Beowulf is filled with interesting syntax and imagery, there were a few quotes that I really enjoyed. My favorite use of figurative language was when Beowulf's magical sword melts after he beheads Grendel, "Meanwhile; the sword began to wilt into gory icicles, to slather and thaw. It was a wonderful thing, the way it all melted as ice melts." (1605). The use of imagery and simile in this passage is very effective in creating a mystical atmosphere. My other favorite quote was the last quote in the passage, when Grendel's head was hauled across the floor of the mead hall, "Grendel's head was hauled by the hair, dragged across the floor where the people were drinking, a horror for both the queen and company to behold." (1647). How cool is Beowulf? So cool that he just drags Grendel's head through the mead hall like it was no big deal. What a cool guy. I really like this quote because it portrays Beowulf as somewhat of a rebel.

Antigone Paper

Eliot Hart Nelson
Ms. Peifer
10 IB Hour 4
26 November, 2008

Unscrupulous Leader, Immoral Decision

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, family is a delicate but important institution. Without a strong sense of family one is left to wander the perils of mortal life alone, desperate for a source of comfort. No one should stand between two family members in a time of personal grief. But, unfortunately, that is precisely what Creon did. After the death of Polynices, Creon rashly ordered that his body should not receive a proper burial and should alternatively be left to be eaten by carrion animals. Such spiteful vengeance is disgusting and unbecoming in a leader. Creon's judgement overstepped his bounds and ended the lives of 3 of his loved ones, and because of this he is guilty.

First, let's address the issue of Creon's morality. He claims to be a fair, unbiased ruler,  "For me, a man who rules the entire state and does not take the best advice there is, but through fear keeps his mouth forever shut,  such a man is the very worst of men." (Sophocles, 202-205). Yet he takes no council and rules from his gut when judging Polynices, "Don’t yield to those who contravene my orders." (251).  Such inconsistency and hypocrisy is unacceptable in such a powerful position. If Creon is unable to keep his word, he is unfit to lead.

Next, there is the matter of the effectiveness of Creon's actions. One would assume that he made the controversial ruling because it would better his region, but it had the opposite effect. Antigone, Haemon, and Euridice all committed suicide and the royal family was thrown into ruin. Even Creon's followers admit that these terrible deaths are his fault, "a clear reminder that this evil come not from some stranger, but his own mistakes."(1259-1260). This leaves no excuse for Creon's conduct.

And finally, let us look at Creon's guilt. After the death of his son he renounces his innocence and accepts the fated outcomes of his deeds, "You see us here, all in one family, the killer and the killed. Oh the profanity of what I planned." (1418-1420). Even Creon himself realizes the magnitude of his mistake, so much so that he concedes that he is to blame.

Why should we give this second thought? Creon made an careless decision on shaky moral ground, and by doing so practically wiped out the entire royal family. He is a liar and a murderer, and Creon's despicable judgement is an indicator of what more is to come under his rule. If this jury is of conscious mind, it will make the only right choice: guilty.

Works Cited

Sophocles. “Antigone.” Sophocles Antigone. Trans. Ian Johnston. 9 Aug. 2008. Vancouver Island University Malaspira. November      26,2008.

Antigone LRJ#2

Imagery very important in Antigone. It expresses themes and undertones that help the reader further understand the intentions of each character. Much imagery can be seen in the monologues of Teiresias, the prophet. He uses very descriptive and symbolic language in his rants to Creon, where he describes a vision he had involving two birds, "Tearing each other, dying in a whirlwind of wings and clashing." (Sophocles, 836). This detail not only describes the literal vision but also contributes to the significance of Teiresias' warning. Imagery is also used to set the tone in these speeches, "There was only spattering slime of the fat thigh flesh melting: the entrails dissolved in gray smoke. The bare bones burst from the welter."(836). Teiresias' bleak words hint at Creon's unfavorable fate.

The character that suffered the greatest in this story was, predictably, the character with the largest fatal flaw: Creon. His fatal flaw was arrogance and rashness in his leadership. This can be seen as he gives orders to his guards, "Don’t yield to those who contravene my orders."(line 251). From this it can be seen that Creon is impetuous and over-confident in the morality of his actions. His Peripetia comes when he first lays eyes on Haemon weeping over Anitgone's dead body, "When Creon saw him the tears rushed to his eyes."(840). This is the moment in which his fate is reversed, his actions have lost meaning because Antigone has taken her fate into her own hands. His Anagnorisis occurs when he curses the gods for the death of his son, "The truth is hard to hear. Surely a god has crushed me beneath the hugest weight of heaven."(841). This is when he truly understands the scope of his actions. He now realizes that all those dear to him have taken their lives because of his foolish judgement. This is also when the reader feels an emotional relief, or catharsis. The reader can no longer feel for Creon, his character has finished developing and the consequences of his actions are now apparent. 

Women in Antigone are characterized by their passion and the impact of their actions. This passion can best be seen in the character of Antigone when she denounces Creon's judgement and declares her quest to obtain a proper burial for her brother, "I’ll still bury him. It would be fine to die while doing that. I’ll lie there with him."(lines 89-90). This shows that Antigone's gender does not suppress her urge to fight for justice. Women are also characterized as the cause of suffering. Antigone's suicide is so tragic to Haemon that he too kills himself, "Angry at himself, the ill-fated lad right then and there leaned into his own sword, driving half the blade between his ribs."(lines 1375-1377). In this story, women cause suffering, not by manipulation as in other Greek mythology, but rather their death is the ultimate loss that begins the Anagnorisis and Peripetia.

Works Cited:

Sophocles. "Antigone." Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: World Literature. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall 2001. 814-826.

Sophocles. "Antigone." Malaspina University-College Website. Trans. Ian Johnston. May 2005.
Malaspina University College. 26 November 2008 .

Scandal in the Royal Family

After the epic dual of Eteocles and Polynices, citizens of Thebes were content to follow the orders of the newly crowned ruler, Creon. Such orders were that Eteocles was to be given an honorable burial, for he died a patriot, but Polynices was to be denied a proper burial. Creon labeled him as a traitor to his homeland and sentenced his corpse to be devoured by carrion animals. We, citizens of Thebes, thought the matter was over and done. Ah, but we were wrong! Yesterday, a thin layer of dirt was found over Polynices' remains. No one knew who would dare defy the kings orders in such a brazen way. But then a guard came forward, claiming to have seen Antigone, daughter of Oedipus and sister to Polynices, burying the body. Most people accused of such a heinous crime would be quick to denounce it, but Antigone spread no blame, saying "I avow it; I make no denial". Now, we ponderous townsmen are left to take sides. Was the maiden Antigone, who was engaged to prince Haimon, simply defending the honor of her family and indeed her people? Or rather was she rashly disobeying the clear orders of a superior? Her judgement, and ours, awaits.

--Elionius Monk, The Thinking Thebes-man