Write a response that explores the construction of Chapter 9 from A.A Milne's Winnie the Pooh.
Your opening sentence (thesis statement) should be something along the lines of:
The version of childhood constructed in A.A Milne's classic children's story, Winnie the Pooh, is both complex and contradictory. This can be clearly seen when analyzing Chapter Nine from the book.
Given the feedback you all provided in your e-mails regarding strengths and weaknesses, I am expecting more than a few sentences in your response.
The version of childhood constructed in A.A Milne's classic children's story, Winnie the Pooh, is both complex and contradictory. This can be clearly seen when analyzing Chapter Nine from the book. The chapter consists of different characteristics of childhood such as showing leadership and braveness, valuing friendship, learning to solve problems; but poor in their grammatical skills. The author has explored the idea of being brave, showing leadership and friendship through Pooh bear trying to save Piglet from the flood. Pooh carefully thought of a solution in order to reach where Piglet was without capsizing. Through his discovery in knowledge, Pooh bravely goes with Christopher Robin on an umbrella to save Piglet. This conveys that childhood is not only a time of enjoyment but learning to develop skills that will last lifelong and to resolve problems in a logical way. However, Pooh's lack of knowledge in grammar held Piglet from being saved earlier. This idea is contradicting to the previous and it shows that childhood also can be a period of learning through small mistakes, from people around and developing more grammar and language skills.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Comparison of Barbie commerical from 1959&2010
Task is to compare the two commercials and discuss how each positions the audience to view the construction of childhood.
The Barbie commercial from 1959 positions the audience to view the construction of childhood as the start of being involved in decorating and taking care of the physical beauty. This is displayed as the commercial deals with all the different fashion styles and clothes that the Barbie doll can have. However, the commercial for 2010 Barbie dolls are not into the dressing up but the future career. Barbie dolls are shown through different jobs, positioning the audience to see the construction of childhood as the important time of recognising possible choices for their future careers through a Barbie doll.
The Barbie commercial from 1959 positions the audience to view the construction of childhood as the start of being involved in decorating and taking care of the physical beauty. This is displayed as the commercial deals with all the different fashion styles and clothes that the Barbie doll can have. However, the commercial for 2010 Barbie dolls are not into the dressing up but the future career. Barbie dolls are shown through different jobs, positioning the audience to see the construction of childhood as the important time of recognising possible choices for their future careers through a Barbie doll.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Significance of Reputation in 'Othello'
In the play 'Othello' by William Shakespeare, reputation plays a big role. Reputation contains the power of hierarchy and the reputation of the characters led them to such a disaster. Iago uses his reputation as an honest man to deceive Othello and everyone else. Cassio's changing reputation has a big part in the outcome of the play as well. Desdemona's innocent reputation supports Iago to easily deceive Othello.
Iago's reputation played a key role in the play. Everyone thought that Iago was an honest man. "O, that's an honest fellow", "You advise me well... goodnight honest Iago." Iago convinced everyone that he is noble and honest, which then he used to his advantage. No one suspected that Iago was a deceitful man and would plot to destroy Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio in such a cunning way. Iago usedhis reputation to manipulate Othello and set his plan in motion and complete it. Without Iago's honest reputation would never had allowed him smear Cassio and cause the death of Desdemona and ultimately Othello as well.
Cassio's changing reputation played a big role in the play as well. Reputation was everything to Cassio. He was too loyal of a friend and had always followed orders. Othello sayed to Cassio, "I'll make thee an example." He clearly showed his loss of trust in Cassio and Cassio knew this. He tried to correct the situation with Othello through Desdemona, but it only made things worse once Iago stepped in. Cassio's tarnished reputation only helped Iago to succeed in his plan. Cassio reputation as a loyal, just and honest soldier was trashed when he got drunk.
Desdemona, as Othello's wife had a high reputation in the play, 'Othello'. But in the start of the play, her father's trust against Desdemona had broken down as she had deceived her father and married Othello. Although she is the symbol of innocence in the play, Iago had used this to deceive Othello by convincing him that Desdemona had been cheating.
The reputations of the three characters played a big role in the outcome of the play, 'Othello. Reputation is a way which helps to make judgements about others and is very important in our society today.
Iago's reputation played a key role in the play. Everyone thought that Iago was an honest man. "O, that's an honest fellow", "You advise me well... goodnight honest Iago." Iago convinced everyone that he is noble and honest, which then he used to his advantage. No one suspected that Iago was a deceitful man and would plot to destroy Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio in such a cunning way. Iago usedhis reputation to manipulate Othello and set his plan in motion and complete it. Without Iago's honest reputation would never had allowed him smear Cassio and cause the death of Desdemona and ultimately Othello as well.
Cassio's changing reputation played a big role in the play as well. Reputation was everything to Cassio. He was too loyal of a friend and had always followed orders. Othello sayed to Cassio, "I'll make thee an example." He clearly showed his loss of trust in Cassio and Cassio knew this. He tried to correct the situation with Othello through Desdemona, but it only made things worse once Iago stepped in. Cassio's tarnished reputation only helped Iago to succeed in his plan. Cassio reputation as a loyal, just and honest soldier was trashed when he got drunk.
Desdemona, as Othello's wife had a high reputation in the play, 'Othello'. But in the start of the play, her father's trust against Desdemona had broken down as she had deceived her father and married Othello. Although she is the symbol of innocence in the play, Iago had used this to deceive Othello by convincing him that Desdemona had been cheating.
The reputations of the three characters played a big role in the outcome of the play, 'Othello. Reputation is a way which helps to make judgements about others and is very important in our society today.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Character Profile-Othello,Iago
Othello
* How would you describe this character's personality?
Othello is a passionate man, and deeply loves Desdemona, even when he kills her. Although he is a black/dark skinned man, not many people tend to care about his skin colour. Othello sometimes makes a point of presenting himself as an outsider, gets stressed, show low self esteem about that fact that he has different skins to others and lowers himself down in his mind.Othello is also able to captivate his peers with his speech. The duke’s reply to Othello’s speech about how he wooed Desdemona with his tales of adventure is “I think this tale would win my daughter too” (I.iii.170).
* How is this character viewed by other people in the play?
* How is this character viewed by other people in the play?
Othello is viewd as a strong and powerful, trustworthy who suits the position of authority that he is in. Although to Iago, Othello is seen as a ugly black man who took his position. Iago sees Othello with jealousy, Desdemona sees Othello with love and passion for him.
* What relationship does this person have to others in the play?
Othello has married Desdemona secretly before the play. Iago is Othello's ensign and Cassio is Othello's lieutenaunt who is truly devoted to him. Iago is jealous of Othello, plans out a fake relationship between Desdemona and Rogerigo which created a tradgic story.
* Are there any specific themes that you can identify that are linked to this character?
Tradgic will be the theme for Othello and most of the characters in this play, as he misunderstood Iago's lie of Desdemona's cheating, and therefore kills his own wife with his own hands. Although everything started out all good and nice, the ending was very tradgic for Othello.
Iago
* How would you describe this character's personality?
Iago is the most heinous villain in the play. He is ascinating for his most terrible characteristic, uttering lack of convincing motivation for his actions. At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets / He has done my office” (I.iii.369–370). He is willing to take revenge on anyone; Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, even Emilia at the slightest provocation and enjoys the pain and damage he causes. Iago is often funny, especially in his scenes with the foolish Roderigo.
* How is this character viewed by other people in the play?
Iago is viewd as a trustworthy and a brave man who serves his master very well. He can be gernerous, kind and helping. He has earned Othello's trust, even over his wife, Desdemona. Although Iago's personality seen from the perspective of the audience is the opposite from the characters view, his actions are very detailed and carful.
* What relationship does this person have to others in the play?
Othello and Iago have a tight relationship, where Othello trusts Iago more than anything, tells him everything and even kills his wife because he believed Iago's lies. Desdemona is one of the characters that was being used to break down Othello's reputation. Iago uses Cassio’s youth, good looks, and friendship with Desdemona to play on Othello’s insecurities about Desdemona’s fidelity. Roderigo is convinced that if he gives Iago all of his money, Iago will help him win Desdemona’s hand. Emilia is Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s attendant.
* Are there any specific themes that you can identify that are linked to this character?
Back-stabbing, terrible and tradgic as well. If it wasn't Iago to start this whole plan to just get rid of Othello, the tradgic story wouldn't have happened.
* What relationship does this person have to others in the play?
Othello has married Desdemona secretly before the play. Iago is Othello's ensign and Cassio is Othello's lieutenaunt who is truly devoted to him. Iago is jealous of Othello, plans out a fake relationship between Desdemona and Rogerigo which created a tradgic story.
* Are there any specific themes that you can identify that are linked to this character?
Tradgic will be the theme for Othello and most of the characters in this play, as he misunderstood Iago's lie of Desdemona's cheating, and therefore kills his own wife with his own hands. Although everything started out all good and nice, the ending was very tradgic for Othello.
Iago
* How would you describe this character's personality?
Iago is the most heinous villain in the play. He is ascinating for his most terrible characteristic, uttering lack of convincing motivation for his actions. At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets / He has done my office” (I.iii.369–370). He is willing to take revenge on anyone; Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, even Emilia at the slightest provocation and enjoys the pain and damage he causes. Iago is often funny, especially in his scenes with the foolish Roderigo.
* How is this character viewed by other people in the play?
Iago is viewd as a trustworthy and a brave man who serves his master very well. He can be gernerous, kind and helping. He has earned Othello's trust, even over his wife, Desdemona. Although Iago's personality seen from the perspective of the audience is the opposite from the characters view, his actions are very detailed and carful.
* What relationship does this person have to others in the play?
Othello and Iago have a tight relationship, where Othello trusts Iago more than anything, tells him everything and even kills his wife because he believed Iago's lies. Desdemona is one of the characters that was being used to break down Othello's reputation. Iago uses Cassio’s youth, good looks, and friendship with Desdemona to play on Othello’s insecurities about Desdemona’s fidelity. Roderigo is convinced that if he gives Iago all of his money, Iago will help him win Desdemona’s hand. Emilia is Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s attendant.
* Are there any specific themes that you can identify that are linked to this character?
Back-stabbing, terrible and tradgic as well. If it wasn't Iago to start this whole plan to just get rid of Othello, the tradgic story wouldn't have happened.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Comparison of chapters
Comparison between:
Chapter 5,7 & 25
The Ibo Tribe and the Europeans
By comparing the two chapters, the viewers were positioned to see the Ibo tribe as a powerful and strong belief rulers of the indigenous forest. However, in chapter 25, they are seen as powerless and small in front of the Europeans.This is because the Ibo tribe has little saying or small voices in the chapter. The Europeans seems to have no respect of the tribe's belief and laws, looks down at the tribe because they are not civilised as them. They seem violent in their language in chapter 25, whereas in chapter 7, the Europeans were calming and peaceful, who doesn't like distracting other people.
Chapter 5,7 & 25
The Ibo Tribe and the Europeans
By comparing the two chapters, the viewers were positioned to see the Ibo tribe as a powerful and strong belief rulers of the indigenous forest. However, in chapter 25, they are seen as powerless and small in front of the Europeans.This is because the Ibo tribe has little saying or small voices in the chapter. The Europeans seems to have no respect of the tribe's belief and laws, looks down at the tribe because they are not civilised as them. They seem violent in their language in chapter 25, whereas in chapter 7, the Europeans were calming and peaceful, who doesn't like distracting other people.
- Seems powerless in front of the Europeans
- Obey the law/rules of the tribe
- Unable to express their feelings
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Things Fall Apart - Positioning
Things Fall Apart
Positioning
Narrative voice – what judgements does the narrator make about the events
Implied audience – what role is assigned to the reader (insider/outsider)
Whose voices/thoughts/opinions/culture are privileged
Whose voices/thoughts/opinions/culture are silenced
Binary oppositions or contrasts – do they work to represent some things as good, making the opposite bad? Or do they increase the level of sophistication or complexity of the representation? (see next point)
Level of complexity of the representation – the more complex and ambiguous, the less the reader is positioned to completely accept or reject a point of view or character
Consequences of actions – how are the consequences represented (deserved? Tragic? Triumphant?)
Use quotes from your assigned section to answer:
- How is Okonkwo represented?
- How is the audience positioned to regard his behaviour? What techniques are being used to achieve this?
- Explain what elements of Ibo culture are revealed.
- How is the audience positioned to regard the culture?
Consider each of these events:
Chpt 2
- The argument with Mbaino P10
- Okonkwo’s treatment of his own son and relationship with his father p12
Okonkwo is seen as a violent and strict father in the family but is pretending to be one as he is fearing of becoming like his father in Chapter 2 of the book, 'Thing Fall Apart'. This is represented through the narrative voice used in the chapter as the author has described Okonkwo's weak spot, how Okonkwo rules his household and people's feelings in the household towards his way of controlling. Also the power hierarchy is emphasised in the text where men are over-ruled the women. It is quoted, 'his wives, especially the youngest lived, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children.'(p.12). Binary opposition is also embedded in the text, the comparison between Okonkwo and his father. The author has positioned Okonkwo as a better father and a ruler of the household and powerful as a man. In opposed to Okonkwo, his father Unoka is described as a person who had failed in life, weak, fearful and useless supporter of the family.
Narrative voice – what judgements does the narrator make about the events?
The narrator has made judgements on a particular event in chapter 2, which deals with Okonkwo's treatment of his son and the relationship with his father. The narrator had made a judgement that the relationship between Okonkwo and his father is an important aspect that had influenced Okonkwo's way of living. Okonkwo is seen as heartless and a 'cruel man' towards his family but he pretends to be violent and strict towards his children because of his bad childhood relationship with his father. Okonkwo saw how his father had slowly failed his life by living in certain way, which influenced his entire life.
Implied audience – what role is assigned to the reader (insider/outsider)?
The reader is assigned to look at Okonkwo's father as a hopeless father and this has influenced greatly in Okonkwo's life.
Chpt 3:
- The oracle to Unoka, and Unoka’s death p.16
- Okonkwo’s struggles for wealth p.19
Chpt 4:
- Okonkwo’s treatment of others, and the arrival of Ikemefuna P23
- Okonkwo’s mistreatment of his wife in the week of peace. P26
Chapter 5, 17 Questions
‘Things Fall Apart’
Chapter 5:
1. How does the author position you to view the Ibo Tribe?
· Environmental friendly
· Strong belief towards the Earth / goddess of Earth Ani
· Strict in their own laws/ rules
· Communication between all the members in the tribe
· Good team work/ tight relationships between all the members
· No civilisation/ primitive tribe
· Men are superior in the tribe
2. How does the author position you to view the individual characters?
Okonkwo:
· Violent (beating his wife)
· Not able to control his temper/ anger (beating his wife)
· Doesn’t care about feasts as he thinks that it is wasting time
· Doesn’t enjoy socialising with people
· Hard- Worker
· Cares for the environment
· Good eater and a drinker
Ekewfi (Second Wife):
· Innocent/ naïve
· House wife
· Lives under the pressure of Okonkwo
· Powerless
· Ignored by her husband
Ezinma (Daughter of Ekewfi):
· Boyish, tom-boy girl
· Different from other kids (daughter) in her thoughts and actions
· Playful and energetic
· Beauty (from her mother)
· Well-mannered
· Wants to be recognised by her father
3. How does the author position you to view the men?
· Superior, dominant
· The most important in the tribe
· Men does all the hard work in order to support the family
4. How does the author position you to view the women?
· Powerless
· All housework is done by women
· Always behind men (in power)
· Doesn’t have the right to stand up for herself
· Men represents the women
· Stereotypical women
5. How does the author position you to view the Europeans?
· N/A
Chapter 17:
1. How does the author position you to view the Ibo Tribe?
· Believes in myth, fear of evil spirits
· Fear of foreigners/ Europeans
· Believes that the white people are powerful
· It is a sin to change their religion/ abandon the tribe’s belief
2. How does the author position you to view the individual characters?
Okonkwo:
· Very violent
· Problems with anger management
· Scared of losing his son
· Pride in his son
Nwoye (Son of Okonkwo):
· Fear of his father
· Wants to be educated
· Doesn’t want to become like his father
· Takes action of his thoughts and beliefs
· Attracted to new faith, Christianity
3. How does the author position you to view the men?
· The ones who make the decisions
· Strict and shows masculinity
4. How does the author position you to view the women?
· N/A
5. How does the author position you to view the Europeans?
· Different, rather strange
· Strong belief in God
· Wants to make the Ibo tribe civilised
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