The fate and free will of Shakespeare’s play can be viewed differently, however it’s very contradicting. The witches in Macbeth made three predictions of what would happen for the fate of Scotland. Their first prediction was the Macbeth would be made Thane of Cawdor. The second prediction was that Macbeth would become king. The third and final prediction was that Banquo’s sons would be made kings. I believe that if Macbeth wouldn’t have messed with fate, the witches’ predictions would have been the same, only that there only would have been one and that was that Macbeth would be made king. Fate and free will are two entirely opposite meanings, and I believe that free will caused Macbeth to fail.
If Macbeth would have let fate take its course, I do not believe that there would be any forced death’s on anyone in the play. I do believe that if Macbeth and Lady Macbeth would have left King Duncan alone, he would have died a natural death. Perhaps his son’s, Malcolm and Donnoblain would have renounced the throne and then the next person in line to claim it would have been Macbeth. Or perhaps he would have been Thane of Cawdor, anyhow there would be peace and no one would have had to die in the play, other than of a natural death. However, that also leads me to wonder if the witches predictions were based off of what they knew (out of free will) what Macbeth would have done. I still do believe though that what had happened in the play was of free will, only due to the fact that Lady Macbeth and Macbeth sped the process faster, in order for their own needs, instead of waiting to let time unfold itself.
Fate is something that’s meant to happen, something that will take its course naturally, and fold out evenly. I do believe that fate can also end in bad situations as well, but I do believe that in the end something good comes out of it. That is how I recognize free will in this play. I believe that free will can either end in a bad situation when forcing it or it can end in a good situation if fate was added to the process of free will. Obviously fate was not added, or if it was, there was too much free will behind it. Once someone (like Macbeth) does something bad, they have to cover up what they did, and it flows in a natural pattern of one bad thing after another. This pattern eventually will be recognized and will end up worse than it could have been from the very beginning.
One can say that this play was based off fate, or they can say that this play was based off free will, both will work, I just think it depends on what the reader thinks, and how they define the terms of fate and free will. Macbeth is a hard play to write this about, but it can also be an interesting thing to think about, it’s one of those situations that make you think deeply and really wonder what the true purpose of the play is about. Fate and free will are two entirely different things; however they can be intertwined in odd or different ways. Macbeth is a good example of how fate and free will fall together.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Defining Serenity Essay
Serenity can deeply express a certain emotion and can also mean one of two things. It's a word that can be deeply defined to the extent that it can be broken down into parts. The origins of the word go back possibly to the 1800's, it has been used for a very long time. Serenity also fits into a specific category; when looking at a list of emotions or feelings and can be placed in a list as to how extent the feeling or emotion can be. The word serenity can be defined in different ways by different people, however I have an in depth personal definition of what I truly think the word really means.
According to the dictionary, serenity means the state or quality of being serene, and/or having tranquility. The second definition claims that it is a title of honor, respect or reverence, used in speaking of or to certain members of royalty. It is a calmness of mind; evenness of temper; undisturbed state; coolness; and a composure. It falls into the class of synonyms of cool, calm, composed, and relaxed, and perhaps carefree. Now the question is, how deep can this meaning be, and how long could the meaning of this word last? Does it mean a feeling you get when there is temporary peace, or can it also be a feeling that you have when the peace is eternal
I find that the word can be easily put into a list of emotions. Say the list was ordered by good and bad; bad being at the bottom and good being at the top. I think serenity would fall just under nirvana, but directly above peace. I say this because I believe that the word is only a temporary state, and simply cannot last forever. The state of being in tranquility and the state of being calm means that peace will not last forever and that anyone should be ready at any time to accept that this feeling won't last for an eternity. Nirvana on the other hand, I find that to be an eternal peace forever, that of which saying means that nirvana knows no bad. I place serenity under it, because it's very close only that a person is still liable to worry and still will have trouble; I believe that they still can know bad and have to be willing to accept that. I still though think that the word has more to it than the word peace itself.
It's no doubt that the history of the word dates back, and was used for titles as members of the royal family. If the word is defined as what it is, Serenity makes perfect sense to flatter someone or honor someone that is of a high status. The word in itself can be explored in many different ways. I can surely see a king supposedly being pronounced as a statute of calmness, tranquility, and peace. It fits, so obviously someone played their cards right, however the statement might not be true. It may have been just a symbol of respect. I'm sure that there were a few kings in our lifetime that did not act very serene.
As stated before, the extent of serenity can go many different ways, and it can be defined differently by many different people. The subject of where it can be placed, can go in different places as well. I believe it falls under nirvana, and above peace, and that the extent of the word means much more than just peace. I believe it's only a temporary state of mind and that it is the closest possible way to feel eternally happy.
According to the dictionary, serenity means the state or quality of being serene, and/or having tranquility. The second definition claims that it is a title of honor, respect or reverence, used in speaking of or to certain members of royalty. It is a calmness of mind; evenness of temper; undisturbed state; coolness; and a composure. It falls into the class of synonyms of cool, calm, composed, and relaxed, and perhaps carefree. Now the question is, how deep can this meaning be, and how long could the meaning of this word last? Does it mean a feeling you get when there is temporary peace, or can it also be a feeling that you have when the peace is eternal
I find that the word can be easily put into a list of emotions. Say the list was ordered by good and bad; bad being at the bottom and good being at the top. I think serenity would fall just under nirvana, but directly above peace. I say this because I believe that the word is only a temporary state, and simply cannot last forever. The state of being in tranquility and the state of being calm means that peace will not last forever and that anyone should be ready at any time to accept that this feeling won't last for an eternity. Nirvana on the other hand, I find that to be an eternal peace forever, that of which saying means that nirvana knows no bad. I place serenity under it, because it's very close only that a person is still liable to worry and still will have trouble; I believe that they still can know bad and have to be willing to accept that. I still though think that the word has more to it than the word peace itself.
It's no doubt that the history of the word dates back, and was used for titles as members of the royal family. If the word is defined as what it is, Serenity makes perfect sense to flatter someone or honor someone that is of a high status. The word in itself can be explored in many different ways. I can surely see a king supposedly being pronounced as a statute of calmness, tranquility, and peace. It fits, so obviously someone played their cards right, however the statement might not be true. It may have been just a symbol of respect. I'm sure that there were a few kings in our lifetime that did not act very serene.
As stated before, the extent of serenity can go many different ways, and it can be defined differently by many different people. The subject of where it can be placed, can go in different places as well. I believe it falls under nirvana, and above peace, and that the extent of the word means much more than just peace. I believe it's only a temporary state of mind and that it is the closest possible way to feel eternally happy.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Brainstorming Activity: Definition Essay
The word "Serenity" is a very in depth word, and can be both thought and defined in many different terms. First off, Serenity is known in history to be defined in two different definitions. The first meaning is the typical meaning: peace, calmness, tranquility. The second meaning was a word appointed to royalty. exp. "Your Serenity" "His Serenity". Reasons for the royal title, are probably based off what the world entails and what it originally meant.
I can go very much in depth with the word, because it is a very widespread word that relates and connects to so many different others. If Serenity was to be placed in a category of words, it would be placed (in my opinion) under nirvana, but above peace. I find the word to be a little more in depth from peace. It's a bit more detailed as to what the feeling entails, but I also don't think that Serenity can be placed up there with nirvana, simply because serenity often means that there is a state of calm, a state of peace. I do think though that in serenity, people have the dis or advantages to knowing that things can fall apart at any second, and that life is and will always have it's ups and downs.
Serenity can be analyzed differently from different people, but I believe that it can also meant the same for many people as well. I just have an in depth "picture" or analysis in my mind of what the word really means to me.
I can go very much in depth with the word, because it is a very widespread word that relates and connects to so many different others. If Serenity was to be placed in a category of words, it would be placed (in my opinion) under nirvana, but above peace. I find the word to be a little more in depth from peace. It's a bit more detailed as to what the feeling entails, but I also don't think that Serenity can be placed up there with nirvana, simply because serenity often means that there is a state of calm, a state of peace. I do think though that in serenity, people have the dis or advantages to knowing that things can fall apart at any second, and that life is and will always have it's ups and downs.
Serenity can be analyzed differently from different people, but I believe that it can also meant the same for many people as well. I just have an in depth "picture" or analysis in my mind of what the word really means to me.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Macbeth #2
In relation to a time in the scene where Macbeth is being goaded by his wife, I have experienced many similliar events like that in my own life. Many of them are bad, but the majority are wrong. The experience that I have to tell though is wrong, it was something that I didn't want to do for a very good reason.
Bowling was how the night started out, I had been with my family late night at Golden Bowl. My dad, brother, his girlfriend and her friend as well as myself were all out enjoying a night together, but it all changed when they decided to order a pitcher of beer. Of course I was and am still under the age of 21, and It would be entirely illegal for me to drink anything at all, however my brother played a different role and somehow supported it more than he was against me drinking. Older siblings have been seemingly doing this for years, and I have experienced this fact. My brother of course was a bit buzzed, but he decided to "make" me drink from his glass of beer while our dad, and while the people that work there were not looking. I continued to tell him No, that I didn't want to do it because I don't even know what it feels like to drink, and It's tottally illegal for me to be doing it because of my age. No matter what I said though, he just continued to keep goading and goading me to take a giant gulp of his beer. Obviously, I eventually gave in because of his annoyingness and his words. I never got in trouble in the end, but my father still doesn't know anything till this day about what happened at the Bowling Alley that night. I find it kind of funny, because whenever I meantion it to my brother, he denies ever saying anything at all. I wonder if he's just saying that so he can't get into trouble from our father.
This relates simillarly to that of which Macbeth is going through in his life, with many people around him, but especiially his wife. Even though I didn't get caught from sipping on beer that night, I did learn about what I did tremendously, and how people can be affected by the common, "Theres no backing out, just do it!" situation. It can be either bad or good, but it's still a learning process. When watching events like this happen to others, you can really learn about what it's like, and what effects, and outcomes the situation has once the person gives in, who know's maybe they wont want to give in? The outcome can be entirely different if people deny these kind of situations, and depending on the situation that can affect them in a positive or a negative way.
Bowling was how the night started out, I had been with my family late night at Golden Bowl. My dad, brother, his girlfriend and her friend as well as myself were all out enjoying a night together, but it all changed when they decided to order a pitcher of beer. Of course I was and am still under the age of 21, and It would be entirely illegal for me to drink anything at all, however my brother played a different role and somehow supported it more than he was against me drinking. Older siblings have been seemingly doing this for years, and I have experienced this fact. My brother of course was a bit buzzed, but he decided to "make" me drink from his glass of beer while our dad, and while the people that work there were not looking. I continued to tell him No, that I didn't want to do it because I don't even know what it feels like to drink, and It's tottally illegal for me to be doing it because of my age. No matter what I said though, he just continued to keep goading and goading me to take a giant gulp of his beer. Obviously, I eventually gave in because of his annoyingness and his words. I never got in trouble in the end, but my father still doesn't know anything till this day about what happened at the Bowling Alley that night. I find it kind of funny, because whenever I meantion it to my brother, he denies ever saying anything at all. I wonder if he's just saying that so he can't get into trouble from our father.
This relates simillarly to that of which Macbeth is going through in his life, with many people around him, but especiially his wife. Even though I didn't get caught from sipping on beer that night, I did learn about what I did tremendously, and how people can be affected by the common, "Theres no backing out, just do it!" situation. It can be either bad or good, but it's still a learning process. When watching events like this happen to others, you can really learn about what it's like, and what effects, and outcomes the situation has once the person gives in, who know's maybe they wont want to give in? The outcome can be entirely different if people deny these kind of situations, and depending on the situation that can affect them in a positive or a negative way.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Macbeth Compare and Contrast Essay
The comparison between the actual playwright and the made movies of Macbeth are very different from each other. There are of course some similarities as well to fit the entire storyline, but they are entirely different when it comes to time setting, modernization, clothing and the over all feel between the two versions. The same lesson is taught, it is still the same playwright, no words have been changed as far as I can see, but there are differences in modernization and the way the overall feel of the story is.
The actual playwright gives the reader the ability to imagine whats happening inside their own head. Their own thoughts affect what they see when they are reading them. Of course this play was written a very long time ago, the words and how they are used clearly show the style and the feel of the time back then. The over all words show the reader whats happening, they just have to look into it a bit more deeply. I do admit that it is very difficult to read, because it is very difficult to our time to comprehend the language and the words that they had back then, it just takes a bit of analyzing Of course the words are true and it is more Renaissance then the movie version is. I believe that if the reader is someone that can comprehend well enough to understand whats going on, that they would do fine with reading the playwright.
The movie on the other hand is much different, but not entirely. The movie actually shows more and gives the viewer more of a chance to use more senses. As the playwright makes you read and see it in your mind, the movies are giving you the ability to see and listen at the same time without doing much work, just listening. The movies also are more modernized, and I believe that it helps the watcher understand the play of Macbeth a little bit better than if they were to just read about it. It also gives the watcher a chance to enjoy the play if the actual playwright is just not their style. When the movies actually intricate events from the play in todays “fashionable” way, they make the watcher understand and more entertained by what they are seeing. Of course the movie is more modernized, and there are very big differences to look at such as the guns vs. swords or the clothing, or the way a certain character looks. Even the setting is different, as well as the overall feel. It's just a different way of going about it.
Over all, the actual playwright and movies mean the same, but they are presented in a different way. Some people may prefer to read the play as it was meant to be through Shakespeare's eyes, but others of modern time may want to actually view the play on screen with actual actors acting out the details so that they catch everything. No matter what, both versions are the same story and the same words, it's just a different way of showing them in modernization and originality.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Scruples:Machbeth
Q.1. Your car will soon need a new transmission. Do you sell it without informing the buyer?
A.1. No, I wouldn't sell the car without informing the buyer, because I wouldn't want them coming back at me, wanting a refund. It would be more important to tell them about it and be honest. I couldn't lie to someone, just so I could have my money. It really wouldn't feel worth it.
Q.2. You are drafted to fight in a war you consider unjust. Do you refuse and risk prison?
A.2. Yes I would, to be honest. If it seemed very wrong and is something I didn't believe in, I would be vulnerable to die or get injured. I would rather run away and risk my life, than go against what I believe in.
Q.3. A friend wants to copy and swap some expensice computer software with you. You know it's illegal. Do you swap?
A.3. No I wouldn't, because for one I would feel very bad about it, and for two I we would be stealing money from the company that they worked hard for to make the current products that are on the market.
Q.4. You dislike all the political parties. Do you vote?
A.4. No, if someone running did not catch my interest, I wouldn't waste my time in voting for someone that I really rather didn't agree with. It's almost cheating in a vote, benefitting the party that I vote for.
Q.5. A vagrant asks you for $1.00. You suspect he/she will spend it on alcohol. Do you give it anyway?
A.5. Yes, I would give the vagrant a $1.00. Even if their intent is to spend it on alcohol, at least I am showing them kindness by doing a good deed and actually benefitting myself in the circumstance.
Q.6. You are shaken up on an auto accident. A lawyer could get you a large settlement if you exaggerate the extent of your injuries. Do you do so?
A.6. Sadly to say, I have to be honest and come out and say that I would. If my mind was in such a bad mental state from the accident, I couldn't help but have to take up the lawyers deal. It would in ways help me cope over the incident.
Q.7. You have been attending classes all year. An aquaintance, who rarely shows up, asks to photocopy your notes, do you consent?
A.7. No I would never consent for them to copy my notes, because they need to do their work on their own. Not only could they get in trouble, but so could I. They also in turn do not learn anything as well.
Q.8. Your significant other has had and affair. You have no idea how long it's been going on. Do you leave him/her?
A.8. It rather really all depends on how many times I have caught them. I only give 1 chance. If I catch my significant other doing it once again, I will not tolerate it anymore. I wouldn't be able to take the pain twice. I do believe that everyone deserve another chance though. If they can change on that chance, then it was worth it.
Q.14. You and a friend have liked the same guy/girl forever. Your friend confides in you that she/he has finally gotten up the nerve to ask this person out. Two days later that person asks you to out on a date. Do you say yes or no? Do you tell your friend?
A.14. I would say no for sure. I think it would be fair to let my friend have a chance. I couldn't let a little incident with a guy get in between my friend and I. I think it's rather silly, and what happens is meant to happen. I couldn't get hurt over it.
Q.15. It's your first chance to vote in a presidential election, and it is a very close contest. When checking that you are registered to vote, you realize that you are registered twice. Do you vote more than once.
A.15. No, I would for sure not vote twice. It's very wrong. I would in the end feel horrible about it. It really probably wouldn't make a difference anyway. It's also very unfair to others votes, and It really wouldn't make me feel any better about the winner.
A.1. No, I wouldn't sell the car without informing the buyer, because I wouldn't want them coming back at me, wanting a refund. It would be more important to tell them about it and be honest. I couldn't lie to someone, just so I could have my money. It really wouldn't feel worth it.
Q.2. You are drafted to fight in a war you consider unjust. Do you refuse and risk prison?
A.2. Yes I would, to be honest. If it seemed very wrong and is something I didn't believe in, I would be vulnerable to die or get injured. I would rather run away and risk my life, than go against what I believe in.
Q.3. A friend wants to copy and swap some expensice computer software with you. You know it's illegal. Do you swap?
A.3. No I wouldn't, because for one I would feel very bad about it, and for two I we would be stealing money from the company that they worked hard for to make the current products that are on the market.
Q.4. You dislike all the political parties. Do you vote?
A.4. No, if someone running did not catch my interest, I wouldn't waste my time in voting for someone that I really rather didn't agree with. It's almost cheating in a vote, benefitting the party that I vote for.
Q.5. A vagrant asks you for $1.00. You suspect he/she will spend it on alcohol. Do you give it anyway?
A.5. Yes, I would give the vagrant a $1.00. Even if their intent is to spend it on alcohol, at least I am showing them kindness by doing a good deed and actually benefitting myself in the circumstance.
Q.6. You are shaken up on an auto accident. A lawyer could get you a large settlement if you exaggerate the extent of your injuries. Do you do so?
A.6. Sadly to say, I have to be honest and come out and say that I would. If my mind was in such a bad mental state from the accident, I couldn't help but have to take up the lawyers deal. It would in ways help me cope over the incident.
Q.7. You have been attending classes all year. An aquaintance, who rarely shows up, asks to photocopy your notes, do you consent?
A.7. No I would never consent for them to copy my notes, because they need to do their work on their own. Not only could they get in trouble, but so could I. They also in turn do not learn anything as well.
Q.8. Your significant other has had and affair. You have no idea how long it's been going on. Do you leave him/her?
A.8. It rather really all depends on how many times I have caught them. I only give 1 chance. If I catch my significant other doing it once again, I will not tolerate it anymore. I wouldn't be able to take the pain twice. I do believe that everyone deserve another chance though. If they can change on that chance, then it was worth it.
Q.14. You and a friend have liked the same guy/girl forever. Your friend confides in you that she/he has finally gotten up the nerve to ask this person out. Two days later that person asks you to out on a date. Do you say yes or no? Do you tell your friend?
A.14. I would say no for sure. I think it would be fair to let my friend have a chance. I couldn't let a little incident with a guy get in between my friend and I. I think it's rather silly, and what happens is meant to happen. I couldn't get hurt over it.
Q.15. It's your first chance to vote in a presidential election, and it is a very close contest. When checking that you are registered to vote, you realize that you are registered twice. Do you vote more than once.
A.15. No, I would for sure not vote twice. It's very wrong. I would in the end feel horrible about it. It really probably wouldn't make a difference anyway. It's also very unfair to others votes, and It really wouldn't make me feel any better about the winner.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Introduction
There is always room for improvement, but I have also gained many strengths to writing through some of my past experiences in high school.
I hope that I will gain better and more extensive writing and reading skills throughout this entire course. I also expect that I will learn how to improve my current writing/English skills. I am thinking about minoring in literature in college, and high school courses are very important to me. I know that every year with each English class that I have taken, I always walk away with something to remember.
I hope to learn how to properly use advanced punctuation in the right way, (- ; : ect.) if possible. It would also be nice to learn more in depth literature of the writing world. All in all I would love to learn how to become a better writer, and gain a better understanding of writing in itself. I am interested in old English as well as more modern English.
My strengths in writing would have to be word choice, and sentence fluency. I love looking in a thesaurus for new and often unused words. I also love to write poetry, short stories, and read a lot of books. All of these activities help me become a better writer. I was in a English 9 Honors class my freshman year, and was forced to remember 50-100 literary terms for my final at the end of the semesters. I also took a Shakespeare class which was mainly reading, understanding and verbally acting parts from his plays. I can say that I gained an abundance of knowledge when I was enlisted in those two courses. Of course there is always room for improvement, and I very much would like to become a better writer.
My weaknesses include minor things like comma usage, and sometimes I even have trouble writing thesis statements. I have a bit more complications writing essays on topics that do not interest me, rather than picking a topic and writing on it myself. In my actual English 9 course, I always used to write the thesis statement as my first sentence in my first paragraph of writing. It took me a while to actually find out that it was supposed to be the last sentence of the first paragraph. I was always taught to use a one sentence thesis statement, and I'm rather confused if it can be a entire paragraph or not when it comes to writing essays.
I hope that I will gain better and more extensive writing and reading skills throughout this entire course. I also expect that I will learn how to improve my current writing/English skills. I am thinking about minoring in literature in college, and high school courses are very important to me. I know that every year with each English class that I have taken, I always walk away with something to remember.
I hope to learn how to properly use advanced punctuation in the right way, (- ; : ect.) if possible. It would also be nice to learn more in depth literature of the writing world. All in all I would love to learn how to become a better writer, and gain a better understanding of writing in itself. I am interested in old English as well as more modern English.
My strengths in writing would have to be word choice, and sentence fluency. I love looking in a thesaurus for new and often unused words. I also love to write poetry, short stories, and read a lot of books. All of these activities help me become a better writer. I was in a English 9 Honors class my freshman year, and was forced to remember 50-100 literary terms for my final at the end of the semesters. I also took a Shakespeare class which was mainly reading, understanding and verbally acting parts from his plays. I can say that I gained an abundance of knowledge when I was enlisted in those two courses. Of course there is always room for improvement, and I very much would like to become a better writer.
My weaknesses include minor things like comma usage, and sometimes I even have trouble writing thesis statements. I have a bit more complications writing essays on topics that do not interest me, rather than picking a topic and writing on it myself. In my actual English 9 course, I always used to write the thesis statement as my first sentence in my first paragraph of writing. It took me a while to actually find out that it was supposed to be the last sentence of the first paragraph. I was always taught to use a one sentence thesis statement, and I'm rather confused if it can be a entire paragraph or not when it comes to writing essays.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
