Through listening to the presentations in class, I believe that they all were very informative. I think it is very interesting that all of the presentations are extremely different. They ranged from Lord of the Rings, to Batman, to Harry Potter, to 17 Again, and of course Space Jam.
I really enjoyed all of these presentations because they all were very informative. I have never understood the whole Lord of the Rings series, but through this project, I was able to learn and be informed all about it. Also, I never understood the whole Harry Potter deal, but through this I was able to learn more about it and in a sense, appreciate it more. A specific presentation that I really liked was 17 Again. The concept behind this project was very good. I really enjoyed the idea, which the hero did not have to be some macho man. The main character had to go through many trials to become a true hero. Another good and unique presentation was the one about Space Jam. This specific presentation got a few snickers and chuckles because it is a Looney Tunes cartoon with Michael Jordan and well, the Looney Tunes. The whole idea behind this movie is about a true hero and his journey to help save everyone from the Monstars. In this movie, Michael Jordan inspires the Looney Tunes to get their rights back and to steal the stolen powers and give them back to their “owners,” the NBA stars.
So far, all of the presentations have been very creative, thoughtful, and intuitive.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Presentation Blog
What are you doing for your presentation? How will you prepare?
I plan on discussing The Devil Wears Prada for my presentation. I am going to argue how Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, is a hero. This is a controversial topic to argue, but I think that it is valid. Most people believe that Miranda Priestly’s character is not a hero because she is very rude, bossy, and demanding. In truth she is, but what makes her character a hero is her interactions with her personal assistant, Andrea Sachs.
As it is demonstrated all throughout this movie, Miranda Priestly is very demeaning. She is like this for a number of reasons. But, the quality that makes her a hero, believe it or not, is the unfair way she treats Andy Sachs. She is constantly belittling her, bossing her around, and just very arrogant. Some might ask, “How in the world can these unjust characteristics make her a hero?” Well, at the beginning of the movie when Andy started working for Miranda she was very humble, towards the middle, she started to morph into Miranda, and at the end she goes back to her humble self. Miranda does not want Andy to become like her because she does not have a good family life and no real friends.
With these actions that Miranda displays towards Andy, she is shaping Andy to become a better person.
To prepare for this presentation, I plan on making a power point with some visual aid. (I don’t really know what this question is asking, but this is my answer to what I think it would be.)
I plan on discussing The Devil Wears Prada for my presentation. I am going to argue how Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, is a hero. This is a controversial topic to argue, but I think that it is valid. Most people believe that Miranda Priestly’s character is not a hero because she is very rude, bossy, and demanding. In truth she is, but what makes her character a hero is her interactions with her personal assistant, Andrea Sachs.
As it is demonstrated all throughout this movie, Miranda Priestly is very demeaning. She is like this for a number of reasons. But, the quality that makes her a hero, believe it or not, is the unfair way she treats Andy Sachs. She is constantly belittling her, bossing her around, and just very arrogant. Some might ask, “How in the world can these unjust characteristics make her a hero?” Well, at the beginning of the movie when Andy started working for Miranda she was very humble, towards the middle, she started to morph into Miranda, and at the end she goes back to her humble self. Miranda does not want Andy to become like her because she does not have a good family life and no real friends.
With these actions that Miranda displays towards Andy, she is shaping Andy to become a better person.
To prepare for this presentation, I plan on making a power point with some visual aid. (I don’t really know what this question is asking, but this is my answer to what I think it would be.)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Haroun Blog
Blog – On p. 107, Blabbermouth gives Haroun a piece of feminist advice. She basically says that girls aren’t able to be strong (or heroic) characters because of the ways people stereotype them. Think about contemporary female heroes. Do we have any? Do we value the fact that they are female?
Do female heroes exist? The answer to that question is of course. Female heroes are everywhere. They do not have to be based off of a book or movie; they can be real women from real life situations. The real question here is, do female heroes get the credit they deserve. I can honestly say, without hesitation, no. Female heroes are not acknowledged like they should be.
Last year, during January term, I took a class, Mean Girls and Bad Boys. This course studied the differences between men and women. Among our many class discussions, we talked about women in the work force. Women are very powerful, yet often underestimated in large or small corporations.
A woman and a man are at a job interview. They each have good recommendations from their previous employers, but the woman has “one-upped” the man. She is a college graduate. In many cases, the employers will higher the man, even though the woman has a higher education. This is because the CEO or President of the company does not believe that the woman will have the ability to work and cope under stressful and tiring situations.
Well take this men: women are starting to take over the work force. Crystal Dehaan, the woman who commissioned the pyramids downtown to be built is not a billionaire.
Of course there are many female heroes, but they are not always recognized. Men are usually given the credit to their work because that is what is expected from our society. Men always get the credit.
Do female heroes exist? The answer to that question is of course. Female heroes are everywhere. They do not have to be based off of a book or movie; they can be real women from real life situations. The real question here is, do female heroes get the credit they deserve. I can honestly say, without hesitation, no. Female heroes are not acknowledged like they should be.
Last year, during January term, I took a class, Mean Girls and Bad Boys. This course studied the differences between men and women. Among our many class discussions, we talked about women in the work force. Women are very powerful, yet often underestimated in large or small corporations.
A woman and a man are at a job interview. They each have good recommendations from their previous employers, but the woman has “one-upped” the man. She is a college graduate. In many cases, the employers will higher the man, even though the woman has a higher education. This is because the CEO or President of the company does not believe that the woman will have the ability to work and cope under stressful and tiring situations.
Well take this men: women are starting to take over the work force. Crystal Dehaan, the woman who commissioned the pyramids downtown to be built is not a billionaire.
Of course there are many female heroes, but they are not always recognized. Men are usually given the credit to their work because that is what is expected from our society. Men always get the credit.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Batman
Analyze Batman in terms of the three different types of heroes we have discussed (archetypal, tragic and anti-hero). Which type of hero is he? Is it possible that he is multiple types?
There is the tragic hero, the anti-hero, and the contemporary hero. I believe that Batman best represents the tragic hero. Through out the Dark Night, Batman is portrayed in various ways. In this movie, there is no doubt that Batman is not a valid hero. He is always saving the day from evil. Everyone knows that Batman is a hero, but they are getting tired of having a hero with out a face. Even Batman’s closest friend Rachel says that their relationship cannot go any further if he does not lose his Batman identity.
In the meantime, Rachel has fallen madly in love with Harvey Dent, the District Attorney. Dent is very vivacious and handsome. He is also very strict. He went to Japan, found the man in charge of squandering money, and got the names of the people he was doing business with, and locked them all up. First of all, Batman was extremely envious of the relationship Dent shared with Rachel because Batman longed to be with her and second, to make matters worse, Dent was able to put away the criminals without any casualties; something Batman is not particularly good at.
Now, one might ask, “Why is Batman classified as the tragic hero?” The tragic hero is typically the main character of a tragedy. Let’s use Othello as an example. Othello was a strong and courageous soldier who was deeply in love with his wife Desdemona. Their relationship was strong and secure until Iago walked into his life and started playing mind games with him. Othello went from being a noble and honorary soldier, to a man who killed his wife out of spite. Othello believed a lie and refused to believe the innocence of his wife. Batman’s case is very similar to Othello’s. Harvey Dent has everything Batman does not. Harvey Dent is new and intriguing. People are bored of Batman. Harvey Dent does not destroy a city in the midst of catching criminals. Batman does. Lastly, Harvey Dent has Rachel. Batman lost her.
I do not believe all three types of heroes can characterize Batman. I believe that Batman is solely a tragic hero. He is a tragic hero because someone else has everything he wants and needs.
There is the tragic hero, the anti-hero, and the contemporary hero. I believe that Batman best represents the tragic hero. Through out the Dark Night, Batman is portrayed in various ways. In this movie, there is no doubt that Batman is not a valid hero. He is always saving the day from evil. Everyone knows that Batman is a hero, but they are getting tired of having a hero with out a face. Even Batman’s closest friend Rachel says that their relationship cannot go any further if he does not lose his Batman identity.
In the meantime, Rachel has fallen madly in love with Harvey Dent, the District Attorney. Dent is very vivacious and handsome. He is also very strict. He went to Japan, found the man in charge of squandering money, and got the names of the people he was doing business with, and locked them all up. First of all, Batman was extremely envious of the relationship Dent shared with Rachel because Batman longed to be with her and second, to make matters worse, Dent was able to put away the criminals without any casualties; something Batman is not particularly good at.
Now, one might ask, “Why is Batman classified as the tragic hero?” The tragic hero is typically the main character of a tragedy. Let’s use Othello as an example. Othello was a strong and courageous soldier who was deeply in love with his wife Desdemona. Their relationship was strong and secure until Iago walked into his life and started playing mind games with him. Othello went from being a noble and honorary soldier, to a man who killed his wife out of spite. Othello believed a lie and refused to believe the innocence of his wife. Batman’s case is very similar to Othello’s. Harvey Dent has everything Batman does not. Harvey Dent is new and intriguing. People are bored of Batman. Harvey Dent does not destroy a city in the midst of catching criminals. Batman does. Lastly, Harvey Dent has Rachel. Batman lost her.
I do not believe all three types of heroes can characterize Batman. I believe that Batman is solely a tragic hero. He is a tragic hero because someone else has everything he wants and needs.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Underground Man's Actions
Comment on the underground man’s actions. How is acting here in relationship to
the claims he made in Part 1?
In the beginning part of the book, the underground man is described as someone
different that the second part of the book. In the beginning of the book, the
underground man is described as self-centered, but at the same time he is in denial.
He accepts that his liver is in poor condition, but doesn’t want to do anything
about it because he does not want to see a doctor. So in a sense, the beginning of the
book is about the underground man not being “active.”
In the second half of the book, the underground man is still the same. He is still
uncertain about things, but he does not remain inactive. Although he might not be making the smartest decisions, the underground man is transforming into a different person. In this part of the book he goes to a bar where he know he will not be accepted by his fellow piers. They talk and act as if the underground man is not there. The underground man feels very ashamed by his actions. In the later chapters, the underground man sleeps with a prostitute and then in the morning he wakes up and realizes he does not even know her. Starting to feel emotion, the underground man gives her a speech trying to pursue her out of prostitution. When he is done speaking, she mocks him and walks away. Suddenly, the underground man’s feeling turn bitter.
Apparent to the claims the underground man-made in Part 1, he is going with society. He was becoming the active man, content with what he found. Soon enough, he snapped out of this phase and went back to being a stubborn, philosophical man.
the claims he made in Part 1?
In the beginning part of the book, the underground man is described as someone
different that the second part of the book. In the beginning of the book, the
underground man is described as self-centered, but at the same time he is in denial.
He accepts that his liver is in poor condition, but doesn’t want to do anything
about it because he does not want to see a doctor. So in a sense, the beginning of the
book is about the underground man not being “active.”
In the second half of the book, the underground man is still the same. He is still
uncertain about things, but he does not remain inactive. Although he might not be making the smartest decisions, the underground man is transforming into a different person. In this part of the book he goes to a bar where he know he will not be accepted by his fellow piers. They talk and act as if the underground man is not there. The underground man feels very ashamed by his actions. In the later chapters, the underground man sleeps with a prostitute and then in the morning he wakes up and realizes he does not even know her. Starting to feel emotion, the underground man gives her a speech trying to pursue her out of prostitution. When he is done speaking, she mocks him and walks away. Suddenly, the underground man’s feeling turn bitter.
Apparent to the claims the underground man-made in Part 1, he is going with society. He was becoming the active man, content with what he found. Soon enough, he snapped out of this phase and went back to being a stubborn, philosophical man.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Rooster's Character
Who is Rooster? What are your first impressions of him?
When Mattie Ross’ father dies she wants justice. She goes to the sheriffs’ office asking if the local sheriff can help her avenge her father’s death. He said he could not because the person who had killed her father fled to Indian Territory. Ross asked if there was anyone who could help her find her father’s killer. The local sheriff recommended Rooster. Rooster is the toughest, meanest, and most straightforward marshal of them all. He is the man who brings in the prisoners who have escaped and fled to Indian Territory.
When Ross first encounters Rooster, he is bringing the prisoners in. He is yelling at the prisoners. At this instance, it seems as if Rooster has a low tolerance level and is not willing to put up with laziness and falling behind. Ross’ second encounter with Rooster is when he is testifying in court. He is being accused of murder. When Rooster walks up to take the stand he has confidence. It seems as if he knows that he is not going to be proven guilty. When he gets to the stand, Rooster is quickly being accused of many things. If any other person were to be accused like Rooster was, they would crack under pressure. Even Rooster’s attorney gets nervous. The prosecutor asks Rooster how many people he killed and Rooster strayed away from the question. This proves that Rooster is clever and he is not going to directly answer the question because he knows that it is possible for him to be proven guilty and he is going to do everything in his power to avoid that. It also seems as if Rooster is a strong advocate for self-defense. When he is asked how many people he kills, he does not directly answer, but after many more questions Rooster admits that he has killed a lot of people only out of self-defense and the protections of others.
Rooster is a strong man who is very intimidating. One should know not to get in the way of him. When one first see’s Rooster they will probably realize that he is a man of few words, but huge actions.
When Mattie Ross’ father dies she wants justice. She goes to the sheriffs’ office asking if the local sheriff can help her avenge her father’s death. He said he could not because the person who had killed her father fled to Indian Territory. Ross asked if there was anyone who could help her find her father’s killer. The local sheriff recommended Rooster. Rooster is the toughest, meanest, and most straightforward marshal of them all. He is the man who brings in the prisoners who have escaped and fled to Indian Territory.
When Ross first encounters Rooster, he is bringing the prisoners in. He is yelling at the prisoners. At this instance, it seems as if Rooster has a low tolerance level and is not willing to put up with laziness and falling behind. Ross’ second encounter with Rooster is when he is testifying in court. He is being accused of murder. When Rooster walks up to take the stand he has confidence. It seems as if he knows that he is not going to be proven guilty. When he gets to the stand, Rooster is quickly being accused of many things. If any other person were to be accused like Rooster was, they would crack under pressure. Even Rooster’s attorney gets nervous. The prosecutor asks Rooster how many people he killed and Rooster strayed away from the question. This proves that Rooster is clever and he is not going to directly answer the question because he knows that it is possible for him to be proven guilty and he is going to do everything in his power to avoid that. It also seems as if Rooster is a strong advocate for self-defense. When he is asked how many people he kills, he does not directly answer, but after many more questions Rooster admits that he has killed a lot of people only out of self-defense and the protections of others.
Rooster is a strong man who is very intimidating. One should know not to get in the way of him. When one first see’s Rooster they will probably realize that he is a man of few words, but huge actions.
Monday, October 12, 2009
"Underground Man"
Who is the ‘underground man’? What are your first impressions of him?
Who is the “underground man?” The “underground man” has been represented in this book as an alienated character. He lives in St. Petersburg claiming “I am told that Petersburg climate is bad for me…but I am remaining in Petersburg.” (5) The “underground man” lives on the outskirts of town in an old and worn down house. This house is not inviting and welcoming. This leads into the next series of thoughts. How does the “underground man” represent himself and why? At the beginning of the book the “underground man” says, “Now, I am living out my life in my corner, taunting myself with the spiteful and useless consolation that an intelligent man cannot become anything seriously, and it is only the fool who becomes anything.” (4) From reading the first five chapters, it is assumed that the “underground man” realizes how extremely intelligent he is, but always second-guesses his ideas. Looking back on this quote, one must think to themselves how insecure he must be. It seems as if the “underground man” underestimates himself and takes his hostility out on others. “I was a spiteful official. I was rude and took pleasure in being so…When petitioners used to come for information to the table at which I sat, I used to grind my teeth at them, and felt intense enjoyment when I succeeded in making anybody unhappy.” (3) Although the “underground man” says he is “spiteful,” he is not. He has too much knowledge for his own good. Because he is so intelligent, he is alienated from the rest of the world because normal, everyday people do not know how to react in certain situations with people like him.
Who is the “underground man?” The “underground man” has been represented in this book as an alienated character. He lives in St. Petersburg claiming “I am told that Petersburg climate is bad for me…but I am remaining in Petersburg.” (5) The “underground man” lives on the outskirts of town in an old and worn down house. This house is not inviting and welcoming. This leads into the next series of thoughts. How does the “underground man” represent himself and why? At the beginning of the book the “underground man” says, “Now, I am living out my life in my corner, taunting myself with the spiteful and useless consolation that an intelligent man cannot become anything seriously, and it is only the fool who becomes anything.” (4) From reading the first five chapters, it is assumed that the “underground man” realizes how extremely intelligent he is, but always second-guesses his ideas. Looking back on this quote, one must think to themselves how insecure he must be. It seems as if the “underground man” underestimates himself and takes his hostility out on others. “I was a spiteful official. I was rude and took pleasure in being so…When petitioners used to come for information to the table at which I sat, I used to grind my teeth at them, and felt intense enjoyment when I succeeded in making anybody unhappy.” (3) Although the “underground man” says he is “spiteful,” he is not. He has too much knowledge for his own good. Because he is so intelligent, he is alienated from the rest of the world because normal, everyday people do not know how to react in certain situations with people like him.
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