Self Search

When I search "Patrick Fraire" the first things that come up are profiles of other Patrick Fraires on websites such as Reunion.com and mylife.com. When I scroll through the first couple of links I find my Myspace and Facebook profiles. I also found a couple Youtube videos of me. Besides Facebook, Myspace, and Youtube I didn't find anything else that applied to me.

Thinking Outside the Box

Both Sartre and Plato provide an interseting perspective on human thinking. Its obvious that both philosophers know how to "think outside the box."

In Plato's "Allegory of the Cave," he expresses that we, as humans, are like chained up prisoners confined to a cave. We are completely oblivious to the world outside our cave. So anything that is real, in our minds, is in the cave. Nothing else exists. Plato is suggesting that the reality we are subject to is false. There is a better, more accurate reality out there that we cannot acquire due to the chains of the human mind. A solution to the problem would be avoiding the conventional thinking that society so easily accepts. Critical and abstract thinking can break through the chains that are confining us to society's modern day cave.

AP Term

Monologue

A monologue is an extended speech in which a single person speaks alone. Monologues can be found in plays, short stories, novels, or narrative poems. When I hear this term, I immediately think of the play Hamlet. Hamlet delivered many soliloquies throughout the play, but they can also be interpreted as monologues.
Almost all of his genuine thoughts and emotions are contained in his speeches. Therefore, the characterization of Hamlet is dependent on monologues.

The Grapes of Wrath

1. A drought hits Oklahoma and forces many of its natives to migrate to California in order to find work. The dust bowl destroyed families crops and homes. Tom Joad is traveling to his families home in Oklahoma. When he arrives, the land is abandoned. His family left in search of work. Tom meets up with them and joins them in their expedition. The Joad family quickly realizes this isn't going to be easy. Many families are in their same situation and desperate for work. With all the migrants, there is little work available by the time the family arrives in california. Some of the family members find work on a peach orchard and work for low wages.

The Big Question

How is emerging technology enabling us to use all of our senses to experience and think about concepts and objects in remote locations?

Performative Utterance and Self-Over hearing In Hamlet

“Certain language does not merely describe action but acts in being spoken.” Performative utterance obtains a huge impact in the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare. It means to not only state something, but to alter reality through the statement. Hamlet's performative utterance keeps his intentions consistent.
As a character in the play, Hamlet not only participates in performative utterance and self-overhearing, he influences the plot and other characters through them. The recitation of Hamlet’s several soliloquies constitutes action. His speech actually creates action and changes reality. There is not always an immediate product. Through self-overhearing, Hamlet kept his plans for revenge alive. The impact of self-overhearing is displayed through Hamlet’s ability to remain consistent in his intentions of killing Claudius. Every time he discussed his emotions and intent for revenge, he made those feelings more and more permanent in his memory. He made the hatred for his uncle impossible to forget. Hamlet’s language therefore altered reality through his soliloquies. Despite behind with-held from the other characters, his speeches affected the lives of the others. While seeking revenge on Claudius, Hamlet unintentionally killed Ophelia’s father Polonius. If his own self-overhearing didn’t constantly remind him of his hatred towards Claudius, this tragedy wouldn’t have occurred.
By swearing to avenge his father’s death, Hamlet actually created a fact. He didn’t just describe how he wants to kill his uncle, he swore that he will. This is performative utterance; the alteration of reality through speech. The play within the play that was intended to be the host of Claudius’s death was achieved had Hamlet not made the oath to the ghost. Almost every action Hamlet executed can be derived from his promise to kill Claudius.
The self-overhearing displayed in Hamlet varies with my own version of self-overhearing. Memorizing the “to be or not to be” soliloquy was a difficult task. Remembering this challenging task, makes me reflect on the things that did and did not work. Whenever I rethink the experience, I am self-overhearing. I am reminded of good study techniques and I gain confidence in my schoolwork. In Hamlet, self-overhearing led to the tragic ending of the play. In my personal experience, it has assisted me in my studies and confidence toward my schoolwork. Whether in modern society or a famous Shakespeare play, neither performative utterance nor self-overhearing seize to stop changing reality.

Language

Hamlet and Beowulf are two very different pieces of literature. Epics such as Beowulf consist of violence and battles among its characters. Hamlet contains more emotional conflicts compared to the many physical ones in Beowulf. While language plays a huge role Hamlet, it is less significant in epics such as Beowulf. Hamlet’s use of language invites the audience into his thoughts. He delivers several soliloquies throughout the play which let the audience know his feelings that the other characters are oblivious to. In epics, language is mainly used in dialogue between characters. The language used in Hamlet is much more in depth and provides more information.

Hamlet uses language to express his feelings. This is one example of how his use of language differs with that of epic heroes. Hamlet gives the audience a clear view into his emotions. We receive an in depth perspective while in epics we only see what’s on the outside. Epics often focus on external conflicts which restrict the use of language to that external domain. Starting with “To be or not to be”, Hamlet doesn’t withhold any information. The words in the soliloquy express his deepest emotions.

Language, in Hamlet the play, tends to foreshadow events that may occur later. Hamlet speaks to the ghost and promises to take revenge on Claudius. His use of language provides the audience with knowledge that no one else in the play knows. Epic heroes are often so involved with the present, all language regarding future actions are withheld. This is just another display of how the language in Hamlet and epics such as Beowulf differentiate.

It is impossible to ignore the many differences in the use of language between these two pieces of literature. Language used in Hamlet provides an in-depth perspective on his thoughts and emotions. Epics use language in a more shallow way. The language expressed in epics does not give the audience any extra information as It does in Hamlet. The differences shared by Hamlet and an epic show how language can be used in many different ways.

The Internet Generation

If I had to pick the most important thing I have learned from this class, it would have to how the internet is an amazing academic tool, if used wisely. Through the class's student blogs, we are proving that our generation can effectively use the internet as a tool to learn and spread ideas about literature. Students read each others comments and posts which give them a wider understanding of the piece of literature we are focusing on. This is shutting down older generations claims that we can't handle the power of the internet responsibly. They think it is just a source of entertainment for students. Most older people who think this way don't use the internet themselves, thus missing out on the efficient benefits the internet offers.
Roy Christopher, one of the most influential people to the internet, video chatted with our class. He acknowledged our progress and told us a little about himself. This is yet another benefit that the internet provides students. For every assignment in this class, I have used to the internet. I have learned that blogs makes it easier for the class to communicate. If there is a problem it is usually addressed and resolved within a few hours. The internet is our generations most important tool for success. 

Roy Christopher Video Notes

Roy was introduced to working with the internet by a friend of his who had begun taking programming classes. He originally focused on BMX but he swithced his focus to web design.

Roy was named one of the 50 most influential people to the internet.
He refuses to have a smart phone because he saves money and like the exitement of having something to look forward to when he gets home. Such as checking Facebook or Email.
We are not obligated to use the latest technologies. Roy Christopher uses his bike as transportation instead an automobile. He prefers simple phones over smartphones, books over kindles.

The internet slowly started in the 1980's but really picked up during the 90's when he became involved.

Generations have always struggled with trusting the youth with new technology.
When he was our age the tv was the technology that the older generation was tourist to while he was native.

Is the medium no longer the message, just the medium?
Is there ever going to be an end? Or are we going to continue advancing to new technologies.
Roy Christopher felt that the internet and the current new technology will stay the "new thing" for a while.
He said he didn't think we will be around to see the end.

Literature Analysis #2

1. Kafka On the Shore is a novel about two men. A fifteen year-old boy named Kafka Tamura, who is dodging his fathers abusive ways, and Nakata who is much older and has the unique ability to communicate with cats. In the duration of the novel, the two are in Japan searching for an entrance to the spiritual realm.
2. The power and beauty of music is a central theme in the novel. This musical theme connects to the novel through Kafka playing music in order to communicate to others. Music is also used by him as a calming device and this gives him the ability to gather his thoughts in a more relaxed manner.
3. The novel displays a very soft and intimate tone. It provides a gentle and relaxed relaxed feeling while reading it. Music may also have something to do with the tone, because they both appear to offer relaxation and serenity.
4. The most dominant literary element in Kafka On the Shore is magical realism. This rarely used literary device is used to describe how Kafka is having sexual relationships with a ghostly woman. This "ghostly woman" ends up being his own mother who he has been searching for throughout the novel. 

"Tools That Change the Way We Think"

 "Back in 2004, I asked [Google founders] Page and Brin what they saw as the future of Google search. 'It will be included in people's brains,' said Page. 'When you think about something and don't really know much about it, you will automatically get information.'

'That's true,' said Brin. 'Ultimately I view Google as a way to augment your brain with the knowledge of the world. Right now you go into your computer and type a phrase, but you can imagine that it could be easier in the future, that you can have just devices you talk into, or you can have computers that pay attention to what's going on around them and suggest useful information.'

'Somebody introduces themselves to you, and your watch goes to your web page,' said Page. 'Or if you met this person two years ago, this is what they said to you... Eventually you'll have the implant, where if you think about a fact, it will just tell you the answer."

-From In the Plex by Steven Levy (p.67)

The extensive use of internet/media/technology can be distracting for most people, when used for research. The internet should not be used as a scapegoat for the reason why society has become lazy and distracted. It can be used as an amazing tool and provide efficiency for all of its users, if utilized wisely. In the words of Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility." The internet is the source of this "great power." We must use it responsibly and avoid the many distractions it offers. I used to lose my initial ambition for research because of Facebook, Youtube, and the many other recreational websites the internet has to offer. Now I can prioritize and ignore everything but my research. The extensive use of Internet/media/technology actually increases concentration and self-discipline. By Over-coming these obstacles of distracting websites, our minds get stronger and more efficient. Therefore the internet not only provides a more efficient research experience, it assists in establishing a culture of concentration and efficiency to its users.

In Search Of

The video taught me that the internet has changed. The internet's biggest websites are providing a more personalized and tailored version to better suit their users. We no longer have control over what we find when we search for something. The results aren't dependent on what I type in the search engine, they depend what the search engine thinks I like. I almost feel betrayed by the website if it withholds information from me because they think I wouldn't want to know it. The computer doesn't know me.

I was less general in my search about Shakespeare this time. Instead of searching " who was William Shakespeare" I searched "Important aspects of William Shakespeare's life". Changing what words I used obviously changed the outcome, but before seeing the video I never would have expected the different search engines providing completely different results.

Notes on Hamlet

My feelings toward Hamlet have significantly changed from the beginning of the play to Act III. Initially, I had negative feelings towards Hamlet. When I was assigned to read it, I struggled and relied on online sources to explain what I just read. I think the beginning was much more complex and there wasn't a clear goal or problem. Just a mess of various characters who the reader knows little about. But by Act III it is obvious that Hamlet plans to kill Claudius and avenge his father's death.

Who was Shakespeare?

Although most details about Shakespeare remain unknown, this English poet and play-writer is regarded as one of the greatest writers in English Language history. He is responsible for three of the most popular pieces of literature in world history ; "Hamlet," "Julius Caesar," and "Romeo and Juliet." William Shakespeare is said to be born in 1582 and lived in between an average and below average lifestyle. Students view his work as difficult to comprehend and often boring. I personally can connect with this common perspective on his works. I think students must take a different approach. Shakespeare's old English style of writing is translated easily through online sources and this is crucial to developing a full understanding for students.

To Facebook or Not to Facebook?

I initially started using Facebook because everyone was doing it. Although I am not usually such a stereo-typical teenage follower, in this situation I felt there were no risks. So, my attitude towards joining was simply, "Why not?" I obviously realized I must be careful about what information I release on my Facebook and who I allow to see it. I wasn't aware that I was being used as a money-making device for this website, that so many of my peers were also members of. We were unknowingly having our privacy invaded, thus providing bargaining tools for Facebook to its advertisement clients. The article exposing this information gave me a whole different perspective on Facebook. I don't hate the website now, I just have to realize anything I say or do can be viewed by a Facebook employee and used in whatever way they please. Whether it's used to tailor a more personalized version of Facebook for me, or to create profits for this world leading social networking website.

(Don't) Be Hamlet

     Hamlet's soliloquy, expresses his frustration and extreme anguish. He is contemplating whether to commit suicide or not (to be, or not to be). These emotions and thoughts are driving him past to borderline of sanity. Hamlet's excessive thinking is clearly exhibited in his soliloquy.

     Hamlet is thinking about all his options in great depth. He considers what we dream of once we have died, and whether life after death is better or worse. "For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil." He is asking himself- once we die, what is left of our souls and minds?

     He proceeds to ask himself whether suicide will provide relief, or extend his currents pains. While Hamlet doesn't completely reach a conclusion in his soliloquy, he realizes that suicide won't take someone out of this bad life and offer a more positive after life. Because if that was true, "Who would bear the whips and scorns of time". No one would suffer because once there was a problem they could end it all and start a new life by killing them self.

      This should be enough evidence to Hamlet that he definitely should not commit suicide. He should deal with his problems directly and face Claudius. There is no need to punish himself for an act committed by someone else. There is obviously more negative aspects of suicide than positive. Hamlet described the mystery of what dreams come after death. He also mentioned that we cannot know if its better or worse because no one has ever returned. Hamlet must deal with his emotions and thoughts accordingly, and deny the temptations of suicide.



     

Literature Analysis Questions

1. The Namesake is a novel about a Bengali couple who immigrate to New York. They must endure the many struggles involved with adapting to a completely different culture. They have a child named Gogol, and they all must balance their religious and social customs with the culture surrounding them in the United States.

2. The theme contained in The Namesake is " the difficulty of adaptaion." Gogol struggles throughout the novel with applying his Bengali background in the United States. He is forced to adapt to the fast-paced American lifestyle.

3.  The author has a calm, refined tone in the beginning of the novel. Once the perspective shifts to Gogol's view, then the tone becomes angry. Gogol expresses an angry tone because he is struggling to be an American and fit into society.  The following excerpts display this tone, they give reasoning for Gogol's anger.

#1: "But this isn't possible, Ashima and Ashoke think to themselves. This tradition doesn't exist for Bengalis, naming a son after father or grandfather, a daughter after mother or grandmother. This sign of respect in America and Europe, this symbol of heritage and lineage, would be ridiculed in India. Within Bengali families, individual names are sacred, inviolable. They are not meant to be inherited or shared."                        

#2:"You've never had a dog, have you?" Maxine says, observing him. "No."
#3: " Who taught you to speak english?"


4. personification- "The mornings became angry at them."
    irony- "it occurs to Ashoke that he and his son probably wear the same size shoe."    tone- "This pregnancy has become a burden on us all!"
   diction- "They were things for which it was impossible to prepare but which one spent a lifetime looking  back at, trying to accept, interpret, comprehend. Things that should never have happened, that seemed out of place and wrong, these were what prevailed, what endured, in the end.”
    metaphor- “That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”
   tone-  "You've never had a dog, have you?" Maxine says, observing him. "No."