At the beginning of this week's reading we are introduced to another new character, Miss Pross. It took me awhile, but I eventually figured out that she is the woman who comforted Lucie when she was told at the hotel that her father was "recalled to life." Miss Pross is very protective of Miss Manette and therefore despises the scores of men who come to visit Miss Manette for she fears one of them will win Lucie's heart and Miss Pross will be no longer needed.
Miss Pross and Mr. Lorry have an interesting conversation in which we find out that Mr. Lorry knows the cause of Dr. Manette's previous opression. He also questions Miss Pross on whether or not she believes Dr. Manette know's what or whom is responsible for his previous opressions, and thus posing the question of why is Mr. Lorry so curious?? Does he not wish for Dr. Manette to know who caused such terrible years of his life??
We also leared that there is, obviously, much internal conflict with Dr. Manette as he is often found pacing back and forth in his bedroom late at night. I belive that this will be one of the main ideas in the story, his overcoming of his inability to remember and talk about his dark years, and find the reasons for which they occured.
Several times throughout these pages I found the mention of the color blue. Miss Pross lives in a blue chamber, and there was seveal mentions of Monseigneur's blue cap. Color always has a significance, especially in Dickens's work, so what does this repetative mention of blue symbolize??
One of the most interesting parts of the reading was when Mr. Darney speaks of the prisinor writing the work "DIG" on the wall, and then the men finding the burned bag and papers. It was made clear that this statement startled/bothered Dr. Manette. It was be easy to assume that the prisnor that Mr. Darney is telling about is Dr. Manette, but I think that would be too easy, I believe Dr. Manette knows something about it, but I believe there is much more too it. Also, Mr. Darney spoke of it so out of the blue that I believe he is up to something....
Rain begins to fall slowly as the group at the Manette's is departing, and rain always means something. I believe it is somewhat of a foreshadowing that a renewal or rebirth is to come for Dr. Manette for he is the only one that was ever mentioned getting wet. I didn't quite understand what was meant by the "hundreds of people coming in and out of our lives" and the footsteps that they supposedly heard, but I do think that the way Dickens used the storm to make us, the reader, able to hear and understand what the sound of rushing people is like was beautifully done.
I love the part about Monseigneur's party, for so much of the same can be found here today. He made large reference to how all the men there had these big fancy jobs, but had never actually done anything to better their field, and most hardly knew anything about their field of work. All they cared about was how they looked, that was all that mattered.
I found a correlation to the book 1984 after Monsieur ran over the young boy and it said that "Monsieur the Marquis leaned back in his seat and was just being drived anay with the air of a gentleman who had accidently broken some common thing, and had paid for it, and couuld pay for it." That completely summed up the way Monsieur the Marquis felt about the young boy, and this is exactly the problem with the society in 1984, there is no feelings towards other human beings.
I was also suprised that Defarge and his wife were present here, it makes me wonder if they will play a large role in this story afterall??
At the bottom of page 102 Dickens repeatedly used the word "ran" to describe life getting back in order, why? Perhaps to show that even though this young boy was carelessly ran over, life will not stop, it will run pass the boy and his family without even noticing them...something figurative like that I presume.
The last big thing we learned is that Mr. Darney is Monseigneur's nephew. Mr. Darney does not trust his uncle, and much talk about the state of their family name takes place. Finally, at the end, a knife was found with a note on it on Monsieur the Marquies pillow I belive. I predict that it was the father of the boy who died who has left this threat for Monsieur the Marquies.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tale of Two Cities Pages 45-82
"Death is nature's remedy for all things." Dicken's stated this at the beginning of this weeks reading and it struck me as perhaps the most ironic yet true statement I have come across thus far in this book. I have never heard of death referred to in such a way, but I do believe in what he is saying. Telson's bank is described, and I was surprised to find that it was made out to be a very dirty and rundown place.
We are introduced to Mr. Cruncher, and a woman I presumed to be his wife. I found this household to be very strange, for first off, Mr. Cruncher was very angry at her for praying, and for making his boots muddy? How did she make them muddy? Also, why did he think that she didn't want him to make any money? I was left with many questions after reading about the Cruncher family, but hopefully it will come together and make more sense soon.
As I read about the court and how the people were so intent on watching the criminal and his trial like it was a form of entertainment, it reminded me of 1984 in where people have no concern for others and their well being.
Jerry and young Jerry both made mentions to the rust under Jerry's fingers. I feel that this definatly has some symbolism, for young Jerry made the point to ask "how does he get so much rust under them, he doesn't get it from being the odd-job man" ... so what does it mean, what does it tell us about Jerry??
This whole trial was a bit confusing, but in the end, I think that Miss Manette and her father had the proof that Mr. Darnay was committing treason, but since he helped them, they didn't really want to accuse him. Or perhaps, Mr. Darnay wasn't really a criminal at all??
It was very ironic when Mr. Darney joked that George Washington might gain almost as great of name as King George. This was thought of as to be a "monsterous joke", but in reality we all know that George Washington did achieve such a name. This goes to show how much easier and helpful it is when reading a book like this to know your history!!
So, at the end of the trial, he is acquitted, but why? They were so sure he would be sentenced to death that before the trial even started they prepared various methods of death.
My other question about the end of the tiral is when Mr. Lorry hands Jerry the note to be taken back to the bank and it says "acquitted", Jerry remarks that "If you had sent the message, Recalled to Life, again, I should have known what you meant this time." I feel this was an important line for it referred back to the "recalled to death" line, so what did Jerry mean by this?? Did he instead expect Mr. Lorry to write "recalled to death".
Finally, in the last chapter, we are introduced to another new character, Mr. Carton. We soon find out he is working with Mr. Stryver, so what was the point of going to the bar with Mr. Darney?? What was he trying to get out of him?? And then when he goes back to work with Mr. Stryver, what exactly were they doing?? In the very final paragraphs I think Dickens is trying to explain that Mr. Carton can see his potential but cannot motivate himself to reach it, Mr. Carton finds it easier to just feel sorry for himself, thus the tears on the pillow.
All in all, I think this book will be very interesting if I am able to follow it. The most confusing part right now is remembering it is five years later from the first book, and also the fact that there are so many new characters and trying to keep them all straight.
We are introduced to Mr. Cruncher, and a woman I presumed to be his wife. I found this household to be very strange, for first off, Mr. Cruncher was very angry at her for praying, and for making his boots muddy? How did she make them muddy? Also, why did he think that she didn't want him to make any money? I was left with many questions after reading about the Cruncher family, but hopefully it will come together and make more sense soon.
As I read about the court and how the people were so intent on watching the criminal and his trial like it was a form of entertainment, it reminded me of 1984 in where people have no concern for others and their well being.
Jerry and young Jerry both made mentions to the rust under Jerry's fingers. I feel that this definatly has some symbolism, for young Jerry made the point to ask "how does he get so much rust under them, he doesn't get it from being the odd-job man" ... so what does it mean, what does it tell us about Jerry??
This whole trial was a bit confusing, but in the end, I think that Miss Manette and her father had the proof that Mr. Darnay was committing treason, but since he helped them, they didn't really want to accuse him. Or perhaps, Mr. Darnay wasn't really a criminal at all??
It was very ironic when Mr. Darney joked that George Washington might gain almost as great of name as King George. This was thought of as to be a "monsterous joke", but in reality we all know that George Washington did achieve such a name. This goes to show how much easier and helpful it is when reading a book like this to know your history!!
So, at the end of the trial, he is acquitted, but why? They were so sure he would be sentenced to death that before the trial even started they prepared various methods of death.
My other question about the end of the tiral is when Mr. Lorry hands Jerry the note to be taken back to the bank and it says "acquitted", Jerry remarks that "If you had sent the message, Recalled to Life, again, I should have known what you meant this time." I feel this was an important line for it referred back to the "recalled to death" line, so what did Jerry mean by this?? Did he instead expect Mr. Lorry to write "recalled to death".
Finally, in the last chapter, we are introduced to another new character, Mr. Carton. We soon find out he is working with Mr. Stryver, so what was the point of going to the bar with Mr. Darney?? What was he trying to get out of him?? And then when he goes back to work with Mr. Stryver, what exactly were they doing?? In the very final paragraphs I think Dickens is trying to explain that Mr. Carton can see his potential but cannot motivate himself to reach it, Mr. Carton finds it easier to just feel sorry for himself, thus the tears on the pillow.
All in all, I think this book will be very interesting if I am able to follow it. The most confusing part right now is remembering it is five years later from the first book, and also the fact that there are so many new characters and trying to keep them all straight.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
1984 Pages 161 - END!
I finally feel like, in this last section, we were told why the Party puts so much time and energy into torturing their victims. Because of Winston's agreement to the "brotherhood", the Party knew that he would be one to revolt, and therefore, must stop that from happening by brainwashing him, which they did exceptionally well. I once again felt bad for Winston, because as hard as he tried, whatever answer he gave, it was always going to be the wrong answer. There has never been more of a "lose lose" sitiuation than that of Wintson in the Ministry of Love.
The odd thing was that O'brien was quite honest with Winston. At one point he even admitted that "We are not interested in the goods of others, we are interested in the good of ourselves [the Party]. Finally, the truth!
On page 263 Orwell makes mention to the Nazi and Russian Communists and their faults as supreme rulers. This not only goes along with the story in the book, but also the whole point of the book in that if those parties would have gotten it right, this is what could very well have happened. Ironically, we all find this book so strange and unreal, yet 6 million jews were killed in real life labor camps. Thus posing the question, is this book really that unbelievable??
On page 265 there was a surprising and abrupt change in Winston. He started talking back to O'brien, disagreeing, and even telling him that the party would ultimately fail. The even stranger thing was that O'brien didn't become upset. I also found it ironic when O'brien stated that "there will be no need of science." Science is one of the main reasons the Party is where they are today. From the machines to the brainwashing, it's all a form of science.
When Winston had that dream, and he was calling for Julia, he finally enjoyed a Victory over the Party. He felt it as a Victory, because all though he was punished for it, they hadn't completely taken over him, they had not got his emotions. This was perhaps the only uplifting moment in this week's reading.
As far as the rats, that was a brilliant plan. Placing someone in a situation with his or her biggest fear is perhaps the most ideal way to break them down. It surely worked on Winston, for he gave up Julia, thus his emotions, and completely surrendered to the Party. Finally, as Winston was was talking about how long it would be before he was shot, the comment was made that "They would blow a hole in their own perfection." Exactly, so why do it?? They finally made Winston the "perfect" brainwashed citizen, so why would they want to eventually shoot him??
As the chapters went on, I found there to be two abrupt changes in Winston without any warning or explanation. First, when he was all the sudden put into a nicer cell and allowed to gain his strength back, and second, when he was released he was suddenly extremely loyal to the Party. I just felt it a bit odd, almost rushed, that we didn't have any reasonings or weren't able to know what he was thinking. I felt, when he was back to normal life, that I was an outsider looking into a character that I barely knew.
Although the ending may not have been a real dazzler, it clearly makes the point the story was intending. If communism prevails, this is what could happen, even the most anti-party people can be unknowingly brainwashed, or tortured, into loyal party members.
The odd thing was that O'brien was quite honest with Winston. At one point he even admitted that "We are not interested in the goods of others, we are interested in the good of ourselves [the Party]. Finally, the truth!
On page 263 Orwell makes mention to the Nazi and Russian Communists and their faults as supreme rulers. This not only goes along with the story in the book, but also the whole point of the book in that if those parties would have gotten it right, this is what could very well have happened. Ironically, we all find this book so strange and unreal, yet 6 million jews were killed in real life labor camps. Thus posing the question, is this book really that unbelievable??
On page 265 there was a surprising and abrupt change in Winston. He started talking back to O'brien, disagreeing, and even telling him that the party would ultimately fail. The even stranger thing was that O'brien didn't become upset. I also found it ironic when O'brien stated that "there will be no need of science." Science is one of the main reasons the Party is where they are today. From the machines to the brainwashing, it's all a form of science.
When Winston had that dream, and he was calling for Julia, he finally enjoyed a Victory over the Party. He felt it as a Victory, because all though he was punished for it, they hadn't completely taken over him, they had not got his emotions. This was perhaps the only uplifting moment in this week's reading.
As far as the rats, that was a brilliant plan. Placing someone in a situation with his or her biggest fear is perhaps the most ideal way to break them down. It surely worked on Winston, for he gave up Julia, thus his emotions, and completely surrendered to the Party. Finally, as Winston was was talking about how long it would be before he was shot, the comment was made that "They would blow a hole in their own perfection." Exactly, so why do it?? They finally made Winston the "perfect" brainwashed citizen, so why would they want to eventually shoot him??
As the chapters went on, I found there to be two abrupt changes in Winston without any warning or explanation. First, when he was all the sudden put into a nicer cell and allowed to gain his strength back, and second, when he was released he was suddenly extremely loyal to the Party. I just felt it a bit odd, almost rushed, that we didn't have any reasonings or weren't able to know what he was thinking. I felt, when he was back to normal life, that I was an outsider looking into a character that I barely knew.
Although the ending may not have been a real dazzler, it clearly makes the point the story was intending. If communism prevails, this is what could happen, even the most anti-party people can be unknowingly brainwashed, or tortured, into loyal party members.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
1984 Pages 225 - 261
"He was in a high-ceilinged windowless cell with walls of glittering white porcelain." This line at the beginning of Section 3 is quite ironic for "white" especially pure white, is a universal sign for purity and peace. The place Winston is describing though, is the Ministry of Love, where nothing but torture and death takes place.
As I begun reading I made a prediction that the Ministry of Love would not be what Winston had always assumed. As I finished the reading, though, it actually was exactly what Winston had imagined.
Winston made the comment in the beginning that "it was the place with no darkness." This is ironic because, everything about it was dark. From the feelings it evoked to the occurances in the torture rooms, there was no place darker than the Ministry of Love.
My question in this section was who is Ampleforth?? Had O'brien told him that the bearer of the razor blade would be named Ampleforth? I thought the whole part was a bit confusing. When Amplefoth arrived and there was about six people in the cell, they made a connection about the "skeleton faced man". After the whole group had this sort of "coming together" I had thought that perhaps they would rebel. After all, what did they have to lose?
I was very surprised to see Mr. Parsons come in. First, it was quite a coincidence that Winston and him would end up being captured at the same time. Secondly, Parsons always bewilders me for he is so niave and stupid. His own daughter turns him in, and he is proud of her!!
When Winston was "rolling down a mighty corridor, rolling with laughter and shouting confessions at the top of his voice." I imagined that he was close to death, for this was almost like one of those flashbacks people talk about when they are between life and death.
As Winston is being tortured, it reminds me of the expiraents done on the Jewish prisinors in the Nazi labor camps. Also, I was a bit surprised that Winston kept telling the truth when O'brien asked him how many fingers he was holding up. Winston kept saying four, if he would have just said five right away, I think he would have endured much less pain. Finally, as I was reading about all the torture and the Party's reasoning that they were doing this to make him "sane" again. The question, once again, came to my mind of what is the purpose of this?? Who is benefitting from this? The fear itself of being arrested by the thought police is enough to keep the citizens in line, so why the arresting and brainwashing? What is the point of all this??
As far as room 101, O'brien said that "you know what is in room 101, everone knows what is in room 101." Well, I'm not sure, but I can speculate that it is where prisinors are actually killed. I'm afraid, though, that we will soon find out when Winston is sent there.
As I begun reading I made a prediction that the Ministry of Love would not be what Winston had always assumed. As I finished the reading, though, it actually was exactly what Winston had imagined.
Winston made the comment in the beginning that "it was the place with no darkness." This is ironic because, everything about it was dark. From the feelings it evoked to the occurances in the torture rooms, there was no place darker than the Ministry of Love.
My question in this section was who is Ampleforth?? Had O'brien told him that the bearer of the razor blade would be named Ampleforth? I thought the whole part was a bit confusing. When Amplefoth arrived and there was about six people in the cell, they made a connection about the "skeleton faced man". After the whole group had this sort of "coming together" I had thought that perhaps they would rebel. After all, what did they have to lose?
I was very surprised to see Mr. Parsons come in. First, it was quite a coincidence that Winston and him would end up being captured at the same time. Secondly, Parsons always bewilders me for he is so niave and stupid. His own daughter turns him in, and he is proud of her!!
When Winston was "rolling down a mighty corridor, rolling with laughter and shouting confessions at the top of his voice." I imagined that he was close to death, for this was almost like one of those flashbacks people talk about when they are between life and death.
As Winston is being tortured, it reminds me of the expiraents done on the Jewish prisinors in the Nazi labor camps. Also, I was a bit surprised that Winston kept telling the truth when O'brien asked him how many fingers he was holding up. Winston kept saying four, if he would have just said five right away, I think he would have endured much less pain. Finally, as I was reading about all the torture and the Party's reasoning that they were doing this to make him "sane" again. The question, once again, came to my mind of what is the purpose of this?? Who is benefitting from this? The fear itself of being arrested by the thought police is enough to keep the citizens in line, so why the arresting and brainwashing? What is the point of all this??
As far as room 101, O'brien said that "you know what is in room 101, everone knows what is in room 101." Well, I'm not sure, but I can speculate that it is where prisinors are actually killed. I'm afraid, though, that we will soon find out when Winston is sent there.
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