To be or Not to be

Algernon Charles Swinburne starts his essay by defending Hamlets character's inmost nature characteristics, claiming that "irresolution or hesitation or any form of weakness" was not Hamlet. I mainly agree with the author when he states that Hamlet is more of a thinker than someone who takes action, after all the character could not make up his mind to deliberate any action after four whole acts. Also Hamlet is referred to as someone who has "ready-witted courage and is cool-headed", which as the author implies is only relevant when the character is in practical need. Having prior knowledge to such a unique and brilliant writer, Shakespeare constantly delivers meanings and messages to the audience via the characters, which in this case it is obvious the message is to think before we act.

Pros and Cons

In the text written by August Wilhelm Von Schlegel, the Hamlet character is deeply criticized. He starts off by praising Hamlet, saying he is "of a highly cultivated mind, a prince of royal manners, endowed with the finest sense of propriety..." and simply stating all of the characters good features, which I would have to agree with. The text takes a turn when Von Schlegel critiques Hamlet's hypocrisy with himself, and states the characters thoughts as he believing he has "but one part wisdom and ever three parts coward. I would agree with the author when he says that Hamlet is to hard on himself, but maybe he is that way because he is such a thoughtful person. Perhaps every decision Hamlet makes, if any, is based on a thorough chain of thoughts. One of the characters main issues is that he has no firm believe either in himself or in anything at all, maybe as a result of his deep thoughts, ultimately ending in his proclaimed loss of sanity.

Thank You, But No Thank You...

The future relationships seem to be headed in the right direction, perhaps making Mrs. Bennet a very happy mother. But as the reader recites the next few chapters, one by one, the Bennet sisters begin to see miscarriage in their happy futures. Due to series of unfortunate events, the audience is left with nothing but suspense and intrigue at the end of chapter 23.

The ball. Such an important event for these powerful ritzy people. Between the two eldest Bennet sisters, Jane was obviously having a better time than Elizabeth at the party. Spending most of the time with Bingley, things looked pretty good for her, each time feeling the relationship grow stronger. In the other hand, Elizabeth was having an awful night. The disaster began when Wickham was not able to attend, leaving it more than obvious that Darcy's presence at the ball made him uncomfortable. That only left Elizabeth with the other two men that were "competing" for her attention, Darcy and Mr. Collins. I personally understand her when she complains about the two sloppy dances with snobby Collins, because I too have shared dances with old aunts and they are NOT a positive moment for the over all satisfaction of the party. So after spending some time with Collins, it was Darcys turn to dance with Elizabeth, not that it would make her any happier. At attempting some small chat while dancing, Darcy obviously avoided speaking with her about Wickham leaving the readers with more certainty about their unknown rivalry. Also, we suspect that Wickham isn't really as nice and great person as he comes off as, because of all the hate and enmity there is between him and other men. In fact, not only do men tell Elizabeth not to trust Wickham, but also Ms Bingley dares talk to her about it and warn her about the military man. Yet wouldn't it be convenient for Ms Bingley to attempt to separate her "enemy" from happiness? I myself believe Ms Bingley has some honesty in her intention, yet hides some vile purposes. Perhaps just another question the author leaves us with to ponder upon.

Now, as it all starts coming down into which bachelor will propose first. Of course we are referring to times in history where an unwedded woman had barely any significance what so ever in society, creating a male-dominating culture. Having this said, maybe Mrs. Bennet's intentions weren't so immoral as we thought. She just desperately hopes the best for her daughters, crafting a bright future for them next to any socially relevant spouse. So back to what I was saying, the moment of truth in proposal was near, and the first one to attempt anything, unsurprisingly, was Mr. Collins. His infinite confidence only tributes to his gullible and self-devoting being, always making a fool out of himself in front of others. After proposing to Elizabeth, no wasn't a valid answer for him. Although she declined his offer in a very tender way, he only believed that soon she would change her mind. Here we see a complete "rebel", if you will, in Elizabeths personality; She knows her family isn't very rich, she knows a single woman gets no where in life, she knows many opportunities like that won't come very often, yet she decides to go for what she really wants, love and passion. Isn't that just the kind of fantasy and fiction the author wanted the readers to find? She creates a contrast between "responsibilities" as a woman, and her own personal desires. Then, to create even a greater effect on the audience, we find out that Mr. Collins, very shortly after proposing to Elizabeth, attempts his "charms" on Charlotte Lucas who shockingly accepts. Now, in one hand we have the rebel child who does things her way and hopes for the best, and in the other we have the typical yielding woman who would settle with any man with the optimism of not being left behind in society. Charlotte does confess though, that she is not looking for love or romance, just a man who can support her. In a way this does make sense, but will she really be happy? I would go the rebel way.

Jane Austen just kept the surprises coming. As Bingley and Darcy leave Neatherfield, Jane receives a letter from Miss Bingley in which she crudely implies that they are planning on staying in the city and, shockingly, affirms that Bingley is going to marry Darcy's sister Georgiana. No, this isn't right. From what we have read and understood from Bingley's personality, he is not highly concerned about Jane's social status, and is becoming very fond of her. Why would such a colossal news be sent to Jane from someone but not Bingley himself? I don't buy this letter at all, it is simply a plan from Darcy and Miss Bingley to try to separate Jane and Bingley, considering they both classify Jane unworthy for Bingley. Any how, the readers are left with doubts and questions to what will happen next in this soap-opera-like novel; Is there really a sad ending to this love story?

Restrained Desire

As I've continued reading through the book and the story is yet beginning to unfold, the same traits of social superiority and deceiving affection are clear. In chapters 9-17, the readers meet new characters creating a bigger "noodle soup" of relationships and fondness between them. Specifically in these chapters we start to understand better the main characters, noticing each time how their actions leak their true desires.

I would like to start by pointing out the mixup of affections in these chapters. We find out that each time Elizabeth denies Darcy, his cravings to have her grow, creating a dilemma between his high social class and his appeal for someone not good enough. Miss Bingley cannot make it more obvious she likes Darcy, continuously showing him the kind of spouse she believes he wants, but each time getting less and less attention from him. There is great rivalry between these two girls although Elizabeth has no intentions making Miss Bingley jealous, being said that she has been instantly hooked by Wickham's charm. This whole situation very confusing, but in a way it makes the audience feel intrigued to what might happen next. Will Darcy ignore Elizabeths social class and tell her how he feels? Will Wickham and Darcy fight for her love? or will the snobby Miss Bingley finally get Darcy because of her appropriate social status? All these troubles the characters suffer will ultimately end in them overcoming their "pride" and succumb to their desires, in some cases meaning partners of poor marriage proposition.

I believe this complex spiderweb of affection is what makes this novel so fascinating. Yes, there are many predictable events but still the author keeps finding a way to seduce the reader into the novel. As we read these chapters, we continue finding love and restrained desire to be sort of the theme. These factors give the whole book a great push start to a possible surprising climax, giving the readers an unforeseen thrill.

A Little Lost? Here is a Family Tree

Is Lacking Social Connections a Problem?

As we read Jane Austin's novel "Pride and Prejudice", the readers feel the setting convey the story. Taking place in the 19th Century we find social classes, power, and plain superficiality all over the text giving the audience a flashback to what life was back then.

The fact that the Bennet's had five daughters and the only true desire their mother had was to find a rich and powerful spouse for them, let's us know immediately the lack of freedom and self-decision women had in those times. What if one daughter fell in love with the town's messenger boy? Would this mean the end of the relationship between her and her parents? It may sound cheesy, but one person doesn't choose with whom they fall in love with. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" (1). I believe the whole novel might just run on this first quote. This is exactly the intentions of Jane and Elizabeths mother, Mrs. Bennet, of course after we analyze and understand her, who insisted on Mr. Bennet on meeting the young, rich, single newcomer Charles Bingley who had just moved into Netherfield Park. This desperate need Mrs. Bennet feels to find a wealthy mate for her daughter is a perfect example of superficiality at its highest. We are talking about England, which through centuries has lived generations and generations of royal, famous, elegant monarchy. Had that culture of social ranking not existed in England, the needs of this snobby arrogant mother would not have been the same.

But even though marriages were fixed and love was forced, some feelings did exist between these couples. I am referring of course to Jane and Bingley as to Elizabeth and Darcy. The Bingley family was well aware that the Bennets were upper-middle class, and not as rich as they might had intended appear, but still the superficial desires these people felt, kept up the interest to continue meeting and mingling with each other. Mrs. Bennets mischievous plan to settle her daughters in the hands of rich men, unveils slowly making sure that every step to the goal is just right.

In the first 8 chapters of the novel, we get to understand most of the characters and how each person is defined by their social class. Back then superiority was a bold aspect in a person and relates very much to the setting in England around the 19th century. The readers will have to have that in mind as the story continues.

Pride and Prejudice: Helpful Vocabulary

>countenance: A persons face or facial expression.

>laudable: Deserving praise and commendation.

>vouchsafe: Give or grant something to someone in a gracious manner.

>quadrille: A square dance performed typically by four couples and containing five figures, each of which is a complete dance in itself.

>obsequiousness: Abject or cringing submissiveness.

>incumbent: The official who holds the office.

>Veneration: A feeling of profound respect for someone or something.

>Grandeur: High rank or social importance.

>Gallantry: Polite attention or respect given by men to women.

>Bequeathed: Pass something or leave something to someone else.

Close Reading - The Great Gatsby

"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." (180) After Gatsby's death, Nick starts to evaluate his neighbors life. This is the narrators final quote, and through the use of words and context, he tries to imply one final message. What I could infer from this quote, is that Nick feels that life is like a boat flowing against the hefty currents of the sea. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to reach your dreams there will be a "current" pushing you the opposite way, in a way displacing you towards your past. In this case, Gatsby is struggling against the current to reach the other side and refrain himself from his scarring past.

Close Reading: Coming Through Slaughter

"It looked as if Bolden had no notion he was not coming back when he left for Shell Beach. Webb took much more seriously than others of his profession sudden actions and off hand gestures. Always found them more dangerous, more determined. Also he had discovered that Bolden had never spoken of his past. To the people here he was a musician who arrived in the city at the age of twenty-two. Webb had known him since fifteen. He could easily be wiping out his past again in a casual gesture, contemptuous. Landscape suicide. So perhaps the only clue to Bolden's body was in Webb's brain. Sleeping in childhood stories and now thrown into the future like an arrow. To be finished when they grew up. What was Bolden's favorite story? Whose moment of terror did he want to witness, Webb thought as he began the third banana." Pg. 14 (in my edition).

In this text from the novel, the author gives the reader some clues about Bolden. When Webb is thinking to himself, the narrator says "He could easily be wiping out his past again in a casual gesture, contemptuous." as if suggesting Buddy is hiding something from his past. We also see the strong relationship that Webb and Buddy have, and how the close detective unrestfully searches for his friend. The reader now knows that they knew each other since their younger years, and we can infer that Webb is using his past knowledge of Bolden, such as his favorite childhood story, to find his missing friend.

Close Reading: Coming Through Slaughter

In page 6 of my copy of the novel, the author writes: "What he did too little of was sleep and what he did too much of was drink and many interpreted his later crack-up as a morality tale of a talent the debauched itself. But his life at this time had a fine and precise balance to it, with a careful allotment of hours. A barber, publisher of The Cricket, a cornet player, good husband and father, and an infamous man about town...Then he cut hair until 4, then walked home and slept with Nora till 8, the two of them loving each other when they woke. And after dinner leaving for the Masonic Hall or the Globe or wherever he was playing. Onto the stage."

I think its important to analyze characters from the beginning, just as we are getting to know them. So I decided to close read this paragraph, that so completely describes Buddy Bolden. The narrator tells us exactly what kind of a person Bolden is, a hard working, alcoholic, loving and devoted family member, and a great musician. This is what we can read from the text, but I think that if we analyze Buddy, we can see some trouble in his life. All the drinks, all the women, and so little sleep could deduce the reader into thinking Bolden has another side to him.