Sunday, December 5, 2010
Up next.....
I'm working through Emma, by Jane Austen. I will be finished fairly soon and will post my musings at that point. I must say that so far, this work is living up to my expectations of Austen. A strong female leading character faced with her struggles against the expectations of her station in life. A bit formulaic, but enjoyable so far.... I will keep you posted (pun fully intended).
What about My Antonia?
Yes, I did finish My Antonia, I just forgot to write about it. Not much to comment on to be honest. A nice piece of fiction, neatly wrapped up with a not so unexpected ending. I enjoyed the read and am interested to explore some more Cather, but am not rushing back. I found the imagery to be spectacular. I was consistently able to picture the landscape and the characters throughout the novel. I really had no complaints about this book, it functioned as a commentary on life on the plains and those that escaped and those that stayed behind.
I know, I know...
It's been forever since I last posted, I think waaaaay back at the end of September. All I can say is that the only excuse I have is online games and being a first grade teacher. I have not, however stopped reading, in fact I'm getting ready to "turn in" in a moment and pick up a book this evening. I have completed a few plays since last I posted.
I read Tom Stoppard's Travesties, which I enjoyed and could imagine the action unfolding in my mind's eye quite nicely. I had directed a Stoppard piece way back in college for my senior seminar project, After Magritte, and Travesties did not disappoint. The absurd quality present in some of Stoppard's work was indeed present in this piece. And in keeping with the absurdism trend, I picked up some Ionesco, another of my favorites when it comes to absurdist theatre.
I read both The Lesson (disturbing) and The Chairs (funny and sad at the same time). The Lesson shocked me to be honest, and I kept thinking of Oleanna for some reason. I wonder if Mamet was at all influenced by Ionesco when he penned that fantastic piece of theatre. I was not expecting the conclusion, while I should have been tipped off from the stage directions, I simply thought that perhaps the characters would lose control and the whole thing would just erupt in a big cyclone of craziness, much like The Bald Soprano, but no so with this gem. Ionesco took a dark turn and the whole think ends with a very disturbing scene, one which the maid doesn't think too unusual. Quite well written and again I could see this piece being staged and being very painful to witness.
Finally The Chairs, just too much, but in a good way. This is the kind of Ionesco that I like, the comedy was there, throughout, but of course he took a strange turn at the end. Absurdism at it's best. I especially like how all of the "guests" save one are invisible. I would love to perform this piece, I think the female lead, Old Woman, in the show has a terrific role, swinging back and forth between respectable woman of society and strumpet. I really enjoyed her lines and her action. I would also love to direct this show. The stage movement alone is a challenge, not to mention the set pieces and lighting. Overall this is a challenging production and a play with a fairly overt message. The male lead, Old Man, is constantly putting off sharing his opinion, simply telling all of his "guests" that the Orator, who is expected presently, will speak for him. The unfortunate business happens at the close of the play when Old Man, leaps out the window to his death and the audience is met with a dumb Orator, who has little if anything to share in regards to the Old Man. Brilliant on the part of Ionesco.
I am hopeful that I will not have any further lengthy hiatuses, but I make no promises. With the holiday break forthcoming I should have more time on my hands, but as usual, I've plenty of projects to keep me busy. Rest assured I am still reading, just not commenting on my thoughts as much as I should.
I read Tom Stoppard's Travesties, which I enjoyed and could imagine the action unfolding in my mind's eye quite nicely. I had directed a Stoppard piece way back in college for my senior seminar project, After Magritte, and Travesties did not disappoint. The absurd quality present in some of Stoppard's work was indeed present in this piece. And in keeping with the absurdism trend, I picked up some Ionesco, another of my favorites when it comes to absurdist theatre.
I read both The Lesson (disturbing) and The Chairs (funny and sad at the same time). The Lesson shocked me to be honest, and I kept thinking of Oleanna for some reason. I wonder if Mamet was at all influenced by Ionesco when he penned that fantastic piece of theatre. I was not expecting the conclusion, while I should have been tipped off from the stage directions, I simply thought that perhaps the characters would lose control and the whole thing would just erupt in a big cyclone of craziness, much like The Bald Soprano, but no so with this gem. Ionesco took a dark turn and the whole think ends with a very disturbing scene, one which the maid doesn't think too unusual. Quite well written and again I could see this piece being staged and being very painful to witness.
Finally The Chairs, just too much, but in a good way. This is the kind of Ionesco that I like, the comedy was there, throughout, but of course he took a strange turn at the end. Absurdism at it's best. I especially like how all of the "guests" save one are invisible. I would love to perform this piece, I think the female lead, Old Woman, in the show has a terrific role, swinging back and forth between respectable woman of society and strumpet. I really enjoyed her lines and her action. I would also love to direct this show. The stage movement alone is a challenge, not to mention the set pieces and lighting. Overall this is a challenging production and a play with a fairly overt message. The male lead, Old Man, is constantly putting off sharing his opinion, simply telling all of his "guests" that the Orator, who is expected presently, will speak for him. The unfortunate business happens at the close of the play when Old Man, leaps out the window to his death and the audience is met with a dumb Orator, who has little if anything to share in regards to the Old Man. Brilliant on the part of Ionesco.
I am hopeful that I will not have any further lengthy hiatuses, but I make no promises. With the holiday break forthcoming I should have more time on my hands, but as usual, I've plenty of projects to keep me busy. Rest assured I am still reading, just not commenting on my thoughts as much as I should.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
I've always wanted to read this one...
My Antonia, by Willa Cather will be the next book I tackle. I've always wanted to read this book but do not own a copy. With my Kindle, I was able to purchase it for free and will begin reading it this evening.
According to the information provided by Amazon.com, My Antonia was first published in 1918 and is essentially the tale of a young girl whose parents have moved to Nebraska to farm the land. The story follows her and an orphaned boy, Jim Burden, who is the narrator of the story. I've heard this is a wonderful romantic novel, and after Penguin Island, I need something a little less in the head and a little more in the heart.
According to the information provided by Amazon.com, My Antonia was first published in 1918 and is essentially the tale of a young girl whose parents have moved to Nebraska to farm the land. The story follows her and an orphaned boy, Jim Burden, who is the narrator of the story. I've heard this is a wonderful romantic novel, and after Penguin Island, I need something a little less in the head and a little more in the heart.
Perhaps this would have been better if France had chosen elephants rather than penguins
While I did enjoy Penguin Island by Anatole France, I believe I only enjoyed it because I had a semblance of a background in French history. Having performed in the Marat/Sade years ago I had to complete a crash course in French history and I think that without that prior knowledge I would not have appreciated this book for what it was.
Anatole France painted an interesting picture of the history of the country of France through the eyes of Penguins made human as a result of a botched baptism by a blind monk. Believe me, I too was on the verge of tossing this book out the window at first and think that had I been more interested in the subject matter, I would have enjoyed the book much more. As it stands now, I would not recommend this book unless one is very interested in a satirical look at how France became France, at least up to the early 1900's.
Removing the "human" element from the story of French history by anthropomorphizing penguins was an interesting choice on the part of France, however I felt that this choice made understanding the direction of the novel difficult at times. Also the fact that he threw in both references to both the Christian faith and the gods and goddesses of Rome and Greece, created a sometimes difficult to follow narrative. I was also at times confused as to who was narrating this novel. For some parts we are being spoken to by a first person narrator, at others by a third person omniscient narrator. The transition between these two narrators had no rhyme or reason nor forewarning and resulted in my having to turn back several times to see whether or not I had missed something.
While not as dense as Dickens, this book was indeed challenging and as I indicated earlier may have proved more enjoyable if I was indeed more interested in French history. Thus, I can say that I can check this one off the list, but will not be revisiting it ever in the future.
Anatole France painted an interesting picture of the history of the country of France through the eyes of Penguins made human as a result of a botched baptism by a blind monk. Believe me, I too was on the verge of tossing this book out the window at first and think that had I been more interested in the subject matter, I would have enjoyed the book much more. As it stands now, I would not recommend this book unless one is very interested in a satirical look at how France became France, at least up to the early 1900's.
Removing the "human" element from the story of French history by anthropomorphizing penguins was an interesting choice on the part of France, however I felt that this choice made understanding the direction of the novel difficult at times. Also the fact that he threw in both references to both the Christian faith and the gods and goddesses of Rome and Greece, created a sometimes difficult to follow narrative. I was also at times confused as to who was narrating this novel. For some parts we are being spoken to by a first person narrator, at others by a third person omniscient narrator. The transition between these two narrators had no rhyme or reason nor forewarning and resulted in my having to turn back several times to see whether or not I had missed something.
While not as dense as Dickens, this book was indeed challenging and as I indicated earlier may have proved more enjoyable if I was indeed more interested in French history. Thus, I can say that I can check this one off the list, but will not be revisiting it ever in the future.
Friday, September 10, 2010
The respite has passed because....
I got a Kindle. While I've always been opposed to this digital reader, now that I have it my library is going to grow exponentially. But before I gush about my new piece of technology, let me chat a bit about how much I enjoyed Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This book was a much needed rest from the heavy nature of the items I have been reading, or at least that is the approach I took to this novel. Twain certainly was making many a comment about African Americans in general and slaves in particular as well as how they were treated. He accomplished conveying his ideologies through with the voice of Huck and I believe that for the time that this novel was published, Twain certainly had some controversial views. All that being said, I took this novel for the adventure that it was and really enjoyed the relationship between Huck and Jim and how that bond grew and flourished as the novel progressed.
I really cannot focus on that novel right now however, as I am so into browsing the Amazon library for new books to download onto my Kindle, most of which, by the way are FREE, that's right FREE.... or if they do cost something it's nominal, I've actually only found one title that I wanted that was more than $0.95 and it was a specific translation of a specific text.
So, since about an hour ago I've put Penguin Island by Anatole France, The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper, The Divine Comedy by Dante (not the translation I wanted so perhaps I'll leave that for later), Emma, by Jane Austen, Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, Waverley by Sir Walter Scott, and Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert onto my Kindle. And how much did I spend? Well if you must know, all of $0.99, including delivery to my e-reading device. I am astonished. I'm telling you, I was diametrically opposed to even the idea of an e-reader, but I am now hooked, and I've only had the thing for about four hours. I've browsed a few of these titles, reading a page here and a page there so will report back on the "readability" of this special screen after this first read, but the convenience of the thing is what is getting me. And the affordability. If I had had to purchase just these books, in paper form, I know I would have paid as much as $80.00 total plus shipping, so the Kindle has nearly already paid for itself.
I must note, I did not pay for this item, it was a gift from my loving and amazing husband, who told me two weeks ago that he was working of a "virtual" gift for me. He has a tendency of doing things like telling me a gift is arriving weeks in advance just so that he can watch me squirm with anticipation. Well, this was a most pleasant surprise.
So the next title is... Penguin Island, by Anatole France. I've no idea what this book is about, but from what I can find on Amazon, it is a satirical novel first published in 1908 and uses the history of penguins to critique human nature, specifically the human nature of the French political system. Perhaps aligning with Brave New World as a social commentary, perhaps not... we shall see.
I really cannot focus on that novel right now however, as I am so into browsing the Amazon library for new books to download onto my Kindle, most of which, by the way are FREE, that's right FREE.... or if they do cost something it's nominal, I've actually only found one title that I wanted that was more than $0.95 and it was a specific translation of a specific text.
So, since about an hour ago I've put Penguin Island by Anatole France, The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper, The Divine Comedy by Dante (not the translation I wanted so perhaps I'll leave that for later), Emma, by Jane Austen, Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, Waverley by Sir Walter Scott, and Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert onto my Kindle. And how much did I spend? Well if you must know, all of $0.99, including delivery to my e-reading device. I am astonished. I'm telling you, I was diametrically opposed to even the idea of an e-reader, but I am now hooked, and I've only had the thing for about four hours. I've browsed a few of these titles, reading a page here and a page there so will report back on the "readability" of this special screen after this first read, but the convenience of the thing is what is getting me. And the affordability. If I had had to purchase just these books, in paper form, I know I would have paid as much as $80.00 total plus shipping, so the Kindle has nearly already paid for itself.
I must note, I did not pay for this item, it was a gift from my loving and amazing husband, who told me two weeks ago that he was working of a "virtual" gift for me. He has a tendency of doing things like telling me a gift is arriving weeks in advance just so that he can watch me squirm with anticipation. Well, this was a most pleasant surprise.
So the next title is... Penguin Island, by Anatole France. I've no idea what this book is about, but from what I can find on Amazon, it is a satirical novel first published in 1908 and uses the history of penguins to critique human nature, specifically the human nature of the French political system. Perhaps aligning with Brave New World as a social commentary, perhaps not... we shall see.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
And the next selection is...
Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I chose this book simply because I wanted a less challenging read. I'm curious if I will receive what I am looking for. This novel was originally published in 1884. I am reading a version adapted by Ollie Depew a professor of English at Southern Oregon College of Education, published by J. J. Little & Ives Co., Inc. in 1951. I've never read any Twain so I am anxious to see just what all the fuss is about. I am hopeful that this read will provide me with the entertainment I am looking for right now. I feel that my last choice, Brave New World, was a little to heady and that I was not able to read it with the keen eye with which I wanted to read it. Therefore, Brave New World is officially on the "re-read when possible" list, along with many other titles. For now, I enter the world of Huckleberry Finn and will report back shortly with my musings.
Is a brave new world upon us?
Decidedly I think not... While Huxley certainly makes some extraordinary points with his commentary on utopia, I still believe that there are individuals out there like Mr. Savage and Mr. Watson, individuals with backbones and a curiosity that cannot be quenched that will prevent our society from becoming singularly minded and monochromatic. I really enjoyed how Huxley described the thought processes of the men in this book who thought as individuals. At one point Watson muses "Did you ever feel as though you had something inside you that was only waiting for you to give it a chance to come out?" This desire is one that becomes a repetitive theme throughout the book, beginning with Bernard and Watson and continuing with Mr. Savage.
The part of this novel that truly disturbed me was the idea of systematic conditioning. That different castes in society are differently conditioned. What the masses lack is a sense of self-consciousness, and this lack of self-consciousness is indeed by design. When visiting the "reservation" in the states, Bernard begins to recognize his difference his separateness from society. His encounter with John Savage illustrates that his feeling of loneliness is a direct result of his differences from other Alphas and certainly from the members of other castes. Bernard was almost one who I could empathise with as he was on the verge of being guilty for the manner in which he treated those members of castes who were below his own. However, he became a victim of his own competitiveness and began to treat others not as he wanted to be treated himself. He got so involved in the world which he had previously rejected that he became what he had previously despised.
Brave New World illustrates to the reader that in this Utopian society individuality is indeed a most grievous infraction. Individuality results in independent thought, a desire to seek knowledge and interaction not approved by those who run society. As the director of the hatchery and conditioning center indicates, "no offence is so heinous as unorthodoxy of behavior." Huxley paints a picture of a society where individuals do not exist and when they do, they are forced to exist on the fringe. If these individuals dare to show their individuality publicly they run the risk of being exiled to an island, which in all reality becomes a utopia for them as they are finally put with others of like minds.
By the close of the book the reader is let in on the joke. Mustapha Mond explains it all and presents Huxley's thoughts quite clearly. The creators of this society have decided to give up individuality for happiness for they believe that the two entities cannot coexist. Mond admits that free thought and expression are beautiful things, however he believes that universal happiness is more beautiful. I cannot disagree more with his outlook. Without individual thought society is nothing but a drab existence devoid of anything original or worthwhile. I think Huxley provides his readers with fodder for the idea with without intellectual and even spiritual growth society is doomed to failure. While he seems to admit that society would survive, he also illustrates that this survival would indeed be pointless.
Brave New World is at it's heart a commentary on the direction Huxley saw society heading. Luckily for us, we are removed from the reality he predicted. We should, however not allow ourselves to ever believe that we are completely safe from this fiction becoming reality. With the global population becoming more and more connected through technological advances and our world becoming smaller and smaller, we run the risk of someone, some where believing that happiness must be achieved at all costs. We must be ever mindful of the fact that without the individual, and all of the successes and failures that come along with individuality, existence is truly pointless.
The part of this novel that truly disturbed me was the idea of systematic conditioning. That different castes in society are differently conditioned. What the masses lack is a sense of self-consciousness, and this lack of self-consciousness is indeed by design. When visiting the "reservation" in the states, Bernard begins to recognize his difference his separateness from society. His encounter with John Savage illustrates that his feeling of loneliness is a direct result of his differences from other Alphas and certainly from the members of other castes. Bernard was almost one who I could empathise with as he was on the verge of being guilty for the manner in which he treated those members of castes who were below his own. However, he became a victim of his own competitiveness and began to treat others not as he wanted to be treated himself. He got so involved in the world which he had previously rejected that he became what he had previously despised.
Brave New World illustrates to the reader that in this Utopian society individuality is indeed a most grievous infraction. Individuality results in independent thought, a desire to seek knowledge and interaction not approved by those who run society. As the director of the hatchery and conditioning center indicates, "no offence is so heinous as unorthodoxy of behavior." Huxley paints a picture of a society where individuals do not exist and when they do, they are forced to exist on the fringe. If these individuals dare to show their individuality publicly they run the risk of being exiled to an island, which in all reality becomes a utopia for them as they are finally put with others of like minds.
By the close of the book the reader is let in on the joke. Mustapha Mond explains it all and presents Huxley's thoughts quite clearly. The creators of this society have decided to give up individuality for happiness for they believe that the two entities cannot coexist. Mond admits that free thought and expression are beautiful things, however he believes that universal happiness is more beautiful. I cannot disagree more with his outlook. Without individual thought society is nothing but a drab existence devoid of anything original or worthwhile. I think Huxley provides his readers with fodder for the idea with without intellectual and even spiritual growth society is doomed to failure. While he seems to admit that society would survive, he also illustrates that this survival would indeed be pointless.
Brave New World is at it's heart a commentary on the direction Huxley saw society heading. Luckily for us, we are removed from the reality he predicted. We should, however not allow ourselves to ever believe that we are completely safe from this fiction becoming reality. With the global population becoming more and more connected through technological advances and our world becoming smaller and smaller, we run the risk of someone, some where believing that happiness must be achieved at all costs. We must be ever mindful of the fact that without the individual, and all of the successes and failures that come along with individuality, existence is truly pointless.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
A fitting next choice
After my musings on Robinson Crusoe, I've realized that my next selection is actually very fitting. While Defoe appeared to be commenting on one individual's place in society and the ability to recognize those tangibles that should indeed hold importance, this next novel comments on society as a whole, the role, or lack thereof, of the individual in that society, and the direction that, back in the 30's the author believed the world was heading.
My next selection is Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Originally published in 1932 this novel is one of many social commentaries written by Huxley. While I am familiar with Huxley, I do not know much about his background and plan, while reading this novel to, at least parenthetically, conduct a little research. I believe knowing a smattering about the author will assist me in formulating a well-rounded opinion of this novel.
I began reading this on Friday evening, the 27th of August. I'm through both the foreword and the first three chapters. I am reading the Bantam Books edition published sometime after 1967. This novel is certainly holding my interest as I am both disturbed and intrigued by the images Huxley is painting. The notion of creating individuals, born into specific places in society, by design is alarming, but at the same time I must pause and ask myself if this is not how society really does operate. Needless to say, by the end of each chapter my mind is flooded with outside thoughts which may make reading this novel a bit of a challenge.
My next selection is Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Originally published in 1932 this novel is one of many social commentaries written by Huxley. While I am familiar with Huxley, I do not know much about his background and plan, while reading this novel to, at least parenthetically, conduct a little research. I believe knowing a smattering about the author will assist me in formulating a well-rounded opinion of this novel.
I began reading this on Friday evening, the 27th of August. I'm through both the foreword and the first three chapters. I am reading the Bantam Books edition published sometime after 1967. This novel is certainly holding my interest as I am both disturbed and intrigued by the images Huxley is painting. The notion of creating individuals, born into specific places in society, by design is alarming, but at the same time I must pause and ask myself if this is not how society really does operate. Needless to say, by the end of each chapter my mind is flooded with outside thoughts which may make reading this novel a bit of a challenge.
Finding solace in isolation
Comparatively that was a FAST read (compared to Bleak House that is), I actually finished it on Thursday evening, however I've just been too crazy busy to find a chance to actually muse over my read. I enjoyed this book and found the fact that Crusoe began the story so pessimistic to be very interesting. One would think that this character would become pessimistic after being kidnapped by pirates and later on being shipwrecked on a deserted island, but no... he began his tale very negatively and his spirits actually improved with every adventure he experienced. I guess Defoe was simply trying to illustrate what really is important in life.
Crusoe truly found himself during his nearly three decades long stay on the island. He witnessed things that brought him closer to God as I believe he simply couldn't reconcile what he was seeing without believing that a divinity was somehow on his side. His capacity for growth was truly inspiring and I think that seeing the perseverance of this individual really could propel someone who otherwise was on the brink of collapse whether physical or emotional.
One must look at this novel as a treatise on getting back to nature, slowing down and I believe it fitting today as an exploration of taking the unnecessary out of one's life. One phrase that really spoke to me as "but what need I have been concerned at the tediousness of anything I had to do, seeing I had time enough to do it in?" If we could all just slow down and accomplish what we "have" to do without thinking about its tediousness I believe we would all be happier by far. Defoe also had Crusoe list the pros and cons of his being shipwrecked and again if we could all find that silver lining, as Crusoe had to, I believe our lives might seem that much more fulfilling. As Defoe so eloquently states (as Crusoe) "there was scare any condition in the world so miserable, but there was something negative or something positive to be thankful for in it."
As I have indicated this novel is really a commentary on the necessities of life. Crusoe muses "that all the good things of this world are no further good to us than they are for our use; and that whatever we may heap up indeed to give others, we enjoy just as much as we can use, and no more." This sentiment is again one that I believe we, as a society today, should take to heart. With wastefulness and over extension of both economics and emotions at the individual level, reflection, such as the kind practiced by Crusoe in this novel, is a necessity one should consider. I know that the effect this novel had on me will propel me to strive to be more reflective and to consider my physical and emotional impact on the environment and society even more than I already do.
In all I found Robinson Crusoe to be full of musings that are as timely today as when this novel was first published. I believe that if I were to take a moment to investigate the social atmosphere of Defoe's time I may find that the sentiments of my contemporaries are akin to those of his. As I indicated above, Robinson Crusoe has certainly caused me to take a moment to reflect on my own existence and has encouraged me to take the time to be thankful for what I have and not to harp on that which I do not.
Crusoe truly found himself during his nearly three decades long stay on the island. He witnessed things that brought him closer to God as I believe he simply couldn't reconcile what he was seeing without believing that a divinity was somehow on his side. His capacity for growth was truly inspiring and I think that seeing the perseverance of this individual really could propel someone who otherwise was on the brink of collapse whether physical or emotional.
One must look at this novel as a treatise on getting back to nature, slowing down and I believe it fitting today as an exploration of taking the unnecessary out of one's life. One phrase that really spoke to me as "but what need I have been concerned at the tediousness of anything I had to do, seeing I had time enough to do it in?" If we could all just slow down and accomplish what we "have" to do without thinking about its tediousness I believe we would all be happier by far. Defoe also had Crusoe list the pros and cons of his being shipwrecked and again if we could all find that silver lining, as Crusoe had to, I believe our lives might seem that much more fulfilling. As Defoe so eloquently states (as Crusoe) "there was scare any condition in the world so miserable, but there was something negative or something positive to be thankful for in it."
As I have indicated this novel is really a commentary on the necessities of life. Crusoe muses "that all the good things of this world are no further good to us than they are for our use; and that whatever we may heap up indeed to give others, we enjoy just as much as we can use, and no more." This sentiment is again one that I believe we, as a society today, should take to heart. With wastefulness and over extension of both economics and emotions at the individual level, reflection, such as the kind practiced by Crusoe in this novel, is a necessity one should consider. I know that the effect this novel had on me will propel me to strive to be more reflective and to consider my physical and emotional impact on the environment and society even more than I already do.
In all I found Robinson Crusoe to be full of musings that are as timely today as when this novel was first published. I believe that if I were to take a moment to investigate the social atmosphere of Defoe's time I may find that the sentiments of my contemporaries are akin to those of his. As I indicated above, Robinson Crusoe has certainly caused me to take a moment to reflect on my own existence and has encouraged me to take the time to be thankful for what I have and not to harp on that which I do not.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Next on the menu...
...Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. I'm not sure if I indicated in an earlier post that before I set out and purchase any new material, I will read those Canon texts that I have not previously read which already reside on my bookshelves. This particular novel is part of a comparative collection entitled, "Nobel's Comparative Classics" (published in 1959) and houses Robinson Crusoe, The Raft by Robert Trumbull and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. I believe this book may have been permanently "borrowed" from the Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School library by my father, sometime in the late 1960's.
Defoe published Robinson Crusoe in 1719 after becoming fascinated by the story of Alexander Selkirk who spent years on a deserted island off of South America. I have never read this novel before and am curious to see if it hold my interest. I would certainly consider the Tom Hanks movie Cast Away (2000) to be paying a bit of homage to Defoe's Crusoe, and by the end of this novel will be sure to be able to tell if Robert Zemeckis "borrowed" his visual interpretation of William Broyles' screenplay, from Defoe. (Thank you to imbd.com for the necessary information about Cast Away.)
Until next time...
Defoe published Robinson Crusoe in 1719 after becoming fascinated by the story of Alexander Selkirk who spent years on a deserted island off of South America. I have never read this novel before and am curious to see if it hold my interest. I would certainly consider the Tom Hanks movie Cast Away (2000) to be paying a bit of homage to Defoe's Crusoe, and by the end of this novel will be sure to be able to tell if Robert Zemeckis "borrowed" his visual interpretation of William Broyles' screenplay, from Defoe. (Thank you to imbd.com for the necessary information about Cast Away.)
Until next time...
Finally finished...
...and I will say that while this book took me nearly three months to complete, I am glad I spent the time and really took it all in. I love the ending of this novel, events seem to have all worked out and while not everyone ends the book on contented, those who were pure of heart certainly do. I appreciate the formula of literature of this time: the ending of a book nearly always brings a marriage, a death, and some sort of twist. With Bleak House, I indeed received all three.
Dickens is certainly a master. His ability to paint a picture in ones mind is, while not unmatched, striking. I would absolutely recommend this novel to anyone who has the time and the inclination to take it on. As I have indicated in previous posts, it's a heavy and dense read. Oftentimes I found myself having to go back and reread to be sure I was grasping what Dickens' was alluding to, and there is a lot of allusion.
Not to put to fine a point on it, as Mr. Snagsby would inevitably say, I will close the Bleak House chapter with what I believe to be a wonderful example of Dickens' ability with words alone to be both painter and poet, scribe and illustrator.... "Upon this wintry night it is so still, that listening to the intense silence is like looking at intense darkness. If any distant sound be audible in this case, it departs through the gloom like a feeble light in that, and all is heavier than before."
Thank you Mr. Dickens.
Dickens is certainly a master. His ability to paint a picture in ones mind is, while not unmatched, striking. I would absolutely recommend this novel to anyone who has the time and the inclination to take it on. As I have indicated in previous posts, it's a heavy and dense read. Oftentimes I found myself having to go back and reread to be sure I was grasping what Dickens' was alluding to, and there is a lot of allusion.
Not to put to fine a point on it, as Mr. Snagsby would inevitably say, I will close the Bleak House chapter with what I believe to be a wonderful example of Dickens' ability with words alone to be both painter and poet, scribe and illustrator.... "Upon this wintry night it is so still, that listening to the intense silence is like looking at intense darkness. If any distant sound be audible in this case, it departs through the gloom like a feeble light in that, and all is heavier than before."
Thank you Mr. Dickens.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
How about a short story about the Bagnets?
I'm beginning to appreciate this book. While Dickens takes his sweet time setting the stage for the twists and turns of this story, his back story is well worth it once action begins to take place! There's finally some intrigue and excitement including, as previously mentioned, an orphaned daughter reunited with her mother (which must never be spoken of), this secret shared in society, a murder, a proposal, and the subject of this post, more with the Bagnets!
I wonder if Dickens ever wrote a short story about the Bagnets. They are wonderful, what especially endears me to their subplot is the interaction between Mr. and Mrs. Bagnet. He, Mr. Bagnet, never speaks his opinion, but rather simply acquieses to his wife who always knows his opinion and speaks it eloquently. The beauty here is that Mr. Bagnet fully acknowledges this interaction and sanctions it repeatedly. It's a testament to feminism and love in a marriage in that Dickens paints a picture of a household that is run by a woman both in terms of functionality and philosophy.
My favorite interaction with the Bagnets so far was one I just finished reading where it's Mrs. Bagnet's birthday and she her prescribed birthday present is to do nothing all day long. The humor arises as she must watch, hands tied, as her husband prepares her birthday dinner, along with the help of the children, and she cringes with each misstep. But, because of her love for her family, she does not interfere, at least verbally, and allows the birthday meal to be prepared with little but knowing glances to her daughters when serious errors are being made. I certainly do no justice to the interactions here, but because of Dickens' style, the images created in my mind's eye of their house on that day, were comical and heartwarming. I'm anxious to see how the BBC handles these scenes.
I'm also finding that I've developed more sympathy for some of the lesser characters as this book is progressing. I'm saddened by events that are unfolding and am eager to see if seeming unjust treatment of some of the characters is rectified, or if it proves warranted.
Needless to say, I'm glad I weathered the first 800 pages of this book, as the detail with which Dickens writes is proving useful as events become more and more exciting and entertaining!
More later......
I wonder if Dickens ever wrote a short story about the Bagnets. They are wonderful, what especially endears me to their subplot is the interaction between Mr. and Mrs. Bagnet. He, Mr. Bagnet, never speaks his opinion, but rather simply acquieses to his wife who always knows his opinion and speaks it eloquently. The beauty here is that Mr. Bagnet fully acknowledges this interaction and sanctions it repeatedly. It's a testament to feminism and love in a marriage in that Dickens paints a picture of a household that is run by a woman both in terms of functionality and philosophy.
My favorite interaction with the Bagnets so far was one I just finished reading where it's Mrs. Bagnet's birthday and she her prescribed birthday present is to do nothing all day long. The humor arises as she must watch, hands tied, as her husband prepares her birthday dinner, along with the help of the children, and she cringes with each misstep. But, because of her love for her family, she does not interfere, at least verbally, and allows the birthday meal to be prepared with little but knowing glances to her daughters when serious errors are being made. I certainly do no justice to the interactions here, but because of Dickens' style, the images created in my mind's eye of their house on that day, were comical and heartwarming. I'm anxious to see how the BBC handles these scenes.
I'm also finding that I've developed more sympathy for some of the lesser characters as this book is progressing. I'm saddened by events that are unfolding and am eager to see if seeming unjust treatment of some of the characters is rectified, or if it proves warranted.
Needless to say, I'm glad I weathered the first 800 pages of this book, as the detail with which Dickens writes is proving useful as events become more and more exciting and entertaining!
More later......
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Only 300 pages left....
It's hard to believe but I'm still reading Bleak House. Dickens is very long winded and while this style was charming at first, now I'm finding it tedious. I'm finding that even when surprises happen, I'm just not excited about them because it takes entirely too long to read about them. What started out as an enjoyable journey through Dickensian England, is now just becoming laborious and I really want it over so I can go onto something new. Perhaps that's why I've not written in nearly a month and a half. I promise the next book will be better. At least I hope it will.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wow, it's been too long....
Sorry it has taken me so long to post again. Yes, I'm still working my way through Bleak House, I actually spoke about my project for the first time publicly at a job interview the other day. I think speaking about it outside of my immediate family made it more real, so I vowed to post at least every other day.....
So, on to the progress with the book. I am loving this book. One thing that I am noticing and really enjoying is how Dickens changes his narrative style depending on which group of characters we happen to be visiting. When we're at Bleak House, or with Richard, Ada, and Esther, the language choices are light and airy, even when the action is not. When we're at Chesney Wold, whether with or without the Dedlocks language choices are gloomy, in fact it's always raining there. When out and about in London we get a mixture of gloom and sunshine both in setting and in language choice.
I'm really enjoying this novel, and while I've always found Dickens to be a challenge, I'm able to see this novel in my mind's eye and am really looking forward to watching the both the 1985 and the 2005 BBC produced mini-series, as I can see that this particular novel would translate well to either stage or screen. I'm really curious to see how someone else interprets the Growlery, which I think is such a wonderful place. In fact I love it so much that I'm considering renaming my office the Growlery, not that I'm always "out of humour" when I'm in my office, but I find the idea of a specific place to go when I am, to be appealing to say the least.
More in a couple of days....
So, on to the progress with the book. I am loving this book. One thing that I am noticing and really enjoying is how Dickens changes his narrative style depending on which group of characters we happen to be visiting. When we're at Bleak House, or with Richard, Ada, and Esther, the language choices are light and airy, even when the action is not. When we're at Chesney Wold, whether with or without the Dedlocks language choices are gloomy, in fact it's always raining there. When out and about in London we get a mixture of gloom and sunshine both in setting and in language choice.
I'm really enjoying this novel, and while I've always found Dickens to be a challenge, I'm able to see this novel in my mind's eye and am really looking forward to watching the both the 1985 and the 2005 BBC produced mini-series, as I can see that this particular novel would translate well to either stage or screen. I'm really curious to see how someone else interprets the Growlery, which I think is such a wonderful place. In fact I love it so much that I'm considering renaming my office the Growlery, not that I'm always "out of humour" when I'm in my office, but I find the idea of a specific place to go when I am, to be appealing to say the least.
More in a couple of days....
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
It's Dickensian really....
No seriously, Bleak House is Dickensian by nature, but it's really really Dickensian... I was LOST the first few chapters, but am now getting a grasp on what is happening. My students felt the same way this year when I read to them from A Christmas Carol. They kept asking when the ghosts were going to appear, and when they finally did, all else fell into place. I'm still a little confused by the Lady Dedlock character, but I think that is by design, I'm confident things will become clearer the further I get into this novel. I've also heard wonderful things about the PBS produced film version of this novel and may well check it out once I've finished.
All in all, I'm pleased so far and am also excited about the beautiful illustrations in the edition of the novel that I have. They appear to be pen and ink but I can't really be sure.
More tomorrow....
All in all, I'm pleased so far and am also excited about the beautiful illustrations in the edition of the novel that I have. They appear to be pen and ink but I can't really be sure.
More tomorrow....
Monday, May 31, 2010
Why and what's already finished
For the past two months I've been reading books solely found in the Western Canon, according to Harold Bloom. I admire Bloom and his stance that a Western Canon does indeed exist and that it is exclusive, by that I mean, not everyone who has ever written a novel, play or collection of poetry is included in the Canon. I've decided that I'm going to try to make it through his Canon, try to read every scrap ever written that has been included. After getting through a few novels I decided I should begin to document my travels, or rather adventures, and present my thoughts and ideas on the items that I read.
I started this process when my husband got me Bloom's The Western Canon for my birthday. I began reading it and am taking my time getting through his explanations of why certain pieces are included and others not. I am, to be honest, reading Bloom's book as a supplement to the actual texts of the Canon. After getting through a few segments of his book I flipped to the Appendices, anxious to see what I had already read of the Canon, and what I could possibly read in the future. Majoring in Drama and minoring in English literature during my undergraduate work, I had indeed conquered a number of selections, but only a small percentage of what is the complete Canon. Thus the challenge began.
The following is a list of what I have previously read. Please note that I intend, if time permits, to get back to and reread each of these pieces as well... but anyone who knows anything about the Western Canon knows it is quite extensive and will most likely take the rest of my lifetime to complete, and even with the years I have left, I may not finish.
Selections previously read (along with an approximate time of when I read them) are listed below. For some, I don't know what translations I had read, but from now on, I will stick with the translations recommended by Bloom.
The Iliad - Homer (read 1988)
The Odyssey - Homer (read 1988)
Oedipus the King - Sophocles (read 1992)
Antigone - Sophocles (read 1992)
Don Quixote - Miguel de Cervantes (read 1990)
The Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (read 1994)
The Vicar of Wakefield - Oliver Goldsmith (read 1994)
The School for Scandal - Richard Brinsley Sheridan (read 1995, performed 2000)
Tartuffe - Moliere (read 1991)
Peer Gynt - Henrik Ibsen (read 1993)
Hedda Gabler - Henrik Ibsen (read 1993)
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (read 2003)
The Picture of Dorian Grey - Oscar Wilde (read 2004)
The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne (read 1989)
The Balcony - Jean Genet (read 1994)
No Exit - Jean-Paul Sartre (read 1994)
The Bald Soprano - Eugene Ionesco (read 1995, performed 1995)
Rhinoceros - Eugen Ionesco (read 1995)
Pygmalion - George Bernard Shaw (read 1994)
Howards End - E.M. Forster (read 2003)
Waiting for Godot - Samuel Beckett (read 1994)
Endgame - Samuel Beckett (read 1994)
Krapp's Last Tape - Samuel Beckett (read 2001)
Little Women - Louisa May Alcott (read 1986)
The Homecoming - Harold Pinter (read 1994)
1984 - George Orwell (read 1991)
The Notebooks of Malte Laurdis Brigge - Rainer Maria Rilke (read 1998)
The Good Woman of Setzuan - Bertolt Brecht (read 1992)
Mother Courage - Bertolt Brecht (read 1992)
The Caucasian Chalk Circle - Bertolt Brecht (read 1993)
Spring Awakening - Frank Wedekind (read 1995)
The Visit - Friedrich Durrenmatt (read 1995)
Selected Poems - Hilda Doolittle (H.D.) (read 1996)
Long Day's Journey into Night - Eugene O'Neill (read 1995)
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald (read 1991)
Tender is the Night - F. Scott Fitzgerald (read 1993)
As I Lay Dying - William Faulkner (read 1995)
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway (read 1990)
The Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger (read 1988)
The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams (read 1994)
A Streetcar Named Desire - Tennessee Williams (read 1994)
Death of a Salesman - Arthur Miller (read 1993)
Song of Solomon - Toni Morrison (read 1992)
American Buffalo - David Mamet (read 1994)
Speed-the-Plow - David Mamet (read 1994)
Fences - August Wilson (read 1992)
Angels in America - Tony Kushner (read 1995, performed 1995)
So that's it, those are the selections I have previously conquered, adventures I've previously experienced.
The following titles are the adventures I've taken since March of this year, in the order in which they were read...
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison (March 2010)
Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston (April 2010)
Winesburg, Ohio - Sherwood Anderson (April/May 2010)
Sister Carrie - Theodore Dreiser (May 2010)
Before I sign off for the evening.... let me introduce you to the next adventure in my trip through the Western Canon. Tonight I begin Charles Dickens' Bleak House. Written in 1853, this hefty novel should take some time to get through. Luckily school is almost out and except for gardening, my summer can be devoted to my adventures through the Canon!
Until next time....
I started this process when my husband got me Bloom's The Western Canon for my birthday. I began reading it and am taking my time getting through his explanations of why certain pieces are included and others not. I am, to be honest, reading Bloom's book as a supplement to the actual texts of the Canon. After getting through a few segments of his book I flipped to the Appendices, anxious to see what I had already read of the Canon, and what I could possibly read in the future. Majoring in Drama and minoring in English literature during my undergraduate work, I had indeed conquered a number of selections, but only a small percentage of what is the complete Canon. Thus the challenge began.
The following is a list of what I have previously read. Please note that I intend, if time permits, to get back to and reread each of these pieces as well... but anyone who knows anything about the Western Canon knows it is quite extensive and will most likely take the rest of my lifetime to complete, and even with the years I have left, I may not finish.
Selections previously read (along with an approximate time of when I read them) are listed below. For some, I don't know what translations I had read, but from now on, I will stick with the translations recommended by Bloom.
The Iliad - Homer (read 1988)
The Odyssey - Homer (read 1988)
Oedipus the King - Sophocles (read 1992)
Antigone - Sophocles (read 1992)
Don Quixote - Miguel de Cervantes (read 1990)
The Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (read 1994)
The Vicar of Wakefield - Oliver Goldsmith (read 1994)
The School for Scandal - Richard Brinsley Sheridan (read 1995, performed 2000)
Tartuffe - Moliere (read 1991)
Peer Gynt - Henrik Ibsen (read 1993)
Hedda Gabler - Henrik Ibsen (read 1993)
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (read 2003)
The Picture of Dorian Grey - Oscar Wilde (read 2004)
The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne (read 1989)
The Balcony - Jean Genet (read 1994)
No Exit - Jean-Paul Sartre (read 1994)
The Bald Soprano - Eugene Ionesco (read 1995, performed 1995)
Rhinoceros - Eugen Ionesco (read 1995)
Pygmalion - George Bernard Shaw (read 1994)
Howards End - E.M. Forster (read 2003)
Waiting for Godot - Samuel Beckett (read 1994)
Endgame - Samuel Beckett (read 1994)
Krapp's Last Tape - Samuel Beckett (read 2001)
Little Women - Louisa May Alcott (read 1986)
The Homecoming - Harold Pinter (read 1994)
1984 - George Orwell (read 1991)
The Notebooks of Malte Laurdis Brigge - Rainer Maria Rilke (read 1998)
The Good Woman of Setzuan - Bertolt Brecht (read 1992)
Mother Courage - Bertolt Brecht (read 1992)
The Caucasian Chalk Circle - Bertolt Brecht (read 1993)
Spring Awakening - Frank Wedekind (read 1995)
The Visit - Friedrich Durrenmatt (read 1995)
Selected Poems - Hilda Doolittle (H.D.) (read 1996)
Long Day's Journey into Night - Eugene O'Neill (read 1995)
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald (read 1991)
Tender is the Night - F. Scott Fitzgerald (read 1993)
As I Lay Dying - William Faulkner (read 1995)
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway (read 1990)
The Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger (read 1988)
The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams (read 1994)
A Streetcar Named Desire - Tennessee Williams (read 1994)
Death of a Salesman - Arthur Miller (read 1993)
Song of Solomon - Toni Morrison (read 1992)
American Buffalo - David Mamet (read 1994)
Speed-the-Plow - David Mamet (read 1994)
Fences - August Wilson (read 1992)
Angels in America - Tony Kushner (read 1995, performed 1995)
So that's it, those are the selections I have previously conquered, adventures I've previously experienced.
The following titles are the adventures I've taken since March of this year, in the order in which they were read...
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison (March 2010)
Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston (April 2010)
Winesburg, Ohio - Sherwood Anderson (April/May 2010)
Sister Carrie - Theodore Dreiser (May 2010)
Before I sign off for the evening.... let me introduce you to the next adventure in my trip through the Western Canon. Tonight I begin Charles Dickens' Bleak House. Written in 1853, this hefty novel should take some time to get through. Luckily school is almost out and except for gardening, my summer can be devoted to my adventures through the Canon!
Until next time....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)