Reaction to The Caretaker

After reading several other works fro the Theater of the Absurd, The Caretaker was quite a disappointment. Common to other plays of the genre, it did present certain odd characteristics of human nature, but failed to do so in an amusing way. My favorite aspect of Absurdist plays is the way the author often exaggerates these quirky characteristics to a comedic degree. The absence of a real plot, climax or well developed characters is made up for through this aspect. This is what made me enjoy reading the plays Waiting for Godot and The Bald Soprano. The Caretaker lacks a plot and anything that lends it interesting or amusing. Nothing of essence happens throughout the entire play. The play's three acts are composed of mostly pointless dialogue and overly intricate stage directions. The whole plot took place inside Aston's bedroom, scattered with random black-outs. Everything known about the characters is from the dialogue. As a reader, I am never sure of anything because of the constant contradictions and deceptions. Davies talked too much and did little; he never gave a genuine impression. Mick was unpredictable and Aston was very dry. Aston's reasons for bringing Davies in were never made clear, leaving the only major question unanswered. As easily as they accepted Davies into their home, they threw him out. No explanation offered either way. The stage directions allowed me to visualize the scene exactly as the playwright hoped for, but at times I felt that certain specifications were meaningless. Not only did was the play not enjoyable, it was actually annoying to read. The unending, meaningless plot where conversations tended to repeat themselves and little action ever took place was very aggravating. The only part of the play that actually mildly interested me was the fight scene that almost happened between Davies and Mick, but, of course, was avoided. The play was very bland and definitely overrated. Putting the play in context helped me understand it, yet I still believe it lacks many elements that would merit it a play worth recommending.

IOP - Reflection

1. Write a brief descriptive paragraph that summarizes your IOP. Be sure to include the topic, your thesis, and the hook and any visual aids you used.

My IOP discussed the major conflicts in In The Time of The Butterflies, focusing on the four main characters, Patria, Minerva, Mate and Dede. Each of their conflicts, both internal and external were presented, although I only focused on one major conflict of each character. I attempted to explain the significance of each and the impact it had on the novel in terms of the main plot and themes. My stated thesis was "The cause and effect of each major conflict are what dictate the novel, in terms of the main plot line." I used a puppet show as my hook, a conversation between Minerva and El Jefe lead me into the first conflict I discussed. As I presented a puppet of each character I analyzed was shown. I also had a powerpoint on which I included the main points I talked about.

 

2. In a well-developed paragraph reflect upon the lessons you learned as a result of the IOP process. This process includes the preparation of your presentation, its delivery, and the subsequent reflection you engaged in following the presentation itself.

The entire process, including the preparation and the actual presentation, was definitely a learning experience. I learned many new skills such as presenting a literary argument and supporting it with evidence and proof.  I also improved on many other skills such as keeping the audience interested with the se of “hooks” and other various methods. I learned this from observing the audiences reaction during my presentation and from other presentations as well. From the preparation, I realized how inefficient procrastination is; I learned to manage my time better. I believe that if I had prepared better, my presentation would have significantly improved. This is reflected in the delivery of my presentation, which definitely could have been smoother. I stuttered a lot, evidence of my necessity to prepare better.  I discussed my weaknesses in my reflection, which also helped me realize the strengths and weaknesses of my presentation. I learned the importance of reflecting on such experiences and learning from my mistakes in order to prevent any future occurrences. I actually valued my mistakes as learning experiences. I noticed most of my flaws in presenting when I watched myself present (on video). I was really able to observe myself through the audiences prospective.

This experience has really prepared me for the other IB requirements and any challenge in life. The main lessons I learned were time management, the importance of preparation and other skills related to the actual delivery.

Oracle Night - My Opinion

How did you like the multi-layered plot? Was the plot too complicated or did you find it engaging? Which plot did you like the best: Sid and Grace's story or Nick Bowen's?

Paul Auster used a multi-layered plot method in order to portray multiple stories in the novel Oracle Night. This allowed for the narrartion of various storied through the life of one character, namely Sidney. Sidney's writing and narraration of Nick Bowen's story created parallels between the two plots and deeper characterization of the chracter. As a result of the multi-layered plot, the characters appeared more full and rounded. 

The lack of chapter divisions to serve as an indicator between the multiple stories may have caused some complication, but in general it was clear when the plot shifted. This writing style was quite engaging, as it never gave a chance for the reader to lose interest. Following multiple plots, personnally, kept me interested. A compelling element of this aspect of the novel is that Sidney was writing the story within the novel, so his thoughts on his writing while he wrote were interesting to follow. The overall effect of a multi-layered plot, especially protrayed as in the novel, is absorbing and engaging for the reader.

The two main plots of Oracle Night were Sid and Grace's, and Nick Bowen's. I preferred Sid and Grace's story because it was more complete and slightly more elaborate. There were more characters and events. The setting and other elements of a story, including a conclusion, which Bowen's story lacks. Bowen's story had a very interesting plot, yet lacked many vital details as a result of Sidney's inability to continue writing. In conclusion, the multi-layered plot is gripping, with some stories dominating more than others.

Reaction to The Rock of Tanios

In what way or ways do you "connect" with the book The Rock of Tanios by Amin Maalouf? In what way is it accessible or familiar to you? 

The Rock of Tanios by Amin Maalouf is a novel set in Lebanon, or the area that was to become Lebanon, during the time of the Ottoman rule. The setting and numerous historical references aided me in "connecting" with the novel. Many areas and regions mentioned are places I've been to or I know of, as most are in Lebanon or the Middle East.  The historical background of the novel is very familiar to me as it is the history of the foundation of my country, Lebanon, and the historical effects of many of the events impact the situation today in various ways. Although I have not studied the history of Lebanon in school, much of it is reflected in our society today. The title "Sheikh" carried on as a title of nobility until recently. The hierarchy system is still present in many countries in the Middle East, where the Emir is the highest in command. The cultural background was also very familiar to me; many proverbs and italicized Arabic words are known to me, as their usage has continued on to this day in Lebanon. Examples of these are "yabni" (p.12), "hajje" (p.26), "ya binti" (p.23), "kishk" (p. 126), "effendi" (p.146), etc. Many traditions and the way of life illustrated in the novel reflect, to a certain degree, the culture present in modern day Lebanon. These are some ways I am able to connect with the novel. The setting, historical and cultural backgrounds are very familiar to me, as a Lebanese citizen. 

Byron vs. Shakespeare

3. Compare the poetry of Lord Byron with the poetry of another famous poet (e.g. Shakespeare's sonnets). How does Byron's poetry rate in comparison? Whose poetry do you prefer and why?

Lord Byron and Shakespeare, both well-known British poet, use differing styles in writing styles in poetry. Lord Byron's most notable works include the narrative poems Childe Harold's Pilgrimage and Don Juan. His poems can be described as mock-epic, he uses satire as a main element through his characters. Don Juan is a sixteen cantos poem (the seventeenth cantos remained unfinished upon his death). The structure of each stanza was Ottava Rima and followed an iambic pentameter. Through it Byron challenges many norms and traditions present in England at the time with emphasis on the notion of an "epic hero" by basing it in the famous character Don Juan. He achieves his goal through his satirical and mocking style of writing in the long, epic form. Shakespeare's sonnets, on the other hand, are a series of 154, independent, yet linked, eight-line sonnets. They focus on themes of love, beauty, politics and mortality. Evidence suggest that they were not meant to be published, just between friends. Many suggest links between Shakespeare's sonnets and his life, Wordsworth believed that Shakespeare "unlocked his heart" through his sonnets. The constant use of the word "I" and other personal pronouns suggest that it is in fact about his life, also since the date they were written is unknown, many suggest that he had been writing them throughout. This differs from the emphasized main character, Don Juan. Each sonnet consisted of three quatrains and an ending couplet and, like Don Juan, followed an iambic pentameter. They discuss an young boy and a dark lady, both believed to have had scandalous relations with Shakespeare. The sonnets are considered non-dramatic and contrast to the narrative style of Don Juan. Byron's poetry is, in my opinion, more interesting to read. One can compare it to other epic poems such as Homer's Odyssey, and can engage in the many literary and historical references. Many characters are introduced, unlike in Shakespeare's sonnets. The story-like style in which Don Juan was written results in a more absorbing read, which is more enjoyable to many readers, including me.

Live?

Smiles,

Laughter,

Moments of success,

Love,

Happiness,

Emotions of joy,

This is Why.

To live,

To love,

To experience,

Often undervalued,

Often overlooked,

Mostly disregarded,

This is the key,

Emotions are the answer,

Life has meaning,

This is Why.

Reaction to Disgrace

Winner of the 1991 Booker Prize, Disgrace, a novel by J.M. Coetzee, left me with a slight feeling of dissatisfaction. I generally liked it, especially its begginning and end. The novel can be described as somewhat plot-driven although it includes many literary and historical allusions. It started by introducing the protagonist, David Lurie, and his main "problem of sex" which may be considered as a theme or motif of the novel. The begginning thows us directly into the polt, grabbing the reader's attention with an interesting use of the present tense describing David's experience with Soraya, a prostitute. The description and introduction to his life during the first few chapters was rather engrossing. During the middle of the book, when he visited his daugter, Lucy, and stayed at her house, a cessastion in the flow of the story could be observed. The author emphasized certain points and repeated many ideas that caused the novel to lose some of its force. I honestly would describe that part as somewhat boring. Later, the reader's interest is reignited as events start to progress and occur at a faster pace. This is approxiamtely when David goes to Isaac to apologize. I liked the ending of the novel; it provides the reader with a sense of closure, and brings their attention back to intial ideas.

I thought the book addressed it's main themes successfully, and touched upon many sensitive issues that are taking place in a post-apatheid South Africa. It explains them in a somewhat discrete yet open, even slightly cynical way. One can truly understand the lives of the characters, especially in relation to one another. Coeztee uses a gripping writing style to keep his readers intersted while portraying many strong messages. 

My personal opinion on whether or not Disgrace deserves the international acclaim and the Booker Prize it has recieved cannot be summarized as a simple yes or no, as with all artstic expression, the verdict is subjective. Although, I do believe that this novel is worthy piece of literature, yet it still has not lefted me in a state of awe. I think that there is something that can be described as slightly obscure that I have not yet fully understood. Upon furthur analysis, my opinion may change, deeming it worthy of such an illustrious prize.

In conclusion I would recomend Disgrace, as it is definitly a worth-while read.