In act 2 Leonato, Beatrice,Antonio and Hero discuss Don John's melancholic ways as well as the hostility shown by Beatrice towards the male gender. Later they all gather at the party or festival rather where Antonio parties with Ursula. Meanwhile Margaret joins Balthasar. But most importantly Don Pedro woos for Hero for Claudio. Leonato tells tells Hero that she must accept the propasal of marriage from Don John if presented to her.
In act three Hero tells Ursula and Margaret the plan that she wishes to execute. The plan concerns Beatrice. It is to be the completion or the second half of Don Pedro's plan. Although Ursula and Hero are really the main ones in this plot, Margaret is still very much important as she is the one who lures Beatrice to where Ursula and Hero are. In this plot they sp[eak of Bennedick in a way for Beatrice to hear them. They speak the best ofn things about Bennedick but most importantly they talk of Bennedick's love for Beatrice which isn't actually true but rather a trick to fool Beatrice into thinking that Bennedick loves her so that she could in turn beleive and love him in return.
Later on in act three, scene two Don Pedro, Claudio and Leonato are discussing Bennedick. They take notice of his behavior changes, hoping that he is indeed in love. They notice that Bennedick is now paying more attention to grooming himself and is happier. It is also in act three, scene two that Don John goes to Don Pedro and Claudio, tellign them that Hero is disloyal and then leading them to the window where Borachio pretends to be having sex with Hero. This isn't actually Hero but Magaret, disguised as Hero.
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Movie vs the book
The movie on Much Ado About Nothing definatly breathes life into the book. In the beginning people are having a picnic and celebrating. When the letter is annunced there is laughter and cheer. There is tons of excitement. The people of Messina rush to prepare for the arrival of Don Pedro and company who come galloping on horses, running through the feilds and the outdoors. The movie gives a better idea of what is going on in the book. The expression of the characters is more felt for example the anger felt by Claudio when he felt he was betrayed by Don Pedro, the joy felt by Beatrice and Bennedick when they found love as well as the pain felt by Hero when she was disgraced. Whereas in the book Beatrice appears to be full of misery, the movie presents her as being humorous and playful. From the movie we are able to see how these people in the play dress. The wore long dresses while the men wore suits. The movie is filled with melodious and soft music.
Some of the words in the book are ofcourse omitted from the movie yet the movie still does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the book, almost word for word. A good example of this is the way in which Don John's character is portrayed. He is of a very melancholic pesonality. He is very serious throughout the play and mostly keeps to himself. Hero however is in my opinion, portaryed very much in the same way in the book as well as the movie. She is shy, quiet and modest.
Some of the words in the book are ofcourse omitted from the movie yet the movie still does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the book, almost word for word. A good example of this is the way in which Don John's character is portrayed. He is of a very melancholic pesonality. He is very serious throughout the play and mostly keeps to himself. Hero however is in my opinion, portaryed very much in the same way in the book as well as the movie. She is shy, quiet and modest.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Questions on Much Ado About Nothing
1a. Shakespere wrote Much Ado About Nothing before the summer of 1600, assumingly in 1598.
b.
c. The other three romantic comedies associated with this play are 'As you like it,' 'Henry the fifth and Ben johnson's. Every man in his humor.
2a. The three basic plot lines of the play are Bennedick and Beatrice falling in love, Don John seeking to destroy Don pedro by any means possible and Claudio being in love with Hero and is tricked into beleiving that she is disloyal but inthe end finds out the truth and marries her.
b.
3.
4a. The relationship between Beatrice and Bennedick differ from that of Claudio and Hero because while persons in the play tried to bring Beatrice and bennedick together, persons tried desparately to tear Claudio and Hero apart.
b The relationships between Beatrice and Bennedick and Claudio and Hero are related because Beatrice and Hero are cousins and Bennedick and Claudio are good friends.
5. What is unusual about the form of language in which this romantic comedy is written is that the characters do not speak everyday, regular english. They speak something similar to that of languge spoken in the bible. Reason for this si because the play is based on the days of Shakespere and it is beleived that in those days this is how persons spoke.
6. The unusual thing about the accomplishments of Dogberry and his amateur police force is that they mistakenly solved the crime of the wrong done to Hero. Their findings were not intentional.
16. The "jade's trick in line 140 according to Beatrice is referring to Bennedick's last insult to Beatrice, comparing Beatrice's mouth to that of a horse.
17a. In relation to the rest of the characters, I would say Claudio was no younger than 23 band no older than 26. This is my opinion, because among the other characters he seems to be the most inexperienced and in need of a lot of guidance.
17b. In relation to the rest of the characters we can see that he is much younger than Don Pedro and a bit younger than Bennedick as well.This is shown in how inquisitive Claudio is. He questions Bennedick and Don Pedro as if he has not yet fully matured. He questions them about about love and life in general. He is easily influenced and made jealous when Don John and his comjpanions trick him into thinking that Don Pedro wants Hero for himself.
19. In a Shakesperean play a characetr's declaration is significant when he says he will never
b.
c. The other three romantic comedies associated with this play are 'As you like it,' 'Henry the fifth and Ben johnson's. Every man in his humor.
2a. The three basic plot lines of the play are Bennedick and Beatrice falling in love, Don John seeking to destroy Don pedro by any means possible and Claudio being in love with Hero and is tricked into beleiving that she is disloyal but inthe end finds out the truth and marries her.
b.
3.
4a. The relationship between Beatrice and Bennedick differ from that of Claudio and Hero because while persons in the play tried to bring Beatrice and bennedick together, persons tried desparately to tear Claudio and Hero apart.
b The relationships between Beatrice and Bennedick and Claudio and Hero are related because Beatrice and Hero are cousins and Bennedick and Claudio are good friends.
5. What is unusual about the form of language in which this romantic comedy is written is that the characters do not speak everyday, regular english. They speak something similar to that of languge spoken in the bible. Reason for this si because the play is based on the days of Shakespere and it is beleived that in those days this is how persons spoke.
6. The unusual thing about the accomplishments of Dogberry and his amateur police force is that they mistakenly solved the crime of the wrong done to Hero. Their findings were not intentional.
16. The "jade's trick in line 140 according to Beatrice is referring to Bennedick's last insult to Beatrice, comparing Beatrice's mouth to that of a horse.
17a. In relation to the rest of the characters, I would say Claudio was no younger than 23 band no older than 26. This is my opinion, because among the other characters he seems to be the most inexperienced and in need of a lot of guidance.
17b. In relation to the rest of the characters we can see that he is much younger than Don Pedro and a bit younger than Bennedick as well.This is shown in how inquisitive Claudio is. He questions Bennedick and Don Pedro as if he has not yet fully matured. He questions them about about love and life in general. He is easily influenced and made jealous when Don John and his comjpanions trick him into thinking that Don Pedro wants Hero for himself.
19. In a Shakesperean play a characetr's declaration is significant when he says he will never
7. It is important to the play that the society in which the action takes place is very tight-knit, and everyone seems to know each other very well because this is needed for parts of the play to make sense. Everyone practically knows everyone else's doings. This helps the play to flow and connects the characters, making it easy for the reader to understand. In the novel when Claudio is tricked into thinking that Hero is being unfaithful to him, this would not have made sense if the whole place was not tight knit. Everyone knows Hero's room, her clothes and such. Her gentle woman even has access to her bedroom.
8. The men in this play are obsessed with the females of the play and marrying them but not ordinary women, pure and beautiful ones. According to folklore how does this condition reveal itself? The men of the upper classes are especially vulnerable because they are very rich, respected and most times handsome, making them desirable.
30. Leonato and Antonio want Hero to accept the propasal made by the Prince.
30. Leonato and Antonio want Hero to accept the propasal made by the Prince.
34. The interchange between Bennedick and Beatrice when they dance differ from that of other couples because Beatrice doesn't make her partner feel comfortable, infact Beatrice is unaware that she is dancing with Bennedick.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Much Ado About Nothing Questions
1. In the Shakesperean play Much Ado about nothing, Don John vows to take revenge on his brother, Don Pedro. He vows to do anythimg that will embarass his brother whom he is greatly jealous of. He feels that Don Pedro has taken his glory. He wishes to be in his position. In the beginning of the play he tries to do this by tricking Claudio into beleiving that Don Pedro has seduced his love, Hero.
Claudio is deeply in love with Hero.
2. Claudio is in love with Hero.
3. Beatrice's and Bennedick's perspectives in the beginning of the play are quite similar. The both despise the thought of commitment, dread the thought of marriage and make mockery of any talk of love and romance. They think love to be unimportant. Beatrice in particular thinks that men are not capable of being faithful and that all they bring into a woman's life is pain. Bennedick doesn't have very quite contrary opinions of the opposite sex as a matter of fact he detests them.
4. The plan executed by Don Pedro is to make Beatrice and Bennedick fall in love. He plans with Leonato and Claudio that they go where they know that Bennedick is near and talk of Beatrice's undying love for him so that he could hear. He then will beleive that Beatrice loves him and somehow find it in his heart to love her in return. He plans something similar for Beatrice but this is executed by Ursula and Hero.
Claudio is deeply in love with Hero.
2. Claudio is in love with Hero.
3. Beatrice's and Bennedick's perspectives in the beginning of the play are quite similar. The both despise the thought of commitment, dread the thought of marriage and make mockery of any talk of love and romance. They think love to be unimportant. Beatrice in particular thinks that men are not capable of being faithful and that all they bring into a woman's life is pain. Bennedick doesn't have very quite contrary opinions of the opposite sex as a matter of fact he detests them.
4. The plan executed by Don Pedro is to make Beatrice and Bennedick fall in love. He plans with Leonato and Claudio that they go where they know that Bennedick is near and talk of Beatrice's undying love for him so that he could hear. He then will beleive that Beatrice loves him and somehow find it in his heart to love her in return. He plans something similar for Beatrice but this is executed by Ursula and Hero.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Life of William Shakespeare
Willam Shakespeare: His Life
William Shakespeare was baptised on the 26th of April 1564 and died on the 23th of April 1616. He was an English actor, poet and playwright, infact he is recognized as the greatest writer and pre-eminent dramatist that ever lived. He was very handsome as you can clearly see in this picture and is frequently refered to as England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". Because he was so handsome as soon as he turned eighteen someone wanted to marry him. Her name was Anne Hathaway. Personally I think she took his chilhood from him because she was eight years older than he was. Nontheless they had their first child,Susannah within six months of their marriage and then later had twins, Hamnet and Judith in 1585. Sadly Shakespeare's only son, Hamnet died in 1596 at the tender age of eleven.
William Shakespeare: His work
Some of Shakespeare's surviving works include a collaboration of 38 plays,154 sonnets and two long narrative poems among other narratives. Some of Shakespeare's plays such as Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet are among the most well known literary works in the world. However there have been rumors that Shakespeare didn't actually write all of his plays on his own and that either Christopher Marlowe or Queen Elizabeth were the real authors. But in my opinion I think this is a rumor and nothing more as there is clear evidence of Shakespeare's personal involvement within his plays.One of Shakespear'e plays, Hamlet was actually influenced by an incident which occured when Shajespeare was fifteen. A woman in a nearby village drowned in Avon. Her death was ruled accidental but still may have been a suicide. Shakespeare later used this in Hamlet leaving open the question of whether Ophelia died accidentally or by her own hand.
Hamlet was first printed in 1603. It is Shakespeare's largest drama, based on a lost play known as the Ur-Hamlet. Prince Hamlet, an enigmatic intellectual, mourns both his father's death and his mother's remarriage. His father's ghost appears to him and tells that Claudius, married to Queen Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, poisoned him. Hamlet, fascinated by cruelly witty games, swears revenge. "The time is out of joint; O cursed spite, That ever I was born to set it right!" He arranges an old play whose story has a parallel to that of Claudius. Hamlet's behavior is considered mad. He kills the eavesdropping Polonius, the court chamberlain, by thrusting his sword through a curtain. Polonius's son Laertes returns to Denmark to avenge his father's death. Polonius's daughter Ofelia loves Hamlet, but the prince's sadistically brutal behavior drives her to madness. "Get thee to a nunnery: why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?" he tells Ophelia who dies by drowning. Before the slaughter that ends the story, Hamlet says to his friend Horatio: "I shall win at the odds. But thou wouldst not think how ill all's here about my heart." A duel takes place and ends with the death of Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius, and Hamlet, whose final words are "the rest is silence."
According to a legend, he left Stratford for London to avoid a charge of poaching. After 1582 Shakespeare probably joined as an actor one or several companies of players. By 1584 he emerged as a rising playwright in London, and became soon a central figure in London´s leading theater company, the Lord Chamberlain´s Company, renamed later as the King´s Men. He wrote many great plays for the group. In 1599 a new theater, called The Globe, was built
William Shakespeare: His Childhood
Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon. He was the eldest son of Mary Arden and John Shakespeare who was a glover and wood dealer. At the age of eighteen, He married Anne Hathaway with whom he had three children. Wait a minute........He wasn't the typical eighteen year old of modern day so lets back up a bit. William Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare was a man of status within the community so William was granted free education. It is assumed that Shakespeare attended King Edward 1V Grammar School. He was educated in Stratford from age seven in 1517 and finished his schooling at age fourteen in 1578. Following his father William Shakespeare also did some butchering at some point and time in his youth.
William Shakespeare: What makes him so great?
Shakespeare possessed a vast aray of vocabulary especially for his time. He used 29,066 different words in his plays. Today the average English-speaking person uses something like 2000 words in everyday speech. Many numerologists even claim that Shakespeare wrote the King James version of the bible at the age of 46. Another fasinating fact about William Shakespeare was that he came from very humble beginnings but still somehow managed to be the best. This therefore makes him an inspiration for all those who may be struggling for a better life and a brighter future. Another reason which earns Shakespeare the title of "The greatest writer that ever lived" is the fact that his writings have lived on throughout the years. Instead of them being forgotten and discarded as I'm sure many other writings of his time have been, his writngs have been modified, modernized and translated for a younger audience to enjoy.
A bit about the Elizabethan era.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The different types of ironies found in the book, "Brother Man"
Irony- A figure of speech. A contradiction of expectation between what is said and what is meant or an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs.
There are different types of ironies. These include dramatic irony, tragic irony, situational irony, socratic irony and verbal irony. However I will be focusing mainly on explaning and identifying the first three listed ironies.
Definition of verbal Irony- A contradiction of expectation between what is said and what is meant.
Definition of dramatic irony- A situation in which the audience knows something about present or future circumstances that the character does not know.
This is evident in the book when Minette is so innocently unaware that Papacita is involved in illegal activities. When the police raid the bar/club where Minette, Papacita and Fellows enjoy a night out Papacita is extremely nervous that he will be caught by the police with the contraband. Despite the guilt expressed in Papacita's facial and bodily movements, Minette does not pick up on why Papacita is behaving in such a way. Lukily, the police leave without exposing and arresting Papacita so Minette ironically never finds out.
Dramatic irony is also evident within the book where Brother Man is unaware of the deep hatred that Cordelia has for him. He is made blind to the fact that Cordelia thinks him to be wicked and evil meanwhile we the audience can see and feel her rage towards Brother Man throughout the book.
Definition of Situational irony- A contradiciton of expectation between what might be expected and what actually occurs.
Situational irony can be found in the book, Brother Man with Cordelia's character. In the beginning and throughout the book we see Cordelia trying to save the life of her son,Tad. Ironically, Cordelia ends up killing her son,Tad.
The murder of Papacita by Girlie is also an irony of situation as this is not what is expected. Although we see that Girlis was terribly angry at Papacita it is still ironic. This is because Papacita was always the abusive one and would be seen as the most powerful of the two.
Definition of Tragic irony- the words an dactions of one character or more betray the real situation and tragic results ensue from those words and/or actions.
There are different types of ironies. These include dramatic irony, tragic irony, situational irony, socratic irony and verbal irony. However I will be focusing mainly on explaning and identifying the first three listed ironies.
Definition of verbal Irony- A contradiction of expectation between what is said and what is meant.
Definition of dramatic irony- A situation in which the audience knows something about present or future circumstances that the character does not know.
This is evident in the book when Minette is so innocently unaware that Papacita is involved in illegal activities. When the police raid the bar/club where Minette, Papacita and Fellows enjoy a night out Papacita is extremely nervous that he will be caught by the police with the contraband. Despite the guilt expressed in Papacita's facial and bodily movements, Minette does not pick up on why Papacita is behaving in such a way. Lukily, the police leave without exposing and arresting Papacita so Minette ironically never finds out.
Dramatic irony is also evident within the book where Brother Man is unaware of the deep hatred that Cordelia has for him. He is made blind to the fact that Cordelia thinks him to be wicked and evil meanwhile we the audience can see and feel her rage towards Brother Man throughout the book.
Definition of Situational irony- A contradiciton of expectation between what might be expected and what actually occurs.
Situational irony can be found in the book, Brother Man with Cordelia's character. In the beginning and throughout the book we see Cordelia trying to save the life of her son,Tad. Ironically, Cordelia ends up killing her son,Tad.
The murder of Papacita by Girlie is also an irony of situation as this is not what is expected. Although we see that Girlis was terribly angry at Papacita it is still ironic. This is because Papacita was always the abusive one and would be seen as the most powerful of the two.
Definition of Tragic irony- the words an dactions of one character or more betray the real situation and tragic results ensue from those words and/or actions.
Letter to Editor
Sea View Farm
St. Georges
Antigua
3rd Nov, 2010
Dear Editor,
I am a concerned citizen of Antigua and Barbuda who witnessed the horrific beating of a rastafarian yesterday. Now tell me, is this what we've become as a people? Resenting others merely because of their religion?I would not wish this on my worst enemy.A large group of persons beat this man mercilessly with bricks and wood until he bled. They jeered him,mocked him,laughed at him and cursed him until they were satisfied. Even after all this the rastafarian still maintained peace saying, "peace and love". I was so scared, too scared to help him but my heart goes out to the young man and his family.
I am appealing to the public that we are all just human and should learn to love one another. Infact that is what the rastafarian religion is all about. Not only love but peace, unity and cleansiness of the heart. So perhaps persons should try to learn more about the religion before judging and attacking someone. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the good samaritan who saved him from that bloodthirsty crowd. I now leave you the reader with this fruit for thought. Let us look into ourselves, at what truly defines us. For it is not the clothes we wear, nor the colour of our skin. It is not the length of our hair nor who we call God but our inner which is what rastafarianism is all about.
Yours Truly,
concerned citizen
St. Georges
Antigua
3rd Nov, 2010
Dear Editor,
I am a concerned citizen of Antigua and Barbuda who witnessed the horrific beating of a rastafarian yesterday. Now tell me, is this what we've become as a people? Resenting others merely because of their religion?I would not wish this on my worst enemy.A large group of persons beat this man mercilessly with bricks and wood until he bled. They jeered him,mocked him,laughed at him and cursed him until they were satisfied. Even after all this the rastafarian still maintained peace saying, "peace and love". I was so scared, too scared to help him but my heart goes out to the young man and his family.
I am appealing to the public that we are all just human and should learn to love one another. Infact that is what the rastafarian religion is all about. Not only love but peace, unity and cleansiness of the heart. So perhaps persons should try to learn more about the religion before judging and attacking someone. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the good samaritan who saved him from that bloodthirsty crowd. I now leave you the reader with this fruit for thought. Let us look into ourselves, at what truly defines us. For it is not the clothes we wear, nor the colour of our skin. It is not the length of our hair nor who we call God but our inner which is what rastafarianism is all about.
Yours Truly,
concerned citizen
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
An exploration into the Narrative techniques used by Roger Mais in his novel, Brother Man
In the novel, Brother Man, Roger Mais uses a number of narrative techniques, These include foreshadowing, characterization, allusion, flashback.
Foreshadowing refers to a suggestive peice in a literary work which begins to develop an idea before it actually occurs. In this way it serves as an introduction to a few of the book's main characters. Foreshadowing is evident in the "Chorus of the People in the Lane" like at the beginning of the book. On page eleven, there is mention of Bra Ambo. We get the sense that he is someone of great influence but are still not quite made aware of his purpose in the novel. His predictions are taken seriously by the villagers but the reader doesn't yet know why. In the chorus of the people in the lane Cordelia's name also appears and is related to her boyfriend who has been taken up by the police for drugs. This signifies Cordelia's problematic position even at the very start of the book. This continues throughout the book and only gets worst.
From the series of foreshadowing among the villagers we also learn that they respect Bra Man as a godly man stating that he shows the gospel way. In the same respect there is already some comparison drawn between himself and Bra Ambo. The contradiction between them is shown when someone says that they'd rather follow Bra Ambo's way. Already Mais is letting the reader know that there is some difference between both Brother Man and Bra Ambo.
Another technique used by Roger Mais is characterization. Characterization refers to the way in which a writer creates characters in a narraive so as to repel or attarct our sympathy. I think Mais did an excellent job in regards to characterization as all characters in the novel clearly fall under the category of either repelling or attractign our sympathy. Characters such as Brother Man, Minette, Girlie,Cordelia, Jesmina are all model examples of characters within the novel that would attract a reader's sympathy. Meanwhile characters such as Papacita and Bra Ambo definitely are exempt from this bunch. Brother Man attracts sympathy from readers as despite his sincerity, compassion and kindness he is jailed, beaten, and rejected. Further more Minette, his trusted companion suffers inside while witnessing all of this happen to someone she cares so deeply about. This also gives readers a reason to be sympathetic towards Minette. Jesmina also is somewhat in the same position as Minette but her problems are much more as her sister Cordelia's actions causes her to worry about Cordelia's sanity and love towards her. Though both Girlie and Cordelia both commit homicide they still attract the reader's sympathy as they have both been mistreated, taken advantaged of and wronged by others in the most devastating of ways. Cordelia, by Bra Ambo and Girlie by Papacita.
Thirdly, allusion is used in the novel. The main allusion used in Brother Man is when Brother Man himself is referenced to Jesus Christ. Allusion is a passing reference in a work of literature to something outside of itself. We can see this throughout the novel from the wonderous works performed by Brother Man to the brutal beating he received nearing the end of the novel. It allows the reader to have a better understanding and appreciation of the plot in a novel.
Flashback is another very evident narrative technique in the novel, Brother Man. Infact most of the flashback used pertains to Brother Man himself. The writer uses flashback to in some way bring forth Brother Man's stream of consciousness. There is flashback in the scene on page 153-156 when Brother Man tells the story of his once lover,Velta and friend Ben. As Brother Man tells the story of his past to Minette, it brings them closer together and the outpour of Brother Man's emotions is strongly felt by the reader. Flashback is also seen in Minette's memory of when she first met Brother Man. The writer takes us back to the very beginning of their relationship, giving us a brief history and better understanding of how they came to be. If the writer hadn't done this then the novel would have been lacking and the reader's would be lost.
The will written by Brother Man is also another form of flashback used by Mais. In this letter Brother Man tells of his younger days and the start of his journey as a rastafarian. The story takes place in Kingston, Jamaica in a lower class community. Some of the themes used by Brother Man to portray the various characters within this community are domestic violence, love, surrow, murder and revenge. Domestic violence was shown in the relationship between Papacita and Girlie. Love on the other hand is shown between Brother Man and Minette. Not intimate love but a love much more special where he genuinely cares for Minette and in exchange she has love for him. There is unconditional love shown by Brother Man to everyone in the novel. There is love shown by Jesmina for her sister.
Surrow is another very prevalent theme in the novel. Surrow is shown by Cordelia in the loss of her amn then her child. Brother Man bore surrow when his very own people turned against him. Girlie experienced surrow at the hand of Papacita. In the novel Girlie and Cordelia both commit murder, making murder the third most significant theme in the novel. Finally the most exciting and obvious theme in the novel,in my opinion is vegeance. Bra Ambo seeks to take revenge on Brother Man for refusing to assist him in hiding his obeah materials from the police. He succeeds in doing so by turning Cordelia against Brother Man. Cordelia seeks to take revenge on Brother Man because she thinks he did her wrong by not choosing not to heal her son from his illness. Finally, the most extreme revenge taken by a character in the novel was Girlie when she murdered her ex lover, Papacita. Even Papacita in his own small way sought to take revenge on Brother Man who he thought was withholding Minette from him.
The various plots used by Mais in the novel are quite interesting. There is the plot of Papacita and Girlie. There is the plot of Cordelia, Jesmina and her son. there is also the plot of Brother Man and Minette. Nevertheless Mais manages to find a clever way to keep the characters linked together. They are somehow all at least a bit aware of each other's situation.
Foreshadowing refers to a suggestive peice in a literary work which begins to develop an idea before it actually occurs. In this way it serves as an introduction to a few of the book's main characters. Foreshadowing is evident in the "Chorus of the People in the Lane" like at the beginning of the book. On page eleven, there is mention of Bra Ambo. We get the sense that he is someone of great influence but are still not quite made aware of his purpose in the novel. His predictions are taken seriously by the villagers but the reader doesn't yet know why. In the chorus of the people in the lane Cordelia's name also appears and is related to her boyfriend who has been taken up by the police for drugs. This signifies Cordelia's problematic position even at the very start of the book. This continues throughout the book and only gets worst.
From the series of foreshadowing among the villagers we also learn that they respect Bra Man as a godly man stating that he shows the gospel way. In the same respect there is already some comparison drawn between himself and Bra Ambo. The contradiction between them is shown when someone says that they'd rather follow Bra Ambo's way. Already Mais is letting the reader know that there is some difference between both Brother Man and Bra Ambo.
Another technique used by Roger Mais is characterization. Characterization refers to the way in which a writer creates characters in a narraive so as to repel or attarct our sympathy. I think Mais did an excellent job in regards to characterization as all characters in the novel clearly fall under the category of either repelling or attractign our sympathy. Characters such as Brother Man, Minette, Girlie,Cordelia, Jesmina are all model examples of characters within the novel that would attract a reader's sympathy. Meanwhile characters such as Papacita and Bra Ambo definitely are exempt from this bunch. Brother Man attracts sympathy from readers as despite his sincerity, compassion and kindness he is jailed, beaten, and rejected. Further more Minette, his trusted companion suffers inside while witnessing all of this happen to someone she cares so deeply about. This also gives readers a reason to be sympathetic towards Minette. Jesmina also is somewhat in the same position as Minette but her problems are much more as her sister Cordelia's actions causes her to worry about Cordelia's sanity and love towards her. Though both Girlie and Cordelia both commit homicide they still attract the reader's sympathy as they have both been mistreated, taken advantaged of and wronged by others in the most devastating of ways. Cordelia, by Bra Ambo and Girlie by Papacita.
Thirdly, allusion is used in the novel. The main allusion used in Brother Man is when Brother Man himself is referenced to Jesus Christ. Allusion is a passing reference in a work of literature to something outside of itself. We can see this throughout the novel from the wonderous works performed by Brother Man to the brutal beating he received nearing the end of the novel. It allows the reader to have a better understanding and appreciation of the plot in a novel.
Flashback is another very evident narrative technique in the novel, Brother Man. Infact most of the flashback used pertains to Brother Man himself. The writer uses flashback to in some way bring forth Brother Man's stream of consciousness. There is flashback in the scene on page 153-156 when Brother Man tells the story of his once lover,Velta and friend Ben. As Brother Man tells the story of his past to Minette, it brings them closer together and the outpour of Brother Man's emotions is strongly felt by the reader. Flashback is also seen in Minette's memory of when she first met Brother Man. The writer takes us back to the very beginning of their relationship, giving us a brief history and better understanding of how they came to be. If the writer hadn't done this then the novel would have been lacking and the reader's would be lost.
The will written by Brother Man is also another form of flashback used by Mais. In this letter Brother Man tells of his younger days and the start of his journey as a rastafarian. The story takes place in Kingston, Jamaica in a lower class community. Some of the themes used by Brother Man to portray the various characters within this community are domestic violence, love, surrow, murder and revenge. Domestic violence was shown in the relationship between Papacita and Girlie. Love on the other hand is shown between Brother Man and Minette. Not intimate love but a love much more special where he genuinely cares for Minette and in exchange she has love for him. There is unconditional love shown by Brother Man to everyone in the novel. There is love shown by Jesmina for her sister.
Surrow is another very prevalent theme in the novel. Surrow is shown by Cordelia in the loss of her amn then her child. Brother Man bore surrow when his very own people turned against him. Girlie experienced surrow at the hand of Papacita. In the novel Girlie and Cordelia both commit murder, making murder the third most significant theme in the novel. Finally the most exciting and obvious theme in the novel,in my opinion is vegeance. Bra Ambo seeks to take revenge on Brother Man for refusing to assist him in hiding his obeah materials from the police. He succeeds in doing so by turning Cordelia against Brother Man. Cordelia seeks to take revenge on Brother Man because she thinks he did her wrong by not choosing not to heal her son from his illness. Finally, the most extreme revenge taken by a character in the novel was Girlie when she murdered her ex lover, Papacita. Even Papacita in his own small way sought to take revenge on Brother Man who he thought was withholding Minette from him.
The various plots used by Mais in the novel are quite interesting. There is the plot of Papacita and Girlie. There is the plot of Cordelia, Jesmina and her son. there is also the plot of Brother Man and Minette. Nevertheless Mais manages to find a clever way to keep the characters linked together. They are somehow all at least a bit aware of each other's situation.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Criticisms of the book, "Brother Man"
The book, "Brother Man", written by Roger Mais has drawn a number of criticisms from various individuals. One of these being Annie Paul who describes the book as being interesting and relevant even in these modern times. One of the reasons why she says this is because Rastafarianism has now become so acceptable and even encouraged in today's day. She then makes reference to major reggae superstars such as Bob Marley.
Critics such as the Macmillan Publishing Company has also labelled the book as the first Jamaican novel to portray a rastafarian protagonist in positive terms. However critics say that times have change and so in some ways the book is irrelevent. Nevertheless many still see the book as being nothing less than timeless regarding social issues. Mais is very gender sensitive says Paul. This is seen in the relationship he uses in the book such as Girlie and Papacita.
Critics such as the Macmillan Publishing Company has also labelled the book as the first Jamaican novel to portray a rastafarian protagonist in positive terms. However critics say that times have change and so in some ways the book is irrelevent. Nevertheless many still see the book as being nothing less than timeless regarding social issues. Mais is very gender sensitive says Paul. This is seen in the relationship he uses in the book such as Girlie and Papacita.
Rastafarianism: The facts
The Rastafari movement compared to the other religious movements is a relatively new syncretic religion. It arose in a christian culture in Jamaica but has since spread all over the region, and even other parts of the world. Rastafarians are those who worship Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, former emperor of Ethiopia. Rastafari is not a highly structured religion but moreso a mentallity of the people.It is a movement, an ideology and a way of life. The name Rastafari is taken from Ras Tafari, the pre- regnal title of Haile Selassie I, composed of Amharic Ras and Haile Selassie's pre-regnal given name, Tari.
Rastafarianism: What do the people say?
While researching rastafarianism, I asked local people, family and friends about their take on the religion. I then found out quite a bit of interesting and unexpected information. Please comment on my blog which of these things seem true and which of them seem false.Please be open minded.
1. There are more males who practice rastafarianism than females.
2. Many think of Selassie as a great prophet and the black God. (God of the black people)
3. The occasional "Sela" you see in the bible at the end of some verses represents Selassie.
4. One doesn't have to have dread locks to be a rasta.
5. Rastafarianism is for the poor, disadvantaged and depressed.
6. Rastafari means humble.
7. Rastafarianism is not very different from christianity.
Monday, October 11, 2010
A Bibliogarphy on Roger Mais
Roger Mais was a Jamaican journalist, novelist, poet and playwright. He was born on August 11, 1905 in Kingston to a middle class Jamaican family. Roger Mais enjoyed many successes in his lifetime and by 1951 Mais had already received ten first prizes in West Indian literary competitions. Through his literary expressions, Mais played a very important role in the cultural and political development of Jamaica. He was then thereby awarded the high honour of the Order of Jamaica in 1978. Surely he had made a significant impact on Jamaica and the region as his novel, Brother Man is used in schools throughout the Caribbean. Mais started his career as a journalist and contributor for the weekly newspaper, Public Opinion from 1939 to 1952, which was affiliated with the People's National Party. He also wrote several plays, reviews, and short stories for the newspaper Focus and the Jamaica Daily Gleaner, focusing his articles on social injustice and inequality. He used this approach to reach his local audience and to primarily push for a national identity and anti-colonialism. Roger Mais will be remembered not only as an amazing writer but as a man for the people, a writer for the people and most importantly a writer who wrote on important issues such as poverty and political injustice.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Literature terms
Forms of prose fiction
Novels- a relatively long fictional prose narrative with a more or less complex plot or pattern of events,about actions,feelings,motivesetc of a group of characters.
Novella- a short prose narrative, usually with a moral.
Short Story- it concentrates on few characters, often one single character: lack of complocated plot and leisurely description.
Elements of Prose Fiction
Narrative techniques- strategies used by the writer in a literary peice to convey various emotions to the reader
Setting- the time and place in which a play/story takes place
Point of View-the place form which or the way in which something is viewed or considered.
Theme- the abstract subject of a work, its central idea or ideas which may or may not be explicit or obvious.
Plot- the arrangement of the incidents in a play, novel or narrative poem.
Style- the author's choice and arrangement of words and sentences in a literary work
Characterization- the way in which a writer creates characters in a narrative so as to attarct or rebel our sympathy
Literary Devices
Imagery- refers to the figurative language in a peice of literature or all the words which refer to objects and qualities which appeal to the senses and feelings.
Irony- a manner of speaking or writing that is dispersed throuth all kind sof literature.
Symbol- something which represents something else by analogy or association
Allusion- a passing reference in a work of literature to something outside itself
Satire- the use of ridicule, sarcasm, irony etc to expose attack or deride vices
Juxtaposition- is to put side by side or close together
Literary Contexts
Religious literary context- characterized by adherance to a religion
Ethnic literary context- designated or of a population, subgroup having a common cultural heritage as distinguished by customs, characteristics, language, common history etc.
Moral literary context - a practical lesson about life, right, wrong and conduct.
Intellectual literary context- the ability to reason or understand.
Cultural literary context - the training and refinement of the intellect, interest, taste, skills and arts.
Historical literary context- of or concerned with history as a science.
Political literary context- of or concerned with government, the state of politics.
Social literary context- of having to do with human beings living together as a group in a situation which their dealings with one another affect their common well fare.
Structural Devices
Stream of Consciousness- the attempt to convey all of the contents of a character's mind, memory, sense, perception, feelings, intuitions, thoughts in relation to the stream of experience as it passes by often at random.
Interior Monologue- an attempt to convey in words the process of consciousness or thought. (as a means of narrating a story)
Flashback- a sudden jump backwards in time to an earlier episode or scene in the story, novel, play or film.
Foreshadowing- the technique of suggestion or prefiguring- a development in a literary work before it occurs.
Time Frame- a given interval of time especially in relation to a particular event or process.
My Eight Types of Fiction
Commercial Fiction- draws a large and diverse audience and may also fall into any subgenre, like mystery, romance, legal thriller, western, science fiction among others.
Literary Fiction- this tends to appeal to a smaller, more intellectually adventurous audience. A work of literary fiction can fall into any of the subgenres descaribed in the following sections. What sets literary fictions apart, however, is the notably qualities it contains- excellent writing, originality of thought, and style- that raise it above the level of ordinary written works.
Mainstream Fiction- this is an overall term used by publishers and booksellers to describe both literary and commercial works that depict a reality relatable to most people. Mainsteram books deal with topics such as family issues, coming of age initiations, courtroom dramas, career matters, social pressures and more.
Mystery- subgenres include spy, detective and crime stories.
Romance- is a large category aimed at diverting and entertaining women. In romance novels, you have elements of fantasy, love, extravagance and adventure.
Science Fiction- depict distant worlds and futuristic technologies that whirl readers far away from here and now and yet provoke contemplation of contemporary issues. Science fiction is definately a thoughtful and imaginative category in literature.
Suspense/Thriller Fiction- these are tense, exciting and often sensual novels. In this genre the writer's objective is to deliver a story with sustained tension, surprise and a constant sense of impending doom that propels the reader forward. They are dominated by action in which physical threat is a constant companion.
Women's Fiction- novels which appeal largely to the female audience.
Novels- a relatively long fictional prose narrative with a more or less complex plot or pattern of events,about actions,feelings,motivesetc of a group of characters.
Novella- a short prose narrative, usually with a moral.
Short Story- it concentrates on few characters, often one single character: lack of complocated plot and leisurely description.
Elements of Prose Fiction
Narrative techniques- strategies used by the writer in a literary peice to convey various emotions to the reader
Setting- the time and place in which a play/story takes place
Point of View-the place form which or the way in which something is viewed or considered.
Theme- the abstract subject of a work, its central idea or ideas which may or may not be explicit or obvious.
Plot- the arrangement of the incidents in a play, novel or narrative poem.
Style- the author's choice and arrangement of words and sentences in a literary work
Characterization- the way in which a writer creates characters in a narrative so as to attarct or rebel our sympathy
Literary Devices
Imagery- refers to the figurative language in a peice of literature or all the words which refer to objects and qualities which appeal to the senses and feelings.
Irony- a manner of speaking or writing that is dispersed throuth all kind sof literature.
Symbol- something which represents something else by analogy or association
Allusion- a passing reference in a work of literature to something outside itself
Satire- the use of ridicule, sarcasm, irony etc to expose attack or deride vices
Juxtaposition- is to put side by side or close together
Literary Contexts
Religious literary context- characterized by adherance to a religion
Ethnic literary context- designated or of a population, subgroup having a common cultural heritage as distinguished by customs, characteristics, language, common history etc.
Moral literary context - a practical lesson about life, right, wrong and conduct.
Intellectual literary context- the ability to reason or understand.
Cultural literary context - the training and refinement of the intellect, interest, taste, skills and arts.
Historical literary context- of or concerned with history as a science.
Political literary context- of or concerned with government, the state of politics.
Social literary context- of having to do with human beings living together as a group in a situation which their dealings with one another affect their common well fare.
Structural Devices
Stream of Consciousness- the attempt to convey all of the contents of a character's mind, memory, sense, perception, feelings, intuitions, thoughts in relation to the stream of experience as it passes by often at random.
Interior Monologue- an attempt to convey in words the process of consciousness or thought. (as a means of narrating a story)
Flashback- a sudden jump backwards in time to an earlier episode or scene in the story, novel, play or film.
Foreshadowing- the technique of suggestion or prefiguring- a development in a literary work before it occurs.
Time Frame- a given interval of time especially in relation to a particular event or process.
My Eight Types of Fiction
Commercial Fiction- draws a large and diverse audience and may also fall into any subgenre, like mystery, romance, legal thriller, western, science fiction among others.
Literary Fiction- this tends to appeal to a smaller, more intellectually adventurous audience. A work of literary fiction can fall into any of the subgenres descaribed in the following sections. What sets literary fictions apart, however, is the notably qualities it contains- excellent writing, originality of thought, and style- that raise it above the level of ordinary written works.
Mainstream Fiction- this is an overall term used by publishers and booksellers to describe both literary and commercial works that depict a reality relatable to most people. Mainsteram books deal with topics such as family issues, coming of age initiations, courtroom dramas, career matters, social pressures and more.
Mystery- subgenres include spy, detective and crime stories.
Romance- is a large category aimed at diverting and entertaining women. In romance novels, you have elements of fantasy, love, extravagance and adventure.
Science Fiction- depict distant worlds and futuristic technologies that whirl readers far away from here and now and yet provoke contemplation of contemporary issues. Science fiction is definately a thoughtful and imaginative category in literature.
Suspense/Thriller Fiction- these are tense, exciting and often sensual novels. In this genre the writer's objective is to deliver a story with sustained tension, surprise and a constant sense of impending doom that propels the reader forward. They are dominated by action in which physical threat is a constant companion.
Women's Fiction- novels which appeal largely to the female audience.
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