Summative Entry

What a delightful journey it has been this semester, walking through and understanding the literary works of Shakespeare, as well as many others throughout the Renaissance, with Michael Griffith and everyone within ENGL210. At first, the idea of producing a blog post every week, coinciding with a peer review, had a disconcerting affect on me and I initially discovered it to be a difficult task. However, as the weeks went by, I found myself to be very much involved with the blogs. The idea of creating your thoughts into words, having it analysed and criticised by fellow students (and vice versa) and concluding with an outcome that gave us all a better comprehension of Shakespeare and literature became such a relevant and gratifying procedure within the unit. Although I was confronted with various obstacles that placed me into a corner most of the time, I was rewarded in acknowledging and understanding the world of literature to a much greater extent than the initial grasp I had of it.

Through uncovering the journeys of fate from that of King Richard III and Dr Faustus to denoting the central complaint that underlines ‘The Lie’. In creating a world for others to observe from the moon, arguing the values that poetry ascertains over history and philosophy, and deconstructing the language that forms love, indeed a rewarding journey it has been. I believe that every topic we explored each week enabled us to relate not only to the literary work itself, but to relate to the person in that exact point in time. Even though the people in the English Renaissance existed in a time far behind today, I believe that we as humans share such comparative life, regardless of the gap in time. I believe that this is evident through that of the blogs and peer reviews, where collectively speaking, the engagement in the journals of my peers as well as my own has enabled me to understand this attachment.

The writing we engaged in each week, where we put our thoughts to pen and put our pens to paper, made me realise and understand this concept and notion of human connection deeply. For instance, we are able to relate to King Richard III’s personality in a way where we wouldn’t recognise. Although appearing with a monstrous and cunning personality, we are able to grasp Richard III’s loneliness as we relate to it through our personal experience. Also, through the confronting word’s of Sir Raleigh, where we are able to parallel the corruption of his time to ours, to the word’s of wisdom of Sir Philip Sidney, where we are able to discuss arguments that are valid today as they were then, humans unknowingly connect to each other.

To be quite frank, that has what made me enjoy this unit and fall into a deeper ‘lurve’ with the literature of Shakespeare and the Renaissance. Human connection. Regardless of the clothes we wear, the technology that was utilised and the time we were present I, through literature and language used within Shakespeare’s and the Renaissance, we who live in the 21st century are impacted. This is because we can relate and connect. Thank you Michael, thank you to my fellow peers within ENGL210, it was a very great and rewarding semester. I will remember it all.

Shakespeare Blog Post 7

What picture of love/lurve is presented in the opening scene of 12th Night. How is this picture reflected in the language choices Shakespeare makes.

In the opening scene of the Twelfth Night, a hopeless picture of ‘lurve’ within the land of Illyria is initially presented. This is clear through the expressive emotions of the Duke of the land, Orsino, as he states ‘If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it that, surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die.’ Through the establishing line of the play and evident through his fictional character’s tongue, Shakespeare’s utilization of language presents this picture of love in an imaginative way, where the character is dwelling within his own fantasies.

This is observant as he orders musicians to entertain him while he thinks about his desire for his love, Olivia. However, Olivia is engaging in 7 years’ worth of mourning due to the passing of brother, meaning ‘lurve’ will not exist for that period of time. Even whilst in this predicament, we are shown that Orsino, obsessed with the woman who keeps refusing him, wants only to lie around on beds of flowers, listening to sweet music and dreaming of Olivia, as love ‘that it alone is high fantastical.’

Therefore, this picture of love not only deems as hopeless, Shakespeare’s language engages us to a picture of love that causes suffering.

Orsino

Sixth Peer Review

Victoria, the way in which you expressed your own comprehension of why the Renaissance is still worth knowing was a delight to read. Your interpretation of this line parallels that of the subject matter quite well, where you demonstrate that the Renaissance ‘still burns with a flame of importance’ throughout your blog.

Your work exhibits that of great aptitude and expresses how deep your imagination is. Not only was it interesting to read, but it was simple to understand even though your utilization and structure of words exemplified that of a great writer. You seem to completely engage people as a writer which is wonderful!

It is true that the ‘time of Renaissance continues to glow’, and is still worth studying and understanding.

https://vbravosite.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/shining-stars/

Shakespeare Blog Post 6

Take Sir Philip Sidney’s lines (above) in which he values poetry over history and philosophy and develop his argument in your own words, based on your own experience of the value of poetry to you.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend this week’s lecture or tutorial which was a shame as they seemed to be very interesting. However, I was able to grasp a bit of knowledge and understanding through the audio file that Michael has uploaded which aided me to a decent extent in fulfilling this week’s blog post.

Sir Philip Sidney

The words of Sir Philip Sidney caught my eye as I was browsing through Michael’s blog post. The way in which he discourses the notion that poetry is far more superior than history and philosophy enabled me to engage in such a deep thought that I have yet to encountered. My general understanding of history and philosophy is that they’re two of the greatest studies in existence that enable us as humans to grasp an extensive sense of understanding and knowledge of this world we live in. So how is it that a simple form of literature is considered to do more justice than that of these two profound studies?

The value that Sidney ascertains for poetry outweighs the value that he holds for history and philosophy due to the fact that he believes ‘he [the poet] giveth a perfect picture of whatever the philosopher [or historian] saith should be done’. In saying this, Sidney states that a picture of a particular matter, issue or notion is transferred perfectly to ‘the powers of the mind’ through poetry itself, where as history and philosophy have nothing more to offer other than a ‘wordish description’. This historical and philosophical description that Sidney talks about, consequently, does not have the power, nor the ability, to grab a hold of the soul of an individual as poetry is able to do so.

When I first glanced at his argument, I thought to myself that this man is just too big of a fan for poetry and will remain ignorant of anything else that enlightens the mind. However, I engaged myself with is debate, thought really hard about it and came to a conclusion that this man contains an immensely valid argument. Notions such as love, power, conflict and hatred can only be stated as is through a historical and philosophical point of view, where poetry tends to dig deeper. For example, through the words Sir Walter Raleigh within his work of ‘The Lie’, the souls of people are grasped and pulled to what he is illustrating. The notions mentioned earlier are observed through the form of literature the poet presents and are expressed through his tongue, where the individual not only acknowledges the notions present, they are also able to understand the core of these themes. Answers are found to the questions of how these themes were produced, how they were portrayed, how they have influenced people and how these themes created a resolve for people. Through poetry, a whole new world is created, where history and philosophy remain only in this world.

My eyes have been opened more through the world of Poetry rather than the world of history and philosophy as it has painted pictures in which I can understand and relate to. Sir Philip Sidney, you are an utter genius.

Fifth Blog Review

Beatrice, I have chosen to review your blog again for this week as you chose the same topic as I did, and because I absolutely loved it! I appreciate how you go in such depth to describe the current situation on earth through the personification of the moon, constantly voicing your thoughts and opinions through your work as the moon itself. Your utilisation of words keep on improving as you specifically encapsulate the current matter with verses and words that denote the topic. Your description parallels that of the story of King Lear, making it all the more profound as you constantly make references and relations to the notions and themes that are contained within Shakespeare’s Work. My only advice to you with this topic, and it’s not major, would be to perhaps intertwine some words and quotes used in King Lear to make your message all the more intense and concrete. However, as always, you seem to never fail at impressing us with your writing and your work for this week was brilliant. No surprise! Thank you 🙂

https://beatricefait.wordpress.com/2017/04/24/blog-topic-week-8-2/

Shakespeare Blog Post 5

From the perspective of the moon, in a paragraph, describe the current situation on earth as you see it.

Night on earth is nothing but a dark, empty void. A nothingness to the planet, where humans become lost, isolated and lonely. A place where an individual’s own thoughts become lost within the night, where their struggle for answers lay but are yet to be retrieved. This was night on earth before I gifted it with light. Light for them to find their own way, to realise their sociability, and for them to never feel alone again. I, the Moon, gave earth light and definition, and now, these human are limitless in the night.

However, what is this struggle that I sense within this planet? Oh my, what a catastrophe! Why are bonds being broken? Why are hearts turning cold? This is certainly not a picturesque sight. Wait, I sense more. I believe that there is more to learn at this dark time. This struggle… is between families? Deceitful daughters are gaining privilege to their dying father’s land over a daughter that is pure and honest. And she is banished?! How could he disown and exile his only truthful daughter? And what is this over here? A father puts more trust into a illegitimate son rather than the biological one. He too is exiled?! Dark times on earth are nearby, and sorry I feel not for these fathers, but my deepest sympathy’s are sent to those that loved them purely. I can’t help but continue to watch.

Oh the irony! Lear and Gloucester, I believe, have gone to beg for forgiveness? How the tables have turned. Such a wretched sequence of events I’m witnessing. Death and betrayal… this is unforgivable. Earth, please! May I ask that you cast a cloud of sorrow and regret? I can’t allow light to shine upon this country at such a time…

Fourth Peer Review

Jesse, I’ve decided to write another review on your blog for this week as I’ve felt more satisfied in giving my opinion as well as giving any assistive tips in relation to the blogs our peers have written. I believe I have come along way since my first peer review on your blog!

Now, in relation to your blog… I enjoyed reading your blog for this week. After each week, I end up analysing your blogs and it’s seemed that you have become a remarkable writer as the weeks have gone by. Your writing is of great quality and you tend to really draw me in as a result. You have smoothly executed your appraisal on the works Prospero Fontana and Giulio Procaccini and have really given me in particular (as I did not attend the excursion) a perfectly adequate understanding of the paintings. I respect the way you constantly gave your own personal reflection in regards to the pieces of art, it gave me more of an insight into one’s own personal experience.

The only piece of advice I will give you is making sure that you relate both the paintings back to Shakespeare and the Renaissance a little bit more. I feel like the comparison between the works of art and our unit wasn’t brought out enough. However, you did well overall and I’m proud of you!

Like you have said, you’re a best friend of mine and I’m always happy when watching you grow! Keep up the good work my brother. Much love! 🙂 

https://jesseshakespeare.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/fourth-shakespeare-blog-post-week-6-friday-7th-of-april/

Shakespeare Blog Post 4

Unfortunately last week, I wasn’t able to attend the excursion to the NSW Art Gallery and Sydney’s State Library. However, I was able to grasp some relatively important information through Michael Griffith’s Blog through the audio file that was uploaded, through his lecture and through some of my fellow peers. In particular, a best friend of mine at the University, Jesse Owad, ensured me with some vital points that were extracted throughout the excursion.

This week is my first week in establishing a ‘Creative Blog’. As nerve-racking as it is, I was hit with an impulsive idea on Nicolò dell’Abate’s illustration, ‘A Portrait of a Gentleman with a Falcon’. Since there are no wrong or right answers with a creative blog, I thought this would be some great practise and useful time to be CREATIVE.

Chose any one of the paintings that you fell in love with yesterday and write the back story behind the painting. In other words imagine the artist, the sitter, the event that produced this painting and describe the painting itself with as much rich detail as you possibly can.

‘How’, you ask me? How does one like myself ascertain such gifted abilities of knowledge and wisdom? How does one like myself contain such foresight, such forethought and such focus in this age? How is one like myself empowered with such an honourable role in thy majesty’s kingdom?

Yet, my appearance, you say, does not look to play the part? Ha, ha. Then perhaps, what would I best play the character for? You’re not sure, I assumed. Well, if you’re interest to my stand is at it’s ends, then listen close.

Every ‘opportunity’ you encounter must not be taken for granted, seize it and ensure that the greatest possible outcome is endured. Everything is perfectly executed with ‘speed’. When you can fulfil as such with swift motion, the outcome is more in favoured of yourself. To be basking in such fruits of this kingdom, one, like myself, must be ‘determined’ and ‘precise’. Without these qualities, how will you manage to meet your goal? Undying ‘service’ to thy majesty and his kingdom is an obligation one must understand and completely commit to. A ‘Vision of Victory’ is essential. With such vision, it will be difficult to fail. All of these qualities have gifted me with wisdom and knowledge, have giving me foresight and vision, and have conclusively placed me in such a role.

Well, I’m glad you’re starting to understand what I am trying to educate you with. However, I still see doubt in your eyes. Why is that? Why do you doubt such a trusted ally? Why do you doubt a messenger on a mission? I bring aid to this kingdom in extraordinary ways! What?… Oh, I see now…

Is it because I’m a Falcon?

A Portrait of a Gentleman with a Falcon

Third Peer Review

Hey Beatrice, I was glad that I stumbled upon your blog for this week because I found myself completely engaged with it. Right off the mark, you drew me in by showcasing your reflective thoughts on the question and poem, ‘What is the central complaint that underlines Raleigh’s poem ‘What is Our Life’. You did well in addressing what connotations are brought forth, not only from this fascinating piece of literature, but as well as the writer himself. I agreed with you when you mentioned that Raleigh seems to draw the reader’s attention to the meaning and concept of life as he, very much, succeeded by indulging myself also. A reason as to why I was engaged with your blog was because I deeply appreciated how you constantly referred to quotes and verses, and then how you deconstructed Raleigh’s words in order to give your personal view whilst answering the question. You initially noted that you appreciated a poem of this sort as it brings people, like yourself and I, to reflect and reason about life and issues within it as well as extracting fascinating ideas. I agree 100% as the poem did the exact same for me. The poem brought an ironic view to life upon me by exemplifying it as a ‘joke’, however making it heavily clear that it is far from that. You adequately related your words back to the question, just keep in mind, not to stray too far from the question. You did well in answering the question and providing self-reflection, and in my opinion, I would have love to see how you intertwined the both in your blog, but it was well worth the read anyway so well done! I also loved how reminisced on Giacomo Leopardi and compared his work to that of Raleigh’s, you gave me interesting ideas for what the concept of life is and as for future blogging also. Thanks heaps!

https://beatricefait.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/blog-topic-week-5-2/

Shakespeare Blog Post 3

What is the central complaint that underlines Raleigh’s poem “The Lie”?

‘The Lie’ is a very fascinating piece of literature to scrutinise. It initialised as slightly arduous poem to interpret, however, through constant analysis, it was established to be all the more indulging. Sir Walter Raleigh, observant through his life, work and literature, was breathing in a very cynical and contemptuous period of time, where even the slightest of false movements can place you in a very prejudiced scenario. The Lie, in my opinion, acts as a voice of succour and fortitude for those whom were unfairly exploited, as Raleigh was, and underlies a central complaint.

The complaint that is embedded within the poem is that the essence of the world, and everything within it, is corrupt. Profoundly speaking, everything within the world that proclaims to be of virtuous and ethical value, when it is in fact, depraved and black-hearted. This is made clear where he ‘send’s his soul, the body’s guest, on a thankless errand to tell the world the lie, since his needs must die.’ Those that profess, in Raleigh’s eyes, are the ‘church and court’, the ‘potentates’, ‘the men of high condition’. Through each stanza, he confronts the such prominent groups and consociations by ordering his guiltless and blameless soul to expose their corruption and displaying the truth of their false implementations to the world. He wants to ‘tell the wit it wrangles’, to ‘tell physic of her boldness’, to ‘tell the fortune of her blindness’, and to ‘tell the arts they have no soundness’.

In essence, he solely wishes to tell the world the truth of their lies. The final stanza illustrates why he sends his soul to exploit this central complaint rather than himself. Souls are immortal, unlike Raleigh who is mortal. Therefore, be they ‘stabbed over and over’, they cannot die. This creates an intense atmosphere where he is placed to into a desperate state due to the gravity of the elite’s deceit.

The Truth Made of Lies