These are the questions I think this movie answers:::
3) Do we have the freedom to choose for ourselves?
I think this question is answered because in the movie, Harold's freedom goes as far as the narrator's voice. He has no control until the woman begins to talk again. This shows that we don't have the freedom to chose for ourselves. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus isn't really choosing for himself. His freedom was already predicted and decided. His freedom goes as far as the prophecy told.
5) How can we know if we are really making the choice?
This question is also answered because Harold's decisions are made because of the narrator. They are either made out of paranoia or the way his environment, both adulthood and childhood.
In Oedipus, his choices are made because of his determined fate.
7) Can we change our fate?
I don't believe we can change our fate. In the movie, Harold's fate still resulted him being hit by the bus. In Oedipus Rex, his fate still resulted in him killing his father and sleeping with his mother. Both have to except their fate.
Do you believe? (09.07.08)
Prompt: Most of us in the modern world believe that we are in control of our own actions and we have the freewill to determine our future. The ancient Greeks felt differently about this idea. Perhaps you may also feel that there is a destiny awaiting you. Before you make a rash choice, think about the following in relation to the life you live. Some philosophers believe that our actions are shaped by our environment and our DNA. Those philosophers use the term "determinism." Your life is solely determined by those two major factors. Muse about the possibilities of all three: complete freewill, destiny and determinism. Which of those seem more plausible to you and why? Can you think of a situation in which the three could coexist? Do they all exist together or does one idea/belief override others?
Answer: I believe humans mold their own life by their own actions. I believe destiny is either a goal or the path you pave for yourself and walk down. Either that path is where you want to go, or you half-assed that path and it got you nowhere. Destiny is more of a sugar-coated word for "either you make it or fail". Who you become is what you work for. I believe free will is the most plausible of the three. There is no gene that detirmines you're future. Free will is more understanding to me because I beleive if you want anything in life, you have to work for it somehow in someway, form, or fashion. Nothing comes because of destiny, and nothing comes because of DNA. None of the rich hotshots today became who they are today by any of those things. It took lots of work and freewill. Freewill over rules both of those.
Battle Royale: Who's he battling?
Pompt: "Battle Royale" is a complex story, at the very least. If the narrator's story is symbolic of a black man's struggle in America(therefore, the narrator needs no specific name), and his struggle to find dignity, what are the forces which battle against him? Each of the narrator's events/situations/dilemmas is symbolic of a larger, abstract idea. Choose one of these situations and explain what they are symbolic of, and how do the situations contribute to the overall meaning of the story. The scene with the prostitute, the boxing match, the grappling for the fake money and the narrator's final speech. How does the title reflect the meaning of the story?
Answer: The title of the story goes along with the meaning. In the story the character is fighting for a scholarship, but it seems he's fighting for his life. It seems that he's trying way too hard for something that's not really worth it. The boxing scene shows just how vulnerable he is and how blind he is to reality. In reality he could go some place else for that scholarship, but the white men basically used him for their entertainment. In the scene when the black men in the room were scattering around and knocking each other for what they thought to be real money, but it was fake tokens. Its a sign of a closed or blinded mindset. The hooker's connection is the red, white, and blue on her face, and the american flag tattoed on her belly. The hooker could represent america, but I think she represents america, but the opposite of the "american dream". Some people say prostitution is a powerful job, but to others prostitution is a weak and sad job. In a way, the hooker is the love america, and then again the hatred of america. The character says he wants to cover her and tear apart at the same time. To cover someone means you care, but then to tear apart that person puts a twist on it. All in all, the main character is battling for something that can be replenished and he is humiliated in the process. He is battling reality. He's battling the ability to see things for what they really are.
My Thought: In the end result he did get the scholarship, but what if he actually lost that battle. I wonder if it would be still called "Battle Royale"? What if we read the same story, but through the view of the other boys that were in that same situation?
Answer: The title of the story goes along with the meaning. In the story the character is fighting for a scholarship, but it seems he's fighting for his life. It seems that he's trying way too hard for something that's not really worth it. The boxing scene shows just how vulnerable he is and how blind he is to reality. In reality he could go some place else for that scholarship, but the white men basically used him for their entertainment. In the scene when the black men in the room were scattering around and knocking each other for what they thought to be real money, but it was fake tokens. Its a sign of a closed or blinded mindset. The hooker's connection is the red, white, and blue on her face, and the american flag tattoed on her belly. The hooker could represent america, but I think she represents america, but the opposite of the "american dream". Some people say prostitution is a powerful job, but to others prostitution is a weak and sad job. In a way, the hooker is the love america, and then again the hatred of america. The character says he wants to cover her and tear apart at the same time. To cover someone means you care, but then to tear apart that person puts a twist on it. All in all, the main character is battling for something that can be replenished and he is humiliated in the process. He is battling reality. He's battling the ability to see things for what they really are.
My Thought: In the end result he did get the scholarship, but what if he actually lost that battle. I wonder if it would be still called "Battle Royale"? What if we read the same story, but through the view of the other boys that were in that same situation?
Is he or isn't he?? "The Man With the Enormous Wings"
Prompt:
Choose one side or the other, and illustrate your belief in whether or not the man with the enormous wings is just that or he symbolizes some abstract idea. First state your side, and then justify your opinion with evidence from the text (one quote will do) and then explain, given what side you choose, what you think the story means.
Choose one side or the other, and illustrate your belief in whether or not the man with the enormous wings is just that or he symbolizes some abstract idea. First state your side, and then justify your opinion with evidence from the text (one quote will do) and then explain, given what side you choose, what you think the story means.
Answer:
The man with wings was an angel. This story also shows the ignorance of mankind. How stupid and fashist we can be. When the man with wings was put in the cage, that showed a big symbol. When we put things in cages, we are trying to limit or give bounderies to things we are possibly afraid of, or unfamiliar with.
The man with wings was an angel. This story also shows the ignorance of mankind. How stupid and fashist we can be. When the man with wings was put in the cage, that showed a big symbol. When we put things in cages, we are trying to limit or give bounderies to things we are possibly afraid of, or unfamiliar with.
Cathedral
Why was this such a perfect ending for this story?
The ending was perfect because it shows the slight difference made in a narrow-minded person's brain. Sometimes when a person is faced with another person or situation that's totally different from their's, they get a little distant and stereotypical. The blind man shows that he's no different from any man walking down the street. He shows how much of an intellect he is, and the husband is a little amazed.
The ending was perfect because it shows the slight difference made in a narrow-minded person's brain. Sometimes when a person is faced with another person or situation that's totally different from their's, they get a little distant and stereotypical. The blind man shows that he's no different from any man walking down the street. He shows how much of an intellect he is, and the husband is a little amazed.
This I Believe...[FINAL]
I believe in the love of grandfathers. On May 10, 2006 my grandfather died. His name was John Hicks. He was a powerful, cool, and wrote music that touched your soul. He was a jazz pianist and soon I will follow in his footsteps. Most of his songs had funny names. Like, Peanutbutter in the Desert, and Bouncing With Bud. They were random, but unique titles. He was a very fun, and intellectual guy. You could talk to him about anything, and he'd always know what you were talking about. I remember him teaching me how to yo-yo when I was about 6 or 7. And I still never got it, but just the fun memories. And anytime we went with him to a concert, he'd always point out his daughter, and grandbaby. It was the love that fills my heart. Sure it was sad when he died, but death is like a new beginning. Its a new journey. Death is not something to fear. People seem to be more afraid of life than death, but what I remember about my grandfather, is he would always play every song with his full intention. He'd give every solo his best. He'd tell you anything you needed to know. He is the ideal person I want to live like. I remember him as a social butterfly. He could drink with you and talk until the next morning. He would never hurt a fly, but if someone hurt someone close to him, he'd beat them in an instant. I always and still to this day look up to him. He isn't dead to me. He never feared death so why should I? He believed in living life to the fullest. Including making your mistakes and fixing them in the process. His theory was to do things wrong before you get them right. He always had thoughts that helped you. Grandfathers are always full of knowledge and love. I believe in the love of grandfathers if I don't believe in anything else. Grandfathers rock.
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