Scott Pero
AP English Language 11
September 28, 2009
Pride and Prejudice Analysis
Throughout Mr. Collins’ proposal to Elizabeth, there are multiple errors that arise, rendering the appeal ineffective. Mr. Collins’ proposal is ineffective because it is built solely upon reason, he is condescending towards his audience, and he uses the wrong diction in certain areas of it.
The first area that Mr. Collins approaches is the reasons as to why he should marry Elizabeth. This is the wrong order in which to organize a speech. First, Collins should have established his character, or why he should be listened to. Instead of character, the logic he gives is not at all the kind to use when proposing to a woman: “‘My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in…to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness, and thirdly…that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honor of calling patroness’” (Jane Austen). His reasons for marrying are because He should set an example for others, he believes it will make him happy, and his relative thought he should. You should marry someone because you love them and want to be with them, not reasons like the ones Collins gave.
Collins frequently talks down to Elizabeth. Throughout most of the speech, it is because she is a woman: “‘It is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly man to accept…and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long’” (Austen). Elizabeth would like nothing more than to be rid of Mr. Collins and never marry him. Collins says it is because she is a woman and they like to toy with men’s hearts before they give in. This type of male sexism is a fault of Collins. Collins should have fit his words to his audience, meaning he shouldn’t have belittled the female gender when talking to a woman.
Proper word choice is something that is lost on Collins. Throughout the excerpt, he uses words that fit neither the situation nor the meaning he wishes to convey: “‘And you may be certain that when I have the honor of seeing her again I shall speak in the highest terms of your modesty, economy, and other amiable qualities’” (Austen). His diction is far too proper for a marriage proposal. While proposing does warrant a certain quota of formality, his words convey barely any emotion. He is basically saying how beneficial she would be as a wife and how perfectly compatible she would be with him, but nothing about how he loves her. No one wants to hear the specifics and technicalities of a relationship; they only want to know that the other person feels the same as they do. These poor choices in vocabulary are among a plethora of mistakes that culminate in Mr. Collins’ ultimate loss.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Huck Finn Notes of Societal Critique...hope this is ok X/
Scott Pero
AP English 11
September 15, 2009
Huck Finn Notes on Societal Critique
Societal Critique
--“‘You do a girl terrible poor, but you might fool men, maybe…Why, I spotted you for a boy when you was threading the needle; and I contrived the other things to make certain’” (Twain, 72) In this quote Twain shows a distinct separation between Men and Women in society. The woman naturally notices subtle aspect’s of Huck’s nature that are common to men but not to women.
--In the section where Huck is taken in by the Grangerfords, Twain introduces another critique: “‘Has this one been going on long, Buck?’ ‘Well I should reckon! It started thirty year ago, or som’ers along there’ ‘What was the trouble about, Buck?—land?’ ‘Well, who done the shooting?’ ‘Laws, how do I know? It was so long ago’” (118) Here, Huck asks Buck what exactly the feud between the two families is about, and Buck basically says he does not know for sure. This shows a critique of the South’s hostility. Even after thirty years of fighting—and forgetting the reason the fighting started in the first place—these two families are still going at it. They would fight anyone, as they hold a gun to Huck when he first steps on their doorstep.
--Morality also plays a major role in the text. The King and the Duke are common examples of immorality, and here, Huck functions as a symbol of morality in response: “I says to myself, this is a girl that I’m letting that old reptle rob her out of her money!...I felt so ornery and low down and mean, that I says to myself, My mind’s made up; I’ll hive that money for them or bust” (188). He doesn’t want the sweet innocent girls to get screwed over by the con men, so Huck makes a moral decision. Immorality is a flaw that Twain is critiquing, using Huck to do so.
--As is common in the Antebellum South, everyone is separated by color. Slavery is prominent in these lands, and so blacks are not treated the same as way. Jim is a perfect example of that, as he is a runaway slave. If he is caught, he will be shipped away to a plantation or servitude. He isn’t treated the same as other character because of his skin color, and he must always remain in hiding while everyone else walks free.
AP English 11
September 15, 2009
Huck Finn Notes on Societal Critique
Societal Critique
--“‘You do a girl terrible poor, but you might fool men, maybe…Why, I spotted you for a boy when you was threading the needle; and I contrived the other things to make certain’” (Twain, 72) In this quote Twain shows a distinct separation between Men and Women in society. The woman naturally notices subtle aspect’s of Huck’s nature that are common to men but not to women.
--In the section where Huck is taken in by the Grangerfords, Twain introduces another critique: “‘Has this one been going on long, Buck?’ ‘Well I should reckon! It started thirty year ago, or som’ers along there’ ‘What was the trouble about, Buck?—land?’ ‘Well, who done the shooting?’ ‘Laws, how do I know? It was so long ago’” (118) Here, Huck asks Buck what exactly the feud between the two families is about, and Buck basically says he does not know for sure. This shows a critique of the South’s hostility. Even after thirty years of fighting—and forgetting the reason the fighting started in the first place—these two families are still going at it. They would fight anyone, as they hold a gun to Huck when he first steps on their doorstep.
--Morality also plays a major role in the text. The King and the Duke are common examples of immorality, and here, Huck functions as a symbol of morality in response: “I says to myself, this is a girl that I’m letting that old reptle rob her out of her money!...I felt so ornery and low down and mean, that I says to myself, My mind’s made up; I’ll hive that money for them or bust” (188). He doesn’t want the sweet innocent girls to get screwed over by the con men, so Huck makes a moral decision. Immorality is a flaw that Twain is critiquing, using Huck to do so.
--As is common in the Antebellum South, everyone is separated by color. Slavery is prominent in these lands, and so blacks are not treated the same as way. Jim is a perfect example of that, as he is a runaway slave. If he is caught, he will be shipped away to a plantation or servitude. He isn’t treated the same as other character because of his skin color, and he must always remain in hiding while everyone else walks free.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
CoMC Notes Dos
Scott Pero
AP English Language
September 10, 2009
CoMC Notes on Honor
Suicides
--“‘Blood washes out dishonour!’ said Morrel” (Dumas, 184). This quote sums up the reason why some characters committed suicide—in the book, and apparently during the time it is set in, suicide is an honorable way to die.
--Monsieur Morrel plans to kill himself for honor: “‘If I lived, you would be ashamed of my name” (185). Morrel decides to kill himself because he would rather die the day he could not keep his word rather than live on with the shame that he could not.
--Another who committed suicide is Monsieur de Morcerf, formerly Fernand Mondego. After he as been publicly dishonoured, and his wife and son have left him, he shoots himself: “At the very moment when the wheels of that cab passed under the arched gate, a report was heard, and dark smoke issued through the glass of the bedroom window, which had been broken by the force of the explosion” (487). It should be noted that his suicide can be looked upon in two ways: he killed himself because he had no honor left, or that he was dishonored so much that he killed himself before it got any worse, thus preserving his reputation before it was insulted further.
--Madame de Villefort also killed herself after her husband forced her to: “I do not wish to dishonour you, for in doing so, I should bring dishonour on myself…I mean that the wife of the first magistrate will not, by her infamy, sully an unblemished name and, with one blow, bring dishonour on her husband and her child” (560). Here, it is revealed that Monsieur de Villefort is coercing his wife into suicide in the name of the family’s honor.
Albert’s Duel with the Count
--At first, when Albert hears of the humiliation brought down upon his father, he confronts the person he believes is responsible (Monsieur Danglars) only to find that it was really the Count of Monte Cristo’s doing.
--Also, after he vows to duel the person responsible, his attitude towards his father changes: “‘Mother, do you know whether Monsieur de Morcerf has any enemies?’ Albert asked. Mercédès started; she noticed the young man did not say ‘my father’” (461).
--Nothing seems to stop Albert: “‘So long as I understand your perfidies and make you realize that I will be revenged, I am reasonable enough,’” (464). Though his father was the one dishonored, Albert still feels he himself must be avenged.
--Monte Cristo also feels he must fight for honor: “‘If you say everything, madame, you also saw that Fernand’s son insulted me in public…he would have thrown his glove in my face but that one of my friends held back his arm” (469). Even after Mercédès convinces Monte Cristo to spare Albert’s life, he still upholds his honor: “‘ You cannot suppose I have the least desire to live after I have been publicly insulted…what I have loved most after you, Mercédès, has been myself, that means to say, my dignity, the force that made me superior to others. This force was life to me. You have broken it, and I must die!’” (473). Even Monte Cristo expresses the idea that to be dishonored is to be condemned to death.
--At the duel, Albert does not wish to fight the Count, mostly and Monte Cristo believes it was, in some aspect, Mercédès’ doing. “‘I therefore say to you, and proclaim it aloud, that you were justified in revenging yourself on my father, and I, his son, thank you for not having done more…if you consider this apology sufficient give me your hand…Monsieur de Monte Cristo accepts my apology. I was guilty of a rash act, but have now made reparation for my fault. I trust the world will not look upon me as a coward because I have followed the dictates of my conscience’” (477). Albert does the noble thing to do and apologizes, seeing clearly now that his father was meant to be dishonored, and in doing so Albert himself retains his honor.
AP English Language
September 10, 2009
CoMC Notes on Honor
Suicides
--“‘Blood washes out dishonour!’ said Morrel” (Dumas, 184). This quote sums up the reason why some characters committed suicide—in the book, and apparently during the time it is set in, suicide is an honorable way to die.
--Monsieur Morrel plans to kill himself for honor: “‘If I lived, you would be ashamed of my name” (185). Morrel decides to kill himself because he would rather die the day he could not keep his word rather than live on with the shame that he could not.
--Another who committed suicide is Monsieur de Morcerf, formerly Fernand Mondego. After he as been publicly dishonoured, and his wife and son have left him, he shoots himself: “At the very moment when the wheels of that cab passed under the arched gate, a report was heard, and dark smoke issued through the glass of the bedroom window, which had been broken by the force of the explosion” (487). It should be noted that his suicide can be looked upon in two ways: he killed himself because he had no honor left, or that he was dishonored so much that he killed himself before it got any worse, thus preserving his reputation before it was insulted further.
--Madame de Villefort also killed herself after her husband forced her to: “I do not wish to dishonour you, for in doing so, I should bring dishonour on myself…I mean that the wife of the first magistrate will not, by her infamy, sully an unblemished name and, with one blow, bring dishonour on her husband and her child” (560). Here, it is revealed that Monsieur de Villefort is coercing his wife into suicide in the name of the family’s honor.
Albert’s Duel with the Count
--At first, when Albert hears of the humiliation brought down upon his father, he confronts the person he believes is responsible (Monsieur Danglars) only to find that it was really the Count of Monte Cristo’s doing.
--Also, after he vows to duel the person responsible, his attitude towards his father changes: “‘Mother, do you know whether Monsieur de Morcerf has any enemies?’ Albert asked. Mercédès started; she noticed the young man did not say ‘my father’” (461).
--Nothing seems to stop Albert: “‘So long as I understand your perfidies and make you realize that I will be revenged, I am reasonable enough,’” (464). Though his father was the one dishonored, Albert still feels he himself must be avenged.
--Monte Cristo also feels he must fight for honor: “‘If you say everything, madame, you also saw that Fernand’s son insulted me in public…he would have thrown his glove in my face but that one of my friends held back his arm” (469). Even after Mercédès convinces Monte Cristo to spare Albert’s life, he still upholds his honor: “‘ You cannot suppose I have the least desire to live after I have been publicly insulted…what I have loved most after you, Mercédès, has been myself, that means to say, my dignity, the force that made me superior to others. This force was life to me. You have broken it, and I must die!’” (473). Even Monte Cristo expresses the idea that to be dishonored is to be condemned to death.
--At the duel, Albert does not wish to fight the Count, mostly and Monte Cristo believes it was, in some aspect, Mercédès’ doing. “‘I therefore say to you, and proclaim it aloud, that you were justified in revenging yourself on my father, and I, his son, thank you for not having done more…if you consider this apology sufficient give me your hand…Monsieur de Monte Cristo accepts my apology. I was guilty of a rash act, but have now made reparation for my fault. I trust the world will not look upon me as a coward because I have followed the dictates of my conscience’” (477). Albert does the noble thing to do and apologizes, seeing clearly now that his father was meant to be dishonored, and in doing so Albert himself retains his honor.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
CoMC Notes-Hope this is long enough :/
Scott Pero
AP English Language
September 9, 2009
Notes-Dantès as God
Dantès as God
-Edmond takes on God’s role as the Punisher, punishing those he sees as ‘in need of punishment’, or those that harmed him.
-“Mercédès said these words with such infinite sadness and in such tones of despair that they wrung a sob from the Count’s throat. The lion was tamed, the avenger was overcome! ‘What do you ask of me?’ [Edmond] said, “Your son’s life? Well, then, he shall live!’” (Dumas, 472) Here, Edmond takes on the role of a merciful god, sparing Albert’s life.
-Edmond can be compared to God in the fact that both had paradises: God’s being Heaven, and Edmond’s being the Isle of Monte Cristo.
-Edmond tried to control everything around him, like an all-powerful God would be able to do.
-Edmond doubted whether God was with him: “Monte Cristo turned pale at the frightful sight. Realizing that he had passed beyond the bounds of vengeance, he felt he could no longer say: ‘God is for me and with me’” (567) In this instance, Edmond acts like Jesus when he was on the cross, wondering whether God had forsaken him or not.
-Like God, Edmond’s guise as the Count of Monte Cristo is mysterious. When he first appears among Parisian aristocrats, they all want to know more about him. They didn’t know his background or even that there was a Count of Monte Cristo. The desire to learn more about a mysterious figure depicts Edmond as a God-like figure among Parisian high society.
-Edmond’s plans, like God’s, toy with others lives. Edward’s life is taken as a result of Edmond’s actions, like God smiting someone according to his own plan.
-“There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness” (Chapter 117) –Here, in the letter Edmond writes to Maximilian, he reveals that he fooled him into believing Valentine was dead as a lesson, a lesson Edmond himself faced. Gods of many faiths have been known to put people through great stress and toil to learn a lesson, the most common being Jesus suffering on the cross.
AP English Language
September 9, 2009
Notes-Dantès as God
Dantès as God
-Edmond takes on God’s role as the Punisher, punishing those he sees as ‘in need of punishment’, or those that harmed him.
-“Mercédès said these words with such infinite sadness and in such tones of despair that they wrung a sob from the Count’s throat. The lion was tamed, the avenger was overcome! ‘What do you ask of me?’ [Edmond] said, “Your son’s life? Well, then, he shall live!’” (Dumas, 472) Here, Edmond takes on the role of a merciful god, sparing Albert’s life.
-Edmond can be compared to God in the fact that both had paradises: God’s being Heaven, and Edmond’s being the Isle of Monte Cristo.
-Edmond tried to control everything around him, like an all-powerful God would be able to do.
-Edmond doubted whether God was with him: “Monte Cristo turned pale at the frightful sight. Realizing that he had passed beyond the bounds of vengeance, he felt he could no longer say: ‘God is for me and with me’” (567) In this instance, Edmond acts like Jesus when he was on the cross, wondering whether God had forsaken him or not.
-Like God, Edmond’s guise as the Count of Monte Cristo is mysterious. When he first appears among Parisian aristocrats, they all want to know more about him. They didn’t know his background or even that there was a Count of Monte Cristo. The desire to learn more about a mysterious figure depicts Edmond as a God-like figure among Parisian high society.
-Edmond’s plans, like God’s, toy with others lives. Edward’s life is taken as a result of Edmond’s actions, like God smiting someone according to his own plan.
-“There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness” (Chapter 117) –Here, in the letter Edmond writes to Maximilian, he reveals that he fooled him into believing Valentine was dead as a lesson, a lesson Edmond himself faced. Gods of many faiths have been known to put people through great stress and toil to learn a lesson, the most common being Jesus suffering on the cross.
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