MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It is most certainly Christmas! And guess what! I love all of you! Even Sara!

CRAM SESH PT 2- Oedipus Rex

The first thing I think of when I hear Oedipus Rex (other then the motherly love) is sight vs. blindness and a theme statement I'd use for this would be: One's hubris will block them from seeing the entire truth. This not only relates to sight vs. blindness but also excessive pride. A quote I thought would work for this is, "I stopped the sphinx! With no help from the birds..." this quote shows the the lack of truth Oedipus is unable to face due to his hubris.

Rather off topic

Here's something interesting I found: apparently the Moai people believed that the Easter Island statue heads which they created helped grow crops.  It also happens that they were correct, though maybe not for a spiritual or religious reason; the Easter Island heads were constructed out of mineral rich clay and sediment from beneath the surface of the island, and combined with the supply of water and sunlight plants grown next to them were able to grow quickly due to their habitable environment.  Here's the video I saw about that: https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/world/2019/12/16/mystery-easter-islands-moai-solved/2662453001/

CRAM SESH- Hamlet

So we all know the story of Hamlet, king killed by brother who then marries the queen, son finds out and spends 4 hours worth of lines to kill the king. A main topic in this play is action vs. inaction and a theme statement to coincide with that thought could be: Taking action will ultimately move on forward while remaining indecisive will leave them in place. An easy to remember quote could be, "To be or not to be, that is the question," because Hamlet is questioning killing himself in this soliloquy.

Potential English exam topic discussion?

I can see a possible comparison between Hamlet's theme of inaction and 100 Years of Solitude's theme of history repeating itself.  In particular with the Aureliano(s) of the Buendia family, who characteristically seclude themselves and avoid confrontation, dooming themselves to repeat the faults of their predecessors.  Much like Hamlet, who chooses to wait in favor of killing Claudius each time he is presented the chance until the end of the play.  Given that this post is being made the night before the exam, what other comparisons between themes could be made between the literature we've read this semester?  

A loose comparison can also be drawn between Oedipus's theme of sophrosyne and Jose Arcadio Buendia's (and the Arcadio line in general) obsession with the sciences and advancement of Macondo, which eventually leads to his seclusion and loss of sanity.  His "rejection of sophrosyne" dooms him, much like Oedipus also is doomed for his hubris.  

The Ending!!!

I just wanted to make this post to gauge your opinions on the ending of Hamlet. In my opinion, it was a pretty satisfying ending, as justice was served in Claudius’ death. However, it was quite sad to see characters who were not necessarily evil, like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and even Gertrude, die in the final scene. Further, Hamlet’s death was very surprising, but I understand that it was bound to happen due to the play’s label as being a tragedy. What do you guys think of the ending, though? Was it sufficient or should there have more or fewer deaths?

The Movie

I really like the scenery in the Hamlet movie. Ms. Ross and I have extensively talked about the tiled floors, the many windows and the intricate designs of the bookcase doors. This allows, as you have seen, for many of the scenes and traps in the play to take place. I generally like the movie, it's filled with many talented actors as well as very good camera work. What did you guys think of these things? I can say I thought the camera work for The Mousetrap scene was very well done. Do you guys think there were too many windows and mirrors, or too few?