Jane Eyre Intertextual Analysis

The main characters in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley share similar qualities in their struggles with society. Jane and the monster are raised in a society where they are not wanted. The Reeds verbally and physically abuse Jane to silence and fear. For example, John Reed took advantage of his status to abuse her for no reason: "I instinctively started aside with a cry of alarm: not soon enough, however; the volume was flung, it hit me, and I fell, striking my head against the door and cutting it" (Bronte 10). Like Jane, the monster gets abused without any real justification: "Felix darted forward, and with supernatural force tore me from his father, to whose knees I clung: in transport of fury, he dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick" (Shelley 97). The abusers were people that Jane and the monster wished to be loved by. After being tormented for so long, the two began to view themselves poorly. Jane believed she was a "the most wicked and abandoned child ever reared under a roof. [...] [She] only felt bad feelings surging in [her] breast" (Bronte 27). Likewise, the monster questioned his existence: "Was I, then, a monster, a blot upon the earth, from which all men fled and whom all men disowned?" (Shelley 85). Due to these feelings, the two believed they would be better off living on the dark side. Jane was "conscious that a moment's mutiny had already rendered [her] liable to strange penalties, and, like any other rebel slave, [she] felt resolved, in [her] desperation, to go all lengths" (Bronte 12). After getting shot, the monster resorted to a similar conclusion: "My daily vows rose for revenge- a deep and deadly revenge, such as would alone compensate for the outrages and anguish I had endured" (Shelley 101). The two characters did, however, have a softer side in agreeing that one should be loved by another. Jane "always took [her] doll [to her crib because she believed] human beings must love something" (Bronte 28). The monster begged Frankenstein to "create a female for [him], with whom [he] can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for [his] being" (Shelley 104). I strongly believe that Jane and the monster would have been great platonic friends. Each would understand the other very well.

Intertextual Analysis: Frankenstein & Into the Wild Clips

Victor and Chris set out on similar journeys, endeavoring to fulfill their desires. Although both characters have good intentions, they soon learn that one cannot live alone for so long. Chris believed that one must face the depth of the sea alone only with one's hands and head. He followed his belief and ended up realizing that "happiness is only real when shared." Victor also discovered the power of sharing happiness with another when Henry came to visit him. It was because of Henry that Victor recovered from his illness. When Henry brought Victor on the walk, Victor realized what he missed during his years in isolation: "I became the same happy creature who [...] loved and beloved by all, had no sorrow or care. When happy, inanimate nature had the power of bestowing on me the most delightful sensations" (Shelley 45). The two characters share the same spiritual connection with nature. Similar to Victor's love of nature, Chris mentions that the sea gives one the chance to feel strong. Sunshine also reminded him of happiness and his past. Unfortunately, the two men eventually hit rock bottom. Victor comes to the realization that all the "dreams that had been [his] food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now [...] hell to [him]" (36). Chris also ends up getting sick, depressed, and even begins to bleed within his body. Eventually, he dies an extremely sorrowful death. Fortunately, Victor had Henry to rejuvenate him, or else, he too could have ended his life in the same way.

Feminist Critique

Although there are some clever anti-feminist connections to many famous texts, we should not completely assume that the authors were women haters. It is important to understand that we took texts from the past and analyzed them on the terms of our modern society. The texts may seem to reinforce the oppression of real-life women, but we must remember that these texts were written in the context of society, in which such qualities were acceptable. The authors merely wrote texts that reflected the society they lived in. For example, Chaucer portrays Emily as a weak soul, who was denied the privilege to preserve her virginity. In this case, it does seem as though Chaucer is not being fair to his female character, but once again, it is important to remember that during the time this text was written, woman did not have important roles in society. Women were not even allowed to go to school and receive an education. Thus, it seems quite valid for Chaucer to portray his female characters as prizes, rather than real people. Girls were raised to get married and fulfill the duties of a wife. Likewise, Hippolyta was won to be Theseus' wife and Emily was married to Palamon. In Chaucer's defense, he was not really being a woman hater. He could have spoke of Emily and Hippolyta as powerful woman if society back then held women at such a high level. This is something we do not know for a fact, so it would be unfair to label him as this. However, in some instances, it is plausible that men saw women more as objects rather than their equals. For example, the author of Alice in Wonderland wrote this story after spying on his boss's daughter. Not only is this disgusting, but we can also infer his lack of courtesy he had for the daughter by respecting her privacy instead of looking at her as a means of pleasure.

Final Ideal Society

I did not trade my cards with anybody, but I have valid reasons. My goal was to have a balanced society. I chose Einstein, Beyonce, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Theresa, and Lieutenant Horatio Caine from CSI: Miami. As I spoke to some of my classmates, I noticed a common trend in the choices that were picked. Many students chose Einstein or Martin Luther King, Jr. as their societies' scholars and leaders, and a saintly figure, such as Gandhi or Mother Theresa. I found that others and I had similar goals in mind when deciding our societies, so I did not see a need to trade any of my people. However, I was offered a Kanye West card, which I refused. I believe Beyonce is the better choice because Kanye West could potentially introduce inappropriate ideas to my society's youth. I do not believe that he would be a good influence, which is why I was satisfied with the entertainer I had chosen. A flaw my society might have is having too much of a focus on structure and service. Beyonce is the only person I chose to promote a sociable society, but not all people may like what she has to offer. She represents one style of music and fashion that I would prefer, but not what others might like. I think my society also lacks a leader in extracurricular activities. There is nobody in my society, who promotes athletics or other activities besides service. Another flaw my society has is the lack of a person or player who connects the citizens together, such as a common enemy or a sports team. It is important for society to at least agree on one thing or else it might cause a division in its citizens. I believe my society contains the basic qualities I would like to be represented. I chose people who I thought not only reflected what should be most valued in a society, but also reflected concepts that are most important to me.

Ideal Society

In my ideal society, I would have a balance of morality, logic, and some social aspects. The five people that would best represent my society would be Lieutenant Horatio Caine from CSI: Miami, Beyonce, Albert Einstein, Mother Theresa, and Martin Luther King, Jr. I chose Lieutenant Horatio Caine to be the law enforcement and the government. On the show, he plays a prominent role in leading his police force into various investigations. There has yet to be a case that he struggles with. Caine uses his logic and reasoning to solve any crime he faces. I think having logic and reasoning is something crucial for one to have in order to live in a society. I chose Beyonce to be the entertainer, sexual being, and artist. Beyonce entertains others with her beautiful voice and steers away from making bad decisions. I think she is also a very classy woman, which is something I would like to promote in my society. There should be a sense of pride in one's appearance, but not arrogance. One should not look frumpy, but strive for an elegant look. Beyonce can also spread her sense of style with others to follow. She also has the presence of a good friend or sister. Albert Einstein would be the scientist, scholar, and teacher. Einstein is known for his inventions and with his intelligence, he can solve any mental or mechanical problem. His mind is extremely sharp, which I believe to be rare among people. He has a desire to learn and achieve further than many others. With his knowledge and brilliance, my society would have most of its problems solved. Mother Theresa would assist in bringing about morality. Everybody needs to experience the power of serving others. It is a special feeling that motivates one to do more. Mother Theresa would be the nurturer and mother figure. She would share her love and care with others. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be the leader and the enlightener. His powerful words left a mark on society. He started a movement that turned into a success and risked his life for society's good. This is a leader worth having; a leader who puts others before himself without seeking any benefits of being "in control". Not only have I balanced my logical and moral aspects of society with Horatio Caine and Einstein on one end and Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King, Jr. on the other, I also managed to create a very diverse society with many different cultural backgrounds!

10 Stages of Courtly Love

1.) Make sure your love interest is aware of you! If this involves going out of your way to pick up her dropped pen, then please do so.

2.) Once your love interest is aware that you exist, try to become her acquaintance or at least have a relationship with her that is not awkward. This could involve simply being partners with her for a school project or an in-class assignment. If it is a school project, be sure to get her number! It does not hurt to find an excuse to call!

3.) Through these small opportunities you have with her, make sure she gets to know you. For example, spark up a conversation while working on your assignment together. Make sure you do not focus the whole conversation around yourself! Ask her about herself too. It shows you care and are interested in what she has to say.

4.) If you have managed to engage in a variety of conversations with her, then you are on the right track. She will begin to view you more as a friend rather than an acquaintance. Note: Your goal is only to get her to know you! Do not be too friendly with her, or else she will label you as a good friend and nothing more.

5.) Do not constantly be the one to approach her. If she is interested in you, she will approach you also! If you believe you are the one making all the efforts, then I am afraid this is where the road ends. Do not waste your time and try to move on.

6.) If you have noticed her eagerness in looking for you in the hallway or her efforts in trying to talk to you, then it is time to show her your affection. When I say this, I do not mean attacking her with kisses, but simply look her in the eyes when you speak to her, listen to what she has to say, and most importantly, be respectful. Show her that whatever she says is important to you. When she is down, be that person who gives her a hug to make her feel better. Show her your concern if she is not feeling well. In other words, give her more care and attention than you normally would for anybody else.

7.) Now, if you are successfully doing this, then you should receive a similar response. This could involve her confiding her secrets to you or being caring towards you. For example, she might bake you cookies because she knows they are your favorite.

8.) When you feel her warmth and affection growing, then it is time for you to ask her out on a date. Do not ask her in an awkward manner. You two have built a special relationship, which means both of you have mutual feelings. As the guy, you need to step it up a notch and make her yours. If you have been successful in following these rules, then you should know that she LOVES being with you. This should make it easier for you to ask her out to dinner.

9.) When she agrees to go out with you, do NOT be nervous. This will show her that you want more than just a friendly relationship. If she says yes, then she is interested in the same as well, but do NOT ruin this opportunity!

10.) Engage in conversation like you normally would. When she is deeply looking into your eyes and smiling uncontrollably, you have gotten her in your grasp. Now, slowly open up to her and let her know how you feel about her. Ease into the conversation; there is no need to rush. If you do this correctly, she should express her mutual feelings to you. With this being said, ask her if she would like to be your girlfriend. You two have built a bond that can be worked off of, but also be aware of the fact that she may be thinking you are moving too fast. If this is the case, be respectful towards her feelings (as hard as it may be).

Essential Question #4 (Group 2)

Simplify and analyze Hrothgar's parting words to Beowulf, lines 1708-1767

In the beginning of Hrothgar's parting words, he mentions that "all things are in [God's] power" (1711). In other words, events that occur, such as "a noble man's mind to experience happiness" (1712-1713) are all God's doing. God determines the fate of people on earth. Hrothgar, then, talks about this noble man and how the blessings from God can cause arrogance to develop. This arrogance will steer into something "insufficient" (1732). With this arrogance, the noble man will forget "his destiny and disregard the honors given to him [by] God" (1735-1737). In other words, Hrothgar gives Beowulf an example of a noble man who allowed his blessings to make him an egotistical being and warns Beowulf to swallow his pride because it will or could hurt him. After giving Beowulf this warning, Hrothgar gives Beowulf an insight of his own experiences as a ruler. He speaks of how he thought the "time had come when [he] thought [he] had no enemies left on earth" (1756-1757), which turned out to be false when Grendel came along. Thus, he is also telling Beowulf to watch his back. Hrothgar thanks God at the end of his speech and, immediately after, tells Beowulf he will reward him with presents the next day. Two things are wrong with that statement. Hrothgar has been a horrible follower of God. He has guided his people into the opposite direction of God and sins almost every day; yet, he is thanking God. Another flaw is Beowulf's acceptance of these gifts. As a Christ figure, Beowulf should have no desire to accept gifts! He is known as a selfless man. Fortunately, we do find out later in the poem that he gives the gifts to the treasure-giver.