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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
poverty-against
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-sub-display?id=SMN0307H-0-379&method=date&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=Y&ic=Y&keyno=0000020583&0000020583=Y&leadiss=Y&auth_checked=Y#
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
on the waterfront
On the Waterfront
Fantastic, intriguing, and thought provoking are three ways I would choose to describe the 1954 movie, On the Waterfront. This black-and-white classic is not only an enjoyable watch, but also a very effective work of art. The film questions the difference between right and wrong while discussing the important issues of corruption, racketeering, and whistle blowing. While watching Terry and the dilemmas he gets himself into, you begin to question your own morals. You wonder what you would do, or hope you would do, if ever put in his shoes. Overall, I think that On the Waterfront is a highly effective film and definitely worth seeing.
Literary aspects play an important role in On the Waterfront. Characters are an example of this. Terry Malloy, Edie Doyle, and Johnny Friendly are the three main protagonists in the film. Terry Malloy propels the plot forward and commands attention when he sticks to his morals and does what no one would dare; tattles on the mob. Edie Doyle's role is important in that she encourages Terry to do the right thing and stand up for himself, and Johnny Friendly is the leader of the mob and the heart of the conflict. Another aspect is the setting. The movie takes place on New York's oppressive water docks and streets. The neighborhood is mostly poor and deprived with the exception of a few wealthy citizens. The setting helps the viewer to better understand the lives of the characters, set the scene, and emphasize the major conflict of racketeering. Symbolism is used frequently in On the Waterfront. Two symbols that are prominent throughout the film are hooks and the pigeons. The waterfront workers wear the sharp hooks that help them load and empty the crates over their shoulders. These represent the forces of Johnny Friendly's mob members that literally hang over them at the waterfront. The pigeons represent the waterfront workers. The workers are 'caged' in by the mob members and low on the power hierarchy just like the pigeons raised by Terry. Literary aspects like characters, setting, and symbols, help to make the film solid and original.
There are many dramatic aspects that can be found in On The Waterfront. Actors are an example of one. I think that Marlon Brando did an exceptional job at playing the role of Terry Malloy. In the beginning of the movie, Brando would make subtle motions that helped to describe his character. For instance, to show Terry's lack of confidence, Brando would look away when speaking to people, pull up his coat collar, and shrug when asked a question. However, as the film went on and Terry started to stand up for himself, Brando began acting like a tough guy and dropped his nervous habits. Unlike Brando, I think that casting Eva Marie Saint as Edie Doyle was a horrible choice. Saint seemed fake and unemotional. An example of this was when she found out that her brother was killed. Even though Saint was demanding to know about her brother's death and seemed to be distraught, her face told a completely different story. She showed no emotion through her expressions and you could clearly tell that she was acting. I did like Johnny Friendly being played as Lee J. Cobb. When I picture a mob member or gangster, I think of someone who is big and powerful looking. Cobb fits this description to the tee. His deep voice and broad shoulders added to his alpha look. Another dramatic aspect is the use of lighting. I think that the lighting was well used throughout the movie. When scenes were shot at the waterfront, outside it was dark and gloomy which added to the already dreary and miserable feel of the work place. In contrast, when scenes with Edie were shot, the set was usually much lighter. This gave her almost an angelic or good-girl vibe.
Cinematic aspects are essential in all films. An example of one is the film's music. Music can help add to the drama or feel of each scene. For instance, when Terry was fleeing the church basement after the secret meeting, the music was intense and upbeat. This made the viewer fell panicked and alarmed. Another example of this was when Terry was visiting his pigeon coop. The music paralleled the peaceful scene by playing a sweet and slow tune. Another aspect is the film's editing. Similar to the music, editing between shots can also add to the feeling of each scene. Choppy or quick scene changes, like when Terry and Johnny Friendly were fighting, can make the scene feel exciting and exhilarating. In contrast, slow and smooth transitions, like when Terry and Edie were dancing, can add to the calm feeling. Costumes are also important. I think that the costumes worked very well for each character in the movie. Terry and the other poor waterfront workers wore ratty old jackets, while the members of the mafia wore nice leather coats. Edie's outfits also fit her character. She wore girly dresses and shoes that helped to show how feminine she was.
On the Waterfront and Authur Miller's All My Sons have many similarities and differences. The ethical dilemma that appears in both works is one thing they have in common. In On the Waterfront, Terry faces the problem of deciding where his loyalty lies: with the mafia or the waterfront workers. Very similar to this, Keller must also pick where his loyalty lies: with his family or his partner. However, the deciding factors that go into each of their decisions are very different. Terry has only himself to worry about and bases his decision on other's opinions (Edie and Father Barry). Keller, on the other hand, has to look out for his family, which in the end is his first priority. Keller and Terry are also very similar. They both are not thought of very highly in society. Terry is considered a bum who has thrown his life away after his boxing career falls flat, and many people think of Keller as a murder after his faulty parts caused the deaths of twenty-one pilots. Terry and Keller are both strong. In the end Terry is able to stand up to the mafia and walk up to work after being beaten down. Likewise, Keller is able to hold his head high and provide a good life for his family, despite everyone's opinions.
I would definitely recommend this movie! The exciting plot keeps you on the edge of your seat and the round characters make the film extremely fun to watch. On The Waterfront is an enjoyable movie as well as a work of art.
Fantastic, intriguing, and thought provoking are three ways I would choose to describe the 1954 movie, On the Waterfront. This black-and-white classic is not only an enjoyable watch, but also a very effective work of art. The film questions the difference between right and wrong while discussing the important issues of corruption, racketeering, and whistle blowing. While watching Terry and the dilemmas he gets himself into, you begin to question your own morals. You wonder what you would do, or hope you would do, if ever put in his shoes. Overall, I think that On the Waterfront is a highly effective film and definitely worth seeing.
Literary aspects play an important role in On the Waterfront. Characters are an example of this. Terry Malloy, Edie Doyle, and Johnny Friendly are the three main protagonists in the film. Terry Malloy propels the plot forward and commands attention when he sticks to his morals and does what no one would dare; tattles on the mob. Edie Doyle's role is important in that she encourages Terry to do the right thing and stand up for himself, and Johnny Friendly is the leader of the mob and the heart of the conflict. Another aspect is the setting. The movie takes place on New York's oppressive water docks and streets. The neighborhood is mostly poor and deprived with the exception of a few wealthy citizens. The setting helps the viewer to better understand the lives of the characters, set the scene, and emphasize the major conflict of racketeering. Symbolism is used frequently in On the Waterfront. Two symbols that are prominent throughout the film are hooks and the pigeons. The waterfront workers wear the sharp hooks that help them load and empty the crates over their shoulders. These represent the forces of Johnny Friendly's mob members that literally hang over them at the waterfront. The pigeons represent the waterfront workers. The workers are 'caged' in by the mob members and low on the power hierarchy just like the pigeons raised by Terry. Literary aspects like characters, setting, and symbols, help to make the film solid and original.
There are many dramatic aspects that can be found in On The Waterfront. Actors are an example of one. I think that Marlon Brando did an exceptional job at playing the role of Terry Malloy. In the beginning of the movie, Brando would make subtle motions that helped to describe his character. For instance, to show Terry's lack of confidence, Brando would look away when speaking to people, pull up his coat collar, and shrug when asked a question. However, as the film went on and Terry started to stand up for himself, Brando began acting like a tough guy and dropped his nervous habits. Unlike Brando, I think that casting Eva Marie Saint as Edie Doyle was a horrible choice. Saint seemed fake and unemotional. An example of this was when she found out that her brother was killed. Even though Saint was demanding to know about her brother's death and seemed to be distraught, her face told a completely different story. She showed no emotion through her expressions and you could clearly tell that she was acting. I did like Johnny Friendly being played as Lee J. Cobb. When I picture a mob member or gangster, I think of someone who is big and powerful looking. Cobb fits this description to the tee. His deep voice and broad shoulders added to his alpha look. Another dramatic aspect is the use of lighting. I think that the lighting was well used throughout the movie. When scenes were shot at the waterfront, outside it was dark and gloomy which added to the already dreary and miserable feel of the work place. In contrast, when scenes with Edie were shot, the set was usually much lighter. This gave her almost an angelic or good-girl vibe.
Cinematic aspects are essential in all films. An example of one is the film's music. Music can help add to the drama or feel of each scene. For instance, when Terry was fleeing the church basement after the secret meeting, the music was intense and upbeat. This made the viewer fell panicked and alarmed. Another example of this was when Terry was visiting his pigeon coop. The music paralleled the peaceful scene by playing a sweet and slow tune. Another aspect is the film's editing. Similar to the music, editing between shots can also add to the feeling of each scene. Choppy or quick scene changes, like when Terry and Johnny Friendly were fighting, can make the scene feel exciting and exhilarating. In contrast, slow and smooth transitions, like when Terry and Edie were dancing, can add to the calm feeling. Costumes are also important. I think that the costumes worked very well for each character in the movie. Terry and the other poor waterfront workers wore ratty old jackets, while the members of the mafia wore nice leather coats. Edie's outfits also fit her character. She wore girly dresses and shoes that helped to show how feminine she was.
On the Waterfront and Authur Miller's All My Sons have many similarities and differences. The ethical dilemma that appears in both works is one thing they have in common. In On the Waterfront, Terry faces the problem of deciding where his loyalty lies: with the mafia or the waterfront workers. Very similar to this, Keller must also pick where his loyalty lies: with his family or his partner. However, the deciding factors that go into each of their decisions are very different. Terry has only himself to worry about and bases his decision on other's opinions (Edie and Father Barry). Keller, on the other hand, has to look out for his family, which in the end is his first priority. Keller and Terry are also very similar. They both are not thought of very highly in society. Terry is considered a bum who has thrown his life away after his boxing career falls flat, and many people think of Keller as a murder after his faulty parts caused the deaths of twenty-one pilots. Terry and Keller are both strong. In the end Terry is able to stand up to the mafia and walk up to work after being beaten down. Likewise, Keller is able to hold his head high and provide a good life for his family, despite everyone's opinions.
I would definitely recommend this movie! The exciting plot keeps you on the edge of your seat and the round characters make the film extremely fun to watch. On The Waterfront is an enjoyable movie as well as a work of art.
Outside Reading Week 3 - Post B
Dear Sara Gruen,
I'm just writing to tell you that I absolutely LOVE your book! It's so good that I can never put it down and I lose track of time reading it! There are so many unexpected twists, so I'm never able to predict what's coming next. For instance, I never saw it coming when August blew up at Jacob and Marlena after the first show with Rosie and accuses them of being lovers and cheating on him.
The way you write and tell the story it is almost like you were there, or like you're writing from past experience. I also love the pictures you put at the beginning of each of the chapters. They make the book fun to read and help to put some characters with faces.
I'm so excited to keep reading and find out what happens with August and Marlena after she tells him that she is breaking up with him. I think he might go crazy and get really mad at Jacob, even though Jacob had nothing to do with Marlena. I hope that this incident won't lead to Jacob being red lighted or losing his job as the vet to the circus animals. I'm also curious about what will happen with Jacob in the present. The circus is coming to town and he is really excited. However, I have the feeling that something might happen between Jacob and the other resident living at the nursing home.
I'm just writing to tell you that I absolutely LOVE your book! It's so good that I can never put it down and I lose track of time reading it! There are so many unexpected twists, so I'm never able to predict what's coming next. For instance, I never saw it coming when August blew up at Jacob and Marlena after the first show with Rosie and accuses them of being lovers and cheating on him.
The way you write and tell the story it is almost like you were there, or like you're writing from past experience. I also love the pictures you put at the beginning of each of the chapters. They make the book fun to read and help to put some characters with faces.
I'm so excited to keep reading and find out what happens with August and Marlena after she tells him that she is breaking up with him. I think he might go crazy and get really mad at Jacob, even though Jacob had nothing to do with Marlena. I hope that this incident won't lead to Jacob being red lighted or losing his job as the vet to the circus animals. I'm also curious about what will happen with Jacob in the present. The circus is coming to town and he is really excited. However, I have the feeling that something might happen between Jacob and the other resident living at the nursing home.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Outside Reading Week 3 - Post A
Vocab:
- minimally (201): barely adequate or the least possible
- menagerie(212): a collection of wild or unusual animals
Figurative Language:
- "Although the wait is killing Uncle Al..."(218) This is an example of personification. Waiting is being given the human characteristic of killing.
- "I break down in the confessional and sob like a baby..."(230) This is a simile. Jacob is comparing his crying to a baby's using 'like'.
- "He kicked and struggled like a mad man!" (223) This is also a simile. August is being compared to a mad man using 'like'.
Quote:
"I kneel in front of her, searching her face for a signal to stay. After an agonizing wait, I realize I'm not going to find one. I kiss her on the forehead and leave. " (222) Jacob leaves Marlena and swears to himself that he'll leave her for good. I find this very hard to believe since he's in love with her. I don't he will be able to get over her just like that. This is a good idea if Jacob will actually be able to stick to his plan. He needs to get over her asap before he gets into more trouble with August.
Theme:
The theme of looking out for yourself is defiantly still emerging, and the theme of greed is too.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Outside Reading Week 2 - Post B
Since my last blogging, a lot of stuff has happened! Jacob becomes the circus's vet to all the animals, Uncle Al(the ring master) bought an elephant, and Jacob has gotten himself into a whole lot of trouble! Jacob is really starting to bug me. He finally has his life back on track, or as well is it could be living in the circus, then he does things to screw it up! He kisses Marlena, this giant guy named August's wife, he tells everyone that the Ringling circus(their biggest competitor) is better then them, which is like a major sin, and he gets totally tanked with a ton of the roustabouts. He just doesn't think about his actions! Jacob seems like a nice kid, and I hope he will learn to get his act together before Uncle Al redlights him(throws him off of the train while its moving! Scary!!).
I am also now learning about Jacob's present life at his nursing home. (The novel flashes back and forward a lot) There he gets in fights with one of the other residents about the stories he tells. The man tells everyone that when he was younger he would bring water for elephants at circus. This really upsets Jacob. He calls the man a lier and refuses to speak to him no matter how hard all the nurses try to get him to. I don't get Jacob. I don't know if its because he's old or something, but why does he have all these sudden outbursts? I'm anxious to find out the reason for Jacobs accusations and what will happen next..
I am also now learning about Jacob's present life at his nursing home. (The novel flashes back and forward a lot) There he gets in fights with one of the other residents about the stories he tells. The man tells everyone that when he was younger he would bring water for elephants at circus. This really upsets Jacob. He calls the man a lier and refuses to speak to him no matter how hard all the nurses try to get him to. I don't get Jacob. I don't know if its because he's old or something, but why does he have all these sudden outbursts? I'm anxious to find out the reason for Jacobs accusations and what will happen next..
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Outside Reading Week 2 - Post A
Vocab:
- vehemently (124) : zealous; ardent; impassioned
- roustabouts (141) : a laborer employed for temporary or unskilled jobs
Figurative Language:
- "Crack! I turned around just in time to see the top of the tent come crashing down." (136) Crack is an onomatopoeia because its mimicking the sound of the tent breaking and falling down.
- "I push my porridge aside and open my vanity mirror. I should know better by now, but somehow I still expect to see myself. Instead, I find an Appalachian apple doll, withered and spotty, with dewlaps and bags and long floppy ears." (111) This is a metaphor. Jacob is comparing his old self to an Appalachian doll, without using 'like' or 'as'.
- "Within minutes the bloody stench and piercing shrieks send me lying back to the goat room to press my nose against the mildewed blanket - anything to replace the smell of death." (145) This passage is using imagery. Jacob is describing the sense of the bad smell so well that you can almost picture what it would be like.
Quote:
"I frown. This is not part of the normal Jacob/nurse repertoire. 'He may be wrong in the details, but he's not lying.' she says. 'He really believes that he carried water for the elephants. He does.' I don't answer." (176) Here again the title is stated. Jacob is flashing forward to present time where he is an old man at a nursing home. He is refusing to eat with another man because he tells stories about how he carried water for elephants. Jacob freaks out saying that he's lying. Why does Jacob care so much? I think that this is foreshadowing something important that has to do with Jacob and Rosie(the elephant).
Theme:
The theme of greed/looking out for number one is still emerging.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Outside Reading Week 1 - Post B
In the first few pages, a TON of stuff happens! First, Jacob's parents die in a tragic car accident, just before his final test at college to become a vet. Second, Jacob walks out on his final at college because he is too depressed about his parents to finish. After he leaves the classroom, Jacob walks until he doesn't know where he is anymore. It is then when he discovers and jumps a random moving train. There he is greeted by rough looking men who inform him that he has just joined the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.
I can't believe Jacob! He walks out of an Ivy League school during his final test in becoming his dream job and goes a jumps a train? What the heck?? Sure, I would be extremely depressed if my parents died, but come on. Couldn't he just ask his professor for an extension or something? Also throwing yourself on to a moving train? Umm... are you crazy?! It amazes me that he then agrees to joining the circus after seeing the unsanitary and rough life the men live.
Although, Jacob is offered a job as being the circus's vet, so maybe all of his hard work at school won't go to waste. So far he is only looking after the show's horses. Are they going to get elephants, or when do they come into play? Oh, and won't people be looking for him back at home? I really hope that Jacob will be alright. He's a good kid, and I hope that by joining the Benzini Brothers, he isn't throwing his life away.
Outside Reading Quarter 2 Week 1 - Post A
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Vocab:- Fetlock (74) : the projection of the leg of a horse behind the joint between the cannon bone and great pastern bone, bearing a tuft of hair
- Decrepit (77) : weakened by old age; feeble; infirm
Figurative Language:
- "Canvas tents have popped up like mushrooms..." (34) This is a simile. I can tell because the tents are being compared to mushrooms using the word 'like'.
- "Laughter ripples through the crowd." (41) This is personification. Laughter, which is inanimate, is being given the characteristic of rippling.
- '"You're as strong as a horse!"' (65) This is also a simile. Jacob's strength is being compared to a horse's using the word 'as'.
Quote:
'"You want to carry water for elephants I suppose?' Earl's brow creases, 'But sir we don't have any-' 'Shut up!' shrieks Uncle Al..." (58) This is significant because already in the book, the title has been stated. When Al suggests the job of being water to elephants, Earl objects. Al then freaks out and tells Earl to shut up. Why did he do this? Is Al tricking Jacob?
Theme:
I think that the theme of greed maybe be beginning to emerge.
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