My Misstress' Eyes by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare's My Misstress' Eyes is a beautiful poem that is easy to understand. The entire poem is explaining how this man's mistress lacks perfection. The man almost completely degrades the woman, but at the end there is a twist that brings the theme of opposing gender stereotypes. Rather than being the shallow, materialistic speaker of To His Coy Mistress, this speaker states, "And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare" (Shakespeare, 13). This speaker shows that even though his mistress lacks being the ideal woman, he still loves her regardless. This goes against the gender stereotypes for men because society views that men look for looks, but this speaker states otherwise. By looking past these imperfection, the speaker truly feels a rare love for this woman. I think when he says rare love he is referring to the fact that most men would not have feelings for a woman like this. This poem challenges people to observe what what truly attracts a person of the opposite gender to them.

To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell

The poem To His Coy Mistress is about a man adoring a woman for her beauty and other material reasons. He uses a few Biblical references and vivid imagery to explain this woman's beauty. The speaker the uses a metaphor when he states, "Time's winged chariot hurrying near" (Marvell, 22). At this point there is a shift in the poem and the speaker begins discussing how the woman's beauty will only last a short amount of time. The speaker is explaining that time moves swiftly, and with time her beauty will fade, too. This poem shows that the stereotype of men being focused on the appearance of women out weighs their feelings for a woman. He states that once the woman ages, her beauty will escape her. He is warning the woman to enjoy life while she still possesses her beauty. Later he states that there is no human way to freeze time, or in other words to have everlasting beauty.

A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell

A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell is the story of two women making observations of a woman's house who is being accused of murder. The husbands of these two women make it clear that Mrs. Wright had killed her husband, but they lacked the reason for her motivation. Through ironic measures, these two women are able to figure out the motivation of Mrs. Wright's murderous deeds. After finding the dead bird, Mrs. Hale observes, "'His neck. Chocked the life out of him'" (Glaspell, 423). The women first establish that the husband was quite hard on Mrs. Wright. Not only did she completely change her lifestyle to a more unhappy lifestyle, Mr. Wright was very controlling. Mrs. Wright greatly enjoyed her bird, and I believe once her husband killed the bird she finally snapped. This quote shows a direct correlation between the the means by which both the bird and Mr. Wright were killed. I think that Mrs. Wright finally became tired of her husband, and along with resent from the bird, murdered her husband in a similar manner.

Hunters in the Snow by Tobias Wolff

The short story Hunters in the Snow by Tobias Wolff is the story of three good friends going hunting. Each of these friends makes cruel comments to one another, which causes a great deal of tension between the three. At first when Kenny is shot, I did not feel sorry for him, but at the end of the story there is symbolism that evoked sympathy for Kenny. As Kenny is desperately awaiting the hospital, it is observed that, "Hanging between Kenny's toes in the direction of the hospital, was the North Star, Pole Star, Help to Sailors" (Wolff, 201). This image of the star that helps give direction is a symbol that Kenny will never make it to the hospital in time. Even though he had a sick sense of humor, Kenny is still human and experienced an event no human would want to experience. This symbol of realizing Kenny was doomed caused me to feel sympathy because of how helpless and weak Kenny was at that point. His life was in the hands of two men who lacked care for Kenny's well being. From this symbol it can be inferred that Kenny will either bleed to death or freeze to death before Frank and Tub realize their mistake.

Othello: Act V

Othello by William Shakespeare was an intriguing play with a solid plot. I found this play to never have a dull moment due to the characterization of Iago. I thought he would be more on the "awesome" side as a villain. His intelligence allowed him to manipulate every other character in the play, which I found to be humorous. Even after being caught on his lies, Iago still has the nerve to say, "Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word" (V,ii,302-303). Iago has been completely revealed, and he still does not share his side of the story. I think Iago is the best villain out there because after reaping havoc on all these character's lives, he chooses to remain silent. Talk about not caring about authority. Other than Iago's character, I found this story to be entertaining. The story was well crafted and thought out. I also found the Shakespeare style easy to read because the story is easy to piece together with the words I already know.

Othello: Act V

The characters in Othello by William Shakespeare each have their own unique part in the play. Othello begins as such a kind and loving character who would give anybody a second chance no matter the situation. Throughout the play, Othello because a dynamic character because his whole attitude changes once he listens to Iago's rumors. When Desdemona wakes up and Othello is standing over her, Othello informs her, "I would not kill thy unprepared spirit" (V,ii,31). These words are obviously radical compared to the Othello observed at the beginning of the play. Othello's character completely changes from being the most compassionate man, to wanting to murder is own wife. Othello loves Desdemona so much that he becomes distraught when he learns of her unfaithfulness. His mental attitude completely changes about his wife, so he begins to believe killing his wife is his only solution. Through Othello's words, the reader may observe the dynamic change in Othello. Iago's power over Othello's mind is so strong that Othello becomes a completely new person.

Othello: Act IV

At the end of Act IV of he play Othello by William Shakespeare Emilia and Desdemona have a peculiar conversation. Desdemona mentions multiple times different omens she observes. While discussing these omens, Desdemona foreshadows her death when she says, "If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me In one of those same sheets" (IV,iii,23-24). In this scene, Desdemona makes many other comments that imply she will meet her demise. Along with singing a song another lady sung when she died and saying she thought she would be crying soon, Shakespeare makes it obvious something tragic will happen soon. Until this scene there has been little indication of any deaths occurring, but this one finally screams attention. This foreshadowing allows the play to reach a turning point, and finally allow the tragic events to take place. The foreshadowing also allows the reader to make their own opinions of what will happen next, which adds a little bit of a suspense to the play. Desdemona also gives the reader an idea of where and when her death will take place. After reading this scene I was able to figure out exactly what was going to happen to Desdemona.

Othello: Act IV

Act IV of the play Othello by William Shakespeare begins with Iago manipulating a conversation with with Cassio. During this conversation, Bianca shows up and returns the handkerchief back to Cassio. This situation helps Iago because he says, "She gave it him, and he hath given it his whore" (IV,i,165). I found this scene to be ironic because Iago was trying to convince Othello that Cassio slept with Desdemona and that gave Othello visual evidence. If Othello had actually understood the context of the scene, he would realise that Desdemona never gifted the handkerchief to Cassio. This event was unplanned by Iago, and yet he was able to utilize it to his advantage. He was quick on his feet which allowed him to finally wrap up his sadistic scheme. This also shows how blind Othello is to the reality of the situation, even though there is plenty of evidence in the conversation to reveal the truth. The irony of this situation ultimately leads to Desdemona's demise because Othello is thoroughly convinced Iago is honest.

Othello: Act III

Act III of Othello by William Shakespeare also allows the reader to finally observe Othello experiencing emotional pain. Iago has began filling Othello with lies, which due to Iago's "honest" nature, Othello believes. In a rage, Othello exclaims, "She's gone, I am abused, and my relief | Must be to loathe her. Oh, curse of marriage, | That we can call these delicate creaures ours..." (III,iii,268-270). This is an example of Othello making assumptions about his own wife cheating on him. I found this to be a reoccuring event because Iago made this same mental decision. The very perso Iago hates is making the exact same assumptions about Desdemona. I found this to be quite ironic and humorous because these two characters have very radical views of women, yet when it comes to believing rumors they make the same assumptions. This scene also proves that Iago's plan to make Othello feel his same pain is working, and Othello is literally experiencing the same despare. Both of these characters have contrary feelings about one another, but feel the same way about their wives.

Othello: Act III

Act III of the play Othello by William Shakespeare contains scenes were characters are confiding with one another. Cassio is attempting to seek help from Desdemona in order for her to put in a positive word to Othello. During one of these converstations, Emilia comments, "Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband | As if the case were his" (III,iii,4-5). I found this comment two be ironic for two reasons. The first reason is that characters who do not understand Iago's plan believe that Iago is worried about Cassio. This is obviously false because Iago is utilizing Cassio as a means of harming Othello. The second reason stems off he first reason in that characters notice Iago's involvement in the sitiation, but do not see the true involvement. They think Iago is attempting to help Cassio, but on the contrary he is hindering Cassio. These characters believe that Iago is just a mediator, when infact he is the entire reason this conflict has began. Everyone is so blind to Iago's true intent that they continually confide in his assistance. Iago has seeminly played his manipulative cards correctly.

Othello: Act II

Act II of the play Othello by William Shakespeare allows the reader to learn in more depth about the character of Iago. Iago has a negative view upon women, and has a carefully devised plan in order to seek revenge upon Othello. Iago also serves the part of an antagonist throughout this Act and the entire play. In order to begin his plans by antagonising Cassio, Iago says, "If I can fasten but one cup upon him, | With that which he hath drunk tonight already, | He'll be as full of quarrel and offense | As my young mistress' dog" (II,iii,39-42). Iago has intentionally gone out of his way to antagonize Cassio. By utilizing peer pressure, Iago is able to successfully cause Cassio to create a riot. This small act of being an antagonist also helps with a larger antagonistic picture. This event is manipulated in order for Iago to antagonise Othello. This event is a catalyst for the decline in Othello and Cassio's relationship. Iago's evil plan is beginning to fall into place as he antagonises characters, yet continues to look like an honest friend.

Othello: Act I

Act I of the play Othello by William Shakespeare begins with showing multiple characters who interact with each other all because of a marriage taking place between Othello and Desdemona. Iago makes it an evil scheme to bring emotional pain upon Othello. This goal demonstrates the thematic topic of hate. In a soliloque, Iago reveals, "And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets | He's done my office" (I,i,365-366). Iago very explicitly states that he hates Othello, but it may be hard to understand why he is experiencing this strong emotion. The above quote in modern terms would simply be that a rumor is going around saying that Othello slept with Iago's wife. This is a logical reason to hold hatred toward another human being, but in Iago's case it is actually ridiculous. Iago is no sure these accusations are true, and yet he assumes they are correct. This theme of hatred sets of like a domino effect and causes more conflict and confusion between the characters. This is not the only scene where hatred is observed when facts are manipulated.