Post 28

 The Late Night English Blog with Andy Ferguson has my vote for the best blogger this semester. He engages and captures the audience through his writing. Andy Ferguson was always on topic and confident about what he was writing. He always had exciting blog posts titles, which actually made me want to read it more. In post #22 on finding beauty in a song, he wrote "In turn, the speaker compares his-or-herself to the things they deem beautiful and come to the conclusion that they are not good enough or a pale imitation (a creep if you will). ", which is just one example of how consistent he is with backing up his main point and idea. His posts were also upbeat, which made his posts more exciting to read. 

Post 27

 The Wife of Bath's Tale was a very unique and entertaining story that we read this semester. I particularly liked this story because of its emphasis on the role of women back in Late Middle Ages. It also was different from other works of this time period. The main character, Alyson, is aware that her lifestyle is different from the usual norm, but doesn't let that stop her from marrying and eventually finding love.  

 "Men may divide and interpret up and down, But, well I know, surely, God expressly instructed us to increase and multiply (p. 28)". I would enjoy reading The Wife of Bath's Tale again so I could get a better understanding and meaning out of it the second time around. Another theme I felt quite drawn to in this story was female dominance, and the women having more say so over the end results. This tale also looks at marriage in a different kind of light and tries to not only be one sided.
 "I would pray for you, if it were your pleasure, tell your tale as you began, hold back for no man, and teach us young men from your experience (p. 30)".

Post 26

 I believe their are several reasons and examples of why Hamlet is more of a modern hero rather than an epic or ancient hero. First, he speaks more on the topic of death and suicide in a natural tone, one that other's can relate to. Hamlet also speaks of the misery he feels, the way that daily life is a struggle and battle to face, which is not unusual in this day and age. One of the big things I noticed about Hamlet is that he consistently questions the afterlife, and he even wonders about death in great detail because he ponders on about what happens to humans after they die, what happens to our bodies and souls. These are examples of similar questions many people think about in today's society. In fact, there's even research done on this topic now because it's such a widely questioned concept. Another great example of why Hamlet is a modern character is the fact that he sets out to seek revenge on his Father's killer. Unfortunately, in modern society today, it's not uncommon for murders and other violent acts to take place, as well as victims/victims families seeking out revenge on these criminals. 

"Together with all forms, moods, shows of grief... (p. 29, Hamlet)". 

Post 25

 The character of Hamlet is similar to Alisoun's character in The Wife of Bath's Tale. Hamlet, like Alisoun, is also a more modern, liberal character. Hamlet shows us that he does not care what other's think of his beliefs, especially about the murder of his Father. Alisoun shows us that regardless of how many people looked down on her for multiple husbands, she didn't let that stop her and she wouldn't let the people get to her. Hamlet pretty much sticks out to the rest of society because of his actions and statements. This is similar to Alisoun in The Wife of Bath's Tale because it wasn't the norm to have multiple marriages, or for a woman to be head of household in those days. Another comparison between the two characters is their relationship issues and affairs. 

"Blessed be God that I wedded out! And the best that I could pick out...(p. 28, The Wife of Bath's Tale)".

"...She spoke in this way to the Knight: "You stand now"...(p. 35, The Wife of Bath's Tale)." 

Post 24

 There are many things that differentiate More's Utopia to the United States, as well a a few similarities. First, Utopia originally translates to "not place" or "nowhere" (p. 321). The United States is a widely known popular country, and we have been for a very long time to all the Nations. I find it ironic that Hythloday (which translates to "speaker of nonsense"), reports about Utopia, often speaks poorly of his people of society/his society status, which is similar to the United State's president, Donald Trump. He often speaks of what the American people (particularly in the past, a lot during the Obama Administration), should have done/what we could have done differently and what is so terrible about it that is ruining us. Aside from President Trump, God is a subject that is mentioned throughout More's Utopia, and it is often mentioned in major religion in the United States and is even in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

"..for the used often to say, that the way to Heaven was the same for all places, and he that had no grave had the heavens still over him (p. 322.)"

 "...As More praises the Utopians for consciously despising Gold, he implicitly condemns his own society,...(p. 321). 

Post 23

 Overall, I do believe Machiavelli would actually agree with President Donald Trump's policies and overall presidency. But, Machiavelli wouldn't agree with the way Trump declares acts of war without confronting Congress and other parties. There's definitely lots of ideas of Machiavelli's that Trump would agree with, but also lots he would not stand for. Machiavelli seems to agree with the ideals of keeping a strong city/border, to protect the cities and state, due to violence from the outside world. President Trump often spoke of building a wall between the United States and Mexico to help with immigration. Later, he even took impulsive military acts to show how the United States won't stand for the violence and horror that's being ongoing in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, The U.S.A., Russia, and many other's. 

"Therefore, if everything is well and considered, it will not be difficult for a wise prince to keep the minds of his citizen a steadfast from first to last, when he does not fail to support and defend them (p. 246)." 

"...everyone think the taking of them by assault would be tedious and difficult...

(p. 246)."

Post 22: Eminem - Beautiful Pain ft. Sia

This song talks about the different aspects of pain and beauty. Mostly, the pain and difficulties that can come with putting so much effort and love into something. I really like this song because it talks about the steps and effort required to rebuild yourself. Everyday is a new chance to be who you want and change into what you don't want to be, no matter what. This song talks about the struggles and pain of making yourself into the person you're suppose to be versus who you actually want to be. It may look so beautiful on the outside, or it may not even look like it till the very end, but the end work is worth it for yourself.

Post 21

What happened to the twinkle in your eyes? 

The light that use to shine so bright, the one which mesmerized

Why can I know longer feel that beautiful charm?

They say you're no longer here, but I see you everywhere.

My grief seems to come in waves
Some say it's like a shipwreck,
At first I found myself drowning
The only choice I had was to float.

I find pieces of you here and there, 
You will whisper in the thrush of the waves,
I feel you push me in every other direction
Any direction other than the deep end.

My best friend, why'd you have to go
The last thing you said sticks most,
Forever and always;
So I remember, always and forever.

Post 19

 Dante's concept of Hell includes the 9 Circles Of Hell. These include Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Anger, Heresy, Violence, Fraud, and Treachery. Each of these circles has a more intense level of wickedness to it. The Roman poet, Virgil, is sent to rescue Dante by Beatrice, which is Dante's ideal woman. Dante goes through hell in the Inferno in attempt to rescue Beatrice, despite the pain and suffering he must endure. 

 In today's society, it is not uncommon for a man or woman to endure some type of pain and suffering in a relationship. For example, a woman may stay with a man who is cheating, abusing (psychically/emotionally), or neglecting. Usually the woman stays in hopes that her partner will change, but often times is subject to repetitive pain and heartbreak. This can be a difficult relationship to leave for many reasons, but mostly because the person is or was once in love. 



http://historylists.org/art/9-circles-of-hell-dantes-inferno.html

Post 20: Socrates and Hell

 When Socrates was 71 years old, he was charged with corruption of the youth of Athens, sophistry (fraudulent teaching practices), and heresy (p. 330). Heresy is any belief or theory that is much different from any established beliefs, customs, or theories. It had been said for awhile that Socrates teachings were known to be dangerous because it would lead men to rebel against the state. But, Socrates points out that he only questions authority in order to keep the states healthy and aware. "For I am confident that what I say will be just, and let none of you expect otherwise, for surely it would not become my time of life to come before you like a youth with a got up speech (p. 331)." It was not the norm for people to speak out with original thought or values back in this time, which is why Socrates stuck out so much. I believe authority was scared of others following his ways and they didn't want to see him get away with it. Socrates answered and argued all questions asked of him, but he still couldn't get the prosecutors to see things from a different point of view and mindset. The fact he was asked to the the states and didn't do so shows loyalty to his word and followers. 

 I don't believe Socrates should be deemed to Hell because he truly only intended to have justice, freedom, and truth. It's not right that his opposing views caused him to obtain charges.  "Nevertheless, let this turn out as may be pleasing to God, I must obey the law and make my defense (p. 331)." When Socrates says his farewell to Athens, he speaks to his opponents along with his supporters. I believe Socrates meant well and he shouldn't have been sentenced to death, let alone spend eternity in Hell. 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/heresy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heresy