Reading Journal: Sundiata Epic of Old Mali

What was interesting to me in Sundiata Epic of Old Mali was the role of opposite attraction. When the King was looking for a wife, he was told to choose the ugliest and the outcast out of all the women. For example, “you will find a very ugly maid uglier than you can imagine sitting apart…It is her you must choose” (The Buffalo Woman, Page 8). The reason for this was because they believed that opposite attraction can create powerful offsprings for the future. In other words, the powerful offsprings they create can eventually take the King’s place when he cannot anymore and become King. This was interesting to me because I would expect the King to want the best looking wife to be with him and have children with, but in this case they believed opposite attraction dominates in creating greatness.

Another aspect that I noticed in Sundiata Epic of Old Mali was the role of destiny throughout the story. Sundiata gets called to action by the impact of Destiny, because his mother Sogolon drove him to exile and this was because of the purpose of destiny. For instance, “you will return to reign when you are a man, for it is an Mali that your destiny must be fulfilled” (Exile, Page 19). In addition, family and history also play a role in this because for family his mother was the one who drove him to exile, and for history because this roots back to his father being King. However, this all cumulates from the idea of destiny and their belief of this element. In other words, without the belief of destiny, there won’t be the belief that someone specific should be King. Also, everything always goes back to destiny and its purpose. Destiny was necessary in order for this hero narrative to be complete because according to the characters in the story, destiny is what leads an individual to become King. The characters believe that destiny has the power to create something, if its meant to be…

Reading Journal: Dante Inferno

One of the parts that really caught my attention in Dante Inferno was the imagery/symbolism that was involved in the last chapter. The last chapter reveals the darkest division of Hell called Judecca, and it conveys Satan with the most significant sinners of history. These sinners included Judas, Brutus, and Cassius. Judas was there because he betrayed Jesus Christ. Brutus and Cassius was there because they murdered Julius Caesar. What was interesting was how they were positioned on Satan’s body. In Chapter 34 of Dante’s Inferno, Dante states his observations by “each mouth devoured a sinner clenched within” (Canto 34, Line 55). More specificially, Brutus and Cassius were placed on the left and right side of Satan’s mouth, while Judas was placed on the center of Satan’s mouth. Another aspect of this is that Brutus and Cassius were positioned with their head out of Satan’s mouth, but Judas was placed with his feet out of Satan’s mouth. This means that Brutus and Cassius legs were being constantly chewed by Satan, and Judas head was being constantly chewed by Satan. In other words, Judas was feeling the most crucial pain compared to Brutus and Cassius, since his head was the one receiving the most pain rather than his legs. This is because Judas committed an even bigger sin of betrayal than Brutus and Cassius. This was interesting to me because the placement of the lowest part of hell symbolized the place where the greatest sinners were incorporated in. Not only that, but each placement in Satan’s mouth had a specific reasoning with imagery involved.

Something I noticed was that the biggest sinners were all involved in betrayal  in some sort of way. This indicates that betrayal is basically one of the biggest sins or if not the biggest sin that an individual is capable of committing. Another aspect that I noticed is that the use of Satan’s body to depict a placement of the sinners, reminds me of the Rig Veda specifically the Hymn of Man how it each part of his body is connected to some part of the Earth. To compare, a part of Satan’s body placed the sinners into a specific position to represent their sins in the world of Hell. Similarly, in the Rig Veda, each body part of the Hymn of Man represented an element of Earth and how it all came into existence by his body, in regards to the real world. This was interesting because as I read the symbolism and imagery of this part of Dante inferno, the symbolism and Imagery of Rig Veda Hymn of Man also came to mind to analyze their similarities in depicting these parts of the story.

Reading Journal: Dante Inferno

I found it interesting how Dante sees three Furies and the way that the author chose to describe   what Dante is seeing. For instance, “for there of a sudden, I saw three shapes arise, three hellish  furies, bolstered all with blood; their form and bearing were made woman-wise” (9. 37-39). This was interesting to me because the author is illustrating these creatures, as woman, how they are evil and blood strengthens them. The author was descriptive in the way that at first he mentions the shape of them and then how they align with women bodies. The author also adds “they beat their breasts, and tore them with their nails, shrieking so loud” (9. 49-50). This quote emphasizes the way that these women are not typical, and that they are fearless and aggressive.

In addition, Virgil is protective towards Dante because when these Furies tried to call Medusa to turn Dante into Stone, Virgil warned and told him what to do so that he won’t be turned into stone. For instance, once the Furies cried “Fetch Medusa!” (9.52), Virgil told Dante “turn thee about, and shut thine eyelids tight” (9.55). So, Virgil is telling Dante to close his eyes, so he will not see Medusa and thus get turned into stone. Not only that, but when Dante was confused about this, Virgil stepped in and took matters into his own hands. For example, “But turned me himself, and urgency pressed my palms close and covered them with his own” (9. 59-60). This conveys how Virgil cares for Dante and wants to protect him. This was interesting to me because it really broadens the relationship between Virgil and Dante. Virgil seems to be a helpful influence to Dante’s journey through the different sections of hell.

Reading Journal: The Divine Comedy of Hell (Canto 1-8)

What was mainly interesting to me was how they introduced each stage of where you go after death between heaven and the different types of hell. For example, there is a “First Circle of Hell” referred as the Limbo, this is represented for souls who were virtuous but born B.C.E. or people who were never baptized (Canto 3).  Some of the souls that were included here were Homer, Noah, Abel, Aristotle, Socrates, Euclid and etc. Another stage of hell was represented by the “Gate of Hell”, this was where the souls who were neutral and did not side with God or Satan were included , so both sides denied them entrance (Canto 2). There is also a “Second Circle of Hell” which is another stage of Hell, where the punishment is greater and sinners take place here (Canto 5). Some of the known people included there were Cleopatra and Helen from Trojan War. The “Third Circle of Hell” is where Dante and Virgil face a three headed dog (Canto, 6). Then, the ” Fourth Circle of Hell” was where Dante and Virgil faced the demon Plutus. This includes corrupt clergymen, popes and etc (Canto 7). The Fifth Circle of Hell included a tall tower bursting with flames. This was interesting to me and caught my attention because it describes what each of these stages represent and what Dante and Vigil face. It is also interesting to realize what kind of people are in each stage of Hell, especially the well known ones.

Virgil is a helping hand for Dante throughout his journey in Hell, because he often introduces him to the ideas of each occurence, which is why Dante refers to him as his lord or master. Every time Dante did not know about something, Virgil would explain it, so that Dante can have an insight of each stage. For instance, “then said my courteous master, “see my son, all those who die beneath odds righteous ire from every country come here, every one” (Canto 3. 121-123). In addition, Dante seems to be very open to learn more about this world and what occurs. In Canto four, he states “tell me, sir–tell me, Master” (Canto 3, 46). This conveys how Dante is curious about the world that they are in and wants Virgil to expand his knowledge on it. This caught my attention, because I think that Dante having a helping hand is fundamental because this way he can be aware of what is happening and be aware of his surroundings. In other words, Virgil is beneficial to Dante because he helps him learn about all of the aspects of each environment they encounter.

Reading Journal : Macbeth

What was intriguing to me in the first few acts of Macbeth, was how the females were characterized, compared to the males. For example, Macbeth seemed to be reluctant and doubtful  towards the idea of killing the Duncan, while Lady Macbeth was the one pressuring Macbeth that they can do it. In the end of Act 1, Macbeth conveys he is hesitant because of what could occur if their plan does not succeed by stating “if we should fail?” (Act 1, line 59). However, Lady Macbeth tries to convince him otherwise by stating “We fail? but screw your courage to the sticking place, and we’ll not fail. While Duncan is asleep… What cannot you and I perform upon Th’unguarded Duncan?” (Act 1, lines 60-61 & 70-71). This conveys how Lady Macbeth is more open to the idea of murdering the Duncan than Macbeth, who is portrayed as a brave individual. This conversation between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth delineates the characterization of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth because similarly to the other books we have read, specifically The Odyssey, women obtained the ability to seduce men to do as they pleased. Likewise, in The Macbeth women were able to convince men to do what they think they should do.

Moreover, another part that caught my attention in the Macbeth was how Macbeth did not want to re-enter Duncan’s chamber because he starts to feel guilty for what he has committed, and then Lady Macbeth ends up taking the dagger back herself. For instance, in Act 2 Macbeth expresses “I’ll go no more; I am afraid to think what I have done” (Act 2, line49-50) and then Lady Macbeth replies with “give me the dagger. The sleeping, and the dead, are but as pictures…for it must seen their guilt” (Act 2, lines 52-53 & 56). This part of the play demonstrates how Lady Macbeth was determined and not afraid to do what she has to do. In comparison, to Macbeth who is more sensitive and has a conscience that makes him feel guilty from doing certain acts he believes is morally wrong.

Reading Journal: Macbeth Act 1

A part that caught my attention in Scene one from Act one was being able to depict Rosse, a Scottish Nobleman’s characterization, and with that being able to also characterize Macbeth. Rosse seems to be filled with joy due to a victory that they have encountered. The victory was against the Thane of Cawdor and Rosse explains to the Duncan whom is the King of Scotland how everything unfolded. Rosse states ” Confronted him with self comparisons, point against point, rebellious arm ‘ against arm, the victory fell on us; Great Happiness! (Act 1, lines 55-59). This conveys that Rosse is obedient because he told the King the good news and how it all occurred for him to be aware. Not only that, but he seems to be prideful because of his reaction by saying “great happiness” towards the victory. Macbeth is also portrayed as a hero because Rosse describes him as a fighter that led them to the victory. This caught my attention because with this single quote, I was able to analyze a characterization towards Rosse being obedient and prideful and Macbeth being a hero and a fighter.

In addition, another part that caught my attention was in Act one where the captain states “For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name)” (Act 1, line 16). This quote expresses how Macbeth is viewed as a courageous individual, and they are saying it suits him. With this being said, it also contributes to Macbeths character, Macbeth is illustrated as an hero that is courageous. In other words, the characters such as Captain and Rosse have depicted Macbeth as a “typical hero” with brave attributes in this play.

Reading Journal: Oedipus

What caught my attention in this chapter was Creon’s , who is the King of Thebes characterization because he seems to be selfish and bitter. He does not want to anyone to bury or show grief towards Polynice because he was opposing what was occurring in the city. The part that shocked me was the extent of the punishment– if someone buries or grieves Polynice, they would be put to death, “death is the price” (Antigone, 221). Which conveys that Creon had a lot of tension towards Polynice, and leads me to think that maybe there is a deeper meaning why we hates Polynice so much?

Creon shows more of his resentment when he expresses “leave his course disgraced, a dinner for the birds and for the dogs” (Antigone, 205-206). This caught my attention because Creon is being very selfish and harsh in the way that he is only putting rules by thinking about his desires and not everyone else’s. In other words, Polynice has family that cares for him and would not want this to occur to their own relative, which means oppositions can transpire. This leads to Antigone wanting to at least bury her brother, because she cares about him and does not want to just leave him exposed for animals to feed on him; so she is willing to risk her life for her brother. Antigone states “will you take up that corpse along with me? I never shall be found to be his traitor… its not for him to keep me from my own” (Antigone, 43&45&47). This portrays that Antigone is brave and a family person, because she is basically putting her life on the line to make sure her brother gets to rest in peace. In comparison to Polynice’s other sister Ismene who seems more afraid and cautious about burying her brother because of the outcome that can occur due to Creon’s rule. For instance, ” to bury him you mean, when its forbidden? O reckless one, when Creon spoke against it” (Antigone, 44 & 47). This shows how Antigone is against Creons belief and she will convey it without being afraid for the sake of her brother, meanwhile Ismene cares about her brother but she is still afraid of what Creon can do to them because they achieved something he went against.

Reading Journal: Odyssey, Book 9 to 16

What mainly caught my attention on chapters 9 to 16, was the conflicts that Odysseus encountered, but was able to overcome. For instance, one of the predicaments that Odysseus overcame was when Polyphemus, who is Poseidon’s son captured Odysseus and his companions. Polyphemus ate Odysseus companions, “he clutched my companions…dismembered them and made them his meal” (Book 9, lines 12-15). This was a conflict for Odysseus because his companions were put in danger and he did not know how to save them. Not only that, but Odysseus himself was also put in danger, “Nohbody’s my meat, then after I eat his friend. Others come first” (Book 9, lines 400). Polyphemus was interpreting how he will eat Odysseus friends first, and then him. He refers to Odysseus as “Nohbody” because Odysseus told him that is his name, for a clever reason. This is a conflict because Odysseus is going to be eaten and killed. What caught my attention the most , was how Oddyseus overcame this conflict, he used a very clever technique. Instead of saying his real name when he escaped, he said his name was “nohbody” and he tricked Polyphemus because when people ask who is doing something to him, he will say “nohbody” which contains different meanings. For example, “Nobody, Nohbody’s tricked me, Nohbody’s ruined me” (Book 9, line 442). This caught my attention because it clearly depicted how Odysseus is clever, and is capable of overcoming obstacles that come his way. Also, it was intriguing how Polyphemus did not catch on to the trick.

Another factor that caught my attention was the significance that the disguises obtain in the Odyssey. The disguises are used to transport messages. As an example, “a boy, spoke as though he knew me… he bent down glittering me for the magic plant” (Book 10, 309 & 340). This boy was Hermes disguised to instruct him to eat the plant to protect himself from Circes’s drugs  and be prepared to fight back. This caught my attention because it delineates the significance that these disguises represent throughout each circumstance. It mainly represented a communication to warn the others.

Reading Journal: The Odyssey, Books 1-8

What caught my attention in The Odyssey was the symbolism that was incorproated  towards the Sea. The sea seems to symbolize hardships, in the way that the people believe it causes trouble. For example, “he might be lost at sea, just like Odysseus, knocking around in a ship, far from his friends. And what a lot of trouble that would give us (Book 2, line 350). This delineates how the sea can influence concerns because you have no idea where you are and you are far from your people. Not only that, but the sea also symbolizes the powers the God’s have over the humans, and its division. In book five, it states “the gods have changed their minds about Odysseus, look at him now, just offshore of that island that frees him from the bondage of his exile!” (Book 5, line 300). This is conveying the powers the Gods’ have over the humans because they are capable of punishing them and also bringing them back on their feet, if they are forgiven. It emphasizes the division between the real world and the world where a person is punished and the Gods’ have ultimate control over the humans because it emphasizes their weakness against the gods.

In addition, Odysseus is heroic because the people refer to him as a King due to his accomplishments. As an example, “Could I forget that Kingly Man, Odysseus? There is no mortal half so wise; no mortal gave so much to the lords of open sky” (Book 1, line 87-89). This portrays Odysseus as a brave, hero that cannot be forgotten. In spite of Odysseus being depicted heroic, he was also depicted sensitive because he still demonstrated his feelings. In book eight, it reveals ” let the bright molten tears run down his cheeks, weeping the way a wife mourns for her lord on the lost field” (Book 8, lines 560-562). This reveals how Odysseus is not afraid of showing his feelings, and alongside being heroic, he is also sensitive. This caught my eye, because I like how the author balances Odysseus’s character by illustrating him, well rounded (sensitive and heroic).

In the King James Bible Matthew chapters 9 to 17, what caught my attention was how the Pharisees were trying to depict Jesus as unethical for picking and eating grain from the Sabbath. For example, “when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day” (Matthew, 12:2). Pharisees was attempting to destroy Jesus, which makes it seem as if he is envious of Jesus powers of being able to heal others. Due to his bitterness, he tries to make Jesus not as good as everyone thinks he is and then tries to plot an idea to destroy him. For instance, ” Pharisees went out, and had council against him, how they might destroy him” (Matthew, 12:14). This caught my attention because it delineates negative conflict between Jesus and others, regardless if Jesus was able to heal others, some people were still out to get him and make him look morally wrong.

In addition, what also caught my attention was the death of John the Baptist. John the Baptist was sent to be killed and have his head in a charger. Heron promised his daughter anything for her birthday, and she asked for John Baptist dead and brought evidence under her mothers desires. As an example, “Give me here John Baptist’s head In a charger” (Matthew, 14:8). This shows how her mother–Herodia, was angry based on Johns belief of Herod should not marry his brothers wife Herodia, and that is why she decides to kill him. In Matthew 14, John first initiates his belief ” it is not lawful for thee to have her”(Matthew, 14:4)  and this is why Herodia instructs her daughter to wish for her father to have John the Baptist dead, ” instructed of her mother, give me here John Baptist head in a charger” (Matthew, 14:8). This caught my attention because it surprised me that this conflict would be taken to this extent. It emphasizes the characters intentions and how they take matters into their own hands, based on what others say.