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.