These past couple of readings for AP Composition have been long and complex. Yet they all hold the basis of transcendentalist views. Transcendentalism describes a simple ideal of believing in themselves and thinking about the word beyond their five sense, and more what they feel themselves.
These readings have been my favorite in terms of their content that is very quotable and their push for individualized ideas. I love the use of imagination and thoughts to describe different aspects of life. But I am too much of a logical thinker to be a true transcendentalist. For me personally, looking at events and finding the reasons for why they may have happened has always been the 'norm' for me. Its not a cynical view, but philosophy isn't something that I can handle. With all of these recent news headliners, I can't help but consider the outside facts. However, it is very hard to ignore my own thoughts and beliefs.
So, transcendentalist, no. Someone that relies on themselves and holds to their own ideals, absolutely.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Book to Movie... Occasionally Effective
The 2013 film version of The Great Gatsby offers everyone a great story, even for those that have not read the novel. The film compares to the novel, but also offers some additional emphasis and provides some meaning in different ways.
All of the stylistic aspects and motifs in the novel are clearly depicted in the film. Worthy of praise, but easily ignored by those who have not read the book. This happens in all literature to film adaptations, but Fitzgerald's heavy use of symbolism isn't depicted clearly in Luhrmann's use of cinema symbolism. It seems to get lost in translation.
The biggest change in the film is the way that Nick tells the story. He is telling it from the future and the novel doesn't clue up to that version. He is in a mental institution with serve depression and heavy drinking problems and is telling the story, or writing the story, to his therapist. This is a major change, but clears up any confusion that a movie goer may have in terms of who is narrating and who he is. Luhrmann successfully bridges the gap between the avid readers and the casual movie viewers, and everyone in between.
The readers are pleased to see his faithfulness to a story filled with symbolism. The green light, the eyes, and the flowers are depicted clearly; however, the aspects that are found only in the narrative text are left out on occasion.
This movie is great and all film adaptations receive criticism due to budgets and time, leaving special parts of the book out of the movie. The plot line is simple and as are the characters, all of these things are transferred effectively. The contrast between some lacking motifs in the movie and the excessive motifs in the book leave a gray area and vast differences.
All of the stylistic aspects and motifs in the novel are clearly depicted in the film. Worthy of praise, but easily ignored by those who have not read the book. This happens in all literature to film adaptations, but Fitzgerald's heavy use of symbolism isn't depicted clearly in Luhrmann's use of cinema symbolism. It seems to get lost in translation.
The biggest change in the film is the way that Nick tells the story. He is telling it from the future and the novel doesn't clue up to that version. He is in a mental institution with serve depression and heavy drinking problems and is telling the story, or writing the story, to his therapist. This is a major change, but clears up any confusion that a movie goer may have in terms of who is narrating and who he is. Luhrmann successfully bridges the gap between the avid readers and the casual movie viewers, and everyone in between.
The readers are pleased to see his faithfulness to a story filled with symbolism. The green light, the eyes, and the flowers are depicted clearly; however, the aspects that are found only in the narrative text are left out on occasion.
This movie is great and all film adaptations receive criticism due to budgets and time, leaving special parts of the book out of the movie. The plot line is simple and as are the characters, all of these things are transferred effectively. The contrast between some lacking motifs in the movie and the excessive motifs in the book leave a gray area and vast differences.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Mentality for Guns
In our country, the Constitution is only referred to or followed when it is necessary to provide an explanation for why someone has the right to do something. The "gun crazy" Americans are likely only to know the second amendment of the U.S Constitution. While I do not 100% oppose the use of guns in our country, I still firmly believe that guns shall only be used for sport or protection. What I am very opposed to is the murder of innocent people, I do not feel I am making any assumptions when I say that my fellow American citizens will most certainly agree with me. I do feel, however, that I am in a minority when I say that the way to stop the 11,000 murders by gun is to pay attention to mental health.
In the Bowling for Columbine documentary, very little was said about the mental health of the various gunmen in these massacres. America has a very negative stigma about mental illnesses. If one were to look closely at the shootings that have made national headlines, to look beyond the fact that these people had guns in the first place, to look beyond the minute to minute details of the shooting, an ability to see the mind of the gunman is most crucial. The two shootings that were discussed in detail were the shootings Columbine and Flint, Michigan and it is clear that those that committed these horrible acts had poor mental health. Interviews in the documentary confirmed the state that these two teens and one boy were in were not healthy.
I feel very strongly about these issues. The political figures that are at the center of this nation wide debate will never be able to please the whole country, but a reasonable approach to gun control will be indirectly, through mental health. Though, this will not be considered 'gun control', it will be 'unnecessary deaths of innocent people control'.
I feel very strongly about these issues. The political figures that are at the center of this nation wide debate will never be able to please the whole country, but a reasonable approach to gun control will be indirectly, through mental health. Though, this will not be considered 'gun control', it will be 'unnecessary deaths of innocent people control'.
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