Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Special Post 2
“Waiting for Godot”, by Samuel Beckett is a tragic comedy that takes place in two acts. There are two main characters in play, Vladimir and Estragon. Vladimir and Estragon spend the whole play waiting at the base of a single tree. As we discover through their dialogue with each other they are waiting for someone named Godot. Interestingly enough they do not even know Godot, and have little idea why they are waiting for him but are still unable to leave. They pass their time in a variety of ways, mostly joking and arguing with each other. Later on in the first act we are also introduced to the characters Pozzo and Lucky as they are passing by. Lucky is Pozzo’s slave and carries a great many things for Pozzo while being driven in front of him with a rope around his neck. Pozzo is on his way to sell Lucky, and this makes Lucky cry. Before continuing on their way Pozzo makes Lucky perform a dance for Vladimir and Estragon. The first act ends with a boy arriving claiming to be a messenger from Godot. The boy says that Godot will not be able to come on that evening but will come by tomorrow. Vladimir asks the boy if he is the same messenger from the day before, implying that this is not the first time the two have been left waiting. At this Vladamir and Estragon decide to leave and stop waiting for Godot, however they still remain waiting as the curtain drops and ends the first act. The second act continues in much the same way as the first, mimicking most of the same events with little difference. Pozzo and Lucky pass by again and this time Pozzo is blind and Lucky is significantly less intelligent. Pozzo does not remember coming by and meeting either Vladimir or Estragon the previous day. The second act ends with the boy coming back to report that Godot will not be coming on that night either, and has no recollection of the previous day’s encounter. Vladimir and Estragon again decide to leave, but do not move as the curtain falls.
At first glance waiting for Godot may seem to be nothing more than nonsense. A closer examination will yield however certain immerging themes. For this reason it is important to make a thorough analysis of the text in order to draw conclusions on it. Interpretation is an important part of the artistic process. Weather in literary or visual form, every artist has an intention behind their work even if it is just to express or to entertain. Those who perceive the work add to it in the way they personally are influenced by it. Interpretation allows the artist to connect with a wider audience range and better convey his or her message. Like minded people might catch on to the artist’s original intent, while those of a different background might take the same message to have new meaning in a different context. This concept connects with the idea that literature serves as both a window and a mirror that we discussed in class earlier this semester. Samuel Beckett may have had his own intentions on the meaning of “Waiting for Godot” and with literature as a window we perhaps might be able to see through the play and find that meaning. On the other hand when we examine the way our own experiences interact with those of play, we can realize new facets of ourselves and in this way literature is also a mirror.
When I read “Waiting for Godot”, I read it as a statement about religion. The characters actions and the way they talk would suggest Samuel Beckett was making a statement about the Christian faith. There are several occasions where Vladimir and Estragon refer to Godot as if he were God. Vladimir describes his request of Godot as a prayer or supplication. The single tree in the background can easily take on the meaning of the cross in Christian faith. The cross (single tree) is the meeting place where men (Vladimir and Estragon) come to meet with God (Godot). Vladamir and Estragon also discuss the two thieves that hung on either side of Jesus while he was on the cross and how that related to repentance. I find it no mere coincidence that two characters stuck in a repetitive rut would be considering the fate of the two men who were hanging on the crosses next to Jesus. The main issue in the discussion was which account in the gospels was most important and if one of those men did go to heaven. It is very possible Estragon and Vladimir represent the men on the crosses being stuck in the cycle of life searching for some meaning. While waiting at the tree Vladimir and Estragon are constantly left waiting for Godot to come another day. I see this being very similar to how many believers from a variety of faiths sit in expectation of their messiah figure and the end of the world. Many have claimed it was coming and to date no one has been right. When the boy who works for Godot shows up, he says that he is in charge of Godot’s the goats and that his brother is in charge of the sheep. He goes further to say that his brother is treated poorly by Godot, and that he is treated well. In the book of Revelations sheep represent those people who receive God’s reward after life and the goats are those who are punished. I find this situation in “Waiting for Godot” to be a satirical jab at the age old question of why does God allow bad things to happen to good people. Over all it would appear that Samuel Beckett is at trying to criticize the futile nature of religion and point out discrepancies with in the Christian faith.
I firmly believe that there is great value in examining “Waiting for Godot” as a religious work. It stems back to the idea of literature as both a window and a mirror, and how both methods of interpretation interact. Samuel Beckett through his play might be making a statement about the futility of the Christian faith and the illogical actions of its followers, while still seeing this; I can take the play as a warning. Often times we would be unable to discover our own flaws if there were no one there to point them out. No one would want to be part of a repetitive meaningless faith, and if that’s the way Christianity is being perceived it should be examined as to why it is seen this way. If there is truth it is not just an important part of the argument against the faith, but important for believers to understand so that they can correct the inconsistency with in their own actions. Not only are we capable of learning about other and the world outside of us, but it also provides for self reflection.
At first glance waiting for Godot may seem to be nothing more than nonsense. A closer examination will yield however certain immerging themes. For this reason it is important to make a thorough analysis of the text in order to draw conclusions on it. Interpretation is an important part of the artistic process. Weather in literary or visual form, every artist has an intention behind their work even if it is just to express or to entertain. Those who perceive the work add to it in the way they personally are influenced by it. Interpretation allows the artist to connect with a wider audience range and better convey his or her message. Like minded people might catch on to the artist’s original intent, while those of a different background might take the same message to have new meaning in a different context. This concept connects with the idea that literature serves as both a window and a mirror that we discussed in class earlier this semester. Samuel Beckett may have had his own intentions on the meaning of “Waiting for Godot” and with literature as a window we perhaps might be able to see through the play and find that meaning. On the other hand when we examine the way our own experiences interact with those of play, we can realize new facets of ourselves and in this way literature is also a mirror.
When I read “Waiting for Godot”, I read it as a statement about religion. The characters actions and the way they talk would suggest Samuel Beckett was making a statement about the Christian faith. There are several occasions where Vladimir and Estragon refer to Godot as if he were God. Vladimir describes his request of Godot as a prayer or supplication. The single tree in the background can easily take on the meaning of the cross in Christian faith. The cross (single tree) is the meeting place where men (Vladimir and Estragon) come to meet with God (Godot). Vladamir and Estragon also discuss the two thieves that hung on either side of Jesus while he was on the cross and how that related to repentance. I find it no mere coincidence that two characters stuck in a repetitive rut would be considering the fate of the two men who were hanging on the crosses next to Jesus. The main issue in the discussion was which account in the gospels was most important and if one of those men did go to heaven. It is very possible Estragon and Vladimir represent the men on the crosses being stuck in the cycle of life searching for some meaning. While waiting at the tree Vladimir and Estragon are constantly left waiting for Godot to come another day. I see this being very similar to how many believers from a variety of faiths sit in expectation of their messiah figure and the end of the world. Many have claimed it was coming and to date no one has been right. When the boy who works for Godot shows up, he says that he is in charge of Godot’s the goats and that his brother is in charge of the sheep. He goes further to say that his brother is treated poorly by Godot, and that he is treated well. In the book of Revelations sheep represent those people who receive God’s reward after life and the goats are those who are punished. I find this situation in “Waiting for Godot” to be a satirical jab at the age old question of why does God allow bad things to happen to good people. Over all it would appear that Samuel Beckett is at trying to criticize the futile nature of religion and point out discrepancies with in the Christian faith.
I firmly believe that there is great value in examining “Waiting for Godot” as a religious work. It stems back to the idea of literature as both a window and a mirror, and how both methods of interpretation interact. Samuel Beckett through his play might be making a statement about the futility of the Christian faith and the illogical actions of its followers, while still seeing this; I can take the play as a warning. Often times we would be unable to discover our own flaws if there were no one there to point them out. No one would want to be part of a repetitive meaningless faith, and if that’s the way Christianity is being perceived it should be examined as to why it is seen this way. If there is truth it is not just an important part of the argument against the faith, but important for believers to understand so that they can correct the inconsistency with in their own actions. Not only are we capable of learning about other and the world outside of us, but it also provides for self reflection.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Symbolism
While reading the chapter on symbolism I realized that there are symbols I see everywhere on a daily basis that I tend to over look. Although seeing them I really only see that which they are representing. The stop sign was a great example given in the text. When I see one I immediately know to stop, rarely do I ever take the time to perceive it as a red octagon. This symbol has a very clear meaning because our society has trained us to view it this way. A stop sign is universally recognized for its meaning with in our society even apart from driving laws.
I then began thinking of other symbols in our cultures art and literature that seem stand out. While thinking about it I realized there were countless religious symbols at work in most of art and literature. Whether in favor of or against, religious symbolism permeates the majority of artistic expressions. The idea of using names in a symbolic manner was new to me. Although I had picked up on it before I had never connected the concept with symbolism. The term used in the text trope, personification is also included under this type of language. Calling someone Judas for example does not necessarily equate that their name is Judas. Those with a Biblical understanding however will recognize this as calling someone a traitor.
This section of reading reminded me of certain reading assignments in high school, Shakespeare in particular. I can remember being the only person who could understand the text because of the religious symbols. Our culture doesn’t train people to recognize many of the symbols that were so common in the past. I think it is important to be aware of these symbols even if you may not choose to believe in a particular faith. With out understanding the meaning behind all the symbols that exist in the world around us we end up going through life missing out on a great many cultured things. Much classic art and literature get passed over because the symbols we are trained to recognize today are more along the lines of the McDonald’s golden arches.
I then began thinking of other symbols in our cultures art and literature that seem stand out. While thinking about it I realized there were countless religious symbols at work in most of art and literature. Whether in favor of or against, religious symbolism permeates the majority of artistic expressions. The idea of using names in a symbolic manner was new to me. Although I had picked up on it before I had never connected the concept with symbolism. The term used in the text trope, personification is also included under this type of language. Calling someone Judas for example does not necessarily equate that their name is Judas. Those with a Biblical understanding however will recognize this as calling someone a traitor.
This section of reading reminded me of certain reading assignments in high school, Shakespeare in particular. I can remember being the only person who could understand the text because of the religious symbols. Our culture doesn’t train people to recognize many of the symbols that were so common in the past. I think it is important to be aware of these symbols even if you may not choose to believe in a particular faith. With out understanding the meaning behind all the symbols that exist in the world around us we end up going through life missing out on a great many cultured things. Much classic art and literature get passed over because the symbols we are trained to recognize today are more along the lines of the McDonald’s golden arches.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Religion and Waiting for Godot
After discussing Waiting for Godot in class I believe even more so that Samuel Beckett is attempting to make a statement about religion. It seems that Samuel Beckett believes that religion is useless and repetitive and only really serves to keep people trapped in prison with out wall.
As previously stated the lone tree that is in the background I believe is representative of the cross. The whole play takes place around it, and none of the characters ever real accomplish anything or a achieve a real sense of individuality. Vladimir and Estragon constantly repeat each other; appear to be interpedently on each other for any kind of purpose, whether to need or to be needed. For Christians the cross is supposed to be the source for where we can come and meet God. In Waiting for Godot Vladimir and Estragon are constantly left waiting at the cross every day with the continuing promise that Godot is still coming. However when Godot does not show up he sends a boy who works for him instead. That boy works for Godot by taking care of his goats and his brother, who also works for Godot, by taking care of his sheep. It is revealed that Godot mistreats the brother who takes care of the sheep. This part of the play reminds me of the passage in Revelations that talks about God separating the goats from the sheep, the sheep being those who will receive a reward in the after life. I think Samuel Beckett might be trying to bring up the issue of why good things happen to bad people. It does often seem that those people who are good and upright tend to suffer the most. There are other smaller lines that support this idea. At one point I noticed Vladimir and Estragon talking as if they prayed to Godot and even ask for forgiveness.
I think it is important to attempt to understand works of art that demonstrate an opposition to religion. I know many Christians are opposed to this avoiding movies or music that makes statement they may not agree with. Not to say I’m in favor of submitting oneself to a barrage of vulgarity, but I believe it is important for Christians to at least be familiar with the beliefs of the world. Only when we truly understand people can we reach out to them to share our faith.
As previously stated the lone tree that is in the background I believe is representative of the cross. The whole play takes place around it, and none of the characters ever real accomplish anything or a achieve a real sense of individuality. Vladimir and Estragon constantly repeat each other; appear to be interpedently on each other for any kind of purpose, whether to need or to be needed. For Christians the cross is supposed to be the source for where we can come and meet God. In Waiting for Godot Vladimir and Estragon are constantly left waiting at the cross every day with the continuing promise that Godot is still coming. However when Godot does not show up he sends a boy who works for him instead. That boy works for Godot by taking care of his goats and his brother, who also works for Godot, by taking care of his sheep. It is revealed that Godot mistreats the brother who takes care of the sheep. This part of the play reminds me of the passage in Revelations that talks about God separating the goats from the sheep, the sheep being those who will receive a reward in the after life. I think Samuel Beckett might be trying to bring up the issue of why good things happen to bad people. It does often seem that those people who are good and upright tend to suffer the most. There are other smaller lines that support this idea. At one point I noticed Vladimir and Estragon talking as if they prayed to Godot and even ask for forgiveness.
I think it is important to attempt to understand works of art that demonstrate an opposition to religion. I know many Christians are opposed to this avoiding movies or music that makes statement they may not agree with. Not to say I’m in favor of submitting oneself to a barrage of vulgarity, but I believe it is important for Christians to at least be familiar with the beliefs of the world. Only when we truly understand people can we reach out to them to share our faith.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"Waiting for Godot"
Although finding “Waiting for Godot” humorous at times I’m not sure I was able to understand the message the author was attempting to convey. One reason is that I’m not sure even he knew what message he was trying to convey. Most of the dialogue was sheer nonsense. The characters seem to constantly contradict themselves, and the play as a whole is cyclical.
Perhaps it is just because I am a practical theology major, but the only meaning I was able to pull from this play was a series of statements religious is nature. The whole play takes place in front of a single tree perhaps representative of the cross in Christian faith. By the end of the second act we can see that Vladimir and Estragon have been waiting at the tree for what seems like forever, each new day hearing that the next would finally be the day they meet Godot. This repetitive pattern might suggest that Samuel Beckett finds religion to be a series of useless repetitions that keep men trapped in the same place time and time again.
Another point I found interesting was the way in which the characters contradicted their words with their actions. Many times they talk about leaving and no longer waiting for Godot but never do. They frequently say they are about to do something but always remain sitting there. Vladimir claims that he is happier on his own but is never able to leave Estragon. I believe this is all tied into Estragon’s comments that he all of humanity. He represents the way in which people are mostly talk. Everyone wants good things but rarely has the will power to back that desire with real action. There are many simple solutions to the vast array of problems that plague our world today but attempting to unite people in solving one of them proves near impossible.
Perhaps it is just because I am a practical theology major, but the only meaning I was able to pull from this play was a series of statements religious is nature. The whole play takes place in front of a single tree perhaps representative of the cross in Christian faith. By the end of the second act we can see that Vladimir and Estragon have been waiting at the tree for what seems like forever, each new day hearing that the next would finally be the day they meet Godot. This repetitive pattern might suggest that Samuel Beckett finds religion to be a series of useless repetitions that keep men trapped in the same place time and time again.
Another point I found interesting was the way in which the characters contradicted their words with their actions. Many times they talk about leaving and no longer waiting for Godot but never do. They frequently say they are about to do something but always remain sitting there. Vladimir claims that he is happier on his own but is never able to leave Estragon. I believe this is all tied into Estragon’s comments that he all of humanity. He represents the way in which people are mostly talk. Everyone wants good things but rarely has the will power to back that desire with real action. There are many simple solutions to the vast array of problems that plague our world today but attempting to unite people in solving one of them proves near impossible.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog
I really enjoyed watching Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. Although I wasn’t I missed class I did watch the movie outside of class on my own. I am a fan of Josh Whendon and have wanted to see Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog for a while and was excited to find out that it was on hulu for free. Watching Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog has probably been my favorite assignment of the semester.
Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog begins with an internet video blog from Dr. Horrible, who is applying to be in the League of Evil. All the while he is attempting to impress the League and Bad Horse with his with evil cunning genius he struggles to talk to the girl of his dreams, Penny. During his first heist he accidentally brings his nemesis Captain Hammer together with Penny. Penny has no idea that Dr. Horrible is really the guy she begins to hang out with at the laundry mat. As Penny and Captain Hammer’s relationship progresses Dr. Horrible decides to kill Captain Hammer in order to keep him away from Penny and to impress the League of Evil. In the end his plan goes awry and instead of kill Captain Hammer his death ray malfunctions and kills penny instead. Dr. Horrible is heart broken and joins the League becoming truly evil.
I found the whole movie to be well written and incredibly comical. Making the movie a musical added significantly to the humor of the story. It was ironic at times to have characters singing the same song from opposing points of view, such as Captain Hammer and Dr. Horrible both singing “a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do” while one attempts to commit a crime and the other attempts to stop the crime. Throughout the movie Dr. Horrible can’t seem to catch a break where everything seems to go wrong for him. The way the movie is written however makes all of these tragic events appear comical. I think this is important for people to bring into their everyday lives. Things go wrong everyday and if you don’t have the ability to laugh it off you’re going to have a very miserable life.
One theme I found very interesting in the movie was the motivations of each character. Dr. Horrible, although attempting to do evil, did it with a desire to impress someone else. He was motivated by changing the world, self improvement and impressing the girl he was in love with. On the flip side, Captain Hammer, the hero of the story, was only interested in pleasing himself. He only helped others to gain more attention and glory for himself. I think Josh Whendon might have been trying to make a statement about who is really a ‘good guy’ in real life as part of this.
Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog begins with an internet video blog from Dr. Horrible, who is applying to be in the League of Evil. All the while he is attempting to impress the League and Bad Horse with his with evil cunning genius he struggles to talk to the girl of his dreams, Penny. During his first heist he accidentally brings his nemesis Captain Hammer together with Penny. Penny has no idea that Dr. Horrible is really the guy she begins to hang out with at the laundry mat. As Penny and Captain Hammer’s relationship progresses Dr. Horrible decides to kill Captain Hammer in order to keep him away from Penny and to impress the League of Evil. In the end his plan goes awry and instead of kill Captain Hammer his death ray malfunctions and kills penny instead. Dr. Horrible is heart broken and joins the League becoming truly evil.
I found the whole movie to be well written and incredibly comical. Making the movie a musical added significantly to the humor of the story. It was ironic at times to have characters singing the same song from opposing points of view, such as Captain Hammer and Dr. Horrible both singing “a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do” while one attempts to commit a crime and the other attempts to stop the crime. Throughout the movie Dr. Horrible can’t seem to catch a break where everything seems to go wrong for him. The way the movie is written however makes all of these tragic events appear comical. I think this is important for people to bring into their everyday lives. Things go wrong everyday and if you don’t have the ability to laugh it off you’re going to have a very miserable life.
One theme I found very interesting in the movie was the motivations of each character. Dr. Horrible, although attempting to do evil, did it with a desire to impress someone else. He was motivated by changing the world, self improvement and impressing the girl he was in love with. On the flip side, Captain Hammer, the hero of the story, was only interested in pleasing himself. He only helped others to gain more attention and glory for himself. I think Josh Whendon might have been trying to make a statement about who is really a ‘good guy’ in real life as part of this.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Lake Bonny Park
I went to Lake Bonny Park for this assignment, and I stayed there for at least 50 minutes.
Tuesday morning I woke up extra early at 6:30 a.m. to make my visit to Lake Bonny Park. Normally I do not enjoy getting up this early but I rather enjoyed it this time. Living on campus there is not a lot of space for personal or quiet time. I got to the park just after it opened at 7:00 a.m. and the whole time I was there I only saw one other person from a distance. I began my time at the park by walking around the walking path of 1.3 miles. What always grabs my attention about the Florida landscape is the vegetation. Although some are the same, the trees for the most part down here in Florida are very different from what I am used to back home in Massachusetts. I enjoy the tropical feel that even the palm trees on campus give. As I headed around the walking path I came to a barn where they were keeping livestock. I am curious why they are keeping livestock on the property as this is a state park and not a farm. I don’t see what the use of cows and pigs would be in such a place. In general the whole park was very quiet. After a little while sitting still I started to pick up on a few birds chirping that had recently woken. All the pigs and cows were still sleeping. I feel that up north the animals tend to wake earlier and at least the birds tend to be louder. My favorite part of my time at Lake Bonny Park was my 20 minutes or silent reflection. For this I went out to the end of the boardwalk over looking the water and sat down with my back against the railing. Lately I have been feeling very stressed out as a result of the high work load that comes at this time of the semester. I find myself having to run from one thing to the next just to make time for everything I need to do. Taking this time to practice paying attention to the world around me was the first real break I’ve had in a while.
The early morning sun barely tops the tree line
Giving just enough light to see
I am the first to wake
The first to see the world as it comes to light
Even nature has still yet wake
The whole world is quiet
I walk and take in the stillness of the world around me
Everything is still; quiet, and in its place
Just as if it were a picture
Steady slow foot steps on the board walk come to a stop
The cool breeze gently blowing across the top of the water
Tiny waves on the water rolling towards the west
Opposite the sun rises half covered in clouds
Tall grassy reads sway ever so slightly
Playing off one another natures music
The sun majestically reflecting off the surface of the water
As each bird begins to announce it was awoken
They call to each other back and forth
The day is about to begin
As each one heads off to work
Tuesday morning I woke up extra early at 6:30 a.m. to make my visit to Lake Bonny Park. Normally I do not enjoy getting up this early but I rather enjoyed it this time. Living on campus there is not a lot of space for personal or quiet time. I got to the park just after it opened at 7:00 a.m. and the whole time I was there I only saw one other person from a distance. I began my time at the park by walking around the walking path of 1.3 miles. What always grabs my attention about the Florida landscape is the vegetation. Although some are the same, the trees for the most part down here in Florida are very different from what I am used to back home in Massachusetts. I enjoy the tropical feel that even the palm trees on campus give. As I headed around the walking path I came to a barn where they were keeping livestock. I am curious why they are keeping livestock on the property as this is a state park and not a farm. I don’t see what the use of cows and pigs would be in such a place. In general the whole park was very quiet. After a little while sitting still I started to pick up on a few birds chirping that had recently woken. All the pigs and cows were still sleeping. I feel that up north the animals tend to wake earlier and at least the birds tend to be louder. My favorite part of my time at Lake Bonny Park was my 20 minutes or silent reflection. For this I went out to the end of the boardwalk over looking the water and sat down with my back against the railing. Lately I have been feeling very stressed out as a result of the high work load that comes at this time of the semester. I find myself having to run from one thing to the next just to make time for everything I need to do. Taking this time to practice paying attention to the world around me was the first real break I’ve had in a while.
The early morning sun barely tops the tree line
Giving just enough light to see
I am the first to wake
The first to see the world as it comes to light
Even nature has still yet wake
The whole world is quiet
I walk and take in the stillness of the world around me
Everything is still; quiet, and in its place
Just as if it were a picture
Steady slow foot steps on the board walk come to a stop
The cool breeze gently blowing across the top of the water
Tiny waves on the water rolling towards the west
Opposite the sun rises half covered in clouds
Tall grassy reads sway ever so slightly
Playing off one another natures music
The sun majestically reflecting off the surface of the water
As each bird begins to announce it was awoken
They call to each other back and forth
The day is about to begin
As each one heads off to work
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