5.8
1. Macduff was looking for Macbeth because he wanted to fight him and kill him. Macduff didn't want to fight any of his soldiers, just Macbeth. It would haunt him if he didn't kill him.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Act IV Study Questions
4.1
1. There are 3 witches in this scene.
2. The first apparition says to be wary of Macduff and careful of him. The second tells Macbeth he should be a strong willed ruler- bold and brace. In other words he should not accept defeat. The third warns of attacking armies coming, and tells Macbeth he won't be defeated until the kingdom of Norway attacks.
1. There are 3 witches in this scene.
2. The first apparition says to be wary of Macduff and careful of him. The second tells Macbeth he should be a strong willed ruler- bold and brace. In other words he should not accept defeat. The third warns of attacking armies coming, and tells Macbeth he won't be defeated until the kingdom of Norway attacks.
Macbeth doesn't feel safe after the apparitions. He has worries about Macduff's intentions and the possibility of an oncoming attacking army. Yes he should feel unsafe because he is in a very precarious position.
After the fourth, the line of kings, Macbeth is terrified. He saw the ghost of Banquo at the end, whom he killed. This frightened him as well as drawing out his guilt.
3. In line 158 Macbeth learns from Lennox that Macduff is running away to England. In response Macbeth decides to send someone try to kill as many of Macduff's family members as he can.
4.2
1. Lady Macduff seems to feel betrayed and angry at Macduff because he left them (her and her son) to die. She was advising her son to dislike his father because he fled when he discovered that Macbeth is planning to kill him.
2. The purpose of the scene between Lady Macduff and her son is to have his son have false impression about his dad. Also, the scene assists in the growth of the theme : fair is foul and foul is fair. This is because Macbeth is willing to kill Macduff in order to achieve what is"rightfully" his and Macduff fled, afraid of Macbeth's actions towards him. It also shows how Macduff's son refused to believe that his father left them to die, showing devotion, faith, and trust.
3. The entire Macduff family ends up being killed by Macbeth.
4.3
1. Macduff's family has been killed.
2. Malcolm doesn't want to go home because he's afraid of judgement since he ran away. Malcolm is suspicious of Macduff bc Macduff has his own personal agenda. He might be secretly working for Macbeth since he left his family. Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty to him and he passes. When Macduff starts to leave Malcolm takes back the lies he's told and trusts Macduff now- they're now allies.
3. Malcolm says he's a bad king but Macduff says Macbeth is a way worse king and that he needs to return to restore peace and justice. Avarice bothers Macduff more in a king, it sticks deeper with kings in the terms of greed and lust.
4.
3. In line 158 Macbeth learns from Lennox that Macduff is running away to England. In response Macbeth decides to send someone try to kill as many of Macduff's family members as he can.
4.2
1. Lady Macduff seems to feel betrayed and angry at Macduff because he left them (her and her son) to die. She was advising her son to dislike his father because he fled when he discovered that Macbeth is planning to kill him.
2. The purpose of the scene between Lady Macduff and her son is to have his son have false impression about his dad. Also, the scene assists in the growth of the theme : fair is foul and foul is fair. This is because Macbeth is willing to kill Macduff in order to achieve what is"rightfully" his and Macduff fled, afraid of Macbeth's actions towards him. It also shows how Macduff's son refused to believe that his father left them to die, showing devotion, faith, and trust.
3. The entire Macduff family ends up being killed by Macbeth.
4.3
1. Macduff's family has been killed.
2. Malcolm doesn't want to go home because he's afraid of judgement since he ran away. Malcolm is suspicious of Macduff bc Macduff has his own personal agenda. He might be secretly working for Macbeth since he left his family. Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty to him and he passes. When Macduff starts to leave Malcolm takes back the lies he's told and trusts Macduff now- they're now allies.
3. Malcolm says he's a bad king but Macduff says Macbeth is a way worse king and that he needs to return to restore peace and justice. Avarice bothers Macduff more in a king, it sticks deeper with kings in the terms of greed and lust.
4.
5.
6. Ross tells Macduff that his family is dead, it takes him a while to tell him. Macduff says they must save their grief for later and Malcom says to turn their revenge into a medicine for their grief. Macduff says "he has no children" and he is referring to Malcom because he says he needs to mourn and "feel like a man" when Malcom tells him to dispute it like a man. To be a "man" in this play means to have feelings and don't hide but don't let them cloud your judgement.
7. Malcom, Macduff and Ross are ready to attack Macbeth's castle, they just need to go there.
6. Ross tells Macduff that his family is dead, it takes him a while to tell him. Macduff says they must save their grief for later and Malcom says to turn their revenge into a medicine for their grief. Macduff says "he has no children" and he is referring to Malcom because he says he needs to mourn and "feel like a man" when Malcom tells him to dispute it like a man. To be a "man" in this play means to have feelings and don't hide but don't let them cloud your judgement.
7. Malcom, Macduff and Ross are ready to attack Macbeth's castle, they just need to go there.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Journal Discussion
I don't think Macbeth would be a very good ruler. The way he has proven himself so far throughout the play makes it seem that he isn't going to be a strong leader. Macbeth is greedy. Nothing is ever enough. He wanted to be the king so bad that he killed anyone that threatened his chance. Even though witches were seen as agents of Satan, Macbeth still believed in their prophecy because of how badly he wanted it to be true. He is becoming heartless and his greed is taking over. He even had the audacity to blame his killing of Duncan on innocent guards.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Macbeth Act III and IV Reading Notes
Act III
-Banquo is questioning the witches prophecies and that if the first one happened, the second one must happen as well
-Macbeth invites Banquo and his son over for dinner
-Macbeth says a soliloquy about how Banquo is his only old friend but the only friend that he fears
-Macbeth talks to two men who agree to murder Banquo and Fleance
-Lady Macbeth is full of despair and Macbeth agrees that he feels guilty but things must be done in order to secure his place at the throne
-Macbeth says that Lady Macbeth needs to play along at dinner
-The murderers are waiting for Banquo and Fleance
-They kill Banquo but just before he dies he tells Fleance to avenge his death
-It's dark and Fleance escapes
-The murderer tells Macbeth that Fleance got away which makes Macbeth really angry
-Back at dinner Banquo's ghost shows up and causes Macbeth to freak out; no one can see him but Macbeth which makes it seem like he's gone crazy
-Lady Macbeth makes excuses for Macbeth and the ghost disappears and then reappears so Lady Macbeth sends the guests to another room
-Macbeth says that he will visit the witches tomorrow and see what the future shows
-The witches meet Hecate who scolds them for getting in the middle of Macbeth's business; she says that she will take over
-When Macbeth comes they must send him false visions and spirits
-Banquo's murder was blamed on his son Fleance who fled, but they suspect Macbeth
-A lord and Lennox are talking
-Macduff has gone to England to join Malcom in asking England's king for help
-Macbeth is now prepared for war
-Hopefully Malcom and Macduff are successful in saving Scotland from Macbeth
Act IV
-The witches are chanting around a cauldron when Macbeth walks in and he asks about the truth of their prophecy
-A floating head says to beware of Macduff (he is not surprised)
-A bloody child says that none of woman born shall harm Macbeth
-A crowned child holding a tree says that he is safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill
-8 crowned kings walk by and the last one is carrying a mirror; Banquo's ghost walks at the end of the line
-Macbeth asks what this means but the witches just dance and then disappear
-Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff fled to England
-He plans to send people to capture Macduff's castle, wife, and children
-Lady Macduff asks Ross why her husband fled and he says that she just needs to trust her husband
-Lady Macduff tells her son that his dad is dead but he says he isn't
-A messenger tells Lady Macbeth to leave but she doesn't think she did anything wrong
-Murderers enter and denounce Macduff, the son argues so they stab him and then chase Lady Macbeth
-Outside of King Edward's palace, Malcom tells Macduff that he doesn't trust him because he left his family and thinks he is working with Macbeth
-Macduff passes Malcom's test by staying tru to Scotland and disagreeing that Malcom would make a good king
-A doctor tells King Edward that wretched souls are waiting for him to be cured because the king has the power to cure disease
-Ross tells Macduff that his children and wife are fine and urges Malcom to return to Scotland
-Malcom said he'll return with the king and an army
-Ross breaks down and says that Macbeth murdered Macduff's family
-Malcome convinced Macduff to get revenge
-Banquo is questioning the witches prophecies and that if the first one happened, the second one must happen as well
-Macbeth invites Banquo and his son over for dinner
-Macbeth says a soliloquy about how Banquo is his only old friend but the only friend that he fears
-Macbeth talks to two men who agree to murder Banquo and Fleance
-Lady Macbeth is full of despair and Macbeth agrees that he feels guilty but things must be done in order to secure his place at the throne
-Macbeth says that Lady Macbeth needs to play along at dinner
-The murderers are waiting for Banquo and Fleance
-They kill Banquo but just before he dies he tells Fleance to avenge his death
-It's dark and Fleance escapes
-The murderer tells Macbeth that Fleance got away which makes Macbeth really angry
-Back at dinner Banquo's ghost shows up and causes Macbeth to freak out; no one can see him but Macbeth which makes it seem like he's gone crazy
-Lady Macbeth makes excuses for Macbeth and the ghost disappears and then reappears so Lady Macbeth sends the guests to another room
-Macbeth says that he will visit the witches tomorrow and see what the future shows
-The witches meet Hecate who scolds them for getting in the middle of Macbeth's business; she says that she will take over
-When Macbeth comes they must send him false visions and spirits
-Banquo's murder was blamed on his son Fleance who fled, but they suspect Macbeth
-A lord and Lennox are talking
-Macduff has gone to England to join Malcom in asking England's king for help
-Macbeth is now prepared for war
-Hopefully Malcom and Macduff are successful in saving Scotland from Macbeth
Act IV
-The witches are chanting around a cauldron when Macbeth walks in and he asks about the truth of their prophecy
-A floating head says to beware of Macduff (he is not surprised)
-A bloody child says that none of woman born shall harm Macbeth
-A crowned child holding a tree says that he is safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill
-8 crowned kings walk by and the last one is carrying a mirror; Banquo's ghost walks at the end of the line
-Macbeth asks what this means but the witches just dance and then disappear
-Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff fled to England
-He plans to send people to capture Macduff's castle, wife, and children
-Lady Macduff asks Ross why her husband fled and he says that she just needs to trust her husband
-Lady Macduff tells her son that his dad is dead but he says he isn't
-A messenger tells Lady Macbeth to leave but she doesn't think she did anything wrong
-Murderers enter and denounce Macduff, the son argues so they stab him and then chase Lady Macbeth
-Outside of King Edward's palace, Malcom tells Macduff that he doesn't trust him because he left his family and thinks he is working with Macbeth
-Macduff passes Malcom's test by staying tru to Scotland and disagreeing that Malcom would make a good king
-A doctor tells King Edward that wretched souls are waiting for him to be cured because the king has the power to cure disease
-Ross tells Macduff that his children and wife are fine and urges Malcom to return to Scotland
-Malcom said he'll return with the king and an army
-Ross breaks down and says that Macbeth murdered Macduff's family
-Malcome convinced Macduff to get revenge
Act II Study Questions
2.1
1.The opening gives a sense of forboding, things are not as they should be. The discussion serves to have Banquo acknowledge the weird sisters rather than claim they are a hallucination.
2. Macbeth is extremely stressed about having to Duncan and he is attempting to talk himself into committing the deed. He talks about it as if he is in a haze, a dream and he continues by making it a reality and committing the deed.
2. Macbeth is extremely stressed about having to Duncan and he is attempting to talk himself into committing the deed. He talks about it as if he is in a haze, a dream and he continues by making it a reality and committing the deed.
2.2
2.3
1. The porter, in the third scene of act ii, is drunk and is pretending to be the Porter of the gate to hell. In the play, Macbeth has the trait of equivocation, where he manipulates his listener by circumlocution and the expectations of the other person without actually committing. For example, he does this when Lady Macbeth asks him to kill King Duncan.
2. The thematic function of Lennox describing the night as unruly was because that night was when King Duncan was killed by Macbeth. It was "unruly" not only for King Duncan but also for Macbeth because the guilt and fear of getting caught will always make him say and do things that might be suspicious, dark, and unruly. The scene is necessary to show Macbeth's transformation from the character before the murder vs. the character after the murder. This also connects back to what the witches had said earlier in the play: Fair is foul and foul is fair.
3. Macduff reports that the king has been murdered. Lady Macbeth appears to be horrified that this act could take place on his household. Macbeth is in encaged and kills the chamberlains. Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee Malcolm and will go to England and Donalbain will go to Ireland. They're fleeing because they fear they will be murdered.
2. The thematic function of Lennox describing the night as unruly was because that night was when King Duncan was killed by Macbeth. It was "unruly" not only for King Duncan but also for Macbeth because the guilt and fear of getting caught will always make him say and do things that might be suspicious, dark, and unruly. The scene is necessary to show Macbeth's transformation from the character before the murder vs. the character after the murder. This also connects back to what the witches had said earlier in the play: Fair is foul and foul is fair.
3. Macduff reports that the king has been murdered. Lady Macbeth appears to be horrified that this act could take place on his household. Macbeth is in encaged and kills the chamberlains. Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee Malcolm and will go to England and Donalbain will go to Ireland. They're fleeing because they fear they will be murdered.
2.4
1. The function of the dialogue between Old Man and Ross is to discuss the strange happenings that have been occurring such as how an owl killed a falcon, the horses went wild and are one another, and several other things. This wicked behavior symbolizes and foreshadows the promotion of Macbeth to the thrown. 2. Macduff tells us from the castle that Macbeth has been made king by his fellow lords and that he will travel to Scone to receive the promotion and get crowned. He tells us that Malcolm and Donalbain are suspected of the murder of Duncan. They are suspected because they fled the scene.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Macbeth Notes
-Great chain of being (Aristotle)
-God, king/ruler, down through social classes, servants, animals
-Gave us social structure where there often wasn't one
-"Fair is foul and foul is fair"= most memorable quote from the witches (contrast, paradox)
-Witches were agents of Satan, evil servants; witchcraft became a capital offense two years before play was published
-King was interested in witchcraft
-The devil was real during this time period; taken very seriously
-"Come what come may, time and the hour runs through the roughest day"
-God, king/ruler, down through social classes, servants, animals
-Gave us social structure where there often wasn't one
-"Fair is foul and foul is fair"= most memorable quote from the witches (contrast, paradox)
-Witches were agents of Satan, evil servants; witchcraft became a capital offense two years before play was published
-King was interested in witchcraft
-The devil was real during this time period; taken very seriously
-"Come what come may, time and the hour runs through the roughest day"
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Love is Blind
The audience sees Lady Macbeth as ruthless...and maybe even a little crazy. She will do whatever it takes to make her husband king. After receiving the letter from Macbeth, right away she starts making plans. She heartlessly takes this opportunity, and mocks her husband for being hesitant. He feels guilty but she shows no remorse. Macbeth on the other hand sees his lady as only trying to help him. He just wants to please her. He sees Lady Macbeth as possibly stronger than him and more brave.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Act I Study Questions
1.1
1. Beginning the play with a dialogue between the witches sets the mood to be dark, evil, and mysterious. This foreshadows the plot, theme, and mood for the future of the story in the same manner. In comparison of Shakespeare's other plays, Macbeth requires more ambiguity and the syntax and diction used needs to be more bleak. For example, Hamlet highlighted the themes of betrayal and complexity of relationships and power. Even though, the theme falls in the same ballpark with Macbeth, the gloominess of the plot of Macbeth overpowers that of Hamlet. In the beginning of the play, the witches were going to meet Macbeth at the "ere of sunset." Line 10 was "Paddock calls" and line 11 was "Anon." The phrase paddock class means a toad, which symbolizes transformation. The word anon means soon or shortly. The "toad" and it's transformation could metaphorically be compared to Macbeth and his evolving and transforming to be a completely different person or even having a transformation in his status and power. The witch's response as anon signifies how Macbeth will shortly have a transformation - to be declared a thane.
1.2
1. The bloody seargent indirectly characterizes Macbeth by glorifying his actions towards Macdonwald. Macdonwald is a rebel who was executed. He tried to attack them. Macbeth executed macdonwald with his sword. This did not end the fight with the rebels, the Norwegians are still attacking.
2. The traitor was the Thane of Cawdor, as we learn from Ross. Duncan says that its a relief the thane of cawdor was executed and that Macbeth now owns his previous title.
1.3
1. The witches speech gives a first look at Macbeth and his wife without saying who they are. Indirect characterization of the two. Similar to Hamlet where he gives a mini synopsis early in the story. "Weird" in Shakespeare's day meant future seers not weird as we know it, prophecy and destiny. Shakespeare means that Macbeth's wife has him by the balls. They cast a spell to control his destiny.
2. Macbeth says something very similar to what the witches said at the beginning of the play. This could be him falling into the destiny the witches set up. Dried, chapped fingers, gender ambiguity, hairy, old, they have literal beards. The witches tell Macbeth that he will thane of Candor and eventually King, right then he finds out he is thane of Cawdor. Banquo asked the witch why they had nothing for him, they told him he is lesser but greater than Macbeth. We knew he was thane before he was thane.
3. Banquo says the witches were a figment of their imagination that they lie or that they are hallucinating. Macbeth learns that he is thane of Cawdor from Ross and Angus. During lines 114-156 he was going over his plan in his head and how everything had just happened to him. He acts very happy and shows no incredulity at being thane. Macbeth's aside shows him rationalizing what happened to him and he begins to think that he is going to be King soon. Macbeth tells Banquo that he is happy and excited and nothing more he explains his behavior by saying he is confused.
3. Banquo says the witches were a figment of their imagination that they lie or that they are hallucinating. Macbeth learns that he is thane of Cawdor from Ross and Angus. During lines 114-156 he was going over his plan in his head and how everything had just happened to him. He acts very happy and shows no incredulity at being thane. Macbeth's aside shows him rationalizing what happened to him and he begins to think that he is going to be King soon. Macbeth tells Banquo that he is happy and excited and nothing more he explains his behavior by saying he is confused.
1.4
1. Cawdor was executed after openly confessing his treason and pleading for mercy. Malcolm tried to stick up for the thane, but the king responds by basically saying that you can't trust a man according to his face. He doesn't believe the thane was truly repentant.
2. The king greets them by saying that he can never repay them enough for their good deeds, but announces he will leave all his estate and names his son, Malcolm, prince of Cumberland. He then proposes that they go to Macbeth's castle at Inverness. Macbeth tells himself that the only way to be king is to get rid of Malcolm, and even though he'll be appalled at his action, he must do it.
1.5
1. Macbeth was honest with his wife when he informs her of his new title as "Thane of Cawdor." He refers to the witches as "weird sisters" probably because he doesn't want her know that he is associated with the "evil servants."
Lady Macbeth responds by saying that she thinks Macbeth is playng things off as if everything is fine. By saying "but be the serpent under't", she describes him as someone that lies to make everything appear under control. This doesn't really match the characterization of Macbeth so far in the story which implies that there is something the audience doesn't know about him.
2. The wife was confident about the guests visit. She also seemed prepared and a little cocky about the way her and her husband would handle it.
3. Lady Macbeth. Yes she wants to kill Duncan. No, he isn't sure whether he wants to follow through with Lady Macbeths orders or not. She tells him not to let Duncan see tomorrow.
4. The question appears to answer itself.
1.6
1.6
1. The opening speeches (1.6.1-10) describe how the surroundings of the castle are "pleasant" and the air is sweet-maybe even too sweet. From the outside, the castle appears to be paradise.
Lady Macbeth's welcome is formal. Her language is totally different from her language in the previous scene which shows how fake and dishonest her welcome was.
1.7
1. "If it were done when 'tis done then 'twere well." If it were done when it was done it was done well. (Meaning if he completed the death quickly and efficiently and with no complications then he did the job well.) Macbeth is determined to kill the king and be done with him but in lines 1-12 he is fearful of how the "inventor" will judge his actions. He's violating the hospitality of his kinship and responsibilities as a host towards his guest by trying to kill his guest instead of protecting them. The motivation that Macbeth attributes to himself in lines 25-28 is the attribute of an Arabic heaven-like God. He will be seen as a "God" and that is his source of motivation to get the job done.
2. In lines 28-30 she is complaining about him leaving the chamber because it was almost time for dinner. Macbeth responds to her complaining by saying did he ask for me? And lady Macbeth says don't you know he did? The positions are lady Macbeth is ready for the King to be killed while Macbeth is still hesitant and on the fence about it. Macbeth convinced Lady Macbeth by explaining that he is an respected person and doesn't want to lose his honor while Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth by convincing him to gain the power and kill the king. The stronger person in the scene is Lady Macbeth because she's more verbally confident in her argument while convincing Macbeth to kill the King.
2. In lines 28-30 she is complaining about him leaving the chamber because it was almost time for dinner. Macbeth responds to her complaining by saying did he ask for me? And lady Macbeth says don't you know he did? The positions are lady Macbeth is ready for the King to be killed while Macbeth is still hesitant and on the fence about it. Macbeth convinced Lady Macbeth by explaining that he is an respected person and doesn't want to lose his honor while Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth by convincing him to gain the power and kill the king. The stronger person in the scene is Lady Macbeth because she's more verbally confident in her argument while convincing Macbeth to kill the King.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Meet Macbeth
Macbeth is introduced as a strong, brave character through a speech about him in battle. "For brave Macbeth- well he deserves the name-disdaining fortune- with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution." Macbeth is praised for being a tough, honorable soldier. Even though the witches speak good about Macbeth, they hint that there is a dark side to him. Witches were seen as satanic and evil servants. If they are so frowned upon, why is Macbeth drawn to them?
When the witches say "fair is foul, and foul is fair" I think it's foreshadowing to possibly Macbeth not being able to distinguish the difference between fair and foul since it seems to be that Macbeth has a hidden dark side. It foreshadows a discrepancy between how someone is and how someone seems (Macbeth). Witches were seen as agents of Satan so their presence alone foreshadows satanic characteristics.
Shakespeare provides us with a vague prophecy that does not include instructions for Macbeth, therefore not spoiling the play for us. He does however say through the witches that Macbeth will jump two positions from where he currently hold, therefore, the characters holding those positions are likely going to be involved in an unfortunate event.
Shakespeare's characterization of Macbeth gives readers a feeling that yes Macbeth is looked highly of, but that he has a hidden side/agenda.
Guilt seems like an evident theme that will drive the rest of the play. Macbeth is going to do something that he is going to regret. This glorious "hero" will somehow cause a bad ending.
When the witches say "fair is foul, and foul is fair" I think it's foreshadowing to possibly Macbeth not being able to distinguish the difference between fair and foul since it seems to be that Macbeth has a hidden dark side. It foreshadows a discrepancy between how someone is and how someone seems (Macbeth). Witches were seen as agents of Satan so their presence alone foreshadows satanic characteristics.
Shakespeare provides us with a vague prophecy that does not include instructions for Macbeth, therefore not spoiling the play for us. He does however say through the witches that Macbeth will jump two positions from where he currently hold, therefore, the characters holding those positions are likely going to be involved in an unfortunate event.
Shakespeare's characterization of Macbeth gives readers a feeling that yes Macbeth is looked highly of, but that he has a hidden side/agenda.
Guilt seems like an evident theme that will drive the rest of the play. Macbeth is going to do something that he is going to regret. This glorious "hero" will somehow cause a bad ending.
My Macbeth Resources
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/macbethresources.html
http://www.absoluteshakespeare.com/guides/summaries/macbeth/macbeth_summary.htm
http://www.macbethonbroadway.com/macbeth-synopsis.html
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/macbethps.html
http://shakespearenet.net/macbeth/macbreak.htm
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/m/macbeth/study-help/quiz
http://www.absoluteshakespeare.com/guides/summaries/macbeth/macbeth_summary.htm
http://www.macbethonbroadway.com/macbeth-synopsis.html
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/macbethps.html
http://shakespearenet.net/macbeth/macbreak.htm
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/m/macbeth/study-help/quiz
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Spring Break Homework: Poetry
Poem: Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden
Prompt: Write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how the poet uses language to describe the scene and to convey mood and meaning.
I chose this prompt because the majority of the other prompts were specific to a particular poem. This poem that I chose is quite short and specific as well, and Robert Hayden's diction is what helped the reader understand the mood and meaning.
When we're young we don't appreciate what our parents voluntarily do for us, but as we grow older we become more grateful for the simple things in life. In Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden, Hayden's diction plays an essential role in helping the reader comprehend the poem and it's purpose. Hayden's use of language describes the scene in a way for the reader to comprehend the atmosphere of what is going on and to then better understand the mood of the entirety of the poem and the meaning of it all.
The poem starts out with the author describing what he woke up to every Sunday morning. The father too got up early on Sundays...in the blueblack cold...with cracked hands that ached. After these few lines, one can see that the father worked hard every day of the week in the cold winter weather. "No one ever thanked him." The boy never thought anything of it...until he later looked back on his life.
Through the majority of the poem, Hayden's language gave a mood of "normalness," as if what the father did was not a big deal. In the last few lines however, there's a shift. The reader sees that now grown up, looking back at "those winter Sundays," the man understands that what his father did for his family was the way he expressed his love. The father's love was quite yet powerful. That love is what drove him to make sacrifices for his family. After reading the poem, Hayden's language puts the mood of regret and gratefulness inside a reader's head. It wasn't that he purposely took advantage of what his father did for him, he just never recognized that it was his way of showing his love for his family. No one ever thanked the father, but looking back the speaker is truly grateful for him.
The poem isn't very lengthy, but it didn't need to be for one to understand its meaning. The lines are short but powerful. The language is simple yet descriptive. There didn't need to be 20 stanzas for the reader to see that the boy didn't recognize all that his father did for him, until later. Hayden made it clear that simple gestures are ways that one can express their love for another person. The father in the poem warmed up the house for his family, after working immensely hard all week, and still never expected a thank you. He didn't need a thank you. He continued to do what seemed like a small gesture because he wanted to show his love for his family. The father would suffer to keep his family warm.
Prompt: Write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how the poet uses language to describe the scene and to convey mood and meaning.
I chose this prompt because the majority of the other prompts were specific to a particular poem. This poem that I chose is quite short and specific as well, and Robert Hayden's diction is what helped the reader understand the mood and meaning.
When we're young we don't appreciate what our parents voluntarily do for us, but as we grow older we become more grateful for the simple things in life. In Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden, Hayden's diction plays an essential role in helping the reader comprehend the poem and it's purpose. Hayden's use of language describes the scene in a way for the reader to comprehend the atmosphere of what is going on and to then better understand the mood of the entirety of the poem and the meaning of it all.
The poem starts out with the author describing what he woke up to every Sunday morning. The father too got up early on Sundays...in the blueblack cold...with cracked hands that ached. After these few lines, one can see that the father worked hard every day of the week in the cold winter weather. "No one ever thanked him." The boy never thought anything of it...until he later looked back on his life.
Through the majority of the poem, Hayden's language gave a mood of "normalness," as if what the father did was not a big deal. In the last few lines however, there's a shift. The reader sees that now grown up, looking back at "those winter Sundays," the man understands that what his father did for his family was the way he expressed his love. The father's love was quite yet powerful. That love is what drove him to make sacrifices for his family. After reading the poem, Hayden's language puts the mood of regret and gratefulness inside a reader's head. It wasn't that he purposely took advantage of what his father did for him, he just never recognized that it was his way of showing his love for his family. No one ever thanked the father, but looking back the speaker is truly grateful for him.
The poem isn't very lengthy, but it didn't need to be for one to understand its meaning. The lines are short but powerful. The language is simple yet descriptive. There didn't need to be 20 stanzas for the reader to see that the boy didn't recognize all that his father did for him, until later. Hayden made it clear that simple gestures are ways that one can express their love for another person. The father in the poem warmed up the house for his family, after working immensely hard all week, and still never expected a thank you. He didn't need a thank you. He continued to do what seemed like a small gesture because he wanted to show his love for his family. The father would suffer to keep his family warm.
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