What emotions did you feel after the movie? What do you think Anne Deavere Smith was trying to do in creating this piece?

Question: What emotions did you feel after the movie? What do you think Anne Deavere Smith was trying to do in creating this piece?
Answer:
After watching Fires in the Mirrors I felt ambivalent. I did not feel as if I good truly take a position either group because both groups had legitimate reasons for reacting as they did. The overall problem ("big picture") is that both the Jews and the African-Americans felt understood. I felt that Anne expressed both perspectives equally. Instead of siding with one particular group I focused more on what each group said, and besides minor differences they said and shared the same emotions towards many subjects. Anne Deavere Smith began the movie with the talk about "identity" and many of the people said they felt misunderstood, others were not aware of their identity. She then got more in depth and spoke about the incident that happened in Crown Heights to both the Jewish and African-American communities. It was seen in both communities that the African American community shared the same sentiments as the Jewish community regarding the deaths of their loved ones. In creating this piece Anne Deavere chose to focus more on the "big picture". She exhibited through her film that people are not that much different from one another. She exhibited that minor differences will exist but if we all (people in general) looked at the human qualities we all share then we would have more respect for one another.

Color Purple

Question: What do you make of the end of this letter? Is it peaceful? Resilient? Angry?
The middle of the last page and down it sounds angry. Towards the end she is angry that man is always trying to pretend they are everywhere. She said, "Man corrupt everything, say Shug. He on your box of grits, in your head, and all over the radio. He try to make you think he everywhere." She is angry that man tries to pretend he is God when he is not. She says that man is always trying to put his face to something but God is much more than that. She says that God is more like nature, which is when she talks about the flowers. She tells Cecilia that she has to get beyond man and what man has made. She said she has to look at how a flower manifest and how nature manifest and that will how how God is. She said, "Trying to chase that old white man out of my head. I been so busy thinking bout him I never truly notice nothing God make. Not a blade of corn(how it do that?) not the color purple (where it come from). Not the wildflowers. Nothing." She meant that God is always there and he makes you think of the more profound things in life.

Stitches

Question: After seeing stitches who do you sympathize more with, the Jews or the African-Americans?
After seeing stitches I still sympathize with both the Jews and the African-Americans. I sympathize with both groups because both are misunderstood and both have experience discrimination and pain from their losses. Rev. Cannon Doctor Heron Same said, "we are at a Mexican standoff", "its going to happen again and again." Rev. Cannon Doctor Heron Same meant that their will always be racial tension between groups of different ethnicity's because one group will always feel that they are being wronged and that they are misunderstood. From watching the movie some people ideal of peace is being invited and being welcomed lets say like a Jew would welcome another Jewish person into their home. I do not think that idea of peace will be achieved because like the Jewish person said..their customs are way to different because they could not go to an African-Americans house and be welcomed in the same way because their religion separates them. I do not believe that the Jews and the African-Americans had to fully understand each others cultures and customs, but I just felt what they needed was a mutual respect and basic knowledge of one another. They did not have to welcome each other in to each others home if one group was uncomfortable but they do need to acknowledge and love the other group because after all people aren't to different from one another.

Marting and Malcolm X

Martin Luther King And Malcolm X

During the 1900’s Martin Luther King was most favored by all. He was favored because his approach to violence was strictly peace. Martin Luther King advocated peace because he believed that violence lead to more violence. Martin Luther King worked hard to help start this dream he had (“little black..”). He brought people of from all different backgrounds to achieve their goal of integration. Malcom X did not take the peaceful approach. In the 1900’s Malcolm X was the most well known by the young people. He was well known because he did not advocate peace. Malcolm believed in achieving peace by any means necessary. To the young people that meant violence. Also, Malcolm X would say that people could be apart of the brotherhood but it would be their choice. He did not have marches and such talking about peace, instead he said If someone what to join they could but he was not encouraging them too. Malcolm X used spoke about his religion and that is how he connected with people. Martin Luther King did not.

Perspective Crown Heights

Fire in the Mirrors-Perspective

Anna Deavere Smith did an excellent job of piecing together an outline that provided reasons why Blacks and Jews retaliated to the Crown Heights situation as they did. The first issue she touched upon is the issue of identity, Robert F. Sherman claims that we as Americans have not identified what racism is; Later, in Seven Verses she acts as Minister Conrad Mohammad who expresses that Black Americans have deprived of their identity, The second issue that Anna Deavere Smith exhibits is the issue ignorance; ignorance of one another’s race. She exhibits this through Reverend Al Sharpton. Reverend Al Sharpton talks about his hair and how a lot of people think that he is assimilating to white people but in reality he is not. According to him he does it for James. He said, “ it’s me and James thang.” Anna Deavere also expresses this problem of ignorance through the Anonymous Lubavitcher Woman. The Lubavitcher woman asks the black child indirectly to turn the radio on and she said that the black boy probably thinks Jews are not smart. These issues are important because they were part of the reason Blacks and Jews retaliated as they did to the Crown Heights case. One of the main problems in that case is every one failed to see the other race’s perspective. The Jews believed one thing and the Blacks witnessed another. They did not want to work together, and the story was very vague. From viewing both perspectives (Black and Jewish) I am more inclined to believe the Black people because they are the ones who witnessed the situation and also because they have proved their integrity in the pasty (when they were slaves) and the White people haven’t. Also I am more inclined to believe the Black people because of the time period and the White people in the past have not been punished for crimes because the judges let them off the hook.

Sonny Blog

What does the brother realize about Sonny as he plays the piano? What does the music allow Sonny to do?
While staring at his brother out the window Sonny’s brother realizes Sonny’s purpose in life. He realizes that Sonny place in life is to be an inspiration; an inspiration to other people who lived in the same environment he did. He realizes that through music Sonny exhibits to others how to make the best out of their situation. Through music Sonny is able to find peace and able to release any negative feelings that he had. Through his music he is able to fly, he is back to when he was a child and he dreams of anything without limitations. When he plays music he is able to envision himself without a veil, not being invisible but being his veritable self. His music to share his form of expression with others; they are able to feel the music as they pass by and the music resonates with them. His music provides hope. He exhibits a healthy way of coping through music, which allows people to see that a person can cope without resorting to drugs. He exhibits that there is no limitations within your own imagination.

Alexis de Tocqueville Questions 2 and 5

Question 2: Why does a society devoted to equal opportunity weaken each individual?
Response: According to Alexis de Tocqueville equal opportunity open to all weakens a person because everything becomes more competitive; the American becomes more competitive because they know they can attain what another American has. Alex said an individual is weakened because they are always competing with one another to attain the next best device or house, etc. Alexis de Tocqueville said, “It is odd to watch with that feverish ardor the Americans pursue prosperity and how they are ever tormented by the shadowy suspicion that they may not have chosen to the shortest route to get it.” In that quote Alexis is saying that the pressure from wanting to “be the best” and wanting to get the best causes the Americans to torment themselves because they are never able to rest. It weakens and blinds the American because they fail to acknowledge all they do have because they are always in competition to get the “best new thing”. Alexis said, “Americans cleave to things of this world as if assured that they will never die, and yet are in such a rush to snatch any that come within their reach, as id expecting to stop living before they have relished them. They clutch everything but hold nothing fast, and so lose grip as they hurry after some new delight.” The quote explains that Americans do not relish what they have. The Americans are weakened because they lack acknowledgement about everything they have, and because they torment themselves because they are always competing with another person for the next “best thing”.

Question 5: Does Tocqueville think Americans are restless because they don’t know what they want or because what they want is not attainable?
Response: Tocqueville thinks that Americans are restless because what they want is not attainable. He said, “Among democratic peoples men easily obtain a certain equality, but they will never get the sort of equality they long for.” Tocqueville is saying that there is the general equality that all men share (rules of government) but there is another equality, which is not attainable for some men. Then Tocqueville said, “That is a quality which ever retreats before them without getting quite out of sight, and as it retreats it beckons them on to pursue. Every instant they think they will catch it, and each time it slips through their fingers. They see it close enough to know its charms, but they do not get near enough to enjoy it, and they will be dead before they have fully relished its delights.” In that quote Tocqueville is talking about equality in a sense of one man wanting what another man has. He is saying that an American is restless because they get close to having what another man has but then it slips right through their fingers. Every time the American thinks that they all the same things as another man something new comes along (“every instant they think they will catch it, and each time it slips through their fingers”).

Ethics and such

What are the ethics of your life? How do the people you interact with on a daily basis contribute to your understanding of how you should behave? Think of your parents/teachers/adults, but also of you friends and peers?
When i was younger we attended church a lot and from church i established my morals. Some of those general principles still remain with me today. Also, I in church and from television shows I learned that morals are important because without them people are more more lost than they have to be.In school the adults have a passion for their jobs,they try to help the children and for the most part they all well behaved. From them I have learned to search for a career path that I would be passionate about. My mother and father helped me to analyze situations ("think before i speak")and to make decisions that will benefit myself and others. From my friends I have learned what paths to follow and paths not to follow. One of my best friends helped me to understand action because she never waited on anybody to do anything for her so would just go out and get it done herself. I have learned also learned discipline from school, family and some friends. I think discipline is the most important thing i learned because it requires discipline to behave appropriately ...well discipline is required in every aspect of a persons life. Now that I think about it that what everybody has been trying to get to understand since i was a child and that is learn discipline. =)

Langston Hughes/ Claude McKay Comparison & Contrast

Compare Hughes poetry to Claude McKay. What is similar? What is different?
They are similar because they both speak of the depression of blacks in Harlem.
In Claude McKay’s Harlem Shadows he talked about the rough environment in Harlem, which forced women to become harlots. He explained what he saw at night. “In Negroe Harlem when the night lets fall its veil. I see the shapes of girl who pass to bend and barter to desires call.” In Langston Hughes Theme for English B he says, I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you: hear you, hear me-we two-you, me, talk on this page.” Langston Hughes is talking about Harlem and that although he writes the paper he is the voice of Harlem. Both Claude McKay and Langston Hughes serve, as the voices for Harlem and they both understand the Negroes situations in Harlem. Langston Hughes said, “I hear you, Harlem” because he understood that it was rough and Claude was had the more visual poem, which explained what women, did at night because of their rejection in society. Also, both Claude McKay and Langston Hughes write of Africa. In McKay’s To the White Friends he said, “ am I not Affric’s son?” and Langston Hughes The Negroe Speaks of Rivers Langston Hughes writes about Africa, which he uses to talk about the Negroe’s upbringing (foundation of his soul). The differences are that Claude McKay gives more details of what happens in Harlem (using people, seen in his story He so loved). Langston uses takes a broader approach he does not give anecdotes of peoples lives instead he talks about peoples struggles more as a whole (seen in his poem Mulatto).

"Dig someone out of the grave"

Book One Chapter Three
“Recalled to life”
“He was on his way to dig someone out of the grave”

The significance of Dickens’s word choice is using “dig someone out of the grave” to mean that Lorry is going to bring Manette (the ghost back to life). This passage is significant because it is foreshadowing what is soon to happen. Lorry asked, “ Buried how long?” and the ghost replies, “ almost eighteen years.” Later in the passage Lorry asked “you had abandoned all hope of being dug out?” and the ghost replies, “long ago.” The word buried in this context means to be gone mentally and Lorry proves that later in the test when he says, “ Gracious Creator of day! To be buried alive for eighteen years!” Also, Lorry asked the ghost, “ I hope you care to live?” and the ghost replied, “ I can’t say.” This explains that Manette (the ghost) has been buried mentally for so long that he has lost hope of ever returning to his original state. Then Lorry says, “ Shall I show her to you? Will you come and see her?” This is important because the “her” is Manette’s daughter Lucy, and Lucy is the person who will bring Manette back to his original state- back to life. Dickens used the choice of words because; it forces the reader to think outside the box, and to search for a different meaning for the word. Dickens used words and imagery in a different way because he wanted readers to see what it was to be buried through another perspective. It kept the suspense of the story, and gave the reader a different approach to analyzing the characters in books.

Washington

Question: How is Washington providing an answer to the “go north” or “stay south” debate we looked at in Frederick Douglass’s Life and Times?
Answer: Washington suggested staying south. Washington is saying basically to save the economy in the south and to use each other to do so. He tells the whites to help the blacks, and in return blacks would help whites. He says “ cast it down in making friends in every manly way of the people of all races by whom we are surrounded”. He is speaking to the white man and telling them make friends with the blacks. Later Washington says, “Casting down your bucket among my people, helping and encouraging them as you are doing on these grounds, and to education of head, hand, ad heart, you will find that they will buy your surplus land, make blossom the waste places in your fields, and run your factories” Washington is saying that if whites befriended blacks or gave them a chance then they could help better the economy. Washington also said, “ in all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress.” During Washington’s first half of the speech he emphasized casting down the bucket, and now he has provided another reason why to cast down the bucket and why to give blacks a chance. He basically has said that it is not necessary to be separate because it will get not get anybody anywhere but that all people know to progress everybody needs to be on mutual terms. He told them that are the only way to progress.

Compare Equiano & Smith Narratives
Victoria Holland

Venture Smith focused on the American dream more, and Equiano focused more on sharing his life story. Venture was in the pursuit of money, whereas Equiano wanted to tell his story of how hard it was being a slave and how immoral it was. Venture talked about how bad slavery was and that money was being used the wrong way, but after he bought his freedom all he focused on was money. He even wanted slaves himself! Before he was emancipated all he was more concerned more so with family, but when he was freed all he cared about was what his masters had been focused on. Also Ventures narrative was not as vernacular because he had someone write it for him. Equinao’s narrative was in its purest form because he did not have someone write it for him. All were his truest thoughts. Equiano also never changed, after slavery he still cared about family. Also, Equinao’s narrative went more in depth, in Venture’s he was not as detailed. Equiano wanted to better himself after being emancipated but not by being controlling like Venture Smith.

Why is it difficult not to care about what others think of you? Do we control the way other people see and think about us?

Question: Why is it difficult not to care about what others think of you? Do we control the way other people see and think about us?

It is difficult not to care about what others think because if a person perceives you the wrong way then they will tell another person which then becomes your reputation. For example, if you are a new kid at University High school and a kid calls you weird, then the group that person hangs around will consider you weird. They will consider you weird because they have accepted what another person (their friend) has said instead of getting to know you personally. That kid gets a bad reputation because one kid perceived them the wrong way. Also, it is difficult not to care what others think because everyone wants to be accepted. Everyone wants to be understood as an individual and when perceived the wrong by another individual that person is not given the chance to express him or herself.

To a certain degree we control the way people see and think of us but only by our actions. We control how they see us by actions, but we cannot control how they see us within social class. For example, in India people are born into a poor, average, and rich class depending on what class there parents were in. A kid that is poor in India can grow up to be rich but is still looked upon as poor. People can control the way others perceive them by their mannerisms. If they are a polite and respectful person others see them as polite and respectful. We do not have control over how people see us physically, and externally. People will always judge a person on the way they dress, and they way they speak, etc.

Freedom or survival?

Question: Is freedom or survival more important?
Answer: I believe freedom is more important. Slaves were surviving and I saw how somber they were. I believe with freedom comes happiness and the choice to change how one lives their life. With freedom a person can say what the want, and act, as they want without being restrained. Slaves were not able to voice their opinions. Freedom gives a person a sense of dignity. When I think of the word survival I think of a robot just doing what it needs to do to survive. I believe freedom came before survival. All people we once free and happy that way, and then when they were held in bondage they went into survival, which as I said earlier is doing all they need to stay strong mentally and physically. When people get in survival mode I do not think that they are mentally right. For example, in Mr. Pres class (5th period) he gave an example of him and Charston. He talked about if he and charston were on an island and there was a pineapple and he needed that pineapple to survive that he would kill charston. That is obviously survival mode. Mr. Pres would not be in his right mind. Freedom is the ability to change you and adapt to different environments. Freedom is much more pleasurable than survival. Survival is usually when people are held in oppression and because they have in that situation so long they are not mentally right, which means they are not able to think or see anything else beyond their situation.

Question: Continue the ideas of values. What ideas are being presented in these protest songs that echo back to the older works we’ve looked at?

Basically, the people are saying how they will not let anyone bring there spirits down. In Aint nobody going to turn me around the people singing the song represent a tough spirit. In the strange fruit its talking about basically although all this bad stuff happens they will keep pressing forward. It in the strange fruit its talking about how being a black person in this society is like being a strange fruit. In we shall overcome its represents perseverance because they still hope and believe that they will be free one day. All three of these songs display perseverance and how courageous the people singing the songs are. These songs were used to help motivate the people and to give them encouragement and also so let them know to not give up in theirselves.

What values are preset in that ballad that may have influenced songs like “The Message” or “N.Y. State of Mind?

Answer: The main are values I found in John Henry’s ballad were work hard (be the best or achieve better than what they have) , and to maintain perseverance. The value of being industrious starts with an idea, or a dream. In the ballad he John Henry says in the beginning, “ When I grow up I’m gonna be a steel-driving man.” This is significant because he is saying that he wants to have an occupation rather than doing nothing his whole life. The same value of being industrious was soon in “The Message”. They rap about how the child says that he does not want to go to school, and all of the foolish things they have witnessed. Then they rap about how that is not smart. When I heard and read that part of the song, it let me know that they wanted out of their life style and that they wanted better. In “N.Y. State of Mind” Nas says, “ Investments in stocks, sewing up blocks.” He is saying that he wants better and he uses they way he does that is by using his writing lyrics and rapping. The other important value shown in the ballad and the songs is perseverance. In the ballad John Henrys lady shows perseverance because although he was killed she took the hammer and still went to work like a man. This value is shown in “The Message” because he says “Don’t push me’ cause I’m close to the edge.” He then explains his life and the this unsafe environment and we see his perseverance because he has not gone over the edge and he still endeavors for better. Also in “N.Y. State of Mind” Nas raps about a similar situation , but he talks about how his writing helps him to contend and that he knows he was made to write.

Question: Is war ever a good thing? Is there any cause for which you would go to war?

Response: Yes, war can be a good thing. For instance, war could be good if another country threatened to bomb America with a nuclear bomb that would wipe many states off the map. Another example is if another country attacked us first; then we would have no choice but to fight back. Those are my only beliefs why there should be war. Whereas the positive side of war would be the glorious feeling people get from defending their country, there are a plethora of negative reasons that overshadow the few good ones. First, war separates families. I believe the goal should be to bring families together, and other citizens together not to separate them. Secondly, war corrupts people’s minds. They live in fear. A prime example of this would be in Fahrenheit 451; the people did not think they just did, and ultimately they we driven by fear. When war is happening most people do not think because they are overwhelmed with all that’s happening; and slowly they begin to lose themselves and begin to succumb to that fear. Fear that the war won’t end for a while and fear that their loved ones won’t return home. Personally, I would never go to war. I believe that there is no need for violence. If people would learn how to communicate and agree on good terms then there would be no war. War can only be good when the cause behind it is good, but although the cause is good the outcome is always going to be painful. I say that because war always results in death.

To me the definition of belonging understanding. Often times people are referred to as weird. My views are that no one can be weird if there isn't an authentic definition of what it is to be normal. These people are not weird; they are just as unique as any other person. Commonly people exhibit similar traits ( which they may refer to as pretty), and characteristics. Anyone that differs slightly from those characteristics or traits are considered an outcast. The "outcast" has not felt a sense of belonging because he/she has been critized and excluded from social groups. Also, a sense of belonging comes from knowing yourself. I feel like if a sense-of-self has been established then it is harder for your feelings to be hurt because no one can try to belittle you, or get on you about flaws.For some a sense of belonging may come from family. It they are accepted amongst family members then they may feel wanted. From watching other teenagers, i have noticed that their sense of belonging is being accepted by a group of individuals. All of these minor aspects contribute to feeling belonged. A person cannot have one without another.

Euthanasia can also be defined as merciful killing. I agree with the practice because if someone if in pain then they should not have to suffer. My grandmother was suffering from advanced cancer, and my mother and her siblings decided the best thing for her would be to put her out of her misery. I think the euthanasia is a unselfish act, George and Lennie serve as great examples. In their case George performed euthanasia for himself and Lennie; George knew that he could not live his life running all the time, and he knew that Lennie would never get his dream until he was in heaven. Although, it hurt him, he did it out of concern for Lennie, because he could not stand t see someone take the life of his dear friend. George exposed that he had authentic love, he exhibited that he felt this way because he did the killing instead of seeing someone else do it. At least when he killed Lennie he was doing it out of love, whereas the others that wanted to kill Lennie would only be doing it just as vengeance. I have the same views regarding animals, I do not believe it would be right to let an animal suffer because of one's selfishness.

Why do dreams sometimes fail?
Limitations, bondage and era are the main reasons why dreams fail. In Israel some Arab-Israeli children dream of reconciliation. Others, have dream to escape bondage. For the most part, these dream seems impalpable, because-enmity between these two ethnic groups has separated them, and people are not willing to be sensible and come into terms of agreement. A Palestinian child may try to escape when their older-just to feel liberated, if only for a moment. Their dream is abruptly shattered-and they are taken back to Palestinian territory. Palestinians dreams fail, because no matter how hard they work to overcome their predicament, they are not in control so thus, their bondage becomes a generational cycle. Israeli children, allowed more freedom may dream of peace to. Growing older, realizing that dream will never be reality, hope is lost, they are-discouraged; so they accommodate to what they see, which is war and violence. George and Lennie share a dream, a dream to own their own farm. Not saying that their dream will fail, but it is very likely. They are both uneducated, and the Great Depression is happening. Jobs are hard to find, and another problem added to that is Lennie has a mental disorder. All of, these things thwart the possibility of owning a farm! Their dream would be attainable, if they take care of one issue at a time, and if they are patient. Trying to buy a farm in a Depression, is an unwise idea, simply because no one has money. Also, George and Lennie said they dreamed of having their own land; with patience and appropiate timing, they could have their own land, without having to share it.

Home

What is home, and why is it important? The concept of home differs among certain people. Some may think that home is fishing, or being out in the woods all day. Others may think home is hanging around their friends. Whatever the case may be, they all think of "home" as one thing because the concept "home" has the same foundation. This foundation is love, and a sense of belonging. Home is a feeling so comforting and tranquilizing that it makes one forget about their problems. George and Lennie serve as an great example of persons know the meaning of Home. With their relationship, they have found home in one another. This sense of feeling at "home" is a feeling of completion. One aspect of "home" is the sense of belonging. A sense of belonging helps a person to develop beyond measure, it helps them to develop-mentally, physically and emotionally. In Of Mice and Men, George took upon himself the responsibility of taking care of Lennie, because he knew how important having a sense of home was. He knew that Lennie would have a hard time developing if, he was not shown love and patience.

True Friend

what is a true friend? George and Lennie serve as great examples of authentic friends. George knows that Lennie is mentally retarded but, yet he takes it upon himself for helping Lennie. A true friend, is someone who will tell you truth and help you for a lifetime. A true friend will struggle with you and not just let you stand alone. Most importantly they, will only help and lift you up. True friends are hard to come by, but it only takes one to make a difference. A true friend will offer advise and tell the truth even will you are refuse what they say. They only want to better you becasue they care about your well-being. They never ask for anything in return, but that you be their help when their in need. Out of gratitude they feel its their responsibility to help you. They do everything with love and kindness, just because they enjoying bettering ones life.

A true friend will tell you the truth, even when you don't want to hear it. I agree with this because a true friend tell you the truth even when you do not want to hear it because, a true friend would hold you to a higher standard than most people. If a true friend is someone is caring and is willing to lose their friendship if what they say offends you because, they know it will help you out in the long run. There are plenty of times when i do not want to hear the truth from my friends but, my close and true friends always tell me it even when i am not listening. They tell me because then later on down the road when my eyes open up i will realize what they said was in fact true. Also, because i can never said that they haven't helped me out. They love and respect me enough to know that one day i will change and also they will tell me because they know as well as i that the truth will set me free. A friend that does not care will agree when your wrong because they do not want to grow with you or let you to be better than them. They are intimidated when they look at your life but, a true friend will never deceive you and always be there for you in your time of need.

5 Questions and answers

I do agree that love and insight is better than love at first sight. Love at first sight is overrated; it is a strong physical attraction. If you claim to love someone at first sight then you do not get the chance to know that person. Romeo and Juliet started out with a love that was strictly physical. Their love did begin to develop until later in the story, they made it complicated for themselves.When their love did begin to develop their sins had caught up with them and resulted in death. At the party Romeo was not thrown out but, surprisenly Lord Capulet did not mind him being there. If Romeo had not rushed things then I believe he would have won Lord Capulet's favor. Love can not be rushed and it does not develop in a day; love takes time. Also they did not have true love because their was so much fear in their relationship. Rome feared being caught and they continued to run away from their problems. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."-1 John 4:18

The Montague and Capulet appellation and, the selfishness of everyone is responsible for all deaths that occured. Every battle was because of the "Montague" or "Capulet". There was enmity between the two families but, there had no idea why there was such hatred. It was all very childish. Also because, of everyones foolish it, resulted in multiple deaths. Lord Capulet was obstinate and his wife ditzy. If they had been more considerate of Juliet's feelings then she would have been alive. Romeo lacked guidence. His parents were are to blame because, Romeo would not have been so self-lost if they had communicated with him. The blame of all these deaths are on everyone because their was lack of communication. The characters assumed rather than knowing. Tybalt assumed that Romeo killed Juliet. In this play when people are foolish and make assumpitions it leads to pandemonium and consequently death. Instead of helping eachother the characters made it difficult for themselves. The Friar got himself into a predicament which could have resulted in his death but, he choose to run away. In this play the characters run from their problems and do not know how to handle them when they catch up with them so, they do what they know which, is fighting and killing.

No i would not have lied in Juliet's case. I do not think that she was comfortable enough to confide in anyone. What is a child to do when she feels no one understands her? Juliet probably thought that if would be useless to tell her family her true feelings because they would not accept them. Juliet figured that lying would result in happiness. I would not have lied if i was in her case because the worst the parents could say was no. I think that if she told someone in her family her feelings then she would have felt better. Also I believe she should have told her parents because if her love for his was authentic then she would not care what her parents thought. She made herself more miserable by holding all that tension inside.

It was foolsih for them to rush to marry. Their was a lot of tension between the families and the timing was not right. They also did not get a chance to fully know or to understand eachother.
Patience is rewarded and if they would have waited then maybe they ciyld have been a happy married couple. Also, they are to young to marry. Romeo is apparently self-lost. I do not understand how they thought they could take care of eachother when they did not know themselves. Their rushing of things created more tension. They are inconsiderate and more like thier parents than i want to be. Juliet is inconsiderate like her parents and Romeo is lost like his.

If I were one of the parents I would feel their deaths were completely my fault. I would feel like I did not do my job as a parent and I that guilt would haunt me daily. I would also feel that was selfish and that my selfishness resulted in the deaths of many. I think that amount of pain would strick me like lighting. It is had to take responsibility for something as of the death of your child and I think thatit would be hard living without them. I wouldnt be able to forgive myself.

Views On Romeo and Juliet

Personally, I do not understand why Romeo and Juliet is such a well known play. I think that in this play their ideas of love are a bit infantile. It seems like they have mistaken love for lust or what we call now days "being sprung". Now that i think about it, it seems as if Shakespeare is making fun of teenagers. Maybe i am wrong but, it seems like he was saying teenagers are a bit foolish with their "ideas" of love and because they are so called "in love" with each other they do foolish things. I do not think that Romeo loves Juliet. The only reason i refuse to believe that he loves her at this point in the story is because when he sees her and finally gets her attention, the first thing he wants to do is kiss her. I would think if he loved her then he would approach her in a different way. I think that his mannerisms would be a lot more respectful. Also, I do not think he loves her because he just was crying and depressed about his love for Rosalinda. He had a strong attraction to Rosalinda and once he saw Juliet he forgot about Rosalinda and somehow fell in "love" with Juliet. Romeo is confused and does not know who he wants or what he wants. I believe that love at first sight works for people who strongly believe in it but with Romeo it didn't seem like he loved her, it just seemed like he found a new interest and she just so happened to be pretty. I think this play has a lot of veracity in it. Shakespeare shows that people often mistake love for lust and then he shows the more serious side which is that some people love each other enough that they would die for them. Romeo's cousins members and friends are even more foolish than him. They are crass and stuck on lust. With Juliet, her Nurse acted more like her mother than her biological mom. Her Nurse cared about how Juliet and her well being. While the Mother only cared about social class. Overall, I really enjoy the play and I think it's funny to see how people have not changed much since Shakespeare's time.