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act 2: the commencement

Cassio, Iago, emilia and desdemona arrive to cyprus from venice. While waiting for othello’s ship to arrive, Iago ridicules women while conversing with desdemona and emilia.Othello arrives and embraces desdemona. Iago convinces roderigo to pick a fight with cassio. It is announced that othello is having a celebration. Casso is left to guard, and is approached by iago who persuades him to drink. Drunk cassio chases roderigo with the intent to harm him. Montano attempts to stop the fight but is stabbed by cassio, causing the alarm bell to ring, bringing in othello. Iago reluctantly tells othello that cassio has caused the ruckus, in result, othello dismisses cassio from his position. When cassio is vulnerable and grieving over his reputation, iago suggest that he ask desdemona for help, which is actually part of his plan.

The theme of blindness becomes increasingly more evident in this act as iago continues to manipulate others and as started to execute his plan. Iago is able to get cassio drunk (against his will), and using roderigo as his pawn, he manages to anger cassio resulting in a deed that would permanently taint his reputation. Additionally, he uses his acting to its fullest potential and makes othello assume his kind and honest nature. There are more instances of this such as iago getting cassio to approach desdemona and motivating roderigo. All of these characters are demonstrating blindness by remaining completely oblivious to iago ulterior motives.

Othello and desdemona are consumed in happiness due to their recent marriage. Roderigo is blindly following iago in his attempt to pursue desdemona. Cassio his extremely upset about his demotion making him vulnerable to iago’s trickery.

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Act.1

Iago and Roderigo argue about Iago’s lack of aid in Roderigo’s pursuit for Desdemona. Iago assures Roderigo that he detests Othello for promoting Cassio rather than himself. They go wake Brabantio, Desdemona’s father to claim Othello had abducted her. Brabantio becomes furious and pursues Othello. Othello remains confident in his situation even after being falsely accused by Brabantio. A meeting held finds the Turks are going to invade Cyprus, which is disturbed by Othello, Brabantio and company. Othello explains Desdemona fell in love with his storytelling. Desdemona says she loves Othello, and Brabantio reluctantly accepts their relationship. The duke informs Othello that he must head to Cyprus to defend it from the Turks. Roderigo gets very pessimistic about Desdemona and is comforted by Iago. Roderigo leaves, Iago discloses his plan to ruin Othello.

 The initial establishment of Iago as a character was elaborate and straightforward in this first act. This is initially shown in the immediate contrast between his behaviour around Roderigo - his true thoughts - and his behaviour around Othello, which is all visible to the spectators. His ability to shift his demeanor at will is a trait that demonstrates his manipulative nature and skill.

 I believe the driving force behind the action of the play is Iago, since he almost singlehandedly caused every occurrence of action thus far. Every exciting and fast pace event is related to Brabantio’s rash misunderstanding of Desdemona and Othello’s marriage, which was directly caused by Iago’s plan to anger Brabantio using Roderigo’s pent up frustration over Desdemona. Considering Iago is currently the force behind the action, I believe that he will build momentum, and have a great impact on the story’s conclusion, meaning his plans will at least partially become reality by the end of the play.

 “I could never better stead thee than now. Put money in thy purse. Follow thou the wars; defeat thy favor with an usurped beard. I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should (long) continue her love to the Moor—put money in thy purse—nor he his to her. It was a violent commencement in her, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration—put but money in thy purse. These Moors are changeable in their wills. Fill thy purse with money. The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida. She must change for youth. When she is sated with his body she will find the (error) of her choice. Therefore, put money in thy purse. If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way than drowning. Make all the money thou canst. If sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and (a) supersubtle Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her. Therefore make money. A pox of drowning thyself! It is clean out of the way. Seek thou rather to be hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go without her.”

This passage consists of Iago speaking to Roderigo. After Roderigo mentions drowning himself for not having Desdemona, Iago comforts as well as motivates Roderigo with this passage. It is significant as it demonstrates just how adept Iago is with his ability to persuade and manipulate. How he is able to say such sincere words and not only not mean a single one, but plans on ultimately using all of them against roderigo. It is a considerable  revealing of how formidable this antagonist is.

 Othello and Desdemona’s marriage seems to be fruitful at the moment. Will it sustain itself? What are some factors that could possibly ruin it?

 Due to this play being classified as a tragedy, I do not believe it will maintain itself and is doomed to fall apart. While there are many factors that could put a toll on their relationship, I believe the primary one is jealousy, mainly derived from Iago’s scheme to destroy Othello - which already involved making it seem as if Desdemona was cheating on Othello.

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This screenshot of Iago in the midst of manipulating Roderigo is characteristic of Act 1 since the major events were triggered by this tactic. Additionally, Act 1 concluded with this same occurrence.

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Entry#4 ch.10-11

Holden decides to check out the lavender room in the hotel, a night club. He considers calling Phoebe, his younger sister, but figures she wouldn’t be awake. While thinking about Phoebe, he proceeds to compliment Phoebe's intelligence, and kindness. Arriving in the lavender room, he  spots three girls that he deems to be ‘ugly’, except the blonde. He approaches the three girls anyway, and asks to dance. The blonde girl dances with him but when he tries to talk to her, she wouldn’t listen. Then, Holden dances with the two other girls. On Holden's way out, he thinks of Jane Gallagher. Holden recalls a time when Jane and him came close to necking, and other times showing how comfortable he felt with Jane. He takes a cab to Ernie’s, a night club, and mentions how the pianist, Ernie, is very skilled, but also snobby.

While my will to be famous is not in anyway dominant, I think it would be nice to be known in a small niche community, but not by any means internationally, or anything on a large scale. I feel as if a small amount a fame offers perks that could not be provided otherwise, such as social, business and material opportunities. Instances such as access to people with similar interests and mindsets, companies being more likely to select famous people, and the fact that people who are famous have more access to free merchandise. Also, if I were famous, I would try to use the small amount of influence I have on others to encourage ethical practices, and bring awareness to things that the average person does not consider. I’d like to be famous by becoming skilled in a craft, and becoming known for my craftsmanship. This has relevance to the social tendency that humans enjoy being associated with famous people. The blonde makes the remark, “I and my girl friends saw Peter Lorre last night” (p.80), proving that she sees association with famous people as something worth bragging about. She mentions this to Holden, someone she’s meeting for the first time, in hopes it’ll improve his opinion of her.

A conceited person is one whose perception of themselves is overblown, leading them to believe that they are exceptional. It would be difficult to like such a person, as they often exhibit snobby or elitist behaviour. I believe the difference between being proud, and conceited is the way one presents themselves. Take for example a singer who has recently won an award. In this scenario, a proud person would give credit to external factors, as well as their hard work, that helped them accomplish this; whereas a conceited person would credit their award to themselves, and believe they deserved it. The moment when one begins to wholeheartedly believe they are superior to everyone else, they become conceited. This is demonstrated in the book, when Holden mentions, “He’s a terrific snob and he won’t hardly even talk to you unless you’re a big shot or a celebrity or something” (p.90). This quote shows Holden’s thoughts on Ernie, the pianist that he considers to be conceited.

Theme of loneliness becomes especially present in these chapters. When approaching the three girls in the lavender room, Holden thinks to himself “The other two were strictly from hunger”(p.78). When Holden says “from hunger”, he is referring to his social desperation, implying that he needs company so badly to the point where he disregards completely his preference in selection, showing Holden’s desperation for social company. Additionally, he seems to always feel the need to call someone, or to meet up, but always hesitates to call Jane. While he makes many efforts to sooth his loneliness, he is ultimately incapable of doing what is most needed.

Holden’s description of Phoebe seems to have many similarities to his description of Allie. Are the two characters, in reality, alike, or is it Holden’s bias that makes them seem alike?

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This quote is relevant to these chapters, as it refers to the manner in which Holden describes Ernie.  It also represents my personal interpretation regarding the concept of people who are conceited. This quote helps us to understand, and initiate thoughts about the characters in the novel, as well as Holden’s perception of them.

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Entry#3 - ch.8-9

In a train, Holden meets the mother of his classmate at Pencey. Holden proceeds to lie about her son’s behaviour and accomplishments at school, as well as lie about himself. After conversing, he begins to like the woman, and starts to feel almost guilty for lying. Once he arrives at Penn station, he enters a phone booth, but thinks of no one to call. He then hails a cab, and begins a conversation with the the driver in which he asks where the ducks from the lagoon go when it freezes. He arrives at a hotel, and observes other people’s odd acts through their windows. As a result, Holden begins to feel aroused and calls Faith, a girl that was recommended to him by a guy at a party. He asks if she wants to meet up, but after talking for a bit, she refuses due to her sick roommate.

While I personally avoid engaging in the act of lying without a purpose, I do have a lie that I occasionally think about, but have not actually followed through with. Since my older sister and I have similar physical features, we often get mistaken as twins. Therefore, her and I often joke that on an occasion where that question would arise, we’d lie and say that we are. Throughout the conversation, Holden does not think much of his lies, and uses them as a source of entertainment. My thoughts are similar to Holden’s actions, as they hold no surface value, or purpose.

I think people do go out with people they don’t like. The main factor that I think causes this is loneliness. Loneliness can make a person go out with someone who is just “there”. In relation to Holden calling Faith in attempt to meet up, I believe he is initiating this request because he is feeling lonely and desperate, to the point of asking out a stranger in the middle of the night. “I started toying with the idea, while I kept standing there, of giving old Jane a buzz” (p.71). This quotation demonstrates Holden’s loneliness, by his longing to call Jane. “She used to be a burlesque stripper or something” (p.71). This quotation shows how he’s using Faith, and does not especially care for her.

The motif of lying and deception becomes prevalent in these chapters. When Holden initially finds out that the woman’s son went to Pencey, he thinks to himself, “Her son was doubtlessly the biggest bastard that ever went to Pencey, in the whole crumby history of the school” (p.61). This quote shows what Holden truly thinks of the woman’s son, but moments later he tells her, “Well, bunch of us wanted old Ernie to be president of the class. I mean he was the unanimous choice. I mean he was the only boy that could really handle the job,”(p.64). This quote has significance as it shows the contradictions between what Holden is thinking, and what he is saying. Lying, to Holden, has become an uncontrollable habit, likely due to subconscious efforts to not confront his true self. Holden’s lying in relation to his hatred towards phoniness is also very ironic, since Holden is acting hypocritically.

There are several occasions in the novel in which Holden’s authentic feelings and extreme actions have been dismissed by the casual tone and wording in his narrations. Is Holden himself aware of his own actions and true feelings?

Whenever Holden lies, he is demonstrating an aspect of phoniness, something that he often uses to degrade others, but he doesn’t seem to be able to detect it in himself. What prevents Holden from realizing his own phoniness?

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Holden arrives in New York at the beginning of chapter nine. This change of setting has significance, as it presents Holden with a new environment, which in turn also provides new challenges. A prominent struggle that immediately becomes apparent in Holden that was brought on by the setting, is loneliness.

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Entry#2 - ch.3-5

Chapter 3 begins when Holden returns to his near-empty dorm in the ossington memorial wing. He reads Out of Africa while wearing his new red hunting hat, when Ackley, his neighbor intrudes. Holden describes Ackley as a peculiar person, with exceptionally poor hygiene, as well as a nasty personality. Ackley proceeds to pick-up and look at all of holden’s personal belongings. Holden’s roommate, Stradlater hurriedly enters the room in preparation for a date, prompting Ackley to leave as he detests Stradlater. Stradlater goes to shave and Holden follows. Holden thinks of Stradlater as conceited, due to his good looks and build. Stradlater then asks Holden to write his english composition for him since he has a date, but Holden does not give him a definitive answer. Holden finds out that Stradlater’s date is Jane Gallagher, whom he used to frequently play checkers with. Holden gets worried for Stradlater and Jane’s date. Stradlater leaves and Ackley returns, distracting Holden from his thoughts. Holden and his friend decide to hang out, and Holden asks if Ackley can join. Afterwards, Ackley parks himself in Holden’s dorm, and Holden gets him to leave by saying he has to write Stradlater’s composition. Ackley leaves, and Holden struggles to think of something to write about. He soon thinks of his late brother Allie’s baseball mitt that was covered in poems. He describes his brother Allie to be very intelligent, as well as kind.

Human ignorance is something in particular that I feel bitter towards. We often find ourselves in situations where we take for granted everything that is presented to us, and refuse to learn. Holden is evidently bitter about life, shown through his pessimistic thoughts and actions. While he does have many things to be bitter about, I find that he often feeds his bitterness with things such as thoughts about phonies and finds reasons to remain bitter. While school by itself is tolerable, I feel almost offended when I am obligated to bring pieces of it into my personal space. I feel as if homework acts as a cage that prevents me from doing things that i am passionate about, and is therefore a large source of depression. This relates to Holden because of his hatred for Pencey Prep, his school and the things that come with it. In his case, it refers to the social aspect and the presence of phonies which act as one of his sources of depression. I do not remember of a time where have gone completely crazy, destroyed or yelled, but when I do feel anger, I silently swear to myself and move on.

Throughout chapters 3 and 4, Holden has interactions with the red hunting hat. As we discussed in class, we know that the hat is symbolic of comfort and security to Holden. He did not use it when he was watching the game, nor on his way to Mr. Spencers house, on both occasions the weather was frigid. Instead, he waits to arrive to his dorm to put it on, backwards, establishing his association of comfort with the hat. It can also be interpreted that that when the hat is facing the back, the it represents Holden’s individuality, indicated by the bold color, and unusual styling. Later on, Holden pulls his hunting hat to the front when he starts to feel nervous towards Stradlater’s date with Jane. From this, it is indicated that the front facing hat can be symbolic of comfort and security.

Holden describes Allie in an exceedingly positive tone, when he would typically regard others in a negative light. What causes Holden to describe him as such? Did Allie’s death affect or contribute to Holden’s cynical and pessimistic personality?

There is a contradiction between Holden’s opinion of Ackley and his actions towards him. What does Holden truly feel towards Ackley?

In the next chapters, I believe Holden will harbor hostile feelings towards Stradlater for going out with Jane Gallagher. Since Holden indicated such strong emotions towards Jane Gallagher as well as how he already expressed concern for their date, it is foreseeable that he may hold a grudge against Stradlater.

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Checkers is a board game, whose rule are resemble a simplified version of chess. Holden mentions how he often used to play checkers with Jane Gallagher. In particular, how she always used to keep her kings lined up the the back row, since she thought they looked nice that way.  

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Entry#1 - ch.1

The Catcher in the Rye begins with the protagonist, Holden, disinterestedly watching a football game from a distance. Earlier, he lost his team’s fencing equipment on the subway, but doesn’t seem to care. He was kicked out of Pencey Prep, a prestigious preparatory school, for not applying himself as well as failing four out of five of his classes. He thinks about pleasant memories about Pencey prep in his way of ‘saying goodbye’ to it, even though he detested it. His history teacher, Mr. Spencer, requested to see him, so Holden makes his way to the ill teacher’s house.

While I would not consider my childhood to be lousy, there were many occurrences that were not ideal, which may have similarities to Holden’s childhood. But unlike Holden, I consider these experiences to be valuable learning experiences that cannot be obtained any other way. It seems that Holden’s childhood may have been a contributor to his negative personality. I do not personally relate to the feeling of disappearing, but I understand how Holden may possess these feelings. Holden mentions that his parents were too occupied even before they had him, which may indicate that his parents spent more time with his brother than himself, resulting in the feeling of neglect and isolation that collectively may have formed his feelings of not being there.

There are many pieces of evidence in this chapter that contributes to Holden’s personality. We are able to immediately notice the narrator’s speaking mannerisms, as he uses many slang terms, and speaks in a rather cynical, sarcastic manner. This is indicated when he says “I was the manager of the goddamn fencing team. Very big deal” (5). This quote demonstrates both his use of slang, as well as sarcasm. His use of language shows that Holden is bitter, and pessimistic in personality.

What is Holden and his parents’ relationship from his parents’ point of view?

I predict that in the next chapters Mr Spencer will lecture Holden about his poor academic performance and why his academic performance is so poor, in which Holden will be offended. Holden will be offended because of his tendency to interpret things said to him pessimistically, proven by his use of language and speaking mannerisms in the first chapter.

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The cover of the novel, David copperfield. Holden says “and all that David Copperfield kind of crap” when he is referring to his childhood (3). He uses the book as the epitome of a damaged childhood.