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Kevin DalePeriod 5Lit Analysis Paper

My Last Duchess

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~e use of dramatic monologues has been used for centuries in writing all over l:Y~~RObertBrowning'SMYLast Duchess,~ I ~

uses dramatic mono~indirect language in order to reveal the ~~

personality traits of the Duke. The Duke's character is perceived as innocent, but is trul~ tjealous, possessive, and arrogant.

Throughout the poem My Last Duchess, the Duke is talking about his last duchess

in a painting on the wall. ~aQthe Duke is talking to someone as he

says, "That is my last duchess there painted on the wall" (In 1). Browning portrays the

Duke as insane because of the way he talks to himself about his last duchess. He talks "

about how the duchess did not have his full attention at all times and was too friendly to

other men. This quality of a man would be perceived as jealous because of lack of

attention from his own duchess. -:

The jealousy of the Duke could be Browning's way of telling society how wome~ ~.

are treated by men.tt is common in today's society that men claim women as their V ~objects. From the strict rules of relationships that can isolate th~m ~.

Ggular lives, ~ a parallel in My Last Duchess. The Duke found it hard to deal .

with the friendliness of his duchess towards other men. Arnold Markley states that, "He!

is no longer subject to the 'trifling' situation of her constant smiling, and he can now .

control whom she smiles at and who is exposed to her beauty (Poe~). This

reinforces the idea that the Duke is jealous because of his action towards the duchess that

he reveals at the end of the poem. •V .rDJII~.Y ./As the Duke talks to his silent partner, not only do!, seejealousy in his IIv ~/

character, but possessiveness as well. Almost falling in the category of jealousy, the r

· ~ 7H/ yshall I say? - too soonmade glad, too easily impressed;she likedwhate'er she looked ;' (' ,

on, and her looks went everywhere" (11.21-24). He wanted the duchess to be his and no

one else's. When readingthe poem, Browningl~thal the Duke is

Duke's possessive nature is displayed throughout the poem. "She had a heart - how

trying to phrase his words to sound not as possessive, through the dashes in between the

words. The behavior of the Duke could be led by his natural arrogance by being royalty.

The Duke shows his arrogance through the legacy of his last name. The duchess

underrated the "nine-hundred year old name" that came with a proud family heritage.

The Duke found this action very displeasing because he thinks he is very important. His

vein behavior is explained by Michael Miller in saying, "There is no need to think that

the Duke is conscious of his implications: given his excessive pride, his refusal ever to

stoop, he could hardly tolerate allowing another to believe his Duchess unfaithful to him,

especiallythroughhis own revelation,howeverSUbtle"~' This elaborates

on the reasoning behind the Dukes irrational actions.

Through the poem, My Last Duchess, Browning displays the Duke as an ignorant,

but powerful man. The reader sees the obvious uses of possessiveness in the Duke's

relationship and the consequences of failure to please him. The execution of his

unsatisfactory wife shows the irony of the Duke's ignorance. He speaks about how his

wife was not true to him, but in reality the reader knows it is the Duke himself that was

not true to his wife.

\

/Kevin Dale

The Lady of Shalott

On both sides ofthe river, there are long fields of barley and rye, which cover the

ground as far as the eye can see. There is a road that runs through the field that leads to

Camelot Therearepeopleeverywhere~ng aroundthe islandof Shalott.

The trees and plants are cold. The wind blows through the land in the middle of

the river that leads to Camelot. Four grey walls and towers overlook a garden of flowers.

The silent island shelters the Lady of Shalott.

On the outer edge of the island, there are willow trees. Horse and carriages trot

along by boats with silk sails that travel to Camelot.~as seen the Lady of Shalott? _

Is she really known in all the land as the Lady of S~ ~

Only farmers early in the morning hear a song that echoes happily from the river. The

farmers hear a whisper "::riStl1eT~adY of Shalott."

There s e sews every nig~ day, a piece of cloth with happy colors. She hears

a voice that say ~r if she stays on the island. She does not know what the

curse is, so she keeps on weaving. The Lady of Shalott has no other care.

She moves past a mirror that has hung there all year. Shadows of the world appear. She \

sees a road winding towards Camelot. There the river flows and whirls where the bad-

tempered village lay. The red coats of the market girls move on from Shalott.

Sometimes a group of girls are happy. Sometimes a curly haired shepherd boy

goes towards Camelot. Through the mirror, the knights ride two at a time. The Lady of

Shalott has no loyal knight.

In her knitting, she still weaves the mirror's magic sights. Often times during the

silent nights, a funeral procession goes to Camelot. There would also be two young

newly weds that came along with the moon overhead while the Lady of Shalott says, "I

am half sick of shadows."

With a bow shot from her living space, a man rode at sunset. The man was Sir

Lancelot. He kneeled before the Lady of Shalott. The harness of the horse glittered like

the stars at night. The bells on it rang happily as he rode to Camelot. The sash for his

sword held a mighty silver bugle. His armor clanged as he rode next to Shalott.

In the clear blue sky, the flashy saddle, helmet, and helmet-feather shined bright.

Through the darkness of the night and the stars overhead, they move over Shalott.

His eyes glowed in the sunlight and the worn hoofs of the horse stomped. He had curly

black hair under his helmet as he rode to Camelot. He rode by the river singing "Tirra

lira."

Shalott left the sewing and took three steps through the room. She saw the water-.lilies bloom along with the helmet and feathe~ she looked down to Camelot. Then the

mirror cracked because of the curse. ~

In the stormy east-wind, the woods were moving back and forth. It was raining

over Camelot. The Lady of Shalott found a boat where the willow was standing. As she

rowed, she wrote The Lady of Shalott.

Down the river, she sees her own mischance with a glassy expression on her face.

At the end of the day she lays down on the boat as the river takes her far away.

As she lay in the snow white robe, the leaves fall upon her as she floats to

Camelot. The hills of trees listened to her as she sang her last song. ~/

As she lay, she heard a carol that was mournful and holy. She yelled loud and

soft till her blood was frozen slowly. Her eyes were dark and turned towards Camelot.

There she reached the tide where the first house on the shore lay. Singing her song, she

died.

Under a tower of Camelot, by a garden, a shining shape went by between the

houses. Out by the docks came a knight and burgher, lord and dame. They came around

the front of the ship and read her name. They asked who she was and what was there.

Then Sir Lancelot came by to see her and said, "She has a lovely face; God in his mercy

lend her grace."

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In today's society, the nation is surrounded by angry, frustrated people. The

economy is in danger and we are running out of resources. The people of this nation are

tired of being stressed out and up tight. I suggest that, to fix this problem of society, we

legalize marijuana. Following through with this action will calm down society, boost fast

food economy, and the economy itself.

The people in today's world can be up tight and stressed out. It is easy to see who

these people are and how they effect one's day. One mistake by a person can cause them

to yell uncontrollably and destroy anything in their way. This is commonly seen in the

work place, at home, or even on the road. Road rage is a serious problem on the roads

these days.

The legalization of marijuana would certainly decrease the risk of these incidents

from happening in the first place. The use of marijuana causes a relaxing feeling over the

user's body, relieving them of any worry or anger that is inside of them. The use of

marijuana would cause a driver to pay attention more to staying on the road than

worrying about how to pass the old grandma in front of them. In the work place, one

would notice the average worker high, concentrating very hard on his work, and not

noticing the stapler stolen from his or her desk. After coming home from a long days

work, he or she would then go straight to sleep. They would not have to worry about

their spouse nagging at them for the simplest things.

The fast food industry is very productive in today's world. Now imagine if the

use of marijuana would become legal. Since marijuana causes the "munchies", people

would be lined up in the longest lines because they would just have to eat something.

Even after they got their food, they would be somewhere else a half hour later to get a

little snack to cure the munchies syndrome. The legalization of marijuana would make

the fast food industry sky rocket in sales. Therefore, if those fast food restaurants

allowed the use inside, some certain people would never have to leave.

The legalization of marijuana would create a whole new market. The government

would give out permits to qualified businesses that could sell the best products at lower

prices. Prescription marijuana would be cheaper now that everyone could buy the drug.

The government could even expand the products to local gas stations and be sold right

next to the boxes of cigarettes.

The government would likely put an age restriction on the drug just to make kids

envious as they watch the people who are old enough to use the drug like they do with

drinking and tobacco use. The product of marijuana does not just have to stop at the drug

itself. There could be an entire industry of hang outs where the drug was used to create a

psychedelic experience. In these places, there would be light shows and large cinematic

screens where movies could be shown. The economy would boost just by making this

harmless drug legal to the public.

Marijuana can cause many problems for people who have put the drug to great

use. If every government official was forced to try the drug, they would soon realize that

it should be made legal. Therefore, making it legal, our society would be much better.

All of our every day problems as citizens would be decreased through the relaxing

sensation of marijuana. Our nation as we know it would be a better place to live.

It was another busy day at the office. I struggled to get there earlier in the morning.

Traffic had been backed up, moving inches at a time to my destination. It pays off not owning a

car in the Big City. The parking or lack there of, is just an accident waiting to happen if a car is

on the street. I had barely made it to work on time while sweat accumulated on the hairline of

my head. ~~~ \~~ ~~~ /

Just out of college, I starte~ workin~ as an intern at a stock broking firm in the World~

Trade Center. I had left my family in Boston, hoping to find the love of my life in New York.

The work place was not the best place to look for women as it had turned out. I ended up as a

lonely workaholic who had nothing to do in his free time. It only took a few months for

something big to happen to me in the Big Apple.

I had just started on my quotes for the day and I was in a work daze. Where nothing can

distract me and my total focus is on my task. It was out of no where when I heard a loud crash,

more like explosions~fr m above the ceiling. The explosion seemed to have caused papers and~-I

und, from which I had seen through my window. My heart began to

beat faster aster as my brain tried to make something out of this situation. My first instinct

was to get the heck out of there as fast as I could. Unfortunately, the stairway was clogged with

people who had the same idea. After all the pushing and shoving, trampling, and verbal attempts

to get the crowd moving, we reached the bottom from the eighteenth floor.

trucks lined up at the base of the buildings. Just as we got to what I thought w safe- istance

I saw a plane crash into the other tower next to the one I had been in. It had co~luded my , JJt. .theory of a terrorist attack on the United States. I continued to run until I could n~YJIlore. I "\ /

took cover in a local Starbucks Coffee shop on the side of the street. Everyone like me was

asking questions, and in the midst of all the confusion, a large black cloud had past over the

street outside creating a dark hell hold of chaos and terror.

Gawain Critical Essay

( The critical essay regarding Sir Gawain and the Green Knight evaluates opinions on the

interpertation of the story. Numerous readers of the story are quoted for their personal interpretations.

Kevin Dale

From these interpretations, others state whether they agree or dissagree with the statement. The

author of the essay, Manish Sharma, tries to uncover the true meaning of the "gornen" that the Green

Knight proposes in the story. Using the opinions of other readers, Sharma gives a better understanding

of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Sheri Anne Strite interpreted, "as inviting a particular conventional response from Gawain as a

kind of test" (PLL 169). I happen to agree with this interpretation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. I

think that the Green Knight wanted to test his importance to the lower people of society by playing this

kind of game. Gawain, being the weakest of all the knights, is expected to lose this "gornen" agianst the

Green Knight. The Green Knight was beheaded by Gawain, therefore Gawain passed the "test." I agree

with this interpertation because the Green Knight was immortal and the only logical purpose for the

"gornen" would be to test Gawain's character.

Kevin DalePeriod 5

The Addition of the Shepherd

Greetings, to all my fellow travelers, I am the shepherd. Ice from the fields of the

kingdom to share myself with you all. My work is to be brought to this group of people to watch

over and prevent bad events. Herding sheep and making wool is my contribution to the

kingdom. The time I spend on this journey will make my fellow brothers and sisters aware of

my personality as the shepherd. My profession makes me vigilant, reliable, empathetic, caring,, ~

understanding, and realistic.

My help will be needed for the protection of the group. I am cautious and will prevent

ourselves from getting into dire straights. I will be committed to my job and to the well being of

those entrusted to my care. My distinct personality as the shepherd is to tend to my human flock..

Everyone is safe to trust me as their guard. I will understand the needs of those for whom I am

responsible and take them under my wing of care.

Ifuel Iam obligated to take this pilgrimage to provide for my kingdom. Ishall give bacV

to my community and gain knowledge from this experience. I want to gain personal insight on

myself and my peers to get a better understanding of life itself. I want to get closer to the

individuals around me in order to learn more about my purpose in this world. I believe this

journey with all of these diverse beings will make me a more understanding person. If I share

my thoughts and tell my stories, it is possible that many others will learn from my experiences.

Kevin DalePeriod 5

An Epic Beowulf

Beowulf is considered to be one of the greatest examples of an epic poem. The ideas in

the poem are based on extraordinary characteristics of the main character. Some characteristics'5'-tr~"'I/~ rt17. vJ d I l~( LL

of Beowulf, such as strong and brav1 show th,;:epic reasoning of the poem's genre. The

characterization of Beowulf is not the only epic element, but the role of fate in the poem adds to

the legendary aspect. The 'larger than life' details of Beowulfalso give the poem its epic style , V"--------The character Beowulf is portrayed as a brave and noble leader who is hungry for glory.

He has incredible strength and will not turn down a challenge. This personality is common for

the epic hero in the Anglo-Saxon period. Through the poem Beowulf, Beowulf shows his

bravery through his attempt 1<> fight a dragon as an elderly man. "And Beowulf uttered his final1l'()'J,--.."Y

boast: 'I've never known fear; as a youth, I fought in endless battles. I am old now, but I will JY'

fight again. Seek fame still. '" (1l.133-136). This act of courage and pride is consistent in

Beowulf s character throughout the entire poem.

Beowulf relies on fate throughout most of the poem to lead himself to victory. Towards

the end of the poem, Beowulf fights his last battle and realizes fate is against him. t " ... then it

began to melt, and for the first time in his life that famous prince fought with fate against him,

with glory denied him" (ll. 795-798).l~iC poems included fate into the plot line because it w~ •

the belief during the time period that fate existed for everyone and everythin~ Beowulf fought

every battle thinking that the gods were on his side and he would persevere to victory. Glory ~f~was his only request of reward.

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In Beowulf, th~ character Grendel is ~ast that is causing trouble in the land.

The fact that there is such a creature implies the legendary aspect of the poem. The entire

situation sets up the perfect moment for a hero to enter and save the land from this horrible

monster. Hence Beowulf and his almighty strength and gQgry attitude come into play for

this position. "They have seen my strength for themselves, have watched me rise from ther~darkness ofwar ... Now Grendel and I are called together, and I've come" (ll. 230-239). /

(JAP/WtJ-VZ£ 'The events that occur throughout the poem of Beowulf are farfetched in which, many

things could not exist in real life. This aspect adds to the poem's epic genre. The 'larger than

life' details, such as the fire breathing dragon, show that the poem is legendary. The

exaggeration of Beowulf's strength is revealed by his description, " ... greater and stronger than

anyone in the world ... " (11.91-92l/The oral tradition, in which the poem of Beowulf was passed

on, could be the cause of such exaggeration throughout the plot. Without this exaggeration, the

epic poem of Beowulf could not have been made into the legendary poem as it is today.

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