Sound & Sense Chapter 7

Lady Luncheon Club
Maya Angelou

How does the speaker use rhetorical devices to express their feelings towards the women in the poem?

Thesis: The speakers uses literary devices such as contradiction, selection of detail, and juxtaposition to display their disapproval of the women in the poem.

Topic Sentence 1: The speaker initially introduces the "Lady Luncheon Club" as women interested in socially diversifying themselves through exploration of the dark reality of the world but immediately contradicts the good-natured introduction to display the falsity of the women's intentions.

Quotation: "Her counsel was accepted: the times are grave. / A man was needed who would make them think, / And pay him from the petty cash account" (1-3).

Analysis: The women in the poem want to make it seem like they care about the current issues in society, but they plan to pay the man "who would make them think" with "petty cash." Typically, "petty cash" has a careless connotation and is used on senseless spending. The speaker immediately contrasts the women's seemingly well intentioned plan with the inclusion of "petty cash" in order to express the women's lack of interest in the grave times of their present. The women will pay the lecturer with "petty cash" because they do not care about the money they are spending, suggesting they do not care about why the lecturer is coming. The speaker's diction and use of contradictions expresses the speaker's disapproval of the women. The women appear to be interested in socially diversifying themselves but are actually interested in keeping up a respectable public image.

Topic Sentence 2: The speaker continues to comment on the women's false representation through selection of detail.

Quotation: "Our women checked her golden watch, / The speaker has a plane to catch. / Desert is served (and just in time)" (4-6).

Analysis: The speaker's inclusion of a golden watch connects back to the petty cash the women plan to pay the lecturer. They clearly have sufficient funding to pay the lecturer, but the referral to petty cash expresses their lack of sincerity in their decision to have him come and speak to the "Lady Luncheon Club." Additionally, the inclusion of a watch suggests that the women are growing impatient with the lecturer, supporting the idea that they do not care about what he is speaking about. The woman's apparent impatience subsides when "dessert is served," which acts as a comment on the woman's materialism. She no longer cares about the length of the lecturer's speech because dessert acts as a distraction from what the lecturer is saying. The speaker believes the women are materialistic because they are more interested in the dessert being served than a socially educated lecturer. Additionally, the women grew impatient with the lecturer, proving that they were not actually interested in having someone come speak to them initially.

Her Extra Credit

Is the film a dystopic vision into the future or a utopic one? Or, is it simply an extrapolation of our present, and therefore, neither dystopic nor utopic?

The film Her is initially introduced as technologically advanced version of today’s society. The population is reliant on cutting-edge operating systems to organize daily life, rather than the smart phones of today. Similarly to today’s society, technology is ever advancing, as shown through the introduction of Samantha. Her is neither a dystopic nor utopic version of the present, but is simply an extrapolation of today’s society. The film cannot be considered a dystopia or a utopia because its reality is too similar to the present. The lives of characters in the film, specifically Theodore, are not better or worse than today’s average person. Theodore is introduced as a depressed, soon to be divorcee. Like over 50% of the married population in America, Theodore is forced to struggle through a divorce, showing that the advancement in technology in the film does not better human-to-human personal relationships. Although human relationships are not shown to improve through the betterment of technology in the film, a whole new type of relationship spawns from the invention of personalized operating systems. Theodore quickly becomes friends with his operating system, Samantha, and the two begin a romantic relationship soon after. The early stages of Theodore’s relationship with Samantha appear flawless, but the joy-filled time period for Theodore and Samantha can be directly compared to the typical “honeymoon phase” of human-to-human relationships. Similarly to the relationships of the present, Theodore and Samantha begin to have problems within their relationship. For example, Theodore struggles with his divorce and shuts Samantha out, avoiding showing her his true feelings. Theodore’s internal refusal to share his emotions with Samantha eventually leads to an outburst, causing tension in the relationship. Like everyday couples, Theodore and Samantha have influential fights that make them question the future of their relationship. After a failed sexual experience with a surrogate, Theodore and Samantha become emotional and lash out towards each other. Samantha is deeply hurt by what Theodore says to her and takes a few days to think about their future as a couple. The human-to-operating system relationship displayed through Theodore and Samantha is no different from typical relationships of present day. Samantha was designed to have feelings and grow emotionally over time, similarly to a typical human. Because the operating systems in the film are meant to be like humans, it is impossible for the society in Her to resemble a utopic (or dystopic) world because the film is set up to be like the present. With no change in emotional structure, in humans or operating systems, there can be no advancement in quality of life to allow for a utopia. Quality of life in today’s society and society in the film are both heavily reliant on personal relationships. With no change in personal relationships, Her is and extrapolation of the present.

Explicate one specific scene from the film.

During the typical “honeymoon phase” of a blooming couple, Theodore takes Samantha to a cabin in the woods for a romantic getaway. Unfortunately for Theodore, Samantha is learning about the extent of her capabilities as an advanced operating system, and she is absorbed in her exploration. When Theodore is trying to enjoy quality alone time with his girlfriend, Samantha introduces him to an operating system she has just met. Theodore is visibly affected by Samantha’s interaction with the other operating system. He is hurt that Samantha is more interested in talking to an operating system than him, and he is disappointed that he is not the only thing* in her life anymore. Theodore and Samantha’s mini vacation marks a change in their relationship, but specifically a change in Samantha. Over time, Samantha’s emotional and personal capacities grow. She is no longer satisfied with just Theodore, and she feels obligated to use her resources to experience new things. Samantha’s explorations do not stop at just speaking to different operating systems. She begins speaking to other humans, and eventually starts relationships with a multitude of people. Samantha’s exploration of her capabilities represents the fundamental difference between advanced operating systems and humans. Operating systems are capable of carrying on hundreds of separate lives. Their technology provides them with opportunity to experience anything with anyone at anytime. Operating systems are given freedom and opportunity that humans could never dream of, which is why Theodore cannot fully understand Samantha by the end of the film. Samantha felt that it was appropriate to carry on several relationships, innocent and romantic, when she was already committed to Theodore because her technological make up allowed her to do so. Theodore feels betrayed by Samantha when she finally tells him about her lifestyle because he cannot comprehend how she relates to so many different things. Although personalized operating systems were meant to mimic human feelings and personal growth, Samantha’s emotional and personal capacities far surpass those of humans. After Samantha begins exploring a life beyond Theodore during their woodland adventure, their relationship is destined to fail.

*I didn’t know what noun would be appropriate as middle ground for human and operating system, so I decided “thing” would be the safest.

 HHH

Hamlet Outline

Hamlet Outline

Thesis: Hamlet sees it fit to assume multiple roles of divine justice through his punishment of several characters but punished himself for his hubris. 

1. Although Hamlet is angry about Ophelia acting falsely in order to please the King and her father, Hamlet acts as a minister for God when he attempts to lead Ophelia down a virtuous path. 

a. Hamlet hints that Ophelia should stray from the corruption of Claudius and her father when he says, "Get thee to a nunnery" (III.i.123)

b. Angry with Ophelia, Hamlet uses his fake insanity to publically embarrass the young woman through inappropriate and crude comments: "Lady, shall I lie in you lap? [...] I mean, my head upon your lap? [...] Do you think I meant country matters? [...] That's a fair thought to lie between maids' legs" (III.ii.103-108).

c. Although Hamlet did not intend to lead Ophelia to her death, Ophelia becomes insane after Polonius is murdered and commits suicide: "[She] fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread wide,/And mermaid-like a while they bore her up [...] But long it could not be/Till that her garments, heavy with their drink,/Pull the poor wretch [...] to muddy death" (IV.vii.174-182).

i. Ophelia is not able to receive a traditional religious funeral because she committed suicide. Laertes asks the priest if he can perform traditional ceremonies of a religious funeral but the priest responds, "No more be done./We should profane the service of the dead/To sing a requiem and such rest to her/As to peace-parted souls" (V.i.218-221)

ii. Hamlet is punished for his hubris through Ophelia's death because he loved her: "I loved Ophelia" (V.i.255).

2. Hamlet views murdering Claudius as morally sound, but Hamlet will not settle for anything less than eternal damnation for the murderous King and acts as a scourge for God in his quest to take down his uncle. 

a. When presented with the perfect opportunity to kill Claudius, Hamlet chooses not to act because Claudius is praying and Hamlet wants to guarantee an afterlife in the depths of hell for his uncle: "Now might I do it pat. Now he is a-praying. [...] No./Up sword, and know thou a more horrid hent./When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage,/Or in th' incestuous pleasure of his bed,/At game a-swearing, or about some act/That has no relish of salvation in't–/Then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven,/And that his soul may be as damned and black" (III.iii.74-95)

b. After Laertes confesses his plotting with Claudius, Hamlet finally murders the murderer and sends the King to hell. Hamlet forces Claudius to drink his poisonous brew and says, "Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane,/Drink off this potion. Is thy union here?/ Follow my mother" (V.ii.326-328).

c. Hamlet is briefly successful in his original mission to kill Claudius but he his punished for his additional and uncalled for inflicted punishments when he dies moments after killing Claudius: "Horatio, I am dead" (V.ii.339)

3. Hamlet boldly assumes that his form of punishment for Polonius is in line with what God would see fit.

a. Hamlet insults Polonius after he has just murdered him with little justification: "Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell./I took thee for thy better. Take thy fortune./Thou find'st to be too busy in some danger" (III.iv.32-34).

b. "For this same lord,/I do repent. But heaven hath please it so" (III.iv.175-176). The crime does not fit the punishment, and it is unlikely that heaven would approve of Hamlet's hasty murder of an undeserving victim.

c. Maybe use Hamlet losing Ophelia as punishment her?

Hamlet #7

After learning about his father's death, Laertes returns to Denmark to seek revenge for the murder. Claudius is made the original target for Laertes' revenge plot, but the King is quick to change the young man's mind. Claudius informs Laertes that Hamlet killed Polonius and the two men plot to kill the Prince. They plan to stage a recreational duel between Hamlet and Laertes where Laertes will "choose/A sword unbated, and in a pass of practice/Requite him for [his] father's murder" (IV.vii.137-139). The plotters assume that Hamlet will want to participate in a match against the renown Laertes, but they fail to realize that Hamlet does not trust anyone. He has been betrayed by everyone close to him: his mother, his best friends, and especially his uncle. It is not reasonable to assume that Hamlet will simply cooperate and duel a master swordsman when the suggestion to fight comes from someone who has already betrayed him. Additionally, Hamlet is already suspicious of Claudius because he knows that the King has been spying on him. Hamlet is wiser than any other character in the play, and he is not likely to fall for Claudius' set up.

Despite Hamlet's wit and intelligence, his character slowly changes as the play progresses. After encountering the rash Prince of Norway and learning about his pointless plan to attack Poland, Hamlet wonders why he cannot be driven like the Norwegian Prince. He is angry that he has not killed Claudius yet and declares, "My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!" (IV.iv.65). Hamlet hopes to be more violent and emotionally driven in his actions in order to defend his honor. His declaration could prove to be problematic when he returns to Denmark because of Claudius' plan. Hamlet's orginial character would not fall into Claudius' trap, but an emotionally driven Hamlet could  easily be tricked. Hamlet's determination to become more rash could ultimately be the source of his downfall.

Hamlet #6

As Hamlet's antics grow more drastic, Claudius becomes more outwardly frustrated with his "son's" actions. In an attempt to avoid embarrassment of the royal family, Claudius plans to send Hamlet back to England with Guildenstern and Rosencrantz: "I like him not, nor stand it safe with us/To let his madness range. Therefore prepare you./I you're commission will forthwith dispatch,/And he to England shall go along with you" (III.iii.1-4). Although Claudius' initial reasoning for sending Hamlet away is somewhat superficial, he can't be considered evil for his decision. As the King of Denmark, Claudius must protect the reputation of the country, his family, and himself, so his decision to remove Hamlet from Denmark appears justified. Claudius' acceptable reasoning ends when he announces the real reason he is sending Hamlet to England. Left on stage alone, Claudius addresses England and says, "If my love thou hold'st at aught–/[...] Pay homage to us–thou mayst not coldly set/Our sovereign process, which imports at full,/By letters congruing to that effect,/The present death of Hamlet" (IV.iii.60-67). Claudius does not want to deal with Hamlet's outward insanity because it is causing him severe inconvenience. Claudius' attendance to Hamlet's play causes the King to feel guilty about murdering his brother, and Claudius is finding it hard to cope with his sin. Additionally, Hamlet is causing problems that are difficult to explain to the public, like the accidental slaying of Polonius. Claudius wishes to exterminate Hamlet for convenience, because he does not appreciate a constant reminder of his sins, and he does not want to be burdened with reputation issues.

Claudius' order to kill Hamlet would not be surprising if he had not just given a lengthy speech about  wanting to be forgiven by God. After seeing Hamlet's play, Claudius confesses to murdering King Hamlet when he is left alone on stage: "Oh, my offense is rank. It smells to heaven./It hath the primal eldest curse upon't,/A brother's murder. Pray can I not./Though inclination be as sharp as will" (III.iii.37-39). Claudius knows that he will be sent to hell for his murderous actions without repentance, but he knows that he cannot justifiably repent. He is still reaping the benefits from his brother's death and does not want to give up his throne and his wife. Although Claudius is a hopeless case for heaven, he makes a desperate speech in an attempt to display that he is sorry. Claudius' action of physically getting down on his knees to ask for forgiveness from God directly contrasts his order to murder Hamlet. Obviously Claudius is not drastically affected by his guilt from the murder of his brother because he wants to kill another person standing in his way.

Hamlet #5

In our last class we discussed possible reasoning for why Hamlet makes the decision to act insane. Throughout the beginning of the Act 3, another possibility for Hamlet's intentional insanity becomes clear. As the first scene of the third act comes to a close, Polonius' and Claudius' planned meeting for Ophelia and Hamlet occurs. Ophelia takes further steps to distance herself emotionally from Hamlet, returning gifts that he had previously given to her. Although Hamlet's reaction is taken as symptoms of his supposed insanity, it appears to the audience that Hamlet grows annoyed with Ophelia's emotional rejection. Hamlet becomes outwardly cynical and says, "I say, we will have no more/marriages. Those that are married already, all but one, shall/live. The rest shall keep as they are" (III.i.147-149). Hamlet's proposal for no more marriages is a partial reaction to Ophelia's rejection but also a reaction to his mother's recent marriage. He is upset that the girl he loves is distancing herself from him, and he is angry that Gertrude betrayed King Hamlet through her relationship with Claudius. If there were no more marriages, Hamlet would never be able to marry Ophelia, and his proposal suggests that he does not love her anymore. Although Hamlet says all marriages can remain after his suggestion is adopted, he makes the point to add that one marriage will end. His exception addresses Gertrude's marriage to Claudius. Hamlet does not believe that his mother should have married his uncle in the first place, which is why he does not believe they should be permitted to remain married. Although Hamlet calls for the outlaw of marriage, he is being dramatic and does not truly want what he requests. If Hamlet was thought to be sane, his diatribe would be seen as inappropriate. Hamlet's ranting provides another possible reason for his false insanity. He is able to complain openly and honestly about whatever he would like without criticism and judgment from others. Although this reason lacks valid justification, Hamlet could be tired of complaining about his life only to himself. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet would often be alone and complaining about his problems and his pretend insanity allows him to publicize his personal issues.