Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut had a steady single theme throughout the whole novel: machines are becoming the next human and future generations are in danger if we do not limit machinery abilities. Through black humor and numerous amounts of rhetorical elements, Vonnegut pushes this idea of the takeover of machines in a disturbingly realistic style. Day in and day out, engineers and designers of sorts, work diligently to make things better, faster, easier, and overall more convenient. Computers, cell phones, and other technological advancements are used everywhere we go in place of something that used to be there. In many ways, we benefit from the effectiveness of machinery but in what ways may we be restricting ourselves? Can we actually be digressing through technological progression? Obviously Vonnegut believes so and represents that throughout Player Piano and the characters he introduces. Our main character Paul struggles against whether or not the usage of machines is exactly helping him and society get ahead in life or if it is actually stealing precious life experiences from them.
“for what we perceive as good, plain reasons, have changed our minds about the divine right of machines, efficiency, and organization, just as men of another age changed their minds about the divine right of kings, and about the divine rights of many other things…. we cannot win good lives for ourselves in peacetime by the same methods we used to win battles in wartime.” (301)
This quote represents change and progression over time. It brings forth the idea that what appears to be beneficial at first glance may not be when you analyze it further. Machines are an obvious advancement that benefits society but to what extent should we allow machines to take the place of human capabilities and human socialization. Should we allow a machine to take the place of a librarian because then we will not have to pay her? Should we allow internet forums to replace conversations people could have in person? Does this help us or degrade us? This quote specifically is saying it is all right to question ourselves and what we allow machines to do. We can admit that maybe this system of machine-life maybe is not the right or best way to live; just like men, once, admitted that kings and emperors may not be the best way in which to govern a society. This quote is also representing that, in wartime, we are forced to use technological advancements, but should these advancements carry over when the war is a past thought? No way can we be beneficial people if we succomb to using the ways of war in the times of peace.
Player Piano is a novel that made me realize how much we use and manipulate technology in place of actual human interaction. Although, exaggerated much of the time, the novel is a frightening parallel of where advancements are leading people in the world. The novel overall was an interesting interpretation of something that people normally see as beneficial. It evoked thought and, for the most part, was an enjoyable read.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Fahrenheit 451
The last book finally which oddly it was actually the first one but whatever.
Fahrenheir 451 stirred mixed emotions in me. I am not all that into science fiction books because they, at times, get too farfetched for me to get into. I did enjoy Fahrenheit, though, because of its theme and its ability to show us how important it is to not censor ourselves from events or people. We need to know every side to an argument before properly taking a stand.
Burning books out of fear is totally uncalled for. Beatty understands how mind boggling books can be but can not see the beauty in them which I find unfortunate.
This book like others we have read also can parallel the lives we lead each day. In Sociology, we are watching "Bowling for Columbine" and it discusses how the news censors what they show us. You never really see the good aspect of America, it is always the bad. In the society in Fahrenheit, they just pump the people so full of facts until they are satisfied, teach them not to ask questions, and exterminate the ones that cause too many problems. It is kind of disturbing how these people shelter themselves from everything going on around them and do not think much of it.
Fahrenheir 451 stirred mixed emotions in me. I am not all that into science fiction books because they, at times, get too farfetched for me to get into. I did enjoy Fahrenheit, though, because of its theme and its ability to show us how important it is to not censor ourselves from events or people. We need to know every side to an argument before properly taking a stand.
Burning books out of fear is totally uncalled for. Beatty understands how mind boggling books can be but can not see the beauty in them which I find unfortunate.
This book like others we have read also can parallel the lives we lead each day. In Sociology, we are watching "Bowling for Columbine" and it discusses how the news censors what they show us. You never really see the good aspect of America, it is always the bad. In the society in Fahrenheit, they just pump the people so full of facts until they are satisfied, teach them not to ask questions, and exterminate the ones that cause too many problems. It is kind of disturbing how these people shelter themselves from everything going on around them and do not think much of it.
Monday, October 15, 2007
"Acrobat"
Just to let everyone know: I just wrote such a long essay and it said Server was Busy and guess what? Bye, bye paper.
Besides just the single statement being found right in the depths of The Handmaid's Tale from U2's song, the focus behind the music and story are so incredibly similar. In the novel, we are presented with this internal struggle which occurs strictly because of outside forces medeling in the lives of innocent people. Thrown from a rather "free" life to a very oppressed society, our main character Offred fights to find not only a place in life again, but her meaning because the life she is leading is far from satisfying. In the song they say right away, "Don't believe what you hearDon't believe what you seeIf you just close your eyesYou can feel the enemyWhen I first met you girlYou had fire in your soul". The way it states close your eyes, you can feel the enemy reminds me of the times of the Ceremony when Offred closes her eyes because this is unknown enemy territory. What she is allowing to be done to her body is not right and she knows it, can feel the enemy. The use of such diction enforces the idea of force in the song and book. The girl the song was first introduced to reminds me of the Offred before the time of Gilead. The girl, or woman, who attempted escape. Within Gilead, there is no fire in people's souls: they just "live as usual" (56) and try to be accustomed to what is going on because it is hard to escape that life. Moira, on the other hand, still has that passion until she is caught again. For a while she does not let them put out her flame but rather they fuel her fire.
The choice of words and mood in both the novel and song are pretty blunt. Oppression is present and the diction the song-writers and Atwood use are harsh (ex: bastards, grind, throw it up). They are extremely effective in that the listener/reader realizes how harsh these living conditions are.
In the song it states, "I know you'd hit out If you only knew who to hit And I'd join the movement If there was one I could believe in". This statement emphasizes the confusion faced by the narrator or character. There are so many inner emotions conflicted within our characters in the novel. Offred feels emotions for everyone and understands they are facing difficulties of their own dealing with this new oppression. So who does she root for, what side should she follow? She even states of the Ceremony, "Which of us is it worse for, her or me?" (95). She sees it is bad for herself but it is a horendous situation on everyone's part. Also the society in general is convincing. Actually, brainwashing is a better term. They show the women (or girls) the most horrific events that occured before Gilead that they are confused into believing that maybe this is better; a life where they do not have to fear rape or being sexually exploited. The emotions swirling inside these people makes them want to be for something, but what choices can they be for when there are none?
The acrobat part reminds me of the internal struggle in Offred. She blatanly admits to not wanting to do certain things, but then "acts like that" and goes off and does them. Also the Commander, who puts on an innocent face playing scrabble but has the audacity to take her to a whore house.
On another note, the song acrobat poses optimism through all the turmoil as does Atwood in the novel. In the song, they say "And you can dream So dream out loud And you can find Your own way out". This hopeful perspective reminds me of the way Moira continually tried to escape, Offred does what she can to continue to feel humane (sneaking out to see her pseudo-Luke, Nick), and even the Commander finds an escape in a simple game. The dreaming out loud part reminds me of the underground fight to free the people. And dreaming together reminds me of Offred and her walking partner, who had similar ideals. With enough people with similar ideas, revolution is much easier and the people of this society may be able to find an escape. It reminds me of John Lennon, "I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one." More and more people who crave the same freedom have a better chance of pursuing it.
Lastly, the thought that anyone "can find their own way out" is empowering. I could not fathom how hard it is to be an individual and still try to find your own way in an oppressive society such as this, but there were ways. Dangerous ones but they were there. If someone is thrown into a life they are barely even living anyway, the danger should be worth it to find your happiness. No one should let anyone have the power to "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum".
Besides just the single statement being found right in the depths of The Handmaid's Tale from U2's song, the focus behind the music and story are so incredibly similar. In the novel, we are presented with this internal struggle which occurs strictly because of outside forces medeling in the lives of innocent people. Thrown from a rather "free" life to a very oppressed society, our main character Offred fights to find not only a place in life again, but her meaning because the life she is leading is far from satisfying. In the song they say right away, "Don't believe what you hearDon't believe what you seeIf you just close your eyesYou can feel the enemyWhen I first met you girlYou had fire in your soul". The way it states close your eyes, you can feel the enemy reminds me of the times of the Ceremony when Offred closes her eyes because this is unknown enemy territory. What she is allowing to be done to her body is not right and she knows it, can feel the enemy. The use of such diction enforces the idea of force in the song and book. The girl the song was first introduced to reminds me of the Offred before the time of Gilead. The girl, or woman, who attempted escape. Within Gilead, there is no fire in people's souls: they just "live as usual" (56) and try to be accustomed to what is going on because it is hard to escape that life. Moira, on the other hand, still has that passion until she is caught again. For a while she does not let them put out her flame but rather they fuel her fire.
The choice of words and mood in both the novel and song are pretty blunt. Oppression is present and the diction the song-writers and Atwood use are harsh (ex: bastards, grind, throw it up). They are extremely effective in that the listener/reader realizes how harsh these living conditions are.
In the song it states, "I know you'd hit out If you only knew who to hit And I'd join the movement If there was one I could believe in". This statement emphasizes the confusion faced by the narrator or character. There are so many inner emotions conflicted within our characters in the novel. Offred feels emotions for everyone and understands they are facing difficulties of their own dealing with this new oppression. So who does she root for, what side should she follow? She even states of the Ceremony, "Which of us is it worse for, her or me?" (95). She sees it is bad for herself but it is a horendous situation on everyone's part. Also the society in general is convincing. Actually, brainwashing is a better term. They show the women (or girls) the most horrific events that occured before Gilead that they are confused into believing that maybe this is better; a life where they do not have to fear rape or being sexually exploited. The emotions swirling inside these people makes them want to be for something, but what choices can they be for when there are none?
The acrobat part reminds me of the internal struggle in Offred. She blatanly admits to not wanting to do certain things, but then "acts like that" and goes off and does them. Also the Commander, who puts on an innocent face playing scrabble but has the audacity to take her to a whore house.
On another note, the song acrobat poses optimism through all the turmoil as does Atwood in the novel. In the song, they say "And you can dream So dream out loud And you can find Your own way out". This hopeful perspective reminds me of the way Moira continually tried to escape, Offred does what she can to continue to feel humane (sneaking out to see her pseudo-Luke, Nick), and even the Commander finds an escape in a simple game. The dreaming out loud part reminds me of the underground fight to free the people. And dreaming together reminds me of Offred and her walking partner, who had similar ideals. With enough people with similar ideas, revolution is much easier and the people of this society may be able to find an escape. It reminds me of John Lennon, "I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one." More and more people who crave the same freedom have a better chance of pursuing it.
Lastly, the thought that anyone "can find their own way out" is empowering. I could not fathom how hard it is to be an individual and still try to find your own way in an oppressive society such as this, but there were ways. Dangerous ones but they were there. If someone is thrown into a life they are barely even living anyway, the danger should be worth it to find your happiness. No one should let anyone have the power to "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum".
Friday, October 12, 2007
We
In the novel, We, readers are shown a way of life in which people fear to be who they want to be, and live in fear of OneState and the Benefactor, that they live a life of conformity. It tries to show, like Anthem does, that world happiness and peacefulness can only occur when their is a lack of differences and everyone is equal in every single way. This quote from We shows how that, as long as humans walk the Earth, that is near impossible:
"One of the ancient wise men... managed to say something very smart: "Love and hunger rule the world." Ergo: To rule the world, man has got to rule the rulers of the world... isn't it clear that bliss and envy are the numerator and denominator of that fraction known as happiness?... some cause for envy... did remain, because noses remained... and because there are some whose love many people want, and others whose love nobody wants." (22)
This quote is interesting in that it shows that humans are still humans and as long as emotions remain and a human mind, then conformity can not happen so easily. Love and hunger are complex things in this world; thier not just some problem waiting to be resolved. People want to love, want to be loved, want to hunger for happiness, and need motivation to hunger for life. Yet in We, they try and make it so that people will not have to love or hunger at all because, as long as they are a faithful member of OneState, everything will be provided for them.
This plot-line mixes up peacefulness and conformity. It tries to convince the reader we all must be equal, individuality should cease existence and we need to be one. Peace is acceptance, though, not conforming so that others will like you and that you will be equal. Peace is capable when people recognize and accept their differences. I-330 yearns to explore the world outside the cage they are living in and her personality represents the strive individuals have to make their life worthwhile for themselves, not for the state or peoples around them.
This science fiction novel was hard for me to follow and get into. It was far-fetched and the main character, D-503, was difficult for me to follow. He did not know basic emotions most of the time which made it hard to grasp what he was experiencing most of the time. For the most part, though, I thought the theme was well thought out. I believe it did a good job at showing society that peace does not have to come from making people all the same, it has to come from accepting one another.
"One of the ancient wise men... managed to say something very smart: "Love and hunger rule the world." Ergo: To rule the world, man has got to rule the rulers of the world... isn't it clear that bliss and envy are the numerator and denominator of that fraction known as happiness?... some cause for envy... did remain, because noses remained... and because there are some whose love many people want, and others whose love nobody wants." (22)
This quote is interesting in that it shows that humans are still humans and as long as emotions remain and a human mind, then conformity can not happen so easily. Love and hunger are complex things in this world; thier not just some problem waiting to be resolved. People want to love, want to be loved, want to hunger for happiness, and need motivation to hunger for life. Yet in We, they try and make it so that people will not have to love or hunger at all because, as long as they are a faithful member of OneState, everything will be provided for them.
This plot-line mixes up peacefulness and conformity. It tries to convince the reader we all must be equal, individuality should cease existence and we need to be one. Peace is acceptance, though, not conforming so that others will like you and that you will be equal. Peace is capable when people recognize and accept their differences. I-330 yearns to explore the world outside the cage they are living in and her personality represents the strive individuals have to make their life worthwhile for themselves, not for the state or peoples around them.
This science fiction novel was hard for me to follow and get into. It was far-fetched and the main character, D-503, was difficult for me to follow. He did not know basic emotions most of the time which made it hard to grasp what he was experiencing most of the time. For the most part, though, I thought the theme was well thought out. I believe it did a good job at showing society that peace does not have to come from making people all the same, it has to come from accepting one another.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Handmaid's Tale
To begin analyzation of this story, I want to pick out a quote that struck me when I read it as several had. This one in particular, though, symbolizes a struggle society faces now and may continue to face if people continue to live without morals. On page 210, the Commander and our narrator, Offred, are discussing what led up to the lives they lead. What exactly made it necessary for society to take such drastic measures in order to try to "repair" itself. The Commander states (about women),
"I'm not talking about sex... That was part of it, the sex was too easy. Anyone could just buy it. There was nothing to work for, nothing to fight for. We have the stats from that time. You know what they were complaining about the most? Inability to feel. Men were turning off on sex, even. They were turning off on marriage... You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs... We thought we could do better. Better? I say, in a small voice. How can he think this is better. Better never means better for everyone... It always means worse, for some."
Just the fact that people try to rationalize and justify the actions the Government put in place and the new lifestyles they forced upon these people is ridiculous to me. Yet, in this case, the Commander does make some sense which is scary because I see a little of what he is saying so it makes one wonder where our society is headed. I like how he says the inability to feel and men were turning off marriage because is that not happening right now? With almost half or more of all marriages ending in divorce anyway, committment is something you rarely see now a days. It reminds me of that car commercial: "What ever happened to sticking by your choices". Or something along those lines. Society does in ways make it too easy for infidelity to happen or get away with things like paying for sex. Which in turn cause that inability to feel because why should we if we can get that momentary pleasure with all the nagging feelings. Believe me this is not how I feel but it is disturbing the way our society is. With most issues we dig this giant hole, jump in and then complain we can not get out. I think Atwood accurately demonstrates that in this novel.
It is also interesting how the Commander claims that better never means better for everyone. In this society, I did not come across one person that seemed completely better and happy except for the people doing the brainwashing on the women. Other than that everyone from the Commander down to the people outside this community was totally discontented by it. So who exactly is this community bettering?
I like one of the themes in this book which represented how if people do not stick together, mostly women, in the face of danger all will fall apart. Although there was the Underground, it just did not seem like there was enough people standing up for this horrid society. They all were unhappy in their own ways but they did not care, they just went along with everything. It represents the fear people have of government. As soon as those women were thrown from their jobs they should have started leaving or causing uproars, why just depend on your husband when you have made yourself a position in life? To me, there was not enough questioning and defending of your own life. Why would you want to live a life in which you have none of your own values? I would rather die fighting for my life than being forced to do things I do not agree with.
So far, The Handmaid's Tale may rank as my favorite book we have read in class but it also disappointed me. I can not stand the cliff hanger ending but, unlike some novels in school, it kept me incredibly intrigued and inching to read the next chapter. I just needed to know what happened and how people let this lifestyle happen to these people. It also in a way was a reality shock and scare because, throughout, I wondered if this may ever occur in real life. I decided if it did, I would probably be a Moira. Which is scary in itself.
"I'm not talking about sex... That was part of it, the sex was too easy. Anyone could just buy it. There was nothing to work for, nothing to fight for. We have the stats from that time. You know what they were complaining about the most? Inability to feel. Men were turning off on sex, even. They were turning off on marriage... You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs... We thought we could do better. Better? I say, in a small voice. How can he think this is better. Better never means better for everyone... It always means worse, for some."
Just the fact that people try to rationalize and justify the actions the Government put in place and the new lifestyles they forced upon these people is ridiculous to me. Yet, in this case, the Commander does make some sense which is scary because I see a little of what he is saying so it makes one wonder where our society is headed. I like how he says the inability to feel and men were turning off marriage because is that not happening right now? With almost half or more of all marriages ending in divorce anyway, committment is something you rarely see now a days. It reminds me of that car commercial: "What ever happened to sticking by your choices". Or something along those lines. Society does in ways make it too easy for infidelity to happen or get away with things like paying for sex. Which in turn cause that inability to feel because why should we if we can get that momentary pleasure with all the nagging feelings. Believe me this is not how I feel but it is disturbing the way our society is. With most issues we dig this giant hole, jump in and then complain we can not get out. I think Atwood accurately demonstrates that in this novel.
It is also interesting how the Commander claims that better never means better for everyone. In this society, I did not come across one person that seemed completely better and happy except for the people doing the brainwashing on the women. Other than that everyone from the Commander down to the people outside this community was totally discontented by it. So who exactly is this community bettering?
I like one of the themes in this book which represented how if people do not stick together, mostly women, in the face of danger all will fall apart. Although there was the Underground, it just did not seem like there was enough people standing up for this horrid society. They all were unhappy in their own ways but they did not care, they just went along with everything. It represents the fear people have of government. As soon as those women were thrown from their jobs they should have started leaving or causing uproars, why just depend on your husband when you have made yourself a position in life? To me, there was not enough questioning and defending of your own life. Why would you want to live a life in which you have none of your own values? I would rather die fighting for my life than being forced to do things I do not agree with.
So far, The Handmaid's Tale may rank as my favorite book we have read in class but it also disappointed me. I can not stand the cliff hanger ending but, unlike some novels in school, it kept me incredibly intrigued and inching to read the next chapter. I just needed to know what happened and how people let this lifestyle happen to these people. It also in a way was a reality shock and scare because, throughout, I wondered if this may ever occur in real life. I decided if it did, I would probably be a Moira. Which is scary in itself.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
ANTHEM
A theme represented in this novel is the idea that peace and unity can only be obtained by conformiy. Eliminating the differences that weed up into our society allows us all to be relatively happy, or so the novel tries to project to the reader. In reality, though, this idea of conforming so that there will be nothing to stress or disagree over leads to very unmotivated, horribly boring, and content (not happy) people. To remove individuality from society is to remove life because what is the point of living if you can not think or be yourself.
Anybody who enjoys the movie, The Pursuit of Happiness, will know that it is not the state of being happy and ultimately successful that makes a person have a fulfilling life. Rather it is that pursuit, the determination that one has to make their lives better or strive for me, that makes the happiness all worth it. The importance is the struggle and how hard you tried which makes the product so much more worth it. Yet, in Anthem, they remove that determination from society. They make everyone's rules and decisions for them. They think you will fit this job description, well that is what you are going to be and you will be happy. They do not allow people that independance to make themselves happy. They do it for them but in doing so, they create false, content people.
One important quote I pull from this story is found on pages 95-96, in which (the new named) Prometheus states, "I do not surrender my treasures, nor do I share them. The fortune of my spirit is not to be blown into coins of brass and flung to the winds as alms for the poor of the spirit. I guard my treasures: my thought, my will, my freedom... I owe nothing to my brothers, nor do I gather debt from them. I ask none to live for me, nor do I live for any others."
I think this is a critical line, not only for our character, but for people in general. Often we let others have an effect on our life for several various reasons: we think they owe us, we owe them, or we simply need the love or admiration of others to get through our days. Although, some love and paying off debts is all right, we need to lose the attitude that in order to be happy and survive, we need other's ideas, thoughts, and actions to guide ours. We need to live for ourselves. We need to live for our individual pursuit of happiness. We have to take our faults and fortunes and accept them as our own, nobody else's. In this segment of the story, Prometheus loses the idea of "we did" and finds "I did" or me. He discovers his individuality.
Although, it was hard for me to stay focused on this book, I thought it had a good message. I especially got into it at the end when Prometheus and the Golden One escaped and started meaningful lives together. They want purpose in their lives and they want to feel whatever their emotions lead them to feel. This story shows motivation and preserverance, even when the odds are against you, which I find admirable.
Anybody who enjoys the movie, The Pursuit of Happiness, will know that it is not the state of being happy and ultimately successful that makes a person have a fulfilling life. Rather it is that pursuit, the determination that one has to make their lives better or strive for me, that makes the happiness all worth it. The importance is the struggle and how hard you tried which makes the product so much more worth it. Yet, in Anthem, they remove that determination from society. They make everyone's rules and decisions for them. They think you will fit this job description, well that is what you are going to be and you will be happy. They do not allow people that independance to make themselves happy. They do it for them but in doing so, they create false, content people.
One important quote I pull from this story is found on pages 95-96, in which (the new named) Prometheus states, "I do not surrender my treasures, nor do I share them. The fortune of my spirit is not to be blown into coins of brass and flung to the winds as alms for the poor of the spirit. I guard my treasures: my thought, my will, my freedom... I owe nothing to my brothers, nor do I gather debt from them. I ask none to live for me, nor do I live for any others."
I think this is a critical line, not only for our character, but for people in general. Often we let others have an effect on our life for several various reasons: we think they owe us, we owe them, or we simply need the love or admiration of others to get through our days. Although, some love and paying off debts is all right, we need to lose the attitude that in order to be happy and survive, we need other's ideas, thoughts, and actions to guide ours. We need to live for ourselves. We need to live for our individual pursuit of happiness. We have to take our faults and fortunes and accept them as our own, nobody else's. In this segment of the story, Prometheus loses the idea of "we did" and finds "I did" or me. He discovers his individuality.
Although, it was hard for me to stay focused on this book, I thought it had a good message. I especially got into it at the end when Prometheus and the Golden One escaped and started meaningful lives together. They want purpose in their lives and they want to feel whatever their emotions lead them to feel. This story shows motivation and preserverance, even when the odds are against you, which I find admirable.
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