Shakespeare's Philosophy by Colin McGinn
I wanted to read a book on Shakespeare's plays but didn't feel like making a huge commitment, so I went with this option. A few of the others I looked at were over 800 pages long, and while I might get them later, I figured this would be a good starting point. I guess my problem is that I can't read a few books simultaneously; the other Shakespeare critical analysis books would probably be perfect for a chapter a day intermixed with other books, but once I'm into a book, I am not going to put it down until I'm done with it.
McGinn chooses six plays to discuss and analyze, devoting about 20 to 30 pages to each play, and then writes chapters discussing different topics, such as gender, psychology, ethics and tragedy. As he stated in the beginning, McGinn is a philosopher with an interest in Shakespeare, not a literary scholar with an interest in philosophy. While I'm generally not much on philosophy, and find it rather boring, I actually really liked this book. I'd read five of the six plays he discussed though I don't like King Lear or The Tempest very much. In these, McGinn focuses on the themes of self, knowledge and causation as seen in these plays and Shakespeare's worldview. I enjoyed the analysis of Othello the most and also thought his views and insights into Hamlet were rather interesting. Additionally, the concluding chapters were very thoughtful as well, especially his definition of a Shakespearean tragedy - he argues against the fatal flaw idea, saying that these flaws hadn't been an issue until these characters were placed in that exact situation and that they were more than just flaws but actually those people's defining character traits. Additionally, it wasn't as if most of Shakespeare's heroes were necessarily great men with only one flaw to begin with: "morally, these men men are at best mediocrities; so the sense of the tragedy we fell cannot stem from seeing men of exceptional moral quality brought low and destroyed" (193), referring to Hamlet, Macbeth and Lear.
It was definitely nice to read some critical analysis of literature again. I always enjoy seeing what other people think about things I've read, especially when they point out views I might not otherwise have even considered.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Playing with Needles
One course that basically everyone in the Army has to take is CLS, or Combat Life Savers. As with most Army training, I've come to slightly dread it, although this time, for once, it has nothing to do with my incompetence. Actually, it's not so much the class I dread, which I generally think is useful as that I hate the IV portion. Once you've taken the class, you have to recertify yearly to make sure you haven't forgotten anything, get refreshed, and also learn if there have been any changes in protocol.
The first time I went I was nervous about the IV portion because I was really worried about messing up, and hurting the person I had to give an IV. And, yes, as always, I imagine the worst things possible happening, things that probably can't even happen, such as the needle getting stuck in my arm. Anyway, that first class and first stick went pretty well, so when it came a year later to recert, I wasn't too worried. I'd already picked my partner and everything. Well, it turns out that somehow my already tiny veins had apparently gotten worse in a year's time. My partner couldn't find a vein, and then when the medic finally told him an area to stick, the catheter ended up bending in my arm so when he started pushing in fluids, they were actually causing a small bubble under my skin. He didn't even try again after that. (I got my revenge, though - I successfully gave him an IV with one stick, but it turned out he was a bit of a bleeder.)
We had recert again this week, and one of my former platoon members (he's still in the platoon, I've just moved up to the XO/Ops officer slot) ended up being my partner. He couldn't find a vein. The medic tied the little rubber bands around both my arms in search of a vein with little luck, except that it made me cringe. I actually ended up with a bruise on one arm because they were so tight (I have sensitive skin). He finally picked a place to stick and while the needle was already in my arm, the medic started telling him to change directions. While I'm sitting there with someone digging a needle around in my arm, another NCO (my partner from last year, actually) was standing in front of me, taking pictures with the CO's camera, laughing at me. I have to say it did distract from the pain, but the fact that I was trying not to shake from laughter probably didn't help at all with the vein finding. The thing is people have always made fun of me because of my face expressions. I don't hide my emotions or opinions very well, and I'll generally make an expression to show exactly how I feel. So I'm kind of scared to see where these pictures might show up now. I've actually had a specialist just randomly tell me that I make the weirdest expressions. I used to get mad at one of my ex-boyfriends a lot, and a lot of times if he didn't feel like arguing, he'd just start mirroring my expressions while I was either yelling or glaring at him until I was trying too hard not to laugh to maintain my completely justified anger.
He never found a vein; once again, I didn't get an IV; the Soldiers are accusing me of being an android due to my lack of veins; and if we're ever in life or death situation, it looks like it better not be me that needs the IV. Although, they think they might be able to get one in my hand. On the other hand, when I gave the IV, I got it in right away, and there wasn't even that much blood.
The first time I went I was nervous about the IV portion because I was really worried about messing up, and hurting the person I had to give an IV. And, yes, as always, I imagine the worst things possible happening, things that probably can't even happen, such as the needle getting stuck in my arm. Anyway, that first class and first stick went pretty well, so when it came a year later to recert, I wasn't too worried. I'd already picked my partner and everything. Well, it turns out that somehow my already tiny veins had apparently gotten worse in a year's time. My partner couldn't find a vein, and then when the medic finally told him an area to stick, the catheter ended up bending in my arm so when he started pushing in fluids, they were actually causing a small bubble under my skin. He didn't even try again after that. (I got my revenge, though - I successfully gave him an IV with one stick, but it turned out he was a bit of a bleeder.)
We had recert again this week, and one of my former platoon members (he's still in the platoon, I've just moved up to the XO/Ops officer slot) ended up being my partner. He couldn't find a vein. The medic tied the little rubber bands around both my arms in search of a vein with little luck, except that it made me cringe. I actually ended up with a bruise on one arm because they were so tight (I have sensitive skin). He finally picked a place to stick and while the needle was already in my arm, the medic started telling him to change directions. While I'm sitting there with someone digging a needle around in my arm, another NCO (my partner from last year, actually) was standing in front of me, taking pictures with the CO's camera, laughing at me. I have to say it did distract from the pain, but the fact that I was trying not to shake from laughter probably didn't help at all with the vein finding. The thing is people have always made fun of me because of my face expressions. I don't hide my emotions or opinions very well, and I'll generally make an expression to show exactly how I feel. So I'm kind of scared to see where these pictures might show up now. I've actually had a specialist just randomly tell me that I make the weirdest expressions. I used to get mad at one of my ex-boyfriends a lot, and a lot of times if he didn't feel like arguing, he'd just start mirroring my expressions while I was either yelling or glaring at him until I was trying too hard not to laugh to maintain my completely justified anger.
He never found a vein; once again, I didn't get an IV; the Soldiers are accusing me of being an android due to my lack of veins; and if we're ever in life or death situation, it looks like it better not be me that needs the IV. Although, they think they might be able to get one in my hand. On the other hand, when I gave the IV, I got it in right away, and there wasn't even that much blood.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Book 48: Slammerkin
Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue
A friend/professor of mine recommended this author to me, and it was a very enjoyable read. Using a reference to Mary Saunders, a servant who killed her mistress as inspiration, Donoghue weaves an almost four hundred page novel based on that simple, true historical fact. Knowing that in the end Mary will kill her mistress might make her a hard character to like, but despite that knowledge she is easy to sympathize with. Born in a working class family, Mary is attracted to the finer things in life, and after her mother kicks her out, Mary turns to prostitution.
While overall it is an entertaining story watching a girl's rise and fall and her chance at redemption, there is much more to it. Donoghue explores class issues and how truly impossible it is to rise above one's station in the world, so that Mary is trapped no matter what. She is intelligent, and ambitious but in her world there is nothing for her to do with that ambition. While Mary may at times seem superficial, her struggle to rise above her class is about more than just that. Objects are simply the way she knows how to measure one's station, and that's part of the reason she desires them. Also, she simply appreciates nice things but since she is simply a servant, this is a bad thing for her.
A friend/professor of mine recommended this author to me, and it was a very enjoyable read. Using a reference to Mary Saunders, a servant who killed her mistress as inspiration, Donoghue weaves an almost four hundred page novel based on that simple, true historical fact. Knowing that in the end Mary will kill her mistress might make her a hard character to like, but despite that knowledge she is easy to sympathize with. Born in a working class family, Mary is attracted to the finer things in life, and after her mother kicks her out, Mary turns to prostitution.
While overall it is an entertaining story watching a girl's rise and fall and her chance at redemption, there is much more to it. Donoghue explores class issues and how truly impossible it is to rise above one's station in the world, so that Mary is trapped no matter what. She is intelligent, and ambitious but in her world there is nothing for her to do with that ambition. While Mary may at times seem superficial, her struggle to rise above her class is about more than just that. Objects are simply the way she knows how to measure one's station, and that's part of the reason she desires them. Also, she simply appreciates nice things but since she is simply a servant, this is a bad thing for her.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Book 47: People of the Book
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book - the only reason I'd ever heard of this author is because she wrote March, and I've never been into Little Women (then again, I've never read it). I also was a litte skeptical when I noticed the comment "based on a true story" on the front cover of the book. As far as that is concerned, there really is a book called the Sarajevo Haggadah which has survived through several centuries and countries but none of the people were real. I was actually surprised by just how entertaining and good this novel was.
Generally, when I read novels with flashbacks to the past and different characters, I prefer the past to the present, and can't wait for the author to get done with the more current character and back to the past. In this novel, while I definitely enjoyed the flashbacks (the first and last two probably being my favorites, and the Venice one my least favorite), I also found myself looking forward to returning to Hanna Heath, the book conserver. Brooks makes Heath's job sound interesting, and also develops the complicated mother-daughter relationship rather well. The only part of the novel that I felt was a misstep was towards the end, adding an extra twist of mystery and intrigue when it wasn't necessary. However, it was small enough that it didn't affect my overall feeling for the book which was overall a pleasant surprise.
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book - the only reason I'd ever heard of this author is because she wrote March, and I've never been into Little Women (then again, I've never read it). I also was a litte skeptical when I noticed the comment "based on a true story" on the front cover of the book. As far as that is concerned, there really is a book called the Sarajevo Haggadah which has survived through several centuries and countries but none of the people were real. I was actually surprised by just how entertaining and good this novel was.
Generally, when I read novels with flashbacks to the past and different characters, I prefer the past to the present, and can't wait for the author to get done with the more current character and back to the past. In this novel, while I definitely enjoyed the flashbacks (the first and last two probably being my favorites, and the Venice one my least favorite), I also found myself looking forward to returning to Hanna Heath, the book conserver. Brooks makes Heath's job sound interesting, and also develops the complicated mother-daughter relationship rather well. The only part of the novel that I felt was a misstep was towards the end, adding an extra twist of mystery and intrigue when it wasn't necessary. However, it was small enough that it didn't affect my overall feeling for the book which was overall a pleasant surprise.
Book 46: Eva Luna
Eva Luna by Isabel Allende
Ever since I started reading Allende's novels last year, I'd consider her as one of my favorite authors. While some of her novels are better, I enjoy them all. Despite that, it tends to take me at least twenty pages to really get into any of her books, and until I reach that point, I generally just don't feel like even picking up the book. I'm not even sure why. It's just when I first start her novels, it takes some time for me to get excited about them even though I know I won't be disappointed.
As usual, Isabel Allende weaves an entertaining and varied cast of characters into her novels with just the right amounts of political drama and romance. Eva Luna, the main character and narrator of the novel, is orphaned at a young age, but remains optimistic throughout her life. She works as a servant in various houses but her true skill is her story telling ability, which fascinates many. Despite many set backs, Eva always manages to land on her feet or find another person that is willing to help her through her adventures. As with all Allende's novels, political upheaval also plays a role, and some other key characters include Rolfe, Mimi, Riad among others.
Ever since I started reading Allende's novels last year, I'd consider her as one of my favorite authors. While some of her novels are better, I enjoy them all. Despite that, it tends to take me at least twenty pages to really get into any of her books, and until I reach that point, I generally just don't feel like even picking up the book. I'm not even sure why. It's just when I first start her novels, it takes some time for me to get excited about them even though I know I won't be disappointed.
As usual, Isabel Allende weaves an entertaining and varied cast of characters into her novels with just the right amounts of political drama and romance. Eva Luna, the main character and narrator of the novel, is orphaned at a young age, but remains optimistic throughout her life. She works as a servant in various houses but her true skill is her story telling ability, which fascinates many. Despite many set backs, Eva always manages to land on her feet or find another person that is willing to help her through her adventures. As with all Allende's novels, political upheaval also plays a role, and some other key characters include Rolfe, Mimi, Riad among others.
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