I think Polonius is a crazy old man. The advice he gives to Laertes is silly and meaningless. The only reason it sounds to profound is because Shakespeare is a very good writer. However, Polonius is senile, absentminded and blind to what is actually going on around him. He tells Laertes "Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy; for apparel oft proclaims the man..." (1.3 lns.74-76). I think this is very absurd advice. Polonius is telling Laertes to buy fancy clothes in order to impress others and make new friends. This is a very shallow outlook.
I think Polonius is off to a good start with the idea of giving Laertes advice as he leaves for college. The problem is that the advice is nonsense. As I leave for college I think my parents will remind me to stay safe, call often and trust myself. But they know who I am and I'm sure they trust me to make good decisions.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Session 1 (pre-reading)
How common do you believe the act of revenge is in everyday life? Write about specific incidents, including any in which you were involved or have witnessed.
I think that "an eye for an eye" is rooted in many people's ideals today. Revenge is fairly common to a certain degree. It seems most fights at school occur because of this viewpoint and it tends to get people in trouble. Revenge is now justified by saying the victim had it coming, or they deserve it. I believe that in no circumstance is it ok for someone to act on those ideas, no matter the reason.
Nevertheless, it's hard to maintain clear thinking when you're angry. When someone does something to you it's become natural to want to get revenge. Keeping those feeling in check becomes difficult.
Revenge, I think, becomes easier to witness to in the case of siblings. Living with people tends to bring out the worst in others, and that's probably the main problem with siblings. Fights break out, tempers rise and rash decisions are made. I've been in the middle of situation like these often. My sister and I have gotten mad enough to resort to revenge. The rarely end well, but we've never done horrible things to each other.
I think that "an eye for an eye" is rooted in many people's ideals today. Revenge is fairly common to a certain degree. It seems most fights at school occur because of this viewpoint and it tends to get people in trouble. Revenge is now justified by saying the victim had it coming, or they deserve it. I believe that in no circumstance is it ok for someone to act on those ideas, no matter the reason.
Nevertheless, it's hard to maintain clear thinking when you're angry. When someone does something to you it's become natural to want to get revenge. Keeping those feeling in check becomes difficult.
Revenge, I think, becomes easier to witness to in the case of siblings. Living with people tends to bring out the worst in others, and that's probably the main problem with siblings. Fights break out, tempers rise and rash decisions are made. I've been in the middle of situation like these often. My sister and I have gotten mad enough to resort to revenge. The rarely end well, but we've never done horrible things to each other.
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