ESSAY CEMETERY

Problems with fiction about horror: it can be pleasurable; it doesn’t do justice to the horror (but at least there’s exposure) Have we considered that the explorer enticed into that forest may come out not better and stronger for the experience but worse? How do you compare two evils? Can you? Is there an ethical problem with such a comparison? Having to choose between telling a story and doing good. Elizabeth would choose good; he would choose to tell a story. Basically he is an aestheticist and she is an ethical writer. The answer, as far as she can see, is that she no longer believes that storytelling is good in itself, whereas for West, or at least for West as he was when he wrote the Stauffenberg book, the question does not seem to arise. If she, as she is nowadays, had to choose between telling a story and doing good, she would rather, she thinks, do good. West, she thinks, would rather tell a story, though perhaps she ought to suspend judgement until she hears it from his own li...

Summary He thanks the queen. He recounts how he was taken prisoner by Powhatan. His son Nantaquaus is the manliest Indian he'd ever seen. His daughter Pocahontas saved him at the risk of her own life. Furthermore, she provided food for the miserable sick settlers. Even when they began to war with the Indians Pocahontas saw to their needs and warned them of attacks. He has no idea why she helps them so. After she is taken captive (I guess by the settlers) she is returned and they achieve peace with the Indians. She marries an Englishman, goes to England, converts to Christianity, and learns English. Smith apologizes for being a lousy writer but says he's sincere. He apologizes for asking, but he does ask that the Queen be aware of Pocahontas and see that she's well-received. This is so that Pocahontas doesn't resent her having become a Christian and gone off to England. Themes Thanking and apologizing to the queen Pocahontas story Assimilation Conversion Immigration Pedo...

Click here  for a summary of Columbus's report on the first voyage Click here  for Columbus's original report text ------------- Themes Praising the king and queen Praising God and thanking God Naming islands Taking captives Natural descriptions Giving and receiving from the Indians Shy natives Generosity of natives Fostering trade and good relations Missionary desire Expectation of monstrosities Bragging and the eternal God, our Lord, Who gives to all those who walk in His way triumph over things which appear to be impossible, and this was notably one Importance of evidence Sexual imagery- the earth is a nipple (to be conquered) Scientific theorizing Style and devices First-person narrator (letter) Sucking up to the king and queen Run-on sentences And in it, although of all I have taken possession for their highnesses and all are more richly endowed than I know how, or am able, to say, and I hold them all for their highnesses, so that they may dispose of them as, and as absol...

Summary Lorenzo and Jessica are at Belmont, telling a love story together, beginning with that of Troilus and Criseyde and ending with their own. Nerissa enters as Stephano and announces that Portia will be back during the night. Lancelot enters and announces that Bassanio will also arrive during the night. Portia and Nerissa arrive, and then Bassanio, Antonio and Gratiano arrive. Nerissa admonishes Gratiano for parting with her ring. Bassanio hears this and shrinks. Portia confronts him and promises to never bed him until she sees the ring. Portia gives him hell about the ring and he tries to defend himself. Antonio whines that he is the cause of the quarrels. Nerissa and Portia present their rings to their husbands and say that they got them when they slept with the doctor and his clerk the night before. Gratiano grows angry and Portia reveals the trick. Portia also brings Antonio the news of three of his ships having made it safely and richly to harbor. She tells Lorenzo and Jessica...

Summary Portia and Nerissa plan to return home straightaway before their husbands return. Gratiano however catches up with them and invites them to dinner. Portia accepts the ring, turns down the invitation and asks Gratiano to show Nerissa to Shylock's house. Finally, Nerissa plans to make Gratiano give her his ring too as a sign of gratitude. Main events Portia accepts Bassanio's ring from Gratiano Nerissa plans to get Gratiano's ring Gratiano will show Nerissa to Shylock's house Participating Characters Nerissa Portia Gratiano Response/ discussion The copycat ring. A metaliterary comment perhaps about repetitiveness of art or lack of imagination? Table of Contents: The Merchant of Venice -- Summary and Analysis Act 1 Scene 1 ,  Scene 2 ,  Scene 3 Act 2 Scene 1 ,  Scene 2 ,  Scene 3 ,  Scene 4 ,  Scene 5 ,  Scene 6 ,  Scene 7 ,  Scene 8 ,  Scene 9 Act 3 Scene 1 ,  Scene 2 ,  Scene 3 ,  Scene 4 ,  Scene 5 Act 4 Scene...

Summary They are in court. The Duke expresses pity for Antonio because he is up against Shylock who is monstrous. The Duke has tried to convince Shylock not to take the bond but he insisted. Shylock enters. The Duke tells him they all hope that he will remove the bond at the last minute in a show of mercy. Shylock replies that he intends to exact the bond, and that if the duke cancels it, it collides with freedom of trade. He says that the reason is no more than hatred for Antonio. Antonio says arguing with Shylock is futile because cruelty is in his nature. He asks the duke to hasten his sentence. Bassanio offers more money and Shylock refuses. Shylock points out that he has a right to Antonio's flesh just as they have a right to retain their slaves – both are property. Antonio expresses love for Bassanio. Nerissa enters with a letter from Doctor Bellario. More Shylock bashing ensues. The Duke reads the letter, in which Bellario recommends Balthazar as a doctor. Portia enters, dis...

Summary Lancelot tells Jessica that as children are punished for the sins of their children, her one hope is to be her father's bastard. Jessica points out that if this indeed is the case then she will be punished for her mother's adultery, so she is doomed either way. She says she will be saved by her husband who has made her a Christian. Lancelot is cheeky to Lorenzo and frustrates him. Lorenzo asks Jessica how she likes Portia. Jessica replies that a lot. Lorenzo fishes for compliments a little and they go to dinner. Main events Lancelot and Jessica conclude that Jessica is doomed to be punished for her parents' sins Jessica says she will be saved by marrying Lorenzo Participating Characters Lancelot Jessica Lorenzo Analysis and Discussion Faulty logical connector in the sentence LAUNCELOT Yes, truly; for, look you, the sins of the father are to be laid upon the children: therefore, I promise ye, I fear you. I was always plain with you, and so now I speak my agitation of...

Summary Belmont. Lorenzo praises Portia for her strength of character in being calm despite Bassanio's leaving right after their marriage. He praises her for giving money to release Antonio. She says he's a good man and it's well worth it. She tells Jessica and Lorenzo that she and Nerissa will stay at a monastery until the men return. Portia asks Balthazar to take a letter to the ferry that leaves for Venice, and tells him that she will arrive even before he does. She tells Nerissa that they will go to Venice dressed as men and meet up with their husbands. Portia says she will practice being a swaggering braggart man-boy. They leave hastily. Main events Lorenzo praises Portia for giving Bassanio money Portia tells Jessica and Lorenzo she and Nerissa will stay at a monastery while their husbands are gone Portia tells Balthazar she plans to go to Venice Portia tells Nerissa of the plan to go to Venice dressed as men Participating Characters PORTIA,   NERISSA,   LORENZO,   ...