"Zeitoun struggled to sleep that night. There was a man in the world who knew he was alive. He had found his messenger." (Eggers, 267)
Zeitouns determination and character throughout the entire story was astounding. The fact that he was determined to stay in New Orleans, despite the fact that his wife said that he should leave shows that he can be pretty stubborn, but he felt that it is what he needed to do. When he was helping the elderly people escape as well as feed the dogs, this just shows how much his town and the people who live in it mean to him. Because he was a carpenter and painter he is well known and respected by the community, so maybe he stayed because there was a lot of pressure placed on him by those in his town to make sure that nothing bad happened to their houses. He was there to watch after their property. The last half of the book really made me upset. The fact that those military personnel could be so rude and inconsiderate really disturbed me. It is hard to imagine that this kind of treatment to a man wrongly accused, could happen in this day in age. Zeitoun began to wither away and was continuously being given none straightforward answers as to why he is in jail. Zeitoun continued to hope and pray that he somehow finds a way to get out and be reunited with his family. From this quote it is very evident that he is ready to leave and despite all that he went through he never gave up.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Zeitoun Reading Response 11/29
Zeitoun Reading Response 11/29
“She finds herself wondering early in the morning and late at night and sometimes just while sitting with little Ahmed sleeping on her lap: Did all that really happen? Did it happen in the United States? To us? It could have been avoided, she thinks. So many little things could have been done. So many people let it happen. So many looked away. And it only takes one person, one small act of stepping from the dark to the light.” (Eggers, 319)
This quote particularly stands out to be because I find it unique how Kathy’s after thoughts of the disaster and everything that happen to her family are so similar to how most people would think, not only if they were in her shoes, but to most bad situations that occur in one’s life. We always think that it could have somehow been avoided, and are still in shock that it happened to us. However, what is extremely unfortunate is that it happened all around the time of her sons birth, where many usually experience happy feelings and moments of remembrance. Kathy will always associate the birth of her son to this traumatic event that has occurred to her family, husband, and home. It is interesting to see the thoughts that Kathy’s feeling and how she believes that it was unfair, when her husband was really the one to experience most of it and he still continued to have a positive outlook on life throughout his time in the jail.
Zeitoun Response 2 (11/29/11)
"Zeitoun and Nasser bushed whatever dust they could over their hands and arms and neck to cleanse themselves, and they prayed." (Eggers 245)
This line in particular was one that really stood out to me. It was its own paragraph, and it seems fitting that it was. Right before this sentence, Zeitoun explains how in times where you have nothing else to cleanse yourself with before you pray, you can use dust as a substitute. When they were prisoned at Camp Greyhound, this was one thing they were ceratain to have an abundance of. I chose this sentence to talk about because of the irony of it. How simple it is, yet how much it says, and how much more it implies. These two men, doing good deeds for many of the survivors in New Orleans, get captured, punished, and denied most rights to them. In this time of complete and unavoidable error by the city of New Orleans, these two men were not only trapped in the city, but trapped in a makeshift prison. They needed to pray. They needed to be heard, by anybody, anything. They did what they could to pray, cleansing themselves with the debris from an act of nature, an act of God. It is not said, but one can make an educated assumption that they were praying for their saftey, even after the storm was over. To me, the passage does not say much, but at the same time, it tells the complete story.
This line in particular was one that really stood out to me. It was its own paragraph, and it seems fitting that it was. Right before this sentence, Zeitoun explains how in times where you have nothing else to cleanse yourself with before you pray, you can use dust as a substitute. When they were prisoned at Camp Greyhound, this was one thing they were ceratain to have an abundance of. I chose this sentence to talk about because of the irony of it. How simple it is, yet how much it says, and how much more it implies. These two men, doing good deeds for many of the survivors in New Orleans, get captured, punished, and denied most rights to them. In this time of complete and unavoidable error by the city of New Orleans, these two men were not only trapped in the city, but trapped in a makeshift prison. They needed to pray. They needed to be heard, by anybody, anything. They did what they could to pray, cleansing themselves with the debris from an act of nature, an act of God. It is not said, but one can make an educated assumption that they were praying for their saftey, even after the storm was over. To me, the passage does not say much, but at the same time, it tells the complete story.
11/29 Reading Response Journal
“Yes, a dark time passed over this land, but now there is something like light” (Eggers, 335).
This quote stuck out to me because it gives a glimpse into the hope that people must have felt after Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana. It also reflects on the joyous reunion between Zeitoun and his family after his harrowing struggle with law enforcement officials. What I loved about this novel is that Eggers effortlessly weaves Zeitoun’s struggle with the struggle of a nation to confront the crisis of a natural disaster. Zeitoun’s journey gives the reader hope that he will see his family once again, just as Katrina provided some with the hope of a brighter future, one where a nation would not fail to protect its citizens. I can't help but think back to the first Monday Night Football game in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. The Superdome was the loudest it had ever been, and you could tell the crowd was overjoyed to have someone to root for.
This quote stuck out to me because it gives a glimpse into the hope that people must have felt after Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana. It also reflects on the joyous reunion between Zeitoun and his family after his harrowing struggle with law enforcement officials. What I loved about this novel is that Eggers effortlessly weaves Zeitoun’s struggle with the struggle of a nation to confront the crisis of a natural disaster. Zeitoun’s journey gives the reader hope that he will see his family once again, just as Katrina provided some with the hope of a brighter future, one where a nation would not fail to protect its citizens. I can't help but think back to the first Monday Night Football game in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. The Superdome was the loudest it had ever been, and you could tell the crowd was overjoyed to have someone to root for.
Zeitoun: A Strong Character
Zeitoun’s character was clear since the beginning of the novel. He was a man with strong values and a man that nothing seemed impossible for him. What was not clear to us, the reader, was if he was ready for the challenges that he had to face. He reached a really low point in his life when he was put in jail unfairly, and had no contact with his family. For all they knew he could have been dead. This really got to me. It must be a horrible feeling not being able to be with your family at times like that, it must be even worse not knowing if they are a life or not. Even if Zeitoun was cornered down in this situation, you get a sense that he still has not given up hope, you really get the vibe of his strong personality even if it seems like he is doomed. To his luck, a missionary came to his cell and said he would call Kathy. I thought Dave Eggers ended that chapter with a strong manner, “There was a man in the world who knew he was alive. He had found his messenger” (Eggers 267).
Zeitoun Reading Response
"None of the men in Zeitoun's cell knew whether or not these prisoners were still on the football field, or what became of them" (Eggers 251).
This quote (and the story that gives it context) is one of the most affecting sections of Zeitoun. The story the precedes this quote is about the conditions that a large group of prisoners endured while being held outside of a prison after being moved out of New Orleans. The story tells of the lack of shelter, food, and safety that the prisoners were offered. Even minor offenders suffered, same as the rapists and murderers that were housed there. This passage details some of the most detestable things to happen after Hurricane Katrina, and the quote that reflects on those events ties into a lot of the sentiment that is felt in the novel.
The passage tells of horrors that few could survive, but the quote after its over is perhaps the most terrifying thing said in this section. No one knows what happened to that virtual hell that was created for the prisoners. For all Zeitoun knows, they could all have died of starvation do to a general apathy from the government that was supposed to be housing them. At this moment in the novel, Zeitoun is caught in the very same federal system that housed these criminals, and being abused and neglected in similar ways. Not only that, but he is kept in the dark about what's going on around him. That unknown fate referred to in the quote mirrors Zeitoun's own unknown fate. His fear of what could happen in the future is only intensified by the horror stories and uncertainty surrounding the football field prisoners. For that reason, the quote personifies everything awful and horrible the novel attempts to portray in one fell swoop. For that reason, this quote is wildly successful.
Reading Responce 11/29
“But now nothing worked. Or rather, every piece of machinery – the police, the military, the prisons – that was meant to protect people like him was devouring anyone who got close” (Eggers 263).
This quote stuck out to me for many reasons, mainly because this scenario is generally not thought about in the United States. Most people associate the police, the military, and prisons, with just as he said; protection for the people/ public. And since all of this happened on our own land, not too long ago, it is outrageous. Things like this just should not happen at all. I think that this quote sums up exactly what happened to Zeitoun, and so many others, toward the end of the story and for that reason I think it is greatly placed and has much importance added to it. I also noticed how the author used the word “devouring.” He took this word out of normal context, which is to eat, and made it so that the way he used it put much more emphasis on how badly these people were really treated. To me, this quote is pretty straight forward so I do not have any questions about its context. However, I would like to ask, besides the flooding why do you think that the police, military, and prisons had to escalate to the extent that it did? Why did they have to cause so much harm instead of just help?
This quote stuck out to me for many reasons, mainly because this scenario is generally not thought about in the United States. Most people associate the police, the military, and prisons, with just as he said; protection for the people/ public. And since all of this happened on our own land, not too long ago, it is outrageous. Things like this just should not happen at all. I think that this quote sums up exactly what happened to Zeitoun, and so many others, toward the end of the story and for that reason I think it is greatly placed and has much importance added to it. I also noticed how the author used the word “devouring.” He took this word out of normal context, which is to eat, and made it so that the way he used it put much more emphasis on how badly these people were really treated. To me, this quote is pretty straight forward so I do not have any questions about its context. However, I would like to ask, besides the flooding why do you think that the police, military, and prisons had to escalate to the extent that it did? Why did they have to cause so much harm instead of just help?
Zeitoun Reading Response 2
""Why don't you take off that thing and relax?" she [Kathy's mother] said, pointing to Kathy's hijab. "He's not here. Be yourself". Kathy suppressed a dozen things she wanted to say, and instead channeled her rage into packing" (Eggers 106).
When I read those lines, I actually got an ache of anger in my heart. This is the second time in the book where Kathy's mother makes a bad reference to her hijab. What bothered me the most about this is the fact that Kathy's mother doesn't realize that it is her daughter's choice to wear it. There might be actually just a small percentage of husbands who make their wives cover, but usually it is the woman's choice to wear the scarf or not. And I think that that choice is pretty brave especially that it is done in a Western country where it is sometimes looked down upon because of ignorance. I like how Eggers bluntly wrote the mother's words so casually, and even with them being written so casually, I still got the feeling of like... Seriously? After all those years of Kathy being dedicated to her religion and having a lot of faith, you still think it's because of her husband? What I also like about this little passage is the fact that when Kathy heard these words, she tried her best not to let them get to her, and she continued on with what she was doing. Eggers did a good job showing both sides. I also think that battles between religions start like this, on a simple personal level. If there is more education and understanding, then maybe things will be easier for all parties. I like Kathy's personality a lot because she fights everyday. She fights for her family, for her integrity, and for her faith. I think all these things make her out to be a really strong woman.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Zeitoun Response
' "Everything happens for a reason,' he tells them. 'You do your duty, you do what's right, and the rest is in God's hand.' " (Eggers 322).
This passage spoke a lot to me because I believe it was through this attitude that Zeitoun had that allowed him to go through his whole trails that he went through in the jail systems in New Orleans. I related to this a lot, even though I am Christian and not Muslim I focus on the positive things and believe for the best in a negative situation. "He tells them that perhaps God, by allowing him to be jailed, saved him from something worse" (Eggers 322). Most people would have focused on totally the negative aspect of being jailed. Zeitoun even though he was abused while being held prisoner he still looked at the positive. Honestly being in jail in some form saved him because New Orleans was turning into a violent area and it could have been possible that if Zeitoun had just been kept wondering around the city he could have been hurt or even killed. I believe it was his faith that kept Zeitoun from giving into the pressure of his situation. He believed that in the end it would all work out for his benefit.
Zeitoun Response
"And it only takes one person, one small act of stepping from the dark to the light." (Zeitoun, 319)
I chose this quote because I think it explains a lot about Zeitoun's character. He tried to be that one person to make a difference whether it was God's will or his own motivations, or both. He tried to make those small acts of kindness and rightness possible in such a unfortunate predicament in his life and the life of the city and nation.
Zeitoun was interesting to read. At times, it rattled my furry or reached my sympathy but never failed to keep my reading, that's for sure. It's a page-turner. I wasn't sure what I was going to read after the city flooded. I am most surprised at Zeitoun's resilience and his true essence of a man of God. It's striking how he can still be so humble through everything he'd been through unrightfully, but then again, that's what makes him a true man of God. Even at the end of the novel, I was shocked that he would sacrifice his mental comfortability by staying in New Orleans for the sake of his family and the city itself. That was still their home regardless of what ugly remnants he had haunting him everyday in the back of his mind. The fact that he didn't just walk away from it all is inspiring. Especially, when he still tries to make things better after the after math of Katrina.
I think what I love most about this book, is the way it is written. If it had been written formally or with "literary trickery or theatrical devices"(James Wolcott, Vanity Fair) it would not have had the same affect on its readers. It is purely humanistic, insightful and hopeful.
Zeitoun was also educational for me as well in the aspect of religion. I didn't know much about the Qur'an except that it was the worshiping book of Islam. By learning more about the Islamic faith, it also somewhat introduced me to Zeitoun on a more personal level. As if, I were actually meeting him.
Needless to say, Zeitoun was riveting enough to slowly pull me into its story and now I am interested to see what direction my paper takes.
I chose this quote because I think it explains a lot about Zeitoun's character. He tried to be that one person to make a difference whether it was God's will or his own motivations, or both. He tried to make those small acts of kindness and rightness possible in such a unfortunate predicament in his life and the life of the city and nation.
Zeitoun was interesting to read. At times, it rattled my furry or reached my sympathy but never failed to keep my reading, that's for sure. It's a page-turner. I wasn't sure what I was going to read after the city flooded. I am most surprised at Zeitoun's resilience and his true essence of a man of God. It's striking how he can still be so humble through everything he'd been through unrightfully, but then again, that's what makes him a true man of God. Even at the end of the novel, I was shocked that he would sacrifice his mental comfortability by staying in New Orleans for the sake of his family and the city itself. That was still their home regardless of what ugly remnants he had haunting him everyday in the back of his mind. The fact that he didn't just walk away from it all is inspiring. Especially, when he still tries to make things better after the after math of Katrina.
I think what I love most about this book, is the way it is written. If it had been written formally or with "literary trickery or theatrical devices"(James Wolcott, Vanity Fair) it would not have had the same affect on its readers. It is purely humanistic, insightful and hopeful.
Zeitoun was also educational for me as well in the aspect of religion. I didn't know much about the Qur'an except that it was the worshiping book of Islam. By learning more about the Islamic faith, it also somewhat introduced me to Zeitoun on a more personal level. As if, I were actually meeting him.
Needless to say, Zeitoun was riveting enough to slowly pull me into its story and now I am interested to see what direction my paper takes.
Zeitoun Response 2
“He wanted it all erased from their lives” (Eggers 296)
I really liked the book Zeitoun I found it intriguing to hear about the hurricane from the perspective of a person who actually experienced the hurricane. The first half of the book was very interesting and I found myself smiling while imaging Zeitoun going through his neighborhood in a canoe and being a hero, by saving people stuck in their homes, feeding dogs, etc. Then the second half of the book was just awful when Zeitoun’s experiences in prison were described. I felt that it was so wrong of what they did to Zeitoun and the others in prison during a time of such a crisis because of Hurricane Katrina. With the guards calling Zeitoun and his friends “Al Qaeda” and “Taliban” was just so horrifying because they were being so racist and calling them terrorists with no significant evidence. Also, the harsh treatment that was seen in prison was just horrifying and it scarred the people in prison and also their family members. Looking at Zeitoun’s family, their family had to suffer so much while he was in prison because they didn’t know if he was dead or alive and Zeitoun’s child’s hair was falling out, his wife was in a frenzy and even after Zeitoun returned, Kathy ends up with post-traumatic stress syndrome. I feel that the quote that I wrote at the top really expresses how much Zeitoun was scarred mentally from his imprisonment and how it shows the high level of injustice that the government allowed on its citizens. Overall I really enjoyed reading the book and I think that I got a lot of insights on Hurricane Katrina and also the injustice that was put upon the Middle Eastern people after 9/11.
I really liked the book Zeitoun I found it intriguing to hear about the hurricane from the perspective of a person who actually experienced the hurricane. The first half of the book was very interesting and I found myself smiling while imaging Zeitoun going through his neighborhood in a canoe and being a hero, by saving people stuck in their homes, feeding dogs, etc. Then the second half of the book was just awful when Zeitoun’s experiences in prison were described. I felt that it was so wrong of what they did to Zeitoun and the others in prison during a time of such a crisis because of Hurricane Katrina. With the guards calling Zeitoun and his friends “Al Qaeda” and “Taliban” was just so horrifying because they were being so racist and calling them terrorists with no significant evidence. Also, the harsh treatment that was seen in prison was just horrifying and it scarred the people in prison and also their family members. Looking at Zeitoun’s family, their family had to suffer so much while he was in prison because they didn’t know if he was dead or alive and Zeitoun’s child’s hair was falling out, his wife was in a frenzy and even after Zeitoun returned, Kathy ends up with post-traumatic stress syndrome. I feel that the quote that I wrote at the top really expresses how much Zeitoun was scarred mentally from his imprisonment and how it shows the high level of injustice that the government allowed on its citizens. Overall I really enjoyed reading the book and I think that I got a lot of insights on Hurricane Katrina and also the injustice that was put upon the Middle Eastern people after 9/11.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Zeitoun #2
Zeitoun’s story was unnerving to me. We all watched the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the news and saw the devastation, but to hear an actual story in full detail made a larger impact. I believe that racism is still very much alive, but I have always focused on the prejudice against my own race, and not of others. Everyone has small conditioned prejudices of other nationalities, but the majority of people don’t act on them. The fact that the United States government used its power to fuel such an indirect racist attack on its Middle Eastern citizens in the midst of a crisis as massive as Hurricane Katrina is beyond upsetting. I feel so sorry for Kathy, who now suffers from her post-traumatic stress syndrome. I can’t even imagine the mental damage that could be caused by accepting the death of your husband and then to find him in such unethical conditions under the government that you’re supposed to trust. I hope that their children don’t have any issues because of what happened. I loved the book, I loved the way it was written, I love how the story was told and I love that it a true story. However, I’m somewhat concerned about how to effectively write a paper on it. I’m excited to see what I come up with.
Zeitoun Response 2
"Kathy woke up having reached a new kind of peace. She felt strong, and was ready to start planning."(Eggers, 200)
This quote suggests an overall perspective towards the novel. This particular quote is taken out when Kathy finally got a grasp over her emotions while she had no information about Zeitoun's whereabouts. Every character in the novel illustrates an extraordinary amount of courage and optimistic attitude towards life. Zeitoun and Kathy, being the protagonists in the novel, keep their positive attitude towards every problem that they come across. An example of Zeitoun's patience is evident as he stays in the jail and still manages to pray five times a day without hestitation and complain. Kathy manages to stay with her four kids and doesnt let her emotions to be exposed so that her kids wouldn't be affected by it. Her kids are just as patient as them. The kids are very brave and show immense amount of courage while they stay disconnected and away from their father for a really long time. Thus, the book gives an overall positive overview of life and suggests how even in difficult times, it is best to be optimistic and take life one step at a time. The courage as well as patience portrayed by each of the characters is an example to live by. The novel is a concept that has a dimension of every struggle that an individual goes through that can be applied to our lives.
This quote suggests an overall perspective towards the novel. This particular quote is taken out when Kathy finally got a grasp over her emotions while she had no information about Zeitoun's whereabouts. Every character in the novel illustrates an extraordinary amount of courage and optimistic attitude towards life. Zeitoun and Kathy, being the protagonists in the novel, keep their positive attitude towards every problem that they come across. An example of Zeitoun's patience is evident as he stays in the jail and still manages to pray five times a day without hestitation and complain. Kathy manages to stay with her four kids and doesnt let her emotions to be exposed so that her kids wouldn't be affected by it. Her kids are just as patient as them. The kids are very brave and show immense amount of courage while they stay disconnected and away from their father for a really long time. Thus, the book gives an overall positive overview of life and suggests how even in difficult times, it is best to be optimistic and take life one step at a time. The courage as well as patience portrayed by each of the characters is an example to live by. The novel is a concept that has a dimension of every struggle that an individual goes through that can be applied to our lives.
Monday, November 21, 2011
A Second Response to Zeitoun, by Dave Eggers
“The man disappeared in a haze and screamed like a scalded child. When the smoke cleared, he was cowering in a fetal position, wailing like an animal, trying to reach his eyes with his hands” (Zeitoun, 243).
This story made me so mad. I was sickened to think that the security guards would be so cruel to a mentally disabled man that they would punish him for doing something that he did not know was wrong. I also felt so bad for Zeitoun, who had to watch this atrocity take place without being able to do anything about it. For me, I cannot tolerate actions of cruelty against helpless individuals, especially cruelty against those who are mentally disabled because they are unable to stand up for themselves. I can understand that the security guards were trying to do their job, but how could they not have realized that this man was mentally impaired? If Zeitoun could hear the man’s nonsense ramblings several cages away, and over the noise of a generator, surely the guard watching him could have taken notice of the man’s mental state. So, why was he punished? It almost seemed like the guards were waiting for a chance to test out their new pepper spray. Even though I know the guards were physically human beings, their actions toward this man made them seem more like animals. This passage contains almost too much imagery; I can see the poor man in my imagination, and even now the picture almost makes me cry. I know this horrible event was only one of the many atrocities committed during Hurricane Katrina, and I shudder to think of what was happening elsewhere. I can only hope that our government will learn from the mistakes of Katrina and be more prepared to help, not hurt, its citizens.
Zeitoun Response for 11/23
“The man had abrogated a simple agreement. He had promised help and he had not kept that promise” (Eggers, 139).
I remember the hurricane Katrina as it happened yesterday. I remember the people in news saying that it took so long for the government to send some help. I felt for the people affected by the hurricane but also understood that everybody did what they could to send help as soon as possible. When the area where I lived back in my country was flooded, people affected by the floods were also saying the help didn’t come fast enough and it was not enough help. But people, such as government and charities were helping as fast and as much as they could. However, reading Zeitoun and seeing the entire thing from the prospective of a family directly affected by the deadly floods, it seems to me Zeitoun saw only one rescue helicopter in over a week period. And who were the people in uniforms on boats that passed by Zeitoun ignoring him waving at them? So where was the help that was supposed to come to this area? These military people who promised Zeitoun they will rescue the elderly couple said it just to get rid of him. They seemed they didn’t want to be bothered by him. They had no desire to rescue anybody; they probably had a different interest there. What was it? Who were the soldiers? Who brought them there?
Hana
I remember the hurricane Katrina as it happened yesterday. I remember the people in news saying that it took so long for the government to send some help. I felt for the people affected by the hurricane but also understood that everybody did what they could to send help as soon as possible. When the area where I lived back in my country was flooded, people affected by the floods were also saying the help didn’t come fast enough and it was not enough help. But people, such as government and charities were helping as fast and as much as they could. However, reading Zeitoun and seeing the entire thing from the prospective of a family directly affected by the deadly floods, it seems to me Zeitoun saw only one rescue helicopter in over a week period. And who were the people in uniforms on boats that passed by Zeitoun ignoring him waving at them? So where was the help that was supposed to come to this area? These military people who promised Zeitoun they will rescue the elderly couple said it just to get rid of him. They seemed they didn’t want to be bothered by him. They had no desire to rescue anybody; they probably had a different interest there. What was it? Who were the soldiers? Who brought them there?
Hana
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Zeitoun 11/15
One of the many parts of this book that stood out to me was the part where Zeitoun stopped working for a client when she was being rude to Kathy. It shows that Zeitoun puts family first, above all things. It is clear that his business means alot to him, considering that he would not leave New Orleans when Katrina was coming; but to loose a client and stick up for his wife shows true character. This section also shows that both Zeitoun and Kathy communicate very well and are on the same page with thing. Which then leads into the differences that they both felt about the storm. I thought that it was interesting that in many aspects of their lives, such as the children, the business, and religion, the two of them both agree and share the same values. But then when it comes to something so simple like leaving their home to stay safe, they could not seem to agree. This difference in views that they had could have cost Zeitoun his life and I am sure that he will soon come to regret the decision he made to stay. I wonder if Zeitoun and Kathy will have any other difference between the two of them come about.
Zeitoun Response 1 (11/15/11)
There was one particular paragraph that caught my attention the most, but it is too long to type out in its entirety. It is on page 26 in the hardback, and 16 in the paperback, I believe.
"The man was school-obsessed, and Kathy liked to tease.......their lives or days without the other."
This is not dialogue, but just a narrative paragraph. To me, it says a lot about the relationship between Kathy and Zeitoun. From what we have read, Zeitoun is a very home-centered man with proper morals. He appears to be a very honest and well-minded individual, and Kathy is just the same. She "liked to tease him about it and any number of things."(Eggers, 26). Their relationship is clearly much healthier than Kathy's last, which ended in a divorce, and even though she is 13 years younger than him, they still get along perfectly fine. They talk on the phone almost all day, every day, about anything at all. Whether it be about their business, what they have to do, or just to say hi, they would be on the phone talking to one another very, very often. "Neither of them could operate their home, their company, their lives or days without the other." I believe this is the absolute perfect example of the relationship between Kathy and Zeitoun, I just hope it can last. I guess we'll find out later in the story.
On a side note, I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this book now that it is not poetry or a play. To me, it is much easier to follow along with, especially because it is relating to events that have occurred in my lifetime. I am excited to read more of the story and learning more about how the characters will interact and progress throughout the novel.
"The man was school-obsessed, and Kathy liked to tease.......their lives or days without the other."
This is not dialogue, but just a narrative paragraph. To me, it says a lot about the relationship between Kathy and Zeitoun. From what we have read, Zeitoun is a very home-centered man with proper morals. He appears to be a very honest and well-minded individual, and Kathy is just the same. She "liked to tease him about it and any number of things."(Eggers, 26). Their relationship is clearly much healthier than Kathy's last, which ended in a divorce, and even though she is 13 years younger than him, they still get along perfectly fine. They talk on the phone almost all day, every day, about anything at all. Whether it be about their business, what they have to do, or just to say hi, they would be on the phone talking to one another very, very often. "Neither of them could operate their home, their company, their lives or days without the other." I believe this is the absolute perfect example of the relationship between Kathy and Zeitoun, I just hope it can last. I guess we'll find out later in the story.
On a side note, I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this book now that it is not poetry or a play. To me, it is much easier to follow along with, especially because it is relating to events that have occurred in my lifetime. I am excited to read more of the story and learning more about how the characters will interact and progress throughout the novel.
Zeitoun
Zeitoun found himself feeling alive and purposeful as never before as he used his canoe to rescue people during the days following the flooding of the city and fed the dogs left behind in people’s homes. After a week of this heroism, Zeitoun and three others at his home were falsely arrested and brought to a jail at the Greyhound Bus Station. Zeitoun, not only completely innocent, but also the kind of man who should serve as a model of integrity, compassion, and honesty to us all, he was abused and mistreated in ways that not only disregard our American values. The book serves as a wake up call to all those who take advantage of our legal and punitive systems that are relatively fail-safe and humane.
Zeitoun Post
"He couldn't leave the bike and run- he needed that bike- and he couldn't ride on the flat tire, so he threw the bike over his shoulders started jogging." ....... "The consequences could be far-reaching. Work was a pyramid, he knew, built on day after solid day. He ran faster" (Eggers 37).
I chose this quote clearly because, Eggers displays a man built with hard-working ethics and a drive to be the man his father once was. Abdulrahman Zeitoun, coming from a working family, who knew how to work for what they wanted out of life, motivated him to give his family what he once never had. Being dominant and head strong is a characteristic that's naturally instilled due to his heritage and religion. Zeitoun reminds me of my father, family is what keeps them going. Zeiotun dedication to his job is expressed in this quote and lets readers know, that he would run a marathon if he had too, just to be at work on time. I see this clearly through my father as well. Rain or shine, sick or whatever the circumstance may be, if his job needs him for anything, he will sacrifice and do what needs to be done. I also enjoyed this little story shared from Zeitouns past, because it brought back memories of my high school basketball team. Dedication and commitment was always expressed and instilled upon us, that it still carries on as we have departed from one another and go about our lives. Well, Zeiotun is committed and dedicated/devoted to his job as well, this type of hunger and attitude is put into perspective to help secure and or place him higher in society, as he is working to get where he needs/wants to be. I could relate to this quote in so many ways, and to his character too. I'm enjoying what I' am reading so far, and hope this story continues to capture my attention as were progressing through the novel.
-Diamond Q
I chose this quote clearly because, Eggers displays a man built with hard-working ethics and a drive to be the man his father once was. Abdulrahman Zeitoun, coming from a working family, who knew how to work for what they wanted out of life, motivated him to give his family what he once never had. Being dominant and head strong is a characteristic that's naturally instilled due to his heritage and religion. Zeitoun reminds me of my father, family is what keeps them going. Zeiotun dedication to his job is expressed in this quote and lets readers know, that he would run a marathon if he had too, just to be at work on time. I see this clearly through my father as well. Rain or shine, sick or whatever the circumstance may be, if his job needs him for anything, he will sacrifice and do what needs to be done. I also enjoyed this little story shared from Zeitouns past, because it brought back memories of my high school basketball team. Dedication and commitment was always expressed and instilled upon us, that it still carries on as we have departed from one another and go about our lives. Well, Zeiotun is committed and dedicated/devoted to his job as well, this type of hunger and attitude is put into perspective to help secure and or place him higher in society, as he is working to get where he needs/wants to be. I could relate to this quote in so many ways, and to his character too. I'm enjoying what I' am reading so far, and hope this story continues to capture my attention as were progressing through the novel.
-Diamond Q
Zeitoun Reading Response
"Not knowing what else to do, he ducked. Crouching below his dashboard, he held his breath and waited. Please God, he thought. Please" (Eggers 33).
Having read the first part of "Zeitoun", I started getting a feel of Zeitoun's character. He is a quite man, very religious, wise with few words, and not very animated. His character is in contrast to his wife's, Kathy. Kathy on the other hand is very lively and talkative and simply out there. The contrast of their personalities gives the readers a nice contradiction to see how they deal with each other. The fact that he is 13 years older than her makes a lot of sense to why they behave the way they do. In this quote however, I found it very interesting that the author brought out the mundane and funny side of Zeitoun. He is the kind of guy who does not like making mistakes and who is very withdrawn and collected. Yet in this quote, Eggers showed that Zeitoun can make mistakes and can be quite funny in his seriousness. Here, it was a memory of where he wanted to "stalk" Kathy before she met him so he can see how she looks like. He wanted to watch her, and little did he know, she started walking towards him - or that's what he thought - and he freaked out. The little passage about the memory made me smile because beneath all the hardness and manliness, there was still a little boy who got scared when he felt that he was caught. I also really liked the switch back and forth between past and present, because that gives you a little more details about the characters along the way.
Zeitoun
"But in Zeitoun's half-dream, the sound of the ocean seemed wrong. It was both quieter and less rhythmic --not an ebb and flow, but instead the constant whisper of a river" (81).
This line specifically caught my attention because as I was reading, I automatically assumed that something was wrong. Zeitoun thinks that the storm is over, but something tells him that is not. This line represents a foreshadowing of what is to come. This whole time he thinks he is right by telling his wife that the storm will not mount to much, comparing it to previous storms. I think if more comes of the storm Zeitoun will feel guilty because his wife beckoned for him to come many times. Zeitoun also tells Kathy to come back because he thinks that the storm has passed over and she wants to come back, but she is still hesitant. Zeitoun thinks just because the storm has calmed down that it has completely stopped, but Kathy thinks otherwise. She wants to be sure that the storm is officially over before she places herself back into danger. Sure enough, she hears on the radio that the governor says people should wait at least 1-2 days before they make their way back to the city. This also foreshadows that the storm is not yet over.
Zeitoun
I love "Zeitoun" so far. I love the angle that it's in, even though it's nonfiction it's still written in a fiction type of format. I love the flashbacks that give us more background on the Zeitoun's. Zeitoun himself has a very interesting childhood, and I think that adds to the complexity of his family. The fact that it's a true story yet it's not boring, is what interests me the most. It's so real and down to earth that it's relatable. Kathy was married before and was a single mother and did what she had to do to survive. I like that she didn't jump on the opportunity to date Zeitoun, yet their love is so real.
I've always been interested in the Muslim religion ever since reading another book that touched on the religion, and Kathy's story about why she converted was interesting. It gave me a different outlook on Muslim converts. Usually, I think of Muslim converts as black men in jail trying to turn their lives around, but Kathy proved otherwise.
Zeitoun Response
“In Syria we have a saying, ‘The crazy person talks, the wise person listens.’ ” (Part I, pg. 46)
I chose this quote because, I think up to what we've read, this sums up Zeitoun perfectly. He's characterized as this quiet, wise man. He never says too much and never does too little. He's observant and responsible. He keeps the reader wondering about what to expect from him, which is important. Descriptions of him in the book, make it seem as thought he knows things about life that most people don't or something. I think wisdom would be a good addition to the characteristics we listed in class. Some of them were hard-working, devoted father/husband, hard on self, religious, protective...and his motivation was his family/work because he comes from a family-oriented, hard-working family from Syria. I wonder how Zeitoun will change throughout the rest of the book. Will we see more from him?
I chose this quote because, I think up to what we've read, this sums up Zeitoun perfectly. He's characterized as this quiet, wise man. He never says too much and never does too little. He's observant and responsible. He keeps the reader wondering about what to expect from him, which is important. Descriptions of him in the book, make it seem as thought he knows things about life that most people don't or something. I think wisdom would be a good addition to the characteristics we listed in class. Some of them were hard-working, devoted father/husband, hard on self, religious, protective...and his motivation was his family/work because he comes from a family-oriented, hard-working family from Syria. I wonder how Zeitoun will change throughout the rest of the book. Will we see more from him?
Zeitoun Reading Response: 11/15
I find the Characters in Zeitoun very interesting. Specially Kathy and Zeitoun as they remind me of my very own parents. Zeitoun is just like my dad. There is one particular scene that reminded me of my childhood with my parents. It was in page 49, where Kathy's kids are telling her a story about Pokemon. This was my childhood game and my parents would often over see me playing it or they would ask me about it. What really got my attention though was Zeitoun, "Kathy looked up to find Zeitoun in the doorway, leaning against the frame, watching them all. He did this often, just watching, taking it all in" (Eggers 49). This was often the case with my dad. Me and my sister would interact with my mom in all our childhood games while my dad would monitor us, like Zeitoun did in that scene. Just that small passage tells us how much Kathy and Zeitoun care about their kids, which is a big characteristic of them.
It is always nice to relate to a novel, it makes the reading much more fun and interesting. That is the case with this book. I can relate to the characters and the events that happen, such as hurricane Katrina, as I lived through it as well.
Zeitoun Reading Response 11/15
"Neither of them could operate their home, their company, their lives or days without the other" (Eggers 16).
I thought this quote was adorable, but so very true. Just being 16 pages into the book, at that point when I read that quote, I saw that they had a system with each other. Not only were they business partners, but they were definitely partners in life. The quote also represents what kind of people the Zeithouns were. They cared about others, especially their clients and their children. Their life together was their life with the kids and with the clients. They did their very best to make everyone in their lives happy. This book is intriguing because I feel as if it is too raw that you would have to try hard to not picture each scene. Although it is simply described, I can see each and every scene clearly in my mind. I think there is a good amount of description in the novel so far. Since Hurricane Katrina was a real event and it wasn't too long ago, it definitely keeps me on my toes. I am waiting to see what happens to the family and their company. Honestly, this is the first book that I've wanted to read ahead in. It shows a real life scenario with real people.
Zeitoun Reading Response Journal
“In Syria we have a saying, ‘The crazy person talks, the wise person listens.’” (Part I, pg. 46)
Zeitoun, written by Dave Eggers, tells the story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a Syrian-American who lived with his wife and children in New Orleans when the state of Louisiana was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Zeitoun is a family man who is interested in raising his own family and meets Kathy, an American woman living as a single mother who converted to Islam after going through an ugly divorce. Eggers does a fine job of diverting our attention to the story even though we are well aware of the danger the characters are about to face. I was drawn to the character of Zeitoun because he is smart and motivated by a desire to provide for his family. He is also an individual who works hard to get what he wants, a trait I most admire.
Zeitoun, written by Dave Eggers, tells the story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a Syrian-American who lived with his wife and children in New Orleans when the state of Louisiana was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Zeitoun is a family man who is interested in raising his own family and meets Kathy, an American woman living as a single mother who converted to Islam after going through an ugly divorce. Eggers does a fine job of diverting our attention to the story even though we are well aware of the danger the characters are about to face. I was drawn to the character of Zeitoun because he is smart and motivated by a desire to provide for his family. He is also an individual who works hard to get what he wants, a trait I most admire.
Zeitoun
“How hard it was to do both, to be partner to one and protector to the other. What was the balance? He would spend years pondering this conundrum” (Eggers 10).
So far I am enjoying the book a lot. The book seems very simple, but yet it’s so interesting to read and it makes me want to read more. This particular quote, I really liked, because it really shows what kind of person Zeitoun is. Zeitoun really cares for his family a lot and he’s a character that has a lot of responsibility, and he puts that responsibility on himself which is why he seems to be so hard on himself. He makes the mistake of forgetting his child and he gets, in a way, angry at himself, but everyone makes mistakes in life, yet, for Zeitoun it seems like he’s a man who can’t tolerate mistakes that he makes. I think that Zeitoun’s stable physicality, “he could go without breakfast, graze at lunch, and barely touch dinner, all while working twelve-hour days of constant activity and still his weight never fluctuated” (Eggers 8), reflects on his personality as well because Zeitoun doesn’t seem to get angry often, he’s hardworking and he’s a very stable father and husband as he cares a lot for his family.
For me, I think this novel is very interesting because it’s about Hurricane Katrina, which happened when we were alive, so I think it makes it easier for me to relate to the book and understand most of what is happening. I love how the novel makes me want to read more and ahead because it’s just so intriguing and I want to know what will happen next.
So far I am enjoying the book a lot. The book seems very simple, but yet it’s so interesting to read and it makes me want to read more. This particular quote, I really liked, because it really shows what kind of person Zeitoun is. Zeitoun really cares for his family a lot and he’s a character that has a lot of responsibility, and he puts that responsibility on himself which is why he seems to be so hard on himself. He makes the mistake of forgetting his child and he gets, in a way, angry at himself, but everyone makes mistakes in life, yet, for Zeitoun it seems like he’s a man who can’t tolerate mistakes that he makes. I think that Zeitoun’s stable physicality, “he could go without breakfast, graze at lunch, and barely touch dinner, all while working twelve-hour days of constant activity and still his weight never fluctuated” (Eggers 8), reflects on his personality as well because Zeitoun doesn’t seem to get angry often, he’s hardworking and he’s a very stable father and husband as he cares a lot for his family.
For me, I think this novel is very interesting because it’s about Hurricane Katrina, which happened when we were alive, so I think it makes it easier for me to relate to the book and understand most of what is happening. I love how the novel makes me want to read more and ahead because it’s just so intriguing and I want to know what will happen next.
Reading Responce 11/15
“Work was a pyramid, he knew, built on day after solid day” (Eggers 27).
This quote displays one of Abdulrahman Zeitoun’s main motivations throughout the story this far. I think that the main subject point Dave Eggers is currently portraying in Zeitoun, is indeed work. This is true based on the fact that we as readers know, Zeitoun was brought up in a working family, he is an entrepreneur, and the readers are also constantly being told about things that go on during his work day. Because he is such a devoted and hard worker he made a lot of good impressions on me. For instance, right before this quote we read about when he was running late for work he carried his bike on his shoulders. That is crazy to me and a lot of people now a days would never even think about doing such. To me, once someone defines themselves as a hard worker and they prove it, it ultimately shows that this person is reliable, gives respect, and can be trusted. All of which are great quality to poses. With all of that being said, there is one question that I have. At what point does a dedicated worker transform into someone who is working too hard and too long in which will have negative effects on himself and/or others around him?
This quote displays one of Abdulrahman Zeitoun’s main motivations throughout the story this far. I think that the main subject point Dave Eggers is currently portraying in Zeitoun, is indeed work. This is true based on the fact that we as readers know, Zeitoun was brought up in a working family, he is an entrepreneur, and the readers are also constantly being told about things that go on during his work day. Because he is such a devoted and hard worker he made a lot of good impressions on me. For instance, right before this quote we read about when he was running late for work he carried his bike on his shoulders. That is crazy to me and a lot of people now a days would never even think about doing such. To me, once someone defines themselves as a hard worker and they prove it, it ultimately shows that this person is reliable, gives respect, and can be trusted. All of which are great quality to poses. With all of that being said, there is one question that I have. At what point does a dedicated worker transform into someone who is working too hard and too long in which will have negative effects on himself and/or others around him?
Zeitoun
"They could not have expected Kathy to return the favor. They assumed, no doubt, that a Muslim woman, presumably submissive and shy with her English, would allow her hijab to be ripped from her head without retaliation. But Kathy let loose a fusillade of pungent suggestions, leaving them dumbfounded and momentarily speechless" (Eggers, 46).
I think Kathy is such an interesting character and I love the personality that is displayed in the book. This quote shows just how bold she is and how strong of a person she is. You can tell how much she values her religion and what is more interesting is that she chose to convert. That takes a lot of guts especially since her background was growing up baptist. She isn't afraid to be who she is and isn't afraid to fight for what she believes in. I also love the fire and spunk of her personality especially her passion towards her family and making sure she gives her kids what she never had. One of my favorite parts was where Eggers was talking about how she was just as girly and wild as her daughters. It's kind of funny to picture a grown woman acting like a child, but she also knows when to act like a grown up. I like seeing the liveliness in a character and I admire the love and passion she shows in her actions.
I think Kathy is such an interesting character and I love the personality that is displayed in the book. This quote shows just how bold she is and how strong of a person she is. You can tell how much she values her religion and what is more interesting is that she chose to convert. That takes a lot of guts especially since her background was growing up baptist. She isn't afraid to be who she is and isn't afraid to fight for what she believes in. I also love the fire and spunk of her personality especially her passion towards her family and making sure she gives her kids what she never had. One of my favorite parts was where Eggers was talking about how she was just as girly and wild as her daughters. It's kind of funny to picture a grown woman acting like a child, but she also knows when to act like a grown up. I like seeing the liveliness in a character and I admire the love and passion she shows in her actions.
Zeitoun (1st chapter)
“Growing up in Syria he had often heard the expression ‘If your hand doesn’t work for it, your heart doesn’t feel sorry for it’” (Eggers 48).
Zeitoun remembers this expression from his childhood after he sees his daughters leaving so much of leftovers from dinner. This quote applies on just about everything. When I was reading this passage, it reminded me the children I babysit. They walk around the house with shoes on right after the cleaners leave the house. If they cleaned the house, they would take their shoes off right at the door. However, this lack of appreciation comes with the package called childhood. We all have been there.
When I learned what books we will be reading in this class, Zeitoun was the one I looked forward to reading the most. What made me interested in this book was the fact that it is based on true story and that this nonfiction is from a contemporary southern US. When I found out what exactly this book is about, I was eager to learn what the people were going through during and after the deadly hurricane Katrina. Even though we do not get hurricanes in my country (Czech Republic), we have had very destructive floods in the area where I used to live, thus I can imagine what the characters of the story might have been going through. I read the first passage with one breath; I could not put the book down. What shocked me the most was that, in today’s Louisiana, people encounter prejudice against race, ethnicity, and religion. I could not believe that a bunch of teenagers would take off a hijab to an adult woman. I could understand they might probably do it to their peers at school, but the disrespect to adults on the street was very shocking to me. This lack of knowledge about diverse ethnicities and religions shows that we all have still so much to learn about respect and consideration of others.
Zeitoun remembers this expression from his childhood after he sees his daughters leaving so much of leftovers from dinner. This quote applies on just about everything. When I was reading this passage, it reminded me the children I babysit. They walk around the house with shoes on right after the cleaners leave the house. If they cleaned the house, they would take their shoes off right at the door. However, this lack of appreciation comes with the package called childhood. We all have been there.
When I learned what books we will be reading in this class, Zeitoun was the one I looked forward to reading the most. What made me interested in this book was the fact that it is based on true story and that this nonfiction is from a contemporary southern US. When I found out what exactly this book is about, I was eager to learn what the people were going through during and after the deadly hurricane Katrina. Even though we do not get hurricanes in my country (Czech Republic), we have had very destructive floods in the area where I used to live, thus I can imagine what the characters of the story might have been going through. I read the first passage with one breath; I could not put the book down. What shocked me the most was that, in today’s Louisiana, people encounter prejudice against race, ethnicity, and religion. I could not believe that a bunch of teenagers would take off a hijab to an adult woman. I could understand they might probably do it to their peers at school, but the disrespect to adults on the street was very shocking to me. This lack of knowledge about diverse ethnicities and religions shows that we all have still so much to learn about respect and consideration of others.
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Response to Zeitoun, by Dave Eggers
“Just keeping [the workers] in food and clothing, chasing them down when they were late or absent--all of it was exhausting and occasionally disheartening. He felt, sometimes, as if he had not four children but dozens, most of them with paint-covered hands and mustaches” (Eggers, 29).
I found this quote to be interesting because I think that it reveals a part of Zeitoun’s character. From an objective viewpoint, Zeitoun is only required to be responsible for his workers on a professional, job-related level. But this quote shows how he feels obligated to care for them personally, as children and not just employees. I think the types of emotions he feels day in and day out also demonstrate the fatherly care he has for his workers. Like a parent, he feels worn out and discouraged because caring for his workers is a demanding job. Yet, also like a parent, Zeitoun cares about the overall good of his workers, and he is willing to sacrifice himself to serve and help his men. The author effectively incorporated imagery in this passage because when I imagine Zeitoun having numerous children with facial hair and paintbrushs, I cannot help but smile. Also, because this quote was written in a conversational manner, it made it easier and more enjoyable to read. While the tone of this passage is lighthearted, I think that it is somewhat grave as well because the reader is given a glimpse into how much responsibility Zeitoun actually bears. Even though Zeitoun may wear himself out because of the way he cares for so many individuals, I think it is a noble thing for a man like Zeitoun to care for people that may not be able to care for themselves.
I found this quote to be interesting because I think that it reveals a part of Zeitoun’s character. From an objective viewpoint, Zeitoun is only required to be responsible for his workers on a professional, job-related level. But this quote shows how he feels obligated to care for them personally, as children and not just employees. I think the types of emotions he feels day in and day out also demonstrate the fatherly care he has for his workers. Like a parent, he feels worn out and discouraged because caring for his workers is a demanding job. Yet, also like a parent, Zeitoun cares about the overall good of his workers, and he is willing to sacrifice himself to serve and help his men. The author effectively incorporated imagery in this passage because when I imagine Zeitoun having numerous children with facial hair and paintbrushs, I cannot help but smile. Also, because this quote was written in a conversational manner, it made it easier and more enjoyable to read. While the tone of this passage is lighthearted, I think that it is somewhat grave as well because the reader is given a glimpse into how much responsibility Zeitoun actually bears. Even though Zeitoun may wear himself out because of the way he cares for so many individuals, I think it is a noble thing for a man like Zeitoun to care for people that may not be able to care for themselves.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Zeitoun Response
" 'You should be scared,' Ahmad said. 'This one could be for real' " (Eggers 20).
From what I have been reading so far in the book, I get the constant feeling of Zeitoun and his family being warned to leave. Constantly his brother Ahmad is saying how Zeitoun should leave just to be safe. And Kathy is constantly watching the news for more information about the hurricane Katrina. Constantly there is a sense of warning and urgency. However they ignore all the signs. Zeitoun just believes that it is nothing that he needs to be concerned about and how it will pass like before. He doesn't even too much pay attention to the warning from his brother and the news. It's ironic because he should know better because his father, his brother, and even himself have dealt with working in the working and the conditions of a storm. "Kathy had grown up in Baton Rouge and was used to the hurricane routine: the litany of preparations, the waiting and watching, the power outages, the candles and flashlights and buckets catching rain." (Eggers 7). This is another example of how the dangers of the storm was ignored. Kathy had become desensitized to the dangers and warnings of a hurricane that it didn't her when she heard another was coming. There is a constant tone to me that these characters knew better about the dangers of a storm and they simply ignored it.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Macbeth youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFydNpk2Y4I
I choose this video of Macbeth, because after watching it you better understand the play. Throughout reading the play, I would watch scenes and follow along in the book. It made it much easier this way to understand what was being said because you were able to watch the actions of those in the play. I think this video does a very good job replicating the play and while using the same language/text that was used in the play.
I choose this video of Macbeth, because after watching it you better understand the play. Throughout reading the play, I would watch scenes and follow along in the book. It made it much easier this way to understand what was being said because you were able to watch the actions of those in the play. I think this video does a very good job replicating the play and while using the same language/text that was used in the play.
Macbeth Web Crawl, 11/8
This video clip, originally from Rupert Goold's 2007 production of Macbeth for the Chichester Festival, features veteran stage actor Patrick Stewart performing the famous "Tomorrow and tomorrow" scene as Macbeth. I liked this clip because it is obvious from the costumes and props that the production is set during contemporary times. The dim lighting establishes the tone of the scene by creating a gloomy atmosphere. I always enjoy watching an adaptation of Shakespeare that challenges the audience to view the material in a different light. It is the reason why Shakespeare has endured as the greatest writer of the English language.
Macbeth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4cMHnWIR9k&sns=em
Im not sure if someone posted this already....This was a rap that i thought explained the whole plot and themes of Macbeth well. I thought it was funny, how you can turn pretty much anything....including shakespeare's play into a song. I also liked how it showed the pictures behind each part of the lyrics. Like it showed Scotland or the castles. It was just an informational, interesting way to talk about Macbeth.
Im not sure if someone posted this already....This was a rap that i thought explained the whole plot and themes of Macbeth well. I thought it was funny, how you can turn pretty much anything....including shakespeare's play into a song. I also liked how it showed the pictures behind each part of the lyrics. Like it showed Scotland or the castles. It was just an informational, interesting way to talk about Macbeth.
WEB CRAW 11/8
MacBeth Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZRpxuKBIHM
There were several videos that were interesting to see on youtube. I was surprised to see how many old and modern versions they had of clips of McBeth. I choose to put up this video because I used to be interested in theater and thought about how it would be if we were going to put on a MacBeth play for today's audience. I like how the production team on this video explains the old macbeth and describes some of the staging aspects of it. This video gives a quick and sweet recap of how it todays plays of Macbeth would be rehearsed with all of the technology equipment that we have to use these days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZRpxuKBIHM
There were several videos that were interesting to see on youtube. I was surprised to see how many old and modern versions they had of clips of McBeth. I choose to put up this video because I used to be interested in theater and thought about how it would be if we were going to put on a MacBeth play for today's audience. I like how the production team on this video explains the old macbeth and describes some of the staging aspects of it. This video gives a quick and sweet recap of how it todays plays of Macbeth would be rehearsed with all of the technology equipment that we have to use these days.
Webcrawl for Macbeth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpzbgZTa660&feature=related
This clip is an acting interpretation from Act 1 scene 1. It's short, but gives the reader an idea about the witches. As a class we touched on it's significance as well as the role of the witches. I think it is good for the reader to see this to get an idea of what the witches might be like. Also, to hear the lines read with more conviction and from multiple people and to see the play acted out helps too. The actresses play the part well I think, especially the last couple of lines.
This clip is an acting interpretation from Act 1 scene 1. It's short, but gives the reader an idea about the witches. As a class we touched on it's significance as well as the role of the witches. I think it is good for the reader to see this to get an idea of what the witches might be like. Also, to hear the lines read with more conviction and from multiple people and to see the play acted out helps too. The actresses play the part well I think, especially the last couple of lines.
Web Craw 11/8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7HYSrADXv8
After searching for videos of William Shakespeare Macbeth I saw a lot of good videos but also a lot of homemade videos. After watching a lot of them this video about Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the three witches, stuck out to me the most because it is full of information that is correct and it could be used as more than just entertainment. Another reason that this video stuck out to me was because it was straight forward by getting to the point and it was not a long video at all.
After searching for videos of William Shakespeare Macbeth I saw a lot of good videos but also a lot of homemade videos. After watching a lot of them this video about Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the three witches, stuck out to me the most because it is full of information that is correct and it could be used as more than just entertainment. Another reason that this video stuck out to me was because it was straight forward by getting to the point and it was not a long video at all.
Webcrawl: Macbeth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWQX47spGr0
Watching this spoof of a cartoon i used to watch in the 9o's when I was a kid reminded me of my childhood. This taught me a lot of macbeth and got me interested in this play. It may not be accurate to the original play but it has parts that are accurate to the play it shows and describes the witches very well. I felt that the cartoon was very funny and hilarious it had also all the emotions to the original play in it own way.
Macbeth Video Response
http://youtu.be/F5nlx2XzP-4
As soon as I watched this, I almost wish I had watched it earlier. I hope they have more of these videos for other books. It is just such a simple explanation to the story that I feel could help some readers get a better understanding of the concept of Macbeth as a whole. This is not to say that I recommend watching a 96 second video and expecting to use that instead of reading the play because you do miss a lot of the smaller details. The information presented though is very accurate and gives a simple summary of the play. It only has one (real) character and a narrator, so you don't get the full effect of a play, it is more like a story. I used it as a way to make sure I understood the play and what exactly happened in the bigger picture.
As soon as I watched this, I almost wish I had watched it earlier. I hope they have more of these videos for other books. It is just such a simple explanation to the story that I feel could help some readers get a better understanding of the concept of Macbeth as a whole. This is not to say that I recommend watching a 96 second video and expecting to use that instead of reading the play because you do miss a lot of the smaller details. The information presented though is very accurate and gives a simple summary of the play. It only has one (real) character and a narrator, so you don't get the full effect of a play, it is more like a story. I used it as a way to make sure I understood the play and what exactly happened in the bigger picture.
Macbeth Web Crawl 11/8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqejedMLkk0&feature=related
I chose this adaptation of Macbeth featured on The Simpsons for a few reasons. The first is that I thought it was pretty neat that the show would feature so much Shakespeare in an episode. After I watched this clip for the first time I found myself wishing that The Simpsons would do the entire play on the show. I would definitely prefer watching that than reading the play's text. Although the clip is short and critical of the play, it's comical and probably hits home with a few of you who ever wanted to throw your book down when you were trying to read it.
Lady Macbeth Video
I choose this video of Lady Macbeth's monologue. It seems like a stage performance because it is only the actors and nothing else. I am sure this is how Shakespeare intended it to be performed. Her commitment to the performance is outstanding. Listening to her speak the words really helps me to understand Lady Macbeth's character. The dynamics in her voice help to make the performance so strong. I really enjoyed this video because it really allowed to listener to take in what she is saying because there are no sets or elaborate costumes to distract the audience member. Her pauses in the speech shows how great of an actress she is. Her passion in this video is not like any of the other video I have found. This is how Shakespeare wanted his plays to be performed.
Macbeth Web Crawl
I chose this Animaniacs video of the scene with the witches. I chose this video because it shows the ridiculousness of the idea of witches. The fact that Macbeth went so far as to murder those in power just because witches like the ones in the video told him of a prophecy. When I first read the first scene of the play, this is something similar that I saw in my mind. I do not believe in the supernatural and as a personal opinion, I think it's silly. Therefore, I saw cartoons like such running around and doing nonsense. I also just found this video to be cute in explaining how witches supposedly work with their cauldrons. The narrator did a good job in interpreting Shakespeare's words into words that can definitely be more understood.
Macbeth Webcrawl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC9G_CZVAL8
While I was searching through Youtube trying to find a video I found a lot of spoofs and different interpretations of the play Macbeth. This video that I posted I enjoyed the most because it helped me the most visually see the play in action. A story being told in a cartoon form is always helpful. What I enjoyed the most was seeing Macbeth because even though he was a solider I imagined him being some weak looking kind of a person. I based this off because of how he had allowed his wife to boss him around. Throughout this clip you can see Macbeth feature's turn darker as he get closer to the moment of killing King Duncan. Another aspect of the clip I enjoyed was seeing the witches. I imagined them being some old looking ladies that are very skinny and frail with long gray hair. In the movie it somewhat confirmed it but not completely. It was interesting to see the moment when Banquo and Macbeth meet the witches. The clip just shows them in some cave like place where the witches are, but in the play it self Banquo and Macbeth stumble upon the witches. I enjoyed watching this clip's interpretation of the play.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Lady Macbeth Sleepwalking
When I was reading the play of Macbeth, particularly the scene of Lady Macbeth sleepwalking, I pictured her walking to a sink and literary washing her hands with soup and water, and the doctor and the gentlewoman watching Lady Macbeth from behind a curtain. In this video, Lady Macbeth is walking pass by the two watchers and just rubbing her hands while talking. Additionally, I pictured Lady Macbeth wearing a white night gown, but in this video, she wears a black night gown. I pictured the only light in the room were candles hung on the wall, whereas, in the video, Lady Macbeth is carrying a candle and the doctor is holding a lantern. This shows that it all depends on how the director of the play pictures the entire scene because we do not get these details described in the book.
The Three Witches- Macbeth
It thought it was difficult, but fun to find something interesting related to Macbeth. I chose this video because I thought the actresses did a good job of portraying the actual three witches. Seeing this video clip actually reminded me of how I pictured the three witches to be in the play. It also presented a different perspective at the same time, in the play I did not expect them to be standing so closely together. I pictured them standing apart, in a circle, speaking to one another. It is interesting to see how others visualize the play because we all have our different perspectives of things.
Flocabulary Presents "The Macbeth Rap"
Searching for a video on YouTube was quite interesting. There were just so many to choose from. I tried to look for what stuck out to me and what I enjoyed the most, as I began to narrow down my search. I chose this video, because it was hilarious, but factual. It didn't alter any of the material, like most videos. It had a unique way to recap each act and allow you to remember what events occurred. It had great imagery to go along with the lyrics of the song/play. I enjoyed this clip because it was modern. A lot of my peers can relate to music, maybe not rap, but we tend to attract to music. So, what better way to connect to Macbeth than to listen to a song. Also, reading some of the comments that were left, I saw that students used this video as a source to study from. Another comment has said their teacher allowed them to watch and listen to this video in class for pure enjoyment. It's not negative in anyway, its more educational than anything, which really made this decision even easier for me to chose from the other. I enjoy creative minds, and this guy had pure talent as we can see.
Diamond Q
The Nightly Walk of Lady Macbeth
I really like this video because I find the character of Lady Macbeth to be very interesting, and the actress who portrays her in this clip is one of my favorite actresses! It was really helpful to watch this video because I was able to gain an even better understanding of the depth of Lady Macbeth's guilt and regret. From the reading I didn't realize that Lady Macbeth felt such sorrow over her sins because she was always portrayed as a masculine woman who was void of emotion. Yet, this video shows Lady Macbeth as a person who is so overcome by her emotions that the bone-chilling cry that she uttered caused me to mute the movie for a few seconds! Although I am sure that there are thousands of renditions of Lady Macbeth's sleep walking scene, I found this one to be very enlightening and interesting.
Macbeth Post
This is actually a trailer of the movie Throne of Blood. This is a Japanese version of Macbeth and I watched it in high school. It's an adaptation of Macbeth so all the character names are different but the plot is very similar to the play, but it's in Japanese so if you watch it you'll need subtitles. The movie is actually one of the most accurate versions of Macbeth that I have seen and I really like it because you can really see the internal conflicts that Macbeth goes through before murdering the king. Since Macbeth is a play I find it hard to really feel the emotions of the characters, but when watching this movie I liked how I could see what each of the characters were feeling and how they behaved in response to certain things in the play (like when Lady Macbeth loses her mind near the end and keeps washing her hands). If you have time you should watch the movie, it'll help you understand the play better.
Macbeth Audio
http://www.wiredforbooks.org/mp3/MacbethAct4.mp3
Like we saw in class, if we search for a video for Macbeth, we will most likely find millions of results. When I saw some of the videos, I found that different versions of it might diverge the audience from the real Macbeth, and I wanted something closer to the reality of the play. So I searched for an audio file and this one was pretty fascinating. The actors reading the lines did a wonderful job expressing the feelings and the aspects of the characters. The actresses that played the witches actually scared me, because their voice along with the spells and the magic went so well together in a creepy way! I think having this audio file to listen to is very useful because believe it or not, hearing the play creates images in one's mind, and it makes it easier for people to envision what's going on. Another reason why I found this very useful and interesting is the fact that the acting gave the lines more context. When I was reading the play by myself, I simply read the lines without a tone, intensity, or feeling. These actors however gave the lines more life and more context, and it gave the characters more personality and depth.
- Sara
Modern Macbeth
This was so funny! I liked this modern version because I can see my friends and I doing something like this for a high school English class. I think it was cool because it was all girls. The plot was very realistic (besides the killing lol) .. but as teens, you can relate to the whole stereotypical nerd vs. jock rivalry. The props were hilarious - pens as swords and the same scarves used over and over. It was so creative and just hilarious! You could tell they were having a good time, and that's what made me like it even more. The accents made it even more funny as well. Hope you guys will enjoy this like I did!
Image of the Three Witches.
=
In this video clip i will be focusing on the characters of the three witches. This video is an animated version of Macbeth done by BBC. I find it really interesting that the three witches are really portrayed as being supernatural by having be creatures that constantly transform their image. I always imagine the witches keeping a constant human form and being extremely unpleasant to see. BBC really showed them being out of the normal, which they are but it is shown to the extreme.
The reason why I believe the witches are portrayed like that by BBC is because they change the life of Macbeth by telling him the prophecy. So by them constantly changing their form on the video it goes with how they changed the life of Macbeth. Also every other character seems similar to what i had imagined.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)