One Game at a Time

It was sensational, electrifying, jaw dropping, and eye popping all at the same time. LeBron James starred in the Miami Heat's 100-67 win over the New York Knicks yesterday afternoon en route to taking a 1-0 game lead in this best of seven series. The Knicks, who were a trendy upset pick entering the playoffs, have a lot of things to work on if they want to make this series competitive. Even though New York is the media capital of the world, "King James" stole the highlights.

James, often criticized for his failure to win a ring, is no stranger to postseason heroics. As a matter of fact, outside of last years finals, he has been around in the fourth quarter in the past. Doesn't anyone remember May 31, 2007 when "King James" scored 29 of his team's final 30 points en route to a double overtime win against the playoff tested Pistons? James scored 48 that game. Or what about May 22, 2009? The Chosen One hit an off balanced game winning three to even the Eastern Conference Finals at 1 with the Magic. Aren't these playoff moments where James should be known as "clutch"?

Now I remember. None of those moments culminated with a championship. As great as James has been in the first three rounds of the post season, he has come up incredibly small in the finals. It seems as if James scored fewer and fewer points in each fourth quarter of the finals last year. Could he have been so tired by the time he reached games 5 and 6 of the finals? Maybe, but Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant never let that slow them down.

Let's go over the facts for yesterday's impressive showing from James. It's only the first round of the playoffs and this game was played against a 7 seed without their starting point guard and with their center battling a devastating flu (who probably hurt the Knicks by being in there). The Heat also won the game by 33 points. The reason they were up by so much was because of James but we've seen this kind of performance from him before. He's very comfortable playing with a big lead. We want to see him have a moment like Kevin Durant had last night.

32 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals read LeBron's stat line from yesterday's game against New York. It's only one game although it was certainly impressive. Even more impressive, LeBron led the Heat to that win. This was a game where Dwyane Wade played the role of Robin. James was Batman and is the biggest reason as to why the Heat had a 32-2 run in the second quarter! The Heat made a mistake when they said "not 4, not 5, not 6". It seemed as if last year they tried to win four championships in one season. James looked slowed down yesterday and although there's a lot more work for him to do, this was a good start. He's trying to win one ring at a time now, one game at a time.

--Brendan Tuma can be reached at btuma@student.umass.edu for further comment

Meet The Fab4

“Losers quit when they’re tired. Winners quit when they’ve won”. –Fab4 Terminator Dan Tursky

It was back in December 2010 when they first played together. It might of been one of the first winter smashball games but nonetheless it was, at the time, thought to be nothing more than another game of pick up. The team featured Brendan Tuma, Dan Tursky, Sam Gould, Sawyer Hulme, and Brett Campbell. In what turned out to be a simultaneously both hilarious and impressive win, the Fab4 had played their first game together, and more importantly, started developing their chemistry.

The formation of the team went largely unnoticed for several months, until players started going back to look at old tapes to see how great of a win that actually was. Spring smashball picked up and at the start, Tuma, Tursky, and Hulme were a part of the Flying Dutchmen but the team also featured Billy Peisel and Nick Tsantes instead of Gould. It was not until Campbell's broken leg where the teams decided to realign and the Fab4 would player together again. What ensued would be the most dramatic, the most eyebrow raising, the most theatrical, the most electrifying, and the most breathtaking few months of smashball history. 

When the first ever fan day occurred this past Thanksgiving, it was only fitting to have these four play together. In front of about twenty-five fans, on smashball's biggest stage, the team made their first major statement in the public eye. Brendan Tuma led the game with eight points, Sawyer Hulme limited the opposition to nine points, and both Dan Tursky and Sam Gould made big plays throughout the game as the foursome showed it wasn't afraid of the big stage. Even after losing reserve Matt Custodio to an early game ending shoulder injury, the Fab4 players refused to panic and played the rest of the game without a substitute. 

So what is it about these four that make their games so entertaining to watch? They seem to every game have a feel of what's going to happen. They know their roles and they celebrate like children when they score. What's crazier is that this team actually wins. When the Fab4 have played the whole game, they have never lost. 

"It really comes down to team chemistry" says Fab4 captain Brendan Tuma. "It's what we preach every game because it's true. It's pretty easy to play well with and have fun doing it when you're playing with your best friends. We develop our chemistry other places also, whether it's football, basketball, or going to Celtics games, UMass, Skyzone. If you've ever come to dinner with us you'll understand why we go so crazy while scoring. Maybe. It's more of a brotherhood than anything else really". 

The Fab4 seem to be put together pretty nicely. Tuma likes to point out that it isn't an all star team. Each of the four have a role in which they play and when those four roles come together, it makes for a pretty good team. Hulme preaches the importance of passing and everyone listens, the same way they listen when Tursky preaches the importance of defense. They may like to let loose when they score but until they do it's all business. It's about putting the ego aside and playing unselfishly with a never ending resilient will to win that has this team confident heading into the summer of 2012. 

As a matter of fact, that resiliency was tested over winter break. The Fab4 had played the day before, and won. And were in the middle of the first game of a doubleheader against stars such as Peiseil, Campbell, and Justin Lanzafane. Their confidence might have been a little too high entering that game as the team quickly found themselves in holes of 5-0 and 6-1. Tuma remembers just wanting to make sure they weren't losers of the biggest blowout in smashball history. Losers would have quit when they were tired. Not this team. A furious comeback, marked by scoring 4 points in under two minutes put the game back within reach, and culminated with Tuma's game winning kick (assist by Tursky). 

It's these defining moments that explain the team's swagger. "We just know we're the best" smasher Sam Gould says. 

"There is no other sport on this earth that relies so much on momentum for a victory" says megaslammer Saywer Hulme. It certainly appears that way. This team's constant celebrations and flare for the dramatic certainly wipe away any chance the opposing team has at momentum. 

Whether you want to call it momentum or chemistry or swagger this team finds a way to win. Between Gould's unique defensive ability, Tursky's emotion on defense, Hulme's passing, and Tuma's leadership combined with all four of their burning desires to win, it's no wonder they love playing together.

"We win and lose as a team" Tuma states. "It takes all four of us every game. Any game, any one of us can be the hero. Yela led us in scoring one game and we don't win if Sawyer doesn't throw no look dimes. I'll always tell Dan it's his energy and emotion that really make this team what it is. It'd be tough to win without him. It's a good thing we played together that time a couple of years ago".

"What makes the Fab4 so great is that we have developed so much chemistry that we barely have to look to know where the others are, not that I look anyways" says Hulme. 

So Sawyer's not always looking at his teammates when he passes, but the rest of the world is, and they're starting to notice that this team isn't quitting when they're tired. That's because winners don't quit until they've won.

Hamlet Quote Log 4

“Muder most foul, as in the best it is, but this most foul, strange, and unnatural” (1. 5. 33-34).

            Hamlet receives his first chance to speak to the apparition which claims to be his father’s spirit. He tells Hamlet not only to assail Claudius, but to murder the man to avenge King Hamlet’s death. Since Claudius has usurped the position of king, Hamlet has been an emotional wreck. Unable to find compassion in his mother or uncle, the malicious ghost appears to be an emotional outlet for Hamlet. It could very well serve as his conscious, as he may be contemplating whether or not to avenge his father’s death. There is evidence that the apparition is real. Hamlet’s friends were not able to speak to the ghost but did very well see it.

Hamlet Quote Log 2

“My father’s spirit – in arms! All is not well. I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come! Till then, sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise, though all the earth o’erwhelm them, to men’s eyes” (39).

            The early impressions of Hamlet appear to be that he is the protagonist in which the reader is rooting for. The reader initially likes him for what has happened to his family. His uncle marries his mother following the death of his father and when Claudius does not seem to respect young Hamlet we admire him more. Claudius and Queen Gertrude reject Hamlet’s request to return to the University of Wittenberg and even after what has happened Hamlet respects their decision and does not put up a fight. Despite Claudius’ malicious acts, Hamlet refrains from assailing him. When told about the apparition of his father, Hamlet gets excited as does the reader for this loveable protagonist.

P + P Quote Log 15

“But at length, by Elizabeth’s persuasion, he was prevailed on to overlook the offence and seek a reconciliation; and after a little farther resistance on the part of his aunt, her resentment gave way, either to her affection for him, or her curiosity to see how his wife conducted herself; and she condescended to wait on them at Pemberley, in spite of that pollution which its woods had received, not merely from the presence of such a mistress, but the visits of her uncle and aunt from that city” (326).

            Lady Catherine’s approbation of Darcy’s marriage is the final obstacle that he and Lizzy had to overcome to achieve emotional justice. In terms of a traditional love story, Elizabeth and Darcy surely had their share of both personal and external faults to fight through. Although there were some patches of asperity, the two lovers found their way to each other in the end. Their triumph is truly remarkable due to the extent of faults in which they had to overcome. They had all the same as Jane and Bingley, which is perceived as a tough road to overcome. The extent to which they had to overcome these faults are also greater as Darcy is in a higher class than Bingley, making the class difference for substantial. This has followed the path of a traditional love story, as Elizabeth and Darcy have found felicity.

P + P Quote Log 13

“The contents of this letter threw Elizabeth into a flutter of spirits, in which it was difficult to determine whether pleasure or pain bore the greatest share. The vague and unsettled suspicions which uncertainty had produced what Mr. Darcy might have been doing to forward her sister’s match, which she had feared to encourage as an exertion of goodness to great to be the pain of obligation, were proved beyond their greatest extent to be true!” (273).

            Prior to reading Mrs. Gardiner’s letter, Elizabeth has given up a bit of hope in her quest of marrying Darcy. After everything that has happened she surmises that Darcy will no longer have interest in her. Her family embarrassed her, Wickham is now in the family, and she turned down Darcy’s proposal with iniquity. Elizabeth realizes now that she loves Darcy. She knows that he helped Lydia with her wedding which makes her fall even more in love with him. If he were to propose again she would say yes with alacrity. She only hopes that their love can overcome all the internal and external barriers.

P + P Essay 2

Brendan Tuma

Mr. George

World Lit G

02 March 2011

No Strings Attached

            The main plot of a romance concerns two people falling in love while overcoming hurdles to make the relationship work. Although there can be ample subplots to add to the story, the focus remains on the struggling love affair. There are certainly no shortages of exceptions to the rule but the general outline for a romance revolves around a man and woman. The characters are introduced in an initially awkward first encounter and must overcome a dislike of one another in order to make the relationship work. This statement is never more true than throughout the romantic comedy film No Strings Attached, starring Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman.

            Every romance introduces a round and flat character. The round character, in this case Kutcher, is the one who we understand and who is willing to make the relationship work. Portman, the flat character, is the one with the flaw who has to overcome it to complete the love story. Kutcher proves to be relatable, easy going yet hard working. He is the one who the viewer is shown more of throughout the beginning of the story so that the audience can better relate to him. The next step in setting up a romance is introducing the flat character. Portman comes onto the scene after the audience has already determined they admire Kutcher. Interest intensifies and it becomes clear that each will be able to subsist in the other’s life. It is easy to see what Portman admires in the amiable Kutcher because of our initial understanding of the round character. Having only seen Portman for a short period of time eventually makes the viewer question her alacrity to make the relationship work. The flat character’s flaw is the issue and must be overcome to make the relationship work. Kutcher shows much interest in Portman from the beginning. Initially owning a strictly physical attraction, Kutcher soon desires more from Portman. Portman’s flaw, as the viewer begins to learn, is her unwillingness to commit to a long term relationship. Having been scarred by her parents’ divorce she refuses to commit to Kutcher and thus creates the problem of the romance.

            It is standard in love stories, much like this one, for the audience to be rooting for the relationship to succeed. There is an idea in heartwarming stories that the good get rewarded and the evil get punished. If lovers fight for the relationship to succeed then they will be rewarded with unconditional love and emotional justice. Kutcher and Portman get torn apart by Natalie’s reluctance to continue. Apart for too long, each becomes unable to cope with the loss. The characters must experience great lows if they are going to be able to appreciate the highs. Friends of both characters provide assistance for the relationship to work. The flat character’s flaw must be overcome and by doing so, helps make the relationship work. The fact that Portman is willing to throw everything on the line, despite the fear of a bad breakup shows how much she actually loves Kutcher.

            The classic love story is designed to end in a way that makes the viewer feel good. This is done by showing that two lovers who risk everything are rewarded with eternal happiness. Kutcher takes Portman back after she decides that he is worth the risk and that is where the story ends. A romance typically ends at the scene where the lovers are reunited to show that they will go on to live happily ever after, giving the viewer a warm, fuzzy feeling.

            In terms of following a traditional romance, No Strings Attached fits the model perfectly. Commencing with the presentation of a round and flat character with an initial like of one another, a problem arises that keeps them apart. The problem is generally held by the flat character who must overcome what is constraining the lovers from being together. Friends and other characters provide comic relief while simultaneously providing support for the relationship. The climax of the book or movie must center on the love story, although other subplots can occur. The lovers that risk everything to tackle the struggle are able to overcome it to attain emotional justice. The flat character precipitates the renewed love, leaving the viewer filled with jubilation. No Strings Attached must be defined as a romance.

P + P Essay 1

Brendan Tuma

Mr. George

World Lit G

10 February 2011

Why First Impressions Matter

            The significance of a first impression can be made no clearer than by the events that take place in Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth, the protagonist, meets two characters by the name of Wickham and Darcy. Each of these characters’ traits gets amplified through their juxtaposition. Unfortunately Elizabeth is unable to notice this flaw in her and willfully misunderstands who Darcy is as a person. Commencing with a more than awkward first encounter and continuing through a series of unfortunate events, Darcy is unable to be anything more than a villain in the eyes of Elizabeth. Adding to the reader’s frustration of the situation is how Elizabeth appears to be rational in an irrational world, yet is unable to notice her mistake. Although Elizabeth only sees Darcy as a haughty, scornful rascal, he is actually just as rational as her and is quite modest in the way he carries himself.

            The downfall of Elizabeth’s misjudgment of Darcy began at her coming out ball. When Darcy was asked by Bingley if he would be interested in dancing with Elizabeth, Darcy described her as “tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me” (Austen 12). Although Darcy did not mean to affront Elizabeth, the amiable protagonist becomes unable to forgive him. Expecting a cordial gentleman Elizabeth’s view instantly changes for the worse. This is where the importance of a first impression first comes into play. Darcy is initially described as “haughty, reserved, and fastidious, and his manners, though well bred, were not inviting” (16). In Elizabeth’s mind Darcy becomes instantly written off as a potential husband. Elizabeth is seeking a love marriage and sees courting Darcy as only a mercenary marriage.

            Darcy’s undesirable traits become amplified when Elizabeth meets Wickham, a man eager to make a positive first impression. Wickham uses charm to induce Elizabeth into falling for him while reflecting a safe sense of probity. Elizabeth’s first meeting with Wickham goes well and she comes away feeling like she can trust him. Her thoughts and feelings are then described: “Jane listened with astonishment and concern; she knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr. Bingley’s regard; and yet, it was not in her nature to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham” (74). Trusting Wickham makes it easier for Elizabeth not to trust Darcy. She clearly trusts him a lot if she takes his word over her sister Jane’s. Hearing trustworthy Wickham’s account of his and Darcy’s past worsens Elizabeth’s misunderstand of Darcy. Combined with a poor first impression this leads Elizabeth to misunderstand Darcy for who he is.

            Darcy appears to be an insincere jerk but behind a cold exterior is a rational person who takes some time to get to know. Elizabeth is set on finding a love marriage and has no interest in Darcy’s money. When Darcy insults Elizabeth the first time they meet she automatically writes him off as a potential husband or even friend for that matter. Wickham’s stories about their past are only seen as true in Elizabeth’s mind because of her negative feelings towards Darcy. These events lead her to believe that Darcy is someone who he is not. Unfortunately for Darcy he will have to work extremely hard to convince Elizabeth otherwise.

Works Cited

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Signet Classic, 1980

P + P Quote Log 7

“But why Mr. Darcy came so often to the parsonage it was more difficult to understand. It could not be for society, as he frequently sat there ten minutes together without opening his lips; and when he did speak, it seems the effect of necessity rather than of choice – a sacrifice to propriety, not a pleasure to himself” (154).

            The once too haughty Mr. Darcy has been reduced to speaking to Elizabeth out of necessity. Similar to an awkward middle school boy seeking the attention of a girl, Mr. Darcy is speaking to Elizabeth just to speak to her without any reason. This could be an indication of him starting to fall in love with her. He is afraid to because of her low ranking in society and also that she is not into him. Elizabeth is seeking felicity. Darcy’s greatest attribute is his wealth so in order to get Elizabeth to marry him with alacrity he would need to get her to fall in love with him. This is problematic because of a very poor first impression he made when he refused to dance. Elizabeth clearly has not forgotten this because she brings it up earlier in the novel.

P + P Quote Log 4

“Jane listened with astonishment and concern; she knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr. Bingley’s regard; and yet, it was not in her nature to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham” (74).

            As the novel has developed is it clear that Elizabeth is the protagonist in which we are rooting for. Chapter seventeen outlines the first flaw we see in her which is her prejudice. Elizabeth has no problem questioning the veracity of Darcy due, probably in large part, to an awkward first encounter where he described her as “tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me”. On the other hand Elizabeth has no problem trusting Wickham who comes across as an affable gentleman. Wickham certainly has qualities that Elizabeth desires in a husband if she if willing to believe him even when her best friend and sister Jane tells her to question herself. Elizabeth gives Wickham the benefit of the doubt when it comes to probity which is a flaw that could lead to conflicts later on in the novel.

P + P Quote Log 1

“Mr. Darcy’s eyes were fixed on her. She hardly knew how to suppose that she could be an object of admiration to so great a man; and yet that he should look at her because he disliked her was still more strange” (45).

            As the novel develops Mr. Darcy finds himself in a curious predicament. He has come across as haughty and has yet to receive the approbation of Miss Elizabeth Bennett. Although Mr. Darcy knows marrying Elizabeth would lower his social standard he begins to feel compelled to do exactly that. As Mr. Darcy attempts to determine his feelings, Miss Bingley is trying to edge out the amiable Elizabeth. If indeed Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth express interest in one another it will contrast the proposed love marriage held by Mr. Bingley and Jane. Although a love marriage would be propitious for Elizabeth she may have to settle for a mercenary marriage if Mr. Darcy and his wealth continue to show interest.

The Alchemist Essay

Brendan Tuma

Mr. George

World Lit G

05 January 2010

The Alchemist: A Story About Life

            A fable is defined as an elementary moral story in verse or prose in which the characters are often simple peasants or animals demonstrating human foibles. To be considered a fable, The Alchemist, must meet these requirements. Paulo Coelho does this with his novel, sending the protagonist Santiago on a spiritual journey in order to discover himself. Santiago must overcome his dilemma of material possession versus spirituality and discover the reason for his campaign. Santiago’s profession as a shepherd makes him a simple peasant and although no animals demonstrate human foibles in this story, Santiago’s sheep assist in teaching him a lesson which is the objective of any well written fable. Commencing in Andalucía, Santiago travels across the desert to the pyramids of Egypt to discover what turns out to be his treasure. This is a story of personal growth and evolution, where a spiritual journey aids a young shepherd to realize his personal legend. Although there are many ways to analyze The Alchemist, the most appropriate is to view the story as one about life, with the moral being that if you can find happiness in yourself, you can be blissful when you possess nothing else.

            In order to understand that Santiago has recognized his lesson, it is essential to comprehend where he is coming from. Raised in a seminary until age sixteen, the boy chooses to quit becoming a priest and decides to pursue life as a shepherd. He is unable to find God in the seminary and decides to embark on a spiritual journey. Santiago proves to be a relatable character, desiring wealth, women, and travel. Santiago the shepherd is simple, peaceful, and nomadic.

He requires some assistance in determining his vocational calling. The King of Salem and Melchizedek offer their sagacious advice and Santiago decides to pursue his dream. The boy realizes he must embark on a journey. A fable requires an event to occur where a dilemma can take place. Santiago planning to travel to the pyramids to find his treasure is a decision that cannot be reversed. A wise Englishman explains, “Once you go to the desert, there’s no going back…And, when you can’t go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward. The rest is up to Allah, including the danger” (Coelho 77). Santiago learns quickly that once you decide to pursue your dream, going back is not the same option anymore. This is one dilemma Santiago must resolve in order to find the moral of his journey, and he decides to chase his dream.

            According to the text, one’s dreams are very relatable to one’s Personal Legend. The King of Salem tells Santiago that a Personal Legend is “what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is” (21). The King of Salem continues to preach and tells Santiago what his Personal Legend is. He must find his treasure. A Personal Legend is relatable to every reader because it is what one sets out to accomplish in life. He is told from multiple sources to discover his Personal Legend. This is how Santiago embarks on his journey and it shows how different life can be depending on what direction we head in. Simple things such as choosing whether or not to go on a journey and encountering the King of Salem vastly change Santiago’s life. A relatable theme arises when Santiago develops a fear of failing.

            Fear is an emotion that drives Santiago’s journey. Santiago shows fear on more than one occasion. His overall fear of failing during his pursuit of his Personal Legend is most blatant, but he is also afraid to lose his possessions and afraid that he will be unable to turn himself into the wind. Eventually Santiago overcame his fear, turned himself into the wind, and realized “that he, a boy, could perform miracles” (152). The Alchemist helps Santiago overcome his fear and turns him into a believer. He is then able to believe that he can accomplish his Personal Legend. The text shows that those who do not overcome their fear are unable to achieve their Personal Legends. The crystal shop merchant fears making the voyage to Mecca because then he will have nothing to live for. Since he is incapable of overcoming his fear he will never succeed in his Personal Legend.

            The story makes it clear that Santiago has succeeded with his Personal Legend.  He has accomplished everything that he set out to do. The story commenced with a Sycamore tree growing in the middle of a sanctuary symbolizing new beginnings, new life, and wisdom.
A nervous shepherd used this new beginning to complete his Personal Legend and ends up as jubilant as can be. He originally asked God for money, travel, and wealth but discovered happiness in the Pyramids. He had to find his treasure to complete his goal. Optimistic Santiago became happy when “he laughed back, his heart bursting with joy. Because now he knew where his treasure was” (163). The determined boy had always been open to insight and finally had his moment of greatness. He was able to be blissful when he had nothing else.

            The Alchemist is a story about life with a strong moral that if you can find happiness within yourself, you can be divinely happy when you have nothing else. The story is constructed to show a journey of life through the use of various symbols. Coelho begins the story with the growth of a Sycamore tree in the middle of a sanctuary. This stands for new life, and represents the beginning of Santiago’s journey. His journey is to complete his Personal Legend, something everyone sets out to do in life. In order to succeed he must overcome fear, his background, and disbelief. These are all things that one must overcome to succeed in life. His journey is a relatable one. At first all he wants is women, money, and to be able to travel. Coelho’s moral at the end of the novel is that if you attempt your Personal Legend and find happiness in yourself, you can remain blithe when you have nothing else. His moral is what many strive for.

Works Cited

Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. [San Francisco]: HarperSanFrancisco, 1993.

             

The Alchemist Quote Log 4

“But here he was, at the point of finding his treasure, and he reminded himself that no project is complete until its objective has been achieved” (160 – 161).

            Santiago, the boy who once was unsure of whether or not he wanted to complete his personal legend, now finds himself determined to finish until his dream is complete. Here he reminds us that he is indeed a dynamic character, who changes more than once throughout his journey. An interesting character, Santiago becomes one with whom the reader can relate to. He is even one with which we root for. He does not settle for his wealth and status and life with Fatima but rather embarks on an adventurous journey to discover his vocational calling. This is a quality that many readers must express content for with Santiago. He has a passion to succeed. He chooses to fully finish his calling and what he set out to do. I for one can relate, whether it be a sports game or a school paper, I like to finish what I have started. This is just one of the many ways in which we can relate and analyze Santiago.

The Alchemist Quote Log 2

“When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it” (62).

            One of the many pieces of sagacious advice that the king gives to Santiago is that when one wants something, the universe will help one achieve their goal. If what the king says is true then this is definitely positive news. We all have vocational callings and want to achieve our goals so knowing that the universe will help us is encouraging. What I want to achieve in life is to graduate college with a good education and be able to have a job involved with sports. The king also tells Santiago to “never stop dreaming” (62). I should never stop dreaming either then. My dream may be to open up my own physical therapy clinic and according to the text I should never stop dreaming with the comfort that the universe will help me.

The Alchemist Quote Log 1

“It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is” (21).

Santiago is confused as to why the King of Salem would be talking to a shepherd like himself. The King tells him that he has discovered his Personal Legend which is to retrieve a treasure. Santiago has a unique opportunity where he is told what his Person Legend is. Many people struggle to discover what theirs is. Personally I feel as if I know what mine is. A personal Legend should be to do something that one loves to do. For me this is playing sports, talking sports, and being around sports. They are more than a hobby to me and the reason that I want to major in Sports Management. Like Santiago I hope to go on a journey to discover a true meaning. I hope to find a job that puts me around sports, whether it be an agent, athletic director, scout or front office member. I hope I am finding my Personal Legend.

Othello Character Analysis

Brendan Tuma

Mr. George

World Lit G

01 December 2010

Desdemona: The Virtuous Christian

            Desdemona embodies what it means to be a faithful, Christian woman and she remains a virtuous character throughout the play.

            Desdemona represents a perfect woman from the time period as she is obedient, gorgeous, faithful, and virtuous. She is able to remain just throughout a corrupt play and never loses sight of what is right. She is terrorized by Iago’s villainous acts, abused by her husband, and referred to as a whore in more than one fashion. She stays true to herself and her husband and her final words before death are “Nobody. I myself. Farewell. Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell” (Shakespeare 5. 2. 152 – 153). Even though it was clearly the acts of Iago and Othello that have killed her she takes the blame. Desdemona is one for whom the reader can sympathize for as she does no wrong yet is hurt most throughout the play.

            Desdemona can be compared to a Christ like figure. She embodies Christian virtue and dies for her sins. Her only wrong is that she broke a social standard of the time period and married a moor yet that becomes her best quality. Just as Christ did, Desdemona follows what she believes in even if it leads to her untimely death.

            A modern day comparison to Desdemona is Michelle Obama. Obama and Desdemona are both the wives of important men and are both regarded very highly. They are both influential in what goes on in the land they come from and are both looked at as the first and best lady.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William, Barbara A. Mowat, and Paul Werstine. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. New York: Washington Square, 1993.

Othello Essay

Brendan Tuma

Mr. George

World Lit G

02 December 2010

The Juxtaposition of Good Versus Evil

            A character foil is a great literary device where an author can amplify one character’s traits by creating another with some of the opposite characteristics. William Shakespeare does this with Iago and Desdemona in his play titled Othello. Desdemona is the beautiful, just woman who portrays a Christ like figure, dying for a noble cause and one who the reader roots for. On the other hand Iago can be compared to the devil, one whose only goal is to terrorize those around him and whose motives can be questioned. To fully understand Desdemona the reader must get to know Iago. His villainous manners further bring out Desdemona’s virtue. When Desdemona suffers because of Iago’s treachery we feel more emotion towards Desdemona because of it. A character foil is a unique and subtle way to more greatly pronounce a character’s traits. Although Desdemona and Iago appear to just be different, an in depth look at their character foil shows how they are each defined through the other’s traits.

            Iago has been portrayed as the biggest villain in all of Shakespeare’s writings. Previously being best friends with both Othello and Cassio, Iago turns when Cassio is rewarded the position of lieutenant by Othello. It is here where Iago’s malevolence commences. He tells Rodergio, the dimwit of Venice, that he will seek revenge and that he is not what he appears to be. The reader first gets a look at Iago’s evilness in the beginning of the play when he is already taking Roderigo’s money as Roderigo attempts to woo beautiful Desdemona. Iago constructs a cruel and brilliant plan to get back at Othello while harming Cassio and Desdemona in the process. It is unclear why Iago cannot be satisfied with only either receiving the lieutenant position or getting back at Othello. Iago feels the need to drag down his friend Cassio and his general’s wife, Desdemona. Ruthless Iago stops at nothing, also having his wife do some dirty work for him. The genius part of Iago’s plan is how he has other people do dark deeds for him. He has Roderigo attack Cassio, Emilia steal the handkerchief, and so on. There is no blood on his hands. Due to this Othello is more likely to believe Iago in certain situations because he appears just. Iago’s malevolence is amplified when he says, “Not poppy no mandragora nor all the drowsy syrups of the world shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep which thou owedst yesterday” (Shakespeare 3. 3. 379 – 382). Physical harm and receving the desired position are not enough for Iago. He must make Othello suffer and he does so by making sure that Othello will not have a good night sleep again. By telling him that Desdemona may be false and that she may have been unfaithful he is playing mind games with Othello. This is a theme that continues throughout the play.

            At no point in the play is Iago satisfied. His true motives are never revealed and this burns inside of Othello. By act 4 Iago has done enough to receive the lieutenant position he desired but for one reason or another does not stop there. He persists in continuously harming the most well liked characters in the play. After crushing Cassio and obtaining the second in command position, Iago still sets his sights on further hurting Othello and Desdemona. In the final scene of the play Iago’s dirty secrets are revealed and all the characters want to know is why he did what he did. Iago responds to this by saying, “Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word” (5. 2. 355 – 356). This couplet serves as Iago’s final punch in the throat to Othello. He is so evil that he will not speak of his motive. He has already received the position of lieutenant and still refuses to admit why he hurt Othello, making him the greatest villain in all of Shakespeare’s writings.

            In terms of a play, Iago’s treachery can be considered a good thing for it further shows how good Desdemona actually is. A major contrast that is portrayed is that Iago seems virtuous but is not, while Desdemona seems evil yet is truly virtuous. Throughout the play characters refer to Iago as honest Iago and refer to Desdemona as a strumpet. Each character is perceived by others to be the exact opposite of what they actually are. It takes a character who knows both to pick up on what is going on. After being fooled by Iago once, Emilia has realized the true colors of each character and states, “If he say so, may his pernicious soul rot half a grain a day! He lies to th’ heart! She was too fond of her most filthy bargain” (5. 2. 190 – 192). Emilia speaks derogatorily of Iago and positively of Desdemona. She does so in a time period where a wife is supposed to be an obedient servant to her husband. The fact that she still speaks up under such circumstances highlights the contrast of good Desdemona versus evil Iago. The traits of each are defined through their juxtaposition.

            Desdemona stands for Christian values and all that is right in the world. Desdemona represents a perfect woman from the time period as she is obedient, gorgeous, faithful, and virtuous. She is able to remain just throughout a corrupt play and never loses sight of what is right. She is terrorized by Iago’s villainous acts, abused by her husband, and referred to as a whore in more than one fashion. She stays true to herself and her husband and her final words before death are “Nobody. I myself. Farewell. Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell” (5. 2. 152 – 153). Even though it was clearly the acts of Iago and Othello that have killed her she takes the blame. Desdemona is one for whom the reader can sympathize for as she does no wrong yet is hurt most throughout the play. Desdemona had no direct relationship with Iago yet seems to be the character hurt the most by his villainous ways. Another way their juxtaposition is amplified is how Desdemona did no direct harm to Iago and that because of her link to Othello she gets brought down.

            Both Iago and Desdemona have extreme personalities that get pronounced through their juxtaposition. When Iago’s evils harm the virtuous Desdemona the reader feels more of an emotion to each character. Iago is able to appear even more villainous because his evils are negatively affecting the faithful Desdemona. The reader simultaneously feels affection for Desdemona because her perfect soul is harmed by the treacherous Iago. A tragedy is a type of play where the reader must feel emotion to be interested so by creating two characters of opposite beliefs and having their personalities affect one another Shakespeare creates juxtaposition. Although the characters do not know of Desdemona’s true faithfulness and Iago’s evil plan, the reader does. When the reader sees Iago referred to as honest Iago and Desdemona referred to as a minx or strumpet they feel emotion. Each characters personalities’ are electrified through the other and because of this juxtaposition helps the reader contrast Iago and Desdemona.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William, Barbara A. Mowat, and Paul Werstine. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. New York: Washington Square, 1993.

           

Othello Quote Log: 5.2

Brendan Tuma

Mr. George

World Lit G

21 November 2010

“I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss” (5. 2. 420-421).

            Othello has realized his error in mistaking Desdemona as unfaithful. Iago spilled the beans once he could no longer handle the pressure. The downfall for honest Iago was the one thing that he said could lead to it. Everyone was in the same room at the same time. The tragedy of Othello ended well for nobody. Desdemona and Emilia are both murdered by their husbands, Othello commits suicide, Cassio loses everything, and Iago is left to be tortured. The end of Othello starts a debate of good versus evil. The clearly evil Iago appeared honest throughout the play which worked for him until Act 5. Desdemona appears vicious yet is truly honest and good. The tragic ending to this play asks the questions of Shakespeare’s motives. It appears that all that matters is how you appear to be like, your character, and not how you actually are as evidenced by the characters.

Othello Quote Log: 4.3 - 5.1

Brendan Tuma

Mr. George

World Lit G

18 November 2010

“”Tis he! O brave Iago, honest and just, that hast such noble sense of thy friend’s wrong!” (5. 1. 34-35).

            Othello believes that Cassio has just murdered Iago, which prompts him to find Desdemona to finish the plan. In Othello’s mind, Iago is being a terrific friend by murdering Cassio. After Rodergio fails at taking care of Cassio, he gets stabbed himself. This is the first time that Iago must get his hands dirty. The reason that he must get his hands dirty is that he is starting to feel the pressure. He is so deep into this plan that it is too late to back out. Even though he already has fulfilled all his motives he must continue to finish. If he does not then Othello will kill him as he told Iago when he held him underwater. Once roderigo goes down, Iago stabs Cassio himself. He instantly covers up by blaming everything on Bianca.

Othello Quote Log: Act 4, Scene 2

Brendan Tuma

Mr. George

World Lit G

18 November 2010

“O, no. He goes into Mauritania and takes away with him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered by some accident – wherein none can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio” (4. 2. 257-260).

            The gullible Roderigo is still not satisfied with his pursuit of Desdemona. Iago tells him that the best way to land Desdemona is to make sure that she does not leave for Mauritania with Othello. He says that the best way to delay them is by murdering Cassio. Iago’s motive for telling Roderigo this is simple: he promised Othello that he would take care of killing Cassio and by having Roderigo do the dirty work he is keeping his hands clean. Iago clearly has everything working in his favor still, as demonstrated by the fact that Desdemona approached the honest Iago for help when Othello scolds her.