Arsenic and Old Lace:)

      Arsenic and Old Lace is a timeless classic that will never get old! My mother was the first one to introduce me to this movie. It is now one of my favorite movies of all time! It is stocked full of so many funny things. I love to watch old movies, and this one definitely ranks at the number one spot. It is next to any great Alfred Hitchcock movie! Throughout this story, there are many examples of irony. The title itself, "Arsenic and Old Lace," is one example all its own. Old lace is sweet and pretty while arsenic is a vile and deadly poison. Dictionary.com defines irony as the following: "The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning." Irony is basically saying the opposite of what it is you actually mean. One such example comes from the Brewster sisters. Everyone calls them sweet, kind souls who wouldn't hurt a fly it seems, yet they are guilty of murdering twelve men! Another good example is Mortimer. Mortimer is a bachelor. He criticizes marriages all of the time, yet in the beginning of the movie we see that he is about to tie the knot! He met his wife while writing a book called Mind Over Matrimony! I find that so funny. Getting married goes against everything that he has been standing for.

one last example, and my favorite example, comes from a scene when Mortimer is about to be murdered. Jonathan, Mortimer's brother, is about to commit the horrible crime. It is so funny because Mortimer is explaining a murder that had occurred in a play he had just seen. While he is explaining the act, Jonathan is about to cut him to pieces. It is odd because Mortimer is talking about a murder while he is being the victim of one. I could go on and on with examples. However, to fully experience this ironic comedy, one needs to just go watch it! It will definitely not let your expectations down!   

Questions Concerning Oedipus??

1. What happens to the kingdom when Oedipus is exiled and Creon takes over? ---I wondered about this question because I wondered if Creon wanted to take over a kingdom at some point.
2. What becomes of Oedipus's children once both of their parents are killed?---Thanks to some fellow bloggers, I think that part of this question can be answered by reading a play called Antigone.
3. Does the plague stop when Oedipus is exiled just like it was supposed to?---I truly believe that it does. I was just pondering what if it did not? That would be horrible.
4. How to the people react to Oedipus being the killer?---Maybe they were frightened and just wanted him out of the kingdom. I would have been scared to learn that my king was a murderer!
5. Do the children of Oedipus and his mother have any handicaps that can come from a marriage like that?---This one may also be answered through a play. I was not sure if disease and such occurred from marriages like this during that time.
6. Does fate really mean you have no choice over what happens?---This is a matter of opinion. I believe it does not have control over what happens to me!
7. Were the people not mortified to see Oedipus when he scratched out his eyeballs with the pens?---Uhhhh! This makes me want to throw up. It seems morbid and gross. Especially to see it happen in front of your own eyes.
8. Why would Oedipus marry someone who was old enough to be his mother anyway?---I can see that he may have wanted to work his way to the top rather quickly, but I just do not see why he would marry someone so old. Unless he  cared more about getting on top than he did about true love.
9. Where does the writer get an idea for such a crazy story?---This one is a tough one. I have a large imagination, but I don't think that I could come up with something so twisted. 
10. How many incidents of Oedipal Complex occur today?---I have never heard of a case of it. It seems strange, but I know that it really does happen!

"Oedipus the King"

Questions For Answering:


1. Who wrote the play?

• Sophocles was the Author of this play. During his career, he wrote 120 different plays. 90 of these plays were tragedies. 

2. Briefly define the Oedipal Complex.

• Oedipal Complex is a term used by Freud. In simple terms, this is when a son has feelings and desires to have his mother sexually. In turn, the son develops a hate towards his father because he is jealous. This feeling of jealously can sometimes lead to the son killing or hurting the father.

3. What is the setting of the story, specifically, the where?

• The scenes and settings of this play take place in Thebes. Most of the scenes are at, outside of, or near the palace that King Oedipus lives in. 

4. As the play opens, what horrible thing is going on?

• As the play opens, there are many people gathering at the palace asking for help form Oedipus. There is a widespread plague. The people living in the city do not understand why they are under a plague. The play begins with Oedipus comforting them and helping them to understand he is doing everything in his power to help them and the city. 

5. Whose death must be avenged in order for the horrible thing from number 4 to end?

• The death of Laius, who was the king of Thebes right before Oedipus. 

6. Who is Oedipus’ wife?

• Jocasta was his wife.

7. Who is Oedipus’ mother?

• Oedipus' wife Jocasta was also his mother.

8. Who is Oedipus’ father?

• Laius, the former king of Thebes was his biological father. 

9. Who killed the King of Thebes?

• Oedipus killed the King of Thebes. 

10. What is Oedipus’ tragic flaw?

• He murdered his father. He took over his father's role as king of Thebes. He was married to his mother, and he had no clue of all this until the end of the play! 

11. and 12. As you read through Oedipus, you'll note that sight/vision/seeing (including "second sight") is very important to the overall story--in the literal as well as the metaphorical/symbolical aspect.  You don't have to do this in complete sentences if you don't want---Describe/discuss/explain/list how sight/vision/seeing/"second sight" is/are used in the play to advance the plot--to advance the story as a whole.  Include an explanation of why it's important as well as how it helps you (the real audience) understand (get) what others on the stage and in the play don't understand.

• First, Oedipus can see. He has perfect eyes. He can see everything that is present in the physical world around him. However, he is blind to the truth. He does not know his true identity or the true identity of the people around him. He can see with his eyes, but his mind, spirit, and soul are blind. Second, Tiresias was the total opposite of Oedipus. He had eyes, but they were useless. They did not work properly, in fact, they did not work at all. He was blind to the physical world around him. The only thing that he could see was the truth! He knew everything and just the way it was happening and why. He may not have been able to see with his eyes, but he was able to see something way deeper than human eyes can see. These two scenarios help to explain the plot to the readers. Oedipus has no clue of his true identity, but when Tiresias explained it, the reader now knows his real identity before he does.

13. As a play, there's a lot that can and can not be done on the stage.  Explain why you think some things within this play in particular are done on stage while others are done off stage.

• I think that some things must be done on stage to show the audience exactly what happened. On the contrary, many things can be explained well enough without having to act them out on the stage. For example, the murder of Oedipus's dad was not acted out on stage, but everyone who reads or watches the play has a complete understanding of what took place when he was murdered. Creon fully explains this occurrence to the audience. One example of something that must be acted out on stage, is at the end of the play when Oedipus is stabbing his eyes with pins. I feel that the audience needs to see this taking place first hand. I think that if it is not acted out on stage that people may miss the emotional effect that is has on a person to watch that.

14. Do you believe in fate?  Explain fully your answer.

• Personally, I do not believe in the word fate. I believe that everyone has a special plan for their lives. God has chosen specific things for each and every person on earth to do. However, it is up to us whether we do those things. It is not forced upon us. It is a choice that we can either accept or decline. One day, everyone will stand before Christ and give an account for all of the things that we have done. Some people could call this fate, but I do not choose to do so!

15. Explain how fate plays a role in Oedipus.

• In this play, the writers obviously believe in fate because they don't give Oedipus a choice. He didn't know he was murdering his father or marrying his mother. He was given up as a baby to be raised by people who were not his biological parents. Babies do not have the capacity to chooses what happens to them, so the term "fate" is the best way to describe what happened in this fictional story. In fiction, fate can be present because anything can happen. In real life, fate is just not reasonable. Even if you come out of a broken home or hard life, you can change that when you have the chance! It is all in our choices. 

16. Have you ever thought how ironic this play is? It's weird how the events come together and make everything happen the way it does. If things were to happen just a little bit different the story would be completely changed.

• This statement is true. If one slight thing were to change; it would alter the whole entire drama. For example, if Jocasta had not given up her son, then there would be no reason for the play to even continue. If Oedipus had chosen not to leave the home he grew up in, he would have never found out all of the things that he did. If there had not been a plague, there would have been no need to find a murderer, and Oedipus would have remained king etc. Many solutions like this could change or even eliminate the whole entire story all together.

EXTRA- 

• Oedipus at Colonus 

"Where I Come From"

(Page: 696-697)
~Elizabeth Brewster

This Video is a song by Kenny Chesney called Back Where I Come From. The song talks about how things are back where he comes from. He remembers sights, sounds, and people! I am not the biggest fan of country music, but when I read this poem this is the first thing that came to my mind. In this particular poem, the writer is recalling his home. He tells us that people are made of places. I think this means that no matter where we go in life, we will always carry a little bit of home with us! I am a home body. I enjoy just chilling at home whenever I get the chance. Some people have memories of their childhood that have stuck with them throughout their  adult life. My mother remembers things like smells from her grandmother's house or the scent of her daddy's cologne. It amazes me what all our minds can retain in our long term memory. I feel like no matter how far  move away or how close I stay to home, that I will always carry it in my heart! There are special things and traditions that can only take place back where I come from!

:)lgj

"Remember"

page: 777
~Joy Harjo


        The key word in this poem is remember! It is used 16 times. The poem is about remembering simple things in our life. I believe it is teaching us not to take things for granted. It s so easy to get caught up in day to day things that a person begins to take everything for granted. I am very guilty of doing this. This poem teaches us to sit back and just ponder or remember for a moment things that truly matter. The author ends the poem with the word remember. This leaves a gap for the reader to fill it with anything they choose to remember. Good things, bad things, happy things, sad things etc. Everything that is important to you should always be remembered and never ever forgotten! Remember that.

:)lgj

"Love Is Here"

Come to the water
You who thirst
And you'll thirst no more
Come to the father
You who work
And you'll work no more
And all you who labor in vain
And to the broken and shamed

Chorus
Love is here
Love is now
Love is pouring from His hands
From His brow
Love is near
It satisfies
Streams of mercy flowing from His side

'Cause love is here

Come to the treasure
You who search
And you'll search no more
Come to the lover
You who want
And you'll want no more, no
And all you who labor in vain
And to the broken and shamed
Yeah

Chorus 
And to the bruised and fallen Captives bound and broken hearted
He is the Lord
He is the Lord, yeah
By his stripes
He's paid our ransom
From His wounds we drink salvation
He is the Lord
He is the Lord

Chorus
Love is here
Love is now
Love is pouring from His hands
From His brow

Love is near
It satisfies
Streams of mercy flowing from His side
Streams of mercy flowing from His side

'Cause love is here
Love is here

~Tenth Avenue North


     I love music. It is one of my biggest passions in life. I enjoy it in any form. When I began to think of different types of poems, I really wanted to include a song because this is my favorite type of poem. Many times poems are about love or express deep feelings. Although I did not write this song, it expresses my love and affection for Christ! The song's words are a perfect depiction of what Jesus went through on the cross for you and me. God's love satisfies us when nothing else can. I am not a fan of love poems, but in a way this could classify as one. The author took the deep affection and love that he has for Christ and put those things into words. When Close my eyes and listen to the words of this song, I get lost in awe and reverence. The fact that someone would love me, a sinner, so much is beyond my comprehension! The guys from Tenth Ave North who wrote this did a great job. It is truly a tool to help us magnify the name Jesus! Here is the song...

:)lgj

Too Busy!

"Stop For A Moment"


With human minds we emotionally bind ourselves to things we cannot see.
Hopelessly setting a course that will deprive us of the strings of peace that were given to you and me.

We often pass up rainbows, a spring shower, a sunset, or even just a smile.
Yet in the name of prosperity and growth we'll go the extra mile.

God gave us the ability to experience the delicate sides of this earth.
But often we don't allow ourselves to fully appreciate what it's worth.

Have you ever whistled with a songbird, been touched by a breeze, or smelt the seasons in the air?
Or did you just consider them daily problems and not ever really care?

Have you ever had a falling leaf placed gently at your feet?
Carried by a loving wind just for you to meet.

Did you let it say good morning friend, or kick it to the side?
Thinking that you're late for work or you'll never catch your ride.

During a crowded traffic jam have you ever looked up high?
To see how God directs the clouds as they go flying through the sky.

What was your thought today as you tumbled out of bed?
"Thank you Lord for this day" or "Man do I feel dead".

You see it's up to us to find these things as we're traveling down life's road.
Because God sends these gifts to cross our paths and relieve or heavy load.


~David Waddell


This poem really speaks volumes to me at this point in my life. I am a very busy person. I am involved with my church, with friends, with work, with family, and with school! I do not have much time to sit around and twiddle my thumbs. I love the fast paced life style, but sometimes I need to just sit back and evaluate if I am too busy! I chose to share this poem because I feel that everyone can relate to it. Some people may not be as busy as others, but everyone gets overwhelmed sometimes. This poem encourages us to just be still and enjoy the small things in life. Truthfully, most people never slow down long enough to enjoy their day to day life. Of course they can have fun, but do people today really know how to enjoy day to day life? 


When life throws things at you that seem like a hindrance, look at them optimistically and know that everything happens for a reason! God could be using that one particular thing to show you patience. So, next time you are running around like a crazy person and nothing is going your way...pause and take pleasure in the simple things! 

(The song above is by a Christian singer named Francesca Battistelli. She has a beautiful voice and is one of my favorite singers! This song goes perfectly with this blog. Enjoy:)


lgj:)