Examining the relationship between Portia and Bassanio and Nerissa and Gratiano, do you think that a successful relationship can possibly start with "love at first sight"?
I personally find the development of their relationship as very weak in foundation because they fell in love at first sight. Yes, they can get attracted to each other but what happens after that is more important. I think they should have taken efforts first to get to know each other better before finally getting married. For an instance, Portia, though Bassanio was the one who won the challenge, should have at least waited more than a month to really assure herself that she has the right man to live with for eternity. Also Gratiano should have been wiser not to just be "inspired" by Bassanio's true love, but rather to discern whether what attracted him through his eyes would also attract his soul. Well, good for them, the guys caught the right fish! But in real life, this does not always happen, sadly.
What do you think?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ACT 1 MERCHANT OF VENICE
If you would be given a chance to visit Venice during the Renaissance period using a "time machine," who would you want to befriend among the characters of Act 1 and why?
If I would have the chance to go to Venice, I would definitely look for Shylock first and befriend him (if he would let me because I'm a Christian). I would like to personally find out myself whether he is really evil as portrayed in the story or whether he is just bad because the society made him one. I'm also interested to know how they got discriminated by Venetians and whether it is really true that they got so much "profit" from the Christians despite their situation. More than that, I am actually hoping that there's something more about his personality-- something GOOD that was just overshadowed by the "romantic" characters in the story.
How about you?
If I would have the chance to go to Venice, I would definitely look for Shylock first and befriend him (if he would let me because I'm a Christian). I would like to personally find out myself whether he is really evil as portrayed in the story or whether he is just bad because the society made him one. I'm also interested to know how they got discriminated by Venetians and whether it is really true that they got so much "profit" from the Christians despite their situation. More than that, I am actually hoping that there's something more about his personality-- something GOOD that was just overshadowed by the "romantic" characters in the story.
How about you?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
LOOK WHO'S READING!
In line with our Book Week celebration, our blog question will be:
WHO IS YOUR MODEL READER?
I have always admired Dr. Venancio Mendiola, my literature professor for being such a voracious reader. Even if he is already 69 years old, he still remembers the intricate details of the books that he have read and taught his students, even as far as 1970's! He would know the exact images that the autor used, how many times a certain phrase appeared in the book, how many dreams a character has in a book, and many more! I mean, how can such a person be fully focused on READING to its fullest sense. I myself digress many times while reading even the most interesting books. Maybe just like Sir Mendiola, I need to learn how to READ enthusiastically, savoring each word, phrase and image so that I could completely grasp the beauty and message of the book.
How about you? Who is your model reader?
WHO IS YOUR MODEL READER?
I have always admired Dr. Venancio Mendiola, my literature professor for being such a voracious reader. Even if he is already 69 years old, he still remembers the intricate details of the books that he have read and taught his students, even as far as 1970's! He would know the exact images that the autor used, how many times a certain phrase appeared in the book, how many dreams a character has in a book, and many more! I mean, how can such a person be fully focused on READING to its fullest sense. I myself digress many times while reading even the most interesting books. Maybe just like Sir Mendiola, I need to learn how to READ enthusiastically, savoring each word, phrase and image so that I could completely grasp the beauty and message of the book.
How about you? Who is your model reader?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
CHRISTIANITY IN ATSUMORI
I apologize for temporarily stopping posting blogs because of my need to focus on your academic performance after the MQT and the QT. I just felt the need to concentrate on the basics first. Besides, I noticed that week by week fewer bloggers had time to participate and share their insights, I completely understand why. Nevertheless, I am still hopeful that our "desire to respond to literature" will be rekindled this quarter.
For my first blog for the second quarter, I'd like to begin by asking WHAT IS CHRISTIAN IN THE BUDDHIST NOH PLAY, "ATSUMORI"?
Let me give one: Atsumori shows the value of loving one's enemies just like in one Biblical event wherein Jesus said that if someone slaps your cheek, give him/her also the other side or when someone throws stones at you, throw a bread back instead. So basically, Christians and Buddhists are one in believing that truly, it is in forgiveness and love that one attains peace and fulfillment, not through revenge or hatred.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE OTHER BIBLICAL/CHRUCH TEACHINGS THAT WE CAN RELATE TO "ATSUMORI"?
For my first blog for the second quarter, I'd like to begin by asking WHAT IS CHRISTIAN IN THE BUDDHIST NOH PLAY, "ATSUMORI"?
Let me give one: Atsumori shows the value of loving one's enemies just like in one Biblical event wherein Jesus said that if someone slaps your cheek, give him/her also the other side or when someone throws stones at you, throw a bread back instead. So basically, Christians and Buddhists are one in believing that truly, it is in forgiveness and love that one attains peace and fulfillment, not through revenge or hatred.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE OTHER BIBLICAL/CHRUCH TEACHINGS THAT WE CAN RELATE TO "ATSUMORI"?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
THREE GREAT CHINESE POETS
Which among Wang Wei, Tu Fu and Li Po you like best in terms of theme and style? Why?
If I would be a poet, I would love to be a student of Tu Fu because, for one, I would really like to learn how to create vivid imagery because I know it is one of the most important elements of poetry. Poetry will never be sophisticated and unique without the color and magic that it brings. Among the three, he is the one who can really portray life by using powerful images that really connect with the mood/atmosphere of his poem. Moreso, he knows how to bring out and focus on the positive sides/angles of nature to uplift the spirit of his people despite the 'war' theme that is always prevalent in his poems.
Who is your pick?
If I would be a poet, I would love to be a student of Tu Fu because, for one, I would really like to learn how to create vivid imagery because I know it is one of the most important elements of poetry. Poetry will never be sophisticated and unique without the color and magic that it brings. Among the three, he is the one who can really portray life by using powerful images that really connect with the mood/atmosphere of his poem. Moreso, he knows how to bring out and focus on the positive sides/angles of nature to uplift the spirit of his people despite the 'war' theme that is always prevalent in his poems.
Who is your pick?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Analects for the Filipinos
If you would be asked to give 5 Analects for the Filipinos, what would they be?
Here are my own Analects for the Filipinos:
1. Government officials should learn how to SERVE, not to be served.
2. For those in media, do not wash your dirty linen in public.
3. More than holding strikes and protests against the government, concentrate on how we can concretely contribute to the betterment of our people like participating in Pondo ng Pinoy.
4. Live simply to live free from anxiety. Eliminate the material things that you can really live without.
5. Ideally, rules are made to be followed.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Here are my own Analects for the Filipinos:
1. Government officials should learn how to SERVE, not to be served.
2. For those in media, do not wash your dirty linen in public.
3. More than holding strikes and protests against the government, concentrate on how we can concretely contribute to the betterment of our people like participating in Pondo ng Pinoy.
4. Live simply to live free from anxiety. Eliminate the material things that you can really live without.
5. Ideally, rules are made to be followed.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Conversation with God
IF YOU WOULD BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH GOD FOR JUST ONE HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HIM OR ASK HIM?
If I would be able to talk to God for just one hour, I would be very excited to ask him, first and foremost, what mission He would like me to fulfill. Is it to be a religious, to be a missionary, to be a mother and wife or to continue being a teacher or, perhaps, professor in the future. Many people would ask almost everyday of their life about their purpose in this world. However, after a long time of reflecting about it, some people would still end up directionless.
So, if I would be able to meet God, I would ask him this question that has been within me for many years now, so that I can right away start with the mission that He would like to entrust to me--on which I would be His instrument and on which I would have a sense of fulfillment.
How about you?
If I would be able to talk to God for just one hour, I would be very excited to ask him, first and foremost, what mission He would like me to fulfill. Is it to be a religious, to be a missionary, to be a mother and wife or to continue being a teacher or, perhaps, professor in the future. Many people would ask almost everyday of their life about their purpose in this world. However, after a long time of reflecting about it, some people would still end up directionless.
So, if I would be able to meet God, I would ask him this question that has been within me for many years now, so that I can right away start with the mission that He would like to entrust to me--on which I would be His instrument and on which I would have a sense of fulfillment.
How about you?
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