Reviewing the mock

1. The significance of this extract is the setting in act 1 scene 2, it is set in 'Venice' in which Desdemona and Othello are staying. This does not follow one of Aristotle's conventions of the three unities, it in fact challenges them. This is because this play is not set in place as it is set in Venice and then in Cyprus in which Othello is representing the venetian military. This play does also not take place at one time it takes over a series of days. But their is only one action happening in which it is set around, this is Iago's plan to make Othello believe that Desdemona has been unfaithful towards him as Iago says that she is having an affair with Cassio. We are told that is not just set in Venice as Cassio arrives to deliver some news about 'Cyprus.'Therefore this play challenges Aristotles conventions of a tragedy.

2. At the end of this extracted Othello is portrayed as in control and is a general that is very well respected. The audience can see Othello's importance in this extract as Cassio has come to deliver him a message, in which he is required to go to war in Cyprus, 'Several quests,' this proves that Cassio has been sent to give him a message. Othello does not mind about having to go to war, as he says 'and go with you,' therefore he is ready to go. He is a very well respected war general, this was very unusual in the Elizabethan society as it was a racist society and Othello was black, therefore as he was a general he had a high status. He had also married a white senators daughter, in which was also unheard of in the Elizabethan era as it was not seen as okay fro a white person to marry a black person. As Othello was successful in marrying Desdemona, 'I won his daughter,' also links to othello hubris as he has excessive pride in his role. Therefore he believes that he is in control and is calm due to his role and high status. Although shakespeare makes it tragic as Othello's hubris leads to his own downfall, especially due to his outrageous behaviour, 'chaos has come again,' proving that he caused trouble.

3. Iago's behaviour in this extract is also significant as the audience can see his duplicity due to his hate towards othello, which is caused through jealousy of his role and status, ' he prated and spoke such scurvy and provoking terms.' This also shows how he has been sly and has gone to speak to Brabantio about Othello and Desdemona's secret marriage. He then tries to make Othello feel like an outsider due to his race, as in the Elizabethan society it was adhered of a black man marrying a white woman. 'Be assured of this, that the magnifico is much beloved.' This shows that Iago is trying to make Othello feel scared of Brabantio,  but this does not work as Othello is a strong, powerful character. This portrays Iago as a manipulative character, in which he is shown as two faced and it too determined in to get high status and the tole of lieutenant.

Othello - Act 5 scene 2. Lines 1-233

Answer in full sentences, with quotations. Type your responses and post to your blog.

1. What reasons does Othello give for having to kill Desdemona?

Othello kills Desdemona as he has been succumbed to believe that she has been unfaithful towards him, as Iago has set up a plan in which Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Othello's reason was because 'she was as false as water', inferring that she has not been loyal towards Othello. Therefore this leads to him killing Desdemona which then leads to his hamartia and the audience experience catharsis as they have pity for Desdemona as this was all a lie in which Othello did not realise before he killed her.

2. What evidence is there to suggest that Shakespeare adhered to racial stereotypes in this scene? Consider:

• irrational behaviour
• emotions
• danger
• the 'mystical negro' stereotype
• representations of the 'other'

Shakespeare also uses racial stereotypes in Act 5 scene 2, through the characters that he uses, Emilia calls Othello 'the blacker devil!' This proves that she is angry as she is racist to him, but it is also clear that she is angry due to the use of an exclamation mark. This also proves that Shakespeare adheres to the racial stereotypes by using 'the blacker devil' as in the Elizabethan society black people were seen as devils. Shakespeare also shows the ideas of black slavery in Africa in the Elizabethan society,'O cursed, cursed slave! Whip me, ye devils.' This proves that Othello is wanting to be punished by the devils and also wants to be whipped like he used to be when he was a slave. 

3. Othello tells Desdemona that Cassio has confessed to sleeping with her (line 68). What was this 'confession'?
Othello speaks to Desdemona and tells her that Cassio has confessed to sleeping with her, Othello believed this as he was succumbed into believing it through Iagos lies and the fact that Iago gave Othello evidence of the handkerchief, which was given to Desdemona. But Cassio was caught with it, 'saw the handkerchief,' this proves that Othello had seen the handkerchief. 

4. Emilia says "Good gentleman, let me have leave to speak./ 'Tis proper I obey him - but not now!" [5.2.192-193] what does this indicate about Emilia and society? Consider the circumstances the characters are in.

Emilia says 'Good gentleman, let me have leave to speak./ 'Tis proper I obey him - but not now!' This shows that Emilia is not the kind of woman that would conform to the expectations that are expected in the society that she lives in. But she does prove that she is going to break them. This could also suggest that Emilia is accepting that she is soon to die for speaking the truth, shown when she says 'but not know' as this could prove that she has been very quiet but it is now time for her to speak out against her husband in order to speak the truth. This shows the strength of this female character as she does not seemed bothered to speak out and still knows that she could get killed because of it. 

5. How is Emilia presented in lines 125-233. Consider the language she uses, how she behaves and what she says to Othello and Iago.

6. List all of the names Emilia calls Othello when she realises what he has done. How does this contrast with how Othello was portrayed at the start of the play?

Emilia is very angry when Othello kills Desdemona as it s her mistress, therefore she is very aggressive when speaking to Othello and calls him  a lot of names. At the start of the play Othello is shown as a calm character and a valiant moor, but when he has killed Desdemona he is now called 'the blacker devil,' by Emilia. She is racial to him due to her anger. She also says 'ignorant as dirt' which is also racial as black people were stereotyped to be unitelligent. When Emilia is killed by her husband Iago, pity is evoked as the audience feel pity for her due to her dining about thinking how bad Othello is and she was just telling the truth. 

Othello - Act 5 scene 1

How does Shakespeare create a sense of fear and confusion in Act 5 scene 1?


Setting

Language

Structure of lines

Use of characters

Shakespeare sets this scene in Cyprus in which Othello is part of the venetian military. Shakespeare sets this scene at  ‘Night’ on ‘A Street’ in a land away from Othello's home, this may create a sense of fear and confusion to the audience and the characters on stage. This night time setting may symbolise the hidden truth about Desdemona's fake infidelity and Iago's truth being revealed as Rodrigo has found his true nature out. This then evokes catharsis as the audience have fear in Desdemona and Iago to what will happen to them. 

Shakespeare also creates fear and confusion through Iago being manipulative throughout the play which lead him to being shown as the devil. This then creates fear in the audience as they would be scared of the devil. Towards the end of Act 5 scene 1, it is shown that Shakespeare has created fear and confusion through Iagos aside. The audience start to feel fear for the characters that are involved in the tragedy as Iago uses an aside to communicate to the audience, 'this is the night that either makes me or for does me quite.' This implies that he could be successful in his plan to take down Othello or fail in it. But the audience are unaware of which way this could happen therefore it creates fear and confusion for the audience. 

In this scene Shakespeare presents Iago as a fearful character, due to his realisation that his plan could fall apart due to Rodrigo saying that he will ask for all of his gifts back from Desdemona. Although this is ironic as Iago has just been keeping these gifts. Even though his plan is going to fall apart he is still shown as a strong character through his determination, 'He calls me to a restitution large.'  This si then shown through his jealousy of not having such a high status and wanting the role of lieutenant. 

Shakespeare also uses short lines with punctuation of exclamation marks and question marks in order for the audience to feel fear and confusion, 'thou diest!' This gives the audience the impression that the characters feel scared, therefore they are started to speak louder which gradually leads to shouting. At the start of this extract Iago has long speeches, but as it gets to the end his speeches are much shorter, this shows his fear as it shows lower power and fear also shows signs of weaknesses. Shakspeare also uses various different entrances exits and entrances in this scene. Having a lot of characters on the stage can cause the audience to have confusion, but this also creates an extremely manic atmosphere due to the amount of characters around and there are a lot of people to have to follow. 

Desdemona and Emilia

1. What differences are there between Desdemona and Emilia?

The differences between Desdemona and Emilia are that Desdemona is higher class which puts a social barrier in-between their relationship. Emilia is older than Desdemona which means that she is much wiser. Therefore she believes that women will cheat on men but it will be their fault as they did not love the women enough. Therefore this proves that Emilia can see the reality but Desdemona is oblivious to this and does not agree that women would cheat or even have sex with anyone before marriage.This shows that they both have different attitudes towards men and love, Desdemona is much more romantic whereas Emilia sees it as unequal.  Emilia is less passive towards her husband whereas Desdemona is very naive.


2. Why do you think Emilia does not mention the handkerchief to Desdemona? Use what you hear in the video, as well as your own ideas. Consider the relationship between Iago and Emilia, as well as the relationship between Desdemona and Emilia.

Emilia does not mention the handkerchief to her friend Desdemona as she does not believe the handkerchief is very important but it is too Iago, therefore she believes this is a chance for her to get some affection from her husband Iago. Emilia and Iagos relationship is not very strong as they do not have strong bond therefore she believes this will also allow their relationship to get better. If Emilia told Desdemona it may be unprofessional and they do not already have a very strong relationship therefore they would still not be very close if she was told. 

Othello act 4 scene 2

1. What does Othello ask Emilia at the beginning of the scene, and how does Emilia respond?

Othello asks Emilia whether Desdemona has been having an affair, ‘yes, you have seen Cassio and she together.’ Emilia tells him that she has not seen them together and reacts by saying ‘but then I saw no harm, and then I heard each syllable that breath made up between them.’ Emilia constantly says ‘never’ as she knows that nothing is happening as she is with Desdemona every second of the day so does not see how this could happen. She believes that Desdemona would never do such a thing as she can see how much love she has for Othello, therefore she tells Othello this and tells him how much Desdemona loves him.

1. What does Othello say to Desdemona and how does Desdemona respond? Is Othello treating Desdemona fairly?

Othello calls Desdemona a ‘subtle whore.’ But Desdemona does not really respond as she is so naive, therefore she has no idea what is going on. This then means that she does not know why her husband is saying these horrible words about her. From an audiences perspective we would say that Desdemona is being treated unfairly as we know that Iago is making things up about Desdemona’s affair. Therefore she is being treated badly by her husband as he has been made to believe that it is true. But from Othello’s view she is being treated fairly and she is getting what she deserves as he believes that she is having an affair with Cassio. Therefore he believes that she is in the wrong. 

1. When Desdemona and Emilia tell Iago about Othello’s behaviour, how does Iago respond? What does Iago say he thinks is the cause of Othello’s anger? What does Emilia think is the cause?

Iago responds to the situation of Othello’s behaviour in panic, as he has realised that they are going to be able to work out that it is him that has set the plot up about Desdemona’s affair with Cassio. Therefore he is worried that he is going to get caught out and this will make Othello very angry. He blames Othellos cause of anger on ‘the business of the state does him offence, and he does chide with you.’ This means that the letter that Othello was given has angered him and he has a bad day at work, therefore this is Iagos excuse to get himself out of trouble. But Emilia says ‘ I will be hung’d if some eternal villain, some busy and insinuating rogue, some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, have not devis’d this slander: ill be hung’d else.’ This proves that Emilia has realised that someone has lied to Othello as she is inquisitive enough to work this out. Although if she did know it was Iago she would not be able to say anything as women is inferior to men so she would not have a voice to say anything about her thoughts. 

1. Why is Roderigo angry and how does he threaten Iago? In response, what does Iago say Roderigo must do and why? According to Iago, what will be Roderigo’s reward if he follows Iago’s advice?

Roderigo is angry at Iago as at the start of the play Iago said that he was going to give the jewels to Desdemona but he did not do this which caused Roderigo to be very annoyed at him. Another reason why Roderigo is angry at Iago as at the start of the play Iago promised that Roderigo would get Desdemona but has not completed his one job that he was supposed to do. Therefore he tells Roderigo that Othello and Desedemona are leaving and the only way to get them to stay is killing Cassio, ‘non can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio.’ Therefore Roderigo is not very happy with this so he threatens Iago by saying ‘I will seek satisfaction of you.’ This means that he wants to beat him up as he is very annoyed at Iago. But the audience know that he won’t beat him up as he would not have told him he would have just hit him straight away.

Othello act 3 scene 3

For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio's case?

One of the reasons that Desdemona agrees to help Cassio is by talking to Othello to get Cassios job back for him. Desdemona does this because she has seen that Othello and Cassio have a good bond.  Although Desdemona can see this Cassio feels that Othello will forget about everything that Cassio does for him and has done for him, he also thinks that he will only think about the bad events that happened between them. Desdemona says that she will not let Othello think that about him. Desdemona does this because she likes Cassio so wants to help him.

What is Iago referring to when he says, "Ha! I like not that."

Iago is referring to Desdemona and Cassio being together. I ago says this because he does not want Othello to think that something is going on between Desdemona and Cassio. Iago says this though so that he comes across to Othello that he cares and is sticking up for Othello.

After Othello repeatedly urges Iago to tell him what's on his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response? What does he want from Iago?

Once Iago has told Othello to not be jealous, we can see that Iago’s plan has worked as he has made Othello fall out of love with Desdemona, as Iago has made him think that she is unfaithful towards him. Othello wants Iago to tell the truth and to be honest with him.

What does Iago say about the women of Venice?

Iago says he knows well the ways of the women of Venice: they are promiscuous, and though heaven knows their little exploits, their men don't. ‘Her own clime, complexion and degree.’ He says this because they are out of place if they are not together.

What contextual evidence do we have to support Iago's views of Venetian women?

The contextual evidence that we have to support Iagos view is that in the Shakespeare time women were not heard and did not really have a voice, they were also very rarely seen; this was because they were seen as a possession to their husband. They would follow orders of their husband and be faithful.

What does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief?

Iago plans to place the handkerchief in Casio’s room. He does this because he wants Casio to find the handkerchief. ‘I will in Casio’s lodging lose this napkin and let him find it.’ Iago does this as he knows that it will annoy Othello, once Iago has done this Othello grabs him by the throat, therefore you can see how annoyed Othello gets from Iago hiding the handkerchief.

Othello Act 1 scene 3

How does the Duke and the senators speak of Othello?
The Duke and the Senators speak of Othello in a good way, as they show respect towards him. We can see this from "duty recommends you." This shows the respect for Othello. This also shows that they look up to him as they think he is a very good man. They also know his importance, which is why they look up to him.
How does Brabantio speak of his daughter?
Brabantio speaks about his daughter in a bad way. This is because he describes her as being weak and vulnerable. he speaks about her in a bad way as she is getting married to a black man and her father is not very happy about it.
What do we learn about views towards foreigners/moors?
We learn throughout act scene 2 that the attitude towards moors is negative. Othello is a moor and many people say horrible things about him, due to him being a moor. Desdemona says that she does not find Othello physically attractive this is referring to him being black.  
What is ironic about Othellos claim that "rude i am in my speech?
He says that he can not speak well but he is very well spoken and speaks much better than any other characters. 
What is startling about Othellos decision to let Desdemona speak on his behalf?
The thing that is startling about Othello's decision to let Desdemona speak is that it is very unusual for a man to let a lady say there opinion. As the men were the dominant ones. This also makes Othello look vulnerable as he is getting a lady to speak for him.
What 'stories' does Othello tell in his speech to the senate?
Othello tells stories about when he used to be a slave and how he escaped. He also tells stories about the venetian war. 
Why do senators listen to Desdemona and what does she persuade them to do?
The senators listen to Desdemona as Othello has asked them to and Othello has a high status. She has persuaded them to let her go to Cyprus with Othello.
What praise does the Duke afford Othello?
The praise that the Duke offers Othello is that he is more white than black. He says 'your son in law is far more fair than black.'
What is significant about the rhyming couplet used by Brabantio?

What is Ironic about Othello's retort and his subsequent description of Iago?
The ironic thing about Othello's retort and description of Iago is that he calls Iago 'honest' but really Othello is betraying Iago. This show that it is ironic. 
Why is Rodrigo so distraught and how does Iago convince him to keep going?
Rodrigo is so distraught as he can seeing that everything is going really well between Othello and Desdemona. Iago convinces him to keep going by saying that he is being to emotional. Men were not seen as emotional therefore Iago uses this to manipulate him. 
Focus on Iago's Soliloquy what reasons does he give for wanting revenge against Othello?

Othello Act 1 scene 2

Our thoughts on Othello after act 1 scene 2?
In act 1 scene 2 the thoughts about Othello have changed since act 1 scene 1. This is because he is now shown to be a calm and relaxed character. Whereas in scene 1 he was shown as a horrible character.  He is also shown to not be violent as he is not into fighting.  We are also shown that he has a lot of authority and many people look up to him.
How does Othello respond to Iagos baiting?
Othello responds to Iagos baiting very calm, even though Iago is trying to show hubris. This shows that Othello is a relaxed character in scene 2.
How does Brabantio react upon meeting Othello?
Brabantio reacts badly when he meets Othello. This is because Brabantio does not like him as he has stolen his daughter. Brabantio gets very aggressive and uses aggressive words towards Othello. He is also very racist to Othello. He is very angry at Othello and wants him to go to prison. 
How does Othello react to Brabantio's charges?
Othello comes across that he reacts very well with Brabantios charges and he is calm about the situation. Othello allows Brabantio to know his powers and what he is capable off. He also tells Brabantio why he can not go to prison, this is because he is going to war. 

Othello act 1 scene 1 homework task

Our thoughts on Othello after act 1 scene 1.
Without the audience meeting Othello we are told that he is a horrible man. This is because of the way that he is described by Iago and Brabantio. Iago hates Othello therefore he speaks negatively about Othello. He calls him a 'devil' this does not put a very nice thought into the audiences head about Othello. Brabantio does also not like Othello as he is stealing his daughter and Brabantio is not happy. Brabantio is also not happy because he is black, therefore he refers to him throughout this scene as a 'moor.' This is a racist term, which is also describing Othello in a negative way.
Why do we believe Iago?
We believe Iago as he speaks very well and polite which makes him come across to the audience as a well respected man. Therefore the audience believe that he is a good character. He comes across that he is also speaking about other men in a respectful way.
Why does Brabantio react the way he does?
Brabantio reacts the way he does as he is not happy that Othello has stolen his wife. he calls Othello a 'thieve.' Therefore he believes that Othello has stolen her. The main reason that he is not happy is because he is black and he does not like the fact that his daughter is going to marry someone black. Brabantio is very racist towards Othello and often calls him a 'moor.'
What is 'wrong' with Micheal Cassio?
Micheal Cassio is shown as a weak character which means that he is wrong as he is not fit for his job to be an officer. He needs to be bigger and stronger so that he can do his job.
Why/how is Iago the perfect Venetian man?
Iago is the perfect Venetian man as he has lived in Venice for a very long time, therefore he knows his way around. He is also a military character and has many military qualities.
How does Brabantio think Othello has won Desdemona?
Brabantio thinks taht Othello has won Desdemona as he believes that Othello has used witchcraft.
Is there anything in his words and actions to make us doubt Iagos honesty?
towards the end of this scene Iagos attitude changes and he becomes a very horrible character as he says some mean things to people. This makes the audience doubt on his honesty as he comes across as a horrible character.

Othello act 1 scene 1

How does Shakespeare present the world of Venice in the first act, and how does he construct the interactions of his central characters (Iago, Othello, and Desdemona) with that Venetian world and with each other. How are these interactions complicated by the fact that Othello is a Moor and that Desdemona is a young women?
In the first act Shakespeare presents the world of Venice  is shown to be an orderly and relatively quiet place. At one point Barbantio is asked if he has been robbed and he answers,"What tellâst thou me of robbing? This is Venice; My house is not a grange." This shows that Venice is a good place where rich people go and there is never any crime there, due to all of the people being rich there. It is also a military place in which they had success. Venice is also shows as a place of love and hate which is how the three main characters are interacted and constructed. Othello is black and in that time period there was a lot of racism therefore people would interact differently with Othello. Then Desdemona is a female and also in that time period females were treated differently and they did not have any rights. Therefore people would interact differently with Desdemona.
What sort of person is Iago, as he appears in act 1? Are you satisfied by the reasons he gives for hating Othello? What is Iago's relationship with Roderigo?
Iago  is very manipulative. Iago uses this nature to cause havoc. We also learn from the first act that Iago is a very kind person and he is caring. Although that soon switches as he goes against Othello as he does not like him as he is jealous of him and his power. He is also jealous of Othello as he is an army man and has fought but Iago is seen as weak. I do not agree that Iago should hate Othello because of this reason as it is pathetic and he should not hate him because he is jealous of what he has got and the power that he has. Iagos relationship with Roderigo is very complicated as we can see that Iago uses Roderigo rather than being friends. He also gets Roderigo to take the blame for the horrible things that Iago says therefore this shows that he is using him to back Iago up so that he does not get into trouble.
What sort of language does Iago use? What sort of language does Othello use? What might be the significance of this difference?
The language that Iago uses in act 1 is very angry language. He uses aggressive language that comes across to the audience as violent. This means that the audience can see him as a horrible character as he has a nasty, angry tone of voice. The language that Othello uses is soft, gentle and calm. He does not speak aggressively and he is very calm. Therefore it is a countertype to what people may think he would speak like due to the stereotype and racism that he gets from other characters. His language also shows that he is well educated. The significant difference of this shows the difference of social statures in Venice.

Tragedy Research

1. What is the definition of Classical Tragedy?Tragedy is a form of drama based on human suffering that invokes an accompanying catharsis or pleasure in audiences.
2. Where and when did the concept of Classical Tragedy originate?From its origins in the theatre of ancient Greece 2500 years ago.
3. What are some of the earliest examples of classical tragedies, and when were they written? Oedipus Rex- performed 429 BCE, The Orestia- performed 458 BCE and Prometheus bound performed 430 BCE. 
4. Who was Aristotle, what was he known for, and when was he alive?Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was born circa 384 B.C. in Stagira, Greece. When he turned 17, he enrolled in Plato’s Academy. In 338, he began tutoring Alexander the Great. In 335, Aristotle founded his own school, the Lyceum, in Athens, where he spent most of the rest of his life studying, teaching and writing. Aristotle died in 322 B.C., after he left Athens and fled to Chalcis.
5. When did Aristotle write his study of tragedy, entitled Poetics? 330 BCE
6. What, according to Aristotle, is the aim of tragedy?The aim of tragedy, Aristotle writes, is to bring about a "catharsis" of the spectators — to arouse in them sensations of pity and fear, and to purge them of these emotions so that they leave the theatre feeling cleansed and uplifted, with a heightened understanding of the ways of gods and men.
7. What are the 6 component parts of tragedy, according to Aristotle? List them in order of importance. these were: plot, character, diction, reasoning, spectacle and lyric poetry.
8. What is the role of the tragic hero in Aristotle's theory of tragedy, and how important is the tragic hero in Classical Tragedy? They must suffer in their lives which then creates fear and pity through there suffering. One of them will have a catastrophe which is usually a reverse of fortune. 
9. Define the following elements/ingredients of Classical Tragedy:

• Hamartia- An offence committed in ignorance of some material fact; a great mistake made as a result of an error by a morally good person.

• Tragic flaw-A fatal weakness or moral flaw in the protagonist that brings him or her to a bad end.

• Hubris-Excessive pride or self-confidence.

• Peripeteia-is a reversal of circumstances, or turning point. 

• Anagnorisis (recognition)-is a moment in a play or other work when a character makes a critical discovery. Anagnorisis originally meant recognition in its Greek context, not only of a person but also of what that person stood for.

• Catharsis-the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

Planning marxist question

H.Bertens suggests that "capitalists grow rich and shareholders do well because the labourers that work for them and actually produce goods (including services) get less- and often a good deal less- for their efforts than their labour is actually worth." Looking closely at 'The Large Cool Store' by Philip Larkin and the critical anthology. How far do you agree with this? 

Is there an outright rejection of socialism in the work?
Larkin shows no out right rejection to socialism in his work. 

Does the text raise fundamental criticism about the emptiness of life in bourgeoisie society? (a society where the bourgeoisie is in charge of the proletariats)
in Larkins collection Whitsun weddings some of his poems do show the emptiness of living for example in the large cool store, this was because they are already planned out and have false consciousness which shows the emptiness. This also happens in Mr Bleaney when  his flat is referred to as a coffin and he is living in a box. 

In portraying society, what approximation of totality does the author achieve? What is emphasized, what is ignored? Why? (what society he focuses on and what part of there life does he focus on)
He focuses on a capitalist society

Preparing essay

Researching the writer you have chosen’s autobiography – what events from his/her life may have affected their work?
Larkin survived the bombings in the second world war. His mother was also a nervous and passive women. His mother liked being dominated by her husband. His father loved literature.
What society is the text set in?
The society that Philip Larkin writes Whitsun weddings is a patriarchal society.
What society is the text written for?
The society that this is written for is

Dreams Hopes and Plans for Hollow Men

What does the last stanza mean to you? Is the poem really describing the end of the world, or do the lines merely express a belief held by Hollow men?


The last stanza suggests that the world is slowly ending and the last stanza shows that there is nothing left in the world. This is because throughout the poem T.S Elliot is always talking about how the world is slowly degrading. " This broken jaw of our lost kingdoms". This shows that the world is slowly disappearing. It also shows that T.S Elliot's plans are working as he wants the reader to feel miserable. We can also see that everyone in the poem is boring and has a dull life. " Not with a bang but a whimper". This shows how boring their lives are. This also shows that the world does not end suddenly and it usually slowly fades away.But you can also see as the poem goes on and further towards the end the more miserable and boring the poem and there lives get. This shows that the world is ending slowly as there is eventually nothing left. The hollow men are also described as passive and pathetic as they are described by a "whimper". This shows that they are described as pathetic men as they are seen as small things and boring things.

Possible questions for my marxist essay.

The Times literary supplement argue that Larkins poems portray "a sense of order and a sense of waste." To what extent does Philip Larkin resemble this in his poetry collection 'Whitsun Weddings', using the critical anthology to inform your argument. To what extent do you agree with this view?


H.Bertens suggests that "capitalists grow rich and shareholders do well because the labourers that work for them and actually produce goods (including services) get less- and often a good deal less- for their efforts than their labour is actually worth." Looking closely at 'The Large Cool Store' by Philip Larkin and the critical anthology. How far do you agree with this?

P.Barry believes "a writers social class, and its prevailing 'ideology' have a major bearing on what is written by a member of that class." To what extent is this true when looking at Philip Larkins poetry work. 


I am unsure which question i prefer between question one and two. 

Larkins poems

Larkin's poetry cynically portrays a society in which the proletariat "are deluding themselves" rather than presenting a hopeful picture of a society where "they [go] beyond the limits which society sets for them" To what extent do you agree with this statement? Make close reference to FOUR Larkin poems.
 Philip Larkin presents a society where the proletariats are deluding themselves by writing  his poems in a way which shows that he is looking down on the proletariats for who they are due to there social class. He suggests that the proletariats are deluding themselves into a sense of false consciousness. This is presented throughout Larkin's poetry through the monotonous tone he uses, which reflects the proletariat lifestyle.  The proletariats never go beyond their limits, this is shown this by them being alienated and because they are the working class they have no power to change their social situation.


In four of Larkins poems from the Whitsun weddings collection you can see that he writes all of his poems in a way that suggests the proletariats are deluding themselves. The four poems that I have chosen are 'The Large cool store', 'Here', 'Mr Bleaney' and 'The Whitsun Weddings.' The way that Philip Larkin shows that they are deluding themselves is by showing the monotony of their lives. He does this through the tone he uses in his poems as they are more like stories which makes the poem dull and boring to read. He also makes them seem as if the proletariats are deluding themselves by the language that he uses. For example in 'Here' you can see that he says "workmen at dawn." This suggests that the proletariats are stuck in the cyclical structure of society and are in a constant loop of working and spending. In this same poem it also suggested that they are the working class as he starts his poem of by saying "swerving east, from rich industrial shadows". This presents the idea that the proletariats are exploited by the bourgeoisie, due to capitalism.  This also means that they are the base of the superstructure as they are the sense of means of production. He also uses terms such as these in his other poems. Another example is in 'Mr Bleaney,' he says "one hired box." In this poem Mr bleany has just died and Larkin is moving into his utilitarian room as he has power over Mr bleaney as he is the working class. But with him using one hired box it shows that it is all he has to show for his life showing how boring his life is and how miserable he must be. We also see the working class going to work in the morning  in 'The Large cool Store.' The line "who leave at dawn", suggests that they are getting up ready to go to work for there unskilled labour as they are the proletariats. Finally we can also see that in ' Whitsun Weddings' they are the working class and they are deluding themselves; this is suggested by "did my three quarter empty train pull out". This demonstrates that they are off to work. With Larkin saying these in his poems it shows how monotonous the proletariats life is and they have it all ordered as they know no different.


From Larkins poems you can also see that the proletariats are deluding themselves and not going beyond there limits because they are not used to anything different and they do not portray what they do. No one argues that they have to go tot work. I believe that they endure their lives and they are passive as they do nothing about it. This is because there life is all set it for them and it is ordered. They have to go to work and then they can go out at in the evenings and at the weekend. Larkin tries to make there life sound much more exciting when it comes to the proletariats going out but it only sounds more exciting than there working day. You can see this in his poem 'whitsun weddings.' He says ' coach party annexes, the wedding days" this shows that the days out that they have are still boring as there still seems to be no happiness that they are going out. But this is also not a very exciting description of them all going out.


Another reason why I believe that all of Larkins poems are bleak and miserable is because he has no real rhythm in his poems. The only rhythm that he has is his rhyming couplets. For example " across and moss." Even these rhyming couplets don't give the poem any rhythm. With his poems having no rhythm it makes it seem like a story and is very boring. The times literary supplement said something about Larkins collection. They said " a sense of order and a sense of waste." This shows that the proletariats have order in there life and that there life's are boring and repetitive.


Larkin shows that the proletariats have a sense of order in there life's. This is shown in ' The Large Cool Store.' Larkin says " set out in simple sizes plainly." This shows that there life is ordered as they have to go to work and then they come back from work with a bit of money and then they can go out in the evening and the weekends and there life is planned. 


From analysing and reading Larkins poems I can see that all of his poems are set out all the same as they are just shows to be repetitive and boring life's. But Larkin also shows the working class to be miserable and deluding themselves as Larkin show  boring there life is as it is already ordered for them and they have no other choice that working. A Marxist critic may think that the poems are showing a really bad patriarchy society and they will aim to get rid of capitalists. Overall I think that Larkin does represent the proletariats to be boring as all they do is go to work and go out. But I also believe that none of the proletariats bother to go beyond there limits as thy just get on with there life's and do not resist doing something else they just do what they are told and work for the bourgeoisie.

Marx questions

How did Marx and Engels view literature?
Marx and Engels viewed literature as insignificant.
What is the sociology of literature?
sociology of literature is focused on the concerns of itself, which might be called the means of production, distribution and the exchange in the society. It is also to do with the culture.  It studies the social production of literature and its social implications. It also has attention to its styles and meanings.
What did Matisse believe about all art?
Matisse commented that all art bears are the imprint of it historical time period. But the great art represents it the most.
What is 'original' about Marxist literary criticism?
The original aspect to Marxism is that it does not consider a historical approach to the literature. But it does give a revolutionary understanding to history itself.
Why is art part of the superstructure?
Art is part of the superstructure because it is a complex element of society's ideology. It effects the social perception which then ensures that the situation is in which one social class powers over another social class. It is either seen by both members of society or nobody at all.
What, according to interpretations of Conrad's work was the crisis facing the Western bourgeois class?




Which four elements make up the levels of 'unity' which Marxist criticism focuses on?
Text
Ideology
Social relations
Productive forces

Them and[uz]- Tony Harrison

The poem 'Them and [uz]'by Tony Harrison proposes some form of utopian vision as this seems to be a solution to the problems that are encountered in the work place, this is because the upper class steal work from the middle class and the lower class. The upper class then say that the middle and lower classes work is now there's. The upper class have a belief that everyone should speak politely, elegantly and properly. This shows the superstructure due to the class system. Therefore if the lower and middle class do not speak like this the upper class will look down on them. This then infers how alienation is used in the classes and they can not overcome it as they are looked down on. The upper class also believe that nobody should have an accent, this is because they believe it is not speaking properly or elegantly. An example of this from the poem is 'Litterchewer.' This shows that the boy in this poem can not say literature, this is because of his accent. This comes across very patronising as the teacher has to repeat the word and he makes a joke about it. He also suggests that if everyone spoke with proper English language then it would reflect on the utopian vision.




The work that is served as propaganda is by using manipulatation. An example of this is ' poetrys, the speech of kings.' This persuades people to speak properly as it is a bourgeoisie that is speaking correct English language. But the also as hierarchy is the patriarchal society. This may also give them hope as they may feel as if they do speak properly then they may then become highly educated. Becoming highly educated would then mean that they would get a better chance in life and would be able to get a good job. This also links to the superstructure as they need to be educated so that they can get a good job.


This piece of literature reflects the class of his own, this is because he is in the middle class. An example where this happens is 'spoke the language I spoke at home.' This is reflecting his own class as this is how he spoke when he was ta home and he has not changed the way that he speaks.  Even when he is at school he does not change the way he speaks, he still doesn't change they way he speaks when some others influence him to. This poem allows us to understand why it reflects his class other than everyone else's. But we also know that the higher class take the lower and middle classes work away from them, they then also make the work in the way that they speak as they are seen to speak perfectly. A famous example of this is that a famous writer had a stutter, this then showed everyone that literature was not made to be spoken perfectly as he still made literature even though he had a stutter.


The boy in this poem overcomes oppression. He does this from his teacher. An example that backs this up is ' used my name and own words.' This shows that he has overcome the cruel behaviour towards him. Despite the negativity that was put on him he still managed to escape the trap that he was in and still became successful.  This had a good impact on overcoming oppression as it shows that he managed to get work and then proved to the higher class what literature should really be like. Tony Harrison also overcame oppression as he is a famous writer but he is still not in higher class and he is trapped in middle class.

How does Larkin explore ideas of inequality between social classes?

NOTES
Proletariats shop in there but get cheap clothes as they can not afford expensive clothes.
The proletariats make the clothes.
Bourgeoisie owns it and they are very wealthy. They get a percentage of the income but proletariats get a small amount. This keeps them in there social class.
Larkin uses straight forward style of his writing. He is rude may be because of his class.
'Simple sizes plainly' represents that the proletariats are all the same as they are all in the same social class.
all would be equal if we all wear nice clothes.

In this text Larkin explores ideas of inequality between social class as he speaks about being alienated in the social classes and the only way of being un trapped is if they stop working. This is all to do with the superstructure as they have no education as the proletariats that work in The large cool store. They feel as if they are forced to go and work as they just need money so that they can live. But he also discuss the facts that the working class do not have the same rights as the higher class as they are controlled by the higher class and they are exploited in the large cool store.
The title of this text is called 'the large cool store.' The name of this has different meanings. 'cool' could mean that it is cold therefore they are heartless and emotionless. The author may put it like this because it shows that the bourgeoisie is heartless as they make the proletariats work. The other meaning that it could have is that it is "cool" and they look good. This mans that they are trying to make people think the store is good. We can also see that the bourgeoisie has hegemony over the proletariats as they have control over all of the proletariats that work. The base of the superstructure is also used as the proletariats resemble the means of production. We can see this as the proletariats have to get up early and go to work. A quote that supports this is 'who leave at dawn. This shows that they have to wake up early, then leave fore work and work hard whilst the bourgeoisies boss them around. They are also alienated in the working class as they are isolated and they can not leave there work as they are not at strong financial point.
In the text The Large Cool Store, Larkin explores ideas of inequality between the different social classes. He does this by using an easy structure. This is done because it reflects the monotonous life's of proletariats in a capitalised society.  For example the basic rhyme scheme of ABABAB, this then shows how dull and boring those peoples life's are. An example of this is 'clothes... plainly... hose...navy.' This shows inequality between the social classes because it demonstrates how the bourgeoisie controls the proletariat through there repetitive life's and the sense of false consciousness.

Larkin is middle class in the social system. this shows through the work by the fact that the "the large cool store" is in reference to middle class shops like Marks and Spencer's. This illustrates that Larkin acknowledges the fact that a proletariat lifestyle is to work and then spend. Something that he can relate to as he is a proletariat himself. ' set out in simple sizes plainly.' This shows that they are all simple and plain and they are all the same.

The work in this text supports the economic and status quo because Larkin refers to how the proletariats live in society and how they are alienated through consumerism in the society which then makes them think that they can only feel good about themselves in the clothes of the bourgeoisie. The text supports this with the line 'synthetic, new and naturless in ecstasies.' This shows that men and women want to be fake and that they want to mascaraed as something that they are not but they believe themselves to be.
The class system plays a big role in work. This is because the proletariat are working for the bourgeoisie as they are the working class. The class also shows that the lower class have to work so that they can afford to go out. But the bourgeoisie just boss around the proletariats telling them what they are supposed to be doing. Therefore this shows the class system as there higher class have power over the lower and working class. Larkin has presented the work with a class system because that may be how he feels as he is the middle class. A quote that supports this would be ' dawn low terraced houses.' This shows that it is the morning and they are going to go and do unskilled labour for the bourgeoisie so that he can earn lots of money and be rich, whilst the proletariats earn little money and work really hard. Then they are only able to afford to be able to go out at night and that's it. This shows that there is a class system in the work place.
The work is seen as propaganda as they make it seem as if working is good and exciting, but it actually isn't they are just being exploited by the bourgeoisie.  But they also use propaganda as they make it seem ;like now you've got money you will be able to go out. But Larkin describes them going out and the mood seems to change as they are all happy and it is colourful. A quote that supports this is ' Lemon, sapphire, moss- green, rose Bri- nylon baby- dolls and shorties flounce in clusters.' This shows that it is colourful at night time as they all dress up to go out. It also shows that there life is only exciting at night when they are not working. therefore they use propaganda as Larkin has set an image that it is colourful when they go out and they can only go out because they have worked.

The role that class pays in work is that proletariats live in 'low terrace houses' this means that they have small houses and they are run down as they are doing unskilled labour and they do not get paid very much. But they still go and spend there money even if it is on clothes or going out drinking. This is due to materialism and consumerism. They believe that they will be better people if they have nice clothes and dress well.
The author demonstrates how the bourgeoisie and the proletariats both want to make money. But the bourgeoisie are already rich therefore they have power over the working class. But the bourgeoisie can also force the proletariats to make things especially clothes because if they did not make these then they would not be able to survive as they would not have any money. 'timed for factory, yard and site.' This shows that they go to work to earn money and they are forced to get up early for there unskilled work. As the proletariats are forced to work and make the clothes the bourgeoisie is just planning on selling them back to them when they buy them. But because of materialism nobody questions it as they think that is the normal and it is all okay. This shows a sense of false consciousness because they are desperate to be rich so they just work.
The characters do not overcome oppression this is because they are stuck in there social cycle. As they can not escape as they would not be able to survive with no money. But if they do get out of that social class then they will just get trapped into another social class and they will then be in the same situation again. The only way that they are able to escape is if they stop working. This is shown by the women at the end of this text as they are shown to be wearing bright colours. This shows that there life is much happier and brighter whilst they are nit working or stuck in there social class cycle. The quote that shows this is ' lemon, sapphire, moss green.' This shows that there clothes are now brighter as they are not working and there is no social class as they have escaped.
The work does not propose a utopian vision. This is because they believe that if you wear nice clothes then you will be seen to be as a bourgeoisie. But that is not necessarily true that is just what they believed. 'heaps of shirts and trousers.' This shows that men only have one thing to wear and it shows that men are calm as they do not mind that there clothes are not neat. But society is actually the opposite due to the capitalist society. There is nobody that is free in the society as they are all trapped in there social classes.
This piece of literature does show that it reflects the authors class because he was middle class and it also reflects his attitude as he hated women. This shows that he is a misogynist as he had bad views about women. It reflects his own class as he is also part of the class that he writes about therefore he is talking about possibly his own problems that he has.
To conclude in this text Larkin explores many different ideas about inequality between social classes. This is done by using gender as a problem but also the fact that the bourgeoisies force the proletariats to work but they all have a simple and repetitive life.