King Lear(leer)

Alright. Now to set my sights on completing some homework on Shakespeare. (Mainly so that I won't be staring blankly during lessons)

This Week's thing on King Lear is about the role of the Fool in the story. We've discussed a little about him in class but as with Shakespeare, no literature (or rather English) teacher will let us drop a character like that. I came up with some points but basically this was what we came up with. (Mostly our teacher firing questions at us and major stagnant pauses until someone responds)

I have to admit, online games will be my demise. And of all of them, it had to be neopets and Youda Sushi Chef on Miniclip.com.

The fool: used as a character to show the irony in the whole demise of King Lear.
The name of the Fool brings to mindan imbecile, a dimwit, a clown or even a court jester. Someone who is not of nobility or much education or learning. Yet, he contrasts with Lear because of his wisdom. In the fool's remarks and comments on Lear's situation, he seems to have a clearer view and stream of thought than the King himself, whom we would expect wisdom and experience from. The fool's insights then give the stark juxtaposition on different levels.

First, the status between the King and the Fool. How could a King be left with no loyal servant or companion but the Fool and Mad Tom in the wind and rain?

Second, the logic and reasoning that shows one's wisdom varies immensely between the two characters. While the King ought to be advising his subjects and himself, it seems like he is getting more reason out of the fool. This makes people listen to the fool when they realise he's not just a clown or jester to liven up the play but an important character which comes in at pertinent points to give focus to the audience.

This attention and focus it reaps from the audience allows Shakespeare to use him as a mouthpiece to make people think about the matters and themes brought out in the play. Some playwriters also adopt a similar style and in other plays, Shakespeare also uses insignificant characters to say the poignant points which need to be brought out into the drama.

That was what we discussed.

And Youda Sushi Chef was just a demo... sob. I only did one week of sushi cutting!!!

Here's a conversation involving me and a classmate Vivian. Its about the Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama and why in the world its used for English lessons. Yes. My blog is that empty.

I'm Knitogether.

Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
So Maths and English is due tomorrow, and school ends on time tomorrow?
Knitogether says:
erm 2:15 for you
what el is there really?
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
Write some stupid reflections on Obama
Knitogether says:
oh right
i just did points
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
I seriously do not understand the purpose of reading a boring politics book just because it was written by the president of USA
Knitogether says:
before he was elected
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
Fine, written by a famous Senator
Knitogether says:
well. what if she made us read some obscure name then?
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
Why do we, as young students, need to read a book about politics?
Knitogether says:
like i don't know, thoughts of abram lincoln
better now than never
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
Sorry just trying to spark a debate. I wanna know what it feels like
Still
Knitogether says:
which one of us is going to pick up a book like... that in our adult life unless its just to keep in our cupbards
and tell ppl oh yeha i've read parts of it
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
Exactly! Why do we even need to read it?
Knitogether says:
at least its only one book and it covers quite a number of issues
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
Why do we even need to cast a glance upon it in the first place?
Aww.
Come on you know you want to side with me
Knitogether says:
and it broadens our view on the problems with the world
in singapore we're sheltered from bad politics other than the near annihilation of political groups
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
But why do we even need to broaden our view with the problems across the world?
Knitogether says:
because we are the world
and we need to create awareness and just do something about it
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
We are not going to be included. Even if we did know of it, we wouldn't be able to do anything about it
But we can't do anything about it!
Knitogether says:
rather than sit around pretending exactly that
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
Ignorance is bliss
Knitogether says:
imagine, we could start a blog, or donate something which will eventually end up where its needed
we all would like to think so but what if out parents and government used that as an excuse
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
Or, people might think it is a waste of time, or it is a hoax, and never come and look at the blog again
Knitogether says:
do unto others what you would liek others to do unto you
like*
perhaps but its only some
even if its only the minority you touch, its still something
like if one person helps three others and each of those three helps another three and the cycle keeps on continuing itself, very soon a school, a town, a suburb, a country will be impacted
and vice versa if everyone ignores the fire next door or the old lady who dropped her groceries
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
Sorry I gtg. My relatives are going to use the table for dinner
Knitogether says:
it all adds up to something, whether positive or negative is up to ourselves
okay
Vivian - Time to make a box! says:
But great I like a private like this. Thanks!
private debate*

Okay see you folks!