Fantasy vs. Reality: Lecture Response #3

            In “A Streetcar Named Desire,” by Tennessee Williams, there is a theme regarding the reluctance and inability to accept the truth. It is seen through one character in particular, Stella. Towards the end of the play, Stella’s sister, Blanche, is raped by her husband. It is clear that deep down inside Stella knows the truth. However, Stella chooses to believe her husband, Stanley, rather than her own sister. Stella sends Blanche off to a mental asylum in order to avoid the reality of the situation. Stella is not ready to give up her fantasy of her “ideal life,” with her “perfect” husband, and child on the way. She rather ignore the harsh truth and continue living her false illusion. After really evaluating this piece of literature on a scholarly level, I realized that I will never let myself live a false fantasy. I was also taught never to rely on a man for love and happiness. You must find that within yourself before being able to truly love someone else. I rather face the truth and suffer than live a life pretending to be happy.

Antigone: Lecture Response #2

“No matter what others think/say, you must trust yourself and your own judgement. Don’t just follow in what others believe, you are your own person with your own ideas and beliefs. Never second guess yourself.” –Epictetus: The Art of Living

            This quote was given to us for homework and it was later discussed in class. After analyzing this quote, I related it to Antigone because she knew burying her brother was the right thing to do and she stood by her own judgement despite Ismene’s lack of support. There was absolutely nothing holding Antigone back, not even the law. In fishbowl on February 8^th, we went on to discuss how someone who doesn’t speak because of fear is cowardly. This related to the play because Ismene didn’t take action. However, Antigone did and it was evident through her actions that family and loyalty was very important to her. I really enjoyed this fishbowl because I am personally the same way. I would never silence myself out of fear, especially if it dealt with my family. After thoroughly discussing this topic, I gained a better outlook on judgement. No matter what the case may be, you are your own person. Not everyone I meet will have the same ideas or beliefs as me. It is important to keep an open mind, however, it is also important to trust yourself and be yourself.

The Tragic Hero: Lecture Response #1

“A man cannot become a hero, until he can see the root of his own downfall”

The first lecture I thoroughly enjoyed was the lecture regarding the drama “Antigone” by Sophocles. We discussed the topic of tragic hero’s and how they are characters with defects and flaws which eventually will lead to their downfall. In this play specifically, the tragic hero was Creon. Creon was the King of Thebes. He was very powerful but he was very egoistic rather than altruistic. Creon was extremely arrogant and prideful rather than selfless and real. This lesson helped me gain insight outside of the classroom as well. It made me realize that at times, I can be surrounded by people whose intentions may not be as good as mine. Some people may not be as giving and selfless as me. There are plenty of individuals out there who possess character traits known as the seven deadly sins. They are pride, greed, sloth, envy, rage, gluttony and lust. It is important that through it all, we remember who we truly are despite the flaws in the world. This relates to the last part of the lesson which was existentialism. The idea that an outcome is determined by self-made choices. If we stay true to ourselves, our outcomes in any situation will be positive. This class lecture made me realize that we have the power to determine how we want to live our lives and however we do choose to live it, we will gain self-knowledge and awareness along the way.