Reminder About Homework!

Hello there,

I just want to remind you of your homework for this Saturday:

1.  Finish Reading A Raisin in the Sun

2.  Write first two pages of your draft for the final paper.  Print and come to class with 2 copies of this work.

Thank you!
Raquel

A Raisin in the sun mama

Myra Khan

11-14-2014

EN 102 –C6A/6C

Choose a character from the play, A Raisin in the Sun, and create a character map of sorts.  Describe this character and his/her significance in the play.  What do they dream of having?  Why did you choose to discuss this character?  What about their personality and presence in the play spoke to you as a reader?

Mama (also known as Lena Younger); is the mother of Walter and Beneatha, she lost her husband after losing her baby. Mama is a proud woman who knows how to carry herself; she is also a very religious person and has high morals. She loves her children and calls them her “harvest”. Her dream is using her husband’s insurance money to put a down payment on a house with a backyard so she could see her family and her move up in the world since that is her dream. I chose to discuss Mama, because she is an interesting character, who is a hard worker that tries to do as much as possible for her children even though they can’t see eye to eye with her. Especially when time comes around about the insurance money; she wants to use it to buy a house, but not for her but for her children since it has been her dream to see her family go up in the world. Mama’s personality did speak out to me because she is a really strong woman personality and religious wise. Even though Mama was denied a lot of things in her life and she lost her husband. Her faith kept increasing even though she went through so much, she stayed positive not only for herself but for her children as well. And her strong character was really amazing because for an old woman that is really hard; losing almost everything and still being positive.   

Marilyn Cruz

Corona Raquel

11/14/ 2014

 

In the play, A Raisin in the sun, the character that called my attention the most was Walter Lee, he aimed to convince his mother of giving him the money of his father insurance so that he can invested in a liquor store and this way get the money they need to improve they living conditions. They live in a small house with a tremendous amount of people not only that, they had to share the bathroom with the neighbors. Ruth who happen to be Walter lee wife’s seemed tired and with no hope that the situation they lived in will ever change. Travis Walter and ruts sons appear as a young boy who wants to do after school work in order to get some money and who doesn’t even had his own room and have to sleep in the living room. Mama Lena who appear as a strong and supporting mother and a religious women. Beneatha the little sister who wants to become a doctor and who also receive part of the money of his father insurance to study. she seems more educated and smart than the rest of her Family members.  Last but not least Bobo who happen to be Walter lee friend and partner.

 

Walter lee younger appears in the play as the main character. I choose to discuss this character personality because I like that his a dreamer. He wants to get out of poverty by making business with two partner.  In this play Walter and his sister Beneatha are the only ones who are willing to change their economic situation. Walter lee sees his father insurance money as the solution to all they problem. Even though he is a dreamer and he be getting idea in how to get rich, he never seemed to put effort in getting the money in some other ways, like working and saving money or looking for a better job, instead he wants to do things the easy way just by taking his father money. Walter lee is the kind of person that blamed others for things that happen to him. He said that none of his family member support him in achieving his dream and that colored women (referring to his wife) “don’t understand about building their man up and making feel like they somebody.” To me in the way that he referred to his wife is very disrespectful, which make me focus more in his personality. He believe that by putting this liquor store he will get rich and will have everything he ever wanted. His also a selfish person because he be fighting with his younger sister over the money. He think that his mother is wasting the money on her and that she should be a doctor. He strong personality and the fact that he wants to be successful, makes me like this character and as a reader I always look for the ones that make the play more interesting to read and for me lee personality and attitude toward the story make it even more interesting and fun to read.

Siren Peralta
Prof. Raquel Corona
English 102



Choose a character from the play, A Raisin in the Sun, and create a character map of sorts.
Describe this character and his/her significance in the play. What do they dream of having? Why
did you choose to discuss this character? What about their personality and presence in the play
spoke to you as a reader?


        In a Raisin in the Sun the character who caught my attention the most was Mama as I was

reading through the play . You can say that she's the " man/voice " of the house. She makes

sure everyone is fine  most of all, her grandchild. Mama is a strong black woman who's

kind and doesn't mind to express how she feels . She wants things to be done the right way all

the time. Her  biggest dream is to see her family safe, happy, but most of all at peace. Why I chose

to consider this protagonist Mama is because I like the way she views the world. No matter the

struggle of being poor and also a black woman, Mama stills manages to be happy with what she

has. She also has hope and knows how to run the money that was left for her.

Ruth Younger

Aneesa Baptiste

Prof. Raquel Corona

English 102

Choose a character from the play, A Raisin in the Sun, and create a character map of sorts. Describe this character and his/her significance in the play. What do they dream of having? Why did you choose to discuss this character? What about their personality and presence in the play spoke to you as a reader?

Ruth

In A Raisin in the Sun, of all the characters that are mentioned in the first two scenes, the one that interest me the most was Ruth Younger. Her role as wife, mother, daughter, sister is an important role for one person. In the first scene, there is turmoil between Ruth and her husband Walter. Walter is to absorb with his dreams and ideas about opening a liquor store business with the insurance check that he fails to see at first the disapproval from his wife. The lack of finance and the struggle to hold the family together during this time was taking a toll on her. She do seem to love her husband but it also seems she thinks that Walter's dreams are hollow and does not have enough faith to believe in him anymore. Ruth's dreams seems to be simple, to build a happy family and live out her life being moderately comfortable. When she finds out that she is pregnant she becomes worried that this will cause a financial burden on them which prompted her to make a down payment to have an abortion. Ruth is not a selfish individual. She puts her family first and takes things in stride. The treatment from her husband isn't making her any more happy but she seems to be an emotionally strong person that will go through thick or thin for her family.

Mama

Mama tend to remind me of my grandma. They seem to share the same qualities. They both are religious and not only think about themselves but also their family. It's amazing as well as to how a woman is the head of the household at that point of time (normally it's a man). However, she seem to make wise decisions as to what to do with things, such as her money. She also disliked Walters "liquor store" idea not because she was selfish but because she knows what that would lead to. All she ever wanted was to make her children happy and provide for them. She wanted to get a house with the money she was receiving so that they will be able to live happily, which means Travis will also get his own room. Also, she planned on helping her daughter with schooling tuition. I just enjoy that way she handle every situation with authority and dignity.

Beneatha

                  Neomi Castro

                Reading response

                November 14, 2014

                 Choose a character from the play, *A Raisin in the Sun*, and create a character map of sorts. Describe this character and his/her significance in the play. What do they dream of having? Why did you choose to discuss this character? What about their personality and presence in the play spoke to you as a reader?

               

                There are many characters in “A Raisin in the Sun”. One of those characters is a young female lady who is called Beneatha. Beneatha is Walter’s little sister and Lena’s daughter. Beneatha in the story is described as a pretty young slim girl in her 20s. “Different from the rest of the family’s insofar as education” meaning she is different from the rest of her family, in the story she is known as the educated in the play.

                She has an important role in the play because in Walter’s eye she’s considered the spoiled smart one. I say this because in page 496, Beneatha mention that her brother constantly asking and questioning her about her school and career “Beneatha: And what did I answers yesterday morning-and the day before that?” Beneatha goal in the story is to become a doctor. Walter says “Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor?” In this statement clearly Beneatha’s brother Walter states that she doesn’t have to be a doctor.

 

                I feel that Beneatha is going to be struggling in her life. The story takes place between World War 2, meaning that women don’t have as much rights as men do and racism was still going on. Beneatha is an African American 20 year old trying to be a doctor during this time. In page 498 “Walter: Who the hell told you to be a doctor... Then go be a nurse like other women or just get married and be quiet”. In one sentence, Walter describes the struggles and how a women life is at that time period. He compares Beneatha to the other women of that time period. “Just get married and be quiet,” meaning that at this time period women didn’t have a say in their marriage, they would just stay quiet.

Mama :)

Mama - I love Mama. She reminds me so much of my grandmother. I envision her as this sweet little old lady with tight grey curls, little glasses, short, an apron on and the type to threathen someone with a rolling pin. Mama tries to make everyone happy yet she keeps the family in check at all times. Mama I feel is done living for herself and wants the best of everyone in the family from her daughter and son to grand babies and daughter in law. She wants to make sure that everyone is stable, happy and set before she goes. She could spend that money on anything she wants but she chooses to use it for a house so Ruth can have her kitchen, Travis his own room and all she wants for herself is a little garden in the corner of the yard. What i like about Mama is that she is sweet and spicy. Grandma has a kick to her. She has that no nonsense attitude but a heart of gold and would be the first to help someone out. She reminds me of my grandmother strong, free spirited,    a great mother and grandmother. Mama is the foundation in the play. She keeps Walter on point, Travis in check, she is the shoulder for Ruth to lean on and vent too and she keeps Beneatha from running wild. I feel without Mama around the house would be in shambles. Maybe even Ruth and Walter would not end up staying together. Only a mother can semi keep their son in check....those men I tell ya. I think Mama needs to whoop Walter a good one because I do not like his attitude that wouldnt be me.

"A Raisin in the Sun" RR

 

Melicia Bharioo

EN 102

Professor Corona

November 14, 2014

 

“A Raisin in the Sun” – Reading Response Question:

Choose a character from the play, A Raisin in the Sun, and create a character map of sorts. Describe this character and his/her significance in the play. What do they dream of having? Why did you choose to discuss this character? What about their personality and presence in the play spoke to you as a reader?

 

In the play “A Raisin in the Sun” the character that pulled me in to focus more was Beneatha, a twenty year old young girl who is the sister of Walter Lee, and daughter to Lena. She is an intelligent girl who doesn’t take nonsense from anyone. Beneatha also known as “Bennie” studies to become a doctor one day. Her schooling is important to everyone in the family who is making the sacrifice for her to continue her studies in medical school. Her mother Lena is getting back insurance money, which is a huge relief for everyone. Bennie gets the benefit out of it mostly for her school and I think it’s a good thing her mother is doing. Bennie is a down to earth young girl who lives in a modern society where she understands language of the present time. She expresses the way she feels towards any sort of topic in life. I sense that Beneatha holds the foundation for the family because she is intelligent and very determined. She can help the family to get out of where they are now living which is a very small apartment and not much to live on more of living from pay check to pay check. Beneatha is a type of girl that likes to take risk in trying everything, such as taking guitar lessons. Whereas, she is currently studying to be a doctor and to just live her life as it comes to her. She doesn’t look at marriage as something important in her life and believes her achievement and struggles are from herself and no one else. This may sound selfish, but I find it to be true even though others are making the sacrifice as well because she is the one that needs to put her mind to get it done. I choose Beneatha because she is strong and determined. She likes to experiment different things and with this she can be anything she want to be rather than just depending on one idea. This set a wide open for the family in a way that she can help them to be lifted up and live like the “rich” people they speak of. Beneatha personality set an example to everyone of the kind of person she intends to be. She is a little selfish, but living in such poverty selfishness can raise you to the top. Her presence is more important in the play and is mentioned more throughout the play because of her dreams and goals, this is why I believe she hold the key to the family happiness and prosperity.

MAMA-ralph

The Character I chose was Mama.I chose Mama because she is the glue that holds the younger family together.She is the type of person that believes that you can be successful without stabbing people on the back and being a nice person in general,without having to anything illegal or bad in any case.She also makes it clear in the play that she wants everyone to be happy together.She is the main caretaker in the story, she seems to take care of a person even though that certain person might not have the same morals as her or same beliefs.I also like the fact that she takes effort into thinking about her dreams,because they are the only thing she has.Mama is a significant character in the play because almost everyone in the play talks to her for her advice or guidance,and if they are not talking to her about either,they still talk to her just to have someone to listen.Mama dreams of having a house with a garden and a yard,which says a whole lot about her.Her dream shows that her top priority,is to have a place where the family can be together,and to have a yard for travis to play in and a garden for her to tend to.In general, her dream is to have a place where people are together have fun and love each other,with her dream, she is thinking about everyone:she is thinking about travis with her yard,so he can play in,she is thinking about the family when she says she wants a house,and she is thinking about giving love to other things that are not human being, such as plants.The closest thing that she has to a selfish dream is her garden,but it doesn't even reach the borderline of being selfish because a garden is something you can share with other people.Her character spoke to me because of the way she handles her life despite the conditions that she is in. She and her family live in a tight poor apartment,and despite those living conditions,she still urges everyone to clean up after themselves and keep the house neat and clean.Her view on keeping the house clean,speaks to me, because it shows that,no matter what conditions might be,either good or bad,you still have to have order in your life.The same goes for her plant.She has a plant that she treats with love,which shows two things, that you can still care of something,no matter how small it is,and, it does not matter how small you start your dream as long as you start it,because her dream is to have a garden,but for now,she has a plant.I also like  her character because despite her nice attitude,she does not mind telling people what is on her mind.If there is something that her children or grandchildren are doing wrong or,something that she doesnt like,she lets them know that she doesnt like it,and why she doesnt like it.

Walter Lee

In the play a raisin in the sun the most interesting character is Walter Lee. I feel that he is going to continue to be a source of conflict with the other characters.  I would describe Walter Lee as selfish stubborn bitter and immature.  his interaction with his benetha to me shows that resents the fact that she is in school pursuing her dreams and mama is footing the bill.  Walter has an aspiration to open a liquor store and in order to do that he needs 10,000 which he wants his mama to give him.  her refusal to give the money makes him lash out like an immature child throwing a tantrum.  he doesn't care that mama  the has other plans for her money including seeing benetha through school and as we later learn buy a house.  the desires of his own mother can not over power gross l his belief that he is entitled to the money.

      Walter conversation with George showed me how resentful he is towards people that aren't just working to survive like he is.  He was angered by who George is and what he believed  George was a representation of.  To Walter George thinks he is one of the white college students and doesn't identify with the Blacks.  Walter feels he thinks is superior to him but the fact is that Walter really feels inferior to George and to compensate for that he disrespects him continuously. George failing to react did nothing but made Walter behave  even worse.

The way Walter deals with his wife's pregnancy was mind boggling due to the fact he never truthfully acknowledges Ruth's pregnancy or her choice to abort.  He is unsupportive because he is fixating on the money and the dream of owning the liquor store. I believe Walter will have to learn lessons the hard way and the second half of the story will center around his inability to adjust to his new surroundings

I chose Walter Lee Younger for my reading response because while reading the play Walter seemed 

the most relatable. Not that i really saw that much of myself in him, but i totally understand where 

he's coming from. He is very headstrong like some people i know in real life, and that hasn't always 

played out well for them. He is very stubborn and doesn't always see when he is in the wrong, which 

is where a lot of the problems that befall him and his family come from. Specifically with trusting 

Willy, everyone in his family was against it but he didn't consider their opinions because he was so 

sure that he was right. It's sad because i don't see Walter as a greedy person, he is just someone who 

wants his family to have a better life, and is willing to go through so much to help achieve that goal. 

unfortunately he keeps making mistakes and setting the whole family back. Unfortunately because of 

the type of society they live in, Walter doesn't believe that an African American family can prosper 

without attempting some sort of scheme like the ones he's always thinking up. The play focuses 

around Walter but i also feel like he is the antagonist towards the family because of all his screw ups. 

suranie jodha

Mama

Mama is Ruth’s mother-in-law, Travis grand-mother, Walter and Beneatha mother in the play. In the play mama is the head of the house hole, she is the one who hold the family together (the glue). She has a saying in everything, most importantly she loves her family and wants them to be happy. With the insurance money, she took it and bought a house for her family because he wants her grandson Travis to have his own room, back yard to play in and a little garden so she can plant. She is the type of person who is not interested in materials thing, in addition she is very religious and believes in god. She disapprove of Ruth’s abortion and Walter going into the liquor business. She stands for her beliefs and wants her family to walk right with god. She is always into everyone’s business in the family.

I think she is in her late 50s or early 60s, she is very strong and active woman who enjoy gardening. In the play she is the care giver and the nurturing one. She cares about everyone in different ways for examples he comfort Ruth when Walter ignore here, she disapprove of Travis sleeping in the room. I think she care more for her family than herself for example as soon as she received the insurance money she took some and bought a house without anyone approval. If it wasn’t for mama I think Walter family fall apart. The same way mama nurture the little plant is a perfect example of the way she nurture her little family. Her main priority is to provide for her family which supposed to be Walter role. In the play mama role is to fulfill herself and family dreams of buying a house.

I chose mama because she reminds me of my grandmother, always wanting what’s best for her family and put their needs first. I think she is a very sensitive, loving caring, warm, religious and also clean woman because she always wants her apartment to be polish.   

Ruth Younger

Choose a character from the play, A Raisin In The Sun, and create a character map of sorts. Describe this character and his/her significance in the play. What do they dream of having? Why did you choose to discuss this character? What about their personality and presence in the play spoke to you as a reader?

Ruth Younger

Poor Ruth is married to Walter lee Younger and has one child, Travis with Walter. Ruth is described as “a pretty girl, even exceptionally so, but now it is apparent that life has been little that she expected, and disappointment has already began to hang on her face.” As I read the first half of this play, these were the words that kept haunting my mind whenever Ruth spoke to Mama, and even her husband. Ruth just comes of as a character that life has beat down repeatedly. She goes about her daily tasks without complaint, but you can see that the tediousness of everything is aggravating her. Each morning, having to wake her son and husband, and give them breakfast, that seems to be scrambled eggs each morning. Ruth is stuck with Walter, whom I believe she once loved, and was loved by. But as the years grew on, and dreams were shattered, they grew apart, to a dysfunctional marriage. Ruth is stuck in a small apartment with her family, as well as her mother and sister in law; all while she is dreaming of having her own little house, where she is not worried about the cockroaches and mice, and she would have a room that allows in the sunlight that she craves. Ruth also dreams of having ahead and that loves her, and is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for his family and make them happy. But instead, she is stuck with Walter lee younger, a man with big dreams and get-rich-quick schemes. Ruth plays a big part because of her and Walters relationship. We see how far apart they have grown. Walter runs out to go drinking when he hears that his wife is not only pregnant, but ready and willing to abort it. Without ever saying no, Ruth has been influential in ensuring that Walter does not cause the family any more financial stress. I chose to discuss Ruth because in some ways she reminds me of my mother. The argument between Ruth an Walter over the liquor store reminds me of the conversations I hear between my parents. My dad with his big dreams and big business ideas and my mom reminding my dad that they don't have the initial investment to start whatever venture he has moved on to now. My mom, like Ruth, does the cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other household chores because it is exactly what she has been doing for years. Those things have now become expected of her. She may not always be happy to be the only one doing it, but she does it anyway. As a reader, I could not help but feel so sorry for Ruth. To be stuck in a loveless marriage, a hole in the wall apartment, and no one to talk to seems like one of the worst things a woman can experience. Ruth's easy decision to abort her baby made me feel like she was so stressed out that she just would not be able to handle another child. The sunlight that Ruth referred to when she found out about the house that Mama bought was all of Ruth's hopes and dreams. I can't wait to read the rest of the play, as I am patiently waiting for Ruth to find her sunlight and her happiness.

English 102

Donna Peters

Professor Rachel Corona

November 14, 2014

                                                                    

 Character chosen:   Walter Lee                                                                       

Everyone experience hard life and personal struggles. But the outcome of our lives depends on us. Life is 10 percent of what happen to us and 90 percent of how we handle it. Sad to say Walter had his fair share struggles from childhood but just didn’t handle it too well. His parent grew him and his sister Bennie in a one bed rom roach ridden apartment, where they partially shared facility with another family. Mama and papa were hard working people but they just couldn’t get their resources together to either rent another place or purchase a home.

Walter and Bennie eventually reach adulthood in the same home, but Beanie decided to discontinue the family tradition by taking a more positive approach to life. She became a med student. Walter had a more get rich quick mentality out of his circumstances, and he was determine to use his father’s death insurance benefit that belong to his mother to invest into a liquor business. I chucked at the idea, because he never discussed the idea with his mom, yet he had this crazy notion all penned out, despite being discourage by his wife (Ruth) and sister who didn’t share his dream of success.

I choose this Character because I think like Walter lots of people has great idea, but has the wrong approach to make it happen. Walters’s idea for doing business was a good idea. But, a liquor business might not have been the best idea considering he himself had an alcoholic problem. His family knew that all too well and sort to discourage him. No one in their right mind would have encourage Walter to go into something that would have support his bad habit and might eventually run the business into the red. If Walter had chosen a more favorable business and a less demanding attitude for the money it might have yield a more favorable outcome.

Walter lee played a very significant role to this play for his character is a reality of life even now has then. He had a stinking attitude, which prevented him from achieving much and made life very difficult for him and those around him. He needed to learn humility and a complete different approach to petitionary. 

Choose a character from the play, A Raisin in the Sun, and create a character map of sorts. Describe this character and his/her significance in the play.  What do they dream of having? Why did you choose to discuss this character?  What about their personality and presence in the play spoke to you as a reader? 

Milena Noguera Csernick

Oh Walter Lee...

To me Walter Lee Younger was the most significant character of A Raisin in the Sun. Everyone (relevant) in the play is in one way or another linked to Walter. He is the one who adds all the sudden changes and twists to the play.  From simple details like the constant fights with Beneatha, Ruth, Travis and his own mother,  to big details like losing a 65% of the money that his mother received from her husband's life insurance policy, and which was planned to pay for the education of Beneatha and to better the family quality of life.   

As a reader, I had mixed emotions towards the character because on one hand I thought he was an inconsiderate and selfish man, but on the other hand the circumstances that involved Walter Lee led me to pity him, later to understand him and at some point I actually admired his personality.  When the story started I thought he was lazy and insensitive. Considering the responsibilities that having a child, a wife and a mother under his care I thought he was lazy because he didn’t seem eager to go to work.  But I really disliked him when he was such an insensitive husband towards his wife, for example, when he mentioned that she looked younger that morning... and later on he says something like, no, it was just a moment, now you look like yourself again.  Another example is when Ruth doesn’t want to give extra money (50 cents) to Travis to take to his school and Walter diminished her authority by giving him not only 50 cents but 1 dollar in defiance to his wife. That without mentioning that he called his sister a "horrible looking chick". He manipulated his wife and tried to manipulate his sister to get them to talk his mother into giving him the life insurance money for him to be able to invest it and that way "get rich".  And so the story goes on and on with his faults and long list of bad qualities. In the long run as I mentioned, I concluded that Walter Lee was who he was because of the circumstances that his environment had to offer him.  He was a good person, but he was very basic, low educated(which made him naive), had low opportunities(due to racism). In addition, he was full of problems, like low self-esteem, high sense of ambition, and many more aspects that got him to address his life the way he did.  The mixed emotions came when I thought: What if I were in his position? Wouldn’t I want the same things? Wouldn’t I act the same way? and I thought that with all those factors pushing me, maybe I would make the same mistakes.... after all, we are only human. right? 

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry - Reading Response

Insoo Cho

Prof. Raquel Corona

English 102

Choose a character from the play, A Raisin in the Sun, and create a character map of sorts.

Describe this character and his/her significance in the play.  What do they dream of having?  Why did you choose to discuss this character?  What about their personality and presence in the play spoke to you as a reader?

                    In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, I was most intrigued in the character of Walter Lee Younger, an immature dreamer who is eager to convince his mother to invest his father’s insurance money into a get-rich-quick business. He lives in a tiny house with a large number of family members: a religious and a strong-willed mother Lena, a doctor-wanna-be and bratty little sister Beneatha, a desperate housewife Ruth, and their little son Travis.  With a house so small that his son doesn't have his own room to sleep in, he is eager to escape the poverty.  In addition, his dissatisfying and humiliating job as a driver and the missed investment opportunity as an owner of a successful dry cleaning business added fuel to his idea of the get-rich-quick business.
                    Walter Lee sees his father’s insurance money as the opportunity to achieve his dream of success. However, he never once seemed to put his own time and effort into achieving his goal, but rather chose to blame his mother and his wife for not supporting his dream. I chose to discuss this character because his presumptuous and hypocritical attitude caught my attention. Walter Lee mocked his sister Beneatha for wanting to become a female doctor and labeled her as an ungrateful spoiled little girl for wanting to follow her dream, all because he was wary that his mother may take a few thousand dollars from the insurance money to help her through her med school. Not realizing that it is he, not her, who lost his mind over the insurance money and is demanding the money, with ignorance he even advises her to snap back to reality. Another example of his shockingly hypocritical attitude was when his wife, who shared news of her pregnancy with their child, needed him the most, he simply walked out of his house after complaining to his wife and his family for not listening nor supporting him, when it was he himself who failed to be a good husband nor a good son.

A Raisin in the Sun - Reading Response Question

Hello all!

The reading response is pretty simple and straightforward.

Good luck!
Raquel

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Choose a character from the play, A Raisin in the Sun, and create a character map of sorts.  Describe this character and his/her significance in the play.  What do they dream of having?  Why did you choose to discuss this character?  What about their personality and presence in the play spoke to you as a reader?

Reminder about Homework for this Week!

Hello there!

Just wanted to remind you all that homework for this week is a little different than previously.  Below you'll find everything in a list format.

Thank you and see you on Saturday!
Raquel

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Homework List for November 8th

1.  Finish Reading Antigone the play.

2.  Add to your answer for the question you chose to respond to in class.  You must add at least 500 words to your response.  Your response to the question must be printed and brought with you to class on Saturday.  Please make sure to have 2 printed copies of this response!  The questions I posed in class are:

a.  What is the function of the Chorus in the play?  How is the Chorus developed and what is their purpose in the overall function of the play? 

2.  b.  In literature, the word agency means, “the freedom and capacity to live or act in a defined world.”  And so, when you look at the character of Antigone, to what extent does she have agency in the play?  In what ways have you seen her act on her own ability to live and survive in this particular world?

c.  Antigone is betrothed to Haemon (Creon’s son).  What have you learned about Haemon thus far?  How has the Chorus introduced him in the play?  What do you predict his role will be in the play?  

Antigone

Neomi Castro

Describe Creon's character and the way he is portrayed in the story.  What kind of leader does he sounds like at the onset of the play?  What would you consider his flaws?  How do you know these are his flaws? 

  In "Antigone" he seems like a faithful person to his country and to the the gods.Faithful is being loyal.Creon shows his loyalty to the kingdom when he starts talking about Polyneices and metion "lead the rest of us to slavery".When Creon said this to the city showed a action of being faithful and loyal because Polyneices as said in Creon words that he was a rebellion that almost lead them to the slavery. That was a act of a loyal king explaing to his kingdom why Polyneices has a awful death.

  Creon flaws would have to be losing his sons love. Just because he question his love .In line 680 "Can you have come here in your furry against your father ? Or have I your love still, no matter what I do" .By questioning his son love toward his father. Is showing  a emotion of concern. Which means that he wants his son next to him, meaning that he want Haemon love stronger than any marriage.

Haemon response confirming that he's with his father no matter what . In line 685 "no marriage will ever be so value by me as to override the goodness of your leadership ". Explaing that his marriage isn't as important  as his dad leadership.
Which confirms Creon emotion toward his son.Creon is very happy of his sons response confirming that his son is very obedient to him.

Antigone - RR

Melicia Bharioo
Prof: Corona
EN 102
10/31/2014


Antigone - Question # 1

Describe Creon's character and the way he is portrayed in the story. What kind of leader does he sound like at the onset of the play? What would you consider his flaws? How do you know these are his flaws?


In the play Antigone, Creon is the king of Thebes and the uncle of Antigone and Ismene. My thoughts of Creon traits at the beginning of the play were that Creon was tough but yet soft. I felt he was a very tough king, but deep within he was softer. After pronouncing the ruling on one of Antigone brother Polynecices to a very dis honored burial and anyone who disobey will face death, with this I had a sense he would change his mind on the idea of death after finding out that Antigone has done the wrongful deed because she is Creon's niece after all. My predictions were wrong after reading more deep into the play. Creon is very cold hearted and selfish. He seeks only to gain power and dignity from the people of the country and he does not care how much it cost or what it takes for him to get there. He is portrayed as the king where the ones below him is afraid to speak or walk in a way. Upon hearing from his messenger of the work done to bury Polynecies, he was furious and order the messenger to find who has done it, else he would face the consequences. I find this to be very unfair. The people of Thebes portray Creon as a savior and believes he is the superior one for assuring the people that he is doing the best he can to save the citizens and the Country. With Polyneices having to go against his own country trying to destroy and burn his city down, Creon declares that he should face a dark burial fed to the dogs and birds. I would consider Creon flaws to be the kind that see himself as the only one who can do the job as king. He believes that he is superior than women because he insisted on keeping his word to death to anyone who has disobeyed him in burying Polynecies even though he know it was Antigone who has done it, his blood related niece. Creon kept his word and imprisoned her because he doesn't want to loose to a woman where Antigone will be the one to win over him if he does not fullfill his deed. Antigone is also Creon's son fiancé. Creon still insisted in the death of Antigone, even though Antigone and his son Haemon shares a deep relationship. He showed no emotion, and does not believe in love. Creon is a person who does not show any love, emotion or some sort of humor in anyway. He only believes in power and to be the superior one.

Donna Peters                                                                                      October 31, 2014

Professor Rachel Corona                                                                     

English 102

Reading Response to the drama “Anigone page 1-10 (line 1 to 725)”

Question:

1)      Describe Creon’s character and the way he is portrayed in the story. What kind of leader does he sounds like at the outset of the play? What would you consider his flaws? How do you know these are his flaws?

Cleon was a notorious self-centered, autocratic king who obviously utilized the death /murder of the prospective heir to the throne. At the outset of the drama he portrayed a character of a king that really cares for the people of Thebes who was truly in favored of Eteocles. Ultimately, he proved otherwise and that he was just an opportunist who put on a façade to gain the heart of the Thebans for his own glory and fame.    

            The character Cleon, from start to finish was quite intriguing. At the outset of the drama, Cleon portraits a character of a king with unpolluted interest for the Thebans. His pretentious behavior disguised the self-centered person with one who appeared genuine with an objective to protect and care for the people like their former leaders. Cleon saw an opportunity to utilize the death of the two heirs to the throne to execute his plans for selfish gain, and that he did. I was truly impressive with his web of deception. His action was practically less than flawless. He really behaved nonsensical and demonstrated nothing less than a true king of justice. In line 82 and 203-205 he said “I choose you out of all...” and assured them “If I saw ruin, not safety, on the way towards my fellow citizens, I would not count any enemy of my country friend.” All of this was just a façade which was eventually, exhibited by demonizing Poliyneise as evil in support of his ungodly deeds and with the objective of gaining the hearts of the people, who was obviously in favor of Eteocles.(Eteocles was not a saint but Poliyneise took the wrong approached in search of kingship. As a result he lost favor with the people for the crown.)  Cleon then became king after their death and his plan was executed. He was eventually dreaded by all. All except for Antigone and Ismene who choose not to obey his rules and regulations.

            .

Sentry

     I believe the Sentry's role in the story is supposed to complete and unbiased truth.  The Sentry comes to Creon to let him know that the man that he said was to be disgraced and not buried or mourned was in fact taken and given a burial.  He was the bearer of bad news in this situation and once he told Creon the information Creon became enraged.  However this did not stop the Sentry from questioning Creon's source of pain.  He said "Is it the ache in your ears or in your mind?" To ask a harsh ruler such a question in the mist of his rage shows one who allows the truth to serve as a guide without consequence.  To me the Sentry serves as the voice of reason and comes from a rational state of mind.  What confuses me is that initially he states he did not see who did the crime but then late stated "She is the one I saw burying the dead man you forbade the burial of" and continues to give a detail account of what he seen.  I came to understand after that the sentry is more than one man they just share the title   All in all I still believe that the sentry is the person that delivers the truth by asking the logical questions that aren't emotion based. Even when he delivered Antigone to Creon he described her human emotion and reaction to seeing her brother naked in the forest what he says in line 480 is basically telling Creon there was an emotional attachment in the "crime" and even tho it was the breaking of the rule he says " Now, my lord take her and as you please judge her and test her; I am just free and clear of this trouble.  He is telling Creon do what you feel you need to do but he won't agree with it,  The sentry is speaking nothing but wisdom in this piece,

Antigone....

Describe Creon's character and the way he is portrayed in the story. What kind of leader does he sounds like at the onset of the play? What would you consider his flaws? How do you know these are his flaws?


Milena Noguera Csernick


Creon is Oedipus uncle, the former king of Thebes. After the death of Polyneices and Eteocles (the heirs to the throne) he became the new king of Thebes.
So far in this "tragedy", I can conclude that Creon is not a good king. He is self-centered, unfair, unwise, has no trace of humbleness and has a cold heart. In my opinion, the way that he speaks denotes that he thinks that everybody is beneath him, that everybody should be devoted to obey him and submit to his will, He ordered that nobody would mourn or buried Polyneices' body and he decreteed the punishment of death to anyone disobeying his order. He is unfair, He was accusing his niece Ismene along with Antigone of the deed against his decree without even knowing how everything happened, for all what the story showed to the point when he learned about the facts, Ismene was innocent but he went ahead and claimed that it was also her fault and sentenced both to  death,  even when the only one found at the scene was Antigone. He is an unwise leader, who uses his power in order to get his way and who threats the citizens under his government, that’s why Antigone tells him "No, these do, too, but keep their mouths shut for the fear of you". In a leadership fear is the worse feeling to inspire, because usually the feared person is also a hated person. His pride is extreme. When seeing the power and pride that Antigone expresses with her words, he feels threatened and frustrated is then when he says " Go then to the world below, yourself, if you must love. Love them. When I am alive no woman shall rule". He has a cooooollllddd heart. How can he do any harm to his own family?, first, by forbidding the proper and VERY IMPORTANT burial of his nephew's body and later on, by enforcing the law which will deprive young Antigone of her life. I say, what an animal.

Shannel Camacho       

English 102

Raquel Corona

October 31, 2014

1) Describe Creon's character and the way he is portrayed in the story.  What kind of leader does he sounds like at the onset of the play?  What would you consider his flaws?  How do you know these are his flaws?

            In this story Creon is the son of Menoeceus. Creon is the king, the new ruler of Thebes. What I interpreted Creon’s character, while I was reading the second page; to be is selfish and heartless. I say this because while reading, one of the sentences states, “I here to proclaim to the city that this man shall not no one honor with a grave and non shall mourn... You shall leave him without burial; you shall watch him chewed up by birds and dogs and violated… But he that is loyal to the state in death, in life alike, shall have my honor.” As I read those words, I thought to myself what a heartless human being. Someone who portrays as a higher authority and takes advantage of his civilians, a leader that is abusing his power as a king.  He states that whoever is loyal to his city, he will honor, but those who aren’t loyal to his city will not be buried and do not deserve his honor. So then I changed my mind about Creon’s character once he mentioned about people being loyal to him. He feel as if people betray him he has no need to be loyal to them or honor them. His way of not honoring people is by not burying them and figuratively speaking letting the dogs chew the body alive. He sounds like he is the type of leader that whatever he says goes. He expects people to meet and complete his orders, if not consequences will be presented. One of the flaws Creon has a selfish quality, I think this because even if someone is disloyal you should not wish the worse upon them, but in his case if they’re disloyal he doesn’t care about the victims feelings.