(TW: SUICIDE MENT.) Despair is an incredibly interesting character to me. He begs the question, “Is it not better to doe willinglie, / Then linger, till the glasse be all out ronne” (410-411)? If I’m reading this correctly, he’s saying it’s better to die of one’s own volition than let death come to them naturally.… Read more Driven by Despair (Canto 9 Question)
Kayla Orthman
Overshadowed Female Writers
A common theme in the lives of female writers throughout history is that they are always eventually overshadowed by a man. Whether it happens during their lifetime or after, it’s a reality that every female writer faces. Mary Sidney Herbert was a talented writer in her time who was, after her death, reduced to a… Read more Overshadowed Female Writers
Gawain collab, day 2
“The Green Knight” Reflection 2
Something that has confused me throughout the film was the motivation of the Green Knight. What could he possibly gain from the “game” he plays with Gawain? I thought that maybe, once Gawain got to the Green Chapel, the Knight would not behead him and it would be some kind of lesson about courage. Maybe… Read more “The Green Knight” Reflection 2
“The Faerie Queene” Question
The evolution of English as a language is one of the most interesting things in my opinion; the way letters used to make different sounds in different eras, and how it’s gotten to the point it’s at now. It’s fascinating to see how various pieces of literature (particularly with things like prayers) are written differently… Read more “The Faerie Queene” Question
Can Fantasy Become Not Racist?
I oftentimes try not to think too hard about the media I consume. It’s easier for me to simply play D&D without thinking about the racist stereotypes involved in it; however, I know that this is something that not everyone can do, and something that I probably shouldn’t do. I talked about this in my… Read more Can Fantasy Become Not Racist?
What Does The Fox Mean? (“The Green Knight” Question)
Throughout The Green Knight, a symbol that has been popping up time and time again is that of the fox. Gawain continuously sees it throughout the woods, particularly in moments where he could be hurt or in trouble. It’s there when he pulls himself up from the lake which Winifred’s head was discarded in, and… Read more What Does The Fox Mean? (“The Green Knight” Question)
Mother Nature is Terrifying (“The Green Knight” Reflection 1)
As we watch The Green Knight, I keep picking out parallels between it and other pieces we’ve read. Particularly, the scene at around 1:05:00 where Gawain dives into the lake to retrieve Winifred’s head. To me, this was vaguely reminiscent of when Beowulf dives into the water to kill Grendel’s Mother. Bodies of water tend… Read more Mother Nature is Terrifying (“The Green Knight” Reflection 1)
COVID-19 Is Not the Start of an Era
I will be the first to admit that I don’t know very much about the Black Death. Having lived through the COVID-19 pandemic, though, I think I know I decent amount about it. I knew about the unfair consequences the pandemic was having on marginalized groups, but I did not know about the parallels to… Read more COVID-19 Is Not the Start of an Era