Reading Notes: Dante's Inferno Part B

Reading Notes

. . .

(Paul Chenavard's Dante's Inferno)

. . .

The Giants

For this particular part, what I really enjoyed was the formatting or rather the continuation of the step by step theme that the journey through the rungs of the inferno ignited. By walking through each of the giants with small excerpts for each the staircase quality of the plot was able to thrive on. Out of the five giants we meet I latched onto Nimod. Whether that is because of the authors note or just the writing I am unsure but I think I am also attracted to the curse laid upon him. To lose the ability to communicate is a fate I would wish upon no one and can be such a source of pain that I was entranced by his cameo in the piece.

Ugolino

The story of Count Ugolino is a captivating one to say the least. For all intents and purposes, Ugolino was just a naive noble who paid for his foolishness in famine. Funnily Enough, I heard the story of Count Ugolino in an episode of a podcast called Lore; being slightly familiar with the piece allowed for a renewed pleasure in the reading for me. Instead of hearing a third party, Count Ugolino was able to describe his own demise which provided a fun, delicious (excuse the morbid pun) twist. 

Satan

The personification of Satan over time has evolved and twisted itself into a product of media culture. At first it was in the medium of books and novels, such as the bible and Dante's Inferno but with tv shows and movies the Devil has been shaped into a whole new beast of its own right. For me, it was intriguing to see and understand one of the first elaborate depictions of the Christian Satan. While every culture has their from of the Devil, Dante's Inferno's description is a thing of nightmares and maybe that is the key to his writing in general: to being people's sins and nightmares to the forefrront.

. . .

All reading notes are based off of excerpts from Dante's Divine Comedy, translated by Tony Kline (2002).

Reading Notes: Dante's Inferno Part A

Reading Notes

. . .

(Paul Chenavard's Dante's Inferno)

. . .

Dante and Virgil

World building is such a timed honored craft and that can be seen in Dante's Inferno. Because the entire story is written from Dante's perspective, an effective replacement for the audience, the detail needs to be extremely descriptive for the reader to be swept up in the world. Simply the entrance into the dark woods alone sets up the entire eerie tone that the classic keeps in tact throughout the piece. I am not sure how I would work this into a story but it did teach me a lesson about how detail lets the piece survive on its own.

The Gate of Hell and Charon

This was an interesting part to read for me because when I think of Dante's Inferno I immediately skip to Dante exploring the rungs of hell. To actually read and understand the actual journey into hell provides a lot more insight into the character of Dante as well. For instance, Dante seems to act impulsively but has shame and guilt once the act is done. That is a very anxiety driven quality called being counter-phobic. This provides a good foundation for the behaviors and reactions Dante has throughout the piece. 

Limbo

Originally, I thought that limbo was a place for people who are still being judged (on whether to go to heaven or hell) were kept. But to account for the people who around before christianity is not only a smart move but a much needed one. As soon as I started reading I questioned what constituted a person being kept in hell and once that question was thought, a number of other questions followed in their footsteps. One of the marks of a great reading for me is when I have a question and it is promptly answered (unless there is mystery shrouded in such a question to provide aid to the plot). So accounting for those who were born before Christianity answers my question but also ties up any loopholes in the world.

. . .

All reading notes are based off of excerpts from Dante's Divine Comedy, translated by Tony Kline (2002).

Tech Tip: Google Timer

Tech Tip: Google Timer

. . .

(Screen Capture of a Google Timer)

. . .

       This tip was a interesting one for me, in learning how to do it and testing it out. Usually, I would describe myself as a person who enjoys working under pressure. Not only do I feel like I work best, because I am required to be concise instead of indulging my want to elaborate, but I also just enjoy pressure to a certain extent. The downside of this leads to procrastination more often times than not, which is why I thought the timer might recreate that feeling but allow me to get it done earlier.
        Setting it up was easy enough, following the instructions laid out by Professor Gibbs, but the real test was to see if my idea held up. I tried it out Friday before class and ultimately, I think my strong sense of laziness prevailed. Rather than encourage me to get it done, my anxiety by constantly checking where I was on the timer lead me to want to give up all together than be slightly late on the timer. I definitely will still try this timer idea out until I can break this dangerous habit but as far as first tries go, this one was a failure on my part.
      Nonetheless, I would recommend for others to try this out if they have a knack for working under pressure, the timer does do a good job of recreating that sense of urgency other people like me enjoy. I would just be careful with the expectations you put on yourself with each timer you set. Don't push too far or you might be prone to just giving up instead of prevailing. Overall, I think this is a neat tech tip that may need some more toying with for me but could be immediately great for others!

. . .

Extra Reading Notes: Alice in Wonderland Part B

Reading Notes

. . .

(Alice in Wonderland with Cards by Jackie Bassett)
. . .

The Mad Tea Party

This first part of one of my favorite portions of Alice in Wonderland marks the charm of two iconic characters: the Mad Hatter and the March Hare. Probably more so than Alice herself, the Mad Hatter is a cultural icon and his charming nonsensical sense has a level of escapism that I think, no matter the age, all people tend to seek out. Adversely, you have the March Hare overly concerned with time keeping the groundedness of reality well and alive.  

The Mad Tea Party (Part II)

This portion of the Mad Tea Party is truly a lesson in what fun dialogue can bring to a story. More often than not, it is easier to just write out a story not concerning one's self with any dialogue just making the character come alive based solely on description. But the charm of dialogue is that by writing in the character's voice the cadence of the character's words can do more for character building than a two paragraph long description. This rings true for the Dormouse in this scene, no real character description but the dialogue is enough to hold it up. 

The Mad Tea Party (Part III)

This ending always struck me as a lovely unfinished piece. There is no real conclusion with the Dormouse and his additions to Alice's adventures but it does nothing to dull the charm of the stories. As a reader I am not sure what Carroll did to pull this off. Was it his diligent world-building that let me accept this as a proper ending? Was it the character already being introduced fleetingly? Just goes to showcase Lewis Carroll's genius in writing.

. . .

All reading notes are based off of excerpts from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865).

Reading Notes: Alice in Wonderland Part A

Reading Notes

. . .

(Alice in Wonderland with Cards by Jackie Bassett)
. . .

Down the Rabbit Hole

As a child my father used to read me Through the Looking Glass to calm me after nightmares so I have collected multiple versions of that version of Alice's story but I have yet to read this book fully. The first chapter reminded me of why I love Lewis Carroll's writing so much. The prose and almost flirty cadence he creates that the reader just falls into is impeccable. 

Down the Rabbit Hole (Part II)

This portion has one of my favorite scenes in Alice in Wonderland: Alice and the 'Drink Me' Bottle. It stands out, not just for its icon status but because of its incredible sense of detail. Like the detail of what the drink tasted of, most authors probably would have left it at "a sickeningly sweet taste," but Carroll gave an entire mixture of familiar foods that let you experience each one as he listed them. One thing I can really take away from Carroll is his attention to detail. 

Down the Rabbit Hole (Part III)

To end Alice's trip down the rabbit hole, this part had the most action within the three parts. Although Alice fell down in the previous parts in this one she grows twice her size and must figure a way out and into wonderland. This part also has the fastest pace, which was a lesson in the flow a story must keep up. As I have been having a difficult time with active verbs, I particularly searched them out in this portion and was greeted with a highly active voice throughout. The use of active verbs created the urgency that the portion needed to keep interest.

. . .

All reading notes are based off of excerpts from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865).

Tech Tip: Canvas Notifications

Tech Tip: Canvas Notifications

. . .

(OU Canvas graphic for OU Insight website)

. . .

       This tip was really helpful for me in particular because admittedly, I think about this class last in my to do list that is ever growing as a senior. This course is also the only course I have that utilizes Canvas so there is a strong element of forgetfulness since I normally just check D2L. By learning how to set up notifications other than the reminders sent out by the instructor, I have added in an extra wall in defense of forgetfulness. 

       Another helpful aspect of setting up one's Canvas notifications is that it keeps me accountable. If I make the bad decision of relaxing with Netflix instead of doing the work that is due that night I get an extra reminder at 7 am through email to wake up and do all work within the grace period. Although, notifications do not combat against some of my bad habits or crazy class/work schedule the extra help does not hurt! 

      Even though we are nearing the end of the semester and most students are already on the right track assignment wise, I know that because of its online aspect this class will, unfortunately, be left not prioritized. By setting up notifications, it keeps this course in one's mind and high on the priority list or at the very least gives the student a nagging sensation until the assignment is completed. I really recommend students use this feature for this course and any upcoming classes they may have. You never know, one notification might just save your grade! 

. . .

Extra Reading Notes: British Fairy Tales (Emerson) Part A

Extra Reading Notes

. . .

(The first of the five photographs shows Frances Griffiths with the alleged fairies By Elsie Wright)

. . .

The Fairies of Caragonan
What I really found interesting and appriecated the most from this short story is the format and flow. Rather than the story itself, I was more intrigued by the three act, almost play like format. In addition, the actual flow of the story was very different from American fairy tales because instead of starting at the beginning (when/why the hunter got sick in the first place) it started with his cure by the fairies then went back to tell his tale.

The Fairies of Caragonan (Part II)
The continuation of the previous story provided a nice, bow-wrapped ending to a fairly peculiar fairytale. From other mythologies that involve fairies, I have known fairies to be more trickster, selfish characters yet in this telling they willing helped a hunter save his ill-fated life. Admittedly, I was kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop as read on. If I were to rewrite this story I would definitely add the trickster element.

Three Short Stories of Fairies 
I loved how with this Emerson story was a collection of three seemingly connected stories. Oddly enough, after each story I found myself wanting more and got that answered with the next story even though they are not originally connected. As for the first story when the blacksmith ended up with the money, I immediately wanted there to be a fable about the importance of cherishing money and in the next story a farmer gained a lesson in just that.

The Old Man and the Fairies
This second collection of short stories was more of what I am used to when I think of fairies. I think of the fairies having conditions for any riches they give out and holding true to them. The theme of conditional riches is deeply seeded in many different folklores but I feel as though the most impactful are usually those of the trickster variety, like Anansi, Loki and the fairies of this story.

. . .

All reading notes are based off of stories from Welsh Fairy-Tales and Other Stories by Peter H. Emerson (1894).