This question is addressed in many rap songs, and even in some of Michael Jackson's pop hits.

Also, as my essay is about the mourning for the death of Michael Jackson, a great African American pop icon, this idea of the deeper meaning of his music could be worked into my argument of why it was hard for people to let him go. They were not only loosing a great singer, but someone who created music that might help them connect to their history and culture.

Therefore, rap and pop music is no just about fighting injustice, but retaining history.

Just as Jazz and Blues, music which relies heavily on the nonverbal, was born out of the "constrictions of enslavement and colonialism," so rap and pop, music which is heavily word-based, emerges as African Americans gain a stronger voice in society.

This point about English not being their native tongue makes the genre of rap music all the more impressive as rap is about a mastery of the English language just as much as it is about the beat behind it.

This makes me wonder if Michael Jackson, in choosing to write pop songs instead of jazz or blues, was ever accused of simply doing it for the money. Did people see his music as an expression of African American culture and history like that which is described in this article?

This is a fantastic quotation. While it is discussing blues and jazz specifically, I think that it could fairly be extended to be true of all African American music. Thus this definition of the spirit of African American music could be used as either argument or motive. Argument for an essay centered around a discussion of Michael Jackson's works- possibly one that focuses on the deeper meaning, or beneficial elements to his music. It could also be motive for an essay on Michael Jackson as it does provide a meaning to African American music that goes beyond simple entertainment. Not only is this music a link to the past, but it is a present expression of revolt against all the injustices performed against them, and a promise to keep fighting towards an "unlivable destiny."

Here, the article only references blues and jazz, but the spirit of African American music is definitely seen in hip hop and even some pop as well, as rap music continues to expose the truth of racism and songs like Michael Jackson's "Beat it" question the unfair exclusion of African Americans that continues today.

For Michael Jackson, both the word and gesture were important as so much of the spirit of his music translated into his dance.

I like how this is the description she chooses to use- it sharply contrasts the image of a mother with the young men who rap and constantly use such language. It points out that those words are not common place, despite their frequency in rap music.

We discussed this in class- how rap music attempts to address "real life" issues, no matter how messy.

While I personally like the term "ladies" (perhaps because of its use in "ladies and gentleman") I can see how it could be used negatively in song. Also, I like that she acknowledges that sometimes, it is just nice to be sung about, despite the context.

The non-committal nature of this seems to point to the fact that she still doesn't really care. And the continuing objectification of women in music is due to this apathy.

It is interesting that Basil can see some of Dorian's faults, yet still holds him up as kind of an infallible innocent that can do no wrong.

Looking Back: I think this is explained later when Basil is talking to Dorian right before he is murdered. He professes that he has heard dreadful rumors about Dorian, but they can't possibly be true, because Dorian is still so beautiful. This goes back to the idea of people unjustly relating inner and outer beauty. (which I don't agree with, by the way, but the novel obviously does).

The way he writes about the effect of Dorian is almost like an encounter with the Divine, as if he has seen some great beauty that has redefined the world. The theme of Beauty being the ultimate power, I think is presented, then challenged throughout the novel.

Looking back: The theme seems to be inner beauty contrasted with outer beauty. Throughout the novel, everyone seems to relate the two, thinking that someone so attractive cannot possibly be evil, and this is what causes Basil's ultimate downfall. So it is that people give power to attractiveness and beauty, not that it has its own power to affect change.

Much of literature is to prove a point or to demonstrate an idea in story form. Like Atlas Shrugged or Anthem, or even Cesare's A Tempest, where Caliban is a symbol for colonialism. To not use art to express values and arguments is to miss an opportunity.

I disagree with this. I think that a book can be immoral, not if it deals with immoral things, but if if it makes the reader think immoral thoughts or pushes the reader to immoral actions. People can be affected by literature in profound ways, and it is the authors responsibility to make sure that this is not a negative effect.

This kind of bugs me, that his death comes without him seeing it coming. I feel that he never really grasps the evil of his actions. I suppose that it can work, as he dies following a random impulse, just as random impulses and his inability to restrain them got him in so much trouble in life. I just think that if he was going to die by his own hand, he should know what is happening. Is anyone else displeased with the ending?

Yet Basil did have a "mysterious disappearance" once before, as mentioned in the first chapter. Was that ever explained? I think I missed it if it was.

There is another death that Dorian is recently responsible for, yet he doesn't seem affected by it. Dorian seems to have lost all concept for good and evil, despite his talk of wanting redemption.

Dorian speaks about such little acts as not completely ruining a random girl's life as if they are his redemption, yet he still has a murder hanging over his head.

It is going to take quite a lot for me to believe that.

Everyone else seems to realize the flaws in Dorian's life philosophy, and that in living in such a manner, he is missing out on so much and living in corruption, yet Dorian seems blind to the value of any other method of living, despite his study of the world. Is he incapable of doing good since he made his bargain, or is it simply his choices that drove him down such a dark path?

Slightly random comment: indifference also seems to be a theme in the novel- Lord Henry's character is initially more indifferent to what people thought of him and that was what fascinated Dorian. Also, As Dorian became more like Lord Henry, he lost his boyish enthusiasm and became more cynical and indifferent to life in general. Basil, the noble character in the novel, never stopped caring deeply about things and he never lost his moral character, although it didn't seem to do him much good in the end.

Again, the power of the name- this time the power comes in speaking it, not in secrecy, because using his first name denotes familiarity, which means he is more inclined to help. What is the novel trying to say about the value of one's name?

An odd bout of conscience that I didn't think Dorian was capable of. Still, it didn't

So he does still have the qualities of youth, more than just the appearance.

An answer to my earlier question! I wonder if Basil is correct in saying that there was "nothing evil in it, nothing shameful," as it is never truly just to worship someone to such an extent. It always ends up hurting either you or the subject of your affections.

At the beginning, Basil stated that he put so much of himself into the painting. I wonder if any of that can still be seen?

Basil tried so hard to be a positive influence on Dorian and to keep him pure and innocent, yet in the end, with his painting, he unconsciously ruined him. How much of the events of the book are Basil's fault? Can he take any of the blame? All of it?

Despite all the evidence, Basil is still dubious as to the evil of Dorian's character. Is this his affection for Dorian still lingering, or is it the power of his outward appearance?

There seems to be a recurring theme of the power of secrecy. The secrecy of concealing one's name, the mystery of personality, and now concealing sins. Dorian has the unique ability to keep his sins from showing on his face and this gives him the power to instill trust in others and to keep a good name.

He is most certainly drawn to beauty, as all of his occupations- music, jewels, etc.- share that element in common. Perhaps he is looking for something that can inspire him as he inspired Basil.

Dorian is beginning to build a celebrity despite not displaying any particular talent. This lends credence to the belief one can be a true celebrity based only on their character and exploits that catch the public's eye.

Lots of talk about the key and locks in this chapter, Now that Dorian is no longer innocent, and has something to hide, secrecy and security now become essential.

It would always be alive, but would Dorian? Did he exchange the chance to live a true life for the facade of eternal youth, where he can experience pleasures, but never truly feel alive?

Hiding the portrait could represent how he now feels that he has sins to hide, something to be ashamed of.

The death of Sibyl seems to have really changed Dorian. Before he seemed to look up to lord Henry as a sort of infallible giver of wisdom. Now, he doesn't even like him that much.

Again, the connection between keeping your name secret and the power it provides.

Sibyl was the last thing that made him question the poisonous thoughts Lord Henry had planted, and when he rejected her, his last innocence and goodness died. Was this his last chance for redemption?

The lack of emotion is somewhat disturbing. Although if he truly lost his soul in the bargain, I suppose it is understandable.

Sibyl, when she finds someone she loves, is willing to give up fantasy and begin living in reality, but Dorian, true to form, refuses to awaken and is instead upset that Sibyl is interrupting his dream. Ever since he stopped aging and denied the realities of life, Dorian stopped truly living and instead moves vainly through the world in search of pleasure.

Just looking the part is not enough in the play, and in the end, Dorian finds that this is true for real life as well, as his increasingly foul character gets more and more noticed.

Socrates would mark Lord Henry a fool for this remark.

Sibyl makes him want to be better, makes him feel young and alive and forget the "poisonous" words of Lord Henry. A comparison between true youth and love and the cynical, self-indulgent view of the world Lord Henry encourages.

Does Dorian truly love Sibyl if she is never herself?

Why Romeo and Juliette? Possibly because of instant love and a tragic end.

The first view Lord Henry imparted was that man should avoid being influenced by other men, yet Dorian has become a student of Henry to the extent that he has few original views. Yay, irony!

We first see Lord Henry reclining in luxury on a divan, waiting for Basil and now, with this time jump, we come to Dorian reclining in luxury waiting for Lord Henry. Already, the similarities are showing.

The first time Dorian makes a conscious decision to pursue his new world-view.

Is there a difference yet? Or is this foreshadowing the difference in the future?

Another reminder that it is just a painting, despite all of the meaning given to it by all of the characters.

Again, the theme of Identity: both Basil and Dorian identify very closely with the painting that is nothing "but canvas and color."

The portrait of Dorian couldn't be finished until he had heard and accepted the words of Lord Henry. As Henry says later when Dorian shows acceptance of Henry's ideas: "It is the real Dorian Gray,—that is all"

Dorian realizes that Lord Henry is speaking nonsense, so why do they affect him so much?

Self-contradiction- If the influence of others is bad, shouldn't this man's influence bring others further from their own self realization?

Yet what is the point of truly coming to know and perfect yourself if you end up existing in a vacuum? According to Henry, you cannot realize your nature if you don't have human interaction, but what is the point of a perfect nature if you cannot use it to better the world?

Youth seems to not only be associated with the vitality of young age, but also with innocence and good character. Dorian seems to act very much like a child in the way he talks to Basil and the reverence and respect for his elders and this is the personality that Basil so reverences.

Why does Basil keep referring to Dorian's "personality" as his motivation when all his evidences point to him to be merely entranced by his beauty?

Wise words from Basil finally challenging Lord Henry's snarky remarks.

Yet Dorian's whole personality and outlook on life is able to be changed with in one evening conversation with Lord Henry. This makes me doubt that it was very strong to begin with.

Here, I can more believe he would use a full name, as opposed to earlier when he referenced him in passing. Sorry, nitpicking. I will stop now.

This looks like a quote that would be on Pinterest. Lord Henry is full of them.

I would be more inclined to trust Basil's beliefs if he was not proved wrong so drastically in his beliefs about Dorian.

Why did he use his full name? I mean other than to reveal his full name to us and Lord Henry. When I am talking about someone in passing, I would be more inclined to just use the first name. Minor plot convenience though, it can be forgiven.

Basil really seems to believe this philosophy, as evidenced by his not wanting to display his "best work" as Lord Henry put it so as not to draw attention to himself. While Basil himself may enjoy painting, he doesn't want his skill to be known to distinguish him from others.

This is the major claim of the paragraph. The persona Byron created in his writing is connected to Byron himself in the minds of his readers and the softness that underlies even his evil deeds draws women to him with the idea they can help.

Key term: The basis of the special relationship between Byron and his readers that made him more than an ordinary poet and turned his readers into fans. The emotional connection Byron's readers feel to him transforms him into one of the characters of his novels and bestows upon him a personality that his fans can connect to.

Main theme: There is evidence that Byron's fans thought they had a personal connection to him.

Key term: Byron's brooding element that aids him in forming such emotional poetry and is at the basis of so much of his character. Throsby equates Byron's melancholy with his Rebel character stating that together, these draw women to him with the idea that they can help.

Main theme: Many of Byron's fans feel that they would be able to impact him in a real way because they think that they know him through his writing. Key Term: Byron made many mistakes and discrepancies in England, and this added to his fame, yet many women were willing to forgive his faults because they believe they saw in his writing a desire for reform. The idea of reform permeated Byron's celebrity interactions because many people saw him as living in sin and put it upon themselves to change that.

Main theme: the Rebel persona that Byron creates for himself, whether true or not, is what draws this female attention.

Key term: A persona that attracts interest by not conforming. Dyer defines Byron's celebrity persona with "the Rebel" character type.

Keyterm: The celebrity that Byron created that was his personality in public and that showed throughout his writings. Throsby connects the Byronic persona to Byron's social successes.

In class exercise.

In class exercise.

Byron seems very self-deprecating in this prologue and seems to see poetry as more of a distraction from living than anything very important. I wonder if this view of poetry and his poetic ability changed after his rise to fame, or if he was constantly doubting his skill even with all the confirmation.

While the movie shows Byron very affected by this liaison, it also mentions that he had many such affairs while abroad- the difference being that now there are more obvious consequences to his actions. However, this doesn't seem to influence his future actions, except for an effort to keep some of his affairs more secret.