82 Matching Annotations
  1. Jul 2020
  2. earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
    Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
    8
    1. lucascash 27 Jul 2020
      It is not easy to express the joy I was in, upon the unexpected hope of once more seeing my beloved country, and the dear pledges I left in it. The ship slackened her sails, and I came up with her, between five and six in the evening, September twenty-sixth; but my heart leaped within me to see her English colors.

      I think it's very interesting how this story tackles the idea of an outsider being inducted into a different nation. The author acts as a victim of alienation and must figure out how to communicate and live with this new society. Considering England/Europe weren't very understanding of other cultures, especially the African nations, in this time. Trying to manage a new language, culture, and complications of war between two groups is a difficult task, all while the narrator just wants to go home. Quite an interesting theme.

    2. lucascash 27 Jul 2020
      Sixth. He shall be our ally against our enemies in the island of Blefuscu, and do his utmost to destroy their fleet, which is now preparing to invade us.

      I couldn't imagine attacking a country with a giant on their side. Good reason to keep him alive.

    4. lucascash 27 Jul 2020
      I was in the utmost astonishment, and roared so loud that they all ran back in a fright; and some of them, as I was afterwards told, were hurt with the falls they got by leaping from my sides upon the ground.

      Perfect movie scene. The visual is well developed.

    6. lucascash 27 Jul 2020
      The last of these voyages not proving very fortunate, I grew weary of the sea,

      Interesting how tired he'd gotten from the sea, considering all the journeys and exploring he has yet to do. I assume that he will find a fondness for adventure through the course of his stories. I also think this line is significant because he is again putting emphasis on the profitability of these trips. Money seems to be a big concern at this point.

    8. lucascash 27 Jul 2020
      There I studied physic two years and seven months, knowing it would be useful in long voyages.

      This first paragraph surely gives a lot of exposition and information very quickly. The author doesn't leave us guessing on any background details. I enjoyed the painterly descriptions of the world from Oroonoko more, but this story plays out as more of a fun journey.

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  3. pressbooks.pub pressbooks.pub
    Oroonoko by Aphra Behn
    11
    1. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      first cut off his members, and threw them into the fire; after that, with an ill-favored knife, they cut off his ears and his nose and burned them; he still smoked on, as if nothing had touched him; then they hacked off one of his arms, and still he bore up, and held his pipe; but at the cutting off the other arm, his head sunk, and his pipe dropped, and he gave up the ghost,

      This graphic description reminds me of another story about a slave in Tarantino's Django: Unchained. Jamie Foxx's character, Django, almost meets a similar fate. They state in the movie that cutting off his member would lead to bleeding out and death in less than ten minutes. Only the most disrespectful torture was used for these enslaved men, makes you wonder where this sick hatred could come from. The blood loss from losing his arm must've been the final blow. Gruesome how fast this torture must have went. Unbelievable.

    2. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      He had learned to take tobacco; and when he was assured he should die, he desired they would give him a pipe in his mouth, ready lighted; which they did. And the executioner came, and first cut off his members, and threw them into the fire; after that, with an ill-favored knife, they cut off his ears and his nose and burned them; he still smoked on, as if nothing had touched him; then they hacked off one of his arms, and still he bore up, and held his pipe; but at the cutting off the other arm, his head sunk, and his pipe dropped, and he gave up the ghost, without a groan or a reproach. My mother and sister were by him all the while, but not suffered to save him; so rude and wild were the rabble, and so inhuman were the justices who stood by to see the execution, who after paid dearly enough for their insolence. They cut Caesar in quarters, and sent them to several of the chief plantations: one quarter was sent to Colonel Martin, who refused it, and swore he had rather see the quarters of Banister, and the Governor himself, that those of Caesar, on his plantations; and that he could govern his negroes without terrifying and grieving them with frightful spectacles of a mangled king.

      Truly a tragedy.

    3. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      but beloved like a deity

      He truly resembles a King, some may consider this close to Godliness. I've seen before that Pharaohs and other Kings of Africa were considered to be decedents of Gods. Even in his current state, Oroonoko still embodies what he was destined to become.

    4. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      Another time being in the woods, he killed a tiger which had long infested that part, and borne away abundance of sheep and oxen

      Interesting, very skilled. I'm reminded of the tiger villain from The Jungle Book or even the jaguar taken down by Tarzan.

    5. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      but seen and known what a vast and charming world he had been master of in that continent, he would never have parted so easily with it to the Dutch. ’Tis a continent whose vast extent was never yet known, and may contain more noble earth than all the universe beside; for, they say, it reaches from east to west one way as far as China, and another to Peru: it affords all things both for beauty and use; ’tis there eternal spring, always the very months of April, May, and June; the shades are perpetual, the trees bearing at once all degrees of leaves and fruit, from blooming buds to ripe autumn: groves of oranges, lemons, citrons, figs, nutmegs, and noble aromatics continually bearing their fragrancies. The trees appearing all like nosegays adorned with flowers of different kinds; some are all white, some purple, some scarlet, some blue, some yellow; bearing at the same time ripe fruit, and blooming young, or producing every day new. The very wood of all these trees has an intrinsic value above common timber; for they are, when cut, of different colors, glorious to behold, and bear a price considerable, to inlay withal. Besides this, they yield rich balm and gums; so that we make our candles of such an aromatic substance as does not only give a sufficient light, but, as they burn, they cast their perfumes all about. Cedar is the common firing, and all the houses are built with it. The very meat we eat, when set on the table, if it be native, I mean of the country, perfumes the whole room; especially a little beast called an armadillo, a thing which I can liken to nothing so well as a rhinoceros; ’tis all in white armor, so jointed that it moves as well in it as if it had nothing on: this beast is about the bigness of a pig of six weeks old.

      I do really enjoy all the imagery and detail in this work. This detail also gives the reader more reason to believe the narrator was here, experiencing it all. The world and story is wholly believable, yet aspects still feel like a fairytale. Also love the armadillo/mini rhino. I'm sure readers from England loved these descriptions as well.

    6. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      if they know ’em, and from the surprise and awe they had at the sight of him, they all cast themselves at his feet, crying out, in their language, “Live, O King! Long live, O King!” and kissing his feet, paid him even divine homage.

      Interesting reaction. More vulnerable storytelling.

    7. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      was sent into the field to be trained up by one of the oldest generals to war; where, from his natural inclination to arms, and the occasions given him, with the good conduct of the old general, he became, at the age of seventeen

      Of course Oroonoko is a gifted and talented general. This adds to his character as a very manly man. He was tactful and would've made an excellent King. He was destined accomplish so much in his lifetime, adding to the tragedy of this story.

    8. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      So that they being on all occasions very useful to us, we find it absolutely necessary to caress ’em as friends, and not to treat ’em as slaves, nor dare we do other, their numbers so far surpassing ours in that continent.

      Interesting how they blend the line between equality and slavery. Allowing slavery still entails that the African slaves are seen as less than the colonizers. Evidently still racist. Declaring them as friends doesn't necessarily mean they are equals. They acknowledge their strengths but do not respect them enough to be equals.

    9. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      We dealt with ’em with beads of all colors, knives, axes, pins, and needles; which they used only as tools to drill holes with in their ears, noses, and lips, where they hang a great many little things; as long beads, bits of tin, brass or silver beat thin, and any shining trinket. The beads they weave into aprons about a quarter of an ell long, and of the same breadth; working them very prettily in flowers of several colors; which apron they wear just before ’em, as Adam and Eve did the fig-leaves; the men wearing a long stripe of linen, which they deal with us for. They thread these beads also on long cotton threads, and make girdles to tie their aprons to, which come twenty times, or more, about the waist, and then cross, like a shoulder-belt, both ways, and round their necks, arms, and legs. This adornment, with their long black hair, and the face painted in little specks or flowers here and there, makes ’em a wonderful figure to behold. Some of the beauties, which indeed are finely shaped, as almost all are, and who have pretty features, are charming and novel; for they have all that is called beauty, except the color, which is a reddish yellow; or after a new oiling, which they often use to themselves, they are of the color of a new brick, but smooth, soft, and sleek. T

      More excellent imagery, giving the audience a look into the fine details. I can picture smooth colorful animation or timely cinematography. Behn successfully pulls you into her story.

    10. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      But before I give you the story of this gallant slave, ’tis fit I tell you the manner of bringing them to these new colonies; those they make use of there not being natives of the place: for those we live with in perfect amity, without daring to command ’em; but, on the contrary, caress ’em with all the brotherly and friendly affection in the world; trading with them for their fish, venison, buffalo’s skins, and little rarities; as marmosets, a sort of monkey, as big as a rat or weasel,

      Behn loves giving you these long, overflowing sentences for her storytelling. She sets up the world and setting of this story well by giving readers a very colorful, friendly place. Reader expectations will eventually be overturned as this ends up being a very hurtful place for our protagonist. Good setup.

    11. lucascash 24 Jul 2020
      I do not pretend, in giving you the history of this Royal Slave, to entertain my reader with adventures of a feigned hero, whose life and fortunes fancy may manage at the poet’s pleasure;

      The author claims this story is not just some fairytale, preparing the reader for a realistic, natural story. She sets up a very dramatic opening with this first sentence/paragraph, mirroring the dramatic twists in store for the reader.

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  4. pressbooks.pub pressbooks.pub
    William Shakespeare: The Tempest
    14
    1. lucascash 10 Jul 2020
      .

      Extremely interesting story. I'm pleased to see it have a happy ending considering this was Shakespeare's final play. The story surely reminds me of the romantic comedy films seen from the last couple decades, as well as fantastical Disney storytelling. The directions and dialogue were mush easier to understand in this play and lines flowed naturally.

    8. lucascash 10 Jul 2020
      Your tale, sir, would cure deafness.

      I would definitely classify this story as the romantic comedy of it's time. Miranda's attitude and her eventual love story have the most relatable perspective. She vaguely resembles the protagonist we see in 2000 - 2010's romantic comedies, despite this story mainly focusing on Prospero.

    9. lucascash 10 Jul 2020
      The creatures that were mine, I say, or chang’d ’em, Or else new form’d ’em: having both the key Of officer and office, set all hearts i’ th’ state To what tune pleas’d his ear: that now he was The ivy which had hid my princely trunk, And suck’d my verdure out on ’t.

      Antonio did a good job at taking over as Duke of Milan. The people now respect him and see him as a great leader, Prospero seems a little salty about it.

    11. lucascash 09 Jul 2020
      Be collected: No more amazement: tell your piteous heart There’s no harm done.

      Lecturing his daughter for her aggressive dialogue and wishes. I'm curious as to how old she is supposed to be here?

    12. lucascash 09 Jul 2020
      This wide-chapp’d rascal—would thou might’st lie drowning The washing of ten tides!

      This sounds like another insult or threat. These men are ruthless and entertaining.

    13. lucascash 09 Jul 2020
      A plague upon this howling! They are louder than the weather or our office.

      I'm assuming Boatswain is getting annoyed with cries from a sailor and this is his insult.

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  5. earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
    Everyman
    15
    1. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      O, to whom shall I make my moan For to go with me in that heavy journey?

      Classic mankind, searching for a friend to share the burden of life and maybe a shoulder to cry on. Nobody wants to be alone in death. Death is truly looking like a lonely path for Everyman.

    3. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      I must needs laugh, I cannot be sad.

      Interesting line. The nature of Goods is strictly happiness and positivity. Death is sad and therefore a negative aspect that Goods cannot go along with. Goods decision is made up and he says goodbye shortly after. I had never thought of material possessions as a strictly positive force but I guess it's only mankind who can bestow feelings to a neutral body of objects.

    5. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      I had wend so, verily. Death. Nay, nay; it was but lent thee;

      As people we feel as though we deserve all the things around us. Of course I deserve this bed, this home, this family, this food, this money, and these simple possessions. Death reveals that everything is simply lent to mankind. Nothing is owned, only borrowed.

    6. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      Have mercy on me in this most need; Shall I have no company from this vale terrestrial Of mine acquaintance that way me to lead?

      Ah yes, finally he gets it. Interesting how he sees Death as this terrestrial instead of something directly from God.

    7. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      Should I not come again shortly?

      Is Everyman realizing there is no procrastinating this event? He seems to be realizing the finality of Death, despite Death stating this prior. Unless i'm misunderstanding this line.

    9. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      bad deeds

      Would Bad Deeds also be a character that Everyman hangs out with? He'd be similar to the bad-influence kid your mom doesn't want you hanging out with.

    11. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      He thinketh on thee in the heavenly sphere, As, or we depart, thou shalt know.

      God still thinks very highly of mankind but knows what to do out of necessity. God knows exactly how this story will go for Everyman.

    12. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      And cruelly outsearch both great and small; Every man will I beset that liveth beastly

      God sets Death out to be inevitable no matter how big and powerful. No mercy given to the small and poor.

    13. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      They use the seven deadly sins damnable;

      I'm surprised the author didn't use the deadly sins as characters in a moral story like this. They could've been people dragging at Everyman's feet or constantly sneaking around in the shadows. I guess the story wants to keep the Everyman feeling alone on their journey. .

    14. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      general reckoning: Give audience, and hear what he doth say.

      The author eagerly wants to call attention to the viewers and have them ponder about life after death. Relying and guilt to keep attention.

    15. lucascash 06 Jul 2020
      Both Strength, Pleasure, and Beauty, Will fade from thee as flower in May.

      Interesting quote and additionally a simile. These three earthly indulgences are still extremely relevant and reminds me of the addictions/hobbies my peers fall into. Scrolling through Instagram recommended I consistently see workout videos, makeup tutorials, and of over sexualized music videos (strength, beauty, and pleasure). I guess not much has changed.

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  6. Jun 2020
  7. pressbooks.pub pressbooks.pub
    Romances of Marie de France – An Open Companion for British Literature I
    21
    1. lucascash 24 Jun 2020
      The adventure that you have heard is no vain fable. Verily and indeed it chanced as I have said. The Lay of the Were-Wolf, truly, was written that it should ever be borne in mind.  

      .

    2. lucascash 24 Jun 2020
      end of their lives.

      Out of all three stories this was my favorite one. The three stories share themes of forbidden love or love that has been complicated, but the characters always prevail.

    11. lucascash 23 Jun 2020
      The Bretons tell that the knight was ravished by his lady to an island, very dim and very fair, known as Avalon. But none has had speech with Launfal and his faery love since then, and for my part I can tell you no more of the matter.

      I am surprised by this happy fairy tale ending. The maiden seems to have saved the day for Launfal and gotten everything she wanted. I think having this story told by a female author helps balance the relationships between men and women, instead of having the story feel one-sided or favoring the men.

    13. lucascash 23 Jun 2020
      friend?

      Again referring to her as the friend, I must assume their was no formal term for a girlfriend at this point and use context to highlight this as a romantic relationship.

    14. lucascash 23 Jun 2020
      which of them was his friend.

      Their use of friend reminds me of the German Language, where the word for girlfriend/boyfriend is the same word used for a friend. It depends on what context you are using this word to determine wether your relationship to this person is platonic or romantic. They knights know Launfal is in love and I wonder if this is how they are using this term, "friend," in Old english.

    15. lucascash 23 Jun 2020
      Had any man slain him on the road, he would have counted him his friend.

      He is truly scared of the King, he'd rather be killed by anyone else. Great explanation of his mindset in these moments.

    18. lucascash 23 Jun 2020
      there seemed no goodlier varlet under heaven, for certainly he was fair and true.

      Possibly some kind of foreshadowing. Launfal is very pleased with his action and has no doubt that he made the right choices here, "for certainly he was fair and true." Searching up "varlet," its described as an attendant; does this mean the knight is now serving this woman in some way. This doesn't sound like an equal partnership. Red flags.

    19. lucascash 23 Jun 2020
      and her throat and the rondure of her bosom showed whiter and more untouched than hawthorn in May.

      Skillful imagery. Seems to be a very scandalous scene and inappropriate compared to the norms of the time.

    20. lucascash 23 Jun 2020
      It is worth noting that even though the last lay is named for the knight Eliduc, the story is really about the two women that he is involved with (Vishnuvajjala 136)

      hmm

    21. lucascash 23 Jun 2020
      great authors and writers were called upon to translate between languages as a means of cultural exchange

      Extremely interesting. Now many of the authors I see on amazon are buisnessman, youtubers, or influencers. I doubt any of them learned other languages to enhance their skill.

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  8. earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
    Exeter Book Elegies
    13
    1. lucascash 12 Jun 2020
      Slaughter-fierce men crowd there— they would chew him up if he came with a company.

      Are these lies? Would this have been a plausible situation for this pair?

    2. lucascash 12 Jun 2020
      That soon changed…

      This story gives me a "Romeo and Juliet" forbidden love. If the pair had never died and soon grew to hate each other. An almost sadder ending than the double suicide.

    3. lucascash 12 Jun 2020
      There one could look upon treasure, upon silver, upon ornate jewelry, upon prosperity, upon possession, upon precious stones, upon the illustrious city of the broad realm.

      This repetition almost overdoes the imagery on purpose. There is more to the city than we will ever know.

    7. lucascash 12 Jun 2020
      Foolish is he who dreads not the Lord, his death comes unexpected.

      Men trust in God wholeheartedly. Fear of God is true devotion. Even expecting death to those apart of other religions.

    8. lucascash 12 Jun 2020
      Nor can the flesh-home, when the life is lost,

      Strong belief in a soul, separate from the physical world yet attached to the body/brain, until death. Belief that death releases the soul.

    9. lucascash 12 Jun 2020
      and his praise shall live ever among the angels,

      I think it's interesting how the people of this era combine the satisfaction of a legacy with religion. As though the life you lead in reality determines the praise received in the after-life. Great work is the opposite of sin.

    10. lucascash 12 Jun 2020
      ought never manifest his miseries

      The people of this era were extremely unfamiliar with mental illness and instability. This line alludes to the expectation from society and members of the church to suppress the uncontrolled dark thoughts. Those suffering from thoughts of suicide or manic decisions are forced to bottle this up and keep composure. He may also be talking against brash decision-making, but I think this again hints to his depression.

    11. lucascash 12 Jun 2020
      A wise man ought to be patient, nor too hot-hearted, nor too hasty of speech, nor too weak a warrior, nor too foolhardy, nor too fearful nor too fey, nor too coin-grasping, nor ever too bold for boasting, before he knows readily.

      Are these lessons that the man has learned himself? It seems as though he is reiterating his mistakes and the solutions he deduced for himself.

    12. lucascash 12 Jun 2020
      Therefore a man cannot become wise, before he has earned his share of winters in this world.

      This quote has been told to me before, in slightly different wording. I wonder if this line inspired its way into other mediums or if this was a common phrase from this era of history? Interesting how things are passed down.

    13. lucascash 11 Jun 2020
      Then he soon wakes up, a friendless man, seeing before him the fallow waves,

      His thoughts seem to drift into vivid day-dreams or longful memories before eventually snapping back to the reality of his environment at sea. This highlights his loneliness and reinforces the hints at his depression. Even acknowledging his lack of friends and companionship.

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