Hemingway defined a code of ethics for heroism, the most important tenet being that a brave hero exhibits "grace under pressure." What this means is that in difficult situations -- especially mortal ones -- the hero handles himself assuredly and confronts the danger head-on. First, how does Romero display these qualities in The Sun Also Rises? Second, how does this mesh with our modern heroes? Minimum 650 words.
In The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemmingway writes of the "Lost Generation"- a group of post-war individuals. In the midst of their madness, Hemmingway introduces Pedro Romero, a nineteen year old matador who serves as the foil to Jake Barnes, the narrator of the novel. Romero is written as Hemmingway's ideal version of a hero. Romero is pure, confident, and does not fear danger. For these reasons, he is looked onto as as superior character in comparison to the World War I veterans of this story.
Being only nineteen years old, Romero hadn't experienced as much as the group of friends in this novel, and therefore remains pure. Romero did not experience the loss of a loved one, as Brett did; he did not experience a life-changing injury, the violence of war, and did not serve in the war, as Jake did. Life had only consisted of bull-fights so far in Romero's life. There was nothing that had tainted his vision. Also, before meeting Brett, Romero did not feel the kind of love as she and him had had together. The love that they shared together was brand new. The reason Romero's purity is significant heroic, is because the other characters' impurities lead them to be messed up individuals. Jake, Brett, Cohn, Mike, Bill- all of them were living lives which consisted of sex, drinking, and partying nonstop. They each gave into their weaknesses, and it only left them unhappy and unsatisfied with their lives.
"The Lost Generation" was also known for being a group of people who did not believe that they had a future. After the war, their outlook on life seemed so demented that the thought of a bright future was nothing but a joke. Romero, in contrast, exhibits "grace under pressure" because he does believe in his own future, and is not afraid to take on whatever is to be served to him. Once Romero and Brett began their affair, they decided to be together. Romero was not afraid to settle down, while Brett was. He was able to see their future together, but Brett was too afraid to follow through. Because Romero was not a part of "the Lost Generation," he had something that the others lacked: hope. The others saw that their lives were pretty much over, whereas Romero knew it had just begun.
While Romero demonstrated his heroism outside of the ring, he definitely showed it within the ring as well. To be a bull-fighter in the first place is quite heroic, considering the potential dangers that are offered. The steers in the book are gored, and some even die. By putting himself at risk, Romero demonstrates his confidence in himself. Romero was said to have "never made any contortion, always it was straight and natural in line." Romero did not beat around the bush. He put 100% of himself into bull-fighting. Even though he was in the face of danger, he did not flinch. He carried within himself a sense of confidence and professionalism. Also, Hemmingway writes "Romero's bull-fighting gave real emotion, because he kept the absolute purity of line in his movements and always quietly and calmly let the horns pass him close each time," which is a metaphor. First of all, Romero was not afraid to share his emotions, and was not afraid to deal with them. The drunks in this novel, however, use drinking itself as an escape from the truth, and from their very own emotions. Next, Romero "always quietly and calmly let the horns pass him close each time," meaning that he did not try to shove his problems away. He allowed them to come, he did not stop them, but he did not let them hurt him either.
Romero's qualities definitely blend in with our modern day heroes. Heroes are no longer seen just as those who go out there and fight crimes. Heroes were also seen as those who were fearless, but there have never been such people. Romero is a hero because even though he knew that life was tough, and that he had things to fear around every corner, he did not sit back and let life continue without him. He decided to take charge of his own life and do something meaningful with it. He decided to live with passion, and I think it's something heroic and respectable that people of these modern times can look up to.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Thursday, September 30, 2010
#14
Generally speaking, I do not believe public schools should teach students ethics and personal values. Every person is a unique human being with different views and beliefs, making values personal. School should be a safe, positive, and accepting environment where students can develop into "good citizens" just by being present. For example, I have learned from school to be a respectful and responsible young lady, even though it was never put into lesson plans, or actually taught by teachers.
Personally, I don't think science classes should teach students about evolution just because there are many students, such as myself, who believe in creation, or disagree with the idea altogether. I agree that it isn't fair to teach about any religion or religious values in public school, and therefore I do not think it is fair to teach a controversial theory.
Personally, I don't think science classes should teach students about evolution just because there are many students, such as myself, who believe in creation, or disagree with the idea altogether. I agree that it isn't fair to teach about any religion or religious values in public school, and therefore I do not think it is fair to teach a controversial theory.
#15
Blog #15 - Discuss the three reasons Sante gives for a breakdown of secrecy (Soviet Union/KGB, internet, “confessional culture”/media). Do you agree, for example, that the Internet is a “nemesis” to secrecy? Defend your answer.
#12 El Flamenco Rosa
Self Check:
1. I believe that I did answer the promt. My essay was about Price's use of language and how it indicated her views of American culture.
2. I feel that my thesis is pretty straight forward and obvious. I think it is strong, and I am content with it.
3. My essay is focused on a central theme, and I do believe that my paragraphs build on top of each other.
4. In my essay, I did cover 1-2 things fully; but I admit that in the end I did throw in other things that I thought I should cover. Oops!
5. I do not believe that I vaguely explained my analysis. I included several quotes and textual details to support my ideas.
Reflection:
1. What went well? I finished my essay! :) Also, I was able to provide and support several different quotes from the prompt.
2. While writing, I felt exremely rushed, so I don't think I did as well as I could have. I didn't feel like I could afford the time to annotate so much, and I started writing my essay right away.
3. If I had more time to write the essay, I would annotate more, and organize the essay better. I would probably remove some of the half-baked sentences that I used for the sake of covering more ideas.
4. Well, I didn't really plan the organization of my essay. I had certain ideas with supportive details, and I ran with them to make paragraphs. I made changes to the ones that I thought were unnecessary.
5. While writitng and trying to suppport my ideas, I think I fully realized Price's views on American culture, and how money truly affects it.
6. For the next timed write, I need to organize my essay better!
1. I believe that I did answer the promt. My essay was about Price's use of language and how it indicated her views of American culture.
2. I feel that my thesis is pretty straight forward and obvious. I think it is strong, and I am content with it.
3. My essay is focused on a central theme, and I do believe that my paragraphs build on top of each other.
4. In my essay, I did cover 1-2 things fully; but I admit that in the end I did throw in other things that I thought I should cover. Oops!
5. I do not believe that I vaguely explained my analysis. I included several quotes and textual details to support my ideas.
Reflection:
1. What went well? I finished my essay! :) Also, I was able to provide and support several different quotes from the prompt.
2. While writing, I felt exremely rushed, so I don't think I did as well as I could have. I didn't feel like I could afford the time to annotate so much, and I started writing my essay right away.
3. If I had more time to write the essay, I would annotate more, and organize the essay better. I would probably remove some of the half-baked sentences that I used for the sake of covering more ideas.
4. Well, I didn't really plan the organization of my essay. I had certain ideas with supportive details, and I ran with them to make paragraphs. I made changes to the ones that I thought were unnecessary.
5. While writitng and trying to suppport my ideas, I think I fully realized Price's views on American culture, and how money truly affects it.
6. For the next timed write, I need to organize my essay better!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
#9 Tuesdays With Morrie
May I please have my own Morrie!?
This book is definitely one of my top favorites. It's funny, but insightful, sad, but heartwarming. Out of all the wisdom that Morrie passed on to Albom, Morrie saying " once you learn how to die, you learn how to live" stuck with me the most. It made me realize that I, and a lot of other people for that matter, take life for granted. We always think there is going to be another day, when in reality, we can't be so sure of that. Once Morrie was diagnosed with ALS, he had an estimate on when he was going to pass away. However, most of us don't get a heads up when our time is coming. It just happens. This quote reminded me to focus on the big picture, to not get caught up with school, work, or the rest of the things that will not satisfy me for the rest of my life.
Thank you, Morrie :)
This book is definitely one of my top favorites. It's funny, but insightful, sad, but heartwarming. Out of all the wisdom that Morrie passed on to Albom, Morrie saying " once you learn how to die, you learn how to live" stuck with me the most. It made me realize that I, and a lot of other people for that matter, take life for granted. We always think there is going to be another day, when in reality, we can't be so sure of that. Once Morrie was diagnosed with ALS, he had an estimate on when he was going to pass away. However, most of us don't get a heads up when our time is coming. It just happens. This quote reminded me to focus on the big picture, to not get caught up with school, work, or the rest of the things that will not satisfy me for the rest of my life.
Thank you, Morrie :)
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