Poem Remix- Video

"Everything is Going to be Alright"- Derek Mahon

The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock

1. What is the role of Time in this poem?

Time, or the passing of time, seems to fuel the feelings of incompetence and disillusionment that take hold of Prufrock. He continues to reassure himself throughout the poem that there is still time remaining to take action and do what he wishes, however, we see time begin to affect Prufrock: “Though I have seen my head (grown slightly bald)”, “I grow old ... I grow old ...” Time and its consequences are a constant reminder of his indecision and inaction.

2. What is the significance of Eliot's allusions to Hamlet and the "eternal Footman"?

The allusion to Hamlet is significant because it demonstrates the manner in which Prufrock thinks about himself. “No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be,” he does not believe himself worthy enough to be compared to Hamlet, when in reality they share more similarities than what he believes. Both are burdened with the struggle of time and action and both question everything. Yes, their circumstances are different, but their struggle is similar.

3. Choose a moment in which Eliot uses figurative language and:

- interpret the image

- explain how the image and its meaning contribute to your understanding of the theme of the poem

“I have seen them riding seaward on the waves

Combing the white hair of the waves blown back

When the wind blows the water white and black.”

These lines tie back to the fact that time is rapidly passing by and before he knows it he will be gone, taking with him his isolation and fears. “Combing the white hair of the waves,” his white hair and his old age. He has spent so long worrying and fearing that now he finds himself closer to death. Beforehand he had stated that the mermaids would not sing to him, another reminder of his isolation. And he ends the poem on a solemn note, drowning once he has been awakened for it was too late.

Poem Remix

The remix we created to "Everything is Going to be Alright" can be found on Sophia's blog.


Group: Jisu, Edgar, Lupita, Millicent, Sophia, and Yesenia

Individuality?

Reminded me of "Another Brick in the Wall"...

Intro to Poetry

Everything is Going to be Alright

by Derek Mahon

How should I not be glad to contemplate

the clouds clearing beyond the dormer window

and a high tide reflected on the ceiling?

There will be dying, there will be dying,

but there is no need to go into that.

The poems flow from the hand unbidden

and the hidden source is the watchful heart;

the sun rises in spite of everything

and the far cities are beautiful and bright.

I lie here in a riot of sunlight

watching the day break and the clouds flying.

Everything is going to be all right.

What is the significance of the title?

- The title represents the theme of the poem, foreshadows at the overall message of the poem.

What is the tone of the poem?

- The author holds an optimistic and encouraging tone.

What is your mood as you read it?

- The poem gave me a sense of hope and tranquility.

Is there a Shift?  Where?  From what to what?

- One shift can be found after the lines, "There will be dying, there will be dying,

but there is no need to go into that."  The shift occurs from a place of uncertainty to one of conviction in the charm of life.

What is the theme of the poem?

- The theme of the poem is despite the hardships and cruelty that take place in this world, we must learn to observe the beauty around us and find happiness from it.

Hamlet Essay

Some of the greatest conflicts that one faces occur within, they are internal struggles that consume both the mind and soul. One of the most common internal conflicts we face is the struggle between being true to oneself and doing what is expected. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Polonius delivers many good pieces of advice to his son, Laertes, before he embarks to England. One of the most lasting phrases being, “To thine own self be true,” referring to the fact that Laertes would be exposed to many different thoughts, ideas, and temptations but that it was imperative that he didn’t lose sight of himself. This quote can easily be applied to all other characters in the play, especially Laertes and Hamlet. Hamlet is often depicted as a young man who cannot make up his mind, when in all reality he is a clever prince whom is debating whether or not to stay true to his morals, values, and himself.

Hamlet has a strong sense of loyalty towards his beloved father therefore when the true details of his death are revealed, he knows that he must take revenge. However, in his famous soliloquy ‘To be or not to be’ we are exposed to the great inner struggle that Hamlet is facing, whether to avenge his father’s death and murder Claudius or stay true to his morals for fear of what awaits him if he does not. We witness this debate throughout most of the play, as he continuously attempts to convince himself that the murder is necessary and as he calls himself a coward for not taking action. He is finding it difficult to remain true to himself and to his perception of what is morally right in the face of such treason and hypocrisy, yet we see a Hamlet who continues to follow his values. When he pardons Claudius’ life while he is praying we realize that the true Hamlet is one with a noble heart and a moral conscience.

 In a play filled with moral corruption, death, and revenge it is expected that feelings of hatred would drive the characters to action. We witness this not through Hamlet’s actions but through Laertes, as he discovers his father dead by Hamlet’s hand. The power of illocutionary and perlocutionary force Claudius is able to exert on Laertes is what blinds him to the truth and drives him to kill Hamlet. Despite this, we see him repent for what he has done for his dying words are, “Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet.” He loses sight of his true self and is manipulated by Claudius in the attempts to get rid of the threat that Hamlet poses, however in the he does seem to regain himself and his sense.

On the surface this play is about revenge and a tyrannical king, however when we truly understand Hamlet and his motives for prolonging his action we see a different side to the plot. The contemplative tone of this play invites us to question our own morals and values, to place ourselves in these situations and realize that we too are struggling to remain true to ourselves. We see, we witness, and we comprehend the fight between what we feel is our duty and what our instilled morals tell is right or wrong. Hamlet’s inaction sprouts not from childish indecisiveness but from the internal conflict between duty and self.