My practice was to have my box removed from the place where the performers sat, as far as I could, then to shut the doors and windows of it, and draw the window-curtains, after which I found their music not disagreeable.
They have to accommodate to how little he is it's kinda cute how they have to move his little box because his little ears can't handle the music.
I was frequently rallied by the queen upon account of my fearfulness; and she used to ask me, whether the people of my country were as great cowards as myself?
Well he is tiny so of course the world is going to appear more scary. His cowardly-ness is justified.
She would craunch the wing of a lark, bones and all, between her teeth, although it were nine times as large as that of a full-grown turkey; and put a bit of bread in her mouth as big as two twelve-penny loaves.
It must be so gross to see this happening. Being so small he gets to see small details that go unnoticed but are magnified to him.
I hope the gentle reader will excuse me for dwelling on these and the like particulars, which, however insignificant they may appear to grovelling vulgar minds, yet will certainly help a philosopher to enlarge his thoughts and imagination, and apply them to the benefit of public as well as private life, which was my sole design in presenting this and other accounts of my travels to the world; wherein I have been chiefly studious of truth, without affecting any ornaments of teaming or style.
He is mentioning that everything he says has a purpose, he is saying things for specific reasons and intentions. I think that's what makes the best writing, when everything serves a purpose, no gaps or any unnecessary information.
as women in England do at the sight of a toad or a spider
This comparison is so weird. So she screams because she is terrified. She is terrified because it is inferred that women scream out of fear of toads and spiders and not with joy. So it is comparing him to a toad or spider, that makes sense. But why does he limit it to only women in England? Could've just said "women".
I was not able to forbear groaning and shedding tears, and turning my head towards my sides; letting him know, as well as I could, how cruelly I was hurt by the pressure of his thumb and finger.
Even though he doesn't have the strength to use his body to express how he feels, he does the bare minimum by just turning his head and that motion alone speaks for him.
Being quite dispirited with toil, and wholly overcome by grief and despair, I lay down between two ridges, and heartily wished I might there end my days. I bemoaned my desolate widow and fatherless children.
He really saw his life flash before his eyes
I shall not trouble the reader with the particular account of my reception at this court, which was suitable to the generosity of so great a prince; nor of the difficulties I was in for want of a house and bed, being forced to lie on the ground, wrapped up in my coverlet.
I always think it's funny when in stories, movies, or real life when people tell stories when they decide to skip over things they present as unimportant yet they still mention details of it that make the listener sympathetic. It's like they don't want pity, but they really want pity.
As to persons of quality, they give security to appropriate a certain sum for each child, suitable to their condition; and these funds are always managed with good husbandry and the most exact justice.
social status really defines them and determines how they will be viewed and treated.
they have more regard to good morals than to great abilities
They seek individuals who believe in what they do in ways that go beyond just carrying out the task at hand.
For my own part, I swam as fortune directed me, and was pushed forward by wind and tide. I often let my legs drop, and could feel no bottom;
This fills me with so much anxiety. I'm so afraid of open waters so to be in water and not being able to tell where the ground ends and ocean begins is so terrifying.
30 degrees and 2 minutes south.
Horse latitude or latitude is 30 degrees both north and south from the equator. In this case it would be 30 degrees north since London is in the northern hemisphere.
Old Jewry
The Old Jewry is a one-way street in London that has s dense history. In medieval London this street was known as a ghetto or slum. It also contained the site for the only permitted Jew burial ground. source: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/old-new-london/vol1/pp425-435
Newgate Street
Newgate street was once used by the Romans as a fortress for defense. source: https://medievallondon.ace.fordham.edu/exhibits/show/medieval-london-sites/newgatestreet
“Swallow,”
The ship's name is The Swallow, and is where Gulliver served as a surgeon on for three and a half years.
Let the scenes abound with light, especially coloured and varied; and let the masquers, or any other that are to come down from the scene, have some motions upon the scene it self before their coining down; for it draws the eye strangely, and makes it with great pleasure to desire to see that it cannot perfectly discern. Let the songs be loud and cheerful, and not chirpings or pulings: let the music likewise be sharp and loud, and well placed. The colours that show best by candle-light, are white, carnation, and a kind of sea-water green and ouches, or spangs, as they are of no great cost, so they are of most glory.
This scene sounds so pretty. It reminds me of a scene from one of my favorite movies Labyrinth. There's a scene where the main characters are at a masquerade ball and the scene described in this story is so accurate to the setting of the movie with the colors and the music playing the whole spectacle of the ball.
Superstition, without a veil, is a deformed thing: for as it addeth deformity to an ape to be so like a man, so the similitude of superstition to religion makes it the more deformed:
Superstitions are not logical beliefs, religion is not a logical belief. A belief is a belief and people interpret them as their own which leaves room for deformity. But both of these things keep men up straight and obedient to the world around them.
omnium consensu capax imperii, nisi imperasset
"Everyone thought that he was capable of government, until he tried."
Et conversus Deus, ut aspiceret opera, quaæ fecerunt manus suæ, vidit quod omnia essent bona nimis
Not sure how accurate this translation is but it is the closest i could find, "I turned the so pleased with the works, which are made of his hand, he saw that they were all very good"
Wives are young men’s mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men’s nurses;
Women's roles are defined and predestined according to age group
Unmarried men are best friends, best masters, best servants; but not always best subjects; for they are light to run away; and almost all fugitives are of that condition.
This reminded me of "The Blossom" from the John Donne reading we did previously. It reminded me of the part where the man insists that his heart stay with the woman and that he go off with his friends and give his friends his mind and body.
.
I really enjoyed this reading! it was very dramatic and intense and beautiful. I think I enjoyed this so much because of the word choice. It seemed like each adjective had a purpose and served it well.
Phoebus
Apollo is the Greek god of prophecy, the sun, and archery. His name, the same in Latin as Greek, has the same roots as Greek word meaning to destroy or to excite. Apollo is also called Helios, Phoebus, or Phoebus Apollo. Phoebus means ray (as in sun). http://www.indepthinfo.com/greek-gods/apollo.htm
Cupid
In classical mythology, Cupid (meaning desire in Latin) is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection. He is often portrayed as the son of the love goddess Venus and the war god Mars. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupid
Such tears for her I shed, yet still do burn,
Very dramatic but very real. Sometimes those tears be hitting different and that's when you know something bad happened.
This richness in Nature’s plenty, made her stay to behold it,
This personification of nature is really beautiful. Sometimes we forget that nature is alive and that nature is a being all in her own and we don't really get a true sense of it until we immerse ourselves in nature and really recognize her beauty.
O Ig norance, can thy dullness yet procure so sharp a pain > And that, such a thought as makes me now aspire to knowledge ?
Bored of not knowing, wanting to know things. I feel like everyone experiences this, maybe ignorance isn't bliss
But I am by her death—which word wrongs her— Of the first nothing the elixir grown ; Were I a man, that I were one I needs must know ; I should prefer, If I were any beast, Some ends, some means ; yea plants, yea stones detest, And love ; all, all some properties invest.
I do not understand this part at all. Each line of this seems to be focused on something different and it confuses me.
First we loved well and faithfully, Yet knew not what we loved, nor why ;
Loving was easy
Viceroy
noun. a ruler exercising authority in a colony on behalf of a sovereign.
Enjoy your summer all, Since she enjoys her long night’s festival. Let me prepare towards her, and let me call This hour her vigil, and her eve, since this Both the year’s and the day’s deep midnight is.
It says she enjoys long nights and she thrives especially in long summer nights but summer nights are the shortest of the year since there are more hours of daylight in the summer.
So made such mirrors, and such spies,
I like this line a lot. I'm not sure what it literally means but I interpret it as a personification of mirrors. Mirrors see everything even when we aren't paying attention, and mirrors see things we don't see.
We can die by it, if not live by love, And if unfit for tomb or hearse Our legend be, it will be fit for verse ;
Pursuing love is a risk and some die with love and to others love becomes sort of cathartic.
Contemplate ; what you will, approve, So you will let me love.
I really like this line. It reflects a judgmental view on this certain type of love, but it also reflects their strong desire to pursue this type of love despite judgment and disapproval.
Love, all alike, no season knows nor clime, Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time.
Speaker explains that love cannot be measured within the borders of time.
Will it not serve your turn to do as did your mothers ? Or have you all old vices spent, and now would find out others ? Or doth a fear that men are true torment you ? O we are not, be not you so ;
Seems like the speaker is trying to comfort them especially when mentioning that men can be trusted. Explains that not everyone has the same experiences with love.
I am resolv’d; Faustus shall ne’er repent.– Come, Mephistophilis, let us dispute again,
Faustus has not done much with his power besides just asking questions that Mephist hardly provides answers for. It's sad that he really gave up his whole soul to have all these years wasted. And it is sad that he only comes to realize that it was a waste at the very end of his time.
Within the bowels of these[90] elements, Where we are tortur’d and remain for ever: Hell hath no limits, nor is circumscrib’d In one self place; for where we are is hell, And where hell is, there[91] must we ever be: And, to conclude, when all the world dissolves, And every creature shall be purified, All places shall be hell that are[92] not heaven.
Mephist yields evasive responses to the questions that Faustus asks. He seems to fluff up basic answers. Like his first response was just "Under the heavens" but this second response is the same exact thing but fluffed up. I wonder if Mephist does this so that he does not scare Faustus by telling him the truth.
But, Mephistophilis, My blood congeals, and I can write no more.
His blood solidifies so that he can't sign the bill. This is the universe telling Faustus he shouldn't make this deal. His own body is telling him that he should't make this deal.
Now that I have obtain’d what I desir’d,[64] I’ll live in speculation of this art, Till Mephistophilis return again.
Faustus wants so much control over his own life and his destiny it's kind of concerning.
What, is great Mephistophilis so passionate For being deprived of the joys of heaven? Learn thou of Faustus manly fortitude, And scorn those joys thou never shalt possess.
I don't think that giving your soul to the devil would be the best way to understand why someone would feel so passionately about being deprived of the pleasures of salvation, but that's just me.
Philosophy is odious and obscure; Both law and physic are for petty wits; Divinity is basest of the three, Unpleasant, harsh, contemptible, and vile:[31] ‘Tis magic, magic, that hath ravish’d me.
Faustus knows everything there is to know about both law and physics and now wants to learn about something foreign to him which is magic.
I’ll have them fly to India for gold, Ransack the ocean for orient pearl,
he seems to be interested in only material things
This is not the opinion of one for some private spite, but the judg ment of all in a common proverb,
Saying that this opinion isn't really an opinion at all, it is a fact. And is not as radical as it sounds as many others believe the same.
Inglese Italianato e un didbolo inoarnato,” that is to say, you remain men in shape and fashion, but become devils in life and condition.
There's a movie called True Romance that this line reminded me of. There's a scene where the antagonist who is Italian kills a man who insults his Italian ancestors and mentions somewhere that Italians were in some way related to Africans, which offends the antagonist and which is why he kills the man. I'm not sure how historically accurate that i, if it is at all. The only thing I can think of is the Arab conquest where Arab was more of a blanket term for many different races that could have included Africans. But its interesting to see how in both this story and the movie Italians are being ridiculed in such a ridiculous way.
I, though not admitted one of their fellowship, yet having been many years a prentice to God’s true religion, and trust to continue a poor journeyman therein all days of my life, for the duty I owe and the love I bear both to true doctrine and honest living, though I have no authority to amend the sore myself, yet I will declare my good- will to discover the sore to others.
This seems to be the case for a lot of people who have religious awakenings. They come to find God and even though they are not a part of a specific church, the excitement of finding faith encourages them to heal themselves and spread the word to others that may be struggling to find faith themselves.
both men and women, are taught to spend those hours in which they are not obliged to work in reading; and this they do through the whole progress of life.
They seem to be very educated people as they never stop learning and taking in information concerning the world around them.
As to their clothes, observe how little work is spent in them; while they are at labour they are clothed with leather and skins, cut carelessly about them, which will last seven years,
The utopians seem to be people of quality over quantity, which is ideal but does not exist in the real world as often
The town is compassed with a high and thick wall, in which there are many towers and forts; there is also a broad and deep dry ditch, set thick with thorns, cast round three sides of the town, and the river is instead of a ditch on the fourth side. The streets are very convenient for all carriage, and are well sheltered from the winds. Their buildings are good, and are so uniform that a whole side of a street looks like one house. The streets are twenty feet broad; there lie gardens behind all their houses. These are large, but enclosed with buildings, that on all hands face the streets, so that every house has both a door to the street and a back door to the garden. Their doors have all two leaves, which, as they are easily opened, so they shut of their own accord; and, there being no property among them, every man may freely enter into any house whatsoever. At every ten years’ end they shift their houses by lots.
This is such an interesting way to live. The town seems so isolated from the rest because of the combination of forts, towers, and thorns that keep it separated. It is also weird how even though the town is so secluded, the inhabitants don't really have a place to call home. It's as if the land they are on isn't even theirs since anyone can walk into their home at any time and their homes change often.
the seamen understood both astronomy and navigation.
What is Celestial navigation? Or astronavigation? It is a position fixing technique that helps sailors to know their position when they are deep in the sea. According to Wikipedia Celestial navigation uses "sights" or angular measurements taken between a celestial body (the sun, the moon, a planet or a star, whose coordinates are tabulated in the Nautical Almanac) and the visible horizon.
In other words, celestial bodies are reference points for sailors helping them to get to their destination.
Source: Physics of Astrology - Celestial Navigation and Astrology
Blessed be all they that counselled me to take it! And now, friends, let us go without longer respite; I thank God that ye have tarried so long. Now set each of you on this rod your hand, And shortly follow me: I go before, there I would be; God be our guide.
Without any further hesitation or thought they are ready to live a holy life and follow where God tells them to and put their complete trust in him
O glorious fountain that all uncleanness doth clarify, Wash from me the spots of vices unclean, That on me no sin may be seen; I come with Knowledge for my redemption, Repent with hearty and full contrition; For I am commanded a pilgrimage to take, And great accounts before God to make. Now, I pray you, Shrift, mother of salvation, Help my good deeds for my piteous exclamation. Confession. I know your sorrow well, Everyman; Because with Knowledge ye come to me, I will you comfort as well as I can, And a precious jewel I will give thee, Called penance,
To be forgiven Everyman needs to realize and become aware of their sins and so long as they feel worthy enough for redemption God will give it to them. God suffered painfully and would not any child of his to suffer in the same way especially if they are aware of what they have done wrong and are willing to change.
For thou mayst say this is the day That no man living may scape away.
This is so scary. Our natural instinct as humans is to flee or escape any dangerous or threatening situations but when you are literally faced with death you can't escape you just have to face it and accept it as scary as it is.
And am wholly content with this good thing; Thanked be God my Creator.
Knowing that they are a child of God is enough to keep them satisfied
seven deadly sins
The seven deadly sins according to the Bible are: Lust (strong sexual desires), Gluttony (excessive eating or drinking), Greed (excessive desire for material items), Sloth (excessive laziness), Wrath (feeling strong hatred or anger towards someone), Envy (desiring someone else's possessions), and Pride (excessive view of one's self over others)
TREATISE
noun. a written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject.
And in these words I saw a marvellous high mystery hid in God, which mystery He shall openly make known to us in Heaven: in which knowing we shall verily see the cause why He suffered sin to come. In which sight we shall endlessly joy in our Lord God.
She is grateful that God suffered sin as he is able to understand why people sin and does not blame them for it. She was a sinner but has remained devoted to God and He has forgiven her.
affeared
Afraid
Also our Lord God shewed that it is full great pleasance to Him that a helpless soul come to Him simply and plainly and homely.
God is happy to help anyone and everyone who needs it
for all that is beneath Him sufficeth not us.
People tend to surround themselves with temporary things in hopes that they will last permanently, but she is saying that God is the only thing that lasts forever and the only thing worth keeping in our lives.
betwixt
between
For I would that His pains were my pains, with compassion and afterward longing to God.
This part confuses me? Why does she want to feel the pain that God feels?
After this my sight began to fail, and it was all dark about me in the chamber, as if it had been night, save in the Image of the Cross whereon I beheld a common light; and I wist not how. All that was away from the Cross was of horror to me, as if it had been greatly occupied by the fiends.
This description is so interesting to me. She describes dying through a universal description, as she sees darkness and then a single white light. What's interesting is how she mentions that the light is the light of the cross. Even as she is leaving her body she does not forget her creator and finds comfort in that light so easily.
I[Pg 6] trusted in God of His mercy. But it was to have lived that I might have loved God better, and longer time, that I might have the more knowing and loving of God in bliss of Heaven.
She has devoted her life to God and her death does not disturb her because she knows that her life will continue to be held by the hands of God.
Where Truth is in Trinity · and enthroneth them all. Therefore I say, as I said · in sight of these texts, When all treasures are tried · Truth is the best. Learn these unlearned · for lettered men know it, That Truth is treasure · the best tried on earth.’
The word truth is capitalized as a proper noun. To me the story is personifying the truth as a being that is a pure follower of God's word. The truth will make it to heaven because the text mentioned earlier that only those who speak the truth will obtain salvation
For the pride he put on · his pain hath no end;
he boasted about his damnation
And more thousands with him · than man could number
To me this makes it seem like hell is more populated than heaven
Cherubim
A winged angelic being regarded in traditional Christian angelology as an angel of the second highest order of the celestial hierarchy described in biblical tradition as attending on God.
Seraphim
An angelic being from Christian angelology noted as belonging to the highest order of the celestial hierarchy and is associated with light, ardor, and purity.
For Christian and heathen · alike claim the truth.
Christian and heathen are two polar opposites but they are similar in how they both have religious connotation.
Then I fell on my knees · and cried of her grace, And prayed her piteously · to pray for my sins, And to teach me kindly · on Christ to believe, That I might work his will · that made of me man. `Show me no treasure · but tell me this only — How may I save my soul · thou that holy art held?’
Desperate to know God and wants to be saved
Nor livelihood to thy body · that is life to the soul.
I interpret this as just because you are alive does not mean that you are truly living. To be truly living you need to feed your soul, not just your body.
staves
noun. a vertical wooden post or plank in a building or other structure.
dale
noun. a valley, especially a broad one.
As I looked to the east · right into the sun,
It is sunrise, as the sun rises in the east
The more it burns, the more it has desire To consume everything that burned may be. You say that just as worms destroy a tree, Just so a wife destroys her own husband;
stating that a woman's love is toxic to man and only makes him weak, neglecting all the good that comes from love and only focusing on the negatives. this portrays women as evil and men as saints who have fallen prey to women and have obtained an inescapable fate by falling in love with a woman.
You say, some men desire us for our gold, Some for our shape and some for fairness told: 265 And some, that she can either sing or dance, And some, for courtesy and dalliance; Some for her hands and for her arms so small; Thus all goes to the devil in your tale. You say men cannot keep a castle wall 270 That’s long assailed on all sides, and by all.
To me this explains how some men will express how they view women beyond physical attributes and will instead focus on the personality traits or the talents and abilities women posses. However, at the end of the day men like women because they are women, not because they can dance.
brazenfacedly
adjective. bold and without shame.
Welaway
archaic. —used to express sorrow or lamentation.
Christ was a maid, and yet shaped like a man,
God is a woman
But where God wills to give it, of His might. 85 I know well that the apostle was a virgin; Nevertheless, and though he wrote and urged in, He would that everyone were such as he, All is not counsel to virginity; And so to be a wife he gave me leave 90 Out of permission; there’s no shame should grieve
Even though she remarried which was not ideal in God's eyes she redeemed herself in how she ended each marriage appropriately
The apostle when he speaks of maidenhead; He said, commandment of the Lord he’d none. Men may advise a woman to be one, But such advice is not commandment, no; He left the thing to our own judgment so.
God has not set any example for women as to how to care for their virginity so he cannot ridicule or judge. It seems like men have set their own standards and men ridicule and judge because it was assumed that we have the right of judgement if God does not.
How many might she have, then, in marriage? For I have never heard, in all my age, 25 Clear exposition of this number shown, Though men may guess and argue up and down.
nobody can keep track of the number of men she has been married to and it is talked about often as people tend to speculate without really knowing
For Christ will be your champion and knight. And pray that all these summoners repent 400 Of their misdeeds, before the devil torment.
The text states here that here is only one saving grace. This explains that people cannot be their own saviors and that their own actions will not serve as proper acts of redemption. According to the text, in order to be truly saved and holy one must seek God and confide in God.
The lion lies in wait by night and day To slay the innocent,
People easily slip up and when they do someone will always be there to watch it happen
I have not twelvepence in my house all told. You know right well that I am poor and old; 345 Show mercy unto me, a poor old wretch!”
wants to be saved even if it brings financial hardship unto others
reprobate
noun. an unprincipled person (often used humorously or affectionately).
slough
noun. a situation characterized by lack of progress or activity.
That to a man which gives his soul unrest, And not his body, and all is for the best. And when one does withstand all our temptation, It is the thing that gives his soul salvation;
Giving your soul and your mind one can be promised salvation
The day is short, and it is now past prime, And yet have I won not a thing this day. I will attend to winning, if I may, 215 And not our different notions to declare. For, brother mine, your wits are all too bare To understand, though I told mine fully. But since you ask me why thus labour we- Well, sometimes we are God’s own instruments
He is aware of his own abilities and wants to make the most of them. The abilities are linked back to God and utilizing their gifted abilities from God serve as their sole purpose for doing things. Almost as if they are giving back to God.
panders
noun. gratify or indulge (an immoral or distasteful desire, need, or habit or a person with such a desire, etc.).
archdeacon’s
noun. a senior Christian cleric (in the early Church a deacon, in the modern Anglican Church a priest) to whom a bishop delegates certain responsibilities.
alabaster
noun. a fine-grained, translucent form of gypsum, typically white, often carved into ornaments.
despot
noun. a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way.
For man must die like any other beast, Or rot in prison, under foul arrest, And suffer sickness and misfortune sad,
existentialism and becoming aware of man's two true fates
Above my own, who die here in a cage. For I must weep and wail, the while I live, In all the grief that prison cell may give, And now with pain that love gives me, also, 440 Which doubles all my torment and my woe.” Therewith the fires of jealousy up-start Within his breast and burn him to the heart So wildly that he seems one, to behold, Like seared box tree, or ashes, dead and cold.
This is all very dramatic but it explains the emotions felt so incredibly well. Weeping and wailing are elicit so much emotion from me as a reader. Especially when pairing the feelings of loneliness and heartbreak.
privily
adverb. secretly
He had no choice
Seems less of an agreement if he was forced into it, but I suppose it had to be done
So well each loved the other, old books say, That when one died, it is but truth I tell, The other went and sought him down in Hell;
They loved each other so much and grew so close to one another that they would visit each other in different worlds of the afterlife. That is a very close relationship. Death could not do them part.
ween
verb. be of the opinion; think or suppose.
Giving them comfort understandingly: And swore his oath, that as he was true knight, He would put forth so thoroughly his might Against the tyrant Creon as to wreak Vengeance so great that all of Greece should speak
he was comforting the women as his duty as a knight
“Have on us wretched women some mercy, And let our sorrows sink into your heart!”
begging for empathy, for an understanding of what the women are enduring
piteously
adjective. deserving or arousing pity.
The eldest lady of them answered back, 55 After she’d swooned, with cheek so deathly drear
This description of the woman's lifeless face makes her sound insincere
That in the whole world living man had heard
extremely powerful cry
cavalcade
noun. a formal procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles.
Was gained the realm of Femininity
Maybe the new queen changed the kingdom's view of women
A householder, and that a great, was he; Saint Julian he was in his own country. His bread, his ale were always good and fine; No man had cellars better stocked with wine. 345 His house was never short of food and pies Of fish and flesh, and these in large supplies
He was a wealthy man and very well off as it seems he never had to worry about being short of anything. "He was in his own country" to me translates to he lives by his own rules. It makes me thing back to colonial times where wealthy landowners had control of government since they were the only individuals allowed to be politically active.
Her upper lip was always wiped so clean That on her cup no speck or spot was seen
I really like this example of how pristine and proper this woman is. The writer uses an example that I feel many people wouldn't use to show how a person is so clean. By using something so common like drinking from a cup I think it makes the reader's view of her more detailed.
40 And who they were, and what was their degree,
I really like how the story began with a broad introduction of the setting describing the town and taking note of the season. Now we get to know more; we are going to be introduced to the people and the characters. This kind of introduction makes it easier for me as a reader to understand exactly what's going on in the timeline of the story.
Who helped them when they lay so ill and weak
Spring brings new life into the world and this line makes me think that spring is almost rejuvenating for these people
Such curses at that sight rained down on his head as if all the clinging cliffs clattered down in a heap.
weighing down and heavy on him
duly
in accordance with what is required or appropriate; following proper procedure or arrangement
you, the knight, the noblest child of your age, your high fame and honour told everywhere, why I have sat by yourself here separately twice, yet heard I never that your head held even a word that ever belonged to love, the less nor the more
he is not very affectionate or expressive with his emotions
if any were so villainous as to deny you.
she is very like-able, it would be ridiculous to not be fond of her
crag
a steep or rugged cliff or rock face
The knight took pathways strange by many a bank un-green; his cheerfulness would change,
Green has been a primary color and main element in this story. It is interesting to see how the fading of this color here changes the mood of the character.
First a crimson carpet, cast over the floor, and much was the gilded gear that gleamed thereon. The strong man steps there, and handles the steel, dressed in a doublet of silk of Turkestan, and then a well-crafted cape, clasped at the top, that with a white ermine was trimmed within.
This is such an elegant scene to imagine
dunking dew drops from the leaves, biding a blissful blush of the bright sun.
I love these alliterations. They are so effective not only here, but throughout the entirety of the story in creating imagery for the reader.
folly you fain, to find it me behoves.
Folly: foolish, Fain: please/pleasure, Behoves: responsibility/duty He would be happy to fulfill the foolish request
he waxed as wrath as wind
this line is confusing to me. I looked up the definition of each word. Wax: to cover and Wrath: extreme anger. Could this mean he is hiding..? Hiding out of anger??Humiliation?? How does this compare to wind?
For all were fair folk and in their first age
For some reason this line makes me think of reincarnation. The words "all were fair folk" seem to me as if the narrator is saying that these people were successful in their first attempt at life."in their first age" implies that there were no wrongs in their life that they needed to be reincarnated for. They did not need to live another life correcting their mistakes from their past lives. The line that follows mentions how they are "the happiest under heaven" which to me makes sense as a soul that only goes through life once will be the most at ease, the happiest souls.
Round Table
What is the significance of the Round Table being capitalized as a proper noun?
As the Maiden rode at a slow pace through the streets of the city, there was none, neither great nor small, youth nor sergeant, but ran forth from his house, that he might content his heart with so great beauty. Every man that saw her with his eyes, marvelled at a fairness beyond that of any earthly woman.
It seems as if she is riding slowly because she is aware of her beauty and wants others to marvel at her beauty so she provides ample time for observers to take in all of her features and admire her
The Court already had given too much time to the business,
It seems as if they already know the answer to their decision and are going through actions to further prove their point even though it isn't absolutely necessary
The lords of the household came together on the day appointed for this judgment.
It would be a group decision rather than a biased one side decision which is nice
Launfal was altogether mazed and bewildered at this judgment, for he had neither friend nor kindred in the land.
This is such a lonely thing to imagine
Naught he found to do but to wring his hands, and call upon the Maiden, begging her to forgive his trespass, and to talk with him again, as friend to friend.
He disregards any romantic relationship they had or any affection they shared and wants the bare minimum of her friendship, shows how much he really needs her.
Launfal and the Maiden ate and drank with mirth and content. But one dish was more to the knight’s relish than any other. Sweeter than the dainties within his mouth, was the lady’s kiss upon his lips.
This line is very cheesy but I think its cute how much he appreciates her company and how much he adores her.
meat
He went to eat
clear water
Why is there a need to state that the water is clear? Is this any sort of symbol?
“Fair friend,”
This has to be the harshest friendzone. They spent the night together "embracing" each other just to be called a "fair friend"
Right heavy
Does this have anything to do with the two halves of the brain. The right side of the brain does not deal with too much logic. Maybe Launfal was not thinking too much into the actions of the king.
Knights of the Round Table.
Most likely an elite group
Folk long thought dead were by a spell Brought hither, and as living found: Some headless stood upon the ground, Some had no arms, and some were torn With dreadful wounds, and some lay bound Fast to the earth in hap forlorn.
There are dead bodies in the fairy kingdom? It says that all who died were brought to the fairy kingdom. This makes me question if people get killed in the fairy kingdom? Or if the fairy kingdom is the place people go after they die?
” Alas ! alas ! ” he gan to cry, “Why will not death dispel my pain? Alas! alas! would I could die Now I have seen my love again. Alas, that I must live, who fain Would perish! for I dared not speak To her, nor she to me. Ah, vain Is life ; alas ! my heart will break ! ”
Even though they did not speak to each other, the fact that he has seen her finally after ten years makes his suffering worth it.
He sought for counsel: all were dumb, For none could proffer words of good.
This part breaks my heart. It s as if nobody understands the pain he is going through by losing someone who he loves so deeply, all the advice he receives just seems "dumb".
For aye with us in fairy land; And if thou failest, woe to thee, For thou shalt feel the fairies’ hand ! ‘
Are the fairies scary beings? I still am not understanding why she hurt herself so badly during a dream about fairies. I'm also curious as to why she is chosen to go to fairy land.
Then sudden with a cry she rose And burst in tears of wild despair, And wrung her hands, and showered blows Upon her breast, and tore her hair.
The terror she is feeling is told through such simple language but it creates a gruesome image of a woman literally beating herself up and pulling out her hair. I think the simple language and vivid imagery is effective here since the story thus far has felt very whimsical and cheerful and now it takes a sudden turn and it does so in just a few words.
More beautiful I never spied. He showed me castles, rivers wide, Towers, and vast forests, mead and plain.
The imagery of the dream seems so beautiful. Why did she wake up so violently then?
And wrung her hands, and showered blows Upon her breast, and tore her hair.
The terror she is feeling is told through such simple language but it creates a gruesome image of a woman literally beating herself up and pulling out her hair. I think the simple language and vivid imagery is effective here since the story thus far has felt very whimsical and cheerful and now it takes a sudden turn and it does so in just a few words.
The harpers writ that men should praise The gallant deeds that were before Of such the Britons made their lays. And that we all should featly hold In heart the mirth of elder days,
We should all work to maintain the reputation and the positive influences of those who lived before us. It is told here as an unwritten rule of society that should come naturally out of simple respect for previous generations.
Mourning a lord far-famed and beloved. On a height they kindled the hugest of all Funeral fires; fumes of wood smoke Billowed darkly up, the blaze roared And drowned out their weeping, wind died down And flames wrought havoc in the hot bone-house, Burning it to the core. They were disconsolate And wailed aloud for their lord’s decease.
This is a sad image, but it reflects how Beowulf really impacted people.
gainsaying
This means to deny or to contradict
There was no way Beowulf could manage to get the better Of the monster with his sword.
Beowulf fought until the very end. He died a legend. Ties it back to the description of a great leader in part I of the story where a great leader must fight and protect.
glitter and glide
This beautiful description makes the death seem all the more tragic.
When he yielded a sword, No matter how blooded and hard-edged the blade His hand was too strong, the stroke he dealt
I wonder how different each battle would be if he had fought without magical weapons to assist him. If he were to rely on his natural strength and abilities would he appear as less of a hero or more of a hero?
“Go on, dear Beowulf, do everything You said you would when you were still young And vowed you would never let your name and fame Be dimmed while you lived. Your deeds are famous, So stay resolute, my lord, defend your life now With the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you.”
Beowulf lived the human experience. He arrived, he did good, and he left an impression.
everything seems too large
I'm curious as to what this means. Usually when faced with death or grief the world seems small when one is existentially thinking of their position in the world. Or maybe this is viewed from a divine perspective where they are aware of the greater world above them.
Unsettled yet ready, sensing his own death. 2420 His fate hovered near, unknowable but certain: It would soon claim his coffered soul,
Through fear he prepares for a fight. Though not optimistic, he is accepting of his fate.
But Beowulf’s prodigious Gifts as a swimmer guaranteed his safety
This was interesting to me because usually he finds solace in the power of God, but here he is comforted by his own abilities.
It had never failed 1460 The hand of anyone who had hefted it in battle, Anyone who had fought and faced the worst In the gap of danger. This was not the first time It had been called to perform heroic feats.
How does the reputation of the sword undermine his heroism? To me it makes his battle seem less significant as the text states that others have fought similar battles.
Still wondering whether Almighty God Would even turn the tide of his misfortunes.
Only God can judge him
But I couldn’t stop him from slipping my hold. The Lord allowed it, my lock on him Wasn’t strong enough,
Their world is controlled by a divine power where fate is predetermined.
Then his rage boiled over, he ripped open The mouth of the building, maddening for blood, Pacing the length of the patterned floor With his loathsome tread, while a baleful light, Flame more than light, flared from his eyes.
Appears to be hell personified
He was cast up safe and sound one morning Among the Heathoreams
Does this imply that the "Heathoreams" were dangerous so he is lucky to be alive? Or that the "Heathoreams" were allies.
May the Almighty Father keep you and in His kindness Watch over your exploits.
Religion keeps them safe as if it is all they need
Ogres and elves and evil phantoms And the giants too who strove with God
I find it interesting how there is the emergence of fantasy beings as well as religious beings
They decked his body no less bountifully With offerings than those first ones did Who cast him away when he was a child And launched him alone out over the waves.
One of the themes of this writing questions what it means to be human. These lines serve to define the human experience. We are brought into the world alone and we leave the world alone. The times in which we come and go are times that we do not ponder often as we are constantly focused on the present. This leads me to ask; are great leaders are more human than the rest of us? Leaders have more than just the present to leave an impact on, they also need to ensure that their roots present them as admirable, and that their legacy reflects their accomplishments. As average people, we don't question every move and wonder how people may perceive us for it after we die. How does awareness affect the human experience?
So that afterwards in age when fighting starts Steadfast companions will stand beside him And hold the line.
To me this line hints to a time when the world will be without their beloved leader. After a great leader passes, it is important to keep their legacy alive. In this case the people are willing to fight for themselves as their leader once fought for them.
In the end each clan on the outlying coasts Beyond the whale-road had to yield to him 10 And begin to pay tribute. That was one good king.
Here the narrator defines what constitutes as a good king. This observation of good leadership will later affect how readers will interpret the leadership values of Beowulf and determine if he is a good king.