King Lear

I do not particularly like Shakespeare because of his use of language and I feel like I am studying his works rather than reading and enjoying them. Although I did not take this meaning out of the play originally after readings Kahn’s point of view I can agree. King Lear obviously wants to be shown affection. His desire for his daughters to flatter him with how much they love him makes this apparent. They are bribed by being rewarded with a share of his kingdom for how much they love him. Lear knows that Cordelia cares for him the most but her refusal to partake in the competition angers him. It is not that he doesn’t know she loves him the most it is the fact that she will not tell him what he wants to hear. This seems to show a feminine side to Lear. A side that needs to be loved and shown affection. But yet also shows a childish side. His response to Cordelia’s answer and the actions he takes are very childish. He pouts and is enraged. Although he does show masculine qualities as well. When he is displeased with Cordelia he stands firm in his punishment towards her. He tries to hold back his emotion and disappointment, except in anger. At the conclusion of the play Lear realizes how foolish and childish he was.

Persepolis

I enjoyed this book because it kept me wanting to read it. There was alot going on throughout the story which kept it interesting. I liked reading a graphis novel, it was a first for me. The movie was good as well. The color scenes versus the black and white scenes were a very interesting way to set a mood. As for Marji's father saying "politics and sentiment dont mix" I agree with him to a certain extent. Sentiment should not play a role in politics, however you are affected by politics so politics play a role in sentiment. Her grandmother seems to feel that integrity and self worth are of great importance. She wants her grand daughter to always take the high road and keep her head held high. I think her grandmother holds the most important lesson and therefore has the best relationship with her. As the story progresses we see the changes Marji undergoes as she grows up and matures. The war really affects her mood, attitude, and emotion. Being forced to move from home to a new country and new culture was shocking. It was hard for her to make friends and for a while she kind of lost who she was and where she came from. But returning home and regaining her confidence and motivation shows that she did not lose who she was completely. She just needed a reminder of how strong she is. This story also shows how important family is for support and as role models, her parents love and support for her return home, and her grandmothers constant life lessons. Family, knowing where you come from, and having motivation to be everything you can are lessons you can take away from this short yet fullfilling read!