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Ah here it is, the last post of the semester. This post is going to examine my favorite couple of the semester, Antony and Cleopatra. These two individuals appear to made for each other. They are both ambitious, cunning, and they apparently have a good understanding of how to play the game. However it is my intention to prove that they are both not as strong and really willing to play the game. They would rather take the deal.

First, I will look at Cleopatra. Perhaps the most decisive moment at the end of the text which was an indication to me just how powerless she was is the scene describing her suicide.  She is too prideful too be taken at the hands of her victor, so she does the next best thing and lets a snake bite her during the episode she exclaims, “Methinks I hear Antony call; I see him rouse himself To praise my noble act;” (Act V, scene II).  Cleopatra suggests that her husband is proud of her actions, but one must truly consider if this has any true merit, because of the desperate and pathetic manner.  Of the suicide, Caesar says, “Bravest at the last, She leveled at our purposes, and being royal, Took her own way.” (Act V, sc. II). I cannot help but wonder if this is sincere. Because as is the case Caesar is the one who has the power and still alive. So is this sarcastic? During her prime years, Cleopatra was able to seduce and manipulate left and right with her sexuality and “strong” personality, but as soon as she must engage that something, which she can’t win with her sexuality, she gets in trouble.  For example, when she encounters the rage of Antony after she convinces him to jump ship and flee from his men she decides that there is no other logical choice, except to fake her own death. “Help me, my women!” “To the monument! Mardian, go tell him I have slain myself; Say, that the last I spoke was 'Antony,' And word it, prithee, piteously: hence, Mardian, And bring me how he takes my death.” Act IV, sc. XIII).  She makes this brash decision, and in a true sign of immaturity, wants to make sure that Antony suffers.

The NFL will not discipline the St. Louis Rams players who held up their hands as a gesture of solidarity with protesters in Ferguson, Missouri, prior to Sunday's win over the Oakland Raiders.

While we have not discussed her much in class, yet Volumnia is one of the most interesting characters in Shakespeare’s Coriolanus.  As we continue to discuss what constitutes as heroic we are often talking about facing the fear of death and embracing it which then leads to glory. Volumnia is not on the front lines of the battles, which unfold between her son and rival city Volsces, but she is definitely in tune with what it takes to acquire glory.  She is even willing to jeopardize her own son’s safety so that he may become glorified. She is what most people would call today, a horrible parent. She kind of reminded me of the mother from the film “Mommy Dearest”.  In today’s society we highlight parents like Wanda Pratt, Kevin Durant’s mom who loved her son unconditionally and cared for him in every way possible. Most would argue these two women could not be more different, but in all actuality, both women would be the loudest and proudest moms in the cheering section at a battle or a basketball game.

While they took very different approaches to their parenting style, clearly both turned out ok initially. Kevin Durant describes the constant sacrifices his mother made so his family could survive. In Coriolanus’ case we don’t see those sacrifices explicitly, but it is evident in the way in which she cares for her son that it was not out of the realm of possibility. For example, Volumnia explains that she sent her son off to war early because she knew it would bring him honor which was a vital character component in this society; “how honor would become such a person…let him seek danger where he was like to find fame. To a cruel war I sent him” (1.3.5-13).  Both women were not in a stable enough position to freely offer their kids a way out of a tough situation.  In both cases, there was a lack of a paternal presence, which suggests that men still do hold a large portion of the power in society. As a result of this, each mother had to make difficult decisions regarding how she were going to make sure their kid’s life was better than their own.  Additionally, both women encouraged their sons to continue chasing their goals; Kevin Durant spoke about his mother’s constant encouragement about playing the sport he loved, and Volumnia is clearly full of encouragement herself as she is able to get her son to go in to politics.

Perhaps what is most notably different between the two women is that Pratt’s motivation to see her son succeed came out of selfless love, while Volumnia’s love seems to stem from a desire to be able to brag about all her son does. As she discusses how overjoyed she was at having a boy, just so he could be a warrior, this becomes clear; “I sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was a man-child than now in first seeing he had proved himself a man” (1.3.15-17) Furthermore, she describes his victories in battle as if they somehow all the result of her being his mom. At one point she describes her role as breast feeder as the literal place where he got his strength as he sucked it from her.

These two women took different routes to help get their kid where they are today, but at the heart of the matter is a willingness to help their child grow and develop into a well-rounded citizen. I think of Coriolanus was alive today, he would echo KD’s thoughts about his mother.

The death of an Arab bus driver found hanged in his bus is generating controversy among Palestinians, who reject the police finding of suicide.

Singer praised the pope for his compassion and push to accept gays in the Catholic church, at his annual AIDS benefit

I think Elton John may need to come sit in on one of our classes, because his definition of a hero isn't quite hitting it on the nose. Pope Francis has done some admirable things during his tenure, but its definitely not to the point of heroic. He lives in a posh home with people constantly looking out for his safety, so there goes the putting the life on the line component because he can't. Also, while his words do hold more weight than most peoples, they are simply just words and they have not resulted in a complete shift of the world order. So while his views are gaining support from a variety of sources, i think we should wait till he makes it to saint status before calling him a hero. 

Also, I found this article in Time and thought it related to this post because the news seems to be doing a solid job on warping what is actually happening. http://time.com/3545844/pope-francis-evolution-creationism/

Yesterday in class we discussed Antigone as a heroine and the way in which she actively sought to provide justice for her brother in an impossible situation as her sister referred to it, “If thou canst do it; but thy passion craves, for things impossible” (ln 101). Ismene seems to be the realist in the situation, and when I first read this text several years ago, I was ticked that she did not choose to join her sister, and then tried to slide in there at the end like she was helping the cause, but now I understand Ismene’s hesitation because we have seen how things have unraveled for every other hero we have encountered as well as the pitiful demise of her family.

  Unlike Achilies, Antigone is not slaying dozens of men and protecting others she is merely trying to bury her brother with honor, as burial rights are incredibly important in this society. She seals her fate when commits to the plan, Sophocles description of her feeble attempt to bury her brother; As Sentry reports to Creon, “new dust on the slimy flesh! Someone has given it burial that way, and Gone …” (206). Described as just dust, this does not seem to fit the bill for a proper burial. So would it honor Polynieces in the eyes of the Gods or would they just laugh at the pathetic attempt? 

  Does the action of her hanging herself also deter from her status a hero? “She had made a noose of her fine linen veil and hanged herself” (959). My perception of suicide as a means to escape which then makes her act seem cowardice as she was not willing to confront the full wrath of her punishment.  Also, her action of suicide resulted in the deaths of several other individuals so does that subtract from a status as a heroine? “Haimon lay beside hers”(960) and Eurdice.  Particularly, because the people who wind up dying are not directly involved in the conflict, which has developed between Creon and Antigone.

  In class we discussed how she stuck to what is right and that makes her a hero, but is doing the right thing really worth the tumultuous faith, which she suffers in the end. The chorus discusses how prior to these events unfolding there was peace within the community, but her actions have resulted in a disruption of that peace and tranquility.

Lauren Hill scored four points on Sunday, and her Division III team, Mount St. Joseph, beat Hiram College, 66-55. But the atmosphere around Hill's first college game can never be properly captured in a box score.

Teacher Megan Silberberger is getting a lot of credit for intervening during the school shooting in Marysville, Washington, on Friday.

As we have been dissecting the character of Socrates, I have found myself wondering about who is more believable. Moreover would it be better to make decisions with Jesus in mind or with Socrates teachings in mind? (hence the title) In Crito and the Apology particularly, there seems to be several parallels between the two figures.

One such example is when Socrates tells Crito that he will not entertain the idea of an escape from his fate. Socrates responds to Crtio's plea by saying, "But why, my dear Crito, should we care about the opinion of the many?" Socrates is committed to serving his sentence because he recognizes the urgency in proving to the people that they need to seriously change their way of thinking. This parallels the encounter Jesus has with his disciples as he foretells his death. Much like Crito, Peter is convinced that his friend and mentor cannot suffer his demise already. And much like Socrates, Jesus responds to his companion, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Both Socrates and Jesus are focused on the impact they will have on an audience other than their friends recognize.  They both seem to understand the longterm implications of their decision, which demonstrates a level of wisdom, and insight that goes beyond a regular person’s understanding.  

While Socrates does not provide his best arguments when he is brought before a court of law, it mirrors Jesus’ interaction with the courts, which sentenced him to be hung on a cross. In The Apology, Socrates discusses how it is others who have labeled him the wisest man, and he has gone on a journey to disprove them. Jesus too suggests that it is others who have called him “King of the Jews”. During his appeal Socrates suggests that if he has corrupted anyone that they come forward, this passivity and the fact that the jury finds Socrates guilty is similar to the exchange, which Jesus has. It is the crowd or the masses, which Socrates heads are unreliable and need philosophy as guidance that calls for Jesus’ crucifixion.  Even though Socrates’ crowd does not begin chants of murder, they effectively do nothing, which has the same result.  Lastly, the manner in which they both present their case and teachings in general reflect their unique ability to challenge the traditional thinking of society and seems to frustrate people as they are left feeling confused.

Finally, both characters recognize the importance of obeying God’s will. Jesus cries out to God that it is finished and gave up his sprit. Socrates concludes his dialogue with Crito that he is committed to following the will of God; “Then let me follow the intimations of the will of God.” 

A top Russian tennis official who mocked Serena and Venus Williams by referring to them as the "Williams brothers" now faces potential sanctions from the International Olympic Committee .