1984 Socratic Seminar Reflection 1

The seminars influenced my thinking as a wide range of topics and questions were discussed, providing the opportunity to think about multiple different themes. It made me understand that Orwell tackled a great amount of themes in just the first three chapters, and the limitless sea of ideas people may have regarding the events in 1984. Many people shared how they believed the methods of indoctrination worked and why they were successful, as well as tried to imagine living in such a society. Something that I had not completely thought of before in depth was the idea of privacy. A few people spoke about how it was almost inconceivable to us to be watched and listened to at any time. I also thought more deeply about the idea that even thinking could be considered a crime, and the sheer amount of restrictions placed on the people in Orwell’s 1984.

I agree with the statement that through the use of manipulative techniques, the Party has succeeded in indoctrination the people of Oceania. This would include strategies such as the daily “2 minutes hate,” and naming the totalitarian leader “Big Brother” to make him appear as a protector of all, as opposed to an oppressive force.  I disagreed with some of the statements regarding the choice between living under total indoctrination or death. I do not believe you can simply choose to die, and escape from troubles, as in such a society, people may hold a moral obligation to try to their fullest efforts to end such oppression; however, simply living and complying to the demands of others would hardly be living at all. If I could have participated in the seminars, I would have liked to speak more of the degree of indoctrination that is prevalent in Orwell’s dystopian society, the lack of freedom in the society, as well as the lack of basic rights that most people within the United States take for granted. To this day, many countries lack the rights that are often taken for granted in more developed countries. Governments that are not democracies exist to this day, and people lack representation, or the ability to vote for whom they want in a free, fair election. Although possibly exaggerated, the events in Orwell’s 1984 are true and have happened before, adding to the social critique he presents in his book. I believe this is important to understand in the context of the book, as Orwell had drawn from historical events, and his works often reflect on humanity, a topic that everyone should look to learn more about.

The two seminars went very well in that a wide range of questions were asked, and students were able to invent questions regarding multiple different themes and ideas, hence there were no shortages of ideas or opinions, demonstrating the preparation each person completed prior to the seminar. Further, the discussion leaders did well at trying to get each person engaged. Whether it was directly asking them a question, or to have those that did not participate respond or ask their own question, each person contributed at one point or another. Such areas were successful due to the preparation that students did to properly develop questions and ideas for the seminar, and by the initiative taken by students to try and get everybody involved and engaged.

I believe that students being able to invent their own questions enabled them to develop their own ideas and thoughts, as well as have the freedom to explore topics they desired. Regardless, many times people would answer their own questions right away. As it takes time to develop thoughtful answers to questions, many people often had to think for a while before speaking, which means the question is thought provoking, but in the short amount of time we have for the seminars, this time to think is often not provided.  Possibly having a few common questions could have enabled the discussion to go deeper into the topic, as students would have had time to develop opinions. A mix of pre-chosen, and student chosen would have created an interesting mix of questions, but at the same time, each person will have already developed an opinion. 

Othello Dramatic Reading Statement of Intent

For this particular assignment, I chose to portray a discussion between Iago and Cassio in Act II scene iii of Othello. In this particular dialogue between the two men, Cassio despairs over losing his job as Othello’s right hand man, and his reputation, while Cassio tries to convince him not to lose hope.

Very distinct, yet different tones were chosen for both Cassio and Iago. I chose a very mournful and self-piteous tone to portray Cassios’s depression towards the events that took place.  Cassio’s life as a prominent military commander to the great Othello had ended, leaving him lost, worried about the future, and above all, sad. For these reasons, I tried to make Cassio sound as if her were wallowing in self-pity, and emphasized words that were causes of his despair. For example, I tried to emphasize the word “reputation” as this was what he feared he had lost. Further, I tried to emphasize the negative words he used to describe himself and his situation, such as drunk, squabble, devil, unperfectness and despise. Such words emphasize Cassio’s opinions of himself and the reasons as to why he is wallowing in self-pity, thus they explain what Cassio is thinking and feeling. Simultaneously, for Iago, I tried to use a very persuasive and sympathetic tone. Iago is attempting to gain the trust of Cassio, and thus sympathized and encouraged Cassio in his time of despair. For Iago, I emphasized words he used to accredit himself, such as when he called himself an “honest man”. Further, I emphasized words that would have worked to persuade Cassio, such as “idle” or “false” in describing reputation, and emphasizing the words “he’s yours” when Iago tells Cassio he can win back Othello’s favor. Such a tone and emphasis methods would have portrayed Iago’s desperation to gain the trust of Cassio so he could later deceive him.

By acting as Cassio and Iago during this dramatic reading, I learned much about the characters and the play as a whole. Forcing myself into the roles of Cassio and Iago helped me realize more about each character. By trying to portray them, I thought more critically about their motivations behind their actions and feelings, and why they would act the way they do. I imagined myself as a fully-grown adult who had lost my job, and reputation, and how such events would affect my attitude and the measures I would take to redeem myself, finding that the way in Cassio behaved was realistic. Further, by “becoming” Iago, I finally understood the extent of his trickery in the play, and how he was effectively able to manipulate those around him for his personal gain. Overall, I learned that Shakespeare’s play was so largely symbolic of human emotions and how they drive individuals to do what they do. The idea of jealousy, the “green-eyed monster” became clearer to me, and I saw the role jealousy and human emotions had in driving the plot of Othello. As a human myself, portraying the emotions of Cassio and Iago made it possible for me to realize that emotions such as jealousy, anger, and vengefulness not only drove actions in Othello but in the real world as well, during Shakespearean, ancient, and modern times.

The dialogue in this particular except played a significant role in shaping Othello, and affected many aspects of dramatic structure. The dialogue between Cassio and Iago reveals the different emotions of the characters, which otherwise, may have remained unknown. More importantly, the dialogue furthered the complications of the plot and contributed to the rising action. This scene shows Iago gaining the trust of Cassio to further himself in his scheme. This further demonstrates the manipulative nature of Iago, which ultimately led to climax, the killing of Desdemona and Othello. This dialogue proved a steppingstone to the larger conflict, and set the stage for Iago to manipulate Cassio into seeking the help of Desdemona, only to further turn Othello against them both. The dialogue also built upon characterization. Cassio was characterized as a loyal man looking to regain his reputation, while Iago’s character continued to be more strongly portrayed as manipulative to all.  In general, dialogue between characters saw the revelations of emotions, rumors and secrets, which set off the human emotions of the characters and caused them to act in the way they did. 

Title Justification Essay #3: Paths Taken and Expectations Fulfilled

The sealing of the fate of both Wes Moores is detailed in the final chapters of the book, dubbed “The Land that God Forgot” and “Surrounded.” Entitled “Paths Taken and Expectations Fulfilled,” the final section of The Other Wes Moore is appropriately named based on the author’s purpose of demonstrating the role of free will in the lives of all, and how each person can determine their future. Moore gives the readers a glimpse into the futures of both Wes Moores as they continue along their chosen paths, and settle into the lifestyles they were expected to have.

The author’s purpose of demonstrating the relevance of free will and the importance of the path each person decides to take is clearly emphasized in the title “Paths Taken and Expectations Fulfilled.” Moore uses multiple examples of such concepts throughout the section. The second Wes believes, “We will do what others expect of us […] if they expect us to graduate, we will graduate […] if they expect us to go to jail, then that’s where we will end up too. At some point you lose control.”  Wes’s inability to take control of his life led to his downfall as seen when he was arrested for his crime and sentenced to prison for life. This Wes chose to take a dimmer path, “ he’d never thought long term about his life at all […] Now Wes’s mind wandered to the long term for the first time. Finally, he could see his future.”  To a degree Wes filled the expectations of those around when he was sentenced to prison. He had long been involved in crime, and the sentenced only confirmed what everybody seemed to know already. Conversely, the author responded to Wes’s comment regarding expectations by stating that he “sympathized with him, but I recoiled from his ability to shed responsibility seamlessly and drape it at the feet of others.” The author saw the importance and value of hard work and took control of his future.  The plotline also sees Wes Moore filling the expectations of his father, realizing that “Knowing when to fight and when to seek peace is wisdom. Ubuntu was right. And so was my father. Watende, my middle name, all at once made perfect sense.”  This not only demonstrates the author obtaining a larger understanding of the way of life he wants to live, but also shows that he was both able to fill the expectations his family members had for him and simultaneously take control of his own future.

Moore appropriately titles his section “Paths Taken and Expectations Fulfilled” to encompass his purpose of unveiling the deeper themes of the collection of chapters. While people have expectations placed upon them, it is an individual choice as to what they want their future to be. The title appropriately aligns with the ideas of free will determining one’s future, and the importance of the paths all people choose to take.

Chapter 8

Crime/Prison

“02.19/00, DUNDALK DISPATCH ADVISED THAT BOTH OF THE MOORE BROTHERS ARE UNDER ARREST IN PHILADELPHIA! […] As word spread, a collective sigh of relief seeped through Baltimore’s brisk winter air. At home, Mary wept.” Pg. 155

This quote illustrates the various feelings towards crime and the emotional toll it takes on all people involved. The Baltimore police force saw arresting the Moore brothers as justice because it was possible one of them was responsible for killing a fellow police officer. Conversely, Mary Moore saw her two sons receive life sentences in prison.  This demonstrates all negative aspects of crime. Choosing to partake in criminal activity, Wes Moore was condemned to prison for life. A police officer lost his life, and a mother lost her two sons. This reveals that crime should never be a response as it deeply harms all people involved, from family members to those who try to stop it. The distressing part of this all is that some people turn to crime out of desperation, and may feel they have no other choice.

“ Maybe it was because he’d never thought long term about his life at all. Early losses condition you to believe that short-term plans are always smarter. Now Wes’s mind wandered to the long term for the first time. Finally, he could see his future.” Pg. 157

For the first time, Wes is able to see that his future is dim, and that spending the rest of his life in prison is not only a possibility, but a probable future. The fact that Wes never though long-term about his future, demonstrates that many times individuals need to think of the future, no matter how hard this may be to do. Spending the rest of one’s life in prison is an oppressive, and depressing thought, and the severity of the punishment only further reveals that crime does not pay, and punishments wait for those who partake in criminal activity.

Poverty

“Living in the Bronx and Baltimore had given me the foolish impression that I knew what poverty looked like. At that moment, I realized I had no idea what poverty was- even in West Baltimore we lived like kings compared to this.” Pg. 166

The description of seeing the poverty in South Africa above reveals that poverty is widespread and people around the world face financial problems, and consequently other problems that come along with them. This quote also demonstrates the stark differences in the definitions of poverty across the world, where a low-income family in Baltimore, could be considered rich in South Africa. Moore reveals the imbalance of wealth across the world, and the common hardships that people worlds apart may share.

Growing Up

“Here, burgeoning manhood was guided and celebrated through a rite of passage. At home, burgeoning manhood was a trigger for apprehension. In the United States, we see these same faces, and our reflex is to pick up our pace and cross the street. And in this reflexive gesture, the dimensions of our tragedy are laid bare. Our young men-along with our young women- are our strength and our future. Yet we fear them.” Pg. 170

Wes Moore, revealing the mixed emotions associated with growing up, starkly contrasts the difference in attitude towards manhood/womanhood in South Africa and the USA. Moore reveals that although the people are the same, their attitudes may change, which is a daunting thought. The young men and women are the future of the world, as one day, they will be the ones controlling it, and raising future generations.  Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Moore understands that many may fear young men, who have lived in dangerous areas surrounded by crime and drugs. This quote also reveals the importance of ensuring that each person is brought up well, educated, and in the future can be able to positively contribute to the world.

“ Fighting for your convictions is important. But finding peace is paramount. Knowing when to fight and when to seek peace is wisdom. Ubuntu was right. And so was my father. Watende, my middle name, all at once made perfect sense.” Pg. 168

Wes Moore’s further realization on the importance of peace reveals the fact that he has grown up, as well as demonstrates the mindset that many adults who are admired have.  Young men and women may wish to impulsively seek revenge, or look for a fight, but being a man or a woman means that each person selectively fights for what they believe and look to find peaceful solutions. Moore conveys his realization on the importance of peace by describing the thought process and wisdom involved in making decisions. This realization and wise way of thinking changed the author’s attitude, and better prepared him to face the world and life.