great works ii – 2850 jta 12:25-2:05: love letters from the world

Throughout the course of this semester, I definitely learned a couple things about myself and my capabilities. I definitely think that writing essays are my stronger suit (as opposed to being timely with assignments, or reading— which I do enjoy, but still). I also thought that I had a decent level of understanding when it comes to analyzing the texts that we’re reading. However, when it came to Endgame, I found myself utterly confused the first couple of times that I ran through the reading. I think this means that I need to improve on abstract thinking. I also found that I have a different way of interpreting texts than the majority of people— which I don’t consider to be a strength or a weakness— but I need to be more openminded in what other’s opinions are and maybe that will also improve my analytical capabilities.

-Aly Yoon

Reflecting back to the entire semester, I felt that there are still some areas where I can improve to better my writing. One of the things I could work on is my research. As I was writing my final paper, I noticed that there were times when I felt a bit lost as to what or where I was looking to get a valuable secondary source. Maybe it was the fact that I hadn’t written a paper in a couple of semesters or that the topic I was researching was a bit hard but nonetheless, researching is something that I need to improve on. One other area that I noticed I need a bit of improving on is trying to analyze the text a bit better. During the play of Endgame, I found myself a bit lost with the text. As far as all my other strengths go, I feel like I maintained the same strengths that I had written during the midterm weeks of school.

-Jorge Moreno

Mallarme’s poem, “The Virginal, Vibrant, and Beautiful Dawn”, and Endgame have similar themes present within.  The theme thats present in both pieces of literature is that there is a symbolism of someone who is crushed by the outside world and dislikes it.  This swan represents the one who has nothing to live for and thinks there is nothing out there in the world.  Just like Hamm and Clov live in a world where they don’t know whats out there and choose to just exist and not find meaning in their lives.  This idea of uselessness exists in both pieces of literature within the main characters.  Also another theme present is an earth filled with horror and nothingness.  A sort of dystopia with nothing to live for.  This theme sets the idea of nihilism that is present in both texts.

⁃Preston Cheung

Preston, I like the way you connect both the poem and Endgame together by means of symbolism and someone being “crushed by the outside world and dislikes it”. This was very insightful and I found it interesting food for thought. Similarly, in Sartre’s description of The Chestnut Tree from Nausea, there is also a feeling of non-existence. He feels that while looking at the roots of the tree and then the rest of it, that he sees and describes things that could not exist. And that because of this, existence is futile and meaningless. This can easily be connected to Endgame where Hamn and Clov feel as though they are simply “being” but not truly existing. Just being present but not having true meaning as they just sit in their room, unable to venture out and unwilling to do more.

-Aly Yoon

When I first placed English 2850 into my schedule, I wasn’t sure what to expect with regards to the strengths and weakness I would develop throughout the semester. Now, almost being at the halfway mark, I noticed that a strength I have is my ability to be able to analyze a piece of literature and be able to get a deeper meaning out of it. So far, I have done pretty well on the quizzes which has led me to believe my analysis has gotten better. As far as a weakness, I would like to improve my writing abilities to get it to the next level and get better grades on essays. Overall, I’ve had a productive English course so far.

• Jorge Moreno

In this class I have learned a lot about what I am strong at and what I need work in. This class has taught me how to analyze a piece of literature and come up with in depth understanding of what I read.  This also helped me realize that my written communication needs more work.  The use of more complex vocabulary as well as the transition within the essays.

• Preston Cheung

English has always been a fond interest of mine. So coming into this class I already had a mild understanding of my strengths, weaknesses and limitations in the area. I definitely feel like my stronger suits come from looking beyond face value of a text and understanding or at least trying to get a more insightful meaning. The assignments we do in class as well as online have really helped me hone and improve on having more abstract thoughts and getting creative with insight. However, I definitely do struggle with trying to put those ideas into a coherent format that doesn’t sound like mindless rambling. So hopefully I’ll be able to become more coherent and obtain better flow of words and putting pen to paper.

• Aly Yoon

A major theme that seems to be emerging in the poem, Four, is the idea that Tao is something extremely vast and great. “The Tao is an empty vessel; it is used, but never filled.” Tao is something that can neither be explained nor is it within reason or understanding. It provides knowledge  and is perhaps so great that no one human being could possibly ever add to it something Tao does not already know. The latter statement is further proven in the line, “Oh, unfathomable source of ten thousand things!” Tao is simply brimming with so much wisdom to learn from, as a people. It is a philosophy that helps us to “untangle the knot”. And it is not necessarily something one can see or feel— “Oh, hidden deep but ever present!” Instead, Tao is a way of life; something not to be understood but instead to be lived and imbedded within us.