Blog #2: Moonstone-First Thoughts about the Characters

Hannah Martinez

Kristen Hague

English Literature

30 September 2012

Blog #2: Moonstone

            I will be honest in saying that I have read many different genres of literature but never before now have I read a mystery novel. This genre is a new concept to me and I am not sure if there is some practiced way of reading or catching hints within the text as to who has committed the crime. However, as I get further in the reading of the Moonstone written by Wilkie Collins I am starting to pick up on what I am seeing as being insight into who stole the sacred Moonstone. It has been my notion thus far though, that much of these hints or insight are offered in the personalities and characteristics of the characters. Collins writes in a fascinating fashion that offers a clear view of each character within her story, allowing us as the audience to develop our own identifications and opinions of them.

            Gabriel Betteredge had my attention and love of his character from the very beginning. The fact that he acts as the narrator probably offers much of my favoritism towards him because we get to see different sides of his personality that we are not able to see from others. His humor, whit, insight, opinion, emotions and lack of filter are very amusing and I believe very much add to the story. However out of all the characters (and we are aware that there are several to keep track of), it is the character of Penelope that intrigues me the most. From a readers standpoint it seems as though most everyone from Sergeant Cuff, Miss Rachael, Gabriel Betteredge to Mr. Franklin, they all maintain a sort of identity and traits to who they are, whereas Penelope has mysteriousness about her. She radiates this likeness to everyone; seeming to appreciate or find the good in everyone that she crosses. She seems to be the “glass half-full” type of person, but one who shares a good sense of judgment even when she does share her opinions. As a reader, I feel as if she is going to end up playing an important role in this mystery of the Moonstone, but even if she does not end up being that necessarily important, she is the character in the story that everyone values.

            Looking at her very more specifically, the relationship that Penelope shares with Miss Rachael amazes me. I guess that I expect her to show more of a jealously or stronger opinion of her than any other characters. Although it is not described this way, they are step sisters, and not only that but they are treated very different. Miss Rachael is of a higher rank in society, whereas Penelope takes part in the company of the servants and is treated as such in her household. As I reader I almost want her to show some animosity towards her step sister since Miss Rachael’s character is very much stubborn, bossy, and spoiled, but she does just the opposite. Instead Penelope seems to embrace all areas of her life and the people surrounding her.

         This story in general definitely has my attention, but with the progression of the story I am interested to see where Collin takes all of the characters, especially Penelope! I love how the relationship between the characters and the reader emerge because I believe this really adds to the effectiveness and interests that the audience takes in the literature Collins has written. Also, I may have a new found love for the genre mystery novels after reading Moonstone. J

Blog #1: Coleridge vs. Wordsworth

Blog #1: Coleridge vs. Wordsworth’s Poetry

I will be honest, English Literature was not my favorite when I took the first course, survey one, but I am finding it so much more exciting, compelling and interesting in this second half. Maybe it was because it was mainly written in Middle English and I felt like I was constantly attempting to decode a secret message or maybe it is because now there is a whole new level of understanding in the era of Romanticism, but whatever the case may be, I am thoroughly enjoying this time in their literature much better! More specifically however, from all the literature that we have surveyed thus far in the semester I am most intrigued by the differences and the similarities (or lack there-of) between the writings of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.

            After very in depth class discussions and looking at both these poets from different angles, it is amazes me to see that not only do they differ in many ways but that they also, very much reflected on the works of each other. It seems pretty clear that they both loved poetry, but their individual views of the uses, reasons and purposes of it greatly differ. Reading Coleridge’s poetry versus that of Wordsworth’s makes one scratch their head; that is until you read their biographies, when then, it all becomes very clear. In reading Wordsworth’s Lines Written A Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey it’s understandable, clear, enjoyable, relatable and pleasurable. I loved reading this poem, often finding myself rereading certain lines over and over because his use of language was so beautiful and song-like.  Then to turn around and read Coleridge’s Work Without Hope or Frost at Midnight you shake your head with confusion (or at least I did), rereading and rereading his poetry, to the point of no return and still feeling struck with the emotion of stupidity. As if whatever mechanism in your brain was supposed to click, giving insight into what he means, just completely misfired. However it is when you read their biographies that everything becomes clear…it makes the “click” go off in your mind, justly releasing the “Ah ha” moment that you were hoping for the first time you read Coleridge’s poems. No wonder I didn’t understand his poetry! He doesn’t really intend for clear understanding… haha. J

            It was interesting (as well as relieving) to find out that the way in which they both chose to write their poems reflects their thoughts and also their beliefs of what writing poetry means to them. For instance, Wordworth believes in writing in a way that people can comprehend and understand him, whereas Coleridge didn’t think that his readers needed to have an understanding at the end of his poems. I would’ve been completely thrown for a loop or baffled if Coleridge’s bio would have said that he believed poetry should be understandable to all, pleasurable and a use to let feelings out because that most definitely does NOT define his poetry. For two separate poets who both wrote poetry during the same time period, it is interesting the complete differences they have in their writing; validating that even today we still see such occurrences in different forms of writing all these years later. Just for the sake of comparison and staying with the theme of romanticism I can for instance say that in today’s literature I prefer romance author Kristen Hannah versus the writings of Nora Roberts. The same goes for literature from that many years ago. Without a doubt if I had been a literature consumer of their era I would most definitely have favored William Wordworth’s poetry over Coleridge’s. As Wordsworth shares, he thinks that poetry should provoke emotions, focus on nature and be understandable to the human race. I would agree with him one hundred percent! I feel that this is what it should be and continue to be as time continues to progress. Maybe it is appropriate to say that not only would I have favored his poetry over Coleridge’s but that I also share the “Wordsworthian” theory on what purposes should lie in poetry.