Breakup

Dear Childhood Memory,

We've had a lot of good times haven't we? All good things must unfortunately come to an end. You helped me a lot through my childhood, but clearly I'm too old for you now.  

Remember that time in Walt Disney World when I saw you for the very first time in that store and I was just three years old? I begged and begged my mom and dad to let me take you home, and thank goodness they agreed to buy you. Your ears were all perky and you were that perfect shade of pink, and you were so fluffy and soft. You were my best friend in an instant. I brought you around Disney for the remainder of the trip. I remember this like it was just yesterday, however that yesterday was many, many years ago. Years later and here we are.

It's funny, how a stuffed animal can be your only friend until you step out and make friends on your own. Kindergarten came, and sure we still had our moments, our car rides, even or many imaginary adventures, but let's face it.. I was making friends now.. REAL friends. Not to say you weren't a real friend because let's face it, you were, and I guess you still are, but I don't need you as much as I used to. I don't need you to scare away the "monsters" or whatever I used to call them. Hint, they were never really existant in the first place. Just a small part of a very vivid childhood imagination.

You just kinda sit at the end of my bed now, staring at me with those button eyes of yours and I can't say I feel all that bad. I'm grateful, and most of all thankful for the times that we had. Without you I wouldn't have been able to face those "monsters" or whatever you call them. Sadly, Piglet this is the end of a small chapter in my life, my childhood. You were a big part of that chapter, however now you will sit at the end of my bed and exist in many happy childhood memories. Thanks for everything, that childhood with you was the best.

-Me

Revenge

Revenge-PLL

The topic of revenge is a very interesting topic. It seems even in today's literature, TV shows, and movies to be a very popular story line. However, what is revenge? According to the online dictionary, revenge can be defined as exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, especially in a resentful, vindictive spirit. The topic of revenge can be found relevant in the popular, hit television show, “Pretty Little Liars” airing on ABC Family. The show is based off of a popular book series, but brought to life in the hit show.

“Pretty Little Liars” can be described as creepy, mysterious, and full of revenge. I know when I watch it; I’m hooked in the blink of an eye! The show takes a look into the lives of four young girls, Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna after their friend Allison was mysteriously killed. How can revenge be present here? Well, the four young girls seek a bit of revenge on whoever killed Allison. The four girls are taunted and tortured by a mysterious “A”, someone who is posing to be Allison and lives on the misery and misfortune of the four girls. Not only are the girls seeking revenge on “A”, but “A” is also seeking revenge on the girls.

The common question I ask myself while watching the hit show is, why does “A” want revenge on the four girls? What makes “A” so mad that they want to take the girls down. After watching the show since it has been aired, the puzzle pieces have started to come together. “A” wants revenge on the girls because the original Allison was a cold-hearted, mean, conniving girl who survived off the misery of other people, including her friends. It’s almost as if you can sense the revenge and betrayal.

How can “Pretty Little Liars” even compare to Hamlet? Hamlet after finding out his uncle was responsible for the death of his father, wants to avenge his father’s death. Hamlet wants to kill his uncle, therefore getting his revenge. In both “Pretty Little Liars” and Hamlet, a death is being avenged. Revenge is wanted in both cases. However inHamlet, I feel like the revenge plot is stronger. Why? Well, because Hamlet wants someone to die in order to avenge his father and that someone happens to be his uncle. In PLL there is definitely a strong sense of revenge, but not as strong as in Hamlet, the girls may want someone in jail, but the concept of death is not relevant to the way that the girls want to seek revenge on Allison’s killer.

Revenge is still often used today, but in a weaker sense. Back in the time Hamlet, was written, revenge had a stronger meaning. Modern revenge has a completely different meaning in today’s time, rather than back in that time period. When plotting revenge today, it seems like death is often times a last resort. In fact, revenge looks rather childish and is expressed through simpler meaning, such as pranks and embarrassment. Rarely death is used. However, revenge is still a popular topic in today’s literature, movies, and television shows nonetheless.

You've never seen "Pretty Little Liars" check it out! Here's some links to the thrilling show!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWNDxzC8gks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSyYPM68Oo0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7e-p21_7CI

Satire

                Satire. What is it? Where did it originate? When is it used? Well, satire can be defined as a work of art or literature that critiques human behavior through humor. Believe it or not there’s an actual history about satire. Satire can be used through many literary works such as, art, books, songs, and movies. Many other things throughout life and throughout history contain satire as well. Who thought a simple word could have such a historical background? I sure didn’t. Such a fascinating world we live in, isn’t it? Satire, what a word with so much meaning. Sure fascinates me, history and all!

            As stated in the Ethereal Chronicles, the word satire originated from the Latin noun, “satura”. Satura means mixed. Weird that satire came from that word. To me, it’s kind of confusing. It doesn’t really link together. Fun fact, did you know that satire can be used as a form of social commentary? Hmm, interesting. According to the Ethereal Chronicles, satire has been around for centuries. It has said to be around as early as 5 BC.

            Written in the Ethereal Chronicles, it is said that satire first became recognized in Greek play writes and poetry. Greek play write, Aristophanes is commonly known for satirical usage. I think it’s really cool how satire didn’t even come from English literature! Who would have thought? It’s so frequently used in English literature; I never knew that it came from Ancient Greece! As stated in the Ethereal Chronicles, satire has also been frequently used to express tragedy and sadness. Did you think that satire was only used to make human behavior humorous? Well, you were actually wrong like me!

            In the article, Shapes of Satire, it is said that satire has varied from all ages. Little kids to adults have used satire. Also stated in this article, irony has been commonly used with satire. I personally never would think of that. Irony and satire are two different literary elements! Who thought the history and uses of satire could be so exciting?

            Satire can commonly be seen in the popular, humorous show, Saturday Night Live. Notice how throughout the duration of Saturday Night Live, many of the actresses and actors are mocking, or making fun of human behavior through previous skits, or small performances.  Such actresses and actors like Tina Fey, Will Ferrell and many others have done many skits to mock or critique human behavior. These skits may have mocked the presidential election, music artists, or just common things that we Americans see.

            Satire has clearly evolved a lot since it first originated in 5 BC. I mean just look at it. Coming from Ancient Greece all the way to America. From past to present day in 2012, satire has come a long way. I’m not really sure, I truly understood the concept of satire or why it’s so important or what it did, but I do now. When in doubt use satire! It’s a sure way to get a laugh.

Articles:

http://www.helium.com/items/137530-history-of-satire

http://www.pafaculty.net/joyce/contents/dubliners/satire/satire.html