Men's and Women's role in society.

When I read this, I thought:

"Sexism"

This idea of what makes a woman happy is completely barbaric, and I think that Lehman wants to show the ridiculousness of the average woman. 

When he personifies men as scum of the earth, he also sort of allows readers to see this sort of what women see men as. What society sometimes portrays men as.

I really think the poem is a wake-up call and a satirical poem.

"If I were a Boy"

I really, really love the fact that Beyonce sort of announces in her song that (some) men  treat their women poorly, and if she were a man she'd treat women better, :D Can't get much clearer than that.

"Sold"

Again, about how a man sells everything he has in order to be with a woman. He'd give his own heart to have her, so we have to reoccurring "roles of men and women in society".

I just find it interesting how each person took the roles into different angles.

"The Flea"

John Donne is describing a common bond between two lovers. I believe the flea represents a child maybe, because the author claims the flea was innocent. The wife kills the flea because other people don't like it and it may be because the child happened before the marriage. So, we have this idea of the parents not 1) liking the marriage 2) liking this "flea". Since the flea is small and "innocent" it could be interrupted as a child or that of child essence. :D

I don't feel that I can really interrupt poetry very well... I am not sure that I did this correctly. I am sorry.

Meriah <3

Poetry Experience

I was quite the poet myself in middle school, granted they were never about anything important. Just about the way I felt, which in turn turned out to be a lot of self-pity and hatred for everything out there. Now that I think about it, it makes me laugh.

I rather enjoy reading poetry, sometimes out of the obvious fact some are short and simple, but can hold such meaning.

I love Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Frost, e.e. cummings, and Shel Silverstein are among my favorites.

"The Road Not Taken", "Pocahontas" are two I can remember the names for.


A poem is a stanza based piece of literature. It speaks in less words than a novel, but still tells the same story.

Research Question

In an earlier post I mentioned Faustus selling his soul for 24 years of Mephistophilis' servitude. I really would like to pursue the concept of why would someone sell their soul for 24 years of nothing. So, my research question would be something to the effects of How can twenty-four years be comparable to a life in hell? This is definitely not concrete, and I would love feedback on what other options I have at this point.

I do plan on seeing you at some point before the final is due in order to get a better grasp on the paper. I appreciate your feedback!

Class Discussion

I brought up in class the idea of misery loves company. Mephistophilis, throughout the entire play , is plagued by the concept of whether or not to let Faustus continue practicing dark magic. Mephistophilis argues that he is in hell every day, that each day he is not allowed in heaven is a day in a hell. What does this mean for the Devil? Having experienced heaven and being forced to live in hell you would think Faustus would listen to him. However, he doesn't and I believe that Mephistophilis doesn't push the concept of whether or not it is morally right because he is so wrapped up in his own misery, he'd enjoy taking someone down with him.

However, the play has yet to unravel, so maybe Mephistophilis will step up, who knows?

Scenes 4 and 5

Scene IV Analysis:

Wagner, Faustus' servant, obtains his own servant. Why is he getting a servant? How does one obtain a servant whilst a servant? Clown, as referenced in the play, is poor and needs something to eat. Wagner offers to fill his hunger if the Clown guarantees Wagner his soul. As bizarre as this comes to me, I feel that Wagner is just trying to follow Faustus, trying to be like him. This can result in disaster as the story moves on.

Scene V Analysis:

In order for Faustus to gain a servant he must give his body and soul to Lucifer. I believe that this can easily be in comparison to other countries/people/regions who have gained slaves through an immoral concept. What does this mean for Faustus in the end? He can only be guaranteed to serve his life in hell after 24 years, is that truly worth all the worldly goods?

Priorities today.

During the renaissance period there weren't as many issues or vices plaguing the country. During this period religion was the most important thing, clearly in modern society it is going to come at a lower level of importance. Today's society is obsessed with material things.

American Society:

1. Money.
2. Technolgy.
3. Reality television.
4. Education.
5. Social life.
6. Communication.
7. Religion
8. Family.
9. Magic

Modern society would put so many things above religion because it comes easier and aids them physically and in the now. Our society thrives on the now.