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Ted Talk

Eddie Jaku: A Holocaust Survivor's Blueprint for Happiness

Quotes that stuck out to me:

• "My dear new friends ... (Laughter) My name is Eddie Jaku, and I'm standing in front of you today, a survivor of the Holocaust and a witness of the most tragic times in the history of mankind." (Ethos) 
• "I lost my dignity, my freedom, and my faith in humanity. I lost everything I lived for. I was reduced from a man to being nothing." (Pathos) 
• "I did not have a chance to say goodbye to my beloved mother, and I have missed her every day of my life. If you have the opportunity today, please go home and make sure you tell your mom how much you love her. Please do this for your new friend, Eddie." (Pathos) 
• "But I'm standing here today a happy man, who enjoys life with a wonderful wife and a beautiful family. I do not hate anyone. Hate is a disease which may destroy your enemy, but will also destroy you in the process." (Pathos) 
• "Happiness does not fall from the sky; it's in your hands." (Logos) 

Eddie Jaku is a man who has seen far beyond what we all know. He is a man that has experienced the tragedies of World War II and the mass slaughter of his own people, just for being Jewish. Jaku talks about the battles he has survived from the Holocaust-- the burning of his home, the death of his dog, the camps he was taken to, and the loss of his parents. As he tells the story of each new challenge, he shares all the darkness within that moment. Jaku discusses the horrors that haunt humanity and have many of us wondering again and again how someone could treat another in the way he was treated-- in the way Jews were treated. But after each new challenge and after each fight against all odds, Eddie Jaku talks of hope. He speaks of his miraculous survival, his wife and kids, and the happiness he has reclaimed from life. This Ted Talk is about valuing what you have and taking a moment to be grateful for the light in your life. Eddie Jaku proclaims that hope and happiness can never be lost, even in the darkest of times. Through his talk, he offers advice to his audience of how they should focus on their personal happiness and reclaim it themselves if lost. 

Jaku alone, just standing before the audience, a smile on his face is an inspirational image. But his words, heartfelt and filled with a deep rooted passion, stir up emotions far beyond just inspiration. This particular talk relied on the combination of ethos and pathos. I personally, do not think Eddie was trying to persuade the incidence in any way-- but rather share what he himself has learned through his troubles. The ethos of the matter, is that of personal experience. Eddie Jaku is a Holocaust survivor who first hand went through all of which he describes. There is no greater reliability than that of personal experience. If he, a man who has gone through all of that hardship-- most likely the worst of humankind-- can end up happy, than it must be true everyone else can as well. Through this perspective, the audience hangs on to each word and story he has to tell. Eddie Jaku has seen more and felt more than all of us can imagine, and through this, the audience puts great stock in his words. 

The pathos comes along with each story. As he begins his story, starting with when he was first taken from his home, he recalls specific details and emotions with each memory. Jaku brings in his senses at the time to develop the imagery of these memories, because to him, they are just as clear as ever. This helps the audience connect to what he is saying by being able to imagine it themselves. The pure horror that comes from each hardship, and the questions on human nature that arise from it, create a deep emotional reaction for most audience members. As we listen, we become attached to Eddie Jaku and his story. With each new piece of information, we sympathize more and more with him, truly experiencing heartache for what he, and many others, had to experience. It is, however, the hope at the end of each story that really triggers the emotional reaction. As an audience, we want nothing but happiness for Jaku and peace of mind. So when he explains that he has both, the feeling one gets is hard to put into words. It is the most heartwarming feeling of all because if anyone deserves happiness, it is someone like Eddie Jaku. 

The advice he gives is simple and logical. It is straightforward and wholesome. He wants us to be grateful-- to love and appreciate our friends and family. He wants us to stop and admire the world we have and all the happiness that comes with it. But most importantly, Jaku wants us to take happiness into our own hands. This use of logos is within this simple message. It is one no one can deny, especially not from someone like Eddie Jaku. He combines this logic, with the credibility from his life experience, to push advice onto his audience that they will likely take to heart. 

I would safety bet each member of that audience left feeling different, changed in some way. Eddie Jaku is able to effectively give such a powerful Ted Talk through the blending of all three of these elements-- but above all, through the kindness in his own heart and the love he has to share. 

I picked this Ted Talk within about twenty seconds of reading all the titles. At first, I was drawn in by the man on the front-- Eddie. I have always had a love of old people and his smile just radiated joy. When I read the title, I absolutely knew I had to watch it. Happiness to me is my whole goal in life. I have spent a lot of time in my own personal darkness, just like Eddie, on a different scale. Through that darkness, I have found what I believe to be the beginnings of my own light in life-- my own happiness. I wanted to watch this Ted Talk because I felt if Eddie Jaku could find himself happy after all he went through, I certainly could. I have to admit, I bawled the entire time I watched the video and wrote this blog. Simply because the subject of happiness hits close to home and as an individual, I sympathize deeply for others. Just like those audience members, I can say that the Ted Talk did change me in some way and my friend, Eddie Jaku, helped me see the light a little more clearly. 

Jekyll and Hyde

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Excerpt Character Analysis 

Mr. Hyde
"He is not easy to describe. There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable. I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why. He must be deformed somewhere; he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldn't specify a point. He's an extraordinary looking man, and yet I really can name nothing out of the way" (Stevenson 5).

Through this description of Mr. Hyde, his physical appearance reflects the personality he is associated with throughout the story. Not only is he of a lower class, and therefore ugly and dis-likable, but he is different from the average person-- deformed. He rubs off negatively on those who encounter him because his behaviors are cruel and stun those who observe them. The fact that he is hard to describe and place concrete details brings in the gothic theme. This causes the readers to fear someone that is less human and represents more of a monster of sorts that they wouldn't be able to recognize. It also brings in the element of the uncanny. The general reaction to Mr. Hyde represents how many upper class members would feel on those of the lower class and the changes within society.

Dr. Jekyll
"To this rule, Dr. Jekyll was no exception; and as he now sat on the opposite side of the fire-- a large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty, with something of a stylish cast perhaps, but every mark of capacity and kindness-- you could see by his looks that he cherished for Mr. Utterson a sincere and warm affection. "I have been wanting to speak to you, Jekyll," began the latter. "You know that will of yours?" A close observer might have gathered that the topic was distasteful; but the doctor carried it off gaily. "My poor Utterson," he said, "you are unfortunate in such a client. I never saw a man so distressed as you were by my will; unless it were the hide-bound pedant, Lanyon, at what he called my scientific heresies. O, I know he's a good fellow-- you needn't frown-- an excellent fellow, and I always mean to see more of him, but a hide-bound pedant for all that; an ignorant, blatant pedant. I was never more disappointed more in any man than Lanyon." "You know I never approved of it," pursued Utterson, ruthless disregarding the fresh topic. "My will? Yes, certainly, I know that," said the doctor, a trifle sharply. "You have told me so." "Well I tell you so again," continued the lawyer. "I have been learning something of young Hyde." The large handsome face of Dr. Jekyll grew pale to the very lips and there came a blackness about his eyes. "I do not care to hear more," said he. "This is a matter I thought we agreed to drop" (Stevenson 12-13).

Through this excerpt, it is modeled that physically Dr. Jekyll is well put-together, handsome, and of a high standard/class. He holds high respect and reputation within society. This description completely contrasts that of Mr. Hyde and shows the two opposite sides one man can have. The use of the dialogue conversation here and through the friendship of Utterson and Jekyll, help develop the inner personalities of the characters that aren't seen through their external masks. For instance, Jekyll is outwardly smart and respectable but inwardly struggles with what he is hiding when it comes to his relationship with Hyde. The dialogue conveys emotions lost within just detailed description and allows the audience to connect more to the characters and their behaviors. Also, through Utterson being involved in both excerpts, it shows a typical outsiders pov if in the upper class on people of their own kind vs. those in lower classes. 

Poem 

Voices: Jekyll (Lindsey) and Hyde (Abby)

Our poem’s purpose and intended effect is to portray the immediate contrast between these two characters but highlight where they relate through their shared lines. This in turn shows the duality between man by having these two characters reflect and develop one another. This poem focuses within the decision for Jekyll to leave everything to Hyde in his will before the murder of Danver. It begins to foreshadow the murder and the other events to come as both begin to unravel.

Jekyll Hyde 
It has been decided,                                                 It has been decided,

I'm leaving him everything.           I’m taking everything.

I trust him with--           He trusts me with--

All that I have and all that I am and          A fortune that takes a man out of the
all I could ever hope to be.          shadows, something that could
                             make me all I could ever hope to be.

They say I’m mad, not right in the head, They say I’m evil, a master manipulator,

It fills me with anger to the very brim                 It fills me with anger to the very brim,
How the people I hold close, beat me down. How the upper class beats me thin.

Soon they will see my side too, Soon I will be one of them too,
Look out, Look out,
I’m waiting for you. I’m coming for you.

Lady Macbeth's Netflix Recommendations

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[blog post shows may be inaccurate to the time frame of Macbeth, but would be enjoyed by her if realistic]

I used to watch Netflix marathons with my husband Macbeth, but ever since the plot for power has drawn into action, I have lost him as my partner in crime. As he spends more time away from home and more time in secret, I have found myself diving into a new array of shows. These are my top five favorite Netflix recommendations-- all handpicked by me. Each of the five represent something significant going on in my life and help get me through the days. Enjoy.  Yours truly, Lady Macbeth. 

1. Forensic Files

   

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Ever since the night of Duncan's death, I have been wondering nonstop about if and how they could figure out who did the deed. As a result of my worrying, I have been watching at least two Forensic Files episodes a day. Each episode describes how forensic scientists use evidence left at a crime scene and on victims/suspects to solve cases. With every episode, I find myself wondering how long it will be until they are able to lift Macbeth and I's fingerprints, use luminol to recover the blood on our clothes and hands, and pin the crime upon us both. I have watched countless numbers of cases be proved beyond a shadow of a doubt who the killer was. Through this show, I am almost positive that Macbeth and I's time is limited. However, it has indeed taught me a lot about how to get away with crimes. 

       2. Gossip Girl

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   My true guilty pleasure is that of the teen drama, Gossip Girl. I will admit, this one hits home in the oddest of ways for me. The show follows two Upper-East Side rich girls in Manhattan. Both of them are powerful female figures wanting power and status within their own world. As cheesy as it may be, I often compare Macbeth and I's relationship to that of Chuck and Blair. Throughout the show, they experience significant relationship issues become they are both headstrong and power hungry. While Blair can tell that they are better together as a partnership and should be satisfied with what they accomplished, Chuck continues to struggle with opening up to her and not going off on his own. I mean...talk about spot on. Despite being a show for teenagers, I find myself entranced in the quick pace and drama of the show. It is one of the best ones out there. 

       3. Reign

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This breathtaking series keeps me on the edge of my seat with each episode through its twists and turns. I truly adore the depiction of the strong head of the crown being a woman. The show focuses on the turmoil as a ruler of a country and the issues of power that come with it. For me, this directly relates down to the same problems my husband and I are experiencing. The show hits specifically on what it takes to be a ruler and how hard it can be to "keep your head" as one. Specifically, I reincarnate with the so-called glory of what having the crown projects and how it truly only limits you through the poison of power. Reign captures the ambition, the blood tool, and the lust of being a royal. 

      4. Seven Deadly Sins

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When I am craving something light hearted but with a deeper meaning, I usually pick the Seven Deadly Sins manga series. It focuses on this group of knights that come together after ten years apart in hiding for supposedly plotting a coop against their kingdom. However, you find out after hours of binge watching that they were not actually the bad guys, but had saved the kingdom from a demon race trying to control it. I really enjoy this manga because of its emphasis of the supernatural. As the witches have come into my own life, I have found that with them is also evil and danger-- that we are just pawns in their game. It gives me hope that Macbeth and I can free our own name and break away from the clutches of the supernatural. 

     5. 13 going on 30

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For my fifth and final pick, I am going to go with a classic movie I enjoy. The movie, 3 going on 30, hones in on the concept of character development. A young, newly turned thirteen-year-old wants to be popular and is willing to do anything (such as throw her best friend under the bus) to make that happen. After some events at her birthday party, she wishes to be thirty. The next morning she wakes up into her life as a thirty-year-old if she had become the popular person she wanted to be. She finds that as an adult, she is a horrible human with bad morals. Instead, she changes her life and falls for her old best friend, eventually returning back to thirteen. This movie for me is my inspiration. I know how I have started off with my actions in Duncan's death. But, I also know that I don't want to be that person of live that life anymore. The only problem, I don't have magic that can turn back the time and restart like she does. It seems, as the days go on, my options are growing more and more slim. I may not have any choice but to take myself out of the picture.

macbeth

• freebie sorry 

#IBmakingart

"Reliquary Casket with Scenes from the Martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket"

Artist: Unkown

Dimensions: 5.5x7x4.7cm 

Medium: gilded silver, niello, and a glass cabochon set over a tinted foil

Date: ca. 1173-80

A reliquary casket holds relics, the physical remains of a holy person (in this case, Saint Thomas Becket) or an object he had contact with. Traditionally relics and reliquary caskets are seen deep within Christianity. These pieces of artwork were seen literally as a connection between life and death and in this art, man and saint. This piece represented a holding place for Saint Thomas Beckett, a martyred English Saint. From 1162-1170 he was the archbishop of Canterbury. He was killed by four knights in King Henry II's court on December 29, 1170 due to an argument over the separation of monarch and church rights. This artwork is one of the earliest objects that honor Saint Thomas Beckett made around 1173 in Great Britain right after this event. 

This art is a visual representation of the Saint's martyrdom as he is killed fighting for religious "rights." The materials of the piece hold significance through the way the artist viewed Saint Thomas. By using the gilded silver, the piece took time and patience to carve. It also was an expense to make. The niello provided the black powder to fill the engraved channels and emphasize the scenes the artist engraved on the reliquary casket. Although black was the only color of the powder, by making the choice to cover up the metal shine with it, it dampens the beauty of the piece. The dark colors bring in a mood of great contrast to the metallic. This represents visually how the Knight's killed the Saint, the "beautiful" Saint. 

On the long side of the artwork, Saint Thomas Beckett's attack by the four Knight's is documented. While above it, an angel blesses the fight. This choice by the artist depicts that the attack was almost a blessing by God. The attack was willed because Saint Thomas had to be a martyr for his faith. In this time, this depiction takes back the power from the monarch, and gives it to the church. Instead of seeing it as a loss, the people of this faith would have seen it as the acting will of God. Furthermore, it comments on who is truly in power in the minds of some-- that some believe God and the church come before the King. This plays into themes going on during the time between religion and the monarchy. 

On the other long side, an angel holds the Saint's body, after he dies within the attack. The part of the piece pulls into the connection of life and death by representing the Saint's descent to Heaven and "better things." Through having the angel on top of the artwork again, the artist is making the religious aspects superior through literally being above the other parts. Meaning, that the actions of the angel are above those of the mortals and in that sense, a will of something greater. The texture created through the etching and powder also create ornate details and texture, The more fancy the box, with the more details and ornaments, the more the artist is showing respect to the Saint. Here, the artist is continuing to honor Saint Thomas and side with what he died fighting for.

The inscription on the reliquary casket states in Latin, "Saint Thomas is killed" and "The blood of Saint Thomas is inside." The artwork has a literal use, of holding Saint Thomas's blood as well. This function of the piece literally symbolizes the Saint's importance and how much his actions were valued by others. Also, connecting to the ultimate martyr of Jesus and how he shed his blood as well. The shape of the box is the traditional shape of a reliquary casket. However, it is important to note that it points upwards in a triangle, as if to the sky or heaven. The red jewel also helps symbolize the "blood" that lies in side while also adding another expensive label on the art piece. Having it on top helps the artist communicate the Saint's rise to Heaven and the top tier of the pyramid because he did the most righteous, honorable deed for his faith.

My Observational Sketch: 

Jane Eyre

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How would you best describe the central idea of this chapter? Which phrase from the chapter best helps develop the central idea? 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte was written in 1847. This novel is set in England and follows the story of "Jane." Jane, in chapter seven, is worried that Mr. Brocklehurst will call her out. She watches as he interacts with the kind Miss Temple and tears down all that she has done for the children. Then, as her anxiety builds, she drops her slate. Through this accident, she is subjected to ridicule at the hands of Mr. Brocklehurst who shames her and calls her a liar. He then makes her stand on a stool for thirty minutes. Jane only gets by through the kind looks of a friend.

This chapter handles a couple different themes throughout its entirety. One of the central points of emphasis lies within the contrast between the life Mr. Brocklehurst holds and the lives of the girls. He is described in a way that explains his life of luxury. Furthermore, he arrives with weathy guests. These women are dressed in expensive clothes described as "had grey beaver hats, then in fashion, shaded with ostrich plumes, and from under the brim of this graceful head-dress fell a profusion of light tresses, elaborately curled; the elder lady was enveloped in a costly velvet shawl, trimmed with ermine, and she wore a false front of French curls" (Bronte 7). They arrived in the middle of his lecture on describing how the girls were dressing inappropriately and flaunting themselves with their hairstyles. Through this, it shows how hypocritical he is, and alludes to his lavish lifestyle. This ties into the central theme of the chapter-- expressing the ways of their society and the flaws within it. 

Furthermore, he criticizes Miss. Temple for feeding the girls bread and cheese between meals. She tells him that the girls were starving and needed to eat. Instead of showing kindness, he preaches a sermon about how one must go hungry to do right for the Lord. He ends this rant with the words, "...you may indeed feed their vile bodies, but you little think how you starve their immortal souls"(Bronte 7). Again, this expresses how he would rather let the children go hungry than "disrespect" his God. However, he is living a lifestyle in which he does not have to worry about his next meal. Mr. Brocklehurst shows up whenever he pleases, which is rarely, and doesn't care for the girls in the meantime. The way he shows his care is by allowing them to suffer in bad living conditions justified in his self-indulgent religion. Ironically, contrasting the whole idea of religion to begin with. Jane, who has nothing, gives to the starving girls when she herself starves as well. While Mr. Brocklehurst gives to no one. 

Lastly, through the way he interacts and orders around the women, specifically Miss Temple, he is asserting his dominance as a male. Thus, emphasizing the further idea of gender roles and the patriarchy. Additionally alluding to how they play a role in the central idea of painting the "normal" in their society. 

The most effective sentence that conveys this central idea is, "With this sublime conclusion, Mr. Brocklehurst adjusted the top button of his surtout, muttered something to his family, who rose, bowed to Miss Temple, and then all the great people sailed in state from the room" (Bronte 7). In this line, one can note through the choice of diction and imagery his status and control over everyone in the room. The audience can also tell that he believes what he is doing is enlightening and that he is the closet "all-powerful" to God. It also shows the little care the higher status people give to those of lower. They all rose from the room leaving this girl and place to suffer, as they carried on their lives as normal.