Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Reading Analysis for 9/24

In “My Mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun” by Shakespeare, “When I Consider How My Light is Spent” by John Milton, and “Know It All: Can Wikipedia conquer expertise?” by Stacy Schiff, there is a common theme of imperfection and error in society. All three address an issue or concern, yet in the end it seems as though it is the flaw that makes the subject so great. It is interesting that we can find these flaws in three separate works, three separate times, and through three separate authors, yet all relate to one society and we find that over time not much has changed.
In “My Mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun,” by William Shakespeare we read about a woman the speaker seems to admire. He addresses the problem with society and how they view beautiful woman. The speaker talks negatively about his lovers looks, and seems cruel in a way. No one can be perfect, and Shakespeare shows that although most men tell their lovers how beautiful they are by comparing them to other gorgeous things…these comparisons are not accurate. Men in today’s society do use false words so that they can conquer a woman’s heart. These relationships are built on looks alone, but the speaker’s relationship is more. He shows her how he feels, instead of wooing her with lies. Through all his negativity in the poem, he shows that he is truly in love with her for what she has to offer from within. In the other poem, “When I Consider How My Light is Spent,” by John Milton, we see a different problem. In this we read about the speaker’s regret and sadness. The speaker has become blind, and realizes that he has not had a “purpose” in life; he has not accomplished anything great. The poem, like Shakespeare’s’, first appears to be negative and doubtful. The poet is lost and believes that he has not yet served his maker- God. Towards the end, the speaker seems to come to a realization. Although he does not realize this, his purpose and greatness lies within his poetic words. His gift was poetry to the world, and this means that he has endowed his talent. In the reading “Know it All: Can Wikipedia conquer expertise?” by Stacy Schiff, we read about the imperfections of this search engine or encyclopedia. This article questions the reliability of the website because the public is able to write and edit everything about it. There are not many rules, and if so they are not rightly enforced. If this is to remain on the internet for the world to see, it should be accurate. Although the website may not be honest, it is a place of creativity and entertainment. “Wikipedia offers endless opportunities for self-expression,” writes Schiff.
All three writings are very similar in how they describe these flaws of society and within ourselves, yet they all come together to bring up a positive point. It’s appealing to read these three very distinct works and find one common theme such as this.

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