Michael+Coniglio

Assignment 7: The Aeneid, by the poet Vergil, details the adventures of the Trojan Aeneas after the Trojan War. Aeneas is exiled from his homeland and is forced to make a long and arduous journey to found the Roman Race. The ideas of patriotism and nationalism are prevalent throughout the story. Aeneas even abandons his wife at Troy so he can fulfill his destiny and establish Rome. The movie The Patriot (very appropriately named for this assignment) also abounds with patriotism. Benjamin Martin (portrayed by Mel Gibson) is a farmer in colonial America during the American Revolution. Like Aeneas, Benjamin gives up everything: he leaves his home and family in the care of his sister in law to join the fight for independence. Benjamin is involved in numerous battles during his time in the army, and is away for his family for three years, very similar (in effort) to the obstacles Aeneas faced while he traveled to Italy. Just as Juno is the source of trouble for Aeneas, Benjamin's main source fo conflict comes from the British Colonel Tavington, who kills two of Benjamin's sons. The main similarity between Aeneas and Benjamin Martin is their devotion to their respective causes. Nothing deters Aeneas from reaching Italy, and Benjamin forgoes an opportunity to avange the deaths of his sons; instead, he rallies the panicked American soldiers and ensures a Continental victory in a crucial battle. Although their journeys were separated by thousands of years, both Aeneas and Benjamin Martin show an unwavering loyalty and devotion to their country, and must endure many hardhsips to achieve their goals.

Assignment 6: The story of King Midas and his Golden Touch is similar to Oliver Stone's movie //Wall Street//. One day, King Midas found a drunk satyr named Silenus asleep in his garden. Silenus just happened to be the foster father of the god Dionysus. Midas treated the satytr kindly and with respect. When Midas returned the satyr to Dionysus, the god was grateful and decided to grant him one wish. Midas foolishly wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. At first, the wish works wonders for Midas, as he turns various objects into pure gold. However, Midas soon realizes the folly and stupidity of his wish. He is unable to eat or drink anything because everything he touches turns to gold. In despair, Midas begs forgiveness from Dionysus and asks to be relieved from his curse. Dionysus takes pity on Midas and instructs him to bathe in the Pactolus River. The power flows out of Midas into the current of the river. Midas moves out to the country and lives the remainder of his life in simplicity. Bud Fox, the main character in //Wall Street//, also desires wealth and power. His dream is to work in a partnership with financial tycoon Gordon Gekko. By giving Gekko insider information on a business deal, Fox eventually realizes his goal and becomes immensely wealthy. He buys an expensive apartment in Manhattan and even acquires somewhat of a trophy girlfriend. However, this wealth has a cost. To stay on top, Fox engages in illegal activities, such as insider trading and securities fraud. He even breaks into office buildings to steal the files of rival companies. Things come to a climax when Fox learns that Gekko is planning to buy Bluestar Airlines and sell it off. Fox's father is a union manager for the airline, and the destruction of the airline will result in the loss of his father's and thousands of workers' jobs. Guilt-ridden over the fact that he gave Gekko the idea to buy the airline, Fox goes to his father and begs forgiveness for becoming obsessed with getting wealthy. He eventually hatches a plan to save the airline and send Gekko to jail. The movie ends with Fox heading to court to stand trial for his illegal activities, but with a free conscience knowing he has saved the airline. Like Midas, Fox was also obsessed with attaining wealth and power. Although Fox did not "wish" for his wealth, Gekko does act like Dionysus in that he is able to help Fox attain his wealth. Both Midas and Fox had to provide favors to gain their respective prosperity. Midas treated Dionysus's foster father with kindeness, while Fox helped Gekko profit on a business deal. The main similarities between the two stories, however, is how both men realize the dangers and follies of wealth. Midas is unable to eat or drink, and Fox performs illegal activities because of their desires for wealth and power. In the end, both Midas and Fox realize the stupidity of their actions and are able to make amends for their situations. Assignment 5: The //Picture of Dorian Gray// by Oscar Wilde is very similar to Ovid's story of Narcissus. In his //Metamorphoses III//, Ovid tells the story of Narcissus, the son of a naiad, Liriope, and a river god. When her child is born, Liriope asked the blind seer Tiresias if her son will live a long life. Tiresias replies in the affirmative, with the condition that Narcissus "doesn't get to know himself." As Narcissus grows up, he is so handsome that almost everyone falls in love with him. However, Narcissus is too proud and obsessed with himself to offer any love to his female suitors. In particular, his rejection of the nymph Echo, caused her to fade until only the whisper of her voice remained. One day, while Narcissus was walking through the woods, he stopped to take a drink from a pool of water. Seeing his reflection, he immediately falls in love with himself. He tried to embrace his reflection but could not. Realizing what was happening, and unable to resist himself, Narcissus beats his chest until he dies. Similar to Narcissus, Dorian Gray, the main character in Wilde's novel also becomes obsessed with himself. The novel starts with Dorian being painted by the artist Basil. Lord Henry walks by and asks them to join him later that night. During their conversation, Dorian becomes convinced that beauty is the only worthwhile aspect of life. He wishes that the portrait of himself would age, rather than himself. He cruelly rejects the love of Sybil Vane, causing her to commit suicide. When he arrives home later, he realizes that his wish has come true; his painting has become grotesque as a result of his sinful actions. Dorian embarks on a life of vice and debauchery. He kills Basil and refers to himself as "Prince Charming". Eventually, he begins to regret his actions and tries to stop. When he goes to check on his picture, it is even more disfigured than before. Realizing that he is powerless to stop his sinful life, Dorian plunges a knife into the chest of himself in the portrait. The real Dorian immediately withers and dies, and the painting is returned to normal. Dorian acts very similar to Narcissus. Both men become obsessed with themselves and cruelly reject any potential lovers. Just like Narcissus's rebuttal causes Echo to fade into non-existence, Dorian's rejection of Sybil causes her death as well. As both stories progress, the two men fall deeper and deeper into the cycle of self-obsession. Eventually, both men reach the point when they realize what has happened to them. They desire to change themselves, but are unable to do so. Both Ovid's story and Wilde's novel end tragically: unable to overcome their selfish desires, Narcissus and Dorian have no choice but to take their own lives.

Assignment 4: (Note: I am focusing on the portion from 3:00-3:45). One of my favorite movies to watch is Tombstone (Ya I know, none of you have heard of it). It follows the life of lawman Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday. This very sad and moving scene shows Doc Holliday on his deathbed with tuberculosis, (which he got from an excessive life of gambling, drinking and not living in moderation...but that's another poem) talking with his friend Wyatt Earp one last time. At this poin in the movie, Wyatt's brothers are either dead or have moved far away, and his best friend (Doc Holliday) is on the brink of death. Wyatt has won his crusade against the cowboys, and is struggling to move on with his life. This scene has many comparisons with Horace's Ode 1.11. Horace's main message to Leuconoe is to "carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero" (seize the day, believing in the future to the least extent possible). In essence, Horace is telling Leuconoe to enjoy and not waste the gift of life. Similarly, Doc Holliday tells Wyatt to "live every second, live right up to the hilt". Horace also claims that "Tu ne quaesieris quem tibi finem di dederint" (You should not ask which end the gods will have given to you). In addition to living in the moment, Horace also makes the point that one should not worry or wonder about what life has in store for them. Doc Holliday also minimizes the potential effects of life, saying, "It's just life...you get on with it". Finally, both Horace and Doc Holliday offer their advice on how one can live life to the fullest. Horace tells Leuconoe to "sapias" (be wise), "vina liques" (strain the wine), and "spem longam reseces" (prune the long hope). Likewise, Doc Holliday tells Wyatt to "grab (calm down Doc) that spirited actress...take that beauty and run, don't look back". By telling Wyatt "don't lookk back", Holliday once again stresses the idae that one should not worry about future or past events. With their respective advice, it is clear that both Horace and Doc Holliday recognize the importance of living in the moment and the futility of worrying about the future. media type="youtube" key="5v2ZBqjZyjA?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

Assignment 3: So I just happened to see the movie Hitch this weekend, and I feel it shares many similar traits with Catullus 69. Although I can only show the movie trailer here, I feel you will still be able to make the connections. In both instances, Catullus and Alex Hitches ("Hitch") are offering advice to men who do not understand why they have a problem with women. Both men explain very quickly why this is the case. Catullus very quick to tell Rufus that "valle sub alarum trux habitare caper" (a goat lives under the valley of your arm: Catullus 69, Line 6). Hitch also highlights his consultants' various deficiencies. In one instance, a man is splattered with a soda by his girlfriend. When he asks why she did this, Hitch replies, "by asking her if it was diet, you were implying that she was fat." Both men exult in the prospect of giving advice to people they view as inferior to them. Catullus is very cruel in his insults of Rufus claiming that the "goat" under his arm is "mala valde bestia, nec quicum bella puella cubet" (a very bad beast, and one with whom a beautiful woman wouldn't lie down: Catullus 69, Lines 6-7). Catullus is essentially claiming that no woman, at least no woman, would ever think of interacting with Rufus. Catullus does this to point attention away from his own social problems and insecurities. By calling attention to Rufus, Catullus can hide the fact that he has lost his relationship with Lesbia. Likewise, Hitch is also very critical of his consultors. He puts them down repeatedly, calling them "pathetic" and even cursing at some moments. Similar to Catullus, Hitch's way of highlighting deficiencies in others hides the problems that he himself has with women. Hitch is very awkward with his own girlfriend; he repeatedly claims that, "that did not come out the way I planned." The more awkward he becomes with his girlfriend, the more Hitch puts down others. Although Catullus repeteadly criticizes and insults Rufus, he does offer some advice to Rufus to help him, ordering him to "crudelem nasorum interfice pestem" (kill the cruel plague on our noses: Catullus 69, Line 9). Similarly, Hitch helps the men who come to him. In the earlier instance where the woman pours soda on her boyfriend, Hitch advises the man to, "wait till 3:00, buy a new coat, some flowers..." The way both Catullus and Hitch offer advice is identical and very suggestive. Instead of offering a suggestion, both Catullus and Hitch order their respective people to do what they say. Once again, this highlights their similar insecurities; both men constantly try to put themselves on a pedestal above others. media type="youtube" key="MrWWxsKljYg?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

Assignment 2: There are many similarities between the poem Catullus 8, and Gloria Graynor's song "I Will Survive". There are consistent mood changes throughout the poem and song. In this case even though the viewpoint is from the opposite gender, both start with a description with their emotions, which serves to highlight the severity of the actions of each respective lover. Both writers then go on to describe a ficticious confrontation between themselves and their lover, where they finally tell their respcetive lovers off. Finally, both the poem and the song have a common phrase that exemplifies the them of both pieces. Catullus repeatedly tells himself to be strong, while Gloria claims that she will "survive." Catullus starts Poem 8 by referring to himself as "miser" or "miserable. Likewise Gloria (the writer of the song) starts her song with very instrumentals, really speaking these first lyrics: "First I was afraid...I was petrified." These strong descriptions invoke pity for Catullus an Gloria, and highlight the injustices done to them. Catullus and Gloria both get over their initial dispair, with Catullus telling himself "desinas ineptire" (stop playing the fool) and Gloria remarking that, "I grew strong and I learned how to get along." As the poem and song progress, both Catullus and Gloria then begin fantasizing (kind of weird) about a confrontation with their respective lovers. In each instance, Catullus and Gloria finally insult and tell off their lovers, and seem prepared to move on with their lives. In lines 12-13, Catullus says to Lesbia, "Vale, puella...nec te requiret nec rogabit invitam" (Goodbye, girl. He (Catullus) will neither miss you nor ask for you unwilling). This is a major change with Catullus, because throughout his poems he showed an obsession and loyalty to Lesbia that seemed unbreakable. Similarly, Gloria tells her lover to "Go on now go...walk out the door, you're not welcome anymore." Like Catullus, this is a big change for Gloria, as she states earlier in the song that she doesn't know how she will survive without her lover. Both Catullus and Gloria display a streak of independence at this point, and seem ready to let go of the past. Throughout Poem 8, Catullus repetitively reminds himself to be "desinatus" (stubborn) and "obdura" (stand firm). He uses the word "obdura" three times in Poem 8. He does not make a habit of repeating words like that in his other poems, which indicates that Catullus is clearly struggling with the idea of letting Lesbia out of his life forever. However, because of Lesbia's past betrayals, Catullus believes that his life will be better off for him without her. Therefore, he must not yield to his desire for her under any circumstances, hence the intrapersonal communication. In her song, Gloria also repeats a phrase multiple times. In this case she uses the phrase, "I will survive." Like Catullus, Gloria uses this as a motivation for herself. No matter how bad things get, she will get by and go on with life. This thought reassures her, and helps her resist her lover's attempts to integrate himself back into her life. The importance of these phrases results in Catullus ending his poem by reminding himself to "obdura" and Gloria reassuring herself that "I will survive". media type="youtube" key="ZBR2G-iI3-I?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

At first I was afraid I was petrified. Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side. But then I spent so many nights Thinking how you did me wrong. And I grew strong! And I learned how to get along! So now you're back from out of space. I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face.

I should have changed that stupid lock! I should have made you leave your key! If I had known for just one second you'd be back to bother me. Go on now, go, walk out that door! Just turn around now‚ cause you're not welcome any more. Weren't you the one who tried to hurt (crush) me with goodbye?

Did I crumble Did I lay down and die Oh no, not I! I will survive! Oh and as long as I know how to love I know I stay alive. I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give. And I'll survive! I will survive! Hey, hey.

It took all the strength I had not to fall apart. Kept tryin' hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart! And I spent oh so many nights just feeling sorry for myself. I used to cry! But now I hold my head up high. And you see me somebody new! I'm not that chained-up little person still in love with you.

And so you feel like droppin' in, and just expect me to be free, now I'm saving all my loving for someone who is loving me! Go on now, go, walk out that door! Just turn around now‚ cause you're not welcome any more. Weren't you the one who tried to hurt (crush) me with goodbye?

Did I crumble Did I lay down and die Oh no, not I! I will survive! Oh and as long as I know how to love I know I stay alive. I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give. And I'll survive! I will survive! Hey, hey.

Assignment 1: media type="youtube" key="-BQMgCy-n6U?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

While translating Catullus 5, I noticed many similarities between the poem and the movie West Side Story. First, both share the theme of a "forbidden love." In this case, Tony and Maria are in love, despite the fact that they are members of two rival classes. Maria is Puerto Rican, while Tony is an American. Also, Maria's brother, and Tony's best friend are leaders of rival "gangs", which also serves to separate the two lovers. This is referenced when Maria claims that, "it's not us, but everything around us." Similarily, Catullus and Lesbia are in love, despite the fact that she is married to another man, and their love is also looked down upon by the "old men." In both relationships, the meetings between the two lovers must be kept secret. To some extent, the different values of the opposing sides hinder each relationship from truly developing. In each case, there is something more important than love. For Catullus, it is the everyday politics and business of Roman life. For Tony and Maria, it is the rivalry between their friends and family. Tony tries to reassure Maria about their situation saying, "I'll take you away, where nothing can get to us." Likewise, Catullus tries to console Lesbia by telling her to, "...value the gossips of old men at one penny." Finally, in this movie scene there is a sense of tragedy: the viewer knows that the dreams of escaping the rules and limitations of society are fruitless, and that their love will be discovered and destroyed; in Catullus 5, there is also a tone of desperation used by Catullus, which signals the beginning of the end of his relationship with Lesbia.