What is Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterisation of Coriolanus in Act I?

Coriolanus was one of Shakespeare's last plays, in which was set in the time of Ancient Rome; when Rome was still a small city/tribe, just before the rise of the Republic. Throughout the play, Shakespeare mirrors his current English political contexts; by which was the authoritarian rule of King James the first (1603-1625). Thus resulting the play to densely address sociopolitical issues and emphasising on the ones that occur between the different classes in society, in Coriolanus' case the plebian and the patricians. Due to this setting, Act 1 profusely operates as the basis and establishes the entire plays. The characters are presented, and through them, the external conflicts are acquainted. Shakespeare indirectly characterises Coriolanus' struggle in augmenting power trough his lack of emotional intelligence when he approaches the lower classes; using his lack of verbal self-control to symbolise it. Illustrating Coriolanus' lack of political insight strives towards a larger goal, which is the illustration of a parallel between Coriolanus and King Jame the first. 

Shakespeare introduces the setting of the play through rebellion, in Act 1, tThis scene is where the Roman plebians are revolting against the patricians. Displaying the plebians disadvantages and society and how the higher class react towards them, the men in power being: Coriolanus, the protagonist,  and Menenius, his foil character. The audience is introduced to these two contrasting characters through direct and indirect characterizations. Coriolanus is exhibited as the ''chief enemy to the people' in Act 1, Scene 1. The audience is introduced to the first conflict of the play; where Coriolanus is initially presented through the plebian's hateful perspectives, inscribing him as the primary cause of their societal issues. Shakespeare does so to set up the first actual appearance of Coriolanus in the play. In this scene Coriolanus confronts the plebians and displays his hostility towards the lower class, mocking them, giving the reader insight into Coriolanus' irritable and stubborn traits.  In opposition, the author then presents Menenius, who is referenced as the ‘one that hath always loved the people’ in Act I, Scene I. Unlike Coriolanus, Menenius is an honoured man in his society due to his eloquentness and present his beliefs and thoughts in such attractive manners to the public. His shrewd characterises, and use of language appeases the plebians, although he too is a patrician. Shakespeare does so intentionally to emphasise Coriolanus' attributes, by presenting him with a foil character. Which also foreshadows the inevitable and tragic death of Coriolanus.

There is then an abrupt transition from the protagonist's place in politics, and the author puts him on a battlefield. Contrastingly, in the battlefield, Coriolanus is completely respected and is even perceived as un-human but instead god-like, a demi-god. He is portrayed as a brave warrior and the saviour of the people that is recognised by everybody, showing the audience both Coriolanus' arrogant side as well as his courageous role. 

Once we reach the end of the play, Shakespeare shapes two completely different sides to the protagonist taking him from an ill-mannered politician to a godly figure in the battlefields. Moreover, Shakespeare draws allusions throughout the play between Coriolanus and King James the first and overall political stances. 

belle hooks

"For in the incorrect usage of words, in the incorrect placement of words, was a spirit of rebellion that claimed language as a site of resistance. Using English in a way that ruptured standard usage and meaning, so that white folks could often not understand black speech, made English into more than the oppressor’s language." belle hooks

             Harriet Tubman was an African-American abolitionist that was born into slavery. Tubman was one of the many slaves that escaped and after that went on missions to help rescue enslaved families. She did this through using a network of secret routes and safe houses, named the Underground Railway, that was established in the United States during the 1800s that allow African American slaves to escape into free states and neighbouring countries, with the help of abolitionists and allies. Secret messages in the form of quilt patterns aided slaves escaping the bonds of captivity in the Southern states before and during the American Civil War.

It was illegal for slaves to be literate. Therefore they lacked the ability to read or write. Thus allowing codes to become their means of communication, whether it was oral or drawn and sewn. They played a vital role in the slaves' lives as it was what lead them throughout their route to freedom. That is why these codes are often referred to as Underground Railroad Quilt Clothes. 'Quilt' relates to the fact that most of these codes were sewn into quilts that were used as undetected banners. But these codes came in forms of dance, spirituals, code words and even phrases in which were taught and memorised within the slave community; allowing themselves to communicate in a way that their white slave owners couldn't decipher. Secrecy was the only way that the blacks could protect themselves from the whites; becoming characteristic to their culture. Where even the youngest of children were taught to effectively keep secrets from any strangers or members of society that didn't come from their family to preserve their safety. 

A characteristic of the African-American culture was developed at this time, where communication of enigmas through the use of ordinary, everyday objects; the objects are seen so often they are no longer noticeable by the white Americans and slave masters. This characteristic transcended and subsequently became applied to slave songs, using code words the slaves were able to efficiently communicate indirectly with each other and aid each other to escape.

The primary text that I will be using is an underground railway slave song, “Follow the Drinking Gourd”, which abovementioned were songs sung by abolitionists to help inform each other through codes about their circumstances, or what to expect. This song insinuated the act of escaping in the springtime, as the days got longer, and the sun returned and contrasted with the winter weather “When the sun comes back “. The song then goes on to refer to quails, ”the first quail calls” which begin to call/mate each other at the beginning of spring. The drinking gourd, a water dipper that is stated in the song refers back to a code name for the Big Dipper, the constellation that pointed to the Pole star towards the North. “The Dead Trees show you the way” is a line in the song that refers to moss, as it grows n the north side of dead trees. Thus was used as an indicator for directions in case the Big Dipper was invisible.

These slave songs use of the black vernacular (which implemented AAVE on a larger scale in society)  allows us insight into how the placement of words, was used as a spirit of rebellion by the slaves in America in the 1800s that claimed language as a state of resistance. Using English in a way that ruptured the standard usage and meaning of the words; creating codes so that white people were left with a lack of understanding. Ultimately making English into more than the oppressor’s language. Instead, threading their own history and characteristics into it to rebel and protests for their rights.

“Follow the Drinking Gourd”

Follow the drinking gourd,

Follow the drinking gourd,

For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom

If you follow the drinking gourd

When the sun comes back and the first quail calls,

Follow the drinking gourd.

For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom

If you follow the drinking gourd

The riverbank will make a very good road.

The dead trees show you the way,

Left foot, peg foot traveling on,

Follow the drinking gourd.

The river ends between two hills,

Follow the drinking gourd.

There’s another river on the other side,

Follow the drinking gourd.

Where the great big river meets the little river,

Follow the drinking gourd.

The old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom,

If you follow the drinking gourd.

Endangered Languages: Scottish Gaelic ft. Karma Thomas

A link to our podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEP_4db1jk0

What is the value of preserving indigenous languages?

Language is the key to culture. Humans derive their social lives and all of their customs and traditions through the means of language. Due to its role as a communicator between people, it becomes intertwined with the traditions and customs, almost inseparable; language comes hand in hand with culture. With these truths, humans tend to be protective of their values and culture and thus makes us feel as though we are indebted to our language and what it has done for our individual cultures. Even when societies begin involuntarily become ignorant towards their cultures due to the modern day, your mother tongue will always be a constant reminder of the values and virtues your people were brought up by thus proving its significance in our lives. Showing that language tends to be the last string that binds a modernised nation back to its roots. Hence instilling the need of preserving our languages.

Once modern languages such as English begin to evoke a sense of replacing one's native tongue, it also starts to evoke the feeling of replacing your cultures entire history. 7000 languages are spoken in the world today, and 5000 of them are spoken by indigenous tribes; which makes the 6% total of the world's population. Unfortunately, 90% of the 5000 languages are near extinction. Meaning that 4500 languages are dying out in the modern world, taking all of their cultures histories, autonomy, power, heritage, and connectivity. In addition to all of these losses, we lose cultures worth of artistry and scholar. All of which impacts our modern explorations. Without such connections to thousands of tribes explorations, our modern world is missing out on so much.

An example of this would be the knowledge that was lost on the Pacific coast in the nations and tribes of Polynesia. Their culture originates from the ancient voyagers that travelled the oceans. Three thousand years ago there was an abrupt halt of long-distant voyaging for a thousand years, and all the knowledge of voyaging had gone with the people's ancestors. It took their people a millennium to regain any knowledge that they previously had on voyaging. There are many instances where such cultural traditions were mysteriously put to a stop, and couldn't be rediscovered again due to a lack of records through oral or written language. This insights us to the possibility of losing such valuable cultural knowledge alongside custom explorations if there was no preservation of the languages that indigenous people spoke, both physically (in writing) and oral (spoken).

There are huge consequences that come with being ignorant towards indigenous languages. therefore we need to become more aware of all of these languages and the worth they have to our modern world, and what we could learn from them.

#triggered

After watching the Tyler, the Creator Mountain Dew commercial, I was confused. Was I offended? Yes. As a person of colour and a woman, I didn't appreciate the manner in which both groups were depicted. Although many argue it came from a comedic aspect, when it comes to such sensitive topics comedy is merciless.

Many people like to create such content to help spread awareness; this can sometimes be found in mediums such as the theatre of the oppressed; maybe even in films, music, or stories. But to take such matters and release it to live National television in which people have not chosen or given consent to display such content in their homes. Television and other forms of mass media have an influential power on children, sharing such topics could lead children in the wrong direction and falsify their perspective on the world in a negative manner. Moreover, this could trigger many victims of bigotry or abuse.

From a technical perspective, Mountain Dews company has probably received more backlash or boycotting as opposed to persuading the audience into purchasing their product; in which is the companies initial aim.

It is times such as this where people must learn to draw the line. What is the difference between satire and injustice? As an audience member, I cannot accept where the idea was derived from, although I am aware that it comes with comedic intentions, industries with such great influence and platform should not be tolerating the inhumane behaviour. Personally, I believe that it is a moral duty to stray from bigotry. Therefore I don't understand why there might be an exception for the media industry. There mustn't be a double standard, especially when it's in the hands of such influential corporations.

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The advert targets American smokers; this advert seems to date back to the mid-1900’s. As stated on the symbol “ A lucky strike for all America, Buy U.S. defence bonds.” Thus indicating that the advert was made and published during a war (presumably the Second World War), considering they are advertising U.S. defence bonds while also incorporating an image of a marine. Moreover, this advert’s colours depict the colours of the American flag, thus allowing the viewer to associate it with their home country. This symbolism is relevant considering it was a time of war in which always creates a sense of patriotism within the nation.

This advert aims to persuade its audience to buy lucky strike cigarettes. This is presented in the persuasive slogan stating “ Be Happy- Go Lucky!” in addition to that the advert includes different texts that make persuasive claims such as “ Luckies taste better than any other cigarette”. Insinuating that this is a friendly and encouraging advert. Moreover, it is displayed through the sailor on the right-hand corner of the image, giving the audience his thumbs up. Linking back to Ethos Rhetoric, the U.S. Marine is credible and trustworthy, and the portrayal of him looking as though he’s enjoying the cigarette ultimately persuades the audience to purchase or favour this cigarette brand over others. It is a relaxed image that looks inviting, due to the scenic setting of a picnic at the beach.

The advert targets those who smoke while using sex appeals to sell the product. Evidently, in this image, a man is managing to gain a woman's interest through the packet of cigarettes. With the interaction of the man and the women, it shows how by purchasing the cigarette, it will attract women to converse with the man to ask for a cigarette. This gives us insight on the values of the society. This image targets men and allows them to presume that material objects could help them gain the attention of other, specifically ones from the opposite sex. Although the woman is standing above the men, it is very much plausible to understand that the woman is just as much an accessory to the male as the cigarettes are. Another point that is emphasised in this advert would be the importance of social approval and conformity, through the Marine's hand gestures, that are understood as an encouragement to the male in the advert, and projected towards the targeted audience as well.

This advertisement adequately reveals the cultural characteristics of their time, through exhibiting the societal norms and expectations that come regarding relationships. Overall, the man’s stance and ability to draw the woman in through the simple act of waving around a box of cigarettes all the while sitting down showcases how woman were portrayed as accessories or a trophy in this historical and social context. This ultimately depicts that in this commercials context, the man is empowered whereas the woman is marginalised as a trophy/side chick. Thus allowing us to understand the context of the social norms and gender roles within this time period.

The Pitch (Reflection)

What main appeals did you use in your pitch? Why did you decide they would be the most effective? 

In our presentation, we explained that the advertisement would employ the Bandwaggon, Humour and Logic appeal. While doing so, we also exercised humour and logic appeals to the company we were trying to persuade; this was done to exemplify the type of advertisement that we would create. The appeals we had unanimously chosen would be the most effective appeals, considering that the bandwagon appeal allows the audience to be content when it comes to affiliating themselves to the programme we have in store for them. Due to the interactive pathways that this product would create for the targetted audience. Moreover, the Logic appeal would help target the viewers need to achieve. Whether it be obtaining a healthier lifestyle, new social activities, or even an escape from day-to-day routine. The use of these appeals were the most powerful techniques; for humour draws in the audiences attentions while logic and bandwagon appeals manipulate and persuade them.

What were some specific persuasive techniques you used (include examples) why did you believe these would be effective? 

To allow our audience to be intrigued, we consolidated effective techniques such as humour, great vocabulary as well as expressing logos through a cause vs. correlation strategy. We also tried our best to associate the audience with the advert, and product at hand. As a group, we had come to the conclusion that consistent association between the two would help display our data of the bike share programme. Thus allowing us to sell our advert and product to the audience, by describing our overall methods. This was done with the intention to emphasise on the spokespeople charisma, linking us back to pathos and allowing an emotional connection. Psychology's Sociocultural Levels of Analysis have proven that a friendly relationship between to business dealers, a seller and buyer could enlarge the outcomes by more than 50%. Therefore we intended on exaggerating our commitment towards the product and towards the "buyers" to help boost the likelihood of success. 

Cause vs. Correlation was used to help convince the audience that the advert/product that is something they need to enhance their lives significantly. Therefore we had insisted that the cause of high diabetes rate was because we do not have a bike share programme. In which could be rendered as hyperbole. 

How did an awareness of audience and context influence your overall approach to this activity?   

Maintaining an awareness of the audience and context was very influential, as it allowed us to manipulate the targetted audience through the understanding we have of their social, literal and physical characteristics. Most importantly, it enabled us to enhance our technicality, as we were provided with enough information to make emotional, lifestyle and health connections between the buyers and the sellers. We had also manipulated the audience into solely foreseeing the positive factors that come with our presentation and product. We took to our advantage that the presentation was in fact completely one-sided and completely disregarded any questions or refutations, allowing the audience to commend our overall presentation. We avoided mentioning any negatives such as the weather of the context, in which came to our benefit as salespeople. 

If you were to complete this presentation again, what would you do differently regarding content and preparation?

After watching the other groups, I was able to pick up many things that we could have done to extend our success rate as an "advert company." Initially, I would increase my preparation time and rehearse the presentation. Although, as a group, we were able to transmit our ideas to the audience, I would have preferred to ensure little to no mistakes and ultimately articulate ( and if it weren't a stretch, I would have preferred to present without cue cards considering it was such a low content based presentation). But overall I would state that our group was able to perform very successfully under such a time constraint. Furthermore, I would have liked to be able to make simple additions such as repetition and making catchy phrases to help enhance the memorability of our product.