Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Mr. Donne...


" I suppose I like John Donne...because he validates my existence" - Dr. Barbara Pell.

It might be possible that John Donne lived for one reason: so that literary keeners could sit around and unpack his metaphysical conceits. And I am one of them. They don't make any sense half the time - and I love it! Today, I had the pleasure of studying one of my favourite authors in class. When my prof skipped over my favourite poem, I actually cried "No!" - out loud. Yup, its true. Before you get too concerned, we will cover it next class. And if you are dying of curiosity to know what is..."Valediction: Forbidden Mourning". I heart this poem. I can fairly confidently say its one of my favourites of all time...

For your reading pleasure, a portion:

Our two souls therefore, which are one,
Though I must go, endure not yet
A breach, but an expansion,
Like gold to airy thinness beat.
If they be two, they are two so
As stiff twin compasses are two;
Thy soul, the fix’d foot, makes no show
To move, but doth, if th’ other do.
And though it in the center sit,
Yet, when the other far doth roam,
It leans, and hearkens after it,
And grows erect, as that comes home.
Such wilt thou be to me, who must,
Like th’ other foot, obliquely run;
Thy firmness makes my circle just,
And makes me end where I begun.

What a beautiful "metaphysical conceit".
I bet you will never look at a protractor the same way again.
The reason I study Literature right there.

Saturday, November 19, 2005

For the Love of Darcy....

Tonight I walked into the theatre with mild trepidation and extreme excitment. And I was not dissapointed. I will say that I was sad to not see it with the clan of girls that I expected to attend with. I do think a second viewing might be in order.

Let's start with the great things:
1. Hollywood - now I am not saying that I dont love the BBC and their version, because I do. I am just saying there were quite a few moments that I was glad to see the clever camera angles in this new picture. A few really georgous moments - including Lizzie running the field towards Netherfield to see her distressed sister.Camera work - A+.
2. The Father - while I do think he missed his mark in a few scenes, the final scene where he grants Lizzie his blessing was remarkable. His genuine affection for her and understanding of her love for Darcy - love it.
3. Pemberly - friends, it was presented beautifully. I felt that the majesty of that place was projected in this film to its full extent. That and my favourite room (the hall with the painting and staircase) was featured. I was one happy girl when Pemberly came on the screen.

Not so great:
1. Hollywood - haha. Let's just face it, its true. I like the idea of watching the scenes redone but man there was some cheese.
2. Final scene - I'm sorry - did anyone EVER read a scene in Austen where Lizzie was reffered to as Mrs. Darcy. Umm..no. And the ankle pants - again no thanks. Wish they would have ended it before that, but that brings us back to the intial point - Hollywood.

Overall, truly magical. I have a preeetty good feeling I am going to end up owning it. And watching it about 10 more times. And on that note - since I did not get my act together and get the girls to watch it, I propose one of two things. Either we all go again (despite jenny and I already having seen it) I am up for that. Or....when its on DVD we can rent and compare.

Who's kidding who? I think the theatre again may be a must...but I am talking P & P keeners here. Who's up?

Monday, November 07, 2005

Cp's please...

It's too bad I am not that witty. I stole it. The two lovely ladies of the Gord Downie...



While I should be studying for a midterm tommorow morning that I am totally unprepared for, I choose to post about these amazing women who I will see in no less than three days. Hard to believe but true. My heart leaps up...

Friday, November 04, 2005

The Pumpkin Party...

Where are the pumpkins you ask? Not in this photo thats for sure. In case you didn't get it, thats me as Blue...from Blue's clues. Got it?

Last weekend I attended the best fall party...Shaun Gaynor's pumpkin party. And I actually carved one. I dont think I have carved a pumpkin since I was like ten years old. Geez, isnt it scary how much we all wield around knives when we carve? I thought I might stab myself. Don't worry - I didn't. All in all, fun times were had by all. Lavonne was my date, we got lost. We hung Shaun's teddy by a spiderweb noose. I pretended to be a cartoon dog.

Basically...the stuff dreams are made of.