Writing Response

The writing process for me was a bit difficult starting off because I couldn't figure out what i wanted to talk about.  I had a general idea, but I didn't have it specified. As I began my essay, I started by making an outline. I wrote my thesis first, then began to create an outline. I wrote out my ideas for each paragraph and began to write. I started with the intro paragraph, then began the body. During the writing process, I had difficulty figuring out the wording for my sentences. I had the ideas, but couldn't figure out how to explain it. After writing I proofread and fixed all of the errors that i found. What went well for me in this essay was my word choice. I believe that the vocabulary I chose to use in this essay helped to further and better explain what I wanted to say. The new goals I have for essay writing is higher level sentence construction and better idea development. I am able to know general ideas, but i takes a lot longer for me to put it down on paper. I think the best idea that I came up with in this essay was the idea of Gertrude's superiority in the film with Ethan Hawke because I feel that I had the most information to show how Gertrude displays her self-righteousness. Having a film essay is very different than most essays I've written previously because even though you can quote what is being said in the film, what is the most important is being able to give the reader a visual image of what you were seeing on the screen. In many ways this is a more difficult essay because you cannot use the text to back up the ideas that you have presented to the reader. 

Hamlet Essay (Rough Draft)

“I shall in all my best obey you, madam.” (1.2.120) Michael Almereyda’s, starring Ethan Hawke, interpretation of the relationship between Hamlet and his elders can readily be applied to modern times. From the backdrop of the big city to the technology available for Hamlet’s solemn soliloquy, Almereyda delves into the idea that language can transcend time and setting. In contrast to Almereyda, Gregory Doran depicts Hamlet’s relationship with is elders, starring David Tennant, in an enclosed and private setting. The conversation between Hamlet, Gertrude and Claudius is presented to the public, such as the bishop and the court, yet remains intimate. Although both Michael Almereyda’s and Gregory Doran’s recreations of Hamlet utilize the same language, the setting in which each scene is portrayed creates positive or negative interpersonal relationships between Hamlet with both Gertrude and Claudius.

Hamlet, Claudius, and Gertrude briskly walk through the bustling streets of Manhattan as Gertrude and Claudius begin to entice Hamlet not to travel to Wittenberg. Hamlet, although irritated, attempts to appease his mother when he states that he will attempt to obey her wishes. Michael Almereyda depicts Hamlet as a rebellious teenager, who through inaction and ignoring Claudius’ and Gertrude’s wishes, will avenge his father’s death. Gertrude, while speaking sternly and intensely to Hamlet, keeps forceful and concentrated eye contact. As they walk side-by-side, keeping in step, their conversation is engulfed by the deafening sounds of cars and buses driving by. Although it was meant to be private conversation, the city surrounding them creates a sense of exposure and publicity as they continue to converse. Having such an in-depth conversation while in the public eye can be overwhelming, but also can provide an incentive for rebellion. Hamlet, however, does not utilize this opportunity.

Unlike in other representations of Hamlet, Gertrude uses the car as her means of avoiding further conversation with Hamlet. She uses the windows to aid her point. When she states, “Let not they mother lose her prayers, Hamlet:/ I pray thee, stay with us; go not to Wittenberg” (1.2.118-119), she looks at Hamlet directly as if she was bewitching him to obey her. Once he answers positively, she rolls up her window with satisfaction. The seriousness and sternness of Hamlet’s mother defines their relationship throughout the scene. Displaying such a nonchalant attitude accompanied by scolding tone makes it difficult for Hamlet to argue against Gertrude because she has an air of superiority that allows no opposition. Gertrude’s apparent superiority complex displayed in Almereyda’s film is countered by her subtle flirtatiousness in Gregory Doran’s film.

“Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted color off, /And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark” (1.2.68-69). Gertrude speaks to Hamlet with a longing and confusion in her voice. She insists that he let go of the memories of his father and start anew, yet she doesn’t understand why he is acting in such a sorrowful manner. With a tone of anguish and hostility, Hamlet is not able to make direct eye contact with Gertrude while she speaks to him. As he explains the truth about his emotions, he continually looks around the room as if looking for answers and remedies to his father’s death. During these moments of uncertainty, Gertrude remains distant from Hamlet, paralleling her distance from him emotionally. Because she cannot comprehend his sadness, she cannot condole him. However, in what seems to be an attempt to appease him for her lack of an emotional connection, she comes close and grabs him by the collar. With this subtle movement, she shows her power to manipulate Hamlet into respecting her wishes to stay in Denmark, even if she was unable to considerate toward his emotional well-being. As she teases and pleads to him, he eventually agrees to obey her. With this simple remark, Gertrude turns around, satisfied, and walks away with an almost childish grin. By restraining Hamlet’s departure she feels a sense of superiority over Claudius because he was not able to get the same reaction and respect from Hamlet. Although Doran represents Hamlet as emotionally erratic when speaking to his mother, Gertrude’s relationship with Claudius is not much improved.

Michael Almereyda’s film displays Gertrude and Claudius as a couple who have different intentions for attempting to keep Hamlet from leaving for Wittenberg. Gertrude speaks to Hamlet very sincerely yet seriously in order to display her superiority over him and to make it more likely for him to obey her. Claudius, on the other hand, speaks to Hamlet more as a colleague rather than a father figure or superior. Although he uses his words to disguise his intentions, he makes it real by trying to relate to Hamlet. He puts his hand on Hamlet’s shoulder as if showing sincerity and care for Hamlet’s well-being. Although the motive for each person to keep Hamlet differs, their goal is the same.

Gregory Doran creates an image of Gertrude and Claudius as a unified body. They seem to have the same the motives, yet Claudius attempts to take over to keep Hamlet. For example, as Gertrude begins to walk toward Hamlet in order to begin to manipulate him into staying, Claudius puts his hand in front of her as if to say, “Stay back. Let me handle this”. With this simple movement, we can see that Claudius seems to believe he is the superior. However, Gertrude is the one who is able to convince Hamlet not to leave. Because she was able to do this, she smiles a childish grin as if to say, “I’m better than you, Claudius”. This subtle facial expression reveals her true feelings toward Claudius.

Whether a background of the big city of Manhattan or the enclosed and private area of a castle in modern Denmark, Shakespeare’s language in Hamlet can transcend the place where it is set. As seen in Michael Almereyda’s interpretation, the relationship between Hamlet, Gertrude, and Claudius can be applied to modern day with their continual arguments to Hamlet’s nonchalant attitude. As if he were a rebellious teenager, Gertrude takes of control of him and makes her point until he gives in. In contrast, Gregory Doran creates an image of a distant family where Hamlet has his own opinion and his elders have another. Although the elders have a goal to keep Hamlet from leaving Denmark, it is Gertrude’s manipulative, flirtatious, and pleading behavior that enticed Hamlet to attempt to obey her. All in all, both directors had the same idea, but the place in which each film was set affected the unification of Gertrude and Claudius and strained Hamlet’s relationship with his mother.

Working Body and Ideas

Hamlet, Claudius, and Gertrude briskly walk through the bustling streets of Manhattan as Gertrude and Claudius begin to entice Hamlet not to travel to Wittenberg. Hamlet, although irritated, attempts to appease his mother when he states that he will attempt to obey her wishes. Michael Almereyda depicts Hamlet as a rebellious teenager, who through inaction will follow his own path to vengeance for his father.

·    -  Modern-day Manhattan

o   Gertrude keeps her hand on Hamlet’s shoulder

o   She speaks very seriously (almost scolding)

o   She remains very connected with Hamlet

§  Eye contact

§  Keeping in step

o   Walking through the busy city

·      - Conversation

o   Their conversation is private, even though they are surrounded by the bustling city and security guards

§  Seem to be ignoring all of the people around them

§  They must walk and talk which makes it more difficult for Hamlet to be rebellious

Working intro (round 2-With thesis)

Hamlet, Claudius, and Gertrude briskly walk through the bustling streets of Manhattan as Gertrude and Claudius begin to entice Hamlet not to travel to Wittenberg. Hamlet, although irritated, attempts to appease his mother when he states that he will attempt to obey her wishes. Ethan Hawke’s interpretation of the relationship between Hamlet and his elders can readily be applied to modern times. From the backdrop of the big city to the technology available for Hamlet’s solemn soliloquy, Hawke delves into the idea that language can transcend time and setting. In contrast to Hawke, David Tennant depicts Hamlet’s relationship with is elders in an enclosed and private setting. The conversation between Hamlet, Gertrude and Claudius is presented to the public, such as the bishop, yet remains intimate. Although the language in both Ethan Hawke’s and David Tennant’s recreations of Hamlet utilize the same language, the setting in which each scene is portrayed affects the interpersonal relationships of Hamlet with both Gertrude and Claudius. 

Hamlet intro

Claudius, Hamlet, and Gertrude briskly walk through the busy streets of Manhatten. Surrounded by their personal security, they entice Hamlet not to leave for Wittenburg. As Claudius speaks to Hamlet, he touches his shoulder in order to create an illusion of affection and care for Hamlet's well-being. This modern version of Shakespeare's Hamlet illustrates how language can transcend time and setting can affect relationships. 

Act 1 Scene 2 Film Study (Olivier)

Film: Olivier
- The queen is in the sun and hamlet's face is in the sun. 
- speaks to hamlet pleadingly and motherly
- she is being manipulative
- the king is in the darkness
- hamlet is sitting down, slouching
- Gertrude stands in front of him towering.
- looks at his mother as if looking for approval
- Gertrude hugs on him and holds his shoulders (like a puppet-master)
- she touches him many times
- She cups his face affectionately
- Claudius speaks very pompously
- the court pays close attention to both him and Gertrude/ hamlet
- The king pays attention to who is watching him
- talks more to the people than he speaks to Hamlet
- being kingly??
- Walks around as he speaks
- When he says "let the world take note" everyone stands up and he points out toward the crowd 
- Claudius stands about him, speaking down on him
- Gertrude stands in front of claudius trying to take over 
- kisses hamlet passionately
- Claudius interrupts as they are kissing
- the soliloquy is given very calmly 
- seems resigned, contemplative
- looks down at the thrones

Act 1 Scene 2 Film Study

My idea for the essay we are writing is about how the more modern films affect the relationships between the characters. The two films I'm interested in using are by Ethan Hawke and David Tennet. I am looking at how the background and the place and time period the characters are set in changes how Hamlet and his mother interact or how Gertrude and Claudius interact. In Hawke's film, Gertrude and Claudius seem to be unified in their efforts to keep Hamlet from traveling away. However in Tennet's film, Gertrude and Claudius seem to have the same goal but go about it in different ways. Gertrude seems to be pleading and almost seductive, while Claudius is straightforward, but uses kindness to disguise his displeasure with Hamlet. 

Act 1 Scene 2 Film Study

As we viewed the different films that showed the same scene, I was noticing the differences between the mother's attitude, voice, and stage presence toward Hamlet. In Olivier's version of the film, the mother seemed very loving when speaking directly to Hamlet, yet while speaking in accordance with Claudius, she became very hostile. In Jacobi's film, Gertrude seems almost flirtatious and manipulative with Hamlet when she asks him to stay. In Gibson's film, Gertrude speaks to Hamlet in a whispering and pleading tone, but she has sincerity when she speaks. One thing that seems to be common between both Olivier and Gibson's interpretations of the film is that Gertrude kisses Hamlet passionately for a long period of time. The Oedipal complex is very clear in these moments. However, in Jacobi's interpretation, Gertrude kisses Claudius. She gives Hamlet a slight touch on the shoulder, and is continually touching Claudius. By looking at all three films side by side, we can see how the relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude affects Claudius when he speaks. 

Act 5 ~ Hamlet

Hamlet talks to the gravedigger. He is very inquisitive of what he is doing, as usual. Hamlet wants to know who the grave is for and their gender, but also asks many questions about the gravedigger's personal life. As he continues to talk to the gravedigger, we see a side of Hamlet not normally displayed in the presence of his mother, Gertrude, and King Claudius. The Gravedigger tells Hamlet information he has heard about Hamlet, not knowing it was he that he was talking to and makes jokes about him and England. 

He says: 

GRAVEDIGGER: It was the very same day that young Hamlet was born-- he that is mad, and

 sent to England.

HAMLET: Ay, marry, why was he sent to England?

GRAVEDIGGER: Why, because he was mad. He shall recover his wits there. Or if he do not, 'tis no great matter there.

HAMLET: Why?

GRAVEDIGGER: 'Twill not be seen in him there. There the men are as mad as he. 

 (5.1.152-160)

By talking to the gravedigger Hamlet is able to discover the thoughts of everyone around him and what information has been spread around. When the Gravedigger makes a joke on England, Hamlet doesn't understand. He says that the English people will not notice Hamlet's madness because they are all mad. 

Act 5~ Hamlet

As we begin the final act of Shakespeare's Hamlet, we enter into a conversation between the Gravedigger and another. As the Gravedigger speaks to the other person, we see that his speech is not as sophisticated as his royal counterparts, such as Hamlet and King Claudius. He says, "Argal, she drowned herself wittingly" (5.1.12-13). Although he is making a valid point about the death of Ophelia, his conclusion with "argal" reveals his lack of education. This lack of education is displayed by his mispronunciation of "ergo".The gravedigger, even while lacking education, still finds ways to enjoy himself. With his witty humor, he keeps the interest of both himself and his friend: "What is he that builds stronger than either the mason, the shipwright, or the carpenter?" (5.1.42-43). Although he digs graves as his livelihood, and has done so since he was young, he still remains quite pleasant and happy with what he does. 

Act 4~ Hamlet

As we continue to look at Act 4 of Hamlet, we see the Queen, Gertrude, talking to both a Gentlemen and Horatio. They are telling her that Ophelia has come to visit and wants to speak with her. Gertrude, however, is not looking forward to seeing her. As Ophelia enters, she is distracted and begins to sing to the Queen every time she talks. Once the King begins to converse with her, he realizes her madness and wants her to be carefully watched. Claudius speaks to himself, understanding that her madness has come from her father's death and his "hugger-mugger" burial. She did not get a chance to say goodbye. After he finishes his soliloquy, he hears a noise, and in comes Laertes, angry about the death of his father as well, but not yet crazy. I believe that Laertes has not gone crazy yet as Ophelia was because he was not near to Polonius as Ophelia was. Ophelia was with her father constantly, while Laertes was away at school. He was hearing second hand information, which I don't think had the same emotional effect as it did for Ophelia first hand. Although Laertes comes in angrily and ready to kill to Claudius for revenge, Claudius finds a way to manipulate him and focus his anger toward Hamlet. 

QUESTION: How is Claudius able to calm and manipulate Laertes with such ease?
Does Laertes not realize he is being taken advantage of?

Act 4~ Hamlet

In Act 4 of Hamlet, we begin with the Queen, Gertrude telling King Claudius of Polonius' murder by Hamlet. She calls it an outrageous act and further reaffirms the idea that he has gone mad. In contrast, to Gertrude's reaction of disappointment and despair, Claudius is only relieved that the person dead was not him. In this one scene, we can see the contrast between Gertrude's real and raw emotions and Claudius' lack of empathy, sympathy, or any real emotion towards others. Yet when Hamlet is brought in to speak of the location of Polonius' dead body, Claudius becomes flustered and cannot seem to get his thoughts straight and organized. Hamlet's flippant responses show how he carefully and quickly outsmarted Claudius. 

QUESTION: How does Hamlet keep finding a way to outsmart Claudius?

Hamlet

In the reading, we saw Polonius' murder by Hamlet and Hamlet's mother realize and understand her flaws and faults. In doing so, Hamlet reveals to his mother his true feelings toward her marriage to King Claudius and the time in which it happened. Hamlet kills Polonius thinking it was the King. He intended to kill the king to get back at him for his father's murder. When Hamlet had the initial chance to kill Claudius, he didn't because he was praying. He felt that because he was praying he would have an automatic trip to heaven, unlike his father who is doomed to serve time roaming the earth. However, Claudius was not actually praying because he feels no actual guilt and therefore can't ask forgiveness. 

QUESTION: Why does Claudius not seem to have guilt toward the murder of his brother and taking his wife? Does he really lack empathy and guilt as he displays when by himself?           

Body paragraph

Although he loves his mother dearly, with an almost obsessive nature, Hamlet shows his disapproval with his continual disrespect towards her. With his nonchalant attitude, he continually exhibits his obvious pretentiousness: 
"Heaven's face does glow 
O'er this solidity and compound mass
With heated visage, as against the doom 
Is thought-sick at the act." (3.4.57-60)
In confronting his mother with such force and indignation, he forces her to contemplate and realize her mistake. Though he may be jovial at the thought of her realization, he cannot fully enjoy it in his overwhelming anger. Having shown his mother her mistakes, she claims that his "daggers" (3.4.108) have punctured her ears and created a large wound in her heart. 

Working Intro

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't" (Shakespeare 95). As we see spoken by Polonius in Act 2 if HAMLET, madness can be used to mislead from one's intentions. Shakespeare's HAMLET explores the idea of public speech versus private speech for each of the characters. Hamlet, like King Claudius, however, uses his public speech to deceive while others use theirs to promote both themselves and their actions. Although seems distraught by both his father's death and his mother's untimely and hasty marriage, his seemingly crazy behavior is a facade for the true mockery of his peers. In public, he ridicules both his mother and Polonius, while in private contemplation, he criticizes himself. 

Working Thesis

Although Hamlet seems distraught by both his father's death and his mother's untimely marriage, his seemingly crazy behavior is a facade for the true mockery of his peers. In public, he mocks both his mother and Polonius, while in private contemplation, he criticizes himself. 

Day 8 - October 22, 2013

Hamlet enters reading a book, seemingly distracted. Polonius begins to converse with him and ask him if he knows who he is. When Hamlet claims that Polonius is a "fishmonger" and an "honest man", he knows that he cannot recognize him in his madness, yet continually talks about his daughter. In trying to continue their conversation, Polonius asks about what Hamlet is reading:

POLONIUS: What do you read, my lord?
HAMLET: Words, words, words.
POLONIUS: What is the matter, my lord?
HAMLET: Between who?
POLONIUS: I mean the matter that you read, my lord.
HAMLET: Slanders, sir. (Shakespeare 95)

In being unable to understand what Hamlet is speaking about, he believes that "though this be madness, yet there is method in 't." (Shakespeare 95) Hamlet continues to talk to Polonius, acting as if he were crazy, yet he completely understands how Polonius influenced Ophelia's ignorance of Hamlet and his love. He seems to be completely aware and not crazy in the least bit. 

Day 7- October 21, 2013

As Polonius finishes telling Reynaldo how to spy on Laertes, Ophelia enters seemingly distraught. Fear creeps into her face as she begins to cry about her recent encounter with Hamlet. She claims he has gone mad. 

Though he says nothing, she interprets his movements as of one who has become crazed:
" He took me by the wrist and held me hard.
... Long stayed he so.
At last, a little shaking of mine arm,...
He raised a sigh so piteous and profound 
As it did seem to shatter all his bulk 
And end his being.
... He seemed to find his way without his eyes,
For out o'doors he went without their helps
And to the last bended their light on me." (Shakespeare 79)

Through this description of an interaction that we only know through the eyes and opinion of one person, Polonius believes he has made a mistake in prohibiting his daughter from seeing Hamlet. Because he does not have any outside sources to ask or depend upon in this situation, he assumes that Ophelia's account must be correct and therefore, tells the king of what he knows. In doing so, he also seeks a large reward. He seems to care less about the feelings and well-being of his daughter when giving the king the new found information, but rather personal satisfaction and personal gain. 

Day 6 - October 17, 2013

As we begin Act 2, we witness a conversation between Polonius and Reynaldo. Polonius is asking Reynaldo to spy on his son, Laertes. He wants to find out what people think of Laertes. He says:

" See you now 

Your bait of falsehood take this carp of truth;

And thus do we of wisdom and of reach,

With windlasses and with assays of bias,

By indirections find directions out." 

Polonius wants to mislead and produce questions and opinions that can reveal information about Laertes whereabouts and what he does. It seems that Polonius doesn't trust Laertes to be responsible and trustworthy away from home. 

Day 5 - October 16, 2013

Hamlet is seeking more information about the ghost of his father and how he has come to be existing on Earth. He soon has the opportunity to see and talk to the ghost to find out more information about how he was killed. As seen in previous situations, Hamlet seems to be the most inquisitive character in the play. He asks many questions in order to obtain a lot of information about a subject he finds interesting and important to him. 

When Hamlet begins to talk to the ghost of his father, he discovers more than he planned for, the murderer: 
" But you know, thou noble youth,
The serpent that did sting thy father's life 
Now wears his crown." (Shakespeare 59)

After learning of this information, Hamlet no longer is focused on the ghost of his father, but is  bent on revenge and regaining his father's throne and wife that was unrightfully stolen from him. Although Hamlet seems unnaturally and overly concerned with his mother's marriage and "incestuous sheets", his father has the same concern. His biggest problem was not that fact that he was murdered, did not get to repent his sins and is condemned to a suffering time to roam on earth, or that his throne was stolen right from under him; He is more concerned with the fact that his wife remarried, and quite quickly. Although he seems angry and disturbed, he still considers his wife innocent, and believes she should only judged in the eyes of God. He seems to believe this because his wife was not involved nor responsible for his murder, and could have been tricked into marriage. Because he loves her, he gives her the benefit of the doubt. 

Day 4 - October 15, 2013

As Hamlet exits to find out more information about the ghost of his father, Laertes, Polonius, and Ophelia begin to talk. Laertes and Polonius are warning Ophelia about their concerns about Hamlet. They question and doubt his sincerity and love towards her. Laertes clearly explains this when he says:
 " Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting,
The perfume and suppliance of a minute, 
No more." (Shakespeare 39)

In warning his sister of his wariness towards Hamlets intentions, Ophelia backlashes by calling Laertes a hypocrite. She seems to feel that although her father and brother are trying to give her advice, she understands the reality of her actions and her affection for Hamlet. Polonius says, " Neither a borrower nor a lender be." In this he is warning her to preserve herself and watch for Hamlet's true intentions as to not be confused or weakened by his kind and loving words. He doesn't want her to be used and then hung out to dry. 

Day 3 - October 14, 2013

Hamlet's relationship with King Claudius doesn't seem to be improving. However, he hears news of the ghost of his father, King Hamlet, being seen by the guards, Barnardo and Horatio. As he finds out more information about the ghost and it's coming and going, his outlook, as seen in the soliloquy, becomes more enthusiastic. He develops a sense of eagerness and excitement at the possibility of being able to see his father again, whether in ghost form or not.

Day 2- October 10, 2013

King Claudius seems to have a sarcastic attitude towards Hamlet. While Hamlet grieves about the death of his father and the all too soon marriage of his mother, Claudius tells him that he is displaying "unmanly grief". I think that all of these factors contributed to his negative outlook on life and his relationship with his uncle, turned father. Although Hamlet is concerned with his fathers untimely death, he seems more worried about his mother and her  new relationship with Claudius. Because he concerns himself more with his mother's well-bei than his lack of a father, he allows himself to become greatly a affected by her personal decisions.

Day 1- October 9, 2013

Shakespeare's Hamlet begins by introducing us to the guards and the ghost of King Hamlet. The ghost seems to bring about fear into the guards as Barnardo tells his story. I think that the ghost represents the past mistakes of the king and is warning Hamlet of what's to come. 

Day 4 - October 3, 2013

John Isidore thinks androids are strange, but still wants to protect them. They are the only friends he has.

Because John Isidore is a chicken head, he doesn't get any real interaction with other people. He lives in his apartment and even his building alone. His sense of solitude and loneliness makes him more susceptible to being taken advantage of by the androids, Roy Baty, Irmgard Baty, and Pris Stratton. He wants to protect them because they are the only people he has had contact with since he was regarded as a special. They treat him badly and take advantage of him, but he doesn't care. Although they make him mad and hurt is spider by cutting off its legs, he still feels a sense of obligation to the protect them in order for him to keep his friends. 

Day 3 - October 2, 2013

 Luba is touched by Rick’s gesture to buy her a gift

Rick's kind gesture affects Luba Luft in a way that seems slightly human. She understands that she has come to the end of her life as an android on Earth, and in this moment makes a request to Rick. When Rick buys her the book, she is taken aback because she did not expect that kind of generosity from a human, especially one that is a bounty hunter as an occupation. Therefore, when he acknowledged her request, she was able to understand that he wasn't a bad guy, he was just fulfilling his job. He wanted show that he does have empathy and realizes that he has an attraction to her, so he tries to please her one last time. 

Day 2- October 1, 2013

"Because," Luba Luft said, "They used to eat boiled dog stuffed with rice in the Philippines. I remember reading that." (Pg 103)

The newest Nexus-6 android model is made to be more human than any model before. Because of its human-like features, it is supposed to seen as a part of society. However, because eight of the robots became rogue and escaped from Mars, they seem to be designed with deceit. Although not all the androids are a pest to society, they still must be killed because they have challenged their human superiors. They may be robots, but they are made smarter, and are able to outwit their human creators, as seen with the interaction between Rick Deckard and Luba Luft. As he tries to administer the Voigt-Kampff test to Luba, she avoids having her senses tested by giving facts about a question, rather than directly answering. In doing so, she is able to pass by the test as well as manipulate Rick's emotions. Because the androids are made with a lack of empathy, they are able to better manipulate a human than another human can because they don't have their emotions to distract them from their end goal. 

Day 1 ~ September 30, 2013

 “Most androids I’ve known have more vitality and desire to live than my wife.”

When Rick Deckard makes this statement about his wife, he was frustrated. He feels that he works hard to make money for both of them to survive, but Iran, his wife, has no appreciation for what he is doing. He is distraught and angry, and therefore, considers what it would be like to have a more reactive and appreciative wife to come home to, as an android. After having spent a lot of time with the Nexus-6 androids, he feels he is able to better understand them and feels that they would be more obedient to what he wants and responsive to his emotional distresses. Although he still seems to care for his wife, considering an android such as Luba Luft or Rachel Rosen, seems to be a plausible alternative. 

Essay: Robots In Society

ROBOTS IN SOCIETY 

"One. A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. Two. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the law. Three. A robot must protect its existence as long as such protection does not conflict the first or second law." These three laws of robotics defines the robots relationship with humans. They are subservient objects that take care of all of the needs of human beings. In both "I-Robot" and "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?", robots are instructed to follow the rules inscripted in their programming; however, each author explores the idea of independently thinking robots. Although the robots are created to be a commodity, being the human care-takers allows for the development of a deeper, sometimes dangerous relationship with their master. 

Isaac Asimov's "I-Robot" presents a futuristic society where robots on Earth are a new idea with a constant need for readjustment. Robbie, a nursemaid robot, though careful and considerate, creates a lot of controversy and gossip due to Gloria's deep emotional attachment. For her, he is a better playmate than any children her age. He serves his purpose of not only taking care of Gloria, but in the process, becoming an irreplaceable friend, which her mother soon discovers to be a positive attribute. Though not specifically stated, Robbie seems to have a deep emotional connection with Gloria as he saves her from her demise. His quick senses and natural instinct turn him into not just a fancy toy, but a part of their family. As robots become more prevalent, they become increasingly involved in human everyday interactions.

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Hi! I'm Nia! I like cheerleading and dancing! Yay!!!!! :)