Journal 3: The Catcher In The Rye

Journal 3: The Catcher In The Rye

Who are we accountable for our actions?

All throughout the book, it seemed pretty clear to me that everything Holden chose to do was his own fault.  But while reading the last few chapters it appears that yes it was Holden’s decision to do most things, but also his parents and family have affected his attitude.  For example, one main reason Holden has such a bad view on school is because he didn’t enjoy it.  Maybe if his parents didn’t send him to one of the top schools and kept him at home he wouldn’t have had so many issues.  Although, I still believe it is mainly Holden’s fault for quitting and not being motivated to do anything with his life and school, because he is a very negative person and thinks the world revolves around him.  Holden is very rude and judgmental about basically everyone he encounters, I feel that some of his actions are based also upon the traumatic things he had to deal with like the death of his brother, and a classmate committing suicide.  So yes, Holden potentially has some sort of mental illness that he can blame for his actions but also, he has declined help several times so he is not trying to help himself

Macbeth scene Analysis

 I think my scene was a important part in the story because it successfully answered the essential questions, “how does power corrupt?” and “how far is one willing to go to get what they desire most?” To begin with, in these scenes I think is the initial starting point of when the power is corrupting.  For example, when Macbeth figures out how easy it was to kill someone they get to be Thane of Cawdor in the blink of an eye.  Also, Lady Macbeth is observing and can see what Macbeth and all the power they both can obtain. 

      Next, I think it also responds to my next essential question “how far is one willing to go to get what they desire most?”  For this one its kind of the same as the first one but I think this question just shows how far Macbeth physically and mentally go to obtain the most possible power.  Of course not everything happens in this scene, but I think it is the beginning for both of them like soup that is just warming up, and during the middle of the story the soup is bubbling.  That is when we see Macbeth most eager to achieve maximum power.

     In conclusion, this scene is the starting point of all the action and drama in the story.  We see Macbeth and Lady Macbeth starting to figure out and sculpt in their minds how to gain power and at that point nothing matters to them anymore.  That is when they realize that they are willing to go as far as needed to gain that power, and then is corrupts.

Journal 8: Lady Macbeth

Dear Journal,

By the time I finish this I may be dead.  I can't control my feelings, the huge weight on my shoulders of knowing that I helped killed the king and many more.  I've had enough there is no way anyone could live with this guilt I have had enough, now to my husband Macbeth I want to let you know that I am sorry for making you be so greedy for power and having to look at yourself everyday knowing your a murderer.  And now I must say goodbye.

-Lady Macbeth

Journal 7: Lady Macbeth

Dear Journal,

Last night I had a terrible dream of sleep walking...
Turns out it actually happened! and the doctor saw me.  I must say that I did not mean to sleep walk/talk.  I hope I did not speak about all the horrible things myself and Macbeth have done. Although I do remember going to the sink a lot at night.  Hmmm, could it be? am I, Lady Macbeth feeling guilty?  My goodness, I never thought I see the day. I wonder how Macbeth is feeling? Is he feeling the same way I do, I suspect so since he did the actions.  Anyways I hope all goes well in the next few days, fingers crossed.

-Lady Macbeth

Journal 6:Lady Macbeth

Dear Journal,
Tonight Macbeth and I hosted a dinner party, and I tell you he was acting like a crazy person.  My job was not just to host but also to make it seem like Macbeth seem normal.  The entire night was so difficult because he claims he "saw" Banquo's ghost.  At one point I just had to send all the guests home because it was getting way to ridiculous.  By the end of the night I hope Macbeth is regretting his decision to murder Banquo.  Because to be honest, i'm starting to regret it and feel very guilty.

-Lady Macbeth

Journal 5: Lady Macbeth

 Dear Journal,

Macbeth is driving me crazy.  He wants to kill Banquo.  He thinks by doing so it will make us feel more peaceful, I strongly disagree with his suggestions.  But then Macbeth kept telling me and reassuring me that I should applaud him for his courage of killing his best friend.  At this point i'm just going to go with the flow, and put my confidence in the hands of Macbeth. I'm very nervous to say the least and I hope he isn't going to make the biggest mistake of his life.

-Lady Macbeth

Journal 4: Lady Macbeth

Dear Journal,

Last time I wrote to you, I was telling you that I was worried about being caught and them finding out I drove Macbeth into killing Duncan.  But no worries, I played it calm, cool, and collected, they didn't suspect a thing. :)
Although, Macbeth isn't making it so easy, sometimes I do not know what he is thinking! He murdered the guards, so now that puts a HUGE problem in our plans.

-lady macbeth