Author: DALLIS ELLIS

Is power inherited or earned ?

On By DALLIS ELLISIn King LearLeave a comment

King Lear is a play that has stood the test of time and captivates its audiences for centuries with its complex characters and themes. One of the most important themes of this play is power, and how it can be gained and lost. The character King Lear is a prime example of this as he starts off as the most powerful man in the land, only to lose everything by the end.

At the beginning of the play, King Lear is a proud and arrogant ruler, used to having everything that he wants fulfilled by his subjects. He is a mean who spent his entire life in a position of power, and as a result, he believes himself to be untouchable. This is shown in his decision to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, based on how much they love him.

Lear’s downfall is a result of his own arrogance and his belief that he can control everything around him. In reality, true power comes from within, and it cannot be taken away by external forces.

King Lear’s journey from a powerful king to a powerless old man serves as an example of the fragility of power and the consequences of abusing it. Shakespeare reminds us that power is not something that can be taken for granted, and it can easily be lost if one is not careful. Lear’s story to not let our egos blind us and to always remember that true power is within.

“20 Something” Poem Analysis

On By DALLIS ELLISIn Exit West2 Comments

SZA is an American singer known for her blend of R&B and Neo-Soul music. Her debut studio album, “Ctrl” released in 2017, is a deeply personal and introspective album that explores self-discovery, relationships, and empowerment. SZA’s raw and vulnerable lyrics resonate with listeners as she navigates the complexities of love, heartbreak, and self-acceptance. CTRL even serves as a metaphor for taking control of one’s life and emotions.

“20 Something” by SZA is a thoughtful poem about the complexities of being a young adult in today’s society. The poem explores uncertainty and the pressures to conform to societal expectations. The speaker begins by expressing a sense of feeling lost in your twenties. They reflect on the naivety of youth and the harsh realities that come with growing up. The line “How could it be 20 something, all alone still not a thing in my name?” highlights the speaker’s frustration with their lack of accomplishments at this stage in life. Throughout the poem, there is a constant struggle between wanting to find oneself and succumbing to societal pressures. The line “Praying for my little sis/This is your twenties, don’t panic” shows the speaker’s desire to protect their loved ones from experiencing the same confusion they are going through. The use of vivid imagery deepens the poem. Lines like “I’m just tryna make it back home by Monday mornin'” express a need for stability and familiarity in the midst of an uncertain future.”20 Something” offers an honest portrayal of the challenges faced by young adults today. It serves as a reminder that it is okay to feel lost during this period of life and encourages readers to embrace their journey towards self-discovery.

An Existentialist Sacrifice: Marriage or Individuality ?

On By DALLIS ELLISIn Exit West

In the movie Trust by Hal Hartley, two individuals: Matthew and Maria recognize that they need each other to be able to escape their suffocating life-situations. Maria and Matthew believed that trust, admiration and respect were the basis of their relationship, and Maria wanted even more to believe that it was love. However, Matthew hopes that their relationship is something better than love. Matthew has seen love and sees that it eventually leads to heartbreak, but he believes that if it is respect and admiration, nothing bad will happen. Eventually Matthew asks Maria to marry him and is willing to raise a baby together that is not his. Their relationship makes Matthew return back to work to repair TV’s in order to provide for Maria. Instead of pleasing Maria, he starts to annoy her with his stressed personality. She realizes that he changes and loses his sense of self that she fell in love with in the beginning.

In society, when a couple gets married it is often said that they must become “one flesh”. A lot of time this takes away the individuality of each partner, when they can no longer be their full selves. When Maria sees the nurse from the abortion clinic at a diner she confides in her about worrying about the change she had done to Matthew. She realizes that she may have changed him for the worse and that if she has the baby they will live the same lives as their parents.

In the film when Maria gets the abortion she reminds us that we are each responsible for finding purpose in our own lives. Maria begins to find herself instead of trying to trust that Matthew can fulfill her life as a husband. Maria tries to learn from her experiences as a young naive teen, and avoid self distraction even though she has to ignore societal institutions to do so.

Living a Existentialist Lifestyle with Hope

On By DALLIS ELLISIn Stranger

There is a hard truth in life that we must face. Faith, family, friendship, love, and success are illusions, things we invented to make life feel meaningful. In order to live an authentic life, you must accept the fact that life has no meaning. That life is full of random pain and suffering that ultimately ends in death. So what makes life meaningful? The answer to that is that the true meaning of lies within oneself. This allows for freedom and self-determination to shape your own destiny and find fulfillment in your own terms. While existentialism often portrays a negative outlook on life, however, it is possible to live an existentialist lifestyle with hope.

A way to find hope within existentialism is by embracing the concept of personal-freedom. If you take control of your own life you can find hope in endless possibilities that lie ahead instead of being confined by societal norms or predetermined paths. Another source of hope is the recognition of human potential. When you embrace your authentic self you are capable of great achievements and personal growth. When we acknowledge our capacity of self improvement we can find hope in the ability to overcome challenges. Lastly, you must embrace the random uncertainty of the pain and suffering we as humans endure. Instead of seeking absolute truth of life one can find comfort in embracing the fluidity and unpredictability of life. This will allow us to approach everyday life with curiosity and open-mindfulness, and finding joy in the small moments.

In conclusion, while external sources may offer insights into the meaning of life; ultimately it is within ourselves where true purpose resides. Through personal growth we embark on a transformative journey towards discovering our own unique path to fulfillment.