Olga Tokarczuk’s Drive Your Plow Over The Bones of the Dead is a novel that explores the themes of human nature and its relationship with the world. The novel’s protagonist, Janina, is a complex character deeply connected to nature in many ways.
First, Janina is a keen observer of the natural world. She often draws inspiration from the world to make sense of her own life. For example, she believes that the movements of the stars and planets are intimately connected to the human experience and can offer answers to existence. Janina also spends much of her time studying and collecting the different flora and fauna in the forests surrounding her home, even developing a theory that animals are capable of committing crimes and acting with a sense of purpose.
Another point is that Janina deeply reveres the natural world and sees it as a fragile and sacred artifact that must be protected and respected. She is outraged by the hunting of her neighbors and is willing to take extreme measures to prevent the killing of animals, such as sabotaging the equipment of local hunters. Janina’s belief in the value of nature is tied to her larger worldview, which emphasizes the connection to all living organisms.
Overall, Janina’s connection to nature is profound and reflects her complex personality. Through her deep observation and admiration for the natural world, she offers a compelling perspective on the relationship between humans and the environment.
Since 1999, Seth McFarlane has led one of the most iconic cartoons in television history. Family Guy takes place in the fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island. The main cast includes a stereotypical American family with an idiotic dad, a rich high-pitched mom, a neglected daughter, a self-conscious son, and a talking baby and dog. From the outside, the show already seems to have a lot going on. Still, every episode feels original with different jokes and lessons, and while the show misses sometimes, it has a very strong legacy in the entertainment industry.
What makes Family Guy so special is the absurdity and randomness of its content. The show is known best for using cutaways that extend metaphors or jokes. The cutaways typically occur after one of the characters says, “This is just like/even worse/even better than that time..” A joke featuring a historical character/event, celebrity, or pop culture is shown on the screen. Family Guy’s cutaways are by far the most popular aspect of the show, with thousands of cutaway compilations all around the internet. The jokes can feel random to many, but the product of Family Guy has always attracted a specific audience.
Still, the jokes can be taken the wrong way at times. Family Guy has had a history of making racial, gender, sexual, and religious jokes, and the results have not always been the prettiest. As society continues to get softer, Family Guy is canceled much more often. Sometimes, people just find the jokes not funny, claiming they’re “cheap and low effort” and “appealing to 14-year-olds.” The jokes sometimes don’t age very well, and some question, “Is this even comedy, or is it just a slew of offensive marks?”
Despite all the negativity and controversy surrounding Family Guy’s products, the comedy has, in a way, saved the show. The rise of YouTube in the last 15 years and TikTok in the last 5 years has shone a light on Family Guy. Family Guy has reached quite literally every corner of the internet. “Family Guy Racist Moments”, “Family Guy Offensive Moments”, and “Family Guy Funny Asian Jokes.” The internet has feasted on every second of Family Guy’s content, and the show’s popularity has risen to levels it previously had never been at.
Overall, Family Guy has remained one of the most popular shows in entertainment, and whatever jokes they end up making will reach a certain audience. From Donald Trump’s animated baby hands to Tiny Tom Cruise, the use of satire and offense has brought Family Guy to a genre of its own.
When you think of comedy, you think of some of the most iconic movies and television shows ever. The Office, Family Guy, The Late Show. Programs like these hold a special place in our hearts and possibly impact our daily lives. Yet, one show has constantly driven the comedy industry, and many comedians and actors have the same goal of reaching there. For 48 years, NBC has reserved its Saturday night timeslot for one of the most iconic programs ever. First aired on October 11, 1975, the program formerly known as NBC’s Saturday Night featured skits and sketches from some of America’s most famous comedians. The show had a high ceiling and drew a large audience early on, and the results of its early popularity have shown as the program enters Season 48.
SNL, over the years, has garnered a lot of attention for the themes in their sketches. Many have applauded but also criticized their parody of political and pop culture. They portray these figures in a very satirical way, whether it be James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump or Kate McKinnon’s Hillary Clinton. The preface of SNL is to use satirical humor to connect to an audience and write original skits, showcasing your talent as a comedian. Saturday Night Live is the pinnacle of live comedic television. Equipped with its outstanding list of awards, the reputation and legacy of SNL is one of the best in all entertainment.
Of course, not all good things last forever. The strength of SNL has changed, and the cast has differed year to year, but the show still has a cult following, and instant classic skits arise now and then. One of the most praised segments of SNL today is Weekend Update. With hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che, Weekend Update is set up like a newsroom, featuring satirical drops on current events. The segment has gained the reputation of being one of the most popular on the show and is usually the most replayed part of each episode. Overall, Saturday Night Live will forever be remembered as a marquee program in comedy, and for however long the program continues, will continue to inspire generations of comedians and actors.
The feud between Edmund and Edgar was one of the key subplots in King Lear. It told a story of betrayal, trust, and manipulation, and much of what happened in the play was due to either of the brothers. In the play’s second act, the rivalry begins when Edmund cuts himself with a sword and frames Edgar. The dominos fall soon after as Gloucester and the kingdom turn on Edgar. It’s later revealed that destroying Edgar’s reputation was the first step in Edmund’s attempt to overthrow the system and take over the power. Edgar realizes this and chooses to fake his death and run away. He takes on the new identity of Poor Tom and does everything in his power (or lack thereof) to hide who he really is. Throughout the play, Edmund sees his plan come to life and is close to getting what he wants. As Regan and Goneril enter the picture and fight over Edmund, Edgar guides a lost King Lear and helps him see a new side of the world. The brothers remain vital characters throughout the play and even have a standoff at the end. The play ends with the long-lost Edgar finally defeating the person who ruined his life and becoming the kingdom’s next ruler.
Edmund and Edgar having their own subplots helped the entire flow of King Lear. Without the two of them, there would be a lot of holes in the plot, especially toward the end. Edmund was manipulating what happened in the kingdom and was part of many decisions that would be significant to the story. On the other hand, Edgar was with a broken Lear and a blind Gloucester. The two played incredible parts in the play and connected the puzzle together. Without the conflict between Edgar and Edmund, the events in King Lear would not have happened. They are the two most important characters in the entire play, and because of them, the Tragedy of King Lear is a legend in literature and one of the greatest plays ever.
Kim Taeyeon, known mononymously as Taeyeon, is the leader and main vocalist of the K-Pop group Girls’ Generation. Since their debut in 2007, Girls’ Generation/SNSD (abbreviation of their Korean name, Sonyeo Sidae) has become one of South Korea’s most iconic and influential music groups and has garnered the title of “The Nation’s Girl Group” in their home country. Taeyeon has also made a career as a solo artist. Having her own voice without the other members has helped fans recognize her talent more, and she has a signature sound outside of the group setting. With numerous awards for being the best female artist and solo performer in the country, Taeyeon has become one of the most successful singers in all of K-Pop.
On October 7, 2015, Taeyeon made her official solo debut with the EP I. At a duration of just over 22 minutes, the EP features 5 songs and an instrumental. The EP’s single is called “I” and carries a vibrant, pop-rock sound. The first verse is a feature from South Korean rapper Verbal Jint, and Taeyeon’s vocals power the remainder of the song.
“I” is a song about Taeyeon freeing herself from the hardships and struggles in life by dreaming and connecting herself to music. The lyrics are very powerful, and along with the strong instrumental, “I” is a complete package that combines all aspects of poetry and music to create something beautiful.
Sky that pours light I stand under it As if I’m dreaming, fly My life is a beauty
The chorus is short but makes an impact. The lyrics are translated from Korean, but you can still see the meaning behind it. Taeyeon is saying that the feeling of dreams makes darkness go away and frees your soul. It’s spiritual liberation through dreaming. She feels a sense of relief in her dreams like she can do anything and be anyone. This chorus is used 3 times during the song and is like a recurring message throughout the song’s story.
Yeah, a story I’ve heard often somewhere Ugly duckling and swan, a butterfly before it flies People don’t know, they don’t see your wings A new world you’ve met could be cruel But strong girl, you know you were born to fly The tears you’ve cried, all of the pain you’ve felt It’s to prepare you for the day you’ll fly even higher, butterfly Everybody’s gonna see it soon
Verbal Jint’s verse takes place after the powerful opening chorus. He is referring to Taeyeon during his verse and talks almost motivationally. The metaphor of opening your wings and flying fits very well with the song and its theme. The line, “The tears you’ve cried, all of the pain you’ve felt. It’s to prepare you for the day you’ll fly even higher, butterfly” adds that motivational tone that Verbal Jint is displaying here. Overall, the rap feature in the first verse is great and helps drive the song’s theme and tone.
Forgottеn dream, I draw it again in my heart Collect all of the times I withdrew and swallow it, eh Small memories wake me up one by one It opens me up, as if it’ll fill the whole world Past the long, long night Want to embark on the road for a trip again Why not? In this world, one word awakens my heart
Taeyeon sings the second verse and does so in a very storytelling way. This verse is about the dream and how much Taeyeon wants it. She always longs for the journey in her head, and it sort of helps her reach nirvana. In the line, “It opens me up, as if it’ll fill the whole world” is very strong in the context. The memories of the dream are the only thing making her life and she tries to live in that dream. The “one word” in the final line is dream.
Yesterday, I was alone, countless gazes Falling tears, I withstood another day again Yesterday, that was a close call, all of the words that poured out It embraced me, who was shaking, again, it embraced me
The pre-chorus briefly speaks about the day-to-day struggles in her life and how the darkness can sometimes overwhelm and oppress her. Throughout the song, she is finding nirvana, but the pre-chorus contradicts that point, visualizing her falling back into the darkness. The storytelling in “I” has a great amount of quality for a three-and-a-half minute song.
Flower petals wilt I had difficult times, but followed a small light (But followed a small light) Distant day, let it go far, far away I fly splendidly
The bridge represents Taeyeon coming to acceptance in her life. Through her struggles, she fought through and let herself fly again. For a song/poem, “I” does a lot and has a whole structure of finding an obstacle, losing the fight, and finally overcoming it.
Sky that pours light Renewed eyes Fly far away Beauty that belongs only to me The moment I close my eyes Time stops I rise again
The final chorus and outro go along together. It’s about Taeyeon finally reaching her destination/goal. She freed herself from her unhappiness and struggles in life and metaphorically took a leap of faith and flew her wings. “I” is a very poetic song. Poetry doesn’t always need to rhyme, it just needs to tell a story. Taeyeon’s first solo was her best in my opinion, but she has a very great portfolio of stories about life, love, and all in between. In a music industry where a lot of music is written by big music agencies rather than the artists themselves, it is refreshing to see artists have their own stories about something close to them. Taeyeon has struggled with depression in the past, and music is her way of being free. Overall, Taeyeon is one of the most talented singers/songwriters out there and is super underrated because she lives an ocean away. “I” is one of the best and most poetic songs out there, and Taeyeon deserves more attention.
In Mohsin Hamid’s 2017 publication Exit West, characters Saeed and Nadia meet many challenges regarding their home. As their city becomes one of war and violence, Saeed and Nadia are forced to do whatever it takes to survive, and they face this new life both scared and determined. Saeed tries to provide for his family and Nadia herself, but the conditions don’t get any better. Nadia eventually moves in with Saeed and their relatively new continues to build through their survival. The events of Exit West show that while some events and disasters are out of human control, anyone can alter their personal fate by striving for growth in their relationships as well as themselves. In times of despair, it is important to continue to express yourself and remain active in your community as it can vastly help make the most out of a hard time.
Rion Amilcar Scott’s “202 Checkmates” is a compelling story that teaches life lessons through the game of chess. The narrator is an 11-year-old girl who idolizes her father as he teaches her about life through the game of chess. At a young age, her father showed her that winning isn’t the most important. In the story, the narrator’s father is mostly just her chess buddy, but he’s also her hero. In the narrator’s family, chess is passed from generation to generation, and her father wants his daughter to learn about the game. However, while the father wants to use chess to teach the narrator life lessons, it’s also his only source of control and happiness. The father is jobless and is stressing over trying to find work, let alone the pressure from his wife. When he beats his 11-year-old, he jumps in celebration. Throughout the story, there’s a coming of age theme as the narrator learns the true value of the game. We see her mature over the story and she learns that the game of chess isn’t about being victorious, but about enjoying the time you have and the people you play with.
Jessica Benjamin challenges the ways of sociology with her theory on power and identity. Bonds of Love is an extensive take on her beliefs, but every word she says draws more understanding of her ideology. Benjamin believes in individuality and the concept that an individual needs to connect with another individual. We can and should recognize other individuals and feel both similar and different from each other. She believes the mutual recognition of each other as a subject must be equal. If one doesn’t recognize another as a subject, it tarnishes a relationship. Benjamin believes that power comes from ones lack of attention to another, creating an unknowing superiority. Domination and submission are the consequential roles when a subject fails to fully recognize another subject. Jessica Benjamin’s theory of power and subjectivity is very unique, but logical. The cognitive and sociological side of relationships is rarely investigated and Benjamin created a whole new ideology on it.
Story Power 