This week you need to respond to the poem,"No Man is an Island." Think about the poem and how it relates to the journey 'Alexander Supertramp' embarks on in the film Into the Wild. It might help to do some research on the poet and real life person the film Into the Wild is based on.
Between now and next week you need to write about 300 words in total. Firstly, write a PERSONAL RESPONSE to the poem and its connection to the film (200 words. Then you need to RESPOND to someone else's post (100 words).
Please ensure when you sign up that you use your own name so I can check all the posts against the roll.
"No man is an island" written by John Donne explores our 'connection' to others is an important part of ones reliance to the world. I do not believe a normal human can live completley in solitary and completely be blocked out from the rest of the world. as Donne quotes "each is a piece of the continent" meaning were all a part of something whether it be our family and friends or part of a particular group. I agree to a large extent with Donne, in that I also believe one man, cannot and should not, act as in island, excluding themselves from those around them, as it puts them in high risk of sabotaging their life as a whole. “Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind.” involves the connection of death affecting everyone differently which impacts the society at different levels. Affecting every one of us together, by the connection we share. No man, in themselves, can be a island.
"No man is an island" by John Donne (21 January 1572 – 31 March 1631) discusses the importance of human interaction and how society as a whole can not function properly without it. He explores the idea of isolation and that human beings do not prosper when isolated from others. I disagree with this as each person is an individual and thus have different needs and wants that they feel, they require to live. As seen in “About a boy” Will was a wealthy man who may have had everything he thought he wanted (i.e. material possessions) but what he really needed was a sense of fulfilment which was provided by the comfort and support of having family and friends around him. This is synonymous with Donne’s poem. However in stark contrast to this is the movie “Into the wild,” which is based on a true story about a man, Chris McCandless (Alexander Supertramp), who leaves behind his wealth and education to purse a life in Alaska, alone. He does not feel completion in the life his parents had molded for him. In his search for the truth he discovers the beauty of the wild and the harsh nature of city life. As he lived in the isolation of the Alaskan wilderness, he was genuinely happy, something that he could never have achieved had he stayed in Atlanta, Georgia. This reinforces my opinion in that though this poem may apply to most, it doesn’t not necessary mean it is the only way to live your life.
It is clear in the language used, “If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less,” that Donne’s poem was written many years ago but the meaning and the message that is conveyed is still relevant and significant in our morden day and age.
According to Wikipedia, John Donne lived in poverty for several years and he relied heavily on wealthy friends. This, I guess, can be interpreted as a personal connection to his poem.
I like your view and interpretation of this poem and I can see were your coming from. Good work on being first Loz. I agree with you on the whole how death affects and impacts everyone differentley.
The poem written by John Donne explores the concept that ''no man is an island'' and that every person needs family, friends and community to be able to function successfully. John Donne wrote this poem in his later years when he suffered from illness, which contributed to the dull and grave tone to the article. "Each [individual] is a piece of the continent" who relies on others to be able to live. The idea of total isolation from the rest of humanity in rejected by John Donne and he portrays the importance of community. Donne later goes on to express "Each man's death diminishes me,'' which shows that the death of an individual affects others in differing ways. The human species depends one another to be able to survive and find happiness. This is also conveyed in the movie "About a Boy", as William eventually finds happiness and comfort in his newly found friendships and relationship. He realises that he needs the presence of others around him to support him and improve his lifestyle.
Rachelle, I like your response to the poem by John Donne. I think it is great how you have drawed upon the film "Into the Wild" to back up your disagreement on the topic of individuality and isolation. It is great how you have discussed the positive aspects of isolation and how it can also bring happiness. Your view point is strongly perceived through the use of real life examples as the movie was based on a true story. Well done on a excellent response.
After reading the poem 'No man is an island' by John Donne I have developed an understanding on why we can not, as humans, isolate ourselves and/or become 'islands'. John Donne writes 'each is a piece of the continent' which relates to how we all need each other. We can not journy through life on our own. A perfect example of this is shown to us in the movie 'About a boy'. We see how a wealthy man named Will has people thrusted upon him and at first does not interact well. Will is an 'island' at the begining of the movie but later opens up (or is forced to open up) to people. He begins to enjoy spending time with others and eventually see's the joy in interacting with others. In conclusion I believe that isolating yourself is the incorect way of going about life. Life should be full of excitement, not dull like Will's !
I am very much in accordance with what John Donne is implying in his poem, "No man is an island." His popular verse, "No man is an island, entire of itself" simply summarizes our nature as social beings in this expansive world. I firmly believe with his message that we do not (or should not) live in isolation as we are all interconnected somehow or in some way with the people that surround us. Though we might find a moment of happiness when we breathe in solitude, as Christopher McCandless did when he made his stride as Alexander Supertramp, it is unhealthy and insufficient. This is explored in the novel and film adaptation, "Into the Wild" by John Krakauer and Sean Penn, respectively. The journey of Christopher McCandless is a clear depiction of total isolation. After living alone for a few months in the Alaskan wilderness, and having to watch his supply of food slowly deplete, his life becomes a struggle, and he comes to conclude that nature can be uncaring and that true happiness is only found with the company of the people you love, paralleling the statements of John Donne.
Paul, very well said, "Life should be full of excitement!" and i believe that this can be achieved when one goes out with friends and family, not by sitting around alone. Good job everyone btw. Pretty sure Mr. T will be proud.(hopefully)
the poem no man is an island by john doone is a poem about the fact that their is no way to be an island as there is always someone around you for example in the movie into the wild chris mccandless aka alexander supertramp was a man who wanted to escape his past and go and live in the denali national park in a old school bus eventually after a long time and journey he reached his destination only to die 4 months later. throughout his journey to alaska he met many people who helped him along his journey. the poem is saying the same thing that a man is part of a continent and therefore cant escape
The poem "No man is an Island" shows that everyone needs others to survive, and without people around us we will go crazy. "every man is a piece of the continent" tells us that even if you think you are an island you will always have some connection to rest of the world. This is shown in both films "About a Boy" and "Into the Wild", as Will thought he was an island though later on he realised that there many other islands around him, even though he had enough money to survive on his own, it would of been impossible. Also it is shown how Chris cannot become an island, as he is always connected to other people, wether it be random people or his family and friends.
The Poem "No Man Is An Island" refers to the fact that no man is 'one of his own', a world filled with only himself, cut off from society and the 'everyday world'. . . Every man is connected to society in some way, mankind thrives on interaction with others and craves the attention of others in some way or form. Perhaps we survive by getting the interaction and the attention that we need in our own way. 'Into The Wild' is a classic example of being truely alone, and only being able to rely on yourself. Chris left home with no means of communication, therefor he could only trust himself to survive, leaving his family in a pool of guilt and pure self hatred.
"No Man is an Island", written by John Donne demonstrates that a person cannot be alone. One will always need anothers support to be able to live throughout his daily life "Each is a piece of the continent, a part of the main". An example of such a thing would be included in the movie "Into The Wild" by John Krakauer and Sean Penn, in their respective orders. Alexander Supertramp, played by Christopher McCandless, removes all the connections he has with any of the relationships he had with his friends/family and attempts to take on the wild on his own. After surviving on his own for such a short stretch, the challenges continue to stack against eachother. His food sortage slowly fades away from his grasp and, thus, ending his life by making the wrong choice. This proves that one can live on his own by relieving himself from anyone he/she knows. One must have the support and the encouragement from those he/she has around them.
Now we're on the right track! Well done to those who have contributed, keep the posts coming 11A.
Also, I'd appreciate if others could respond to Francis' astute comment.
"Though we might find a moment of happiness when we breathe in solitude, as Christopher McCandless did when he made his stride as Alexander Supertramp, it is unhealthy and insufficient."
The poem ‘No man is an island’, written by John Donne, is a poem that is written on the subject of seclusion. He is of the opinion that ‘no man is an island’, meaning, no person can live just by themself. I agree to a certain extent. On many levels it is a true statement. Even the most secluded of people have to interact with people in some way. And if they don’t, then it can be theorised that they aren’t going to be the most mentally healthy people in the world. It can also be dangerous for one who believes that they themself are an island. Their ability to act in social situations will become non-existent, and their behaviour will turn away people who could hypothetically become friendly with them. ‘About A Boy’ demonstrates this to a great level. Will was a man who believed himself to be an island. Due to this, he seemed to have a negative stigma towards letting people get to know the real him. It was only until he met Marcus when he realised that he wasn’t really an Island. He needed people around him, whether he wanted to admit it or not. He wanted to be loved by certain people, whether he wanted to admit it or not. When he realised that he wasn’t really an Island, he managed to get away the negative stigma he seemed to have against people, and was eventually able to have a healthy relationship with Rachael. So overall, I believe that it is true that no man is an island. To at least a certain extent, a person will have relationships with other people or things. To say that someone is an island is an incorrect statement.
Overall, I like Francis’ paragraph, and agree with most of his opinions. However, there is something that I do have to argue. Francis makes the comment that "Though we might find a moment of happiness when we breathe in solitude, as Christopher McCandless did when he made his stride as Alexander Supertramp, it is unhealthy and insufficient." To a certain extent I agree with this. Excessive periods of time in solitude probably isn’t very healthy to ones well being. But I don’t think that solitude always has to be unhealthy and insufficient. Certain amounts of solitude can be very healthy. Sometimes we need to sit back and be on our own, to judge things like how we are living our life, and how we are going to deal with future situations.
Good to see a lot of great responses from everyone.
Thanks for the complement Paul. :)
Wow Francis awesome stuff. “Breathe in solitude” That’s the kind of writing that makes you stop and just want take it in.
Mitch, I always enjoy your input and think you did a great job. I particularly agree with your last statement that:
“But I don’t think that solitude always has to be unhealthy and insufficient. Certain amounts of solitude can be very healthy. Sometimes we need to sit back and be on our own, to judge things like how we are living our life, and how we are going to deal with future situations.”
First of all, thank you Mitch and Rach for sharing your incisive insights on my comment. A statement after all won't be as grounded and judicial without other peoples judgement.
I completely understand where the both of you are coming from. I realized I have failed to explain my thoughts as thoroughly as I should. When I was referring to "unhealthy and insufficient" I was denoting it in a radical situation, due to McCandles status as an extremist. His efforts of isolating himself was definitely a hundred and ten percent. Otherwise, being alone is certainly well and feasible in its ways as we all experience it.
"No man is an island", written by John Donne,is a short poem written under the impression that no man can live by themself, alone. it suggests that people can be "a piece of the continent" that makes up "a part of the main." meaning, all people work together as "continents", to make up life, or the "main" therefore you can not make up a main by your self as a single continent, (unless your australia ;)), you must have others with you.
it is people who believe that they are "an island" that struggle with social situations. this was shown in the movie "about a boy" 'Will' felt that he had to pretend to be something he wasn't in order to interact with others, as shown by his spell as an imaginary father. he later realised through the help of 'Marcus' that he was not an island. and found true friends. as a man who thought of himself as an island, he made a transition into the "main" and was a happyer man.
Rach's comment was a good read. gave great info. used other content (about a boy. Mith. as always you have amazed me and shown me that your better at english than me ;) great work with your response. you discussed the poem and about a boy great. francis, mate,stop making me look bad with your comments. there a bit too good for my liking :P great form though.
John Donne's poem 'No man is an island' explores the themes of isolation and mortality.Donne implies that no one man can exist on his own, cut off from the rest of society and that the death or disapearence of someone you know, affects your humanity.It's a defined psychological part of us; that all human's have a basic need to share their lives with someone, children with parents, adults with their wifes, husbands or whoever, these bonds with different people difine who we are and how we act. I agree with frances' Thought that "we might find a moment of happiness when we breathe in solitude" and I injoy escaping from society occasionally via books, my room and real camping(tents) holidays out in Australias special, fantastic,breathtaking wilderness. However I disagree that solitude is "unhealthy and insufficient.", because solitude is a time to reflect, clear the brain of all thought and injoy the simplicity of life.
"Into the Wild" by John Krakauer and Sean Penn, is a film were a man called Christopher McCandless throws away his identity and belonging because he has a strong view of the world and he was fed up with his parents stupid charade of self worth. They were materialistic and this led to Chris leaving to go and find out what life was really about when in total detachment and withdrawal from every-day life. p.s i hope i'm not talking a lot of frog ... anyway-Chris wasn't prepared for the harshness of Alaska and the thought of killing a majestic creature(moose) drove him to live off berries, which lead to death. The isolation gave Chris time to think about his parents and what the old man said "when you forgive you love, and when you love gods love shins on you." The reality of this changed Chris' view of his parents and he decided to go back to the 'mainland' but was stoped by the rageing river. Chris was stuck on his own island and he didn't want that anymore. no man can stand to be an island for long, nore be surrounded by people all the time and taht why I beleive-all things in moderation.
Short is sweet because i'm tired. Congradulations everyone on the great responses and keep up the good work. I believe this helped to give the class an insite to other people's thoughts, views and ideas to the poem and movie.
The poem 'no man is an island written by john Donne explores the theme that no man can only live with ones self and that we are 'a piece of the continent' that makes 'a part of the main'. This implies that no human can live alone, isolated and completely cut of from the rest of the world. It is a biological trait of us humans to have contact and relationships with others as this no only makes us stronger but creates our own identity and self. Although with this contact and relationships with others expectations and barriers can form blocking people from becoming individuals as they can be manipulated by others into someone there not.
In relation to the movie 'into the wild' Chris has been able to overcome the expectations of the people around him. Mainly his mum and dad, And has created his true self. He has just thrown away everything which has been created by his parents and has become an 'island'. He has been able to cut himself away from society and seek solitude within the compounds of an old abandoned bus. Chris can truly be described as an individual or in relation to the topic an island.
To properly discuss if man is an island or not you have to consider what is an island? Is any island truly isolated from the rest of the world? I believe that the argument is not weather a man is an island or not but more of what way you look at an island. Can anyone say without a doubt that an island is isolated? Every single island on this planet is part of something larger. Every single island carries the laws and culture of the country it is part of, and each country is part of the planet. This also relates to humanity. Each person, without a choice, carries part of the people around them. One must follow the laws of the society they live in, every aspect of human life includes, in one way or another, other people in our lives. To be truly isolated one must forget all that he/she has learnt, all language, all beliefs that he/she has grown to believe because these beliefs and skills are taken in from other people. As they find who they are they take in everything they experience and see , ones relationships and shared experiences along with their own personal experiences shape them into the individual they are today. To be isolated is to be nothing, know nothing, believe nothing and love nothing.
I disagree with a few of the statements and beliefs made by Jeremy but I also agree to a certain degree. His overall message, that is conveyed in the film "Powder," is the idea of isolation and alienation in society but what he believes the bigger picture is, whether humanity is aware of it or not, that we are all connected in some way, archipelago if you will.
“Inside most people there is a feeling of being separate, separated from everything…and there not, there apart of absolutely everyone and everything.”
I personally struggle to agree with this, as how can my actions affect someone on the other side of the who has no idea of my existence? Clearly I have that spot I can’t see past but I digress. I understand the connection with family, friends, those in your community and those importance e.g Julia Gillard,but not those that existence I don’t even know about.
However, I agree with Jeremy’s concept that “people live behind lies, sarcasms, deceptions and exaggerations to confuse the truth.” Chris McCandless is an example of this. While on the road to Alaska, he lives behind the lies he made about his name (Alexander Supertramp), where he is from, his family and his identity.
People tend to hide there true selves because of fear of rejection and segregation. Even if they don’t hide there differences, they are still subjected to public scrutiny. As seen at the start of the clip, Jeremy walks through a crowd who look upon him disapprovingly. But he still stands by his beliefs that though people may feel disconnected from him, they are all inevitably connected.
Jeremy’s view of the world also explores the ideas that stems from John Donne’s poem “No man is an island,” that no man is a separate entity from the rest and are all linked in one way or another.
Evening ladies and lads,
ReplyDeleteThis week you need to respond to the poem,"No Man is an Island." Think about the poem and how it relates to the journey 'Alexander Supertramp' embarks on in the film Into the Wild. It might help to do some research on the poet and real life person the film Into the Wild is based on.
Between now and next week you need to write about 300 words in total. Firstly, write a PERSONAL RESPONSE to the poem and its connection to the film (200 words. Then you need to RESPOND to someone else's post (100 words).
Please ensure when you sign up that you use your own name so I can check all the posts against the roll.
Have fun.
"No man is an island" written by John Donne explores our 'connection' to others is an important part of ones reliance to the world. I do not believe a normal human can live completley in solitary and completely be blocked out from the rest of the world. as Donne quotes "each is a piece of the continent" meaning were all a part of something whether it be our family and friends or part of a particular group. I agree to a large extent with Donne, in that I also believe one man, cannot and should not, act as in island, excluding themselves from those around them, as it puts them in high risk of sabotaging their life as a whole. “Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind.” involves the connection of death affecting everyone differently which impacts the society at different levels. Affecting every one of us together, by the connection we share. No man, in themselves, can be a island.
ReplyDeletefirst post, claim.
ReplyDelete"No man is an island" by John Donne (21 January 1572 – 31 March 1631) discusses the importance of human interaction and how society as a whole can not function properly without it. He explores the idea of isolation and that human beings do not prosper when isolated from others. I disagree with this as each person is an individual and thus have different needs and wants that they feel, they require to live. As seen in “About a boy” Will was a wealthy man who may have had everything he thought he wanted (i.e. material possessions) but what he really needed was a sense of fulfilment which was provided by the comfort and support of having family and friends around him. This is synonymous with Donne’s poem. However in stark contrast to this is the movie “Into the wild,” which is based on a true story about a man, Chris McCandless (Alexander Supertramp), who leaves behind his wealth and education to purse a life in Alaska, alone. He does not feel completion in the life his parents had molded for him. In his search for the truth he discovers the beauty of the wild and the harsh nature of city life. As he lived in the isolation of the Alaskan wilderness, he was genuinely happy, something that he could never have achieved had he stayed in Atlanta, Georgia. This reinforces my opinion in that though this poem may apply to most, it doesn’t not necessary mean it is the only way to live your life.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear in the language used, “If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less,” that Donne’s poem was written many years ago but the meaning and the message that is conveyed is still relevant and significant in our morden day and age.
According to Wikipedia, John Donne lived in poverty for several years and he relied heavily on wealthy friends. This, I guess, can be interpreted as a personal connection to his poem.
I like your view and interpretation of this poem and I can see were your coming from. Good work on being first Loz. I agree with you on the whole how death affects and impacts everyone differentley.
The poem written by John Donne explores the concept that ''no man is an island'' and that every person needs family, friends and community to be able to function successfully. John Donne wrote this poem in his later years when he suffered from illness, which contributed to the dull and grave tone to the article. "Each [individual] is a piece of the continent" who relies on others to be able to live. The idea of total isolation from the rest of humanity in rejected by John Donne and he portrays the importance of community. Donne later goes on to express "Each man's death diminishes me,'' which shows that the death of an individual affects others in differing ways. The human species depends one another to be able to survive and find happiness.
ReplyDeleteThis is also conveyed in the movie "About a Boy", as William eventually finds happiness and comfort in his newly found friendships and relationship. He realises that he needs the presence of others around him to support him and improve his lifestyle.
Rachelle, I like your response to the poem by John Donne. I think it is great how you have drawed upon the film "Into the Wild" to back up your disagreement on the topic of individuality and isolation. It is great how you have discussed the positive aspects of isolation and how it can also bring happiness. Your view point is strongly perceived through the use of real life examples as the movie was based on a true story. Well done on a excellent response.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the poem 'No man is an island' by John Donne I have developed an understanding on why we can not, as humans, isolate ourselves and/or become 'islands'. John Donne writes 'each is a piece of the continent' which relates to how we all need each other. We can not journy through life on our own. A perfect example of this is shown to us in the movie 'About a boy'. We see how a wealthy man named Will has people thrusted upon him and at first does not interact well. Will is an 'island' at the begining of the movie but later opens up (or is forced to open up) to people. He begins to enjoy spending time with others and eventually see's the joy in interacting with others. In conclusion I believe that isolating yourself is the incorect way of going about life. Life should be full of excitement, not dull like Will's !
ReplyDeleteMr.T for PM !
Looking forward to school tomorow !
P.S Loz stop claiming ok being first doesn't make you cool :P But good job everyone ! Rachelle you killed it !
ReplyDeleteI am very much in accordance with what John Donne is implying in his poem, "No man is an island." His popular verse, "No man is an island, entire of itself" simply summarizes our nature as social beings in this expansive world. I firmly believe with his message that we do not (or should not) live in isolation as we are all interconnected somehow or in some way with the people that surround us. Though we might find a moment of happiness when we breathe in solitude, as Christopher McCandless did when he made his stride as Alexander Supertramp, it is unhealthy and insufficient. This is explored in the novel and film adaptation, "Into the Wild" by John Krakauer and Sean Penn, respectively. The journey of Christopher McCandless is a clear depiction of total isolation. After living alone for a few months in the Alaskan wilderness, and having to watch his supply of food slowly deplete, his life becomes a struggle, and he comes to conclude that nature can be uncaring and that true happiness is only found with the company of the people you love, paralleling the statements of John Donne.
ReplyDeletePaul, very well said, "Life should be full of excitement!" and i believe that this can be achieved when one goes out with friends and family, not by sitting around alone. Good job everyone btw. Pretty sure Mr. T will be proud.(hopefully)
ReplyDeletethe poem no man is an island by john doone is a poem about the fact that their is no way to be an island as there is always someone around you for example in the movie into the wild chris mccandless aka alexander supertramp was a man who wanted to escape his past and go and live in the denali national park in a old school bus eventually after a long time and journey he reached his destination only to die 4 months later. throughout his journey to alaska he met many people who helped him along his journey. the poem is saying the same thing that a man is part of a continent and therefore cant escape
ReplyDeleteThe poem "No man is an Island" shows that everyone needs others to survive, and without people around us we will go crazy. "every man is a piece of the continent" tells us that even if you think you are an island you will always have some connection to rest of the world. This is shown in both films "About a Boy" and "Into the Wild", as Will thought he was an island though later on he realised that there many other islands around him, even though he had enough money to survive on his own, it would of been impossible. Also it is shown how Chris cannot become an island, as he is always connected to other people, wether it be random people or his family and friends.
ReplyDeleteThe Poem "No Man Is An Island" refers to the fact that no man is 'one of his own', a world filled with only himself, cut off from society and the 'everyday world'. . . Every man is connected to society in some way, mankind thrives on interaction with others and craves the attention of others in some way or form. Perhaps we survive by getting the interaction and the attention that we need in our own way. 'Into The Wild' is a classic example of being truely alone, and only being able to rely on yourself. Chris left home with no means of communication, therefor he could only trust himself to survive, leaving his family in a pool of guilt and pure self hatred.
ReplyDelete"No Man is an Island", written by John Donne demonstrates that a person cannot be alone. One will always need anothers support to be able to live throughout his daily life "Each is a piece of the continent, a part of the main". An example of such a thing would be included in the movie "Into The Wild" by John Krakauer and Sean Penn, in their respective orders. Alexander Supertramp, played by Christopher McCandless, removes all the connections he has with any of the relationships he had with his friends/family and attempts to take on the wild on his own. After surviving on his own for such a short stretch, the challenges continue to stack against eachother. His food sortage slowly fades away from his grasp and, thus, ending his life by making the wrong choice. This proves that one can live on his own by relieving himself from anyone he/she knows. One must have the support and the encouragement from those he/she has around them.
ReplyDeleteNow we're on the right track! Well done to those who have contributed, keep the posts coming 11A.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'd appreciate if others could respond to Francis' astute comment.
"Though we might find a moment of happiness when we breathe in solitude, as Christopher McCandless did when he made his stride as Alexander Supertramp, it is unhealthy and insufficient."
What do people think about this..?
The poem ‘No man is an island’, written by John Donne, is a poem that is written on the subject of seclusion. He is of the opinion that ‘no man is an island’, meaning, no person can live just by themself. I agree to a certain extent. On many levels it is a true statement. Even the most secluded of people have to interact with people in some way. And if they don’t, then it can be theorised that they aren’t going to be the most mentally healthy people in the world. It can also be dangerous for one who believes that they themself are an island. Their ability to act in social situations will become non-existent, and their behaviour will turn away people who could hypothetically become friendly with them. ‘About A Boy’ demonstrates this to a great level. Will was a man who believed himself to be an island. Due to this, he seemed to have a negative stigma towards letting people get to know the real him. It was only until he met Marcus when he realised that he wasn’t really an Island. He needed people around him, whether he wanted to admit it or not. He wanted to be loved by certain people, whether he wanted to admit it or not. When he realised that he wasn’t really an Island, he managed to get away the negative stigma he seemed to have against people, and was eventually able to have a healthy relationship with Rachael. So overall, I believe that it is true that no man is an island. To at least a certain extent, a person will have relationships with other people or things. To say that someone is an island is an incorrect statement.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I like Francis’ paragraph, and agree with most of his opinions. However, there is something that I do have to argue. Francis makes the comment that "Though we might find a moment of happiness when we breathe in solitude, as Christopher McCandless did when he made his stride as Alexander Supertramp, it is unhealthy and insufficient." To a certain extent I agree with this. Excessive periods of time in solitude probably isn’t very healthy to ones well being. But I don’t think that solitude always has to be unhealthy and insufficient. Certain amounts of solitude can be very healthy. Sometimes we need to sit back and be on our own, to judge things like how we are living our life, and how we are going to deal with future situations.
Good to see a lot of great responses from everyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the complement Paul. :)
Wow Francis awesome stuff. “Breathe in solitude”
That’s the kind of writing that makes you stop and just want take it in.
Mitch, I always enjoy your input and think you did a great job. I particularly agree with your last statement that:
“But I don’t think that solitude always has to be unhealthy and insufficient. Certain amounts of solitude can be very healthy. Sometimes we need to sit back and be on our own, to judge things like how we are living our life, and how we are going to deal with future situations.”
First of all, thank you Mitch and Rach for sharing your incisive insights on my comment. A statement after all won't be as grounded and judicial without other peoples judgement.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand where the both of you are coming from. I realized I have failed to explain my thoughts as thoroughly as I should. When I was referring to "unhealthy and insufficient" I was denoting it in a radical situation, due to McCandles status as an extremist. His efforts of isolating himself was definitely a hundred and ten percent. Otherwise, being alone is certainly well and feasible in its ways as we all experience it.
"No man is an island", written by John Donne,is a short poem written under the impression that no man can live by themself, alone. it suggests that people can be "a piece of the continent" that makes up "a part of the main."
ReplyDeletemeaning, all people work together as "continents", to make up life, or the "main" therefore you can not make up a main by your self as a single continent, (unless your australia ;)), you must have others with you.
it is people who believe that they are "an island" that struggle with social situations. this was shown in the movie "about a boy" 'Will' felt that he had to pretend to be something he wasn't in order to interact with others, as shown by his spell as an imaginary father.
he later realised through the help of 'Marcus' that he was not an island. and found true friends.
as a man who thought of himself as an island, he made a transition into the "main" and was a happyer man.
that comment is probley completely wrong. have a good read people.
ReplyDeleteRach's comment was a good read. gave great info. used other content (about a boy.
ReplyDeleteMith. as always you have amazed me and shown me that your better at english than me ;)
great work with your response. you discussed the poem and about a boy great.
francis, mate,stop making me look bad with your comments. there a bit too good for my liking :P
great form though.
in all everyones posts are great. good job guys.
John Donne's poem 'No man is an island' explores the themes of isolation and mortality.Donne implies that no one man can exist on his own, cut off from the rest of society and that the death or disapearence of someone you know, affects your humanity.It's a defined psychological part of us; that all human's have a basic need to share their lives with someone, children with parents, adults with their wifes, husbands or whoever, these bonds with different people difine who we are and how we act.
ReplyDeleteI agree with frances' Thought that "we might find a moment of happiness when we breathe in solitude" and I injoy escaping from society occasionally via books, my room and real camping(tents) holidays out in Australias special, fantastic,breathtaking wilderness.
However I disagree that solitude is "unhealthy and insufficient.", because solitude is a time to reflect, clear the brain of all thought and injoy the simplicity of life.
"Into the Wild" by John Krakauer and Sean Penn, is a film were a man called Christopher McCandless throws away his identity and belonging because he has a strong view of the world and he was fed up with his parents stupid charade of self worth. They were materialistic and this led to Chris leaving to go and find out what life was really about when in total detachment and withdrawal from every-day life.
p.s i hope i'm not talking a lot of frog ...
anyway-Chris wasn't prepared for the harshness of Alaska and the thought of killing a majestic creature(moose) drove him to live off berries, which lead to death. The isolation gave Chris time to think about his parents and what the old man said "when you forgive you love, and when you love gods love shins on you."
The reality of this changed Chris' view of his parents and he decided to go back to the 'mainland' but was stoped by the rageing river. Chris was stuck on his own island and he didn't want that anymore.
no man can stand to be an island for long, nore be surrounded by people all the time and taht why I beleive-all things in moderation.
(all things in moderation)
Short is sweet because i'm tired.
ReplyDeleteCongradulations everyone on the great responses and keep up the good work. I believe this helped to give the class an insite to other people's thoughts, views and ideas to the poem and movie.
The poem 'no man is an island written by john Donne explores the theme that no man can only live with ones self and that we are 'a piece of the continent' that makes 'a part of the main'. This implies that no human can live alone, isolated and completely cut of from the rest of the world. It is a biological trait of us humans to have contact and relationships with others as this no only makes us stronger but creates our own identity and self. Although with this contact and relationships with others expectations and barriers can form blocking people from becoming individuals as they can be manipulated by others into someone there not.
ReplyDeleteIn relation to the movie 'into the wild' Chris has been able to overcome the expectations of the people around him. Mainly his mum and dad, And has created his true self. He has just thrown away everything which has been created by his parents and has become an 'island'. He has been able to cut himself away from society and seek solitude within the compounds of an old abandoned bus. Chris can truly be described as an individual or in relation to the topic an island.
Um.. good job everyone you have all been able to address the topic and make me reconsider my opinion on 'no man is an island'
ReplyDeleteSpecial mentions go to francis, Mitch brotz and racheele as you three brought up points i would have never thought of.
Top job!
To properly discuss if man is an island or not you have to consider what is an island? Is any island truly isolated from the rest of the world? I believe that the argument is not weather a man is an island or not but more of what way you look at an island. Can anyone say without a doubt that an island is isolated? Every single island on this planet is part of something larger. Every single island carries the laws and culture of the country it is part of, and each country is part of the planet. This also relates to humanity. Each person, without a choice, carries part of the people around them. One must follow the laws of the society they live in, every aspect of human life includes, in one way or another, other people in our lives. To be truly isolated one must forget all that he/she has learnt, all language, all beliefs that he/she has grown to believe because these beliefs and skills are taken in from other people. As they find who they are they take in everything they experience and see , ones relationships and shared experiences along with their own personal experiences shape them into the individual they are today. To be isolated is to be nothing, know nothing, believe nothing and love nothing.
ReplyDeleteIn week 2 you are to view and respond to the film Powder. Consider the connections made to both John Donne's poem and Alexander Supertramp.
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday!
I disagree with a few of the statements and beliefs made by Jeremy but I also agree to a certain degree. His overall message, that is conveyed in the film "Powder," is the idea of isolation and alienation in society but what he believes the bigger picture is, whether humanity is aware of it or not, that we are all connected in some way, archipelago if you will.
ReplyDelete“Inside most people there is a feeling of being separate, separated from everything…and there not, there apart of absolutely everyone and everything.”
I personally struggle to agree with this, as how can my actions affect someone on the other side of the who has no idea of my existence? Clearly I have that spot I can’t see past but I digress. I understand the connection with family, friends, those in your community and those importance e.g Julia Gillard,but not those that existence I don’t even know about.
However, I agree with Jeremy’s concept that “people live behind lies, sarcasms, deceptions and exaggerations to confuse the truth.” Chris McCandless is an example of this. While on the road to Alaska, he lives behind the lies he made about his name (Alexander Supertramp), where he is from, his family and his identity.
People tend to hide there true selves because of fear of rejection and segregation. Even if they don’t hide there differences, they are still subjected to public scrutiny. As seen at the start of the clip, Jeremy walks through a crowd who look upon him disapprovingly. But he still stands by his beliefs that though people may feel disconnected from him, they are all inevitably connected.
Jeremy’s view of the world also explores the ideas that stems from John Donne’s poem “No man is an island,” that no man is a separate entity from the rest and are all linked in one way or another.