LIT REPLIES!

1. Did reading books beyond the five selected for our examinations in any way help with your analyzing the larger topics in the text?

Yes, definitely. In CJC, we are more preoccupied with the texts that are tested for the A levels and our lessons are all about close analysis of the way women are portrayed in these choice books. However, we tend to forget that the theme of paper 5 is Women in Literature, not Women in 3 Novels Chosen by CJC. By studying feminist literature in a wide variety of books (we explored Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea, among others) we were able to gain a broader perspective on how different feminists from different eras challenged feminine stereotypes through their writing. While Jane Austen preferred to take a softer approach to feminism in literature, having her characters more subdued and withdrawn while resisting the male characters in their own subtle ways, the Bronte sisters preferred to have more daring and outspoken female characters whose boldness shocked and directly challenged the feminine ideal of their period. In fact, it is interesting to see how feminists could be opposing each other’s depictions of women in their novels (the Bronte sisters were very opposed to Austen’s genteel ladies) instead of just the male stereotype of them, as we often imagine. In Cambridge, we skimmed over many novels which allowed us more of an overview of feminist literature and gave us much more contextual knowledge about the time period within feminist literature was written and what it was written in response to, and this is indeed a contrast to CJC where we explore the ideas of feminist lit thoroughly but do not relate it to the social dynamics of the time. This is the same with Tragedy. The idea of Tragedy is a key one in books like Tess and The Birthday Party, and it was very good to get an understanding of how the genre evolved and changed over time. We also learnt about the key characteristics of tragedy and we feel that although this was not directly applicable to our analysis of the text, it is still important to know as it can contribute to our reading experience and make us more conscious of the methods through which writers bring out this theme in their books.

2. Is it possible for a novel to be adapted into a film while withholding all the major elements of the novel?

Nope. Generally, a film is a filmmaker’s reinterpretation of a novel, and therefore some of the key or major ideas of the text will inevitably be carried over into the film. You will never be able to withhold all the major elements of a novel and still translate it to the screen, because as we saw while exploring tragedy, sometimes the elements that make up a novel can be the plot that the novel operates on. However, it is possible to create a film adaptation of a novel while withholding some of the novel’s elements and themes and focusing on others. As different filmmakers are struck by different aspects of the novel or of the characters, they will inevitably angle the film such that more of that aspect will be shown in their adaptation. For example, Zeffirelli decided to explore Hamlet’s internal struggle with his Oedipus complex and guilt, choosing to make his film more of an analysis of Hamlet’s psychology. In contrast, Branagh’s version sought to highlight Hamlet’s violent side and portrayed him as a man of action. Therefore, while not all the major elements of a novel can be kept out of film adaptations, some films may seem completely different because of the themes that the film director picks out to portray.

Final Questions

Hi, our final questions are reserved for the literature and maths students.

1. Did reading books beyond the five selected for our examinations in any way help with your analyzing the larger topics in the text?

2. Is it possible for a novel to be adapted into a film while withholding all the major elements of the novel?

3. How do interpretations of tragedy change with the times?

4. Are tragedies representative of the culture they were written in, or more dependent on their author’s perspective of tragedy?

5. Do autobiographies ever actually reveal the truth about a person?

6. What defines a feminist?

7. What types of feminists are usually represented in novels/plays? Are these accurate, or more representative of the society’s view of feminists during that time period?

8. How accurate are plays of novels, as compared to actual plays?

9. How does learning events from a man’s perspective change views of women?

10. How is war generally depicted in novels, and how does the male point of view change this depiction?

1. According to the Bayer’s Theorem sent, the number of event occured was only 2 (searching for probability event A occur, when event B already happened). what will happen if the number of event increased (Such as probability of event A occur, when event B and C already happened)?
2. how to use wedge product and what do you meant by vectors of more than 3 dimensions?
3. what is functional?

Have a good flight home.

Journey to Bronte Country

Today, your most happening Reach Cambridge group went to Bronte country (completely undaunted by the 5 hour “sleepaton” coach journey). We woke up abnormally early, before the sun had risen (keep in mind how early the summer sun rises!), to catch a five-hour coach to the Bronte country. Very promptly, the bus journey started, and we traveled past fields of cows, grass, weeds, grass, more cows, a horse, a cute cottage, and then more grass. Eventually everybody fell asleep and we reached the beautiful countryside of Yorkshire feeling all feisty and alive.

The purpose of our visit to this picturesque Haworth (the summer moors were surprisingly green and pastoral) nestled in the tranquil countryside was to gain a better understanding of the Bronte sisters, their background, family life, society, and how these factors help influence and inspire their writings.

The visit included a tour of the Haworth parsonage, the home of Emily, Charlotte, and Anne Bronte, (world famous authors of Wuthering heights, Jane Eyre, and Agnes Grey respectively), from 1820 to 1861. The Brontës, published under the pseudonyms of Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell, were acknowledged at the time for their direct and powerful emotional energy, qualities which were sometimes interpreted by some critics then as ‘coarse’ and ‘brutal’.

The tour of the Bronte Parsonage Museum gave us an impression of the lives led by the Bronte sisters in the 19th century. This included seeing the Bronte’s dining room, where Charlotte, Emily, and Anne did most of their writing, Charlotte’s bedroom, whom she shared with her husband, Arthur Bell Nicholls, and the exhibition room which tells the story of the lives and works of the famous inhabitants of Haworth Parsonage. We found this tour very informative about the lives led by the Brontes, and how disciplined and dedicated they were to creating their imaginative pursuits despite having little formal academic guidance.
One reason the Brontes were able to craft these imaginative stories was because they were home schooled and spent much time alone, and this made us think of how Singapore children are always kept busy by school, tuition and co-curricular activities, and we wondered if a freer schedule would allow us to fully explore our potential and develop our talents, just like the Brontes. We also learnt how dangerous tuberculosis was during the 19th century era of no proper water sanitation as this particular disease succeeded in claiming the lives of all six Bronte children before 35 years of age.

After the museum tour, we were given free time to explore the beautiful village of Haworth, exploring the quaint teashops and vintage boutiques lining the cute pebblestone pavements. It was a great experience for us all, and (fun fact), we actually managed to buy perfume from an old boutique where the Brontes allegedly purchased opium! We had a lovely and unforgettable experience!

Alas, after all that fun, it was time for our journey back to Cambridge, and we all left with heavy hearts, so reluctant to part from this rare village untouched by the evils of industrialization. So began our 5 hour coach ride back home, past green grass, and cows, and even more cows, and even sheep. It was a rare experience of watching the day go by during our ten hour coach ride.
Overall, we felt that this was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had on this trip for it is near impossible to find such a lovely piece of history that is still present and untouched by external influences today. We highly recommend the Bronte Parsonage Museum tour as an attraction that one should not miss should one be passing by the Yorkshire area.

The Weekend

London is indeed a beautiful city. It is well known for its heritage and culture. London, a city deep in its history, has developed into a metropolis. Her famous shopping district, spanning famous locations like Oxford Street and Covent Garden, contain modern retail brands housed in the architecture of old London, showing how London has managed to conserve the old and advance the new. In Singapore, on the other hand, our old and new are kept separate as they develop separately rather than together. As such, Singapore can learn from London, by incorporating new developments into old buildings by redeveloping them to pristine conditions. Through this, tourists and even our own local people can get a glimpse of Old Singaporean architecture. It would serve as a good reminder for Singaporeans of our tumultuous past, and how we have risen from it.

With just a glance around London, we can see how proud the English are of the history. They have maintained that powerful historical feel through the old architecture that lingers even when other cities have moved forward in time. The statues of the numerous key figures in British history stand proudly, showing how England remembers those who have made her who she is today. Singapore’s array of searing skyscrapers and high-rise HDB blocks are orderly and well played, whereas the cramped London streets are dripping with reverance for the past. A departure from Singapore, where practicality is emphasized and the character of the city does not show as much. Through all of that we’ve seen in our weekend trip,  we’ve been able to see how despite London and Singapore (both cities) differ greatly not just in term of architecture but also in historical value.

Yet another differing point would be the level of freedom of speech people are given in the UK. As the bus drove past near Trafalgar square, we could see people pitching tents in the middle of a busy area in order to protest various things such as the war in afghanistan.

As we stepped into the British Museum we cannot help but feel awestruck. We were greeted by treasures from all over the world ranging from Chinese pottery, Maori relics to Eyptian Mummies.

Taking a glance through the map tells one just how vast this museum really is, artifacts from every corner of the world, pieces of stones that are millions of years old, the evolution of human technology throughout the ages. An entire room was dedicated to the history of the mechanical clock, one could literally walk around this museum for days absorbing all kinds of knowledge with no specific subject area. Everything was there from one of the earliest prints of shakespeare’s works, to the first kind of currency used and of course the famed rosetta stone that allowed academics to finally decipher the hierogylphs from ancient egyptian times.

One thing that appears saliently remarkable, is that the English are

able to keep up with the changing times (Bustling Oxford Street and beautiful Covent

Garden), yet they fall back on tradition to preserve their culture (Old Spitelfield Market,

Trafalgar Square, and countless statues of Legends like Winston Churchill and Admiral

Lord Nelson). By the mere comparative analysis between Singapore and London, it is

obvious that we Singaporeans are too pragmatic to preserve our cultures and traditions

(in fact they are on the brink of eradication). However, we’re glad to know that Singapore

is taking steps to preserve our culture (but we’re a little slow). Personally, we feel that

more funds should be channelled towards culture preservation, education, and of course,

tourism and hospitality. London is truly inspiring, and it has opened our eyes to many

historical developments that we have, till now, overlooked.

Sunday : Cruise down River Thames

Today, the group took a short cruise river cruise down river Thames. We started off first at Westminster pier, where we could see the famous battle ship Belfast, which survived both World Wars. Shortly after the departure, we passed the still constructing Shard, which will be region’s tallest building after construction is completed. Also, there were many old buildings like the parliament building could be seen on the boat.

As we continue to go down stream, we could see that the urban landscape was well planned. Many new and old buildings stood next to each other, without looking out of place. The buildings complement each other as they still reflect the busy London skyline. We also marveled at how London’s urban planners have managed to embrace both the new and old architecture. Singapore has clearly adopted this approach as seen in its plans to merry the old and new architecture of Singapore in the civic district.

 

 

Being geography students, we paid attention to the river processes while enjoying the views. While passing under the bridges, the captain commented on the rapid flow of water which was up to 6km/hr. It was later that we found out that  locks,  weirs and various other river management strategies were used to manage the flow of the river. Hence, the cruise was clearly both and educational and recreational experience we will never forget.

LIT. First day!

After entering the departure hall, the very first thing we did on our grand academic journey was to draw unicorns. And not just any unicorn…

Introducing the Lit group's official mascot, Lily the Unicorn of awesomeness!

Yes, the retarded group you saw crowding around the colouring table was in fact the Reach Cambridge people. It was indeed an unforgettable experience we hope you will all get to enjoy – we mean the colouring.

So. After a rather uneventful plane ride that involved alot of screaming and inappropriate singing, we touched down in ENGLAND! : DDDD

Overexcited.ry

We were shown around the campus and assigned our rooms, which by the way look like something out of a fairy tale… if the dreamer were colourblind and on crack! (we have a dysfunctional shower, which is shared by about 20 girls. It feels like OBS all over again) the shower looks like a bomb-testing site, with peeling paint and funky fungus on the ceiling. But all in all, the rooms were still cozy with adequate storage areas and really soft beds that had no monsters hiding underneath. We were sure this would be home. :B

After unpacking our (massively overweight) luggage, we were given a tour of the beautiful town of cambridge. They have a main street and plenty of eye-candy, as well as real candy, commercially packed in convenience stores. The street is somewhat like orchard road, only without the glass and metal multi-storey mega-complexes and rushed crowds and honking cars and strange bengs… which just leaves a ton of SALE signs!

The market. Where you can get vinyl records for ONE POUND. O:

Also, here we met our healthy-looooking teacher, Pete. He’s 26 and a PhD undergraduate. And did we mention, italian? OH YEAH. And a feminist too! Score! (What more can a girl ask for, except, maybe good lit grades.)

Pete teaching Tragedy through the use of detailed post-modernist linear art. aka his stick figure and your new best friend, Hamlet.

Back in campus, we had the yummiest dinner – a truly english course with appetisers, dessert, well-cooked meat and zero vegetables, the ultimate sin. Actually, the campus itself has a unique air about it… one feels it is almost surreal, and one has the impression that it is impossible to feel stressed here. we truly see how the greats minds of old were able develop to those mind-blowing theories – in such a condusive environment.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and kicked off our two weeks with a great gut feeling! we feel absolutely inspired to do well, and thoroughly motivated to learn the new knowledge that rests just on the horizon of learning. so wish us luck, as we embark on this journey into the great unknown!

The Great Unknown - taken by Marcus Tan (Also known as The Sun Between Our Toilet Block and the Hwachong Dorms.)

We are ready for the days ahead!

Reach Cambridge Literature!!!

WHAT UP EVERYBODY, this is Cj’s coolest subject group broadcasting from cambridge:)

Please continue on to read about us attempting to sound intellectual, yeah.

Today in literature class, we analyzed Shakespearean dramas, specifically his tragedies, and how they demonstrated Shakespeare’s openness to the reinterpretation of his drama.

In Hamlet, we explored the concept of a play within a play, showed Hamlet directing a version of Hamlet, within the play itself. Hamlet’s lines as a director showed that Shakespeare is open to alternative readings and interpretations of his own work, which has led it to be adaptable and therefore, remain current. Also, Hamlet is also depicted as a director, and is shown as giving specific instructions on how the play should be performed, stressing on the need for the actors to portray characters realistically. However, Shakespeare tells us that this should not be taken literally, but to a certain extent, ironically, because Hamlet’s insistence on naturalistic acting contrasts with a lot of Shakespeare’s other plays, such as in Macbeth, where the supernatural is a key theme.

We also studied Sigmund Freud’s theories concerning Hamlet, and how they linked to the literature in question. For example, Freud theorises that Hamlet has the Oedipus complex – wherein a male feels the urge to kill his father and bed his mother. This is illustrated in the protagonist of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus. This also can be seen in Hamlet, whereby Hamlet cannot bear kill his uncle because he subconsciously empathises with his uncle, a way to explain his urge to kill his biological father and bed his mother, as his uncle as done. However, this is a repressed emotion, which is why Hamlet takes so long to kill his uncle, as he is subconsciously reluctant to do so. (At this point we wish to mention that the men in our group violently disagree to this theory, but that’s of no consequence.) But the highlight of our heated debate at night was on the validity of Freudian’s disproved psychology in Literature.

Our experience with reading the text raises the possibility that, though the theory is not explicitly observable in the text, this reading is possibly only valid because we may have been conditioned or primed by culture (or tutors!) by Freud’s theories and thus are more accepting of this conclusion!

Another group studied individualist and socialist feminism. We studied how certain feminists take an extremely feministic stance, championing women as the new patriarchs, which is possibly demonstrated through music videos, such as Imogen Heap’s Hide and Seek.

Such songs, like this “Hide and Seek”, by Imogen Heap, with Cyborg-sci-fi voice undermines the voice that women have been newly given in the performative space, this voice is now distorted and therefore this dehumanizes women, and post-feminists resist this as well as the hyper-sexualization of women.

In our reflection, we considered how some women are allowed rights to their sexuality and ownership of their body, but have decided to be just as promiscuous as men. In a way, this shows a regressing of women’s rights because these hyper-sexed women in music videos, eg Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry again objectify women.

We also analyzed the play “Saved” by Edward Bond. In this post-modernist play, we discussed human brutality and how it is presented through the stoning of the baby in the pram. The argument presented is the question of whether violence should be presented on stage in a realistic or stylized manner, and which has more effect.

The purpose of presenting such a violent and gruesome scene in a realistic manner enables audience members to experience first-hand the realism of it all, and realize that such events do occur in everyday life, and that one should not feel morally insulted by the acts being presented on stage but be outraged at the atrocities in our lives.

The playwright also chooses not to dehumanize these violent characters in any way, as the process of dehumanization creates an animalistic image of these characters, prompting audiences to be dismissive and detached from the characters, ultimately being unable to understand their plight. By presenting this scene realistically, the play aims to get the audience to empathize with the gang members and to thus reiterate how such scenarios still occur in the very society we live in, enabling us to reflect on the characters as reflections of ourselves.

———————————————————–

All 3 groups looked at the different methods of reading texts – Marxists, Feminist and Freudian. Ultimately, what we learn are different arguments that we can learn to adapt, not resolutions. Everyone has different adaptations and introspections on Literature and any one critical theory may be disputed by another interpretation.

Once critical theory becomes common sense, it is not theory anymore. We acknowledge the fact that everyone has his/her own interpretations and ideas and we celebrate that, because a world with only one view, is not a life with a view.

Questions from Singapore

Hi there,

glad to hear your activities are doing so well in Cambridge.

Below are some questions posted by your classmates to you.

How is the studying environment in cambridge different as compared to Singapore?

Some of the topics in Reach Cambridge are also covered in the H2 Geography syllabus. How are these topics different? Are they useful and relevant for future usage in H2 Geography?

What is Bayes Theorem and how to apply it to our daily life?

regards.

Singapore

Best Wishes from Singapore

Good luck in Cambridge, gain knowledge and experience, make new friends while strengthing old ones, and stay healthy!

- wishes from Singapore

Day 0

The fact that we were on our way to THE Cambridge University took a little while to sink in. The sudden outburst of euphoria as we were walking through the gate to board the plane screaming ” WE’RE GOING TO CAMBRIDGE! “. Randomly grabbing each other while walking to Trinity Hall, where we now reside, and going ” Omg we’re in the UK. “

Departure hall T3,  an entire division of friends and families swarmed us.  As we posed for the following shot, camera flashes went off in all directions. Felt good. So THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING US FEEL LIKE ROCK STARS!

The flight was thankfully uneventful ( Or sadly depending on how you look at it. Flying 14 hours on economy is hell after the first few hours ). At one point in time, to fight the leg cramps plaguing our entire deck, we ran to the back of the plane and started playing cards!

"No we're not queuing up for the lavatories"

Arrival saw renewed enthusiasm in everyone,  until we got on the bus and traveled for 2 hours through an undulating landscape which looked pretty much like this throughout the entire ride

And as these large expanses of flat ground provide about as much entertainment as the morning announcements, we all slept!

Until…

The Jerwood library!

We finally arrived at Cambridge! Not much else to say here we gaped in awe at the beautiful architecture and clicked the capture button on our cameras at everything we saw.

Our dormitories

Taken from the entrance of Trinity Hall

For more pictures to gape at add the reach cambridge people on facebook or flickr. I’m sure there will be hundreds more for anyone to peruse at their leisure.

We spent the rest of the day exploring the city area, dodging in and out of small alleys, inching our way through the crowd at the marketplace to get some ostrich burgers ( yes that’s right ostrich, they’re amazing ) and getting completely lost!

After that, we got a quick tour around the city and Downing college, another constituent college of Cambridge University.

And that pretty much concludes Day 0!  Departure, flight, arrival. There will be more updates, photos and backlogged homework to come as we begin our first academic day tomorrow! Signing off, from a dimly lit room, a cold breeze flowing in through the open window.