DQ 14- No Man's Land and extra credit work
Hi all,
DQ 14 is on the first half of No Man's Land by Harold Pinter due Sunday by 7. This a very interesting and funny play, hope you will enjoy reading it. We'll discuss more about Waiting for Godot in relation to this one. Thanks for a good discussion on Waiting and looking forward to the rest of conferences and class next week. If you want to get an early start on the DQ 15, it will be on the second half of No Man's Land and the Stephen Watt that we didn't read, the beginning of the document to page 106.
Also: the extra credit on Keywords for American Cultural Studies is due the 31st. For this, please go to this link: http://keywords.nyupress.org/american-cultural-studies/ and click on Essays in the top left corner, then Web Essays to select one to reflect on. Please write 500 words on what this essay made you think of and why. Then email lp15f@my.fsu.edu with your reflection. Thanks, see you next week
Isaac Bendus
ReplyDelete7/27/17
I am a few pages into reading the first half of “No Man’s Land” by Harold Pinter. The one observation I have is that Pinter’s style reminds me a lot of Salinger’s style. Both of these authors have stories that seem like regular conversations. Was Pinter influenced by Salinger? Was Salinger influenced by Pinter? Or neither?
After finishing the first act, I am very confused as to why Pinter wrote this? It seems that it is just a simple conversation between people that are also drinking?
Brieanna Graves
ReplyDelete7-27-17
My first question relates to the second half of "No Mans Land." I feel as if they were all dead repeating the same thing over and over again. My question is do you agree and if not why not?
My second question also relates to the second half of the movie. The two characters constantly repeated that they were waiting for godot. Who is godot and why were they spending so much time looking from him if they aren't even sure who he is?
Alexandra Liggett
ReplyDelete7/30/17
1) Throughout the first half of No Mans Land, I noticed there are references to depressing events and previous experiences regarding the characters that Pinter makes light of through comedy and wordplay. Does he do this in all of his plays? Does he do it so the audience stays interested or so it is easier to read/watch the play?
2) The play is kind of confusing to me. It seems like it is just 4 men drinking and rambling. I began to think this had a theme of the characters having PTSD or something along those lines. Is that true?
Keagan Giblin
ReplyDeleteJuly 30, 2017
In Harold Printer’s “No Man’s Land” what does the main character, Hirst, mean when he says “No man’s land…does not move..or change…or grow old…remains…forever…icy…silent”? Does this quote relate back to the title and does it help explain how the rest of the story plays out in Act 2?
In Harold Printer’s “No Man’s Land” all of the characters appear to be strangers to one another yet they all are apart of the conversation. Why is it that they are all there and seem to keep the conversation going with one another? Have they met before?
7/30/17
ReplyDeleteParker Mealey
1. While reading No Mans Land by Pinter, the first thing I noticed was the contrast between Spooner and Hirst. Spooner seems to talk a lot, and Hirst is more laid back and doesn't say as much. Hirst is fairly silent until Spooner brings up his wife, then he gets angry. what can we infer about Hirst's relationship with his wife?
2. Spooner makes many "outrageous" claims, such as that he is a poet and that he has met many important people. Why is Spooner seemingly trying to brag about these things to a man he has just recently met? Does he feel like he has to prove himself to Hurst?
After Spooner comes over to Hirst's house for more drinks, it seems as if Hirst is being unusually quiet for some reason while Spooner does all the talking. However, when his wife is brought up he quickly emerges from his quietness and gets very mad. Why does he get so upset about talking about his wife?
ReplyDeleteWhen Hirst comes back from having a bad dream, he begins to talk about his "real friends" and how he has lots of photos of them in his photo album. He mentions this album a few times but says he doesn't know where it actually is. Could this album have any significance?
Tyler Crane
ReplyDelete7-30-17
1. In No Mans Land, Pinter establishes a clear contrast between Hirst and Spooner. Hirst and rich and famous and Spooner is poor. I remember talking awhile ago in class about foil characters. Are Hirst and Spooner foil characters in this play?
2. The entire play takes place in "A large room in a house in North West London". I found it strange that there was only one setting to the whole play. Is this typical of Pinter`s work? or was the singular setting necessary for the plot/theme.
Kylie Simmons
ReplyDelete7-30-17
After reading act 1 of Harold Pinters "No Mans Land" I am questioning why these men who seem to be recently acquainted strangers are drinking and talking together? Spooner even talks down to Hirst about his wife. Why are these men together in the first place?
My second question is about Hirst's comment of "No mans land...does not move...or change...or grow old...remains...forever...icy...silent" what does this mean and why does he say it after Spooner challenges him?
after reading the first half of '' no man land'' it seemed to me that Pinter had a very similar writting style as another author we have read I class, Salinger. I was wondering if anyone else had the same thoughts and if they are intact similar writers?
ReplyDeleteAlso after reading the first half of ''no mans land'', i have a question which I ask after reading most plays, is there a meaning behind this play, is the meaning visible yet or will we have to wait for the second half to understand it? why is the author trying to portray?
1)does anyone think they have a meaning for no mans land? I could follow the conversation but I am having a hard time attaching the piece to a meaning.
ReplyDelete2)what is the significance of alcohol in the piece? what do you think the author was trying to portray with the drinking?
Ethan Vaughan 7/30
ReplyDelete1. Does Spooner have some sort of mental handicap? He seems to converse with Hirst well enough but he talks about pissing himself when he was 28 years old. He also says that his mother is attractive and then follows it up by talking about her buns, her currant buns. This shows a lack of awareness for what he is saying.
2. Why does Spooner ask if Hirst's wife is cowering away in a locked room? Is Spooner saying this because his appearance would scare a woman? Is he holdong Hirst hostage? What are the circumstances?
July 30, 2017
ReplyDeleteMy first question is about the album of photos Hirst mentions. Why would Pinter mention this in the play and what is the significance of the album and the photos that are in it? I was also confused when it is mentioned that Hirst doesn’t fully remember Spooner’s identity, what does this mean?
When reading the first half of “No Man’s Land” I am wondering why the characters drink so much. Is it because of the time period that the play was written? It never directly mentions anything about the war so I was confused what Pinter wants the readers to think.
Karina Amalbert
ReplyDeleteReading the first half of the first act, Spooner speaks way more than Hirst and Hirst just seems to agree with what Spooner says. I was really confused why Hirst just seems to conform himself to Spooner especially after we knew from the beginning that Hirst is more precisely dressed compared to Spooner’s “very old and shabby suit”. It might be from his drunken state but I felt as though he was in a depressed state over his wife?
The dynamic contrast between the two characters is halted through their “love” life. Spooner claims he has never been loved and Hirst agrees with the statement which would give insight to his possible failed marriage. Why would Pinter make this the only similarity between the two? Hirst obviously is going through a period of separation and Spooner is incapable of keeping anyone around for long periods of time.
Kevin Clifford
ReplyDelete7/30/17
My First question about “No Man’s Land” has to do with the relationship between Spooner and Hurst. They seem like they could have been friends for a really long time and were even looking back at memories with each other. Are they friends because of the amount of history they have had together? They seem to be really different people and sometimes people are still friends because of the length of their relationship, and I see it here. My second question about this play has to do with Spooner being a failed writer. Is he still going to continue to write? Or will he realize that working at pub as an attendant isn’t a long-term plan.
While reading "No Man's Land" I came across a few questions. My first question is why does Spooner talk so much while Hirst talks so little. This is weird to me because Spooner talks paragraphs on paragraphs and Hirst just answers with one word responses. Is this because Hirst doesn't like Spooner? And my second question is why are they talking? At first I thought that they were having a meeting about maybe Spooner moving in with Hirst but it is so unclear that I am unable to make a conclusion on this situation.
ReplyDeleteIs the title of the play a reference to the no man's land from WWI? The areas between the opposing side's trenches on the battle fields were referred to as no man's land by the soldiers? In the play Hirst says "no man's land does not move, or change, or grow old, it remains forever icy, silent." Is this a reference to the battle fields of WWI or something else?
ReplyDeleteIs there a reason why Hirst is drinking so much? Do think there is something about Spooner that makes him uncomfortable. Do you think that they knew each in the past or if that night was the first time they met?
Kylie Rodriguez
ReplyDeleteJuly 30, 2017
My first question I have is similar to Brieanna's. They seem to be repeating things over and over again but instead of asking if you agree, why do you think they do that? Is there a symbolic meaning to it or is it just a coincidence.
My second question is have Spooner and Hurst been friends for a long time or did they just meet? It isn't clear but I would assume they were friends before and they were catching up. This is a very mysterious book so that also makes me think it's supposed to leave the reader up to guessing what their relationship is like.
Carolyn Collins
ReplyDeleteJuly 30, 2017
My first question is based off of Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land”. Are the characters Spooner, Briggs, and Forster all imaginary and made up in Hirst’s head? Since Spooner and Hirst are so opposite from one another, it gives the possibility that Spooner could be Hirst’s alter ego. My second question is does Hirst only live through his memories? He’s an elderly man who already experienced life and now mostly spends his time drinking in solitude.
Julia Weisberg
ReplyDelete7/30/17
The first question that I have about "No Man's Land" is about Hirst and how his conversation with the other man. Their relationship seems a bit odd to me because Spooner has a lotto say and First barely talks. I wonder if it is because Hirst does not like Spooner or if it just the way he is?
The second question I have is what is the purpose of this play? Maybe I have to wait until I read the second half but I cannot figure what the meaning of this play is supposed to be.
In this Harold Pinter's play, "No Man's Land," there is a strong contrast between the two characters introduced in the beginning, Hirst and Spooner. They are both very different from each other, as Hirst is rich and Spooner is poor, and Hirst is more of a quiet guy and more collective while Spooner is more talkative and has a "louder" personality. Why does Pinter try to make the difference in these two characters so noticeable?
ReplyDeleteAnother question I have pertaining to the first half of "No Man's Land," is why is Hirst always drinking? He seems to consume a lot and they make the reference that he drinks vodka straight, so something had to occurred in his past life to make him drink so heavily. With that being said, what is it? Is it possibly PTSD related?
Isabeau Cordes
ReplyDeleteJuly 30, 2017
1. I noticed several people asking if Spooner and Hirst knew each other for a long time or had a history together. I believe that they just met that night at a bar or pub, but why are they seemingly so close, drinking together in Hirst's home? Was it common in that time period for people to invite over strangers?
2. What is the significance of the photo album Hirst keeps? In particular the comment he makes about all his true friends being in the album seemed a little strange
Evan Smyser
ReplyDeleteMy first question is about how Spooner claims that he has never been loved and that through this, he is stronger. Why do you guys think Spooner says that he was never loved? Also, what do you think he means that this lack of love makes him stronger?
Furthermore, I am having a hard time understanding the meaning of this play, or the direction at which it is heading. It is very similar to "Waiting for Godot."
In the first act, Spooner taunts irst about his wife and masculinity. The cue to the social importance of masculinity is already reminiscent of The Sun Also Rises. Hirst returns with his description of no man's land, a prominently known part of World War I. World War I also played a role in The Sun Also Rises in providing a setting of the time period. Is this exchange coincidental? Or does the play purposely allude to TSAR?
ReplyDeleteWhile discussing the play Waiting For Godot, it was mentioned that these men may be in purgatory, considering that they have no long term memory and nothing changes from day to day. At the end of Act II, it is mentioned that they are in no man's land, a place in World War I where most men never made it out alive. Is it safe to assume these men are also in purgatory? Do these plays both have that in common?
Lauren Fiorito
ReplyDeleteJuly 30, 2017
First, in reading the first part of No Man’s Land by Harold Pinter, would you agree that there is something mentally wrong with him because he is an older man making fun of Hirst and his wife and he just seems off in a way with all his actions and accusations?
Second, what do you think is the meaning of "No man's land...does not move...or change...or grow old...remains...forever...icy...silent" when Hirst said it when he was drunk? Does it mean that nothing in life is really different or in a way “alive” that we are all just living here in the same way?
In the beginning of the play, Spooner seems to go on and on, talking a great amount compared to Hirst, who barely speaks and mostly replies with one word answers. Spooner is said to be wearing an “ old shabby suit , dark faded shirt, “ so my first impression is that he’s of poorer wealth compared to Hirst. Do you think he talks a lot due to poor education of proper etiquette during this time? Or is his rambling just part of his character?
ReplyDeleteSpooner mentions that the way he derives his strength is that he’s “ never been loved. “ Obviously he’s talking about emotional and mental strength, not physical. How does this add on to Spooners characterization? Does that statement make you feel bad for him, or make you think he’s just being overdramatic?
Olivia Longshore
ReplyDelete1. In Harold Pinter’s play, “No Man’s Land,” i noticed that most, if not all, conversation revolves around drinking. This reminded me of Ernest Hemingway’s novel, “The Sun Also Rises,” in a sense that the characters seem lost and use alcohol as an escape. Could Pinter and Hemingway be using alcohol as a means of escape for their characters?
2. Another question i have on Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land” is on the name of the play itself. Does “No Man’s Land” refer to the physical setting of the play, the condition the characters are in, or is it an allusion to the fact that all of the characters are dead and in some sort of purgatory?
Daniella Alamo
ReplyDeleteIn the play "No Man's Land" by Pinter, it starts by two men sitting down to drink. As the first man is pouring he says "As it is?" and then the other man replies with " As it is". What is the meaning of the phrase "as it is?" Is there a deeper meaning or is it a common phrase that was said during that time period?
My second question is why are these two men having a conversation? Did they know each other beforehand or did they just meet? Why is the conversation between the two men sometimes odd?
In No Mans Land by Harold Pinter, why does Hirst invite Spooner to his home for a drink? They met at a bar which is a common place that is known for purchasing drinks and talking.
ReplyDeleteSpooner tells that he has many jobs, talents, and endeavors. He also speaks about how hews failed writer and that he knows many people in the area. Does he tell this to Hirst in hopes to have another chance in the business field?
From the beginning of the play until the end all of the characters are drinking. I didn't quite understand the significance of the characters drinking, it was as if that's all they knew how to do, yet they called themselves poets. Were the characters alcoholic ways a pun on poets or was it just a coincidence that they were drunk poets? The men in the poem seemed very regretful. A lot of the time throughout the play it was as if they were hiding or drinking their problems away. I found it ironic that the title of the play is No Mans Land, yet the whole play is about men. Why do you think Harold Pinter chose this name as his play title?
ReplyDeleteIn the first part of "No Man's Land" Why do foster and brigs allow Spooner to say when they recognize him from picking up pintpots from the bar they say it is their jobs to keep men like him from influencing Herst, so why don't they remove him even after Hirst doesn't recognize him?
ReplyDeleteWhat causes such a switch in Herst's personality from silent to ranting was it really jut the short dream he had that freaked him out or is he often like this cause neither of the body guards are surprised of off put by his actions?