Sheila Kozmin
I’m currently studying English at Western University in Ontario; I’m a senior and I’m enjoying my return to academic life!
Location Sarnia, Ontario Canada
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Molte grazie!
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Mi chiamo Sheila. Piacere. Sono canadese di Ontario. Vivo a Sarnia. Io studio a Universita Western Ontario.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Io faccio; Tu fai; Lei/Lui fa; Noi facciamo; Voi fate; Loro fanno.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
avvocato
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Mike speaks very good Italian, for an American!
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Sono studentessa.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Sei canadese, vero?
No, io sono americana. -
Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Question: Is the nationality gender specific? Ie: does americano change to americana for a female?
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Ciao! Io sono canadese di Sarnia.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Sono Sheila, sono canadese, di Sarnia, vivo a Sarnia.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I am from Canada.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Ciao; piacere; buongiorno; buonasera.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I would like to know how to turn on/off the subtitles in the video-clips.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Mi chiamo Sheila (from Canada).
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I shall look forward to this new adventure!
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Hello, I am Sheila, from Ontario, Canada. I attend University of Western Ontario as a Mature Student and I hope to join a class trip to Rome in February, 2023. I look forward to learning some Italian so that I can communicate with Italian-speaking people on my trip.
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Well, Sue, this course is a start for both of us. I have written a draft of my Facebook bio but I haven't set it up yet. I'll keep you posted.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Some good resources here.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I feel overwhelmed by all the information.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I have created. my online bio and I'm almost ready to join Facebook. I have irrational fears about being too exposed, but I know I need to overcome my fears about social media. At 71 it feels a little scary.
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@SueMcManus Hey Sue, I'm similar to you in that I'm also retired and I feel compelled to have an online presence. For some reason I have been resisting Facebook because it feels (to me) so intrusive and overwhelming. I know I need to get over my fears about it all.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I am particularly interested in learning to manage my digital identity. I am an older adult and have not yet embraced social media, but I would like to learn how to feel comfortable with Facebook, Instagram, etc. It feels intrusive to me, so I hope to overcome my hesitation.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
The actual question is a bit confusing, however, I interpret it to ask if formal education is still required if we can readily seek information on the internet. Yes, we still need directed learning because humans are social learners and we need to engage with others to create meaningful learning experiences.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I am a new fan of Anya Taylor-Joy who portrayed Emma in the 2020 adaptation. She was a most credible Emma. The fashions worn by the characters were striking as were the hairstyles. Such beauty to delight my soul during this godawful pandemic. I also loved Taylor-Joy in The Queen's Gambit on Netflix.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Mention of beaver fur hats in Ford's store in "Emma" caught my attention from a political perspective. The Canadian fur trade in the 18th century was highly exploitive of the Indigenous people by Europeans seeking valuable furs in exchange for cheap trinkets. Even the method of trapping fur bearing animals was cruel and inhumane. There is much to unpack about...
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I recently watched the 2020 adaptation of "Emma" and enjoyed it but I was disappointed with the interpretation of Isabelle and John Knightly; in the book Isabelle is compliant and cheerful and very solicitous towards her husband, yet in the film she is cast as short tempered and intolerant of her husband and children. I'm not sure why they cast her that way.
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@KimSimpson I'm recalling the chastising of Emma by Mr. Knightly for offending Miss Bates at the outdoor party; she mocked Miss Bates' tendency to overtalk. He certainly showed sensitivity to Miss Bates' feelings while Emma initially didn't do so. Her conciliatory visit to Miss Bates the next morning restored social morality.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I have a practical question about translations of novels in general: How can authors protect their books from shabby translations which might jeopardize their reputations as good writers? Authors must feel a dreadful sense of lack of control of their own works if they can't actually read the translation themselves. How do authors get around this problem? Just...
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I am ever so impressed with the scholarship of the presenters on this course. Such commitment to the study of Jane Austen!
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@GillianDow Excellent resources, Gillian; thank you!
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I enjoyed the video with Janine Barchas explaining Jane Austen's use of celebrity names in witty ways. Very clever.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I am a fan of Jane Austen's use of language; I love the way she expresses herself within her narratives. I wish we still spoke in her elegant style today, though most certainly it would seem contrived and affected in 2020 to be so 'proper'. But I do love her diction and the eloquence of her dialogue.
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@EdithEngel Actually she is my cup of tea; that's why I'm taking this course!
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Thank you Edith; your commentary is illuminating and I have learned much from your well read wisdom. Sheila
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Brian Baker
I just started reading Emma today too, Brian. My choice is audiobook as I hike along trails. It's a lovely way to get my 'reading' in.
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I believe she was influenced by the classism of her day; the haves and the have nots seemed to have accepted without too much moral conflict. Whilst the haves were partying and trotting about in carriages and gigs, the have nots must have surely been observing and seething from the sidelines. As much as Jane Austen’s novels paint a delightful, romantic,...
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I have just finished rereading Persuasion and I remain fascinated with life in that period; I look forward this week in immersing myself in Jane Austen’s mindset as revealed through all the topics suggested for discovery.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I enjoyed Gillian's round up video. I love how passionate she is about Jane Austen; her knowledge and enthusiasm are contagious.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I love listening to Jane Austen audiobooks when I’m taking long walks; I get so absorbed in the story, I can walk for miles. So, her stories are great for my physical fitness during this pandemic.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Hello from Sarnia in Ontario, Canada. I’m taking this course because I’m studying British Literature at University. I love the Jane Austen novels and I’m fascinated with her life.
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I think you nailed it, Vanessa.@vanessabrunotti
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Excellent information provided this week. Thank you.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I am finding it really useful to email these lessons to myself for future reference. It's wonderful that we can do this.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Sheila Kozmin
Thank you, Martha; I appreciate that you took the time to research this on my behalf.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I am currently writing an English essay on a topic related to Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”. How should I cite passages from the play within the body of my essay? I’m feeling unsure about the proper format.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
It is most fitting that your sample paragraph is so highly relatable by all of us taking this course; we e-learners are living proof of the validity of the paragraph's thesis! Well done.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I loved this course and I plan to take it again! You folks are amazing, and I thank you very much for your wonderful production.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
An excellent talk on shared lines. Thank you so much.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Hailey's information on the historical context of Macbeth is really significant to understanding the play in new ways for me. I really appreciated it! When I was a child living in England I remember 'bonfire' night on Guy Fawkes Day, but I hadn't understood its significance until now.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Bianca Cárdenas
Your observations remind me of how important abstracts are as well; an abstract gives an excellent summary of any academic article we might be considering.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
A very good video; thank you very much.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to cyprian paulraj
@cyprianpaulraj I like how you have summed up the main points of the video; this shows you are a very attentive and motivated learner.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Anne Schlieper
I found it horrifying to read in this article that “hundreds of women” were hanged as suspected witches in Shakespeare day. Elderly women must have been terrified.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
An academic essay can demonstrate a university student's ability to read widely, comprehend well what she has read and synthesize the information to solve a new problem or apply it to a new situation. An academic essay is not intended to 'show off'; it should illuminate, inspire and encourage further study in the reader.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Brian Turner
This video information is a keeper! I will definitely print off the transcript and keep it for reference. Jonathan, your speaking voice and style of oral delivery are stellar. Thank you for a most valuable resource.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Nuri al-Khalaf
@MathieuNyssens I would also like to suggest using the pronoun "one", as in: "one might recommend that..."
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Each sample of writing has a different voice and tone. The newspaper article is written to hook the attention of casual readers with some startling facts and shocking statistics (similar to click bait). The second voice is stilted, nervous, inauthentic and self-conscious and heavily laden with untested impressions and/or opinions. The third voice is polished,...
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I dare say some of these young boy actors could have been sexually abused by adults in the Company. I shudder to think how vulnerable and unprotected they may have been.
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This lecture really casts a new light, for me, on Shakespeare's writing process. He was most resourceful in including his personal experiences in it.
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@AileenStevenson This podcast is really helpful! Thank you.
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She is insightful in her recognition that Portia is a trade 'commodity' similar to the precious metals associated with the caskets.
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I am delighted to participate in this course; I'm currently studying English at King's University College in London, Ontario Canada, so this course will be an excellent auxiliary resource to our Shakespeare unit.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I really loved this course. Thank you to all the instructors!
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Open the transcript of Vahni's video and you will see the poem.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I sometimes turn to the poetry in prayer books. Prayers are poems of petition or praise and I have always found solace in beautifully written prayers.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Writing poetry is a safer alternative to throwing rocks or blowing up buildings.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
How To Eat a Poem
by Eve MerriamDon't be polite.
Bite in.
Pick it up with your fingers and lick the juice that
may run down your chin.
It is ready and ripe now, whenever you are.
You do not need a knife or fork or spoon
or plate or napkin or tablecloth.For there is no core
or stem
or rind
or pit
or seed
or skin
to throw away. -
Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Michael Longley says if he knew "where poetry came from, I'd go and live there." I think that is so beautiful.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
We are so very fortunate in today’s technological age; we have reference tools at our fingertips with the internet. If one wishes to critique a poem, one has a whole digital library at their disposal to research the poet, the era, etc. With so many excellent tools we could all soon get the hang of critiquing someone’s poem with some semblance of skill. Case in...
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I think I might focus on the mood of both the poet and the poem itself; I think poetry might be a reflection of the poet’s frame of mind at the time, their state of mental health. Poetic expression often emerges when the heart, the soul, the mind is consumed with some preoccupation of pain, doubt or elation. A poem could be a snapshot of the poet’s psychology...
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Wow, busy week... learned at lot!
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
This image conjures, for me, a theme of obesity. I recall, from the early sixties, a pop song "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini". This plump gourd sitting at the end of a pier appears to be a very large lady wearing that bikini and feeling quite conspicuous, though determined still to sit in the sun and enjoy the day.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
A very interesting topic. Always learning something new here.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I think a danger. of allowing one's poem to be published in translation is being unable to determine if the translation reflects the spirit of the original. How can a poet know that the translation has done their poem justice if they can't read that language. It's risky business, I think.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I can't imagine a more difficult task than translating poetry! It seems insurmountable to me and I applaud Nicoletta for her genius ability to do so.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Ineke Fioole
Ineke, I like your query about West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
By coincidence, I'm currently studying Chaucer's Wife of Bath at University of Western Ontario, so I find this topic of intertextuality quite timely.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I have a technical question: Is a poet required to cite a borrowed phrase or idea? How does one do that?
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the monster learns to speak English using Milton's Paradise Lost. I believe this may be a form of intertextuality, though not in the poetic sense.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
As I was reading the poem I felt compelled to incorporate the title “you’re” at the beginning of each new line, which of course, affected the metre.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I was touched by Vahni’s association of metre with the soft textiles of her youth in fabric shops. It’s interesting how certain words can evoke strong emotional connections. A child who had been disciplined in a harsh school setting with a metre stick would have an entirely different reaction to Vahni’s.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
A very good article to print out and keep for reference!
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Prior to this discussion, I hadn't quite understood that metre is something that a poet "works" on to get right. I knew that careful selection of words and phrases was essential to creating a poem, but I hadn't realized that poets carefully select their metre and rhythm as well. An interesting revelation.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I think "meaning" could be the most important of the five points; ie, is it an argument, a story or an emotional expression of feeling? Once I can discern a poem's meaning I feel better equipped (and motivated) to examine the more technical aspects of it.
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Josep, I really respect your ability to analyze these two poems; you seem to have an advanced knowledge.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Penny Boxall has really helped me to understand why form is important in poetry. I really appreciate her metaphor about showing up to play a game, yet feeling stymied by not knowing the rules of the game. That would be so frustrating! Her short essay clarifies the absolute necessity of some form of disciplined structure.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Sheila Kozmin
You may be right, Susan. Thanks.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Mark Jackson
Thank you for the link, Mark. Great podcast.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Professor Cummings' article is a beautifully compressed lecture on Time in sonnets. I would have loved to have been present when he gave this lecture live at his university. His lecture/article invited me to read the poetry links and I must say I learned a great deal. I particularly enjoyed the Thom Gunn sonnet on the meeting between Keats and Coleridge. His...
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Petrarch did not seem to follow the rhyme scheme of sonnets, yet, funnily enough, he's considered the 'father' of this form of poetry. So, who created the the actual rhyme scheme?
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Great link, Graham. Thank you.
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
Charlotte Smith is quite brilliant in her sonnet writing. This, all despite her deep personal pain and chaos of poverty. I am so glad to have discovered her!
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I enjoyed Wordsworth's suggestion that limited conditions can afford a certain liberty. I can relate, because having recently downsized from a house to a small apartment, I now enjoy a minimalist lifestyle unencumbered by excess belongings and responsibilities. A poet, rather than feel restricted by the limitations of sonnet form, can actually feel free from...
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Gerard Morris
I love your poem, Gerard.
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Sheila Kozmin replied to Sheila Kozmin
Ineke, that sounds like a really interesting online lecture!
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
As a former magazine writer tasked with interviewing dozens of people over the years, I am always just as interested in the interviewer as I am in the interviewee. I think Benjamin Bateman is a terrific interviewer. His well constructed questions always reflect a thorough reading and research of the text in question. His approach is so animated and respectful...
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
The allusion to gay penguins may be based on genuine news reports over the years of same-sex penguins in various zoos around the world who partnered up and attempted to hatch rocks in lieu of eggs. Roy and Silo of New York’s Central Park Zoo come to mind. Perhaps the anecdote in the same sentence as the suggestion of climate change to explain the flood might...
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I am intrigued by our instructor’s use of the term “reverse pathetic fallacy”; the state of our current environment is being reflected in the narrator’s depressing frame of mind. As such, she may feel “finished...wrecked” just like nature. But is her personal despair really about climate change or is she deep in the throes of depression?
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
I like the inference made in your comments about the relationship between consumerism and climate change; the setting in the flood-threatened shopping mall is brilliant in that regard. The hapless cat jumping out of the burning house into the flood waters could be symbolic of the devastating effect of climate change on animals. A pet cat caught in the fray...
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Sheila Kozmin made a comment
McConnell’s “Irish” pub in White Teeth (Zadie Smith), with its unchanging menu, its unchanging clientele and its intolerance of anything or anybody new or different, is reflective of Samad’s unwillingness to grow and change in his attitudes and beliefs. He remains stuck in the past and cannot tolerate any departure from outdated ideas. Both he and the pub...