Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
One of the most important quotes from this section of the book came after Victor destroys the woman, and the creature retaliates with "I shall be with you on your wedding-night," (Shelley, page 123). The irony of the situation is the difference between what Victor takes as his threat and what is more likely (and actually is) to happen. The audience realizes that the creature had no intentions of killing Frankenstein when his beloved Elizabeth would cause so much pain and sorrow. Because the creature showed early signs of violence and determination, we believe that Elizabeth is the target. However, Victor was still pretty insane and one-minded enough to believe the creature was after him. I'm not sure exactly why he thought that because the creature hadn't tried to harm him previously. Elizabeth's death was sad, though we all expected it, and his father's death was a bit more unexpected. That family sure likes to exaggerate feelings and grow mentally/physically ill from weird things... That was one of the most annoying elements of the novel--Victor's illnesses after like every major event in his life.
Even more ironic than his misunderstanding is the big picture--that Victor made the creature in order to end suffering and mourning, but that is exactly what he caused in the end. Of course, I was saddened to find out that the creature regretted being evil and was ready to die as his master had--all ties back to the nurture theory.
Honestly, all I want to know now is Walton's sister's reaction to all of this.
And why couldn't the creature have had a real name?
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Frankenstein 9
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
I got excited when the creature asked Victor for a mate because it would be so interesting! Then I remembered that we only read tragedies in AP Lit and knew that Victor would not go through with it. Of course, he had to destroy the woman and break the creature's heart. That was my last hope for his happiness, and it was destroyed as his mate was. If Victor had made her, then the creature, I believe, would have left society and really followed through with his word. Once again--all Victor's fault... However, his reasons for not making her are legitimate because she possibly could have destroyed "the whole human race," (Shelley, page 121). Victor also thought that they could create "a race of devils," (Shelley, page 121) if left to their own devices. That completely begs the question-- do they have the reproductive organs necessary for that? Well, I shouldn't read into that too much because it is science fiction. I think that's why I don't particularly like this novel--nothing's very realistic...
Mary Shelley
I got excited when the creature asked Victor for a mate because it would be so interesting! Then I remembered that we only read tragedies in AP Lit and knew that Victor would not go through with it. Of course, he had to destroy the woman and break the creature's heart. That was my last hope for his happiness, and it was destroyed as his mate was. If Victor had made her, then the creature, I believe, would have left society and really followed through with his word. Once again--all Victor's fault... However, his reasons for not making her are legitimate because she possibly could have destroyed "the whole human race," (Shelley, page 121). Victor also thought that they could create "a race of devils," (Shelley, page 121) if left to their own devices. That completely begs the question-- do they have the reproductive organs necessary for that? Well, I shouldn't read into that too much because it is science fiction. I think that's why I don't particularly like this novel--nothing's very realistic...
Frankenstein 8
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
The theme of nature versus nurture was evident all throughout the novel. As opposing characters, Frankenstein takes the nature theory, while the creature resembles the nurture theory. From the moment he formed the creature, Victor believed he was horrible and disgusting. When the creature asked for a mate, Victor thought that she would be just as terrible and gruesome by nature. "She might become ten thousand times more malignant than her mate, and delight, for its own sake, in murder and wretchedness," (Shelley, page 120). This displays the nature theory because the creature seemed inherently evil. The other side is the nurture theory, which I happen to favor over nature. The creature had no one to care for him as a child, so he turned mean and too aggressive. When the creature is trying to convince Victor to make him a mate, the claims that he "had feelings of affection, and they were required by destation and scorn," (Shelley, page 122). The creature had so much potential to be a good being, but Frankenstein neglected him and did not show him how to behave or love him.
Frankenstein 7
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
When I read about William's death, I was relieved to know exactly what had happened, although most of us thought the creature had killed him. I thought about Of Mice and Men and Edward Scissorhands because they both have scenes in which a monster mistakenly harms an innocent person. However, the creature in Frankenstein realized what he was doing, to some extent, and wanted to inflict pain upon his creator. This scene was sad and evoked (some) pity in the audience because he only wanted a companion and felt he had been neglected. I am definitely team Creature because I feel bad for him and entirely blame Frankenstein for his upbringing--or lack thereof. [But that's for another post.] Anyway, the creature's ideas were valid in that he thought an innocent would look past the differences. The fact that William was just a child is very relevant to the theme of society's attacking those who are different. The creature thought that he, being a child, would tolerate him and not be so afraid as others had been. However like any sane person, William tried to get out of the creature's grasp. This was just further realization to the creature that he was "hideously deformed and loathsome" (Shelley, page 85).
Mary Shelley
When I read about William's death, I was relieved to know exactly what had happened, although most of us thought the creature had killed him. I thought about Of Mice and Men and Edward Scissorhands because they both have scenes in which a monster mistakenly harms an innocent person. However, the creature in Frankenstein realized what he was doing, to some extent, and wanted to inflict pain upon his creator. This scene was sad and evoked (some) pity in the audience because he only wanted a companion and felt he had been neglected. I am definitely team Creature because I feel bad for him and entirely blame Frankenstein for his upbringing--or lack thereof. [But that's for another post.] Anyway, the creature's ideas were valid in that he thought an innocent would look past the differences. The fact that William was just a child is very relevant to the theme of society's attacking those who are different. The creature thought that he, being a child, would tolerate him and not be so afraid as others had been. However like any sane person, William tried to get out of the creature's grasp. This was just further realization to the creature that he was "hideously deformed and loathsome" (Shelley, page 85).
Frankenstein 6
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Throughout the creature's first year of life, he learned an incredible amount of information about the world and how he fit into it. The most important influence on him was the DeLacey family who did not know of his presence until he decided to visit the old man. That was such a sad scene! I totally pitied the creature because he just wanted to make their acquaintance and they completely rejected him, as everyone else had. The family's leaving their home was [one of] the final straw for the creature. He broke down, set their home on fire, and "bent his [my] mind towards injury and death," (Shelley, page 99). It was also sad when he came across the woman in the woods and tried to help, but once again, society blocked him from normalcy. I am a nurture theorist, so I blame Frankenstein for neglecting him as a baby(?). Because of the DeLaceys and Frankenstein, the creature snapped and decided to declare "ever-lasting war against the species," (Shelley, page 97). Those scenes also evoked pity in the audience, as he just wanted to fit in, and society made him an outcast.
Mary Shelley
Throughout the creature's first year of life, he learned an incredible amount of information about the world and how he fit into it. The most important influence on him was the DeLacey family who did not know of his presence until he decided to visit the old man. That was such a sad scene! I totally pitied the creature because he just wanted to make their acquaintance and they completely rejected him, as everyone else had. The family's leaving their home was [one of] the final straw for the creature. He broke down, set their home on fire, and "bent his [my] mind towards injury and death," (Shelley, page 99). It was also sad when he came across the woman in the woods and tried to help, but once again, society blocked him from normalcy. I am a nurture theorist, so I blame Frankenstein for neglecting him as a baby(?). Because of the DeLaceys and Frankenstein, the creature snapped and decided to declare "ever-lasting war against the species," (Shelley, page 97). Those scenes also evoked pity in the audience, as he just wanted to fit in, and society made him an outcast.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Frankenstein 5
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
With Frankenstein, we bring many pre-conceived notions about him and the story. However, very few are even accurate to the original story by Mary Shelley. Most common, perhaps, is the name: Frankenstein is the man who created the monster, not the monster itself (as we so often assume). Also, many call him Doctor Frankenstein, which is inaccurate, although some would consider the amount of time he spent studying would qualify him as one. The creation process is also very different from the actual plot because most people associate lightning with creating the monster, when really, lightning was just in the background--along with some light rain. The beast is also different from his portrayal in movies and other works. He does not have stitches everywhere and bolts on the side of his neck, but looks sort of like a bigger version of a normal man. He is also not scary, but can talk, walk, and function emotionally as people do. In the movies and other shows, he moans around and can barely walk straight. One of the most important differences is that he is not scary but can tell his own story. "It is with considerable difficulty that I remember the original era of my being: all the events of that period appear confused and indistinct," (Shelley, page 71). That part was especially surprising to me, as I had no idea he would be able to talk, much less formulate thoughts.
Mary Shelley
With Frankenstein, we bring many pre-conceived notions about him and the story. However, very few are even accurate to the original story by Mary Shelley. Most common, perhaps, is the name: Frankenstein is the man who created the monster, not the monster itself (as we so often assume). Also, many call him Doctor Frankenstein, which is inaccurate, although some would consider the amount of time he spent studying would qualify him as one. The creation process is also very different from the actual plot because most people associate lightning with creating the monster, when really, lightning was just in the background--along with some light rain. The beast is also different from his portrayal in movies and other works. He does not have stitches everywhere and bolts on the side of his neck, but looks sort of like a bigger version of a normal man. He is also not scary, but can talk, walk, and function emotionally as people do. In the movies and other shows, he moans around and can barely walk straight. One of the most important differences is that he is not scary but can tell his own story. "It is with considerable difficulty that I remember the original era of my being: all the events of that period appear confused and indistinct," (Shelley, page 71). That part was especially surprising to me, as I had no idea he would be able to talk, much less formulate thoughts.
Frankenstein 4
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
I'm sure everyone immediately thought of Harry Potter when we started reading, so I found this clip of Hermione talking about the Elixir of Life. And I'll go out even further and explain a connection between Victor Frankenstein and Victor Krum--no just kidding--Voldemort. Both men are quite frankly, obsessed with defying death and acquiring the power to do so. While Voldemort is evil and terrifying and will kill mercilessly to get what he wants, Frankenstein has different motives--he wants to rid the world of diseases and defeat death in order to end mourning. One could also argue that both men are products of their early childhood environments because they both had tragedies befall their families. Both Frankenstein and Voldemort had family members pass away during their childhoods, yet one maintained a relatively happy situation, while the other was sent to an orphanage. [And I don't pity Voldemort or am a Death Eater or anything--I just wanted to state some common qualities.] Another similarity is their success in defying death. However, ever-selfish Voldemort made others bring him back to life, while Frankenstein wanted to do good and help the world, so he "infused[ing] life into an inanimate body" (Shelley, page 35). Another major difference between them is their ability, or inability, to love others. Obviously, Voldemort is unable to love anyone as much as he loves himself and his desire to possess the power of the world. Frankenstein loves his sister very much and partially wants to conquer death to protect her from further mourning.
Mary Shelley
Frankenstein 3
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Characterization plays an important role in the story of Frankenstein. We first get a glimpse of Walton's life in the letters he writes to his sister back in England. He had studied and read many books on travelling, and he finally was ready to set sail and discover in the North Pole. He planned to "satiate my [his] ardent curiosity" (Shelley, page 1), but he had to leave his family back home in the process. He also admits to his sister that he has no friends and is lonely, and he wants someone to support him in his endeavors. Through the letters, we learn that Walton's crew picked up a stranger [Frankenstein], and these two men get along well because of their common interest in knowledge and exploration.
Frankenstein is more easily characterized because he is purposely describing himself and his story to Walton. As a child, Frankenstein realized his love for the natural sciences and studied them copiously during his teen years and in college. He also is interested in his sister and loved her very much, though he did chose to leave her behind. When his mother passed away, he began entertaining thoughts of outing death so that people would not have to be mournful. While this thought led to his eventual demise, it is one of his fundamental characteristics.
Mary Shelley
Characterization plays an important role in the story of Frankenstein. We first get a glimpse of Walton's life in the letters he writes to his sister back in England. He had studied and read many books on travelling, and he finally was ready to set sail and discover in the North Pole. He planned to "satiate my [his] ardent curiosity" (Shelley, page 1), but he had to leave his family back home in the process. He also admits to his sister that he has no friends and is lonely, and he wants someone to support him in his endeavors. Through the letters, we learn that Walton's crew picked up a stranger [Frankenstein], and these two men get along well because of their common interest in knowledge and exploration.
Frankenstein is more easily characterized because he is purposely describing himself and his story to Walton. As a child, Frankenstein realized his love for the natural sciences and studied them copiously during his teen years and in college. He also is interested in his sister and loved her very much, though he did chose to leave her behind. When his mother passed away, he began entertaining thoughts of outing death so that people would not have to be mournful. While this thought led to his eventual demise, it is one of his fundamental characteristics.
Frankenstein 2
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Destiny is also an important theme in the novel because both men feel they have been brought to their current situations to serve a specific purpose. In the letters, Robert Walton described his journey as necessary for fulfillment and his goal in life. Frankenstein also declared his [prior] dreams of accomplishment when he began telling Walton his life story. In the first few chapters, he described his original desire for exploration and education of the natural sciences. After beginning to further his education, Frankenstein met with Mr. Waldman who told him he was welcome to his machines after he knew how to work them. At the time, he knew what was to be his destiny--"Thus ended a day memorable to me: it decided my future destiny,"(Shelley, page 29). Several other times, Frankenstein uses "destiny" to describe his faith. This also serves as foreshadowing, as the audience and Walton do not know where the story will end. Another major foreshadowing occurred when we saw the creature through Walton's eyes toward the beginning of the novel. The point of view of the story is important as it is biased because we are only privy the thoughts and feelings of Frankenstein and his memories.
Mary Shelley
Destiny is also an important theme in the novel because both men feel they have been brought to their current situations to serve a specific purpose. In the letters, Robert Walton described his journey as necessary for fulfillment and his goal in life. Frankenstein also declared his [prior] dreams of accomplishment when he began telling Walton his life story. In the first few chapters, he described his original desire for exploration and education of the natural sciences. After beginning to further his education, Frankenstein met with Mr. Waldman who told him he was welcome to his machines after he knew how to work them. At the time, he knew what was to be his destiny--"Thus ended a day memorable to me: it decided my future destiny,"(Shelley, page 29). Several other times, Frankenstein uses "destiny" to describe his faith. This also serves as foreshadowing, as the audience and Walton do not know where the story will end. Another major foreshadowing occurred when we saw the creature through Walton's eyes toward the beginning of the novel. The point of view of the story is important as it is biased because we are only privy the thoughts and feelings of Frankenstein and his memories.
Frankenstein 1
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
From the very beginning of the novel, the themes of alienation and solitude are evident. Robert Walton decided to leave his family behind and pursue his dreams of exploring the North Pole, and he also gave up all stability. On the journey, Walton did not make any new friends (except for Frankenstein) and felt alienated from the crew members. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein abandoned his family in order to further his education and experiments. However, both men left behind their sisters, for whom they obviously loved very dearly. Walton wrote various letters, one addressed to "my dear sister" (Shelley, page 7), to his sister back in England , while Frankenstein described his as "my more than sister" (Shelley, page 18). It was extremely difficult for both men to leave their families, but they could not carry out their goals any other way. Walton feels alienated from his crew members until he meets Frankenstein and begins a new friendship. The alienation/solitude is part of the reason they get along so well from the beginning because they share that common affliction. After a little while on the ship, Frankenstein starts to tell his story to Walton because he notices a common thirst for knowledge and exploration and wants to warn him of such dangerous passions.
Mary Shelley
From the very beginning of the novel, the themes of alienation and solitude are evident. Robert Walton decided to leave his family behind and pursue his dreams of exploring the North Pole, and he also gave up all stability. On the journey, Walton did not make any new friends (except for Frankenstein) and felt alienated from the crew members. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein abandoned his family in order to further his education and experiments. However, both men left behind their sisters, for whom they obviously loved very dearly. Walton wrote various letters, one addressed to "my dear sister" (Shelley, page 7), to his sister back in England , while Frankenstein described his as "my more than sister" (Shelley, page 18). It was extremely difficult for both men to leave their families, but they could not carry out their goals any other way. Walton feels alienated from his crew members until he meets Frankenstein and begins a new friendship. The alienation/solitude is part of the reason they get along so well from the beginning because they share that common affliction. After a little while on the ship, Frankenstein starts to tell his story to Walton because he notices a common thirst for knowledge and exploration and wants to warn him of such dangerous passions.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Much Madness is divinest Sense
"Much Madness is divinest Sense"
Emily Dickinson
The first time I read that poem, I honestly had no idea what she was talking about, so I'll start out with what struck me. The structure was very interesting because nearly every line ended with a dash mark, which could either separate two different thoughts or unite two others. I think that in this poem, they break up thoughts instead of periods, possibly to mimic her erratic thoughts. She also uses a contradiction, "Much Sense--the starkest Madness" (Dickinson, page 830), which makes a good point. Too much sense could lead to madness because the person could drive himself crazy with too-intelligent thoughts. The "Assent" and "Demur" parts were also very interesting because they gave comments directly to the "majority" who heard her point of view. I'm also confused as to what exactly a "Chain" is, and how would she "handle" people with it? I guess that after reviewing it several times, I do understand the main point of the poem. Dickinson thinks that the divinest sense is madness, and too much sense is also madness. I also think she is implying that she has a "discerning eye" because she presents that point of view regarding Sense.
I felt a Funeral, in my Brain
"I felt a Funeral, in my Brain"
Emily Dickinson
The first thing I noticed about this poem was the comma in the first line. It is not necessary in that context, and I think that Dickinson included it to add a description to the funeral, almost as if it were an afterthought. I also noticed that she capitalized some weird words that are not normally emphasized--"Mourners to and fro" (Dickinson, page 776). They immediately catch the reader and draw attention to those specific images. Imagery is the most dominant aspect of rhetoric in the poem, and it specifically includes imagery for most of the senses. I think I missed the purpose of the poem because I cannot get past the surface details of a funeral. I guess it could be describing her mental state, which is probably more accurate according to her other poems of the similar nature. Actually, I think it's more of the stages of her mental depreciation. A funeral is very mournful, which implies that she is obviously facing some sort of departure from her surroundings/acquaintances. I also think that the end represents either her mental death or the low-point in her mental health. And the last word and its structure are also very important because it is like an unfinished thought.
Emily Dickinson
The first thing I noticed about this poem was the comma in the first line. It is not necessary in that context, and I think that Dickinson included it to add a description to the funeral, almost as if it were an afterthought. I also noticed that she capitalized some weird words that are not normally emphasized--"Mourners to and fro" (Dickinson, page 776). They immediately catch the reader and draw attention to those specific images. Imagery is the most dominant aspect of rhetoric in the poem, and it specifically includes imagery for most of the senses. I think I missed the purpose of the poem because I cannot get past the surface details of a funeral. I guess it could be describing her mental state, which is probably more accurate according to her other poems of the similar nature. Actually, I think it's more of the stages of her mental depreciation. A funeral is very mournful, which implies that she is obviously facing some sort of departure from her surroundings/acquaintances. I also think that the end represents either her mental death or the low-point in her mental health. And the last word and its structure are also very important because it is like an unfinished thought.
APO 96225
"APO 96225"
Larry Rottmann
This poem was very interesting, especially with the evident irony. The son told his mother the light parts of war and the the weather he was experiencing. Like most parents, his wanted the truth about war and honesty about what he's actually been doing. The son came back with "Today I killed a man. Yesterday, I helped drop napalm on women and children" (Rottmann, page 846). The irony of the poem comes when his father asks him to stop being honest and just talk about the lighter subjects--after he had asked for the truth. The second question in the book was also interesting because it dealt with the war in Vietnam. [I obviously thought of Forrest Gump when I read this one.] Most Americans did not agree with going to war in Vietnam, so many people probably did not want to hear the negative, terrible aspects of the war situations. They only wanted the light parts of war, probably in order to distance themselves from the horrors of war. The theme of this unit of literature was alienation, which was pretty evident in this poem, although the speaker does have parents back home. I'm sure most soldiers feels alienated from their home countries when they are abroad, regardless of how many loved ones they left back home.
Larry Rottmann
This poem was very interesting, especially with the evident irony. The son told his mother the light parts of war and the the weather he was experiencing. Like most parents, his wanted the truth about war and honesty about what he's actually been doing. The son came back with "Today I killed a man. Yesterday, I helped drop napalm on women and children" (Rottmann, page 846). The irony of the poem comes when his father asks him to stop being honest and just talk about the lighter subjects--after he had asked for the truth. The second question in the book was also interesting because it dealt with the war in Vietnam. [I obviously thought of Forrest Gump when I read this one.] Most Americans did not agree with going to war in Vietnam, so many people probably did not want to hear the negative, terrible aspects of the war situations. They only wanted the light parts of war, probably in order to distance themselves from the horrors of war. The theme of this unit of literature was alienation, which was pretty evident in this poem, although the speaker does have parents back home. I'm sure most soldiers feels alienated from their home countries when they are abroad, regardless of how many loved ones they left back home.
Bartleby the Scrivener
"Bartleby the Scrivener"
Herman Melville
Well, we already discussed so many aspects of this piece today in class, so I want to focus on some of the questions from the paper. The third question asks about Bartleby's physical descriptions and their foreshadowing on his outcome. Throughout the piece, he is described as sort of sallow, small, pale, quiet, and eats only ginger nuts. These all contribute to his death in the end of the story because he is a weak person who has pretty much given up on life. Another questions asks about the tales of Turkey and Nippers. I thought some parts of their descriptions were hilarious, especially the thought that one was bad in the morning and fine in the afternoons while the other was hard working in the morning and terrible for the second half of the day. "When Nipper's was on, Turkey's was off, and vice versa. This was a good natural arrangement under the circumstances" (Melville, page 647). I think that the narrator introduced these two characters first in order to partially characterize himself. He was very passive towards them and allowed all sorts of mediocrity.
My favorite scene of the story was when Bartleby said he preferred not to do something, and then Turkey kept saying "prefer." It was hilarious and seemed right out of a sit-com. Other parts of the story were incredibly boring and very hard to finish, but I better understand the purpose now because of them.
Herman Melville
Well, we already discussed so many aspects of this piece today in class, so I want to focus on some of the questions from the paper. The third question asks about Bartleby's physical descriptions and their foreshadowing on his outcome. Throughout the piece, he is described as sort of sallow, small, pale, quiet, and eats only ginger nuts. These all contribute to his death in the end of the story because he is a weak person who has pretty much given up on life. Another questions asks about the tales of Turkey and Nippers. I thought some parts of their descriptions were hilarious, especially the thought that one was bad in the morning and fine in the afternoons while the other was hard working in the morning and terrible for the second half of the day. "When Nipper's was on, Turkey's was off, and vice versa. This was a good natural arrangement under the circumstances" (Melville, page 647). I think that the narrator introduced these two characters first in order to partially characterize himself. He was very passive towards them and allowed all sorts of mediocrity.
My favorite scene of the story was when Bartleby said he preferred not to do something, and then Turkey kept saying "prefer." It was hilarious and seemed right out of a sit-com. Other parts of the story were incredibly boring and very hard to finish, but I better understand the purpose now because of them.
Miss Brill
"Miss Brill"
Katherine Mansfield
When I first read "Miss Brill," I was pretty confused as to who the narrator was. I initially thought that she was the narrator, speaking in first person and telling her story. But when I finished it, I realized that she was not the one telling the story. The point of view is also very important in this story because it allows for the characterization of Miss Brill. It was very interesting because many parts seemed like they were coming from the thoughts of Miss Brill, not an outsider. "Miss Brill had often noticed--there was something funny about nearly all of them" (Mansfield, page 183). I don't know how the narrator could determine this without actually speaking with her. I was also confused with the ending--was Miss Brill actually a part of the performance or was she just sitting at the end of the row? The point of view also seemed omniscient, as when the narrator discussed the young couple who "had just arrived from his father's yacht" (Mansfield, page 185). And that part was so sad. Was the crying Miss Brill, or was she just imagining the fur or something making that noise?
Katherine Mansfield
When I first read "Miss Brill," I was pretty confused as to who the narrator was. I initially thought that she was the narrator, speaking in first person and telling her story. But when I finished it, I realized that she was not the one telling the story. The point of view is also very important in this story because it allows for the characterization of Miss Brill. It was very interesting because many parts seemed like they were coming from the thoughts of Miss Brill, not an outsider. "Miss Brill had often noticed--there was something funny about nearly all of them" (Mansfield, page 183). I don't know how the narrator could determine this without actually speaking with her. I was also confused with the ending--was Miss Brill actually a part of the performance or was she just sitting at the end of the row? The point of view also seemed omniscient, as when the narrator discussed the young couple who "had just arrived from his father's yacht" (Mansfield, page 185). And that part was so sad. Was the crying Miss Brill, or was she just imagining the fur or something making that noise?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night"
Dylan Thomas
Honestly, I did not really understand either of the last two poems in this unit, so I chose to answer a couple of the questions from Thomas' poem which was the less confusing piece. The poem is divided into six stanzas, the last four of which describe four different types of men. The speaker views the wise men as knowing "dark is right" (Thomas, page 968). I think it means that wise men really expect death and know that no one is eternal. He claims that the good men "rage against the dying of the light," which I believe indicates that they would rather live on in life and perform other works than die and stop living how they had been. The wild men are the ones who partied and sang their way through life, not stopping to thing on death. The grave men also rage against the night because they thought too much of dying that they never stopped to live.
Another question asked about paradoxical expressions which were included in several lines, such as "dark is right" and "the sad height." These contribute to the idea that different people see death in different lights. Some men expect death, some rage against death, some never thought about it until it was too late, and some rage against death because they waited for death their whole lives. The poem was very interesting because it ended with a stanza begging his father "not [to] go gentle into that good night."
Dylan Thomas
Honestly, I did not really understand either of the last two poems in this unit, so I chose to answer a couple of the questions from Thomas' poem which was the less confusing piece. The poem is divided into six stanzas, the last four of which describe four different types of men. The speaker views the wise men as knowing "dark is right" (Thomas, page 968). I think it means that wise men really expect death and know that no one is eternal. He claims that the good men "rage against the dying of the light," which I believe indicates that they would rather live on in life and perform other works than die and stop living how they had been. The wild men are the ones who partied and sang their way through life, not stopping to thing on death. The grave men also rage against the night because they thought too much of dying that they never stopped to live.
Another question asked about paradoxical expressions which were included in several lines, such as "dark is right" and "the sad height." These contribute to the idea that different people see death in different lights. Some men expect death, some rage against death, some never thought about it until it was too late, and some rage against death because they waited for death their whole lives. The poem was very interesting because it ended with a stanza begging his father "not [to] go gentle into that good night."
That time of year
"That time of year"
William Shakespeare
This was probably my favorite poem in this unit because it was so old and beautifully written. This poem is a sonnet because it has fourteen lines and has a specific rhyme scheme. Each line also has ten syllable and every other syllable is stressed. The first quatrain presents the image of a tree which has lost its leaves and "shake(s) against the cold" (Shakespeare, page 966). The second image in the poem is the twilight which has faded into the west, but the third quatrain discusses a deathbed and abandoned love. This poem was sort of confusing because the three quatrains are squished together and are not separated into stanzas. However, I know that it would no longer be a sonnet if its structure was different. One of the questions asks who is the audience, and in line five, Shakespeare says "in me thou see'st the twilight of such day," and I think that he's addressing someone who has died. In the last few lines, he talks about love, and I think that he thinks that the person who died has lost his love. I just reread it and maybe he is the one who as lost love and has died.
William Shakespeare
This was probably my favorite poem in this unit because it was so old and beautifully written. This poem is a sonnet because it has fourteen lines and has a specific rhyme scheme. Each line also has ten syllable and every other syllable is stressed. The first quatrain presents the image of a tree which has lost its leaves and "shake(s) against the cold" (Shakespeare, page 966). The second image in the poem is the twilight which has faded into the west, but the third quatrain discusses a deathbed and abandoned love. This poem was sort of confusing because the three quatrains are squished together and are not separated into stanzas. However, I know that it would no longer be a sonnet if its structure was different. One of the questions asks who is the audience, and in line five, Shakespeare says "in me thou see'st the twilight of such day," and I think that he's addressing someone who has died. In the last few lines, he talks about love, and I think that he thinks that the person who died has lost his love. I just reread it and maybe he is the one who as lost love and has died.
Crossing the Bar
"Crossing the Bar"
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
I first noticed the rhyme scheme in this play. The first and third and the second and fourth lines rhyme. The poem is also divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The even-numbered lines are also indented and shorter than the other lines. Another important feature of the poem was the capitalization of pilot in line 15. It brings a religious focus to the poem as though God is his Pilot and possibly maker--"I hope to see my Pilot face to face" (Alfred, page 886). Pilot also implies that someone had helped him through life, and he wanted to see him when he "crossed the bar." I think Alfred also wants to proclaim that he does not wish people to be upset when he passes. He wants a calm, peaceful transition from his current state to the meeting with his Pilot. Alfred also utilizes exclamation points twice in this poem, which implies his confidence in his calling. The second time, he uses it to exclaim how he expects the after life to be.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
I first noticed the rhyme scheme in this play. The first and third and the second and fourth lines rhyme. The poem is also divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The even-numbered lines are also indented and shorter than the other lines. Another important feature of the poem was the capitalization of pilot in line 15. It brings a religious focus to the poem as though God is his Pilot and possibly maker--"I hope to see my Pilot face to face" (Alfred, page 886). Pilot also implies that someone had helped him through life, and he wanted to see him when he "crossed the bar." I think Alfred also wants to proclaim that he does not wish people to be upset when he passes. He wants a calm, peaceful transition from his current state to the meeting with his Pilot. Alfred also utilizes exclamation points twice in this poem, which implies his confidence in his calling. The second time, he uses it to exclaim how he expects the after life to be.
A Rose for Emily
"A Rose for Emily"
William Faulkner
This story may just have been even weirder than "The Lottery"...
A good question in the book was number five because it asked about the narrator in the story. The point of view by which the story is told is the whole community recalling stories and details about Miss Emily. I thought this was very interesting because most stories are not told by more than one person. The advantage of having the first-person plural is that many people contribute to the story, and more details can be shared. If one person had told the story, then we would only be privy to one person's memories of her. The one problem with this point of view is that we really don't get too many facts and cannot completely trust the rumors heard by the townspeople. It is the most interesting point, however, because of the different insights offered. Another major aspect of this type of narration is the chronology issue. The story does not go in order of Miss Emily's life, which is really confusing. I'm still a little confused as to when Emily actually poisoned Homer Barron because the time/date is not discussed when they discovered his body. That part was super creepy but also very interesting. I especially enjoyed the last paragraph which told us that she had lain in bed with him. "Then we noticed that in the second pillow was the indentation of a head...We saw a long strand of iron-gray hair" (Jackson, page 289).
William Faulkner
This story may just have been even weirder than "The Lottery"...
A good question in the book was number five because it asked about the narrator in the story. The point of view by which the story is told is the whole community recalling stories and details about Miss Emily. I thought this was very interesting because most stories are not told by more than one person. The advantage of having the first-person plural is that many people contribute to the story, and more details can be shared. If one person had told the story, then we would only be privy to one person's memories of her. The one problem with this point of view is that we really don't get too many facts and cannot completely trust the rumors heard by the townspeople. It is the most interesting point, however, because of the different insights offered. Another major aspect of this type of narration is the chronology issue. The story does not go in order of Miss Emily's life, which is really confusing. I'm still a little confused as to when Emily actually poisoned Homer Barron because the time/date is not discussed when they discovered his body. That part was super creepy but also very interesting. I especially enjoyed the last paragraph which told us that she had lain in bed with him. "Then we noticed that in the second pillow was the indentation of a head...We saw a long strand of iron-gray hair" (Jackson, page 289).
The Lottery
"The Lottery"
Shirley Jackson
WHOA! This story was crazy and just so weird and disturbing! However, it was very interesting and brought many different questions to my mind when I read it. For the first few paragraphs, I thought this was a light-hearted story, but then I remembered that this unit had the theme of death so I lowered my standards. I first became suspicious of the nature of the lottery when the townspeople seemed distant and nervous, and it appeared that they did not want to win the lottery, which was weird. Normally, everyone wants to win the lottery, but these people were relieved when they realized their slips of paper were clear. The entire community was energized, though not with happiness or excitement, but their anticipation was evident in their behaviors and descriptions. When I read this piece before class, I missed the reason for the lottery--"Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon" (Jackson, page 268). That makes some sense, but I still couldn't believe they still practiced that particular tradition because the story seems like it's set in a modern era. In several scenes, people claim that they don't really know why the lottery takes place, but that it's a good idea. Like what?
Also, a good literary technique in the story is the physical break which heightened anticipation for the name to be discovered.
Shirley Jackson
WHOA! This story was crazy and just so weird and disturbing! However, it was very interesting and brought many different questions to my mind when I read it. For the first few paragraphs, I thought this was a light-hearted story, but then I remembered that this unit had the theme of death so I lowered my standards. I first became suspicious of the nature of the lottery when the townspeople seemed distant and nervous, and it appeared that they did not want to win the lottery, which was weird. Normally, everyone wants to win the lottery, but these people were relieved when they realized their slips of paper were clear. The entire community was energized, though not with happiness or excitement, but their anticipation was evident in their behaviors and descriptions. When I read this piece before class, I missed the reason for the lottery--"Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon" (Jackson, page 268). That makes some sense, but I still couldn't believe they still practiced that particular tradition because the story seems like it's set in a modern era. In several scenes, people claim that they don't really know why the lottery takes place, but that it's a good idea. Like what?
Also, a good literary technique in the story is the physical break which heightened anticipation for the name to be discovered.
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Glass Menagerie 5
"The Glass Menagerie"
Tennessee Williams
So, I really enjoyed the piece, but I will admit that the first three or four scenes were pretty boring. Amanda's constantly nagging Tom about everything was annoying, and the jumpiness was a little difficult to follow at times. The play was very interesting because I had never read something that was directed with memories or that interacted with the audience in the same manner. The memories made the play non-realistic but also realistic in that it resembles real memories and the way we recall them. The non-realistic elements were probably my favorite parts of the play because they offered more insights and details to the plot. I could further understand and visualize what was happening because of the stage directions and Tom's addressing the audience. The 11th question in the book asks where an intermission should be, and I said that a break would make the most sense after scene five because that is the natural break. It is after the introduction but before the main event occurs--Laura's discussion with Jim. The last scene was really sad, but also somewhat expected because in the beginning, Tom described Jim as "the long delayed but always expected something that we live for" (Williams, page 1237). I don't like that he led her on and was engaged to someone else, but I do love the confidence he instilled in her and the way he told her she was beautiful and a normal person, which she had not thought before his visit.
Tennessee Williams
So, I really enjoyed the piece, but I will admit that the first three or four scenes were pretty boring. Amanda's constantly nagging Tom about everything was annoying, and the jumpiness was a little difficult to follow at times. The play was very interesting because I had never read something that was directed with memories or that interacted with the audience in the same manner. The memories made the play non-realistic but also realistic in that it resembles real memories and the way we recall them. The non-realistic elements were probably my favorite parts of the play because they offered more insights and details to the plot. I could further understand and visualize what was happening because of the stage directions and Tom's addressing the audience. The 11th question in the book asks where an intermission should be, and I said that a break would make the most sense after scene five because that is the natural break. It is after the introduction but before the main event occurs--Laura's discussion with Jim. The last scene was really sad, but also somewhat expected because in the beginning, Tom described Jim as "the long delayed but always expected something that we live for" (Williams, page 1237). I don't like that he led her on and was engaged to someone else, but I do love the confidence he instilled in her and the way he told her she was beautiful and a normal person, which she had not thought before his visit.
The Glass Menagerie 4
"The Glass Menagerie"
Tennessee Williams
I also want to focus on the title of the play because it is so important to the plot and stands as a symbol for Laura's life and characterization. The glass menagerie symbolizes the fragility of Laura and the manner in which everyone treats her, like a "cripple." The glass also symbolizes her hard exterior which could shatter like glass if she were ever hurt or offended. Specifically, the unicorn symbolizes the difference between society and her. The breaking of the unicorn's horn off represents Jim's dissolving the negative views Laura has of herself. The unicorn becomes a regular horse, as Laura begins to see herself as a regular member of society. Her reaction to this break is not as harsh as when Tom broke one of the pieces because she and Jim had been dancing not walking around drunkenly, as Tom had been. I think she gave Jim the glass figure as a souvenir because he had changed her, and maybe she still had feelings for him and wanted him to have something to remember her by. I predict a bright future for Laura because she has gained the confidence necessary for success from Jim, and she can view her situation in a more positive light. The play concludes with Laura blowing out candles on set, while Tom feels guilty for leaving her and Amanda. I think that her blowing out the candles symbolizes Tom's letting go of the regrets and guilt. "Blow out your candles, Laura--and so goodbye..." (Williams, page 1289).
Tennessee Williams
I also want to focus on the title of the play because it is so important to the plot and stands as a symbol for Laura's life and characterization. The glass menagerie symbolizes the fragility of Laura and the manner in which everyone treats her, like a "cripple." The glass also symbolizes her hard exterior which could shatter like glass if she were ever hurt or offended. Specifically, the unicorn symbolizes the difference between society and her. The breaking of the unicorn's horn off represents Jim's dissolving the negative views Laura has of herself. The unicorn becomes a regular horse, as Laura begins to see herself as a regular member of society. Her reaction to this break is not as harsh as when Tom broke one of the pieces because she and Jim had been dancing not walking around drunkenly, as Tom had been. I think she gave Jim the glass figure as a souvenir because he had changed her, and maybe she still had feelings for him and wanted him to have something to remember her by. I predict a bright future for Laura because she has gained the confidence necessary for success from Jim, and she can view her situation in a more positive light. The play concludes with Laura blowing out candles on set, while Tom feels guilty for leaving her and Amanda. I think that her blowing out the candles symbolizes Tom's letting go of the regrets and guilt. "Blow out your candles, Laura--and so goodbye..." (Williams, page 1289).
The Glass Menagerie 3
"The Glass Menagerie"
Tennessee Williams
Question three in the book is also important to the plot because Tom is the narrator and displays his own problems more explicitly than Amanda's or Laura's. Tom's main dilemma is that he wants to leave the warehouse and have his own adventures, while he also feels familial responsibilities at home. Amanda wants to make sure that her only son will not walk out on them like his father did because they would be left destitute financially and emotionally. His sister is also "crippled" and needs someone to provide for and help her. His constant desire to leave the warehouse life causes him to quarrel with his mother in nearly every memory present in the play. On page 1237, the arguments begin with Amanda chiding Tom about his eating habits and his responding with "I haven't enjoyed one bite of this dinner because of your constant directions on how to eat it" (Williams). This seemingly insignificant detail of their dining habits actually sets the scene for later, more important arguments because Amanda further insults Tom and desires his seeking betterment. Tom's attitude towards Laura seems to be that he does not want to her be under his care. He would rather leave but must stay and provide for her and their mother. Tom finally leaves after he is fired from the warehouse for writing a poem on a shoebox--the perfect opportunity to get out. I think that the dilemma was solved when he left, but he still has some regrets for leaving his mother and sister. The play concludes with a scene of Laura, which provides that Tom feels guilty for abandoning her and his mother.
Tennessee Williams
Question three in the book is also important to the plot because Tom is the narrator and displays his own problems more explicitly than Amanda's or Laura's. Tom's main dilemma is that he wants to leave the warehouse and have his own adventures, while he also feels familial responsibilities at home. Amanda wants to make sure that her only son will not walk out on them like his father did because they would be left destitute financially and emotionally. His sister is also "crippled" and needs someone to provide for and help her. His constant desire to leave the warehouse life causes him to quarrel with his mother in nearly every memory present in the play. On page 1237, the arguments begin with Amanda chiding Tom about his eating habits and his responding with "I haven't enjoyed one bite of this dinner because of your constant directions on how to eat it" (Williams). This seemingly insignificant detail of their dining habits actually sets the scene for later, more important arguments because Amanda further insults Tom and desires his seeking betterment. Tom's attitude towards Laura seems to be that he does not want to her be under his care. He would rather leave but must stay and provide for her and their mother. Tom finally leaves after he is fired from the warehouse for writing a poem on a shoebox--the perfect opportunity to get out. I think that the dilemma was solved when he left, but he still has some regrets for leaving his mother and sister. The play concludes with a scene of Laura, which provides that Tom feels guilty for abandoning her and his mother.
The Glass Menagerie 2
"The Glass Menagerie"
Tennessee Williams
I think number 5 in the textbook is an important question, so I want to focus a little on that one. I agree that Laura is the pivotal character because although Tom is the narrator, the story is hers, and he narrates her life, thoughts, and actions. The title also contributes to her being the main character because she collects glass figures (the menagerie) and is regarded as very fragile and less akin with reality. The symptoms of the mental condition include her talking to herself and her inability to see herself as an equal member of society. I think that her mother and her physical deterrent cause her mental condition because Amanda constantly nags her and expects her to accomplish more than she feels she is able. Her physical defect also contributes to her mental condition because she looks at her leg and feels separate from society, which seems better in her eyes. The audience feels sympathetic toward Laura because she has the physical disability, often grows sick or faint, is constantly nagged by her mother, and the incident with Jim, "the climax of her secret life" (Williams, page 1273). Her relationship with her mother is very different than the one with her brother because Amanda wants to stop Tom from leaving, as their father had left. She basically wants to live vicariously through Laura and re-live those memories she had as a young girl. However, their relationships are similar in the aspect that Amanda wants them both to be successful and accomplish things with their lives. She wants Tom to better himself with night classes and wants him to get a better job in order to more fully support his family, while she wants Laura to acquire domestic skills in order to marry well.
Tennessee Williams
I think number 5 in the textbook is an important question, so I want to focus a little on that one. I agree that Laura is the pivotal character because although Tom is the narrator, the story is hers, and he narrates her life, thoughts, and actions. The title also contributes to her being the main character because she collects glass figures (the menagerie) and is regarded as very fragile and less akin with reality. The symptoms of the mental condition include her talking to herself and her inability to see herself as an equal member of society. I think that her mother and her physical deterrent cause her mental condition because Amanda constantly nags her and expects her to accomplish more than she feels she is able. Her physical defect also contributes to her mental condition because she looks at her leg and feels separate from society, which seems better in her eyes. The audience feels sympathetic toward Laura because she has the physical disability, often grows sick or faint, is constantly nagged by her mother, and the incident with Jim, "the climax of her secret life" (Williams, page 1273). Her relationship with her mother is very different than the one with her brother because Amanda wants to stop Tom from leaving, as their father had left. She basically wants to live vicariously through Laura and re-live those memories she had as a young girl. However, their relationships are similar in the aspect that Amanda wants them both to be successful and accomplish things with their lives. She wants Tom to better himself with night classes and wants him to get a better job in order to more fully support his family, while she wants Laura to acquire domestic skills in order to marry well.
The Glass Menagerie 1
"The Glass Menagerie"
Tennessee Williams
The discussion of non-realistic pieces versus realistic aspects of works of literature was very beneficial, and I noticed many parts of "The Glass Menagerie" that were unrealistic. The first speaking lines were non-realistic because they were Tom's soliloquy. This is non-realistic because people do not talk to an audience or explain themselves in real life. On page 1238, stage directions indicate that "Tom motions for music and a spot of light on Amanda" (Williams), which is obviously non-realistic because people cannot conduct music from thin air or create light. Many times, music plays an important role in the scene, as when Tom speaks directly to the audience about the music heard off-stage and when the plot grows more intense. During Jim and Laura's conversation, she tells him that he sings very well, which is accompanied by a song heard off-stage. This further serves Tom's purpose because in memories, thoughts jump around and pan back and forth between the past and present. Fabricated lightning is also present in scene 6 when Laura is speaking with Amanda and claims she is ill. It is non-realistic because it comes at precisely the moment she feels feint and wants to get out of dinner. Another non-realistic feature includes the parts left out in Tom's story because in memories, sometimes we block out certain parts and exaggerate others. Overall themes in the play which accentuate its non-realistic features include the background music heard many times and Tom's narrating of the entire play.
Tennessee Williams
The discussion of non-realistic pieces versus realistic aspects of works of literature was very beneficial, and I noticed many parts of "The Glass Menagerie" that were unrealistic. The first speaking lines were non-realistic because they were Tom's soliloquy. This is non-realistic because people do not talk to an audience or explain themselves in real life. On page 1238, stage directions indicate that "Tom motions for music and a spot of light on Amanda" (Williams), which is obviously non-realistic because people cannot conduct music from thin air or create light. Many times, music plays an important role in the scene, as when Tom speaks directly to the audience about the music heard off-stage and when the plot grows more intense. During Jim and Laura's conversation, she tells him that he sings very well, which is accompanied by a song heard off-stage. This further serves Tom's purpose because in memories, thoughts jump around and pan back and forth between the past and present. Fabricated lightning is also present in scene 6 when Laura is speaking with Amanda and claims she is ill. It is non-realistic because it comes at precisely the moment she feels feint and wants to get out of dinner. Another non-realistic feature includes the parts left out in Tom's story because in memories, sometimes we block out certain parts and exaggerate others. Overall themes in the play which accentuate its non-realistic features include the background music heard many times and Tom's narrating of the entire play.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Joy of Cooking- Elaine Magarrell
"The Joy of Cooking"
Elaine Magarrell
This poem was, by far, the most interesting poem in this unit because of its somewhat unusual imagery and symbolism. The tone of this poem was amusing and disgusting simultaneously with its gross diction combined with exaggerations that are just funny. Obviously, the narrator did not actually cut out her sister's tongue to prepare, but she probably just has a problem with what her sisters says with her tongue. Similarly, she did not really slow cook her brother's heart--she probably just did not like his morals or what he had done with his life. This is evident in lines 15 and 16 when she wrote "Although beef heart serves six my brother's heart barely feeds two" (Magarrell, line 15-16). That part was really good because it offers her opinion of her brother's behavior and sarcastically characterizes him. She ends both stanzas with phrases that suggest she could have done more to their respective body parts, but she for some reason refrained. I think that because she included those two phrases, she does not totally hate her sister and brother, but also does not approve of their actions/words. To answer number three in the book, the speaker's personality was described a lot, although this poem was only 18 lines long. She seems very sarcastic and overly intense in her descriptions of her brother and sister. I feel that she thinks herself better than them because she is the one physically [well, figuratively] cooking her sister's tongue and her brother's heart.
Elaine Magarrell
This poem was, by far, the most interesting poem in this unit because of its somewhat unusual imagery and symbolism. The tone of this poem was amusing and disgusting simultaneously with its gross diction combined with exaggerations that are just funny. Obviously, the narrator did not actually cut out her sister's tongue to prepare, but she probably just has a problem with what her sisters says with her tongue. Similarly, she did not really slow cook her brother's heart--she probably just did not like his morals or what he had done with his life. This is evident in lines 15 and 16 when she wrote "Although beef heart serves six my brother's heart barely feeds two" (Magarrell, line 15-16). That part was really good because it offers her opinion of her brother's behavior and sarcastically characterizes him. She ends both stanzas with phrases that suggest she could have done more to their respective body parts, but she for some reason refrained. I think that because she included those two phrases, she does not totally hate her sister and brother, but also does not approve of their actions/words. To answer number three in the book, the speaker's personality was described a lot, although this poem was only 18 lines long. She seems very sarcastic and overly intense in her descriptions of her brother and sister. I feel that she thinks herself better than them because she is the one physically [well, figuratively] cooking her sister's tongue and her brother's heart.
Those Winter Days- Robert Hayden
"Those Winter Days"
Robert Hayden
This poem was very interesting, but also a little confusing to me because I'm not sure of the exact meaning. At first I thought that his father was just dedicated to his family and did not receive any thanks from his family for his hard work. However, a friend brought up the idea that he was abusive toward his family, which also seemed possible because of the phrase "chronic angers of that house" (Hayden, line 9). Both seem possible, so I'm a bit confused to Hayden's real meaning. I do want to focus a little on the imagery because that is very important to the poem and its unresolved (for me) themes. The first stanza explained services his father performed, seemingly selflessly, for his family like working hard and keeping the house warm with a fire. One line stuck out to me as important, and it makes me lean towards the idea of an unappreciated father figure, rather than abusive. "No one ever thanked him" (Hayden, line 5) offers the image of a hard-working man who is respected but somehow never thanked. Well, now that I think about that line more, I lean the other way, towards an abusive figure who frightened them. Also, "speaking indifferently" (Hayden, line 10) creates an image of scared children who were not emotionally involved with their father. So overall with this poem, I am unsure of its meaning and will need to get a better grasp of others' opinions tomorrow in the discussion.
Robert Hayden
This poem was very interesting, but also a little confusing to me because I'm not sure of the exact meaning. At first I thought that his father was just dedicated to his family and did not receive any thanks from his family for his hard work. However, a friend brought up the idea that he was abusive toward his family, which also seemed possible because of the phrase "chronic angers of that house" (Hayden, line 9). Both seem possible, so I'm a bit confused to Hayden's real meaning. I do want to focus a little on the imagery because that is very important to the poem and its unresolved (for me) themes. The first stanza explained services his father performed, seemingly selflessly, for his family like working hard and keeping the house warm with a fire. One line stuck out to me as important, and it makes me lean towards the idea of an unappreciated father figure, rather than abusive. "No one ever thanked him" (Hayden, line 5) offers the image of a hard-working man who is respected but somehow never thanked. Well, now that I think about that line more, I lean the other way, towards an abusive figure who frightened them. Also, "speaking indifferently" (Hayden, line 10) creates an image of scared children who were not emotionally involved with their father. So overall with this poem, I am unsure of its meaning and will need to get a better grasp of others' opinions tomorrow in the discussion.
The Drunkard- Frank O'Connor
"The Drunkard"
Frank O'Connor
This was by far my favorite piece that we read in this unit because it was the funniest and most entertaining overall. The second question from the book asks what undertones of pathos are included in the story. Larry's father has a difficult job and is not paid as much as he wishes. Like many others, he turns to drinking because he is not very pleased with what life has handed him. He begins to love funerals because they offer excuses for him to drink heavily, and I think it's hilarious that Larry recall's his father's wanting to skip out on a half day of work just to go to the funeral of someone he hardly knew. I also enjoyed the heavy irony in the story when Larry, just a child, drinks the entire pint and Father drank nothing during the night at the pub. Larry was the "drunkard" for the night, which actually caused his father to stop indulging in alcohol after he got a first-hand glance of what it did to a person. I liked when the ladies laughed at him because it further demonstrated to Father what he must look like stumbling home drunk. However, my favorite part was the irony at the very end of the story when Larry's mother tells him "It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian angel" (O'Connor, page 351). What mother appreciates her child's getting drunk? At first, this seemed completely irrational, but then I realized that he really did stop his father from drinking more which was more definitely worth one night of drunkenness. This really stood out to me because it explained the solution to Father's drinking problem; after he saw his son drunk, he realized how terrible he must appear and promised to swear off drinking.
Frank O'Connor
This was by far my favorite piece that we read in this unit because it was the funniest and most entertaining overall. The second question from the book asks what undertones of pathos are included in the story. Larry's father has a difficult job and is not paid as much as he wishes. Like many others, he turns to drinking because he is not very pleased with what life has handed him. He begins to love funerals because they offer excuses for him to drink heavily, and I think it's hilarious that Larry recall's his father's wanting to skip out on a half day of work just to go to the funeral of someone he hardly knew. I also enjoyed the heavy irony in the story when Larry, just a child, drinks the entire pint and Father drank nothing during the night at the pub. Larry was the "drunkard" for the night, which actually caused his father to stop indulging in alcohol after he got a first-hand glance of what it did to a person. I liked when the ladies laughed at him because it further demonstrated to Father what he must look like stumbling home drunk. However, my favorite part was the irony at the very end of the story when Larry's mother tells him "It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian angel" (O'Connor, page 351). What mother appreciates her child's getting drunk? At first, this seemed completely irrational, but then I realized that he really did stop his father from drinking more which was more definitely worth one night of drunkenness. This really stood out to me because it explained the solution to Father's drinking problem; after he saw his son drunk, he realized how terrible he must appear and promised to swear off drinking.
Once Upon a Time- Nadine Gordimer
"Once Upon a Time"
Nadine Gordimer
This story was a little strange, but slightly more interesting than the first one. I want to answer one of the questions from the book because I just liked it. Number two asks about the elements that contribute to the sense of a child's story. First, I noticed the terms "you have been warned" (Gordimer, page 233) and "happily every after," which was mentioned numerous times throughout the passage. These relate her story to all the stories we read and were told as children which included similar phrases. Gordimer also included descriptions of the characters in the story as "wise old witch" and "prince." The story also contradicts the thoughts of the original narrator, as she thought about getting security systems, and the mother and father in the story did what she wished she'd done. The title further contributes to the theme of the story because "once upon a time" is one of the most common phrases found in children's stories. Like most stories, there is also a mythical creature--in this case, a dragon. The last page of the story also contains the phrase "sleeping beauty" to describe the scene in which the son, pretending to save a girl, tries to climb across the fence. That scene was very weird and seemed to be completely out of the ordinary for this text.
Nadine Gordimer
This story was a little strange, but slightly more interesting than the first one. I want to answer one of the questions from the book because I just liked it. Number two asks about the elements that contribute to the sense of a child's story. First, I noticed the terms "you have been warned" (Gordimer, page 233) and "happily every after," which was mentioned numerous times throughout the passage. These relate her story to all the stories we read and were told as children which included similar phrases. Gordimer also included descriptions of the characters in the story as "wise old witch" and "prince." The story also contradicts the thoughts of the original narrator, as she thought about getting security systems, and the mother and father in the story did what she wished she'd done. The title further contributes to the theme of the story because "once upon a time" is one of the most common phrases found in children's stories. Like most stories, there is also a mythical creature--in this case, a dragon. The last page of the story also contains the phrase "sleeping beauty" to describe the scene in which the son, pretending to save a girl, tries to climb across the fence. That scene was very weird and seemed to be completely out of the ordinary for this text.
A Worn Path- Eudora Welty
"A Worn Path"
Eudora Welty
This poem was just kind of weird. However, I loved the diction and the descriptions Welty provided of Phoenix. On the first page, there are terrific descriptions of her and the manner in which she moves. The old woman seems a bit out of her mind when she yells at the animals and starts talking to herself. The story of her journey was amazing, really, because she could not clearly see the scarecrow that was within arm's reach. She keeps talking to herself and answering questions that no one is asking, which also contributes to her old age and loss of sense. It was also interesting that everyone Phoenix met called her "granny." I think it lends to the idea that her trip is re-occurring and the whole community knows her. I am one of the ones who believes her grandson to be dead because of the physical description of him, sitting still with his mouth constantly open. One of the nurses says "throat never heals, does it?" (Welty, page 229). To me, that definitely sounded as if he wasn't alive, and the medical staff knows that.
Eudora Welty
This poem was just kind of weird. However, I loved the diction and the descriptions Welty provided of Phoenix. On the first page, there are terrific descriptions of her and the manner in which she moves. The old woman seems a bit out of her mind when she yells at the animals and starts talking to herself. The story of her journey was amazing, really, because she could not clearly see the scarecrow that was within arm's reach. She keeps talking to herself and answering questions that no one is asking, which also contributes to her old age and loss of sense. It was also interesting that everyone Phoenix met called her "granny." I think it lends to the idea that her trip is re-occurring and the whole community knows her. I am one of the ones who believes her grandson to be dead because of the physical description of him, sitting still with his mouth constantly open. One of the nurses says "throat never heals, does it?" (Welty, page 229). To me, that definitely sounded as if he wasn't alive, and the medical staff knows that.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
A Raisin in the Sun 5
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
I really enjoyed this play, but it's kind of hard for me to read a play and not being able to see it performed. The stage directions help, but it's just not the same. They did, however, allow me to visualize what was happening. I really liked some of the directions because they were pretty funny and so low-key. Several times, Hansberry used phrases like "no particular age" and "not much of a deceptive type" (Hansberry, page 99). These are really a vital rhetorical strategy, even though they are not actually dialogue in they play. I would argue that the italicized words are sometimes more important than what the characters are saying because they offer bits of the other senses which really enhance the story. The play may be very different when acted on a stage, but by reading the A Raisin in the Sun, we can visualize exactly what Hansberry wanted to write and how she wanted it to come across to the audience.
I want to wrap up this play with a comment about "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes which was at the beginning of the book. I don't know if Lorraine Hansberry originally included it as a prelude to the play or if Robert Nemiroff included it in this production, but I feel that it is very important to the plot and major themes of the play. I talks about an important dream that is deferred, and Walter's dream was indefinitely deferred in "A Raisin in the Sun." However, Mama realized her dream of living among the white people in a more upper-scale house, and I like to think that Beneatha accomplishes her dream of becoming a doctor and hopefully goes to Africa with Asagai to practice medicine.
Lorraine Hansberry
I really enjoyed this play, but it's kind of hard for me to read a play and not being able to see it performed. The stage directions help, but it's just not the same. They did, however, allow me to visualize what was happening. I really liked some of the directions because they were pretty funny and so low-key. Several times, Hansberry used phrases like "no particular age" and "not much of a deceptive type" (Hansberry, page 99). These are really a vital rhetorical strategy, even though they are not actually dialogue in they play. I would argue that the italicized words are sometimes more important than what the characters are saying because they offer bits of the other senses which really enhance the story. The play may be very different when acted on a stage, but by reading the A Raisin in the Sun, we can visualize exactly what Hansberry wanted to write and how she wanted it to come across to the audience.
I want to wrap up this play with a comment about "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes which was at the beginning of the book. I don't know if Lorraine Hansberry originally included it as a prelude to the play or if Robert Nemiroff included it in this production, but I feel that it is very important to the plot and major themes of the play. I talks about an important dream that is deferred, and Walter's dream was indefinitely deferred in "A Raisin in the Sun." However, Mama realized her dream of living among the white people in a more upper-scale house, and I like to think that Beneatha accomplishes her dream of becoming a doctor and hopefully goes to Africa with Asagai to practice medicine.
A Raisin in the Sun 4
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
Mama is one character who feels compelled to make a decision which she probably would not have taken without the pressures from members of her family. "I spec if it wasn't for you all...I would just put that money away or give it to the church or something" (Hansberry, page 69). When she found out about the $10,000 insurance check for the passing of her husband, she did not tell her family what she was thinking about doing. Ruth suggested she take a nice, long trip in Europe, but Walter had other ideas for spending the money. He wanted to invest in a liquor store, but Mama thought this to be an inappropriate profession for her well-mannered son. At last, we learn that Lena put a down payment on a nice house in an all-white neighborhood and wanted to put a portion of the check in the bank for Beneatha and her medical studies. She also gave Walter a portion to invest because he was so adamant about it and she just wanted to please her children. This seemed to great until Walter lost all of the money, except for the part that already went towards the new house. If Walter had not been so annoying and stopped asking her all the time for the money, then she would not have chosen to give him some. The money could have helped out her family and provided better for the new baby, but Walter let his dreams get the better of him. He also would have made different decisions regarding the check if he would have controlled his dreams and actually thought through the investment plan before jumping into things.
Lorraine Hansberry
Mama is one character who feels compelled to make a decision which she probably would not have taken without the pressures from members of her family. "I spec if it wasn't for you all...I would just put that money away or give it to the church or something" (Hansberry, page 69). When she found out about the $10,000 insurance check for the passing of her husband, she did not tell her family what she was thinking about doing. Ruth suggested she take a nice, long trip in Europe, but Walter had other ideas for spending the money. He wanted to invest in a liquor store, but Mama thought this to be an inappropriate profession for her well-mannered son. At last, we learn that Lena put a down payment on a nice house in an all-white neighborhood and wanted to put a portion of the check in the bank for Beneatha and her medical studies. She also gave Walter a portion to invest because he was so adamant about it and she just wanted to please her children. This seemed to great until Walter lost all of the money, except for the part that already went towards the new house. If Walter had not been so annoying and stopped asking her all the time for the money, then she would not have chosen to give him some. The money could have helped out her family and provided better for the new baby, but Walter let his dreams get the better of him. He also would have made different decisions regarding the check if he would have controlled his dreams and actually thought through the investment plan before jumping into things.
A Raisin in the Sun 3
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
Another important question from the sheet was number 8, which asked for two characters who contrast. We discussed this for a while in our small group today in class, and I think that it is vital to the plot and central themes of the play. Beneatha is most affected by Asagai and George who both pull her in opposite directions. George Murchison is the character who wants her to give up her dreams of becoming a doctor and wants her to just assimilate into the common culture of Chicago. Completely opposite, Asagai encourages Beneatha to pursue her education and to be her own person. When he asks her to marry him, he wants to bring her back to Africa with him so that they can both make a difference in others' lives. While this seems pleasing to Beneatha, she also realizes the financial toll the trip would make on her. That is the upside to George--he could offer her financial stability and a nice home. The money is particularly important because she had just learned of Walters' bogus investment, so she needs some future plans of stability. She said in desperation, "Asagai, while i was sleeping in that bed in there, people went out and took the future right out of my hands! And nobody asked me, nobody consulted me--they just went out and changed my life!" (Hansberry, page 134). This was very sad for Beneatha because she nobly wanted to enter the medical world as a black, female doctor, which was a great enough feat on its own.
Lorraine Hansberry
Another important question from the sheet was number 8, which asked for two characters who contrast. We discussed this for a while in our small group today in class, and I think that it is vital to the plot and central themes of the play. Beneatha is most affected by Asagai and George who both pull her in opposite directions. George Murchison is the character who wants her to give up her dreams of becoming a doctor and wants her to just assimilate into the common culture of Chicago. Completely opposite, Asagai encourages Beneatha to pursue her education and to be her own person. When he asks her to marry him, he wants to bring her back to Africa with him so that they can both make a difference in others' lives. While this seems pleasing to Beneatha, she also realizes the financial toll the trip would make on her. That is the upside to George--he could offer her financial stability and a nice home. The money is particularly important because she had just learned of Walters' bogus investment, so she needs some future plans of stability. She said in desperation, "Asagai, while i was sleeping in that bed in there, people went out and took the future right out of my hands! And nobody asked me, nobody consulted me--they just went out and changed my life!" (Hansberry, page 134). This was very sad for Beneatha because she nobly wanted to enter the medical world as a black, female doctor, which was a great enough feat on its own.
A Raisin in the Sun 2
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
The setting of A Raisin in the Sun plays a huge role in the actions, feelings, and thoughts of the characters. In Chicago in the 1950-60's, there were different sections of town for different races and black people still could not do everything that they wanted to. The Younger family lived all together in one small apartment and they all had jobs, yet they could not move up in the world. Beneatha is a great example of this because she wants to further her education and become a doctor to help others. Female doctors were not common at that time period, much less African American female doctors. I also think that the setting influenced the generation gap between Lena and Beneatha. Throughout the first Act, they have a few disagreements over current issues, and she doesn't understand why Beneatha does not want to marry George, who is wealthy and can offer her a better way of life. The modern woman in Beneatha wants her own career and wants to be dependent on solely herself. The setting of the play also has significant impact on Lena who just wants to provide for her family, but also to keep them on the moral track, despite what society is demonstrating. Again with the generation gap, Mama, in response to Beneatha's calling her brother "a flip," asks helplessly "What's a flip?" (Hansberry, page 49). The obvious age difference creates conflict between many of the characters because the world was just different when Lena was just thirty. Lastly, Ruth was greatly impacted by the setting of their lives when she decided to get an abortion because she feared they could not care for the child financially and possibly because Walter would not want another child.
Lorraine Hansberry
The setting of A Raisin in the Sun plays a huge role in the actions, feelings, and thoughts of the characters. In Chicago in the 1950-60's, there were different sections of town for different races and black people still could not do everything that they wanted to. The Younger family lived all together in one small apartment and they all had jobs, yet they could not move up in the world. Beneatha is a great example of this because she wants to further her education and become a doctor to help others. Female doctors were not common at that time period, much less African American female doctors. I also think that the setting influenced the generation gap between Lena and Beneatha. Throughout the first Act, they have a few disagreements over current issues, and she doesn't understand why Beneatha does not want to marry George, who is wealthy and can offer her a better way of life. The modern woman in Beneatha wants her own career and wants to be dependent on solely herself. The setting of the play also has significant impact on Lena who just wants to provide for her family, but also to keep them on the moral track, despite what society is demonstrating. Again with the generation gap, Mama, in response to Beneatha's calling her brother "a flip," asks helplessly "What's a flip?" (Hansberry, page 49). The obvious age difference creates conflict between many of the characters because the world was just different when Lena was just thirty. Lastly, Ruth was greatly impacted by the setting of their lives when she decided to get an abortion because she feared they could not care for the child financially and possibly because Walter would not want another child.
A Raisin in the Sun 1
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
Throughout the first Act of A Raisin in the Son, all of the main characters are searching for a better way of life, although some choose not to act on these dreams. Walter Younger, with considerably more active dreams than his mother, wife, or sister, wants to escape their life of poverty and become wealthy enough to support his family. He plans to invest in the liquor business because he thinks that it's a surefire way of getting wealthy. On page 32, Walter says "You tired, ain't you? Tired of everything. Me, the boy, the way we live--this beat-up hole--everything. Ain't you?" Throughout the first and second Acts, Walter becomes more emphatic and spirited as he tries to accomplish his dreams. On the other side, there is Ruth who does not approve of the means of attaining wealth. It seems that she is okay settling with her simple life of work and few monetary rewards, yet she still wants a little less stress. Her passiveness majorly conflicts with Walter who wants the wealthy lifestyle, regardless of the means of attaining it. Lena favors Ruth in this aspect because she doesn't approve of the liquor business, so she is a little weary of giving part of the insurance check towards that investment. She wants to spend part of the money on the new house and part on Beneatha's education. Beneatha also has a dream for a better life--becoming a doctor and helping people. While both siblings have important dreams, Beneatha desires to help the sick and make a difference and Walter just has monetary gains in mind (and I suppose his family).
Lorraine Hansberry
Throughout the first Act of A Raisin in the Son, all of the main characters are searching for a better way of life, although some choose not to act on these dreams. Walter Younger, with considerably more active dreams than his mother, wife, or sister, wants to escape their life of poverty and become wealthy enough to support his family. He plans to invest in the liquor business because he thinks that it's a surefire way of getting wealthy. On page 32, Walter says "You tired, ain't you? Tired of everything. Me, the boy, the way we live--this beat-up hole--everything. Ain't you?" Throughout the first and second Acts, Walter becomes more emphatic and spirited as he tries to accomplish his dreams. On the other side, there is Ruth who does not approve of the means of attaining wealth. It seems that she is okay settling with her simple life of work and few monetary rewards, yet she still wants a little less stress. Her passiveness majorly conflicts with Walter who wants the wealthy lifestyle, regardless of the means of attaining it. Lena favors Ruth in this aspect because she doesn't approve of the liquor business, so she is a little weary of giving part of the insurance check towards that investment. She wants to spend part of the money on the new house and part on Beneatha's education. Beneatha also has a dream for a better life--becoming a doctor and helping people. While both siblings have important dreams, Beneatha desires to help the sick and make a difference and Walter just has monetary gains in mind (and I suppose his family).
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Interpreter of Maladies
"Interpreter of Maladies"
Jhumpa Lahiri
This story was very interesting, and of course a little sad because of they way the Dases treated their children and really, each other. I did not like how they constantly rejected them and tossed them aside for the pleasures they enjoyed. The culture difference probably stood out the most to me because we could see how both sides lived--the Indian family who was totally Americanized and the people living in India. Mr. Das is explicitly proud of his American life and wants to see the culture without actually acknowledging his Indian roots. Like Dee from "Everyday Life," he just wanted to experience the parts of his heritage/culture that filled his wants. Even though he was in fact of Indian dissent, he chose the American lifestyle which was very different. "The family looked Indian but dressed as foreigners did" (Lahiri). The tourist aspect of the short story was very interesting because it was like the Dases were experiencing their culture through the eyes of others: they took many pictures and seemed very centered on their own wants, when most parents would cherish the opportunity to show their children where their parents came from. On the other side of the culture difference was Mr. Kapasi who lived in India and worked as the Das' tour guide for their vacation. The story was very sad because he had lost his son, did not seem to love his wife because their marriage had been arranged, and he had a little crush on Mina Das, who drastically offended him with the tale of her son's being another man's. In his mind, one did not commit adultery, which was probably only possible to Mrs. Das because of American influences in her life. She also told Kapasi that she was in a loveless marriage, which paralleled his marriage, but he probably had no intentions of calling it off with her because it wasn't done in his culture.
Jhumpa Lahiri
This story was very interesting, and of course a little sad because of they way the Dases treated their children and really, each other. I did not like how they constantly rejected them and tossed them aside for the pleasures they enjoyed. The culture difference probably stood out the most to me because we could see how both sides lived--the Indian family who was totally Americanized and the people living in India. Mr. Das is explicitly proud of his American life and wants to see the culture without actually acknowledging his Indian roots. Like Dee from "Everyday Life," he just wanted to experience the parts of his heritage/culture that filled his wants. Even though he was in fact of Indian dissent, he chose the American lifestyle which was very different. "The family looked Indian but dressed as foreigners did" (Lahiri). The tourist aspect of the short story was very interesting because it was like the Dases were experiencing their culture through the eyes of others: they took many pictures and seemed very centered on their own wants, when most parents would cherish the opportunity to show their children where their parents came from. On the other side of the culture difference was Mr. Kapasi who lived in India and worked as the Das' tour guide for their vacation. The story was very sad because he had lost his son, did not seem to love his wife because their marriage had been arranged, and he had a little crush on Mina Das, who drastically offended him with the tale of her son's being another man's. In his mind, one did not commit adultery, which was probably only possible to Mrs. Das because of American influences in her life. She also told Kapasi that she was in a loveless marriage, which paralleled his marriage, but he probably had no intentions of calling it off with her because it wasn't done in his culture.
Everyday Use
"Everyday Use"
Alice Walker
I really enjoyed this short story, but absolutely hated Dee. She was extremely annoying and totally rude to her mother and younger sister, who obviously needed special love and attention. I just felt sad throughout the entire story (until the last few paragraphs) because the woman tried so hard to give her children the most out of life, and Dee just hops back in their lives and takes advantage of everything they have. It reminded me of the novel we read last year for AP Lang, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places. In the book, Le Ly's older sister kind of gave up her heritage for the life of a modern woman. I really enjoyed that book too, but her sister was not a major character like Dee was in "Everyday Use" (Walker). I thought this short story was kind of funny too because the woman kept calling her son-in-law(?) Asalamalakim because he had greeted them with that. For whatever reason, I think it's hilarious when people call other people by nicknames from things they say or do. Anyway, I really liked the ending because Dee got what she deserved and Maggie got to keep the quilts. The last paragraph was really sweet because it described her real smile, presumable after frowning for years while Dee stepped all over them.
Alice Walker
I really enjoyed this short story, but absolutely hated Dee. She was extremely annoying and totally rude to her mother and younger sister, who obviously needed special love and attention. I just felt sad throughout the entire story (until the last few paragraphs) because the woman tried so hard to give her children the most out of life, and Dee just hops back in their lives and takes advantage of everything they have. It reminded me of the novel we read last year for AP Lang, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places. In the book, Le Ly's older sister kind of gave up her heritage for the life of a modern woman. I really enjoyed that book too, but her sister was not a major character like Dee was in "Everyday Use" (Walker). I thought this short story was kind of funny too because the woman kept calling her son-in-law(?) Asalamalakim because he had greeted them with that. For whatever reason, I think it's hilarious when people call other people by nicknames from things they say or do. Anyway, I really liked the ending because Dee got what she deserved and Maggie got to keep the quilts. The last paragraph was really sweet because it described her real smile, presumable after frowning for years while Dee stepped all over them.
Hazel Tells Laverne
"Hazel Tells Laverne"
Katharyn Howd Machan
This was probably the most entertaining poem we've read so far just because of the way she dictated her thoughts. Her point of view and manner of telling the story were really funny as I imagined the scene really playing out. I originally noticed that she used absolutely no punctuation or capitalization in the poem, so the breaks stand for breaks and alter the flow of her words. They imply commas and periods, but they surprisingly don't detract from the meaning--they enhance it. From the details included in the poem, working at Howard Johnsons and her not-so-elegant diction, we can determine that she is uneducated and probably has a dead-end job. The words like "hitsm," and "ta" and the invented "sohelpmegod" (Machan) all display her lack of formal education and her mood while she tells Laverne the story. I think that by repeating the lines "me a princess" (Machan), she displays her thoughts about being a princess--she could never be one because she lives such a non-fancy life. When Hazel sees the frog, she is in disbelief and calls him a pervert, which adds to the idea that she doesn't think she deserves or expects a prince to come to her rescue. Obviously, this is a pretty loose interpretation of the original Frog Prince story, and the ending is very different. However, the poem does explain a completely different side to life because not everyone, actually hardly anyone, gets to go through life as a princess would.
Katharyn Howd Machan
Mr. Z
"Mr. Z"
M. Carl Holman
With this poem, I really focused on the last line, which seemed to contradict the entire poem, but really just further revealed Mr. Z's character. "'One of the most distinguished members of his race'" (Holman). The entire poem talked about how he had transformed himself from a black man to a whiter black man. It even discussed how his wife had also lost her identity in favor of the better, perhaps easier, lifestyle when she was born Jewish. This line, completely ironic, does make perfect sense because Mr. Z wanted to assume the identity of the norm and presumably a white man, but in doing so, he greatly distinguished himself from his true race which was cast down in society at the time. Irony is also found several times before in the poem, such as in lines 16 and 22. These all parallel the irony of wanting to be a different race, when race is never able to change. Although Mr. Z strove throughout his entire life to be like the white race, he apparently struck no "false note" (Holman) in doing so. The white men probably appreciated him for being proper and assimilating, yet he still died a black man. I think Holman is satirizing society which had embellished the white race and expected others to fall in line, and he obviously did not approve.
M. Carl Holman
With this poem, I really focused on the last line, which seemed to contradict the entire poem, but really just further revealed Mr. Z's character. "'One of the most distinguished members of his race'" (Holman). The entire poem talked about how he had transformed himself from a black man to a whiter black man. It even discussed how his wife had also lost her identity in favor of the better, perhaps easier, lifestyle when she was born Jewish. This line, completely ironic, does make perfect sense because Mr. Z wanted to assume the identity of the norm and presumably a white man, but in doing so, he greatly distinguished himself from his true race which was cast down in society at the time. Irony is also found several times before in the poem, such as in lines 16 and 22. These all parallel the irony of wanting to be a different race, when race is never able to change. Although Mr. Z strove throughout his entire life to be like the white race, he apparently struck no "false note" (Holman) in doing so. The white men probably appreciated him for being proper and assimilating, yet he still died a black man. I think Holman is satirizing society which had embellished the white race and expected others to fall in line, and he obviously did not approve.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Dream Deferred
"Dream Deferred"
Langston Hughes
First, I just want to connect to APUSH last year because I'm pretty sure we read this and a few others of Hughes in class. As when I read it last year, I really liked it and its message. I also want to answer the second question from the book because I like it and had forgotten that Langston Hughes was a black American. I originally thought this poem just talked about a dream in life that is not acted upon. However, when I learned a little of Hughes' background and the span of his lifetime, I understood this poem to be about the "deferred" dreams of black Americans before the Civil Rights Movement near the end of Hughes' life. I think this represents not just his dreams, but the dreams of all oppressed members of society at that time. Rhetorically, I noticed the rhetorical questions, the three pauses between lines, and especially, the italicized line at the end of the poem. The questions causes the reader to invent his own solution to the problem Hughes has presented. He also utilizes different similes to ask "what happens to a dream deferred?" I think the three pauses are also important because they give the reader a second to consider what he wrote. I really enjoy the last line, "Or does it explode?," (Hughes) because it gives one final suggestion and possibly his favorite of the alternatives. It is italicized, I think, because it is the most important line and offers his answer to the question posed in the beginning.
Langston Hughes
First, I just want to connect to APUSH last year because I'm pretty sure we read this and a few others of Hughes in class. As when I read it last year, I really liked it and its message. I also want to answer the second question from the book because I like it and had forgotten that Langston Hughes was a black American. I originally thought this poem just talked about a dream in life that is not acted upon. However, when I learned a little of Hughes' background and the span of his lifetime, I understood this poem to be about the "deferred" dreams of black Americans before the Civil Rights Movement near the end of Hughes' life. I think this represents not just his dreams, but the dreams of all oppressed members of society at that time. Rhetorically, I noticed the rhetorical questions, the three pauses between lines, and especially, the italicized line at the end of the poem. The questions causes the reader to invent his own solution to the problem Hughes has presented. He also utilizes different similes to ask "what happens to a dream deferred?" I think the three pauses are also important because they give the reader a second to consider what he wrote. I really enjoy the last line, "Or does it explode?," (Hughes) because it gives one final suggestion and possibly his favorite of the alternatives. It is italicized, I think, because it is the most important line and offers his answer to the question posed in the beginning.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Poetry--Lawrence Perrine
"The Nature of Proof in the Interpretation of Poetry"
Laurence Perrine
I really enjoyed reading this article/essay, but I do not exactly agree with everything Perrine claimed. He wrote that "there are correct and incorrect readings," but I think that there is no wrong answer when it comes to reading and analyzing poetry. However, I do think that poets have certain meanings and themes that they want to convey with their works, and readers should be open to those understandings. For the most part, I agree with Perrine because his theory actually makes very much sense. He says that the correct interpretation satisfies every detail of the poem and must not contradict any piece of the work. This makes perfect sense because the poet put every detail in the poem for a specific reason. He also says that the interpretation must be the most "economical," meaning the one that makes the most sense with all the information present in the poem. In the fifth paragraph on page 4, Perrine talked about how one detail would bring to mind a wide interpretation, but by taking in more details, we can picture just the one correct image. As much as I want to disagree with him, this makes total sense. Actually, the more I think about his theories, the more I agree and say that every poem has just one solid meaning, even though I sometimes don't fully understand it.
To be honest, Perrine kind of made me feel like a idiot because I did not have the same sense of the poems that he did--especially with the four poems we read for our last assignment. I thought my interpretations of the poems made sense, but now that I read his, I realize that they make so much more sense. Every detail of the poems are accounted for, and I see that some of mine contradicted themselves. However, I don't think we were that far off with our interpretations because he mentioned all of them in the paper--and then disproved them all. With the Dickinson poem, we thought that it had something to do with nature or a scene with flowers or sailors, but it actually was about a sunset. Now that I know that, it makes more sense than our initial interpretations; the concrete evidence about the original title and the individual details also correspond to his sunset idea. With the Rose poem, we were right on with our thoughts on something pure with its evil counterpart, but we missed the difference between the Melville and Whitman poems. Reading the third paragraph on page 4, I especially felt dumb because he says that the repetition of certain words in the Melville piece "immediately suggests stars," which I totally missed when I read it. Like most of our class, I thought they were both about the Civil War, or just any war in history.
Laurence Perrine
I really enjoyed reading this article/essay, but I do not exactly agree with everything Perrine claimed. He wrote that "there are correct and incorrect readings," but I think that there is no wrong answer when it comes to reading and analyzing poetry. However, I do think that poets have certain meanings and themes that they want to convey with their works, and readers should be open to those understandings. For the most part, I agree with Perrine because his theory actually makes very much sense. He says that the correct interpretation satisfies every detail of the poem and must not contradict any piece of the work. This makes perfect sense because the poet put every detail in the poem for a specific reason. He also says that the interpretation must be the most "economical," meaning the one that makes the most sense with all the information present in the poem. In the fifth paragraph on page 4, Perrine talked about how one detail would bring to mind a wide interpretation, but by taking in more details, we can picture just the one correct image. As much as I want to disagree with him, this makes total sense. Actually, the more I think about his theories, the more I agree and say that every poem has just one solid meaning, even though I sometimes don't fully understand it.
To be honest, Perrine kind of made me feel like a idiot because I did not have the same sense of the poems that he did--especially with the four poems we read for our last assignment. I thought my interpretations of the poems made sense, but now that I read his, I realize that they make so much more sense. Every detail of the poems are accounted for, and I see that some of mine contradicted themselves. However, I don't think we were that far off with our interpretations because he mentioned all of them in the paper--and then disproved them all. With the Dickinson poem, we thought that it had something to do with nature or a scene with flowers or sailors, but it actually was about a sunset. Now that I know that, it makes more sense than our initial interpretations; the concrete evidence about the original title and the individual details also correspond to his sunset idea. With the Rose poem, we were right on with our thoughts on something pure with its evil counterpart, but we missed the difference between the Melville and Whitman poems. Reading the third paragraph on page 4, I especially felt dumb because he says that the repetition of certain words in the Melville piece "immediately suggests stars," which I totally missed when I read it. Like most of our class, I thought they were both about the Civil War, or just any war in history.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Like I said, I did enjoy The Great Gatsby more than The House of Mirth. Even though both were tragedies, we expected something like this with this novel, and with The House of Mirth, I never really expected that, or even her death.
Both novels contained some seriously beautiful styles of diction, and I think I prefer F. Scott Fitzgerald's because his made more sense, probably because it was written twenty years closer to the modern age. Specifically, Wharton did not really beautify Lily Bart's death, but Fitzgerald did. I won't comment on that again because I think I already have like four times... Two random examples of beautiful diction are "he came alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor" (Fitzgerald, page 78) and "the great central lantern overhead shed a brightness on the women's hair and struck sparks from their jewels as they moved" (Wharton, page 19), though I could have flipped to a page at random and find a passage I love.
I really enjoyed characters in both novels, except for Tom and Gus, both antagonists, but I did love even their descriptions and they way both authors brought their characters to life.
And although this shouldn't really matter, it does when reading something for a class--the length of the novels. At 180 smaller pages, The Great Gatsby is significantly shorter than The House of Mirth (268 pages), which I actually think should be longer because the last few scenes are so rushed with Lily and Selden's last encounter and her overdose and death.
Thanks, Mr. Costello for assigning the way longer novel first...=)
And one final comment on The Great Gatsby. I totally think the person on the cover looks like a woman... Why the red lips and dark eyes? I did love the picture of the city, though, along the bottom.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Like I said, I did enjoy The Great Gatsby more than The House of Mirth. Even though both were tragedies, we expected something like this with this novel, and with The House of Mirth, I never really expected that, or even her death.
Both novels contained some seriously beautiful styles of diction, and I think I prefer F. Scott Fitzgerald's because his made more sense, probably because it was written twenty years closer to the modern age. Specifically, Wharton did not really beautify Lily Bart's death, but Fitzgerald did. I won't comment on that again because I think I already have like four times... Two random examples of beautiful diction are "he came alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor" (Fitzgerald, page 78) and "the great central lantern overhead shed a brightness on the women's hair and struck sparks from their jewels as they moved" (Wharton, page 19), though I could have flipped to a page at random and find a passage I love.
I really enjoyed characters in both novels, except for Tom and Gus, both antagonists, but I did love even their descriptions and they way both authors brought their characters to life.
And although this shouldn't really matter, it does when reading something for a class--the length of the novels. At 180 smaller pages, The Great Gatsby is significantly shorter than The House of Mirth (268 pages), which I actually think should be longer because the last few scenes are so rushed with Lily and Selden's last encounter and her overdose and death.
Thanks, Mr. Costello for assigning the way longer novel first...=)
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Well, I definitely liked this novel more than The House of Mirth! However, there were still some parts that I didn't appreciate. I think that Fitzgerald was, just like Wharton, all over the place at times, with the narrations and especially the dialogue. This jumpiness contributed greatly to my misunderstanding and confusion at times, but certain scenes seem to fall into place a little after reading further.
On Fitzgerald's style, I would definitely say that I love it! His diction was often-times very beautiful and thoughtful, and even funny when the scene called for it. Some of my favorite lines in the book were funny comments Nick made of society or people he met. He called a few men "Mr. Mumblers" and another, "Owl Eyes" (Fitzgerald, page 54). I also loved the way Nick viewed the world, often with humor.
I really like Jay Gatsby, even though I still don't understand exactly what illegal businesses he was involved with and his relationship with Daisy Buchanan. I've said it a hundred times, but I hate Tom because of his view of women and the pompous manner in which he brings science into every situation and conversation. I like both prominent women, Daisy and Jordan, because of their forward manners and lightness they bring to the story.
After reading The Great Gatsby, I really want to watch the up-coming film with Leo DiCaprio and maybe read some of Fitzgerald's other works. [I did pick up Summer, another Wharton piece, from the library last week.] Although I was not pleased with the ending of this novel, Fitzgerald's beautiful diction entices me to read some of his other classic pieces. This year, I have decided to read one novel, not involved with school, once a week from my loooong reading list, which I will, unfortunately, never finish in my lifetime, but at least it's a start.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Well, I definitely liked this novel more than The House of Mirth! However, there were still some parts that I didn't appreciate. I think that Fitzgerald was, just like Wharton, all over the place at times, with the narrations and especially the dialogue. This jumpiness contributed greatly to my misunderstanding and confusion at times, but certain scenes seem to fall into place a little after reading further.
On Fitzgerald's style, I would definitely say that I love it! His diction was often-times very beautiful and thoughtful, and even funny when the scene called for it. Some of my favorite lines in the book were funny comments Nick made of society or people he met. He called a few men "Mr. Mumblers" and another, "Owl Eyes" (Fitzgerald, page 54). I also loved the way Nick viewed the world, often with humor.
I really like Jay Gatsby, even though I still don't understand exactly what illegal businesses he was involved with and his relationship with Daisy Buchanan. I've said it a hundred times, but I hate Tom because of his view of women and the pompous manner in which he brings science into every situation and conversation. I like both prominent women, Daisy and Jordan, because of their forward manners and lightness they bring to the story.
After reading The Great Gatsby, I really want to watch the up-coming film with Leo DiCaprio and maybe read some of Fitzgerald's other works. [I did pick up Summer, another Wharton piece, from the library last week.] Although I was not pleased with the ending of this novel, Fitzgerald's beautiful diction entices me to read some of his other classic pieces. This year, I have decided to read one novel, not involved with school, once a week from my loooong reading list, which I will, unfortunately, never finish in my lifetime, but at least it's a start.
The Great Gatsby Chapter 9
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The last part of chapter 8 and the entirety of chapter 9 contained the falling action and resolution.
Falling Action: After the death of Myrtle, Wilson sort of loses his mind and begins to investigate her death. He tries to find out who the owner of the car is (we know), and when he does, he goes to his house and presumably shoots him then himself. Like I said before, this scene was written so beautifully that I sort of missed the actual death because the beauty hides it so well. "Its accidental course with its accidental burden" (Fitzgerald, page 162) describes Gatsby's death so perfectly. The weirdest part of the whole thing is that Daisy leaves and is nowhere to be seen. Why didn't she come to see him at all or at least go to his funeral? I'll blame Tom; he probably refused to let her out of his sight after the affair with Gatsby...I hate Tom. So that was weird, but also, where was Jordan? She seemed to be friends with him, and she didn't attend the funeral or even call Nick about him.
Resolution/ Denouement: The story ends with Gatsby's terrible funeral. It was just really sad that only three people attended the man's funeral. Even though he may not have been the nicest, most truthful, or most legal person, there should have been more people mourning his passing than three. I did really like Jay's father and wish we could have learned more about his past and views of his son, but we only got a few pages in the last chapter. "Owl Eyes" also attended, but I still don't really understand his purpose. The last chapter also contains Nicks meeting with Tom where he felt he could not tell him the truth of what happened that night. I wonder if Tom would have ended it with Daisy if he had known that she was the one who killed Myrtle... I guess I'm glad that Nick didn't say anything about it.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The last part of chapter 8 and the entirety of chapter 9 contained the falling action and resolution.
Falling Action: After the death of Myrtle, Wilson sort of loses his mind and begins to investigate her death. He tries to find out who the owner of the car is (we know), and when he does, he goes to his house and presumably shoots him then himself. Like I said before, this scene was written so beautifully that I sort of missed the actual death because the beauty hides it so well. "Its accidental course with its accidental burden" (Fitzgerald, page 162) describes Gatsby's death so perfectly. The weirdest part of the whole thing is that Daisy leaves and is nowhere to be seen. Why didn't she come to see him at all or at least go to his funeral? I'll blame Tom; he probably refused to let her out of his sight after the affair with Gatsby...I hate Tom. So that was weird, but also, where was Jordan? She seemed to be friends with him, and she didn't attend the funeral or even call Nick about him.
Resolution/ Denouement: The story ends with Gatsby's terrible funeral. It was just really sad that only three people attended the man's funeral. Even though he may not have been the nicest, most truthful, or most legal person, there should have been more people mourning his passing than three. I did really like Jay's father and wish we could have learned more about his past and views of his son, but we only got a few pages in the last chapter. "Owl Eyes" also attended, but I still don't really understand his purpose. The last chapter also contains Nicks meeting with Tom where he felt he could not tell him the truth of what happened that night. I wonder if Tom would have ended it with Daisy if he had known that she was the one who killed Myrtle... I guess I'm glad that Nick didn't say anything about it.
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Like in The House of Mirth, the setting of this novel plays a very important role in its plot and outcomes. The Roaring Twenties were a great time of joy in history just before the Great Depression in the 1930's. The Prohibition was a major cultural concern during this time because many people were dry (for prohibition), while many others were wet (pro-alcohol). "Bootleggers" (Fitzgerald, page 61) at the time gambled on their businesses with big risks, as the sale or consumption of alcohol was illegal. Here, I jump to Jay Gatsby because he was kind of a well-known bootlegger, and that's where he made his money to impress and gain back Daisy and her love. At another time in history, he would not have been able to have this "profession" and possibly would not have been nearly as successful and wealthy. Let's move on to Daisy, then. She was also greatly affected by the setting of the novel because she was too scared to divorce Tom for Jay. While I think divorces should not be taken lightly, I also think that she shouldn't suffer without the man she really loves, just for society's sake. Most women in the modern world choose to marry the men they love, rather than those society approves of, unlike Daisy who felt she had to marry Tom because she needed strong financial backing and Jay was gone in the war.
I also think the novel would have ended very differently if it had taken place in a more modern setting because Daisy would have, most likely, known that Tom was cheating on her (with the invention of cell phones and other devices), and people today would have been on her side if she chose to divorce him because of it, unlike society of the 1920's. Maybe, "Gatsby" (Daisy) would have been able to avoid hitting Myrtle if he had been driving a more modern car, and she possibly could have seen him coming down the street. Regardless, the police would have been able to track his car almost instantly because of modern devices, invented for doing just that.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
| Prohibition protestors |
I also think the novel would have ended very differently if it had taken place in a more modern setting because Daisy would have, most likely, known that Tom was cheating on her (with the invention of cell phones and other devices), and people today would have been on her side if she chose to divorce him because of it, unlike society of the 1920's. Maybe, "Gatsby" (Daisy) would have been able to avoid hitting Myrtle if he had been driving a more modern car, and she possibly could have seen him coming down the street. Regardless, the police would have been able to track his car almost instantly because of modern devices, invented for doing just that.
The Great Gatsby Chapter 8
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald's writing in this chapter was probably my favorite of the entire novel. Even the small, detailed descriptions of irrelevant moments were so beautiful. Some of my favorites include: "a sort of splash upon the keys of a ghostly piano," (Fitzgerald, page 147) "pervading the air with the shades and echoes of still vibrant emotions," (page 149) and "fresh and cool, as if a divot from a green golf-links had come sailing at the office window" (page 155). [I'll talk about my absolute favorite, albeit a little unorthodox, passage from the book in just a minute.] I also want to touch on the weirdness of Nick and Jordan's break-up because I still don't fully understand what happened. Their conversation was very stiff and I feel like we missed something between them, that only the author and characters were privy to.
And with just a touch of foreshadowing, we learn Gatsby's fate. "By half-past two he [Wilson] was in West Egg, where he asked some one the way to Gatsby's house. So by that time he knew Gatsby's name" (Fitzgerald, page 160). The two paragraphs concluding chapter 8 were the most gruesome, yet most beautiful in the entire novel, at least to me anyway. Gatsby's death was hidden in this small passage, yet we still understand what has transpired--"a holocaust" (Fitzgerald, page 192). Although we know for sure Gatsby and Wilson died, I want to clarify a bit. Wilson shot Jay and then himself, right?
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald's writing in this chapter was probably my favorite of the entire novel. Even the small, detailed descriptions of irrelevant moments were so beautiful. Some of my favorites include: "a sort of splash upon the keys of a ghostly piano," (Fitzgerald, page 147) "pervading the air with the shades and echoes of still vibrant emotions," (page 149) and "fresh and cool, as if a divot from a green golf-links had come sailing at the office window" (page 155). [I'll talk about my absolute favorite, albeit a little unorthodox, passage from the book in just a minute.] I also want to touch on the weirdness of Nick and Jordan's break-up because I still don't fully understand what happened. Their conversation was very stiff and I feel like we missed something between them, that only the author and characters were privy to.
And with just a touch of foreshadowing, we learn Gatsby's fate. "By half-past two he [Wilson] was in West Egg, where he asked some one the way to Gatsby's house. So by that time he knew Gatsby's name" (Fitzgerald, page 160). The two paragraphs concluding chapter 8 were the most gruesome, yet most beautiful in the entire novel, at least to me anyway. Gatsby's death was hidden in this small passage, yet we still understand what has transpired--"a holocaust" (Fitzgerald, page 192). Although we know for sure Gatsby and Wilson died, I want to clarify a bit. Wilson shot Jay and then himself, right?
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
This post is all about the plot-line of The Great Gatsby.
The Exposition: We meet Nick Carraway who moves next door to Jay Gatsby, who throws extravagant parties every weekend at his beautiful mansion. Nick's second cousin Daisy lives nearby, and they have a small dinner where he meets Jordan Baker.
Rising Action: Gatsby invites Nick to his parties and begins to befriend him, although Nick is never really privy to the truth about his new friend. They grow closer, and finally, Jay begins to utilize his new-found pawn, so Nick invites Daisy over for tea. We realize why Gatsby chose his house (because Daisy lives just across the bay) and why he chose Nick as a friend (because he wants to get back together with Daisy, the woman he's loved all his time). Tom introduces Myrtle, his mistress, and they seem to get along very well (the puppy), except when he goes off and punches her face (okay, that only happened once, but I just can't let it go). Tom is happy with his new woman, Daisy is ecstatic, re-united with Jay, and Nick is actually in a relationship with Ms. Baker.
Climax [chapters 7 and 8]: The whole little group goes out to the city for the day, and Tom confronts both Myrtle and Daisy about their situations. Myrtle is supposedly moving away with her husband, and Daisy is having an affair with the man she really loves. Both are huge blows for Tom: "She's not leaving me!" (Fitzgerald, page 133) he claimed about Daisy, although it would suit the situation for either woman. The second part of the climax continues with Gatsby, unintentionally, murdering Myrtle with his automobile.
Falling Action and Resolution: I'll analyze later.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
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| Completely unrelated, but so cool! |
The Exposition: We meet Nick Carraway who moves next door to Jay Gatsby, who throws extravagant parties every weekend at his beautiful mansion. Nick's second cousin Daisy lives nearby, and they have a small dinner where he meets Jordan Baker.
Rising Action: Gatsby invites Nick to his parties and begins to befriend him, although Nick is never really privy to the truth about his new friend. They grow closer, and finally, Jay begins to utilize his new-found pawn, so Nick invites Daisy over for tea. We realize why Gatsby chose his house (because Daisy lives just across the bay) and why he chose Nick as a friend (because he wants to get back together with Daisy, the woman he's loved all his time). Tom introduces Myrtle, his mistress, and they seem to get along very well (the puppy), except when he goes off and punches her face (okay, that only happened once, but I just can't let it go). Tom is happy with his new woman, Daisy is ecstatic, re-united with Jay, and Nick is actually in a relationship with Ms. Baker.
Climax [chapters 7 and 8]: The whole little group goes out to the city for the day, and Tom confronts both Myrtle and Daisy about their situations. Myrtle is supposedly moving away with her husband, and Daisy is having an affair with the man she really loves. Both are huge blows for Tom: "She's not leaving me!" (Fitzgerald, page 133) he claimed about Daisy, although it would suit the situation for either woman. The second part of the climax continues with Gatsby, unintentionally, murdering Myrtle with his automobile.
Falling Action and Resolution: I'll analyze later.
The Great Gatsby Chapter 7
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I just read a book last week called Maid to Match which was actually pretty good, considering I just grabbed it of a shelf at random at the library. It is about a maid who wants to upgrade her position in the household to ladies' maid, but she meets a male servant who is new to the house and quickly falls in love with him (but that's not really relevant to this novel).
When I read chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby, I thought of this book because all of the servants in it are very close and loyal, like Gatsby's new servants would be. I know it's a little ridiculous to fire an entire household of workers, but I do understand why he did it. He wanted to be sure no word of his affair with Daisy Buchanan reached the ears of anyone, much less Tom--who knows what he would have done if he heard of if from anyone but Daisy.
The major scene in chapter 7 was the little dinner at the Buchanans' house that Gatsby, Jordan, and Nick were invited to. A common description during this part was "hot," which reminded me of pretty much this entire summer which was really hot, considering we live in INDIANA. Numerous records were broken this summer for extreme temperatures. I love this description of the heat: "The straw seats of the car hovered on the edge of combustion; the woman next to me perspired delicately for a while into her white shirtwaist, as her newspaper dampened under her fingers, lapsed despairingly into deep heat with a desolate cry" (Fitzgerald, page 115). I also loved how Daisy passionately kissed Jay right in front of Nick and Jordan because she was so forward for the 1920's and so irrational with love that she just didn't care. I also felt a little sad for Gatsby because "he didn't really believe in its [Daisy's child's] existence before" (Fitzgerald, page 117), and a child would just further complicate any break-up (what he wants to happen).
F. Scott Fitzgerald
When I read chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby, I thought of this book because all of the servants in it are very close and loyal, like Gatsby's new servants would be. I know it's a little ridiculous to fire an entire household of workers, but I do understand why he did it. He wanted to be sure no word of his affair with Daisy Buchanan reached the ears of anyone, much less Tom--who knows what he would have done if he heard of if from anyone but Daisy.
The major scene in chapter 7 was the little dinner at the Buchanans' house that Gatsby, Jordan, and Nick were invited to. A common description during this part was "hot," which reminded me of pretty much this entire summer which was really hot, considering we live in INDIANA. Numerous records were broken this summer for extreme temperatures. I love this description of the heat: "The straw seats of the car hovered on the edge of combustion; the woman next to me perspired delicately for a while into her white shirtwaist, as her newspaper dampened under her fingers, lapsed despairingly into deep heat with a desolate cry" (Fitzgerald, page 115). I also loved how Daisy passionately kissed Jay right in front of Nick and Jordan because she was so forward for the 1920's and so irrational with love that she just didn't care. I also felt a little sad for Gatsby because "he didn't really believe in its [Daisy's child's] existence before" (Fitzgerald, page 117), and a child would just further complicate any break-up (what he wants to happen).
The Great Gatsby Chapter 6
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
This is just going to be a random post with odds and ends from chapter 6 because I really didn't find something big that I wanted to blog about.
Before chapter 6, I was really confused as to what the point was of The Great Gatsby. I was also really confused about the reporter, but I guess it just had to do with some of his illegal activities or something else we're not really privy to. I think that should be more in focus in the book because the audience does not really understand his whole story, which I suppose is one of Fitzgerald's key means of describing the mystery of the great Gatsby. I was also really confused with the pool thing. What did running that woman's head under cold water have to do with anything? Relevancy, please?
Also really random--I loved the part about St. Olaf College because I had never heard of it until I got mail from there last year.
I thought the little meeting with Tom was really weird and didn't fully understand its meaning and purpose, but I did like how Gatsby talked about Daisy, even though Tom didn't fully "get it" yet.
It was really funny when everyone started calling Tom "the polo player" (Fitzgerald, page 105). I was actually laughing out loud when I read that part, considering how much I hate Tom Buchanan. I also loved the description of Jay's dancing the fox-trot, which shows how much he actually learned on his way to success in society.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
This is just going to be a random post with odds and ends from chapter 6 because I really didn't find something big that I wanted to blog about.
Before chapter 6, I was really confused as to what the point was of The Great Gatsby. I was also really confused about the reporter, but I guess it just had to do with some of his illegal activities or something else we're not really privy to. I think that should be more in focus in the book because the audience does not really understand his whole story, which I suppose is one of Fitzgerald's key means of describing the mystery of the great Gatsby. I was also really confused with the pool thing. What did running that woman's head under cold water have to do with anything? Relevancy, please?
Also really random--I loved the part about St. Olaf College because I had never heard of it until I got mail from there last year.
I thought the little meeting with Tom was really weird and didn't fully understand its meaning and purpose, but I did like how Gatsby talked about Daisy, even though Tom didn't fully "get it" yet.
It was really funny when everyone started calling Tom "the polo player" (Fitzgerald, page 105). I was actually laughing out loud when I read that part, considering how much I hate Tom Buchanan. I also loved the description of Jay's dancing the fox-trot, which shows how much he actually learned on his way to success in society.
The Great Gatsby Characters
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Gatsby is, obviously, the main character in the novel, although we do not directly meet him until the third chapter. Some would argue that Nick Carraway is the central character in the book, but I think that he is just a pawn in Gatsby's plans and just plays the role of friend and observer throughout the story. I think he is a round, dynamic character because he has multiple personality traits and changes throughout the novel. Something random about Jay Gatsby--what's with the "old sport" stuff on nearly every page? I love it though! I also love his newly-kindled relationship with Daisy. "At his lips' touch she blossomed for him like a flower and the incarnation was complete" (Fitzgerald, page 111).
I couldn't find a drawing of just Nick, so this is one of both him and Gatsby; however, this is actually a great place to start with Mr. Carraway's description. Well, he doesn't actually know Jay for practically his entire life, but he does live right next door to him. As a pawn in Gatsby's future plans, Nick is invited to one of Gatsby's famous parties, and some sort of relationship blossoms, although neither really confides truthfully in each other. Nick is also a round, dynamic character because of his role in Gatsby's life. The Great Gatsby is about what else--the great Gatsby--and his demise.
Jordan Baker is an interesting character because she is so mysterious, and I really like her because she is so forward for the 1920's. I think that she is more of a static character because she really doesn't change throughout the novel and really isn't a main character. I like her relationship with Nick, but I wish Fitzgerald would have included more details about the two of them, instead of focusing on just Jay and Daisy.
I immediately liked Daisy, but after a few more chapters, I found her to be kind of annoying. She is so focused on wealth and status, just like Lily Bart in The House of Mirth, and she doesn't realize how much better her life would be with Jay who would be loyal to her and not have a mistress (like somebody else we know...). Like I said with Lily Bart, I cannot understand why she just didn't drop Tom for Gatsby; I would like to think that I would give up a life of wealth and luxury for true love. Wait, that doesn't really make sense--I guess she just does not want to become involved in a divorce scandal and whatever illegal activities Jay was involved in.
And I guess I'll include Tom, even though I really don't like him.
Jerk!! I'll just leave it at that.
No, not really. But he is really not a nice guy. I keep thinking about his mistress and that one time he punched her... Well anyway, he doesn't really change throughout the novel either, so I would classify him as static and possibly flat because he only has a few personality traits.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
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| Jay Gatsby |
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| Jay and Nick |
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| Jordan Baker |
Jordan Baker is an interesting character because she is so mysterious, and I really like her because she is so forward for the 1920's. I think that she is more of a static character because she really doesn't change throughout the novel and really isn't a main character. I like her relationship with Nick, but I wish Fitzgerald would have included more details about the two of them, instead of focusing on just Jay and Daisy.
| Daisy Buchanan |
And I guess I'll include Tom, even though I really don't like him.
| Tom and Daisy Buchanan |
No, not really. But he is really not a nice guy. I keep thinking about his mistress and that one time he punched her... Well anyway, he doesn't really change throughout the novel either, so I would classify him as static and possibly flat because he only has a few personality traits.
The Great Gatsby Chapter 5
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Dear John--A great, bittersweet movie and book (though I have not read it yet) which really parallels Gatsby and his story with Daisy. In The Great Gatsby, Jay and Daisy had been sweethearts when they were younger and were really in love. However, Jay had to go off in the army and left her behind while he successfully served in the Great War. Just as John arrived home to find the love of his life married to someone else, Gatsby came back home to find that Daisy had moved on, married Tom Buchanan, and had a beautiful daughter. This was devastating to both men, but it also gave Gatsby something to strive and work toward: getting her back. In order to get Daisy's love back, he felt that he needed to become very wealthy and prove to her that he could support her both emotionally and physically. Presently in the novel, Gatsby has achieved nearly everything he wanted, yet he still desires Daisy, so Nick invites her over for a tea that Gatsby just happens to attend. It was a bittersweet reunion because she was still married to Tom and they could not openly be together, but they did have a nice time and renewed certain feelings toward each other. Fitzgerald's writing in this scene was often very beautiful. One particular sentence stood out to me: "He literally glowed; without a word or a gesture of exultation a new well-being radiated from him and filled the little room" (Fitzgerald, page 89). I love Nick's view of his friend's romance and the way Fitzgerald describes it with such beautiful diction.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Dear John--A great, bittersweet movie and book (though I have not read it yet) which really parallels Gatsby and his story with Daisy. In The Great Gatsby, Jay and Daisy had been sweethearts when they were younger and were really in love. However, Jay had to go off in the army and left her behind while he successfully served in the Great War. Just as John arrived home to find the love of his life married to someone else, Gatsby came back home to find that Daisy had moved on, married Tom Buchanan, and had a beautiful daughter. This was devastating to both men, but it also gave Gatsby something to strive and work toward: getting her back. In order to get Daisy's love back, he felt that he needed to become very wealthy and prove to her that he could support her both emotionally and physically. Presently in the novel, Gatsby has achieved nearly everything he wanted, yet he still desires Daisy, so Nick invites her over for a tea that Gatsby just happens to attend. It was a bittersweet reunion because she was still married to Tom and they could not openly be together, but they did have a nice time and renewed certain feelings toward each other. Fitzgerald's writing in this scene was often very beautiful. One particular sentence stood out to me: "He literally glowed; without a word or a gesture of exultation a new well-being radiated from him and filled the little room" (Fitzgerald, page 89). I love Nick's view of his friend's romance and the way Fitzgerald describes it with such beautiful diction.
The Great Gatsby Chapter 4
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
In Chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby, we finally realize that Gatsby likes Tom Buchanan's wife Daisy (if we didn't read the summary on the back of the book or forgot what it said, like I did).
"'This is Mr. Gatsby, Mr. Buchanan.'
They shook hands briefly, and a strained, unfamiliar look of embarrassment came over Gatsby's face...I turned toward Mr. Gatsby, but he was no longer there" (Fitzgerald, page 74).
He is awkward around Tom probably because he is jealous and possibly angry at him for stealing away his woman. This is completely understandable as no one would want to be around someone who currently has the love of the person he/she loves. I wonder if Tom suspects anything or if Daisy had mentioned anything about Jay to her husband. I know I wouldn't.
Anyway, Nick goes on to describe a conversation with Jordan Baker in which she recalls the details of Jay and Daisy's relationship years before. It was sad when she said she found Daisy drunk on her wedding day because she was obviously still in love with Jay, but she had given up on him and true love. Many things come into focus in this chapter as well, such as why Gatsby moved into that particular house (because it was across from Daisy) and why he befriended Nick from the beginning (because he wanted Daisy to come over to see his house). This makes a lot of sense, but I do feel bad for Nick because he has been taken advantage of and possibly is not close to the real Gatsby at all (although I'm still not sure if he really likes him or not).
This is where I would reference a movie or book where the man didn't want to he around his love's husband, but there are too many to choose from so I'll leave it to your imagination.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
In Chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby, we finally realize that Gatsby likes Tom Buchanan's wife Daisy (if we didn't read the summary on the back of the book or forgot what it said, like I did).
"'This is Mr. Gatsby, Mr. Buchanan.'
They shook hands briefly, and a strained, unfamiliar look of embarrassment came over Gatsby's face...I turned toward Mr. Gatsby, but he was no longer there" (Fitzgerald, page 74).
He is awkward around Tom probably because he is jealous and possibly angry at him for stealing away his woman. This is completely understandable as no one would want to be around someone who currently has the love of the person he/she loves. I wonder if Tom suspects anything or if Daisy had mentioned anything about Jay to her husband. I know I wouldn't.
Anyway, Nick goes on to describe a conversation with Jordan Baker in which she recalls the details of Jay and Daisy's relationship years before. It was sad when she said she found Daisy drunk on her wedding day because she was obviously still in love with Jay, but she had given up on him and true love. Many things come into focus in this chapter as well, such as why Gatsby moved into that particular house (because it was across from Daisy) and why he befriended Nick from the beginning (because he wanted Daisy to come over to see his house). This makes a lot of sense, but I do feel bad for Nick because he has been taken advantage of and possibly is not close to the real Gatsby at all (although I'm still not sure if he really likes him or not).
This is where I would reference a movie or book where the man didn't want to he around his love's husband, but there are too many to choose from so I'll leave it to your imagination.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Great Gatsby Chapter 3
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I really liked the third chapter of the novel because it went in-depth into one of Gatsby's famous, extravagant parties. One of my favorite lines from this scene is where Jordan says "And I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy" (Fitzgerald, page 49). I absolutely love this contradiction! At first, it doesn't make much sense, and then I read it again and fully understood what Jordan was getting at. At large parties, people are able to separate into smaller, more intimate groups and can discuss certain topics or perform certain acts. But at smaller parties, everyone is in the same place, and no one gets any privacy. I have been to both types of parties and must say that I agree with Jordan Baker on this one. I enjoy being able to mingle with different people and get some privacy, which is seemingly impossible at a small, intimate party.
I also really like how Nick comes up with nicknames for various party-goers. On page 44, he refers to three men as "Mr. Mumbles" and the man from the library as "Owl Eyes" (Fitzgerald, page 54). Both references give a little insight into how he views the world and seems to make fun of many aspects of the party. I'm a huge fan of The Office, so of course I thought of a Michael Scott moment.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I really liked the third chapter of the novel because it went in-depth into one of Gatsby's famous, extravagant parties. One of my favorite lines from this scene is where Jordan says "And I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy" (Fitzgerald, page 49). I absolutely love this contradiction! At first, it doesn't make much sense, and then I read it again and fully understood what Jordan was getting at. At large parties, people are able to separate into smaller, more intimate groups and can discuss certain topics or perform certain acts. But at smaller parties, everyone is in the same place, and no one gets any privacy. I have been to both types of parties and must say that I agree with Jordan Baker on this one. I enjoy being able to mingle with different people and get some privacy, which is seemingly impossible at a small, intimate party.
I also really like how Nick comes up with nicknames for various party-goers. On page 44, he refers to three men as "Mr. Mumbles" and the man from the library as "Owl Eyes" (Fitzgerald, page 54). Both references give a little insight into how he views the world and seems to make fun of many aspects of the party. I'm a huge fan of The Office, so of course I thought of a Michael Scott moment.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As I said before, the narrator of this novel is very different from Wharton in The House of Mirth. Written in first person, The Great Gatsby tells the story from the point of view of Nick Carraway who is close friends with Jay Gatsby. Throughout the first couple chapters, Nick described his life and acquaintances which set the stage for Gatsby for the remainder of the novel. Differing greatly, the narrator in The House of Mirth is omniscient and tells the story in third person, giving thoughts and feelings of different characters, not just Lily Bart. Edith Wharton and F. Scott Fitzgerald both share some qualities in their writing such as flashbacks, beautiful diction, and varying syntax [but that's for another post].
Now a little about Nick Carraway. I really liked Nick from the very beginning. He is really funny, sometimes sarcastic, and intelligent. I appreciate his decisions and choice of friends, although the novel does not go very in-depth with his various relationships. Anyway, I love the little "bromance" blossoming between Gatsby and Nick because it seemed like he really needed a close friend, even though he had those huge, extravagant parties seemingly every weekend. I really like Gatsby too because he loves Daisy, even after all those years, and he is cutely nervous and embarrassed around her. "Oh, God," "This is a terrible mistake...a terrible, terrible mistake," and "Don't talk so loud" (Fitzgerald, pages 87-88.) This was really sweet as Gatsby seemed so calm and collected all the time except when he was around Daisy. Nick was also sweet during this scene when he talked Gatsby through his nervousness and really supported him like a good friend should. [Whoops, I guess this is in chapter 5, so I'm going a little out of order on the posts.]
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As I said before, the narrator of this novel is very different from Wharton in The House of Mirth. Written in first person, The Great Gatsby tells the story from the point of view of Nick Carraway who is close friends with Jay Gatsby. Throughout the first couple chapters, Nick described his life and acquaintances which set the stage for Gatsby for the remainder of the novel. Differing greatly, the narrator in The House of Mirth is omniscient and tells the story in third person, giving thoughts and feelings of different characters, not just Lily Bart. Edith Wharton and F. Scott Fitzgerald both share some qualities in their writing such as flashbacks, beautiful diction, and varying syntax [but that's for another post].
Now a little about Nick Carraway. I really liked Nick from the very beginning. He is really funny, sometimes sarcastic, and intelligent. I appreciate his decisions and choice of friends, although the novel does not go very in-depth with his various relationships. Anyway, I love the little "bromance" blossoming between Gatsby and Nick because it seemed like he really needed a close friend, even though he had those huge, extravagant parties seemingly every weekend. I really like Gatsby too because he loves Daisy, even after all those years, and he is cutely nervous and embarrassed around her. "Oh, God," "This is a terrible mistake...a terrible, terrible mistake," and "Don't talk so loud" (Fitzgerald, pages 87-88.) This was really sweet as Gatsby seemed so calm and collected all the time except when he was around Daisy. Nick was also sweet during this scene when he talked Gatsby through his nervousness and really supported him like a good friend should. [Whoops, I guess this is in chapter 5, so I'm going a little out of order on the posts.]
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The Great Gatsby Chapter 2
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Okay, so the first part of chapter 2 was incredibly weird, right? Why would Nick want to meet Tom's mistress when he was related to Daisy, Tom's wife? That whole situation was just awkward, but Nick took it all in stride so I guess the times were just different in the 20's. Oh, and Tom actually converses with Myrtle's husband like no big deal--again, what a jerk! Their little "party" with the McKees and Wilsons was also weird and I was a little confused with what they discussed, but I don't think it had any real bearing on the overall plot. I think Ms. Baker is very strange and mysterious as a woman in the early 20th century because she openly discusses Tom's mistress with Nick when she should be scandalized at his behavior. I also like Myrtle, but she obviously shouldn't be running around married with a married man. [And then Tom broke her nose and it was no big deal...what the hell! culture difference again]
On Fitzgerald's style as a writer, I want to say that he, unfortunately, reminds me of Wharton a little because he just jumps around soooo much; his characters' dialogues jump around too, from one topic to something totally unrelated in the same scene. I find it pretty annoying, but for some reason it doesn't bother me nearly as much as Wharton's did in The House of Mirth. Other than the occasional randomness, I really enjoy the novel and his writing because of his diction. Two examples of beautiful writing are "This is a valley of ashes--a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air" (Fitzgerald, page 23) and "I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life" (Fitzgerald, page 35). While easier to understand than Wharton (possibly because of the fifteen year time difference), Fitzgerald loses no beauty and complexity in The Great Gatsby.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Okay, so the first part of chapter 2 was incredibly weird, right? Why would Nick want to meet Tom's mistress when he was related to Daisy, Tom's wife? That whole situation was just awkward, but Nick took it all in stride so I guess the times were just different in the 20's. Oh, and Tom actually converses with Myrtle's husband like no big deal--again, what a jerk! Their little "party" with the McKees and Wilsons was also weird and I was a little confused with what they discussed, but I don't think it had any real bearing on the overall plot. I think Ms. Baker is very strange and mysterious as a woman in the early 20th century because she openly discusses Tom's mistress with Nick when she should be scandalized at his behavior. I also like Myrtle, but she obviously shouldn't be running around married with a married man. [And then Tom broke her nose and it was no big deal...what the hell! culture difference again]
On Fitzgerald's style as a writer, I want to say that he, unfortunately, reminds me of Wharton a little because he just jumps around soooo much; his characters' dialogues jump around too, from one topic to something totally unrelated in the same scene. I find it pretty annoying, but for some reason it doesn't bother me nearly as much as Wharton's did in The House of Mirth. Other than the occasional randomness, I really enjoy the novel and his writing because of his diction. Two examples of beautiful writing are "This is a valley of ashes--a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air" (Fitzgerald, page 23) and "I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life" (Fitzgerald, page 35). While easier to understand than Wharton (possibly because of the fifteen year time difference), Fitzgerald loses no beauty and complexity in The Great Gatsby.
The Great Gatsby Chapter 1
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
With The Great Gatsby, I was not immediately intrigued as with The House of Mirth. The first chapter went pretty slow, and I thought that Nick, the narrator, was Gatsby at first until he actually mentioned Gatsby by name a few paragraphs into the story. The West Egg/East Egg contrast was very interesting, but the novel really picked up when Mr. Carraway visited Tom and Daisy Buchanan for dinner. I liked Daisy pretty well at first, but Tom seemed a little pompous and lived in the past [the football reference]. I also liked Ms. Baker and was really surprised that her first name was Jordan considering the novel was written in 1925 [I thought Jordan was more of a modern name].
The chapter also had some funny moments, as when Daisy asked if anyone missed her from her hometown, and Nick replied, "The whole town is desolate. All the cars have the left rear wheel painted black as a mourning wreath, and there's a persistent wail all night along the north shore" (Fitzgerald, page 9). Oh, and I forgot Tom's mistress-- what a jerk!
I wonder maybe if Daisy has a little thing for Nick. They had a private conversation and later Nick claimed that she should "rush out of the house, child in arms" (Fitzgerald, page 20)-- possibly with him...
I also want to take a second and comment on a major difference between The House of Mirth and The Great Gatsby: the narrator and corresponding point of view. In the novel, Nick Carraway is the narrator and the story is written in first person, while the narrator was omniscient in The House of Mirth.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
With The Great Gatsby, I was not immediately intrigued as with The House of Mirth. The first chapter went pretty slow, and I thought that Nick, the narrator, was Gatsby at first until he actually mentioned Gatsby by name a few paragraphs into the story. The West Egg/East Egg contrast was very interesting, but the novel really picked up when Mr. Carraway visited Tom and Daisy Buchanan for dinner. I liked Daisy pretty well at first, but Tom seemed a little pompous and lived in the past [the football reference]. I also liked Ms. Baker and was really surprised that her first name was Jordan considering the novel was written in 1925 [I thought Jordan was more of a modern name].
The chapter also had some funny moments, as when Daisy asked if anyone missed her from her hometown, and Nick replied, "The whole town is desolate. All the cars have the left rear wheel painted black as a mourning wreath, and there's a persistent wail all night along the north shore" (Fitzgerald, page 9). Oh, and I forgot Tom's mistress-- what a jerk!
I wonder maybe if Daisy has a little thing for Nick. They had a private conversation and later Nick claimed that she should "rush out of the house, child in arms" (Fitzgerald, page 20)-- possibly with him...
I also want to take a second and comment on a major difference between The House of Mirth and The Great Gatsby: the narrator and corresponding point of view. In the novel, Nick Carraway is the narrator and the story is written in first person, while the narrator was omniscient in The House of Mirth.
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