"Getting Out"
Cleopatra Mathis
I also liked this poem because it mimicked the separation in "Popular Mechanics," but it did not have such a horrible, graphic ending. The imagery of prison is central to the first stanza--"inmates who beat the walls" (Mathis, page 896) suggests the unhappy, monotonous nature of the couple's marriage. Both wanted they happiness they thought they found, yet they both felt trapped in the marriage. "Escaped" and "laps" also suggest the repetitiveness of their actions and the inability to find changes and make things work. Several similes in the poem demonstrate how the couple felt trapped and bored in the relationship. The middle stanza was a bit harder to understand because it included images of his leaving and wanting to stay and work things out. The last stanza includes the details of their matching, which was the problem in their marriage. While they probably did not actually have matching hair and eyes, it is a metaphor for their similar personalities. They were both so similar that the marriage just didn't work out. The end of the poem was sad because they both still loved each other but felt the divorce was necessary for happiness.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
You're Ugly, Too
"You're Ugly, Too"
Lorrie Moore
This story was just super annoying and I do not like Zoe at all. All of her little jabs and jokes were not funny and she just came off as a bored, weird, old lady, even though she is not really that old.
The plot in this story is almost non-existent, as the story relies on the characterization of the main character, Zoe. From the very beginning, she is characterized as "almost pretty" (Moore, page 353) and "sarcastic" (Moore, page 353). Throughout the piece, Zoe cuts at everyone and insultingly jokes with them--I think she just tries to entertain herself. That is pretty evident as she didn't entertain me, or anyone with whom she was speaking and/or making fun of. I guess that's understandable as she was a single, middle-aged woman who just doesn't quite have her life figured out yet. That did evoke pity because her younger sister was happy with her boyfriend/fiance, while she wasn't even close herself.
Another main aspect of the story is the italicized sentences thrown in throughout the piece that suggest quotes from students or others. She often remembers one then goes on to defend herself because they are often critical of her work or something of her personal life. While entertaining for the reader, these statements also further characterized Zoe and her "achievements" in life.
Lorrie Moore
This story was just super annoying and I do not like Zoe at all. All of her little jabs and jokes were not funny and she just came off as a bored, weird, old lady, even though she is not really that old.
The plot in this story is almost non-existent, as the story relies on the characterization of the main character, Zoe. From the very beginning, she is characterized as "almost pretty" (Moore, page 353) and "sarcastic" (Moore, page 353). Throughout the piece, Zoe cuts at everyone and insultingly jokes with them--I think she just tries to entertain herself. That is pretty evident as she didn't entertain me, or anyone with whom she was speaking and/or making fun of. I guess that's understandable as she was a single, middle-aged woman who just doesn't quite have her life figured out yet. That did evoke pity because her younger sister was happy with her boyfriend/fiance, while she wasn't even close herself.
Another main aspect of the story is the italicized sentences thrown in throughout the piece that suggest quotes from students or others. She often remembers one then goes on to defend herself because they are often critical of her work or something of her personal life. While entertaining for the reader, these statements also further characterized Zoe and her "achievements" in life.
Popular Mechanics
"Popular Mechanics"
Raymond Carver
This story was a bit crazy, to say the least. Most noticeable in this story was the lack of quotation marks whenever either person was speaking. While annoying to the reader, the lack of marks throughout the piece further adds to its harsh, grim nature. This was a terrible story, but I understand the couple's trying to mend their marriage with the only thing left holding them together--the baby. That was difficult to read because I kept picturing the fight in my mind, which I suppose was Carver's intent. His descriptions of the fight were obviously creepy and showed both his and her emotions and reasons for wanting the child.
The last line of the story--"In this manner, the issue was decided" (Carver) was very important and to answer the first question on the sheet, the "issue" is who gets custody of the child. I think that the man got the baby because of his physical dominance over her and the child. The tone of the story is grim and morose, as the few details imply an extremely unhealthy relationship and his desire to leave. The fourth question on the sheet was interesting because it asks about why the couple is splitting up. We don't really get a feel for why, but obviously if they are willing to physically fight over their baby, things aren't so hot between them. The question also asks if it matters, and I don't think it does. We still get a feel for their relationship and we can understand the fight and their problems with each other.
This video is an adaptation of the story and is suggestive of the baby's outcome. It's pretty funny because of the acting and scenery, but it is horrible like the story because it shows the couple fighting over the baby and the baby's falling in the end.
Raymond Carver
This story was a bit crazy, to say the least. Most noticeable in this story was the lack of quotation marks whenever either person was speaking. While annoying to the reader, the lack of marks throughout the piece further adds to its harsh, grim nature. This was a terrible story, but I understand the couple's trying to mend their marriage with the only thing left holding them together--the baby. That was difficult to read because I kept picturing the fight in my mind, which I suppose was Carver's intent. His descriptions of the fight were obviously creepy and showed both his and her emotions and reasons for wanting the child.
The last line of the story--"In this manner, the issue was decided" (Carver) was very important and to answer the first question on the sheet, the "issue" is who gets custody of the child. I think that the man got the baby because of his physical dominance over her and the child. The tone of the story is grim and morose, as the few details imply an extremely unhealthy relationship and his desire to leave. The fourth question on the sheet was interesting because it asks about why the couple is splitting up. We don't really get a feel for why, but obviously if they are willing to physically fight over their baby, things aren't so hot between them. The question also asks if it matters, and I don't think it does. We still get a feel for their relationship and we can understand the fight and their problems with each other.
This video is an adaptation of the story and is suggestive of the baby's outcome. It's pretty funny because of the acting and scenery, but it is horrible like the story because it shows the couple fighting over the baby and the baby's falling in the end.
The Story of an Hour
"The Story of an Hour"
Kate Chopin
This was by far my favorite piece from this unit of literature because it was funny, interesting, and concise. I first noticed the descriptive diction in this piece because although it was very short, Chopin still managed to include descriptions of each scene. Phrases such as "the storm of grief"(Chopin, paragraph 3) and "physical exhaustion"(Chopin, paragraph 4) suggest Mrs. Mallard's hardships after hearing of her husband's death. However, "free, free, free"(Chopin, paragraph 11) suggests her happiness with finally being released from the burdens of her marriage. While her marriage had not been terrible or particularly abusive, Mr. Mallard had stifled her, and with him gone, she was finally able to taste freedom. In the time period of this story, marriages were probably not very healthy, and men often controlled important aspects of their marriages. Mrs. Mallard symbolizes many women in that age who could only find freedom in the absence of their husbands. It is hard for us to imagine because our culture is so different than that of this time period, and most relationships today are not as oppressive.
The end of this piece was an evident paradox--"of joy that kills"(Chopin, paragraph 23). It makes perfect sense, though, in context as Mrs. Mallard had been so happy to hear that her husband was gone and could not fathom living under him again, so she died after seeing that he was alive.
Kate Chopin
This was by far my favorite piece from this unit of literature because it was funny, interesting, and concise. I first noticed the descriptive diction in this piece because although it was very short, Chopin still managed to include descriptions of each scene. Phrases such as "the storm of grief"(Chopin, paragraph 3) and "physical exhaustion"(Chopin, paragraph 4) suggest Mrs. Mallard's hardships after hearing of her husband's death. However, "free, free, free"(Chopin, paragraph 11) suggests her happiness with finally being released from the burdens of her marriage. While her marriage had not been terrible or particularly abusive, Mr. Mallard had stifled her, and with him gone, she was finally able to taste freedom. In the time period of this story, marriages were probably not very healthy, and men often controlled important aspects of their marriages. Mrs. Mallard symbolizes many women in that age who could only find freedom in the absence of their husbands. It is hard for us to imagine because our culture is so different than that of this time period, and most relationships today are not as oppressive.
The end of this piece was an evident paradox--"of joy that kills"(Chopin, paragraph 23). It makes perfect sense, though, in context as Mrs. Mallard had been so happy to hear that her husband was gone and could not fathom living under him again, so she died after seeing that he was alive.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Delight in Disorder
Delight in Disorder
Robert Herrick
The first question in the book asks for definitions of two words used in the poem. Wantonness usually means a lack of restraint or control, and stomacher, according to dictionary.com, is some sort of stiff cloth. I did not really understand the poem at first, but I think I have a better understanding after reviewing it several times. The diction in this poem is really beautiful and although I misread several parts, it is still enjoyable and pleasant for the reader. Love is probably the main theme in the poem, and Herrick meant that the non-peaceful love is more exciting and interesting than normal love. The second question in the book involves oxymorons--my all-time favorite literary device. The phrase "wild civility" (Herrick, page 980) is an oxymoron that really emphasizes the feelings of love in this poem. He thinks that that bewitches him more than the preciseness of other feelings. By using contrasting words together, Herrick better explains love.
The image of clothes is prevalent in the short poem, and I like that it better symbolizes love. Perhaps, he's implying that love is all around and surrounds us as clothing does.
Couldn't resist......Love Actually
Robert Herrick
The first question in the book asks for definitions of two words used in the poem. Wantonness usually means a lack of restraint or control, and stomacher, according to dictionary.com, is some sort of stiff cloth. I did not really understand the poem at first, but I think I have a better understanding after reviewing it several times. The diction in this poem is really beautiful and although I misread several parts, it is still enjoyable and pleasant for the reader. Love is probably the main theme in the poem, and Herrick meant that the non-peaceful love is more exciting and interesting than normal love. The second question in the book involves oxymorons--my all-time favorite literary device. The phrase "wild civility" (Herrick, page 980) is an oxymoron that really emphasizes the feelings of love in this poem. He thinks that that bewitches him more than the preciseness of other feelings. By using contrasting words together, Herrick better explains love.
The image of clothes is prevalent in the short poem, and I like that it better symbolizes love. Perhaps, he's implying that love is all around and surrounds us as clothing does.
Couldn't resist......Love Actually
Lonely Hearts
Lonely Hearts
Wendy Cope
This was extremely entertaining and one of the most interesting poems we've read so far in class. The first stanza describes a male biker who is looking for a woman who would be able to accompany him on his adventures. The second stanza involves a "gay vegetarian" (Cope, page 973) who represents a stereotype in my opinion. The third presents a boring executive who wants something fun. This was interesting because we don't often read pieces involving bisexual women... But anyway, the fourth description is of a single mother who wants her wish to come true as well. The fifth person is obviously younger than the others and specifies a young, non-smoker. To wrap up, the last stanza begs a response to the five people and their "personals." The form of this villanelle is appropriate for the subject matter because real personals are only just a few sentences long and give only the briefest of descriptions. The repetition of several phrases also contribute to the poem's meaning because personals do often sound similar or repetitive.
Wendy Cope
This was extremely entertaining and one of the most interesting poems we've read so far in class. The first stanza describes a male biker who is looking for a woman who would be able to accompany him on his adventures. The second stanza involves a "gay vegetarian" (Cope, page 973) who represents a stereotype in my opinion. The third presents a boring executive who wants something fun. This was interesting because we don't often read pieces involving bisexual women... But anyway, the fourth description is of a single mother who wants her wish to come true as well. The fifth person is obviously younger than the others and specifies a young, non-smoker. To wrap up, the last stanza begs a response to the five people and their "personals." The form of this villanelle is appropriate for the subject matter because real personals are only just a few sentences long and give only the briefest of descriptions. The repetition of several phrases also contribute to the poem's meaning because personals do often sound similar or repetitive.
Eveline
Eveline
James Joyce
This story was very annoying and I really did not enjoy it at all because Eveline made me mad. I did not relate well with her because I wanted to run away with him, and he's not even real... But seriously, her reasons for staying did not make sense and I was pretty mad at her. However, by reviewing the beginning of the story, I realize that she really loved her home and all the little things that made it "Home!" (Joyce, page 218). She then describes the hardships in her life, including the many struggles with her father. And in the beginning, she talked about Frank as if she were definitely going away with him. However, by the end she started reconsidering and changed her mind. Number six in the book was an interesting question, and I believe that she did not make a conscience decision to abandon Frank. I think she just knew that she didn't want to and couldn't bring herself to leave what she had always known as home. Also, she must have had reservations about Frank or else she would have gone away with him right away.
James Joyce
This story was very annoying and I really did not enjoy it at all because Eveline made me mad. I did not relate well with her because I wanted to run away with him, and he's not even real... But seriously, her reasons for staying did not make sense and I was pretty mad at her. However, by reviewing the beginning of the story, I realize that she really loved her home and all the little things that made it "Home!" (Joyce, page 218). She then describes the hardships in her life, including the many struggles with her father. And in the beginning, she talked about Frank as if she were definitely going away with him. However, by the end she started reconsidering and changed her mind. Number six in the book was an interesting question, and I believe that she did not make a conscience decision to abandon Frank. I think she just knew that she didn't want to and couldn't bring herself to leave what she had always known as home. Also, she must have had reservations about Frank or else she would have gone away with him right away.
How I Met My Husband
How I Met My Husband
Alice Munro
I really enjoyed this piece, mainly because I knew that she would not end up with Chris Watters, but I kept expecting her to. The structure Munro utilized created suspense and allowed me to forget that there would be a major twist in the plot. The second question in the book asks how the plot creates suspense. The first part of the story, the description of the plane's arrival, creates suspense because we do not know who the pilot is, but I did think that that would be Edie's [first] love interest. Also, the drawn-out descriptions of her home-life and the Peebleses create suspense because they leave the audience thinking about their importance to the story of Edie's meeting her husband. Alice Kelling's arrival on the scene creates suspense because we don't know much about their relationship and wonder if there's any truth to her "fiancee" claim. The scene which creates the most suspense is the "intimate" (Munro, page 144) scene between Edie and Watters. The audience really doesn't know if she was going to go further and have sex with him, and that greatly adds to the suspense because if she would have gone all the way, then Chris would have probably stayed with her and possibly become her husband.
I really enjoyed this story because it was funny and entertaining, but I was thoroughly upset with the ending because the mailman was cute and I wish we could have seen more of him.
Alice Munro
I really enjoyed this piece, mainly because I knew that she would not end up with Chris Watters, but I kept expecting her to. The structure Munro utilized created suspense and allowed me to forget that there would be a major twist in the plot. The second question in the book asks how the plot creates suspense. The first part of the story, the description of the plane's arrival, creates suspense because we do not know who the pilot is, but I did think that that would be Edie's [first] love interest. Also, the drawn-out descriptions of her home-life and the Peebleses create suspense because they leave the audience thinking about their importance to the story of Edie's meeting her husband. Alice Kelling's arrival on the scene creates suspense because we don't know much about their relationship and wonder if there's any truth to her "fiancee" claim. The scene which creates the most suspense is the "intimate" (Munro, page 144) scene between Edie and Watters. The audience really doesn't know if she was going to go further and have sex with him, and that greatly adds to the suspense because if she would have gone all the way, then Chris would have probably stayed with her and possibly become her husband.
I really enjoyed this story because it was funny and entertaining, but I was thoroughly upset with the ending because the mailman was cute and I wish we could have seen more of him.
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