"The Joy of Cooking"
Elaine Magarrell
Now despite what this poem shows about siblings, siblings actually always get along. The narrator uses the cooking terms to describe the siblings' personalities. I guess in a way this is the narrator's way of getting back at their siblings. I felt the sister's tongue symbolized that the sister does not carefully chose her words. The speaker say "it will probably grow back" which makes me think that their annoyance with the sister comes from a bad habit of the sister. In other words, the sister's "issue" is one that she may not necessarily be able to help. The brother, I interpreted, is a mean and cold-hearted human being. His heart was "firm and rather dry" and his heart "barely feeds two." Perhaps the brother's heart was two sizes too small?
Originally when I read this poem, I found it to be a little extreme. I do not believe people would actually willing cook their siblings' organs, but at the same time I knew it was symbolic. The tone is one that is very steady, and does not change. I felt the tone was almost monotone, like cooking the organs of their siblings' was not a big deal. The speaker's personality is reveled in their take on the siblings. I wonder what body part the siblings would cook of the narrator?
Thursday, September 20, 2012
"Those Winter Sundays"
"Those Winter Sundays"
Robert Hayden
The images in the poem present a sense of darkness. Images such as "the blueblack cold" and "cracked hands that ached" are just two of the darkening images. These images allow for the poem to create a dark and solemn picture. Due to the dark sense of the poem, I inferred that the poem was about a boy who had not realized how much he cared about his father and this led to a sense of regret. The father's love may not have been shown in a bright or vibrant fashion, but he still showed love for his family. Love can be shown in many forms and the father's way of showing his love was by doing his best to provide the family with warmth (literally) in a cold environment.
The speaker is viewing the matter in the present and looking back on what had happened. Within this interval, the speaker had a change of heart. The house was not a welcoming home, and before he did not realize his father's intentions. However, now he feels bad for not being closer to his father.
The final phrase of the poem, "What did I know, what did I know/ of love's austere and lonely offices?" I think shows the speaker's change of heart. He did not realize before that love could still be present in a state that was so dark. Love was still present in the speaker's father despite the stern nature of the father.
Robert Hayden
The images in the poem present a sense of darkness. Images such as "the blueblack cold" and "cracked hands that ached" are just two of the darkening images. These images allow for the poem to create a dark and solemn picture. Due to the dark sense of the poem, I inferred that the poem was about a boy who had not realized how much he cared about his father and this led to a sense of regret. The father's love may not have been shown in a bright or vibrant fashion, but he still showed love for his family. Love can be shown in many forms and the father's way of showing his love was by doing his best to provide the family with warmth (literally) in a cold environment.
The speaker is viewing the matter in the present and looking back on what had happened. Within this interval, the speaker had a change of heart. The house was not a welcoming home, and before he did not realize his father's intentions. However, now he feels bad for not being closer to his father.
The final phrase of the poem, "What did I know, what did I know/ of love's austere and lonely offices?" I think shows the speaker's change of heart. He did not realize before that love could still be present in a state that was so dark. Love was still present in the speaker's father despite the stern nature of the father.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
"The Drunkard"
"The Drunkard"
Frank O'Connor
I really wish I was better at recognizing humor in writing, because this short story was supposedly full of humor. I however found the story to be rather odd, which I guess could be considered funny. The title of the short story is "The Drunkard", though the father is an alcoholic, I do not think based on the story that the title is referring to him. Instead, I would say that Larry would be "the drunkard" in the story though, because he is the one who truly gets drunk. However, the son is not a drunk, and at the end of the story his mother even says, '" It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian angel'" (O'Connor, 351). Furthermore, I do not think the title was seriously meant because the father had stopped for a period of time, and the son was protecting the father.
In a family unit, people give of themselves to better other persons in the family. The son in the short story saved his father by drinking his pint. The drink made the son physically ill, but he protected his father from making a serious mistake. For the family, the father's alcoholism was dangerous to deal with, so it was important to keep from entering into that dangerous environment.
A little bit off topic but still within the story, the boy mentions how lonely it is to have a kitchen without a clock. I would like to invite people to ponder on this topic. It would be rather odd, would it not?
Frank O'Connor
I really wish I was better at recognizing humor in writing, because this short story was supposedly full of humor. I however found the story to be rather odd, which I guess could be considered funny. The title of the short story is "The Drunkard", though the father is an alcoholic, I do not think based on the story that the title is referring to him. Instead, I would say that Larry would be "the drunkard" in the story though, because he is the one who truly gets drunk. However, the son is not a drunk, and at the end of the story his mother even says, '" It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian angel'" (O'Connor, 351). Furthermore, I do not think the title was seriously meant because the father had stopped for a period of time, and the son was protecting the father.
In a family unit, people give of themselves to better other persons in the family. The son in the short story saved his father by drinking his pint. The drink made the son physically ill, but he protected his father from making a serious mistake. For the family, the father's alcoholism was dangerous to deal with, so it was important to keep from entering into that dangerous environment.
A little bit off topic but still within the story, the boy mentions how lonely it is to have a kitchen without a clock. I would like to invite people to ponder on this topic. It would be rather odd, would it not?
"Once Upon a Time"
"Once Upon a Time"
Nadine Gordimer
The author starts out talking about how people have told her she needs to write a children's book, but if she does not want to write a children's story, then she won't. However, she does (or I guess that is what you would call a children's story). The characteristics of a fairy tale or child's story are there, such as the simplistic language, repeated phrases, phrases such as "once upon a time" and "happily ever after", and a lesson is being taught. However, the lesson is a little extreme for a child under age nine or so. It as if I said, "Child, do not climb over a barbed wired fence you will bleed a lot, and it could potentially kill you!” it's a little bit drastic if you ask me.
"YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" (Gordimer, 233) is repeated twice in the following paragraph, so if that does not imply something of importance, I would be surprised. The phrase obviously means that there is danger ahead in some form. In the story, the father and mother are so concerned about protecting their house from the outside world that they lose sight of their son who is the one they caught in the barbed wire fence. It is possible that the phrase, "you have been warned," relates to the fact that the parents are aware of the danger outside, but they must protect their family from within the household. There was a lot of danger going on outside of the household, but by protecting the house they harmed the family. Even though protection is a good thing, we cannot hide ourselves from struggles, hardships, or pain.
Nadine Gordimer
The author starts out talking about how people have told her she needs to write a children's book, but if she does not want to write a children's story, then she won't. However, she does (or I guess that is what you would call a children's story). The characteristics of a fairy tale or child's story are there, such as the simplistic language, repeated phrases, phrases such as "once upon a time" and "happily ever after", and a lesson is being taught. However, the lesson is a little extreme for a child under age nine or so. It as if I said, "Child, do not climb over a barbed wired fence you will bleed a lot, and it could potentially kill you!” it's a little bit drastic if you ask me.
"YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" (Gordimer, 233) is repeated twice in the following paragraph, so if that does not imply something of importance, I would be surprised. The phrase obviously means that there is danger ahead in some form. In the story, the father and mother are so concerned about protecting their house from the outside world that they lose sight of their son who is the one they caught in the barbed wire fence. It is possible that the phrase, "you have been warned," relates to the fact that the parents are aware of the danger outside, but they must protect their family from within the household. There was a lot of danger going on outside of the household, but by protecting the house they harmed the family. Even though protection is a good thing, we cannot hide ourselves from struggles, hardships, or pain.
"A Worn Path"
"A Worn Path"
Eudora Welty
Phoenix Jackson was a very old woman on a journey to buy her grandson medicine. She has made this trip several times before which allows her to trust her feet rather than her extremely poor eyesight. Along her journey, she runs into several animals and a few minor characters. Phoenix is presented to us as a very fragile, old woman who is traveling through these woods that would be difficult for someone of a younger age to travel. However, even though she is an old woman who would not seem to have much strength, she is able to persevere through her journey and arrive at her destination. Due to Phoenix's perseverance through the hard journey, I felt that the main theme of the story would be that a person can achieve a goal if they put their mind to it and that we can overcome obstacles with determination. The characterization of Phoenix contributes to the theme by her being a fragile old woman who accomplishes what she set out to achieve. Phoenix is an old woman who is fragile, lacks hearing, lacks vision, is losing her memory, and was experiencing hardships most elder people deal with, and she was a woman with many physical characteristics working to prevent her from achieving her goal who actually does achieve our goal. Therefore, we can see how determination and perseverance can allow us to achieve our goal or get through our difficult times.
Now I am, however, confused on why the man and the woman called her Granny and Grandma; was it simply because she was an old woman? The minor characters view Phoenix as an elder woman who needs serious help, but they do not really try to help her; why?
There are also several similes especially in the beginning of the short story that help to paint the picture. For example, "The cone dropped as light as a feather" (Welty, 223-224). These similes simply work to create the image of what is happening in the story.
Eudora Welty
Phoenix Jackson was a very old woman on a journey to buy her grandson medicine. She has made this trip several times before which allows her to trust her feet rather than her extremely poor eyesight. Along her journey, she runs into several animals and a few minor characters. Phoenix is presented to us as a very fragile, old woman who is traveling through these woods that would be difficult for someone of a younger age to travel. However, even though she is an old woman who would not seem to have much strength, she is able to persevere through her journey and arrive at her destination. Due to Phoenix's perseverance through the hard journey, I felt that the main theme of the story would be that a person can achieve a goal if they put their mind to it and that we can overcome obstacles with determination. The characterization of Phoenix contributes to the theme by her being a fragile old woman who accomplishes what she set out to achieve. Phoenix is an old woman who is fragile, lacks hearing, lacks vision, is losing her memory, and was experiencing hardships most elder people deal with, and she was a woman with many physical characteristics working to prevent her from achieving her goal who actually does achieve our goal. Therefore, we can see how determination and perseverance can allow us to achieve our goal or get through our difficult times.
Now I am, however, confused on why the man and the woman called her Granny and Grandma; was it simply because she was an old woman? The minor characters view Phoenix as an elder woman who needs serious help, but they do not really try to help her; why?
There are also several similes especially in the beginning of the short story that help to paint the picture. For example, "The cone dropped as light as a feather" (Welty, 223-224). These similes simply work to create the image of what is happening in the story.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Generation Gap
A Raisin In the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
The difference between generations leads to miscommunication between Mama and the rest of her family. The main topic of miscommunication is money. Mama says, "Somebody would of thought my children done all but starved to death the way they talk about money here late" (451). The younger generations major concern is money, and we see this through the constant concern with the insurance money. Mama does not understand this concern for money, because when she was younger, money was not one of her major concerns. Her generation was more concerned about surviving and finding a way out of the torturous ways of slavery.
Generation after generation, the concern seems to always be getting more out of life than the previous generation. However, in some cases, the next generation wants more than is possible based on their situation. This situation occurs in the play.Walter's goals for his life surpass what is capable based on the family's situation. The goals in themselves are pure and good, but the process of maintaining the goals was lacking on both preparation and capability on Walter's end.
Lorraine Hansberry
The difference between generations leads to miscommunication between Mama and the rest of her family. The main topic of miscommunication is money. Mama says, "Somebody would of thought my children done all but starved to death the way they talk about money here late" (451). The younger generations major concern is money, and we see this through the constant concern with the insurance money. Mama does not understand this concern for money, because when she was younger, money was not one of her major concerns. Her generation was more concerned about surviving and finding a way out of the torturous ways of slavery.
Generation after generation, the concern seems to always be getting more out of life than the previous generation. However, in some cases, the next generation wants more than is possible based on their situation. This situation occurs in the play.Walter's goals for his life surpass what is capable based on the family's situation. The goals in themselves are pure and good, but the process of maintaining the goals was lacking on both preparation and capability on Walter's end.
How To Not Act?
A Raisin In the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
Walter yells, "WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE LISTEN TO ME TODAY!" (472). Walter is the prime example of how I view a man that has not truly learned from his experiences. He is a man that is very self-absorbed, until he gets what he wishes, and then he will willingly share. He is a frustrating character throughout the play because of how he responds to situations. He does not speak up to his wife when he learns about her abortion. Walter continually yells at members of his family, because they do not support his idea to become an owner of a liquor store. However, as soon as he is able to make the transaction to start the business, he is happy go lucky and nothing can go wrong. (Until of course it does) Now that the family has lost all of the insurance money, he finally learns that it is important to his family to be able to start anew. He tells Mr. Lindner that they will move into their new house, and in doing so, allows for his family to begin again. Though we do not know how the new home turned out, I would have to infer that their new home would allow for a better family environment.
Lorraine Hansberry
Walter yells, "WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE LISTEN TO ME TODAY!" (472). Walter is the prime example of how I view a man that has not truly learned from his experiences. He is a man that is very self-absorbed, until he gets what he wishes, and then he will willingly share. He is a frustrating character throughout the play because of how he responds to situations. He does not speak up to his wife when he learns about her abortion. Walter continually yells at members of his family, because they do not support his idea to become an owner of a liquor store. However, as soon as he is able to make the transaction to start the business, he is happy go lucky and nothing can go wrong. (Until of course it does) Now that the family has lost all of the insurance money, he finally learns that it is important to his family to be able to start anew. He tells Mr. Lindner that they will move into their new house, and in doing so, allows for his family to begin again. Though we do not know how the new home turned out, I would have to infer that their new home would allow for a better family environment.
Money Isn't Everything
A Raisin In the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
When Asagai is talking to Beneatha, he says something I thought was imperative on the theme of the play, and the lives of people today. "Then isn't there something wrong in a house-in a world-where all dreams, good or bad, must depend on the death of a man?" (522). The Younger family throughout the entire play were dependent on the insurance check that they received because Mr. Younger had died. Beneatha's schooling was dependent upon part of the check. However, the rest of the check was what everyone else was fighting for in a way. Walter wanted the money to be able to run a bar. Mama wanted the money to buy a new house, or be able to provide more for her family. Ruth needed to be able to go somewhere else, because she could not take living in that apartment anymore. Though the family lost all of the money, they had to learn that they could still start over and together they could find a way to make it through all of the payments. Furthmore, in the real world, people should be able to recognize that they do not need the most amount of money to be happy. If people can find a way to work together, they can find a way to manage, and learn valuable life lessons along the way.
Lorraine Hansberry
When Asagai is talking to Beneatha, he says something I thought was imperative on the theme of the play, and the lives of people today. "Then isn't there something wrong in a house-in a world-where all dreams, good or bad, must depend on the death of a man?" (522). The Younger family throughout the entire play were dependent on the insurance check that they received because Mr. Younger had died. Beneatha's schooling was dependent upon part of the check. However, the rest of the check was what everyone else was fighting for in a way. Walter wanted the money to be able to run a bar. Mama wanted the money to buy a new house, or be able to provide more for her family. Ruth needed to be able to go somewhere else, because she could not take living in that apartment anymore. Though the family lost all of the money, they had to learn that they could still start over and together they could find a way to make it through all of the payments. Furthmore, in the real world, people should be able to recognize that they do not need the most amount of money to be happy. If people can find a way to work together, they can find a way to manage, and learn valuable life lessons along the way.
negative environments
A Raisin In the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
Beneatha's character in the story, I felt, adjusted to the negative environment. Beneatha was not fond of her situation as no one in that situation would be, but she still found ways to adjust to the environment. She went to college to be a doctor, which was more than any of her other family members could say. She tried to make something of herself despite the poor environment of her home. Also, her relationships with Murchison and Asagai show that she is taking advantage of her opportunities. She puts forth the effort to make her life better, which is her way of adjusting with her negative environment.
A second character, Mama, also adjusted to her negative environment at her home. Mama's "feeble little plant growing doggedly in a small pot" was her symbol of hope through all of the hard times. The plant symbolized what she wished for with her husband, but even though she was never able to have her own garden, she still continues to grow a barely surviving plant. Just like the family, though there are many things wrong with the plant, it continues to live and push on, which exactly what they family had to do: push on. The plant was important to her and this is why she took the plant with her on their new journey to their new home.
Lorraine Hansberry
Beneatha's character in the story, I felt, adjusted to the negative environment. Beneatha was not fond of her situation as no one in that situation would be, but she still found ways to adjust to the environment. She went to college to be a doctor, which was more than any of her other family members could say. She tried to make something of herself despite the poor environment of her home. Also, her relationships with Murchison and Asagai show that she is taking advantage of her opportunities. She puts forth the effort to make her life better, which is her way of adjusting with her negative environment.
A second character, Mama, also adjusted to her negative environment at her home. Mama's "feeble little plant growing doggedly in a small pot" was her symbol of hope through all of the hard times. The plant symbolized what she wished for with her husband, but even though she was never able to have her own garden, she still continues to grow a barely surviving plant. Just like the family, though there are many things wrong with the plant, it continues to live and push on, which exactly what they family had to do: push on. The plant was important to her and this is why she took the plant with her on their new journey to their new home.
Stay True
A Raisin In the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
In the play, Ruth is most obviously pressured from other people and her current situation into thinking about doing something that she would have never otherwise done. If her situation with her husband and financial situation were better, than she would not have even considered the option, because having an abortion is not in her character. Walter even tells his mother, "You don't know Ruth, Mama, if you think she would do that" (476). Her family is living in this old, beat up apartment, and they are barely making ends meet with the five of them, and adding another child to the picture did not even seem to be an option. How would they have possibly afforded another child? Also, Walter and Ruth had not been getting along at the point in the play where this occurred, so Ruth did not feel that this child would have a loving environment or that the child was a production of their affection for each other.
Even though Ruth never actually had the abortion, the idea was brought forth because of the tension in the household. Pressures can come from all different things in a person's environment. These pressures can lead to people making decisions that are out of character, but it is important to relate this to the real world because of how often it happens today. People should not change who they are no matter how difficult times are or how many forces are working against them. Everyone should stay true to themselves.
Lorraine Hansberry
In the play, Ruth is most obviously pressured from other people and her current situation into thinking about doing something that she would have never otherwise done. If her situation with her husband and financial situation were better, than she would not have even considered the option, because having an abortion is not in her character. Walter even tells his mother, "You don't know Ruth, Mama, if you think she would do that" (476). Her family is living in this old, beat up apartment, and they are barely making ends meet with the five of them, and adding another child to the picture did not even seem to be an option. How would they have possibly afforded another child? Also, Walter and Ruth had not been getting along at the point in the play where this occurred, so Ruth did not feel that this child would have a loving environment or that the child was a production of their affection for each other.
Even though Ruth never actually had the abortion, the idea was brought forth because of the tension in the household. Pressures can come from all different things in a person's environment. These pressures can lead to people making decisions that are out of character, but it is important to relate this to the real world because of how often it happens today. People should not change who they are no matter how difficult times are or how many forces are working against them. Everyone should stay true to themselves.
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