The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
"'Will he go back with us, hand in hand, we three together, into the town?'" (Hawthorne, 163). Pearl up to this time had been left in the dark about the situation between her mother and Dimmesdale, though she was aware of something. Not knowing who her father was related her to an unsolved mystery. The unsolved mystery of her own existence and the mystery of the town of who the man was. Dimmesdale reveals his secret right before his death. The mystery is therefore solved, but does that really provide all of the answers? Well, no. That part of the mystery is solved, but we do not know for sure what became of Pearl and Hester after the fact. However, this must not be relevant to the story considering it is not explained. The more important aspect of the story is the letter and the lessons taught. The story concludes with Hester's grave, but did her penance with the scarlet letter save her? Is God as merciful as Dimmesdale believed? Did Dimmesdale and Hester meet again in heaven?----The world may never know....
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
A and such
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
"On a field, sable, the letter A, gules." In other words, on a black field, lies the scarlet letter A. The letter as I mentioned in my other blog symbolizes and stands for the act of adultery that Hester committed. The conclusion of the book does not exactly clarify what happened to Hester and Pearl after the passing of Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. It says that the people of Boston were not aware what truly happened to them, so the whole story became a legend. The scarlet letter was carried with Hester til her death. Hester's cottage is again present in the conclusion. This cottage lies on the edge of the forest and of the town. The forest is where the strict Puritan laws no longer exist and the characters are allowed to be themselves. The city is where the laws do of course apply. The cottage shows how Hester lived her life on the edge of both areas and how she easily went from one sphere to the other.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
"On a field, sable, the letter A, gules." In other words, on a black field, lies the scarlet letter A. The letter as I mentioned in my other blog symbolizes and stands for the act of adultery that Hester committed. The conclusion of the book does not exactly clarify what happened to Hester and Pearl after the passing of Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. It says that the people of Boston were not aware what truly happened to them, so the whole story became a legend. The scarlet letter was carried with Hester til her death. Hester's cottage is again present in the conclusion. This cottage lies on the edge of the forest and of the town. The forest is where the strict Puritan laws no longer exist and the characters are allowed to be themselves. The city is where the laws do of course apply. The cottage shows how Hester lived her life on the edge of both areas and how she easily went from one sphere to the other.
that theme
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
A major theme throughout the book is how evil plays a role in people's lives. Chillingworth is a representation of one evil that was a part of Hester and Dimmesdale's life. "'Hadst thou sought the whole earth over,' said he (Chillingworth), looking darkly at the clergyman, 'there was no one place so secret,-no high place nor lowly place, where thou couldst have escaped me,-save on this very scaffold!'" (Hawthorne, 195). Chillingworth is the evil present due to past events. Therefore, even though, Chillingworth relates to the devil, there were past events, the cheating, that caused him to become this evil being. In the quote, Chillingworth is that temptation or Satan trying to work on the minister, but the scaffold represents the minister's safe place in which the devil can not reach him. This relates to everyone. We all have temptations, but there is always that place we can go in which the devil can not influence us. Chillingworth got Hester to hide his true identity from Dimmesdale, but Hester telling Dimmesdale shows the inclination of people to good. Despite the evil Chillingworth working in her life, Hester found a way to overcome his evil. Evil is ever present in people's lives, but it is possible to turn away and do what is good.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
A major theme throughout the book is how evil plays a role in people's lives. Chillingworth is a representation of one evil that was a part of Hester and Dimmesdale's life. "'Hadst thou sought the whole earth over,' said he (Chillingworth), looking darkly at the clergyman, 'there was no one place so secret,-no high place nor lowly place, where thou couldst have escaped me,-save on this very scaffold!'" (Hawthorne, 195). Chillingworth is the evil present due to past events. Therefore, even though, Chillingworth relates to the devil, there were past events, the cheating, that caused him to become this evil being. In the quote, Chillingworth is that temptation or Satan trying to work on the minister, but the scaffold represents the minister's safe place in which the devil can not reach him. This relates to everyone. We all have temptations, but there is always that place we can go in which the devil can not influence us. Chillingworth got Hester to hide his true identity from Dimmesdale, but Hester telling Dimmesdale shows the inclination of people to good. Despite the evil Chillingworth working in her life, Hester found a way to overcome his evil. Evil is ever present in people's lives, but it is possible to turn away and do what is good.
symbol
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
There are two main symbols within the book: Pearl and the scarlet letter. Both of the symbols relate to Hester's sin of adultery. In the last section, these symbols reach an end of some kind in a sense that they work in the final section to show Hester's ability to move on from the past. "Towards her mother, too, Pearl's errand as a messenger of anguish was all fulfilled" (Hawthorne, 197). Pearl was born into the world and was an constant reminder to Hester of her sin. The sadness would always exist as long as Pearl did not know the whole truth of her mother's story. When Dimmesdale revealed his secret, Hester no longer had to hide anything from her daughter. Furthermore, Pearl was no longer a symbol of all the trouble and pain that had occurred in the past, but the lesson learned from what had happened. Hester had overcome this great obstacle while staying strong and doing the penance to better herself. The scarlet letter had become attached to Hester, but when she was able to detach herself from it, she showed how she had overcome the situation.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
There are two main symbols within the book: Pearl and the scarlet letter. Both of the symbols relate to Hester's sin of adultery. In the last section, these symbols reach an end of some kind in a sense that they work in the final section to show Hester's ability to move on from the past. "Towards her mother, too, Pearl's errand as a messenger of anguish was all fulfilled" (Hawthorne, 197). Pearl was born into the world and was an constant reminder to Hester of her sin. The sadness would always exist as long as Pearl did not know the whole truth of her mother's story. When Dimmesdale revealed his secret, Hester no longer had to hide anything from her daughter. Furthermore, Pearl was no longer a symbol of all the trouble and pain that had occurred in the past, but the lesson learned from what had happened. Hester had overcome this great obstacle while staying strong and doing the penance to better herself. The scarlet letter had become attached to Hester, but when she was able to detach herself from it, she showed how she had overcome the situation.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Random stuff
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
"And we must needs say, it seared Hester's bosom so deeply, that perhaps there was more truth in the rumor than our modern incredulity may be inclined to admit" (Hawthorne, 66). The scarlet letter is a sign for the adultery that she committed. Pearl is said to possibly be this demon child due to Hester's sin. There is a bunch of detailed imagery spread throughout the section. Plus, all this lovely imagery seems to relate to either the letter or the sin in some way. The governor was introduced to us in this section, but he did not seem to have an important role- at least not yet. He was in charge of deciding whether or not Hester could keep Pearl, but Dimmesdale basically made that decision for him. Chillingworth is searching to discover Dimmesdale's secret and is hiding as a physician. Pearl is a very intelligent little girl, but it is hard to tell whether she is "good or evil." All I can say to all this mumbo jumbo thrown into this section is that there is still far more to this story. I'm thinking a lot of the story comes from the back story that the reader does not yet know.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
"And we must needs say, it seared Hester's bosom so deeply, that perhaps there was more truth in the rumor than our modern incredulity may be inclined to admit" (Hawthorne, 66). The scarlet letter is a sign for the adultery that she committed. Pearl is said to possibly be this demon child due to Hester's sin. There is a bunch of detailed imagery spread throughout the section. Plus, all this lovely imagery seems to relate to either the letter or the sin in some way. The governor was introduced to us in this section, but he did not seem to have an important role- at least not yet. He was in charge of deciding whether or not Hester could keep Pearl, but Dimmesdale basically made that decision for him. Chillingworth is searching to discover Dimmesdale's secret and is hiding as a physician. Pearl is a very intelligent little girl, but it is hard to tell whether she is "good or evil." All I can say to all this mumbo jumbo thrown into this section is that there is still far more to this story. I'm thinking a lot of the story comes from the back story that the reader does not yet know.
Dimmesdale and Chillingworth
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Chillingworth and Minister Dimmesdale are two very interesting characters. I have extreme suspicions about both of them. Chillingworth is Hester's husband (or ex-husband?) in disguise. The reader and Hester are the only ones who know of their actual relation. I would say there is a bitterness between the two, but I think there is a lot more to this man then we know after the second section. Minister Dimmesdale displays that he is on Hester's side when she is fighting to keep Pearl. "'God gave her the child, and gave her too, an instinctive knowledge of its nature and requirement...'" (Hawthorne, 86). Now, does he truly believe this or does he just not want to take Pearl away from her? Like I said, I have serious suspicions and he is definitely involved in some way. Chillingworth discovers something at the end of this section, we just don't know what that is yet. They are both involved with Hester and the child more in some way.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Chillingworth and Minister Dimmesdale are two very interesting characters. I have extreme suspicions about both of them. Chillingworth is Hester's husband (or ex-husband?) in disguise. The reader and Hester are the only ones who know of their actual relation. I would say there is a bitterness between the two, but I think there is a lot more to this man then we know after the second section. Minister Dimmesdale displays that he is on Hester's side when she is fighting to keep Pearl. "'God gave her the child, and gave her too, an instinctive knowledge of its nature and requirement...'" (Hawthorne, 86). Now, does he truly believe this or does he just not want to take Pearl away from her? Like I said, I have serious suspicions and he is definitely involved in some way. Chillingworth discovers something at the end of this section, we just don't know what that is yet. They are both involved with Hester and the child more in some way.
Pearl
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
"Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world" (Hawthorne, 70). Pearl is also present in the first section where the reader knows she is a part of the picture, but they do not know anything about her. As the quote points out, Pearl is not included into the normal children group of people. She was born illegitimately which separates her from most children. Hester points out that there are bound to be more like Pearl; however, these children are not identified. Pearl is Hester's pearl. She is the jewel from the disastrous situation that she is in. She argues with the Governor and ministers to allow her the chance to continue to raise her child. Pearl is the one true good thing in Hester's life, and she needs Pearl. Furthermore, Pearl teaches Hester how to deal with the tragedy and can help teach her daughter how to stay on the right path.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
"Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world" (Hawthorne, 70). Pearl is also present in the first section where the reader knows she is a part of the picture, but they do not know anything about her. As the quote points out, Pearl is not included into the normal children group of people. She was born illegitimately which separates her from most children. Hester points out that there are bound to be more like Pearl; however, these children are not identified. Pearl is Hester's pearl. She is the jewel from the disastrous situation that she is in. She argues with the Governor and ministers to allow her the chance to continue to raise her child. Pearl is the one true good thing in Hester's life, and she needs Pearl. Furthermore, Pearl teaches Hester how to deal with the tragedy and can help teach her daughter how to stay on the right path.
So that "A"
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
That "A" seems to play a pretty large part in this book. The letter is described briefly in the first section of the book. The "A" is scarlet with gold embroidering and all that fine and dandy detail in the first section. In this second section, the description of the letter revolves around how the letter affects Hester. Most of the description is found in chapter five. "When strangers looked curiously at the scarlet letter,-and none ever failed to do so,-they branded it afresh into Hester's soul..." (Hawthorne, 65). The pain from the letter became almost intolerable at times, but she accepted her punishment. The scarlet letter is even said to be present in Pearl, Hester's illegitimate child. The letter is a constant reminder of her sin, and she points out that this reminder allows her to learn from her mistake. I have a feeling there is even more to be learned about this letter considering the title of the book, but that will be revealed in the future.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
That "A" seems to play a pretty large part in this book. The letter is described briefly in the first section of the book. The "A" is scarlet with gold embroidering and all that fine and dandy detail in the first section. In this second section, the description of the letter revolves around how the letter affects Hester. Most of the description is found in chapter five. "When strangers looked curiously at the scarlet letter,-and none ever failed to do so,-they branded it afresh into Hester's soul..." (Hawthorne, 65). The pain from the letter became almost intolerable at times, but she accepted her punishment. The scarlet letter is even said to be present in Pearl, Hester's illegitimate child. The letter is a constant reminder of her sin, and she points out that this reminder allows her to learn from her mistake. I have a feeling there is even more to be learned about this letter considering the title of the book, but that will be revealed in the future.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
acquaint with darkness
Acquainted with the Night
Robert Frost
The language used in this poem is all rather dark. The idea of night obviously depicts darkness, but the idea of isolation also lends itself to the darker tone of the poem. The speaker has "outwalked the furthest city light" (976); this lends itself to the isolation of the speaker. He has separated himself from the rest of the world, as shown by the previous quote. However, other isolate him as well. The voices not calling to him demonstrate that other people isolate the speaker as well. When I first read the poem, I thought the speaker solitude was also in reference to maybe a depression. Furthermore, the darker tone and images caused me to believe this as well. The only sense of light is the clock. However, this is not really bright because it is neither right or wrong, which lend to it not really being light, but not really being dark.
Robert Frost
The language used in this poem is all rather dark. The idea of night obviously depicts darkness, but the idea of isolation also lends itself to the darker tone of the poem. The speaker has "outwalked the furthest city light" (976); this lends itself to the isolation of the speaker. He has separated himself from the rest of the world, as shown by the previous quote. However, other isolate him as well. The voices not calling to him demonstrate that other people isolate the speaker as well. When I first read the poem, I thought the speaker solitude was also in reference to maybe a depression. Furthermore, the darker tone and images caused me to believe this as well. The only sense of light is the clock. However, this is not really bright because it is neither right or wrong, which lend to it not really being light, but not really being dark.
leaning against the sun
I taste a liquor never brewed
Emily Dickinson
The speaker uses imagery to describe her drunk state. However, she is not physically drunk. The reader is aware that this is not literal, because the "liquor (was) never brewed"(797). Instead, the speaker is drunk on nature or her surroundings. Terms such as liquor, Tankards, Vats, and Alcohol are used to place emphasis on the drunk state of mind of the speaker. Images of the air, dew, and the Molten Blue emphasize that the speaker is drunk on nature. An extended metaphor is used in the poem to display this as well. At the end, the poem mentions Seraphs and Saints watching the speaker walk in this state. They approve of this nature, or at least they do not judge her for it. For this reason, I thought that they did not judge her because the Saints and Seraphs are likely drunk on the nature in heaven. Either this, or the speaker will continue this state until she dies.
Emily Dickinson
The speaker uses imagery to describe her drunk state. However, she is not physically drunk. The reader is aware that this is not literal, because the "liquor (was) never brewed"(797). Instead, the speaker is drunk on nature or her surroundings. Terms such as liquor, Tankards, Vats, and Alcohol are used to place emphasis on the drunk state of mind of the speaker. Images of the air, dew, and the Molten Blue emphasize that the speaker is drunk on nature. An extended metaphor is used in the poem to display this as well. At the end, the poem mentions Seraphs and Saints watching the speaker walk in this state. They approve of this nature, or at least they do not judge her for it. For this reason, I thought that they did not judge her because the Saints and Seraphs are likely drunk on the nature in heaven. Either this, or the speaker will continue this state until she dies.
Imprison me that I shall be free
Batter my heart, three-personed God
John Donne
In John Donne's poem, irony is present in what the speaker is saying to God. He tells God that he loves him, yet he is betrothed to the devil. The speaker asks God to imprison him, so that he may be free. However, this guy isn't doing anything on his part; he's just hoping God will save him. When determining the meaning of the poem, I discovered that in the first four lines the speaker is calling upon God to fix him. God should mend him and "make him new." In the last six lines, the speaker reinforces this idea that God must interfere in order to bring the speaker to him. In connection with faith, the speaker has turned away from God and is looking for the way back. However, the speaker is saying that if he tries to come back the devil will win, and he will go back to the dark side. "Take me to you, imprison me, for I, except you enthrall me, never shall be free, nor ever chaste, except you ravish me"(840). He's telling God to lock him away from the rest of the world, so that he can be free to live out God's will.
John Donne
In John Donne's poem, irony is present in what the speaker is saying to God. He tells God that he loves him, yet he is betrothed to the devil. The speaker asks God to imprison him, so that he may be free. However, this guy isn't doing anything on his part; he's just hoping God will save him. When determining the meaning of the poem, I discovered that in the first four lines the speaker is calling upon God to fix him. God should mend him and "make him new." In the last six lines, the speaker reinforces this idea that God must interfere in order to bring the speaker to him. In connection with faith, the speaker has turned away from God and is looking for the way back. However, the speaker is saying that if he tries to come back the devil will win, and he will go back to the dark side. "Take me to you, imprison me, for I, except you enthrall me, never shall be free, nor ever chaste, except you ravish me"(840). He's telling God to lock him away from the rest of the world, so that he can be free to live out God's will.
Your love to me is like laundry...
Sorting Laundry
Elisavietta Ritchie
The poems within this unit seem to have this common technique of an extended metaphor. In this poem, sorting laundry is a metaphor for the speaker's relationship with her lover. The many images throughout the poem depict a healthy relationship between the two. For example, the image of the pockets containing random little treasures show that the relationship between the couple grows as they discover more about each other. The image of the wrinkles represent the flaws of the relationship. However, these flaws are worked out or able to be ignores showing the healthy relationship. Then a major shift in tone occurs at line 42, when she fins "the strangely tailored shirt left by a former lover"(842). The idea of another lover brings about the thought of what life would be like without her lover. The "mountain of unsorted wash could not fill the empty side of the bed" shows that her life would be emptier without her lover. This also displays the speakers stance that she would not be the same or enjoy their relationship ending.
Elisavietta Ritchie
The poems within this unit seem to have this common technique of an extended metaphor. In this poem, sorting laundry is a metaphor for the speaker's relationship with her lover. The many images throughout the poem depict a healthy relationship between the two. For example, the image of the pockets containing random little treasures show that the relationship between the couple grows as they discover more about each other. The image of the wrinkles represent the flaws of the relationship. However, these flaws are worked out or able to be ignores showing the healthy relationship. Then a major shift in tone occurs at line 42, when she fins "the strangely tailored shirt left by a former lover"(842). The idea of another lover brings about the thought of what life would be like without her lover. The "mountain of unsorted wash could not fill the empty side of the bed" shows that her life would be emptier without her lover. This also displays the speakers stance that she would not be the same or enjoy their relationship ending.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
My mistress' eyes
My mistress' eyes
William Shakespeare.
This speaker is very fond of his mistress. I mean "her eyes are nothing like the sun; coral is far more red than her lips' red."(885) The speaker goes on and on about how their mistress is like all of these beauties and the mistress loses every time. He does end up saying that her voice is nice. I don't really know what the last couplet meant. He says the the love he has is rare and valuable and then I don't know what the last part means. It says "any woman who has been lied to with false comparisons." Therefore, I would venture to guess that the speaker means that his earlier comparisons were false. Based on the gender theme of the unit, maybe it is saying that men likely do not say what they truly mean. It could also mean that women receive many left-handed compliments that actually would hurt their feelings. There is obviously a tone shift at line 13; there is also a shift in subject at 8, from things that the speaker "didn't like" to things they did like about his mistress. However, I am confused as to what all of this means.
Barbie Doll
Barbie Doll
Marge Piercy
"So she cut off her nose and her legs and offered them up." (836). The title of the poem is barbie doll, as everyone obviously saw. A barbie doll is what people looked to as that perfect figure or that perfect look. If one does not look like a barbie doll, then they are different, and different is not good. I'm not saying that because I believe it, but because that is what society usually portrays.The grandchild was said to have a big nose and thick legs; therefore she cut them off and was then said to be pretty. This poem has that underlying meaning that each girl shoots to be that barbie doll person. However, they change something about themselves that allows other people to view them as beautiful, but they aren't any prettier. Being just like everyone else or losing the uniqueness makes the person less beautiful not more beautiful. This is why the grandchild is pictured as being in a casket. She killed her true self to be like everyone else, and in that she lost who she really was.
Marge Piercy
"So she cut off her nose and her legs and offered them up." (836). The title of the poem is barbie doll, as everyone obviously saw. A barbie doll is what people looked to as that perfect figure or that perfect look. If one does not look like a barbie doll, then they are different, and different is not good. I'm not saying that because I believe it, but because that is what society usually portrays.The grandchild was said to have a big nose and thick legs; therefore she cut them off and was then said to be pretty. This poem has that underlying meaning that each girl shoots to be that barbie doll person. However, they change something about themselves that allows other people to view them as beautiful, but they aren't any prettier. Being just like everyone else or losing the uniqueness makes the person less beautiful not more beautiful. This is why the grandchild is pictured as being in a casket. She killed her true self to be like everyone else, and in that she lost who she really was.
A Jury of Her Peers
A Jury of Her Peers
Susan Glaspell
I greatly enjoy murder mysteries; I find them extremely intriguing. However, this story was not intriguing. (sad face) The suspense was created by knowing who killed Mr. Wright, but not knowing why. However, the story seemed to focus more on the view of superiority of men over women rather than the case at hand. "Mrs. Peter's husband broke into a laugh. 'Well, can you beat the women! Held for murder, and worrying about her preserves!'" (412). Passages like this show the superiority the men believe they have over the women. One of the questions asks how it shows the men do not believe that the females are inferior, but the only way this is really shown is through the men bringing the women along. The story ends ironically because the women are viewed to be worthless, but they are the ones who discover the motive. This shows that women are not inferior to men. The sexism is extremely prevalent in this story. The fact that the women took the criticisms without even saying a word proves how the society was in the past when women had little to no importance in society.
Susan Glaspell
I greatly enjoy murder mysteries; I find them extremely intriguing. However, this story was not intriguing. (sad face) The suspense was created by knowing who killed Mr. Wright, but not knowing why. However, the story seemed to focus more on the view of superiority of men over women rather than the case at hand. "Mrs. Peter's husband broke into a laugh. 'Well, can you beat the women! Held for murder, and worrying about her preserves!'" (412). Passages like this show the superiority the men believe they have over the women. One of the questions asks how it shows the men do not believe that the females are inferior, but the only way this is really shown is through the men bringing the women along. The story ends ironically because the women are viewed to be worthless, but they are the ones who discover the motive. This shows that women are not inferior to men. The sexism is extremely prevalent in this story. The fact that the women took the criticisms without even saying a word proves how the society was in the past when women had little to no importance in society.
Hunters in the Snow
Hunters in the Snow
Tobias Wolff
To start of this blog I would like to say that the characters in this short story were idiots. If your friend is dying in the back of the truck, you take them to the hospital; so obviously these characters are not really friends. Tub, Kenny, and Frank are all characterized by how they act and what they say. For example, Frank is very defensive when Kenny threatens to spread his secret. He is also very standoffish and does not respond to some of Kenny's jokes toward Tub. This characterizes Frank as a guy who has something to hide from other people. Tub's character is a stereotypical fat guy to some extent. However, most stock characters like Tub are the bud of all the jokes and just let it go, but Tub reacted to Kenny pointing the gun at him and admitting and talking about his problem prove him to not be the stereotypical character. Furthermore, both Frank and Tub are idiots who have no concern for a man who they will be charged of killing. Even though Kenny was the jerk poking fun of Tub at the beginning, the reader becomes sympathetic toward him realizing his friends are idiots and that the farmer "told Kenny to kill the dog."(201)
Tobias Wolff
To start of this blog I would like to say that the characters in this short story were idiots. If your friend is dying in the back of the truck, you take them to the hospital; so obviously these characters are not really friends. Tub, Kenny, and Frank are all characterized by how they act and what they say. For example, Frank is very defensive when Kenny threatens to spread his secret. He is also very standoffish and does not respond to some of Kenny's jokes toward Tub. This characterizes Frank as a guy who has something to hide from other people. Tub's character is a stereotypical fat guy to some extent. However, most stock characters like Tub are the bud of all the jokes and just let it go, but Tub reacted to Kenny pointing the gun at him and admitting and talking about his problem prove him to not be the stereotypical character. Furthermore, both Frank and Tub are idiots who have no concern for a man who they will be charged of killing. Even though Kenny was the jerk poking fun of Tub at the beginning, the reader becomes sympathetic toward him realizing his friends are idiots and that the farmer "told Kenny to kill the dog."(201)
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Hmm...
Othello
William Shakespeare
Where did Iago go wrong? "Villainy, villainy, villainy!" (V.ii.189) I mean he was an evil man; I don't think anyone can deny that. His plan appeared throughout the whole play to be working flawlessly. Every one seemed to fall under his trap. I never realized so many people are so gullible, or that someone could really be so manipulative. Cassio and Othello were never going to be able to figure it out, so how did they? Emilia was the one who was able to reveal part of the plan. However, was Emilia the "loose end"? I feel like it isn't that easy. I thought toward the end that Roderigo would be that area that Iago went wrong, and in a sense I guess his was because of the letters; however, would they have bothered to read the letters if they hadn't already discovered the first part of the lie? I still am confused on Iago's real intentions. I'm guessing he's just evil, but I don't know. So where or who was Iago's mistake?
William Shakespeare
Where did Iago go wrong? "Villainy, villainy, villainy!" (V.ii.189) I mean he was an evil man; I don't think anyone can deny that. His plan appeared throughout the whole play to be working flawlessly. Every one seemed to fall under his trap. I never realized so many people are so gullible, or that someone could really be so manipulative. Cassio and Othello were never going to be able to figure it out, so how did they? Emilia was the one who was able to reveal part of the plan. However, was Emilia the "loose end"? I feel like it isn't that easy. I thought toward the end that Roderigo would be that area that Iago went wrong, and in a sense I guess his was because of the letters; however, would they have bothered to read the letters if they hadn't already discovered the first part of the lie? I still am confused on Iago's real intentions. I'm guessing he's just evil, but I don't know. So where or who was Iago's mistake?
Dramatic Irony part 2
Othello
William Shakespeare
Dramatic irony was used throughout the entirety of the play. Emilia says in Act 4, Scene 2, "I will be hanged if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devised the slander. I'll be hanged else." (130-134). In other words, Emilia is betting on some seriously evil, lying jerk to be behind all of the wicked rumors. Well turns out Emilia was speaking to the evil person himself. Even though Iago obviously knew that he was the one behind it, both Emilia and Desdemona were clueless. Until the end, every one, except Roderigo at times, seemed to be completely clueless. The audience knew Iago intentions the whole time. However, the fellow characters fell in his trap. Dramatic irony was the most frequently used literary device throughout the play. The dramatic irony lends itself to the audience's idea that every one in the play was an idiot for falling under the trap. Plus, it was a result of the story being told from the perspective of Iago.
William Shakespeare
Dramatic irony was used throughout the entirety of the play. Emilia says in Act 4, Scene 2, "I will be hanged if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devised the slander. I'll be hanged else." (130-134). In other words, Emilia is betting on some seriously evil, lying jerk to be behind all of the wicked rumors. Well turns out Emilia was speaking to the evil person himself. Even though Iago obviously knew that he was the one behind it, both Emilia and Desdemona were clueless. Until the end, every one, except Roderigo at times, seemed to be completely clueless. The audience knew Iago intentions the whole time. However, the fellow characters fell in his trap. Dramatic irony was the most frequently used literary device throughout the play. The dramatic irony lends itself to the audience's idea that every one in the play was an idiot for falling under the trap. Plus, it was a result of the story being told from the perspective of Iago.
Foreshadowing
Othello
William Shakespeare
The example of foreshadowing I am going to use is one that is fairly obvious; it is basically just telling the reader what will happen eventually. The question is when and will it truly play out that way? Well it more or less does happen as Iago had suggested. "Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated." "And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker." (V.i.191-192&194-195). In Act 5, you'll never guess what happens!? Well Iago kills Cassio, but it looks like Roderigo did it. Then, Othello strangles Desdemona, because the idiot still did not believe her. There are several other less straightforward foreshadowing examples throughout the play. There was also a sense of "I know what will happen in the end" when beginning the play. Based on the type of play, a tragedy, and who it was written by lends itself to realizing people will die in the end. The question was who and how and why? Well now we have the answers.
William Shakespeare
The example of foreshadowing I am going to use is one that is fairly obvious; it is basically just telling the reader what will happen eventually. The question is when and will it truly play out that way? Well it more or less does happen as Iago had suggested. "Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated." "And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker." (V.i.191-192&194-195). In Act 5, you'll never guess what happens!? Well Iago kills Cassio, but it looks like Roderigo did it. Then, Othello strangles Desdemona, because the idiot still did not believe her. There are several other less straightforward foreshadowing examples throughout the play. There was also a sense of "I know what will happen in the end" when beginning the play. Based on the type of play, a tragedy, and who it was written by lends itself to realizing people will die in the end. The question was who and how and why? Well now we have the answers.
Dynamic Characters
Othello
William Shakespeare
In the first three acts, we saw Othello change from a calm and rational man to a man that was easily angered and no longer believed anything any one else but Iago said. In Act V, we see how Emilia fits into that role of a major and dynamic character. As Iago draws his sword, she says, "O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak'st of/ I found by fortune and did give my husband,/ For often with a solemn earnestness,/ More than indeed belonged to such a trifle,/He begged of me to steal it." (V.ii.224-228) That part of the scene as a whole shows Emilia's newly found courage. She not only stands up to her husband, but she also yells at Othello to get the point through his head that he was wronged. She does not fear her husband killing her; she tells everything she knows. What she told also helped the other characters figure out what Iago did. Emilia was the main doorway that exposed Iago, which made her a very important character in the play. Other characters also had dynamic qualities, but I felt Othello and Emilia were the two main ones.
William Shakespeare
In the first three acts, we saw Othello change from a calm and rational man to a man that was easily angered and no longer believed anything any one else but Iago said. In Act V, we see how Emilia fits into that role of a major and dynamic character. As Iago draws his sword, she says, "O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak'st of/ I found by fortune and did give my husband,/ For often with a solemn earnestness,/ More than indeed belonged to such a trifle,/He begged of me to steal it." (V.ii.224-228) That part of the scene as a whole shows Emilia's newly found courage. She not only stands up to her husband, but she also yells at Othello to get the point through his head that he was wronged. She does not fear her husband killing her; she tells everything she knows. What she told also helped the other characters figure out what Iago did. Emilia was the main doorway that exposed Iago, which made her a very important character in the play. Other characters also had dynamic qualities, but I felt Othello and Emilia were the two main ones.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Greatest Villain ?
Othello
William Shakespeare
How great of a villain is Iago? "Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore,/ Be sure of it, give me the ocular proof." (III.iii.360-361) I quoted this line because Iago is actually called a villain, but I do not believe that because he does not have proof of Cassio and Desdemona sleeping together he is a villain. Iago is the most extreme example of a two-faced person possible. I found it ironic when Othello and Iago were talking of how people should be what they appear to be. This is because Iago is nothing like what he appears to be to other people. I still have not been sold on the greatest villain thing, but maybe it'll all come together in the last two acts. I do not deny Iago ability to manipulate people to basically agree or do whatever he says. His ability to manipulate has made everything fall perfectly into his lap. I guess if no one ever decides to go against Iago, then he's this mass-manipulator-scary right? I mean I guess it could be. Like I said I haven't bought into the idea yet, but we will see how/if the last two scenes change my perceptive on the evilness of Iago.
William Shakespeare
How great of a villain is Iago? "Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore,/ Be sure of it, give me the ocular proof." (III.iii.360-361) I quoted this line because Iago is actually called a villain, but I do not believe that because he does not have proof of Cassio and Desdemona sleeping together he is a villain. Iago is the most extreme example of a two-faced person possible. I found it ironic when Othello and Iago were talking of how people should be what they appear to be. This is because Iago is nothing like what he appears to be to other people. I still have not been sold on the greatest villain thing, but maybe it'll all come together in the last two acts. I do not deny Iago ability to manipulate people to basically agree or do whatever he says. His ability to manipulate has made everything fall perfectly into his lap. I guess if no one ever decides to go against Iago, then he's this mass-manipulator-scary right? I mean I guess it could be. Like I said I haven't bought into the idea yet, but we will see how/if the last two scenes change my perceptive on the evilness of Iago.
The Handkerchief
Othello
William Shakespeare
So unless I just completely missed something, we first see the handkerchief when Emilia finds it. The handkerchief belongs to Desdemona and was a gift from Othello. Emilia says "My wayward husband hath a hundred times/ Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token,/ For he conjured her she should keep it,/ That she reserves it evermore about her/ To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out..." (III.iii.293-297) Iago has asked Emilia to steal this possession of Desdemona, but Emilia knows how much the handkerchief means to you so she says she will make a copy. However, Iago takes the handkerchief from Emilia. Iago decides to plant the handkerchief in Cassio's room. Cassio found it there and gave it to Bianca to copy the pattern. Will she though?..I don't know. I'm not sure of the larger significance of the handkerchief, but it is a prized possession to both Othello and Desdemona. Therefore, it could just continue to be a source of frustration between Othello and Desdemona. However, I feel there is something even greater to know about this handkerchief.
William Shakespeare
So unless I just completely missed something, we first see the handkerchief when Emilia finds it. The handkerchief belongs to Desdemona and was a gift from Othello. Emilia says "My wayward husband hath a hundred times/ Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token,/ For he conjured her she should keep it,/ That she reserves it evermore about her/ To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out..." (III.iii.293-297) Iago has asked Emilia to steal this possession of Desdemona, but Emilia knows how much the handkerchief means to you so she says she will make a copy. However, Iago takes the handkerchief from Emilia. Iago decides to plant the handkerchief in Cassio's room. Cassio found it there and gave it to Bianca to copy the pattern. Will she though?..I don't know. I'm not sure of the larger significance of the handkerchief, but it is a prized possession to both Othello and Desdemona. Therefore, it could just continue to be a source of frustration between Othello and Desdemona. However, I feel there is something even greater to know about this handkerchief.
Manipulation
Othello
William Shakespeare
At the end of Act 2, Iago manipulates several people to make them think differently than what is actually happening. He starts off by manipulating Cassio. Cassio is not a very good drinker, so he tries to restrain himself from partaking in the party after they won the war. However, Iago persuades him to drink with "their friends" in celebration. He then manipulates Montano into believing Cassio has a drinking problem. Montano asks, "But is he often thus?" Iago responds, "'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep." (II.iii.109-110) Therefore, basically Iago told Montano that Cassio gets drunk every night, so Montano becomes concerned for Cassio, which leads to Montano inadvertently triggering the fight. After this Iago manipulates Othello into believing that he actually cares about Michael Cassio and does not want to rat him out. All of these manipulations lend themselves to the dramatic irony. The reader knows that all of these characters are being manipulated and that all of them believe Iago is on there side, but he's not. As readers, you wonder how they could ALL fall for Iago's tricks.
William Shakespeare
At the end of Act 2, Iago manipulates several people to make them think differently than what is actually happening. He starts off by manipulating Cassio. Cassio is not a very good drinker, so he tries to restrain himself from partaking in the party after they won the war. However, Iago persuades him to drink with "their friends" in celebration. He then manipulates Montano into believing Cassio has a drinking problem. Montano asks, "But is he often thus?" Iago responds, "'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep." (II.iii.109-110) Therefore, basically Iago told Montano that Cassio gets drunk every night, so Montano becomes concerned for Cassio, which leads to Montano inadvertently triggering the fight. After this Iago manipulates Othello into believing that he actually cares about Michael Cassio and does not want to rat him out. All of these manipulations lend themselves to the dramatic irony. The reader knows that all of these characters are being manipulated and that all of them believe Iago is on there side, but he's not. As readers, you wonder how they could ALL fall for Iago's tricks.
1st Impressions
Othello
William Shakespeare
As Act 1 begins, we meet Iago and Roderigo. Iago explains that he does not like Othello, the Moor. He states that a reason why is that Othello didn't make Iago his Lieutenant. Then we already begin to see Iago's tricks that he plays. Him and Roderigo go to wake Brabantio in the middle of the night yelling he's been robbed, which in a sense was true, but Iago made it sound way more serious than it was (but maybe eloping was a big deal back in the day). Othello seems to think highly of himself. At least, he knows his position and his power. He says "Let him do his spite/ My services which I have done the signiory/ Shall out-tongue his complaints." (I.ii.18-19) Othello knows that the Duke is fond of him for the service his has done for the people. Roderigo at the end of the act reveals that he still loves Desdemona. Iago seems to use this drive in making Roderigo do his dirty work. Roderigo feels Iago is loyal to him, but I find it a little iffy. These three characters are the ones mostly developed in Act 1.
William Shakespeare
As Act 1 begins, we meet Iago and Roderigo. Iago explains that he does not like Othello, the Moor. He states that a reason why is that Othello didn't make Iago his Lieutenant. Then we already begin to see Iago's tricks that he plays. Him and Roderigo go to wake Brabantio in the middle of the night yelling he's been robbed, which in a sense was true, but Iago made it sound way more serious than it was (but maybe eloping was a big deal back in the day). Othello seems to think highly of himself. At least, he knows his position and his power. He says "Let him do his spite/ My services which I have done the signiory/ Shall out-tongue his complaints." (I.ii.18-19) Othello knows that the Duke is fond of him for the service his has done for the people. Roderigo at the end of the act reveals that he still loves Desdemona. Iago seems to use this drive in making Roderigo do his dirty work. Roderigo feels Iago is loyal to him, but I find it a little iffy. These three characters are the ones mostly developed in Act 1.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Story of an Hour
The Story of an Hour
Kate Chopin
Louise Mallard has had heart trouble in the past, so her sister Josephine, takes great lengths to tell her sister gently that her husband has died. However, Louise ends up dying from a heart attack from being so happy to find out that her husband was still alive. Ironic? I'd say so. The ending was also dramatic when Louise died of "joy that kills" (327/handout) the ending was abrupt and unexpected. The main character begins to feel a sense of freedom after learning her husband has died. I think this shows the bond that a wife and husband had during those days. A wife lived for her husband; they were not free to live for themselves. This is why Louise kept repeating, "'Free! Body and soul free!'"(327/handout). I think that this is different from today's society though. I think there are the married couples who continue to live for themselves, which is why they end up getting a divorce. But I think the couples that last are the ones where both the husband and the wife live for their spouse, not just the wife for the husband.
Kate Chopin
Louise Mallard has had heart trouble in the past, so her sister Josephine, takes great lengths to tell her sister gently that her husband has died. However, Louise ends up dying from a heart attack from being so happy to find out that her husband was still alive. Ironic? I'd say so. The ending was also dramatic when Louise died of "joy that kills" (327/handout) the ending was abrupt and unexpected. The main character begins to feel a sense of freedom after learning her husband has died. I think this shows the bond that a wife and husband had during those days. A wife lived for her husband; they were not free to live for themselves. This is why Louise kept repeating, "'Free! Body and soul free!'"(327/handout). I think that this is different from today's society though. I think there are the married couples who continue to live for themselves, which is why they end up getting a divorce. But I think the couples that last are the ones where both the husband and the wife live for their spouse, not just the wife for the husband.
You're Ugly, Too
You're Ugly, Too
Lorrie Moore
This story illustrates a teacher who is social awkward. Zoe's lack of confidence in herself is evident through descriptions of how she sees herself. "The mirror, however, tended to frighten her, startling her with an image of a woman she never recognized" (page 358). Her insecurities were illustrated through diction and situations within the plot of the story. The mentioning of the hair on her chin multiple times emphasized her ever present concerns about herself.
The title of this piece is "You're Ugly, Too", obviously. The main character, Zoe, views herself as an unattractive being. Her previous struggles with relationships depicts the "ugliness" in these men. The costumes that the people wear at the party help to show their insecurities or their ugliness. Not only is Zoe one who is under the "love me not" category, but also her previous boyfriends.
Lorrie Moore
This story illustrates a teacher who is social awkward. Zoe's lack of confidence in herself is evident through descriptions of how she sees herself. "The mirror, however, tended to frighten her, startling her with an image of a woman she never recognized" (page 358). Her insecurities were illustrated through diction and situations within the plot of the story. The mentioning of the hair on her chin multiple times emphasized her ever present concerns about herself.
The title of this piece is "You're Ugly, Too", obviously. The main character, Zoe, views herself as an unattractive being. Her previous struggles with relationships depicts the "ugliness" in these men. The costumes that the people wear at the party help to show their insecurities or their ugliness. Not only is Zoe one who is under the "love me not" category, but also her previous boyfriends.
Getting Out
Getting Out
Cleopatra Mathis
This poem was fairly easy to identify with, because this type of situation, being a couple going there separate ways, is a rather known situation these days. The imagery used in the poem easily depicts this splitting. Furthermore, the images help to show the multiple emotions felt by the speaker during this time. The phrase "heaving words like furniture" shows the anger of the couple. "Exhausted, we gave up" shows the tired and saddened couple. The last three lines show that the couple was not the normal couple that were happy to finally be going their separate ways. Instead, they were sad to be going apart. They saw that just their love was not enough to keep them together. The couple truly did love each other, but that wasn't enough to keep them together. She still has feelings for her ex-lover, but knows that they tried. Though it is sad to look back on, what happened was for the best.
Cleopatra Mathis
This poem was fairly easy to identify with, because this type of situation, being a couple going there separate ways, is a rather known situation these days. The imagery used in the poem easily depicts this splitting. Furthermore, the images help to show the multiple emotions felt by the speaker during this time. The phrase "heaving words like furniture" shows the anger of the couple. "Exhausted, we gave up" shows the tired and saddened couple. The last three lines show that the couple was not the normal couple that were happy to finally be going their separate ways. Instead, they were sad to be going apart. They saw that just their love was not enough to keep them together. The couple truly did love each other, but that wasn't enough to keep them together. She still has feelings for her ex-lover, but knows that they tried. Though it is sad to look back on, what happened was for the best.
Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics
Raymond Carver
The last line of this story is: "In this manner, the issue was decided." (335 [handout]) One of the questions after asks what is this issue. Based on the context, I would have to say the issue is who receives custody of the baby. A second question asks (number 5) if the title "Popular Mechanics" is a more effective title then the original title "Mine". I feel that the original title made sense with the plot of the story. The couple is arguing over who gets the child: it is the appropriate situation for a childish "it's my baby" "no it's mine" type of thing. However, the title is now popular mechanics, so how does that fit in? Well popular relates to known things, so I took that as something that was somewhat common. Mechanics is like engineering or the structure of something. Therefore, the title is like a common build or a common structure. This could mean that the author viewed this story as a common type of situation for families.
Raymond Carver
The last line of this story is: "In this manner, the issue was decided." (335 [handout]) One of the questions after asks what is this issue. Based on the context, I would have to say the issue is who receives custody of the baby. A second question asks (number 5) if the title "Popular Mechanics" is a more effective title then the original title "Mine". I feel that the original title made sense with the plot of the story. The couple is arguing over who gets the child: it is the appropriate situation for a childish "it's my baby" "no it's mine" type of thing. However, the title is now popular mechanics, so how does that fit in? Well popular relates to known things, so I took that as something that was somewhat common. Mechanics is like engineering or the structure of something. Therefore, the title is like a common build or a common structure. This could mean that the author viewed this story as a common type of situation for families.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
delight in disorder
Delight in Disorder
Robert Herrick
This poem uses many words such as distraction, confusedly, and careless to maintain the disorder portion of the title. The delight comes from the speaker admiring the woman. The woman wears all of these types of clothes that the speaker mentions and he states imperfections about them. For example in lines three and four, the speaker says "A lawn about the shoulders thrown|Into a fine distraction." The theme of the poem relates to the title of the poem. The theme being that beauty can be seen despite imperfections. The fact that there was no rhyme scheme and the phrases themselves varied in length also helped to enhance the feeling of disorder.
The phrase "wild civility" is an oxymoron. The phrase which it is in presents a picture of a poorly tied shoestring. Though there is a form, and the shoe is tied, though there is also a sense of disorder in the sense that it is maybe a loose or floppy tie. This just allows for another image of disorder.
Robert Herrick
This poem uses many words such as distraction, confusedly, and careless to maintain the disorder portion of the title. The delight comes from the speaker admiring the woman. The woman wears all of these types of clothes that the speaker mentions and he states imperfections about them. For example in lines three and four, the speaker says "A lawn about the shoulders thrown|Into a fine distraction." The theme of the poem relates to the title of the poem. The theme being that beauty can be seen despite imperfections. The fact that there was no rhyme scheme and the phrases themselves varied in length also helped to enhance the feeling of disorder.
The phrase "wild civility" is an oxymoron. The phrase which it is in presents a picture of a poorly tied shoestring. Though there is a form, and the shoe is tied, though there is also a sense of disorder in the sense that it is maybe a loose or floppy tie. This just allows for another image of disorder.
lonely hearts
Lonely Hearts
Wendy Cope
The speaker of this poem is a very desperate man of society. He wants a woman and he wants one now. He is tired of being lonely, and desires to find this woman to make him not lonely anymore. He basically says he will take whoever he can. Therefore, any standards he had set before are no longer present: so for example there's no longer a age limit of this girl he is longing for.
The lines "Can someone make my simple wish come true?" and "Do you live in North London? Is it you?" are repeated throughout this villanelle poem.(it's part of the structure) The question of whether the woman lives in North London makes me think that that is where the man lives (the setting). The question of can someone make his wish come true simply reinstates the desperation of the speaker.That appeared to be pretty much the extent of the poem though. However, I am guessing it is not that straightforward.
Wendy Cope
The speaker of this poem is a very desperate man of society. He wants a woman and he wants one now. He is tired of being lonely, and desires to find this woman to make him not lonely anymore. He basically says he will take whoever he can. Therefore, any standards he had set before are no longer present: so for example there's no longer a age limit of this girl he is longing for.
The lines "Can someone make my simple wish come true?" and "Do you live in North London? Is it you?" are repeated throughout this villanelle poem.(it's part of the structure) The question of whether the woman lives in North London makes me think that that is where the man lives (the setting). The question of can someone make his wish come true simply reinstates the desperation of the speaker.That appeared to be pretty much the extent of the poem though. However, I am guessing it is not that straightforward.
Eveline
Eveline
James Joyce
I found that the theme throughout this short story was that when making a decision about the future, it is important to not make the decision while focused on the past. When doing so, you can take yourself out of an opportunity to experience something new. Eveline has the struggle of staying at her home in Dublin or moving to Buenos Aires with Frank. Frank is an interesting character. He is described as a "kind, manly, open-hearted." (Joyce, 220). He is also a countryman and a sailor. Eveline's father did not like Frank saying that he knew his type of person. I am not quite sure if Frank is the type of person Eveline says, and if there was anything to provide the reader with a different idea I missed that one. However, I felt that Eveline viewed Frank as her rescuer or her way to escape her present life.(this could bias her view of Frank) I was confused at the end of the short story though on whether or not she ended up leaving or not. I interpreted it as she ended up not leaving because of.....but I was not sure. Hmm....
James Joyce
I found that the theme throughout this short story was that when making a decision about the future, it is important to not make the decision while focused on the past. When doing so, you can take yourself out of an opportunity to experience something new. Eveline has the struggle of staying at her home in Dublin or moving to Buenos Aires with Frank. Frank is an interesting character. He is described as a "kind, manly, open-hearted." (Joyce, 220). He is also a countryman and a sailor. Eveline's father did not like Frank saying that he knew his type of person. I am not quite sure if Frank is the type of person Eveline says, and if there was anything to provide the reader with a different idea I missed that one. However, I felt that Eveline viewed Frank as her rescuer or her way to escape her present life.(this could bias her view of Frank) I was confused at the end of the short story though on whether or not she ended up leaving or not. I interpreted it as she ended up not leaving because of.....but I was not sure. Hmm....
How I Met My Husband
How I Met My Husband
Alice Munro
I greatly enjoyed the twist at the end of the story of how the mailman was the man that actually became her husband. The choice of diction used by the narrator allows the reader to believe that Chris, the pilot, might actually be the husband. Even though the story is told as the woman looking back on when she was fifteen and met her husband, she tells the part of her and the pilot in a way that makes you think he is not the man that his finance claimed he was. "'He just made use of you and went off, you know that, don't you?" (Munro, 143) She awaits his letter everyday and the reader awaits his letter just the same. The narrator recalls how she believed that he was not the type of person to not stay true to his word, and this allows the reader to also believe the best in Chris. She did not speak down upon him at all, which also leads the reader to believe that maybe he isn't that bad of a guy.(Maybe I am just optimistic, but it made me feel this way) Imagine how coincidental it is to meet your future spouse while awaiting the return of the person you are with or plan to be with....very odd. I think it is even more ironic, because I am positive this has happened before in real life at one point in time, or a similar situation.
Alice Munro
I greatly enjoyed the twist at the end of the story of how the mailman was the man that actually became her husband. The choice of diction used by the narrator allows the reader to believe that Chris, the pilot, might actually be the husband. Even though the story is told as the woman looking back on when she was fifteen and met her husband, she tells the part of her and the pilot in a way that makes you think he is not the man that his finance claimed he was. "'He just made use of you and went off, you know that, don't you?" (Munro, 143) She awaits his letter everyday and the reader awaits his letter just the same. The narrator recalls how she believed that he was not the type of person to not stay true to his word, and this allows the reader to also believe the best in Chris. She did not speak down upon him at all, which also leads the reader to believe that maybe he isn't that bad of a guy.(Maybe I am just optimistic, but it made me feel this way) Imagine how coincidental it is to meet your future spouse while awaiting the return of the person you are with or plan to be with....very odd. I think it is even more ironic, because I am positive this has happened before in real life at one point in time, or a similar situation.
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