Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
The thematic topic of guilt plays a major roll in the lives of Frankenstein and the creature, as well as vengeance. We start in this section by seeing the creature's guilt of killing William just because of his relation and for killing Justine, who were both innocent. The guilt pushes the creature to want to change his ways and become good, so he asks for a companion. Well, Frankenstein feels extremely guilty for releasing this fiend into the world and cannot allow himself to create another creature. The guilt of Frankenstein cause him to be seriously ill throughout the remainder of his life. He has the guilt of creating the creature piled onto the guilt of allowing the creature to kill his innocent friends and family members. The creature, on the other hand, felt guilty about killing all of those innocent creatures. The creature at the time of the killings was blind by his hatred. However, now that he looks back, he sees that he has become evil when he wanted to be good. The creature says, "'My evil passions will have fled, for I shall meet with sympathy!'" (Shelley, 106). The creature knows that he originated as a good creature, and he feels guilt at the end for not being strong enough to maintain his goodness.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Frankenstein Pages 81-166 FRAME
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
As told before the story was began, this story is a frame story. Therefore, a story was told within a story, which was in another story. We heard the monster's story in Frankenstein's story, which was in Walton's story. The structure adds to the insertion of other literary techniques, for example, foreshadowing. Because the story is told of past events, the character's elude easily to events that haven't yet happened in their retelling of the story. The perspective of the story also presents a picture in the reader's mind, because the picture might have changed had the perspective been different. The perspective also allows for a slight prejudice to be shown through the transfer of the stories.The creature tries to correct any possible bias by telling Walton that though Frankenstein told Walton the story, he did not know of the severity of the struggles that the creature himself faced (Shelley, 165). The frame story structure of the novel also set up the suspense of the novel. The suspense was created through the many gaps that were created at the very beginning of the novel that were not all filled until the very end.
Mary Shelley
As told before the story was began, this story is a frame story. Therefore, a story was told within a story, which was in another story. We heard the monster's story in Frankenstein's story, which was in Walton's story. The structure adds to the insertion of other literary techniques, for example, foreshadowing. Because the story is told of past events, the character's elude easily to events that haven't yet happened in their retelling of the story. The perspective of the story also presents a picture in the reader's mind, because the picture might have changed had the perspective been different. The perspective also allows for a slight prejudice to be shown through the transfer of the stories.The creature tries to correct any possible bias by telling Walton that though Frankenstein told Walton the story, he did not know of the severity of the struggles that the creature himself faced (Shelley, 165). The frame story structure of the novel also set up the suspense of the novel. The suspense was created through the many gaps that were created at the very beginning of the novel that were not all filled until the very end.
Frankenstein Pages 81-166 JUSTIFIED?
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
The creature performs actions in the book that he believes is justified based on his hatred for his creator and all that he has put him through. Is that really justification though? Well, whether it is or is not, the rest of the story is based on the fact that these events happened. The creature's only desire was to be accepted. (Obviously that is far too much to ask for when you are hideous) The whole mess started with Frankenstein not accepting responsibility of his creation. It is like saying that you are so excited to see your new child, but because the child was not what you were expecting you rid yourself of the child. It is nonsense! The creature even tried to find love elsewhere, but could not even talk to anyone, because no one would give him the time of day. The creature hates Victor, kills William, and Justine; Frankenstein seeks to kill the monster, because he is killing his loved ones. None of his actions were actually justifiable, but how would Victor not expect him to react that way? If not even his own creator would accept him, who would? In the creature's logic, he had reason, and he did have reason for hating his creator; however, none of the deaths had to happen.
Mary Shelley
The creature performs actions in the book that he believes is justified based on his hatred for his creator and all that he has put him through. Is that really justification though? Well, whether it is or is not, the rest of the story is based on the fact that these events happened. The creature's only desire was to be accepted. (Obviously that is far too much to ask for when you are hideous) The whole mess started with Frankenstein not accepting responsibility of his creation. It is like saying that you are so excited to see your new child, but because the child was not what you were expecting you rid yourself of the child. It is nonsense! The creature even tried to find love elsewhere, but could not even talk to anyone, because no one would give him the time of day. The creature hates Victor, kills William, and Justine; Frankenstein seeks to kill the monster, because he is killing his loved ones. None of his actions were actually justifiable, but how would Victor not expect him to react that way? If not even his own creator would accept him, who would? In the creature's logic, he had reason, and he did have reason for hating his creator; however, none of the deaths had to happen.
Frankenstein Pages 81-166 DOUBLING
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
The theme of doubling is mostly present in the second half of the work between Frankenstein and the creature. Both Victor and the creature compare themselves to a fallen angel. Victor says, "and, like the archangel who aspired to omnipotence, I am chained in an eternal hell" (Shelley, 157). The creature compares himself to the devil by saying, "the fallen angel becomes a malignant devil" (Shelley, 165). Both Victor and the creature believe that their ways have turned them evil. Victor believes that his creation of an evil monster turned him evil, while the creature believed his seeking revenge turned him evil. They are also paralleled through their emotions. Both feel that they have felt the worst sense of misery ever felt by anyone. They seek vengeance on the other for what they have done to each other. There are many different lines within the story that parallel these two characters.
Mary Shelley
The theme of doubling is mostly present in the second half of the work between Frankenstein and the creature. Both Victor and the creature compare themselves to a fallen angel. Victor says, "and, like the archangel who aspired to omnipotence, I am chained in an eternal hell" (Shelley, 157). The creature compares himself to the devil by saying, "the fallen angel becomes a malignant devil" (Shelley, 165). Both Victor and the creature believe that their ways have turned them evil. Victor believes that his creation of an evil monster turned him evil, while the creature believed his seeking revenge turned him evil. They are also paralleled through their emotions. Both feel that they have felt the worst sense of misery ever felt by anyone. They seek vengeance on the other for what they have done to each other. There are many different lines within the story that parallel these two characters.
Frankenstein Pages 81-166 FORESHADOW
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Throughout the book, foreshadowing is a literary technique that is used in a variety of situations. Most commonly, the foreshadowing was provided in the foreshadow of someone's death. The first foreshadow was of Victor's friend Henry's death. Before we discover that Henry has died, Frankenstein says, "And where does he (Henry) now exist? Is this gentle and lovely being lost forever?... your spirit still visits and consoles your unhappy friend" (Shelley, 114). Through this statement, Victor talks as if his friend is deceased. This allows the reader to assume that Henry has died and will die shortly in Victor's narrative. He also foreshadows Elizabeth's and his father's deaths. In the last part of chapter 22, Victor is talking of how the monster blinded him of his true intentions when the creature said, "he'd be with him on his wedding night." Well considering Victor thought that he himself was the target and is saying he is wrong, it is pretty much saying that Elizabeth was the victim. The father's death was also foreshadowed through all of Victor's loved ones dying, and he was old and sick.
Mary Shelley
Throughout the book, foreshadowing is a literary technique that is used in a variety of situations. Most commonly, the foreshadowing was provided in the foreshadow of someone's death. The first foreshadow was of Victor's friend Henry's death. Before we discover that Henry has died, Frankenstein says, "And where does he (Henry) now exist? Is this gentle and lovely being lost forever?... your spirit still visits and consoles your unhappy friend" (Shelley, 114). Through this statement, Victor talks as if his friend is deceased. This allows the reader to assume that Henry has died and will die shortly in Victor's narrative. He also foreshadows Elizabeth's and his father's deaths. In the last part of chapter 22, Victor is talking of how the monster blinded him of his true intentions when the creature said, "he'd be with him on his wedding night." Well considering Victor thought that he himself was the target and is saying he is wrong, it is pretty much saying that Elizabeth was the victim. The father's death was also foreshadowed through all of Victor's loved ones dying, and he was old and sick.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Frankenstein: Pages 1-80 Family Matters
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
The connection between family members in both Walton's and Frankenstein's lives I think plays an important role in the story. "Continue for the present to write to me by every opportunity: I may receive your letters on some occasion when I need them most to support my spirits" (Shelley, 6). In the passage, Walton is asking his sister to continue writing to him. Even though he has left his sister behind, he is trying to keep her present in his life. I think that is an important difference between Frankenstein and Walton. Frankenstein, though he loved his "sister" dearly, did not maintain communication in his days of building his creature. Though it is likely that Walton will do the same for his enterprise, he has tried to continue to write, which is another reason why the timing of Frankenstein's story was better. The connection with their family plays an important role in both of the character's personalities as well, because their family is of a major concern. Especially, Frankenstein knows what it is like to accept people into his world that are not of his class but allowing them to be so. I think this relates to his viewpoint on people as a whole. He does not seem to believe that anyone is of different standards, which could somehow play a role in what he did after talking with the creature.
Mary Shelley
The connection between family members in both Walton's and Frankenstein's lives I think plays an important role in the story. "Continue for the present to write to me by every opportunity: I may receive your letters on some occasion when I need them most to support my spirits" (Shelley, 6). In the passage, Walton is asking his sister to continue writing to him. Even though he has left his sister behind, he is trying to keep her present in his life. I think that is an important difference between Frankenstein and Walton. Frankenstein, though he loved his "sister" dearly, did not maintain communication in his days of building his creature. Though it is likely that Walton will do the same for his enterprise, he has tried to continue to write, which is another reason why the timing of Frankenstein's story was better. The connection with their family plays an important role in both of the character's personalities as well, because their family is of a major concern. Especially, Frankenstein knows what it is like to accept people into his world that are not of his class but allowing them to be so. I think this relates to his viewpoint on people as a whole. He does not seem to believe that anyone is of different standards, which could somehow play a role in what he did after talking with the creature.
Frankenstein:Pages 1-80 Not So Scary?
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
"The gentle manners and beauty of the cottagers greatly endeared them to me: when they were unhappy, I felt depressed; when they rejoiced, I sympathised in their joys" (Shelley, 79). As we meet the creature, he tells his creator of his grand experience he has had since he left. He is actually talking now, so he has apparently been able to mature just as a human. Though the monster is obviously a monster, in ways he parallels the development of humans. We learn on our own, from experiences, and from the actions of others just as the monster does. Furthermore, the creature is not providing the scare factor I was expecting. Despite the fact that he is a monster, he sort of has normal experiences. In a way, he is similar to Quasimodo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame; they are these scary looking "people," so they are automatically placed on the outskirts of society, because if you are not like everyone else then you do not belong. Though the monster rightfully should not exist. However, I feel that the monster was just searching for answers because his creator was not communicating with him.
Mary Shelley
"The gentle manners and beauty of the cottagers greatly endeared them to me: when they were unhappy, I felt depressed; when they rejoiced, I sympathised in their joys" (Shelley, 79). As we meet the creature, he tells his creator of his grand experience he has had since he left. He is actually talking now, so he has apparently been able to mature just as a human. Though the monster is obviously a monster, in ways he parallels the development of humans. We learn on our own, from experiences, and from the actions of others just as the monster does. Furthermore, the creature is not providing the scare factor I was expecting. Despite the fact that he is a monster, he sort of has normal experiences. In a way, he is similar to Quasimodo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame; they are these scary looking "people," so they are automatically placed on the outskirts of society, because if you are not like everyone else then you do not belong. Though the monster rightfully should not exist. However, I feel that the monster was just searching for answers because his creator was not communicating with him.
Frankenstein: Pages 1-80 Death Again?
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Well if anyone was wondering how many deaths can be fit into a short period of time, it is actually a lot more than two. However, the deaths of William and Justine have a major effect on both Frankenstein and Elizabeth. Frankenstein receives this letter from his father saying that his younger brother William had been murdered. He rushes home, though he should have been back to Geneva long before then. At the site of the murder, he sees his creation, so obviously the creature killed William. Victor explains his thinking as "Nothing in human shape could have destroyed that fair child. He was the murderer!" (Shelley, 50). Knowing his fault behind the death of his brother, which causes Justine to be executed for being wrongly accused, he defaults into another major depression like state. He also feels he is the cause of Elizabeth's great pain from losing two people who are very dear to her in such a short time. Perhaps this connects to the monster by Frankenstein attempted to overcome death, he actually creates death. (However, he should not have let the monster loose in case it could harm people.)
Mary Shelley
Well if anyone was wondering how many deaths can be fit into a short period of time, it is actually a lot more than two. However, the deaths of William and Justine have a major effect on both Frankenstein and Elizabeth. Frankenstein receives this letter from his father saying that his younger brother William had been murdered. He rushes home, though he should have been back to Geneva long before then. At the site of the murder, he sees his creation, so obviously the creature killed William. Victor explains his thinking as "Nothing in human shape could have destroyed that fair child. He was the murderer!" (Shelley, 50). Knowing his fault behind the death of his brother, which causes Justine to be executed for being wrongly accused, he defaults into another major depression like state. He also feels he is the cause of Elizabeth's great pain from losing two people who are very dear to her in such a short time. Perhaps this connects to the monster by Frankenstein attempted to overcome death, he actually creates death. (However, he should not have let the monster loose in case it could harm people.)
Frankenstein: Pages 1-80 Very Similar
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Beginning the book, we open up with Robert Walton writing these letters to his sister. He tells her of his goal to discover a way of safe passage to the North Pole. Furthermore, he wants to discover the secret of the compass. We discover that he had a very luxurious life and did not have to work for much of what he got. As stated in my other blog he was lonely on his trip. He was self-taught with a desire for knowledge, and he obviously cares a lot for his sister since he is writing all of these letters to her.
We later learn about this character named Victor Frankenstein. He has a very close connection with his sister, and he was very well off. Frankenstein had a great passion for learning, and he pushed himself further within his studies. As he was creating his creature, he experienced great loneliness, but was very optimistic in his work.
These two characters are very similar, almost the same person really. These parallels help to show the path that Walton appears to be going down, because Frankenstein seems to be farther down his path. Frankenstein recognizes their similarities and states "You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been" (Shelley, 13). Frankenstein warns Walton of their connection.
Mary Shelley
Beginning the book, we open up with Robert Walton writing these letters to his sister. He tells her of his goal to discover a way of safe passage to the North Pole. Furthermore, he wants to discover the secret of the compass. We discover that he had a very luxurious life and did not have to work for much of what he got. As stated in my other blog he was lonely on his trip. He was self-taught with a desire for knowledge, and he obviously cares a lot for his sister since he is writing all of these letters to her.
We later learn about this character named Victor Frankenstein. He has a very close connection with his sister, and he was very well off. Frankenstein had a great passion for learning, and he pushed himself further within his studies. As he was creating his creature, he experienced great loneliness, but was very optimistic in his work.
These two characters are very similar, almost the same person really. These parallels help to show the path that Walton appears to be going down, because Frankenstein seems to be farther down his path. Frankenstein recognizes their similarities and states "You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been" (Shelley, 13). Frankenstein warns Walton of their connection.
Frankenstein: Pages 1-80 Alienation Stuff
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Already within the first 40 pages, we begin to see the theme of alienation portrayed through both Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. Robert Walton says, "I have no friend, Margaret"(Shelley, 4) in one of the letters to his sister, and he did not believe he would be able to find one under the circumstances. However, he lucked into finding a person very similar to himself that grew to be his friend. They were able to find each other despite both being fairly alienated individuals. Though during the story Victor tells he is not always alienated, he definitely experienced the feeling of loneliness during his time of building his monster. When Victor left his home, he also left the people behind that he was the closest to. By leaving behind Elizabeth and Henry, he alienated himself, but when focusing solely on the monster, he separated himself even more. We again see Frankenstein alone when he is chasing his creation at the beginning of the story. Though people do not always choose this experience of alienation, I think both Walton and Frankenstein know that they would likely be alone on their journeys. The theme of alienation applies to several people who separate themselves from society or their peers. Sometimes people are able to accomplish more in this state, but the void grows on a person that most humans cannot handle. (Will Frankenstein and Walton be able to handle it?)
Mary Shelley
Already within the first 40 pages, we begin to see the theme of alienation portrayed through both Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. Robert Walton says, "I have no friend, Margaret"(Shelley, 4) in one of the letters to his sister, and he did not believe he would be able to find one under the circumstances. However, he lucked into finding a person very similar to himself that grew to be his friend. They were able to find each other despite both being fairly alienated individuals. Though during the story Victor tells he is not always alienated, he definitely experienced the feeling of loneliness during his time of building his monster. When Victor left his home, he also left the people behind that he was the closest to. By leaving behind Elizabeth and Henry, he alienated himself, but when focusing solely on the monster, he separated himself even more. We again see Frankenstein alone when he is chasing his creation at the beginning of the story. Though people do not always choose this experience of alienation, I think both Walton and Frankenstein know that they would likely be alone on their journeys. The theme of alienation applies to several people who separate themselves from society or their peers. Sometimes people are able to accomplish more in this state, but the void grows on a person that most humans cannot handle. (Will Frankenstein and Walton be able to handle it?)
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Alienation: Much Madness
"Much Madness is divinest Sense"
Emily Dickinson
As it states in the question following the poem, the poem presents the ideas that insanity is good sense and good sense is insane. I think the best way to attack this poem is by relating it to real life. How is insanity good sense? Well perhaps if we look at a person such as Albert Einstein, he was crazy, but he was also one of the world's smartest people during his time. There is a good sense within insanity that comes out through craziness. How is good sense insane? Well by good sense people perform an action such as locking a door, then by performing this act so many times the act becomes a habit. When something becomes a habit, the person no longer realizes their reasoning for performing the act which is insane. So you think I am stretching this a little bit? I probably would too, but it made sense in my head.
Question number two asks how we know the speaker does not believe the majority is correct. In the poem the speaker says, "Demur-you're straightway dangerous-/And handled with a Chain-" (Dickinson, 830). This statement provides evidence the the speaker knew what would happen if they disagreed, which allows the reader to know that the speaker does in fact disagree. The last five lines of the poem relate more to going with or away from the majority of people, rather than the subject of insanity and good sense.
Emily Dickinson
As it states in the question following the poem, the poem presents the ideas that insanity is good sense and good sense is insane. I think the best way to attack this poem is by relating it to real life. How is insanity good sense? Well perhaps if we look at a person such as Albert Einstein, he was crazy, but he was also one of the world's smartest people during his time. There is a good sense within insanity that comes out through craziness. How is good sense insane? Well by good sense people perform an action such as locking a door, then by performing this act so many times the act becomes a habit. When something becomes a habit, the person no longer realizes their reasoning for performing the act which is insane. So you think I am stretching this a little bit? I probably would too, but it made sense in my head.
Question number two asks how we know the speaker does not believe the majority is correct. In the poem the speaker says, "Demur-you're straightway dangerous-/And handled with a Chain-" (Dickinson, 830). This statement provides evidence the the speaker knew what would happen if they disagreed, which allows the reader to know that the speaker does in fact disagree. The last five lines of the poem relate more to going with or away from the majority of people, rather than the subject of insanity and good sense.
Alienation: Bartleby
"Bartleby the Scrivener"
Herman Melville
"I would prefer not to" (Melville, 649). Bartleby's main choice of words throughout the story reveals his sense of possible depression or hopelessness. As the story progresses, Bartleby prefers to not do more and more of what his work requires. The narrator, the lawyer, cannot seem to fire Bartleby, because he is sympathetic towards him. The lawyer offers Bartleby money, a place to live, a new job, etc., but Bartleby "prefers not" to change anything, so the lawyer does not know what to do.Therefore, the only logical option was to pack up his firm and move leaving Bartleby at the old business site; the lawyer thought Bartleby would leave though nothing Bartleby ever did would give the lawyer the notion that he would actually leave. We learn at the end of the story that Bartleby had once worked at a Dead Letter Office. A Dead Letter Office is a place where letters are burned because the person who was meant to receive them passed away. Having a job like that would be severely depressing. Knowing that you are burning letters meant for someone else who had passed away and never got to see how much the person writing loved them: it would be heart breaking. The letters lead to a lose of himself and a great sense of hopelessness that just increased as time went on. Sometimes the job one performs can emotionally harm the employed.
Herman Melville
"I would prefer not to" (Melville, 649). Bartleby's main choice of words throughout the story reveals his sense of possible depression or hopelessness. As the story progresses, Bartleby prefers to not do more and more of what his work requires. The narrator, the lawyer, cannot seem to fire Bartleby, because he is sympathetic towards him. The lawyer offers Bartleby money, a place to live, a new job, etc., but Bartleby "prefers not" to change anything, so the lawyer does not know what to do.Therefore, the only logical option was to pack up his firm and move leaving Bartleby at the old business site; the lawyer thought Bartleby would leave though nothing Bartleby ever did would give the lawyer the notion that he would actually leave. We learn at the end of the story that Bartleby had once worked at a Dead Letter Office. A Dead Letter Office is a place where letters are burned because the person who was meant to receive them passed away. Having a job like that would be severely depressing. Knowing that you are burning letters meant for someone else who had passed away and never got to see how much the person writing loved them: it would be heart breaking. The letters lead to a lose of himself and a great sense of hopelessness that just increased as time went on. Sometimes the job one performs can emotionally harm the employed.
Alienation: Miss Brill
"Miss Brill"
Katherine Mansfield
Miss Brill uses her fur as a way to avoid her sense of alienation. She imagines her furs as living things and talks to them. She performs the same routine every Sunday in going to the park. However, this Sunday is even better because there are more people due to the beginning of the season. Her main enjoyment in going to the park was listening to other people's conversations. "She had become really quite expert, she thought, at listening as though she didn't listen, at sitting in other people's lives just for a minute while they talked round her" (Mansfield, 183). I think this shows how lonely she was if listening to other people's conversations was of such an interest. She liked entering other people's lives because that life was not her own. Though for most of the story Miss Brill feels content with her lifestyle, it's just one big performance. However, when the young couple shows her how other people view her she is very upset, but the speaker does not say at the end that it was Miss Brill crying. However, we know that it must be her but she does not want to admit her state of loneliness and sadness.
Katherine Mansfield
Miss Brill uses her fur as a way to avoid her sense of alienation. She imagines her furs as living things and talks to them. She performs the same routine every Sunday in going to the park. However, this Sunday is even better because there are more people due to the beginning of the season. Her main enjoyment in going to the park was listening to other people's conversations. "She had become really quite expert, she thought, at listening as though she didn't listen, at sitting in other people's lives just for a minute while they talked round her" (Mansfield, 183). I think this shows how lonely she was if listening to other people's conversations was of such an interest. She liked entering other people's lives because that life was not her own. Though for most of the story Miss Brill feels content with her lifestyle, it's just one big performance. However, when the young couple shows her how other people view her she is very upset, but the speaker does not say at the end that it was Miss Brill crying. However, we know that it must be her but she does not want to admit her state of loneliness and sadness.
Alienation: APO 96225
"APO 96225"
Larry Rottmann
This poem about a man who is in the war I think relates to how must parents would feel about their son going to war. The boy writes to his mom about how it rains a lot. Even if he means it literally, the rain probably also symbolizes the hurt and sadness that happens in a war. The mother who supposedly can read between the lines knows that the boy is holding back and tells him to tell her how it really is there. After two more positive responses from the boy, he finally tells the mother what it is actually like in the war. "'Today I killed a man. Yesterday, I helped drop napalm on women and children'" (Rottmann, 846). Then the dad tells the son to not say these things to his mother, because they upset her. However, the parents were looking for the son to tell them how awful it was being in the war. One lesson of the poem is to not ask questions you do not want the answer to. This poem shows how most people would feel as well. They know that it cannot be enjoyable at war, and they want to comfort the soldier. However, most soldiers do not want to talk about the awful surroundings, but talk of more positive things to get their mind off of their job, at least for a short time.
Larry Rottmann
This poem about a man who is in the war I think relates to how must parents would feel about their son going to war. The boy writes to his mom about how it rains a lot. Even if he means it literally, the rain probably also symbolizes the hurt and sadness that happens in a war. The mother who supposedly can read between the lines knows that the boy is holding back and tells him to tell her how it really is there. After two more positive responses from the boy, he finally tells the mother what it is actually like in the war. "'Today I killed a man. Yesterday, I helped drop napalm on women and children'" (Rottmann, 846). Then the dad tells the son to not say these things to his mother, because they upset her. However, the parents were looking for the son to tell them how awful it was being in the war. One lesson of the poem is to not ask questions you do not want the answer to. This poem shows how most people would feel as well. They know that it cannot be enjoyable at war, and they want to comfort the soldier. However, most soldiers do not want to talk about the awful surroundings, but talk of more positive things to get their mind off of their job, at least for a short time.
Alienation: I felt a Funeral, in my Brain
"I felt a Funeral, in my Brain"
Emily Dickinson
In this poem by Emily Dickinson, the speaker is imagining having a funeral in her brain. The speaker cannot see this funeral, only feel it. The speaker describes the people attending the funeral to be wearing "Boots of Lead" (Dickinson, 776). These people are walking and pacing through her brain; this could possible metaphorically represent her being walked all over. Therefore, the speaker may feel that she has been stepped on in her life or used by someone else.
The speaker uses the terms "Brain," "Mind," and "Soul." The capitalization signifies an importance of these words. I think that they signify the physical, intellectual, and spiritual connection she to this funeral. Furthermore, at the end of the poem, the speaker falls down when the "Plank in Reason" broke. The speaker lost her sense of reasoning and the discontinuation of the poem signifies how the speaker is lost now without her sense of reasoning.
Emily Dickinson
In this poem by Emily Dickinson, the speaker is imagining having a funeral in her brain. The speaker cannot see this funeral, only feel it. The speaker describes the people attending the funeral to be wearing "Boots of Lead" (Dickinson, 776). These people are walking and pacing through her brain; this could possible metaphorically represent her being walked all over. Therefore, the speaker may feel that she has been stepped on in her life or used by someone else.
The speaker uses the terms "Brain," "Mind," and "Soul." The capitalization signifies an importance of these words. I think that they signify the physical, intellectual, and spiritual connection she to this funeral. Furthermore, at the end of the poem, the speaker falls down when the "Plank in Reason" broke. The speaker lost her sense of reasoning and the discontinuation of the poem signifies how the speaker is lost now without her sense of reasoning.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Death Unit: Crossing the Bar
"Crossing the Bar"
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
In this poem, the speaker talks of how when he sails out to see he wants there to be a quiet tide that will turn him toward home. Then the speaker wishes that no one will be sad when he departs. Though his departure with bring him to a time and place that we as humans cannot truly grasp, his departure should hopefully lead him to his Pilot, or God.
In the first stanza, the speaker calls out the "sunset and evening star" and in the third, he calls out "twilight and evening bell" (Lord Tennyson, 886). I think these times of day, which are close to night, represent the death which is approaching the speaker. In the poem, the speaker accepts death. The sandbar symbolizes the division between life and death that he is about to cross.
A question in the book asks what type of death the speaker was wishing. I thought based on the fact that he was accepting of his death, he wanted a peaceful death. It also says in line 4 "But such a tide as moving seems asleep." The tide is the way by which the speaker is being departed from this life. Therefore, I inferred that the speaker wished for a peaceful quiet sleep, such as dying in their sleep.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
In this poem, the speaker talks of how when he sails out to see he wants there to be a quiet tide that will turn him toward home. Then the speaker wishes that no one will be sad when he departs. Though his departure with bring him to a time and place that we as humans cannot truly grasp, his departure should hopefully lead him to his Pilot, or God.
In the first stanza, the speaker calls out the "sunset and evening star" and in the third, he calls out "twilight and evening bell" (Lord Tennyson, 886). I think these times of day, which are close to night, represent the death which is approaching the speaker. In the poem, the speaker accepts death. The sandbar symbolizes the division between life and death that he is about to cross.
A question in the book asks what type of death the speaker was wishing. I thought based on the fact that he was accepting of his death, he wanted a peaceful death. It also says in line 4 "But such a tide as moving seems asleep." The tide is the way by which the speaker is being departed from this life. Therefore, I inferred that the speaker wished for a peaceful quiet sleep, such as dying in their sleep.
Death Unit: Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night"
Dylan Thomas
This poem addresses old men and tells them to not accept death. "That Good Night" is a metaphor for death. The speaker points out that the wisest people do not just simply accept death but fight it in order to achieve everything they can in this life.The speaker then specifically addresses their father. They tell him to not give up and to not let death win without putting up a fight. They want their father's death to not just be a tragedy but also heroic knowing that he did everything he could to remain with his family.
The paradoxical expressions in the poem relate to how the father's death will seem if the father puts up a fight. "Curse, bless, me now", "the sad height", and "blinding sight" (Thomas, 968) all relate to the tragic but heroic death of the father would be if he fights. Though death is inevitable, the speaker thinks there is pride in fighting for life. For this reason, they stress the importance of fighting for their life.
Dylan Thomas
This poem addresses old men and tells them to not accept death. "That Good Night" is a metaphor for death. The speaker points out that the wisest people do not just simply accept death but fight it in order to achieve everything they can in this life.The speaker then specifically addresses their father. They tell him to not give up and to not let death win without putting up a fight. They want their father's death to not just be a tragedy but also heroic knowing that he did everything he could to remain with his family.
The paradoxical expressions in the poem relate to how the father's death will seem if the father puts up a fight. "Curse, bless, me now", "the sad height", and "blinding sight" (Thomas, 968) all relate to the tragic but heroic death of the father would be if he fights. Though death is inevitable, the speaker thinks there is pride in fighting for life. For this reason, they stress the importance of fighting for their life.
Death Unit: Death, be not proud
"Death, be not proud"
John Donne
A main type of figurative language used in this poem is personification. Throughout the poem the speaker talks to death as if death was something tangible or human. The speaker tells death that he is not powerful or scary. The speaker compares death to sleep when saying, "And poppy charms can make us sleep as well, and better than thy stroke" (Donne, 972). The speaker basically is saying that though many people fear death there is no reason to be afraid to die. Death is just a short rest before we wake for eternity. This poem relates to the Christian belief that once we die in this life, we wake eternally with God. Furthermore, when we are with God, there will be no more death.
Why should death not be proud? Not only is death not all powerful, but death hangs out with things such as poison, war, and sickness, and he is a slave, or does not act on his own accord. The main point behind this poem is that death is not truly scary, and there is nothing to fear about death.
John Donne
A main type of figurative language used in this poem is personification. Throughout the poem the speaker talks to death as if death was something tangible or human. The speaker tells death that he is not powerful or scary. The speaker compares death to sleep when saying, "And poppy charms can make us sleep as well, and better than thy stroke" (Donne, 972). The speaker basically is saying that though many people fear death there is no reason to be afraid to die. Death is just a short rest before we wake for eternity. This poem relates to the Christian belief that once we die in this life, we wake eternally with God. Furthermore, when we are with God, there will be no more death.
Why should death not be proud? Not only is death not all powerful, but death hangs out with things such as poison, war, and sickness, and he is a slave, or does not act on his own accord. The main point behind this poem is that death is not truly scary, and there is nothing to fear about death.
Death Unit: A Rose For Emily
"A Rose for Emily"
William Faulkner
In this short story, there is a crazy old lady who likes to keep dead people in her house. Why would Emily, the old lady, keep Homer, the dead guy who she may or may not have killed, in a room for about forty years? Well the simply answer would be that the woman is crazy, and crazy people to absurd things. This may be true, but there is always more to the story. I think the reasoning the story gives to why Emily may have killed Homer also gives reason to why she kept the body. It says in the story that both her father died and a man believed to marry Emily left her (Faulkner, 283). Therefore, two men within a short period of time were out of her life. Now Homer liked men, so he was not likely to marry Emily, and if Emily believed she would be left again, she had a motive to kill Homer. She did not wish to be alone, and her way of coping with that was to be sure she would never be alone again by making it not possible for Homer to leave. People can do some really weird things when they are lonely.
William Faulkner
In this short story, there is a crazy old lady who likes to keep dead people in her house. Why would Emily, the old lady, keep Homer, the dead guy who she may or may not have killed, in a room for about forty years? Well the simply answer would be that the woman is crazy, and crazy people to absurd things. This may be true, but there is always more to the story. I think the reasoning the story gives to why Emily may have killed Homer also gives reason to why she kept the body. It says in the story that both her father died and a man believed to marry Emily left her (Faulkner, 283). Therefore, two men within a short period of time were out of her life. Now Homer liked men, so he was not likely to marry Emily, and if Emily believed she would be left again, she had a motive to kill Homer. She did not wish to be alone, and her way of coping with that was to be sure she would never be alone again by making it not possible for Homer to leave. People can do some really weird things when they are lonely.
Death Unit: The Lottery
"The Lottery"
Shirley Jackson
The village in the story holds an annual lottery on June 27. In the modern world, the lottery is associated with positivity; people take a chance to earn a great deal of money. In the story, however, the lottery is a ritual stoning, which is definitely a negative thing. The term lottery means that there is a chance taken or there is some usage of odds or probability. In the story, every family takes a chance at drawing the paper with the black circle, while in today's society people take a chance at gaining money.
Why a group of people would nonchalantly kill someone every year does not really make sense. However, based on clues provided in the story, there was originally a purpose to the stoning: "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon" (Jackson, 268). Though the community originally had a purpose for continuing the lottery, they now have no real reason to keep having the lottery. A main theme of the story is that it can be dangerous to blindly follow tradition. When following tradition blindly, people can easily be hurt for no reason at all.
Shirley Jackson
The village in the story holds an annual lottery on June 27. In the modern world, the lottery is associated with positivity; people take a chance to earn a great deal of money. In the story, however, the lottery is a ritual stoning, which is definitely a negative thing. The term lottery means that there is a chance taken or there is some usage of odds or probability. In the story, every family takes a chance at drawing the paper with the black circle, while in today's society people take a chance at gaining money.
Why a group of people would nonchalantly kill someone every year does not really make sense. However, based on clues provided in the story, there was originally a purpose to the stoning: "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon" (Jackson, 268). Though the community originally had a purpose for continuing the lottery, they now have no real reason to keep having the lottery. A main theme of the story is that it can be dangerous to blindly follow tradition. When following tradition blindly, people can easily be hurt for no reason at all.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Scene 7
The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams
After dinner is finished, the power goes out; it turns out that Tom forgot to pay the electric bill. Amanda makes Tom help her with dishes, while she sends Jim to assist Laura. The events between Laura and Jim allow for the reader to expect one thing, but there was a great twist. Laura finally begins to relax and open up to someone. Jim gives her reasons to have self-confidence and hearing these things from someone of such importance to her help her to realize that he may be right. Jim says, "A little physical defect is what you have. Hardly noticeable even! Magnified thousands of times by imagination!" (1280). Though these sentences apply strictly to Laura in the play, they relate to a lot of people in today's world. A lot of people have something about them they do not necessarily enjoy, but these things are usually unnoticeable to other people. Like Laura, it is helpful to hear from someone else that our imperfections are hardly noticed by others. Laura's shyness began to dissolve as she got closer to Jim, and as he told her of how beautiful she really is, which can relate to us today. When we find someone that can see past our imperfections, we are able to slowly oversee these imperfections for ourselves.
Tennessee Williams
After dinner is finished, the power goes out; it turns out that Tom forgot to pay the electric bill. Amanda makes Tom help her with dishes, while she sends Jim to assist Laura. The events between Laura and Jim allow for the reader to expect one thing, but there was a great twist. Laura finally begins to relax and open up to someone. Jim gives her reasons to have self-confidence and hearing these things from someone of such importance to her help her to realize that he may be right. Jim says, "A little physical defect is what you have. Hardly noticeable even! Magnified thousands of times by imagination!" (1280). Though these sentences apply strictly to Laura in the play, they relate to a lot of people in today's world. A lot of people have something about them they do not necessarily enjoy, but these things are usually unnoticeable to other people. Like Laura, it is helpful to hear from someone else that our imperfections are hardly noticed by others. Laura's shyness began to dissolve as she got closer to Jim, and as he told her of how beautiful she really is, which can relate to us today. When we find someone that can see past our imperfections, we are able to slowly oversee these imperfections for ourselves.
Scene 6
The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams
It is a very small world. What are the odds of Jim being Laura's old crush from high school? Tom knew Jim in high school, and Laura is very nervous about the gentleman caller being the Jim; therefore, it of course had to be him. Laura reveals her timid side again by her freak out when Jim was coming. Laura decides to hide herself once she lets them in the door. It is hard to imagine people being that shy! "She is like a piece of translucent glass touched by light, given a momentary radiance, not actual, not lasting" (1263). This description of Laura relates her to her glass menagerie which is used to symbolize her. Laura is fragile; she breaks easily. However, like glass held over a light is given momentary brilliance, as Laura had momentary, special beauty that night.
Now Amanda gets all dolled up for this great occasion and does not waste a second to tell Jim her life story. (that would be embarrassing) It is a good thing Jim was a kind fellow because if I was him I probably would have been a little apprehensive.
Tennessee Williams
It is a very small world. What are the odds of Jim being Laura's old crush from high school? Tom knew Jim in high school, and Laura is very nervous about the gentleman caller being the Jim; therefore, it of course had to be him. Laura reveals her timid side again by her freak out when Jim was coming. Laura decides to hide herself once she lets them in the door. It is hard to imagine people being that shy! "She is like a piece of translucent glass touched by light, given a momentary radiance, not actual, not lasting" (1263). This description of Laura relates her to her glass menagerie which is used to symbolize her. Laura is fragile; she breaks easily. However, like glass held over a light is given momentary brilliance, as Laura had momentary, special beauty that night.
Now Amanda gets all dolled up for this great occasion and does not waste a second to tell Jim her life story. (that would be embarrassing) It is a good thing Jim was a kind fellow because if I was him I probably would have been a little apprehensive.
Scene 5
The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams
Wishing on the moon, Tom reveals that he has found a gentleman caller for Laura. However, there is a catch (there is always a catch), the caller does not know about Laura. Now that Amanda got her wish of a gentleman caller for Laura, she asks all of these questions to make sure this man is acceptable. Laura cannot have a man that drinks, because men that drink are no good. Well if she was really that concerned about it she would have found her own gentleman caller for Laura. Beggars cannot be choosers!
I noticed that Amanda says, "It simply means I'll have to work like a Turk" (1258). This is an allusion to The Hobbit, at least I believe it is. I thought this was a rather odd allusion; simply alluding to working well and very quickly. Amanda is very overwhelmed with the idea of this guest, but she is overwhelmed with excited emotions. Why would a mother get that excited for a gentleman caller for her daughter?
Tennessee Williams
Wishing on the moon, Tom reveals that he has found a gentleman caller for Laura. However, there is a catch (there is always a catch), the caller does not know about Laura. Now that Amanda got her wish of a gentleman caller for Laura, she asks all of these questions to make sure this man is acceptable. Laura cannot have a man that drinks, because men that drink are no good. Well if she was really that concerned about it she would have found her own gentleman caller for Laura. Beggars cannot be choosers!
I noticed that Amanda says, "It simply means I'll have to work like a Turk" (1258). This is an allusion to The Hobbit, at least I believe it is. I thought this was a rather odd allusion; simply alluding to working well and very quickly. Amanda is very overwhelmed with the idea of this guest, but she is overwhelmed with excited emotions. Why would a mother get that excited for a gentleman caller for her daughter?
Scenes 3 & 4
The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams
Tom's character becomes more present in the external conflict between him and his mother. Tom has a dream to be a writer and points out to his mother that he goes to work everyday to do a job he hates. I think to a certain extent Amanda has a point to say he is disrespectful. However, Tom is disrespectful in his treatment of his mother, not for the reasons Amanda says he is disrespectful. Amanda, as Tom's mother should be more aware of her son's dreams.
Amanda's main concern with Laura is to find her a gentleman caller. She even brings Tom into helping her find a caller for Laura. She makes a deal with Tom when she says, "I mean that as soon as Laura has got somebody to take care of her, married, a home of her own, independent - why, then you'll be free to go wherever you please, on land, on sea, whichever way the wind blows you!" (1253). I cannot even imagine how Laura feels about her family so set on setting her up with a man. Her confidence is already fairly low, would this not make her feel worse about herself? I would think that knowing her family has to set her up to get a man would make her feel worse, but time will tell.
Tennessee Williams
Tom's character becomes more present in the external conflict between him and his mother. Tom has a dream to be a writer and points out to his mother that he goes to work everyday to do a job he hates. I think to a certain extent Amanda has a point to say he is disrespectful. However, Tom is disrespectful in his treatment of his mother, not for the reasons Amanda says he is disrespectful. Amanda, as Tom's mother should be more aware of her son's dreams.
Amanda's main concern with Laura is to find her a gentleman caller. She even brings Tom into helping her find a caller for Laura. She makes a deal with Tom when she says, "I mean that as soon as Laura has got somebody to take care of her, married, a home of her own, independent - why, then you'll be free to go wherever you please, on land, on sea, whichever way the wind blows you!" (1253). I cannot even imagine how Laura feels about her family so set on setting her up with a man. Her confidence is already fairly low, would this not make her feel worse about herself? I would think that knowing her family has to set her up to get a man would make her feel worse, but time will tell.
Scenes 1 & 2
The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams
From the beginning of the play, Tom tells us that the play will be nonrealistic. Though he states that the play is nonrealistic, we know this due to the play having a narrator, the background music, and the stage set up. Also from Tom's opening speech, it is known of the play being a memory play. So far I am having trouble recognizing what about the play make it different than a play that is not a memory play. There are points in the play such as when Laura says, "Oh..." (1241); this usage of ellipses makes me wonder if he just did not include the rest, or if it signals Laura's difficulty of communicating her thoughts.
The mother, Amanda, is very concerned about Laura finding a gentleman caller. Laura's personality is that of an insanely shy girl, and she does not enjoy communicating with others. Her internal struggle caused her to drop out of business school. Amanda seems to be the type of parent that tries to relieve her glory days through her children, and it is possible that Amanda's talk of all of these gentleman callers she had lower Laura's self-confidence even more. Furthermore, the only guy that Laura said she liked was always too busy for her which may have also contributed to her lack of confidence.
Tennessee Williams
From the beginning of the play, Tom tells us that the play will be nonrealistic. Though he states that the play is nonrealistic, we know this due to the play having a narrator, the background music, and the stage set up. Also from Tom's opening speech, it is known of the play being a memory play. So far I am having trouble recognizing what about the play make it different than a play that is not a memory play. There are points in the play such as when Laura says, "Oh..." (1241); this usage of ellipses makes me wonder if he just did not include the rest, or if it signals Laura's difficulty of communicating her thoughts.
The mother, Amanda, is very concerned about Laura finding a gentleman caller. Laura's personality is that of an insanely shy girl, and she does not enjoy communicating with others. Her internal struggle caused her to drop out of business school. Amanda seems to be the type of parent that tries to relieve her glory days through her children, and it is possible that Amanda's talk of all of these gentleman callers she had lower Laura's self-confidence even more. Furthermore, the only guy that Laura said she liked was always too busy for her which may have also contributed to her lack of confidence.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
"The Joy of Cooking"
"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?
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?
"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.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"Hazel Tells LaVerne"
"Hazel Tells LaVerne"
Katharyn Howd Machan
Everyone has to love a fairytale, right? This poem being a spin off of the story "The Frog Prince" allowed for me to connect more with the poem. This poem has absolutely no punctuation and no capitalization. In most cases that would allow for much confusion when reading. However, each line is basically its own thought. The usage of colloquial language helps to describe the character of the speaker. The speaker is a servant or maid who cannot believe that it would ever be possible for her to be a princess. She says, "me a princess". She was in utter disbelief at the whole situation and she acted how most would probably act in that situation by hitting the frog and screaming. She accepts who she is, and though anyone would want to be a princess, she was incapable of even thinking that the option of her being a princess is even slightly possible, which I think would be the case of most people.
Katharyn Howd Machan
Everyone has to love a fairytale, right? This poem being a spin off of the story "The Frog Prince" allowed for me to connect more with the poem. This poem has absolutely no punctuation and no capitalization. In most cases that would allow for much confusion when reading. However, each line is basically its own thought. The usage of colloquial language helps to describe the character of the speaker. The speaker is a servant or maid who cannot believe that it would ever be possible for her to be a princess. She says, "me a princess". She was in utter disbelief at the whole situation and she acted how most would probably act in that situation by hitting the frog and screaming. She accepts who she is, and though anyone would want to be a princess, she was incapable of even thinking that the option of her being a princess is even slightly possible, which I think would be the case of most people.
"Dreams Deferred"
"Dreams Deferred"
Langston Hughes
How many similes and rhetorical question can a person fit into an eleven lined poem? Well this particular poem used five similes and six rhetorical questions. That is a lot. These literary techniques helped to paint a picture in the reader's head, as well as make the reader think. Does a dream deferred magically go away, "Or does it explode?" A dream deferred is basically a dream that one sets to the wayside, because they do not have any intention of acheiving that dream, or they find it to be impossible to acheive.
When learning that the author is African American, the dream that was deferred would probably be the fight against slavery or for civil rights. Though there were bound to be blacks that never put this goal behind them and fought for their freedom all the time, most probably found it an almost impossible task. However, when they tried to place the dream aside, the dream was never fully removed. The last line of the poem, "Or does it explode?", shows that a dream put behind someone may rot for awhile or dry up for the time being, but eventually the dream will no longer be able to be ignored.
Langston Hughes
How many similes and rhetorical question can a person fit into an eleven lined poem? Well this particular poem used five similes and six rhetorical questions. That is a lot. These literary techniques helped to paint a picture in the reader's head, as well as make the reader think. Does a dream deferred magically go away, "Or does it explode?" A dream deferred is basically a dream that one sets to the wayside, because they do not have any intention of acheiving that dream, or they find it to be impossible to acheive.
When learning that the author is African American, the dream that was deferred would probably be the fight against slavery or for civil rights. Though there were bound to be blacks that never put this goal behind them and fought for their freedom all the time, most probably found it an almost impossible task. However, when they tried to place the dream aside, the dream was never fully removed. The last line of the poem, "Or does it explode?", shows that a dream put behind someone may rot for awhile or dry up for the time being, but eventually the dream will no longer be able to be ignored.
"Everyday Use"
"Everyday Use"
Alice Walker
The speaker uses similes while telling this story as a source of imagery. For example, "When the hard clay is swept clean as a floor..." (Walker, 173). This story about two sisters who were as opposite as two people could ever be provided some ironic situations. For instance, Dee, who was named after her aunt and changed her name to Wangero, called her mother out for not understanding her heritage when Dee basically threw her heritage out the window. She comes back to see her family after all of this time apart and asks for all of these things that are of some importance to her mom and sister. However, she does not even asks, she basically just says I am taking these to make my house look nicer. Therefore, when her mom said that those quilts were for Maggie, I was thinking "Yes! You tell her!" She deserved to be put in her place.
In a way, I saw this story in the view point of Maggie. Being second to her sister in everything, I could not even imagine how torturous that would be. She was pushed around all of her life, and it was time that someone stood up for her.
Alice Walker
The speaker uses similes while telling this story as a source of imagery. For example, "When the hard clay is swept clean as a floor..." (Walker, 173). This story about two sisters who were as opposite as two people could ever be provided some ironic situations. For instance, Dee, who was named after her aunt and changed her name to Wangero, called her mother out for not understanding her heritage when Dee basically threw her heritage out the window. She comes back to see her family after all of this time apart and asks for all of these things that are of some importance to her mom and sister. However, she does not even asks, she basically just says I am taking these to make my house look nicer. Therefore, when her mom said that those quilts were for Maggie, I was thinking "Yes! You tell her!" She deserved to be put in her place.
In a way, I saw this story in the view point of Maggie. Being second to her sister in everything, I could not even imagine how torturous that would be. She was pushed around all of her life, and it was time that someone stood up for her.
"Mr. Z"
"Mr. Z"
M. Carl Holman
In the poem, a black male is trying to envelop a "white" lifestyle. What is ironic about the poem is in the last line, "'One of the most distinguished members of his race.'" Mr. Z put all of this effort into being successful and fitting in with the whites by being proper and educated, but even though he was a "distinguished member of his class," there was no difference in his outcome. He died like everyone does, and he died with no higher distinction than anyone else.
The structured format of the poem is used in order to portray Mr. Z's character. Mr. Z is an intelligent and proper, which matches the proper format of the poem.
Mr. Z is an unnamed character. Why? I think the author chose to leave Mr. Z as an unnamed character, because the a decently sized group of black males attempted what Mr. Z is attempting: to fit in with the whites. It is also possible that Holman did not give a name to Mr. Z in order to not offend anyone in particular. The name of Mr. Z sounds proper; the title of Mister is a proper title, so it is also possible that the name was to fit the character.
M. Carl Holman
In the poem, a black male is trying to envelop a "white" lifestyle. What is ironic about the poem is in the last line, "'One of the most distinguished members of his race.'" Mr. Z put all of this effort into being successful and fitting in with the whites by being proper and educated, but even though he was a "distinguished member of his class," there was no difference in his outcome. He died like everyone does, and he died with no higher distinction than anyone else.
The structured format of the poem is used in order to portray Mr. Z's character. Mr. Z is an intelligent and proper, which matches the proper format of the poem.
Mr. Z is an unnamed character. Why? I think the author chose to leave Mr. Z as an unnamed character, because the a decently sized group of black males attempted what Mr. Z is attempting: to fit in with the whites. It is also possible that Holman did not give a name to Mr. Z in order to not offend anyone in particular. The name of Mr. Z sounds proper; the title of Mister is a proper title, so it is also possible that the name was to fit the character.
"Interpreter of Maladies"
"Interpreter of Maladies"
Jhumpa Lahire
Mr. Kapasi's interpretation talents lead him to helping a doctor interpret his patients needs. I felt Mrs. Das misunderstood Mr. Kapasi's job. The problem with the Das family was their lack of love and communication with each other. When Mrs. Das reveals her secret to Mr. Kapasi, I did not think that it made her sympathetic. I think it allowed her to lift this burden off of her chest, and even though the burden remains in the end, I think she realized the love she truly feels for her family that she had not seen because of the burden she was carrying.
I found it interesting that Mr. Kapasi was an interpreter of maladies. Maladies are chronic diseases or an extremely serious illness. Though the relationship between Mr. Das and Mrs. Das would not be considered a disease, it was still tearing them apart. Illnesses attack from the inside; love is in a person's heart, and the lack of love attacks and spreads inside oneself.
The author was very descriptive throughout the tale. There were many details about what the characters looked like and what they were wearing which helped to picture the story. My favorite sentence was "In addition to Tina they had two boys, Ronny and Bobby, who appeared very close in age and had teeth covered in a network of flashing silver wires" (Lahire, 147-148). I thought it was a very clever term for braces.
Jhumpa Lahire
Mr. Kapasi's interpretation talents lead him to helping a doctor interpret his patients needs. I felt Mrs. Das misunderstood Mr. Kapasi's job. The problem with the Das family was their lack of love and communication with each other. When Mrs. Das reveals her secret to Mr. Kapasi, I did not think that it made her sympathetic. I think it allowed her to lift this burden off of her chest, and even though the burden remains in the end, I think she realized the love she truly feels for her family that she had not seen because of the burden she was carrying.
I found it interesting that Mr. Kapasi was an interpreter of maladies. Maladies are chronic diseases or an extremely serious illness. Though the relationship between Mr. Das and Mrs. Das would not be considered a disease, it was still tearing them apart. Illnesses attack from the inside; love is in a person's heart, and the lack of love attacks and spreads inside oneself.
The author was very descriptive throughout the tale. There were many details about what the characters looked like and what they were wearing which helped to picture the story. My favorite sentence was "In addition to Tina they had two boys, Ronny and Bobby, who appeared very close in age and had teeth covered in a network of flashing silver wires" (Lahire, 147-148). I thought it was a very clever term for braces.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Perrine Blog Entry on "The Nature of Proof in the Interpretation of Poetry"
I agree that poems do not have unlimited interpretations, but I do feel there is more than one possible interpretation for a poem. For instance, the first poem by Emily Dickinson I felt could have easily been about a field of flowers just as easily as it could have been about a sunset. I understand what Perrine's argument is saying, but that would involve having knowledge that not everyone has. How does one know what the "wharf" is without looking it up if they had not already known? If one sees the poem as representing a field of flowers, then why would they not guess that the wharf is the field or all of the flowers? Perrine mentions that the reader can make assumptions as to what the poem is about based on knowledge of the author, but if we do not know the authors life then the poem may be interpreted differently. If a poem with symbols in it can be interpreted in multiple ways, then why can we not interpret all poems this way? How does one know the difference between a poem that is literal versus a symbolic poem?
We say poems are a work of art, so comparing a poem to a painting would be plausible to solve this issue. For instance, when looking at a painting such as "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh, someone may see it as a magnificent work of colors and shapes, while another may wonder how the painting is worth so much because there are not many colors and the painting is "blotchy". The interpretation is a matter of opinion, why would that not be the same for a poem which is a work of art? Perrine's formula for interpretation is that of a science hypothesis being proven. Science is not an art; science is based on facts. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a poem is not based on facts; therefore, why should we interpret a work of art such that it is a science that does not make sense. If an interpretation makes sense it should be considered correct, but then the
question comes up with what makes sense and what interpretations are completely of the wall. If that is an issue, I would suggest having the interpreter explain why they interpreted the poem as they did. If they do not know why, then they probably just made it up. Teachers could set boundaries as to how they expect students to interpret poems which could limit possible interpretations.
We say poems are a work of art, so comparing a poem to a painting would be plausible to solve this issue. For instance, when looking at a painting such as "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh, someone may see it as a magnificent work of colors and shapes, while another may wonder how the painting is worth so much because there are not many colors and the painting is "blotchy". The interpretation is a matter of opinion, why would that not be the same for a poem which is a work of art? Perrine's formula for interpretation is that of a science hypothesis being proven. Science is not an art; science is based on facts. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a poem is not based on facts; therefore, why should we interpret a work of art such that it is a science that does not make sense. If an interpretation makes sense it should be considered correct, but then the
question comes up with what makes sense and what interpretations are completely of the wall. If that is an issue, I would suggest having the interpreter explain why they interpreted the poem as they did. If they do not know why, then they probably just made it up. Teachers could set boundaries as to how they expect students to interpret poems which could limit possible interpretations.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
And It Is All Over [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 169-180]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Nick is determined to get someone to come to Gatsby's funeral. He even goes to Wolfsheim's office to try to convince him to come. That did not end with a yes, so at the funeral "Nobody came" (Fitzgerald, 174). After all of those years of parties, and all of the people that came. It goes to show you how many people will use you for money. The guy he had met in the library was the only one who came; the poor man obviously did not attach himself to the most caring people.
As the story closes, Nick is leaving behind the events of the area and moving to Minnesota. He leaves behind Jordan, Tom, Daisy, Gatsby, and all of the memories. People desire to succeed in life. They dream of being rich and having it all, but they do not always realize the consequences of the dream. Maybe the simpler life is actually the more desirable dream. But just as Nick leaves behind his past, just as the ancestors of America did to start their life anew as they were searching for the "American dream" and a better life for their family.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Nick is determined to get someone to come to Gatsby's funeral. He even goes to Wolfsheim's office to try to convince him to come. That did not end with a yes, so at the funeral "Nobody came" (Fitzgerald, 174). After all of those years of parties, and all of the people that came. It goes to show you how many people will use you for money. The guy he had met in the library was the only one who came; the poor man obviously did not attach himself to the most caring people.
As the story closes, Nick is leaving behind the events of the area and moving to Minnesota. He leaves behind Jordan, Tom, Daisy, Gatsby, and all of the memories. People desire to succeed in life. They dream of being rich and having it all, but they do not always realize the consequences of the dream. Maybe the simpler life is actually the more desirable dream. But just as Nick leaves behind his past, just as the ancestors of America did to start their life anew as they were searching for the "American dream" and a better life for their family.
 |
| Keep moving forward. Leave the past in the past. |
He Knows [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 157-168]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"''God knows what you've been doing, everything you've been doing. You may fool me, but you can't fool God''" (Fitzgerald, 159). I do not even think the man actually believed in God, but this statement is true. It is possible that Fitzgerald added this in the story to remind those who are doing sinful acts that God always knows.
More death...joy. Not only do we have a woman run over, but a "madman" who shot Gatsby and then killed himself. Gatsby was killed for something he did not do. Maybe a connection to a story in the past in which people were being punished unfairly. Nick felt it necessary to call up people whom he believed would want to go to Gatsby's funeral, and people he would wish to be there. For some reason, he can not come up with people to attend, except his father. His father was proud of him, but it is important to realize these things before the people pass, so we can tell them.
Daisy who said that she loved Gatsby was nowhere to be found. Maybe this is to show that even after all of this time that Gatsby had lived in the past and searched to reclaim his dream girl, time continued and life is not worth wasting waiting for your past to become your present.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"''God knows what you've been doing, everything you've been doing. You may fool me, but you can't fool God''" (Fitzgerald, 159). I do not even think the man actually believed in God, but this statement is true. It is possible that Fitzgerald added this in the story to remind those who are doing sinful acts that God always knows.
More death...joy. Not only do we have a woman run over, but a "madman" who shot Gatsby and then killed himself. Gatsby was killed for something he did not do. Maybe a connection to a story in the past in which people were being punished unfairly. Nick felt it necessary to call up people whom he believed would want to go to Gatsby's funeral, and people he would wish to be there. For some reason, he can not come up with people to attend, except his father. His father was proud of him, but it is important to realize these things before the people pass, so we can tell them.
Daisy who said that she loved Gatsby was nowhere to be found. Maybe this is to show that even after all of this time that Gatsby had lived in the past and searched to reclaim his dream girl, time continued and life is not worth wasting waiting for your past to become your present.
Hard Times [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 145-156]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Now that Myrtle is dead and witnesses are aware what the car looked like, Nick suggests the Gatsby leave town. However, he cannot leave the women he still loves at a time like this. He is still desiring his lost love, and Nick feels sorry for him. He tells the story of when they loved each other, but Daisy "wanted her life shaped" (Fitzgerald, 151) before Gatsby returned from Oxford. Gatsby symbolizes those who live in the past. He can no longer function without longing for that time he had years ago with Daisy.
We see Jordan and Nick bickering over what had happened the other night. Even the people one considers one of their better friends can be gone in an instant over something unimportant. Nick is breaking a main connection to the situation between Tom and Daisy, which may lead him to stay out of it.
The search for Catherine, Myrtle's sister, at the end of the section, helps to show some of the pain caused by death. The confusion, the grief, the questioning, all which were caused by an accident. Even accidents can have painful consequences, though the cause (Daisy) seems to not be affected.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Now that Myrtle is dead and witnesses are aware what the car looked like, Nick suggests the Gatsby leave town. However, he cannot leave the women he still loves at a time like this. He is still desiring his lost love, and Nick feels sorry for him. He tells the story of when they loved each other, but Daisy "wanted her life shaped" (Fitzgerald, 151) before Gatsby returned from Oxford. Gatsby symbolizes those who live in the past. He can no longer function without longing for that time he had years ago with Daisy.
We see Jordan and Nick bickering over what had happened the other night. Even the people one considers one of their better friends can be gone in an instant over something unimportant. Nick is breaking a main connection to the situation between Tom and Daisy, which may lead him to stay out of it.
The search for Catherine, Myrtle's sister, at the end of the section, helps to show some of the pain caused by death. The confusion, the grief, the questioning, all which were caused by an accident. Even accidents can have painful consequences, though the cause (Daisy) seems to not be affected.
Well That's Not Good [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 133-144]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Would it not be awesome to how this amount of drama on your thirtieth birthday? Well Tom had "won" the argument, and allowed Daisy and Gatsby to drive back together. Tom, Jordan, and Nick followed. However, I spoke too soon.
The possibility of Tom and Wilson going on with their separate lives is slightly improbable. Now that Myrtle was ran over by a yellow car, Gatsby's car. Of course, Tom knows this and believe Gatsby killed "his girl," but Daisy killed her. Gatsby says he told Daisy he thought Myrtle was dead and that "She stood it pretty well" (Fitzgerald, 143). How is any one alright with running over someone? That is absolutely ridiculous. Did she know that the woman she hit was her husband's "girl" from New York, or was that simply coincidence? People are devastated when an accident like this occurs. If I killed someone, I would probably lose my mind, but obviously Daisy is not one to be much concerned with people of the outside world.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Would it not be awesome to how this amount of drama on your thirtieth birthday? Well Tom had "won" the argument, and allowed Daisy and Gatsby to drive back together. Tom, Jordan, and Nick followed. However, I spoke too soon.
The possibility of Tom and Wilson going on with their separate lives is slightly improbable. Now that Myrtle was ran over by a yellow car, Gatsby's car. Of course, Tom knows this and believe Gatsby killed "his girl," but Daisy killed her. Gatsby says he told Daisy he thought Myrtle was dead and that "She stood it pretty well" (Fitzgerald, 143). How is any one alright with running over someone? That is absolutely ridiculous. Did she know that the woman she hit was her husband's "girl" from New York, or was that simply coincidence? People are devastated when an accident like this occurs. If I killed someone, I would probably lose my mind, but obviously Daisy is not one to be much concerned with people of the outside world.
Ut Oh [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 121-132]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
And this is the part we've all been waiting for...(I'm currently skipping the first part of this section to get to the juicy part.)
F. Scott Fitzgerald
And this is the part we've all been waiting for...(I'm currently skipping the first part of this section to get to the juicy part.)
The whole crew go to a suite in the Plaza Hotel to discuss what they are going to do. Throughout the story I have noticed that both Tom and Daisy are very demanding of the other. However, this deems unimportant to the explosion that happened between Gatsby and Tom. Screaming about Daisy loves me and not you, and I love Daisy this and that. It is all rather juicy, so if you missed it I would suggest reading it. Tom made a complete fool of himself. I found it extremely hypocritical. He says, "'Once in a while I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but i always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time'" (Fitzgerald, 131). Well he did practically the same thing and it was perfectly alright, but now it isn't. Well karma is...well if you don't know what karma is ask Mrs. Helbing, she will tell you. There are always arguments and fights throughout life, the test is how we handle them.
We are also aware that Mr. Wilson knows something about his wife's "other life." If Tom gets caught, I say it is only fair. However, maybe both of the men can go back to living their own separate lives.
We're Stopping Just Short [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 109-120]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"'You can't repeat the past'" (Fitzgerald, 110). Though Gatsby seems to think you can. In a way I kind of want to sympathize for him considering he is in love with Daisy after all this time, but he cannot honestly expect her to just pack up and leave.
Now Gatsby and Nick are invited over to Tom and Daisy's home. We meet Pammy, their daughter, who is cared for by their nurse. (I had forgot the wealthy did that back then.) Her child is in the room for about a page of text. I think this may symbolize someone or something that is in a persons life, but is not permanent. People come and go, and things may be here one second, but gone the next.
Tom discovers the truth behind Gatsby and his wife. He starts to get angry. In the near future, everything is going to be out on the table. It has to happen sooner or later. The truth always prevails, and secrets never stay secrets.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"'You can't repeat the past'" (Fitzgerald, 110). Though Gatsby seems to think you can. In a way I kind of want to sympathize for him considering he is in love with Daisy after all this time, but he cannot honestly expect her to just pack up and leave.
Now Gatsby and Nick are invited over to Tom and Daisy's home. We meet Pammy, their daughter, who is cared for by their nurse. (I had forgot the wealthy did that back then.) Her child is in the room for about a page of text. I think this may symbolize someone or something that is in a persons life, but is not permanent. People come and go, and things may be here one second, but gone the next.
Tom discovers the truth behind Gatsby and his wife. He starts to get angry. In the near future, everything is going to be out on the table. It has to happen sooner or later. The truth always prevails, and secrets never stay secrets.
Learn From Others [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 97-108]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
We learn the truth about Gatsby's past, which Nick was told later, but is telling us now. His name is not even Jay Gatsby. He was born in North Dakota, went to college for two weeks in Minnesota, and moved to Lake Superior. He worked for a man named Dan Cody who influenced who he became. Cody influenced Gatsby to want the life of a wealthy and successful man and was the reason for him choosing not to drink much. Learn from others mistakes is a phrase that could fit that situation. Due to Cody being a drunk, Gatsby saw what liquor does to people and decided to "let it alone." I think this connects to my life in a way as well. For example, one of my parents smoke, and the affects that I have seen allowed for me to make the decision to not smoke (ever).
Gatsby then invites Daisy and Tom over, "...but the really surprising thing was that it hadn't happened before" (Fitzgerald, 101). He had lived across from them all this time, so why had he not invited them?
F. Scott Fitzgerald
We learn the truth about Gatsby's past, which Nick was told later, but is telling us now. His name is not even Jay Gatsby. He was born in North Dakota, went to college for two weeks in Minnesota, and moved to Lake Superior. He worked for a man named Dan Cody who influenced who he became. Cody influenced Gatsby to want the life of a wealthy and successful man and was the reason for him choosing not to drink much. Learn from others mistakes is a phrase that could fit that situation. Due to Cody being a drunk, Gatsby saw what liquor does to people and decided to "let it alone." I think this connects to my life in a way as well. For example, one of my parents smoke, and the affects that I have seen allowed for me to make the decision to not smoke (ever).
Gatsby then invites Daisy and Tom over, "...but the really surprising thing was that it hadn't happened before" (Fitzgerald, 101). He had lived across from them all this time, so why had he not invited them?
After Five Years [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 85-96]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Daisy and Gatsby meet again. Both of them are embarrassed. Nick gives them their space. After Nick returns, Gatsby invited Daisy and Nick to his house. "After his (Gatsby's) embarrassment and his unreasoning joy he was consumed with wonder at her presence" (Fitzgerald, 91-92). Gatsby went through these three stages during the meeting. They were both acting crazy as if they were meeting the others ghostly form or something. Daisy is in awe of Gatsby's house, which he had hoped. Everything seemed to go well, but it had almost been five years since they had seen each other. As Nick mentions, something must have happened that was less than what Gatsby had expected. It is common for people to get so worked up about a situation that when it actually happens, they are slightly disappointed with the outcome. Though there probably were things that went "wrong", I think Gatsby and Daisy were overall happy with the day they had after so many years.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Daisy and Gatsby meet again. Both of them are embarrassed. Nick gives them their space. After Nick returns, Gatsby invited Daisy and Nick to his house. "After his (Gatsby's) embarrassment and his unreasoning joy he was consumed with wonder at her presence" (Fitzgerald, 91-92). Gatsby went through these three stages during the meeting. They were both acting crazy as if they were meeting the others ghostly form or something. Daisy is in awe of Gatsby's house, which he had hoped. Everything seemed to go well, but it had almost been five years since they had seen each other. As Nick mentions, something must have happened that was less than what Gatsby had expected. It is common for people to get so worked up about a situation that when it actually happens, they are slightly disappointed with the outcome. Though there probably were things that went "wrong", I think Gatsby and Daisy were overall happy with the day they had after so many years.
How Romantic? [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 73-84]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"It never occurred to me that one man could start to play with the faith of fifty million people- with the single-mindedness of a burglar blowing a safe" (Fitzgerald, 73). This is one of the first thoughts of the narrator as this section opens up. I felt this quote may in a way foreshadow another event not necessarily that effects fifty million people, but an occurrence in which one man puts another man's fate in his hands.
Now Jordan tells the story, which is drawn out might I add, of Gatsby's love for Daisy. Gatsby now looks as a man helplessly still in love with a now married woman. He is just trying to win over the girl of his dreams. Well though people say it is never too late for love, when the person you love is married it is too late. However, Nick being a people pleaser decides to invite Daisy over, as Gatsby wishes. Gatsby is not the man he was then, but he has to of imagined this meeting, considering he moved directly across the bay. (It is a little obsessive if you ask me, but I guess it could be romantic.) However, Gatsby is extremely nervous to meet Daisy for the first time in several years.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"It never occurred to me that one man could start to play with the faith of fifty million people- with the single-mindedness of a burglar blowing a safe" (Fitzgerald, 73). This is one of the first thoughts of the narrator as this section opens up. I felt this quote may in a way foreshadow another event not necessarily that effects fifty million people, but an occurrence in which one man puts another man's fate in his hands.
Now Jordan tells the story, which is drawn out might I add, of Gatsby's love for Daisy. Gatsby now looks as a man helplessly still in love with a now married woman. He is just trying to win over the girl of his dreams. Well though people say it is never too late for love, when the person you love is married it is too late. However, Nick being a people pleaser decides to invite Daisy over, as Gatsby wishes. Gatsby is not the man he was then, but he has to of imagined this meeting, considering he moved directly across the bay. (It is a little obsessive if you ask me, but I guess it could be romantic.) However, Gatsby is extremely nervous to meet Daisy for the first time in several years.
Only the Past Will Tell [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 61-72]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Every person ever to go to Gatsby's house that summer is listed before us at the beginning of the chapter. Why any one would care to do that beats me, but it was a list of the most rich and powerful people of that time. We learn about some of his past, or what Gatsby tells us of his past.
We then meet Mr. Wolfsheim, a Jew, who is a friend of Gatsby. Wolfsheim treats Nick rudely, but also makes Nick suspicious about what Gatsby did in his past to get the money. I think as of now Wolfsheim is simply a character from Gatsby's past that may help Nick to discover the truth. Based on how many people have said Gatsby is an Oxford man, I am going to bet he went to Oxford.
As I mentioned in the first blog (for this book), the story is told in first person. The narrator and reader connection is strong, because it's as if they are telling a story to you in person. As the Nick questions Gatsby, the reader questions Gatsby. There is nothing the reader is aware of that the narrator does not know. "So my first impression, that he was a person of some undefined consequence, had gradually faded and he had become simply the proprietor of an elaborate road-house next door" (Fitzgerald, 64). As Nick's impression of Gatsby changes, my impression of him is also changed.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Every person ever to go to Gatsby's house that summer is listed before us at the beginning of the chapter. Why any one would care to do that beats me, but it was a list of the most rich and powerful people of that time. We learn about some of his past, or what Gatsby tells us of his past.
We then meet Mr. Wolfsheim, a Jew, who is a friend of Gatsby. Wolfsheim treats Nick rudely, but also makes Nick suspicious about what Gatsby did in his past to get the money. I think as of now Wolfsheim is simply a character from Gatsby's past that may help Nick to discover the truth. Based on how many people have said Gatsby is an Oxford man, I am going to bet he went to Oxford.
As I mentioned in the first blog (for this book), the story is told in first person. The narrator and reader connection is strong, because it's as if they are telling a story to you in person. As the Nick questions Gatsby, the reader questions Gatsby. There is nothing the reader is aware of that the narrator does not know. "So my first impression, that he was a person of some undefined consequence, had gradually faded and he had become simply the proprietor of an elaborate road-house next door" (Fitzgerald, 64). As Nick's impression of Gatsby changes, my impression of him is also changed.
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| I like these animated pictures. :) |
Search and Eventually Discover [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 49-60]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
So we are on this journey to discover who this man is called Gatsby? He is supposedly an Oxford man, but that has not yet been confirmed or denied. We receive a glimpse of Gatsby through the eyes of others, but through the conversations so far his personality and story are not yet portrayed enough to say one way or the other who he is. In other words, it is a mystery. (For the record, people like mysteries too; maybe it will be an awkward mystery, that could be exciting.) Now that I have had my mindless babble for the section, which I am not including in the sentence count, we proceed...
We have these two sort of random situations toward the end of the party. The first between the husbands and wives, while Jordan was talking to Gatsby elsewhere. If I were to take this literally, I would say it was a random event that will have absolutely no effect on the remainder of the story. If I were to look at the situation symbolically, I would have to guess that it either represents the pointless bickering between spouses or perhaps that women of this time begin to search for more independence from their significant other. (These may or may not have anything to do with the story at all, but I guess it is possible.) The second event is where the man who Jordan and Nick found in the library and another man were driving a car which got stuck in a ditch. Possible tip for the future, do not drink and drive, because worse could happen and you look foolish. Also, if drinking really makes someone act like a complete imbecile, we should really keep unintelligent people away from alcohol.
What I find the most odd about the story so far is how slowly the pictures of characters develop. For example, we have this idea of who Jordan is and a pretty, young women, who is a well known golfer; she seems to have a bubbly and kind persona. Yet at the end of the chapter we learn she is rather careless, at least while driving a car. Also, "She was incurably dishonest" (Fitzgerald, 58). I never would have guessed that. However, Fitzgerald seems to be doing this with all, or a majority, of the main characters.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
So we are on this journey to discover who this man is called Gatsby? He is supposedly an Oxford man, but that has not yet been confirmed or denied. We receive a glimpse of Gatsby through the eyes of others, but through the conversations so far his personality and story are not yet portrayed enough to say one way or the other who he is. In other words, it is a mystery. (For the record, people like mysteries too; maybe it will be an awkward mystery, that could be exciting.) Now that I have had my mindless babble for the section, which I am not including in the sentence count, we proceed...
We have these two sort of random situations toward the end of the party. The first between the husbands and wives, while Jordan was talking to Gatsby elsewhere. If I were to take this literally, I would say it was a random event that will have absolutely no effect on the remainder of the story. If I were to look at the situation symbolically, I would have to guess that it either represents the pointless bickering between spouses or perhaps that women of this time begin to search for more independence from their significant other. (These may or may not have anything to do with the story at all, but I guess it is possible.) The second event is where the man who Jordan and Nick found in the library and another man were driving a car which got stuck in a ditch. Possible tip for the future, do not drink and drive, because worse could happen and you look foolish. Also, if drinking really makes someone act like a complete imbecile, we should really keep unintelligent people away from alcohol.
What I find the most odd about the story so far is how slowly the pictures of characters develop. For example, we have this idea of who Jordan is and a pretty, young women, who is a well known golfer; she seems to have a bubbly and kind persona. Yet at the end of the chapter we learn she is rather careless, at least while driving a car. Also, "She was incurably dishonest" (Fitzgerald, 58). I never would have guessed that. However, Fitzgerald seems to be doing this with all, or a majority, of the main characters.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Party Like Gatsby [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 37-48]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As we enter into the world that is chapter three, we begin to get to what I am guessing is the major part of the story: Gatsby. He is a man of many words and parties. (If I had a ginormous house and lived there alone, I think I would throw several large parties as well.) Nick lives right next door to Gatsby, but had never been to one of Gatsby's parties until now. (Why now?)
In the chapter it was said, "'He (Gatsby) doesn't want any trouble with anybody'" (Fitzgerald, 43). This statement stood out to me as a characteristic of Gatsby that may come into play later in the story.
Now how you go living next to someone and do not recognizing them when you talk to them is beyond me; however, it made for an awkward situation, and everyone enjoys awkward situations.
So everyone wants to know: who is this Gatsby character? He seems to be a character who enjoys being in the background. He must know everyone knows of him, but people rarely even meet him when they go to his parties; if he had an issue with that, he would make sure that did not occur. He was in the war, but I think he simply used that as a conversation starter and it is something they have in common.
See next post to learn more!
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As we enter into the world that is chapter three, we begin to get to what I am guessing is the major part of the story: Gatsby. He is a man of many words and parties. (If I had a ginormous house and lived there alone, I think I would throw several large parties as well.) Nick lives right next door to Gatsby, but had never been to one of Gatsby's parties until now. (Why now?)
In the chapter it was said, "'He (Gatsby) doesn't want any trouble with anybody'" (Fitzgerald, 43). This statement stood out to me as a characteristic of Gatsby that may come into play later in the story.
Now how you go living next to someone and do not recognizing them when you talk to them is beyond me; however, it made for an awkward situation, and everyone enjoys awkward situations.
So everyone wants to know: who is this Gatsby character? He seems to be a character who enjoys being in the background. He must know everyone knows of him, but people rarely even meet him when they go to his parties; if he had an issue with that, he would make sure that did not occur. He was in the war, but I think he simply used that as a conversation starter and it is something they have in common.
See next post to learn more!
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| I thought some people would enjoy this... |
Hmm...Interesting [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 25-36]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
George Wilson, husband of Mrs. Myrtle Wilson, seems to be intimidated by Tom. Tom believes him to be an ignorant man. I do not really believe any one is so dumb they do not know they are alive. I feel bad for the man; maybe he simply trusts his wife (which is not a good idea), but Tom does not know that. As the story progresses, Tom continues to get more on my nerves. He thinks he is better than everyone else. People like that need to be put in their place.
To take this section of the book simply literally would be dumb....so I am going to try to figure out what could possibly symbolized from this nonsense. Things, people, places all symbolize different things. Let us try a list.
We have the infidelity of Tom and Myrtle: this symbolizes a common falling out between spouses and a sin which was becoming more popular between couples.
The filthy garage may symbolize messiness, disaster, or a tangles of a situation.
The apartment, I feel, symbolizes secrecy and an alternate life/separation from the "real world".
(These are just a few that seem the most important.)
Catherine, Myrtle's sister, mentions that the reason Tom and Myrtle are not married is because Daisy's a Catholic, but she is not. Something is up with this whole situation.
"The late afternoon sky bloomed in the window for a moment like the blue honey of the Mediterranean..." (Fitzgerald, 34). Don't you love imagery too? As the narrator describes what he sees, the reader can easily picture the scene in their head. The use of imagery also draws the reader into the story, and helps them to feel almost a part of the story.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
George Wilson, husband of Mrs. Myrtle Wilson, seems to be intimidated by Tom. Tom believes him to be an ignorant man. I do not really believe any one is so dumb they do not know they are alive. I feel bad for the man; maybe he simply trusts his wife (which is not a good idea), but Tom does not know that. As the story progresses, Tom continues to get more on my nerves. He thinks he is better than everyone else. People like that need to be put in their place.
To take this section of the book simply literally would be dumb....so I am going to try to figure out what could possibly symbolized from this nonsense. Things, people, places all symbolize different things. Let us try a list.
We have the infidelity of Tom and Myrtle: this symbolizes a common falling out between spouses and a sin which was becoming more popular between couples.
The filthy garage may symbolize messiness, disaster, or a tangles of a situation.
The apartment, I feel, symbolizes secrecy and an alternate life/separation from the "real world".
(These are just a few that seem the most important.)
Catherine, Myrtle's sister, mentions that the reason Tom and Myrtle are not married is because Daisy's a Catholic, but she is not. Something is up with this whole situation.
"The late afternoon sky bloomed in the window for a moment like the blue honey of the Mediterranean..." (Fitzgerald, 34). Don't you love imagery too? As the narrator describes what he sees, the reader can easily picture the scene in their head. The use of imagery also draws the reader into the story, and helps them to feel almost a part of the story.
This Could Be Very Good...Or Very Bad [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 13-24]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
From the previous section there was a sense of anger or unfriendliness between Daisy and Tom that continues over into this section. We learn that Tom has a girl in New York, which in a way makes sense. Was that common back then? Daisy appears to know, but she does not seem to be terribly affected by it. Maybe she is good at putting it behind her? As the section closes, Tom and Nick are on their way to see "his girl," so hopefully some of the dots will be connected.
Then we have this whole ordeal with the child. I am not sure what that is all about. The only thing I could come up with was an open adoption, so they are allowed to go she her. I am lost on why that would be necessary though. (I am probably missing something, so feel free to point it out!)
However, I have discovered that Miss Baker is well known, and I am also guessing that she is one of the major characters. This is based on the statement Daisy made about her staying that summer and saying Nick will take care of her. (I guess this could also be considered a phrase foreshadowing future involvement of some sort between the two.)Time will tell, but I would bet she will play a larger role in the story.
"But above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic- their retinas are one yard high" (Fitzgerald, 23). Imagine if those huge eyes were looking at you, when you were walking into this situation.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
From the previous section there was a sense of anger or unfriendliness between Daisy and Tom that continues over into this section. We learn that Tom has a girl in New York, which in a way makes sense. Was that common back then? Daisy appears to know, but she does not seem to be terribly affected by it. Maybe she is good at putting it behind her? As the section closes, Tom and Nick are on their way to see "his girl," so hopefully some of the dots will be connected.
Then we have this whole ordeal with the child. I am not sure what that is all about. The only thing I could come up with was an open adoption, so they are allowed to go she her. I am lost on why that would be necessary though. (I am probably missing something, so feel free to point it out!)
However, I have discovered that Miss Baker is well known, and I am also guessing that she is one of the major characters. This is based on the statement Daisy made about her staying that summer and saying Nick will take care of her. (I guess this could also be considered a phrase foreshadowing future involvement of some sort between the two.)Time will tell, but I would bet she will play a larger role in the story.
"But above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic- their retinas are one yard high" (Fitzgerald, 23). Imagine if those huge eyes were looking at you, when you were walking into this situation.
Not comfortable, not at all.
Here We Go Again... [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 1-12]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The first thing I noticed about this novel was that it is written from a first person point of view. (I enjoy reading stories in the first person, so this could be a could sign.) Fitzgerald starts with a quote from the narrator's father saying, "'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told me, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had'"(Fitzgerald, 1). Though usually themes are discovered throughout the book, it is possible that this quote could have something to do with the overall theme. I also say this is possible because the first two pages seem to act as a preview, an extremely brief preview, of what may unfold later in the book.
I found it very odd how we do not even know the narrator's full name until page ten. Now this may be considered a minor detail considering in some stories you never know who the narrator is at all, but I found it slightly unusual.
We are introduced to three characters: Tom and Daisy Buchanan and Miss Baker. (I am currently uncertain on how minor or major these characters will be.) Daisy is Nick's cousin. Tom is Daisy's husband and a friend of Nick. Miss Baker is a friend of Daisy's and a current stranger to Nick.
The amount of figurative language I feel will be much greater than in The House of Mirth, because just within these pages there have been several examples of imagery through personification, similes, and comparisons.
(Can someone tell me why they spell tomorrow and today like to-morrow and to-day, or is that just how they say it??)
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The first thing I noticed about this novel was that it is written from a first person point of view. (I enjoy reading stories in the first person, so this could be a could sign.) Fitzgerald starts with a quote from the narrator's father saying, "'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told me, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had'"(Fitzgerald, 1). Though usually themes are discovered throughout the book, it is possible that this quote could have something to do with the overall theme. I also say this is possible because the first two pages seem to act as a preview, an extremely brief preview, of what may unfold later in the book.
I found it very odd how we do not even know the narrator's full name until page ten. Now this may be considered a minor detail considering in some stories you never know who the narrator is at all, but I found it slightly unusual.
We are introduced to three characters: Tom and Daisy Buchanan and Miss Baker. (I am currently uncertain on how minor or major these characters will be.) Daisy is Nick's cousin. Tom is Daisy's husband and a friend of Nick. Miss Baker is a friend of Daisy's and a current stranger to Nick.
The amount of figurative language I feel will be much greater than in The House of Mirth, because just within these pages there have been several examples of imagery through personification, similes, and comparisons.
(Can someone tell me why they spell tomorrow and today like to-morrow and to-day, or is that just how they say it??)
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Take A Bow [The House of Mirth Book 2: Chapters 13&14]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
"'At first I thought I couldn't, because we'd been brought up together, and I knew he knew about me. But after a while I began to see that that made it easier'" (Wharton, 256). The latter acts a a foreshadow to the revelation Lily has later in the section that the person in her life described as previous is Selden. Selden always knew the true Lily. He represents that even though Lily could not always see who she really was, her true self always remained. Her "other self" was brought to her attention in Selden's presence, but I think that it was simply a symbolic matter. As in today's world there are people and events that lead one away and toward who they really are.
But the question remains:
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Edith Wharton
"'At first I thought I couldn't, because we'd been brought up together, and I knew he knew about me. But after a while I began to see that that made it easier'" (Wharton, 256). The latter acts a a foreshadow to the revelation Lily has later in the section that the person in her life described as previous is Selden. Selden always knew the true Lily. He represents that even though Lily could not always see who she really was, her true self always remained. Her "other self" was brought to her attention in Selden's presence, but I think that it was simply a symbolic matter. As in today's world there are people and events that lead one away and toward who they really are.
Lily is beginning to turn her life around and to see her true self without the presence of Selden. Foreshadowed a little bit earlier in the story was the possible overdose. It was ironic that Selden had come to Lily's before he knew of her state just to tell her "the word." The connection is drawn assuming that Selden's word is the same word as Lily's word. They had always loved each other, and now that Lily is dead they finally understand. I thought that was a fairly odd way to end the story, but I did not write the book.
But the question remains:
Truth Revealed (Finally) [The House of Mirth Book 2: Chapters 11&12]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
Rosedale comes back to one more time try to help Lily. However, his standards of living did not change; his social status remained his top priority. "...and it touched her oddly to see that his new passion had not altered his old standard of living" (Wharton, 244). Just when you think he has changed, we go right back to square one. Rosedale does not appear to be an option for Lily anymore, so we once again go back to Selden. (I would gladly say "I told you so," but that would imply that I feel this book should have been over with 200 plus pages ago.)
"She had a vision of his (Selden's) quiet room, of the bookshelves, and the fire on the hearth" (Wharton, 247). Flashbacks play an important role in the second part of this section. Lily recalls different conversations she had in the past with Selden that lead her to make the decisions she had. The flashbacks act as a means of revelation of how she truly feels about Selden. (Not that any of us readers were fooled by her constantly turning her head) However, due to Lily previously turning him down, twice, Selden could not find the courage to again express his love for her, which I would say is understandable based on the circumstances; but we are all thinking to ourselves, "Just tell her!" However once again we are led along this journey where once again the two go their separate ways.
Edith Wharton
Rosedale comes back to one more time try to help Lily. However, his standards of living did not change; his social status remained his top priority. "...and it touched her oddly to see that his new passion had not altered his old standard of living" (Wharton, 244). Just when you think he has changed, we go right back to square one. Rosedale does not appear to be an option for Lily anymore, so we once again go back to Selden. (I would gladly say "I told you so," but that would imply that I feel this book should have been over with 200 plus pages ago.)
"She had a vision of his (Selden's) quiet room, of the bookshelves, and the fire on the hearth" (Wharton, 247). Flashbacks play an important role in the second part of this section. Lily recalls different conversations she had in the past with Selden that lead her to make the decisions she had. The flashbacks act as a means of revelation of how she truly feels about Selden. (Not that any of us readers were fooled by her constantly turning her head) However, due to Lily previously turning him down, twice, Selden could not find the courage to again express his love for her, which I would say is understandable based on the circumstances; but we are all thinking to ourselves, "Just tell her!" However once again we are led along this journey where once again the two go their separate ways.
Mingling With Fate [The House of Mirth Book 2: Chapters 9&10]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
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Edith Wharton
Lily Bart is working for Mrs. Hatch as a secretary, but Selden warns her of the ruin that Mrs. Hatch could do to Lily. Due to the stubbornness of Selden and Lily, Lily could never allow Selden to know he was right, so she secretly moves back into town and begins working at Mme. Regina's. She learns what it is like to live in the working class. Rich girl goes broke: that would make a great editorial. After growing up despising those who were not of her standards, she becomes even poorer than most of them. I would say that is a dose of irony matched up with karma.
Rosedale returns into the picture. Rosedale is a static character throughout the story, but he is a character that grows on the reader as he grows on Lily. "She was quite sure that he would come and see her again, and almost sure that, if he did, she could bring him to the point of offering to marry her on the terms she has previously rejected" (Wharton, 240). He cares about Lily's well being and does not believe someone of her standards should be living as the dirt poor live. However, I believe that the experience will open her eyes to people of all classes, and maybe even help to bring the two classes together.
Getting a Little Fishy [The House of Mirth Book 2: Chapters 7&8]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
"'I believe you can marry George Dorset tomorrow; but if you don't care for that particular form of retaliation, the only thing to save you from Bertha is to marry somebody else'" (Wharton, 204). Since Lily did not desire that form of retaliation, she went in search for another man: Rosedale. Lily was ready to marry him, but he no longer desired to marry her. Based on what was going on between her and the Dorsets, Lily would be a burden on Rosedale's social status and he believed he could do better now. Rosedale knows about the letters. (I told you, he knows a lot more than we think!) He owns the Benedick, which probably means that he knows that what Lily told him in the very first chapter about seeing her dressmaker was a lie. He also believes the reason Lily will not show the letters is because they are to Selden; maybe he is on to something there.
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Loneliness seems to also be a common theme in this section of the book. Lily is lonely, because she does not have a place to stay permanently where she feels she would not be a burden. However, I feel Gerty is the truly alone one. She put all this effort into helping her friend to be left without word from her. She has Selden, her cousin, but if Lily is truly lonely she would be open into being a good friend in return to her friend who has given so much to her.
Edith Wharton
"'I believe you can marry George Dorset tomorrow; but if you don't care for that particular form of retaliation, the only thing to save you from Bertha is to marry somebody else'" (Wharton, 204). Since Lily did not desire that form of retaliation, she went in search for another man: Rosedale. Lily was ready to marry him, but he no longer desired to marry her. Based on what was going on between her and the Dorsets, Lily would be a burden on Rosedale's social status and he believed he could do better now. Rosedale knows about the letters. (I told you, he knows a lot more than we think!) He owns the Benedick, which probably means that he knows that what Lily told him in the very first chapter about seeing her dressmaker was a lie. He also believes the reason Lily will not show the letters is because they are to Selden; maybe he is on to something there.
Symbolism [The House of Mirth Book 2: Chapters 5&6]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
The novel contains characters who tend to care a large majority on social class or status. A new social circle is introduced through the Gormers. This social circle overlaps with people in the Trenor and Dorset social circles, which allows Lily to feel at ease and believe she may be able to rectify her current situation by reacquainting herself with her friends.
Mrs. Dorset is still out to get Lily, and she tries to turn her new friends against her. Furthermore, one could accurately say that Bertha is the antagonist in the story. She is a static character; her personality has not changed at all throughout the story. The only way for Lily to succeed in the story is to find a way to overcome her obstacle, which is Bertha Dorset. She has options of doing so, such as marrying George Dorset, revealing he letters, or marrying someone else. The question is: which option will she choose?
Mrs. Fisher symbols a guide. She helps to reveal paths Lily can take.
Mr. Dorset seems to be a rather confused man. He says he wishes to leave his wife, but he has not; and if Lily did marry Dorset, there is no way Bertha would go down without a fight. The fact he is with her allows the chance for Lily to get burned even more by her ways. I think Dorset represents a temptation, a way to get back at Bertha in the most hurtful way. However, Lily does not seem to want to give into the temptation, as she says she cannot see him again. "'I'm sorry-but you know why I can't'" (Wharton, 200). Lily could not risk remaining George's friend without risking her dignity even more. She could not continue to allow Bertha to win.
Edith Wharton
The novel contains characters who tend to care a large majority on social class or status. A new social circle is introduced through the Gormers. This social circle overlaps with people in the Trenor and Dorset social circles, which allows Lily to feel at ease and believe she may be able to rectify her current situation by reacquainting herself with her friends.
Mrs. Dorset is still out to get Lily, and she tries to turn her new friends against her. Furthermore, one could accurately say that Bertha is the antagonist in the story. She is a static character; her personality has not changed at all throughout the story. The only way for Lily to succeed in the story is to find a way to overcome her obstacle, which is Bertha Dorset. She has options of doing so, such as marrying George Dorset, revealing he letters, or marrying someone else. The question is: which option will she choose?
Mrs. Fisher symbols a guide. She helps to reveal paths Lily can take.
Mr. Dorset seems to be a rather confused man. He says he wishes to leave his wife, but he has not; and if Lily did marry Dorset, there is no way Bertha would go down without a fight. The fact he is with her allows the chance for Lily to get burned even more by her ways. I think Dorset represents a temptation, a way to get back at Bertha in the most hurtful way. However, Lily does not seem to want to give into the temptation, as she says she cannot see him again. "'I'm sorry-but you know why I can't'" (Wharton, 200). Lily could not risk remaining George's friend without risking her dignity even more. She could not continue to allow Bertha to win.
Irony Always Strikes [The House of Mirth Book 2: Chapters 3&4]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
"Whatever her share in the situation-and he had always honestly tried to resist judging her by her surroundings-however free she might be from any personal connection with it, she would be better out of the way of a possible crash; and since she had appealed to him for help, it was clearly his business to tell her so" (Wharton, 172). Selden wishes Lily to avoid getting into the middle of the Dorset's arguments. Though Lily firmly believed nothing would really happen, she was kicked off the yacht. In Lily's case that would be situational irony, based on the fact that she did not expect something to happen, and something of course did.
Shortly after, she returns home because her aunt had died unexpectedly. Lily was sure she would get a majority of the estate and the money. However, she received only $10,000. On the bright side that was enough to pay back Trenor. On the down side, she was disinherited and had nowhere to go.
Her friend, Gerty, was willing to help her, but Lily did not wish to burden her. Lily wanted to mend her past relationships, specifically with Judy Trenor. By paying off the debt she hoped that would mend the friendship. Worse of all for Lily, she had to face the woman, Grace Stepney, who had received the majority of estate. Lily can find a way to better herself on the money she will have left after paying off the debt. However, her personality leads me to believe that the chances of her searching to find that path are slim.
Edith Wharton
"Whatever her share in the situation-and he had always honestly tried to resist judging her by her surroundings-however free she might be from any personal connection with it, she would be better out of the way of a possible crash; and since she had appealed to him for help, it was clearly his business to tell her so" (Wharton, 172). Selden wishes Lily to avoid getting into the middle of the Dorset's arguments. Though Lily firmly believed nothing would really happen, she was kicked off the yacht. In Lily's case that would be situational irony, based on the fact that she did not expect something to happen, and something of course did.
Shortly after, she returns home because her aunt had died unexpectedly. Lily was sure she would get a majority of the estate and the money. However, she received only $10,000. On the bright side that was enough to pay back Trenor. On the down side, she was disinherited and had nowhere to go.
Well I Take That Back [The House of Mirth Book 2: Chapters 1&2]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
Selden is on a cruise with his circle of friends or people he talks to anyway. Learning that Lily was on another ship with the Dorset's (I do not know how she was allowed to go), Selden decides that he would avoid Lily at all costs, so that his feelings do not creep up again. Now someone may ask themself, "Self, why would he avoid her if he loves her?" I would tell everyone the answer, but I am asking the same thing. As I see it, Lily and Selden had absolutely no chance of avoiding each other forever; they are destined to be together. He did in fact see her and believed she had reached an understanding of herself.
Lily decided to go on the trip in order to forget her problems at home. Problem is she will have to go home eventually and face her problems then, so why put it off? (Probably in order to make this book longer and this story all the more intriguing, but one should no run from their problems, they should face them.)
Dorset needed Lily as someone to talk to, but "he wanted her to suffer with him, not to help him to suffer less" (Wharton, 164). But perhaps he was holding on too tight, because Mrs. Dorset was getting rather upset with Lily (I am guessing because of jealousy). This is the second time that I feel people are yelling at Lily for no reason, but I guess if they did not have a reason, they would not be yelling.
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Edith Wharton
Selden is on a cruise with his circle of friends or people he talks to anyway. Learning that Lily was on another ship with the Dorset's (I do not know how she was allowed to go), Selden decides that he would avoid Lily at all costs, so that his feelings do not creep up again. Now someone may ask themself, "Self, why would he avoid her if he loves her?" I would tell everyone the answer, but I am asking the same thing. As I see it, Lily and Selden had absolutely no chance of avoiding each other forever; they are destined to be together. He did in fact see her and believed she had reached an understanding of herself.
Lily decided to go on the trip in order to forget her problems at home. Problem is she will have to go home eventually and face her problems then, so why put it off? (Probably in order to make this book longer and this story all the more intriguing, but one should no run from their problems, they should face them.)
Dorset needed Lily as someone to talk to, but "he wanted her to suffer with him, not to help him to suffer less" (Wharton, 164). But perhaps he was holding on too tight, because Mrs. Dorset was getting rather upset with Lily (I am guessing because of jealousy). This is the second time that I feel people are yelling at Lily for no reason, but I guess if they did not have a reason, they would not be yelling.
I wish my face did not look like this while reading this book.
So Now What? [The House of Mirth Book 1: Chapter 15]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
Lily discovers the magnitude of how much she owes Trenor, and decides she must tell he aunt of what happened. Lily expected Mrs. Peniston to be understanding and help her, but I can understand why that was not the case. Mrs. Peniston opened her doors to Lily and provided for her, and Lily repays her by wasting her money gambling, borrowing money, and spending more than she has. But if her aunt will not help, who will?
Lily was expecting Selden, though she had planned to blow him off, but instead Rosedale comes to visit Lily. Rosedale is willing to marry Lily, and tells her of all of the wonderful things he could provide her. Most importantly, he could take away her debt. Now, it was no secret that Lily was having financial issues, but I still say Rosedale is up to something. Lily, however, is overwhelmed with the offer, and does not yet make a decision. I do not know why she did not just accept the offer; he cannot be that bad of a guy. (Though I will say marrying simply for money is wrong, and the marriage will never work.)
Lily is asked if she would like to go on a cruise with the Dorset's, but with the amount of debt she is in, there is no way she will go.
Edith Wharton
Lily discovers the magnitude of how much she owes Trenor, and decides she must tell he aunt of what happened. Lily expected Mrs. Peniston to be understanding and help her, but I can understand why that was not the case. Mrs. Peniston opened her doors to Lily and provided for her, and Lily repays her by wasting her money gambling, borrowing money, and spending more than she has. But if her aunt will not help, who will?
Lily was expecting Selden, though she had planned to blow him off, but instead Rosedale comes to visit Lily. Rosedale is willing to marry Lily, and tells her of all of the wonderful things he could provide her. Most importantly, he could take away her debt. Now, it was no secret that Lily was having financial issues, but I still say Rosedale is up to something. Lily, however, is overwhelmed with the offer, and does not yet make a decision. I do not know why she did not just accept the offer; he cannot be that bad of a guy. (Though I will say marrying simply for money is wrong, and the marriage will never work.)
Lily is asked if she would like to go on a cruise with the Dorset's, but with the amount of debt she is in, there is no way she will go.
It All Seems to Get Confusing From Here [The House of Mirth Book 1: Chapters 13&14]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
"Did he really mean to ask her to marry him?" (Wharton, 113) So we left off with Selden telling Lily that he loved her, and supposedly this means he asked her for her hand in marriage. I guess that is how they did it back in the olden days, but that whole situation is rather ridiculous. Selden tries to avoid Lily, now Lily is avoiding Selden; it is all rather dumb. I mean Lily wants to marry, so what is the problem with marrying Selden? (I mean he is the type of guy you root for to win the girl over. For example in the Twilight series, Bella was obviously going to end up with Edward, but Jacob was her perfect match so I had to root for him.)
Then we get this whole insanely creepy situation with Lily going to meet Mrs. Trenor, but she is not even in town. To be honest, I read this part about twenty times and am still not sure what Trenor is freaking out about. He is a married man so he should not have expected anything from Lily, and he offered his help to begin with. He completely freaks Lily out; I would be freaked out too.
Gerty Farish, who is good friends with Lily, decides that she is envious and now despises Lily. Gerty is a very compassionate woman though, and when Lily is in need, she puts her feelings aside and helps her friend. Gerty is good to Lily; she should keep her close.
Edith Wharton
"Did he really mean to ask her to marry him?" (Wharton, 113) So we left off with Selden telling Lily that he loved her, and supposedly this means he asked her for her hand in marriage. I guess that is how they did it back in the olden days, but that whole situation is rather ridiculous. Selden tries to avoid Lily, now Lily is avoiding Selden; it is all rather dumb. I mean Lily wants to marry, so what is the problem with marrying Selden? (I mean he is the type of guy you root for to win the girl over. For example in the Twilight series, Bella was obviously going to end up with Edward, but Jacob was her perfect match so I had to root for him.)
Then we get this whole insanely creepy situation with Lily going to meet Mrs. Trenor, but she is not even in town. To be honest, I read this part about twenty times and am still not sure what Trenor is freaking out about. He is a married man so he should not have expected anything from Lily, and he offered his help to begin with. He completely freaks Lily out; I would be freaked out too.
Gerty Farish, who is good friends with Lily, decides that she is envious and now despises Lily. Gerty is a very compassionate woman though, and when Lily is in need, she puts her feelings aside and helps her friend. Gerty is good to Lily; she should keep her close.
Rumors Can Destroy [The House of Mirth Book 1: Chapters 11&12]
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
Literary devices are found everywhere in writing. "But society, amused for a while at playing Cinderella, soon wearied of the hearthside role, and welcomed the Fairy Godmother in the shape of any magician powerful enough to turn the shrunken pumpkin back again into the golden coach" (Wharton, 98). This is an allusion to the story of Cinderella, the author refers to the story as if the reader knows it, though that is not always the case.
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Miss Stepney, who was upset with Lily for not allowing her to go to one of the few dinners Mrs. Peniston gave, decided that she needed to tell Lily's caretaker, Mrs. Peniston, of the rumors being said of her neice. Mrs. Peniston is not one for believing rumors, but Miss Stepney seemed to have some evidence that atleast part of the rumors may be true. (Which part of the rumors were true of course, but Mrs. Peniston, I guess, had no idea.) There were a lot of rumors going around about Lily and her relationships with Trenor and Dorset, but rumors can destory the person of whom these things are said. Rumors can ruin ones reputation or destroy their sense of self worth.
Selden is back! Him and his cousin, Gerty Farish, went to see a performance of live art, I guess that is what one would call it. Lily being part of the show is portrayed in a simple gown that would not be considered very appealing, but she was the most beautiful piece of art displayed. I feel that this represents that Lily is truly beautiful within, and she does not need all of the luxuries of the rich to display her true self.
Selden realizes his feelings for Miss Bart and expresses his love to her, but Lily does not express her feelings. Now I guess it is possible that the feelings are not really there which is why she did not express them, but i do not believe that for one second. I do not understand why the two seem to be continually running from their feelings for each other.
Edith Wharton
Literary devices are found everywhere in writing. "But society, amused for a while at playing Cinderella, soon wearied of the hearthside role, and welcomed the Fairy Godmother in the shape of any magician powerful enough to turn the shrunken pumpkin back again into the golden coach" (Wharton, 98). This is an allusion to the story of Cinderella, the author refers to the story as if the reader knows it, though that is not always the case.
Selden is back! Him and his cousin, Gerty Farish, went to see a performance of live art, I guess that is what one would call it. Lily being part of the show is portrayed in a simple gown that would not be considered very appealing, but she was the most beautiful piece of art displayed. I feel that this represents that Lily is truly beautiful within, and she does not need all of the luxuries of the rich to display her true self.
Selden realizes his feelings for Miss Bart and expresses his love to her, but Lily does not express her feelings. Now I guess it is possible that the feelings are not really there which is why she did not express them, but i do not believe that for one second. I do not understand why the two seem to be continually running from their feelings for each other.
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