I teared up today while watching a movie about the developing brain in my psych class. It was monotonous and so very powerful at the same time. The movie that is. I was watching babies giggle and cry and sleep. The next thing I knew a tear slipped down my face right between my cheek and nose. The beauty of it all made me think of you.
I remembered the curious way the meat over your hips never exactly faded away. I remembered the way your back looked when you wore that blue swimming suit. I remembered that time you told me you wanted to taste each other without pleasure. God. And then I sucked in my breath and waited for the moment to pass. But it didn’t. Your moon face would look up at me. Goddammit, you were always following me. Always following. I’d tell you, “Think for yourself. I’m tired of your parents doing it for you.” The optimism of a 16 year old is extraordinary. I forgot we were gay in Indiana. I forgot your parents always beat the shit out of you if you didn’t obey. For a moment I forgot how much I loved you. And then you quit eating. I’d yell and scream at you. I’d gorge on chips, and meat, and ice cream, and pasta in front of you. I’d dramatically moan how good it all tasted. For once you ignored me. And then you died.
And now I remember asking you to follow me. Follow me to California. Just get away from them. You don’t realize how they are. I think you heard me. I think you were practicing for when the time actually came. Following that is.
My dorm bathroom always smells really good. Not like chemicals or bodily odors or anything like that. It always smells like fresh air when I walk in. And then I go back to my room and sit at my desk and read and read and read and read. And I know I’ll eventually come home. And I’ll miss you a little bit more than I already do. But for now I sit here and wait.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Reaction to Question 4
I'm definitely in the camp of "I don't know how I feel about the society in this book." Yes, yes, of course it's bad. But... it's all based on comfort and contentment. It is indeed messed up that part of being happy is being on drugs and having a lot of purely physical sex. But then I compare BNW to 1984 and I can't help but think, "Wow, this society is just not that bad in comparison." What I do think is insightful about this book is that Huxley wrote this book to enlighten people that our goals (technology, sex, etc.) will not lead to true happiness. I think 1984 was about how much control the government could gain under the propaganda of "universal happiness". That was about the people that were in power staying in power. BNW is about where we as a people/society are trying to go or what we try to attain. I don't think both are truly comparable.
Reaction to Question 3
The Director, MM, is arguing for the positivity of society while the Savage is arguing that society is horrific. I think both have good points. The director points out everyone is always happy and society is stable- no wars, no disease. However, in exchange for stability and contentment there is no passion in life. Passionate anger, love, sadness, etc. People don't really feel. That's where the savage's argument makes quite a bit of sense. The Savage points out that he's felt all passionate feelings and he wouldn't trade them for stability. I know I wouldn't trade those feelings for stability. And Shakespeare and love and grief. That's what makes us human. I understand the savage and his argument yet i didn't necessarily feel for him. It was odd but when I read about him whipping himself I wasn't moved. His argument in Chapter 17 is not about freedom. He brings up God and literature. I think part of my problem in getting into this book is I couldn't identify with John.
reaction to question 2
I think that the control in BNW is actually a lot deeper than just surface level. I think many things used are for distraction. As long as the public is distracted than no one has time to think. Also, if everyone is happily distracted and content then no one has any reason to complain. It's quite brilliant actually and I never though of it. I was so critical of the reality of this book because I didn't think pure distraction could keep people from feeling. But with sleep conditioning and tampering with fetuses, how could anyone think freely? The odd thing is I don't think anyone is doing it for power because who stays in control? It's all done randomly. And if somehow you swim through the drugs and distractions and realize something is wrong you can go to an island with others like you. There is no free will in this book which is sad. I think whats most unsettling from this book is that you're set for life from the moment you are conceived. And the conditioning done when you are a baby is discomforting. It's all for control but who stays in control? Why?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
reaction to question 1
I don’t think sex is nearly as prevalent in our time as in the BNW time. There are “feelies” but most people don’t frequent them. A majority of our culture is only focused on ‘what feels good’ but a minority is focused on living a meaningful good life.
We do travel to far away places often because it is so easy even though it negatively affects the environment. Unfortunately, about 70% of CEOs are male. This is like the book because only males seem to be in power.
I think it’s really hard to compare this book to the present because this book could never ever happen. We could never wipe out disease. We could never eradicate every natural unpleasantry while still living in a stable environment. This book is a completely impossible way of life so it was difficult to take it seriously.
I did think about heaven when reading this book. I’ve thought about under the same circumstances before. How could we ever reach a place with no unhappiness while still truly feeling happy all the time? What would the comparison be to feel the happiness? I don’t feel like the book really made an accurate depiction of what life could be like in the future besides complete control from the government. I think Huxley’s point is that we all seek physical satisfaction most of the time. Technology’s goal is to make everything easier and more enjoyable. He’s reached the peak of complete ease and enjoyment. His point is that no one is truly happy. I agree. But like I said, this could never happen in real life.
We do travel to far away places often because it is so easy even though it negatively affects the environment. Unfortunately, about 70% of CEOs are male. This is like the book because only males seem to be in power.
I think it’s really hard to compare this book to the present because this book could never ever happen. We could never wipe out disease. We could never eradicate every natural unpleasantry while still living in a stable environment. This book is a completely impossible way of life so it was difficult to take it seriously.
I did think about heaven when reading this book. I’ve thought about under the same circumstances before. How could we ever reach a place with no unhappiness while still truly feeling happy all the time? What would the comparison be to feel the happiness? I don’t feel like the book really made an accurate depiction of what life could be like in the future besides complete control from the government. I think Huxley’s point is that we all seek physical satisfaction most of the time. Technology’s goal is to make everything easier and more enjoyable. He’s reached the peak of complete ease and enjoyment. His point is that no one is truly happy. I agree. But like I said, this could never happen in real life.
Soapbox
I am not blogging about any of the four prompts. I did not like this book. I read it completely and quickly. I did not find it difficult or boring. But I did not like this book.
I think that Huxley is trying to say women who have sex either outside of marriage or when they are not in love are going to be treated like meat, mindless, or are “sluts” or “whores”. I do not believe this is so. I could understand if Huxley’s point is that women AND men should not be having sex with anything that moves BECAUSE of disease (STDs) but I don’t think that’s his point. He portrays every woman in this book as completely mindless, addicted to soma, and focused solely on having sex. Which makes me believe that he thinks that if America were to portray sex as morally “okay” then he thinks all men and women would only focus on sex and not intimacy. I don’t think that’s the case. I point out that he places women in a ‘mindless’ light because
1. Only men are in high position in this book.
2. The sole female main character, Lenina, is used as a sexual symbol and as a symbol of someone that has completely bought into the ideals of The New World.
3. The female that chooses to have sex with multiple partners in the “Savage World”, Linda, does not get a disease but rather social retribution. She then does not understand the negative backlash she receives.
4. The “hero” of the story, John the Savage, is male as are the other two pseudo-heroes, Helmholtz and Bernard Marx (Interesting his last name is Marx, like the man who created communism. I don’t think Bernard is meant to be a hero in the book. However, I think he is meant to be one of the few fighting the detrimental ideals of the utopian society. I think he is meant to be pitied and hated. Yet he was the beginning of questioning society and understanding that everyone was conditioned.)
I think that Huxley is trying to say women who have sex either outside of marriage or when they are not in love are going to be treated like meat, mindless, or are “sluts” or “whores”. I do not believe this is so. I could understand if Huxley’s point is that women AND men should not be having sex with anything that moves BECAUSE of disease (STDs) but I don’t think that’s his point. He portrays every woman in this book as completely mindless, addicted to soma, and focused solely on having sex. Which makes me believe that he thinks that if America were to portray sex as morally “okay” then he thinks all men and women would only focus on sex and not intimacy. I don’t think that’s the case. I point out that he places women in a ‘mindless’ light because
1. Only men are in high position in this book.
2. The sole female main character, Lenina, is used as a sexual symbol and as a symbol of someone that has completely bought into the ideals of The New World.
3. The female that chooses to have sex with multiple partners in the “Savage World”, Linda, does not get a disease but rather social retribution. She then does not understand the negative backlash she receives.
4. The “hero” of the story, John the Savage, is male as are the other two pseudo-heroes, Helmholtz and Bernard Marx (Interesting his last name is Marx, like the man who created communism. I don’t think Bernard is meant to be a hero in the book. However, I think he is meant to be one of the few fighting the detrimental ideals of the utopian society. I think he is meant to be pitied and hated. Yet he was the beginning of questioning society and understanding that everyone was conditioned.)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Poetry Response: Inoculation
I found Inoculation to be a very interesting poem indeed. Rather difficult to understand though. I think the writer is comparing small pox to slavery. He is making the point that slavery is like small pox and some do survive. The opening two lines set up the rest of the poem. “Cotton Mather studied smallpox for a while/ instead of sin. Boston was rife with it” The writer is saying he studies small pox, probably wants to help people when sin(slavery) is staring him right in the face, where he should really be helping people. He asks his slave if he has ever had smallpox. The slave gives a very interesting answer. He says that his mother tried to kill him with small pox. But the boy survived and became a slave for the man. The poem is rich with irony in that the boy survived small but was forced into slavery, worse than smallpox?
The Awakening: Chapters 24-28
Chapters 24-28
1. Who comes to visit and who all leaves?
2. Why does Chopin leave Robert out for this hefty majority of the book?
3. Do you think you react how Edna has reacted thus far in the book?
Is Edna truly in love with Robert? That IS the question. I have no flippin clue. Earlier in the book (chapters 15-19 ish) I would have argued no. But now, after she learns Robert is coming back and she is basically on a high, I have to think she is in love with him. I’m so confused! Is Edna just “awakening” or has Robert Awakened her? I think Robert (without knowing what he was doing) awakened Edna. Then Edna kisses Arobin. I think the woman is so confused and disoriented. I feel badly for her. Then there is foreshadowing when Mademoiselle Reisz feels her shoulder blades to see how strong her wings are. I know the ending so I know Edna’s wings are not that strong which bothers me a bit. I thought Edna would be a heroine in this book. She kind of annoys me and makes me want to clap my hands in front of her face and be like, “Buck Up”. She’s dithering about, waiting for Robert, giving off an air of elitist attitude, and not really doing anything. And because I know the ending I’m even more like, C’MON EDNA! Get it together woman!
1. Who comes to visit and who all leaves?
2. Why does Chopin leave Robert out for this hefty majority of the book?
3. Do you think you react how Edna has reacted thus far in the book?
Is Edna truly in love with Robert? That IS the question. I have no flippin clue. Earlier in the book (chapters 15-19 ish) I would have argued no. But now, after she learns Robert is coming back and she is basically on a high, I have to think she is in love with him. I’m so confused! Is Edna just “awakening” or has Robert Awakened her? I think Robert (without knowing what he was doing) awakened Edna. Then Edna kisses Arobin. I think the woman is so confused and disoriented. I feel badly for her. Then there is foreshadowing when Mademoiselle Reisz feels her shoulder blades to see how strong her wings are. I know the ending so I know Edna’s wings are not that strong which bothers me a bit. I thought Edna would be a heroine in this book. She kind of annoys me and makes me want to clap my hands in front of her face and be like, “Buck Up”. She’s dithering about, waiting for Robert, giving off an air of elitist attitude, and not really doing anything. And because I know the ending I’m even more like, C’MON EDNA! Get it together woman!
The Awakening: Chapters 20-24
Chapters 20-24
1. Who is Edna looking for?
2. What is the significance of Madam Reisz and Doctor Mandelet?
3. Why is Edna looking for Madam Reisz?
The end of chapter 19 illustrated for the reader Edna’s depression. The second to last paragraph described Edna’s “happy days”. The last paragraph described Edna’s unhappy days- days in which she did not care whether she was alive or dead. Then the next chapters describe Edna’s complete loss of care for the household and her family. I think Robert was only a catalyst for Edna’s awakening. She misses him but is bothered more by her place in the world.
Edna searches for Madam Reisz for numerous reasons. Madam Reisz is a widow, very dedicated to her art (music), and probably gives off the independent woman vibe- something Edna searches for fervently. While Edna searches for common understanding, Mr. Pontellier does the same.
Mr. Pontellier goes to the family doctor to actually inquire if Edna is right in the head. The doctor tells Mr. Pontellier it’s just a womanly mood and it will eventually pass. They laugh about women and how strange they act. I HATE when people do this- when you feel a certain way and people chalk up your feelings to PMS, lack or exercise, lack of sleep, inadequate diet, etc.
Okay, I’m off my soapbox now.
1. Who is Edna looking for?
2. What is the significance of Madam Reisz and Doctor Mandelet?
3. Why is Edna looking for Madam Reisz?
The end of chapter 19 illustrated for the reader Edna’s depression. The second to last paragraph described Edna’s “happy days”. The last paragraph described Edna’s unhappy days- days in which she did not care whether she was alive or dead. Then the next chapters describe Edna’s complete loss of care for the household and her family. I think Robert was only a catalyst for Edna’s awakening. She misses him but is bothered more by her place in the world.
Edna searches for Madam Reisz for numerous reasons. Madam Reisz is a widow, very dedicated to her art (music), and probably gives off the independent woman vibe- something Edna searches for fervently. While Edna searches for common understanding, Mr. Pontellier does the same.
Mr. Pontellier goes to the family doctor to actually inquire if Edna is right in the head. The doctor tells Mr. Pontellier it’s just a womanly mood and it will eventually pass. They laugh about women and how strange they act. I HATE when people do this- when you feel a certain way and people chalk up your feelings to PMS, lack or exercise, lack of sleep, inadequate diet, etc.
Okay, I’m off my soapbox now.
The Awakening: Chapters 15-19
Chapters 15-19
1. What important event occurs in chapter 15?
2. Why is it now that Edna realizes she likes Robert?
3. Why does Robert leave?
Unfortunately, I read the end of the book so I already knew Robert left for Mexico. HOWEVER, I did not know why Robert had left. It’s obvious Robert leave because he realizes he is in love with Mrs. Pontellier but knows he could never have her. Edna and her husband then leave Lebrun’s for the winter. Once home Edna becomes sullen, insolent toward her husband, and eventually throws a temper tantrum. I think Edna’s outburst is because she feels so impotent and stuck in her life. I think she misses Robert but her awakening isn’t about Robert. It’s about her trying to assert herself in the world as a woman who demands to be treated like an equal.
On that note, I found pages 42 and 43 very interesting. Throughout the book I got really annoyed whenever Madam Ratignolle or Edna were apt to a fit of some sort. Whether it was the heat, exhaustion, or some made up ailment, both women seemed to not be able to handle ‘life’ sometimes. I understand that these couple pages aren’t the best example of these women’s ridiculous ‘tired fits’ but I think Edna deals with Robert’s departure immaturely. I also think it’s odd that she trying to assert herself as in equal in the world but simply because she’s a woman she pretends to have exhaustion fits for attention.
1. What important event occurs in chapter 15?
2. Why is it now that Edna realizes she likes Robert?
3. Why does Robert leave?
Unfortunately, I read the end of the book so I already knew Robert left for Mexico. HOWEVER, I did not know why Robert had left. It’s obvious Robert leave because he realizes he is in love with Mrs. Pontellier but knows he could never have her. Edna and her husband then leave Lebrun’s for the winter. Once home Edna becomes sullen, insolent toward her husband, and eventually throws a temper tantrum. I think Edna’s outburst is because she feels so impotent and stuck in her life. I think she misses Robert but her awakening isn’t about Robert. It’s about her trying to assert herself in the world as a woman who demands to be treated like an equal.
On that note, I found pages 42 and 43 very interesting. Throughout the book I got really annoyed whenever Madam Ratignolle or Edna were apt to a fit of some sort. Whether it was the heat, exhaustion, or some made up ailment, both women seemed to not be able to handle ‘life’ sometimes. I understand that these couple pages aren’t the best example of these women’s ridiculous ‘tired fits’ but I think Edna deals with Robert’s departure immaturely. I also think it’s odd that she trying to assert herself as in equal in the world but simply because she’s a woman she pretends to have exhaustion fits for attention.
The Awakening: Chapters 10-14
Chapters 10-14
1. In what does Edna sleep?
2. What do the lovers and lady in black represent?
3. Does Robert consciously know what he’s doing?
A LOT happens in this section. Edna swims on her own, Edna meets Mariequita, and Robert and Edna go on a trip together. The sexual tension between Robert and Edna seems to have been amped up to a billion. Robert has to know what he’s doing and the same goes for Edna. Yet, Edna fervently denies (in her thoughts) ever consciously feeling sexual longing for Robert. They flirt and Robert touches her (fixes a ruffle, touches the hem of her skirt). I’m just waiting for the real deal to happen.
My favorite chapter is chapter 11 by far. Mr. Pontellier sees Edna sleeping outside. He decides he doesn’t like that so he tells her to go in side. Edna politely tells him no. Then Mr. Pontellier gets all pissy because Edna doesn’t do as he says. So he yells at her and tells her “to get inside this instant”. And Edna Straight Up Tells Him No!! And she says that if he speaks to her like that again! GOOOOO EDNA! AND THEN Mr. Pontellier knows Edna basically just asserted her position in their relationship so he tries to establish dominance by sitting outside with her. It’s as if he knows she wants to be alone so just to spite her he sits outside and smokes. I really dislike this man.
1. In what does Edna sleep?
2. What do the lovers and lady in black represent?
3. Does Robert consciously know what he’s doing?
A LOT happens in this section. Edna swims on her own, Edna meets Mariequita, and Robert and Edna go on a trip together. The sexual tension between Robert and Edna seems to have been amped up to a billion. Robert has to know what he’s doing and the same goes for Edna. Yet, Edna fervently denies (in her thoughts) ever consciously feeling sexual longing for Robert. They flirt and Robert touches her (fixes a ruffle, touches the hem of her skirt). I’m just waiting for the real deal to happen.
My favorite chapter is chapter 11 by far. Mr. Pontellier sees Edna sleeping outside. He decides he doesn’t like that so he tells her to go in side. Edna politely tells him no. Then Mr. Pontellier gets all pissy because Edna doesn’t do as he says. So he yells at her and tells her “to get inside this instant”. And Edna Straight Up Tells Him No!! And she says that if he speaks to her like that again! GOOOOO EDNA! AND THEN Mr. Pontellier knows Edna basically just asserted her position in their relationship so he tries to establish dominance by sitting outside with her. It’s as if he knows she wants to be alone so just to spite her he sits outside and smokes. I really dislike this man.
The Awakening: Chapters 5-9
Chapters 5-9
1. Who embodies perfection as the “mother-woman”?
2. In Chapter 6, what does the sea represent?
3. Do you like Madam Ratignolle?
These chapters further the story somewhat slowly. Chapter 6 is solely dedicated to describing Edna’s beginning of her awakening. Her and Madam Ratignolle visit the beach in which Chopin describes in length Edna’s feelings toward ber husband and her children. The most important quotation from this section I believe is when Madam Ratignolle asks Robert to leave Edna alone. I think this is important because Madam Ratignolle shows she’s not ignorant to Edna and Robert; she knows what’s up.
What I found really interesting in the section is when Chopin describes both Madam Ratignolle and Mrs. Pontellier. Chopin describes Madam R. as physically beautiful, like a Madonna. She describes Mrs. P as basically decent looking, but her grace and charm give her an aura that people find very attractive. What Chopin is trying to portray is Mrs. P has something more than just physical beauty about her.
1. Who embodies perfection as the “mother-woman”?
2. In Chapter 6, what does the sea represent?
3. Do you like Madam Ratignolle?
These chapters further the story somewhat slowly. Chapter 6 is solely dedicated to describing Edna’s beginning of her awakening. Her and Madam Ratignolle visit the beach in which Chopin describes in length Edna’s feelings toward ber husband and her children. The most important quotation from this section I believe is when Madam Ratignolle asks Robert to leave Edna alone. I think this is important because Madam Ratignolle shows she’s not ignorant to Edna and Robert; she knows what’s up.
What I found really interesting in the section is when Chopin describes both Madam Ratignolle and Mrs. Pontellier. Chopin describes Madam R. as physically beautiful, like a Madonna. She describes Mrs. P as basically decent looking, but her grace and charm give her an aura that people find very attractive. What Chopin is trying to portray is Mrs. P has something more than just physical beauty about her.
The Awakening: Chapters 1-4
Chapters 1-4
1. What main character opens the book?
2. Why does Chopin open the book with him?
3. Why do you think Chopin portrays Robert as so young both in years and socially?
The beginning of “The Awakening” introduced Edna’s and Mr. Pontellier’s relationship as both placid and full of blissful ignorance. Edna and Mr. Pontellier fulfill each others needs, offer each other polite conversation, and make a seemingly decent family. When Mr. Pontellier wants to go to Klein’s instead of be with the family, Edna does not protest and doesn’t even seem to really mind. When Mr. Pontellier gives Edna money she seems truly happy, exclaiming about buying presents for a friend.
The reader can interpret many things from this section. First, everyone, including Edna, honestly believes Mr. Pontellier’s behavior is not only perfectly fine but the norm. Edna doesn’t expect nor want him to stay and hang out with her and the kids. Everyone expects “the men” to run off and go play poker and drink while the women sit at home, raise the children, and do womanly things. One pivotal point in the book is in Chapter 3 when Edna cries. Edna does not know why she is crying or why she feels the way she feels. This is Chopin’s foreshadowing of Edna’s “Awakening.”
1. What main character opens the book?
2. Why does Chopin open the book with him?
3. Why do you think Chopin portrays Robert as so young both in years and socially?
The beginning of “The Awakening” introduced Edna’s and Mr. Pontellier’s relationship as both placid and full of blissful ignorance. Edna and Mr. Pontellier fulfill each others needs, offer each other polite conversation, and make a seemingly decent family. When Mr. Pontellier wants to go to Klein’s instead of be with the family, Edna does not protest and doesn’t even seem to really mind. When Mr. Pontellier gives Edna money she seems truly happy, exclaiming about buying presents for a friend.
The reader can interpret many things from this section. First, everyone, including Edna, honestly believes Mr. Pontellier’s behavior is not only perfectly fine but the norm. Edna doesn’t expect nor want him to stay and hang out with her and the kids. Everyone expects “the men” to run off and go play poker and drink while the women sit at home, raise the children, and do womanly things. One pivotal point in the book is in Chapter 3 when Edna cries. Edna does not know why she is crying or why she feels the way she feels. This is Chopin’s foreshadowing of Edna’s “Awakening.”
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Ok, this is actually my Section 2 blog
1. Who is narrating now?
2. What is Marlow begining to feel?
3. Why switch the narrarators?
I feel through this section the reader is starting to truly understand Marlow. Marlow got into this business of going to Africa because of his immaturity. He sought adventure, and was a 'seaman', he dreamed of conquering new lands. Africa caught his attention through the river. The river enchanted him like a snake and he was like a 'foolish bird'. Snakes eat birds. Marlow then sees some natives who are starving. He doesn't worry too much about it, but this does 'trouble him' just like the ship he sees firing aimlessly into the bush. These are the beginings of Marlows analysis of the morals of what he is doing.
2. What is Marlow begining to feel?
3. Why switch the narrarators?
I feel through this section the reader is starting to truly understand Marlow. Marlow got into this business of going to Africa because of his immaturity. He sought adventure, and was a 'seaman', he dreamed of conquering new lands. Africa caught his attention through the river. The river enchanted him like a snake and he was like a 'foolish bird'. Snakes eat birds. Marlow then sees some natives who are starving. He doesn't worry too much about it, but this does 'trouble him' just like the ship he sees firing aimlessly into the bush. These are the beginings of Marlows analysis of the morals of what he is doing.
Heart of Darkness, Part 1- Sections 1 & 2
1. Who narrarates for this section of the book?
2. What does the snake represent?
3. Why do you thin the narrarator mentions dominoes before Marlow begins telling his story?
The begining of this book was incredibly slow-going. Marlow is telling his story of his voyage into Africa. The image that struck me the most in this first part is the two women Marlow encounters when he goes to the company to get permission to head into Africa. One is fat and one is slim. The slim one is always intorducing new people to the fat one. Right before Marlow begins his description of these two women, he mentions an ominous feeling, "It was just as though I had been let into some conspiracy- I don't know- something not quite right." He then goes on to describe how the fat woman seems to look at everyone as if she knows them. Marlow believes she has a sort of 'unconcerned wisdom' about her. What do these two women represent? I can't pin it down exactly what i think these two women symbolize but my guess is the fat one is the devil and the slim one is humanity, specifically the people working for this company. The company keeps recruiting people to go into Africa, rape the land for its resources and people, and somehow make it out sane. This is devilish work, work that only makes profit and kills in the process. Some people go mad from 'working with the devil' so to say.
2. What does the snake represent?
3. Why do you thin the narrarator mentions dominoes before Marlow begins telling his story?
The begining of this book was incredibly slow-going. Marlow is telling his story of his voyage into Africa. The image that struck me the most in this first part is the two women Marlow encounters when he goes to the company to get permission to head into Africa. One is fat and one is slim. The slim one is always intorducing new people to the fat one. Right before Marlow begins his description of these two women, he mentions an ominous feeling, "It was just as though I had been let into some conspiracy- I don't know- something not quite right." He then goes on to describe how the fat woman seems to look at everyone as if she knows them. Marlow believes she has a sort of 'unconcerned wisdom' about her. What do these two women represent? I can't pin it down exactly what i think these two women symbolize but my guess is the fat one is the devil and the slim one is humanity, specifically the people working for this company. The company keeps recruiting people to go into Africa, rape the land for its resources and people, and somehow make it out sane. This is devilish work, work that only makes profit and kills in the process. Some people go mad from 'working with the devil' so to say.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Eveline
This story is about a girl who does not fulfill her dreams when she is finally given the chance due to an inexplicable feeling that possesses her.
1. Where is Eveline going to ship off to?
2. What is the parallelism of the line "And all the seas of the world tumbled about in her heart."?
3. Why do you think Eveline looks passively at Frank in the end of the story?
I could totally relate to Eveline in this story. At the end, when Joyce describes her as looking passively at Frank, I think Eveline is already over him. I don't think she ever let herself love him because she knew she could hurt herself. I also think that she has completely let go of him by the time he is on the ship calling to her. She knows she won't go. I think Eveline is a complex character. Joyce leaves little clues throughout the story to help the reader get to know Eveline. For example, he tells the reader that Frank loves Eveline but never Eveline loves Frank. That attention to detail changes Eveline's decision to not go at the end of the story.
1. Where is Eveline going to ship off to?
2. What is the parallelism of the line "And all the seas of the world tumbled about in her heart."?
3. Why do you think Eveline looks passively at Frank in the end of the story?
I could totally relate to Eveline in this story. At the end, when Joyce describes her as looking passively at Frank, I think Eveline is already over him. I don't think she ever let herself love him because she knew she could hurt herself. I also think that she has completely let go of him by the time he is on the ship calling to her. She knows she won't go. I think Eveline is a complex character. Joyce leaves little clues throughout the story to help the reader get to know Eveline. For example, he tells the reader that Frank loves Eveline but never Eveline loves Frank. That attention to detail changes Eveline's decision to not go at the end of the story.
Araby
This story is about a boy who doesn't fulfill his dream to buy the love of his life a gift from the bazaar.
1. Where does the boy live?
2. How is where the boy lives important?
3. Why do you think the boy doesn't buy anything in the end of the story?
The character of the boy is likeable because I think he's immature. Everyone is immature at one point or another. I think the reason the boy doesn't buy anything in the end is because he wants only the best for this. Because he is so late he'll have to settle on something sufficient, not perfect. I think the reader can guess and assume about the boy more than the boy tells you. I think the author did a good job of creating symbols within the story but made it too boring.
1. Where does the boy live?
2. How is where the boy lives important?
3. Why do you think the boy doesn't buy anything in the end of the story?
The character of the boy is likeable because I think he's immature. Everyone is immature at one point or another. I think the reason the boy doesn't buy anything in the end is because he wants only the best for this. Because he is so late he'll have to settle on something sufficient, not perfect. I think the reader can guess and assume about the boy more than the boy tells you. I think the author did a good job of creating symbols within the story but made it too boring.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A Good Man Is Hard To Find
This story is about an old woman and her family's ride to florida and how they eventually die.
1. What is the daughter in the family's name?
2. Why did the author have Bailey wear a shirt with parrots on it?
3. Explain the misfit? What do you think he means?
Wow. This story was weird, creepy, complex, interesting, and many other adjectives. I'm still not sure as to whether or not i liked it. I don't think i truly understood most of it. I went to a parochial school all of my childhood and middle school years and I'm sure I didn't understand all those religious references. One thing i understood for the theme is no one is good or bad. The main character was even illustrated by the author as devious and deceptive in order to get her way. And her children were illustrated as ingrates. As to the misfit... I think the author tried to make him seem crazy but crazy from thinking too much. Which i think is possible, if you think to much and question everything about the WHYS of the world you'll drive yourself nuts.
1. What is the daughter in the family's name?
2. Why did the author have Bailey wear a shirt with parrots on it?
3. Explain the misfit? What do you think he means?
Wow. This story was weird, creepy, complex, interesting, and many other adjectives. I'm still not sure as to whether or not i liked it. I don't think i truly understood most of it. I went to a parochial school all of my childhood and middle school years and I'm sure I didn't understand all those religious references. One thing i understood for the theme is no one is good or bad. The main character was even illustrated by the author as devious and deceptive in order to get her way. And her children were illustrated as ingrates. As to the misfit... I think the author tried to make him seem crazy but crazy from thinking too much. Which i think is possible, if you think to much and question everything about the WHYS of the world you'll drive yourself nuts.
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Rocking-Horse Winner
The short story "The Rocking Horse Winner" is about a young man, Paul, trying to satisfy his mother and himself through attaining money but only succeeding in his death.
1. What was the name of the horse that won in Paul's final bet?
2. What did Paul's rocking on the horse symbolize?
3. Do you think you are like any character in this story?
D.H. Lawrence kept me completly enthralled throught out the entire story. The theme of this story is many people are careening down a path seeking higher status!, more wealth!, more!, more!, more! to a point where it literally kills them (Heath Ledger, Elvis Presley, Gatsby, etc.). The author illustrates Paul to be young and naive. I think he does this because many people don't realize they are seeking only material objects which will not give them happiness. Paul is definately a complex charecter with much of his prsonality left to the reader to decide. Does Paul 'succeed' in the end or fail? I think the mother is actually not all that complex. I think she's pretty one dimensional and the auther chose to basically make her the protagonist.
1. What was the name of the horse that won in Paul's final bet?
2. What did Paul's rocking on the horse symbolize?
3. Do you think you are like any character in this story?
D.H. Lawrence kept me completly enthralled throught out the entire story. The theme of this story is many people are careening down a path seeking higher status!, more wealth!, more!, more!, more! to a point where it literally kills them (Heath Ledger, Elvis Presley, Gatsby, etc.). The author illustrates Paul to be young and naive. I think he does this because many people don't realize they are seeking only material objects which will not give them happiness. Paul is definately a complex charecter with much of his prsonality left to the reader to decide. Does Paul 'succeed' in the end or fail? I think the mother is actually not all that complex. I think she's pretty one dimensional and the auther chose to basically make her the protagonist.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I Stand Here Ironing
The story "I stand here ironing" is about a woman recollecting raising her first born child and her inability to properly care for her.
1. What is the daughter's name?
2. Why does the author end the story with the main character ironing?
3. Do you think you could forgive the mother in this story?
What would you do if you were the mother?
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it had depth and the author did a nice job of of creating a complex main character. I think the reader only knew as much as the narrator told you. i liked that the author used the ironing board to begin the story, kept it throughout, and used it for a conclusion. I think the theme of this story is complicated and has numerous aspects. The relationship between parents and children is actually quite fragile and difficult to nurture into a lasting healthy bond. Sometimes instances in childhood cannot be overcome affect the rest of our lives. i feel badly for the narrator because she did the best she could and it was far from enough for her child. I think the ending was somewhat ambiguous and its is left to the reader to discern the outcome of the mother and child's relationship.
1. What is the daughter's name?
2. Why does the author end the story with the main character ironing?
3. Do you think you could forgive the mother in this story?
What would you do if you were the mother?
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it had depth and the author did a nice job of of creating a complex main character. I think the reader only knew as much as the narrator told you. i liked that the author used the ironing board to begin the story, kept it throughout, and used it for a conclusion. I think the theme of this story is complicated and has numerous aspects. The relationship between parents and children is actually quite fragile and difficult to nurture into a lasting healthy bond. Sometimes instances in childhood cannot be overcome affect the rest of our lives. i feel badly for the narrator because she did the best she could and it was far from enough for her child. I think the ending was somewhat ambiguous and its is left to the reader to discern the outcome of the mother and child's relationship.
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