"In this manner, the issue was decided."-- "Popular Mechanics" by Raymond Carver
They pulled the child in half. At least that's how I see this happening. Quite a twisted and brutal ending to the story if you ask me. This couple is fighting over who gets to take the child and end up doing much more harm than good. This is not a normal argument these people are having. They clearly do not actually care about the child, but about hurting one another. The man is leaving and just wants to hurt his wife/girlfriend even more by taking the child. They fight and he tries to pry the baby from her grasp, which seems like it would hurt the child enough as it is. Then the woman loses her grip and tries to yank the child back. That's how the story ends, and all I could picture was the story in the Bible where the king tells the women to cut a child in half so they each can have a piece. I believe the child is dead, which would be a good topic for discussion.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
No, You're Ugly!
"'That's not the one you were thinking of?' 'No.' There was accusation in her voice. 'Mine was different.' 'Oh.'"-- "You're Ugly, Too" by Lorrie Moore
The irony of this is that it is placed in the "irony" section of our book. Upon first reading, it doesn't seem very ironic or funny at all. The only irony I could find is that Zoe (I can't make the little dots, sorry) finds a semi-sensible and down-to-earth guy and loses him by "jokingly" attempting to shove him off a balcony. Maybe I missed the point, I think it would be good for a large group discussion. Zoe is kind of a weird character too, and she makes the entire story incredibly awkward. Almost every moment ends terribly with Earl. I kind of feel bad for her because it seems like something she can't control. Everything is just a joke to her and cannot seems to take things seriously.
The irony of this is that it is placed in the "irony" section of our book. Upon first reading, it doesn't seem very ironic or funny at all. The only irony I could find is that Zoe (I can't make the little dots, sorry) finds a semi-sensible and down-to-earth guy and loses him by "jokingly" attempting to shove him off a balcony. Maybe I missed the point, I think it would be good for a large group discussion. Zoe is kind of a weird character too, and she makes the entire story incredibly awkward. Almost every moment ends terribly with Earl. I kind of feel bad for her because it seems like something she can't control. Everything is just a joke to her and cannot seems to take things seriously.
Ah, Irony
"'It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian angel.'"-- "The Drunkard" by Frank O'Connor
What's with all the weird, messed up stories? This young boy gets drunk on his father's beer, that doesn't seem very funny at all. But it is ironic, so I guess it belongs in this section. The boy stays with his father because he wants to keep the man from getting drunk. The father is an on-and-off drinker who is sober once the story begins. He goes to a funeral and the boy knows he will try to drink after and attempts to simply take him home. In the end, the father doesn't get drunk. Because the son drinks all the alcohol the father buys and becomes intoxicated himself. The father has to drag the boy home while the young man hollers and sings down the street. The mother is initially mad, but then sees the good in the situation. The father is still a sober man, so in the end, the situation turn out to be a positive one.
What's with all the weird, messed up stories? This young boy gets drunk on his father's beer, that doesn't seem very funny at all. But it is ironic, so I guess it belongs in this section. The boy stays with his father because he wants to keep the man from getting drunk. The father is an on-and-off drinker who is sober once the story begins. He goes to a funeral and the boy knows he will try to drink after and attempts to simply take him home. In the end, the father doesn't get drunk. Because the son drinks all the alcohol the father buys and becomes intoxicated himself. The father has to drag the boy home while the young man hollers and sings down the street. The mother is initially mad, but then sees the good in the situation. The father is still a sober man, so in the end, the situation turn out to be a positive one.
Not an Uncommon Story
"The children had stones already, and someone gave little Davy Hutchinson a few pebbles."-- "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
This is a disturbing story, but I have read a book very similar to this. First though, I would like to say how disturbing this line is. Davy Hutchinson is the son of the woman about to be stoned, and the crowd expects him to participate. On to the main point: the book The Hunger Games is about a similar concept. Without getting into all the details, a society has something called the Hunger Games every year where they make children from each district attempt to kill each other. The children are chosen via slips of paper in a jar. The main character of the book is from the poorest district whose children rarely win and end up dead, which is what makes these stories similar. They both expect to die because of a twisted social construct that is out of their hands.
The Hunger Games is being made into a movie, and this is the trailer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgssLmsOa2s
This is a disturbing story, but I have read a book very similar to this. First though, I would like to say how disturbing this line is. Davy Hutchinson is the son of the woman about to be stoned, and the crowd expects him to participate. On to the main point: the book The Hunger Games is about a similar concept. Without getting into all the details, a society has something called the Hunger Games every year where they make children from each district attempt to kill each other. The children are chosen via slips of paper in a jar. The main character of the book is from the poorest district whose children rarely win and end up dead, which is what makes these stories similar. They both expect to die because of a twisted social construct that is out of their hands.
The Hunger Games is being made into a movie, and this is the trailer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgssLmsOa2s
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
What kind of bedtime story is this!?
"... the alarm set up wailing against the screams while the bleeding mass of the little boy was hacked out of the security coil with saws..."-- Once Upon a Time, Nadine Gordimer
I don't understand the purpose of the frame story here. The person who wakes up tells themself a story of a boy dying because of his over-precautious parents. The parents put up so many signs and security measures around their house that the cat cannot get around without setting off the alarms. The sign saying "YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" is directed more towards the parents than any intruder. The boy thinks all these security measures are just a game, playing cops and robbers with the intercom at the gate. Eventually he pretends to be in a fairy tale and tries crawling through barbed wire, acting like it is a tunnel. The parent's fear and attempts to protect the family ultimately led to the death of their son.
I don't understand the purpose of the frame story here. The person who wakes up tells themself a story of a boy dying because of his over-precautious parents. The parents put up so many signs and security measures around their house that the cat cannot get around without setting off the alarms. The sign saying "YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" is directed more towards the parents than any intruder. The boy thinks all these security measures are just a game, playing cops and robbers with the intercom at the gate. Eventually he pretends to be in a fairy tale and tries crawling through barbed wire, acting like it is a tunnel. The parent's fear and attempts to protect the family ultimately led to the death of their son.
A Worn Woman
"'My grandson. it was my memory had left me. There I sat and forgot why I made my long trip.'"-- A Worn Path, Eudora Welty
This is a rather sad story. I think this woman is blind and senile, making this long trip because she does not realize her grandson is long dead. The nurse tries to lead her into the realization by asking if the boy is dead, but Phoenix insists he is alive. She does not know any better. The boy swallowed lye, and while I do not know what lye is, I can assume it does a lot of harm to people and swallowing it does some pretty bad things. I sympathize for Phoenix because she does not know what else to do. The title and nurse imply this trek she makes is not uncommon. She says they are the only two people left in the world. It's sad to see her so oblivious to the fate that likely befell the boy.
This is a rather sad story. I think this woman is blind and senile, making this long trip because she does not realize her grandson is long dead. The nurse tries to lead her into the realization by asking if the boy is dead, but Phoenix insists he is alive. She does not know any better. The boy swallowed lye, and while I do not know what lye is, I can assume it does a lot of harm to people and swallowing it does some pretty bad things. I sympathize for Phoenix because she does not know what else to do. The title and nurse imply this trek she makes is not uncommon. She says they are the only two people left in the world. It's sad to see her so oblivious to the fate that likely befell the boy.
Hesitation said it all
"She had consented to go away, to leave her home. Was that wise? She tried to weigh each side of the question."-- Eveline, James Joyce
Poor Eveline could not make up her mind, and that should have told her what choice to make. She thought so hard for the entire story about what to do. She hesitated to go away with Frank. Such a life-changing decision takes much thought, which she had. If she still could not make up her mind by the time the night came, she should have realized leaving was a terrible choice. She had two children and her father to take care of at home, and it is the only place she had ever known. She grew up in the same house and promised her mother she would do everything she could to keep the family together. Eveline could not go back on that promise, but she didn't realize it until the situation was close to being irreversable. Had she left with Frank, she would have regretted it for the rest of her life. Just goes to show we should trust our instincts first and foremost.
Poor Eveline could not make up her mind, and that should have told her what choice to make. She thought so hard for the entire story about what to do. She hesitated to go away with Frank. Such a life-changing decision takes much thought, which she had. If she still could not make up her mind by the time the night came, she should have realized leaving was a terrible choice. She had two children and her father to take care of at home, and it is the only place she had ever known. She grew up in the same house and promised her mother she would do everything she could to keep the family together. Eveline could not go back on that promise, but she didn't realize it until the situation was close to being irreversable. Had she left with Frank, she would have regretted it for the rest of her life. Just goes to show we should trust our instincts first and foremost.
Stalker
"And still soundlessly singing, still with that trembling smile, Miss Brill prepared to listen."-- Miss Brill, Katherine Mansfield
This is a bit of an odd story. Most of it is spent with this women sitting on what I think is a bench watching people. She mostly criticizes their clothing and tries to listen to conversations. She is definitely creepy, but this is something we all do to a lesser degree. Every Sunday she goes to the same spot to observe people. In the same way, we go to the mall or Walmart and watch the people there. We move on and do not dwell on it like Miss Brill does though. She takes people-watching to the extreme and tries so hard to look good and fit in. She tries so hard in fact, a young couple criticizes her instead of the other way around. She takes in way to personally and goes home to put her fur away likely forever. One cannot be critical of others without expecting the same kind of treatment in return.
This is a bit of an odd story. Most of it is spent with this women sitting on what I think is a bench watching people. She mostly criticizes their clothing and tries to listen to conversations. She is definitely creepy, but this is something we all do to a lesser degree. Every Sunday she goes to the same spot to observe people. In the same way, we go to the mall or Walmart and watch the people there. We move on and do not dwell on it like Miss Brill does though. She takes people-watching to the extreme and tries so hard to look good and fit in. She tries so hard in fact, a young couple criticizes her instead of the other way around. She takes in way to personally and goes home to put her fur away likely forever. One cannot be critical of others without expecting the same kind of treatment in return.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wangero!
"I used to think she hated Maggie, too. But that was before we raised the money, the church and me, to send to to Augusta to school."-- Everyday Use, Alice Walker
Wangero (Dee) is extremely stuck up, but I think this may be a matter of perspective. The mother and Maggie are both uneducated, while she was sent to a nice school. Her sense of style and what is proper are very different from theirs. Because she is so different, we see it as a bad thing, while she very well might not realize she is acting abnormal. She feels these quilts should be displayed because of their historical significance, not used like every-day blankets. In her eyes she is not making an outrageous request. Maggie and her mother see it as such because the quilts are a tradition to them, and feel they should be used instead of simply hung up. If we had the perspective of Dee's husband, we would likely feel much different about her request to take the quilts with her. So I guess what I am saying is characterization has more to do with the perspective of the narrator than anything else.
Wangero (Dee) is extremely stuck up, but I think this may be a matter of perspective. The mother and Maggie are both uneducated, while she was sent to a nice school. Her sense of style and what is proper are very different from theirs. Because she is so different, we see it as a bad thing, while she very well might not realize she is acting abnormal. She feels these quilts should be displayed because of their historical significance, not used like every-day blankets. In her eyes she is not making an outrageous request. Maggie and her mother see it as such because the quilts are a tradition to them, and feel they should be used instead of simply hung up. If we had the perspective of Dee's husband, we would likely feel much different about her request to take the quilts with her. So I guess what I am saying is characterization has more to do with the perspective of the narrator than anything else.
These are short stories, not novels!
"'I would prefer not to,' he said, and gently disappeared behind the screen."-- Bartleby the Scrivener, Herman Melville
Bartleby has to be one of the most peculiar characters I have ever read about. He prefers not to do much of anything. I don't think he really does anything at all besides be a scrivener, and eventually he quits doing that too. I think Bartleby is an unhappy man. I think he wants someone to make him do something. "I would PREFER not to" is what he always says, but the narrator is his boss. Bartleby is looking to be treated with some force, for someone to not give him an option. Finally he is forced to go to prison where he simply dies. The narrator does not seem to disturbed by this, so I wonder if he ever actually cared for Bartleby, or if he was just a novelty for the office, something to talk about.
Bartleby has to be one of the most peculiar characters I have ever read about. He prefers not to do much of anything. I don't think he really does anything at all besides be a scrivener, and eventually he quits doing that too. I think Bartleby is an unhappy man. I think he wants someone to make him do something. "I would PREFER not to" is what he always says, but the narrator is his boss. Bartleby is looking to be treated with some force, for someone to not give him an option. Finally he is forced to go to prison where he simply dies. The narrator does not seem to disturbed by this, so I wonder if he ever actually cared for Bartleby, or if he was just a novelty for the office, something to talk about.
These People Shouldn't have Guns
"Tub shot from the waist. Kenny jerked backward against the fence and buckled to his knees. He folded his hands across his stomach."-- Hunters in the Snow, Tobias Wolff
Dim-wits. That is the only way to describe the characters in this short story. Tub is a short fat man who is constantly picked on by the other two. He eats all the time and hates himself for it. I sympathized with Tub more than any other character mostly because he is so constantly berated by his friends. Frank joins in the mocking of Tub, but has a sudden change towards the end of the story. He tells Tub he is in love with the babysitter, who is 16 (CREEPY). Kenny seems to be the wise-guy of the group. He jokes around through most of the story, and ends up getting himself shot because of it. His friends end up forgetting him in the back of their truck bleeding and freezing to death. They're all a bunch of idiots.
Dim-wits. That is the only way to describe the characters in this short story. Tub is a short fat man who is constantly picked on by the other two. He eats all the time and hates himself for it. I sympathized with Tub more than any other character mostly because he is so constantly berated by his friends. Frank joins in the mocking of Tub, but has a sudden change towards the end of the story. He tells Tub he is in love with the babysitter, who is 16 (CREEPY). Kenny seems to be the wise-guy of the group. He jokes around through most of the story, and ends up getting himself shot because of it. His friends end up forgetting him in the back of their truck bleeding and freezing to death. They're all a bunch of idiots.
Complete Opposites
"Maggie will be nervous until after her sister goes: she will stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe."-- Everyday Use, Alice Walker
As with all the stories in this section, the characterization in this was is relatively plain to see. Maggie is a young girl who was burned in the fire that torched her house, we are directly told this. We are also told she is envious of her sister and gets nervous around her. We indirectly learn that she is humble and non-confrontational when she simply tells her mother to give Dee the quilts she desires. Her mother is a manly woman with big hands. She is very protective of Maggie and seems to mock Dee as the narrator switches between her chosen name and the one given. Dee acts very selfishly when she insists the quilts be given to her to hang up in her house. She is the least sympathetic character in any of the stories.
As with all the stories in this section, the characterization in this was is relatively plain to see. Maggie is a young girl who was burned in the fire that torched her house, we are directly told this. We are also told she is envious of her sister and gets nervous around her. We indirectly learn that she is humble and non-confrontational when she simply tells her mother to give Dee the quilts she desires. Her mother is a manly woman with big hands. She is very protective of Maggie and seems to mock Dee as the narrator switches between her chosen name and the one given. Dee acts very selfishly when she insists the quilts be given to her to hang up in her house. She is the least sympathetic character in any of the stories.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Short Stories are disappointing
"'I have no taxes in Jefferson.'" A Rose For Emily
What does that quote have to do with anything in this story. It seems awfully pointless. Most of the details in these stories seems pointless. Yes, they are engaging, but many of the anecdotes have nothing to do with the actual conclusion of the story. "All these events lead up to the end" says Mr. Costello to ruin my discontent with these. But it won't. Relevant, yes they are relevant. But they are so long and drawn out that the reader either loses focus or draws the wrong conclusions, only to be shot down. I found that I finally did not care how Mrs. Emily died, just that the story ended. I hope they will not all be like this. And I am not complaining, it really is not hard work (yet at least). I just wish these three had a little more relevant substance and a little less.... words.
What does that quote have to do with anything in this story. It seems awfully pointless. Most of the details in these stories seems pointless. Yes, they are engaging, but many of the anecdotes have nothing to do with the actual conclusion of the story. "All these events lead up to the end" says Mr. Costello to ruin my discontent with these. But it won't. Relevant, yes they are relevant. But they are so long and drawn out that the reader either loses focus or draws the wrong conclusions, only to be shot down. I found that I finally did not care how Mrs. Emily died, just that the story ended. I hope they will not all be like this. And I am not complaining, it really is not hard work (yet at least). I just wish these three had a little more relevant substance and a little less.... words.
Roses are red...
"The man himself lay in the bed."-- "A Rose for Emily", William Faulkner
This story gave me the creeps. This woman locks herself in her house so she can sleep with a dead man. The whole town knows of this woman, and this story seems more like gossip than actual fact. It starts at the end (like a Tarantino kinda deal) and flashes back to the beginning. I think this adds to the plot because it makes the reader wonder how this came about. And it goes into a very detailed description of the events that led up to her death. She was a very mysterious woman and makes for a very good story. I just wish these were not so detailed. It makes them rather boring and hard to read. I know the details are important, for the most part (I'm talking to you, Edi), but it feels like there is too much for such small results. The end of this is shocking, but almost expected. The woman was creepy anyway.
This story gave me the creeps. This woman locks herself in her house so she can sleep with a dead man. The whole town knows of this woman, and this story seems more like gossip than actual fact. It starts at the end (like a Tarantino kinda deal) and flashes back to the beginning. I think this adds to the plot because it makes the reader wonder how this came about. And it goes into a very detailed description of the events that led up to her death. She was a very mysterious woman and makes for a very good story. I just wish these were not so detailed. It makes them rather boring and hard to read. I know the details are important, for the most part (I'm talking to you, Edi), but it feels like there is too much for such small results. The end of this is shocking, but almost expected. The woman was creepy anyway.
Lost in Translation (cliche', I know)
"Mr. Kapasi observed it too, knowing that this was the picture of the Das family he would preserve forever in his mind."-- "Interpreter of Maladies", Jhumpa Lahiri
As Chessie accurately pointed out in our small group, the title of this story is a play on words. The man, Mr. Kapasi is literally an interpreter: he translates for people at a doctor's office. Mrs. Das, however, believes since he works at a doctors office, he can help cure things. She is also wrong in assuming what she feels can be cured. She feels guilty because she has a child from a man who is not her husband. She confides in Mr. Kapasi, hoping he can help her feel better. Mr. Kapasi reads this as an attempt at affection. He dreams of her writing him letters and them having a relationship the whole time he drives the family. This miscommunication leads to both of them being hurt in the end.
As Chessie accurately pointed out in our small group, the title of this story is a play on words. The man, Mr. Kapasi is literally an interpreter: he translates for people at a doctor's office. Mrs. Das, however, believes since he works at a doctors office, he can help cure things. She is also wrong in assuming what she feels can be cured. She feels guilty because she has a child from a man who is not her husband. She confides in Mr. Kapasi, hoping he can help her feel better. Mr. Kapasi reads this as an attempt at affection. He dreams of her writing him letters and them having a relationship the whole time he drives the family. This miscommunication leads to both of them being hurt in the end.
It's been a while since I've done this
"So I said yes, and I went out with him for two years and he asked me to marry him, and we were engaged a year more while I got my things together, and then we did marry."-- How I Met my Husband, Alice Munro
No, she did not marry that pilot. Of course she should have, just because he is a pilot and they are fantastic, but that is beside the point. This story does a good job building up suspense, only to have the reader's hopes torn down. The entire story, the author talks about this charming young pilot who has a crazy fiance. Honestly, I would have ran from her too. Edi and Chris have a simply wonderful time in his tent one day (although I still don't know why he freaked out and threw water everywhere). Finally he leaves and promises to send Edi letters. So she waits and waits and waits and waits and it never comes. So she marries the mail man, the end. WHAT?!?! The author certainly accomplishes her goal, that is how Edi met her husband. But the entire narrative then seems, quite frankly, pointless. Yes, it is the true story, but the 10+ pages are detail are unnecessary.
No, she did not marry that pilot. Of course she should have, just because he is a pilot and they are fantastic, but that is beside the point. This story does a good job building up suspense, only to have the reader's hopes torn down. The entire story, the author talks about this charming young pilot who has a crazy fiance. Honestly, I would have ran from her too. Edi and Chris have a simply wonderful time in his tent one day (although I still don't know why he freaked out and threw water everywhere). Finally he leaves and promises to send Edi letters. So she waits and waits and waits and waits and it never comes. So she marries the mail man, the end. WHAT?!?! The author certainly accomplishes her goal, that is how Edi met her husband. But the entire narrative then seems, quite frankly, pointless. Yes, it is the true story, but the 10+ pages are detail are unnecessary.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I thought elegies were only for dead people?
"One day I'll lift the telephone/ and be told my father's dead. He's ready."-- Elegy for My Father, Who is Not Dead, Andrew Hudgins
First off, this is contradicting our vocab word. Second, I find this poem rather condesending, like he is insulting his father for believing he will go into the afterlife. "He's ready" just sounds a little mean, like the son just decided it instead of the father. The son does not share his father's optimistic view of death. The father believes everything will be ok and he will one day see his family again. The son does not seem to believe much of anything. And I do not understand how this is an elegy. It is not praising in the least, it's almost mocking. I am a little bothered by this poem. Not offended, just bothered in confusion I suppose. Large group discussion? I think yes.
First off, this is contradicting our vocab word. Second, I find this poem rather condesending, like he is insulting his father for believing he will go into the afterlife. "He's ready" just sounds a little mean, like the son just decided it instead of the father. The son does not share his father's optimistic view of death. The father believes everything will be ok and he will one day see his family again. The son does not seem to believe much of anything. And I do not understand how this is an elegy. It is not praising in the least, it's almost mocking. I am a little bothered by this poem. Not offended, just bothered in confusion I suppose. Large group discussion? I think yes.
Yay paradox! (didn't we already do a whole section about this?)
"A sweet disorder in the dress/ Kindles in clothes a wontonness."-- Delight in Disorder, Robert Herrick
I love reading poems that describe me! This author realizes not everything has to be perfect. This woman has lace falling about her, ribbons that are confusing, a "wild civility", and that is just what I like. If everything about a woman was perfect, there would be nothing interesting to love about her. She would be stale and boring and nobody would want to stay with her. The woman the speaker describes sounds positively delightful (hence the title). Every line rhymes with the next, then after those two lines rhyme, a new one starts. I couldn't help but read this poem like it was a song, so I had to read it several times to grasp all the parts. It should be set to music.
I love reading poems that describe me! This author realizes not everything has to be perfect. This woman has lace falling about her, ribbons that are confusing, a "wild civility", and that is just what I like. If everything about a woman was perfect, there would be nothing interesting to love about her. She would be stale and boring and nobody would want to stay with her. The woman the speaker describes sounds positively delightful (hence the title). Every line rhymes with the next, then after those two lines rhyme, a new one starts. I couldn't help but read this poem like it was a song, so I had to read it several times to grasp all the parts. It should be set to music.
Villanelle Villain
"Can someone make my simple wish come true?/ Do you live in North London? Is it you?"-- Lonely Hearts, Wendy Cope
I know and have known what a villanelle is, I just cannot tell you the structure. I know there are two lines repeated at the end of certain stanzas and some other stuff like that, but they are extraordinarily hard to write, so I am impressed by anyone who can. This one is interesting because every three lines is someone different describing what they want in a person and trying to find them. Biker chick, a gay guy, a bi executive, a straight Jewish man, and I have no idea what a Libran is, but she is looking too. They all live in North London and are looking for someone to be with. I think it is a commentary on the diversity of people around London and how nobody should be ashamed of themselves. But I could be way off.
I know and have known what a villanelle is, I just cannot tell you the structure. I know there are two lines repeated at the end of certain stanzas and some other stuff like that, but they are extraordinarily hard to write, so I am impressed by anyone who can. This one is interesting because every three lines is someone different describing what they want in a person and trying to find them. Biker chick, a gay guy, a bi executive, a straight Jewish man, and I have no idea what a Libran is, but she is looking too. They all live in North London and are looking for someone to be with. I think it is a commentary on the diversity of people around London and how nobody should be ashamed of themselves. But I could be way off.
This person clearly has not seen the Final Destination movies
"One short sleep passed, we wake eternally,/ And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die."-- Death, be Not Proud, John Donne
AHA! I just reread it before I started this blog and saw every 4th line rhymes (right?). I'm glad I caught that, because I could not find the pattern to this poem. It is about cheating death by continuing on in the after. Death never really takes a person because their life continues on forever. There is a dramatically ironic statement at the end which I used as my quote. The author states that death will die, which is also a bit of an oxymoron. An oxymoronic dramatically ironic sentence. That's deep. I enjoyed this poem because it holds some truth to it. If we die and there is an afterlife, we never really died. We will have cheated death and continued on into eternal life. And if you haven't seen Final Destination it is about a bunch of kids who try to avoid death but die anyway.
AHA! I just reread it before I started this blog and saw every 4th line rhymes (right?). I'm glad I caught that, because I could not find the pattern to this poem. It is about cheating death by continuing on in the after. Death never really takes a person because their life continues on forever. There is a dramatically ironic statement at the end which I used as my quote. The author states that death will die, which is also a bit of an oxymoron. An oxymoronic dramatically ironic sentence. That's deep. I enjoyed this poem because it holds some truth to it. If we die and there is an afterlife, we never really died. We will have cheated death and continued on into eternal life. And if you haven't seen Final Destination it is about a bunch of kids who try to avoid death but die anyway.
Sonnets bo Bonnets
"This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong,/ To love that well which thou must leave ere long."-- That time of year, William Shakespeare
This poem is written as a sonnet, one of Shakespeare's many. It rhymes every other line, then changes the syllables it is rhyming (I think). It is an interesting format, and when we tried to write them in 8th grade I was terrible at it. This poem is about Shakespeare being like the fall. It is beautiful with different colors and sights, but in the end it all fades away. Shakespeare is telling a woman that he is just like the fall and soon too her love will fade away from him. Rather depressing if you ask me. I do not know if this woman's love will simply fade, or if the speaker is going to die, because he brings up many morbid images (ashes, lie, death's second self). And for future reference, I am sorry if these blogs are terrible. I am exhausted and should have done this sooner, so sorry.
This poem is written as a sonnet, one of Shakespeare's many. It rhymes every other line, then changes the syllables it is rhyming (I think). It is an interesting format, and when we tried to write them in 8th grade I was terrible at it. This poem is about Shakespeare being like the fall. It is beautiful with different colors and sights, but in the end it all fades away. Shakespeare is telling a woman that he is just like the fall and soon too her love will fade away from him. Rather depressing if you ask me. I do not know if this woman's love will simply fade, or if the speaker is going to die, because he brings up many morbid images (ashes, lie, death's second self). And for future reference, I am sorry if these blogs are terrible. I am exhausted and should have done this sooner, so sorry.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
LaVerne is the name of the black nurse on scrubs
"well i screams ya little green pervert"-- Hazel Tells LaVerne, Katharyn Howd Machan
I found this poem absolutely hilarious. It's the most stereotypical black woman I have ever seen telling a story. This story is actually a retelling of "The Princess and the Frog" but from the authors perspective. It is a parody of the timeless classic, and the author keeps this sarcastic tone up through the entire poem. Instead of kissing the frog at the end, Hazel smacks it into the toilet and flushes it down, believing she can't be a princess no matter what. One interesting thing I pulled out was that Hazel says she is "cleaning out my howard johnsons ladies room". I believe Hazel is a slave. This Howard Johnson is her owner and she is cleaning his wife's restroom for him. More poems like this, please Mr. Costello.
I found this poem absolutely hilarious. It's the most stereotypical black woman I have ever seen telling a story. This story is actually a retelling of "The Princess and the Frog" but from the authors perspective. It is a parody of the timeless classic, and the author keeps this sarcastic tone up through the entire poem. Instead of kissing the frog at the end, Hazel smacks it into the toilet and flushes it down, believing she can't be a princess no matter what. One interesting thing I pulled out was that Hazel says she is "cleaning out my howard johnsons ladies room". I believe Hazel is a slave. This Howard Johnson is her owner and she is cleaning his wife's restroom for him. More poems like this, please Mr. Costello.
Ah, a familiar feeling
"Taking hands we walked apart, until our arms stretched between us. We held on tight, and let go."-- Getting Out, Cleopatra Mathis
Despite what the title says, I actually enjoyed this poem. The authors tone is a very somber one as she recalls the process she went through with her ex. It begins with a nostalgic look back on all the good things they had in their relationship. It then moves on to explain the issues that began to arise and lead to their eventual divorce. The last stanza is truly saddening because the reader sees that the couple is still in love, but knows the split is necessary. I can identify well with this poem, and I think that helps me to understand it so well. I like the reference to the "lawyer's bewilderment" especially. I feel it brings a necessary spark of comedy to the poem.
Despite what the title says, I actually enjoyed this poem. The authors tone is a very somber one as she recalls the process she went through with her ex. It begins with a nostalgic look back on all the good things they had in their relationship. It then moves on to explain the issues that began to arise and lead to their eventual divorce. The last stanza is truly saddening because the reader sees that the couple is still in love, but knows the split is necessary. I can identify well with this poem, and I think that helps me to understand it so well. I like the reference to the "lawyer's bewilderment" especially. I feel it brings a necessary spark of comedy to the poem.
Cliffs of Dover
"The sea is calm tonight, The tide is full, the moon lies fair"-- Dover Beach, Matthew Arnold
This first line shows the mood of most of the poem: calm and soothing. The whole first stanza is dedicated to placing the reader in a relaxing setting. It tells of the moon in the sky, the ocean waves crashing against the pebbles, everything a person needs to kick back. The narrator appears to be addressing faith, making it an apostrophe, but I could be off on that. The "Sea of Faith was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled." Faith used to be prevalent on earth, but the author is lamenting that it has since begun to die away. I believe the author is trying to get back his faith and make it new, so he can enjoy things like the cliffs of Dover once again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55nAwmVLQSk this is the song Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson too!
This first line shows the mood of most of the poem: calm and soothing. The whole first stanza is dedicated to placing the reader in a relaxing setting. It tells of the moon in the sky, the ocean waves crashing against the pebbles, everything a person needs to kick back. The narrator appears to be addressing faith, making it an apostrophe, but I could be off on that. The "Sea of Faith was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled." Faith used to be prevalent on earth, but the author is lamenting that it has since begun to die away. I believe the author is trying to get back his faith and make it new, so he can enjoy things like the cliffs of Dover once again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55nAwmVLQSk this is the song Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson too!
This is why you don't cheat... or murder
"When by thy scorn, O murderess, I am dead, And that thou thinkst thee free From all solicitation from me, then shall my ghost come to thy bed..." The Apparition, John Donne
On the first read of this poem, I found it very confusing. The second time through I must have read something differently because it then made sense. This man was murdered by his lover after he discovered her cheating on him. She lied about being a virgin and he plans to haunt her in her sleep for it. The tone of this poem is very dark and ominous because the narrator does not tell us what he plans to do to his former lover. I think the narrator is only further enraged that the woman feels no remorse in killing him; she simply returns to sleeping with the man she had an affair with. I know I would haunt my ex if she killed me like that...
On the first read of this poem, I found it very confusing. The second time through I must have read something differently because it then made sense. This man was murdered by his lover after he discovered her cheating on him. She lied about being a virgin and he plans to haunt her in her sleep for it. The tone of this poem is very dark and ominous because the narrator does not tell us what he plans to do to his former lover. I think the narrator is only further enraged that the woman feels no remorse in killing him; she simply returns to sleeping with the man she had an affair with. I know I would haunt my ex if she killed me like that...
The most unattractive woman ever
"And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks."-- My mistress' eyes, William Shakespeare
This sounds like the most horrible woman in the world. Shakespeare is tender in describing her, but that does not make her any better. She has wirey hair, a colorless face, and all around bland features. Despite all this, the narrator still loves this woman! This is why Shakespeare is attempting to be soft and kind in his criticism (at least he appears to be). I would like to know what makes this woman so special despite all her physical flaws. All the metaphors in this poem are very well used and easily visualized, making it relatively simple to analyze. Thanks to Mrs. Miles, I can understand Shakespeare!
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks."-- My mistress' eyes, William Shakespeare
This sounds like the most horrible woman in the world. Shakespeare is tender in describing her, but that does not make her any better. She has wirey hair, a colorless face, and all around bland features. Despite all this, the narrator still loves this woman! This is why Shakespeare is attempting to be soft and kind in his criticism (at least he appears to be). I would like to know what makes this woman so special despite all her physical flaws. All the metaphors in this poem are very well used and easily visualized, making it relatively simple to analyze. Thanks to Mrs. Miles, I can understand Shakespeare!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I've seen some baaaad stuff man....
"Today I killed a man. Yesterday, I helped drop napalm on women and children."-- APO 96225, Larry Rottmann
The quote I put above is the climax of the story. This man's mother is bugging and bugging him to write about what is happening in Vietnam, and when he finally does, she ironically does not want to hear it. I believe the author wanted this to reflect the view that many Americans had during the Vietnam war. Everyone wanted to hear about what was happening, but when they finally did, they wouldn't accept it. Also, the final line is a sort of ironic humor because it is the same thing the man said in his first letter to his mother. Rottmann is satirizing the attitudes Americans have about wars: everyone wants it until it actually happens.
The quote I put above is the climax of the story. This man's mother is bugging and bugging him to write about what is happening in Vietnam, and when he finally does, she ironically does not want to hear it. I believe the author wanted this to reflect the view that many Americans had during the Vietnam war. Everyone wanted to hear about what was happening, but when they finally did, they wouldn't accept it. Also, the final line is a sort of ironic humor because it is the same thing the man said in his first letter to his mother. Rottmann is satirizing the attitudes Americans have about wars: everyone wants it until it actually happens.
Sort your relationships out first
"If you were to leave me,/ if i were to fold/ only my own clothes,... a mountain of unsorted wash/ could not fill/ the empty side of the bed."-- Sorting Laundry, Elisavietta Ritchie
This woman is probably the most clingy person I have ever read/heard about. Sorting laundry is the reason she stays with this man? Well, obviously that is a hyperbole, but not much of one. Sorting his laundry reminds her of all the good times they had, and she relates him leaving to not being able to fold his clothes any more. That seems a little stalker-ish to me, but to each their own. Even the things she finds in his pockets, like matches and screws, bring up memories she does not want to forget. The author may be using the laundry as a symbol for her memory, and that is the only way she can stay connected with her lover. I also find the elipsis after "former lover" rather interesting. Jealousy or suspicion?
This woman is probably the most clingy person I have ever read/heard about. Sorting laundry is the reason she stays with this man? Well, obviously that is a hyperbole, but not much of one. Sorting his laundry reminds her of all the good times they had, and she relates him leaving to not being able to fold his clothes any more. That seems a little stalker-ish to me, but to each their own. Even the things she finds in his pockets, like matches and screws, bring up memories she does not want to forget. The author may be using the laundry as a symbol for her memory, and that is the only way she can stay connected with her lover. I also find the elipsis after "former lover" rather interesting. Jealousy or suspicion?
This is just what I see too!
"Batter my heart, three-personed God; for you/ As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend"-- Batter my heart, three-personed God, John Donne
From how I read the poem, this is about the paradox of faith. It says the speaker is forced and broken by his God, yet he still labors to no end for him. It presents the prime issue with faith, and I believe the author is satirizing it. We, humanity as a whole, serve gods that seek to punish us for wrongdoings. We beg for mercy for them having placed the temptation before us. This is what drives many people away from faith, which is what I believe happened to the author and is why he wrote this poem. I holds much meaning to me because I am in a similar situation and frame of mind.
From how I read the poem, this is about the paradox of faith. It says the speaker is forced and broken by his God, yet he still labors to no end for him. It presents the prime issue with faith, and I believe the author is satirizing it. We, humanity as a whole, serve gods that seek to punish us for wrongdoings. We beg for mercy for them having placed the temptation before us. This is what drives many people away from faith, which is what I believe happened to the author and is why he wrote this poem. I holds much meaning to me because I am in a similar situation and frame of mind.
Barbie Dolls don't get plastic surgery
"She cut off her nose and her legs/ and offered them up."-- Barbie Doll, Marge Piercy
I found this poem to be rather disturbing. It is about a robust girl who is teased into getting plastic surgery to look like the dolls she plays with. The hyperbole that she actually cut off her nose and legs and offered them up like a ritual sacrifice is used to create shock in the reader. The phrase "To every woman a happy ending" at the end of the poem conveys irony. It begs the reader to ask if this woman truly is happy with her new body. I thought it to be a little too morbid when the author calls the surgery table a casket, but I feel it is an appropriate metaphor. The woman is killing her old life and trying to begin a new one by changing the look of her body. It also satirizes the emphasis we as a society place on the value of physical beauty.
I found this poem to be rather disturbing. It is about a robust girl who is teased into getting plastic surgery to look like the dolls she plays with. The hyperbole that she actually cut off her nose and legs and offered them up like a ritual sacrifice is used to create shock in the reader. The phrase "To every woman a happy ending" at the end of the poem conveys irony. It begs the reader to ask if this woman truly is happy with her new body. I thought it to be a little too morbid when the author calls the surgery table a casket, but I feel it is an appropriate metaphor. The woman is killing her old life and trying to begin a new one by changing the look of her body. It also satirizes the emphasis we as a society place on the value of physical beauty.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Now I got this one!
Same poem as my last post, Bright Star by John Keats. My mom looked at this and helped me analyze it. He wants to be like the star, but only have its steadfast quality. He says he does not want to be alone, always watching and never changing. He wants to lay with his lover forever, never changing. This man says he would rather die than to stop hearing "her tender-taken breath". Also, this poem is an apostrophe directed at the star. It is an inanimate object, but the author is still conversing with it as if it is a real person. I'm glad I got to understand this poem, because it was one of the most frustrating, in my opinion. One must read it very carefully to understand it talks more about what this man does not want that what he does.
Not so sure I got this one
"Bright star, would i were steadfast as thou art"-- Bright Star, John Keats
Ok, to start, I know the star is personified, and I know the speaker wishes to be like the star. He wants to be "steadfast", never changing or wavering. Then he begins to personify the star, saying it is gazing and cleansing the shores. I start to lose it when it talks about being "Pillowed upon my fair love's ripening breast". I am guessing that he means the sky, and I think when he says it falls and swells, he means the star rises and falls in the sky depending on day or night.
Ok, to start, I know the star is personified, and I know the speaker wishes to be like the star. He wants to be "steadfast", never changing or wavering. Then he begins to personify the star, saying it is gazing and cleansing the shores. I start to lose it when it talks about being "Pillowed upon my fair love's ripening breast". I am guessing that he means the sky, and I think when he says it falls and swells, he means the star rises and falls in the sky depending on day or night.
At least he HAS a job
"Why should I let the toad work
Squat on my life?"-- Toads, Philip Larkin
This guy is a real pessimist. He has a job and he pays his bills, which is more than most Americans can ask for right now. He uses a toad as a metaphor for his job. A toad is not a very pleasant animal, and even goes as far as saying it seeps poison into his life. This man looks at the poor, whose "nippers have got bare feet" and almost seems to envy them! They do not have to work, and they don't starve or pay bills and are skinny. He wants everything for nothing. He says he wishes to live on his wits, just like lecturers and scoundrels. His "toad" squats on him and prevents him from getting the fame, girls and money he desires. I think this guy needs to read "Dream Deferred" and cheer up a bit.
Squat on my life?"-- Toads, Philip Larkin
This guy is a real pessimist. He has a job and he pays his bills, which is more than most Americans can ask for right now. He uses a toad as a metaphor for his job. A toad is not a very pleasant animal, and even goes as far as saying it seeps poison into his life. This man looks at the poor, whose "nippers have got bare feet" and almost seems to envy them! They do not have to work, and they don't starve or pay bills and are skinny. He wants everything for nothing. He says he wishes to live on his wits, just like lecturers and scoundrels. His "toad" squats on him and prevents him from getting the fame, girls and money he desires. I think this guy needs to read "Dream Deferred" and cheer up a bit.
One of my favorite poems ever!
"Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?"-- Dream Deferred, Langston Hughes
I was so happy when I saw this on the list of poems this unit. It uses tangible items, like raisins and meat, to symbolize a dream that is not pursued. An aspiration that is not followed dries up, festers, stinks and gets crusted over. Or as the end states, it explodes. The lost opportunity can overwhelm a person, even destroy them. Hughes uses these figurative foods and the final explosion as a warning against not pursuing our dreams. And doesn't this happen to us often? We miss an opportunity, and in hindsight regret not taking it. It eats away at us and spoils us, only creating more problems until we do finally explode.
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?"-- Dream Deferred, Langston Hughes
I was so happy when I saw this on the list of poems this unit. It uses tangible items, like raisins and meat, to symbolize a dream that is not pursued. An aspiration that is not followed dries up, festers, stinks and gets crusted over. Or as the end states, it explodes. The lost opportunity can overwhelm a person, even destroy them. Hughes uses these figurative foods and the final explosion as a warning against not pursuing our dreams. And doesn't this happen to us often? We miss an opportunity, and in hindsight regret not taking it. It eats away at us and spoils us, only creating more problems until we do finally explode.
If being outside gets her drunk, what does being inside do??
"Inebriate of Air-am I-
And Debauchee of Dew-" I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed, Emily Dickinson
A summer day is a great time for all of us, but Emily here takes it way too far. This poem is an extended metaphor, comparing being outside with being drunk. Dickinson is "Inebriate of Air", meaning she feels lightheaded or maybe dizzy, just like one would when drunk (I assume). She "Reel(s)" through the summer days, giving the reader a mental image of her staggering about. Even when the bees and butterflies leave, still she continues to get drunk on the world outside. In the final stanza, she is such a spectacle that even the Seraphs and Saints in heaven can't help but watch.
And Debauchee of Dew-" I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed, Emily Dickinson
A summer day is a great time for all of us, but Emily here takes it way too far. This poem is an extended metaphor, comparing being outside with being drunk. Dickinson is "Inebriate of Air", meaning she feels lightheaded or maybe dizzy, just like one would when drunk (I assume). She "Reel(s)" through the summer days, giving the reader a mental image of her staggering about. Even when the bees and butterflies leave, still she continues to get drunk on the world outside. In the final stanza, she is such a spectacle that even the Seraphs and Saints in heaven can't help but watch.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tough Love
"What did I know, what did I know of love's austere and lonely offices?"-- Those Winter Sunday's, Robert Hayden
During our small groups, one person suggested an interpretation I really liked. This is not about a boy who does not appreciate his father. Rather, the father is a judge, and the narrator is a criminal. The father is very seasoned at his job, and likely works petty cases, and many of them. The narrator is realizing this judge does this out of love, trying to help these criminals. "... love's austere and lonely offices" are jail cells, meant to help these criminals work toward a better life. The judge is not appreciated by most because they see him only as a man trying to punish him. It is set in winter to make the judge seem like a cold man, but it states he only calls when the room is warm, showing he actually cares for these people.
During our small groups, one person suggested an interpretation I really liked. This is not about a boy who does not appreciate his father. Rather, the father is a judge, and the narrator is a criminal. The father is very seasoned at his job, and likely works petty cases, and many of them. The narrator is realizing this judge does this out of love, trying to help these criminals. "... love's austere and lonely offices" are jail cells, meant to help these criminals work toward a better life. The judge is not appreciated by most because they see him only as a man trying to punish him. It is set in winter to make the judge seem like a cold man, but it states he only calls when the room is warm, showing he actually cares for these people.
The only one I understood
"It seems to him there are a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world"-- The Panther, Rainer Maria Rilke
AHA! I actually got the symbolism of this one on the first try! The panther is clearly a person being held in a prison cell. This person has been incarcerated so long, they no longer know or understand what the outside world is like. They may get glimpses of it, but they soon forget or disregard the images and simply pace back and forth, awaiting the day they may leave. The choice of the panther as the symbol makes me think this person was once strong, but has been broken during their time in prison. There is also an oxymoron in the statement "powerful soft strides", which may also show this person may still possess the power and grace they once had.
AHA! I actually got the symbolism of this one on the first try! The panther is clearly a person being held in a prison cell. This person has been incarcerated so long, they no longer know or understand what the outside world is like. They may get glimpses of it, but they soon forget or disregard the images and simply pace back and forth, awaiting the day they may leave. The choice of the panther as the symbol makes me think this person was once strong, but has been broken during their time in prison. There is also an oxymoron in the statement "powerful soft strides", which may also show this person may still possess the power and grace they once had.
I wish fall was like this in Indiana
"Where are the songs of spring? Ay, where are they?"-- To Autumn, John Keats
I find this poem has a definite pattern. It begins on a fall morning, the "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness". The first stanza talks about the fruits and plants ripening, bearing their bountiful gifts. The second stanza moves on to the afternoon, a time of laziness, "sound asleep" and "watchest the last oozings hours by hours". The poem creates a sense of peace and tranquility throughout it by using these kinds of phrases. The final stanza moves on to the final part of the day, evening. "Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies" and "gather swallows twitter in the skies" continues this sense of peace, adding to the reader's sense of what autumn is like where Keats lives.
I find this poem has a definite pattern. It begins on a fall morning, the "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness". The first stanza talks about the fruits and plants ripening, bearing their bountiful gifts. The second stanza moves on to the afternoon, a time of laziness, "sound asleep" and "watchest the last oozings hours by hours". The poem creates a sense of peace and tranquility throughout it by using these kinds of phrases. The final stanza moves on to the final part of the day, evening. "Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies" and "gather swallows twitter in the skies" continues this sense of peace, adding to the reader's sense of what autumn is like where Keats lives.
Oops, I originally published this without a title
"And then a Plank in Reason, broke,
And I dropped down, and down-
And hit a World, at every plunge,
And finished knowing-then-"-- I Felt a Funeral, in my Brain by Emily Dickinson
The images of this poem, despite the title, are mostly through hearing. The lines about her mind going numb and hitting the earth seem to be the only references to any feelings she may have. She hears people walking around, their boots going past her. She hears creaks and silence and her own solidarity. All this got me thinking: whose funeral is this? Because she is the author, we may overlook what the images imply. I believe this to be her own funeral. She drops down, and down which must be into the earth. She hears people pacing about her and walking with "Boots of Lead". Their footsteps are heavy, so they are sad that she has passed. The diction and images in this poem show a very somber mood, like "Mourners", "creak across my Soul", and "Wrecked, solitary".
And I dropped down, and down-
And hit a World, at every plunge,
And finished knowing-then-"-- I Felt a Funeral, in my Brain by Emily Dickinson
The images of this poem, despite the title, are mostly through hearing. The lines about her mind going numb and hitting the earth seem to be the only references to any feelings she may have. She hears people walking around, their boots going past her. She hears creaks and silence and her own solidarity. All this got me thinking: whose funeral is this? Because she is the author, we may overlook what the images imply. I believe this to be her own funeral. She drops down, and down which must be into the earth. She hears people pacing about her and walking with "Boots of Lead". Their footsteps are heavy, so they are sad that she has passed. The diction and images in this poem show a very somber mood, like "Mourners", "creak across my Soul", and "Wrecked, solitary".
Oh, God! (no, seriously)
"In a solitude of the sea
Deep from human vanity
And the Pride of Life that panned her, stilly couches she"-- The Convergence of Twain, Thomas Hardy
"The Convergence of Twain" is a bit of a confusing title. Upon reading the poem, it doesn't make much sense. However, the poem is a brilliant work of symbolism. Simply reading the poem, it is apparent that the ship is colliding with an iceberg. Thomas Hardy symbolizes the ship and the iceberg being married, using words like "intimate", "mate", and "consummation". What is not so clear in this poem is that God is orchestrating all this. The "Pride of Life" and "Immanent Will that stirs and urges everything" symbolizes God planning the sinking of this ship. He does this because of the "human vanity" and "vaingloriousness" onboard the ship.
Deep from human vanity
And the Pride of Life that panned her, stilly couches she"-- The Convergence of Twain, Thomas Hardy
"The Convergence of Twain" is a bit of a confusing title. Upon reading the poem, it doesn't make much sense. However, the poem is a brilliant work of symbolism. Simply reading the poem, it is apparent that the ship is colliding with an iceberg. Thomas Hardy symbolizes the ship and the iceberg being married, using words like "intimate", "mate", and "consummation". What is not so clear in this poem is that God is orchestrating all this. The "Pride of Life" and "Immanent Will that stirs and urges everything" symbolizes God planning the sinking of this ship. He does this because of the "human vanity" and "vaingloriousness" onboard the ship.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Can't a Poem Just be a Poem?
Laurence Perrine clearly has much more insight into poetry than I do. According to him, I have misread every poem that we went over in class. However, upon seeing his interpretations and explanations, I cannot argue that he is likely correct. To me, poetry had always been about an individual's interpretation, and it was correct for that individual. Perrine has shown that there are more correct and less correct ways to view a poem. He poses a valid argument that an interpretation should not have any assumptions from outside the poem. Every aspect must be proven by a statement in the poem. If a person must assume things about the poem, their opinion is less valid.
While this is easy to say, it is not so easy to do. I (clearly) am not a very analytical, detail-oriented person. I read through a poem once and determine my interpretation of it immediately. So for me, finding these "correct" views is often a challenge. I am sure I'm not the only person who struggles with this. Perrine's strategy takes time and perseverance, but it is worth the trouble. One must read a poem several times, maybe even dozens of times, and analyze it to find the "correct" interpretation. I feel a person should also have a keen eye and a sharp mind to notice the connections that may not be so obvious in a poem. If I would have read "The Night-March" a couple hundred times and analyzed it more properly, I MAY have connected it to the stars. Just maybe.
While this is easy to say, it is not so easy to do. I (clearly) am not a very analytical, detail-oriented person. I read through a poem once and determine my interpretation of it immediately. So for me, finding these "correct" views is often a challenge. I am sure I'm not the only person who struggles with this. Perrine's strategy takes time and perseverance, but it is worth the trouble. One must read a poem several times, maybe even dozens of times, and analyze it to find the "correct" interpretation. I feel a person should also have a keen eye and a sharp mind to notice the connections that may not be so obvious in a poem. If I would have read "The Night-March" a couple hundred times and analyzed it more properly, I MAY have connected it to the stars. Just maybe.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Fathers
"My father! The laughter, which had shown signs of dying away, broke out again more loudly than ever. He put his hands over his ears and rushed out of the room." pg 152
I believe Huxley makes being a father such a joke in this book because he sees how we take advantage of our own parents. In the book, the people do not have fathers, everyone belongs to everyone else. Obviously we do have fathers, but occasionally we treat them in a similar way. We can ignore them, use them, wish they did not even exist. Huxley exaggerates the extent to which we do this, but it is true none the less. We sometimes wish we were never associated with them, and Huxley has created a world where people don't have to. However, by having the savage react the way he does, Huxley also shows us why we need parents. Where is the savage supposed to go? He has no father to go to for comfort, and his mother is soon lost in a world of soma.
I believe Huxley makes being a father such a joke in this book because he sees how we take advantage of our own parents. In the book, the people do not have fathers, everyone belongs to everyone else. Obviously we do have fathers, but occasionally we treat them in a similar way. We can ignore them, use them, wish they did not even exist. Huxley exaggerates the extent to which we do this, but it is true none the less. We sometimes wish we were never associated with them, and Huxley has created a world where people don't have to. However, by having the savage react the way he does, Huxley also shows us why we need parents. Where is the savage supposed to go? He has no father to go to for comfort, and his mother is soon lost in a world of soma.
The Only Character With any Sense
"With an infinity of quite unnecessary precautions-for nothing short of a pistol shot could have called Lenina back from her soma holiday before the appointed time- he entered the room, he knelt on the floor beside the bed." pg 144
The savage, quite contrastingly, is the character most resembling modern society. He has morals and values, where everyone else in the story does not. They find him a fascination, an oddity, when the reader is supposed to see him as the only character they can really relate to. He is afraid to approach Lenina as she sleeps and finds himself unworthy of her, while other men in the story openly flirt with her. To the reader, the savage is no savage at all. This irony plays a role in allowing the reader to sympathize with this character and relate to him as oppose to any other character in the story. Bernard plans to bring the savage into his society, which will be a great culture shock to the savage. Most of what they do, the savage will find immoral and horrible, while the society looks at him in the same light.
The savage, quite contrastingly, is the character most resembling modern society. He has morals and values, where everyone else in the story does not. They find him a fascination, an oddity, when the reader is supposed to see him as the only character they can really relate to. He is afraid to approach Lenina as she sleeps and finds himself unworthy of her, while other men in the story openly flirt with her. To the reader, the savage is no savage at all. This irony plays a role in allowing the reader to sympathize with this character and relate to him as oppose to any other character in the story. Bernard plans to bring the savage into his society, which will be a great culture shock to the savage. Most of what they do, the savage will find immoral and horrible, while the society looks at him in the same light.
Let's Talk About Drugs!
"'...there is always soma, delicious soma, a half gramme for a half holiday...'" pg 55
I did not jump back this far in the book for no reason. I would like to talk about one of the major concepts of the book, the idea of people using the soma as an escape. Huxley uses soma as an analogy to drugs today. People in the story use soma whenever they feel sad, upset, hurt, angry, or any other emotion they do not wish to feel. In the same way, people today use drugs an alcohol as an escape from the real world. They believe as long as they are in their own world, created by the drug, nothing else matters. Worries go away and people can be free to do whatever they choose. However, in both worlds, they have consequences. In our world, people get addicted, damage themselves, and hurt others. Huxley's world has much more subtle effects. People loose their ability to feel. They cannot love or care or go beyond what they are merely asked or required to do. They can only live for themselves. Which I find ironic considering the book constantly says everyone lives for everyone else.
I did not jump back this far in the book for no reason. I would like to talk about one of the major concepts of the book, the idea of people using the soma as an escape. Huxley uses soma as an analogy to drugs today. People in the story use soma whenever they feel sad, upset, hurt, angry, or any other emotion they do not wish to feel. In the same way, people today use drugs an alcohol as an escape from the real world. They believe as long as they are in their own world, created by the drug, nothing else matters. Worries go away and people can be free to do whatever they choose. However, in both worlds, they have consequences. In our world, people get addicted, damage themselves, and hurt others. Huxley's world has much more subtle effects. People loose their ability to feel. They cannot love or care or go beyond what they are merely asked or required to do. They can only live for themselves. Which I find ironic considering the book constantly says everyone lives for everyone else.
The Savages
"Lenina was left to face the horrors of Malpais unaided" pg 111
While this quote does not describe the savages, it does describe how they are viewed. Horrible. We would see them as ordinary Native Americans, simple people true to their origins. In the book, they are viewed as revolting, terrible, scary, appalling. Simply because they do not have the regular comforts or conditioning the "normal" society has. They are outcasts, but choose to be so. They have gods and religions, families, marriages, all things the "normal" people are conditioned against. Lenina finds Malpais horrible because her conditioning has taught her theses things are wrong, that she should not be around them. She looks to soma for an escape but has forgotten her supply. This is just what people in our society do; find things they do not like, and immediately try to find an escape from them.
While this quote does not describe the savages, it does describe how they are viewed. Horrible. We would see them as ordinary Native Americans, simple people true to their origins. In the book, they are viewed as revolting, terrible, scary, appalling. Simply because they do not have the regular comforts or conditioning the "normal" society has. They are outcasts, but choose to be so. They have gods and religions, families, marriages, all things the "normal" people are conditioned against. Lenina finds Malpais horrible because her conditioning has taught her theses things are wrong, that she should not be around them. She looks to soma for an escape but has forgotten her supply. This is just what people in our society do; find things they do not like, and immediately try to find an escape from them.
Here Comes the Conflict
"'I want to know what passion is,' she heard him saying. 'I want to feel something strongly"' pg 94
I feel this is going to be a key point in the book. Bernard is talking about having feelings for someone, loving them. He says the people are childish in their ways, only wanting fun and no responsibilities. This is completely out of line in regards to his own society, and is essentially true in our own. Yes, we accept responsibilities (most of the time) and we handle them. But we don't want to. If we could, we would simply do only what we enjoy doing with no sacrifices. So in a way, our world and Bernard's world are juxtaposed; we want all fun and no work, he has all the fun but desires responsibility. This is going to be the key element in the conflict of the story.
I feel this is going to be a key point in the book. Bernard is talking about having feelings for someone, loving them. He says the people are childish in their ways, only wanting fun and no responsibilities. This is completely out of line in regards to his own society, and is essentially true in our own. Yes, we accept responsibilities (most of the time) and we handle them. But we don't want to. If we could, we would simply do only what we enjoy doing with no sacrifices. So in a way, our world and Bernard's world are juxtaposed; we want all fun and no work, he has all the fun but desires responsibility. This is going to be the key element in the conflict of the story.
A Solitary Soul
"'Ye, I thought it was wonderful,' he lied and looked away; the sight of her transfigured face was at once an accusation and an ironcial reminder of his own separateness." pg 86
While Huxley comes out and says that Bernard feels alone, his diction plays a role almost as big as the outright statement. This quote and throughout the chapters dealing with Bernard, Huxley uses complex syntax he does not always use with other characters. He isolates Bernard as someone different from all the rest. He also makes it clear Bernard is extremely unhappy with his lot in life. He tries to put on a smile, but inside Bernard wishes he was just like everyone else. Huxley describes him as short, and gives him ideas contrary to what the rest of the society believes. In every way, Huxley makes sure that Bernard is one of a kind, and it is a terrible thing to be unique.
While Huxley comes out and says that Bernard feels alone, his diction plays a role almost as big as the outright statement. This quote and throughout the chapters dealing with Bernard, Huxley uses complex syntax he does not always use with other characters. He isolates Bernard as someone different from all the rest. He also makes it clear Bernard is extremely unhappy with his lot in life. He tries to put on a smile, but inside Bernard wishes he was just like everyone else. Huxley describes him as short, and gives him ideas contrary to what the rest of the society believes. In every way, Huxley makes sure that Bernard is one of a kind, and it is a terrible thing to be unique.
This book gets weirder and weirder
"She was a popular girl and, at one time or another, had spent the night with almost all of them." pg 57
Once again, Huxley is merely exaggerating a problem he sees in our society. In the book, everyone seems to just have sex with everyone else, no questions asked. While that may not be absolutely true in our society, it isn't completely false either. We base many things we do around sex. Advertisements, clothes, books and magazines, they all sell on sex appeal. And some people around really do find no issue with having sex whenever with whoever, but not everyone. Not yet, at least. This whole book is a commentary on society, but it is also a vision of what the future may actually hold if nothing is changed.
Once again, Huxley is merely exaggerating a problem he sees in our society. In the book, everyone seems to just have sex with everyone else, no questions asked. While that may not be absolutely true in our society, it isn't completely false either. We base many things we do around sex. Advertisements, clothes, books and magazines, they all sell on sex appeal. And some people around really do find no issue with having sex whenever with whoever, but not everyone. Not yet, at least. This whole book is a commentary on society, but it is also a vision of what the future may actually hold if nothing is changed.
I don't call that playtime
"Outside in the garden, it was playtime. Naked in the warm June sunshine, six or seven hundred little boys and girls..." pg 30
Whoa, hold on a minute. Did he just say naked little boys and girls like that was natural? Quite the understatement, I should say. Maybe in the book that is natural, but in the real world Huxley wrote this in, there is no way that could happen. He puts the reader in an ironic situation. We cannot envision what this would be like because of the outlandish nature of it; but is it so untrue? Huxley could see where our own society was heading; fourteen year old girls look twenty, people having premarital sex like rabbits. It is almost as if Huxley was telling the future, but in a book.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK3fToJr7_4 this is a pretty funny youtube video on hypnopaedia that I found!
Whoa, hold on a minute. Did he just say naked little boys and girls like that was natural? Quite the understatement, I should say. Maybe in the book that is natural, but in the real world Huxley wrote this in, there is no way that could happen. He puts the reader in an ironic situation. We cannot envision what this would be like because of the outlandish nature of it; but is it so untrue? Huxley could see where our own society was heading; fourteen year old girls look twenty, people having premarital sex like rabbits. It is almost as if Huxley was telling the future, but in a book.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK3fToJr7_4 this is a pretty funny youtube video on hypnopaedia that I found!
Hypnopaedia is a weird word
"'These,' he said gravely, 'are unpleasant facts; I know it. But then, most historical facts are unpleasant.'" pg 24
. This is the Director speaking of mothers and fathers. The society in the story finds such an idea absolutely repulsive. They are raised to belong to everyone, not just sets of families. They are taught all this in their sleep, through a process called hypnopaedia, but the a and e are somehow combined. I am not even sure that is a real word, but it seems to play a big role in how the people develop. Several "hypnopaedic phrases" have already been tossed around. These are phrases repeated to the kids over and over in their sleep. These could be how Huxley views our cliches; as simple methods of remembering how to behave.
. This is the Director speaking of mothers and fathers. The society in the story finds such an idea absolutely repulsive. They are raised to belong to everyone, not just sets of families. They are taught all this in their sleep, through a process called hypnopaedia, but the a and e are somehow combined. I am not even sure that is a real word, but it seems to play a big role in how the people develop. Several "hypnopaedic phrases" have already been tossed around. These are phrases repeated to the kids over and over in their sleep. These could be how Huxley views our cliches; as simple methods of remembering how to behave.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Chapter 1
Beginning this book was a little confusing. I felt it was hard to understand what was happening in the first few pages, but then I began to realize; this is a society that breeds thousands of people at a time and genetically influences them into different classes that will eventually places them in various jobs that benefit the society. The chapter explains, in detail, the process in which this is performed, and Huxley has no qualms about strong vocabulary to show the complexity of it. His syntax gives the reader an idea of just how complex and ornate this manipulation of genes is. It is clear this "mass production" of humans has nearly been perfected by the society, only now having to conquer the maturation period of both the mind and body.
The question in the back of my mind is how scientists such as Mr. Foster or the Director are chosen for their positions, but I am sure this will be clarified later in the book.
I also found it a little ironic Mr. Foster mentions the amount of overtime he had to put in after "that last Japanese earthquake".
The question in the back of my mind is how scientists such as Mr. Foster or the Director are chosen for their positions, but I am sure this will be clarified later in the book.
I also found it a little ironic Mr. Foster mentions the amount of overtime he had to put in after "that last Japanese earthquake".
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