Poor Bill. I saw it coming. A reclusive writer somehow foreshadows his own death. I feel sorry for him, but I guess it was time: he didn't really have anything to lose, and plus, he hadn't published anything for a while.
I still don't understand Karen. Now that the intro makes sense and really did happen, I find that Karen doesn't take it that seriously. She got married to a man she just met who, after the marriage, became a missionary to England. It's interesting because Karen told Brita that she loves her husband, and yet this "love" is not loyal. I wonder if her commitment to the church is very important to her. She tells Brita, "'...I think about Kim too. He was husband-for-eternity'" (DeLillo 183). And her explanation for committing to the whole Moonie tradition was because she liked the idea: "I thought I honestly loved him even before he finished rising to his full height. I thought how great he's Korean because many Koreans have been church members for a long time and this would give us a deeper foundation to build on. And I liked the darkness and sleekness of his hair'" (DeLillo 183) and "'I thought it was perfectly lovely. I stood up when my name was called. I went to the front of this ballroom-type place. Master was way over at the other end of the stage with many people standing between us, officials and members of the blessing committee and so forth. So then he just pointed to a man in the audience'" (DeLillo 182). I thought, I thought. I don't really like this side of Karen.
However, the side I did like was when she encountered Omar and explored the life of what it looked to be, to me, a park where homeless people, crazy people hang out. She seemed to enjoy the "crowd" in the park or whatever place it was. It was hard to follow but the idea of Karen hanging out with a fourteen year old boy in a place like that was interesting.
Lastly, one final scene on page 205 that I really liked and made me laugh because it depicts Bill so well:
"'I wonder,' [Bill] said, 'if you might oblige a writer by answering a question or two.'
'A writer,' the woman said to the others.
'Would we have heard of you?' the bearded vet said with a trace of skepticism in his voice.
'No, no. I'm not that kind of writer.'" (DeLillo)
Of course. Bill is...a writer that no one hears about. I love that.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Mao II: Chapters 6-11
Well, my assumption was completely wrong, but at least it made me curious enough to keep reading. There was also another mention of the Moonies: Karen really is married to a Korean man. But she's with Scott...and Bill. Hmm. How does that work? Anyways...
I love the way Bill depicts a writer, or specifically himself. Yes, he is a reclusive writer, but with a mind so impressive and interesting. For instance, on page 97, Bill's and Charlie's conversation was interesting because of their discussion between a writer and isolation. Charlies says, '"I've always thought I understood precisely why you went into isolation...You (referring to Bill) have a twisted sense of the writer's place in society. You think the writer belongs at the far margin, doing dangerous things. In Central America, writers carry guns. They have to. And this has always been your idea of the way it ought to be. The state should want to kill writers. Every government, every group that holds power or aspires to power should feel so threatened by writers that they hunt them down, everywhere"" (DeLillo). I think, as writers, we all depict ourselves into something or someone we want to be. Like I mentioned in the last blog, I found Bill slightly immature. However, with this quote, I see that he tends to romanticize a lot not only about his life in general but about his life as a writer specifically.
I also was a bit surprised at the mention of a word processor. For some reason, I assumed that was the method Bill was using. Obviously not. He's a typewriter kind of guy. The way George put it, "'I find I couldn't conceivably operate without one. Move words, paragraphs, move a hundred pages, plus instant corrections...helps me organize my thoughts, gives me a text susceptible to revision'" (DeLillo 137-138). Bill merely shakes his head. Why? Does he not want to "conform?" Because I grew up in the age of the word processor, I don't know what I would do if I transitioned to a typewriter. I've always wanted to try a typewriter, but I feel the pressure a writer has to try to avoid making mistakes--it's harder to get rid of mistakes using a typewriter--is overwhelming to the mind.
I'm going to be perfectly honest: I don't like this book. But it's because I don't like this book that I keep reading it. I want to know what's going to happen to Bill. I want to know what Karen's connection is with the Moonie tradition.
I love the way Bill depicts a writer, or specifically himself. Yes, he is a reclusive writer, but with a mind so impressive and interesting. For instance, on page 97, Bill's and Charlie's conversation was interesting because of their discussion between a writer and isolation. Charlies says, '"I've always thought I understood precisely why you went into isolation...You (referring to Bill) have a twisted sense of the writer's place in society. You think the writer belongs at the far margin, doing dangerous things. In Central America, writers carry guns. They have to. And this has always been your idea of the way it ought to be. The state should want to kill writers. Every government, every group that holds power or aspires to power should feel so threatened by writers that they hunt them down, everywhere"" (DeLillo). I think, as writers, we all depict ourselves into something or someone we want to be. Like I mentioned in the last blog, I found Bill slightly immature. However, with this quote, I see that he tends to romanticize a lot not only about his life in general but about his life as a writer specifically.
I also was a bit surprised at the mention of a word processor. For some reason, I assumed that was the method Bill was using. Obviously not. He's a typewriter kind of guy. The way George put it, "'I find I couldn't conceivably operate without one. Move words, paragraphs, move a hundred pages, plus instant corrections...helps me organize my thoughts, gives me a text susceptible to revision'" (DeLillo 137-138). Bill merely shakes his head. Why? Does he not want to "conform?" Because I grew up in the age of the word processor, I don't know what I would do if I transitioned to a typewriter. I've always wanted to try a typewriter, but I feel the pressure a writer has to try to avoid making mistakes--it's harder to get rid of mistakes using a typewriter--is overwhelming to the mind.
I'm going to be perfectly honest: I don't like this book. But it's because I don't like this book that I keep reading it. I want to know what's going to happen to Bill. I want to know what Karen's connection is with the Moonie tradition.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Mao II: Chapters 1-5
Mao II didn't start out the way I had expected. Well, to be honest, I didn't know what to expect. The whole scene--a quite confusing scene--in the intro made it hard to follow. The descriptions, to me, were not enough for me to grasp the whole situation. What I could make out of the intro was there a wedding, multiple weddings all at the same time. Why they were all marrying at the same time in the Yankee Stadium is the question. And why the newlyweds, Karen and Kim, married even though they could barely communicate to each other is even more interesting.
I gave up trying to make sense of the intro and began to compare this scene to another story--this helps me understand what I cannot understand. What first popped up was 1984. As I read the intro, I couldn't help but think that the weddings are kind of like a 1984 wedding. I say this because people are watching the weddings, many couples probably just met, and many probably could barely communicate. Another big hint is the whole concept of the Master. Who is that? Their leader? It sounds like Big Brother to me. In my mind, I could just picture this scene inserted in one of George Orwell's works since he was that kind of writer who wrote about futuristic elements/possibilities.
Now to the rest of the chapters. Those actually made sense. Bill, an inactive writer--actually quite active but hasn't published anything in a while--is kind of an interesting character. At first, from the way Scott and Brita conversed about him, I expected to see a scrawny man, hiding behind his typewriter or something, not wanting to interact withe the world. Instead, Bill appears all talkative and not afraid to share his struggles as a writer. Maybe he just needed someone to talk to, to share what life was like for him: a writer, no longer noticed. In addition, I thought Bill a little immature for his age. He's, what, in his sixties? In Chapter 5, when all four characters were around the dinner table talking over each other, I found his "Our theme is four" (69) outbursts to be like a child calling for attention. If I were on his side, I would probably think that, as a writer, he's been trying to be noticed for years. So this must just be a cry out to his lack of attention.
I saw no connection to the intro and the rest of the chapters except the mention of Karen. So, my assumption is that the intro could be Bill's story that he's working on, and Karen is one of his characters. This could be totally off, but I need to assume in order to look forward to the rest of the story.
I gave up trying to make sense of the intro and began to compare this scene to another story--this helps me understand what I cannot understand. What first popped up was 1984. As I read the intro, I couldn't help but think that the weddings are kind of like a 1984 wedding. I say this because people are watching the weddings, many couples probably just met, and many probably could barely communicate. Another big hint is the whole concept of the Master. Who is that? Their leader? It sounds like Big Brother to me. In my mind, I could just picture this scene inserted in one of George Orwell's works since he was that kind of writer who wrote about futuristic elements/possibilities.
Now to the rest of the chapters. Those actually made sense. Bill, an inactive writer--actually quite active but hasn't published anything in a while--is kind of an interesting character. At first, from the way Scott and Brita conversed about him, I expected to see a scrawny man, hiding behind his typewriter or something, not wanting to interact withe the world. Instead, Bill appears all talkative and not afraid to share his struggles as a writer. Maybe he just needed someone to talk to, to share what life was like for him: a writer, no longer noticed. In addition, I thought Bill a little immature for his age. He's, what, in his sixties? In Chapter 5, when all four characters were around the dinner table talking over each other, I found his "Our theme is four" (69) outbursts to be like a child calling for attention. If I were on his side, I would probably think that, as a writer, he's been trying to be noticed for years. So this must just be a cry out to his lack of attention.
I saw no connection to the intro and the rest of the chapters except the mention of Karen. So, my assumption is that the intro could be Bill's story that he's working on, and Karen is one of his characters. This could be totally off, but I need to assume in order to look forward to the rest of the story.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Wright, Carver, Collins, & Lee
Wright: Although Wright's poems are beautiful, I could sense a lot of mental sadness within. He sounded depressed as though he was looking at things that would try to bring back happiness back to him. I don't know; I may be over exaggerating. From "To the Evening Star: Central Minnesota" and "A Blessing," I sense some moodiness. I can imagine Wright sitting in some kind of open environment and looking out into the "twilight" or the "grass fields." I also found it interesting that in "A Blessing" Wright chose two Indian ponies to write about.
Carver: I...just...didn't...get it. I really do enjoy reading short stories and love that their endings never really end...well. But this one was really...different. I though it odd, at first, that the woman was friends with a blind man for all these years. In addition, she seemed to give so much attention to Robert than her own husband. I mean, I know he's a guest, but the whole atmosphere was awkward until the end when I was taken completely by surprise. Maybe, in the end, the narrator realized how powerful it was to "see" with his eyes closed. It was as if he could see more with his eyes closed than if they were open. As a result, I guess I did like the story just because it ended differently than what I expected.
Collins: I was very much impressed by Collins' poems. I truly felt what Norton describes as, "The voice in a Billy Collins poem is so intimate and immediate that we feel we are in the same room with the poet" (1516), especially in "Forgetfulness." His poems tend to be a face-to-face conversation between the writer and his audience. In fact, I like this kind of style because that is how I write my creative pieces as well. I feel like his questioning--"I Chop Some Parsley While Listening to Art Blakey's Version of 'Three Blind Mice'"--assisted his poems to be more personal: he is sharing confusion like a person would have if reading a poem. And his metaphors are very creative, for example, in "The Night House."
Lee: It's always interesting--and I always appreciate--to see writers from different backgrounds such as race and culture. Just comparing them to other races and cultures, one can tell the difference between them. I also find it interesting that in "Persimmons," Lee kept going off topic to come back to the main theme of the poem: persimmons. In addition, Lee's father is mentioned in all of the poems in the Norton. I can never quite understand his father's role in the poem, but there seems to be some distance between the both of them. Lastly, I loved the theme of memory in "This Room and Everything in It." Again, his father is mentioned in the poem, but I think the format and the choice of words make the poem beautiful.
Carver: I...just...didn't...get it. I really do enjoy reading short stories and love that their endings never really end...well. But this one was really...different. I though it odd, at first, that the woman was friends with a blind man for all these years. In addition, she seemed to give so much attention to Robert than her own husband. I mean, I know he's a guest, but the whole atmosphere was awkward until the end when I was taken completely by surprise. Maybe, in the end, the narrator realized how powerful it was to "see" with his eyes closed. It was as if he could see more with his eyes closed than if they were open. As a result, I guess I did like the story just because it ended differently than what I expected.
Collins: I was very much impressed by Collins' poems. I truly felt what Norton describes as, "The voice in a Billy Collins poem is so intimate and immediate that we feel we are in the same room with the poet" (1516), especially in "Forgetfulness." His poems tend to be a face-to-face conversation between the writer and his audience. In fact, I like this kind of style because that is how I write my creative pieces as well. I feel like his questioning--"I Chop Some Parsley While Listening to Art Blakey's Version of 'Three Blind Mice'"--assisted his poems to be more personal: he is sharing confusion like a person would have if reading a poem. And his metaphors are very creative, for example, in "The Night House."
Lee: It's always interesting--and I always appreciate--to see writers from different backgrounds such as race and culture. Just comparing them to other races and cultures, one can tell the difference between them. I also find it interesting that in "Persimmons," Lee kept going off topic to come back to the main theme of the poem: persimmons. In addition, Lee's father is mentioned in all of the poems in the Norton. I can never quite understand his father's role in the poem, but there seems to be some distance between the both of them. Lastly, I loved the theme of memory in "This Room and Everything in It." Again, his father is mentioned in the poem, but I think the format and the choice of words make the poem beautiful.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
O'Connor, Rich, Plath, & Roth
O'Connor: Talk about looks being deceiving and the stupidity of mankind. I was disappointed in the way Mrs. Hopewell saw her daughter, Hulga, and seemed to despise her daughter's intelligence. On the other hand, I felt that Hulga mocked her mother's and Mrs. Freeman's knowledge of the world. Hulga seemed to see the world far more intellectually then the people around her. Now, when the character of Manley Pointer first comes into the scene, I could picture an innocent kid, slightly stupid but very persistent. So, to my surprise, I was completely caught off guard when in the end, he turns into a swindling jerk. Now I could see, that all this time, this kid was smart. Of course both Mrs. Hopewell and Mrs. Freeman fell into his innocence. At first, I was a bit cautious with the idea of Hulga and Pointer being together. She seemed smart enough to keep things under control thinking that she was seducing him. But no! He was seducing her the whole time! I mean, Pointer new what he was doing and he was doing it very well. The only difference between the two is that Hulga is very smart academically, philosophically, etc. while as Pointer is street smart and is an expert in conning people. In the end, as I read all this, I was thinking: is it better to be Hulga-smart or Pointer-smart? Which would be more beneficial in the real world?
Rich: I found Rich's "Diving into the Wreck" really mysterious in that I know she is diving, but, analytically, what is the "wreck" she is referring to. In other words, what does she mean? This poem was beautiful in its descriptions and organization. I can picture myself diving along side the narrator. But the question is what exactly are we looking for? Is this wreck literally meaning a wreck deep in the ocean? Maybe a shipwreck? Maybe something else? Or is this wreck our lives, a horrific event, or a person? Maybe I am over analyzing the poem, but it was enjoyable to read anyways along with Rich's other poem "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning."
Plath: The Norton's intro of Sylvia Plath described her as a "remarkably controlled writer" (1417), and she is. I was very impressed with her style of writing. She's very organized even to the number of lines in each stanza. Being a controlled writer, I didn't expect her to be suicidal in any way, however, in "Lady Lazarus," I got the impression that this was like her resurrection of a suicidal attempt. Of course her childhood had a large effect on her as well such as the death of her father when she was only a child. This experience was portrayed in her poem "Daddy." "I was ten when they buried you. At twenty I tried to die and get back, back, back to you. I thought even the bones would do." (1422) The death of her father may not have been the reason or the only reason to why she wanted to kill herself, however, she greatly desired the need for her father.
Roth: I love short stories. I just wish they didn't end so quickly. That is what was frustrating with Roth's "Defender of the Faith." In some ways, the story needs to go on. What happened to Grossbart? Did he ever go to the Pacific with the other boys? On the other hand, the story might get boring or plainly too long if it kept going. However, what was most interesting about this story is that it portrayed the Jewish tradition in the army. I never thought about it, but what was it like for soldiers to accommodate into a new life? Do they have to break religious and traditional beliefs? This Grossbart character also reminded me of Pointer in the first short story. They are both nineteen, young and stupid, but smart and cunning. Grossbart tricks Marx into signing the pass for he and his friends. However, I see Grossbart a lot more innocent. All he wanted was to be close to his family. I think that because of his youth and inexperience, he was not very considerate or aware of following orders. It was like he wasn't taking the situation seriously.
Rich: I found Rich's "Diving into the Wreck" really mysterious in that I know she is diving, but, analytically, what is the "wreck" she is referring to. In other words, what does she mean? This poem was beautiful in its descriptions and organization. I can picture myself diving along side the narrator. But the question is what exactly are we looking for? Is this wreck literally meaning a wreck deep in the ocean? Maybe a shipwreck? Maybe something else? Or is this wreck our lives, a horrific event, or a person? Maybe I am over analyzing the poem, but it was enjoyable to read anyways along with Rich's other poem "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning."
Plath: The Norton's intro of Sylvia Plath described her as a "remarkably controlled writer" (1417), and she is. I was very impressed with her style of writing. She's very organized even to the number of lines in each stanza. Being a controlled writer, I didn't expect her to be suicidal in any way, however, in "Lady Lazarus," I got the impression that this was like her resurrection of a suicidal attempt. Of course her childhood had a large effect on her as well such as the death of her father when she was only a child. This experience was portrayed in her poem "Daddy." "I was ten when they buried you. At twenty I tried to die and get back, back, back to you. I thought even the bones would do." (1422) The death of her father may not have been the reason or the only reason to why she wanted to kill herself, however, she greatly desired the need for her father.
Roth: I love short stories. I just wish they didn't end so quickly. That is what was frustrating with Roth's "Defender of the Faith." In some ways, the story needs to go on. What happened to Grossbart? Did he ever go to the Pacific with the other boys? On the other hand, the story might get boring or plainly too long if it kept going. However, what was most interesting about this story is that it portrayed the Jewish tradition in the army. I never thought about it, but what was it like for soldiers to accommodate into a new life? Do they have to break religious and traditional beliefs? This Grossbart character also reminded me of Pointer in the first short story. They are both nineteen, young and stupid, but smart and cunning. Grossbart tricks Marx into signing the pass for he and his friends. However, I see Grossbart a lot more innocent. All he wanted was to be close to his family. I think that because of his youth and inexperience, he was not very considerate or aware of following orders. It was like he wasn't taking the situation seriously.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Kerouac, Ginsberg, & Snyder
It's not that I don't like Ginsberg and Snyder; I like their works very much actually. Ginsberg's "Howl" was a familiar piece that I read in LAR. I also watched a YouTube video of some guy--not by Ginsberg--reading the piece out loud. Because there is so much alliteration and strong consonant-driven words, it's difficult to read. But when read, it sounds like musical poetry where the rhythm stands out. I can imagine someone reading it and people snapping along. Snyder's poems were good too, although I was a little disturbed by "Beneath My Hand and Eye the Distant Hills. Your Body." In my opinion, both writers cannot compare to Kerouac. And why? Because I have been a Jack Kerouac fan ever since I was introduced to the Beat Movement.
I read Kerouac's On the Road and loved the idea of a very long road trip with friends. Although Kerouac's road experience was more for a mature audience, the whole concept of being out and free on the road is thrilling. There are also similarities between the writings of Kerouac and Ginsberg, however, Ginsberg has more harsher (not sure how to put it) consonant sounds.
Because I am originally from California, anything that mentions the state or any its cities catches my attention. In Big Sur, Kerouac often mentions the cities of California, mostly involving their trip, such as San Francisco and San Jose. He also made a reference to On the Road, talking about Dean Moriarty (one of his characters) which I found interesting. In his novels, there is always him and his close friend: Cody and Dean Moriarty.
Lastly, I know alcoholism tends to be a driving force in many writers including my other personal favorite F. Scott Fitzgerald. But I have never read it the way Kerouac describes it. For example, on page 1321, Kerouac writes (and this is a long sentence/paragraph but I'm adding it to prove my point), "Any drinker knows how the process works: the first day you get drunk is okay, the morning after means a big head but so you can kill that easy with a few more drinks and a meal, but if you pass up the meal and go on to another night's drunk, and wake up to keep the toot going, and continue on to the fourth day, there'll come one day when the drinks wont take effect because you're chemically overloaded and you'll have to sleep those last five nights, so delirium sets in----Sleeplessness, sweat, trembling, a groaning feeling of weakness where your arms are numb and useless, nightmares (nightmares of death)...well, there's more of that up later." If this is what drinking is like to them, I feel like it slows them down: their youth, their freedom, and their trip. I mean, drinking is part of the life they enjoy, but it is a huge controlling element in their life that ironically was the cause for Jack Kerouac's death. (F. Scott Fitzgerald also died very young, mostly because of excessive drinking.)
I read Kerouac's On the Road and loved the idea of a very long road trip with friends. Although Kerouac's road experience was more for a mature audience, the whole concept of being out and free on the road is thrilling. There are also similarities between the writings of Kerouac and Ginsberg, however, Ginsberg has more harsher (not sure how to put it) consonant sounds.
Because I am originally from California, anything that mentions the state or any its cities catches my attention. In Big Sur, Kerouac often mentions the cities of California, mostly involving their trip, such as San Francisco and San Jose. He also made a reference to On the Road, talking about Dean Moriarty (one of his characters) which I found interesting. In his novels, there is always him and his close friend: Cody and Dean Moriarty.
Lastly, I know alcoholism tends to be a driving force in many writers including my other personal favorite F. Scott Fitzgerald. But I have never read it the way Kerouac describes it. For example, on page 1321, Kerouac writes (and this is a long sentence/paragraph but I'm adding it to prove my point), "Any drinker knows how the process works: the first day you get drunk is okay, the morning after means a big head but so you can kill that easy with a few more drinks and a meal, but if you pass up the meal and go on to another night's drunk, and wake up to keep the toot going, and continue on to the fourth day, there'll come one day when the drinks wont take effect because you're chemically overloaded and you'll have to sleep those last five nights, so delirium sets in----Sleeplessness, sweat, trembling, a groaning feeling of weakness where your arms are numb and useless, nightmares (nightmares of death)...well, there's more of that up later." If this is what drinking is like to them, I feel like it slows them down: their youth, their freedom, and their trip. I mean, drinking is part of the life they enjoy, but it is a huge controlling element in their life that ironically was the cause for Jack Kerouac's death. (F. Scott Fitzgerald also died very young, mostly because of excessive drinking.)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Ellison, Baraka, Lorde, & Walker
Ellison: From reading only the first chapter, I was very disturbed by Ellison's novel. At first, I was a little confused as to why the narrator was in this kind of situation only to deliver his speech. Not to mention the crowd he was going to give the speech to. These white men, these men who have a high position in their town, come to listen to his speech in a place like that? This whole time I wondered if the narrator of the story could just leave the place, but then I realized what resulted in his speech. I didn't care whether he got the scholarship or not. I was more disturbed as to how he got it. The poor kid was electrocuted, beat up, etc. and for what? No man should go through that to get an education which frustrates me. I can now see how important an education was for a young African American of that time; they were willing to do anything to go to college.
Baraka: "An Agony. As Now" stood out to me the most because I could feel the agony flowing out of the narrator. Because this poem was written during the Civil Rights Movement, one can see just how much pain an African American was experiencing. The short sentences/fragments seem to work in order to make more of an impact of the narrator's emotions. Although I can't understand the exact situation, it is obvious that he is in pain due to the treatment and experiences he is going through which I'm assuming is the treatment from the white society around him. But this pain doesn't go away as revealed from "The Poem of Willie Best." He seems to take it a step further and--this was my impression--blame God for his hurt, or that He will do nothing about it, "no help will come" (1459).
Lorde: I can see a lot of dominant, powerful, and outspoken characteristics from Lorde. She has the voice of a bold female, an aspect that I could see greatly benefit the era she was living in. In "Coal," this presents her position in society as an African American. What does she have to deal with? Words. Words that come from hatred. I love how she describes the way she feels when those words are said to her. I also got the impression from her poem "The Woman Thing" that she has a negative view on men, just in the way she portrays the male species as hunters. And after reading "Harriet" I can understand where she comes from. In addition, Lorde is a mother, noting to the lines, "All this day I have craved food for my child's hunger" (1476).
Walker: I'm a little disgusted by Dee's treatment to her family. I guess because she is the older sister, she has the tendency to be "authoritative" in her approach towards her mother and sister. Even at the thought of Maggie having the quilts, Dee is shocked; she doesn't like the idea at all. Because of Dee's attitude, I sympathize more with Maggie and admire her for letting her sister take the quilts. Poor Maggie was scarred from a fire, therefore being just another person in Dee's life, not necessarily a sister. In this whole chaos, I wonder if Mama favors Maggie more than Dee? And why?
Baraka: "An Agony. As Now" stood out to me the most because I could feel the agony flowing out of the narrator. Because this poem was written during the Civil Rights Movement, one can see just how much pain an African American was experiencing. The short sentences/fragments seem to work in order to make more of an impact of the narrator's emotions. Although I can't understand the exact situation, it is obvious that he is in pain due to the treatment and experiences he is going through which I'm assuming is the treatment from the white society around him. But this pain doesn't go away as revealed from "The Poem of Willie Best." He seems to take it a step further and--this was my impression--blame God for his hurt, or that He will do nothing about it, "no help will come" (1459).
Lorde: I can see a lot of dominant, powerful, and outspoken characteristics from Lorde. She has the voice of a bold female, an aspect that I could see greatly benefit the era she was living in. In "Coal," this presents her position in society as an African American. What does she have to deal with? Words. Words that come from hatred. I love how she describes the way she feels when those words are said to her. I also got the impression from her poem "The Woman Thing" that she has a negative view on men, just in the way she portrays the male species as hunters. And after reading "Harriet" I can understand where she comes from. In addition, Lorde is a mother, noting to the lines, "All this day I have craved food for my child's hunger" (1476).
Walker: I'm a little disgusted by Dee's treatment to her family. I guess because she is the older sister, she has the tendency to be "authoritative" in her approach towards her mother and sister. Even at the thought of Maggie having the quilts, Dee is shocked; she doesn't like the idea at all. Because of Dee's attitude, I sympathize more with Maggie and admire her for letting her sister take the quilts. Poor Maggie was scarred from a fire, therefore being just another person in Dee's life, not necessarily a sister. In this whole chaos, I wonder if Mama favors Maggie more than Dee? And why?
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Roethke, Bishop, Lowell, & Berryman
Roethke: "My Papa's Waltz"...so heartbreaking: a father beating his child. I liked this poem a lot but not because of the situation. The situation is horrible, and I wish this kind of topic would not be put in a poem. However, Roethke's imagery and word choice makes the poem beautiful and clear. He only had to pick specific parts of the body, for example, such as an ear or head and the picture was vivid in my mind. If only Roethke could right about something more positive, who knows how beautiful the picture he presents will be.
"The Waking" was also a very good poem in that the phrases were deep. My favorites: "I learn by going where I have to go," "We think by feeling," and "Great Nature has another thing to do to you and me" (1090-1091). Although his style differs, the theme of nature reminds me of the British poet William Wordsworth.
Bishop: Out of Bishop's poems, "One Art" was probably the one I liked the most. Honestly, the idea of losing things would not a topic I would write in a poem, but Bishop made it work. In some ways, I could see this as a theory of the way the mind works, but according to Bishop, it's a skill. We are capable of losing things, but in time, we lose more than objects. We forget, such as forgetting names and places. Unfortunately, she lost me when she mentions losing cities, rivers, etc. I couldn't quite understand what she meant by that. But like Bishop says, "It's evident the art of losing's not too hard to master though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster" (1113).
Lowell: I found it interesting that Bishop's "The Armadillo" was for Lowell, and Lowell's "Skunk Hour" was for Bishop. Through "Skunk Hour" I could see a lot of modern terms and names that would not dare be mentioned in past poetry. For example, skunk and sour cream. I also see a lot of random stanzas. I'm sure they connect on some ways, but I find them all...splattered? I don't know how to put it, but basically, I see them as random. In addition, his choice of words were entertaining to read. For example, summer millionaire, L. L. Bean, orange cork, and many more random ones.
Berryman: Just reading Berryman's short bio in the anthology made me feel sad reading his poems. From "The Dream Song" they were quite dark. "29" had a murder scene, "hacks her body up and hide the pieces" (1208). "384" mentioned digging up a grave "I got right down away down under the grass and ax the casket open ha to see just how he's taking it" (1209). Ha? Is Berryman trying to be funny? I didn't quite understand the whole theme of the poem, however, I could see his dark side. His life was sad; he watched his father commit suicide. How ever the effect was, it was evident in his poems.
"The Waking" was also a very good poem in that the phrases were deep. My favorites: "I learn by going where I have to go," "We think by feeling," and "Great Nature has another thing to do to you and me" (1090-1091). Although his style differs, the theme of nature reminds me of the British poet William Wordsworth.
Bishop: Out of Bishop's poems, "One Art" was probably the one I liked the most. Honestly, the idea of losing things would not a topic I would write in a poem, but Bishop made it work. In some ways, I could see this as a theory of the way the mind works, but according to Bishop, it's a skill. We are capable of losing things, but in time, we lose more than objects. We forget, such as forgetting names and places. Unfortunately, she lost me when she mentions losing cities, rivers, etc. I couldn't quite understand what she meant by that. But like Bishop says, "It's evident the art of losing's not too hard to master though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster" (1113).
Lowell: I found it interesting that Bishop's "The Armadillo" was for Lowell, and Lowell's "Skunk Hour" was for Bishop. Through "Skunk Hour" I could see a lot of modern terms and names that would not dare be mentioned in past poetry. For example, skunk and sour cream. I also see a lot of random stanzas. I'm sure they connect on some ways, but I find them all...splattered? I don't know how to put it, but basically, I see them as random. In addition, his choice of words were entertaining to read. For example, summer millionaire, L. L. Bean, orange cork, and many more random ones.
Berryman: Just reading Berryman's short bio in the anthology made me feel sad reading his poems. From "The Dream Song" they were quite dark. "29" had a murder scene, "hacks her body up and hide the pieces" (1208). "384" mentioned digging up a grave "I got right down away down under the grass and ax the casket open ha to see just how he's taking it" (1209). Ha? Is Berryman trying to be funny? I didn't quite understand the whole theme of the poem, however, I could see his dark side. His life was sad; he watched his father commit suicide. How ever the effect was, it was evident in his poems.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Eyes Watching: End & Hughes
Ok, so Janie learning how to shoot did come in handy but not in the way I expected. But I'm getting a little ahead of myself. In chapter 17, Tea Cake "hits" Janie. As I read this I was like, "Did I miss something?" Nope. Tea Cake just couldn't control his jealousy so he beat his woman to shoe dominance. I don't think he needs to worry about Janie because she is getting older and has already been married twice. Not to mention she loves Tea Cake. She won't leave him. However, they still had a close relationship: they loved each other. Which made me extremely sad when Tea Cake went all crazy and Janie had to shoot him. Oh I knew something was coming when that dog bit Tea Cake and probably got rabies. Poor Janie: a widow once again.
But I shouldn't think the ending is all sad. I could see that while Janie was married to Tea Cake, she was happy. Sure there were downsides, but all marriages aren't perfect. They were both happy. And even after Tea Cake's death, Janie of course was sad but kept going. In the end, my respect and admiration for her grew.
Hughes: Finally poetry that I can understand! Well, I believe no poet or poem makes it easy for its readers to understand, however, Hughes' poems speak out to me a lot more. My first favorite poem of Hughes is "Mother to Son." If one were to describe the life of an African American during Hughes' time metaphorically, this is the poem. Yes life is hard. There are times when walking turns to climbing, when there is no darkness. But what do you do? Keep going. I love it!
My second favorite is "Theme for English B." "Sometimes perhaps you don't want to be a part of me. Nor do I often want to be a part of you." An African American is part of America just like a white man, and yet, everything they do seems out of place. They are like everybody else: they eat and drink and love. I see no difference, but Hughes makes it clear that there was.
But I shouldn't think the ending is all sad. I could see that while Janie was married to Tea Cake, she was happy. Sure there were downsides, but all marriages aren't perfect. They were both happy. And even after Tea Cake's death, Janie of course was sad but kept going. In the end, my respect and admiration for her grew.
Hughes: Finally poetry that I can understand! Well, I believe no poet or poem makes it easy for its readers to understand, however, Hughes' poems speak out to me a lot more. My first favorite poem of Hughes is "Mother to Son." If one were to describe the life of an African American during Hughes' time metaphorically, this is the poem. Yes life is hard. There are times when walking turns to climbing, when there is no darkness. But what do you do? Keep going. I love it!
My second favorite is "Theme for English B." "Sometimes perhaps you don't want to be a part of me. Nor do I often want to be a part of you." An African American is part of America just like a white man, and yet, everything they do seems out of place. They are like everybody else: they eat and drink and love. I see no difference, but Hughes makes it clear that there was.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Eyes Watching: Chapters 12-16
In our group discussions on Tuesday, we talked a little bit about the age difference between Janie and her men. Poor Janie was married off to an older farmer at the age of sixteen. Clearly, unprepared for marriage life, Janie was childish and naive. However, she was quick to leave her husband when this new stranger, whom she later calls Jody, appears and sweeps her off her feet. Yet, again, he is much older. After twenty years of marriage, Janie is close to her forties and Jody is in his fifties. He dies and leaves Janie with the store and status in the town.
In Janie's first marriage, Logan spoils her. Because she's young and inexperienced, he does everything for her: provides for her, takes care of her, etc. In the end, he gets fed up with her. Well, honestly it's not her fault. She is, after all, only a teenager and had no say in the marriage in the first place.
At least her second marriage lasted longer. Twenty years is a long time, and although Jody was getting older and older, Janie remained faithful. Janie being a lot younger than Jody, I believe, sparked him to make her feel old as well. Maybe he was jealous of her youth and beauty. Maybe he regrets marrying a woman much younger than him. Again--Jainie being so young--he was the one who initiated the marriage in the first place. It wasn't Janie's fault that she was so young. He chose her! In the end, he died...because he was sick...because of his age.
In Janie's third marriage with Tea Cake, we see the age difference still there but differently. Tea Cake is the younger one, and much younger than Janie. And Janie, being older and already married twice, comes with a lot of experience. Now she will be able to understand some of her husbands' frustrations with being someone who is younger. For example, her response to Tea Cake "fooling around" with a girl was understandable (130). Tea Cake should have acted wiser: instead of playing along, he should have responded like a married man would. Also the issue of him taking Janie's money turned out well. i felt like his young mind led him to take the money and spend, but how he got it back was bizarre. I've been so used to Janie being with older men that young Tea Cake's actions always catch me by surprise.
In Janie's first marriage, Logan spoils her. Because she's young and inexperienced, he does everything for her: provides for her, takes care of her, etc. In the end, he gets fed up with her. Well, honestly it's not her fault. She is, after all, only a teenager and had no say in the marriage in the first place.
At least her second marriage lasted longer. Twenty years is a long time, and although Jody was getting older and older, Janie remained faithful. Janie being a lot younger than Jody, I believe, sparked him to make her feel old as well. Maybe he was jealous of her youth and beauty. Maybe he regrets marrying a woman much younger than him. Again--Jainie being so young--he was the one who initiated the marriage in the first place. It wasn't Janie's fault that she was so young. He chose her! In the end, he died...because he was sick...because of his age.
In Janie's third marriage with Tea Cake, we see the age difference still there but differently. Tea Cake is the younger one, and much younger than Janie. And Janie, being older and already married twice, comes with a lot of experience. Now she will be able to understand some of her husbands' frustrations with being someone who is younger. For example, her response to Tea Cake "fooling around" with a girl was understandable (130). Tea Cake should have acted wiser: instead of playing along, he should have responded like a married man would. Also the issue of him taking Janie's money turned out well. i felt like his young mind led him to take the money and spend, but how he got it back was bizarre. I've been so used to Janie being with older men that young Tea Cake's actions always catch me by surprise.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Eyes Watching: Through Chapter 11
Wow, Janie, it's about time you spoke your mind. I found myself full of excitement while reading Janie's outburst toward her husband Joe. I was seriously frustrated by Joe's treatment towards Janie, but I believe the age difference between the two affected him to the point where he commented that Janie was getting old. However, I admired Janie for staying with him until the end.
At the same time, I sympathized with her. She endured this second difficult marriage with a man that changed completely. "Why must Joe be so mad with her for making him look small when he did it to her all the time" (77)? She had to learn it the hard way when Joe slapped her.
After Joe died, Janie had to run things on her own. The men didn't make it easy, but Janie pressed on. At this time, I found it interesting that Janie hated her grandmother. "She hated her grandmother and had hidden it from herself all these years under a cloak of pity" (85). It was her grandmother that made her marry a much older man. It was her grandmother that made Janie think something else of love. It was her grandmother that made her think that marriage to any man was okay. Honestly, I don't hate Nanny, but I wasn't very happy with her when she gave Janie to the farmer guy.
My impression of Janie has changed. I no longer see her as this young, naive girl who gave in so easily. I know see her as a grown woman who has had experience in life which resulted in her maturity and wisdom.
Now, when Tea Cake comes in, I see Janie mature but yet still young. Tea Cake brings out her womaness in that she is cautious partly due to the age difference, and yet she enjoys the thrill of being with a guy like Tea Cake. And the name Tea Cake, in my opinion, sounds intriguing. What kind of man is named Tea Cake in the first place. I'm curious to see what kind of relationship develops as Janie and Tea Cake continue to get to know each other.
At the same time, I sympathized with her. She endured this second difficult marriage with a man that changed completely. "Why must Joe be so mad with her for making him look small when he did it to her all the time" (77)? She had to learn it the hard way when Joe slapped her.
After Joe died, Janie had to run things on her own. The men didn't make it easy, but Janie pressed on. At this time, I found it interesting that Janie hated her grandmother. "She hated her grandmother and had hidden it from herself all these years under a cloak of pity" (85). It was her grandmother that made her marry a much older man. It was her grandmother that made Janie think something else of love. It was her grandmother that made her think that marriage to any man was okay. Honestly, I don't hate Nanny, but I wasn't very happy with her when she gave Janie to the farmer guy.
My impression of Janie has changed. I no longer see her as this young, naive girl who gave in so easily. I know see her as a grown woman who has had experience in life which resulted in her maturity and wisdom.
Now, when Tea Cake comes in, I see Janie mature but yet still young. Tea Cake brings out her womaness in that she is cautious partly due to the age difference, and yet she enjoys the thrill of being with a guy like Tea Cake. And the name Tea Cake, in my opinion, sounds intriguing. What kind of man is named Tea Cake in the first place. I'm curious to see what kind of relationship develops as Janie and Tea Cake continue to get to know each other.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Eyes Watching: Chapters 1-5
I found the character of Janie very unique in that I have respect for her past and am annoyed by the decisions that she makes. In the beginning, when she explains to her friend how she found out she wasn't white was very interesting. Of course Janie was unaware of it because she was raised in a white household. Furthermore, her relationship with her grandmother is just as interesting. Although I could see that Nanny, the grandmother, truly cares for her granddaughter, fear seems to drive her decisions. For example, she gives Janie to a much older man, Killicks, to be married because he is decently well off. Janie, young and naive, agrees thinking that eventually she'll love this man. But unfortunately, she never does. I find it hard to believe how quickly Janie gave in to marrying Killicks. Yes, after a while being married and all, she realizes she still doesn't love him, but it's too late. She is already married. So what does she do? She leaves her husband to marry another man! Wow, she sure decides quickly. She does weigh the options, however, it doesn't take long. Also, her new husband Joe seems like the kind of man that can easily persuade people, so in some ways, I can see why Janie agreed to marry him. Despite this, I must bear in mind the era in which Janie was living in. It wasn't easy for a Black female like her to be living in a time like that, something that I admire from her and her grandmother.
Surprisingly, I was able to read this quickly. Maybe because I have been exposed to so much written Black English that I'm getting used to it. I also realized that as I read this book without thinking too much of the dialect, I was able to understand it as well. With both of these in mind, I enjoyed reading the first five chapters even though I was a little frustrated with Janie. To add, I have never heard of this novel nor the author which is actually exciting for me because it's been a while since I've read a book I have never heard of. I don't know the style of the writer nor what the book is about. I'm looking forward to see if Janie will learn from her decisions.
Surprisingly, I was able to read this quickly. Maybe because I have been exposed to so much written Black English that I'm getting used to it. I also realized that as I read this book without thinking too much of the dialect, I was able to understand it as well. With both of these in mind, I enjoyed reading the first five chapters even though I was a little frustrated with Janie. To add, I have never heard of this novel nor the author which is actually exciting for me because it's been a while since I've read a book I have never heard of. I don't know the style of the writer nor what the book is about. I'm looking forward to see if Janie will learn from her decisions.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Elliot, Faulkner, & Hemingway
Not that I didn't like Elliot's poem or Hemingway's story--I did enjoy them--but Faulkner's short "A Rose for Emily" was so much more interesting and familiar. By the time I read "Like when she bought the rat poison, the arsenic" (1001), I knew I've read this story before in high school. And I knew what the ending was. Just creepy.
Emily seemed odd from the beginning but the narrator seemed to go on and off about their impression of her. One day they were sad for her because they thought she would commit suicide. Then, they were happy when they assumed she was marrying Homer Barron, that one guy, the one dead guy she was sleeping with! Miss Emily must have been completely obsessed with this guy to sleep with his dead body or she was seriously insane. Anyways, I had the same feelings when I first read it: disgust, shock, huh? moments, and...disgust. But yet again, was it really her fault she became the way she did?
Maybe it was the town she was living in. I mean, this town sounded like those close-knit towns where everyone knows everyone about everything. No secrets to hide, and if there were, people wanted to know them right away. It could also have been her father who kept any males away from her. His death even affected her greatly. Who knows.
I found Hemingway's story to be a bit similar, not in the characters, but in the ending...strange. I disliked the male character very much only because of how he treated his female counterpart. I saw no reason in the relationship if he didn't lover her. I bet he would have been a lot happier if he wasn't with her. And she--so blind--was selfish and didn't seem to notice how much he disliked her. In the end, I hate to say this, but I felt like the male lead kind of deserved to die. And death was already making itself known. I really liked the way Hemingway integrated death in the story as if it was a character itself.
Emily seemed odd from the beginning but the narrator seemed to go on and off about their impression of her. One day they were sad for her because they thought she would commit suicide. Then, they were happy when they assumed she was marrying Homer Barron, that one guy, the one dead guy she was sleeping with! Miss Emily must have been completely obsessed with this guy to sleep with his dead body or she was seriously insane. Anyways, I had the same feelings when I first read it: disgust, shock, huh? moments, and...disgust. But yet again, was it really her fault she became the way she did?
Maybe it was the town she was living in. I mean, this town sounded like those close-knit towns where everyone knows everyone about everything. No secrets to hide, and if there were, people wanted to know them right away. It could also have been her father who kept any males away from her. His death even affected her greatly. Who knows.
I found Hemingway's story to be a bit similar, not in the characters, but in the ending...strange. I disliked the male character very much only because of how he treated his female counterpart. I saw no reason in the relationship if he didn't lover her. I bet he would have been a lot happier if he wasn't with her. And she--so blind--was selfish and didn't seem to notice how much he disliked her. In the end, I hate to say this, but I felt like the male lead kind of deserved to die. And death was already making itself known. I really liked the way Hemingway integrated death in the story as if it was a character itself.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Frost and Stevens
Oh, me and poetry just don't mix. I truly love poetry in all its forms and creativity, but I have the hardest time understanding it. I'm sure many people struggle with this as well, but most hate poetry because they can't understand it. I love poetry because I can't understand it, so I have the power to make my own interpretations. However, I am also the kind of person who likes to know exactly what the poet is trying to say. So I take advantage of the discussion in class to make meaning of poetry.
The poem that stood out to me the most from Robert Frost was "Design." Honestly, I don't know why since I am deathly afraid of spiders, however, the detail and word choice are very specific making the poem as a whole to be "beautiful." This style reminds me of one of Hopkins' poem--don't remember which one--that refers to nature as "dappled" and "speckled." He also integrated a lot of detail, specifically about nature, in such a short poem using just the right words. His last quote "If design govern in a thing so small" truly speaks of the detail and beauty of even the smallest living creature. A spider may not be extremely small, but small enough for Frost to notice the spider's detail.
I preferred Wallace Stevens' style of poetry more than Frost, but I found it a lot harder to follow. Which is why I was very grateful for discussing "Sunday Morning" in class which also happens to be the poem I liked best of Stevens. When I first read it, I did expect it to be like a Sunday morning, however, after discussing it in class, there were deeper religious thematic elements to it. What stood out to me the most was not the meaning or the theme, but the style and again the word choice:
"The day is like wide water, without sound."
"Death is the mother of beauty, mystical, within whose burning bosom we devise our earthly mothers waiting, sleeplessly."
"We live in an old chaos of the sun, or island solitude, unsponsored, free, of that wide water, inescapable."
The poem that stood out to me the most from Robert Frost was "Design." Honestly, I don't know why since I am deathly afraid of spiders, however, the detail and word choice are very specific making the poem as a whole to be "beautiful." This style reminds me of one of Hopkins' poem--don't remember which one--that refers to nature as "dappled" and "speckled." He also integrated a lot of detail, specifically about nature, in such a short poem using just the right words. His last quote "If design govern in a thing so small" truly speaks of the detail and beauty of even the smallest living creature. A spider may not be extremely small, but small enough for Frost to notice the spider's detail.
I preferred Wallace Stevens' style of poetry more than Frost, but I found it a lot harder to follow. Which is why I was very grateful for discussing "Sunday Morning" in class which also happens to be the poem I liked best of Stevens. When I first read it, I did expect it to be like a Sunday morning, however, after discussing it in class, there were deeper religious thematic elements to it. What stood out to me the most was not the meaning or the theme, but the style and again the word choice:
"The day is like wide water, without sound."
"Death is the mother of beauty, mystical, within whose burning bosom we devise our earthly mothers waiting, sleeplessly."
"We live in an old chaos of the sun, or island solitude, unsponsored, free, of that wide water, inescapable."
Monday, March 4, 2013
Carnival Post
First of all, to hear people's comments/opinions was really helpful to know what goes on in a person's mind while reading this kind of literature. I found myself relating with many of them. So, in order to organize what I've read, I've organized it by piece of literature.
1) Huck
The main theme that was highly discussed was slavery. Yes this novel is controversial in its use of the word "nigger." This was also mentioned as the reason why this novel was banned. But the theme of slavery was thought of as a glimpse of the background of which this book came from: the history. Back then, slaves were seen as property: uneducated and treated poorly. Also, Huck's mentality on slavery throughout this novel changes. At first, Huck sees Jim as a slave and that's all. Eventually, he sees Jim as a friend, a companion, someone to lean on. Their relationship strengthens due to the fact that they are both running away from their past lives and from society. For example, Huck protects Jim from being caught. Huck's view on right vs wrong, society vs morality was also discussed. Huck was an intelligent young man in that he could fake is own death but he lacked education. However, Huck soon realizes society's view on slavery and such, and eventually settles on what is right.
Another theme discussed that I found interesting was the feud between the Grangerfords and Sheperdsons. How ironic that they die but the lovers live. Sound familiar? Ah yes. The bloggers compared it to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The feud in Shakespeare's play was between the Montagues and the Capulets. In the end, the two leading lovers die, but the families live. Interesting that Mark Twain would have that as part of his novel about a young boy, but it in fact has a realistic view that the bloggers mentioned: life is hard, and that's just the way it is.
Lastly, bloggers highly emphasized the themes of realism and romanticism that this book portrayed mainly by the characters Huck, the follower, and Tom, the annoying one. Most bloggers found Tom annoying, which I completely agree. However, some did mention that because Tom is young, younger than Huck, and his knowledge was mostly based on books,adventure books, who could blame him? Tom is a romantic who creates these wild, random, and even cruel ideas. He is selfish and only wishes for an adventure. Knowing all along that Jim was a freed slave, he still made up this plan to free him only to end up getting shot and being happy about it. This kid is insane! Switching to Huck, bloggers saw him as more realistic. He was simple minded boy who observed rather than be observed. Who followed rather than be followed. He had arguments with himself about what was right and wrong which seems to portray a true human characteristic. The ending as well was also seen as romanticized. Because of the slavery theme, Jim being freed was seen as unlikely, however, he was freed. Huck's father died and was then adopted, so even Huck had a romanticized ending as well.
2) Washington and DuBois
Although there was a lot to say on these two men, the themes were the same. Washington believed that African Americans would rise, but his approach on equal rights was seen as subtle and time-consuming. During this time, taking action was the key strategy--Du Bois' strategy--but who would solve the issue of inequality, racism, and such in a heartbeat? It's basically impossible. This is why the bloggers thought Du Bois disagreed on. Du Bois' approach was aggressive but during that time period, it would have been seen as necessary. He believed that African Americans should not submit, but the whites should assist them to rise. Pretty much all the bloggers agreed that both approaches were greatly important, but their fight was for the same cause.
3) Dreiser, Crane, & London
Ah, the naturalism. This was the main theme discussed among these three pieces. There were two views on Sister Carrie: one was positive and one was negative. Positively, Carrie was seen as an innocent stranger in an unknown city. She was relatable in that she couldn't find a job which can compare to this century's female struggles. Negatively, she was a victim of her own environment--naturalistic view. Because she was inexperienced and naive, some bloggers were annoyed by that and others were depressed. One blogger found her inadequate. Basically, what was her purpose?
Crane's "The Open Boat" still had the same essence. Instead of the city being Carrie's "enemy," nature was the dominant power. Nature, the sea, pretty much controlled the story and the characters' fate. The unlikely character to survive ended up surviving while the others died. How ironic. Despite this, out of all the stories, this one mentioned teamwork or brotherhood as we discussed in class.
Finally, London's "To Build a Fire" highly expressed naturalism. The main character was also a victim of his environment: he died in the hands of winter's curse. Many thought he was stupid for not being more prepared and thought the animal was a lot more intelligent. Because of the man's overconfidence, his death was predictable. However, some brought up the idea of human intelligence vs animal instinct. Human intelligence lacked common sense, while animal instinct was ignored until the end when the animal went back to the camp after his master died. Nature sure is the enemy in this story. Like one blogger put it, his death was inevitable.
1) Huck
The main theme that was highly discussed was slavery. Yes this novel is controversial in its use of the word "nigger." This was also mentioned as the reason why this novel was banned. But the theme of slavery was thought of as a glimpse of the background of which this book came from: the history. Back then, slaves were seen as property: uneducated and treated poorly. Also, Huck's mentality on slavery throughout this novel changes. At first, Huck sees Jim as a slave and that's all. Eventually, he sees Jim as a friend, a companion, someone to lean on. Their relationship strengthens due to the fact that they are both running away from their past lives and from society. For example, Huck protects Jim from being caught. Huck's view on right vs wrong, society vs morality was also discussed. Huck was an intelligent young man in that he could fake is own death but he lacked education. However, Huck soon realizes society's view on slavery and such, and eventually settles on what is right.
Another theme discussed that I found interesting was the feud between the Grangerfords and Sheperdsons. How ironic that they die but the lovers live. Sound familiar? Ah yes. The bloggers compared it to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The feud in Shakespeare's play was between the Montagues and the Capulets. In the end, the two leading lovers die, but the families live. Interesting that Mark Twain would have that as part of his novel about a young boy, but it in fact has a realistic view that the bloggers mentioned: life is hard, and that's just the way it is.
Lastly, bloggers highly emphasized the themes of realism and romanticism that this book portrayed mainly by the characters Huck, the follower, and Tom, the annoying one. Most bloggers found Tom annoying, which I completely agree. However, some did mention that because Tom is young, younger than Huck, and his knowledge was mostly based on books,adventure books, who could blame him? Tom is a romantic who creates these wild, random, and even cruel ideas. He is selfish and only wishes for an adventure. Knowing all along that Jim was a freed slave, he still made up this plan to free him only to end up getting shot and being happy about it. This kid is insane! Switching to Huck, bloggers saw him as more realistic. He was simple minded boy who observed rather than be observed. Who followed rather than be followed. He had arguments with himself about what was right and wrong which seems to portray a true human characteristic. The ending as well was also seen as romanticized. Because of the slavery theme, Jim being freed was seen as unlikely, however, he was freed. Huck's father died and was then adopted, so even Huck had a romanticized ending as well.
2) Washington and DuBois
Although there was a lot to say on these two men, the themes were the same. Washington believed that African Americans would rise, but his approach on equal rights was seen as subtle and time-consuming. During this time, taking action was the key strategy--Du Bois' strategy--but who would solve the issue of inequality, racism, and such in a heartbeat? It's basically impossible. This is why the bloggers thought Du Bois disagreed on. Du Bois' approach was aggressive but during that time period, it would have been seen as necessary. He believed that African Americans should not submit, but the whites should assist them to rise. Pretty much all the bloggers agreed that both approaches were greatly important, but their fight was for the same cause.
3) Dreiser, Crane, & London
Ah, the naturalism. This was the main theme discussed among these three pieces. There were two views on Sister Carrie: one was positive and one was negative. Positively, Carrie was seen as an innocent stranger in an unknown city. She was relatable in that she couldn't find a job which can compare to this century's female struggles. Negatively, she was a victim of her own environment--naturalistic view. Because she was inexperienced and naive, some bloggers were annoyed by that and others were depressed. One blogger found her inadequate. Basically, what was her purpose?
Crane's "The Open Boat" still had the same essence. Instead of the city being Carrie's "enemy," nature was the dominant power. Nature, the sea, pretty much controlled the story and the characters' fate. The unlikely character to survive ended up surviving while the others died. How ironic. Despite this, out of all the stories, this one mentioned teamwork or brotherhood as we discussed in class.
Finally, London's "To Build a Fire" highly expressed naturalism. The main character was also a victim of his environment: he died in the hands of winter's curse. Many thought he was stupid for not being more prepared and thought the animal was a lot more intelligent. Because of the man's overconfidence, his death was predictable. However, some brought up the idea of human intelligence vs animal instinct. Human intelligence lacked common sense, while animal instinct was ignored until the end when the animal went back to the camp after his master died. Nature sure is the enemy in this story. Like one blogger put it, his death was inevitable.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Dreiser, Crane, & London
Dreiser:
Sister Carrie was a bit interesting in that the story revolved around a young woman coming to Chicago. Just reading two chapters didn't give me a full perspective on the novel, however, I saw Dreiser's theme come into play mostly in the third chapter where Carrie tries to find a job. In the intro, it mentioned that Dreiser's novel, Sister Carrie, "addresses many issues still of significance today...greater independence for women" (567). I felt bad for Carrie who persistently asked for an opening only to be turned down because she had no experience. In some ways, it is a necessity to have experience, but what if one does not a hire a woman no matter what kind of experience they've had? This happens often. Carrie had to be persistent to make herself known, to find a place in society as a female.
Crane:
I read Crane's Red Badge of Courage in high school and loved it. (I don't remember much of it though, but I know I liked it a lot back then.) I found both his stories entertaining, although "The Blue Hotel" ended strangely. I also write stories and am always looking for inspiration, so having read Crane's stories, I got a new perspective on short stories in general. In "The Blue Hotel," I was impressed by Crane's direction of the plot. A man owning a hotel, having visitors, one visitor beats up the owner's son, and then eventually gets killed. The irony truly made the story unique. And his poem: I loved it, especially the first section. What a sad picture and yet Crane refers to war as being "kind." "Because your father tumbled in the yellow trenches, raged at his breast, gulped and died, do not weep. War is kind" (619).
London:
I imagine Jack London like the guy from Man vs. Wild. In "To Build a Fire," I could just picture the man out in the winter wilderness trying desperately to survive. He tries to build a fire only to fail and then eventually die. Nature and man can be portrayed as enemies. Even animal and man can be portrayed as enemies. The dog, not really doing much in the story, leaves the dead man to go find some food, knowing all along where it was. Ah, frustrating! But I enjoyed the story. I'm hoping to read London's Call of the Wild which I've heard is really good. Jack London's story also reminds me of Into the Wild, a true story where the main guy Chris dies in nature. Sad but really thought provoking.
Sister Carrie was a bit interesting in that the story revolved around a young woman coming to Chicago. Just reading two chapters didn't give me a full perspective on the novel, however, I saw Dreiser's theme come into play mostly in the third chapter where Carrie tries to find a job. In the intro, it mentioned that Dreiser's novel, Sister Carrie, "addresses many issues still of significance today...greater independence for women" (567). I felt bad for Carrie who persistently asked for an opening only to be turned down because she had no experience. In some ways, it is a necessity to have experience, but what if one does not a hire a woman no matter what kind of experience they've had? This happens often. Carrie had to be persistent to make herself known, to find a place in society as a female.
Crane:
I read Crane's Red Badge of Courage in high school and loved it. (I don't remember much of it though, but I know I liked it a lot back then.) I found both his stories entertaining, although "The Blue Hotel" ended strangely. I also write stories and am always looking for inspiration, so having read Crane's stories, I got a new perspective on short stories in general. In "The Blue Hotel," I was impressed by Crane's direction of the plot. A man owning a hotel, having visitors, one visitor beats up the owner's son, and then eventually gets killed. The irony truly made the story unique. And his poem: I loved it, especially the first section. What a sad picture and yet Crane refers to war as being "kind." "Because your father tumbled in the yellow trenches, raged at his breast, gulped and died, do not weep. War is kind" (619).
London:
I imagine Jack London like the guy from Man vs. Wild. In "To Build a Fire," I could just picture the man out in the winter wilderness trying desperately to survive. He tries to build a fire only to fail and then eventually die. Nature and man can be portrayed as enemies. Even animal and man can be portrayed as enemies. The dog, not really doing much in the story, leaves the dead man to go find some food, knowing all along where it was. Ah, frustrating! But I enjoyed the story. I'm hoping to read London's Call of the Wild which I've heard is really good. Jack London's story also reminds me of Into the Wild, a true story where the main guy Chris dies in nature. Sad but really thought provoking.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Washington and Du Bois
It's hard for me to imagine, without feeling nervous, Booker T. Washington going up to address thousands of people representing African Americans. The pressure, the stress. How careful he had to be to choose the right words that wouldn't offend or cause controversy. Not to mention his approach: his speech was respectful, discussing the issues wisely, etc. Even W. E. B Du Bois had such a beautiful, intelligent style in The Souls of Black Folk that presented the African American race very well. These men were well educated knowing to express their concerns on civil rights.
I'd have to say Du Bois definitely gave me a good impression. His voice and style are effective in that he is logical, able to emotionally grasp his audience, and he is very intelligent. What really hit me was his question "How does it feel to be a problem?" (533) It's hard to fathom the idea of African Americans being the problem during that era. How could one race be considered the problem? That's degrading. Du Bois goes on to mention, "...being a problem is a strange experience...It is in the early days of rollicking boyhood that the revelation first bursts upon one, all in a day, as it were" (533). Imagine a boy...discovering he was the problem.
However, what can an African American do? It is stressful to be under the watch of the White man knowing you are despised for being Black. But Du Bois says that, "...to attain his place in the world, he must be himself, and not another" (536). Really. One should learn from that kind of attitude. They are despised, but yet they are strong. I wonder what it would be like for Asians or Latinos or any other race to be treated the way African Americans were. What would be their strongest quality? Their persistence? Their strength? Their intelligence?
I'd have to say Du Bois definitely gave me a good impression. His voice and style are effective in that he is logical, able to emotionally grasp his audience, and he is very intelligent. What really hit me was his question "How does it feel to be a problem?" (533) It's hard to fathom the idea of African Americans being the problem during that era. How could one race be considered the problem? That's degrading. Du Bois goes on to mention, "...being a problem is a strange experience...It is in the early days of rollicking boyhood that the revelation first bursts upon one, all in a day, as it were" (533). Imagine a boy...discovering he was the problem.
However, what can an African American do? It is stressful to be under the watch of the White man knowing you are despised for being Black. But Du Bois says that, "...to attain his place in the world, he must be himself, and not another" (536). Really. One should learn from that kind of attitude. They are despised, but yet they are strong. I wonder what it would be like for Asians or Latinos or any other race to be treated the way African Americans were. What would be their strongest quality? Their persistence? Their strength? Their intelligence?
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Huck: Chapters 37-End
Dear Lord! Tom and his romanticized ideas! I wanted to enter that story and slap him for being so selfish. He knew! He knew all along that Jim was a free man. And yet he went through all this brainstorming and led both Huck and Jim through all that trouble just because he "wanted the adventure of it" (278).
Both Tom and Huck love adventure; it is obvious. Huck lived it mostly because he was on his own for most of his life before Miss Watson took him in. Tom imagined it. Huck truly portrays the image of realism in that he plans things out simple and lies realistically. Huck is also a thinker. He has arguments with himself thinking logically--poorly--and even at times thinking critically. (For example the time when Huck was considering whether to free Jim.) He's incredibly smart too (faking his own death creatively) and can lie on the spot. But when compared to Tom, Huck is too...simple.
Tom is the complete opposite. Because he is a bit younger than Huck, his imagination is strong and highly used. Tom fantasizes life; his plans are way out there. Huck has a plan, but Tom's plan is much more complex. As Huck is becoming more mature, Tom annoyingly holds on to Romanticism.
For example:
"You don't want spring water; you want to water it with your tears" (264).
"...but Tom was the gladdest of all, because he had a bullet in the calf of his leg" (270).
He was happy he got shot?! Jim and Huck had to take him to a doctor--they are thinking realistically--and Tom is all like, "Don't stop, now; don't fool around here, and the evasion booming along so handsome; man the sweeps, and set her loose! Boys, we done it elegant!--' deed we did" (270). This kid is so blinded by his romanticized ideas that he doesn't think of others or himself, of the danger or the risk. In the beginning, it seemed that Tom was smarter than Huck because of his education. But in life, Huck is wiser and is more careful than Tom. Huck sees life as it is while Tom brings his ideas from the adventure books he's read.
In the end, I respected the way Twain ended the novel: Jim found his freedom. Realistically, he would have been sent back to slavery, but like Tom, Twain saw other options...better options.
Both Tom and Huck love adventure; it is obvious. Huck lived it mostly because he was on his own for most of his life before Miss Watson took him in. Tom imagined it. Huck truly portrays the image of realism in that he plans things out simple and lies realistically. Huck is also a thinker. He has arguments with himself thinking logically--poorly--and even at times thinking critically. (For example the time when Huck was considering whether to free Jim.) He's incredibly smart too (faking his own death creatively) and can lie on the spot. But when compared to Tom, Huck is too...simple.
Tom is the complete opposite. Because he is a bit younger than Huck, his imagination is strong and highly used. Tom fantasizes life; his plans are way out there. Huck has a plan, but Tom's plan is much more complex. As Huck is becoming more mature, Tom annoyingly holds on to Romanticism.
For example:
"You don't want spring water; you want to water it with your tears" (264).
"...but Tom was the gladdest of all, because he had a bullet in the calf of his leg" (270).
He was happy he got shot?! Jim and Huck had to take him to a doctor--they are thinking realistically--and Tom is all like, "Don't stop, now; don't fool around here, and the evasion booming along so handsome; man the sweeps, and set her loose! Boys, we done it elegant!--' deed we did" (270). This kid is so blinded by his romanticized ideas that he doesn't think of others or himself, of the danger or the risk. In the beginning, it seemed that Tom was smarter than Huck because of his education. But in life, Huck is wiser and is more careful than Tom. Huck sees life as it is while Tom brings his ideas from the adventure books he's read.
In the end, I respected the way Twain ended the novel: Jim found his freedom. Realistically, he would have been sent back to slavery, but like Tom, Twain saw other options...better options.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Huck: Chapters 23-36
First of all, let's look at Huck's "talent" again. His skill for lying is incredibly cunning. He's so good at it that I myself could have fallen for his lies. It naturally comes to him like humans breathing air. It happens so often that I've accepted it just because it's a part of who he is. As I'm reading, I'm like "Oh look...he lied...again. Goodness people are really stupid, falling for his lies." But he does it so well, who wouldn't? The more he lies, the more I realize that he lies because of fear. Fear of what? Being caught. Every time he lies, he tries to save himself and times has saved Jim in the process.
But suddenly, Huck...feels bad for lying? This happens when he comes across Miss Mary Jane and can no longer hold in the truth. Why? Huck says, "Well, I says to myself at last, I'm agoing to chance it; I'll up and tell the truth this time, though it does seem most like setting down on a kag of powder and touching it off just to see where you'll go to" (218). Huck's conscience made him feel guilty of how he, the duke, and the king were lying to them. Huck couldn't bare looking at the young ladies being deceived. But this won't be the first time.
His second time of revealing the truth was more of an attempt and was never executed. He was going along when he says to himself, "...here's another place where I got to resk the truth" (239). Huck wants to tell the truth! But ends up being pushed into the situation to lie...again. However, I have also noticed that when he lies, it usually turns out to benefit him so well. He escaped the hands of danger several times including the time when he lied to the duke and the king about him and Jim running away. Huck got away with it. But his current lie--pretending to be Tom Sawyer--I'm curious to see how it will end up turning out.
But suddenly, Huck...feels bad for lying? This happens when he comes across Miss Mary Jane and can no longer hold in the truth. Why? Huck says, "Well, I says to myself at last, I'm agoing to chance it; I'll up and tell the truth this time, though it does seem most like setting down on a kag of powder and touching it off just to see where you'll go to" (218). Huck's conscience made him feel guilty of how he, the duke, and the king were lying to them. Huck couldn't bare looking at the young ladies being deceived. But this won't be the first time.
His second time of revealing the truth was more of an attempt and was never executed. He was going along when he says to himself, "...here's another place where I got to resk the truth" (239). Huck wants to tell the truth! But ends up being pushed into the situation to lie...again. However, I have also noticed that when he lies, it usually turns out to benefit him so well. He escaped the hands of danger several times including the time when he lied to the duke and the king about him and Jim running away. Huck got away with it. But his current lie--pretending to be Tom Sawyer--I'm curious to see how it will end up turning out.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Huck: Chapters 18-22
Wow, a lot of events happened within these chapters. Huck's involvement with a feud between the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons (which I thought was really entertaining). The lost and found Jim. Two new characters: the duke and the king. But in these chapters, I paid close attention to Huck's sadly useful skill: lying.
As I was reading, I was thinking, "Wow, this kid is a pathological liar!" He just lies; that's what he's really good at. He got away with it several times, including the time when he pretended to be a girl to Mrs. Judith Loftus. Yes, he did get caught for disguising himself as a girl, but even then, he created another lie as to not get caught. Genius! But so wrong! He also lied when he was staying with the Grangerfords. In these chapters though, his lie actually protected someone: Jim. When he explained to the "duke" and the "king" that Jim was not a "runaway," it seemed very convincing. In that situation, Huck did right to save his friend. During this time, if Jim would be caught, he would be sent back to slavery, and he didn't want that. Huck knew it; he know how Jim felt. Although still quite young, Huck is able to understand Jim's situation. Like I mentioned before, they look out for each other.
As I was reading, I was thinking, "Wow, this kid is a pathological liar!" He just lies; that's what he's really good at. He got away with it several times, including the time when he pretended to be a girl to Mrs. Judith Loftus. Yes, he did get caught for disguising himself as a girl, but even then, he created another lie as to not get caught. Genius! But so wrong! He also lied when he was staying with the Grangerfords. In these chapters though, his lie actually protected someone: Jim. When he explained to the "duke" and the "king" that Jim was not a "runaway," it seemed very convincing. In that situation, Huck did right to save his friend. During this time, if Jim would be caught, he would be sent back to slavery, and he didn't want that. Huck knew it; he know how Jim felt. Although still quite young, Huck is able to understand Jim's situation. Like I mentioned before, they look out for each other.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Huck: Chapters 6-17
Within these chapters, the relationship between Jim and Huck was no longer between a slave and a runaway boy but rather an actual friendship. I didn't think Jim would be mentioned much in the story--another part I had forgotten. However, it was interesting to see who Jim and Huck's relationship progressed. Also, in these chapters, I was quite upset to discover that poor Jim was accused of Huck's "murder."
Huck's response to the discovery of Jim was heartwarming. I could see how relieved Huck was. Only a young boy--who knows what exactly was going on his mind after getting away with his planned murder (which was quite clever by the way). For him, knowing that he was no longer alone, probably made him feel safe. Analyzing Huck's reaction could portray Huck as having a "weak spot." Here is this young boy who could fend for himself, provide for himself. He did so well escaping his father's harsh treatment, and there he was admitting how happy he was to see Jim. See! He does have fears.
The conversations between Jim and Huck also contributed to their friendship. It was kind of hard for me at first to get the hang of Jim's dialect, but after reading it for the second time, I kind of got the main idea of what he was saying. It didn't matter what exactly they were talking about whether it was about Jim being a slave or about Solomon; conversing helped them bond and rely on each other since both were runaways.
Jim looked out for Huck like family. When Huck had run off and "tricked" Jim, Jim truly thought Huck had disappeared. Jim expressed his worry when he said "...my heart wuz mos' broke bekase you wuz los'" (157). Of course Huck should feel guilty about this, and he was. "...I wouldn't done that one if I'd a knowed it would make [Jim] feel that way" (157). To add, Huck did look out for Jim as well. While Huck was contemplating to himself whether he should give up on Jim, Huck would feel bad. So he didn't.
Huck's response to the discovery of Jim was heartwarming. I could see how relieved Huck was. Only a young boy--who knows what exactly was going on his mind after getting away with his planned murder (which was quite clever by the way). For him, knowing that he was no longer alone, probably made him feel safe. Analyzing Huck's reaction could portray Huck as having a "weak spot." Here is this young boy who could fend for himself, provide for himself. He did so well escaping his father's harsh treatment, and there he was admitting how happy he was to see Jim. See! He does have fears.
The conversations between Jim and Huck also contributed to their friendship. It was kind of hard for me at first to get the hang of Jim's dialect, but after reading it for the second time, I kind of got the main idea of what he was saying. It didn't matter what exactly they were talking about whether it was about Jim being a slave or about Solomon; conversing helped them bond and rely on each other since both were runaways.
Jim looked out for Huck like family. When Huck had run off and "tricked" Jim, Jim truly thought Huck had disappeared. Jim expressed his worry when he said "...my heart wuz mos' broke bekase you wuz los'" (157). Of course Huck should feel guilty about this, and he was. "...I wouldn't done that one if I'd a knowed it would make [Jim] feel that way" (157). To add, Huck did look out for Jim as well. While Huck was contemplating to himself whether he should give up on Jim, Huck would feel bad. So he didn't.
Huck: Chapters 1-5
It's been years since I've read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I also read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer around the same time, so I tend to mix the plots when trying to recall what each book was about. So coming into Huck with a somewhat lost memory of what I had read before, there were a few things that kind of caught me by surprise.
Firstly: the dialect. I'm currently taking a language and grammar class, so I had to put the this-is-an-incorrect-form-of-grammar thoughts while reading Huck. However, as I read on, Huck's "version of English" is what makes Huck...Huck. He is that hobo-like kid with no education who used to live in the "wild" so to speak. He is independent and care-free, able to live alone and provide for himself.
Secondly, I thought it was cute that Huck, Tom, and their fellow friends created a gang. I could just picture my younger brothers making their own little gang with their neighborhood friends, carefully planning the rules. But no! The condition of killing one's family if they revealed the secret of the gang was a little...disturbing. Innocent as it started, I cannot picture my brothers and their friends coming up with a condition like that. Of course they might not act on it, but the thought is unhealthy. Are young boys aware of the morality of their intentions?
Lastly, Huck's thought process of Biblical elements taught by Miss Watson. For example, Miss Watson told Huck that if he prayed for something every day, he would receive it. And indeed, he did as she said, but unfortunately, did not receive anything. Whether he believed it or not is not a big deal--being only a child--but the fact that he was thinking, contemplating could be uncommon for a boy like Huck. When Miss Watson talked about spiritual gifts, Huck said, "I went out in the woods and turned it over in my mind a long time, but I couldn't see no advantage about it--except for the other people--so last I reckoned I wouldn't worry about it any more, but just let it go" (112-113). His curiosity, at times, is not a bad thing because he is willing to learn and to try new things...sometimes.
Firstly: the dialect. I'm currently taking a language and grammar class, so I had to put the this-is-an-incorrect-form-of-grammar thoughts while reading Huck. However, as I read on, Huck's "version of English" is what makes Huck...Huck. He is that hobo-like kid with no education who used to live in the "wild" so to speak. He is independent and care-free, able to live alone and provide for himself.
Secondly, I thought it was cute that Huck, Tom, and their fellow friends created a gang. I could just picture my younger brothers making their own little gang with their neighborhood friends, carefully planning the rules. But no! The condition of killing one's family if they revealed the secret of the gang was a little...disturbing. Innocent as it started, I cannot picture my brothers and their friends coming up with a condition like that. Of course they might not act on it, but the thought is unhealthy. Are young boys aware of the morality of their intentions?
Lastly, Huck's thought process of Biblical elements taught by Miss Watson. For example, Miss Watson told Huck that if he prayed for something every day, he would receive it. And indeed, he did as she said, but unfortunately, did not receive anything. Whether he believed it or not is not a big deal--being only a child--but the fact that he was thinking, contemplating could be uncommon for a boy like Huck. When Miss Watson talked about spiritual gifts, Huck said, "I went out in the woods and turned it over in my mind a long time, but I couldn't see no advantage about it--except for the other people--so last I reckoned I wouldn't worry about it any more, but just let it go" (112-113). His curiosity, at times, is not a bad thing because he is willing to learn and to try new things...sometimes.
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