"Because of that stupid old thing at the end there? asked the boy. "Why does she come here at all- who wants her?" (186)
For this blog, I will be answering the sixth question on the handout about the short story "Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield. I think that the climax of the story is when the nicely dressed couple make fun of the old lady and say the above quote. This is the climax because it is really the height of the action. This is the scene that motivates Miss Brill to change things in her life. The resolution to the climax is when Miss Brill puts away the fur. The fur originally was her source of comfort, but she ends up putting it on the shelf. This also represents Miss Brill putting her old self on the shelf and moving on with the times. The putting away of the fur is resolving the point of contention between Miss Brill and the younger generation.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Short Stories: Theme: 3
"No, missy, he not dead, he just the same." (229)
For this blog I will be sharing my initial thoughts on the sixth question that follows the story, "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty. The sixth question states that when a reader asked the author if the grandson was alive, she replied, "Phoenix is alive." This made me think that Phoenix, the old lady, is mad and suffering from multiple personality disorder. I thought that the boy was really just an alter ego of the old lady. This is supported by text when Phoenix briefly forgets what she is doing. When this happens, she has become the boy and doesn't remember going on a journey. I made this connection because if they were two different people, then the author wasn't answering the question being asked. Mr. Costello told our group today that this in fact was not the case and that the grandson's presence was not relevant. The message of the story is one of great love. Whether the boy is alive or not does not affect the love that the grandma is showing for her grandson. I get where he is coming from, but our blogs are supposed to be initial reactions, so that is what I shared.
For this blog I will be sharing my initial thoughts on the sixth question that follows the story, "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty. The sixth question states that when a reader asked the author if the grandson was alive, she replied, "Phoenix is alive." This made me think that Phoenix, the old lady, is mad and suffering from multiple personality disorder. I thought that the boy was really just an alter ego of the old lady. This is supported by text when Phoenix briefly forgets what she is doing. When this happens, she has become the boy and doesn't remember going on a journey. I made this connection because if they were two different people, then the author wasn't answering the question being asked. Mr. Costello told our group today that this in fact was not the case and that the grandson's presence was not relevant. The message of the story is one of great love. Whether the boy is alive or not does not affect the love that the grandma is showing for her grandson. I get where he is coming from, but our blogs are supposed to be initial reactions, so that is what I shared.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Short Stories: Theme: 2
"No! No! No! It was impossible. Her hands clutched the iron in frenzy." (222)
For this blog, I will be answering the sixth question that follows "Eveline" by James Joyce. I think that Eveline's refusal to board the ship is only partly due to her judgement and will. I think it is more indecisiveness and uncertainty that prevents her from boarding the ship. She begins to think about everything she would be leaving behind and begins to get cold feet about the future because she has been in the same place doing the same thing for so long. I don't think she is choosing not to go, I think she is choosing to give herself more time to think about everything. She doesn't have the will power to say no to Frank, so this is her way of showing her feelings and opinions about the situation. She doesn't want to pass up this opportunity to get out, but she doesn't necessarily want Frank to be her ticket out of this life she is leaving. Eveline has not decided not to go with Frank, but she hasn't chosen to stay either.
For this blog, I will be answering the sixth question that follows "Eveline" by James Joyce. I think that Eveline's refusal to board the ship is only partly due to her judgement and will. I think it is more indecisiveness and uncertainty that prevents her from boarding the ship. She begins to think about everything she would be leaving behind and begins to get cold feet about the future because she has been in the same place doing the same thing for so long. I don't think she is choosing not to go, I think she is choosing to give herself more time to think about everything. She doesn't have the will power to say no to Frank, so this is her way of showing her feelings and opinions about the situation. She doesn't want to pass up this opportunity to get out, but she doesn't necessarily want Frank to be her ticket out of this life she is leaving. Eveline has not decided not to go with Frank, but she hasn't chosen to stay either.
Short Stories: Theme: 1
"The little boy was fascinated by the device and used it as a walkie-talkie in cops and robbers play with his small friends." (233)
The story "Once upon a Time" by Nadne Gordimer contains foreshadowing. I did not notice the foreshadowing the first time reading it, but I noticed it when I was rereading the story in class because I had already read them and could not blog from my desk. This foreshadowing of the horrific ending and fate of the little boy is foreshadowed pretty much every time the parents get a new security system. The quote above is one instance where readers are introduced to the curiousity and interest of the little boy that ultimately leads to his demise. The wise witch is the one who warned the family about the dangers of intruders, but it was her gift to the boy that caused him to pretend "to be the Prince who braves the terrible thicket of thorns." Their is also irony in the fact that the speaker is telling herself a bedtime story because she cannot sleep because an intruder-like noise woke her up. The speaker seems to be reassuring herself that even taking precautions against intruders cannot always save you. Being too paranoid and too extreme in protective measures can also be bad.
The story "Once upon a Time" by Nadne Gordimer contains foreshadowing. I did not notice the foreshadowing the first time reading it, but I noticed it when I was rereading the story in class because I had already read them and could not blog from my desk. This foreshadowing of the horrific ending and fate of the little boy is foreshadowed pretty much every time the parents get a new security system. The quote above is one instance where readers are introduced to the curiousity and interest of the little boy that ultimately leads to his demise. The wise witch is the one who warned the family about the dangers of intruders, but it was her gift to the boy that caused him to pretend "to be the Prince who braves the terrible thicket of thorns." Their is also irony in the fact that the speaker is telling herself a bedtime story because she cannot sleep because an intruder-like noise woke her up. The speaker seems to be reassuring herself that even taking precautions against intruders cannot always save you. Being too paranoid and too extreme in protective measures can also be bad.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Short Stories: Characterization: 4
"Eh!-He's asleep, ain't he?" "With kings and counselors," mumured I.
This is the fate of Bartleby in "Bartleby the Scrivener." I am answering question number three on the worksheet. I think that the physical description of Bartleby hints at this fate throughout the stoy. Bartleby is described as ghostlike, pale, passive, and poor. This description along with Bartleby's constant presence in the office gives me the impression that Bartleby is like a ghost. He is living in the background of the workers' lives. This implies his fate because the physical description also resembles a corpse. The corpselike description hints that he will die and be just as pale, cold, and poor. I think that the author hints at Bartleby's fate because he wants the readers to know what is coming to an extent and let them draw their own conclusions about how, when, where, and why.
This is the fate of Bartleby in "Bartleby the Scrivener." I am answering question number three on the worksheet. I think that the physical description of Bartleby hints at this fate throughout the stoy. Bartleby is described as ghostlike, pale, passive, and poor. This description along with Bartleby's constant presence in the office gives me the impression that Bartleby is like a ghost. He is living in the background of the workers' lives. This implies his fate because the physical description also resembles a corpse. The corpselike description hints that he will die and be just as pale, cold, and poor. I think that the author hints at Bartleby's fate because he wants the readers to know what is coming to an extent and let them draw their own conclusions about how, when, where, and why.
Short Stories: Characterization: 3
"Poor fellow! thought I, he means no mischief; it is plain he intends no insolence; his aspect sufficiently evinces that his eccentricities are involuntary." (652)
For this blog, I will formally be answering question number eleven that goes with "Bartleby the Scrivener." The lawyer's attitude toward Bartleby changes a few times during the story. At first, the lawyer sees Bartleby as a valuable asset in his business because he is a quiet copier and very good at it. He works longer than anyone else. Soon, Bartleby begins prefering not to do anything. At this point, the lawyer begins to be taken aback and annoyed at his not doing anything. This only lasts a short while until the lawyer becomes curious and intrigued. He wants to know more about Bartleby and his past. He does a little snooping and discovers some things about Bartleby. He begins to understand more about what Bartleby is doing in the office. He needs a place to stay, so he lives in the office. The lawyer still remains perturbed by Bartleby's constant presence and lack of doing anything, so he forces himself to move on. However, he becomes sympathetic toward Bartleby and offers to allow him to stay with him in his home. This shows that Bartleby is growing on him, but the lawyer can only do so much to help someone who doesn't want help.
For this blog, I will formally be answering question number eleven that goes with "Bartleby the Scrivener." The lawyer's attitude toward Bartleby changes a few times during the story. At first, the lawyer sees Bartleby as a valuable asset in his business because he is a quiet copier and very good at it. He works longer than anyone else. Soon, Bartleby begins prefering not to do anything. At this point, the lawyer begins to be taken aback and annoyed at his not doing anything. This only lasts a short while until the lawyer becomes curious and intrigued. He wants to know more about Bartleby and his past. He does a little snooping and discovers some things about Bartleby. He begins to understand more about what Bartleby is doing in the office. He needs a place to stay, so he lives in the office. The lawyer still remains perturbed by Bartleby's constant presence and lack of doing anything, so he forces himself to move on. However, he becomes sympathetic toward Bartleby and offers to allow him to stay with him in his home. This shows that Bartleby is growing on him, but the lawyer can only do so much to help someone who doesn't want help.
Short Stories: Characterization: 2
"I'm going to have to stop," Frank said. "I can't feel my fingers." Up ahead they saw some lights off the road. It was a tavern. (196)
In this blog, I will formally be answering the fourth question that follows "Hunters in the Snow." I think the purpose of Tub and Frank stopping at the tavern is to show that the men are all self-centered. They don't really think about each other. Also, there is a change in alliances. Frank leaves the trusted side of Kenny and opens up to Tub. Tub also opens up to Frank. This shows how easily they move on with their lives. They forget about Kenny and are only worried with their own problems, which right now are a little less urgent than bleeding and freezing to death in the back of a truck. Another purpose for the stop is for readers to gain insight into the characters and learn why they act the way they do when they are opening up to each other. Also at the tavern, they leave the directions behind. This shows that they were not very focused and dedicated to getting Kenny to the hospital for help. It is almost as if they thought he was asking for it and didn't care if he got better.
In this blog, I will formally be answering the fourth question that follows "Hunters in the Snow." I think the purpose of Tub and Frank stopping at the tavern is to show that the men are all self-centered. They don't really think about each other. Also, there is a change in alliances. Frank leaves the trusted side of Kenny and opens up to Tub. Tub also opens up to Frank. This shows how easily they move on with their lives. They forget about Kenny and are only worried with their own problems, which right now are a little less urgent than bleeding and freezing to death in the back of a truck. Another purpose for the stop is for readers to gain insight into the characters and learn why they act the way they do when they are opening up to each other. Also at the tavern, they leave the directions behind. This shows that they were not very focused and dedicated to getting Kenny to the hospital for help. It is almost as if they thought he was asking for it and didn't care if he got better.
Short Stories: Characterization: 1
"I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table," she said, sliding a plate over the churn, "and I'll think of something artistic to do with the dasher." (179)
This quote highlights the contrast between the characters of Dee and Mama in "Everyday Use." Dee sees things as valuable decorations and is only concerned with how things look. Mama uses things for their intended purpose and uses them for things she needs. This difference is evident when Dee is taking the butter churn. Her mother uses it to make butter for her and Maggie. Dee wants to use it merely as a decoration. A similar situation occurs when Dee tries to take the quilts because she wants to hang them. She sees this as the only logical thing to do with them. However, Mama and Maggie intended to use them for warmth. In this way, Maggie and Mama can be seen as practical, while Dee is a spoiled brat who is merely concerned with herself. She is more concerned with how things look than the uses of things. Mama and Maggie need those things because they will actually use them. Dee is merely wasting the things and beeing way too greedy.
This quote highlights the contrast between the characters of Dee and Mama in "Everyday Use." Dee sees things as valuable decorations and is only concerned with how things look. Mama uses things for their intended purpose and uses them for things she needs. This difference is evident when Dee is taking the butter churn. Her mother uses it to make butter for her and Maggie. Dee wants to use it merely as a decoration. A similar situation occurs when Dee tries to take the quilts because she wants to hang them. She sees this as the only logical thing to do with them. However, Mama and Maggie intended to use them for warmth. In this way, Maggie and Mama can be seen as practical, while Dee is a spoiled brat who is merely concerned with herself. She is more concerned with how things look than the uses of things. Mama and Maggie need those things because they will actually use them. Dee is merely wasting the things and beeing way too greedy.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Short Stories: Plot and Structure: 4
"Then we noticed that in the second pillow was the indentation of a head. One of us lifted somehting from it, and leaning forward, that faint and invisible dust dry and acrid in the nostrils, we saw a long strand of iron-gray hair."
This is the last poem in "A Rose for Emily." The effect is to give us a sense of what has been going on in the house for the past many years. It also verifies the actions many accused Miss Emily of while she was still living and locked in the house. The paragraph leads readers to change their view of Miss Emily from a scrooge type figure into one of a mourning daughter. The paragraph insinuates that Miss Emily poisoned her husband, Homer Barron, because she loved him so much that she wanted to be with him forever. I also got the feeling that she wanted to be in control, unlike when her father was taken from her. She wanted to make sure she could be with Homer forever, even if that meant killing him so he would never leave or die when she wasn't ready. I am sympathetic to Emily because she is just a mourning daughter, not ready to lose another significant man from her life, especially one that reminds her so much of her father. Miss Emily's fate was death, which is inevitably the fate for all of us. It makes it better that she was able to die after having spent a great deal of time with the one she loved. It also makes readers sad because she did not die next to her husband which is probably how she envisioned things going.
This is the last poem in "A Rose for Emily." The effect is to give us a sense of what has been going on in the house for the past many years. It also verifies the actions many accused Miss Emily of while she was still living and locked in the house. The paragraph leads readers to change their view of Miss Emily from a scrooge type figure into one of a mourning daughter. The paragraph insinuates that Miss Emily poisoned her husband, Homer Barron, because she loved him so much that she wanted to be with him forever. I also got the feeling that she wanted to be in control, unlike when her father was taken from her. She wanted to make sure she could be with Homer forever, even if that meant killing him so he would never leave or die when she wasn't ready. I am sympathetic to Emily because she is just a mourning daughter, not ready to lose another significant man from her life, especially one that reminds her so much of her father. Miss Emily's fate was death, which is inevitably the fate for all of us. It makes it better that she was able to die after having spent a great deal of time with the one she loved. It also makes readers sad because she did not die next to her husband which is probably how she envisioned things going.
Short Stories: Plot and Structure: 3
"While Mr. Das adjusted his telephoto lens, Mrs. Das reached into her straw bag and pulled out a bottle of colorless nail polish, which she proceeded to stroke on the tip of her index finger."
For this blog entry, I will be addressing question five from the book on the "Interpreter of Maladies." The reader is encouraged to view the characters as indifferent to each other. The author begins to cast the parents as especially individualistic and preoccupied. This gives the reader the idea that the family is bored of each other and doesn't really care about the others. However, it becomes apparent that they do really care for each other when the join together to fend off the monkeys from Bobby. This is especially significant because Bobby is not even Mrs. Das's son. She protects him and cares as him all the same. This technique generates suspense because it makes readers believe that Mrs. Das is bored with her marriage and looking for an out. This leads readers to believe that Mrs. Das and Mr. Kapasi will get together. The thought is amplified by Mrs. Das asking for Mr. Kapasi's address. This encourages readers to believe that they will have a secret long distance relationship. In reality, it is only because she wants him to interpret her problems, so she can be happy with her life and family.
For this blog entry, I will be addressing question five from the book on the "Interpreter of Maladies." The reader is encouraged to view the characters as indifferent to each other. The author begins to cast the parents as especially individualistic and preoccupied. This gives the reader the idea that the family is bored of each other and doesn't really care about the others. However, it becomes apparent that they do really care for each other when the join together to fend off the monkeys from Bobby. This is especially significant because Bobby is not even Mrs. Das's son. She protects him and cares as him all the same. This technique generates suspense because it makes readers believe that Mrs. Das is bored with her marriage and looking for an out. This leads readers to believe that Mrs. Das and Mr. Kapasi will get together. The thought is amplified by Mrs. Das asking for Mr. Kapasi's address. This encourages readers to believe that they will have a secret long distance relationship. In reality, it is only because she wants him to interpret her problems, so she can be happy with her life and family.
Short Stories: Plot and Structure: 2
"He always tells the children the story of how I went after him by sitting by the mailbox every day, and naturally I laugh and let him, because I like for people to think what pleases them and makes them happy."
This blog is more of a reaction/literary term blog. It again focuses on the short story, "How I Met My Husband." I find it ironic that Edie met her husband while waiting on a letter from another man whom she thought she loved. I think this is ironic because if she had not been heartbroken from not receiving a letter from Chris, she would have never met the man she is now married too. I also find the last line (typed above) particularly ironic because Carmichael thinks that she was waiting at the mailbox everyday to see him and smile at him, when, in reality, she was waiting to hear from another man. The last part about pleasing people is especially ironic because that is potentially the same thing Chris was thinking when he told her that he would write to her. He knew he wasn't going to write, but he wanted to make her happy. I also find it entertaining that Carmichael asked Edie out so quickly when she had been waiting for Chris for so long. There are definately clear differences between Edie's relationship with Chris and her relationship with Carmichael. I think that Edie fits better with Carmichael even though even meeting him was only an accident.
This blog is more of a reaction/literary term blog. It again focuses on the short story, "How I Met My Husband." I find it ironic that Edie met her husband while waiting on a letter from another man whom she thought she loved. I think this is ironic because if she had not been heartbroken from not receiving a letter from Chris, she would have never met the man she is now married too. I also find the last line (typed above) particularly ironic because Carmichael thinks that she was waiting at the mailbox everyday to see him and smile at him, when, in reality, she was waiting to hear from another man. The last part about pleasing people is especially ironic because that is potentially the same thing Chris was thinking when he told her that he would write to her. He knew he wasn't going to write, but he wanted to make her happy. I also find it entertaining that Carmichael asked Edie out so quickly when she had been waiting for Chris for so long. There are definately clear differences between Edie's relationship with Chris and her relationship with Carmichael. I think that Edie fits better with Carmichael even though even meeting him was only an accident.
Short Stories: Plot and Structure: 1
"I was always smiling when the mailman got there, and continued smiling even after he gave me the mail and I saw today wasn't the day."
For this blog I will be addressing the eighth question that follows "How I Met My Husband." The question has multiple parts and I have another relevant thought to add, so bear with me. The effectiveness of the surprise ending is that it is not expected at all and it forces readers to reevaluate previous happenings. To me, I expected it to end with either Edie getting a letter or her waiting there until she was forced to relocate or until she grew old. I never thought much of Carmichael's courtesies until the end when they got together. Carmichael is different than Chris Watters because he likes Edie even though she doesn't notice him at first. To Chris, Edie was more of a convenient love and secret pleasure. Carmichael loves Edie in plain sight. Chris was afraid of commitment. Carmichael is commited to Edie before she even notices him. The surprise ending is appropriate because Chris obviously wasn't writing to her, and she deserves a reward for her time. Also, she is a nice girl who deserves someone who will appreciate her and treat her right. It is inevitable because if you wait long enough, something good will come, even if it is not the good you were hoping for.
For this blog I will be addressing the eighth question that follows "How I Met My Husband." The question has multiple parts and I have another relevant thought to add, so bear with me. The effectiveness of the surprise ending is that it is not expected at all and it forces readers to reevaluate previous happenings. To me, I expected it to end with either Edie getting a letter or her waiting there until she was forced to relocate or until she grew old. I never thought much of Carmichael's courtesies until the end when they got together. Carmichael is different than Chris Watters because he likes Edie even though she doesn't notice him at first. To Chris, Edie was more of a convenient love and secret pleasure. Carmichael loves Edie in plain sight. Chris was afraid of commitment. Carmichael is commited to Edie before she even notices him. The surprise ending is appropriate because Chris obviously wasn't writing to her, and she deserves a reward for her time. Also, she is a nice girl who deserves someone who will appreciate her and treat her right. It is inevitable because if you wait long enough, something good will come, even if it is not the good you were hoping for.
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