Grendel blog (Day later due to computer problems)

Grendel by John Gardner never ceases to amaze me. Chapters 6-7 really highlight the influence of people around you on how you act day to day. First the dragon changes his thought processes. In Chapter 6 we see the quote, "I felt a strange, unearthly joy. It was as if I'd made some incredible discovery...Wrecker of kings."(79-80). After his conversation with the dragon it is as if he is tranformed. Due to the fact that when he emerges from his mom he is looking for guidance and gains it in this serpentile creature he is almost cursed from the beginning. By gaining cynical knowledge of the world around him Grendel can now go forth believeing that he knows himself. A charm is placed on him which acts as a trance forever putting him at the will of this evil being; therefore turning his nature from good to bad. In the beginning we see him as only killing for food and eatin a few man to mock their community, but after consulting the Dragon he believes his actions are what stirs up the community and ultimatly bring them together. Having this type of hubris foreshadows his enevitable downfall. In chapter 6 unferth preaches about the overall ideals of a true hero. The fact that Grendel destroys him is a direct result of the dragons power over him. Unferth is a brave, daring, loyal, person who's ultimatly willing to die for a cause greater than himself, which in this case is his community. With the slaughter of Unferth Grendel is enacting a self- fulfilling prophecy. Born from cain he actually is killing his own blood. He lives among these people technicall he is their brother , but he has now become the "wrecker of kings" becoming what the world wants him to be. Even when Unferth says, "I'll kill myself"....grendel responds with "up to you". Now he becomes just as conniving as the dragon. He lives by the principle that nothing really matters and everything dies at some point in time. Chapter 7 Grendel has enough strength to enact his own laws. He says, "There is no limit to desire but desires needs". Even though he gains confidence through the dragons guidance, he still falls victim to the captivation of the queen. She is able to move him as much as the shaper did, if not more. The queen acts as a christ-like character displaying the qualities of true innner heroism. She gives herself over to the enemy in order to save her community, this is the ultimate sacrifice. Also, she tells a depressed Unferth that the sins he committed against his brother are in the past which shows forgiveness. When she enters a room all the glory is placed on her and not simply because she is beautiful. She even brings the two warring states together as they eat. At first it was an awkward dinner because they were calling on Beowolf to rescue them from Grendel. The queen highlights how they must work together to defend their lives and forms a communion among the men. Looking at balance in this chapter she also acts as the leveling aspect to their world. Grendel defiles her to show that even she is not purre. This contradiction helps keep both societies at ease, because in the underworld Grendel knows that has power over the people just as they do over him. This novel helped show the other side of the great story of Beowolf. It makes the reader evaluate their concept of good and evil. Grendel can not be considered purely evil because he is only acting from the guidance he is given and his natural instinct.

Grendel analysis for chpt. 1

My class and I have begun reading "Grendel" by John Gardner. I really enjoy it better then "Beowulf", I feel as though it is more passionate rather than historical. Grendel’s character is portrayed as the outcast even in his own environment. It struck me as odd that even his mother looks at him with puzzlement and even fear most times. She is the most animalistic part of his life; moreover as he tries to develop as a person and discover who he is, I believe his mother and society keep dragging him back into reality. He describes his mom as being fat, old, sick at heart and a long suffering style when usually you love your mom for simply bring you into the world. Grendel resents his mom for acting out the animal instincts in him that he’s trying to repress. I believe these trials and inner turmoil leads to his frustrations with man and the world as a whole. He sees his environment constantly changing due to man and their constant fighting over seemingly pointless ideas. The true struggle is with himself and God for creating him this is seen in, “Him to I hate (6)”. Also, he is constantly yelling to himself at the sky and the shrubbery presented to him in his surroundings. It is reasonable to acknowledge his screams as from genuine contempt, but on the other hand he does appear to be yelling pointlessly to hear himself. John Gardner presents these conflicting personalities to highlight the struggle between following what society presents as your path or following your dreams. Although Grendel is seen as a ruthless monster killing needlessly he is simply following his destiny. The lack of guidance from his mom leads to his search of self-worth, “Why are we here…Don’t ask (11)”. I believe that if his mom explained his creation instead of allowing men to sing about how evil he is, he would not harbor this great hostility towards them. The fact that he belittles himself shows how he despises his childhood because he was so naïve. Chapter 2 explains that in his childhood he would explore, but what he saw was not pleasant. I saw the allusion of Adam and eve as he delved deep into the world he gained knowledge of their hatred towards him and that triggered the anger. The fact that he gets trapped in the tree shows that the knowledge he gained on this day was forever trapped in him and he was never truly able to remember. He is surrounded by men who act as the true animals killing themselves over “justice and honor”. These ideas flooding his mind lead to chaos and he acts out, this cycle is what makes him stand out as a person. I actually respect Grendel because he is simply acting as himself while struggling to find himself at the same time. 

DH timed writing blog

I would like to blog about the last timed writing I did on the play Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen. It was successfully written and surprisingly earned a high grade. I found the grade deserving and learned a lot from my teachers’ comments. She stated concerns about my connections, transitions, tense of verbs, and support.

First, I need to work on connections because I would draw in characters relevant to my quote, but I realize now that I got off topic several times. Having read the play thoroughly it was hard not to draw in facts from other areas of the play, but I need to work on my focus. Due to the fact that this time I had a strong thesis I was able to control my argument and lead it to the quotes that expressed my interpretation of Ibsen’s theme “the entrapment of woman and the need for individual freedom is exemplified through the symbolism of doors”.

Next, this also shows my trouble with support for my claim. In a few areas she noted where I had the quote, but needed more support. The main contributor to the absence of a conclusion and the lack of support is time. Focusing on the essay I would lose track of time and have to make up for it by leaving support out. I think this is a simple mistake that overtime will get more natural because I would have done over six timed writings by the end of the year. I truly believe you get with a lot of practice.

Then, my teacher circled my errors in the verb tense criteria. I tend to write in present tense because I am currently doing the writing rather than past tense forgetting that I have read the book already and need to reflect on it. It is hard to relate the time relationships among my ideas. Also the passive tense is very common and I tend to move from tense to tense when writing during this rush. I have to work on the style of my writing just as Ibsen did. By shaping it up my teacher will be able to understand my personality and voice; it also shows how I view my audience. My writing shows my goal whether it is to entertain, impress, or persuade, so it is vital that I enhance me style.

Lastly, I falter in transitions. This time not all my transitions lacked originality and didn't blend, but I still struggle on how to make it more engrossing for the reader. I didn't use the standard first, second, third way, but tried to direct it back to the play; however, it often sounded too broad and redundant. I need to focus on the texts and not say what should have happened, but only what did happen.

In conclusion, I can only get better at writing and I appreciate the instructions and support of my teacher as I strive to do so. The time frame is the only hindrance to my full potential, but with her guidance I believe I will be better prepared for the AP Exam and further classes in life.

Ch 8 analysis blog

All The Kings Men Ch. 8 Blog

As I was finishing up the novel “All the Kings Men”, I saw several important quotes that helped tie the novel up as a whole.  The first quote I would like to discuss is, “I had often envied people. People I had seen driving along straight furrow across a black field in April, or Adam Stanton. I had, at moments, envied the people who seemed to have knowledge” is found on 471. This quote is used to show how Jack thinks. As a reader we see that Jack is not simply a lazy man, but instead he is a jealous man. It is not the tangible things he envies, but the facts that others close to him or that he works for actually have goals they wish to attain. Even Anne his life-long love sees his lack of true pure ambition. Though the Work of Willie has been to win over the ignorant country people at least he had determination and built one good thing, the Willie Stark Hospital. The fact that he envies people who know their purpose in life shows that he truly wishes he had one as so this explains his need for a Great Sleep. Knowledge is power is repeated as well that explains the desperation that we as a people feel towards needing to be all knowing. The world is seen as a place where man cannot truly be blamed for their wrong doings because they make it up as they go along; therefore, “If there was a debt, it was, perhaps due to me, from me…My only crime was being a man and living in the world of men, and you don’t have to do special penance for that. That crime and the penance, in that case, coincide perfectly. They are identical.” (500). This shows that Jack’s character, like so many people in today’s society, will not acknowledge the fact that they are wrong in committing any crime; moreover, believing the world has done crimes against them in how it functions day to day that it is inevitable that man become corrupt. We as a people owe ourselves a lot because we allow society to dictate how we operate and have turned us against one another. That is the true crime. This novel warns against the ideals of collectivism and how easily even the purest of characters such as Adam can turn into something evil. When we establish these two ideas of good and bad this novel forces us to then readjust the definitions we may have gathered in the past. Due to the fact that everyone in the novel is connected somehow the evil that one man does affects al the other characters. By the ignorant townspeople praising Willie as a god he becomes conceited and evil, he poisoned his colleagues and Jack, Jacks change from innocence to corrupt repels Anne. Anne falls for Willie he seems to be everything Jack isn’t and this affair is what angers Adam to kill him. All are affected by politics consciously and unconsciously and that is the downfall of this town. 

Significant Quotes in ATKM

Significant Quotes In ATKM

The chapter I would love to discuss is chapter 7. The topic knowledge vs. ignorance is demonstrated in several quotes throughout this novel. It is apparent that Jack is knowledgeable, but wants to be in this sea of ignorance, “They say the drowning man relives his life as he drowns. Well, I was not drowning in water, but brass days and black velvet nights. It took me seventy-eight hours to drown. For my body to sink down to the very bottom of West and lie in the motionless ooze of History, naked on a hotel bed in Long Beach, California (Warren 408).” This is significant because it shows that not only does he escape from reality to through sleep, but also wants to go through water. The drowning and arises acts as a rebirth of a new person. He goes west after becoming knowledgeable of Anne’s’ discretions and is reared “motionless”. It is a state of lifelessness and this connects to 226 where life is described as motion toward knowledge. The fact that Jack only wakes up in order to have the chance to go asleep shows, the non-motion or ignorance he wishes to live his life through. I do  not  understand  why he does not stop living in this lie. He in fact is very knowing of the evil and wrong doings that his boss commits. This could be what is leading to his “black velvet nights”. I believe he knows it’s his fault why Anne was driven to Willie and wants to drown away in regret. This novel constantly makes you fight with if the characters innate characteristics are what is leading to their downfall or if the relationships they maintain are the reasons they fail in attempts to have secure relations.

 The theme that humans are made to be a part of collectivism in order to succeed is presented. Jacks satirical character is a good example, “So maybe she was up in the room trying to discover what her new self was, for when you get in love you are made all over again. The person who loves you has picked you out of a great mass of uncreated clay…and the poor lumpish clay which is you wants to find out what it has been made into…” (423-24).This is significant because it shows how everyone as a whole has to be created by someone else. When you are apart the world grinds, which shows that it does not even make sense to you when you are alone. This can be seen as dependencies not even truly love. I believe that is why Anne attaches herself to the boss. She desperately wants to be attached to a man that does good for the sick not Jack a man with no aspirations. It is almost more of a fantasy and ignorant statement that Jack uses here. This chapter explained that Jack wants to be loved, but his innate ways repulse even Anne. I now can understand Jacks character and can pity him. Similar to Willie I believe he wants to do good, but something is in him prevents this.

ap lit hairball rough draft blog

A.P. Lit Rough Draft Blog

For my rough draft I wrote about the short story “Hairball”. I was instantly attracted to this one in particular because it was written by a strong feminist. Honestly I was confident in which quotes to use because they were the strongest in capturing the essence of “Hairball”. To me it was used to show how symbolism portrays warnings to individuals. I thought my thesis was strong enough, but after reading the comments I can see where I got off topic due to the vagueness of it. Having a stronger thesis would have made it easier to form more logical topic sentences and form connections back to the bigger picture, the “so-what.” It’s hard to make transitions between the paragraphs because I do not want to be repetitive, but simply achieve clarity. The transitions taught to me in my past were the basic ones “first, second, third, in conclusion..”. In order to change my outlook on this I need to research better ways of blending and unifying my ideas. If I had a strong grasp of the basic grammatical structures then that would to a more thorough development of my writing. I do have a lot of corrections to make, so I can’t wait to sit down with you and discuss some concerns.

As I read the comments on my rough draft I simply nodded my head. I feel as though I am constantly in the 5- range because I lack a stronger thesis. I agree that I have insightful observations, but I cannot seem to be consistent in evaluating them. The fact that I start off with a vague thesis throws me off for the direction of my essay. To make it strong it needs to be an effective one that answers the “so what”, evokes argument, and leads to the organization of my paper. I do not understand how to make this thesis more specific, that it what I need help on the most. The next aspect that I learned I could get help in is the unification of my paper. I find it difficult to blend the quotes properly. When I attempted this it was seen as awkward, so I realize that it is a weak area for me. In order for it to blend properly the quote has to fit “naturally” into the paragraph. Lastly, I struggled with rudimentary spelling errors and grammatical infractions. It did not seem to be slowing me down as I sat down to prepare this essay, but I would have thought some of these errors would have been caught by a peer-facilitator. For this very reason I do not particularly like them. I need to focus on the paper itself through striving to avoid passive voice, the use of slang, and watch for the use of “I”. Overall my writing is somewhat of a skeleton, but I understand and will strive to achieve a more clear and in depth analytically developed essay for the final draft.

knowledge vs ignorance blog

In the novel “All The Kings Men” by Robert Penn Warren, he uses the contrast between knowledge and ignorance to highlight the inner turmoil of the main characters Jack and Willie.

Ironically knowledge is seen as a bad thing to have. Jack is often in the shadows not wanting to be a part of politics like Dumonde says he is. He even advises Willie on how to win over the ignorant townspeople, “they don’t believe in God, so it’s up to you to give ‘em something to stir ‘em up and make ‘em feel alive again. Just for half and hour. That’s what they come for. Tell ‘em anything. But for sweet Jesus sake don’t try to improve their minds” (108). It is ironic that in order to run smoothly over the country townspeople the leader must withhold knowledge from them. Looking at why they don’t respond to the facts, shows that they need a sense of connection to the leader rather than simply spewing facts. It should be of interest that Willie takes the initiative to find out how to correctly help people of all classes, but Jacks wisdom allows him to see through to the core of the individuals. Having everyone generalized as needing to feel alive through the lies told to them presents this contrast of whether knowledge is then good or evil. The fact that Willie becomes reminiscent shows that though seen as ignorant, by being used by Saddie and others, he is truly intellectual and knows how to win an election. Politicians should be informing the public through taking the knowledge of the the government and simplifying it for everyone, but instead he has to focus on simply winning an election. Also, with the knowledge that he has been used he then uses everyone in his sight, even black mailing a judge. Knowledge in this novel leads to hurt therefore making it a bad thing.

With knowledge of life comes a greater understanding of the world around you. The fact that life is seen as a symbol of death is alarming. Jack’s character having his life constantly interrupted by men coming and leaving has molded him into the sarcastic character that he is. Earlier he says the townspeople don’t believe in God but here he is almost preaching, “For life is motion toward knowledge. If god is complete knowledge then he is complete Non-Motion, which is Non-Life, which is Death. Therefore, if there is such as God of Fullness of Being, we would worship Death, the Father” (226). Knowledge is supposed to give life purpose and even bring excitement to the dullest of matters. Having death worshipped is unusual because people strive to thank God for life and fear death. It’s a paradox of faith based religion as it incorporates the amalgamation of knowledge. Faith is the opposite of knowledge because one doesn’t need hard paper evidence; they simply need a supreme ignoramus lord over all. This is the character of Willie. Ignorance is needed to thrive in this community in order to function which is the reason for both Jack and Willies downfall.

Archetypal Theory

The Archetypal Theory was grounded in Carl Jung it uses symbols, images, characters, themes, and motifs of a part of an archetype reflecting the collective unconscious story.  This was seen in the original story of Cinderella. The overall goal was depict a damsel in distress. Symbols of marriage were used frequently. Cinderella is presented as a lesser than woman living in the attic and working by the ashes. The fact that the prince is arriving to find a wife that he does not even know ; moreover, the only criteria needing to be met is beauty and social class, shows the desperation being exhibited to find any semblance of love. Having Cinderella act as a certified maid and searching for her way out in a man shows how domestic women were. Before going out and attempted to pursue her dreams like a modernistic women she obeys the heinous wishes of her mean-spirited step mother. Marriage is seen as the most important thing in this time; it showed wealth and meant your name would be carried on for generations to come. Without a name you were not allowed into the finest parties and around the social prosperity of the area. With marriage everything is fixed she no longer is in this bum-like state and treated as an outcast by her family. A false sense of “happiness” can be permeated through this union and it is reflected through the whole upper class, but the sad part is that a damsel will be content as long as she has the tactile means.

The grandmother was also an archetypal symbol of knowledge. She came instantly when Cinderella was in trouble transforming her everyday items such as rats, pumpkins and clothing, into the materials needed for success. The fact that the grandmother is used to physically present a sign that she knows more simply through life experience. Cinderella is alerted to the fact that her material disguise will wear off at twelve. A time is used to show how looks are not permanent and that reality sits in as time goes on. Only the grandmother could provide her appearance and provide the sense of comfort and motherly figure that this young woman needed at this time. It also shows that though her clothes are uglier than her sisters she still offers assistance as they get ready and easily forgive them because her insides are prettier. In conclusion the archetypal theory can be found dating all the way back to the Greeks. It helps the reader connect to their lives and other stories they have heard in the past. It is an archetype because it is timeless knowledge. They come about through the readers as we interact with the world and they will continue to develop as humans do.

Expressionism Blog

Expressionism Blog:

Expressionism is a literary movement that acts as a revolutionary writing method. It goes against the views of typical realist writing and idealistic styles. The purpose is to unconventional, highly subjective writing. I chose this topic because this is what the author Sherwood Anderson used for the driving force in Winesburg, Ohio. The main characters have a distortion of reality because they believe that the serious issues shouldn't be thought of, “he did not think of anything very big or dramatic, the serious and larger aspects of his life did not come into his mind (247).” The fact that George is still in this dream like state shows he is still a child. The whole novel he is trying to get out of the young adult stage and into adulthood, but the outside influences are corrupting his mind. It is not strange that he wants to depart from home and find himself, but to me it feels as if he’s running. George won’t allow himself to think of his mom in her sickly state or the love of his life Helen because it is too real. Dr. Reefy said, “I want to fill you with hatred and contempt so that you will be a superior being” his teachings are molding Georges mind contorting his thoughts into something grotesque.

Another factor of expressionism in writing is a lack of sequence. This story has been debated as being either a novel or a short story cycle. Due to the continuity of characters repeated in each chapter I believe it is a novel. To be a short story cycle each part can stand alone, but in Winesburg, Ohio each chapter gives further analysis of George or is connected to the meaning of the story as a whole. The first book shines a line of the theme of preserving youth. The old man is a symbol of dreams passing by and the sickness/grotesqueness that becomes of your life, “The windows if the house in which he lived was high and he wanted to look at the trees when he awoke in the morning. The ideas had got into his mind that he would some time die unexpectedly and always when he got into bed he thought of that (21-22). Having the windows just out of his reach is a representation of the sort of high expectations he holds for himself. The writer simply desperately wants to be able to look at trees because they are a symbol of life, growth, and development. This reveals how his “heart condition” is more emotional than physical. Irony is displayed through Andersons’ diction, because usually a bed is a comforting place to rest your head; however, here it is used to depict a burial or coffin like state. The theme to preserve your youth is seen in many other chapters in the novel. Elizabeth resents not being able to fulfill her dreams and lives through George.

In conclusion, expressionism is changing the way I look at certain novels. Now I know that there are characters that are striving for individuality, self-reliability, and straying away from communication with others. I believe this is a very important way to write because it is more realistic.

My Short Story Essay Blog

My Short Story Essay Blog

The most interesting short story to me, which you can probably tell from the last blog, is “Hairball” by Margaret Atwood. I chose to write my essay on this one because I felt a strong connection to the main character Kat. I noticed that Margaret Atwood uses a series of symbols to foreshadow the loss of one’s identity. As we read in detail Kat's influence on other characters we learn more about her as a person.  I believe her hubris leads to her own downfall. To me although this character is supposed to appear as a strong Feminist, she does not actually have that strong of a character, “she isn’t in good shape. She can hardly stand…Pompous asshole. She looks at his neck. She longs for him, hates herself for it, and is powerless” (Atwood 116). To me this is a slap in the face. The fact that the first thing she feels after being fired is anger and she suppresses her true emotions just puts Kat in a submissive state. I believe Atwood uses unique diction of two contradictory elements such as him being a pompous asshole and her being attracted to it to shed a light on how emotionally and physically sick Kat is. I think she wants to express emotions, but feels as though society would not accept her if she did. She lacks the fundamentals that she sees in modern day life as tries to emulate them. Most feminists are married with children while she lacks a husband and/ or children, “Hairball, she says, I wish you could talk. I could have a more intelligent conversation with you than most losers in this turkey farm Hairballs baby teeth glint in the light; it looks as if it’s about to speak” (Atwood 115). This shows that in Hairball symbolizes the physical manifestation of the child she always wanted. Kat says that she’d have more intelligent conversations this means that she’d have someone to open up to and finally be herself. The story never says she’s unfertilized  so it is simply her inner ideals keeping her from tapping into to other avenues besides her career. As soon as she loses her job she loses her identity. The one aspiration of being on top is usurped from the monster that she created. When Kat changes Gerald’s name to Ger he becomes a selfish, ambitious, and overall conniving man. His name change similar to her symbolizes a loss of identity, “the stable, unfashionable, previous, tight-assed Gerald. Not Ger, not the one she’s made in her own image. The other one before he got ruined” (Atwood 116). Becoming hip and “knowledgeable” along with this new nick name gave him the courage to want to make something of his life. Selfishly he weasels Kat out of the picture. The fact that’s he’s now “ruined” is a warning to the reader. It’s similar to the poem “A Dream Deferred” by Langston Hughes. If you allow the world to deter you dreams then you become dried up and useless like a raisin in the sun. In other words their ideas will overpower you and your true emotions and character traits will succumb to the will of society. Preserve your identity like a treasure and always strive to be who you are is what I took from the short story Hairball. My essay of course will go deeper in depth, but I hope this blog helps you understand why I chose the story I did.

Lit. Circles Role Blog

Lit. Circles Role Blog

This week I would like to reflect on the role I play as the connector. Our group picks the section called The Philosopher to dissect and find the significance of. I find several connections throughout this section between Dr. Parcival’s message throughout this story and the novel as a whole. The first thing I would note as a reader is the fact that Dr. Parcival, similar to the characters Alice and George, also experiences an adventure. His adventure was to write a book. This is not like any other book. The idea, “everyone in the world is Christ and they are all crucified (pg. 56)”, reflects the desperation in his voice. This desperation is also seen in the character Alice as she experiences her adventure. She is scared and confused, “Felt the cold rain on her body a mad desire to run naked through the streets took possession of her. She thought the rain would have some creative and wonderful effect on her body (pg. 119)”.  I believe these adventures symbolize the characters last chance to experience youth. Dr. Parcival feels a connection to George because he sees the significant crossroad in his life; here he isn’t a man or a little boy. His character is used as a warning to follow his dreams. He is trying to live through George. This goes with the theme that you should preserve youth, because there is something grotesque that comes out of aging.

            Dr. Parcival is also connected to the story as a whole through his need to impart wisdom onto George just like Tom Willard. His advice similar to his fathers is more of a warning to wake up.  His message, “I want to fill you with hatred and contempt so that you will be a superior being (pg. 55)” is said ironically. The hatred is against the world it is not to be produced on individuals. Dr. Parcival wants George to understand the trials of the world, not live in a boyish land. His dad also believes he’s helping George. His teachings, “You’re not a fool. Your Tom Willard’s son and you’ll wake up. If being a newspaper man had put the notion of becoming a writer into your mind that’s all right. Only I guess you’ll have to wake up to do that too, eh? (pg. 44)”, this shows how he also lives through George. George is a representation of himself in the next generation. Yes, he does not want to be embarrassed, but I believe another factor is he doesn’t want to be disappointed. By telling him that that when he became a newspaper man he has to be awake means that there will be serious, real life, dirty things to report on. He needs to experience these things in order to reflect a true man. This is a representation of the theme as a whole through its description of Dr. Parcival as an ironic figure guiding George through his life. The theme of knowledge being used for evil is seen here, but I believe it is seen as a good thing.

            In conclusion, Dr. Parcival acts as a philosopher by being a rational investigator of truths and principles of beings. Though he acts very sarcastic his character does prove the themes of preserving youth in order to prevent becoming grotesque and refutes the theme of knowledge being used for evil. He is critical in dissecting this novel as w hole, because without him we wouldn’t see the underlying current of seeing the world for what it is and growing up.

Fiesta short story blog

Fiesta Short Story

A lot of people focused on the symbolism that Diaz uses, such as the VW van, as the main reason Junior vomits; however, I want to look at his use of characterization. Junior’s character is one that is really passive, but underneath his shyness is a cry for help. The theme is see is that silence seems to be the loudest cry of inward pain.

Junior cannot stomach being quiet and remaining in the company of his dads, but his culture demands a sense of respect from a young man. This is seen though, “How’s it going in the equipment?  Are you ok?... I didn’t say anything…Maybe it was family loyalty, maybe I just wanted to protect Mami or I was afraid that Papi would find out.” Throughout the story we see Diaz use of his of his Spanish vocabulary. This promotes the effect of his rich culture on his life. This quote coupled with the part that shows another child being abused and ignored by the guests to reflect how abuse may be common place in this neighborhood. The fact that Junior cannot verbalize the abuse to his loved aunt shows that private life is thought to be always be kept confidential even when it comes to abuse.

I also look at the significance within the family dynamic. Fear drives everyone who comes into contact with Papi into a state of submission. This is seen through,” If you throw up- I won’t, I cried, tears in my eyes, more out of reflex than pain.” At this point in the story Mama is very inactive in efforts to defend her son. The fact that Rafa is acting out of reflex, shows that all his life he has been beaten and now he is simply conditioned to cry. If you do not obey the law you are punished this family dynamic is dysfunctional due to the lack of communication. Mama must see the pain in her sons eyes and the aggressive nature of her husband; moreover, her silence I believe is the reason this abuse is allowed to progress.

Diaz uses more than symbolism to reflect his warning of silent but deadly abuse. He shows through his diction, “Succia” meaning dirty female which reflects the dads dirty actions, and “Yunior” showing how he still holds his Spanish heritage close, that it is important to him. He shows how he puts himself into this story to pull out key elements of life. He also uses each character to play a role in society. With each passive act of his mom she allows her sons to reap the abuse that she protects herself from. I believe Diaz even foreshadows the womanizing acts of Papi rubbing off on Rafa. This is seen when he goes off with both girls and does god knows what. He instinctively has a way with both girls and is attracted to them. His father did not have the characteristics or portrayal that a dad should; therefore, his son follows in the same footsteps, I believe Diaz uses Fiesta as a warning that abuse can come in many forms, so sometimes silent actions can speak the loudest.

short story: Teenage wasteland

Short Story : Teenage Wasteland

The second story that caught my attention was Teenage Wasteland by Anne Tyler. I noticed that the tone throughout the story was very cautious and cynical in a way.

One theme that I saw was for parents to be active in their child’s life or it could turn into a wasteland. This means they lose themselves, give up their potential, and/ or harm themselves. I use the example of, “Daisy thought, how they must look to Mr. Lanham: an over-weight housewife in a cotton dress and a to-tall, too thin insurance agent in a baggy, frayed suit. Failures both of them…”. At this point of the story the father is seen, so far, as being somewhat absent. The fact that he isn’t mentioned a lot during the story shows that this figure is missing for Donny, I believe that is why he tries to fill it with Cal’s presence. Another theme is for you to be careful who you let guide you and who you allow to be your friend because they could have ulterior motives which could lead to your downfall. You tell everyone your life story they can find a weakness in you and deplete you of your joys in life. It’s seen through, “Cal’s first bill sent a flutter of panic through Daisy’s chest, but it was worth it, of course. Just look at Donny’s face when they picked him up: alright and full of interest…At home Donny didn’t act much different”. This shows that Cal’s motives were not to help Donny, but more as a means to support him. As Donny expresses no significant increase in spunk or higher grades Cal still expects the highest payment.

 Tyler uses characterization and symbols to foreshadow the downfall of Donny’s character. For example Cal’s home symbolizes how empty the teen’s life is becoming. They find a party place instead of a quiet place to learn or study. It states, “What a neat guy and what a house! All those kids hanging out like a club.” This is significant because it shows how Cal acts as a friend to the children in order to corrupt them. Creates the image of a lounge and a place for them to open up to him, but if Donny still behaves the same nothing expressed in this “home” is a good thing. Daisy’s character unfortunately allows him to do it because she is unsure of her role as a mother. It states, “That night, Daisy lay awake pondering the term self-worth. She had always been free with her promise. She had always told Donny he had talent, was smart, was good with his hands was that his trouble”. This indicates that her self-condemnation leaves her unable to stand up and guide her son through life properly. These things coupled with an overall disconnected home unit forms Donny as an unstable person. He is easily persuaded by what Cal says and how Cal acts that he loses himself. Even from early on in his childhood he would lie about simple things even with the evidence in plain sight. This proves that he is truly a flawed individual. Every child lies but he hasn’t grown out of it. I believe his disregard for life is his own downfall.

To sum up I believe Anne Tyler used Teenage Wasteland to warn teens nowadays that you have to take responsibility for your own life, because if you allow others to manipulate you, you will lose yourself. It’s hard for teens to know there place in the world, but even if your parents aren’t there you have to make it. With the wrong guidance your goals of becoming a doctor, lawyer, artist, and teacher can be taken away.

Short Story Commentary: Hairball by margaret atwood

Short Story Blog: Hairball

I liked the short story Hairball the greatest. It stuck out from the other ones through its use in diction. There is a lot of seemingly random statements in here such as “ It was like being God, only God had never got around to off-the-rack lines” and “ kissing a girl, a woman, a girl, in a little crotch-hugger skirt and skin tight leggings. He likes mirrors.” Each quote having the appearance of non-significance, but in actuality both statements give more information about her character. The first quote shows that Kat views herself higher than god. I believe foreshadowing was used to show that this mindset will lead to her downfall. Later on in the story her “creation” turns on her; moreover, takes over her lives worth, her job! Without this her life has no meaning. The second quote shows that Kat is struggling to find herself. Just like in The Picture of Dorian Gray, a misguided ideal that superficial beauty is the most important aspect of life is seen here. Kat is desperately trying to hold onto her youth in order to keep beauty, but she does not understand that she can be beautiful on the inside. Some of my analytical questions are is the Hairball a symbol of the child she never allowed herself to have and do opposites really attract? To answer the first I believe that the hairball is indeed a symbol of a child because it says” Twice she had abortions…she learned to say that she didn’t want children anyway, that if she longed for a rug rat she would buy a gerbil.” This shows that the hairball which she gingerly takes care of is the child she wishes to have with Ger. The constant reminder of age haunts her as soon as she sees her reflection. The mirror really acts a symbol of the inner evil workings of her soul. She feels old and damaged and I believe that is why she engulfs herself into her work and goes for the basic/boring men. To answer the second question I think opposites do attract most of the time.  It says, “Gerald was the kind of man she wouldn’t have bothered with in London. He was not funny, he was not knowledgeable. But he was eager, he was tractable. Kat yearns for easy moldable men because it does not give her a challenge. I believe that if you are generally loud person you will be attracted to someone who is more passive and gentle- voiced. Who would want to fight all the time for dominance in the relationship? Kat is attracted to Ger because he is everything she is not. The complex factor is that she isn’t in love with him until he transforms. She loves what she cannot have because she is always getting what she wants. I believe the theme of this story is every evil deed done in secret will be brought to the light. It didn’t matter that years had gone by and they were secretly having an affair, because Kats jealousy brought about the unveiling of their sins in the end.

My first merit blog

Ariana Grant

Ms. Clinch

AP Literature

1 September 2012

Literary Merit of Summer Reading Books

For a novel to have literary merit it must show the quality of the novel in depth. My summer reading books were The Known World by Edward P. Jones and Beowulf. I believe The Known World showed literary merit through their themes. For example he engages you through one theme that I found. Slavery can take a toll on both the physical and mental aspects of your life. This was seen through the character Barnum Kinsey. He was constantly mentally fighting the concept of being truly free. It says, “One was Barnum Kinsley, then considered by everyone to be the poorest white man in the county, “saved”, as one neighbor said from being a nigger only by the color of his skin.” He was considered white trash because he was very poor and this class distinction separated him from fitting in with the whites or blacks. Though he is not African American he is still enslaved in his mind because he does not feel worthy to set out into the world. Another prominent theme in the story was the concept that some individuals have the need to obtain power over others in order to feel self-worth. This was seen through “Moffett stood and listened. He took a perverse delight in hearing them, was lulled into sleep by the sound of their fighting”. This is significant because although Moffett is a priest, he still has the mindset of a slave owner. He is able to draw in all the black people in their community and give them hope. He is used to captivate others and bring a sense of peace, so it is ironic that there is such hate and animosity in his own household. He watches the two women in his life, wife and sister in law, fight over him. This sick sense of calm he attains from this sight shows a flaw in his character. In Beowulf I understood a theme to be a hero is defined not by the battles they’ll won but by the inner courage, will power, and drive of that man to reach his goals. This was seen through “Beowulf my friend your fame has gone far and wide,…in all things you are even tempered, prudent, and resolute... Forever you will be your peoples mainstay and your own warriors helping hand.” This is significant because the author uses characterization to draw the reader in. It furthers my point that it is more important to be a good individual/leader then the amount of battles he won. In order for a novel to have literary merit it must have themes that can stand the tests of time. Both of these novels had classic themes. Also the styles of both novels were intricate, so that made sure that the plot could not be surmised. I enjoyed being able to pick my novel of choice and then the novel from the list because it allowed me to get a sense of what type of literary elements to look for throughout my school year. I believe I do need help in analysis because I do not want to simply summarize.