Emma blog on volume II

Volume II gives greater clarification into why Emma struggles with these various mixed emotions. The first aspect I looked at in preparation for my seminar was what characters connected to Emma in significant bonds and what that told me about Emma. There is the connection between her and Mr. Elton, Mr. Frank, Jane, and even Ms. Elton. I looked at Emma and Jane as “frienemies” similar to my teacher’s thoughts.

I believe that she wants to like Jane because she sees the genuinely good nature that she possesses; however, she will not allow herself to because she is jealous of these same qualities. She sees the lack of heart in herself, “Why she did not like Jane Fairfax might be a difficult question to answer: Mr. Knightley had once told her it was because she saw in her the really accomplished young woman, which she wanted to be thought herself” (Ch. 20). Ironically Jane is not even a truly accomplished woman; she simply got into upper society after being rescued by colonel and guidance from Emma. The fact that Jane has the potential to use her knowledge and attract respected men such as Knightley scares Jane. Emma is threatened by the appearance of power in anyone in her society even if she has helped them; there is almost a necessity to control her environment due to fear. This quote shows the jealousy she feels towards her, but she also struggles with the thoughts of admiration, “It was a style of beauty, of which elegance was reigning character, and as such, she must, in honour, by all her principles, admire it: elegance, which, whether of person or of mind, she saw so little in Highbury. There, not to be vulgar, was distinction and merit” (Ch.20). Emma has selectively chooses when to judge based of appearance and when to get to know a person. There is no denying the pleasant presence that she brings to her environment and it scares Jane that she carries more personality and care when dealing with others.

What I learned from this volume is that although appearances may seem to reveal one thing they can have multiple meanings. In the beginning I viewed Emma was selfish and spoiled, but she is really a product of her environment. During the regency era women were expected to be the entertainment and act civilized. She is forced to paste on this fake smile even in the presence of her enemies; therefore even when she makes a mistake she has been programmed to not acknowledge it, “It was a bad business. She would have given a great deal, or endured a great deal, to have had the Martins in a higher rank of life. They were so deserving ….Impossible! She could not repent.” (Ch. 23). Emma was blind at first, not asking people if they even wanted her help, but she makes progress in the fact that she can acknowledge when her plan backfires. I cannot fault her for sometimes appearing malicious and uncaring because at times we all can act the same way. Austen created this character to act as a mirror for ourselves. We are quick to stand by our decisions and attain power, but where do we draw the line?

Emma Blog I

I have recently started reading the novel Emma by Jane Austen. Initially I was turned off by the dated diction used. Due to the fact that the characters speak with English accents sometimes the understanding of the passage is lost. I appreciated the description of Emma as rich and oblivious because with this back story I was able to comprehend the future concepts.

First, I noted an aspect where Austen expresses an overall satire of the society in which the main characters live. Having the main characters all wealthy and powerful then puts all people lacking the same materialistic means in the position of an outcast. Intelligence unfortunately is measured in wealth, “It must be done directly; it must be done in London; the order must go through the hands of some intelligent person whose taste could be depended on”. London is probably all she knows, but to her that is the only place with sense. It is ironic that the order has to go through someone with intelligence when its only a simple order. She wants to demean the lower class even without them present, just because. She makes her self look foolish and uppity by not wanting her clothes touched by a lower class person.

Second, I noted a place where Emma was blind. In this case to be blind is her revealing her true ignorance, “No, he is not her equal, indeed, for he is as much her superior in sense as in situation. Emma, your infatuation about that girl blinds you.” Emma sees all the potential in Harriet for her own good. The fact that Harriet has been accompanying her and picking up her mannerism she has begun losing herself. Having her gain a little of her power makes her believe she is above Mr. Martin. This shows how in denial Emma really is because Harriet has never worked a day in her life; whereas, Mr. Martin is a hard working man simply looking for love. She is so concerned with making Harriet a robotic inhumane person that she does not even see the sincere qualities in this man. She is blind to how she has offended her friend Mr. Knightley. This man is Mr. Martins mentor of the same class and he sees the “street smarts” and potential in him and just wants to see him happy. The fact that she puts Harriet on such a high pedestal is repulsive to him.

Third, I saw where Emma’s complex character was revealed. Though she “seems” to be caring about her friends and may actually care she does it through manipulation. This is seen through, “I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she accept a man or not, she certainly ought to say “no” directly…I thought it my duty as a friend, and older than you to say thus much to you.” She puts Harriet in the position of a lose-lose situation. If she ignores advice from an elder she is seen as rude and loses her “friend”; however, by following Emma she may lose her true love. In these instances Emma uses her power of influence over a naïve youth and for that reason I view her as heartless.

I plan on learning more and more about Emma and her varying ways further into novel. Whether her medaling will lead to her downfall is to be decided.

Act three analysis

Act Three Hamlet

This week we have completed half of act three. So far I have been comparing this one to many aspects in the last scene and even to recurring ideas that I have noticed. There seems to be an overall theme of “spying” throughout this play. I decided to define it and by dictionary. com’s definition the word “spying” means to observe secretly or fervently with hostile intent. I noticed how Shakespeare introduces this theme through Polonius the antagonist of the play. He acts a the director as he puts Horatio into action to spy on his son. He is willing to start a web of lies such as that Laertes is drinking and at inappropriate clubs, in order to maintain the upstanding respect of his name and the name of his family. His deceit is further examined in his speech to Laertes. He emphasizes the need to be secretive when in this foreign land, this is seen when he says to “give thy thoughts no tongue” and “give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” One might view his advice as from a loving father to a son, but I see his unrighteous attempt to control the son and seek to protect his own reputation.

Hamlet has to therefore be deceitful and fish for information in Act 2. He begins to put on this “antic disposition”. When he sees Ophelia he doesn’t even speak, but instead pulls on her as if he is struggling with internal grief and utterly crazy. Also to his friend Rosencratz he comes across crazy as he calls Denmark a prison. Everyone sees Hamlet as privileged to be the Prince and live in such freedom, but ironically he is entrapped inside his duties forcing him to be without his one true love. The theme of spying is continued into act three, but the Director has switched to Hamlet. After Ophelia lies to his face about his father being in the room and “Spying” on their intimate conversation he is disgusted and forms a plan. The fact that Hamlet has become a part of the play in order to reveal the immorality of his uncles’ behavior shows him being deceitful. He writes in lines himself burning with the intent to cause his “family” harm. It seems as though Hamlet starts off with the goal of avenging his father; however, the guilt fills his heart and he loses confidence.

Another repetitive theme is “to be or not to be”. He has to figure out whether to uphold his duty and swallow his pride by agreeing to ignore right and wrong or fight back against fate and act, showing that evil must pay. Hamlet questions his place in the world from the beginning of the play when he sees the world as “an unweeded garden”. It is Hamlets way of questioning whether to live or to die. With the death of his father there seems to be no reason to live, but it also reveals his characterization. He is highly emotional therefore in Act three when he is furious one cannot be surprised when he calls out Ophelia as being not pure. By discussing their “country matters” in public he humiliates her and his family. This total disregard for her emotions is all due to the constant spying seen throughout the play. I believe Hamlet uses it to show how a there is a very thin line between good and bad and sometimes the two have to mix. 

Hamlet powerl lines

Hamlet power lines

The power lines that I choose were, “Seems,” madam? Nay it is. I know not “seems.” Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, Nor customary suits of solemn black, nor windy suspiration of forced breath , No, nor the fruitful river in the eye , nor the dejected havior of the visage, Together with all forms, moods, shapes, of grief, that can denote me truly. These indeed “seem” For they are actions that a man might play; (1. 2. 79-87). I chose these lines because they reveal a little bit more about Hamlets character. He is seen as even more as an outcast being that he is the only character in a dark cloak. It seems even his mother has failed to realize the gravity of his pain after the death of his father. Ironically his step father is the one character that seems to be the one who does the most “acting”. He acts as a loving father figure, but Hamlet shows the true meaning of family by paying respect to his father in his “inky cloak”. I looked at the words “suits” and “customary” to highlight this. A suit is defined as convenient for, acceptable, and custom. The fact that hamlet is in solidarity in wearing his suit shows courage. Though he is seen by other as extremely emotional and is accused of showing “unmanly grief,” the fact that hamlet is the only one truly fulfilling his duty to his father, show his sincerity. A suit is formal showing the seriousness of this tragedy. Then customary is defined as according to usual practice. There is a double meaning here. Usually it is customary to have a grace period for grief, but here it is as though the people in the town of Denmark are fake, they are willing to boastfully join in celebration of a wedding nearly a month after a death. The most lunatic character actually has the most sense. I believe Shakespeare was noting how one event can have a double meaning depending on how you analyze it. This theme of “seeming” vs. “ising” is seen in several other areas of the play as well. One area that it is seen in is, “Beware of entrance to a quarrel, but, being in, Bear ‘t that th’ opposed may be aware of thee. Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice (1. 3. 71-74). These lines illustrate Polonius instructing his son Laertes on how to behave when he is gone out of the country. It "seems" as if this is simply fatherly advice that which a son should heed and abide by for his own sake. In actuality the son must obey these rules in order to keep up appearances for the family. Other characters may see Polonius as nice, while the reader is given these lines to have their own understanding of his sinister character. This relates to how some people see Hamlet as simply acting out a “play” or act, but I understand it to be his true feelings.

Blog for 1-28-13 Late due to lack of computer access

In the poem The School Children, Louise Gluck explores the relationship between moms and teacher and reveals the constant power struggle through a loss of a mother’s control.

The first aspect that stuck out to me was Gluck’s vivid imagery. Mothers continually struggle for the advancement of their children, “All morning the mothers have labored to gather the late apples.” Using the word labored instead of simply working exaggerates the tedious activities that she has been doing. Gluck also did not specify on how long she was doing the task. He describes it as advancing through all morning; this is significant because it shows the great extent to which mothers dutifully act. Then there is the depiction of the apples. The color red has a negative connotation, usually one would think of evil; moreover, the color red appears after scars and markings  Apples are also used in this to symbolize the children’s innocence. As they go forward to receive knowledge from their teachers there is the malignant force from the mothers struggling to keep power over them. I feel another negative connotation in the color cold. Though it is enticing to wealthy people and help stimulate trade it can also lead to greed and tyranny. Both images of the mom holding onto these apples work to create an instantly possessive atmosphere. Next, the presentation of the teacher’s power gives the reason behind the mother’s feelings of being threatened. The teachers are depicted as gods; “on the other shore are those who wait behind great desks to receive these offerings.” The fact that they’re on a whole other shore where they are the head of operations puts them on a pedestal. This separation highlights a disconnect between the mothers influence and purpose over the children’s lives and the teachers goal. The mother wants to guard the children from the all-powerful teachers because then she loses control. The fact that the teachers receive offerings depicts the mothers as servants or people who are lesser than. Gluck has them stationed behind great desks, great meaning big and wise. They receive the offerings similar to how a god receives offerings from their followers. As the mothers see their children head off to be taught by such knowledgeable teachers while they dutifully gather apples, they see how easily susceptible they are to the teachers will. The final image that drew my attention was found in the last stanza. It is as if by losing their children’s innocence the mothers loose vigor and life, “and the teachers shall instruct them in silence and the mothers shall scour the orchards for a way out drawing to themselves…” This shows that the closer the teachers get I relation to their child the more of themselves that they lose. It is as if the mothers are simply playing a submissive role when dealing with their own child. The mothers are seen as slave and less than human as they “draw into themselves”. They have reverted back to sulking children in this manner and the teachers have risen as Gods ordering them around.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker Blog

The Colored Purple Blog

This week we were given the chance to choose outside reading novels of our choice. I was undecided if I would have the time to sit down and read the renowned novel A Thousand Splendid Suns and so I chose to begin focusing on The Color Purple by Alice Walker. This novel began extremely heavy, depicting a struggling character Celie having been raped and mother dying not truly believing her complaints. My interest was first sparked in the way Walker stylistic set up the novel. Each page gave further development on the last in a diary like format. By doing this Walker was able to grasp my attention because I was able to see the jumbled thoughts and struggles that Celie faced every day. This was seen when Celies’ sister that she believed was dead wrote her a letter talking about becoming a missionary. She directly mentioned their struggles during sisterhood when they where little running from their dad. Walker managed to make anyone with feelings empathize with these women even if they never personally went through it. Having worked with poems earlier that week I was on the lookout for these literary devices and I saw vivid imagery present here. I found it interesting when Nettie described the contrast between the white English to the Africans, “I was struck by the English people’s teeth. So crooked, usually, and blackish with decay. I wondered if it was the English water. But the African’s teeth remind me of horses teeth, they are so fully formed, straight and strong” (149). To her even when the white men are nice they still fail in comparison to the strength of Africans. The fact that Walker examined teeth is extremely significant because teeth and smiles are what you see first when meeting someone. A failing tribal community in Africa would be imagined to have dirtier teeth in poor a state, so presenting them as better than those of the white people makes me picture Africans as symbolically capable of overpowering/ overcoming them. It would be less effective if she mentioned something obvious such as the arms of the Africans being superior because I would already think tribal people are stronger than that of “civilized” everyday white English men. I love to read and have to make inferences. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this novel; moreover, it has become an engrossing mind numbing experience. Every other line personifies some action and evokes emotions in me never before experienced. The movie did not do the novel justice. The factual aspect of this novel is the last component that I thoroughly enjoyed. They were able to tell me what was going on during that time period such as beating by the mayor and separate bathrooms for colored and whites. It struck me as harsh and respectful how the ugliest character Celie is so self-disciplined that she strives to earn an education despite the disapproval of everyone including her husband. Even the husbands in this novel treat their women less than their animals though they demand respect from the white men. All in all this novel is one I would recommend to any aspiring writer.

in Just poem reflection

This blog allows me to reveal my personal ideas on the poem we read in class recently. My thesis statement was In the poem “in Just”, e.e. cummings explores the relationship between the old man and the children, and reveals the loss of innocence of the children through religious symbolism and imagery in the poem.

 This outline utilizing a “mad lib” type structure allowed me to have a centralized idea and focus. Before I could write this I came up with essential questions. I saw religious symbolism in the last stanza which tied the whole poem together. Describing the old man as goat-footed creates an almost inhumane, sinister, creature-like figure in our mind. I believe cummings was comparing him to the devil, because the devil is able to appear in many disguises. This led to the unanswered question of why he is depicted as a crippled old man, but also as queer and able to attract children so easily. The old man is strong and powerful for such an “old man” almost God-like and calling the children to their death. In order to fully understand his poems you cannot bind yourself to one literary device.

I began to reread the poem and take notes on the structure. The first three stanzas use a slight separation, but the final stanza is completely broken off. I noticed the constant repetitions of statements such as “whistles far and wee” and “the close proximity of the children’s name such as “eddieandbill and bettyandisbel”. This represented a common bond between them. The reader could physically see that all the children all had the same result when dealing with the balloon man. Their identities like the name mentioned before them blurred into one as they lost themselves coming into contact with the balloon man. The whistle is the curse luring them into the faraway place even death. The fourth stanza is pointing downward as if leading into hell, so that confirmed my thesis and I had data to refer to for support.

In conclusion, I took detailed notes in class over which taught me to look at the moment of life that the author is trying to present. Taking this into consideration I turned my attention to how the depiction of this man, his actions, and the militant response of the children and how unnatural it is. It makes sense that children would be drawn to interesting noises but the grossly depicted man throws the story into a sinister twist. Cummings also uses several contrasts such as spring, mud luscious and puddle wonderful world to show irony. Usually spring time has a happy connotation due to the fresh life and renewal this period brings about in nature; however when having the old crippled come and attract youth it seems to interrupt the flow of their lifestyles. Having him enter their lives in a time where the world is mud luscious is interesting as well. To me it seemed as if he gave their adolescence an unclear meaning which is going to harm them in the future. Lastly, He also enters the picture when the world is puddle-wonderful. Contrasting to the mud-luscious imagery here he wants to create a false sense of peace and enjoyment to attract the children and I believe he succeeds in taking their innocence away. They never talked throughout this whole poem because to the old man they were only seen as objects for him to play with. I enjoyed reading e.e. cummings poem in Just and look forward to gathering further research on him.

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.