"But he would not let go. He felt the baby slipping out of his hands and he pulled back very hard. In this manner, the issue was decided."
Popular Mechanics
Raymond Carver
This story involved a quarrel over a baby because a couple was separating or going through a divorce. This story reveals how controversial it can be to decide what parent dominantly cares for the child. The two obviously hate each other because the woman says, "I'm glad you're leaving!" The two do not want to be near each other. The fact that the two are hurting the baby amidst their fight shows that this argument is serious. The two are so involved within their argument that they cease to care about the baby itself. From the end, it is implied that the man won the argument and was given the baby, only because of how violent the issue was becoming to the baby itself. There is a tone of darkness and despair which is established by the weather as being "snow melting into dirty water," "getting dark on the inside" etc. and this continues throughout the story in the argument itself over the ownership of the child. This story most likely warns against divorce and how it breaks apart families as seen with the tug-of-war between the mother and father. The arguments of the parents have a negative impact on the children because it affects their well-being too.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
You're Ugly, Too
"You want a second opinion? OK," says the doctor. "You're ugly, too." pg. 360
You're Ugly, Too
Lorrie Moore
Zoe is the type of character that uses humor and sarcasm as a defense mechanism. She also tells jokes because she had a speech impediment when she was younger, so she would tell jokes because they were easy use in conversation since they were already mapped out. Zoe's sarcasm reveals her inner worries that exist within her: her younger sister is getting married before her, she is unable to bear children, and her love life is nonexistant. These problems cause her to feel bitter and feel the need to use sarcasm so that she can display her annoyance with life and reality. She may also use jokes in hopes that people see a positive attribute in her but it usually ends up backfiring as with Earl; she told him the violin story about love and it made him say "You're not at all like your sister," aka I do not have interest in you anymore. Zoe's loneliness leads to a downpour of problems in her life, such as low self-esteem, little self confidence and physical insecurities, and because of this she feels a need to make up for it by utilizing sarcasm and humor.
You're Ugly, Too
Lorrie Moore
Zoe is the type of character that uses humor and sarcasm as a defense mechanism. She also tells jokes because she had a speech impediment when she was younger, so she would tell jokes because they were easy use in conversation since they were already mapped out. Zoe's sarcasm reveals her inner worries that exist within her: her younger sister is getting married before her, she is unable to bear children, and her love life is nonexistant. These problems cause her to feel bitter and feel the need to use sarcasm so that she can display her annoyance with life and reality. She may also use jokes in hopes that people see a positive attribute in her but it usually ends up backfiring as with Earl; she told him the violin story about love and it made him say "You're not at all like your sister," aka I do not have interest in you anymore. Zoe's loneliness leads to a downpour of problems in her life, such as low self-esteem, little self confidence and physical insecurities, and because of this she feels a need to make up for it by utilizing sarcasm and humor.
The Drunkard
"My brave little man! she said with her eyes shining. "It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian angel." pg 351
The Drunkard
Frank O'Connor
Larry would like to act as a "brake" for his father's drinking problem, but he never really can bring himself to do so. When Larry's father was left in charge of watching over Larry, Larry got bored and tried a drink of his father's drink while he was not paying attention. He began to keep drinking the drink although "it was a terrible disappointment." Larry then began to publicly embarrass his own father by being dragged home drunk at such a young age. Though Larry's father was a drinker before this instance, Larry unknowingly saved his father by embarrassing him and basically giving him a taste of his own medicine. This story was ironic because of the different reactions that the mother has: On one hand she is extremely angry towards her husband for allowing their son to get drunk; on the other hand, she believes that Larry purposely got drunk to save his own father from his drinking problem. Though Larry did not actually intend to teach his father a lesson, his curiosity and boredom led him to drink his father's drink which then led his mother to believe that Larry truly was his guardian angel, looking out for the good of their family. It is funny and ironic that the mother believed Larry fully meant to get drunk to convince his father that drinking was a bad habit when Larry did not actually do it with that intention.
The Drunkard
Frank O'Connor
Larry would like to act as a "brake" for his father's drinking problem, but he never really can bring himself to do so. When Larry's father was left in charge of watching over Larry, Larry got bored and tried a drink of his father's drink while he was not paying attention. He began to keep drinking the drink although "it was a terrible disappointment." Larry then began to publicly embarrass his own father by being dragged home drunk at such a young age. Though Larry's father was a drinker before this instance, Larry unknowingly saved his father by embarrassing him and basically giving him a taste of his own medicine. This story was ironic because of the different reactions that the mother has: On one hand she is extremely angry towards her husband for allowing their son to get drunk; on the other hand, she believes that Larry purposely got drunk to save his own father from his drinking problem. Though Larry did not actually intend to teach his father a lesson, his curiosity and boredom led him to drink his father's drink which then led his mother to believe that Larry truly was his guardian angel, looking out for the good of their family. It is funny and ironic that the mother believed Larry fully meant to get drunk to convince his father that drinking was a bad habit when Larry did not actually do it with that intention.
The Lottery
"Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example, selecting the smoothest and roundest stones." pg 264
The Lottery
Shirley Jackson
When I think of the lottery I think of the million dollar prize and lottery tickets. This story, however, was not like the lottery of today. Winning this lottery entailed death. Tensions rose as families awaited to see whether or not they got the black dot which was the difference between the life or death of someone in your family. It is ironic because the lottery is usually associated with riches, yet the winner of this lottery is punished by being stoned to death.
The stoning is foreshadowed in the above quote with the boys all gathering up the best rocks. These boys are used to the lotteries and stoning obviously because they readily go out and collect the stones. No one seems to find the lottery absurd or odd, but it's rather seen as a common activity in the town that is actually anticipated. The third person point of view provides no comment on the sacrificial activity or lottery process showing that this lottery is an accepted tradition.
Overall this story portrays the cruelty of human nature. I was somewhat reminded of the Bible stories in which the Romans would throw humans into the coliseum filled with hungry tigers as a means of entertainment. The scapegoat in this story was Tessie; she arrived late afraid she would miss out on the fun of the lottery and yet she is the one that ends up receiving the stoning. At the end of the story and she keeps saying "It isn't fair" to show that the lottery is in fact, not fair at all. It is an old tradition that simply is not right.
The Lottery
Shirley Jackson
When I think of the lottery I think of the million dollar prize and lottery tickets. This story, however, was not like the lottery of today. Winning this lottery entailed death. Tensions rose as families awaited to see whether or not they got the black dot which was the difference between the life or death of someone in your family. It is ironic because the lottery is usually associated with riches, yet the winner of this lottery is punished by being stoned to death.
The stoning is foreshadowed in the above quote with the boys all gathering up the best rocks. These boys are used to the lotteries and stoning obviously because they readily go out and collect the stones. No one seems to find the lottery absurd or odd, but it's rather seen as a common activity in the town that is actually anticipated. The third person point of view provides no comment on the sacrificial activity or lottery process showing that this lottery is an accepted tradition.
Overall this story portrays the cruelty of human nature. I was somewhat reminded of the Bible stories in which the Romans would throw humans into the coliseum filled with hungry tigers as a means of entertainment. The scapegoat in this story was Tessie; she arrived late afraid she would miss out on the fun of the lottery and yet she is the one that ends up receiving the stoning. At the end of the story and she keeps saying "It isn't fair" to show that the lottery is in fact, not fair at all. It is an old tradition that simply is not right.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Miss Brill
"The box that the fur came out of was on the bed. She unclasped the necklet quickly; quickly, without looking, laid it inside. But when she put the lid on she thought she heard something crying." pg 186
Miss Brill
Katherine Mansfield
Miss Brill enjoys her Sundays in the park because it's her chance to be a part of the community. She can be around others in the park, listen to the band with everyone, partake in plays, and converse with others [Does she even speak French though...?]. She looks forward to Sundays as a time to work on her French culture knowledge and such, since she herself is originally from England.
The fur coat that Miss Brill wears is a symbol that represents her longing to fit in with French society. She seems to believe that dressing like she is rich will help her to fit in, but it really does not, considering a young couple made fun of her for wearing the fur coat. While Miss Brill has the fur coat on it seems that she is confident that she can fit in with this group of people. While she has the coat off, she accepts that she really cannot be a part of this crowd because she is not accustomed to their culture--as seen in the above quote. The resolution is Miss Brill's reluctant realization that she cannot belong in this society. The theme of this story may be something along the lines of "you cannot always fit into a culture that you were not born into." That's a really depressing theme...Poor lonely woman :(
Miss Brill
Katherine Mansfield
Miss Brill enjoys her Sundays in the park because it's her chance to be a part of the community. She can be around others in the park, listen to the band with everyone, partake in plays, and converse with others [Does she even speak French though...?]. She looks forward to Sundays as a time to work on her French culture knowledge and such, since she herself is originally from England.
The fur coat that Miss Brill wears is a symbol that represents her longing to fit in with French society. She seems to believe that dressing like she is rich will help her to fit in, but it really does not, considering a young couple made fun of her for wearing the fur coat. While Miss Brill has the fur coat on it seems that she is confident that she can fit in with this group of people. While she has the coat off, she accepts that she really cannot be a part of this crowd because she is not accustomed to their culture--as seen in the above quote. The resolution is Miss Brill's reluctant realization that she cannot belong in this society. The theme of this story may be something along the lines of "you cannot always fit into a culture that you were not born into." That's a really depressing theme...Poor lonely woman :(
Once upon a Time
"He dragged a ladder to the wall, the shining coiled tunnel was just wide enough for his little body to creep in, and with the first fixing of its razor teeth in his knees and hands and head he screamed and struggled deeper into its tangle." pg 236
Once upon a Time
Nadine Gordimer
Upon seeing the title of this story I thought it would be a fairytale of some sort, but I was wrong. The ending was definitely not happily ever after with all of the conflicts resolved.
Throughout this story, the main literary device I noted was irony. The story itself was ironic because the speaker considered it a children's story; after reading this story I think we can agree that this is not meant to be read to children, since a child died at the end.
It's also ironic though because the people in the neighborhood were so afraid of burglaries that they were supposed to be protecting themselves with fences and barbed wires and such, yet they were really just endangering themselves even more. If they had not installed all of the fancy burglary systems and had been robbed, that robbery still would have been a better situation compared to the death of the son via teeth on the razor sharp anti-burglar fence. The parents don't seem to realize a burglary is something that's temporary; the death of the son on the other hand, is permanent. Which is the better choice in this situation...? Hmm
Possible themes in this story may be that you should be cautionary when someone warns you, but it should not take over to the extent where it can actually cause more danger. It defeats the purpose to try to be cautionary against burglars by installing huge lethal fences that can harm people in one's own family.
Finally, the words "YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" apply to everyone, not just the burglars, as seen with the final scene of the son being chopped up by the fence.
Once upon a Time
Nadine Gordimer
Upon seeing the title of this story I thought it would be a fairytale of some sort, but I was wrong. The ending was definitely not happily ever after with all of the conflicts resolved.
Throughout this story, the main literary device I noted was irony. The story itself was ironic because the speaker considered it a children's story; after reading this story I think we can agree that this is not meant to be read to children, since a child died at the end.
It's also ironic though because the people in the neighborhood were so afraid of burglaries that they were supposed to be protecting themselves with fences and barbed wires and such, yet they were really just endangering themselves even more. If they had not installed all of the fancy burglary systems and had been robbed, that robbery still would have been a better situation compared to the death of the son via teeth on the razor sharp anti-burglar fence. The parents don't seem to realize a burglary is something that's temporary; the death of the son on the other hand, is permanent. Which is the better choice in this situation...? Hmm
Possible themes in this story may be that you should be cautionary when someone warns you, but it should not take over to the extent where it can actually cause more danger. It defeats the purpose to try to be cautionary against burglars by installing huge lethal fences that can harm people in one's own family.
Finally, the words "YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" apply to everyone, not just the burglars, as seen with the final scene of the son being chopped up by the fence.
A Worn Path
"'I'm an old woman without an education. It was my memory fail me. My little grandson, he is just the same, and I forgot it in the coming.'" pg 229
A Worn Path
Eudora Welty
Phoenix Jackson is an old woman who trudges through woods in order to make it to the town that sells her grandson's medicine. This journey must be familiar to her since she is greeted by many people along the way and the people seem to know her so well that they address her as "granny" and "grandma." Throughout this quest, Phoenix frequently sees things that are not really there, almost like hallucinations; for example she imagines a little boy bringing her a plate with cake on it, and she mistakes a scarecrow for a ghost. There is a vibe that Phoenix is a confused old woman through these actions, and also by the fact that she keeps talking out loud to herself.
When she reaches her destination, the nurses ask her all about her grandson. I personally believe that Phoenix's grandson is dead and that the nurses are trying to get her to accept this fact. One nurse asks, "He isn't dead, is he?" maybe hoping that she will admit this truth. When first asked if the boy was better since she last came for medicine, she "waited, silent, erect and motionless, just as if she were in armor." This simile shows that the old woman is unable to give much information about the boy because she may not be able to accept that he could be gone. The old woman seems to be pretending he's not gone because knowing he is would be a reality that is too hard to handle. The theme of this story may be something along of the lines of "Real love continues even after death/after something has passed." It may sound cheesy but Phoenix still cares about her grandson to a great extent since she walks through the woods to get him medicine even though [I'm assuming] he's dead. Or it could be that "Fate is not always easy to accept." Phoenix has a hard time accepting the truth about her grandson, so she pretends it's not actually happening. Either that or the theme is just something concrete like: memory loss causes you to do odd things. I really don't know. Knowing whether or not the grandson is dead may change the theme..
A Worn Path
Eudora Welty
Phoenix Jackson is an old woman who trudges through woods in order to make it to the town that sells her grandson's medicine. This journey must be familiar to her since she is greeted by many people along the way and the people seem to know her so well that they address her as "granny" and "grandma." Throughout this quest, Phoenix frequently sees things that are not really there, almost like hallucinations; for example she imagines a little boy bringing her a plate with cake on it, and she mistakes a scarecrow for a ghost. There is a vibe that Phoenix is a confused old woman through these actions, and also by the fact that she keeps talking out loud to herself.
When she reaches her destination, the nurses ask her all about her grandson. I personally believe that Phoenix's grandson is dead and that the nurses are trying to get her to accept this fact. One nurse asks, "He isn't dead, is he?" maybe hoping that she will admit this truth. When first asked if the boy was better since she last came for medicine, she "waited, silent, erect and motionless, just as if she were in armor." This simile shows that the old woman is unable to give much information about the boy because she may not be able to accept that he could be gone. The old woman seems to be pretending he's not gone because knowing he is would be a reality that is too hard to handle. The theme of this story may be something along of the lines of "Real love continues even after death/after something has passed." It may sound cheesy but Phoenix still cares about her grandson to a great extent since she walks through the woods to get him medicine even though [I'm assuming] he's dead. Or it could be that "Fate is not always easy to accept." Phoenix has a hard time accepting the truth about her grandson, so she pretends it's not actually happening. Either that or the theme is just something concrete like: memory loss causes you to do odd things. I really don't know. Knowing whether or not the grandson is dead may change the theme..
Eveline
"All the seas of the world tumbled about her heart. He was drawing her into them: he would drown her." pg 222
Eveline
James Joyce
Eveline is a character who has a led a difficult life, between her abusive father and low-income family. After her mother died due to an illness, she was left with no one to protect her. Eveline was then forced to be the main provider for the family and she had to cast all her well-earned money to her father. While working at the store, she meets Frank, who is directly characterized as, "kind," "manly" and "open-hearted." Being with Frank makes Eveline feel like there is hope to escape her hard life. Eveline's father, though, does not favor Frank because he is a sailor, meaning he most likely is unreliable and full of talk. Frank serves almost as a foil character to Eveline's father because they act opposite of each other; Frank wants to free Eveline of her current lifestyle, while Eveline's father would prefer her to remain confined with her father and brothers. At the end of the story, Eveline is forced to make a decision between freedom with Frank or the familiar route-staying with her family. The above quote reveals Eveline's fear that Frank "would drown her." This means she did not really trust Frank and what he said he could do for her. Eveline chooses to go back to her regular lifestyle for two reasons: She made a promise to her mother that she would keep the home together as long as she could, and she also had a fear of the unknown, a fear that she might dislike this new life more than her current life. Eveline didn't know if she could handle the contrast of a completely different lifestyle with Frank so she decided to stick with what she knew, and what was familiar to her.
Eveline
James Joyce
Eveline is a character who has a led a difficult life, between her abusive father and low-income family. After her mother died due to an illness, she was left with no one to protect her. Eveline was then forced to be the main provider for the family and she had to cast all her well-earned money to her father. While working at the store, she meets Frank, who is directly characterized as, "kind," "manly" and "open-hearted." Being with Frank makes Eveline feel like there is hope to escape her hard life. Eveline's father, though, does not favor Frank because he is a sailor, meaning he most likely is unreliable and full of talk. Frank serves almost as a foil character to Eveline's father because they act opposite of each other; Frank wants to free Eveline of her current lifestyle, while Eveline's father would prefer her to remain confined with her father and brothers. At the end of the story, Eveline is forced to make a decision between freedom with Frank or the familiar route-staying with her family. The above quote reveals Eveline's fear that Frank "would drown her." This means she did not really trust Frank and what he said he could do for her. Eveline chooses to go back to her regular lifestyle for two reasons: She made a promise to her mother that she would keep the home together as long as she could, and she also had a fear of the unknown, a fear that she might dislike this new life more than her current life. Eveline didn't know if she could handle the contrast of a completely different lifestyle with Frank so she decided to stick with what she knew, and what was familiar to her.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Hunter in the Snow
"Frank, when you've got a friend it means you've always got someone on your side, no matter what. That's the way I feel about it anyway." pg 198, paragraph 197
Hunter in the Snow
Tobias Wolff
I find it ironic that Tub considers Frank to be a good friend of his, when earlier in the story, Tub was telling Frank, "You used to stick up for me," and complaining about how Frank was being mean to him. In the beginning of the story, Frank was mainly friends with just Kenny, joking around with him and making fun of Tub. Yet once Kenny was hurt, Frank sided with Tub. It seems that Frank is a follower, rather than a leader. He follows the stronger person in the situation; at first he went along with Kenny, the reckless, talkative guy, yet once Kenny was hurt he turned his attention toward Tub. I don't think any of these men know the meaning of friendship because they don't really seem to know when the appropriate time to tell each other things is. For example, Kenny shoots the dog. Tub mistakes that action as an action of cruelty, causing Tub to then shoot Kenny ..(and because Kenny said he hated Tub). All of this may have been avoided if Kenny had maybe said something about being told to shoot the dog because it was sick...then Tub probably wouldn't have shot Kenny. Also, though Tub and Frank were having a heart to heart in the restaurant and being friends, I think they should have been doing more important things like taking their supposed friend Kenny to the hospital, rather than leaving him in the cold in back of the truck. Yet Tub and Frank decided to be selfish and warm themselves in a sheltered building, and they left Kenny to be outside bleeding to death. All of these characters need a lesson or two about friendship...
Hunter in the Snow
Tobias Wolff
I find it ironic that Tub considers Frank to be a good friend of his, when earlier in the story, Tub was telling Frank, "You used to stick up for me," and complaining about how Frank was being mean to him. In the beginning of the story, Frank was mainly friends with just Kenny, joking around with him and making fun of Tub. Yet once Kenny was hurt, Frank sided with Tub. It seems that Frank is a follower, rather than a leader. He follows the stronger person in the situation; at first he went along with Kenny, the reckless, talkative guy, yet once Kenny was hurt he turned his attention toward Tub. I don't think any of these men know the meaning of friendship because they don't really seem to know when the appropriate time to tell each other things is. For example, Kenny shoots the dog. Tub mistakes that action as an action of cruelty, causing Tub to then shoot Kenny ..(and because Kenny said he hated Tub). All of this may have been avoided if Kenny had maybe said something about being told to shoot the dog because it was sick...then Tub probably wouldn't have shot Kenny. Also, though Tub and Frank were having a heart to heart in the restaurant and being friends, I think they should have been doing more important things like taking their supposed friend Kenny to the hospital, rather than leaving him in the cold in back of the truck. Yet Tub and Frank decided to be selfish and warm themselves in a sheltered building, and they left Kenny to be outside bleeding to death. All of these characters need a lesson or two about friendship...
Heritage
"But they're priceless!" she was saying now, furiously; for she has a temper. "Maggie would put them on the bed and in five years they'd be in rags. Less than that!"pg 180, paragraph 68
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Dee is a complex character because of her contradictory view of her heritage. In the story she stated that she "couldn't bear being named after the people who oppressed" her. This is a reference to slavery, but Dee is clearly confused because her Mother insists she was just named after her Grandmother Dee.
Nonetheless, later Dee wants to claim the family quilts as hers, to honor and respect her heritage. I find it confusing that she rejects her heritage, yet wants to claim it at the same time. Dee most likely is ashamed of her her skin color which causes her to rename herself Wangero. Her powerful and controlling manner over her sister Maggie cause her to yearn for the quilts; she wants the quilts because she doesn't want Maggie to have them--she feels like she deserves them more. I feel like her demand for the quilts is rooted in her "must have it all" personality rather than her supposed want to honor her heritage. Dee obviously doesn't understand her heritage, and I think that this is why Mama gives the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee. Dee will never be able to appreciate the quilts for what they really stand for.
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Dee is a complex character because of her contradictory view of her heritage. In the story she stated that she "couldn't bear being named after the people who oppressed" her. This is a reference to slavery, but Dee is clearly confused because her Mother insists she was just named after her Grandmother Dee.
Nonetheless, later Dee wants to claim the family quilts as hers, to honor and respect her heritage. I find it confusing that she rejects her heritage, yet wants to claim it at the same time. Dee most likely is ashamed of her her skin color which causes her to rename herself Wangero. Her powerful and controlling manner over her sister Maggie cause her to yearn for the quilts; she wants the quilts because she doesn't want Maggie to have them--she feels like she deserves them more. I feel like her demand for the quilts is rooted in her "must have it all" personality rather than her supposed want to honor her heritage. Dee obviously doesn't understand her heritage, and I think that this is why Mama gives the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee. Dee will never be able to appreciate the quilts for what they really stand for.
Everyday Use
"I did something I never had done before: hugged Maggie to me, then dragged her on into the room, snatched the quilts out of Miss Wangero's hands and dumped them into Maggie's lap. Maggie just sat there on my bed with her mouth open." pg 181, paragraph 76
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Throughout this story, the character Maggie is directly characterized by her mother. She talks about how Maggie is, "nervous," "not bright,"and "standing hopelessly in corners." We can conclude that when the old house burned down, it caused permanent damage to her self-confidence because it left behind burn scars on her skin. This is one of the reasons that Maggie feels inferior to her older sister, Dee. Maggie "ey[es] her sister with a mixture of envy and awe" because she is like the opposite of herself: Dee is assertive, aggressive, confident, and the kind of person that gets what she wants.
When Dee wants to claim the quilts so that she can proudly display her heritage, Maggie is submissive to what Dee asks for and says she can have the quilts. Maggie allows her to go through with it because it's what she's used to; Maggie is used to Dee winning an argument, and coming out with the item she wants. In the story there is the overall notion that Maggie and Mama put up with Dee's bossy attitude, allowing Dee to control them. Dee wants to be an important and dignified person, and it's not until the end of the story that Mama stands up for herself and Maggie by giving the quilts to Maggie, who really deserves them, reversing the accepted authority of Dee in the household.
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Throughout this story, the character Maggie is directly characterized by her mother. She talks about how Maggie is, "nervous," "not bright,"and "standing hopelessly in corners." We can conclude that when the old house burned down, it caused permanent damage to her self-confidence because it left behind burn scars on her skin. This is one of the reasons that Maggie feels inferior to her older sister, Dee. Maggie "ey[es] her sister with a mixture of envy and awe" because she is like the opposite of herself: Dee is assertive, aggressive, confident, and the kind of person that gets what she wants.
When Dee wants to claim the quilts so that she can proudly display her heritage, Maggie is submissive to what Dee asks for and says she can have the quilts. Maggie allows her to go through with it because it's what she's used to; Maggie is used to Dee winning an argument, and coming out with the item she wants. In the story there is the overall notion that Maggie and Mama put up with Dee's bossy attitude, allowing Dee to control them. Dee wants to be an important and dignified person, and it's not until the end of the story that Mama stands up for herself and Maggie by giving the quilts to Maggie, who really deserves them, reversing the accepted authority of Dee in the household.
The Eccentricites of Bartleby
"I might give alms to his body, but his body did not pain him; it was his soul that suffered, and his soul I could not reach" pg 658, paragraph 93
Bartleby the Scrivener
Herman Melville
The narrator has a very complex attitude towards Bartleby. On one hand, the lawyer cannot stand Bartleby for his passiveness and refusal to do anything which can be rather irritating and irksome. On the other hand, the narrator feels sorry for Bartleby and he feels as though no one else would hire Bartleby or care for him better than he does at his workplace. The narrator also accepts Bartleby because he could "eventually prove a sweet morsel for [his] conscience." The narrator is in fact, being a good Christian and acting as a good person by caring for someone that others would merely cast aside as "loony."
When Bartleby is asked to do a task, the lawyer usually receives the response, "I would prefer not to," in a very calm tone, instead of an angry tone of refusal. This mysterious manner of Bartleby causes the narrator to want to know more about Bartleby and why he acts the way he does. Why does this man think he can choose when he wants to work? And what is causing this man to only want to work at certain times? The narrator starts to spend all of his time pondering Bartleby and why he acts so eccentric and odd. At one point, the narrator concludes that his eccentricities are involuntary, and that he has some sort of disorder. He decides that his soul is suffering and this causes him to be so solitary, quiet, and "free from dissipation."
At the end of the story it appears that the narrator's own selfishness and fear that Bartleby may "claim possession of office by right of his perpetual occupancy" cause him to decide that he must get rid of Bartleby by basically whatever way possible. The other lawyers were already concerned as to why the lawyer allowed a strange man to stand around looking out the windows for extended amounts of time, so in an attempt to save his own reputation, the narrator decided to move the office so that he could rid of Bartleby forever.
My theory as to why Bartleby is so mysterious and strange is that something may have happened during his childhood that caused him to be rather timid and nervous around other people. I'm not sure what exactly might have happened, but it seems like Bartleby doesn't trust anyone. Maybe it's not important as to why he acts the way he does, but I feel bad for him because there must be something that went wrong at some point in his life that causes him to act in a such a way.
Bartleby the Scrivener
Herman Melville
The narrator has a very complex attitude towards Bartleby. On one hand, the lawyer cannot stand Bartleby for his passiveness and refusal to do anything which can be rather irritating and irksome. On the other hand, the narrator feels sorry for Bartleby and he feels as though no one else would hire Bartleby or care for him better than he does at his workplace. The narrator also accepts Bartleby because he could "eventually prove a sweet morsel for [his] conscience." The narrator is in fact, being a good Christian and acting as a good person by caring for someone that others would merely cast aside as "loony."
When Bartleby is asked to do a task, the lawyer usually receives the response, "I would prefer not to," in a very calm tone, instead of an angry tone of refusal. This mysterious manner of Bartleby causes the narrator to want to know more about Bartleby and why he acts the way he does. Why does this man think he can choose when he wants to work? And what is causing this man to only want to work at certain times? The narrator starts to spend all of his time pondering Bartleby and why he acts so eccentric and odd. At one point, the narrator concludes that his eccentricities are involuntary, and that he has some sort of disorder. He decides that his soul is suffering and this causes him to be so solitary, quiet, and "free from dissipation."
At the end of the story it appears that the narrator's own selfishness and fear that Bartleby may "claim possession of office by right of his perpetual occupancy" cause him to decide that he must get rid of Bartleby by basically whatever way possible. The other lawyers were already concerned as to why the lawyer allowed a strange man to stand around looking out the windows for extended amounts of time, so in an attempt to save his own reputation, the narrator decided to move the office so that he could rid of Bartleby forever.
My theory as to why Bartleby is so mysterious and strange is that something may have happened during his childhood that caused him to be rather timid and nervous around other people. I'm not sure what exactly might have happened, but it seems like Bartleby doesn't trust anyone. Maybe it's not important as to why he acts the way he does, but I feel bad for him because there must be something that went wrong at some point in his life that causes him to act in a such a way.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
A Rose for Emily
"When she had first begun to be seen with Homer Barron, we had said, 'She will marry him.' Then we said, 'She will persuade him yet,' because Homer himself had remarked-he liked men, and was known that he drank with the younger men in the Elk's Club-that he was not a marrying man." pg 287
A Rose for Emily
William Faulkner
For this story I'll answer number 6:
"How is the point of view related to the plot structure? What might be the rationale for diving the story into five distinct sections and for violating narrative chronology?"
The point of view of this story is first person plural. It is most likely said by the viewpoint of the townspeople observing Emily's life. This point of view does not help to give in-depth insight into why Emily acts the way she does. Although, the structure of the story is divided into 5 different sections to foreshadow the reasons as to why Emily poisoned Homer with arsenic. Section 1 describes her initial anger at having to pay taxes when she didn't used to have to pay them. The second section goes into the detail of the foul smell surrounding her house. This smell is most likely the dead human body that has been decaying in her house. She kept the body in the house because, as concluded above, "she would persuade him," to be with her even if it was by killing him. Section 3 describes how she would get Homer to forever be with her, because she buys the arsenic. Section four shows Emily's old age, greying hair, and death. Section five reveals that Emily was the criminal, because her grey hair is found on the bed where the body was. These five sections show Emily's motives for her actions. When things don't go her way, she makes sure they do, even if it involves killing someone.
A Rose for Emily
William Faulkner
For this story I'll answer number 6:
"How is the point of view related to the plot structure? What might be the rationale for diving the story into five distinct sections and for violating narrative chronology?"
The point of view of this story is first person plural. It is most likely said by the viewpoint of the townspeople observing Emily's life. This point of view does not help to give in-depth insight into why Emily acts the way she does. Although, the structure of the story is divided into 5 different sections to foreshadow the reasons as to why Emily poisoned Homer with arsenic. Section 1 describes her initial anger at having to pay taxes when she didn't used to have to pay them. The second section goes into the detail of the foul smell surrounding her house. This smell is most likely the dead human body that has been decaying in her house. She kept the body in the house because, as concluded above, "she would persuade him," to be with her even if it was by killing him. Section 3 describes how she would get Homer to forever be with her, because she buys the arsenic. Section four shows Emily's old age, greying hair, and death. Section five reveals that Emily was the criminal, because her grey hair is found on the bed where the body was. These five sections show Emily's motives for her actions. When things don't go her way, she makes sure they do, even if it involves killing someone.
Interpreter Again
"When she whipped out the hairbrush, the slip of paper with Mr. Kapasi's address on it fluttered away in the wind." pg 166
Interpreter of Maladies
Jhumpa Lahiri
Throughout the story, there is a sympathetic tone set up toward Mr. Kapasi's character. He finds his job as an interpreter for doctor's to be mundane and unimportant. He had always hoped to be something more honorable like an interpreter for diplomats. He is a lonely tour guide too, even though he is married. His marriage seem to be failing, as his wife does not appear to be truly in love with him. He finds hope in Mrs. Das's kindness and interest in him, yet his hopes all come crashing down as the story comes to a close, and his address flies away from her purse. All of these things cause us to feel sorry for or sympathetic toward Mr. Kapasi. The ending of this story was unhappy because Mr. Kapasi realized that he wasn't fit for Mrs. Das and her life. I feel bad for Mr. Kapasi because he doesn't seem to have any joy in his life. Meanwhile, Mrs. Das has children and a husband that does care about her, and she does not seem to fully appreciate them. Mr. Kapasi really just wants to be noticed, which is why he initially took interest in Mrs. Das, because she displayed curiosity about his job as an interpreter. Even though Mr. Kapasi doesn't realize it, he does have worth and meaning in his life: he helps to cure people from maladies all the time, which couldn't even be done without his interpretations.
Interpreter of Maladies
Jhumpa Lahiri
Throughout the story, there is a sympathetic tone set up toward Mr. Kapasi's character. He finds his job as an interpreter for doctor's to be mundane and unimportant. He had always hoped to be something more honorable like an interpreter for diplomats. He is a lonely tour guide too, even though he is married. His marriage seem to be failing, as his wife does not appear to be truly in love with him. He finds hope in Mrs. Das's kindness and interest in him, yet his hopes all come crashing down as the story comes to a close, and his address flies away from her purse. All of these things cause us to feel sorry for or sympathetic toward Mr. Kapasi. The ending of this story was unhappy because Mr. Kapasi realized that he wasn't fit for Mrs. Das and her life. I feel bad for Mr. Kapasi because he doesn't seem to have any joy in his life. Meanwhile, Mrs. Das has children and a husband that does care about her, and she does not seem to fully appreciate them. Mr. Kapasi really just wants to be noticed, which is why he initially took interest in Mrs. Das, because she displayed curiosity about his job as an interpreter. Even though Mr. Kapasi doesn't realize it, he does have worth and meaning in his life: he helps to cure people from maladies all the time, which couldn't even be done without his interpretations.
Interpreter of Maladies
"I am not a doctor. I work with one. As an interpreter." pg 152
Interpreter of Maladies
Juhmpa Lahiri
This story was rather ironic because of how Mr. Kapasi and Mrs. Das had completely different interpretations of situations. First off, Mr. Kapasi took Mrs. Das's interest in his job as an interpreter for doctor's as a sign that she was hitting on him. Mrs. Das, on the other hand, was instead trying to dig deeper into Mr. Kapasi's career to see if he could somehow help her out with her maladies in life. The entire time, Mr. Kapasi imagined himself falling in love with Mrs. Das and receiving her letter in six weeks while Mrs. Das was focusing on what advice she could possibly pry from Mr. Kapasi. Mrs. Das's character was a little bit manipulative. She was intent on receiving comfort from Mr. Kapasi as to how she could deal with the guilt that she experienced from the affair she had with another man. She was depressed with her life, since she was constantly reminded of the affair because of her son Bobby, who was not even the real son of her husband, Raj. Although I understand her reasoning behind why she is depressed, it was still sad when Mr. Kapasi realized Mrs. Das was only after him for the benefits his career might provide her. I found it funny and ironic too that Mrs. Das thought Mr. Kapasi was basically a psychiatrist, when instead, he really only interpreted physical problems, not mental problems; Mrs. Das's misinterpretation of Mr. Kapasi's career made the ending ironic.
Interpreter of Maladies
Juhmpa Lahiri
This story was rather ironic because of how Mr. Kapasi and Mrs. Das had completely different interpretations of situations. First off, Mr. Kapasi took Mrs. Das's interest in his job as an interpreter for doctor's as a sign that she was hitting on him. Mrs. Das, on the other hand, was instead trying to dig deeper into Mr. Kapasi's career to see if he could somehow help her out with her maladies in life. The entire time, Mr. Kapasi imagined himself falling in love with Mrs. Das and receiving her letter in six weeks while Mrs. Das was focusing on what advice she could possibly pry from Mr. Kapasi. Mrs. Das's character was a little bit manipulative. She was intent on receiving comfort from Mr. Kapasi as to how she could deal with the guilt that she experienced from the affair she had with another man. She was depressed with her life, since she was constantly reminded of the affair because of her son Bobby, who was not even the real son of her husband, Raj. Although I understand her reasoning behind why she is depressed, it was still sad when Mr. Kapasi realized Mrs. Das was only after him for the benefits his career might provide her. I found it funny and ironic too that Mrs. Das thought Mr. Kapasi was basically a psychiatrist, when instead, he really only interpreted physical problems, not mental problems; Mrs. Das's misinterpretation of Mr. Kapasi's career made the ending ironic.
How I Met My Husband
"There were women just waiting and waiting by mailboxes for one letter or another. I imagined me making this journey day after day and year after year, my hair starting to go gray, and I thought, I was never made to go on like that." pg 146
How I Met My Husband
Alice Munro
For this story, I am going to answer question 6:
"Can you detect the voice of an older, wiser Edie who is distinct from the young girl working for Dr. and Mrs. Peebles?"
This story is mainly a reminiscent one because the narrator Edie says things such as, "I didn't know how to joke back then," and, "I was slimmer at fifteen that anybody would believe who knows me now." Quotes like these show that Edie is wiser and older, looking back on a past event, possibly telling children or grandchildren the story of how she met her husband.
At the beginning of the story, Edie is portrayed as innocent because she fell for an older man, Chris, and she didn't understand what intimacy was. She was a girl that was in love with/infatuated with Chris who accepted her even though she was a "hired girl," and who also called her beautiful, so "out of the common for a man to say something like that to a woman." Though the two only met a few times, Edie had hope that he would send her letters and that they would maybe end up together one day. Toward the end, though, reality struck Edie. She began to mature when she decided that she wouldn't waste her life waiting around for a man she hardly knew. The message of this story is that if you sit around waiting for the perfect moment, it just might pass you by. Basically, don't waste away time waiting for something to happen, do something about it. When she realized that she couldn't spend her time waiting around for something that would never come, she let go the part of her that was a naive young girl.
How I Met My Husband
Alice Munro
For this story, I am going to answer question 6:
"Can you detect the voice of an older, wiser Edie who is distinct from the young girl working for Dr. and Mrs. Peebles?"
This story is mainly a reminiscent one because the narrator Edie says things such as, "I didn't know how to joke back then," and, "I was slimmer at fifteen that anybody would believe who knows me now." Quotes like these show that Edie is wiser and older, looking back on a past event, possibly telling children or grandchildren the story of how she met her husband.
At the beginning of the story, Edie is portrayed as innocent because she fell for an older man, Chris, and she didn't understand what intimacy was. She was a girl that was in love with/infatuated with Chris who accepted her even though she was a "hired girl," and who also called her beautiful, so "out of the common for a man to say something like that to a woman." Though the two only met a few times, Edie had hope that he would send her letters and that they would maybe end up together one day. Toward the end, though, reality struck Edie. She began to mature when she decided that she wouldn't waste her life waiting around for a man she hardly knew. The message of this story is that if you sit around waiting for the perfect moment, it just might pass you by. Basically, don't waste away time waiting for something to happen, do something about it. When she realized that she couldn't spend her time waiting around for something that would never come, she let go the part of her that was a naive young girl.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
EdwardEdwardEdward
"Why does you sword so drip with blood,
Edward Edward,
Why does your sword so drip with blood,
And why so sad go ye, O?"
"Edward"
Anonymous
This poem is a conversation between a son and mother. The speaker switches about every 4 lines between the two. In the above excerpt, the image of the sword dripping with blood may represent guilt. Edward has killed his father ("O I have killed my father") and now he is going to face consequences. The poem repeats several lines numerous times throughout to emphasize the seriousness of the crime Edward has committed. Edward tries to hide his crime by saying it was a hawk or a steed. He finally admits to his mother that he has killed his father. The mother worries about what punishment awaits for him, what will happen to his children and wife, and what will happen to his occupation, rather than the fact that her husband has just been murdered. I suppose neither Edward nor his Mother cared too much for the father because there is little grief or sadness regarding his death. The main focus is that Edward will face hell for the crime that he has committed. This poem aims to show that you cannot escape the consequences of your actions.
Edward Edward,
Why does your sword so drip with blood,
And why so sad go ye, O?"
"Edward"
Anonymous
This poem is a conversation between a son and mother. The speaker switches about every 4 lines between the two. In the above excerpt, the image of the sword dripping with blood may represent guilt. Edward has killed his father ("O I have killed my father") and now he is going to face consequences. The poem repeats several lines numerous times throughout to emphasize the seriousness of the crime Edward has committed. Edward tries to hide his crime by saying it was a hawk or a steed. He finally admits to his mother that he has killed his father. The mother worries about what punishment awaits for him, what will happen to his children and wife, and what will happen to his occupation, rather than the fact that her husband has just been murdered. I suppose neither Edward nor his Mother cared too much for the father because there is little grief or sadness regarding his death. The main focus is that Edward will face hell for the crime that he has committed. This poem aims to show that you cannot escape the consequences of your actions.
Delight in Disorder
"I see a wild civility;
Do more bewitch me than when art
Is too precise in every part"
"Delight in Disorder"
Robert Herrick
This poem is full of oxymorons. For example, "sweet disorder," "fine distraction," and "wild civility." The purpose of these oxymorons is to reveal a truth about disorder. As the title claims, the speaker finds delight in disorder, which is why he claims it to be "sweet." He uses clothes as examples to portray his feelings about things being disorganized and disordered. The hastily-made clothing make for a unique appearance and "bewitch" the speaker. Instead of some ordinary, perfectly sewn, stream-lined outfit, this speaker prefers carelessness because it adds character. Art is all about deeper meanings and originality, so to have disorder makes it unique and different.
While I was reading this poem, I couldn't help but to think about abstract art, and how some artists seem to just throw paint sloppily onto a canvas. This speaker seems to be the kind of person that would deeply appreciate this type of art, because it does not follow normal rules of conformity about what is considered to be unique.
I think that this poem can apply to life in a broader sense too. Instead of being just about the beauty of disorderly clothing, it can also mean that in life we can be enthralled by things if we think about things deeper, and go off the "precise" and concrete viewpoint of everything, and search for a different way of looking at imperfections in life.
That time of year
"That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold"
"That time of year"
William Shakespeare
This poem is a sonnet, because it has 14 lines and it follows a certain rhyme scheme (abab, cdcd, efef, gg). There are three major images throughout this poem: a tree with dying autumn leaves hanging off of it, the twilight or nighttime, and a fire. The quote above provides imagery for the picture of the tree by stating that the leaves are "yellow" and that the tree may look rather dead because few leaves "do hang upon those boughs." The speaker provides a negative connotation to autumn, and views it as a time of death. The second image of darkness and night provides yet another image of death. He claims that night is "Death's second self," because the sun, which provides sunlight and helps things grow and live, disappears. The third image is a glowing fire. The fire represents death itself because it will eventually die out. The fire's flames are what keep it raging and continuing, and without them, it will burn out. I think this might be similar to how in life, we become older as time goes on, and eventually die when our time runs out. The last two lines are directed towards the speaker's lover and they mean to say that they must love one another before the fire goes out...before time escapes them and death comes upon them.
When yellow leaves, or none, or few do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold"
"That time of year"
William Shakespeare
This poem is a sonnet, because it has 14 lines and it follows a certain rhyme scheme (abab, cdcd, efef, gg). There are three major images throughout this poem: a tree with dying autumn leaves hanging off of it, the twilight or nighttime, and a fire. The quote above provides imagery for the picture of the tree by stating that the leaves are "yellow" and that the tree may look rather dead because few leaves "do hang upon those boughs." The speaker provides a negative connotation to autumn, and views it as a time of death. The second image of darkness and night provides yet another image of death. He claims that night is "Death's second self," because the sun, which provides sunlight and helps things grow and live, disappears. The third image is a glowing fire. The fire represents death itself because it will eventually die out. The fire's flames are what keep it raging and continuing, and without them, it will burn out. I think this might be similar to how in life, we become older as time goes on, and eventually die when our time runs out. The last two lines are directed towards the speaker's lover and they mean to say that they must love one another before the fire goes out...before time escapes them and death comes upon them.
Death, be not proud
"Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Might and dreadful, for thou art not so;"
"Death, be not proud"
John Donne
Question number 3 asks if the man is stating that death is not to be feared, or if he is trying to convince himself that there is no fear in death. This poem is most likely about a man of assured faith with a firm conviction that death is not to be feared. He is not afraid of death because he states things such as, "nor yet canst thou kill me," meaning he does not think death will actually kill himself- it will only kill his body. In the above excerpt, he claims that it's not might and dreadful too. He accepts that death is a part of life and regards it as "One short sleep passed," instead of a painful, miserable way to end life. The last line states, "thou shalt die," further conveying the point that the speaker does not fear death; he is aware that death is inevitable. The "soonest our best men with thee do go" means that everyone will face impending death someday, whether you are wealthy or poor, or sick or healthy. Overall, the speaker is claiming that death should not be proud because its power is rather limited, because it does not, in a sense, kill our souls. "We wake eternally" may imply that after death, an afterlife exists, such as Heaven or purgatory.
Might and dreadful, for thou art not so;"
"Death, be not proud"
John Donne
Question number 3 asks if the man is stating that death is not to be feared, or if he is trying to convince himself that there is no fear in death. This poem is most likely about a man of assured faith with a firm conviction that death is not to be feared. He is not afraid of death because he states things such as, "nor yet canst thou kill me," meaning he does not think death will actually kill himself- it will only kill his body. In the above excerpt, he claims that it's not might and dreadful too. He accepts that death is a part of life and regards it as "One short sleep passed," instead of a painful, miserable way to end life. The last line states, "thou shalt die," further conveying the point that the speaker does not fear death; he is aware that death is inevitable. The "soonest our best men with thee do go" means that everyone will face impending death someday, whether you are wealthy or poor, or sick or healthy. Overall, the speaker is claiming that death should not be proud because its power is rather limited, because it does not, in a sense, kill our souls. "We wake eternally" may imply that after death, an afterlife exists, such as Heaven or purgatory.
Lonely Hearts
"Can someone make my simple wish come true?"
"Lonely Hearts"
Wendy Cope
This poem shows different people advertising for someone to be in a relationship with. Each stanza includes a person with certain needs in a relationship. The first person, (lines 1-3) is most likely an athletic man who seeks a woman that enjoys the outdoors and sports. The second stanza introduces a person searching for someone who is not mainstream, like they are; someone who is into arts and cares deeply about certain issues such as gay marriage and eating as a vegetarian. The third person (lines 7-9) may be someone who has dated the same type of person for a long time, and it's not working out, so they are seeking something new-"Bisexual woman, arty, young." The fourth stanza shows the typical standards a person a may have for a relationship-someone who is intelligent, attractive, stable, and successful, or rich. The last person in lines 13-15 is most likely a younger person, who has not dated much, "inexperienced," and is asking for two specific things, "slim," and "non-smoker."
Throughout the poem the lines, "Can someone make my simple wish come true?" and "Do you live in North London? Is it you?" are repeated. This villanelle style of poetry is appropriate because the poem introduces different people with different needs, yet these quotes that are placed at the end of each stanza show that all these people have one thing in common: they all have hope that someone will come along to love them.
"Lonely Hearts"
Wendy Cope
This poem shows different people advertising for someone to be in a relationship with. Each stanza includes a person with certain needs in a relationship. The first person, (lines 1-3) is most likely an athletic man who seeks a woman that enjoys the outdoors and sports. The second stanza introduces a person searching for someone who is not mainstream, like they are; someone who is into arts and cares deeply about certain issues such as gay marriage and eating as a vegetarian. The third person (lines 7-9) may be someone who has dated the same type of person for a long time, and it's not working out, so they are seeking something new-"Bisexual woman, arty, young." The fourth stanza shows the typical standards a person a may have for a relationship-someone who is intelligent, attractive, stable, and successful, or rich. The last person in lines 13-15 is most likely a younger person, who has not dated much, "inexperienced," and is asking for two specific things, "slim," and "non-smoker."
Throughout the poem the lines, "Can someone make my simple wish come true?" and "Do you live in North London? Is it you?" are repeated. This villanelle style of poetry is appropriate because the poem introduces different people with different needs, yet these quotes that are placed at the end of each stanza show that all these people have one thing in common: they all have hope that someone will come along to love them.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
My mistress' eyes
"And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare."
"My mistress' eyes"
William Shakespeare
The purpose of this poem is to mock other love poems that describe every detail of their lover. The speaker says that his lover doesn't have any characteristics associated with the traditional love poem; "[her] eyes are nothing like the sun," and he "love[s] to hear her speak, yet know[s] That music hath a far more pleasing sound." He bashes all of her qualities and says everything that she is not. This poem aims to give a different perspective on love; He doesn't love her solely because of her beautiful characteristics and perfect hair, eyes, cheeks, lips, etc. Towards the end-the shift at line 13- we see the speaker's true feelings toward his lover. In the above quote, he is stating that he is able to accept all of her despite her imperfections; He doesn't feel the need to cover up or sugar coat anything about his lover--he is honest throughout and he loves her and is able to look beyond all of the defects, because no one else can even compare.
As any she belied with false compare."
"My mistress' eyes"
William Shakespeare
The purpose of this poem is to mock other love poems that describe every detail of their lover. The speaker says that his lover doesn't have any characteristics associated with the traditional love poem; "[her] eyes are nothing like the sun," and he "love[s] to hear her speak, yet know[s] That music hath a far more pleasing sound." He bashes all of her qualities and says everything that she is not. This poem aims to give a different perspective on love; He doesn't love her solely because of her beautiful characteristics and perfect hair, eyes, cheeks, lips, etc. Towards the end-the shift at line 13- we see the speaker's true feelings toward his lover. In the above quote, he is stating that he is able to accept all of her despite her imperfections; He doesn't feel the need to cover up or sugar coat anything about his lover--he is honest throughout and he loves her and is able to look beyond all of the defects, because no one else can even compare.
Hazel Tells LaVerne
"but so helpmegod he starts talkin
bout a golden ball
an how i can be a princess"
"Hazel Tells LaVerne"
Katharyn Howd Machan
So many love poems...
This particular poem ridicules love with its humorous tone. It's told through the eyes of a janitor in a public bathroom, and it portrays the traditional "Princess and the Frog" story as ridiculous and gross. She calls the frog a "green pervert" whereas in the fairy tale, the princess was surprised by a talking frog, but she agreed to follow its orders. The janitor reveals the sentiment some people have regarding this fairy tale--that the tale is absurd because frogs cannot talk, and anyone willing to listen to a frog would be insane. The janitor reacts how one may expect, by hitting it with the mop and flushing it down the toilet. The theme of this poem is that you shouldn't always be willing to believe whatever people tell you; The woman cleaning the bathroom had no absolutely no intention of believing that she was a princess, mainly because she is a member of the lower class and would never consider herself to be royalty.
bout a golden ball
an how i can be a princess"
"Hazel Tells LaVerne"
Katharyn Howd Machan
So many love poems...
This particular poem ridicules love with its humorous tone. It's told through the eyes of a janitor in a public bathroom, and it portrays the traditional "Princess and the Frog" story as ridiculous and gross. She calls the frog a "green pervert" whereas in the fairy tale, the princess was surprised by a talking frog, but she agreed to follow its orders. The janitor reveals the sentiment some people have regarding this fairy tale--that the tale is absurd because frogs cannot talk, and anyone willing to listen to a frog would be insane. The janitor reacts how one may expect, by hitting it with the mop and flushing it down the toilet. The theme of this poem is that you shouldn't always be willing to believe whatever people tell you; The woman cleaning the bathroom had no absolutely no intention of believing that she was a princess, mainly because she is a member of the lower class and would never consider herself to be royalty.
To His Coy Mistress
"We would sit down, and think which way
To walk, and pass our long love's day."
"To His Coy Mistress"
Andrew Marvell
I decided to look up the word "coy" because I still didn't really understand what it exactly meant..so dictionary.com says it is "slyly hesitant," and "showing reluctance." This means that the tone of the speaker is urgent toward the coy mistress. The speaker talks about how much he loves her and how there is not even enough time to begin to explain how much this woman means to him. On the other hand, she seems to prefer a slower pace, and she is more reluctant to express undying love for him. I'm guessing that the speaker wants to marry this woman, or run away with her pretty much ASAP. As of now, their relationship is compared to "vegetable love. This most likely means that it's very unchanging and predictable, and it's not really going anywhere. The speaker wants it to grow which is why he urges the mistress to basically give up her virginity. ("that long-preserved virginity") This poem seems to be the opposite of "Getting Out" because this relationship is technically just meeting its beginning, while the other was meeting its end.
To walk, and pass our long love's day."
"To His Coy Mistress"
Andrew Marvell
I decided to look up the word "coy" because I still didn't really understand what it exactly meant..so dictionary.com says it is "slyly hesitant," and "showing reluctance." This means that the tone of the speaker is urgent toward the coy mistress. The speaker talks about how much he loves her and how there is not even enough time to begin to explain how much this woman means to him. On the other hand, she seems to prefer a slower pace, and she is more reluctant to express undying love for him. I'm guessing that the speaker wants to marry this woman, or run away with her pretty much ASAP. As of now, their relationship is compared to "vegetable love. This most likely means that it's very unchanging and predictable, and it's not really going anywhere. The speaker wants it to grow which is why he urges the mistress to basically give up her virginity. ("that long-preserved virginity") This poem seems to be the opposite of "Getting Out" because this relationship is technically just meeting its beginning, while the other was meeting its end.
Getting Out
"We held on tight, and let go."
"Getting Out"
Cleopatra Mathis
This seems to be the typical "learning how to let go of my significant other" type of poem. The two appeared to have their differences--there is something wrong when you compare waking up next to one another to being in a prison. ("waking like inmates who beat the walls") The whole poem shows the scenes leading up to the final break. There were the little things, "Every night another refusal," that led to bigger things, the "Days were different," and they most likely realized they weren't meant for each other. They started to pack up and blame one another for the problems they were experiencing. As with basically any break-up, someone may have a hard time letting go. The speaker has mixed feelings toward the experience. On one hand, they are free of one another, yet she mentions how she "cried, the last day" and how she has the "last unshredded pictures of our matching eyes and hair." I think she may regret the separation, because she talks about how they both seemed to have a very hard time accepting they weren't meant for each other. They spent weeks mulling over the facts, and even when it came time to accept their fate at the court, they had a hard time doing so. But sometimes, you just have to let go.
"Getting Out"
Cleopatra Mathis
This seems to be the typical "learning how to let go of my significant other" type of poem. The two appeared to have their differences--there is something wrong when you compare waking up next to one another to being in a prison. ("waking like inmates who beat the walls") The whole poem shows the scenes leading up to the final break. There were the little things, "Every night another refusal," that led to bigger things, the "Days were different," and they most likely realized they weren't meant for each other. They started to pack up and blame one another for the problems they were experiencing. As with basically any break-up, someone may have a hard time letting go. The speaker has mixed feelings toward the experience. On one hand, they are free of one another, yet she mentions how she "cried, the last day" and how she has the "last unshredded pictures of our matching eyes and hair." I think she may regret the separation, because she talks about how they both seemed to have a very hard time accepting they weren't meant for each other. They spent weeks mulling over the facts, and even when it came time to accept their fate at the court, they had a hard time doing so. But sometimes, you just have to let go.
Dover Beach
"And here we are on a darkling plain
Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,
Where ignorant armies clash by night."
"Dover Beach"
Matthew Arnold
This poem is an apostrophe that directly addresses "The Sea of Faith." For this poem, I am going to answer some of the questions in the book. Question number 4 talks about how the speaker is lamenting the decline of faith in his time. It asks, "Is he himself a believer?"
The speaker is most likely a believer of faith because he says, "I only hear the [Sea of Faith's] melancholy, long withdrawing roar." He is sad that people's faith these days has declined to the point that it's evident everywhere ("naked shingles of the world"); it was, "once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore," but now it has lessened and people are becoming more materialistic rather than spiritual. He also shows that he is faithful through his pleading to the sea/faith that they will become closer--"let us be true To one another!" He wants to grow in faith so that he may help those around him in a world where everyone struggles and no one seems to be able to make compromises over issues.
The overall tone of this poem (question 6) is a reflective one. The speaker is listening to the sea, remembering the history of "human misery" that has caused a decline in faith, and he is reflecting on how he wishes he could fix the reality of people's "confused alarms of struggle and flight."
Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,
Where ignorant armies clash by night."
"Dover Beach"
Matthew Arnold
This poem is an apostrophe that directly addresses "The Sea of Faith." For this poem, I am going to answer some of the questions in the book. Question number 4 talks about how the speaker is lamenting the decline of faith in his time. It asks, "Is he himself a believer?"
The speaker is most likely a believer of faith because he says, "I only hear the [Sea of Faith's] melancholy, long withdrawing roar." He is sad that people's faith these days has declined to the point that it's evident everywhere ("naked shingles of the world"); it was, "once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore," but now it has lessened and people are becoming more materialistic rather than spiritual. He also shows that he is faithful through his pleading to the sea/faith that they will become closer--"let us be true To one another!" He wants to grow in faith so that he may help those around him in a world where everyone struggles and no one seems to be able to make compromises over issues.
The overall tone of this poem (question 6) is a reflective one. The speaker is listening to the sea, remembering the history of "human misery" that has caused a decline in faith, and he is reflecting on how he wishes he could fix the reality of people's "confused alarms of struggle and flight."
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Madness
"Much Sense-the starkest Madness-
'Tis the Majority
In this, as All, prevail-"
"Much Madness is divinest Sense"
Emily Dickinson
I swear Emily Dickinson's poems get odder and odder each chapter. I think the purpose of this poem is to say that those who are mainstream are supposedly sane, yet those who stray away from mainstream things are dangerous, "And handled with a Chain." "Handled with a Chain" is an overstatement because I doubt that people are literally whipped with a chain; It's moreover trying to say that those who stray from common will be judged by others.
This poem contains many paradoxes throughout it; one is that "Madness is divinest Sense." To say that madness is a 'divine' or good sense sounds insane, but the speaker is claiming that madness is good because you are your own leader. "Madness" allows you to be yourself, be courageous, and stand up for what you believe in. You don't need to follow others--you go your own way. Madness is a divine sense because it involves independence, freedom, and it allows you to think for yourself. Sometimes we all need a little madness..That sounds weird
'Tis the Majority
In this, as All, prevail-"
"Much Madness is divinest Sense"
Emily Dickinson
I swear Emily Dickinson's poems get odder and odder each chapter. I think the purpose of this poem is to say that those who are mainstream are supposedly sane, yet those who stray away from mainstream things are dangerous, "And handled with a Chain." "Handled with a Chain" is an overstatement because I doubt that people are literally whipped with a chain; It's moreover trying to say that those who stray from common will be judged by others.
This poem contains many paradoxes throughout it; one is that "Madness is divinest Sense." To say that madness is a 'divine' or good sense sounds insane, but the speaker is claiming that madness is good because you are your own leader. "Madness" allows you to be yourself, be courageous, and stand up for what you believe in. You don't need to follow others--you go your own way. Madness is a divine sense because it involves independence, freedom, and it allows you to think for yourself. Sometimes we all need a little madness..That sounds weird
Amurica
"why talk of beauty what could be more beaut-
iful than these heroic happy dead"
"next to of course god america i"
e.e. cummings
The lack of capitalization, punctation, and just coherent sentences in this poem is distressing. But I have come to understand it's similar to the song, "God Bless America." This poem praises the goodness that America has and how we all glorify its name "in every language even deafanddumb." The above quote is rather paradoxical because it says that it's beautiful that men are dead- and not just dead-happy dead. It means to say that 'these men have not died in vain.'(Abraham Lincoln: Gettysburg address...Thank you for making us memorize that Mrs. Helbing.) The death of those who fought for America is beautiful because they died so that we could be protected from danger.
Another use of figurative language would be the simile, "who rushed like lions to the roaring slaughter." The lions in this phrase are the soldiers; the soldiers are compared to lions because they are brave in that they run into the slaughter, or combat/warfare. One of the last few lines, "then shall the voice of liberty be mute?" may mean that patriotism would not be present if it weren't for the courageous men that fought in battle to protect us all.
iful than these heroic happy dead"
"next to of course god america i"
e.e. cummings
The lack of capitalization, punctation, and just coherent sentences in this poem is distressing. But I have come to understand it's similar to the song, "God Bless America." This poem praises the goodness that America has and how we all glorify its name "in every language even deafanddumb." The above quote is rather paradoxical because it says that it's beautiful that men are dead- and not just dead-happy dead. It means to say that 'these men have not died in vain.'(Abraham Lincoln: Gettysburg address...Thank you for making us memorize that Mrs. Helbing.) The death of those who fought for America is beautiful because they died so that we could be protected from danger.
Another use of figurative language would be the simile, "who rushed like lions to the roaring slaughter." The lions in this phrase are the soldiers; the soldiers are compared to lions because they are brave in that they run into the slaughter, or combat/warfare. One of the last few lines, "then shall the voice of liberty be mute?" may mean that patriotism would not be present if it weren't for the courageous men that fought in battle to protect us all.
Batter My Heart
"Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free"
"Batter my heart, three-personed God"
John Donne
This poem is a prayer of repentance to the "three personed God," or the Trinity. The man (or woman) praying may have committed a very bad sinful deed--possibly even a mortal sin. I'm not sure what exactly the man has done, but he does say, "betrothed unto your enemy," which means he most likely gave into the Devil's work/temptation. Also, he states, "Divorce me, untie or break that knot again," so maybe the man has cheated on his wife? Well anyway, throughout this entire poem the man pleads to God for forgiveness for his actions. He feels as though he will not be properly forgiven if he is not punished for his sins first.
Since this poem is addressed to the Trinity, there are separate parts that directly speak to Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. I'm going to guess that "knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend" address God because he presents challenges to us, gives us life, and helps to guide us and seek to forgive one another. "That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend" may be addressed to Jesus, because He rose from the dead, and he was overthrown, or crucified. Throughout his suffering, he was able to "rise and stand" and recover from the pain. Finally, the portion "Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new" may be addressed to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit appeared in the form of tongues of fire at Pentecost, so that's why I think the burn reference may have been made. Also, the symbol for the Holy Spirit is the dove, and the dove is a sign of new life, which makes sense with the part of "make me new." I could be totally wrong as to whether or not these inferences are right, but they seem logical.
And finally, there are lots of paradoxes in this poem:
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free"
"Batter my heart, three-personed God"
John Donne
This poem is a prayer of repentance to the "three personed God," or the Trinity. The man (or woman) praying may have committed a very bad sinful deed--possibly even a mortal sin. I'm not sure what exactly the man has done, but he does say, "betrothed unto your enemy," which means he most likely gave into the Devil's work/temptation. Also, he states, "Divorce me, untie or break that knot again," so maybe the man has cheated on his wife? Well anyway, throughout this entire poem the man pleads to God for forgiveness for his actions. He feels as though he will not be properly forgiven if he is not punished for his sins first.
Since this poem is addressed to the Trinity, there are separate parts that directly speak to Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. I'm going to guess that "knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend" address God because he presents challenges to us, gives us life, and helps to guide us and seek to forgive one another. "That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend" may be addressed to Jesus, because He rose from the dead, and he was overthrown, or crucified. Throughout his suffering, he was able to "rise and stand" and recover from the pain. Finally, the portion "Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new" may be addressed to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit appeared in the form of tongues of fire at Pentecost, so that's why I think the burn reference may have been made. Also, the symbol for the Holy Spirit is the dove, and the dove is a sign of new life, which makes sense with the part of "make me new." I could be totally wrong as to whether or not these inferences are right, but they seem logical.
And finally, there are lots of paradoxes in this poem:
- "That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me"
- "Imprison me, for I, Except you enthrall me, never shall be free"
- "Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me"
None of these make sense particularly, but these paradoxes reveal the man's desire to go through whatever steps that are necessary so that he may be healed of his wrongdoings and sin.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Ozymandias
"Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
"Ozymandias"
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Ozymandias seems like the kind of character that tried to overtake an entire society/government and change it according to how he wanted it to be organized. He calls himself "king of kings" which may imply he felt like he was superior and that he possessed power over others. Throughout the poem, I noticed that Ozymandias was not particularly well-liked, mainly from the negative diction. I saw words like "frown," "lifeless," "mocked," and "cold." I think Ozymandias attempted to ignite change in society, but ending up failing. The poem's very ironic because the pedestal of the sculpture of his head it says "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" when around that stone there was basically nothing but miles of sand a desert. The speaker outright states, "Nothing besides remains," and that it is "boundless and bare." Ozymandias's legacy did not live; only his ironic words etched in stone remained in the middle of the desert. There is no one for miles to appreciate his 'great works.'
"Ozymandias"
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Ozymandias seems like the kind of character that tried to overtake an entire society/government and change it according to how he wanted it to be organized. He calls himself "king of kings" which may imply he felt like he was superior and that he possessed power over others. Throughout the poem, I noticed that Ozymandias was not particularly well-liked, mainly from the negative diction. I saw words like "frown," "lifeless," "mocked," and "cold." I think Ozymandias attempted to ignite change in society, but ending up failing. The poem's very ironic because the pedestal of the sculpture of his head it says "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" when around that stone there was basically nothing but miles of sand a desert. The speaker outright states, "Nothing besides remains," and that it is "boundless and bare." Ozymandias's legacy did not live; only his ironic words etched in stone remained in the middle of the desert. There is no one for miles to appreciate his 'great works.'
Barbie Doll
"She cut off her nose and her legs
and offered them up."
"Barbie Doll"
Marge Piercy
This poem shows the negative effect that dolls can have on children early in their life. They play with these perfect looking flawless figurines, and believe that this is what they are supposed to look like. When they see someone that isn't a model of that image, they are made made fun of and laughed at. This poem shows that children are taught an unattainable model of perfection at a young age, and this affects them throughout their lives, as well as those other children around them.
The sad part about this poem is that the girl portrayed is perfectly healthy--"She was healthy, tested intelligent, possessed strong arms and back," but none of this is important to her because she has "a great big nose and fat legs." I think the phrase 'inner beauty' should really apply to this poem. I know it sounds really cliche, but sometimes it's not all about having the best physical features; when people focus too much on the outer beauty, they forget to acknowledge someone's inner beauty, and that person is not even appreciated for their talents or other beauties they possess.
This poem also reminded me of that show on TLC "Toddlers and Tiaras" because the parents give the girls this idea that they have to be so pretty and perfect. Mainly the show disgusts me because I feel like the girls are just all going to grow up to be brats, like the one that called the girl in the poem fat. But, it's not really their fault that their parents tell them this is what's right, or they let them play with these dolls that can affect their way of viewing others.
Back to the poem. The quote I used above is an overstatement because I doubt the girl literally cut up her nose and her legs to get rid of them. I think the words "cut up" are almost like a euphemism to say that she became anorexic and it took over her life. The very last sentence of the poem said, "To every woman a happy ending." I think this was contradictory because the girl had a very twisted happy ending--she died, but at the same time she was supposedly 'happy' because her anorexia may have gotten rid of her defects. The poem demonstrates the extreme measures some girls take just to fit it and be a pretty barbie doll.
and offered them up."
"Barbie Doll"
Marge Piercy
This poem shows the negative effect that dolls can have on children early in their life. They play with these perfect looking flawless figurines, and believe that this is what they are supposed to look like. When they see someone that isn't a model of that image, they are made made fun of and laughed at. This poem shows that children are taught an unattainable model of perfection at a young age, and this affects them throughout their lives, as well as those other children around them.
The sad part about this poem is that the girl portrayed is perfectly healthy--"She was healthy, tested intelligent, possessed strong arms and back," but none of this is important to her because she has "a great big nose and fat legs." I think the phrase 'inner beauty' should really apply to this poem. I know it sounds really cliche, but sometimes it's not all about having the best physical features; when people focus too much on the outer beauty, they forget to acknowledge someone's inner beauty, and that person is not even appreciated for their talents or other beauties they possess.
This poem also reminded me of that show on TLC "Toddlers and Tiaras" because the parents give the girls this idea that they have to be so pretty and perfect. Mainly the show disgusts me because I feel like the girls are just all going to grow up to be brats, like the one that called the girl in the poem fat. But, it's not really their fault that their parents tell them this is what's right, or they let them play with these dolls that can affect their way of viewing others.Back to the poem. The quote I used above is an overstatement because I doubt the girl literally cut up her nose and her legs to get rid of them. I think the words "cut up" are almost like a euphemism to say that she became anorexic and it took over her life. The very last sentence of the poem said, "To every woman a happy ending." I think this was contradictory because the girl had a very twisted happy ending--she died, but at the same time she was supposedly 'happy' because her anorexia may have gotten rid of her defects. The poem demonstrates the extreme measures some girls take just to fit it and be a pretty barbie doll.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
February
"February, month of despair
with a skewered heart in the centre."
"February"
Magaret Atwood
February is just about the middle of winter, when everyone is getting tired of the cold weather and lack of green plants and trees. The speaker in the poem focuses on both the positive and the negative aspects of winter. The cat represents a negative aspect, because it is a symbol of sex and greed. However, he finds love amidst all the lifelessness and negativity around him during February (I mean it is is the month of Valentine's Day...) He says, "It's love that does us in." Love helps us to see the good in things, when everything else seems hopeless and miserable. It provides comfort during times of insecurity. I think Atwood is trying to say that a world with a little more love and optimism will help "Get rid of death" and "Make it be spring," or help us to have a more positive outlook on parts of our life. It can always be spring in our minds if we change our negative perception in life.
with a skewered heart in the centre."
"February"
Magaret Atwood
February is just about the middle of winter, when everyone is getting tired of the cold weather and lack of green plants and trees. The speaker in the poem focuses on both the positive and the negative aspects of winter. The cat represents a negative aspect, because it is a symbol of sex and greed. However, he finds love amidst all the lifelessness and negativity around him during February (I mean it is is the month of Valentine's Day...) He says, "It's love that does us in." Love helps us to see the good in things, when everything else seems hopeless and miserable. It provides comfort during times of insecurity. I think Atwood is trying to say that a world with a little more love and optimism will help "Get rid of death" and "Make it be spring," or help us to have a more positive outlook on parts of our life. It can always be spring in our minds if we change our negative perception in life.
Dream Deferred
"What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?"
"Dream Deferred"
Langston Hughes
This poem asks a lot of rhetorical questions--six to be exact. Hughes main point is..."What happens to a dream deferred?" What happens to a dream that we just put off and push aside? Hughes uses multiple similes to answer this question. He finds many possibilities as to what occurs when a dream is forgotten about. His first thoughts are that the dream will still remain present in someone's mind "fester like a sore," "stink like rotten meat" etc. but after time, it will "crust and sugar over," or it will start to fade. The dream may "sag" like a burden in one's mind. Once a dream has had sufficient time to fade from our lives, it may just "explode." The word explode implies that the dream will permanently be destroyed from our thoughts; it will cease to exist because it's been ignored for too long. At some point in time, a lifelong dream may eventually die off on its own, even if we may not realize it.
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?"
"Dream Deferred"
Langston Hughes
This poem asks a lot of rhetorical questions--six to be exact. Hughes main point is..."What happens to a dream deferred?" What happens to a dream that we just put off and push aside? Hughes uses multiple similes to answer this question. He finds many possibilities as to what occurs when a dream is forgotten about. His first thoughts are that the dream will still remain present in someone's mind "fester like a sore," "stink like rotten meat" etc. but after time, it will "crust and sugar over," or it will start to fade. The dream may "sag" like a burden in one's mind. Once a dream has had sufficient time to fade from our lives, it may just "explode." The word explode implies that the dream will permanently be destroyed from our thoughts; it will cease to exist because it's been ignored for too long. At some point in time, a lifelong dream may eventually die off on its own, even if we may not realize it.
Pink Dog
"Ash Wednesday'll come but Carnival is here.
What sambas can you dance? What will you wear?"
"Pink Dog"
Elizabeth Bishop
When I first saw the title of this poem, I assumed it would be about a pink dog. But it's really not about that so much. The central purpose of this poem is to convince people to have fun and be carefree, before the season of lent. I'm not sure if my interpretation is correct, but I think the speaker doesn't want people to be beggars, or someone that "lives by their wits." The speaker is instead encouraging spontaneity- to just let go of anything that's bothering you, otherwise you'll be "where there is no light," meaning, where there is no livelihood and happiness. Bishop uses a hyperbole by saying, "They take and throw them in the tidal rivers," to show the community does not appreciate the beggars disrupting the Carnival festivities. The speaker wants the beggars to participate in the event along with the rest of the community. At Carnival, you do not want to be an eyesore, similar to how a pink dog is an eyesore on the street, so dress up and dance and go with the flow.
What sambas can you dance? What will you wear?"
"Pink Dog"
Elizabeth Bishop
When I first saw the title of this poem, I assumed it would be about a pink dog. But it's really not about that so much. The central purpose of this poem is to convince people to have fun and be carefree, before the season of lent. I'm not sure if my interpretation is correct, but I think the speaker doesn't want people to be beggars, or someone that "lives by their wits." The speaker is instead encouraging spontaneity- to just let go of anything that's bothering you, otherwise you'll be "where there is no light," meaning, where there is no livelihood and happiness. Bishop uses a hyperbole by saying, "They take and throw them in the tidal rivers," to show the community does not appreciate the beggars disrupting the Carnival festivities. The speaker wants the beggars to participate in the event along with the rest of the community. At Carnival, you do not want to be an eyesore, similar to how a pink dog is an eyesore on the street, so dress up and dance and go with the flow.
Bright Star
"Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite"
"Bright Star"
John Keats
This poem is an apostrophe praising the beauty of stars. The writer is admiring her gleaming "splendor" that lights up the night sky. Throughout the poem, there is a certain pace associated with the location of the stars. Lines 5-8 show how stars are shining above the water, or on the snow, depending upon the season. The pace is moving, there are "moving waters," and the stars are "steadfast." Lines 2, 4, and 10 show that the star's position, though, remains "unchangeable," "in lone splendor," and "patient." Stars remain in fixed positions and I found that the words "sweet unrest" accurately convey this point. The phrase "sweet unrest" is contradictory because usually unrest is not considered sweet--It's rather bothersome and annoying. Keats portrays stars to be in a sweet unrest to show how he feels in his own life. He wants to be constant, like a star, but he would prefer being with his lover over being trapped in the same place.
"Bright Star"
John Keats
This poem is an apostrophe praising the beauty of stars. The writer is admiring her gleaming "splendor" that lights up the night sky. Throughout the poem, there is a certain pace associated with the location of the stars. Lines 5-8 show how stars are shining above the water, or on the snow, depending upon the season. The pace is moving, there are "moving waters," and the stars are "steadfast." Lines 2, 4, and 10 show that the star's position, though, remains "unchangeable," "in lone splendor," and "patient." Stars remain in fixed positions and I found that the words "sweet unrest" accurately convey this point. The phrase "sweet unrest" is contradictory because usually unrest is not considered sweet--It's rather bothersome and annoying. Keats portrays stars to be in a sweet unrest to show how he feels in his own life. He wants to be constant, like a star, but he would prefer being with his lover over being trapped in the same place.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Toads
"Lots of folk live on their wits:
Lecturers, lispers, losels, lobolly-men, louts-
They don't end as paupers;"
"Toads"
Philip Larkin
The poem "Toads" was in fact, not about toads. The central purpose of this poem was to convey a sentiment of many people in the world today. The speaker in this poem is unhappy with the way his life has turned out. He is stuck in a boring job he doesn't really enjoy; he only works to pay the bills. Meanwhile, the rich and even the poor, as seen in the above excerpt, lead a happier life than he. Larkin uses alliteration to describe the different groups of people: the lecturers and lispers are most likely the 'witty' ones, while the losels, lobolly-men, and louts are the less witty people. (Maybe?) The speaker feels like he is stuck in the middle, while the others have "their unspeakable wives," "with fires in a bucket," and "eat windfalls and tinned sardines." I'm not exactly sure what "fires in a bucket" or "eat[ing] windfalls" refers to but he is trying to show how much better off that those people are than him, because "They don't end as paupers."
The speaker also seems to be torn between spiritual truth, and material goods, and how to attain both of them. He cannot understand why the world around him is filled with these two toads that unfairly influence his life. The two toads are his work life, as well as internal conflicts he experiences--like "The fame and the girl and the money." This man speaks in a bitter tone regarding work, with "its sickening poison." His point may be that he feels trapped in a life of work he isn't particularly fond of, and he is realizing there is no way out, because he's too far in, it's too late. He also has conflict internally because he feels like he's unable to succeed in getting the girl, or being the rich guy, on top of all his other troubles. He constantly feels bogged down by these two toads.
Lecturers, lispers, losels, lobolly-men, louts-
They don't end as paupers;"
"Toads"
Philip Larkin
The poem "Toads" was in fact, not about toads. The central purpose of this poem was to convey a sentiment of many people in the world today. The speaker in this poem is unhappy with the way his life has turned out. He is stuck in a boring job he doesn't really enjoy; he only works to pay the bills. Meanwhile, the rich and even the poor, as seen in the above excerpt, lead a happier life than he. Larkin uses alliteration to describe the different groups of people: the lecturers and lispers are most likely the 'witty' ones, while the losels, lobolly-men, and louts are the less witty people. (Maybe?) The speaker feels like he is stuck in the middle, while the others have "their unspeakable wives," "with fires in a bucket," and "eat windfalls and tinned sardines." I'm not exactly sure what "fires in a bucket" or "eat[ing] windfalls" refers to but he is trying to show how much better off that those people are than him, because "They don't end as paupers."
The speaker also seems to be torn between spiritual truth, and material goods, and how to attain both of them. He cannot understand why the world around him is filled with these two toads that unfairly influence his life. The two toads are his work life, as well as internal conflicts he experiences--like "The fame and the girl and the money." This man speaks in a bitter tone regarding work, with "its sickening poison." His point may be that he feels trapped in a life of work he isn't particularly fond of, and he is realizing there is no way out, because he's too far in, it's too late. He also has conflict internally because he feels like he's unable to succeed in getting the girl, or being the rich guy, on top of all his other troubles. He constantly feels bogged down by these two toads.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
London
"In every cry of every man,
In every Infant's cry of fear,
In every voice, in every ban,
the mind-forged manacles I hear."
"London"
William Blake
The primary purpose of this poem is to portray the dark side of London. Despite the breath-taking sites like Big Ben and Buckinghman Palace, London also has a not so glamorous side. Blake is showing us that during the day, London may appear beautiful, but "through midnight streets" [at night], the underlying problems will begin to creep out. This poem has an overall tone of hopelessness. There is the notion that the Soldiers are always left in charge of taking care of the "blood down the Palace walls" or the conflicts occurring within the government. There are "Harlot's" or prostitutes roaming the city, causing plagues upon marriage as well as new-borns. The man walking through London seems to feel that the cause of all these issues are "marks of weakness." The man recognizes despair in every cry of every man, infant, and and in every voice he hears. All of these recognitions make his mind feel overwhelmed, and he concludes that the city surrounding him has numerous issues, which may sometimes be obscured during the day.
In every Infant's cry of fear,
In every voice, in every ban,
the mind-forged manacles I hear."
"London"
William Blake
The primary purpose of this poem is to portray the dark side of London. Despite the breath-taking sites like Big Ben and Buckinghman Palace, London also has a not so glamorous side. Blake is showing us that during the day, London may appear beautiful, but "through midnight streets" [at night], the underlying problems will begin to creep out. This poem has an overall tone of hopelessness. There is the notion that the Soldiers are always left in charge of taking care of the "blood down the Palace walls" or the conflicts occurring within the government. There are "Harlot's" or prostitutes roaming the city, causing plagues upon marriage as well as new-borns. The man walking through London seems to feel that the cause of all these issues are "marks of weakness." The man recognizes despair in every cry of every man, infant, and and in every voice he hears. All of these recognitions make his mind feel overwhelmed, and he concludes that the city surrounding him has numerous issues, which may sometimes be obscured during the day.
Panther
"An image enters in,
rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
plunges into the heart and is gone."
"The Panther"
Rainer Maria Rilke
This poem emphasizes a constant feeling of imprisonment for the panther. The words "curtain," and "ritual dance," hint that the panther may be contained as an act for a circus. In the quote above, it is evident that the panther may possess a sliver of hope when he opens his eyes that he may be roaming free, but the feeling quickly escapes him when he looks up and sees the bars still surrounding him. Rilke is most likely trying to convey the idea that caging animals is cruel. No animal should live a confined life in which it cannot run freely as it pleases. As we see through the panther's perspective, the vision grows weary, and all optimism is lost when animals are deemed to a life imprisoned in a cage.
I also cannot help but wonder why Rilke chose to use a panther to emphasize the evil of caging animals. Why not a lion or a tiger? The only conclusion I can come up with is that a panther is a very sleek, beautiful feline, so he found it to be even more persuasive in his argument against animal cruelty--His point is to say, "How could anyone cage up such a beautiful animal?", as opposed to giving us a rather commonplace perspective through the tiger or lion's eyes. (No offense to tigers and lions)
rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
plunges into the heart and is gone."
"The Panther"
Rainer Maria Rilke
This poem emphasizes a constant feeling of imprisonment for the panther. The words "curtain," and "ritual dance," hint that the panther may be contained as an act for a circus. In the quote above, it is evident that the panther may possess a sliver of hope when he opens his eyes that he may be roaming free, but the feeling quickly escapes him when he looks up and sees the bars still surrounding him. Rilke is most likely trying to convey the idea that caging animals is cruel. No animal should live a confined life in which it cannot run freely as it pleases. As we see through the panther's perspective, the vision grows weary, and all optimism is lost when animals are deemed to a life imprisoned in a cage.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Autumn
"To bend with apples the mossed cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core"
"To Autumn"
John Keats
This poem is rather fitting, considering it's almost autumn right now. It is full of imagery about the fall season. The "winnowing wind," the "twined flowers," and the "mellow fruitfulness" create vivid images of the sights of autumn. Besides the sights of autumn, we also get a feel of the sounds of fall as well. The "hedge-crickets sing," and the "red-breast whistles." These sounds lead to the conclusion that fall is a bustling season filled with activity before the hibernation season of winter sets in. The birds flutter about and prepare for the coming dormant season; the bees stock up on what pollen remains; the plants are reaching their final blooms, and the clouds hover over the sky and create a "rosy hue." Autumn is our last chance [before winter] at appreciating the beauty of nature with its colored leaves, apples, and cool temperatures. I'd have to say autumn is one of my favorite seasons because of the cider and leaf piles, and this poem seems to praise the season of autumn as well.
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core"
"To Autumn"
John Keats
This poem is rather fitting, considering it's almost autumn right now. It is full of imagery about the fall season. The "winnowing wind," the "twined flowers," and the "mellow fruitfulness" create vivid images of the sights of autumn. Besides the sights of autumn, we also get a feel of the sounds of fall as well. The "hedge-crickets sing," and the "red-breast whistles." These sounds lead to the conclusion that fall is a bustling season filled with activity before the hibernation season of winter sets in. The birds flutter about and prepare for the coming dormant season; the bees stock up on what pollen remains; the plants are reaching their final blooms, and the clouds hover over the sky and create a "rosy hue." Autumn is our last chance [before winter] at appreciating the beauty of nature with its colored leaves, apples, and cool temperatures. I'd have to say autumn is one of my favorite seasons because of the cider and leaf piles, and this poem seems to praise the season of autumn as well.
Reminders of the Past
"I feel that I would like
to go there
and fall into those flowers
and sink into the marsh near them."
"The Widow's Lament in Springtime"
William Carlos Williams
The tone of this poem was rather sad and depressing. It was filled with dismal diction such as "sorrow" "cold," "grief," "sink," etc. This tone was used to convey the feelings of the wife. The white flowers remind her of her husband whom she loved, and when she sees them bloom in the spring, she remembered how much she missed him.
In this poem, an example of an oxy moron is used. The phrase "with the cold fire that closes round me this year," is contradictory. Usually a fire is not cold, but the purpose of having a cold fire shows the internal conflict the wife is experiencing. She has a raging fire of emptiness inside her. Instead of a hot fire that is passionate and strong, she senses a great feeling of coldness and weakness.
The white flowers have a sort of conflicting image as well. On one hand, they are beautiful and signs of spring life. On the other, they are a reminder of the past, and what joy once existed in the wife's life. The white flowers represent life to most people, while the wife views them as a symbol of death and mourning.
to go there
and fall into those flowers
and sink into the marsh near them."
"The Widow's Lament in Springtime"
William Carlos Williams
The tone of this poem was rather sad and depressing. It was filled with dismal diction such as "sorrow" "cold," "grief," "sink," etc. This tone was used to convey the feelings of the wife. The white flowers remind her of her husband whom she loved, and when she sees them bloom in the spring, she remembered how much she missed him.
In this poem, an example of an oxy moron is used. The phrase "with the cold fire that closes round me this year," is contradictory. Usually a fire is not cold, but the purpose of having a cold fire shows the internal conflict the wife is experiencing. She has a raging fire of emptiness inside her. Instead of a hot fire that is passionate and strong, she senses a great feeling of coldness and weakness.
The white flowers have a sort of conflicting image as well. On one hand, they are beautiful and signs of spring life. On the other, they are a reminder of the past, and what joy once existed in the wife's life. The white flowers represent life to most people, while the wife views them as a symbol of death and mourning.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Springtime
"Before it cloud, Christ lord, and sour with sinning,
Innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy"
Gerard Manley Hopkins
Spring
The central purpose of this poem is to portray how spring is like a clean slate to nature. It's like Eden's garden "before it cloy," meaning, before it is overused and spoiled. The quote above compares springtime to Christ, who is pure. When there are clouds though, there is sin, and the innocence/cleanliness that once existed is lost. In a way, this poem reminds me of the complete opposite season, winter. When it snows, the ground is pure white, and untouched. But once the animals come scurrying around through it, it soon becomes dirty, messy, and uneven. In springtime, the trees are blooming, the sky is a pretty blue, and it's just the beginning of the life that is to come. Spring symbolizes a new beginning, and new life, similar to how Jesus symbolizes new life. After a long harsh winter, spring is welcomed and seen as a fresh new start. But as the clouds set in and the novelty wears off, the mood soon changes and the 'innocence' of it is lost. It can be compared to how Jesus symbolizes life for us, but when we disregard His ways, we sin, and lose sight of the blessings He brings to us.
Innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy"
Gerard Manley Hopkins
Spring
The central purpose of this poem is to portray how spring is like a clean slate to nature. It's like Eden's garden "before it cloy," meaning, before it is overused and spoiled. The quote above compares springtime to Christ, who is pure. When there are clouds though, there is sin, and the innocence/cleanliness that once existed is lost. In a way, this poem reminds me of the complete opposite season, winter. When it snows, the ground is pure white, and untouched. But once the animals come scurrying around through it, it soon becomes dirty, messy, and uneven. In springtime, the trees are blooming, the sky is a pretty blue, and it's just the beginning of the life that is to come. Spring symbolizes a new beginning, and new life, similar to how Jesus symbolizes new life. After a long harsh winter, spring is welcomed and seen as a fresh new start. But as the clouds set in and the novelty wears off, the mood soon changes and the 'innocence' of it is lost. It can be compared to how Jesus symbolizes life for us, but when we disregard His ways, we sin, and lose sight of the blessings He brings to us.
Perrine's Perspective on Poetry
"That all interpretations of a poem are equally valid is a critical heresy, but one which perennially makes its reappearance in the classroom."
For the most part, I do agree with what Perrine says about the way in which we are to interpret poetry. We cannot allow different facts to contradict each other when interpreting poetry nor can we make wild assumptions that are out of context in nature of the poem. When he said, "...though it too accounts for all the facts, it rests on too many additional assumptions. It is, as we would say, too 'farfetched,'" I couldn't help but think of Jimmy's interpretation of the Emily Dickinson poem-that it was about a washing machine. Perrine certaintly would not agree with that assumption. As for my interpretation of the Emily Dickinson poem, I was not too far off. I did conclude that the daffodils represented the sun in some way, so maybe I didn't do too bad.
At the same time, I disagree with Perrine when he says we are not to be "farfetched" in our interpretation of a poem. Everyone is going to have a different take on what a poem means. Some may have a more creative outlook on it, while other have a more literal outlook on it. As for me, I usually have a pretty literal and concrete interpretation of poetry. I literally interpreted the "fantastic sailors mingle"in the Emily Dickinson poem to be sailors sharing stories with one another. I'm going to have to work around my habit of literal interpretation. Also, as I read further into this piece, I found that Perrine said the Melville poem posed the question of the existence of God. What? I don't think I would ever be able to come up with that. I still do not even understand where he got that from to be honest. Although I may not be able to interpret poetry as confidently as Perrine is able to, I have picked up a few tips from him. I realize that I am going to need to pay more attention to word choice and diction. I never realized the Night March Poem was about stars, because I didn't closely look at the words, like "twinkling," "bright", "beaming" etc. I also need to look for symbols, and I need to be able to differentiate them from metaphors. Lastly, I will try not to make out of context conclusions to a poem. I think I'm ready to analyze poetry now that I know what to look for..
For the most part, I do agree with what Perrine says about the way in which we are to interpret poetry. We cannot allow different facts to contradict each other when interpreting poetry nor can we make wild assumptions that are out of context in nature of the poem. When he said, "...though it too accounts for all the facts, it rests on too many additional assumptions. It is, as we would say, too 'farfetched,'" I couldn't help but think of Jimmy's interpretation of the Emily Dickinson poem-that it was about a washing machine. Perrine certaintly would not agree with that assumption. As for my interpretation of the Emily Dickinson poem, I was not too far off. I did conclude that the daffodils represented the sun in some way, so maybe I didn't do too bad.
At the same time, I disagree with Perrine when he says we are not to be "farfetched" in our interpretation of a poem. Everyone is going to have a different take on what a poem means. Some may have a more creative outlook on it, while other have a more literal outlook on it. As for me, I usually have a pretty literal and concrete interpretation of poetry. I literally interpreted the "fantastic sailors mingle"in the Emily Dickinson poem to be sailors sharing stories with one another. I'm going to have to work around my habit of literal interpretation. Also, as I read further into this piece, I found that Perrine said the Melville poem posed the question of the existence of God. What? I don't think I would ever be able to come up with that. I still do not even understand where he got that from to be honest. Although I may not be able to interpret poetry as confidently as Perrine is able to, I have picked up a few tips from him. I realize that I am going to need to pay more attention to word choice and diction. I never realized the Night March Poem was about stars, because I didn't closely look at the words, like "twinkling," "bright", "beaming" etc. I also need to look for symbols, and I need to be able to differentiate them from metaphors. Lastly, I will try not to make out of context conclusions to a poem. I think I'm ready to analyze poetry now that I know what to look for..
Friday, August 12, 2011
The End
"I keep thinking about this river somewhere, with the water moving really fast. And these two people in the water, trying to hold onto each other, holding on as hard as they can, but in the end it's just too much. The current's too strong. They've got to leg go, drift apart. That's how I think it is with us. It's a shame, Kath, because we've loved each other all our lives. But in the end, we can't stay together forever." pg 282
The ending of this book is really sad. Kathy loses both of her closest friends and she herself becomes a donor. Overall, this book had the ongoing theme of the importance of the past and how hard it can be to let go. Tommy's quote above conveys the entirety of really any relationship between the students at Hailsham. They all try to hold onto their past, but in the end, they cannot keep that grasp forever, because science tears it apart. Ishiguro is telling us that the past has a powerful place in all of our lives--it makes us into who we are today. But, sometimes, we need to let go of past things, whether good or bad, because everything comes to an end at some point.
As this is my second time reading this book, I still liked it. In comparison to Brave New World, I would say that Never Let Me Go was a way less extreme version of the utopia. Both of the books had depressing endings though, that dealt with death. Though the novels were very different, they shared the same message: Science has the ability to control a human being's life, so it should be monitored carefully.
The ending of this book is really sad. Kathy loses both of her closest friends and she herself becomes a donor. Overall, this book had the ongoing theme of the importance of the past and how hard it can be to let go. Tommy's quote above conveys the entirety of really any relationship between the students at Hailsham. They all try to hold onto their past, but in the end, they cannot keep that grasp forever, because science tears it apart. Ishiguro is telling us that the past has a powerful place in all of our lives--it makes us into who we are today. But, sometimes, we need to let go of past things, whether good or bad, because everything comes to an end at some point.
As this is my second time reading this book, I still liked it. In comparison to Brave New World, I would say that Never Let Me Go was a way less extreme version of the utopia. Both of the books had depressing endings though, that dealt with death. Though the novels were very different, they shared the same message: Science has the ability to control a human being's life, so it should be monitored carefully.
Revelations
"We took away your art because we thought it would reveal you souls. Or to put it more freely, we did it to prove you had souls at all." pg 260
Chapter twenty-two is just full of revelations to the reader. First of all, we know for sure that deferrals do not exist. They were simply just a rumor that Hailsham students made up somewhere along the line, because it gave them hope. Secondly, the Gallery and artwork was emphasized at Hailsham because it proved the students had souls (above quote). The people outside of Hailsham believed that the children there had no souls, because they were clones raised to donate organs, and Madame and Miss Emily worked to prove them wrong by creating the Gallery.
We also learn that Hailsham closed because of James Morningdale, a man who tried to create an entire generation of genetically engineered children (sounds a lot like Brave New World...)--which was a little too far for the public to accept. Also, Miss Lucy left because her views were too different from the other guardians- she wanted to let the children know everything while the other guardians wanted them to be sheltered. And finally, Madame said she cried when seeing Kathy dancing to "Never Let Me Go" because she imagined a young girl holding onto the world, never wanting to let it go.
This entire chapter would be considered the falling action in the story because everything is revealed to the reader, and most of the mysteries from early on are solved. Everything falls into place, even if it's not the way that Tommy and Kathy expected it would.
Chapter twenty-two is just full of revelations to the reader. First of all, we know for sure that deferrals do not exist. They were simply just a rumor that Hailsham students made up somewhere along the line, because it gave them hope. Secondly, the Gallery and artwork was emphasized at Hailsham because it proved the students had souls (above quote). The people outside of Hailsham believed that the children there had no souls, because they were clones raised to donate organs, and Madame and Miss Emily worked to prove them wrong by creating the Gallery.
We also learn that Hailsham closed because of James Morningdale, a man who tried to create an entire generation of genetically engineered children (sounds a lot like Brave New World...)--which was a little too far for the public to accept. Also, Miss Lucy left because her views were too different from the other guardians- she wanted to let the children know everything while the other guardians wanted them to be sheltered. And finally, Madame said she cried when seeing Kathy dancing to "Never Let Me Go" because she imagined a young girl holding onto the world, never wanting to let it go.
This entire chapter would be considered the falling action in the story because everything is revealed to the reader, and most of the mysteries from early on are solved. Everything falls into place, even if it's not the way that Tommy and Kathy expected it would.
Time To Go
"Okay," I said. Then I stood up and stretched out my arms. "Maybe we'll take more. Fifteen, twenty even. Yeah we'll go see her. What can she do to us? We'll go and talk to her." pg 245
Kathy and Tommy are finally seeking Madame for some answers to the questions they've been theorizing over the entire novel. I know I've read this book before, but I've forgotten every detail, so this part is still suspenseful for me. Ishiguro creates suspense by creating mysteries early on in the book--such as the Gallery, artwork, and concept of deferrals. The reader waits the entire book until Kathy and Tommy leave to find the answers they've been searching for for so long. A few clues are placed along the way, but not very many. Then in the last chapters, everything will be explained! The ending of this book will be pretty similar to A Brave New World, because they both explain the reasoning behind the science experiments occurring.
So right now, I've just finished chapter twenty-one, when Kathy and Tommy have entered Madame's house and spoken briefly with her. Nothing is for certain yet, but Madame is treating Kathy and Tommy like they are a bit nuts. Madame's attitude foreshadows that Kathy and Tommy may be in a for a bit of a surprise.
Kathy and Tommy are finally seeking Madame for some answers to the questions they've been theorizing over the entire novel. I know I've read this book before, but I've forgotten every detail, so this part is still suspenseful for me. Ishiguro creates suspense by creating mysteries early on in the book--such as the Gallery, artwork, and concept of deferrals. The reader waits the entire book until Kathy and Tommy leave to find the answers they've been searching for for so long. A few clues are placed along the way, but not very many. Then in the last chapters, everything will be explained! The ending of this book will be pretty similar to A Brave New World, because they both explain the reasoning behind the science experiments occurring.
So right now, I've just finished chapter twenty-one, when Kathy and Tommy have entered Madame's house and spoken briefly with her. Nothing is for certain yet, but Madame is treating Kathy and Tommy like they are a bit nuts. Madame's attitude foreshadows that Kathy and Tommy may be in a for a bit of a surprise.
Apologies
"The main thing is, I kept you and Tommy apart." Her voice had dropped again, almost to a whisper. "That was the worst thing I did." pg 232
Ruth finally apologizes for all her past actions, but one in particular: keeping Kathy and Tommy apart. It's about time!! She decides to admit her wrongdoings mainly because she is close to 'completing.' I'm glad she tells the truth, because it shows Ruth isn't totally evil. She does care about other people, she just seems to have a hard time of showing it. And so since she cannot ever life the life she dreamed of (working in a office, or anything beyond that), she convinces Kathy to be Tommy's carer, so they can later get a deferral...maybe.
Even though I was not really a fan of Ruth, it was still very sad when she died. She had to face an inevitable fate, like all the other students at Hailsham, but it seemed to be especially hard for her. I'm glad she finally came to terms with her past actions, and said sorry though. I'm sure neither Tommy or Kathy will forget Ruth, because in a way, she has brought them together, because she convinced them to finally be with one another.
Ruth finally apologizes for all her past actions, but one in particular: keeping Kathy and Tommy apart. It's about time!! She decides to admit her wrongdoings mainly because she is close to 'completing.' I'm glad she tells the truth, because it shows Ruth isn't totally evil. She does care about other people, she just seems to have a hard time of showing it. And so since she cannot ever life the life she dreamed of (working in a office, or anything beyond that), she convinces Kathy to be Tommy's carer, so they can later get a deferral...maybe.
Even though I was not really a fan of Ruth, it was still very sad when she died. She had to face an inevitable fate, like all the other students at Hailsham, but it seemed to be especially hard for her. I'm glad she finally came to terms with her past actions, and said sorry though. I'm sure neither Tommy or Kathy will forget Ruth, because in a way, she has brought them together, because she convinced them to finally be with one another.
The End of an Era
"I thought about Hailsham closing, and how it was like someone coming along with a pair of shears and snipping the balloon strings just where they entwined above the man's fist." pg 213
Ishiguro makes a really good comparison of Hailsham closing to letting balloons go. When you let a group of balloons go, they all separate and go different ways, just like Hailsham students will grow apart because their connections to the school have been broken since it has closed. I want to know why Hailsham closed. Ishiguro does not really make it clear as to why the school closed. Was it the guardians? the students? Did they realize that forcing organ donation upon people was cruel? Maybe it's not important.
At the end of chapter eighteen, Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth all plan a get together. This should be interesting, since the three of them have not been together since their Cottage days. I'm sure things have changed between the three of them. No matter what, they are all still linked by Hailsham, even if it has closed.
Ishiguro makes a really good comparison of Hailsham closing to letting balloons go. When you let a group of balloons go, they all separate and go different ways, just like Hailsham students will grow apart because their connections to the school have been broken since it has closed. I want to know why Hailsham closed. Ishiguro does not really make it clear as to why the school closed. Was it the guardians? the students? Did they realize that forcing organ donation upon people was cruel? Maybe it's not important.
At the end of chapter eighteen, Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth all plan a get together. This should be interesting, since the three of them have not been together since their Cottage days. I'm sure things have changed between the three of them. No matter what, they are all still linked by Hailsham, even if it has closed.
Closing Time- Semisonic
It relates
Moving On
"What you've got to understand, though, is that he thinks the world of you. He really does." pg 201
Ruth definitely just gave Kathy approval of her dating Tommy. But unfortunately, Kathy totally ignores Ruth's request, and leaves the Cottages without a proper goodbye to either Ruth or Tommy.
While talking outside of the Cottages, Ruth makes Kathy mad by once again 'forgetting' one of Kathy's Hailsham references to the rhubarb patch. This conversation shows how differently the two regard their past. Ruth wants to forget most of the Hailsham things--which is most likely why she believes Tommy's drawings for the Gallery theory are ridiculous and foolish. Kathy, on the other hand, constantly reminisces about Hailsham, and brings up references to it quite often. I don't really understand why Ruth is wanting to forget Hailsham--she must remember the things Kathy brings up, but she refuses to acknowledge what Kathy is talking about. Why does she want to forget all of it so much? When Kathy talks about the more recent times, it appears they discussed Hailsham thorougly at hospitals. So why the change in attitude? The Cottages have really messed with Ruth's mind or something.
I think that Ruth's insistence to let the past go triggers Kathy to sign up to be a carer. When Ruth said, "Why does it matter anyway? What's the rhubarb patch got to do with anything? Just get on with what you were saying," Kathy realized that things had changed between them. She wants to get away from the Cottages, and move on to the real world, even if it's without her Hailsham friends.
Now onto the final part of the book!
Ruth definitely just gave Kathy approval of her dating Tommy. But unfortunately, Kathy totally ignores Ruth's request, and leaves the Cottages without a proper goodbye to either Ruth or Tommy.
While talking outside of the Cottages, Ruth makes Kathy mad by once again 'forgetting' one of Kathy's Hailsham references to the rhubarb patch. This conversation shows how differently the two regard their past. Ruth wants to forget most of the Hailsham things--which is most likely why she believes Tommy's drawings for the Gallery theory are ridiculous and foolish. Kathy, on the other hand, constantly reminisces about Hailsham, and brings up references to it quite often. I don't really understand why Ruth is wanting to forget Hailsham--she must remember the things Kathy brings up, but she refuses to acknowledge what Kathy is talking about. Why does she want to forget all of it so much? When Kathy talks about the more recent times, it appears they discussed Hailsham thorougly at hospitals. So why the change in attitude? The Cottages have really messed with Ruth's mind or something.
 |
| I imagine the scene of Kathy leaving to look like this, only the girl is the one walking away |
I think that Ruth's insistence to let the past go triggers Kathy to sign up to be a carer. When Ruth said, "Why does it matter anyway? What's the rhubarb patch got to do with anything? Just get on with what you were saying," Kathy realized that things had changed between them. She wants to get away from the Cottages, and move on to the real world, even if it's without her Hailsham friends.
Now onto the final part of the book!
Motivation
"He'd then persuaded Keffers to give him one of the little balck notebooks he scribbled his figures in, and since then, Tommy had finished at least a dozen of his fantastic creatures." pg 178
Tommy has a lot of theories. He's still very interested in all the mysteries at Hailsham, and this quote proves that he hasn't forgotten about the art Gallery. Tommy's motivation for drawing pictures is the deferral, I believe. Tommy thinks that the deferral and art are linked--Somehow the art reveals your soul and who you are inside, which gives you a better chance of getting a deferral or something like that. What I don't understand is how Tommy thinks he is going to submit his artwork. It is not like Madame comes to the Cottages to collect things for the Gallery. Those days are over. So I don't really understand Tommy's logic completely.
I almost cannot believe that Tommy is still so concerned and obsessed with the Gallery idea. I mean, does it really matter anymore? I'm pretty sure now that they are at the Cottages, their time with Hailsham is officially over. Yet Tommy does not let it go, he still has theories, and he wants the mysteries to be solved. I guess this reflects the title Never Let Me Go, because these teens have a hard time letting anything go. I can't really blame him though I guess, I'd be confused if I were him too..
Sigh, at this point in the book, all I really want is for Tommy and Kathy to be together. I am pretty sure chapter 15 just screams that they are meant for each other.
Tommy has a lot of theories. He's still very interested in all the mysteries at Hailsham, and this quote proves that he hasn't forgotten about the art Gallery. Tommy's motivation for drawing pictures is the deferral, I believe. Tommy thinks that the deferral and art are linked--Somehow the art reveals your soul and who you are inside, which gives you a better chance of getting a deferral or something like that. What I don't understand is how Tommy thinks he is going to submit his artwork. It is not like Madame comes to the Cottages to collect things for the Gallery. Those days are over. So I don't really understand Tommy's logic completely.
I almost cannot believe that Tommy is still so concerned and obsessed with the Gallery idea. I mean, does it really matter anymore? I'm pretty sure now that they are at the Cottages, their time with Hailsham is officially over. Yet Tommy does not let it go, he still has theories, and he wants the mysteries to be solved. I guess this reflects the title Never Let Me Go, because these teens have a hard time letting anything go. I can't really blame him though I guess, I'd be confused if I were him too..
Sigh, at this point in the book, all I really want is for Tommy and Kathy to be together. I am pretty sure chapter 15 just screams that they are meant for each other.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
It's Not Possible
"She had on a half-smile, the sort a mother might have in an ordinary family, weighing things up while the children jumped and screamed around her asking her to say, yes, they could do whatever." pg 159
This quote just about sums up Ruth's mood in chapter fourteen. Basically, she is not happy with the current situation, but she doesn't exactly show it. The analogy ^ accurately conveys the situation to us. Ruth gives the impression to Chrissie, Rodney, Kathy, and Tommy that the situation is fine, but deep down a thousand thoughts are running through her mind--like a mother caught in between her thoughts and her children nagging at her to allow them to play something.
In reality, after discovering her possible is anything but similar to her, she feels foolishly mistaken. Since things turned out opposite of what she expected, she got mad and started talking 'rubbish.' She claimed that they were all just "modelled from trash." I think that reasoning may be a bit extreme. I don't think they would model organ donators out of complete rubbish--Just saying. Well, mainly this chapter reveals more about Ruth's character. I think she acts this way because she is honestly just bitter about her life. Being an organ donator seems to be the last thing she wants to do with her life.
This quote just about sums up Ruth's mood in chapter fourteen. Basically, she is not happy with the current situation, but she doesn't exactly show it. The analogy ^ accurately conveys the situation to us. Ruth gives the impression to Chrissie, Rodney, Kathy, and Tommy that the situation is fine, but deep down a thousand thoughts are running through her mind--like a mother caught in between her thoughts and her children nagging at her to allow them to play something.
In reality, after discovering her possible is anything but similar to her, she feels foolishly mistaken. Since things turned out opposite of what she expected, she got mad and started talking 'rubbish.' She claimed that they were all just "modelled from trash." I think that reasoning may be a bit extreme. I don't think they would model organ donators out of complete rubbish--Just saying. Well, mainly this chapter reveals more about Ruth's character. I think she acts this way because she is honestly just bitter about her life. Being an organ donator seems to be the last thing she wants to do with her life.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Privileged
"What they were saying was that some Hailsham students in the past, in special circumstances, had managed to get a deferral. That this was something you could do if you were a Hailsham student." pg 153
This deferral business can only lead to more problems. Now that this idea is revealed to Ruth, it's only a matter of time before she acts upon it. I find the prospect of a deferral is interesting...Why is it only Hailsham that is [maybe] allowing this to occur? What makes Hailsham so special? Ishiguro mentions that Chrissie often questions the teens from Hailsham about their time there--Is this why? Because she is trying to dig deeper into the deferral and reasoning behind it?
Also, this makes me wonder what other 'organ donator' schools besides Hailsham are like. Are they similar to Hailsham? Do they have guardians? Are the rules as strict? Are the rules less strict? How many of these 'organ donor' boarding schools exist? Do the other boarding schools go more in depth about the organ donations, or are they vague like Hailsham?
I know the truth behind the deferrals actually, since I've read the book before. All I'm going to say is that they are a scam. And no one ever talked about them at Hailsham, so Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth are just wasting their time contemplating the idea. That is all.
This deferral business can only lead to more problems. Now that this idea is revealed to Ruth, it's only a matter of time before she acts upon it. I find the prospect of a deferral is interesting...Why is it only Hailsham that is [maybe] allowing this to occur? What makes Hailsham so special? Ishiguro mentions that Chrissie often questions the teens from Hailsham about their time there--Is this why? Because she is trying to dig deeper into the deferral and reasoning behind it?
Also, this makes me wonder what other 'organ donator' schools besides Hailsham are like. Are they similar to Hailsham? Do they have guardians? Are the rules as strict? Are the rules less strict? How many of these 'organ donor' boarding schools exist? Do the other boarding schools go more in depth about the organ donations, or are they vague like Hailsham?
I know the truth behind the deferrals actually, since I've read the book before. All I'm going to say is that they are a scam. And no one ever talked about them at Hailsham, so Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth are just wasting their time contemplating the idea. That is all.
Possibles
"Since each of us was copied at some point from a normal person, there must be, for each of us, somewhere out there, a model getting on with his or her life. This meant, in theory, you'd be able to find the person you were modelled from." pg 139
Ishiguro only seems to hint about how exactly these students were created. He reveals that all the students were apparently modelled after someone else, similar to a clone. It must be an advanced world in the England in the 1990s if cloning is going on...
Anyway, it makes sense that the teens at the Cottages contemplate who they are modelled from. If they can seek out their 'possible,' then it gives them a sort of connection to their past life, and possibly can give them a, "glimpse of your future" according to Kathy. Ruth's possible, who works at an office according to the veteran couple, shows us how much the teens long to live a normal life. Ruth goes on about how exciting it would be to work in a nice, clean and organized office. Ishiguro may be trying to make a point here. We should not take our lives for granted--we have so many great things ahead of us, while these teens have one path: organ donation. We have the chance to be a doctor, lawyer, police officer, singer, or anything that we set our mind to. But it's not like that for these teens, and it seems as they grow older they grasp this concept more and more. Ruth wants to see her possible so bad, because she wants to have a glimpse of what could be, how her life may have been if she wasn't a Hailsham student. Ruth wants to know some meaning behind her life, so she doesn't give up on the idea of seeking her possible.
Ishiguro only seems to hint about how exactly these students were created. He reveals that all the students were apparently modelled after someone else, similar to a clone. It must be an advanced world in the England in the 1990s if cloning is going on...
Anyway, it makes sense that the teens at the Cottages contemplate who they are modelled from. If they can seek out their 'possible,' then it gives them a sort of connection to their past life, and possibly can give them a, "glimpse of your future" according to Kathy. Ruth's possible, who works at an office according to the veteran couple, shows us how much the teens long to live a normal life. Ruth goes on about how exciting it would be to work in a nice, clean and organized office. Ishiguro may be trying to make a point here. We should not take our lives for granted--we have so many great things ahead of us, while these teens have one path: organ donation. We have the chance to be a doctor, lawyer, police officer, singer, or anything that we set our mind to. But it's not like that for these teens, and it seems as they grow older they grasp this concept more and more. Ruth wants to see her possible so bad, because she wants to have a glimpse of what could be, how her life may have been if she wasn't a Hailsham student. Ruth wants to know some meaning behind her life, so she doesn't give up on the idea of seeking her possible.Crazy Ruth
"In those first months at the Cottages, our friendship had stayed intact because, on my side at least, I'd had this notion there were two quite separate Ruths." pg 129
So, chapter eleven was interesting. I'm finding it a bit difficult to find something to blog about, because a large portion of the chapter was centered around porn--and I cannot exactly decide why it was significant, so I will talk about Ruth's character.
I would have to agree with Kathy, that there were 'two quite separate Ruths.' Ruth can be very two-faced and I've seen this all throughout the novel so far. I think Ruth does have this notion that she's better than everyone else. She's the one with the relationship with Tommy, the approval of the veterans, the one everyone seems to turn to for advice, even Kathy herself. Part of me thinks that Ruth is only dating Tommy, to just be dating someone. It's like a status symbol--if you're dating someone, people sometimes look up to you differently. And this makes me frustrated. Ruth cares too much about what other people think. Why does she so desperately crave the veterans approval? I don't understand it. Also, I'd rather have Kathy and Tommy together because they actually understand each other, and they're always talking and collaborating about ideas and Hailsham things. Though Ruth is Kathy's 'best friend,' sometimes I wish she would just go away, and let Kathy and Tommy finally be together.
So, chapter eleven was interesting. I'm finding it a bit difficult to find something to blog about, because a large portion of the chapter was centered around porn--and I cannot exactly decide why it was significant, so I will talk about Ruth's character.
I would have to agree with Kathy, that there were 'two quite separate Ruths.' Ruth can be very two-faced and I've seen this all throughout the novel so far. I think Ruth does have this notion that she's better than everyone else. She's the one with the relationship with Tommy, the approval of the veterans, the one everyone seems to turn to for advice, even Kathy herself. Part of me thinks that Ruth is only dating Tommy, to just be dating someone. It's like a status symbol--if you're dating someone, people sometimes look up to you differently. And this makes me frustrated. Ruth cares too much about what other people think. Why does she so desperately crave the veterans approval? I don't understand it. Also, I'd rather have Kathy and Tommy together because they actually understand each other, and they're always talking and collaborating about ideas and Hailsham things. Though Ruth is Kathy's 'best friend,' sometimes I wish she would just go away, and let Kathy and Tommy finally be together.
Letting Go Is Hard To Do
"Because maybe, in a way, we didn't leave it behind nearly as much as we might once have thought. Because somewhere underneath, a part of us stayed like that: fearful of the world around us, and-no matter how much we despised ourselves for it-unable quite to let each other go." pg 120
I really like this quote. So far, I think it sums up the entire relationship of all the Hailsham students. They all secretly fear the future, and through their times together, they realize they are unable to cope without each other and just let go of that part of their life. I've noticed Kathy especially can't seem to "let go" of her past. This makes Ruth really mad, because Kathy never stops reminiscing about Hailsham. On the other hand, Ruth just wants her to move on, and live a separate life at the Cottages, because things are different there.
I am convinced that Kathy is a complicated character, so I am going to say she is a dynamic character. Or maybe the people she is close to are complicated. Maybe it's all of them. (Tommy included) But anyway, her relationship with Ruth is happy one minute, but then the next, they release all their pent up anger. Anywho, I enjoyed the analogy of the chess move/Ruth's temper. The comparison was that making a bad move in chess will soon lead to disaster, just like Kathy accidentally saying something she didn't exactly mean to ended up in more anger/disaster from Ruth. At this point, I find Ruth and Kathy's arguments kinda immature. I find it a bit ironic that Ruth is telling Kathy to grow up, when Ruth is in fact the one still holding grudges over little things that Kathy points out to her. I guess after growing up with her for 16+ years, things get a bit tense between the two.
I really like this quote. So far, I think it sums up the entire relationship of all the Hailsham students. They all secretly fear the future, and through their times together, they realize they are unable to cope without each other and just let go of that part of their life. I've noticed Kathy especially can't seem to "let go" of her past. This makes Ruth really mad, because Kathy never stops reminiscing about Hailsham. On the other hand, Ruth just wants her to move on, and live a separate life at the Cottages, because things are different there.
I am convinced that Kathy is a complicated character, so I am going to say she is a dynamic character. Or maybe the people she is close to are complicated. Maybe it's all of them. (Tommy included) But anyway, her relationship with Ruth is happy one minute, but then the next, they release all their pent up anger. Anywho, I enjoyed the analogy of the chess move/Ruth's temper. The comparison was that making a bad move in chess will soon lead to disaster, just like Kathy accidentally saying something she didn't exactly mean to ended up in more anger/disaster from Ruth. At this point, I find Ruth and Kathy's arguments kinda immature. I find it a bit ironic that Ruth is telling Kathy to grow up, when Ruth is in fact the one still holding grudges over little things that Kathy points out to her. I guess after growing up with her for 16+ years, things get a bit tense between the two.
But What Does It Mean?
"'Listen, Tommy, your art, it is important. And not just because it's evidence. But for your own sake. You'll get a lot from it, just for yourself." pg 108
Though I have read this book before, I can honestly say I have forgotten the meaning behind the student's artwork. So, what is Miss Lucy saying? Why did she insist that Tommy should forget about trying to be good at art, but then turn around and decide that art was suddenly extremely important? Though Miss Lucy is one of the few characters I like in the book, she just does not make sense sometimes. I'm now eager to get to the end of this book, because I know that's where all the answers are...(Maybe this will serve as motivation for me to get these blogs done faster..)
Also, Miss Lucy's disappearance at the end of part one is questionable. I'm pretty sure she fled because she could not take stand to watch the children go through their lives only to be used later for organ donations. I wouldn't doubt that it would be hard to watch innocent, good students have to give up their life for the sake of science. Poor kids. The only upside to this situation is that the students have the option to be a carer, though that doesn't always last long. Donation is sad concept really, because it benefits one person, while the other is left usually lifeless or fatally ill. (Unless it's like a kidney) But you cannot really save a life without losing one first in this situation. It's a hard life for organ donators.
Though I have read this book before, I can honestly say I have forgotten the meaning behind the student's artwork. So, what is Miss Lucy saying? Why did she insist that Tommy should forget about trying to be good at art, but then turn around and decide that art was suddenly extremely important? Though Miss Lucy is one of the few characters I like in the book, she just does not make sense sometimes. I'm now eager to get to the end of this book, because I know that's where all the answers are...(Maybe this will serve as motivation for me to get these blogs done faster..)
Also, Miss Lucy's disappearance at the end of part one is questionable. I'm pretty sure she fled because she could not take stand to watch the children go through their lives only to be used later for organ donations. I wouldn't doubt that it would be hard to watch innocent, good students have to give up their life for the sake of science. Poor kids. The only upside to this situation is that the students have the option to be a carer, though that doesn't always last long. Donation is sad concept really, because it benefits one person, while the other is left usually lifeless or fatally ill. (Unless it's like a kidney) But you cannot really save a life without losing one first in this situation. It's a hard life for organ donators.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
One Big Happy Family
"When I found myself alone, I'd stop and look for a view...any view so long as there were no people in it. I did this so that I could, for a few seconds at least, create the illusion the place wasn't crawling with students, but that instead Hailsham was this quiet, tranquil house where I lived with just five or six others." pg 90
To escape Hailsham's confines, the students often seem to turn to fantasy type thoughts. Ruth made her 'secret guard' fantasy world, and Kathy in the above quote explains she too often imagined being somewhere else. Deep down, it looks like the kids just want to lead a normal childhood with a family. At this point, these children have no connections with their family or parents, if they even have one. Now that I think about it...Do these children even have parents? I never really thought about it before. I mean they must, right...? In A Brave New World they didn't because they were all genetically engineered, but Never Let Me Go doesn't seem to explain so in depth regarding their infant life. Interesting...
Even though the students don't have connections to their early life, they are still one big family at Hailsham. The guardians are like the parents, and the students like the children in a way. Even though they don't have blood brothers and sisters surrounding them, they have great friends that support them throughout their time at Hailsham. And Kathy often mentions Ruth and Tommy in her 'present' dialogue, so it shows that even through all the donations, and growing up, the kids all remain together...kinda like a family. They are always there for each other. :)
To escape Hailsham's confines, the students often seem to turn to fantasy type thoughts. Ruth made her 'secret guard' fantasy world, and Kathy in the above quote explains she too often imagined being somewhere else. Deep down, it looks like the kids just want to lead a normal childhood with a family. At this point, these children have no connections with their family or parents, if they even have one. Now that I think about it...Do these children even have parents? I never really thought about it before. I mean they must, right...? In A Brave New World they didn't because they were all genetically engineered, but Never Let Me Go doesn't seem to explain so in depth regarding their infant life. Interesting...
Even though the students don't have connections to their early life, they are still one big family at Hailsham. The guardians are like the parents, and the students like the children in a way. Even though they don't have blood brothers and sisters surrounding them, they have great friends that support them throughout their time at Hailsham. And Kathy often mentions Ruth and Tommy in her 'present' dialogue, so it shows that even through all the donations, and growing up, the kids all remain together...kinda like a family. They are always there for each other. :)
The Truth Comes Out
"You were brought into this world for a purpose, and your futures, all of them, have been decided." pg. 81
It's really no surprise that Miss Lucy is the one to break the news to the children that they are raised for organ donations, because it's just the way her character is. She often worries about the children because they do not seem to grasp that their lives are not normal, so she wants to warn the naive students of what is to come.
Also in this chapter, Ishiguro discusses the issues of Tommy's elbow and organ donations:
"Don't you know? If it's right on the elbow like that, it can unzip.""The idea was that when the time came, you'd be able just to unzip a bit of yourself, a kidney or something would slide out, and you'd hand it over."
The unzipping gives an image of something being opened rather simply, without much effort. Kinda odd, but the zipping is like a euphemism. Instead of saying, cutting us open, they say unzipping. This word "unzipping" shows us the student's fear at this point. They are afraid to discuss the actual donations outright with everyone, so when they do, they joke about it to cover up their true feelings about what it is to come. It's much easier to talk about giving organs when it sounds as quick and easy as zipping a zipper.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Music
"What made the tape so special for me was this one particular song: track number three, 'Never Let Me Go.''' pg 70
The Judy Bridgewater tape seems to be a symbol for something else in the novel, possibly Kathy's childhood, since it triggers many memories. It particularly reminds Kathy of the scene with Madame, crying at the sight of her in the room, most likely because it was tragic that she cannot have children (as Tommy concludes). It appears to be a symbol of friendship as well because Ruth was able to make up with Kathy over the lost tape incident. The tape also displays Kathy's childhood as it is in present times: Her childhood is gone like the tape, but the memories of both still remain in her mind. This chapter has a very emotional tone, because it makes us feel sorry for many of the students at Hailsham. The women are not allowed to bear children, and many of them are beginning to realize that their time to donate is going to come, because the guardians warn them of the dangers of smoking. Also, it seems that all the kids have pretty close relationships. At the end of chapter six, Kathy says, "now [that] Ruth has gone, it's become one of my most precious possessions." Kathy and Ruth, despite their constant altercations, will remain friends for a long time, until the death of Ruth. Also, Kathy just told us that Ruth dies, which is pretty depressing, usually books do not reveal that until the end!
The Judy Bridgewater tape seems to be a symbol for something else in the novel, possibly Kathy's childhood, since it triggers many memories. It particularly reminds Kathy of the scene with Madame, crying at the sight of her in the room, most likely because it was tragic that she cannot have children (as Tommy concludes). It appears to be a symbol of friendship as well because Ruth was able to make up with Kathy over the lost tape incident. The tape also displays Kathy's childhood as it is in present times: Her childhood is gone like the tape, but the memories of both still remain in her mind. This chapter has a very emotional tone, because it makes us feel sorry for many of the students at Hailsham. The women are not allowed to bear children, and many of them are beginning to realize that their time to donate is going to come, because the guardians warn them of the dangers of smoking. Also, it seems that all the kids have pretty close relationships. At the end of chapter six, Kathy says, "now [that] Ruth has gone, it's become one of my most precious possessions." Kathy and Ruth, despite their constant altercations, will remain friends for a long time, until the death of Ruth. Also, Kathy just told us that Ruth dies, which is pretty depressing, usually books do not reveal that until the end!Here's the song..It's not bad actually
Drama
"All this effort, all this planning, just to upset my dearest friend. So what if she'd fibbed a little about her pencil case? pg 60
Ruth and Kathy have girl drama all throughout chapters four and five. They fight over things like pencil cases and fantasy roleplaying, and they take a long time to get over their actions. Ruth is a frustrating character. She's the girl that everyone looks up to for advice and answers, and because of that she can be kind of snobby and she tends to hold grudges.
I just want to take this moment to say how different this novel is from Brave New World. Firstly, the children in this novel actually have a childhood, and they are not spending their time in a human factory. Secondly, human emotions exist at Hailsham, because we see Kathy get mad at Ruth, and Ruth mad at Kathy, and all that drama. In the utopia, the citizens had little emotion, and drank soma to get rid of unpleasant thoughts. Thirdly, the students at Hailsham are aware that there is something going on with their lives, they just don't seem to know all the details, unlike the citizens in Brave New World, who pretty much just accepted life the way it was, since they were conditioned. Aside from the differences, the two novels are similar because they raise humans for specific purposes. In this novel, they are raised for human donations, while in Brave New World, they are either Deltas, Gammas, Alphas, or robots for that matter, that succumbed into conformist thinking. I'm sure more differences, and possibly similarities for that matter, will arise as I read further.
Ruth and Kathy have girl drama all throughout chapters four and five. They fight over things like pencil cases and fantasy roleplaying, and they take a long time to get over their actions. Ruth is a frustrating character. She's the girl that everyone looks up to for advice and answers, and because of that she can be kind of snobby and she tends to hold grudges.
I just want to take this moment to say how different this novel is from Brave New World. Firstly, the children in this novel actually have a childhood, and they are not spending their time in a human factory. Secondly, human emotions exist at Hailsham, because we see Kathy get mad at Ruth, and Ruth mad at Kathy, and all that drama. In the utopia, the citizens had little emotion, and drank soma to get rid of unpleasant thoughts. Thirdly, the students at Hailsham are aware that there is something going on with their lives, they just don't seem to know all the details, unlike the citizens in Brave New World, who pretty much just accepted life the way it was, since they were conditioned. Aside from the differences, the two novels are similar because they raise humans for specific purposes. In this novel, they are raised for human donations, while in Brave New World, they are either Deltas, Gammas, Alphas, or robots for that matter, that succumbed into conformist thinking. I'm sure more differences, and possibly similarities for that matter, will arise as I read further.
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