In "Roman Fever" Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley's relationship is based on hidden jealousy. Even though both appear to be friendly towards one another, they are both suppressing angry feelings towards the other: "Yes. You think I'm bluffing, don't you? Well, you went to meet the man I was engaged to- and I can repeat every word of the letter that you took there." With that statement, I believe their so-called friendship came to an end, and will probably not ever be rekindled. I think that jealousy, built up over time, turns into hate.
In the beginning of "One Art," Bishop discusses losing small objects, such as keys, but as the poem progresses the larger and more important the lost items become. Also, Bishop tries to convince herself that the items she lose don't really matter: "The art of losing isn't hard to master" (line 6). Her repetitive use of this line shows the readers that she is actually quite bothered by the objects she has lost, especially the person she has lost, but does not want to admit it. The fact that the entire poem led up to Bishop losing "you" shows how significant of a loss losing this person was.
Nature, in Robert Frost's poem, does not like walls. Since the wall is man-made, nature erodes it overtime: "Something there is that doesn't love a wall,/ That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it..." (lines 1-2). Upon the wall's erosion, one of the neighbors is always determined to rebuild it: "' Good fences make good neighbours'" (last line). The only reason I can think of that would make the neighbors get along better with the wall is privacy. Having a boundary between the two men's yards would give each man his own space and property, without fighting over whose property is whose.
question: I honestly can't tell if the wall serves as a good boundary or not between the two neighbors. One man is set on rebuilding the wall, and the other just goes along with the idea.
connection: Whenever I think of a wall, especially a stone wall, I think of the movie The Secret Garden. Who knows what mysteries this wall between the men's properties holds.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Winthrop and Thoreau both have a strong respect for community and strong Christian beliefs. Winthrop wrote his thesis in order to guide the people to live in a peaceful community under the hand of God: "... true Christians are of one body in Christ (1Cor. 12) . Ye are the body of Christ and members of their part" (paragraph 26). The Puritan community resembles the body of Christ, in which all parts of it must work together in order for it to function in harmony. Thoreau also believes that a community should function under the hand of God: " 'so long as the interest of the whole society requires it, that it, so long as the established government cannot be resisted or changed without public inconveniency , it is the will of God... that the established government be obeyed-- and no longer' " (9). Thoreau states that God is way more powerful than the established government, and decisions should be made under God, not the government.
The main difference I can see between Winthrop and Thoreau's writings is that Winthrop uses the Bible to back up his statements, whereas Thoreau focuses more on the individual improving his or her own society under God, rather than the government: "But, to speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves no-government men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government" (3.) He believes that the practice of majority- rule should be overruled and abolished, along with slavery.
Question: I wonder how people who didn't abide by Winthrop's thesis were punished.
Connection: I remember there was a question about Winthrop on the AP US History test my junior year of high school.
The main difference I can see between Winthrop and Thoreau's writings is that Winthrop uses the Bible to back up his statements, whereas Thoreau focuses more on the individual improving his or her own society under God, rather than the government: "But, to speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves no-government men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government" (3.) He believes that the practice of majority- rule should be overruled and abolished, along with slavery.
Question: I wonder how people who didn't abide by Winthrop's thesis were punished.
Connection: I remember there was a question about Winthrop on the AP US History test my junior year of high school.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Nature
Wildlife in Jewett's essay gave Sylvia a purpose in that particular time of her life. Sylvia spent her days wandering through the woods with her cow until she came across a man who hunted and stuffed birds for a hobby. After she decided that she could trust the man, Sylvia made it her goal to find the white heron in order to please the man. As the story progresses, Sylvia develops admiration for the man, showing her maturity: "She had never seen somebody so charming and delightful; the woman's heart, asleep in the child, was vaguely thrilled by a dream of love." I think that Jewett shows that nature gives a person a purpose and a sense of maturity. Along with Jewett, Frost also displays that nature gives ones a purpose in life. In Frost's poem "After Apple-Picking" he exhibits the hard work nature can provide for a man. The man's job in the poem is to carefully pick apples, preventing them from dropping and bruising: "For I have had too much/ Of apple-picking: I am overtired..." (27-28). Lastly, Dickinson shows that nature could serve as a religion for some who choose not to attend a church or believe in organized religion: "Some keep the sabbath going to church;/ I keep it staying at home,/ With a bobolink for a chorister,/ And an orchard for a dome" (1-4). In this poem Dickinson states that one does not necessarily have to be in church in order to experience religion. Nature, in this poem, is her form of religion.
Nature is so prominent in these poems because escaping nature is inevitable. Nature is always going to be around you, so why not make it a key part of your life? The three authors show that nature can impact a person greatly. In these works nature serves as a job, a purpose, and a religion.
Question: does Dickinson write about anything else besides nature?
connection: My neighbors across the street are old fashioned "hippies." They don't attend church, but they spend hours and hours everyday beautifying their 7 acres of land.
Nature is so prominent in these poems because escaping nature is inevitable. Nature is always going to be around you, so why not make it a key part of your life? The three authors show that nature can impact a person greatly. In these works nature serves as a job, a purpose, and a religion.
Question: does Dickinson write about anything else besides nature?
connection: My neighbors across the street are old fashioned "hippies." They don't attend church, but they spend hours and hours everyday beautifying their 7 acres of land.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Dame Blanche
In my opinion, Blanche set herself up for becoming the insecure and lonely person that she is. She was under the impression that material items, a mansion, and a good-looking husband would give her the complete satisfaction that she needs in life. When her husband committed suicide, all she had left were her riches, Belle Reve, and the random men she slept with. The satisfaction of material items and affairs can only temporarily fix the pain of loneliness. I believe that Blanche began her downward spiral when she realized that she wasn't getting any younger, and she still had not found a new husband. She became obsessed with her appearance, and wouldn't let anyone near her under a bright light, especially the man she is trying to seduce: "Let's leave the lights off shall we?" (87). Furthermore, I do believe that her husband, if anyone else, helped lead her to her demise. I'm sure finding your husband in bed with another man would be rather shocking. Also, even though Stanley treated her horribly, she came to New Orleans with her selfish personality. Stanley treated her horribly due to her personality. Her personality did not form in the weeks she was there; Blanche has always been a self-centered woman.
I think that Stella is the most likable, followed by Stanley and Blanche. The readers like Stella and sympathize for her because she is a good wife to an animal-like husband, and a good sister to conceited Blanche. Stella is always covering up for Stanley's explosive behavior: "She ran downstairs and went back in there with him" (60). Despite Stanley's drunken rages, is always there to take care of him and pick up the pieces of whatever he has destroyed. Moreover, Stanley's character is somewhat likable in my opinion. His sarcastic remarks are funny, and for the most part he treats Stella with respect. He realizes when he's messed up, and always comes begging for remorse: "Stella! My baby doll's left me!" (59). Lastly, Blanche is the least likable out of the group. Her conceited ways just bother me. She comes to New Orleans unannounced and expects to take up residency with her sister and her husband. In my opinion, "shacking up" with your sister and her husband is an invasion of privacy. Also, her continuous bathing must not leave much hot water for Stanley and Stella! Blanche is entirely too self-centered and egotistical. She needs to come to terms with her age and make wiser decisions. Sleeping around is not going to get her anywhere in her life.
Justice is definitely served at the end of this play, although I don't agree with Stanley raping Blanche. No one deserves to be raped no matter how annoying or selfish he or she is. I believe Stanley raping Blanche was the animal inside him being unleashed. As for Blanche being taken away by a doctor, that was in her best interest. Blanche obviously had some psychological issues that needed to be treated by someone of more power than Stella. Stella did all she could for Blanche, and at a certain point authority needs to step in. Hopefully, Blanche will realize through her therapy that material items and affairs will only leave a person lonely in the end.
Question: Why didn't Stanley kick Blanche out of their house immediately?
Connection: I couldn't really think of a connection for this play except for the fact that I've read it before.
I think that Stella is the most likable, followed by Stanley and Blanche. The readers like Stella and sympathize for her because she is a good wife to an animal-like husband, and a good sister to conceited Blanche. Stella is always covering up for Stanley's explosive behavior: "She ran downstairs and went back in there with him" (60). Despite Stanley's drunken rages, is always there to take care of him and pick up the pieces of whatever he has destroyed. Moreover, Stanley's character is somewhat likable in my opinion. His sarcastic remarks are funny, and for the most part he treats Stella with respect. He realizes when he's messed up, and always comes begging for remorse: "Stella! My baby doll's left me!" (59). Lastly, Blanche is the least likable out of the group. Her conceited ways just bother me. She comes to New Orleans unannounced and expects to take up residency with her sister and her husband. In my opinion, "shacking up" with your sister and her husband is an invasion of privacy. Also, her continuous bathing must not leave much hot water for Stanley and Stella! Blanche is entirely too self-centered and egotistical. She needs to come to terms with her age and make wiser decisions. Sleeping around is not going to get her anywhere in her life.
Justice is definitely served at the end of this play, although I don't agree with Stanley raping Blanche. No one deserves to be raped no matter how annoying or selfish he or she is. I believe Stanley raping Blanche was the animal inside him being unleashed. As for Blanche being taken away by a doctor, that was in her best interest. Blanche obviously had some psychological issues that needed to be treated by someone of more power than Stella. Stella did all she could for Blanche, and at a certain point authority needs to step in. Hopefully, Blanche will realize through her therapy that material items and affairs will only leave a person lonely in the end.
Question: Why didn't Stanley kick Blanche out of their house immediately?
Connection: I couldn't really think of a connection for this play except for the fact that I've read it before.
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Struggle to Lead an Authentic Life
Prufrock's shy personality and low self-esteem prevent him from being social in his surroundings. In this poem, Prufrock is attempting to pursue a women, whom he is afraid is not interested in him. Throughout the entire poem he debates and debates whether or not to tell her how he feels, but intimidation and the fear of rejection stand in the way: "No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be..." (111). Despite his shy disposition, Prufrock wants to be noticed among society, and especially by the woman he is trying to pursue. Unfortunately, his indecisiveness and bashfulness impede him: "Do I dare/ Disturb the universe?/ In a minute there is time/ For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse"( 45-49).
Ginsberg believes that conformity, non-creativity, and traditional American values are driving "the best minds" of his generation mad: "I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked,/ dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix,/ angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry/ dynamo in the machinery of night..." (1-4). Ginsberg says that conformity has driven "the best minds" to their deviant behavior. "The best minds" just want to express themselves in a way that is different from what the society sees as normal: "who were expelled from the academies for crazy& publishing obscene odes on the/ windows of the skull" (11-12). "The best minds" believed in artistic expression, which was not a well received concept during that time period. Also, in order to express themselves, "the best minds" "howl" like a wolf at the moon, wanting to be heard. I believe that Eliot and Ginsberg both have pessimistic views of people who want to live authentic lives. Eliot displays his pessimism through doubt, and Ginsberg expresses his through anger.
question: What did Eliot mean by the mermaids in the last lines of his poem?
connection: Eliot's poem reminds me of a typical middle school or high school scene where kids are involved in their own cliques and the so called "nerds" or "outsiders" never have a chance to date the popular girls or the cheerleaders.
Ginsberg believes that conformity, non-creativity, and traditional American values are driving "the best minds" of his generation mad: "I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked,/ dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix,/ angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry/ dynamo in the machinery of night..." (1-4). Ginsberg says that conformity has driven "the best minds" to their deviant behavior. "The best minds" just want to express themselves in a way that is different from what the society sees as normal: "who were expelled from the academies for crazy& publishing obscene odes on the/ windows of the skull" (11-12). "The best minds" believed in artistic expression, which was not a well received concept during that time period. Also, in order to express themselves, "the best minds" "howl" like a wolf at the moon, wanting to be heard. I believe that Eliot and Ginsberg both have pessimistic views of people who want to live authentic lives. Eliot displays his pessimism through doubt, and Ginsberg expresses his through anger.
question: What did Eliot mean by the mermaids in the last lines of his poem?
connection: Eliot's poem reminds me of a typical middle school or high school scene where kids are involved in their own cliques and the so called "nerds" or "outsiders" never have a chance to date the popular girls or the cheerleaders.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Beauty of Individuality
Emerson and Whitman are both strong individualists; they value the strength it takes to "stand out from the crowd." In Emerson's "Self Reliance" he states, "...envy is ignorance; imitation is suicide..." (paragraph 2).
By that statement he says that envying what someone has is foolish, and imitation is just unimaginative. I think he's trying to say that you might as well not have a brain to use if you are just going to use it to imitate someone. You probably won't get very far in life if you solely rely on mimicry to build your personality. Emerson also implies in his poem that people should accept the life that God has given them: "Accept the place the divine has found for you...."Emerson feels as if people shouldn't alter the life God has set out for them.
In the first few lines of his poem, Whitman invites the readers to take a look at his life. In stanza fifty-one, Whitman states that he has many personalities: "I contain multitudes" (8). His many personalities make him the individual that he is. Also, Whitman shows his individuality through his voice: "I sound my barbaric yawp on the roofs of the world" (stanza 52). His "yawp" sets him apart from other peoples' voices.
Mrs. Mallard has a heart attack upon discovering that her husband is alive. She can no longer live because her newly gained freedom has been swept right out from under her. I believe that Chopin's story does affirm
Emerson and Whitman's notion of individuality because Mrs. Mallard becomes an individual the minute she finds out her husband has passed. She is excited for the new found freedom she has gained: "She said it over and over under the breath: 'free, free, free!'" (paragraph 10).
question: I wonder if Mrs. Mallard was unfaithful to her husband during their marriage?
connection: Whenever I think about individuality Forrest Gump always comes to mind. Forrest was always sort of an "odd ball" in his society, but his individuality was what made him so charming.
By that statement he says that envying what someone has is foolish, and imitation is just unimaginative. I think he's trying to say that you might as well not have a brain to use if you are just going to use it to imitate someone. You probably won't get very far in life if you solely rely on mimicry to build your personality. Emerson also implies in his poem that people should accept the life that God has given them: "Accept the place the divine has found for you...."Emerson feels as if people shouldn't alter the life God has set out for them.
In the first few lines of his poem, Whitman invites the readers to take a look at his life. In stanza fifty-one, Whitman states that he has many personalities: "I contain multitudes" (8). His many personalities make him the individual that he is. Also, Whitman shows his individuality through his voice: "I sound my barbaric yawp on the roofs of the world" (stanza 52). His "yawp" sets him apart from other peoples' voices.
Mrs. Mallard has a heart attack upon discovering that her husband is alive. She can no longer live because her newly gained freedom has been swept right out from under her. I believe that Chopin's story does affirm
Emerson and Whitman's notion of individuality because Mrs. Mallard becomes an individual the minute she finds out her husband has passed. She is excited for the new found freedom she has gained: "She said it over and over under the breath: 'free, free, free!'" (paragraph 10).
question: I wonder if Mrs. Mallard was unfaithful to her husband during their marriage?
connection: Whenever I think about individuality Forrest Gump always comes to mind. Forrest was always sort of an "odd ball" in his society, but his individuality was what made him so charming.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The American Dream
In my opinion, the American Dream consists of good health, a comfortable home to live in, a decent paying job, and friends and family to share your happiness with. I believe that through hard work and determination, anything is possible. Britney Spears on the other hand, lives a different version of the American Dream. Her idea of the American Dream includes talent, fame and wealth. Her voice has easily led her to the materialistic lifestyle she lives today. Even though she owns fancy cars and multiple mansions, those objects do not complete her life.
Walter Younger's thirst for owning his own business is similar to Will Smith's character's dream of a better lifestyle. Both Younger and Smith dream of a better, richer lifestyle, and will do most anything to make their dreams come true. Smith's quote "You want something. Go get it. Period." is applicable to Walter and Beneatha's view of life. Walter and Beneatha are both chasing their dreams of owning a business and saving lives. Walter attempts to achieve his dream by constantly meeting with his "business partners" and performing numerous amounts of paperwork, whereas Beneatha attempts to achieve her dream by going to school and dating intelligent men. Unlike Walter and Beneatha, Mama seems to be very content with the humble life the Youngers are living in their cramped apartment. Mama doesn't seem to have the passion for change and wealth that Walter and Beneatha do: " Oh- so now it's life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life-now it's money. I guess the world really do change..." (74). Mama believes that the thought of money and a better lifestyle is consuming her childrens' thoughts so much that they have forgotten who they really are. Mama, in a way, is holding her children back from achieving their dreams. As well as Mama, poverty is holding the Youngers back from achieving a better lifestyle. For example, Ruth doesn't even have fifty cents in her pocket to send with her son to school. Furthermore, being African American held the Youngers back from chasing their dreams: "You mean you ain't read 'bout them colored people that was bombed out their place out there?" (100). During that time period in Chicago, whites formed angry riots that would harm the African Americans living in their areas.
I believe the end of the play brings about a feeling of hope for the Youngers. They already conquered one obstacle: moving out of the shabby apartment, and I believe that they are capable of conquering many more. I envision Beneatha moving to Africa to pursue her dream of being a doctor, I envision Ruth having a new baby and caring deeply for it, I envision Walter finding a new job, and I envision Mama planting her poor plant in a beautiful garden where it will soak up the rays of sunshine with Travis by her side. Being able to move into a new house should give the Youngers a strength inside of them that they never knew existed. Sometimes having something good happen fuels a family to want to pursue more greatness.
Unfortunately, the economic downturn has discouraged many families from living their version of the American Dream. I think that if a family has a strong sense of determination, they can achieve what they want out of life. Peoples' American Dreams may not be as elaborate as they used to be during this time of economic hardship, but if a family has food, shelter, a paying job, good health, and support, they should be living a happy life full of blessings.
Question: Was Mama's plant a symbol of herself?
Connection: I really like how we had to answer a question about the movie The Pursuit of Happyness. This is one of my favorite movies, and I was able to see the area in San Fransisco where they filmed the movie last summer! Will Smith's struggle for a better life is an excellent comparison of the Younger family's struggle to make ends meet day by day.
Walter Younger's thirst for owning his own business is similar to Will Smith's character's dream of a better lifestyle. Both Younger and Smith dream of a better, richer lifestyle, and will do most anything to make their dreams come true. Smith's quote "You want something. Go get it. Period." is applicable to Walter and Beneatha's view of life. Walter and Beneatha are both chasing their dreams of owning a business and saving lives. Walter attempts to achieve his dream by constantly meeting with his "business partners" and performing numerous amounts of paperwork, whereas Beneatha attempts to achieve her dream by going to school and dating intelligent men. Unlike Walter and Beneatha, Mama seems to be very content with the humble life the Youngers are living in their cramped apartment. Mama doesn't seem to have the passion for change and wealth that Walter and Beneatha do: " Oh- so now it's life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life-now it's money. I guess the world really do change..." (74). Mama believes that the thought of money and a better lifestyle is consuming her childrens' thoughts so much that they have forgotten who they really are. Mama, in a way, is holding her children back from achieving their dreams. As well as Mama, poverty is holding the Youngers back from achieving a better lifestyle. For example, Ruth doesn't even have fifty cents in her pocket to send with her son to school. Furthermore, being African American held the Youngers back from chasing their dreams: "You mean you ain't read 'bout them colored people that was bombed out their place out there?" (100). During that time period in Chicago, whites formed angry riots that would harm the African Americans living in their areas.
I believe the end of the play brings about a feeling of hope for the Youngers. They already conquered one obstacle: moving out of the shabby apartment, and I believe that they are capable of conquering many more. I envision Beneatha moving to Africa to pursue her dream of being a doctor, I envision Ruth having a new baby and caring deeply for it, I envision Walter finding a new job, and I envision Mama planting her poor plant in a beautiful garden where it will soak up the rays of sunshine with Travis by her side. Being able to move into a new house should give the Youngers a strength inside of them that they never knew existed. Sometimes having something good happen fuels a family to want to pursue more greatness.
Unfortunately, the economic downturn has discouraged many families from living their version of the American Dream. I think that if a family has a strong sense of determination, they can achieve what they want out of life. Peoples' American Dreams may not be as elaborate as they used to be during this time of economic hardship, but if a family has food, shelter, a paying job, good health, and support, they should be living a happy life full of blessings.
Question: Was Mama's plant a symbol of herself?
Connection: I really like how we had to answer a question about the movie The Pursuit of Happyness. This is one of my favorite movies, and I was able to see the area in San Fransisco where they filmed the movie last summer! Will Smith's struggle for a better life is an excellent comparison of the Younger family's struggle to make ends meet day by day.
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