"And they took heed of the advice on a small board fixed to the wall: Consult DRAGON'S TEETH the People for Total Security." (p. 235)
When I think of dragons, I usually imagine childhood stories of knights in armor and princesses; however, this story is far from a fairytale.
In the story, the parents are constantly upgrading the security of their house in order to "protect" the family. Usually, consciousness of security is a good thing. In this story, a large worry of safety leads to horrible consequences. If we spend our lives constantly worrying about danger, nothing can be truly enjoyed. For example, the parents in this story are so concerned about the family's safety that they forget to focus on the actions of their child. This is pretty ironic because their actions were actually supposed to improve his safety instead of hurting him. Also, the company is supposed to provide "Total Security." Sure, it provided security from the outside world, but who would have ever thought of the danger within the home - imagination.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Welty
"I remembers so plain now. I not going to forget him again, no, the whole enduring time." (p.230)
Now the ultimate question... is the grandson really alive?
According to Bryan Rainey, the grandson is very much alive; however, what if the grandson was dead? In one of the questions, the author states that "Phoenix is alive." At first I was extremely confused because obviously Phoenix is alive. Maybe the author meant that many people just like Phoenix must fight their way to make a living every single day. Phoenix is alive in every single oppressed person in the world.
But this still does not answer the question. I decided that the grandson was not alive. For one, she "forgets" about her grandson when the nurse questions Phoenix. I'm not sure even an old lady could make an entire journey and forget the reason why they made it. Secondly, I believe that Phoenix possesses a sound mind because she is clever enough to create a distraction to steal the nickel. Also, in the excerpt above, Phoenix states that she will not forget her grandson this "whole enduring time." I am not sure if she is only referring to the span of the journey or her lifetime. I would not refer to the journey as an "enduring time" because it is short in comparison to the journey of life.
Now the ultimate question... is the grandson really alive?
According to Bryan Rainey, the grandson is very much alive; however, what if the grandson was dead? In one of the questions, the author states that "Phoenix is alive." At first I was extremely confused because obviously Phoenix is alive. Maybe the author meant that many people just like Phoenix must fight their way to make a living every single day. Phoenix is alive in every single oppressed person in the world.
But this still does not answer the question. I decided that the grandson was not alive. For one, she "forgets" about her grandson when the nurse questions Phoenix. I'm not sure even an old lady could make an entire journey and forget the reason why they made it. Secondly, I believe that Phoenix possesses a sound mind because she is clever enough to create a distraction to steal the nickel. Also, in the excerpt above, Phoenix states that she will not forget her grandson this "whole enduring time." I am not sure if she is only referring to the span of the journey or her lifetime. I would not refer to the journey as an "enduring time" because it is short in comparison to the journey of life.
Mansfield
"She unclasped the necklet quickly; quickly, without looking, laid it inside."
In this excerpt, Miss Brill refers to the fur she describes in the opening paragraph of the story. This fur represents much more than a luxurious item of clothing. It is an attempt for the English woman to blend in with the French culture. Since Miss Brill teaches English, I am assuming she appears different to many of the people in France. Miss Brill does not want to stand out; however, she is obviously failing miserably. I think the fur also represents a kind of companion. Since she enjoys people watching, Miss Brill must be pretty lonely at home. The prized fur symbolizes something she can be attached to such as a pet. Even though it is a little creepy, this is also very sad. Since all the French people ostracize Miss Brill, she must turn to a fur coat in order to feel wanted. She also does this when she thinks about being a part of the "play" that takes place every Sunday.
In this excerpt, Miss Brill refers to the fur she describes in the opening paragraph of the story. This fur represents much more than a luxurious item of clothing. It is an attempt for the English woman to blend in with the French culture. Since Miss Brill teaches English, I am assuming she appears different to many of the people in France. Miss Brill does not want to stand out; however, she is obviously failing miserably. I think the fur also represents a kind of companion. Since she enjoys people watching, Miss Brill must be pretty lonely at home. The prized fur symbolizes something she can be attached to such as a pet. Even though it is a little creepy, this is also very sad. Since all the French people ostracize Miss Brill, she must turn to a fur coat in order to feel wanted. She also does this when she thinks about being a part of the "play" that takes place every Sunday.
Joyce
"She sat at the window watching evening invade the avenue." (p. 218)
This quote contains an example of personification. Evening is described as "invading" the avenue. Eveline does not welcome the passing of time; the author shows this through negative diction such as the word "invading." Personification presents the evening as dangerous. With the passing of time, Eveline must decide whether or not she will stay with her family or travel with Frank to Buenos Aires. Eveline wants to break the cycle of violence in her life. Eveline's mother was abused by her father, and ever since her mother died, Eveline has taken her place. Even though this seems a good enough reason to leave, Eveline still feels attached to her family. Just as she watches the evening pass, she watches her life cycle out of her control. Although family connections are important, deep roots can sometimes create a negative impact; however, Eveline still has the free will to decide her fate. Without action, her life will always remain the same.
This quote contains an example of personification. Evening is described as "invading" the avenue. Eveline does not welcome the passing of time; the author shows this through negative diction such as the word "invading." Personification presents the evening as dangerous. With the passing of time, Eveline must decide whether or not she will stay with her family or travel with Frank to Buenos Aires. Eveline wants to break the cycle of violence in her life. Eveline's mother was abused by her father, and ever since her mother died, Eveline has taken her place. Even though this seems a good enough reason to leave, Eveline still feels attached to her family. Just as she watches the evening pass, she watches her life cycle out of her control. Although family connections are important, deep roots can sometimes create a negative impact; however, Eveline still has the free will to decide her fate. Without action, her life will always remain the same.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Meville
"For a few moments I was turned into a pillar of salt standing at the head of my seated column of clerks." (Bartleby the Scrivener - p. 650 ¶ 32)
In this quote "a pillar of salt" is an allusion to the chapter of Genesis in the Bible. In this story in the Bible, Lot is told to flee his city in order to avoid God's punishment on the citizens of the town. He tells Lot and his family to not look back; however, Lot's wife lags behind as if she is longing for her hometown. Consequently, Lot's wife turns into a pillar of salt. Just as Lot's wife disobeys, Bartleby disobeys the narrator. Honestly, Bartleby "prefers not to do" anything.
I think the pillar of salt allusion shows that the narrator is beginning to lose his patience with Bartleby. Even though Bartleby never showed any anger or aggression, he still annoys the narrator. After the narrator says this, he questions Bartleby wondering why he refuses to do everything. I personally believe it is because the narrator allows it; instead of firing Bartleby, he still asks him to do his work. I honestly think that Bartleby just keeps the work world interesting for the narrator. Personally, I would get tired of the refusals, but whatever floats your boat.
In this quote "a pillar of salt" is an allusion to the chapter of Genesis in the Bible. In this story in the Bible, Lot is told to flee his city in order to avoid God's punishment on the citizens of the town. He tells Lot and his family to not look back; however, Lot's wife lags behind as if she is longing for her hometown. Consequently, Lot's wife turns into a pillar of salt. Just as Lot's wife disobeys, Bartleby disobeys the narrator. Honestly, Bartleby "prefers not to do" anything.
I think the pillar of salt allusion shows that the narrator is beginning to lose his patience with Bartleby. Even though Bartleby never showed any anger or aggression, he still annoys the narrator. After the narrator says this, he questions Bartleby wondering why he refuses to do everything. I personally believe it is because the narrator allows it; instead of firing Bartleby, he still asks him to do his work. I honestly think that Bartleby just keeps the work world interesting for the narrator. Personally, I would get tired of the refusals, but whatever floats your boat.
Wolff
"Finally they stopped by the creek to eat. Kenny had several slices of pizza and a couple of candy bars; Frank had a sandwich, an apple, twi carrots, and a square of chocolate; Tub ate one hard-boiled egg and a stick of celery." (Hunters in the Snow - p. 189 ¶ 25)
All I can say is: AMERICAH!
But seriously, look at those meals these men packed for a day of hunting. Wow, they are really straining themselves living off the wild. Honestly, this is the society we live in. We are so accustomed to pre-made food; I know for a fact I would die if I suddenly had to live off of the wild. But these men are hunting for goodness sake! I think they should at least trust their skills enough to not pack meals. I wonder if they would even eat a deer anyways.
I think these meals pretty much characterize these men. Kenny eats slices of pizza and candy. Usually, these foods are consumed at a party or social event. Kenny is very outgoing and likes to make jokes just like a person at a social event. Frank consumes a very plain, typical meal; this is suiting because Frank is the most level-headed and ordinary of the three men. Finally, Tub eats two things that are healthy; this shows how Tub is self-conscious about his weight. He does not want the others to know that he overeats and that he does not actually have a glandular problem. Maybe you really are what you eat!
All I can say is: AMERICAH!
But seriously, look at those meals these men packed for a day of hunting. Wow, they are really straining themselves living off the wild. Honestly, this is the society we live in. We are so accustomed to pre-made food; I know for a fact I would die if I suddenly had to live off of the wild. But these men are hunting for goodness sake! I think they should at least trust their skills enough to not pack meals. I wonder if they would even eat a deer anyways.
I think these meals pretty much characterize these men. Kenny eats slices of pizza and candy. Usually, these foods are consumed at a party or social event. Kenny is very outgoing and likes to make jokes just like a person at a social event. Frank consumes a very plain, typical meal; this is suiting because Frank is the most level-headed and ordinary of the three men. Finally, Tub eats two things that are healthy; this shows how Tub is self-conscious about his weight. He does not want the others to know that he overeats and that he does not actually have a glandular problem. Maybe you really are what you eat!
Wolff
"Up ahead they saw some lights off the road. It was a tavern. Outside in the parking lot there were several jeeps and trucks. A couple of them had deer strapped across their hoods." (Hunters in the Snow p. 196 ¶ 157)
Well, Kenny, Tub, and Frank definitely proved their combined intelligence multiple times in the story. I mean, the story starts with Frank and Kenny trying to run over Tub while it is dangerously icy outside. I'm not really sure who gave these people guns, but whoever did needs to take them back or something.
I thought this quote was ironic. After a day of unsuccessful "hunting" (I'm not even sure you can call it that...), Tub and Frank pull into a bar while Kenny is bleeding to death in the back of their truck. The irony is established when the narrator states that some of the cars "had deer strapped across their hoods." During the trip, Kenny, Tub, and Frank did not kill shoot any deer. Instead of a deer, Tub and Frank have Kenny as their number one kill. While many people go into the bar and drink, they leave the deer strapped on the car; Tub and Frank leave Kenny in the car like he is their prize. They do not even care about how Kenny is doing, they just know that they are cold. Great friends I'd say. Whoever said that Frank is the most likable character in class: I totally disagree with you. I think Frank is a horrible person who only influences negative activity. For example, he encourages Tub to eat after Tub admits he has a problem with overeating. And on a lighter note, Frank is also a pedaphile who is in love with a fifteen year old girl. Oh, and he is going to leave his wife for this girl. Like him now?
Well, Kenny, Tub, and Frank definitely proved their combined intelligence multiple times in the story. I mean, the story starts with Frank and Kenny trying to run over Tub while it is dangerously icy outside. I'm not really sure who gave these people guns, but whoever did needs to take them back or something.
I thought this quote was ironic. After a day of unsuccessful "hunting" (I'm not even sure you can call it that...), Tub and Frank pull into a bar while Kenny is bleeding to death in the back of their truck. The irony is established when the narrator states that some of the cars "had deer strapped across their hoods." During the trip, Kenny, Tub, and Frank did not kill shoot any deer. Instead of a deer, Tub and Frank have Kenny as their number one kill. While many people go into the bar and drink, they leave the deer strapped on the car; Tub and Frank leave Kenny in the car like he is their prize. They do not even care about how Kenny is doing, they just know that they are cold. Great friends I'd say. Whoever said that Frank is the most likable character in class: I totally disagree with you. I think Frank is a horrible person who only influences negative activity. For example, he encourages Tub to eat after Tub admits he has a problem with overeating. And on a lighter note, Frank is also a pedaphile who is in love with a fifteen year old girl. Oh, and he is going to leave his wife for this girl. Like him now?
Walker
"Dee next. A dress down to the ground, it this hot weather. A dress so loud it hurts my eyes." (Everyday Use p. 176 ¶ 20)
In this story, Dee and Maggie serve as total opposites. Dee is modern, outgoing, and rude while Maggie stands in the shadows enjoying her traditional life with her mother. In the excerpt above, synesthesia is used when the narrator states that the dress was so loud that it "hurt her eyes." Synesthesia is basically when senses are confused. For example, people who experience synesthesia associate colors with numbers and letters. So basically, the numbers and letters are inherently colored. In the quote, Mama mixes the sense of sight and hearing; therefore, she associates the color of the dress with sound. The color is described as being "loud." Many people describe colors as loud because they are bright or even obnoxious. Also, Mama says the color hurts her eyes. This is another literary device - an overstatement. Obviously the color did not literally hurt Mama's eyes, but this adds effect to the story. I think this description also serves to characterize Dee as a loud, obnoxious person who does not really take others into consideration. To illustrate, Dee basically tells her mother that she is taking her valuables without even asking. Not exactly the type of thing my mom would allow. Also, the description of Dee's dress is the exactly the opposite of the description of Maggie's dress which is "a pink skirt and red blouse" - something simple and traditional. While Maggie leans toward the traditional, Dee wishes for modern, expensive things.
In this story, Dee and Maggie serve as total opposites. Dee is modern, outgoing, and rude while Maggie stands in the shadows enjoying her traditional life with her mother. In the excerpt above, synesthesia is used when the narrator states that the dress was so loud that it "hurt her eyes." Synesthesia is basically when senses are confused. For example, people who experience synesthesia associate colors with numbers and letters. So basically, the numbers and letters are inherently colored. In the quote, Mama mixes the sense of sight and hearing; therefore, she associates the color of the dress with sound. The color is described as being "loud." Many people describe colors as loud because they are bright or even obnoxious. Also, Mama says the color hurts her eyes. This is another literary device - an overstatement. Obviously the color did not literally hurt Mama's eyes, but this adds effect to the story. I think this description also serves to characterize Dee as a loud, obnoxious person who does not really take others into consideration. To illustrate, Dee basically tells her mother that she is taking her valuables without even asking. Not exactly the type of thing my mom would allow. Also, the description of Dee's dress is the exactly the opposite of the description of Maggie's dress which is "a pink skirt and red blouse" - something simple and traditional. While Maggie leans toward the traditional, Dee wishes for modern, expensive things.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Munro
"He always tells the children the story of how I went after him by sitting by the mailbox every day, and naturally I laugh and let him, because I like for people to think what pleases them and makes them happy." (p. 146)
This story ends with many different types of irony. In the quote above is an example of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony takes place when there is a discrepancy between the reader's understanding of a scene and a character's understanding of a scene, usually because the reader has knowledge the character does not. In this short story, we are aware of the circumstances under which Edie met her husband. She had been waiting and waiting for a letter in the mail to arrive from a her "dream man" - a war hero who flew planes for money. Although this man was supposively engaged, Edie still believed what he had told her was true; therefore, Edie waits everyday by the mailbox in order to see what the mail woud bring that day. In the eyes of Carmichael, Edie was waiting at the mailbox each day in order to see him. According to the story, Edie never told Carmichael the real reason why she went to that mailbox. She wanted him to believe what he thought to be true. This irony makes the relationship even more meaningful. Even though things may not work out perfectly, there is always another opportunity waiting around the corner. Another type of irony in this story in situational irony. Situational irony takes place when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what really does happen. Personally, I expected Chris to fly back in the plane, and swoop Edie into his arms; however, this is not the case. Instead, Edie meets her husband while waiting on the "love of her life."
This story ends with many different types of irony. In the quote above is an example of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony takes place when there is a discrepancy between the reader's understanding of a scene and a character's understanding of a scene, usually because the reader has knowledge the character does not. In this short story, we are aware of the circumstances under which Edie met her husband. She had been waiting and waiting for a letter in the mail to arrive from a her "dream man" - a war hero who flew planes for money. Although this man was supposively engaged, Edie still believed what he had told her was true; therefore, Edie waits everyday by the mailbox in order to see what the mail woud bring that day. In the eyes of Carmichael, Edie was waiting at the mailbox each day in order to see him. According to the story, Edie never told Carmichael the real reason why she went to that mailbox. She wanted him to believe what he thought to be true. This irony makes the relationship even more meaningful. Even though things may not work out perfectly, there is always another opportunity waiting around the corner. Another type of irony in this story in situational irony. Situational irony takes place when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what really does happen. Personally, I expected Chris to fly back in the plane, and swoop Edie into his arms; however, this is not the case. Instead, Edie meets her husband while waiting on the "love of her life."
Lahiri
"Mr. Kapasi gathered Bobby in his arms and brought him back to where his parents and siblings were standing." (p. 165)
In this enitre short story, Bobby is an important symbol even though he is totally unaware of the conflict he represents. Only Mrs. Das is the only person in the family who knows what his meaning - disloyalty and conflict in marriage. Bobby is the result of an affair Mrs. Das had with one of her husband's friends. Mrs. Das admits this to Mr. Kapasi, their lowly tour guide; she tells him that she has been unhappy and uninterested in her marriage. In addition, Mrs. Das even shows no interest in her children pushing them away whenever they desired attention. However, Mr. Kapasi is able to pull the family together. I would consider Mr. Kapasi an antihero - he does not contain the traditional qualities of a hero, put he is still able to save Mrs. Das' relationship with her family. In a way, he serves as a person who is willing to listen and not criticize Mrs. Das' life. Also, in the excerpt above, he saves Bobby from the attacking monkeys. When everyone else stood helpless, Mr. Kapasi stepped in to save the day. After this moment, Mrs. Das shows affection toward her children. She even uses her own personal brush to comb Bobby's hair. Although this is probably not what he needed at that moment, this sign of affection showed that Mrs. Das did truely love her children. Maybe her marriage was not as ruined as she had thought. Even though Mr. Kapasi had opposite intentions, he was able to help the American woman in many ways. Mr. Kapasi's story does not end in such a positive way. In fact, he saw the opportunity for a new life float away in the wind - literally.
In this enitre short story, Bobby is an important symbol even though he is totally unaware of the conflict he represents. Only Mrs. Das is the only person in the family who knows what his meaning - disloyalty and conflict in marriage. Bobby is the result of an affair Mrs. Das had with one of her husband's friends. Mrs. Das admits this to Mr. Kapasi, their lowly tour guide; she tells him that she has been unhappy and uninterested in her marriage. In addition, Mrs. Das even shows no interest in her children pushing them away whenever they desired attention. However, Mr. Kapasi is able to pull the family together. I would consider Mr. Kapasi an antihero - he does not contain the traditional qualities of a hero, put he is still able to save Mrs. Das' relationship with her family. In a way, he serves as a person who is willing to listen and not criticize Mrs. Das' life. Also, in the excerpt above, he saves Bobby from the attacking monkeys. When everyone else stood helpless, Mr. Kapasi stepped in to save the day. After this moment, Mrs. Das shows affection toward her children. She even uses her own personal brush to comb Bobby's hair. Although this is probably not what he needed at that moment, this sign of affection showed that Mrs. Das did truely love her children. Maybe her marriage was not as ruined as she had thought. Even though Mr. Kapasi had opposite intentions, he was able to help the American woman in many ways. Mr. Kapasi's story does not end in such a positive way. In fact, he saw the opportunity for a new life float away in the wind - literally.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Munro
Carmichael or Chris Watter? That is the ultimate question.
First of all, Chris Watter is a total tool. Even though he is engaged, he totally uses Edie just to escape the reality of his actual relationship. His fiancee is also not the nicest person in the world. She even calls Edie a "little country tramp." Both Chris and Alice are probably from a higher class of people then Edie. Chris shows his authority over Edie by telling her that he is "used to shy girls" and by inviting her to take a free ride on the plane. At first, I thought he was just a nice guy, but I was wrong. I highly doubt this is a Notebook type situation in which Mrs. Peebles has been hiding all the letters Chris sends from Edie.
On the other hand, Carmichael is totally the perfect man for Edie. He is obviously not a super smart and wealthy person (after all, he is a mail man). He compliments Edie's smile and tells her that he has been waiting for it all day. Although Edie focuses on Chris' lies and deceitful actions, this simple gesture is what ultimately keeps Edie returning to the mailbox day after day. Her relationship with Carmichael is accidental. I like how the author elaborates on Edie's two day fling with Chris for about fifteen pages, then briefly explains her lifelong relationship with Carmichael for a paragraph. I think the suspense makes the relationship even more sweet. Without heartache and tears, true love can never be found. How cute.
Faulkner
What an appropriate short story for Halloween! Murder, poison, and much more.
Anyways, the excerpt above refers to the Negro servant of Miss Emily. This man seems to just work behind the scenes; however, his silent actions play a big role into the story. He is really the only visible evidence of Miss Emily's life to the outside community who is constantly watching. If the servant still is running to the market, Miss Emily must still be alive. This quote is an example of a paradox. Usually, a person's voice grows harsh and rusty from constant use or screaming. However, in this short story, the servant never speaks a word; therefore, it is said that his voice is lost due to disuse. This statement seems impossible, but metaphorically, it makes sense. The servant's lack of speaking out caused a man to die. He saw everything that occurred in Miss Emily's household, and he had the power to speak out. Because of his lack crying for help, he was so stunned that he could not speak anymore. The misuse of voice caused his speaking to flee. My guess is that he was not able to speak his mind due to his position in the household. Because Emily was rich, she had a lot more power then a lowly servant; therefore, it would be difficult for the man to step up and say something about the situation. Also, Miss Emily was probably mentally insane. Usually, keeping a dead body for a long period of time is not something a stable person would do.
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