"But when she put the lid on she thought she heard something crying." (pg. 186)
What function does Miss Brill's fur serve in the story?
When Miss Brill puts the fur on, she immediately feels happier. She only puts this fur on for special occasions, especially on the Sundays when she goes to hear the band. She isn't married, and there is no mention of other family or friends. She is probably lonely, and this fur, with its eyes and mouth, bring a sense of companionship, especially since she wears it to go out on Sundays. She actually cares about the fur, and I think it represents that she feels important and wanted.
What is the meaning of the final sentence?
When Miss Brill puts the fur away, she is upset about what the young couple said. This is in contrast with how she acted when she put the fur on. The last sentence represents how she feels really truly alone. She thought that she was important to the people listening to the band, but really, no one cared that she was there.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
"A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty - Question 6
"'Yes. Swallowed lye. When was it?-January-two, three years ago-?" (pg. 229)
What might have led the student to ask that question?
Phoenix obviously believes that her son is still alive. However, the encounter with the nurse may lead the reader to believe otherwise. For a moment, Phoenix seems to be having an epiphany, but then she returns to her former way of thinking. The event doesn't conclude whether the grandson is dead or alive.
How can the author's remark be seen as an answer?
Welty does not give a definite answer either way; instead, she pushed the question off to the side. I think this means that it doesn't matter whether the son was dead or not. That isn't the important part of the story. What is important is Phoenix's love for her grandson and her dedication to him.
What might have led the student to ask that question?
Phoenix obviously believes that her son is still alive. However, the encounter with the nurse may lead the reader to believe otherwise. For a moment, Phoenix seems to be having an epiphany, but then she returns to her former way of thinking. The event doesn't conclude whether the grandson is dead or alive.
How can the author's remark be seen as an answer?
Welty does not give a definite answer either way; instead, she pushed the question off to the side. I think this means that it doesn't matter whether the son was dead or not. That isn't the important part of the story. What is important is Phoenix's love for her grandson and her dedication to him.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
"Once Upon a Time" by Nadine Gordimer - Theme
"...he dragged a ladder to the wall, the shining coiled tunnel was just wide enough for his little body too 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)
The theme of this story is that there are so many dangers lurking in our world, and it is impossible to guard against them, so we can't live in fear. In the story, there are an infinite number of things that threaten the family. The parents and everyone in the neighborhood are so scared, that they build walls and fences around their homes. While this may or may not keep them safe, it does increase the paranoia and destroys the beauty of the neighborhood. The family no longer sees the beautiful lawns and elegant homes, but instead they observe which protections seems to be the most efficient. In the final paragraph, the little boy reads a story of a fearless prince, and he aspires to be like this, so he attempts to battle barbed wire, which his parents installed out of fear. The irony of this plot twist refers to the theme. By living in fear, the family created a new danger.
The theme of this story is that there are so many dangers lurking in our world, and it is impossible to guard against them, so we can't live in fear. In the story, there are an infinite number of things that threaten the family. The parents and everyone in the neighborhood are so scared, that they build walls and fences around their homes. While this may or may not keep them safe, it does increase the paranoia and destroys the beauty of the neighborhood. The family no longer sees the beautiful lawns and elegant homes, but instead they observe which protections seems to be the most efficient. In the final paragraph, the little boy reads a story of a fearless prince, and he aspires to be like this, so he attempts to battle barbed wire, which his parents installed out of fear. The irony of this plot twist refers to the theme. By living in fear, the family created a new danger.
"Eveline" by James Joyce - Question 2
"She would not cry many tears at leaving the Stores." (pg. 219)
What in Eveline's present circumstances makes it desirable for her to escape her home? Characterize her father and Miss Gavan.
Eveline is a lower class worker. Her father is abusive. Although he has not physically hurt her, he threatens to, and he verbally abusive. Miss Gavan is Eveline's supervisor, and she does not show her any respect. Eveline has no chance of moving up if she stays in the Stores. Frank is an opportunity to make something of her life.
What does the memory of the mother contribute to her decision to leave?
When Eveline thinks of her mother's death, she panics with the need to escape. However, before that memory, she contemplates the promise she made to her mother to keep the family together as long as she could. In the end, this promise helps Eveline make the decision to stay with her father.
What in Eveline's present circumstances makes it desirable for her to escape her home? Characterize her father and Miss Gavan.
Eveline is a lower class worker. Her father is abusive. Although he has not physically hurt her, he threatens to, and he verbally abusive. Miss Gavan is Eveline's supervisor, and she does not show her any respect. Eveline has no chance of moving up if she stays in the Stores. Frank is an opportunity to make something of her life.
What does the memory of the mother contribute to her decision to leave?
When Eveline thinks of her mother's death, she panics with the need to escape. However, before that memory, she contemplates the promise she made to her mother to keep the family together as long as she could. In the end, this promise helps Eveline make the decision to stay with her father.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker
"Dee, though. She would always look anyone in the eye. Hesitation was no part of her nature." (pg. 174)
Although she was extremely obnoxious, Dee was the kind of character that I could fit into my own life. I know plenty of people like her. She's headstrong, selfish, and confidant. She seems to have it all, and she knows it. She's the kind of character that is portrayed in stereotypical teenage dramas as the mean, popular girl. It's her way or the high way. Despite her character flaws, I can almost understand where her actions come from. She has potential to go places, but she grew up in this poor, rural environment. Now that she's experienced freedom and culture, she's going to take as much of it as she can to try to keep from losing it.
Although she was extremely obnoxious, Dee was the kind of character that I could fit into my own life. I know plenty of people like her. She's headstrong, selfish, and confidant. She seems to have it all, and she knows it. She's the kind of character that is portrayed in stereotypical teenage dramas as the mean, popular girl. It's her way or the high way. Despite her character flaws, I can almost understand where her actions come from. She has potential to go places, but she grew up in this poor, rural environment. Now that she's experienced freedom and culture, she's going to take as much of it as she can to try to keep from losing it.
"Hunters in the Snow" by Tobias Wolff - Question 1
"'You shot him,' he [Frank] said to Tub." (pg. 193)
Which of the three principal characters do you find the most sympathetic?
I definitely find Kenny to be the most sympathetic. Yes, he is immature and rude, but he gets shot...by his best friend. After he gets shot, he's the one who knows what to do and who organizes the situation. While he lays bleeding in the backseat, his friends go inside and have some pancakes. Because his friends took a different turn, he's most likely going to die.
The least sympathetic?
To me, Frank is the least sympathetic. Tub pours his soul out and tells Frank that he can't stop eating. So what does Frank do? Shove some pancakes down his throat (while Kenny is literally dying in the truck). Oh, plus he's having an and affair with a fifteen year old (which would be illegal), and he's going to leave his wife for her. What a great guy.
Do the characters' names help us to form our impressions of them?
Frank is honest (frank), Tub is fat (like a tub), and Kenny is...well, I have no clue how Kenny's name has anything to do him.
Which of the three principal characters do you find the most sympathetic?
I definitely find Kenny to be the most sympathetic. Yes, he is immature and rude, but he gets shot...by his best friend. After he gets shot, he's the one who knows what to do and who organizes the situation. While he lays bleeding in the backseat, his friends go inside and have some pancakes. Because his friends took a different turn, he's most likely going to die.
The least sympathetic?
To me, Frank is the least sympathetic. Tub pours his soul out and tells Frank that he can't stop eating. So what does Frank do? Shove some pancakes down his throat (while Kenny is literally dying in the truck). Oh, plus he's having an and affair with a fifteen year old (which would be illegal), and he's going to leave his wife for her. What a great guy.
Do the characters' names help us to form our impressions of them?
Frank is honest (frank), Tub is fat (like a tub), and Kenny is...well, I have no clue how Kenny's name has anything to do him.
"Bartleby" by Herman Melville
"I'd prefer not to."
Guess what? I'd prefer not to write this blog. I bet that joke comes up a lot today. Probably because Bartleby is the most annoying character ever. If he were a real person, we would have problems. I'm sure Melville was trying to say something deep about society, Wall Street, or something really deep. However, I was too annoyed with Bartleby to notice. In fact, I was annoyed with all of the characters. They were extremely ridiculous, and I was completely frustrated with them the entire time. If I were the narrator, I would fire them all, start fresh, and hope to find some normal employees.
Guess what? I'd prefer not to write this blog. I bet that joke comes up a lot today. Probably because Bartleby is the most annoying character ever. If he were a real person, we would have problems. I'm sure Melville was trying to say something deep about society, Wall Street, or something really deep. However, I was too annoyed with Bartleby to notice. In fact, I was annoyed with all of the characters. They were extremely ridiculous, and I was completely frustrated with them the entire time. If I were the narrator, I would fire them all, start fresh, and hope to find some normal employees.
"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker-Question 6
"Maggie smiled; maybe just at the sunglasses. But a real smile, not scared. After we watched the car dust settle I asked Maggie to bring me a dip of snuff. And then the two of us sat there just enjoying it, until it was time to go in the house and go to bed." (pg. 181)
Is Dee wholly unsympathetic?
I would say that Dee is not completely unsympathetic. I feel bad for her in that she doesn't understand how selfish she is. She doesn't appreciate her mother and sister for who they are, and she completely disregards the way that they live. Maggie has obviously not had an easy life, but Dee, instead of being there for her, concentrates only on her life, and she misses out on the love that she could share with her family. For that, I believe she is sympathetic.
Is the mother's victory over her (Dee) altogether positive?
Mama's victory is definitely not completely positive. Although she stood up for one daughter, she may have lost the other one. Hopefully, Dee can reconcile their differences, but that may not necessarily happen. However, I definitely believe Mama did the right thing.
What emotional ambivalence is there in the final scene between Maggie and her mother in the yard?
As Dee drives away, Mama and Maggie watch her, and I think they both know that Dee might not come back, at least for a long time. However, they have each other, and this is enough for them.
Is Dee wholly unsympathetic?
I would say that Dee is not completely unsympathetic. I feel bad for her in that she doesn't understand how selfish she is. She doesn't appreciate her mother and sister for who they are, and she completely disregards the way that they live. Maggie has obviously not had an easy life, but Dee, instead of being there for her, concentrates only on her life, and she misses out on the love that she could share with her family. For that, I believe she is sympathetic.
Is the mother's victory over her (Dee) altogether positive?
Mama's victory is definitely not completely positive. Although she stood up for one daughter, she may have lost the other one. Hopefully, Dee can reconcile their differences, but that may not necessarily happen. However, I definitely believe Mama did the right thing.
What emotional ambivalence is there in the final scene between Maggie and her mother in the yard?
As Dee drives away, Mama and Maggie watch her, and I think they both know that Dee might not come back, at least for a long time. However, they have each other, and this is enough for them.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
"Interpreter of Maladies"
"'Leave me alone,' Mrs. Das said, blowing on her nail and turning her body slightly. 'You're making me mess up.'" (pg. 151)
The characters in this story all annoyed me. The children are immature, but they're children; they have an excuse. Mr. and Mrs. Das were the quintessential uncaring, unfeeling spouses and parents. They were only concerned with their own experiences on the trip. Throughout most of the story, I assumed it was an arranged marriage. Mr. Kapasi was kind of slimy. He didn't really care at all about the family's experience. He was only interested in having an affair with Mrs. Das. I can't say I connected to or cared about any of the characters.
The characters in this story all annoyed me. The children are immature, but they're children; they have an excuse. Mr. and Mrs. Das were the quintessential uncaring, unfeeling spouses and parents. They were only concerned with their own experiences on the trip. Throughout most of the story, I assumed it was an arranged marriage. Mr. Kapasi was kind of slimy. He didn't really care at all about the family's experience. He was only interested in having an affair with Mrs. Das. I can't say I connected to or cared about any of the characters.
"A Rose for Emily"
"For a long while, we just stood there, looking down at the profound and fleshless grin. the body had apparently once lain in the attitude of an embrace, but now the long sleep that outlasts love that conquers even the grimace of love, had cuckolded him." (pg. 289)
This story is full of suspense. The narrator tells the story out of chronological order, but in the order that creates the most suspense, culminating in the discovery of Homer Barron's body. At first, Emily just seems strange, but things get creepier and creepier. Emily killed Homer because she was afraid of him leaving her, like her father had left her, so she decides that having his body forever is better that having him for a little while. The thing I'm curious about is why the Negro stayed with her all those years. What could she have done to force him? He would have been able to easily overpower her. He could have turned her in. He obviously knew what she did and that she was crazy.
This story is full of suspense. The narrator tells the story out of chronological order, but in the order that creates the most suspense, culminating in the discovery of Homer Barron's body. At first, Emily just seems strange, but things get creepier and creepier. Emily killed Homer because she was afraid of him leaving her, like her father had left her, so she decides that having his body forever is better that having him for a little while. The thing I'm curious about is why the Negro stayed with her all those years. What could she have done to force him? He would have been able to easily overpower her. He could have turned her in. He obviously knew what she did and that she was crazy.
"Interpreter of Maladies"- Question 4
"When she whipped out the hairbrush, the slip of paper with Mr. Kapasi's address on it fluttered away in the wind. No one but Mr. Kapasi noticed." (pg. 166)
4. Discuss the significance of Mrs. Das's requesting, and then losing, Mr. Kapasi's address. Apart from its function in the plot, how does this suggest a resolution to the story?
When Mrs. Das asks for Mr. Kapasi's address, he is envisioning how she will send him the picture, they will begin a correspondence, and then they will leave their spouses for each other. To him, that address is a sign of hope and promise. It is also the sign of betrayal because through that, they will both cheat on and leave their spouses. However, when she loses the paper, it is a representation of how his hopes of an affair disappear. Mrs. Das doesn't notice that the paper blew away because she was never interested in Mr. Kapasi in that way. This suggests a resolution because Mr. Kapasi knows that this affair will never happen. Also, losing the paper signifies that Mrs. Das will not have an affair, but will instead be a good wife and mother to her children.
4. Discuss the significance of Mrs. Das's requesting, and then losing, Mr. Kapasi's address. Apart from its function in the plot, how does this suggest a resolution to the story?
When Mrs. Das asks for Mr. Kapasi's address, he is envisioning how she will send him the picture, they will begin a correspondence, and then they will leave their spouses for each other. To him, that address is a sign of hope and promise. It is also the sign of betrayal because through that, they will both cheat on and leave their spouses. However, when she loses the paper, it is a representation of how his hopes of an affair disappear. Mrs. Das doesn't notice that the paper blew away because she was never interested in Mr. Kapasi in that way. This suggests a resolution because Mr. Kapasi knows that this affair will never happen. Also, losing the paper signifies that Mrs. Das will not have an affair, but will instead be a good wife and mother to her children.
"How I Met My Husband"- Situational Irony
"He always tells the children the story of how I went after him by sitting by the mailbox every day..." (pg. 146)
Throughout the story, the reader believes that Edie will end up with Chris. He seems so charming and heroic. Of course, she is immediately infatuated with him. However, his fiancee shows up, and at that point, she should have become skeptical. This just shows her naivete. The mailman is just assumed to be another minor character and not at all important to the plot. This is situational irony because throughout the entire story, the plot seems to be pushing Edie and Chris together. However, in the last chapter, it is revealed that her husband is in fact the mailman, thus creating the surprise ending.
Throughout the story, the reader believes that Edie will end up with Chris. He seems so charming and heroic. Of course, she is immediately infatuated with him. However, his fiancee shows up, and at that point, she should have become skeptical. This just shows her naivete. The mailman is just assumed to be another minor character and not at all important to the plot. This is situational irony because throughout the entire story, the plot seems to be pushing Edie and Chris together. However, in the last chapter, it is revealed that her husband is in fact the mailman, thus creating the surprise ending.
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