"This was what she'd become: a woman alone at the movies with everything in a Baggie." (pg. 363)
What is the significance of Zoe's many eccentricities-for instance, her keeping all her pocketbook items in Baggies, and her unusual way of interacting with her students? Does her eccentricity make her more of less sympathetic of a character.
Zoe's eccentricities are details to show how she does not fit into society. In a way, she has chosen to be herself, but this also means she is lonely. This all results in her almost pushing Earl off the balcony. At this point, she stops attempting to make friends with him. I don't know if I would say I feel sympathy for her, but I definitely feel pity for her. She's just different, and she doesn't have anywhere that she fits in. She's kind of in a mid-life crisis. She's in a job that she hates, she's single, but her sister is getting married. Nobody pictures his or her life to be this way.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson - Question 1
"The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green." (pg. 263)
What is a "lottery"? How does the title lead you to expect something very different from what the story presents?
The primary definition of lottery from dictionary.com is "a gambling game or method of raising money, as for somepublic charitable purpose, in which a large number of tickets are sold and a drawing is held for certain prizes." However, the fourth definition is "any happening or process that is or appears to bedetermined by chance." The cultural connotation of lottery is in line with the first definition. The title creates the illusion that this lottery has a positive result. Besides the title, the first part of the story creates the image of a peaceful day in a happy small town. The only hint that this is a stoning is the children's gathering of stones, yet this detail is disregarded. This makes the ending all the more surprising.
What is a "lottery"? How does the title lead you to expect something very different from what the story presents?
The primary definition of lottery from dictionary.com is "a gambling game or method of raising money, as for somepublic charitable purpose, in which a large number of tickets are sold and a drawing is held for certain prizes." However, the fourth definition is "any happening or process that is or appears to bedetermined by chance." The cultural connotation of lottery is in line with the first definition. The title creates the illusion that this lottery has a positive result. Besides the title, the first part of the story creates the image of a peaceful day in a happy small town. The only hint that this is a stoning is the children's gathering of stones, yet this detail is disregarded. This makes the ending all the more surprising.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
"Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield - Question 7
"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.
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.
"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.
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