"I want the baby, he said."
This is yet another example of irony. A horrible, horrible situation to say the least. But it is ironic nonetheless. This couple is fighting. They hurt each other. They continue to hurt each other. And when it all is said and done, they decide to fight about the one thing they have left in common: their child. One would think that in this sort of situation, they would take a step back and one of the two would leave and decide later. However they cannot do this. They end up playing tug of war with their precious child. And they end up hurting the thing they love and want the most. Or do they love it? The baby may be simply another tool used to hurt the other. You cannot fight over a human being. It is not an object to possess. Yet the two seem to forget that and forget the importance of its life. They hurt what they both want. This sort of irony eerily reminds me of "Once Upon a Time".
Thursday, December 8, 2011
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
"'All right, folks,' Mr. Summers said. 'Let's finish quickly.'"
What an incredible idea! I tell you, the logic behind this story is flawless. I mean, why not stone someone for no reason? Seems like a good idea to me. But no worries. It IS a fair lottery after all. It's the luck of the draw. Or should I say, the bad luck. Nothing irritates me more than pointless concepts in stories. This plot was terrible. If there was some deep, hidden meaning about the downfall and shortcoming of society I surely missed it. And I don't care to find it. Jackson wasted all of our time with a worthless story that has nothing to it. Why would they kill someone once a year? It doesn't make any sense. There is no reason to it. I understand it's a tradition in their little town, but one would think you would wake up and say, "Hey. This is really dumb. Let's not murder someone because our lives are so boring." Wow, good one Jackson. Write another one about ripping babies in half. Oh, wait. Ray Carver beat you to that one.
What an incredible idea! I tell you, the logic behind this story is flawless. I mean, why not stone someone for no reason? Seems like a good idea to me. But no worries. It IS a fair lottery after all. It's the luck of the draw. Or should I say, the bad luck. Nothing irritates me more than pointless concepts in stories. This plot was terrible. If there was some deep, hidden meaning about the downfall and shortcoming of society I surely missed it. And I don't care to find it. Jackson wasted all of our time with a worthless story that has nothing to it. Why would they kill someone once a year? It doesn't make any sense. There is no reason to it. I understand it's a tradition in their little town, but one would think you would wake up and say, "Hey. This is really dumb. Let's not murder someone because our lives are so boring." Wow, good one Jackson. Write another one about ripping babies in half. Oh, wait. Ray Carver beat you to that one.
"You're Ugly, Too" by Lorrie Moore
"'I'm going out of my mind,' said Zoe to her younger sister,"
Too true, Zoe. She is perhaps the most unlikable character in any short story we have read thus far, surpassing even Dee and Bartleby. I know today in class you had said that we should try to sympathize with her, though it is extremely difficult. Her life is indeed boring. Teaching at a small libral arts school could get frustrating. However this is no excuse to treat life as one huge joke. Whether it is a possible condition (she joked during the ultrasound) or a possible boyfriend, Zoe manages to make everybody hate her with her horrible sense of humor. This may be a defense mechanism of hers, seeing as an unknown abdominal condition can be intimidating. Additionally, we know she had a failed relationship before, so maybe her attitude towards Earl is simply her way of making sure she never gets hurt again...even if that involves pushing naked-women men off of twenty-story balconies. In the end, Zoe does not change at all. Her cynical sarcasm is just as present in her last action, pushing Earl and treating it as a joke, as it was in the beginning when her class complained of her.
Too true, Zoe. She is perhaps the most unlikable character in any short story we have read thus far, surpassing even Dee and Bartleby. I know today in class you had said that we should try to sympathize with her, though it is extremely difficult. Her life is indeed boring. Teaching at a small libral arts school could get frustrating. However this is no excuse to treat life as one huge joke. Whether it is a possible condition (she joked during the ultrasound) or a possible boyfriend, Zoe manages to make everybody hate her with her horrible sense of humor. This may be a defense mechanism of hers, seeing as an unknown abdominal condition can be intimidating. Additionally, we know she had a failed relationship before, so maybe her attitude towards Earl is simply her way of making sure she never gets hurt again...even if that involves pushing naked-women men off of twenty-story balconies. In the end, Zoe does not change at all. Her cynical sarcasm is just as present in her last action, pushing Earl and treating it as a joke, as it was in the beginning when her class complained of her.
"The Drunkard" by Frank O'Connor
"'It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian angel.'"
O'Connor's story is hilarious! And at the same time, the situation irony brings out a good point. It is evident that the boy knew that his father's drinking was a bad thing, as it kept him home with a hangover instead of at work earning money for the family. His mother's statement to him, put above, was perfectly true. Although getting drunk resulted in him being sick, getting cut over the head, and shaming his father publicly in front of the town, it also made his father reconsider drinking ever again. It is also ironic how the tables were turned. At the beginning of their time in the bar, the boy expected that he would be the one carrying his father home through the streets, stumbling drunk and embarrassing their family. Yet when it was the other way around, the father was mortified and humiliated to be in what would normally be his son's shoes. But perhaps the final irony comes from the fact that these drunkards are Irish! Haha!
O'Connor's story is hilarious! And at the same time, the situation irony brings out a good point. It is evident that the boy knew that his father's drinking was a bad thing, as it kept him home with a hangover instead of at work earning money for the family. His mother's statement to him, put above, was perfectly true. Although getting drunk resulted in him being sick, getting cut over the head, and shaming his father publicly in front of the town, it also made his father reconsider drinking ever again. It is also ironic how the tables were turned. At the beginning of their time in the bar, the boy expected that he would be the one carrying his father home through the streets, stumbling drunk and embarrassing their family. Yet when it was the other way around, the father was mortified and humiliated to be in what would normally be his son's shoes. But perhaps the final irony comes from the fact that these drunkards are Irish! Haha!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
"Eveline" by James Joyce
"No! No! No! It was impossible. Her hands clutched the iron in frenzy. Amid the seas she sent a cry of anguish."
Eveline's story is a sad one indeed. Her family life was full of turmoil and grief. Her mother passed, her father was abusive, and she lived hopelessly, losing everything familiar slowly. However when she gets the chance at freedom, she does not take it. Rather, she CANNOT take it. She is overcome with emotion and is incapable of physically moving onto the boat with Frank. However, she is referred to as a "helpless animal". i believe this to be true. She is an animal, trapped in her life, unable to leave the pain. This may be because it is all she had known. Or it could be because of the promise she gave to her mother. Regardless, we cannot judge her for turning down her new and (possibly) happy life with Frank.
Eveline's story is a sad one indeed. Her family life was full of turmoil and grief. Her mother passed, her father was abusive, and she lived hopelessly, losing everything familiar slowly. However when she gets the chance at freedom, she does not take it. Rather, she CANNOT take it. She is overcome with emotion and is incapable of physically moving onto the boat with Frank. However, she is referred to as a "helpless animal". i believe this to be true. She is an animal, trapped in her life, unable to leave the pain. This may be because it is all she had known. Or it could be because of the promise she gave to her mother. Regardless, we cannot judge her for turning down her new and (possibly) happy life with Frank.
"Once Upon a Time" by Nadine Gordimer
"...the alarm set up wailing against the screams while the beleeding mass of the little boy was hacked out of the security coil with saws, wire-cutters, choppers, and they carried it- the man, the wife, the hysterical trusted housemaid and the weeping gardener- into the house."
This entire story is one giant ironic situation. But in my opinion, it shows a serious problem in our society today. There is no doubt we live in a dangerous world. However, I do not believe it is any more dangerous than it was tens, hundreds, or thousands of years ago. When only Native Americans lived here, they were constantly in danger of drought, raids by other tribes, war, and disease. Wild animals such as wolves and bears threatened the lives of their children. The same goes for settlers. Even in my parents' generation, there was no absence of evil and harmful things throughout the world. The problem is that we try to create such a perfect environment, try so hard to keep the bad out of our lives, that in the end it only harms us. Parents who shelter their children only create adults who are incapable of handling the realities of life. I am not saying anarchy is the way to go, but perhaps it is time to take a step back and tear down our security fences and cut our barbed wire before our own sons get tangled up in its razor-sharp coils.
This entire story is one giant ironic situation. But in my opinion, it shows a serious problem in our society today. There is no doubt we live in a dangerous world. However, I do not believe it is any more dangerous than it was tens, hundreds, or thousands of years ago. When only Native Americans lived here, they were constantly in danger of drought, raids by other tribes, war, and disease. Wild animals such as wolves and bears threatened the lives of their children. The same goes for settlers. Even in my parents' generation, there was no absence of evil and harmful things throughout the world. The problem is that we try to create such a perfect environment, try so hard to keep the bad out of our lives, that in the end it only harms us. Parents who shelter their children only create adults who are incapable of handling the realities of life. I am not saying anarchy is the way to go, but perhaps it is time to take a step back and tear down our security fences and cut our barbed wire before our own sons get tangled up in its razor-sharp coils.
"A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty
"Her skin had a pattern all its own of numberless branching wrinkles and as though a whole little tree stood in the middle of her forehead"
Phoenix Jackson is herself a symbol of nature. In her characterization by Welty, she is described using scenes from the wild, such as trees and spiderwebs. In class, we had said that she is very bird-like in action and mannerisms. The further symbolism of Phoenix is shown in her own struggle with nature. The thorns rip her dress and animals rustle in the brush, but she is not intimidated. She simply tells the creatures to stay out of her way. She talks aloud to all of her obstacles as if they were people and compares trees to black men. In all honesty she fits in well with nature around her. Perhaps her senility allows her to fit in with such a chaotic environment.
Phoenix Jackson is herself a symbol of nature. In her characterization by Welty, she is described using scenes from the wild, such as trees and spiderwebs. In class, we had said that she is very bird-like in action and mannerisms. The further symbolism of Phoenix is shown in her own struggle with nature. The thorns rip her dress and animals rustle in the brush, but she is not intimidated. She simply tells the creatures to stay out of her way. She talks aloud to all of her obstacles as if they were people and compares trees to black men. In all honesty she fits in well with nature around her. Perhaps her senility allows her to fit in with such a chaotic environment.
"Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield
"The old people sat on a bench, still as statues. Never mind, there was always the crowd to watch."
Miss Brill is such an ironic character. She goes to the park to people watch the crowd. However when she sees other old people doing the same as she, she considers them boring. What's more is that she herself is by no means in her youth. By calling these old people watchers boring, she simply separates herself from them, when in reality she is no different. The same goes for the woman she sees greeting the man who walks away from her after losing interest. She pities her, yet Miss Brill is the one who is lonely. She is the one who needs pitied. The rude, harsh young man who says such mean things to her simply opens her eyes to the fact that she is not any higher than those around her, and perhaps that she should not pass judgement so quickly.
Miss Brill is such an ironic character. She goes to the park to people watch the crowd. However when she sees other old people doing the same as she, she considers them boring. What's more is that she herself is by no means in her youth. By calling these old people watchers boring, she simply separates herself from them, when in reality she is no different. The same goes for the woman she sees greeting the man who walks away from her after losing interest. She pities her, yet Miss Brill is the one who is lonely. She is the one who needs pitied. The rude, harsh young man who says such mean things to her simply opens her eyes to the fact that she is not any higher than those around her, and perhaps that she should not pass judgement so quickly.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"Bartleby the Scrivener" by Herman Melville: Bartleby
"But I waive the biographies of all other scriveners for a few passages in the life of Bartleby, who was a scrivener the strangest I ever saw or heard of."
The character of Bartleby is a frustrating and intriguing one at best. We first meet him as a quiet worker who does very well. However, I was done with him after his initial refusal. Not only does his catch phrase of, "I would prefer not to," get annoying, but his motives behind being like that go unnamed throughout the story. Who is this strange man? Why does he refuse to do anything? Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is his strangeness, the way he can sit and stare at a brick wall all day, and refusal to move out of an office that isn't even his. It makes one wonder what he represents in our society. What was Melville thinking? One frustration I felt was with the narrator. Enough is enough! Why did he continue to allow Bartleby to do whatever he pleased? The next landlord had no problem kicking him out. I am also curious as to what happened in his brain that made him quit copying. Or to give up on life in such a manner. Why did he refuse to eat in prison? He basically killed himself, in his own slow and strange way. However I commend Melville on provoking an emotional response in me to the story. It made it extremely entertaining.
The character of Bartleby is a frustrating and intriguing one at best. We first meet him as a quiet worker who does very well. However, I was done with him after his initial refusal. Not only does his catch phrase of, "I would prefer not to," get annoying, but his motives behind being like that go unnamed throughout the story. Who is this strange man? Why does he refuse to do anything? Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is his strangeness, the way he can sit and stare at a brick wall all day, and refusal to move out of an office that isn't even his. It makes one wonder what he represents in our society. What was Melville thinking? One frustration I felt was with the narrator. Enough is enough! Why did he continue to allow Bartleby to do whatever he pleased? The next landlord had no problem kicking him out. I am also curious as to what happened in his brain that made him quit copying. Or to give up on life in such a manner. Why did he refuse to eat in prison? He basically killed himself, in his own slow and strange way. However I commend Melville on provoking an emotional response in me to the story. It made it extremely entertaining.
"Bartleby the Scrivener" by Herman Melville: Death
"I can see that figure now—pallidly neat, pitiably respectable, incurably forlorn! It was Bartleby."
Throughout this complicated, strange, and somewhat sorrowful tale, death is a common theme. The narrator's account of Bartleby is corpse-like. Neat, pitiably respectable, and forlorn, all words that could be used to describe the atmosphere of a funeral home. He is pale and cold, much like a dead body. Furthermore, he is all around associated with death. The man eats little, lives nowhere, and towards the end of the story spends days and days staring at a brick wall. Creepy? Very. His emotions aren't human. He is calmly and civilly disobedient, which is unheard of. At the end of the story, Bartleby himself dies in prison. Yet even after death, the narrator finds more connections Bartleby had with death. He was rumored to have worked in the Dead Letter office, where the letters of the deceased and missing go. What a truly depressing existence indeed.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
"Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri
"He decided to begin with the most obvious question, to get to the heart of the matter, and so he asked, 'Is it really pain you feel, Mrs. Das, or is it guilt?'"
To be completely honest, this is the first limited third person story I can say I have noticed. However I also see how effective this point of view can be. We follow Mr. Kapasi throughout the story, as he observes and studies the Das family. This is very effective, because on the surface they seem to be just another tourist family. We know nothing of the dark secret Mrs. Das carries. Furthermore, we see that Kapasi "interprets" Mrs. Das' comments as flirtatious and complimentary. However, we later discover she is merely interested in easing her own conscience with his help. We see that although he too is unhappy in his marriage, he is horrified with what he hears. Finally, we see that he sees his paper flying away with the wind and not caring, because he now knows the secret.
"How I Met My Husband" by Alice Munro
"Cars were in short supply then, after the war."
Edie, throughout the story, hints time and time again at the era in which she lives. Though she never directly gives a year, through the text we see hints here and there that help us know when she lived. She mentions often the "war". It is after the invention of automobiles and washing machines, so one can assume it's after World War Two. Additionally, she talks of "flamingos in the yard", a sign that the flingin' fifties are on the way. Also, Chris Watters is a pilot of a plane. As his fiancee explains, he learned to fly in the "war" and since then has always craved adventure. A final hint at the era is that Mrs. Peebles, though rich, didn't own her own car. As in the quote above, supply of cars was short after World War Two. Munro subtly lets the reader understand when the story is and helps them know how to expect everyone to act during this time.
Edie, throughout the story, hints time and time again at the era in which she lives. Though she never directly gives a year, through the text we see hints here and there that help us know when she lived. She mentions often the "war". It is after the invention of automobiles and washing machines, so one can assume it's after World War Two. Additionally, she talks of "flamingos in the yard", a sign that the flingin' fifties are on the way. Also, Chris Watters is a pilot of a plane. As his fiancee explains, he learned to fly in the "war" and since then has always craved adventure. A final hint at the era is that Mrs. Peebles, though rich, didn't own her own car. As in the quote above, supply of cars was short after World War Two. Munro subtly lets the reader understand when the story is and helps them know how to expect everyone to act during this time.
"A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner: Symbolism
"It was a big, squarish frame house that had once been white, decorated with cupolas and spires and scrolled balconies in the heavily lightsome style of the seventies."
Miss Emily's house is significant to us as readers. For one, from the very beginning, we see her house as a mysterious and foreboding fortress, into which no one enters or leaves save one man. Throughout the entire story, we are only given the image of the outside of the house. What lies inside, no one knows. Even back when Miss Emily was a young woman, the only image anyone remembers is of her father in the doorway, a menacing guardian of his daughter and house. The house itself is old, greying and decayed, just like Miss Emily herself. The house falls into ruin, with a few broken windows, rooms in disuse, and peeling and faded paint. This house, once an image if beauty in its prime days, is surrounded by ugly industrialization. Finally, we can see her house not only as a fortress, but somewhat as a prison to her. Her father confined her to it, giving her nowhere else to go. Once she kills Homer, she fills out her life sentence in that house: creepy, old, claustrophobic area. In fact, the house is so creepy, even Tobe her servant leaves as soon as he can after Miss Emily's death.
Miss Emily's house is significant to us as readers. For one, from the very beginning, we see her house as a mysterious and foreboding fortress, into which no one enters or leaves save one man. Throughout the entire story, we are only given the image of the outside of the house. What lies inside, no one knows. Even back when Miss Emily was a young woman, the only image anyone remembers is of her father in the doorway, a menacing guardian of his daughter and house. The house itself is old, greying and decayed, just like Miss Emily herself. The house falls into ruin, with a few broken windows, rooms in disuse, and peeling and faded paint. This house, once an image if beauty in its prime days, is surrounded by ugly industrialization. Finally, we can see her house not only as a fortress, but somewhat as a prison to her. Her father confined her to it, giving her nowhere else to go. Once she kills Homer, she fills out her life sentence in that house: creepy, old, claustrophobic area. In fact, the house is so creepy, even Tobe her servant leaves as soon as he can after Miss Emily's death.
Monday, October 31, 2011
"A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner: Plot
"Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care;"
A disturbing story to say the least, this fits in perfectly with Halloween today. Faulkner cleverly distorted the chronological order of the story in order to create suspense for the reader. Had he simply gone in order, the reader would not have been on edge near as much. In fact, the story's tone would not have been eerie and mysterious. Part of the surprise in the last paragraph stems from the fact that we discover the corpse of Homer as the people of the town do. Faulkner effectively puts the climax of the story at the very end, in the last paragraph. In fact, I found myself turning the page, expecting more, and being disappointed to find that the story was over. No linear story could have created such a tone in a single suspenseful and revealing paragraph.
A disturbing story to say the least, this fits in perfectly with Halloween today. Faulkner cleverly distorted the chronological order of the story in order to create suspense for the reader. Had he simply gone in order, the reader would not have been on edge near as much. In fact, the story's tone would not have been eerie and mysterious. Part of the surprise in the last paragraph stems from the fact that we discover the corpse of Homer as the people of the town do. Faulkner effectively puts the climax of the story at the very end, in the last paragraph. In fact, I found myself turning the page, expecting more, and being disappointed to find that the story was over. No linear story could have created such a tone in a single suspenseful and revealing paragraph.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
"Delight In Disorder" by Robert Herrick
"A sweet disorder in the dress..." Line 1
Herrick is writing this about a woman. He is admiring her dress. This too is very relatable to us in the modern day. However I am once again uncertain in the actual meaning of the poetry. He calls her dress "disorderly", but does that means mismatched and sloppy or perhaps promiscuous? Again he calls her dress "wantonness", which according to my online dictionary means carefree. Carefree with her sexuality? Or just sloppy? Either way, this man seems to find this woman incredibly attractive, despite her not being dressed properly as most women are. It is an ode to expressing one's individuality and the good in it.
Herrick is writing this about a woman. He is admiring her dress. This too is very relatable to us in the modern day. However I am once again uncertain in the actual meaning of the poetry. He calls her dress "disorderly", but does that means mismatched and sloppy or perhaps promiscuous? Again he calls her dress "wantonness", which according to my online dictionary means carefree. Carefree with her sexuality? Or just sloppy? Either way, this man seems to find this woman incredibly attractive, despite her not being dressed properly as most women are. It is an ode to expressing one's individuality and the good in it.
"That Time of Year" by William Shakespeare
"In me thoust seest the twighlight of such a day" Line 5
Death. Death in every single poem we have read this unit. I like it thou. It's a good change of pace. Anyways, about Shakespeare. In this poem, the speaker is a man coming upon the end of his life. Again, it is compared to autumn, a very common theme in poetry it seems to me. He compares his life to the bare trees and cold and lonely weather. He also compares himself to a dying fire. However this is the confusing part. Is he talking to a lover? Or is he talking to his youth? Either way, the companion is loved even more because of the condition of the speaker. It is an unfortunate truth, that as humans we take things for granted until they are gone.
Death. Death in every single poem we have read this unit. I like it thou. It's a good change of pace. Anyways, about Shakespeare. In this poem, the speaker is a man coming upon the end of his life. Again, it is compared to autumn, a very common theme in poetry it seems to me. He compares his life to the bare trees and cold and lonely weather. He also compares himself to a dying fire. However this is the confusing part. Is he talking to a lover? Or is he talking to his youth? Either way, the companion is loved even more because of the condition of the speaker. It is an unfortunate truth, that as humans we take things for granted until they are gone.
"Edward", by Anonymous
"And I had none but he, O." Line 8
Edward is an idiot. This poem is incredibly unusual in my opinion. The author doesn't even attempt to help the reader relate to or understand Edward's actions. He starts off saying he killed his hawk. His stupid mother attempts to comfort him. However he then tells her it was his horse that he killed. Again, she readily forgives him for his actions and comforts him. Finally, the truth comes out and his mother discovers that it was his father, her own spouse, that he killed. Yet again, the crazy hag simply asks what penance he will serve for his actions. Later on, Ed tells his mother that he will readily abandon his family to a horrible life. What a guy! And finally, the only good part of this work, he tells his mother she is cursed for trying to comfort him after all the horrible things he did and raising such a grotesque human being. :)
Edward is an idiot. This poem is incredibly unusual in my opinion. The author doesn't even attempt to help the reader relate to or understand Edward's actions. He starts off saying he killed his hawk. His stupid mother attempts to comfort him. However he then tells her it was his horse that he killed. Again, she readily forgives him for his actions and comforts him. Finally, the truth comes out and his mother discovers that it was his father, her own spouse, that he killed. Yet again, the crazy hag simply asks what penance he will serve for his actions. Later on, Ed tells his mother that he will readily abandon his family to a horrible life. What a guy! And finally, the only good part of this work, he tells his mother she is cursed for trying to comfort him after all the horrible things he did and raising such a grotesque human being. :)
"Lonely Hearts" by Wendy Cope
"Can someone make my simple wish come true?" Line 1
There are many lonely people in this world. In fact, the Beatles wrote a song about it. Cope's poem is just another example of the sad irony of the world today. In the poem, a man is putting a personal ad in a newspaper, desperately trying to find the love of his life. The irony lies in the question he asks repeatedly. His wish to find love is all but simple. In fact, he later in the poem has very specific things he wants in a woman. If this man had a more open heart and weren't so picky, he would most likely be happy with a woman. This lonely heart is attempting to reach out to the world, frantically calling out to find a significant other to be his companion.
There are many lonely people in this world. In fact, the Beatles wrote a song about it. Cope's poem is just another example of the sad irony of the world today. In the poem, a man is putting a personal ad in a newspaper, desperately trying to find the love of his life. The irony lies in the question he asks repeatedly. His wish to find love is all but simple. In fact, he later in the poem has very specific things he wants in a woman. If this man had a more open heart and weren't so picky, he would most likely be happy with a woman. This lonely heart is attempting to reach out to the world, frantically calling out to find a significant other to be his companion.
"Death, Be Not Proud" by John Donne
"...nor yet canst thou kill me." Line 4
I believe Donne was really onto something when he wrote this poem. He was clever in the tone he used in this particular work. On first glance, it appears he is unafraid, even to the point of jovially provoking death. However, if one looks deeper, they can see it is all just a face he puts on to mask his fear. This is very relate able, as many people nowadays have pep talks with themselves. Personally, before my lacrosse games, I talk to myself like this, telling myself that the other team is far below my level, and that they are no better than any players on my team. Donne's false bravado is simply a disguise for his fear of death. The underlying tone is one of desperation in reality. It is sort of like he is saying, "Death isn't scary. I'm not afraid of it. Right?"
I believe Donne was really onto something when he wrote this poem. He was clever in the tone he used in this particular work. On first glance, it appears he is unafraid, even to the point of jovially provoking death. However, if one looks deeper, they can see it is all just a face he puts on to mask his fear. This is very relate able, as many people nowadays have pep talks with themselves. Personally, before my lacrosse games, I talk to myself like this, telling myself that the other team is far below my level, and that they are no better than any players on my team. Donne's false bravado is simply a disguise for his fear of death. The underlying tone is one of desperation in reality. It is sort of like he is saying, "Death isn't scary. I'm not afraid of it. Right?"
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
"Crossing the Bar" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
"I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar." Lines 15-16
I can finally interpret a poem easily! For once in my short career of poem analysis, I believe I completely understand what the writer's purpose was. The "sand bar" being crossed is death. The ocean, which is "asleep" and calm, is heaven. Finally, and most obviously, the "pilot" of the ship is God. The "call" the speaker hears is God calling him home, the time of his death. The speaker wants "no sorrow" when he leaves. He wants only simplicity and a calm departure, which could be interpreted as a quick and easy death. However I doubt that this analysis is entirely true, since he speaks of "returning home". You don't return home after dying, do you? Unless of course "home" is heaven and unity with God. In any case, I am confusing myself even more. I'll quit while I am ahead.
I can finally interpret a poem easily! For once in my short career of poem analysis, I believe I completely understand what the writer's purpose was. The "sand bar" being crossed is death. The ocean, which is "asleep" and calm, is heaven. Finally, and most obviously, the "pilot" of the ship is God. The "call" the speaker hears is God calling him home, the time of his death. The speaker wants "no sorrow" when he leaves. He wants only simplicity and a calm departure, which could be interpreted as a quick and easy death. However I doubt that this analysis is entirely true, since he speaks of "returning home". You don't return home after dying, do you? Unless of course "home" is heaven and unity with God. In any case, I am confusing myself even more. I'll quit while I am ahead.
"The Apparition" by John Donne
"Then shall my ghost come to thy bed" Line 4
This is the first scary, ghost-story poem we have read so far. However it is not at all the first poem inspired by a woman. It seems the speaker is telling the woman responsible for his murder that he will return to haunt her. Since the woman's husband won't wake up, she will be left to fend off the ghost herself. This man obviously has no sympathy for this woman. However I am not sure if he literally means a murder or perhaps merely a figurative one. Furthermore the haunting itself could just be figurative. This woman could be a former lover of his, and he is saying because of his heart being broken, he will never rest until she feels the pain he felt. Maybe his "ghost" is merely memories of their relationship, and her "haunting" is his making her regret the decision she made.
This is the first scary, ghost-story poem we have read so far. However it is not at all the first poem inspired by a woman. It seems the speaker is telling the woman responsible for his murder that he will return to haunt her. Since the woman's husband won't wake up, she will be left to fend off the ghost herself. This man obviously has no sympathy for this woman. However I am not sure if he literally means a murder or perhaps merely a figurative one. Furthermore the haunting itself could just be figurative. This woman could be a former lover of his, and he is saying because of his heart being broken, he will never rest until she feels the pain he felt. Maybe his "ghost" is merely memories of their relationship, and her "haunting" is his making her regret the decision she made.
"Getting Out" by Cleopatra Mathis
"Every night another refusal, the silent work of tightening the heart." Lines 2-4
I guess it's true that marriage is a truly horrid time. At least that's what Mathis implies. In the poem, the speaker starts right off talking of the horrors of marriage, calling her and her husband "inmates", implying that marriage is like a prison. She says that words are "heaved like furniture", hinting that harsh things were said between the two. However, she soon changes her negative diction. By the end of the poem it is apparent that she misses her ex-husband. She tells the reader that she and her husband cried on the last day and unwillingly separated and went on their final ways. Her diction goes from angry to remorseful, which is a reflection on the life of the speaker. Although she seems to be doing all right by herself and still keeps in touch with her ex-husband, she misses him.
I guess it's true that marriage is a truly horrid time. At least that's what Mathis implies. In the poem, the speaker starts right off talking of the horrors of marriage, calling her and her husband "inmates", implying that marriage is like a prison. She says that words are "heaved like furniture", hinting that harsh things were said between the two. However, she soon changes her negative diction. By the end of the poem it is apparent that she misses her ex-husband. She tells the reader that she and her husband cried on the last day and unwillingly separated and went on their final ways. Her diction goes from angry to remorseful, which is a reflection on the life of the speaker. Although she seems to be doing all right by herself and still keeps in touch with her ex-husband, she misses him.
"My Mistress' Eyes" by William Shakespeare
"And in some perfumes is there more delight Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks." Lines 7-8
Shakespeare and his sense of humor! Actually to be honest I'm not really sure if this is a joke or not. I am going to assume this is satire. I believe old Bill is simply saying that although his lover is not perfect, he looks past her flaws and still loves her all the same. He seems to point out in every feature of her that there is something bigger and better. Perhaps that is his point. Or he could be poking fun at her. What I do know is that he states at the end that he, "think my love as rare As any she belied with false compare" Lines13-14. He means that he still appreciates and loves this woman just as much as a man who has ridiculous comparisons for the features and characteristics of the girl they love.
Shakespeare and his sense of humor! Actually to be honest I'm not really sure if this is a joke or not. I am going to assume this is satire. I believe old Bill is simply saying that although his lover is not perfect, he looks past her flaws and still loves her all the same. He seems to point out in every feature of her that there is something bigger and better. Perhaps that is his point. Or he could be poking fun at her. What I do know is that he states at the end that he, "think my love as rare As any she belied with false compare" Lines13-14. He means that he still appreciates and loves this woman just as much as a man who has ridiculous comparisons for the features and characteristics of the girl they love.
"Hazel Tells Laverne" by Katharyn Machan Aal
"when all of a sudden up pops this frog" Lines 4-5
Aal cleverly writes this comical and ironic poem. The reader is first subjugated to the dialect, which is African American. Furthermore, irony is used to make the reader laugh. This woman Hazel encounters a magical talking frog, as one would find in a fairy tale. However she is not impressed by this. She seems more concerned with the fact that the frog showed up at all! When asked by the frog to kiss him in order to turn into a prince, Hazel responds by calling him a "pervert", again seeming to miss what the frog is saying. She is focused on the literal implications of what he says, not paying attention to his words. She later scoffs at the frog's words, saying, "me a princess" in lines 24-25, as if the concept is simply unbelievable. Aal's sense of humor is present in her spunky character of Hazel.
Aal cleverly writes this comical and ironic poem. The reader is first subjugated to the dialect, which is African American. Furthermore, irony is used to make the reader laugh. This woman Hazel encounters a magical talking frog, as one would find in a fairy tale. However she is not impressed by this. She seems more concerned with the fact that the frog showed up at all! When asked by the frog to kiss him in order to turn into a prince, Hazel responds by calling him a "pervert", again seeming to miss what the frog is saying. She is focused on the literal implications of what he says, not paying attention to his words. She later scoffs at the frog's words, saying, "me a princess" in lines 24-25, as if the concept is simply unbelievable. Aal's sense of humor is present in her spunky character of Hazel.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
"Mr. Z" by M. Carl Holman
"'One of the most distinguished members of his race.'" Line 26
What a truly remarkable poem. This Mr. Z appears to be a man who refused to be tied down by racial discrimination and insensitivity. He lived his life cautiously, being careful to present himself in a respectable image to all. Even in what he ate and who he kissed, along with who he married, all was planned out. He was compared to an "airborne plant", implying that although the entire society, the world's way of life, was against him, he refused to be kept down and in fact flourished as a man and a character. He was honest and reliable, in that "Not one false note was struck- until he died:" However, the true irony lies in the inscription on his gravestone, "'One of the most distinguished members of his race'". The entire work of Mr. Z's life was to tear down the walls of racial discrimination, and yet even after his remarkable life, his death was overshadowed by that horrible phrase. They classified his life based on his race. This defeated his entire life's mission and goal, showing that even despite radical influences such as this man, the road to equality was a lengthy and difficult one.
What a truly remarkable poem. This Mr. Z appears to be a man who refused to be tied down by racial discrimination and insensitivity. He lived his life cautiously, being careful to present himself in a respectable image to all. Even in what he ate and who he kissed, along with who he married, all was planned out. He was compared to an "airborne plant", implying that although the entire society, the world's way of life, was against him, he refused to be kept down and in fact flourished as a man and a character. He was honest and reliable, in that "Not one false note was struck- until he died:" However, the true irony lies in the inscription on his gravestone, "'One of the most distinguished members of his race'". The entire work of Mr. Z's life was to tear down the walls of racial discrimination, and yet even after his remarkable life, his death was overshadowed by that horrible phrase. They classified his life based on his race. This defeated his entire life's mission and goal, showing that even despite radical influences such as this man, the road to equality was a lengthy and difficult one.
"Much Madness is divinest Sense" by Emily Dickinson
"Much Madness is divinest Sense-" Line 1
Oh, Dickinson, you never cease to thoroughly confuse me. Yet again, I am left with a poem of yours that makes absolutely no sense. You are deliberately and paradoxically contradicting yourself. How could Madness be sense? And sense madness? I suppose it is all in how one looks at it. From a madman's perspective, what is madness to him could indeed be sense to a normal person. If this is true, then why write from the perspective of a madman? The more of your poems I read and study, the more I am convinced that you yourself didn't have all of your fish swimming in the same direction. However, I can connect what you're saying to the movie my Mom is currently watching. In "Inception", the main character's wife kills herself, believing the real world to be yet another dream, and she desired to get out of it to get back to her real life. Death in her dream worlds brought one back to reality. To the audience, she seemed perfectly insane. However to her, her logic was flawless. If it was a dream, there was no harm in jumping off of a building. She would simply wake up and live her life to the fullest. I still stick with what I said though. I don't understand at all what you're trying to get at.
Oh, Dickinson, you never cease to thoroughly confuse me. Yet again, I am left with a poem of yours that makes absolutely no sense. You are deliberately and paradoxically contradicting yourself. How could Madness be sense? And sense madness? I suppose it is all in how one looks at it. From a madman's perspective, what is madness to him could indeed be sense to a normal person. If this is true, then why write from the perspective of a madman? The more of your poems I read and study, the more I am convinced that you yourself didn't have all of your fish swimming in the same direction. However, I can connect what you're saying to the movie my Mom is currently watching. In "Inception", the main character's wife kills herself, believing the real world to be yet another dream, and she desired to get out of it to get back to her real life. Death in her dream worlds brought one back to reality. To the audience, she seemed perfectly insane. However to her, her logic was flawless. If it was a dream, there was no harm in jumping off of a building. She would simply wake up and live her life to the fullest. I still stick with what I said though. I don't understand at all what you're trying to get at.
"Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
""'Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'" Line 11
This entire poem is one giant metaphor for the inevitability of man's mortality. Shelley uses vivid imagery, talking of the "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand[ing] in the desert..." to show the loneliness and barren atmosphere of this spot that was once a great center of a mighty kingdom. There is no doubt ancient Egypt was a powerful and innovative civilization that ruled the world for thousands of years. Their vast empire was remarkable in its efficiency and organization. However, it too, as all great civilizations do, fell. Greece followed this pattern, followed by Rome, and in our modern world, the British Empire and the Soviet Union. The irony is in the words on the engravings that remain, that this Pharaoh was so conceited as to tell others to despair when they saw the might of his kingdom. He is now the king of sand and desert, and his once great civilization is nothing more than ruins now.
This entire poem is one giant metaphor for the inevitability of man's mortality. Shelley uses vivid imagery, talking of the "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand[ing] in the desert..." to show the loneliness and barren atmosphere of this spot that was once a great center of a mighty kingdom. There is no doubt ancient Egypt was a powerful and innovative civilization that ruled the world for thousands of years. Their vast empire was remarkable in its efficiency and organization. However, it too, as all great civilizations do, fell. Greece followed this pattern, followed by Rome, and in our modern world, the British Empire and the Soviet Union. The irony is in the words on the engravings that remain, that this Pharaoh was so conceited as to tell others to despair when they saw the might of his kingdom. He is now the king of sand and desert, and his once great civilization is nothing more than ruins now.
Monday, September 19, 2011
"APO 96225" by Larry Rottman
"'Dear Mom, sure rains a lot here.'" Line 3
War is hell. And this poem makes it quite obvious. We all know this familiar story. We see it all over the news today. A young man goes off to war. He writes back home, expressing all of the positive aspects of the hostile environment he lives in so as not to worry his loved ones back home. However, this poem takes it a step further by the young man literally describing some of the horrors of what he goes through. His mother and father are horrified at what he says. Their son, their beloved son, killed a man. he murdered innocent civilians: women and children were burned by napalm because of him. It is also ironic in that his mother repeatedly asked him to tell her how it was. She knew war was terrible, and wanted him to express the things he did and saw to her; however, when he reveals the true nature of his work, his mother was "upset" and he again reverted to his vague letters back home.
War is hell. And this poem makes it quite obvious. We all know this familiar story. We see it all over the news today. A young man goes off to war. He writes back home, expressing all of the positive aspects of the hostile environment he lives in so as not to worry his loved ones back home. However, this poem takes it a step further by the young man literally describing some of the horrors of what he goes through. His mother and father are horrified at what he says. Their son, their beloved son, killed a man. he murdered innocent civilians: women and children were burned by napalm because of him. It is also ironic in that his mother repeatedly asked him to tell her how it was. She knew war was terrible, and wanted him to express the things he did and saw to her; however, when he reveals the true nature of his work, his mother was "upset" and he again reverted to his vague letters back home.
"Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy
"Her good nature wore out like a fan belt." Lines 14-15
Piercy expresses a theme that's hard to miss. Moreover, she does it satirically. Piercy shows the problem with the media's idea of what a woman should be. The young girl in the poem grew up with kitchen sets and baby dolls, following the ideal girl's childhood traditions. However, at the age puberty set in, although she was perfectly normal, her appearance was brought to the attention of others in her class. One must question why she was "apologetic" over her differences, since otherwise she was intelligent, dexterous, and behaviorally normal. this social isolation, this bullying, drove this girl to do the unthinkable. Piercy brings to light the struggles young women face all over the world to live up to the standards set before them on womanhood. She also warns of the dangers of keeping this standard, and shows the extremes that it can lead to.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
"Toads" by Philip Larkin
"Why should I let the toad work Squat on my life?" Lines 1-2
Larkin cleverly uses a toad as a representation of stress. Stress, like a toad, "Squats" on everyone's lives. It uses its "sickening poison" to take up the days of our week, just to "pay the bills". the "Folks who live on their wits" are intellectuals who seemingly overcome the struggles of stress. In reality, is this true? From the poor working man's perspective, it certainly seems that way. They don't feel the stress of a low income job. On the other end of the spectrum, those who live "up lanes", who live simply and quietly in the country, seem to live without toads bothering them. This man, caught in the middle of the two worlds, is obviously bitter about it. He feels it deep in his soul, "cold" and "hunkering". It restricts him from finding life's real luxuries and inhibits his success. What a cynical poem this is.
Larkin cleverly uses a toad as a representation of stress. Stress, like a toad, "Squats" on everyone's lives. It uses its "sickening poison" to take up the days of our week, just to "pay the bills". the "Folks who live on their wits" are intellectuals who seemingly overcome the struggles of stress. In reality, is this true? From the poor working man's perspective, it certainly seems that way. They don't feel the stress of a low income job. On the other end of the spectrum, those who live "up lanes", who live simply and quietly in the country, seem to live without toads bothering them. This man, caught in the middle of the two worlds, is obviously bitter about it. He feels it deep in his soul, "cold" and "hunkering". It restricts him from finding life's real luxuries and inhibits his success. What a cynical poem this is.
"Pink Dog" by Elizabeth Bishop
"Oh, never have I seen a dog so bare! Naked and pink, without a single hair..." Lines 4-5
Bishop's poem is much more than a simple tribute to Carnival in Rio de Janerio. She uses the pink dog as a metaphor for a human. The speaker of the poem, speaking to the dog, is a metaphor for society and media influences. She repeatedly tells the dog how pathetic and strange it looks. Furthermore, she tries to frighten the dog, saying that beggars, cripples, idiots, and drunks are murdered for their social undoings. She says, "what would they do to sick, four-legged dogs?" in an attempt to frighten the dog into wearing something for carnival. She tells it to dress up nice, just as the media tells us to do certain things and act certain ways. In my opinion, there is a naked pink dog inside each and every one of us.
Bishop's poem is much more than a simple tribute to Carnival in Rio de Janerio. She uses the pink dog as a metaphor for a human. The speaker of the poem, speaking to the dog, is a metaphor for society and media influences. She repeatedly tells the dog how pathetic and strange it looks. Furthermore, she tries to frighten the dog, saying that beggars, cripples, idiots, and drunks are murdered for their social undoings. She says, "what would they do to sick, four-legged dogs?" in an attempt to frighten the dog into wearing something for carnival. She tells it to dress up nice, just as the media tells us to do certain things and act certain ways. In my opinion, there is a naked pink dog inside each and every one of us.
"Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes
"What happens to a dream deferred?" Line 1
Hughes' work is one of shattered dreams and cool anger, compressed into a very short-yet very effective- poem. Imagery is widely present in the "what if"s in the reading. This particular poem also uses many similes in its short span. These describe the possibilities of what happen to a dream. Though not literal, they are all significant in that they represent what can happen if a goal is put off for too long a period of time. Perhaps the goal will "dry up", in that the motivation needed to pursue it no longer exists: it runs out, dries up. Or the dream could "fester like a sore", become something terrible and deformed, no longer driven by good intentions but with a wayward objective. Maybe the dream would "stink like rotten mean", again becoming foul from not being taken advantage of at the proper opportunity. If it "sags like a heavy load", perhaps it is now such a burden it cannot be loved or appreciated any longer. Hughes effectively emphasizes the bitterness and disappointment of a lost dream through his similes and imagery.
Hughes' work is one of shattered dreams and cool anger, compressed into a very short-yet very effective- poem. Imagery is widely present in the "what if"s in the reading. This particular poem also uses many similes in its short span. These describe the possibilities of what happen to a dream. Though not literal, they are all significant in that they represent what can happen if a goal is put off for too long a period of time. Perhaps the goal will "dry up", in that the motivation needed to pursue it no longer exists: it runs out, dries up. Or the dream could "fester like a sore", become something terrible and deformed, no longer driven by good intentions but with a wayward objective. Maybe the dream would "stink like rotten mean", again becoming foul from not being taken advantage of at the proper opportunity. If it "sags like a heavy load", perhaps it is now such a burden it cannot be loved or appreciated any longer. Hughes effectively emphasizes the bitterness and disappointment of a lost dream through his similes and imagery.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
"The Joy of Cooking" by Elaine Magarrell
"I have prepared my sister's tongue," Line 1
Magarrell satirically speaks of preparing her siblings' organs as a meal. Her central theme is that she is fed up with her brother and sister, tired of their obvious flaws and short comings, and decides to write about it. She accomplishes this by describing her brother and sister through characteristics of the body part she is preparing. She implies that her sister is foul-mouthed, since she had to "scrub and skin" her tongue. Also, she calls her cheap, saying she is "economical", and that the tongue perhaps will "grow back". Her brother she describes as having a "dry" and "firm" heart, implying a meanness and cruelty in him. He is also boring, since his heart needs "apple-onion stuffing to make it interesting at all". Furthermore, she describes him as unkind, saying his heart is small, in that it "feeds only two". She is calling out her siblings, telling them to open their eyes and see the wrong of their attitudes and ways.
Magarrell satirically speaks of preparing her siblings' organs as a meal. Her central theme is that she is fed up with her brother and sister, tired of their obvious flaws and short comings, and decides to write about it. She accomplishes this by describing her brother and sister through characteristics of the body part she is preparing. She implies that her sister is foul-mouthed, since she had to "scrub and skin" her tongue. Also, she calls her cheap, saying she is "economical", and that the tongue perhaps will "grow back". Her brother she describes as having a "dry" and "firm" heart, implying a meanness and cruelty in him. He is also boring, since his heart needs "apple-onion stuffing to make it interesting at all". Furthermore, she describes him as unkind, saying his heart is small, in that it "feeds only two". She is calling out her siblings, telling them to open their eyes and see the wrong of their attitudes and ways.
"February" by Margaret Atwood
"February, month of despair, with a skewered heart in the centre." Lines 25-26
This poem creates a tone of listlessness in the heart of the winter months. Atwood expresses a cynical attitude not only toward the weather, but towards seemingly every aspect of life, from humans to cats to warmth to holidays. However, she is also longing for the spring. Ironically, the poem begins with the word "Winter" and ends with the word "spring". Atwood shows her disdain towards Valentine's day (the "skewered heart in the centre" of February), a holiday normally associated with love. Even the concept of warmth, she puts down, saying "pollution pours out of our chimneys to keep us warm". Nothing seems to be positive, and nothing seems to be optimistic to her, a feeling all can relate to in the long, dreary, winter months.
This poem creates a tone of listlessness in the heart of the winter months. Atwood expresses a cynical attitude not only toward the weather, but towards seemingly every aspect of life, from humans to cats to warmth to holidays. However, she is also longing for the spring. Ironically, the poem begins with the word "Winter" and ends with the word "spring". Atwood shows her disdain towards Valentine's day (the "skewered heart in the centre" of February), a holiday normally associated with love. Even the concept of warmth, she puts down, saying "pollution pours out of our chimneys to keep us warm". Nothing seems to be positive, and nothing seems to be optimistic to her, a feeling all can relate to in the long, dreary, winter months.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
"Spring" by Gerard Manley Hopkins
"A strain of the earth's sweet being in the beginning In Eden garden." Lines 10 and 11
Hopkins is extremely upfront about his meaning in this poem. It is poetry written in praise to God. He describes the scenes he sees, focusing on the senses extensively. He speaks of the sight of "weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush". He also talks about the noise one hears, of the Thrush's call that "does so rinse and wring the ear". He references "Eden garden", further demonstrating the lush beauty of the Spring. Furthermore, he describes it as pure, with lambs symbolizing innocence and happiness. What's more to this poem is not simply the glorifying of the Lord, but a question of favor. Hopkins asks God to return to him the innocence of youth, in order that his sins won't take away from the beauty and purity of the spring.
Hopkins is extremely upfront about his meaning in this poem. It is poetry written in praise to God. He describes the scenes he sees, focusing on the senses extensively. He speaks of the sight of "weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush". He also talks about the noise one hears, of the Thrush's call that "does so rinse and wring the ear". He references "Eden garden", further demonstrating the lush beauty of the Spring. Furthermore, he describes it as pure, with lambs symbolizing innocence and happiness. What's more to this poem is not simply the glorifying of the Lord, but a question of favor. Hopkins asks God to return to him the innocence of youth, in order that his sins won't take away from the beauty and purity of the spring.
"Those Winter Sundays" by Robert Hayden
"Speaking Indifferently to him" Line 10
Hayden, in this poem, speaks of his being unappreciative towards his father. It is obvious that as an adult, he realized the many sacrifices his father made for him. He also recognizes how hard he worked, as seen in the lines "then with cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather made banked fires ablaze". He regrets the disrespect he showed him, as in line 10 when he "spoke indifferently to him". Moreover, he recognizes his foolish behaviors and wishes he could have known some things back then, when he says "What did I know, what did I know, of love's austere and lonely offices?" He looks back at this man he now admires with a gentleness, and remembers him as a selfless and caring father, for when "the rooms were warm, he'd call". He let his son enjoy the comfort of bed until the warmth was comfortable enough for him to get up in. I feel as if everyone feels this way throughout their life, in which one wishes they had treated their parents with more respect than they did.
Hayden, in this poem, speaks of his being unappreciative towards his father. It is obvious that as an adult, he realized the many sacrifices his father made for him. He also recognizes how hard he worked, as seen in the lines "then with cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather made banked fires ablaze". He regrets the disrespect he showed him, as in line 10 when he "spoke indifferently to him". Moreover, he recognizes his foolish behaviors and wishes he could have known some things back then, when he says "What did I know, what did I know, of love's austere and lonely offices?" He looks back at this man he now admires with a gentleness, and remembers him as a selfless and caring father, for when "the rooms were warm, he'd call". He let his son enjoy the comfort of bed until the warmth was comfortable enough for him to get up in. I feel as if everyone feels this way throughout their life, in which one wishes they had treated their parents with more respect than they did.
"I Felt a Funeral, In My Brain" by Emily Dickinson
"A Service, like a Drum- Kept beating-beating" Lines 6 and 7
This poem uses figurative language to get its point across. Dickinson ingeniously used a repetition of words to get across the meaning of her poem. I personally interpreted the poem being about a mental breakdown one has. Her repetition of words, such as "beating-beating", "down, and down", and "treading-treading" are all words implying a journey being made. Additionally, she describes her irrationality through the synecdoche, "And Being, but an Ear" in which she classifies herself as a human based on being an ear. Dickinson also impies a funeral for her sanity, speaking of "mourners" and a "Box", or casket. Furthermore, through her use of personifying silence, Dickinson implies that this was her only companion through this time. Silence being a companion hints at someone who spends much time in solitary spaces.
"The Panther" by Rainer Maria Rilke
"It seems to him there are a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world." Line 4
This poem by Rilke contains a certain purpose, brought about through a fictional point. I believe the panther is a representation of man's constriction and imprisonment of nature. The poem speaks of "powerful soft strides", a juxtaposition that shows man is taking advantage of the natural world, through limiting it (through deforestation and pollution). He also figuratively says that the true power of nature is realized- when the "the curtain of the pupils lifts, quietly". This demonstration of nature's true...well...nature is quickly and quietly forgotten, when it "plunges into the heart and is gone". This is true in our world today, in which violent hurricanes, earthquakes, storms, and tornadoes regularly cause disasters, yet man is yet to truly fear or respect the power of nature.
"London" by William Blake
"Marks of weakness, marks of woe." Line 4
In Blake's poem "London", his use of syntax reveals much about the direction the poem is heading. Most of the words used have a negative connotation, suggesting a theme of sadness and misery. This implies that London, usually pictured as a center of bustling activity, is under the reign of a bloodthirsty and unjust tyrant. Blake hints at this through his mention of "chartered" streets and rivers. Additionally, he mentions how "Soldier's sigh Runs in blood down Palace walls". Moreover, Blake hints at a complete corruption of authority. the "black'ning Church", suggesting that all authority in London, even holy authority, is corrupted and unjust.
In Blake's poem "London", his use of syntax reveals much about the direction the poem is heading. Most of the words used have a negative connotation, suggesting a theme of sadness and misery. This implies that London, usually pictured as a center of bustling activity, is under the reign of a bloodthirsty and unjust tyrant. Blake hints at this through his mention of "chartered" streets and rivers. Additionally, he mentions how "Soldier's sigh Runs in blood down Palace walls". Moreover, Blake hints at a complete corruption of authority. the "black'ning Church", suggesting that all authority in London, even holy authority, is corrupted and unjust.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Interpreting Poetry
"...for any given poem there are correct and incorrect readings, and to illustrate the process by which the correctness of a reading may be approved or disapproved."
Perrine's claim that there is a correct and incorrect way to interpret poetry sounds ludicrous to me. How can he tell one what to take out of a poem? Is a poem not a work of art? Furthermore, he states himself that a writer "Should not be his own interpreter". If this is true, then that means it is not clear what the poem is actually about. Is one told how to look at a picture painted by an artist? The message or idea one takes away from a work of art, and poetry is indeed art in written form, is simply a personal reflection of the work. Perrine seems incorrect in his idea.
Yet Perrine's interpretation of Dickinson's untitled poem struck me. How did he perfectly decipher Dickinson's true meaning? Was it artistic insight or simply a practiced eye for poetry? I shared the interpretation his students had, and I was almost shamed by his words. His explanation as to why he saw things as he did made them perfectly clear and reasonable. What of Dickinson's vision in writing the poem? She had originally titled it "Sunset", so why is Perrine contradicting himself when he says that although a writer cannot be their own interpreter, their original intention of the poem is what we strive to see? I already had a heard enough time with my immature and untrained explanation of her poem. How can I possibly understand and interpret poems like Perrine?
Perrine's claim that there is a correct and incorrect way to interpret poetry sounds ludicrous to me. How can he tell one what to take out of a poem? Is a poem not a work of art? Furthermore, he states himself that a writer "Should not be his own interpreter". If this is true, then that means it is not clear what the poem is actually about. Is one told how to look at a picture painted by an artist? The message or idea one takes away from a work of art, and poetry is indeed art in written form, is simply a personal reflection of the work. Perrine seems incorrect in his idea.
Yet Perrine's interpretation of Dickinson's untitled poem struck me. How did he perfectly decipher Dickinson's true meaning? Was it artistic insight or simply a practiced eye for poetry? I shared the interpretation his students had, and I was almost shamed by his words. His explanation as to why he saw things as he did made them perfectly clear and reasonable. What of Dickinson's vision in writing the poem? She had originally titled it "Sunset", so why is Perrine contradicting himself when he says that although a writer cannot be their own interpreter, their original intention of the poem is what we strive to see? I already had a heard enough time with my immature and untrained explanation of her poem. How can I possibly understand and interpret poems like Perrine?
Friday, August 12, 2011
Completion
"...and though the tears rolled down my face, I wasn't sobbing or out of control." Page 288
The completion of Tommy and Ruth seem to have little effect on Kathy. Perhaps it is from her many years as a carer. She has been around pain, suffering, and death for so long that she no longer feels its loss. She is indeed sad, but as she said, not "out of control". This immunity to such grief is disturbing. Ishiguro ended the novel on a perfect note, making the reader question the emotional stability of Kathy. Her simple acceptance of her best and closest friend's deaths seems grotesquely insensitive compared to what the norm is in our own society. Perhaps this serves to contrast further clones from normal people.
The completion of Tommy and Ruth seem to have little effect on Kathy. Perhaps it is from her many years as a carer. She has been around pain, suffering, and death for so long that she no longer feels its loss. She is indeed sad, but as she said, not "out of control". This immunity to such grief is disturbing. Ishiguro ended the novel on a perfect note, making the reader question the emotional stability of Kathy. Her simple acceptance of her best and closest friend's deaths seems grotesquely insensitive compared to what the norm is in our own society. Perhaps this serves to contrast further clones from normal people.
The Gallery
"'Didn't the Gallery exist either?'" Page 259
The concept of the Gallery was so important to these two, especially being Halisham students, that even in young adulthood they refuse to let it go. Tommy even foolishly brought drawings of his own to prove his sincerity in his love to Kathy. One would think they would grow out of such an idea. However, this just yet again proves the effectiveness of conditioning. What's more is the real purpose of the Gallery, to prove that the clones had souls. Perhaps it was shock, but these two students seem numb to the reality of the situation.
The concept of the Gallery was so important to these two, especially being Halisham students, that even in young adulthood they refuse to let it go. Tommy even foolishly brought drawings of his own to prove his sincerity in his love to Kathy. One would think they would grow out of such an idea. However, this just yet again proves the effectiveness of conditioning. What's more is the real purpose of the Gallery, to prove that the clones had souls. Perhaps it was shock, but these two students seem numb to the reality of the situation.
You Can't Handle the Truth
""Now, I'll try and answer your questions the best I can.'" Page 257
Kathy and Tommy come upon a very unfortunate truth. Deferrals don't exist. Although crushed, they still learn much about themselves and the sort of world they live in. They discover that they are clones, hated by the world. However, they reacted rather cooly when given this news. Why do they accept that they are repulsive to others? Why do they not try to fight back? Perhaps it's because they were conditioned, even from a very early age, to accept that they were different somehow. Had I been in their shoes, I would have reacted rather differently.
Kathy and Tommy come upon a very unfortunate truth. Deferrals don't exist. Although crushed, they still learn much about themselves and the sort of world they live in. They discover that they are clones, hated by the world. However, they reacted rather cooly when given this news. Why do they accept that they are repulsive to others? Why do they not try to fight back? Perhaps it's because they were conditioned, even from a very early age, to accept that they were different somehow. Had I been in their shoes, I would have reacted rather differently.
What Is Love?
"'The main thing is, I kept you and Tommy apart.'" Page 233
Ruth reveals to Kathy her inner conflict. It seems that throughout the years, even back when Tommy and Ruth first became a couple, Ruth knew Tommy and Kathy were meant to be. She intentionally kept them apart, isolated and unhappy. One might wonder why she did such a cruel thing. However I believe it had to do with her own personal insecurities when it came to Kathy. She tried to prove she was better in that she had who Kathy wanted. It was malicious to say the least, but understandable.
Ruth reveals to Kathy her inner conflict. It seems that throughout the years, even back when Tommy and Ruth first became a couple, Ruth knew Tommy and Kathy were meant to be. She intentionally kept them apart, isolated and unhappy. One might wonder why she did such a cruel thing. However I believe it had to do with her own personal insecurities when it came to Kathy. She tried to prove she was better in that she had who Kathy wanted. It was malicious to say the least, but understandable.
Theories
"Ruth said in a mock whisper: 'Tommy's big gallery theory!'" Page 193
Throughout the story, we time and time again hear of theories. Even when Kathy was much younger, her group had a theory that someone was trying to kidnap Miss Geraldine. Up until the very end, when she and Tommy went on a search for theoretical deferrals, theories keep popping up. This is very peculiar, and hints that even from an early time, the clones felt insecure about themselves and consequently made theories. Many times, these theories are ridiculous and juvenile, but their existence alone means something more. Students grow up never knowing the truth about anything.
Throughout the story, we time and time again hear of theories. Even when Kathy was much younger, her group had a theory that someone was trying to kidnap Miss Geraldine. Up until the very end, when she and Tommy went on a search for theoretical deferrals, theories keep popping up. This is very peculiar, and hints that even from an early time, the clones felt insecure about themselves and consequently made theories. Many times, these theories are ridiculous and juvenile, but their existence alone means something more. Students grow up never knowing the truth about anything.
Protagonist
"My name is Kathy H." Page 3
Kathy is the protagonist of the novel. As it progresses, we see her struggles, both external and internal. We go through her significant experiences and watch her grow up. We see her deal with problems the best way she knows how to. Throughout this, we get to know Kathy as a character quite well. Even up to the end, when Ruth is completed and Tommy follows, we see that she keeps her head up. Yes, there is sadness. But Kathy goes on, unafraid and ready for whatever lies ahead.
Kathy is the protagonist of the novel. As it progresses, we see her struggles, both external and internal. We go through her significant experiences and watch her grow up. We see her deal with problems the best way she knows how to. Throughout this, we get to know Kathy as a character quite well. Even up to the end, when Ruth is completed and Tommy follows, we see that she keeps her head up. Yes, there is sadness. But Kathy goes on, unafraid and ready for whatever lies ahead.
Motivation
"All this effort, all this planning, just to upset my dearest friend." Page 60
This episode reveals much about Kathy as a character. Her motivation for her actions is simply to humiliate and put down her best friend. This reveals that from a very early age, Kathy loathed Ruth. However it also shows that she is a decent and moral girl, because of the guilt she felt about the whole incident. This indirect characterization gives us insight into the kind of person Kathy is. Additionally, this could be seen as a sort of foreshadowing for the future conflicts with Ruth and Kathy. And again, it could foreshadow their ultimate relationship. They made up and became friends again, just as after this problem.
This episode reveals much about Kathy as a character. Her motivation for her actions is simply to humiliate and put down her best friend. This reveals that from a very early age, Kathy loathed Ruth. However it also shows that she is a decent and moral girl, because of the guilt she felt about the whole incident. This indirect characterization gives us insight into the kind of person Kathy is. Additionally, this could be seen as a sort of foreshadowing for the future conflicts with Ruth and Kathy. And again, it could foreshadow their ultimate relationship. They made up and became friends again, just as after this problem.
Flashbacks
"But that's not really what I want to talk about just now. What I want to do now is get a few things down about Ruth, about how we met and became friends, about our early days together." Page 45
Ishiguro is apparently a huge fan of flashbacks. This entire novel, start to finish, is basically a compilation of flashbacks of Kathy's past. Perhaps there is a point to this though. Ishiguro might be hinting at the true solitary loneliness Kathy feels in her later life. If she is constantly remembering and reflecting, then she must have lots of time to herself. Additionally, it is interesting that as the book progresses on, the flashbacks also change. In the beginning they are short stories about a significant event. but later on, especially around the times at the cottages, they change into chapter long narrations on a particular event.
Ishiguro is apparently a huge fan of flashbacks. This entire novel, start to finish, is basically a compilation of flashbacks of Kathy's past. Perhaps there is a point to this though. Ishiguro might be hinting at the true solitary loneliness Kathy feels in her later life. If she is constantly remembering and reflecting, then she must have lots of time to herself. Additionally, it is interesting that as the book progresses on, the flashbacks also change. In the beginning they are short stories about a significant event. but later on, especially around the times at the cottages, they change into chapter long narrations on a particular event.
Anthropomorphism
"I loved visiting her there, loved those meandering talks we had." Page 18
To meander is to wander at random. Ishiguro here uses personification to describe the conversation. Every reader can relate to meandering, wandering around at random. The flow of the conversation followed this pattern. It weaved in and out of relevance, of important events of their lives or minor details. Through his use of personification, Ishiguro is utilizing descriptive writing. The concept of meandering conversations also says much about Ruth and Kathy's redeveloping relationship. They seem to be becoming carefree friends once again, which hand't occurred in years.
To meander is to wander at random. Ishiguro here uses personification to describe the conversation. Every reader can relate to meandering, wandering around at random. The flow of the conversation followed this pattern. It weaved in and out of relevance, of important events of their lives or minor details. Through his use of personification, Ishiguro is utilizing descriptive writing. The concept of meandering conversations also says much about Ruth and Kathy's redeveloping relationship. They seem to be becoming carefree friends once again, which hand't occurred in years.
Anaphora
"...all our differences- while they didn't exactly vanish- seemed not nearly as important as all the other things: like the fact that we had grown up together at Halisham, the fact that we knew and remembered things no one else did." Page 5
Ishiguro here uses anaphora to emphasize Kathy's point. His repetition of "the fact that" further proves her connection with Ruth. Although they had been friends throughout their childhood and young adulthood, this is not first what Kathy remembers. She simply feels a connection to her because of Halisham. This is ironic, since later on in the book they sit and reminisce for hours about their times together. Yet this is an example of how the terms between the former best friends weren't at all their best when they last saw each other. This connection with Ruth also brings out something in Kathy: a sense of superiority. She somehow feels that because they attended Halisham, they are somehow better than everyone else and more entitled to privileges.
Ishiguro here uses anaphora to emphasize Kathy's point. His repetition of "the fact that" further proves her connection with Ruth. Although they had been friends throughout their childhood and young adulthood, this is not first what Kathy remembers. She simply feels a connection to her because of Halisham. This is ironic, since later on in the book they sit and reminisce for hours about their times together. Yet this is an example of how the terms between the former best friends weren't at all their best when they last saw each other. This connection with Ruth also brings out something in Kathy: a sense of superiority. She somehow feels that because they attended Halisham, they are somehow better than everyone else and more entitled to privileges.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Final Reflection
"'In fact,' said Mustapha Mond, 'you're claiming the right to be unhappy." Page 240
The title of this book is entirely relevant to its outcome. At the beginning of the book, Bernard and Helmholtz are themselves searching for a new world to live and develop in. When Bernard and Lenina go to the Indian Reservation, they are travelling into a new world. John, on his trip to London, is on his way to a new world. Even up to the end, when John commits suicide, he is yet travelling again to a Brave New World. Yet in the end, despite John's tragic end, one must wonder who was truly happier. John felt human emotions and lived through human experiences. Although his life was shorter, he knew more of happiness than most people ever would.
The title of this book is entirely relevant to its outcome. At the beginning of the book, Bernard and Helmholtz are themselves searching for a new world to live and develop in. When Bernard and Lenina go to the Indian Reservation, they are travelling into a new world. John, on his trip to London, is on his way to a new world. Even up to the end, when John commits suicide, he is yet travelling again to a Brave New World. Yet in the end, despite John's tragic end, one must wonder who was truly happier. John felt human emotions and lived through human experiences. Although his life was shorter, he knew more of happiness than most people ever would.
An End to Savagery
"Like a madman, he was slashing at her with his whip of small cords." Page 257
John was a pitiful creature throughout this story. He was an outcast growing up at the reservation. None of the other boys accepted him because of his light skin and hair. When he finally came into the civilized world that his mother Linda had told him of, he was again an outcast, called a savage for his upbringing. No one accepted John for the individual he was. Perhaps this was a message Huxley was trying to convey. Either way, this constant disowning from the two extremes of human existence caused John to eventually take his own life.
John was a pitiful creature throughout this story. He was an outcast growing up at the reservation. None of the other boys accepted him because of his light skin and hair. When he finally came into the civilized world that his mother Linda had told him of, he was again an outcast, called a savage for his upbringing. No one accepted John for the individual he was. Perhaps this was a message Huxley was trying to convey. Either way, this constant disowning from the two extremes of human existence caused John to eventually take his own life.
New vs. Old
"'But the tears are necessary.'" Page 238
John brings up an excellent point. To those living in it, the stable, civilized world seems perfect. No discomfort, no suffering, no want for anything. However, John sees it as it really is. He sees it as boring and who dwell in it as slaves. He tells the Controller that he would rather have suffering because it meant happiness. Without unhappiness, how could one ever be truly happy? How can you be happy if you've never cried?
John brings up an excellent point. To those living in it, the stable, civilized world seems perfect. No discomfort, no suffering, no want for anything. However, John sees it as it really is. He sees it as boring and who dwell in it as slaves. He tells the Controller that he would rather have suffering because it meant happiness. Without unhappiness, how could one ever be truly happy? How can you be happy if you've never cried?
The Truth Comes Out
"'Universal happiness keeps the wheels steadily turning; truth and beauty can't.'" Page 228
The Controller finally speaks the truth. I believe that Huxley's concept presented here is extremely interesting. In our society today, we have truth and beauty. However, we ALL yearn for happiness. And the concept of being transferred to an island for individuality is ingenious. More ingenious is the concept that the World Controllers are Alphas who cannot accept happiness, and yearn for truth and beauty. Unfortunately, we see Bernards true character in this chapter: what a humiliating episode for him in front of the Controller.
The Controller finally speaks the truth. I believe that Huxley's concept presented here is extremely interesting. In our society today, we have truth and beauty. However, we ALL yearn for happiness. And the concept of being transferred to an island for individuality is ingenious. More ingenious is the concept that the World Controllers are Alphas who cannot accept happiness, and yearn for truth and beauty. Unfortunately, we see Bernards true character in this chapter: what a humiliating episode for him in front of the Controller.
Ford Helps Those...
"'Good old Helmholtz!' -also punching- 'Men at last!'" Page 213
I feel as though this is the beginning of the end. John, from the moment he arrived in London, has done nothing but cause trouble. He has broken the rules. He has destroyed social order. He single-handedly put the city into an uproar. Now, John is taking on the whole established authority. Fortunately, he is bringing Bernard and Helmholtz with him on his quest. The unfortunate circumstance is that I don't believe they can possibly win.
I feel as though this is the beginning of the end. John, from the moment he arrived in London, has done nothing but cause trouble. He has broken the rules. He has destroyed social order. He single-handedly put the city into an uproar. Now, John is taking on the whole established authority. Fortunately, he is bringing Bernard and Helmholtz with him on his quest. The unfortunate circumstance is that I don't believe they can possibly win.
Circle of Society
"The circle was disintegrating." Page 207
John's mother was dying. To all people living in London, death was an inevitability. Yet death was an accepted part of life, just as the sky is blue and that gravity cannot be shattered. They thought nothing of death because of their conditioning to its horrors. John yet again broke social etiquette when he showed anger and sadness for his dying mother. The head nurse in the death ward was confused by his actions, and even noted that the "circle was disintegrating". She recognized the danger of John's reaction to death, and was afraid that the children would begin to associate negative thoughts and feelings with death. John, the savage, doesn't care. He is grieving, and will break any social barrier he needs to to get over it.
John's mother was dying. To all people living in London, death was an inevitability. Yet death was an accepted part of life, just as the sky is blue and that gravity cannot be shattered. They thought nothing of death because of their conditioning to its horrors. John yet again broke social etiquette when he showed anger and sadness for his dying mother. The head nurse in the death ward was confused by his actions, and even noted that the "circle was disintegrating". She recognized the danger of John's reaction to death, and was afraid that the children would begin to associate negative thoughts and feelings with death. John, the savage, doesn't care. He is grieving, and will break any social barrier he needs to to get over it.
The Impudent Strumpet
"'Go,' he shouted, standing over her menacingly, 'get out of my sight or I'll kill you.'" Page 194
It has become apparent that the worlds cannot meet in the middle. John, hard as he tried, could not change Lenina. Lenina, hard as she tried, could not have John. Her drugged up visit to him only made matters much much worse than they were before. John is now furious with Lenina, and discovers that his "Brave New World" is perhaps not what he wanted. Perhaps it isn't the paradise his mother Linda made it out to be.
It has become apparent that the worlds cannot meet in the middle. John, hard as he tried, could not change Lenina. Lenina, hard as she tried, could not have John. Her drugged up visit to him only made matters much much worse than they were before. John is now furious with Lenina, and discovers that his "Brave New World" is perhaps not what he wanted. Perhaps it isn't the paradise his mother Linda made it out to be.
The Lonely Hearts
"Helmholtz and the Savage took to each other at once." Page 182
Yet again, Huxley shows his common theme of loneliness. It would seem as if at one point or another in his life, Huxley experienced the isolation these characters felt. Helmholtz and Bernard developed a friendship based on their shared feeling of being different somehow. Then, Bernard and John connected because of their similar feelings of being an outcast. Finally, Helmholtz and John take to each other right away. It now appears as if a group of three loners have found a comfort for themselves. It makes one wonder what sorts of trouble they could stir up....
Yet again, Huxley shows his common theme of loneliness. It would seem as if at one point or another in his life, Huxley experienced the isolation these characters felt. Helmholtz and Bernard developed a friendship based on their shared feeling of being different somehow. Then, Bernard and John connected because of their similar feelings of being an outcast. Finally, Helmholtz and John take to each other right away. It now appears as if a group of three loners have found a comfort for themselves. It makes one wonder what sorts of trouble they could stir up....
Romance
"'He's terribly good-looking. No need for him to be shy like Bernard. And yet...any other man would have done it long ago.'" Page 170
It seems as though a romance is springing up. We have known that John has feelings for Lenina. Now, though, we see that maybe she likes him back...and more than she should. John grew up learning of love and monogomy. Lenina, however, grew up conditioned not to love at all. Yet we see that she notices something in John unlike that of any other man. Perhaps this is yet another way John's presence can rock the stability of society, by making Lenina love him.
It seems as though a romance is springing up. We have known that John has feelings for Lenina. Now, though, we see that maybe she likes him back...and more than she should. John grew up learning of love and monogomy. Lenina, however, grew up conditioned not to love at all. Yet we see that she notices something in John unlike that of any other man. Perhaps this is yet another way John's presence can rock the stability of society, by making Lenina love him.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Conflict
"Pale, wild-eyed, the Director glared about him in an agony of bewildered humiliation." Page 152
The conflict is now in full swing. Before Bernard arrived back, life was all stability and orderliness. However, their world is about to be turned upside down. The director, a man so confident before, is reduced to nothing in front of all of his colleagues. The order of social stability has been shattered with the arrival of his ex lover and his son. The city is taken up in a buzz and everyone wants to see how this mistake-this discovery- will turn out.
The conflict is now in full swing. Before Bernard arrived back, life was all stability and orderliness. However, their world is about to be turned upside down. The director, a man so confident before, is reduced to nothing in front of all of his colleagues. The order of social stability has been shattered with the arrival of his ex lover and his son. The city is taken up in a buzz and everyone wants to see how this mistake-this discovery- will turn out.
Allusion
"'On the white wonder of dear Juliet's hand, may seize
And steal immortal blessing from her lips,'" Page 144
It is apparent that Huxley is a fan of Shakespeare. He intentionally put a book consisting of his works in the story. Additionally, he made a key character, John, speak as though from Shakespeare's time. He also uses it to show John's care for Lenina. Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet. This is why Huxley had John recite a stanza from the play. In fact, John himself is a good symbol of a modern age (or age of Ford at least) Romeo.
And steal immortal blessing from her lips,'" Page 144
It is apparent that Huxley is a fan of Shakespeare. He intentionally put a book consisting of his works in the story. Additionally, he made a key character, John, speak as though from Shakespeare's time. He also uses it to show John's care for Lenina. Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet. This is why Huxley had John recite a stanza from the play. In fact, John himself is a good symbol of a modern age (or age of Ford at least) Romeo.
Flashback
"'As far back as I can remember.' John frowned. There was a long silence." Page 123
John relives his whole childhood, starting from when he was a very young boy. Huxley fills this flashback with mostly bad memories. Memories filled with loneliness and solitary times. However this is exactly what Bernard likes to hear. He finally feels a connection. Huxley perhaps put these painful plashbacks in to show the link between the two worlds, savage and civilized. He bridged two seemingly entirely different characters. Furthermore, this connection already began evolving into a new turn in the plot.
John relives his whole childhood, starting from when he was a very young boy. Huxley fills this flashback with mostly bad memories. Memories filled with loneliness and solitary times. However this is exactly what Bernard likes to hear. He finally feels a connection. Huxley perhaps put these painful plashbacks in to show the link between the two worlds, savage and civilized. He bridged two seemingly entirely different characters. Furthermore, this connection already began evolving into a new turn in the plot.
Juxtaposition
"...hundreds of male voices crying out fiercely in harsh metallic unison. A few long notes and silence, the thunderous silence of the drums;" Page 113
Huxley yet again finds a literary device to enhance his descriptive writing. By placing two contrasting adjectives by each other, he emphasizes the sounds heard by Bernard and Lenina. The "harsh metallic unison" of the men's shrill cries emphasize the grinding, squeaking sound of their yelling. They yell in dissonant unison together. The "thunderous silence" emphasizes the extent of the lack of noise. It is thunderous in proportion, monstrous in size and therefore more descriptive. Huxley ingeniously incorporates contrasting things to effectively engage the reader. He challenges us to wrap our minds around the picture he is trying to paint.
Huxley yet again finds a literary device to enhance his descriptive writing. By placing two contrasting adjectives by each other, he emphasizes the sounds heard by Bernard and Lenina. The "harsh metallic unison" of the men's shrill cries emphasize the grinding, squeaking sound of their yelling. They yell in dissonant unison together. The "thunderous silence" emphasizes the extent of the lack of noise. It is thunderous in proportion, monstrous in size and therefore more descriptive. Huxley ingeniously incorporates contrasting things to effectively engage the reader. He challenges us to wrap our minds around the picture he is trying to paint.
Anthropomorphism
"...by the pale face of the moon, so haggard and distracted among the hastening clouds." Page 90
The moon was haggard and distracted by the clouds. This example of Huxley's personification helps the reader get a feel for what the scene looks like. The moon is big, bright and vivid in the night sky. The clouds are swiftly moving overhead, passing in front of the illuminated surface of the moon. Huxley easily could have described the scene like this, but instead chose to personify the moon to create his desired effect. Yet again, his use of an anthropomorphism is another literary tool used to enhance his imagery. His personified details help paint a more clear picture than simply describing ever could. Additionally, his use of the word "haggard" implies that in this world of injustice and harshness, there is much left to be desired and perhaps this stability is not all it looks to be.
The moon was haggard and distracted by the clouds. This example of Huxley's personification helps the reader get a feel for what the scene looks like. The moon is big, bright and vivid in the night sky. The clouds are swiftly moving overhead, passing in front of the illuminated surface of the moon. Huxley easily could have described the scene like this, but instead chose to personify the moon to create his desired effect. Yet again, his use of an anthropomorphism is another literary tool used to enhance his imagery. His personified details help paint a more clear picture than simply describing ever could. Additionally, his use of the word "haggard" implies that in this world of injustice and harshness, there is much left to be desired and perhaps this stability is not all it looks to be.
Simile
"The sexophones wailed like melodious cats under the moon, moaned into the alto and tenor registers as though little death were upon them." Page 76
The sounds produced by the sexophones is being compared to that of wailing cats. Huxley intriguingly compared a melodious noise with a harsh and dissonant sensation many are familiar with. Why did he combine these two anomalies of auditory pleasure and pain? It isn't apparent right now. However, it does make one wonder at this incredible sound. Is it pleasant? Or is it rough and loud? Yet again Huxley effectively helps the reader immerse themselves in the scene, even to the point of hearing this music. His use of similes is just another of his tools for his deeply descriptive writing.
The sounds produced by the sexophones is being compared to that of wailing cats. Huxley intriguingly compared a melodious noise with a harsh and dissonant sensation many are familiar with. Why did he combine these two anomalies of auditory pleasure and pain? It isn't apparent right now. However, it does make one wonder at this incredible sound. Is it pleasant? Or is it rough and loud? Yet again Huxley effectively helps the reader immerse themselves in the scene, even to the point of hearing this music. His use of similes is just another of his tools for his deeply descriptive writing.
Alliteration
"The summer afternoon was drowsy with the hum of helicopters; and the deeper drone of the rocket-planes," Page 59
Huxley, as previously stated, is incredibly gifted in his talent with writing. He is able to create detailed and vivid mental images through his descriptive words. In the quote above, Huxley uses an alliteration to describe the scene on the roof on a beautiful sunny day. The repetition of the "h" helps to emphasize the sound of the helicopter. The back-to-back "d" in the description of the sound of the rockets helps to bring the noise to life. This is a common tool Huxley uses in his imagery and descriptive writing. He uses them in his writing about surroundings and things that can be concretely observed and seen. No doubt this isn't the last we'll see of Huxley's awesomely amazing alliterations.
Huxley, as previously stated, is incredibly gifted in his talent with writing. He is able to create detailed and vivid mental images through his descriptive words. In the quote above, Huxley uses an alliteration to describe the scene on the roof on a beautiful sunny day. The repetition of the "h" helps to emphasize the sound of the helicopter. The back-to-back "d" in the description of the sound of the rockets helps to bring the noise to life. This is a common tool Huxley uses in his imagery and descriptive writing. He uses them in his writing about surroundings and things that can be concretely observed and seen. No doubt this isn't the last we'll see of Huxley's awesomely amazing alliterations.
Motif
"'The introduction of Our Ford's first T-Model...chosen as the opening date of the new era.'" Page 52
Huxley has repeatedly referred to the "Year of our Ford". One would wonder why every phrase involving the word Lord was replaced with Ford. It is a common theme; however, I am still not sure whether or not this is the replacement for religion or whether religion is completely abolished. This Motif of Ford is finally explained in this chapter. After an era of horrendous destruction, the release date for the first Model-T Ford car was chosen as the beginning of a new age, an age of machines and technology. Huxley also cleverly stated how the tops were cut off of all crosses to make the "T", which is a sign treated reverently. I have no doubt that this is not the last i'll see of the Ford theme in this story. It is evident that Huxley was awesomely impacted by this real world event.
Huxley has repeatedly referred to the "Year of our Ford". One would wonder why every phrase involving the word Lord was replaced with Ford. It is a common theme; however, I am still not sure whether or not this is the replacement for religion or whether religion is completely abolished. This Motif of Ford is finally explained in this chapter. After an era of horrendous destruction, the release date for the first Model-T Ford car was chosen as the beginning of a new age, an age of machines and technology. Huxley also cleverly stated how the tops were cut off of all crosses to make the "T", which is a sign treated reverently. I have no doubt that this is not the last i'll see of the Ford theme in this story. It is evident that Huxley was awesomely impacted by this real world event.
Mood
"'Moral education, which ought never, in any circumstances, to be rational.'" Page 26
Huxley emphasizes the mood of the story. He shows that it is anything but jolly or relaxed. Humans are divided and fertilized into different social classes. Alphas are the smartest of the classes, and conditioned to believe they are better than everyone else. Huxley used the situation of shock therapy on infants to show a ruthlessness in this future that seems disturbing and unacceptable to us. He says that this is the stable way of life, and shows how the Alphas don't feel bad at all to see this abuse, setting a mood of hopelessness and a certain barbarianism in this so called "stable" age. The atmosphere Huxley creates is one of swift, ruthless efficiency.
Huxley emphasizes the mood of the story. He shows that it is anything but jolly or relaxed. Humans are divided and fertilized into different social classes. Alphas are the smartest of the classes, and conditioned to believe they are better than everyone else. Huxley used the situation of shock therapy on infants to show a ruthlessness in this future that seems disturbing and unacceptable to us. He says that this is the stable way of life, and shows how the Alphas don't feel bad at all to see this abuse, setting a mood of hopelessness and a certain barbarianism in this so called "stable" age. The atmosphere Huxley creates is one of swift, ruthless efficiency.
First Reaction
"...in this year of stability, A.F. 632, it didn't occur to you to ask it." Page 4
Upon the completion of chapter one, I am left mildly confused and interested. The book states that it takes place in a "year of stability". What does this mean? Stability as opposed to our world? Or perhaps stability from a previous crisis? Either way, the "figures" given here by Mr. Foster are mind blowing. This fertilization center is creagting humans at an alarmingly fast rate. Furthermore, it is creating them to be conditioned for certain types of work and environments. I am definitely yearning to understand the plot.
Upon the completion of chapter one, I am left mildly confused and interested. The book states that it takes place in a "year of stability". What does this mean? Stability as opposed to our world? Or perhaps stability from a previous crisis? Either way, the "figures" given here by Mr. Foster are mind blowing. This fertilization center is creagting humans at an alarmingly fast rate. Furthermore, it is creating them to be conditioned for certain types of work and environments. I am definitely yearning to understand the plot.
Imagery
"Wintriness responded to wintriness. The overalls of the workers were white, their hands gloved with a pale corpse-coloured rubber. The light was frozen, dead, a ghost." Page 3
This book opens with vivid and intense imagery. Incredibly, however, Huxley manages to paint scrupulously detailed pictures of very bleak and boring environments. He effectively sets the mood for the novel with his use of imagery to make sure the reader knows exactly what sort of world the book is set in. Even Huxley's description of the characters, such as the Director, are incredibly detailed. His ability to create a scene, even down to the tone of voice a speaker is using, enhances the reading experience to the fullest. Huxley uses many opposing details to describe different places, such as the "darkness" that is "visible". This is also very interesting in the mental images it creates. I look forward to hearing his descriptions of other people and places.
This book opens with vivid and intense imagery. Incredibly, however, Huxley manages to paint scrupulously detailed pictures of very bleak and boring environments. He effectively sets the mood for the novel with his use of imagery to make sure the reader knows exactly what sort of world the book is set in. Even Huxley's description of the characters, such as the Director, are incredibly detailed. His ability to create a scene, even down to the tone of voice a speaker is using, enhances the reading experience to the fullest. Huxley uses many opposing details to describe different places, such as the "darkness" that is "visible". This is also very interesting in the mental images it creates. I look forward to hearing his descriptions of other people and places.
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