characters Dee/wangero, maggie, asalamalakim/hakim-a-barber, the narrator/dee and maggie's mother
previous knowledge i didnt know anything that pertained to the story
what i imagine that isnt outlined i can imagine the anger and frustration maggie feels when Dee thinks she can just walk into her mom's house and take whatever she wishes. i can also imagine the relief and pride the narrator/mother feels after telling dee to get out and go away after being so greedy with maggies quilt.
thoughts on the reading it was a good reading to show that standing up for yourself is a requirement if you feel that you are being treated unjustly and feel that you are being taken advantage of.
feelings on the reading i felt proud when the narrator stood up to dee and her significant other. i felt sorry for maggie though because she was always scared to stand up for herself and therefore everyone walked all over her.
what i want to know more about i want to know more about why dee changed and treated her own family like crap. family is always there for you and if you go away and stomp them on the ground, then i feel that you shouldnt be welcomed back until you prove yourself worthy.
my reaction to experiences i was excited when they told dee to get out. i was also mad when maggie just stood in the back and watched as dee tried taking her beloved quilt.
related to my life i have family members who have walked over me and my grandparents just like dee did to the narrator and it is a terrible feeling. but in the end you know they are family and you love them, it is just hard to accept the pain they brought on to you when they are asking for a place in the family again.
***after discussion***
about the author Alice walker was from a poverty-influenced family but was able to go to college and write. she was from georgia, and flannery o'connor influenced some of her works.
favorite section my favorite section was when the mother/lady stands up to her older daughter, Dee/Wangero, and tells her to leave because the daughter is too selfish for her own good.
summary a lady and her youngest daughter await the coming of her oldest daughter and new "husband/interest" who thinks that they are better than the lady and little sister. The older daughter gets mad when her mother tells her she cant have a quilt that maggie, the little sister, has always wanted. the lady and maggie stand up to the older daughter and tell her to leave if all she wanted was the lady's stuff. the couple leaves and maggie and her mom resume what they had been doing before.
recommendation i would reccommend this story to anyone who feels inferior to another person or group of people. it shows that you can stand up and fight for your rights as a unique individual and make your point clear.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
cathedral- raymond carver
characters the narrator, the narrator's wife, the blind man
previous knowledge people with disabilities were discriminated against throughout history and many people treated them with a negative bias because of the malfunction.
what i imagine that isnt outlined i can imagine the confusion that the narrators feels when his wife is confiding in the blind man about life and not him. i can also imagine how awkward the blind man may feel at dinner when they dont even talk.
thoughts about the reading the reading was good because the narrator had an epiphany about blind people or people with disabilities after drawing the cathedral with him. it showed that you shouldnt judge a book by its cover without walking in its shoes first.
feelings about the reading i felt a little angry with the narrator because he didnt seem to care about anyone but himself. i felt sorry for the blind man because he couldnt help his problem, yet the narrator still discriminated against him. i felt pity for the narrators wife because no matter where she went, she seems to pick husbands who didnt really care what she had to say and feel.
what i want to know more about i want to know more about why raymond carver picked a cathedral to tie all the ends of the story together. was it a religious implication that showed we are all equal and that people with disability are no more inferior than we are to God????
my reaction to the experiences if i were the blind man i probably would have left because of the narrator being so distant and unwelcoming. if i were the wife i would have told the narrator to stop acting like that because it was rude. if a blind man came into my house i would have no problem dealing with his way of life and him being in my prescense.
related to my life my nephew is deaf so i know how people discriminate against those with disabilities. he has a much harder way of learning, but at the same time, he is absolutely brilliant in other ways as well.
***after class discussion***
about the author raymond carver incorportated realism into his writing and was a recovering alcoholic. much of the writing he did was controversial and that made him even more determined to continue with the sort of style he portrayed.
favorite section my favorite section is when the narrator finally accepts the blind man as a person. when they drew the cathedral together, it was exciting to see how someone's perspective can change in a matter of seconds when given the chance to look through another persons "eyes."
summary the narrator and his wife invite a blind man over to talk after the blind man's wife dies. the narrator is awkward throughout the whole night to the blind man. they all have dinner, drink, and smoke pot yet the atmosphere is still heavy. later in the evening the blind man and the narrator sit down and watch a documentary on cathedrals. they decide to draw the cathedral so the blind man can picture it. the narrator has an epiphany and sees that the blind man is a good person.
recommendation i would reccommend this to anyone who discriminates against people with disability because it will show them that everyone is equal and just because someone has a physical impairment, doesnt mean that they are "freaks."
previous knowledge people with disabilities were discriminated against throughout history and many people treated them with a negative bias because of the malfunction.
what i imagine that isnt outlined i can imagine the confusion that the narrators feels when his wife is confiding in the blind man about life and not him. i can also imagine how awkward the blind man may feel at dinner when they dont even talk.
thoughts about the reading the reading was good because the narrator had an epiphany about blind people or people with disabilities after drawing the cathedral with him. it showed that you shouldnt judge a book by its cover without walking in its shoes first.
feelings about the reading i felt a little angry with the narrator because he didnt seem to care about anyone but himself. i felt sorry for the blind man because he couldnt help his problem, yet the narrator still discriminated against him. i felt pity for the narrators wife because no matter where she went, she seems to pick husbands who didnt really care what she had to say and feel.
what i want to know more about i want to know more about why raymond carver picked a cathedral to tie all the ends of the story together. was it a religious implication that showed we are all equal and that people with disability are no more inferior than we are to God????
my reaction to the experiences if i were the blind man i probably would have left because of the narrator being so distant and unwelcoming. if i were the wife i would have told the narrator to stop acting like that because it was rude. if a blind man came into my house i would have no problem dealing with his way of life and him being in my prescense.
related to my life my nephew is deaf so i know how people discriminate against those with disabilities. he has a much harder way of learning, but at the same time, he is absolutely brilliant in other ways as well.
***after class discussion***
about the author raymond carver incorportated realism into his writing and was a recovering alcoholic. much of the writing he did was controversial and that made him even more determined to continue with the sort of style he portrayed.
favorite section my favorite section is when the narrator finally accepts the blind man as a person. when they drew the cathedral together, it was exciting to see how someone's perspective can change in a matter of seconds when given the chance to look through another persons "eyes."
summary the narrator and his wife invite a blind man over to talk after the blind man's wife dies. the narrator is awkward throughout the whole night to the blind man. they all have dinner, drink, and smoke pot yet the atmosphere is still heavy. later in the evening the blind man and the narrator sit down and watch a documentary on cathedrals. they decide to draw the cathedral so the blind man can picture it. the narrator has an epiphany and sees that the blind man is a good person.
recommendation i would reccommend this to anyone who discriminates against people with disability because it will show them that everyone is equal and just because someone has a physical impairment, doesnt mean that they are "freaks."
the death of the ball turret gunner- randall jarell
main characters the ball turret gunner, probably a younger male
previous knowledge a ball turret sat embedded in the bottom of a bomber plane and the operator would fire a built in machine gun at the enemy during flight for protection
what i can imagine i can imagine the frustration that the soldier had because he did so much for the country and when he died all the military did to repay him was "wash him out with a hose" and find some other person to operate his gun.
what i think about the reading I think the reading is good and gives a good description about the way soldiers are treated in the armed forces, especially during combat.
what i feel about the reading It is a wake up call when i read this poem because it makes me realize that war is a terrible thing and that people inevitably lose their lives to idiotic circumstances sometimes.
what i want to learn more about I want to learn more about air tactics ball turret gunners used during the war.
my reaction I got a sense of pride while reading because even though the gunner dies, he still died with honor and for a good cause, defending his country.
relation to my life I am joining the air force during a time at war. Once i sign my papers, i will belong to the country and my duty is to protect it.
***After class discussion***
about the author Randall jarell had democratic interests and majored in psychology. He is very sympathetic towards soldiers in his poetry and is uniquely short and simple in his writing.
favorite section the poem is so short that i cant have a favorite section, but i do like the whole poem because it gives a deeper insight into the lives of soldiers during world war II
summary a man is a soldier at war and has to perform a duty for his country, which ends up resulting in his death. he feels like he wasnt that important because the military will just find someone else to do his job.
reccommendation I wouldnt reccommend this poem just because it is so short and it only relates to war.
previous knowledge a ball turret sat embedded in the bottom of a bomber plane and the operator would fire a built in machine gun at the enemy during flight for protection
what i can imagine i can imagine the frustration that the soldier had because he did so much for the country and when he died all the military did to repay him was "wash him out with a hose" and find some other person to operate his gun.
what i think about the reading I think the reading is good and gives a good description about the way soldiers are treated in the armed forces, especially during combat.
what i feel about the reading It is a wake up call when i read this poem because it makes me realize that war is a terrible thing and that people inevitably lose their lives to idiotic circumstances sometimes.
what i want to learn more about I want to learn more about air tactics ball turret gunners used during the war.
my reaction I got a sense of pride while reading because even though the gunner dies, he still died with honor and for a good cause, defending his country.
relation to my life I am joining the air force during a time at war. Once i sign my papers, i will belong to the country and my duty is to protect it.
***After class discussion***
about the author Randall jarell had democratic interests and majored in psychology. He is very sympathetic towards soldiers in his poetry and is uniquely short and simple in his writing.
favorite section the poem is so short that i cant have a favorite section, but i do like the whole poem because it gives a deeper insight into the lives of soldiers during world war II
summary a man is a soldier at war and has to perform a duty for his country, which ends up resulting in his death. he feels like he wasnt that important because the military will just find someone else to do his job.
reccommendation I wouldnt reccommend this poem just because it is so short and it only relates to war.
corson's inlet- AR Ammons
main characters speaker, probably an older male
previous knowledge no previous knowledge
what i imagine I can imagine the beauty and grace that the walk gives the speaker. Nature in itself is beautiful to me, and being on a beach can be a breathtaking experience.
what i think about the reading i think the reading is wonderful. there is free verse, which helps define the irregularity and natural atmosphere of nature, and there is great description of what the speaker is sensing.
what i feel about the reading i feel tranquil, calm, relaxed, and peaceful when i read this poem. I wish i was the speaker in this situation! The detail is so precise and vivid that i can see the water, feel the sand, and smell the sea as i read along.
what i want to know more about i want to know more about the inlet, where it is at, and how often the speaker walks along the beach.
my reaction i reacted calmly to the piece because of its smooth atmosphere. there isnt anything more beautiful than appreciating nature in its own world.
relation to my life i have always wanted to live by or on a beach and to be able to take a walk down the beach everyday would be awesome.
**after class discussion**
about the author AR Ammons based his poetry off of the sensory abilities of humans and the image nature portrays to people. He was born in North carolina and defines his poetry on the unlimited physical boundaries that nature has to offer.
favorite section my favorite part of the poem is when he compares the ocean to a prarie field and the waves to flowing grass. they are two totally different settings, but each one relates to the other through nature and steady flow.
summary the speaker is walking along an inlet shore and is taking in all of nature's offerings and beauty. they learn, see, feel, or hear something new everytime they walk down the shore.
reccommendation i would reccommend this poem to everyone because it is calming and gives great meaning to nature.
previous knowledge no previous knowledge
what i imagine I can imagine the beauty and grace that the walk gives the speaker. Nature in itself is beautiful to me, and being on a beach can be a breathtaking experience.
what i think about the reading i think the reading is wonderful. there is free verse, which helps define the irregularity and natural atmosphere of nature, and there is great description of what the speaker is sensing.
what i feel about the reading i feel tranquil, calm, relaxed, and peaceful when i read this poem. I wish i was the speaker in this situation! The detail is so precise and vivid that i can see the water, feel the sand, and smell the sea as i read along.
what i want to know more about i want to know more about the inlet, where it is at, and how often the speaker walks along the beach.
my reaction i reacted calmly to the piece because of its smooth atmosphere. there isnt anything more beautiful than appreciating nature in its own world.
relation to my life i have always wanted to live by or on a beach and to be able to take a walk down the beach everyday would be awesome.
**after class discussion**
about the author AR Ammons based his poetry off of the sensory abilities of humans and the image nature portrays to people. He was born in North carolina and defines his poetry on the unlimited physical boundaries that nature has to offer.
favorite section my favorite part of the poem is when he compares the ocean to a prarie field and the waves to flowing grass. they are two totally different settings, but each one relates to the other through nature and steady flow.
summary the speaker is walking along an inlet shore and is taking in all of nature's offerings and beauty. they learn, see, feel, or hear something new everytime they walk down the shore.
reccommendation i would reccommend this poem to everyone because it is calming and gives great meaning to nature.
sylvia's death- anne sexton
main characters the poem is for sylvia plath and the speaker is anne sexton
previous knowledge sylvia plath and anne sexton were good friends. both of them tried committing suicide several times during their lifetime, and sylvia ended up dying before anne did.
what i imagine that isnt outlined i can imagine the pain and jealousy that anne feels toward sylvia because dying was their dream together.
what i think about the reading i think the reading is good because anne shows how close the two women were and now that sylvia is gone, there is a huge cut to their relationship.
how i feel about the reading i feel sad about the reading because anne lost her best friend, but at the same time i think the reading is rediculous, along with the women, because they glorified suicide.
what i want to know more about I want to know why the two women were always caught up on killing themselves and why they felt so bad.
my reaction i was emotionally moved by the poem because it allows the reader to see deeper into their situation and how anne feels about sylvia.
related to my life one of my best friends committed suicide when he was a sophmore in high school. he was they type of guy nobody would have ever thought would do such a thing like he did. everyone who knew him was devastated and for some time after the incident, many of us mourned for him.
**after class discussion**
about the author anne sexton was suicidal with sylvia plath. She used to be a roman catholic but left the religion. she wanted her poetry to be "confessional" and show the true meaning to human psychology. Most of it was through suicidal, painful, and disturbing poetry.
favorite section I didnt find any of the poem appealing just because anne glorifies suicide and is praising sylvia for committing such a selfish act.
summary the speaker mourns the loss of her best friend as anne tries to question sylvia why she committed suicide before and without her. Anne remembers the times they dwelt on suicide and the friendship they had.
reccommendation i wouldnt reccommend this poem because i feel that it is selfish and has too many contradictions to my own morals and values.
previous knowledge sylvia plath and anne sexton were good friends. both of them tried committing suicide several times during their lifetime, and sylvia ended up dying before anne did.
what i imagine that isnt outlined i can imagine the pain and jealousy that anne feels toward sylvia because dying was their dream together.
what i think about the reading i think the reading is good because anne shows how close the two women were and now that sylvia is gone, there is a huge cut to their relationship.
how i feel about the reading i feel sad about the reading because anne lost her best friend, but at the same time i think the reading is rediculous, along with the women, because they glorified suicide.
what i want to know more about I want to know why the two women were always caught up on killing themselves and why they felt so bad.
my reaction i was emotionally moved by the poem because it allows the reader to see deeper into their situation and how anne feels about sylvia.
related to my life one of my best friends committed suicide when he was a sophmore in high school. he was they type of guy nobody would have ever thought would do such a thing like he did. everyone who knew him was devastated and for some time after the incident, many of us mourned for him.
**after class discussion**
about the author anne sexton was suicidal with sylvia plath. She used to be a roman catholic but left the religion. she wanted her poetry to be "confessional" and show the true meaning to human psychology. Most of it was through suicidal, painful, and disturbing poetry.
favorite section I didnt find any of the poem appealing just because anne glorifies suicide and is praising sylvia for committing such a selfish act.
summary the speaker mourns the loss of her best friend as anne tries to question sylvia why she committed suicide before and without her. Anne remembers the times they dwelt on suicide and the friendship they had.
reccommendation i wouldnt reccommend this poem because i feel that it is selfish and has too many contradictions to my own morals and values.
daddy- sylvia plath
main characters the speaker is a daughter/son of the "daddy" being spoken about
previous knowledge I have always been interested in the Holocaust and WWII. Much of the information given in the footnotes referred to Hitler and his followers. Indeed, much of this time period was dark and corrupted, and goes well with what the speaker is trying to portray.
what i imagine that is not specifically outlined I can imagine the hate the speaker has towards her father and the pain and fear she encountered through him.
what i think about the reading I think this poem is dark and hateful. The word choice was great because Sylvia Plath chose to relate the feelings of the speaker to her father through the Holocaust, which by far was one of the worst crimes commited in history.
what i feel about the reading I feel sad and remorseful for the speaker because he/she obviously had a hard relationship with their father. It is terrible that anyone would have to go through situations like they did, but it happens everyday.
what do i want to learn more about I want to learn more about the Holocaust and the reasons behind the acts that were committed. I also want to know why the speakers relationship was so bad with their father.
my reaction to the experiences in the reading I have felt remorse and dislike for my father before as well, but the deep hate i get when I am reading this poem is far beyond the complications i experienced with my father. It takes me back when the speaker says the things they do because people should never feel that dark and mad.
related to my life As i said before, my father and I had our differences and some experiences i had with him were painful. but i never would have thought about committing suicide or hurting him.
**after class discussion**
info about the author Sylvia Plath had tried committing suicide several times throughout her life and finally was successful. She wrote a lot about her pain and suffering and her suicidal thoughts, perceptions, and actions.
favorite section I wasnt fond of the poem so I dont really have a favorite part.
summary The speaker is remembering everything about their father and how they hated almost everything about him. The speaker compares him to the Holocaust and one of the most evil men in the time period, Adolf Hitler. It is like the speaker's final goodbye to their father and they are cutting off all ties from him.
recommendation I would reccommend this poem only because the language is relevant and relates her meaning to the words well.
previous knowledge I have always been interested in the Holocaust and WWII. Much of the information given in the footnotes referred to Hitler and his followers. Indeed, much of this time period was dark and corrupted, and goes well with what the speaker is trying to portray.
what i imagine that is not specifically outlined I can imagine the hate the speaker has towards her father and the pain and fear she encountered through him.
what i think about the reading I think this poem is dark and hateful. The word choice was great because Sylvia Plath chose to relate the feelings of the speaker to her father through the Holocaust, which by far was one of the worst crimes commited in history.
what i feel about the reading I feel sad and remorseful for the speaker because he/she obviously had a hard relationship with their father. It is terrible that anyone would have to go through situations like they did, but it happens everyday.
what do i want to learn more about I want to learn more about the Holocaust and the reasons behind the acts that were committed. I also want to know why the speakers relationship was so bad with their father.
my reaction to the experiences in the reading I have felt remorse and dislike for my father before as well, but the deep hate i get when I am reading this poem is far beyond the complications i experienced with my father. It takes me back when the speaker says the things they do because people should never feel that dark and mad.
related to my life As i said before, my father and I had our differences and some experiences i had with him were painful. but i never would have thought about committing suicide or hurting him.
**after class discussion**
info about the author Sylvia Plath had tried committing suicide several times throughout her life and finally was successful. She wrote a lot about her pain and suffering and her suicidal thoughts, perceptions, and actions.
favorite section I wasnt fond of the poem so I dont really have a favorite part.
summary The speaker is remembering everything about their father and how they hated almost everything about him. The speaker compares him to the Holocaust and one of the most evil men in the time period, Adolf Hitler. It is like the speaker's final goodbye to their father and they are cutting off all ties from him.
recommendation I would reccommend this poem only because the language is relevant and relates her meaning to the words well.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
diving into the wreck -adrienne rich
main characters speaker is an ocean diver
previous knowledge on topic many people go and scuba dive to explore the ocean. I have went diving before in the Bahamas, and the sight of the ocean life is breath taking and so beautiful.
what i imagine that is not specifically outlined I can imagine the breathtaking moment that happens as the speaker looks at the sunken ship. Its a beautiful piece of history and the speaker gets to experience if for theirself.
what i think about when i read I think about the mysteries of the ocean and how it holds so many secrets. There is always a beauty in things that you know have a past, and this sunken ship probably had a large history before it went down.
emotional response to the reading Peacefulness and tranquility seem to arise in me while I look back over the poem. The speaker finds a way to describe a beauty in the ship.
what i want to learn more about I want to learn more about deep sea scuba diving because it seems like an interesting and exciting experience.
my reaction to these situations The speaker says "the thing i came for, the wreck and not the story of the wreck, the thing itself and not the myth" makes me react like the speaker has. In a way, they are not trying to just look at all the reasoning behind what happened, but just look at the situation in what happened. I react to things in life with the same attitude. Most of the time I don't overthink why something happened, but I do observe what did happen to see if there was a ligitimate reason for it.
related to my life I have been scuba diving and seen the beauty of ocean life in its natural setting. I also take things for a grain of salt most of the time and try to look at the bigger picture.
***after class***
about the author Adrinne Rich uses language and sounds that help articulate the person and integrate the person into the world. Many of her poems are challenging to the self and expand on the multiple dimensions that the human personality can have.
favorite section My favorite section was when the speaker describes how easily it is to forget what she was looking for while she is swimming with all the natural inhibitors. Its cool that she says this because it shows that other things in life can be more entrancing than the thing you thought was the greatest detail.
summary The speaker goes out to the ocean to try and find a sunken ship. She scuba dives down to the ocean floor and observes the ship without overthinking the situation. The speaker tries to see the "damage that was done and the treasures that prevail."
reccommendation I would reccommend this poem to anyone who enjoys visualizing what the author writes and to someone who finds deeper meanings within words and phrases than just reading the poem.
previous knowledge on topic many people go and scuba dive to explore the ocean. I have went diving before in the Bahamas, and the sight of the ocean life is breath taking and so beautiful.
what i imagine that is not specifically outlined I can imagine the breathtaking moment that happens as the speaker looks at the sunken ship. Its a beautiful piece of history and the speaker gets to experience if for theirself.
what i think about when i read I think about the mysteries of the ocean and how it holds so many secrets. There is always a beauty in things that you know have a past, and this sunken ship probably had a large history before it went down.
emotional response to the reading Peacefulness and tranquility seem to arise in me while I look back over the poem. The speaker finds a way to describe a beauty in the ship.
what i want to learn more about I want to learn more about deep sea scuba diving because it seems like an interesting and exciting experience.
my reaction to these situations The speaker says "the thing i came for, the wreck and not the story of the wreck, the thing itself and not the myth" makes me react like the speaker has. In a way, they are not trying to just look at all the reasoning behind what happened, but just look at the situation in what happened. I react to things in life with the same attitude. Most of the time I don't overthink why something happened, but I do observe what did happen to see if there was a ligitimate reason for it.
related to my life I have been scuba diving and seen the beauty of ocean life in its natural setting. I also take things for a grain of salt most of the time and try to look at the bigger picture.
***after class***
about the author Adrinne Rich uses language and sounds that help articulate the person and integrate the person into the world. Many of her poems are challenging to the self and expand on the multiple dimensions that the human personality can have.
favorite section My favorite section was when the speaker describes how easily it is to forget what she was looking for while she is swimming with all the natural inhibitors. Its cool that she says this because it shows that other things in life can be more entrancing than the thing you thought was the greatest detail.
summary The speaker goes out to the ocean to try and find a sunken ship. She scuba dives down to the ocean floor and observes the ship without overthinking the situation. The speaker tries to see the "damage that was done and the treasures that prevail."
reccommendation I would reccommend this poem to anyone who enjoys visualizing what the author writes and to someone who finds deeper meanings within words and phrases than just reading the poem.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Lady Lazarus by Sylvia Plath
main characters Female speaker
previous knowledge of topic In Christian belief, Lazarus was raised from the dead after his death
what can you imagine, not specifically outlined The speaker being able to be calm about death and life. She gives warning to God and Lucifer to beware because she is a greater force than what everyone expects.
thoughts on what was read The story was dark and evil in a sense. The speaker tells about the "sour breath," and "[picking] the worms off [her] like sticky pearls" which gives the nasty image of a corpse. At the same time, she speaks about death and how it can come peacefully or it can attack painfully.
emotional responses on what was read The poem gave me a chilled emotion, sort of like death itself. The beauty of seeing heaven or hell is referred to indirectly, and the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead by Jesus Christ is mind blowing. Her use of the word "miracle!" gives the poem a deep meaning to life and death.
what do you want to learn more about I want to learn more about what Sylvia Plath was trying to show in this poem. I want to know if she was trying to make direct references to death and life or to God and Satan.
my reaction to the experiences in the writing I couldn't really have a reaction to the situation of dying and coming back to life because it rarely, if never, happens. I would be extremely weirded out if I did have it happen to me,and it would haunt me until I passed on.
related to my life The reference of Christianity is the biggest reference to my life. I was born and raised Catholic and much of what the speaker is describing is what I was always taught in Bible school and communion classes.
**after class discussion**
info about the author Sylvia Plath committed suicide. She tried representing the young, educated middle class women of the 1950's. She also went to Smith College and Cambrige University in England.
favorite section "Herr God, Herr Lucifer Beware Beware. Out of the ash I rise with my red hair And I eat men like air." I love the last six lines of the poem because she is challenging the almighty powers to fear her. Rising out of the ash is referred to a pheonix, an imaginal bird that dies by fire and is reborn by its ashes of death. I feel like it can mean that a person can come from the deepest pits and live life like they want. These lines say "look out world, I'm here and not backing down without a fight."
summary of discussion and reading The speaker of the poem has died for the third time, trying to perfect the art of death. She is raised from the dead once again, perhaps trying to be a mockery of God and the devil, and the principles of the higher beings.
evaluation/recommendation I liked the poem and would reccommend it to anyone who is facinated by the complex situation of life vs. death.
previous knowledge of topic In Christian belief, Lazarus was raised from the dead after his death
what can you imagine, not specifically outlined The speaker being able to be calm about death and life. She gives warning to God and Lucifer to beware because she is a greater force than what everyone expects.
thoughts on what was read The story was dark and evil in a sense. The speaker tells about the "sour breath," and "[picking] the worms off [her] like sticky pearls" which gives the nasty image of a corpse. At the same time, she speaks about death and how it can come peacefully or it can attack painfully.
emotional responses on what was read The poem gave me a chilled emotion, sort of like death itself. The beauty of seeing heaven or hell is referred to indirectly, and the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead by Jesus Christ is mind blowing. Her use of the word "miracle!" gives the poem a deep meaning to life and death.
what do you want to learn more about I want to learn more about what Sylvia Plath was trying to show in this poem. I want to know if she was trying to make direct references to death and life or to God and Satan.
my reaction to the experiences in the writing I couldn't really have a reaction to the situation of dying and coming back to life because it rarely, if never, happens. I would be extremely weirded out if I did have it happen to me,and it would haunt me until I passed on.
related to my life The reference of Christianity is the biggest reference to my life. I was born and raised Catholic and much of what the speaker is describing is what I was always taught in Bible school and communion classes.
**after class discussion**
info about the author Sylvia Plath committed suicide. She tried representing the young, educated middle class women of the 1950's. She also went to Smith College and Cambrige University in England.
favorite section "Herr God, Herr Lucifer Beware Beware. Out of the ash I rise with my red hair And I eat men like air." I love the last six lines of the poem because she is challenging the almighty powers to fear her. Rising out of the ash is referred to a pheonix, an imaginal bird that dies by fire and is reborn by its ashes of death. I feel like it can mean that a person can come from the deepest pits and live life like they want. These lines say "look out world, I'm here and not backing down without a fight."
summary of discussion and reading The speaker of the poem has died for the third time, trying to perfect the art of death. She is raised from the dead once again, perhaps trying to be a mockery of God and the devil, and the principles of the higher beings.
evaluation/recommendation I liked the poem and would reccommend it to anyone who is facinated by the complex situation of life vs. death.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Death Of A Salesman - Arthur Miller
main characters: Willy, Linda, Biff, and Happy Loman. These four are the main characters that the story revolves around, particularly Willy. Bernard and Charley are son and father, respectively, who are the Loman's good friends and next door neighbors. Uncle Ben is Willy's older brother who had died a few years before this particular time.
previously known info about the topic: I honestly didn't know much about the early 1900's until I read the footnotes that referred to significant people of that time period.
what i can imagine that is not specifically outlined: I can understand Biff's frustration in the beginning of act one when his father is constantly jumping Biff's case. I know what it is like to not be completely sure of who and what you were destined to be. And then when you have someone who keeps pressuring you to be just like them it becomes a very stressful situation. I can also imagine how furious Biff was with Willy towards the end of act two, when the guys were having it out at one another. Biff was so hurt and didn't know how to say what he truly felt to Willy. It was painful for me to read because I wished it wasn't such a struggle for Biff to get the things off of his chest that he needed to express.
my opinion on the reading: I loved the story and I loved the meaning behind the words. Miller stressed the importance of time when he constantly referred to Uncle Ben checking the time on his watch. It seemed to me that the significance of time related to the fact that Biff and Willy had this internal, and external, conflict with their relationship. Neither one was going to live forever. I felt like Miller was trying to show that living life to its highest and happiest level is the most important thing and that you should civilly mend broken relationships, especially with family.
my emotional response: I felt connected with a few characters. Biff I felt pity for because he was just a lost soul. He didn't know who or what he was supposed to be and felt like his life was wasted away, and nobody should have to live like that. I felt sorry for Linda because Willy treated her poorly and talked down to her all the time. But at the same time it made me mad because she should've stood up for herself. It was a sad story and made me a bit sorrowful because it was the "American Dream" gone all wrong. These people just wanted the "perfect" life and never got it.
what I want to learn more about: I want to know about how society looked at families like Willy's and if they thought less of them because everything wasn't exactly perfect. I want to find out about how hard salesmen had to work to earn a living.
my reaction if it were me: I probably would have felt the same exact way as Biff if I were in his position throughout the whole story. If I would have found my father cheating on my mother with another woman I probably would have turned my back on him for a long time, instead of just saying nothing. I would have told my mother as soon as I got home because nobody deserves to be treated like that. If I were Linda, Willy would have NEVER talked to me the way he did because I am the kind of woman who rarely lets people walk on me. I would have gotten a job to help pay for the bills that were piling up and would have worked hard to help out my sons if they needed it. But, there are differences in age, and I know that typically the women rarely worked in the business world. They were designated to house keeping and raising a family.
reflecting my life: I have had my go-abouts with plenty of people in my life, especially my father. There really wasn't a steady period of time when my dad was there for me 100 percent of the time. We have had our fights and it is sad to see how parents only want the best for their children (most parents), but sometimes make life hell because they push too hard. I understand not knowing what and who you are destined to be, because I still feel that I am not completely sure what God has made for me (sorry if anyone disagrees with "God") and what path I am supposed to take. I know its a diverse one, and one that not many others have taken.
****after class discussion****
info about the author: Arthur Miller came from a German Jew family in Manhattan and "Death of a Salesman" was one of his most famous works. He stressed how society looked at the American Dream back during World War II.
my favorite section: my favorite section of the play was when Biff stood up to his father and told him the truth about who he was and that his father would never be happy and satisfied with him. It showed that he had courage and independence.
summary of discussion: Throughout class we discussed how the "American Dream" has changed with the ideals of Americans after World War II. We also talked about how certain characters held specific roles and personalities that made the story go on. The story was about a torn family that is trying to find its way. A father and son battle their relationship until death.
evaluation: I liked the story because it showed that not everyone is perfect and people find their happiness in their own ways. I would recommend this play to anyone. The story gave a new insight to how reality is.
previously known info about the topic: I honestly didn't know much about the early 1900's until I read the footnotes that referred to significant people of that time period.
what i can imagine that is not specifically outlined: I can understand Biff's frustration in the beginning of act one when his father is constantly jumping Biff's case. I know what it is like to not be completely sure of who and what you were destined to be. And then when you have someone who keeps pressuring you to be just like them it becomes a very stressful situation. I can also imagine how furious Biff was with Willy towards the end of act two, when the guys were having it out at one another. Biff was so hurt and didn't know how to say what he truly felt to Willy. It was painful for me to read because I wished it wasn't such a struggle for Biff to get the things off of his chest that he needed to express.
my opinion on the reading: I loved the story and I loved the meaning behind the words. Miller stressed the importance of time when he constantly referred to Uncle Ben checking the time on his watch. It seemed to me that the significance of time related to the fact that Biff and Willy had this internal, and external, conflict with their relationship. Neither one was going to live forever. I felt like Miller was trying to show that living life to its highest and happiest level is the most important thing and that you should civilly mend broken relationships, especially with family.
my emotional response: I felt connected with a few characters. Biff I felt pity for because he was just a lost soul. He didn't know who or what he was supposed to be and felt like his life was wasted away, and nobody should have to live like that. I felt sorry for Linda because Willy treated her poorly and talked down to her all the time. But at the same time it made me mad because she should've stood up for herself. It was a sad story and made me a bit sorrowful because it was the "American Dream" gone all wrong. These people just wanted the "perfect" life and never got it.
what I want to learn more about: I want to know about how society looked at families like Willy's and if they thought less of them because everything wasn't exactly perfect. I want to find out about how hard salesmen had to work to earn a living.
my reaction if it were me: I probably would have felt the same exact way as Biff if I were in his position throughout the whole story. If I would have found my father cheating on my mother with another woman I probably would have turned my back on him for a long time, instead of just saying nothing. I would have told my mother as soon as I got home because nobody deserves to be treated like that. If I were Linda, Willy would have NEVER talked to me the way he did because I am the kind of woman who rarely lets people walk on me. I would have gotten a job to help pay for the bills that were piling up and would have worked hard to help out my sons if they needed it. But, there are differences in age, and I know that typically the women rarely worked in the business world. They were designated to house keeping and raising a family.
reflecting my life: I have had my go-abouts with plenty of people in my life, especially my father. There really wasn't a steady period of time when my dad was there for me 100 percent of the time. We have had our fights and it is sad to see how parents only want the best for their children (most parents), but sometimes make life hell because they push too hard. I understand not knowing what and who you are destined to be, because I still feel that I am not completely sure what God has made for me (sorry if anyone disagrees with "God") and what path I am supposed to take. I know its a diverse one, and one that not many others have taken.
****after class discussion****
info about the author: Arthur Miller came from a German Jew family in Manhattan and "Death of a Salesman" was one of his most famous works. He stressed how society looked at the American Dream back during World War II.
my favorite section: my favorite section of the play was when Biff stood up to his father and told him the truth about who he was and that his father would never be happy and satisfied with him. It showed that he had courage and independence.
summary of discussion: Throughout class we discussed how the "American Dream" has changed with the ideals of Americans after World War II. We also talked about how certain characters held specific roles and personalities that made the story go on. The story was about a torn family that is trying to find its way. A father and son battle their relationship until death.
evaluation: I liked the story because it showed that not everyone is perfect and people find their happiness in their own ways. I would recommend this play to anyone. The story gave a new insight to how reality is.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Invisible Man (ch.1) - ralph ellison
Main Characters: The narrator who was called "Sambo." He seems to be African American and had just graduated from school as one of the best students in his class.
Previous knowledge of the topic: I knew that even though slavery ended in the early 1900's, Southern white men were still extremely racist against African Americans and that they harshly discriminated against them up until the Black Rights Movement.
What can you imagine: I can imagine how embarrassed the black boys were standing in front of a bunch of wealthy, yet pathetic, white men. I can see how desperately Sambo wanted to give his speech and to just get away from where he was at that moment. I can also imagine how greatly Sambo appreciated the scholarship and how proud of himself he was for fighting through the fight and electric rug before his speech. He was able to hold his head high and recite every word, even when the white men were being disrespectful. The fact that Sambo held his ground and stood up for what he believed was astonishing and the pride he showed was worth everything.
What do you think about: Every time the narrator described a horrible moment of that night, I would catch myself thinking, "How could people find this amusing? How can you watch a person get the crap beat out of them, and shocked over and over, without feeling anything? How can men laugh at the situation?!" The teachings of that time were wholesome and loving and caring, yet you have these "elegant, smart, powerful, influential" people who are acting like savages. How could the government and other people just let things like that happen, and why weren't they thrown in jail? They should've suffered just like the poor African Americans. No human deserves that kind of treatment.
How do you feel about it: The story gave me a new perspective on racism and how apathetic humans can be toward other human beings. It deeply disturbed me that things like the story actually did and still do happen in this world. I honestly could feel everything the narrator was presenting because I do have a heart and I just can't imagine anything like that happening to someone I love and care for. It would devastate me if I had to experience that.
What do you want to learn more about: I want to learn more about the Black Rights Movement and how great African American leaders emerged to step up and fight for what was right to their people. I want to know about the obstacles they encountered and overcame.
My reaction if it would've happened to me: The narrator was brave and dead set on proving to the white men that African Americans should have the same rights and laws as white people. If something that traumatic happened to me, I would be scarred for life. I would probably fight through it like he did, but the impact it had on my life would devastate me for a while. In the end, I feel like it would make me stronger. I would realize that this world is full of people who are there to put you down, but at the same time, teach you to fight for what you believe is the best thing for you. Nobody can create what you will become except you.
Relation to my own life: Obstacles and situations are thrown your way everyday you wake up. That is life. Those who are strong enough to overcome life's everyday battles are the most likely to succeed. I believe that things that leave the greatest impact on your life are the things that will influence you the most and determine the rest of your path you walk in time.
**after discussion**
Information about the author: Ralph Ellison wrote "Invisible Man" in 1953 and won the National Book Award. He was not writing a novel of social protest, he was trying to show the country how his people were being treated.
My favorite passage/section: My favorite section would have to be when the narrator was standing in front of all the white men and was giving his speech while spittting blood out of his mouth. He had gotten beat down just so that he could have his voice heard. But he was still standing there. Even though the superintendent of his school was taking part of the terrible things they were putting the boys through, he listened the whole time for the narrator's speech. It makes me wonder how he can be so insensitive to him physically but mentally aware of the narrator. When the narrator is giving his speech he fights through the other men who arent paying a bit of attention to him and showing ill manners. He says what he wrote and memorized the meaning of it all and the passion he has about the subject at hand.
Summary: In class, we talked about how African Americans of the time would have much rather been communisitic since they would be equal to the white society. The book tried to present ethics (what is right or wrong, and is a person's morals and values.) It made people who read it think about how they discriminated against African Americans in the United States.
Ellison also seems to be writing a parody because he pokes fun at the narrator, Booker T. Washington, and the white men. He is trying to make people realize the situation in its whole context.
Evaluation: I really enjoyed the story because it presented discrimination against minorities as realistic and meaningful. It was a step to standing up and showing what is right and what is wrong. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the black rights movement and the road to equality they had to establish.
Previous knowledge of the topic: I knew that even though slavery ended in the early 1900's, Southern white men were still extremely racist against African Americans and that they harshly discriminated against them up until the Black Rights Movement.
What can you imagine: I can imagine how embarrassed the black boys were standing in front of a bunch of wealthy, yet pathetic, white men. I can see how desperately Sambo wanted to give his speech and to just get away from where he was at that moment. I can also imagine how greatly Sambo appreciated the scholarship and how proud of himself he was for fighting through the fight and electric rug before his speech. He was able to hold his head high and recite every word, even when the white men were being disrespectful. The fact that Sambo held his ground and stood up for what he believed was astonishing and the pride he showed was worth everything.
What do you think about: Every time the narrator described a horrible moment of that night, I would catch myself thinking, "How could people find this amusing? How can you watch a person get the crap beat out of them, and shocked over and over, without feeling anything? How can men laugh at the situation?!" The teachings of that time were wholesome and loving and caring, yet you have these "elegant, smart, powerful, influential" people who are acting like savages. How could the government and other people just let things like that happen, and why weren't they thrown in jail? They should've suffered just like the poor African Americans. No human deserves that kind of treatment.
How do you feel about it: The story gave me a new perspective on racism and how apathetic humans can be toward other human beings. It deeply disturbed me that things like the story actually did and still do happen in this world. I honestly could feel everything the narrator was presenting because I do have a heart and I just can't imagine anything like that happening to someone I love and care for. It would devastate me if I had to experience that.
What do you want to learn more about: I want to learn more about the Black Rights Movement and how great African American leaders emerged to step up and fight for what was right to their people. I want to know about the obstacles they encountered and overcame.
My reaction if it would've happened to me: The narrator was brave and dead set on proving to the white men that African Americans should have the same rights and laws as white people. If something that traumatic happened to me, I would be scarred for life. I would probably fight through it like he did, but the impact it had on my life would devastate me for a while. In the end, I feel like it would make me stronger. I would realize that this world is full of people who are there to put you down, but at the same time, teach you to fight for what you believe is the best thing for you. Nobody can create what you will become except you.
Relation to my own life: Obstacles and situations are thrown your way everyday you wake up. That is life. Those who are strong enough to overcome life's everyday battles are the most likely to succeed. I believe that things that leave the greatest impact on your life are the things that will influence you the most and determine the rest of your path you walk in time.
**after discussion**
Information about the author: Ralph Ellison wrote "Invisible Man" in 1953 and won the National Book Award. He was not writing a novel of social protest, he was trying to show the country how his people were being treated.
My favorite passage/section: My favorite section would have to be when the narrator was standing in front of all the white men and was giving his speech while spittting blood out of his mouth. He had gotten beat down just so that he could have his voice heard. But he was still standing there. Even though the superintendent of his school was taking part of the terrible things they were putting the boys through, he listened the whole time for the narrator's speech. It makes me wonder how he can be so insensitive to him physically but mentally aware of the narrator. When the narrator is giving his speech he fights through the other men who arent paying a bit of attention to him and showing ill manners. He says what he wrote and memorized the meaning of it all and the passion he has about the subject at hand.
Summary: In class, we talked about how African Americans of the time would have much rather been communisitic since they would be equal to the white society. The book tried to present ethics (what is right or wrong, and is a person's morals and values.) It made people who read it think about how they discriminated against African Americans in the United States.
Ellison also seems to be writing a parody because he pokes fun at the narrator, Booker T. Washington, and the white men. He is trying to make people realize the situation in its whole context.
Evaluation: I really enjoyed the story because it presented discrimination against minorities as realistic and meaningful. It was a step to standing up and showing what is right and what is wrong. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the black rights movement and the road to equality they had to establish.
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