My favorite story of the semester was probably "The Veldt" The story kept my attention the entire time and had a twist in the end that I wasn't suspecting. The children were somewhat creepy in the fact that they invisioned there parents dieing and were smiling at the psychiatrist after there parents were murdered but it was enough for me to handle. Many of the other stories we read like "Yellow Wallpaper" and "A Rose for Emily" were too creepy for me actually enjoy. This story was easy to read and I was never confused by the sequencing unlike many of the other stories we read. It was one that really kept my interest.
My least favorite story of the semester was probably "Angel Levine" I read this story when I was really tired and I remember not understanding anything about it when I was done reading. I thought it was really boring and didn't make a whole lot of sense. There was really no action involved to keep my attention. It seemed really long and was pointless. What I got out of it was that there are black Jewish people and not to judge a book by its cover.. but it took WAY too long to tell me that. I probably missed the entire concept though, I wasnt a fan of this story.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
"The Conscience of the Court"
I think Laura Lee should have taken the chance to leave one of the times she could. Laura Lee obviously has a lot of love for Celestine and places Celestine’s wishes before her own. However, it doesn’t seem that Celestine feels the same way about Laura Lee in return. Celestine never answered Laura Lee’s letters about being in prison and wasn’t at the trial to help defend Laura Lee against the prosecutor. It seems like Celestine was using Laura Lee’s love for her own convenience and didn’t really care about her all that much. I think Laura Lee definitely should have left one of the many times but especially the last chance that was given to her when Celestine no longer had any money. Laura Lee had to leave her own family and friends to follow Celestine to an unknown area. I think Laura Lee made the move without truly thinking about the consequences for her husband and lifestyle.
I think the verdict in Laura Lee’s trial is unrealistic. I think at the time, Laura Lee wouldn’t be taken seriously as she was black and uneducated. Laura Lee had no witnesses or evidence to back up her story while the prosecutor had many witnesses and a lawyer to represent him. I don’t think the legal system would have been so accepting of this older black woman. I doubt that a judge would immediately believe her and just let her off without any consequences.
I think the most difficult conflict Laura Lee faces is the one with Celestine. It was most hard for Laura Lee to verbalize Celestine’s reaction to her being in jail. I think Laura Lee feels betrayed by Celestine’s silence but won’t truly accept the idea that Celestine would not come to her rescue. I think this is most difficult for her to face because she loves Celestine so much and cant understand why this same amount of love isn’t given to her in return. In her time of need Celestine bailed on her.
I think the verdict in Laura Lee’s trial is unrealistic. I think at the time, Laura Lee wouldn’t be taken seriously as she was black and uneducated. Laura Lee had no witnesses or evidence to back up her story while the prosecutor had many witnesses and a lawyer to represent him. I don’t think the legal system would have been so accepting of this older black woman. I doubt that a judge would immediately believe her and just let her off without any consequences.
I think the most difficult conflict Laura Lee faces is the one with Celestine. It was most hard for Laura Lee to verbalize Celestine’s reaction to her being in jail. I think Laura Lee feels betrayed by Celestine’s silence but won’t truly accept the idea that Celestine would not come to her rescue. I think this is most difficult for her to face because she loves Celestine so much and cant understand why this same amount of love isn’t given to her in return. In her time of need Celestine bailed on her.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
“A Worn Path”
Phoenix’s conversations with herself allow readers to understand her state of mind. Readers know how difficult it is for her to make the journey because of how hard she has to try to walk up and down hills and how tired she is because of them. Without her conversations to herself readers might not understand how truly difficult this journey is for her. It also helps readers understand that her mind is not completely stable. At one point Old Phoenix dreams that a young boy is handing her cake out in the woods, but when she goes to reach for the cake the boy isn’t there. This scene is significant in allowing readers to understand that her mind is not sharp and her thoughts are not completely stable.
I think if the characters were round it would help to develop Phoenix’s character more indepth. If we were able to see the thoughts the other characters had about Phoenix, while they were interacting with her, it would help readers to understand her place within the community and give an outside point of view. Since we are only able to see Phoenix through her own eyes and interactions it skews one’s perspective on how she acts and fits into the town she lives in.
I am most sympathetic towards Phoenix’s character. I feel bad for her that she is such an old lady, who is clearly in no condition to make such a long journey, but is offered no help in reaching her destination. I am not even sure if her grandson is alive in the story so her journey could be completely pointless. It almost seems like the doctors know her grandson isn’t alive but they continue to enable Phoenix to believe that he is so they can have a charity case on file for their medical practice. Phoenix’s character is easily stopped by hills, prickly bushes, and dogs to the point where she falls down on her back and is still offered no help in completely her journey. I am extremely sympathetic forwards her fragile physical and mental states.
I think if the characters were round it would help to develop Phoenix’s character more indepth. If we were able to see the thoughts the other characters had about Phoenix, while they were interacting with her, it would help readers to understand her place within the community and give an outside point of view. Since we are only able to see Phoenix through her own eyes and interactions it skews one’s perspective on how she acts and fits into the town she lives in.
I am most sympathetic towards Phoenix’s character. I feel bad for her that she is such an old lady, who is clearly in no condition to make such a long journey, but is offered no help in reaching her destination. I am not even sure if her grandson is alive in the story so her journey could be completely pointless. It almost seems like the doctors know her grandson isn’t alive but they continue to enable Phoenix to believe that he is so they can have a charity case on file for their medical practice. Phoenix’s character is easily stopped by hills, prickly bushes, and dogs to the point where she falls down on her back and is still offered no help in completely her journey. I am extremely sympathetic forwards her fragile physical and mental states.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
"A Spinster's Tale"
I think a driving conflict in the story is Elizabeth’s fear of Mr. Speed in both man vs. man and man vs. self. Elizabeth is afraid of Mr. Speed himself and what she would ever do if he came to her door, which he eventually does. Elizabeth reacts to his presence by calling the cops and getting him arrested for entering their house. Her fear drives her to react in a harsh manor. Elizabeth also has inner conflict about her fears with Mr. Speed. Both her father and brother tell her not to be afraid of him, “you mustn’t seek things to fear in this world.” Her fears of Mr. Speed are somewhat irrational but despite her fear she continues to seek him out. Elizabeth watches Mr. Speed pass her house every day from her parlor and creates inner turmoil for herself from his presence. Elizabeth is afraid of those who are drunk and often refers to her mother’s statement that she would rather see her brother in his grave than drunk. The fact that she only sees Mr. Speed intoxicated adds to his mystery and frightening appeal.
Mr. Speed is one of the most sympathetic characters in the story to me. He is an old drunk man who wonders around town everyday making a fool out of himself. I feel really bad for him and just want someone to go help him and check him into rehab or something. His existence is pitiful, and I feel like he could be helped if given the proper tools to do so. I also sympathize with Elizabeth who is left alone most of the day. She seems to be bored a lot of the time and feel lonely. She also has certain irrational fears that shouldn’t be present in someone of her age. I feel like she is maturing very slowly in the novel, and because of her child like tendencies I sympathize with her as well.
The title the Spinster’s Tale alludes to Elizabeth being an old, unmarried women. This title is a little unfitting because during the plot of the story Elizabeth is only thirteen and fourteen but it references her future. The fact that the story is a flashback helps readers to understand that now Elizabeth is grown up and is a spinster, who is reflecting upon her childhood.
Mr. Speed is one of the most sympathetic characters in the story to me. He is an old drunk man who wonders around town everyday making a fool out of himself. I feel really bad for him and just want someone to go help him and check him into rehab or something. His existence is pitiful, and I feel like he could be helped if given the proper tools to do so. I also sympathize with Elizabeth who is left alone most of the day. She seems to be bored a lot of the time and feel lonely. She also has certain irrational fears that shouldn’t be present in someone of her age. I feel like she is maturing very slowly in the novel, and because of her child like tendencies I sympathize with her as well.
The title the Spinster’s Tale alludes to Elizabeth being an old, unmarried women. This title is a little unfitting because during the plot of the story Elizabeth is only thirteen and fourteen but it references her future. The fact that the story is a flashback helps readers to understand that now Elizabeth is grown up and is a spinster, who is reflecting upon her childhood.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
“The Lady with the Dog”
In the beginning of the story Dmitry saw Anna as a fling and someone that he would have a quick relationship with. Anna was just another affair to Dmitry and he never saw anything long term with her. At the end of the story, Dmitry comes to realize that he has true feelings for Anna. Dmitry is in love with Anna and feels like he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. Dmitry is contemplating breaking his family apart to be with the one he truly loves, who ironically was only supposed to be a fling.
I also think the fence surrounding Anna’s house can represent her feeling trapped in her marriage with no way out. Anna is clearly unsatisfied with her home life but feels like she must remain unhappy with her husband to be accepted in society. Since Dmitry walks on the outside of the fence and Anna is in the house the fence could symbolize their separation and the obstacles, like their families, which keep them apart.
If I could extend the story I would just want to know what the final decision was between Dmitry and Anna. Did they decide the keep their relationship a secret, or will they act upon it and break away from their families to be together?
I also think the fence surrounding Anna’s house can represent her feeling trapped in her marriage with no way out. Anna is clearly unsatisfied with her home life but feels like she must remain unhappy with her husband to be accepted in society. Since Dmitry walks on the outside of the fence and Anna is in the house the fence could symbolize their separation and the obstacles, like their families, which keep them apart.
If I could extend the story I would just want to know what the final decision was between Dmitry and Anna. Did they decide the keep their relationship a secret, or will they act upon it and break away from their families to be together?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
“Chrysanthemums and The Girls in their Summer Dresses”
Chrysanthemums:
-I think the pot fixer throws away the flowers after he leaves because he had no intention of ever giving them to anyone. I think he was a salesman who saw Elisa’s passion for chrysanthemums and used them as a tool to make a sale for himself. He made Elisa comfortable with him by asking her about her own interests and then played up his upset emotions after he had her trust. When Elisa saw the man upset she decided to give him pans to fix even though she knew how to do the work herself just to please him. The salesman character is not trustworthy in this story. He is using Elisa’s interests and exaggerating his own emotions to make a sale. All he is interested in is making money.
The Girls in their Summer Dresses:
-I think that Frances is a dynamic character who is fed up with her husband’s actions. I think she knows the truth about her husband’s intentions but continues to push the subject to make him admit it. She refers to their relationship as being good when they are alone but when they are around other people they never truly connect. I think the only time Frances feels fully appreciated is when she is in bed with Michael. Whenever they are out in public Michael can’t help but look at other women which causes Frances to be insecure and upset. Frances feels that Michael’s looks of passion should be saved for her only, and Michael’s visions will eventually lead him astray. During this story, I most sympathize with Frances. She just wants to be respected and given the attention she deserves as a wife. Michael seems to make no apologies for him actions and even alludes to himself eventually wanting to be free from her to pursue other women. I think Michael comes off as extremely arrogant and unsympathetic. If he doesn’t want to be with Frances he should do something about it.
-I think the pot fixer throws away the flowers after he leaves because he had no intention of ever giving them to anyone. I think he was a salesman who saw Elisa’s passion for chrysanthemums and used them as a tool to make a sale for himself. He made Elisa comfortable with him by asking her about her own interests and then played up his upset emotions after he had her trust. When Elisa saw the man upset she decided to give him pans to fix even though she knew how to do the work herself just to please him. The salesman character is not trustworthy in this story. He is using Elisa’s interests and exaggerating his own emotions to make a sale. All he is interested in is making money.
The Girls in their Summer Dresses:
-I think that Frances is a dynamic character who is fed up with her husband’s actions. I think she knows the truth about her husband’s intentions but continues to push the subject to make him admit it. She refers to their relationship as being good when they are alone but when they are around other people they never truly connect. I think the only time Frances feels fully appreciated is when she is in bed with Michael. Whenever they are out in public Michael can’t help but look at other women which causes Frances to be insecure and upset. Frances feels that Michael’s looks of passion should be saved for her only, and Michael’s visions will eventually lead him astray. During this story, I most sympathize with Frances. She just wants to be respected and given the attention she deserves as a wife. Michael seems to make no apologies for him actions and even alludes to himself eventually wanting to be free from her to pursue other women. I think Michael comes off as extremely arrogant and unsympathetic. If he doesn’t want to be with Frances he should do something about it.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
“Desiree’s Baby”
I really enjoyed reading “Desiree’s Baby” and was definitely surprised by the ending. It made sense that Desiree would be of African American decent since her heritage was unknown, while Armand’s parents were well established in the community and were both white. The twist in the end, where Armand is actually the one to blame, was shocking but felt like Armand was getting a taste of his own medicine, and he deserved to know.
This short story was set before the Civil War which made slavery a large part of the setting. Also, racism was extremely prominent in the story’s society creating cultural conflicts between whites and blacks. This setting creates a venue for racism and gives readers the knowledge that black people were considered inferior at that time. It is not surprising when Desiree’s baby is not fully white, her husband sees the child as a disgrace to his family and legacy. The child is such an embarrassment that he exiles his wife and child from his property to save face in the community. In another setting or time, his actions would be completely irrational and the issue of race would be handled completely differently.
Situational irony appears in the last paragraph when readers find out Armand is the one with African American ancestors instead of Desiree. It creates a twist in the plot and puts Armand in the opposite position of what was expected. Armand is now the one who is not pure and should be banned from society instead of Desiree. This twist creates sympathy of Desiree and makes readers question Armand’s character as how he will react to this new found information about his own identity.
This short story was set before the Civil War which made slavery a large part of the setting. Also, racism was extremely prominent in the story’s society creating cultural conflicts between whites and blacks. This setting creates a venue for racism and gives readers the knowledge that black people were considered inferior at that time. It is not surprising when Desiree’s baby is not fully white, her husband sees the child as a disgrace to his family and legacy. The child is such an embarrassment that he exiles his wife and child from his property to save face in the community. In another setting or time, his actions would be completely irrational and the issue of race would be handled completely differently.
Situational irony appears in the last paragraph when readers find out Armand is the one with African American ancestors instead of Desiree. It creates a twist in the plot and puts Armand in the opposite position of what was expected. Armand is now the one who is not pure and should be banned from society instead of Desiree. This twist creates sympathy of Desiree and makes readers question Armand’s character as how he will react to this new found information about his own identity.
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