"No doubt somebody would have noticed if she hadn't been there; she was part of the performance after all. How strange she'd never thought of it like that before! And yet it explained why she made such a point of starting from home at just the same time each week-so as not to be late for the performance-and it also explained why she had quite a queer, shy feeling at telling her english pupils how she spent her Sunday afternoons." -"Miss Brill"
I never thought starting out this story that it would make me feel so sympathetic towards a fictional character. Of course I first thought she was stuck up, conceited, and a little unwell for talking to a fur. However, when I finished the story, I realized the tragedy in her whole situation. She sits alone every Sunday at the exact same time, probably because she has no place else to go. Her name indicates she is unmarried and an older woman. She describes herself as an "expert...at listening" but the story never mentions any conversation with other people. This is a woman in desperate lonliness. Just like in other short stories like "A Worn Path," her actions portray the purpose of the writing. I do believe this story was meant to create sympathy in the reader because of the way Miss Brill handles her situation. At the beginning, she praises her fur and overlooks its blemishes. The fur, a representation of her because it is personified and she is the only reasonable character to be compared to it, then cries in pain at the end of the story. Miss Brill looks at herself as an actress and other people as her company because she is fantasizing reality. In reality, she has no connection with any of these people. However, if she praises her fur and thinks of life as a play, it covers up the pain of knowing she is a flawed social outcast. When I realized this, I felt sympathy for her. She could choose to hate life in this somber situation, or fantasize to numb the pain that is always present. It's tragic to see a situation where the person suffers because there is not way to change the circumstances.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A Worn Path
"'Thorns, you doing your appointed work. Never want to let folks pass, no sir. Old eyes thought you was a pretty little green bush.'" -"A Worn Path"
At least two of the review questions cover characterization and the importance of the minor characters' actions in the story. I felt like these questions were most important because the theme can be explained and vivified mainly through characters, just like the chapter overview says. I found most of the support for the theme through the actions of Phoenix Jackson alone, but some of the minor characters contributed as well. The above quote is just one of the several examples of behavior that presents the theme. Phoenix, an old black woman, is on this journey to get medicine for her son, but she is burdened and hindered by many things during her excursion. First, the plot shows that elements of nature, like large inclines and creeks, which she must overcome. Then she has to interact with some questionable characters, like the man with the gun and the patronizing nurse. Finally, it's her Alzheimer's. I realized that she had no animosity towards the natural things that caused her burdens. She never cursed the hill or the swamp, but she did have an attitude towards the people who saw it as a problem to give her monetary charity. Phoenix shows that one's attitude towards the inevitable burdens in life usually dictates his/her overall mood. She didn't focus on the money she didn't have, like the minor characters did. That is why she is much more stiff with them. Phoenix never saw a problem with the natural obstacles she had to overcome; she only tried to get across that money does not dictate happiness.
At least two of the review questions cover characterization and the importance of the minor characters' actions in the story. I felt like these questions were most important because the theme can be explained and vivified mainly through characters, just like the chapter overview says. I found most of the support for the theme through the actions of Phoenix Jackson alone, but some of the minor characters contributed as well. The above quote is just one of the several examples of behavior that presents the theme. Phoenix, an old black woman, is on this journey to get medicine for her son, but she is burdened and hindered by many things during her excursion. First, the plot shows that elements of nature, like large inclines and creeks, which she must overcome. Then she has to interact with some questionable characters, like the man with the gun and the patronizing nurse. Finally, it's her Alzheimer's. I realized that she had no animosity towards the natural things that caused her burdens. She never cursed the hill or the swamp, but she did have an attitude towards the people who saw it as a problem to give her monetary charity. Phoenix shows that one's attitude towards the inevitable burdens in life usually dictates his/her overall mood. She didn't focus on the money she didn't have, like the minor characters did. That is why she is much more stiff with them. Phoenix never saw a problem with the natural obstacles she had to overcome; she only tried to get across that money does not dictate happiness.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Theme
"'He suffer and it don't seem to put him back at all. He got a sweet look. He going to last.'" -"A Worn Path"
The beginning of the chapter explains that theme exists for a specific purpose, which can be didactic, observational, or simply for enjoyment. For this unit, all of the stories seem to serve as a reminder of a common truth of life: pain and loss are inevitable, it is how one deals with them that determines their ultimate oulook. I chose the quote above because Phoenix Jackson, although clearly burdened with onset dementia or Alzheimer's or something of the sort, understands that truth better than the characters in the other stories. Her grandson may very well be dead already, and she is his primary caretaker, but she doesn't seem to let that bother her. She could fantasize about how he might be able to get some life-saving treatment, or how she could win the lottery, but that doesn't help her current situation. This theme is never outwardly stated, but the conclusions imply such a purpose. As stated in the previous post, most of the endings were somewhat unexpected to me. I have to admit, they were a little more melancholy than what I thought I would get based on the elements leading up to the climax. So, emotion plays a large role in understanding the theme as well. I hoped for the characters to take a certain route, and when they didn't, it created sympathy or frustration. Emotion lent itself to me relating better to the characters and understanding their plights.
The beginning of the chapter explains that theme exists for a specific purpose, which can be didactic, observational, or simply for enjoyment. For this unit, all of the stories seem to serve as a reminder of a common truth of life: pain and loss are inevitable, it is how one deals with them that determines their ultimate oulook. I chose the quote above because Phoenix Jackson, although clearly burdened with onset dementia or Alzheimer's or something of the sort, understands that truth better than the characters in the other stories. Her grandson may very well be dead already, and she is his primary caretaker, but she doesn't seem to let that bother her. She could fantasize about how he might be able to get some life-saving treatment, or how she could win the lottery, but that doesn't help her current situation. This theme is never outwardly stated, but the conclusions imply such a purpose. As stated in the previous post, most of the endings were somewhat unexpected to me. I have to admit, they were a little more melancholy than what I thought I would get based on the elements leading up to the climax. So, emotion plays a large role in understanding the theme as well. I hoped for the characters to take a certain route, and when they didn't, it created sympathy or frustration. Emotion lent itself to me relating better to the characters and understanding their plights.
Teamwork: Suspense and Climax
"All the seas of the world tumbled about her heart. He was drawing her into them: he would drown her. She gripped with both hands at the iron railing." -"Eveline"
This theme unit was enjoyable for me because sometimes less lengthy short stories are easier to break down than long ones, like Bartleby. Each detail presented usually relates more importantly to the overall plot or theme. The short stories in this unit each gave small plot and theme clues throughout the story and built up to a thought-provoking conlcusion. I felt like the drawn out anticipation or surprise ending structures were used in most of these stories. I never expected Eveline to stay at home, Phoenix Jackson to totally forget the reason for her journey, or any member of the "Once Upon a Time" family to be harmed by something of their own creation. The language, diction and inner though processes of most of these characters were fairly rational and logical. This definitely added to the suspense and surprise, even if the situations described were beyond reasonable plausibility. Honestly, what suburban family has the resources to turn their home into a fortress or what normal person truly believes they are part of a large-scale play carried out in real life? I think this is why the suspense and climaxes of the stories contribute so well to each theme. Sure Eveline would like to run away with her lover and away from her pain, but human nature always seems to bind us to home. Sure Miss Brill would like to think of herself as elevated and dignified, but society reminds her that she is no more than an old woman. Most of the themes follow typical patterns of human behavior, and the build-ups serve to emphasize them.
This theme unit was enjoyable for me because sometimes less lengthy short stories are easier to break down than long ones, like Bartleby. Each detail presented usually relates more importantly to the overall plot or theme. The short stories in this unit each gave small plot and theme clues throughout the story and built up to a thought-provoking conlcusion. I felt like the drawn out anticipation or surprise ending structures were used in most of these stories. I never expected Eveline to stay at home, Phoenix Jackson to totally forget the reason for her journey, or any member of the "Once Upon a Time" family to be harmed by something of their own creation. The language, diction and inner though processes of most of these characters were fairly rational and logical. This definitely added to the suspense and surprise, even if the situations described were beyond reasonable plausibility. Honestly, what suburban family has the resources to turn their home into a fortress or what normal person truly believes they are part of a large-scale play carried out in real life? I think this is why the suspense and climaxes of the stories contribute so well to each theme. Sure Eveline would like to run away with her lover and away from her pain, but human nature always seems to bind us to home. Sure Miss Brill would like to think of herself as elevated and dignified, but society reminds her that she is no more than an old woman. Most of the themes follow typical patterns of human behavior, and the build-ups serve to emphasize them.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Ah, Bartleby!
"Dead letters! does it not sound like dead men? Conceive a man by nature and misfortune prone to a pallid hopelessness, can any business seem more fitted to heighten it than that of continually handling these dead letters and assorting them for the flames?" -"Bartleby the Scrivener"
The above quote is one of the main reasons this story irritated me so much. Not only was it an improper use of time to read about a man who says the same thing repeatedly, but no plot details or other characters add to understanding the character Bartleby. I guess I could see how being employed by the government and sorting unreceived mail containing sentimental life objects could be numbing and depressing, but what would posess a man never to speak, carry out a job, find normal living conditions, or generally have no reason for why he does the same things? I was hoping for some resolution and worthwhile hint into Bartleby's motivation but all I read was how he would prefer not to do anything. The only valuable conclusion I could come up with concerns the narrator (lawyer)'s treatment of Bartleby. He works on Wall Street, which is unsympathetic and results-driven. Maybe Bartleby's actions come as a fascination to him because he is so out of place on Wall Street, and the way he handles any situation, a preference not to act, seems to be quite effective. Perhaps to the narrator, Bartleby is a symbol of freedom in the results-driven world that he lives in, despite the fact that Bartleby could care less about freedom at all. Maybe I could have had more sympathy for Bartleby if I had even the slightest indication of his motivation, whether it be by fault of his own or the fault of others.
The above quote is one of the main reasons this story irritated me so much. Not only was it an improper use of time to read about a man who says the same thing repeatedly, but no plot details or other characters add to understanding the character Bartleby. I guess I could see how being employed by the government and sorting unreceived mail containing sentimental life objects could be numbing and depressing, but what would posess a man never to speak, carry out a job, find normal living conditions, or generally have no reason for why he does the same things? I was hoping for some resolution and worthwhile hint into Bartleby's motivation but all I read was how he would prefer not to do anything. The only valuable conclusion I could come up with concerns the narrator (lawyer)'s treatment of Bartleby. He works on Wall Street, which is unsympathetic and results-driven. Maybe Bartleby's actions come as a fascination to him because he is so out of place on Wall Street, and the way he handles any situation, a preference not to act, seems to be quite effective. Perhaps to the narrator, Bartleby is a symbol of freedom in the results-driven world that he lives in, despite the fact that Bartleby could care less about freedom at all. Maybe I could have had more sympathy for Bartleby if I had even the slightest indication of his motivation, whether it be by fault of his own or the fault of others.
Everyday Use
"She never takes a shot without making sure the house is included. When a cow comes nibbling around the edge of the yard she snaps it and me and Maggie and the house." -"Everyday Use"
The most challenging aspect of this story was trying to figure out the motivation for Dee's behavior. She seems to be greatly affected by the cold, productive, ambitious nature of the present. Her insisting on getting the house in the photo and taking the butter churn and blanket for her own personal decoration is an indication that her life is full of checking boxes and following trends. She is almost stuck in a state of teenage rebelliousness which is full of attempts at finding one's self while thinly holding on to family and close friends. When I look at it that way, I can almost muster some sort of sympathy for Dee. Growing out of this trend requires close friends who have a direction in life and can provide an example of maturity. The story stated that Dee never had many friends, and the ones she did looked up to her. She never had anyone to look up to herself. Consequently, she is lost in a sea of uncertainty in which she does things, like focus on fashion, with great conviction even though it does not make her a better person or bring her closer friends.
The most challenging aspect of this story was trying to figure out the motivation for Dee's behavior. She seems to be greatly affected by the cold, productive, ambitious nature of the present. Her insisting on getting the house in the photo and taking the butter churn and blanket for her own personal decoration is an indication that her life is full of checking boxes and following trends. She is almost stuck in a state of teenage rebelliousness which is full of attempts at finding one's self while thinly holding on to family and close friends. When I look at it that way, I can almost muster some sort of sympathy for Dee. Growing out of this trend requires close friends who have a direction in life and can provide an example of maturity. The story stated that Dee never had many friends, and the ones she did looked up to her. She never had anyone to look up to herself. Consequently, she is lost in a sea of uncertainty in which she does things, like focus on fashion, with great conviction even though it does not make her a better person or bring her closer friends.
Stock Characters
"'Tub,' he said, 'you havn't seen your own balls in ten years.' Kenny doubled over laughing. He took off his own hat and slapped his leg with it. 'What am I supposed to do?' Tub said. 'It's my glands.'" -"Hunters in the Snow"
In contrast to "Everyday Use" and "Bartleby the Scrivener," "Hunters in the Snow" relied more on stock characters. I believe the goal of the story was humor, which was accomplished. It reminded me of some "Three Stooges" clip or the movie "Dumb and Dumber" because of the characters' illogical, thoughtless decisions and constant banter. Due to the plot elements of the story, the characters are dynamic in that Frank turns from the conversational superior to soliciting sympathy, Tub goes from bumbling adolescent to sympathetic adolescent, and Kenny begins as an antagonizer and turns into doubting dependant. This story too made me question why a writer would employ mostly stock characters if their actions are predictable. The scene that stuck in my mind was when Tub and Frank returned from the tavern to the truck and almost scolded Kenny for his covers bunching up against the tailgate, as if it was Kenny's fault for losing his covers with a hole in his chest. This occurance and Frank's admitting to an affair shows that society tends to place importance in social matters over physical well-being. This is somewhat ironic because the author uses men to display this trend, when women are most likely to be dramatic and sympathetic.
In contrast to "Everyday Use" and "Bartleby the Scrivener," "Hunters in the Snow" relied more on stock characters. I believe the goal of the story was humor, which was accomplished. It reminded me of some "Three Stooges" clip or the movie "Dumb and Dumber" because of the characters' illogical, thoughtless decisions and constant banter. Due to the plot elements of the story, the characters are dynamic in that Frank turns from the conversational superior to soliciting sympathy, Tub goes from bumbling adolescent to sympathetic adolescent, and Kenny begins as an antagonizer and turns into doubting dependant. This story too made me question why a writer would employ mostly stock characters if their actions are predictable. The scene that stuck in my mind was when Tub and Frank returned from the tavern to the truck and almost scolded Kenny for his covers bunching up against the tailgate, as if it was Kenny's fault for losing his covers with a hole in his chest. This occurance and Frank's admitting to an affair shows that society tends to place importance in social matters over physical well-being. This is somewhat ironic because the author uses men to display this trend, when women are most likely to be dramatic and sympathetic.
Foil Characters
"She washed us in a river of make-believe, burned us with a lot of knowledge we didn't necessarily need to know. Pressed us to her with the serious way she read, to shove us away at just the moment, like dimwits, we seemed about to understand." -"Everyday Use"
The characters in all three short stories give the plot its action and meaning. Because the actions of the characters consume most of the writing, characterization is easier to determine than more setting-based fiction. This was somewhat covered in class, but at least two of the stories, "Bartleby the Scrivener" and "Everyday Use," rely on foil characters, or characters who contrast and emphasize characteristics of the other person. We were told to rank how we sympathized, or more simply liked, the characters in order of least to greatest. Among many students of the same feelings, I chose Dee of "Everyday Use"-object of the above quote-as my least-liked character. I can also disclose that Bartleby of "Bartleby the Scrivener" was another one of my least-like characters. Although the stories generated sympathy for the protagonist/narrators, I was left wondering why a writer would use, in my opinion, unappealing characters that could potentially turn away readers? Maybe the so-called "likeable" characters are emphasized to show flaws in even the most sympathetic characters.
The characters in all three short stories give the plot its action and meaning. Because the actions of the characters consume most of the writing, characterization is easier to determine than more setting-based fiction. This was somewhat covered in class, but at least two of the stories, "Bartleby the Scrivener" and "Everyday Use," rely on foil characters, or characters who contrast and emphasize characteristics of the other person. We were told to rank how we sympathized, or more simply liked, the characters in order of least to greatest. Among many students of the same feelings, I chose Dee of "Everyday Use"-object of the above quote-as my least-liked character. I can also disclose that Bartleby of "Bartleby the Scrivener" was another one of my least-like characters. Although the stories generated sympathy for the protagonist/narrators, I was left wondering why a writer would use, in my opinion, unappealing characters that could potentially turn away readers? Maybe the so-called "likeable" characters are emphasized to show flaws in even the most sympathetic characters.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
A Rose for Emily
"A neighbor saw the Negro man admit him at the kitchen door at dusk one evening. And that was the last we saw of Homer Barron." -"A Rose for Emily"
This story is much more than a well-crafted and unsuspecting ghost story. For me, it truly made me look into the mindset of Emily Grierson compared with the thoughts of society. On the outside world, she was always a woman of old money and natural status. However, the plot suggests something more unusual, not sinister, took place in her mind. When her father died, Miss Emily as left with the house. She had no more money from father or any reason to go about town. Homer Barron was the replacement of that money and purpose. He gave Miss Emily a reason to be seen. Perhaps Emily, socially and behaviorally inept due to isolation, viewed him as an essential item. Whether she killed him or imprisoned him in the house I do not know. If I had to guess, I would wager the former. Nevertheless, Faulker presents a glimpse into soutern society and its inevitable effects when placed upon a lonely, aging, and longing woman.
This story is much more than a well-crafted and unsuspecting ghost story. For me, it truly made me look into the mindset of Emily Grierson compared with the thoughts of society. On the outside world, she was always a woman of old money and natural status. However, the plot suggests something more unusual, not sinister, took place in her mind. When her father died, Miss Emily as left with the house. She had no more money from father or any reason to go about town. Homer Barron was the replacement of that money and purpose. He gave Miss Emily a reason to be seen. Perhaps Emily, socially and behaviorally inept due to isolation, viewed him as an essential item. Whether she killed him or imprisoned him in the house I do not know. If I had to guess, I would wager the former. Nevertheless, Faulker presents a glimpse into soutern society and its inevitable effects when placed upon a lonely, aging, and longing woman.
Interpreter of Maladies
"When she whipped out the hairbrush, the slip of paper with Mr. Kapasi's address on it fluttered away in the wind." -"Interpreter of Maladies"
I enjoyed this story for a number of reasons, including the fact that it was more relevant to daily issues and it highlighted a moral dilemma which it left open-ended to interpretation. Yes, I do not believe the slip fluttering away or the final page of this story offered any resolution. Mr. Kapasi would surely never hear from Mrs. Das again, but the plot sets the stage for some mind-racking on the part of the reader as to her next move. For me, I believe from the description of her grief at telling Mr. Kapasi about her son indicates that she will continue on in this diminishing marriage. Her husband seems to be a genuinely caring and nice man with little inclination to give in to various temptations. She loves her children enough to not break that up. One of the review questions covers cultural sympathy, and both situations are evenly unenviable. I do believe Mr. Kapasi is in a slightly less advantagious viewpoint. He is living in a changing world where media is altering the family normality. Mrs. Das has children that bond her marriage, but Kapasi has a wife and children and still must wrestle with his own unimportance.
I enjoyed this story for a number of reasons, including the fact that it was more relevant to daily issues and it highlighted a moral dilemma which it left open-ended to interpretation. Yes, I do not believe the slip fluttering away or the final page of this story offered any resolution. Mr. Kapasi would surely never hear from Mrs. Das again, but the plot sets the stage for some mind-racking on the part of the reader as to her next move. For me, I believe from the description of her grief at telling Mr. Kapasi about her son indicates that she will continue on in this diminishing marriage. Her husband seems to be a genuinely caring and nice man with little inclination to give in to various temptations. She loves her children enough to not break that up. One of the review questions covers cultural sympathy, and both situations are evenly unenviable. I do believe Mr. Kapasi is in a slightly less advantagious viewpoint. He is living in a changing world where media is altering the family normality. Mrs. Das has children that bond her marriage, but Kapasi has a wife and children and still must wrestle with his own unimportance.
Plot and Setting
"They were on their way to see the Sun Temple at Konarak. It was a ddry, bright Saturday, the mid-JUly heat tempered by a steady ocean breeze, ideal weather for sightseeing." -"Interpreter of Maladies"
For all of these stories, the setting plays an important role in the plot. For "How I Met my Husband," Edie is barred the opportunity to meet men outside the setting of work since she resides with her employers. The above quote shows that the plot is set in India, and "A Rose for Emily" takes place in the Deep South. It serves to note that each of these stories portrays a character with a social idiosyncracy or flaw that ultimately leads to the revelation of the plot. Well, the setting has a major role in the progression of these plots. Each setting lends itself to the characters' flaws. With "A Rose for Emily," the town is still accustomed to Soutern gentility and decorum, leading to an appropriate ghost story. In "How I Met my Husband," the countryside location of the house suggests fleeting intentions and times. Edie is as steadfast as the house, but like the crops and ever-changing fairground around her, her lover ends up not being a flying nomad but an area fixture, like herself.
For all of these stories, the setting plays an important role in the plot. For "How I Met my Husband," Edie is barred the opportunity to meet men outside the setting of work since she resides with her employers. The above quote shows that the plot is set in India, and "A Rose for Emily" takes place in the Deep South. It serves to note that each of these stories portrays a character with a social idiosyncracy or flaw that ultimately leads to the revelation of the plot. Well, the setting has a major role in the progression of these plots. Each setting lends itself to the characters' flaws. With "A Rose for Emily," the town is still accustomed to Soutern gentility and decorum, leading to an appropriate ghost story. In "How I Met my Husband," the countryside location of the house suggests fleeting intentions and times. Edie is as steadfast as the house, but like the crops and ever-changing fairground around her, her lover ends up not being a flying nomad but an area fixture, like herself.
Suspense, Satire, and Situational Irony...but not alliteration
"So I said yes, and I went out with him for two years and he asked me to marry him,..." -"How I Met my Husband"
I must say that I was quite surprised by the endings of nearly all the short stories in this unit. I feel like I could speak most readers when I say that I fully expected Edie to sleep with and run away with Chris and for Mrs. Das, in "Interpreter of Maladies" to make an advance at, or simply make an attempt at, Mr. Kapasi. However, the crafting of these stories by suspense adds to their effect. I was brought back to the sobering and somewhat less entertaining realities that (for "HIMMH") the soul will settle for less passionate love in the wake of desertment but (for "IOM") that the soul still yearns for that passionate, self-pleasing direction after experiencing the opposite. Interestingly, these are common dispositions among many people in society. They could even classify as social downfalls, and these stories shed light on them in different ways. Edie is the innocent, inferior citizen corrupted by the ways of mature society. Mrs. Das is the victim of lightspeed society where jobs and families drown out any possibiltiy of ambition in relationships and hobbies. Just like most society problems, they weren't casued my any one person but the majority, and they are difficult to resist or break away from. So, related to poetry, short stories are much the same, but drawn out over a more complex plot.
I must say that I was quite surprised by the endings of nearly all the short stories in this unit. I feel like I could speak most readers when I say that I fully expected Edie to sleep with and run away with Chris and for Mrs. Das, in "Interpreter of Maladies" to make an advance at, or simply make an attempt at, Mr. Kapasi. However, the crafting of these stories by suspense adds to their effect. I was brought back to the sobering and somewhat less entertaining realities that (for "HIMMH") the soul will settle for less passionate love in the wake of desertment but (for "IOM") that the soul still yearns for that passionate, self-pleasing direction after experiencing the opposite. Interestingly, these are common dispositions among many people in society. They could even classify as social downfalls, and these stories shed light on them in different ways. Edie is the innocent, inferior citizen corrupted by the ways of mature society. Mrs. Das is the victim of lightspeed society where jobs and families drown out any possibiltiy of ambition in relationships and hobbies. Just like most society problems, they weren't casued my any one person but the majority, and they are difficult to resist or break away from. So, related to poetry, short stories are much the same, but drawn out over a more complex plot.
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