Homework 4.22.08

The poem combines images of war with birth and death by mentioning war in the first line, then tying it to the ideas of losing life and new life. When war is mentioned, death often follows. This poem also mentions sperm banks, which introduces the idea of new life replacing life that is lost. I think the author focuses on the idea of sperm banks because some soldiers now are having their sperm frozen when they go off to war so that if they die, their spouses can produce children that are technically theirs. Since the soldier is talking to a poet, it isn't written as a news piece, as a journalist would write it. It gives more detailed information "stars and striped in sticky paws may sow the seeds for future wars". This specific line is also true since the future war mentioned is happening now. 

Classwork 4.17.08

Lion : an animal often considered the 'king of the jungle', large, strong, in the cat family, carnivore, mammal
Lioness : a female form of a lion, known for going to great lengths to protect her young, hunting habits are instictive

I did not have the same reaction as the other blogger. When I read the story my initial reaction was pondering in what ways I would describe or think of myself if I was stripped of my name. Without my name to identify myself, who am I? This made me think of a long list of physical characteristics and other personality components that compose who I am.

Homework 4.10.08

Research:

-the sirens were 3 seducing bird women that lived on an island full of cliffs and rocks

-the Trojan War broke out when Paris of Troy stole Helen from Menelaus, who was her husband and the king of Sparta

-Ulysses is also known as Odysseus

-Odysseus was a famous king of Ithica (a Greek province) that sailed around the world and was away from home for ten years while fighting the Trojan War

-Agamemnon was the commander of the Achaeans during the Trojan War who was later murdered by his wife when he returned from battle

-Leda was the mother of Helen and the queen of Sparta

Homework 4.3.08

After reading A Jury of Her Peers and Trifles by Susan Glaspell many differences can be seen. Trifles is written as more of a dialogue and meant to be read by different individuals acting it out as a play. I found reading it to be difficult since it was hard ti picture where each of the characters was, from the italicized notes. It was also hard to understand as a single reader since minor details, such as each individual character's feelings, are excluded from the dialogue. A Jury of Her Peers is much easier to comprehend if only one reader is reading it. The version also seemed to proved the reader with a more thorough analysis of what is going on inside each character's mind and the subtle glances between the two women, which are crucial to the story. I felt that neither story included more cultural or historical analyses, thus, a historical analysis would be written the same way for either version. Both versions include similar details relating to the time in which the story is set. In conclusion, I found Trifles to be more confusing since it was difficult to follow the dialogue format. If Trifles had been acted out in front of me, versus independently read, it would have been easier to understand. A Jury of Her Peers clearly and concisely laid out everything that was happening inside the house.  

Homework 4.1.08

I chose to do a historical analysis of "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved" by Hunter S. Thompson. The main words I would use for my search would be "kentucky derby", "Black Panthers", "Nixon and Cambodia", and "Kent State" to try to get a better grasp of what was going on at the time this story is set in. I doing research, I would need to get a firm grasp of the history of the Kentucky Derby and what exactly happened there during this time period. What it famous for riots? Where drunks everywhere? Was it only an event attended by the classy and wealthy? The story give many clues about its historical context by mentioning current events. It seems as though fear was widespread during this time and there might have been political unrest in the country. 

Homework 3.27.08 (cont.)

CR 147-154: The theme of this story is that one woman is trying to find her place in society. She struggles since she is caught in between her Chinese heritage and American upbringing. It is from the point of view of the woman herself as she struggles to feel a sense of belonging in the world.

Homework 3.27.08

CR 274-276: The main theme of the story is that the way in which you treat others is how you can expect to be treated. In the story, Becky's sons are ostracized by the community and excluded. Neither the whites or blacks accept them and people are punished if they are associated with the boys. Thus, the boys go on a rampage and leave the town. Becky is left by herself and no one even knows if she is living or deceased. The story's setting plays a huge role in providing the reader with details. It is set in a small town a long time ago when horse and buggy and train were used for transportation. It is described as an autumn day when the chimney falls in on the house. It is easy to visualize the eye-shaped patch of land Becky's house sits on, as a sliver between the road and the tracks. The theme is developed by following the character's in the beginning stages, when Becky had the first child, through the end of the story when the boys are grown and leave. 

Homework 3.25.08

CR 91-93: The story is describing how each culture is different and each ethnicity responds differently on a date. 

CR 147-154: The story is about a family secret of suicide. It those times, suicide was not discussed or openly shared since it was too shameful for the family. The girl was the gem of the family and the only daughter. It describes the road to her hanging. 

CR 94-103: The narrator feels as though he in and invisible man and goes on a personal journey to discover himself. 

CR 274-276: The story centralizes on race. A white woman had two black sons, and it was a big problem in society then. It is discovered by a travelling man from church that the woman's house had burned down and she was buried inside the rubble. When the returns from the house to inform town, no one rushes to help her. It seems as though her house was set on fire and now she's dead since she was white and had two black sons. 

CR 420: The poem describes the hate and malice that lives amongst us in America, yet we continue to foster it in every generation.

CR 421: The poem is intended to inspire a group, most likely the minority, to fight back-even if fighting results in their death. Although many may die fighting, it will not be in vain since they will be dying for a good cause.

Classwork 3.20.08

I. Freewrite
A. war- blood, troops, dust, forest, jungle, loud noises, ammo, camo
gunner- fighter, easily seen, flying
attack- chaos, screaming, running, tanks, explosions, firing of weapons

B. WWII- Holocaust, Hitler, Churchill, Hawaii, Japan, Grandpa Ed, Grandpa Luis, Jim

II. Ball Turret Gunner
Having bacjground information helps to provide a better undestanding when reading the poem, since you can graters appreciate the cramped quarters, freezing temperatures, and exposure to the sky around you. Also, having the background information makes it easy to understand the last line and how one could be washed out with a hose, since it is sphere shaped. Also having background information on Jarrell provides the reader with slightly more information about his life, and why he wrote this poem. If I had had this information to begin with, I would have had mroe to write about and deeper analysis to provide.

Homework 3.20.08

Strategies:

- historicism: using historical documentation to help explain a literary text

- history used to be considered set in stone/unchanging [19th century]

- must use evidence to support any claim made-this is where history is used in looking up documents, texts, and other important pieces of evidence

- new historicism reflects on the history used at the time, and also an evaluation after in was initially written

The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner:

- a man describes his extreme sleep deprivation while fighting a war

- he is suffering: cold, exhausted, far away

- he comes under fire and is killed and washed away

The Holocaust Party

- Joel is so moved by the story that he can no longer remain at the party

- Amy's father is also deeply affected and has to stand outside; he is probably remembering how he spent the war

- Mrs. Isabel is deeply affected by the war, and never recovered emotionally

- through history we know what happened during the Holocaust, and can use that prior knowledge to help us when reading this story

Homework 3.18.08

The Soldier: I think the narrator is saying that there will always be at least one spot in the world that is England since he is off fighting war, and even if the war is lost and the territory that is considered England becomes a different country, to him it will always be England. He could also be saying this because one field will always be England to him, since that is his homeland. 

Anthem for Doomed Youth: This poem is set when a war is going on and soldiers are dying so rapidly that each one cannot be given a proper farewell. I think the title relates to the fact that the youth are having to see so much loss and warfare that they aren't having a normal childhood.

Dulce et Decorum Est: This poem's title translates something to the affect of "it is sweet and beautiful". The title relates to the war and the exhaustion felt by the soldiers. Yet, one soldier dies and struggles just as the last line says "to die for our country".

Glory of Women: The poem seems to be from a mother's or wife's viewpoint. It is describing how men return from war and the stories they share of the things they've seen. The title refers to the woman's biggest accomplishment in the war, which used to be sending things to their loved men off fighting. 

They: This poem is describing the differences families (most likely women) should expect to see when their young men return from war. Many of the soldiers return with wounds, and although mostly physical, there are many mental wounds too. 

Strategies: The reading discusses culture and how that shapes our lives. If you grow up in a culture where men are off fighting wars and come home changed and hardened, then you will likely never see the softer side of people. Culture describes the environment that surrounds us daily, and how that molds us into the people we are. 

Homework 3.4.08

Topic proposal :

1. my blackberry cell phone

2. communication via phone calls, text messages, emails, instant messaging

3. lifeline (in a crisis situation), calendar, alarm, games, note pad, Internet

4. full keyboard, can fit in hand, light weight, garnet colored

5. sleek, doesn't specifically identify with only one gender, compact, multi-functional

6. intended for young, busy, involved, working individuals; students exhibit all the previously mentioned characteristics

This paper will argue that the cell phone was developed to be used as a means of quicker, more direct communication but now acts as an exterior appendage to many people who view it as a vital part of their daily lives. 

Homework 2.28.08

topic : main focus of the reading

purpose : why the author wrote that specific passage; what the reading hopes to accomplish

audience : target group that the author aims the passage at

observation : what is gathered from the reader

background : the prior knowledge used to make observations about a text

research : background information gathered to help further one's knowledge on the subject

analytical skills : skills used to break down the text such as identifying the topic, purpose, and intended audience, why the author wrote this text, or why the author wrote the text targeted at a specific audience

structure : the layout of the text; patterns 

feedback : getting a 'second opinion' from peers

revisions : taking time away from your paper then returning to it will give you a fresh perspective so you can make changes

Classwork 2.21.08

1. I'm a Mac fan. I was initially drawn to Apple since they are asthetically better looking. Macs are more sleek and streamlined than PCs. For example, I prefer my white Mac laptop to a black Gateway one.
2. The software used on a Mac is the same as the software used on PCs, it is just tailored for a Mac. Apple computers do have more software for media outlets, such as photos and movies.
3. Apple's advertising campaign blows PC out fo the water. Apple targets all age groups and clearly demonstrates how their products are better than PCs in a 30 second commercial. Apple also has more flashy advertisments that catch the eye of younger demographics. Since more young people prefer Macs to PCs, I would expect to see a great increase in the number of Macs in the future.

Classwork 2.14.08

"Crabcakes and football: that's what Maryland does!" is one of my favorite lines from the movie Wedding Crashers that I am constantly quoting. Since I was born in Maryland and have a lot of family there it is easy for me to relate to the quote. The quote also sticks in my mind since last summer when I was in Maryland at a family party crabcakes were served while guests played a game of touch football, which is exactly how it played out in the movie.

Homework 2.12.08

Homework 2.07.08

Character by Taslima Nasrim

You're a girl

and you'd better not forget

that when you step over the threshold of your house

men will look askance at you.

When you keep on walking down the lane

men will follow you and whistle.

When you cross the lane and step foot onto the main road

men will revile you and call you a loose woman.

If you've got no character

you'll turn back,

and if not

you'll keep going

       as you're going now.

2. My initial reaction after reading the poem was that it was centering around women and the image of a proper woman. I felt as though a man, perhaps a father, uncle, or older brother was speaking to a younger woman. He was describing the dangers the woman will face by men in the real world and the different 'paths' she can travel down. A woman can either take to heart the crude things said to her, or shrug it off and flaunt her confidence. The poem also might be relating to prostitution since it repeatedly mentions crossing lanes and "stepping onto the main road". I also thought it might be referencing prostitution when it said "loose woman". 

3. When leaving your comfort zone, people will attack you and break you down. As a woman, you must be prepared to defend your character not only against other women, but also against men's preconceived notions. It is your personal decisions whether or not to confront people when they say negative things about you, or to let falsehoods bring you down. 

4. The narrator is most likely a father, uncle, older brother, cousin, grandfather, or close friend speaking to a young woman about the obstacles she will ultimately face as she grows up. She is probably in high school or college and soon to be in the real world where people can be cruel. The narrator and listener must have a very close caring relationship, since the narrator obviously cares enough to be giving the listener this advice. 

5. The poem's theme is to stand up for yourself, be prepared to defend yourself, and know that in life there are always people wanting to bring you down. It is up to you whether or not to cower, or to forge ahead through the fog. 

CR 17-36

The words that affected me the most were "blues", "family", and "addiction". Blues obviously caught my eye since it is in the poem's title. But, it also describes the characters' moods and the overall tone of the story in addition to the genre of music played. Family plays a huge role in the story. This story is a perfect example that no matter what happens in life, family will always be there. If it weren't for the death of the one brother's daughter, he never would have communicated with the other brother. Lastly, addiction is a factor of the depressing mood and troubled family. 

Classwork 1.31.08

In painting my mood this morning I would paint it mostly grey, since I'm exhausted. I'd also paint in some red since I got in a fight with a friend of mine last night, and I might also paint in some pink because overall I'm pretty happy-and pink is a happy color.

Homework 1.31.08

Hills Like White Elephants

1. In the story the couple is anguishing over whether or not the pregnant woman should have an abortion. In the first half of the story the man is trying to convince the girl, Jig, to get the procedure. He tries to tell her that it's a simple operation and once it is done, the rest takes care of itself naturally. She repeatedly asks him if she should go through with it and if he thinks it's a good idea. He promises that he will stay with her and take care of her through the whole thing. She then asks if their relationship will go back to being the way it used to be and if they will be happy again. He said that since he has had friends go through this, whom were all happy afterwards, they too would be happy. In the second half of the story the man and woman go back and forth between decisions. He said that he wants her to get the abortion, but only if she wants to. She gets upset and ends the conversation when he said that he it doesn't mean anything to him. He tries to give her a little space by leaving the table for a moment. When he returns, he asks her if she is okay and she replies that she is "fine". The woman is clearly struggling with the decisions, especially since she knows how badly the man wants her to have the abortion. She is teetering between what she wants for her relationship, and what she knows is right. 

Girl

1. The two speakers in the story are a mother and daughter. Their identities are revealed throughout the story in the text. When the mother is speaking the text is upright, but when the daughter speaks the text is italicized. It is obviously that it is a mother giving a daughter advice because she is describing how to perform household chores and how to be of help to her father. 

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven

1. The narrator of the story is an American-Indian man trying to find his place in the world. He describes that he was the "golden boy" of his town; a star basketball player and college student. Yet, his life was derailed when he started drinking and turned into an alcoholic. He describes how he left his home on the reservation to live in the city with his girlfriend but eventually returned since they always fought. He seems as though he doesn't know what to do with his life. He was once revered as a great, successful individual. Now, he is out of work and no longer the athlete he once was. He was expected to leave the reservation and have his own life, but he has been living at home. He eventually decides that he is going to get a job and clean up. His attitude and approach to the life he leads is nonchalant and laid back, which is expressed in the last line of the story when he says, "I know how all my dreams end anyway". He doesn't seem eager to live life. 

Classwork 1.24.08

Close reading is reading to gain a basic understanding of the text and then reading to identify hidden meanings in the text. In order to read closely you may have to read the text a number of times before fully grasping all the concepts.

I would define pastoral as an individual looking on as a fatherly figure and being able to provide support if it is needed, such as a pastor in a church. OED defines pastoral as a person or thing associated with spiritual care. I think of a mistress as a seductress or woman participating in illicit acts with a married man. Mistress is deinfed as a woman having control or authority. I think of a nymph as a creature living in a forest, like they are portrayed in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Nymph is defined as a semi-defined spirit often portrayed in poetry as an attendant to a particular god.

Homework 1.24.08

6D : In "Black Elvis" the character's name has a direct connection to the story since he is an African-American Elvis impersonator. In "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" June Star's name is a metaphor for her hair color. She is described as having blonde, curly hair. And, since her hair is blonde and bright, it is reminiscent of a warmer season such as summer, hinting at the first part of her name. 

6E : Grandmother is a very hard word for me to use right now. My dad's mother died 10 months ago and her death hit me hard. She was always there for me, and gave me great perspective on life as a whole. It was very tough not having her to talk to about all the changes occurring in my life as I transitioned from high school to college. She was a truly incredible woman; 9 children of her own, 33 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and she loved us all equally yet had a special bond with each of us. She was also a very strong independent woman, which is what I aspire to be. I can't believe I haven't heard her voice in almost a year, I miss her very very much. 

"A Man Said to the Universe" Stephen Crane

This poem describes a man's joy in life. He is so thrilled to be given the gift of life that he proclaims his happiness to the universe. In response, the universe replies that although the man has life, the universe owes him nothing. The poem is saying that lift is something to be cherished and valued, but it is what you make it. In life, we are not promised happiness or success. Instead, we must seek whatever we hope to obtain since we are responsible for ourselves. 

"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" Christopher Marlowe

In the poem, the shepherd is trying to convince his lover to live with him. He describes all the ways in which he can make her happy and all the luxuries he will provide her with. He has made plans for different special things they can do together, such as listening to birds singing, if she will go with him. The poem is proof of his deep love for her. 

Homework 1.22.08

Beyond Words

1. Texts can be poems, novels, plays (scripts), or music sheets.

4. Genre is defined as a category used to name and identify a text characterized by a particular form, style, or purpose.

12. Context is the who, what, when and where of a text.

17. Perspective is the illusion of depth in a painting.

18. Point of view is the angle at which a image is portrayed to the audience viewing it. 

Strategies

I. Reading styles

A. pleasure

1. read at a leisurely pace and we incorporate ourselves into the characters

B. academic

1. reading to gain understanding and knowledge

II. Reading in steps

A. first read to get a grasp of what is happening in the story, the setting, characters, and plot

B. annotate : make brief notes in the margins about what is happening or define unfamiliar terms

C. sketch outline: note character development, changes in plot, etc. without going into excessive detail

III. Dialogue

A. quotations recorded form the text paired with the reader's response set up in a list format

IV. Patterns

A. patterns of repetition : two or more things that are linked together in the text

B. patterns of opposition : something in the text that created tension or evoked strong negative emotions