What do you make of the end of this letter? Does it feel peaceful? Angry? Resilient?
I believe that the end of this letter feels both peaceful and relatively angry. Towards the end of her letter, Celie switches opinions on God. When Celie talks about God she says how he loves everything that he has created in including the color purple. This made Celie think about the world and to learn how to appreciate things. At first she thought that God was a white male as she believed what everyone else did. As her opinion changed on this and she became more informed it "freed" her up but she still has that image of the white man in the back of her mind that is bothering her.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Americans vs Jews
This movie that we are watching at the moment is very interesting. The whole incident that happened between the Jew and the little black boy is very unfortunate. I believe that it was the Jewish persons fault because he was the one that went through the stop light and that hit the boy. Once the ambulances came the Jew was able to leave right away and the little black boy didn't have much assistance. People were yelling in the street saying how it was unfair and that the black boy should've been helped immediately. I completely agree with this and I am with the Americans (blacks) on this whole situation. I understand why there was a huge riot because many people wanted to prove a point about this. It wasn't just a simple accident, it involved much more. The Jewish person had more money and was regarded as higher than the black boy and he therefore got the advantage when the ambulance came. Overall I am for the African Americans and it was good that they rioted. Although many people were arrested and people died at least they were able to show what they were fighting for. The movie that we have been watching at the moment is great because we are able to really understand how certain people talk and react to certain subjects such as racism and discrimination.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sonny's blues
What does the brother realize about Sonny as he plays the piano? What does the music allow Sonny to do?
Sonny has had a challenging life and his use of drugs to help him relax has caused him to make some bad choices. Throughout the story Sonny is in the need for heroin which is the drug he is addicted to but when he starts playing the piano more and more some things start changing. Sonny is able to put his past and emotions on the side and then express it in his music. When Sonny's brother sees him play the piano at the end he is able to tell that Sonny has found something to do where he can relax without taking drugs. When Sonny plays the piano he feels happy and he doesn't want to be using drugs. Playing the piano is his new "drug" in a way and the brother finally notices that at the end of "Sonny's Blues". Playing the piano didn't only help Sonny overcome his drug issues and let his brother know that he found a new path, but it also showed the rest of the world how some people can overcome their problems and start something new in life. This is what happens to Sonny and it is a good ending to the story. Producing music finally allowed Sonny to have a future and realize that he doesn't need drugs in his life and that he can be a successful person. This inspired many others that were around Sonny.
Sonny has had a challenging life and his use of drugs to help him relax has caused him to make some bad choices. Throughout the story Sonny is in the need for heroin which is the drug he is addicted to but when he starts playing the piano more and more some things start changing. Sonny is able to put his past and emotions on the side and then express it in his music. When Sonny's brother sees him play the piano at the end he is able to tell that Sonny has found something to do where he can relax without taking drugs. When Sonny plays the piano he feels happy and he doesn't want to be using drugs. Playing the piano is his new "drug" in a way and the brother finally notices that at the end of "Sonny's Blues". Playing the piano didn't only help Sonny overcome his drug issues and let his brother know that he found a new path, but it also showed the rest of the world how some people can overcome their problems and start something new in life. This is what happens to Sonny and it is a good ending to the story. Producing music finally allowed Sonny to have a future and realize that he doesn't need drugs in his life and that he can be a successful person. This inspired many others that were around Sonny.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Ethics
Family values and the ethics of my life are extremely important. I was always taught by my parents to be polite, respectful and to give back to others. Many people in this world take everything they are given for granted and don’t fully appreciate things in their lives. The people that surround you on a day-to-day basis such as your friends at school can greatly impact and influence how you should be. Usually the students that have respect for others and that are nice will attract other students of the same personality type.
As I was taught many things by my parents on life and how you are supposed to interact and communicate with others at such a young age, today I tend to be with people who were behave the same way as me. I also have some personal ethics that I can consider are crucial for me to have as an individual. I want to make sure that I try to be the best person I can and that I always work hard and put in effort into what I do.
The main thing is to feel happy and to be well respected in and out of the family. If you have that respect then you will be surrounded with those people who will therefore have a positive influence on your attitude and overall behavior. In the end of the day this is how it works, well mannered and polite people will spend time with the same people as them and people with less manners/respect towards others will be together. This is why choosing who you want to spend time with is more important than you can think. It influences you in ways that sometimes you can't realize.
As I was taught many things by my parents on life and how you are supposed to interact and communicate with others at such a young age, today I tend to be with people who were behave the same way as me. I also have some personal ethics that I can consider are crucial for me to have as an individual. I want to make sure that I try to be the best person I can and that I always work hard and put in effort into what I do.
The main thing is to feel happy and to be well respected in and out of the family. If you have that respect then you will be surrounded with those people who will therefore have a positive influence on your attitude and overall behavior. In the end of the day this is how it works, well mannered and polite people will spend time with the same people as them and people with less manners/respect towards others will be together. This is why choosing who you want to spend time with is more important than you can think. It influences you in ways that sometimes you can't realize.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Langston Hughes/Claude McKay
Langston Hughes and Claude McKay both are quite different poets but they do still share some similar ideas. Claud McKay doesn't have the exact same style of writing as Hughes, he uses a specific style (sonnets) of writing that he is known for. McKay wrote to show the white people that African Americans can actually be smart and educated people. McKay's writing style resembled that of Shakespeare which earned him a lot of reputation at the time. Langston Hughes, on the other hand, is a much more traditional kind of writer that speaks to his people. His writing isn't as sophisticated and precise as McKay's.
Overall both of these poets are writing about the same thing which is about the white and black race and how the whites have the wrong idea on blacks. Their main difference comes down to the writing style. For example, in "Theme for English B" by Langston Hughes, he talks about how he wants to be different from the whites, and that whites want nothing to do with blacks as well. This makes him realize that in America there are two races and that it has to be accepted. In McKay's "To My White Friends", she talks about blacks and how they can be just as evil as whites but instead they are trying to be civilized and they just want peace. The whites have in some way gone "crazy" with racial issues and McKay is reminding the whites that blacks can be as well.
The final thing that the two poets have in common is that both poets write about Africa at some point. Hughes writes about it in "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" and McKay in "Africa".
Overall both of these poets are writing about the same thing which is about the white and black race and how the whites have the wrong idea on blacks. Their main difference comes down to the writing style. For example, in "Theme for English B" by Langston Hughes, he talks about how he wants to be different from the whites, and that whites want nothing to do with blacks as well. This makes him realize that in America there are two races and that it has to be accepted. In McKay's "To My White Friends", she talks about blacks and how they can be just as evil as whites but instead they are trying to be civilized and they just want peace. The whites have in some way gone "crazy" with racial issues and McKay is reminding the whites that blacks can be as well.
The final thing that the two poets have in common is that both poets write about Africa at some point. Hughes writes about it in "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" and McKay in "Africa".
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Booker T. Washington
Blog – How is Washington providing an answer to the ‘go North’ or ‘stay South’ debate we looked at in Frederick Douglass’s Life and Times?
Washington provides many ideas and backup to confirm that he believes that African Americans should stay down South and not go up North. Many African Americans wanted to go up North but Washington thought that this wasn't the right move.
Booker T Washington believed that there was no point of going up North because so many African Americans were going up there at once already. African Americans thought they could have a better life up North and get a good job but so many of them had already gotten there that a lot less opportunities were present for the rest of the people still in the South.
Washington also believes that in the end there are still many opportunities down in the South that can also be found in the North. African Americans have for the most part grown up in the South and they have their own lifestyle there. Going up North wouldn't necessarily be that beneficial for an African American and this is what Washington is trying to tell the people. African Americans think that their jobs aren't good enough and that their life is really bad down in the South and this is why they want to go up North so bad. Washington said that he didn't think this was true as working in the field for example is still a normal job. The people down South would have a tough time adapting to life in the North and it makes sense for them to stay where they are from.
Overall Washington would like things to stay traditional with the African Americans staying in the South. This is what he pushed for in his debate and most of the ideas he brought up.
Washington provides many ideas and backup to confirm that he believes that African Americans should stay down South and not go up North. Many African Americans wanted to go up North but Washington thought that this wasn't the right move.
Booker T Washington believed that there was no point of going up North because so many African Americans were going up there at once already. African Americans thought they could have a better life up North and get a good job but so many of them had already gotten there that a lot less opportunities were present for the rest of the people still in the South.
Washington also believes that in the end there are still many opportunities down in the South that can also be found in the North. African Americans have for the most part grown up in the South and they have their own lifestyle there. Going up North wouldn't necessarily be that beneficial for an African American and this is what Washington is trying to tell the people. African Americans think that their jobs aren't good enough and that their life is really bad down in the South and this is why they want to go up North so bad. Washington said that he didn't think this was true as working in the field for example is still a normal job. The people down South would have a tough time adapting to life in the North and it makes sense for them to stay where they are from.
Overall Washington would like things to stay traditional with the African Americans staying in the South. This is what he pushed for in his debate and most of the ideas he brought up.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Equiano and Smith
Compare Equiano to Venture Smith. Both are Africans brought over to America to be slaves. Do they share the same views? How do they differ?
Equiano and Venture Smith both had a similar background and childhood. Although they were brought over to America to be slaves they were two different people who didn't approach life the same way once they earned (bought) their freedom.
Equiano was a lot more descriptive about his journeys and home town then Venture Smith was. Equiano takes time talking about his village and how he grew up and it seems as if he was very attached to his family and friends back home; this didn't seem as important to Venture Smith. Equiano also explains in great detail the trip from Africa to America where he just like Venture Smith was kidnapped to become a slave.
Equiano's experience as a slave in general was quite different then Venture's because Venture had gone straight to America but Equiano was in parts of Africa before he went to Barbados and N. America.
Equiano's experience as a slave was very different then Venture’s because unlike Venture who went directly to North America, Equiano was in different parts of Africa before he went to North America and Barbados and he spent a good amount of time in England in Europe. Another significant difference between the two was that money was everything to Venture Smith once he was a free man but it wasn't everything for Equiano. He wasn't as obsessed about it as Venture.
Equiano and Venture Smith both had a similar background and childhood. Although they were brought over to America to be slaves they were two different people who didn't approach life the same way once they earned (bought) their freedom.
Equiano was a lot more descriptive about his journeys and home town then Venture Smith was. Equiano takes time talking about his village and how he grew up and it seems as if he was very attached to his family and friends back home; this didn't seem as important to Venture Smith. Equiano also explains in great detail the trip from Africa to America where he just like Venture Smith was kidnapped to become a slave.
Equiano's experience as a slave in general was quite different then Venture's because Venture had gone straight to America but Equiano was in parts of Africa before he went to Barbados and N. America.
Equiano's experience as a slave was very different then Venture’s because unlike Venture who went directly to North America, Equiano was in different parts of Africa before he went to North America and Barbados and he spent a good amount of time in England in Europe. Another significant difference between the two was that money was everything to Venture Smith once he was a free man but it wasn't everything for Equiano. He wasn't as obsessed about it as Venture.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Protest Songs vs. Older work
There were many ideas in these three protest songs that relate back to previous work that we read. Most of these protest songs inspired young black African Americans who were going through their lives. Many black African Americans in the past didn’t have much money and lived in poverty and when they heard these protest songs they could relate to the issues and the rest of the world could in some way place themselves in their shoes.
Even black African American rappers that sang songs like “N.Y State of Mind” or the “The Message” could relate to these protest songs and it inspired their work and helped their own songs make more sense. In the song, “We Shall Overcome” they sing about how one day they will overcome many problems they are facing in the world and that they may be considered as equal one day. Rappers like NAS talk about the same kind of things in their songs. They talk about growing up in the hood and having a hard time doing so and making a name for themselves, mostly due to their skin color.
Even people like John Henry can relate to these protest songs. John Henry is someone who wanted to pound steel stakes with a hammer his whole life and who most likely had a rough and challenging childhood. John Henry and his story can relate to the lyrics present in the song “Ain’t gonna let Nobody Turn me “Round” where the message there is that basically no one will stop you from doing what you are doing if you have a goal. It also says in that song that if you are so determined in doing something you can ultimately ‘build a brand new world” which is what these rappers are trying to do and people like John Henry amongst others.
Another important message of these protest songs is that what Black Americans truly want is to simply be equal to white people and have the same opportunity as anyone else to do something good in the world. That’s what they are all trying to do in a way. ( Black African Americans in the readings and songs)
Even black African American rappers that sang songs like “N.Y State of Mind” or the “The Message” could relate to these protest songs and it inspired their work and helped their own songs make more sense. In the song, “We Shall Overcome” they sing about how one day they will overcome many problems they are facing in the world and that they may be considered as equal one day. Rappers like NAS talk about the same kind of things in their songs. They talk about growing up in the hood and having a hard time doing so and making a name for themselves, mostly due to their skin color.
Even people like John Henry can relate to these protest songs. John Henry is someone who wanted to pound steel stakes with a hammer his whole life and who most likely had a rough and challenging childhood. John Henry and his story can relate to the lyrics present in the song “Ain’t gonna let Nobody Turn me “Round” where the message there is that basically no one will stop you from doing what you are doing if you have a goal. It also says in that song that if you are so determined in doing something you can ultimately ‘build a brand new world” which is what these rappers are trying to do and people like John Henry amongst others.
Another important message of these protest songs is that what Black Americans truly want is to simply be equal to white people and have the same opportunity as anyone else to do something good in the world. That’s what they are all trying to do in a way. ( Black African Americans in the readings and songs)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
John Henry Blog
In John Henry's song it tells us a story about a young black boy. This boy was obsessed with steal driving and he wanted to be the best steel driving man ever and thats all that he thought about. This young boy wanted to do this as a career and until the day he dies. John Henry here is showing us how determined and motivated this boy was and that he had set himself a goal for his life. This ballad influenced songs like "NY State of Mind" and "The Message"because both of these rappers also had a goal in their life and a "message". They both had hard lives when they were young and they had to face difficult challenges and be determined just like the young black boy in John Henry's song to succeed in life.
Monday, May 18, 2009
II.xiii – II.xv
Why does Joe start tapping?
Because Joe has no arms or legs and he basically has no communication with people he wanted to find a way to try and express his thoughts to others. When Joe is in the hospital in his bed he has visitors come down and see him every once in a while and he wants to be able to talk to them. In this chapter Joe has a special visitor that comes down and sees him. This person is his general that came down to the hospital to give Joe his award. When he was there Joe wanted to be able to communicate with him and therefore he tried tapping on his bed. No one understood what he was trying to do including the nurses who thought that he was getting mad. The nurses therefore gave Joe a sedative to make him cool off. All that Joe was trying to do was communicate and the nurses didn't understand. This was probably very frustrating for Joe who is trying so hard but he is in such a bad physical shape that he can barely do anything right.
Because Joe has no arms or legs and he basically has no communication with people he wanted to find a way to try and express his thoughts to others. When Joe is in the hospital in his bed he has visitors come down and see him every once in a while and he wants to be able to talk to them. In this chapter Joe has a special visitor that comes down and sees him. This person is his general that came down to the hospital to give Joe his award. When he was there Joe wanted to be able to communicate with him and therefore he tried tapping on his bed. No one understood what he was trying to do including the nurses who thought that he was getting mad. The nurses therefore gave Joe a sedative to make him cool off. All that Joe was trying to do was communicate and the nurses didn't understand. This was probably very frustrating for Joe who is trying so hard but he is in such a bad physical shape that he can barely do anything right.
Friday, May 15, 2009
II.xi – II.xii
Why does Joe decide to master time? How does he do it?
Joe decides to master time for a pretty simple reason. In the previous chapters Joe was never really conscious of time and what day it was. This bothered Joe and he wanted to do something about it. Joe is tired of not knowing what is going on around him at times and where he is during the day. Now that Joe seemed more emotionally stable he thought that he was ready to take on a new challenge and start mastering time. Joe tried doing this by counting seconds but that didn't work too well as he would get lost once he got close to the minute marker. Joe didn't lose hope though even though this method didn't quite work for him. Instead he decided to closely follow what the nurses did throughout the day that way he would be able to notice if it was morning time or evening. It ended up that this method worked out for him the best.
Joe decides to master time for a pretty simple reason. In the previous chapters Joe was never really conscious of time and what day it was. This bothered Joe and he wanted to do something about it. Joe is tired of not knowing what is going on around him at times and where he is during the day. Now that Joe seemed more emotionally stable he thought that he was ready to take on a new challenge and start mastering time. Joe tried doing this by counting seconds but that didn't work too well as he would get lost once he got close to the minute marker. Joe didn't lose hope though even though this method didn't quite work for him. Instead he decided to closely follow what the nurses did throughout the day that way he would be able to notice if it was morning time or evening. It ended up that this method worked out for him the best.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I.ix – I.x
What does Joe believe is worth fighting for? What isn't?
Joe believe that it is worth fighting for something that is extremely important, even more than your own life at the time. In the book Joe believes for example that a women is worth fighting for. Joe also explains that it is only worth fighting for something that is more important than your life because if you are only fighting for something to help you live you are risking your own life. It would be stupid to fight for something that will kill you because then you won't have the satisfaction to experience what you fought for.
According to Joe, it is also useless to fight for things such as liberty and freedom. Fighting for these things is useless and Joe thinks that the people that do fight for these things don't know what they are getting into and that they are wasting and putting their lives at risk. For example a solider may be fighting for honor but once he is in the middle of the battlefield bleeding heavily and about to die he isn't thinking about honor but how he wishes to live longer and see his family again. When you are dead you can't do anything more in your life, its over so in Joe's mind it is important to only fight for things that are extremely important and that will not cause you to die.
Although Joe believes all this he also believes that nothing is more important than your own life and if you are doing something to put it at risk you shouldn't do it.
Joe believe that it is worth fighting for something that is extremely important, even more than your own life at the time. In the book Joe believes for example that a women is worth fighting for. Joe also explains that it is only worth fighting for something that is more important than your life because if you are only fighting for something to help you live you are risking your own life. It would be stupid to fight for something that will kill you because then you won't have the satisfaction to experience what you fought for.
According to Joe, it is also useless to fight for things such as liberty and freedom. Fighting for these things is useless and Joe thinks that the people that do fight for these things don't know what they are getting into and that they are wasting and putting their lives at risk. For example a solider may be fighting for honor but once he is in the middle of the battlefield bleeding heavily and about to die he isn't thinking about honor but how he wishes to live longer and see his family again. When you are dead you can't do anything more in your life, its over so in Joe's mind it is important to only fight for things that are extremely important and that will not cause you to die.
Although Joe believes all this he also believes that nothing is more important than your own life and if you are doing something to put it at risk you shouldn't do it.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
I.vii - I.viii
Why does the rat come to visit Joe? What does it represent?
The rat comes to visit Joe while he is in the battlefield. Joe is wounded on his side and he has a small hole there because he was injured. The rat comes and eats away his side where he is hurt. Because Joe doesn't have any arms or legs he can't do anything about it and this is why the rat stuck in his mind for a long time. Joe is completely helpless and all he can do is think about this rat and that it has to go away by itself. To Joe, the rat represents the life that he had in the past. The rat also represented memories that Joe had in the battlefield. Because this happened while Joe was sleeping and that when he later woke up he was with a nurse in a hospital he doesn't quite know when he is in reality and when he is actually alive. Joe basically doesn't even know if he is sleeping or living. He has a very bad sense of reality and the whole rat situation made everything worse for him.
The rat comes to visit Joe while he is in the battlefield. Joe is wounded on his side and he has a small hole there because he was injured. The rat comes and eats away his side where he is hurt. Because Joe doesn't have any arms or legs he can't do anything about it and this is why the rat stuck in his mind for a long time. Joe is completely helpless and all he can do is think about this rat and that it has to go away by itself. To Joe, the rat represents the life that he had in the past. The rat also represented memories that Joe had in the battlefield. Because this happened while Joe was sleeping and that when he later woke up he was with a nurse in a hospital he doesn't quite know when he is in reality and when he is actually alive. Joe basically doesn't even know if he is sleeping or living. He has a very bad sense of reality and the whole rat situation made everything worse for him.
Friday, May 8, 2009
I.iv – I.vi
Why does Joe remember working at the bakery? What does he admire about Jose?
Joe was never really able to get a real good job and he wasn't hired at many places. He remembers working at the bakery because it was a job that he was able to get and that he ultimately liked. Although he liked working at the bakery he did end up finding a better job somewhere else. Because of this he tried to get fired from his job working at the bakery and he didn't work as good as he used to. Joe did things like dropping a pie in front of his boss Jose. Jose though forgives Joe and thinks that that wasn't a big problem. Because of this Joe drops a whole bunch of pies and then that time he was fired by Jose. Jose is a nice guy and wanted Joe to keep working for him. At least now Joe is able to focus more on his better job and he can move on with his life. He shouldve just told Jose that he wanted to quit though..
Joe was never really able to get a real good job and he wasn't hired at many places. He remembers working at the bakery because it was a job that he was able to get and that he ultimately liked. Although he liked working at the bakery he did end up finding a better job somewhere else. Because of this he tried to get fired from his job working at the bakery and he didn't work as good as he used to. Joe did things like dropping a pie in front of his boss Jose. Jose though forgives Joe and thinks that that wasn't a big problem. Because of this Joe drops a whole bunch of pies and then that time he was fired by Jose. Jose is a nice guy and wanted Joe to keep working for him. At least now Joe is able to focus more on his better job and he can move on with his life. He shouldve just told Jose that he wanted to quit though..
I.i - I.iii
What is Joe’s situation? Why does he compare it to drowning?
Joe is in a pretty bad situation straight from the beginning of this novel. Joe is in a hospital bed because he got his limbs cut off! At the hospital Joe falls asleep and he has a pretty strange dream that he is drowning! After that he finally wakes up he notices that he has no more arms or legs. The only thing he has left is a ring on his hand that was given to him and he strongly believes that the doctors shouldn't have to cut that off. I believe that the drowning he experienced in his dream symbolizes how he feels physically, without any energy and in a bad state of shape. I also believe that it represents him in society and how he "is drowning" into it. Joe seems to be in a difficult situation with a lot of things going through his mind and I dont think that he is a very happy person.
Joe is in a pretty bad situation straight from the beginning of this novel. Joe is in a hospital bed because he got his limbs cut off! At the hospital Joe falls asleep and he has a pretty strange dream that he is drowning! After that he finally wakes up he notices that he has no more arms or legs. The only thing he has left is a ring on his hand that was given to him and he strongly believes that the doctors shouldn't have to cut that off. I believe that the drowning he experienced in his dream symbolizes how he feels physically, without any energy and in a bad state of shape. I also believe that it represents him in society and how he "is drowning" into it. Joe seems to be in a difficult situation with a lot of things going through his mind and I dont think that he is a very happy person.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Bell Jar Ch. 19-20
Why does Esther feel such a need to sleep with Irwin? Does she feel better or different after it has happened?
Ever since that Esther found out that Buddy had sex before she found a new desire to have sex as well as soon as possible with any man. Throughout the entire novel Esther talks to different men and many times she tries to have sex but she is denied. When Esther first meets Irwin she thinks that she will be able to sleep with him. He is an intelligent, handsome young man who would be the perfect fit for Esther. It turns out that she was able to have sex with Irwin after they do she doesn't feel as good as what she had hoped for. Esther ends up feeling physically hurt after that she looses her virginity. She's happy that she has finally had sex but that's about it. She later goes to the hospital and then calls Irwin and tells him that she will not see him again which I didn't find very nice.
Ever since that Esther found out that Buddy had sex before she found a new desire to have sex as well as soon as possible with any man. Throughout the entire novel Esther talks to different men and many times she tries to have sex but she is denied. When Esther first meets Irwin she thinks that she will be able to sleep with him. He is an intelligent, handsome young man who would be the perfect fit for Esther. It turns out that she was able to have sex with Irwin after they do she doesn't feel as good as what she had hoped for. Esther ends up feeling physically hurt after that she looses her virginity. She's happy that she has finally had sex but that's about it. She later goes to the hospital and then calls Irwin and tells him that she will not see him again which I didn't find very nice.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Bell Jar Ch. 17-18
What does Esther mean when she says she feels trapped under a bell jar?
When Esther says that she feels trapped under a bell jar she basically means that she feels trapped from the real world. Her situation is a very delicate one and Esther thinks that whatever happens and wherever she goes it will not change. This is why she says that she feels trapped under a bell jar. Esther gets alot of attention from people and doctors and she feels trapped by everyone. She feels trapped from putting her life back on track. She is in a tough situation and she doesn't really know how to handle it. Although her recovery is slowly starting to get better she is unsure that one day she will be completely "normal" again. This is why she feels trapped under a bell jar.
When Esther says that she feels trapped under a bell jar she basically means that she feels trapped from the real world. Her situation is a very delicate one and Esther thinks that whatever happens and wherever she goes it will not change. This is why she says that she feels trapped under a bell jar. Esther gets alot of attention from people and doctors and she feels trapped by everyone. She feels trapped from putting her life back on track. She is in a tough situation and she doesn't really know how to handle it. Although her recovery is slowly starting to get better she is unsure that one day she will be completely "normal" again. This is why she feels trapped under a bell jar.
The Bell Jar Ch. 15-16
Describe the new asylum Esther goes to? What might life have been like had she been forced to stay where she was?
Esther really likes the new asylum that she goes to. She thinks that it is alot better than where she used to stay. The new asylum gives Esther more freedom and she finally is able to enjoy life a bit more. In her older asylum Esther was always very stressed out and she doesn't feel the same way now anymore. In the new asylum Esther doesn't get those horrible shock treatments from Dr. Gordon. Another good thing about the new asylum is that it has more technology and it is more specialized to Esther's needs. If Esther was forced to stay where she was before her life would've permanently been different forever. Esther would've most likely had a mental breakdown and she probably would have ended up killing herself for sure. Dr. Gordon wasn't a very good doctor at all and she negatively impacted Esther. It is good that Esther is finally in a place where she feels safe and where she will be able to progress well on her treatment and recovery.
Esther really likes the new asylum that she goes to. She thinks that it is alot better than where she used to stay. The new asylum gives Esther more freedom and she finally is able to enjoy life a bit more. In her older asylum Esther was always very stressed out and she doesn't feel the same way now anymore. In the new asylum Esther doesn't get those horrible shock treatments from Dr. Gordon. Another good thing about the new asylum is that it has more technology and it is more specialized to Esther's needs. If Esther was forced to stay where she was before her life would've permanently been different forever. Esther would've most likely had a mental breakdown and she probably would have ended up killing herself for sure. Dr. Gordon wasn't a very good doctor at all and she negatively impacted Esther. It is good that Esther is finally in a place where she feels safe and where she will be able to progress well on her treatment and recovery.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Bell Jar Ch. 13-14
What is wrong with Esther? Why does she try to kill herself?
The biggest problem with Esther is that she just wants to keep on trying to kill herself over and over again. She has tried many times although she never succeeds all the way. To her it seems like a game and she doesn't know if one day she will be able to completely kill herself. Esther has tried to kill herself in the ocean by drowning herself but it didn't work. Because of this she decided to try something different to kill herself. This method was to overdose on some pills. She takes all the pills that she has and she becomes completely unaware of her surroundings. Although this method was a lot closer for her to kill herself it still didn't work. For Esther it is a challenge for her to commit suicide and she is taking it very seriously.
The biggest problem with Esther is that she just wants to keep on trying to kill herself over and over again. She has tried many times although she never succeeds all the way. To her it seems like a game and she doesn't know if one day she will be able to completely kill herself. Esther has tried to kill herself in the ocean by drowning herself but it didn't work. Because of this she decided to try something different to kill herself. This method was to overdose on some pills. She takes all the pills that she has and she becomes completely unaware of her surroundings. Although this method was a lot closer for her to kill herself it still didn't work. For Esther it is a challenge for her to commit suicide and she is taking it very seriously.
The Bell Jar Ch. 11-12
Why doesn’t Esther like Dr. Gordon? Is he hurting or helping her?
Esther doesn't like Dr. Gordon for a number of reasons. The first main thing that she doesn't like about Dr. Gordon is that he tries to hard to show that he has a perfect family with a beautiful wife, kids and a nice dog. She also believes that Dr. Gordon is too attractive to even be a therapist. A therapist shouldn't show off all these things to his clients. Another thing that makes her not like Dr. Gordon is the fact that he cannot understand Esther's life and what exactly is going wrong with her. Dr. Gordon really isn't helping Esther the way that he should and this is making Esther mad. After doing a lot of evaluations Dr. Gordon finally says that Esther needs shock therapy and that he needs to go to his facility to do it. It seemed that the shock therapy did more harm to Esther than anything and at the end Dr. Gordon is hurting Esther more than anything.. It is a sad thing to see but I believe Dr. Gordon is just trying to make money off Esther and he doesn't understand her real problem.
Esther doesn't like Dr. Gordon for a number of reasons. The first main thing that she doesn't like about Dr. Gordon is that he tries to hard to show that he has a perfect family with a beautiful wife, kids and a nice dog. She also believes that Dr. Gordon is too attractive to even be a therapist. A therapist shouldn't show off all these things to his clients. Another thing that makes her not like Dr. Gordon is the fact that he cannot understand Esther's life and what exactly is going wrong with her. Dr. Gordon really isn't helping Esther the way that he should and this is making Esther mad. After doing a lot of evaluations Dr. Gordon finally says that Esther needs shock therapy and that he needs to go to his facility to do it. It seemed that the shock therapy did more harm to Esther than anything and at the end Dr. Gordon is hurting Esther more than anything.. It is a sad thing to see but I believe Dr. Gordon is just trying to make money off Esther and he doesn't understand her real problem.
The Bell Jar Ch. 9-10
How does Esther act when she returns to Boston? How might her night with Marco have influenced her actions?
Esther doesn't react very well when she returns to Boston and from there on things change and do go according to what she had in mind. The main thing that was somewhat weird was when she was returning to Boston driving home and she described everything as though she was in a jail cell. Then once that Esther finally reaches Boston her mom tells her some bad news which was that she didn't make the summer program that she enrolled in. That frustrated her very deeply and from then on she didn't know what to do with herself anymore. She felt somewhat hopeless and then she started making bad decisions like canceling her summer plans and some of her classes. Esther believes in her mind that she cannot do anything now and that she is starting to fail and this is holding her back from doing great things in life.
Esther doesn't react very well when she returns to Boston and from there on things change and do go according to what she had in mind. The main thing that was somewhat weird was when she was returning to Boston driving home and she described everything as though she was in a jail cell. Then once that Esther finally reaches Boston her mom tells her some bad news which was that she didn't make the summer program that she enrolled in. That frustrated her very deeply and from then on she didn't know what to do with herself anymore. She felt somewhat hopeless and then she started making bad decisions like canceling her summer plans and some of her classes. Esther believes in her mind that she cannot do anything now and that she is starting to fail and this is holding her back from doing great things in life.
The Bell Jar Ch. 7-8
What does Esther want from Constantin? How does he react? What do you think of his reaction?
Esther doesn't like the fact that Buddy has been with so many women and that he has had a lot of sex. Esther wants to feel equal to Buddy and for her to do that she wants to have sex with someone. In this case she wants to do this with Constantin. When Esther first discretely mentions to Constantin that she wants to have a close relationship with him he isn't somewhat shocked and he reacts in a negative way. From Esthers point of view Constantin believes it isn't the best thing to do but culturally he feels different about it. At the end though Esther is disappointed of Constantin's final decision. She feels as if he is in some way letting her down and that no one wants to have sex with her. I think that his reaction is appropriate though because they aren't ahead enough in the relationship to do this. I feel like the main reason Esther wants to jump into this is because of Buddy..
Esther doesn't like the fact that Buddy has been with so many women and that he has had a lot of sex. Esther wants to feel equal to Buddy and for her to do that she wants to have sex with someone. In this case she wants to do this with Constantin. When Esther first discretely mentions to Constantin that she wants to have a close relationship with him he isn't somewhat shocked and he reacts in a negative way. From Esthers point of view Constantin believes it isn't the best thing to do but culturally he feels different about it. At the end though Esther is disappointed of Constantin's final decision. She feels as if he is in some way letting her down and that no one wants to have sex with her. I think that his reaction is appropriate though because they aren't ahead enough in the relationship to do this. I feel like the main reason Esther wants to jump into this is because of Buddy..
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Bell Jar Chapters 5-6
What does Esther think of Buddy? What does she want from him? What does she want him to think of her?
Esther had mix feelings for Buddy. At first Esther loved Buddy and they had a good relationship together. Buddy in one way tricked Esther into liking him. At first Buddy thought that Esther was very hot and attractive. He often uses the word "sexy" to describe Esther. After a while though when Esther had a talk with Buddy she found out that Buddy had already had an affair before and that he had sex many times over the summer. Buddy didn't have real feelings for Esther but instead they were simply impulses that he couldn't stop. After that Esther found out that Buddy had his this affair with the waitress she lost alot of respect and love for him. In one way Esther wanted Buddy to be a virgin it annoyed her that he wasn't. In the end now they are talking less and have taken their distances.
Esther had mix feelings for Buddy. At first Esther loved Buddy and they had a good relationship together. Buddy in one way tricked Esther into liking him. At first Buddy thought that Esther was very hot and attractive. He often uses the word "sexy" to describe Esther. After a while though when Esther had a talk with Buddy she found out that Buddy had already had an affair before and that he had sex many times over the summer. Buddy didn't have real feelings for Esther but instead they were simply impulses that he couldn't stop. After that Esther found out that Buddy had his this affair with the waitress she lost alot of respect and love for him. In one way Esther wanted Buddy to be a virgin it annoyed her that he wasn't. In the end now they are talking less and have taken their distances.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Bell Jar Chapter 3-4
How does Esther avoid Chemistry in college? Why might she find science so overwhelming?
Esther avoids Chemistry in college through a precise strategy that worked very well. The main reason she was able to not take Chemistry in college was by saying to the administration that she would rather take a literature course for the grade instead because she is more familiar with literature and also because it was her number major. It just made alot more sense for her to do this.
Esther also said that the reason why she wanted to take the grade was simply to get the facts down and know the information, it wasn't to get an A or B. The grades really aren't all that important to Esther. Esther finds science overwhelming because she doesn't like all the numbers and symbols that are involved. Although she did do Physics and she got an A in the class she just doesn't like it as much. She also believes that it is too much work and she would much rather stick to Literature, a class that she has a passion for and that she would connect with a lot better in college.
Esther avoids Chemistry in college through a precise strategy that worked very well. The main reason she was able to not take Chemistry in college was by saying to the administration that she would rather take a literature course for the grade instead because she is more familiar with literature and also because it was her number major. It just made alot more sense for her to do this.
Esther also said that the reason why she wanted to take the grade was simply to get the facts down and know the information, it wasn't to get an A or B. The grades really aren't all that important to Esther. Esther finds science overwhelming because she doesn't like all the numbers and symbols that are involved. Although she did do Physics and she got an A in the class she just doesn't like it as much. She also believes that it is too much work and she would much rather stick to Literature, a class that she has a passion for and that she would connect with a lot better in college.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Bell Jar: First line of novel
The first line of the novel starts out by saying it was the summer that, "they electrocuted the Rosenbergs". This first sentence gives a sense of where the novel will further lead us as well as what its setting is. This book took place in the middle of the 20th century. During this time the Rosenburgs, which were mentioned in the first sentence of the novel were killed (executed) because they were communist spies. The first sentence very closely relates to the first two chapters that we read. As she is in New York she just follows Doreen and she doesn't exactly know what to do.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Mona Lisa Smile Day #2
Comment on a decision made by a character that reflects or revokes a value from the 1950s.
Betty is a character that made a decision during the movie today that revokes a value form the typical 1950's. Betty gets married while attending school and that is something that most young women were looking forward to in the 1950's. Although Betty got married, it is kind of a "fake" marriage. Her husband doesn't seem very nice to Betty and involved in the whole situation and Betty is somewhat upset due to this. Betty is kind of known as the troublemaker/rebel in the movie and she wants to make an example of herself to the other students as well as Ms. Watson (in a mean way). Being the first character to get married in the movie it shows just how much she wanted this and it shows how young women thought in the 1950's.
Betty is a character that made a decision during the movie today that revokes a value form the typical 1950's. Betty gets married while attending school and that is something that most young women were looking forward to in the 1950's. Although Betty got married, it is kind of a "fake" marriage. Her husband doesn't seem very nice to Betty and involved in the whole situation and Betty is somewhat upset due to this. Betty is kind of known as the troublemaker/rebel in the movie and she wants to make an example of herself to the other students as well as Ms. Watson (in a mean way). Being the first character to get married in the movie it shows just how much she wanted this and it shows how young women thought in the 1950's.
Mona Lisa Smile Day #1
Comment on how the film is portraying the time period of the 1950s.
So far the film is portraying the 1950's because it represents the role of young women during that time. Most of the girls that go to Wellsey want to raise a family after that and marry their husband. The only reason that they are attending this prestigious school is because they want to have that special degree but it really doesn't matter to them. Most of the girls so far in Julia Robert's classroom are extremely smart and somewhat arrogant. They portray the way that most young women were in the 1950's. They went to a good college, were smart, got married and became housewives. This is basically how the 1950's were. Women went to college and then directly got married for the most part.
So far the film is portraying the 1950's because it represents the role of young women during that time. Most of the girls that go to Wellsey want to raise a family after that and marry their husband. The only reason that they are attending this prestigious school is because they want to have that special degree but it really doesn't matter to them. Most of the girls so far in Julia Robert's classroom are extremely smart and somewhat arrogant. They portray the way that most young women were in the 1950's. They went to a good college, were smart, got married and became housewives. This is basically how the 1950's were. Women went to college and then directly got married for the most part.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Streetcar Scenes 9-11
Stella is remarkably sad at the end of the play because of what happens to Blanche. Was she right in doing what she has done?
I strongly believe that Stella was right in what she did Blanche and it was completely justified. Blanche was making Stella's life a misery and she was literally ruining it. Stella and Stanley had no problems which each other and first and they were getting along just fine but once Blanche stepped into the picture she turned things around and made Stanley look like the bad guy.
It was hard for Stella to see Blanche go to an insane asylum but at the end it was the right thing to do and most people that knew her and how crazy she was knew that! Seeing Blanche's death was also hard for Stella at the end of the play. Blanche wasn't the first person in the family to pass away and that also mad Stella even more sad. It was Blanche though who made the bad decisions and who could've turned herself around earlier..
I strongly believe that Stella was right in what she did Blanche and it was completely justified. Blanche was making Stella's life a misery and she was literally ruining it. Stella and Stanley had no problems which each other and first and they were getting along just fine but once Blanche stepped into the picture she turned things around and made Stanley look like the bad guy.
It was hard for Stella to see Blanche go to an insane asylum but at the end it was the right thing to do and most people that knew her and how crazy she was knew that! Seeing Blanche's death was also hard for Stella at the end of the play. Blanche wasn't the first person in the family to pass away and that also mad Stella even more sad. It was Blanche though who made the bad decisions and who could've turned herself around earlier..
Street Car Scenes 6-8
What is revealed about Blanche in these chapters? Do these revelations come as a shock?
Many things about Blanche's character is revealed in these chapters. Blanche may seem like a nice person from the outside but she hides alot of things that not everyone can tell by meeting her the first time. Blanche is in fact a very manipulative person and she has lied to many people in her life. One of these lies includes when she told her sister that she lost the estate because she couldn't make the payments because she was given time "for her nerves". She was actually shunned out of the whole Laurel social system because she slept with one of her students at school! Blanche also lied to one of her boyfriends stating that she had only been kissed by one boy and that she was still a virgin. This is crazy because Blanche wasn't a virgin at all!
This becomes a shock to everyone including Blanche because after a while everyone finds out that they have all been lied too and everyone starts hating Blanche and they don't really want to talk to her still!
Many things about Blanche's character is revealed in these chapters. Blanche may seem like a nice person from the outside but she hides alot of things that not everyone can tell by meeting her the first time. Blanche is in fact a very manipulative person and she has lied to many people in her life. One of these lies includes when she told her sister that she lost the estate because she couldn't make the payments because she was given time "for her nerves". She was actually shunned out of the whole Laurel social system because she slept with one of her students at school! Blanche also lied to one of her boyfriends stating that she had only been kissed by one boy and that she was still a virgin. This is crazy because Blanche wasn't a virgin at all!
This becomes a shock to everyone including Blanche because after a while everyone finds out that they have all been lied too and everyone starts hating Blanche and they don't really want to talk to her still!
Street Car Scenes 4-5
Why does Blanche disapprove of Stanley?
Blanche disaproves of Stanley for many different reasons. The first main reason is that Stanley simply doesn't treat Blanche in the right way and in her mind he is a stone age person. Stanley also beat Blanche's sister which she didn't like at all. In Blanche's opinion Stanley is someone with no manners with an aggressive, mean and harsh personality that causes trouble more than anything. Blanche simply doesn't like him. He isn't a good person to be around with and he can't be trusted.
Besides all that there is also some kind of sexual tension between the two which excites Blanche but in a more negative way than anything. Stanley knows alot about Blanche that she doesn't want the rest of the world knowing and this makes her anxious. Overall Blanche believes that Stella shouldn't have chosen Stanley as a husband. He was definitely the wrong pick and not a good addition to the family.
Blanche disaproves of Stanley for many different reasons. The first main reason is that Stanley simply doesn't treat Blanche in the right way and in her mind he is a stone age person. Stanley also beat Blanche's sister which she didn't like at all. In Blanche's opinion Stanley is someone with no manners with an aggressive, mean and harsh personality that causes trouble more than anything. Blanche simply doesn't like him. He isn't a good person to be around with and he can't be trusted.
Besides all that there is also some kind of sexual tension between the two which excites Blanche but in a more negative way than anything. Stanley knows alot about Blanche that she doesn't want the rest of the world knowing and this makes her anxious. Overall Blanche believes that Stella shouldn't have chosen Stanley as a husband. He was definitely the wrong pick and not a good addition to the family.
Street Car Scenes 1-3
Explain something a character does in Scene 2-3 that teaches us something new about them, something we didn’t know in Scene 1?
In scene one we were introduced to Stanley but we didn't know a whole much about him and his overall personality. In scenes 2-3 we find out that he beat his wife. Stanley always seemed like an aggressive person from the get go who wouldn't mind causing trouble but we would've never known that he would be violent enough and dare to beat his own wife down. In scene 1 we get a sense that he would be the type of person that wouldn't mind cheating on other women but not that he would beat them. In the first scene Stanley treats Blanche aggressively and yells at her but he never beats her. This shows a side of Stanley's character that isn't very positive. He seems to be a tough character.
In scene one we were introduced to Stanley but we didn't know a whole much about him and his overall personality. In scenes 2-3 we find out that he beat his wife. Stanley always seemed like an aggressive person from the get go who wouldn't mind causing trouble but we would've never known that he would be violent enough and dare to beat his own wife down. In scene 1 we get a sense that he would be the type of person that wouldn't mind cheating on other women but not that he would beat them. In the first scene Stanley treats Blanche aggressively and yells at her but he never beats her. This shows a side of Stanley's character that isn't very positive. He seems to be a tough character.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Willy/Norma Essay Thoughts
Willy and Norma Desmond are very similar characters. They both had a dream and lived their life to the fullest in their past. Like Willy, Norma is cocky and believes that she is still a star. Although they both had a good reputation in the past things have changed over time and even though they don't have a very good reputation they both still believe that they do.
Willy vs. Norma
Compare Willy to Norma Desmond.
Willy compares to Norma because they both make themselves bigger and more important than they really are. Norma thinks that she has a good reputation just like Willy but in reality they really don't have that great of a reputation. Norma wants Joe to edit the book that she's been writing and she will pay him whatever he wants. When the two talk Norma brags about how good she used to be and that she is a pretty famous person. Willy was also like this saying that he was a very good salesman and he took a lot of pride for that.
Although Norma is the rich one between the two she may end up being more right than Willy about her reputation. She sounds more credible than Willy because Willy doesn't have any money and no job at all. At least Norma has been working on something and she has build up a good reputation. We will have to wait and see if she really is what she's told Joe.
Willy compares to Norma because they both make themselves bigger and more important than they really are. Norma thinks that she has a good reputation just like Willy but in reality they really don't have that great of a reputation. Norma wants Joe to edit the book that she's been writing and she will pay him whatever he wants. When the two talk Norma brags about how good she used to be and that she is a pretty famous person. Willy was also like this saying that he was a very good salesman and he took a lot of pride for that.
Although Norma is the rich one between the two she may end up being more right than Willy about her reputation. She sounds more credible than Willy because Willy doesn't have any money and no job at all. At least Norma has been working on something and she has build up a good reputation. We will have to wait and see if she really is what she's told Joe.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Death of a Salesman Final Blog
Were Willy’s final actions noble, or were they a sign of weakness?
I believe that Willy's final actions weren't very noble. In my opinion Willy failed throughout the entire play and he didnt' learn anything. He wasted his life for no reason. Although he really wanted that insurance money ($20,000) and he wanted Biff to succeed in life that isn't his problem. If I were Willy I would've left Biff figure his life out by himself and give him the right tools to do so but I wouldn't kill myself for him to get money. I know Willy cared alot about Biff but his final actions weren't reasonable. Willy should've accepted Charlie's job and he could've made some money off of that to give to Biff. He didn't do this though because he didn't want to look weak and pride and reputation was everything to him.
To conclude I'd like to say that Willy killing himself was a sign of weakness because he had no other option to make things work. At least he died thinking that his family would be in better hands now and that Biff would make it in life. I'm not sure he still will though..
I believe that Willy's final actions weren't very noble. In my opinion Willy failed throughout the entire play and he didnt' learn anything. He wasted his life for no reason. Although he really wanted that insurance money ($20,000) and he wanted Biff to succeed in life that isn't his problem. If I were Willy I would've left Biff figure his life out by himself and give him the right tools to do so but I wouldn't kill myself for him to get money. I know Willy cared alot about Biff but his final actions weren't reasonable. Willy should've accepted Charlie's job and he could've made some money off of that to give to Biff. He didn't do this though because he didn't want to look weak and pride and reputation was everything to him.
To conclude I'd like to say that Willy killing himself was a sign of weakness because he had no other option to make things work. At least he died thinking that his family would be in better hands now and that Biff would make it in life. I'm not sure he still will though..
Friday, March 6, 2009
Death of a Salesman #6
What happens to Biff and Willy’s relationship after Biff goes to the hotel?
After Biff goes to the hotel his relationship with Willy changes forever. After failing math class Biff goes to Boston to talk to his dad. When he arrives at the hotel that Willy is at he takes a long time to open up the door. After he finally walks in he starts talking to Willy and after a bit of conversation the two laugh along with another person in the room. This immediately caught Biff's attention and he asked Willy who that third person laughing was. Willy said that there was no third person in the room but he was lying to Biff right in the face. A few moments after the girl that was in the bathroom comes out. Willy had been cheating on Linda and lying to his son Biff.
This really ruined their relationship and made Biff very upset. This is why Biff kind of threw his life away. He was so mad at what happened in the past that it made him loose motivation to succeed in life.
After Biff goes to the hotel his relationship with Willy changes forever. After failing math class Biff goes to Boston to talk to his dad. When he arrives at the hotel that Willy is at he takes a long time to open up the door. After he finally walks in he starts talking to Willy and after a bit of conversation the two laugh along with another person in the room. This immediately caught Biff's attention and he asked Willy who that third person laughing was. Willy said that there was no third person in the room but he was lying to Biff right in the face. A few moments after the girl that was in the bathroom comes out. Willy had been cheating on Linda and lying to his son Biff.
This really ruined their relationship and made Biff very upset. This is why Biff kind of threw his life away. He was so mad at what happened in the past that it made him loose motivation to succeed in life.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Death of a Salesman #5
Do you think Willy made the right decision to refuse Charlie’s help?
I believe that it was a very hard decision for Willy and at the end he decided to refuse Charlie's help for pride and to not seem inferior to him. I do think that although pride is important not having a job is pretty bad! Willy is in a tough situation at the moment and he had the opportunity to get a job that paid him $50 a week and he declined the offer. To me that was personally a bad decision. Charlie is one of his only good friends at the moment and probably the only one that would want to hire him. I don't understand why he couldn't overcome the pride and jealousy factor and just take the job! He could've used this money to help bring his life back together and use it for good things. I wonder how the end of the play will play out now with him not working. I highly doubt that he will get another offer like this one..
I believe that it was a very hard decision for Willy and at the end he decided to refuse Charlie's help for pride and to not seem inferior to him. I do think that although pride is important not having a job is pretty bad! Willy is in a tough situation at the moment and he had the opportunity to get a job that paid him $50 a week and he declined the offer. To me that was personally a bad decision. Charlie is one of his only good friends at the moment and probably the only one that would want to hire him. I don't understand why he couldn't overcome the pride and jealousy factor and just take the job! He could've used this money to help bring his life back together and use it for good things. I wonder how the end of the play will play out now with him not working. I highly doubt that he will get another offer like this one..
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Death of a Salesman #4
Was Ben a positive or negative influence on Willy? What does Linda think?
Ben was a very bad influence on Willy. Ben likes to brag about how he made his fortunes and his travels to Africa and across the world. When Willy listens to Ben about all this he believes him and also thinks that he could become wealthy if he did the same thing. Linda is the realistic one in all this and its good that she's there to check on Willy. Linda doesn't believe Ben's crazy stories about his past and wants to make sure that Willy doesn't either. She just wants Willy to stay safe. Willy needs to be kept under control and stay in reality and that's what Linda's here for.
If Linda wasn't here to help Willy maybe he would start trying to be like Ben again and start traveling. This may cause him to run into some trouble and Linda wants to make sure that that doesn't happen.
Ben was a very bad influence on Willy. Ben likes to brag about how he made his fortunes and his travels to Africa and across the world. When Willy listens to Ben about all this he believes him and also thinks that he could become wealthy if he did the same thing. Linda is the realistic one in all this and its good that she's there to check on Willy. Linda doesn't believe Ben's crazy stories about his past and wants to make sure that Willy doesn't either. She just wants Willy to stay safe. Willy needs to be kept under control and stay in reality and that's what Linda's here for.
If Linda wasn't here to help Willy maybe he would start trying to be like Ben again and start traveling. This may cause him to run into some trouble and Linda wants to make sure that that doesn't happen.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Death of a Salesman #3
Do you think Biff and Happy’s plan will work?
Due to their excitement about the plan (starting a sporting goods line) and how bad they want it to work I strongly believe that in the end they will make it happen. In order for the plan to work though they will need a lot of money and I'm not sure that they will get it all. A lot of their connections (a man they haven't talked to in a decade) that could help them get the money in the beginning of the play are now starting to disappear so I'm not sure how everything will unfold there. I mean $10,000 is a lot of money back then to gather up and their plan on playing each other in sports to get spectator's attention and want to buy their product probably won't work. We will have to wait and see...
Due to their excitement about the plan (starting a sporting goods line) and how bad they want it to work I strongly believe that in the end they will make it happen. In order for the plan to work though they will need a lot of money and I'm not sure that they will get it all. A lot of their connections (a man they haven't talked to in a decade) that could help them get the money in the beginning of the play are now starting to disappear so I'm not sure how everything will unfold there. I mean $10,000 is a lot of money back then to gather up and their plan on playing each other in sports to get spectator's attention and want to buy their product probably won't work. We will have to wait and see...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Death of a Salesman #2
What do you make of Willy and Charley’s relationship?
Willy and Charley don't have a very good relationship overall. They both want to be the best they can and have a good reputation. In one way there is a sense of competition between the two. Charley has a son, Bernard, and Willy has two sons, Biff and Happy. Bernard is known as the smart "nerd" kind of person whereas Biff and Happy are "cooler" than Bernard and although Biff is a lazy bum and Happy is a smart person that has succeeded in his life.
Willy and Charley are neighbors and Charley is the owner of his business. Willy is a poser and a cocky person and I feel that he is jealous of Charley. There is some kind of tension between the two and I don't know if it will ever stop. Willy is known for getting into arguments and causing heat so unless he cools down things will most likely stay the same throughout the play.
Willy and Charley don't have a very good relationship overall. They both want to be the best they can and have a good reputation. In one way there is a sense of competition between the two. Charley has a son, Bernard, and Willy has two sons, Biff and Happy. Bernard is known as the smart "nerd" kind of person whereas Biff and Happy are "cooler" than Bernard and although Biff is a lazy bum and Happy is a smart person that has succeeded in his life.
Willy and Charley are neighbors and Charley is the owner of his business. Willy is a poser and a cocky person and I feel that he is jealous of Charley. There is some kind of tension between the two and I don't know if it will ever stop. Willy is known for getting into arguments and causing heat so unless he cools down things will most likely stay the same throughout the play.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Death of a Salesman #1
What do you make of Biff and Happy? Are they reliable characters? Are they happy?
Biff and Happy aren't very reliable characters. It is difficult to understand what they really are happy about. They are unsure about their dreams while they both which that they lived each others lives. Although they are happy to be themselves they are both looking for something different, something that they find in each other that they individually don't have at the moment.
In some ways they also quite negative and criticize themselves. Biff isn't very proud of his relationships and hates himself for trying to hard to make a relationship work. Overall I don't think that they are very happy and they don't lead balanced lives. They live in a bad home and it seems like their lives isn't easy overall. I believe that Biff and Happy are smart characters though and they will eventually fall back on track.
Biff and Happy aren't very reliable characters. It is difficult to understand what they really are happy about. They are unsure about their dreams while they both which that they lived each others lives. Although they are happy to be themselves they are both looking for something different, something that they find in each other that they individually don't have at the moment.
In some ways they also quite negative and criticize themselves. Biff isn't very proud of his relationships and hates himself for trying to hard to make a relationship work. Overall I don't think that they are very happy and they don't lead balanced lives. They live in a bad home and it seems like their lives isn't easy overall. I believe that Biff and Happy are smart characters though and they will eventually fall back on track.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Their Eyes are Watching God Chapter 19
Through out the entire book, Janie is quick to talk; however, she says almost nothing during the trial. Why?
It turned out that Tea Cake made a stupid decision to stay home with Janie as the storm slapped him in the face. After that he was bitten by the dog (which he killed with a knife) while trying to save Janie he became very sick. Even though he was sick Tea Cake was also forced to help bury many of the dead people from the the storm/hurricane that hit.
Feeling kind of down and not in the best shape lately Tea Cake becomes kind of crazy and accuses Janie of sneaking out at night to see Mrs. Turner's relatives. Later, after a big fight that they have between one another Tea Cake decides to sleep with a gun under his pillow! This in some way worried Janie and made her somewhat scared so she also decided to get a hold of a gun (rifle) to make sure that if anything got out of hand she had protection. It turns out that this was a good idea for Janie as Tea Cake shot his gun twice after they had gotten into another fight and before that Tea Cake could pull the trigger a third time Janie shot him dead to the ground to defend herself.
During the trial (which she was put on for the murder of Tea Cake) Janie decided to remain very quiet and not give away much information/evidence. Although he was dead now she still had feelings and respect for him and she always will. Life without Tea Cake wouldn't be life at all. Staying quiet seemed to be the best way to handle the situation in Janie's mind.
It turned out that Tea Cake made a stupid decision to stay home with Janie as the storm slapped him in the face. After that he was bitten by the dog (which he killed with a knife) while trying to save Janie he became very sick. Even though he was sick Tea Cake was also forced to help bury many of the dead people from the the storm/hurricane that hit.
Feeling kind of down and not in the best shape lately Tea Cake becomes kind of crazy and accuses Janie of sneaking out at night to see Mrs. Turner's relatives. Later, after a big fight that they have between one another Tea Cake decides to sleep with a gun under his pillow! This in some way worried Janie and made her somewhat scared so she also decided to get a hold of a gun (rifle) to make sure that if anything got out of hand she had protection. It turns out that this was a good idea for Janie as Tea Cake shot his gun twice after they had gotten into another fight and before that Tea Cake could pull the trigger a third time Janie shot him dead to the ground to defend herself.
During the trial (which she was put on for the murder of Tea Cake) Janie decided to remain very quiet and not give away much information/evidence. Although he was dead now she still had feelings and respect for him and she always will. Life without Tea Cake wouldn't be life at all. Staying quiet seemed to be the best way to handle the situation in Janie's mind.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Their Eyes are Watching God (Chapters 16-18)
Chapter 18 contains the line the title comes from – “their eyes were watching God.” Explain what the line means in the context it appears.
In this chapter a huge storm is coming and a hurricane is expected to hit where Tea Cake and Janie are. Out of the people living there most of them thought that the storm would simply pass right through and not even hit them. Unfortunately Tea Cake also believed this and therefore decided to stay nice and warm at home with Janie.
Even the co workers who work at the muck who were in Tea Cakes backyard while the storm was coming decided to leave because the weather already seemed so bad. They left and went back home right away but that wasn't enough to convince Tea Cake that he should also prepare himself for this storm.
That evening Janie and Tea Cake have a conversation talking about God and everything that has been happening in the story so far that was due to God. As the storm made its way over to them Janie said the phrase "it's like their eyes are watching God" because they are waiting for one of gods strikes to come through. Since Tea Cake was so stubborn though and he could no longer leave his home he had to wait and sit it through with Janie hoping nothing bad would happen them.
In this chapter a huge storm is coming and a hurricane is expected to hit where Tea Cake and Janie are. Out of the people living there most of them thought that the storm would simply pass right through and not even hit them. Unfortunately Tea Cake also believed this and therefore decided to stay nice and warm at home with Janie.
Even the co workers who work at the muck who were in Tea Cakes backyard while the storm was coming decided to leave because the weather already seemed so bad. They left and went back home right away but that wasn't enough to convince Tea Cake that he should also prepare himself for this storm.
That evening Janie and Tea Cake have a conversation talking about God and everything that has been happening in the story so far that was due to God. As the storm made its way over to them Janie said the phrase "it's like their eyes are watching God" because they are waiting for one of gods strikes to come through. Since Tea Cake was so stubborn though and he could no longer leave his home he had to wait and sit it through with Janie hoping nothing bad would happen them.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Their Eyes are Watching God Chapters 13-15
When they arrive in the Everglades, Janie is quick to work beside Tea Cake on the muck. How does this compare to the way she worked with Logan and Jody?
At first when Janie and Tea Cake settle in the Everglades Janie mostly stays at home. Janie prepares food, takes care of the house and hunts for Tea Cake. After a while though Tea Cake asks Janie to come out with him and get a job mucking. Tea Cake had been coming home for no reasons during the day while Janie was there and at the end all he wanted was to be with her more. Working together would make things a lot better for the both of them. This was something that Janie never experienced as she had been used to living at high standards in the white house married to a wealthy man. The reason that Janie accepted the job though was because she had never been asked to do something to spend more time with a person that liked her and cared for her. Logan and Jody weren't that way. They forced her to work and weren't always nice to Janie. Tea Cake actually asked Janie if she wanted to work and he let her choose the decision.
At first when Janie and Tea Cake settle in the Everglades Janie mostly stays at home. Janie prepares food, takes care of the house and hunts for Tea Cake. After a while though Tea Cake asks Janie to come out with him and get a job mucking. Tea Cake had been coming home for no reasons during the day while Janie was there and at the end all he wanted was to be with her more. Working together would make things a lot better for the both of them. This was something that Janie never experienced as she had been used to living at high standards in the white house married to a wealthy man. The reason that Janie accepted the job though was because she had never been asked to do something to spend more time with a person that liked her and cared for her. Logan and Jody weren't that way. They forced her to work and weren't always nice to Janie. Tea Cake actually asked Janie if she wanted to work and he let her choose the decision.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Chapter 6
Why does Janie care about the mule so much?
At the beginning of chapter 6 its talks about a mule. Matt Bonner is the owner of that mule and it isn't being treated very well overall. The mule isn't fed and therefore extremely skinny and Janie feels sorry for it because she knows what its like to be mistreated and abused. This makes her care about the mule and thats why she likes it so much. Mr. Bonner doesn't do anything to keep the mule living properly and Jody doesn't treat Janie how she should be treated; there is a relationship here.
At the beginning of chapter 6 its talks about a mule. Matt Bonner is the owner of that mule and it isn't being treated very well overall. The mule isn't fed and therefore extremely skinny and Janie feels sorry for it because she knows what its like to be mistreated and abused. This makes her care about the mule and thats why she likes it so much. Mr. Bonner doesn't do anything to keep the mule living properly and Jody doesn't treat Janie how she should be treated; there is a relationship here.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Jody in Eatonville
Jody’s true personality is revealed in Eatonville. Explain why he is allowed to act the way he acts.
Before that Jody was in Eatonville he would treat Janie very well and he was nice to her. They had a close relationship and Janie was happy to be with Jody. However once that Jody settled in Eatonville his personality changed alot and things weren't the same between him and Janie. Jody has an authority presence that makes others listen to him and respect him that at first attracted Janie towards him. Once that Jody was in a small town like Eatonville though he wanted to be known as "the big man on campus" and he put Janie on the side and thought for himself first.
Before that Jody was in Eatonville he would treat Janie very well and he was nice to her. They had a close relationship and Janie was happy to be with Jody. However once that Jody settled in Eatonville his personality changed alot and things weren't the same between him and Janie. Jody has an authority presence that makes others listen to him and respect him that at first attracted Janie towards him. Once that Jody was in a small town like Eatonville though he wanted to be known as "the big man on campus" and he put Janie on the side and thought for himself first.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Ch. 3-4 in Their Eyes Were Watching God
The last paragraph of this chapter uses nature imagery and the narrator describes it as "They sat on the boarding house porch and saw the sun plunge into the same crack in the earth from which the night emerged."
In this last paragraph Janie and Joe are watching the sunset together. The quoted sentence above means that everything in nature ends and starts in the same place (sunset) and that night and day also end and start in the same place. This sentence in one way represents a new beginning for Janie as the sun going down represents her past and the night starting metaphorically represents a new life for her. It both describes nature and her life.
In this last paragraph Janie and Joe are watching the sunset together. The quoted sentence above means that everything in nature ends and starts in the same place (sunset) and that night and day also end and start in the same place. This sentence in one way represents a new beginning for Janie as the sun going down represents her past and the night starting metaphorically represents a new life for her. It both describes nature and her life.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Chapters 1 and 2
While Janie is coming back home the townspeople are very unpleasant and mean towards her. The townspeople gossip Janie and tell her that the only reason why she decided return home was because of her break up with her boyfriend and that she had no money now. As a child Janie was also treated this way and she was also gossiped on mainly when she was staying with a white family. Most of the people (school children, townspeople) are simple jealous of Janie though because she is able to interact with a white family and she is a very lucky and spoiled girl. The other kids in her school don't have that same opportunity and therefore they become jealous and gossip. As Janie grew up though she became accustomed to people behaving this way with her and she didn't mind it at all.
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