How I Met My Husband ~ A Movie

Plot
I think that in order to turn this short story into a movie, I would leave the plot similar to what it is now. The few things I might change are additional scene where Edie is with her family, and the family she works for. This would add more of a sense as to Edie's personality, upbringing, and place as a servant. Additionally, I think that added scenes with Chris, to show her developing adoration of him. This would help to explain her reaction as a naive young girl to Chris' behavior. Finally, I think that towards the end, a scene that would play quickly through Edie and her husband's meeting and dating would be needed. This would proportionate it's importance to that of the story of her knowing Chris. These changes would give the story a more cinematic effect.

Point of View
I feel that the movie would start out with Edie talking, introducing the audience to the situation, and acknowledging the story to be of her younger self. Occasional comments by this narrator would be made, but rarely. Then, at the finish of the movie, a scene that quickly went through Edie actually meeting her husband would play, and she would talk over these silent scenes, explaining and narrating the past. This would pull the audience in and help for more relation to the story. The narration would also help to clarify different points in the story.  This narration would be similar to that of the movie "A Christmas Story," in that it covers the narrator's past, and the narrator is not omniscient.


Characterization
I would leave the characterization for the most part as it is in the short story. These characters are well developed and mesh well into the plot. I think I would make Edie's naivety more apparent to the audience. This would help later when Edie acknowledges having been "intimate" with Chris. Aside from this, I suppose Loretta Bird could be more nosy. This could add more humor to the story, along with Edie's awkward naive behavior. I believe these minimal changes are all that would be necessary in order to make this story work as a movie.

Setting
I would not change the setting at all. It is essential to the story, and thus would best be left as is. I think that in showing Edie's life at home more, the setting of her home may need to be added. However, all other previously existing settings would be left as they are. This way, the plot would follow its course of action. I love the way this story was written, so I don't feel like much setting/ plot wise would necessarily need to be changed, aside from those few plot additions previously mentioned.  Too much addition would bog down the story and its purpose.

Theme 
I think the theme of this movie would be where little things in life can lead you. In this case, the situation of meeting Chris indirectly led Edie to her husband. This is a twist in plot, so I don't know that it can technically be considered a theme. The essential point of the story was to show how when one door closes another opens. Through the changes I have added, I feel like these points would be clearer. This story would be a romantic comedy with a twist, so the theme would be relevant and flow quite nicely with the rest of the story. 

A Christmas Story

Plot

The plot of this movies follows very closely to that of the book, with a few significant differences.The primary difference is that the movie doesn't not contain an opening sequence with the older Ralphie and the woman with the badge against toys. In the movie, the characterization of Ralphie is further developed through the character, Scut, the neighborhood bully. Through Ralphie's change in reaction to the bully, as he later fights him, a courageous aspect of Ralphie's character becomes evident. Other differences in plot are further repetition of the famous line, "You'll shoot your eye out." Also, Ralphie's friend finds himself stuck to a flagpole after licking this. I feel that this played no significant part in character development, but was merely provided for the entertainment aspect. Furthermore, the movie did stay close to the plot of the actual obtaining of the Red Ryder and the many "tasks" Ralphie went through in order to convince his parents/Santa of his need for it.

Point of View

The point of view in this movie is also the same as in the book. It is clear that the story is being told by an older version of Ralphie, although he is never literally present in the story. Throughout, the narrator tells the story as if he is looking back in his past. The real difference comes in the ability to expand upon the dialogue the characters undergo, as much of a movie is dialogue, where as much of the story is description of emotion and thought. This difference portrays more of the characters, but less of their actual thought processes. As in the book, the only thought process visible is that of Ralphie in the past. Thus, although the point of view is unchanged, the format in which the point of view is presented changes the insight provided.

Characterization

The character of Ralphie is relatively the same between the story and the movie. The movie expands upon his actions, whereas the story expands upon his thoughts and then his actions ultimate consequences. Ralphie of the movie is seemingly more tempered, in reference to his fight with Scut, as well as his slip of the "F-word." In the book, he appears more scheming and less dream-ridden. In the movie, there are several sequences of Ralphie's dreams with the Red Ryder. However, there are less in dealing with the way in which he has planned to get it. The movie really shows more of the family and friend interaction in Ralphie's life than it does in his methods to obtain the Red Ryder. I feel that the movie changes Ralphie's character a bit and makes him more desperate for the gun than in the book. This may seem contradictory as compared to the earlier statements, but because the movie is focused on action over a 1.5 to 2 hr time range, much of the film is filled with Ralphie's want of the gun, and how that affects his family life. The book mainly focused on how he would convince his family of his need of it, but not on much interaction with the family itself.

Setting
The setting of this story is also Hammond, Indiana. It takes place in the winter, as does the story, and it emphasizes the fact that it is Christmas season. The school appears more often in this story, as does the home. In particular, the school seems to help with Ralphie's characterization, in reference to the personalities displayed by his friends. The home takes a center as the place of Ralphie's plans, and dreams for the Red Ryder. Several of his dream sequences are of him in his home, protecting his family, Thus, the home is a prominent setting in this movie, as much so, and possibly, more so, than it was in the book.

 Theme

The theme of this movie, I believe is similar to that of the story. However, with the added emphasis on family, I think the true goal of this movie was to show how Christmas time allows everything to be put aside for love. Where the book focused on the joy of giving, the movie focuses on the joy of family being together, even if things don't seem to be going right (as in the loss of turkey to a neighbor's pack of dogs.) The premise of the movie is to emphasize quality time with the family, even in watching the movie itself. I think because the family is the center of the plot in this movie, it is the center of the theme as well. The family is what brings joy in this case, not so much the giving of gifts.  

You're Ugly Too

I am going to approach this blog with the intention of addressing why Zoe uses humor so much in her life, even though it is ineffective. Clearly, from the history provided within the story, Zoe has serious medical issues. These problems, among others, segregate her, in her mind, from the world. However, I feel that she realizes that this segregation is not right, because of this, she makes attempts to reconcile herself with society. She uses humor as a means to feel closer to society, because everyone likes a good joke, and their laughter or enjoyment would thus make her feel appreciated. I think the key role of humor in this story is to show how far detached Zoe has become, to the point unto which she doesn't realize that no one truly gets her humor. I feel like her humor is in some ways similar to the fox fur for Miss. Brill. It is her means to connect with society and to express herself.

Popular Mechanics

I liked how this story parallels the biblical passage from Solomon, in some ways. In other ways, however, it seems to carry a different ending. In Solomon, the true parent of a child is determined after the threat of cutting it in two. One woman gives in and says the other may have it, the one who speaks up is the true mother. In this story, there doesn't exist a true parent. I feel like this story is meant to emphasize a flaw in humanity, our reaction to instinct and inability to give in, even at the risk of injuring others. The two parents clearly do not want to give in to each other. It is in my opinion, that the child is eventually injured, because the events of the fight escalate in such a way that there seems to be no stopping point. Although the child is crying aloud, the parents can only think of beating the other. In this way, one common human characteristic is displayed, though a negative one it may be. I feel the point of this story then, is to show just what can happen if we react without thought or care for others.

The Drunkard ~ A Father, a Son, and a Tendency to Drink

This story really only has one main string of irony in it. The important irony is that it takes the boy's father his son's drunkenness to quit drinking. He was not strong enough to give up drinking for his family's good or for the money he lost because of drinking. He truly gives it up because of the embarrassment his son causes him. Which in itself is ironic. For all of the times he had been drunk, as the was implied to know, one would think that he would quit from the embarrassment of  that. However, somehow, the embarrassment only set in when he was sober enough to see and hear the opinions of the people. In the end, the irony of this story circles around the parallels between the boy and his father's situations.

The Lottery - for EB Laut: The Story of a Town, Some Rocks, and a Box

#6. In "The Lottery", the entire idea of choosing one person as a scapegoat for the entire town at random is an old fashioned, primitive ritual. As it is set in modern times, there is an implication that human society as a rule, does not like to give up the past. Since this custom has been set in place and long since upheld, it is culturally acceptable for it to be continued. As humans, we often times fear getting rid of the old, for consequence of the new. Human nature has a tendency to revert to instinct even over all else that has been learned, because this is what we are comfortable with. As this ritual is so well known, it is what the people are most comfortable with. In not knowing what the future may bring, they fear giving up the ritual. In this, the story reveals one of many flaws in human nature: the inability to let go of the outdated and potentially threatening past.

Red Ryder Nails the Hammond Kid

Plot

The plot of this story follows a very short time-line of events which makes the Christmas season being discussed seem even shorter. On page 476, the season starts and then in only 18 pages, it ends. As the story begins, it appears that the rest of the story is a flashback, because of a woman who blatantly wears a button: "DISARM THE TOY INDUSTRY" (p. 473). Then, the flashback ensues after her fervent speech about the negative effects of toys (474-5.) I feel like this woman's speech makes the narrator question the effects of such weapon/ toys in his past, as he flashes-back to childhood. As the plot continues, individual moments, ones in which he does his best to get the gun, create slight peaks in action, and thus, interest. The author frequently uses the irony of: "You'll shoot your eye out," as a threat to the narrator's chances. In this way, he ensures that the plot ties together and ends smoothly, through the ironic event of truly shooting himself, nearly in the eye.

Point of View

The point of view throughout this story is first person. I find it interesting how the story begins with the narrator as older (p. 473-6) and then goes on to tell of his childhood(476, on). He ties both narrators together through the use of weaponry toys, and their effects on youth. I found it interesting to see the change in views from the childhood to adulthood in the narrator and his opinions. In using the same narrator, but maintain the same voice, not speaking from a child's perspective, per-say, I feel that the story was easier to relate with. The adult views (ex: p. 485), telling how it was he felt in the past, give a nostalgic tone that would not exist if it were told from the perspective of himself as a child.

Characterization

The main character of this story is Ralphie, who is also the narrator, as an adult and a child. He is the most developed character, but many details about his physical appearance do not appear until the end of the story. (p. 493, glasses). A supporting character in this story is Randy, Ralphie's brother. From the story we determine he is whiny (485) and also that he younger than Ralphie. This is from descriptions of his behavior, toys, and Ralphie's feelings of superiority over him. Other characters in this story are Ralphie's mother, father, his teacher, and friends. The only importance of most of these characters are their reaction to Ralphie's pining for a Red Ryder. The personality of Ralphie, as easily persuaded by magazine articles, sneaky, and intelligent, provide a backing for the story itself. The other characters however, are rather two dimensional because of their lack of importance.


Setting

The entirety of this story takes place in Hammond, Indiana, as evidenced by the title "Red Ryder Nails the Hammond Kid". The snowy scene of Indiana is further described in pages 477, 478, and 492. The specific places within this overall setting are Ralphie's school, home, and Goldblatt's (a department store.) The most prominent of these is the home, as this is where most of Ralphie's conquests for the Red Ryder occur. These settings, especially the overall snowy landscape, help to deepen the plot by giving the story life. Some of Ralphie's reasons for needing a Red Ryder are more understandable from a child's view because of the snow. Additionally, the entire setting helps to emanate a Christmas vibe which is key to the plot.

Theme

I felt that the overall theme for this story was the timelessness of Christmas and the things that go with it. Even in these days, during the Great Depression (480), children wanted the most extravagant and expensive gifts. The magic of store windows and adds, also existed then as it did now. Most of all, the traditional shopping center Santa with which many of us grew up is evident too. The gift giving in this story, I believe, is also a large component. Ralphie speaks of its secretive nature (481, 489). It then goes on to emphasize the joy of giving on page 491. Small details throughout the story also provide insight into the overall theme of joy in the holiday and its timelessness, with its belief in Santa and giving of gifts. 

Miss Brill

I think I found this story most interesting because it is kind of like a story within a story. Through Miss. Brill's imagining, another world or story is created. I also found it to be interesting how many things in the story foreshadow the ending result of the story itself. For example, Miss. Brill's thought over others being from "dark rooms." This is the same place to which she goes later. Also, there is foreshadowing in the woman who is rejected by a man, in the same way Miss Brill will too be rejected by the young couple. I think this story is in part meant to speak about the result of gossip on society. But, I also think it is supposed to cover an average view on a Sunday and the commonality of what is taking place.

Once Upon a Time

When I read this story, I found it to be rather interesting. However, I also found it to be odd. For one, most fairytales are clearly known to be based around medieval times. In this story, it is more modern times and the "magical" things that occur really aren't that magical. Also, as in most stories, a fairy tale ending is expected to be happy. This story, however is not. In the end, the boy is injured and I believe, dies. This is not at all the ending of a fairytale in my opinion. So, I guess my question is, what is the over arching point for this short story? Why have a disturbing ending? And who was it trying to influence?

A Well Worn Path - #3

Throughout this story, Phoenix is characterized as a strong, self-determined elderly woman. It is also clear that she envisions things along her journey, but this does not stop her from fighting toward her goals. As is clear in the story, Phoenix's journey through the woods has been made many times before. The characterize throughout the short story seem to be familiar with her, further clarifying her repetition and determination each time she makes the travel. I believe the theme of this story is suppose to be focused upon having the strength to always continue on with one's goals. The characterization of Phoenix emphasizes this because it clearly shows her inability to give up. Her avoidance of giving up makes the theme more believable, as she is not only determined, but also clearly impaired. These factors all feed into the theme.

Eveline - #4

To me, Frank didn't appear to be a horrible sort of person, as expressed through the narrator's description. Frank was, however, a sailor. Often times, sailors where known to be flighty men. They were also known to be rather fickle in their choice of women and to lose their money easily. This may have contributed to her father's refusal to allow her to see. I also believe that her father made this refusal because it meant that he was able to keep her home a little longer. I feel that her father was over reliant upon his daughter, perhaps because of his wife's death. This in turn would also explain why she was not allowed to socialize with Frank.

Everday Use

I was slightly confused with this story in reference to Dee's sudden change in behavior. At first I felt as if this might have been a movement during the time period of this story amongst people of her generation. Then I began to think it might have been a result of her going to college. Now, I'm not quite certain what caused her rebelling against her family. I feel like it may have started when she was a  younger child, as it always speaks of how she hated their old house. However, it never gives a reason for this. So, overall, I just want to figure out why Dee faced such a change, and what were the external factors that caused that. I feel that it might be a part of American History that I am forgetting, but I am not sure.

Hunters in the Snow

I thought that this story was expressive of people's own self obsessive behaviors. Kenny shows the least of these characteristics and seems the most involved in others lives. However, Frank and Tub are both fully indulged in their own issues and situations. This in the end, causes Kenny's death, because of their inability to focus on others. In two situations, Kenny focuses on others, even though at some points he tries to cover it up. Firstly, when he talks about the babysitter, he is focused on Frank's situation, but accidentally lets it slip. Later, when he shoots the dog, though he tries to act like he's doing it out of anger, he is actually doing it for another. This presents the biggest difference between the three characters in the story. It is just depressing that Kenny suffer because of his actions, while the others survive.

Bartleby the Scrivener

Throughout the story, Bartleby continuously says " I would prefer not to. I believe this is his attempt to remain in solitude and to keep his past a secret. However, overtime this begins to affect the other characters' speaking. The repetition of Bartleby's words sticks into their own minds and become their own habit. In a normal sentence where before "prefer" would not be a needed word, it became one. Eventually the other characters of the the story get into the same routine and can not stop using the word as well. I think part of this is due to psychological ingraining throughout Bartleby's job there. It is just habit formation, although I wonder why in particular this phrase was chosen to be used instead of one merely similar to it.

Everday Use #6

In this story, I don't find Dee to be wholly unsympathetic, only partially. I feel like she has gone through some change having gone off to college and has some new perspective. However, since she is used to getting what she wants, she expects her mother to just comply with this new view and all Dee's wants and needs. I don' think that the mother's victory was altogether positive either because as a result, she creates a greater void between her and Dee. Even though she finally says no, she also turns her back on what her daughter is trying to say. In the final scene between Maggie and her mother, the ambivalence is in the fact that the mother realizes the potential that Maggie can never fully reach. However, she finally sees the potential she has and she sees more than just deformation in her. This ambivalence leads to some closeness, but also an epiphany equaling her speaking against Dee. These actions within the novel present changing views throughout generations of the African-American culture and express the separation these opinions caused.

Interpreter of Maladies

I thought the premise of this story was rather entertaining in a way. Its not that I enjoyed the pain that the character suffered, it was the overall plot line that was attention getting. The story of a man from the native culture observing those from America who appeared like they belonged, but acted so radically different was intriguing alone. Then, by adding Mr. Kapasi's conflict, another level of complexity was added to the story and more depth was evident. Seeing the similarities and differences in cultural beliefs between the two sides was really interesting to me. However, I also enjoyed the fact that the story focused on Mr. Kapasi and the background of his life in order to give more emotion to the story as a whole. Altogether, the different story threads wove together to create an informative yet attention getting short-story. The way everything fit together helped to keep my attention as well as to give adequate detail so that questions over their past lives were not often left unanswered.

A Rose For Emily

Overall, I thought this story was interesting, although also disturbing to a degree. The fact that it was written in 1st person plural was different, and I haven't read many stories that take this form of narration. I didn't like how the story jumped in time randomly with little warning or description of an exact time period. And then, the end of the story was a little odd, I suppose. I felt like it was predictable, perhaps because I also feel as though I have read another story with a similar plot line before. I felt like the story lacked a moral or relevant point to redeem itself, it was sort of like a recounted history without an ending that ties everything together well. However, I did notice that many of the descriptions throughout the story were very detailed and easy to envision. In the end, I felt like this story would fit in as one told around a campfire, but I didn't understand its use outside of a 'spooky' setting.

Interpreter of Maladies ~ # 1

I feel that the central conflict of this story was Mr. Kapasi's disconnection in his own family and his feeling of loneliness. This conflict then drives his reaction to the attention given to him by Mrs. Das. It leads to his new-found appreciation in his job, but also to his misled belief that Mrs. Das truly was attracted to him. As the story continues, this feeling only seems to gain strength, as if the little amount of attention makes him yearn for more. Then, in the end, it is not even resolved. Mrs. Das asks him for help, and her son is attacked by monkeys. However, there is never an ending for Mr. Kapasi himself. He is instead left to sort things out, and the reader is never informed of whether this ever occurs. The ending of the story lacks closure, perhaps to symbolize the lack of closure in his own life, facing his own conflicts.

How I Met My Husband~ Question # 2

Suspense is generated throughout this story in distinct and important moments. The first real moment of suspense is when Eddie is caught in her employer's  dress, and thoughts of fear and embarrassment race through her head. The next moment is the arrival of Mrs. Bird and Alice, an unexpected twist. Then, the suspense builds during the scene between Edie and Chris, leading up to his departure. The final moment of suspense is then when Alice out-rightly attacks Edie because of her belief that she has been intimate with Chris. Although it appears that the actual meeting of her husband ought to hold some form of suspense or importance, it is left as falling action and rather unimportant to the story overall. The suspense throughout the story tends to be when Edie faces a new or uncomfortable situation to which she knows not how to respond. These moments give the story most of its 'flesh' and help to keep the attention of the reader as well as to guide the story as a whole.

Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night: Dylan Thomas

Oh, the memories of sophomore year World Lit III......


Vale, I think the repetition of "Do not go gentle into that good night" is used to solidify the true longing of the son's for his father to fight death. Throughout this poem, a play between light and dark (life and death) is also used. The darkness being to the son, death, but to the father, it is light, because he wants to move on. The son uses good night, as if it has an ending, it is not impending doom. Additionally, the son's use of "dying light" fits with the reference to night, because the light goes out, but returns. The son, throughout the poem, refers to different types of men, perhaps trying to appeal to one side or other of his father's personality. He tells how these men lived, but were foolish and let go too easily, which he does not want for his father. Basically, this poem is a plea, asking for one more chance of his father to survive. It truth, it seems the son is the one who is fighting in order to avoid letting go.

I remember I had to write 3 of these villanelles for Creative Writing last year...hey look, here they are (if you would like to read them!):

Tears (this is my personal favorite...the other two are....less relevant?)
The life which I will never know
Shall be forever in my heart
As tears like rain begin to flow.


New pains and sorrows they did sow
And dreams they do begin to start -
The life which I will never know.

The fallen leaves lay low -
The ground littered, a new art -
As tears like rain begin to flow.


And in the darkest hour, snow,
Upon the grass fall smart -
The life which I will never know.


White on the ground begins to grow,
And does start,
 As tears like rain begin to flow.


Can I ever know
The lessons of one so smart?
The life which I will never know?
As tears like rain begin to flow.





Waves
Like the waves upon the sea,
And an angel's cry
The world seems strange to me


A cry of all to be free
A silent, hopeful sigh-
Like waves upon the sea


Across the desert do we flee;
Through hope we fly/
The world seems strange to me.


Their acts unruly
As the crows in the sky,
Like the waves upon the sea.


Though love creates a tie
And may seem to be,
The world seems strange to me.

So from all that I can see
No matter how I try,
Like waves upon the sea,
the world seems strange to me.



The Snail
Time moves slowly as a snail,
With hardly any notions.
Never knowing where to sail.


Though the world may seem so frail,
It continues in motion;
Time moves slowly as a snail.

A deer may sit inside a dale
And recieve no mention,
Never knowing where to sail.

Life continues on a rail,
Creating a tension;
Time moves slowly as a snail.

And as one may flail
And be swallowed by emotion,
Never knowing where to sail.

Nothing in life will always fail;
We most always have devotion.
Time moves slowly as a snail,
Never knowing where to sail.




Tears (this is my personal favorite...the other two are....less relevant?)
The life which I will never know
Shall be forever in my heart
As tears like rain begin to flow.


New pains and sorrows they did sow
And dreams they do begin to start -
The life which I will never know.

The fallen leaves lay low -
The ground littered, a new art -
As tears like rain begin to flow.


And in the darkest hour, snow,
Upon the grass fall smart -
The life which I will never know.


White on the ground begins to grow,
And does start,
 As tears like rain begin to flow.


Can I ever know
The lessons of one so smart?
The life which I will never know?
As tears like rain begin to flow.

Delight in Disorder: Robert Herrick

This poem didn't seem to have and extremely deep meaning in it. I think that the overall theme was that things that are absolutely perfect aren't as easy to find pleasure in as those that are flawed in someway. Perfection is in imperfection in this case. Additionally, the broken rhyme scheme and lack of stanzas also show imperfection, yet work with the poem. The entire poem seems to be talking about someone's garb, or about a painting or other art. (I thought of art lastly because there is the use of the word "art" in the second to last line) The narrator expresses all of the chaos in the garb, while giving it a sense of rightness. This exemplifies the point of the poem, how the narrator can find "delight in disorder" :). Aside from this, I couldn't find much more meaning in the poem.

While I was writing this, the song "Beautiful Disaster" by Jon McLaughlin came on...and then he said "Perfect only in her imperfection." It was rather coincidental, seeing as I had written "Perfection is imperfection" only a minute before.

Edward: Anonymous

This poem, when I first read it, was rather confusing. I wondered, did he kill a hawk and a steed and his father. But thanks to our group discussions today, I think I now understand what the poem was saying to some degree. Edward first admits to killing a hawk which he loves, then a good steed. In these ways, he is trying to avoid stating the truth himself, how he has killed his father. Additionally, but covering it up by stating things he loved, he is still trying to express his love for his father, though at the same time trying to deny what he has done. The mother does not react throughout this poem, and at the end, the author reveals why, by writing how the mother has given counsel to her son. In other words, she may well have told him to kill his father, against the son's own good will. This would also explain why the son was damning his mother to hell. Finally, the son speaks of leaving after admitting to killing his father. When he says he will leave his buildings and towers and family, he may either plan to run away, or to kill himself from grief. Either way, this poem effectively expresses a story, though it is vague in places. Its description of the boy's emotions also helps comprehension of the poem. I only wish I could know what might happen next in the story.

Lonely Hearts: Wendy Cope

I believe this poem is a satire over the all too frequently placed "Personal" Ads that are placed in the newspaper. Right next to people trying to sell their animals or furniture, there are people looking for love, to me, in all the wrong places. This poem exemplifies this by showing how in each article, the person wants something so specific. Yet, it is written, "Can someone make my simple wish come true?" However, this is not a simple wish, finding someone who so perfectly matches a vague and demanding article. There is also so much missing from the article, it seems hopeless that anyone could be found. What is worse, by saying, "Do you live in North London?" the narrator is limiting themselves even more. For, even if a person was "perfect" if they did not live in the right places, they wouldn't be right. I think the entire point to this poem is to show how love is something that must be actively searched for, not just asked for in an article that many will never read.

Getting Out: Cleopatra Manthis

This poem is about a divorced couple. As suggested to day in our small group discussion, I think that the first stanza could be indirectly refer to the attempts of the couple trying to have a child. As the poem continues on, it seems like this inability pulls them apart. Then, as they are divorced by the lawyer, they are still unable to completely let go. To me, this expresses that they still love each other, but for some reason the marriage won't work. The fact that the character is still "startled by men who look like [him]..." means to me that she still misses him. I also feel that the yearly letter is a way for her former love to express all that he feels, even if he may be lying in saying "I'm happy now." Although the topic for these poems was supposed to be tone, I feel they have thus far all dealt in some way with love, lost, or unrequited.

My Mistress' Eyes: Shakespeare

This poem, as we went over in class today, initially comes off very insultingly. It appears that Shakespeare is saying that his love is ugly and lacks beauty. However, upon analyzing the poem, deeper meaning is found. We see that Shakespeare is satirizing all of the love poems men stereotypically write about women and their overwhelming beauty. Shakespeare says that although she is not that perfect, no one is as perfect as is stated in romance poems. Shakespeare goes further to say that he won't lie about his love, because even though she may not be perfect, she is unique and he loves her for that. So, even though this poem starts out as an insult, after analyzing, it is seen that, in fact, Shakespeare is declaring his love in a unique manner. Thus, this poem turns out to be romantic in its own way.

Crossing the Bar: Alfred, Lord Tennyson

The central theme of this poem is death. It is metaphorically compared to both night and to crossing a sand bar in a boat. The "Pilot" in the story is alluded to as God, and the sand bar is the point of crossing over into death, or deeper water in the metaphor. The character also speaks of how he wants there to be no sadness when he goes off on his travels. This gives the appearance that he is expecting to die, for whatever reason. I'm not sure if the boat has any specific meaning, as a means of transportation. Additionally, the author uses rhyme scheme in this poem. Perhaps this is supposed to give the appearance of being in a boat on waves (?). The author's descriptions and specific diction help to make this metaphor clear, through words with double meanings.

The Apparition: John Donne

This poem uses a metaphor between being a ghost and being scorned by a past love. The main character talks about how if his love were to ever scorn him, he would "die". The metaphor is carried out by the character speaking of how he would haunt his past love, even when she is with another. This haunting is a symbol for memories that won't leave her mind. In the end, the character speaks of how this is nothing but a threat. He ends the metaphor with the statement of haunting. Finally, it is clear that he would prefer to be scorned or for his love to say that she were not in love, than to lie and continue on till it was overly apparent. Additionally to the metaphor in this poem, Donne uses rhyme scheme to give the poem a flow.

Sorting Laundry - Elisaviette Ritchie

1) I really like the author's first name...maybe that's because my name is not normal....annnywhoooo
2) I really liked the sentiment behind this poem. The comparison between the things that the love of the narator's life being as numerous as the things in the laundry was cute. (I couldn't find a more professional sounding word. :( ) I especially liked when she described the "empty side of the bed" and how without the person, she could never have enough clothes to fill that side. To me, that symbolized that she could never have enough memories alone to fill the space that would be left in her heart. I think this poem used a lot of description as well as containing the metaphor between clothes and memories. I wonder if each piece of clothing has a specific meaning or if her examples are just general. I also thought that "sorting laundry" symbolized going over memories in one's mind. In this case, she looked at each with love and renewed feeling. Overall, I liked the most that this was more of a feel-good poem unlike some of the others.

Barbie Doll - Marge Piercy

I found this poem to be very affecting. It speaks volumes about the over-expectations of society today and of the harmful affects these expectations have. Everywhere we are surrounded by the media perception of the perfect woman. In the end, this perception is what does the girl in. Even though she is healthy and smart, no one appreciates her for those things. They only see what she lacks, or what doesn't meet the proper standards. In the end, she is considered to be "pretty" in the casket. To me, this symbolizes the belief that no one can be truly correct in society till they have undergone the knife and given up their true personality. Space for individuality is sacrificed for conformism. This poem explains how such "morals" are actually tearing down society and destroying the very fabric from which we are able to function the country. For, without those who are smart or talented in many ways, how can society truly function?

Much Madness is divinest Sense - Emily Dickinson

The key figurative language used in this poem appears to be paradoxes. The overall paradox is that Madness is Sanity and Sanity is Madness. Dickinson makes the statement in this poem that by agreeing and conforming all of the time, one is insane. However, sanity can be found in disagreeing. Additionally, a warning is made in this poem. When Dickinson states that those who object are put in manacles, there is an alternate meaning. These people who object to the government or other higher power will often times be declared as insane and put away into jail or an asylum to prevent them from influencing others thoughts. The paradoxes in this poem help to exemplify Dickinson's underlying theme and idea. I believe that this idea still exists strongly today, as things are "swept under the rug" by the government at times to prevent disagreement.

APO 96255 - Larry Rottman

I believe the central theme of this poem, like in TSAR, is that those who are not directly involved in a war can not understand it. In the same hand, they may want to sympathize and claim understanding, but they are incapable of this. In this poem, as the mother begs for information, to support her son, he finally breaks and tells her. The result? She can not take the reality of it. It's "too depressing." I feel like we often react in this way when we hear reports of what our soldiers have done in war. War is something demanded of nearly every country, and often times, we don't agree with our own soldiers' methods. The son in this story is only reaching out for some assistance, some understanding. However, it appears that he also knows how people will react. Thus, in the end, he reverts back to the most basic story he can tell. I think it is a sad poem, and it widely expresses beliefs across the world on war.

A Valediction : Forbidding Mourning - John Donne

Valediction is saying farewell. I think this poem is mainly about the loss of someone in one's life. I made this decision based on such things as the lines "So let us melt, and make no noise, no tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move" and "And whisper to their souls to go." Aside from these 2, there were several more lines referencing death. This separation is looked at in this poem as something that is not eternal. Thus, as in the title, one must not mourn death, but as the poem seems to express, embrace it. The word soul is used repetitively throughout this poem too. Overall, I have liked "Bright Star" and this poem the best of this section. These are less abstract ideas that are easier read and more clearly expressed. Because of this, I feel I have a more detailed understanding of what the author is trying to put across to me, the reader. I really liked the message in this poem, which is timeless, as this poem was written in the 1600's.

Toads: Philip Larkin

So, I do not really and truly understand this poem. Thus, I am going to try to explain what I do understand, which isn't much.

1.  There are 2 toads. One of them is a symbol for work and the other may be the man's feelings, but I'm not sure. 
2. There is a reference to the Tempest. In the poem the quote is: "But I know, all too well, that's the stuff that dreams are made on" In the Tempest, the lines are: "Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our life is rounded with sleep. Sir, I am vexed." I believe this allusion expresses the narrator's irritation and also his hopes and "dreams."
3. I think the narrator is trying to express how work is taking of his life and how it "squats" in his mind and never leaves.

Overall, I feel like theis poem has a lot of parts and I hope that tomorrow I can get it clarified some. For now, all I can think about during writing this is posting pictures of toads and work and maybe some toads working :) I think it is more distracting working on these blogs late at night.

Oh, I just had an idea! Perhaps the toad is not in fact work, as he refers to the use of wit in life and how he feels he cannot use it. Perhaps the toad is the expectations that authority figures have already set upon him, and his inability to stray from those guidelines. So, now....pictures!

Pink Dog: Elizabeth Bishop

I believe the central theme of this poem was to express the plight of the homeless and destitute throughout the world.  I think the pink dog refers to those who are left without much money or essential needs. When one thinks of a dog, more often than not it has some sort of hair. In the same way, a human has clothes. The pink dog is sickly and malnourished, it sits and begs for food. So too do the poor. I believe towards the end, the authors strays from the metaphor and her statements are more literal and to the point about the situation these people face. The dog may be equated to the poor, but after the first 3 stanzas, the author makes blunt statements. However, I do not understand how the end relates to the rest of the poem when it talks about Carnival and Ash Wednesday, I think Carnival is the same as Marti Gras... I'm not sure.


This has nothing to do with anything... i was just listening to it whilst writing this blog.

I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed: Emily Dickinson

This poem has rather...interesting diction. All of the words are well chosen, as they refer to drinking, brewing liquor, cups, etc. Overall, I find the theme of the poem to be vague, but I believe it is a metaphor. Nevertheless, I will try to explain some of the terms Dickinson uses in this poem.


Vats upon the Rhine: During my group discussion Tuesday, my friend (yay Abby!) said that she thought their were vineyards along the Rhine river. This make me believe that it is referencing a large quantity of alcohol from some origin on the Rhine.

 Debauchee: This is one whom is morally unrestrained. In the case of this poem, it would be someone who could not resist drinking.

 Drams: This word has two definitions. 1) to ply with drink 2) a unit of measure of a liquid. Both of these definitions can apply to alcoholic beverages.
 
 Tippler: a person who tipples/ drams intoxicating liquor. The two words can be used synonymously.

Thus, I believe that all of the words Dickinson chose for this poem had very specific "jobs" in the poem.

Bright Star: John Keats

"Twinkle, twinkle little star...."

The figurative language in this poem is abundant. First, the entire poem is a metaphor between a star and and a man's longing for life to remain unchanged. One simile used in this poem is "Like nature's patient Eremite..." where the star is compared to a hermit. The metaphor itself revolves around two central themes. 1) The star is "steadfast" and "unchangeable" 2) The narrator's longing to forever be in love. As the star appears to be unmoving in the night sky, and ever existent, the man hopes to forever be living in love. "Sweet unrest" refers to the fact that his experiences are so good at the time that he prefers not to rest, possibly a symbol for death. If he were to be forced to move, he can see that life might bring loneliness and despair. The use of the extended metaphor along with other figurative language in this poem gives the poem flow and reason.

Thomas Hardy: The Convergence of the Twain

When I first read this poem, I did not notice the tiny writing under the title which states: "Lines on the loss of the 'Titanic.'" So, as I was reading this poem, I was trying to figure out what it was about and it reminded me of the Titanic because of its use of the words "ship" and "Iceberg." Now I feel a tad stupid because I didn't read the writing before, but it also gives me confidence in the author because I was able to figure this out in the end. I love how each verse builds upon the last. Some of the verses are describing the ship, but if read out of context seem to be describing something entirely different. In Verse III I liked the contrast between the words "mirrors," "glass," and "opulent" and the image of  "The sea-worms crawling - grotesque, slimed, dumb, indifferent."
Knowing the story of the Titanic before helps to gain a better understanding of the symbolism in this poem as well.Overall, I really enjoyed this poem and it also reminded me of the research project currently going on around the Titanic. Here is a link to some of the newest footage of the ship wreck:

http://www.cinenema.com/titanic-expedition-shows-off-crisp-new-images

And here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

"a widow's lament in springtime"

I thought this video was interesting, you are supposed to read the poem aloud while playing the video. It gives you a feeling of how the widow may have felt.




 I found this poem to be sad, but also intriguing. I liked how the author uses repetition of flowers. To me, the white flowers symbolized the widow's husband, as if the flowers were his spirit. White is often a color associated with rebirth or spirits, and in this way, maybe when she says she would like to fall into the flowers, she is stating she would like to fall into her husband's arms once more. She is so depressed from his loss and in knowing that this can not be so, she feels she would rather die than go on without him. I also like the contrast between th4e beginning of the poem and the "cold fire" and the middle which talks about springtime, which is the end of cold. This may also be a symbol of the time which the woman is undergoing and how she has reached a point at which she needs to move on.

If you type the title of this poem into google.com , there are many other ideas of what these flowers stand for. Some of these ideas made more sense than others, but they were all interesting.

Gerard Manely Hopkins: Spring

 

This poem is a Petrarchan Sonnet. This means that is has first an octet verse, and in this case, two verses that make up a sestet. The rhyme scheme of the first eight lines is:
a b b a a b b a

and the next six:
c d c d c d.

This pattern makes up the poems formation. This gives the poem a rhythm as it is read aloud. In this poem, the rhythm is a reminder of the speed and joyfulness that is found in Spring.  Along with the fact that this is a sonnet, this poem also contains alliteration pertaining to the letter "l," as well as repetition of words beginning with "l" throughout.
Some such words are: "long and lovely and lush", "lightnings," "leaves," "lambs," etc. The use of these words helped to keep the flow of the poem as well. Overall, the poem's rhyme scheme and descriptive wording helped to add to the effect and tone of Spring and innocence by providing examples of nature. Additionally, I think the rhyming also portrayed the speed with which things change in the Spring.

Robert Hayden: Those Winter Sundays

I think the tone in this poem is one of regret and remorse. As the son talks about all that his father did for him, though he never thanked him, he expresses some sadness through the words: "What did I know, what did I know of love's austere and lonely offices." In the beginning of the poem, one can see the labor that the father underwent through descriptions of his "cracked hands" and starting a fire in "the blueblack cold." The first verse is made up of one elongated sentence and then one extremely short sentence. This shorter sentences says: "No one ever thanked him." Since it is shorter, it has the ability to stop the previous sentence in its tracks, so to speak, and deliver more emotion and emphasis. When in the second verse it speaks of  "cold splintering, breaking" it helps one to envision the extreme cold which they faced, both literally, and possibly figuratively through some problem in the house. This provides a tone of coldness and pain as well. Overall, the cold and then change to warm is emphasized, providing the tone of wistfulness. It is as if the narrator wishes to go back and change the way things were. It is this wish that drives the poem.

Emily Dickinson: I felt a Funeral, in my Brain

Firstly, I feel obliged to say that I have always been an avid reader of Dickinson's poetry. Often times it is read as depressing, but I think there is often a side of light to all of her poetry.


I believe that the central theme of this poem is not completely the loss of one's mind. In my own opinion, it is about the loss of the ability to reason or to deal with a situation. I found this in such details as, "Boots of Lead" and "...then a Plank in Reason broke." Often times, heavy burdens are associated with lead, in this case, her thoughts are dragging and the narrator is burdened down by this. I believe the "Plank in Reason" breaking symbolizes that the narrator can not make a decision, she has lost all ability to reason because of the weight of the situation she is in. The funeral in general is symbolic of the loss of something in her life, possibly the "Mourners" who come and go, but never stay for long. This may cause a sense of hopelessness, which is felt throughout the poem. It is not necessary that the narrator have lost their mind to feel the emotions stated here. It is possible that they are only undergoing a difficult decision and in the process, feel they have lost some part of their lives.

Poetry... I love to write it, but this guy's opinion....

So, as I sat down to read this essay by Perrine, I was at first interested. Then I read his opinion over such poetry as Emily Dickinson. I understand the point he was making and how some words could not be used as directly to apply to a garden as to the sunset. Vale, I get this, but honestly, I am furious with it at the same time. I believe that there are more levels to poetry that need to be considered than just the direct interpretation. Maybe I am so upset because I myself thought of this as a garden. I believe the most important part of interperating poetry isn't which interperatation is most correct, but which holds the emotion the poet was trying to express. Someone shouldn't be criticized just because their idea of what a poem is about isn't what the poet meant.

For example, maybe Dickinson was in fact writing about a sunset. However, knowing that much of her poetry is about nature, I do not think she would be so upset at the garden interperatation. Her poetry brought joy and expressed a love of nature. Either way you look at it, garden or sunset, these key emotions are the same. That is what truly matters. One of the few parts of this paper that didn't bother me so much were the ideas about symbols and metaphors. I feel like they are often used synonymously , although they oughtn't be used this way. Overall, I rather disliked this essay and think that the author is clearly biased toward his opinion as he is writing. One could just as easily try to justify one's own opinion in such a way. It all is really a matter of persuasive writing. However, he did bring up some interesting topics and I suppose I could give him that.

Good Drunk, Bad Drunk?

" I wished Mike would not behave so terribly to Cohn, though. Mike was a bad drunk. Brett was a good drunk. Bill was a good drunk. Cohn was never drunk. Mike was unpleasant after he passed a certain point. I liked to see him hurt Cohn. I wished he would not do it, though, because afterward it made me disgusted at myself. That was morality; things that made you disgusted afterward. No, that must be immorality." (p. 152)

I really don't understand how there can be such a thing as a good or bad drunk. I understand the point that Jake is making. However, I do not believe that a drunk is a good thing. Perhaps this is because of the culture I have been raised in, but it seems disgraceful, being drunk. The way that Mike behaves would be beyond belief, embarassing and sad. Even Brett, when drunk, makes such horrible decisions. So, I disagree with the thought process Jake goes through here. However, I did love the end of the quote, "That was morality; things that made you disgusted with yourself afterward." It makes sense. You know something is wrong because of how you feel afterward. In that, I feel states how being drunk is wrong as well.


THIS IS MY LAST BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!! I FEEL SO ACCOMPLISHED! (just wanted to say that because I'm so glad I've finally gotten them finished. Essay time!)

Chicken or the Egg

"'First the egg,' said Bill. 'Then the chicken. Even Bryan could see that.'
'He's dead. I read it in the paper yesterday.'
'No,. Not really?'
'Yes. Bryan's dead.'
Bill laid down the egg he was peeling.
'Gentlemen,' he said, and unwrapped a drumstick from ta piece of newspaper. ' I reverse the order. For Bryan's sake. As a tribute to the Great Commoner. First the chicken; then the egg.'
'Wonder what day God created the chicken?'
'Oh,' said Bill, sucking the drumstick, 'how should we know? We should not question. Our stay on earth is not for long. Let us rejoice and believe and give thanks.'" (p. 126)

This paragraph made me laugh while I was reading it. The ultimate question, which came first: the chicken, or the egg? So many times I have read jokes over this discussion and it is comical to see it in a rather serious novel. I rather enjoyed how they are using the discussion to decide what to eat first. Then, how Bill takes on the persona of a priest in his discussion over not questioning God's will. It is clear that the entire conversation is a joke, but at the same time, it is a serious conversation over the death, I believe, of someone they knew. The little jokes like this in the novel really helped me to keep reading when I would reach parts that were less interesting. I think things like this helped to keep the book light. It makes me wonder what type of humor Hemingway may have had, or if he was usually entirely serious?

Apostrophe

"'My God,' Georgette said. 'What a box to sweat in!'
'It's hot.'
'Hot, my God!'" (p. 27)

"My God!" is the apostrophe in this passage. More often than not, this is the apostrophe that appears throughout  this novel. Since Georgette is calling upon God, it is technically an invocation, as well. I believe that if one were to look at every day conversation, "my God," or "Oh my God" would be more common than any other type of existent apostrophe. I feel that this phrase is not necessarily important, it has just become extremely common over time as it has nearly developed into a cliché. Overall, I wish this phrase wasn't used as often, because to me it seems a little bland. I wonder if it wasn't slightly less common then, or if it has always existed in such frequent use.

Resolution

"'Oh, Jake,' Brett said, 'we could have had such a damned good time together.'
Ahead was a mounted policeman in khaki directing traffic. He raided his baton. The car slowed suddenly pressing Brett against me.
'Yes,' I said. 'Isn't it pretty to think so?'" (p.251)

This is the absolute resolution of this novel. It is THE END, and to me it is kind of vague. Though it is the end, I am left feeling like there ought to be something a little more to end the story. I don't feel like everything was resolved. We know that Brett and Mike are likely done for a while, and that Cohn will probably go back to Frances. I honestly feel like there should be something more to terminate the novel. What happens with Brett and Jake? Where will there friendship go? These questions seem important to me and I think they ought to be answered. Since they are unanswered though, this is the resolution and termination of all that is "The Sun Also Rises."

Stream of Conscience

"Walking across the square to the hotel everything looked new and changed. I had never seen the trees before. I had never seen the flagpoles before, nor the front of the theatre. It was all different. I felt as I felt once coming home from an out-of-town football game..." (p.196)

I believe this is an example of stream of conscience, though I am not quite certain. I believe this because, although the author is telling this a story, it is an expression of Jake's thoughts. As he goes on, he changes from subject to subject as though a thought process. However, he maintains the appearance of telling a story. Throughout the novel, Hemingway expresses Jake's opinions in this way. In so doing, the stream of conscience is not jumpy as it normally would be in a person, but tells a story. I like how I am able to Jake's thoughts, but not become lost in the process. It gives a sense of better understanding of the character in the novel when the thoughts flow together. In this way, it is easier to read and comprehend.

Food

"I went in and ate dinner. It was a big meal for France but it seemed very carefully apportioned after Spain." (p. 236)

I love this quote. I know to most people it wouldn't stand out much. After spending six weeks in Spain, it becomes very easy for me to sympathize with the quote. In Spain, they pile food on your plate. When you're finished, they ask if you want more. If you say no, they give you more and if you say yes, they pile on more. There is no end to the food. To me, this quote is comical because I ran into the problem more often than not of being full and yet having more bread and dinner and then desert shoved down my throat. Being back in the US was a shock because of how little I eat compared to Spain. I think this must have been the same feeling that Jake underwent in France having a more proportionate meal. Overall, I really only picked this quote because it describes one of the cultural differences that many often do not think of.

Antagonist

"I swung at him and he ducked. I saw his face duck sideways in the light. He hit me and I sat down on the pavement. As I started to get on my feet he hit me twice. I went down backward under a table. I tried to get up and felt I did not have any legs. I felt I must get on my feet an try and hit him, Mike helped me up. Some one poured a carafe of water on my head. Mike had an arm around me, and I found I was sitting on a char. Mike was pulling at my ears." (p. 195)

At this point in the novel, I feel pretty secure in naming Cohn as the antagonist, It isn't that Jake and he aren't friends at the end of the novel, I just feel that once he attacks Jake, Cohn crosses the line. From this point on, he is no longer completely a friend. He becomes not only the enemy, but also competition for Brett's love. Even though Jake knows that Brett feels nothing but annoyance with Cohn, clearly Jake would still feel some competition. Secondly, after the attack, even though Jake and Cohn make-up, hard feelings still remain. This places Cohn in the antagonistic position of this novel. He may not be the same degree of enemy as, for example, Harry Potter and Voldemort, but he verges on enemy. Thus, he is at least partial the antagonist. If not for his actions, many of the negative events never would have occurred in the novel.

Shame

"'Always,' he said in English, and laughed.'So they don't kill me.' he looked at her across the table.
'You know English well.'
'Yes,' he said. 'Pretty well, sometimes. But I must not let anybody know. It would be very bad, a torero who speaks English.'
'Why?' asked Brett.
'It would be bad. People would not like it. Not yet.'
'Why not?'
'They would not like it. Bull-fighters are not like that.'
'What are bull-fighters like?'
He laughed and tipped his hat down over his eyes and changed the angle of his cigar and the expression of his face.
'Like at that table,'..." (p. 190)

This is another example of the Spanish dislike of American culture. It isn't exactly that they dislike Americans, because many ideas from the US have spread to Spain. In this case, it is a sense of pride. A torero must represent the Spanish culture. If he can speak English, he may as well adopt the ignorant American culture. To many, this would be shameful, because it is believed that the Americans cannot understand the Spanish culture and when they try to act as much, only bring shame upon themselves. It is kind of sad that such stereotypes prevent the spread of ideas throughout cultures. However, with breakers of stereotypes such as Pedro, there is still hope for dispersal of knowledge.

Understatement

"And Michael. Michael's been lovely too." (p. 185)

This is a perfect of example of an understatement. I would prefer to call it sarcastic, but I believe that at times understatements are used in novels, but are not sarcastic. I honestly have not come across many in "The Sun Also Rises." In this case, it is used to exemplify Michael's lack of manners while is drunk, as well as his lack of control. The way that Brett says this helps us to understand that this is one of her least favorite characteristics in Mike. Her understatement emphasizes her dislike and annoyance with the behaviors of both Mike and Cohn. I believe that often if there was an understatement in this novel, it was using the words "lovely" or "pretty." Are there any other such statements in this novel without these two words. They seem overly British and colloquial. Most of all, I believe that a novel is fine without a lot of understatements which overload the true sense of the novel.

Spanish and French

"'Globos illuminados,' Mike said. 'A collection of globos illuminados. That's what the paper said.'" (p. 183)

This is an example of Hemingway's frequent use of vernacular. In this case, "globos illuminados" are lighted globes or fireworks. I like how far those who may not be able to speak language, Hemingway puts the words in an understandable context. This and also the use of French help the reader to feel more as if they are in the settings of France or Spain. Hemingway's choice of vernacular is quite interesting, and I love that it is frequently used and doesn't just use it once or twice each couple of chapters. I believe the use Spanish one of the main attractions for me while reading this book. I was more comfortable with this book because I miss Spain so much, and it provided me with so much that I miss. I believe that without this part of the novel, I would not have loved it as much. In the end, I would like to try reading another novel by Hemingway if there are more over France or better yet, Spain.

Flat Character

"'Mike was awful. he's terrible when he's tight.'
'He wasn't so tight.'
'The hell he wasn't. I know what we had before we came to the café.'
'He sobered up afterward.'
'Good. He was terrible. I don't like Cohn, God knows, and I think it was a silly trick of him to go down to San Sebastian, but nobody has any business to talk like Mike.'" (p. 149-150)

To me, Mike appears to be a very flat character. Throughout the novel he doesn't change. All we knew of him is that he is often drunk, in love with Brett, and bankrupt. There isn't much to his personality. It appears that these are usually the type of men Brett chooses. She is often caught with drunks or those men who would worship her. The advantage to Mike is that he has no personality. He never does much more than drink, so he is predictable. This predictability is, I suppose a comfort, but it makes him a rather dull character. In this case, perhaps he needs a term more empty than flat character.

Simile or Something More?

"' Look how he knows how to use his horns,' I said. "He's got a left and a right just like a boxer.'" (p.144)

This is an example a simile. The comparison ist that of a a bull to a boxer. I also feel that it indirectly foreshadows Cohn's attacking of Jake later on in the novel. Jake is like the steer who attempts to deflect the blows of Cohn to "the walls" (his friends) and takes off the blows himself. In the end Cohn knocks him down, and he suffers. However, Jake, like the steer gets back up again, but never fully rejoins his friends. In this way, the simile also becomes and extended foreshadowing metaphor. Though, I do wonder what other ways there are to interpret this simile. Perhaps, there are no true meanings beyond the metaphor itself.

Stereotype

"They were always very polite at first, and it amused them very much that i should be an American. Somehow it was taken for granted that an American could not have aficion. He might simulate it or confuse it with excitement, but he could not really have it." (p.137)

I encountered this stereotype of Americans while I was in Spain. People often believed that Americans could not know or understand the Spanish culture the way that they saw it. In this case its understanding over the bull fighting in Pamplona and throughout Spain was what they believed to be impossible to understand. To many in Spain it was an extremely important part of culture and still is. Surprisingly, there is a lot more to bull fighting than only killing a bull. In this case, it holds unique meaning in masculinity and the power of man over animals. Perhaps with our anti-animal cruelty minds the bull-fights are hard to understand. On the other hand, maybe to understanding is something we as Americans is something we should better learn to do.

España

"After a whole we came out of the mountains, and there were trees along both sides of the road, and a stream and ripe fields of grain, and the road went on, very white and straight ahead, and then lifted to a little rise, and off on the left was a hill with an old castle, with buildings close around it and a field of grain going right up tot the walls and shifting in the wind. I was up in front with the driver and I turned around. Robert Cohn was asleep, but Bill looked and nodded his head. Then we crossed a wide plain, and there was a big river off on the right shining on the sun from between the line of trees, and away off you could see the plateau of Pamplona rising out of the plain, and the walls of the city, and the great brown cathedral, and the broken skyline of the other churches. In back of the plateau were the mountains, and every way you looked there were other mountains, and ahead the road stretched out white across the plain going toward Plamplona." (p. 99)

This description makes me miss our excursions in Spain more than anything in the world. Traveling though the Spanish countryside, often times I saw sights such as this. So, to me, this just goes to show how well Hemingway was able to accurately and beautifully describe settings. On my way from Ciudad Real to Madrid, I saw many plains and even a river such as the one described. I love that I can imagine me time in Spain and remember the details even better because of the way the author write. In a way, it makes me a little more homesick for Spain. I have some pictures just like those described as well. Throughout the novel, I most enjoyed Hemingway's descriptions of the landscape. This really seemed to help in giving life to the novel, and at times it was better than the plot line.

France

"We walked on and circled the island. The river was dark and a bateau mouche went by , all bright with lights, going fast and quiet up and out of sight under the bridge. Down the river was Notre Dame squatting against the night sky. We crossed to the left bank of Seine by the wooden foot-bridge from the Quai de Bethune, and stopped on the bridge the island looked dark, the houses were high against the sky and the trees were shadows." (p. 83)

I love Hemingway's descriptive ability. This scene is such a perfect example of Hemingway's ability to put a small number of words together and yet provide a thorough view of a landscape. Not only is there a simile within this paragraph, but also there are words from the French language. To me, the inclusion of these two literary tools helps the reader to view the setting just a little bit better, and to feel a tad closer to France itself. I also like how this paragraph alludes to numerous famous sites in Paris. Overall. this paragraph contains everything and is a small display of his talents as an author. This panoramic view of France may very well be locatable. This is one type of description that I myself wish I could better display. It takes a lot of work to put so much into so little, and it is a wonder that Hemingway could do so.

Frances

" ' Yes, I'll tell. Robert had a little secretary on the magazine. Just the sweetest little thing in the world, and though she was, and then I came along and he thought I was pretty wonderful, too. So I made him get rid of her, and he had brought her to Provincetown from Carmel when he moved the magazine, and he didn't even pay her fare back to the coast. All to please me. He thought i was pretty fine, then. Didn't you Robert?'" (p. 56-7)

For all of the downfalls Cohn has later on in the novel, this is one thing that I do not think he deserved. Frances is clearly a very controlling woman, but during this tirade, one is able to see the strength and self-control Cohn has. Also, we are able to see why he might have fallen so hard for Brett. If she was kind to him, it would be an instant connection for him. It is just like if a puppy is abused, then goes into a loving home, it will become so much more attached if only for the fact that it feels safe for once. I also can't help but wonder if Cohn didn't get some of the personality he displays later in the book from the treatment of Frances. After all, in the end he seems to want to control everything that Brett does. Maybe after spending so much time under Frances's thumb, this was all he knew. Whatever the case may be, Frances is most definitely my least favorite character.

The Conflict

"This was Brett, that I had felt like crying about. Then I thought of her walking up the street and stepping into the car, as I had last seen her, and of course in a little while I felt like hell again. It is awfully easy to be hard-boiled about everything in the daytime, but at night it is another thing." (p. 42)

The conflict throughout the novel is obvious here in this quote. It is not directly stated her, but clearly Jake is in love with Brett, though he believes it to be for the best if he lets her go. This internal conflict continues on throughout the story, no matter the man that Brett may be with. I believe that Jake and Brett in these stories are similar to the knight and the damsel in distress, only with a spin on the classic tales. Jake is a representation of the perfect knight, and Brett is the damsel, only the thing that is holding her back is alcohol and her relationships with men. Consistently these relationships fail and she looks for comfort in Jake. In this way, Jake feels the instinct to protect her, because of her love for her. Eventually, however, this constant need and the loss of need by Brett may become tiring to Jake, which is where the inner turmoil plays out. Should he convince her to stay or let her go? This question is never directly stated in the novel, but I feel it is important. By the end of the novel though, we still have no clear answer.

Fear

"She was sitting up now. My arm was around her and she was leaning back against me, and we ere quite calm. She was looking into my eyes with that way she had of looking that made you wonder whether she really ever saw out of her own eyes. they would look on and on after everyone else's eyes in the world would have stopped looking, She looked as though there were nothing on earth she would not look at like that, and really she was afraid of so many things." (p. 34)

 I love this quote with a passion. I feel like there is an extremely deep meaning that I can not completely reach, but I understand some of it. I think Hemingway intends for the audience to understand from the sequence of events directly before the quote and including the quote as well, that Brett has been through a lot in her life. She has been hurt more than most people, and because of it, she looks at the world differently, and in a way, not at all. By not looking entirely at the world, and only seeing what she wants to see, yet in seeing everything at the same time, she can protect herself from harm. Also, this quote says that for all that she had been through, Brett did her best not to let it show, as it was only visible to Jake in her eyes. I believe the last line is my favorite part of the entirety of this novel because to me, it states that for all that had occurred, Brett was still willing to try to see everything possible in the world, even though the world itself terrified her.

Teeth

"She grinned and I saw why she made a point of nit laughing. With her mouth closed she was  a rather pretty girl." (p. 23)

I think everyone knows these kinds of people. In general, they are quite amazing, but there is one thing, whether a physical or mental trait, that is off-putting. What I find so interesting in this girl, is that Jake does not turn her away at the point of seeing her teething and knowing she can not be claimed as upper class. He continues to talk with her against, probably, his better judgment. This passage is another expression of Jake's personality and humor upon which will be expanded later in the novel. I also like dhow he, as a writer is able to communicate his impressions of this girl in such small details. I believe that in each of the characters in this novel, important or unimportant, Hemingway points out one characteristic flaw of each. These in the end make the characters more believable, more realistic and deep. 

Libro Numero Dos: Allusion

"Then there was another thing. He had been reading W.H. Hudson> That sounds like an innocent occupation, but Cohn had read and reread "The Purple Land." "The Purple Land" is a very sinister book if read to late in life." (p. 17)

This allusion to "The Purple Land" helps to clarify Cohn's personality indirectly. From the paragraph, one can learn that Cohn is very easily influenced. Secondly, he seems to be severely disappointed in his life.  The novel, "The Purple Land" is about a young man's misadventures, according to http://uwpress.wisc.edu/books/2325.htm.
The content of this book, if Cohn was indeed experiencing a mid-life crisis, would only increase his feelings of failure, as expressed by Jake in the novel. I think novel also helps to clarify the time period in which this novel occurs and after reading the information on the previously mentioned website, I understand why it was that Cohn wanted to go to South America initially. Overall, I think this allusion successfully displays and foreshadows his personality to come later in the book, but on a smaller scale. I believe that over time, with more information on Cohn's character, he changes from a likable to an irritating character.

The End

" And then it becomes 1990. I'm forty-three years old, and a writer now, still dreaming Linda alive in exactly the same way. She's not the embodied Linda; she's mostly made up, a new identity, a new name' like the man who never was. Her real name doesn't matter. She was nine years old. I loved her and then she died. And yet right here, in the spell of memory and imagination, I can still see her as if through ice, as if I'm gazing into some other world, a place where there are no brain tumors and no funeral homes, where there are no bodies at all. I can see Kiowa, too, and Ted Lavender and Curt Lemon, and sometimes I can even see Timmy skating with Linda under the yellow floodlights. I'm young and happy. I'll never die. I'm skimming across the surface of my own history, moving fast, riding the melt beneath the blades, doing loops and spins, and when I take a high leap into the dark and come down thirty years later, I realize it is as Tim trying to save Timmy's life with a story." (p. 232-3)

With this the story ends. It is a bit confusing trying to figure out what O'Brien is saying by this, but I have some idea. I believe that O'Brien is trying to say that by writing several books, he keeps trying to prove and sustain the innocence of the boy he once was. Through war and fighting he has lost that innocence, but he believes that if he can write the story correctly he can bring it back, remind people of what he once was. For all of the violence in this story, this is the most comforting and peaceful ending, more so than could be expected. In a way, it is a nice ending, but it is also unexpected. However, I wish that I could figure out the root of this book and and of this final chapter, because it leaves me a little confused in the end. I would like to know what O'Brien really wanted to teach through this novel, what I was meant to learn. What I have taken away is that war will always have lasting effects that can never be counteracted. These scars will continue on until wars are ended and peace is sustained. This is what I think O'Brien was trying to say.

Linda

"Linda was nine then, as I was, but we were in love. And it was real. When I write about her now, three decades later, it's tempting to dismiss it as a crush, an infatuation of childhood, but I know for a fact that what we felt for each other was as deep and rich as love can ever get. it had all the shadings and complexities of mature adult love, and maybe more, beaus there were not yet, and because it was not yet fixed to comparisons or chronologies or the ways by which adults measure such things." (p. 216)

I love this story about Linda. The ending is terribly sad, but it is one of the few times in the novel in which O'Brien speaks of his own life and love. His wife is never truly mentioned and his daughter only twice. However, Linda receives several pages. I think the loss of this girl about whom he so obviously cared also helps to explain his emotions throughout the novel. He seems to have a lack of love in the novel and the loss of someone is always extremely hard for him. It seems as though each death is very vivid for the author and maybe this is because he never learned to let go after Linda. Whatever the real reason behind his actions, I think that Linda is an influence on O'Brien throughout the novel, whether she is mentioned or not. For this reason, I believe that her story is a very important one.

Death

"The place was deserted - no people, no animals - and the only confirmed kill was an old man who lay face-up near a pigpen at the center of the village. His right arm was gone. At his face there were already many flies and gnats. Dave Jensen went over and shook the old man's hand."(p.214)

This section of the book really bothers me. I believe in complete reverence toward the dead, be they enemies or no. So, when the soldiers in this story are almost mocking their 'kill', it is rather uncomfortable for me. I believe that O'Brien includes this to explain that it is how the men cope with the guilt of having killed someone. They have jokes and act as though nothing has happened, as though the man is alive. In this way, they can nearly distract themselves from the fact that the man is dead. I can not ever agree with these actions, but I think I understand why they were taken. I did like that O'Brien refused to participate, as he had a moral conscience. This to me shows strength and is a different form of coping with the deaths they see throughout the novel.

Effects of War

"I was down there with him, inside him, I was part of the night, I was the land itself- everything everywhere- the fireflies and paddies, the midnight rustlings, the cool phosphorescent shimmer of evil - I was atrocity - I was jungle fire, jungle drums - I was the blind stare in the eyes of all those poor, dead ex-pals of mine - all the pale young corpses, Lee Strunk and Kiowa and Curt Lemon - I was the beast on their lips - the horror and the war." (p. 199)

I believe this paragraph is also an extended metaphor, but I liked it because it shows just what war has done to O'Brien. Often one hears about post-traumatic stress disorders in war veterans, and I think this paragraph exemplifies it. O'Brien has gone so hungry for revenge, that he himself is the war, he is able to use everything that he knows scares himself to scare Jorgenson. What is worse though, is that later on, he ends up scaring himself. To me it is as if the war has take root in his soul and he can never stop fighting. O'Brien must always remember and always reuse what he has seen. This paragraph has an almost spooky tone to it when you realize how far over the edge O'Brien seems to have gone in it. It certainly makes me wonder what kind of effects the wars of today are having on veterans now.