The Joy of Cooking by Elaine Magarrell
This poem appears to have a very bitter and spiteful tone. It is unclear of the circumstances, but there must have been an event or occurrence which has led the author to feel such harsh feelings towards her brother and sister. Although the author is not actually performing these crude acts to her family members, they must represent either a strong feeling, or a potential way to release frustration. Due to the description, it can be insinuated that the author finds her sister's loud mouth to be unappealing. The sister may potentially be rude or hurtful, leading the author to want to alter her tongue. The author also made the statement that the sister's tongue would grow back, stressing how the sister is an unchangeable loud mouth. Her brother on the other hand must be very heartless and self centered. She stated that her brother's heart "is firm and rather dry," suggesting that that her brother is potentially stubborn and uncaring (Magarrell, 1). The speaker also notes that her brothers heart would only serve two, rather than six, emphasizing on the brother's selfish ways.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Blog #4
Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden
I feel that this poem is centered around a dysfunctional father and son relationship. The father appears to be hardworking and dedicated, but the son, at the time, does not appreciate these characteristics in his father. The father "had driven out the cold and polished my good shoes," but the son never seems to be grateful or pleased by these acts.(Hayden, 782) The poem creates a very dreary and sad image due to the cold wore down descriptions. The father is described as having "cracked hands that ached from labor," which emphasizes that the father had to work hard for everything he and the son owned.(Hayden, 781). Also, the son makes the comment, "fearing the chronic angers of that house"(Hayden, 781). This statement calls attention to the fact that the son did not feel comfortable or happy in the house. It may be possible that he and his father don't quite get along, or that an unknown factor may be tearing them apart as well. It appears now though, that as time has passed, the son realizes that his father really did love him ans feel guilty for not returning his fathers love.
I feel that this poem is centered around a dysfunctional father and son relationship. The father appears to be hardworking and dedicated, but the son, at the time, does not appreciate these characteristics in his father. The father "had driven out the cold and polished my good shoes," but the son never seems to be grateful or pleased by these acts.(Hayden, 782) The poem creates a very dreary and sad image due to the cold wore down descriptions. The father is described as having "cracked hands that ached from labor," which emphasizes that the father had to work hard for everything he and the son owned.(Hayden, 781). Also, the son makes the comment, "fearing the chronic angers of that house"(Hayden, 781). This statement calls attention to the fact that the son did not feel comfortable or happy in the house. It may be possible that he and his father don't quite get along, or that an unknown factor may be tearing them apart as well. It appears now though, that as time has passed, the son realizes that his father really did love him ans feel guilty for not returning his fathers love.
Blog #3
The Drunkard by Frank O'Connor
The Drunkard, by Frank O'Connor, is a rather humorous short story, which contains a big emphasis on the literary term, irony. The boys father was a known alcoholic whose own addiction had caused him both embarrassment and issues at home. After the son and the the father attend a friend's funeral, the father brings his son to a pub. First off, a responsible father would bring their child home, but it appears the drawing powers of alcohol lured him to the pub anyway. The father orders a drink, but turns his back to it, creating a perfect situation for a curious son to make his move. Quickly, roles become reverse as it is now the father who is witnessing his son puking and making a fool of himself due to drunkenness. The boy is stumbling and cursing at women, leaving the father mortified. "Twill be all over the road. Never again, never again, not if I live to be a thousand!"(O'Connor, 350). The father is now experiencing the pain and embarrassment his son and wife feel when he becomes consumed in liquor. Only now, through his own son getting drunk, is he able to realize that he does indeed have a problem. At the end, the boy's mother says he is a guarding angel. I think she makes this statement because her son, through revealing the foolishness associated with being drunk, saved his father from progressing his drinking habits.
The Drunkard, by Frank O'Connor, is a rather humorous short story, which contains a big emphasis on the literary term, irony. The boys father was a known alcoholic whose own addiction had caused him both embarrassment and issues at home. After the son and the the father attend a friend's funeral, the father brings his son to a pub. First off, a responsible father would bring their child home, but it appears the drawing powers of alcohol lured him to the pub anyway. The father orders a drink, but turns his back to it, creating a perfect situation for a curious son to make his move. Quickly, roles become reverse as it is now the father who is witnessing his son puking and making a fool of himself due to drunkenness. The boy is stumbling and cursing at women, leaving the father mortified. "Twill be all over the road. Never again, never again, not if I live to be a thousand!"(O'Connor, 350). The father is now experiencing the pain and embarrassment his son and wife feel when he becomes consumed in liquor. Only now, through his own son getting drunk, is he able to realize that he does indeed have a problem. At the end, the boy's mother says he is a guarding angel. I think she makes this statement because her son, through revealing the foolishness associated with being drunk, saved his father from progressing his drinking habits.
Blog #2
A Worn Path by Eudora Welty
The characterization of Phoenix in A Worn Path, reveals the endearing and loving theme which is portrayed throughout the short story. Even in her old age, Phoenix sacrifices her own well being in order to get medicine for her grandson. This act of unconditional love proclaims Phoenix's selfless and fearless manner, which further expresses the central idea of self sacrifice for loved ones. Phoenix can hardly handle this journey herself. Her skirt constantly becomes entwined in ratty bushes and her mental state is consistently put to the test, but Phoenix remains strong, determined to help her grandson. When Phoenix finally reaches town, she enters into the doctors office where she receives the medicine. The immediate reaction to her presence is, "a charity case I suppose"(Welty, 228). Regardless of this offensive comment, Phoenix remains confident in her presence and eventually receives the respectful attention she deserves. Things did become slightly confusing when Phoenix begins to forget her reason for coming and even more so when Phoenix is asked if her grandson is still alive. Beforehand, this possibility was never is question, but when examining Phoenix's mental states, it is easy to begin to wonder if her grandson really is dead. In the end, it is clear that it is irrelevant if her grandson is alive or not because ultimately, this journey is about Phoenix and the challenges she is willing to face for those she loves.
The characterization of Phoenix in A Worn Path, reveals the endearing and loving theme which is portrayed throughout the short story. Even in her old age, Phoenix sacrifices her own well being in order to get medicine for her grandson. This act of unconditional love proclaims Phoenix's selfless and fearless manner, which further expresses the central idea of self sacrifice for loved ones. Phoenix can hardly handle this journey herself. Her skirt constantly becomes entwined in ratty bushes and her mental state is consistently put to the test, but Phoenix remains strong, determined to help her grandson. When Phoenix finally reaches town, she enters into the doctors office where she receives the medicine. The immediate reaction to her presence is, "a charity case I suppose"(Welty, 228). Regardless of this offensive comment, Phoenix remains confident in her presence and eventually receives the respectful attention she deserves. Things did become slightly confusing when Phoenix begins to forget her reason for coming and even more so when Phoenix is asked if her grandson is still alive. Beforehand, this possibility was never is question, but when examining Phoenix's mental states, it is easy to begin to wonder if her grandson really is dead. In the end, it is clear that it is irrelevant if her grandson is alive or not because ultimately, this journey is about Phoenix and the challenges she is willing to face for those she loves.
Blog #1
Once Upon a Time by Nadine Gordimer
In the final paragraph of Once Upon a Time, readers witness the gruesome outcome of the family's over protective ways. Whereas the defensive coils were to be used as protection, they ultimately lead to mass destruction and potential death. The young boy, on his quest to save the princess, bravely entered into the shinning coil tunnel, only to face the horrors of reality. "With the first fixing of its razor-teeth in his knees and hands and head he screamed and struggled deeper into its tangle,"(Gordimer, 236). The boy entered in as am ambitious child and was hacked out as an "it". This last paragraph does a fair job of emphasizing the main theme of the short story. This theme being, that living in fear leads to no life at all. If a person or multiple people live in such a great deal of fear that it interferes with their daily livelihood, their drive for life will subside along with there ability to live freely. It is impossible to abstain from every source of fear or harm , therefore, it is important to keep on living. Rather than hiding beauty behind walls and fences, it is more essential to embrace life and the fears that comes along with it.
In the final paragraph of Once Upon a Time, readers witness the gruesome outcome of the family's over protective ways. Whereas the defensive coils were to be used as protection, they ultimately lead to mass destruction and potential death. The young boy, on his quest to save the princess, bravely entered into the shinning coil tunnel, only to face the horrors of reality. "With the first fixing of its razor-teeth in his knees and hands and head he screamed and struggled deeper into its tangle,"(Gordimer, 236). The boy entered in as am ambitious child and was hacked out as an "it". This last paragraph does a fair job of emphasizing the main theme of the short story. This theme being, that living in fear leads to no life at all. If a person or multiple people live in such a great deal of fear that it interferes with their daily livelihood, their drive for life will subside along with there ability to live freely. It is impossible to abstain from every source of fear or harm , therefore, it is important to keep on living. Rather than hiding beauty behind walls and fences, it is more essential to embrace life and the fears that comes along with it.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
A Raisin in the Sun Blog #1
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, takes place in downtown Chicago in the Younger Household. In their tiny two bedroom apartment, Mama, Ruth, Walter, Beneatha, and Travis all live there. When being describe, there household was presented as, "weariness has, in fact, won this room"(Hasnberry, 1) This fact may seem insignificant, but it is in this setting that drives the plot throughout A Raisin in the Sun. Especially seen in Walter and Ruth, the setting of the apartment affects their personal happiness and their daily lively hood. Walter has rather high and somewhat unrealistic aspiration, which can be seen through his lack of presence in the apartment. Every time he is home, he realizes his inadequacy to provide a better life for his family and therefore becomes frustrated with his environment. He typically takes his frustration out on his wife, Ruth, which creates resentment toward their household in herself as well. Ruth's desire is to get a new house, representing Ruth's desire to start fresh. The setting of the tiny, weary apartment only reminds Ruth that she, similar to Walter is unhappy with her life and is in need of significant change if she is every going to be happy again.
A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, takes place in downtown Chicago in the Younger Household. In their tiny two bedroom apartment, Mama, Ruth, Walter, Beneatha, and Travis all live there. When being describe, there household was presented as, "weariness has, in fact, won this room"(Hasnberry, 1) This fact may seem insignificant, but it is in this setting that drives the plot throughout A Raisin in the Sun. Especially seen in Walter and Ruth, the setting of the apartment affects their personal happiness and their daily lively hood. Walter has rather high and somewhat unrealistic aspiration, which can be seen through his lack of presence in the apartment. Every time he is home, he realizes his inadequacy to provide a better life for his family and therefore becomes frustrated with his environment. He typically takes his frustration out on his wife, Ruth, which creates resentment toward their household in herself as well. Ruth's desire is to get a new house, representing Ruth's desire to start fresh. The setting of the tiny, weary apartment only reminds Ruth that she, similar to Walter is unhappy with her life and is in need of significant change if she is every going to be happy again.
A Raisin in the Sun blog #2
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
There is clear separation between generations in A Raisin in the Sun. Most evidently seen between Walter and Mama, there generation gap causes a lack of understanding between the two. Mama does not understand why Walter cannot be content with the life he currently has. To Mama, having rights and being free is already enough to be happy about, therefore she cannot comprehend why Walter is so set on being financially successful. Mama explains to Walter, "So now it's life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life- now it's money. I guess the world really do change..."(Hansberry, 74). Back when Mama was Walter's age, life was all about being equal and being free. Now that she has gained those rights, she does not see why anybody needs anything more, but Mama is not realizing the change in generation. In the 1950's, black men and women were able to make something of themselves and could become successful. Walter is aware that colored people now have the opportunity to make something of themselves, therefore, he is determined to do so. He doesn't understand why Mama is so keen to turn him down when he is trying to follow his dreams. He doesn't realize that Mama can't see anything being more important or prominent than having freedom. She believes that if a person has freedom, then they should be happy regardless of other struggles, therefore, she has a hard time relating to her son's current unhappiness.
There is clear separation between generations in A Raisin in the Sun. Most evidently seen between Walter and Mama, there generation gap causes a lack of understanding between the two. Mama does not understand why Walter cannot be content with the life he currently has. To Mama, having rights and being free is already enough to be happy about, therefore she cannot comprehend why Walter is so set on being financially successful. Mama explains to Walter, "So now it's life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life- now it's money. I guess the world really do change..."(Hansberry, 74). Back when Mama was Walter's age, life was all about being equal and being free. Now that she has gained those rights, she does not see why anybody needs anything more, but Mama is not realizing the change in generation. In the 1950's, black men and women were able to make something of themselves and could become successful. Walter is aware that colored people now have the opportunity to make something of themselves, therefore, he is determined to do so. He doesn't understand why Mama is so keen to turn him down when he is trying to follow his dreams. He doesn't realize that Mama can't see anything being more important or prominent than having freedom. She believes that if a person has freedom, then they should be happy regardless of other struggles, therefore, she has a hard time relating to her son's current unhappiness.
A Rains in the Sun blog #5
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
The ultimate force running throughout the play is motivation. Each member of the family has a certain goal or aspiration they wish to achieve, mostly centered around making something of oneself. This can be seen most clearly with Walter. His deepest desire is to escape his less than average life style and make it into the big times. He believes working in the liquor industry will increase his chances of becoming successful, therefore he resents anybody who turns the idea down ( his whole family). Since his family will not support him on the idea, he feels a great deal of animosity toward them for restraining him from his ambitions. Beneatha is another character who has deep motivation. Although she is aware that women are typically unable to be doctors, especially a black, woman doctor, she continues to work towards this goal anyway due to her strong desire to be independent. Beneatha states, "Get over it? What are you talking about, Ruth? Listen, I'm going to be a doctor. I'm not worried about who I am going to marry yet." (Hansberry, 50). Although her family may find this goal to be unrealistic, Beneatha is set on making it a reality. Ruth is final character with great motivation. Ruth desires to live a more normal and manageable family lifestyle. She wants a nice house for her family to live in and a good relationship with her husband, but it seems that none of this will be possible without the money from the check. When something gets in her way, such as the unplanned baby, Ruth considers drastic matters in order to cause any further disruption. She wants to attain a better life, just like the rest of the family members.
The ultimate force running throughout the play is motivation. Each member of the family has a certain goal or aspiration they wish to achieve, mostly centered around making something of oneself. This can be seen most clearly with Walter. His deepest desire is to escape his less than average life style and make it into the big times. He believes working in the liquor industry will increase his chances of becoming successful, therefore he resents anybody who turns the idea down ( his whole family). Since his family will not support him on the idea, he feels a great deal of animosity toward them for restraining him from his ambitions. Beneatha is another character who has deep motivation. Although she is aware that women are typically unable to be doctors, especially a black, woman doctor, she continues to work towards this goal anyway due to her strong desire to be independent. Beneatha states, "Get over it? What are you talking about, Ruth? Listen, I'm going to be a doctor. I'm not worried about who I am going to marry yet." (Hansberry, 50). Although her family may find this goal to be unrealistic, Beneatha is set on making it a reality. Ruth is final character with great motivation. Ruth desires to live a more normal and manageable family lifestyle. She wants a nice house for her family to live in and a good relationship with her husband, but it seems that none of this will be possible without the money from the check. When something gets in her way, such as the unplanned baby, Ruth considers drastic matters in order to cause any further disruption. She wants to attain a better life, just like the rest of the family members.
A Raisin in the Sun blog #4
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
Aside from the actual meaning and plot of the play, there are certain tools and literary techniques that add to plays profound story. First being the very acute vernacular used in the writing style. Hansberry creates a very visual aspect to those reading the play, which allows for a more vivid and deeper understanding of the characters lifestyles and daily behaviors. Not only does the vernacular used in the play reveal the Younger family's way of speaking, but indirectly exposes the families lack of education. This can be seen when Mama says,"We ain't never been no people to act silly 'bout no money"(Hansberry, 68). A noticeable change can be seen with Beneatha though when compared to her family. Unlike the others, Beneatha speaks with an educated, profound efficiency. This could be interpreted as Beneatha's escape from the life the rest of her family lives. Whereas her family is stuck in an inescapable rut, Beneath has the potential to make a life for herself and be the independent woman she has always dreamed of. Though vernacular may be seen as an insignificant technique, this play emphasizes the power words have when revealing characterization.
Aside from the actual meaning and plot of the play, there are certain tools and literary techniques that add to plays profound story. First being the very acute vernacular used in the writing style. Hansberry creates a very visual aspect to those reading the play, which allows for a more vivid and deeper understanding of the characters lifestyles and daily behaviors. Not only does the vernacular used in the play reveal the Younger family's way of speaking, but indirectly exposes the families lack of education. This can be seen when Mama says,"We ain't never been no people to act silly 'bout no money"(Hansberry, 68). A noticeable change can be seen with Beneatha though when compared to her family. Unlike the others, Beneatha speaks with an educated, profound efficiency. This could be interpreted as Beneatha's escape from the life the rest of her family lives. Whereas her family is stuck in an inescapable rut, Beneath has the potential to make a life for herself and be the independent woman she has always dreamed of. Though vernacular may be seen as an insignificant technique, this play emphasizes the power words have when revealing characterization.
A Raisin in the Sun Blog #3
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
There are three major separations between members of the Younger family that greatly influence their levels of happiness and success. Found in the family is a person who makes things happen, a person who watches things happen, and a person who wonders what happen. Beneatha is going to school to be a doctor, frequently takes part in new experiences and strives to make a life for herself. Due to her motivated and ambitious attitude, Beneatha is the Younger who most makes things happen. While speaking to her brother, Beneatha remarks sarcastically, "And forgive me for ever wanting to be anything at all!"(Hansberry, 37). Beneatha is teased for trying to be a doctor, something most black women could not achieve at that time, but none the less, Beneatha was going to do it because she made things happen. Observing the families daily chaos is the leader of the house, Mama. Although Mama attempts to put in her input and advice, she mostly is just a bystander admits the commotion. At times such as when Ruth announces she is pregnant or when Walter burst out due to his unfulfilled life, Mama is always there watching the action go down. Lastly, it is Travis who wonders what happens. Most of the chaos happens without his knowledge and he is constantly kept out of the loop. Early in the play, this can be seen when Ruth rejects giving Travis money, but then Walter gives it to him anyway in order to bury the truth about the families money problems.
There are three major separations between members of the Younger family that greatly influence their levels of happiness and success. Found in the family is a person who makes things happen, a person who watches things happen, and a person who wonders what happen. Beneatha is going to school to be a doctor, frequently takes part in new experiences and strives to make a life for herself. Due to her motivated and ambitious attitude, Beneatha is the Younger who most makes things happen. While speaking to her brother, Beneatha remarks sarcastically, "And forgive me for ever wanting to be anything at all!"(Hansberry, 37). Beneatha is teased for trying to be a doctor, something most black women could not achieve at that time, but none the less, Beneatha was going to do it because she made things happen. Observing the families daily chaos is the leader of the house, Mama. Although Mama attempts to put in her input and advice, she mostly is just a bystander admits the commotion. At times such as when Ruth announces she is pregnant or when Walter burst out due to his unfulfilled life, Mama is always there watching the action go down. Lastly, it is Travis who wonders what happens. Most of the chaos happens without his knowledge and he is constantly kept out of the loop. Early in the play, this can be seen when Ruth rejects giving Travis money, but then Walter gives it to him anyway in order to bury the truth about the families money problems.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)