YUKI ICHIKI

This time I was influenced by Beautiful & Cruel. This story is made up of illustrations that tell the story of a young girl growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago. It discusses themes of beauty, identity, and power relations from the perspective of a young girl, contrasting her feelings of inadequacy with the female empowerment she sees in her story. The words social expectations and self-awareness regarding appearance came to mind in this story, and I deeply empathized with the woman in this story who seeks power and independence as a woman. The same goes for men. People around the world say that a person’s inner feelings are more important than their appearance, but I believe that when we meet someone for the first time or see someone we have no relationship with, we unconsciously make judgments based on their appearance. felt. This may be a little off-topic, but this is also included my impression based on my experience as an Asian in America.

Which vignette from “The House on Mango Street” surprised you in some way, and why? This time, the scene that surprised me the most in “The House on Mango Street” was “Boys & Girls”! Personally, I find this story impressive and perspective-taking in many ways. In it, this scene shows the protagonist’s sense of responsibility and the division that inherently exists between the worlds of boys and girls, even within the same family. This sense of resignation to social and familial roles is a common theme in Sandra Cisneros’s work, so it was surprising to me because it speaks to a broader theme of limitations imposed on individuals by their environment; I felt a little like empathy. Which vignette intrigued you and why? The one I was most interested in was “Our Good Day.” Personally, I felt deep empathy and nostalgia for the book’s focus on emotions and memories, and its focus on themes such as friendship, identity, and the simple joys of childhood. The protagonist’s willingness to spend his savings to join a bike share, and the idea of temporary friendships bought and lost, are reminiscent of the innocence of childhood relationships. Which vignette puzzled you and why? The story that confused me the most is “Laughter” in the book, which describes the relationship between the narrator and her sister Nenny, and explains how they have different appearances but similar laughter. It somehow reminds them of houses in Mexico.My personal philosophy is that the relationship between laughter and visual imagery has an abstract nature, so I feel a little confused about this scene.

This time, I compared and contrasted Raymond Carva’s writing style with that of the Brothers Grimm in Snow White. I read two of Raymond’s poems. And I felt his directness and simplicity. I’ll try to explain it briefly. Raymond’s words seem straightforward and focused on everyday experiences and emotions. For example, in [My daughter and Apple pie] he described a simple domestic scene in clear language. On the other hand, the Brothers Grimm’s style in Snow White uses a rich explanatory language that is easy for readers to understand. For example, “Once upon a time in midwinter, when the snowflakes were falling like feathers from heaven, a queen sat sewing at her window…” is filled with vivid imagery and detailed descriptions as seen in this opening line. I am. My conclusion is that Raymond Carver’s stripped-down writing style is characterized by simplicity and directness of language, focusing on everyday life and subtle emotions. In contrast, the style of the Brothers Grimm’s “Snow White” had a richly descriptive feel, focusing on a fantastical and more overt emotional depth.

A fairy tale that everyone has read at least once in their life. Fairy tales have various effects on the people who read them. For example, it improves literacy skills, empathy, imagination, and inference skills. In this essay, I decided to explore the influence of Snow White and Cinderella on people’s psychology. From the perspective of young children to young adults, the moral lessons gleaned from fairy tales are told over and over again, solidifying them into absolute truths, so the world in general sees fairy tales as something that can only be trusted. It is no exaggeration to say that childhood and adolescence are the ideal times for psychological growth and the acquisition of a wealth of knowledge. However, not all fairy tales have a positive impact. These two fairy tales can also be said to be their moral teachers. However, this can also be psychologically negative, as it can give false hope for the future. I would like to research this using various articles and information sources.

When we compare and contrast Bruno Bettelheim’s interpretation of “Snow White” and Anne Sexton’s retelling of the poem “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” we discover the different perspectives and themes each author brings to the classic fairy tale. focus should be considered. Bettelheim emphasizes the developmental aspects of the story, with psychological elements in his reading. He sees “Snow White” as a coming-of-age story that explores themes of maturity, narcissism, and sexual awakening. Bettelheim’s interpretation suggests that the story symbolizes psychological growth from girlhood to adulthood. His focus is on how children can relate fairy tales to their own experiences and understand the deeper meanings beneath the surface-level stories. For example, he interprets Snow White’s repeated failures to open doors despite warnings as a metaphor for the repeated mistakes one makes on the path to learning and maturity. Anne Sexton’s poem “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, on the other hand, takes a more critical and modern approach. In her version, Snow White is depicted not only as a fairy tale character, but also as a symbol of social pressures on women, especially regarding beauty and innocence. The poem’s ending, which alludes to the influence of mirrors, can be interpreted as a commentary on how women are viewed and judged in society.

Having read A Good Man Is Hard to Find, I feel that the inner meaning of the story is deeper than just the surface-level suspense of meeting misfits. The most important element that I saw in the internal sense of the story is Grandma’s hypocrisy. Her supposed moral superiority and “goodness” are undermined by her racism, manipulation, and self-centeredness. She claims to be a good Christian, but are her actions fulfilling her ideals? It’s hard to imagine that happening. And in another, the superficiality of modern life, O’Connor affirms the banal, unreflective nature of family road trips. Their conversations and concerns are nothing compared to the life-or-death crisis they will soon face. I can’t tell you everything, but to summarize briefly, it’s not just a suspenseful plot, but it has an inner meaning in tackling deep themes such as morality, human nature, good and evil, and the randomness of life. I think you can understand that.

To paraphrase Edward Hirsch’s quote, “Reading a poem is part attitude and part technique,” I feel like I could say that “approaching a poem requires a combination of ways of thinking and methods.” Edward Hirsch’s assertion that one’s approach to poetry is influenced by one’s way of thinking and the skills one has developed applies. The mindset and attitude I bring to a poem often sets the tone for how I receive it. When you approach a work with openness and curiosity, you find that you can become more immersed in the world the poet has created. On the other hand, techniques that involve understanding poetic devices, structures, and nuances increase the depth of my appreciation and interpretation. There were times when I was enjoying my time alone, thinking of the words of great people from the past. It’s embarrassing haha. A good example is “The Island of Innisfree” by William Butler Yeats. The poem’s longing for solace and its vivid depiction of nature resonate deeply with me. This sentiment especially connects with me because in today’s fast-paced world [which can also be described as the speed of human progress], the yearning for peace and simplicity is even stronger. The line “”And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,” speaks to my own desire for tranquility and a slower pace of life. ​

Greeting card lyrics “Why Do I Love You So Mu?” Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s sonnet “How Do I Love Thee?” Both explore the complex reasons for deep love. And we each have different personal approaches. In “Why Do I Love You So Much?”, the poet uses direct, everyday language that feels more familiar and intimate. Words such as “believe,” “listen,” and “laugh” reminded me of simple, profound acts that foster deep connections. These words resonate because they describe universal behaviors and emotions that anyone in a close relationship can relate to. Browning’s sonnet, on the other hand, is a classic example of the sonnet form, carefully structured in rhyme and meter. Browning uses more abstract and expansive imagery, as seen in lines such as “I love you to the depths, breadths and heights/My soul reaches.” This image speaks of an infinite love that extends beyond the tangible to the spiritual. The final conclusion is that while greeting cards speak frankly to the heart, Browning’s sonnets combine their clever composition with emotional depth.

Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex deftly incorporates timeless and universal human experiences to illustrate themes of identity, self-discovery, and human psychology when faced with devastating truths, among others. doing. Oedipus’ pursuit of knowledge leads to a catastrophic fall, and Oedipus’ predicament also represents a modern-day dilemma over whether to unearth a potentially devastating truth. Oedipus’ futile attempts to escape fate, even if his efforts are futile, are strongly reminiscent of man’s constant efforts to manipulate fate and control his own destiny. This play’s human struggle against a seemingly predetermined path speaks to a universal dilemma. Finally, he shows how these deeply human experiences are timeless, showing why this play continues to resonate through the ages, reaching across diverse cultures and eras. Beyond, it evokes a sense of struggle and horror that still baffles, fascinates, and terrifies modern audiences. This reminds us of the reality that there are some things we cannot change no matter how hard we try.

In Oedipus ,the citizens search for the cause of the plague and ask Oedipus for help in finding a solution. Although they are hopeless, they still have hope in the king for help. Judging from this, it appears that the citizens had tremendous support and trust in him, and they relied on him. Even in the literature, it is written that “Oedipus is great in the eyes of all people,” and he is treated like a god. Oedipus himself loves Thebes and pursues the truth. Looking at the impact the pandemic has had on modern society, here again people sought information and support, and sought answers from their countries, communities, and country rulers. In Japan, reactions to the coronavirus have been mixed. The rulers of the country at the time were exhausted from dealing with various difficulties, but they were still working hard. After that, we generally saw a lot of behavior that followed government guidelines, such as wearing masks and social distancing. Additionally, online tools have rapidly become popular in business and education settings. These two situations share common leadership expectations. Both Oedipus and modern leaders tried to overcome a crisis in the face of a people seeking answers and reassurance. Oedipus sought an oracle, and modern leaders base their decisions on science, data, and public opinion. Both of these stories reveal the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by society and individuals as they search for solutions. Comparing and considering these may provide clues to understanding the various approaches and reactions to the crises facing humanity, and their complexity.

C.S. Lewis’ literary quote, “We read to know that we are not alone.” In “Araby,” the unnamed young protagonist experiences the turmoil of first love and subsequent awakening to reality, representing the human experience of desire and disillusionment. The narrator is infatuated with Mangan’s sister, and her feelings transform the everyday into something magical, representing literature as an escape from reality. The boy’s journey to the bazaar is a lonely journey driven by his dream of obtaining a gift for the girl. This journey represents his attempt to fulfill his romantic desires. The harsh realities he experiences there, the closing stalls, the indifferent conversations, make him feel alone and betrayed by his own expectations. It is this shared experience of weakness, hope, and disappointment that aligns with Lewis’s quote and shows how this literature connects us through shared emotions and experiences. Literature expands our imagination, gives us different ideas, and changes our view of the world.

Emily Dickinson’s The Wife details a woman’s journey as she follows society’s expectations and takes on the role and responsibilities of a wife. A woman abandons her own desires and aspirations and fulfills her expected duties. Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” features Mrs. Mallard, a woman with problems with her heart and learns of her husband’s presumed death. She experiences a fleeting sense of freedom in place of her lingering sadness and envisions a future for herself in which she can live for herself. In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s The Wife and Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour both explore the norms of marriage and the role of women in the 19th century. Chopin’s story depicts Louise Marard, who, after mourning the death of her husband for a while, feels an unexpected sense of freedom and opens her heart to a life free from the constraints of her marriage and society. Her reflections resonate with the message of Dickinson’s poetry, which expresses the hidden conflicts and repressed desires of a woman who conforms to the expectations of her marital life. However, Louise’s newfound freedom does not last long, as her husband’s unexpected return leads to Louise’s sudden death, depicting the tragic irony of her fleeting liberation. . ​

The powerful short tale “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara perfectly exemplifies C.S. Lewis’s claim that writing enhances reality rather than merely describing it. The main plot of Bambara’s story centers on a journey that some underprivileged kids from Harlem take with their unconventional teacher Miss Moore to Manhattan’s F.A.O. Schwarz toy store.On the surface, the narrative presents a simple illustration of the glaring economic inequalities that exist in society. however, Bambara does more than simply explain this inequality; she magnifies and adds layers to it, causing readers to consider more fundamental societal and moral issues. Readers can feel the weight of injustices and consider the fundamental unfairness of the children’s socioeconomic circumstances thanks to the children’s reactions, particularly Sylvia’s internal conflict. For instance, the children’s outright shock and outrage when they see a toy sailboat with a price tag of more than $1,000 serve as a tangible reminder of the size of the socio-economic divide. This observation of the pricey toys becomes more than just a simple reflection on access, privilege, and societal value. Bambara gives the reader a more empathetic understanding of the realities of economic disparity by contrasting it with the wealth of the toy store and the world of these kids.

For this I read the story “Salvation” by Langston Hughes .One of the most striking scenes in the story is when the narrator finds himself as the last child on the mourners’ bench, surrounded by a congregation praying fervently for his salvation. The lines “And I kept waiting serenely for Jesus, waiting, waiting – but he didn’t come” encapsulate the disconnect between the overwhelming external pressure and the quiet internal truth he felt. This dichotomy paints a vivid picture of how external pressures can lead one to act against their innermost feelings or beliefs. Additionally, the story’s conclusion, where the young Hughes lies to appease the church and his family, speaks volumes about the lengths one may go to in order to conform. The ending is particularly heart-wrenching because it’s clear that the act of lying has a profound impact on his self-perception and beliefs.In essence, I connected with Hughes’s story cause it serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of growing up, the challenges of navigating societal pressures, and the internal conflicts that can arise from trying to fit into expected molds. Through the lens of young Hughes’s experience, the story offers insights into the universal human experience of grappling with external expectations versus personal truths.   James Joyce’s “Araby” resonates with me in many ways. The meticulous depiction of North Richmond Street depicts a quiet and serene environment, which anyone who grew up in a quiet area may be familiar with. This silence is broken only by the boys’ play. This scene evokes anecdotes from my own childhood and personal memories of the sheer joy of free play. What I really felt was the description of a winter day “Dusk approached before we could eat enough dinner.” It vividly depicts the dark and cold days and the […]

The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” is a short story by the renowned Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez. The narrative revolves around a small fishing village that discovers the body of a massive, drowned man washed ashore. Initially, the villagers are curious about this stranger, but as they begin to clean and prepare his body for burial, they become increasingly enchanted by his unparalleled beauty and stature. They imagine a life for him, giving him the name “Esteban.” The women, particularly, are taken by Esteban, comparing their husbands and the men in their lives unfavorably to this idealized figure. As the story progresses, Esteban’s presence begins to transform the villagers’ perspectives on their own lives and the limitations of their small world. They dream of a grander existence, inspired by the drowned man. In the end, they give him a spectacular funeral and make changes to their village in honor of his memory. Through this tale, García Márquez beautifully examines the power of myth and the human tendency to elevate the unknown. I guess that the professor made this work our first assignment not because he wanted to convey that our world is full of unknown forces that we do not yet know.