In Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World, the precision of the language used transforms ordinary story elements and makes powerful symbols like greatness and possibility. For example “Not only was he the tallest, Strongest, most virile, and best-built man they had ever seen, but even though they were looking at him there was no room for him in their imagination.” The simple words used “tallest”, “Strongest,” and “virile” create a vivid and overwhelming image of the drowned man. This straightforwardly highlights the drowned man’s physical presence, making him literally and figuratively larger than life. These common adjectives are used very precisely transforming the man from a mere corpse into a symbol of greatness and possibility, through these simple yet effective words, Marquez conveys how the villagers’ world is limited but expands as they project their dreams and desires onto this drowned man, showing the potential hidden within the ordinary things in life.
Monthly Archives: November 2024
In Guy de Maupassant’s short story ”The Necklace”, simple words are used to describe ordinary things, such as a necklace, an apartment, or a dress. These common items become very important because they are described in a compelling way. For example, when Mathilde Loisel receives the invitation to the ball, she dreams of having many things: “She dreams of big rooms with old silk, pretty furniture with many beautiful things, and small rooms with flowers, made for talking to famous men, the kind of men all women want.” Although these descriptions are simple, they are full of power. Through the precise language used to describe these everyday items, the story enhances the emotional resonance of her dissatisfaction with life. This story shows that even the most ordinary objects, when described with precise and expressive language, can be imbued with profound meaning.
In the poem The Mother by Gwendolyn Brooks she writes about her trauma with abortions in a very precise way, her style of writing definitely can give the reader that chill along their spine as mentioned by Carver. “I have heard in the voices of the wind the voices of my dim killed children. I have contracted. I have eased” (Brooks). As a woman who has experienced this trauma as well her words hit home. I’ve always wondered about the what if”s, if when I was younger and decided to go through with my pregnancy what would my life be like now. Also knowing that I’ve made the right decision because at that young age I wouldn’t have been able to provide for my child the way I can today. Nevertheless, precise language just gives off that “right to the point” kind of feel, as the reader we don’t have to try to figure out what the writer is saying when it’s written down in its rawest form. Furthermore, it also makes me have a “wow” moment when reading the short story or poem because it feels like it cuts deep and I am able to visualize what the writer is saying.
In ” The Most Handsome Drowned Man” the moral of the story revolves around imagination, love and innocence. The author uses imagery, the story is mainly about seeing the handsomest drowned man. The story uses imagery to describe the village and the drowned man. The author used symbolism such as the ocean. The ocean symbolized beauty in life and opportunities exist outside the village. In the story, “They noticed too that he bore his death with pride, for he did not have the lonely look of other drowned men who came out of the sea or that haggard, needy look of men who drowned in rivers” (Marquez 4). The narrator used exaggeration to describe the drowned man’s uniqueness. The metaphor, “bore his death with pride” shows an image of the drowned man being put together and strong in his previous life. This language helps the reader understand the point of the story and it helps them imagine what they are reading.
The story the most handsome drowned man by Gabriel Garcia Marquez shows various examples of commonplace but precise language because of the frequent use of descriptive language. For example, when the drowned man washed up to the shore, they explained briefly that there was no way the drowned man was from their village. “So when they found the drowned man they simply had to look at one another to see that they were all there.” (Marquez 2). Another example of the use of this type of language, was when the narrator was describing the state of the dead corpse. “Only his shape gave one to suppose that it was the corpse of a human being, because the skin was covered with a crust of mud and scales.” (Marquez 1). The use of common and easily understood language throughout the story helped me to paint a clear image in my mind of what the corpse may actually look like. Which helped me to understand the characters reaction to the corpse. The common place language in this story is extremely necessary and helpful seeing as this story contains strong aspects of magical realism which may be a hard concept to grasp.
Throughout her poem “We Real Cool,” Gwendolyn Brooks uses simple and straight forward narrative to capture the fate and lives of young people who live on the edge of societal norms. Despite her economy of words her meaning is very clear. Consider her opening lines ,”The Pool Players. Seven at the Golden Shovel” sets the scene with the use of simple, direct language, drawing the reader into the world of these young men. Her use of the word “we” showcases the groups sense of unity. The closing phrase, “We die soon.” embodies Raymond Carvers principle of precision. Short and to the point. Like Craver, this poem by Gwendolyn Brooks highlights the use of simple everyday language. It’s precise vocabulary and straightforward structure create a clear understanding of the self destructive path of the young men in the poem. It also demonstrates that true artistry does not have to be written in complex language but through simplicity can convey the truth of human emotions.
In “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, the necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry, it becomes a powerful symbol of Mathilde’s desires and the consequences of those desires. Maupassant’s approach to describing the necklace reflects what Raymond Carver talks about: how ordinary objects, written about with care and precision, can take on deeper emotional and symbolic meaning. At first, the necklace is described as “a Venetian cross, gold and gems, of admirable workmanship.” The language is simple and clear, yet it conveys the beauty and allure of the necklace in a way that feels captivating to Mathilde. To her, it is not just jewelry, it is the key to the life she has always dreamed of, a life of wealth, beauty, and admiration. For one night, wearing it makes her feel as though she belongs in that world. When the necklace is lost, its meaning shifts entirely. It becomes a symbol of the heavy cost of Mathilde’s aspirations. The years of hard work and sacrifice to repay the debt reflect the cruel irony of her pursuit of status. What seemed to offer her everything ends up taking it all away. Maupassant, like Carver, shows how everyday objects can hold immense power through precise and careful writing. The necklace is not just an accessory, it represents Mathilde’s dreams, her choices, and the devastating consequences that follow, all brought to life through vivid and simple language.
I believe “The Wife” by Emily Dickinson is a poem that uses Carver’s idea of “commonplace but precise language.” Raymond Carver describes this idea as something that’s seemingly ordinary, but given its precise context and usage, suddenly holds a lot of weight behind it. A quote that I feel best matches this is when Emily Dickinson writes, “She rose to his requirement, dropped the playthings of her life to take the honorable work of woman and of wife.” On the surface, the quote seems rather straightforward. Without the context of the poem, it simply seems like the woman leaves behind unimportant and childish parts of her life when she gets married. However, given the context of the poem, the stanza can be interpreted as sarcastic. The parts of her life that are brushed off as “playthings” could be hobbies or people that are deeply important to her; yet, she no longer has time for them after becoming society’s ideal housewife. The words and phrases in the quote are fairly simple, but plenty of meaning left to be interpreted lies underneath.
In “The Necklace,” Mathilde’s use of descriptive language reflects Raymond Carver’s idea of giving commonplace objects immense power through precise expression. Mathilde, consumed by her longing for wealth and status, transforms ordinary items into symbols of grandeur. She describes a setting “lit by torches in lofty bronze sockets.” This imagery elevates the mundane, creating a vision of opulence and romance. The choice of “bronze” over simpler materials like pewter or silver conveys a sense of warmth and richness, while the torches’ flickering light creates an intimate, almost regal ambiance. These details reveal Mathilde’s yearning for a world beyond her reach, where beauty and luxury dominate. By romanticizing such objects, Mathilde projects her desires onto them, showing how her aspirations distort her perception of reality. This precise language not only enhances the narrative but also stresses Mathilde’s inner conflict and longing.
Gwendolyn Brooks’s poem “The Mother” powerfully demonstrates Raymond Carver’s concept of using straightforward yet precise language to give ordinary objects and experiences deeper significance. The poem centers on the themes of loss and regret related to abortion, conveying the profound emotional weight of this experience through simple, impactful language. One striking example from the poem is the line: “the damp small pulps with a little or with no hair.” Brooks uses precise language in this line to create a tender yet haunting image of infants. The word “damp” suggests vulnerability and fragility, while the phrase “small pulps” simplifies the imagery, establishing a raw and visceral connection to lives that were never fully realized. Brooks uses everyday language in the poem to convey the complexity of maternal love and loss. Phrases like “sucking thumb” and “gobbling mother-eye” introduce familiar domestic elements that resonate with readers while expressing the speaker’s intense emotions. These images transform ordinary realities into symbols of longing and sorrow, illustrating how everyday objects and actions can embody profound human experiences. In reflecting on the consequences of her choices, the speaker states, “Believe that even in my deliberateness I was not deliberate.” This line emphasizes the paradox of intention versus consequence, enhancing the poem’s emotional impact while keeping it accessible and relatable. By incorporating such poignant reflections into everyday language, Brooks deepens the poem’s emotional resonance and invites readers to connect with the complexities of motherhood and the haunting possibilities of what might have been.
The terror in Joyce Carol Oates’s “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” feels very different from the fear you get while watching a horror movie. I will compare it to my experience while watching Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” Oates’s story is about subtle, creeping dread. Arnold Friend is not an over the top monster, it is unsettling because he’s almost normal. There are disturbing detail like his too tight boots or the way he seems to know too much about Connie. It’s the kind of fear that comes from the unknown. Who is he? What does he really want? The author never answers these questions, so your imagination does all the work, which makes it feel very personal and almost too real. In The Shining, the terror is more right in your face. Kubrick fills the screen with unforgettable, horrifying images; the blood pouring out of the elevator, Jack’s crazed face through the splintered door, the ghostly twins. It feels like the film grabs you by the throat and forces you to experience its fear directly. But even with all its big, scary moments, The Shining also digs into psychological terror, like Jack’s slow descent into madness and the suffocating isolation of the Overlook Hotel. It is intense and relentless; you are at Kubrick’s mercy as he builds the tension. I feel that the biggest difference is control. With Oates’s story, you set the pace. You can pause, reread, and let the dread simmer. With The Shining, or any other terror movie, you are there as part of the ride, and the director is not letting you off the hook or any breaks. Both terrify you, but in different ways.
My thesis statement is the belief that a woman’s value is correlated with her physical attractiveness is reinforced by fairy tales, which also uphold traditional gender roles and beauty standards. List A, “Experts Say Fairy Tales Not So Happy Ever After” by Liz Grauerholtz stood out for its discussion on how fairy tales shape children’s perceptions of beauty and morality. Grauerholtz emphasizes how these stories associate physical attractiveness with goodness and success while linking unattractiveness with evil, creating harmful stereotypes. This resonates with the challenges young girls face in balancing societal beauty pressures with modern ideals of independence and confidence. List B, “The Pervasiveness and Persistence of the Feminine Beauty Ideal in Children’s Fairy Tales” by Lori Baker-Sperry and Liz Grauerholtz was fascinating for its analysis of how fairy tales like “Cinderella” and “Snow White”was intriguing because it examined how beauty is emphasized as being essential to a woman’s worth in fairy tales like “Cinderella” and “Snow White.” By placing more value on beauty than other attributes, this emphasis limits women’s prospects and upholds patriarchal systems.
What is your thesis for the research essay on fairy tales? Identify one article from List A and one article from List B that interests you. Please cite the author’s name and explain which ideas from the article caught you attention and why. I believe Fairy tales are important for children’s development as they encouraged imagination, teach valuable lessons and help them understands emotions. Fairy tales often involve magical elements, creatures and events that helps them think creatively beyond their everyday experiences. It also teaches morals such as bravery, honesty and kindness. “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson, University of Hawaii and “Why Fairy Tales Matter” by Maria Tatar are two articles that interests me. According to the article: “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children”, Jungian thinks that fairy tales teach children how to deal with basic human conflicts, desires, and relationships in a healthy way. She also thinks, “acquiring these skills can ultimately impact a child’s health, quality of life, or even influence its values and beliefs in the future.” This idea caught my attention because it helps children become aware of various moral values which are very important to everyday life. life. In the article: “Why Fairy Tales Matter” by Maria Tatar, demonstrates how fairy tale’s written language can spark a child’s imagination. This caught my attention because fairy tale helps children to have an active imagination.
I believe Fairy Tales aid in the development of a child’s mind. The article I read from List A was “Sex and Violence in Fairy Tales” by David Isaacs. While the article touches on how some older fairy tales have darker tones and hidden meanings, Isaacs states that they still carry important lessons for children. He believes that fairy tales help children digest new discoveries from the world and internal struggles. From List B, I chose “Tell Fairy Stories to Your Children” by Jane Stafford. The article makes it clear that fairy tales rely heavily on how the parent chooses to tell them. Things that could be considered negative are due to a poor choice/delivery from a parent. As for the fairy tales themselves, they can be used to strengthen the relationship between a child and their mother/father. As long as whoever’s telling the story follows the rules listed in the article, fairy tales can be some of a child’s happiest moments. These articles caught my attention because I feel they work hand in hand. A parent dictates if or how to deliver an element such as violence in a story, and can teach their child important lessons when doing so correctly.
My thesis as of right now is, Fairy tales are frequently criticized for their violence and gender stereotypes, they essentially help children because they build toughness, while teaching moral and ethical guidelines, and inspire their creative minds. As of right now I chose this as my thesis because in “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson is one article from List A that grabs my interest. I was drawn to this article because it discusses the positive behavioral and growth impacts fairy tales have on kids. Visiko Knox-Johnson specifically addresses how fairy tales teach within kids the need of kindness and determination, two qualities that are essential components of emotional intelligence. According to the essay, youngsters can learn how to deal with challenges in real life by studying the symbolic struggles that fairy tale characters encounter. While in List B, Maria Tatar’s article “Why Fairy Tales Matter” is my favorite from List B. Tatar provides an in-depth investigation of the reasons behind the ongoing cultural significance of fairy tales in her study. The claim made by Tatar that fairy tales give kids a safe and meaningful way to deal with challenging emotions like betrayal, sadness, and fear really caught my attention. Since they enable kids to comprehend and manage complicated emotions, she believes that these emotional experiences even the most severe ones are essential to kids emotional growth.
Fairy tales are very important to children. Fairy tales teach children lessons that will help them in life. Also, fairy tales are used to entertain people and give them a sense of drifting away from reality. After reading these fairy tales, my thesis for the research essay would be fairy tales are a great way to teach children lessons because it teaches children about society, emotions and how to deal with conflict. Fairy tales often show children how to function in society and it shows children how to expand their imagination. From list A, I chose to read “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children.” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson, she explains that fairy tales help children distinguish right and wrong. She believes fairy tales help with child development and test their action or initiative. In this article, it does a great job showing why fairy tales are helpful to children. These stories are very important in building integrity, coherence, and honesty. From list B, ” Why Fairy Tales Matter” by Maria Tartar, she explains why reading fairy tales help intellectual imagination and creativity. This article shows that reading these stories can trigger emotions in children and how to deal with them. Fairy tales help children with their personal development and help them tap into their emotions.
I believe that fairytales give children a misconstrued image of what is just and good. Fairytales rarely show the villains being punished for the bad stuff or the pain they have inflicted on others, which shows a disregard for justice. In the article “Sex and Violence” written by David Isaacs, something that caught my attention would be when the author mentioned fairytales being used to help children with sexual confrontation. “Some of the power of these stories may be that they help children confront and come to terms with their own sexual and aggressive thoughts and feelings” (Isaacs). However, I do not believe that this is the job of fairytales. Additionally in the article “Good and Bad beyond Relief” by Jerilyn Fisher and Ellen S. Silber, it mentions the absentee father never making an appearance. “The fairy tale father, oblivious to his child’s misery, never intercedes; nor is he reproached for being inattentive” (Fisher and Silber). This is something I noticed myself but never thought it was a big deal; so to see it written about in this way really piqued my interest.
I believe that fairy tales are good for children because I strongly think they just understand that fairy tales are meant to be for entertainment purposes only and within the entertainment there is also a lesson to be learned within the story that can be applied to their real lives. One article that caught my interest from List A was “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson, University of Hawaii. The author mentioned “Fairy tales not only aid in child development, but they also offer a rich source of material to draw from in a therapeutic manner”. I think it’s super impressive that they can utilize the magic of storytelling to bring forth what emotions and feelings the child may be experiencing due to either a situation or a sickness. On list B i chose “Rediscovering the Power of Fairy Tales” by Mary Howarth”. The author describes how much it benefits the children when they reinact some fairy tales. As a teacher, the author introduces the children to “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and stated “One common progression for the quieter children is to move from Littlest, to Middle-Sized, to Biggest Billy Goat. the children were able to play different characters and so through this method the teacher observed their progression.
My thesis as of right now is, Fairy tales are frequently criticized for their violence and gender stereotypes, they essentially help children because they build toughness, while teaching moral and ethical guidelines, and inspire their creative minds. As of right now I chose this as my thesis because in “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson is one article from List A that grabs my interest. I was drawn to this article because it discusses the positive behavioral and growth impacts fairy tales have on kids. Visiko Knox-Johnson specifically addresses how fairy tales teach within kids the need of kindness and determination, two qualities that are essential components of emotional intelligence. According to the essay, youngsters can learn how to deal with challenges in real life by studying the symbolic struggles that fairy tale characters encounter. While in List B, Maria Tatar’s article “Why Fairy Tales Matter” is my favorite from List B. Tatar provides an in-depth investigation of the reasons behind the ongoing cultural significance of fairy tales in her study. The claim made by Tatar that fairy tales give kids a safe and meaningful way to deal with challenging emotions like betrayal, sadness, and fear really caught my attention. Since they enable kids to comprehend and manage complicated emotions, she believes that these emotional experiences even the most severe ones are essential to kids emotional growth.
Why I believe fairytales are important, so let us just start here with “The Little Snow White” by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm for example. When reading the story, I notice that Snow White is a curious yet brave girl who ventured into the woods wen she was kicked by her father. Upon her adventure, the stepmother always watches her on every corner. This led to her unknowingly venture to trouble. She even got “killed” by eating a poisonous apple by a suspicious old hag. But by the end she had a happily ever after story while the stepmother , who tried to take the beauty away from her, danced into the bottomless pit. The benefit of fairytales to children is by granting them creativity as they learn and evaluate lessons from the whole story, and knowing that they can relate to Snow White being that they have a listening curve in a young age. And to relate with the stepmother since emotions can easily be expressed with jealousy and bad mishaps, so bad behavior can be avoided one way from reading fantasy novels. When it also comes to fairytales, children don’t have to be literal about what they view of. We imagining bad people as monsters, or the blue sky as another ocean, or the moon as… Well, a big ball of swiss cheese! Whenever fantasy comes to light in children’s minds, the sky’s the limit.
After reading the articles my thesis would be depending on how gruesome the fairy tale is I will determine if I will read the tale to a child. Especially from my perspective being a mother I would never want to read my child a book about sex or children being slaughtered. “Fairy tales give conscious expression to complex unconscious, infantile fantasies about sexual wishes, anger, guilt and fear of punishment within the family” (Isaacs). Nevertheless, some of the Grimm brothers’stories have life lessons within them which I feel like they can be good for children depending on their age. For instance, the Snow White story by the Grimm brothers basically explained a scenario of “The boy who cried wolf” because she never learned a lesson until it was too late even after the dwarfs told her not open the door anymore. I have to do a more thorough research on the articles in list B, being transparent none of the options in List B caught my attention and some of the websites they popped up on didnt give me access to the full article. Works Cited: “Sex and Violence in Fairy Tales” editorial by David Isaacs, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
My thesis for the research essay is that fairy tales are harmful for children because they teach old ideas about beauty, gender roles, and what is right or wrong. These stories often make kids think that how they look is the most important thing, especially for girls, who are shown that being beautiful is the key to being valued. From List A, the article I picked is Liz Grauerholz’s “The Pervasiveness and Persistence of the Feminine Beauty Ideal in Children’s Fairy Tales.” This stood out to me because it shows how fairy tales focus too much on women’s looks. I agree with her idea that these stories teach girls they need to be pretty to matter, which can make them feel bad about themselves if they don’t fit those beauty standards. From List B, I chose “Why Fairy Tales Matter: The Performative and the Transformative” by Maria Tatar. This caught my attention because it explains how fairy tales shape the way people think and act. I liked how she points out that these stories pass down old ideas about how boys and girls are supposed to behave, which don’t work in today’s world. Both articles explain how fairy tales can hurt kids by keeping old ideas about beauty and gender alive. I think these stories are more harmful than helpful because they teach kids to follow unfair rules instead of being true to themselves.
Fairy tales are good for children as they are a great source of examples of strength, perseverance and triumph. These timeless tales, can teach children problem-solving skills, build emotional resilience and encourage a love for reading. ,”The Positive Impacts of fairy Tales for children” states, Fairy tales not only aid in child development, but they also offer a rich source of material to draw from in a therapeutic manner” ( Johnson-Visikoknox 1 ). Another quote is taken from the article “Rediscovering the Power of Fairy Tales ” where it tells us that “I watched as each child took the tales and used them to foster her or his particular growth” ( Howard 2 ). The ideas that caught my mind are the ones that stated when these stories are read to children it can help them to understand and process some of their own emotions that might be a part of the storyline. Also how it can be used as a tool throughout childhood and even as adults. For example, Cinderella was bullied by her step-mother and step sisters; I have used this story to help my granddaughter to find ways like Cinderella to be kind to others and also to persevere and always believe in herself. As an adult I also use this lesson to help me be kind to others even in negative situations.
When I was young, I really enjoyed fairy tales. Although I no longer remember many of the stories’ titles, they still brought me a lot of joy. Perhaps my imagination and creativity also stem from the fairy tales I read as a child. I personally believe that fairy tales can not only be a part of a child’s happiness but also serve as an effective psychological therapy tool. As stated in the article by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson, “Fairy tales not only aid in child development, but they also offer a rich source of material to draw from in a therapeutic manner.” It seems that the author shares the same belief as I do. This is also supported by Jane Stafford’s article “Tell Fairy Stories to Your Children,” which says, “Fairy stories are important because they relieve a child of worries over mysteries which he cannot understand.” From this, it is clear that the fairy tales I grew up with have contributed to my healthy development.
I think fairy tales are bad for children because they promote unrealistic gender roles, prioritize beauty over character, and discourage independence and self-confidence for young girls.” From early childhood, girls are read fairy tales about princesses who achieve vast riches simply because their beauty makes them special.” – “Experts Say Fairy Tales Not So Happy Ever After” by Liz Grauerholtz in Purdue News. This quote by Grauerholz sticks out to me because often in fairy tales, the plot would revolve around the main female character that ends up being successful because she was simply pretty. It can promote a narrow idea about gender roles and stereotypes on pretty privilege to children. Second quote,” Beautiful girls are never ignored; they may be oppressed at first by wicked figures, as the jealous Queen persecutes Snow-White, but ultimately they are chosen for reward.”- “Some Day My Prince Will Come” by Marcia Lieberman, suggests that traditional fairy tales often reinforce the stereotype that beauty guarantees attention, value, and a happy ending, no matter what challenges the protagonist faces. Although these stories may seem harmless, they have deeper meanings that can negatively affect children’s understanding of self-worth, fairness, and success in life.
Fairy tales are essential for children’s development; they provide moral lessons, encourage creativity, and support emotional growth through the use of imaginative storytelling. The tales re not only timeless and entertaining, but also teach children valuable life lessons in a way they can understand and relate to. An article from list A that stood out to me is Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson’s “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children.” In her article, she explains how fairy tales help children distinguish between right and wrong while nurturing resilience in the face of challenges. This idea highlights how these stories, or tales, guide children in building strong moral foundations and better problem solving skills in an appealing and memorable way. From list B, Maria Tatar’s article “Why Fairy Tales Matter,” captured my attention and interest. The author emphasizes how fairy tales provide a safe space for children to confront fears and explore solutions. This perspective emphasizes how these stories can foster emotional growth by helping children process their anxieties and navigate their inner worlds. Fairy tales are valuable tools for both learning and personal development.
Imagine a world brimming with lessons, magic, and destiny, where possibilities stretch as far as a beanstalk can grow. In this world, heroes and villains come alive, whether they’re battling great evils, falling prey to poisoned apples, or witnessing beauty that fades at the stroke of midnight. I do believe Fairy Tales are for children because it teaches them important life lessons while sparking imagination and creativity. “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson, University of Hawaii says “Based on the Jungian interpretation, fairy tales teach children how to deal with basic human conflicts, desires, and relationships in a healthy way; acquiring these skills can ultimately impact a child’s health, quality of life, or even influence its values and beliefs in the future.” As a child I always loved it when I read a fairy tale, it sparked my imagination and pulled me into the stories as if I were there, essentially the lessons learned through fairy tales followed me as an adult. In “Tell Fairy Stories to Your Children” by Jane Stafford she says “The fairy stories you heard when you were five or six played a big part in your development, bigger than you probably realized. Psychiatrists have traced the effect of these tales and find that their influence extends into adult life.”
I don’t believe fairy tales are for children because the princess is always portrayed as being the most beautiful girl. She is only desired because of her physical attributes. She almost never possesses any brains to go with her beauty so she is always in danger needing a handsome man to come to her rescue. In 2024 I am teaching my daughters that beauty isn’t everything. You have to be smart and make decent decisions. Don’t wait on a man to come save you. “Fairy tales, which are still read by millions of American children, say it pays to be pretty,” Grauerholz says. “It’s important to understand the messages our children receive about traditional gender roles, especially during a time when women are encouraged to be independent and rely on their brains rather than beauty. (Liz Grauerholz, Experts say fairy tales not so happy ever after).It pays to be pretty is the part that stood out to me because that phrase is teaching children that beauty is all they need for success. I don’t like that narrative because pretty will really only get you so far. The feminine beauty ideal-the socially constructed notion that physical attractiveness is one of women’s most important assets, and something all women should strive to achieve and maintain. (The Pervasiveness and Persistence of the Feminine Beauty Ideal in Children’s Fairy Tales, Lori Baker-Sperry, Liz Grauerholz). This stuck out to me because again it is teaching women that they should rely on beauty and that it’s a necessity. It also reminds me of the short story that we read The necklace by ” by Guy De Maupassant because the wife was very much concerned with her appearances.
Fairytales are not only good for children, but crucial for intellectual and personal development. The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson, does a great job in explaining how children can use fairytales to work through anxiety and trauma. As someone who is chronically anxious this resonates with me, it can be difficult to express what I am feeling due to burden, embarrassment, or guilt. In VisikoKnox-Johnson’s article, she provides an explanation of how children can resonate with a character based on experiences both the child and the character goes through. In Maria Tartar’s “Why Fairy Tales Matter” she discusses imagination, creativity, and intellectual development that comes from reading Fairy Tales. The curiosity a can have when reading words or phrases that aren’t typically used makes the child want to know what it means. A child can gain a higher quality vocabulary than through educational programming alone.
I think that fairy stories are good for children. They enrich creativity, educate children on right and wrong conduct, and offer them a platform to work out complex emotions. “One of the central reasons that fairy tales are important is that they aid in child development. Fairy tales are often shaped to test children’s initiative”.(p.77)- “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson. Also “Acting out folk and fairy tales enables children to explore their developing inner selves, to take risks, and to exercise imagination and creativity”(p.62) – ” Rediscovering the Power of Fairy Tales” by Mary Howarth. The two quotes mentioned stood out for me, as they represent what fairy tales represented for me when i was growing up and later on I passed on to my daughter when she was growing up. To my understanding Fairy Tails are meant to be use for entertainment, educational and explorative purposes. Fairy Tales can teach our young once difference between good and bad, how to act, how to use manners and how to treat others.
The fear that readers feel in Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is more about the mind and emotions, setting it apart from the quick, shocking scares typical of horror films. Oates builds a sense of dread that creeps in slowly, focusing on the unsettling relationship between Connie and Arnold Friend. A key moment that highlights this psychological fear is when Arnold says, “I’m your lover. You don’t know what that is but you will.” This statement is chilling because it hints at something dark and predatory, as Arnold uses both charm and intimidation to manipulate Connie. The fear stems from what’s suggested rather than what’s explicitly shown, pushing readers to use their imagination, which can be even more disturbing than the graphic scenes in a horror flick. On the flip side, horror movies rely on visual and sound effects, like jump scares, creepy music, and shocking images to create quick, intense reactions. In contrast, Oates’ story immerses readers in a lingering, unsettling fear that digs deeper, rooted in the psychological games Arnold plays and Connie’s sense of isolation. In reading, this kind of tension really ramps up, as readers have to imagine the horror themselves, which often makes it strike even harder.
I believe that if I hadn’t read Flannery O’Connor’s article, I wouldn’t have gained a deeper understanding of A Good Man Is Hard to Find. The article reveals the darker aspects of human nature and the complexity of the grandmother’s character.
What specific ideas did you come across in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” that you would have missed if you had not read the article by the author in Activity 1? If I had not read the article from “On Her Qwn Work”: The Element of Suspense in “A Good Man is Hard to Find” (Flannery O’Connor), two specific ideas I would have miss are dishonesty and selfishness. The article makes me realizes that the grandmother is selfish and dishonest. The grandmother deceives her son by making her grandchildren believes there was a secret compartment with hidden treasures because her son did not want to stop at the plantation. Due to her dishonesty, her family was killed by the Misfits. She is trying to save herself from dying by telling the Misfits that he is a good man, since she realizes that he kills her family. The Misfit knows that he is a not good man. He eventually kills the grandmother.
Reading the essay by Flannery O’ Conor before reading the actual story definitely helps widen your perspective of what the writer is trying to indirectly get us to understand when it comes to religion. If I’m being 100% transparent just like Flannery mentioned I would’ve definitely read it as a regular family of 6 who took a trip with their annoying grandmother to Florida that ended up getting murdered my a convict named the Misfit. Nevertheless, when you go back to the essay and compare it to the imagery within the story I can actually visualize what I’m reading as far as the grandmother not being ready for death even though she is sort of kind of preparing herself for it because she is becoming of age. I’ve managed to notice based on how she still tries to keep herself dressed to remain refined and superior, she continuously kept trying to manipulate her family to do what she wanted to do and not do things that they really wanted to do which drove them right to their death. Subsequently, when she goes more into detail and explains the significance of using violence in a story and the weight it carries to make you see a deeper meaning rather than just seeing it as violence helps dissect the main point of the story. “Violence is a force which can be used for good or evil, and among other things taken by it is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Flannery).
In “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor was a great read. Some ideas that come across the short story are manipulation. The grandmother uses manipulation through the children to get what she wants from the adults in the car. When children are unaware of manipulation, it makes it easier for the grandmother to brainwash the kids, Another specific idea of the story is sometimes people hide their real intentions and they can be decieving. In the story, the grandmother tries to persuade the misfit that he’s a good person. Also the grandmother appears to be ladylike and a good person but as the story goes on it reveals that she is selfish and she tries to be decieving. Lastly, a specific idea the story portrays is violence. As the grandmother is talking to the misfit the other prisoners take the family deep in the woods to execute the other family members.
Flannery O’Connor’s article “On Her Own Work,” included in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” illuminates several important points that enhance the reader’s understanding. One specific idea is suspense, which is carefully developed through character interactions and a intense mood. This slow buildup of tension creates a sense of inevitable outcome that culminates in the pivotal encounter with the Misfit. O’Connor also highlights the complexity of her characters, especially the grandmother, who embodies contradictions. Her selfishness contrasts sharply with her vulnerable moments, making her both relatable and unsettling. The theme of moral ambiguity emerges as the Misfit’s philosophical beliefs challenge simplistic notions of good and evil. Additionally, O’Connor employs Southern Gothic influences, exploring complex themes like violence and redemption through grotesque characters and dark humor. The symbolic significance of objects and settings further enriches the story’s examination of identity and the search for meaning. These insights draw the reader deeper into the narrative.
In “ Good man is hard to find”, by Flannery o’Conner explores the themes of mortality, family dynamics and the concept of grace. With the whole story of the protagonist (the grandmother) was mainly prioritizing her selfishness and manipulation including her desires over the family needs. Her interactions also highlighted the tensions within the family and revealing the deeper issues of communication and understanding. Which made me question a lot about the grandmother as I continued reading the story. But the main encounter was with the misfit that served as a critical turning point and emphasizing the conflict between good and evil. O’Conner’s uses of violence forces a moment of existential reckoning and illustrating that true grace often emerges in the face of despair. Including that with the grandmother’s final act of compassion. Had suggested to me as the reader as a glimpse of redemption. Therefore overall O’Conner intricately weaves these themes of confront the complexities of human nature and the search for genuine goodness.
Reading Flannery O’Connor’s article from Activity 1 really opened my eyes to the deeper themes and complexities in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” that I might have missed otherwise. O’Connor’s insights show how she skillfully builds tension through the interactions between characters, making the grandmother come off as both flawed and relatable. Her manipulative behavior, fueled by a need for validation, highlights important themes of morality and grace. O’Connor’s focus on foreshadowing adds suspense, with subtle hints pointing to the family’s tragic end, pushing readers to think about the characters’ motivations. The article emphasizes how O’Connor uses these techniques not just to engage readers, but to encourage some serious moral reflection. Plus, her use of dark humor and violence adds another layer to understanding the story’s themes. Moments like the grandmother’s last gesture towards The Misfit hint at grace and the chance for redemption. Without O’Connor’s thorough analysis, the complexity of the characters and the rich narrative might not have stood out as much, making the reading experience even more rewarding while highlighting her themes of human nature, morality, and grace.
Grandma, from “A Good Man is Hard to Find” can be seen through the lenses as a neutral character. At the beginning she was being passively racist. She was talking to her children at the highway as she tempted to tell them that is now how African Americans dress like at her time; she explained it in a way she feels she wants their close people to understand her linguistics while using defamatory language to her kids. Modern day parents would take this as an excuse that I justify her bad tongue as a “good saint”. However, I feel that there are more differing sides to every story than only the good side and the bad side. Grandma had tried to help the man to see the light of God to; to bless him. Even if she failed to find the good man in the criminal, her intentions of showing him that there is more to life than loosing that chance to be good gave her a chance to express the morals to be better.
In “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” the author’s piece reveals a number of levels that strengthen one’s understanding of the narrative. While the grandmother’s last moments highlight the chance of forgiveness and cleansing, her portrayal as manipulative and selfish emphasizes issues of lying and moral insecurity. Southern Gothic details like ethics and decaying add to the story’s mood, and the family dynamics study shows how the grandmother’s actions cause conflict and detachment within the family. Furthermore, O’Connor’s use of sarcasm and prediction gives confusion, demonstrating that her story is an in-depth investigation of human weaknesses and the possibility of forgiveness rather than simply a straightforward story.
These are the specific ideas I made a connection with In a Good Man is Hard to find that came about from my reading Flannery O’ Conner’s On Her own work, The Element of Suspense: She used suspense to highlight the hypocrisy and self deception that was shown by the grand mother. The way she manipulated her son and his family into doing what she wanted so much so that I was uncertain of what the outcome would be. Another complex idea is the character flaw in the grandmother of being so self righteous, she dressed to appear as a lady but that was just a facade. Inside she was prejudiced and dishonest. I was taken even further into suspense when deep question surrounding the humanity of “The Misfit” when they arrived on the scene of the accident. The talk of religion , he had a memory lapse where he could not remember what led to his incarceration. In fact his conversation with the grandmother appeared to be grappling with the nature of justice and punishment. The climax of this story is true to O’ Conner style where she engages her readers in a climax where an action can be expected or unexpected. The violence and grotesque ending brought to light the harsh realities of the human nature.
One key insight from O’Connor’s analysis is how effectively she builds tension through the complex interactions of her characters. Their actions and motivations reveal important themes of morality, grace, and human nature. The grandmother stands out as a flawed yet compelling figure; her manipulative behavior reflects her need for affection and validation, creating a character that elicits sympathy and criticism. This complexity, which I might have previously missed, is highlighted by O’Connor’s sharp observations and storytelling. You also get a better insight by listening to the author’s audio of the story. O’Connor’s use of foreshadowing hints the narrative creates a sense of impending doom. These clues prompt readers to examine the characters’ fates more closely, adding suspense to the story. Her insights also encourage readers to confront their biases and explore the characters’ motivations, enhancing tension and understanding of human nature and moral dilemmas. These elements enhance the reading experience, leaving a lasting impression. A key theme is the intentional use of suspense throughout the narrative. O’Connor illustrates how suspense not only captivates the reader but also unveils deeper themes concerning morality and the complexities of human nature. The strain in the grandmother’s relationships with her family and her eventual meeting with the Misfits highlights life’s unpredictability and the complex dynamics of human connections.
The article from Flannery O’Connor, on her own story “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” had one detail I didn’t think about regarding the Grandmother. She may be considered a bad person, even I considered her one, but she isn’t completely one. O’Connor mentions a time when a teacher was pushing the narrative that the Grandmother was a bad person. At her core, she is a good person but can’t understand some things, just like some older people now. It took her getting to what ended up being the end of her life to make a character-changing realization about her morals, but when she did she spread it to the Misfit, who had a seed of doubt, in what he saw in himself, planted in his heart because of her. Her actions and views aren’t right in the slightest, but that still doesn’t make her an outright bad person (especially with the somewhat redemption by the end).
There were multiple ideas that I found in ‘A Good Man Is Hard To Find’ by Flannery O’Connor that I may have missed if I didn’t read the article. At first, judging by the title, I expected this story to be somewhat of a cliche. Loosely based on love and romance, however it couldn’t be any further. Throughout the story, there was more drama than anything, until the end. The article did a great job in explaining the suspense that was created throughout the story and the realizations is crafted. Another idea that could’ve been easily missed has I not read the article was the deeper analysis of the Grandmother. In O’connor’s story, she is portrayed as being manipulative and selfishness. However, in the article the grandmother’s final act of kindness emphasizes the author’s use of irony. This insight further deepens the meaning of the story. Without reading the article, I might’ve missed some of the story’s theme such as redemption and selflessness in unexpected moments.
The title ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find’ had me thinking I was going to read a story about a woman trying to find a man. Not realizing that “man” refers to a person or people in general. There was also some indication that the grandmother was a witch (and her cat) which I don’t think I would have gotten from the story at all. The grandmother was most definitely not a hero in this story. She was a master manipulator and extremely selfish. I was a little confused when she touched the Misfit on his shoulder saying that he was one of her children. She had spent the entire time trying to convince him that he was indeed good people. There was a battle of good and evil in this story and I believe that evil may have prevailed. I’m not sure how religious or spiritual the grandmother was. I think she was jus trying to talk herself out of being killed.
