Zaria Gordon

1. Which assignment do you feel was most successful and why? Essay #3, which focused on a poetry flyer and presentation, stands out as my most successful assignment. I believe this is because it resonated deeply with me, allowing me to express my personal connection to a poem that truly spoke to my soul. The assignment provided the freedom to unleash my creativity, and I thoroughly enjoyed designing the flyer to capture the essence of the poem. I was able to explore themes and emotions that touched me, making the entire experience not only fulfilling but also a true reflection of my artistic voice. 2. On what work do you feel you could have done better and how? Essay #4 did not reflect my true abilities. Unfortunately, my struggles with procrastination and poor time management significantly impacted the quality of my work. I found myself rushing through the assignment, skimming over important details and ideas. As a result, the final product lacked the depth and thoughtfulness I strive for in my writing. I wish I had allowed myself more time to really engage with the material and hone my arguments to match my standards. 3. If there was one thing you learned this semester, what was it? During this semester, I discovered a wealth of fascinating literature that opened my eyes to new worlds. Before taking this class, I had never explored the realm of poetry. Each piece I encountered captivated my imagination and ignited a deep curiosity within me. The rich language and intricate storytelling of the authors drew me in, making me eager to delve deeper into these genres and uncover the layers of meaning and emotion hidden within their words.

In Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, the power of commonplace objects and situations is evident throughout the narrative, echoing Raymond Carver’s notion of imbuing ordinary things with profound significance. Oates masterfully uses precise language to transform seemingly mundane elements into symbols of deeper meaning and tension.  One vivid example is when she describes the main character, Connie, as she navigates the threshold of her home: “She was a pretty girl, but she had a nice, well-rounded figure and a good sense of style.” This line, while straightforward, captures not just Connie’s physical appearance but also the allure and vulnerability of her youth. The specificity of a “well-rounded figure” and “a good sense of style” elevates her character, illustrating the societal pressures she faces and the transition from innocence to awareness. As the story progresses, everyday objects and actions become laden with menace, particularly during Arnold Friend’s entrance. The door itself becomes a barrier, a threshold between safety and danger. Oates writes, “She was still too far away to see his face clearly, but she could see his clothes.” This simple observation transforms a common detail into a moment of building dread, where an ordinary interaction turns ominous.  Through Oates’ use of precise language, the commonplace aspects of Connie’s life take on a weight that enhances the story’s themes of identity, transformation, and the complexity of the adolescent experience. The seemingly trivial becomes powerful, echoing Carver’s insights into the extraordinary nature of everyday life.

If I did not read the article “Excerpt from ‘On Her Own Work’: The Element of Suspense in ‘A Good Man Is Hard to Find’” I would likely have overlooked several critical aspects of the narrative. The author’s insights reveal the intricate layers of the grandmother’s self-deception, particularly how her superficial understanding of morality leads her to justify her flawed decisions. For instance, she often presents herself as a genteel lady while manipulating her family to get her way, highlighting the contradictions in her character. Moreover, the portrayal of the Misfit challenges the conventional notion of a villain. Instead of being merely evil, he is depicted as a character grappling with existential questions about morality and existence. His dialogue with the grandmother reveals his deep internal conflicts regarding good and evil, prompting me to consider the complexities of human nature. This nuanced characterization pushed me to reflect on my own moral ambiguity and the challenges of distinguishing right from wrong in a complicated world.

Poetry isn’t my greatest talent, but I have a decent understanding of it and can appreciate the nuances in the verses. While I may not possess the skill to write poetry myself, I can engage with the themes and emotions conveyed in the poems I read. My experience with poetry, particularly with Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess,” enhances my reading of “Oedipus the King” in several ways. Both works explore themes of power, pride, and the consequences of one’s actions, which creates a rich ground for comparison.  In “My Last Duchess,” the Duke’s voice reveals his possessiveness and underlying arrogance, much like Oedipus’s initial confidence in his ability to uncover the truth about his identity. Both characters exhibit a tragic flaw—hubris—that ultimately leads to their downfalls. This parallel allows me to reflect on the nature of authority and the fragility of human pride. Furthermore, the use of dramatic monologue in Browning’s poem provides insight into character psychology, reminiscent of the intense emotional revelations in Sophocles’s play. Just as the Duke’s speech unveils layers of his character, Oedipus’s dialogue reveals his inner turmoil and gradual realization of his tragic fate. Analyzing the imagery in “My Last Duchess,” where the Duke’s obsession with control is evident, I can draw connections to the motifs of sight and knowledge in “Oedipus the King.” Both works compel me to consider how the desire for power can blind individuals to the truths about themselves and their actions, enriching my understanding of the tragic elements present in both pieces.

Reflecting on my experience writing Essay 1, I learned that following specific instructions was crucial. For example, I now understand that when the assignment asked for a thesis statement about an idea in the Rader article, it was necessary to focus solely on that specific requirement. This meant carefully analyzing the Rader article to identify a clear and focused idea to center the thesis statement around. Additionally, I realized the significance of providing in-text citations for all attributed quotes, as demonstrated in the student’s essay. Understanding the importance of properly attributing sources and using citations has not only improved the credibility of my work but has also helped me avoid unintentional plagiarism. These realizations have changed my approach to writing assignments. I now pay closer attention to the details outlined in the instructions to ensure that my work meets the specific criteria, and I am more diligent in incorporating proper citations to support my arguments and ideas.

I plan to title the essay “Exploring Symbolism and Character Development in ‘The Lesson’ by Toni Cade Bambara.” This essay will take an in-depth look at the symbolic elements in the story, particularly focusing on the toys in the F.A.O. Schwarz store as metaphorical representations of the social and economic disparities experienced by the characters. Furthermore, I aim to conduct a thorough analysis of the character development of Sylvia and Miss Moore, delving into their individual motivations, personalities, and the shifts in their relationship as the narrative unfolds. By shifting the narrative lens from purely socio-economic concerns, my essay seeks to provide a comprehensive exploration of the literary elements and character interactions that contribute to the richness and depth of “The Lesson.” Through this approach, readers will be able to gain a more profound understanding of the story and gain a deeper appreciation for its layered themes and complexities, moving beyond the broader societal issues it addresses.