Yearly Archives: 2023

The reading “Salvation” by Langston Hughes  had the most meaning for me because it deeply connected with me due to its powerful description of of the conflict between faith and personal experiences, the part that connected me was when  when the young boys prayers go unanswered, it reminded me times when I prayed for alot of things and those prayers were never answered at that time and had a caused me to doubt on my belief in good and religion, However as time passed thats when reality hit me that every prayer that is not being answered at that moment is in the betterment for myself  and things do no go as planned, God has better plans for us. The reading “Oedipus the King was the my least favorite reading in this semester because in the start of the play it focused on  the background and setting, which felt slightly slow-paced and less attracting as compared to the later events, The play was difficult to understand which made it challenging to follow and connect with the characters on an emotional  and deeper level.

The three prior assumptions I made during and after reading the poem, “The Mother”, I assumed that it was going to be a simple poem that I can easily understand and know exactly what I am reading about. ” Abortions will not let you forget. You remember the children you got that you did not get, ” Through this sentence I knew what I would be reading and thought to myself “I have a clear vision and explanation about what the meaning of this poem would be.” However as I continued to read I fell off track and thought to deeply and assumed that maybe it won’t be a simple poem that I would understand and that there could be another meaning that I was unaware about. However as the lines as the poem continued, ” If I poisoned the beginnings of your breaths, Believe that even in my deliberateness I was not deliberate. Though why should I whine, Whine that the crime was other than mine?— Since anyhow you are dead.” After reading I understood this poem clear after not overthinking and reading with a clear mind with deep understanding because I struggle with interpreting poems.

The specific observations Of the story “Little Snow White” that strike to me as relevant is the womanly feeling of insecurity, empowerment and jealousy. The stepmother is obsessed with being seen as the most beautiful that she will go through great measures to make sure her only competition and the only girl to be seen as beautiful as her is dead. “The queen took fright and turned yellow and green with envy. From that hour on whenever she looked at Snow-White her heart turned over inside her body, so great was her hatred for the girl. The envy and pride grew ever greater, like a weed in her heart, until she had no peace day and night.” To feel such hatred for a girl only because of her beauty is a shallow, insecure thing of a woman to do. The position of a woman and her role compared to a man is relevant and seen in this story as well. The way the dwarfs allow her to stay because she is so beautiful, they expect her to do her womanly duties such as clean and cook while they do their jobs outside in the world. “The dwarfs said, “If you will keep house for us, and cook, make beds, wash, sew, and knit, and keep everything clean and orderly, then you can stay with us, and you shall have everything that you want.” It also brings into light how beauty in a girl can affect her life in beneficial ways where she is more likely to receive help and how it can be negatively affected in a sense where other woman would be jealous where they will wish bad upon you or do bad to you themselves.

One vignette from “The House on Mango Street” that surprised me was “First Job.” It was unexpected because Esperanza’s experience working at a photo development shop didn’t turn out as she had hoped. I was surprised to see that her job was ordinary and unfulfilling, challenging the idea that a first job always leads to personal growth. “The Family of Little Feet” intrigued me because it reminded me of my own experiences wearing dress shoes like cap-toe Oxford shoes. Like the girls in the story, putting on those shoes made me feel grown-up for a little while and empowerment. But just like them, I also faced discomfort and people judging me. It made me realize that wearing those shoes wasn’t as easy as I thought. This part of the story showed me how shoes can make you feel different, but also how they can bring challenges and make you think about who you are. “The Three Sisters” vignette in “The House on Mango Street” puzzled me because it introduced mysterious elements not found in other chapters. When Esperanza meets the three old aunts, their wish and confusing words about her name and a warning left me confused. I couldn’t understand the deeper meaning behind their predictions and the role of destiny compared to our own lives. It made me wonder about the supernatural and what it meant for the story.    

The vignette that surprised me was “The Family of Little Feet” because of the confidence of the girls in the story. Having the confidence to go out wearing high heels, knowing that as young ladies it draws men’s attention and the consequences that come with it but still choose to wear whatever they feel comfortable with. Their confidence really caught my attention because those moments are so awkward.  The one that intrigued me was “Red Clowns.” This is a really confusing vignette because of the symbolism used. We all clearly know what happened here, but why would “your friend” leave you to that? Why would someone close to you let this happen? A lot of questions come to my mind reading this narrative and I can feel this girl’s fear while I read it.

1.”The Family of Little Feet” is the vignette that took me off guard unexpectedly. Esperanza and her friends discover a pair of high-heeled shoes in the cellar in this particular episode. The stark contrast between the little girls’ innocent demeanor and the high heels, which stand for femininity and adulthood, astonished me. It made me rethink my own presumptions and challenged cultural conventions and expectations. 2. The vignette that intrigued me the most is “Red Clowns.” The moment Esperanza describes the arrival of two nuns in the neighborhood dressed in red dresses and wearing makeup, my curiosity was piqued. It challenged my preconceived notions of how nuns are typically portrayed, creating a stark contrast between their unconventional appearance and their religious role. This intriguing image leaves me pondering the nuns’ motives and the complexity of their identities. What led them to adopt such a playful and unconventional image? How do they reconcile their spiritual calling with their individuality? The vignette “Red Clowns” serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between spirituality and personal expression, and it continues to captivate my imagination. 3. The vignette that puzzled me is “The Three Sisters.” As Esperanza visits the three elderly sisters believed to possess magical abilities, I found myself grappling with the blurred line between reality and mysticism. The sisters’ prophetic words regarding Esperanza’s future, her departure from Mango Street but also her eventual return, left me puzzled. Are the sisters truly able to see into the future? Or do their prophecies represent symbolic aspirations and hopes for Esperanza’s future? This vignette raises questions about the nature of fate, destiny, and the power of belief. It both captivates and perplexes me, as I attempt to unravel the layers of meaning behind the sisters’ predictions.

The vignette from “The House on Mango Street” that surprised me was “The Family of Little Feet” because the girls’ experience with the shoes is both intriguing and difficult, highlighting the demands society places on young girls to live up to strict and sometimes unattainable aesthetic standards. One vignette that I found intriguing was “Alicia Who Sees Mice” because emphasizes the challenges that a lot of young women experience when trying to accomplish their objectives and pursuing their goals, particularly in areas where engrained stereotypes and gender norms still dominate. Esperanza talks about her neighbor Alicia, who despite being terrified of the rats that live infest her house, studies late into the night. Alicia’s willpower and fortitude in the face of her worries are remarkable, and her motivation to further her studies and better herself is motivating. One vignette that puzzled me was “Laughter” because when Esperanza recalls of a day when she and her brothers were enjoying themselves in a garden when they unexpectedly heard laughing coming from an upper floor window. The children began to laugh uncontrollably despite not understanding what was so amusing since the laughter was so contagious. Many questions remain unanswered by the vignette, including who was laughing, why they were laughing, and what the laughter may mean.

What was surprising about “The house on mango street” was the way in which it challenged traditional notions of gender and sexuality. Esperanza is a strong and independent female protagonist, and the novel offers a nuanced portrayal of the ways in which gender roles and expectations shape our experiences and perceptions of the world. The novel also explores themes of sexuality and sexual identity, with several vignettes exploring the ways in which women are objectified and oppressed by male-dominated societal norms. “The family of little feet” The image of the girls walking around in oversized high-heeled shoes is both humorous and poignant, and it speaks to larger themes of identity, self-expression, and the desire to break free from societal expectations and constraints. Through their shared experience of wearing the high-heeled shoes, the girls are able to bond with each other and explore their individual identities in a way that feels liberating and empowering. I was puzzled by Esperanza’s fascination with the trees and her insistence that they are somehow connected to her own identity and sense of self. However, as the vignette unfolds, it becomes clear that the trees are a powerful symbol of Esperanza’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The vignette from “The House on Mango Street” that surprised me was the adaption quickly of a Kid who realizes the rough situation that they are in. The main character notices that they are in poverty moving from apartment-to-apartment longing for somewhere to truly call home. When they got to that point moving across the town to Mango Street it was nothing like they envisioned. One vignette that intrigued me was ” My Name” She looks back on her family history as she considers her name to be special being passed down from her grandmother. While breaking down the multiple meaning of her name she talks about she would like to change her name. It intrigued me as I wanted to change my name at point because it didn’t fit who I w

  What surprises me in this vignette ” Sire”is the fact that Esperanza witnesses a shocking event as she observes an older man forcibly dragging a young girl into his car. The element of surprise stems from the abrupt and unsettling nature of the incident, stark reminders of the perils and vulnerability experienced by young girls in the neighborhood. In the vignette titled “The Three Sisters”, we are introduced to a trio of elderly sisters who are credited with mystical abilities. Their enigmatic aura and the captivating stories associated with them ignite Esperanza’s imagination and spark readers’ curiosity, allowing for diverse interpretations and a sense of wonder. that’s what intrigues me The vignette titled “Four Skinny Trees”, Esperanza vividly depicts four skinny trees thriving in front of her house. it intrigued me in the sense that these trees serve as a symbol, representing the courage and tenacity of the women of the Esperanza neighborhood. Initially, some readers may find this connection confusing, as the correlation between trees and women may not be immediately obvious. Nevertheless, upon further reflection, the metaphor becomes increasingly transparent and meaningful.

The vignette from “The House On Mango Street” that surprised me the most was chanclas. In this vignette the author describes how the mother uses her shoes also known as chanclas as a form of punishment when her kids misbehave. Why this vignette surprised me is because of how normalized violence is in within families as a form of punishment. I grew up with a-lot of Dominicans and they will tell me all the time when they were kids and misbehaving their mothers would use “chanclas” specifically. The vignette that intrigued me the most was “those who dont”. its a very short vignette only composed of maybe 20 lines but  such a powerful message. its about how colored communities are almost always unable to fulfill their dreams because of poverty  discrimination and lack of education. How other people like white people were to go her neighborhood they would be scared and think they would be attacked. The vignette that puzzled me most was red clowns. As i was scrolling through the vignettes I came across red clowns and wanted to read it. it was very weird but I was just confused on how and when it happend. Its about a girls best friend named sally who was taken by clowns at the carnival who touched and sexually assaults her. then a clown grabs a hold of the narrator and starts sexually assaulting her as well.

I’ve read The House on Mango Street in high school (years ago, I am not “fresh out”, lol). Right after the nostalgia and memories of simpler days, reading the stories as an adult gives new insight.   The vignette that  puzzled me to some degree was “Rafaela Who Drinks Coconut & Papaya Juice on Tuesdays.” I felt sorrow for Rafaela, I felt her longing to be outside. In honor of the live action Little Mermaid being released next week, wanting to be a part of that world, but locked up inside. To the point of the puzzling though, why IS she locked up? I understand the reasoning but what are the circumstances? Was this an arranged marriage and her husband possessive? Is he abusive? Was he suave and genteel to woo her and then changed? I mean, if he’s married to her, he did see her immense beauty from meeting; why is she locked up? There are so many unanswered questions that left me puzzled (and also intrigued but I had to use another vignette for that 🙂 ). I was somewhat surprised by “No Speak English.” Initially, I felt Mamacita wanted to leave home. I also understood her apprehension with interacting with others, the world is cruel and perhaps would mock her inability to speak “perfect” English. And then I thought, after the description of having to shove and pull to get her out of the taxi, that she may have not been too keen to walk up and down 3 flights of stairs at her size. I was surprised at her grief of the baby learning English and her protest to not speak English. She was more than homesick, she did not want to be “white-washed” or lose her culture. There were two vignettes I couldn’t decide between […]

The third vignette, “Boys & Girls,” intrigued me because it was interesting to read the narrator’s point of view. The idea that you don’t pick your family is very true, yet it doesn’t feel too great when you can’t rely on your siblings as your best friends because they’re so different from you or because they act a certain way. I, personally, am very close to my brother and my sister, but I can understand the narrator’s statement, “Carlos and Kiki are each other’s best friend… not ours.” I can understand this because while we are very close, there were times that I’ve felt as though they liked each other more or had a better bond because I came around a long while later. Family relationships can be funny that way. The first vignette, “The House on Mango Street,” surprised me because I can relate to the story in every way. I know how it feels to have to move all of the time because each time, things didn’t go as planned. I related to the narrator when the nun asked where the narrator lives, “You live there? The way she said it made me feel like nothing. There. I lived there. I nodded.” I can hear how the nun is pronouncing the word “there” with a tone of disbelief and I can feel the same level of embarrassment the narrator is feeling in this moment. Especially when the narrator goes on to say, “I knew then I had to have a house. A real house. One I could point to.” The fourth vignette, “My Name,” puzzled me only because I am not sure if the narrator is literally saying that her great-grandmother’s husband really did throw a sack over her head and carry her away. I want to hope […]

The vignette that intrigued me was the first one, The House on Mango Street. It intrigued me because I can relate in a sense where a person can feel as if they have no place to truly call “home”. I can relate to wanting and dreaming of living in a better place and wanting more for yourself and your family, space for everyone individually and especially thinking and assuming that when you hear of a possibility that you are going to get what you wished for, it turns out to be a disappointment. The vignette that surprised me in some way was, Boys and Girls. It surprised me in some way because of how easily I could relate to how to she explained how she hoped to have a best friend, one that can understand her and who she can tell all her jokes too. I’ve said those exact same words at one point in my life and I became grateful when I did find that one good best friend. It surprised at how exact the words I was reading and the way it correlated with how I once felt when I was much younger. The vignette that puzzled me was, Louie, his cousin and his older cousin. The scenery reminds me of the neighborhood I used to live in, in Brooklyn when I was barely a little kid. The way those kids could’ve been in danger or in harms way and the way boys can act idiotic sometimes, can sometimes be triggering and makes me question.

Surprising Vignette: “There Was an Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didn’t Know What to Do” Honestly, this part really threw me for a loop. Here, the author talks about Rosa Vargas and her kids who are just running wild because there’s just too many of them and not enough of her to go around. I found it to be rather unexpected that they acted so unrestrainedly, while the surrounding community appeared indifferent towards their behavior. As I mull over specific situations, it dawns on me that each person’s being is singular and exceptional in character. Furthermore, this pondering leads me to question how we interact with those who may experience hardship or adversity within their lives. Intriguing Vignette: “Geraldo No Last Name” This story really caught my attention. The focus lies on a guy named Geraldo who tragically loses his life in a hit-and-run incident, leaving him shrouded in mystery as information regarding his identity remains elusive. It made me curious about how many people out there are living lives like Geraldo’s, unknown and unacknowledged. It was a depressing reminder of how many tales, particularly those of immigrants, go unreported every day. Puzzling Vignette: “Sire” What puzzles me about this vignette is the contradictory feelings the girls experience. Despite knowing that Sire is seen as bad news by the adults, there’s this pull towards understanding him, an attraction towards the danger he represents. The curiosity towards Sire, imagining what it’s like to be in Lois’s shoes, was a bit surprising. It also made me reflect on how we sometimes gravitate towards the very things we are cautioned against.

The vignette that surprised me the most was “The First Job”. This vignette surprised me, and not in a good way, because the young girl was saving up to go to a Catholic high school which is why she started working. She had never worked before, so I’m sure she was nervous and the people at work around her were able to sense that. The shocking part was when she started talking the older man man who was clocking in for his shift. I’m pretty sure he lied about it being his birthday, and the fact that he grabbed her face to kiss her on the lips was shocking and disgusting because she is just a young girl. You truly cannot trust anyone, even if it’s someone you work with. The vignette that intrigued me was “Papa Who Wakes Up Tired In The Dark”. This vignette intrigued me because many of us don’t see our fathers’ emotional sides. Our fathers are always so strong, they go out and provide for us and when we finally see their emotional side, we don’t know how to take it in. I’m sure seeing her father going through these emotions, Esperanza realized that no matter what, after all, we are all human and feel things. The vignette that puzzled me was “Rafaela Who Drinks Coconut & Papaya Juice on Tuesdays”. This vignette puzzled me because Rafaela’s husband keeps her locked inside because he’s afraid she’ll run away because she’s too beautiful to look at. When I read this particular sentence, it reminded me of how where I come from, there are really men who don’t let their wives out and in my opinion, it’s sad. Rafaela should be able to go out and enjoy her life with her husband as well.  

The vignette that surprised me was “Our Good Day”. After reading “Boys and Girls” and knowing Esperanza’s past, I assumed she would be a lot more reserved with the group of kids asking for money. Instead, she instantly grew a liking to them and considered them “friends” just from the first interaction.    The vignette that intrigued me was “My Name”. This specific short story caught my attention because It was relatable to me. I also grew up dealing with people having issues pronouncing my name. I always get ready to repeat my name about 3 or 4 times whenever I introduce myself to someone or when a professor calls out my name for attendance. I was also named after a grandparent that lived a rough life and I find myself comparing myself to them being grateful that my story is different. Just like the narrator I spent a lot of time thinking about names I’d change to if I was brave enough. The Vignette I was puzzled by was “The First Job”.This story kind of ended abruptly and I feel like there should have been more details on what happened after the strange moment of Esperanza being forcefully kissed by an older man. 

One vignette that surprised me was “Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark.” This vignette is about Esperanza’s father, who works hard all day and comes home late at night. Despite his exhaustion, he still wakes up early in the morning to write poetry. This vignette is surprising to me because it challenges the stereotype of a hard-working father who is only concerned with providing for his family. Instead, we see a father who is also a creative person and has his own dreams and aspirations. One vignette that intrigued me is “The Family of Little Feet.” This vignette is about a group of girls who put on high heels and walk around the neighborhood, feeling powerful and free. This vignette is intriguing because it shows how something as simple as wearing high heels can give a group of girls a sense of empowerment and confidence. One vignette that puzzled me was “Chanclas” In this vignette, Esperanza describes the relationship between her father and her younger sister, who he calls “his horse.” The vignette tells us about the father’s love for his daughter and his insistence that she wear a pair of his old chanclas. The part that puzzled me was why the father was motivating and insisting that his daughter wears the sandals.

The vignette that surprised me the most from “The House on Mango Street” was “My Name”. This vignette surprised me because the author showed a higher level of maturity and awareness of the life, she wanted to live away from Mexican culture stereotypes. For example, she was explaining how she got her name from her great grandmother but also explained the story of the original Esperanza. The author goes on to explain how her great grandmother lived a life of unhappiness after being forced to marry and she then says, “I have inherited her name, but I don’t want to inherit her place by the window” (Cisernos 11). This surprised me because the author is a child and has an understanding of gender roles and cultural stereotypes that most children don’t understand to that extent. The vignette that intrigued me was “Marin” because the author shows admiration for Marin, which is expected because she is a child and usually children idolize adults no matter how our lives are. It intrigued me because while reading the details of Marin, I took her to be a boy crazy kind of girl, but the author shows more empathy towards Marin. I was also intrigued because I wanted to know if she really got married or not, and then I was disappointed to find out she didn’t. The vignette that puzzled me was “Four Skinny Trees” because in the beginning of the story in “The House on Mango Street”, the author mentions the trees in a off-standish way because it wasn’t the extravagant backyard, she thought the family would have with the house. Now in “Four Skinny Trees”, she finds comfort in the existence of the trees in front of her house. It puzzled me because it shows her growth from when she moved […]

Surprised: The vignette “Born Bad” surprised me as it depicts a young boy who is mistreated and abused by his family due to his supposed “bad” nature. It was shocking to see how normalized this mistreatment was, and how quickly people were to judge and condemn this child. This vignette highlighted the damaging impact of societal labels and the need for compassion and understanding towards those who may be struggling. Intrigued: The vignette “Meme Ortiz” intrigued me as it depicts a boy who has a strange fascination with keys and eventually becomes known as “the key man.” This vignette spoke to the power of symbols and the ways in which they can shape our identities and perceptions of the world. It also highlighted the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our lives, no matter how unconventional it may seem to others.  Puzzled: The vignette titled “Four Skinny Trees” left me puzzled as it depicted Esperanza’s connection to a row of skinny trees outside her house. It was unclear what these trees symbolized or what significance they held for Esperanza. Perhaps they represented resilience in the face of adversity, or the longing for connection and community. This vignette highlighted the power of nature and the ways in which it can provide comfort and inspiration in times of struggle.

Surprise: One of the sketches in The Shack on Mango Street that surprised me was “The First Job”. In this sketch, Esperanza accepts a job as a nanny for a wealthy family. She soon realizes that the job isn’t what she thought it would be because she has to clean the whole house, in addition to watching the kids. This surprised me because it highlights the exploitation and injustice that many low-income workers face, and it was unexpected to explore this issue in a book aimed at a younger audience. Confused: The vignette that confused me was “The Hips”. In this vignette, Esperanza reflects on the ways in which women are objectified and sexualized in society. While I appreciated the message of the sketch, I was confused by Esperanza’s seeming implication that all women with curvy hips are somehow connected to their own objectification. This seems to reinforce harmful stereotypes and could be interpreted as victim-blaming.

When I hear or read the word vignette, I think of short stories that are not related to each other, like the vignettes in the movie “Paris, je t’aime” where the only thing tying the stories together is the city itself. Reading “The House on Mango Street” broadened my perception of vignettes. The ending to “The First Job” surprised me. How bold of that man to kiss Esperanza! That was the last thing I was expecting to read after she recounts her mediocre first day at a new job. I was intrigued by “Elenita, Cards, Palm, Water.” Elenita represents a very specific and mysterious aspect of Latino culture I have always been curious about- brujeria. I remember my religious Grandmother from Honduras walking very quickly past Botanicas because she deemed the products in those stores evil. I like how Cisneros portrays Elenita as a witch and a mother cleaning up after her child spills kool-aid, giving her realistic and mystical qualities simultaneously. I was initially puzzled by “Geraldo, No Last Name.” This story of a hit and run came unexpectedly and I found myself almost disoriented when I started to read it the first time. I had to go back in the story to remind myself who Marin is in order to make a connection between this story and Esperanza’s community. I am a bit perplexed as to why Cisneros uses racist terminology in this vignette, and it is written in the style of a rushed conversation. I wonder if this is coming from Esperanza’s perspective or someone else’s perspective.

The part in the story “The House on Mango Street”, surprised me when, Ezperanza desperations to make her and her family live in a nice big house. Even though with the family being able to move into an another house than before, she still haven’t reached her requirements for herself. It didn’t up to part rooms or bathrooms but, the family did make the house into a home and that’s what’s family is about. The part that intrigued me was, “The house on mango street”. This is because, I remember my family and I going from place to place at a young age and not even remembering half the places we even been since young. Most kids, when this is happening try to stay distant from the people in there own household but, in this story, they use the house to not only go through things as a family, but make memories to last them a life time. The part that puzzled me was, boys and girls part. For the males not being able to speak to their sisters outside confused me a bit. But further more reading and understanding the time period of this then lead me to understand it more.

“Darius & the Clouds” on page 34 was the vignette that surprised me the most. Darius seems like a bully but with a soft spot. He chases little girls around with a stick and thinks he’s tough, but one day he looks up and notices how beautiful the sky and clouds are. He points at one and says, “You all see that cloud, that fat one there?…See that. That’s God”. Even. though he seems like a kid with a tough exterior, this quote demonstrates he believes in God and that things that are beautiful are his or made from him. “The Family of Little Feet” on page 39 intrigued me the most. The girl’s all had a new found confidence with their “new look” when they had their heels on. But then, things took a turn. On page 41, the girl’s start to get nervous when a homeless man tries to kiss one of them and she doesn’t seem to see the danger in it. The girls all try to get away and instantly want to go back to their “old looks” because they don’t want to attract this type of attention anymore. “And Some More” puzzled me the most because Rachel, a little girl, starts to call Esperanza, the narrator, names for no reason. She calls her fat and ugly, and then talks about her mom. This seemed like she was projecting because she was making fun of Esperanza for no reason and she started it.

I was surprised by the girl’s perception of the surrounding reality, in many of the vignette. But a start was made in the vignette “My name” In particular, her perception of her grandmother, who was born in the year of the horse. Surprised beyond her years by adult awareness of the problem of a woman’s place in the world. And with a clear goal that she definitely does not want to inherit a window seat. It can be seen that from an early age, the protagonist of the story wants to become a strong woman with her own rights. Very strangely, I was intrigued by a moment not really related to the main actions, but with the music box in “Girl’s furniture bought and sold”. The place itself and the seller are described rather gloomy and mysterious. It’s a dark place, with one dirty window, where the owner won’t even turn on the lamp until he’s sure you have money. The place was like a labyrinth with narrow passages where it was easy to get lost. The seller was uncommunicative. And in the middle of all this, they find a strange object, the owner says that it is an old music box. The description of the music it plays also captivates my imagination as much as possible. In the end, the old man says that it is not for sale, making me fantasize about what kind of box it is and what kind of story it has. I was puzzled by vignette “Those who don’t” which tells us about the feelings of people from outside who got to the protagonist’s neighbourhood. They were afraid of it. But it’s not a surprise because I can imagine how does it look like, especially those times, and knowing the treatment to such kind […]

Which vignette from “The House on Mango Street” surprised you in some way, and why? “The Family of Little Feet” was the vignette that surprised me because the young girls seem to be very confident and brave at the same time but are also vulnerable. These girls wore high-heeled shoes around the neighborhood and seemed like attention seekers, but they knew the danger that came with it. Even the old man, Mr. Benny, was concerned, asking the girls if their mother knew they got shoes like that; he made it clear to the girls that those shoes were dangerous. What was more shocking was when Rachael asked the bum man if he liked their shoes, which led to him offering Racheal a dollar for a kiss, disguising. Thankful Lucy was there to let her know they had to go. Just a naïve young girl like Connie. Which vignette intrigued you and why? “No Speak English” was the vignette that intrigued me because migrating from your country of birth to a new life is sometimes hard to adjust to, especially if your family is left behind. As for Mamacita, not knowing English makes it more difficult for her, which can lead her to depression. I’m speaking from experience because I migrated from Jamaica to America at a young age. Because of my “patios,” my accent was intense, and people weren’t understanding me, which caused some frustration. On top of that, I left my mom and grandmother behind, so I used to cry myself to sleep until I found a job and worked hard to have my mom in America with me. So, I could relate to Mamacita missing home. Which vignette puzzled you and why? The vignette that puzzled me was “Marin.” Marin has a boyfriend in Puerto Rico who will […]

Surprised, Intrigued, and puzzled. I was puzzled by “Gil’s Furniture Bought & Sold” because reading this vignette, I was lead to believe that this item would have been bought and cherished by Esperanza or her sister. The way the story hones in on this one music box. The way the store was described was is if there was really nothing of much value in there. As the story came to a close, I realize there was much value in the music box as Gil say’s it’s not for sale I was intrigued by “Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark”. This man is obviously dedicated to his family, head of the household and the one everyone is relying on. So Esperanza has never seen him in this emotional state, as many times you don’t have the space to be emotional when you’re in those leadership roles. This vignette brought a human side to her father, and gave her view of his emotional moment. “The House on Mango Street” surprised me because even though it was an improvement from where this family lived prior, it was still not was Esperanza expected. The house still had flaws, and lacked adequate rooms and bathrooms. It just goes to point out the importance of being content. There will always be bigger better houses, but it’s a home when you live and create memories there, Which is exactly what happened in this house. Who knows what could’ve happened if they actually did hit the lottery.

“The Family of Little Feet” was the vignette that shocked me since it portrayed the girls in the story as both confident and vulnerable at the same time. The girls wore their high-heeled shoes and went out into the world in search of freedom and adventure, but they were also aware of the dangers that come with being a young lady. It amazed me how willing the girls were to take chances and have fun despite the possible consequences of their behavior. “Red Clowns” was the vignette that grabbed my interest since it had examples of symbolism that had me thinking about the story’s significance. The red clowns symbolized the demands put on women to be cheerful and entertaining, even when they may not feel that way. The clowns’ red paint also made me think about how society regards women’s feelings as too emotional or illogical. The story raised many issues for me regarding women’s roles in society and the expectations placed on them. “The Three Sisters” vignette caused me to be a little puzzled since it was loaded with metaphors and symbols that I didn’t completely comprehend. The three sisters symbolized different phases of life, but I wasn’t sure what the colors they wore or the goods they carried meant. The vignette left me confused and interested.    

This was an interesting piece to read. In “The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales” Bruno Bettelheim presents a psychologically oriented analysis of fairy tales, saying that they are effective tools for assisting kids in navigating the emotional obstacles of growing up. Bettelheim’s analysis stands out by his emphasis on the significance of fantasy and imagination in the emotional development of children. He states that fairy tales help children to work through difficult emotions and ideas in a secure and controlled setting, and that the use of magical aspects and archetypal characters may assist kids in making sense of their own inner worlds. This is especially so in Sexton’s poem “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which reimagines the story’s arc in a darker, more sexually charged light. Sexton’s use of bright, visceral language and graphic images assists in her to approach forbidden issues and emotions in a more authentic environment.

Throughout the reading of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” written by Anne Sexton there were a lot of small and large things I picked up on while reading the psychological oriented story. A major theme that stood out to me throughout the story was jealousy and envy. The stepmother turned on Snow White as soon as the mirror deemed her a better fit, the Queen had an internal struggle that she couldn’t come to terms with as her beauty was being eaten up by age. Another specific observation I noticed in the story was the little bit of foreshadowing when it came to introducing the Seven Dwarfs. It was seven everything from the mountains, week, all the way down to the beds and number of forks in the home.  Jealousy and ev=envy really could take over a person as the Queen was plotting on Snow White’s demise.

The seven dwarfs in the story can be seen as a representation of the child’s own inner psychological development. Bettelheim notes that each dwarf has a distinct personality trait, which corresponds to a stage of psychological development that the child goes through. For example, Dopey represents the child’s playful and carefree nature, while Grumpy represents the child’s emerging sense of autonomy and independence. The wicked stepmother in the story can be seen as a representation of the internalized voice of the mother, which can be hostile and critical towards the child’s emerging independence. This can create an inner conflict in the child, which is reflected in Snow White’s struggle with the stepmother. Bettelheim’s psychologically oriented reading of “Little Snow White” provides a rich and insightful interpretation of the story, highlighting its relevance to the psychological development of children.

Bruno Bettelheim’s psychologically oriented reading of fairy tales emphasizes the symbolic and metaphorical meanings of the stories, rather than their literal plot details. He argues that these tales serve a therapeutic function for children, helping them to work through their unconscious fears and anxieties. In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Bettelheim observes that the story reflects the anxieties of adolescent girls as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood. The character of Arnold Friend represents the dangers of sexual awakening and the threat of male aggression, while the protagonist Connie represents the vulnerability and confusion of adolescence. The story can be seen as a cautionary tale about the risks of exploring one’s own desires and the need for parental guidance and protection. In “Little Snow White,” Bettelheim notes that the stepmother represents the child’s own mother, and that her envy and attempts to kill Snow White reflect the child’s fear of losing the mother’s love and attention to a rival sibling. The dwarfs, on the other hand, represent a nurturing and protective father figure who helps Snow White survive and ultimately triumph over her jealous stepmother. In “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by Anne Sexton, Bettelheim’s ideas about the symbolism of the fairy tale are also relevant. Sexton’s version of the story explores themes of female identity and empowerment, as Snow White must navigate a world in which she is constantly objectified and threatened by male figures.  

In the story “Little Snow-White” the observations that stood out to me were sexism and jealousy. Snow White was an innocent girl who was poisoned by her own step mother because she was jealous of her beauty. Jealousy can destroy even families just because someone is better than the other in any way. In the story sexism is also shown to Snow White by the dwarfs when her only way to be accommodated was by taking care of them. The author stated, “If you will keep house for us, and cook, make beds, wash, sew, and knit, and keep everything clean and orderly, then you can stay with us, and you shall have everything that you want.” “So she kept house for them. Every morning they went into the mountains looking for ore and gold, and in the evening when they came back home their meal had to be ready. During the day the girl was alone.” Furthermore, this represents the role of women is to clean while the dwarfs symbolize men going out to work and coming home to food on the table. This reminds me of the story “Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been?” because Connie also represents women and where they stand in society. Women are taken advantage of and allow themselves to be manipulated.

For me the analysis of the work Blanche-Neige by Bettelheim is the one most linked and close to the details presented in the poem written by Anne Sexton. The poem begins with Snow White’s stepmother hiring a hunter to kill her. Bettelheim in his analysis interprets the role of the hunter as “not a figure who slays friendly creatures, but a person who dominates, controls and subdues wild and ferocious beasts”. (Bettelheim page 205). Then in the poem, the purity of Snow White is highlighted by the details of her appearance. The repetition of the color “white” is significant and is even included in the maiden’s name “She was undefiled…beautiful virgin” (Sexton lines 12-14). White representing the symbol of purity, the hunter could not bring himself to kill Snow White. Conversely, he preferred to lie and deceive the mother-in-law by giving her a boar’s heart because her character was associated with that of an animal. Second, the analysis of the naivety of Snow White is another of the observations related to the poem. We tend to associate too much beauty with stupidity. In the poem, despite being given very detailed instructions from the dwarves not to open the door for her safety, she continued to open the door and hurt herself every time. In his analysis Bettelheim, highlights the stereotype that is associated with beauty and its adolescent character. The innocence of the character is incredible because despite the fact that her stepmother wants her dead she still remains clueless about the dangers surrounding her.

Bettelheim’s psychologically oriented reading of “Little Snow White” offers an insightful observation regarding jealousy, which can be compared to Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” In “Little Snow White,” the stepmother’s jealousy of Snow White’s beauty represents the child’s fear of being rejected or hated by others because of their beauty or perceived superiority. Similarly, in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Connie’s mother is always frustrated with her daughter because she knows she is beautiful and admires herself often, which can be interpreted as a fear of being rejected or resented by others because of her attractiveness. Both characters must confront their fears and learn to accept themselves for who they are. This comparison shows how the underlying themes and psychological insights of fairy tales can be applied to other works and highlight the relevance of these stories in understanding human nature and the challenges we face in life.

The seven dwarfs in the story can be seen as a representation of the child’s own inner psychological development. Bettelheim notes that each dwarf has a distinct personality trait, which corresponds to a stage of psychological development that the child goes through. For example, Dopey represents the child’s playful and carefree nature, while Grumpy represents the child’s emerging sense of autonomy and independence. The wicked stepmother in the story can be seen as a representation of the internalized voice of the mother, which can be hostile and critical towards the child’s emerging independence. This can create an inner conflict in the child, which is reflected in Snow White’s struggle with the stepmother. Bettelheim’s psychologically oriented reading of “Little Snow White” provides a rich and insightful interpretation of the story, highlighting its relevance to the psychological development of children.

 In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” we can observe a motif similar to fairy tales. The main character is a fifteen-year-old girl entering adulthood, who is discovering herself and naturally has conflicts with her parents. The mother, according to the girl, is jealous of her beauty, since her beauty has long sunk into oblivion. The oedipal problem of mother and daughter; a mother who feels that she is growing old against the backdrop of a beautiful and flourishing daughter, at the same time, she feels that she is losing control over her daughter and fades into the background. By the way, the mother copes with the older sister of the main character, most likely because , at the time of her growing up, her mother was younger. And the daughter believes that she is better than her mother and her sister in everything. Also, in the story, like standard fairy tales, there is a weak figure of the father, who sits with his head down, does not talk to anyone, and naturally is not able to perform any functions of the father. According to the Bettleheim, “it is the father’s duty to protect the child against the dangers of the outside world, and also those that originate in the child’s own asocial tendencies. The mother is to provide nurturing care and the general satisfaction of immediate bodily needs required for the child’s survival”. We understand that the father is completely unable to do this, and the mother is not able to understand and help her daughter with understanding her growing up and her love and possibly erotic unrest. After that, Friend appears in the story, a person from outside, in part, perhaps his name was chosen just like that, a friend is not part of the family. […]

Some specific observation made by Bettlehiem that struck me was the use of the symbolism of the evil stepmother.  According to Bettleheim, the villainous female character symbolizes the main character’s inner tensions and tribulations. All three of these works can be viewed from this angle. In “Little Snow White,” Snow White’s struggle with her own burgeoning sexuality and power is represented by her stepmother. Similar to this, Connie’s interaction with Arnold Friend in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” mirrors her internal struggle to claim her identity and negotiate her developing sexuality. The Queen represents Snow White’s inner tensions and wants as she develops her own femininity in Sexton’s poem.  Another important insight by Bettleheim is the exploration of themes related to sexual awakening and coming of age. Fairy tales often provide a platform for this exploration, and the selected works are no exception. In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the young female characters grapple with their burgeoning sexuality and encounter predatory figures. Bettleheim’s perspective allows us to delve into the psychological implications of these encounters and understand the characters’ struggles to assert their identities amidst external threats.

What specific observations in Bettleheim’s psychologically oriented reading of the story strike you as insightful and relevant to “Little Snow White,” “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, or the poem “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by Anne Sexton? One of the observations that  Bettleheims have noted is that the mirror in “Little Snow White,” represents how the step mother is obsessed with her beauty and cannot tolerate anyone being more beautiful than her, and how the step mother asks the mirror every time who is more beautiful and upon  receiving the response that “snow white is more beautiful” she ends up killing the snow white after multiple tries. Bettleheims also analyzes that the huntsman can be considered as a father figure because he ended up letting snow white run away into the woods and killed a young boy took out his liver and lungs to prove to the queen that he has killed snow white. Bettleheims also noted that little snow white is a story about a psychological development of a girl that is growing up, and even though the seven dwarfs tell her not to be aware of her step mother and not open the door for anyone, Snow white still opens the door every time once for eating the apple, the other time for buying the comb and laces, even though she knows that she was attacked on each and every time.

First, Bettelheim sees the story of “Little Snow White” as a story about the psychological struggle of complex maturation, especially in overcoming the Oedipal complex. He believes that the stepmother represents the child’s fear of separation from the mother and the desire to eliminate the father. This can be seen in Oates’ “Where are you going, where are you from?” through the character of Arnold Friend, who represents the fear of sexual awakening and the threat of male authority. Similarly, Sexton’s poem “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” highlights the psychological tensions of young girls through the protagonist’s attempts to cope with the world of adult sexuality. Second, Bettelheim argues that fairy tales provide a safe way for children to cope with anxiety and fear. In “Little Snow White,” the forest represents the subconscious, while the dwarf symbolizes aspects of the mind. Oates’ stories and Sexton’s poetry also use symbolism to explore the psychological tensions and fears of their characters. For example, Oates uses the car as a symbol of freedom and danger, while Sexton explores themes of jealousy and aging through the role of the evil stepmother. Finally, Bettelheim argues that fairy tales offer a sense of hope and resolution as the protagonists overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. In “Little Snow White,” the character eventually triumphs over the evil stepmother and lives happily ever after with the prince. Similarly, in Oates’ story, the character of Connie must face the fears of adulthood and sexuality, but ultimately chooses to face them head-on. Sexton’s poetry also offers a sense of resolution as Snow White accepts her finitude and the inevitability of aging

In “Little Snow-White” by The Brothers Grimm, the story tells how the queen, Snow White’s stepmother, is consumed by jealousy of her child who, in growing up, surpasses her in beauty. To be completely transparent, I don’t think I had ever actually read the full fairy-tale; I only knew her as a princess. There are a few points of Bettleheim’s psychoanalysis of this story that are, in my opinion, incredibly insightful. The first being the three drops of blood that fall onto the snow when Snow White’s mother pricks her finger in the beginning of the story. Bettleheim states, “Fairy tales prepare the child to accept what is otherwise a most upsetting event: sexual bleeding, as in menstruation and later in intercourse when the hymen is broken. Listening to the first few sentences of “Snow White,” the child learns that a small amount of bleeding—three drops of blood (three being the number most closely associated in the unconscious with sex)—is a precondition for conception, because only after this bleeding is the child born” (Bettleheim 202). I would have never considered the possibility of blood representing anything in a fairy-tale, let alone a precondition for conception. “The stepmother’s narcissism is demonstrated by her seeking reassurance about her beauty from the magic mirror long before Snow White’s beauty eclipses hers” (Bettleheim 202). Narcissism is another concept I didn’t consider with the queen constantly consulting the mirror about her beauty. I also had no idea that the word Narcissism comes from Narcissus, in Greek mythology, who loved only himself, so much that he falls in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, staring at it for the remainder of his life. Bettleheim’s reading was very enlightening, and I might find myself analyzing some more fairy tales in the future.

Both “Little Snow White” and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” highlight the importance of making smart decisions and the potential consequences of making risky choices. In “Little Snow White,” Snow White’s decision to eat the poisoned apple from a stranger, even though clearly it was a risky decision, leads to her downfall. until she is rescued by the prince’s kiss. Similarly, in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, Connie’s decision to flirt with a stranger and ignore her better judgment ultimately puts her in a dangerous situation and potentially worse consequences. Both stories serve as warning us about the dangers of trusting strangers and making rash decisions. By showing the negative consequences that can result from poor decision making, these stories encourage us to think critically about our own actions and the potential risks involved. It serves as a reminder for us to make smarter decisions and avoid making impulsive ones.

In the readings “Little Snow White” and “Where Are you Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oates, both of these stories have their similarities. Even though there is not a lot of strong resemblance to Bettelheim’s phycological ordinated reading, a connection can be drawn. During my observation, I would say there are connections or similarities between the actual characters themselves, rather than the plot or events that take place. For instance, I noticed that Connie and Snow-White share similar character traits. One trait for both of them can be how they are both proved to be credulous and over trusting. To explain this, Snow White trusted the evil queens and allowed her to her house twice. On the other hand, Connie doesn’t necessarily have a moment where she is over trusting but shows signs of this character trait while conversing with a stranger in the story. Furthermore, even though there is no direct correlation, readers can draw a connection with the similarities at hand.

In Bettelheim’s reading, one observation I made is how he talked about how the queen in Snow White is jealous of Snow White. This reminded me of the story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates. Although both stories aren’t related by any means, the way Snow White’s stepmother was jealous of her beauty can be compared to how Connie’s mom was always frustrated with the fact that Connie knew she was beautiful and would admire herself often. Another thing I noticed that both Snow White and Connie were gullible. Snow White had allowed the evil queen to enter her house twice, because she wanted to become more beautiful, and Connie opened the door for a complete stranger and made the mistake of entertaining a conversation, which then lead to her eventually leaving with him, and we don’t know what happened to her at the end.

Bettleheim discusses narcissism in his psychological analysis of the variations of Snow White, and it made me realize how much of a role narcissism plays in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” By Joyce Carol Oates. The main character, Connie, is a teenage girl obsessed with her appearance and puts herself in an incredibly dangerous situation with an admirer because of her narcissism and want for attention. This story warns of the “evil consequences of narcissism,” such as in “Little Snow White.” Bettleheim also states that it is the parent and child who both have these narcissistic personalities. I did not consider Connie’s mother narcissistic, but this quote from Bethlehem’s article is interesting and made me look at her in a different light. “It is the narcissistic parent who feels most threatened by his child’s growing up, because that means the parent must be aging” (Bettleheim, 203). Although she never says anything grandiose about herself, it is her mean disposition towards Connie that may come from fear of her own aging, which makes her narcissistic.

I believe that growing up is indeed a significant theme in both stories. As Bettelheim suggests, “The message of these stories is that oedipal entanglements and difficulties may seem to be unsolvable, but by courageously struggling with these emotional familial complexities, one can achieve a much better life than those who are never beset by severe problems.” (Bettelheim 199) I think Snow White becomes more adaptable and resilient when she is forced to leave her home and find a new life. Similarly, Connie encounters a frightening and manipulative character named Arnold Friend, which makes her realize the harsh realities and complexities of the world. From my perspective, the act of confronting these adversities and impediments is a vital component of their individual development. Snow White and Connie undergo arduous experiences that facilitate their maturation while also imparting upon them a profound comprehension of themselves, others, and the world. In each story, growing up is an immense undertaking. Bettelheim’s analysis says that when you’re becoming an adult, it’s important to face tough stuff and get through it.” To survive, they must develop initiative and realize that their only recourse lies in intelligent planning and acting. They must exchange subservience to the pressures of the id for acting in accordance with the ego. Goal-directed behavior based on intelligent assessment of the situation in which they find themselves must take the place of wish-fulfilling fantasies: the substitution of the bone for the finger, tricking the witch to climb into the oven.” (Bettelheim 162) Snow White has to leave her home and start a new life, which makes her stronger and better at dealing with change. Connie meets a scary guy named Arnold Friend, and it helps her see how hard life can be. I think that going through tough times helps Snow White […]

In Bettelheim’s writing, multiple fairy tales are analyzed and the characters are broken down psychologically. What struck me as insightful is when Bettleheim mentions the “Oedipal” relationship between the daughter, step-mother, and father in snow white. It is mentioned how the mother is jealous of the daughter for growing up to be beautiful and how this affects what happens in the story. This same sort of family dynamic is displayed in “Where are you going? Where Have You Been?” Although both of these stories are completely unrelated, this story also includes a mother resentful of the fact that her daughter is attractive. It’s almost like the author subconsciously takes this element from snow white to implement into her story. Even the father in both stories have a few similarities with how they both sit on the fence and do nothing to diffuse the tension between the daughter and the mother

In “Little Snow White” and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, something that consistently stands out is envy and narcissism. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” demonstrates a sort of envy because Connie, who is also completely narcissistic, often looks at others to compare their beauty to hers. This can be seen as envious because if she does find someone who is prettier or has a “better-looking” feature than her, she will do what she can- such as alter her looks- to become more beautiful than that other person.  In “Little Snow White” the theme of envy is obvious through her Step-Mother. She is so envious of her own step daughter that she is capable of killing Snow White just to become the “fairest of them all” (which she tries to do multiple times). Narcissism in “Little Snow White” is demonstrated from both the step-mother and Snow White herself. As Bettelheim mentioned, “Snow White’s narcissism nearly undoes her as she gives in twice to the disguised queen’s enticements to make her look more beautiful, while the queen is destroyed by her own narcissism” (page 203). The first two attempts that her step-mother, “the queen” made to kill Snow White were feeding her narcissism because she was trying to enhance her beauty with things that were being sold to her. Snow White was already so beautiful, but she gave into material things-a corset and a comb- that would add on to her beauty (as a corset is known for enhancing a woman’s body, and a comb that would make her hair add to her beauty). Meanwhile, her step-other’s narcissism clearly shows through her trying to bring Snow White to her demise, just to make her the most beautiful on the land, and the […]

I believe Bettelheim’s analysis of Snow White related the most to the details presented in the poem by Anne Sexton. For example, in the beginning of the poem, Snow White’s stepmother hired a hunter to kill her, and Bettelheim interpreted the hunter’s role as “not a figure who kills friendly creatures, but one who dominates, controls, and subdues wild, ferocious beasts” (Bettelheim page 205). In the beginning of the poem, Snow White’s purity was emphasized through details of her appearance. The color “white” comes up a lot and is even included in her name and, “She was unsoiled… lovely virgin” (Sexton lines 12-14). White is a symbolism of purity and because of this, the hunter could not bring himself to kill Snow White because she was not a beast nor evil. However, the hunter dominated and controlled the stepmother by deceiving her and giving her a boar’s heart because the stepmother’s character was that of a beast. Another observation that related to the poem was the analysis of Snow White’s naivete. It is presumed that beauty means you’re dumb and, in the poem, even when Snow White was given specific instructions by the dwarves to not open the door for her safety, she was a “dumb bunny” (Sexton stanza 7) and proceeded to open the door and got hurt each time. In Bettelheim’s analysis, he pointed out how that was a reflection of not only the beauty stereotype but also her position as an adolescent. This reflects innocence in Snow White’s character despite knowing that her stepmother was out to get her, she was still oblivious to the evils in her world.

One observation pointed out to me in Bettelheim’s reading is that he pointed out the jealous Queen, who happened to be Snow White’s stepmother. Snow White, the most beautiful young lady in her land, wanted to enhance her beauty more than how she was. I think about society where celebrities use cosmetology to improve their beauty which sometimes goes over the board that causes their lives. There is always someone out there that envies people for their beauty and sometimes for their accomplishments. It also reminded me of Connie in the story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Connie was happy and into herself with her beauty, and her mother was jealous. Connie wasn’t given the traditional parenting advice about talking with strangers or opening the door to strangers, and because of this, she learned the hard way. Connie wasn’t given a chance as Snow White did, even though it was by the dwarfs; Snow White knew how to take on responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, and caring for herself and others. Like Connie, she was all about her beauty, leading her to seek attention from elsewhere. In the end, Snow White becomes a wife, while in Connie’s story, she disappears with a stranger that might have cut her life short. I remember growing up, I loved jewelry to the point where my grandmother used to have talks with me, and one of them was explaining to me that I must not get caught up with vanity because it can lead to danger, which I thanked her for because to this day, not even my wedding ring I want to wear outside.

One observation that stood out to me in Bettleheim’s reading is him pointing out the narcissism in the story. This narcissism was not only pointed out for the evil queen, but for Snow White herself. Snow White even though already being the fairest in the land, wanted to enhance her beauty more, the letting the evil queen in the house twice, one item being a comb, and one being a corset. Before I read this breakdown of the story I did not view Snow White’s folly as narcissism, however I can see that conclusion being made. This led me to think of Connie in the story “Where are you going, where have you been”. In this story Connie is very proud of her looks and in love with her self. This leads her to seek out attention which unfortunately gets the attention of Arthur Friend. Connie’s narcissism leads to her demise, her loss of herself as we don’t know what actually happened after she left the house. It was intriguing to me that when reading both of these stories, I was a bit annoyed by the gullibility of the protagonists from both of these stories.      

In “Little Snow White,” “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by Anne Sexton it can be made easier to understand by Bettleheim’s beliefs on fairy tales. Fairy tales, according to a certain theory, help people examine their unconscious brains and deal with psychological concerns. This is true in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” since the protagonist’s thoughts and ambitions ultimately lead to her tragedy. Another theory holds that the evil stepmother in “Little Snow White” depicts the ego’s desire for power and control. This is important in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” since the opponent is the protagonist’s ego. Bettleheim’s perspectives help in understanding the themes in these works. Similarly, Anne Sexton’s poem “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” explores into the original fairy tale’s darker elements, such as envy and the desire for power. Sexton’s description of Snow White’s interaction with the dwarfs is especially outstanding since she presents them as flawed persons with their own fears and goals. This is consistent with Bettleheim’s finding that fairy tales help people to confront their own psychological issues by projecting them onto fictitious characters.

My understanding of the story is that immediately from the start it takes a sad turn and dives in deeper in deeper as you continue reading. Highlight the main protagonist a 15-year-old girl named Connie. Known to almost everyone including herself she was not your average girl; she was extremely beautiful. In fact, her own mother treated her poorly and was even jealous of her. Her father was no better, not even speaking to the family going to work, coming home to read the paper, and eat after that off to bed. Connie’s life and upbringing has a theme of neglect. Her parent not caring about the slightest of things she does, and it causes major problems. While her mother disliked Connie she loved her big sister June. She was constantly being compared to her and was seen as an outcast within her own family. Her still being a teenage girl has caused her to have impaired thinking as she’s trying to navigate life. A predatory man Arnold turns the story from a sad story to a dark and twisted one where one’s quest for recognition will attract unwanted attention from some very bad people.

In my understanding, the story can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of youth and childishness, the power dynamics between the sexes, and the temptations of evil. The interpretation of the “inverted fairy tale” is particularly thought-provoking. The story follows Connie, a young girl who becomes obsessed with her beauty and the attention she receives from men. She is drawn away from the safety of her home and into the clutches of the villain Arnold Freund, who represents the quintessential wolf in sheep’s clothing. This reversal of the classic fairy tale of a young girl encountering a dangerous wolf in the woods is powerful and disturbing, highlighting the dangers posed by too much trust and naivete. I think the story can also be read as a commentary on gender power dynamics. Arnold Freund uses his muscle power, personal charm, and manipulation to seize Connie, who appears vulnerable and powerless in his presence. Connie’s mother, on the other hand, is portrayed as weak and submissive, constantly deferring to her husband’s wishes. Thus, the story can be seen as a critique of a patriarchal society in which men have power over women, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

The story is about a rebellious 15 year old girl named Connie, whose mother constantly berates her for obsessing over her appearance and not being more sensible like her older sister, June. Oates wants to emphasize the inequality of men and women, and at the same time she is bringing forth her feminist beliefs that should be known to society. Connie, one young woman out of a country of young women, must confront her own questions and anxieties as she transitions into adulthood. The story’s title points up the threshold on which Connie stands, looking back to where she has been (childhood) and where she is going (adulthood). She presents a different version of herself when she’s home and when she’s out with her friends for validation.   

The reading “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” By Joyce Oates follows a story about a 15 year old girl named Connie who is obsessed with her looks. While her family was away and she was home by herself, she gets approached by this charismatic/manipulative man named Arnold who was in a car in front of her house. Connie at first is interested in Arnold but soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. As the story goes on Arnold becomes more sinister and dark. Threatening Connie to go with him. The understanding I have for the story is the dangers and risks of trusting strangers. The story shows very well the vulnerability of young people who are easily manipulated and naive.Connie herself in the story is portrayed as naive and careless. The story ends with Connie going with Arnold leaving us the audience uncertain of what her fate is.

My interpretation of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates was a story of dark, evil and power taking over innocence. In the article by Rena Korb, she states different interpretations of the story and I see her point in all of them. Early in the story, Oates made it clear that Connie was prettier than most and that she herself was aware of it as well. Connie was very much into appearances-which was what “allowed” the whole encounter between her and Arnold Friend in the first place (she liked his appearance). In the story their first encounter was also intriguing to her. “It was a boy with shaggy black hair, in a convertible jalopy painted gold. He stared at her and then his lips widened into a grin. Connie slit her eyes at him and turned away, but she couldn’t help glancing back and there he was, still watching her. He wagged a finger and laughed and said, ‘Gonna get you, baby,’….” This was Connie’s first time seeing Arnold Friend. While he was consistent on trying to get her to come outside of her house, Connie held her ground and did not actually step out-she knew well enough not to since she didn’t know him. Once Connie starts getting afraid, she starts feeling like if her heart, that is pounding so heavily, is no longer hers as well as her own body that she felt shaking. This is the dark and evil presence getting in her head and taking control. At the end of the story, she ends up getting out of the house and going with/towards him because he manipulates her by saying, “‘…Be nice to me, be sweet like you can because what else is there for a girl like you but […]

The story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” was an interesting, but eye-opening read. I believe that this story focuses on how young girls can easily fall for the words of older men. I’m sure that Arnold must have been a 30 year old, trying to make a move on a young girl. One mistake Connie made was opening the door and continuing to entertain the conversation with Arnold. As a young adult, she should not have been speaking to a stranger. I feel that if she hadn’t opened the door at all, the situation could have been different. Also, Connie was very much into her looks, I’m sure she was a beautiful girl, so that may have ben a reason that she allowed Arnold to give her attention, because she wanted her beauty to be seen. In the article, Korbs suggests said many who read the story view it as a feminist allegory. The way I viewed the story, I believe that it is important for parents to communicate with their children as long as they are responsible for them, because Connie’s parents didn’t seem to care about where she was going or what she was doing. When parents start to neglect their kids, it can often put the kids in unpleasant situations.

My interpretation of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” was that it is a story about the curse of being beautiful. In the beginning of the story, Connie is the black sheep of the family because of her beauty. For example, her mother constantly berates her by saying, “Stop gawking at yourself. Who are you? You think you’re so pretty?” (Coates paragraph 1). Connie is treated ugly because she’s pretty and this leads her to relish the attention that she gets at the hamburger place. Connie gets attention from one boy, Eddie, in particular and enjoys herself. This is when she has her first encounter with Arnold Friend and “He wagged a finger and laughed and said, “Gonna get you, baby,”” (Coates paragraph 7). This makes Connies feel uncomfortable, but she dismisses it and continues with her night.  In Korb’s critique of the story, she includes how some readers interpreted the story as a as a “feminist allegory which suggests that… the spiritual death of women at the moment they give up their independence to the desire of the sexually threatening male” (Korb paragraph 4). This goes along with my interpretation of how beauty is a curse in this story because Connie was only seen for her beauty; her mother treated her like Cinderella’s stepmother. and boys gawked at her. Most importantly, her beauty was a curse in the end when Arnold Friend seduced her into coming on a drive which readers can interpret led to her being raped. He was sexually threatening, and she was still pure not only in her beauty, but also as a virgin and this shows how in society, a woman’s beauty often times attracts unwanted attention and women are stripped of their purity.

My own understanding of this story is the dark, evil subliminal flow throughout the story along with the realism that is brought out by the life of Connie and how something as your family life and the way a parent cares for their child or treats their child, or harmless intent decisions a young girl makes can create an outcome of men behaving sadistically and disgustingly towards a girl as young as 15.Connie is a shallow girl who is uncared for by her parents and who is often compared to her sister, obsessed with her looks she is fully aware of how beautiful she is. Having parents who do not typically ask where you are going will lead a young girl to involve herself into dangerous, but “fun” things that young teenage girls typically should not involve themselves in. Being a girl that beautiful and easy to talk to, men will think this is a easy target. Unfortunately for Connie, this man was very demanding and was very serious and was relentless in the fact where he really wanted Connie and targeted her weak, shallow thinking mindset and targeted her physically and mentally. The article states, “Since Connie so values appearances, she holds others to these shallow standards and uses what she sees on the surface as her criteria by which to judge them. This superficial view of the world leads her to embrace the drive-in restaurant, where older kids hung out and where Arnold Friend marks her with his X. Then, because at first she liked the way he was dressed, she does not immediately urge Arnold Friend to leave her driveway, and she stays talking with him, thus allowing him the time to create a physical space of psychological terror from which she cannot escape. ” The men […]

The story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” examines how societal and personal pressures affect choices.  Connie is a teenage girl who lacks self-awareness and is infatuated with her appearance. She makes a snap judgment on Arnold, a man who shows up at her house while she is alone at home, based solely on his appearance, not realizing that he has malicious motives. Arnold uses his knowledge of Connie’s family, acquaintances, and secrets to influence her and control her. Connie is forced to face the effects of her limited worldview as she loses her sense of self and grows frightened and vulnerable. According to my view, the story has a real feel, with Arnold’s seeming omniscience about Connie’s life coming from his compulsive and stalker-like actions. His knowledge of her family’s movements and activities can be traced to him watching Connie’s residence and following her family before approaching her while she was alone, not to some magical factor. This unsettling story is far from a fairy tale; rather, it serves as a terrifying warning about the possible risks that can result from actual circumstances and interactions with predatory people. Also The book serves as a warning about the perils of naivete and superficiality and can be seen as a cautionary tale about the world we live in, which includes young women like Connie.

In my understanding of the story, Oates is exploring the dangers of adolescence and the loss of innocence. Connie is portrayed as a typical teenage girl, concerned with her appearance and her social life. She is rebellious and seeks attention from boys, but she is not prepared for the danger that awaits her. Arnold Friend represents the evil that exists in the world and preys on vulnerable individuals like Connie. He is a manipulative and predatory figure who uses his charm to lure Connie into his grasp. The story suggests that Connie’s innocence and naivety make her an easy target for someone like Arnold Friend. Furthermore, the story can be interpreted as a critique of the cultural values of the 1960s. The story is set in a time of social change and upheaval, and Connie’s actions can be seen as a reflection of the values of that time. Connie’s desire for attention and her willingness to take risks with boys reflects the cultural shift towards sexual liberation and experimentation.

In Rena Korb’s critical overview of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, she presents various interpretations of the story, including the idea of an inverted fairy tale, a tale of initiation, and a feminist allegory. However, my own understanding of the story focuses on the theme of power dynamics and the struggle for control. Arnold Friend represents the ultimate manifestation of power and control over Connie, a young girl who is trying to navigate her way through adolescence. He uses his charm, manipulation, and ultimately his threat of violence to try to take control of Connie’s life. Connie’s resistance to his advances can be seen as her struggle to retain her own autonomy and agency in a world that tries to strip it away from her. Furthermore, the story can also be seen as a commentary on the societal power dynamics between men and women, as well as the dangers of toxic masculinity. Arnold’s relentless pursuit of Connie can be seen as a reflection of the pervasive belief that men are entitled to women’s bodies and attention. The story also highlights the danger that comes with toxic masculinity, as Arnold’s actions ultimately lead to violence and potential harm for Connie. Overall, while Korb’s interpretations provide valuable insights into the story, my own understanding focuses on the theme of power dynamics and the struggle for control, as well as commentary on societal power dynamics and toxic masculinity.

Different interpretive perspectives are put forward in Rena Korb’s critical overview, providing a place to start in understanding the narrative. However, my interpretation of the story as a study of power relations, particularly those involving gender and sexuality, has shaped my understanding of it.  At the heart of the story Arnold Friend, a supposedly charismatic and alluring man who poses a serious threat to the story’s adolescent protagonist Connie, is the central figure. Friend is a multifaceted character whose identity is obscured, rather than just a straightforward predator. He blurs the lines between the masculine and the feminine by embodying both. The way that Friend appears, with his painted-on eyebrows and wig, questions conventional ideas of male strength and attractiveness. He plays on Connie’s anxieties and vulnerabilities while manipulating and intimidating her with his remarks. In this approach, the story could potentially be understood as a critique of the ways in which toxic masculinity and patriarchy are employed to oppress and control women. The men in Connie’s life, from her controlling mother to the scary Arnold Friend, consistently stand in the way of her attempts to claim her own identity and independence. Due to the objectification and sexualization woman experiences from both males and the general public, her sexuality in particular becomes a cause of vulnerability and shame. The story can also be seen as an examination of the dangers of youth and the maturation process. Connie experiences several difficulties as she develops from a naive and self-centered teenager to a more self-aware and compassionate young woman. She is compelled to face both the harsh facts of the world around her and the darker sides of her own ambitions and inclinations.  The story can also be seen as an examination of the dangers of youth and the maturation process. Connie […]

Scholar Rena Korb discusses numerous differing interpretations someone may have while reading the story. She expressed how people view it as a tale of initiation or having a feminist allegory or concept to it. My first reaction while reading this story can be best associated with American culture, or tale of initiation. I would necessary have seen this story in a bad or dark perspective, but the influence of American culture is there. The girl in the story is being groomed by an older man who conveys mental abuse on her. Therefore, I would have to agree with this criticism interpretation at first hand. Rena Korb states, “Oates has expressed her interest in the richness of pain and chaos. Certainly, these elements are apparent in Oates’s own writing, and many critics have commented on the bleak nature of her fiction and on the many unpleasant things that happen to her characters”. This quote illustrates how the author initially focuses on this dark themed writing which is rich in pain. The author has the characters go through real life emotion representing something someone may experience in reality.

Many readers have come up with their own interpretation of the story “Where Are You Going? Where have you been?” describing it as a “inverted fairy tale” or even “a tale of initiation into the evils of depraved American culture. To me it is simply a thriller/ horror about a young girl who is confronted by her stalker and lured into his trap and eventually assaulted in many ways. The Story does not go further than when Connie gives in to Arnold but the subtle threats the Arnorld throws out there in his encounter with Connie makes his intentions seem more than sinister. Even going back to when Connie spots the “boy” at the drive-in restaurant and he tells her “gonna get you baby” from a distance made me unsettled and nervous for what that may mean. In Korbs’ essay about the story, the writer explains that people may interpret Arnold as the devil with the way he had “Supernatural” awareness on Connie and her families whereabouts. For me, this story was a lot more realistic, the almost omniscient awareness Arnold seemed to have was just his obsessive nature and that he’s been watching Connie way before she saw him at the restaurant. He knew where her family was and what they were doing by simply staking out her house and following her family as they pulled off while Connie enjoyed her alone time until Arnold came back. This terrifying story is something that can very much happen in reality and to me is far from a fairy tale. 

Most readers make three false assumptions when addressing an unfamiliar poem,” writes Edward Hirsch in his article “How to Read a Poem” (Activity 1) Which of the three prior assumptions did you make with respect to one of the poems read this week? Be sure to refer to specific lines or phrasing in your discussion.   The First assumption that I made while reading the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” on the Poets.org website, while reading t the line “And live alone in the bee-loud glade,” the phrase “bee-loud glade” I though that the speaker wants to live a free and simple life which is close to nature, but after doing some research it the lines meant that the speaker is referring to the sound of bees buzzing and is trying to create a peaceful environment. The Second assumption i made was that in the line “There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow” I thought that the speaker is talking about the different colors of the sky at night or during different times at night, but then i realized that by the word “glimmer of midnight ”  and “noon a purple glow “the speaker was talking about different mood swings and the color purple meant to convey a sense of warmth and comfort The third assumption that i made was in the line “While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey” I thought that the speaker is physically standing on the road or on the sidewalk but it turned out be that the speaker is using a metaphor to explain its mental and emotional state, it could also mean that the speaker is trying to tell us about. his daily routine and hustle in his everyday life.

The story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates is captivating and incredibly eerie. Reading it felt as if I was watching a movie and yelling at the girl on screen to turn around and run away. The story seems to represent a young girl being groomed: manipulated by an older man to coerce her into agreeing to mental abuse. “I took a special interest in you, such a pretty girl, and found out all about you—like I know your parents and sister are gone somewheres and I know where and how long they’re going to be gone, and I know who you were with last night, and your best girl friend’s name is Betty. Right?” There is a terrifying aspect to this quote. Immediately, as the reader you might see flashing neon red flags, yet Connie is just confused.  Connie, although doing so hesitantly, is cooperating at first. It starts to seem like he almost has her convinced and then things escalate. After the escalation, Connie is defeated. This quote, “She was hollow with what had been fear but what was now just an emptiness. All that screaming had blasted it out of her.” is representing, to me, a victim fighting until they cannot fight anymore. At this point in the story, this is clear because Connie is now beginning to do everything Arnold says. The next few lines in the end of the story point to the victim being estranged from family and being convinced that it is okay. “… Be nice to me, be sweet like you can because what else is there for a girl like you but to be sweet and pretty and give in?—and get away before her people come back? ”She felt her pounding heart. Her hand seemed to […]

The story “Where are you going, where have you been?” is about a fifteen-year-old girl named Connie who goes to meet people who don’t treat her well. The story offers several interpretations of the event, including how awful things can happen in our lives and in our society. The story itself can be seen as a warning to young people about the dangers and terrible things that can happen in America. Connie’s character is portrayed as naive, unaware of the dangers of the world much like all young girls her age. Conversely, the character Arnold Friend is presented here as a nasty character, who hurts and deceives people. In her essay, Rena Korb makes a suggestion that some people may associate the character of Arnold Friend with the image of evil or the consequences of giving up one’s freedom at the hands of someone corrosive. It is a life lesson that aims to warn and warn young people.

The story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is about a young 15-year-old girl named Connie whom a child predator seduced. In my understanding, the story portrays how a child predator-prey on young girls. Connie seems to be a beautiful young girl that likes to be seen because of her beauty, and she feels that her mother doesn’t like her much as how she does her older sister, whom she always praises. Also, Connie’s father seems to be just interested in his work and not showing the family much attention. In my opinion, 99% of the time, when a family is like that, the one that gets less attention tends to seek it elsewhere, and for me, Connie seems to fall in that category. Connie likes to hang out with older teens, which can be alarming. The older “friends” she trusts can set her up to do or get into things she’s incapable of understanding or escaping from. And it is sad because in our society, the same vulnerable young kids get seduced and taken advantage of, and most of them are found dead. Several times we watch the news or read the papers and see that young teens have gone missing, but there is no trace of them; those are the teens that know their predators, but at first, they try to build their trust before they make their move. We must check our surroundings because, at times, we never know who is watching us, our children, and just waiting to make a move at the right time that pleases these predators. This story is a well-learned lesson for us not to put our trust in people, no matter the circumstances, and not to show favoritism to our children because it can lead to something displeasing along […]

When I read “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats, the assumption I made was assuming that the poem was a code. For example, throughout the poem, Yeats is talking about the lake house at the Innisfree Lake and when he was describing the scenery, I thought it was symbolic for something else. The entire time I was reading the poem, I was trying to decipher what was the meaning of Lake Innisfree and why it was important for the author to write about it. Yeats says, “And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow” (Yeats line 10) and to me this was a reflection of the poets’ need to find peace and serenity. Usually this is my issue while reading poems, I never really understand it because I feel like there’s a hidden message.

After reading Rena Korb’s critical overview of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, I believe that the story can be interpreted in various ways, including as an inverted fairy tale, a tale of initiation into a depraved American culture, and a feminist allegory. However, I also noticed some other themes that were not explicitly mentioned by Korb. One of the themes that stood out to me was the idea of teenage rebellion and the consequences that can come with it. Connie is a typical teenager who wants to break free from her family and their values. She sees herself as mature and independent, but her encounter with Arnold Friend teaches her a harsh lesson about the dangers of the real world. This theme is relevant to today’s society where young people often feel the pressure to act like adults before they are ready. Another theme that I noticed is the power dynamics between men and women. Arnold Friend’s manipulation and control over Connie reflect a larger societal issue of men exerting dominance over women. The story highlights the vulnerability of women in such situations and their struggle to assert their own agency. Overall, the story is multi-layered and open to interpretation. The themes of teenage rebellion and power dynamics between men and women, along with the other interpretations suggested by Korb, make it a thought-provoking and complex story.

In preparation for the discussion of the stories for our discussions, I prefer to read a story several times, form my own vision about it, and only then read articles that analyze this text in order to consider the story from my own subjective point of view and not be attached to the thoughts of scholars. After reading this story, I fixed three thoughts: the first is terrible violence, but not in the form we are used to, but in a verbal one, the very concept of which curdles the blood. Secondly, this is a gender issue: in particular, the exact delimitation of the role of a woman in this story is noticeable on the basis of two sisters. Either you are an exemplary family woman, a housewife, etc. (remember the cult of femininity) and the second is our protagonist, also a rather stereotypical girl who is more interested in appearance and boys than any other issue. As well as the dialogue between Koni and the Friend, he really reminded me of modern gender realities, including today’s one. And the third is something terrible and supernatural, invisibly present in this story. There are a number of interpretations of this story in Corb’s article, such as initiation or inverted fairy tale, the diabolic motives, feminist allegory. I would like to note that the story is quite creepy, provided that there is not a single scene of violence or physical rudeness here. The author in this case refers to symbolic violence. According to wiki “symbolic violence describes a type of non-physical violence manifested in the power differential between social groups”, but why does the author use this phenomenon in the story. What does it describe? I believe that the main message of the author is a feminist message, symbolic violence between gender […]

“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is a thrilling and captivating story that can leave the reader with a few different impressions simultaneously. When I read this, I initially thought of it as a coming of age story with a terrifying twist. Ultimately, I look at it as a representation of the defeat of women by men because of gender inequality. I enjoyed reading the details of all the interpretations in the article by Rena Korb. I see how they can all be applied to the story. I did not consider the “inverted fairytale” interpretation with Arnold assuming the role as the devil. It is apparent by the way he psychically knew this information about Connie and her family, and his name being so similar to “archfiend.” I can see how it can also be perceived as an “initiation into an evil, depraved American culture.” However, the writing is strongly gender specific with Connie’s obsession of keeping up with a beauty and behavioral standard society has engrained in her; and the type of predatory evil she faces. I think this story is an initiation into evil for specifically a female. I do side most with the “feminist allegory” interpretation, but all of these themes blend together.

In the interpretation of the story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Rena Korb, she interpreted that the story is an, enjoyed as a finely crafted story. She believes the main character Connie is having troubles understanding the world around her and meeting the not so good man named, Arnold Friend.  She depicts that 15 year old Connie will be lured into a car with a not so good man that could potentially either rape her or kill her. But my interpretation of this story is about the real world that goes on around us today involving women. At the young age of 15, we all now the saying of not speaking to strangers but when someone is constantly begging someone to go on a ride with them and could potentially go on a dangerous ride with them is something you see today. Men try their hardest to take advantage of women everyday. Not saying every man intentions are to harm someone but when a man at the drive thru says, “Gonna get you babe” then shows up at her house is pretty creepy. At her young age it’s cool to be hanging around either girl or boys that are older to portray a cool image of herself for the friends around her but also isn’t smart as well. The story is warning young girls of signs like these to help them say no and seek help instead of trying to do things on their own. Young people make mistakes in life but some mistake can’t be taken back once done.

Reading this piece, I initially thought of it as a coming of age story. And after reading Korb’s article on the writing, and what was defined as a feminist allegory, where women are sexualized and seen as an object of pleasure, I still think in some way, it is a “coming of age” story, albeit the grim and assumed conclusion. It is mentioned in Korb’s article that although Connie is shallow, she becomes likeable. Although she is shallow, I never disliked Connie. I saw Connie as a typical, popular teenager. What teenage girl would not be obsessed with her looks and hanging out and disliking her mother and do-gooder sister? This is what they do – who they are….typically. I saw this as a coming of age story because although the story took a sharp turn, and again, the assumed grim conclusion, Connie is met with realizing the world is actually not all roses and daisies. Connie being the typical teen-aged girl consumed with her looks and social life sadly has to make some really hard and adult decisions in the moment. As we all have aged, there is a moment in our lives where we realize life is actually full of tough decisions that need to be made, and our parents are not going to always be there to tell us what to do, or protect us.