In his article, “How to Read a Poem,” Edward Hirsch points out that most readers make three false assumptions when addressing an unfamiliar poem. These assumptions can make it difficult for readers to truly appreciate and understand the poem. The first false assumption that readers make when approaching an unfamiliar poem is that they believe that they should be able to understand it on the first read. This assumption is based on the belief that poetry is like any other form of literature, where the meaning is clear and straightforward. However, poetry is often written in a way that is intentionally ambiguous, and it requires the reader to spend time unraveling the layers of meaning. It is important for readers to approach poetry with an open mind and a willingness to spend time with the text. The second false assumption that readers make is that they believe that there is only one correct interpretation of the poem. This assumption is based on the belief that poetry is like a puzzle that has only one correct solution. However, poetry is open to interpretation, and there may be multiple ways to understand a poem. The reader’s interpretation may be influenced by their personal experiences, cultural background, and the historical context in which the poem was written. It is important for readers to recognize that their interpretation of a poem is valid, even if it differs from others.The third false assumption that readers make is that they believe that they need to understand every word and reference in the poem to appreciate it. This assumption is based on the belief that poetry is like a code that needs to be deciphered. However, poetry is not meant to be understood in a literal sense. It is often filled with metaphorical language and symbolism that […]
Stephon Gracia
In “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” Flannery O’Connor is about the struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of making the wrong choices. The story follows a family of five, the grandmother, her son and daughter-in-law, and her two grandchildren, as they travel to Florida for a vacation. Along the way, the grandmother insists that they take a detour to visit an old plantation she remembers from her childhood. This detour leads them to a confrontation with a dangerous criminal, The Misfit, and his gang. The story is a commentary on the human condition, and the consequences of our choices. The grandmother is a symbol of the human tendency to make bad decisions, and her insistence on taking the detour leads to the family’s downfall. The Misfit is a symbol of evil, and his presence serves as a reminder of the consequences of our choices. The story also serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance, as the grandmother’s pride leads her to make the wrong decision. Ultimately, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” is a story about the struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of our choices. It is a warning against pride and arrogance, and a reminder of the importance of making the right choices.
Reading Oedipus the King, I was struck by the timeless human experiences and behaviors it depicted. The play is a tragedy that follows the life of Oedipus, a man who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother. Through this story, Sophocles explores the themes of fate, free will, and hubris. The idea of fate is a major theme in Oedipus the King. Oedipus is fated to kill his father and marry his mother, and despite his best efforts to avoid this, he is unable to escape his destiny. This idea of fate is a timeless human experience, as many of us feel that our lives are predetermined and that we are powerless to change our fate.The idea of free will is also explored in the play. Oedipus is determined to find out the truth about his past, and he is willing to take risks and make difficult decisions in order to do so. This idea of free will is a timeless human experience, as many of us feel that we have the power to shape our own destiny and make our own choices.
The theme of The Plague by the Chorus is one of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The Chorus speaks of the plague as a force of nature that cannot be controlled, but that can be endured. They emphasize the importance of maintaining hope and courage in the face of the plague, and of finding strength in the community. The Chorus also speaks of the need to look beyond the immediate suffering and to focus on the future. They emphasize the importance of looking for the silver lining in the midst of the darkness, and of finding joy in the small moments of life. Ultimately, the Chorus encourages the audience to remain strong and to find hope in the midst of the plague.
The protagonist of James Joyce’s “Araby” is a young boy who is on the cusp of adolescence. He is naive, idealistic, and romantic, and his character is essential to the story’s outcome. He is a dreamer, and his romanticized view of the world leads him to believe that the bazaar, Araby, will be a magical place that will fulfill his desires. He is also naive in his expectations of the bazaar, believing that it will be a place of wonder and beauty, and that he will be able to find something special for the girl he loves. The boy’s naivety and idealism are what lead him to his disappointment at the end of the story. He is unable to find anything of value at the bazaar, and his romanticized view of the world is shattered. His character is also important in the way that it affects the story’s tone. His idealism and naivety create a sense of innocence and hope, which is then contrasted with the harsh reality of the bazaar. This contrast creates a sense of sadness and disillusionment, which is the main emotion of the story. In conclusion, the protagonist of “Araby” is a young boy who is naive, idealistic, and romantic. His character is essential to the story’s outcome, as his naivety and idealism lead him to his disappointment at the end. His character also affects the story’s tone, as his innocence and hope are contrasted with the harsh reality of the bazaar.
The 2 characters I chose are Sylvia and sugar. When they first approached the store you can tell a shift in both of their attitudes. Sugar attitude was more eager and cherry and obviously more excited. As for Sylvia she’s not so eager at all if anything she had a attitude the moment they got there. When they entered the place Sylvia instantly outta place and out of her element. Which is understandable because of where and how she grew up, this is all foreign to her. Sugar on the other hand is the complete opposite, she’s absorbing everything and living in the moment. She’s just excited to be there and even though she knows she can’t afford anything she stills admire the toys and everything around her. I understand why Sylvia is upset. Growing unfortunate and seeing everything you wish you can get but can’t get it due to financial problems
I feel like the pressure made him did what he did because after the fact he felt very ashamed and restless of himself. From reading he is a very good person and honest person, and it’s shown by him reflecting on his actions. We do the same in our everyday life. One example of us doing something like that is when we say we are doing one thing and go around and do the other but while doing it you sit there and think about it ask yourself is this right