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 […]
Tracey R. Mainer
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.
I read both We Cool as well as The Mother by Gwendolyn Brooks. The reason I read both, other than I was interested by both titles, was because the prior assumption I made when reading We Cool, was that I would understand the piece with the first run through. And full transparency, I felt as if I SHOULD understand because I am a voracious reader of poems, lol. The lines “we sing sin, we thin gin” I didn’t quite understand and I still don’t understand what ‘thin gin’ is. I will look it up after I finish responding to this discussion, but I assumed it has something to do with hanging out and drinking. After reading the poem once again, a little slower and without the assumptions, I gathered the meaning of the poem. I then, liked the writing and Gwendolyn’s writing style. I also learned she does not have one style from reading both pieces.
“Reading a poem is part attitude and part technique.” Restated: Reading a poem isn’t about the words, it’s how you read it and HOW you read it. – This is absolutely true. Reading poetry, is so different from reading an essay, or a play or any other works of literature because you have to FEEL the author’s emotion. Poetry paints pictures of intangible things – moods, emotions, thoughts, “vibes”. The phrase that reading a poem is part attitude and part technique means having a certain technique to understand and reiterate the inflections in the words. Having the right attitude is diving into the poem. Reading poetry can’t (well shouldn’t) be done because you HAVE to, but because you WANT to. 2. Reading Sonnet 130 by Shakespeare, I found this piece funny and ironic. I read this, with all the love I felt Shakespeare had for his mistress. He didn’t think very highly of her physical appearance or or scent, but the love was incomparable. The writing seems to be belittling the mistress at first, with the comparison to hair like wires and her breath that is not like perfume. However, at the end of the piece with the words “And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare As any she belied with false compare.‘ there is no denying the love. I read this piece with a whimsical and smitten heart, as if he was just thinking of his mistress. The attitude felt was she may not be the prettiest, and she may not have the best scent – she’s no Snow White – the “fairest of them all”, but I love her perhaps more than YOU love your spouse. Reading this short piece required a technique to feel the emotions and paint the picture of what he was […]
1. Identify the author and the literary work you are focusing on for your research essay. 2. Please share the actual word-for-word thesis statement of your research essay in your post. 3. Explain what specific kind of secondary source information you feel will support your thesis. 4. Identify the BMCC databases you have explored to date and what the results have been. My research essay will be focused on Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson”, with my thesis sentence being the following: “First impressions are always skin deep”. In all honesty, I haven’t explored many of the BMCC databases. There is so many sources and information, it can be a tad overwhelming. I have dipped into JSTOR and found this source fairly easy to navigate and find specific information without providing many specific details. It provides me the opportunity to be exposed to works that I weren’t looking for or even thought of. I believe reading excerpts from or books that interpret this piece, or writing that is a criticism of literature would be supportive in my research. Reviewing others point of view(s) may bring a fresh take on my research, allowing me to go deeper in gathering supportive information of my thesis.
The reading I wanted to focus on which entertained me the most was The Necklace. I had to review the date this piece was written and published because I was intrigued by the fact that it was plainly stated that women didn’t really need anything more than being pretty to obtain a higher social rank. I was intrigued by the fact that it states a woman from the poorest family could be of the same social class as a socialite because she would be pretty enough to allure a well-off man. I think this way of thinking still exists and sadly has become a societal norm [insert Instagram models obtaining fame and money for taking pretty pictures]. I was surprised that Mathilde worked hard to right her wrong. From reading, Mathilde did not come across as the type to want to work hard or make sacrifices. In afterthought, perhaps I misjudged her misery of poverty, with laziness. In reading how she lamented about her poverty, her ungratefulness at her husband’s ability to get an invite to the ball and then seeming to find reason after reason to emphasize her misery at her poverty, I was very surprised that she was agreeable to dismissing their servant and she pulling her weight. On that note, I was puzzled at their social class and how they lived. When the couple were able to locate a necklace similar to replace the lost one, we find out there is 18,000 francs available. They also had a servant on staff. If this was obtainable and they are able to pay a servant, then why is Mathilde so miserable? This puzzled me initially, but again, another afterthought, perhaps Loisel was keeping what was inherited from his father for a rainy day. It was also mentioned that he […]
We know what the story is about on the surface. What do you feel the story is about in its “interior?” On a surface level, the story is about the unfortunate murder of a family on a road trip to their final destination of Florida. Ironically, this trip did indeed end up being their “final destination”. The story seems to explore a family dynamic, and the clashing personalities of generations. The grandmother, who has more “traditional” values honestly annoyed me. However, she being brought up in a different era, her actions were understandable. Underneath the words written, the picture behind this piece is one of a woman, remembering her past, exploring her maternal instincts while also seeming to be in her own way, caring of her family but disregarded by them. Bailey, ignores his mother’s words completely. Bailey’s wife, seems to treat her mother-in-law in the same respects as her husband – perhaps because she sees it as “that’s just how the grandmother is”. The children are rude and downright disrespectful to their parents and moreover their grandmother. My view of a woman who cares deeply but is ignored, and maybe a little hurt by it, comes from what I have previously stated – the ignoring by her own son and daughter-in-law, but John Wesley and June Star’s snide remarks and comments about their grandmother coming along on all trips they take. June Star seems to always have a smart remark (even in the face of death with her comment of not wanting to hold Bobby’s hand because he looks like a pig). The grandmother, in all of her annoyance, just seems to want to enjoy her family and “the good ol’ days”. Although her constant chatter gets under everyone’s skin – remove Red Sammy – nothing she says is […]
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece – it did change my view [somewhat] on the reading of plays. In reading Oedipus the King, I found so many experiences or behaviors that are universally relatable, not just within an isolated time period. To start, deception and shame is prevalent throughout the reading. The cause of the Oedipus’ fate was shame and deceit, with his ending being the same – shame caused by deceit. Another experience and behavior observed is acting out of fear. The last experience and behavior I would like to touch on is desperation in hope to figure out the “unknown”. Oedipus’ true parents, Jocasta and Laius, out of fear gave their child away to be killed from a prophesy. Fear of this child being prophesied as the cause of their demise, they gave him away to be killed, without second thought of consequences. In time, as it is apparent to Jocasta who Oedipus really is (which by the way, I feel she may have known the whole time who he really was), instead of being truthful, the hole was dug deeper and deeper with deceit. Shame and maybe even pride, caused her to hang herself instead of facing the consequences full on of her actions. Unfortunately, these behaviors are still very much a part of today’s society, this is not an isolated event during the times of Greek mythology. I mean – there wouldn’t be so many talk shows if this was not something that was all so common. Oedipus – in his shame of his actions, gouged his own eyes out, and stated if there was a way he could deafen himself too, he would’ve. I think perhaps there was both shame in his actions as well as disgust, but shame all the more. I also think […]
I’m a huge fan of Greek mythology, but not so much a fan of reading plays – not even Shakespeare. I always found it difficult to understand or follow what was going on. However, reading this piece, although I had to “get in a zone” when I began reading, had what we are speaking on…beautiful language. Lines 545 – 552 read: the doer of deeds that none dare name?Now is the time for him to runwith a stronger footthan Pegasusfor the child of Zeus leaps in arms upon himwith fire and the lightning bolt,and terribly close on his heelsare the Fates that never miss. These lines speak to a wrong that was committed before Oedipus’ reign. A wrong so vile, no one speaks of the name or names of the offender. The Chorus painted the image that now is the time for the wrong-doer to make haste because his consequences are catching up to him fast; but what good would that do? The Fates, or the Daughters of Death, never miss, so metaphorically, the offender would need to be swifter than Pegasus to outrun his fate, his consequences, This passage, albeit short, was filled with a visual of raw emotions and a simple but clear message. I saw this as saying you can’t outrun the past, or even saying whatever is done in the dark, will come to the light. The first line – “the doer of deeds that no one dare name”, spoke to the fear that is only cast amongst men, but by line 551, “and terribly close on his heels are the Fates that never miss”. it spoke to the power of the gods and consequences. The depth within those six lines captured my attention.
In the reading about Araby, I would describe the main protagonist as a boy with a crush. From the detailed description of the surroundings, weather, building structure, etc., I initially got the impression this was an older teen-aged boy, maybe 17 – 19. After reading further, and noticing the almost “obsessive” crush on his friend’s sister (her name escapes me at the moment), I realized he was younger. I still don’t think he is a “young boy” – young to me would be between 7 – 12, with the times he is able to travel by himself or with peers, but perhaps early teen years, between 13 – 15. The voice of a typical, teenage boy, with a crush, trying to prove himself, find himself and get the attention and adoration of a young girl. I also get the impression that he is used to doing things on his own to some degree, with the texts eluding to his uncle having a drinking problem, or coming home drunk fairly often; or even working, being busy or simply forgetting the boy. Due to his circumstances and home life, I feel this built a determined characteristic within him, with a hint of maturity to “always get things done”. He was informed most of the stalls would be closed, if not all, before he left the house to visit the bazaar, but still did his best to go. I felt that towards the end of the reading, the boy’s disappointment and anger was mainly towards his uncle, not the lack of items available to purchase. He was looking forward to going for some time; so much so that he couldn’t concentrate on his studies or tasks. He gave reminders up until the day of, and still forgotten. I believe his actions of just […]
Although Sugar and Sylvia, as all the other children – except Mercedes perhaps – initially had the same mentality when first venturing on this trip, Sugar’s outlook seems to have shifted, learning something new and giving her maybe hope to be better and do better. I think Sugar learned humility, while the trip to FAO Schwarz hardened Sylvia just a little bit more. Ms. Moore, recognizing we are all a product of our surroundings and society, is emphatically trying to teach them all to do better. Her teaching method reminds me of a common phrase in the black community “if you knew better, you’d do better”. Sugar seems to have had that click in her head, the metaphorical light bulb going off for her; now that she knows better, or on her way to knowing better, she can and will do better. Sylvia on the other hand, is hardened by the thought of people being able to frivolously spend money on a toy while the thought of her even asking for a toy that costs $35 would be met with looks of audacity for even asking. I say Sugar seems to have been hardened and prideful. She says something, at least twice in the writing, that alludes to her pride. On the last paragraph of page 4, Sylvia says she won’t talk to Ms. Moore because she won’t give her the satisfaction, and the very last sentence of the writing, she states “but ain’t nobody gonna beat me at nuthin”. In another instance, she states she’s mad, but she won’t but won’t give Ms. Moore the satisfaction, yet again, of knowing she was affected by the trip to the store. Sylvia seems to feel defeated and ashamed of who/what she is, while Sugar seems either be hopeful for better, or […]
This piece – although very short – spoke volumes. If I had to describe Langston, the 12 year old prepubescent boy, I might describe him as inquisitive, honest, trustworthy and hopeful. I assume he’s prepubescent because of his innocence and naivety, with waiting for the metaphorical light to come into him. Waiting for Jesus to just…..fill him with the Holy Spirit as it is described and as we often hear (in certain cultures and communities). In a few short sentences though, Langston was no longer naive and innocent, but doubtful, saddened, disappointed and maybe slightly angry. The complexity of the many ironies that occurred in this piece, this can be a heavy topic of discussion. Westley exclaiming “God damn!…….” before going to be “saved” to avoid being encouraged to be saved any longer. Langston’s aunt assuming he was crying tears of joy and love for Jesus entering his life, when in reality it was the opposite. I think the biggest irony I noticed was Langston losing hope, sight and belief in Jesus in the very place that worshippers go to find him and be closer to him. Langston grew up on a Sunday afternoon, after not finding Jesus.
When I first read this piece, I was unsure of the topic and the purpose of this piece. The more I read, I became more enveloped in this story; seeing Estaban and what he meant to the village. In my previous English course, my professor focused on gender and its role in society. Although this annoyed me, as I thought “this is an English course not psychology or sociology”, it did open my eyes to subject matters outside of what I envisioned “English” and literature encompassed. In my opinion, perhaps this piece was assigned as a first reading, to broaden what we (I) envision as literature or english. The writing style itself caused me to reread a few times, but it also drew me into the story. Perhaps this piece was assigned in order to dip our toes into the waters of imaginative pieces; to open our view of different styles of writing. I personally enjoyed this piece. This writing provided me a different perspective, in the same way the people of the village gained a different perspective on life after “meeting” Estaban.
