I found my Week 12 discussion on the different types of terror experienced when reading “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” compared to watching a terrifying movie to be successful. I believe I contributed well to this discussion post. However, I regret not taking the opportunity to revise my essays when I had the chance, as I could have performed better. One specific skill I developed was the ability to think outside the box. Previously, I tended to see things as they appeared, but now I feel more capable of considering different perspectives and focusing on a wider range of aspects. This has enhanced my analytical skills and overall approach to other tasks.
Amen Qureshi
13 posts
In the short story “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver, the author uses simple sentences to convey the narrative. For example, he writes, “This blind man, an old friend of my wife’s, he was on his way to spend the night.” Carver’s writing is direct and doesn’t include detailed words or lengthy descriptions. Instead, he displays the characters’ personalities and emotions through their dialogues. The narrator, for instance, shows the relationship between his wife and the blind man by showing their interactions. In the short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, the author uses simple language to describe the exact details of Madame Loisel’s situation. When Madame Loisel receives an invitation to a ball, de Maupassant writes: “She was upset by how poor her home looked, with its plain walls, old chairs, and ugly curtains.” This detailed description of Madame Loisel’s surroundings helps the reader understand how she feels about her societal place. Both Carver and de Maupassant engage in simple writing styles, yet they each emphasize different aspects. Carver places a great deal of emphasis on how individuals interact and express themselves through their speech, while de Maupassant employs detailed descriptions to illustrate societal incidents.
In the short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, the feeling of fear that readers experience is different from the one that horror movies stimulate. Movies often contain violent and gory scenes, which can be overwhelming for some viewers. On the other hand, stories do not have visual effects, so the frightening parts only exist in the reader’s creativity. Rather than showing scary images, stories describe them in detail, creating a feeling of concern and excitement. In the story, the character Arnold Friend is creepy, and his words and actions can make the reader’s skin crawl. For instance, his unsettling smile and the way he invades Connie’s personal space create a sense of unease that lingers throughout the narrative. In contrast to movies, where viewers can look away from the screen if it gets too scary, stories create an immersive experience that readers cannot escape because it all happens in their minds. Therefore, it is often more frightening and harder to forget.
I’m interested in how fairy tales shape our perceptions about gender roles, beauty standards, and ethics. Although I haven’t read any articles on the subject, I believe it’s important to discuss classic stories like “Snow White.” I’m also curious about how contemporary retellings of these stories influence people’s understanding of these themes. I’m intrigued by the significance of fairy tales in our culture and how they have evolved over time. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to look for articles yet, I believe that they may offer some valuable insights.
Reading “Snow White” by the Brothers Grimm taught me a lot about fairy tales. It’s not just about teaching lessons, as some of them can be dark. For instance, the stepmother’s jealousy and egotism show how some fairy tales can be dark. She persists in harming Snow White due to her jealousy, reflecting an unkind and harmful behavior. Despite the danger she faced, Snow White remained strong and brave. She fought for herself and did not give up even when she was poisoned. In the end, she fought back and was saved. “Snow White” is not just about good versus bad. It shows how people can be complicated with lots of different emotions. As a result, the story becomes more interesting and helps readers understand deeper emotions in fairy tales.
Upon reading the three pages and “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” the article highlights particular significant ideas that one may miss without reading. Firstly, the article mentions how the violence in the story helps to reveal more profound spiritual themes, particularly when the Misfit commits a violent act. This assists in understanding the grandmother’s transformation when she confronts death. Secondly, the article provides a more complex view of the grandmother’s character. She is portrayed as neither entirely good nor entirely evil, but having positive qualities despite her imperfections. This allows us to view her character in a more intriguing light. Also, the article discusses symbols in the story, such as the grandmother’s hat and the cat’s name, which have hidden meanings that enhance the story’s depth. By understanding these signs, we can develop a better understanding of the author’s intentions. Therefore, the article helps us gain a more profound understanding of “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by illustrating its themes, characters, and writing style.
I think that I could understand ‘Oedipus the King’ to a decent level. The play explores deep themes that demand critical thinking. For example, it delves into the concept of fate, which refers to events that are already determined, and our level of control over our lives. Also, the characters are intriguing. They face complex problems and emotions. Oedipus, for example, tries to uncover his past, while Creon desires power but also has to manage his relationship with Oedipus. Despite the play’s complexity, I enjoyed it because it’s entertaining and raises significant questions. If I had to choose a character to portray in the play, I would choose Creon. He experiences many changes, and it would be interesting to portray his struggles with Oedipus.
In the last two weeks, I have been reading poems, one of which was Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” I was mainly drawn to this poem because of its beautiful imagery and the dreamy thinking of the speaker. The gentle description of the snowy woods and the repetition of the line “And miles to go before I sleep” struck a chord with me, making me reflect on my life’s journey and responsibilities. However, I have also come across some poems that have left me feeling confused. Some works, with their abstract or complex themes, challenge my ability to understand their actual meaning, leaving me with an awkward feeling towards poetry. I find some poems amusing, but most of the time some still confuse me.
In the play “Oedipus the King,” the people of Thebes are struck by a deadly plague that leaves them desperate and vulnerable. They plead with their king, Oedipus, to find a solution to the epidemic. Meanwhile, Jocasta enters and criticizes Oedipus and Creon for their insignificant arguments during the crisis, asking, “Are you not ashamed to air your private griefs when the country’s sick?” (Lines 741-743). This emphasizes their mutual sense of urgency and the need to prioritize the greater good over personal disagreements. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some Americans followed public health guidelines eagerly, while others opposed restrictions and emphasized personal liberation. This reflects the tensions in Thebes, where some characters, like the Priest and Jocasta, prioritize addressing the plague as a community. In difference, others, like Oedipus and Creon, are consumed by personal disagreements regardless of the bigger crisis. Both situations showcase the complicatedness of balancing individual rights with coordinated well-being during times of crisis.
The quote about literature that I have chosen is from C.S. Lewis, “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. This means that books don’t just reflect the world around us, but enrich it. In Guy De Maupassant’s “The Necklace,” this circles correctly with Madame Loisel’s journey. She desires a luxurious life but faces the consequences of her desires. The story goes beyond its 19th-century French setting and explores universal themes such as human longing, societal pressures, and the purpose of happiness. Through Madame Loisel’s experiences, readers are encouraged to reflect on these timeless concepts. “The Necklace” isn’t just about social classes; it’s an in-depth search for identity, ambition, and the fragility of joy. Maupassant’s narrative challenges readers to look past shallow realities, offering deep insights into life. This shows literature’s ability to expand our understanding of reality by uncovering profound truths.
The sentence is too general and doesn’t have any important details or claims that support what is explained, so it fails to fully demonstrate its point. This indicates the “complexity of the human situation” and the “complicated character” of the narrator, but it doesn’t say why these things matter or how they connect to the narrative. To better it, we should be more specific and offer readers examples from the text that emphasize the narrator’s complexity and the realistic aspect of human nature that is explored in the story. This will help readers understand why and how these aspects of the narrative influence the story’s overall meaning. If I were to rewrite the sentence I would certainly write about specific aspects, the character development and the exposure of realistic human nature explored in “Araby” by James Joyce. I might also add how the narrator’s crush on Mangan’s sister shows his longing for connection and purpose, while his visit to the Araby bazaar shows his search for meaning despite feeling let down.
In my essay, I would explore how the environment and circumstances surrounding children influence their growth and development. I would also delve into the challenges they face and the mistakes they make, emphasizing the struggles of life. I would also add insight into their thoughts and motivations, giving the reader a glimpse into the minds of the children. While I would add some casual details to ease the tone, I would also touch on the tragic aspects and maybe explore how childhood experiences shape the adults they become and how these adults pass on these lessons to their own children. Eventually, I would demonstrate how children strive through life’s challenges and never give up. The title of my essay would be “Journey Through Life’s Challenges: Lessons Learned,” which sums up the idea that children learn valuable lessons from challenging experiences that stay with them throughout their lives.
I can surely relate to the young narrator in “Araby” as his experiences resonate with my memories of youth. When I reflect on my younger years, I remember the overpowering emotions that would often leave me thinking about someone a lot, similar to the narrator’s fixation with Mangan’s sister. The longing to catch a glimpse of that special someone and the intense emotions that get along such moments are imprinted in my memory. Thinking back to my youthful crushes brings to mind the rollercoaster of emotions the narrator describes. The rising hopes and dreams followed by the abrupt and heartbreaking disappointments hit a familiar chord. Like the narrator, I’ve struggled with the frustration and sense of disillusionment that arises when reality fails to meet our expectations. These emotions were specifically sensitive to life’s early limitations and challenges, which often felt impossible to my young mind. The narrator’s journey in “Araby” is a bitter but also amusing reminder of my youthful struggles and growth. Through his experiences, I see my journey toward self-awareness and understanding, making the story deeply relatable and intense.
