Khalil Black

Some things that I have learned from this class were that skills can be valuable in various aspects of life like work, relationships with stories, and personal growth as a student. Also for example my critical thinking would involve researching different topics. This helps me think to better find what’s going on for something. This class helped me become a better reader and create things in my mind tp know what is really going on in a story.

Growing up, I faced some similar situations like the ones in “The House on Mango Street.” There was this one time when my family moved to a new neighborhood, and I felt like I didn’t quite fit in. I longed for a sense of belonging and struggled to find my place. It’s tough when you feel disconnected from your surroundings, but it’s also an opportunity to discover your own unique voice and identity. Esperanza’s journey mirrors the experiences of many individuals who have felt marginalized or different in their own communities. It explores the complexities of identity, gender, and cultural heritage. Through her storytelling, Esperanza seeks to find her voice and create a sense of belonging, ultimately empowering herself and others. The book beautifully captures the universal struggle of finding one’s place in the world, and it resonates with readers who have experienced similar feelings of longing, displacement, and the search for identity.

Raymond Carver’s minimalist writing style is starkly different from Flannery O’Connor’s rich, descriptive approach. In Carver’s “Cathedral,” the language is spare, with simple sentences that convey the complexities of the characters’ lives through dialogue and subtext. For example, when the narrator tries to describe a cathedral to a blind man, the lack of elaborate description emphasizes the communication gap between them. Contrast this with O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” where the narrative is laden with detailed descriptions and a strong sense of place, such as the way she paints the setting: “The trees were full of silver-white sunlight and the meanest of them sparkled.” O’Connor uses these details to foreshadow and build tension, leading to the story’s climactic moment.

The terror from reading “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is more psychological and built through your imagination. In a book, you’re filling in the blanks with your fears, which can be super intense. In a movie, the visuals and sounds are given to you, so it’s more of a direct, sensory scare. Plus in a story, you spend more time in the characters’ heads, which can make the suspense and fear more personal.

This fairy tale has a magical ability to captivate us with its timeless themes and enchanting about life, morality, and the human condition. Exploring fairy tales from different cultures like these Australian ones can offer a fresh perspective and introduce us to new characters and settings. Also, It’s always exciting to see how these tales evolve and resonate with us in the 21st century.

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by Anne Sexton offers a unique and often darker perspective on fairy tales. It challenges the traditional portrayal of princesses and explores themes of power, gender, and identity. Sexton’s retelling adds depth and complexity to the story, prompting readers to question the traditional narratives and societal expectations that go with fairy tales. It changes my attitude by making me see these stories in a new light. Also, Sexton’s retelling invites me to see fairy tales as our own lives within them. It is fascinating how a different perspective can completely change our attitudes. Another way it can change attitudes is by challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Many classic fairy tales depict princesses as passive and in need of rescue while princes are portrayed as strong and heroic. But modern retellings often subvert these stereotypes, presenting princesses as independent and capable of taking charge of their own destinies.

Flannery O’Connor’s own essays can shed light on her stories in a unique way. For example in her essay, she talks about grace and redemption which are key themes in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find.” Reading her essay might reveal how she uses these themes deliberately in the story to challenge readers’ perceptions.

The play is a classic tragedy with so many layers to explore. I found the concept of fate and the tragic flaw of Oedipus intriguing. It made me question the boundaries of free will and the power would love to portray Oedipus himself. His journey from confidence to despair is incredibly compelling and I would enjoy delving into the complexities of his character. The play delves into the themes of fate and tragic flaw making us ponder the boundaries of destiny and free will. It’s fascinating to see how Oedipus’s actions unknowingly lead to his downfall showcasing the power of self-fulfilling prophecy.

I’d say I’ve gotten pretty good at reading poetry, especially after diving into “The Last Duchess” by Robert Browning. I’m getting the hang of analyzing literally devices and the poet’s intentions. However, I feel I could still improve on interpreting more complex metaphors and understanding historical context without needing to look things up. When it comes to reading poetry, I’ve been working on analyzing the poem “The Last Duchess” by Robert Browning. It’s been quite an interesting journey exploring the literary devices and he deeper meaning behind the words.

During the pandemic, I saw a mix of fear and resilience much like in Thebes. People hoarded supplies similar to the thebans’ desperation. Yet there was also incredible community spirit and support something less apparent in the play where the focus is more on seeking a singular cause and solution to their plague. The unity and shared sacrifice I witnessed were inspiring, contrasting with the isolation and blame in the play.

The quote “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it” by C.S. Lewis highlights the idea that literature goes beyond a straightforward representation of reality. Instead of just describing the world as it is, literature adds depth, meaning, and new perspectives to our understanding of reality. Through storytelling, symbolism, and exploration of human experiences, literature allows us to see into the complexities of life and gain insights that may not be apparent in everyday observations. It improves our perception of reality by offering unique analyses and inviting us to reflect on the human condition. Through storytelling, authors can explore different perspectives, challenge societal norms, and provoke thought. Literature allows us to step into the shoes of characters, experience their joys and sorrows, and gain insights that may not be with ease apparent in our own lives. It’s like having a window into different worlds and perspectives, expanding our horizons and inviting us to see the world in new and profound ways.

The sentence could be more effective with specific details about the narrator and how the story explores the human condition. A rewrite might be “In Araby, Joyce delves into the psyche of a young boy, revealing the disillusionment of youth through vivid imagery and a poignant quest for meaning.” The original sentence is a bit vague because it doesn’t provide concrete examples of how Joyce explores the narrator’s character or the human condition.

The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara could explore character development and narrative technique nuances. First-person narration provides an intimate glimpse into the protagonist’s personal growth and realization. Additionally, the essay could delve into symbolism within the story such as the sailboat in the toy store which might represent the distant and unattainable world of wealth and luxury for the characters

I can relate to the young narrator in “Salvation” because I can understand the pressure and expectation to have a transformative religious experience. It’s tough when reality doesn’t align with what you were hoping for. As for “Araby”, the feeling of the excitement of going to a special event resonates with me. Its that mix of hope and disappointed that I can relate too.

I think that Professor Conway assigned ” The Most Handsome Drowned Man” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez as the first story of the course because she wanted us to see other people’s perspectives on how a character would describe someone and the details they would show from it. Also shows how the villagers are captivated by the man’s extraordinary beauty and decide to give him a burial, as if he were royal figure to them.