Yearly Archives: 2025

The last part of The House on Mango Street keeps digging into what it’s like to grow up as a young Latina girl dealing with tough situations. The story “Sally” really stands out, it shows how hard growing up can be, especially when family problems and feeling trapped come into play. Sandra Cisneros writes in a simple, poetic way that’s easy to understand but, still sophisticated. The chapters focus on everyday moments that show bigger feelings like hope, frustration, and wanting to get away from Mango Street. By the time you get to “Mango Says Goodbye Sometimes,” the mood is quiet but hopeful, hinting to the reader that change is possible, even if the connection to home is complicated. This part of the narrative, and the story overall, feels thoughtful and genuine.

I believe Essay 2 was my most successful assignment. I learned a lot from the feedback I received, which helped me improve both my writing and critical thinking skills. After applying that feedback, I earned a better grade, which showed me that I was making progress. This essay helped me become a better writer by teaching me how to better support my thesis and find strong, relevant evidence. It also made me more thoughtful in how I organize and develop my ideas. I feel like I could have done better on my first essay, especially in terms of clarity and detail. I think I could have explained my points more thoroughly, especially in areas where I was not as clear or specific. I should have connected my arguments back to the sources more often to help the reader better understand my points. Overall, I felt like some sections were too vague, and I could have been more concrete with my examples and explanations. One thing I learned this semester was how to dive deeper into my thoughts and opinions. This class really encouraged me to not just focus on writing academically, but also to incorporate my own insights into the essays. I appreciated how we were able to connect personal observations with the stories and poems we read. It made the writing process more engaging and helped me think more critically about the material.

This semester was a successful one and it sadden me already to see it all coming to an end, and I am so grateful for how much my professor had helped me improved. One of the most successful assignments for me were my last essay, which was the argument essay about fairy tales. Well, my first draft wasn’t the best, I also had a great instructor that was willing to help me correct my rebuttal part to make my essay more effective. the only works that I felt like I could’ve improved more was my very first essay. In this semester I can say I learned a lot but what stood out to me the most were how to read the poems the proper way and how to follow instruction while writing an essay and stay on track but most importantly make sure you use the source that was given to you while connecting everything to make it all makes sense if not you will sound like Chatgbt. Another one of my favorite projects were the poem flyer because I got to learn more about an old poet and monk named Rumi. I think the syllabus is perfect for someone who’s ready to learn and the grading system is perfect, and professor is very helpful and considered

  I thunk the most successful and equally enjoyable for me was essay three because i am a very creative person and creating that piece and putting it into words was a very enjoyable process for me, I even added it to my journal! I feel like I could’ve done better the entire class actually but if i had to pick one I’d say essay one because I didn’t really understand the assignment and by then it was to late, but I could’ve taken my time to read through everything and annotate also ask our professor for help with the assignment description and submitted an earlier draft. I learned to think deeper and explore my own creativity more and most of all learned I really need to learn to manage my time better and be ready for the expected especially because of my health, I had to constantly pick between classes and going to appointments. So definitely should take less classes so i can focus on them more and balance that dynamic instead of doing full time school next semester.  

1. The assignment I feel I did best on was Essay 3. I followed the instructions carefully and made sure things matched the requirements. I felt comfortable with the topic and how I organized my ideas. I put effort in this work and it turns out successful that I am so joyful. 2. I think I could have done better on Essay 1. At the beginning of the course, I was so confused with the instructions. Writing essays in English was hard for me and my brain was lack of ideas. Although I had a chance to edit it, I rushed the writing and didn’t spend enough time revising. If I had planned more and reviewed the feedback closely, I could have made the essay clearer and more focused. 3. One important thing I learned this semester is how to follow assignment instructions closely and organize my writing better. I now understand how important it is to connect my ideas clearly and support them with good examples.

I feel like assignment 3 was my best work because I was able to express myself freely and was able to read a lot of poems that interested me and picked out the one i resonated with the best. I really like being able to decorate and organize my work the way I thought looked the best.  I would say that in essay 1 I could have done much better if I had paid closer attention to the meaning and the directions given. I really liked the story but I didn’t really connect to the other material that had to be used in order to write the poem. If I had to do the assignment again I would pay more attention to the directions and make sure I read all the material closely.  something i learned in class was to not use words that i think make me sound more intellectual in order to make my essay sound better because in a lot of cases it is better to be more specific when writing so the essay can sound more natural. 

The assignment I feel was most successful was my reflection and analysis of Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman.” I say this because I actually really liked and enjoyed this assignment. This highly relatable assignment was my favorite since it allowed me to fully show my creativity and personal voice. Designing the two-page presentation on Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” allowed me to select a poem that really represents who I am. I could have done better on Essay 1, which included investigating a student paper in regard to Gabriel García Márquez’s primary source story and Rader’s secondary piece. Looking back, I notice I failed to follow the outline closely, particularly in the introduction. I failed to clearly identify the title and author of both main and secondary sources, as well as describe what the task required of the student. One thing I learned this semester is the importance of carefully following assignment directions and properly comprehending the contents before writing about them. This taught me to slow down and read more carefully.

1.I’m really proud of Essay Three. I found it fun and creative, and I really enjoyed the poem I chose. I also loved learning more about the author. It made the assignment even more interesting. 2.I believe I could have done much better on Essay Four. I struggled with writing it at the time, but looking back, it was actually pretty simple. I definitely over complicated things and ended up confusing myself. 3.One thing I learned is to read the assignment requirements more than once, maybe even three times. I also realized I need to stop overthinking simple tasks. And to enjoy the readings more, because looking back, the stories were really good but I was stressed out about the assignments. 

The article about Oedipus the King from Week 7 was, in my opinion, the most successful assignment. I was able to express my ideas in an understandable way and comprehend the concepts of fate and free will with clarity. I think that my work on Essay 1 may have been improved. I had trouble structuring my ideas and coming up with a clear thesis. The essay would have been stronger and more targeted if I had given it more thought during the preparation and editing stages.This semester, I learned how crucial it is to back up your claims with textual proof. Simply expressing your viewpoint is not enough in college-level English; you also need to provide convincing evidence for it and maintain organization in your writing.

This semester in class I feel my most successfull assignment was a essay I wrote in which my letter grade was 85%. I feel as though I captured the instructions properly and was very organized in the assignment. I included mostly correct formatting and all that was asked and my grammer was correct. In general I feel I could have done better on my exams and essays. I tend to struggle on essays as I second guess myself and should have always went with the first answer I thought was correct. I learned the hard way time and time again until eventually having a few decent exams. I learned this semester the importance of keeeping balance and not giving up. There were times I felt as if I would never get through class or get my work done. I learned more about formatting although I am having some issues with my files and uploading. I am still learning to correct that before going into my next set of classes. I have learned to keep trying and going even when I think I will fail. I am grateful that I have done so. Things are not always perfect and can be acheivable.

I think this was a fun semester. Here are my thoughts of the work.   1. Which assignment did I feel comfortable working? I think I did a good job on Essay 1. It was my mistake thinking that the topic was for something else when I first submitted.

Which assignment do you feel was most successful and why? I believe that essay 3 was the most successful. In high school I had a love/hate relationship with poems. I struggled with complex word poems and the vocabulary. My teachers were always great and have always tried to help me with definition but I would still feel frustrated. But I would love to create poems. It was a way for me to be able to express my feelings in that time and reading poems in class brought that back to me. After Highschool I stopped reading poems and stopped writing. Making the flyer was extremely fun and it brought back that spark I had.  On what work do you feel you could have done better and how? I believe I could have done a better job in Quizzes and discussions. I should have reread many of the readings instead of just trying to remember, this would have definitely helped. In the discussions post I didn’t respond to peers because I didn’t read all the instructions. I read the questions and just answered them without reading the whole thing.  If there was one thing you learned this semester, what was it? I learned that I need to read the instructions carefully and that if they give you an outline for an essay you need to follow it. This is important because it has everything that needs to be done and it is very simple and straightforward. It also helps to keep the essay more organized and easy for the teacher to understand. 

This semester has been quite a journey, and I feel particularly proud of my work on Essays 3 and 4. Initially, I struggled to understand exactly what the professor was looking for in our assignments, but by the time I reached these essays, things started to clear. I began to understand the importance of following instructions closely and adapting my writing to meet the expectations set out for us. Although both essays required some revisions, the process taught me valuable lessons about improving my ideas and expressing them clearly. Completing these essays gave me a sense of accomplishment and boosted my confidence in my writing abilities. Looking back at my earlier assignments, I see that I could have done better, especially with Assignments 1 and 2. I had trouble with Essay 1 because I didn’t fully understand what was needed. Even though Essay 2 was easier, I should have used better quotes and written stronger paragraphs to support my main idea. 3. One big thing I learned this semester is how important it is to follow the assignment instructions and keep a good work ethic in school. As the class ends, I’m happy with the progress I’ve made and what I’ve learned.

1.     Which assignment do you feel was most successful and why? The assignment I believe was the most successful and the most enjoyable honestly was the poetry assignment. I enjoyed the creativity of the assignment as well as the poetry that was presented to the class in preparation. I also really enjoyed learning about Maya Angelou and her contributions to the arts. 2.     On what work do you feel you could have done better and how? I believe I could have done better on essay 1. I do not believe I was critical enough. However, I enjoyed being “the Professor” for this assignment. Comparing the essay to the criteria also taught me to be more vigilant in following instructions. 3. If there was one thing you learned this semester, what was it? This semester I learned that I need to provide more detail in my writing. I am a very straight forward, straight to the point person and I learned that I write the same way. I enjoyed reading stories that allowed me to think outside of the box.

1. Which assignment do you feel was most successful and why? I Feel I had the most success with the poetry flyer due to my experience making content for social media using Canva for my business . It was literally second hand nature to me as well as my interest in my subject Edgar Allan Poe . The poem was written about the virgin Mary who I also have a decent amount of knowledge and connection to . 2. On what work do you feel you could have done better and how?My essay 4 was my lowest grade , I have been trying this semester to not become discouraged and use the critique to fuel my motivation for my next semester in English . I feel I could have done better with my own tenacity and drive because I know I am capable of putting out better essays . Paying attention to your professors expectations on the assignments and continuing to thrive beyond initial failures is one thing I feel I could of done better . 3. If there was one thing you learned this semester, what was it?One thing I learned this semester is you will FAIL if you do not follow directions !

1. Which assignment do you feel was most successful and why? For me, the assignment where I was most successful was Essay 3, because we also had to create a flyer. That allowed me to show a bit of what I love, which is art. I really enjoyed the idea of choosing our own poem.I also have to mention Essay 4, which was about fairy tales. I connected a lot with that topic because I’ve loved fairy tales since I was a child, especially the Brothers Grimm stories. In Colombia, they used to show them on TV in the mornings, and I always watched them. I believe that when you really enjoy or are interested in a topic, you’re more likely to do a better job,  which is exactly what happened to me with these two assignments. 2. On what work do you feel you could have done better and how? I think I would have done better in the discussions if I had followed the instructions from the beginning, because I completely forgot that we also had to reply to a classmate. That really affected my grade. Next time, I need to work on following the instructions more carefully, since they were actually very clear. 3. If there was one thing you learned this semester, what was it? One thing I learned this semester is how important it is to pay close attention to instructions and deadlines. I realized that even small details, like replying to a classmate in a discussion, can have a big impact on your grade. I also learned that when I’m interested in a topic, I put in more effort and enjoy the process more

1. Which assignment do you feel was most successful and why? The most successful assignment was essay 3 because we were allowed to unlock our creative freedom. I like that we were able to choose a poem of our choice and give a reason why we chose that poet. I also like that we had to write a little biographical information, I feel like that gave a chance to know more about the poet’s personal life, or the reason for writing the poem. The assignment was the easiest for me because it wasn’t the traditional essay we get, and didn’t require much formatting. 2. On what work do you feel you could have done better and how? The work I feel like I could have done better was essay 1. Since it was my first essay in the class, I was putting a lot of pressure on myself and did miss the requirements needed for the essay. Also, didn’t know how to quote an author when stating evidence, so that allowed me to work on it in future essays. 3. If there was one thing you learned this semester, what was it? One thing I learned this semester is learning how to add quotes to my sentences that work grammatically. I also learned that you don’t have to start with “In the text it states” to provide evidence.  

Which assignment do you feel was most successful and why? The assignment I felt was the most successful was the second essay. By the time I worked on it, I had a better understanding of the expectations and how to structure my ideas clearly. I also took more time to plan, revise, and apply the feedback I received from the first essay. As a result, I was more confident in my writing, and the final product reflected much stronger organization and argument development. On what work do you feel you could have done better and how? I think I could have done better on the first essay. I was still getting used to the writing style expected in this class, and I didn’t spend enough time revising or seeking feedback before submitting it. If I had outlined my points more carefully and focused on making a clear argument, the essay would have been more effective. Now that I’ve learned from that experience, I know how important it is to go through multiple drafts and use the resources available to improve. If there was one thing you learned this semester, what was it? One big thing I learned this semester is how important it is to take your time with writing—especially planning and revising. It really makes a difference, and I’ve seen how much my writing can improve when I actually go through the process.

1. Which assignment do you feel was most successful and why? I think all of my essays were success. When I took ENG 101 Professor didn’t care to teach us anything about essay structure or how to write the essay. The Outlines that were provided for each Essay were like instructions how to write. I really liked how simple and straightforward everything was. 2. On what work do you feel you could have done better and how? I think I could have done better job at Quizzes. I did download all the provided information, but If I had separate document where I wrote down notes from those downloads I would have done better on Quizzes. 3. If there was one thing you learned this semester, what was it? Read the instructions carefully, maybe even few times. I got ahead of myself few times with that. Thankfully instructions provided were clear for 99.99% of the time.  

The assignment that I feel was the most successful was Essay 1. This assignment was an analysis a sample student essay. I found this to be an incredibly helpful exercise because it pointed out the things that I should be aware of when writing my essays, and pushed me to refer back to the class guidelines more than I likely would have without this assignment. I definitely could have done better on Quiz 3: Format and Insertion of Quotations. Even though I had the materials to review to answer the questions – I didn’t take notes on those materials so trying to find the exact answer I needed was difficult in the moment. Something I learned this semester is to try not to rush through any assignments. Having ADHD it’s easy for me to want to just speed through something and get it done quickly, which causes anxiety for me. It’s more beneficial for me to set up a little time here and there to work on an assignment rather than trying to do it all in one sitting!

1. Which assignment do you feel was most successful and why? The assignment I felt more proud of myself was Essay 4 because I was really focused on the way how to improve my writing plus I felt connection between fairytales. Also for essay 1 was a growth within my writing because my professor how to write a well written essay. 2. On what work do you feel you could have done better and how? I feel I could have done better on the quiz because I received low grade in my part. What I could done better rereading the reading. When I reread the reading I understand better. One thing to share that rereading makes it better to understand. This part I had hard time I would read it quickly but not fully understand the reading, so some days I would get stuck on what I’m reading. Now I take my time to reading the directions and reading.   3. If there was one thing you learned this semester, what was it? One thing I learned from this semester is to read the directions carefully because I would confuse myself and not understand the directions. That I would remain  myself for 30 minutes still thinking what is the next step I should, so my advice for myself is reading it and not being afraid to ask.

Shakespeare’s Sonnet 13o challenges idealized portrayals of love, favoring honesty over exaggerated praise. Similarly, Raymonnd Carver’s stories, such as those in “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”, strip relationships down to their raw and realistic elements. Both writers reject romantic illusions. Shakespeare describes his plainly, “if hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head”. While Carver writes, “It ought to make us feel ashamed when we talk like we know what we’re talking about when we talk about love”. I admire this sonnet because it values sincerity over superficial beauty. Shakespeare’s speaker loves his mistress despite her flaws or perhaps because of them. Reminding us that true affection doesn’t need poetic exaggeration. This honest approach resonates with Carver’s worldview, where love is messy, grounded, and uncertain. Both artists suggest that love, in it’s most authentic form, is not about perfection but about acceptance and depth.

Raymond Carver’s idea that ordinary things can hold great power with simple language is shown well in A Good Man Is Hard To Find by Flannery O’Connor. The story seems to be like it’s just about a family trip, but the grandmother’s simple comments reveal a lot about her character. For example, when she says, “In my time, children were more respectful of their native states and their parents and everything else,” she’s just talking about the past, but it shows her judgmental attitude and how she feels disconnected from the present. This quote stood out to me because it shows how the grandmother thinks she’s better than others. The simple words don’t need anything fancy to show her superiority. O’Connor uses everyday moments, like the grandmother talking about respect, to show something deeper about who she is. It made me realize that simple language can have a strong impact by revealing character and emotion clearly.

I believe Raymond Carver’s concept of “commonplace but precise language” is a great example of how you don’t need complex vocabulary to communicate clearly. Sometimes, the message gets lost because we focus too much on sounding sophisticated with “big words.” A story that reflects this idea well is The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara. She writes from the perspective of her younger self, which makes the language easier to follow. For example, she says, “So we heading down the street and she’s boring us silly about what things cost and what our parents make and how much goes for rent” (Bambara). Even though the writing has a Southern tone, the language stays simple and straightforward. Bambara gets her point across while making it feel like a child is narrating the story. We often try too hard to sound smart by using dictionary-level words, but simple language can be just as powerful.

I have always thought that an author’s best friend was the thesaurus so they could find the best words to make a story come to life. The readings we have done from Raymond Carver have changed my mind, as his simple writing still painted a picture of the character’s psyche and their surrounding environment. I realized it doesn’t take illustrious and fancy words to captivate the audience or to get a point across. I appreciated that his reading did not involve the work of having to search various definitions and rereading the same line to understand how the word was used. This realization reminds me of the recent story “The Five-Forty-Eight” by John Cheever, particularly the lines ” When she was out for lunch, he called personnel and asked them to fire her. Then he took the afternoon off”(505). The author did not use any adjectives or descriptive language but revealed more about Blake through these simple sentences. Through simple words, it is revealed how much of a coward Blake is when he did not fire her personally. On the contrary, he chose to leave early to further avoid any confrontation.

Raymond Carver’s idea of commonplace language is a great one. I believe that using precise vocabulary is amazing and it makes everyone feel included. Sometimes, when writers use complicated words and sentences, I get confused and can’t figure out what they’re trying to say. I am sure there’s someone out here aside of me who feel the same way, English is not everyone first language so they will always be a language barrier to majority of readers and by using simple wording I think everyone would fit in a lot faster. One of my favorite story throughout this course was “a good man is hard to find”. I really liked that story because it was straightforward and honest, even if some people might find the words a bit harsh. according to the story “In my time,” said the grandmother, folding her thin veined fingers, “children were more respectful of their native states and their parents and everything else. It was clear how she felt, and the author described her in a way that made her feel like a real grandmother. I think it’s important for stories to be easy for everyone to understand, and this author did that well. I also appreciated how the story showed that the grandmother wasn’t perfect, which felt very realistic, even if it might be surprising to some readers. Using simple words to describe normal things helped me understand and enjoy all the little details.

I agree with Raymond Carver because I believe that simple and honest words can make something feel powerful. You don’t always need big or poetic language to make a strong point. When writers use regular words to describe regular things, it can feel more real and sometimes even more emotional. It helps the reader connect to the poem or story in a true and human way. I think this is what Shakespeare does in his poem “My Mistress’s Eyes Are Nothing like the Sun.” In this poem, he doesn’t try to make his mistress sound like a goddess. He doesn’t say her eyes shine like the sun or that her lips are as red as coral. Instead, he speaks very plainly about her. One line that shows this is: “If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.” This line is simple and maybe even a little harsh, but that’s what makes it feel honest. He’s not trying to make her perfect—he’s describing her as she really is. That kind of truth can be more beautiful than any perfect image. By using normal words to describe normal things, Shakespeare makes his love feel more real, just like Carver said writing should do

A quote from the story or poem “commonplace but precise language”  that strikes me as “common but precise language is , in the story Raymond carver talks about how he doesn’t understand poetry this is a common thing that I can relate to because I often don’t understand the meaning of certain poetry unless I reread the poem 2 or 3 times. And most people won’t understand the meaning behind poetry without rereading the poem more than once or finding a method that works for them to better understand it. On page 210 , it says “ In the poem , she talked about what went through her mind when the blind man touched her nose and lips . I can remember I didn’t tell her that maybe I just don’t understand poetry. I admit it’s not the first thing I reach for when I pick up something to read.” In the story little Snow White by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm , common but precise language is used when Snow White was being deceived by the witch even though the dwarfs warned her not to speak to the witch. People are often deceived when they are nice or don’t understand or see someone’s true intentions. I can relate to this because when I was younger I often would not see everyone’s true intentions because i was a very nice person and most people took advantage of that. Also reading this story as a kid taught me a lesson about real life , strangers & why you shouldn’t trust everything someone says. In the story “ Snow White “ it says ,“ Snow-White looked out and said, “Go on your way. I am not allowed to let anyone in.”You surely may take a look,” said the old woman, pulling out the […]

I think Raymond Carver’s idea makes sense. Everyday things, like a chair or a quilt, can have a lot of meaning when described simply. It shows that you don’t need big words or dramatic moments for something to feel powerful often, it’s the small details that stick with you the most. One example of this is In Langston Hughes’s “Salvation,” it’s a great example of commonplace but precise language when he says, “I buried my head under the quilts.” A quilt is such an ordinary object we often don’t think twice about, but here it holds so much emotional weight. That small moment captures his need to hide, to escape the guilt and sadness he’s feeling after pretending to be saved. Hughes doesn’t  use dramatic language; he keeps it simple, which makes it hit even harder. It’s a quiet detail, but it speaks volumes about what he’s going through inside.

I think Raymond Carver idea of “commonplace but precise language” perfectly describes what it is to not use complex wording and still get your point across. There are times when the meaning can be lost because we get too caught up on using “big words”. One reading that I think expresses this idea is “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara. She tells the story in the perspective of her younger self so the language is more easy to understand. “So we heading down the street and she’s boring us silly about what things cost and what our parents make and how much goes for rent.” (Bambara). Even though the author is applying a Southern accent to their work, they don’t use complicated wording. The author was able to show the message in the story, but also made it look like a little girl wrote it. Sometimes we get caught up using Dictionary words to sounds smart, but in all reality we can still make our point by using simple wording.

One of the stories we read in class that I noticed used “commonplace but precise language” was the story by Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” The part that most stood out to me was when the simple image of the horse shaking its harness bells questioning the actions of the man riding him. “He gives his harness bells a shake / To ask if there is some mistake.” The line is using common words and yet I felt it was overwhelmingly charged. That one moment, the horse is inquiring about stillness, brings animation to the hushed woods and underscores the pause of the speaker between action and reflection. This moment seems to be peaceful in a way but also a little heavy, like the quiet could pull someone in too deep if they’re not careful. The horse shaking its bells feels almost like a nudge back to reality, back to responsibilities. It’s a small action, described in a straightforward way, but it carries so much meaning.

In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, there is use of commonplace objects being described in a way that makes them quite impactful. There are two quotes from the story that stood out to me in this way, the first being “They must have been familiar sights, walking around the shopping plaza in their shorts and flat ballerina slippers that always scuffed the sidewalk, with charm bracelets jingling on their thin wrists; they would lean together to whisper and laugh secretly if someone passed who amused or interested them.” The use of “charm bracelets” combined with the visual image of them in a shopping plaza, their outfits, and the way they are behaving, transports me back to my younger years and I connect with it greatly. Identifying the noises that the charm bracelets are making is incredibly additive to the experience as a reader. The second quote that stands out to me is “Everything about her had two sides to it, one for home and one for anywhere that was not home… her laugh, which was cynical and drawling at home—”Ha, ha, very funny,”—but highpitched and nervous anywhere else, like the jingling of the charms on her bracelet.” The use of the sound of the charm bracelet to connect to the character’s laugh is very auditorily descriptive. Comparing the two quotes that both mention the charm bracelet, the first paints a picture of a time and place, and the second paints a picture of an energy coming from the character.

Raymond Carver’s idea about using “commonplace but precise language” to give everyday objects or moments immense power reminds me of James Joyce’s “Araby.” I chose this story because it’s the one I relate to the most. When we read it in class, I shared how much it reminded me of my own teenage years. Just like the boy in the story, I had a crush when I was younger, and the emotions he describes felt so real to me. One example of “commonplace but precise language” in “Araby” is the line: “Her name was like a summons to all my foolish blood.” This quote takes something as simple as a name and turns it into something powerful and emotional. It’s not overly dramatic. t’s just honest and precise, which makes it even more relatable. For me, it perfectly captures how overwhelming and exciting it feels to have a crush as a teenager. I remember feeling exactly like this about someone back then, where just hearing his name would  make my heart beat faster. What makes this story match Carver’s idea is how Joyce uses simple details to show deeper meaning. For example, the street where the boy lives is described as “The other houses of the street, conscious of decent lives within them, gazed at one another with brown imperturbable faces.” This description is simple but gives a clear picture of the boring, quiet world the boy wants to leave. Even the market scene, with its “jostling drunken men” and “bargaining women,” feels busy and messy, showing how the boy’s romantic feelings don’t fit in such an ordinary place. This combination of precise descriptions and everyday objects—like a name, a street, or a marketplace—makes the story feel so real and relatable. That’s why I chose “Araby” for this assignment. It’s not just […]

In my opinion, Raymond Carver pointed out how powerful the ordinary language can be when it is used clearly and with emotions. One story that got me thinking was “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Gabriel García Márquez which we learned at the first week of semester.  What I found powerful was how the author described an extraordinary presence using very simple and familiar words. There’s one moment where the narrator says “Not only was he the tallest, strongest, most virile, and best built man they had ever seen, but even though they were looking at him there was no room for him in their imagination.” None of the words are fancy nor complicated however the way they’re combined together reflects how Esteban feel huge, mysterious, and unforgettable, short to the point.. I felt like I could see him with my eyes.

The idea expressed by Raymond Carver was extremely interesting. I believe common place can be a wonderful way to communicate with the audience using simple words while ensuring the meaning is not lost. The punctuation of a writing is also particularly important for the writer to properly convey their message but also for the reader, allowing for a better understanding of the text. In Joyce Carol Oates’s ‘Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?’ the sentence ‘So they went out to his car, and on the way, Connie couldn’t help but let her eyes wander over the windshields and faces all around her’ embodies commonplace language. It describes a simple action in a natural way, allowing the reader to absorb the text without distraction.” While all writers have their own way of writing, story’s written in common place language I find more enjoyable.

In Langston Hughes’ “Salvation,” the quote says, “I began to be ashamed of myself, holding everything up so long,”  which shows Raymond Carver’s idea of using commonplace but precise language. This short quote expresses the tremendous burden and anxiety that the teenager experiences throughout the church meeting. The term “holding everything up” is commonly used, but in this context, it specifies the tension of social expectation as well as the boy’s increasing guilt over not experiencing the experience of God that others claim to have. Hughes’ straightforward delivery helps readers to sense the boy’s nervousness and solitude, making the scene emotionally real. This is consistent with Raymond Carver’s claim that commonplace words can have a huge psychological impact when utilized carefully. The simple language of this one statement allows us to comprehend his emotions precisely. It provides an instance that some of the most genuine and heartbreaking writing needs no detailing; it simply needs to be authentic and straightforward.

I think that the idea expressed by Raymond Carve about commonplace is interesting. Every author has a different way to write and express their stories. I think commonplace and precise language can be helpful for many people but if is only commonplace and not imagery or something to get the readers attention then it can be to simple and for many people that can be boring. A story that I really like is “the Handsomest Drowned Man In the World” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.  This story has words and phrase that is easy to read and understand. “where the wind is so peaceful now that it’s gone to sleep beneath the beds, over there, where the sun’s so bright that the sunflowers don’t know which way to turn, yes, over there, that’s Esteban’s village.” This is an example of commonplace because the words are easy to read but the message was so clear and beautiful told in a way that I was able to imagine it.      

I think Raymond Carver’s idea of using “commonplace but precise language” really shows in Gwendolyn Brooks’s poem “We Real Cool”  The words are super simple and easy to understand, but it still tells a deeper story. The poem is short, direct, and full of an attitude that sticks with you. You can feel the rebellious vibe just by how it’s written. Even though the poem doesn’t go into a lot of detail, it gets the point across in a strong way. The way Brooks breaks the lines, like ending each with “We,” makes it feel like these teens are trying to prove something, but also unsure of themselves. And then the line “We Die soon” really hits, it’s so short, but powerful. It shows how fast their lives could end, and it leaves you thinking. I get what Carver means now: you don’t need big words to create big emotions. Simple words can still be deep if they’re used the right way.

I found “Commonplace but Precise Language” very interesting.  In my understanding, Carver use that kind of language for writers to use simplest terms and words. It’s easy for ESL students to understand this story. But, the story maybe boring and hard for those of learning and trying hard to speak English fluently. In real life, literature language had beauty and compassion for students to experience poems. But, literature is one type of art for writers and readers. When it comes to literature art, I found of the poem we read today “My Daughter as an Apple Pie” as a commonplace. I think of this is because it was told by one of the parents of the daughter. “She says she loves him. No way, Could it be worse. (Carver, 10).”  So, we can see the commplace.  

I found idea expressed by Raymond Carve about “commonplace but precise language” very double sided.  In my understanding Carve wants writers to use simple language. On one hand it makes sense – ESL students and people around the world would easier understand the story. But it would be too simple and boring to read for people who speak English fluently. On the other hand, literature supposed to be beautiful and deep. I personally do not think writer can show depth by using commonplace but precise language. Literature is an art. I found Salvation by Langston Hughes kind of as commonplace, I think it might be because the story is told by a 13-year-old boy. “I was saved from sin when I was going on thirteen. But not really saved. It happened like this” (Hughes). So here we can see the language is very commonplace. It is easy to read, but it has irony in the story. This is like cherry on the top. Simple language could be good as long as it has some spice to it lol

Reading the short article by Raymond Carver, I found it very interesting how writing takes different forms. For instance, being creative in the writing or how it is written.“Thats all we have, finally, the words, and they had better be the right ones, with the punctuation in the right places so that they had better be the right ones so that they can best say what they are meant to say.” (Raymond Carver) In this part of the writing, he is telling us that being a writer needs to be very well written,  plus with punctuation. He was thoughtful when talking about the writing. He sounds like a very smart person, the way he talks about wiring. That’s why I chose this quote, he details how a well-written piece is supposed to be. I would agree with this part for a writing for a reader to be drawn, many small, detailed grammatical or punctuation need to be added. 

Fairy tales can offer important benefits for children. They encourage imagination, introduce basic ideas of right and wrong, and help children explore emotions in a safe way while some stories reflect outdated values that can be not practical in real world nowadays. From List A, the article “Sex and Violence in Fairy Tales” by David Isaacs caught my attention. In it, Isaacs explores concerns about the scary or violent parts of traditional fairy tales, such as death or cruelty. He argues that while these elements may seem harmful, they actually give children a way to face fear in a safe setting. This idea made me think differently about how children process intense emotions and situations From List B, I was interested in “Rediscovering the Power of Fairy Tales” by Mary Howarth. She writes about how fairy tales can be valuable in the classroom to help children understand life challenges, solve problems, and talk about feelings. What caught my attention was her point that these stories allows children to make sense of their own experiences relating to their own life journey.

My thesis for the research essay is, Even though fairy tales are meant for children, they often deal with dark topics like fear, danger, and survival, showing how people use stories to deal with the scary parts of life. From List A, I chose Jack Zipes’s article “The Struggle for the Meaning of Fairy Tales.” What stood out to me was how Zipes explained that fairy tales come from real struggles people have faced. These stories might use magic or talking animals, but they still talk about serious things like hunger, danger, or feeling alone. From List B, I picked Bruno Bettelheim’s “The Uses of Enchantment.” Bettelheim explains that scary parts of fairy tales actually help children deal with emotions like fear or anger. Instead of avoiding those feelings, the stories help kids face them. I like the idea that fairy tales are not just fun or silly they can help people understand hard things in a safe way.

My research essay shows that fairy tales hurt children by teaching them wrong ideas about life. These stories tell young girls bad messages: that being quiet and waiting is good, that being pretty will make a prince save them, and that getting married fixes everything. Fairy tales also show women fighting with each other instead of helping each other. As Fisher and Silber say, “Fairy tales are internalized at a tender age, before their primary audience – young girls – have acquired tools for questioning them” Fisher-GoodBadBeyond-2000.pdf (Page 133). Kids learn these narrow gender roles before they can think about them clearly.   I also believe that fairy tales also pictures a reality for little boys that their only purpose in life is to create a family and take care of them and not live life for themselves. “Boys compete with their fathers for their mother’s love and then fear retrieval.” J Paediatrics Child Health (Page 1) This quote shows how fairy tales might strengthen unhealthy family feelings where boys feel they must compete with their dad, potentially creating anxiety and competitive tensions in boys’ family relationships. Fairy tales hurt them more as they struggle to find out who they really are without including others and responsibilities. i think its best to let them experience life realistically as much as they can so they can be ready to face some challenges along the ways but fairy tales tend to show them that life will always have a good ending and its promised that everyone  will find someone no matter what  or a good ending is always waiting for them at the end.

Thesis: Yes, I think fairy tales are good for children. They do more than just entertain, they help kids understand their emotions, learn life lessons, and use their imagination. These stories often have simple messages about right and wrong, facing fears, and believing in yourself, which can really stick with kids as they grow up. One Article I read from List A Is the “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children,”. Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson talks about how fairy tales help kids deal with feelings like fear, anger, and sadness. I liked how she explained that stories give kids a safe way to explore tough emotions. That stood out to me because I remember how stories made me feel better when I was little, even if I didn’t understand why at the time. The article I choose from list B is Mary Howarth’s article “Rediscovering the Power of Fairy Tales”  which was really interesting. She writes about how fairy tales help kids (and teachers) be more creative and curious. I liked how she connected stories to learning and imagination. It made me think about how fairy tales are more than just fun; they can actually help kids grow and think in new ways.

Thesis: Fairy tales are not just fun stories but also powerful tools for children’s emotional, moral and imaginative development, with valuable life lessons and shaping their worldview. List A: “The Benefits of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson One thing that stood out in this article is how fairy tales help children deal with difficult emotions by giving them symbolic stories where good beats evil. Knox-Johnson says fairy tales reflect inner struggles and provide a safe space for children to explore fear, courage and justice. I liked this because it shows how these stories can guide kids through their own challenges, using metaphor to make sense of big feelings. List B: “Tell Your Children Fairy Stories” by Jane Stafford Staffod says storytelling between parents and children is a bonding activity that also passe on cultural values and personal beliefs. I liked her point that telling stories helps children develop imagination and a sense of morality. This resonates with me because it shows the lasting impact of oral storytelling beyond just reading, it becomes a shared experience between parent and child that shapes identity.

While fairy tales can often be seen as harmless and whimsical, I believe that traditional fairy tales can negatively impact children’s development. They create an unrealistic perception of reality, reinforce gender stereotypes, portray idealistic relationships, and suggest punishment for not being physically attractive. The article that I chose from list A is “Experts Say Fairy Tales Not So Happy Ever After’ By Liz Grauerholtz. They stated that fairy tales promote more about beauty standards. The ones that are “unattractive” are portrayed as evil or jealous. Stories tell children that unattractive people are more likely to be evil and reinforce traditional gender roles* (Grauerholz). This interest me because multiple tales normalize people not being up to certain standards as being evil. One that’s famously known is Snow White. The article I chose from List B is “Good and Bad beyond Belief: Teaching Gender Lessons through Fairy Tales and Feminist Theory” by Jerilyn Fisher and Ellen S. Silber and “Rediscovering the Power of Fairy Tales” by Mary Howarth. Children can interpret her own point of the fairy tales and apply this to real world situations.

My Thesis: Fairy tales are bad for children because they promote unrealistic beauty standards, reinforce harmful gender roles, and give children false expectations about life and success. Article from List A: One article that caught my attention from List A is “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson. Even though this article argues in favor of fairy tales, I found it interesting because it helped me understand the opposite point of view. The author claims that fairy tales can help children develop imagination and learn life lessons. This made me think more deeply about how different people can interpret fairy tales in very different ways. Article from List B: From List B, I was most interested in “The Pervasiveness and Persistence of the Feminine Beauty Ideal in Children’s Fairy Tales” by Lori Baker-Sperry and Liz Grauerholtz. This article explains how fairy tales constantly send messages that being beautiful is the most important thing for girls. One idea that stood out to me was that beauty is often shown as a woman’s “most important asset.” That really made me think about how harmful this message can be, especially for young girls who are still developing their self-image

Fairy tales are not just entertaining stories, but powerful instruments that helps the emotional development and moral understanding of children. The article that I am looking for is “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson. I enjoyed how the writer emphasizes the fact that fairy tales allow children to build emotional resilience. She explains how the form of fairy tales characters face difficult challenges but eventually triumph is capable of assisting children in overcoming their own problems of hope and courage. I enjoyed this idea because it suggests that children’s stories are not just entertainment but actually promote children to be strong inside. Another article I read was “Why Fairy Tales Matter” by Maria Tatar. Tatar feels fairy tales are important because they allow children to explore complex emotions and issues in a safe, symbolic way. She talks about how fairy tales are a field for imagination and self-knowledge, and that really resonated with me. Her discussion of why children see themselves in fairy tale characters made me think about how fairy tales can be reflections for children who are trying to determine who they are and what kind of person they want to be. Together, these articles affirm the idea that fairy tales are powerful cultural instruments that helps children’s psychological and emotional growth.

My thesis is that fairy tales often benefit children early in their lives by inspiring creativity, teaching problem-solving, and helping them understand the difference between right and wrong. One strong article from List A is “Tell Fairy Stories to Your Children” by Jane Stafford. She argues that children learn moral lessons more effectively through stories than through direct instruction. I agree, stories naturally capture attention and stick in our minds, which makes them powerful teaching tools. Through magical plots and colorful characters, fairy tales introduce moral challenges in ways that are easy for children to understand. From List B, “Why Fairy Tales Matter” by Maria Tatar stood out to me. Tatar focuses on how fairy tales help build emotional resilience. She explains that even when the stories include dark or scary moments, children aren’t overwhelmed by them. Instead, they feel comforted by the message that good eventually wins over evil.

I believe fairy tales are beneficial for children because they encourage creativity and imagination. Through magical storytelling, young children are able to picture and fantasize about different worlds and characters, helping them develop a vivid imagination. In List A, “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson from the University of Hawaii, the author explains that therapists often use fairy tales when working with children. This allows them to observe the child’s emotional responses in a safe, non-threatening way. As VisikoKnox-Johnson puts it, “This provides a great way of accessing children’s imagination by exploring memories of fairy tales and using them to address painful or unsettling issues in a nonthreatening, playful manner.” Another source, Why Fairytales Matter, discusses how author L. Frank Baum used fairy tales not just to expose false magic, but to highlight “the magic of language, the power to with words.” I found this idea especially powerful because it shows how imagination and storytelling shape the way we express ourselves and understand the world. Together, these sources show that fairy tales not only spark creativity but also help children process emotions and develop their own unique way of thinking.

Thesis: Fairy tales are good for children because they help kids be creative and teach them how to deal with problems and learn right from wrong. Article from List A: One article I liked from List A is “Tell Fairy Stories to Your Children” by Jane Stafford. She says kids remember lessons better from stories than from lectures. I think this is true because stories are fun and easier to understand. Fairy tales can teach kids about good and bad behavior through exciting adventures. That’s why Stafford believes parents should keep reading fairy tales to their kids. Article from List B: From List B, I liked “Why Fairy Tales Matter” by Maria Tatar. She says fairy tales help kids deal with scary or hard feelings safely. I liked how she said kids don’t mind the dark parts—they feel better when the good people win. It helps them believe they can be strong too.

Classic fairy tales can be very helpful for children. They encourage imagination, teach right from wrong, and may help kids understand and deal with their feelings. Fairy tales also give parents a chance to talk with their children about old fashioned or outdated ideas that show up in some stories. When parents read fairy tales with their kids and talk about them afterward, the stories can become a great tool for learning and growing. One article from List A that I found interesting is “Sex and Violence in Fairy Tales” by David Isaacs from the Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health. What stood out to me was the idea that many fairy tales have hidden meanings related to sex and emotions, and that they can affect a child’s subconscious in ways we might not realize. From List B, I liked the article “Tell Fairy Stories to Your Children” by Jane Stafford. One idea that caught my attention was how powerful and intense fairy tales can be for kids. It reminded me that it’s important for parents to be careful with how they share these stories, and to talk about them in a way that helps children understand the meaning behind them.

“Sex and Violence in Fairy Tales” editorial by David Isaacs, Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health. I found this article informative on how it explores traditional fairy tales that often contain certain elements of sexualand violent themes. Isaacs notes notes that nese narratives while seemingly innocent, can reflect fantasies related to sexuality , aggression, guilt and family dynamics. Stories highlighted included included ” Little Red Riding Hood” and “Bluebeard” have included descriptive child abuse and violece, predating modern awareness of these issues. Isaascs awareness and emphasive on the importance for the pediatricians amd caregivers is to recognize the significance that these underlying themes may influence childrens influence and their perceptions and emotional development. Good and Bad beyond Belief: Teaching Gender Lessons through Fairy Tales and Feminist Theory” by Jerilyn Fisher and Ellen S. Silber Fisher and and Silber analyze how classical fairy fairy tales like Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel convey gendered messages that reinforce patriarchal norms. They argue that these stories often depict young women in passive roles, awaiting to be rescued by male figures, while portraying female antaganoists. such as stephmothers and withces. as embodiments of evil. The author can influence children’s perceptions of gender roles and relationships. Even incoporating or advocating for feminist theory into the teaching of these theorys. The approach aims to foster critical thinking and promote discussions about gender, poer, and societal norms in educational settings. I believe that Fairy Tales can convey a unrealistic ideal of what gender roles are and to be expected of. What feminism is and what heroicinism is. Over the centuries many times have change and womens right have change. Even princess books create a fantasy of one day a little girl finding her princess and growing up to be beautiful and being rescued. And in turn we have […]

My thesis for my research essay on fairy tales is as follows: Fairy tales are helpful for children to use their imagination, learn morals, as well as aid in their development. “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children”  by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson supports that fairy tales aid children’s growth. A quote that caught my attention, because it points to not only reading fairy tales but experiencing them through performance. “One of the central reasons that fairy tales are important is that they aid in child development. Fairy tales are often shaped to test children’s initiative. Not only is reading the story essential, but having the child act out the story is also just as important for developing a child’s consciousness and for his or her moral development.” Maria Tatar brings up interesting points about how fairy tales impact the reader on a visceral level, in “Why Fairy Tales Matter”, which intrigues me because it speaks to what could be seen as an almost universal experience of readers. “Fairy tales also have transformative effects on us, and when we read and hear them, they produce vertiginous sensations…”

Here is my thesis statement: Fairy tales play a crucial role in both child development and cultural storytelling by providing valuable lessons, fostering imagination, and offering therapeutic benefits, despite potential criticisms regarding their traditional narratives. From List A: One article that stood out to me is “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson. This article explains how fairy tales help children understand basic human conflicts and relationships while also aiding their moral and emotional development. What caught my attention the most was the idea that fairy tales can be used in therapy, especially for children dealing with illnesses. Storytelling allows kids to express their fears and anxieties in a safe way, which helps them process difficult emotions. This resonates with me because, growing up in Africa, I experienced the power of storytelling firsthand. My uncles and grandparents would gather us around the fire during vacations in the village, sharing traditional tales that taught us about courage and kindness. Each story had its own traditional song, which the storyteller would sing at key moments, adding an artistic element to the experience. These moments were significant in shaping my understanding of right and wrong. From List B: Another article I found interesting is “Why Fairy Tales Matter” by Maria Tatar. Tatar talks about how fairy tales address universal themes like love, courage, and transformation, making them meaningful across generations. Her explanation that these stories connect us to shared human experiences and inspire creativity made me realize how fairy tales are important not only for personal growth but also for understanding cultural values and traditions. During school time in the city, my parents introduced me to modern fairy tales like “Snow White” and “Cinderella,” or as we call them in French, “Blanche Neige” and “Cendrillon.” Watching these tales on […]

Classic fairytales are good for children because they spark their imagination, could teach them important morals and possibly help them process emotions. Fairytales can also give parents the chance to guide their children through the outdated ideologies. Using fairytales with thoughtful discussions, can become a powerful tool in child development. The article from list A that interested me was “Sex and Violence in Fairy Tales” editorial by David Isaacs, Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, one of the ideas that caught my attention was the idea of fairytales being derived from sexual decency and the affect fairytales have on the subconscious. The article from list B that interested me was “Tell Fairy Stories to Your Children” by Jane Stafford, and one idea that caught my attention was the insight on how intense fairytales can be and the importance of being mindful of how the fairytale is delivered and discussed to children.

Fairy tales are beneficial for children because they promote imagination, teach moral lessons, and help children develop emotional resilience through symbolic storytelling. From List A, I’m interested in the article “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson. I find it appealing how she states that children may identify with the characters and experience empowerment when those characters  overcome challenges. This article argues that fairy tales allow children to explore and understand complex emotions, such as fear and courage, via symbolic figures and imaginative scenarios. From List B, I chose “Another Look at the Fairy Tales” by Leland B. Jacobs. Jacobs focuses on how fairy tales encourage children’s imaginations and expand their perspectives. His argument that fairy tales encourage kids to see unlimited opportunities and promote the development of creative problem-solving abilities struck a chord with me. These ideas strengthen the importance of fairy tales for young children’s development.

My thesis for the research essay is that fairy tales are beneficial for children because they support language development, moral comprehension, and emotional growth. From List A, I was especially interested in “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson. One idea that stood out to me was how fairy tales give children a way to process emotions they may not be able to express yet. The article mentions a study in an Italian oncology ward where sick children connected deeply with fairy tales, as they saw the villains as a symbol of their illness and related to the feeling of helplessness from the main characters. This comparison gave the children a new coping mechanism for something as serious as death, which I found very powerful. Another idea I appreciated was how therapists can use children’s reactions to fairy tales to understand identity issues and emotional struggles they may be facing, especially during illness or trauma. From List B, the article “Rediscovering the Power of Fairy Tales” by Mary Howarth also supported my thesis. Howarth explains how fairy tales help children explore ideas like identity, trust, and problem-solving. One example she gives is how children acting out stories can strengthen both their vocabulary and their understanding of moral values. I also liked that the article pointed out how fairy tales create space for kids to feel empowered, such as in “The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids” by the Brothers Grimm, where the smallest goat ends up saving the others. This shows how children can identify with characters and use those connections to work through big emotions and develop a stronger sense of self.

I believe fairly tales are harmful to children , especially in the crucial early childhood development years . These tales are teaching our children at such a young age to be conditioned to different form of gender roles , where they tell our daughters to be the “submissive damsel” and our boys that woman are a prize and not their equal . The source I would use from list B is “Some Day My Prince Will Come” by Marcia R Lieberman . ” They Reflect The Taste Of refined literary men who edited the first popular collections of children’s fairy tales during the Victoran era ” (Marcia). This statement alone shows the outdated gender roles being imposed on our children who are growing up in such a different era and time. Another source I identified in List B ” Tell Fairy Tales To Your Children” . In this article the author speaks of a man who at the age of 30 was dealing with the psychological effects of his mothers bed time stories ! “Telling the stories had a comforting effect or on her and relived her own tension but the way she told them had a harmful effect on her son ” (Stafford). Proving that the stories we read to children can have a long lasting effect on a child”s early development . I enjoyed this article because many people will debate that stories are harmless but the child”s mind is like a sponge constantly absorbing information and the smallest things can leave an ever last impact . 

My thesis statement is Fairy tales can be bad for children because “it can badly affect them with harmful stereotypes such fostering realism and failing to face the consequences that are going to affect their lives.” My main statement can argue that fairy tales are retellings of folk tales, and folk tales tell the children anxieties of life such as family and riches. From List A, I use a quote from “Sex and Violence from Fairy Tales” by David Issacs: “Many tales have been modified because the originals were too confronting. The Grimm may have loved violence, but they found sex and family strife treating.” (Issacs) From List B, I choose a quote from “Some Day My Prince will Come” by Marcia Lieberman: “It’s hard to see how children could be “prepared for women’s liberation by reading fairy tales.” (Lieberman)

I do believe fairy tales are good for children because they can have their own creative mind. This is magical imagination because the young children can picture and fantasize fairytales from storytelling. I identified in List A “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson, University of Hawaii Young children going through challenges a variety of therapists uses fairy tales on children, so they can observe the children’s response and reaction. In the end, this is a beautiful thing because each kid has their own creativity and experience.“This provides a great way of accessing children’s imagination by exploring memories of fairy tales and using them to address painful or unsettling issues in a nonthreatening, playful manner” (Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson). “Even as Baum used a fairy tale to debunk magic reveal that it is produced by a Great Humbug who creates the mystery, he also affirmed the magic of language, the power to with words”(Why Fairstales matter). One thing I liked about this source tells how magic and imagination translate our language, how we think and express ourselves. Both authors give a clear explanation of what fairytales give to us because when children are young, they can imagine colors or reading. All in all gives off their own uniqueness of emotions.

My thesis statement is “Fairy tales, while often considered harmless, can negatively impact children by perpetuating outdated stereotypes about gender roles and values, fostering unrealistic expectations, and failing to reflect the complexities of the modern world.” My main argument in this essay that fairy tales are way too outdated, they reflect the values of times that we left behind on purpose. From the list A, I used a quote that reflects a harm that fairy tales can cause to little girls by telling them to be submissive and do not try to be independent. “It’s important to understand the messages our children receive about traditional gender roles, especially during a time when women are encouraged to be independent and rely on their brains rather than beauty” (Grauerholz). From list B I used a quote that reflects on what might be a problem why fairy tales main female character is not independent or does not know how to do anything. “Indeed, feminist psychological studies have documented thoroughly the importance of a mother’s positive role in her daughter’s gender identity” (Fisher).

I feel as if literature texts used in college setting should include the authentic language that was originally published by the author. I can’t think of any reasoning that it wouldn’t unless it was used in a lesson for younger children. People attending college are usually adults and should be able to handle any offensive and crude words originally published. There are many different ways that using the original wording can be important, one that really stands out to me is time pieces. The language used in certain time pieces are very important to understand certain scenarios. For any slavery literature keeping the original wording gives the reader a true sense of what particular characters are going through. It can also be used as a way for the reader to learn new terms and slang used during that time. Keeping the author’s original wording can also force people to step out of their comfort zones and confront certain feelings.

In my view, the authentic language in literary texts should not be removed. Literature reflects its time so I assume changing the language risks may lose important historical and cultural context. In a story like A Good Man is Hard to Find, set in the early 1950s, reflect and even hold up a mirror to a society where racism was not just present but often routine. The grandmother’s casual racism is part of what builds her character and shows how deeply ingrained prejudice was in that society. Editing out offensive words might put the story simpler but it also waters down its message. Besides, I think we can understand the roots of racism and how it was woven into everyday life by learning its ugliness through the story.

It is hard to find a balance both accuracy in history and current sensitivity when deciding whether or not to change literary writings to remove uncomfortable stuff. Flannery O’Connor, whose writing often reflects the racial tensions of the deep South, uses language purposefully to highlight the terrible realities of the times rather than to support them. Removing or changing these terms runs the danger of weakening the force of her social criticism and confusing the historical setting of her works.However it’s also important to recognize the impact that some words may do to readers in the present day. Even in literary or historical contexts, some argue that using slurs of race can insult and disengage listeners, especially those who are usually left out. Offering critical openers or comments that place the language within its literary and historical contexts might be a solution that enables readers to interact with the book while understanding the reasons for its controversial parts. In the end, keeping the original language keeps the integrity of the work while providing chances for meaningful conversation on racism, history, and the function of literature in reflecting and questioning cultural standards.

When it comes to literary works that include offensive language, like racial slurs, there’s a tricky balance between preserving historical context and being mindful and considerate of the audience. In Flannery O’Conner’s writing for example the use of harsh language reflects the reality of the time and place she’s writing about the American south in the 1960’s. Keeping that language in the text helps readers understand the characters and the social issues O’ Conner is addressing. It makes the story feel authentic and shows how normalized racism and prejudice were in that time in society. That said offensive language can be hurtful to readers now in days. It might  make people feel uncomfortable, and some might not even want to continue with the text because of it. One possible solution is to keep the original language but provide context, like content warnings. This way, readers can better understand why it’s there and how it fits into the story without overlooking the uncomfortable parts of history.

I feel like the authentic language should be kept in the interest of the historical context and characterization. As a person of color myself. I feel as though America has watered down the racism and all instances of it from back in the days so i think it really should stay and not be blocked off as just a common bad word but people, us reader, we should be reminded of the offence and origins of such a slur especially fora story like this one, because if you’re not familiar it’ll be very difficult to get how subtle some of the phrases are and can easily fly over our heads even in todays perspective where there’s a lot of micro aggression. Simply censoring the words is not enough; we should be reminded of America’s history, especially in the context of “A Good Man is Hard to Find”, where the granny really can’t see anything wrong with her way of thinking, because that is the reality of America.

Literary texts shouldn’t be edited to remove offensive language because it takes away from their authenticity and historical context. Writers like Flannery O’Connor used language to reflect the harsh realities of their time, and censoring it changes how we understand the story and its characters. I have mixed feelings about this. Some of the language definitely makes me uncomfortable, but I also think it’s important. It forces us to face the past as it was, not in a way that’s easier to digest. If we erase offensive language, we risk erasing history and the deep-rooted issues, like racism, that were prominent at the time and still exist today. These texts aren’t just about the past; they’re still relevant now. Reading them as they were written helps us see how much progress we’ve made and, more importantly, how much further we need to go in addressing racial tensions and inequality in society.

In my opinion I think offensive language in literature should remain unchanged because it provides an honest reflection of the time period, capturing the historical realities, social norms, and ideologies that were present. Although such language can be deeply uncomfortable to read, it plays a vital role in portraying how people communicated and thought during that era. It can also help modern readers recognize that, unfortunately, some of those beliefs still exist today.By censoring this type of language, we risk dulling the story’s emotional and historical impact, and we lose valuable insight into the characters their values, attitudes, and behaviors. However, I also believe that authors need to be thoughtful about how and when they use such language. Context matters. There’s a difference between using offensive words to reflect historical truth or character development and using them in ways that feel unnecessary or offensive without purpose. Authors should ensure that their use of language is meaningful and not simply provocative or disrespectful.

To my perspective I believes that the authentic language should be kept in place in the interests of historical context and characterization. Keeping the words as they were originally written gives a truer picture of what life was like when the story takes place. It helps readers get a sense of the common beliefs and behaviors of that time, even if those beliefs and behaviors seem wrong or hurtful now. I believe that changing a book, even to take out offensive words, ruins what the author was trying to say and how they wanted to say it. The words an author uses are part of their unique way of writing and how the story affects the reader. I also believe that they should always let students know that there are offensive words in the reading before they read it.

I have mixed feelings about reading literature that contains racial slurs as a 20-year-old Black woman in college, especially when such insults are targeted at me. In my opinion, including racist insults in literary writings is unacceptable, regardless of their historical context. I say this because it is unsettling to see expressions that have historically dehumanized people who are similar to me still expressing such sadness and disappointment.The language used in stories such as Flannery O’Connor’s expresses the general mindset and brutal reality of the era. Removing or restricting those words may make the story more appealing to some people, but it also has an impact on the recognition of the real experiences of those who lived through that time. It’s very critical and important to realize both the historical significance of certain words and how unpleasant they may be.

In this week’s reading, I was shocked by Flannery O’Connor’s work. In this day and age, we are not often exposed to writings with such vulgar and discriminatory language. In my opinion, literary texts should offer an alternative version cleared of offensive language. This would make the text more accessible and digestible for a wider audience, potentially opening it up to children and individuals from diverse cultures. That being said, I also believe the original text should remain an option, allowing writers, readers, and artists of all kinds the freedom of expression. I feel it is important to express one’s art in any way possible without hurting others. In the case of this text, while some parts were offensive, they were understandable due to the setting of the story. It is easier for me to accept the use of racial stereotypes, discrimination, and even slurs when considering the story’s context, set in the Deep South during the early 1960s, a time when in which such language and attitudes were deeply embedded in the culture. This context allows readers to dive deeper into the narrative, encouraging a greater understanding of the culture and time period in which the story is set. Providing access to the original text gives readers the choice to explore the story in its authentic form and to engage with it on a deeper level.

I believe that, in most cases, literary texts should retain the original language to preserve the historical context and authenticity of the characters. When a story is set in a particular time and place, the language used by the characters often reflects their beliefs, societal norms, and the struggles of that period. In the case of Flannery O’Connor’s writing, the offensive language might be uncomfortable, but it’s important because it shows the attitudes and realities of the time in the deep South during the 1960s. That said, it’s also crucial to handle these texts with care. Readers should be given context and guidance about why certain words were used, to avoid misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Educators and publishers can offer resources that help explain the social and historical background, so the language isn’t just seen as offensive, but as part of the broader discussion about race, power, and history. The balance is to respect the original work while also being mindful of its impact on modern readers.

I believe that offensive language in literature should be kept in its original form because it reflects the time period and the realities of the time as well as social beliefs and ideologies that were held during that era.  While the words are very uncomfortable to read, they do serve a purpose in showing how people thought and spoke during that time in history, and they might give us a perspective on how some people still hold similar beliefs. Censoring these words risks erasing or softening the impact of the story and it would also prevent the reader from really getting information about the character’s characteristics and beliefs. But I do believe authors should be cautious of the settings and different situations in which these words are being used in their stories to avoid the shift between useful information about history and characteristics and turning into a distasteful use of a very hurtful word with no good reasoning behind it.

i believe that although the language is offensive it should be kept inside of literary text to keep the authenticity due to historical context.  The language is offensive and harmful but depending on the context, it is a reminder of history and why these terms shouldn’t be used now.  i also think that keeping these slurs in literary texts helps individuals have the uncomfortable but important conversation about issues related to hate, prejudice, and discrimination. i also understand people wont agree but i believe hiding the offense langue does not change the fact that it was said. i politically believe that the censorship is a way to hide and not acknowledge the harm that was done in the past. The more we censor and hide, the more we forget.

As a Black person, it did make me uncomfortable seeing that type of offensive language being used in the literary text. But now, as I grew up, I realized that it is necessary to include that language. Not only does it make the literary piece more authentic and its historical context. It makes the piece more heartfelt and gives insight into the cultural norms faced in a particular period. Historical texts show how people were viewed based on their race and gender. The reader can engage with the text and understand its historical significance. I feel like censoring offensive language could get rid of the message that the author is trying to portray. It removes the character’s behavior. We learn more about the context in which the story is told and the type of language being used, even if it’s not offensive. Rather than censoring offensive language, I think it should be used to help better grasp the issues it raises.

I believe that literary texts should be kept as they were written, even if they include offensive terms. It is important for readers to understand the context and history behind them, as that allows for reflection on the past. Even if the language may be hard or harmful, removing it could reduce the impact of the text and weaken its message about the harmfulness of racism. These words, as uncomfortable as they may be, serve as a reminder of the injustices that have existed and continue to exist. Preserving the authenticity of the text helps us learn from history and not repeat the same mistakes. Although I understand why many people think otherwise, as it is a very hard and painful thing to do, confronting such language can be deeply unsettling, especially for those directly affected by its history. However, rather than erasing these words, we should use them as an opportunity for discussion, education, and awareness.

I don’t think it’s okay to keep racial slurs in literary texts, even if they are part of the historical context. These words, while they might reflect the time and place in which the story was written, still carry a lot of pain and harm. They can make it difficult for some readers to connect with the material or feel comfortable engaging with it. It’s true that understanding history and the issues of the past is important, but I believe there are other ways to show that history without using harmful language that can hurt people. There are many ways to express the prejudices and social problems of the past without causing harm or alienating readers today. We can still learn about the past, the prejudices, and the way society works without needing to keep language that has the potential to hurt people. The impact of these slurs should not be ignored. In the end, it’s about finding a balance—preserving the meaning and context of the text without causing unnecessary harm to those reading it today.

I think literary texts should keep their original language, even if it includes offensive words, because it preserves historical context and the author’s intent. Writers like Flannery O’Connor used specific language to reflect the time and place they were writing about, and altering it can water down the reality of that era. While some words are offensive today, censoring them might make it harder to fully grasp the social and racial tensions of the time. That being said, there should be discussions around these words so readers understand their impact without normalizing them. If a school or platform chooses to censor certain terms, it should come with an explanation rather than just erasing history in my opinion. Part of literature is meant to challenge readers alongside education, and keeping the original language helps us engage with it critically. Instead of removing words, we should use them as opportunities for meaningful discussions about history and progress.

I believe in the freedom of speech and I also believe that we still live in a world where hatred exists. Context is the difference between hate speech and writing. Fundamentally utilizing certain language can be informative and even in certain times “educate” and “teach” those reading the literature or perhaps watching the movie. History is important to know and should not be censored. Through history, there is a great opportunity to create change in those who may hold ignorant opinion and hatred if they learn the truth, suffering and what has truly taken place in our not so distant past. We cannot pretend it did not happen, we must do something about it. We cannot create change by censoring, be create change by awareness. Unfortunately the United States has made some decisions to try and censor other events from the books because it does not look good. However we must be accountable so we can be better, better now and better in the future.

I think it is best to leave a story fully unedited to capture the author’s message conveyed through the story. The writing process is already lengthy, with several drafts and endless hours of writing development. If we censor a word, we are missing one of the author’s intentional decisions in making the story. This can lead to a missing detail in character analysis. For example, through the use of a slur, we are given a better sense of the grandmother’s character when she berates the children for not having enough respect, and yet turns around and insults a child with a negative assumption that they are incapable of owning pants. These offensive slurs do not reflect current times, but they give us an insight into the grandmother’s past. It is a reminder of the history that failed many people who couldn’t fit into idealized standards. If these slurs are omitted, then we do not get to fully experience what life was like for those discriminated against during those times. It robs students of important lessons, like the negative effects that discrimination has on people’s egos as well. The grandmother highly believed she was above reproach when she tried to manipulate everyone around her to do her bidding and thought she had the right to be racist towards those of a different skin color.

I think that literary text should omit terms that are derogatory, as long as it is clear to the reader what the word has originally been. I think that language such as the “n” word, especially if not written by a person of color, has no place in literary text in modern day. A word of that nature, used years ago when the original text was written, would have been used in a degrading way, especially if written by a white person. Reading things like this in a classroom setting, or in an educational institution, is almost giving people a pass to say the words out loud, even if they are white, which I find there is no reasoning for. I believe that if it is clear what the word was to the reader, that maintains historical context, while the lack of the full word being present reminds the reader that saying this word is not necessary, nor acceptable, especially if they are not black.

My ability to read and comprehend poetry has significantly improved during the last two weeks. Reading Oedipus the King will be easier for me now that I have a greater understanding of rhythm, symbolism, and figurative language. Like GreJohn Keats’ poem “Ode on a Grecian Urn” is one that has a connection to Oedipus the King. Three major concepts in Sophocles’ play fate, truth, and time are examined in this poem. Similar to the urn in Keats’ poem, Oedipus searches for the truth but is ultimately unable to change his fate. My recent poetry studies have been helpful in comprehending the dramatic and lyrical depth of Oedipus the King since the play’s poetic form, particularly in the choral odes, reflects the lyrical and reflective elements of poetry.ek tragedies, which are full of theme complex and dramatic irony, poetry often requires close examination to reveal deeper meanings.

Do you think literary texts should be cleared of offensive language, or do you feel the authentic language should be kept in place in the interests of historical context and characterization? Literary texts should be open to offensive language because the writer is telling the truth about something true. Reading a passage or book makes me more interested to read more because I like reading offensive words; the offensive words make more intrigued to tell whats going on an passage. I feel the authentic language should be open to the readers because being honest to the reading is very outgoing to read. Also, whoever the person writing has to be very intellectual in the way its writing because readers might take it personal. In my personal opinion, the offensive language is a truthful way to express the moment of situation grabbing the readers’ attention to read. Also I wouldn’t take it offensive because it was truthful to tell the situation.  

I agree with all the students in this class. Students under adult age shouldn’t read any passage that has offensive language. It’s important to keep the original language. Keeping that language can help you read better and find diligent experiencing. I believe that offensive language on the other hand can cause uncomfortable feelings and situations. But still, it’s our pick or choice if we want to read it or not. But now I’m in college, so I might don’t want to have that privilege of choice to choose a text that has some kind of language. When you read that kind of language, it causes you to catch a blind eye of angry problems such as racism, sexism and intolerance. Unfortunately, it can still be an uncomfortable experience for living through such difficulties. But still, you can learn that if you go through other’s shoes.

In my opinion , when reading stories or passages dated pre civil war It is important  to keep the original language even if it is offensive because it keeps the authenticity. In history the people who lived through racism and prejudice did not have a choice to turn a blind eye to it , as readers and as students it is important to gain a full perspective on the experiences individuals faced during that time . for this reason I do not think racial slurs or derogatory language should be omitted . it is part of our privilege to pick and choose weather we want to read that language , unfortunately for those who came before us they had no choice at all . It may be uncomfortable for us to have to read but I can only imagine it was even worst to live through . to educate ourselves is to put ourselves in each others shoes . 

I think that texts should keep their authentic language in place of historical context and characterization. Although, that kind of text should be marked, what I mean is it should have age limit.  I think it would be inappropriate, for example for nine years old to read offensive language, however I strongly believe that adult should still explain to a kid that curtain offensive words were used back in time and explain what it means and why writers would choose to say those words. I do think it totally fine for college students like us to be able to read everything, we are grown people and do understand that writers use specific words in their texts to make us feel the time, feel it what it was like back then. Those words would help use dive deeper into the meaning of the text and also would be the reminding of what words we should not use in day-to-day life.

If I hadn’t read O’Connor’s essay in Activity 1, I would have missed some key insights into “A Good Man Is Hard to Find.” In her essay, O’Connor explains that the grandmother’s final moment with The Misfit is significant because it’s an act of grace. Without this explanation, I might not have understood how important it is when she reaches out to him and calls him “one of my babies,” showing unexpected kindness even in a dangerous situation, and after hearing his freinds killing her family. O’Connor also talks about how violence in the story serves to reveal people’s true personality, which makes the family’s encounter with The Misfit so crucial. It forces the grandmother to confront her beliefs and gain clarity. Additionally, O’Connor’s discussion of creating complex characters helped me see the grandmother as more than just a hypocritical figure because when I was reading, I kind of hated her. I thought that she was a racist by calling the black boy on the window “pickaninny” the word I just discovered. I also thought that she was  hypocrite, manipulative, in short a bad person even thought she seemed to do not know that she was one; I realized that she’s someone capable of change and growth after reading activity one. These insights from the essay help me appreciate the deeper themes and moral questions in the story, like redemption and the complexity of human nature.

In the last two weeks of reading poetry I have learned to look into what the author of the poem is conveying instead of my own interpretation. Although I feel poetry is an art in itself and there is room for your own interpretation and meaning, I have learned to feel and comprehend what the writer intends. Through looking up words I do not understand and reading the poem correctly. I always saw how poems were writtten so differntly and we learned how to read them despite the formatting. That was something a bit new to me instead of reading line by line, reading until the end of the sentence. The poetry especially shakespeare prepared me for Oedpius the king. Sonnet poems such as “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” (Sonnet 18)  Helped me prepare for the more the reading and the language to come. “Thou art more lovely and more temperate: rough winds do not shake the darling buds of May,” (Shakespeare) “You may see them with one another like birds swift on the wing, quicker than fire I mastered speeding away to the coast of the gods.” (oedpius the king) Reading poetry helped by familiarizing myself in preperation for more similes and much more reading.

I have become more confident in the reading and interpretation of poetry since last week. I have learned to look beyond the mere surface meaning and instead focus on the elements of figurative language, tone, and structure to understand the more profound, oftentimes more relatable, messages. Oedipus the King relies heavily on the same symbolism and layered meanings found in more standard poetic forms. Thus, I believe that my poetic interpretive skills will serve me well as I undertake the reading of this equally significant and profound play. A poem that left a strong impression on me was Milton Bluehouse II’s “The Sound of Water.” The speaker reflects on memory, ancestry, and the spiritual connection forged between nature and personal identity. The themes of the poem made me think about how fate plays a role in Oedipus the King. We aren’t told or shown exactly how the story’s characters—primarily Oedipus himself and his wife/mother, Jocasta—are fated to fail. We do know, however, that fate in this story is something like a river that carves a channel through solid rock: the river is there, even if we can’t see it until we’re in the middle of its path. Listening to the poem’s speaker made me appreciate the emotional depth and dramatic tension in Oedipus the King.