"Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri: Analysis

      As I read, Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, I find that communication and sensitivity are lacking among the characters.  Although the family is vacationing in their homeland of India, there seems to be no sense of family in this group of people.  To start, the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Das are downright hostile towards each  other.  For the reader, this indicates that this marriage is clearly failing.  Mr. Kapsi notices "Mr. and Mrs. Das behaved like an older brother and sister, not parents" (Lahiri).  Mr. Kapsi sees himself in the lonely, misunderstood Mrs. Das and wishes to become her companion.  However, with the negative attitude of Mrs. Das, she does not wish to pursue this friendship.  In my personal opinion, I believe that a companionship between Mrs. Das and Mr. Kapsi could benefit both of them immensely.  They could be have something to talk to about their difficulties, help each other through them, and then lead healthier and happier lives.  However, this is not the case.  Mrs. Das looses Mr. Kapsi addresses, ending any chance of communication between the two.  This short story shows how refusal to communicate and be sensitive will ensure one a sad, hopeless life.

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker: Imagery

      After finishing the short story, Everyday Use, I see the abundant usage of imagery woven in the lines of this piece.  Imagery enhances the story by evoking sensory experience. Author Alice Walker starts her work off by describing the yard as "so clean and wavy" (Walker).   From the start, the author carefully writes of each specific detail.  These particularized descriptions aid in bringing to life what is written in the text of this poem.  In my opinion, I actually feel as those I am blinded by Dee's dress of "yellows and oranges" (Walker).   Also, the read has more of an idea of what the personalities, opinions, and appearances of the characters are.  For example, at the beginning,  Maggie is noted as being "homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs" (Walker).  This imagery leads the reader to conclude that Maggie has been pyschologically damaged by her past, leaving her embarrassed of her looks.  In Everyday Use, imagery serves as a device that enables the reader to better understand the surroundings and individual thoughts of the characters.

"Hazel Tells Laverne" by Katharyn Howd Machan: Dialect

     After reading the humorous poem, Hazel and Laverne, I sense that dialect serves an imperative purpose throughout the work.  First, Hazel's way of speaking shows much about her character.  With her "sohelpmegod"s and "flushm"s, the narrator reveals that she is an uneducated Southern member of the working class (Machan).  Because of her place in society, I predict Hazel to be extremely frank and realistic with her thoughts and opinions.  With this, the narrator thinks it a laughable idea to kiss the frog because she cannot imagine herself "a princess" (Machan).  Hazel's dialect leads the reader to conclude that she clearly does not think she qualifies to be of royalty.  In a way, the author may be trying to convey that society has led the working class to believe they are worth less than they are.  Also, Hazel's way of speaking adds blunt, slapstick humor to this not-so-fairy tale situation.  The dialect of Hazel not only assists the reader in further analyzing the piece, but helps in finding amusement in the work as well.

"Toads" by Philip Larkin: Symbolism

    Upon reading the intriguing poem, Toads, I notice the author's great usage of symbolism.  In my personal opinion, toads are vile creatures that are quite revolting.  Author Philip Larkin crafts a symbol of a toad to create a representation of work.  With this, I assume the narrator has an extremely negative view of work as he describes it as a "sickening poison" (Larkin).  The narrator of this piece time and time again mentions how this toad has placed a huge burden on his life.  The toad symbolizes the stress experience by work.  This stress brings out sheer jealousy, anger, hatred, and hopeless.  This symbol inhibits the narrator from pursuing his dreams.  I find it confusing how this symbol operates.  This toad of work instead of providing from the narrator financially and bring happiness, it only drags him down.  Philip Larkin uses a toad to symbolism the stress dealt with in work.

"Mr. Z" by M. Carl Holman

    In the poem, Mr. Z, author M. Carl Holman writes of society molding its members to have no sense of their own personal background.  The main character, Mr. Z, was "taught early that his mother's skin was the sign of error" (Holman).  This biracial character strives to dissociate with his mother's background by choosing "race less views of each situation" (Holman).  Overall, I believe M. Carl Holman is scrutinizing society.  Society has created this image of what the ideal person should be.  To live up to this image, one must eradicate themselves of any sense of ethnic culture.  Mr. Z clearly works to become this perfect member of society when he "disclaimed kinship with jazz and spirituals" (Holman).  Yet, at the end, Mr. Z becomes "one of the most distinguished members of his race" (Holman).  All in all, people spend their lives trying to become something they are not. But when these people are gone, they are remembered as the person they tried so hard to rid themselves of.

Thoughts on Perrine's Interpretation of Poetry

     After examining Perrine's thoughts and criteria concerning the interpretations of poetry, I both agree and disagree with his opinions.  I truly do believe that a reader can see absolutely anything in the depths of a poem.  Moreover, one cannot limit the imagination by creating one absolute meaning to a piece of literature.  It would be completely wrong to do such an action.  There are far too many differing people with their own unique beliefs and backgrounds in this world to place one definite reading to a poem.  Perrine mentions, "There are no correct or incorrect readings: there are only readings which differ more or less widely from a statistical norm."  I find it confusing how Perrine asserts this free spirit statement, but then goes on to list the criteria of what makes an interpretation correct.  This way of thinking place a severe restriction on artistry and basically defeats the point of fiction.

     This article by Perrine fortified my own belief of interpretations of literature.  After reading over Perrines criteria, I see how foolish and narrow minded it is to place a correct or an incorrect reading on a poem.  If we were all to be convinced of this, there would be a sense of uniformity that would confine people's individuality.  It struck me as surprising of how a professor could think in such a way.  One who teaches others should, no doubt, aid their students in developing their own particular styles and ways of thinking.  However, I do agree with the notion that not even the author should put labels on his work.  It is for the reader to use his or her own personal life to make connections and decide what he thinks the poem to be.  In the future, I will use the knowledge gained from this article to form a greater appreciation of my classmates differing thoughts on pieces of literature.

 

The Great Gatsby: Picture

Oh, just reading The Great Gatsby while doing high ropes at cross country camp..

The Great Gatsby: Blog 15

      Overall, I honestly genuinely enjoyed The Great Gatsby.  I may even list this novel in my top favorite pieces of literature!  First, I would consider the work one large, drunken affair with greed and desire.  From the start, Gatsby hosts enormous parties where hundreds of people stay until the early hours of dawn.  Then, right off the bat, the audience learns of Tom's infidelity and how he carelessly flaunts his mistress around town.  Next, although Tom and Daisy Buchanan are both extremely wealthy beings, "they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made..." (Fitzgerald, 179).  And then, the lovely Jordan Baker, turns out to be a complete rule breaker at the game of golf.  The novel ends with George Wilson, a sad man who is cheated on by his wife, murdering Jay Gatsby and then taking his own life.I really think that Nick is the only sane character in the novel!    This interesting piece does not end happily, but simply just ends.  I actually really like the ending of The Great Gatsby because it goes to show that nothing good will come from greed or desire.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 14

     As I finish The Great Gatsby, I think about the character of Jay Gatsby, as a whole, and what he represents.  I believe that author F. Scott Fitzgerald, overall, wishes to express his own personal view of "The American Dream" through the story of Gatsby.  Fitzgerald concludes the novel with the quote, "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us.  It eluded us then, but that's no matter- to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther....And one fine morning-" (Fitzgerald, 180).  Moreover, the narrator, Nick, explains that Gatsby believed in the green light and what came with it.  Gatsby's green light was his ultimate desire, what he aimed for, and unfortunately, was unreachable.  "The American Dream", defined as being the traditional social ideas of the United States, such as equality, democracy, and material prosperity, has gone to society's head and, in most cases, leads to the downfall of many.  Because of this misunderstood idea of  "The American Dream", many have created a new definition of happiness and success.  In The Great Gatsby, success is based on my money and material possessions.  I assume that F. Scott Fitzgerald creates this idea to show that greed has taken over the mind of Americans and, like with Gatsby, will get us no where.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 13

    I am both surprised and disappointed at the turnout of Jay Gatsby's funeral.  Before, Nick puts his best foot forward to encourage the friends of Gatsby to attend the procession.  Unfortunately, just about everyone seems to either not wish to attend or is unable to make it.  I felt it rude and surprising how no one wished to go to Gatsby's home for his funeral, but "used to go there by the hundreds" for his past parties (Fitzgerald, 175).  With this, I reason that, besides Nick Carraway, no one truly knew Gatsby or even had the desire to discover what lurked beneath his mask.  Clearly, Gatsby's party guests attended his gatherings without even acknowledging their host.  I believe that Gatsby surrounded himself with people because of his inner loneliness.  But, Jay still felt alone among the presence of hundreds of people.  Now, the only guests at Gatsby's funeral are his father, Owl-eyes, and of course, Nick.  In my opinion, the most shocking detail of this chapter is the fact that "Daisy hadn't sent a message or a flower" (Fitzgerald, 174).  One would think that since she claimed to love Gatsby, that Daisy would, at the very least, go to the funeral.  Also, Gatsby took the blame for the death of Daisy's victim, ensuring her a life without time in prison.  This whole scene deeply saddens me due to the fact that Gatsby dies alone, the last thing that he truly wanted to be.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 12

   It strikes me as interesting how Nick describes the tragic layout of the bodies of Wilson and Gatsby as a  holocaust.  "...Wilson's body a little way off in the grass, and the holocaust was complete" (Fitzgerald, 162).  This surprised me, considering that the murderous killing in Europe, at the time the novel is set at, has not even occurred yet.  The word "holocaust" is defined as destruction or slaughter on a mass scale.  I believe this word is used to express that the scene shows a total ending.  The high, merry points in the novel have completely ceased.  The tragic incident that took place cannot be reversed.  In connection with 1940's mass murder, the unfortunate incident at Gatsby's residence that can now only be looked back upon.  The characters can choose to forget, or they can learn from the event.  If these characters choose the latter, they can remember the horrible situation and put an end to the hatred.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 11

    As I near the end of The Great Gatsby, I have made a connection between a character of the novel and a past friend of mine.  In my opinion, Daisy Buchanan is a self obsessed character who pushes her worries and self-inflicted problems behind her for others to resolve.  Mrs. Buchanan, although she never fully loved him, was faithful and true to Tom.  Now, after years of marriage, Daisy chooses to start an affair with Jay Gatsby.  When put on the spot, Daisy states that she loves both men and, in a way, wishes to be with them both.  Also, this malleable character changes herself bases on her crowd.  Daisy does this so each group will attain a perfect image of her.  For example, when around Tom, Daisy is nothing but agreeable,  Then, when invited for tea by Nick, Daisy replies, "Who is Tom", when asked not bring her husband (Fitzgerald, 83).  Then after killing Myrtle, Daisy continues on as if nothing had even happened.  When Gatsby is extremely concerned about Mrs. Buchanan, Daisy does not even ask how Gatsby is holding up after the incident.

    With the whole story of Daisy Buchanan, I can very easily compare her to a past friend.  First, my now changeable acquaintance traded her own, unique spunk for a bad reputation and a set of new "besties".  This friend consistently altered her personality based on who she was with.  Like Daisy, this chameleon would push all the downs resulting from her poor choices behind her.  Also, with all the exciting parties in her life, this past friend failed to ask about the occurrences in my life.  With her new friends and new reputation, she still expected things between us to remain unchanged.  This one way relationship, like with Daisy and Gatsby, did not last because she was a priority and I was just an option.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 10

    Through the entirety of The Great Gatsby, I fell that the narrator, Nick Carraway, is unfortunately caught in the middle of everyone's drunken affairs.  I believe F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays the character of Nick as harmless and unchanging in order to navigate through the story.  Moreover, while other characters change, Mr. Carraway remains true to himself, making the flow of the novel travel smoothly.  I place Nick far above others in this sense.  First, Nick has the bravery and ambition to relocate to New York in hope of learning the bond business.  While in New York, Nick quite frequently find himself in many social situations.  For example, Nick goes meeting Jordan Baker at the Buchanan residence, to running into Gatsby, his mysterious neighbor, at a luxurious party.  From there, Nick Carraway is dragged into all of Gatsby's events, and eventually is roped into setting up a tea date with Gatsby and the married Daisy Buchanan.  Then, Nick is present when Tom Buchanan learns of his wife's love affair with Jay Gatsby.  Later, Nick has to bear with the knowledge of Daisy killing Myrtle Wilson, and then hold in his hatred of Gatsby for thinking only of Daisy's reaction.  Nick refers to Gatsby when thinking, "I disliked him so much by this time that I didn't find it necessary to tell him he way wrong" (Fitzgerald, 143).  With this, I believe that Nick truly is just a bystander to all the drama that surrounds him.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 9

    To start, I am absolutely appalled at the reaction of both Daisy and Gatsby concerning the death of Myrtle Wilson.  First, I am extremely annoyed at Daisy Buchanan's dismissive attitude towards the wrongs in her life.  For example, years ago, when Mrs. Buchanan learns she cannot marry Gatsby, she drinks herself numb to push away the pain.  Next, Daisy urges they "...all go home.." when Gatsby and her husband share in a fiery argument (Fitzgerald, 130).  Also, when disputing with the two men, she claims to just love both instead of choosing one.  Daisy truly just wants all her self-inflicted problems to just resolves themselves.  In reality, this may, to her, by the best possible solution, but it only hurts the people around her.  Moreover, she is stringing Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan along with the memories of the past.  Then, later, Daisy happens to accidentally hit her husband's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, driving back to her home with Gatsby.  Even though the automobile killed Mrs. Wilson instantly, Daisy continues to drive.  To me, the most startling part is that Gatsby "spoke as if Daisy's reaction was the only thing that mattered" (Fitzgerald, 143).  I really believe that Mr. Gatsby knows of the graveness of his lover's crime, but because of his obsession with Daisy, he only think of the tragedy will affect her.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 8

   Through the whole novel, the audience receives a very negative image of Mr. Tom Buchanan.  To start Tom is a wealthy man  fortunate will a loving wife and daughter.  This blessed man chooses to be unfaithful to his spouse and even flaunts his mistress to his friends.  Now, halfway through the piece, I still maintain a disgusted attitude towards Tom Buchanan.  First, I would like to note that Tom's infidelity is known by his loyal wife.  Daisy, though miserably married, has remained faithful all these years to her dishonest spouse.  Then, when Daisy finds true happiness in the company of Gatsby, Tom continuously denies that happiness insisting that she did not have a good time.  I feel this shows Tom Buchanan's selfish ways.  This cheating man expects his wife to accept his mistress, but is unwilling to face the idea that his wife is, not even being unfaithful, but is simply having a good time with another man.  I have a feeling that Daisy will eventually stick up for herself and "obliterate four years (of marriage)" (Fitzgerald, 109).  When this does happen, I believe Tom will be absolutely furious.  The relationship being pursued by Daisy and Gatsby will most likely lead to the well-deserved downfall of Tom Buchanan.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 7

    In the beginning of chapter five, I find Gatsby's eagerness to please Nick to be very annoying.  Although agitating, I believe this notion reveals much about the true character of Jay Gatsby.  With his expensive mansion, imported luxuries, and indulging lifestyle, it is easy for one to forget that Gatsby is, in fact, just another human being with human qualities.  This scene shows Gatsby, not as a sophisticated man, but as a nervous, awkward youth.  When asked what day would work best for his reunion with Daisy, he replies, "I don't want to put you to any trouble" (Fitzgerald, 82).  This statement both displays a technique Gatsby uses to get Nick to plan a tea event and shows Gatsby's unsure personality. Even though Gatsby means well, he will do absolutely anything to achieve his true desires.  For example, Jay Gatsby offers to cut Nick's grass and further goes on to present him with a promising business opportunity.  Although a kind proposal, it has an opposite effect on Mr. Carraway.  Instead, Nick feels almost insulted by the suggestion.  I learn that while others think Mr. Jay Gatsby is a well thought-out, mighty, superior, man, he has his flaws.  This scene proves itself to be truly significant in understanding the character of Gatsby.  

The Great Gatsby: Blog 6

   While reading more of The Great Gatsby, I begin to understand the working of Mrs. Daisy Buchanan.  I realize now that Daisy's happiness is neither genuine and authentic.  At the beginning, I took Daisy ignoring her husband's infidelity as a sign that she is unwilling to accept the act because it means her love is not good enough.  However, behind Mrs. Buchanan's mask is sheer numbness towards the life she lives.  When the short lived affair between Daisy and Gatsby ceased, I believe an extremely distraught Daisy, married the first man who came by, which happened to be Tom Buchanan.  Because of the unwanted schism between the two, the pair live their lives in ways that they feel best.  Daisy endures a miserable life with a husband who neither loving or faithful.  Jay Gatsby lurks in the shadows of New York watching Daisy from afar.  I predict that after two reunite at Nick's invitation to tea, they will realize they still love each other and have an affair.  I assume this because at a time "they were so engrossed in each other", and now they both lead extremely unhappy lives (Fitzgerald, 74).  Eventually, I would expect Daisy to leave Tom Buchanan and pull Gatsby out of the shadows.  Ultimately, I think Nick's tea invitation will have a very positive outcome.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 5

Leonardo Di Capro will play Jay Gatsby in the latest movie of
The Great Gatsby.

   To me, a major detail about Gatsby that stands out is his usage of the phrase "old sport".  This recurring phrase serves an important purpose to Gatsby.  To the people of West Egg, Gatsby is a man of great mystery.  Some say this unknown man is a foreigner.  Others think Gatsby to be a murderer.  Because of the many rumors concerning Jay Gatsby, I believe he uses this motif to present himself in an approachable, welcoming way.  Moreover, when Nick meets up with Jay Gatsby for lunch, Gatsby consistently throws in "old sport" at the end of almost every statement.  To set himself apart from the numerous rumors.  Gatsby goes even further to tell Nick about his background.  Mr. Gatsby even states, " I don't want you to get a wrong idea of me from all these stories you hear" (Fitzgerald, 65).  So, Jay is obviously aware of the town's accusations of him.  Even after he tells Nick the story of his life, Gatsby then shows proof by presenting his war medal and a souvenir of his Oxford days.  Although this may all seem unnecessary , it was essential that Gatsby did this to earn the trust of Nick due to the fact that Nick believed Gatsby was lying.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 4

     Honestly, the relationship between the two opposite characters, Nick and Jordan, makes perfect sense despite their differing personalites.  Upon moving to New York, Nick seems to, other than seeing an occasional friend, be very lonely.  This feeling of oneness causes Nick to aimlessly drive the bright streets to "pick out romantic women from the crod and imagine that in a few minutes (he) was going to enter into their lives..." (Fitzgerald, 56).  To fill this "haunting loneliness", I believe Nick chooses to spend his time with the well-know and haughty Jordan Baker.  Jordan appears to be a character who does not let the everyday routine of life control her.  I believe Miss Baker's spunk and unique outlook is what most attracts Nick to her.  But, later in the chapter, Nick pieces together that Jordan cheats at golf, the game that has made her name known.  It is truly shocking to me that even after learning this knowledge, Nick goes on to admit that he may even love this rule breaker.  I assume I was so taken back by this because of my view of Nick.  I think of Nick as an ambitious, considerate man, deserving of the best.  Unlike Jordan, Nick plays by the rules.  Also, this layed back man, unlike Jordan, is not well-known and does not put forth much effort to become so.  Because of this, I think Nick longs for someone to bring exitement into his life.  For Jordan, she avoids anyone who will make her feel inferior.  Although the pair are total opposites, I definitely can see why they both spend time with one another.  The reasoning may be selfish, but still, I understand.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 3

    First, I would like to mention how completely inaccurate I was with my assumptions of Gatsby.  Within a few short pages of chapter three, I learn that Gatsby quite frequently hosts parties.  However, many "came and went without having met Gatsby at all..." (Fitzgerald, 41).  Before, I predicted that Gatsby, whose full name is Jay Gatsby, was a mystery to most New York; a loner.  Though I still have yet to discover his full, true character, I really think that Gatsby is just not truly known, but not a complete hermit who excludes himself from the world.

   When Nick attends one of Gatsby's large parties, he realizes that he, along with most of the other guests, have never even seen Gatsby.  As the party goes on, some guests state rumors they have heard of Gatsby.  Reading this, I realize that no one really knows Gatsby.  I believe this because he purposely sets himself aside from other people making it nearly impossible for others to become close to him.  The character of Gatsby reminds me of Rhett Butler, the leading male character in Gone With the Wind.  Rhett, a wealthy Southern man, first presents himself as a bombastic socialite, but really is one who lingers in the dark.  Like Gatsby, many tell negative rumors of Mr. Butler's past.  The two characters, although frequent party goers, remain mysteries to most.