"The Catcher in the Rye": Tone

       I finally have finished the well-known classic, The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger!  After my book discussion over the second section of the novel with my group, it became very clear that the characterization of Holden Caulfield made the work frustrating and even undesirable.  As I continued this piece of literature, I kept waiting for there to be some sort of mind boggling twist, and unexpected turning point.  My group and I even compared The Catcher in the Rye to be similar to Napoleon Dynamite, because of the lack of a concrete plot line.  However, having completely finished the work and actually had time to think about the final events of the story line, I have a differing opinion of the literature.  When Holden's uneasy behaviors cause him to drift from place to place, he ends up at the house of a dear teacher, Mr. Antolini.  Mr. Antolini "was a pretty young guy... and you could kid around with him without losing your respect for him..." (Salinger, 174).  While chatting with Mr. Antolini, Holden's atrophy becomes the topic of discussion.  Mr. Antolini's turn from being the young, cool teacher to a firm adult occurs when he speaks to Holden saying, "This fall I think you're riding for- it's a special kind of fall, a horrible kind.  The man falling isn't permitted to hear or feel himself hit rock bottom.  He just keeps falling and falling" (Salinger,187).  This complete change in tone allows the reader (well, at least it did for me) to see that Holden's struggle is something that he really is not even aware of.  Holden's unstable mental condition is digging him into a hole that doesn't even know he is in.  Later on, in this discussion, Mr. Antolini suggests that Holden keep record of his troubles so that maybe one day, someone can learn from his story.  And this is exactly what The Catcher in the Rye is.  Holden Caulfield is merely telling his story. "It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement.  And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry" (Salinger, 188).  Although Holden's record is frustrating and sometimes difficult to understand, it is life, his story, nothing more.  I think if I were to write a novel about my own life, it would not have an incredibly big twist or dramatic ending.  It would just carry on with various events, some good and some bad.  For anyone willing to read this fantastic piece of literature, it is key to have an open mind, accept the history of the matter, and simply read the story of Holden Caulfield.

"The Catcher in the Rye": Characterization of Phoebe

     Nearing the end of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden, after days of pointlessly wondering the dreary sides of New York City, Holden Caulfield decides to return home.  Here, I meet Phoebe Caulfield, Holden's saving light.  Even from the beginning, Holden talks Phoebe up to be the most amazing and down to earth child there is.  After meeting here character, I find she truly lives up to Holden's lengthy and incredible descriptions.  Phoebe is unbelievably mature for age, enthusiastic, intelligent, unique, and witty.  Phoebe clearly seems to be Holden's most trusted member of the family.  When Holden sneaks into his household to see his sister, the audience also learns what Holden means to Phoebe.  Upon breaking the news of his expulsion from Pencey, Phoebe repeatedly tells Holden that "Daddy's gonna kill you" (Salinger, 166).  Although this greatly agitates Holden, I see that Phoebe wholeheartedly is concerned for what Holden's future holds.  After leaving the house, Holden decides to pack up his bags and start anew somewhere in the West, seeing his family only in the distant future.  But, first, Holden must say one last goodbye to Phoebe.  When Phoebe appears at the museum with her bags, I think that Holden is really affected that Phoebe wishes to go West with him.  I predict that Phoebe cannot bear the fact of Holden being forever lost out West by himself, and that is why is decides to go with him.  Upon seeing the Phoebe packed for his own personal journey, Holden becomes vivid.  Holden's anger stems from the idea of someone disrupting his plans for a life of solitude.  Overall, it is Phoebe that persuades Holden to stay and New York and not give up on the life placed before him.  If not for this bright, young girl, Holden Caulfield would be far out West.

"The Catcher in the Rye": Connections

     In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, we all know, at this point, Holden Caulfield is one with an extremely troubled mind.  After being kicked from school to school, surrounded by those he cannot quite relate to, and spending his money on meaningless subjects, Holden finds himself aimlessly walking the streets of New York completely alone.  Over time, I wonder where the true source of Holden's problem began.  As I read on, I honestly think the death of Holden's brother, Allie, has affected him in ways that he does not even realize.  In the beginning of the novel, Holden reveals various details about Allie saying that he "got leukemia and died when we were up in Maine...He was two years younger than I was, but he was about fifty times as intelligent.  He was terrifically intelligent.  His teachers were always writing letters to my mother, telling her what a pleasure it was having a boy like Allie in their class...But it wasn't just that he was the most intelligent member in the family.  He was also the nicest, in a lots of ways..." (Salinger, 27).  Clearly, than younger, Holden idolizes his brother Allie, and remarks him as a unique and innocent individual.  Since his death, Holden must possess some sort of guilt for being given the chance to live, when his terrific brother did not.  This guilt has taken Holden down a downward spiral that he does not even realize is occurring.  In Holden's moment of despair, he turns towards his perfect brother and asks Allie to "don't let me disappear" (Salinger, 198).  Later, Holden tells Phoebe he likes Allie, and that he wants to be the catcher in the rye, preventing people from falling over the edge.  Holden likes this idea because Allie could possibly be the only person that Holden could catch from falling into the corruption of the world.  Holden obviously idolizes his deceased brother, and feels the pains and guilt of his loss.

"Catcher in the Rye": Irony

     Throughout the classic work, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, main character, Holden Caulfield feels encased in a world of "phonies".  Moreover, these phonies are those who put on a mask to be accepted by the world, and then make themselves seem better than they actually are.  Honestly, I admire Holden for recognizing the facade worn by many to cover their faults, but can he unveil his own.  Looking back at past and present events, Holden Caulfield is a phony himself.  For example, Holden rambles endlessly about his extreme loathing of show business, which includes phony movies, plays, and actors.  But, in his boredom, Holden invites Sally, when he "didn't even like her much", to see a play starring "a bunch of phonies" (Salinger, 124).  So being hypocritical, Holden invites a girl, merely for her appearance out to see a movie.  I assume that Holden has not come to the realization that he is not being true to himself, just harsh and judgmental of others. Almost every page contains the phrase, "it made me feel depressed", therefore, Holden see sadness in his world, but cannot find the source of his own depression.  Clearly, this troubled adolescent is not truly happy and content with himself.

"The Catcher in the Rye": Comparison

     

Holden Caulfield walking the streets of NewYork alone.

Throughout my time spent blogging about the classic The Catcher and the Rye by J.D. Salinger, I honestly cannot help, but think of a similar, yet more modern piece of literature.  Stephen Chbosky's Perks of Being a Wallflower also tells of the personal struggles of an adolescent boy.  Truthfully, in my last blogs, I, working quite fast, would write "Charlie", then have to go back and change the writing to read "Holden".  The two both endure an intense sense of isolation though they are physically surrounded by many people.  Charlie uses thought to not participate, while Holden watches people and makes his own judgments.  Moreover,  Holden recalls a football game and says, " 'I remember around three o'clock that afternoon I was standing way the hell up on top of Thomsen Hill... You could see the whole field from there, and you could see the two teams bashing each other all over the place... You could hear them all yelling' " (Salinger,23).  So, Holden, is strictly watching the game from afar rather than connecting with those at his school.  The two teenagers know who they want to spend time with yet struggle to fulfill that wish.  Charlie enjoys hanging out with the outsiders of the school, but often finds himself inexperienced and naive to their behaviors and activities.  With Holden, he is always finding company with people who give him the time, such as the women in their thirties, the stripper he hires, the taxicab drivers, and the numerous"phonies".  But, the two admit how depressed the world makes them, which is what ultimately linked the two together for me.  All in all, although in different times, both Charlie and Holden are faced with similar teen issues.

Charlie from Perks of Being a Wallflower

"The Catcher in the Rye": Motif~ "You"

     Throughout the piece of literature, The Catcher and the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the particular motif of the term "you" is woven through about every incident that Holden encounters.  For example, upon hearing someone laugh while walking through the streets at night, Holden says, " 'New York's terrible at night when somebody laughs.  You can hear it for miles.  It makes you feel so lonesome and depressed' " (Salinger, 70).  Moreover, Holden uses "you" to describe how one may feel in a certain situation.  But, in reality, Holden is depressed and lonesome.  There is no doubt in my mind that Holden uses the term "you" to account for how he actually feels about a particular situation.  I believe, because Holden repeatedly fails to confront and conquer his problems, he also cannot own up to his personal feelings about matters.  Also, when thinking back to his joyful days with Jane Gallagher, Holden says, " 'You never even worried with Jane, whether your hand was sweaty or not.  All you knew was, you were happy.  You really were' "(Salinger, 66).  Because Holden lives a very unstable life, I predict it is not easy to recall himself as being completely happy.  So, Holden uses "you" to tell his story, without having to forget his current gloom and admit he actually was happy.

"The Catcher in the Rye": Analogy

    In the classic novel, The Catcher and the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield journeys through the streets of New York repeatedly asking his taxi cab drivers the question, " 'What happens to the ducks in the winter?' " (Salinger, 82).  Although this question riles the drivers up, one particular driver discusses the matter more so than others.  The driver eventually makes a statement about the fish living underneath the ducks and says, " 'If you was a fish, Mother Nature'd take care of you, wouldn't she? You don't think them fish just die when it gets to be winter, do ya?' " (Salinger, 83).  I reasoned that this statement could be making a comparison between Holden and the fish, frozen in the pond.  See, Holden feels like no progress is occurring in his life, after being thrown out of four schools.  The ducks on the pond symbolize all the people in Holden Caulfield's life.  Moreover, these people come and go, and Holden, always staying the same, never quite understands where exactly they go.  The icy winter that freezes the fish represents the depression and sadness that seems to consume Holden.  Like the fish, Holden is trapped in a world that keeps changing around him.  This driver, I believe, is foreshadowing that, in the end, Holden will overcome his obstacles and be alright.

"The Catcher and the Rye": Characterization of Holden Caulfield

     Nearing the halfway mark of The Catcher and the Rye by J.D. Salinger, I'm 100% totally and completely befuddled about how exactly I feel concerning the character of Holden Caulfield.  It seems as though J.D. Salinger tries to make Holden one who cannot relate to his surroundings.  Yet, I feel as though many readers can easily identify with this restless and uneasy character.  I can easily imagine the majority of the audience to view Holden as judgmental, a slacker, a compulsive liar, and childish.  Holden realizes his wrongs, but instead of fixing the problem, flees from the situation, and later creates another entanglement for himself.  However, though immature, Holden makes himself relate to others who have ever felt the pains of being alone.  Holden, after being kicked out of his four boarding school, wonders the streets of New York to fill the hole of his loneliness.  Holden describes himself as being "so damn depressed and lonesome", which in the minds of readers, creates Holden to be a sympathetic character (Salinger, 37).  Overall, Holden Caulfield  may appear to an ignorant soul, but in reality, is mentally unstable, lonely, quite depressed, and lives in a world where he is misunderstood, not only by other, but also himself.

"Acquainted With the Night": Symbolism

       After reading Acquainted With the Night by Robert Frost, I sense symbolism when discussing the matter of the night.  Night, most obviously, is affiliated with darkness and unpleasant happenings.  In this case, the speaker associates night with his life's struggles by saying he has "been one acquainted with the night" (Frost).  As the narrator walks on, it is clear that he feels isolated from the joyous world lived by most.  This character feels saddened by some memories at every objects he lays eyes on. The speaker uses night to express that he has dealt with peril and challenges in many aspects. All in all, the speaker is saying that he is no stranger to unfortunate circumstances.  In my opinion, the speaker seems to be extremely worn down by his rough life.  This symbol of night allows the audience to see the gloominess felt by speaker.

"I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed": Imagery

Nature joining the speaker in the mystical state of mind.

     In the brief poem, I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed, Emily Dickinson crafts a work making a comparison between intoxication and a mystical state of mind.  This piece of literature, though diminutive in length, is jammed packed with imagery, furthering the overall meaning of the work.  Firstly, Dickinson begins her work by saying that the speaker tastes "a liquor never brewed" (Dickinson).  This statement, right at the start, implies that the narrator is not, in fact, under alcoholic inebriation.  But, the line does suggest that the speaker is under the same affects.  The speaker seems to have been "inebriate of air..." (Dickinson).  Moreover, this narrator is in this state of mind because of the surrounding nature.  Dickinson throws in imagery of "drunken bees... (and) butterflies..." being the drinking buddies of this speaker (Dickinson).  Overall, I predict Emily Dickinson is recognizing the approval of the heavens when one is overjoyed with the beauty of nature.

"Sorting Laundry": Metaphor

     The poem, Sorting Laundry by Elisavietta Richie, compares the action of folding clothes with folding a lover into her love.  On a side note, since the poem was written in 1932, I predict the work tells of a woman thinking of her daily life and linking it to folding laundry.  I assume Richie chooses the chore of folding laundry because it is an endless happening that really is never finished.  Like laundry in a household, there will always be love between the woman and her husband.  This metaphor goes over the "week over week journey..." of the couple (Richie).  As the woman folds her laundry, she recalls the memories she has engaged in with her lover.  The different articles of clothing remind this woman of the many surprises and adventures that have occurred over the years.  It is made clear that, without her husband, this woman would be incomplete and empty.

"Batter My Heart, Three- Personed God": Tone

      In the poem, Batter My Heart, Three- Personed God, John Donne writes of a person's feelings about and relationship with God.  The speaker begins with a soft, loving tone as he describes God's ability to "batter (his) heart..." as well as "knock, breath, shine, and seek to mend" (Donne).  These thoughts craft the notion that the speaker looks at God as an almighty being, powerful force.  However, the tone gradually hardens.  The speaker recognizes that he must "labor to admit... but oh, to no end" (Donne).  This implies that the narrator dislikes being the "weak or untrue" laborer to God, when he does nothing, but love him.  I interpret this poem to be the thoughts of a man with conflicted feelings.  The speaker feels he "never shall be free" from God, but God, being a powerful force, will always be there for him (Donne).

"A Jury of Her Peers": Overall Opinion

    In A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell, reveals the characters of three housewives caged down to hide between their husbands.  First, Mrs. Hale, a seemingly pleasant woman, pays close attention to details and thinks carefully before she speaks.  Although this character is strong, she stays quiet in the mist of her husband.  Next, Mrs. Peters is "small and thin and doesn't have a strong voice"(Glaspell).  Clearly, since she is the wife of the sheriff, Mrs. Peters does not need the speak up with a booming and powerful husband.  Then, Mrs. Wright, once a youthful, cheery choir member, has had all the happiness and joy sucked from her life by Mr. Wright.  I, along with Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, sympathize with Minnie Wright.  Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters eventually realize the horrible demeaning way the women are being treated.  I admire this pair.  The two hide Minnie guilty tracks and truly see and understand the misery she has endured all the years of her marriage.

"My Mistress' Eyes": Concrete Details

     In My Mistress' Eyes by William Shakespeare, a man describes the odd appearance of his lover.  Shakespeare uses concrete details to give the reader a more clear looks into the rare features of the woman. To start, as I begin the piece, I think the man despises his wife.  In greater detail, in every detail given, the speaker claims his lover does not meet up to the beauty of the object he is describing.  Also, the speaker describes wires and compares them with the woman's hair.  This concrete detail brings to mind the image of a prickly object, which, in no way, is a compliment to this woman.  So, the speaker continues to describe his wife as less than beautiful.  By this point, I have a picture of the world's ugliest woman in my mind.  However, the end of the world reveals a change in the speaker's mood.  The man thinks his lover to be "rare and beglied with a false compare" (Shakespeare).  I find this truly touch, and with this, my opinion of the work is suddenly altered.  Although, the various concrete details given, it appeared the man to be insulting the woman, he is actually telling of her exquisite rareness that holds beauty.

"Barbie Doll": Imagery

    Although Barbie Doll by Marge Piercy is a rather brief piece of literature, the meaning it carries holds tremendous weight.  The author uses imagery to tell the tragic tale of the a young girl.  In the beginning, the girl grows up playing with a Barbie doll.  It is at an early age that the image of this dolls instills into the mind of this small child that women should have unnaturally skinny and artificial features.  Because of this, the girl, though she "was healthy, tested intelligent, possessed strong arm and back", and had everything going for her, grows up with a poor self- esteem (Piercy).  This low self confidence causes the girl to cut off her natural features, and kill herself.  At the funeral, with a new nose and thin legs, the girl is finally viewed by others as beautiful.  It strikes me as incredibly sad that, even after her death caused by the world's harsh scrutiny, the people still cannot looks past her appearance.  The usage of imagery allows the readers to see how the girl actually appears, how she views herself, and how others see her.  I imagine the author's motivation for writing this poems was to show society's obsession with physical appearances, and the brutal effect it has on women.

"Hunters in the Snow": Characterization

     The short story, Hunters in the Snow by Tobias Wolff, tell of men who venture off to an open piece f land to spend the day simply being men doing manly things.  The author uses characterization to describe these men, and later announce that they all do not fit the image of a stereotypical man.  But, firstly, the audience learns that Frank, Kenny, and Tub appear to be fearless and tough as they travel through snow covered roads in a car with a busted window.  The inner personalities begin to become clear when the men eat their lunches.  Kenny dives into "several slices of pizza and a couple of candy bars," while "Frank eats a sandwich, an apple, two carrots, and a square of chocolate" (Wolff).  Then, "Tub eats one hard-boiled egg and a stick of celery" (Wolff).  Clearly, only Kenny fits the image of a big, brute.  The lunches of Franks and especially Tub are rather womanly.  These two men's diets remind me of a character on the movie called Devil Wears Prada.  This lady claims to be on a no food diet.  However, when this woman feels faintly, she eats a cube of cheese.  I see a connection between this character and Tub.  Later, there rare hurt feelings, gossip, and a big fight.  These men, at first, are characterized as the typical group of men, but are found to be how most people envision women.

"Othello": Does Othello Truly Love Desdemona?

      As I finish the horribly tragic tale, Othello by William Shakespeare, I mull over the motif of Othello love. Throughout the beginning of the work, Othello's love for Desdemona seems to be strong and true.  However, when Iago fibs of Desdemona's unfaithfulness, Othello love is put to the test.  Many times does Othello deny this rumor or Desdemona's encounters with Cassio because of their pure, undying love for each other.  It is not until Iago present proof, that Othello undergoes a complete change, and suddenly wishes to kill his beloved.  I believe that it is because Othello loves Desdemona so much that he is hurt to the point where he cannot fully comprehend his wife's adultery.  Even as he is about to murder Desdemona, he commands her to say her prayers because he "...would not kill thy unprepared spirit" (IV.ii.33).  Then, after he takes his beloved's life, Othello is completely beside himself.  Because he loathes himself for not believing Desdemona and eventually kills her, Othello ends up taking his own life.

"Othello": Dramatic Irony

     Woah, Woah! Did Othello really just brutally strangle his beloved Desdemona?  In William Shakespeare's Othello, the mighty Moorish general becomes a slave to his Lieutenant's deception and murders the love of his life, Desdemona.  With the audience being aware of Desdemona's faithfulness, while Othello is not, dramatic irony takes its toll on the story line of the play.  The literary device allows the reader the have complete knowledge of Iago's sneaky manipulations and see the full truths and intentions of the characters.  If this literature did not involve dramatic irony, Cassio would have never been fired, Desdemona would not have been suspected of adultery, and Othello would not have killed his wife.  Basically, there would be no need for Iago, but also, no real story.  With the main characters thinking
"...Iago is most honest", the plot line is unwoven (Shakespeare, II.iii.7).  Because there is dramatic irony, a brilliantly chaotic plot is displayed, making Othello, Othello.

"Othello": Emilia being a Dynamic Character

       I near the end of the classic literature, Othello by William Shakespeare, I now claim a sense of respect and admiration towards  Emilia, the once obedient wife of Iago.  Before learning of her husband's deceitful plans, Emilia, although not exactly appreciated by Iago,  would parade submissively around him, satisfying his  every need.  In greater depth, without much of an explanation, Emilia willingly steals her best friend's handkerchief under the command of her husband.  Little did Emilia know, this simple action would set into motion a plan to kill her dear friend, Desdemona.  Upon hearing of Iago's evil deception of Othello, Emilia wishes "...His pernicious soul rot half a grain a day" (IV.ii.168).  It is at this point that the readers can detect a change in Emilia's character.  Emilia's faithfulness is quickly replaced by a new, fierce hatred.  This dynamic character reveals the truth evil of Iago to Othello.  Hopefully, Othello's new knowledge of Iago will make for a not so tragedy end to the tale.

"Othello": The Pivotal Role of Iago

     Looking back at the past four acts in Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago's numerous lies and manipulations of various characters begin to fall perfectly into place, making his role pivotal in the plot line.  Iago's countless lies have set off a chain reaction.  One vicious untruth leads to the downfall of them all.  Moreover, by Iago indirectly firing Cassio, Desdemona spends more time with Cassio, trying to reclaim his position.  Then, when Iago plant a false send of Desdemona's unfaithfulness in Othello, the couple turns against one another.  Eventually the intensity of Othello's hatred for Desdemona urges the desire to "...Strangle her in bed..." (Shakespeare, IV.i.191).  Clearly, Iago's plotting goes past the point of simply wanting a higher position in the military.  Because Iago suggests the killing of both Desdemona and Othello, I predict that the two will soon both perish.

"Othello": Predictions

     So far, in the first three acts of Othello by William Shakespeare, there has been numerous account of  drama and deceptions thanks to the evil workings of Iago.  Although I personally loathe Iago and his various manipulations of his closest friends, I do admit his clever and persuasive testimony is completely genius and believable.  Well played, indeed, Iago!  As I read on, Othello and Desdemona engage in an argument that will most likely result in the separation of the couple.  Later, Othello asks Desdemona to "fetch (him) the handkerchief" (Shakespeare, III.iii.80).  When Desdemona learns she has lost Othello's precious gift to her, I assume that all the chaos will break loose between the two.  Looking ahead, I predict, since this literature is labeled as a tragedy, that this conflict will not be resolved.

"Othello": Symbolism of the Handkerchief

    In Act III of classic literature, Othello by William Shakespeare, a simple handkerchief is used as a symbol  which I predict will play a vital role in the outcome of the work.  Firstly, this handkerchief was given to Desdemona by Othello as a token of his love.  The gift symbolizes Othello's pure and simple love for his wife.  Because of the meaning behind the handkerchief, Iago, using his manipulative genius, will use the symbol to turn the lovers against one another.  Iago plans to go to Cassio's and "...lose this napkin and let him find it" (Shakespeare, III.iii.131-2)  Because this handkerchief symbolizes Desdemona's love and faithfulness to her husband, Othello will automatically assume she is cheating.  As this gift was actually his own mother's, Othello will be heartbroken over this matter.  I predict Othello will eventually step down from his position in office, letting Iago to take his place.

"Othello": Irony of Iago

    Throughout Act II of Othello by William Shakespeare, the audience gets a taste of Cassio and Iago's differing treatment and opinions of women.  To begin, Cassio's flirty behaviors causes him to appear infinitely more friendly and desirable than the hardhearted Iago. Cassio greets the women he encounters with a kiss.  Also, when Desdemona enters his presence, Cassio demands all the men to kneel before her.  This action instills the notion that Cassio respects and honors women.  Moving on,  Iago is presented as a ma with a poor view of women.  Iago looks at women as sneaky and manipulative.  This view is ironic because Iago is bother sneaky and manipulative.  Later, Desdemona mentions that Iago treats "though praisest the worst best" (Shakespeare, II.i.143).  Overall, Cassio treats women incredibly better than Iago.

"Othello": Characterization of Iago

    In Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago is characterized through his deceptions of Othello, Cassio, and Montano.  Moreover, Iago yearns for a higher office in the military than the one he currently holds.  Instead of improving himself, Iago decides to gain his desired position by deceiving and humiliating those who genuinely respect and rely on his trust.  In even greater depth, Iago tell Montano that Cassio's drinking "Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep" (Shakespeare, I.iii.90).  Because his vice is revealed, Othello fires Cassio from office.  Iago, further illuminating his deceitful methods,  tells Cassio to ask Desdemona for help in restoring Othello's faith in him.  The overall message I took from this situation was that Iago uses his two-faced behavior to accomplish his goal.  Iago is ultimately characterized as a manipulative man seeking personal gain through the deception of others.

"Getting Out": Thoughts and Feelings

    In the terse poem, "Getting Out" by Cleopatra Mathis, the gradual separation among two lovers is revealed.  In my personal opinion, I think this piece of literature to be exceptionally gloomy, yet true to real life scenarios.  The movement of the work is broken down by stanzas.  In the first stanza, a restless and longing for separation is established.  The second stanza explains the attempts of a man to escape his unhealthy relationship.  Even with all the hate looming between the two, the man cannot seem to depart.  The last stanza reveals the ending of the relationship.  The lovers, "with arms stretched...let go" (Mathis).  The happenings of this poem match up with those, in reality, seeking to get out of a relationship.  Many people recognize their desire to break up with their partner.  Yet, all the happy and memorable moments stop these people from getting out immediately.  Then, after a lengthy amount of time, these people know what will truly make them happy, and leave that person, knowing it is the best possible choice.

"You're Ugly, Too": Alienation

    In "You're Ugly, Too" by Lorrie Moore, the life of a painfully sarcastic middle aged woman, Zoe Hendricks, is examined through the presentation of her relationships and lifestyle.  Flashbacks reveal Zoe's past relationships and explain her cynicism towards the people in her life.  Also, these flashbacks make Zoe a sympathetic character by revealing her unfortunate dealings with men.  These harsh occurrences have hardened Zoe's heart and made her unfeeling to those engaging in a joyous relationship.  For example, upon her of her sister's engagement, Zoe reacts by telling of a relationship where a man made his lover "go to all his summer softball games, made her cheer for him from the stands... until she later killed herself" (Moore).  Then, when Zoe meets the friendly and sociable Earl, she constantly makes snide remarks.  I am under the impression that Zoe, does not necessarily take great pity upon herself, but does recognize her extreme loneliness.  However, despite this alienation, Zoe clearly makes herself undesirable by being sardonic to every being she encounters.  This short story truly confused me as it seemed to be more character-driven than plot-driven.

"Popular Mechanic": Dramatic Irony

       Wait!  So, did the baby really just get torn in half by his parents?  In Popular Mechanics by Raymond Carver, a couple viciously argues as the man is leaving the woman.  On a side note, I predict the title, Popular Mechanics, is named so to display to common occurrence of separation among couples.  To start, the child seems to be the only real think linking this man and woman together.  However, the heat of the argument, the baby's actual being is forgotten as the two argue over the ownership of the child.  Assuming the couple has engaged in several hateful conflicts, gaining ownership over the child would bring a sense of victory to one of the opposing pair.  Blind to the fact that "the baby was red-faced and screaming", the couple continues to each pull on an arm of the child.  In the end, dramatic irony conquers all and determine who gets to claim possession of the baby.  No one.

"The Story of an Hour": Foreshadowing

Mrs. Mallard longs to be a "free bird".

        In the short work, The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, unexpected as well as ironic events occur to tell of a family's happenings in just one, short hour.  To begin, the author mentions Louise Mallard's newly found heart ailment, but then ceases to continue on the matter.  This provides the reader with foreshadowing to future events.  Next, upon hearing of her husband's untimely death, Mrs. Mallard weeps in her sister's arms then retreats into a room.  While in solitude, the word "free" keeps coming up in Louise's mind.  Ashamed at first, Mrs. Mallard then realizes, from now on, "she would live for herself...(with) no powerful will bending her" (Chopin).  These thoughts of freedom reveal that Mrs. Mallard, instead of finding sheer love and friendship in her spouse, looks at Mr. Mallard as weight keeping her from experiencing life.  I, personally, think this woman as heartless, considering she literally just learned of her husband's death less than an hour ago.  But, an ironic twist is presented when Brently Mallard walks through the door, and Louise drops dead. Now, BMllard is the free bird

"How I Met My Husband": Personal Opinion

      What an unexpected yet lovely twist to wrap up the short story, How I Met My Husband by Alice Munro.  To start, I actually thoroughly enjoyed this piece of literature.  Personally, I am often a sucker for love tales involving a beautiful youth falling for the new comer in town.  However, my admiration for this stranger, Chris, vanishes upon hearing of his engagement, to the obnoxious and quite unappealing Alice.  Moreover, Chris has one side where he is in a committed relationship, and another where he prey upon naive farmer girls with unrealized beauty.  I truly pity Edie for her unfortunate encounters with Chris.  First, Edie is drawn in to a man who find her "so nice and beautiful" (Munro).  Then, each day, Edie waits eagerly for a letter that will never arrive.  I find it so clever how the author works the mailman into Edie's life.  He is clearly the better choice for this heartbroken dame.  In greater depth, Edie feels no pressure when speaking with this mailman, receives compliments with the luxury of applying pounds of makeup first, and is asked out on a date with a true and honest gentleman.

"Delight in Disorder": Imagery

“Crippled things are always more beautiful. It's the flaw that brings out beauty.”
~Holly Black

    In the poem, Delight in Disorder by Robert Herrick, imagery is used to convey the strong feeling of the speaker.  Moreover, the speaker looks upon a woman who appears to be dressed disorderly.  This wanton woman has "an erring lace, here and there,... a careless shoe string,... (and) a cuff neglected" (Herrick).  Although this usage of imagery paints a picture of a woman who is an absolute mess, the author then describes the maiden to be "a wild civility" (Herrick).  So, the disheveled look actually adds to the woman's beauty.  The speaker describes the woman as a piece of art.  In greater depth, this lady's physical flaw makes her appealing.  In addition, the woman is better than the everyday proper lady because of her appearance.  I believe the overall meaning of the work is to show that the faults and flaws make an object stand out, making it unique, and therefore desirable.

"Eveline": Situational Irony

        In the rather sad, short story, Eveline by James Joyce, Evvy remembers her childhood and yearns to reclaim the sanguine state she once had.  The author uses situational irony to add a twist to the fate of Evvy.  To start, Eveline looks back at a happier time, then snap back to reality when realizing that "she and her brothers and sisters are all grown up; her mother dead" (Joyce).  This depressing realization urges the woman to reclaim happiness in her life.  Marrying Frank, a worldly and exotic man, is Evy's plan to bring back the joy that has been sucked from beneath her.  Still, some kind of guilt weighs upon Eveline in deciding whether or not she should run away to marry Frank.  I, personally, predicted that Eveline would, after years spent with a strict and angry father, have no trouble in leaving her family behind to create a new life of her own.  I was really taken by surprise when Evvy could not physically make herself climb aboard the boat with Frank.  Moreover, Evvy may appear to not want to leave her home, but earlier, she mentions that home is no longer the warm, comforting place she grew up in.  And this, in fact, in confusing.

"Lonely Hearts": Concrete Details

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band~ 

       IN the poem, Lonely Hearts by Wendy Cope, each short paragraph contains a person seeking companionship to fulfill an emptiness looming in his or her life.  To start, the first character, apparently an avid biker, yearns to find an adventurous girl to accompany him on his travels.  Next, a gay vegetarian asks for someone who shares common interests with him.  I think the author brings attention to the fact that this man is both gay and a vegetarian to craft the notion that he is unique and looks for someone who can share in this uniqueness.  Then an executive longs for a woman to bring excitement into his life.  By using concrete details, such as, "bisexual woman, arty, young", the author creates the images of new, nontraditional concepts to play into what the executive is searching for (Cope).  Next, a lady longs for someone to fully accept her for everything that she is.  This lady mention she is all the wonderful things a man looks for; successful, straight, and solvent.  But, this woman wants a partner to take in her son, as well as be accepting of her Jewish religion.  The last person is more confusing.  He or she seems to be greatly troubled by his or her lack of worldly knowledge.  This man or woman seeks a simple and youthful companion much like himself.