Blog 5- Hazel Tells Laverne & Literary Techniques

   In the poem, Hazel Tells Laverne, by Katharyn Howd Machan, the author uses vernacular, no punctuation, and allusions to convey the meaning of the work in it's entirety. For example, the use of vernacular, "..but sohelpmegod he starts talkin,"(Machan) helps the reader understand the narrator to be an uneducated lower class woman. By knowing this, it is easier to understand her confusion and doubt that she'd ever become a princess as the frog has stated she would. The author uses repetition in this phrase, "..me, a princess,"(Machan) to show the unrealistic nature of princesses and fairytales ever happening in real life. This also ties into the author's use of allusions, like her allusions to the Frog Prince. Overall, I believe the poem to be making fun of such stories which center around fairytales and fiction. After all, how many people have happenings like those in fairytales happen to them in real life? I believe that is what the author is getting at. Fairytales dont' just happen to average people, like the narrator in the story.

Blog 4- Mr. Z & Literary Techniques

  The poem, Mr. Z, by M. Carl Holman, uses irony to describe the character of Mr. Z, the racism that exists in the poem, and the meaning of the work. It is implied that Mr. Z is a black man who denies his race because he is ashamed of his skin color and his ethnic group, which he tries his whole life to separate himself from. He was said to "seize whatever ground was Anglo-Saxonized,"(Holman). This shows irony in that he doesn't want to be judged as a lesser, but by turning to people of different skin color and race than he, denied his own race and pretty much judged himself as lower. More irony can be seen in the conclusion of the poem. His whole life spent struggling to keep away from people and "places where they (his bride) might be barred," (Holman) turns out to be a waste considering after his death he is distinguished as part of the race which he tried to ignore. I believe the lesson of this poem to be that one can't escape who one is or where one comes from. One cannot go on living who they are not, and expect to not be found out. Mr. Z, although coming from a race which has been largely discriminated against, discriminated his own people by separating himself from them.

Blog 3-Dream Deferred & Literary Techniques

    I've had those dreams where I wake up and wish I could fall back asleep and dream such good things over. Or the ones I subconsciously have, and don't recall having by the time I awake. Or the ones that are so horrible, I awake hoping it never happens. But what is a dream deferred as referred to by author Langston Hughes in his poem, Dream Deferred?
    After reading this poem, I decided that the dreams Hughes describes are the ones in which all people can relate to having at one point or another. The use of similes explain different types of dreams, such as an awful one, "Does it stink like rotten meat,"(Hughes)? Or "crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet,"(Hughes)? This implying the ones that one holds onto after awakening, because they are dreams which one enjoyed. The similes, which all are linked to foods, are dreams which are easy for the reader to understand because they do tangible actions, such as run, or sag. However, the conclusion of this poem signifies dreams that defer, meaning they get pushed aside or procrastinated upon. Thus, as Hughes says, they "explode." Some dreams, or lifelong goals are ignored for the idea that they may be too far-fetched or unattainable, these dreams go away because we put them away. I think Hughes begs us to ask ourselves what we do with our dreams and whether or not we chase them.

Blog 2- Interpreter of Maladies & Literary Techniques

    Upon reading the short story, Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri, the theme of the novel was revealed to me through careful consideration and literary techniques. The author uses imagery and flashbacks to give a better understanding to what the overarching idea and meaning of the work as a whole is. Mr. Kapasi, being lonely and unsatisfied with the way his life has panned out, meets Mrs. Das, who I believe to be equally lost and unhappy with her life. I came to this assumption from reading just at the beginning that "Mr. and Mrs. Das bickered about who should take Tina to the toilet," (Lahiri). This, gives the first impression that Mr. and Mrs. Das are immature parents who act inexperienced and overall, irritated with having children. Even later in the novel, my assumption that Mrs. Das is disappointed with her life is proven in her confiding to Mr. Kapasi about her lies to her husband concerning her children and their biological fathers. Mrs. Das' flashbacks to her past concerning her children's birth, her secret from Raj, and her failed friendships with college friends signify her downward spiral in life. Furthermore, the theme which is realized before this, becomes clear and has more meaning at the end of the novel when Mrs. Das comes to terms with reality and starts to accept parenthood. The theme, "In those moments Mr. Kapasi used to believe that all was right with the world, that all struggles were rewarded, that all of life's mistakes made sense in the end," (Lahiri). In the end, Mr. Kapasi watches his address float away without anyone else's notice and takes a mental picture of the Das', finally a loving family. Life's mistakes, like Mrs. Das' lies and untold secrets, in the end come out alright.

Blog 1- Everyday Use & Literary Techniques

    In the short story, Everyday Use, by Alice Walker, many literary techniques are embedded within the story to assert the theme and meaning of the work. The narrator, for example, is understood to be uneducated and this assumption is further proven with a flashback which explains her lack of schooling. Additionally, techniques such as imagery help describe Dee, for example. Her character, being one that "wanted nice things,...at sixteen she had a style of her own; and knew what style was," (Walker) is understood in how she is portrayed in the novel. "Earrings gold, too, and hanging down to her shoulders. Bracelets dangling and making noises when she moves," (Walker). Dee's pride in her appearance and in expensive fashion makes her stand apart from her seemingly country and old-fashioned styled family. The book suggests that Dee wanted to rid herself of her family's outdated lifestyle and bring in new ideas from present society. "She washed us in a river of make-believe, burned us with a lot of knowledge we didn't necessarily need to know," (Walker). The idea of Dee's modern ways in contrast to her family trying to keep her rooted in old tradition is seen through the end of the novel but in a way contradicted. Dee actually asks to have her mother's antique quilts, a strange gesture considering their a special piece of uniqueness to the family heritage. Why would Dee want something to belong to herself which is connected to the past she denies?

Perrine Poetry Blog

    Upon reviewing Perrine's The Nature of Proof in the Interpretation of Poetry, I reflected upon his assertion that "there are no correct or incorrect readings,"(Perrine) when regarding the interpretation of poetry. Different people have different thoughts on various poetic works, which doesn't mean that their interpretation is correct, but also doesn't mean that it is wrong or too far fetched either. I agree with this. There can be various meanings behind an author's work, and although only one is correct, others might come in the same realm of being close. At times when I have been given a piece of poetry to analyze, I have been clearly off scale in closeness to what the author meant to convey. At other times, I have come up with ideas that make sense in the sense the author wished to portray. What really struck me as interesting in this article was how we will always have to keep guessing on what a poem is supposed to be about. The reasoning for this being that, "No poet, however, likes to be caught in the predicament of having to explain his own poems,"(Perrine).  The article explained my confusion for this statement by justifying that the author, by explaining his poems, would never measure up to the description of the poem itself. Thus, one's questioning and wonderment concerning the poem's topic will always be up for discussion and debate.
    Additionally, a few poems were used as example for poems interpreted wrongly. In this case, sometimes, the most clear message is too thought out creating an elaborate explanation. When breaking down the poem into parts and looking carefully, the meaning of the poem can be much easier to determine. I too agree with this and can relate. I have, when confused with analyzing a poem, looked too closely and come up with an idea that is much more complicated than intended by the author to be. I believe this is where the idea of a "determinable meaning,"(Perrine) comes into place. There is a time when the poem has a deeper more philosophical meaning, and a time when the meaning should be viewed loosely because of it's bluntness. All in all, throughout this article I have agreed with most of Perrine's thoughts and have reflected on many that I have never thought of before.

Blog 15: My overall opinion of the ENTIRE novel

    The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a story of old, lost and unfulfilled love, and also of money and status in the roaring 1920's, was an enjoyable classic read. Although, agitated at most times of the book, because of characters and their actions, lessons, which can still apply present day, were noticed. Just like Lily Bart in The House Of Mirth by Edith Wharton, the greedy desire for money presents itself as the only means to ultimate happiness. Still today, people seem to have the idea that money makes the world go 'round. Though, I don't side with this idea, I do back up the lessons of valuing every blessing one has, realizing that lost love may never be regained, and happiness is a choice. I believe the novel also encourages dreaming overboard and to the extent, thinking like a child, being unrealistic, and just seeing what happens. "...his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city," (Fitzgerald,180).. Gatsby doesn't feel as if anything is too far from his reach, or at least he will never come to terms with accepting that some things fly by. Overall, I envy Gatsby's playful naivety and ignorance, and enjoyed the many highlights of this novel.

Blog 14: Analysis of Nick Carraway

    As The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald draws to an end, I believe Fitzgerald uses pathos to reach out to the reader's emotions. Nearing the final moments of this novel, there is more focus on the narrator of Nick Carraway. For the gist of this novel, Mr. Carraway has been overshadowed by the other characters. After following the complicated relationship of Daisy and Gatsby, with Tom interfering all the while, there is suddenly a look into Nick's inward feelings and his relationship with Jordan Baker. Although, the relationship comes to a depressing halt when Nick himself stops it, I enjoyed the character of Nick and the brief look readers got to see of him. "Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away," (Fitzgerald,177). Even though I wish the relationship could have worked, I admire Nick's courage in setting free the woman he loved. I believe Nick's ability to walk away from her to be the most heroic actions in the book. Nick deserves more respect from the other characters and more emphasis by the author. However, the lack of spotlight on him makes him that much more difficult to decipher.

Blog 13: Comparison to another work

    In chapter nine of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick informs Wolfsheim of Gatsby's death and the arrangements of his funeral. However, surprisingly, even taken into consideration Wolfsheim and Gatsby's friendship, Wolfsheim refuses to come to bid his friend a final goodbye. At this, I am angered that he wouldn't be at Gatsby's side, even now at the end. Wolfsheim's reasoning is to not get mixed into a dead man's affairs. Although, I cannot fathom his reasoning and completely disagree with this logic, Wolfsheim did offer an insightful point worth pondering. " 'Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead,' " (Fitzgerald,172).. This reminded me of a line from the song Big Yellow Taxi. It goes, "You don't know what you've got 'till its gone." Not enough appreciation is given to blessings we have now, and sadly, we don't see how well we have something until that something is gone. On the same note, If I Die Young by The Band Perry has the lyric: "Funny, when you're dead how people start listening." All in all, nothing is forever.

Blog 12: Holocaust Illusion

    In the last couple chapters of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author describes the climax of the novel. This, being the argument over Daisy's love, held between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy, adds to the heightened suspense of who Daisy is to choose. It wasn't until nearing the end of chapter 8 that the falling action is revealed as Gatsby's death by Wilson. Upon which, after, Wilson kills himself too. After this, Fitzgerald describes the series of events to a holocaust. Although, the most famous holocaust that we associate to the term, being the execution of many Jews during the second world war, had not occurred yet, he gives the word new meaning. "...the holocaust was complete," (Fitzgerald,162). As history goes on, society will begin to shape an even stronger meaning and connection to this term, as mentioned. Overall though, Fitzgerald is meaning to convey the intensity of such events and the utter horror the place on Nick. Certainly, this makes for a surprise and unfortunate twist to what I thought was going to be a more predictable read.

Blog 11: A look into Daisy Buchanan's character

    Daisy Buchanan's character in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is further developed in chapter seven. While driving home, Gatsby and Daisy hit Myrtle Wilson, who ran out in front of the car. The car wavered and then barreled on down the road without hesitation. Myrtle, once lover of Tom Buchanan, when he went behind Daisy's back, died after the incident. This whole tragedy made me question Gatsby's character, because, I was under the impression that he was a man devoted to the charity of others. He was always opening his door to strangers and sending replacement dresses to women who tore theirs at his parties. It seems out of the ordinary for Mr. Jay Gatsby to be running away from a crime scene, which he himself is the doer. Then, in this chapter, upon Nick's questioning about it, Gatsby admits it was Daisy who was driving. Although, this does not make the action any less terrible, I feel Daisy would be more likely to have done such a thing. ' "...she was nervous and she thought it would steady her to drive--and this woman rushed out just as we were passing a car coming the other way,' " (Fitzgerald,143). I am angered at Daisy, who, I feel resembles so much a child. I wish she could see what she has done and feel affected by that, but instead I feel Daisy has such a relaxed attitude to realize the depth of her mistakes. After the accident, she goes back home and eats dinner, not frantic, as I would suspect most people to be. And upon sitting at the table with Tom, "they weren't happy,...and yet they weren't unhappy either," (Fitzgerald,145). I feel Daisy doesn't want to face what is at hand, and, like a child, believes after a night's sleep, it will all be gone. Maybe this is because Daisy has always gotten out of every predicament by never being assumed as being the cause of fault. Even her own husband believes Gatsby to be the who drove that car.

Blog 10: Daisy's values

    In chapter seven of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the reoccurring theme of social rank and wealth, which often presents itself in nineteenth century life, comes up yet again in this novel. Just like the characters in The House Of Mirth by Edith Wharton were obsessed with money, which ultimately determined who they hung around, what they did, and where they went, Daisy Buchanan in this novel, readers find out, prefers wealth also. Not to say it is bad to like more expensive things, but the idea that money makes the world go 'round, for example, is absurd. It wasn't until this point in the novel that I notice Daisy's interest in riches. " 'Her voice is full of money,' " (Fitzgerald,120). Daisy seems to plea for things that only cost money and this shows off a more greedy side of her. Then, just pages later in this chapter, Gatsby outbursts at Tom after an argument between the whole clan of Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy, while among Nick's presence. " 'She only married you because I was poor and she was tired of waiting for me. It was a terrible mistake but in her heart she never loved any one except me,' " (Fitzgerald,130)! This offers a new idea to think about. Daisy asserts that she did love Gatsby at a point, but so she loved Tom too, and that is why she married him. However, I still wonder if she was bothered so much by Gatsby's poverty at the time of their love. Daisy is a complex character, mixed up in her emotions, and caught between two men, who, I believe, she'll never be able to choose.

Bog 9: My current view of Gatsby

    Mr. Jay Gatsby in chapter six of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, comes off as impractical, dreamy, hopeful, and connected still to his past. Gatsby's idealistic nature, I believe, will be his pitfall. Even though, I would like to see Gatsby and Daisy back together, the separate lives they lead might keep that from happening. However, I believe Gatsby is too sure of himself to give up on Daisy because all he can think of is past memories of old love. He even expects Daisy to, "go to Tom and say: 'I never loved you,' (Fitzgerald,109). Although, we know that Daisy did love Gatsby, even at the time of her marriage to Tom, it is also possible that she holds a certain love for Tom too, making it impossible to be with Jay solely. However, it is hard to tell who Daisy will end up with considering her changing moods, Tom's strict hold over her, and Gatsby unrelenting quest to make Daisy his. As of this point in the novel, Gatsby believes he can repeat the past and " '...fix everything just the way it was before,' " (Fitzgerald,110).. It seems Gatsby will stop at nothing to get what he wants. And in this case, its Daisy.

Blog 8- Reflection of a quote

    In chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gatsby, Daisy, and Nick are all assembled in Gatsby's music room listening to Mr. Klipspringer play the piano. As the night carries on, I was excited to see Gatsby and Daisy slowly warm back up to each other and share in an evening they've been waiting for for over five years. There was a quote which I think describes perfectly the wind of change that I feel is blowing through Gatsby and Daisy's life as they bring each other back into focus. "It was the hour of a profound human change, and exitement was generating in the air," (Fitzgerald,95). Slowly, Gasby and Daisy are letting one another back into their lives and they are anxiousness of what is to come. However, as with any realtionship, when such time has passed, and there has been time to build up expectations, disappointment can arise if they are not met. I'm not saying Gatsby was at all disappointed with the way Daisy has grown up, but after five years, one does not know what to expect. "There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of hs dreams--not through her own fault, but because of then collosal vitality of his illusions...No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart," (Fitzgerald,95-96). Sometimes, one envisions someone in the mind and makes them perfection and everything one wants, but not always in touch with reality. This is a set up for disappointment when one isn't completely the desired and dreamt up one. Daisy Fay is still loved by Gatsby but there is a twinkle of doubt, as Nick says, in his eye.

Blog 7: Foreshadowing

    In chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, readers get a brief look into Jordan Baker and Daisy Fay's teenage years. Not only within these next few pages is there foreshadowing, but also irony and shock. We learn of Jordan's relationship with Daisy: one where sixteen year old Jordan looks up to older beautiful Daisy, who seemingly is the coolest young woman around. Mr. Jay Gatsby is introduced as Daisy's first love. Ironic that Gatsby, who readers have been following the entire novel, and Daisy too, knew each other and actually had a relationship in their younger years. " 'His name was Jay Gatsby, and I didnt lay eyes on him again for over four years--even after I'd met him on Long Island I didn't realze it was the same man,' "(Fitzgerald,75). Thus far, it has been assumed that the two were not connected at all with each other. And Jordan Baker happens to be longtime acquaintances with Daisy, who was with Gatsby, and now Nick is told of the inter affiliation of them all. I was shocked! It really is a small world after all. So thats what Jordan Baker and Gatsby discussed at the party: Jordan's connection to Daisy, who knew Nick, who could set Gatsby and Daisy hooked up again. Nick truly is the center of it all, the middle man. This meeting foreshadows the eventual reunion of Gatsby and Daisy over tea, just as the story of their childhood and love foreshadows their future possible rekindling of that love.

Blog 6: Comparing a specific line to personal experience

    At the conclusion of chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a line is drawn separating Nick from Jordan. This difference is that Jordan is a dishonest woman, while Nick, is a admirable and truthful man. I think this is what actually attracts the two to the other. The fact that Nick justifies Jordan's lying and loves her nonetheless, and Jordan looks to Nick to save her from her own careless ways. And, in the last sentence of the chapter, Nick points out this quality in himself. "Every one suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known," (Fitzgerald,59). I can relate to the character of Nick and his truthfulness. Not to put myself on a pedastool or to brag of myself, but I never suspect anyone is lying to me. I will admit to screwing up at many things and to having some not so great qualities about myself that I try to work on, but lying is something I never think of doing. I guess I just have this ultimate trust in people from the get go and expect the same in return. No matter how much I know the person, I am always truthful and expect no less. This, however, has led to others taking advantage of my trust, and sometimes, I have end up disappointed and hurt. However, I was interested in this similiarity between Nick and I, and have an even deeper regard and respect for him.

Blog 5: Character Analysis

In chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick attends his first party at his neighbor's. Upon meeting his host, and being oblivious to this fact, the two are formally acquainted. This is the first time in the novel Gatsby is really introduced to the reader as more than just the interesting individual next door. Gatsby, who, to me, has already come across as a charming individual, furthers this assertion in my eyes by a quote which conveys him as understanding too. In regards to Gatsby's smile: " It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey," (Fitzgerald,48). I find this admirable because I don't think I myself have ever found someone with the ability to do all this by just a simple smile. Gatsby seems to be a deep and wise man, which not many people can see into and understand the depths of his soul and knowledge. And, although, many accusations have been spread that he killed a man, I am too fascinated with his character to be turned away be any of them. Aside from this point, I would guess him to be a colored man. My reasoning for this assumption is that I think the book depicts him as a man of success at a time when little  respect is given to minorities and other races. If my assumption is correct, I'm happy to see the book proves people of all races and ethnicities are capable of the same successes.

Blog 4: Imagery

    In opening chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the description of Gatsby's home creates the sort of imagery which drew many pictures in my mind and had a sort of importance to me. "In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars," (Fitzgerald,39). Not only using special imagery, but similes as well, Fitzgerald creates an understanding of Gatsby without defining and bringing him up specifically. I find this to be especially important because I am drawn to believe Gatsby to be a well liked man, who throws extravagant parties, and entertains in elaborate ways, attracting flocks of various people. Additionally, the descriptive words selected by the author helps to also convey the beauty and free nature that summer brings. Literary techniques such as these help me to become more engrossed in the novel, feeling I can relate to and envision what Fitzgerald describes. I can see the happiness the parties bring, and the sadness when the party is over. "And on Mondays eight servants, including an extra gardener, toiled all day with mops and scrubbing-brushes and hammers and garden-shears,repairing the ravages of the night before," (Fitzgerald,39). This, to me, symbolized that all good things must come to an end. However, I feel the mentioning of Gatsby's parties will have significance in the novel and maybe affect Nick, a bystander for now.

Blog 3: Comparison to modern society

    In chapter 2 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a common theme of unfaithfulness and treachery presents itself. Tom Buchanan goes behind his wife Daisy's back for Myrtle Wilson, who, in turn, betrays her husband. The reasoning, " 'Neither of them can stand the person they're married to,' " (Fitzgerald,33). Within the next few pages, and after Catherine's suggestion that the two divorce their spouses and marry each other, Myrtle's motives for marrying her husband in the first place are discussed. " 'I married him because I thought he was a gentleman,...I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe,' "(Fitzgerald,34). This precisely shows how selfish desires overtake love as the root of most marriages. That is why today, we still hear of failed marriages and those that have gone wrong. In this novel, even Lucille McKee almost married for the wrong reasons. Aggravating that, the entire room of people, with the exception of Nick, can all unite under the commonality that they've all thrown away the meaning of true love and marriage. So disgusting, that I don't blame Nick Carraway for trying to escape the party. Overall, I find too strong a connection between modern day's sloppy take on marriage and early nineteenth century's carelessness with it too.

Blog 2:Comparison to another work

    In chapter one of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, readers are given some insight into the relationship of Nick and his father. A quote, which Nick recalls his father saying especially stuck out to me. " 'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told me, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had,' " (Fitzgerald,1). I thought this similar to the saying, "There is always someone who has it worse than you." Nick, blessed with a good upbringing and all his basic needs met, can feel satisfied knowing he has more than enough. I find this an important thing to remember myself, having been given these same blessings myself. Then in the next statement, "He didn't say any more but we've always been communicative in a reserved way," (Fitzgerald,1).. Though, I cannot fully understand this type of relationship, a song I've heard quite similarly relates to it. Reba McIntire's song, The Greatest Man I Never Knew, explains a relationship where unspoken words are loudly heard. The line, "He never said he loved me, guess he thought I knew," depicts the idea that actions speak louder than words, and sometimes the loudest words are heard amidst utter silence.

Blog 1: Character Analysis

    Upon my first glimpse at the character of Daisy Buchanan in the novel, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I have keyed slightly into her personality. Daisy's flamboyant and bright attitude first first stuck out to me as she is introduced into the novel. She has a way of making others feel particularly important. To show, "...promising that there was no one she so much wanted to see. That was a way she had,"(Fitzgerald,9). By this point, I was drawn to Daisy's charming nature and carefree soul which continued to show through as the chapter progressed."...her voice glowing and singing,"(Fitzgerald,14). This attribute, I find admirable but peculiar because she knows her husband is cheating on her. The fact that she can withstand such composure despite this, is certainly plausible. Aside from this, and luckily, on a lighter note, Daisy's sporadic personality makes for easier, yet unpredictable reading. One moment, talking about long days, and next, civilizations. Though, only a chapter into this book, I already have connected with the character of Daisy. Overall, I believe she is a character to envy, and I myself wish I could emulate her same constant giddiness.