Blogging has been a great help for me. It has me in the aspect of thinking as it pertains to proof reading. Because we as the commenters must provide good and serious comments. This forces us to pay close attention to different thigns including grammar. This has provided practice on proofreading. This also has forced me to pay close attention to what I write; so that I don't make the same, senseless, or any mistakes. This method of communication has strengthened my ability and tolerance for reading long pieces of writing. I always stray away from reading long pieces of writing, however I now count an honor and priviledge to read the work of my peers, despite it's length. As a thinker, it has opened up another point of view in my way of thinking. I now understand and relate to my peers alot more in more aspects besides music. I now find myself connecting with different ones in a higher intellectual, academic, political, and societal level.
A concern with the blogging is the gap that seems to still exist. In our attempt to restore and even establish a bond with 11-1, I don't feel that it has been accomplished as of yet. Not excluding myself, it seems as if we are not commenting as much on the work of our extended peers. When given the direction to comment, I see that will still manage to comment within he class. There is no problem with that, however, when trying to break the communication barrier between the two classes, I don't think we are moving closer to that goal. Perhaps instating the stipulation that it is mandatory to comment on works of the other class will get this accomplished.
Overall, blogging contributes to the overall success of communication we now have within class. I find it as an enjoyable experience and quite helpful to me. The ability to read, comment , and reflect on the work of my peers has helped me substantially.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
F. Scott Fitzgerald/ The Great Gatsby
“Riches have never fascinated me, unless combined with the greatest charm or distinction.”
–Letter, Aug. 1936, to Ernest Hemingway
In comparison and in context to the Great Gatsby, this quote by Fitzgerald is portrayed through the story. In this quote, Fitzgerald is basically saying that his fascination with riches is only constituted by charm or distinction. In the Great Gatsby, their as a true distinction between riches. In a way, it was a comparison to the right way to get money and the wrong way. In one corner there was Tom and Daisy who's wealth was gained in the "right way" and in the other corner you have Gatsby who's wealth was gained the "wrong way".
As it pertains to Tom and Daisy, there was no doubt that their wealth was substantial and would last. Tom coming from a rich family ensured that his wealth would be their to stay. There was talk about how he made investment decisions and all sorts of things to save. Daisy was also apart of this wealth. She received all the benefits from Tom's wealth and throughout the book it was quite clear that she was happy and "charming" to all. This is one type of wealth Fitzgerald would be interested in because it brings happiness, joy, and a charming demeanor. As the book progressed, a question of Daisy's happiness and charm began to develop. Was her happiness and charm her justification. Was she just trying to hide her true feelings in the charm of her wealth? If this is the case, how could Fitzgerald possibly be interested in it? In the documentary it was learned that Fitzgerald had a severe drinking problem. This problem was the ultimate source of his demise. IF Fitzgerald lived a life style like that: probably under the assumption that drinking could heal some type of pain or put on a fake image of happiness, he would probably justify he happiness in the "charm of his wealth".
Distinction!! When this word is used or thought of the word different comes to mind. Set apart, separate, and not the same all come to mind when trying to define this word. Gatsby was certainly different and the way he operated was certainly not the same as Tom and Daisy. Fitzgerald said his other fascination with charm comes from distinction. He doesn't want to be like someone else; in this case he doesn't want to have the same type of wealth as someone else. Some may venture to say that Fitzgerald wanted to be a pioneer in entrepreneurship, however I am not fully persuaded that this is the case. In the Great Gatsby, Gatsby is a man, an ominous man and a man of wealth. However, the way he received his wealth was surely different than Tom. Gatsby was an unauthorized dealer of alcohol. One of the things that made Tom wealthy was the fact that his wealth was substantial. Gatsby had to continuously go out and get his wealth. He was not set up for life. His wealth was also not guaranteed. At any given point in the day, his wealth could be taken away from him. As this relates to Fitzgerald, I believe he would have also gone with this type of wealth. It seems that all he wanted was happiness or distinction. He seems that he would do anything to be rich and would not be concerned at how he was viewed nor his true feelings. As already stated, he was an alcoholic. In many ways this could have been a sign to a lifestyle that he considered.
Fitzgerald seemed like a man who struggled with his identity. He didn't quit know what he wanted to do, how to do it, or who he was. The Great Gatsby, now appears to me a internal conflict he was having with himself: debating on the lifestyle that he wanted. In this book he does an excellent job of showing the pro's and con's of each side. I am lead to believed that these were the two lifestyle in particular, that Fitzgerald had in mind while deciding his life. Charm and distinction was what he wanted and the Great Gatsby described both of which he would pursue.
–Letter, Aug. 1936, to Ernest Hemingway
In comparison and in context to the Great Gatsby, this quote by Fitzgerald is portrayed through the story. In this quote, Fitzgerald is basically saying that his fascination with riches is only constituted by charm or distinction. In the Great Gatsby, their as a true distinction between riches. In a way, it was a comparison to the right way to get money and the wrong way. In one corner there was Tom and Daisy who's wealth was gained in the "right way" and in the other corner you have Gatsby who's wealth was gained the "wrong way".
As it pertains to Tom and Daisy, there was no doubt that their wealth was substantial and would last. Tom coming from a rich family ensured that his wealth would be their to stay. There was talk about how he made investment decisions and all sorts of things to save. Daisy was also apart of this wealth. She received all the benefits from Tom's wealth and throughout the book it was quite clear that she was happy and "charming" to all. This is one type of wealth Fitzgerald would be interested in because it brings happiness, joy, and a charming demeanor. As the book progressed, a question of Daisy's happiness and charm began to develop. Was her happiness and charm her justification. Was she just trying to hide her true feelings in the charm of her wealth? If this is the case, how could Fitzgerald possibly be interested in it? In the documentary it was learned that Fitzgerald had a severe drinking problem. This problem was the ultimate source of his demise. IF Fitzgerald lived a life style like that: probably under the assumption that drinking could heal some type of pain or put on a fake image of happiness, he would probably justify he happiness in the "charm of his wealth".
Distinction!! When this word is used or thought of the word different comes to mind. Set apart, separate, and not the same all come to mind when trying to define this word. Gatsby was certainly different and the way he operated was certainly not the same as Tom and Daisy. Fitzgerald said his other fascination with charm comes from distinction. He doesn't want to be like someone else; in this case he doesn't want to have the same type of wealth as someone else. Some may venture to say that Fitzgerald wanted to be a pioneer in entrepreneurship, however I am not fully persuaded that this is the case. In the Great Gatsby, Gatsby is a man, an ominous man and a man of wealth. However, the way he received his wealth was surely different than Tom. Gatsby was an unauthorized dealer of alcohol. One of the things that made Tom wealthy was the fact that his wealth was substantial. Gatsby had to continuously go out and get his wealth. He was not set up for life. His wealth was also not guaranteed. At any given point in the day, his wealth could be taken away from him. As this relates to Fitzgerald, I believe he would have also gone with this type of wealth. It seems that all he wanted was happiness or distinction. He seems that he would do anything to be rich and would not be concerned at how he was viewed nor his true feelings. As already stated, he was an alcoholic. In many ways this could have been a sign to a lifestyle that he considered.
Fitzgerald seemed like a man who struggled with his identity. He didn't quit know what he wanted to do, how to do it, or who he was. The Great Gatsby, now appears to me a internal conflict he was having with himself: debating on the lifestyle that he wanted. In this book he does an excellent job of showing the pro's and con's of each side. I am lead to believed that these were the two lifestyle in particular, that Fitzgerald had in mind while deciding his life. Charm and distinction was what he wanted and the Great Gatsby described both of which he would pursue.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby Chapt. One
Main Characters:
Nick
Daisy
Tom
Ms. Baker
Mr. Gatsby
Nick- from the midwest, lives with his parents, came to the east to get involved with the stock world
Daisy- Nick's distant cousin, married to Tom
Tom- went to college with Nick, very arrogant, very wealthy, strong, physically in shape, non-content, cheating on his wife
Mr. Gatsby- mysterious, lives on the west egg
Ms. Baker- friend of Daisy, plays golf
The first chapter gave explicit details on the characters except Mr. Gatsby. He seems to be very mysterious. Nick seems to contradict himself. Even though he doesn't openly judge, his does in his mind. He still lives with his parents and doesn't have much to his name. Tom is very stuck up and extremely prideful. Daisy is also prideful and just talks about all she has done and seen.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Poetry Supermarket/ Momaday
http://www.hanksville.org/voyage/poems/Tsoai-talee.html
1. N. Scott. Momaday, was a Native Amercian ; and in his writings, especially "The Delight Song of Tsoai-Talee", it is quite evident. That poem starts out as a "Where I'm from" format: the phrase "I am" is continuosly repeated throughout the first half of the poem. The things and phrases that are used to describe who he is, pertain to; if not directly to, someone of Native American decent. Momaday grew up on a reservation. Statements such as " I am: a feather on the bright sky, the shadow that follows a child, the evening light, the lustre of meadows, an eagle playing with the wind, and a cluster of bright beads", elude to his Native culture. Throughout readings of Native Amercian literature, they always pay tribute to and in some way write about those things that symbolize their culture. Momaday calls himself the bright sky, feather, wind and bright beads; all of which describe how the Natives lived and dressed. In a way, Momaday can be viewed as a contemporary romanticist: by the way his writings appeal to nature and his surroundings. For this poem makes references to the setting of a reservation.
2. The theme of "The Delight Song of Tsoai-Talee", in my opinion is identity. In this poem the repeatitive use of the phrase " I am" shows someone making a declarative statement. Momamday or the narrator is declaring who they are. By the declarations it can be assumed that this person is Native American. Nevertheless, their nationality is not stated, therefore we are just left with the though of someone affirming thir identity and letting us know what they are but not whom. Despite this being not being a speech, a use of emotinal rhetoric is being used. As it was already pre-stated, the phrase "I am" was used in a repeatitive fashion. This is use of rhetoric appeals to the readers emotions. The repeated phrase grabs the attention to the reader. If it were a speech, listeners would have attached themselves and began to reapet the phrase along with them as is was given. This poem could possibly be deemed as motivational, with hopes that the phrase "I am" would motivate someone to declare who they are and become confident.
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/angle-of-geese/
3. In the " Angle of Geese", Momaday once again makes a referance to is Native Amercian culture. In the latter part of the poem, he talks about hunting for geese. It can be assumed that this is a reference to his culture because of what is known as "general knowledge" of the Natives. It is known that the Native men were to hunt for the food for their families. It is also known that the Natives lived in reservstions or on a plain. Particularly for them, geese were a common abundance for them as food. In the earlier part of the poem Momaday is illustrating a real life situation. Because of the verbage being used, you can assume it is an American situation. He is talking about the death of a child. The assumption comes from the play on words when he uses the term wake. A wake is something that is affiliated with catholicism, that follows death. Most Amercians are catholic, thus the assumption being made. He also beings to discuss the American dialect; how it differs from others. He talks about how the typical American would verbally express remorse and saddness toward this particaular happening. Now he begans to show his "true" American influence by writing about maybe what he may consider a problem for Americans. He also maybe trying to show the difference between Americans and other; maybe trying to prove whether it is better or worst, more advanced or less advanced, more emotional or less emotional.
4. Nothing distictinly makes the author American by their works. However, in a way, it eludes to it. The history of America is quite rich and America has been known as a "melting pot". Because of this identity, their are various types of Americans. I believe that the acknowledgement of their own culture and discussion and theme of American society shows that they are American poets. More so with " Angle of Geese" in comparison to " The Delight Song of Tsoai-Talee", this thought is prominent. Momaday took an situation, explored the American way the situation would be handled, and compared it to a more cultural situation of his time. This seems to be the way American poets are identified without or outside of stating that the poet is American
1. N. Scott. Momaday, was a Native Amercian ; and in his writings, especially "The Delight Song of Tsoai-Talee", it is quite evident. That poem starts out as a "Where I'm from" format: the phrase "I am" is continuosly repeated throughout the first half of the poem. The things and phrases that are used to describe who he is, pertain to; if not directly to, someone of Native American decent. Momaday grew up on a reservation. Statements such as " I am: a feather on the bright sky, the shadow that follows a child, the evening light, the lustre of meadows, an eagle playing with the wind, and a cluster of bright beads", elude to his Native culture. Throughout readings of Native Amercian literature, they always pay tribute to and in some way write about those things that symbolize their culture. Momaday calls himself the bright sky, feather, wind and bright beads; all of which describe how the Natives lived and dressed. In a way, Momaday can be viewed as a contemporary romanticist: by the way his writings appeal to nature and his surroundings. For this poem makes references to the setting of a reservation.
2. The theme of "The Delight Song of Tsoai-Talee", in my opinion is identity. In this poem the repeatitive use of the phrase " I am" shows someone making a declarative statement. Momamday or the narrator is declaring who they are. By the declarations it can be assumed that this person is Native American. Nevertheless, their nationality is not stated, therefore we are just left with the though of someone affirming thir identity and letting us know what they are but not whom. Despite this being not being a speech, a use of emotinal rhetoric is being used. As it was already pre-stated, the phrase "I am" was used in a repeatitive fashion. This is use of rhetoric appeals to the readers emotions. The repeated phrase grabs the attention to the reader. If it were a speech, listeners would have attached themselves and began to reapet the phrase along with them as is was given. This poem could possibly be deemed as motivational, with hopes that the phrase "I am" would motivate someone to declare who they are and become confident.
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/angle-of-geese/
3. In the " Angle of Geese", Momaday once again makes a referance to is Native Amercian culture. In the latter part of the poem, he talks about hunting for geese. It can be assumed that this is a reference to his culture because of what is known as "general knowledge" of the Natives. It is known that the Native men were to hunt for the food for their families. It is also known that the Natives lived in reservstions or on a plain. Particularly for them, geese were a common abundance for them as food. In the earlier part of the poem Momaday is illustrating a real life situation. Because of the verbage being used, you can assume it is an American situation. He is talking about the death of a child. The assumption comes from the play on words when he uses the term wake. A wake is something that is affiliated with catholicism, that follows death. Most Amercians are catholic, thus the assumption being made. He also beings to discuss the American dialect; how it differs from others. He talks about how the typical American would verbally express remorse and saddness toward this particaular happening. Now he begans to show his "true" American influence by writing about maybe what he may consider a problem for Americans. He also maybe trying to show the difference between Americans and other; maybe trying to prove whether it is better or worst, more advanced or less advanced, more emotional or less emotional.
4. Nothing distictinly makes the author American by their works. However, in a way, it eludes to it. The history of America is quite rich and America has been known as a "melting pot". Because of this identity, their are various types of Americans. I believe that the acknowledgement of their own culture and discussion and theme of American society shows that they are American poets. More so with " Angle of Geese" in comparison to " The Delight Song of Tsoai-Talee", this thought is prominent. Momaday took an situation, explored the American way the situation would be handled, and compared it to a more cultural situation of his time. This seems to be the way American poets are identified without or outside of stating that the poet is American
Monday, March 2, 2009
Romanticism to Realism
1.) The writings of Kate Chopin compare to the Romantics in a sense of simplicity. Between the two stories, Kate Chopin has the main character picking up on and dealing with the simplest matters. In "lilacs", the mother superior is constantly noticing and identifing those things thats have changeed and show to be different from her last visit. In "a pair of silk stockings" the main character is deciding how to spend money. Despite the change in era, it seems as though the idea of bringing magnification and attention to the simple things in life is re-occuring. As the proggression is made, the writings are changing from people realizing and dwelling in a imaginative place nature but people realizing the little things in the social world with everyone else.
2.)In "a pair of silk stockings" and "lilacs", the presence of a theme was equally dominant. In " a pair of silk stockings", the main character was contemplating about the proper way to spend fifteen dollars. The theme that seemed to be present was one of wisdom. I belive that Kate Chopin was trying to convey a message on how to use wisdom in even the simplest of situatuions. In a way, this could have been her way of saying that: judging by the way the nation is being run and the decsions being made, wisdom and contemplation is not being put to use.
In "lilacs", Kate Chopin is showing the essence of living a true life. The story is centered upon a woman who is living two different lives. The story results in the woman being banned from a place in which she enjoyed belonging to and visiting. Perhaps Chopin could be sending a warning message to the society saying that those things that are done in secretivity, and are contrary to the way(s) of life you choose to live; the truth will be revealed.
In my opinion, each of these "ideologies" of how and what society should be like tie in to each other. A person should live one life and stay true themselves. They should not live a life full of facades; for they wil be exposed. However, applying wisdom and a moment of contemplation, will help that person in their proceedings during life.
3.) While reading the two passages, it appears that Chopin is a feminist writer. It seems as though she is writing to women to help with their empowerment and to pass along wisdom. However, Chopin writes for, in my opinion, a society of people that need guidance in how live a "normal" life. Her writings give "advice" and serve as a thinking point for all those who are filled with ambivalence. Her writings force the reader to do a self examination and change their way of living. Furthermore, it can be concluded that she writing for all who apply.
4.) As a reader, Kate Chopin has added on to the life lessons that I have been taught thus far. Before making any decision, you must consider all the possible choices and options. Think about each choice; understanding whom it affects and benefits. In the long run, the decision is yours and you should decided for yourself and no else however, you must keep in mind others and realize that even the simplest of things impact people. Just as those decisions impact others, they impact you. The decisions you make impact your own life and you must decide which road and lifesyle is good for you. You have to pick one life to live because you will be exposed.
5.) The initial attraction to Kate Chopin was the fact that her story was the shortest. However, after reading, I found that her writing was very symbolic and left good messages and concepts. "But Adrienne could not sleep. She did not greatly desire to do so. These hours seemed too precious to be cast into the oblivion of slumber. Are you asleep, Adrienne? No, Sister Agathe. You know it is always so the first night. The excitement of my arrival-I don't know what-keeps me awake"
Because of my religous up bringing, this statement was more spiritual than anything else. To me this statement expressed some of the affects of trying to hide something. She could not sleep; to me that seemed to be a paranoia of hers. When you know you are hiding something, simple life procedures become hesitated. You constantly feel uneasy and you do not know what it is. You constantly find yourself trying to justify its happening. When you enter into a place that you are that is foreign to your life style and differs than your usual dwellings, you don't feel right. You will begin to feel conviction, especially when the foreign inhabitance is the better choice and solution, you will constanly feel troubled. In the end result someone will always find out. You now will be forced to make a decision about which way you choose to live.
The message it brought about for me was that you can't run from God and your wrong doing will catch up to you, thus leaving you in worst shape than when you began. When you find yourself in a place that conflicts with your spirit man, you will always find confusion. Living the right life will always benefit you and it will keep you out of trouble.
2.)In "a pair of silk stockings" and "lilacs", the presence of a theme was equally dominant. In " a pair of silk stockings", the main character was contemplating about the proper way to spend fifteen dollars. The theme that seemed to be present was one of wisdom. I belive that Kate Chopin was trying to convey a message on how to use wisdom in even the simplest of situatuions. In a way, this could have been her way of saying that: judging by the way the nation is being run and the decsions being made, wisdom and contemplation is not being put to use.
In "lilacs", Kate Chopin is showing the essence of living a true life. The story is centered upon a woman who is living two different lives. The story results in the woman being banned from a place in which she enjoyed belonging to and visiting. Perhaps Chopin could be sending a warning message to the society saying that those things that are done in secretivity, and are contrary to the way(s) of life you choose to live; the truth will be revealed.
In my opinion, each of these "ideologies" of how and what society should be like tie in to each other. A person should live one life and stay true themselves. They should not live a life full of facades; for they wil be exposed. However, applying wisdom and a moment of contemplation, will help that person in their proceedings during life.
3.) While reading the two passages, it appears that Chopin is a feminist writer. It seems as though she is writing to women to help with their empowerment and to pass along wisdom. However, Chopin writes for, in my opinion, a society of people that need guidance in how live a "normal" life. Her writings give "advice" and serve as a thinking point for all those who are filled with ambivalence. Her writings force the reader to do a self examination and change their way of living. Furthermore, it can be concluded that she writing for all who apply.
4.) As a reader, Kate Chopin has added on to the life lessons that I have been taught thus far. Before making any decision, you must consider all the possible choices and options. Think about each choice; understanding whom it affects and benefits. In the long run, the decision is yours and you should decided for yourself and no else however, you must keep in mind others and realize that even the simplest of things impact people. Just as those decisions impact others, they impact you. The decisions you make impact your own life and you must decide which road and lifesyle is good for you. You have to pick one life to live because you will be exposed.
5.) The initial attraction to Kate Chopin was the fact that her story was the shortest. However, after reading, I found that her writing was very symbolic and left good messages and concepts. "But Adrienne could not sleep. She did not greatly desire to do so. These hours seemed too precious to be cast into the oblivion of slumber. Are you asleep, Adrienne? No, Sister Agathe. You know it is always so the first night. The excitement of my arrival-I don't know what-keeps me awake"
Because of my religous up bringing, this statement was more spiritual than anything else. To me this statement expressed some of the affects of trying to hide something. She could not sleep; to me that seemed to be a paranoia of hers. When you know you are hiding something, simple life procedures become hesitated. You constantly feel uneasy and you do not know what it is. You constantly find yourself trying to justify its happening. When you enter into a place that you are that is foreign to your life style and differs than your usual dwellings, you don't feel right. You will begin to feel conviction, especially when the foreign inhabitance is the better choice and solution, you will constanly feel troubled. In the end result someone will always find out. You now will be forced to make a decision about which way you choose to live.
The message it brought about for me was that you can't run from God and your wrong doing will catch up to you, thus leaving you in worst shape than when you began. When you find yourself in a place that conflicts with your spirit man, you will always find confusion. Living the right life will always benefit you and it will keep you out of trouble.
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