There is plenty of symbolic significance in the story, “The lottery”. The way the characters are dressed, as well as they way that they converse all add to the theme and tone of the plot. This, of course, serves to enrich the reader’s understanding of the text.
The way the character’s are dressed serves as a way for the reader to place the appropriate level of significance, as well as to the time that the story takes place. Mr. Summers is described as wearing a "clean white shirt and blue jeans" (Kirszner/Mandell pg 407) it sets him apart from the women especially, who are dressed in “faded house dresses and sweaters (Kirszner/Mandell pg 405). This makes it seem like Mr. Summers is a bit more important, that he has a significant role to play compared to the others. Describing the way the villagers dress also places them safely within the confines of the twentieth century. Blue jeans are still very popular today, however wearing house dresses is less so. This would date the story quite a few years from the present date.
The manner in which the townspeople converse is also noteworthy. At the beginning of the story, Mrs. Hutchison, the future-victim, is excited about the lottery. After almost forgetting to attend, she rushes to get there, to see the results. She is lively and jovial, until she finds that it is her family that wins the draw. After the table has turned on her, she proclaims her shock, that her family was wronged, and that the process was not fair. This is in stark contrast to her earlier attitude. When she’s the one watching, and isn’t personally affected, everything is fine and the system works. When it becomes personal, she wishes for immediate change.
The Lottery is a story that leaves one with an uneasy feeling. The author chose to place the time close to our own, which would make it more personal. The way that the character’s speak helps unearth their typical daily way of life, which is that of a rural farming town in America. The way the people are dressed puts them in a rank of sorts, the majority wearing faded clothing, and Mr. Summers wearing clean, pressed whites and jeans.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
"The Storm"
I do not believe the storm excuses the characters from their actions of adultery. As scary as the storm was for them that doesn’t give them the excuse to commit adultery. For them to use the storm as a reason for why they committed the affair would be like them using any bad situation as an opportunity to have an affair. Yes they had a past but both of them were now married and had separate lives. Adultery is wrong no matter what the situation is. When Alcee grabbed Calixta’s shoulders she should have taken that as a sign as to what could possibly happen and should have put an end to it right there.
The Lottery
The village square, in “The Lottery,” in my opinion relates to small American towns today, increasing the horror of the lottery that take place there. The tradition of the lottery was a tradition in which “no one wanted to upset” (Jackson 406). Even though they did not know the origins of the lottery, the village people blindly followed the deadly tradition. Old Man Warner is like the tradition of the lottery, old. “…the back box now resting on the stool had been put into use even before Old Man Warner, the oldest man in town, was born” (406). Old Man Warner seems to take it upon himself to keep the tradition of the lottery going. Mr. Adams talks about others villages giving up the lottery, Old Man Warner snorts and says, “Pack of crazy fools” (408). The slips of paper, that replace the old wood pieces do to the growing community, represent the fate of each of the townspeople. Whoever chooses the slip of paper with the black spot on it is stoned to death. “…the black spot Mr. Summers had made the night before with the heavy pencil in the coal-company office” (410). The black spot on the slip of paper is significant in the fact that the spot on the paper is black. The color black represents death, the fate of the person who ends up with the slip of paper with a black spot on it.
"The Storm"
I do not think the storm in this story excuses the characters from their responsibility for their actions. Why would it? Since they were both married with families I do not think this should of happened at all. Especially while Calixta's husband and son were gone to the store and possibly out in this storm.
I do although understand the contributing factors that helped the affair follow through. Once Calixta became frightened about Bibi and about the house, Alcee was there to comfort her and let her know everthing was going to be okay. "Alcee clasped her shoulders and looked into her face. The contact of her warm, palpitating body when he had unthinkingly drawn her into his arms, had aroused all the old-time infatuation and desire for her flesh"(Chopin 257). This statement clearly shows that he had always had a thing for her.
The passionate affair was short and came about so fast. The only good thing was maybe that now it was done and over with there would be no more desire.
I do although understand the contributing factors that helped the affair follow through. Once Calixta became frightened about Bibi and about the house, Alcee was there to comfort her and let her know everthing was going to be okay. "Alcee clasped her shoulders and looked into her face. The contact of her warm, palpitating body when he had unthinkingly drawn her into his arms, had aroused all the old-time infatuation and desire for her flesh"(Chopin 257). This statement clearly shows that he had always had a thing for her.
The passionate affair was short and came about so fast. The only good thing was maybe that now it was done and over with there would be no more desire.
The Storm
In the short story, “The Storm, by Kate Chopin, a storm sets in motion the chain of events that leads to the characters’ adultery.
Calixta, is at home all by herself, and was so occupied with her own thoughts that she didn’t even realize a storm was brewing. She felt no uneasiness for Bobinôt, her husband and Bibi, her son’s safety. Calixta felt warm and mopped her face and unbuttoned her top button on her dress. As it grows dark she suddenly realizes that a storm is almost upon her. She quickly sets about shutting widows and doors.
As Calixta quickly gathers Bobinôt’s Sunday clothes, before they get soaked by the rain she sees Alc’ee ride up on his horse. What we quickly learn is that Alc’ee is a former beau that she shared passionate kisses with in her youth, long before she had married Bobinôt. Alc’ee asks, “Do you remember—in Assumption, Calixta?” he asked in a low voice broken by passion? She did indeed remember, and that time, because she was a virgin, even though she was passionate about him, she had resisted him. Now, in the height of the storm, Calixta didn’t seem to be able to come up with a reason to resist him, and she gives in to all the passion she felt in the past, all the pent up emotion, and she gives Alc’ee all the passion she has then and now.
Once they are done, they seem to pick up from where they were before the moments of passion, like nothing happened, almost like they were given a free pass, to make up for times gone by.
When I first read this story, I did feel that they had done wrong in their moment of passion, but after reflecting upon it, I think they each gave themselves a gift, and in return were able to move on with their lives, and not make more of the one stolen moment in time.
Kara Carpenter
Calixta, is at home all by herself, and was so occupied with her own thoughts that she didn’t even realize a storm was brewing. She felt no uneasiness for Bobinôt, her husband and Bibi, her son’s safety. Calixta felt warm and mopped her face and unbuttoned her top button on her dress. As it grows dark she suddenly realizes that a storm is almost upon her. She quickly sets about shutting widows and doors.
As Calixta quickly gathers Bobinôt’s Sunday clothes, before they get soaked by the rain she sees Alc’ee ride up on his horse. What we quickly learn is that Alc’ee is a former beau that she shared passionate kisses with in her youth, long before she had married Bobinôt. Alc’ee asks, “Do you remember—in Assumption, Calixta?” he asked in a low voice broken by passion? She did indeed remember, and that time, because she was a virgin, even though she was passionate about him, she had resisted him. Now, in the height of the storm, Calixta didn’t seem to be able to come up with a reason to resist him, and she gives in to all the passion she felt in the past, all the pent up emotion, and she gives Alc’ee all the passion she has then and now.
Once they are done, they seem to pick up from where they were before the moments of passion, like nothing happened, almost like they were given a free pass, to make up for times gone by.
When I first read this story, I did feel that they had done wrong in their moment of passion, but after reflecting upon it, I think they each gave themselves a gift, and in return were able to move on with their lives, and not make more of the one stolen moment in time.
Kara Carpenter
"I Stand Here Ironing" Question #10
I would have to agree with Robert Coles’ optimistic view of the character of Emily in Tillie Olsen’s “I Stand Here Ironing.” The story centers on Emily’s mother’s belief that she had not done enough for her child while she had been growing up. While she was unable to raise her in the fashion she wished, Emily’s mother loved her child desperately enough to brave the conditions of the Depression to find work to provide for her. “She was a miracle to me, but when she was eight months old I had to leave her daytimes with the woman downstairs to whom she was no miracle at all, for I had worked or looked for work and for Emily’s father, who ‘could no longer endure’ (he wrote in his good-bye note)’sharing want with us’ “ (Olsen 284). Believing she had been neglectful in her duties as a parent Emily’s mother sees the person her daughter has become yet does not fully understand that she too had a part to play in her development into a well rounded young woman. “Let her be. So that all that is in her will not bloom – but in how many does it?” (Olsen 289).
Throughout the story we see a family who is plagued by unfortunate circumstances which separate mother and child both psychologically and physically at times. While this separation creates a rift between the character of the mother and Emily, the lack of parental guidance and affection brings forth in the girl a wealth of creativity and compassion that goes untapped in most children. We see examples of this in Emily’s character throughout the story. The first indication of her good nature would be her early school years, while even having a particularly wicked teacher she would not openly complain to her mother. “I knew Emily hated it even if she did not clutch and implore ‘don’t go Mommy’ like the other children, mornings” (Olsen 284). The next example of this is during her stay at the convalescent home when Emily seemed to take in one of the smaller sick girls. “There was a tiny girl who always stood hand in hand with Emily. Her parents never came” (Olsen 286). After this passage we find that particular girl had been moved to another facility because, as Emily puts it, “They don’t want you to love anybody here” (Olsen 286). The implication being that because of Emily’s deep caring for this girl the staff saw fit to move her. Later as Emily matures into her teen years we find that she has a particular talent for the stage. At first her mother does not recognize her own child on the stage, but after seeing her realizes the gift was there the entire time, if unused, and was in fact fostered by the shortage of material and emotional support. “We have left it all to her, and the gift has as often eddied inside, clogged and clotted, as been used and growing” (Olsen 288).
In conclusion, the character of Emily is not a tragic tale of neglectful parentship, but rather the uplifting case of what children are able to achieve even when lacking. Emily made up for her “shortcomings” with great recompense in other areas of her life, eventually becoming a bright, thoughtful and talented adult. For despite the era, she seemed to attend college, as her mother mentioned “midterms” (Olsen 288), which is a remarkable achievement for a woman of her day in itself. While her mother may lament about the perceived misgivings of her upbringing, many parents would consider Emily to be a child worthy of praise.
Throughout the story we see a family who is plagued by unfortunate circumstances which separate mother and child both psychologically and physically at times. While this separation creates a rift between the character of the mother and Emily, the lack of parental guidance and affection brings forth in the girl a wealth of creativity and compassion that goes untapped in most children. We see examples of this in Emily’s character throughout the story. The first indication of her good nature would be her early school years, while even having a particularly wicked teacher she would not openly complain to her mother. “I knew Emily hated it even if she did not clutch and implore ‘don’t go Mommy’ like the other children, mornings” (Olsen 284). The next example of this is during her stay at the convalescent home when Emily seemed to take in one of the smaller sick girls. “There was a tiny girl who always stood hand in hand with Emily. Her parents never came” (Olsen 286). After this passage we find that particular girl had been moved to another facility because, as Emily puts it, “They don’t want you to love anybody here” (Olsen 286). The implication being that because of Emily’s deep caring for this girl the staff saw fit to move her. Later as Emily matures into her teen years we find that she has a particular talent for the stage. At first her mother does not recognize her own child on the stage, but after seeing her realizes the gift was there the entire time, if unused, and was in fact fostered by the shortage of material and emotional support. “We have left it all to her, and the gift has as often eddied inside, clogged and clotted, as been used and growing” (Olsen 288).
In conclusion, the character of Emily is not a tragic tale of neglectful parentship, but rather the uplifting case of what children are able to achieve even when lacking. Emily made up for her “shortcomings” with great recompense in other areas of her life, eventually becoming a bright, thoughtful and talented adult. For despite the era, she seemed to attend college, as her mother mentioned “midterms” (Olsen 288), which is a remarkable achievement for a woman of her day in itself. While her mother may lament about the perceived misgivings of her upbringing, many parents would consider Emily to be a child worthy of praise.
"The Lottery"
I think there is a lot of symbolism in "The Lottery". There are many things that seem to be symbolizing something much more significant, such as clothing and conversation. The story seems to put an emphasis on they way the people are dressed just so. They are dressed similarly, "The women, wearing faded house dresses and sweaters . . .(pg 405)" but not dressed up in fancy clothes. They act like it is such a big occasion that there is a certain way to act and dress, but its a different kind of big occasion than what we would be used to. They know what is coming and it's almost like they are there because it's their duty to do that job. They don't need to get dressed up to do a job like that. Everything just has to be uniform.
The way they talk to each other shows some nervousness. They realize what they will have to do but they know that's just the way it is. They make small talk to pass the time, "men began to gather . . . speaking of planting and rain, tractors and taxes. (pg. 405)" There is no discussion of whats to come. I think it shows that they are nervous for their own fates. By the end though, when its time to do what they came for, I don't believe they care too much about the fates of their freinds.
"The Lottery" Question 1
After reading "The Lottery", I thought the village square was perceive as court that condemns a person to death not because they did something wrong but for a sacrifice for their crops. The village square basically represents hell for the village people. Mrs. Hutchinson had an apron on because she was washing dishes but at the village square she was wiping her hands on the apron. This might mean she is cleansing herself before she gets stoned, although not knowing she was the one to get stoned. The slips of paper were related to a jury in court. The jury are the ones who decide what a person's sentence is, much like the slips of paper. If there wasn't a black spot on the paper, that person was free. If there was a black spot on the paper, that person was sentenced to death. I'm not quite sure what Old Man Warner represents but the book mentioned he was 77 years old and he has been apart of the lottery for 77 years therefore he represents the older generation of the lottery. He would always see the lottery as a tradition and he wouldn't give it up.
"The Storm" question 9
In the story, The Storm, Calixta and Alcee commit adultery during a storm. I do not think the storm excuses their behavior. I do not think that anything would. Both individuals were already married and seemed to love their spouses very much, so why do such a thing?
As soon as the characters see each other, they are tempted. Alcee had meant to just stand on the porch, but the rain started to come through the boards. “He expressed an intention to remain outside, but it was soon apparent that he might as well have been out in the open: the water beat in upon the boards in driving sheets, and he went inside, closing the door after him” (Chopin 256). This sentence suggests that his intentions may have been honorable at first, but the rain drove him into the house, making the tension rise.
“The door stood open, and the room with its white, monumental bed, its closed shutters, looked dim and mysterious” (Chopin 256). They are aware of the bedroom being just a little ways away. The windows are already closed, so no one would be able to see what was going on.
When Calixta and Alcee give in to temptation, there is no guilt. “They did not heed the crashing torrents, and the roar of the elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms” (Chopin 257). This suggests that Calixta feels better now that she has finally given in to her desire for Alcee.
As they lay there, “The growl of the thunder was distant and passing away. The rain beat softly upon the shingles,…” (Chopin 258). The storm has subsided outside as well as within the characters.
Each character goes back to their spouse and acts like nothing happened. Alcee writes a love letter to his wife, and Calixta seems very excited and relieved to have her husband and son home safe.
“So the storm passed and everyone was happy” (Chopin 259). I do not see how this statement can be true. The storm did not give the characters the right to commit adultery. They should have been ashamed of what they had done. They should have felt an immense sense of guilt, but they did not. The storm did help them out in committing this act though. Could it be that they knew they would not be discovered because nobody in his right mind would travel in it? They could have justified by the storm, because they knew it would be something they could sweep under the rug, never to be discovered.
As soon as the characters see each other, they are tempted. Alcee had meant to just stand on the porch, but the rain started to come through the boards. “He expressed an intention to remain outside, but it was soon apparent that he might as well have been out in the open: the water beat in upon the boards in driving sheets, and he went inside, closing the door after him” (Chopin 256). This sentence suggests that his intentions may have been honorable at first, but the rain drove him into the house, making the tension rise.
“The door stood open, and the room with its white, monumental bed, its closed shutters, looked dim and mysterious” (Chopin 256). They are aware of the bedroom being just a little ways away. The windows are already closed, so no one would be able to see what was going on.
When Calixta and Alcee give in to temptation, there is no guilt. “They did not heed the crashing torrents, and the roar of the elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms” (Chopin 257). This suggests that Calixta feels better now that she has finally given in to her desire for Alcee.
As they lay there, “The growl of the thunder was distant and passing away. The rain beat softly upon the shingles,…” (Chopin 258). The storm has subsided outside as well as within the characters.
Each character goes back to their spouse and acts like nothing happened. Alcee writes a love letter to his wife, and Calixta seems very excited and relieved to have her husband and son home safe.
“So the storm passed and everyone was happy” (Chopin 259). I do not see how this statement can be true. The storm did not give the characters the right to commit adultery. They should have been ashamed of what they had done. They should have felt an immense sense of guilt, but they did not. The storm did help them out in committing this act though. Could it be that they knew they would not be discovered because nobody in his right mind would travel in it? They could have justified by the storm, because they knew it would be something they could sweep under the rug, never to be discovered.
Monday, February 15, 2010
A Worn Path
In the story “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty is an allegory, a story that has two parallel and consistent levels of meaning, one literal and one figurative. There are different symbols that are by the characters.
The character Phoenix Jackson is used to symbolize all the black people who were once slaves and still go through the hard racism. Oh her walk to town she knew exactly where she was by the same path. Also when she gets to town for her grandson’s medicine she gets treated badly by the one and gets treated nicely by the actual nurse. Means she goes back for the same thing every time and so they give it to her this time. “Phoenix spoke unasked how. ‘No, missy, he not dead, he just the same. Every little while his throat begin to close up again, and he not able to swallow. He not get his breath. He not able to help himself. So the time come around, and I go on another trip for the soothing medicine’”(Welty 454). So she is a symbol for the people who had just gotten out of slavery.
The other character, the women, is just like the whites that hated the blacks right after slavery was stopped. “’Speak up, Grandma,’ the women said. ‘What’s your name? We must have our history, you know. Have you been here before? What seems to be the trouble with you’”(Welty 453). She seems to get really snotty with Phoenix who just went to get medicine.
I believe it shows the relationship between the whites and slaves after the civil war.
The character Phoenix Jackson is used to symbolize all the black people who were once slaves and still go through the hard racism. Oh her walk to town she knew exactly where she was by the same path. Also when she gets to town for her grandson’s medicine she gets treated badly by the one and gets treated nicely by the actual nurse. Means she goes back for the same thing every time and so they give it to her this time. “Phoenix spoke unasked how. ‘No, missy, he not dead, he just the same. Every little while his throat begin to close up again, and he not able to swallow. He not get his breath. He not able to help himself. So the time come around, and I go on another trip for the soothing medicine’”(Welty 454). So she is a symbol for the people who had just gotten out of slavery.
The other character, the women, is just like the whites that hated the blacks right after slavery was stopped. “’Speak up, Grandma,’ the women said. ‘What’s your name? We must have our history, you know. Have you been here before? What seems to be the trouble with you’”(Welty 453). She seems to get really snotty with Phoenix who just went to get medicine.
I believe it shows the relationship between the whites and slaves after the civil war.
The Storm
The Storm is classic example of local color writing. “ Mama’ll be ‘fraid, yes,( Chopin, pg. 256). “No; she ent got Sylvie. Sylvie was helpin her yistiday,”(Chopin, pg. 256). These quotes from characters in the story illustrate some of the local dialect that is in the book. Having the characters speak in this manner allows Chopin to create a more vivid portrayal of the story. It adds color and allows the reader to picture the characters and mannerisms. When Alcee is looking for shelter from the storm, he stops under a side projection to politely ask Calixta permission to stay. “May I come and wait on your gallery till the storm is over, Calixta?”(Chopin, pg. 256). This shows Alcee character as a southern gentlemen. He also intended to wait outside while the storm passed until it became too strong. In Louisiana there is a number of people who speak French and are influenced by that culture. Calixta uses the words dieu sait, and Bonte which also reinforces local color.
The Storm more than a portrayal of life in Louisiana. It was written in 1899, in a time when women were dominated by men. This is a story where Bobinot’s wife commits adultery and still greets him happily. I believe that at the time this story was written it was considered controversial. The emphasis on the local color allows Chopin to soften the controversial subject matter of the story.
The Storm more than a portrayal of life in Louisiana. It was written in 1899, in a time when women were dominated by men. This is a story where Bobinot’s wife commits adultery and still greets him happily. I believe that at the time this story was written it was considered controversial. The emphasis on the local color allows Chopin to soften the controversial subject matter of the story.
I Stand Here Ironing
In the story, I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen, the Great Depression era is explained very well through the eyes of one woman. This woman is describing her daughter and how events in her life have shaped her personality. The daughter, Emily is the oldest of five children and the mother feels that Emily was raised differently than the younger children. She describes many things that happened to Emily that she feels shaped who her daughter is.
Near the beginning of the story, the young mom had to bring Emily to live with another family. This type of situation could happen today, there would be more regulations surrounding the arrangement (legal rights, custody, etc.), but it does happen in the form of children going to foster homes, group homes, or to live with relatives. I believe it would be very hard for a parent to send off a child to live with another family, but I think parents who realize that it's what's best for the child and do the right thing can get through the situation without too much guilt. She also says that it takes her some time to save the money to get her daughter back, which I also think is realistic today.
When Emily returns home, she is put in nursery school. The mother describes Emily not wanting to go, the teachers humiliating and making fun of children, and calls the school a "Parking place for children". I see this comparison better fit to daycare, although I'm sure there are preschools where these types of things happen. Emily's mom also describes the pleas of other children to not go, and Emily's excuses to not go (I don't feel well, the teachers aren't there today, you don't look well) which I can remember trying to use on my parents all through school.
Emily was sent away a second time, after the apartment had been broken into and Emily was home alone when it'd happened. While Emily was away the second time, parents were only allowed to visit once a week, and then only to shout up from the ground to their children on balconies. Emily lost weight while she was away, this was the eventual reason she was allowed to come home. This scenerio I don't believe could happen today. No doubt there are similar institutions, but as for the treatment of the children and families, it wouldn't happen.
There are other situations in the story that are increasingly realistic. Emily develops a crush on a boy and tries to win him over but he goes for another girl. Following that, she feels she isn't as smart as other students and is labelled a "slow learner". Her mother allows her to skip school even though she knows Emily's not sick. All of these are things most people experience in school.
Although I Stand Here Ironing is a fictional story based on life more than 60 years ago, many of the struggles and hardships of the story could be relevant in our society today.
Near the beginning of the story, the young mom had to bring Emily to live with another family. This type of situation could happen today, there would be more regulations surrounding the arrangement (legal rights, custody, etc.), but it does happen in the form of children going to foster homes, group homes, or to live with relatives. I believe it would be very hard for a parent to send off a child to live with another family, but I think parents who realize that it's what's best for the child and do the right thing can get through the situation without too much guilt. She also says that it takes her some time to save the money to get her daughter back, which I also think is realistic today.
When Emily returns home, she is put in nursery school. The mother describes Emily not wanting to go, the teachers humiliating and making fun of children, and calls the school a "Parking place for children". I see this comparison better fit to daycare, although I'm sure there are preschools where these types of things happen. Emily's mom also describes the pleas of other children to not go, and Emily's excuses to not go (I don't feel well, the teachers aren't there today, you don't look well) which I can remember trying to use on my parents all through school.
Emily was sent away a second time, after the apartment had been broken into and Emily was home alone when it'd happened. While Emily was away the second time, parents were only allowed to visit once a week, and then only to shout up from the ground to their children on balconies. Emily lost weight while she was away, this was the eventual reason she was allowed to come home. This scenerio I don't believe could happen today. No doubt there are similar institutions, but as for the treatment of the children and families, it wouldn't happen.
There are other situations in the story that are increasingly realistic. Emily develops a crush on a boy and tries to win him over but he goes for another girl. Following that, she feels she isn't as smart as other students and is labelled a "slow learner". Her mother allows her to skip school even though she knows Emily's not sick. All of these are things most people experience in school.
Although I Stand Here Ironing is a fictional story based on life more than 60 years ago, many of the struggles and hardships of the story could be relevant in our society today.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
"The Storm"
The chain of events in “The Storm,” written by Kate Chopin, was seemingly leading to an act of adultery between Calixta and Alcee. Though, I understand that passion can take over at times, I do not think the storm was any excuse for two people, married, but not to each other, to commit such an act. “The rain beat upon the low, shingled roof with a force and clatter that threatened to break an entrance and deluge them there.” (Chopin, p.256) “The door stood open, and the room with its white, monumental bed, its closed shutters, looked dim and mysterious.” (Chopin, p. 256) It’s as if these two are almost looking for excuses to hook up. They actually go through with everything while the storm is booming outside.
“The rain was over; and the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems. Calixta, on the gallery, watched Alcee ride away.” (Chopin, p. 258) So, after the storm is over, so is the passion and Alcee just leaves, as if nothing happened. Calixta’s husband and child come home and she acts as if nothing is wrong; as does Alcee with his wife and kids. These two human beings just betrayed the ones they love to the worst extent in my eyes all because they used a storm as an excuse. I don’t believe that’s right at all; no matter how you look at it. “So the storm passed and everyone was happy.” (Chopin, p. 259) I can’t see how Calixta and Alcee could truly be happy with that burden of guilt eating away at them day after day.
“The rain was over; and the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems. Calixta, on the gallery, watched Alcee ride away.” (Chopin, p. 258) So, after the storm is over, so is the passion and Alcee just leaves, as if nothing happened. Calixta’s husband and child come home and she acts as if nothing is wrong; as does Alcee with his wife and kids. These two human beings just betrayed the ones they love to the worst extent in my eyes all because they used a storm as an excuse. I don’t believe that’s right at all; no matter how you look at it. “So the storm passed and everyone was happy.” (Chopin, p. 259) I can’t see how Calixta and Alcee could truly be happy with that burden of guilt eating away at them day after day.
I Stand Here Ironing
Question one in our literature books on page 289 asks us, "...In light of social, political,and economical changes that have occurred since the 1930's, do you think the events the story presents could occur today? Explain."
Emily was put into a convalescent home at a young age, also having to stay with relatives or be in the care of a sitter and just not see her mother enough. This was due to her mother being a single mother and having to make ends meet in any way that she could, which happens a lot today with the single mothers of our country, but the difference today is that we have a social service system better designed to suit the needs of those single mothers, providing day care assistance and we also have a system better designed for the quality and care that children receive while they are in daycare. When I look at the places that Emily was sent to while her mother couldn't care for her, it makes me think of our present day wealthy working Americans. There are many wealthy hard working Americans that send there children off to expensive preparatory schools and boarding schools of the like because they work too much and don't have the time to care for them. So, I suppose I would say that an answer to this question, in my own eyes, would be yes. These situations do happen in our modern society but in different ways. Our system of support had greatly increased to benefit the family setting and keep children with there families, but the situation of sending children away still occurs. It's just different dynamics.
Emily was put into a convalescent home at a young age, also having to stay with relatives or be in the care of a sitter and just not see her mother enough. This was due to her mother being a single mother and having to make ends meet in any way that she could, which happens a lot today with the single mothers of our country, but the difference today is that we have a social service system better designed to suit the needs of those single mothers, providing day care assistance and we also have a system better designed for the quality and care that children receive while they are in daycare. When I look at the places that Emily was sent to while her mother couldn't care for her, it makes me think of our present day wealthy working Americans. There are many wealthy hard working Americans that send there children off to expensive preparatory schools and boarding schools of the like because they work too much and don't have the time to care for them. So, I suppose I would say that an answer to this question, in my own eyes, would be yes. These situations do happen in our modern society but in different ways. Our system of support had greatly increased to benefit the family setting and keep children with there families, but the situation of sending children away still occurs. It's just different dynamics.
“I Stand Here Ironing”
The narrator in “I Stand Here Ironing” has a guilty conscience for how her oldest daughter Emily has been raised. “You should smile at Emily more when you look at her” (Olson 284). Emily’s mother was not a happy, loving person towards her daughter and she does not realize it until it is too late. She did not give her the love she deserved. The many mistakes she made as a mother stem from the hard times of the depression and trying to raise her daughter alone.
Emily’s mother felt guilty because she had to sacrifice her time with her first born. Emily’s father abandoned them when she was a baby and her mother struggled to support her. She had to leave her in the care of a neighbor, while she worked to provide for her. “When she saw me she would break into a clogged weeping that could not be comforted, a weeping I can here yet” (284). Her mother thinks that her time away is affecting her baby’s happiness.
I think it was wrong to send her away to that awful convalescent house. The mother was being very selfish and only thinking of what was best for her new baby.
I don’t think she was a good mother to Emily. She should have been there for her emotionally. “Now go to sleep, Emily, there’s nothing to hurt you” (285). Emily needed her mother’s comfort here not typical brush off.
The narrator in “I Stand Here Ironing” has a guilty conscience for how her oldest daughter Emily has been raised. “You should smile at Emily more when you look at her” (Olson 284). Emily’s mother was not a happy, loving person towards her daughter and she does not realize it until it is too late. She did not give her the love she deserved. The many mistakes she made as a mother stem from the hard times of the depression and trying to raise her daughter alone.
Emily’s mother felt guilty because she had to sacrifice her time with her first born. Emily’s father abandoned them when she was a baby and her mother struggled to support her. She had to leave her in the care of a neighbor, while she worked to provide for her. “When she saw me she would break into a clogged weeping that could not be comforted, a weeping I can here yet” (284). Her mother thinks that her time away is affecting her baby’s happiness.
I think it was wrong to send her away to that awful convalescent house. The mother was being very selfish and only thinking of what was best for her new baby.
I don’t think she was a good mother to Emily. She should have been there for her emotionally. “Now go to sleep, Emily, there’s nothing to hurt you” (285). Emily needed her mother’s comfort here not typical brush off.
"The Storm" guestion 9
I do not think the storm excuses the characters for their act of adultery. Maybe it's like a dream or fantasy Calixta was thinking of. The winds start to pick up, it's starts to down pour and a stranger on a horse appears out of no where. So in her dream or fantasy, these things are happening with this stranger and she is just acting them out. So when the storm ends, it's like her dream ended and all is well. Bobinot and Bibi feel bad about their appearance and even bring home shrimp to make Calixta happy, which she is already happy and now has something to show for it. Her husband and son come home and everyone is happy. She doesn't tell them what happened because it wasn't real to her. So life just goes on as if nothing happened. As if the storm took the dream or fantasy with it. As for Alcee (the stranger in her dream) he does go on, but still remembers what happens. He writes to his wife, as if nothing is different and even tells her to stay longer.(Chopin 259)
"The Lottery" Question 1
“The Lottery”, by Shirley Jackson is an interesting, yet unsettling story, and it displays several examples of symbolism. One example is the town square. At the start of the story, everyone gathers in the town square. The town square may symbolize the gathering place of evil. So in a sense, it could represent hell. After everyone gathers at the town square, Mr. Summers carries out a black box which holds slips of paper. One slip has a black dot on it. The slip of paper with a black dot on it decides who gets stoned. One could say that the black box, along with the slip of paper with the black dot, symbolizes death in this story. Then, if this is the case, the rest of the papers symbolize life. I’m not totally sure what Mrs. Hutchinson’s apron symbolizes, but perhaps when she dries her hands on the apron, she is “cleansing” herself from the evilness that is taking place. I think that Old Man Warner symbolizes the older generations of the village not wanting to give up a tradition, even though the tradition is purely evil. When other “younger” towns decide to give up their “lotteries”, Old Man Warner calls them crazy. “’They do say,’ Mr. Adams said to Old Man Warner, who stood next to him, ‘That over in the north village they’re talking of giving up the lottery.’ Old Man Warner snorted. ‘Pack of crazy fools,’ he said. ‘Listening to the young folks, nothing’s good enough for them.’” (Jackson, p. 408)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Storm Question 9 (pg 259)
I do not think the storm excuses the actions of the characters during the story. I do not feel what they did was right because of the storm or because the husband and son were not at home, and I do not think in any given situation would their actions be acceptable. Alcee wrote to his wife and he realized “their health and pleasure were the first things to be considered” (Chopin,259) , and the other family had a feast and enjoyed themselves and “laughed much and so loud that anyone might have heard them” (Chopin, 259). It seems as though nothing ever happened and that the storm just temporarily separated Calixta from her husband and son and as soon as they returned everything was back to normal. The last sentence states that “So the storm passed and everyone was happy” (Chopin,259), and it leaves one to wonder if everyone knew what had happened would they still be so happy? It also makes me feel like the storm was their excuse for committing adultery and as soon as the storm was over so was the actions they shared, thus leaving everyone else in the dark about what went on during that storm. The storm does is not an excuse for what they did and should not be used as an excuse if they have confessed.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
"I Stand Here Ironing"
P. 298; QST. #3
Emily’s mother feels guilty for not always being there for her daughter and making her into the cold child she became. Partly, I do believe she is to blame; however, like Emily’s mother had said “She is a child of her age, of depression, of war, of fear” (Olsen, 289). This means that there isn’t much that could be done to save Emily; people were lucky to have held a job during the depression. Her mother admits “I was at the terrible growing years. War years. I do not remember them well. I was working, there were four smaller ones now, there was not time for her” (287). Apart from that, Emily’s father left her mother who was nineteen years old at the time (288). I don’t think it helped Emily to be sent to a convalescent home. We know that her mother really loved her, but if Emily was in her best interest she would have understood that it wouldn’t help Emily any. I do understand that times were hard and she was a single mother raising five children, but I think she could have done better for her eldest daughter. Emily could have benefited her by really helping to raise the younger children and do chores. However, maybe Emily would still have the same lonely feeling inside. Either way, being sent away couldn’t have done anything good to her, only force her to grow cold. Overall, Emily’s mother did what she could to survive. Things could have been better, but as Emily got older she must have grown warmer inside. “…she comes back in, kisses me, and says quite lightly, “in a couple of years when we’ll all be atom-dead they won’t matter a bit” (288).
Emily’s mother feels guilty for not always being there for her daughter and making her into the cold child she became. Partly, I do believe she is to blame; however, like Emily’s mother had said “She is a child of her age, of depression, of war, of fear” (Olsen, 289). This means that there isn’t much that could be done to save Emily; people were lucky to have held a job during the depression. Her mother admits “I was at the terrible growing years. War years. I do not remember them well. I was working, there were four smaller ones now, there was not time for her” (287). Apart from that, Emily’s father left her mother who was nineteen years old at the time (288). I don’t think it helped Emily to be sent to a convalescent home. We know that her mother really loved her, but if Emily was in her best interest she would have understood that it wouldn’t help Emily any. I do understand that times were hard and she was a single mother raising five children, but I think she could have done better for her eldest daughter. Emily could have benefited her by really helping to raise the younger children and do chores. However, maybe Emily would still have the same lonely feeling inside. Either way, being sent away couldn’t have done anything good to her, only force her to grow cold. Overall, Emily’s mother did what she could to survive. Things could have been better, but as Emily got older she must have grown warmer inside. “…she comes back in, kisses me, and says quite lightly, “in a couple of years when we’ll all be atom-dead they won’t matter a bit” (288).
Monday, February 8, 2010
I Stand Here Ironing
In the story “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen the narrator was overwhelmed by guilt. I believe this is because the narrator really realized what she has done during Emily’s whole life.
I think she thinks she should have been there more for her daughter. She had to try later on to make everything better but it was hard to do. “I had to work her first six years when there was work, or I sent her home to her relatives. There were years she had care she hated. She was dark and thin and foreign-looking in a world where the prestige went to blondeness and curly hair and dimples. She was slow where glibness was prized. She was a child of anxious, not proud, love. We were poor and could not afford for her to soil of easy growth. I was a young mother, I was a distracted mother. There were other children pushing up, demanding. Her younger sister seemed all that she was not. There were years she did not want me to touch her. She kept too much in herself, her life was such she had to keep too much in herself. My wisdom came too late. She has much to her and probably little will come of it. She is a child of her age of depression, of war, of fear” (Olsen 288-289). This shows that she had such a big guilt and wish she could have made it up to Emily and to have her understand what she was truly going through during this war.
I think she did some things wrong like at least spend some time with Emily as much as she did to the rest of her children. I think she wasn’t the greatest mother, but I think she really did do the best she could meaning it was the Great Depression era. She had to give up some of the time suppose to be for Emily so she could work to keep them fed and keep them alive. I don’t think she was the best mother but she tried and learned from her mistakes.
I think she thinks she should have been there more for her daughter. She had to try later on to make everything better but it was hard to do. “I had to work her first six years when there was work, or I sent her home to her relatives. There were years she had care she hated. She was dark and thin and foreign-looking in a world where the prestige went to blondeness and curly hair and dimples. She was slow where glibness was prized. She was a child of anxious, not proud, love. We were poor and could not afford for her to soil of easy growth. I was a young mother, I was a distracted mother. There were other children pushing up, demanding. Her younger sister seemed all that she was not. There were years she did not want me to touch her. She kept too much in herself, her life was such she had to keep too much in herself. My wisdom came too late. She has much to her and probably little will come of it. She is a child of her age of depression, of war, of fear” (Olsen 288-289). This shows that she had such a big guilt and wish she could have made it up to Emily and to have her understand what she was truly going through during this war.
I think she did some things wrong like at least spend some time with Emily as much as she did to the rest of her children. I think she wasn’t the greatest mother, but I think she really did do the best she could meaning it was the Great Depression era. She had to give up some of the time suppose to be for Emily so she could work to keep them fed and keep them alive. I don’t think she was the best mother but she tried and learned from her mistakes.
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