Friday, October 23, 2009
Reflection on "Why do I Stay"
Recently, I read the poem "Why do I stay" by an anonymous author. It is extremely powerful, and very disturbing. The poem is about a women who gets emotionally and physically abused by her husband. She writes the poem in first person, and this style made me connect more to the poem. I felt horrible for how trapped this lady felt, and could understand how many women around the world feel the same way. "I wish I could just shut up, and be a good wife, and never make him mad." This quote from the poem was so powerful for me. Women all around the world make themselves believe that it is their fault that they get abused. It makes me want to talk to this woman and tell her that she isn't the cause of this, and she shouldn't have to put up with it. Women all around the world should read this poem, and respond to it in a positive way. It was so powerful, and although I've never been in a situation of abuse, feel like I understand what if feels like after reading this poem.
Reflection on Flannery O'Connor
After reading Flannery O’Connor’s stories and the critical readings, there are many evident examples in her writing of social upbringing. One of the things that stuck out for me the most was the issue of race. All of her stories contain a very distinct view on Black people, and she is not afraid to graphically describe how she feels about them. I realize that in the olden days a word like “Nigger” was more tolerated, but the extent that she discriminates against Black people is directly related to her being a Southerner. Race is, and has always been, a huge issue in the South. White Southerners are generally brought up to agree with their parents beliefs, which back then, were very one race dominated. I am from Canada, which is a very multicultural country. Although in the olden days I’m sure race was an issue still, when I listen to my grandmother or great-grandparents talk, they believe that race was not that important. After reading three of her stories, there were strong examples of racist thinking in all of them. I felt very uncomfortable reading them because I was brought up in a way to accept everyone as equals. As an outsider, it seems much different here in the South. There is an obvious split between races that is evident in almost every situation. Because O’Connor is a Southerner, her stories seem to revolve around race, and involve race, when I didn’t see that it was necessary. This may repel some audiences, and in some cases may attract them. I can see other Southerners who were raised the same way to enjoy what she writes, and understand where she is coming from. On the other hand, when I was reading these stories, especially “Revelation”, I felt completely uncomfortable and wanted to stop reading. I could see other people who were raised the same as I was to feel this was too, and that will also impact the way people feel about O’Connor and her stories. Overall, I think Southerners would appreciate her writing much more than non-Southerners because they can relate better.
Flannery O'Connor Questions
Tara Telford
ENGL 2110
Wendy Sumner-Winter
October 20, 2009
Flannery O’Connor Questions
A Good Man is Hard to Find
1.I believe that Flannery O’Connor foreshadows the outcome of the story in the first paragraph. When the Grandmother talks about reading about the Misfit in the newspaper it hints on the fact that he may come up again in the story. Also because she is so insistent on going to Tennessee instead of Florida and no one else agrees with her, it makes the reader believe that something might go wrong. As the story progresses, O’Connor hints at the conclusion of the story. By stressing taking a different way just because of the Grandmother, one may believe that something will go wrong. Also, her stressing about “A Good Man is Hard to Find” makes us believe that something may happen. The fact that she brings up the Misfit again while at Red Sammy’s makes the reader sure that it wasn’t just a coincidence that he was brought up earlier in the story.
2. The Grandmother is a very outgoing, outspoken old lady. She is very traditional, and is one of those old people who don’t understand that things in society change, and things are not always like “the olden days”. As she continues speaking in the story, her remarks tell us that she is very true to herself. She doesn’t care who she offends by saying what she feels. She also is a control freak, and very confident in herself. She always wants Bailey to do things her way, even though she is the one imposing on their trip. Throughout the story, I believe she remains fairly static. Even when in front of a murderer, she is still very outspoken and persuasive. She doesn’t hold back, and although she is nervous, she still talks until she’s blue in the face.
3. When the Grandmothers head clears from an instant she realizes that the Misfit is actually a lot similar to herself. When his voice cracks as though he’s about to cry, she notices his weaknesses, and realizes that he is not in complete control of the situation, even though he makes it appear that he is. She can parallel this to herself, and tries to act the way she would want someone else to act towards her in that situation. This action backfires and ends up getting her killed.
4. While the others are in the woods, we learn that the Misfit and the Grandmother are actually very similar people in many ways. Their vulnerability and outlook on some situations are alike. They discuss Jesus and other religious issues. At the beginning of their conversation together the Grandmother is terrified, but she warms up to him. The Misfit looks at the world in a very pessimistic view. He figures that no matter what you do, you’re going to get in trouble, so you might as well do whatever horrible thing you want. He also doesn’t agree with Christian religious views, and has the attitude that Jesus should have just let things be. I believe that because of the hardships in O’Connor’s life, she might have similar views as the Misfit. The way she writes the character of the Misfit makes us believe that maybe she felt the same as him.
Revelation
6. I believe that when she makes this statement she is refereeing to herself. Throughout the whole poem she is so critical about everyone else and finally she sits back and takes a look at herself. Who does she think she is for judging everyone else, when she has just as much reason to be judged? She is so offended by what the girl says to her, but in truth, she is judging everyone else in the same way.
7. The final revelation given to Mrs. Turpin is the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. The whole story consists of her talking about what a “good person” she is and all her great qualities, but most of the time something criticizing to someone else comes out of her mouth. She doesn’t realize until the end that she is exactly the kind of person who she despises. Her new attitude is that she should not be judging people on what they appear to be. Black people, white trash, and any other people who she has chosen to judge should remain equal.
Parker’s Back
5. This statement gives us the insight that Parker feels forced by religion and government. He feels as though he has no choice in the matter, and its going to be reigning over him no matter what. This is strong foreshadowing for what happens at the end of the play when Parker gets the tattoo of God on his back.
6. After he runs into the tree and wrecks the tractor he immediately goes to get the tattoo on his back. Parker gets tattoos when he is dissatisfied with his life. This is the reason why he got the tattoo. The reason he got it on his back is not only because it’s one of the only places left on his body, but because he cannot see it on his back. He has not been saved by God, and doesn’t feel like he needs to look at him, but God is still with him. By putting the tattoo on his back is signifies that even if you can’t see Him, He’s still watching over you. In a way, he is also relating this to Sarah Ruth. He got the tattoo in memory of her, because God reminds him of her. I think that he knows she’ll be mad that he got it, but also delighted in a way that he got it of something she loves and believes in.
7.This demonstrates that at the moment, he is in an outer body experience. Because he knows and admits that he is in a crazy state and will soon go back to normal means that Parker knows himself very well. He knows as a person he does not want a tattoo of God on him, but in the state that he’s in, he does at the moment.
8. This statement justifies that Parker’s personality is negative yet realistic. You can tell that Parker is not a dreamer. He knows reality, and he’s not afraid to state his opinions in it. He knows what situation he got himself into, and instead of expecting sympathy for it, he recognizes that it’s his own fault, and just choses to live with it and be miserable.
9. Sarah Ruth refuses to recognize Parker by his initials to prove the control she has over him. At the beginning of the story he states he will never tell a soul his name, and makes sure she does not say it aloud. When he says his full name it’s an example of him subsiding to her authority. He realizes he is not as tough as he thought he was, and realizes that as much as he tells himself that he doesn’t love Sarah Ruth, he does. This vulnerable state that he’s in makes him very emotional, and causes him to break down.
ENGL 2110
Wendy Sumner-Winter
October 20, 2009
Flannery O’Connor Questions
A Good Man is Hard to Find
1.I believe that Flannery O’Connor foreshadows the outcome of the story in the first paragraph. When the Grandmother talks about reading about the Misfit in the newspaper it hints on the fact that he may come up again in the story. Also because she is so insistent on going to Tennessee instead of Florida and no one else agrees with her, it makes the reader believe that something might go wrong. As the story progresses, O’Connor hints at the conclusion of the story. By stressing taking a different way just because of the Grandmother, one may believe that something will go wrong. Also, her stressing about “A Good Man is Hard to Find” makes us believe that something may happen. The fact that she brings up the Misfit again while at Red Sammy’s makes the reader sure that it wasn’t just a coincidence that he was brought up earlier in the story.
2. The Grandmother is a very outgoing, outspoken old lady. She is very traditional, and is one of those old people who don’t understand that things in society change, and things are not always like “the olden days”. As she continues speaking in the story, her remarks tell us that she is very true to herself. She doesn’t care who she offends by saying what she feels. She also is a control freak, and very confident in herself. She always wants Bailey to do things her way, even though she is the one imposing on their trip. Throughout the story, I believe she remains fairly static. Even when in front of a murderer, she is still very outspoken and persuasive. She doesn’t hold back, and although she is nervous, she still talks until she’s blue in the face.
3. When the Grandmothers head clears from an instant she realizes that the Misfit is actually a lot similar to herself. When his voice cracks as though he’s about to cry, she notices his weaknesses, and realizes that he is not in complete control of the situation, even though he makes it appear that he is. She can parallel this to herself, and tries to act the way she would want someone else to act towards her in that situation. This action backfires and ends up getting her killed.
4. While the others are in the woods, we learn that the Misfit and the Grandmother are actually very similar people in many ways. Their vulnerability and outlook on some situations are alike. They discuss Jesus and other religious issues. At the beginning of their conversation together the Grandmother is terrified, but she warms up to him. The Misfit looks at the world in a very pessimistic view. He figures that no matter what you do, you’re going to get in trouble, so you might as well do whatever horrible thing you want. He also doesn’t agree with Christian religious views, and has the attitude that Jesus should have just let things be. I believe that because of the hardships in O’Connor’s life, she might have similar views as the Misfit. The way she writes the character of the Misfit makes us believe that maybe she felt the same as him.
Revelation
6. I believe that when she makes this statement she is refereeing to herself. Throughout the whole poem she is so critical about everyone else and finally she sits back and takes a look at herself. Who does she think she is for judging everyone else, when she has just as much reason to be judged? She is so offended by what the girl says to her, but in truth, she is judging everyone else in the same way.
7. The final revelation given to Mrs. Turpin is the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. The whole story consists of her talking about what a “good person” she is and all her great qualities, but most of the time something criticizing to someone else comes out of her mouth. She doesn’t realize until the end that she is exactly the kind of person who she despises. Her new attitude is that she should not be judging people on what they appear to be. Black people, white trash, and any other people who she has chosen to judge should remain equal.
Parker’s Back
5. This statement gives us the insight that Parker feels forced by religion and government. He feels as though he has no choice in the matter, and its going to be reigning over him no matter what. This is strong foreshadowing for what happens at the end of the play when Parker gets the tattoo of God on his back.
6. After he runs into the tree and wrecks the tractor he immediately goes to get the tattoo on his back. Parker gets tattoos when he is dissatisfied with his life. This is the reason why he got the tattoo. The reason he got it on his back is not only because it’s one of the only places left on his body, but because he cannot see it on his back. He has not been saved by God, and doesn’t feel like he needs to look at him, but God is still with him. By putting the tattoo on his back is signifies that even if you can’t see Him, He’s still watching over you. In a way, he is also relating this to Sarah Ruth. He got the tattoo in memory of her, because God reminds him of her. I think that he knows she’ll be mad that he got it, but also delighted in a way that he got it of something she loves and believes in.
7.This demonstrates that at the moment, he is in an outer body experience. Because he knows and admits that he is in a crazy state and will soon go back to normal means that Parker knows himself very well. He knows as a person he does not want a tattoo of God on him, but in the state that he’s in, he does at the moment.
8. This statement justifies that Parker’s personality is negative yet realistic. You can tell that Parker is not a dreamer. He knows reality, and he’s not afraid to state his opinions in it. He knows what situation he got himself into, and instead of expecting sympathy for it, he recognizes that it’s his own fault, and just choses to live with it and be miserable.
9. Sarah Ruth refuses to recognize Parker by his initials to prove the control she has over him. At the beginning of the story he states he will never tell a soul his name, and makes sure she does not say it aloud. When he says his full name it’s an example of him subsiding to her authority. He realizes he is not as tough as he thought he was, and realizes that as much as he tells himself that he doesn’t love Sarah Ruth, he does. This vulnerable state that he’s in makes him very emotional, and causes him to break down.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Acting is not suited for me
After filming our Youtube video as a creative option for the essay, I realized that acting is not a career suited for me. Although I had fun time doing it, after watching the video again I realized that I was not very convincing. Some of the scenes took a lot of time to film because we kept laughing. If acting was my career, I wouldn't be able to laugh everytime something in the scene was funny. Also, we did a lot of improve in our skit, which helped me out because I am terrible am memorizing lines. After rewatching to skit, I realized that I did good by trying a task that I am not great at, but it's clear that I should not take up acting as a profession.
Writing Reflection On Youtube Video
Tara Telford
ENGL 2201
Wendy Sumner Winder
October 14, 2009
Writing Reflection
Because we have not created our video it is hard to reflect on our work. I can however, reflect on our overall group work and peer evaluations. It’s very interesting to work in groups because everyone brings something different to the table. People bring up ideas that I know that I would never think of, and I love that. I think our group meshes well together, and we all have a sense of humor, which is key to the skit that we are doing. Everyone brought their own idea, and own variation of the character that they were playing. The peers who reviewed my proposal also helped me too. They encouraged me to discuss the scene further, and I worked with this and changed it. They both also gave me an A- which made me go back and add more to it so that it would be an A quality proposal. Overall, I have enjoyed this assignment and I’m very excited to film our video.
ENGL 2201
Wendy Sumner Winder
October 14, 2009
Writing Reflection
Because we have not created our video it is hard to reflect on our work. I can however, reflect on our overall group work and peer evaluations. It’s very interesting to work in groups because everyone brings something different to the table. People bring up ideas that I know that I would never think of, and I love that. I think our group meshes well together, and we all have a sense of humor, which is key to the skit that we are doing. Everyone brought their own idea, and own variation of the character that they were playing. The peers who reviewed my proposal also helped me too. They encouraged me to discuss the scene further, and I worked with this and changed it. They both also gave me an A- which made me go back and add more to it so that it would be an A quality proposal. Overall, I have enjoyed this assignment and I’m very excited to film our video.
Felicia Hall
As one of my outside events, I went to see Felicia Hall speak the the Rose Theatre located on campus. Felicia is a very succesfull athlete and business woman. She played basketball in college, played on the USA Women's National Team, managed a WNBA team, and worked for Nike. She spoke about the steps that she took to reach her goals. She was very loud and outspoken. Her speech was inspirational, escpeciall being a student athlete. She discussed steps we need to take, and resources we need to take advantage of to be successful. As a sophmore in college, I should be thinking about my future. She made me really think about making strides towards my future plans. Seeing how successful she was in like because of how driven she was inspiried me to want to do the same. After the meeting I started looking up different career options and job shadowing opportunites. Overall, Felicia was an inspirtaion to me, and I believe that her talk really gave me a kick in the pants to start thinking about the future.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Fact or Fiction?
When it comes to choosing a book, I enjoy books that are fact, and real life situations, oppose to fiction. As a math major, I prefer facts and concrete pieces of information over allowing my mind to wander and imagine about different fantasy’s. I find when I read fantasy books; I question things too much and get frustrated that those things could never happen in real life. I find it hard to just accept that it’s fiction, and I do not enjoy the book usually. When I’m reading biographies or stories based on real life events, I find myself intrigued at the fact that this actually happened. I’m content when I’m reading because in a way I feel like the book is telling me the truth, where sometimes reading fiction, it’s almost like I’m being told a fib. There are a few fantasy books that I enjoy, but overall, I enjoy books based on real life much better.
Because my soccer team was out of town this weekend, I did not get the chance to go to the play “A Streetcar Named Desire”. I did, however, rent the movie. Although it was not the best movie I’ve ever seen, it was very interesting. The thing that bored me the most was the fact that the setting did not really change throughout the whole movie. Once I accepted the fact that I was going to be watching the same room for two and a half hours, I didn’t mind the movie. It does a very interesting job of portraying an “American Family”, which seems perfect from the outside, but truly is very troubled. Stella and Stanley were the biggest example of this for me. At the beginning of the movie she talks about how in love she is with Stanley and acts as though their relationship is perfect. In reality, he is verbally and physically abusive to her, but she stays with him anyways. Blanche also tries to seem perfect on the exterior, but in reality she has so many problems with confidence and facing reality. She wants to remain living in her youth, which is clearly long gone. This movie did a good job on comparing reality to fantasy, and also the fact that things aren’t always as they seem on the exterior. Although I did not love this movie, I thought it portrayed these things very well.
“The Glass Menagerie” You tube Remake
For our You Tube video I will be portraying the character of Amanda in “The Glass Menagerie”. To create a good video, we believe that we need to add more humor than the book did. We believe that by doing this is it will also make it more modern. I will be acting as the “crazy mother”. Similar to the Amanda in the book, I will bask in my youth, and pray that my daughter lives a life like I did. I will be similar to a mom that you see in a show like “The Real Housewives of Orange County” or “Toddlers and Tiaras”. If one hasn’t seen these shows, you can expect a stereotypical blonde, bimbo, plastic mom, who makes her daughter dress nice, wear makeup, do her hair, and try and be popular. My character in our play will be like a “cougar”, still living in her youth and seeking younger men. We believe that by playing with the character of Amanda, making her like one would expect a rich lady from somewhere like Hollywood would act, it will create humor in the story. These kind of mothers are seen everywhere in movies, and by changing Amanda more into this stereotypical character, viewers will be able to relate and respond better to the story. She will respond to her son in the way that proves that he just doesn’t understand her and how perfect she was in her youth. He also doesn’t live up to her high expectations of what a man should be like, and this disappoints her. The “Amanda” that we are creating in our play will be very humorous and entertaining to watch, which furthermore will make a somewhat dull moment in the play more exciting.
For our You Tube video I will be portraying the character of Amanda in “The Glass Menagerie”. To create a good video, we believe that we need to add more humor than the book did. We believe that by doing this is it will also make it more modern. I will be acting as the “crazy mother”. Similar to the Amanda in the book, I will bask in my youth, and pray that my daughter lives a life like I did. I will be similar to a mom that you see in a show like “The Real Housewives of Orange County” or “Toddlers and Tiaras”. If one hasn’t seen these shows, you can expect a stereotypical blonde, bimbo, plastic mom, who makes her daughter dress nice, wear makeup, do her hair, and try and be popular. My character in our play will be like a “cougar”, still living in her youth and seeking younger men. We believe that by playing with the character of Amanda, making her like one would expect a rich lady from somewhere like Hollywood would act, it will create humor in the story. These kind of mothers are seen everywhere in movies, and by changing Amanda more into this stereotypical character, viewers will be able to relate and respond better to the story. She will respond to her son in the way that proves that he just doesn’t understand her and how perfect she was in her youth. He also doesn’t live up to her high expectations of what a man should be like, and this disappoints her. The “Amanda” that we are creating in our play will be very humorous and entertaining to watch, which furthermore will make a somewhat dull moment in the play more exciting.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Music as Literature
One of the most effective types of literature that is often forgotten about is music. Music does a great job in telling a story, and is very enjoyable. Some people may argue that music is not literature, but why not? It tells a story, and the person listening to it usually has a response to it. It can make you feel sad, happy, mad, or even hopeful. Sometimes the lyrics are what attract us to the song, and sometimes, it is just the music. The rise an fall and different tones can tell stories without needing words. Musicians are so talented in the sense that just by creating sound; they bring the listener into a different world. Instead of sitting down and watching a movie or reading a book, listening to music is also a very effective way to connect with literature.
Protagonist or Antagonist?
It may seem weird, but growing up I always enjoyed the antagonist in a story more than I did the protagonist. The villain always kept me more interested than the hero. I believe that stories that have a strong character for an antagonist are much more exciting than having a good protagonist. Take the newest “Batman” for example. Heath Ledger did such a unreal job playing the Joker, Batman was barely even recognized. The movie would not have been even close to as good as it was without such a strong antagonist. The protagonist does make viewers enjoy the movie because generally we don’t like to see bad things happen, but the villain causes so much controversy it keeps the viewer on his or her toes. Call me crazy, but if you look at any of your favorite movies, I bet you’ll realize that they have a strong antagonist, and it was part of the reason you enjoyed the story so much.
Response to "The Truman Show"
This past weekend I watched the movie “The Truman Show”. I have seen it once before, but I was very young and didn’t appreciate it as much as I did watching it for a second time. After taking a film analysis course in high school, this movie has so many inner messages and meanings that are so interesting. The lighting, word choice, and characters are chosen to perfection. I found it very interesting that all of the characters who live with Truman have “Hollywood” like names. The creator of Truman’s world, Christoff, has the root word “Christ”, which was not chosen by accident. It’s also interesting to note all of the hints that Truman gets that he is living in his own world that he does not pick up on. All the advertising and day to day similarities are somewhat hidden, and I definitely feel like if I watched the movie again I’d pick up on more of them. Overall, I really enjoyed “The Truman Show” and would definitely watch it again.
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