What does the story signify?
The story signifies the differences between the social classes in society. One class is focused on a party, while the other class is dealing with the death of a loved one.
How does it signify?
The class that would be considered the higher social class is also above the other class in location. The lower class literally lives below the higher class, because the higher class people live on the top of the hill.
The lower class is associated with really dark diction. They live in "mean little cottages," and a "dark knot of people stood outside" of the house. To Laura these people were different, dark, dreadful, and she was grateful that she was not living in this class of people. She was so grateful t hat, in the end, she stated that life is "simply marvelous." But in the same way that she was pleased to be in her class, these people were pleased to be in their class. The dead man seemed "happy," "wonderful," "beautiful." Neither of these classes communicated with each other on a normal day, and they both seem like they are okay with the harsh reality that they are different and always will be.
I did pretty well. I got the general theme of the story and kind-of expanded in the right direction. I didn't get anywhere near what Diane got, but I understood the main idea of the story.
It is really neat to see the connections between Laura and Persephone. It makes this short story seem much more significant. I did not notice this myself, so it makes me wonder what else I am missing in literature.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
It's Rarely Just Illness
Thomas Foster points out that illness is used in literature all the time because it is present in life all the time. He also points out "certain principles governing the use of disease in works of literature." One book that I recall that has a main character die of a disease is A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks (I use him a lot, I know). The principles are listed below.
1. Not all diseases are created equal.
The disease that plagues this character is cancer. Cancer is the sort of disease that catches every one's attention. Sure, there are treatments for some types of cancer, but when you hear someone mutter the word cancer, you generally get scared. Cancer is a disease that is often used in literary works because it is so prominent in the real world.
2. It should be picturesque.
There is a certain image that pops in every one's head that is associated with cancer. But, Jamie is different because she doesn't use chemotherapy, so she is not bald. She does still have the weak strength that is present in all cancer patients. She is pale and bruising, but her skin looks sort of angelic and beautiful.
3. It should be mysterious in origin.
Today cancer is much more understood than it was when it first appeared, but it is still quite mysterious. Most cancers do not have cures, there are treatments for almost all cancers, but they are almost as brutal as the disease itself.
4. It should have strong symbolic or metaphorical possibilities.
People who are battling cancer are fighting an internal war. While Jamie is fighting this internal war, Landon, Jamie's boyfriend, is fighting a battle within himself. He is trying to become a better person for Jamie because she is the greatest person he has ever known. He puts up with harsh comments and dirty looks from his old friends because he has ditched them to be with Jamie.
Jamie's disease is accepted with the theme of this book because the theme is "love conquers all." Even though Jamie is dying at such a young age, Landon still shows her a great life. Jamie is a preacher's kid and is a very devoted Christian, and throughout Jamie's struggle Landon also becomes a Christian. Even though Jamie is dying and their life together is ending, they still have hope that they will get to complete their life together in Heaven.
1. Not all diseases are created equal.
The disease that plagues this character is cancer. Cancer is the sort of disease that catches every one's attention. Sure, there are treatments for some types of cancer, but when you hear someone mutter the word cancer, you generally get scared. Cancer is a disease that is often used in literary works because it is so prominent in the real world.
2. It should be picturesque.
There is a certain image that pops in every one's head that is associated with cancer. But, Jamie is different because she doesn't use chemotherapy, so she is not bald. She does still have the weak strength that is present in all cancer patients. She is pale and bruising, but her skin looks sort of angelic and beautiful.
3. It should be mysterious in origin.
Today cancer is much more understood than it was when it first appeared, but it is still quite mysterious. Most cancers do not have cures, there are treatments for almost all cancers, but they are almost as brutal as the disease itself.
4. It should have strong symbolic or metaphorical possibilities.
People who are battling cancer are fighting an internal war. While Jamie is fighting this internal war, Landon, Jamie's boyfriend, is fighting a battle within himself. He is trying to become a better person for Jamie because she is the greatest person he has ever known. He puts up with harsh comments and dirty looks from his old friends because he has ditched them to be with Jamie.
Jamie's disease is accepted with the theme of this book because the theme is "love conquers all." Even though Jamie is dying at such a young age, Landon still shows her a great life. Jamie is a preacher's kid and is a very devoted Christian, and throughout Jamie's struggle Landon also becomes a Christian. Even though Jamie is dying and their life together is ending, they still have hope that they will get to complete their life together in Heaven.
Archetype
An archetype is a topic or theme that appears over and over in books. It is something that is pleasing to read or hear about, so it is used numerous times in literature and movies, and it is accepted with open arms almost every time.
There are tons of archetypes, but one of my personal favorites is "true love." There are millions of books that involve "true love," whether it's the story of how it came to be, or the struggles that come with it, it is present everywhere. From the time we are born to the time we die, we are fascinated by love: kids hear about it in fairy tales, teens read about it in books, adults spend their life trying to find and keep it.
One book that I remember had a lot to do with true love was Dear John by Nicolas Sparks. It is a story about a guy in the army, stationed in Germany, that comes to the United States for a two week vacation in his hometown, and while he is home he meets his one and only "true love." This love is tricky though, because he is only home for two weeks, then he has to go back to Germany. So to keep their love alive they write letters to each other, hence the name Dear John. It sounds super cheesy and cliche, but because humans are so fascinated with love, it works. Every time.
Thomas Foster truly opened my eyes to the patterns that are in literature. Archetypes are everywhere and I never even knew they existed before Foster.
There are tons of archetypes, but one of my personal favorites is "true love." There are millions of books that involve "true love," whether it's the story of how it came to be, or the struggles that come with it, it is present everywhere. From the time we are born to the time we die, we are fascinated by love: kids hear about it in fairy tales, teens read about it in books, adults spend their life trying to find and keep it.
One book that I remember had a lot to do with true love was Dear John by Nicolas Sparks. It is a story about a guy in the army, stationed in Germany, that comes to the United States for a two week vacation in his hometown, and while he is home he meets his one and only "true love." This love is tricky though, because he is only home for two weeks, then he has to go back to Germany. So to keep their love alive they write letters to each other, hence the name Dear John. It sounds super cheesy and cliche, but because humans are so fascinated with love, it works. Every time.
Thomas Foster truly opened my eyes to the patterns that are in literature. Archetypes are everywhere and I never even knew they existed before Foster.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Assignment 5- ...Except Sex
In this day and age, sex is absolutely everywhere. It is in literature, movies, TV shows, commercials, billboards, and pretty much anywhere else you look. Thomas Foster explains that sex is often glossed over in literature and movies for many reasons. One movie that suggested sex is August Rush. Sex is nowhere near the main theme of the movie, and it is only suggested once, but, nevertheless, it is there.
Louis and Lyla meet on the rooftop of a building, and share a special connection. Only hours after they meet they are shown kissing on screen. The next screenshot is of wind chimes swaying in the wind. Then they are shown fast asleep wrapped in each others arms. This all happens within the first ten minutes of the movie.
The way that this relationship played out shows quite a lot about the theme of the movie. This movie is all about music; both Louis and Lyla are amazing musicians, and their son, August/Evan, is a musical prodigy. The image and sound of the wind chimes as the cover for what was actually happening is extremely fitting for this movie. Instead of showing waves in the ocean or fireworks, a musical symbol was used. So right off the bat the viewer gets the impression that music is an important tool used in telling this story.
Louis and Lyla meet on the rooftop of a building, and share a special connection. Only hours after they meet they are shown kissing on screen. The next screenshot is of wind chimes swaying in the wind. Then they are shown fast asleep wrapped in each others arms. This all happens within the first ten minutes of the movie.
The way that this relationship played out shows quite a lot about the theme of the movie. This movie is all about music; both Louis and Lyla are amazing musicians, and their son, August/Evan, is a musical prodigy. The image and sound of the wind chimes as the cover for what was actually happening is extremely fitting for this movie. Instead of showing waves in the ocean or fireworks, a musical symbol was used. So right off the bat the viewer gets the impression that music is an important tool used in telling this story.
Monday, August 8, 2011
He's a Christ Figure
There are Christ figures everywhere in literature. One character that sticks out to me as a Christ figure is Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Sure, he was never crucified or employed as a carpenter. He never died and rose again, but he possessed many Christ like qualities.
Atticus was very self-sacrificing. Atticus, a white man, defended Tom Robinson, an African American, in a court case in the early 1900s when racial segregation was still widely prominent. No other white man in this time would do anything for an African American, so by being Tom's lawyer Atticus showed that he cared for others more than he cared for himself. He didn't sacrifice his life for Tom, but he did sacrifice his reputation as a lawyer and as a human being to try to give Tom justice.
Atticus was also good with children. He was a single dad raising his two kids, and he always seemed to know the right thing to say. Whenever Scout or Jem had a problem they would go to Atticus seeking advice or comfort and he always came through. The kids loved their father because he showed so much love for them.
Atticus was portrayed with arms outstretched...well, not literally. He didn't always have his arms outstretched, inviting everyone in, but his attitude was that everyone was equal and everyone should be treated with compassion, so it seemed that he could have his arms outstretched. He had compassion for everyone and everything. Even in the days of the trial he did not judge his opposing side. He taught his kids that you can't judge someone because you don't know what their life is really like. He lived his life everyday with this mindset.
Atticus is not Christ by any means, but his heart and many of his actions portray the actions of Jesus Christ.
Atticus was very self-sacrificing. Atticus, a white man, defended Tom Robinson, an African American, in a court case in the early 1900s when racial segregation was still widely prominent. No other white man in this time would do anything for an African American, so by being Tom's lawyer Atticus showed that he cared for others more than he cared for himself. He didn't sacrifice his life for Tom, but he did sacrifice his reputation as a lawyer and as a human being to try to give Tom justice.
Atticus was also good with children. He was a single dad raising his two kids, and he always seemed to know the right thing to say. Whenever Scout or Jem had a problem they would go to Atticus seeking advice or comfort and he always came through. The kids loved their father because he showed so much love for them.
Atticus was portrayed with arms outstretched...well, not literally. He didn't always have his arms outstretched, inviting everyone in, but his attitude was that everyone was equal and everyone should be treated with compassion, so it seemed that he could have his arms outstretched. He had compassion for everyone and everything. Even in the days of the trial he did not judge his opposing side. He taught his kids that you can't judge someone because you don't know what their life is really like. He lived his life everyday with this mindset.
Atticus is not Christ by any means, but his heart and many of his actions portray the actions of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Reading List
Les Miserables (1862) by Victor Hugo is a book I am really looking forward to reading because I am going to see the musical in September. I would like to read this book before I see the play so I have a good understanding of what is actually going to happen before I step foot in the theater. I'm going to read the abridged version, so it is about 400 pages and the style could be hard to read because it includes French words throughout the novel, but I feel that I could enjoy this book tremendously if I actually apply myself to it.
Little Women (1868) by Louisa May Alcott is a book I have always heard about, but never read. It seems to be a reigning classic, and after doing some research I found it on the list of titles used on the AP literature exam. It is a pretty lengthy book, but it is a children's classic so it should be pretty easy to read.
Pride and Prejudice (1818) by Jane Austen is extremely highly regarded and I have had it recommended to me by numerous people. It has about 250 pages and Jane Austen is known for having a tough writing style, but in the reviews I read on the internet I saw that many people said the book was witty and humorous. This book is set in the nineteenth century, but the plot seems like a fun and interesting romantic story so I will probably enjoy this book a lot.
The Hunger Games (2008) by Suzanne Collins has been recommended to me by pretty much everyone I talk to. This book seems like it has something for everyone. It isn't too long, and it is modern so the writing style isn't too difficult. The plot seems incredibly interesting, and I have heard on many occasions that it is a page-turner. I am really looking forward to reading this book.
Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Bronte was recommended to me by Natasha. She read this book last year and really enjoyed it, and we often have the same taste in books, so I will probably enjoy it too. It is a pretty lengthy, dark, love story that is told in a series of flashbacks, so it could get confusing but I should be able to read and enjoy it with some effort.
The Awakening (1899) by Kate Chopin is a book that appears on the list of titles used on the AP lit test many times. I had never heard of it until I saw that list, but after research I decided that it would be a pretty enjoyable read. It is the story of a married women that feels trapped in a loveless marriage. It is quite short and the subject matter will most likely keep my interest so I should not have a problem reading this book. I am actually looking forward to reading this book.
What Happened to Goodbye (2011) by Sarah Dessen was recommended to me by Natasha. She got me hooked on Sarah Dessen a couple years ago, so we both have to read every new book that she comes out with. It has about 400 pages, but it is a modern young adult novel so it should be pretty easy to read. This is a book that I will read when the rest of my life seems overwhelming; it is quite simple so it will be a good escape book.
Into the Wild (1997) by Jon Krakauer is a book I stumbled upon in one of the lists on Ms. Weygandt's wiki page. After reading some of the reviews online, and taking a gander at the first couple pages, I figured that this book would be worth my time. The story seems like it will be pretty interesting and it is only 207 pages, so it should be pretty easy to read.
The Help (2009) by Kathryn Stockett is a book I have considered reading for quite a while. I had a teacher recommend this book to me right when it came out, but at the time I was busy reading other books so I didn't pick it up. Now that a movie is coming out I have more motivation to get a jump on this book. It is a pretty long book, but it has had extremely high praise and the storyline seems quite interesting. I am really looking forward to reading this book.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2005) by Stieg Larsson has been on my reading list for quite some time. I have been looking forward to reading this book for a while, but I just never seemed to have the time. This year I WILL make sure I read this book. At about 600 pages it is pretty long, but the plot seems incredible and all the reviewers gush about how much of a page-turner it is. It doesn't seem like it will be that challenging to read once I finally find the time to pick it up. Apparently it is also becoming a movie in the near future, so now I want to read it all the more.
Little Women (1868) by Louisa May Alcott is a book I have always heard about, but never read. It seems to be a reigning classic, and after doing some research I found it on the list of titles used on the AP literature exam. It is a pretty lengthy book, but it is a children's classic so it should be pretty easy to read.
Pride and Prejudice (1818) by Jane Austen is extremely highly regarded and I have had it recommended to me by numerous people. It has about 250 pages and Jane Austen is known for having a tough writing style, but in the reviews I read on the internet I saw that many people said the book was witty and humorous. This book is set in the nineteenth century, but the plot seems like a fun and interesting romantic story so I will probably enjoy this book a lot.
The Hunger Games (2008) by Suzanne Collins has been recommended to me by pretty much everyone I talk to. This book seems like it has something for everyone. It isn't too long, and it is modern so the writing style isn't too difficult. The plot seems incredibly interesting, and I have heard on many occasions that it is a page-turner. I am really looking forward to reading this book.
Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Bronte was recommended to me by Natasha. She read this book last year and really enjoyed it, and we often have the same taste in books, so I will probably enjoy it too. It is a pretty lengthy, dark, love story that is told in a series of flashbacks, so it could get confusing but I should be able to read and enjoy it with some effort.
The Awakening (1899) by Kate Chopin is a book that appears on the list of titles used on the AP lit test many times. I had never heard of it until I saw that list, but after research I decided that it would be a pretty enjoyable read. It is the story of a married women that feels trapped in a loveless marriage. It is quite short and the subject matter will most likely keep my interest so I should not have a problem reading this book. I am actually looking forward to reading this book.
What Happened to Goodbye (2011) by Sarah Dessen was recommended to me by Natasha. She got me hooked on Sarah Dessen a couple years ago, so we both have to read every new book that she comes out with. It has about 400 pages, but it is a modern young adult novel so it should be pretty easy to read. This is a book that I will read when the rest of my life seems overwhelming; it is quite simple so it will be a good escape book.
Into the Wild (1997) by Jon Krakauer is a book I stumbled upon in one of the lists on Ms. Weygandt's wiki page. After reading some of the reviews online, and taking a gander at the first couple pages, I figured that this book would be worth my time. The story seems like it will be pretty interesting and it is only 207 pages, so it should be pretty easy to read.
The Help (2009) by Kathryn Stockett is a book I have considered reading for quite a while. I had a teacher recommend this book to me right when it came out, but at the time I was busy reading other books so I didn't pick it up. Now that a movie is coming out I have more motivation to get a jump on this book. It is a pretty long book, but it has had extremely high praise and the storyline seems quite interesting. I am really looking forward to reading this book.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2005) by Stieg Larsson has been on my reading list for quite some time. I have been looking forward to reading this book for a while, but I just never seemed to have the time. This year I WILL make sure I read this book. At about 600 pages it is pretty long, but the plot seems incredible and all the reviewers gush about how much of a page-turner it is. It doesn't seem like it will be that challenging to read once I finally find the time to pick it up. Apparently it is also becoming a movie in the near future, so now I want to read it all the more.
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