Blog 13

Assignment: I'd like you to enter into a discussion about the following:

What was your favorite poem? Your least favorite poem? Why?

My favorite poem was "To His Coy Mistress' by Andrew Marvell because of the fact it was written in 1681 and the man is trying to convince his girlfriend it is time to move up a level..The poem is creative and fun.

My least favorite poem was "Sex Without Love" just because I do not see the significance. To me, it is not a huge contribution to literature. Just my opinion, though.

What was your favorite short story? Your least favorite short story? Why?

My least favorite short story was "The Hunger Artist" because it was sad and dreary. The poor artist was desperate because no one appreciated his sacrifice and his art. It was depressing.

My favorite short story was "To Build a Fire" because it reminded me of Into the Wild the story of the young man who wanted to live off the land in Alaska, but didn't know about all he should know about of the wilderness. It was a real story to me just because people are capable misjudging their surroundings, even when they have been informed of serious consequences.

Should next semester's ENGL150 students read Death of a Salesman?

I really enjoyed reading and seeing the film. When I read the story and watched the film I was able to have compassion for all of the characters. I really liked the actors in the film, so that probably helped. The play was really written well. I was very interested in reading it.

How did you feel about watching Hollywood versions of Bartleby and Death of a Salesman? Is there utility in seeing a visual version of something you're responsible to read?

I think it is really great to read the play or story first, then watch the film. I liked both films. When I read the story or play I can get my first impression. Watching the films was a nice addition to reading, but I am very happy I read the two pieces of work too.


What was your favorite in-class activity? What was your least favorite in-class activity?

I really like in-class discussions because of the differing ideas that are presented by everyone. I like getting together in groups too and discussing the topics we had.
You'll notice that I didn't have your small groups present (even though the syllabus claimed you would). Did you miss that? Would you have rather that whole-class discussions were led by students doing presentations?

I didn't miss presentations. I like presentations okay, though. It takes extra time to put together a good presentation. I really enjoy in-class discussions and small groups.

Finally, what are your feelings on the creative blog entries? Which entry did you enjoy most? Least?

I loved the blogs.  My favorite one is the facebook imitation.
 I won't specify a length for this, as long as you answer the questions above. However, the more specific you can be, the more helpful your answers will be as I reflect on this semester and what I'm going to change for the next ENGL150. 

Thanks,

Grandpa Willy

Son, when we were outside washing the car today, I thought about my dad. I loved to wash the car for him when he got back into town.  He was a traveling salesman.  He would tell everyone what a nice job of "simonizing" the car. He used to rave about my football skills. He was proud of me, just like I am proud of you. Ha. Ha. Sorry you never got to meet your Grandpa Willy. I am sure grandma tells you about all the times when me and uncle Hap were young and dad would come home with surprises for us. Once he brought us home a punching bag. Grandpa Willy had big dreams for his family. For some reason his dreams were never realized. He died at age 60. It's a sad thing, son, no one came to his funeral. At that very moment my life flashed before my eyes and everything fell into place. I knew what I wanted! I enrolled at the University and four years later graduated with a degree in agriculture and forestry and haven't looked back since.

Grandpa Willy and I used to have arguments sometimes and I tell you he was kind of going crazy in his last days. But now when I look back I feel only compassion for him. He didn't have it easy. He lost his father when he was three and his older brother took off and never had time for him. So he really never had the family support that is so vital to a human being's life.  He did have grandma who was a very loving wife.

Diary

April 10, 1928

Dear diary: Well I am feeling a little better today. Willy will be home in a couple of days. He’s in Boston this week.  Probably “knockin’ em dead.” Ha ha.  He is such a hard worker and a great family man. We are so lucky to have him.  I have been doing wash all day. The boys are so busy with their football and friends.   The boys helped me hang the cloths on the line when they got home. I have such good boys.  I really enjoy the late afternoons with the boys. They love to bring over their friends. It sure livens up the place with all the activity.  Of course, Biff is being blamed for stealing footballs. Willy will have to talk with that coach. Everyone loves Biff.  Doesn’t the coach know that Biff is incapable of doing anything like stealing? Happy is losing weight. He looks great.  All the girls just love our boys. Not to end on a sour note. I would not mention this to anyone, but I poked my fingers two times darning my stockings. I would die to have a brand new pair…maybe two! So long diary. Time for bed.

 

April 10, 1949

Dear Diary:

Wow, what a day. Willy came home (thank God he didn’t wreck the car). The boys are home. Our refrigerator had to be fixed.  Biff and Willy fight. When are they ever going to solve their differences? Poor Biff. He is so lost. And Willy, oh my. He is so over worked he acts like he is going crazy. Hope he never finds this diary. He yells and argues with everyone. I don’t want to write this, but I found a rubber hose. I know what Willy is trying to do. I feel I am unable to protect him.  It breaks my heart that he is feeling like he is.  He seems to talk about past events a lot. You would think that after 34 years working for a company they would allow him to work closer to home.  I have asked him to talked to the manager and all he does is complain about his old boss’s son not caring about him.  I think when Willy takes a rest he will feel a lot better. Hope things are better tomorrow.

The Lottery

Sheep to the Slaughter

Shirley Jackson’s short story, “The Lottery”, challenges readers to look at the truth about humanity and its capacity to continue to follow unacceptable norms. A large number of people have lost their focus on humanity and are capable of throwing stones without realizing that they can personally end up in the spot where the stones are being thrown.  Tessie runs to the lottery and jokes about being late. Tessie was drawn to be stoned. Who protests the loudest? Tessie.  She even wanted to “start over” 295) because it wasn’t “fair” (295). So someone else can be the loser? The crowd is telling her to be a “good sport” (294). Her husband tells her to “shut up” (295).  Some of the villagers are questioning the need for lotteries saying, “over in the north village they’re talking of giving up the lottery” (Jackson 294). The old man scoffs at the idea saying “there has always been a lottery” (294).  People walk around in denial of their own actions. The town people in the story have grown numb to the fact that they are killing someone and they are teaching the next generation to grow up with the same ignorance.  The people in Jackson’s story turned on a member of their community when less than a half and hour earlier they were talking with each other like civil citizens. There purpose? Because of crops? Because it’s always been that way?
In today’s American society we don’t physically throw stones. But laws are being passed every day for more restrictions put on the American people. If any government bureaucrat had to lose their home, live in the slums, or be uneducated they would know how much "the system" needs to change. If the leaders says we are to pay more taxes, put up with budget cuts, not really do anything about the real issues of humanity, then we have to do what the laws say. That’s just the way it is people say. People are still afraid to speak up and gather as a strong group and demand a better society.

Facebook imitation revision

Facebook Imitation                      Charlotte  Find Friends  Home

Charlotte Perkins Gilman                                                         Likes:

Birthplace: Connecticut
Studied - Rhode Island School of Design
Career: Lecturer, writer, editor

Friends: Jane Adams and Martha Luther                                      

Favorite Quote: The only way out is through. - Robert Frost

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Friday - I am so excited to tell you, dear friends. Our house is being renovated and John was so thoughtful to rent this home in the country for our respite. I will, no doubt, have plenty of peace and quiet for my writing. 

Comment: from Jane Adams.
I am so jealous Charlotte! I know you will totally love your stay. We will miss you. What a beautiful place!
Charlotte Liked Jane Adams comment.

Saturday- Folks! This home is to die for. Really! The gardens are so nicely landscaped.

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This is like heaven on Earth!

Martha Luther and Jane Adams liked Charlotte's comment.

Sunday - Well, I must say, the house is beautiful, but...the upstairs room we are staying in is to, put it "nicely," is horrid. The paper on the walls must be replaced. OMG. Can you say YUCK. I know what I will be doing during my spare time. lol. I had to take a picture of this atrocious wallpaper. 

Charlotte likes Social Reform Link

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Charlotte likes Boston: Small, Maynard &Co.,

Charlotte Likes Barnes & Noble

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Thursday - I have been pacing the floor wondering what could be done about this wallpaper. I think I will ask John about updating this badly neglected room. I am perplexed as to why this particular room was given to us and also why every other room in the house is so beautiful. I am going to start peeling it off right now! Some areas of the wallpaper are actually coming off already and stained and completely revolting!

Thursday - John says "No, we won't be here much longer." He may think it won't be much longer. He should try to be up here all day! If John calls me a "blessed little goose" one more time, I think I shall pass out from being so furious!

Jane Adams commented:  Dear Charlotte, I hope you are not spending too much time with the disquieting paper. I know John truly means well. I am sure of that! Try to write and get your mind off all of the nuisances.

Charlotte Commented - Thank you Jane, I will try, although the doctor and my husband discourage me writing. Another thing I am furious over.

Friday - I am gaining progress on peeling. I will be napping after I finish some more peeling. Hope everyone is having a good day!

Charlotte likes a quote: “Minds that have withered into psychosis are far more terrifying than any character of fiction.” 
― Christian Baloga

Charlotte likes a quote:“You have to quit confusing a madness with a mission.” 

― Flannery O'Connor, The Violent Bear it Away

Charlotte is: Having epiphany after epiphany. Ha Ha John thinks I am getting better because of his ideas with getting me out in the country. Ha Ha he has not idea what I am finally figuring out from this wallpaper. Hideous wallpaper, but for some reason, in which I will be following up on, the wallpaper STINKS! Yes, it is really starting to smell. Something between a rotted egg and a skunk. Weird. I will find out where it is coming from!

Friday - I only have two more days to get this job done. That woman in the wallpaper is getting out in the daytime. I don't know how she is doing that, but I am close to finding out. Lucky her, she gets to roam in the gardens. John update....He is getting weird!

Saturday - Hurrah! Today is the last day and I am finished with the paper. Jenny is even glad it is gone!  Nope that pattern, fungus, and kooky woman has not got the best of me. To be sure! 

Saturday -John is losing it! I had to throw the key away or those two, Jenny and John, will put me back into the wallpaper. NO. THEY WILL NOT. The wallpaper is gone. GONE! John is so persistant at knocking and knocking on the damn door. 

Charlotte Likes a Meme:

Boy

Take Time to do Your Best Remember to do your best and be a good example to others. Be a good winner and a good loser. No one appreciates a poor sport. When we visit Grandmother and Grandfather take time to be interested in who they are so that you know where you came from. They are amazing human beings. Be a good friend and your life will be worth living. Education, family, friends, work and fun are the most important things in life. Each are worth your time and effort. Listen to the instructors in your life because it is their job to help you to succeed. Care about all people, life is not easy and some have struggles you can't even fathom. Time is the most important asset you have, use it to build not destroy. I have shown you those faces of people who use meth. You are only ten years old right now, but soon you will be 21, then 31, then 61. Drugs (Meth, Cocaine, E, Heroin) are not going to bring you success. Yuck, why are you even talking about drugs, I am only 10. You will soon be 31. Always take time to look your best. People who use meth and other destroying chemicals, forget how to pay attention to their appearance. Do not choose that road. It's a life you do NOT want. I'm 10 and she's telling me about ugly faces of people who use meth, really? "Ya, mom, I am pretty sure I am not going to use meth." Choose friends that value success. Volunteer at the food bank, hospital, or animal shelter. Look on the bright side of ALL situations. Life is not easy ALL the time. If you have questions, ask. If you are having trouble and you need help, ask. Drugs are an escape from reality, son. There is no escape from reality. "I don't know anyone who uses drugs, no parents, friends or family." We are here to learn lessons. You aren't perfect, accept that. Always know your family is here for you. Do not be defeated by fear.

Dialogue.

Tangled Web Tracy paced back and forth knowing that she needed to make her story convincing. She told herself to take a deep breath and that everything would be fine. She coaxed herself to call her mother and father. They will come home early from their vacation, but no problem, “this too shall pass,” she thought. She dialed with dread. “Hi mom, I am really sorry, but, yours and dad’s Mini Cooper was stolen sometime between this morning and this afternoon.” Ha ha, good one” Tracy’s mother, June, chortled! Tracy reiterated, “No, really, the car is gone.” “Oh my God, are you okay?” “No worries, mom, I am fine, but I noticed the car missing this afternoon when I went out to the garage to put cloths in the wash.” “ Call granny and call the police to make a report, Dad and I will be home on the next flight” declared her mother. Tracy responded with obedience, “Okay, I’ll call you back in a bit.” “Bye.” Tracy reflected back to Saturday afternoon and realized how lucky she and Sara were to still be alive and not hurt. She was thankful that her friends helped her hide the car and come up with a story to tell her parents. Her mind instantly recalled the smashed up passenger side. Tracy came back to the present and gasped, “The cops.” “Okay, dial the number.” A firm, authoritative voice answered the phone, “Police Department, what is your emergency?” Tracy spoke confidently. Hello, my name is Tracy Jones and I live at 988 Stonewall Drive and I need to report that my mother and father’s car has been stolen.” The calm dispatchers voice spoke, “Okay, Tracy, we will send an officer over right away. Are you okay?” Tracy answered, “yes” and said “thank you.” The doorbell rang and granny walked in and ranted, “Oh my God, Tracy Lynn, are you okay?” “I am just sick about this.” Tracy hugged her grandmother and reassured her that all was well, and the only thing bad that happened was that the car has been stolen. Granny sounded exasperated, “What is the world coming to when people think they can just take someone else’s car?” Granny further exclaimed that the car was probably “in some ditch in Tim-Buck-Two.” Tracy was feeling the blood flood into her neck and face and spouted,” Yes, the stupid thieving bastards.” Granny agreed. “Did you call the police, dear” Granny asked? Tracy nodded innocently and replied, “They are on their way.” Knock. Knock. Tracy opened the door and invited the officers in. One of the policemen took out a notepad to record all the details and asked, “When did you notice the car was missing,” “What color and make was your parent’s car,” and “Do you know the license plate number?” Tracy diligently answered, “This afternoon,” blue, BMW Mini Cooper S, and lilboyblu.” Tracy was feeling comfortable in her lie until a scratchy noise came over the radio. “Unit 8, please respond to a possible 10-4A, location ,Parson’s Lake, small, blue, sports car, license plate lilboyblu.” Tracy couldn’t ignore the obvious similarity, so all she could do was look in astonishment at the officers and say, “Oh my Gosh, that might be my parent’s car!” “How weird is that?”