Online Contributions

2015-2016

Analyzing a key scene in Of Mice and Men (RL.9-10.7)

In the middle of the novel, Lennie sneaks into Crook's room in the barn and exhibits his innocence by not understanding racial boundaries; Curley's wife, however, enters the room and roared foul racial slurs and threats. In the movie version of the novel, Curley's wife's entrance into the room was completely omitted and she never encountered Crooks throughout the rest of the film. This scene was important in the novel because it created an antagonist out of Curley's wife and gave the reader a reason to despise her. The director might have excluded her role in this scene to illustrate her character in an innocent way, which made the viewer sympathize with her dismal situation. In both the novel and the movie version Curley abused and degraded his wife, and by creating a pure side out his wife, the director added a bit more drama to the plot.

Analysis of Sonnet 18 (L.9-10.5)

The problem presented in this sonnet is the fact that life, so beautiful and fragile, is gone too soon. In lines 3 through 4, the idea that life is precious is presented through "Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, and summer's lease hath all too short a date" (Shakespeare). The darling buds refer to life's fragility, which is shaken roughly, and the shortness of summer refers to the short length of life as well. The turning point becomes apparent in lines 9 and 10 when he writes "But thy eternal summer shall not fade nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st" (Shakespeare). Although he previously wrote that life is fragile and too delicate to handle so much catastrophe, he illustrates that summer is forever and will never fade, referring to the lasting legacy and strength of a life. The resolution is presented in the last lines of the poem with "So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, so long lives this, and this gives life to thee" (Shakespeare). After struggling with mortality and delicacy of life, one may be able to create a lasting legacy, as mentioned in the "volta," and so as long as humans continue to live, anyone's life may continue on as well with their legacy.
An example of alliteration can be found in line 7 with "fair from fair," showing the repetition of the consonant f. An example of assonance can be found in line 13 with "men can breathe or eyes can see," when the "e" vowel sound is repeated with the words breathe and see. Internal rhyme is demonstrated in line 12 with "lines to time," because lines rhymes with time. Personification is used in line 11 with "Nor shall Death," because the concept of death is made a proper noun, giving it a human characteristic. 

Harvest Gypsies Response (W.9-10.2)

   This article displayed the raw and honest severe struggle of two families during the Great Depression. I assume that these families were probably content financially and emotionally prior to the Depression, and that might have been the case for other families as well. With harsh conditions, these families were forced to live in horrible conditions that threatened and even terminated their well-being and livelihood. 
     I had learned basic facts about the Great Depression before, but I never knew the subjective side of the Depression. I was surprised to learn about the harsh living conditions and the deteriorating emotional state of families. Steinbeck vividly depicted the poor health of the families based on the environment they lived in. The first family lived in filth and feces, sharing "one quilt and a piece of canvas for bedding." They lacked proper nutrition, and death followed the poor diets. Both families also experienced psychological abuse due to the despairing situation. The parents especially adopted a "glazed, far away look."
     After reading this article, I can't say that my eyes were opened to a whole new world of sad poverty, but I definitely took away a sense of gratitude from reading it. I have always been aware of poverty, even in my own back yard, but I had no idea that these conditions existed in the time of the Great Depression. When Steinbeck clearly illustrated the filthy housing and the deficiency of vitality, I genuinely felt a deep heaviness in my chest, and I was moved; I still feel extensive sympathy for those who are living through rough times. I believe that the worst loss in both families was the deficit of spirit, and the lack of perseverance and strength to hold on. Steinbeck's brutal candor is something that I emulate, and I admire that he didn't leave out any of the horrifying facts about life for families during the Great Depression.

2014-2015

Joy Luck Club Discussion - Mothers' Stories

Ying-Ying St.Clair "The Moon Lady"

As a child, Ying-Ying was wild, opinionated, and could not sit still. In celebrating the Moon Festival, Ying-Ying's childish thoughts resonated through her mind, which led her to become lost physically and in spirit. Her "secret wish" for the Moon Lady was to be found, but her innocence and trust broken by fear and loneliness remained a burden throughout her life, and she was never found.

The most influential part of Ying-Ying's early childhood was this particular Moon Festival, when she was first lost, and was never to be found. As a child, she was exactly that, a child. She had a short attention span and was always wandering and wondering with loud opinions. Amah, who I believe was her grandmother figure, shaped Ying-Ying's dependence. Someone was always there to help her and care for her, which some would regard as being spoiled. Her story unveils a lack of connection with her daughter. Since Ying-Ying was lost at such an early age (and has yet to be found), she can't really resume a connection with others if she doesn't have one with herself.

Joy Luck Club Discussion - Daughters' Stories

Rose "Half and Half"

Rose Hsu Jordan, An Mei's daughter, grew up in the influence of faith in God, but soon lost faith after a spiraling destruction of her marriage. This tugs forth a memory of her childhood, when her younger brother was lost to the ocean after forgotten responsibilities, and all faith in God and trust were lost. She later learns that when you lose something that you love, you have to pay attention to fate, and faith takes over.

The most influential part of Rose's childhood was the death of her brother, who she had responsibility over, so she then learned to hand responsibility to others. She was worrisome and motherly with her responsibilities as a child, but she also didn't want them in the first place. In her childhood, she was expected to learn responsibility and faith, as were pushed mostly by her mother. After the death of her brother, she grew to discard any responsibility, which led to broken relationships. Her mother pushed her to persist and take responsibility, which shows the motherly worry and a bit of faith left.