the conscious of the court

Hurston uses Laura Lee's character as an example of the cultural differences in society at that time period. Her witness and telling the story from her perspective is effective in describing how she was not only uneducated but also portrays in a positive way the treatment of African-Americans in that time period, which I view and inaccurate. I honestly do not think that a judge or a courtroom would be so gracious and accommodating to a African-American, and especially a woman in the court at the time. They would use her lack of education and courtroom formality against her and cease to even give her a fair trial.

I like the way Hurtson writes, the story isn't difficult to read and the descriptions were vivid. I do however see conflict within the courtroom between the lawyers and the judge; they are obligated to listen and comply with him. Man vs Man is present here, but with Laura Lee and the court it is apparently Man vs Society and possibly she has a little bit of conflict within herself. She almost has no idea what is actually going on in the courtroom or why she is in fact there, why strangers are being so kind to her and why she gets to go home free in the end,

a worn path

The descriptions in this story about a seemingly senile old woman were really what kept my attention. The detail of the wrinkles on her face compared the pattern of tree branches is beautiful and paints the picture perfectly. Also, the part where she thanks God for allowing there to not be any snakes, she mentions how it once took her a while to get past the snakes which was really the first clue to me that she was having conversations with herself. This short conversation gave me the impression that she thinks she once encountered a similar situation in her life, but what is the snake representative of?

I kind of view this story as her plotting out her life experiences and going through different things that have happened to her. She might be on her death bed, as one conversation she has with herself she says, "who be you the ghost of? For I have heard of nary death close by" which implies she is aware that her life is coming to an end. This story also possesses an eerie feel to it, an old woman wandering by herself, the wind, nature, the conversations all seem like they could be a part of the setting of a thriller or mystery movie.

Old Phoenix draws sympathy from me, she is alone, seems wistful of another time, and preparing herself for the end. The story was saddening but captivating at the same time.

A Spinster's Tale

Elizabeth matures throughout the story, prompted by the death of her mother she is forced to grow into the only lady in the household next to her brother and father. Her birthday and seeing her brother drunk seem to be two significant turning points for her. The birthday may simply be a milestone, but her father declares to her that she is now a young lady. Seeing her brother drunk and acknowledging his drunkenness is an aid to growing up because alcohol and the effects of alcohol are adult issues.

Mr. Speed seems to be a representation of everything that is included in growing up and the dangers/perils of life, everything that a child should not know of. At first I really wasn't sure if he actually existed, but when interaction between him and the other characters occurred, I knew he not only existed but was also a symbol of everything in Elizabeth's life that she had to face and deal with. Her coming to terms and taking on the responsibilities of the house are a part of her maturing. I like how we hear all her thoughts and walk along with her as she grows up a bit, the narration point of view is essential to these insights.

I got a little lost in the story, and it took a few rereads to understand it a little more. I haven't exactly figured out the relation of the title to the story. A spinster is more of an old maid, sometimes a woman or girl who is unable to marry or unwilling. I don't gather this from Elizabeth's situation.

The Lady with the Dog

I didn't feel a whole lot of connection to this story at all. The two of them, Dmitry and Anna seem to live these bland, meaningless lives. Even after meeting one another and continuing their affair, there isn't any passion. I didn't gather a lot from Chekhov's writing, which maybe is the problem, lacking a connection to the story.

I don't particularly care for the inconsistent use of Dmitry's name, switching back and forth from last to first. I found it interesting how Dmitry refers to women as the "lower race" yet still pursues woman after woman, and continually cheats on his wife.

Anna's attitude changes as the story progresses, and she opens up to Dmitry more and more, despite verbally saying she felt guilty and that they shouldn't be doing what they were doing. When Dmitry goes to her house and sees the fence, he even references it saying how it would make anyone have a desire to escape- the fence is literally and symbolically keeping her from going where she wants to and being free.

Maybe these two are so bored with their own lives that they are indeed perfect for each other, find one another somewhat appealing and can start a different life together? It also seems a little illogical to me how they just happen to know the town and where the other one lives, do they ever give their address to one another?

The Girls in Their Summer Dresses

This story revealed a few things to me. Michael's struggle with Frances is all three types of conflict. He struggles with himself and controlling his eyes, being faithful and honest with his wife, he struggles with his wife in telling her the truth and he struggles with society because it is society that tells us to do whatever we want, pleasure is good, and pay no attention to consequences.

I also think the setting is important because if it were in a less populated city or a rural area the story wouldn't make sense at all. New York is perfect because of the diversity, as Michael notes, and the natural busyness of the city.

It is however, heartbreaking to see how pleasant, but almost in an insincere manner, the couple is in the beginning and how slowly the wife is persistent and her husband does reveal that he is bound to cheat on her. I wouldn't think anything of it if this man is looking at women, looking is just fine, we were given eyes to take in the world. It's the thoughts and actions that are problematic. Frances should be content with the fact that her husband says he hasn't touched another woman and he loves her, let him look, look all he wants just don't touch. I almost don't care for Frances character because she brings this all upon herself. The whole evaluation and dramatic explanation is unnecessary and frankly it brought to the surface issues that weren't even issues.

The Birthmark

The husband in this story is disgusted by a birthmark that is upon his wife's face, and eventually he convinces her that she doesn't like it either and that he can remove it. He is a successful scientist and creates a concoction for her "deformity". The husband really shouldn't make this attempt, he should love her the way she is, they way she was made. This reminds me of people investing in unnecessary plastic surgeries these days, thinking they need to fix something on their body when in fact they are fine. I am not talking about unhealthily obese or ill people, just the ones that aren't happy with the way they were made. The husbands attempt to remove the birthmark is a struggle between him and nature and in the end his quest for perfection kills her. If he loved her, he would love her for more than just skin deep beauty.

Also, his character is compared to Adam in the book of Genesis, who although he lived in paradise and had a perfect world, was tempted by the one thing he couldn't have. He not only gave into this temptation, but also convinced his wife that it was necessary, just as Aylmer convinces his wife that the blemish should be removed. If it is something God made, specifically placed, does that make it a blemish just because we are aware of its presence? I think Aylmer is selfish and stupid, cares more about his scientific and career accomplishments than his own wife and her feelings. This story was a little slow, but I mostly enjoyed it.

everything that rises must converge

This story seemed almost ironic to me in the sense that his mother is so claustrophobically terrified of accepting the freedom of black people in society, then this harmless, mother just like herself, sits on the bus wearing the same hat. She attempts to maintain her dignity but insults the other woman by offering the boy a penny. Who the heck wants a penny? How degrading. She should find a homeless man and give him the money, not a little black boy she thought was cute.

The title is something I want to try to understand more since you brought it up in the blog. The "everything that rises" part seems to point to the mother's ego and views of herself in society, her self-image. It could also mean rises as in surfaces, becomes relevant. The "must converge" part is tricky. Converge means to come together, maybe unite, sometimes even overlap. Come together is very reminiscent of The Beatles and their song, as well as the entire subject of race and uniting together despite the difference of color.

According to the author and her thoughts on writing and teaching, Julian is already a writer he just needs to start writing. I agree and liked what the author said about observing and how everything can inspire writing. Schooling doesn't make you a writer, it may help discover and mold the writing in you. Not everyone is meant to write and share those thoughts publicly, but I do think that many people possess more than one gift and shouldn't be criticized for expanding on those gifts.

Good COuntry People

The title is ironic because Pointer ends up deceiving Hulga in the end, and isn't really a good honest plain country person like they all think. Hulga actually thinks she likes him but then he steals her leg and says he doesn't believe in the Bible, he's just selling them. The names are important because names are a symbol of identity and relation, but when you lie about your name you lie about your identity, which also throws others off and makes them not believe anything else you may have said. What's in a name? Names have meanings and names have backgrounds, but once a name becomes a lie it's all discredited. Think about in a movie when one character lies to another about their names, and all the while the audience knows what the real name is, we don't want that other character to trust the lying one! I'm sympathetic to Hulga because of her leg and more so because she trusts the Bible salesman. She seems to not really open up to anyone, even the people she lives with and her own mother, that her deciding to sneak out with this boy, kiss him, think about seducing him and overall trusting him when she removes her leg she is then taken advantage of. Now she's never going to take that leg off again for anyone, especially another guy. Her distrust of boys is even deeper now, further then mentioned earlier in the story. 

Group Work Story Selection

I'm glad we're writing on this rather than the story, I found it difficult to write about and didn't gather too much from the story. I'm anticipating what will be said tomorrow about the story and I look forward to the insight.

My group is presenting on June 23 and we have chosen Steinbeck's Chrysanthemums and will use Facebook as our media outlet. The setting will be exciting to convert into a modern day interpretation with all the flowers and rural ranch setting. The characters are relatively straightforward but with enough interaction and thoughts as material to work with. The descriptions of the setting as well as the characters is also essential to the success of our Chrysanthemums Facebook. Mostly, this story appealed to us more and was an easier and more delightful read than Bliss. Bliss did not stay focused and Chrysanthemums is a more relatable and tangible story. I like to imagine this house in the Salinas Valley, the little roadster car they ride off in, these huge beautiful flowers the wife to dedicatedly tends to, the interaction between the husband and wife, all will work well with our chosen medium and discussion questions readily formed. 

The Conversion of the Jews

I found this story slightly amusing, almost ironic that this kid get his entire congregation to say they believe in Jesus and to do it kneeling just so he'll come off the roof. I feel in this day and age if someone tried to do that they wouldn't be taken seriously, they'd consider them crazy and they wouldn't get away with it. I do have some sympathy for Ozzie, only because he is curious and his Rabbi isn't giving him the answers that he wants, he's just repeating the ideas he's been taught to repeat not necessarily what he believes. Ozzie has a thirst to discover more and learn more about God and if his way of doing it was from a rooftop then so be it. I strongly dislike the way the Rabbi deals with Ozzie and his curiosity, it's suffocating and frustrating. 

Angel Levine was a story I almost chose for my film adaptation. It was an unusual story, especially when this supposed angel is at the bar drinking and smoking. But it's odd because in the end Fanny isn't on her deathbed, she's doing housework. Is this man really an angel? Or is Manischevitz just creating an illusion and his wife is healed by faith? 

Paul's Case

I think Paul is so restless because he is the type of learner that succeeds and retains knowledge best through doing, a hands on learner compared to a classroom/lecture learner. Carnegie Hall is good for him because it teaches him responsibility through a job but also teaches him about the details of being an artist and what that career is like. 

The first two paragraphs of the story interest me because of the wording. I immediately underlined and took note of the word choices. He's clearly in trouble but is described at "suave and smiling,"  and "dandy." Usually kids who have been suspended are not dandy. His peculiar happy poise upsets the teachers even more. The theater is also used as a description of him, which is an interesting tie to the Carnegie Hall later on in the story. We immediately get the understanding that Paul is different, that he is troubled and a challenge for his teachers. It's amazing to me how different a person he is when he is at the theater, almost as if that is where he comes to life- which should be an obvious signal to the type of job he should pursue and engage in learned about. 

Royal Beatings

I view Rose as a victim in the sense that she is suffering affliction, direct and indirect from her father because he is all he has left of his wife. He blames her for the mothers death and subsequently beats her with more force than when Flo beats her. Sometimes I think Flo maybe has sympathy for Rose as well. The relationship between Rose and her father is clearly strained and the conflict is set. Other characters might be considered victims in the sense that they are affected by the death and Rose's father's actions following the death. Honestly, this story didn't hold my attention and I wish I had taken the time to read both stories. 

The Veltd

I've changed my mind altogether. After reading The Veldt, I saw potential for this as a film. It reminded me of The Stepford Wives, in the way that it is a captivating and visually appealing comedy, but with a creepy unexpected twist to it. It will hold the attention of the audience as well as be attractive to directors because of the use of advanced technology in a non-traditional sci-fi manner. I want to keep the title as The Veldt because then the plot isn't obvious and adds to the suspense. I considered Happylife Home, but I just want to integrate that title into the movie more than just mentioning that is what the home is called/where it's from.

I'm still working on some of the casting but I know I want Elle Fanning as Wendy because of the innocence her face still possesses, and her established but growing reputation. She doesn't look like an "evil" child which will pan out well in the unexpected plot occurrences. I think Marcia Cross would make a great Lydia, she has the ability to appear as a coy, simplistic housewife as she has proven before, but I also see her ability to deceive the audience. Cillian Murphy would be perfect for the father, George. He possesses this spooky yet surreal calm image and I find that every movie I see him in I am captivated. 

The setting will be modern, obviously in the future to allow for such a "smart house". Similar to Stepford Wives and Desperate Housewives, the neighborhood should be pristine, almost overly manicured, which is suitable because of the nature of the house. 

I'm considering the addition of a third child, and possibly having him as the one who dies instead of the parents. I don't want to leave the ending with the kids having just killed their parents and living in the house. It might also be spooky to have the parents die rather early on and the kids use the houses technology to cover it up so the neighbors don't suspect it. The psychologist is also the family friend so he is the one who starts to figure it out. I don't yet have a motive for the children's unhealthy thoughts and actions. 

Irony is evident because of the setting and nature of the house. No one expects these kids to kill the parents and cover it up. I need to develop this aspect further. 

Gorilla, My Love-Girl-Everyday Use

I find myself siding with different characters in each story, not a specific generation. In Gorilla, My Love I took the side of the adults in the movie theater and Hazel when she confesses her love for Hunca Bubba. The kids behavior in the theater annoyed me because it made me think of the kids who do similar things at home and how obnoxious it is, which made me not take their side at all when attempting to get their money back. 

In Girl I connected more with the one being taught as opposed to the parent telling the child all this instruction. Sometimes when I am given direction, my first response is a partially sassy, redundant question, almost a challenge. This is definitely a situation that is relevant and relatable now. I see it as the child thinking they maybe know better but the adult saying "I've been down this road, heed my counsel." Is this whole thing one sentence?

The last story, Everyday Use, seems the most relatable. It's very easy for me to imagine sometime similar in terms of sibling rivalry, especially when it comes to family heirlooms, flying the coop and getting married and the repercussions of those actions. The rough, butch descriptions of narrator are almost frightening, what decade does this story take place in? Going back to the sibling rivalry note, I can see how the younger sister feels outshined by the older one. Her scars make her timid and her sister seems to get what she wants and want what she gets. This story could also make an interesting film as it is still an applicable generational conflict. 

Film Adaptation Choice

I'm a little torn between a new story and one we've already read. I can see how "Hills Like White Elephants" could easily be maneuvered into a film; relatable even to those who haven't experienced abortion because everyone has relationship problems and their story would be an example. As I read it, it sounds like it is a scene from a play or movie. 

I'm also drawn to  Angel Levine although I haven't decided if the story would be more of a fantasy/indulged story, there'd have to be a way to keep it from being cheesy. It reminds me of a story from a childhood book almost, or an animated film. (Which usually are geared towards kids so the angel smoking is somewhat of a dilemma.)

I like that we're able to choose from more than just the first week, but at the same time it is difficult to choose a new story without reading it; which means reading a lot of new stories just to decide. 

Response to "The Yellow Wallpaper"

I began reading this story and soon noticed how it started to drag on a bit, and soon more. I started thinking to myself, wow this woman is trying to make her readers go crazy. I kept reading because I wanted to know what happened in the end, also to see if I myself might go a little crazy while reading it. I admit, I took a water break. I soon noticed that Gilman has proved her point exactly, that writing in this style, as the delirious person demonstrated most effectively how it must feel to have your mind deteriorate. I started to think to myself that staying cooped up in that house for three months is certainly not going to help her get better, that she's better off doing "normal", everyday activities to restore her mind and body. Sure enough, the end of the story clearly demonstrates just that. 

I actually took a liking to her husbands character, his care and attention to her is sincere. Although he tells her sometimes to dismiss certain feelings and desires she brings up, I think ultimately he has her best interest in mind. 

Gilman was inspired to write this story based on her own personal experiences with depression and anxiety. Her doctor prescribed what the main character in The Yellow Wallpaper was; no work, open air, no writing and lots of rest. This recommendation took the reverse effect on Gilman and she dared to go against what the well respected doctor said, and sure enough she recovered. This story demonstrates to that doctor that rest is not always the cure, the doctor isn't always right, and also a way to make others understand what it might be like to lose their marbles. I actually enjoyed this story, even if it dragged on a bit (which is the point of it, exactly). 

Response to "Hills Like White Elephants"

I've read this story before and it struck me the same as the first time I read it. Their conversation seems choppy, I can't find a connection between the title and the conversation/plot and it frustrates me that there is such little information given. 

It wasn't clear to me the first time around that they were discussing an abortion, but after reading it again it makes sense. I may have thought they were originally discussing having sex for the first time, I could see how that would fit. The whole "simple operation" would have to be symbolic or a metaphor for something else in that context of course. Her hesitation and fear of the operation are evidence that she is uneasy about the idea of it, and almost doesn't trust that her boyfriend or lover will feel the same way about her after the operation. He says they "let the air in and then it's all perfectly natural". The interesting thing is, having an abortion is not natural at all, it's very unnatural, forced, potentially harmful to the woman and painful physically and emotionally. If there were no emotional consequences it wouldn't be such a heart-filled decision. Also, it's interesting to me that even though she hasn't verbally committed to the operation, she is drinking alcohol which is clearly not something a pregnant woman should be doing. 

It's not that I was surprised that the story is written by a man because his father was a doctor, but it's peculiar to me that the characters are introduced as the American and the girl. This introduction does not warrant me to immediately think they are a couple. There would simply be more emotion, more of a "motherly perspective" if the story were written by a woman. The technicality of it would be toned down. 

Hemingway's suggestion of character being revealed through little description but rather through direct action is evident here, Jig is very anxious about the operation and how it will affect their relationship. She repeatedly asks him if he will still love her afterwards, what it will change, and generally seems to be hesitant toward the whole thing. Her doubting of his love towards her seems an obvious reflection of her age. She is referred to as the girl and he as the man. Somehow these two do not match up as a couple in my mind. She rationalizes saying that other people have done it and are happy afterward. It seems their relationship has other cracks in the foundation besides just this pregnancy. They are using the abortion as a means to attempt to rid themselves of their other problems. 

The setting is very important to the story; the train station, the surrounding scenery, the incoming train all connect to the conflict this couple is having. The train station is an in between point, which is the place their relationship is at, sort of a crossing in a sense.  The approaching train is the mode of transportation bringing them closer to the operation, there is dread and fear with that incoming train. The operation is approaching as is the train. The scenery seems important because the couple is at a standstill. The distance looks tranquil, beautiful, wrapped in sunshine, which is how she wishes their relationship would be. When she says "we can have all this", it seems to be an analogy for the desired state of their relationship. He says, "it isn't ours anymore", which almost seems like he is talking about their relationship, that because of this pregnancy and potential abortion, they've lost the pleasant relation they once knew. When people are carefree in a relationship, they say they feel like they are on top of the world, that the world is theirs to explore. 

I also noted how at the end, Jig simply states, "I feel fine. There is nothing wrong with me. I feel fine." This sentence seems forced, unnatural and as if she is trying to convince herself of the words she's saying. 

1st Entry- Intro

My name is Tali Byrne and I am a Senior Advertising and Public Relations major, Business minor from Chicago, Il. 

I'm enrolled in this course because I need it to graduate, and somehow in my four years of college I haven't had a basic literature requirement fulfilled, even though I consider myself fairly sufficient in my literary knowledge. I know that everyone has to have this course, or its equivalent, but I'd rather take a literature/reading and writing based course any day over math/science courses. I enjoy reading and developing/discussing insights so I know that I will enjoy this course, even if it is a requirement. 

In junior high and high school, literature classes were my favorite. I love tearing apart sentences, focusing on a phrase and interpreting its meaning, learning about the author, etc.. I enjoy reading immensely, but find that unless I have the time ie while on vacation or at the pool, it becomes a struggle. I don't enjoy a book or story as much if I am rushed to get through it. I know I've read a lot of great books but also that there are many stories out there that I haven't had the chance to experience yet. A few of my recent favorites have been The Lovely Bones, Secret Life of Bees/Mermaid Chair, Eat Pray Love, and Memoirs of a Geisha.

In this course I hope to be able to enjoy the stories I'm reading since I have more time to read them in, be interactive in discussion, and really apply myself in the film adaptation assignment, it sounds exciting. 

I usually take notes in class, although I am also a visual learner. I think I've finally figured out that seeing as well as writing down information helps me retain it more. 

For as much as people enjoy talking about themselves, this question always seems to bring the most trouble- "tell me a little about yourself". I love traveling and experiencing the way different people live, eat and go about their daily business, learning about the country's history, but even more so I love going home. I love the familiarity of the city, how even though there's a million things going on at once, it's peaceful to me. I recently stumbled upon a quote that describes it perfectly:

"I'm a city boy. In the big cities they've set it up so you can go to a park and be in a miniature countryside, but in the countryside they don't have any patches of big city, so I get very homesick."

(I have read, understand and will abide by the terms of the syllabus for this course. It serves as a contract.)