"But today she passed the baker's by, climbed the stairs, went into the little dark room-her room like a cupboard- and sat down on the red eiderdown. She sat there for a long time." page 186
9. Describe Miss Brill's sense of herself at the end of the story.
I think Miss Brill has a low self worth at the end of the story. Throughout the entire story, Miss Brill is observing people and making judgments about them based on her observances. However, when the couple stereotypes her and judges her, she becomes depressed. I mean I understand where she is coming from. If someone called me a "stupid old thing" I would probably start crying. The reader can tell that Miss Brill is hurt by the couple's words because she doesn't go to the baker's where she normally looks forward to going every day. She also takes off her fur which she was so proud of. I'm not sure what the "something crying" is at the very end of the story. I feel like it could be her soul. Miss Brill doesn't really show emotions throughout the story, so I think she might not even recognize her own tears.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Once upon a Time
"Again: the creaking. I was waiting for it; waiting to hear if it indicated that feet were moving from room to room, coming up the passage- to my door." page 231
1. The opening section of this story is told by a writer awakened by a frightening sound in the night. What two causes for the sound does she consider? Ultimately, which is more significant cause for fear? How do these together create an emotional background for the "children's story" she tells?
The two causes of sound that she considers are a murderer sneaking into her house or the house itself making noises. I think the murderer is a more significant cause for fear. I think these two causes create the background of her children's story. In the story, the family hears about murders and robberies happening to other people. This causes them to be scared and take caution in their own home. The house itself then becomes a weapon. Bars are installed on the windows and bricks are added to the walls. The family lives in fear and tries everything they can to protect their house from robbers or murderers. Their death trap ultimately kills their son. I think this shows that people can not be afraid to live their life or else they will never truly live a meaningful life. The author's own fears contributed to her story and created a fear among the family.
1. The opening section of this story is told by a writer awakened by a frightening sound in the night. What two causes for the sound does she consider? Ultimately, which is more significant cause for fear? How do these together create an emotional background for the "children's story" she tells?
The two causes of sound that she considers are a murderer sneaking into her house or the house itself making noises. I think the murderer is a more significant cause for fear. I think these two causes create the background of her children's story. In the story, the family hears about murders and robberies happening to other people. This causes them to be scared and take caution in their own home. The house itself then becomes a weapon. Bars are installed on the windows and bricks are added to the walls. The family lives in fear and tries everything they can to protect their house from robbers or murderers. Their death trap ultimately kills their son. I think this shows that people can not be afraid to live their life or else they will never truly live a meaningful life. The author's own fears contributed to her story and created a fear among the family.
A Worn Path
"I remember so plain now. I not going to forget him again, no, the whole enduring time. I could tell him from all the others in creation." page 230
6. In answer to a student who wrote to ask her "Is the grandson really dead?" Welty responded, "My best answer would be: Phoenix is alive." What might have led the student to ask the question? How can the author's remark be seen as an answer?
I think the student's question is a valid question to ask. Phoenix has traveled a long distance and the entire way she was hallucinating. When she finally arrives to her destination, she forgets why she even made the journey in the first place. This makes the reader wonder if Phoenix knows anything about her real life or if she even has a grandson. The student's perspective is that if Phoenix can't even remember why she walked to town then how is she supposed to remember whether her grandson is dead or alive? I think the author's remark can be seen as an answer because the focus is not on the grandson, it is on Phoenix. The author is trying to get the reader to understand where Phoenix is coming from and understand her character. To me, Phoenix comes across as a woman devoted to the people in her life and a completely selfless person. She may not be as sharp as a regular person, but she still knows what her priorities are. I think the author wanted to have the story center around Phoenix instead of the grandson.
6. In answer to a student who wrote to ask her "Is the grandson really dead?" Welty responded, "My best answer would be: Phoenix is alive." What might have led the student to ask the question? How can the author's remark be seen as an answer?
I think the student's question is a valid question to ask. Phoenix has traveled a long distance and the entire way she was hallucinating. When she finally arrives to her destination, she forgets why she even made the journey in the first place. This makes the reader wonder if Phoenix knows anything about her real life or if she even has a grandson. The student's perspective is that if Phoenix can't even remember why she walked to town then how is she supposed to remember whether her grandson is dead or alive? I think the author's remark can be seen as an answer because the focus is not on the grandson, it is on Phoenix. The author is trying to get the reader to understand where Phoenix is coming from and understand her character. To me, Phoenix comes across as a woman devoted to the people in her life and a completely selfless person. She may not be as sharp as a regular person, but she still knows what her priorities are. I think the author wanted to have the story center around Phoenix instead of the grandson.
Eveline
"She sat at the window watching evening invade the avenue. Her head was leaned against the window curtains and in her nostrils was the odor of dusty cretonne. She was tired." page 218
1. Analyze the first brief paragraph in detail. How doe it help to introduce the story's theme? Why does the narrator use the unexpected word "invade" in the first sentence? Why is the second sentence written in passive voice?
I think the the first paragraph introduces the story's theme of letting life pass us by and not taking opportunities presented to us. The first sentence says that Eveline was "watching". She has been a spectator her entire life, always doing what she was told and never really making decisions for herself. I think the narrator uses the word invade because something new and unexpected has entered Eveline's life. Before Frank, Eveline had lived a life of pleasing others and always doing what was expected of her. Frank entering Eveline's life has forced her to make a decision that could ultimately change her life. I think the second sentence is written in passive voice to emphasize that Eveline is a passive person. She doesn't take control of her life or make decisions. She sits back and observes other people live their lives, never taking time for herself. She's clearly not happy with her life, with her dead mother, verbally abusive father, and unsatisfying job. However, she is too scared to take initiative and make a change in her life that could make her happier.
1. Analyze the first brief paragraph in detail. How doe it help to introduce the story's theme? Why does the narrator use the unexpected word "invade" in the first sentence? Why is the second sentence written in passive voice?
I think the the first paragraph introduces the story's theme of letting life pass us by and not taking opportunities presented to us. The first sentence says that Eveline was "watching". She has been a spectator her entire life, always doing what she was told and never really making decisions for herself. I think the narrator uses the word invade because something new and unexpected has entered Eveline's life. Before Frank, Eveline had lived a life of pleasing others and always doing what was expected of her. Frank entering Eveline's life has forced her to make a decision that could ultimately change her life. I think the second sentence is written in passive voice to emphasize that Eveline is a passive person. She doesn't take control of her life or make decisions. She sits back and observes other people live their lives, never taking time for herself. She's clearly not happy with her life, with her dead mother, verbally abusive father, and unsatisfying job. However, she is too scared to take initiative and make a change in her life that could make her happier.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Bartleby the Scrivener
"I would prefer not to," he said, and gently disappeared behind the screen." page 650
Bartleby reminds me of the character Adrian Monk from the tv show Monk. Monk has O.C.D. so he is always making sure everything is perfectly in place. He has a million fears of things ranging from milk to bridges. He refuses to drive or shake people's hands. Bartleby reminds me of Monk because they are both socially awkward. Everyone around them thinks that their antics are weird but both Bartleby and Monk see nothing wrong with what they are doing. When Bartleby refuses to do something for the lawyer, he doesn't get angry or upset. He just says "I would prefer not to" and returns back to his desk. I think that Bartleby lives in his own little world. He doesn't go out of his way to meet people or make friends. Another way that Bartleby reminds me of Monk is that their obscure ways make them very good at their jobs. Monk's attention to detail makes him a great detective. Bartleby is very diligent as a copier, although he refuses to do anything else but copy. I feel like there was a part of Bartleby just waiting to come out. I feel like he was just waiting for someone to break through his shell and understand who exactly he was.
Bartleby reminds me of the character Adrian Monk from the tv show Monk. Monk has O.C.D. so he is always making sure everything is perfectly in place. He has a million fears of things ranging from milk to bridges. He refuses to drive or shake people's hands. Bartleby reminds me of Monk because they are both socially awkward. Everyone around them thinks that their antics are weird but both Bartleby and Monk see nothing wrong with what they are doing. When Bartleby refuses to do something for the lawyer, he doesn't get angry or upset. He just says "I would prefer not to" and returns back to his desk. I think that Bartleby lives in his own little world. He doesn't go out of his way to meet people or make friends. Another way that Bartleby reminds me of Monk is that their obscure ways make them very good at their jobs. Monk's attention to detail makes him a great detective. Bartleby is very diligent as a copier, although he refuses to do anything else but copy. I feel like there was a part of Bartleby just waiting to come out. I feel like he was just waiting for someone to break through his shell and understand who exactly he was.
Bartleby the Scrivener
"Some few days after this, I again obtained admission to the Tombs, and went through the corridors in quest of Bartleby, but without finding him." page 674
9. Does Bartleby have any lasting impact on the lawyer?
I think Bartleby does have a lasting impact on the lawyer. Throughout the entire story, the lawyer can not get Bartleby out of his head. He continuously has a battle within himself on what to do with Bartleby. He even thought that random people on the street were talking about Bartleby when they didn't even know him. I think the lawyer truly cared about Bartleby. Bartleby annoyed him and it was a huge inconvenience to the lawyer that Bartleby refused to do anything outside of copying. However, the lawyer still wanted to help Bartleby out. He didn't throw Bartleby on the streets and he offered to give Bartleby money if he was ever in need. That's more than anyone else offered to do for Bartleby. Also, the fact that the lawyer frequently visited the Tombs showed that he still thought about Bartleby. I think deep down the lawyer wanted to do something more for Bartleby and help him become normal but he didn't know how to go about doing that. Also, the fact that the lawyer is writing an entire story about Bartleby makes it obvious that Bartleby had a lasting impact on him.
9. Does Bartleby have any lasting impact on the lawyer?
I think Bartleby does have a lasting impact on the lawyer. Throughout the entire story, the lawyer can not get Bartleby out of his head. He continuously has a battle within himself on what to do with Bartleby. He even thought that random people on the street were talking about Bartleby when they didn't even know him. I think the lawyer truly cared about Bartleby. Bartleby annoyed him and it was a huge inconvenience to the lawyer that Bartleby refused to do anything outside of copying. However, the lawyer still wanted to help Bartleby out. He didn't throw Bartleby on the streets and he offered to give Bartleby money if he was ever in need. That's more than anyone else offered to do for Bartleby. Also, the fact that the lawyer frequently visited the Tombs showed that he still thought about Bartleby. I think deep down the lawyer wanted to do something more for Bartleby and help him become normal but he didn't know how to go about doing that. Also, the fact that the lawyer is writing an entire story about Bartleby makes it obvious that Bartleby had a lasting impact on him.
Hunters in the Snow
"He leaned forward on his elbows and rested his chin in one hand. "Go on, Tub." page 200
7. What is the purpose of the scene in which Frank and Tub stop at the tavern for food and coffee, leaving the wounded Kenny in the back of the truck? During their conversation, Frank analyzes his own character and expresses remorse. Are his insights and remorse genuine? Why or why not?
I think the purpose of the scene in which Frank and Tub stop at the tavern is to show the change of allegiances. At first, Frank and Kenny stuck together and kind of ganged up on Tub by almost hitting him with the car, calling him fat and leaving him in the woods. After Kenny was shot, Frank and Tub bonded and almost forgot about Kenny. I think they were sick of Kenny instigating situations and bringing out their insecurities. I do not think that Frank's insights and remorse were genuine. I do not think he was remorseful at all. He confessed that he was in love with his babysitter but he never said that what he was doing was wrong. He sounded like he was going to keep pursuing the babysitter. Also, he was encouraging Tub to eat more and more food basically saying it was okay for him to be fat and eat all the time. He was trying to justify Tub's actions so that he could justify his own actions.
7. What is the purpose of the scene in which Frank and Tub stop at the tavern for food and coffee, leaving the wounded Kenny in the back of the truck? During their conversation, Frank analyzes his own character and expresses remorse. Are his insights and remorse genuine? Why or why not?
I think the purpose of the scene in which Frank and Tub stop at the tavern is to show the change of allegiances. At first, Frank and Kenny stuck together and kind of ganged up on Tub by almost hitting him with the car, calling him fat and leaving him in the woods. After Kenny was shot, Frank and Tub bonded and almost forgot about Kenny. I think they were sick of Kenny instigating situations and bringing out their insecurities. I do not think that Frank's insights and remorse were genuine. I do not think he was remorseful at all. He confessed that he was in love with his babysitter but he never said that what he was doing was wrong. He sounded like he was going to keep pursuing the babysitter. Also, he was encouraging Tub to eat more and more food basically saying it was okay for him to be fat and eat all the time. He was trying to justify Tub's actions so that he could justify his own actions.
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