Final Reflection...

Through the blogs, gists, and literary analyses, I can easily say that my writing has improved over the semester. I feel much more confident in my writing. I know how to properly cite things, my language has improved, and I can effectively express myself through writing like I couldn't before.

Strategy wise, I really found the individual meetings with you and the constant gist writing to be the most helpful aspects of the class. I better understood what you were looking for and how to better articulate my idea after our individual meetings. The gists helped me to understand the proper MLA format, academic titles, short literary analysis characteristics, and allowed me to begin to consider literature in a new way.

I don't know if I could call any of the papers the "easiest," however, I might say that the Dr. Faustus analysis was the least challenging. I think this is purely because it was the last of the three, so I had a better idea of how to form an argument and effectively use it to get my point across. Dr. Faustus also has a lot of journal articles available, which helps immensely in the research process.

Honestly, the day that sticks out in my mind is the day that we read "Recitatif" and the other articles discussing racism. You mentioned that your favorite part of class is discussing ideas rather than the other technical aspects of literature, and I couldn't agree more. I really enjoyed how every day was like a new theme or life lesson, and once I figured this out, it was much easier to draw parallels and recognize themes in the assigned readings.

I am, without a doubt, more prepared to write college level papers than I was at the beginning of the semester! The literary analyses that we completed were very challenging, however, they gave me a great base for the papers I'll be writing in the future. All the work was well worth it!

Men Vs. Women

I've really never thought of sexism as a serious problem in my day to day life, nor have I any real feminist ideals, however, I did find myself resenting the male sex a bit more after these poems. I was most annoyed with "Sold." Reading the lyrics with the song made me realize how degrading it was. Bidding on a woman with "ruby red lips blonde hair blue eyes" who had sex with him that very day really put the icing on the cake for me. How original, Mr. Montgomery, comparing love or lust with an auction for a promiscuous woman. Thanks for living up to the stereotype of males looking at women as pieces of meat!

To Flea or Not to Flea?

After reading and rereading about 20 times, I still don't have the most clear idea of what Donne is portraying in this poem. But this is what I have concluded from the work. In the first stanza, the narrator speaks of a flea for the purpose of its insignificance. In the second line, he compares how little the woman he is speaking to denies him. They both "sucked" out this denial, and now, because the denial is small, it is not a big deal that their "two bloods mingle" aka have sex. It cannot be said a shameful deed, and in the phrase "more than we would do" the narrator is implying that the sex will amount to more.

In the second stanza, the flea now holds them together, containing their lives and its own. The third and fourth lines read "this flea is you and I and this, our marriage bed" emphasizing this bond. Though they have a "parent's grudge" on their minds, they are hidden together in "living walls of jet." This metaphor of dark living walls could symbolize a vagina. And the phrase that follows- "though use make you apt to kill me," makes sense in this light because although she could be angry after having sex, he urges her not to, as it would kill him, her and the flea.

In the final stanza, the woman is "cruel and sudden" as she "purpled [his] nail in blood of innocence." Although he thinks their sex is innocent, she has chosen to leave him purple and without it. The flea is gone, dead and so is he. He claims that she has "triumphed" and has "so much honor" when she "yielded" to him.

P o e t r y

Poetry is one aspect of literature that I definitely don't have much of a background in. My version of poetry comes in the form of the music I listen to. I read into the lyrics of songs in an attempt to interpret them as I think the artist may have intended. I treat them just as others may treat classical or traditional poetry, viewing good music that is well written and meaningful as the most modern form of poetry. Although most mainstream "popular" music doesn't fit into this category of poetry, it doesn't have merit or purpose anyway, so it doesn't belong. But good music, the kind that is thought provoking and full of emotion does deserve to be considered poetry, because it is art.
And although I don't have much experience with old school poetry, I am optimistic that I will enjoy it just as I enjoy my modern form of poetry.

Research Idea for the Doctor

I really like the idea that Faustus's internal struggle echoes all that is happening to him. Faustus is such a dark and troubled character, I believe all his experiences are occurring in his mind. His own conflict between good or evil, God or Satan, redemption or damnation is just too much struggle for a sane man. This struggle puts him in a state of psychological limbo between Heaven and Hell, just on the edge of Hell.
One example that really indicates Faustus's life as purely psychological is when Mephistophilis warns Faustus of the horrors of Hell. This resembles a realization of conscience, insinuating that Satan, and therefore, God, are both in his mind. So with all the aspects of his life existing only in his mind, Faustus's state of limbo feels just as concrete as the other imaginary aspects of the story.
And maybe it's all in his mind for a reason. God and Satan aren't tangible in human life; they only exist in your heart or your soul, which is how Faustus lives his life-- within his troubled mind.

Faustus Discussion

The aspect of class discussion that I found most interesting had to do with Faustus's internal conflict within himself caused by the external conflict surrounding him. This led me to consider other two-sided aspects of the story. One is between the good and evil angels of Faustus's conscience, which branches into the many discussions of the differences between heaven and hell in the story. And in these two opposing postmortem realms, there are two "rulers" in charge of them. I am referring of course to God and Satan, who both play huge roles in the story. They have everything to do with the decisions that Faustus makes in regards to himself and his practice of black magic. As I was thinking further about this two-sided theme, I began to question of where Faustus was in all this. He was obviously a torn man, thinking about redemption often, but always maintaining to side with evil. I believe that Faustus was in a sort of theological limbo. The latin root of the word, which is limbus, means border or edge. I think this fits Faustus's situation perfectly, as he is just teetering on the edge of Hell. He commited the greatest sin of giving up his soul to Satan, and without redemption (soon), he cannot be saved. So how many times will Faustus be able to deny God before he is thrust into Hell? I think it's only a matter of time, and he's far too close to the edge to turn back now.

Dr. Faustus Scene V

In the beginning of the scene, Faustus is talking to himself in an attempt to convince himself to continue forward pursuing black magic. This passage seems to indicate that Faustus is having second thoughts about the matter, but ultimately, he hastily obliges to Mephistophilis's wishes to give him a blood gift and his soul. Considering the fact that I have never read a story where giving up your soul lead to something good or promising, I have a feeling that it's going to be a trying and unfulfilling life that Fautus is about to lead. As an example of the trickery that he will forever endure, when Faustus asks for a wife, a demon is brought to him, which he refuses.

Dr. Faustus

In the final conversation between Dr. Faustus, Valdes, and Cornelius, black magic is thrusted upon Dr. Faustus by these two other men. Valdes states that black magic, along with their experience and Dr. Faustus's wit, will allow them to great power and control. Cornelius adds that after studying dark magic, Faustus will be satisfied and will desire to study nothing else. Dr. Faustus is very pleased by these accords, and the other two men begin to plan how they will teach Faustus their ways.
After reading the beginning of this drama, I am very intrigued as to where the story might go. The character of Dr. Faustus interesting and dark, which makes me suspicious yet curious of him and his actions. I now understand what the textbook was saying when it said that plays allow for the imagination to see the work as the reader wishes, however, I would like to see a production of this as well!

Midterm Evaluation

I haven't had an english course in 2 years, and I must say that it's really a nice change from my previous Bio courses. There, my only writing occurred in lab reports or analyses of scientific studies and the only reading material was in the fat textbook. I can honestly say that I am much happier reading stories that aren't entirely based on facts, numbers, or charts, but on literary elements like style, theme, and symbolism.
Overall, I've really liked the chosen readings for the semester. I thought We was a really interesting read, especially having read 1984 previously. As for the short stories, I think that the ones we've read have also been good choices. I've really always enojoyed reading this genre of literature, mainly because the authors have such an amazing ability to put so much meaning and hidden details into a "short story." The textbook stated something along the lines that reading a story should take as much thought and deliberation as the actual writing did. This really helped me to realize that I shouldn't read something just to say I read it. The fun of reading comes in the deep interpretation and opinion forming process that one goes through when you really read and reread a story.
As for in class activities, I think our class discussions are becoming more helpful, but I really think I get a better idea of what people really think through our small group discussions. It's much more of a back and forth discussion where we're able to bounce ideas off each other about the story.

Setting and Point of View in The Last Question

The literary aspects of setting and point of view play a significant role in Asimov's "The Last Question." As we follow the different characters through the changing times in the story, the setting seems to be constantly changing. This constant change seems to be parallel to the adapting humans change. Another part of the setting is the overall mood that it evokes. As the story progresses, more and more stars die, the bodies of humans become dead weight, and the whole scene becomes dark and omninous.
The point of view, which was third person omniscent, seems to also have a purposeful role in the story. From this point of view, Asimov was able to show everyone's feelings. The non subjective point of view went along with the changing characters. Having no real connection or insight into a particuluar character allows the reader to see the story in an unbiased way. To exemplify just how lifeless and unfeeling the humans were becoming through time, the point of view remained unattached. This was done to emphasize the fact that there was no longer anything concrete or individual enough to attach to.

We Came All the Way from Cuba So You Could Dress Like This?

I though that this story had a very meaningful message about the struggles of immigration and their impact on a family. The young girl and family is so unaware of what they assume to be a better future in America, however, throughout the entire story, the girl is left wondering 'what if they had stayed in Cuba'? The phrase "Is life destiny or determination?" is stated in this story, and I think that the answer is up for interpretation. To me, I believe that the story shows how this family carved their own path, broke from the norm, and determined their own future by leaving Cuba. And this was a decision that clearly changed their experiences and relationship with one another for the rest of their life. From this aspect, the destiny argument could be posed. It may have been their destiny to break free from Communism and the anarchy in Cuba. By leaving everything they knew and loved about their home country, they came into America, a country of that offered their different race feelings of suspicion and isolation that destined them to a life of confusion.

Class Discussion

I read "Recitatif" closely and carefully, trying not to miss a single important detail of symbolism or thematic reference, however, I seemed to miss out on the point of the story altogether. As was brought up right away in class, I thought that the biggest difference between Twyla and Roberta was the white-black difference. But when we were asked to find any specific instance in the novel to justify this race difference, I hurriedly shuffled through the pages, looking for a point blank phrase that stated 'she was white' or 'she was black'- however, no such phrase existed.  How could this be? I was sure that it was stated somewhere... That's when it hit me. All the stereotypical innuendos in the story tricked me into unknowingly and wrongfully pasting a race to each of the girls.
I never realized the hidden control that racial stereotypes had in my mind. Even though I assumed that I was in NO way racist, I discovered through our discussion that racists are are also a stereotyped group. Just because I'm not a member of the KKK or would never treat someone of a minority race in a cruel or hateful way doesn't mean I don't discriminate on a different level. Although I don't express my racism through action, I cannot deny the stereotypes engraved into my mind. And to me, this silent racism is just as hurtful and problematic as the outspoken racism that other Americans show.

The Scholarly Shame of Collegiate Learning

As a college student, I find this article to be disappointingly true and at the same time, somehow inspirational. The well known attributes of the typical slacker college students are not only brought on by the students themselves, but facilitated by the University they attend. How terrible that college has simply become about getting that degree and getting out as quickly and painlessly as possible. It is hardly about expanding your overall knowledge and learning scholarly approaches to research, writing, and life. The college experience has shifted to one focused on the short-term annoyance of seemingly extraneous assignments, rather than the long-term benefits that these projects will provide for you. I liked the quote in the article that stated "it requires academic rigor... You can't just get it through osmosis in these institutions." It's not about just going through the minimum requirements to eventually pass through the college membrane, it's about getting your money's worth and diving into the great pool of knowledge right in front of you!

Tweet tweet...

I think that these "fake" Twitter accounts are more than just a comedic way of poking fun at prominent figures in American politics. Although the people who create these accounts and tweet humorous things about a politician are claiming to come from a completely satirical view point, there is definitely an undertone of disdain in their remarks. I view these tweets as the latest way to insult the bigwigs in American politics today.
I guess it's a good thing that the targeted politicians are remaining cool and unaffected by the fake Twitter accounts in their name, however, I think that this has the potential of escalating to another level and becoming something of great controversy. As the article states, we live in a "name obsessed culture", constantly judging anyone who chooses to put themselves in the limelight. And the best part for the creators of these accounts is being able to tell the world how you feel about a politician under the all too concealing shield of anonymity. From my point of view, at least TV personalities like John Stewart and Stephen Colbert have the gumption to let their identities be known while their judging politicians, while the anonymous tweeters show none of this nerve for their beliefs.

Literary Analysis Uno

Although writing this analysis was pretty tough, I still enjoyed developing a solid theory about my topic of mathematics, D-503, and revolution. I completely reread the book (fast pace) in order to get as many quotes as possible to strengthen my arguments.
I definitely had my fair share of issues though. I must say that I'm still unsure of when to put the Author's name in parenthesis with the page number. Also, I hope that my topic didn't branch out in too many directions. I felt like I dug deep into what I was trying to prove, but I explained quite a few mathematical symbols, so hopefully my argument stayed centered.

The Metamorphosis...

When I read The Metamorphosis the first time, most of my attention was drawn to the feelings and actions of the family. I couldn't help but hate them for their grave mistreatment of their once son and brother. Upon reading through the short story another time, however, I was much more focused on certain details of story that I paid little attention to the first time around. In this second read, I found myself much more focused on Gregor's emotional transformation and how it perfectly matched up with Kafka's tone and word choice.
Right from the start, I noticed just how absurd it was that Gregor was truly not fazed by his transformation. His thoughts remained calm and uncaring, drifting back to his current obligations of work and his familial dependency on this job. Kafka's relaxed tone matched up to this beginnning, moving effortlessly from Gregor's condition to describing the monotonous details of the room and the melancholy rain, as if these were more significant aspects of Gregor's life. Continuing with this uncaring tone, Gregor never thought of his transformation into a bug in an alarming way. In fact, he was constantly downplaying his serious and life-changing situation, still thinking of his family's debt as his biggest problem. Gregor viewed his family as kind people, seeing their isolated and inconsiderate actions as some sort of respect for him and his needs. How clueless he is about what his life has become!
At one point in the story, however, I thought there was a major turning point where Gregor subconsciously realized what kind of people his parents and sister were. He became aware of their unknown and hidden strength in his confrontation with his father. As the father stomped into the room in his tight uniform, Gregor struggled to see any characteristics of his old, weak father. Kafka further emphasized this vigor by describing the father with dark eyes, tossing his hat confidently across the room, and with a morose expression. Through this skirmish, Gregor was badly injured and was ultimately removed from the power role that he once assumed in the family. From this point on, Gregor lost all hope for life and began to lose interest in the feelings of others. His indifference indicates a broken down man, trapped in the confines of a crowded room, surrounded by a family that never really thought of him as anything more than a spineless creature.

Two Sources

Beehler, Michael. "Yevgeny Zamyatin: The Essential, the Superfluous, and Textual Noise." SubStance 15.50 (1986): 48-60. JSTOR. Web. 2 February 2011.

Russel, Robert. "Literature and Revolution in Zamyatin's My. The Slavonic and East European Review 51.122 (1973): 36-46. JSTOR. Web. 2 February 2011.

Zamyatin, Yevgeny. We. Trans. Natasha Randall. New York: The Modern Library, 2006. Print.

Individualism lost in the robotic movement...

The topic of my paper will center around why I think Zamyatin really wrote the book and what sort of warnings he intended the readers to gather from the novel. I think that he had this amazing insight into the future in regards of dictatorship and the frailty of the human race. I will discuss how his understanding of what it means to be both human and happy may not follow the conventional definition, but he is able to portray a world where neither of those terms truly exist. He does this through the mind of the complex character D-503. Through him, Zamyatin created an ideal canvas to further illustrate this society as a perfect picture of disaster in its prime.

Final thoughts on WE...

WOW. Where to begin? Vaguely put, this book was like nothing I've ever read before. But, of course, this description doesn't do the book any justice. In every literary aspect, WE challenged the dexterity of my mind to the fullest. I attempted to follow D-503's scattered thoughts, pick up on Zamaytin's deep metaphors, and read into the symbolism of it all. I must say though, this is easier said than done!

From a reader's point of view, I felt an initial disappointment that the novel didn't have a "happier" ending. But the more I thought about the components and overall tone of the story, I realized that a fairytale ending wouldn't suit the novel in the least. Although I really believed that D-503, I-330, and the rest of the group plotting against the onestate would successfully escape, I think that this ending would have left me more dissatisfied because of its improbability. Their emancipation would have gone against the entire scheme of the novel, where the onestate always wins. The rebels had to be suppressed. Once again, their thoughts and dreams were crushed, which was necessary in further showing the power of the onestate. And even though at one point in the story I thought that was nearly impossible for rebels to not succeed in gaining freedom, the Benefactor and associates were able to suffocate their only chance for real happiness. So the cold, mecanized world lives on. Here, D-503 is no longer human. He is a robot in this society of machines where a soul is sickness, imagination is absurd, and freedom is inconceivable.

Le State of the Union Address

To be completely honest, this was definitely the first time I have ever watched the State of the Union Address in its entirety. In doing so, however, I realized this will also not be the last time I tune in for the entire speech. I found the content very interesting and Obama's words inspiring. I sort of assumed I would find myself bored after some time, but to my pleasent surprise, my focus stood strong.
Obama had quite a few poignant quotes that really struck my core. I translated these well put phrases from their intended 'big picture' emphasis to a more personal level. One particualar quote I enjoyed came at the end of the speech. "I'm not sure how I'll reach that better place beyond the horizon, but I know I'll get there." I always like quotes centering around hope and believing in yourself, and this one is a great example. I also enjoyed the concept of "winning the future" as if it is a prize that you earn. This idea gives a new meaning to my view of working toward a successful and fulfilling future. Well done, Mr. President. You win; you always do.

My Life in the Onestate

In WE, I find the most disturbing aspect of D-503's perspective on life in the onestate to be his fear of individuality and the concept of 'I' altogether. It makes me uneasy to think of a life without the ability to express my individuality. In the onestate, I wouldn't be able to engage in my favorite activities that set me apart from others, things that make me unique and different and HAPPY. I would hate being considered nothing more than an insignificant part of a mechanized group. In my journey towards becoming a robotic member of this group, the last of my dignity would dissipate as my name became a number, just like the other robots. How completely demoralizing it would be to feel trapped in a society of machines that were once considered humans. Individuality is freedom is life.

Historical Strategies and WE

In both the literal and methaphorical sense almost everything about WE can be seen as Communism based. If the reader has little knowledge of the principles of a Communist society, or more importantly the historical instances of Communism, they won't fully grasp the cultural context of WE.  Being familiar with the dicatorship and the adversity the population faced in 1920s Russia gives the reader insight into the hardships of the era.
Historically, I think that WE is best understood from a Marxist point of view, dealing with culture, race, class, and power. In the one state, it is clear that culture, race, and class are nonexistent, while the power of the Benefactor is unlimited. In the textbook, it is stated "Literature is essentially political because it either challenges or supports economic oppression". I find this phrase to reflect WE perfectly.  The story challenges the restrictions of Communism to the core.

Literary elements in WE

Style: Zamyatin's style is centered around his specific word choice. One example of this is the frequent emphasis of D-503 referring to society as a whole, as We. He is comforted by this fact, by the limited individuality of the world he lives in, which is a reflection of the overall style of the work.

Tone: D-503's feelings for the rule of the one state are all positive, but his attitude is not such when it comes to the way of the ancient times. One way that this hatred is emphasized is through his description of and feelings for I-330. Tying her to the ancient world, he considers her an interference of his structured life and describes her having undesirable characteristics like pointy teeth and considers her actions appalling.

Irony: I found irony in the fact that D-503 was so uneasy in the ancient house, while he finds immediate beauty and comfort when he's in a purely functional, cold glass building with no privacy.

Plot: In D-503's records, he follows a chronological  time line of events as they happen to him. Although he periodically refers back to the barbaric ancient times, he never has a real flashback.

Characterization: As D-503 records his every thought we see his obvious loyalty to the one state. However, we also see the insignificant thoughts that torment his mind, a vulnerability when passion takes over with I-330. All these situations allow the reader to identify with D-503.

Setting: The novel is set in 1920s Russia, the one state, after the 200 years war. In this world, there is absolutely no freedom, only complete government control.

Point of View: This novel is told in the first-person narrative, and the only thoughts and feelings we know of are that of D-503's. Even though the reader doesn't find his world to be comforting in the least, D-503's feelings do help the reader to shape their own opinion on this odd society.

Symbol: I think that the fact that D-503's hands are "ape-like" and resemble the hands of the ancients is more symbolic than anything. I think they suggest that, in I-330's presence, he will succumb to a more ancient way of thinking and acting.

Theme: I would have to say that the overall theme of the novel deals with the lack of freedom leading to dehumanization. It is clear that D-503 loves following the strict rules of the one state and enjoys having absolutely no freedom of choice. Such machine like obedience has led to a society of robots. However, humans have feelings, aspirations, dreams, and imagination. Imperfect robots. Such a restrictive society can't last.

About me...

"Kool aid and frozen pizza, it's a work of art, I'm not talkin Mona Lisa." This lyric from one of my favorite songs by rapper Mac Miller has turned into the title of my first attempt at a blog. I love music, the lyrics, the beats, the passion of the artist. I love reading lyrics without the music, breaking into the soul of the artist, treating the words like the poetry that they are. After this, hearing the song as a whole is a whole new experience. All you want to do is close your eyes, kick back, and take in the art. Going back to the song lyric from my title, although the words seem simple, I think they hold a powerful message in the background. I interpret this lyric to mean that art doesn't need to be completely understood or popular to be considered worthwhile, it's more about portraying beauty in a unique way that allows an escape from the mundane. That's what music does for me. It is the purest release I can imagine, my drug of choice.

Besides music, I enjoy drawing, cruising on my longboard, watching movies, riding my horses, and hanging out with friends and family. So, now that you have a bit of insight into my interests, enjoy the kool aid and frozen pizza!