Dear Miss Beatrice Fisher-Hart,
I give my deepest sympathies to you from the recent death of your mother. Her death was an accident and you should remember that she’s happier where she is now than she was here on earth. On a lighter note, I was so happy that you were able to develop your character of Thisbe, by working with your grandmother, because it really deepened your connection with Thisbe and allowed the audience to connect with her better. The show and actors sounded absolutely amazing! I can’t imagine what it would be like to perform in front of so many celebrities! Were you ever nervous acting in front of them? That most have been a dream in itself performing in front of so many famous people! Throughout the novel, you have developed as a person and an actor, but I still think you need to find the true person inside of you because you seem to be acting with your own feelings. I am confused as to how someone would not be able to convey their own thoughts and feelings through expression, but maybe that’s just your personality. It was really interesting that you connected your parents’ holding hands as an act in the audience and your spying on them from backstage to your actual life. This realization you made confirmed how much you have matured throughout the novel! I am also glad that you and Hale married for your true feelings for one another, and didn’t mind the age difference that was so troublesome to other people. However, it is still confusing to me why you didn’t want your grandmother to attend her own daughter’s funeral! Did it cause you too much pain to have your grandmother, whom you adored so dearly, to be paying her respects to your mother? Well, whatever the case I am sorry for the loss of your mother, yet I am happy for your promising acting career!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Sunday, December 16, 2007
House Lights, Week 6, Post A
VOCAB
Lexicon (214)- the vocabulary of a group
Trepidation (238)- anxiety, fear
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“We faced each other in the small chill of post dawn, with mist hovering above the grass and sun streaking through the pines” (213). This is an example of imagery because the description of the mist and the sun appeals to the sense of sight, which allows the readers to imagine the scene more clearly.
“I don’t know what that means” (225). This is irony because the phrase had two entirely different meanings in the novel. The first time the grandmother said this, it was meant as an accusation against Beatrice, however this time it was meant as a gift to her.
“On the other side of the glass, snowflakes small as sparks began to appear” (250). This is an alliteration because of the repetition of the letter “s” in “snowflakes small as sparks”.
QUOTE
“There was no wall between me and them, no barrier of thought, of will or intellect, between me and the girl Thisbe” (215). This thought marks a turn of events in which Beatrice genuinely identifies with her character Thisbe. This connection allows her to become a part of Thisbe and as a result Beatrice is able to fit into her role much better, which all of the actors notice and appreciative.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to follow your dreams because they really can come true! Beatrice aspired to be an actress since she was a teenager and as she grew as an actress she was able to take part in several performances throughout her career, even while receiving setbacks along the way, such as the distanced relationship with her mother and father. Yet Beatrice was able to overcome these obstacles and fulfill her lifelong dream, which she loved.
Lexicon (214)- the vocabulary of a group
Trepidation (238)- anxiety, fear
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“We faced each other in the small chill of post dawn, with mist hovering above the grass and sun streaking through the pines” (213). This is an example of imagery because the description of the mist and the sun appeals to the sense of sight, which allows the readers to imagine the scene more clearly.
“I don’t know what that means” (225). This is irony because the phrase had two entirely different meanings in the novel. The first time the grandmother said this, it was meant as an accusation against Beatrice, however this time it was meant as a gift to her.
“On the other side of the glass, snowflakes small as sparks began to appear” (250). This is an alliteration because of the repetition of the letter “s” in “snowflakes small as sparks”.
QUOTE
“There was no wall between me and them, no barrier of thought, of will or intellect, between me and the girl Thisbe” (215). This thought marks a turn of events in which Beatrice genuinely identifies with her character Thisbe. This connection allows her to become a part of Thisbe and as a result Beatrice is able to fit into her role much better, which all of the actors notice and appreciative.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to follow your dreams because they really can come true! Beatrice aspired to be an actress since she was a teenager and as she grew as an actress she was able to take part in several performances throughout her career, even while receiving setbacks along the way, such as the distanced relationship with her mother and father. Yet Beatrice was able to overcome these obstacles and fulfill her lifelong dream, which she loved.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
House Lights, Week 5, Post B
Dear Miss Beatrice Fisher-Hart,
I can’t believe how your life is so full of opportunity and adventure, yet how distanced you are from your mother and father! Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without the support of my mother and father because they help me with so many things. But somehow, you are able to persevere through the difficult situation with your family and can focus on becoming an actress, which I really admire you for. I’m glad that you could feel a strong bond, like the relationships you never had with your mother and father, with the other cast members because I believe it is important for everyone to have a strong support system. Also, I feel really connected to you when you are on the farm, because I love going to my aunt and uncle’s cabin, which is in nearly the same setting as the farm was for rehearsals. Being on the farm and participating in the theatre are two of my favorite things and to have them combined would be amazing! The way you described the farm made me feel like I was right there beside you, “The quality of light…the smell of damp wood and earth in the stable…the sound of the grasses as you walked wetly through them on your way to the farmhouse kitchen” (176). This description made me have a flashback of the countless cool summer mornings I’ve spent on the farm, which is so calming compared to the suburbs! However, I am still wondering if you were truly surprised when your mother came to the farm? Didn’t you expect her to show up, due to the circumstances that she and your father were in? Did you find it troublesome that your mother stood behind your father, even though you knew and she knew that his actions were wrong? Anyways, I am really looking forward to seeing how your role as Thisbe turns out, I hope you break a leg that first performance!
Sincerely, Rachel
I can’t believe how your life is so full of opportunity and adventure, yet how distanced you are from your mother and father! Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without the support of my mother and father because they help me with so many things. But somehow, you are able to persevere through the difficult situation with your family and can focus on becoming an actress, which I really admire you for. I’m glad that you could feel a strong bond, like the relationships you never had with your mother and father, with the other cast members because I believe it is important for everyone to have a strong support system. Also, I feel really connected to you when you are on the farm, because I love going to my aunt and uncle’s cabin, which is in nearly the same setting as the farm was for rehearsals. Being on the farm and participating in the theatre are two of my favorite things and to have them combined would be amazing! The way you described the farm made me feel like I was right there beside you, “The quality of light…the smell of damp wood and earth in the stable…the sound of the grasses as you walked wetly through them on your way to the farmhouse kitchen” (176). This description made me have a flashback of the countless cool summer mornings I’ve spent on the farm, which is so calming compared to the suburbs! However, I am still wondering if you were truly surprised when your mother came to the farm? Didn’t you expect her to show up, due to the circumstances that she and your father were in? Did you find it troublesome that your mother stood behind your father, even though you knew and she knew that his actions were wrong? Anyways, I am really looking forward to seeing how your role as Thisbe turns out, I hope you break a leg that first performance!
Sincerely, Rachel
House Lights, Week 5, Post A
VOCAB
Ennui (178)- feeling of weariness and discontent
Self-abnegation (199)- self-denial
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“…the sound of the grasses as you walked wetly through them on your way to the farmhouse kitchen” (176). This is an example of imagery because the reader can hear and feel the grasses as they hit one’s leg, it’s almost as if the reader is also walking through the grass because the sound and feeling is so descriptive.
“The can was full of water, and when every so often a drop fell from the leaky spigot, it made a cool plip” (193). This is an onomatopoeia because the word “plip” is being used to recreate the sound that the drips of water made.
“ ‘Who has she known her whole life?’ ‘Her parents.’ ‘Whose law has she lived under her whole life?’ ‘Her parents.’ “What does she want more than anything?’ ‘To leave them?’ ” (197). This is an instance of a symbol, because the questions Hale is asking Beatrice about her character symbolize what is happening in her own life. Also, Beatrice is becoming closer to the other members of the cast than she is to her actual family, so Hale’s questions also symbolizes that he is aware of the troubles she is going through.
QUOTE
“Touch could seal a pact, or substitute for words; it could communicate reminders of responsibility, duty, and one’s correct role, whether submissive or dominant” (186). Beatrice realizes that what a person means is not only affected by the words they speak, but also the body language. She recognizes that the few times her mother would stroke her face were in times of serious family issues, which portrays her mother as one who tries to cover things up.
THEME
A theme in this novel is that there are different kinds of families, there is no family that is perfect for everyone! For instance, Beatrice learns that she has been yearning for a family which is not only admired, but also has depth to it, and she find this family setting on the farm, with other cast members.
Ennui (178)- feeling of weariness and discontent
Self-abnegation (199)- self-denial
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“…the sound of the grasses as you walked wetly through them on your way to the farmhouse kitchen” (176). This is an example of imagery because the reader can hear and feel the grasses as they hit one’s leg, it’s almost as if the reader is also walking through the grass because the sound and feeling is so descriptive.
“The can was full of water, and when every so often a drop fell from the leaky spigot, it made a cool plip” (193). This is an onomatopoeia because the word “plip” is being used to recreate the sound that the drips of water made.
“ ‘Who has she known her whole life?’ ‘Her parents.’ ‘Whose law has she lived under her whole life?’ ‘Her parents.’ “What does she want more than anything?’ ‘To leave them?’ ” (197). This is an instance of a symbol, because the questions Hale is asking Beatrice about her character symbolize what is happening in her own life. Also, Beatrice is becoming closer to the other members of the cast than she is to her actual family, so Hale’s questions also symbolizes that he is aware of the troubles she is going through.
QUOTE
“Touch could seal a pact, or substitute for words; it could communicate reminders of responsibility, duty, and one’s correct role, whether submissive or dominant” (186). Beatrice realizes that what a person means is not only affected by the words they speak, but also the body language. She recognizes that the few times her mother would stroke her face were in times of serious family issues, which portrays her mother as one who tries to cover things up.
THEME
A theme in this novel is that there are different kinds of families, there is no family that is perfect for everyone! For instance, Beatrice learns that she has been yearning for a family which is not only admired, but also has depth to it, and she find this family setting on the farm, with other cast members.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
House Lights, Week 4, Post B
Dear Miss Beatrice Fisher-Hart,
Wow, what a journey your life has been so far! At the beginning of the novel you seemed extremely naïve and were afraid to step outside of your standard ways. But as you encounter more situations, you learn from some of your errors and try to correct them, which I truly applaud you for. However, you still seem to hide from accepting the truth in some situations, such as your father’s sexual harassment charges and your grandmother’s plan for your grandfather’s suicide. I understand that it must be hard for you to accept these events, but sometimes good people just happen to do bad things, it shouldn’t mean they are a completely different person because of a single event. Also, I can’t imagine how depressed you must have been when Silke died, just a day after your 20th birthday! She was a wonderful person and her personality really showed in the way she made you feel a special love, your heart must be in terrible pain from her death. I really enjoyed the thoughts going through your head as you contemplated your grandmother’s role in your grandfather’s death, “Had Margaret Fourcey really built a career on the ashes of her first husband?...Which was Maggie Fourcey’s greater asset: skill at lying, or skill at truth-telling?” (141). It was interesting that you used her name, instead of calling her grandmother because it showed the distance coming between the two of you. You also bring up a good argument, whether your grandmother is a liar or honest, because her past actions have been a bit risky. In addition, I loved the part where you and John were dancing in the rain after Silke’s memorial service. I can totally relate to this because when my grandmother died, my family went out for dinner one night and we just laughed with each other, it was a great release of emotions, yet still bittersweet. On a lighter note, good luck with your acting career! I hope that your role in Hale’s play will bring you great success!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Wow, what a journey your life has been so far! At the beginning of the novel you seemed extremely naïve and were afraid to step outside of your standard ways. But as you encounter more situations, you learn from some of your errors and try to correct them, which I truly applaud you for. However, you still seem to hide from accepting the truth in some situations, such as your father’s sexual harassment charges and your grandmother’s plan for your grandfather’s suicide. I understand that it must be hard for you to accept these events, but sometimes good people just happen to do bad things, it shouldn’t mean they are a completely different person because of a single event. Also, I can’t imagine how depressed you must have been when Silke died, just a day after your 20th birthday! She was a wonderful person and her personality really showed in the way she made you feel a special love, your heart must be in terrible pain from her death. I really enjoyed the thoughts going through your head as you contemplated your grandmother’s role in your grandfather’s death, “Had Margaret Fourcey really built a career on the ashes of her first husband?...Which was Maggie Fourcey’s greater asset: skill at lying, or skill at truth-telling?” (141). It was interesting that you used her name, instead of calling her grandmother because it showed the distance coming between the two of you. You also bring up a good argument, whether your grandmother is a liar or honest, because her past actions have been a bit risky. In addition, I loved the part where you and John were dancing in the rain after Silke’s memorial service. I can totally relate to this because when my grandmother died, my family went out for dinner one night and we just laughed with each other, it was a great release of emotions, yet still bittersweet. On a lighter note, good luck with your acting career! I hope that your role in Hale’s play will bring you great success!
Sincerely,
Rachel
House Lights, Week 4, Post A
VOCAB
Platonic (135)- relating to a philosophy of Plato
Paltry (167)- ridiculously small, yet insulting
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“…began tapping out a soft-shoe, airy as an angel food cake, on the wet granite” (141). This is an example of a simile because it compares the light tapping of John’s foot to the lightness of an angel food cake. The simile allows the reader to imagine exactly how the shoe tapping sounded.
“She looked old. Her crepey neck, her blue-veined ankles. Her lips were pressed together hard, radiating vertical lines” (143). This is imagery because it appeals to the reader’s sense of sight, the reader is able to envision how Margaret appears to Beatrice as she lays on the bed. The tightly pressed lips also appeal to the sense of touch, because it is easy to imagine how tightly clenched her jaw was at this point. (I looked up crepey, but it’s not actually a word- so I’m not sure what the author meant it to be, or if it’s invented?)
“Her voice was the softest thing in the world, like warm milk, or new grass, or baby hair” (155). This is both a simile and figurative language! This is a simile because the author compares the mother’s voice to the unlikely texture of milk, grass and hair. It’s somewhat ironic that she compares the softness of her mother’s voice to the softness of material items. However, since the voice is being compared to physical objects, it also appeals to the sense of touch (Can’t you just feel the velvet of a glass of milk on your lips?)
QUOTE
“What Ezra said worried me beyond the scope of him and me – the whole idea of injury not requiring intent” (160-161). Beatrice begins to realize that she injured Ezra without meaning to, but this has a greater significance than just the relationship between Beatrice and Ezra. Beatrice felt she was continually hurt by her parents when they kept information hidden from her, but not she begins to realize that they didn’t mean to cause her any pain.
THEME
A theme in the novel is to appreciate the differences in the people around you, because everyone contributes certain strengths! Beatrice starts to recognize the individuality in each of the actors she works with and values each person more.
Platonic (135)- relating to a philosophy of Plato
Paltry (167)- ridiculously small, yet insulting
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“…began tapping out a soft-shoe, airy as an angel food cake, on the wet granite” (141). This is an example of a simile because it compares the light tapping of John’s foot to the lightness of an angel food cake. The simile allows the reader to imagine exactly how the shoe tapping sounded.
“She looked old. Her crepey neck, her blue-veined ankles. Her lips were pressed together hard, radiating vertical lines” (143). This is imagery because it appeals to the reader’s sense of sight, the reader is able to envision how Margaret appears to Beatrice as she lays on the bed. The tightly pressed lips also appeal to the sense of touch, because it is easy to imagine how tightly clenched her jaw was at this point. (I looked up crepey, but it’s not actually a word- so I’m not sure what the author meant it to be, or if it’s invented?)
“Her voice was the softest thing in the world, like warm milk, or new grass, or baby hair” (155). This is both a simile and figurative language! This is a simile because the author compares the mother’s voice to the unlikely texture of milk, grass and hair. It’s somewhat ironic that she compares the softness of her mother’s voice to the softness of material items. However, since the voice is being compared to physical objects, it also appeals to the sense of touch (Can’t you just feel the velvet of a glass of milk on your lips?)
QUOTE
“What Ezra said worried me beyond the scope of him and me – the whole idea of injury not requiring intent” (160-161). Beatrice begins to realize that she injured Ezra without meaning to, but this has a greater significance than just the relationship between Beatrice and Ezra. Beatrice felt she was continually hurt by her parents when they kept information hidden from her, but not she begins to realize that they didn’t mean to cause her any pain.
THEME
A theme in the novel is to appreciate the differences in the people around you, because everyone contributes certain strengths! Beatrice starts to recognize the individuality in each of the actors she works with and values each person more.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Literary Review: On the Waterfront
On the Waterfront Reels in the Audience
The film On the Waterfront was directed by Elia Kazan and released in 1954. The black and white scenes allow the audience to concentrate on the characters and their dilemmas, rather than the flashy and over the top movie effects used in today’s Hollywood. The plot is truly enjoyable and is enhanced by the special characteristics brought to the film by each actor. Excellent cinematography allows each scene to flow into the next and creates a cohesiveness throughout the film.
This film is set in an anonymous port city in the eastern United States during the early 1950s. Terry, the protagonist and a member of the long shore men, is faced with the dilemma of staying true to his union or following his conscience. The majority of the set pieces consist of actual buildings which allow the audience to feel that they are side-by-side with the characters, because they are so life-like. There is a fence that separates the city from the docks, which is a minor part of the set, but it distinguishes the two worlds that Terry lives in, his love life and work life. In addition, there is an extensive amount of symbolism set forth in this film. For instance, a shipment of boxes falls on and kills one of Terry’s fellow workers, Timothy Dugan, who was working in the hold of a ship. Dugan’s body is placed upon a stretcher in the dark deck and is slowly raised by a crane until it reaches the top deck that is filled with sunlight. The action of raising Dugan’s body from the ship could be seen as his soul being accepted into Heaven, or the resurrection of Christ. Elia Kazan’s point of view on Terry’s dilemma is that a person’s conscience is more important than the pressure of peers. He shows this by having Terry stand up to the boss, alone, while the long shore men watch. The other men were too afraid to stand up, even as a group. Though Terry broke the code of being deaf and dumb, which is refusing to talk or giving minimal information about a situation, he ultimately made the right choice. Together the setting, symbols, and point of view greatly enhanced the effect of the film.
The dramatic aspects allowed the film to be conveyed on a deeper level. Each of the actors did a wonderful job portraying their roles. Marlon Brando is a renowned actor and lives up to it in this film. His interpretation and creation of the character Terry allow the audience to perceive Terry as a believable character. He assumes the role of a bum, but in the end beats down this stereotype. From his slow physical movements, due to one to many knocks in the head from fighting, to his sluggish thoughts and speech, Brando hits the nail dead on.. A new actress to the film world, Eva Marie Saint, makes her debut in the role of Edie Doyle. Since she is a fresh face, the audience views her as a commoner who is easy to relate to. The pureness and innocence of her character is intensified by her blonde hair. Another well known actor is Lee J. Cobb who tackles the role of Johnny Friendly, the union boss. His presence and gruffness on screen make him seem intimidating and powerful. There is no mistaking that it’s either Friendly’s way or no way. The costuming in this film is minimal, yet extremely effective. There is a drastic difference between the shabby coats of the long shore men and the freshly pressed suits and overcoats worn by the union men. These subtle hints allows the audience to understand the large gap between these two classes of men. At times it was difficult to make out the exact lighting due to the black and white film, yet it was still outstanding when it needed to be. For instance, the dark haunting alley Terry and Edie run down while nearly being run over by a truck is sharply contrasted with the bright beam of light surrounding Charley’s dead hanging body. The dramatics aspects of this film support the strong roles each actor played.
It is evident that a great deal of time was spent on the cinematography of this film, due to the particular choices of camera shots and sounds throughout it. The scene where Dugan is about to be killed due to the falling boxes is a prime example of this. The low camera angle shot straight up at the swaying boxes hints at Dugan’s impending death. Also, this scene has multiple short clips switching between Dugan and the boxes, which create a sense of nervousness and anticipation within the audience. Another important camera angle was the high angle shot down on Father Barry as he spoke over Dugan’s body in the hold of the ship. The high angle came from the same level that the workers were standing on and produced a feeling of Father Barry’s lack of power against that of the union. In addition to the camera shots, the sound was extremely important in this film. For example, when Terry attempts to tell Edie of his role in her brother Joey’s death, a foghorn blares each time Terry speaks. The foghorn drowns out Terry’s words because Edie doesn’t want to believe that her lover could have done such a terrible thing. Together, these cinematic aspects perfect the fine details and create an outstanding film.
Though the protagonists of On the Waterfront and the novel “All My Sons,” by Arthur Miller, have differences between them, they also share several traits. The actions of Terry in On the Waterfront and Joe Keller from “All My Sons” hurt the people they love most in their lives. Terry doesn’t realize the impact of his role in Joey Doyle’s death will have on his relationship with Edie, who is obviously mortified that he could commit such a terrible crime. Joe Keller’s decision to ship the faulty aviation parts to the war effort was intended to keep the business running and provide a source of income for his family, regardless of who it hurt. However, because of his decision, one of his sons committed suicide and the other son highly disapproved of Joe. Both of these men made these decisions in order to keep up their reputation within their community. Terry wanted to continue to be accepted by the union and Joe wanted to carry on his business. However, a major difference between these two men was the way in which they handled the consequences of their choices. Terry confronted his problem directly, by standing up to the union boss. He could only think of one way to get his point across, which was to fight, although it may not have been the most effective means of doing so. On the other hand, Joe Keller became a coward and hid from his problem. He blamed the cracked cylinder heads on his business partner and denied his role in the scandal for years. In the end, he committed suicide because he could no longer deal with the accusations and the pain his actions had caused him. Even though there were multiple similarities between these two characters, there also had their differences.
This film is extremely appealing due to its intriguing plot, characters and cinematography. The main audience for this film is teenagers to adults. The plot and dilemma Terry faces are somewhat complex and the knowledge of these two things are needed to fully understand the film. Recognizing the symbolism is another major element that is needed to enhance the viewers perception of the film. It’s also important that the viewer understands the era that this film takes place in and the history of struggles between labor and organized crime. This film is intriguing due to the skills of the highly acclaimed film veterans involved with each aspect of it.
House Lights, Week 3, Post B
Dear Miss Beatrice Fisher-Hart,
I have taken pleasure in reading about your life, yet again. It is obvious that you have matured, even within the first one hundred pages. But I still think you are a bit naïve for being twenty years old. Do you really believe that just because your father is revered throughout the medical world that he could not have had any accusations against him? Maybe it’s because it’s too hard for you to accept that everyone makes mistakes, even your father. I think you should really listen to what your grandmother told you, “People are full of contradiction, of paradox. You are. I am” (69). You should understand that people are act or say things that could be against their true moral values; you should try to accept or at least understand this idea. Anyways, I can’t even fathom what conflicts could be running through your mind at this point! I would be utterly confused if my mom stood by my father and I had no contact with my grandmother because of it. I really commend you for attempting to gain a relationship with your grandmother, it helps to have an older, wiser person in your life who is able to see the broader picture. Also, I am wondering at what point did you, well rather the author, write this novel about yourself? I found it quite interesting that you mention that now you have a vantage point of twenty years later. You seem to be writing events as they happened, yet it’s still in the past tense. I am curious to see if you will reflect upon portions of your life, because earlier this year I read the novel “Black Boy” by Richard Wright, in which he reflected upon events throughout each chapter! I can’t wait to continue learning about your life!
Sincerely,
Rachel
I have taken pleasure in reading about your life, yet again. It is obvious that you have matured, even within the first one hundred pages. But I still think you are a bit naïve for being twenty years old. Do you really believe that just because your father is revered throughout the medical world that he could not have had any accusations against him? Maybe it’s because it’s too hard for you to accept that everyone makes mistakes, even your father. I think you should really listen to what your grandmother told you, “People are full of contradiction, of paradox. You are. I am” (69). You should understand that people are act or say things that could be against their true moral values; you should try to accept or at least understand this idea. Anyways, I can’t even fathom what conflicts could be running through your mind at this point! I would be utterly confused if my mom stood by my father and I had no contact with my grandmother because of it. I really commend you for attempting to gain a relationship with your grandmother, it helps to have an older, wiser person in your life who is able to see the broader picture. Also, I am wondering at what point did you, well rather the author, write this novel about yourself? I found it quite interesting that you mention that now you have a vantage point of twenty years later. You seem to be writing events as they happened, yet it’s still in the past tense. I am curious to see if you will reflect upon portions of your life, because earlier this year I read the novel “Black Boy” by Richard Wright, in which he reflected upon events throughout each chapter! I can’t wait to continue learning about your life!
Sincerely,
Rachel
House Lights, Week 3, Post A
VOCAB
Bunglingly (70) to perform clumsily
Shibboleth (80) a slogan
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“It leaves room to consider that they wanted me to learn things without having to assume responsibility for telling me” (70). This is an example of irony because Beatrice uses the same action that she hates against her parents. She kept her communication with her grandmother secret, until her parents started to wonder where she was going.
“In my mind I’d unshackled her from myth, freed her to ride on top, hair hanging loose, flouting the social compact, her bare back rounding and bucking up under the dark eaves” (76). This is an example of imagery, because it appeals to the sense of sight. The description of Beatrice’s character allows the reader to imagine a real person because of these minute details.
“I could still feel his handshake, smooth and firm as sandalwood” (102). This is a simile, because it directly compares his handshake to the sandalwood. Also, this is imagery because the reader can imagine exactly how his handshake felt.
QUOTE
“Speak what we feel, not we ought to say” (69). This quote was said by Beatrice’s grandmother, but it was originally from Lear. This is totally relevant in today’s world, because people are afraid their peers will shun them if they say what they truly feel. A person should feel safe and secure when they express their feelings. Also, people shouldn’t say what they are told to, for the reason of “just because”, if they do not believe in it.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to find an activity you truly enjoy, because it can keep you out bad situations and help you heal. Beatrice finds her escape in the theatre and tries to immerse herself in it in every way possible. This escape allows her to heal easier from the death of a close friend, Silke.
Bunglingly (70) to perform clumsily
Shibboleth (80) a slogan
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“It leaves room to consider that they wanted me to learn things without having to assume responsibility for telling me” (70). This is an example of irony because Beatrice uses the same action that she hates against her parents. She kept her communication with her grandmother secret, until her parents started to wonder where she was going.
“In my mind I’d unshackled her from myth, freed her to ride on top, hair hanging loose, flouting the social compact, her bare back rounding and bucking up under the dark eaves” (76). This is an example of imagery, because it appeals to the sense of sight. The description of Beatrice’s character allows the reader to imagine a real person because of these minute details.
“I could still feel his handshake, smooth and firm as sandalwood” (102). This is a simile, because it directly compares his handshake to the sandalwood. Also, this is imagery because the reader can imagine exactly how his handshake felt.
QUOTE
“Speak what we feel, not we ought to say” (69). This quote was said by Beatrice’s grandmother, but it was originally from Lear. This is totally relevant in today’s world, because people are afraid their peers will shun them if they say what they truly feel. A person should feel safe and secure when they express their feelings. Also, people shouldn’t say what they are told to, for the reason of “just because”, if they do not believe in it.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to find an activity you truly enjoy, because it can keep you out bad situations and help you heal. Beatrice finds her escape in the theatre and tries to immerse herself in it in every way possible. This escape allows her to heal easier from the death of a close friend, Silke.
Monday, November 19, 2007
House Lights, Week 2, Post B
Dear Miss Beatrice Fisher-Hart,
I have really enjoyed reading about the invents in your life up to this point, they are so interesting! Seeing your grandmother on a weekly basis must be a wonderful time for you, since you were deprived of her contact for so long. Do you think your mother was trying to protect you from your grandmother, or was she just trying to protect herself from the pain of not having her around as a mother? Also, the situation concerning your father’s sexual harassment accusations seem like they really bother you. I can’t imagine the emotions and questions running through your head about your father! He seems like such a good and honest man, but could he possibly be leading a double life? Is he really as compassionate and truthful as you have known and believe him to be? If I were you, I would really start to question his actions and my relationship with him. I also find it interesting that you seem to be living through your father and grandmother. I wonder if you are trying to fit in with people who are more prestigious and well known so you can feel accepted, because you don’t have any friends your age except Ezra. Every time you mention your father to someone you mention all of his accomplishments. And each time you speak with someone about your grandma you tell of her great prestige in the theatre world. Do you feel that the only way for you to live is for you to live through them? I hope not, because it’s truly sad if you don’t live your own life. I know this may seem a bit contradictory, but I am truly enjoying your life story!
Sincerely,
Rachel
I have really enjoyed reading about the invents in your life up to this point, they are so interesting! Seeing your grandmother on a weekly basis must be a wonderful time for you, since you were deprived of her contact for so long. Do you think your mother was trying to protect you from your grandmother, or was she just trying to protect herself from the pain of not having her around as a mother? Also, the situation concerning your father’s sexual harassment accusations seem like they really bother you. I can’t imagine the emotions and questions running through your head about your father! He seems like such a good and honest man, but could he possibly be leading a double life? Is he really as compassionate and truthful as you have known and believe him to be? If I were you, I would really start to question his actions and my relationship with him. I also find it interesting that you seem to be living through your father and grandmother. I wonder if you are trying to fit in with people who are more prestigious and well known so you can feel accepted, because you don’t have any friends your age except Ezra. Every time you mention your father to someone you mention all of his accomplishments. And each time you speak with someone about your grandma you tell of her great prestige in the theatre world. Do you feel that the only way for you to live is for you to live through them? I hope not, because it’s truly sad if you don’t live your own life. I know this may seem a bit contradictory, but I am truly enjoying your life story!
Sincerely,
Rachel
House Lights, Week 2, Post A
VOCAB
ingénue (53)- an actress who plays an innocent girl or young woman
enigma (54)- a person of puzzling character
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“I stirred the mixture on the stove; it spat at me” (47). Because the mixture is being characterized with the human characteristic of spitting, it is personification. The mixture isn’t alive so it can’t actually spit on Beatrice.
“She began to set pieces of chicken in the hot oil: a crescendo of fry noises” (52). This is imagery because it appeals to the sense of hearing. The detail given to the noise allows the reader to feel as though he is also listening to the sizzling of the chicken.
“Barely illuminated, the new small leaves on the trees shimmied like horses shaking out their manes” (58). This is an example of a simile because it compares two unlike things, the leaves waving on the trees to horses shaking their manes.
QUOTE
“I was a liar, too, long complicit by inaction, by keeping up their silence, our silence, our act” (62). Beatrice feels responsible for her parents’ actions, particularly her father’s. She feels guilty because she kept quiet and didn’t say anything about the complaints against her father. Also, she can’t figure out the reason for her inaction, whether it was out of fear of the truth, or fear of hurting her father.
THEME
A theme in this novel is that the surface characteristics of a person cannot explain the person’s true identity. Beatrice believes her father is a highly esteemed man, yet he is accused of five counts of sexual harassment.
ingénue (53)- an actress who plays an innocent girl or young woman
enigma (54)- a person of puzzling character
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“I stirred the mixture on the stove; it spat at me” (47). Because the mixture is being characterized with the human characteristic of spitting, it is personification. The mixture isn’t alive so it can’t actually spit on Beatrice.
“She began to set pieces of chicken in the hot oil: a crescendo of fry noises” (52). This is imagery because it appeals to the sense of hearing. The detail given to the noise allows the reader to feel as though he is also listening to the sizzling of the chicken.
“Barely illuminated, the new small leaves on the trees shimmied like horses shaking out their manes” (58). This is an example of a simile because it compares two unlike things, the leaves waving on the trees to horses shaking their manes.
QUOTE
“I was a liar, too, long complicit by inaction, by keeping up their silence, our silence, our act” (62). Beatrice feels responsible for her parents’ actions, particularly her father’s. She feels guilty because she kept quiet and didn’t say anything about the complaints against her father. Also, she can’t figure out the reason for her inaction, whether it was out of fear of the truth, or fear of hurting her father.
THEME
A theme in this novel is that the surface characteristics of a person cannot explain the person’s true identity. Beatrice believes her father is a highly esteemed man, yet he is accused of five counts of sexual harassment.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
House Lights, Week 1, Post A (figurative language change)
I just realized I forgot a couple of things in my figurative language section from my post last night...
“In late autumn, they littered the ground with their seedpods-fat, bristly brown balls” (3). The words “bristly brown balls” are an alliteration because they all begin with the same letter, B!
“…a big, almost baggy face, freckled like a banana; a laugh like tires going slowly over gravel” (27). This is a simile because it's using 'like' to compare two unlike things, freckles to bananas, and a laugh to tires going over gravel.
“In late autumn, they littered the ground with their seedpods-fat, bristly brown balls” (3). The words “bristly brown balls” are an alliteration because they all begin with the same letter, B!
“…a big, almost baggy face, freckled like a banana; a laugh like tires going slowly over gravel” (27). This is a simile because it's using 'like' to compare two unlike things, freckles to bananas, and a laugh to tires going over gravel.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
House Lights, Week 1, Post B
Dear Miss Beatrice Fisher-Hart,
I just began reading about your life in the novel “House Lights”! So far I am really enjoying the plot and I can’t wait to finish reading- it’s a real page turner! It’s hard for me to understand why your parents are so against the theatre world, because my family is really involved behind the scenes of productions! Theatre is also a bonding time with my family, because we see multiple shows together each year. Do you know why your parents are so against the theatre business? I think it might be because your mom holds a grudge against your grandmother for practically abandoning her as a child, while your grandmother pursued her theatre career, and quite frankly I would too. But I don’t understand why your father is so against it also, maybe it’s too support your mother’s feelings. Isn’t it hurtful to you that your parents don’t really support your aspirations to become an actress? It’s true they helped you to pursue your dream by letting you postpone college for a year, and encouraging you to follow your dreams since you were a young child, but isn’t it still painful? If I was in your place, I would also turn to my grandmother for support, because my grandmother is always willing to offer her advice and love to anyone. If I was in your place, I would find it really awkward to just go out to a café with my grandmother after only meeting her a few times! But I guess it’s what you needed to do in order to pursue your dreams. I am excited to read the rest of your story and I hope your problems get sorted out (and you become a famous actress!)
Sincerely,
Rachel
I just began reading about your life in the novel “House Lights”! So far I am really enjoying the plot and I can’t wait to finish reading- it’s a real page turner! It’s hard for me to understand why your parents are so against the theatre world, because my family is really involved behind the scenes of productions! Theatre is also a bonding time with my family, because we see multiple shows together each year. Do you know why your parents are so against the theatre business? I think it might be because your mom holds a grudge against your grandmother for practically abandoning her as a child, while your grandmother pursued her theatre career, and quite frankly I would too. But I don’t understand why your father is so against it also, maybe it’s too support your mother’s feelings. Isn’t it hurtful to you that your parents don’t really support your aspirations to become an actress? It’s true they helped you to pursue your dream by letting you postpone college for a year, and encouraging you to follow your dreams since you were a young child, but isn’t it still painful? If I was in your place, I would also turn to my grandmother for support, because my grandmother is always willing to offer her advice and love to anyone. If I was in your place, I would find it really awkward to just go out to a café with my grandmother after only meeting her a few times! But I guess it’s what you needed to do in order to pursue your dreams. I am excited to read the rest of your story and I hope your problems get sorted out (and you become a famous actress!)
Sincerely,
Rachel
House Lights, Week 1, Post A
VOCAB
Mollify (4)- to soften in feeling or temper
Ecru (6)- light brown
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“I loved these trees, with their mottled gray and yellow bark, their massive trunks and huge, spreading branches” (3). This is imagery because it appeals to the sense of sight with vivid details of the trees.
“In late autumn, they littered the ground with their seedpods-fat, bristly brown balls” (3). The words “bristly brown balls” is an alliteration because they all begin with the same letter, B!
“…a big, almost baggy face, freckled like a banana; a laugh like tires going slowly over gravel” (27).
QUOTE
“I had no point of orientation, no framework or instructions with which to approach the scene, and my life had not prepared me simply to be” (34). Beatrice is lost in her life, because she doesn’t know what she, herself thinks about situations anymore. Her thoughts are clouded and it is difficult for her to think quickly. Also, all of her life she has been focused on a distant thought or dream and hasn’t had the chance to truly live in the moment.
THEME
A theme emerging within the novel is that one should follow his dreams even though others may try to stop him. Beatrice’s parents don’t approve of her longing to be an actress and against their will she meets her grandmother, a famous actress past her glory days, from whom she learns many things.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Marley and Me, Week 5, Post B
Dear Mr. Grogan,
I have yet to read the last 20 pages of your novel and I am thrilled! However, at the same time I don’t want it to end because I know Marley’s death is inevitable. I have never had a pet die, but the pain that comes with it is surely just as severe as if a human died. I thought it was interesting how you didn’t truly reflect on your life until the end of the novel. There were points where you let the reader have a bit of insight onto your reflection of a certain event, for instance your children being born, but other than that your feelings were more reserved. I actually enjoyed this technique because it allowed me to conjure up my own emotions about certain events, instead of having them thrust upon me. This is a contrast to a novel I just read, Richard Wright’s Black Boy. At the end of each chapter in his novel, Wright reflects upon events that had happened in that chapter. Personally, this reflection became an annoyance to me, I think it would have been more effective if he had reflected upon significant life altering events like you have done. Anyways, back to your novel! Marley’s imminent death loomed over me as he cheated death several times. Surely you must have been happy Marley was alive, but wasn’t it heart breaking watching him suffer for so long? Did you ever think about putting him to sleep to end his suffering of immobility? If you were in Marley’s dog skin, with old age and terrible hips, would you want to be put to sleep? Personally if I was as old and ill as Marley I would want to end my suffering. That sounds morbid, but I’d rather live a shorter life filled with happy memories than a longer life in which I would be nearly immobile for the last portion of it. This brings me back to your reflection on life’s preciousness. I really enjoyed the quote “I was reminded of what should be obvious but too often is not, that each day, each hour and minute, is worth cherishing” (260). I think it’s totally prevalent in today’s world because too often we are caught up with meaningless, small details. Sometimes we just need to stand back and look at the accomplishments of our beautiful masterpiece, our life.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Marley and Me, Week 5, Post A
VOCAB
Irascible (210)- irritable, easily provoked to anger
Baser (236)- morally low
APPEALS
“From a distance you could not see the frogs at all, just the crazy lady with the diaper bag hanging from her neck, crawling around like she had started the morning off with a little too much moonshine” (213). This is a logical appeal because the reader can imagine exactly how ridiculous the family must have appeared at the airport. Also, this is a comic appeal because of the crazy events happening (anyone standing nearby would have chuckled).
“His hairballs rolled across the wood floors like tumbleweed on a windblown plain” (240). This is a logical appeal, it flat out says that Marley’s fur was rolling across the floor. However, this appeal also is a simile, so the imagery conjured up is more vivid.
“We have an emergency with Marley” (251). This is definitely an emotional appeal because it provokes a sense of panic within the reader. The reader also feels sympathy towards John because of the uncertainty of Marley’s life.
QUOTE
“I could almost taste the finiteness of life and thus its preciousness. We take it for granted, but it is fragile, precarious, uncertain, able to cease at any instant without notice” (260). This quote explains how much John has thought about life in general after Marley’s close call with death. Neighbors of his have been killed, but Marley’s near death experience is the closest death that has occurred to John (not counting his childhood dog, Shaun). John realizes how short life is and that everyone moment should be lived to its fullest potential because it may be the last.
THEME
A theme which reoccurs throughout the novel is that life is a gift that doesn’t last long. Marley’s long dog life of 13 years is small in comparison to the average human’s life and the time John spends with Marley allows him to realize the joys in life that should always be cherished and how little time we have here on earth.
Irascible (210)- irritable, easily provoked to anger
Baser (236)- morally low
APPEALS
“From a distance you could not see the frogs at all, just the crazy lady with the diaper bag hanging from her neck, crawling around like she had started the morning off with a little too much moonshine” (213). This is a logical appeal because the reader can imagine exactly how ridiculous the family must have appeared at the airport. Also, this is a comic appeal because of the crazy events happening (anyone standing nearby would have chuckled).
“His hairballs rolled across the wood floors like tumbleweed on a windblown plain” (240). This is a logical appeal, it flat out says that Marley’s fur was rolling across the floor. However, this appeal also is a simile, so the imagery conjured up is more vivid.
“We have an emergency with Marley” (251). This is definitely an emotional appeal because it provokes a sense of panic within the reader. The reader also feels sympathy towards John because of the uncertainty of Marley’s life.
QUOTE
“I could almost taste the finiteness of life and thus its preciousness. We take it for granted, but it is fragile, precarious, uncertain, able to cease at any instant without notice” (260). This quote explains how much John has thought about life in general after Marley’s close call with death. Neighbors of his have been killed, but Marley’s near death experience is the closest death that has occurred to John (not counting his childhood dog, Shaun). John realizes how short life is and that everyone moment should be lived to its fullest potential because it may be the last.
THEME
A theme which reoccurs throughout the novel is that life is a gift that doesn’t last long. Marley’s long dog life of 13 years is small in comparison to the average human’s life and the time John spends with Marley allows him to realize the joys in life that should always be cherished and how little time we have here on earth.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Marley and Me, Week 4, Post B
Dear Mr. Grogan,
I have read through chapter 20 of your novel “Marley and Me” and I love it!!! As a reader I feel very connected to you and the situations you are placed in through your word choice and tone throughout the novel. However, I am still confused as to why you didn’t move after three murders and one attempted murder happened within mere blocks of your home. Weren’t you desperately concerned for your children’s and your safety? Or did you just not have the money to move to a better neighborhood (with a bigger house) at the time? If that much crime were to happen near my house, I would surely want to move as quickly as possible. In addition, I am truly in awe of how you and Jenny were able to keep calm when Marley took off down the street at the alfresco dining restaurant. If I were in your place I would have been screaming at the top of my lungs for Marley to stop running. I guess your patience and sense of calmness come from countering your fast paced life and Marley’s high energy level! Also, the passage “She photographed toothbrushes on the sink. She photographed babies in their cribs. She photographed the quintessentially heterosexual couple’s eunuch dog, too” (150) reminded me of Richard Wright’s writing style. He too used repetitive word choice, but in a more reflective sense of looking back on his childhood. I found this comparison very interesting, considering that there is a time difference of over half a century between his novel, “Black Boy” and your novel, “Marley and Me”! I have enjoyed every minute of your novel and can’t wait to finish the last few chapters!
Sincerely, Rachel
I have read through chapter 20 of your novel “Marley and Me” and I love it!!! As a reader I feel very connected to you and the situations you are placed in through your word choice and tone throughout the novel. However, I am still confused as to why you didn’t move after three murders and one attempted murder happened within mere blocks of your home. Weren’t you desperately concerned for your children’s and your safety? Or did you just not have the money to move to a better neighborhood (with a bigger house) at the time? If that much crime were to happen near my house, I would surely want to move as quickly as possible. In addition, I am truly in awe of how you and Jenny were able to keep calm when Marley took off down the street at the alfresco dining restaurant. If I were in your place I would have been screaming at the top of my lungs for Marley to stop running. I guess your patience and sense of calmness come from countering your fast paced life and Marley’s high energy level! Also, the passage “She photographed toothbrushes on the sink. She photographed babies in their cribs. She photographed the quintessentially heterosexual couple’s eunuch dog, too” (150) reminded me of Richard Wright’s writing style. He too used repetitive word choice, but in a more reflective sense of looking back on his childhood. I found this comparison very interesting, considering that there is a time difference of over half a century between his novel, “Black Boy” and your novel, “Marley and Me”! I have enjoyed every minute of your novel and can’t wait to finish the last few chapters!
Sincerely, Rachel
Marley and Me, Week 4, Post A
VOCAB
Pallid (163)- dull, pale
Egregious (179)- extremely bad
APPEALS
“ ‘The dog was hysterical’ he gushed. ‘Just hilarious. Pure madcap genius!’ I could feel myself standing taller, chest puffing out” (158). This is an emotional appeal because it helps the reader understand how proud John was of Marley’s acting skills and feel the pride along with John. This also conveys a sense of how truly entertaining Marley’s acting was, which is somewhat of a comic appeal.
“The women were tanned to the consistency of the Gucci leather bags they favored, their burnished skin set off by hair dyed alarming shades of silver and platinum” (165). This is definitely a logical appeal because it explains the strange appearance of the women of Boca Raton. Their skin isn’t just firm, it’s as tight as leather- now that’s what I call a face lift!
“A wall of energy hit me in the chest like an invisible linebacker” (192). This is an emotional appeal because the reader understands how severe the pain was John endured from the lightning strike a few feet away. Also, there is a strong sense of fear within the reader as this sentence (and passage) about the lightning strike is read.
QUOTE
“‘Did Colleen mention if he said anything about me?’ I asked. ‘No,’ Jenny said. ‘Why would he?’” (151). This quote is important because it explains John’s true passion to be in a movie. He thinks that the director will want to cast him because he is a “quintessentially heterosexual male” and he even plans to “humbly demur before finally agreeing to take the starring role”. Perhaps a lifelong dream of John’s is to be in a movie, or maybe he’s just jealous that his dog is being recognized more than he is.
THEME
One emerging theme is that a person should learn to trust others. At first, Marley seems like a dog who is and will always be uncontrolled and wild, and immediately John and Jenny don’t trust him. Marley damages the house several times while John and Jenny are out, which leads to more distrust. However, as the novel progresses, Marley is still full of verve but learns to be gentle when he is around the three Grogan children, which allows John and Jenny to place more trust in him.
Pallid (163)- dull, pale
Egregious (179)- extremely bad
APPEALS
“ ‘The dog was hysterical’ he gushed. ‘Just hilarious. Pure madcap genius!’ I could feel myself standing taller, chest puffing out” (158). This is an emotional appeal because it helps the reader understand how proud John was of Marley’s acting skills and feel the pride along with John. This also conveys a sense of how truly entertaining Marley’s acting was, which is somewhat of a comic appeal.
“The women were tanned to the consistency of the Gucci leather bags they favored, their burnished skin set off by hair dyed alarming shades of silver and platinum” (165). This is definitely a logical appeal because it explains the strange appearance of the women of Boca Raton. Their skin isn’t just firm, it’s as tight as leather- now that’s what I call a face lift!
“A wall of energy hit me in the chest like an invisible linebacker” (192). This is an emotional appeal because the reader understands how severe the pain was John endured from the lightning strike a few feet away. Also, there is a strong sense of fear within the reader as this sentence (and passage) about the lightning strike is read.
QUOTE
“‘Did Colleen mention if he said anything about me?’ I asked. ‘No,’ Jenny said. ‘Why would he?’” (151). This quote is important because it explains John’s true passion to be in a movie. He thinks that the director will want to cast him because he is a “quintessentially heterosexual male” and he even plans to “humbly demur before finally agreeing to take the starring role”. Perhaps a lifelong dream of John’s is to be in a movie, or maybe he’s just jealous that his dog is being recognized more than he is.
THEME
One emerging theme is that a person should learn to trust others. At first, Marley seems like a dog who is and will always be uncontrolled and wild, and immediately John and Jenny don’t trust him. Marley damages the house several times while John and Jenny are out, which leads to more distrust. However, as the novel progresses, Marley is still full of verve but learns to be gentle when he is around the three Grogan children, which allows John and Jenny to place more trust in him.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Marley and Me, Week 3, Post B
“He [Marley] was the undisciplined, recalcitrant, nonconformist, politically incorrect free spirit I had always wanted be, had I been brace enough, and I took vicarious joy in his unbridled verve. No matter how complicated life became, he reminded me of its simple joys” (140).
I thought this quote was a significant turning point in the story. Before this, John had thought of Marley as a dog who had obedience problems and boundless amounts of energy. He loved Marley, but once his wife became angry at Marley and wanted to throw him out of the house, John realized just how much he admired Marley. John felt as though he wanted to live through his dog because of his unique viewpoint of life that was always upbeat and excited. Looking back, John wishes he could have been more like Marley; more carefree and able to depend on his own thoughts instead of being influenced by others. I particularly enjoyed the sentence about being reminded of the simple joys of life. I can really identify with the author for this sentence! On nights that I have volleyball I usually don’t get home until 9 o’clock-hence why this blog is being posted so late. I am usually overwhelmed with the pressures of school and homework, because I’m so tired by the time I get home. It may not seem like a big deal, but trying to get homework done and studying for tests by waking up at 4 a.m. gets to be stressful! I understand that John’s life has many more complications than mine, such as taking care of a family, having a job, and paying the bills, but at times I feel overwhelmed with the things I have to do (as does anyone). This quote reminded me to step back and view the broad picture of life. It’s not going to matter what I scored on one test or one homework assignment. It’s going to matter that I keep up, try hard and enjoy life. After all, you only get to live life once, so even the simple things should be cherished.
I thought this quote was a significant turning point in the story. Before this, John had thought of Marley as a dog who had obedience problems and boundless amounts of energy. He loved Marley, but once his wife became angry at Marley and wanted to throw him out of the house, John realized just how much he admired Marley. John felt as though he wanted to live through his dog because of his unique viewpoint of life that was always upbeat and excited. Looking back, John wishes he could have been more like Marley; more carefree and able to depend on his own thoughts instead of being influenced by others. I particularly enjoyed the sentence about being reminded of the simple joys of life. I can really identify with the author for this sentence! On nights that I have volleyball I usually don’t get home until 9 o’clock-hence why this blog is being posted so late. I am usually overwhelmed with the pressures of school and homework, because I’m so tired by the time I get home. It may not seem like a big deal, but trying to get homework done and studying for tests by waking up at 4 a.m. gets to be stressful! I understand that John’s life has many more complications than mine, such as taking care of a family, having a job, and paying the bills, but at times I feel overwhelmed with the things I have to do (as does anyone). This quote reminded me to step back and view the broad picture of life. It’s not going to matter what I scored on one test or one homework assignment. It’s going to matter that I keep up, try hard and enjoy life. After all, you only get to live life once, so even the simple things should be cherished.
Marley and Me, Week 3, Post A
VOCAB
Bonhomie (109)- Good-natured manner
Slovenly (126)- Untidy
APPEALS
“The victim was chosen at random, and the attacker was a stranger who snuck into her house while she was in the backyard hanging her laundry on a Saturday afternoon” (115). This is an emotional appeal because it conveys a sense of helplessness and sympathy within the reader since the victim was so innocent. The sentence before explains that the victim was “an elderly woman who lived alone” which makes the crime even more heinous.
“We had shared something that night on the pavement-one of those brief, fleeting moments of clarity that define all the others in a life-that neither of us would soon forget” (122). This is an emotional appeal because it makes the reader feel the strong connection Lisa and John shared, after Lisa was stabbed.
“At twenty-one weeks a fetus can fit in the palm of a hand. It weighs less than a pound” (124). This is definitely a logical appeal-it’s a cut and dry, basic fact. I suppose that the author wanted to convey just how small and helpless his son would have been if he had been born this early, so it could also be interpreted as an emotional appeal.
QUOTE
“I was emotional anyway as I held this young girl, wondering if she was dying in my arms. The sight of Marley so uncharacteristically guarding us like that, so majestically fierce, brought tears to my eyes. Man’s best friend? Damn straight he was” (119).
I really liked how simply the author wrote this quote. The word choice he used made it easy for the reader to focus on the situation that had taken place. Also, it shows how devoted Marley was to John, even in a time of crisis.
THEME
A major theme emerging in this book is that life is precious so it shouldn’t be taken away. So far, two elderly women have been murdered, a teenage girl stabbed, and a baby that was almost born at 21 weeks. These incidents have caused the author to become more aware of life’s joys.
Bonhomie (109)- Good-natured manner
Slovenly (126)- Untidy
APPEALS
“The victim was chosen at random, and the attacker was a stranger who snuck into her house while she was in the backyard hanging her laundry on a Saturday afternoon” (115). This is an emotional appeal because it conveys a sense of helplessness and sympathy within the reader since the victim was so innocent. The sentence before explains that the victim was “an elderly woman who lived alone” which makes the crime even more heinous.
“We had shared something that night on the pavement-one of those brief, fleeting moments of clarity that define all the others in a life-that neither of us would soon forget” (122). This is an emotional appeal because it makes the reader feel the strong connection Lisa and John shared, after Lisa was stabbed.
“At twenty-one weeks a fetus can fit in the palm of a hand. It weighs less than a pound” (124). This is definitely a logical appeal-it’s a cut and dry, basic fact. I suppose that the author wanted to convey just how small and helpless his son would have been if he had been born this early, so it could also be interpreted as an emotional appeal.
QUOTE
“I was emotional anyway as I held this young girl, wondering if she was dying in my arms. The sight of Marley so uncharacteristically guarding us like that, so majestically fierce, brought tears to my eyes. Man’s best friend? Damn straight he was” (119).
I really liked how simply the author wrote this quote. The word choice he used made it easy for the reader to focus on the situation that had taken place. Also, it shows how devoted Marley was to John, even in a time of crisis.
THEME
A major theme emerging in this book is that life is precious so it shouldn’t be taken away. So far, two elderly women have been murdered, a teenage girl stabbed, and a baby that was almost born at 21 weeks. These incidents have caused the author to become more aware of life’s joys.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Marley and Me, Week 2, Post B
Dear Mr. Grogan,
As far as I have read in your memoir, I have enjoyed every page of it. I too am a dog fanatic and can identify with the situations that arise from having a dog. It is interesting how in several parts you write in italics to convey your inner thoughts, without ever saying “I thought…”. I think it adds a unique flair to your writing, it’s a distinct style. But I’m just wondering why you chose to write a memoir about you and your dog. I can see that you love your dog, but what kind of dog owner doesn’t? Currently I’m just over one third of the way through your novel, and Marley seems like a fairly normal dog (well except for his bottomless pit of energy). Also, except for the element of dogs being present in the novel, there is nothing I truly feel emotionally attached to. The portion of your life that is in this memoir has been fairly meaningless so far, no truly significant events have happened. Obviously there is the miscarriage of you and your wife’s first child, but the effects of this terrible incident only seem to be present for a couple of pages after you find out. Past this one significant event that I remember, it’s a fairly dry plot. I mean you get Marley, he’s a Labrador with a lot of energy, and he gets into trouble; it seems to be a repetitive theme through each chapter that he gets into trouble with someone or damages some kind of property. As of right now I feel the novel has been more about the facts of dogs than your life. None of the events have really tugged at my heart strings yet. Perhaps I shall read on to discover what happens…
Sincerely,Rachel
As far as I have read in your memoir, I have enjoyed every page of it. I too am a dog fanatic and can identify with the situations that arise from having a dog. It is interesting how in several parts you write in italics to convey your inner thoughts, without ever saying “I thought…”. I think it adds a unique flair to your writing, it’s a distinct style. But I’m just wondering why you chose to write a memoir about you and your dog. I can see that you love your dog, but what kind of dog owner doesn’t? Currently I’m just over one third of the way through your novel, and Marley seems like a fairly normal dog (well except for his bottomless pit of energy). Also, except for the element of dogs being present in the novel, there is nothing I truly feel emotionally attached to. The portion of your life that is in this memoir has been fairly meaningless so far, no truly significant events have happened. Obviously there is the miscarriage of you and your wife’s first child, but the effects of this terrible incident only seem to be present for a couple of pages after you find out. Past this one significant event that I remember, it’s a fairly dry plot. I mean you get Marley, he’s a Labrador with a lot of energy, and he gets into trouble; it seems to be a repetitive theme through each chapter that he gets into trouble with someone or damages some kind of property. As of right now I feel the novel has been more about the facts of dogs than your life. None of the events have really tugged at my heart strings yet. Perhaps I shall read on to discover what happens…
Sincerely,Rachel
Marley and Me, Week 2, Post A
VOCAB
Bucolic (87)- pertaining to shepherds
Recalcitrant (91)- resisting authority, hard to deal with
APPEALS
“Marley attacked his tail, spinning wildly, his jaws snapping at thing air, and in the process he wrapped the leash around Jenny’s ankles until she was fully immobilized” (61). The first part of this is a comic appeal. I can just imagine how all of the other people in the dog obedience class would have laughed at Marley making such a fool of himself. But at the same time, the people would have been concerned for Jenny’s safety.
“He could not possibly have gone down with more gusto had a mortar shell just exploded behind him” (67). This is a logical appeal, because the reader can imagine exactly how Marley went to the down position. He didn’t just lay down softly, he went to the ground with a thud and passion!
“Marley, standing amid the carnage of his desperate escape attempt, was in a complete, panic-stricken lather. He was so pathetic she couldn’t bring herself to yell at him” (69). This is an emotional appeal because the reader feels pity for Marley since he was so filled with fear. Also, the fact that Jenny couldn’t yell at Marley because he looked so pathetic pulls the heart strings of the reader.
QUOTE
“Some days I felt like Anne Sullivan to Marley’s Helen Keller” (56). John feels like he is the only guidance in Marley’s life. Helen Keller was blind and deaf, and had to overcome, or at least deal with these obstacles in her life. Anne Sullivan was Helen’s teacher and also had a vision impairment. Together they had to work through their obstacles to fit into society. John also feels a certain obligation to teaching Marley, because in public Marley definitely sticks out with his horrible behavior.
THEME
One of the most prominent themes in the novel is that a person should never give up, just because obstacles come his or her way. At times life is hard, but there are always better situations to follow.
Bucolic (87)- pertaining to shepherds
Recalcitrant (91)- resisting authority, hard to deal with
APPEALS
“Marley attacked his tail, spinning wildly, his jaws snapping at thing air, and in the process he wrapped the leash around Jenny’s ankles until she was fully immobilized” (61). The first part of this is a comic appeal. I can just imagine how all of the other people in the dog obedience class would have laughed at Marley making such a fool of himself. But at the same time, the people would have been concerned for Jenny’s safety.
“He could not possibly have gone down with more gusto had a mortar shell just exploded behind him” (67). This is a logical appeal, because the reader can imagine exactly how Marley went to the down position. He didn’t just lay down softly, he went to the ground with a thud and passion!
“Marley, standing amid the carnage of his desperate escape attempt, was in a complete, panic-stricken lather. He was so pathetic she couldn’t bring herself to yell at him” (69). This is an emotional appeal because the reader feels pity for Marley since he was so filled with fear. Also, the fact that Jenny couldn’t yell at Marley because he looked so pathetic pulls the heart strings of the reader.
QUOTE
“Some days I felt like Anne Sullivan to Marley’s Helen Keller” (56). John feels like he is the only guidance in Marley’s life. Helen Keller was blind and deaf, and had to overcome, or at least deal with these obstacles in her life. Anne Sullivan was Helen’s teacher and also had a vision impairment. Together they had to work through their obstacles to fit into society. John also feels a certain obligation to teaching Marley, because in public Marley definitely sticks out with his horrible behavior.
THEME
One of the most prominent themes in the novel is that a person should never give up, just because obstacles come his or her way. At times life is hard, but there are always better situations to follow.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Picture
Courtesy of MeMarley and Me, Week 1, Post B
So far, I have had tons of connections with this novel. First of all, I am a dog lover and can really connect with the characters of John and Jenny for this reason. There are several pictures of Marley in the front cover and I have a few pictures of my dog, Ginger, that are almost identical. In the preface of the novel, the author, John Grogan, describes his childhood dog. It was sort of eerie to read this, because as I kept reading there were so many similarities between his dog and the dog my parents had before I was born, Jessie. One of the more unique similarities was that both dogs would dive to the bottom of lakes and bring back large rocks in their mouths, I don’t know of any other dog that has done this. As the actual novel began, even more similarities occurred to me. John’s house was built in the 1950s, so was mine. Challenged with the task of choosing the right puppy, John decides that he and his wife Jenny should keep an open mind about bringing home a puppy, which is exactly what my dad told my brother and I when we were trying to choose the right puppy. They end up bringing home a puppy named Marley, and John decides to register him in the American Kennel Club, in the case that one day Marley becomes a show dog. My mom and dad also registered Jessie in the American Kennel Club, because my dad would do obedience shows with her and traveled to several cities for these showings. Marley loved to run around the house while unraveling a roll of toilet paper, just as Ginger loved to do when she was a puppy. (I guess it’s a dog thing). Also, Marley had extreme amounts of energy as a puppy, as did Ginger. Both were even so enthusiastic at one point that they knocked out a pane of glass from a door! This story has many parallels to my life, and I enjoy reading it to see if the next event will be strikingly similar to one in my life.
Marley and Me, Week 1, Post A
VOCABULARY
Fauna (3) - the animals of a given region or time considered as a whole
Caveat (17) – a warning or caution
APPEALS
“The house was built in the 1960s and had an Old Florida charm- a fireplace, rough plaster walls, big airy windows, and French doors leading to our favorite space of all, the screened back porch” (5). This is a logical appeal because it describes the physical characteristics of the house. The details make it sound inviting- I would want to live there!
“Something was crashing through the brush-and breathing very heavily. It sounded like what you might hear in a slasher film. And it was coming our way. We froze, staring into the darkness” (9). This is an emotional appeal because it makes the reader apprehensive about the source of the sound. Could the source of the sound injure them?
“No other breed had come close to overtaking the Lab since. In 2004 it took its fifteenth straight year as the AKC’s top dog, with 146,692 Labs registered. Coming in a distant second were golden retrievers, with 52,550, and, in third place, German shepherds, with 46,046” (16). Definitely a logical appeal- it’s a basic, cut and dry fact. But I have to admit, I didn’t know there were almost three times as many registered Labs as golden retrievers.
QUOTE
“It was a day meant for joy, not for us” (48). This quote is important because John admits the fact that he was crushed by the miscarriage of his and Jenny’s child, this is the first time he reveals how devastated he was. He realizes there are days to be happy, but there also need to be a few days of sadness, and this was one of them.
THEME
So far, the novel seems to bring up the idea that first impressions aren’t the only way to judge something. To find out who a person (or dog) truly is you have to learn about them, by observing and interacting.
Fauna (3) - the animals of a given region or time considered as a whole
Caveat (17) – a warning or caution
APPEALS
“The house was built in the 1960s and had an Old Florida charm- a fireplace, rough plaster walls, big airy windows, and French doors leading to our favorite space of all, the screened back porch” (5). This is a logical appeal because it describes the physical characteristics of the house. The details make it sound inviting- I would want to live there!
“Something was crashing through the brush-and breathing very heavily. It sounded like what you might hear in a slasher film. And it was coming our way. We froze, staring into the darkness” (9). This is an emotional appeal because it makes the reader apprehensive about the source of the sound. Could the source of the sound injure them?
“No other breed had come close to overtaking the Lab since. In 2004 it took its fifteenth straight year as the AKC’s top dog, with 146,692 Labs registered. Coming in a distant second were golden retrievers, with 52,550, and, in third place, German shepherds, with 46,046” (16). Definitely a logical appeal- it’s a basic, cut and dry fact. But I have to admit, I didn’t know there were almost three times as many registered Labs as golden retrievers.
QUOTE
“It was a day meant for joy, not for us” (48). This quote is important because John admits the fact that he was crushed by the miscarriage of his and Jenny’s child, this is the first time he reveals how devastated he was. He realizes there are days to be happy, but there also need to be a few days of sadness, and this was one of them.
THEME
So far, the novel seems to bring up the idea that first impressions aren’t the only way to judge something. To find out who a person (or dog) truly is you have to learn about them, by observing and interacting.
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