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
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Marley and Me, Week 5, Post B
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.
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