This is a perfect college essay. Amy Tan wrote this story as a retrospective of how she had behaved towards her parents some time ago, and what she learnt from this experience. However, we have to consider that Amy Tan could have partially practiced a biased flashback as some time had passed since the incident, and her perspective could have changed as time went by.
In the story, the author mentions how her mother was concerned about preparing best food for her, but she was too busy trying to make herself look like a natural American. Although she admits that she was being ashamed of her Chinese identity, we have to doubt whether Robert and his family had really acted the way she describes in the story.
This story cannot be fully detached, because the narrator is involved in the actual happening. Therefore, Amy's personal opinions should have been mingled with the scene, creating her own interpretations of people's reactions. Maybe the way her relatives acted was not so much Chinese as she describes in the story. Maybe Robert's family did not feel that much awkward.
This story reminds me of how I used to behave when I was in the international school in Singapore. I did not like it whenever my parents came to school to pick me up. They were so used to the Korean culture that they seemed totally foreign when I was with friends from other countries and continents. Every time, I tried to stay away from them, packaging myself as one of those foreigners when in reality I was a full Korean.
Just like Amy Tan, I do not remember the exact incident. I might be interpreting the situation in my own point of view when other people would totally disagree with me. However, at least I believed this way and I am regretting it right now.
COMMENTS
Chonghyun Ahn: I think it is interesting that you actually sympathize with Amy Tan. Although I didn't have the chance to share the experience, I assume that it must have been very embarrassing, along with a slight sense of guilt for your parents. I wish such delicate emotions to be well-described in your future writing.
Jin Gyeong: Hi! I was able to deeply sympathize with you, even though I don't have similar experiences. How about writing your reflection as your own faction story based on your experiences in Singapore? It would be awesome!
Yeji: I agree with you; Amy Tan was writing about her 14th Christmas after more than ten years passed away, and while she's writing, she must have 'created' or 'edited' the emotions she felt the behaviors the Chinese did in much more exaggerated way to convey her message(?). In that sense, essays may be "biased". Interesting. And a good connection with your own experience. Good job!
Rhee Ji Yoon: It's almost lunchtime! One minute left. Good luck with your essay!
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story
This story had very similar features with one of the previous novellas we discussed in class: 'The Most Beautiful Woman in Town'. They were both written in the Confessional Period, when the authors reflected their own selves through the narrator of the story.
Sarah Cole is one of the ugliest woman in town. One day, this woman approaches a really attractive man in a bar, and starts talking. The man, named Ron, is extremely surprised to see such a woman, a woman with nothing to brag about, a woman who seems to not care about beauty, to accost him a handsome and young man with styles. They talk, laugh, and get to know each other fairly well; the man is attracted to her temerity, and the woman to his beauty.
Then, why did not their relationship last for long? The reason is that Ron knew that he has made the wrong decision. With Sarah beside him, he comprehended how both of them would end up in despair and agony, unlike bliss and contentment they were anticipating. Ron was forced to leave Sarah, because they were simply not made for each other. They were two wards that could not be put together: an oxymoron. They were two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that could not be assembled together.
In 'The Most Beautiful Woman in Town', the situation is quite similar; the ugliest man in town goes out with the most comely woman. However, the woman, Cass, falls in true love with the man because she knows that he is the only person who can truly love her. He, unlike others who are simply mesmerized by the facade of her beauty, liked her as the person who she really is.
COMMENTS
Rhee Ji Yoon: It's interesting that you attempted to compare two stories! They surely do resemble each other. I also liked the part that you used metaphors, such as "oxymoron" and "jigsaw puzzle"; I think they enriched your essay. What I like about your writings is that they are simple and straightforward. However, I also think that your essay would improve if you'd find some links between the two stories instead of just summarizing them.
InHee: I notice your writing is very flowing but full of content. But I was curious: who are the couples that are not oxymorons? If the ugly man and beautiful woman don't fit, and the ugly woman and handsome guy don't fit either, are the good-lookings to meet good-lookings and the uglies to meet the uglies? I guess this conveys a common yet contradictory conception that we want nice-looking people, at the same time thinking those nice looking people are morons whom the beauty and attractive appearance is all they have. So I partly agree with your ideas, but I wish you would elaborate why you think those two were oxymorons, and maybe take my wild guess into consideration, maybe?
Sarah Cole is one of the ugliest woman in town. One day, this woman approaches a really attractive man in a bar, and starts talking. The man, named Ron, is extremely surprised to see such a woman, a woman with nothing to brag about, a woman who seems to not care about beauty, to accost him a handsome and young man with styles. They talk, laugh, and get to know each other fairly well; the man is attracted to her temerity, and the woman to his beauty.
Then, why did not their relationship last for long? The reason is that Ron knew that he has made the wrong decision. With Sarah beside him, he comprehended how both of them would end up in despair and agony, unlike bliss and contentment they were anticipating. Ron was forced to leave Sarah, because they were simply not made for each other. They were two wards that could not be put together: an oxymoron. They were two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that could not be assembled together.
In 'The Most Beautiful Woman in Town', the situation is quite similar; the ugliest man in town goes out with the most comely woman. However, the woman, Cass, falls in true love with the man because she knows that he is the only person who can truly love her. He, unlike others who are simply mesmerized by the facade of her beauty, liked her as the person who she really is.
COMMENTS
Rhee Ji Yoon: It's interesting that you attempted to compare two stories! They surely do resemble each other. I also liked the part that you used metaphors, such as "oxymoron" and "jigsaw puzzle"; I think they enriched your essay. What I like about your writings is that they are simple and straightforward. However, I also think that your essay would improve if you'd find some links between the two stories instead of just summarizing them.
InHee: I notice your writing is very flowing but full of content. But I was curious: who are the couples that are not oxymorons? If the ugly man and beautiful woman don't fit, and the ugly woman and handsome guy don't fit either, are the good-lookings to meet good-lookings and the uglies to meet the uglies? I guess this conveys a common yet contradictory conception that we want nice-looking people, at the same time thinking those nice looking people are morons whom the beauty and attractive appearance is all they have. So I partly agree with your ideas, but I wish you would elaborate why you think those two were oxymorons, and maybe take my wild guess into consideration, maybe?
Do Android's Dream of an Electric Sheep
This science fiction novel written by Philip K. Dick is one of the very first novels that discusses the concept of robots, or androids. This story highly emphasizes on how humans represented in this story resent androids which are just simple machines with broken thoughts and concepts while those humans themselves are also partial.
Most stories and movies handling the issue of predictions of our future are rarely positive; these authors and directors know too well that human nature motivates us to move in the direction of egoism rather than altruism. On the surface, our behaviors and actions might seem selfless and benevolent, but the real intentions are hidden inside the facades of such ostensible attitudes. Even this novella "Do Androids Dream of an Electric Sheep" talks about a foreshadowed disastrous world resulted from numerous nuclear wars that have erupted out of human selfishness.
It is true that some people have actually committed their deeds out of total humanitarianism. However, these people represent such a minority of the whole human population that we name them historic figures, and write and read about these heroes.
Going back to the story, the author Philip K. Dick demonstrates his point about how humans do not consider androids as equal creatures. Humans believe that as they possess qualities such as passion, love, and sympathy that are unique only to their kind, they have the right to discriminate themselves from the others including animals and clones. I have to say that humans are not that different from other creatures, and such qualities they worship that help to distinguish them from others are ironically much more damaging in defining humans as intelligent and social creatures with altruism. In the book, there exist bounty hunters who kill androids. Such bounty hunting is legal, because humans in the book did not see any problem in killing those who thought to be more inferior.
Nontheless, it is the very same humans who have created such laws, and therefore these rules cannot be justified from a detached view.As an objective reader, I can only see these principles of behavior as mere rationalization of their own sins.
COMMENTS
Yun Jo: I quite agree with your perspective. What really seems to draw the line between humans and androids? And what is really "human" and what is really "artificial"? Good points!
Chonghyun: I find your raised question or the justification of the law EXTREMELY interesting. How can "our" law intrude the jurisdiction of "their" lives? The given assumption then is that these androids are completely subdued as human property. But is it quite true? How about animals? What gives us the right to punish, cell, or chastise these animals? Anyway, interesting topic.
Most stories and movies handling the issue of predictions of our future are rarely positive; these authors and directors know too well that human nature motivates us to move in the direction of egoism rather than altruism. On the surface, our behaviors and actions might seem selfless and benevolent, but the real intentions are hidden inside the facades of such ostensible attitudes. Even this novella "Do Androids Dream of an Electric Sheep" talks about a foreshadowed disastrous world resulted from numerous nuclear wars that have erupted out of human selfishness.
It is true that some people have actually committed their deeds out of total humanitarianism. However, these people represent such a minority of the whole human population that we name them historic figures, and write and read about these heroes.
Going back to the story, the author Philip K. Dick demonstrates his point about how humans do not consider androids as equal creatures. Humans believe that as they possess qualities such as passion, love, and sympathy that are unique only to their kind, they have the right to discriminate themselves from the others including animals and clones. I have to say that humans are not that different from other creatures, and such qualities they worship that help to distinguish them from others are ironically much more damaging in defining humans as intelligent and social creatures with altruism. In the book, there exist bounty hunters who kill androids. Such bounty hunting is legal, because humans in the book did not see any problem in killing those who thought to be more inferior.
Nontheless, it is the very same humans who have created such laws, and therefore these rules cannot be justified from a detached view.As an objective reader, I can only see these principles of behavior as mere rationalization of their own sins.
COMMENTS
Yun Jo: I quite agree with your perspective. What really seems to draw the line between humans and androids? And what is really "human" and what is really "artificial"? Good points!
Chonghyun: I find your raised question or the justification of the law EXTREMELY interesting. How can "our" law intrude the jurisdiction of "their" lives? The given assumption then is that these androids are completely subdued as human property. But is it quite true? How about animals? What gives us the right to punish, cell, or chastise these animals? Anyway, interesting topic.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Faction: The Conversion of the Jews
I could simply define myself as my parents' son; that means, I was like a robot without any personal feelings and opinions who just listened blindly to what my parents told me to do. I was thoughtless, and found my life meaningless. I had no idea what my parents meant to lead my own life until I entered Korean Minjok Leadership Academy where I began to take care of my own stuff.
My school was boring. The only topics my friends and I talked about were computer games, academic scores, and dating girls. Now I see how dumb we all were, and how we did not care at all about our futures.
My house was as boring as my school. As I was the only son and both of my parents had to work, all I had was a computer and homework to complete. Sometimes, only sometimes when I felt like it, I turned on the computer even before taking my homework out of my schoolbag. I just liked it that way.
My online self was dominant over my real self. I was online much more frequently compared to offline; I talked with my friends more online, played more online, and even studied more online. The computer was a new world for me which provided me with an opportunity to become someone else who is far superior to me. A messenger program called 'Buddy Buddy' connected me with my friends, and a game called 'Maplestory' was a playground where I ran around.
The virtual world was just too fascinating for a kid at such a young age. It was the only refuge I could visit after running away from this real world. I could stay away from the boring school, and get away from the boring house.
My school was boring. The only topics my friends and I talked about were computer games, academic scores, and dating girls. Now I see how dumb we all were, and how we did not care at all about our futures.
My house was as boring as my school. As I was the only son and both of my parents had to work, all I had was a computer and homework to complete. Sometimes, only sometimes when I felt like it, I turned on the computer even before taking my homework out of my schoolbag. I just liked it that way.
My online self was dominant over my real self. I was online much more frequently compared to offline; I talked with my friends more online, played more online, and even studied more online. The computer was a new world for me which provided me with an opportunity to become someone else who is far superior to me. A messenger program called 'Buddy Buddy' connected me with my friends, and a game called 'Maplestory' was a playground where I ran around.
The virtual world was just too fascinating for a kid at such a young age. It was the only refuge I could visit after running away from this real world. I could stay away from the boring school, and get away from the boring house.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Reflection: CONVERSION OF THE JEWS
This was the second short story of the Post War Period literature, a rather confusing and causing one to ponder about its plot. This 'Conversion of the Jews' is dealing with a sensitive issue of Christianity and Jew, and a seemingly ironic fact of how all the protagonists, who are all Jews, convert to Christianity. This story is an idealistic piece that falls perfectly under the category of the Post-war literature as it deals with the social, historical, and religious events following the Second World War(WW II).
Oscar Freedman is the main protagonist in 'Conversion of the Jews', and I would say that he appeared to be a more of an unsophisticated teenager without much logic in the very beginning of the story. The most unique characteristic of Ozzie(as called in the story) is his inquisitiveness of what is happening around him, and how he challenges the common beliefs held by the society. At first, Ozzie questions the existence of God and what he can actually do when Rabbi Binder tells him that God can do Anything, and that God can even make a child without a sexual intercourse. Because of his vehement thirst for truth, Ozzie gets involved in many troubles, including a major one when Binder accidentally hits him on the nose and causes him to nosebleed.
In this story, Ozzie gets to experience evolving spirituality. Unlike Ltzie who acts more like a thoughtless kid by focusing on the word "intercourse", Ozzie desires to know how he can believe what Binder tells him about God. He is devoted, although not exactly believing what Binder had taught him, to find out more.
This story also shows how Rabbi Binder, the other students, and Oscar's mother are all bigoted, and Ozzie is religiously dedicated. Spiritual dogma is discrete from religious devotion; Oscar believes in omnipotent God.
COMMUNITY AND IDENTITY
I was forced to travel, and stay overseas for a prolonged period of time. Still, I believe that it was a great opportunity for me to learn about different cultures, and embrace people from all around the world.
I cannot really associate myself with the community I live in, and decide my authentic identity. It requires one deep rumination, as a person cannot easily choose who he is, or who he wants to be. For me, it is true that I have not spent much time pondering about who I really am, but I could not get even the faintest idea.
Until fifth grade, I had remained in Korea attending a local school with my local friends. My community was Korea itself, nothing more, nothing less; all the people I had met were native Koreans whom I shared common interests with. Until then, I had no idea of how I would go overseas and attend school with foreigners with totally different cultures.
On the very first day of school in Hong Kong, an Indian kid accosted, and spoke in English, a language I only knew ostensibly by then. I sheepishly told him that I do not speak English(it wasn't even 'I can't'), and ran away. I was extremely fortunate to find another Korean in our class, and until I got used to the school system and the new language, I hung out with him. The Korean community there was quite diverse, so it was not really difficult for me to get used to the school. Even in Hong Kong, my identity remained as a Korean as I did not feel much need to interact with people of different nations. Still, this does not mean that I did not interact with them at all; I did try my best to mingle with as many cultures as possible, but I spent the most time with Koreans, whom I was able to share common beliefs with.
In Singapore, the situation was both similar and different. I made Korean friends much easily than other friends just like how I did back in Hong Kong, but I also became much more easily acquainted with foreign friends such as those from the United States, Brazil, Canada, etc.
My identity is sometimes defined according to the community, and sometimes with those I hang around with. In Hong Kong, my identity was affected more by my Korean friends. On the other hand, the school environment affected me more in Singapore, forcing me to mingle with not only Koreans but also with others.
I cannot really associate myself with the community I live in, and decide my authentic identity. It requires one deep rumination, as a person cannot easily choose who he is, or who he wants to be. For me, it is true that I have not spent much time pondering about who I really am, but I could not get even the faintest idea.
Until fifth grade, I had remained in Korea attending a local school with my local friends. My community was Korea itself, nothing more, nothing less; all the people I had met were native Koreans whom I shared common interests with. Until then, I had no idea of how I would go overseas and attend school with foreigners with totally different cultures.
On the very first day of school in Hong Kong, an Indian kid accosted, and spoke in English, a language I only knew ostensibly by then. I sheepishly told him that I do not speak English(it wasn't even 'I can't'), and ran away. I was extremely fortunate to find another Korean in our class, and until I got used to the school system and the new language, I hung out with him. The Korean community there was quite diverse, so it was not really difficult for me to get used to the school. Even in Hong Kong, my identity remained as a Korean as I did not feel much need to interact with people of different nations. Still, this does not mean that I did not interact with them at all; I did try my best to mingle with as many cultures as possible, but I spent the most time with Koreans, whom I was able to share common beliefs with.
In Singapore, the situation was both similar and different. I made Korean friends much easily than other friends just like how I did back in Hong Kong, but I also became much more easily acquainted with foreign friends such as those from the United States, Brazil, Canada, etc.
My identity is sometimes defined according to the community, and sometimes with those I hang around with. In Hong Kong, my identity was affected more by my Korean friends. On the other hand, the school environment affected me more in Singapore, forcing me to mingle with not only Koreans but also with others.
THE LOTTERY
The video was shocking as much as the ending of 'The Lottery'. Both the graphics and the plot of the video were quite disturbing, mainly because it related contemporary issues with the problem of perennial rituals. Although the process of committing murder described in the video was much more humane than that illustrated in the short story, people were no different; without any logical thinking, these people blindly followed what is commonly accepted.
How can people believe blindly in what is not proved, and has the full potential to be debunked any time? The problem lies in the society. Whether an axiom is correct or incorrect, once everyone starts to accept it as the genuine truth, this belief becomes a incontrovertible fact. The 'lottery ritual' described in 'The Lottery' is an example of how a perhaps inane and unsophisticated belief by the ancestors has withstood the test of time until it became an axiom for the villagers of 'The Lottery'.
Perhaps both the author Shirley Jackson and the director of that South Park video clip are trying to emphasize how our sense of conformity is flawed, and this can lead to dystopia. Why did the townspeople of 'The Lottery' carry out the ritual every year? Why did the United States people all wish Britney to die? The reason is that these people's thoughts were fixed at the wrong perspective, and they remained inexorable. Although rudimentally wrong, the belief shared by other people had to also be shared by me. This is why conformity is bloodcurdling, how logic which you believed to be true can be rejected any time.
COMMENTS
Rhee Ji Yoon: You started your essay with the subject, "the video"! I totally agree that the video was shocking, but I think your introductory paragraph would have been much effective if you had included a brief explanation or description about the video. There's not enought time left. I like your essay. I always like your style of writing! Simple but clear! Bye!
Yun Jo: Certainly right! these days some issues are coming up so frequently, and I think we can criticize such trends with your essay. Nicely done.
Chonghyun Ahn: I agree that the ostracism was groundless in the story, but I'd like to see more substantiation of what is the groundless axiom of today, and the way to sort out the axioms into two groups.
Hyejoon Lee: I think overall it was a good analysis of the story. I also had similar ideas you had, like the justification and the "tradition" thingy.
Jane: I agree with the points of "wholeness" and "conforming" that you've mentioned. Most people are basically doing what they are doing solely because all others are doing so. It would have been better if you included the motivations that could have led to the feeling of conforming among people.
How can people believe blindly in what is not proved, and has the full potential to be debunked any time? The problem lies in the society. Whether an axiom is correct or incorrect, once everyone starts to accept it as the genuine truth, this belief becomes a incontrovertible fact. The 'lottery ritual' described in 'The Lottery' is an example of how a perhaps inane and unsophisticated belief by the ancestors has withstood the test of time until it became an axiom for the villagers of 'The Lottery'.
Perhaps both the author Shirley Jackson and the director of that South Park video clip are trying to emphasize how our sense of conformity is flawed, and this can lead to dystopia. Why did the townspeople of 'The Lottery' carry out the ritual every year? Why did the United States people all wish Britney to die? The reason is that these people's thoughts were fixed at the wrong perspective, and they remained inexorable. Although rudimentally wrong, the belief shared by other people had to also be shared by me. This is why conformity is bloodcurdling, how logic which you believed to be true can be rejected any time.
COMMENTS
Rhee Ji Yoon: You started your essay with the subject, "the video"! I totally agree that the video was shocking, but I think your introductory paragraph would have been much effective if you had included a brief explanation or description about the video. There's not enought time left. I like your essay. I always like your style of writing! Simple but clear! Bye!
Yun Jo: Certainly right! these days some issues are coming up so frequently, and I think we can criticize such trends with your essay. Nicely done.
Chonghyun Ahn: I agree that the ostracism was groundless in the story, but I'd like to see more substantiation of what is the groundless axiom of today, and the way to sort out the axioms into two groups.
Hyejoon Lee: I think overall it was a good analysis of the story. I also had similar ideas you had, like the justification and the "tradition" thingy.
Jane: I agree with the points of "wholeness" and "conforming" that you've mentioned. Most people are basically doing what they are doing solely because all others are doing so. It would have been better if you included the motivations that could have led to the feeling of conforming among people.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
A WAY YOU'LL NEVER BE and BIG TWO HEARTED RIVER
I have enjoyed Hemingway's writing since young. The first English book I encountered was Hemingway's 'The Old Man and the Sea' in abridged version. When I came in touch with his actual book, I found his style of writing very appealing. For today's American Literature class, we had to read two short stories by Hemingway, 'A Way you'll Never Be' and 'Big Two Hearted River'. Those stories were very interesting indeed just like 'The Old Man and the Sea'.
'A Way you'll Never Be' is about a protagonist called Nick Adams. He, recovering from a traumatic head wound, bicycles from Fornaci to Fossalta di Piave, the scene of his wounding. When he is naming every piece of military equipment and every personal effect scattered among the bodies in the battle scene, a lieutenant approaches and threatens Nick to keep his identification card. Then Nick demands to see Captain Paravicini.
This story is about Nick trying to resolve his crisis of personal identity. He desperately searches for evident clues about his true identity, but he is only confronted with many obstacles.
It is true that in today's society, we have trouble identifying ourselves. There are so many fake images that we have created in order to hide us from the others that we ourselves have hard time defining our real portrayals. To some people, we show our first image of being nice, warm, and caring. Towards the second group, we show them how cynical, cool, and indifferent we are.
This may be the result of our society turning more and more violent. It is true that more violence can be seen in today's world compared to the old times.
Why is this so? This is due to the world spinning faster and faster compared to before. People are so busy competing with one another that they do not have any time to care for others. Just like I have mentioned in my previous reflection of 'The Garden Lodge', this is the tragic side of modernism.
We should spend more time thinking to ourselves what is causing us to hide our true selves from the outer world. We should learn how to trust others and love others.
COMMENTS
Jeong Yunjo: Hey. It's a nice review with many great opinions. Now, how about relating this story with its historical literary backgrounds? Like, try relating this story with modernism.
Hyunseok Lee: Fine and comfortable introduction, good analysis toward the protagonist. However, you can say more than that you had written in the last part of the essay. Come up with some symbols such as grasshoppers. Plus, it would be great if you introduce personal story related to the story.
'A Way you'll Never Be' is about a protagonist called Nick Adams. He, recovering from a traumatic head wound, bicycles from Fornaci to Fossalta di Piave, the scene of his wounding. When he is naming every piece of military equipment and every personal effect scattered among the bodies in the battle scene, a lieutenant approaches and threatens Nick to keep his identification card. Then Nick demands to see Captain Paravicini.
This story is about Nick trying to resolve his crisis of personal identity. He desperately searches for evident clues about his true identity, but he is only confronted with many obstacles.
It is true that in today's society, we have trouble identifying ourselves. There are so many fake images that we have created in order to hide us from the others that we ourselves have hard time defining our real portrayals. To some people, we show our first image of being nice, warm, and caring. Towards the second group, we show them how cynical, cool, and indifferent we are.
This may be the result of our society turning more and more violent. It is true that more violence can be seen in today's world compared to the old times.
Why is this so? This is due to the world spinning faster and faster compared to before. People are so busy competing with one another that they do not have any time to care for others. Just like I have mentioned in my previous reflection of 'The Garden Lodge', this is the tragic side of modernism.
We should spend more time thinking to ourselves what is causing us to hide our true selves from the outer world. We should learn how to trust others and love others.
COMMENTS
Jeong Yunjo: Hey. It's a nice review with many great opinions. Now, how about relating this story with its historical literary backgrounds? Like, try relating this story with modernism.
Hyunseok Lee: Fine and comfortable introduction, good analysis toward the protagonist. However, you can say more than that you had written in the last part of the essay. Come up with some symbols such as grasshoppers. Plus, it would be great if you introduce personal story related to the story.
THE GARDEN LODGE
Cather's 'The Garden Lodge' is another short story that discusses modernism well in its plot. Modernist literature, according to Wikipedia, often forcefully opposes or gives an opinion of a social concept. In 'The Garden Lodge', although not very forceful, the theme of infidelity is introduced passively along with modern men's indifference.
Caroline is married to Harold Noble; they had spent several years together, but Harold failed to realize that his wife is committing infidelity when he is not around. Last summer, tenor Raymond d'Esquerre visited the house and spent fond times with Caroline even though he knew that she is a married woman. The more shocking fact is that even after Harold found out the truth, he was not at all surprised and politely asked Caroline of her opinion regarding the issue of tearing the lodge down.
Even though one of the greatest crimes in the world had been committed by his wife, Harold revealed not much interest. It was not that he was not affected at all; he was obviously annoyed at that time. But in overall, he managed to contain his anger too well compared to a typical husband who has a lascivious wife.
The husband questioned neither his wife nor Raymond d'Esquerre how they could commit such an outrageous sin. He has just accepted the truth and tried to tear down the lodge. On one hand, I admire him for being so cynical. Indeed, he has to be extremely apathetic to control his anger after witnessing his wife's infidelity. However on the other hand, I see how people today are turning so indifferent even to their own family. Although he has shown little annoyance, it is clear that he does not care much.
Modernism plays a big role here; Cather is trying to say that indifference is taking more and more part of human in today's world. How sad and scary is that? It means that we do not care much about our close friends, colleagues, and even family members. This can be clearly seen in 'The Garden Lodge', where the husband just accepts the truth. Although Harold knows that the garden lodge in his house represents a place of his husband and the tenor and tries to tear it down, that is not enough; he has to be more outrageous towards his wife.
In today's society, we care less and less about other people. We are too busy looking after ourselves that we do not have any time for others. In a very near future, it might be true that we will only care about ourselves. This should be stopped, and more care should be expressed by all of us.
COMMENTS
Jeong Yunjo: Huh. I was surprised you looked at the story from a very different perspective from mine.
Hyejoon: I liked your analysis, but I think it would have been better if you spent more time and space on making your own interpretation on the analysis that you made instead of only writing about the facts!
Inhee: I liked how you specifically analyzed the story! But rather than stopping at mere analysis, why not go further? For instance, how does Harold's not being surprised about his wife's affair link to the postwar era? I also found it interesting how you focused on the man more than the woman. Surely, the story focuses a little more on Caroline. And I expect you to describe further on man's mind and what that could mean.
Caroline is married to Harold Noble; they had spent several years together, but Harold failed to realize that his wife is committing infidelity when he is not around. Last summer, tenor Raymond d'Esquerre visited the house and spent fond times with Caroline even though he knew that she is a married woman. The more shocking fact is that even after Harold found out the truth, he was not at all surprised and politely asked Caroline of her opinion regarding the issue of tearing the lodge down.
Even though one of the greatest crimes in the world had been committed by his wife, Harold revealed not much interest. It was not that he was not affected at all; he was obviously annoyed at that time. But in overall, he managed to contain his anger too well compared to a typical husband who has a lascivious wife.
The husband questioned neither his wife nor Raymond d'Esquerre how they could commit such an outrageous sin. He has just accepted the truth and tried to tear down the lodge. On one hand, I admire him for being so cynical. Indeed, he has to be extremely apathetic to control his anger after witnessing his wife's infidelity. However on the other hand, I see how people today are turning so indifferent even to their own family. Although he has shown little annoyance, it is clear that he does not care much.
Modernism plays a big role here; Cather is trying to say that indifference is taking more and more part of human in today's world. How sad and scary is that? It means that we do not care much about our close friends, colleagues, and even family members. This can be clearly seen in 'The Garden Lodge', where the husband just accepts the truth. Although Harold knows that the garden lodge in his house represents a place of his husband and the tenor and tries to tear it down, that is not enough; he has to be more outrageous towards his wife.
In today's society, we care less and less about other people. We are too busy looking after ourselves that we do not have any time for others. In a very near future, it might be true that we will only care about ourselves. This should be stopped, and more care should be expressed by all of us.
COMMENTS
Jeong Yunjo: Huh. I was surprised you looked at the story from a very different perspective from mine.
Hyejoon: I liked your analysis, but I think it would have been better if you spent more time and space on making your own interpretation on the analysis that you made instead of only writing about the facts!
Inhee: I liked how you specifically analyzed the story! But rather than stopping at mere analysis, why not go further? For instance, how does Harold's not being surprised about his wife's affair link to the postwar era? I also found it interesting how you focused on the man more than the woman. Surely, the story focuses a little more on Caroline. And I expect you to describe further on man's mind and what that could mean.
A DARK BROWN DOG
'A Dark Brown Dog' by Stephen Crane is a story that describes the relationship between a boy and the dog, just like the title. In my opinion, we can define this story as literature that falls under the category of naturalism, because of how the boy's father treats his family and the dog. Although he is the bread-winner of the family, his savage-like behavior cannot be forgotten.
The most fundamental storyline for 'A Dark Brown Dog' is about a boy who brings a dog to his house. The trouble starts when his family notices that they have a new family member; they laugh at it, make fun of it, and cause the boy to be extremely embarrassed. In the end, the father decides that the dog stays, because he though that would anger all the other family members.
This story can be related to naturalism, a literary movement that seeks to replicate a believable everyday reality according to Wikipedia. Here, this common typical household is described as the main protagonists; there is an angry father who dislikes the world and an obedient son who is so naive to bring a lost dog home when his family is suffering from destitute.
What does the father's behavior also tell us? From this single action, we can deduce how the father does not care at all about how other people feel. Basically, the father here is just like any other typical husbands; they are unsatisfied with their lives, and tend to cause trouble with whatever they come in hand. In this story, the father is with his family, which causes him to turn violent towards them. To generalize this, we can say that people at this time were all having tough lives. Also, the father swung the dog many times just for pleasure and enjoyment. This also shows how cruel and savage-like he is towards his family members.
Stephen Crane is a great naturalist; he had successfully depicted a daily life of a family in 'A Dark Brown Dog'. If I have a chance, I will read more of his stories so that I can have a better understanding of naturalism.
COMMENTS
Ko Hae Uk: I think you had a clear understanding of the story. I also thought the father was very cruel and abusive of others. But you lack an opinion on the analysis. I totally agree that you had no time. Still, perhaps you could have written the gist of the essay in a thesis sentence.
Yoonju Chung: I agree that the father clearly showed how savage and cruel humans are. He swung the dog two or three times "hilariously" about his head and he held a carnival with cooking utensils, furniture, and "his wife". By using euphemism, this short story calmly portrayed a cruel nature of human beings and made me doubt "are we really civilized?" overall. I understand your point on linking naturalism with a character "the father" and it would be more great if you put some reflections or personal experiences in this essay!
Rhee Jiyoon: Hola! I always like your essays. They're neat, short, and well-organized. I learned from your essays that strength of a writing does not come from a dozen of similar examples and long, boring, tiring paragraphs, but from logic and clearness! However, when I read your first paragraph, I thought you'd elaborate your reflection focusing on one character, the "father", but when I read your 2nd and 3rd paragraph, I see no link with the introductory paragraph. Instead of explaining the general plot, try to focus more on the father. Well, I think this is only because you were running out of time.. So I'll look forward to your blog posting! HAHA!
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
4th Reflection: To Build a Fire[edited 23rd June]
The story 'To Build a Fire' by London is a typical representative of naturalism; that is, a type of literature that attempts to apply scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to its study of human beings. Environment shapes human characteristics without them realizing it. This naturalism is also linked to determinism, as the protagonist in the story did not have any free will and nature has already mapped out his fate. Some other themes that are discussed in this story are instinct over intellectualism, and indifferent environment and survival.
In this story, our poor adventurer faces many challenges and accidents. He undermines the harsh weather and proudly starts his journey only to receive extreme frostiness in return. However, the strange fact is that whenever accidents occur, it is written as if they were meant to happen; that is, the author repeatedly mentions 'it happened', as if that "it" was inevitable and the man had to face it. The man is unable to play any role in "it", because nature has already decided "it" should happen. When the snow fell over the fire, nature has decided the fire to be put out. The man does not own the power to alter his fate and rebel against nature.
Also, even though the man seems far from being intellectual, he clandestinely represents intellectualism when compared to his dog, who merely acts by instinct. Let us consider his actions. He sets up the fire under the tree, so that he is more accessible to the tree twigs necessary to grow the fire. In addition, he uses tools called matches in trying to light up a fire again. On the other hand, the dog, taking actions from its instincts, burrow into the snow to avoid coldness, or its thick fur protects it from freezing to death. It is fully aware of the harsh environment that needs meticulous caution. It is true that humans are intellectual creatures compared to other animals, but only the dog was able to survive due to its innate understanding of Yukon's coldness. Even though the dog may not be able to take care of itself, it can follow its instincts to find other food-providers.
This story contains many themes that are quite controversial such as naturalism. The main protagonist faces his fate of death in Yukon which was inevitable.
COMMENTS
Chung Yoonju: It was very interesting to know that the author repeatedly mentions "it happens" as if it meant to be happened. The man in this story couldn't avoid inevitable events happening because it was his fate. But what do you think about Jack London's idea that humans are so fragile in front of the nature and their fates? Also, it was interesting that you compared between the man and the dog and showed humans are still more superior than animals are.
Jane Park: I really like how you mentioned the repeatedness of the phrase "it happened" which I couldn't notice while reading. That seems to be a very good supporting detail to the category of naturalism. I also agree with you that the man and the dog contrasted in the themes of 'intellectual' and 'instinct'.
In this story, our poor adventurer faces many challenges and accidents. He undermines the harsh weather and proudly starts his journey only to receive extreme frostiness in return. However, the strange fact is that whenever accidents occur, it is written as if they were meant to happen; that is, the author repeatedly mentions 'it happened', as if that "it" was inevitable and the man had to face it. The man is unable to play any role in "it", because nature has already decided "it" should happen. When the snow fell over the fire, nature has decided the fire to be put out. The man does not own the power to alter his fate and rebel against nature.
Also, even though the man seems far from being intellectual, he clandestinely represents intellectualism when compared to his dog, who merely acts by instinct. Let us consider his actions. He sets up the fire under the tree, so that he is more accessible to the tree twigs necessary to grow the fire. In addition, he uses tools called matches in trying to light up a fire again. On the other hand, the dog, taking actions from its instincts, burrow into the snow to avoid coldness, or its thick fur protects it from freezing to death. It is fully aware of the harsh environment that needs meticulous caution. It is true that humans are intellectual creatures compared to other animals, but only the dog was able to survive due to its innate understanding of Yukon's coldness. Even though the dog may not be able to take care of itself, it can follow its instincts to find other food-providers.
This story contains many themes that are quite controversial such as naturalism. The main protagonist faces his fate of death in Yukon which was inevitable.
COMMENTS
Chung Yoonju: It was very interesting to know that the author repeatedly mentions "it happens" as if it meant to be happened. The man in this story couldn't avoid inevitable events happening because it was his fate. But what do you think about Jack London's idea that humans are so fragile in front of the nature and their fates? Also, it was interesting that you compared between the man and the dog and showed humans are still more superior than animals are.
Jane Park: I really like how you mentioned the repeatedness of the phrase "it happened" which I couldn't notice while reading. That seems to be a very good supporting detail to the category of naturalism. I also agree with you that the man and the dog contrasted in the themes of 'intellectual' and 'instinct'.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
3rd Reflection: After reading Extracts from Adam's Diary and Eve's Diary[edited 23rd June]
These stories of Adam and Eve written by Mark Twain are very interesting in a way that he portrayed their feelings in his own way, yet people can sympathize with. Adam's Diary is written from the perspective of Adam, or a typical male who is a narrower and shallower thinker compared to Eve. The Eve's Diary is, of course, written from Eve's point of view, who is much more intellectual and sensitive.
In these two stories, Adam is present with a somewhat thoughtless image. He does not necessarily care how Eve feels about his actions, and normally does what he desires to do. He also finds Eve a little annoying as she came from nowhere and he has to shared his Garden with her. When Eve meets the serpent and befriends it, Adam is joyful that a nuisance has disappeared.
Eve, on the other hand, is a much deeper thinker, and she just believes that Adam feels the same way as she does. She cares about Adam's feelings by sympathizing her own feelings with those of Adam's, and tries hard to reduce clashes or friction between them.
We have to know that stereotypes of men and women of that time period when Mark Twain was alive were passively included in these two stories. Women were "docile", and men were dominant. Males got jobs and became bread-winners of their families while females stayed home, cooking, washing dishes, and doing all sorts of household chores. This is why Adam had to be annoyed when he heard that he has to share what he owns with Eve, because due to the image of men portrayed at that time, Adam felt that he was superior. Eve, who is supposed to represent the image of women, is focused more on the sensitivity, on how women care so much about inner feelings.
Now, the world is changing. More women are getting jobs than men, and males consider others' feelings as much as females do. Stereotypes are finally being broken down.
COMMENTS
no comments
In these two stories, Adam is present with a somewhat thoughtless image. He does not necessarily care how Eve feels about his actions, and normally does what he desires to do. He also finds Eve a little annoying as she came from nowhere and he has to shared his Garden with her. When Eve meets the serpent and befriends it, Adam is joyful that a nuisance has disappeared.
Eve, on the other hand, is a much deeper thinker, and she just believes that Adam feels the same way as she does. She cares about Adam's feelings by sympathizing her own feelings with those of Adam's, and tries hard to reduce clashes or friction between them.
We have to know that stereotypes of men and women of that time period when Mark Twain was alive were passively included in these two stories. Women were "docile", and men were dominant. Males got jobs and became bread-winners of their families while females stayed home, cooking, washing dishes, and doing all sorts of household chores. This is why Adam had to be annoyed when he heard that he has to share what he owns with Eve, because due to the image of men portrayed at that time, Adam felt that he was superior. Eve, who is supposed to represent the image of women, is focused more on the sensitivity, on how women care so much about inner feelings.
Now, the world is changing. More women are getting jobs than men, and males consider others' feelings as much as females do. Stereotypes are finally being broken down.
COMMENTS
no comments
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
2nd Reflection: The Cask of Amontillado[edited 23rd June]
For today's reflection, I would like to talk more about the author than the plot of The Cask of Amontillado itself. The author of this story, Edgar Allan Poe, was an American author, poet, editor, and literary critic, especially acclaimed for his tales of mystery. He often enjoyed writing gloomy and dark stories that usually trapped the readers in trepidation.
Poe was born in Boston on January 19th, 1809 His dad abandoned his family in 1810 and his mother died a year later, so Poe and his siblings were sent to a foster family. To earn his living, he enlisted in the United States Army as a private. While he was in the army, he published few books like 'Tamerlane and Other Poems'. His publishing career began after his brother died. Poe wanted to write proses and short stories as he has already tried writing poems. At first, he started working for a man named George Graham, and soon became one of the most beloved mystery writers in history.
Even though he has started writing for the sake of earning his living, he found his potential in writing. Not all people are as lucky as Edgar Allan Poe; we normally fail to recognize what our greatest potential is, and normally digress into where we have to go. For me, even though I am trying my best to find what my true talents and interests are, it is not as easy as it seems to be. The deeper I go into a specific area, the further it gets away from me. I am afraid that until I graduate, I might remain undecided of my future career.
Although Poe lived a short and tragic life as he died at the age of 40, his contributions to literature cannot be underestimated.
COMMENTS
Hyunseok Lee: Great analysis about background and previous life of the author. Good use of grammer. However, I don't think you made enough explanation about his contributions toward us or development in world literature due to Poe's literary works. I know Poe is a famous, great writer, but I believe you should tell more about what he really did and why he should be acclaimed.
Rhee Jiyoon: Yay I like your essay! The words you used are clear and accurate that I'm jealous ㅡㅡ.. The only thing that I want to point out is that what you're trying to talk about in the essay is somewhat unclear.. At first, you seem to be focusing on Poe's tragic life, but later on, you suddenly talk about your own experience. I think that writing only about Poe's life is not that meaningful since Wikipedia and other sources already had done that before.. Instead, your essay'd be more attractive if you focus more on your personal opinion! I like the part when you say "The deeper I go into a specific area, the further it gets away from me".. I agree TTTT..
Poe was born in Boston on January 19th, 1809 His dad abandoned his family in 1810 and his mother died a year later, so Poe and his siblings were sent to a foster family. To earn his living, he enlisted in the United States Army as a private. While he was in the army, he published few books like 'Tamerlane and Other Poems'. His publishing career began after his brother died. Poe wanted to write proses and short stories as he has already tried writing poems. At first, he started working for a man named George Graham, and soon became one of the most beloved mystery writers in history.
Even though he has started writing for the sake of earning his living, he found his potential in writing. Not all people are as lucky as Edgar Allan Poe; we normally fail to recognize what our greatest potential is, and normally digress into where we have to go. For me, even though I am trying my best to find what my true talents and interests are, it is not as easy as it seems to be. The deeper I go into a specific area, the further it gets away from me. I am afraid that until I graduate, I might remain undecided of my future career.
Although Poe lived a short and tragic life as he died at the age of 40, his contributions to literature cannot be underestimated.
COMMENTS
Hyunseok Lee: Great analysis about background and previous life of the author. Good use of grammer. However, I don't think you made enough explanation about his contributions toward us or development in world literature due to Poe's literary works. I know Poe is a famous, great writer, but I believe you should tell more about what he really did and why he should be acclaimed.
Rhee Jiyoon: Yay I like your essay! The words you used are clear and accurate that I'm jealous ㅡㅡ.. The only thing that I want to point out is that what you're trying to talk about in the essay is somewhat unclear.. At first, you seem to be focusing on Poe's tragic life, but later on, you suddenly talk about your own experience. I think that writing only about Poe's life is not that meaningful since Wikipedia and other sources already had done that before.. Instead, your essay'd be more attractive if you focus more on your personal opinion! I like the part when you say "The deeper I go into a specific area, the further it gets away from me".. I agree TTTT..
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
The Ambitious Guest[edited on 23rd June]
After reading this short story by Hawthorne, I was deeply inspired by the concept of ambition. It made me ponder upon the definition of ambition, and I came to a conclusion that ambition might totally corrupt an individual. Although it has to exist in some way in order for the mankind to continue advancing, it might produce a disastrous result if focused too much.
Consider the family in 'The Ambitious Guest'. They were a happy family who were contented with their lives till the guest came by. After hearing the guest's hunger for achievement, the family started to lose their satisfaction and crave for what they do not own. In the end, everyone including the guest faced tragic deaths, and nothing was achieved.
How about myself? Did having too much ambition ever affect me in a negative way? I am pretty sure it did. When I was in my middle school, I have won a United Kingdom math olympiad. After winning such a big competition, I began to get all excited about participating and winning more olympiads. I can assure you, I felt as if I was invincible. The results were catastrophic. After failing to win the next four or five consecutive contests, I began to face the reality; I started to think that maybe, I had just been lucky. Such outcomes brought me unforgivable disappointment and hatred, but all I could do was to lament at my own actions. Ambition blinded me, and I was wandering around in my own fantasies.
COMMENTS
Chonghyun Ahn: I really liked the way how you juxtaposed the concept of satisfaction and achievement and showed how the two are inherently different. I also was contented by your last line, where you put "Ambition blinded me", because it was very poetic in a sense that you not only spoke your opinion through the content, but also through the sentence structure of putting "ambition" in subject, and putting yourself in the object position. However, I would like to challenge your concept of "proceed" in the first paragraph. You seem to propose for progress that opposes ambition. How is the two different? Anyway, I liked your writing!
Hyunseok Lee: It was very interesting to connect your personal experiences to the text, however, I strongly believe that you should come up with additional characteristics of ambition. Since you said you were deeply touched about what the author showed related to ambition, I'm sure that you can talk about not only fail of achievement, but also relationship with nature and ambition, why ambition is useless, etc.
Inhee Ho: I sympathize with your personal experience as well! But I was wondering, didn't ambition allow you to see the reality as the final outcome? I viewed the story as awakening the family, living solitary life, to the reality. I agree that resultingly, the guest made the family to lose their satisfaction, but I saw that as letting them know the reality rather than blinding it.
Consider the family in 'The Ambitious Guest'. They were a happy family who were contented with their lives till the guest came by. After hearing the guest's hunger for achievement, the family started to lose their satisfaction and crave for what they do not own. In the end, everyone including the guest faced tragic deaths, and nothing was achieved.
How about myself? Did having too much ambition ever affect me in a negative way? I am pretty sure it did. When I was in my middle school, I have won a United Kingdom math olympiad. After winning such a big competition, I began to get all excited about participating and winning more olympiads. I can assure you, I felt as if I was invincible. The results were catastrophic. After failing to win the next four or five consecutive contests, I began to face the reality; I started to think that maybe, I had just been lucky. Such outcomes brought me unforgivable disappointment and hatred, but all I could do was to lament at my own actions. Ambition blinded me, and I was wandering around in my own fantasies.
COMMENTS
Chonghyun Ahn: I really liked the way how you juxtaposed the concept of satisfaction and achievement and showed how the two are inherently different. I also was contented by your last line, where you put "Ambition blinded me", because it was very poetic in a sense that you not only spoke your opinion through the content, but also through the sentence structure of putting "ambition" in subject, and putting yourself in the object position. However, I would like to challenge your concept of "proceed" in the first paragraph. You seem to propose for progress that opposes ambition. How is the two different? Anyway, I liked your writing!
Hyunseok Lee: It was very interesting to connect your personal experiences to the text, however, I strongly believe that you should come up with additional characteristics of ambition. Since you said you were deeply touched about what the author showed related to ambition, I'm sure that you can talk about not only fail of achievement, but also relationship with nature and ambition, why ambition is useless, etc.
Inhee Ho: I sympathize with your personal experience as well! But I was wondering, didn't ambition allow you to see the reality as the final outcome? I viewed the story as awakening the family, living solitary life, to the reality. I agree that resultingly, the guest made the family to lose their satisfaction, but I saw that as letting them know the reality rather than blinding it.
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