“A great social success is a pretty girl who plays her cards as carefully as if she were plain.”
–Letter (undated) to his daughter, Frances
Fitzgerald's quote to his daughter reminds me of the character Daisy Buchanan, in "The Great Gatsby". The quote seems to be saying that a great social success is a pretty girl who acts as if she were a "plain" girl. (I'm assuming that by plain, Fitzgerald means ordianry looking, or average.) By doing this, the "pretty girl" seems to look less selfish and lazy, and look more caring and giving.
The quote reminds me of Daisy because she seems to always "play her cards" the right way, and is able to get herself out of any type of trouble. She comes off as sweet and caring, but in reality is a selfish, spoiled brat. Daisy is respectful and kind to people's faces, but when they're gone shows her true colors and thoughts. By doing this, Daisy is able to make people like her. This helps her to get herself out of trouble, or simply ask favors of others.
This quote poses many questions for me. I wonder if Fitzgerald was trying to tell his daughter to act like that of the character of Daisy. I'm sure he wasn't telling his daughter to become a selfish, or using, person, but I wonder what the purpose of his saying this to his daughter was. I also wonder if that is the type of girl Fitzgerald liked. Daisy was supposedly based partly on his wife, Zelda, so some of their characteristics must have been the same. So did Fitzgerald like a "fake" women? Also did Fitzgerald believe that women should be manipulative, or using, and that that was the only way for a women to become a "social success"? Hopefully in future readings of Fitzgerald I'll find some answers for my questions.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Great Gatsby - Wordle Post
Quotes From "The Great Gatsby":
--"'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told me, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.'"
This piece of advice was said to the narrator of the story, Nick, from his father. Nick goes on to say that that one piece of advice helped him to get through life without making judgments about people, although it may have caused him some issues of having to deal with "veteran bores", or boring stories. The reason this quote stuck out to me is because I believe it is a great piece of advice. Everyone at one point in their life criticizes someone else, but they do it without thinking of the consequences. This quote reminds people that not everyone may be as educated as you, or they haven't had the same experiences you have had. Although this isn't your or their fault, you should still hold back your judgments because you never know when you are going to hurt someone. Along with agreeing with the quote, I believe it fits in well with the story. By listening to his father's quote, Nick didn't judge any of the other characters; Tom, Daisy, Gatsby or even Jordan Baker. By doing this Nick was able to stay calm and neutral on his outside appearance, although on the inside you were able to see his true feelings. To me as a reader it also helped me to stay neutral towards certain characters, and hold back some of my own judgment.
--"'Well, these books are all scientific,' insisted Tom, glancing at her impatiently. 'This fellow has worked out the whole thing. It's up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things.' 'We've got to beat them down,' whispered Daisy, winking ferociously toward the fervent sun."
During this section of the story Nick is meeting Tom, Daisy and Jordan Baker for the first time in the book. They are discussing books Tom has been reading, saying that the white race must take control of all the other races or else we'll be destroyed. Daisy is making fun of Tom in the scene, showing that she doesn't believe the same thing as him, and takes his serious manner in a joking tone. This quote stuck out to me because it seemed to show Daisy's uniqueness and following her own mindset. Although Tom cuts her off, and later ignores her comments, you are able to see that she isn't going to be pushed completely around by him, and that she uses humor to make her points. In a way, you can say she is being sarcastic, and being a sarcastic person, I find that funny. I believe that Fitzgerald is trying to show Daisy's character through this scene, because it's showing what she is really like. You know that she speaks her mind, and states her opinions in a humorous way, but you can also tell that she isn't as outspoken as Tom, since she "whispers" her thought to Nick.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Poetry Supermarket
Smoke- Erica Jong
The Color of Snow- Erica Jong
1. Erica Jong, author of the poem “Smoke”, was born March 26, 1942. She grew up in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and attended the New York school of Music and Art. She says that her family was a typical New York Jewish family. During the time of her writings she wrote many books, and lots of poems. The majority of her works were about women, and their possibilities, loves and adventures. “Smoke” in particular seems to focus on the happenings of the Holocaust, although Jong uses the terms “witches” and “brooms” to represent real life people and things from that terrible time. This poem connects to the poet because she, in fact, was Jewish. Although she personally didn’t go through any of the struggles with the Holocaust, her family told her of it, and she knew many of her possible ancestors died during the time.
2. In her poem “Smoke” Erica Jong seems to use symbols to represent people, and things. She uses the terms “witches” to represent the evil people, like the Nazi’s, in the Holocaust, and states that they blessed and cursed their kind “on their spiky brooms”. I thought this was a good effect because she compares the Nazi’s to a person most people think of as evil, a witch, and it gets the point across that what they did was wrong. Another thing I noticed about the poem is that Jong wrote the poem as if she were having a conversation with the reader. Although many poems and writings may do this, it really stuck out to me because she used words like “our”, and quotes such as “o let us not go” and “on our beautiful brooms”. Jong’s tone throughout the piece seems to be resentful, although not in the angry way. She’s telling you what happened, and what you should do to end with your pride still intact.
3. Jong’s poem “The Color of Snow” was written for a man named David Karetsky, who was killed in an avalanche. What made me like this poem was the tone. It seems to have a touch of sadness to it (if you know why it was written), but it gives you the sense that everything is peaceful. By that I mean it seems to teach you the lesson that you should live life to the fullest, and “live with the wind”. Jong seems to be thanking the man because he taught her that lesson, reminding her to “seize our lives”. I thought the poem was written in a very respectful way considering the situation, and portrayed the situation in a happy way, if that’s possible.
4. I do believe that there is something about this poet that makes them distinctly American. Jong can be described as a feminist, and in her writings talked mainly about women, and many of their situations. Although many places today let women have the same rights as men, certain aspects of her poems just make me think of the different type of struggles women dealt and still deal with. This makes me think of women in the early 1900’s who fought for different issues, and although women fought for this in other countries, my mind just automatically thinks of the women in America.
The Color of Snow- Erica Jong
1. Erica Jong, author of the poem “Smoke”, was born March 26, 1942. She grew up in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and attended the New York school of Music and Art. She says that her family was a typical New York Jewish family. During the time of her writings she wrote many books, and lots of poems. The majority of her works were about women, and their possibilities, loves and adventures. “Smoke” in particular seems to focus on the happenings of the Holocaust, although Jong uses the terms “witches” and “brooms” to represent real life people and things from that terrible time. This poem connects to the poet because she, in fact, was Jewish. Although she personally didn’t go through any of the struggles with the Holocaust, her family told her of it, and she knew many of her possible ancestors died during the time.
2. In her poem “Smoke” Erica Jong seems to use symbols to represent people, and things. She uses the terms “witches” to represent the evil people, like the Nazi’s, in the Holocaust, and states that they blessed and cursed their kind “on their spiky brooms”. I thought this was a good effect because she compares the Nazi’s to a person most people think of as evil, a witch, and it gets the point across that what they did was wrong. Another thing I noticed about the poem is that Jong wrote the poem as if she were having a conversation with the reader. Although many poems and writings may do this, it really stuck out to me because she used words like “our”, and quotes such as “o let us not go” and “on our beautiful brooms”. Jong’s tone throughout the piece seems to be resentful, although not in the angry way. She’s telling you what happened, and what you should do to end with your pride still intact.
3. Jong’s poem “The Color of Snow” was written for a man named David Karetsky, who was killed in an avalanche. What made me like this poem was the tone. It seems to have a touch of sadness to it (if you know why it was written), but it gives you the sense that everything is peaceful. By that I mean it seems to teach you the lesson that you should live life to the fullest, and “live with the wind”. Jong seems to be thanking the man because he taught her that lesson, reminding her to “seize our lives”. I thought the poem was written in a very respectful way considering the situation, and portrayed the situation in a happy way, if that’s possible.
4. I do believe that there is something about this poet that makes them distinctly American. Jong can be described as a feminist, and in her writings talked mainly about women, and many of their situations. Although many places today let women have the same rights as men, certain aspects of her poems just make me think of the different type of struggles women dealt and still deal with. This makes me think of women in the early 1900’s who fought for different issues, and although women fought for this in other countries, my mind just automatically thinks of the women in America.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Kate Chopin Reading Journal
Mikaela Cottrill
English 3 11-1
Chopin Stories Blog
The writings of Kate Chopin can in ways compare to those of the American Romantics. The American Romantics wrote about nature, and the beauty of it. Chopin slightly does this in her story “Lilacs”. At the first smell, or sight, of lilacs the main character, Adrienne, must go back to the convent at which she one time called home. Although not focusing entirely on the lilacs beauty, Chopin uses the flowers as a way remind the girl of her past, and the beauty of it. Chopin also uses phrases to show the beauty of the lilacs, such as “the sweet odor of lilac blossoms”, etc.
One theme I noticed running through the two of Chopin’s stories was that for a short amount of time you can be someone else. Whether it’s for a day, or a year, you can change or act like something you’re not. Take the story “A Pair of Silk Stockings”. In this story a woman, named Mrs. Sommers, finds fifteen dollars, and instead of buying things she needs, spends the money on herself. She has a fun, unrealistic day to herself, spending money on expensive stockings, buying a big lunch, and treating herself to the theater. Although this may not seem like a big deal, it was to Mrs. Sommers, who normally couldn’t afford to treat herself like this. In the story “Lilacs”, Adrienne lives a lavish life in Paris, with a maid and is financially supported. You know that she is being supported by a male, and can come to the conclusion that she is doing “sinful” things with him. Although she does this, Adrienne still travels to the convent every season to enjoy the surroundings of her old life. There is no middle ground for Adrienne, seeing as she cannot perform sinful acts, yet still want to enjoy the convent.
I believe that Chopin’s writings could appeal to anyone, although I think they mostly appeal to women. Her stories seem to focus on issues that women can relate to, not saying men cannot, but it’s more common that a woman could relate. People are able to relate to the feelings of wanting to live as someone else for a day, and women in particular can relate to the feelings of wanting to be out there, but still live under moral constitutions.
As a reader I really liked the stories Chopin wrote. They were both fictional, yet had themes and morals that a reader should know. The story “Lilacs” shows that you cannot live a double life, as many people try to do, without getting caught or having things screwed up. This really stuck out to me because I see people who try to act like something they’re not, or hide certain things, and have it backfire in their face. In the end it only makes things worse, and it was interesting to read how Chopin had Adrienne’s life damaged at the end of the story due to this. In the story “A Pair of Silk Stockings” materialism seems to be another main theme, and I found it fascinating to see how Chopin used simple pleasures to show how fast someone can become materialistic. I feel that Chopin did a good job of using fictional stories as a way to show how real life issues affect us as people.
“They lingered long upon the foot-bridge that spanned the narrow stream which divided the convent grounds from the meadow beyond. It was to Adrienne indescribably sweet to rest there in soft, low converse with this gentle-faced- nun, watching the approach of evening. The gurgle of the running water beneath them; the lowing of cattle approaching in the distance, were the only sounds that broke upon the stillness, until the clear tones of the angelus bell pealed out from the convent tower.”
What drew me to the writings of Kate Chopin was the way she is able to be descriptive, but not confuse me. The majority of the time I hate reading authors from past times, because when they try to be descriptive I get confused, and want to just forget about it. Sometimes that is caused due to language differences or words not used anymore. Chopin is able to be very descriptive, yet I still understand what she is talking about it. This helps me with the story, because I am able to get the picture she is trying to create, and still follow the storyline.
English 3 11-1
Chopin Stories Blog
The writings of Kate Chopin can in ways compare to those of the American Romantics. The American Romantics wrote about nature, and the beauty of it. Chopin slightly does this in her story “Lilacs”. At the first smell, or sight, of lilacs the main character, Adrienne, must go back to the convent at which she one time called home. Although not focusing entirely on the lilacs beauty, Chopin uses the flowers as a way remind the girl of her past, and the beauty of it. Chopin also uses phrases to show the beauty of the lilacs, such as “the sweet odor of lilac blossoms”, etc.
One theme I noticed running through the two of Chopin’s stories was that for a short amount of time you can be someone else. Whether it’s for a day, or a year, you can change or act like something you’re not. Take the story “A Pair of Silk Stockings”. In this story a woman, named Mrs. Sommers, finds fifteen dollars, and instead of buying things she needs, spends the money on herself. She has a fun, unrealistic day to herself, spending money on expensive stockings, buying a big lunch, and treating herself to the theater. Although this may not seem like a big deal, it was to Mrs. Sommers, who normally couldn’t afford to treat herself like this. In the story “Lilacs”, Adrienne lives a lavish life in Paris, with a maid and is financially supported. You know that she is being supported by a male, and can come to the conclusion that she is doing “sinful” things with him. Although she does this, Adrienne still travels to the convent every season to enjoy the surroundings of her old life. There is no middle ground for Adrienne, seeing as she cannot perform sinful acts, yet still want to enjoy the convent.
I believe that Chopin’s writings could appeal to anyone, although I think they mostly appeal to women. Her stories seem to focus on issues that women can relate to, not saying men cannot, but it’s more common that a woman could relate. People are able to relate to the feelings of wanting to live as someone else for a day, and women in particular can relate to the feelings of wanting to be out there, but still live under moral constitutions.
As a reader I really liked the stories Chopin wrote. They were both fictional, yet had themes and morals that a reader should know. The story “Lilacs” shows that you cannot live a double life, as many people try to do, without getting caught or having things screwed up. This really stuck out to me because I see people who try to act like something they’re not, or hide certain things, and have it backfire in their face. In the end it only makes things worse, and it was interesting to read how Chopin had Adrienne’s life damaged at the end of the story due to this. In the story “A Pair of Silk Stockings” materialism seems to be another main theme, and I found it fascinating to see how Chopin used simple pleasures to show how fast someone can become materialistic. I feel that Chopin did a good job of using fictional stories as a way to show how real life issues affect us as people.
“They lingered long upon the foot-bridge that spanned the narrow stream which divided the convent grounds from the meadow beyond. It was to Adrienne indescribably sweet to rest there in soft, low converse with this gentle-faced- nun, watching the approach of evening. The gurgle of the running water beneath them; the lowing of cattle approaching in the distance, were the only sounds that broke upon the stillness, until the clear tones of the angelus bell pealed out from the convent tower.”
What drew me to the writings of Kate Chopin was the way she is able to be descriptive, but not confuse me. The majority of the time I hate reading authors from past times, because when they try to be descriptive I get confused, and want to just forget about it. Sometimes that is caused due to language differences or words not used anymore. Chopin is able to be very descriptive, yet I still understand what she is talking about it. This helps me with the story, because I am able to get the picture she is trying to create, and still follow the storyline.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Power Of Writing ?
Can Words Effect Change in Our Society?
Does writing have the power to enact change in our society? Yes, I do believe that writing has the power to enact change. Whether you’re thinking of speeches, poems, or even stories, you find that they are effecting your life in some way. If they weren’t you wouldn’t bother to read, or listen, to them.
Take Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for example. Instead of just raving about his ideas, he put time and effort into putting these ideas into speeches, or letters. By doing this, he created thought provoking pieces of work that forced people to realize what was happening in society at the time. The same can be said for Mohandas K. Gandhi. Through words Gandhi was able to show people that you didn’t have to physically bring about change, or cause trouble. You could peacefully write out your ideas, and discuss your feelings, without harming or disturbing anyone. Both writers were able to make people think about situations using something as simple as a pen and a piece of paper.
Another way of showing how writing can bring about change in society would be through poems. The poem “State of the Union, 2003”, by Sam Hamill, discusses Jerusalem, and the bombings and deaths taking place there. Through his poem Hamill is able to make you feel pity for this country, and make you wonder why we, the U.S., have not done anything to help these people in need. Another poem that makes you think would be Robert Bly’s “Call and Answer”. He describes how we sit in silence as wars take place and global warming is happening. It forces you to realize that if we don’t stand up and say something, soon everything will be ruined. Although poems may seem “delicate”, you realize that if used effectively poems can send very strong messages.
So yes, writing can effect change in our society. No matter what you read, it forces you to think, which is exactly what the writers of those pieces want. Thinking means change, and how did the authors make you think? By writing.
Does writing have the power to enact change in our society? Yes, I do believe that writing has the power to enact change. Whether you’re thinking of speeches, poems, or even stories, you find that they are effecting your life in some way. If they weren’t you wouldn’t bother to read, or listen, to them.
Take Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for example. Instead of just raving about his ideas, he put time and effort into putting these ideas into speeches, or letters. By doing this, he created thought provoking pieces of work that forced people to realize what was happening in society at the time. The same can be said for Mohandas K. Gandhi. Through words Gandhi was able to show people that you didn’t have to physically bring about change, or cause trouble. You could peacefully write out your ideas, and discuss your feelings, without harming or disturbing anyone. Both writers were able to make people think about situations using something as simple as a pen and a piece of paper.
Another way of showing how writing can bring about change in society would be through poems. The poem “State of the Union, 2003”, by Sam Hamill, discusses Jerusalem, and the bombings and deaths taking place there. Through his poem Hamill is able to make you feel pity for this country, and make you wonder why we, the U.S., have not done anything to help these people in need. Another poem that makes you think would be Robert Bly’s “Call and Answer”. He describes how we sit in silence as wars take place and global warming is happening. It forces you to realize that if we don’t stand up and say something, soon everything will be ruined. Although poems may seem “delicate”, you realize that if used effectively poems can send very strong messages.
So yes, writing can effect change in our society. No matter what you read, it forces you to think, which is exactly what the writers of those pieces want. Thinking means change, and how did the authors make you think? By writing.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Price of a Child Essay
Mikaela Cottrill
Price of a Child
English 3
Mr. Fiorini
Dear Suzy,
I want to start off by saying how much I appreciate you taking care of my baby boy, Bennie. This has been a very unreal situation, and I still cannot believe I let myself walk away into freedom without him. Although it is probably the hardest decision I will have had to make in my life, I do believe I made the right choice. Without my walking away, I never would have achieved freedom, and now that I have that, I plan on somehow, someway, getting my baby boy back.
But first I have to know, how is my little Bennie doing? I’m sure he’s fine, seeing as The Bat will probably make sure he’s in good health. As if I would ever follow her judgment, you know I will only trust yours. Besides his health, I want to know how he’s feeling. I hope he doesn’t feel as if me, and his siblings, have abandoned him. The chance of freedom was very unexpected, and we had to seize it as fast as we could. Please tell him we are going to try everything in our power to get him back, to his rightful and loving family. Is he eating ok, and does he have proper clothing? I cannot stand it that I am not there to help him, to sooth him if he’s scared or nervous. To help him with any problem he may have. I love him very much, it’s almost unbearable to stay away from him, but I know I have to, to raise money somehow so I can buy his freedom. Please tell me how he is doing Suzy, I’m in so much pain not knowing.
Along with becoming free, I’ve decided to talk to people up here in the North. You know about slavery, and stuff. They are very interested about it, and many people up here are against it. It’s so nerve racking standing in front of all these people, telling them of my memories, and stories, and the horrors of it all. They ask so many questions, whether it’s to talk about whippings, or daily chores, or even other slaves. They like to know all of the gritty details. I’m not sure if I should be completely honest with them, I’m not sure if they can handle it. People never realize how terrible the situations are until someone tells them a horrible story. The images people depict are enough to make people cringe in their seats, and thank God they were never in that situation. As for the ones who were in that situation, well, it brings back memories. Telling my memories, my stories… It gives me a great sense of pride. Pride, that I am able to get out there and help fight against slavery, and help fight against the people like Pryor, and other terrible slave masters, who don’t deserve to call themselves human beings. To defy all the rules I was forced to obey, to have people look at me like a human, rather than a tool, or a just an object.
It’s strange, you know. Sometimes it still hasn’t hit me that I’m free. Free. No more masters, or doing jobs I hate, or even worse, being alone with my master. Well actually, my old master. No one is my master now. It’s just me and my children, how it should be, together. The only thing needed is my baby boy Bennie. As I said before, I WILL do everything in my power to get him back. No one will stand in the way of me and my son. Again, Suzy I thank you very, very, much for taking care of my son, and I love and miss you. You’ve done so much for me already, and some day I hope to repay you. Please write back whenever you can, I’m hoping to hear about Bennie as soon as possible.
Price of a Child
English 3
Mr. Fiorini
August 12, 1855
Dear Suzy,
I want to start off by saying how much I appreciate you taking care of my baby boy, Bennie. This has been a very unreal situation, and I still cannot believe I let myself walk away into freedom without him. Although it is probably the hardest decision I will have had to make in my life, I do believe I made the right choice. Without my walking away, I never would have achieved freedom, and now that I have that, I plan on somehow, someway, getting my baby boy back.
But first I have to know, how is my little Bennie doing? I’m sure he’s fine, seeing as The Bat will probably make sure he’s in good health. As if I would ever follow her judgment, you know I will only trust yours. Besides his health, I want to know how he’s feeling. I hope he doesn’t feel as if me, and his siblings, have abandoned him. The chance of freedom was very unexpected, and we had to seize it as fast as we could. Please tell him we are going to try everything in our power to get him back, to his rightful and loving family. Is he eating ok, and does he have proper clothing? I cannot stand it that I am not there to help him, to sooth him if he’s scared or nervous. To help him with any problem he may have. I love him very much, it’s almost unbearable to stay away from him, but I know I have to, to raise money somehow so I can buy his freedom. Please tell me how he is doing Suzy, I’m in so much pain not knowing.
Along with becoming free, I’ve decided to talk to people up here in the North. You know about slavery, and stuff. They are very interested about it, and many people up here are against it. It’s so nerve racking standing in front of all these people, telling them of my memories, and stories, and the horrors of it all. They ask so many questions, whether it’s to talk about whippings, or daily chores, or even other slaves. They like to know all of the gritty details. I’m not sure if I should be completely honest with them, I’m not sure if they can handle it. People never realize how terrible the situations are until someone tells them a horrible story. The images people depict are enough to make people cringe in their seats, and thank God they were never in that situation. As for the ones who were in that situation, well, it brings back memories. Telling my memories, my stories… It gives me a great sense of pride. Pride, that I am able to get out there and help fight against slavery, and help fight against the people like Pryor, and other terrible slave masters, who don’t deserve to call themselves human beings. To defy all the rules I was forced to obey, to have people look at me like a human, rather than a tool, or a just an object.
It’s strange, you know. Sometimes it still hasn’t hit me that I’m free. Free. No more masters, or doing jobs I hate, or even worse, being alone with my master. Well actually, my old master. No one is my master now. It’s just me and my children, how it should be, together. The only thing needed is my baby boy Bennie. As I said before, I WILL do everything in my power to get him back. No one will stand in the way of me and my son. Again, Suzy I thank you very, very, much for taking care of my son, and I love and miss you. You’ve done so much for me already, and some day I hope to repay you. Please write back whenever you can, I’m hoping to hear about Bennie as soon as possible.
All My Love,
Mercer Gray
Mercer Gray
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