Wanting What You Can't Have

I found it interesting in Storm that people always want something that is unattainable, something fun or secretive but is not conducive to their way of life. For instance, Calixta the mother of the house had this secret affair with Alce'e for a while that was fun and exciting, but she is a mother for heavens sake, she should love her child and her husband enough to not go looking for intimate comfort from anyone but her own husband.

But its always fun and exciting to want something you can't have isn't it? Girls always wish they had another girls body, or wish they had that persons car, or i wish i had his life..i would be soo much happier than i am now. But what we don't really understand is with every exciting alternative comes consequences and different life challenges, like Alce'e being married and having a child just like Claixta; if he would have been single it wouldn't have been as bad of a betrayal on Claixtas part.

Its silly for us to go looking outside of ourselves to find happiness simply because it looks more attractive than living our own lives. No matter how depressing or boring it may be, you make your own life and whether you are unhappy or not is entirely up to you. Alce'e & Calixta are obviously not happy or they would not have gone looking for MORE happiness outside of themselves.

I just thought that was an interesting take on this story; please share your comments with me on this story..

What the.....

This story really made me upset, The Storm although a natural thing made things that shouldn't have happened, happen. Then it made me realize the events that lead us to engage in other events. I think that this happened because of the weather, not saying that it was alright for Calixta to sleep with Alcee but it was a assistant to the murder. Or in other words a path leading to them having that affair, because of the situation of rain, cold, alone, and just needing comfort, this is way it happened. To answer your question is it in some situations alright to have an affair, my answer is no. No matter the weather, the anger, or the feeling of being alone one should never have an affair, no matter the type of relationship. Whether it be a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship or husband/wife, if you are in a relationship you should be faithful no matter what. These are my opinions on how you should act when in a relationship and my feelings towards having an affair.

She Found True Freedom...

I'm not going to say that the doctors were right about Mrs. Mallard's cause of death... I'm not convinced that they knew what her life must have been really been like. I agree with Tyson, in that a common theme in the stories we've read so far has been that women get the short end of the stick in marriage. Were the doctors women? Did they know what life was like for the female gender?

At any rate, Chopin's narrated illustrations helped me to understand that Mrs. Mallard had finally escaped from the oppression of her marriage. She had found freedom, and it was beautiful. It's easy to assume that she had wanted these things for a very long time and they were desires that plagued her. The plague of wishing and wanting freedom wasn't something she could just let go of. It had become an incurable disease.

The doctors said, "She died of heart disease--a joy that kills." I will agree with the doctors so far as to say that once we have something we've always wanted, it's hard to let it go. Mrs. Mallard had just started wrapping her fingers around what she had always wanted and seeing her husband alive was devastating. Here he was, back to be a part of her life again, and she could no longer give herself what she now needed to survive, but...her heart could. In order to find a freedom that could never be taken from her, she had to lose her life. Her heart's disease, a longing desire for an ultimate joy, killed her.

With her death, she found true freedom.

A modern Gentlemen

So i have a question that maybe so of you could help answer by giving me your opinions. I consider myself a gentlemen but i don't want to be to old fashioned and seem ignorant. My question is this " how does one know if he should be paying for things on a date or if he should let his date pay, or should it be 50/50?" I really don't know what to do lol. I have always felt like its the responsibility of the person who asked the other person out to pay for everything;however i don't want to be old fashioned and look like a moron. What are the kids doing now days? what should "A Modern Gentlemen" do?

isn't that ironic...

I thought it was really quiet funny that her husband wasn't actually dead. The majority of the story was focused on how happy she was that she was now free from his oppression or whatever, and then at the end after all the day dreaming he comes walking though the front door and she kills over, thats pretty funny. I think that i have made a connection with all the stories that we have read so far... i believe this pretty much sums it up "back in the day marriage sucked and women got the short end of the stick" correct me if i am wrong lol, but that seems to be the common theme in each of these stories.

Just Letting Go

In the story, “The Story of an Hour” Mrs. Mallard is happy that her husband dies. As she is sitting in the room by herself she ponders about a life that she can look forward to because there is no one holding her back. She has felt trapped during her marriage and finally has hope of a happy life that she deserves. The way the author describes the open square with trees, rain, singing, and sparrows seems to reflect the new Mrs. Mallard. It’s give the sense the life without worries that Mrs. Mallard was looking forward to.

At the end when she finds out that her husband is not dead I think she is over come with a lot of emotions. It was like everything that she had just imagined was taken from her in a second. There would be no more freedom and a life that she could live for herself instead of someone else. I think that this is what killed her. The fact of still being trapped was too much for her, and the feeling of helplessness was too much to handle and pushed her over the edge.

Emotion

It was different but liked how the author used , in this case the weather, to help the reader understand the emotions. It helped me to see what they were really feeling, in a tangible way. It is very hard to describe emotions in a way that paints a good picture, but the how he used the weather painted one well. Just reading about how violent the storm was in "The Storm" one can understand the emotions that was being produced by the Alcee and Calixta. But, once you live through a storm like that, one that is forcing you to go one way, and the other way is not a option, then the passion is so much more real. You understand the power and can feel the passion and power in that scene.
In regards to "The Story of an Hour" the blue sky that Mrs. Mallard see's, also helps the reader to understand in a deeper way what she is really feeling. The clouds of despair that had built up were slowly being broken by a fresh blue sky. One that it seems she hasn't seen for a while, and ti brings her hope.

Opening my Mind and Opening my Emotions

As I read the Story of an Hour, and thought of the things that this women went through and how she felt as we read of how her emotions are painted in your mind through the things that are going on around her. I feel that the line of the doctor in the ending saying, "she had died of heart disease-of joy that kills." This to me means that this women although was overwhelmed with the idea that her husband, her love was gone, had plans of her own. To live, and to be able to not have to worry about leaving anyone behind, having this feeling put her heart to ease, and made her feel as if she had no worries at all, to just live the rest of her days not worrying about anything but living the life that she wanted. Without anyone stopping her. And those words used by the doctor were words that did describe this women. Being, because although she had those plans, the joy of knowing that her love was still alive and that she wouldn't have to go through the rest of her life alone was a joy to know, and by knowing that I feel that it did kill her. This joy was a happiness to her but at the same time gave her the feeling of this killed her, with the overwhelming thought of everything, in its self.

Sorrow That Kills

I find it interesting that the doctors say Mrs. Mallard died of "heart disease- a joy that kills." I think she died simply because she was so happy to finally be free of her husband that when she sees him and realizes she is still under his jurisdiction, its too much for her to handle. Its kind of like when you make plans with someone and you are super excited for these plans to take place, and then at the last second they cancel on you.
Mrs. Mallard even says she didn't really love her husband that much, so at the news of his death, she didn't know how she was supposed to act. All the other women at this time period, if they got news that their husband's had died in war, basically fell apart. Mrs. Mallard on the other hand went crazy. She was looking forward to living for herself for the rest of her life and her husband coming back from the dead ruined all her plans.

Secrets washed away with the storm

Whenever there is a storm, or even just rain for that matter, once it is finished beating upon the earth it leaves everything new and cleansed. For a short time it comes, it's intense, then before you know it it's over and its like it never happened.
It's interesting to me how in that very same way Alcee storms into Calixta's house, the emotions and intensity rise, they satisfy their hormones, and before you know it, everything is as it once was. They both act is if nothing happened, neither one haunted by his or her conscience.
I believe that with the passing of the storm everyone was happy. Their is no sign of remorse on the part of Calixta nor on the part of Alcee. They both enjoyed the sudden events that took place. Bobinot is happy because upon arriving home he is embraced warmly by Calixta, there being no need for the any of the excuses he was stirring about. The little boy has no idea what's going on and is therefore happy as well. Alcee's wife is granted more time away seeing as how her husband is now pacified.
Apparently happiness abounds with the passing of the storm. Would it be that way if everyone was aware of what had just occured?? Most likely not, but the adulterous secret is washed away with the storm.

“The Storm” and “Story of an Hour”

Choose one of the following five prompts and respond to it on the blog. Remember that we are not turning in reading responses this week. Instead, we are discussing Chopin’s stories here.

1. Point to examples in both “The Storm” and “Story of an Hour” where Chopin uses the setting to reflect the emotions of the characters. Do you like this technique? How is it different than being told what the characters think and feel?

2. Interpret the last line of “The Storm”: “So the storm passed and everyone was happy.” Do you believe this? Has the storm passed? Is everyone better off and happier because of what has happened? I’m not looking for a specific answer. Respond to the story’s last line any way you wish.

3. This question is related to the last one. Can an affair actually be a good thing for a relationship in some cases?

4. The last line of “Story of an Hour” is, “When the doctors came they said she died of heart disease--of joy that kills.” Argue that the doctors were right about what Mrs. Mallard died of.

5. Who is more like Nora in A Doll’s House, Calixta or Mrs. Mallard? Point to specific examples when making your claim.

Thank you. Blog away!

Thougts On Nora

K so I haven't read Acts 2 and 3 yet but all of yesterday and today I have been thinking about this story!! ah it's driving me nuts so I thought I'd put my thoughts on the blog. 

There are so many different ways you can interpret different stories, as I was thinking about Ms. Linde and Nora and their conversation after Ms. Linde arrived I began to think that maybe growing up Nora has always felt inferior to Ms. Linde and always wanted to be more like her. That could be the reason why she goes off about herself to be like ha I feel like I have ALSO accomplished great things in my life. Nora definitely doesn't really know who she is and is trying to figure herself out. From what I have read I do think Nora has a good heart but is also selfish in a way and makes sure she gets the things that she wants. Oh and one other thought. Just because Nora didn't spend a lot of time with her kids in this act, doesn't mean that she doesn't. I thought it seemed she had a somewhat good relationship with her kids but she also had a lot on her mind which keeps her occupied with other things because she knows she needs to get it fixed. (I hope!)

ladeeda that's just what I have been thinking :)

A Doll's House, Acts II and III

1. To Europeans in the 19th century, the ending of A Doll’s House was scandalous. Although the play was popular, it was not socially accepted; much like Torvald, the European audience cared very much about appearances, and they did not want to endorse Ibsen’s ideas. The play was banned in Britain for many years. At the time, the marriage covenant was considered sacrosanct, beyond reproach, and Ibsen caused an outrage by portraying a dysfunctional relationship. Nora’s leaving at the end of the play was particularly scandalous. People rioted. In the German theater, the actors refused to perform the play as written, and the ending was altered. In the alternate version, Nora does not leave. She is forced to stay with Torvald and the children. Ibsen defended his original ending, writing in a letter, “I may almost say it was for the sake of the last scene that the whole play was written.” Why is this so? Why is the ending so important to the play? Why must Nora leave Torvald at the end in order for the play to be “true”? How would it be different if she stayed?

2. Why is Nora so upset when Rank declares his love for her? Why doesn’t she want to hear it? Use this example to discuss the theme of dream vs. reality.

3. On page 841, Nora tells Rank, “Well, you see, there are those people you love and those people you’d almost rather be with.” Interpret this statement. What does Nora mean? Do you think she still feels this way at the end of the play?

4. Do you think Mrs. Linde is justified in her actions on page 850? Krogstad offers to take the letter back, yet Kristine decides that “this unhappy secret must come out.” Is this her place to decide? Why is she interfering? Would you have done the same in her place? Why or why not?

5. Explain how the tarantella (a traditional Italian dance) and everything that surrounds its preparation, practice, and eventual performance can be viewed as a symbol for the change that is taking place in Nora.

6. At the end of the play, Nora speaks of the “miracle of miracles,” defining it as a “real marriage” rather than a relationship with a “stranger.” Do you think this “miracle” is possible for the Helmers? Do you think there is any chance for them in the future? Explain why or why not.

Thanks, and I'll see you on Monday.

Learning to Read

I was just thinking about how much reading we will be having in this class and it made me think about when i first started reading. Long and short of it is that i had a hard time reading as a child and grew to love reading. As i got into college all my reading classes became difficult because i was reading what most people would term "easy" books. But they were enjoyable for me to read and that was all that mattered.

Now that i have been in college for 2 years i have noticed a dramatic change in my reading comprehension and speed especially when i engage myself. I have noticed the most change while having started this class; because we are reading and writing every day. I am amazed at how much information i can retain and my reading speed from the stories we have been reading in class. The Doll house act 1 only took me about 20 ish minutes to read and i was thoroughly amazed with myself.

I was just wondering if any of you have noticed an improvement in your reading as you have grown up like me or what your experience with reading has been?

A Doll's House Act I

Good discussion today. I wish we would have had more time.

For Friday, please respond to one of the following prompts:

1. Do any of the characters in A Doll’s House remind you of other characters we’ve read about this semester? If so, explain which characters you are reminded of and why they come to mind.

2. On page 821, Nora says, “Torvald is a man with a good deal of pride—it would be terribly embarrassing and humiliating for him if he thought he owed anything to me. It would spoil everything between us; this happy home of ours would never be the same again.” In your opinion, what is this “happy home” built on? What hangs in the balance here? Why is Nora trying to protect her “big secret”?

3. Why do you think Nora confesses to forging her father’s signature when Krogstad confronts her about the date?

4. Choose five words to describe Nora in this first act and write a brief paragraph about each word, using examples from the play as illustrations.

The Yellow Wallpaper

Until further notice, you can get your writing prompts here as well as from Blackboard. A note on the responses: Please don’t spend time summarizing or retelling the story (I’ve read it; I know what happens). Instead, focus on your own ideas and interpretations, what you think is important. And, as always, please point to specific examples from the text when responding.

1. “The Yellow Wallpaper” was written in 1892. Is there anything in the story that seems contemporary? That is, does it remain relevant in 2009? Be specific.

2. “You think you have mastered it, but just as you get well under way in following, it turns a back-somersault and there you are. It slaps you in the face, knocks you down, and tramples upon you. It is like a bad dream” (771). On a very surface level, these lines are about the wallpaper, but what else could the narrator be describing?

3. How is the narrator of “The Yellow Wallpaper” similar to Minnie Wright in Trifles? How is she different?

4. Interpret some of the narrator’s descriptions of the wallpaper. What do you think the images are symbolic of?

5. What do you think the narrator is denied the very things she needs in order to feel better? Do you think John is intentionally trying to keep her ill? If not, why doesn’t he give her what she needs? Are there any clues in the story?

6. Where do you think the narrator is? What clues does Gilman give us, and why is the setting significant?

7. At the end of the story, the narrator feels like she has escaped from the paper. Has she?

Trifles

Apparently Blackboard is acting like a sick dog again, so rather than kick it while it's down, I'm going to put the prompts for Trifles here. See you tomorrow.

Please choose one of the following prompts and write a one-page response. As always, please point to specific examples from the text to help you make your points.

1. Interpret these lines from Trifles: “We all live close together and we live far apart. We all go through the same things—it’s all just a different kind of the same thing.” What does Mrs. Hale mean by this, and how does it relate to the play?

2. At the beginning of Trifles, Mrs. Peters seems to be on the side of the men, or at least willing to defend them. She almost seems “married to the law,” as her husband suggests. And yet, by the end of the story, she is willing to hide evidence that would probably convict Minnie Wright of murder. At what point, or points, in the play do you think Mrs. Peters begins to soften her attitude towards Minnie Wright? How do we account for this change?

3. A common kind of irony is dramatic irony, where the reader knows more about a situation or character than the characters in a story or play do. Point to some examples of dramatic irony in Trifles.

4. A literary symbol is something, usually an object, that stands for something else. For example, the pebble that Jimmy Cross carries with him is symbolic of Martha, his fantasies, his innocence, etc. Write about three symbols in Trifles and discuss what they are symbolic of.

5. Interpret the title of the play. Yes, the word “trifles” is used by Hales in the play, but so are lots of other words. Why is the word important enough to become the name of the play?

The Things They Carried

Well today was another fun filled day of conversation and ideas, but I again I didnt speak and I feel that the best way that I speak is here on the blog, but will try harder in class to project my voice and verbally share my thoughts. Anyways this reading I thought had nothing to do with war, I thought that it was all about the burdens that we carry in life and that all those things symbolized things in our lives that we have to think about. For example, the Bible was on thing that really stuck with me being that we all think about what is at the end for us and if religion is what we really need. The poncho the thing that they used as their homes, and it related to the things that our parents have to think about like a morgage and other things that come with a home. So really my insight on this story was actually what things they carried were linked to those things that in reality we really need to think about and burden our minds everyday as those things did the soliders in this short story.

Cathedral

Well in class today I had alot of insight and was able to see that there were alot of different view of this short story. But as we discussed we came to the themes of relationships and being blind. And what came to my mind as I sat there was that when we enter into a relationship whether it be a student-teacher relationship or a one-on-one relationship with someone we're interested in or someone we just met, we enter that relationship, blindly and how this is related to the story for me is that I think that by having the narrator draw that it open both the eyes of the narrator and the minds eyes of Robert of this friendship relationship that they were entering in at that moment in time. Well I hope this is something that all of you have thought of and if you have anything to add please do this hit a great spot for me as I related this part of the story with those relationships that we develope every day.

Prompt #1 - Cathedral

Normally I will be posting writing prompts on Blackboard only, but because some of you have had trouble logging on to Blackboard, I am posting this first prompt here as well.

Please write a one-page response to “Cathedral” based on one of the following six prompts. As I mentioned in class today, when you respond to a prompt, you don’t have to answer it exactly. It is meant to spur your thought process, not dictate your response. You certainly don’t need to quote the prompt or use its exact language. However, please do use specific examples from the story when responding.

1. Before Robert arrives, there is quite a long section of back story, where the narrator (we are not told his name) describes his wife’s relationship with Robert along with other details from her past. Why are these important to the story? How would the story be different if Carver began it when Robert is arriving?

2. How does the narrator feel about his wife’s past relationship with Robert? Is he jealous of Robert? Angry? Bitter? More importantly, why do you think he feels this way? What clues does Carver give us?

3. How does the narrator change in the story? Is he different at the end than he is at the beginning? If so, how? When does the change begin to occur? What causes it? Do you think it will last? Why or why not?

4. Interpret the story’s title. Does Carver choose it simply because there is a show about cathedrals on TV and because of the drawing? Or does Carver intend for it to mean more? Explain.

5. Why do you think Robert wants to draw a cathedral with the narrator? Does he really want to know what it looks like, or does he have other motivations?

6. How would you describe the narrator’s experience at the end of the story. Is it a spiritual experience? Is it a pot and alcohol-induced good time? Does it have anything to do with his wife? I’m not looking for any specific answer. I would genuinely like to hear your interpretation of the ending.

Thank you. I am looking forward to your responses.

-D