Warm-Up

This morning I feel extremely tired. The color that I think would best represent this feeling is black because it is associated with darkness, which is what I need to go to sleep.

CR Questions

"Girl"
3) Why does one of the characters say so much and the other so little?
The mother talks so much because she has so much knowledge to pass on to her daughter. A mothers job is to teach her daughter the proper mannerisms of how to become a woman and this is what she is attempting to do. The daughter chooses to not say anything other than to repeat what her mother says simply out of respect. The young girl is already being scolded for not acting like a lady. Talking and interrupting her mother would only be more detrimental to their conversation.

"Hills Like White Elephants"
4) Consider that this story was written in the 1920s and set in Spain, a Catholic country. How do those details complicate the balance of power in this relationship, especially given the specifics of the couple's current circumstances?
This does complicate the situation somewhat. Abortion was a relatively new procedure back then so the outcomes would vary. Spain being a Catholic country changes the entire outlook. Catholicism looked down upon abortion. In their religion abortion is considered murder. This would make this abortion nearly impossible to happen.

"The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven"
2) In his remembered conversation with the police officer, the narrato is told that he's "making people nervous. You don't fit the profile of the neighborhood." What does the police officer mean? How does the narrator interpret his comment?
The police officer is saying that essentially the narrator doesn't belong there. This is a somewhat racist comment. The basis of his comment is from the stereotypes that are commonly associated with people of his ethnicity. The narrator is obviously being discriminated against simply because of the color of his skin. It is ashame but he does feel out of place due to his own skin color.

Girl

This story is what I would call a females guide on how to become a woman. The basis of this story is that woman, more than likely a mother, is teaching a young girl the proper way to act lady-like. It is obvious that if one is being taught the ways to be a proper woman that she must not be demonstrating the proper traits and characteristics that are often associated with being a woman. Throughout the story the daughter is warned to be cognizant of the way she acts and to try at all costs to avoid becoming a "slut." Two of the main points that the mother emphasizes to her daughter are that women should do all of the cooking and and all of the cleaning. Although the information the girl receives is overwhelming she manages to take it to heart. It becomes apparent throughout the story just how juvenille the girl is and that she has a lot of maturing to do before she becomes a woman.

Hills Like White Elephants

This is one of the most interesting passages that I have read in a while. I will admit that initially I was not sure what the couple was arguing about but I was able to later determine that their "discussion" was about her pregnancy. The woman is thrilled about the addition of a child into the relationship, while on the other hand the man does not want her to go through with the pregnancy. He wants her to get the abortion because he feels that the child will only bring more turmoil into what has already become tumultuous relationship. His reasurrance that their relationship will get better once the operation is complete is his main selling point but she is not so sure of this. Despite their many discussions about the subject it is obvious that they are not on the same page. Against her wishes the man makes her go through with the abortion.

Golden Grove

The only thing that differs between the two translations of "Golden Grove" is the language used, or what is commonly referred to as the translators word choice. Both use vivid imagery to depict the scene for us while also managing to incorporate symbolism. By far the second translation from russianlegacy.com is a much easier read and easier to interpret. The first translation was not nearly as easy to understand and was a little confusing at times. Because of this, it is not as enjoyable to read as the other translation.I found the second translation to be much more straightforward, thus making it easier to comprehend and grasp the concept of.

Free Write

A shepherd is not only a care taker of sheep but also a leader. To be a shepherd takes a lot of work. To herd those animals all day for what seems to be little reward seems pointless but someone must do it.
A desert is a hot dry arid place with no water in sight. This place is covered with sand and no person should ever want to go there. There is no life there since nothing can sustain life.
The Universe is part of the big picture. Our solar system is only part of the what we now know as the universe. The earth is only a minute part of it along with the other planets.

Warm Up

1.) A close reading differs from a regular reading in the since that you pay closer attention to the text and more attention to detail. Rather than spending time with the overview of what the whole text is about, you may choose to focus on more minute details. Close readings tend to focus on shorter, more brief passages rather than long stories.
2.) I think Pastoral refers to spirituality or the lifestyle of a shepherd.
OED definition-n. A person or thing associated with spiritual care.
I think mistress refers to woman who pursues a relationship with a married man.
OED definition-n. A woman who has charge of a child or young person; a governess. The female head of a family, household, or other establishment; a woman holding such a position in conjunction with a male counterpart.
I think a nymph is a young maiden.
OED definition-n. Any of a class of semi-divine spirits, imagined as taking the form of a maiden inhabiting the sea, rivers, mountains, woods, trees, etc., and often portrayed in poetry as attendants on a particular god. A beautiful young woman; a maiden, a damsel.

Poem Responses

The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
The shepherd is madly in love with an unknown mystery woman. This is a very deep poem with a deeper inner meaning. This is the definition of love and what this feeling or expression is all about. The shepherd is willing to do anything or go anywhere for his love. No matter the price or what it costs to him he will always be there. "A gown made of the finest wool which from our pretty lambs we pull: Fair lined slippers for the cold with buckles of the purest gold." He showers this woman with love and gifts and all he wants in return is her love.

The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd
The Nymph lets it be known that her love cannot be bought. Material possessions may be able to buy others love but not hers. She states that if time were not a factor and if both the world and love were young that she would give them a chance. Any gift that the Shepherd gives her would be in vain since these things were not important to her. To her love is not about what a person give her physically but what he can provide mentally. She needs a love that will withstand the tests of time. To conclude the poem the Nymph reiterates that she would be his if not for time.

Practice 6-D and 6-E

6-D
In "A Good Man is Hard to Find" it is evident that the characters names are metaphors. Initially the first name that comes to mind when thinking of metaphoric names is June Star. Not only do the stars shine brightest in June but the month of June is also extremely hot like a star. The book opens with the discussion of a trip to Florida, a state that is traditionally hot year round. Mr. Teagarden is the next character with a somewhat metaphoric name. He used to bring the grandmother watermelons, which ironically like his last name ,grow in gardens. His initials, E.A.T. need no explanation. He is obviously a man who likes to eat. A man named Red Sammy Butts is another person with a connection between his characteristics and his name. He is fat man who owns a barbecue restaurant.

6-E
The word "grandmother" to me means the loving and affectionate mothers of my mom and dad. While I do not get to see my father's mother that often I do enjoy my time with her when I do get the opportunity to see her. I see my other 'grandma' very often. She is very sweet and caring and is always willing to help others without seeking any reward for herself. Every birthday and holiday she manages to never forget to call me and send me a card. What makes me happiest is making her proud.

A Study Guide for Beyond Words

1. )Some of example of texts are books, documents, movies, and poems.
3.) The focal point of a text is what the text is going to be about. This can often be found in the thesis statement.
4.) Genre is a category that is used to name and identify a text with consistent and familiar features.
12.) Context is defined as the who, what, where, when, and why in a text, image, or artifact.
18.) Point of view is the angle or perspective from which a person sees a situation.