As you walk through the town people laugh at you. You try to tell them the truth, but they just shake their head and keep on walking. Pretty soon loneliness starts to creep up and there is nowhere to run from it. In the short story “A Piece of String” written by Guy de Maupassant, symbolism is in the most unexpected of places.
First, the string in this short story symbolizes bad luck. Nothing good ever comes from this tiny piece of string. For example on pages 8 and 9 Maitre Hauchecome was accused of stealing money from a pocket book that he found on the street and not returning it to its owner. Another problem the string brought to Maitre Hauchecome was death. On page 13 of the story he lay in his bed waiting for death to take him to a better place where he might be understood.
Although the string brings bad luck everywhere and anywhere, being accused of something you didn’t do is just as rough. On page 8 Maitre Hauchecome was accused of picking up a pocketbook on the street, though he just picked up a small piece of string. Not only that but he is laughed at everywhere he goes and thought of as a liar. This same situation relates to real life because people aren’t always believed, and some are even laughed at. The beginning of the story might not have given enough of his background information, and maybe he’s lied in the past. In the end he felt as if the life and happiness in him was slowly slipping away.
While it may seem as though being accused of something you didn’t do was taking the worst of the brunt, having everyone in town not believe you tops the charts. Feeling alone and having no one believe you is truly very hard. The towns people in this short story only heard from a man what he saw, they weren’t actually there to see him pick anything up. Therefore they wouldn’t actually know what the truth was, so really they're just picking sides with the mayor because he’s more powerful, and more believable. In real life if you want to believe something so badly you actually start to make yourself, and I think that’s what the town’s people did.
Overall this story truly brought out the meaning, don’t believe everything you hear. Maybe if the towns people didn’t pick sides, and actually got the proof and believed him, he might have died as a happy old man, instead of a frustrated one. The symbolism throughout this story really states that you need to see it to believe it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Girl Essay
Everyday you wake at the crack of dawn to go to work. Throughout the day you are told what to do, and if you disobeyed, there would be consequences. The life of a girl was difficult, you had high expectations that always needed to be met. In the short story “Girl,” Jamaica Kincaid uses everday life to show inequalities in society.
First, genders are a huge part of this story. Throughout time, people have become less and less sexist, but there are still rules that must be followed. The main girl in this story, talks about all of her responsibilities throughout one day. She must clean, cook, be polite, act like a lady and nothing else, and always keep her dress clean. Boys are able to have more freedom, although they might have to work, they really don’t have to pay attention to how they act, or what their clothing looks like. If people back in time didn’t worry so much about your gender, the word might have been a more equal place, and it might have even brought down sexism along with it.
Although people were sexist, many didn’t even have the right of freedom. Freedom is what many American’s fought for the right of. Even if you were free, you still might’ve been treated as if you were invisible. Many thought that the world would never change, that they would never get treated as an equal rather than a laborer. To many, freedom was only what the rich had; you had to have power to be able to get treated equal. If people were to look into the future back then, there might actually be hope in the hearts of many.
While freedom is truly one of the most important things in life, so is family. Throughout this story, family isn’t really the main priority. She worries more about getting her responsibilities done, than helping her loved ones. America has definitly changed for this matter, and more than likely for the worse. Kids now a day’s take their families for granted. Their only good enough if their friend isn’t able to hang out. Maybe if teens started to care more, there would be less crimes happening or kids on the street doing things they shouldn’t be. With this small improvement America could be a cleaner, healthier, living environment.
Overall, small steps are what helped America. If we cared a little more about our society, and less about what new car is out, we might actually have a nice place to live. The short story “Girl” really gives that message, and if you look, symbolism truly is the normality’s of everyday life.
First, genders are a huge part of this story. Throughout time, people have become less and less sexist, but there are still rules that must be followed. The main girl in this story, talks about all of her responsibilities throughout one day. She must clean, cook, be polite, act like a lady and nothing else, and always keep her dress clean. Boys are able to have more freedom, although they might have to work, they really don’t have to pay attention to how they act, or what their clothing looks like. If people back in time didn’t worry so much about your gender, the word might have been a more equal place, and it might have even brought down sexism along with it.
Although people were sexist, many didn’t even have the right of freedom. Freedom is what many American’s fought for the right of. Even if you were free, you still might’ve been treated as if you were invisible. Many thought that the world would never change, that they would never get treated as an equal rather than a laborer. To many, freedom was only what the rich had; you had to have power to be able to get treated equal. If people were to look into the future back then, there might actually be hope in the hearts of many.
While freedom is truly one of the most important things in life, so is family. Throughout this story, family isn’t really the main priority. She worries more about getting her responsibilities done, than helping her loved ones. America has definitly changed for this matter, and more than likely for the worse. Kids now a day’s take their families for granted. Their only good enough if their friend isn’t able to hang out. Maybe if teens started to care more, there would be less crimes happening or kids on the street doing things they shouldn’t be. With this small improvement America could be a cleaner, healthier, living environment.
Overall, small steps are what helped America. If we cared a little more about our society, and less about what new car is out, we might actually have a nice place to live. The short story “Girl” really gives that message, and if you look, symbolism truly is the normality’s of everyday life.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A Clean Well Lighted Place
Every night the darkness envelopes you. You feel alone, and it seems as though life is passing you by in a blur. In the story “A Clean Well Lighted Place” written by Hemingway, symbolism isn’t about happiness, it’s about death.
First, the old man in the story represents hopelessness. He sits alone in a dark diner, dreaming of death and peacefulness. His depression is so strong throughout this story that he refuses to sleep in the dark, he will only sleep when it is light outside and all bad has gone. A few paragraphs into the story, the waiter talks about the old man being deaf. This results in the old man seeing things that may not actually be there in the night, and that could be the reason he is terrified of the dark.
Although the old man is the main character, when the darkness comes it takes over the life of him. Darkness is a very powerful thing, it sucks the life of people and things, making them obey as it pleases. People can change a lot just by the light of the day. They could be the most proper well dressed person during the day, and turn into someone that does drugs at night. It’s true that people can become something they’re not just by the flick of a light switch.
While the darkness can take you over throughout the night, the light is what makes the life in you come back. The light for the old man is when he does not feel afraid anymore. He can finally get some rest and feel the freedom of sleep. But while in the night, evil lurks the streets near, and the old man feels the fear arise back in him. Throughout the story the old man’s light is small, he never really feels safe unless he in the presence of someone or the light overcomes his fears.
Overall this story shows great emotion, whether it’s because of the thrilling darkness, or the light that helps you break through your shell. Not only that but you can truly feel the despair radiating off of the old man as he sits in the old bar just waiting for the light to show. But rest assured “A Clean Well Lighted Place” is truly a one of a kind story, and has one of a kind symbolism to go with it.
First, the old man in the story represents hopelessness. He sits alone in a dark diner, dreaming of death and peacefulness. His depression is so strong throughout this story that he refuses to sleep in the dark, he will only sleep when it is light outside and all bad has gone. A few paragraphs into the story, the waiter talks about the old man being deaf. This results in the old man seeing things that may not actually be there in the night, and that could be the reason he is terrified of the dark.
Although the old man is the main character, when the darkness comes it takes over the life of him. Darkness is a very powerful thing, it sucks the life of people and things, making them obey as it pleases. People can change a lot just by the light of the day. They could be the most proper well dressed person during the day, and turn into someone that does drugs at night. It’s true that people can become something they’re not just by the flick of a light switch.
While the darkness can take you over throughout the night, the light is what makes the life in you come back. The light for the old man is when he does not feel afraid anymore. He can finally get some rest and feel the freedom of sleep. But while in the night, evil lurks the streets near, and the old man feels the fear arise back in him. Throughout the story the old man’s light is small, he never really feels safe unless he in the presence of someone or the light overcomes his fears.
Overall this story shows great emotion, whether it’s because of the thrilling darkness, or the light that helps you break through your shell. Not only that but you can truly feel the despair radiating off of the old man as he sits in the old bar just waiting for the light to show. But rest assured “A Clean Well Lighted Place” is truly a one of a kind story, and has one of a kind symbolism to go with it.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Social Outcast
“And you are finished”, I said to myself as I put the last finishing touches on my rocket. The package had just come in the mail a couple of days ago, but a great scientist never wastes time….
“Derek are you down there?”, my mother yelled at me interrupting my thoughts.
“Yeah”, I said starting to walk towards the stairs.
“”Well get up here, school starts in an hour and I will not be late for work!” She never really understood me and my interest in rockets, but quite frankly nobody did.
So I started up the stairs, ‘time to get ready for another terrible day at high school’ I thought, trying not to let my emotions show. I only knew that if I let my shield down that my mom would start to question me.
“You weren’t down there working on that rocket again were you?” she asked, a knowing look plastered on her face. “I told you Derek Samuel Rodgers that’s dangerous!” “Your only 15, you could blow yourself up, has that ever occurred to you?”
I felt like not talking, just walking away and leaving it at that, but I knew my actions would only make my punishment worse.
“Yeah mom it has occurred to me, but what you don’t understand is, I… I am a fanatic for rockets” “Just because you disapprove of them won’t make me think of them any differently.” I could see that my words hurt her, and that maybe I should stop, but I couldn’t, I couldn’t keep this inside any longer. The truth may slowly tear her limb from limb, but the struggle she is putting me through can go on no longer.
“Mom you have run my life from day one, treating me like just another appointment in your planner, well I’m sick of it, totally sick of it!” I said while throwing my hands around. And with that I left to get ready for school.
On my way up the stairs I passed my 12 year old sister Patricia.
“Mom sounds pretty mad Derek, looks like you really blew it this time”, she laughed, an evil grin spread across her face.
“Shut up Patricia, nobody needs your snotty comments!” I didn’t mean to be so harsh, it’s just that she’s always in my business.
“Why don’t you just leave, nobody wants you here anyways!” She knew how to get on my bad side, and believe me, she was way past there.
All I could manage to do was glare at her, I was speechless, she had never come on this strong. ‘What a brat’ I though silently, still glaring at her.
“You know I’m right Derek, I can see it in your eyes, your just afraid to admit it!” She stared at me, enjoying my uncomfort. And without another word she skipped off down the stairs.
Patricia has always been mom’s favorite, she’s such a kiss up. I mean come on mom, it’s so obvious. The little kid smiles she gives her, and the toddler “I’m sorry’s”, yeah I don’t think so.
After I came out of my little daze, I knew I had better get ready, otherwise there’s going to be an unsolved murder in the small town of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. So I quickly threw on a shirt and some pants and put on my favorite sneakers. Next thing I knew I was in the front seat of the car listening to “America’s Favorite Pop Hits”, Patricia’s favorite.
“Can we please change the channel, I’m not a huge fan of Lady Gaga”, I said in disgust.
“Yeah but I am, and plus all you wanna listen to is the news, bor-ing!” Patricia said while spacing out boring into two words.
I just huffed and laid back in my seat. All my mom cares about is Patricia, herself, and her money. She didn’t even ask me what I wanted to listen to on the way to school. The high pitched scream was what broke me out of my day dream. I turned to the back seat, and saw Patricia sitting there with her mouth hanging wide open.
“What?”, I asked her annoyance clear in my voice.
“Did you just hear the radio!”, she screamed again, bouncing up and down in her seat.
“No, I was actually trying to ignore it.”
She rolled her eyes at me. “Whatever Derek, your such a downer”, and with that she turned back to her music.
I decided to listen to the radio and see what was going on. All I heard was a young girl yelling and going “Ohhh my god, this is not happening, I must be dreaming”.
I was so confused, why is Patricia screaming it makes no sense.
“And tell me again why your excited?” I asked her, she just looked at me and rolled her eyes again.
“Are you brain dead or something, that’s my best friend Brittney on the radio, she just won 2 tickets to the Justin Bieber concert!” She made sure she rubbed it in my face. She can be a total brat when she wants to be, and she usually wants to be.
We finally arrived at school, great I can get away from Patricia for a while.
“Derek are you down there?”, my mother yelled at me interrupting my thoughts.
“Yeah”, I said starting to walk towards the stairs.
“”Well get up here, school starts in an hour and I will not be late for work!” She never really understood me and my interest in rockets, but quite frankly nobody did.
So I started up the stairs, ‘time to get ready for another terrible day at high school’ I thought, trying not to let my emotions show. I only knew that if I let my shield down that my mom would start to question me.
“You weren’t down there working on that rocket again were you?” she asked, a knowing look plastered on her face. “I told you Derek Samuel Rodgers that’s dangerous!” “Your only 15, you could blow yourself up, has that ever occurred to you?”
I felt like not talking, just walking away and leaving it at that, but I knew my actions would only make my punishment worse.
“Yeah mom it has occurred to me, but what you don’t understand is, I… I am a fanatic for rockets” “Just because you disapprove of them won’t make me think of them any differently.” I could see that my words hurt her, and that maybe I should stop, but I couldn’t, I couldn’t keep this inside any longer. The truth may slowly tear her limb from limb, but the struggle she is putting me through can go on no longer.
“Mom you have run my life from day one, treating me like just another appointment in your planner, well I’m sick of it, totally sick of it!” I said while throwing my hands around. And with that I left to get ready for school.
On my way up the stairs I passed my 12 year old sister Patricia.
“Mom sounds pretty mad Derek, looks like you really blew it this time”, she laughed, an evil grin spread across her face.
“Shut up Patricia, nobody needs your snotty comments!” I didn’t mean to be so harsh, it’s just that she’s always in my business.
“Why don’t you just leave, nobody wants you here anyways!” She knew how to get on my bad side, and believe me, she was way past there.
All I could manage to do was glare at her, I was speechless, she had never come on this strong. ‘What a brat’ I though silently, still glaring at her.
“You know I’m right Derek, I can see it in your eyes, your just afraid to admit it!” She stared at me, enjoying my uncomfort. And without another word she skipped off down the stairs.
Patricia has always been mom’s favorite, she’s such a kiss up. I mean come on mom, it’s so obvious. The little kid smiles she gives her, and the toddler “I’m sorry’s”, yeah I don’t think so.
After I came out of my little daze, I knew I had better get ready, otherwise there’s going to be an unsolved murder in the small town of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. So I quickly threw on a shirt and some pants and put on my favorite sneakers. Next thing I knew I was in the front seat of the car listening to “America’s Favorite Pop Hits”, Patricia’s favorite.
“Can we please change the channel, I’m not a huge fan of Lady Gaga”, I said in disgust.
“Yeah but I am, and plus all you wanna listen to is the news, bor-ing!” Patricia said while spacing out boring into two words.
I just huffed and laid back in my seat. All my mom cares about is Patricia, herself, and her money. She didn’t even ask me what I wanted to listen to on the way to school. The high pitched scream was what broke me out of my day dream. I turned to the back seat, and saw Patricia sitting there with her mouth hanging wide open.
“What?”, I asked her annoyance clear in my voice.
“Did you just hear the radio!”, she screamed again, bouncing up and down in her seat.
“No, I was actually trying to ignore it.”
She rolled her eyes at me. “Whatever Derek, your such a downer”, and with that she turned back to her music.
I decided to listen to the radio and see what was going on. All I heard was a young girl yelling and going “Ohhh my god, this is not happening, I must be dreaming”.
I was so confused, why is Patricia screaming it makes no sense.
“And tell me again why your excited?” I asked her, she just looked at me and rolled her eyes again.
“Are you brain dead or something, that’s my best friend Brittney on the radio, she just won 2 tickets to the Justin Bieber concert!” She made sure she rubbed it in my face. She can be a total brat when she wants to be, and she usually wants to be.
We finally arrived at school, great I can get away from Patricia for a while.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Speak
In a world of hate there is no one to run to. Feeling alone and isolated is just the start. Depression hurts, especially for Melinda Sordino, the main character in the book Speak, written by Laurie Halse Anderson. Melinda a 14 year old girl, calls the cops at a college party when things start to get out of control. But what happens when school starts up again, and nobody talks to her? Things take a turn for the worst, as seen through the symbolism.
First, Melinda’s parents are a huge part of symbolism in the book. Not only does going to school suck the life and happiness out of Melinda, but going home isn’t much better, due to the fact that her parents are always fighting. For example on page 35 and 36, Melinda and her parents are sitting at the dinner table, and they are yelling at Melinda and each other about her grades. Melinda’s parents represent anger and frustration, they feel like they have failed in life, and are only making it worse by taking it out on Melinda.
Although her parents do make an impression in her life, mirrors truly do reflect Melinda inside and out. Melinda’s personality is troublesome; depending on her mood, she can be a totally different person. For example on page 44 Heather and Melinda were best friends, complimenting each other and laughing together. But on page 178 and 179 Heather expects Melinda to help her decorate for prom, even if she just blew her off as a friend. Even though it's pretty obvious Melinda is in need of a really good friend, she doesn’t take Heather back; she stands up for herself and says no! This part of the book really shows Melinda breaking out of her shell, which is why it resembles mirrors. Melinda used to be just another face in the crowd, just another ordinary mirror, but at the end of the book Melinda steps up and faces her fears, which also indicates the mirror breaking and Melinda becoming a new person.
While mirrors reflect Melinda’s personality, trees show the good times and bad of Melinda’s life. During Melinda’s freshman year many things happen, for the better and for the worst. Some includes losing a best friend, being hated by the whole school, making a good friend, and learning to express her feelings. Trees are a big part throughout this whole book, every time something good happens Melinda’s tree gets stronger and more powerful, but every time something bad happen it pulls the tree down. Throughout this story Melinda has learned how to balance out the way the tree grows, and to cope with her own feelings.
Overall Speak truly captures the heart and soul of its readers. Not only does Speak make you think about how good you have it, but it also makes you feel the pain of the character. Between the emotions and the character this book truly is a tragedy. But rest assure Speak is a one of a kind book, and so is every little piece of symbolism in it.
First, Melinda’s parents are a huge part of symbolism in the book. Not only does going to school suck the life and happiness out of Melinda, but going home isn’t much better, due to the fact that her parents are always fighting. For example on page 35 and 36, Melinda and her parents are sitting at the dinner table, and they are yelling at Melinda and each other about her grades. Melinda’s parents represent anger and frustration, they feel like they have failed in life, and are only making it worse by taking it out on Melinda.
Although her parents do make an impression in her life, mirrors truly do reflect Melinda inside and out. Melinda’s personality is troublesome; depending on her mood, she can be a totally different person. For example on page 44 Heather and Melinda were best friends, complimenting each other and laughing together. But on page 178 and 179 Heather expects Melinda to help her decorate for prom, even if she just blew her off as a friend. Even though it's pretty obvious Melinda is in need of a really good friend, she doesn’t take Heather back; she stands up for herself and says no! This part of the book really shows Melinda breaking out of her shell, which is why it resembles mirrors. Melinda used to be just another face in the crowd, just another ordinary mirror, but at the end of the book Melinda steps up and faces her fears, which also indicates the mirror breaking and Melinda becoming a new person.
While mirrors reflect Melinda’s personality, trees show the good times and bad of Melinda’s life. During Melinda’s freshman year many things happen, for the better and for the worst. Some includes losing a best friend, being hated by the whole school, making a good friend, and learning to express her feelings. Trees are a big part throughout this whole book, every time something good happens Melinda’s tree gets stronger and more powerful, but every time something bad happen it pulls the tree down. Throughout this story Melinda has learned how to balance out the way the tree grows, and to cope with her own feelings.
Overall Speak truly captures the heart and soul of its readers. Not only does Speak make you think about how good you have it, but it also makes you feel the pain of the character. Between the emotions and the character this book truly is a tragedy. But rest assure Speak is a one of a kind book, and so is every little piece of symbolism in it.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Gossip Gang
About a month ago, a couple of my neighbor's and I started this group called the Gossip Gang. It's made up of me(Gabby) of course, and my 7th grade buddies Derek, Sammy, Hayden, Nick, and Brandon. After school sometimes we'll hang out and play a game or something like that. We named our group the gossip gang because it was a dorky name and it was kind of like an inside joke.
Chubaca
I wanted this really awesome cat that weighs like 60 pounds, and my dad says he likes it too! It's called a Maine Coon cat and I love them! I think big cat's are the coolest cat's ever, not those little tiny cat's. This cat's name would be Chubaca because it's so big and fluffy!
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