"Today she was going to make her husband very happy, break that thin shell of mourning that still insulated him from her" (Hopkinson 259). Here Beatrice learns she is pregnant with her husband's, Samuel, baby and hopes that telling him will shake his pained and lethargic feelings. Unknown to Beatrice under such a spell, magical realism dictates, "disruption of the ordinary logic of cause and effect," (Fairs 168) that news of a baby that traditionally causes joy and happiness will cause them both quite the opposite. She does not make the connection between her husband's hatred and disgust for his own skin color and race and the mysterious deaths of his two former wives. With an analytically trained eye, a reader can tell something nefarious happened with the ex wives and a hidden side of Samuel begins to peak through as we learn he has a bit of a temper.
Although Beatrice wants to believe the news of their child will bring him happiness she is still fearful knowing in her heart this probably will not be the case. The baby will not be enough to break his veil of hurt. Beatrice in this quote is referring to the death of his wives, but she is assuming he is still more in love with them causing him to not be entirely in love with her. Another point of magical realism not connecting the correct cause and effect. There could be truth to the logic of Beatrice but the reader knows beyond Beatrice can recognize for herself until she enters the locked room. When she unlocks the door she is disturbed to find the dead bodies she can figure to be Samuel's ex wives, with their abdomen's torn open and fetuses laid beside them. Then in turn the thin shell of Beatrice's understanding of Samuel is then broken, "still insult[ing] him from her".
Sunday, April 22, 2012
The Glass Bottle Trick : Magical Realism
This story was full of situations in which the rules of magical realism would apply. One specific example would definitely be the glass bottles themselves. These bottles contains the dead wives spirit. This takes the gap between the real world and the spirit world and only separates them by a layer of glass. the escape of the spirits then makes these dead bodies come back to life. This whole scene creates allows the living and the dead to exist in the same realm at the same time. This falls under one of the categories of magical realism.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Glass Bottle Trick: Magical Realism & Race
As we have discussed race and skin color often in this class, I naturally found connections between this short story and other works from our syllabus. However, this work in conjunction with Faris' essay on magical realism, I uncovered a new level of understanding behind the immensity of skin color and the unique relationship individuals may have with it. In Hopkinson's take on it, it is young wife Beatrice who uncovers older husband Samuel's hidden obsession for light skin color even though he is a "Black beauty" according to his wife. Although the story also touches upon other issues of identity (in particular gender and education), Samuel's distaste and hatred for dark skin is clearly the key topic of discussion.
The motif of magical realism comes in when we reach the climax of the story as Beatrice uncovers Samuel's dead wives. Up until now, Beatrice assumed that they died in some sort of accidental tragedy, when in reality, Samuel took their lives so that they, and their unborn children, wouldn't carry on his dark skin. Although other factors in the text suggested his distaste for dark skin (like Beatrice admiring his dark complexion or her not being able to tan in the sun) and fear of white people were mentioned, it is this scene that shows the gravity this situation has on Samuel. Up until this point, we have mostly read about women trying to find their identity and hide something they are shameful of, usually from men. However, by means of magical realism mirroring the stronghold color can have on a person mentally and physically, we can see that this is an identity definer and defiler for men as well. The color of one's skin shouldn't matter, but the way that this essay is written shows that it is still a serious problem that goes beyond a realistic world of understanding.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Desa Rose: the power of a narrator
So far in the novel the narrator is a man that one would typically think would be the villain of a story like this. I find it interesting how different a novel can turn out based on who is narrating it. Nehemiah is a white man who's only real concern involving race if finding a good story to print. He tries to find out about slave uprisings before they happen and write about them. This kind of selfishness especially around race is a characteristic one finds in a bad guy. If the story was told through the eyes of Dessa Rose there would be so much more insight and emotion into the story. Nehemiah is a man all about the facts and while there are hints of perhaps foreshadowing toward him truly liking Dessa Rose, he needs her for nothing more than her knowledge about the leaders of the uprising. This novel is like a mystery slowly reviling itself. If it were told though Dessa Rose, it would be more of an action story as we would know first hand of the uprisings and would be on the edge of our seats hoping she gets out of her locks and chains. All the same story with the same information, when told through different narrators can change the whole thing.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Dessa Rose: The Class Divide
Obviously class is a theme throughout this book and in some way supersedes the themes of race and ethnicity. In the last portion of the book, this is particularly emphasized as the relationship between slave and slave owner is explored further. On page 206, Williams writes, "...slavery was ugly and we felt right to soak the masters for all we could get," showing the great divide between not only the classes, but the values of each class. Both classes used each other, and while one was more successful and violent, the other was better at manipulation and ability to change their identity.
Once a slave owner always a slave owner, but a slave has the ability to change who they are. Sure, the ability to be a better carpenter, farmer, or cook didn't help one move up the class system, it allowed them to fit into any society as a valuable member. Whether tied up by a rope or auctioned off based on their "story" (page 206), slaves were ruled by their owners unless they ran. It isn't easy to jump the classes, and in this case, the only way to escape these societal constraints are to pretend to be someone you aren't or run until you can be the person you want to be.
Dessa Rose: Language
The language of the novel Dessa Rose depicts the dialect of the deep south when slavery was still legal. In modern society such dialect and language is considered unintelligent sounding and crude. Slaves have the harshest sounding speech due to their illiteracy and lack of proper education. Slaves were not allowed to read how to read and write, most learn English as a second language or from other slaves that have English as a second language. Slave owners don't even bother to try and teach them proper English or expand their vocabulary because they only want them to do manual labor. It also could be due to the fact that they believed educating someone in a lower class could make them realize their standings and cause them to demand more. To keep people in their place is as easy as keeping them ignorant. The slave master's use the saying "a loud nigger is a happy nigger," (29), but they do not understand that "loud" could mean being able to communicate with other slaves to plan a rebellion or up rising. Communication can open many doors and accelerate many effects.
The language of the slave owners is also rough and harsh, but should have be allowed to have an excuse of being a farmer or merchant for their dialect deficiency? They are white and have access to education. They do not take advantage of the resources they are permitted. "How else kin a nigger in her condition keep happy, cept through singin and loud noise?" (29), is spoken by the Sheriff. The Sheriff is a man of power and authority but only sounds slightly more intelligent than the slaves. To discourage African American men from voting officials would administer literacy tests, but there were a sizable amount of white men could not even pass the tests. The system could have been attempting to keep the small farmers, merchants and small business white males in their place as well. The power of dialect and language can be a tool for keeping an order or hierarchy that allow the most educated to govern those with less academic intelligence.
Dessa Rose: Point of View
Unlike many of the other novels we have read thus far, one of the points of view for this novel comes from that of a man. In this case, the man is an outsider looking into a world in which he can never truly connect with as he is racially, ethnically, socially, and biologically the opposite of Dessa Rose. Here we see another component of identity come into play as Nehemiah attempts to piece together someone else's identity; one which makes his own pale in comparison. They say that "those that can't do, teach" and I think that for Nehemiah, he used his class and cultural advantages to explore the world of a female slave and educate others. Even though he may not consciously acknowledge it, his life has not been as challenging or as colorful as his "main character" and in some ways he lives vicariously through her.
Williams tries to unify these two worlds early on, both contextually and structurally. On page 25, she tries to show how Nehemiah's struggles to become a writer are comparable in some way to Dessa's life as a slave. By having him throw in his own experiences, it gives more value to Dessa's story, but also shows how gender, class, and ethnicity gaps contribute to a communication and understanding barrier. As a white male who was neither a slave or slave owner, Nehemiah will never be able to be a part of Dessa's world, nor will she be a part of his. Williams' efforts to make this connection shows that the only way to know what it was to be like Dessa was to walk a mile in her shoes; not just retell the journey.
Williams tries to unify these two worlds early on, both contextually and structurally. On page 25, she tries to show how Nehemiah's struggles to become a writer are comparable in some way to Dessa's life as a slave. By having him throw in his own experiences, it gives more value to Dessa's story, but also shows how gender, class, and ethnicity gaps contribute to a communication and understanding barrier. As a white male who was neither a slave or slave owner, Nehemiah will never be able to be a part of Dessa's world, nor will she be a part of his. Williams' efforts to make this connection shows that the only way to know what it was to be like Dessa was to walk a mile in her shoes; not just retell the journey.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Antelope Wife: Point of Interest
While reading the first half of the novel I came to a particular passage that was riddled with contradictions. Although the concepts being compared cannot match there is a plane that these can seem to exist. An eerie plane I personally feel that I can understand. This passage is where Blue Prairie Woman is still searching for her lost daughter, in a desperate attempt to salvage her sanity her tribe renames her Other Side of the Earth cannot give up the search. When she finally decides to go and follow a path she believes will give her the relief and discovery of her daughter.
With the limbo of the changing names Other Side of the Earth can only exist is such a limbo but gives her a specific location, "Her mind was present because she was always gone. Her hands filled because they grasped the meaning of empty. Life was simple," (14). Where could her mind be present if it was always gone? I believe this is in reference to the west, her mind was always in the west, always towards death and woe. Her hands are filled with loss and torment over a mother losing a child and unknowing of the fate of the child, hence the emptiness of the missing link. Life here does not seem at all simple but very mucky and deep into the emotions and feelings that rules this woman.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Antelope Wife and The Sacred Hoop
A large portion of the second part of Antelope Wife is written from the perspective of a dog. This is an interesting point of view one doesn't typically receive in reading a novel consisting of stories, most of which have been from humans. This second part, however, pairs nicely with the reading of The Sacred Hoop. The Sacred Hoops speaks upon the American Indian religion and how everything is connected; "...nor does it draw a hard and fast lie between what is material and what is spiritual, for it regards the two as different expressions of the same reality" (246). For American Indians, everything is connected and related. We are as close to our sisters and brothers as we are to a local street dog or even the rock we sit upon to eat our lunch. Everything and everyone was created under the same magical power and no one person or object is above the other. This idea allows one to read a narrative given from a dogs perspective with much less scrutiny. If we can read stories told by people, why not hear the story of a dog from the dog itself.
The Antelope Wife: The Lord giveth, and the Lord takeith away
This saying "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" is a theme very present in the beginning of Antelope Wife. The Blue Pierre Woman was given a baby. A child is thought to be gods greatest gift one can receive. Only shortly after having the child, however, she is strapped to a day and is taken away from here. The daughter is then found by a wondering man. She nurses on him despite the fact that he is unable to produce the milk she so desperately needs to survive. One day, however, "ask and ye shall receive. Ask and ye shall receive. The words ran through him like a clear stream. he put his hand on his chest and then tasted a thin blue drop of his own watery, appalling, God-given milk" (8). God has given this man the means by which he can take care of this small child. A gift strictly reserved for a woman. Now that he can play the role of both and mother and the father for this child, the Blue Pierre Woman finds her and takes her back. God gave the man life producing milk, and then took away the life he had to nurse.
Meanwhile, the Blue Pierre Woman has life giving milk pulsing inside of her, and no way in which to release it. To relieve her pained breasts, she is given a puppy to nurse, the same animal that ironically is to blame for her current lack of a child. She gives this animal life, to later take it away herself. She takes the dogs life, to help save her own, when she in facts dies shortly after. She is given her life back, finally has her daughter, only to have the Lord take her life right back. The girl receives her mother, only to have her ripped away from her, This story is one giant tug of war with fate and life. It pulls back and forth with irony laced throughout the entire story. It is a very interesting way to start off the novel.
Meanwhile, the Blue Pierre Woman has life giving milk pulsing inside of her, and no way in which to release it. To relieve her pained breasts, she is given a puppy to nurse, the same animal that ironically is to blame for her current lack of a child. She gives this animal life, to later take it away herself. She takes the dogs life, to help save her own, when she in facts dies shortly after. She is given her life back, finally has her daughter, only to have the Lord take her life right back. The girl receives her mother, only to have her ripped away from her, This story is one giant tug of war with fate and life. It pulls back and forth with irony laced throughout the entire story. It is a very interesting way to start off the novel.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Antelope Wife: Naming in Native American Society
Unique identities have been the subject and topic of discussions throughout this course. The Antelope Wife was no different in establishing characters with a very special, and individualized place in the world, particularly in their culture. However, a key part that I found to be rather interesting is the way in which the characters were named, and the weight that was placed on such identifiers. Of course, Native American names are often different from the names of other ethnicities and cultures, as they incorporate the environment and outside world a lot more than just a name that sounds "good" or "fits" a person. But, in Erdrich's novel, the idea of how one is named is explored, showing that the establishment of one's identity is more complex than a mother and father bickering over what their child should be named upon arrival into the world.
On page 14, the experience of Blue Prairie Woman is discussed in terms of how she came to be named. It seems that people of this culture are named after maturation and the initial development of an identity which is then directly reflected in the name. This allows for the name to be more like a title of a book; it provides a brief synopsis of what a person is like, enjoys, or values when compared to others. The key, however, in naming someone, is that the namer, an outside party, is responsible for this task, which I believe is both helpful and harmful. Since the namer is liminal in gender and identity, the namer is able to see a person more clearly for who they are and wished to be perceived as; but I think that this could be misinterpreted. Not everyone is good at expressing themselves initially, so it seems unfair that they do not have at least some part in the fashioning of their own name. The only time a person has a part in their naming is when they take it upon themselves to change, resulting in the need for an updated name to be established for better communication.
Overall, I found this tradition to be very special as it upholds a person's name as far more than a source of fun monikers. Names are supposed to be the very essence of one's identity and bring everyone onto similar levels of knowing themselves, as well as knowing others. No, these names do not reveal all information about a person, but they do provide each person with a unique sense of self and purpose that names like ours, fail to accomplish.
On page 14, the experience of Blue Prairie Woman is discussed in terms of how she came to be named. It seems that people of this culture are named after maturation and the initial development of an identity which is then directly reflected in the name. This allows for the name to be more like a title of a book; it provides a brief synopsis of what a person is like, enjoys, or values when compared to others. The key, however, in naming someone, is that the namer, an outside party, is responsible for this task, which I believe is both helpful and harmful. Since the namer is liminal in gender and identity, the namer is able to see a person more clearly for who they are and wished to be perceived as; but I think that this could be misinterpreted. Not everyone is good at expressing themselves initially, so it seems unfair that they do not have at least some part in the fashioning of their own name. The only time a person has a part in their naming is when they take it upon themselves to change, resulting in the need for an updated name to be established for better communication.
Overall, I found this tradition to be very special as it upholds a person's name as far more than a source of fun monikers. Names are supposed to be the very essence of one's identity and bring everyone onto similar levels of knowing themselves, as well as knowing others. No, these names do not reveal all information about a person, but they do provide each person with a unique sense of self and purpose that names like ours, fail to accomplish.
Monday, March 5, 2012
I- Hotel: Storytelling
The section begins with the characters together trying to make their way to Alcatraz Island so they occupy it in political protest for the unequal treatment of Native Americas as well as other minorities like Asian Americans. The way the story is set up begins with the characters together helping a man named Jack Turtle launch his boat into the water to get himself across, Ria, Stony and Wayne have all come for the protest and wind up helping Jack. This is how all the characters initially meet and get acquainted. They make it to the island while Jack is storytelling the tale of Captain Jack (378). Ria is skeptical of the story, suggesting she does not believe in myths and beliefs giving her the appearance of being a realist (379). The purpose of the storytelling here is foreshadowing of the events that will take place later on such as the unsuccessful occupation, (Captain Jack was hanged after unsuccessful relations with the 'white man'), the injury Jack Turtle receives in the head and neck area, and lastly the escaping of a few of Captain Jack's followers and the protesters on the island (who, according to Jack Turtle, is the reason he is there today).
The next section moves forward to what Ria does while she is a student sewing and dress making. This moment is included in the novel to exhibit the strength of the characters and personal struggles for survival, particularly with Ria, "killing herself" with work (338). Ria must kill herself sewing clothes in order to survive and have money to feed herself, she is also trying to better herself by teaching others about business and running one. "It's funny how these things happen, how suddenly one collar leads to the sleeves and to the pockets, a range of sizes- small, medium, large, and extra large, plus fabric choices and slight stylistic changes," (385), this explains how beginning a project can quickly give a head under water effect when being stretched out in too many directions. The business must produce new designs and clothing, deal with a union and low wages, Ria educating her coworkers on the history of the U.S. as well as business all become extremely taxing on her. Her business fails but she moves onto her next project or possibly returns to school, she dealt with the hardship unable to stop because her ethnicity and young age are working against her.
Chapter Three follows the path of Stony, a younger wander of sorts, and Jack but only long enough for Stony to leave Jack and sell his car. Stony saves Jack when he finds him on the ground bleeding from his head, and takes him to the hospital. When Jack wakes he gives Stony the task of selling his car and offers to let Stony keep half. Stony seems hesitant about his new responsibility because he has a youthful and aimless personality. Once Stony completes the task for Jack, Jack tells Stony about a dream he had about Stony that included a certain "fate" of being in Japan as well as a broken head (394). Stony does travel to Japan as predicted by Jack's dream and we assume his head breaks when he travels to his late father's village to discover his father's wife before his own mother and a half sister (398). Stony probably did not expect this at all when he went to the village partly to his immature mind and the lack of knowledge of his family's history. This is Stony's age working against him as he struggles with his multi-cultural ethnicity.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Under the Feet of Jesus: Family Structure
I find it interesting that in every book we have read it has always been the father figure that is off in some way. Wether he is an adopted sort of father, or nonexistent all together. They always seems to be a mother figure who is there and in the forefront for the entire novel but a shakey father figure.
The same applies to this novel as we learn that the father ran off on them long ago and Perfecto, although he has made it perfectly clear that he is not their father, takes that fatherly figure place. Throughout the entire book Perfecto has one foot out the door. He says repeatedly that he is not their father, and we as the readers catch him planing his escape from the family multiple times. When it comes down to it, however, Perfecto is a permanent part of the family. Even when he is irritated the twins can being to play with his hands and this gentle touch soothes him in an odd way. It seems like he tells himself he isnt their father, tells everyone else that, and plans his escape all in a desperate attempt to not feel stuck in the family. By having one foot out the door and always looking into the past and thinking into the future rather than being in the present, Perfecto thinks he is giving himself options. When it comes down to it, however, he may not be blood related but his loyalties lie with the family. He knows and understands that they need him, and I believe he truly needs them as well. He could never actually make that move to leave them because wether he is ready to admit it or not, they are his family. He is always thinking of his past and wanting to go back home, but he is older now, nothing is there for him back home, is whole life, wether he likes it or not, lies with this adopted family,
The same applies to this novel as we learn that the father ran off on them long ago and Perfecto, although he has made it perfectly clear that he is not their father, takes that fatherly figure place. Throughout the entire book Perfecto has one foot out the door. He says repeatedly that he is not their father, and we as the readers catch him planing his escape from the family multiple times. When it comes down to it, however, Perfecto is a permanent part of the family. Even when he is irritated the twins can being to play with his hands and this gentle touch soothes him in an odd way. It seems like he tells himself he isnt their father, tells everyone else that, and plans his escape all in a desperate attempt to not feel stuck in the family. By having one foot out the door and always looking into the past and thinking into the future rather than being in the present, Perfecto thinks he is giving himself options. When it comes down to it, however, he may not be blood related but his loyalties lie with the family. He knows and understands that they need him, and I believe he truly needs them as well. He could never actually make that move to leave them because wether he is ready to admit it or not, they are his family. He is always thinking of his past and wanting to go back home, but he is older now, nothing is there for him back home, is whole life, wether he likes it or not, lies with this adopted family,
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Under the Feet of Jesus: Dreaming and "Feeling"
The characters of this novel are spiritual people that believe in signs, metaphors, religious affiliations, and dreams. Perfecto particularly in the beginning of the second half has stronger dreams about his past lover and still born child calling him to return home. Perfecto knows he is getting to old to support this family, but why does he not only feel that he cannot support them but also have to leave them to return "home". The home Perfecto is searching for is not as clear or as vivid as the dreams and "feelings" he is receiving but he knows he must do it. In his dreams his past lover or former wife Mercedes beckons him to come home and return to "us" which Perfecto feels is the unborn first child they had together (99). He must be feeling some guilt left over from the death of their first born because it is why Mercedes left him, mentally and physically, dying on the inside.
Perfecto also gets feelings of the death of Alejo when he is brought into their home withering away from a mysterious aliment. "He could feel the boy's death under his bare feet as he carried him" (101). Perfecto foresees Alejo getting worse, knowing he cannot ignore this feeling, only driving him at this point to want to leave more. Perfect also feels guilt over leaving the family because he knows Petra works as hard as she can and he is thankful for her, but somehow it is not enough.
Alejo before he feels sick, has a gravitational pull towards Estrella ever since he caught her taking a dip in the irrigation canal. He "feels" like he must get to know her. Alejo tries to take to her but she is standoffish in the beginning when he invites her into conversation, she starts to warm up to him when he offers a few sips from his soda. He tries to be around her and make small talk about tar pits, where he starting kissing her hand and that once lead to something more. Alejo's cousin may have a sneaking suspicion something was going on with Alejo but cannot figure out what it is. Another "feeling".
Under the Feet of Jesus: Comfort in Touch
The second half of the book had an interesting section pertaining to touch and how it bridges the gap between young and old. Touch as key source of human interaction has been discussed in many other works, but in this book I found that it was human to human contact represents a feeling of comfort that is more important than in other stories. Due to the theme of relocation and trying to recreate a "home" any source of comfort is cherished, no matter how one-sided the comfort is. This idea can be further explored through a gendered lens as people of different genders often react oppositely when exposed to touch, even though the need or want to be touched is identical.
The first discussion of touch happens when the young twin girls take their father's hands and he immediately recoils (p. 102). Viramontes says that Perfecto "recoiled his hands because he no longer liked the feel of the warm knots of fingers tying into his; but they anchored a hand each anyway, clamping their grasp and laughing" which shows that Perfecto is hesitant to accept the girls' touch. It's as if Perfecto feels disjointed in or a failure to his family and may be undeserving of their comforting touch. However, if he really didn't want to hold their hands, I don't think he would (as he is much stronger and has more authority) but he experiences a measure of calming when they take his hands, as if their little bodies are all that are holding him down to this place.
The second discussion of this human to human interaction is when Estrella is carrying Perla on her shoulders. Although heavier than she used to be Estrella doesn't mind carrying her sister as it seems she knows she needs that protection. However, the sister appears to hold on tighter than necessary and Estrella says "Let go a little...You're not going to fall" indicating that Estrella will hold up the young girl (and the family) despite the challenges they face (p. 105). In the first scene, the young girls anchor their father, but then Estrella supports the young girls indicating that it is the cycle of healing touch that keeps this family going. It's not always good times and sunshine; and despite the strained relationships among them, without each other no one would have a hand to hold and soothe them.
The first discussion of touch happens when the young twin girls take their father's hands and he immediately recoils (p. 102). Viramontes says that Perfecto "recoiled his hands because he no longer liked the feel of the warm knots of fingers tying into his; but they anchored a hand each anyway, clamping their grasp and laughing" which shows that Perfecto is hesitant to accept the girls' touch. It's as if Perfecto feels disjointed in or a failure to his family and may be undeserving of their comforting touch. However, if he really didn't want to hold their hands, I don't think he would (as he is much stronger and has more authority) but he experiences a measure of calming when they take his hands, as if their little bodies are all that are holding him down to this place.
The second discussion of this human to human interaction is when Estrella is carrying Perla on her shoulders. Although heavier than she used to be Estrella doesn't mind carrying her sister as it seems she knows she needs that protection. However, the sister appears to hold on tighter than necessary and Estrella says "Let go a little...You're not going to fall" indicating that Estrella will hold up the young girl (and the family) despite the challenges they face (p. 105). In the first scene, the young girls anchor their father, but then Estrella supports the young girls indicating that it is the cycle of healing touch that keeps this family going. It's not always good times and sunshine; and despite the strained relationships among them, without each other no one would have a hand to hold and soothe them.
Under The Feet of Jesus : Dehumanization
It took me a little while to get into the book. I was very lost with what was going on and it was hard to keep the characters straight in my mind. As the novel progressed, however, the overall story line began to unfold. As the story and character relationships revealed themselves, an overwhelming theme of dehumanization became very apparent.
Most of the migrant workers speak a choppy mix of spanish and english, heavier on the spanish. They are Spaniards who have come to America with that same idea all the characters in the other books we have read have shared as well. The idea that America will give them the opportunity they desire to earn money and create a life for themselves. Once here, however, these migrant workers find the only jobs they can get are in fields picking whatever happens to be ripe at the time. The conditions these families are forced to live in are horrendous. Small quarters, and unsanitary conditions are the norm for these families. "The mother was disgusted at how the Devridges had no shame sun-drying the peed mattress in full view every morning" (29). These workers are left with little choice but to accept this life style if they want to be able to eat. One part in particular stuck out to me in the first half of the novel.
When out in the fields the crop sprayers began making their rounds on the pants. "Alejo slid through the bushy branches, the tangled twigs scratching his face, and he was ready to jump when he felt the mist. He shut his eyes tight to the mist of black afternoon. At first it was just a slight moisture until the poison rolled down his face in deep sticky streaks" (77). People are out in the field trying to do their work. There is no way that the crop dusters cant see them because the way they describe the deafening noise of the motor the small play must be close to the ground. They spray this poison on the plants to kill insects, by not waiting for the workers to leave the field they are treating them like insects by equally spraying them. This can cause serious damage and even death to the workers but the crop owners have no regard for the workers well being and treat them like insects.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Under the Feet of Jesus: Food & Identity
Throughout the first half of the story, a pattern linking important relationships/memories and food emerges with, what I believe, a great significance. Estrella often used food, not only as points on the timeline of survival, but as a symbol of other means of coping. As her family travels, she often focuses on when they are able to obtain food and cure their physical hunger, yet there is a deeper meaning. Family is important to Estrella; however, the fact that she wishes to have a real relationship with her father rather than an adopted one with Perfecto continues to pop up. By using food as a extension of her memories, she carries these pieces of her past with her to help tolerate her dislocation. Every time she comes into contact with certain types of food she remembers pieces of her past; whether she wants to or not. These memories keep her grounded in reality, consistently reminding her of what she has despite what she has lost. Everyday is a struggle to find new food and to form new memories in spite of the hard times she, and her family, must face. For example, when Estrella sees or eats an orange, she attaches that memory to her father (p. 12). The last time she saw him, he peeled an orange for her; aiding in her survival. Now that he is gone, Estrella must do this on her own, but she'll never forget this lesson as she carries on. The orange signifies, not only a tie to her father that she is desperately trying to keep in her memory, but also every act of living leaves some taste in one's mouth.
Under the Feet of Jesus: Not Father Daughter Relationship
Between Star and Perfecto a constant reminder is always being brought up, "I'm not your father." Estrella's father left the family while she was still young which in turn made getting food on the table very difficult for her mother, so she found another man to be the provider for the family. In a sense Perfecto, having his nickname for doing a job well done on any task assigned to him, is going a good job of caring for the family by giving them the money he earns. Estrella holds on to the memory of her real father even though she understands he left her behind. But Perfecto and Estrella resist each other and deny what their relations are, as Perfecto as adopted father figure. "Perfecto Flores was not her papa" (28). When in arguments they remind one another that they have no blood ties.
Perfecto and Estrella do have a silent truce when it comes to him teaching her about all of the tools in his tool chest. The tools in the tool chest were an allegory for her trying to learn how to read and write in her education. "The curves and tails of the tools made no sense and shapes were foreign and meaningless to her as chalky lines on the blackboard, (25)" Perfecto took the time to teach her all of the "tools". When he took the time to teach her and wait patiently for her to understand she was then able to read. Reading is important in Star's life because she is able to read to Maxine. An odd friendship grows out of this practice until Maxine brings up Perfecto causing Star to be very upset and get into a fist fight with Maxine (35). Also distancing the relationship between Perfecto and Estrella.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
When The Emperor Was Devine vs Citizen 13660
These two books definitely paired up nicely together, I did, however, prefer the Emperor over Citizen. I enjoy books that engage me more, have a plot line, intriguing character, and some action (even if that action is exaggerated). I felt that Citizen was more informative, like a documentary rather than a story with an interesting plot line, beginning, middle, and end. I blame the layout for my lack of interest. By having short blurbs with cartoon-esk pictures it gives the book less power and forceful ness. The Emperor had a family with children, carried us throughout their whole story from before they we taken, to living in the camps, to their transition back home. It gave view points for each character so you could get to know them better and be able to properly form an opinion of them. The book had a backbone of emotion rather than a backbone information.
Irene Bloomer
Irene Bloomer
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
When the Emperor was Divine: Structure
A pattern in each chapter emerges where the focus of the character is shifted. All include the alien feel of being uprooted but through the different ages of the family. In the first chapter the focus is on the mother. It starts with the mother noticing the evacuation order no. 19. She immediately goes to start making preparations for this evacuation notice almost in an autonomous mode. She begins to pack up the house and store their valuables in a locked room, she takes care of the animals, giving away the cat, putting the dog out of its misery and freeing the bird. She moves about these tasks not really pausing too much for sentimental purposes. She only pauses to reflect on the Gleaners painting (8) and to drink some of her homemade wine (20). As the provider of the family after the father is taken away she must do what needs to be done for her family, taking care of them before herself. Only later in the novel while in the camp does she lose this sense of being the provider does she revert into herself, almost giving up all hope.
The second chapter, Train, centers mainly around the daughter, she is in her early teenage years. In this chapter there is more young and naive feel. In this age group the daughter is inquisitive, stubborn, is a "know-it-all" and talks to a few strangers while riding on the train (32). She cares for her brother by answering any questions he may have and tries to keep up the morale while her fades as she thinks about her father and French blue scarf. It is evident she understands this relocation is something that will not be over too quickly and that her spirits are being dampened while she is talking to the stranger Ted in the bathroom line on the train, "Last night it was too cold, but now it's so hot I can hardly breathe. Everything keeps on changing" (33).
In the third chapter, When the Emperor was Divine, the focus is on the young boy. The brother is younger than his sister in his older child years. The young boy takes in more than both the mother and daughter does by observing his surroundings like wild life in the desert and the conversations going on between neighbors as well as the windy dusty weather. In his view he also careful observes the behavior of his mother who gives up hope and does not emerge from the stall only to eat, which she too eventually stops doing. He also notes odd disappearing acts of his sister all day long. Since his mother has lost the care provider role because the camp has others doing it she stops even caring for herself, this is when the boy starts to get her to eat and have her return to normal with reassurances (94). He also has a very imaginative mind that reinforces his childlike wonder and tone for the chapter, things seems unreal and alien. While the son is dealing with his present family members he can't help but think of his father and partially blaming himself for his arrest. A childlike quality is the assumption it is one's fault for something that is truly out of one's control. He blames himself for things that go wrong.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Citizen 13660: Comparison of Two Texts
After reading the graphic novel and comparing it to the memoir-like novel, When the Emperor was Divine, I found myself drawing many conclusions. Clearly these two texts were set at the same internment camp, recalling almost identical events, and the affects made to two different familial structures. However, upon completing both texts within a very short period of time (which allowed for the events to be fresh in my mind) I found myself with two key questions; one that I think I am able to answer and another I'm not so sure about.
The first of these questions is, why were these two stories of the same life events so drastically different? Obviously, many of the events were told in the same order and with similar details, but the tonal quality of the stories were polar opposites. I'm positive that the different literary structures gave way to the contrast in tone (as the graphic novel allowed for more feeling via personalized illustration and the novel was lacking in the ability to consistently evoke emotion), but is that the only reason giving way to this difference? I think what may have played a huge role in the story telling is the perspective from which the stories were told and the subsequent familial structures attached to those viewpoints. The novel was told from, what seemed like, the perspective of each member of the four-person family; while the graphic novel was seen from the eyes of one person. The family's story clearly relayed the perspectives of a mother, a father, a daughter/girl, and a son/boy, which displayed different values than the graphic novel. In Citizen 13660, the woman's perspective was that of a sister, not a mother or daughter, and I think her role in her family was less manipulated and altered by this period in her cultural history. Whereas one family felt trapped and torn apart, this single individual was better able to make it out all in one piece.
The second question I have, the one in which I don't think I can answer, is did these two families ever cross paths? I'm not sure if the events in the novel were as biographical as the graphic novel, but one has to wonder. These two families were at the same place, at the same time, and recalled identical events that probably only happened once (i.e. the brick thrown through the window of the train), so is it possible they knew one another? Clearly the roles of these two families within the internment camps were dissimilar, but there could be a greater connection between these two stories than place and time. If these two families did cross paths, was that reflected in these two works? We may never know.
Monday, February 20, 2012
When the Emperor Was Divine: Forgetting An Identity
Although there was great suffering during the three years and five months this family spent in internment camps, readjusting to their lives as "normal" Americans had to have been equally, if not more, difficult. Throughout the novel, the theme of hiding one's identity, but being constantly reminded that you just don't fit in, is one that haunts every member of this family. Upon returning to school, the kids are looked down upon; none of their old friends try to remember them, none of their friends' families invite them to join, and no one calls out to them to play. Even children are ashamed or afraid of a culture that society has told them is bad; they haven't even made an effort to come to learn that on their own terms.
However, in spite of the way the child were affected, the parents' pain seemed to be of greater burden. Not only did they have to try and hide their own identities, but they also had to protect those of each other and their children. And trying to support and provide for a family was made that much more difficult by society because while this family was trying to "forget" and hide who they were, the rest of the country was trying to make sure everyone knew. For example, when the mother tries to find a job she was turned away multiple times because the owner of each establishment did not want to "offend" their clientele or customers. It was so discouraging that even she said, "I was afraid I might accidentally remember who I was and...offend myself" (p. 129) which, I'm sure was meant in a sarcastic manner, but it is also clear that she needed no reminder of just how much she didn't belong; now, then, or ever.
This feeling was shared by her husband upon his return to the family, but his was more that he was just trying to forget. He didn't share with his family why he had been taken, where had been taken, or if any of the claims against him were true. "All he wanted to do, now that we were back in the world, was forget," Otsuka described; and it wasn't just the accusations that she was suggesting (p. 133). The father wanted to forget his culture, his damaged reputation, and the fact that he would never find a place in society.
Unlike the other books, which do explore areas of forgetting one's identity, this book emphasized that theme to a much greater extent. These people were forced to abandon their culture, much in a way that America had abandoned them. They were stripped of their names, their traditions, and their memories and were forced to carry a number of identification, a strong disposition, and fake smiles. Faking became their way of life, and even when they weren't supposed to have to forget anymore, they knew no other way than to hide who they were; and who they are.
However, in spite of the way the child were affected, the parents' pain seemed to be of greater burden. Not only did they have to try and hide their own identities, but they also had to protect those of each other and their children. And trying to support and provide for a family was made that much more difficult by society because while this family was trying to "forget" and hide who they were, the rest of the country was trying to make sure everyone knew. For example, when the mother tries to find a job she was turned away multiple times because the owner of each establishment did not want to "offend" their clientele or customers. It was so discouraging that even she said, "I was afraid I might accidentally remember who I was and...offend myself" (p. 129) which, I'm sure was meant in a sarcastic manner, but it is also clear that she needed no reminder of just how much she didn't belong; now, then, or ever.
This feeling was shared by her husband upon his return to the family, but his was more that he was just trying to forget. He didn't share with his family why he had been taken, where had been taken, or if any of the claims against him were true. "All he wanted to do, now that we were back in the world, was forget," Otsuka described; and it wasn't just the accusations that she was suggesting (p. 133). The father wanted to forget his culture, his damaged reputation, and the fact that he would never find a place in society.
Unlike the other books, which do explore areas of forgetting one's identity, this book emphasized that theme to a much greater extent. These people were forced to abandon their culture, much in a way that America had abandoned them. They were stripped of their names, their traditions, and their memories and were forced to carry a number of identification, a strong disposition, and fake smiles. Faking became their way of life, and even when they weren't supposed to have to forget anymore, they knew no other way than to hide who they were; and who they are.
Citizen 13660: Open Privacy
"Those who wished privacy went into the wide open spaces" (140). To go into open spaces for privacy seems to be a large contradiction, but can be normal under the circumstances of an internment camp. Not only did people have to be in the wide open spaces to be alone other tasks that are a norm to do in the privacy are everyday things like dressing and undressing, using restrooms, and bathing. Other tasks like sleeping also had to be done in the public eye (132). These things are all done in private but while in a camp, privacy is just not an option. Although many tried to put up partitions for the bathing rooms and latrines they could only manage to be partial partitions. Older men would openly change in front of one another not really caring who could see.
Privacy could never really be achieved because the Japanese prisoners were all in the same position experiencing the same experiences and sharing in them. No one is truly alone as they must shoulder these burdens together. Wide open spaces were the only places people were not crammed into together and forced to live upon one another hence some sense of privacy, but never alone still. These events make it so the people must remain as a community because their pains are not entirely there own because they all have the same pains, privacy in those feelings cannot be privatized.
Mine Okubo Citizen 13660 : sudden enemies
I cant imagine being a person of Japanese decent during this time. You can be an American and life a totally normal American life one day, then the next "people looked at all of us, both citizens and aliens, with suspicion and mistrust" (12). Mine Okubo was very lucky that her friends didn't abandon her as well but the unjust treatment forced upon her and her brother must have been very scary and confusing. It seems that they got the best case scenario however. They were both able to stay together, and while the living conditions and restriction were awful compared to the freedom they were use to, it all didn't seem as bad as I would have expected. Its possible that having small narrations accompanied by cartoon styled pictures lessoned the blow of the whole experience for the reader. Perhaps if the layout of the story was done in a more formal way it would have given more intensity to the story and pulled more of a reaction out of me than it did. I found myself saying at the end of the story "okay? Is that it?". The only part that really struck me out of the whole narration was the idea of having to leave your hard earned home for an unknown location all because of something people that look like you did.
Irene Bloomer
Irene Bloomer
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Lakota Woman : Generational Differences
Mary Brave Bird lives in a generation that is all about embracing the lifestyle and traditions of their pasts. Their parents, however, try to forget and lead a "white mans life". These two generations have a huge difference in what they believe is best in the long run. The older generation grew up living the native american life style the current generations whats to be a part of so badly. This older generation, however, as also been through so much suffering as they have been forced to abandon all they know. The pain inflicted upon them was so great they firmly believe that in order to protect their family they "tried to to raise us as whites, because she thought that was the only way for us to get ahead and lead a satisfying life" (19). Mary Brave Bird's only mission in life, however, is to learn more about her culture and try to gain Native Americans more respect rather than giving in. When she has her son she is still determined to continue with the cause. She believes that the old lifestyle is what is best for her children, not the new white man life style her mother's generation was given into.
~Irene Bloomer
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Lakota Woman: An Educational Experience
A theme that hasn't been discussed in any of the novels since Danticat's was that of education; particularly a young girl's experience with it. Like Sophie, the act of getting an education was thrust upon Mary as something expected and decided for her. However, unlike Sophie, Mary didn't stand for such control despite the opportunities she knew she would lose if she stopped her education. Throughout her memoir, especially the beginning, her experiences at boarding school (the place Mary and her siblings must go after being ripped from her grandparents' care) are anything but positive. Mary does not conform in the same way that other girls both in and out of her family did; and she had a very difficult time breaking away from the culture she wanted to carry and the one being pushed upon her. Mary was strong like her Native American female ancestors and she didn't want that to be brain washed out of her.
On page 40, Mary announces the day that she is to quit school. She says, "Today I quit school. I'm not taking any more of this...None of this treatment. Better give me my diploma. I can't waste any more time on you people," which indicates that, not only does Mary wish to further separate herself from white Christians, but also that the education she receives at school is not the kind that her personality needs. Just like the teacher she punched in the face, Mary wanted more respect despite being young and inexperienced. However, although Mary was proud of her decision to quit and never look back, closing that door opened others that were not as pleasant. I feel that her quitting also fractured her imperfect family as she was going to have to continually struggle in bridging her two cultural worlds. Note that many times throughout the memoir, Mary uses the day she quit school as a key point in her timeline; and I believe that's because she knows it was a fork in a road she could never look back on after that day.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Lakota Woman: Hearts of its Women
The very first quote stuck a nerve that set a tone for the entire memoir. "A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is done, no matter how is brave its warriors nor how strong their weapons" (3). Particularly the line about the women's hearts being on the ground is powerful. Women in many cultures tend to be the heart and song of the society and are responsible for keeping the families going, supporting the men and keeping peaceful ties within the group and outside of the group. When the community of women are disbanded and can no older assemble to perform these duties the nation must truly be irreparable. Especially in the tribal Native American culture the women have the role of cooking for visiting friends and acquaintances "keeping the peace", tending to the families even extended families, like grandchildren, children etc. and being strong guiding hand for men and reliable for running the household.
This quotation returned later in the memoir with the declaration the author feels for her surviving nation, "Well, the hearts of our old full-blooded women were not on the ground. They were way up high[literally on top of Mount Rushmore and figuratively] and they could still encourage us with their trilling, spine-tingling brave-heart cry which always made the hairs on my back stand up and my flesh break out in goose pimples whenever I heard it, no matter how often" (80). The author here directly says that her people were not laying down and being submissive or baking down. They have fight in their hearts, she also mentions how older generations, such as grandmothers are joining their AIM movement to reinforce culture and tradition as well as add new tradition. They are in the process of rebuilding and reconstructing their culture, qualities driven by women who are natural multi-taskers and problem solvers. The women the author was talking about in this instance was a 90 year old woman standing on Mount Rushmore trying to take back the Black Hills, these are the women who take a stand and beat the truest of the true blood through their hearts for their people.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Bone : Most Powerful Figures
The one person that is consistent throughout the entire book is the one character we have never really met. Ona has a power over the entire family because of her suicide. Ona was the one that helped keep the family together. After her death, Nina moved out. She was the one who always brought Leon back home, after her death Leon leaves longer than he ever has. The guilt everyone feels over Ona's suicide runs the entire book. Each chapter is either in what is assumed the present, and then the rest is flash backs. Some are from growing up and Ona is alive and a little girl. Some are from the days leading up to Ona's death. One of he final flash backs is the climax of the entire book, the actual day of Ona's death and the few days following it. Everything in the book leads up to that crucial moment. Whenever characters appear to be doing fine, their brake downs are because of the guilt surrounding Ona. Everyone wonders if there was something they could have done, wishing that they had told her something while she was still alive. They all believe that if they had only known and said something they could have saved her life. The guilt tears the whole family apart. The one person we don't get to really meet in the navel, is the one person the novel really revolves around. The one person that has a special power and control over every single character.
Irene Bloomer
Irene Bloomer
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Bones: Backward Memories
What I found most evident throughout the course of this book is Leila's inability to properly cope with the loss of her sister and her broken family. As she is trapped between two cultures and strives to be different from her ancestors (Mah, in particular), Leila is also trapped in the past. I believe this is why the author uses the technique of writing the narrative backwards, because the farther back she goes, the harder it is for Lei to process. I think because of both the author's and the character's cultural background, they way in which emotions are expressed is not as bold as a traditional American would. Yes, Lei and her family are grief stricken, but they focus on tiny moments of silent communication rather than using their words to talk things out. When Lei says, "None of us were ready. Ona was dead before we had a chance to save her. We hadn't had time to catch up. To let go, I know we had to let our memories out," (p. 126) she is further proving that by going backward in her mind she is no closer to accepting her sister's death. She was stuck and trapped by her memories just as she felt trapped in many other aspects of her life.
The silent communication Lei focuses on is also very key for she, herself, is not good with her words. I'm not sure if the author meant to do this but the text itself is somewhat dry; one must read between the lines a bit to see hidden meanings, emotions, and themes. When Leila is with Mason at one point (p. 122) she said, "Mason shook his head in that way that meant everything, but I knew just by the way he was standing that he wasn't going to talk about it." At so many points in this novel, people opt to use silent communication via facial expressions, wordless emotion, or body language to express how they feel. In a way it does hold them back from expressing themselves fully in a traditional sense, but it also supplies a level of intimacy that so many people often overlook. Because she is so lost in her own mind, Lei can't find herself in her world, in her family, or in herself.
The silent communication Lei focuses on is also very key for she, herself, is not good with her words. I'm not sure if the author meant to do this but the text itself is somewhat dry; one must read between the lines a bit to see hidden meanings, emotions, and themes. When Leila is with Mason at one point (p. 122) she said, "Mason shook his head in that way that meant everything, but I knew just by the way he was standing that he wasn't going to talk about it." At so many points in this novel, people opt to use silent communication via facial expressions, wordless emotion, or body language to express how they feel. In a way it does hold them back from expressing themselves fully in a traditional sense, but it also supplies a level of intimacy that so many people often overlook. Because she is so lost in her own mind, Lei can't find herself in her world, in her family, or in herself.
Bone: Transititon into Adulthood
Throughout the entire novel Leila does not make a clear transition into adulthood because she was forced into adulthood at such an early age while there are keep child-like qualities that didn't disappear. Leila made her way into adulthood at an early age because of the cultural transition her mother choose to make into Amercia culture. In order to survive Mah had to take on the very grueling and demanding job of sewing and cloth making, in order to get her load done on time her enlisted the help of Leila, who was only a young child (185). Leila was also taught how to run the entire household if needed and soon when she gained two younger sisters she then learned to take care of them (175).
This is where the Chinese culture stayed intact of family taking care of family and every member being completely self-sufficient. In an American culture child were meant to play and have fun and not taught all those skills at once. Later in the novel Leila even took on the parental role of looking after her parents, like locating Leon if he went missing or calming down Mah if she is upset.
Leila also remained child-like by remaining completely obedient to her family members and doing as they say like a child would. She would hang on their every word and come to their defense if Nina tried speaking out against them. She was also child-like when it came to what her Mah wanted, when Leon left she asked her daughter to live with her, but Leila wanted to live with Mason (89). Mah didn't want to be alone but Leila couldn't tell her mother no. Lelia also couldn't tell her mother that she wanted to move in with Mason (181) or that really wants to leave.
This is where the Chinese culture stayed intact of family taking care of family and every member being completely self-sufficient. In an American culture child were meant to play and have fun and not taught all those skills at once. Later in the novel Leila even took on the parental role of looking after her parents, like locating Leon if he went missing or calming down Mah if she is upset.
Leila also remained child-like by remaining completely obedient to her family members and doing as they say like a child would. She would hang on their every word and come to their defense if Nina tried speaking out against them. She was also child-like when it came to what her Mah wanted, when Leon left she asked her daughter to live with her, but Leila wanted to live with Mason (89). Mah didn't want to be alone but Leila couldn't tell her mother no. Lelia also couldn't tell her mother that she wanted to move in with Mason (181) or that really wants to leave.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Bone: Value of Family
Lei has the traditional sense of family, meaning she has the understanding of the support you must give in your family and what you can forgive them for. Although she seems to resent her ties to them. The family teeters based on the events that had happened within their family. Lei supports her family by being the mediator between Leon and Mah because they are constantly fighting and not speaking to each other. "Who shook them? Who made them stop?", when they were fighting Lei did her best to lessen the heated arguments and discussions (33). Leon is Mah's second husband who she had married in order to keep the family out of disgrace, but Mah and Leon are not even living together (32). In the Chinese culture this is still a taboo family structure that causes their name to be talked about. When Leon initially moved out Mah wanted Lei to move back with her to help her cope which Lei did as an obedient daughter. Lei has a loyal to her family she values the individual familial ties, mother to daughter, sister to sister, but as the family on the whole the value is lost.
Lei's family has several strains and disturbances. Lei's mother and step father Leon are living in separate households, whereas her younger sister Ona had committed suicide for reasons unclear and Lei's youngest sister, Nina, left the family as soon as she could (23). Lei resents the ties between the families because they value the individual relations over the whole family relation. There is not a true sense of united family. Nina tries to keep herself separate of family affairs and avoids guilt from the mother trying to make her come back home. Lei herself is even removing herself from the situation by marrying Mason (1). Lei finds her mother to be a burdern always blaming Lei for her sisters absence and nagging about Leon and his half schemes. This family's ties are very thin and almost invisible but as strong as spider's silk, as much as they try to isolate they are still bound together. The strain of the family started with the death of Ona. At this point in the story it seems as if the family has damage that is past the point of being fixed. It is partially destroyed.
Bone: The U.S. idealized as a place of escape
People picture the United States as the promised land. The roads are paved in gold and well paying jobs are handed out to everyone and anyone. Many leave with these high expectation only to face huge struggles one they arrive. "Secretly I was glad I didn't have to go. I felt for Mah; I felt her shame and regret, to go back for solace and comfort, instead of offering banquets and stories of the good life. Twenty-five years in the land of gold and good fortune, and then she returned to tell her story: The years spent in sweatshops, the prince of Golden Mountain turned into a toad, and three daughters: one unmarried, another who-cares-where, one dead. I could hear the hushed tone of their questions: 'Why? What happened? Too sad!'" (22). Its humiliating for this family, nobody else understands how a family could not succeed in the United States. It takes a lot of courage to uproot your life and even more courage to be able listen your peers judge you and your family.
Irene Bloomer
Irene Bloomer
Bones: Generational & Gender Differences
From the beginning of the text the disparity between young and old generations, as well as males and females is quite obvious. Throughout my reading I found a couple of quotes that really stood out for me, and helped gauge my focus throughout the remainder of my reading. On page 1, it is Leila's father figure Leon who says "Five sons don't make one good daughter" after the gossip of other community members who called Leila's a "failed family...Nothing but daughters". Not only is the older generation stepping in for the younger generation, but it is Leon, the stepfather to the three girls, who explains that their gender does not make them any less than three sons; in fact, in some ways it makes them better. This special bond between Leon and "his girls" is a theme present throughout the first half, but also leads me to my second point concerning Leon and his ex-partner, Leila's mother.
The character of "Mah" is one who further illustrates the gender and generational gaps in Leila's life and culture. At the introduction of sister Ona's death, Leila points out her mother's grief surrounding her suicide. Found on page 13, Ng is quoted as saying "'Better a parent before a child, better a wife than a husband...Everything's all turned around, all backward'" which really opens up this as a main theme. Leila's mother feels guilty that her daughter felt the need to take her own life, and carries the grief with her as she feels she should have been taken before her. She also expresses that a woman should go before a man, which leads me to wonder if, had Ona been a son instead of a daughter, would this grief be any greater or lesser? In Leila's society, cultural heritage, and within her own small, but disjointed family, is there one "superior" gender? As often discussed in many works focusing on people of Chinese, Asian, or Oriental decent, does the older generation reign supreme in all matters? I'm not sure if these questions were, or will ever be, answered through this reading, but it was a point that stayed with me throughout my time spent with the first half of Ng's novel.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
19 Varieties of Gazelle (Section 2): Constancy
For Section Two, the two poems I chose to compare/contrast were "The Tray" (p. 105) and "Ducks" (p. 110-111) due to the shared theme of constancy. Both poems discuss heavy issues of sorrow and war, but at the close of each work a bit of hope is sprinkled in to show that even when there is individual pain, the companionship of others will provide a gateway to better times.
In "The Tray," the structure of the poem differs from "Ducks" in that it is one long sentence broken down into a stanza of eleven lines. Although the couplets do not rhyme, there is a fluidity in the structure that is less choppy than in "Ducks." I think that the fluid structure is mirroring the constancy and comfort Nye is trying to express as she describes how the presence of tea in their culture is always something one can count on. She uses simple language to further illustrate the beauty of shared silence and the unity felt among the drinkers of the tea. This simple expression is one also portrayed in "Ducks," just to a different degree.
"Ducks" represents the theme of constancy in a slightly different way than the first poem. In "The Tray," that sense of unchanging comfort is present throughout the poem without hesitation or conflict. However, in "Ducks" the main character, a young girl, discusses how when she is worried or has questions about her life she always goes back to the ducks in a nearby pond (as mirrored in the structure made up of several stanzas). Despite her worry and questions for the ducks themselves, "She stayed quiet with the ducks/Some days they huddled among reeds/or floated together" (l. 22-24) for she saw hope in their existence. In much the same way the tea and social support soothed the character of the first poem, the reader was able to get that sense of ease when the character of "Ducks" noted that the three ducks in the pond were starting to build a nest. Whether solace is an inherent part of a culture or it must observed from an outside source, Nye was able to show how, no matter the situation, one can always find something to count on.
In "The Tray," the structure of the poem differs from "Ducks" in that it is one long sentence broken down into a stanza of eleven lines. Although the couplets do not rhyme, there is a fluidity in the structure that is less choppy than in "Ducks." I think that the fluid structure is mirroring the constancy and comfort Nye is trying to express as she describes how the presence of tea in their culture is always something one can count on. She uses simple language to further illustrate the beauty of shared silence and the unity felt among the drinkers of the tea. This simple expression is one also portrayed in "Ducks," just to a different degree.
"Ducks" represents the theme of constancy in a slightly different way than the first poem. In "The Tray," that sense of unchanging comfort is present throughout the poem without hesitation or conflict. However, in "Ducks" the main character, a young girl, discusses how when she is worried or has questions about her life she always goes back to the ducks in a nearby pond (as mirrored in the structure made up of several stanzas). Despite her worry and questions for the ducks themselves, "She stayed quiet with the ducks/Some days they huddled among reeds/or floated together" (l. 22-24) for she saw hope in their existence. In much the same way the tea and social support soothed the character of the first poem, the reader was able to get that sense of ease when the character of "Ducks" noted that the three ducks in the pond were starting to build a nest. Whether solace is an inherent part of a culture or it must observed from an outside source, Nye was able to show how, no matter the situation, one can always find something to count on.
19 Varieties of Gazelle : comparison section 2
The poems "19 Varieties of Gazelle" (87) and "A Single Slice Reveals Them" (124) appear at first glance to be nothing alike. Their structures, however, are very similar. While the first poem is much longer, they are both set up in small chunks causing a somewhat choppy reading.
"19 Varieties of Gazelle" is about freedom. The Gazelle has this grace and elegance and may roam wherever it's heart takes it. A sense of jealousy for this Gazelle is given off. The idea that people are more restrained, they are told "Don't bother to go there,...It's too far" (88). This sense of reservation and being compared to something that lacks all restraints.
"A Single Slice Reveals Them" also compares people to something else, in this case it is the apple. This poem also illustrates peoples restraints. In this poem Nye keeps it short and broken up. People are like this contained apple. While you bite the apple to reveal the inside, people must "talk and talk and talk to let somebody in" (124). This same idea of peoples reservations and a kind of shell around them stoping them from being as free as the Gazelle are themes these two seemingly different poems share.
Irene Bloomer
"19 Varieties of Gazelle" is about freedom. The Gazelle has this grace and elegance and may roam wherever it's heart takes it. A sense of jealousy for this Gazelle is given off. The idea that people are more restrained, they are told "Don't bother to go there,...It's too far" (88). This sense of reservation and being compared to something that lacks all restraints.
"A Single Slice Reveals Them" also compares people to something else, in this case it is the apple. This poem also illustrates peoples restraints. In this poem Nye keeps it short and broken up. People are like this contained apple. While you bite the apple to reveal the inside, people must "talk and talk and talk to let somebody in" (124). This same idea of peoples reservations and a kind of shell around them stoping them from being as free as the Gazelle are themes these two seemingly different poems share.
Irene Bloomer
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
19 Varieties of Gazelle: (Section 2) Silent Words
"The Tray" on page 105 and "A Single Slice Reveals Them" on page 124 both discuss words that are not necessarily spoken. The poem "The Tray" is about the ritual of tea drinking. Tea drinking is used for numerous reasons but here the author drinks tea with her companions through a situation where people cannot find words. The words are spoken through the shared tea and the only noise comes from the sips. They can share in this exercise. The tea is the beginning of the conversation.
"A Single Slice Reveals Them" also explains how eating an apple is similar to not sharing words. The meat of the fruit is underneath the skin and the very core contains seeds to ideas, hopes, dreams, and beliefs that can all be accessed through words and speech and sharing with others. these are were the poems can overlap either by sharing words out loud or silently. Talking about things we care about is like peeling back the layers and borders we put up for ourselves. The eating of the apple is the ending of the conversation.
"A Single Slice Reveals Them" also explains how eating an apple is similar to not sharing words. The meat of the fruit is underneath the skin and the very core contains seeds to ideas, hopes, dreams, and beliefs that can all be accessed through words and speech and sharing with others. these are were the poems can overlap either by sharing words out loud or silently. Talking about things we care about is like peeling back the layers and borders we put up for ourselves. The eating of the apple is the ending of the conversation.
19 Varieties of Gazelle: (Section 1) Comparison
"What Kind of Fool Am I?" on page 8 and "Red Brocade" on page 40 are poems that curiously show the before and after of culture transitioning. "Red" discusses the cultural norm I assume in the Arabic culture of taking in someone for three days when they ask for refuge, properly feeding and housing them. It also goes on to point out that questions cannot be asked of the stranger until after a certain extent, the author's attitude of the end of the poem suggests this is an inconvenience to her but she must obey this law, "No, I was not busy when you came! I was not pretending to be busy... I refuse to be claimed..." (41). This is a contrast to the "What Kind.." poem that highlights another culture that I assume is American.
"What Kind of Fool Am I?" I have interpreted is about a father who had brought and/or started his family in America but kept his old culture in addition to the new one. In the beginning he is singing songs from the Arabic practices but then transitions into English. His children ask him what kind of fools they were and he answers they are not fools at all. The second piece of evidence of the culture transition is when the narrator mentions he has given them the freedom to be fools if they wanted to me. I took this to mean permission freedom, meaning being silly when they want too as well as the freedoms of living in a place such as America, typically connected with the idea of freedom.
The poems are similar with their obvious influences of the culture they live under but different when it comes to which cultures are being practiced. The first follows one culture while the second poem has the blend of two different cultures.
"What Kind of Fool Am I?" I have interpreted is about a father who had brought and/or started his family in America but kept his old culture in addition to the new one. In the beginning he is singing songs from the Arabic practices but then transitions into English. His children ask him what kind of fools they were and he answers they are not fools at all. The second piece of evidence of the culture transition is when the narrator mentions he has given them the freedom to be fools if they wanted to me. I took this to mean permission freedom, meaning being silly when they want too as well as the freedoms of living in a place such as America, typically connected with the idea of freedom.
The poems are similar with their obvious influences of the culture they live under but different when it comes to which cultures are being practiced. The first follows one culture while the second poem has the blend of two different cultures.
19 Varieties of Gazelle : comparing poems
The poems "Red Brocade" (40) and "Jerusalem" (92) are two poems that both illustrate how life use to be versus how it is now, and speaks of determination to continue on.
Nye talks about the good old fashioned hospitality and trust that use to exist. how "When a stranger appears at your door, feed him for three days before asking who he is" (40). There was a sense of trust and generosity that has shriveled away. Toward the end, however, Nye wont give up "I refuse to be claimed" (41).
At first glance the poem "Jerusalem" seems very different. With closer examination, however, I found several similarities. In this poem Nye's father becomes betrayed by his best friend. A rock is thrown at his head and then the friend says that "he was aiming at a bird". The following statement "and my father starts growing wings" clarifies that the friend is in fact lying. A best friend use to be a sacred thing, like hospitality. Being betrayed by your best friend is a huge change in the old classic dynamics. But the father keeps his head up even when "Soldiers stalk a pharmacy: big guns, little pills" (93). When your whole world becomes turned upside down, staying strong and fighting is the best thing that can be done. Both of these poems illustrate this staying strong against changing surroundings.
Irene Bloomer
Nye talks about the good old fashioned hospitality and trust that use to exist. how "When a stranger appears at your door, feed him for three days before asking who he is" (40). There was a sense of trust and generosity that has shriveled away. Toward the end, however, Nye wont give up "I refuse to be claimed" (41).
At first glance the poem "Jerusalem" seems very different. With closer examination, however, I found several similarities. In this poem Nye's father becomes betrayed by his best friend. A rock is thrown at his head and then the friend says that "he was aiming at a bird". The following statement "and my father starts growing wings" clarifies that the friend is in fact lying. A best friend use to be a sacred thing, like hospitality. Being betrayed by your best friend is a huge change in the old classic dynamics. But the father keeps his head up even when "Soldiers stalk a pharmacy: big guns, little pills" (93). When your whole world becomes turned upside down, staying strong and fighting is the best thing that can be done. Both of these poems illustrate this staying strong against changing surroundings.
Irene Bloomer
Monday, January 30, 2012
19 Varieties of Gazelle (Section 1): A Home in this World
The two poems that I chose to compare and contrast were "My Father and the Figtree" (p. 6-7) and "My Grandmother in the Stars" (p. 69). From face value (and based on the titles) it is clear to see that both of these works center around important people in Nye's life, (i.e. her father and grandmother). Since these two figures provide Nye with her Middle Eastern heritage and background, I think Nye uses these two familial characters to emphasize the importance of roots and developing one's sense of home. Both poems, written in a similar story-telling fashion, incorporate similar themes of world views, being interwoven (i.e. "scarves"), and chasing one's desires.
In the first poem, "My Father and the Figtree," Nye's father expresses his love for the fig. I think that the fig represents the richness of his culture and how, no matter where he went, he longed for a place where he could be surrounded by the "sweetest" fruit there was; but could never find it. When he discounted a dried fig as generic and lifelyess saying, "I'm talking about a fig straight from the earth---gift of Allah!---on a branch so heavy it touches the ground" (l. 15-17) Nye is trying to show the significance of the fruit and how it is a direct gift from above, but comes down on the same level of the people despite it's opulence. It isn't until he finds a home with a figtree that grew naturally that Nye's father feels he has finally found a place in this world that is his own. His home.
Compared to the second poem, "My Grandmother in the Stars," Nye, again discusses finding one's place in the world, but goes on to further discuss what makes that place a home. Nye, now deals with the passing of her grandmother, a very religious woman, and says "Where we live in the world is never one place" (l. 12-13) which I believe ties into the first poem. Nye and her grandmother are from two different worlds, but through it all, the sky, and their beliefs, hold them together (just as Nye's father's beliefs kept him grounded in spite of his constant moving). Not only does a grounded faith keep Nye and her family united, their memories with each other connect them when they can no longer reside in the same home. No matter what, they will always have the roots of their "figtree" and memories to make them rich.
In the first poem, "My Father and the Figtree," Nye's father expresses his love for the fig. I think that the fig represents the richness of his culture and how, no matter where he went, he longed for a place where he could be surrounded by the "sweetest" fruit there was; but could never find it. When he discounted a dried fig as generic and lifelyess saying, "I'm talking about a fig straight from the earth---gift of Allah!---on a branch so heavy it touches the ground" (l. 15-17) Nye is trying to show the significance of the fruit and how it is a direct gift from above, but comes down on the same level of the people despite it's opulence. It isn't until he finds a home with a figtree that grew naturally that Nye's father feels he has finally found a place in this world that is his own. His home.
Compared to the second poem, "My Grandmother in the Stars," Nye, again discusses finding one's place in the world, but goes on to further discuss what makes that place a home. Nye, now deals with the passing of her grandmother, a very religious woman, and says "Where we live in the world is never one place" (l. 12-13) which I believe ties into the first poem. Nye and her grandmother are from two different worlds, but through it all, the sky, and their beliefs, hold them together (just as Nye's father's beliefs kept him grounded in spite of his constant moving). Not only does a grounded faith keep Nye and her family united, their memories with each other connect them when they can no longer reside in the same home. No matter what, they will always have the roots of their "figtree" and memories to make them rich.
19 Varieties of Gazelle: Quote
"If grandmothers and children were in charge of the world, there would never be any wars" (p. xviii). I found this quote particularly endearing because I think it really captured the essence and value system of the author. Obviously, as the matriarch of the family and the anchor of Nye's Middle Eastern roots and culture, her grandmother represented a purity and faith that had been lost in so many other forms. I think this quote, and the entire introduction, set the appropriate tone to help see the poems in the way the author intended. It is about learning to be free, but never forgetting one's roots, or innocence in the wake of tragedy.
19 Varieties of Gazelle: Power of Words
"Writers, believers in words, could not give up words when the going got rough. I found myself, as millions did, turning to poetry." Page vxi.
In reference to a tragic event did Nye say this quote, especially September 11th. Even though it is a cliche that 'actions speak louder than words', I believe in the other cliche that says 'the pen is mightier than the sword' whole heartily. Words are universal even if they are in different languages and provide one of the greatest outlets for emotions, ideas, and knowledge. Poetry for the author meant getting her voice out into the world and showing actions of a few people do not reflect or determine the attitudes of an entire people. This quote immediately spoke to me, universal words and universal feelings.
In reference to a tragic event did Nye say this quote, especially September 11th. Even though it is a cliche that 'actions speak louder than words', I believe in the other cliche that says 'the pen is mightier than the sword' whole heartily. Words are universal even if they are in different languages and provide one of the greatest outlets for emotions, ideas, and knowledge. Poetry for the author meant getting her voice out into the world and showing actions of a few people do not reflect or determine the attitudes of an entire people. This quote immediately spoke to me, universal words and universal feelings.
19 Varieties of Gazelle : Arabic
"The man with laughing eyes stopped smiling to say, 'Until you speak Arabic, you will not understand pain" (90).
I really enjoyed this quote. It made me stop and think. Its simple, short, but very powerful. When someone has "laughing eyes" that is true joy, something you cant fake. But then to have all his joy sucked out of his eyes with his next sentence puts added importance and enfaces on it. Here, it is being stated that only true Arabs, ones that speak Arabic, understand true pain. That is a very bold statement but by having a normally joyous person say it gives it added validity. It is stated in such a way that instead of challenging such a bold statement, one pities.
Irene Bloomer
I really enjoyed this quote. It made me stop and think. Its simple, short, but very powerful. When someone has "laughing eyes" that is true joy, something you cant fake. But then to have all his joy sucked out of his eyes with his next sentence puts added importance and enfaces on it. Here, it is being stated that only true Arabs, ones that speak Arabic, understand true pain. That is a very bold statement but by having a normally joyous person say it gives it added validity. It is stated in such a way that instead of challenging such a bold statement, one pities.
Irene Bloomer
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Breath, Eyes, Memory: Foreshadowing
Toward the end of this book there was lots of foreshadowing hinting towards Sophie's mother's suicide. When she is talking to Sophie about the baby she talks about the baby being the death of her. How the child was talking to her, and trying to hurt her. Later she sings "Sometimes I feel like a motherless child" and says "I want that sung at my funeral" (215). Most parents pray that their children will out live them. When Sophie's mother dies, however, she leaves not only Sophie a motherless child, but her unborn baby as well. Later that evening. when saying goodbye, Sophie's mother hugs her and wont let go, Marc then says to her "She will come back" and separates the two of them (216). That scene would in fact be the last time that this mother and daughter would ever see each other face to face. The final words ever spoken between the two of them would later be "Pray to the Virgin Mother for me" (217). All of these actions and statements are hints towards Sophie's mother's future death. Not only her death, but the way in which she dies is also important. She stabs her unborn child twelve times. The final thing she ever says to Sophie is a biblical statement, and she stabs herself. "Pray to the Virgin Mother" is a very important last statement. She feels the guilt because she is not in fact a virgin herself, she has now been pregnant twice and not one married. She can no longer identify herself with the Virgin Mary. This reference to god is also interesting as she commits suicide and a violent act such as this makes it so one can no longer get into heaven. For someone so religious she had committed quite a few sins herself.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Breath, Eyes, Memory: Home?
"'You have never called it[Haiti] that since we've been together. Home has always been your mother's house, that you could never go back to'" (195). It was very curious to me the multiple meanings I had concluded from this line Joseph had said to Sophie. The firs meaning was the use of the word home. I suspect from this line Sophie never refers to her house with Joseph her home but places she had to leave unwillingly. Her "home" at her mother's house and leaving there I believe was unwilling because she probably didn't want to leave there but felt that she had to when her mother threatened to never come back. Unwilling because at the time it seemed to be her only option to leave and go to Joseph. When she first left Haiti she did not want to leave as well in fear of finally meeting her mother and leaving the only life she had ever known with her Tante Atie. The second time she leaves Haiti, this time referring to it as her home, she has to resume her life with her husband back in America. Another obligation she must fulfill.
Her label of home also seems to be wherever her mother is. Perhaps she is subconsciously recognizing that her connection to her mother is stronger than she wants to admit, even to herself. "..Home has always been your mother's house..." This is the place Sophie truly became someone's daughter which really signifies the importance of her role in the mother/daughter relationship. Mothers in many cultures make houses into homes because they provide a sense of security and nurture. Even though Sophie didn't realize until the never end that her mother testing was not an actual punishment but what her mother felt was just proper procedure for keeping her daughter pure she can see the love in her mothers actions (207). When she refers to Haiti as her home it is the time she spends with her grandmother, aunt and mother. All three generation, four including the baby, but only three mothers. This is probably the only time Sophie's family was the closest to complete probably prompting her to categorize it as a home. Such "home" things were the sharing of beds, which all of the members of the family have done, the cooking with the spices tying them together, as well as the storytelling.
The last conclusion drawn from Joseph's choice of words are "...that you could never go back to.." Originally when Sophie left her mother's she felt that she would never be allowed to go back there, banished. Her mother wouldn't even return any of the letters Sophie had sent. As far as she was concerned she would never be returning to that "home". When departing from Haiti and returning to America Sophie probably felt that she would never really be able to return to Haiti or at least when she did it would only be for funerals. When going back for funerals the people that made it home for her would have passed on, no longer giving the home feel. In fact her third time being in Haiti, her essential "home" beacon is gone physically forever. Her mother is lost to her, just as they were starting over.
Breath, Eyes, Memory 2: The Color of Skin
Through my continued reading of Danticat's novel and application of the posts made earlier this week in my analysis of the text, I have found the theme of color to be of increasing importance. I'm not sure if this was an observation had by all, but the imagery used to describe the places, the environment, and (most importantly) the people in this story is both subtle and vivid. As discussed earlier this week, the importance of yellow and red were important for Sophie; but what I also saw as important was how Sophie observed the color of other's skin in reference to various shades of brown.
Based on the information provided from last class's lecture, we know that there were many variations in race and skin color in Haiti. I think this is an important theme that Danticat explores as all people of dark skin are not "black" and all people of light skin are not "white." There are unique nuances in everyone's pigmentation whether they be copper-, russet-, or mud-colored, every person's skin is beautiful for it is a map of all the people and places that have touched a person during their life. Sophie is very aware that her skin is not like her aunt's, mother's, or daughter's, but it is her coming to terms with her own beauty that is so important to her self and racial identity. Although not the most important theme in the text, I found Danticat's way of incorporating this common idea to be clever and beautiful.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Breath, Eyes, Memories: Tante Atie
What I don't understand is why Tante Atie was so opposed to the Mother's Day card from Sophie. Sophie made it with the intention of giving it to her aunt, so I believe her aunt should have accepted it. I believe she was as deserving as any other mother for a card with a flower inside of it.Even if it was her actual mother's favorite flower, a daffodil. Tante Atie had raised Sophie and loved and nurtured her exactly like a mother for her own daughter. Although she always referred to Sophie as "her child" (31). The days leading up to Sophie's departure it was obvious Tante Atie began to mourn over the loss of "her child".
I do believe that Atie strongly believed in the relationship between a mother and daughter and felt that Sophie was never really hers in that type of relationship but probably wanted to. She was unable to have a family of her own because the love of her life married someone else. Maybe it is painful for Atie to think of Sophie as her daughter knowing she will never have one of her flesh and bone. Only her sister's flesh and bone being her daughter. It was refreshing that Atie had always spoke highly of her sister and put the faith in her a being a good mother once Sophie was returned to her, but I think Sophie enjoyed the mere idea of her mother.
Breath, Eyes, Memory : important color themes
From the start of the book there became a repeating theme of the color yellow, especially in reference to daffodils. The book starts on page 3 with "dried yellow leaves". Throughout the first part of the book, while Sophie is still in Haiti there is talk of the sun, wildflowers, and yellow dresses. On page 21 Tante Atie states "Everything you own is yellow...wildflower yellow, like dandelions, sunflowers". Here Sophie interjects with "and daffodils". The only picture Sophie has of her mother is one in which she is wrapped in yellow sheets and has daffodils in her hair. This color yellow is a comfortable color for Sophie, one that represents home for her.
When Sophie first arrives in New York she gets into a "pale yellow car" and her bed in her new home has "yellow sheets". While Sophie is no longer in Haiti this is her new home. She is now with her mother for the first time in twelve years and while everything will take some time to get use to, the theme is still her safe warm yellow color.
When things started to take a turn for the worst for Sophie was when her mother "Started growing hibiscus. She had grown tired of daffodils. We decorated our new living room in red, everything from the carpet to the plastic roses on the coffee table" (65). Not long ofter this color chance Sophie becomes involved with Joseph. We don't see yellow again until Sophie is happy, putting on her "tight fitted yellow dress" to go out with Joseph. This is when she begins to get the annual testing from her mother and part two ends with red blood and Sophie being kicked out of her house. Red means no longer pure.
When Sophie first arrives in New York she gets into a "pale yellow car" and her bed in her new home has "yellow sheets". While Sophie is no longer in Haiti this is her new home. She is now with her mother for the first time in twelve years and while everything will take some time to get use to, the theme is still her safe warm yellow color.
When things started to take a turn for the worst for Sophie was when her mother "Started growing hibiscus. She had grown tired of daffodils. We decorated our new living room in red, everything from the carpet to the plastic roses on the coffee table" (65). Not long ofter this color chance Sophie becomes involved with Joseph. We don't see yellow again until Sophie is happy, putting on her "tight fitted yellow dress" to go out with Joseph. This is when she begins to get the annual testing from her mother and part two ends with red blood and Sophie being kicked out of her house. Red means no longer pure.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Breath, Eyes, Memory: Education vs. Work
During my reading of the first half of Danticat's novel, I found the reoccurring theme of education versus work to be very prominent, especially in terms of young women moving up in society. Both Atie and Martine continue to remind Sophie of how precious and important it is for her to be educated, no matter what. Because both sisters had dreams of being highly educated but were derailed by "finding out they had limits" (43), they want to see their Sophie accomplishes what they couldn't. Atie and Martine both had to work long hours to get even the simplest things they wanted in life, but for Sophie things could be different.
Despite their good intentions, I think that the pressure put on Sophie to learn English, go to school, and then attend college has ended up stifling her a great deal. It isn't until she meets someone, a man no less, who opted to leave his educational pursuits to follow his passions, that she realizes there may be more out there than working your fingers to the bone in the fields or your brain to death in the classroom. While her aunt and mother want the best for her, their constant pressure and sheltering of Sophie has prevented her from ever exploring her own interests, wishes, or desires. As seen when Joseph asked her what she wanted to do with her life (72), Sophie expresses that "that was the problem. Sophie really wasn't sure [what she wanted to do]. I had never really dared to dream on my own." Perhaps if Sophie had gotten to make her own choices about her life things would have been different. Maybe not every girl has to force an education to become successful.
Despite their good intentions, I think that the pressure put on Sophie to learn English, go to school, and then attend college has ended up stifling her a great deal. It isn't until she meets someone, a man no less, who opted to leave his educational pursuits to follow his passions, that she realizes there may be more out there than working your fingers to the bone in the fields or your brain to death in the classroom. While her aunt and mother want the best for her, their constant pressure and sheltering of Sophie has prevented her from ever exploring her own interests, wishes, or desires. As seen when Joseph asked her what she wanted to do with her life (72), Sophie expresses that "that was the problem. Sophie really wasn't sure [what she wanted to do]. I had never really dared to dream on my own." Perhaps if Sophie had gotten to make her own choices about her life things would have been different. Maybe not every girl has to force an education to become successful.
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