journal 8.

Journal 8

The Things They Carried

Tim O’ Brien starts with describing many of the things he sees and experiences while being in Vietnam. You begin to notice that certain things are that of fear or guilt, and other things would be like candy or ammunition. He explains different stories that have occurred during this war, and he starts with Ted Lavender. He was the type of man known as to be scared. He used to carry tranquilizers and drugs with him until he died. He was shot in the head when he was on his way back to camp from going to the bathroom. Also, Jimmy Cross is seen as a main part in the stories that go on. When it comes to Ted he found himself at a huge loss at his death. The reason for this would be that his death reminded Cross of his secret love, Martha. This love was one that he gave, but never received. They dated previous to his leaving, but never again did they date. Then O’ Brien goes on to tell of how he came to be there in the first place. He got drafted in 1968. When he found this out he went to the Canada border and questioned whether he should cross, so that he would not have to go. He decided against it because he did not want to disappoint his family. Along with Ted who died many others did. One would include Curt Lemon, a dentist that fainted before working. Also, Strunk and Dave Jensen had agreed that if one had been really harmed that the other would just kill him. The only thing was, was that when Strunk was hurt he begged Jensen to not hurt him more. Jensen was actually relieved to later find that he had been killed any way. One death that was greater impacted than the rest was Kiowa’s. It was his memory that was told by Norman Bowker in later years that brought it to our attention. He tried to save Kiowa, but a mortar round hit him. This pushed him into a marshy field sinking. Making life meaningful has come around through his words. More things come as to speaking of the purpose of life and why such things are carried. The things that are carried are there for the purpose of what someone needs or has to experience. Later on you hear talk from Bowker and Cross who tell stories of ambushes and what to do outside the village of Than Khe. The experience with this is also touching. Then this story twists into how you see that story changing into one that shows how each person’s story has the power to save. It is like that of imagination. It allows O’ Brien to get over the loss of his first love. It is like what he carried was that of the memory of loss.

Response:

The most influential part of this story would appear to be how each thing that is described has a purpose. This purpose is not only just a p[urpose to use in the war, but a purpose that shows little parts of a person. Each person in this story has their own role in which they take on. With that role the things they exp;erience cause them to carry what they do. For instance, Ted was a man that was found to be scared. He carried tranquiklizers with him just in case he needed them and also carried extra ammunition .

-what made him scared? Memories… things he carried fear

The Lesson

Sylvia and some of her friends are waioting next to the mailbox for her neighbor to return. Her name is Miss Moore. She is one different from the rest with extremely black skin and white feet. Miss Moore desires to teach the children how the world they see is much different from what the white life is like. You notice that the children think Miss Moore is one who ruins summer plans, but the parents put upo with her because she take them off her hands. Also, she has a college education, so she can teach them. This time Moore is teaching about money. Sylvia does not like what this woman does with them. She finds her dumb for having an much education. Sylvia would rather be taking money and hair ribbons away from Indians. They walk toeard the subway, and Moore speaks of the cost of different things. She informs of how they live in a not very good part compared to others especially. She also tells of how the wealth is not split equally in this country. When they split into cabs, Sylvia is told to tip the driver five percent when they stop. Moore appears to do this on purpose since Sylvia cannot do such math. When they stop Sylvia decides to just not give the driver any. The children point jokes towards the driver’s mother until he drives off. Then gthey turn around and notice that they are outrside a toy store. All the people are extremely dressed up, and Sylvia declares whites crazy. While looking in the windows one child asks if they can steal once they get inside. Moore pretends not to hear right. All the children are excited and talk of what they are going to buy. Big Butt talks of how he is going to buy a microscope. Many say that he would not even know what to do with it. Moore takes him seriously and goes on about what he could learn from it. When asked what the price is they all realize that it would be out of the question. Sylvia comments lkon how it would take too long to save up that kind of money, and others talk of how he would outgrow it before he did. Rosie sees a part of multicolored glass through the window. She asks what it is and finds that it is a paper weight. Flyboy says that it is for weighing paper, but Moore corrects him. She says it is to hold down papers on a desk. They notice that it would not be needed because they do not keep papers on their desks at school, and they do not have desks at home. Mercedes comments on how she has stationary on her desk that her grandmother brought her. Rosie comments saying, “Who cares?” Flyboy chimes in seeing a sailboat in the window. They notice that is costs over one thousand dollars! Sylvia is angered by this. They talk about how in the worlkd anybody would buy something like that, and on how they could go make one for fifty cents. QT looks at the boat the whole time and really wants it, but he is too small. Rosie questions why parents would buy something like that that would just get sbroken. When Qt says rich people must shop at this store, Flyboys sarcastically says, “What gave you the clue?” Sylvia asks what a real boat costs, and Moore told her to find out and let everyone know. Moore says that they should go inside. Sylvia goes, but she holds back. It is not that she is afraid to go into the store, but feels as if she shouldn’t. Mercedes pushes through and goes to the front. They go inside and are very careful not touch anything. Once they get to the boat one runs their hand along the side as iof it is something miraculous. Sylvia is angered and wants to punch someone. When she sees a monkey toy that costs thirty five dollars, she comments on all the things she could do with that. When they return Moore asks what they thought of the store. Mercedes wants to go back with money, Rosie thinks whites are crazy, and Sylvia didn’t say anything. Sugar says that the sailboat probably costs more than what they eat in a year. Sylvia steps on her foot because it appeared enbcouraging to Moore and tha was agains the rules. Mooire then talks about how the costs had meanings. CFomments were made such as maybe life in this country is not a democracy. Things such as pursuit of happiness should be equal, but money is not in this case. Then Sylvia stops talking and leaves. Sugar and her were going to go get some food as a race. Sugar got ahead, but Sylvia planned on going somewhere else anyway to be alone.

Things that are not needed

quiz 2.

Jordin Lanigan
Introduction to Literature
Mrs. Lebo
Quiz 2
April 5, 2010
In the story Where are you Going, Where have you Been? you can clearly depict how one person has the ability to take control in a little aspect changing one’s life forever. Connie was a girl that could be viewed as a free spirit. She came off to be a fun-loving flirty girl. She often spent time with her friends and secretly spent time with boys. Like many teenagers, Connie liked to feel good about herself when it came to her appearance. She even went as far as to wear clothes a certain way when she was at home versus not at home. This was one way that brought attraction to her, and one way that brought on a huge mess for her too. One boy saw her walking through a parking lot and after such he turned into one obsessed. He went to visit Connie, but only after having done his research about whether anyone else would be home. When he arrived Connie was not as up to leaving with him as he had hoped. She did not even know him, but he went on and on about the fun they would have. He introduced himself as Arnold Friend and talked about how his car seemed to tell some stories with what was on it. This still did not attract her attention to him though. She refused to leave with him once again. With that, Arnold’s secret anger settled in and threats were soon spoken towards Connie. She then said that she would call the police if he would not leave. This did not scare him, but then fell back on Connie. He told her that that wouldn’t be wise due to what would then become of her family. She started to notice that he seemed much older than what appeared at first sight. This brought fear into her on top of what was already there from his previous threats. She tried to lock the door of her house to stay safe, but her trembling wouldn’t allow it. She did not know what to do. She was just an innocent girl that wished to continue on with her life. She threatened to call the police again and went for the phone. She soon found that she was on the floor. A pain inflicted by Arnold hit her like she was being stabbed. She realized that she no longer had control. Arnold took everything from her, and now she had no choice but to give in. She was told to get up off the floor and did so walking out the door of her house. She crossed the threshold into her end and was completely aware that it would be her last step in the place she once called home. As you can see Arnold appeared to have the mindset that he was “going to do anything to get what he wants”. Unfortunately, no one was there to stop him, and he did get exactly what he wanted. He went there for Connie and with her he left. This portrayal of Machiavellianism is clearly shown through Arnold’s actions against Connie.

Drama Exam.

Question 1
The tone of voice and the words spoken from Hamlet create the story. Without his agony, thoughts, and understanding this story would mean much less of what it is. Hamlet starts out as a man who desires revenge upon his father’s death. His own uncle murdered him and married his mother. This repulsive action brought fury to Hamlet, but he did not know how to act upon such a thing. He was very hesitant at first. He began to act strange and contemplate what to do. It was found that he needed something to push him to do this action of vengeance. His father’s ghost came to speak with him, and this brought him to the full realization that revenge was needed. The ghost spoke of how he needed such because of many reasons. One of these being, he had not received redemption as he deserved. Hamlet portrays his feelings on these things through the soliloquies he spoke. One of the most memorable was when Hamlet questioned “to be or not to be”. Hamlet felt as if he could not take it anymore. The emotions inside were building at an unbearable rate, suicide seemed a way out. Hamlet spoke out of such despair. He could not stand all of the things around him. Once Hamlet saw what this was doing to him and all of its effects on himself and his father he decided to take action. A play was formed as an explanation through performance to bring about the guilt. This plan was one that granted his understanding that his uncle did kill his father. The play showed almost an exact replica of how Hamlet’s father was killed. His uncle was completely convicted through this. He stopped everything in the middle of the play and left. If this was not proof enough, Hamlet saw through many other acts against him that did. His uncle, Claudius, tried so hard for him to leave, but through each thing Hamlet was still there one way or another. His ways were found threatening, and with those things in life that appear that way we do away with. No one wants to be uncovered or convicted. This feeling is awful beyond all else. It is like a teenager who will not admit that their parents were right. Claudius did not want to admit it. Worst of all, he did not want to give up what he now had either. Hamlet was driven crazy over the things he found. He ruined all relationships that meant anything to him. One in particular, Ophelia went mad at the way Hamlet treated her. Hamlet did not tell her the reasons for his acting strange. He encountered her on separate occasions, and his ways seemed directed towards Ophelia in her view. She did not know how to treat herself or even act anymore. Once her father was killed it began the last straw. She supposedly fell into the water, but it is easily inferred that she committed suicide. This was just one relationship that Hamlet’s actions and words affected. Through all of these actions many around him thought he had been driven completely and utterly mad. Hamlet was reacting to all of these things other knew not of. His actions would seem crazy because of this. Another thing that is often overlooked is how whenever Hamlet tries to tell another something they shut him out. They feel as if there is no way what he speaks is true because what they say is true. Towards the end you find that Hamlet is about to accomplish the goal set for vengeance on Claudius. As it unfolds and deaths occur, we see that the people start to see the reasons for Hamlet’s actions. It should make them wonder if this situation would have been different if the ending would have changed. It makes you question whether you would have changed views if you had listened to the way Hamlet said things and why he said them.
Question 2
John Wright’s wife appeared to have murdered him out of anger. She was mentally gone. It seemed John had taken out of her everything that had worth. She had been pushed and pushed, and her limit had been met. She kept a secret bird to hold the position of the last thread of happiness she had. John killed that bird, and the next thing we knew he was dead along with it. Through that action he took what was left of her. This makes the question of how could one think that this was okay. If you truly think about it though, you see that out of all the actions forced upon her it was the only thing she could do. The abuse laid upon her drove her to insanity. It was a necessity in her position to get rid of him. Many cases are found where this is true. The only ways of justifying your actions would be to say that it was out of self defense or plead insanity. In this, no action evidence can be found therefore, defense would not be easily taken. With the evidence found by the women in this story it is, however, easily seen that she had met insanity. The situation this woman was in gives us a different view of if it was right or not. Obviously she murdered her husband, but she did it because he drove her to do it. Can this mean that he brought it upon himself? That is for you to conclude. We see several different instances that provide a justification for a case. This is whether it is out of insanity, self defense, or any other point. You see that your view may change with the story. If you came right out with the exact facts that were found in the Wright’s story you would say that she was completely at fault and should be done away with. This does make you question though, did she have a reason that you would find okay? In my opinion, she is guilty and should be imprisoned unless insanity is pled. Just in my own opinion you view how there is always an “unless”. You can conclude from this that out of each situation the way you see things are different. Every thought is found dependent on the background information. This is true of “Trifles” and many other stories.

Video Interpretations.

Each of these videos brings emphasis to several different things. Using the different views from the person who created them you can see differences. In Oedipus the King Part 10/12, emphasis is brought to the fact that he is blind. This appears to have psychologically impaired him. Oedipus is not only literally blind, but figuratively too. He could not see that he actually did kill his father and marry his mother as the prophecy was proclaimed. He was ignorant in seeing the truth. Now he hides his face in attempts to keep it from the people. Another thing that stands out when he hides his face is that he is wearing white. His white clothing that was once pure as a king would be thought of, but is now stained in blood. Two red blood spots have bled through his sleeve as to show that hiding is not an option for him now.

The despair and agony that Oedipus is going through is also portrayed as significant. Oedipus is moaning because of the pain and shame he now feels. The gods’ power was what determined this pain. Due to their proclamation of the prophecy, and the fact that they are gods and not wrong meant that it was to happen no matter what. Nothing could bring a way around it as Oedipus had hoped. The tone of his voice declares the true feeling he has about what happened. He is angry at himself because he was the one who brought this on. Oedipus even hits his chest when he is referring to himself to show this. Also, he reaches out as if to demonstrate that he needs something to hold on to. Literally he may need something to hold on to because he is blind, but it also appears to mean that he needs someone to hold on to through this time. He does not know what will happen to him yet. He has some hope that Kreon will now put him into exile instead of just kill him.

In the other Oedipus video called, “Oedipus the King” starring Christopher Plummer part 12 of 14, an importance appears to be attached to the sadness of the people and Oedipus because of his actions. Oedipus is seen with scratched out eyes because the prophecy was fulfilled, and he could not bear to see his own face. His mother and wife, children, and he are now punished for his actions. He thinks that he deserves nothing more than to have died when he was supposed to as a child. A few of the people, seen to be as in the chorus, turn away. They look away from Oedipus, whether it is sadness or pain as the reason when he comes out of the palace. Also, once he comes out he is seemingly forced to come out away from the shadows. This may be symbolic as to Oedipus having to come out away from the past of what had occurred. It was when the sunlight hit him that it appeared that what had actually happened came to light.

Also, when the chorus surrounds Oedipus they put their staffs out. It was like they did not want to have Oedipus touch them. He had to keep his distance like he is trapped inside a gate. This gate is one that keeps him from the so- called normal people he had once been with. This, in a way, belittles him. He is the same person he was, but now they know a little more about him. That part of the video depicts this which is somewhat different in respects to the other video.

The chorus appears much differently by the different views. The chorus in the first video seemed to have nothing to do with Oedipus while the chorus in the second seemed to push him away. He was like a plague to them instead of just a sad soul. The first chorus talks of his insanity and how such a thing could happen. In the second they turned away from Oedipus in a way that showed their sadness instead of just reality speaking through them. They were as people would normally act. Also, the way Oedipus is fully depicted shows this. In Oedipus the King starring Christopher Plummer you see a man who looks to be much like a normal person rather than in the other Oedipus is seen dripping in blood, down on his knees pleading.

In Hamlet Act3, Scene1 Soliloquy we see that Hamlet is questioning whether he is “to be or not to be”. He is psychologically distraught pondering back and forth between the possibilities. While speaking you notice that he is wearing black in a room with mirrors all surrounding. This seems to intensify that Hamlet cannot escape. Where ever he turns his father’s death will always haunt him until he seeks revenge. He feels heartache from this. His father had no redemption and now must seek the consequences in the afterlife. Due to all of this, Hamlet questions whether he should commit suicide. He speaks of sleep you do not wake from that will take you away from such misery. When he pulls out a knife a picture of his father comes to mind. It is as if thoughts of his father would sway his decision one way or another. The tone of his voice represents his feelings of sadness and hatred, and the way that he is shown emphasizes this.

The interpretation of Fodor’s Hamlet depicts many different aspects that occur through thoughts such as what Hamlet experienced with suicide. In the beginning a tape recorder is used to seemingly preserve his words. The words spoken will not be heard again just as his life will not be lived again. Also, it indicates the differences in the views of people. The man’s eyes are brought to your attention. They wander showing despair and a sense of being lost. He pauses before he speaks as with the purpose of gathering his thoughts. It looks like he does not want to admit his thoughts about death, and when death is mentioned it is like an affirmation to him. Death is something that seems so far off until you really consider it. You see the people in this video showed to be just as any other normal person. It makes you consider yourself to be in the position of that man. Each of them go by and kiss the dead body appearing to be a sign of farewell that cannot be taken back. In the end one very important action is made. This is when the girl goes to kiss the body, but it turns out to be the body of the man that has been speaking his thoughts. There is only one thing different. He opens his eyes as if awakening from a sleep. The creator brought this to light in a way that makes it known that you have a choice. This man’s realization stopped him from the drastic measures that could have been taken.

These two interpretations of the thoughts Hamlet had of suicide depict clearly the differences a mind can have. Each person has their own thoughts. In the first video it is mainly based on what Hamlet was really thinking. It showed Hamlet torn between the catacombs of his mind. He wanted to let go of the heartache, but first he must seek revenge. In Fodor’s we see it as a key into our minds as individuals. The way it showed each person being different made you feel a part of it. It makes you clearly understand what goes through the mind of an individual who has been put through so much. Also, the mirrors show that Hamlet cannot pretend for himself. He is thinking what he is and must get it off his chest. There is no secret as to what he wishes to happen. With the tape recorder though, you see how this anonymous man hesitates in proclaiming the thoughts he has afraid to declare it to himself and others.

Trifles

Summary: Trifles

The story is introduced as being in the midst of a crime scene. The county attorney, Sheriff, Mr. and Mrs. Hale, and Mrs. Peters (the Sheriff’s wife) are at the house of John Wright. It is now abandoned and extremely cold due to no heat running as of this time. They have the oven going to stay warm while they are there investigating. The county attorney and sheriff are in search of some motive as to who killed John Wright. He was hung supposedly in his sleep without his wife even realizing. Mr. Hale was going to John’s house to ask him if he wanted a telephone the night of his death. He knocked at the door and thought he heard someone say come in, but was not sure. He went in and saw John’s wife in the rocking chair sort of pleating her apron in a weird way. She seemed to pay little attention to him and cared not that he was there. Mr. Hale questioned her as to where John was. She informed him that he was dead from a rope that was put around his neck. It was very strange to see the way she was acting. Her husband is dead and she is sitting in a rocking chair petting her apron. She appeared to be in a state of shock; otherwise she did it and did not know what to do next. The men conversed about this and looked around for any signs that she or another murdered him. They criticized her cleanliness and style in the house. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale did not approve of that act. It was like she was supposed to have cleaned the house before they took her away. The men went upstairs to look around for more evidence while the women stayed down. They sought to find a few things of John’s wife’s to give to her. They found that some jarred fruit of hers had been frozen as she was afraid might happen. A cherry one was found, though. When she was taken from the home there were a couple things that came to mind that she spoke of. She was worried about this fruit, for instance. The women thought that she did not kill him if she was worried of such things as fruit. Another thing they found was a quilt. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale saw that a part was sewn badly. This wouldn’t have been a big deal if the rest had not been close to perfect. It was as if she was nervous when she sewed it. When the men heard them talking they overheard that they wondered if she was going to finish it with knots or not. They laughed at this since it appeared to be such a stupid remark. The men went back to their work as did the women. A bird cage was found in the cupboard and they brought it out to look at it. Neither of them thought that John would have liked to have a bird, but his wife would. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale saw that the door seemed to have been torn open with force. Like an act of anger. They wondered where the bird had gone. Along with this they still gathered the things to bring to her. It was agreed that it would be a good idea to bring the quilt to her. They looked for some sewing things and found a red box, but when they opened it a dead bird was found hung at the neck. It was a startling sight and it was said to have been John that did this. Maybe the death of John should be linked to this, but when the men came down the stairs they did not say a word about it. Almost in a guilty way the words of the Sheriff were said to Mrs. Peters. The county attorney asked if they should check what the Mrs. Peters had found to bring to John’s wife, but the Sheriff said that he trusted her. She was practically “married to the law” and would do nothing wrong. Then the men decided to check the windows, but before they Mrs. Hale walked out she grabbed the red box with the bird inside and shoved it in her pocket. The county attorney asked if they had found if they were going to quilt it or the other thing they called it. With a meaning they would never know Mrs. Hale said that they called it knot it.

Full Response:

This story was twisted in many different ways that I had not expected to happen. From the beginning there was a hint that struck me as John’s wife had killed him, but it was thrown in different ways that made me question what really did happen. The structure helped this on its way. I was drawn in by the way it started with a story of what happened with Mr. Hale. When he found Mrs. Wright she was sitting in a rocking chair rocking back and forth in a nervous way. Mr. Hale soon found that her husband was dead by a rope around his neck. It made me question what really happened to him and if it was Mrs. Wright that had killed him. Through the way the men speak of trying to find a motive I came to the conclusion that I too believed she did it.

When it went to the women’s point of views being played out I still had this thought, but was eager to see what they would find. As they stumble upon thing after thing I found that in my opinion Mrs. Hale was a superstitious person. She was always drawing her own conclusions to the case and creating more questions to further her knowledge as to who committed the crime. Mrs. Peters was there to assist in this, but I also saw her as too nervous to seek anything out like Mrs. Hale did. When they would find something worth questioning Mrs. Peters would continually have a guilty feeling, and she would carefully try not to get too into the case for the fear of what would happen.

Also, I questioned what had brought this act on. This is again the question of what would make a person do such a thing. No truthfully clear answer can be found in such a thing besides psychological happenings. A person’s past has a lot to do with this in my opinion. Much of what someone goes through carries over to what they are like later on in life. It made me wonder if the way Mrs. Wright acted was due to her experiences with John. Maybe she was glad he was dead if he had tormented her with things especially the bird.

Another thing that I noticed was that when the men in this story were talking to Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale they did so in a way that belittled them. It was as if they didn't deserve the same respect as men. They would laugh at them when they mentioned the quilt, but really in the end it had significance. The women were actually the ones who found missing links to the case. In my opinion, I think that this is just a little proof that men should start letting women have a little more say in things.