Journal 5

I believe that The Wild Duck is not a tragedy. This is because both the fact that the person who dies is usually at a high social or economic place and then the tragedy is their fall itself. However, The Wild Duck does not really have a fall but merely an odd death. Furthermore, there is no clear hero in The Wild Duck, but merely major characters. For this to be a tragedy Hedvig would have to be the hero of the story, however that would be hard to argue. Although early on she stands out as a unique character in the sense that she is arguably the only pure one, she does not play a major role. This changes only after her death where her suicide takes center stage in the play. Also, their extremely docile reaction to the death of her daughter undermines her importance in the overall story.

Journal 4

In this new act, as well as the entire book, it seems no one person shares blame fully. Instead, it is almost as though every character shares a part in the conflict of the book. For one, Gregers is attempting to uncover the truth and is prodding at all characters. This raises tensions, especially Gina, who is acting carefully to preserve the truth from coming to the surface. Then we have Gina to blame because she is the one who is actually constructing the lie as well as maintaining it. She acts almost like the ring master to the circus that is their lives. Next, Hakon Werle is to blame for both having a relationship, as well as having a disfunctional relationship with his son. By not sharing details with his son, Gregers is left to dig for them. Hjalmer is also to blame for his ignorance. However, contrary to Hedvig who is also ignorant, he chooses to be. A specific example of this is when the poisonous vapor is being talked about and he states that no one speaks of such things in his house.

Journal 3

"Ah, thanks. See, dear, it was a good thing I came" (Page 161).

Shows how Hjalmer is constantly trying to create this facade and make himself seem more important.

"My general rule is to delegate the routine matters to her, and that leaves me free to retire to the living room to think over more important things" (Page 167)

Gender issues is discussed here, with Hjalmer thinking her less capable than he.

"Of course it's making progress. Every single day I think about my invention" (Page 169).

Again Hjalmer building himself up.

I wouldn't say you're wounded; but you're wandering in a poisonous swamp, Hjalmar. Youve got an insidious disease in your system and so you've gone to the bottom to die in the dark (Page 170).

Shows Gregers possibly unraveling the truth.

Thanks; that could happen. After all, we had thirteen at the table last night" (Page 171).

Shows Gregers breaking the facade Hjalmer has created, could be a symbol of more to come.

"Ugh, that Gregers Werle-- he was always a cold fish" (Page 178).

Shows how Gina views Gregers.

Journal 2

In the first Act, there is some characterization of Hjalmers - but not much. This contrasts starkly with Act 2 where almost every line helps characterize Hjalmers, but not necessarily in a good way. Through his dialogue, he is almost constantly building himself up and creating a facade of his true life. In this quote he completely negates telling his family what the true number is, even though its extremely likely he remembers. "We were some twelve, fourteen people at the table" (141). This is due to the bad luck surrounding the number as well as the negative comments shot at him by Werle. This same language is then used by Old Ekdal when him, Hjalmer and Gina are discussing his dinner. "Listen to that, Gina! He travels only in the best circles" (142). In this quote Old Ekdal seems extremely sarcastic in the sense that he does not believe that Hjalmer was truly invited to join the group but instead was an outsider, like he was.

Journal 1

There are numerous boundaries in The Wild Duck, including both physical and non-physical. Some examples of this are the fact that Ekdal nearly is not allowed to go through the "private entrance". The fact that he states that he was once essentially allowed to go this way shows us how these non physical boundaries can change. Furthermore, there is even a social boundary when other guests see him and they are almost repulsed. This same boundary goes to the extreme when his own son literally turns his back on him instead of at least saying "hi". Another boundary is again non physical and related to when Werle is speaking to Gregers about the fact that there were 13 guests at the dinner that night. There is a superstitious boundary in the sense that both of them recognize 13 is an unlucky number. However, another social barrier is created when Werle speak in front of Hjalmer about how he is essentially unwelcome, or at least makes him feel as such.

Journal 3

I found it interesting how the fact that Antigone is powerless in this society is contrasted with Creon's attempts to control her. Even though he ultimately fails in the sense that she does what she wants when she buries Polynecies she is killed for it. Her proclaimed upcoming death seems to then again contrast this and put the power closer to Creon. However, the idea that Creon "couldn't stop" the mob now that they had already seen Antigone. This idea of power is even further seen in the entire plot. The reason why the two brothers of Antigone are fighting is for power. And just like their previous agreement in which they would share power as they're equally entitled to rule in comparison with how they kill themselves, both at once, paints this idea. Its ultimately interesting how this play looks at power, or perhaps the lust for it. By the fact that this is a tragic play it seems that no one ever comes out ahead as well.

Journal 2

Antigone and Ismene talk about burying Polynices
The nurse comes in asking where she's been
Antigone avoids all the questions and talks about the beauty of the world
Ismene enters and does the same
Haemen is told by Antigone that he'll never be able to marry her
Antigone get along well and confess their love

Antigone 1

In this play, Antigone, we see a somewhat lack of stage direction. As already discussed in class the "Chorus" could be as many as fifty or as few as one. In this particular play I believe I would choose to have the Chorus represented solely by one person. The reasoning for this would not only be to limit the effect that the Chorus has on the actual production in a distraction. Furthermore, I believe that one person would be more effective in communicating what the Chorus is actually there to say. I would have the stairs right in the middle of the stay with them going up on both sides, almost like a platform.

Another crucial piece of direction in this play would arguably be the lighting. It would seem only fitting to have the lighting change, or be on a constant dark setting due to the dark nature of the play. " He has a premonition of catastrophe (Page 5). However, I would have the lights dim sooner than "gradually, the lights on the stage have been dimmed" as I believe that is only to mark a scene change. To further create the darkness of the play constructed with the lights it seems only reasonable to have the characters also act in a somewhat despondent way. This could be done through hand motions and or the tone of their voice.

Test makeup

Symbol - "A mist of Lily of the Valley surrounds us" (Page 93). In the Handmaids tale, fertility is widely seen throughout the book in many forms. One symbol of fertility itself include references to eggs and flowers. This is done to establish the motif of fertility itself.

Euphemism - "Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don't know. I got a telegram from the home: 'Mother deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours.' That doesn't mean anything" (Page 3). The euphemism used here by Camus constructs the contrast between the method the director and Meursault state that his mother is dead. This contrast immediately portrays Meursault as someone close to emotionless by simply stating the facts about his mothers death.

Consonance - "But the stillness was the sleep of swords" (Page 81). The use of imagery as well as consonance is the author attempting to vividly illustrate the point for the reader. This in turn will increase her ability to effectively communicate her overall message.

Irony - "The pistol and the rifle rang out almost together" (Page 184). This quote is of Janie being forced to shoot Tea Cake after he goes mad with delirium caused by the rabies. This when you take in the fact that Tea Cake only got the rabies protecting Janie is extremely ironic. The purpose of this is to create a theme that does not always lead to being fully satisfied.

Hyperbole - "'Ah ruther be shot with tacks than tuh hear dat 'bout mahself'" (Page 79). The overstated wish acts to clarify feelings that could possibly could be mistaken. Here, Hurston attempts to make it absolutely clear to us how a character feels and in turn how we should interpret it.

Oxymoron - "FREEDOM IS SLAVEY" - This is a 1984 Party slogan. The purpose of the writer including such an impossible figure of speech seems to be to identify the Party itself with such impossibility. This then links the Party to contradictory statements.

Juxtaposition - Zora Hurston juxtaposes the narration of the book, Their Eyes Were Watching God which has a very southern and uneducated dialect with the actual writing of it, which is very educated, deep and intentional. "Tea Cake, put down dat gun and go back tuh bed!" (Page 184)

Paradox - Angels wielding guns is extremely paradoxical. We would never normally expect this to occur, however in the Republic of Gilead this is reality. This is added to show just how abnormal this society is. "Guns were for the guards, special picked from the angels” (4).

Chronology - "The good weather holds. It's almost like June, when we would get out our sundresses and our sandals and go for an ice cream cone. There are three new bodies on the wall" (Page 43). This quote is used to starkly contrast Offred's previous life with her current life which is done with Margaret Atwood's effective use of chronology.

Metaphor - "The heads are the heads of snowmen, with the coal eyes and the carrot noses fallen out. The heads are melting" (Page 32). This quote is used to emphasize the fact that the dead's beliefs are no longer tolerated. Therefore, they are like an old snowman that is melting, out of place in the Republic of Gilead.

Structure - The structure of the method that Margaret Atwood writes with is one constantly interrupted by flashbacks. "Not many things are plastic, anymore. I remember those endless white plastic shopping bags, from the supermarket; I hated to waste them and would stuff them in under the sink" (Page 27). The use of these flashbacks right next to the shocking descriptions of the Republic of Gilead add a level of realism to the possibility of such a society.

Alliteration - "Then again the gold and red and purple, the gloat and glamor of the secret orders" (Page 89). The use of alliterating g's helps to emphasize the repetition of power connotative words. This helps characterize Jody as powerful even in death.

HMT 3

 The structure of society.

The structure of the Republic of Gilead is extremely oppressive. Mirroring that of numerous theistic governments where oppression is widely seen, Gilead is no different. Women's rights are extremely different to those of men in almost every regard; they essentially have none. Alcohol, tobacco and coffee are outlawed. However, the passage in which Serena Joy, a Commanders wife and champion of this society, is seen smoking and reveals a black market skews our perception of true believes in society. Furthermore, girls are made to follow strict social guidelines in almost every regard. They are meant to keep their heads down, keep silent, cannot read or write, cannot have an abortion and must wear confining head coverings to name a few. This theocratic government however, seems to be more of a tool of oppression as opposed to a genuine belief in the religion they purportedly believe in.

However, the basic goal of all these combined laws and restrictions seems to be purely the creation of babies. This is displayed through many beliefs. Among them include the already stated outlawing of tobacco, alcohol and coffee along with such examples of "gender treachery". This is essentially the murder of homosexuals as they likely find homosexuality itself an "abomination". On top of that, their belief that homosexuality is treasonous or a violation of faith by not fathering children. However, this combined with the fact that its stated that not all of Guardians even get wives seems to contradict the point of this practice.

HMT 2

Page 43

More than be at the front of a chapter, I believe Margaret Atwood attempts to place greater importance of developing the book in this chapter. Page 43 begins by talking about the June weather upon them along with how Offred would get ice cream cones. Abruptly however, she immediately begins discussing the Wall and the fact that there were 3 new bodies. This contrast helps us understand the speed at which the change of the United States to The Republic of Gilead occurred. Then Offred tells that it is a priest and 2 men killed for gender treachery. The description of the setting not only shows Offred's seemingly passive nature to people who are murdered provides characterization but also develops the plot by revealing previous details. Atwood uses chronology and context, "still wearing the black cassock. Thats been put on him" to better understand how Gilead came to be the way it is. When its revealed that Offred believes she always has to ask to go back characterization of Ofglen aswell as Offred is provided. Ofglen's reluctance to want to go back shows some mental occupation with what she's looking at but as stated we don't know weather she is "mourning or gloating". On the other hand this decision seems to make Offred appear as though she is only observing, not really having an opinion even though we can hear her thoughts.

For each significant point, state significant follow with a colon, identify the specific aspect (characterization, setting, technique...), follow with a short explanation.

Dystopian 1

"We yearned for the future. How did we learn it, that talent for instability? It was in the air; and it was still in the air, an afterthought, as we tried to sleep, in the army cots that had been set up in rows, with spaces between so we could not talk. We had flanellette sheets, like children's and army-issue blankets, old ones that still said U.S. We folded our clothes neatly and laid them on the stools at the ends of the bed. The lights were turned down but not out. Aunt Sara and Aunt Elizabeth patrolled; they had electric cattle prods slung on thongs from their leather belts." (Page 3-4).

Due to this paragraph being on the second page it reveals to the reader a lot of information as we are just attempting to acclimate ourselves to the book. Its revealed that they are not suppose to talk "with spaces between so we could not talk". But exactly why they are not allowed to talk remains unclear. Them yearning for the future is clearly the women not enjoying the world they are currently living in. However, the specification for "the future" either means that they were not satisfied with the past themselves or its just a logical conclusion that they cannot move backwards. The reference to their sheets being "flannelette, like a children's" creates this metaphor. Along with having belongings like a child's, they are constantly watched, told what to do, when to speak etc. Also the sheets "that still said U.S." would mean that the United States no longer exists as we know it. This sets up the idea that in its in the future. However, this is especially striking to Americans because its our country.

One thing that is not specifically unique to the novel it appears is "We". At the beginning of the paragraph it almost constantly references this idea of "we". This could be a window into their mind and how they view themselves. They cannot see the individual, but only the many as one entity. This dramatics the rapidity of the changes when we look at these comments in conjunction with the fact that US Army blankets still exist, which acts as a reference point. Within years of the fall of the US where ideals of freedom were heavily thought of the citizens already think of themselves more as a "we".

Austin S said...

How do you think Atwoods oppression of women in the 1950's correlates to in the book? For example, one form of oppression towards women is the fact that they were abused and made to feel like it was their fault whereas in Gilead such conduct would be illegal, so it exists less.

   

Austin S said...

Why do you think Atwood uses harsh words to detonate men in this society? Is it because they are guilty of persecuting the women or simply to contrast the differences? Like later on the Commander is seen as almost a friend to Offred even though he's partially responsible for what happened.

Austin S said...

I thought your observation of the parellel structure in the fact that the guardians cannot go inside and the handmaids cannot go outside was interesting. But more over than create a dichotomous feeling I wonder if Atwood put it there to show how even though the men are in control, they still have to follow rules. Later on this idea seems to be related to Serena Joy, she preaches for women to stay home and once this is achieved she is somewhat left with nothing to do.

Stranger Journal 6

"Yes, my son,"
Then something inside me snapped.
I started yelling at the top of my lungs
What did other peoples death
Matter to me.
Going right up into the sky
I thought of my appeal.

The Stranger Journal 5

In part 2 of Albert Camus's The Stranger, there are many changes in both style and whats being expressed. For one, which relates to all the minor characters it is interesting to note that they all are now "witnesses". The very idea of that seems interesting to me, the characters of Meursault's life are there and the only purpose is to reveal Meursault's life to us. I read about existentialism today and the relation of looking at oneself is the mirror and I instantly thought of this. Also I think this strangely (no pun intended) relates to "The Stranger". Here we have Meursault who has friends that know him about who he is. Also related to existentialism is the idea that the mirror image is still only a mirror, so what the witnesses tell the jury may not be him truly him but just his body. This could also relate to the reporter that simply stares at Meursault. And a reporter simply reports stale facts, just like Meursault's observations.

There is also this major shift of the entire book I found in what role Meursault plays. Before he constantly made these seemingly unimportant observations that really meant nothing. However, because of his peculiar behavior and view of the world he's suddenly thrust into the middle of the world. That seems incredibly ironic, because he's apparently introspective his entire life is looked at under a microscope.

Journal 4

"Faithfully yours (Page 3)".

This first establishes religion and therefore the spiritual world on the first page.

"I went in. It was a very bright, whitewashed room with a skylight for a roof (6)".

The description of the room Meursault walks into where his mother's casket lay seems very oppressive. Also the continual references to white seem to imply religion. 

"While not an atheist, Maman had never in her life given a thought to religion (Page 6)".

"The utter pointlessness of whatever I was doing there seized me by the throat, and all I wanted was to get it over with and get back to my cell and sleep (Page 105)".

"All that heat was pressing down on me and making it hard for me to go on (Page 57)".

"For the third time I've refused to see the chaplain. I don't have anything to say to him; I don't feel like talking, and I'll be seeing him soon enough as it is (Page 108)".

Stranger Journal 3

Motif :

One motif I began to heavily notice was that of watching. In almost every paragraph its stated that Meursault is "watching" something or a variation of that such as noticed etc. The effect that Camu could have hoped to have by placing this here might be to emphasize people are trying to find a point to everything. A major theme of The Stranger, Absurdism states that there is no point to life but what you make it. Therefore, the searching could be to emphasize the other motif of Absurdism.

Title :

One of the immediate connections between the title and the book itself is how Meursault views the world and in turn is viewed by the world. Meursault seems to rarely have an emotional response to events, such as his mothers death however he reveals no emotion. Ultimately he's judged by societies preconceptions of how he should act. However, right now the idea can still be seen in places where he reveals others feelings. One such example of this is his boss, who is said to have been "anoyed" at the fact that Meursault would be getting 4 days off. It seems Meursault constantly references, if not cares about what people think.

Stranger Journal 2

Again, I found it interesting how relaxed Meursault's work day's are. Generally it seems like he's always napping or just being what I perceive to be lazy. At other times its described that he's just sitting in front of a window for hours on end. This seems to speak to the French work ethic. Another important piece that I almost glanced over was the fact that he eats at a cafe regularly. That contrasts American culture where one might go to a restaurant.

Raymond :

Raymond acts very strangely. First of all he nearly asks for Meursault's friendship when they first begin talking. Then he invites him over for a meal where he describes his disdain for his previous girlfriend. He asks Meursault to help him write a strongly worded letter to her which seems weird, why would he tell someone he seemingly just met something so personal? Also Raymond nearly abuses girls compared with how Meursault only uses them to have sex. For example, his relationship with Marie is almost always physical and he specifically says when directly asked that he doesn't love her. He continues on this by explaining that "it doesn't matter" anyways.

Old Salamano :

For one I think it was very interesting where it stated how long that Old Salamano and his dog had walked. Also the very fact that they have stayed together so long even though they apparently both dislike each other. It almost seems like Camu is trying to say that people continually do stuff even though they don't necessarily like it. This also speaks to another work Camu has done, the Myth of Sisyphush. And whats even stranger is the fact that he becomes sad and depressed when the dog is lost. Maybe its trying to emphasize the fact that people don't like change even if they're doing something they don't like.

Ben blog -  Maybe Salamano doesn't necessarily love his dog but he's just sad about it running away for lack of a routine.

Brandon blog - I like your observations of both Raymond and Salamano. I agree that is seems as though Salamano cannot live without his dog. This could be due to a mutual reliance or as a matter just of habit for him.

Stranger Journal 1

Cultural Connections : One connection I made was the perceived laziness of the French. After getting off work for 4 days Meursault goes to Celeste's for lunch with Emmanuel. He then takes a nap and then goes back to work for the afternoon. Going out for lunch then taking a nap seems somewhat unheard of when thought of in the United States. Also connecting to the industrialized nature of France and the fact that they took cabs to the Matinee's. In reference to the street cars, they had "slowly emptied out. The matinees had all started, I guess"(22)

Character :

Meursault acts very strangely in my opinion. Going through life he acts like nothing bugs him. This can be evidenced as far back as the first page when he nearly acted indifferently the news that his mother was dead. Then when he began talking again he spoke about how he would get there and what train he would take as opposed to revealing any emotion he thought about her death. "Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don't know (3)". But then again later he acts like he cares when he talks with his boss about him having to take 2 days off. Later on he's describing events occurring outside his window such as the Matinee's and him just watching and being very introspective seems normal to him.

One image or phrase that I followed throughout the chapters was that of the conflict between light and dark. There are multiple references to light and dark and its synonyms from the very beginning. At the start he discusses his moms death, which could represent darkness or sleep. Furthermore, he discusses time frequently which all represent either light or dark depending on the time of the day. Then there was a "flash of light (8)". Then again he goes up in the mid afternoon and takes a lengthy nap in the middle of the day. On top of this, his entire demeanor and the very cover of the book itself which is white and black make him seem very gray.

Journal 7

Theme words :

Death
Gender issues
Religion
Jealousy
Time
Freedom
Relations
Dreams

1. Hurston illustrates the need for people to strive to obtain an ambition or dream they have even if they know they are going to fail.

2. Hurston uses time to better contrast Janie's mentality in different sections of the book to show how differently she handles and is in relationships.

3. Hurston uses jealousy to illustrate how vicious people can become through their own jealousy brought out by simple insecurity in oneself.

Journal 6

1. In the first sentence Annie Taylor's death is spoken of to illustrate Janie's fear of not realizing her dreams.

2. I believe the purpose of the second paragraph is to compound the uncertainty Janie holds of her future.

3. In the third paragraph Hurston display's a sense of hope that Janie can attach to by "waking up" with the sun rising.

Purpose : The overall purpose of this passage is to contrast the feeling of uncertainty Janie holds towards her future and the chance of realizing her dreams with hope for the future that she will.

Adria blog -
The personification of the sun could be another reference to God. It could just be a stereotypical idea of God "dressed all in white" and just emphasizing the motif.

Xiao blog -
I liked your idea behind the white vs red contrast. The colors in this book are interesting and I think play an integral role in developing the theme and mood.

Emily blog -
Your observation of Hurstons use of "Ah'm" was really interesting to think about it. I agree that it makes you feel a lot closer to Janie's pleading because you find yourself pronouncing it how its spelled without thinking beforehand, so you find yourself pleading with her.

Journal 5

They put her to bed and sent for her married daughter from up around Ocala to come see about her.  The daughter came as soon as she could and took Annie Tyler away to die in peace.  She had waited all her life or something, and it had killed her when it found her.
      The thing made itself into pictures and hung around Janie's bedside all night long.  Anyhow, she wasn't going back to Eatonville to be laughed at and pitied.  She had ten dollars in her pocket and twelve hundred in the bank.  But oh God, don't let Tea Cake be off somewhere hurt and Ah not know nothing about it.  And God, please suh, don't let him love nobody else but me.  Maybe Ah'm is uf fool, Lawd, lad dey say, but Lawd, Ah been so lonesome, and Ah been waitin', Jesus.  Ah done waited uh long time.
      Janie dozed off to sleep but she woke up in time to see the sun sending up spies ahead of him to mark out the road through the dark.  he peeped up over the door sill of the world and made a little foolishness with red.  but pretty soon, he laid all that aside and went about his business dressed all in white.  But it was always going to be dark to Janie if Tea Cake didn't soon come back.  She got out of the bed but a chair couldn't hold her.  she dwindled down on the floor her head in a rocking chair.

(Hurston, 119-120)

Parallel structure - It's interesting how this passage is constructed. First when its talking about Annie Taylor, she goes to bed and it talks about how she was going after her dreams and it "killed her when it found her". Then it goes straight to Janie talking about her dreams, and then it says Janie goes to sleep. I believe Hurston, through this passage, is trying to say that Janie hasn't realized her dreams. Not having realized her dreams could mean she'll only be happy when she's free from being oppressed?

Repetition - The repetition of the word god and lawd, or lord, could be Hurston trying to emphacize Janie's situation. She so desperately wants to realize her dreams. Whether or not being with Tea Cake is her ultimate dream I don't think matters either, just the fact that she thinks it is.

Motif - I believe the repetition and parallel structure also help create a motif of light vs dark. God is represented by light normally and then its juxtaposed in this passage with darkness, death, falling asleep etc.

Mood : The mood I feel best describes this passage is uncertainty.

I believe the purpose of the passage is to show the contrasting sides of what could happen. On one side there's Annie Taylor who has died in peace after finally realizing and attaining her dreams. However,  then it immidiately flips to Janie who describes her dreams having not been fulfilled; Tea Cake isn't there with her. At this point we don't really know whether or not he will come back. Furthermore, we don't really understand whether this is her ultimate goal.

Eyes Journal 4

 So Janie began to think of Dreams. Dreams, that small creature with the big presence who lived deep down inside. The big one who lived in the old box like a prison with a padlock, and without another exit. What need do Dreams have for a release, and what ideas can knock him down? He waits in his small box tucked into a deep crevice. Sits ready and motionless all day with his head held high, waiting for his master to release him. Been sitting there before there was light, night or blight. She was likely to spot a glimpse of his genius crawling to the surface any day now. She was mad and disheartened as well. Unlucky Jack! He shouldn't have to be confused in there alone. She sent Michael in to promote a meeting, but Jack said No. These psychologists were all right with the Godly sick, but they lacked the understanding for a situation such as this. He'd be fine right when the two headed dog spotted what was hidden right in front of him. He would never not exist. That was what he hoped. But Michael informed her the opposite, so she realized. After then if he hadn't the next day she was promised to know, for creatures met in the park under the moon and willow tree. People too timid previously strolled through and did not come close. Just laid under the grass's will wished. Whisper, that fin-less fish, had circled the village.

Eyes Journal 3

In chapter 6 Hurston characterizes Hurston as a very docile character. In this quote, Janie again submits to her subliminal training by Jodie and keeps quiet "So gradually, she pressed her teeth together and learned how to hush". She does this even though she has something to say and illustrates just how insecure she is with herself. However, the transformation in herself is remarkable compared to the first chapter when she's entering the town. He strolls through all the towns people sitting on their porches whispering about her but it seems like it doesn't bother her anymore. This I believe juxtaposes the change in her personality when set right next to the following chapters, 6 included. This could also be the reason why Hurston chose to flip the chronological order of events, to show the growth of Janie as an individual.

Eyes Journal 2

"Thank yuh fuh yo' compliments, but mah wife don't know nothin' 'bout no speech-makin'. Ah never married her for nothin' lak dat. She's uh woman and her place is in de home." Janie made her face laugh after a short pause, but it wasn't too easy. She had never thought of making a speech, and didn't know if she cared to make one at all. It must have been the way Joe spoke out without giving her a chance to say anything one way or another that took the bloom off of things. But anyway, she went down the road behind him that night feeling cold. He strode along invested with his new dignity, thought and planned out loud, unconscious of her thoughts. "de mayor of uh town lak dis can't lay round home too much. De place needs buildin' up. Janie, Ah'll git hold uh some body tuh help out in the de store and you kin look after things whilst Ah drum up things otherwise." "Oh Jody, Ah can't do nothin' wid no store lessen youse there. Ah could maybe come in and help you when things git rushed," (Page 43).

Motif - "She's uh woman and her place is in de home." This is a motif because of the racial and sexist expectations of both African Americans and women that are expressed. This would likely be a motif for any novel written in this time period when both suffrage and civil rights were just getting started.

Symbol - "mah wife don't know nothin' 'bout no speech-making'" In this quote, it almost seems implied that when "speech making" is said it could be interpreted to mean general intelligence. The only expectation Janie is held to is that of a house keeper as her "place is in de home".

Antihero - "Oh Jody, Ah can't do nothin' wid no store lessen youse there." Here, a line spoken to Jody portrays him in an unfavorable light when reading it. It makes it seem like Janie is again totally helpless without Jody or a male figure.


Mood - Cordial


Tone - Condescending


Purpose - The purpose of this section of the novel could be to see the effect that sexism and racism has on an individual, Janie in this case. Later on she's transforms into a carefree women who is seemingly strong willed. But, right now she seems weak and generally docile. First there's this idea that all women have a predetermined role which can only be fulfilled within a a kitchen. On top of this you have the belief that they have no real intelligence and they have no business sense.

San Francisco Geography

San Francisco located in California is built atop over 40 hills located on a peninsula. Due to this the range of temperatures and whether conditions can vary widely across the city itself. However, due to the fact that its surrounded on 3 sides by different body's of water the temperature range that it could theoretically go through is severely lessened. This proximity to the ocean however, then allows fog to regularly roll in and out very rapidly.