The Garden Party

What does the story signify?

The Story exemplifies a hate between two classes. A hate so strong that a workman can't talk to a wealthy girl in a certain tone of voice.

How does the story signify this?

I did poorly in finding specific details in the story that Foster wrote about. One parallel I did find was between Mrs. Sheridan and Jose. In putting together the garden party both people went through the same troubles. While Mrs. Sheridan had to command her children Jose had to command is workers. In doing so the author makes a connection between the two even though they are separated by class.

Caparison

I did absolutely horrible in finding connections and similarities. While I did find one deeper meaning my understanding of literature is quite awful. However the want to understand these things is there thanks to my want to understand different ideas and viewpoints.

Harry Potter's Scar

Harry's scar is seemingly so small and insignificant but sums his entire existence. It doesn't do much to further the plot. The scar's whole purpose is to be one giant, everlasting symbol. It shows his intense past and his promising future, his acceptance of the world and his troubles with it. The Harry Potter Series is, at its core as most books are, the fight between good and evil. At the base of that fight is Harry, at the opposing side, Voldemort. The scar is the symbol of the relationship between them, thus the symbol of the whole book together. The scar is everything in the Harry Potter series. It's in the center of the plot, and the main character.

Archetype

If your planning on reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy don't read any further.

Archetype - The usual pattern that plot's center around.

An typical story might go as the following.

1.A group of people are in a sticky situation. A problem has presented itself.

2.A man takes it upon himself to be the leader.

3.That man sacrifices himself for the good of the others.

We've all heard this story before. The Bible, Harry Potter, and The Road all follow this typical outline to a certain extent, but especially The Road by Cormac McCarthy. In this novel the first thing the reader notices is the apocalyptic setting, the world has seemingly gone through a nuclear war. A boy and what seems to be his father are pushing a cart full of almost useless things, trying to survive, living off of whatever they can. The're on a journey, they even follow a road (it doesn't get more unoriginal then that). The man is obviously the leader and becomes worn and frail soon, he gives the boy the pistol and doesn't expect to survive, however when the time presents itself he sacrifices himself for the life of the child. By buying into what we all think is going to happen McCarthy makes the story predictable yet tasty, easy yet satisfactory.

Exept Sex

We all know Austin Powers. We all know the era. We all know Austin Powers gets laid in that era. This much information is well understood that showing it even further does nothing for the writer, its progresses the story none. So the author doesn't, instead he progresses the plot further by making a sort of metaphor. When Austin is about to do "it" the scene cuts out. But why? Isn't that what he was all about? Isn't that the plot of this stupid movie? Well yes to the both of those questions. The author instead cuts to a new scene in which a volcano erupts. It's a seemingly unimportant detail but it means a lot. By bypassing the usual sex scene the author moves on a new level. A metaphorical one. The viewer can feel the power of the night without having to really feel it.

Who is Peter Wood?

Political

Animal Farm

This book is wildly famous for being overwhelmingly political, and for good reason. It's parallel to the Russian revolution is as sharp as it is simple, brilliant as it is haunting. The book begins with a dream, just as all revolutions do, that was brought to life by an old dying pig. This dying pig, "Old Major or rather Vladimir Lenin, arouses an army of farm animals to overthrow their owner setting in motion a myriad of metaphors and allusions to Troshkey, Stalin, czars, and hypocrites. After Old Major dies two pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, fight for power to be the dictator, therefore buying into their roles as power hungry generals/tyrants. This is the brilliance of the novel. While the characters in the book are animals the men in reality are not. These two universes work in perfect harmony as perfect metaphor to build up to the end in which the owners, men, and the dictator pig, an animal, stare each other down across a table and it becomes hard to tell "which one was which".

Top Ten Reads for 2012

I was referred to Family Happiness (1859) by Christopher McCandless through a book called, Into the Wild, which is a novel based on a true story that I hold with great value. After further research into Christopher I learned of the books he read and loved. Soon after I learned that Family Happiness by Leo Tolstoy was right up my alley. Short only 164 pages, yet potent, the themes on marriage and settle lifestyles are very attractive. Should be a very enjoyable and powerful read.

The Metamorphosis (1915) by Franz Kafka was prescribed to me by Ms. Huff after she listened to a speech of mine in oral communications. After claiming I was doomed to grow up to be the same as everyone else she must have been reminded of The metamorphosis and it's themes of conformity. The book is simple and short, only 76 pages.

Zorba the Greek (1946) by Nikos Kazantzakis was also in a collection of books held by Christopher McCandless. I will admit I don't know much of the novel itself but of the author, Nikos Kazantzakis. He himself was a famous philosopher; this being his most famous work that explored themes of marriage I had to pick this one. I know the novel isn't challenging and at only 320 pages it should be fairly easy.

336 Henry David Thoreau is very famous and for good reason. Walden (1854) is very famous. I'm hoping that's also for good reason. The novel, from what I understand, is 336 pages of pure "hermit" confinment which is a lifestyle that I find interesting and possibly enjoyable thus the attraction to this book. By reading this novel I feel like I am investigating yet another type of life that I have not experienced.

The Awakening (1899) by Kate Chopin 192 Besides being incredibly famous, I feel the need and want to read this classic novel because of it's themes on individuality. I'm assuming the read will be very difficult considering the time period and author but I'm nonetheless hopeful it will prove itself valuable.

I'm yearning to understand the concepts and lessons contained in Friedrich Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883-1885). I've read small increments of his work, which I've found interesting and entertaining, and obviously want to read more. This being one of his first works its seems like a logical place to start and at 330 pages it seems like a simple one too.

Nothing screams "classic" more than The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885). This combined with its short length, only 276 pages, and positive acclaim by most everyone I meet, drives me to read this novel. From what I understand its written in simple vernacular so it should be fairly easy to read.

Because both novels draw on very similar themes, I want to read The Catcher in the Rye (1951) by J.D. Salinger for the same reasons I want to read The adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I'd like to read The Catcher in the Rye because I've heard bits like "Salinger's genius..." and considering its shortness, 288 pages, and this being his most famous work I'd like to start her

Out of the Silent Planet (1938) by C.S. Lewis was recommended to me by my friend, Sean Roulier. He claims the book as one of his favorites for it's complexity and parallels to Christianity. I find Lewis's balance of religious faith and intelligence fascinating and would like to understand more of his wit. At 160 pages, it should be easy to do so.

At 460 pages, The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley (1987), should be one of the longer books I read this year. I stumbled upon the book on Time's list of the most influential nonfiction books of the 20th century, this impressive fact combined with my father constantly pushing in my face makes it hard to pass up. Although lengthy, my fascination with fantastic and strong-willed individuals should pull me through to the end, the read shouldn't be too challenging.

Its Rain

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

The use of snow in this short poem is as powerful as it is peaceful, useful as it is simple. One could believe this poem was extraordinarily dull and without substance, Frost goes on about a character stopping by by some woods for a quick rest. It is only after "And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep" combined with the all important snowy image do we realize that Frost is referring to death. With the implication of "sleep" combined with the peaceful image of snow falling and its hard not to think of death. If it was burning hot rather than calming cool one would think of hard work and the dream of resting one day however its quite the opposite. The snow is relaxing not fiery. The man is truly on his way to rest for a long time, to be calm and forgiven, just as snow.

Or the Bible

Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter displays many Christ like attributes and has many Christlike happenings occur to him. While he was a boy he was attacked by Lord Voldemort leaving a scar on his forehead just as Jesus, as in the Jesus from the bible, had scars on his hands and feet from being attacked and crucified. At this occurrence Harry's parents die forcing him to live in very humble circumstances just as Christ did. Harry is often seen as the light of his world protecting both the wizard and muggle world from Voldemort who is considered darkness. The strongest and most obvious similarity between the two is the use of three days of rest or death. After defeating Voldemort Harry spends three days in coma just as Jesus spent three days dead in a tomb after being crucified. The bible reflects reality, always containing a fight between good and evil. When J.K. Rowling takes allusions from the bible and into Harry Potter she takes the fight between good and evil with her.

Intertextuality

Intertextuality is the interaction between new and old works of literature.

Huckleberry Finn and The Catcher in the Rye

The connection between these stories lies in the main characters and their relationship with society. Both Huck and Holden are rebellious in some way, that is to say that they were wronged in their youth and continue to hold it against the world through their teenage years. While Huck was seemingly naturally wild Holden's rebellion comes from his parents shooing of him to Prency Prep, a boarding school. Both run away from home, have clumsy encounters, and run ins with the law all the while readers never hate them nor blame them, thus a common fantastic element. The characters have a similar story that creates a greater meaning and relationship with the reader. In both stories we become interested yet scared, worried yet celebratory.

Reading Assignment 1

Of Mice and Men QUEST analysis

1) Our Quester(s): Two men who are "just traveling together", George, a typical white male trying to find work, and Lenny, a heavily mentally challenged and large white male who is taken care of by George.

2) A place to go: A ranch near Soledad, California where many a men are working. They can get a job here easy yet the challenges come with getting there and Lenny's obvious disability.

3)A stated reason to go there:To find work in the middle of the Depression. If they can manage to keep a steady job, least Lenny ruin it agian, their gonna try to "work up a stake" so they can buy a small farm of their own.

4) Challenges and Trials: The biggest if not only challenge the travelers have is Lenny's mental illness which makes all conversation, play, and even pretty hair hard to deal with. George feels the responsibility to take care of Lenny, which is felt throughout the novel.

5)The real reason to go: Lenny's mental retardation makes everything a temptation and a challenge. Although it was an accident, the travelers are travelers because of the trouble caused by Lenny in a different town called Weed. They hope to find protection in the ranch.

Failing to Fill the Hole

Gaining Credit

Before you bash and criticize the american way of schooling first look at the validity of the PISA tests, which measure worldwide academic performance and claim that the US is 17th of the 65 countries that took the test. Of course the US is one of the most diverse countries in the world so naturally races will score high and races will score low. Thanks to terrible scores in reading from Hispanic and African-American students the US scores are very low, especially when compared to a "homogeneous" country like Finland or Singapore. If we want the american people to respect our teachers we first must respect and spend time for our children's education which gains attention through the PISA. Because our wonderful nation has always been so ethnically diverse and so very kind to stranger immigrants we must make our education system complement this elementary fact. Education cannot only teach white kids how to write well, it has to teach our new immigrants how to catch up in the race. http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/03/27/how-to-raise-the-status-of-teachers/consider-cultural-differences

Havin a Fitz over Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald's solomn and dowsy remarks relinqiush a furry of thoughts that no one can understand. this proves to be especially usefull when trying to write a cramed 40 minute essay on the matter. of course no one person can do this, especially when only in high school. the fact of the matter is that we all are just too plain ole stupid to really fully comprehed such a genius mind as F. scott fitz gerald. One might ask why do they push such a task upon such innocent bistandards. well I can not answer but only reply they might just possibly want to make us feel as though we feel smart. Make us feel that we can tackle anyting, that we can make it in the real world, thus loosing the reality that we truly cannot. and that my friends is not a bad thing to waste.

3rd Quarter Books

I read 3 books, the equivalent of 6 books.

• Slaughter House Five - 3 Books (275, Classic)



• Eating Animals - 2 Books (368 pages)



• Understanding Religions: Buddhism- 1 book (108 pages)

Slaughter House Five by Kurt Vonnegut is a very unusual anti-war book that takes place during and after World War II. It tells of Billy Pilgrim, an american turned insane after becoming a Prisoner of War. Billy tells of Aliens from "Tramalfadore" and deals with the pains after war as he gets married, becomes an optometrist and lives a very boring average life. Slaughter House Five is so enjoyable thanks to its humor, creativity and unexpected sides.

Consumerism Quote

"However mean your life is, meet it and live it: do not shun it and call it hard names. Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage. Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends. Things do not change, we change. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts."

-Henry David Thoreau

This quote goes strait to the heart of consumerism. Men and women so caught up, addicted, and set on looking for happiness in things we can buy in stores rather then finding happiness, what we're all looking for, in beautiful contentment in one's self. This quote is the healer of all consumerists. Sell your things, leave yourself, and find yourself.

The Trickery in Selling Things

One of the most popular forms of trickery in the recent economic slump is slightly changing the size of a the product rather then keeping the size and raising the price. By doing this companies convince their customers that their not changing, the prices have not moved. Yet, in order to deal with the recession they shrink the product. You pay more for less yet unknowingly because the price has not moved. Customers are, in the end, spending more money for less product.

Picture from http://1916home.blogspot.com/.