“Enemies” and “Friends”

Why does Jensen feel immense relief when Strunk dies? Would Jensen have killed Strunk? Should he have?

“How to Tell a True War Story”

Why include the buffalo scene? What’s the effect on you, the reader? Why is this more painful than the death of Lemon? Why does Rat do it?

“Dentist” and "Stockings"

How is "Stockings" different than “Sweetheart…” ? What's the effect or purpose of this? How does "Dentist" fit into the mix?

“Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong”

This story is highly fantastical. Does its lack of believability make it any less compelling? Do you believe it? Does it fit criteria for a true war story?

Mrs. Gerber—I was absent the day we discussed this in class, so I also missed the blog assignment, hence the lateness :)

Upon looking at both paintings by Edward Hopper, the first noticeable similarity is the isolation of both characters. Each is the sole person in their environment, seemingly lost in their own thoughts and contemplation. The tight facial expressions and closed body language suggest that each is unhappy with their current position. However, there is a significant difference between “Morning Sun” and “Sunday.” The woman in “Morning Sun” is looking out of her window at the outside world, possibly wondering what possibilities, or people, lay outside her walls. This contrasts with the man in “Sunday,” who has already escaped his walls, yet still sits in isolation. Hopper may be trying to impress the idea of inescapable unhappiness, no matter your environment. In both paintings, the predominant aspect that creates the melancholy is the person, not the house. Although lacking excessive flowery detail, bright colors like yellow and orange are used in both paintings. Yet, the facial expressions and body language convey loneliness. This is similar to Hemingway’s ideas in “Soldier’s Home,” and “A Clean, Well-Lit, Place.” The men in both stories appear to have nothing completely wrong in their lives. Krebs is home from the war with his family and the old man sits in a “clean, well-lit, place.” Yet, both see happiness as unreachable, or do not posses the drive to find happiness. For example, Krebs wants a girlfriend, “but he did not want to have to spend a long time getting her” (Hemingway 2). Just as the environments are not the stifling forces in Hopper’s paintings, the people in Hemingway’s stories, rather than their environments, create their own unhappiness and nothingness through their own mentalities and actions.

Nada and Nothingness

Most if not all of Hemingway's writings carry this same kind of motif of nothingness and the characters search for purpose in the story. In the "Soldiers Home' piece the nothingness factor is prevalent in the soldiers lifestyle. In my opinion the soldier left himself, his ambitions, and his soul out there on the battlefield. His new lackluster attitude can be attributed to this. The soldiers life is now full of darkness because his purpose is lost, or rather he has lost his sense of purpose and ambition. He sleeps in late and seems to have no will nor want to find himself a job. After reading this piece I thought that it kind of mirrored the tone in the "Sunday" painting. The old man sitting on the sidewalk looks extremely lonely like he has nowhere to go and no person to confide in. The thing that really conveys the nothingness factor in this painting are the black empty store windows behind him and because he is the only person in the painting. Another reason that makes this painting almost verge on creepy for me is that it is called Sunday meaning that the day designated in the painting is actually Sunday. On a normal Sunday, the way I think of one anyway, contains many people bustling about trying to go to church or to the morning grocer. This in itself makes the painting feel very hollow and empty.

In "A Clean and Well-lighted Place" Hemingway's character takes pleasure in the fact that he sits alone in an empty corner drinking. I found this piece to be slightly satirical in a sense because i think that Hemingway was trying to make a point. Maybe he was trying to convey his point that people need to sometimes be alone to be at peace with the world. In the same way that light and dark are contrasted in the "morning sun" these two states are also contrasted in Hemingway's writing. The lady that sits alone on her bed sits in the shadows even though sunlight is poring in upon her room. Her isolation in the picture continues the feeling from the first painting as well. The old man in the bar is very interesting because he is trying to become drunk to escape from the world around him. Even though the man is deaf Hemingway says that the old man can feel the difference by the sound of the silence. I think that the old man enjoys the "Nada" that the empty bar provides for him because it allows him peace and tranquility. In this sense I think that the old man in the bar is very different from both the paintings and the other writings because where he enjoys the nothingness and the Nada as his escape from the world around him, the other characters seem lost and isolated, confined without a clear sense of purpose. The isolation factor and the loss of purpose provide common ground for all of the objects collectively.

a simple soul

In the painting Morning Sun, the woman appears to be content in her present state next to the window. Her profile dosen't convey any definite feeling and she seems to be apathetic completely. One cant help but to infer that she enjoys moment as she looks relaxed and peaceful. The man in the piece Sunday also appears to be in a tranquil state.
In both "A Clean, Well Lighted Place" and "Soldier's Home," The old man drinking and the soldier both establish a place they enjoy. In "Soldier's Home," Hemingway describes Kreb's place of contentment as this, "He became bored and then walking down through the town to spend the hottest hours of the day in the cool dark of the pool room" (Hemingway 1). In "A Clean Well-Lighted Place" he conveys the same message when mentioning the significance of the cafe to the old man, "It is the light of course but it is necessary that the place be clean and light" (Hemingway 9). The nothingness one's soul desires can be found in the simplicity of the heart and is different for each individual. An old man sitting on the street may enjoy the nothingness while the young woman enjoys the state of nothing in her bedroom. Age has nothing to do with the desire to disconnect oneself from the world. The old man in the the first story hides from his troubles when they seem to be an immense burden while Krebs seeks joy in the pool house when the "heat" of the world feels too strong. Hemingway attempts to show the diversity in the way people "nothingness" participates in people's lives.

E-Squared, H-Squared

Both "Morning Sun" and "Sunday" painted by Edward Hopper demonstrate an ambiance of loneliness and peace--reoccurring themes in both "A Clean-Well Lighted Place" and "A Soldier's Home" by Ernest Hemingway.

But focusing more specifically on "Sunday," Hopper creates a solemn and lonely mood through the effective use of the contrast between light and dark and the solitary man's expression. While our brains may immediately notice the contrast between the light of the natural sun and the darkness found inside the cafe, we must take note that the dark of the cafe, contained in a rectangle, is the largest object in the painting, even exceeding the size of the lonely man. In this way, we understand that the painting is not merely a painting of a man, but a painting of darkness. This connects well with Hemingway's "A Clean-Well Lighted Place" because rather than focusing on the development of characters, Hemingway concentrates on the development of the contrasts between light and dark and young and old. Hemingway demonstrates this through the lack of attributed dialogue. Because of the vagueness of the actual speaker, Hemingway creates a disconnect, which emphasizes the light and dark motif.

But the reoccurring light and dark theme proves important in that it highlights the lonely yet peaceful natures of both the man in the painting and the old man and old waiter in the story. All of these characters experience a certain degree of peace when in the light. However, while the man in Hopper's painting sits outside, Hemingway's characters feel sheltered inside the cafe. Some may argue that this discrepancy may represent a lack of connection between the painting and the story, but with a careful look at Hopper's painting, we see that the man is indeed enclosed within the painting. Instead of leaving empty room for the sky or natural land which may indicate openness, Hopper entraps the man within the buildings. In essence, all of the men are sheltered and enclosed by a light that provides them with a place in which they can keep to themselves.

But most interesting is the man's countenance in the Hopper painting. After spending time staring at his face, we want to know more and ask questions. What is he thinking? Why is he thinking? How old is he? Does he have family? Friends? Does he enjoy his job? Does he even have a job? The same occurs for Hemingway's story but through the dialogue and the afterthought at the end of the story. Why does the old man prefer the cafe? Does the old waiter really have insomnia? What does the "nada" represent? Both circumstances are confusing but never awkward. Usually, awkward situations arise when simply staring at a single person, as in the Hopper painting. However, the viewers do not experience awkwardness but a certain level of calmness and inquisitiveness. The same occurs in the Hemingway story because the quotes are rarely attributed. While we may experience a significant disconnect with the characters, we never feel awkward. We are neither intruding upon the established peace nor the solitude because of the great amount of disconnect effectifely created.

Analysis of the Pictures

To me, the first picture, "Morning Sun", is similar to the ideas and concepts seen in "Soldier's Home". Krebs, who had recently returned from war, reflects on everything he once did and enjoyed, no longer finding pleasure in any of these activities, except for sitting by himself and watching other people go on with their lives. In the picture, the young women, who seems to be about the same age as Krebs, is looking out of the window towards a city, as can be seen from the partial view of the building. Although she is looking out into through the window at the morning sun, which is supposed to be hopeful and symbolic of a new beginning or a rebirth each day, the woman's mood doesn't reflect this idea. This shows a contrast in the picture, as the depressed Krebs contrasted against his happy and functioning town. This contrast helps add to the themes of loneliness and feelings of nothingness that we were discussing in class today with the other two stories. The completely bare walls and dull colors against the woman, who stands out in pink, establish the feeling of loneliness that can be seen on the woman's face. Just as the young people prefer the daytime in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" and "Soldier's Home", this woman seems to prefer it, although just like Krebs, she seems to only want to watch others live and remains alone in the shadows, which can be conveyed through the many shadows she casts on the bed and the wall.


Unlike the woman in the first picture, the man in "Sunday" puts himself in the public eye. This picture reminded me of the old man in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" because he, too, likes to sit alone but in a public area, like the bar. This man also seems older, contrasting any ideas of possible hopefulness or hiding from the public eye in the first picture. The themes of loneliness and nothingness are still here, however. What I first noticed when I looked at this picture was how barren and empty the street seemed to be, especially in the middle of a road that looks to be in a bigger city. All the windows are drawn up and closed and the title, "Sunday" implies that it is a day meant to be spent with family and not out on the streets. Because this man choose to go to the streets instead of bonding with family, he is showing isolation from other people. Although he looks to be dressed nicely, as if he might have been going or gone to church earlier that day, the fact that he is sitting by himself instead of with his family on a Sunday shows his loss in religion and faith, the same thing that happned to Krebs in "Soldier's Home". His body language is also very similar to the woman's in the first picture. They both have knees and arms drawn close to their bodies, showing their confinement and isolation from the outside world and other people. This also helps to show their feeling of loneliness towards the world. While both picture use time of day and lighting to portray a happy and bright mood, like Hemingway's story's do, the people portrayed in these pictures and stories all have a contrasting feeling of loneliness and despair that is emphasized from the bareness and empty feeling of nobody else and nothing else being around them.

Morning Sun Compared with Soldier's Home

Hopper's first painting, Morning Sun, reminds me a lot of Krebs in "Soldier's Home. As the girl sits on her bed in the protective fetal position she gazes out into the daylight where she yearns to be but cannot force herself to go. Her pose balled up with the crossing of her arms represent a form of shield that she is trying to create for herself, but this in contrasted by the position of her body which is leaning forward showing the internal struggle to break out into the world. The girl's clothing makes her appear very vulnerable with her delicate pink dress and bare legs. These factors create an even greater sense of fear the girl has towards the outside because it seems like she could easily be taken advantage of. Also the fact that her room seems to be very stark and orderly with its blank walls and crisply made bed show her need for perfectionism, which is distrurbed by the sunlight casting in through the window. The girl's seeming need to have order adds to her sense of fear of the outside because she is not able to control the factors outside the four walls of her room.

The girl's want of control parallels that of Kreb's when he says that he does not want any girls because he does not want to go through the courting process. Krebs appears to be lazy in his search for women, but he could actually fear the lack of control he has over their emotions. He is afraid of rejection which is shown through his insesant lying about his war stories. Krebs cannot allow himself to fall below the expectations of others and when he does he pulls away from the world. Krebs even turns away from religion denying being in God's kingdom, which shows his rejection of the uncontrollable. He finds it easier to disconnect from society than have to face daily hassels. Krebs shows this when he tells his mother he does not love her or anyone. After seeing her cry he most again lie which he feels is worse than just departing from the grace of society.

Nada Sunrise

Both the paintings by Edward Hopper share a common theme- isolation in the midst of morning, and the sun. Coincidentially, SUNrise and SUNday are the names for the pieces. In Sunday, one can see a woman sitting on the bed, in a fetal-esque position, with her hands wrapped around her, gazing out the window at the rising sun. The room is sparsely furnished, and there is hardly a view outside her window. She seems to be very closely connected to the older waiter in "A Clean, Well Lighted Place." His world is one-dimensional, cleanliness and light are the governing forces in his life. His life, like the room, has little decoration, only the bare necessities.
Also, as mentioned before, the woman in the Sunrise painting has little to see outside her window, much like the older waiter has little to see or experience outside his quiet, clean life. Even though he is content, he is lonely as well. Everything is nothing to him, but this doesn't seem to bother him much. Likewise, the woman in the picture is staring in a melancholic state out the window, but she does not seem upset. It is as if the only thing both of them look forward to is another sunrise, one more bright light in their world to stave off their dispair. This contentment leaves them in a state of tranquil complancency, neither joyous nor tragic, simply at peace with living; with being. The sunrise keeps them from their nada, yet upon its passing, the former sunrise is just a part of the bigger picture of nada, ready to be chased away by another sunrise.

Simplicity

Sometimes it is enough just to be. Edward Hopper's paintings "Morning Sun" and "Sunday" convey this sentiment brilliantly with their use of lighting and their mood of loneliness. Each painting centers around a single person, wrapped around his or herself, who is pensive and reflective. The subjects of thee two paintings seem to be absolutely contented to just sit. They seem to be embodying Hemingway's "nada" theory - while they may appear to be reflective, they are more likely just existing. The old man in "Sunday" actually looks as if he were painted as an accompaniment to "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" because he is so similar to the description of the old man in that story. The size of the man in proportion to the rest of the painting makes him seem insignificant, like a phantom past him prime - like nada. He is also reminiscent of Krebs in Hemingway's "Soldier's Home" because he is pulled into himself, as if he will not - or cannot - talk to anyone about his experiences. Krebs and the old man in "Sunday" are physically different, but they both seem to have transcended normal society because they no longer feel they belong.
The same analysis could be made about Krebs and the woman in "Morning Sun," although a stronger comparison is made between her and the old waiter in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place." Although she is not smiling, she radiates a peaceful acceptance of her existence. Her coral dress and pink cheeks speak to her inner calm, and she stares into the light of the day. In this way she is similar to the old waiter because both characters like to be in the light - it is one of life's greatest, yet simplest, pleasures. Hopper's paintings reflect Hemingway's themes because both mediums translate the same message - for some, living is simply enough.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Media Blowout? I'm totally there...

But here I am, ready to rhetorically analyze those paintings. I don't really have anything original to say. But here goes.

The first piece, Morning Sun, makes me feel sad. Not like, emotional and cry-my-eyes-out sad, but more of a melancholic, I'm-going-to-die-in-a-place-where-they-don't-know-my-name sort of sad. I'm not sure if Morning Sun connects at all with either of the two pieces because the woman looks like shes longing for something and neither of the main characters were really after anything. I guess she could be in that "young waiter" stage where she just wants stuff but doesn't have any stuff or worries about stuff that's really nothing. So I guess here, the "nothingness" still exists, it just seems to be portrayed in a much more negative light whereas the two characters from the stories both held dear or found comfort in that idea of nothingness; that you don't necessarily need anything to, not necessarily be happy, but at least content and alive. I also can't tell if she's wearing any pants. Maybe that alludes to her sexual promiscuity and the fact that she seems to be in front of a window with no glass may say something about her past actions. Perhaps this has to deal with the love concept explored today during the second discussion? Maybe she is also in the "young waiter" stage of love where she's either been rejected or is longing for that certain someone. Either way, this concept of deep emotional feeling may give way to a preference towards solitude and connects back to our concept of "nothingness" and its usage as a state of mind which either discourages or outright disallows a desire for anything and a pretty Nihilistic outlook if you ask me.

The second piece, Sunday, looks about the same. Though I guess this one isn't as depressing. I'm guess the man is a bartender (based upon his surroundings) or a butler of some sort, or maybe he just got off work from a racetrack, whatever. Maybe he's a hitman? Yeah, lets run with that. We'll say he's a hitman (in disguise as a butler/bartender, duh) and is deeply contemplating his next hit. Though he could have pretty much anything due to his various skills with firearms and nunchaku and pointy-stabby things, he just wants out of this whole underworld thing. You know, go outside, sit in a lawn chair sometimes, and trade that Jack Daniels for some lemonade. Point I'm trying to make is this: while the woman in the first painting looks depressed, this guy seems more in despair. His arms are folded and he looks out as if contemplating some sort of heavy decision. Maybe instead of killing the target, he'll kill his superiors to get free; or not. He is surrounded in the picture by buildings which are inanimate objects which may as well be nothing to him; they're of no importance because he cannot relate to them nor do they help him in any way. Maybe he despairs because he has nothing real to hold onto in this world. All the hard liquor, prostitutes, and shiny toys in the world can't fill the endless void that is his heart. So instead of believing in the "nothing" he wants something. Settle down with some normal girl, get a legal job, and live a happy rest of his life. But that isn't his reality and this "nothingness" that surrounds him makes him sad. He's got no support and he can't do what he wants without facing outrageous odds and, if he fails, serious consequences. He's got feelings too!

Sum giftz for joor tiem:

Amidoinitrite? Kitteh have "nothingness" too.

Light and Lonliness

In the first painting, "Morning sun", the young woman is sitting on her bed looking at the world. The sun is directly straight at her and she sits there in her darker atmosphere looking towards the light. Her face shows lonliness and tranquility. Her mouth shows she is tense. She is sitting on her butt, with her arns placed on her knees, showing that she is lonely. She has no one that can hold her or love her. She seems like she is comtemplating over matters as she looks through her window. the walls and the bed are plain and simple. But outside the room, there is where the beauty exists. There is a concrete palace like structure shown. The sun light focuses on teh building and its creative architecture. Similarily in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" and "Soldier's Home," the older waiter, the old man, and Kerbs experience this lonliness and through light, the escape fromis nothingness. Each of them sits in the light and thinks. The old man sits in the well lighted atmosphere and drinks. The older waiter looks at the old man and thinks about his life and the nothingness he has. Both the old man and the old waiter have no wives to love them or care for them. However, the young waiter does have a wife and is impatient to go home to her. He doesn't experince this lonliness and doesn't care for the light. The light helps the older men to escape from lonliness, but the younger waiter doesn't experience lonliness and therefore does not appreciate the light. Kerbs, as well, like to stay in the light. During the day, in the light, he does his activites. He thinks about women and how he doesn't want to do anything. The woman in the painting, the old waiter, the old man and Kerbs all experience lonliness and nothingness. The look towards the light as their escape were they find peace.

In the second painting, "Sunday," an old man sits on the steps outside of a dark, empty building. The building surrounding him are simple and lonley. they look old and unoccupied. The man sits outside with his arms crossed and head looking towrds the ground ahead of him. Unlike, "Morning Sun," the light is not directed towrd the person. In this case, there is light but the light casts a shadow of the man. He is sad and gloomy. His colthes show that he has money, but his facial expression demonstrates that he is not content with his life and is lonley. The younger, more materialistic waiter in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," believed that since the old man was rich he had no reason to commit suicide. This painting demonstrates that a person can have money but can still be depressed. Similar to Kerbs, the man sits outside and thinks about his conflicts. Kerbs sits outside on his porch and thinks about women and his life and how it has no value. This painting resembles the idea of wealth and that sorrow arises in darkness, but a person can be peaceful in light and escape lonliness suchas in the "Morning Sun".

Analysis

Both pictures by Edward Hopper carry a very similar theme to Ernest Hemingway's two pieces. In Hemingway's pieces "Soldier's Home" and "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" the theme of nothingness and a feeling of isolation appears. I believe that particularly, the picture "Sunday" represents this idea of nothingness and loneliness. The picture represents this idea well for many reasons. First, the old man is sitting all by himself, looking down. His overall body language appears to be sad and and he looks very lonely. Plus, besides the man, there is absolutely no other sort of life or anything in the picture. Even the stores behind the old man seem to be all boarded and closed up. There is no life on the sidewalks, and the dark colors used in the picture portray an ultimately gloomy mood. This reflects Hemingway's idea of the old waiter, the old man, and Krebs. These characters are in the same place as the man in the picture; they are emotionally isolated and feel this nothingness. Old man, being deaf and always drinking by himself, the old waiter, who has no one to feel emotionally attatched to, and Krebs, who also seems isolated in his lack of emotional connection to others.

The second piece by Edward Hopper is significant of the stories in a completely different way. In "Morning Sun" the light shines directly on the girl, while the girl looks hopefully out the window. However, one must notice that she too, is completely alone on the fully made bed-looking out at a scene which does not seem to have much movement either. This also supports Hemingway's theme of isolation and nothing. However, this picture puts this nothingness in a positive light, unlike "Sunday" which has a more gloomy tone. When I first looked at "Morning Sun" it reminded me of the old waiter in "A Clean, Well Lighted Place" in that he only slept during the day, because that is when he could be at peace. This picture is symbolic of that idea, with the girl sitting on her bed, while everything else in the picture seems still and peaceful. I also thought that this piece was symbolic of Krebs, and the constant day light in the story, aloong this certain feeling of hope for Kreb's future and everything will work out. This picture represents that daylight and with the colors, mixed with the girl's facial expression and position, which seem like shes eager to see something, seems to reflect Kreb's hope for the future.

colleen froehlich

Hopper meets Hemingway.

Edward Hopper's paintings, both "morning sun" and "sunday" seem to represent both the themes of Hemingway's "Soldier's Home" and "A Clean Well-Lighted Place." As discussed in class, both stories hold either a relative sense of nothingness, loneliness, hope, light, or darkness. Upon first glance at Edward Hopper's paintings, it is quickly noticed that both characters within the artwork are isolated and alone. Both hold expressions of contemplations within different environments, with the woman in "morning" representing more of Krebs, and the man in "sunday" showing a depiction of the old man, and possibly even the older waiter.

"Morning Sun" continously depicts a lonely, isolated sense as a woman is shown waking up to a bright day, and meditating upon her bed. I felt as if this painting represented Krebs in a very similar sense. "Soldier's Home" holds numerous scenes in which Krebs wakes up in the morning, and very rarely do we get a glimpse at physical darkness or lack of lighting, as morning and daytime seem to take up the story. "During this time, it was late summer, he was sleeping late in bed, getting up to walk down town to the library to get a book, eating lunch at home, reading on the front porch until he became bored and then walking down through the town to spend the hottest hours of the day[...]"(Hemingway 1) In the painting, the woman looks both relaxed and distressed in her position, as she has her legs drawn near her, normally representing gloom or lack of joy. The most interesting aspect of the picture is that sunlight is fully shining through the window, and that there is also a lack of darkness in the environment, just the way Krebs is in the story. However, the fact that there is plenty of light is misleading to the true emotions of the subjects. The woman looks as if she has something they want, but cannot find the motive to go at it, just as Krebs seeks love, but cannot find it. Both Krebs and the woman are obviously either missing something very much or can find nothing to do with a beautiful new day. I also noticed the fact that there are no other objects within the room besides her bed, showing the theme of "nothingness." Overall, just the fact that the painting is so simple also embodies the theme of "nothingness."

In my opinion, "Sunday" represents Hemingway's "A clean well-lighted place" in numerous ways. First of all, the obvious fact that the old man in the painting is sitting in front of a dark building which may represent a cafe draws the similarities. The man is giving off an aura of gloom, and even looks as if he just got kicked out of the building behind him. As in the story where the deaf old man gets kicked out by the young waiter, when all he wanted was a clean well lit place to spend his time doing virtually nothing, this old man in the painting looks as if he has nowhere else to go but the darkness itself. In my opinion, the attire of the man in the painting looks as if it is a waiter's(the older waiter), or even of wealthy background(the old man). He is obviously contemplating something, with a slumped body form, thinnking away into emptiness. There is virtually nothing around him besides a "dark" feeling, with no "well-lit" place to go.

Nada

"A Clean, Well-lighted place" and "Soldier's Home" both focus on the effects of a lonely existence and a sense of nothingness. In each their is a deep contrast which explains the process to this nothingness. Similarly the two paintings depict a contrast which exemplifies the loneliness of the set-apart individuals. Both include a single focus around ordinary people in desolate environments. In "Morning Sun" there is a lone woman, in a seemingly vulnerable position looking out eagerly into a bright shining morning from the shadowy confines of her bedroom which like the old man in "A Clean, Well-lighted place" is a place of comfort like the cafe. Also like the old waiter, she seems to yearn the "confidence" and youthfulness the young waiter exhibited yet is too timid or too experienced to reach for anything that vast. Within the confines of the room everything is white and stark, with the only real color being the woman's dress, and the buildings of the world beyond the window. Similarly in "Sunday" there is a lone individual, a man, who unlike "Morning Sun" is obviously older and experienced. Within an already bland picture, he is the blandest thing to look at, garbed in black and white, with small accents of red. This small addition of color reminds me of the lost dreams of both the soldier, and the old waiter, as they have learned the nothingness in life through experience. They still hold onto shreds of youthful invincibility. The Old man has lost all semblance of this feeling and thus feels no real reason to live, he above all understands the nothingness of the world as he is nothing. The man in "Sunday" looks as if he is brooding over thoughts and these thoughts are taking a toll on him as he is like the woman in "Morning light" is in a vulnerable position. This vulnerability and thought is very similar to the stories we read in class as the characters realize their own vulnerability throughout.

Nothingness

These paintings exemplify the sense of loneliness and nothingness that is embodied in the two pieces that we read in class. Both pieces of art depict experienced people who seem to have a sense of isolation, the same type of person described in the two short stories. Both paintings take place in the daytime, and the time of day plays a significant role in the mood of the piece. “Morning Sun” presumably takes place in the morning, and the woman depicted seems eager to embrace the new day because she is looking boldly straight out the window rather than down, but the woman still seems somewhat depressed, perhaps due to loneliness or to her old age. “Sunday” takes place in what looks like an old-fashioned town, vacated except for one man sitting in front of an empty building. One can speculate that this man is one of the few in the town not at church, or that he had returned to a long abandoned hometown to muse over some distant, saddening memories. Either way, the painting has a sense of loss, and the man seems cut off from human contact by a lack of understanding, or set apart by his comprehension of “nothingness”.
The paintings embody the sense in the stories that at some level, the people are isolated and introspective. In “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place”, the old man sits alone at the table drinking, and is further separated from others by his deafness. The soldier in the other story is set apart by his experiences in war and his simple inability to relate to anybody else, despite their efforts and his continued contact with them. In the paintings, the characters are not isolated by communication barriers, rather by the fact that there is only one person in each painting. They literally have nobody to communicate with, but in the end that creates the same problem as the one that the characters in the short stories have. Left alone, they perceive only a feeling of nothingness. The interesting thing is that this feeling comes with experience in both stories and supposedly both paintings. While negative on the surface, the artists portray the feeling of nothingness as a symbol of wisdom.
-Robert Kramer

Art, meet Rhetoric.

The first piece, Morning Sun, displays a lonely feeling in the character. She is in a half fetal position, a position one uses in times of loneliness, despair, hoplessness. She's holding onto her knees as if apathetic about everything in life. The expression on her face is emotionless yet full of tension; she just sits there looking out, but her lips look as if it's in a tight line. She looks out of the window and into a lighter, brighter atmosphere. Her side of the picture (inside the building) is darker, whereas past the window, viewers can imagine there being a full sun if only the picture hadn't been cut. Also, not only is she sitting in a shdow, she is casting one. This can be seen as a portrayal that her "nothingness" is a shadow to herself, covering up the peace she could be having. Hopper shows the character's "nothingness" by creating a very simple art piece. There are no major details or flowery images. There is nothing on the bed, the wall, her clothes, the sky, or even the building just outside the window. She has this sense of not wanting to do anything, and this is exactly what Krebs felt. Hemingway writes, "[Krebs] would have liked to have a girl but he did not wan to have to spend a long time getting her. He did not want to get into the intrigue and the politics" (Soldiers Home - Hemingway 2). Krebs doesn't want anything; he is apathetic towards everything. He would have wanted a girlfriend, but he didn't want to spend his time to win her heart. Whatever he does want, his parents are against it. Thus, this creates a sense of "nothingness" throughout his life. This "nothingness" also transfers to "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place." In this story, the old man drinks his brandy just like the girl in the painting stares out into the window. He always stays in the shadow and although he has "plenty of money" (A Clean, Well-Lighted Place - Hemingway 2), he is still in despair over nothing in particular. His "nothingness" also overshadows his peace. Perhaps this is why he likes to stay late in the cafe - he can find serenity, quietness, and peace. In Morning Sun, the girl can also find peace in a clean, well-lighted place.

The second piece, Sunday, looks as if it takes place in the afternoon. The sun is casting a shadow and is not as bright as a rising sun. The building behind the old man is darker in comparison to the building on the right. This can be significant in that the old man is also casting a shadow on everything behind him. He sits on the edge of the curb with his arms crossed. Usually, crossed arms means as if one is hiding something, not trying to show emotion, or feels an emptiness. He is looking downwards and his back is slumped forward. He dresses wealthy but he looks unhappy. This explains that even though one may be extremely wealthy, like the old man in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," he or she may not be content with it. Likewise, there is an empty aura around the man in the picture. In "Soldier's Home," Harold also gives off an empty aura. He is present but his presence is unseen.

Edward Hopper and Ernest Hemingway

Study the two pieces of art by Edward Hopper and do a rhetorical-esque analysis of one (or both) of the pieces. Discuss specific details you see and their effects on you, the viewer, and then connect these traits to ideas, concepts, characters, or styles of "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" and "Soldier's Home." Write at a response -- paragraphs, poetry, script... As always, read and respond to one another.

Morning Sun

Sunday

RESEARCH PAPER

RESEARCH PAPERS ARE DUE MONDAY, MAY 12th.

MANILA ENVELOPE INCLUDES

1. Final Draft with Works Cited
2. 2nd draft edited by anonymous peer
3. Graded 1st draft
4. Graded Outline and Revised Outline (if necessary)
5. Graded Note Cards
6. Rubric
7. Checklist

*Step 6 available on Mrs. Gerber's school website under 319 research handouts
**Make sure your name is on the outside of your envelope

Late Papers will lose 100 points a day
More than three grammatical errors result in 15 points off per page

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

Significance and Use of Setting

East Egg and West Egg are the peninsulas of Long Island and where the main characters live. In real life the peninsulas are not referred to by these names, but Fitzgerald saw them as egg shaped. East Egg is the place where the "old money" lives. The East Eggers are the aristocrats...

The West Eggers are the "new money" that the East Eggers resent. They are all lower and middle class people who have found themselves with outrageous amounts of money, and as a result spend it in an outrageous manner.

...[T]these geographical divisions occur on Long Island today though with different names. West Egg is known now as the Great Neck, and East Egg is commonly known as Manhasset Neck. As far as we can tell, the terms East Egg and West Egg were made up by Fitzgerald and completely fictitious. Jutting into the Long Island sound, the "Eggs" are located on the eastern part of the island.

In The Great Gatsby, action is divided between the East and West Egg, but Long Island as a whole is divided into East and West Long Island.

Gatsby Reading Schedule: (Read actively, paying special attention to imagery and motifs)

4/25: The Great Gatsby, ch 1-2
4/28: The Great Gatsby, ch 3-4 *quiz?!
4/29: The Great Gatsby, ch 5-6
4/30: The Great Gatsby, ch 7
5/1: The Great Gatsby, ch 8-9
5/2: The Great Gatsby, Lively Discussion

Outline Reminder

Your voice should not be in the outline except for your assertions, which are complete sentences (I, A, II, B, etc...). Remember, the outline is the skeleton of the essay. When you write your draft, you will include your analysis and voice.

But make sure that your outline has a 2-3:1 ratio of primary: secondary sources.

**If your outline is due Monday, April 14th, please drop it off in the folder on my desk by 7:30am.

Evaluate Plz...

Cannery Row represents a world apart in which the two major forces embodied by Doc and Mac and his boys search for the same contentment using their relationship with each other through very different means. Through their choices and motivations, one finds satisfaction, while the other searches in yearning.

Does this answer the "so what" question?

thesis...take two.

In Rudolfo Anaya's Bless Me, Ultima, Aunt Ultima selects Antonio as her prodigy due to the innocence and potential found within him that the other siblings do not obtain due to the pressure promoted by the Marez and Luna families.

This is still in the works but I am not sure if I should scratch the other siblings and zoom in on Antonio and what components make up his potential?

Do you think this passes the "so what" factor?

How should I expand more (ex. Anaya's rhetoric, influence of magical realism, components Ultima offers)?

Thesis

Through his use of a separate "chorus" narrarator, rather than narrarating through the character or an omnipotent viewer, detachment between the protagonist's feelings and social norms, and the emotional separation between Eddie & his wife (despite the closeness with his niece) Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge" draws from ancient & classic literature to form a modern trajedy about the separation and betrayal in the contemporary society in which he lived.

The Thesis Test

Tonight, take a look at your peer-edit group's thesis statements. Give the thesis test, and then give your feedback. Even if you haven't read their books, you can ask questions that might help guide the process.

The Thesis Test

1. Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose?

2. Is my thesis statement specific enough?

3. Does my thesis pass the “so what?” test?

4. Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test?

Thesis

This is also a huge work in progress. I haven't given it a lot of thought yet because I'm still deciding exactly what I want to address in my paper, but heres one of my ideas.


Thesis->

The Color Purple, by Alice Walker, has been criticized for its racist and stereotypical controversies against the African-American society, causing it to be banned and censored throughout the nation. However, these racist and stereotypical remarks and ideas that occur add to the meaning of the book as a whole and become an important part of the underlying message that the story portrays.

thesis...

work in progress- 

In Anaya's novel Bless Me, Ultima, Antonio's spiritual growth develops through the guidance of Aunt Ultima, who ultimately teaches him the value of faith through symbolism, dreams, use of magic, and foreshadowing of the future, therefore aiding Antonio in the significant growth of conscience.

Also, very much a work in progress. I don't even know if this answers a "So what" question...or if I want to follow this route. Anyways,

Edna is reborn through the discovery of her newfound sexuality, individuality, and artistic interests, thus creating a new independent self that society is incapable of handling—leading Edna to take her own life rather than submit herself to someone else’s desires.

Preliminary Thesis

--This is also a work in progess...

In the book The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne must wear a scarlet letter ‘A’ permanently for her sin of committing adultery. Arthur Dimmesdale, the minister who she had the affair with, has hid his sin from the Puritan society. However, it is this weight, secret, and guilt, which not only cause him to become extremely lonesome, but ultimately, cause his demise.

Preliminary Thesis

CAUTION: WORK IN PROGRESS! :)

Neglected by her mother, abused and raped by her father, discriminated by society because of her color, Pecola Breedlove is forced to believe that she will be accepted when she reaches the white standard of beauty, defined by white skin and blue eyes, and is eventually driven to insanity because of constant discrimination due to her dark skin color.

The Sis

through use of the sentence structure throughout the book, as well as the repeated motifs and pictures used, and the character of Kilgore Trout, Vonnegut contrasts with many of the idiosyncrasies of the American ideal.

Preliminary Thesis

The purpose of my paper is to discuss/describe/illustrate

1. Shug's affection and devoted passion to help Celie
2. The impact Nettie's letters
3. Sofia's confidence and assertiveness

in order to show how they impact Celie and encourage her to expresses her feelings and thoughts and discover her independence.


Through Shug’s devoted passion to help and protect Celie, Nettie’s letters and Sofia’s assertiveness, Celie is able to overcome her life of male dominance and transform into an independent, black women, reflecting the theme of the novel.

Does my thesis answer the So What question?

Preliminary Thesis

By using a semi-autobiographical character to demonstrate America’s attraction to wealth, the country’s rejection at financial dependence, and the way in which Americans exhaust themselves by giving to others, Fitzgerald demonstrates the decline of American society during the Depression with the slow deterioration of Dick Diver.

A little wordy, I know.

Preliminary Thesis.....A Farewell to Arms

The purpose of my paper is to discuss/describe/illistrate:
1. the developments of the relationship between Henry and Catherine
2. foreshadowing in the dialogue of Catherine
3. the importance of the innocent appearance of Catherine

in order to show.....
That through the contrast of Catherine Barkley's innocent appearance and realistic outlook on life she causes Henry to awaken from his emotional detachment from the world, allowing him to see the evils of people which drive him to find an escape through desertion and blind love.

Preliminary Thesis

Here goes...

Rabbit's intense internal desire for self-contentment pitted against society's dogmatic views of what is morally right creates a conflict in which the harder he is restrained, the harder he fights back; this ultimately leads to the devastation of his own life as well as the lives of those around him.

Feedback would be appreciated. Thanks...

Preliminary Thesis

Thesis in Beta

In The Sound and the Fury, William Faulkner's use of the stream-of-conscious style coupled with the degeneration of language and disordered time frame all consider the internal struggles of each character. Human morality and idealism is contrasted with the corruption of the American South as the human heart conflicts against itself.

The purpose: to pretty much say that Faulkner's style of writing lends itself to one of the major themes within the book.

The need: the entire thing just seems so inelegant and blunt (in a very bad and boring way); it doesn't really flow well. The big points are gotten across (I think?!?), but it still has to be streamlined as well as smothered in literary make-up. Suggestions involving word usage and sentence structure would be most appreciated!

Preliminary Thesis/Thesis in Progress

Throughout Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" Hemingway uses the young apprentice Manolin to represent the lost youth of the old man Santiago as well as contrast the human bond relationship with Santiago's love for the sea. During Santiago's battle with the great marlin the audience is able see both Santiago's contempt and respect for the sea that provides a living for him. We are also allowed a look at how Manolin represents the lost youth of the old man, although Santiago continues to have vivd dreams of the lions of africa on the shores of the beach. The purpose of the young lions are used to represent the eternal youth and motivation for the old man. To examine the main characters relationships Hemingway uses the ocean and Manolin to compare and contrast Santiago's relationship with humans and his relationship with the world around him.

The purpose is to...

1. Compare and contrast Santiago's personal relationships with his relationship to the ocean that he both loves and hates.
2. To show how the old man's various dreams of lions and his apprentice Manolin represent both his eternal strive and his lost youth at the same time.

Please...
Comment:
A lot of this sounds awkward because I'm not entirely sure how to phrase it properly.
What could I change and how to address the "So What" factor?

The characters in John Steinbeck's Cannery Row though vastly different in persona and mannerism all deal with the issue of contentment. The Depression Era in Monterey, California isn't much different than anywhere else in the US, yet you see how different characters take the most of life. Mack and the boys live off borrowed land, and on the outskirts of societal and cultural values, yet are always satisfied, while Doc, the richest and most cultured in Monterey passes day by day wasting his life away depressed, and yearning for more. It is this dynamic of contentment that gives life to these characters somewhat disillusioned stories.

The purpose of my paper is to discuss/illustrate the

1. Contrast between Doc and the boys in what they live life for.
2. Contrast between the satisfaction felt by Doc and other characters around him.
3. Reasons for these contrasts

in order to show-
How these contrast impact the overarching meaning of a book about finding the best in life through unlikely people, and how Monterey symbolizes society as a whole.

Sin is one of the major themes in The Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and as a product of sin, Pearl symbolizes and represents evil that exists within society.

I believe Pearl symbolizes evil for a few different reasons 1. the relationships she has with others 2. Hawthorne's use of symbolism throughout the novel 3. The diction Hawthorne uses when talking about Pearl 4. the actions and words that Pearl uses

I also think that because of the situation Pearl lived and grew up with in a puritan society has led her to take on her role of "the product of sin" and pushed her to represent evil rather than the innocence of a child.

Is there anyway I can incorporate some of this into my thesis? I'm terrible at putting a lot of information into 1 tiny sentence.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

My primary source is…One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest
The purpose of my paper is to discuss the…
1. Symbolism( fog, time, ect.)
2. The characters and their in depth stories
3. Setting(ward)
Of… my book during the 60’s
In order to show…why Kesey took a non-conformist stand when writing about these things in respect to the time period and how it relates to him life.
THESIS___
With the use of symbols, in depth characters, and a descriptive setting Ken Kesey takes a non-conformist approach to a 60's novel in a mental institution.

Thesis for "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac

In "On the Road," Kerouac uses changing syntax and the moral downfall of Dean Moriarty to show that there was a negative side to the "beat" generation that he is credited with representing positively.

Preliminary Thesis: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Though the deaths of love and morals portray the lost generation left in the wake of the Great War, Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises seeks to prove that these "deaths" were, in fact, temporary, and that life would subsist, gradually bringing direction back to the world.

What improvements should be made?
Did I lose you anywhere?

The purpose of my paper is to discuss/describe/illustrate the:

1) death of love and morals within the book
2)describe the situation of the lost generation left in the wake of a Great War (World War I)
3)show what Hemingway was trying to depict through the "aimlessness of the lost generation"

of Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises

in order to show that theses "deaths" were temporary, and that life would be able to subsist, and bring the lost generation back into the true realities of the world.

Working Thesis

In Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, Wharton includes Newland Archer’s conflicting heart and social conscience, the role of family and tradition in the character’s lives, and the symbolism of the novel’s title and its subtle implications of irony to criticize an old-fashioned New York society.

Reply to Poll

I read it, I get it, ya...

Question: Are the forms for the Harper writing competitions on their website?
And, what do you recommend we do if our criticism is over 100 pages in one of the research books? We cannot check them out and I don't have a thousand dimes...

for the writing contest for 3rd quarter, are we restricted to the Harper Writing Contest?------->

Research Paper Information

1. Don’t panic.
   


2. Recognize that this process can be overwhelming -- perhaps especially at the beginning when you don’t know WHAT to look for or what this paper is all about. Tomorrow, I’ll bring in some final (10-13 page) literary research essays so you have an idea of what’s in store. Realize that you won’t know your thesis immediately. By the end of next week, you’re going to establish a preliminary thesis; you’re going to narrow your search so that you can really explore specific criticism. To get there, you need to reflect, reread, and refocus. Like you did with your reading of “Popular Mechanics,” think about WHAT you want to focus your research on. YOU need to know YOUR reading and then find criticism that speaks to your reading.
   


3. Skim your three books tonight. If something intrigues you, keep the book and check out the book. Start thinking about HOW you want to focus your research. Jot down ideas. You can explore multiple options before settling. If you start to feel overwhelmed, go back to step #1.
   


4. Look over the types of literary criticism under ‘important sites.’ This may help you narrow your focus.
   


5. Bring change with you to class so that you can make copies. For every source you find, I’m going to want you to make a copy. At this point, do NOT start making note cards. Just gather. Read. Annotate. Question. The one thing you CAN –and should—start to make are bib cards (see packet) for potential sources. I will go over this in class tomorrow.
   


6. For Monday’s pass-into-class, you’re going to turn in one bib card, correctly cited, for one source. You’re also going to fix – if necessary—your reading notes. I hope to return these to you tomorrow.
   


7. Look to the right for upcoming due dates. When you are done, repeat step #1.
   


8. Know that I plan to discuss and introduce each new step when the prior step is completed. Tomorrow, I will go over bib cards; on Monday, I’ll talk about your preliminary thesis. If you’re a big picture person, feel free to read the whole packet and example papers.
   


9. Note that we will NOT be in the media center every day. We will be doing in-class activities, too. (Tuesday, for instance, we’re doing a writing assessment. Whoo-hoo.) You will need to put in your time outside of class. This process moves quickly. Late work will receive NO CREDIT but still MUST BE COMPLETED. You don’t want to be that guy/gal to unnecessarily lose points, right?
   


10. Ask me questions. You can email, visit me before school, after school, during school –find out what you need to know as soon as you can. No question is stupid. (At least at this point. That may change. ) Please POST your questions on the blog, too. You may not be alone in your wondering.
    
    
11. Show me that you read this. Take the poll and check off the selection that best fits you.

For now, if you have any immediate questions, post them on the blog (as comments) or send me an email. Hopefully this clarifies the process for you somewhat. Remember, you KNOW what you're doing here. You're ready for this. Promise.

Writer's week

My reaction to writer's week was...Damn it! I missed both fridays because of a doctor appointment and a fluke sickness, and it just was not the same as it has been. I was introduced to many different experiences this time around however, and I think that those new experiences really broadened myself.(By the way, if I'm falling asleep tomorrow, its because I procrastinated until 2:30 in the morning to do everything- but it's cool)
My week started with Billy Lombardo, who I saw for the 4th time in three years (yep, back to back english classes last year). So no offense to him or anything, but it kind of was a little repetitive. But at least he didnt read the same piece he had been reading the last 2 years! But for cerial, he's a good writer. It seemed like he'd gotten slightly more melancholy since the last time I saw him (that's an understatement, how do you go from a story about little league baseball to child abuse the next year). But he's always been very good, and he's one of those guys who you could just tell is a really nice guy (I feel like I know him after three consecutive years). haha.
Next up came Scott Woldman & Co. (or as I like to call them "the perverted playwright and his sexually obsessed sidekicks"- I think I like that name), haha but seriously- they were definitely my favorite performance at writer's week (Besides me/Lauren of course). I really liked when all the girls in the play were singing about what they want in a guy, and they guys all sang back their only desires, "will you, will you, will you, will you sleep with me?!". Priceless. I do have to say, I was let down with the performances from the teachers- what a poor representation of our high school! They just seemed uptight the whole time- but overall the entire thing was hilarious.
Then came Thursday, ahhh good old thursday. What could go wrong that day? (In case you were wondering; everything. Worked on my piece the night before until 3; then started feeling sick. Which of course carried through the night and I missed the first 2 periods. Then, I did almost all of my edits in math class- yeah a full hour before I was speaking- but I nobly pushed through). When I got up on stage, I started feel better a little bit actually; but that wasn't saying much. Anywho, I'd have probably been nervous if I hadn't felt so sick soooo...blessing in disguise? Yeah, so I went up to read mine and was greeted to a chorus of "ROSEY"'s from my friends. Schweetness. I read mine almost flawlessly (not really) but it went by decently. Whatevs. Then Lauren went, and she was reallly good. Theeeeen some other students went, who shall remain nameless, but for our dicussion purposes, I'll refer to him/her as Mathan Humway..and theirs was awesome (I didnt actually listen, but it lulled me into a peaceful sleep; I was grateful). Anyways, after that I went to the nurses office and had a 100 degree temperature, so I missed my physics test. The day just kept getting better!
Later that day, We went to go see Daphne Willis, who graduated with my bro. She was pretty good, but kind of felt a little repetitive (by a little, I mean a lot). I was glad just to listen to music for a whole period though, but I had a feeling that Justin "The Grouch" Park (for all those interested, here's a picture: http://images.wikia.com/muppet/images/c/c9/OG-p0002-ST.jpg) did not feel the same way. Whenever I turned to talk to him during the show, he'd turn away from me, and make an annoying grunting noise. After the show, I asked him what was wrong and he responded with: I HATE THIS MUSIC!...talk about a negative nancy.

(P.S. this wasn't meant to rip JP apart in any sense, it's just that I thought his actions could describe the faults in the performance better than I could.)

Then friday came and went with me staying in my rightful place (my bed). Then when I woke up, I spent my time being very depressed about writer's week (between commercial breaks on TV of course. Of course I was watching HBO -daytime TV sucks- sooo....)

I think I just gave my 2008 writer's week experience a good description, so I'll stop there (so I don't dig myself into a deeper hole than I already just did).

Writers' Week

My response to writers' week at the moment is...I wish that it wasn't over! I don't wish that it wasn't over merely because we get out of English class and a few other ones here and there for a whole week, but rather I think that the concept of WW is such an enriching way to inspire people to write and get exposed to different outlets of writing. In previous years of WW I have really only seen writers of novels and poems, so this year I appreciated a change in being able to see a variety of writers who didn't limit themselves to traditional ideas of writing. For example, I liked hearing about the process of getting a screen play published and getting your name out there from Bill Kelly, how you don't have to limit yourself to mere poetry but can add music to create songs from Daphne Willis, or even create your own musical in community theatre and actually get people to perform it from Mark Wolmon. I took away learning that it doesn't really matter where your passion lays, there is always a way to incorporate writing.

When I found out that the writer of Enchanted was going to be at WW the first thing that came to my mind was that he must have met Patrick Dempsey, not really considering what else went into screen writing other than being famous. I was surprised when he said that in the industry writers are "pond scum" and don't even get invited to the big award shows. My assumption was that they were highly respected seeing that they were the ones that came up with all the ideas for movies and TV shows in the first place. Despite this fact of a lack of recognition and the whole writers' strike Mr. Kelly was a very down to earth and nice guy. He even asked my question of whether Patrick Dempsey is as hot in real life as he is on screen enthusiaticly with a "he's smokin'" even though I'm sure he has been asked this question a million times. I also found it intereseting that he is from the surrounding area which I thought brought some hope to people in the audience who may have a dream of becoming a screen writer in Hollywood. Even though he had nothing prepared I still found his segment to be entertaining with his sacrcastic remarks and "hiya's."

The one person who I got the feeling of anyone can write about anything they want to was Billy Lombardo. He confessed to being a truly happy guy, but in contrast all of his stories were very depressing and dark. The piece that I was most moved by was "My First Punch." The way he captured the emotions of a young boy and his want to deny that his father punched him and his attempt to keep his father from remembering what he did really impressed me. I opened up the idea that I don't actually have to write from experience for a piece to be good, but just get in the mind of the character you create. I also thought it was intersting when he talked about how he tried to try writing in 2nd person rather than 1st person like most of his pieces. This encouraged me to try new things with my own writing.

The most entertaining of all the days was definitely Mark Wolmon's production of Speed Dating the Musical. I found it especially interesting that he is actually an English teacher at a local junior high, and was amazed that he could find the time to write an entire musical. I found his use of speed dating as his subject as satirizing how pitiful and desperate people can be to find love, especially in today's soceity with more older singles and the surplus of online dating services. It was humourus how he used stereotypical types of characters just as the egotistical male, the sex kitten woman, the guy who still can't talk to girls, the fat girl who wants to find someone the accept her as she is, and then the one sane and normal woman who thinks the whole thing is ridiculous. My favorite part of the whole performance was the overy horny woman singing to Mr. Shaeffer. I loved how she stayed in character even though as they said at the end that most of them were the exact opposites of their characters in real life. So not only did you get exposure to a writing aspect but acutally the performing a writing as well.

Then the sad day had to come for Mark Smith to close Writers' Week. I don't think they could have picked anyone to close with though. I was amazed that he had memorized over 200 poems both his own and the works of others, and not only did he have them memorized to recite but to put action to them as well. I loved how he took the approach of bringing life to poetry instead of just the same heartfelt reading behind a podium, although I was a little afraid for him when he decided to climb on the railings. The things that stuck with me the most from his performance was his emphasis on "sharing the stage" and "welcoming 1st timers." The fact the he admitted to being a normally shy person but then was able to put all his fear behind him for his love to perform was really inspiring. I took away from that to not let obstacles hold you back in life. I have to say though, that even though he meant well to allow those two students to come on stage to read their work, I was a little bummed that they were taking up his time to perform more poems. I guess that is just part of his good nature that radiates off him and can light up a room.

I came away from WW inspired to write and try new things. Hopefully next year I'll get up the guts to read myself. I'm really impressed by the people in our own class that read because I'm sure that they were all amazing!

Writer's Week Response

So writer's week was pretty cool...Yeah let's just dive right into this thing. Ok so on the first Friday, Mary Fons read, and I thought it was pretty amazing. I mean, the whole typing to Beethoven's symphony on the big screen intro thing kinda threw me off, because there was a giant fig/fichus/spruce/plastic tree in my way. Anyways, I loved the "And I'm So Young" poem, I heard it freshman year and I was hoping she would perform it again, and I got my wish. Probably one of my favorite poems, like, ever. I also remember her saying (who am I kidding, I wrote it down, ok) "Our best laid plans are there for God's amusement." That hit me really hard, and I can't even put my finger on exacatly why. But I guess I'll know soon enough.
Moving right along, when Billy Lombardo spoke on Monday, I thought he was hilarious. He was extremely redundant, and I know this upcomming quote isn't a prime example, but here goes: "I never add egg to your meatballs, even though your meatballs are kinda dry." He definately used the word "meatballs" twice within the same sentence, and I recall him using the word "keys" literally 20 or more times during a different poem. I still thought it was great writing though, and overall, I enjoyed his performance.
Wednsday's performance was made awsome by Mr. Brewner. The guy's a genius, what can I say? The only problem was, I was too engrossed in his insanely creative writing that by the time he finished, I realized I hand't written anything down. So no quote from him, unfortunately. Later that day, I encountered a quote I would remember even without writing it down, from the musical "Speed Dating." It's not very relevant though, so we'll just toss that one aside.
On Thursday, I don't even remember who said it (which is a little sad, because I had met them the previous day) but one girl said "somewhere a baby cries for a father she'll never know." That quote struck me as something that could be slapped on an anti-war poster. It bears the cold hard truth, and I'll admit, that quote will probably stick with me for many a good year.
Friday was a complete powerhouse, with Beth Ann Fenelly and Marc Smith reading. Talk about good writing; what I heard was unbelievable. Beth Anne Fenelly said something that was pretty life changing; "only when we think clearly can we speak clearly, and only when we speak clearly can we change the world." (That one, I did memorize...It's that good of a quote.) And then Marc Smith shared even more wisdom in saying "If you feel there's something inside of you that you have to do, you're not making it up." I can't even bring to light exactly how those quotes hit me, because I don't even think I'll ever know. But let there be no question- both of those phrases will change my life at one point or another. In ending, I'll just say that I absolutely loved this writer's week, and that writing those thank you letters (which I normally hate with a passion) was a breeze, simply because of the authenticity and pure genius of this week's performances.

Writers Week

This year's Writers Week was thoroughly enjoyable - I enjoyed every performer I saw. I love the concept of Writers Week because as a high school student in the suburbs, I rarely get an opportunity to see performances of this caliber. Really, the only exposure I get to the writing world is when I attend the Palatine Poetry Slams. For this reason, Marc Smith was my favorite performance. His is the epitome of the Writers Week spirit, so it was fitting that he ended the festivities. I had never seen him before this year but had heard great things, and my expectations were exceeded. Not only did he walk on the banisters, but his act was fantastic. His poems were unlike many I've heard before because they were unpretentious, funny, and honest without sounding whiny. I particularly like his Socialist poem. Even though I myself am a Democrat, I was surprised he could formulate such an engaging poem out of his Socialist views. (the "money makes the world go 'round" song was especially funny). I was most impressed by Smith because of his huge reservoir of poems. To memorize that many lines and rhymes and be able to recite them in a manner that makes it seem as if he is making the poems up on the spot is an incredible talent. My favorite poem of his was the menagerie poem because he involved the audience and really make the poem into a show.

Another funny guest at Writers Week was Scott Woldman. Although I don't think I heard him say more than a sentence, his actors spoke volumes for his sense of humor. "Speed Dating: The Musical" was a highly enjoyable and hysterical play. The "sleep with me" song, the line about having a "fat condition," and the title "Dr. Nasty Pants M.D." were a few of my favorite quotes from the play. My favorite character was definitely the older female sexual predator; her song to Mr. Schaeffer was one of the funnier things I had seen in a while. All of the actors were very talented, and I liked seeing the play in its rehearsal stages. I was shocked at how good they were, considering how little time they had had with the script. I also liked learning about the casting and practice process.

The third comical performer I saw was Regie Gibson. A talented poet, Regie used satire to poke fun at his wife, George Bush, and his former neighbor. While some of his more serious poems were really insightful, my favorites were the satirical poems. I love his mock State of the Union address, and his George Bush impersonation was harsh but still funny. He also involved the audience by asking us to repeat "amen, hallelujah, boom-shaka-laka-laka-laka-laka-BOOM" after his "dedication prayers." He ended the hour with a great musical poem sccompinied by a solo on the bongo drums.

I also loved the student performances I saw at Writers Week. Although I didn't submit an application this year, I'm definitely going to find something to read next year. I don't want to miss the opportunity to be a part of something like Writers Week, and I have only one more year to present!

WWXII Reactions

Writers week this year was truly out of control! It was so awesome to not only see all the performers, but to be one of them. I'd like to start out with my own experience of being on the stage because I had an amazing time! I only started to get nervous 3 or 4 days before I read, but those days were rough. On that day I didn't know what to wear, was late for 1st period, and I couldn't find my art class.(I didn't know they were in the auditorium for Writers Week!Oops!) This all happened before 5th period which was my time to read. I thought I was doomed, and on top of it, all my friends told me they were coming. You're not allowed to get called out of class...right? Well, my loyal/crazy friends found a way to come and watch me. Once I got up to the stage I sat on the couch and was asked if I was okay several times by teachers during passing periods because I looked like I was going to pass out or something. Thank god for Rosey is all I have to say. He tried calming me down by making me laugh even though he was going before me!

As soon as Rachel, the reader before me) called my name I heard my very own fan section cry out my name. I knew I'd be okay. The feelings awesome, by the way. I suggest that everyone do something like this before they leave Fremd! This was my FIRST time speaking into a microphone ever! Yet, I found comfort in my friends and with the audience. I knew everyone was so supportive of the other authors so I felt fine. I mean, yeah, I'm sure there were people bashing me the whole time but whatever. The way I see it is I had enough guts to get up there and do it! I wouldn't hear what they said, and what you don't know won't hurt you. When I started talking I even tried to get out of running during soccer...who was I turning into?!? Ahhh, I'm going to be allover WW next year because it was just THAT awesome this year!

Speaking of awesome, Billy Lombardo mesmerizing. The way he talks and tells his stories make you want to get a tape recording of him reading his own book! He's so funny, and the fact that he has son and always writes about him is cool. I love how he gets so into the stories. For example, his First Time You are Punched piece was so good because he really played the role of the son and the dad. My favorite part of that piece was the "So I tried to make a deal with the wall", the little boy butterfly kissed the wall. Plus, the fact that he had a dream and turned it into a story is really neat. When he went of to those 'rants' it was so interesting. He never got boring, my attention was on him at all times. The funny part was that I actually enjoyed taking notes on Billy Lombardo, because he was so interesting! And I hate taking notes!

Here's what really shocked me: 1)People thinking Bill Kelly was boring, 2)The raunchiness of the speed Dating: The Musical, and 3) MARC SMITH (In general). I thought Bill Kelly was really cool for taking all those questions. I mean, yeah, he might not have come with a speech of whatever, but we(the audience) had a chance to ask him anything! He wrote 3 movies!!!! He wrote 3 movies that I have seen, in theaters and at my house!!! Why didn't more people think that that was the most amazing thing ever?! How many times in your life can you really say that you met someone who wrote a movie?(My sharable Draft is totally doing to be about him!)

The Scott Woldman & Co. performance was great! We got to see a play in the making before the paying audience does!! I'm going to be honest though, I wasn't expecting that level of raunchiness!(haha). I loved it! The teacher they pulled up made it for me, and the rest of the audience I'm sure.

Finally, Marc Smith. Oh, Marc, where to begin? He never fails to amuse and surprise me. Talk about an amazing performer! The best part is that in real life he's shy! He's such a big inspiration to me because someday I'm going to be like him, just go up there and have fun. I Lover Writers Week!!!!!

Writer Week 08

This years writers week was definitely better than last years. In all honesty, I dozed off during a couple of last years performances, along with the rest of my classmate and the teacher. As Bill Kelly wisely stated " Noone wants to hear about old men fishing on a pond" (ironically a subject of a story I unfortunately had to sit through last year) and this year performances were far from it. I think they saved the best for last, including saving the best for the last periods as well. Writer's week started off a little weakly, with "Hoya" Bill Kelly. Although he was unprepared, I find his career and the movie business very interesting, so I'm sure it wasn't as boring for me as I'm sure it might have been for other students. I did find him to share some inspirational insights about his job and how he reached it, whether he was "pond scum" or not. "It doesn't matter who you are or where your from, if you really want it and work hard for it, you can do it." I also found it cool that he comes from the same area we do and managed to do what he does, helping to produce famous movies that we pay to go see in theaters. I will admit that the next movie he is writing seems pretty lame, but I guess I will have to wait and see how it turns out. I went up to talk to him after, because we have some family friends in the movie business as well, and found him to be a nice guy. Even though he was unprepared, he managed to pull it off because people had enough questions to ask him. I was reieved to know that "Patrick Dempsey is smokin' " in real life as well.

I had seen Billy Lombardo last year, and thought he did an even better job this year with his descriptive and realistic stories about memorable events with families. I wish we couldv'e heard some happier stories or events that actually happened to him, but as he said " There's no violence in my life and I love violent movies and mafia." I thought this comment was ironic, because as violent as his stories are, he states " Shut up is so bad, you never hear it at my house." As depressing as his stories were, he proved to not be a depressing person, with his funny and random comments in between stories, like telling us about his dream where his "son imitated a pretty good American accent." I also found some parts of his "That's How I Know You Were Mad At Me" story to be humorous. Overall, I think he did a good job and shared with us some well written stories.

When I first heard we were seeing Scott Woldman, I expected it to be a boring period with him just talking about writing plays, similar to what we had already seen with Bill Kelly. I was proved wrong after finding out we were actually going to watch scenes from the play. I found the musical hilarious and enjoyable. It had some great catchy tunes, such as the opening song after everyone meets at the speed dating. The musical had a lot of comic relief, especially from Vicky, the dental hygienist in real life, who scared me and made me laugh with her lines. I liked the comparison of "men being like cucumbers" and the "key to happily ever after...frequent trips to the farmers market." I thought that although they hadn't had much practice yet, they had a great performance. I will hopefully be able to see the musical when it opens March 29th- June 21st!

Daphne Willis and Co. was also better than last years band by a mile, or more. I loved their unique sound, compared to the same pop music everyone hears on the radio today. They also had a relaxed attitude that showed in their music. I loved the guitarists little dance during the song "Yellow Dress." When listening closely to the songs, there lyrics were meaningful and real, something I look for in music and was happy to see here. I am also impressed that she is a Fremd graduate, since it is hard to believe that anyone from around ehre can become successful in the music industry, since it is hard to get into. I think that if her and her band continue to be who they are, they have the potential to become successful in the future. It is obvious that Daphne's influences affect the sound of her music, including Sara Bareilles and Jack Johnson, both of whom I like. I hope their band makes it in the industry while maintaining the unique sound that sets them apart and made me enjoy them.

I also believe the best was save for last, ending with Marc Smith. I didn't have the chance to see him last year, and am glad I got to this year. I was surprised to hear that he used to be shy, saying that he was "so shy, I couldn't even talk to the pizza guy on the telephone." It is comforting to hear that, because I am the exact same way. This inspired because it shows me that if I try I can do big things when I get older as well, like how he created poetry slams. I found him to be very interactive and lively with audience which made for a fun and interesting period. I can't believe he climbed the railing at his age! I wouldn't even do it now, especially since he had just "had a little accident" the period before. I loved watching his bowlegged rainbow poem and "Richard Cory". I was also assigned to reinact this play in Mrs. Gilkey's class (I was actually in Jennifer's group) and enjoyed recognizing a poem I thought I'd never hear again. I also like that he believes, as I do, that "More than I like poets, I like poems". I also believe this is crucial in music, and that quality and meaning is more important than how famous the person who wrote it is. This made him and his enthusiasm in his performances more believable and real to me. It is amazing that he has memorized 350+ poems and can perform any of them, and perform them well. He is truly an inspiration to any aspiring writer. This year's writer week was by far better than the last two I'd been to. I loved the different variety of subjects and people we got to see. It will be hard, but I'm looking forward to seeing if next year's writer week can top this one.

Writer's Week Response

Writers Week was phenomenal as always. It has never let me down yet. The funniest piece I’ve seen this past week was the Speed Dating by Scott Waldman. There were lines in there such as when the girls sang “So many questions I have to ask, give me the right answer if you want to last.” They wanted to know about the guys on a deeper level, while the boys simply sang out, “Will you sleep with me?” This was hilarious because it has truth behind it, and it was said so bluntly.
The most inspirational thing I heard was when Daphne Willis and Company sang her heart out. She had come from Fremd High School, which proves to me that people we know can follow their dreams if they set their mind to it. Her voice was soothing, yet upbeat, and I thought it was adorable when the guitarists swayed back and forth followed by a spin during the “Yellow Dress.” After hearing this music, I couldn’t resist. I had to buy her CD. After listening to it multiple times through, not only did I like the rhythm and beat, but her lyrics spoke the truth. One of the songs I listened to that wasn’t at writers week, had a line in it that said, “The one thing you don’t need to fear is fear.” Her music was the greatest thing I heard this week.
Another inspirational speaker was Marc Smiths. He is definitely someone I won’t forget. He made such a mark in the art history by creating the poetry slam. He may be a bit on the older side, but he still has so much spunk in him and he even walked up a wall! As a healthy young teenager, I wouldn’t even do that. So it shows me that he has guts and that poetry not only speaks to him, but he finds a way to make it speak to us. This wasn’t a poem Smiths read, but while he was simply telling us about himself, he said “If you feel there’s a destiny inside of you, you know what? There is!” After hearing him speak, I was motivated to talk to him afterward. He told me and a few others standing near me that if you ever feel motivated to do something, go for it. It’s not just our imaginations, but there really is a destiny out there made just for us. All in all, this writers week was one of a kind, that makes Fremd a unique school for the effort it puts in to making this happen for all of us.

After attending numerous performances throughtout this year's Writers Week, I must admit, this year, by far, contained the most memborable speakers.

Billy Lombardo had to be my most favorite because I had already seen him the previous year. However, instead of reading some of his old pieces, or even anything reminiscent of them, he read some really creatively different yet enjoying pieces. I really enjoyed "The First Time You Were Punched" because it was one of the short stories that fell into that "completely innovative" category. Rather than speaking in the first person, Mr. Lombardo wrote it in the second person, directly addressing his audience as "you." But what I found more interesting was how even with the use of "you," he made the story sound as if it were about him and his own experiences. In addition to his innovative pieces, I enjoyed specific lines he shared with the audience. Before reading "How to Remember a Day With Your Son," Mr. Lombardo mentioned how he "thinks it's funny naming your cat 'sad,'" which happens to be depressing in the real world. But what was even more funny was when he admitted that his "favorite friends are really smart and don't write" and "really smart and don't read." In both cases, Mr. Lombardo told the audience that these particular friends made writing much easier because they would always give him a story, yet little had to be modified because he knew that they wouldn't write their own stories, and some may not even read these stories (giving him permission to not change the names).

Two performances that were completely new to me from the Fremd auditorium were the two musical performances: Scott Woldman and the cast of Speed Dating and Daphne Willis and Co. Both had different approaches in that one was humorous while the other had better music. After watching a couple scenes from Speed Dating, my abdomins were aching from laughing so hard. The highlight of the show had to be the sexually charged woman. While a little inappropriate for our G-rated high school, it was absolutely hilarious watching the woman purr out "feisty" and sexually harass Fremd's very own Mr. Schaefer. But what was more interesting was how Scott Woldman, the screen player writer, was also funny stating that his inspiration for writing this musical was because he had "a lot of unhappy single friends." On the flip side, I also enjoyed watching a completely different musical approach performed by Daphne Willis and Co. Instead of being the cast members of a musical, Daphne Willis and Co. was an actual band. Although it was unfortunate to hear that they weren't signed, I was really glad they were able to make it to Fremd's Writers Week. Daphne Willis had a Norah Jones-esque voice that was raspy yet relaxing, perfect for any type of weather and any type of emotion. Moreover, I was surprised when I saw the drummer playing three instruments (top hat, snare, tambourine) at one time during the song "What's It Gonna Be." That being said, my ultimate conclusion of this band is how immensely talented they are. I'm hoping them the best of luck so that they may be more widely exposed to the entire country.

This year, I believe Fremd kept the best for last. Marc Smith was the last performer to perform, but he was definitely one of the most memorable. He not only got the audience to participate but also made us believe in the characters he was performing. It was incredible to see the range of characters he could perform and mimic their voices. I don't remember the poem title, but I loved his raspy voice when he said, "The coat used to fit him well, it fits me now." All I could imagine was a Sin City-esque scene in which Bruce Willis was sporting a long tailored coat, something one would see in a suspensful mystery movie. But I grew really excited when he stard reciting "Richard Cory." My freshman year of high school, I remember Mrs. Gilkey assigning us to read certain poems aloud. My group was assigned "Richard Cory" but never did I thought I would read, or see it again, performed so well that it was rightfully commemorating the author of the poem.

Despite the overall plethora of excellent performances, I was disappointed in Bill Kelly's speech, which happened to be anything but one. Instead of sharing his experiences, he forced the audience to create questions for him to answer. While it may be beneficial in the fact that we are only listening to information that we want, I still felt as if Mr. Kelly could've added something to his performance that would have made it extraordinary, rather than satisfactory. Although I was kind of hyped to see, in person, the screen pley writer of Enchanted and Blast From the Past, two excellent films that I have enjoyed watching, he reminded me of Terrence Coli's performance last year: boring. My mistake was getting overexcited for a famous writer rather than researching a writer that is new and less successful in the writing community. While Bill Kelly had some interesting and humorous things to say, such as, "hi-yah!" and "take the exalted writer and inverse it into pond scum, that's what I am," I feel that I could've learned so much more from such a successful writer.

But ultimately, despite the criticism, I loved Writers Week, especially the free food that was provided to the performers. The speakers Fremd invited were all so talented and many of the student speakers were also suprisingly very good. For these reasons, I am glad I am a junior so that I may relive this experience once again as a senior.
:D

My Writer's Week Experience

This year's writers week left me with mixed feelings. Watching such inspired minds come together in one place gave me hope for my own writing ability. Proof that people of any background can make impactful writing. From revolutionary writers such as Marc Smith to down to earth, independent songwriters such as Daphne Willis & Company.
The first performance I experienced proved to be not much of a performance at all. Bill Kelley, a "famous" Hollywood screenwriter admitted to being completely unprepared, and personally I was suprised that he could fill up all the time through a simple question and answer. Yet his message to us, though a bit cliche (like most of his movie ideas) was clear, do what you love and what your good at, even when people try to bring you down. I liked his dry, monotoned answers to the questions about his movies, which he obviously recognized are a bit lame. His sense of humour which comes through in his scripts also came through in his conversation as he took abuse by several students, and even a teacher, who asked him "how it felt to take on the role of a teenage girl." Instead of becoming akward he admitted that the writing process is not glorious and most often takes a long soak in the bathtub. He also admitted to being a fan of corny popcorn flicks like Matrix, among others. This is clear in his movies that actually got produced as well, such as Premonition, and Enchanted. The best part of his Q&A was his insight into the world of movie production, and his full recognition of the fact that his career makes him "pond scum." The fact that he takes all the abuses of being a writer with generally dumb ideas who has no power at all, yet still does it for the love of the industry and creative liberty is inspiring if nothing else.
After hearing that rant about the generalities of being unsuccessful, anything would be a pump up in my mind...except Billy Lombardo. Right off the bat I knew his ideals and my own did not exactly coincide. His first poem about a baseball game, proved uninteresting to me, though his writing style was admirable. His bland delivery didn't help the matter, and later on as he got to his stories about emotional relationships, between father and son got a bit too mushy for my taste. It didn't end there though, the theme of baseball and father/son protruded throughout the next half and hour. To top it all off, they weren't even true stories, or inspired by truth, he just wrote depressing stories for the heck of it, and that got on my nerves. Stories about hitting his kids, and of adultery, and losing keys. I just saw it as a bummer, and then I'd remember its all happening at some random baseball field and that was a bummer too, cause I don't like baseball. I guess the stories were honest, and serious but not at all captivating or interesting.
On the third day I wasn't expecting much, as I had been pretty clearly disappointed the last two, but I was in for a welcome surprise, as the cast and crew of Speeddating the Musical performed. Though performing about a subject probably none of the students had any experience with, you could instantly tell everyone was interested. To see written word put to such comical use was a relief from the past experiences. The way that the performance aspect adds an entire other layer to the already complicated process of writing, and one that can be at times much more captivating than the words themselves really interested me. Another welcome surprise was the fact that this particular theater group consisted of regular people not actors. Accountants, dentists, lawyers all brought together by a love of the stage, and trained to be naturals in front of a crowd. It really provided evidence of writing put to action.
Perhaps my favorite performance of the week came with Marc Smith, the creator of Poetry Slams. I felt like I was in the room with some one who really made a difference in the writing world. Proof that individuals can revolutionize a field even as isolated as poetry. His performace again added to the power of the pieces, as they weren't bland and drawling but quick, highpaced, and he was always moving to add effect. I knew I was in a room with a master of the art. The parts of his life that he shared with us were also interesting as you got to see that he came from humble roots, and that he wasn't always inclined to write, but found it to be his calling. His innovation, and passion made him inspiring, and easy to watch. If I ever had doubts about whether poetry could exist in our generation, my questions with answered quickly.
Though I enjoyed some speakers more than others, I admired their ability to go in front of a crowd of strangers, and share pieces of themselves, their ideas on paper. I could see that all of these people were empowered by creativity, and that writing is as much an expression of one self as anything.