Introduction: How'd He Do That?
According to Foster, there is a certain "language of reading" that is developed over time that plays a key role in the ability to correctly and effectively analyze a text. While analyzing literature, our memory, symbols, and patterns that arise make us happy when in the end everything falls into place. When patterns are recognized, an entire "paragraph" as stated by Foster follows the "convention" of language and we become happy individuals. Memory, symbol, and pattern are not only nouns but secret codes that can usually only be identified by true analyzers. These three aspects of analyzing lead to a deeper appreciation of a text that comes from a deeper understanding. In taking history classes, I have been able to enhance my understanding of a text. Many books, movies, stories, etc. are based off of some event in history. Generally speaking, if you understand the history behind a story then the story becomes more enjoyable, a book becomes interesting, or a comedian becomes funny.
According to Foster, there is a certain "language of reading" that is developed over time that plays a key role in the ability to correctly and effectively analyze a text. While analyzing literature, our memory, symbols, and patterns that arise make us happy when in the end everything falls into place. When patterns are recognized, an entire "paragraph" as stated by Foster follows the "convention" of language and we become happy individuals. Memory, symbol, and pattern are not only nouns but secret codes that can usually only be identified by true analyzers. These three aspects of analyzing lead to a deeper appreciation of a text that comes from a deeper understanding. In taking history classes, I have been able to enhance my understanding of a text. Many books, movies, stories, etc. are based off of some event in history. Generally speaking, if you understand the history behind a story then the story becomes more enjoyable, a book becomes interesting, or a comedian becomes funny.
Chapter 1: Every Trip Is a Quest (Except When It's Not)
QUEST:
1.Quester
2. A Place to go
3. A Stated Reason to go There
4. Challenges and Trials
5. The Real Reason to go
In the film Pitch Perfect, Beca has just moved into college and is reluctant to do anything besides sleep in her dorm room. She joins a singing group called the Barden Bellas at the request of her father to "go out" and "make friends".
1. Quester: Beca/The Barden Bellas: A group of ladies chosen at auditions to sing in an acapella singing and dancing group. Beca is the most skeptical, having not wanted to join in the first place, and believes everything is quite outrageous.
2. A Place to go: New York's Lincoln Center. This is the Emerald City at the end of the yellow brick road for acapella groups. Winning at Lincoln Center is a dream of any group.
3. A Stated Reason to go There: The group made it to this historic center the previous year, but fell short when their soloist threw up all over herself, the stage, and the audience at their final performance. The goal of this group of ladies is to make it back to prove it wasn't a fluke.
4. Challenges and Trials: From angry members of the group, bus break downs, bad dancing, and old songs these girls have quite the journey. Nothing seems to be going right for them. The Barden Bellas barely make it past regionals and soon after Beca is kicked out for her poor attitude. The group is unable to open up and be themselves, the groups leaders are also unwilling to take any suggestions and make every decision for the group without consultation. The other acapella group on campus, the Trebles, are also out to beat the Bellas.
5. The Real Reason to go: The Barden Bellas want to make it to NYC to get redemption. They also go on this journey to find themselves, as cheesy as it sounds, make friends, and just enjoy college. The Bellas are the underdog from the beginning of the film, this movie is another underdog triumphs over the evil villan (the Trebles).
QUEST:
1.Quester
2. A Place to go
3. A Stated Reason to go There
4. Challenges and Trials
5. The Real Reason to go
In the film Pitch Perfect, Beca has just moved into college and is reluctant to do anything besides sleep in her dorm room. She joins a singing group called the Barden Bellas at the request of her father to "go out" and "make friends".
1. Quester: Beca/The Barden Bellas: A group of ladies chosen at auditions to sing in an acapella singing and dancing group. Beca is the most skeptical, having not wanted to join in the first place, and believes everything is quite outrageous.
2. A Place to go: New York's Lincoln Center. This is the Emerald City at the end of the yellow brick road for acapella groups. Winning at Lincoln Center is a dream of any group.
3. A Stated Reason to go There: The group made it to this historic center the previous year, but fell short when their soloist threw up all over herself, the stage, and the audience at their final performance. The goal of this group of ladies is to make it back to prove it wasn't a fluke.
4. Challenges and Trials: From angry members of the group, bus break downs, bad dancing, and old songs these girls have quite the journey. Nothing seems to be going right for them. The Barden Bellas barely make it past regionals and soon after Beca is kicked out for her poor attitude. The group is unable to open up and be themselves, the groups leaders are also unwilling to take any suggestions and make every decision for the group without consultation. The other acapella group on campus, the Trebles, are also out to beat the Bellas.
5. The Real Reason to go: The Barden Bellas want to make it to NYC to get redemption. They also go on this journey to find themselves, as cheesy as it sounds, make friends, and just enjoy college. The Bellas are the underdog from the beginning of the film, this movie is another underdog triumphs over the evil villan (the Trebles).
Chapter 2: Nice to Eat with You: Acts of Communion
In the trilogy The Hunger Games, protagonist Katniss Everdeen is thrust into the arena to await death. The entire trilogy presents this central idea of the need for food-never having enough, the delicious food at the Capital, etc. In the second book, Katniss and Peeta are at a party celebrating their engagement. There is food everywhere, and Capital residents are milling about, chatting, and gorging themselves. Since Katniss never has food like this she narrates a particularly funny line that goes somewhat like, "I don't give any attention to these Capital people, they are only distractions from the food." Later on, one Capital resident tells Peeta about how the "champagne" everyone is drinking makes one throw up so that more food can be consumed. This huge buffet ball was written into the story to outline the evil nature of the capital and the carelessness and wastefulness of human beings in general. Katniss' hatred for the Capital is strong but in this scene from the book the reader truly drags the reader into the story, relating it to the poor and the hungry that we hear about so much.
In the trilogy The Hunger Games, protagonist Katniss Everdeen is thrust into the arena to await death. The entire trilogy presents this central idea of the need for food-never having enough, the delicious food at the Capital, etc. In the second book, Katniss and Peeta are at a party celebrating their engagement. There is food everywhere, and Capital residents are milling about, chatting, and gorging themselves. Since Katniss never has food like this she narrates a particularly funny line that goes somewhat like, "I don't give any attention to these Capital people, they are only distractions from the food." Later on, one Capital resident tells Peeta about how the "champagne" everyone is drinking makes one throw up so that more food can be consumed. This huge buffet ball was written into the story to outline the evil nature of the capital and the carelessness and wastefulness of human beings in general. Katniss' hatred for the Capital is strong but in this scene from the book the reader truly drags the reader into the story, relating it to the poor and the hungry that we hear about so much.
Chapter 5: Now, Where Have I Seen Her Before?
Intertextuality is described as the dialogue and connections between new and old texts. One example of intertextuality is C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. One of the main characters, Aslan, is very similar to Jesus. He is condemned to death to save others, and rises again. Another example is Batman. Bruce Wayne only becomes Batman when he puts on the suit, thats the only time he can do anything. This is similar to the old Hercules stories about how Hercules got his strength from his hair, and when his hair was cut he was left weak. One last example is the standard modern day love story similar to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet-two star crossed lovers who would be willing to die to be with each other.
Intertextuality is described as the dialogue and connections between new and old texts. One example of intertextuality is C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. One of the main characters, Aslan, is very similar to Jesus. He is condemned to death to save others, and rises again. Another example is Batman. Bruce Wayne only becomes Batman when he puts on the suit, thats the only time he can do anything. This is similar to the old Hercules stories about how Hercules got his strength from his hair, and when his hair was cut he was left weak. One last example is the standard modern day love story similar to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet-two star crossed lovers who would be willing to die to be with each other.
Chapter 7: ...Or the Bible
In the short story, Araby, a few biblical references are made. First of all, the story starts with the death of a Priest. Biblical language is also used, with words such as "chalice" and "convent". A large emphasis is put on the importance of light and how it shines on things, if it's the only thing seen, how kitchen lights light up the street, etc. This could be in reference to something such as the burning bush or seeing the light of God. I couldn't find many references, just parallels in language and subject in the story.
In the short story, Araby, a few biblical references are made. First of all, the story starts with the death of a Priest. Biblical language is also used, with words such as "chalice" and "convent". A large emphasis is put on the importance of light and how it shines on things, if it's the only thing seen, how kitchen lights light up the street, etc. This could be in reference to something such as the burning bush or seeing the light of God. I couldn't find many references, just parallels in language and subject in the story.
Chapter 8: Hanseldee and Greteldum
The book Beastly by Alex Flinn may send up some red flags to what fairy tale or Disney story parallels. This story is a modern recreation of the classic tale, Beauty and the Beast. The main character, Kyle, is turned into a type of modern monster by a teen witch/goth. Good girl Lindy comes to live with him after her dad gets in trouble with some drug dealers. She doesn't know that she knows this "monster", and only refers to him as Hunter. They are both trapped inside this townhouse, much like Belle and the Beast. Kyle has a tattoo from the witch of a rose bush on his arm, and when the last rose blooms he's stuck how he is forever. This is similar to the beast's rose he keeps in a glass jar. At one point Lindy is given the opportunity to go to her sick father who has OD'd. In the end, Kyle and Lindy end up together, Kyle is a better person, and they all live happily ever after. This movie is very cheesy. It creates irony because of the fact that it is the retelling of a fairy tale using sarcastic and high status teenage actors. On some levels, certain aspects of the story deepen appreciation. Because in this case both subjects are people we can better relate with having to be an outcast or hearing of parental disapproval.
The book Beastly by Alex Flinn may send up some red flags to what fairy tale or Disney story parallels. This story is a modern recreation of the classic tale, Beauty and the Beast. The main character, Kyle, is turned into a type of modern monster by a teen witch/goth. Good girl Lindy comes to live with him after her dad gets in trouble with some drug dealers. She doesn't know that she knows this "monster", and only refers to him as Hunter. They are both trapped inside this townhouse, much like Belle and the Beast. Kyle has a tattoo from the witch of a rose bush on his arm, and when the last rose blooms he's stuck how he is forever. This is similar to the beast's rose he keeps in a glass jar. At one point Lindy is given the opportunity to go to her sick father who has OD'd. In the end, Kyle and Lindy end up together, Kyle is a better person, and they all live happily ever after. This movie is very cheesy. It creates irony because of the fact that it is the retelling of a fairy tale using sarcastic and high status teenage actors. On some levels, certain aspects of the story deepen appreciation. Because in this case both subjects are people we can better relate with having to be an outcast or hearing of parental disapproval.
Chapter 9: It's Greek to MeMargaret Atwood's poem Siren Song is an ironic depiction with subtle humor about people being lured to their death. Atwood writes the sirens to be bored subjects. They sing the same songs over and over, only crying for help, and "it works every time". Knowing about the sirens luring men to their deaths and then reading this poem causes the need for a deeper level of comprehension. When thinking of evil, we usually assume that villains enjoy causing trouble and wreaking havoc. It's a very different interpretation to have the villain be bored with evil and feeling trapped themselves. The myth paired with this poem raises more questions about other villains in general as well as the sirens.
- http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poem/21988
Chapter 11: ...More Than It's Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence
The two major types of violence in literature are Person-to-Person and Accidents. In a story such as The Hunger Games where people are put into an arena to kill each other it wards off most people, at least before the book becomes groundbreaking. The idea of people violently killing others for pride and glory is something that our culture isn't comfortable facing. The effect of reading a story about people purposely killing other people makes us think hard about our own lives, how we never want to fall into ruin like that. In stories such as The Fault in Our Stars by John Green or any Jodi Picoult book, something such as cancer befalls the characters. Although this scares us, it is more easy to handle and understand because it isn't something that can be as easily controlled. No one plans for another human being to contract cancer, and therefore it is easier for us to live with in terms of reading, not enduring in real life. Although cancer and illness stories usually hit us on a very personal and emotional level, we still may prefer them to books that include vivid and brutal killing. A typical crime novel focus' very little on the actual crime itself, possibly not even including the chapter where it happened. Society is fine with these books, it is the books like The Hunger Games and others with brutal factors that cause us to shy away and pick up a tear jerker.
The two major types of violence in literature are Person-to-Person and Accidents. In a story such as The Hunger Games where people are put into an arena to kill each other it wards off most people, at least before the book becomes groundbreaking. The idea of people violently killing others for pride and glory is something that our culture isn't comfortable facing. The effect of reading a story about people purposely killing other people makes us think hard about our own lives, how we never want to fall into ruin like that. In stories such as The Fault in Our Stars by John Green or any Jodi Picoult book, something such as cancer befalls the characters. Although this scares us, it is more easy to handle and understand because it isn't something that can be as easily controlled. No one plans for another human being to contract cancer, and therefore it is easier for us to live with in terms of reading, not enduring in real life. Although cancer and illness stories usually hit us on a very personal and emotional level, we still may prefer them to books that include vivid and brutal killing. A typical crime novel focus' very little on the actual crime itself, possibly not even including the chapter where it happened. Society is fine with these books, it is the books like The Hunger Games and others with brutal factors that cause us to shy away and pick up a tear jerker.
Chapter 12: Is That a Symbol?
To the narrator in Araby, this fence is a literal and figurative barrier between Managan's sister and himself. The narrator's story includes the sister calling to Managan to come inside, never leaving the porch. The narrator watches her and wishes for her to leave the porch but she never does, she stays behind the fence of her home and then goes inside. This shows that to the narrators eyes, there isn't anything between Managan's sister and himself. There is something between them, like a fence, that doesn't allow either of them to make a serious move towards the other. There is a "gate" that opens later on in the story when they hold a short conversation, but no one "takes a step" through that gate to help out the relationship. The gate can also symbolize misperception. To someone outside of a gate looking in, a place may seem like paradise or as if it holds the key to everything that anyone ever wanted. But from inside the fence, it may feel like a cage, or it may be bolstering a type of "bubble" of comfort that one doesn't leave often. In Araby, the fence is a negative symbol.
To the narrator in Araby, this fence is a literal and figurative barrier between Managan's sister and himself. The narrator's story includes the sister calling to Managan to come inside, never leaving the porch. The narrator watches her and wishes for her to leave the porch but she never does, she stays behind the fence of her home and then goes inside. This shows that to the narrators eyes, there isn't anything between Managan's sister and himself. There is something between them, like a fence, that doesn't allow either of them to make a serious move towards the other. There is a "gate" that opens later on in the story when they hold a short conversation, but no one "takes a step" through that gate to help out the relationship. The gate can also symbolize misperception. To someone outside of a gate looking in, a place may seem like paradise or as if it holds the key to everything that anyone ever wanted. But from inside the fence, it may feel like a cage, or it may be bolstering a type of "bubble" of comfort that one doesn't leave often. In Araby, the fence is a negative symbol.
Chapter 14: Yes, She's a Christ Figure, Too
In The Lord of The Rings, Frodo Baggins is entrusted with a ring and is asked to take it to mount doom to destroy it. Throughout his journey, the ring weighs heavily down on him, plays with his emotions, and begins to cut into his neck, similar to the agonizing pain that Christ went through bearing his cross. Frodo also willingly takes this journey, knowing that it may not end well for him but it would make the world a better place. All of the characters in this movie use walking as a mode of transportation, in few points do some have horses, similar to the travel methods of Christ. Frodo and Sam wander alone lost in barren lands, Frodo confronts a devil like figure, Sauron, when he puts on the ring, that last place he is seen with a group of men is indeed in the company of thieves. The Fellowship of the Ring includes the people that are Frodo's "disciples", Frodo is very forgiving, and even though there is much evil in middle earth, Frodo and Sam want to believe that theres some good left and that its worth fighting for. Many of the other aspects of Christ on pg. 119 are simply not noted in the film.
In The Lord of The Rings, Frodo Baggins is entrusted with a ring and is asked to take it to mount doom to destroy it. Throughout his journey, the ring weighs heavily down on him, plays with his emotions, and begins to cut into his neck, similar to the agonizing pain that Christ went through bearing his cross. Frodo also willingly takes this journey, knowing that it may not end well for him but it would make the world a better place. All of the characters in this movie use walking as a mode of transportation, in few points do some have horses, similar to the travel methods of Christ. Frodo and Sam wander alone lost in barren lands, Frodo confronts a devil like figure, Sauron, when he puts on the ring, that last place he is seen with a group of men is indeed in the company of thieves. The Fellowship of the Ring includes the people that are Frodo's "disciples", Frodo is very forgiving, and even though there is much evil in middle earth, Frodo and Sam want to believe that theres some good left and that its worth fighting for. Many of the other aspects of Christ on pg. 119 are simply not noted in the film.
Chapter 15: Flights of Fancy
In the classic children's story Peter Pan, Peter brings Tinkerbell the fairy and her fairy dust to a home with three children. The children have wild and vivid imaginations and tell stories about a magical place called Neverland. Their father is very fed up with how immature the eldest girl is acting: telling stories, encouraging rough housing, and he tells her she must move out. Peter Pan comes to take the children to a place they thought was only imaginary, Neverland. In order to get to Neverland, they need to fly. "Faith, Trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust" is a highly quoted line from the story, detailing how "flying" never works unless you have complete faith and belief that things will work out. This flight the children and Peter take to Neverland allows them to escape from a world of reality and grown ups, they can be children and goof around. They've regained that freedom by having "Faith, trust, and...Pixie Dust".
In the classic children's story Peter Pan, Peter brings Tinkerbell the fairy and her fairy dust to a home with three children. The children have wild and vivid imaginations and tell stories about a magical place called Neverland. Their father is very fed up with how immature the eldest girl is acting: telling stories, encouraging rough housing, and he tells her she must move out. Peter Pan comes to take the children to a place they thought was only imaginary, Neverland. In order to get to Neverland, they need to fly. "Faith, Trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust" is a highly quoted line from the story, detailing how "flying" never works unless you have complete faith and belief that things will work out. This flight the children and Peter take to Neverland allows them to escape from a world of reality and grown ups, they can be children and goof around. They've regained that freedom by having "Faith, trust, and...Pixie Dust".
Chapter 18: If She Comes Up It's Baptism
In The DaVinci Code, a protagonist Robert Langdon is accused of murder and is sent on a wild chase to figure out who murdered an old man and also why. Professor Langdon tells a story a little ways into the movie about how when he was a child he fell into a well and had to tread water all night, clawing at the sides and screaming until someone found him. This made Langdon very claustrophobic, analytical, and nervous in small spaces. Although the detective on the murder case had already thought that Langdon was guilty, seeing his nervousness when realizing they would be taking the elevator down into the main part of the Louvre made his suspicions heighten more. This claustrophobia made Langdon appear to be someone he hadn't been, it also made him into a very analytical person who notices small details in order to keep himself occupied while in small places. This "baptized" experience led him into a situation and on a journey that he would never have been in if not for the well.
In The DaVinci Code, a protagonist Robert Langdon is accused of murder and is sent on a wild chase to figure out who murdered an old man and also why. Professor Langdon tells a story a little ways into the movie about how when he was a child he fell into a well and had to tread water all night, clawing at the sides and screaming until someone found him. This made Langdon very claustrophobic, analytical, and nervous in small spaces. Although the detective on the murder case had already thought that Langdon was guilty, seeing his nervousness when realizing they would be taking the elevator down into the main part of the Louvre made his suspicions heighten more. This claustrophobia made Langdon appear to be someone he hadn't been, it also made him into a very analytical person who notices small details in order to keep himself occupied while in small places. This "baptized" experience led him into a situation and on a journey that he would never have been in if not for the well.
Chapter 19: Geography Matters...
According to Foster, geography isn't simply the aspects of the earth but plot, theme, and character development. In Au Revoir Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber, the main character takes a girl to a club in the heart of a large city. Clubs as well as dancing and alcohol have the stereotype of truly bringing out a person's character, allowing them to let loose and be themselves. The girl in this story goes into this club and completely changes from a nerdy outcast into a beautiful assassin. Although this girl ultimately was one from the start, the club is where she became her true self. In 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson, Ginny goes on a quest to find out what happened to her deceased aunt. Quests are infamous for allowing people to become heroes or show their true colors. Also traveling to a far off land leaves hope for love and romance to spark between characters. In this case, Ginny does meet a guy that she connects with and that helps her along her journey. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main characters live in West Egg and East Egg, which is the home to old and new money. This particular made up setting shapes the characters into being who they are which therefore shapes the plot. Gatsby wouldn't be able to have his glorious parties without a large house filled with "wanna-be" rich people and without Daisy's light coming off her dock opposite the bay. Finally, In Divergent by Veronica Roth, every character is assigned a faction that has specific values, beliefs, and clothing. Everyone lives within a fence, this fence is what causes the few to rebel against the system or go to a faction with different values as them, such as Tris choosing Dauntless. The normality and cookie-cutter quality of everything is what causes subtle unrest throughout the book, eventually resulting in war.
According to Foster, geography isn't simply the aspects of the earth but plot, theme, and character development. In Au Revoir Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber, the main character takes a girl to a club in the heart of a large city. Clubs as well as dancing and alcohol have the stereotype of truly bringing out a person's character, allowing them to let loose and be themselves. The girl in this story goes into this club and completely changes from a nerdy outcast into a beautiful assassin. Although this girl ultimately was one from the start, the club is where she became her true self. In 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson, Ginny goes on a quest to find out what happened to her deceased aunt. Quests are infamous for allowing people to become heroes or show their true colors. Also traveling to a far off land leaves hope for love and romance to spark between characters. In this case, Ginny does meet a guy that she connects with and that helps her along her journey. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main characters live in West Egg and East Egg, which is the home to old and new money. This particular made up setting shapes the characters into being who they are which therefore shapes the plot. Gatsby wouldn't be able to have his glorious parties without a large house filled with "wanna-be" rich people and without Daisy's light coming off her dock opposite the bay. Finally, In Divergent by Veronica Roth, every character is assigned a faction that has specific values, beliefs, and clothing. Everyone lives within a fence, this fence is what causes the few to rebel against the system or go to a faction with different values as them, such as Tris choosing Dauntless. The normality and cookie-cutter quality of everything is what causes subtle unrest throughout the book, eventually resulting in war.
Chapter 20: ...So Does Season
The poem Paint With Fire by Gail Angel Doyle is a poem about autumn that is an unusual mix of traditional and modern. Passion is present with autumn, and change is presented as a good thing. "Inviting another season to unfold a chill of coming days" suggests traditionally that winter is harsh and untraditionally that autumn is making up for that by showing true beauty with colors and promises of spring. An odd idea presented by this poem is how these leaves are dying to make room for the green ones to come during spring for rebirth. Autumn is presented as a beautiful time of preservation: preservation of beauty, time, and essence. "Essence of a season that returned long after days of long and old" suggests that autumn is a relief after long summer days.
The poem Paint With Fire by Gail Angel Doyle is a poem about autumn that is an unusual mix of traditional and modern. Passion is present with autumn, and change is presented as a good thing. "Inviting another season to unfold a chill of coming days" suggests traditionally that winter is harsh and untraditionally that autumn is making up for that by showing true beauty with colors and promises of spring. An odd idea presented by this poem is how these leaves are dying to make room for the green ones to come during spring for rebirth. Autumn is presented as a beautiful time of preservation: preservation of beauty, time, and essence. "Essence of a season that returned long after days of long and old" suggests that autumn is a relief after long summer days.
http://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/poem_detail.aspx?ID=581038
Chapter 26: Is He Serious? And Other Ironies"
In the famous story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, situational irony is present. Dorothy has traveled to a wonderful and mysterious land called Oz where all she wants to do is get back home. In order to do so, she is told she must go on a long journey to find a wizard in order to do so. In the end, Dorothy finds out that she had the power to get home all along. The rest of the characters share similar ironies. The scarecrow, tin man, and lion all prove that what they thought they didn't have was inside of them all along. The wizard also was supposed to hold magnificent powers but held none.
In the famous story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, situational irony is present. Dorothy has traveled to a wonderful and mysterious land called Oz where all she wants to do is get back home. In order to do so, she is told she must go on a long journey to find a wizard in order to do so. In the end, Dorothy finds out that she had the power to get home all along. The rest of the characters share similar ironies. The scarecrow, tin man, and lion all prove that what they thought they didn't have was inside of them all along. The wizard also was supposed to hold magnificent powers but held none.
Chapter 27: A Test Case
1.) In this story, Mansfield employs a key conflict of class distinction. It is first pointed out when Laura is talking with the work men and expresses how she disliked that men like them couldn't come around because of their class. Mansfield has these characters act as the self-absorbed aristocrats who only do "nice things" so that they appear nice to others. Personally, I think that what Mansfield has done here shows how deep class distinctions go because even today class distinctions are still part of society.
2.) The language used by the main characters juxtaposed with the language of "normal people" such as the workmen show how high these people put themselves on a pedestal. How Laura worries much about what the workmen are saying and whether its appropriate shows a lot about the character of not only her but her family. Background knowledge is what really makes this family seem, for lack of a better word, snobby. These children weren't allowed to play with others for fear of learning bad habits and language. A party wasn't cancelled for tact, only when the party was completely over did the family feel any obligation to look good to the outside world.
I hit the what does the story signify question spot on. However, I did not catch on to the "birds and flight" method of employment. These strategies are still very new to me so I only used what I knew such as language. The comparison between Laura and Persephone adds another element to the story. It takes a truly creative mind to add such in depth detail and connections between two stories that were seemingly completely unrelated. The story also makes more sense with what happened and certain characters that appeared with no apparent cause. This last essay was a good "twist tie" to the cliff hanger story.
1.) In this story, Mansfield employs a key conflict of class distinction. It is first pointed out when Laura is talking with the work men and expresses how she disliked that men like them couldn't come around because of their class. Mansfield has these characters act as the self-absorbed aristocrats who only do "nice things" so that they appear nice to others. Personally, I think that what Mansfield has done here shows how deep class distinctions go because even today class distinctions are still part of society.
2.) The language used by the main characters juxtaposed with the language of "normal people" such as the workmen show how high these people put themselves on a pedestal. How Laura worries much about what the workmen are saying and whether its appropriate shows a lot about the character of not only her but her family. Background knowledge is what really makes this family seem, for lack of a better word, snobby. These children weren't allowed to play with others for fear of learning bad habits and language. A party wasn't cancelled for tact, only when the party was completely over did the family feel any obligation to look good to the outside world.
I hit the what does the story signify question spot on. However, I did not catch on to the "birds and flight" method of employment. These strategies are still very new to me so I only used what I knew such as language. The comparison between Laura and Persephone adds another element to the story. It takes a truly creative mind to add such in depth detail and connections between two stories that were seemingly completely unrelated. The story also makes more sense with what happened and certain characters that appeared with no apparent cause. This last essay was a good "twist tie" to the cliff hanger story.