Date: October 29, 2007
Entery Number: 32
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 190, 192
THere are a couple of things that I find funny in this chapter. At this new facility there is this lady named Mrs. Norris. It just cracks me up. Filch's cat from Harry Potter is Mrs. Norris. SHe was a creepy cat. Mrs. Norris in the Bell Jar is kind of weird too. SHe doesn't talk and she doesn't acknowledge you when you are talking to her. Also, I find it rather ironic that Buddy gets fat when he gets TB and has to stay at that one place and now the tables have turned and Esther is getting fat at the crazy house. It's just really funny to me.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Journal ENtery
Date: October 29, 2007
Entery Number: 31
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 189
I like Doctor Nolan a lot better than Doctor Gordon. She's is kind of weird herself but she is much nicer. SHe actually asks about Dr. Gordon and how did Esther like him. Of course Esther didn't like him because of the shock treatment and told her this. Doctor Nolan's respoonse was, "That was a mistake...It's not supposed to be like that...If it's done properly...it's like going to sleep." After that Doctor Nolan assures her that if ever she is to have the shock treatment at the new facility that Esther was moved to, she would be informed about it before it happened. Doctor NOlan is a lot better than Dr. Gordan.
Entery Number: 31
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 189
I like Doctor Nolan a lot better than Doctor Gordon. She's is kind of weird herself but she is much nicer. SHe actually asks about Dr. Gordon and how did Esther like him. Of course Esther didn't like him because of the shock treatment and told her this. Doctor Nolan's respoonse was, "That was a mistake...It's not supposed to be like that...If it's done properly...it's like going to sleep." After that Doctor Nolan assures her that if ever she is to have the shock treatment at the new facility that Esther was moved to, she would be informed about it before it happened. Doctor NOlan is a lot better than Dr. Gordan.
Journa Entery
Date: October 28, 2007
Entery Number: 30
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 182-183
I think it is so dumb how they think Esther knocked over the medical stuff on purpose. The dumb nurse put the box of thermometers on Esther's leg. Esther went to move her leg because the box was hurting it and then it fell. It might have been her fault a little but not much. It was the stupid nurse. Actually all the nurses in this story are stupid and mean. Esther was under her covers when it fell. A second nurse came in after the accident and said, "You did it on purpose. I saw you." She wasn't even paying attention. Esther did apologize but they didn't believe it was an accident. It kind was but kind of wasn't an accident. SHe didn't mean to make them fall and break, she just didn't want them on her leg anymore. I probably would have done the same thing. I really don't like the nurses in this story.
Entery Number: 30
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 182-183
I think it is so dumb how they think Esther knocked over the medical stuff on purpose. The dumb nurse put the box of thermometers on Esther's leg. Esther went to move her leg because the box was hurting it and then it fell. It might have been her fault a little but not much. It was the stupid nurse. Actually all the nurses in this story are stupid and mean. Esther was under her covers when it fell. A second nurse came in after the accident and said, "You did it on purpose. I saw you." She wasn't even paying attention. Esther did apologize but they didn't believe it was an accident. It kind was but kind of wasn't an accident. SHe didn't mean to make them fall and break, she just didn't want them on her leg anymore. I probably would have done the same thing. I really don't like the nurses in this story.
Journal Entery
Date: October 28, 2007
Entery Number: 29
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 171
I find it rather intriguing how the mind controls so much. For some reason Esther couldn't see temporarily and she told this to the nurse that was there. The nurse for some reason said, "There are lots of blind people in the world. You'll marry a nice blind man someday." Then the doctor came back in and took off a boss that was placed over Esther's left eye and light appeared. He asked if she could see him and she said yes and then he asked if she could see anything else. "Then I remembered. "I can't see anything." The gap narrowed and went dark. "I'm blind." The doctor tells her this is nonsense and asks who told her that. OF course it had to be a nurse. But it is rather fascinating the way our minds control so much. If you are in a position were you think you will get sick and you tell yourself this over and over again and again, then you will get sick. There was this great episode of HOUSE about this guy who gets sick and Cutty thinks it is this really bad disease but of course House always contradicts her. Because she thinks it is this disease and other people around start to worry about it, seeing the symptoms he has, they start to form the same symptoms. (THis all took place on an airplane.) House finds out that the guy had gone scouba diving the day before, had come up to quickly, and then got onto the plane. The differences in elevation were making him sick. After that everyone got better. It just ammuses me what the mind can do.
Entery Number: 29
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 171
I find it rather intriguing how the mind controls so much. For some reason Esther couldn't see temporarily and she told this to the nurse that was there. The nurse for some reason said, "There are lots of blind people in the world. You'll marry a nice blind man someday." Then the doctor came back in and took off a boss that was placed over Esther's left eye and light appeared. He asked if she could see him and she said yes and then he asked if she could see anything else. "Then I remembered. "I can't see anything." The gap narrowed and went dark. "I'm blind." The doctor tells her this is nonsense and asks who told her that. OF course it had to be a nurse. But it is rather fascinating the way our minds control so much. If you are in a position were you think you will get sick and you tell yourself this over and over again and again, then you will get sick. There was this great episode of HOUSE about this guy who gets sick and Cutty thinks it is this really bad disease but of course House always contradicts her. Because she thinks it is this disease and other people around start to worry about it, seeing the symptoms he has, they start to form the same symptoms. (THis all took place on an airplane.) House finds out that the guy had gone scouba diving the day before, had come up to quickly, and then got onto the plane. The differences in elevation were making him sick. After that everyone got better. It just ammuses me what the mind can do.
Journal Entery
Date: October 27, 2007
Entery Number: 28
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 168-169
Esther needs serious help. She tries again to commit suicide. This time by ODing on sleeping pills. "Behind the oil burner, a dark gap showed in the wall at about shoulder height and ran back under the breezeway, out of sight...It took me a good while to heft my body into the gap, but at last, after many tries, I managed it...I reached for the glass and bottle, and carefully, on my knees, with bent head, crawled to the farthest wall...At first nothing happened, but as I approached the bottom of the bottle, red and blue lights bagan to flash before my eyes." She quickly fell to sleep after that. Esther is just one crazy lady. Why would she hide herself in a dark gap where no one would ever find her? SHe's insane. Luckily, she didn't end up dieing and she was found by her mother. She really needs some help.
Entery Number: 28
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 168-169
Esther needs serious help. She tries again to commit suicide. This time by ODing on sleeping pills. "Behind the oil burner, a dark gap showed in the wall at about shoulder height and ran back under the breezeway, out of sight...It took me a good while to heft my body into the gap, but at last, after many tries, I managed it...I reached for the glass and bottle, and carefully, on my knees, with bent head, crawled to the farthest wall...At first nothing happened, but as I approached the bottom of the bottle, red and blue lights bagan to flash before my eyes." She quickly fell to sleep after that. Esther is just one crazy lady. Why would she hide herself in a dark gap where no one would ever find her? SHe's insane. Luckily, she didn't end up dieing and she was found by her mother. She really needs some help.
Journal Entery
Date: October 27, 2007
Entery Number: 27
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 165-167
I think it is so sad how Esther's father died. But I think it is weird how her mother didn't even cry when he died. Esther wasn't allowed to go to the funeral because she was only a kid so it had all seemed unreal to her. It's really sad when she starts thinking about all the stuff she could have learned from him if he hadn't died. "I couldn't understand why I was crying so hard. Then I remembered that I had never cried for my father's death...I laid my face to the smooth face of the marble and howled my loss into the cold salt rain." It is really sad. I bet if Esther's father was still alive, she would not be this way. She has a lot of unresolved things in her life, her father being one of them. She needs to get her life sorted out. Then things will get better for her. She really needs a dad.
Entery Number: 27
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 165-167
I think it is so sad how Esther's father died. But I think it is weird how her mother didn't even cry when he died. Esther wasn't allowed to go to the funeral because she was only a kid so it had all seemed unreal to her. It's really sad when she starts thinking about all the stuff she could have learned from him if he hadn't died. "I couldn't understand why I was crying so hard. Then I remembered that I had never cried for my father's death...I laid my face to the smooth face of the marble and howled my loss into the cold salt rain." It is really sad. I bet if Esther's father was still alive, she would not be this way. She has a lot of unresolved things in her life, her father being one of them. She needs to get her life sorted out. Then things will get better for her. She really needs a dad.
Journal Entery
Date: October 27, 2007
Entery Number: 26
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 158-159
How many times will this girl try to kill herself? She tries to kill herself agian by hanging. Luckily, she had no place to tie the rope up to. She still tried though but was unsuccessful. "But each time I would get the cord so tight I could feel a rushing in my ears and a flush of blood in my face, my hands would weaken and let go, and I would be all right agian." SHe actually wished her grandmother had not sold her old fashioned, nineteenth century style house because it had many places she could have hung from. Right now, with all her crazy thoughts of commiting suicide she should be put in an asylum. SHe is going to seriously hurt herself and others around her, whither it be emotionally or physically. She is seriously crazy.
Entery Number: 26
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 158-159
How many times will this girl try to kill herself? She tries to kill herself agian by hanging. Luckily, she had no place to tie the rope up to. She still tried though but was unsuccessful. "But each time I would get the cord so tight I could feel a rushing in my ears and a flush of blood in my face, my hands would weaken and let go, and I would be all right agian." SHe actually wished her grandmother had not sold her old fashioned, nineteenth century style house because it had many places she could have hung from. Right now, with all her crazy thoughts of commiting suicide she should be put in an asylum. SHe is going to seriously hurt herself and others around her, whither it be emotionally or physically. She is seriously crazy.
Journal Entery
Date: October 26, 2007
Entery Number: 25
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 147-148
Esther is a crazy girl. I don't see why she wants to kill herself exactly. Like she tries to cut herself and lay in a warm bath and die that way but she chickens out. "But when it came right dodwn to it, the skin of my wrist looked so white and defenseless that I couldn't do it." She was going to try a pratice run by cutting her leg and letting herself bleed to death that way but she had already used up the most part of the morning and her mother would be back soon. Esther does realize that what she really wants to kill isn't on the surface but underneath. SOmewhere deep down inside her. "It was if what I wanted to kill wasn't in that skin or the thin blue pulse that jumped under my thumb, but somewhere else, deeper, more secret, and a whole lot harder to get at." Esther's crazy. SHe shouldn't kill her self, she just needs to find herself again and prioritize her life. She needs to find out what is most important to her and she needs to make those hard decisions about what she wants to do or who she wants to be in life. I think that is why she is going a little crazy is because she can't make up her mind, she can't make decisions. She just needs to find her path again.
Entery Number: 25
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 147-148
Esther is a crazy girl. I don't see why she wants to kill herself exactly. Like she tries to cut herself and lay in a warm bath and die that way but she chickens out. "But when it came right dodwn to it, the skin of my wrist looked so white and defenseless that I couldn't do it." She was going to try a pratice run by cutting her leg and letting herself bleed to death that way but she had already used up the most part of the morning and her mother would be back soon. Esther does realize that what she really wants to kill isn't on the surface but underneath. SOmewhere deep down inside her. "It was if what I wanted to kill wasn't in that skin or the thin blue pulse that jumped under my thumb, but somewhere else, deeper, more secret, and a whole lot harder to get at." Esther's crazy. SHe shouldn't kill her self, she just needs to find herself again and prioritize her life. She needs to find out what is most important to her and she needs to make those hard decisions about what she wants to do or who she wants to be in life. I think that is why she is going a little crazy is because she can't make up her mind, she can't make decisions. She just needs to find her path again.
JOurnal Entery
Date: October 26, 2007
Entery Number: 24
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 143
The electric shock treatment that Doctor Gordon gives is so cruel. "Then something bent down and took hold of me and shook me like the end of the world. Whee-ee-ee-ee-ee, it shrilled, through an air crackling with blue light, and with each flash a great jolt drubbed me till I thought my bones would break..." Nobody should have that done to them. The other form of electric treatment she gets later on in the story seems more civil. But this, it's cruel and it's a no wonder all those people are the way they are. They all got their nerves fried to crisps. I don't even see how Dr. Gordon could pratice that kind of treatment. It's just evil. I really don't like Doctor Gordon.
Entery Number: 24
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 143
The electric shock treatment that Doctor Gordon gives is so cruel. "Then something bent down and took hold of me and shook me like the end of the world. Whee-ee-ee-ee-ee, it shrilled, through an air crackling with blue light, and with each flash a great jolt drubbed me till I thought my bones would break..." Nobody should have that done to them. The other form of electric treatment she gets later on in the story seems more civil. But this, it's cruel and it's a no wonder all those people are the way they are. They all got their nerves fried to crisps. I don't even see how Dr. Gordon could pratice that kind of treatment. It's just evil. I really don't like Doctor Gordon.
Journal Entery
Date: October 26, 2007
Entery Number: 23
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 141
I really don't like those quier people. They are so weird. I wonder how many times they got Doctor Gordon's version of electric shock treatment. Doctor Gordon made an appointment for Esther to come to his special hospital and receive electric shock treatment. There was this lounge with people in it who at first glance looked as though they were not moving at all but if you looked closely you could see them make little slow movements. "I made out men and women, and boys and girls who must be as young as I, but there was a uniformity to their faces, as if they had lain for a long time on a shelf, out of the sunlight, under siftings of pale, fine dust. Then I saw that some of the people were indeed moving, but with such small, birdlike gestures I had not at first discerned them." There was an old guy who was counting cards and would start all over once he got to the end. There was a fat lady playing with a string of wooden beads. She would scoot the beads to one end then let them fall to the other side. Then there was this little girl who was looking at sheets of music but when she noticed Esther was watching her, she tore them in half. These people were so weird.
Entery Number: 23
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 141
I really don't like those quier people. They are so weird. I wonder how many times they got Doctor Gordon's version of electric shock treatment. Doctor Gordon made an appointment for Esther to come to his special hospital and receive electric shock treatment. There was this lounge with people in it who at first glance looked as though they were not moving at all but if you looked closely you could see them make little slow movements. "I made out men and women, and boys and girls who must be as young as I, but there was a uniformity to their faces, as if they had lain for a long time on a shelf, out of the sunlight, under siftings of pale, fine dust. Then I saw that some of the people were indeed moving, but with such small, birdlike gestures I had not at first discerned them." There was an old guy who was counting cards and would start all over once he got to the end. There was a fat lady playing with a string of wooden beads. She would scoot the beads to one end then let them fall to the other side. Then there was this little girl who was looking at sheets of music but when she noticed Esther was watching her, she tore them in half. These people were so weird.
Journal Entery
Date: October 25, 2007
Entery Number: 22
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 130-131
I absolutely hate that stupid Doctor Gordon. He's a jerk. On page 129 he asks Esther, "Suppose you try and tell me what you think is wrong." (He's a psychiatrist.) Esther's reaction/thoughts would have been exactly the same as mine if I had been told that. "What did I think was wrong? That made it sound as if nothing was really wrong, I only thought it was wrong." Esther goes on to tell him some of the things that have been going on with her like how she couldn't eat or sleep or write. The whole time Doctor Gordon sat with his head bent "...as if he were praying..." When she finished he asked her what college she went to then started telling a little about his life as he had stayed at the college or near it when he was in the war. After that he just said "See you next week, then." He didn't give her any feed back at all. He didn't tell her anything, he didn't look at her much at all, and he didn't even talk about her. All he did was talk about himself. He just makes me mad. I would hate to have a psychiatrist like that if I every needed one, which I won't. He was costly too. It was twenty-five dollars an hour. Back then that was a lot. He was just a real jerk.
Entery Number: 22
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 130-131
I absolutely hate that stupid Doctor Gordon. He's a jerk. On page 129 he asks Esther, "Suppose you try and tell me what you think is wrong." (He's a psychiatrist.) Esther's reaction/thoughts would have been exactly the same as mine if I had been told that. "What did I think was wrong? That made it sound as if nothing was really wrong, I only thought it was wrong." Esther goes on to tell him some of the things that have been going on with her like how she couldn't eat or sleep or write. The whole time Doctor Gordon sat with his head bent "...as if he were praying..." When she finished he asked her what college she went to then started telling a little about his life as he had stayed at the college or near it when he was in the war. After that he just said "See you next week, then." He didn't give her any feed back at all. He didn't tell her anything, he didn't look at her much at all, and he didn't even talk about her. All he did was talk about himself. He just makes me mad. I would hate to have a psychiatrist like that if I every needed one, which I won't. He was costly too. It was twenty-five dollars an hour. Back then that was a lot. He was just a real jerk.
Journal Entery
Date: October 25, 2007
Entery Number: 21
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 127-128
"It seemed silly to wash one day when I would only have to wash again the next...I wanted to do everything once and for all and be through with it." When I read this it reminded me of my sister. Just about a month ago she had been complaining how she didn't want to take showers anymore. She has to wash her hair everyday and she doesn't want to do it anymore. She said, "I wish we only had to do it once and then be done with it and never have to do it again." It struck me as really funny. I can make different connections with Esther, but when my sister can with out even reading the book, it's funny.
Entery Number: 21
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 127-128
"It seemed silly to wash one day when I would only have to wash again the next...I wanted to do everything once and for all and be through with it." When I read this it reminded me of my sister. Just about a month ago she had been complaining how she didn't want to take showers anymore. She has to wash her hair everyday and she doesn't want to do it anymore. She said, "I wish we only had to do it once and then be done with it and never have to do it again." It struck me as really funny. I can make different connections with Esther, but when my sister can with out even reading the book, it's funny.
Journal Entery
Date: October 24, 2007
Entery Number: 20
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 116-117
"Even six was considered excessive, but then, everybody said, of course Dodo was a Catholic." Dodo Conway, a mother of six children with a seventh on the way, lived in Esther's neighbor hood and raised her children on "...Rice Krispies, peanut-butter-and-marshmallow sandwiches, vanilla ice cream and gallon upon gallon of Hoods milk." It's interesting how they make the innuendo that the reason why she has so many kids is because she is Catholic. It's funny though because most of the time people make that connection between Latter Day Saints, aka Mormons. A lot of Mormon families have at least five kids or more. There are a few with only a couple of kids but then there are families with nine kids others with twelve and sometimes as many as sixteen. One of my best friends is a member of a family with sixteen kids in it, all from the same marriage. So it is interesting to me how they make that connection between lots of kids and Catholics.
Entery Number: 20
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 116-117
"Even six was considered excessive, but then, everybody said, of course Dodo was a Catholic." Dodo Conway, a mother of six children with a seventh on the way, lived in Esther's neighbor hood and raised her children on "...Rice Krispies, peanut-butter-and-marshmallow sandwiches, vanilla ice cream and gallon upon gallon of Hoods milk." It's interesting how they make the innuendo that the reason why she has so many kids is because she is Catholic. It's funny though because most of the time people make that connection between Latter Day Saints, aka Mormons. A lot of Mormon families have at least five kids or more. There are a few with only a couple of kids but then there are families with nine kids others with twelve and sometimes as many as sixteen. One of my best friends is a member of a family with sixteen kids in it, all from the same marriage. So it is interesting to me how they make that connection between lots of kids and Catholics.
Journal Entery
Date: October 24, 2007
Entery NUmber: 19
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 112-113
I find it interesting how Esther is facinated by the two lines of dried blood that Marco wiped on her face and doesn't want to wash it off. But what's even more interesting is that Holden Caufield in
Entery NUmber: 19
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 112-113
I find it interesting how Esther is facinated by the two lines of dried blood that Marco wiped on her face and doesn't want to wash it off. But what's even more interesting is that Holden Caufield in
The Catcher in the Ryewas a little like this too. "It partly scared me and it partly fascinated me. All that blood and all sort of made me look tough." (45-46)That was Holden's response to it all. Esther's was more girly. "They seemed touching, and rather spectacular, and I thought I would carry them around with me, like the relic of a dead lover, till they wore off of their own accord." There are actually a lot of similarities between Holden and Esther. They are both somewhat hypocrites, both lie a lot, both don't know how to fit into society, and other things as well. They are both peculiar characters.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: October 23, 2007
Entery Number: 18
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 105-110
Between all these pages we met a mean evil guy named Marco who is a women hater, according to Esther. He was very rough with Esther and gave her at least five bruises. One for each finger. At this club they started playing South American music and Marco loves to tango, which is what the song was. Esther doesn't know how to dance to that music and says no but he forces her to dance. Later on, outside, he pushes her to the ground, in the mud, and then tears her dress and calls her a slut.(He tries to force himself on her basically.) She bites, kicks, and punches him. For drawing blood, he demands that she give the diamond back that he gave her. He is a real creep with problems. He said he loved his first cousin but he can't have her because she is his first cousin and she is becoming a nun. SHe knew he loved her, though. Ether tells him, "If you love her...you'll love somebody else someday." That's when he pushed her to the ground. He's a lost hypocrite. He loves his cousin and hates the sluts but he is willing to sleep with them. It's interesting that he only called her a slut until after Esther let him tear her dress, revealing bare skin. Somewhere else in the book it says that a guy will want to have sexual relationships with women but after she has given in, he loses respect for her. SO it is interesting when Marco says, "Sluts, all sluts." Marco was a real jerk but he had a little deeper purpose.
Entery Number: 18
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 105-110
Between all these pages we met a mean evil guy named Marco who is a women hater, according to Esther. He was very rough with Esther and gave her at least five bruises. One for each finger. At this club they started playing South American music and Marco loves to tango, which is what the song was. Esther doesn't know how to dance to that music and says no but he forces her to dance. Later on, outside, he pushes her to the ground, in the mud, and then tears her dress and calls her a slut.(He tries to force himself on her basically.) She bites, kicks, and punches him. For drawing blood, he demands that she give the diamond back that he gave her. He is a real creep with problems. He said he loved his first cousin but he can't have her because she is his first cousin and she is becoming a nun. SHe knew he loved her, though. Ether tells him, "If you love her...you'll love somebody else someday." That's when he pushed her to the ground. He's a lost hypocrite. He loves his cousin and hates the sluts but he is willing to sleep with them. It's interesting that he only called her a slut until after Esther let him tear her dress, revealing bare skin. Somewhere else in the book it says that a guy will want to have sexual relationships with women but after she has given in, he loses respect for her. SO it is interesting when Marco says, "Sluts, all sluts." Marco was a real jerk but he had a little deeper purpose.
Journal Entery
Date: October 23, 2007
Entery Number: 17
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 102
I don't understand why Esther began to cry when it was time for her to be taking her picture for the newspaper. Maybe it was the shock of finding out about Buddy. Maybe it was because of the hard decisions she would have to make and didn't know which one or ones to pick. Maybe she just felt really out of place and like her life was going no were or slipping out of her hands. I really don't know why she cried. "I felt limp and betrayed, like the skin shed by a terrible animal. It was a relief to be free of the animal, but it seemed to have taken my spirit with it, and everything else it could lay its paws on." THis quote is important to this topic but I can't think right now and don't exactly know how it all connects but it does seem to connect. It was rather strange when she cried. Maybe I'll find out later.
Entery Number: 17
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 102
I don't understand why Esther began to cry when it was time for her to be taking her picture for the newspaper. Maybe it was the shock of finding out about Buddy. Maybe it was because of the hard decisions she would have to make and didn't know which one or ones to pick. Maybe she just felt really out of place and like her life was going no were or slipping out of her hands. I really don't know why she cried. "I felt limp and betrayed, like the skin shed by a terrible animal. It was a relief to be free of the animal, but it seemed to have taken my spirit with it, and everything else it could lay its paws on." THis quote is important to this topic but I can't think right now and don't exactly know how it all connects but it does seem to connect. It was rather strange when she cried. Maybe I'll find out later.
Journal Entery
Date: October 22, 2007
Entery Number: 16
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 94
Even though Buddy is like one of the stupidest people ever, he can still be a little cute, I guess. The best thing he ever said was "Let me fly with you." Esther was talking about how she was neurotic and how she couldn't live both in the country or the city, which sounds a little like a symbol, and how she would be flying between "...one mutually exclusive thing and another..." It was really cute. Buddy really likes her now but it's to late. She doesn't like him anymore. She need to find a new guy and him, a new girl. Things wouldn't work out between them.
Entery Number: 16
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 94
Even though Buddy is like one of the stupidest people ever, he can still be a little cute, I guess. The best thing he ever said was "Let me fly with you." Esther was talking about how she was neurotic and how she couldn't live both in the country or the city, which sounds a little like a symbol, and how she would be flying between "...one mutually exclusive thing and another..." It was really cute. Buddy really likes her now but it's to late. She doesn't like him anymore. She need to find a new guy and him, a new girl. Things wouldn't work out between them.
Journal Entery
Date: October 22, 2007
Entery Number: 15
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 92-93
Buddy is so stupid and he really gets on my nerves. He asked Esther to marry him. But, he did it in a stupid way. "I want to ask you a question." ... "What?" ... "Buddy sat down beside me. He put his arm around my waist and brushed the hair from my ear. I didn't move. Then I heard him whisper, "How would you like to be Mrs. Buddy Willard?" When he asked her that I got the creeps. Why would anyone want to marry Buddy after all his nasty unpureness and stupidness? He is such a hypocrit also and hypocrits are stupid even though many people are hypocrits. I don't even know how I would react if I were Esther and he asked me that. Buddy just creeps me out now. He is so dirty. And he doesn't even know how to give a proper and romatic proposal. His proprosal sucked.
Entery Number: 15
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 92-93
Buddy is so stupid and he really gets on my nerves. He asked Esther to marry him. But, he did it in a stupid way. "I want to ask you a question." ... "What?" ... "Buddy sat down beside me. He put his arm around my waist and brushed the hair from my ear. I didn't move. Then I heard him whisper, "How would you like to be Mrs. Buddy Willard?" When he asked her that I got the creeps. Why would anyone want to marry Buddy after all his nasty unpureness and stupidness? He is such a hypocrit also and hypocrits are stupid even though many people are hypocrits. I don't even know how I would react if I were Esther and he asked me that. Buddy just creeps me out now. He is so dirty. And he doesn't even know how to give a proper and romatic proposal. His proprosal sucked.
Journal Entery
Date: October 21, 2007
Entery Number: 14
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 84-85
Women's roles back in the 1950's and early 60's weren't very fun. Either you were a whore, a good wife, or a spinster cat lady. Esther gives an example of how a day would be as a good wife and it was really boring full of cleaning and washing dishes. (Thank goodness for dish washers.) "This seemed a dreary and wasted life for a girl with fifteen years of straight A's, but I knew that's what marriage was like, because cook and clean and wash was just what Buddy Willard's mother did from morning till night..." It's sad, after all that hard work it would just go to waste. It's even sadder what Esther's father said to her mother after they left on their honeymoon. "Whew, that's a relief, now we can stop pretending and be ourselves." The dating process is to find out how others really are and to see who would be the best person for you and who would be the best husband for you and your future family. You aren't suppose to pretend to be someone else will your dating. You could end up marrying a total jerk if you pretended to be someone you weren't and then you stopped pretending after the marriage ceremony. It's terrible, really it is.
Entery Number: 14
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 84-85
Women's roles back in the 1950's and early 60's weren't very fun. Either you were a whore, a good wife, or a spinster cat lady. Esther gives an example of how a day would be as a good wife and it was really boring full of cleaning and washing dishes. (Thank goodness for dish washers.) "This seemed a dreary and wasted life for a girl with fifteen years of straight A's, but I knew that's what marriage was like, because cook and clean and wash was just what Buddy Willard's mother did from morning till night..." It's sad, after all that hard work it would just go to waste. It's even sadder what Esther's father said to her mother after they left on their honeymoon. "Whew, that's a relief, now we can stop pretending and be ourselves." The dating process is to find out how others really are and to see who would be the best person for you and who would be the best husband for you and your future family. You aren't suppose to pretend to be someone else will your dating. You could end up marrying a total jerk if you pretended to be someone you weren't and then you stopped pretending after the marriage ceremony. It's terrible, really it is.
Journal Entery
Date: October 21, 2007
Entery Number: 13
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 77
Esther needed to be thinking about what she wanted to be, what she wanted to do before she got out of high school or what ever. Now she is left standing in the middle of the fig tree not sure which fig or occupation to take. She doesn't know what decisions to make. Because it is taking her so long, her chances are beinging to slip through her fingers and soon she will be left with nothing. "I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story...From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked...I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose." All of those opportunities will pass while she is still making up her mind and she will find herself old and alone with nothing at all when she had so many good opportunities before her.
Entery Number: 13
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 77
Esther needed to be thinking about what she wanted to be, what she wanted to do before she got out of high school or what ever. Now she is left standing in the middle of the fig tree not sure which fig or occupation to take. She doesn't know what decisions to make. Because it is taking her so long, her chances are beinging to slip through her fingers and soon she will be left with nothing. "I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story...From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked...I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose." All of those opportunities will pass while she is still making up her mind and she will find herself old and alone with nothing at all when she had so many good opportunities before her.
Journal Entery
Date: October 20, 2007
Entery Number: 12
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 68-71
Buddy is so grose and totally not pure and innocent. I don't know how Esther really thought he was. Well love does blind you but she was pretty naive. Buddy asks one time, "Esther, have you ever seen a man?" Esther new he ment naked and told him no and then he proceeded to take of his pants and show her. That was so incredible grose and totally disgusting. He is so nasty. Later on Esther finds out Buddy isn't a virgin and that he sleep with a slutty waitress not once but multiply times. "What I couldn't stand was Buddy's pretending I was so sexy and he was so pure, when all the time he'd been having an affair with that tarty waitress..." Buddy really is a hypocrite. But what's real funny is because Buddy's mom is all about being pure and staying pure for that special someone until after you get married. It's rather interesting and Buddy's quite disgusting.
Entery Number: 12
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 68-71
Buddy is so grose and totally not pure and innocent. I don't know how Esther really thought he was. Well love does blind you but she was pretty naive. Buddy asks one time, "Esther, have you ever seen a man?" Esther new he ment naked and told him no and then he proceeded to take of his pants and show her. That was so incredible grose and totally disgusting. He is so nasty. Later on Esther finds out Buddy isn't a virgin and that he sleep with a slutty waitress not once but multiply times. "What I couldn't stand was Buddy's pretending I was so sexy and he was so pure, when all the time he'd been having an affair with that tarty waitress..." Buddy really is a hypocrite. But what's real funny is because Buddy's mom is all about being pure and staying pure for that special someone until after you get married. It's rather interesting and Buddy's quite disgusting.
Journal Entery
Date: October 20, 2007
Entery Number: 11
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 63
I think it is so cruel, in a way, how they displayed the dead babies in jars at the hospital, or whatever, where Buddy was working at. They had bottled babies that had died before birth, throughout the stages, and displayed them in a hallway. "After that, Buddy took me out into a hall where they had some big glass bottles full of babies that had died before they were born...I was quite proud of the calm way I stared at all these gruesome things." It's not right. I can understand why they would have them, in a way so it could help the doctors and others learn about the way babies grow and develop, but to have them out on desplay in a hall way doesn't seem right. If I was a mother of a baby that had died before it was born and they asked me if I would let them put it on desplay, I would have said no. The way babies are really created and how something so magnificant could grow in another human being to one day grow up be an adult also is a miracle. One that doctors can't explain and want to know about. It's a miracle, one that can't be explained and they should just leave it at that.
Entery Number: 11
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 63
I think it is so cruel, in a way, how they displayed the dead babies in jars at the hospital, or whatever, where Buddy was working at. They had bottled babies that had died before birth, throughout the stages, and displayed them in a hallway. "After that, Buddy took me out into a hall where they had some big glass bottles full of babies that had died before they were born...I was quite proud of the calm way I stared at all these gruesome things." It's not right. I can understand why they would have them, in a way so it could help the doctors and others learn about the way babies grow and develop, but to have them out on desplay in a hall way doesn't seem right. If I was a mother of a baby that had died before it was born and they asked me if I would let them put it on desplay, I would have said no. The way babies are really created and how something so magnificant could grow in another human being to one day grow up be an adult also is a miracle. One that doctors can't explain and want to know about. It's a miracle, one that can't be explained and they should just leave it at that.
Journal Entery
Date: October 19, 2007
Entery Number: 10
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 55
I find it interesting how Esther relates the story of the Fig Tree to her own life. The story was a lot cuter than Buddy's and her own story and imaginary fig tree but it's a symbol. The story was about a nun and a Jewish man who would pick figs off a fig tree together until one day when they saw a baby bird hatch and the backs of their hands touched. The next day that nun didn't come back to pick the figs but a different mean nun came out and picked them. "We had met together under our own imaginary fig tree, and what we had seen wasn't a bird coming out of an egg but a baby coming out of a woman, and then something awful happened and we went our separate ways." Esther had liked Buddy for five years before he started to look at her and the more he looked at her, the more and more she saw things she didn't like about him. (That's kind of where the lady and the baby came into play. But then she saw Buddy for who he was and didn't like him anymore because he was a hypocrate.) If you think about it enough and have actually read the book, it makes sense with the whole fig tree.
Entery Number: 10
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 55
I find it interesting how Esther relates the story of the Fig Tree to her own life. The story was a lot cuter than Buddy's and her own story and imaginary fig tree but it's a symbol. The story was about a nun and a Jewish man who would pick figs off a fig tree together until one day when they saw a baby bird hatch and the backs of their hands touched. The next day that nun didn't come back to pick the figs but a different mean nun came out and picked them. "We had met together under our own imaginary fig tree, and what we had seen wasn't a bird coming out of an egg but a baby coming out of a woman, and then something awful happened and we went our separate ways." Esther had liked Buddy for five years before he started to look at her and the more he looked at her, the more and more she saw things she didn't like about him. (That's kind of where the lady and the baby came into play. But then she saw Buddy for who he was and didn't like him anymore because he was a hypocrate.) If you think about it enough and have actually read the book, it makes sense with the whole fig tree.
Journal Entery
Date: October 19, 2007
Entery Number: 9
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 52
It's hard sometimes to know if a guy likes you or not. Most of the time it's VERY clear. But sometimes when you are feeling down and haven't had any real connections with guys, like dating, for a while and you start talking to a guy and he says something that lights a spark and a hope in you, you start to think he might like you. If you're smart, you'll snuff out that hope with the realization that there was nothing, no special meaning behind those hollow words like you thought there was or what you hoped there was. It's happened to me about once or twice but luckily not many. "There I went again, building up a glamorous picture of a man who would love me passionately the minute he met me, and all out of a few prosy nothings." She was temorarily tricked but that only lasted a few seconds before she new nothing was behind those words that the simultaneous interpreter had said. Love, Loking, and Liking guys suck sometimes.
Entery Number: 9
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 52
It's hard sometimes to know if a guy likes you or not. Most of the time it's VERY clear. But sometimes when you are feeling down and haven't had any real connections with guys, like dating, for a while and you start talking to a guy and he says something that lights a spark and a hope in you, you start to think he might like you. If you're smart, you'll snuff out that hope with the realization that there was nothing, no special meaning behind those hollow words like you thought there was or what you hoped there was. It's happened to me about once or twice but luckily not many. "There I went again, building up a glamorous picture of a man who would love me passionately the minute he met me, and all out of a few prosy nothings." She was temorarily tricked but that only lasted a few seconds before she new nothing was behind those words that the simultaneous interpreter had said. Love, Loking, and Liking guys suck sometimes.
Journal Entery
Date: October 18, 2007
Entery Number: 8
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 48
When Esther and all the other girls who ate the crab meat and got sick, Doreen told Esther, "...you almost died." My question is how did she almost die? "They did tests on it and it was chock full of ptomaine." How did the ptomaine almost kill her? Ptomaine doesn't even cause food poisoning, like it was previously thought to, so how did it almost kill her? And if it almost killed her, did it nearly kill the other girls also? Ptomaine is actually any kind of toxic nitrogenous organic compound that is produced by bacterial decomposition of proteins. I wonder along with the vomiting if she had any other symptoms like a fever or what? If she did, then I could understand how it might have almost killed her but how could vomiting almost kill her? It's very strange.
Entery Number: 8
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 48
When Esther and all the other girls who ate the crab meat and got sick, Doreen told Esther, "...you almost died." My question is how did she almost die? "They did tests on it and it was chock full of ptomaine." How did the ptomaine almost kill her? Ptomaine doesn't even cause food poisoning, like it was previously thought to, so how did it almost kill her? And if it almost killed her, did it nearly kill the other girls also? Ptomaine is actually any kind of toxic nitrogenous organic compound that is produced by bacterial decomposition of proteins. I wonder along with the vomiting if she had any other symptoms like a fever or what? If she did, then I could understand how it might have almost killed her but how could vomiting almost kill her? It's very strange.
Journal Entery
Date: October 18, 2007
Entery Number: 7
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 43
I find it so funny how lady like Esther and Betsy were when they were throwing up in the cab. "Each time one of us felt sick, she would lean over quietly as if she had dropped something and was picking it up off the floor, and the other one would hum a little and pretend to be looking out the window." If I were sick, I wouldn't care about manners and being lady like. Well, I guess I would care a little bit but not that much. The cabby started to figure out what was going on and said, "Hey...you can't do that in my cab, you better get out and do it in the street." Even though he said this, he didn't make them actually get out and puke in the street.
Entery Number: 7
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 43
I find it so funny how lady like Esther and Betsy were when they were throwing up in the cab. "Each time one of us felt sick, she would lean over quietly as if she had dropped something and was picking it up off the floor, and the other one would hum a little and pretend to be looking out the window." If I were sick, I wouldn't care about manners and being lady like. Well, I guess I would care a little bit but not that much. The cabby started to figure out what was going on and said, "Hey...you can't do that in my cab, you better get out and do it in the street." Even though he said this, he didn't make them actually get out and puke in the street.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: October 17, 2007
Entery Number: 6
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 29, 32-33
It is interesting to see some of the similarities between Esther and I. Sometimes when it comes to school work and grades I begin to think if getting all A's or at least seriously trying to, is really worth it. I begin to let up a little and start to give up but then I have to go back and tell myself "I have to do this. I can't let up. I have keep at it. If you don't you won't be able to get that great job or get any of those nice things you have always dreamed about." "After nineteen years of running after good marks and prizes and grants of one sort and another, I was letting up, slowing down, dropping clean out of the race." Sometimes this is a little how I feel. It's an awkward feeling. Some things Esther wanted to do was to study all over Europe, be a professor, write books of poems, or be an editor or go into publishing. She also had always wanted to learn German. I have always wanted to go to Europe, learn German, French, Italiean, Dutch, and other languages, I've thought about being a teacher, I have written a couple of poems, and I want to be an author writing fantasy and other fictional books. It's cool but kind of creepy the things we have in common.
Entery Number: 6
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 29, 32-33
It is interesting to see some of the similarities between Esther and I. Sometimes when it comes to school work and grades I begin to think if getting all A's or at least seriously trying to, is really worth it. I begin to let up a little and start to give up but then I have to go back and tell myself "I have to do this. I can't let up. I have keep at it. If you don't you won't be able to get that great job or get any of those nice things you have always dreamed about." "After nineteen years of running after good marks and prizes and grants of one sort and another, I was letting up, slowing down, dropping clean out of the race." Sometimes this is a little how I feel. It's an awkward feeling. Some things Esther wanted to do was to study all over Europe, be a professor, write books of poems, or be an editor or go into publishing. She also had always wanted to learn German. I have always wanted to go to Europe, learn German, French, Italiean, Dutch, and other languages, I've thought about being a teacher, I have written a couple of poems, and I want to be an author writing fantasy and other fictional books. It's cool but kind of creepy the things we have in common.
Journal Entery
Date: October 17, 2007
ENtery Number: 5
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 26
Assuming that Esther did get married, because of that baby she mentioned, I wonder if her grandfather did buy her that caviar for her wedding. "The joke was that at my wedding my grandfather would see I had all the caviar I could eat. It was a joke because I never intended to get married, and even if I did, my grandfather couldn't have afforded enough caviar..." I think it is a nice/cute little relationship the two of them have but I wonder if he ever did buy that caviar. I don't know why it intrigues me so, but it does. I doubt he did buy her all that she could eat because he couldn't afford it but i wonder if he even just gave her some as a wedding gift. That would have been the best wedding gift ever, that is, in a funny way. It's an interesting thought, though.
ENtery Number: 5
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 26
Assuming that Esther did get married, because of that baby she mentioned, I wonder if her grandfather did buy her that caviar for her wedding. "The joke was that at my wedding my grandfather would see I had all the caviar I could eat. It was a joke because I never intended to get married, and even if I did, my grandfather couldn't have afforded enough caviar..." I think it is a nice/cute little relationship the two of them have but I wonder if he ever did buy that caviar. I don't know why it intrigues me so, but it does. I doubt he did buy her all that she could eat because he couldn't afford it but i wonder if he even just gave her some as a wedding gift. That would have been the best wedding gift ever, that is, in a funny way. It's an interesting thought, though.
Journal Entery
Date: October 16, 2007
Entery Number: 4
Page/Quote reflecting: Pg. 19
Hot baths are nice and very relaxing. But I find it interesting how Esther only takes a hot bath when something bad or depressing is happening. "Whenever I'm sad I'm going to die, or so nervous I can't sleep, or in love with somebody I won't be seeing for a week, I slump down just so far and then I say: 'I'll go take a hot bath.'" Why would she only take a hot bath when something bad is happening? I would take a hot bath when both good things and bad things are happening that is if I had time to dwell in the tub and if I didn't have so many siblings who are always needing in the bathroom. It kind of shows how negative Esther is. It's pretty interesting.
Entery Number: 4
Page/Quote reflecting: Pg. 19
Hot baths are nice and very relaxing. But I find it interesting how Esther only takes a hot bath when something bad or depressing is happening. "Whenever I'm sad I'm going to die, or so nervous I can't sleep, or in love with somebody I won't be seeing for a week, I slump down just so far and then I say: 'I'll go take a hot bath.'" Why would she only take a hot bath when something bad is happening? I would take a hot bath when both good things and bad things are happening that is if I had time to dwell in the tub and if I didn't have so many siblings who are always needing in the bathroom. It kind of shows how negative Esther is. It's pretty interesting.
Journal Entery
Date: October 16, 2007
Entery Number: 3
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 16
I have been in situations similar to Esther's when she went with Doreen to Lenny Shepherd's apartment. Lenny and Doreen were completely involved in each other and totally ignored Esther. "I felt myself shrinking to a small black dot against all those red and white rugs and that pine paneling. I felt like a hole in the ground." That's how I have felt with friends and family too. The conditions were not the same but having people totally ignore you is a very boring feeling. You feel lonely, left out, forgotten, and neglected. It doesn't happen to me so much anymore. It is interesting how angry is a secondary emotion though. At first I would feel bored, then lonely, left out, ect., and then I would get mad. I would get so mad I would start to hate those people and decide to ditch them since they wouldn't even notice if I was gone or not anyway. I really hate it when people do that so now I try to include everyone in the things that I do because I have been that outsider looking in, feeling worthless and alone.
Entery Number: 3
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 16
I have been in situations similar to Esther's when she went with Doreen to Lenny Shepherd's apartment. Lenny and Doreen were completely involved in each other and totally ignored Esther. "I felt myself shrinking to a small black dot against all those red and white rugs and that pine paneling. I felt like a hole in the ground." That's how I have felt with friends and family too. The conditions were not the same but having people totally ignore you is a very boring feeling. You feel lonely, left out, forgotten, and neglected. It doesn't happen to me so much anymore. It is interesting how angry is a secondary emotion though. At first I would feel bored, then lonely, left out, ect., and then I would get mad. I would get so mad I would start to hate those people and decide to ditch them since they wouldn't even notice if I was gone or not anyway. I really hate it when people do that so now I try to include everyone in the things that I do because I have been that outsider looking in, feeling worthless and alone.
Journal Entery
Date: October 15, 2007
Entery Number: 2
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 3
I find it interesting how she gives us insight to her life after New York and after she got better, which really means after she found herself again and stomped out the crazy insane person who had taken over for a while. "...last week I cut the plastic starfish off the sunglasses case for the baby to play with." So after she gets over her insanity she gets married and has a baby. I wonder who she ends up marrying. It must have been someone special to be able to persuade Esther into getting married, which she lied about constantly but really didn't want to. It's a good thing that she did end up fitting into one of the castes of society for women back then. For women, you were either a whore, a spinster, or a good wife. If Esther hadn't finally picked a caste, she might have been successful in killing her self or she would have ended up in an asylum for the rest of her life, which I don't totally agree with. Actually, the book doesn't say anything about a husband,or at least I don't think it does, so Esther could have just gotten pregnant and had a baby but I doubt it.
Entery Number: 2
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 3
I find it interesting how she gives us insight to her life after New York and after she got better, which really means after she found herself again and stomped out the crazy insane person who had taken over for a while. "...last week I cut the plastic starfish off the sunglasses case for the baby to play with." So after she gets over her insanity she gets married and has a baby. I wonder who she ends up marrying. It must have been someone special to be able to persuade Esther into getting married, which she lied about constantly but really didn't want to. It's a good thing that she did end up fitting into one of the castes of society for women back then. For women, you were either a whore, a spinster, or a good wife. If Esther hadn't finally picked a caste, she might have been successful in killing her self or she would have ended up in an asylum for the rest of her life, which I don't totally agree with. Actually, the book doesn't say anything about a husband,or at least I don't think it does, so Esther could have just gotten pregnant and had a baby but I doubt it.
Journal Entery
Date: October 15, 2007
Entery Number: 1
Page/Quote reflection on: Pg. 1
The way this story starts off has to be one of the weirdest beginnings of a book I've ever read. Our Protagonist, Esther, starts off by telling us about the Rosenbergs who were given the electric chair for something they did. "The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, and that's all there was to read about in the papers..." At least the thought of being electrocuted isn't appealing to her but to start off telling her story with that obviously tells you there must be something not quite straight upstair. In other words she sounds a little crazy. She ends up going crazy, anyway, and that's probably why she wrote it like that. But it seems like there has to be something more behind telling us about the Rosenbergs first off. I'm not quite sure though. I think I'll look into it a little.
Entery Number: 1
Page/Quote reflection on: Pg. 1
The way this story starts off has to be one of the weirdest beginnings of a book I've ever read. Our Protagonist, Esther, starts off by telling us about the Rosenbergs who were given the electric chair for something they did. "The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, and that's all there was to read about in the papers..." At least the thought of being electrocuted isn't appealing to her but to start off telling her story with that obviously tells you there must be something not quite straight upstair. In other words she sounds a little crazy. She ends up going crazy, anyway, and that's probably why she wrote it like that. But it seems like there has to be something more behind telling us about the Rosenbergs first off. I'm not quite sure though. I think I'll look into it a little.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: October 8, 2007
Entery Number: 30
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 176
Phoebe is like on of the best characters ever. She's really great but I think that is partially due to the fact that she is still pretty young. "I can make it go up to over the thermoneter...You cross your legs and hold your breath and think of something very, very hot. A radiator or something. Then yourwhole forehead gets so hot you can burn somebody's hand." That just cracks me up as it does Holden. Little kids are the best, well sometimes. Even though Phoebe is ten she still seems like a little kid. I like her spunk and quick wittedness and she's not as crazy as Holden. She is very interesting like her brother but in a different way. If Allie was still alive it probably would have been a tie between them both but then Holden would be different too. Phoebe is a great character and serves a little like comic relief from all the worries and problems of the rest of Holden's life.
Entery Number: 30
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 176
Phoebe is like on of the best characters ever. She's really great but I think that is partially due to the fact that she is still pretty young. "I can make it go up to over the thermoneter...You cross your legs and hold your breath and think of something very, very hot. A radiator or something. Then yourwhole forehead gets so hot you can burn somebody's hand." That just cracks me up as it does Holden. Little kids are the best, well sometimes. Even though Phoebe is ten she still seems like a little kid. I like her spunk and quick wittedness and she's not as crazy as Holden. She is very interesting like her brother but in a different way. If Allie was still alive it probably would have been a tie between them both but then Holden would be different too. Phoebe is a great character and serves a little like comic relief from all the worries and problems of the rest of Holden's life.
Journal Entery
Date: October 8, 2007
Entery Number: 29
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 175
Holden has this really weird thing with dancing. He really doesn't like it when people don't know how to dance. He taught his little sister the basics to dancing but "You can't teach somebody how to really dance." Phoebe does know how to dance though and Holden enjoys it. But what is really funny is that in between songs Phoebe will hold her last position that she was in from the previous song and then start dancing when the next song comes on. You aren't suppose to talk, "...laugh or anything, either." I can really picture it and it is just hilarious. Pheobe is definately her own individual.
Entery Number: 29
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 175
Holden has this really weird thing with dancing. He really doesn't like it when people don't know how to dance. He taught his little sister the basics to dancing but "You can't teach somebody how to really dance." Phoebe does know how to dance though and Holden enjoys it. But what is really funny is that in between songs Phoebe will hold her last position that she was in from the previous song and then start dancing when the next song comes on. You aren't suppose to talk, "...laugh or anything, either." I can really picture it and it is just hilarious. Pheobe is definately her own individual.
Journal Entery
Date: October 6, 2007
Entery Number: 28
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 173
It is kind of hard to interpret the meaning, the very indepth meaning, to what Holden wants to be. He imagines a bunch of little kids, no adults/older people except him, playing a game in a field of rye and he would be standing on the cliff's edge ready to catch them. "What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff-I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them...I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all." Holden got this idea from the song that says "If a body meet a body coming through the rye" but Holden always puts catch where meet is. The fact that he would be the only older person in the field shows that he is still just a kid. When I think of him catching all the kids not looking where they are going, about to fall off the cliff, I think of him trying to keep the kids from growing up and becoming adults. He would be keeping them from falling off/ becoming adults and returning them to the field of youth. Holden doesn't know how he is going to fit in with society and I don't think he really wants to grow up or knows how. May be he is trying to save them from the problems they will have to face with growing up and he doesn't want them to have to go through that like he is. When you are a little kid, you don't have many problems,worries, or concerns and may be that is what he wants to keep them from gaining and becoming corrupt or fake. That is also another trait of little kids. They say it exactly as it is. They are not phony like so many other people are who Holden hates. It is hard to understand what Holden means and I doubt he fully understand either. But it is quite interesting.
Entery Number: 28
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 173
It is kind of hard to interpret the meaning, the very indepth meaning, to what Holden wants to be. He imagines a bunch of little kids, no adults/older people except him, playing a game in a field of rye and he would be standing on the cliff's edge ready to catch them. "What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff-I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them...I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all." Holden got this idea from the song that says "If a body meet a body coming through the rye" but Holden always puts catch where meet is. The fact that he would be the only older person in the field shows that he is still just a kid. When I think of him catching all the kids not looking where they are going, about to fall off the cliff, I think of him trying to keep the kids from growing up and becoming adults. He would be keeping them from falling off/ becoming adults and returning them to the field of youth. Holden doesn't know how he is going to fit in with society and I don't think he really wants to grow up or knows how. May be he is trying to save them from the problems they will have to face with growing up and he doesn't want them to have to go through that like he is. When you are a little kid, you don't have many problems,worries, or concerns and may be that is what he wants to keep them from gaining and becoming corrupt or fake. That is also another trait of little kids. They say it exactly as it is. They are not phony like so many other people are who Holden hates. It is hard to understand what Holden means and I doubt he fully understand either. But it is quite interesting.
Journal Entery
Date: October 6, 2007
Entery Number: 27
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 170-171
I find it really sad but really dumb about that boy, James Castle at Elkton Hills, that jumped out the window because some stupid guys wanted him to take back a truethful statement that he made. They locked the door, beat him up, and when he still wouldn't take it back he jumped out the window. "He was dead, and his teeth, and blood, were all over the place, and nobody would even go near him." All they did to the guys that beat him up and who were the major cause of his death, was expel them. It was good for him to stand up to those thugs and stand for what he believed in but to jump out of the window was really stupid. I geuss that was the only way he thought he was going to get away from those guys and guys like them. It is really sad the problems we have in this world, in this country, in our schools, and even in our homes. Situations in the home are what form the person into who they will be and what they will become.
Entery Number: 27
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 170-171
I find it really sad but really dumb about that boy, James Castle at Elkton Hills, that jumped out the window because some stupid guys wanted him to take back a truethful statement that he made. They locked the door, beat him up, and when he still wouldn't take it back he jumped out the window. "He was dead, and his teeth, and blood, were all over the place, and nobody would even go near him." All they did to the guys that beat him up and who were the major cause of his death, was expel them. It was good for him to stand up to those thugs and stand for what he believed in but to jump out of the window was really stupid. I geuss that was the only way he thought he was going to get away from those guys and guys like them. It is really sad the problems we have in this world, in this country, in our schools, and even in our homes. Situations in the home are what form the person into who they will be and what they will become.
Journal Entery
Date: October 6, 2007
Entery Number: 26
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 164-165
Phoebe, Holden's sister, is a pretty quick kid and I mean that in a couple different ways. She's quick at changing courses of conversations and at figuring things out. It was funny, she was telling Holden how this boy pushed her because she put ink on his jacket because he kept following her around. Holden tells her that he probably likes her, which I totally agree with, but of course she doesn't want him to like her and then she changes the subject to why he wasn't home on Wednesday. Because Holden is not home on Wednesday but about three days early, she jumps to the conclusion that he got kicked out, which is exactly what happened. Holden has gotten kicked out of about three other schools so she geusses that right off the bat. HE tries to convience her otherwise by telling her, "They let us out early" but of course she's smart and catches on. She is a really smart kid and pretty funny too.
Entery Number: 26
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 164-165
Phoebe, Holden's sister, is a pretty quick kid and I mean that in a couple different ways. She's quick at changing courses of conversations and at figuring things out. It was funny, she was telling Holden how this boy pushed her because she put ink on his jacket because he kept following her around. Holden tells her that he probably likes her, which I totally agree with, but of course she doesn't want him to like her and then she changes the subject to why he wasn't home on Wednesday. Because Holden is not home on Wednesday but about three days early, she jumps to the conclusion that he got kicked out, which is exactly what happened. Holden has gotten kicked out of about three other schools so she geusses that right off the bat. HE tries to convience her otherwise by telling her, "They let us out early" but of course she's smart and catches on. She is a really smart kid and pretty funny too.
Journal Entery
Date: October 5, 2007
Entery Number: 25
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 155-156
I find it interesting how Holden says when you die you get stuck in a cemeter, "Surrounded by dead guys." Of course you're going to be surrounded by dead guys but you will be one yourself and it's not like they are moving around or talking. It's sad though how HOlden doesn't like to visit his brother's grave much because he doesn't like seeing him that way. Dead, stuck in the ground, surrounded by dead guys, grass growing on top of him, and flowers on his stomache. Holden doesn't understand why people put flowers on others graves because the person is dead and "Who wants flowers when you're dead?" He hated it though when it would start to rain and everyone would jump in their cars and then go somewhere nice to eat. All of them could go and eat but not Allie. I bet if Holden would've been allowed to, he would have stayed there and probably cried on Allie's grave while everyone else went out to eat. Holden's love for his brother was very great. If Allie had lived, I believe Holden would have had a much better life and not ended up in the pschyco asylum.
Entery Number: 25
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 155-156
I find it interesting how Holden says when you die you get stuck in a cemeter, "Surrounded by dead guys." Of course you're going to be surrounded by dead guys but you will be one yourself and it's not like they are moving around or talking. It's sad though how HOlden doesn't like to visit his brother's grave much because he doesn't like seeing him that way. Dead, stuck in the ground, surrounded by dead guys, grass growing on top of him, and flowers on his stomache. Holden doesn't understand why people put flowers on others graves because the person is dead and "Who wants flowers when you're dead?" He hated it though when it would start to rain and everyone would jump in their cars and then go somewhere nice to eat. All of them could go and eat but not Allie. I bet if Holden would've been allowed to, he would have stayed there and probably cried on Allie's grave while everyone else went out to eat. Holden's love for his brother was very great. If Allie had lived, I believe Holden would have had a much better life and not ended up in the pschyco asylum.
Journal Entery
Date: October 5, 2007
Entery Number: 24
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 150
"...I felt like giving old Jane a buzz...But when I got inside this phone booth, I wasn't much in the mood any more to give old Jane a buzz. I was too drunk, I guess." This type of situation has happened many times; he's wanted to call Jane but then all of a sudden didn't feel like it anymore. I think partially why this is, is because he is ashamed of some of the stuff he has been doing and wouldn't want Jane to find out. There is only a few people whose opinions he cares about and I think Jane is one of them. He was really drunk and if he were to call Jane, then Jane would probably think less of him for it and the way he would be acting. If Jane thought little of him that would probably make him more depressed and commit suicide or something. Holden really does care about Jane and the way she thinks of him.
Entery Number: 24
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 150
"...I felt like giving old Jane a buzz...But when I got inside this phone booth, I wasn't much in the mood any more to give old Jane a buzz. I was too drunk, I guess." This type of situation has happened many times; he's wanted to call Jane but then all of a sudden didn't feel like it anymore. I think partially why this is, is because he is ashamed of some of the stuff he has been doing and wouldn't want Jane to find out. There is only a few people whose opinions he cares about and I think Jane is one of them. He was really drunk and if he were to call Jane, then Jane would probably think less of him for it and the way he would be acting. If Jane thought little of him that would probably make him more depressed and commit suicide or something. Holden really does care about Jane and the way she thinks of him.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: October 5, 2007
Entery Number: 23
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 149
I find it kind of funny when Holden says, "People never give your message to anybody." This time he had asked a guy to ask this singing lady at this bar, Valencia, to have a drink with him. Holden was really drunk and gave her the eye when she was singing and then left the stage really quickly after she finished. The reason why I find that quote, in that situation, funny is because I bet a lot of drunk guys ask her if she would have a drink with them. So why would Holden be any specialler than any other guy and have the privilage to have her drink with him? If I was her I would have done the same thing. Get off the stage as quickly as possible and refuse any offers to go drink with some guy. But first of all, if I were her I wouldn't be working there and drinking is totally out of the question. That's an absolute no. But anyway, I find it funny how he thinks he is so special.
Entery Number: 23
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 149
I find it kind of funny when Holden says, "People never give your message to anybody." This time he had asked a guy to ask this singing lady at this bar, Valencia, to have a drink with him. Holden was really drunk and gave her the eye when she was singing and then left the stage really quickly after she finished. The reason why I find that quote, in that situation, funny is because I bet a lot of drunk guys ask her if she would have a drink with them. So why would Holden be any specialler than any other guy and have the privilage to have her drink with him? If I was her I would have done the same thing. Get off the stage as quickly as possible and refuse any offers to go drink with some guy. But first of all, if I were her I wouldn't be working there and drinking is totally out of the question. That's an absolute no. But anyway, I find it funny how he thinks he is so special.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: October 4, 2007
Entery Number: 22
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 143
I find it interesting how back in the 1950's they called gays flits. Back then the word gay was still probably used in its proper form to mean happy. Actually, before this book I had never really heard of the word flit as used for a homosexual male and neither had my sister. I actually looked up both words in the American Heritage Student Dictionary and flit doesn't say anything about homosexuals but gay does. I wonder if dictionaries really do change with the times and the meanings people give words? Well anyway, there is this guy, Carl Luce and supposibly he is suppose to know every flit in the US but I find it interesting how Holden has thought him almost a flit cause he was always doing flitty things like leaving the can door open and talking to you at the same time. This guy Luce actually says "...you could turn into one practically overnight, if you had all the traits and all" which is quite ironic because he has some of those traits. You never can tell all the time though if someone is gay or not. Most of the time it is quite obvious though. How they walk, talk, act. It is actually kind of creepy.
Entery Number: 22
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 143
I find it interesting how back in the 1950's they called gays flits. Back then the word gay was still probably used in its proper form to mean happy. Actually, before this book I had never really heard of the word flit as used for a homosexual male and neither had my sister. I actually looked up both words in the American Heritage Student Dictionary and flit doesn't say anything about homosexuals but gay does. I wonder if dictionaries really do change with the times and the meanings people give words? Well anyway, there is this guy, Carl Luce and supposibly he is suppose to know every flit in the US but I find it interesting how Holden has thought him almost a flit cause he was always doing flitty things like leaving the can door open and talking to you at the same time. This guy Luce actually says "...you could turn into one practically overnight, if you had all the traits and all" which is quite ironic because he has some of those traits. You never can tell all the time though if someone is gay or not. Most of the time it is quite obvious though. How they walk, talk, act. It is actually kind of creepy.
Journal Entery
Date: October 4, 2007
Entery Number: 21
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 140-141
I, like Holden, find it interesting how D.B. hated the war but he likes war books. While Holden is talking about it he says D.B got him to read this book A Farewell To Arms last summer. I find it quite interesting because almost last summer I also read that book. It was really over Christmas vacation though. It is an pretty good book but the beginning is slightly boring and confusing but it does get better. It does have a very sad ending though. But anyway, while Holden is talking about the war he says "I swear, if there's ever another war, they better just take me out and stick me in front of a firing squad. I wouldn't object." He also says, "If there's ever another war,I'm going to sit right the hell on top of it. I'll volunteer for it..." (He was talking about the atomic bomb.)It is kind of sad how Holden is always wanting to die or at least he says so. He needs to find a meaning in his life. These quotes kind of indicate that Holden is a bit of a coward. He'd rather die for no cause at all than die actually serving his country. Also they show his ignorance. No one would be volunteering to ride an atomic bomb. They wouldn't allow it nor would the army purposefully stick a solitary soldier in front of a firing squad. If Holden wouldn't cooperate they would probably make him scrub the floors with a toothbrush. He is quite ridiculous sometimes.
Entery Number: 21
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 140-141
I, like Holden, find it interesting how D.B. hated the war but he likes war books. While Holden is talking about it he says D.B got him to read this book A Farewell To Arms last summer. I find it quite interesting because almost last summer I also read that book. It was really over Christmas vacation though. It is an pretty good book but the beginning is slightly boring and confusing but it does get better. It does have a very sad ending though. But anyway, while Holden is talking about the war he says "I swear, if there's ever another war, they better just take me out and stick me in front of a firing squad. I wouldn't object." He also says, "If there's ever another war,I'm going to sit right the hell on top of it. I'll volunteer for it..." (He was talking about the atomic bomb.)It is kind of sad how Holden is always wanting to die or at least he says so. He needs to find a meaning in his life. These quotes kind of indicate that Holden is a bit of a coward. He'd rather die for no cause at all than die actually serving his country. Also they show his ignorance. No one would be volunteering to ride an atomic bomb. They wouldn't allow it nor would the army purposefully stick a solitary soldier in front of a firing squad. If Holden wouldn't cooperate they would probably make him scrub the floors with a toothbrush. He is quite ridiculous sometimes.
Journal Entery
Date: October 3, 2007
Entery Number: 20
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 130-134
Holden shouldn't have attacked Sally with all his questions, complaints, and ideas in one setting. Holden has way to many complaints and strange ideas that someone might even be repulsed by him because of all his complaints and theories. And to tell a girl who is a phony, which is one of his complainsts, isn't smart. He really got out of control and I can believe it when Sally says, "Don't shout, please." Holden didn't think he was yelling but he probably was or talking really loud. When you get excited about stuff the way he was, you tend to talk faster and louder. It's crazy though when he comes up with his plan fpr him and Sally to get out of New York and move into a cabin together some place far away and maybe even get married. If some guy ever asked me to go away with him and live with him and be his little wife in that manner, I would probably flip out even if it was a guy I really liked. That's just crazy. You don't attack a girl with all your complaints and then ask her to marry you. It just doesn't work that way. Holden later says, "...I don't even know why I started all that stuff with her...I probably wouldn't've taken her even if she'd wanted to go with me." But it is interesting how Holden says that they wouldn't have oodles of places to go once they go older and it wouldn't be the same. She was trying to be sensible but Holden was being difficult. The way Holden says it, it really demonstrates how it would be different when doing stuff when you are older, out of college, and being an adult verses being a kid and "eloping" somewhere totally different. It really wouldn't be the same.
Entery Number: 20
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 130-134
Holden shouldn't have attacked Sally with all his questions, complaints, and ideas in one setting. Holden has way to many complaints and strange ideas that someone might even be repulsed by him because of all his complaints and theories. And to tell a girl who is a phony, which is one of his complainsts, isn't smart. He really got out of control and I can believe it when Sally says, "Don't shout, please." Holden didn't think he was yelling but he probably was or talking really loud. When you get excited about stuff the way he was, you tend to talk faster and louder. It's crazy though when he comes up with his plan fpr him and Sally to get out of New York and move into a cabin together some place far away and maybe even get married. If some guy ever asked me to go away with him and live with him and be his little wife in that manner, I would probably flip out even if it was a guy I really liked. That's just crazy. You don't attack a girl with all your complaints and then ask her to marry you. It just doesn't work that way. Holden later says, "...I don't even know why I started all that stuff with her...I probably wouldn't've taken her even if she'd wanted to go with me." But it is interesting how Holden says that they wouldn't have oodles of places to go once they go older and it wouldn't be the same. She was trying to be sensible but Holden was being difficult. The way Holden says it, it really demonstrates how it would be different when doing stuff when you are older, out of college, and being an adult verses being a kid and "eloping" somewhere totally different. It really wouldn't be the same.
Journal Entery
Date: October 3, 2007
Entery Number: 19
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 123
Holden is an extraordinary character. While waiting for Sally at the theater, Holden does some "site seeing". There was lots of girls waiting for their dates and all. But what I find interesting is Holden starts thinking about what "dopey guys" all those girls will end up marrying in the end. He feels sorry for them and gets depressed. What kind of guy would do that? What kind of guy would actually be thinking about that? The answer is only Holden and maybe a few other guys but not many. Not many at all. It is kind of sweet in a way how he does care for all girls sometimes. But everytime Holden does something that can be taken a sweet he always has to ruin it by going and doing something stupid. But it is pretty cool how he does show consern for all of them. But it is also funny how he is always thinking about others future and not much of his own. Holden is a very interesting character.
Entery Number: 19
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 123
Holden is an extraordinary character. While waiting for Sally at the theater, Holden does some "site seeing". There was lots of girls waiting for their dates and all. But what I find interesting is Holden starts thinking about what "dopey guys" all those girls will end up marrying in the end. He feels sorry for them and gets depressed. What kind of guy would do that? What kind of guy would actually be thinking about that? The answer is only Holden and maybe a few other guys but not many. Not many at all. It is kind of sweet in a way how he does care for all girls sometimes. But everytime Holden does something that can be taken a sweet he always has to ruin it by going and doing something stupid. But it is pretty cool how he does show consern for all of them. But it is also funny how he is always thinking about others future and not much of his own. Holden is a very interesting character.
Journal Entery
Date: October 2, 2007
Entery Number: 18
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 119-122
The Musuem of Natural History is a pretty big symbol. Holden says, "Nobody'd move...nobody'd be different. The only thing that would be different would be you." He later says that you wouldn't necessarily be older but you might have a new partner or had on a new jacket or saw or heard something different before or after you went to the musuem but really you were older every time you went. In a way it show how times have changed but the museum itself has not changed. Holden is a little like the musuem how he isn't changing much and having a hard time finding his place in life. While everyone around him is finding their place and becoming adults he is staying the same and can not find his way. But he has changed since he was a little kid. He knows more. He had experienced more. I can't explain this symbol very well but it is really important.
Entery Number: 18
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 119-122
The Musuem of Natural History is a pretty big symbol. Holden says, "Nobody'd move...nobody'd be different. The only thing that would be different would be you." He later says that you wouldn't necessarily be older but you might have a new partner or had on a new jacket or saw or heard something different before or after you went to the musuem but really you were older every time you went. In a way it show how times have changed but the museum itself has not changed. Holden is a little like the musuem how he isn't changing much and having a hard time finding his place in life. While everyone around him is finding their place and becoming adults he is staying the same and can not find his way. But he has changed since he was a little kid. He knows more. He had experienced more. I can't explain this symbol very well but it is really important.
Journal Entery
Date: October 2, 2007
Entery Number: 17
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 111
I'm surprised that Holden was actually able to read Romeo and Juliet and pretty much understand it. Holden's favorite character was Mercutio who was smart and entertaining in Holden's eyes. Mercutio was a pretty cool character though. If their was a guy like Mercutio in real life in Holden's story, they probably would have been best friends even if Mercutio was a bad influence on Holden. He really dislikes the fact that Mercutio dies all because of Romeo. It's kind of funny how Holden remembers that Mercutio dies because of Romeo but he doesn't remember who really killed him. "That's right. Tybalt...I always forgot that guy's name. It was Romeo's fault." I think the reaon why Holden always remembered that it was Romeo's fault that Merc died was because in a way he betrayed Mercutio. It was accidental though. He kind of betrayed Mercutio by thinking only of Juliet and letting him down by not allowing him stand up for his, Romeo's, own reputation which Mercutio was trying to save and defend. It makes sense for Holden to dislike Romeo. He got his best friend killed, the whole play is about him and Juliet, and they end up killing themselves in the end. It is a good play and Holden would agree but it does have parts in it that aren't to awesome.
Entery Number: 17
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 111
I'm surprised that Holden was actually able to read Romeo and Juliet and pretty much understand it. Holden's favorite character was Mercutio who was smart and entertaining in Holden's eyes. Mercutio was a pretty cool character though. If their was a guy like Mercutio in real life in Holden's story, they probably would have been best friends even if Mercutio was a bad influence on Holden. He really dislikes the fact that Mercutio dies all because of Romeo. It's kind of funny how Holden remembers that Mercutio dies because of Romeo but he doesn't remember who really killed him. "That's right. Tybalt...I always forgot that guy's name. It was Romeo's fault." I think the reaon why Holden always remembered that it was Romeo's fault that Merc died was because in a way he betrayed Mercutio. It was accidental though. He kind of betrayed Mercutio by thinking only of Juliet and letting him down by not allowing him stand up for his, Romeo's, own reputation which Mercutio was trying to save and defend. It makes sense for Holden to dislike Romeo. He got his best friend killed, the whole play is about him and Juliet, and they end up killing themselves in the end. It is a good play and Holden would agree but it does have parts in it that aren't to awesome.
Journal Entery
Date: October 1, 2007
Entery Number: 16
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 103-104
Holden is excellent at provoking people to beat him up. At Pencey he kept calling Stradlater a stupid moron and calling him other things and telling him stuff that probably was pretty much true and he ended up on the floor, hurt and everything. Well Holden refused to pay the hooker the 10 bucks that he was suppose to give her because he already gave the 5 that the elevator guy told him was for a throw. Of course as you might remember, he didn't follow through with it. So the the pair of them came to get the money he supposedly owned them. The guy basically had him corned, slightly abusing him, and Sunny, the hooker, got the other five out of his wallet. Holden calls him a moron and basically says that in a couple of years he would be a begging hobo. That got the guy really mad so he smacked him and then punched him or maybe just punched him. It's not to clear on that. But the way Holden is always provoking people,you'd think he liked being punched or hurt. He actually pretends like he got shot and was bleeding all over the place and starts plotting his revenge in his imagination, which was totally action movie status. On page 45 afer fighting with Stradlater and seeing the blood all over his face and clothes he says' "All that blood and all sort of made me look tough." Holden is a very strange kid with a mind that is hard to follow.
Entery Number: 16
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 103-104
Holden is excellent at provoking people to beat him up. At Pencey he kept calling Stradlater a stupid moron and calling him other things and telling him stuff that probably was pretty much true and he ended up on the floor, hurt and everything. Well Holden refused to pay the hooker the 10 bucks that he was suppose to give her because he already gave the 5 that the elevator guy told him was for a throw. Of course as you might remember, he didn't follow through with it. So the the pair of them came to get the money he supposedly owned them. The guy basically had him corned, slightly abusing him, and Sunny, the hooker, got the other five out of his wallet. Holden calls him a moron and basically says that in a couple of years he would be a begging hobo. That got the guy really mad so he smacked him and then punched him or maybe just punched him. It's not to clear on that. But the way Holden is always provoking people,you'd think he liked being punched or hurt. He actually pretends like he got shot and was bleeding all over the place and starts plotting his revenge in his imagination, which was totally action movie status. On page 45 afer fighting with Stradlater and seeing the blood all over his face and clothes he says' "All that blood and all sort of made me look tough." Holden is a very strange kid with a mind that is hard to follow.
Journal Entery
Date: October 1, 2007
Entery Number: 15
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 99
I find it interesting how Holden really doesn't like Christ's diciples but he does like Jesus but he considers himself atheist. Holden says, "They were all right after Jesus was dead and all, but while He was alive, they were about as much use to Him as a hole in his head. All they did was keep letting Him down." I haven't studied the New Testiment all to much but it's not like they let him down on purpose. They were still learning and that's how come they did alright after Jesus died. But as you remember he rose on the third day and then there is no account that he died again after that. He ascended into the heavens, visited the Lamanites and Nephites in the Americans, spent time with them and taught them the gospel, and then asended back into the heavens to dwell with the Father. This quote also does show that Holden values friendship. True friendship. I think Holden's only other true friend besides his brothers and sister would be Jane Gallagher. Holden thinks in very strange was but it makes sense for him.
Entery Number: 15
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 99
I find it interesting how Holden really doesn't like Christ's diciples but he does like Jesus but he considers himself atheist. Holden says, "They were all right after Jesus was dead and all, but while He was alive, they were about as much use to Him as a hole in his head. All they did was keep letting Him down." I haven't studied the New Testiment all to much but it's not like they let him down on purpose. They were still learning and that's how come they did alright after Jesus died. But as you remember he rose on the third day and then there is no account that he died again after that. He ascended into the heavens, visited the Lamanites and Nephites in the Americans, spent time with them and taught them the gospel, and then asended back into the heavens to dwell with the Father. This quote also does show that Holden values friendship. True friendship. I think Holden's only other true friend besides his brothers and sister would be Jane Gallagher. Holden thinks in very strange was but it makes sense for him.
Journal Enteries
Date: September 29, 2007
Entery Number: 14
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 91-96
Holden is so stupid. Even though it doesn't say that he did anything with that hooker, you can tell he didn't. He chickened out, which is a very good thing because he is way to young to be participating in those types of activities. He lost money out on having that hooker come over but it was his own fault. He wasn't thinking when the elevator guy asked if he wanted to have a "good time." Holden was very depressed like he is in most of the book and didn't have his head screwed on tight. "That's the whole trouble. When your feeling very depressed, you can't even think." Holden gets all ready for her but when she comes he gets scared and tries not to get into anything by just talking. Hookers really aren't the talking type though. Holden says he when against his principles which is something you should never do. If you are faced with a choice, like you are everyday, think about it first and stick to your principles, as long as their good of course. If you do, most of the time you'll be glad you did. People shouldn't be getting into sexual relationships unless they are married and then they should have a monogomist relationship; no affairs or anything of that sort.
Entery Number: 14
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 91-96
Holden is so stupid. Even though it doesn't say that he did anything with that hooker, you can tell he didn't. He chickened out, which is a very good thing because he is way to young to be participating in those types of activities. He lost money out on having that hooker come over but it was his own fault. He wasn't thinking when the elevator guy asked if he wanted to have a "good time." Holden was very depressed like he is in most of the book and didn't have his head screwed on tight. "That's the whole trouble. When your feeling very depressed, you can't even think." Holden gets all ready for her but when she comes he gets scared and tries not to get into anything by just talking. Hookers really aren't the talking type though. Holden says he when against his principles which is something you should never do. If you are faced with a choice, like you are everyday, think about it first and stick to your principles, as long as their good of course. If you do, most of the time you'll be glad you did. People shouldn't be getting into sexual relationships unless they are married and then they should have a monogomist relationship; no affairs or anything of that sort.
Journal Entery
Date: September 29, 2007
Entery Number: 13
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 85
I am appalled at the service of Ernie's when it comes to alcoholic beverages. "If you were only around six years old, you could get liquor at Ernie's...nobody cared how old you were." That is just crazy. A six year old should not be drinking, nor anybody else under the age of 21. I'm not sure when that law was put in place but it's a pretty good law. Anyone under the age of 21 is to immature and even at that sometimes 21 year olds still are immature. Holden mentions that it is dark in the club but they should still ask to see an ID. They could get in trouble for serving alcohol to minors. It would be interesting to see how the club manager would react if a cop walked in and saw young kids drinking.
Entery Number: 13
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 85
I am appalled at the service of Ernie's when it comes to alcoholic beverages. "If you were only around six years old, you could get liquor at Ernie's...nobody cared how old you were." That is just crazy. A six year old should not be drinking, nor anybody else under the age of 21. I'm not sure when that law was put in place but it's a pretty good law. Anyone under the age of 21 is to immature and even at that sometimes 21 year olds still are immature. Holden mentions that it is dark in the club but they should still ask to see an ID. They could get in trouble for serving alcohol to minors. It would be interesting to see how the club manager would react if a cop walked in and saw young kids drinking.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: September 28, 2007
Entery Number: 12
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 76-79
I think Jane and Holden would have made a cute couple if Holden could ever learn to grow up. He really cares about her, which is totally obvious, and he says, "...I know old Jane like a book..." What guy could ever really know a girl like a book? Which means they did a lot together and he liked her, or at least a little. The whole "scene" with them kissing is really cute. It's adorable. It sounds like it could be in one of those romantic movies that Holden hates. Holden and Jane really did a lot together and Holden trusted her enough to show her Allie's baseball glove. She was the only person outside of his family that he ever showed it to. Holden and Jane would play golf together, (him trying to teach her), they went to movies together, they played checkers together, and I'm sure they did more than just that together. They would have been awesome together as a couple but it would never workd out, because of Holden. He really did care about her though.
Entery Number: 12
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 76-79
I think Jane and Holden would have made a cute couple if Holden could ever learn to grow up. He really cares about her, which is totally obvious, and he says, "...I know old Jane like a book..." What guy could ever really know a girl like a book? Which means they did a lot together and he liked her, or at least a little. The whole "scene" with them kissing is really cute. It's adorable. It sounds like it could be in one of those romantic movies that Holden hates. Holden and Jane really did a lot together and Holden trusted her enough to show her Allie's baseball glove. She was the only person outside of his family that he ever showed it to. Holden and Jane would play golf together, (him trying to teach her), they went to movies together, they played checkers together, and I'm sure they did more than just that together. They would have been awesome together as a couple but it would never workd out, because of Holden. He really did care about her though.
Journal Entery
Date: September 28, 2007
Entery Number: 11
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 70-75
Holden is quite a complicated character. Sometimes the things he does are very noble like and other times he is just dirty. In the Lavender room, where a band was playing, people dancing, drinking, and other stuff, Holden met three ugly girls but he was nice to them and actually danced with all three. That is one thing I really admire about a guy is if he is willing to dance with even one of the ugliest girls ever. He gives her a chance to dance and lets her know that she is special in her own way. I find it really sweet. The girls in the Lavender room weren't very nice though. Holden tried to talk to them, compliment the blonde one on her dancing but she was to busy checking to see if anyone famous was in the room or about to walk in. She didn't even invite him to sit with them. And when they left they didn't even bother to offer to pay their tab. They just left him with it. Holden says, "I think they should've at least offered to pay for the drinks they had before I joined them-I wouldn't've let them,naturally, but they should've at least offered." So you can see how Holden can be quite the gentleman sometimes and he can act older than he is once in a while. I find, at this time, that he was really nice even though there was one weird part mixed in with it all.
Entery Number: 11
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 70-75
Holden is quite a complicated character. Sometimes the things he does are very noble like and other times he is just dirty. In the Lavender room, where a band was playing, people dancing, drinking, and other stuff, Holden met three ugly girls but he was nice to them and actually danced with all three. That is one thing I really admire about a guy is if he is willing to dance with even one of the ugliest girls ever. He gives her a chance to dance and lets her know that she is special in her own way. I find it really sweet. The girls in the Lavender room weren't very nice though. Holden tried to talk to them, compliment the blonde one on her dancing but she was to busy checking to see if anyone famous was in the room or about to walk in. She didn't even invite him to sit with them. And when they left they didn't even bother to offer to pay their tab. They just left him with it. Holden says, "I think they should've at least offered to pay for the drinks they had before I joined them-I wouldn't've let them,naturally, but they should've at least offered." So you can see how Holden can be quite the gentleman sometimes and he can act older than he is once in a while. I find, at this time, that he was really nice even though there was one weird part mixed in with it all.
Journal Entery
Date: September 27, 2007
Entery Number: 10
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 63-70
*Somethings I can understand of Holden and support the decisions he makes like trying to punch Stradlater for his dirty deeds or supposed dirty deeds but then there are things he does that disgust me and I'm totally against. It is so sick when he gets "emotionally stirred up" so he calls that lady that is basically a prostitute and wants her to come over. He can be such a dirt boy sometimes. He says himself, "Sex is something I really don't understand too hot." So why would he engage in something that he doesn't even understand and is completely immoral unless bound in marriage. It's just stupid and disgusting. Also his smoking and drinking problem also. Smoking is just absolutely revolting. I hate it. People who smoke smell bad, they look ugly, their teeth are ugly. I don't see how anybody would want to kiss a guy like that and for guys how could they kiss a girl who smoked and had to put a ton of makeup on to hid her ugliness. Smoking is just gross. It's is rather sad though, when many who have smoked and tried to stop or have stopped come up positive for cancer. But those who continue to smoke have less problems. It shouldn't be that way. Those who truely want to stop shouldn't be challenged with cance but you reap what you sow. It's a sad fate. That's why you should never get into such habits that will damage you, short term or long term. Also, Holden's drinking problem. He's only sixteen and he's into smoking and drinking. I'm just glad most of the time in the story it is not given to him. Drinking can some of the best men and women into the meanest or stupidest people ever. So many lives are lost due to drinking. Holden is still learning that part of growing up. He is way to young to be doing all these different dirty, unwholesome things.
Entery Number: 10
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 63-70
*Somethings I can understand of Holden and support the decisions he makes like trying to punch Stradlater for his dirty deeds or supposed dirty deeds but then there are things he does that disgust me and I'm totally against. It is so sick when he gets "emotionally stirred up" so he calls that lady that is basically a prostitute and wants her to come over. He can be such a dirt boy sometimes. He says himself, "Sex is something I really don't understand too hot." So why would he engage in something that he doesn't even understand and is completely immoral unless bound in marriage. It's just stupid and disgusting. Also his smoking and drinking problem also. Smoking is just absolutely revolting. I hate it. People who smoke smell bad, they look ugly, their teeth are ugly. I don't see how anybody would want to kiss a guy like that and for guys how could they kiss a girl who smoked and had to put a ton of makeup on to hid her ugliness. Smoking is just gross. It's is rather sad though, when many who have smoked and tried to stop or have stopped come up positive for cancer. But those who continue to smoke have less problems. It shouldn't be that way. Those who truely want to stop shouldn't be challenged with cance but you reap what you sow. It's a sad fate. That's why you should never get into such habits that will damage you, short term or long term. Also, Holden's drinking problem. He's only sixteen and he's into smoking and drinking. I'm just glad most of the time in the story it is not given to him. Drinking can some of the best men and women into the meanest or stupidest people ever. So many lives are lost due to drinking. Holden is still learning that part of growing up. He is way to young to be doing all these different dirty, unwholesome things.
Journal Entery
Date: September 27, 2007
Entery Number: 9
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 60
*It's interesting how Holden is always wondering about the ducks in the lagoon at Central Park and if they get taken away or if they fly away. This can be compared to Holden himself and how he will fit into the sceme of things and the process of going from child to teen to adult. In the winter birds are known to fly south because it is warmer down south. When baby birds are born in the spring, they have not yet had that chance to fly south. As winter comes, so does their chance of flying south and back. When they do come back they are grown and have lots more knowledge, even though birds are still pretty stupid. They have gotten to experience more and are now adults basically. If someone had to take them away, then they would not have had that learning, flying experience and would still be immature. They would eventually learn but it would take a whole lot longer. Holden can not "fly away" because he doesn't know how but he doesn't want anyone to "take him away" or force him to become an adult either. He is like a bird caught in the northern states that cannot fly south. He doesn't know how to become an adult, doesn't really want to become an adult, and doesn't know how he will fit in because he doesn't like the few choices that are given him. So he is staying in the same spot not growing at all. He is fighting against the tide that will pull him out to the sea and make him a man. He is going to screw his life up trying to fight against society and conforming to their rules.
Entery Number: 9
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 60
*It's interesting how Holden is always wondering about the ducks in the lagoon at Central Park and if they get taken away or if they fly away. This can be compared to Holden himself and how he will fit into the sceme of things and the process of going from child to teen to adult. In the winter birds are known to fly south because it is warmer down south. When baby birds are born in the spring, they have not yet had that chance to fly south. As winter comes, so does their chance of flying south and back. When they do come back they are grown and have lots more knowledge, even though birds are still pretty stupid. They have gotten to experience more and are now adults basically. If someone had to take them away, then they would not have had that learning, flying experience and would still be immature. They would eventually learn but it would take a whole lot longer. Holden can not "fly away" because he doesn't know how but he doesn't want anyone to "take him away" or force him to become an adult either. He is like a bird caught in the northern states that cannot fly south. He doesn't know how to become an adult, doesn't really want to become an adult, and doesn't know how he will fit in because he doesn't like the few choices that are given him. So he is staying in the same spot not growing at all. He is fighting against the tide that will pull him out to the sea and make him a man. He is going to screw his life up trying to fight against society and conforming to their rules.
Journal Entery
Date: September 26, 2007
Entery Number: 8
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 54
I wonder why Mrs. Morrow sat next to Holden when the whole car on the train was empty? That was also what Holden was thinking too. "...she had this big bag with her...stuck the bag right out in the middle of the aisle, where...everybody could trip over it." She could have sat in an empty seat where she would have had enough room to put her bag but for some reason she sat right next to him. Maybe she just wanted to have a friendly conversation and Holden looked like a good canidate for good conversation. Maybe she just wanted to know how her son was doing at Pencey Prep, seeing the Pencey Prep sticker on Holden's suitcase, assuming he went there. Really I have no idea and neither did Holden. It doesn't make any sense but I don't think it is anything to big to ponder on. But still, I wonder why she sat right next to Holden?
Entery Number: 8
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 54
I wonder why Mrs. Morrow sat next to Holden when the whole car on the train was empty? That was also what Holden was thinking too. "...she had this big bag with her...stuck the bag right out in the middle of the aisle, where...everybody could trip over it." She could have sat in an empty seat where she would have had enough room to put her bag but for some reason she sat right next to him. Maybe she just wanted to have a friendly conversation and Holden looked like a good canidate for good conversation. Maybe she just wanted to know how her son was doing at Pencey Prep, seeing the Pencey Prep sticker on Holden's suitcase, assuming he went there. Really I have no idea and neither did Holden. It doesn't make any sense but I don't think it is anything to big to ponder on. But still, I wonder why she sat right next to Holden?
Journal Entery
Date: September 26, 2007
Entery Number: 7
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 47
It is quite interesting how Stradlater and Ackley are somewhat juxtaposed but then have similarities too. To Holden, both Stradlater and Ackley are stupid but if you stand Stradlater next to Ackley, Stradlater is a genius. With Stradlater, "You didn't have to explain every...little thing with him,the way you had to do with Ackley" (33). Stradlater wasn't slow like Ackley but Strad was never interested in much unless it had some type of sex appeal in it. Ackley was just really nosey. It's funny how both guys are somewhat slobbish. It is more clearly demonstrated by Ackley with his teeth, how he messes with his acne a lot, his crummy nails, and other stuff as well. Stradlater is secret in his slobbish ways, though. Strad looks good but the razor he shaves with is old, rusty, and full of lather and hair. He never cleans it out. That just grosses me out. Both of them gross me out and both are disgusting, sometimes in different ways. They are both on different social status levels but they both have things in common.
Entery Number: 7
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 47
It is quite interesting how Stradlater and Ackley are somewhat juxtaposed but then have similarities too. To Holden, both Stradlater and Ackley are stupid but if you stand Stradlater next to Ackley, Stradlater is a genius. With Stradlater, "You didn't have to explain every...little thing with him,the way you had to do with Ackley" (33). Stradlater wasn't slow like Ackley but Strad was never interested in much unless it had some type of sex appeal in it. Ackley was just really nosey. It's funny how both guys are somewhat slobbish. It is more clearly demonstrated by Ackley with his teeth, how he messes with his acne a lot, his crummy nails, and other stuff as well. Stradlater is secret in his slobbish ways, though. Strad looks good but the razor he shaves with is old, rusty, and full of lather and hair. He never cleans it out. That just grosses me out. Both of them gross me out and both are disgusting, sometimes in different ways. They are both on different social status levels but they both have things in common.
Journal Entery
Date: September 25, 2007
Entery Number: 6
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 34, 42-45
I find it pretty crazy and absolutely disgusting that Stradlater could have done it with Jane Gallagher. I could easily see how it would bug Holden the whole night thinking about one of his childhood friends, who was his best friend growing up, being out late with a guy like Stradlater who turns out to be a pretty sexual guy. Once Stradlater comes back, at 10:30 which was an hour later than what Jane signed out for, Holden asks him, "What'd you do?...Give her the time in Ed Banky's...car?" Stradlater's reply to this was, "That's a professional secret, buddy." That made Holden really mad and he tried to punch Stradlater but missed and he ended up on the floor with Stradlater holding him down. I just find it really dirty for Stradlater to be doing anything like that. That type of interaction should only be done in the bonds of marriage. It's interesting how throughout the years, that is one part of society that hasn't changed. Immorality is what the youth of these days are seeing a lot more. It is everywhere. On TV, in magazines, movies, and just everywhere. We are told not to do those things and yet we see it everyday. The fact that we do see it everyday, everywhere is one of the factors that have changed since the 1950's. If I were in Holden's position, I would have done the same thing but I would have tried to aim better and get a good punch in.
Entery Number: 6
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 34, 42-45
I find it pretty crazy and absolutely disgusting that Stradlater could have done it with Jane Gallagher. I could easily see how it would bug Holden the whole night thinking about one of his childhood friends, who was his best friend growing up, being out late with a guy like Stradlater who turns out to be a pretty sexual guy. Once Stradlater comes back, at 10:30 which was an hour later than what Jane signed out for, Holden asks him, "What'd you do?...Give her the time in Ed Banky's...car?" Stradlater's reply to this was, "That's a professional secret, buddy." That made Holden really mad and he tried to punch Stradlater but missed and he ended up on the floor with Stradlater holding him down. I just find it really dirty for Stradlater to be doing anything like that. That type of interaction should only be done in the bonds of marriage. It's interesting how throughout the years, that is one part of society that hasn't changed. Immorality is what the youth of these days are seeing a lot more. It is everywhere. On TV, in magazines, movies, and just everywhere. We are told not to do those things and yet we see it everyday. The fact that we do see it everyday, everywhere is one of the factors that have changed since the 1950's. If I were in Holden's position, I would have done the same thing but I would have tried to aim better and get a good punch in.
Journal Entery
Date: September 25, 2007
Entery Number: 5
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 38-39
Even though Holden is a pretty strange kid, I really do feel sorry for him. When he was thirteen his younger brother Allie died from leukemia. He really loved his brother very much and admired him for his different qualities. On the night that he died, Holden went into a rage and smashed all the garage windows cutting up his hands and breaking them. His parents were going to have him psychoanalyzed, which would have been the best thing for him, but I guess they didn't follow through with it. Allie had a unique left handed fielder's mit. He wrote poems all over it so that when he was in the field and had nothing to do he would at least have something to read. Holden ended up writing Stradlater's paper on this but when old Stradlater read it, he found it quite stupid which really upset Holden so he ripped it to shreds. Holden had written this from his heart, his memories, and love of his brother and Stradlater couldn't accecpt it because it wasn't the way he had wanted it and because it was about a dumb baseball glove. Stradlater didn't know the story behind the glove but I'm sure he still wouldn't like it much. Holden really loved his brother and I think the reason why Holden is a strange kid is because of Allie's death. He hasn't gotten completely over it yet and having that psychoanalyzis would have been an exellent idea. I wonder why his parents didn't follow through with it?
Entery Number: 5
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 38-39
Even though Holden is a pretty strange kid, I really do feel sorry for him. When he was thirteen his younger brother Allie died from leukemia. He really loved his brother very much and admired him for his different qualities. On the night that he died, Holden went into a rage and smashed all the garage windows cutting up his hands and breaking them. His parents were going to have him psychoanalyzed, which would have been the best thing for him, but I guess they didn't follow through with it. Allie had a unique left handed fielder's mit. He wrote poems all over it so that when he was in the field and had nothing to do he would at least have something to read. Holden ended up writing Stradlater's paper on this but when old Stradlater read it, he found it quite stupid which really upset Holden so he ripped it to shreds. Holden had written this from his heart, his memories, and love of his brother and Stradlater couldn't accecpt it because it wasn't the way he had wanted it and because it was about a dumb baseball glove. Stradlater didn't know the story behind the glove but I'm sure he still wouldn't like it much. Holden really loved his brother and I think the reason why Holden is a strange kid is because of Allie's death. He hasn't gotten completely over it yet and having that psychoanalyzis would have been an exellent idea. I wonder why his parents didn't follow through with it?
Journal Entery
Date: September 24, 2007
Entery Number: 4
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 24-25
When discribing how nice Stradlater could be to Ackley, Holden says, "Stradlater's all right. He's not too bad...You don't know him, that's the trouble...He's concited, but he's very generous in some things." He goes on to say that if Stradlater was wearing a tie you really like he would probably give it to you. The thing is though most conceited men are not very nice like Holden is making him out to be. Most of the time conceited people are to high up on their high horses to even bother to look down at others who are not well groomed or very wealthy. Later on a little more of Stradlater is shown when he tries to worm his way out of doing his english homework and ponning it off on Holden who is getting kicked out of Pencey Prep because he is failing almost every class. He asks nice enough but once Holden doesn't give him a straight answer he gets a little mad because he needed to know if he would have to pon it off on someone else. Sometimes he really shows his conceitedness and you can see how he can be kind of mean. The English homework example is not the best to show how he could be mean but it does show how fake he is and how lazy he could be. From reading the book you don't get very good vibes off of the character that Stradlater is.
Entery Number: 4
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 24-25
When discribing how nice Stradlater could be to Ackley, Holden says, "Stradlater's all right. He's not too bad...You don't know him, that's the trouble...He's concited, but he's very generous in some things." He goes on to say that if Stradlater was wearing a tie you really like he would probably give it to you. The thing is though most conceited men are not very nice like Holden is making him out to be. Most of the time conceited people are to high up on their high horses to even bother to look down at others who are not well groomed or very wealthy. Later on a little more of Stradlater is shown when he tries to worm his way out of doing his english homework and ponning it off on Holden who is getting kicked out of Pencey Prep because he is failing almost every class. He asks nice enough but once Holden doesn't give him a straight answer he gets a little mad because he needed to know if he would have to pon it off on someone else. Sometimes he really shows his conceitedness and you can see how he can be kind of mean. The English homework example is not the best to show how he could be mean but it does show how fake he is and how lazy he could be. From reading the book you don't get very good vibes off of the character that Stradlater is.
Journal Entery
Date: September 24, 2007
Entery Number: 3
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 20
I don't understand what Holden means when he says, "With a guy like Ackley, if you looked up from your book you were a goner. You were a goner anyway, but not as quick if you didn't look up right away." Holden didn't look up at first when Ackley came in but he did later and he wasn't a goner. He got sort of irritated because Ackley would always pick up his and other people's stuff, look at it, and put it in a different place every single the time. The way Holden portays Ackley and from the dialog he has in the book Ackley seems like a pretty slow guy with a bad personnal care status who could very well pound you but only if you were being mean to him. So it doesn't make sense when Holden says, "With a guy like Ackley...you were a goner." You might be low on patience because he's so slow, irritating, disgusting, and annoying but other than that I don't see how anybody would be a goner when it comes to Ackley.
Entery Number: 3
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 20
I don't understand what Holden means when he says, "With a guy like Ackley, if you looked up from your book you were a goner. You were a goner anyway, but not as quick if you didn't look up right away." Holden didn't look up at first when Ackley came in but he did later and he wasn't a goner. He got sort of irritated because Ackley would always pick up his and other people's stuff, look at it, and put it in a different place every single the time. The way Holden portays Ackley and from the dialog he has in the book Ackley seems like a pretty slow guy with a bad personnal care status who could very well pound you but only if you were being mean to him. So it doesn't make sense when Holden says, "With a guy like Ackley...you were a goner." You might be low on patience because he's so slow, irritating, disgusting, and annoying but other than that I don't see how anybody would be a goner when it comes to Ackley.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: September 24, 2007
Entery Number: 2
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 4
I don't understand when Holden says, "I was trying to feel some kind of a good-by" (4). (He even spelled bye wrong.) How can you feel some kind of a goodbye from a prep school who gives many guys the boot? He says, "I don't care if it's a sad good-by or a bad good-by, but when I leave a place I like to know I'm leaving it. If you don't, you feel even worse." I understand part of this statement but it is still really confusing. If you leave a place you really like and you don't know that you are leaving for good then it is sad because you'll never see it again and you didn't really get to say goodbye. But Holden really didn't like all those prep schools and especially Pencey. He was always talking about how fake all these guys were and how the headmaster, Mr. Thurmer, was really fake too. He really didn't say all to much about the positive things of Pencey. For most people if you had to leave a place you really didn't like, it would be a good ridance and, for me, I wouldn't care if I got a goodbye or not, I'd just be happy to leave. So it is rather interesting that he needed a goodbye to know that he was really leaving, which I still don't really get. (If I thought harder I could maybe come up with something more but it's late.)
Entery Number: 2
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 4
I don't understand when Holden says, "I was trying to feel some kind of a good-by" (4). (He even spelled bye wrong.) How can you feel some kind of a goodbye from a prep school who gives many guys the boot? He says, "I don't care if it's a sad good-by or a bad good-by, but when I leave a place I like to know I'm leaving it. If you don't, you feel even worse." I understand part of this statement but it is still really confusing. If you leave a place you really like and you don't know that you are leaving for good then it is sad because you'll never see it again and you didn't really get to say goodbye. But Holden really didn't like all those prep schools and especially Pencey. He was always talking about how fake all these guys were and how the headmaster, Mr. Thurmer, was really fake too. He really didn't say all to much about the positive things of Pencey. For most people if you had to leave a place you really didn't like, it would be a good ridance and, for me, I wouldn't care if I got a goodbye or not, I'd just be happy to leave. So it is rather interesting that he needed a goodbye to know that he was really leaving, which I still don't really get. (If I thought harder I could maybe come up with something more but it's late.)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Journal Entery -- Catcher in the Rye
Date: September 20, 2007
Entery Number: 1
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 1
I have a lot of questions about our protagonist's life, his parents, and his relation with them. What was occupying Holden's parents so much that they didn't have time for their son? He says that his childhood was lousy. Why is that? Didn't he have any friends or someone to talk too? Later in the book he makes the comment, "They didn't have a maid or anything, and they always opened the door themselves." He was talking about an old couple there but does that and the fact that he goes to a fancy prep school imply that his family was rich? And if they are rich then what jobs do Holden's parents have? They must be pretty high in society since they don't like him or his brother talking about any personal aspects of their lives and are very touchy when it comes to that subject. But if they were, then why couldn't his brother have already had that really nice Jaguar? Also, I don't get the whole David Copperfield thing. What is that suppose to mean? His whole relationship with his parents is pretty strange.
Entery Number: 1
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pg. 1
I have a lot of questions about our protagonist's life, his parents, and his relation with them. What was occupying Holden's parents so much that they didn't have time for their son? He says that his childhood was lousy. Why is that? Didn't he have any friends or someone to talk too? Later in the book he makes the comment, "They didn't have a maid or anything, and they always opened the door themselves." He was talking about an old couple there but does that and the fact that he goes to a fancy prep school imply that his family was rich? And if they are rich then what jobs do Holden's parents have? They must be pretty high in society since they don't like him or his brother talking about any personal aspects of their lives and are very touchy when it comes to that subject. But if they were, then why couldn't his brother have already had that really nice Jaguar? Also, I don't get the whole David Copperfield thing. What is that suppose to mean? His whole relationship with his parents is pretty strange.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: August 19, 2007
Entery Number: 27
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 108,112
It's so awesome. Even though Okonkwo isn't a man of very many words and doesn't show weakness, or tries not to, and thinks gentleness and kindness is weak, he is an alright guy very deep down inside. After Ekwefi went to go after Chielo and Ezinma, Okonkwo went to the hills and the caves to be with Ekwefi or tell her to go home but they weren't there so he went back home and waited. He came back three other times and it was not until the fourth time that Ekwefi had shown up. By then he was gravely worried. He didn't show it at all but he was. Then he offered to stay and what for Chielo and Ezinma to come out while she went back home to get some sleep but she stayed too. He didn't get any sleep that night because he was worried. I find that pretty cute. Out of all the stuff that he had done in the book, that was the nicest and the most that is shown of his softer kinder side. Okonkwo may not be as bad as he pretends to be.
Entery Number: 27
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 108,112
It's so awesome. Even though Okonkwo isn't a man of very many words and doesn't show weakness, or tries not to, and thinks gentleness and kindness is weak, he is an alright guy very deep down inside. After Ekwefi went to go after Chielo and Ezinma, Okonkwo went to the hills and the caves to be with Ekwefi or tell her to go home but they weren't there so he went back home and waited. He came back three other times and it was not until the fourth time that Ekwefi had shown up. By then he was gravely worried. He didn't show it at all but he was. Then he offered to stay and what for Chielo and Ezinma to come out while she went back home to get some sleep but she stayed too. He didn't get any sleep that night because he was worried. I find that pretty cute. Out of all the stuff that he had done in the book, that was the nicest and the most that is shown of his softer kinder side. Okonkwo may not be as bad as he pretends to be.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Essay Number Two- Impacts on My Life
Rebecca Martinez
Mrs. Bosch
Honors English 10
16 August 2007
Impacts On My Life
The way people live, their surroundings, their family history, and their memories all have an affect on people and the way they turn out later in life. When people live in bad neighborhoods and have had unpleasant past experiences and memories from when they were younger, they generally turn out meaner and tougher, partially because they have to or they might get hurt or killed. They may see things that a person living in a good neighborhood with a past full of happiness and not much pain, might not see. Family history has impacts on the way people live too. Just look at Ben and Tybalt from Romeo and Juliet. Their families were enemies and so they were enemies and constantly fighting. Peoples’ surroundings, history, and memories all help to mold the person they will become. This includes everyone and excludes none. My geography, family history, and memories have shaped me and will continue to shape my character throughout my life.
My geography, which is to say, my surroundings, have had an impact on my life greatly. Due to my Dad being in farming, I have lived in the country all my life surrounded by fields; able to see the stars always and away from the city noises. When I lived in Sanger my house was surrounded by orange trees and grape vineyards which I used to go running through. I lived there until I was four, and then moved to Gustine where I was surrounded by a tomato field which I secretly picked a few tomatoes from, and then there was a cotton field across the street where I tried to pick a piece of cotton and got my fingers scratched. Then I moved to Crowslanding where I am surrounded by alfalfa fields and sometimes corn fields. We have a “junk yard” which isn’t a real junk yard but it is filled with broken tractors and other tractor parts that my cousins and I used to play in and on. Living in the country you are rather isolated and because of that isolation and not being able to hang out with friends all the time, you gain a stronger bond with your family. Also, particularly in my family, shopping wasn’t something you did everyday. Shopping for me and my family was some what a luxury. When we did go shopping we went to thrift stores. (That happened more so when I was younger and my family wasn’t doing so well financially.) We never got name brand clothes or shoes not unless they were given to us by a wealthier friend. All these things have shaped me into a person who doesn’t care so much about the best name brand clothes or hanging out with friends every single day and if I don’t I’ll get depressed, which I find rather pathetic, and I have learned from my experiences. I don’t need my friends with me all the time; I’m independent mostly but the company of friends is nice once and a while. Being “isolated” from other people has taught me a ton like finding my talents and I have learned to appreciate the beauty of the country too. Right now I live with in about two hours of Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Fresno. So it’s pretty cool when we get to go to the beach, or go to old town Sac, or to the Exploratorium, or down to see my cousins who mostly all live in Fresno. Because of my geography, near and far, and the places where I have and do live, and the conditions I’ve lived in, it has been an impact on my life and allowed me to do things I wouldn’t have been able to do if I had lived anywhere else. For a kid, living in the country is great. It gives you many great benefits and great opportunities to do stuff that you really can’t do in the city like running around, yelling and screaming at the top of your lungs, and having the music turned up on full blast. I would be a lot different if I had lived in a big city and I would probably have a negative attitude about living in the country. Also living in the country seems to humble people and give them simpler values. People are able to lead a calmer life than if they were constantly surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. I think that it is partially where some gain a calmer side to them but it could also be a contributing factor to why some who live in the country can get a little crazy too, being out here away from friends and stores. But living in the beautiful country and living about two hours away from a lot of things has definitely had an impact on my life and shaped my character.
My family history is very important to me and has impacted me. I have ancestors who were persecuted because of their religious beliefs, my ancestor Thomas Tidwell, on my mom’s side, is one who I am especially proud of. He was in the Mormon Battalion and did drills with the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. He also helped many cross the Mississippi river with his brothers when the saints were being driven out of their homes and starting on their long trek west. Thomas Tidwell is one of my heroes. To be that close to the Prophet, to do drills with him, to be led by him by the hand of the Lord, that just amazes me. It gives me a sense of pride but I can not really and fully explain why. But it has impacted me greatly. My granny, when she was a young girl she didn’t go to church much but then she went to live with my great, great grandma and she became more active and the rest of her sisters fell away from the church. So I am really thankful for my great, great grandma Jensen or else I wouldn’t be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My Mexican heritage is also very important to me too. My grandparents always worked hard in the fields and took pride in the little they had. With out my grandpa’s desire to come to the United States, I wouldn’t be here today and wouldn’t have met any of my friends and wouldn’t have any of the wonderful things in my life that affect me, inspire me, or give me courage. Nothing would be the same. My parents would have never met. There would be no Rebecca Martinez or any of my other sisters. For my grandpa, I am truly thankful. My family history is very important to me and has impacted me in many different ways and given me a sense of gratitude.
My memories will always have an impact on me. I can remember my dad separating harmful snakes from the helpful ones while I was living in Sanger. I remember having my cousins come over almost everyday and the fun that we had growing up together until we moved. I remember wandering to far from my mom in the grocery store and getting lost. I remember my dad taking me by the hand, leading me to a great big tree, and telling me that that was going to be my tree and I had to water it everyday or else it would die. I remember when my sister taught me how to tie my shoes and how proud I was even though it was the simplest way of tying shoes. I remember stepping in an ant hill of red ants with flip flops on and being bitten all up and down my legs and on my feet. I remember when my sister Rachel got the chicken pox, then I got them, and then my younger sister Alisia got them and I wished that they wouldn’t itch so much and just hurry up and go away. I remember when my dog had puppies and we couldn’t touch them for a while or else they might get sick. I remember having fun with my cousins making mud pies, club houses, and climbing haystacks. I remember having to help my handicapped aunt with lots of things, like using the restroom, helping her get into her wheel chair, reminding her of things she’d forgotten within the last fifteen to thirty minutes, sometimes less, and many other things too. I remember being punched in the stomach for dragging my little sister closer to a spider that never existed. I remember almost drowning in the deep end of a pool because I took my sister’s ball and she got mad and wanted it back. Everything I remember has a lesson to it. They all taught me something and I gained knowledge from them. And because those memories taught me knowledge they had different impacts on me like learning never to do certain things again or else something bad would happen or just to have fun and make more memories with those you care about. My memories have definitely helped to shape my character.
Because of my past experiences, the places I’ve lived, and my family history, I have grown to love the country, my surroundings, and the location where I am. I have grown to love my religion even more because of my ancestors and appreciate the sacrifices they had to make, both a couple hundred years ago and maybe just seventy years ago. I love that we can remember and learn from our mistakes and the impact it can have on us can be gigantic or very small. I hope I will always be able to remember the lessons that I was taught when I was younger, always appreciate the things that people have done for me and things that benefit me, and love the land that I was born into. Through all these things I have learned simple values like gratitude, how to get along with my sisters most of the time, patience, learning to place myself in other people’s position and become a more understanding person, and not to care too much about nice clothes or what others may think. I have learned so much throughout my short fifteen years of life and the values I have learned I will carry with me throughout my life and implement them daily. I wonder, though, when I grow up, get married, and have kids will they get any of the same values out of where we will be living and the life style we will live in, like I did when I was young, or will they be really picky and care what the world thinks and forget about the good valued lessons they could be learning?
Mrs. Bosch
Honors English 10
16 August 2007
Impacts On My Life
The way people live, their surroundings, their family history, and their memories all have an affect on people and the way they turn out later in life. When people live in bad neighborhoods and have had unpleasant past experiences and memories from when they were younger, they generally turn out meaner and tougher, partially because they have to or they might get hurt or killed. They may see things that a person living in a good neighborhood with a past full of happiness and not much pain, might not see. Family history has impacts on the way people live too. Just look at Ben and Tybalt from Romeo and Juliet. Their families were enemies and so they were enemies and constantly fighting. Peoples’ surroundings, history, and memories all help to mold the person they will become. This includes everyone and excludes none. My geography, family history, and memories have shaped me and will continue to shape my character throughout my life.
My geography, which is to say, my surroundings, have had an impact on my life greatly. Due to my Dad being in farming, I have lived in the country all my life surrounded by fields; able to see the stars always and away from the city noises. When I lived in Sanger my house was surrounded by orange trees and grape vineyards which I used to go running through. I lived there until I was four, and then moved to Gustine where I was surrounded by a tomato field which I secretly picked a few tomatoes from, and then there was a cotton field across the street where I tried to pick a piece of cotton and got my fingers scratched. Then I moved to Crowslanding where I am surrounded by alfalfa fields and sometimes corn fields. We have a “junk yard” which isn’t a real junk yard but it is filled with broken tractors and other tractor parts that my cousins and I used to play in and on. Living in the country you are rather isolated and because of that isolation and not being able to hang out with friends all the time, you gain a stronger bond with your family. Also, particularly in my family, shopping wasn’t something you did everyday. Shopping for me and my family was some what a luxury. When we did go shopping we went to thrift stores. (That happened more so when I was younger and my family wasn’t doing so well financially.) We never got name brand clothes or shoes not unless they were given to us by a wealthier friend. All these things have shaped me into a person who doesn’t care so much about the best name brand clothes or hanging out with friends every single day and if I don’t I’ll get depressed, which I find rather pathetic, and I have learned from my experiences. I don’t need my friends with me all the time; I’m independent mostly but the company of friends is nice once and a while. Being “isolated” from other people has taught me a ton like finding my talents and I have learned to appreciate the beauty of the country too. Right now I live with in about two hours of Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Fresno. So it’s pretty cool when we get to go to the beach, or go to old town Sac, or to the Exploratorium, or down to see my cousins who mostly all live in Fresno. Because of my geography, near and far, and the places where I have and do live, and the conditions I’ve lived in, it has been an impact on my life and allowed me to do things I wouldn’t have been able to do if I had lived anywhere else. For a kid, living in the country is great. It gives you many great benefits and great opportunities to do stuff that you really can’t do in the city like running around, yelling and screaming at the top of your lungs, and having the music turned up on full blast. I would be a lot different if I had lived in a big city and I would probably have a negative attitude about living in the country. Also living in the country seems to humble people and give them simpler values. People are able to lead a calmer life than if they were constantly surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. I think that it is partially where some gain a calmer side to them but it could also be a contributing factor to why some who live in the country can get a little crazy too, being out here away from friends and stores. But living in the beautiful country and living about two hours away from a lot of things has definitely had an impact on my life and shaped my character.
My family history is very important to me and has impacted me. I have ancestors who were persecuted because of their religious beliefs, my ancestor Thomas Tidwell, on my mom’s side, is one who I am especially proud of. He was in the Mormon Battalion and did drills with the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. He also helped many cross the Mississippi river with his brothers when the saints were being driven out of their homes and starting on their long trek west. Thomas Tidwell is one of my heroes. To be that close to the Prophet, to do drills with him, to be led by him by the hand of the Lord, that just amazes me. It gives me a sense of pride but I can not really and fully explain why. But it has impacted me greatly. My granny, when she was a young girl she didn’t go to church much but then she went to live with my great, great grandma and she became more active and the rest of her sisters fell away from the church. So I am really thankful for my great, great grandma Jensen or else I wouldn’t be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My Mexican heritage is also very important to me too. My grandparents always worked hard in the fields and took pride in the little they had. With out my grandpa’s desire to come to the United States, I wouldn’t be here today and wouldn’t have met any of my friends and wouldn’t have any of the wonderful things in my life that affect me, inspire me, or give me courage. Nothing would be the same. My parents would have never met. There would be no Rebecca Martinez or any of my other sisters. For my grandpa, I am truly thankful. My family history is very important to me and has impacted me in many different ways and given me a sense of gratitude.
My memories will always have an impact on me. I can remember my dad separating harmful snakes from the helpful ones while I was living in Sanger. I remember having my cousins come over almost everyday and the fun that we had growing up together until we moved. I remember wandering to far from my mom in the grocery store and getting lost. I remember my dad taking me by the hand, leading me to a great big tree, and telling me that that was going to be my tree and I had to water it everyday or else it would die. I remember when my sister taught me how to tie my shoes and how proud I was even though it was the simplest way of tying shoes. I remember stepping in an ant hill of red ants with flip flops on and being bitten all up and down my legs and on my feet. I remember when my sister Rachel got the chicken pox, then I got them, and then my younger sister Alisia got them and I wished that they wouldn’t itch so much and just hurry up and go away. I remember when my dog had puppies and we couldn’t touch them for a while or else they might get sick. I remember having fun with my cousins making mud pies, club houses, and climbing haystacks. I remember having to help my handicapped aunt with lots of things, like using the restroom, helping her get into her wheel chair, reminding her of things she’d forgotten within the last fifteen to thirty minutes, sometimes less, and many other things too. I remember being punched in the stomach for dragging my little sister closer to a spider that never existed. I remember almost drowning in the deep end of a pool because I took my sister’s ball and she got mad and wanted it back. Everything I remember has a lesson to it. They all taught me something and I gained knowledge from them. And because those memories taught me knowledge they had different impacts on me like learning never to do certain things again or else something bad would happen or just to have fun and make more memories with those you care about. My memories have definitely helped to shape my character.
Because of my past experiences, the places I’ve lived, and my family history, I have grown to love the country, my surroundings, and the location where I am. I have grown to love my religion even more because of my ancestors and appreciate the sacrifices they had to make, both a couple hundred years ago and maybe just seventy years ago. I love that we can remember and learn from our mistakes and the impact it can have on us can be gigantic or very small. I hope I will always be able to remember the lessons that I was taught when I was younger, always appreciate the things that people have done for me and things that benefit me, and love the land that I was born into. Through all these things I have learned simple values like gratitude, how to get along with my sisters most of the time, patience, learning to place myself in other people’s position and become a more understanding person, and not to care too much about nice clothes or what others may think. I have learned so much throughout my short fifteen years of life and the values I have learned I will carry with me throughout my life and implement them daily. I wonder, though, when I grow up, get married, and have kids will they get any of the same values out of where we will be living and the life style we will live in, like I did when I was young, or will they be really picky and care what the world thinks and forget about the good valued lessons they could be learning?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: August 15, 2007
Entery Number: 26
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 102, 140
It is so interesting. After Ezinma was taken by Chielo, Ekwefi stood there and heard her daughter calling for her but she couldn't do anything about it really. The author compares her to a hen whose only chick had been carried away by a kite. Ekwefi tried to stay with Ezinma and tried to keep her close to her but was not allowed to go with and she knew it was pointless to really try so she went to consoling Ezinma who was crying basically. It's interesting though because later on in the story they use this analogy again. Little kite went to get something for her and her mom to eat and she came back with a duckling. Mother kite asked what did the mother say when you took her duckling and young kite answered she said nothing. Mother kite told her to take it back, there was something onimous behind her silence. So she did and brought back a chick. Her mother asked what did its mother do when you took it away. Little kite answer it yelled and it cried and it cursed. Mother kite then said it was safe to eat because there was nothing to fear from one who shouts. It just struck me as I reread it. It was just so interesting.
Entery Number: 26
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 102, 140
It is so interesting. After Ezinma was taken by Chielo, Ekwefi stood there and heard her daughter calling for her but she couldn't do anything about it really. The author compares her to a hen whose only chick had been carried away by a kite. Ekwefi tried to stay with Ezinma and tried to keep her close to her but was not allowed to go with and she knew it was pointless to really try so she went to consoling Ezinma who was crying basically. It's interesting though because later on in the story they use this analogy again. Little kite went to get something for her and her mom to eat and she came back with a duckling. Mother kite asked what did the mother say when you took her duckling and young kite answered she said nothing. Mother kite told her to take it back, there was something onimous behind her silence. So she did and brought back a chick. Her mother asked what did its mother do when you took it away. Little kite answer it yelled and it cried and it cursed. Mother kite then said it was safe to eat because there was nothing to fear from one who shouts. It just struck me as I reread it. It was just so interesting.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: August 12, 2007
Entery Number: 25
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 100-101
It is so creepy when Agbala kind of takes over Chielo's body. She kind of goes pyscho. If I were her friend or even her sister, I would be really freaked out when that happens. It would be even scarier if you were her friend and one night, very late at night, she came for your daughter. That's what happened to Ekewfi. When the possessed Chielo came to Okonkwo's hut, he tried to get her to go away and come back in the morning. She basically said don't take back and BEWARE which was kind of creepy. Ekwefi wanted to come with because it was late at nigh, Ezinma was her only child, and Chielo wanted to take Ezinma to Agbala's house in the mountains. But she was told no. If I were Ezinma's mother I would have been really scared and very reluctant to give her up and let Agbala Chielo take her for who knows how long. Even just ready about everything is creepy.
Entery Number: 25
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 100-101
It is so creepy when Agbala kind of takes over Chielo's body. She kind of goes pyscho. If I were her friend or even her sister, I would be really freaked out when that happens. It would be even scarier if you were her friend and one night, very late at night, she came for your daughter. That's what happened to Ekewfi. When the possessed Chielo came to Okonkwo's hut, he tried to get her to go away and come back in the morning. She basically said don't take back and BEWARE which was kind of creepy. Ekwefi wanted to come with because it was late at nigh, Ezinma was her only child, and Chielo wanted to take Ezinma to Agbala's house in the mountains. But she was told no. If I were Ezinma's mother I would have been really scared and very reluctant to give her up and let Agbala Chielo take her for who knows how long. Even just ready about everything is creepy.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Rebecca Martinez
Mrs. Bosch
Honors English 10
8 August 2007
Things Fall Apart
Most cultural people are proud of their family, heritage, memories, language, and lives. They respect it and stand up for it. They take joy in being who they are and try to stay close to their background as the rest of the world changes around them. A person similar to this would be Chinua Achebe. Through his book Things Fall Apart, you can see that he valued his heritage. Even though he wasn’t born in the 1800’s he still saw some of the effects of the evangelical missionaries compared to the traditional Igbo culture that he was taught by his parents who were teachers in a missionary school. His story tells of a wealthy titled man, in the Igbo society, who is living the good life until he accidentally kills a clansman and is banished for seven years. After the seven years are up everything has changed in his village and now it is becoming over run with the white man’s religion and laws. Okonkwo cannot conform to the changes and the stripping of his culture and hangs himself. This novel truly shows the authors pride in family, heritage, memory, language, and lives.
Chinua Achebe shows pride in family throughout the novel by showing the relationships between family members. In the book when ever there was an engagement, a wedding, a death, or banishment the family always came together or at least some of them. One family consisted of a father, children, and many wives depending on how wealthy one was. So one can just imagine how big their weddings, funeral, and engagements would be. “The daughters of the family were all there, some of them having come a long way from their homes in distant villages…The daughters of Uchendu’s brothers were also there. It was a full gathering of umuada, in the same way as they would meet if a death occurred in the family. There were twenty-two of them.” (131-132). For this occasion it was the final ceremony of a marriage. Some of those women traveled a long way just to be back for the ceremony so they could be there with their family. Twenty-two doesn’t sound like a lot but it depends on how many brothers Uchendu had, what age they were, how wealthy they were, and how many others there would have been if some of them had not died when they were young. Sometimes the village even seemed like a family. At the death of Ezeudu, the village band together and gave him a warrior’s funeral. “Ezeudu was a great man, and so all the clan was at his funeral. The ancient drums of death beat, guns and cannon were fired, and men dashed about in frenzy, cutting down every tree or animal they saw, jumping over walls and dancing on the roof. It was a warrior’s funeral, and from morning till night warriors came and went in their age groups.” (121). “The wailing of women would not be heard beyond the village, but the ekwe carried the news to all the nine villages and even beyond.” (120). It seems a little award and maybe a little savage but it was warrior like for them and they all joined in. And even when the white man came with his religion and lead others astray they became a little like a family. So you can see through out the book the family is always present and you can see that Achebe takes pride in family.
Chinua shows his pride in heritage by just simply writing this book. It tells of a changing community, going from the traditional Igbo ways to being integrated with Christians and the effects of the new religion. Okonkwo’s son Nwoye joins the Christians and turns his back on his family and his old beliefs and for that his family disowns him. “You have all seen the great abomination of your brother. Now he is no longer my son or your brother. I will only have a son who is a man, who will hold his head up among my people. If any one of you prefers to be a woman, let him follow Nwoye now while I am alive so that I can curse him. If you turn against me when I am dead I will visit you and break your neck.” (172). Partially why Okonkwo threatened his sons like this was to discourage them from joining and also he was thinking if all of his children were to join this new religion once he was died, there would be no one to burn incense for him or his ancestors. No body would care about him or the other family members who died before him. Forsaking one’s father’s religion for another was an abomination. “To abandon the gods of one’s father and go about with a lot of effeminate men…was the very depth of abomination.” (152-153). In this book he illustrates a lot about heritage and the severity to abandon and forsake ones heritage. Even though his parents were teachers in a missionary school he did not abandon his heritage.
Things Fall Apart shows that he takes pride in memory and wants other to remember their past, their ancestors, their heritage, and learn from the mistakes that their ancestors made so that they won’t be repeated. I think in honor of his heritage, his people, and his ancestors he wrote Things Fall Apart. He looked back and wanted to remind others about the past and the things that some of their relatives had to go through. It is evident by just reading the book. It’s about his people in the 1800’s and the things they had to go through and the mistakes they made. One mistake that was made in the book was taking light of a warning that was given. “Abame has been wiped out…It is a strange and terrible story…During the last planting season a white man had appeared in their clan…The elders consulted their Oracle and told them that the strange man would break their clan and spread destruction among them…It said that other white men were on their way…And so they killed him.” (138-139). Later on two more white men came, saw the “iron horse” the white man had been riding, and then left. Later on those two white men came back with other men and shot all the people that were in the market. “They had been warned that danger was ahead. They should have armed themselves with their guns and their machetes even when they went to market.” (140). That is just one example of a mistake that people could look back at and learn from it if they would just remember their ancestors and value memory.
Through writing Things Fall Apart, it shows that Chinua takes pride in his language. Throughout the book there are Igbo words and definitions for those words in the back. In having those words inserted in there it keeps the book and the culture more real. They wouldn’t be speaking English, they’d be speaking Igbo. Having those words in there illustrates and preserves history and it shows his desire for it to be remembered and carried on. The first time in the book that they use Igbo words is on the second page of the story and they are just talking about a masquerader who impersonates an ancestral spirit. “Sometimes another village would ask Unoka’s band and their dancing egwugwu to come and stay with them and teach them their tunes.” (4). Some of the words that are put in the book are just words that they might use in every day language. Putting those words into the book help the reader to picture how their life was a little better, even though a lot of the words and names are some what hard to pronounce. He shows his pride in language just by simply inserting those words and not making everything totally English and giving more to the story.
One can tell that lives are important to Achebe because of how he portrays them and their importance. In the book, it is an abomination against the earth to take one’s life which Okonkwo ends up doing in the end. “It is an abomination for a man to take his own life. It is an offense against the Earth, and a man who commits it will not be buried by his clansmen. His body is evil, and only strangers may touch it.” (207). It is also wrong to take the life of a fellow clansman. “It was a crime against the earth goddess to kill a clansman, and a man who committed it must flee from the land.” (124). It made it difficult once the white man came in and started converting people and giving them power because the others could no longer try to drive them out with out killing their clansman which they could not do. Mutilation to an ogbanje baby was okay though because it was suppose to discourage it from reentering its mother’s womb and then dieing again at a young age. So it was for life that mutilation was done. It doesn’t sound very pleasant and rather savage but they believed it to help get rid of the evil spirit. So you can see that he did value lives and think they were important.
If everyone were a little like Chinua Achebe and took pride and knew the importance of family, heritage, memory, language, and lives the world would be better for everyone to live in. Chinua’s book is very informational about the ways of the Igbo people and their society but it also tells the story and life of man living in those times and the changes that he, his family, and the nine villages had to go through. Things Fall Apart is actually quite a simple book but the customs are so stark and different from those of us that live in America in these times than we are so used to. Chinua Achebe did a really good job on his book and although it has a lot of things that we might now consider savage like, it did have some worth will qualities and messages in it. Will Achebe be writing anymore stories that let us in this century take a peek back in time anymore, now that he is getting along in his years?
Works Cited
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Anchor Books, 1959.
Petri Liukkonen. “Chinua Achebe (1930-) – in full Albert Chinualumogu Achebe.”
2002. 11 August 2007. < http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/achebe.htm>.
Mrs. Bosch
Honors English 10
8 August 2007
Things Fall Apart
Most cultural people are proud of their family, heritage, memories, language, and lives. They respect it and stand up for it. They take joy in being who they are and try to stay close to their background as the rest of the world changes around them. A person similar to this would be Chinua Achebe. Through his book Things Fall Apart, you can see that he valued his heritage. Even though he wasn’t born in the 1800’s he still saw some of the effects of the evangelical missionaries compared to the traditional Igbo culture that he was taught by his parents who were teachers in a missionary school. His story tells of a wealthy titled man, in the Igbo society, who is living the good life until he accidentally kills a clansman and is banished for seven years. After the seven years are up everything has changed in his village and now it is becoming over run with the white man’s religion and laws. Okonkwo cannot conform to the changes and the stripping of his culture and hangs himself. This novel truly shows the authors pride in family, heritage, memory, language, and lives.
Chinua Achebe shows pride in family throughout the novel by showing the relationships between family members. In the book when ever there was an engagement, a wedding, a death, or banishment the family always came together or at least some of them. One family consisted of a father, children, and many wives depending on how wealthy one was. So one can just imagine how big their weddings, funeral, and engagements would be. “The daughters of the family were all there, some of them having come a long way from their homes in distant villages…The daughters of Uchendu’s brothers were also there. It was a full gathering of umuada, in the same way as they would meet if a death occurred in the family. There were twenty-two of them.” (131-132). For this occasion it was the final ceremony of a marriage. Some of those women traveled a long way just to be back for the ceremony so they could be there with their family. Twenty-two doesn’t sound like a lot but it depends on how many brothers Uchendu had, what age they were, how wealthy they were, and how many others there would have been if some of them had not died when they were young. Sometimes the village even seemed like a family. At the death of Ezeudu, the village band together and gave him a warrior’s funeral. “Ezeudu was a great man, and so all the clan was at his funeral. The ancient drums of death beat, guns and cannon were fired, and men dashed about in frenzy, cutting down every tree or animal they saw, jumping over walls and dancing on the roof. It was a warrior’s funeral, and from morning till night warriors came and went in their age groups.” (121). “The wailing of women would not be heard beyond the village, but the ekwe carried the news to all the nine villages and even beyond.” (120). It seems a little award and maybe a little savage but it was warrior like for them and they all joined in. And even when the white man came with his religion and lead others astray they became a little like a family. So you can see through out the book the family is always present and you can see that Achebe takes pride in family.
Chinua shows his pride in heritage by just simply writing this book. It tells of a changing community, going from the traditional Igbo ways to being integrated with Christians and the effects of the new religion. Okonkwo’s son Nwoye joins the Christians and turns his back on his family and his old beliefs and for that his family disowns him. “You have all seen the great abomination of your brother. Now he is no longer my son or your brother. I will only have a son who is a man, who will hold his head up among my people. If any one of you prefers to be a woman, let him follow Nwoye now while I am alive so that I can curse him. If you turn against me when I am dead I will visit you and break your neck.” (172). Partially why Okonkwo threatened his sons like this was to discourage them from joining and also he was thinking if all of his children were to join this new religion once he was died, there would be no one to burn incense for him or his ancestors. No body would care about him or the other family members who died before him. Forsaking one’s father’s religion for another was an abomination. “To abandon the gods of one’s father and go about with a lot of effeminate men…was the very depth of abomination.” (152-153). In this book he illustrates a lot about heritage and the severity to abandon and forsake ones heritage. Even though his parents were teachers in a missionary school he did not abandon his heritage.
Things Fall Apart shows that he takes pride in memory and wants other to remember their past, their ancestors, their heritage, and learn from the mistakes that their ancestors made so that they won’t be repeated. I think in honor of his heritage, his people, and his ancestors he wrote Things Fall Apart. He looked back and wanted to remind others about the past and the things that some of their relatives had to go through. It is evident by just reading the book. It’s about his people in the 1800’s and the things they had to go through and the mistakes they made. One mistake that was made in the book was taking light of a warning that was given. “Abame has been wiped out…It is a strange and terrible story…During the last planting season a white man had appeared in their clan…The elders consulted their Oracle and told them that the strange man would break their clan and spread destruction among them…It said that other white men were on their way…And so they killed him.” (138-139). Later on two more white men came, saw the “iron horse” the white man had been riding, and then left. Later on those two white men came back with other men and shot all the people that were in the market. “They had been warned that danger was ahead. They should have armed themselves with their guns and their machetes even when they went to market.” (140). That is just one example of a mistake that people could look back at and learn from it if they would just remember their ancestors and value memory.
Through writing Things Fall Apart, it shows that Chinua takes pride in his language. Throughout the book there are Igbo words and definitions for those words in the back. In having those words inserted in there it keeps the book and the culture more real. They wouldn’t be speaking English, they’d be speaking Igbo. Having those words in there illustrates and preserves history and it shows his desire for it to be remembered and carried on. The first time in the book that they use Igbo words is on the second page of the story and they are just talking about a masquerader who impersonates an ancestral spirit. “Sometimes another village would ask Unoka’s band and their dancing egwugwu to come and stay with them and teach them their tunes.” (4). Some of the words that are put in the book are just words that they might use in every day language. Putting those words into the book help the reader to picture how their life was a little better, even though a lot of the words and names are some what hard to pronounce. He shows his pride in language just by simply inserting those words and not making everything totally English and giving more to the story.
One can tell that lives are important to Achebe because of how he portrays them and their importance. In the book, it is an abomination against the earth to take one’s life which Okonkwo ends up doing in the end. “It is an abomination for a man to take his own life. It is an offense against the Earth, and a man who commits it will not be buried by his clansmen. His body is evil, and only strangers may touch it.” (207). It is also wrong to take the life of a fellow clansman. “It was a crime against the earth goddess to kill a clansman, and a man who committed it must flee from the land.” (124). It made it difficult once the white man came in and started converting people and giving them power because the others could no longer try to drive them out with out killing their clansman which they could not do. Mutilation to an ogbanje baby was okay though because it was suppose to discourage it from reentering its mother’s womb and then dieing again at a young age. So it was for life that mutilation was done. It doesn’t sound very pleasant and rather savage but they believed it to help get rid of the evil spirit. So you can see that he did value lives and think they were important.
If everyone were a little like Chinua Achebe and took pride and knew the importance of family, heritage, memory, language, and lives the world would be better for everyone to live in. Chinua’s book is very informational about the ways of the Igbo people and their society but it also tells the story and life of man living in those times and the changes that he, his family, and the nine villages had to go through. Things Fall Apart is actually quite a simple book but the customs are so stark and different from those of us that live in America in these times than we are so used to. Chinua Achebe did a really good job on his book and although it has a lot of things that we might now consider savage like, it did have some worth will qualities and messages in it. Will Achebe be writing anymore stories that let us in this century take a peek back in time anymore, now that he is getting along in his years?
Works Cited
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Anchor Books, 1959.
Petri Liukkonen. “Chinua Achebe (1930-) – in full Albert Chinualumogu Achebe.”
2002. 11 August 2007. < http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/achebe.htm>.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: August 9, 2007
Entery Number: 24
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 96-99
I think it is pretty cool the stories that the mothers and children tell at bed time. They are just stories but it is interesting how they explain, in an unrealistic way, how and why things are, like why the tortoise is not smooth. Some of the stories even give advice about things. One story that I have heard was how we got the stars and night time. It was very interesting but they're just children's stories. I like the way Ekwefi and Ezinma tell the stories, in turns. I wonder though, if they just make them up off the top of their heads at bed time, or were the stories made up by someone else and they are just retelling them? But I also find it interesting that all these stories are explained with animals. None of them have humans in them but the animals take on some human characteristics, like talking.
Entery Number: 24
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 96-99
I think it is pretty cool the stories that the mothers and children tell at bed time. They are just stories but it is interesting how they explain, in an unrealistic way, how and why things are, like why the tortoise is not smooth. Some of the stories even give advice about things. One story that I have heard was how we got the stars and night time. It was very interesting but they're just children's stories. I like the way Ekwefi and Ezinma tell the stories, in turns. I wonder though, if they just make them up off the top of their heads at bed time, or were the stories made up by someone else and they are just retelling them? But I also find it interesting that all these stories are explained with animals. None of them have humans in them but the animals take on some human characteristics, like talking.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: August 8, 2007
Entery Number: 23
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 87-94
The Igbo way of settling disputes, like their court systems are pretty interesting. They don't have one judge but nine and they're not judges but important titled men who impersonate the nine ancestral spirits of the villages. They hear both sides of the story like regular judges do, and then they settle it by making a bargain with both parties. They don't praise or blame but simply settle the problems that are brought to them. It is actually very similar to todays court system but there are differences. No one dares to disobey the egwugwu's settlement because the nine spirits are greatly feared and respected. For some men that is the only way they will or won't do somethings. Sometimes the egwugwu give them alternate choices. Like for one of the men who beat his wife and his inlaws took her away, if he were to come back bringing a pot of wine, then she was suppose to go back with him. If he did not she would stay with her family. If he were to get her back and continue to beat her, then her family would come and cut off his genitals. So the guy was given a couple different choices. Today for most crimes, it's like do what we say or go to jail. Not many choices. I kind of like how they do things but it would take longer it seems.
Entery Number: 23
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 87-94
The Igbo way of settling disputes, like their court systems are pretty interesting. They don't have one judge but nine and they're not judges but important titled men who impersonate the nine ancestral spirits of the villages. They hear both sides of the story like regular judges do, and then they settle it by making a bargain with both parties. They don't praise or blame but simply settle the problems that are brought to them. It is actually very similar to todays court system but there are differences. No one dares to disobey the egwugwu's settlement because the nine spirits are greatly feared and respected. For some men that is the only way they will or won't do somethings. Sometimes the egwugwu give them alternate choices. Like for one of the men who beat his wife and his inlaws took her away, if he were to come back bringing a pot of wine, then she was suppose to go back with him. If he did not she would stay with her family. If he were to get her back and continue to beat her, then her family would come and cut off his genitals. So the guy was given a couple different choices. Today for most crimes, it's like do what we say or go to jail. Not many choices. I kind of like how they do things but it would take longer it seems.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: August 5, 2007
Entery Number: 22
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 85-86
It's good that Ezinma is still alive because she's a cool character and she helps out some when Okonkwo comes back from exile later on. But ya. Okonkwo cured her with some type of herbs stuff and bark and other things. He put it in a pot and had Ekwefi put some hot water in it and boiled it but she had to be careful because if it boiled over then the power of it would be lost and Okonkwo, no doubtedly, would beat her for it. But Ekwefi watched it very carefully and it didn't boil over. What I thought the strangest part of this medicine treatment was when Okonkwo put Ezinma up on a stool, put the pot in front of the stool, and then put a thick heavy mat over her head and the pot. It must have been very hot under there. It seems almost cruel. That pot must have been extremely hot with all that heat and steam. It was no wonder why she started crying. She was woken up, put on a stool, covered with a heavy mat, and then had all this hot steam enveloping her and it was like in summer too. I would not have liked waking up that way. It did save her life though, so that was good. That's like the only plus though. But it is a pretty big plus and I would rather do those things than die of a fever which now a day seem simple and not so worrysome. But I don't get how it got rid of her fever. I know different herbs and barks can do different things and are now present in some of our modern medicine but how did the steam exactly cure her? I don't get it.
Entery Number: 22
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 85-86
It's good that Ezinma is still alive because she's a cool character and she helps out some when Okonkwo comes back from exile later on. But ya. Okonkwo cured her with some type of herbs stuff and bark and other things. He put it in a pot and had Ekwefi put some hot water in it and boiled it but she had to be careful because if it boiled over then the power of it would be lost and Okonkwo, no doubtedly, would beat her for it. But Ekwefi watched it very carefully and it didn't boil over. What I thought the strangest part of this medicine treatment was when Okonkwo put Ezinma up on a stool, put the pot in front of the stool, and then put a thick heavy mat over her head and the pot. It must have been very hot under there. It seems almost cruel. That pot must have been extremely hot with all that heat and steam. It was no wonder why she started crying. She was woken up, put on a stool, covered with a heavy mat, and then had all this hot steam enveloping her and it was like in summer too. I would not have liked waking up that way. It did save her life though, so that was good. That's like the only plus though. But it is a pretty big plus and I would rather do those things than die of a fever which now a day seem simple and not so worrysome. But I don't get how it got rid of her fever. I know different herbs and barks can do different things and are now present in some of our modern medicine but how did the steam exactly cure her? I don't get it.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: August 2, 2007
Entery Number: 21
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 81-85
It's kind of interesting and funny too, how Ezinma led a crowd of people, both family and friends, Okonkwo, and a medicine man around part of the village in a big circle as they were looking for her iyi-uwa. She was reluctant to give it up but she did in the end. At first she played stupid, "What is iyi-uwa?" she asks. But then she tells them she buried it in the place where they bury children. As they start walking, where she should have turned off to go to the grave yard, she turned the opposite way in the direction of the stream. Then she started leading the crowd into the bush, which is composed of littlish trees I'm guessing because it says that because she was smaller than the rest she could make her way around better than the others. Then she stops and back tracks and goes back to the road then back home. A couple of times throughout this whole thing Okonkwo gets mad and threatens to beat her but the medicine man serves as Ezinma's protection and tells him to leave her alone. Running around in circles wasn't the only thing Ezinma had in store for Okonkwo or the medicine man. She then brings them over to an orange tree and tells them it is here pointing to the ground. It's funny though, because Okonkwo gets mad again but throughout everything he can't do anything about it because he wants to find the stone and the medicine man keeps telling him to leave her alone. Well anyway. The medicine man starts working on digging and later Okonkwo joined him. While they were slaving in the sun and dirt to find this stone, Ezinma was inside happily helping her mother make food. Isn't it great. Well anyway they ended up finding it after digging so deep you couldn't even see them anymore. It's funny though, when the medicine man flung the rag that contained the stone up out of the "well" all the women ran away but came back but still at a reasonable distance to see what was happening. They destroyed the stone and Ezinma was released from the ogbanje cycle of life and death. Ezinma is one of my favorite characters because she has a very interesting character. It's funny how she led them through all that and then had them dig for a stone which was actually a pebble. It was a special important pebble but still, I get a kick out of it. She's a pretty smart girl.
Entery Number: 21
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 81-85
It's kind of interesting and funny too, how Ezinma led a crowd of people, both family and friends, Okonkwo, and a medicine man around part of the village in a big circle as they were looking for her iyi-uwa. She was reluctant to give it up but she did in the end. At first she played stupid, "What is iyi-uwa?" she asks. But then she tells them she buried it in the place where they bury children. As they start walking, where she should have turned off to go to the grave yard, she turned the opposite way in the direction of the stream. Then she started leading the crowd into the bush, which is composed of littlish trees I'm guessing because it says that because she was smaller than the rest she could make her way around better than the others. Then she stops and back tracks and goes back to the road then back home. A couple of times throughout this whole thing Okonkwo gets mad and threatens to beat her but the medicine man serves as Ezinma's protection and tells him to leave her alone. Running around in circles wasn't the only thing Ezinma had in store for Okonkwo or the medicine man. She then brings them over to an orange tree and tells them it is here pointing to the ground. It's funny though, because Okonkwo gets mad again but throughout everything he can't do anything about it because he wants to find the stone and the medicine man keeps telling him to leave her alone. Well anyway. The medicine man starts working on digging and later Okonkwo joined him. While they were slaving in the sun and dirt to find this stone, Ezinma was inside happily helping her mother make food. Isn't it great. Well anyway they ended up finding it after digging so deep you couldn't even see them anymore. It's funny though, when the medicine man flung the rag that contained the stone up out of the "well" all the women ran away but came back but still at a reasonable distance to see what was happening. They destroyed the stone and Ezinma was released from the ogbanje cycle of life and death. Ezinma is one of my favorite characters because she has a very interesting character. It's funny how she led them through all that and then had them dig for a stone which was actually a pebble. It was a special important pebble but still, I get a kick out of it. She's a pretty smart girl.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Journal Entery
Date: July 31, 2007
Entery Number: 20
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 76-85
Poor Ekwefi. She had ten children and all of them died except Ezinma, who in this part of the story is sick with fever and may die. Ekwefi has suffered so much and if Ezinma where to die, I think it would kill Ekwefi. I know what already happens because I've finished the book already, but still. By the time Okonkwo's and Ekwefi's third child had died she was very bitter. Her third child's name actually was a plead,Onwumbiko- "Death, I implore you." He still died and so did every other child she had up to Ezinma. Okonkwo went to a medicine man and found out the the child was an ogbanje which is a child who refuses to die so it reenters its mother's womb to be reborn. Ogbanje children never live very long unless their iyi-uwa is found and destroyed. An iyi-uwa is a stone that connects the ogbanje to the spirit world. There were different methods to try and get the ogbanje to leave like mutilation but most of the time it didn't work and you had to find that iyi-uwa. But Ekwefi went through so much and now Ezinma was going to die, possibly. That's just crazy. Okonkwo and a medicine man even found Ezinma's iyi-uwa and destroyed it which took a while to find because of Ezinma's reluctancey to give it up and then they had to dig for it. Ezinma is the only one that Ekwefi has really got. Ya there is Okonkwo and the other women and their children but Okonkwo isn't the nicest guy and Okonkwo's other wifes have their own children and own problems. But that must have been terrible to have all those children and then not get to enjoy them and also if I were Ekwefi I would be feeling pretty worthless not being able to bare any children that are actually going to live. I would hate to be in her place.
Entery Number: 20
Page/Quote reflecting on: Pgs. 76-85
Poor Ekwefi. She had ten children and all of them died except Ezinma, who in this part of the story is sick with fever and may die. Ekwefi has suffered so much and if Ezinma where to die, I think it would kill Ekwefi. I know what already happens because I've finished the book already, but still. By the time Okonkwo's and Ekwefi's third child had died she was very bitter. Her third child's name actually was a plead,Onwumbiko- "Death, I implore you." He still died and so did every other child she had up to Ezinma. Okonkwo went to a medicine man and found out the the child was an ogbanje which is a child who refuses to die so it reenters its mother's womb to be reborn. Ogbanje children never live very long unless their iyi-uwa is found and destroyed. An iyi-uwa is a stone that connects the ogbanje to the spirit world. There were different methods to try and get the ogbanje to leave like mutilation but most of the time it didn't work and you had to find that iyi-uwa. But Ekwefi went through so much and now Ezinma was going to die, possibly. That's just crazy. Okonkwo and a medicine man even found Ezinma's iyi-uwa and destroyed it which took a while to find because of Ezinma's reluctancey to give it up and then they had to dig for it. Ezinma is the only one that Ekwefi has really got. Ya there is Okonkwo and the other women and their children but Okonkwo isn't the nicest guy and Okonkwo's other wifes have their own children and own problems. But that must have been terrible to have all those children and then not get to enjoy them and also if I were Ekwefi I would be feeling pretty worthless not being able to bare any children that are actually going to live. I would hate to be in her place.