Analysis: "Fences"

“Fences,” by August Wilson is a play that revolves around the life of Troy Maxson and his relationships with the characters who surround him. Troy is the protagonist of the play, although he is a perfect example of a tragic-hero. The play begins with Troy being admired, followed, and respected by most of the other characters, although through the course of the play Troy’s hypocrisy and illusional personality causes him to lose any relationship he had with his wife, children, and friends. His character creates conflict with every character because he chooses not to agree with anyone’s opinion besides his own, and this often causes him to contradict himself. For example, when Troy’s son, Cory, wanted to play football to get a scholarship for college, Troy will not allow it because he thinks Cory needs to get a trade. Although Troy once was faced with this same predicament when he was not allowed to play in the major leagues because he was black. I believe Troy does not want Cory to live out his dream of excelling in sports because he was not able to when he was young. Another reason Troy does not want Cory to play football in college is because he refuses to change his perception of time which causes him to be stubborn and selfish, and reoccurring personality trait of Troy throughout the play. 

Another negative trait Troy possesses is his refusal to accept the reality of his actions. In the first half of the play, Troy will not admit his affair with Alberta, which inevitably leads to an illegitimate child, Raynell. When confronted with his wrong doings, Troy believes he had an affair to escape his troubled life, although he is the one creating the trouble in his life. Also, he will criticize Rose for playing numbers, saying it is a risky and pointless gamble, even though he gambles his life by having an affair which ultimately leads to losing everything good in his life. Troy only perceives his life through his own mind and will not take into account what others think of him and what he is actually doing. 

Wilson uses many symbols throughout “Fences,” some more obvious than others. The most obvious symbol is the fence that Rose continuously asks Troy to finish. Bono comes out and tells Troy, Cory, and readers the meaning of the fence, "some people build fences to keep people out…and other people build fences to keep people in." Rose wants the fence to keep her family close and safe, while Troy uses the fence to push people away, which is seen when he kicks Cory out of the house and tells him his belongings will be outside the fence. Another symbol which is much more subtle is the family’s last name, Maxson. While reading criticisms about the play, I found that Maxson was an amalgamation of Mason and Dixon, the imaginary line which separated slave and free states. I believe this name stood for Troy’s way of thought. Below the Mason-Dixon line is Troy’s depressed way of thought, believing that he is nothing more than a garbage man. Above the Mason-Dixon line is Troy’s personality of always talking about the dreams he once had, which are now gone, although he still persists to talk about throughout the play. 

Analysis: "A Raisin in the Sun"

“A Raisin in the Sun,” by Lorraine Hansberry tells the story of the Younger Family, an African American family living in the South Side of Chicago in the 1950’s. The entire play takes place in the Younger’s small apartment with different characters coming in and out. The obvious conflict throughout the duration of the play is what the family is planning to do with the deceased Walter Younger’s life insurance of 10,000 dollars. Although, I believe the main central conflict is the fight between assimilation and pride in African culture. One of the main examples of this conflict is the character of Beneatha. Throughout the play Beneatha fights with herself, and her suitors, on whether she should continue to assimilate towards the American dream and way of life, or if she should accept her African heritage. Also, her suitors, George and Asagia, represent the two different opinions. George, an African American college student, represent assimilation with his way of thought and through wearing, literally, “white shoes”. Asagia represents pride in being from Africa, through his gifts to Beneatha and his overall opinions throughout the play. 

Although Beneatha is a very important character in “A Raisin in the Sun,” Walter Lee Younger is the protagonist of the play. Throughout the play, Walter struggles with living in a racist country and being known as just a driver for a white man. He feels less and less like a man as the play progresses. Walter only believes he can be a true man if he has money and other materialistic belongings, such as a car and a house. At the end of the play Walter finally feels like a man, but not because he has worldly riches like the white man. Instead, he refuses to move out of a house in an all white neighborhood that his mother purchased with his father’s insurance money. This action of standing up to a white man, Mr. Linder in this case, shows that Walter is finally proud of his family and his current situation, instead of always wanting more.The antagonist is not a single character but instead America and the white race as a whole during the 1950’s. The entirety of the play deals with the Younger family fighting against judgments of the white race and their own feelings of inferiority. 

My favorite aspect of the play was Lorraine Hansberry’s use of symbols. Two main symbols were Beneatha’s new haircut and Mama’s plant. In the middle of the play Beneatha decides to cut her hair, changing it from straightened to a small afro. The straightened hair represented Beneatha’s assimilation to white culture and the afro represented her decision to become more prideful in her African heritage and her identity as a black woman. Mama’s plant is a symbol of her dream for her family. In the beginning of the play she cares for the plant relentlessly with love, although stating the plant does not have enough room or light. This statement is directly similar to her family, as she loves them unconditionally, but she wishes they had more light and room. The light and room she longs for her plant could also be a symbol for the freedom and happiness she longs for her family.

Poetry Analysis: "Before the Birth of One of Her Children"

“Before the Birth of One of Her Children,” by Anne Bradstreet is a poem from a mother to her unborn child, warning her child about the world she is about to enter. In beginning of the poem, the mother is telling her child that death is inevitable and a part of life. This is evident in the first line, “All things within this fading world hath end.” Bradstreet then writes of the mother’s own death and that it could be soon in the line, “How soon, my Dear, death may my steps attend.” The mother’s possible early death could be because this poem was written over 300 years ago, and childbirth was a very serious risk. In the end of the poem, the mother is telling her child to forgive her for her “many faults that well you know I have.” She is also telling her unborn child to watch over her “little babies, my dear remains.” This entire poem is based around death, especially the possible death of the mother. I think Bradshaw was scared she could possibly die during one of her pregnancies, and this was poem was autobiographical. 

Poetry Analysis: "This is Just to Say"

“This is Just to Say,” by William Carlos Williams is an extremely short poem. The first thing I noticed was how Williams wrote the poem to seem like it was just note to be found on an ice box. At first, it does not seem to have much symbolism or meaning to it. The first form of symbolism I found is in the third stanza in the line, “Forgive me.” The fact that the word “Forgive,” is capitalized makes me think that the narrator is sorry for much more than just eating a plum. Another example is in the last 3 lines of the poem, they were delicious/ so sweet/ and so cold.” I believe the author was comparing these lines to the relationship between himself and whom the note was intended for.”

Poetry Analysis: "To an Athlete Dying Young"

“To an Athlete Dying Young,” by A. E. Holston is about dying at a young age. In the first two stanzas the athlete was brought home “shoulder-high,” although, in the first stanza is was because he had won a race. In the second stanza is was because he was being carried home in his coffin. In the middle of the poem, the author is telling the athlete that his was a “smart lad,” to die when he did because he will never have to see his record broke or see his glory face. Although I am sure the narrator is not happy the athlete has died. The last stanza is stating how the athlete will still be and running in heaven in the line, “And round that early-laureled head will flock to gaze the strengthless dead.”

Poetry Analysis: "Thinking About Bill, Dead of AIDS"

“Thinking about Bill, Dead of AIDS,” by Miller Williams is a poem of a  narrator speaking about his friends dying of AIDS. Instead of speaking of just his emotions towards his friend dying, the narrator uses words such as “we” and “us,” speaking of many people feeling sorrow. The poem begins with the narrator talking about how he never knew that AIDS was so powerful in such lines as, “We did not know how the first thing about, how blood surrenders to even the smallest threat.” I enjoyed how the author compares the attack of AIDS to an actual battle between warriors. The uses this form of personification is the lines, “the body rescinding all its normal orders to all defenders of flesh, betraying the head, pulling its guards back from all its borders.”

Poetry Analysis: "To My Dear and Loving Husband"

"To My Dear and Loving Husband," by Anne Bradstreet is obviously a poem expressing a wife's love and devotion towards her husband. The narrator believes that the couples’ love makes them one through the line, "If ever two were one, then surely we," and “If ever man were loved by wife, then thee.” The last line of the poem, “That when we live no more we may live ever,” is a paradox because it is a contradicting statement. Although, in this line she is implying that their love will live after they die. 

Poetry Analysis: "The Nymph's Reply to his Shephard"

Although I try to see the world in a optimistic view, and I like any authors who write in that fashion, I liked Raleigh’s view towards the harsh fact of reality in “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepard.” When reading “The Passionate Shepard to his Love,” I enjoyed Marlowe’s optimism and never questioned the reality of his thoughts until I read Raleigh’s poem. Such quotes as “when rivers rage,” and “ flowers do fade,” show Raleigh’s point of view and that he views the world in a realistic way. Unfortunately, rivers will rage and flowers will fade, and many writers like to ignore the fact of what is real.

Poetry Analysis: "Negro"

“Negro,” by Langston Hughes is a poem that represents the views of many African Americans in the 1920’s. I liked how he represented many different parts of the world and how African Americans most likely felt during this time period. I also liked how he didn’t hold back in the descriptions in every stanza. “The Belgians cut off my hands in the Congo,” in line 15 is an extremely moving and, unfortunately, true fact. It is obvious that Langston Hughes had a strong passion for expressing the views of African Americans during this time period and i commend that.

Poetry Analysis: "I, Too"

“I, Too,” by Langston Hughes is an extremely moving poem. It was written in 1925, when African Americans were not fairly represented, and it showed Hughes’ hope for a more equal world. I liked how he used the simple example of being sent to the “kitchen” to define how African Americans were treated and most felt during this time period. I also liked how he referred to himself as the “darker brother,” who was still American. Although he was being misrepresented by many Americans, he still saw himself as an American and he knew there would be a brighter future. 

Poetry Analysis: "Harlem"

Although “Harlem,” by Langston Hughes is a very short poem, it is still very descriptive and meaningful. In the poem, Hughes is describing the feelings of frustration that African Americans feel during the turn of the Civil Rights movement. He uses similes to describe the possible different feelings one could be feeling at this time. “Dry up like a raisin in the son,” describes how some African Americans let their hopes shrivel up and ultimately die. “Or does it explode,” could be describing how some people turned hateful and “exploded” with violence. Not only does the poem describe to readers how many African Americans were feeling, but it also paints a picture in readers’ minds of how Harlem looked during this time. Possibly, it was an unpleasant scene to see or smell as a running sore or rotten meat is.

Poetry Analysis: "Loney Hearts"

“Lonely Hearts,” by Wendy Cope is a very good example of a villanelle. I found it interesting how Cope used the word “simple” in the very first line because the remainder of the poem is far from simple. Each stanza is a different speaker searching for their perfect match, and each speaker has a very detailed description of what they want. Another way to view the poem is that there is only one speaker. Possibly a woman is desperate and looking for a partner and she will become any type of person to meet the different descriptions. The only time readers see the speaker relating to a stanza is in the line “Successful, straight and solvent? I am too,” although she still reads on, trying to find a partner. This shows readers her level of desperateness.

Poetry Analysis: "Death Be Not Proud"

“Death Be Not Proud,” by John Donne, is an interesting look at death as a whole. The poet is stating that death should not feel powerful or proud because human beings do not die but live eternally after “one short sleep past.” When researching more about this poem, I came across someone stating that Donne had smallpox when he wrote this poem. Having that knowledge, I can interpret that Donne was trying to be optimistic about his inevitable fate. I like Donne’s view on death, seeing it as an actual object, and then telling Death he is not scared of him. Because in Donne’s view, we do not die but live forever in Heaven.

Poetry Analysis: "The Chimney Sweeper"

“The Chimney Sweeper,” by William Blake is about boys who are sold into a form of slavery to work as chimney sweepers. The speaker in the poem is a chimney sweeper as well, but he seems to be more headstrong than Tom Dacre, whom the poet describes through Tom’s dream. Tom’s dream is about himself and other little boys locked in coffins but then released by an angel. They “rise upon clouds,” and Tom has the prospect of “God for his father,” and when Tom awakes feeling “happy and warm.” I think it is sad and somewhat disturbing that Tom is happy when he wakes because it is obvious he just dreamt of heaven. I interpreted that Tom was looking forward to Heaven, which no little boy should ever be anxiously awaiting. 

Poetry Analysis: "My Mistress' Eyes Are Nothing Like the Sun"

“My Mistress’ Eyes Are Nothing Like the Sun,” by William Shakespeare is an odd poem to say the least. The author describes beautiful things, like red coral, “roses demasked in red and white,” and delightful perfumes. The author then says how his “mistress” is nothing like what he describes, but the exact opposite. He states “black wires grow from her hair,” and “her eyes are nothing like the sun.” Although it is odd, I can still interpret this as a love poem. After describing her in a very unflattering way, the author states in the last part “and yet, by heaven, I think my love is rare as any she, belied with false compare.” This shows readers that although his mistress is not beautiful, he still loves her the way she is. Which in my opinion is a very important aspect of love and a love poem.

Poetry Analysis: "My Papa's Waltz"

“My Papa’s Waltz,” by Theodore Roethke is about a boy recalling a time with his father. The title makes readers believe this would be a cheerful memory with his father, but it is the exact opposite. In my opinion, the author is recalling a time where his father was abusive towards him. I think the author is really trying to make readers think whether the man and son are actually dancing, or if it is the opposite. The use of lines such as “you beat time on my head with a palm caked hard by dirt,” is a good example that this poem is about abuse. I think if it was supposed to be a cheerful memory, than “whisky on your breathe,” and “my right ear scraped a buckle,” would not have been used to describe the memory. 

Poetry Analysis: "Marks"

While reading “Marks,” by Linda Pastan, I felt extremely sorry for the woman speaking. The woman is a mother and a wife, but is being judged constantly by her family. I liked how Pastan compared the judgements of the woman’s family to grades one would get in school. I think this comparison show readers how the woman is viewed by her family as a student, or possibly a servant, but she fails to impress them. Towards the end of the poem, I felt somewhat hopeful because the daughter tells her mother that she “passes,” and although this could be seen as positive, the mother is still being judged nonetheless. The last line of the poem is the shortest line but it is the most powerful one as well. The mother states she is “dropping out,” from the judgements of her family. 

Poetry Analysis: "From Macbeth"

“From Macbeth (Act V, Scene V),” by William Shakespeare is a time in the play when Macbeth is explaining his view on life. I have read the entire play before, so I have a good idea of how depressed Macbeth is at this point in the play. He sees life as a dark abyss with no meaning and no joy. His opinions of darkness and despair are evident in such lines as “Out, out, brief candle,” and “Life’s but a walking shadow.” By comparing life to a brief candle, Macbeth believes that life is short with little light, or joy. He also believes once the candle is blown out, life will be forgotten and will be “signifying nothing.”

Poetry Analysis: "Mirrors"

“Mirrors,” by Sylvia Plath uses personification as the author is speaking as if she was a mirror. The author is observing a woman who is growing older, from a young woman to a progressing older lady. I love how the story is told using this effect of personification. I think if it was just a woman speaking about herself and her growing old, the poem would not be as strong, or as truthful. The mirror acts as the ultimate truth by reflecting exactly was “she” sees in this woman. I also think this poem could possibly an autobiographical poem, with Plath reflecting on her own life.

Poetry Analysis: "A Man Said to the Universe"

“A Man Said to the Universe,” by Stephen Crane is a very short poem but at the same time a very powerful poem. A man is crying to the universe that he “exists,” and the universe replies with no emotion. I believe this poem can be interpreted in two different ways. First, I can see it fit if that the poet was depressed while writing this poem. He feels alone and is crying out, only to be answered with no help. I can also interpret this poem as a religious piece of work. The narrator might possibly be reaching out to a higher power, all but to be let down with absence.

Poetry Analysis: "Acquainted with the Night"

“Acquainted with the Night,” by Robert Frost is a very personal poem, I believe. I can picture Frost walking through a desolate place, observing his surroundings. I related to this poem one hundred percent because I have found myself in the exact same atmosphere. I think the poem can be taken literally because Frost describes his surroundings to a tee, which could make readers relate. Although, I also think the poem should be read figuratively. Possibly Frost is trying to express a feeling of loneliness because he is by himself in the duration of the poem. He is only accompanied by the rain and the watchman, who he does not talk to. I think this poem was written in a time of loneliness and depression in Frost’s life.

Poetry Analysis: "Those Winter Sundays"

“Those Winter Sundays,” by Robert Hayden created a very sad and lonely tone for me. The speaker is looking back on Winter Sundays, where his father would wake up early to make a fire for his family. Certain lines from the poem have me think the father might have been a very strict and harsh father, but obviously he was very caring as well. The speaker is regretting not giving more thanks to all his father did for his family. I am using “he” as a universal world, because the speaker could have very much been a woman, although I picture a man thinking about his father in this way.

Poetry Analysis: "Mountain Graveyard"

When first reading “Mountain Graveyard,” by Robert Morgan, I definitely saw how each word related to the word beside it when dealing with a graveyard. After reading more about it, I realized that the first words were an anagram for the second, and vice versa. I am so impressed how creative Morgan is, not only with the anagrams, but with how descriptive he was in painting a picture of a mountain graveyard with only using 12 words. My favorite anagrams were “sacred” and “cedars,” because for me they gave me a clear picture of a graveyard. I imagine a desolate cemetery that has not been cared for, with huge cedars towering over it. These cedars are sacred because they are protecting the ones who have died.

Poetry Analysis: "l(a"

When I first read “l(a,” by E. E. Cummings, I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. After looking at it a little closer, I realized that outside of the parenthesis was “loneliness” and inside the parenthesis was “a leaf falls.” Obviously, the leaf falling is a symbol of loneliness, and I am curious if Cummings was writing this poem comparing him to the leaf. I do not fully understand his technique of breaking the words up in that way he did, but I believe he possibly wanted the readers to really concentrate on what the poem said, instead of simply saying: “a leaf falls, loneliness.”

Poetry Analysis: "The Secretary's Chant"

“The Secretary’s Chant,” by Margie Piercy explains the feeling of dehumanization for women in the workforce. I liked how the poem sounds like a machine is talking because it further expresses a secretary’s feelings of being an object rather than a person. The poem was written in 1936 when many women had secretary or desk jobs, so I am sure many women could relate to it. I liked how Piercy used humor to describe a somewhat depressing time for women. While reading the poem I cannot help but picture this machine woman, and although it is funny, it is also is a symbol for how inappropriate and skewed women’s identities were in the 1930’s. Many were seen as no more than a piece of equipment.

Poetry Analysis: "Titanic"

I really enjoyed “Titanic,” by David R. Slavitt because I have never looked at the Titanic in a positive light. Most people saw it as a horrible tragedy, which it was, but I somewhat agree with Slavitt’s thought process. Most people die and are only remembered by close family and friends. When looking at the Titanic, the victims who died will always be remembered. Maybe not individually, but as a whole the Titanic will most likely never be forgotten. I do not see “Titanic,” as a sarcastic poem, but instead as an optimistic one. Even if Slavitt was trying to be witty and sarcastic, I believe many readers thought he was uplifting and optimistic.

Poetry Analysis: "Diamonds"

“Diamonds,” by Kathryn Stripling Byer takes place in a meadow after a rain. A man is giving a woman a leaf as a sign of his love and commitment in place of a ring because he can not afford one. Instead of a diamond ring on the woman’s finger, the woman licks “diamonds,” or rain drops off the leaf given to her. I really enjoyed this poem because it shows readers that love has no dollar sign. I admire the woman in the story and I believe the woman is Kathryn Stripling Byer.

Poetry Analysis: "Preacher, Don't Send Me"

I believe “Preacher, Don’t Send Me,” by Maya Angelou is about asking the preacher to send the author where she wants to go when she dies. She does not want to go to “Hell,” or “some big ghetto in the sky” (line 3). She also does not want the preacher to promise her after life filled with gold and “milk for free” (line 20), instead she wants to be in a place filled with happiness according to her. Where “ families are loyal” (line 27) and “the music is jazz” (line 29). I believe this is an autobiographical poem of Angelou, dreaming of where she one day hopes to be after life on earth.

Literary Analysis: "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber"

Ernest Hemingway is known for his stories dealing with outdoorsman who consistently have traits of courage and fearlessness. In “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber,” Hemingway introduces a man who matches those characteristic, Wilson. When first reading the story I figured the manly man and “hero” would be Francis Macomber, but I soon realized that was not the case. Instead, the safari tour guide named Robert Wilson, is the true outdoorsman. Wilson does not fear chasing and hunting lions and has set a name for himself as a womanizer. Macomber shows character traits that are directly opposite to Wilson. Macomber lives in a marriage under the knowledge that his wife is with him for his money as well as cheated on him with Wilson. He also attempts to steer away from the idea of chasing after a lion, and when the lion attacks, Macomber runs away. Hemingway makes it very obvious to readers that these men are complete opposites. 

One aspect I found extremely interesting was Hemingway’s use of hunting as a main theme throughout the story. The entire plot is based around hunting lions in an african safari, but when I looked closer, I realized there are many other examples of the hunter and the hunted. Margot, Macomber’s wife, hunts after Wilson and succeeds when they sleep together. Wilson is an obvious hunter for many things: animals, women, or adventure. Although, one example that is not so obvious is seeing Macomber as a hunter. Throughout the story, Macomber is fighting with himself and searching for his courage. In conclusion, Macomber eventually finds his courage as he has a standoff with water buffalos. I believe this is the most courageous act Macomber has ever done, and he then dies during this act. I think Hemingway did this to further express his opinion of favoring courageous outdoorsman. Possibly, Hemingway believed it was better to die in an act of courage and fearlessness than to live a dull and unadventurous life.

Literary Analysis: "The Cask of Amontillado"

I have always been intrigued by Poe’s stories due to his dark and mysterious plots. “The Cask of Amontillado,” is a terrifying piece of work which explores one mans ultimate plot for revenge. Montresor is a man who seeks a disturbing ending to another man’s life, Fortunato. The fascinating aspect to the story is the reader never completely understand Montresor’s reasoning behind wanting to to kill Fortunato. The fact that the narrator, Montresor, is the only point of view the readers have causes an extremely bias opinion over the events of the story. I believe to completely understand the story, the readers need to have a lot of doubt in Montresor. The narrator never tells the readers of this horrible act or “insult” which Fortunato did, which causes doubt in my mind. At the same time, Montresor choses to take justice in his own hands instead of having the law intercede. I think this is due to the fact that Fortunato’s “insult” would not result in his death if it was taken into the law’s hands, and Montresor can not live with that thought. 

Ultimately, Montresor succeeds in murdering his enemy by trapping him in a cave. He does this so by telling Fortunato that he has a rare Amontillado, a type of alcoholic beverage. Fortunato, apparently a wine expert, insist that he taste this drink which is located in Montresor’s deep vaults. Fortunato is trapped in his vaults and left there to die. The interesting part I found about the story was that Montresor is telling this story 50 years after he committed this crime. My thoughts behind this reason would be possibly because he is starting to feel guilt.

Another interesting aspect to the story is Poe’s use of irony throughout the story. The first, and most prevalent, example would be Fortunato’s name which is Italian for “fortunate.” It is extremely obvious to readers that Fortunato is the least fortunate character in the short story. Another example would be that this violent act all took place during a carnival. An event that is usually expressed with joy and laughter is the scene for murder and revenge. 

Literary Analysis: "Barn Burning"

I had read “Barn Burning,” by William Faulkner while in high school, and as I opened up the pages to begin reading the story once again, there was only one thing I vividly remembered about the short story. The one memory I had was the hatred I felt towards the little boys father, who I would soon be reminded was named Abner Snopes. Snopes’ conscience is completely absent throughout the story. Unfortunately, his lack of conscience and respect for others brings his family down as well, forcing them to move from one town to another. One family member who is constantly struggling with staying loyal to his family or doing what he knows is right is Sartois, “Sarty,” Snopes’ son.

I believe the use of foreshadowing is used at the beginning of the story to introduce Sarty’s feelings against his father’s actions. The justice states “I reckon anybody named for Colonel Sarty in this country can't help but tell the truth, can they?" This foreshadows to readers that the little boy eventually will live up to this name and tell the truth behind his father’s actions. 

There are many symbols used throughout the story, but one which is extremely evident is the symbol of fire. I think fire is used to express Snopes’ emotions, as they are filled with hatred and anger, as well as out of control. Fire also expresses Snopes’ inability to provide for his family. Fire forces the family to move from town to town, and when they are forced to leave town after Mr. Harris’ barn burns down, Snopes can barely build a fire to keep his family warm as they travel to their next destination. Lastly, fire is used as a symbol in the end to show the death of Mr. Snopes. As Mr. Snopes planes to burn the de Spain’s barn, Sarty finally rejects his father’s wishes and tell the de Spains of what his father is about to do. Sarty’s actions lead to Mr. Snopes’ death, as well as no fire and no barn burning. 

Literary Analysis: "Revelation"

Flannery O’Connor’s “Revelation,” is about a man and his wife, Mrs. Turpin. The story begins as Mr. and Mrs. Turpin go to the doctor’s office and Mrs. Turpin begins a conversation with the mother of Mary Grace, a little girl also waiting in the doctor’s office. As Mrs. Turpin talks to the mother, she looks around the room and sees a “white trash” lady and she thanks god she is not like that woman. Throughout the story she continuously thanks God that she is not black or poor, and that she is wealthy and owns land. Mary Grace stares at Mrs. Turpin during the women’s conversation with disgust, as if she know exactly what Mrs. Turpin is thinking. As Mary Grace’s disgust for Mrs. Turpin grows, she suddenly explodes and attacks Mrs. Turpin saying “go back to Hell where you came from, you old wart hog.” Later that day, Mrs. Turpin is at her house hosing her hogs and wondering why God sent her the message from Mary Grace today. Suddenly, she sees a streak of light leading up towards the sky acting some what as a bridge. She sees people advancing towards the sky, and she notices that they are the type of people she was feeling sorry for the entire day. black people, the white trash women, and “freaks and lunatics,” are all walking up towards the sky, or heaven. Following them are Mr. and Mrs. Turpin. Mrs. Turpin then realizes that all people are equal in God’s eyes.

My favorite symbol in “Revelation” was Mary Grace. Her name directly explains to readers what role she is playing in the story: grace. She serves as a messenger of God for Mrs. Turpin to make her realizes that although she is “saved,” Mrs. Turpin’s view on the world and God’s people is skewed. O’Connor also uses the eyes as a symbol, as she does in many of her stories. Mary Grace’s eyes grow angrier and more intense as she listens to Mrs. Turpin talk, and O’Connor writes that her eyes "seemed lit all of a sudden with a peculiar light, an unnatural light like night road signs give." The comparison of her eyes and road signs foreshadows that Mary Grace will be leading Mrs. Turpin towards something. Which the readers eventually find out is the revelation.

Literary Analysis: "Good Country People"

“Good Country People,” by Flannery O’Connor is about a mother, Mrs. Hopewell, and her daughter, Joy. Joy is disabled due to a hunting accident that took off her led. She is 33 years old and still lives with her mother, as if she was still a teenager. This is not the only way Joy acts as a child. She is very naive, despite the fact that she has a PhD in philosophy, and she lacks common, worldly sense. Joy believes, although, that she is more intellectual than the “good country people” who surround her. One day, “Hulga,” the name Joy gives herself, and her mother open their door to a “bible salesman,” Manly Pointer. Later in the story, Hulga and Manly go on a picnic in a barn loft. Manly persuades Hulga to take off her glasses and fake leg. He then tells her he steals prosthetics from the disabled and leaves. Hulga is alone in the loft blind and abandoned.

“Good Country People,” like many of O’Connors stories, includes many symbols and references to eyes. Hulga wears glasses throughout the story, but ironically the world is blind to her. She does not see the worldly evils, and she believes she is much more intelligent than others, especially “good country people.” Hulga thinks she is smarter than Manly and that she can seduce him, all the while, Manly is plotting to steal her fake leg. After Manly leaves her abandoned and without her glasses, she finally sees the world for what it can be: evil. “Good Country People,” is another example of O’Connor’s lack of confidence for good people in the world, as seen in “A Good Man is Hard to Find.”

Literary Analysis: "A Good Man is Hard to Find"

“A Good Man is Hard to Find,” by Flannery O’Connor is about a family driving to vacation when they get in a car accident. The family, including a husband and wife, their two children, and the husband’s mother, are approached by 3 men carrying guns after the accident. The grandmother recognizes a shirtless man as “the misfit,” a man who escaped from prison and was on the run towards Florida. Shortly after the family is taken out of the car by the three runaway convicts, they are taken into the woods and killed. The grandmother is the last family member alive, as she talks to the misfit for a short while. She tells the misfit that she believes he is a good man at heart and they talk about God. They talk about whether Jesus really raised the dead, and then the misfit raises his gun and shoots the grandmother in the chest 3 times.

I believe “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” is about the morals of different human beings. The morals of the misfit are obviously skewed, as he murdered an innocent family. What is not so obvious is the lack of morals coming from the grandmother. The first evidence of the grandmother’s lack of morals is when she prepares to leave for vacation by dressing up as a lady. She wants to look as much as a lady as possible incase the family got into a car accident, people would know she was a lady. Not only is this part of the story foreshadowing the event to come, it also shows that the grandmother is more worried about whether people think she is a lady, instead of the possibility her family could die in an accident. 

Another example of the grandmother’s lack of morals is her attitude change throughout the story. When the family stops at a restaurant, the grandmother talks to the restaurant owner about how a good man is hard to find. A little later, when the grandmother is sitting outside of the car speaking to the misfit, she tells him she believes he is a good man. She lies about what she believes to save her own life. 

Literary Analysis: "The Birthmark"

“The Birthmark,” by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a short story investigating one man’s strive for perfection. Aylmer, a scientist, becomes obsessed throughout the story to remove a small birthmark from his wife’s face. His wife, Georgiana, is a beautiful woman who is thought as perfect by her admirers, although, she too is driven towards obtaining perfection to please her husband. Aylmer can no longer see his wife’s beauty because he is so fixated on her birthmark and Georgiana will go as far as literally die to be perfect in the eyes of her husband.

Hawthorne’s use of foreshadowing plays a dramatic role in the story. He uses numerous examples, some more obvious than others, that foreshadow Georgiana’s death. Aylmer creates a flower that quickly dies after Georgiana touches it which is foreshadowing Georgiana’s inevitable death. Another example is when the birthmark appears on a metal plate of Georgiana’s face, which Aylmer immediately throws into acid. This foreshadows not only that Georgiana will die, but it will ultimately be Aylmer’s fault due to his strive for perfection.

My favorite aspect of Hawthorne’s story is his overall message that perfection is unattainable. This idea is hinted at throughout the story and then made definite when Georgiana dies after her birthmark disappears. The first time I read this story I found it disturbing because the thought of dying to be perfect in the eyes of your husband is ludicrous in my opinion. After reading the story for a second time and analyzing it further, I found Hawthorne was supporting my opinion. “The Birthmark,” shows the absurdity of striving for perfection and the inevitable conclusion that perfection does not exist. Instead it is the imperfections, like the birthmark, that make each human exactly what they should be, human.

Literary Analysis: "Killings"

“Killings,” by Andre Dubus presents the very controversial topic of “an eye for an eye.” Dubus has readers ask themselves whether murder could be considered justifiable in the case of Matt Fowler killing Robert Strout, the man who murdered Fowler’s son Frank. Dubus really challenges readers by creating Matt Fowler’s character in a favorable light. While reading the short story I did not have any difficulty in feeling sympathetic and somewhat supporting Matt’s actions, while I felt very little sorrow for Strout. I believe Dubus does this on purpose to really have readers question their ethics.

While reading the story, another controversial debate came to mind. The death penalty will always be a a very opinionated and heated topic. One side to the debate is that no human being should have the right to legally end another human’s life. The other side is that justice should be served to people who have committed murder through the loss of their own lives. Matt Fowler was acting through this mindset, believing his mind would not be at rest until his son’s murderer was also dead. Matt’s actions in the end were extremely illegal, and in my opinion do not serve justice. So how is the death penalty justifiable? I think this question can easily rise from this short story.

I found it interesting how many tragedies Dubus had to endure throughout his life. I believe “Killings,” directly connected with Dubus’ sister’s rape. The incident affected him throughout his life, and I am sure he wanted revenge on his sister’s rapist. Possibly, the story was a way for Dubus to deal with his thoughts and ethics in relation to his sister’s tragedy.

Literary Analysis: "The Story of an Hour"

As I opened the book and skimmed over “The Story of an Hour,” the first thing I noticed was how short it was. I did not think the story would be very descriptive or interesting because of it’s length, but that was far from the truth. The story expressed the emotions of women during the 19th century. When Mrs. Mallard is told of her husband’s death, she is first overwhelmed with tears. After the initial shock, she begins to see his death as an opportunity for freedom. This sense of freedom is expressed through the symbolism of the open window she stares through in the hour she believes her husband is dead.
As Mrs. Mallard looks out the window she sees all things associated with joy and happiness. I believe the window acts as a door to a new world. A world of freedom and independence for Mrs. Mallard. She dreamed of “spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own,” where her actions would not be controlled by her husband. 

I think it was very daring of Kate Chopin to write a story about a wife being happy about her husband’s death, especially during this time period. I am sure it was widely criticized by men, and secretly appreciated by women during the late 1800’s. The story opens readers to the possible mindsets of oppressed women during this time. Chopin’s story also introduces the thought of feminism and independent women. 

For me, the most moving part of the entire story was the last couple of sentences. For the majority of the story you are reading about Mrs. Mallard’s dreams now that her husband is dead, and in the matter of sentences, her husband returns home and she dies. It think the suddenness of her death shows her extreme disappointment now that her dreams for independence are gone. This story is very moving and at the same time, very controversial.

Literary Analysis: "A Rose for Emily"

I had read “A Rose for Emily” during high school, so I was prepared for the odd plot and disturbing realization of Homer Barron in the ending. When I first read the short story a couple years ago my main thoughts were that this story was extremely different and Faulkner was a very interesting, as well as odd, writer. While reading “A Rose for Emily,” for the second time, I found my self much more interested in the story overall. I was mainly concerned with Miss Emily’s feelings and emotions throughout her life.

The point of view used in this story caused me to feel extremely sorry for Miss Emily. The way Faulkner presented the point of view from an outsider, or neighbor, judging Miss Emily constantly throughout the years, created sympathy in me for Miss Emily. As a reader, I did not fully understand Miss Emily’s thoughts or emotions, so it was hard to fully understand her as a person. Instead, I viewed her as an unfortunate and misunderstood human being.

One of my favorite symbols in the story is Miss Emily’s house. My english teacher during high school loved to stress the symbolism of how Miss Emily and the house were related deeply in the story. They both represented southern tradition in the 19th century, although the world outside the house, and outside of Emily’s mind, was changing. The sidewalk being built is a subtle example of the changing world. I think Miss Emily was scared of change, as she became extremely reclusive after her father died. As well as most likely killing her suitor, Homer Barron. I think she killed Barron in an attempt to “freeze” time.

Introduction

I love to read but I haven't been reading as much lately as I used to. Apart from school assigned reading, I do not read on a daily basis. The last book I did read was Stieg Larsson's The Girl Who Played with Fire. It is the second book in a trilogy written by a Swedish author. 

I have already read many of the assigned stories for the semester and I enjoyed many of them.  I am excited  to read new stories as well as learn more about once I have read.