A Fence Between Father and Son

It is obvious in Act I: Scene I of Fences, that Troy and his oldest son, Lyons, have very different ideas concerning life. Their relationship reminds me of Mama and Walter Jr.'s relationship in A Raisin in the Sun. Mama was thankful for the idea of freedom that was so monumental in previous years, and she could barely comprehend Walter's yearning for upward mobility and wealth. Troy obviously wants the best for his son. He believes hard work will put food on the table and provide security. He is part of a generation that held great pride in a steady job. Lyons represents a new age of African American youth. He believes whole-heartedly in leading a fulfilling life; however, he wants to do it through a career in music, of which his father does not approve. So far in the play, it seems that this gap between the old and the new cannot be bridged. Troy is too stubborn in his ideals to support Lyons; and Lyons's is not willing to give up on his dreams. Even though this father son interaction was short in scene one, it seems to represent a theme that may come up later in the play. With the two apparent generations existing close to one another it will be hard to avoid clash of opinion. We have already learned that through this scene that there is no stopping progress and change; particularly, the progress and change of a group that was kept from moving forward against its will for such a long time.

Persuasion

I have fallen in love with the character of Anne Elliot. She is a typical strong and smart Jane Austen woman. For me, Persuasion moved much faster than Pride and Prejudice. I thought the themes were much more interesting and exciting. The relationship between Anne and Captain Wentworth kept me on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the novel. There were so many subtle twists and turns of the plot, and happenings of fate that made the two characters irresistible. At times, I was very much in doubt of the two ever truly admitting their love for one another, but Austen's plot kept my hope alive. I love that this novel is one of second chances. Even though Anne thought she had forever brushed off the love of her life because of the persuasion of others, she was still given a second chance at that love later in her life. Anne Elliot disproves all that was thought of "older women" in her time period. She is a beautiful, witty, and simply irresistible female protagonist.

Hamlet Act III Question

1. Hamlet contemplates the loaded choice between life and death in his famous soliloquy. He must choose between living life amidst those who he hates the most: namely King Claudius. He must also choose whether he wants to live with himself, who he considers a coward for not taking avenging his father; or kill himself to escape the pain of his situation. Hamlet vacillates between eternal sleep, and the foreboding thought of never-ending nightmares. He is very afraid of the "undiscovered country from whose bourn/ No traveler returns," yet it is so within his reach. Hamlet ultimately decides in the end of his speech that the conscience overshadows all. No matter how resolute the act of suicide was in his mind, Hamlet could not commit the act for fear of it being a sin.

Thoughts on Oedipus

A distinct combination of pain, suffering, and the far-fetched makes Oedipus a tragedy that will stand the test of time. Even though, this story is set in fifth century Greece it is still one of the world's most well known plays. I believe this is due to the fact that in a relatively short amount of time, the story comments on a full spectrum of human emotion.

We first see Oedipus as the noble king. The one who can do no wrong, and had previously saved Thebes from the song of the sphinx. He searches for a way to save his city from illness and sterility no matter the consequence; which is why the play's ending carries such resounding sadness. The play is so emotional because of Oedipus's likability. Despite all of his wrongs: unknowingly killing his father, marrying his mother, and fathering his siblings; I still feel sympathy for Oedipus at the play's ending. Only a truly great and complex character could withstand all of those horrific actions. The Oedipus we know as a king and a hero contrasts so heavily with the Oedipus we meet in the end that we as readers are torn in two directions. One, towards Oedipus the just man who saved Thebes from the sphinx; the second towards Oedipus the murderer and committer of incest. There was know way for Oedipus to foretell what would befall him. The play is so dramatic because we as an audience start to realize who Oedipus really is before he does. It is hard to tell whether or not he is in denial for most of the play. It is obvious that he would die before admitting these horrific acts; however, he will not let himself reach the realization that he is the murderer of Laios his father, and husband of Iocaste, his mother.

Oedipus's final act of self-punishment was the most tragic action of the play. To him, the pain of stabbing out his own eyes could not hurt more than the destruction of his and his families honor. This fact makes Oedipus a truly deep and relatable character. He hated himself so much that he does not believe he deserves to see the world or any of its beauty again. He was blind in his hunt for the murderer of Kind Laios, so he forces himself to physically take his own sight because of his ignorance. I do not think I will ever make a finite decision about Oedipus's character. He was a well intentioned ruler, whom the fates picked for destruction.

Eyes: Chapters 13, 14, 15

13:
Tea Cake is the exact opposite of each man that has been apart of Janie's life. He is the redemption of her long forgotten vision of the "pear tree;" perfect in all of his imperfection. At first, I was skeptical of this new youngster who was set on marrying Janie. However, after we find out he did not maliciously steal her money, I started to reform my opinion. He undoubtedly engages in somewhat impulsive and risky behavior, yet he still seems to capture Janie's heart. His actions may have been immature, but his intentions were kind. He aims to make Janie as happy as she has made him. The contrast between Tea Cake and Jody, makes the former an even more likable and trustworthy character. Tea Cake is honest and fair, telling Janie that, "When I ain't got nothin', you don't git nothin'." He is full of the ideas and passion, which are starting to be reborn inside of Janie. She is finding herself again, with Tea Cake by her side. She feels what she can only describe as a "self crushing love" for him. And because of this, in the chapter's final paragraph, Janie's "soul crawled out from its hiding place."

14:
Janie and Tea Cake journey to the Everglades. They do not know what to expect, but it does not really seem to matter. This is where it is obvious that Janie comes into her own. She and Tea Cake find themselves a home, and Tea Cake secures a bean picking job. Tea Cake taps a hidden talent of Janie's, a "man's" talent no less, of shooting. He treats her as an equal; as both a friend and a wife. It is obvious that he does not expect her to be submissive. He goes as far as to take her out to pick beans with him. Janie is finally experiencing the give-and-take relationship, similar to the bee and the blossom, that captivated her as a teenager. Tea Cake does not expect or ask for any more than her love and presence. The love that they share seems to draw all of the workers to their porch. Right in their front yard the two stumble upon a hidden culture; one of poverty, pain, and the blues, and also an intensely irresistible happiness.

15:
Chapter 15 is brief, but it summarized a lot about Janie and Tea Cake's relationship. It is obviously about the passion and love the two share for one another. It is again an example of give-and-take, this time coupled with raw emotion. What does everyone else think of Chapter 15's powerful three pages?

After reading this section of the novel it was hard to stop smiling. Hurston honestly communicates the joy that exists between the two individuals, which resulted in a very emotional response in me personally. Janie has found the love that has always eluded her; a love that each of us only dreams of. How did everyone else feel about this section?

That Time of Year Will Forever Remind Me of You

You tell me you are dying; that the passion, light, and vigor will soon be forever gone from your being. I refused to believe this. I saw in you a flame that would never expire.

I breathe in the cold air. I have always loved the fall. However, this year does not feel the same as those past. I do not feel the same excitement of the changing weather, or the blissful anticipation of the holidays. I only smell our stale home, which was once full of life.

That time of year, just before winter settles into its white slumber, will always remind me of you.

For almost a year, I was forced to slowly watch the light fade from your eyes. The man that I had started a life with was physically shrinking before me. I knew that your pain was unbearable. You stayed strong until the end, my love. I wish I could say that I was as brave. I was very hard on you during your last few months; telling you over and over to keep fighting, to never give up. I only wanted to keep you from fading away; I wanted you to stay with me, even though it was hurting you. The fear of not being with you was blinding. Out of selfishness, I had stifled our love; the only sliver of light attainable in the growing darkness. For this I can never forgive myself. In the end, I showered you with all the affection my heart could give. The love you had needed all along. I would never again feel your touch, or hear your voice; I accepted this. I knew that you would never truly leave me. You would stay eternally in my heart, your spirit living on in my memories. I whispered these thoughts in your ear. You turned to me, a smile flashed momentarily across your lips, and then you were gone.

Walking through the streets, I imagine that you are next to me, your stride in synch with mine. I sense you in every falling leaf, and the setting sun. I walk towards that familiar smell of snow yet to fall, not worried about where it will lead me. I cannot help replaying the end of our time together in my mind. You must know that it no longer brings me sadness or regret. I revel in the love we shared and, the thought that we will meet again.

You once told me that the youth I had fallen in love with was gone, that he no longer exuded the same passion; you told me that you were sorry. In my mind, you will always remain the ardent young man who swept me off my feet. Neither night, nor sleep, nor death can alter this.

I will love you forever, even though you left me all too soon.

Chapter 2: Different Types of Education

Richard is a curious child. He is eager to count, read, and is constantly questioning the world around him. These questions, combined with particular family circumstances, lead him to discover very complex, emotional truths about his community at a very young age. In chapter two, Richard begins to uncover the distinctions between "black" and "white," along with the fear associated with these distinctions. Richard's education concerning the importance of money is also heavily emphasized in this section. While Richard is learning about these very "adult" issues, he also is still learning lessons considered normal for a child to learn.

On page 49, Richard learns the basic childhood lesson of what happens when you smash a bee between your hands.

On pages 54-55, Richard experiences "white" violence related to the death of his Uncle Hoskins.

On pages 67-68 and 62-64, he learns what actions individuals will take in order to make a living, and/or simply provide food for themselves.