Hypertext Blog Reflection

As a writer, I enjoyed the opportunity to explore this medium. Though I have always wanted to try my hand at blogging, various circumstances prevented me from doing so in the past. Therefore, once we received the assignment sheet, I looked forward to the chance to build a blog and gain experience with this internet writing. I found it interesting how this medium felt very casual, which I think, allowed me a space to almost brainstorm and consider certain topics either directly or indirectly in the text. In a similar way, it provided an easy way to consider how these discussion topics from the text relate to me and my community.  

 
I especially enjoyed the openness of the post topics. Many students prefer overtly structured questions and prompts. However, I much prefer vague instructions that allow me to explore topics and formats that I am particularly drawn to. For this reason, I did not particularly enjoy writing posts like “Close Reading for 'The Yellow Wallpaper'” in which the directions felt limiting. Nonetheless, I recognize the purpose for these posts as learning how to break down the particulars of a certain text and ensure that we, as students, are aware of the details necessary to compile sufficient interpretation of a certain work. 

On the other hand, I most enjoyed post assignments with flexible and open instructions. I felt that could bring my personality and interests into these. Some of these included “Mountains: To the Heights”,”Permanence Versus Temporary”, and “Favorite Place: Assisi”. Though I found ways to weave my voice throughout many of the posts throughout the semester, these examples really allowed me the freedom to explore      

Some weeks I enjoyed engaging very directly with the text/work, like “Girl Interrupted: A Patchwork Interpretation” and “Examining Authority and Authenticity in Circling My Mother”, and expanding discussions we had during class or pointing out places in the text/work which particularly struck me. Other weeks, I enjoyed using the blog as a way to examine time and setting. For example, in “An Interpretation of 'This is a Family in Harlem' by Jacob Lawrence", I mimicked the process we went through in class the previous day and examined Harlem Renaissance art. Though this post did not pertain directly to the text we were then reading, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, this post spoke to the time period and culture of the day. In the case of this particular post, I really saw how the blog can offer a way for us, as students, to get a comprehensive look at both the text and time period. These posts that engaged either very directly or indirectly with the text/work turned out to be some of my most well-organized and detailed posts.

There were weeks, however, during which I found it difficult to formulate a cohesive and comprehensive post. As most people, whether working or studying, can attest to, we find ourselves bombarded with many deadlines and, oftentimes, it can feel as though we might not have the time to finish our workloads. During these weeks, I found the blog to be a challenge. Although I completed all the assigned posts, I would have liked to have spent more time on a couple of them. Especially posts, like "Mountains: 'To the Heights'" (mentioned above), I felt connected to and would have liked to expand this post with more solid grounding and clear connections to "Servants of the Map" (the text we were working with at the time). Similarly, I would have also liked to read other students' blog posts and comment on them more often. 

All in all, I did truly enjoy the blog as a space to develop thoughts and interpretations. Writing via this medium for the first time provided me with a helpful opportunity and showed me various characteristics of blogging that I had not noticed before. The freedom to write without restriction motivates me want to write and work harder to create better work. I found this to be the primary challenge, that is finding the time to devote to this writing. Nevertheless, I am happy to have explored this medium for the first time and hope to find opportunities to blog.

Temporary versus Permanent

As we discussed in class the other day, the characters in the novel, Power, each hold varying opinions on whether or not he/she should hold onto the traditional roots and, if so, how to go about this. During this discussion, for me the concept of permanence versus temporary unfolded in my mind. What is permanent? Is anything permanent? In writing, here is what I have come up with. In no way is they a fully conclusive answer. However, it begins to scratch the surfaces of these questions:

Permanence. As humans, we can never fully comprehend the meaning of this because no earthly object, situation, or person is permanent. Earth is not permanence. Rather, earth is a temporary environment. Each day, our lives shift. We become different with each passing second. We always change. Our minds constantly transform, perhaps for the better and sometimes for the worse. No, as humans, we cannot completely understand the meaning of permanence. We cannot relate to it. We can empathize with this feeling, but nothing here on earth will last. 

Temporary. This is what we know. In the moments that this becomes starkly apparent, that nothing can be permanent, a kind of fear can build in our chests, making us desperate for the permanent, for the eternal. But we have been given permanence. As a Catholic Christian, I believe the permanence lies in God and the promise of eternal life. Yet, for now, on earth, we are temporary. We know only temporary. The temporary makes us fear, but we must have hope because we have already been promised Permanence.  

Mountains: "To the Heights"

"The hills are alive with the sound of music"-- mountains seem to fill us with a sense of solitude and peace. They allow us to see all that sits below, providing us with the perfect vantage point. But at the same time, the mountains leave us awestruck, as if we cannot and do not want to think at all. The majesty and grandeur clear us thought. Once arrived at the top (or near the top or even just in the midst) of the mountain, we find ourselves changed. We are different from the way we were. Why is this? Why do the mountains supply our minds with this growth, this maturity? We are most likely at the top for just a moment, but still our souls feel as if it has spent eternity in peace. Perhaps this is not the sensation you feel in the presence of mountains. However, it is for me and has been since the first time I found myself surrounded by the Swiss Alps and eventually closer to the tops. It brings on the feeling that you are disconnected from the earth and the problems below. The mountains allow us to escape, allow our minds to float, freeing them from burden. You feel untouchable, invincible.

Blessed Pier Giorgi found particular spiritual solace amidst the mountains. His famous words "Verso l'alto" or in English "To the Heights" captures his love for the mountains.

http://catholicexchange.com/11-reasons-love-bl-pier-giorgio-frassati

Sarah in the opening of "Translations"

Sarah's speech impediment and inability to speak directly relate to this tale of miscommunication and turbulence between the Irish and the English. This play hinges on the Irish and English characters' acceptance and/or rejection of the opposite culture's language. Sarah, an Irish woman, cannot speak. She is barred from doing so because of her speech impediment. In the opening scene, she says little and other characters often assume her opinion or move her one way or the other. Other than Manus, who assists her in overcoming this speech impediment, the opening scene does not focus on her.
In a sense, she seems caught in the middle between this disagreement of language. Sarah remains dependent on the teachers to show her and coach her into speaking. Thus, amidst the argument over whether or not to learn English, Sarah must depend on the others.

Film Response to Persepolis

As I watched the film version of Persepolis, the masterful use of color struck me and impacted my understanding of the theme. The very first scene of the film Marjane, now a young adult, waits in the airport. This scene is shown in color. Soon, the narration begins and Marjane tells the audience of her past as a young girl growing up in Iran during the revolution. This portion of the story is told with black and white images. Later on in the tale, when she reaches the moment of her sitting in the airport, the black and white becomes color images once again.

This transition from black and white to color images not only operates as an effective time marker, but also, I believe, has a distancing effect, wherein Marjane, as well as the audience, seems to present a disconnect between the tumultuous and violent environment in Iran during her childhood and what Iran has become once she has returned as a young adult. Like Marjane, we see this Iran as a new place. We, like the narrator, do not know what to expect.  

In the moments characterized in black and white, the artist's ability to visually tell this story using various shades of gray, black, and white and, while doing so, capture the power and gravity of the situation of Iran during the revolution. It seemed that perhaps the author's meaning came across more pointedly using black and white images here. The audience was not distracted by the colorful terrors of revolution (i.e. blood, guts, etc.) and could really focus in on the events and their significance.

Censorship of "Persepolis": A Discussion

Marjane Satrapi's collection of graphic novels recounts her experiences as a young girl growing up in Iran during the 1980's. During this time, the Iranian Revolution and war with Iraq both occurred. It seems to me to be the story of a girl discovering her identity, as an Iranian, but also as a woman and human being. Why then did the CPS ban this book from 7th grade classrooms? Perhaps this decision came from the perspective that the novel and its subject matter is much more heavy  than it appears. In many ways, though this is a graphic novel, "The Complete Collection of Persepolis," contains several adult themes. It tells the story of war and various tragic events that happen to Marjane, the protagonist. Perhaps those who made this decision are also concerned that the teaching of this novel might be taken as a truth, rather than as one person's experience.

I have not decided whether or not I agree with CPS's decision. However, I can say that this novel did not scream "uplifting" to me. Yes, by the end of the novel, Marjane has come to understand herself and maintains her Iranian pride- both good conclusions. Nonetheless, the scenes in the novel are certainly heavy and I am not sure that the ending sentiment outweighs the sentiment throughout.  

Examining Authority and Authenticity in "Circling My Mother"

Mary Gordon utilizes this novel as a way to understand and unpack her relationship with her mother. Thus, the piece itself addresses her authority and authenticity in telling this novel.

The authority of Gordon's voice and her handle on this become clear as the novel goes on. The honesty of her voice gives allows the reader to know exactly what Gordon is thinking or feeling. Her writing is raw, so she even questions her authority in being able to tell this story and her experiences. Occasionally, she questions whether or not she has the right to talk about her mother and tell her story. For example, she says, "How is it possible to speak of a mother's body? Possible, that is, without betrayal... How can a daughter talk about a mother's body?" (215). By questioning these, she seems to questions her authority at times.

Given the nature of the story, her mother's struggle with polio and the excessive way Gordon details the effects of her disease, Gordon's honesty seems to speak to her authenticity in telling this story. She is not holding any specifics back. This could possibly mean that she uses this excessive detail as a way to forgo addressing the heart of the matter. However, I do not believe this is the case. She writes honestly, as if she writes in order to comprehend her relationship with her mother and even Gordon herself.              

An Interpretation of "This is a Family Living in Harlem" by Jacob Lawrence

Per our class discussion on Tuesday, I decided that today's blog post would take a look at another example of Harlem Renaissance art. The painting above, by Jacob Lawrence, is entitled "This is a Family Living in Harlem."

The most prominent feature of this photo seems to be the slimness of everything. Even the vertical alignment of the painting seems to emphasize. In particular, the table where the family sits does not take up much space in the room. The narrowness of the painting seems to accentuate the bareness of the apartment. On the walls hangs only a simple, small black coat and a rickety-looking broom leans against the wall. These items show that the family works and works tirelessly. The curtains appear slightly tattered at its edges and frames the bleak purple-gray outside the window. Perhaps this dim color could represent the hopelessness that closes in upon the family, upon the apartment. The family sits around the table with a fairly meager meal. The mother and father seem tired with hunched postures. While her family eats, the mother coddles her baby in her arms. Her work is not done. She is not at rest, none of them seem to be. Although they sit and eat, even the children look as if they are performing a chore. Their lives seem to be filled with chores. There is no life in this photo. If we could hear the conversation going on at this table, I believe this too, like the apartment, would be sparse and tired. Perhaps, the baby would be crying.

But, yet, I see hope in this painting. Even though the family appears downtrodden and the apartment lacking in life and fullness, I am encouraged that they sit together and share a meal. This is a priority for the parents, being together with their children and providing what they can for them, even if this is a meager meal. Despite the commotion of their lives, they sit together every evening (perhaps) and share each other's company. They struggle, but they struggle together.

The title of the painting, "This is a Family Living in Harlem," seems to me like it is announcing a PSA. It suggests that this is only one example of a black family living in these poor conditions in Harlem, that if one were to look through the windows of any Harlem apartment, he/she would see this same scene. It bids the audience, "Look at this situation. This should not be happening. Do something about it."

Photo Credit: http://www.bandagedear.com/category/world-culture/african-american-culture/african-american-family-art

Letter to Myself, a Freshman Belle: Balance and Breathe

Dear Freshman Belle,

Breathe. College seems overwhelming, but your experience depends on what you want to get out of it and where you devote your time. It seems as if things are coming at you for every which way and you cannot control any of them. New classes, new peers, new roommates, new meal plan, new home-- all of that comes at you is new. Don't get me wrong, many, many things about this year are in fact new to you. However, if you take the time to look around, you will hopefully see that even if some things appear differently, there are some things that have not changed. For example, a hard workout and a long nap will do wonders to stress. Balance holds the key to your success.

Don't feel as though you must hastily squeak by in a schedule of running here and there, every which way. Take control of your schedule. Take control of your time. This is the most precious tool you have to succeed. And this does not mean you should spend every waking hour in the library. But it also does not mean you should spend hours and hours on Netflix or goofing off with your roommates. Both these activities-- work and play-- are important and should be balanced because one without the other will only lead you down a rabbit hole of more stress. Breathe.

Don't feel as though you have to meet your besties right away. You will find them when you open yourself up to opportunities and allow your real personality to show through. In this new place, everyone wants friends. This is of course a good thing, a wonderful thing. You will find people who you will come to love and cherish, people that you will stay up all night talking to because you've lost track of the time, people who will read over your papers, people who will treat you to frozen yogurt and listen to you when something has gone wrong. You will find your besties. However, it may not happen right now and those people might not be who you first expect. Be open and be you. Breathe.

Many, many amazing experiences await you. Learn courage to put yourself out there and act on the opportunities that come your way. Learn wisdom to know the difference between gold and its impostors. Learn patience to maintain peace within yourself and enjoy the present moment. You will learn many things over the course of your college career. You will be inspired, you will fail at times, you will depend on others at times, and others will depend on you.

Wake up each day with joy and gratitude. Call Mom and cry when you need to. Pray daily. Reach out to the people around you. Go out on a limb. Smile and have confidence to grow. Breathe

All is well, Freshman Belle,
Elizabeth

"Girl, Interrupted": Patchwork of Interpretation

Suzanna is a girl, displaced.

When she arrives at the psychiatric ward, Suzanna feels as if she doesn't belong. This new place feels unstable, the other young women and girls who surround her seem to be in their own little worlds. Suzanne denies that she  However, as we had seen in previous scenes, she does not feel as if she fits into the world outside the ward either. She searches for connection wherever she can find it. Before being admitted to the ward, she has slept with two men, one of whom is a friend of her parents. Oftentimes, she gazes off from the action of realtime. Similar to the other young women in the ward, she appears trapped in her own little world on certain occasions moments. At her high school graduation, her thoughts distract her and she fails to hear the principle calling her to the stage.She tends to draw inward and retreat to the world inside of her, neglecting the world outside of herself.


Suzanna is a girl, misunderstood.

The therapist diagnoses her with Borderline Personality. Convinced that they do not understand her, Suzanna refutes their ideas and diagnosis. Yet, she too, does not understand herself. As if the cloudy air which surround her head mirrors her internal confusion, Suzanna constantly smokes and is rarely seen without a cigarette. Her habit reveals her agitation and internal distress. Upon first meeting her roommate, Georgiana, Suzanna glances over at Georgiana and sees that she reads a book entitled The Patchwork Girl of Oz. In the moment, Suzanna believes that the other patients at the ward are this way, "patchworks." Yet, she appears to convince herself that she is not this way, a patchwork, someone who "deserves" to be misunderstood, that there is no reason why she should be ousted and disconnected from reality.

Suzanna is a girl, interrupted.

As the taxi car drives her from the ward, we see a clear change in this young woman. She has become more connected, developed friendships, and learned to channel her thoughts into her passion (writing). Yet, she is still a girl, interrupted. She remains a "patchwork" and her borderline personality disorder has not simply disappeared into thin air. Her story simply accentuated the human experience of misunderstanding and interruption. In reality, we are all "patchworks" and conglomerations of various identities and experiences. Similar to every person who wakes up in the morning, Suzanna faces confusion and distraction. Temptation to hide away from difficulties she encounters bids her to fall into this trap. She desires to stow away within herself, feeling constantly interrupted by the outside world. Yet, through the friendships and experiences she has had during her year-long hiatus at the ward, her tendency to turn blindly inward and ignore the outside world, has been interrupted. Her experience has refreshed her perspective.

Close Reading for "The Yellow Wallpaper"

Step 1:

The speaker is a woman, perhaps in her 30's. Her and her husband, John have rented a summer home. She journals about the house. She has recently had a child and suffers from postpartum depression. Continually, those around the woman tell her that she must rest and do no work, that she must restrain her intellectual activity. These messages especially come from her husband who often uses patronizing language when he speaks to her, such as "little girl." However, this lack of activity only makes her depression worse. She grows entranced by the wallpaper and begins to believe that there are many women hiding in there, creeping around her. At the end, John walks in and is horrified by the site of her imaginations, thought to be real by her. He faints and she must "creep over him."

Step 2:

Just as the narrator becomes deeper and deeper in her head and her imaginations grow into convictions, the tone of the story becomes more and more narrow and the emotions heighten. The reader notices how the woman depression become worse. At first she is in-tuned with the world outside of her, noticing various details of the house. Yet, her disease continues to progress and she turns inward and focuses in on the wallpaper. She makes this secretive and becomes possessive of it. She convinces herself that there are women hiding in the wallpaper. As she "[creeps] over [her husband]" at the end of the story, she becomes likened to these women of her imaginations.

Step 3:

Charlotte Perkins achieves the effects that I mentioned in the previous steps mostly through her use of language and through the narrator's relationship to other characters in the story. In the beginning of the story, aside from the moments when she comes right out and says that she has a nervous disorder, there are subtle hints of her nervousness. For example, she says "I meant to be such a help to John, such a real rest comfort, and here I am a comparative burden already!" She has some anxious moments like this in which she relates her nervousness to the other characters. However, as the story continues on, her nervousness turns inward. She grows possessive over her imaginations of the women in the wallpaper. She does not want John and her sister in law to find out. At this point she distances herself from them. She goes even so far as to lock the door to keep the other characters out of the room. Rather than finding pleasure in being in communion with other characters, he focus turns to the women she imagines in the wallpaper. In fact, she becomes one of them at the end.  

Step 4:
The narrator has become engulfed by her depression. This has become her world. At the end of the story, she is no longer an active player in the world. Rather, to this world she is passive, a part of the wallpaper. She creeps about, disconnected and isolated.    

Give Her Some Room

A room of one's own and 500lbs. This is what Virginia Wolf insists that all women need in order to be able to write fiction. But, as we discussed in class, these three factors (a room of one's own, 500lbs, and fiction) can an are different depending on the person. Each person carries with him or her a different combination of talents, experiences, tendencies, etc. Thus, the path, then can never be the same. Sure, there may be similarities from path to another, but each is never exactly the same. You may be thinking, "I've heard this before. Yes, we already know that each person is unique. Yada yada yada." But, I'd like to discuss this idea as it pertains to women. It is important to state that women don't all want the same things. We each have different goals. However, it is equally important to note that we all desire, that it's only the "something" which differs from person to person. Given that we all desire, we must back each other up (help a sister out).

Sometimes, it is women who limit and underestimate other women's capabilities (sometimes even our own), not always men. 

As women continue to achieve and break glass ceilings, we must recognize what Virginia did, that we hold the power to change our circumstances and gain what we want out of life. For Virginia, this meant publishing fiction. For another, it could mean any number of things. Yet, as women, we have to have enough respect for one another to encourage those various desires, to offer one another a room of one's own and 500lbs. The rest is up to each woman.

Favorite Place: Assisi

I walked down the street. The streets of Assisi winded, inclined, and declined. The cobblestone beneath my feet mirrored the brick and stone houses and shops surrounding me on all sides. When I looked above I saw the clear blue sky and felt the sun’s rays soak into my sink. Though the stone walls appeared similar from building to building, each door had a distinctive exterior. Most stood rather short. Some dazzled with ornate wood carvings and handiwork, others seemed more simple. I never knew how many ways to decorate a door there actually were until I came to this city. I felt as though time had reversed itself. 

A simple plane ride could take me to another city filled with electronic signs and brightly lit advertisements adorning nearly every glass and cement building in sight. Here, in Assisi, I could feel a peace wash over me as I continued to walk down the street, nearing the curve. I wondered what laid beyond that curve. The welcoming sense of mystery excited me. Somehow, I felt untouchable, in a place where the pace was as sweet and as slow as the honey being mass produced in factories around the world that very minute.   

As I rounded the corner of the street, the majestic hillside landscape entranced me. The fields appeared spotted here and there with farmhouses. This astounding view mesmerized my eyes and its serene aura filled my soul. This place must be a dream.