Sometimes, friendships slowly drift apart as each day passes, while both people grow into themselves and realize their differences. In the adapted short story "And Summer Is Gone" by Susie Kretschmer, two somewhat inseparable friends, Amy and David, become autonomous as they grow from adolescents into young adults. Both characters have very established personalities right from the beginning; Amy is very intrepid and a extroverted young girl, and David is an artistic and poetic boy with introverted attributes. Although, these two characters are opposite in nature, that is partly why they were able to become such great friends.
The confidence and sociability Amy holds as a young girl in the summer is outstanding. In Amy and David's first encounter, Amy is able to jump "agilely over the exposed water meter and [look] right into [David's] face"(2). She shows this sense of audacity through the means of exploring the creek, being able to gain the adoration of the young David and by knowing who she is and being comfortable with it. As Amy grows, she seems to lose her confidence and replace it with her insecurities, but throughout the entire story, she still carries her extroverted qualities. Even as Amy and David drift apart as school begins and become more mature, Amy still has a group a friends "Kelli, Lori, Shelli, Tammi, Lani, Terri- and Ami"(3).
David, on the other hand is a very abstract boy who has few friends, but holds the ones he has very closely and is okay with not having many. His artistic abilities shine through in various situations where he creates images depicting the Aztec style with Amy. Also at the art museum where his painting of "a great Aztec pyramid under oily black storm clouds"(4) is presented and awarded for the second consecutive year. David is an introvert as well who is able to admit this himself. Further on in the story he reflects on both Amy and his conflicting personalities by saying "I hid alone- she went to every party"(4). This is substantial evidence that David is an introvert and knows he is.
Although David and Amy's personalities are somewhat mismatched, they are able to look past their differences and have great amounts of fun together. Creating, learning and sharing things together during the hot summer days down at the creek, it seems as though their friendship would last forever. However, as they both mature, David becomes more confident with himself and Amy seems to become diffident due to the pressure of high school. Amy doesn't want to be seen around David, and although this may crush his heart, he realizes that he can't change this and moves on.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Lottery
Although traditions are closely related to human history, some traditions are completely irrational and defy the laws of evolution, because as humans evolve, learn and create, traditional acts can often delay this process. In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, a small town maintain an annual tradition that some fear, but are required to take part in. Although the tradition has remained intact over countless years and will continue for some time, it is apparent that as each year passes, a few people have become very resentful towards the lottery.
There is evidence that shows the tradition will continue on, regardless of how some people feel towards it. One of the most significant pieces of evidence supporting this belief is the fact that the tradition has been instilled into the next generation of participants who have not acquired the brain capacity to reject this concept. A few children even went to the extent of making a "pile of stones in one corner of the square"(147) to prepare for the annual event. Also, many people have learnt to accept the tradition, and it has become a source of entertainment for them, and although many of the towns people have forgotten the original ritual and black box, "they still remembered to use stones"(154). This being said, the heart of the tradition weather it be entertainment, brutality or self sacrifice, is still alive.
Indubitably, the Lottery will continue for many years to come, it is noticeable that an end will eventually come to the tradition. Some of the towns people have become disinterested in the tradition and other towns "have already quit lotteries"(152). This being the case, people may become influenced by others and consider the idea of change and abolish the tradition all together. Furthermore, as some people feel the need to change things, the some of the people keeping the tradition established have completely forgotten about "the original paraphernalia for the lottery"(148).
The lottery will be held annually for now, but there may come a day when the tradition is turned away by it's participants. This is because as each generation passes, there might be one that disregards this practice and views it differently from the rest. It is already apparent that some of the villagers feel animosity towards the lottery. Just like the creators of this tradition, it will inevitably come to an end.
There is evidence that shows the tradition will continue on, regardless of how some people feel towards it. One of the most significant pieces of evidence supporting this belief is the fact that the tradition has been instilled into the next generation of participants who have not acquired the brain capacity to reject this concept. A few children even went to the extent of making a "pile of stones in one corner of the square"(147) to prepare for the annual event. Also, many people have learnt to accept the tradition, and it has become a source of entertainment for them, and although many of the towns people have forgotten the original ritual and black box, "they still remembered to use stones"(154). This being said, the heart of the tradition weather it be entertainment, brutality or self sacrifice, is still alive.
Indubitably, the Lottery will continue for many years to come, it is noticeable that an end will eventually come to the tradition. Some of the towns people have become disinterested in the tradition and other towns "have already quit lotteries"(152). This being the case, people may become influenced by others and consider the idea of change and abolish the tradition all together. Furthermore, as some people feel the need to change things, the some of the people keeping the tradition established have completely forgotten about "the original paraphernalia for the lottery"(148).
The lottery will be held annually for now, but there may come a day when the tradition is turned away by it's participants. This is because as each generation passes, there might be one that disregards this practice and views it differently from the rest. It is already apparent that some of the villagers feel animosity towards the lottery. Just like the creators of this tradition, it will inevitably come to an end.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Literary Essay-The Painted Door
Marriage in itself, is an act of devotion and passion to another being, and if this doesn't remain constant in matrimony, it's foundation is destined collapse upon itself. In "The Painted Door" ; a short story by Sinclair Ross, a dispirited and stagnant married couple faces their fate on an isolated farm in which they struggle to make their living with. John's wife, Ann, finds herself deeply attracted to John's friend Steven. Although Ann is at first deemed responsible for her husbands death, John is also partly responsible for his own tragic end.
Ann is partly responsible for John's death. Throughout the story, you learn that Ann isn't happy with John, doesn't truly love John, and is married to him just for the sake of being married. Due to the fact that she is much younger than John, she finds him to be " a slow unambitious man, content with his farm and cattle"(367). For this reason alone Ann should have never married John in the first place. Ann knows all along where a card game with the young and attractive Steven is leading, because as Steven carried out the daily chores, "she changed into another dress, [with her] hair rearranged, [and] a little flush of colour in her face"(367). It is apparent that she is trying to look enticing to Steven and willing to explore the boundaries of her obsolete marriage.
John is also responsible for his own tragic ending. He is a very simple farmer, who put's all of his effort into his crops to satisfy the needs and wants of Ann, while simultaneously forgetting to enjoy life with Ann. He often finds himself over worked to show his dedication to his wife, even when the most dedication you can show to your partner is by giving your full attention and communicating with them. Ann often feels isolated and questions"why sit trying to talk with a man who never talked?"(368). John either forgot or never realized, that in order to have a healthy marriage, strong communication must be a significant aspect in your relationship. John also says to Ann "You haven't seen anybody but me for the last two weeks"(388) and this shows that Ann is situated in a very isolated environment due to John's persistent and stubborn behaviour in trying to create a something extravagant for Ann in an area where it was almost impossible to do so.
As the redundant process of John driving the "horses in the field"(367) as Ann "milked the cows and hoed potatoes"(367) continued, Ann would inevitably rebel and finally search for life in an isolated environment. As she took action to discover something new, John proves his loyalty to come back home and experiences what he felt is the ultimate betrayal, while his hands were pressed against the painted door.
Ann is partly responsible for John's death. Throughout the story, you learn that Ann isn't happy with John, doesn't truly love John, and is married to him just for the sake of being married. Due to the fact that she is much younger than John, she finds him to be " a slow unambitious man, content with his farm and cattle"(367). For this reason alone Ann should have never married John in the first place. Ann knows all along where a card game with the young and attractive Steven is leading, because as Steven carried out the daily chores, "she changed into another dress, [with her] hair rearranged, [and] a little flush of colour in her face"(367). It is apparent that she is trying to look enticing to Steven and willing to explore the boundaries of her obsolete marriage.
John is also responsible for his own tragic ending. He is a very simple farmer, who put's all of his effort into his crops to satisfy the needs and wants of Ann, while simultaneously forgetting to enjoy life with Ann. He often finds himself over worked to show his dedication to his wife, even when the most dedication you can show to your partner is by giving your full attention and communicating with them. Ann often feels isolated and questions"why sit trying to talk with a man who never talked?"(368). John either forgot or never realized, that in order to have a healthy marriage, strong communication must be a significant aspect in your relationship. John also says to Ann "You haven't seen anybody but me for the last two weeks"(388) and this shows that Ann is situated in a very isolated environment due to John's persistent and stubborn behaviour in trying to create a something extravagant for Ann in an area where it was almost impossible to do so.
As the redundant process of John driving the "horses in the field"(367) as Ann "milked the cows and hoed potatoes"(367) continued, Ann would inevitably rebel and finally search for life in an isolated environment. As she took action to discover something new, John proves his loyalty to come back home and experiences what he felt is the ultimate betrayal, while his hands were pressed against the painted door.
Literary Rules
The Literary Essay
The purpose of the literary essay is to analyze or interpret a work of poetry or prose using TEXT SUPPORT and quotations to support your thesis.
Follow these guidelines when writing a literary essay:
The Introduction:
1. Begin with a generalization (clincher) linked to the topic or theme of the essay. (a clincher is optional – some people are not good at writing them, in which case they can begin directly with #2).
Example of clincher from “The Painted Door”:
Marriages can sometimes involve couples who are mismatched and live miserably throughout their lives.
2. Next, write one or two sentences describing what the story is about, including the author, title, and genre of the work. (Assume the marker hasn’t read the story in about 5 years – you are “reminding” him/her of the content).
Ex.
Sinclair Ross’s short story “The Painted Door” is about an unhappily married couple who struggle to make a living on an isolated farm. Ann, the lonely wife of John, is attracted to her husband’s friend Steven.
3. Then, state your thesis:
Although Ann is often judged as the being solely to blame for her husband’s death, he is at least partly responsible for his tragic end.
The Body:
4. Support your thesis with specific examples and quotes from the text. Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that is connected to your main thesis.
Ex.
Ann is partly responsible for her husband’s death. She is terribly lonely, living with a husband who doesn’t provide her even the basic need for company. John is a workaholic. Even when the couple go out for the evening “John never dance[s] or enjoy[s] himself”(4). He is happiest when he is working alone or “standing at the window staring out across the bitter fields, to count the days and look forward to another spring”(7).
The Conclusion:
5. The conclusion can range from one sentence to several depending on the length and complexity of your essay.
Ex.
Because John’s neglects his wife’s emotional needs, he is indirectly responsible for his own tragic end.
Using Quotations in Literary Essays
The proper use of direct quotations is essential to most academic writing, particularly essays on literature.
If you argue that a character in a story is evil, can you provide evidence to support your claim? No? Then it probably isn’t true. You need to provide textual support for your thesis and incorporate this information into your essay; this will give your essay credibility.
Keep the following rules in mind when quoting literature:
1. Do not overuse quotations. Your own analysis should make up the bulk of the essay. Following is an example of quotations used appropriately. Notice that the quotations take a secondary role to the analysis. Every quotation fits smoothly into the grammar of each sentence.
The narrator is a loving mother who fears that when her daughter leaves for college they will be “parting forever” (13). She sadly tries to persuade herself to see the “house without her” (14). She is doubtful that she can exist without her child who has become as necessary as “food or air” (10). The narrator’s affection for her daughter is almost sacred; she describes her as “eohippus,” a rare, mystical creature. The mother ironically notes that seventeen years ago she “could not imagine/ life with her” (20-21) and now, after seventeen years of the “daily sight of her” (9) she can not picture herself without her. However, in the midst of her bittersweet feelings, the mother has a sudden realization: she is lucky, for she has been given the chance to raise her daughter unlike the creatures who “float away from birth” (24) from parents who will “never see them again”(26).
2) Sometimes it is necessary to insert a word or phrase into a quotation to maintain correct grammar. Enclose these words in square brackets to show that they do not appear in the original.
Ex. Original: The greasy leather orb flew like a heavy bird through the grey light.
Quotation: Stephen saw the ball as a “greasy leather orb [that] flew like a heavy bird through the grey light”(26).
3. Write in present tense. Change the following example to make it correct:
Ann was terribly lonely; she lived with a husband who didn’t provide her even the basic need for company. John was a workaholic. Even when the couple went out for the evening “John never danced or enjoyed himself”(4). He was happiest when he was working alone or “standing at the window staring out across the bitter fields, to count the days and look forward to another spring”(7).
4. Use page citations. Place the page number of the text in parentheses after the quote.
Ex. At the beginning of the story Richard “hastens to bring his sad
message”(19); at the end, Richard tries to conceal his lies.
5. If you introduce a quotation that is a complete sentence, capitalize the first letter of the quotation
Ex. Hemingway writes, “His desk is at the far end of the office,”(42) suggesting that the hotel worker is physically unavailable to the wife.
6. When you work the quotation into your own sentence, use a lowercase letter to begin the quotation.
Ex. When Hemingway writes that “his desk was at the far end of the
office,”(42) he shows that the hotel worker is physically unavailable to
the wife.
7. Incorporate quotations into your own sentences.
Weak:
Richard Cory is very polite. “He is a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1).
Also, he is good-looking, even regal-looking, “clean favoured and
imperially slim”(1.2).
Better:
Richard Cory is “a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1). Like a handsome
king, he is “clean favoured and imperially slim”(1.2).
8. Avoid using two quotations in a row. Your own commentary should bridge two quotations.
Weak:
Richard Cory is “a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1), “clean favoured and imperially slim”(1.2).
Better:
Richard Cory is “a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1). Like a handsome
king, he is “clean favoured and imperially slim”(1.2).
9. Do not use a quote that you have not introduced with your own words.
Weak:
“He is a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1). Richard Cory is good-looking, even regal-looking.
Better:
Richard Cory is “a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1).
10) Include within quotations as part of the essay any prose quotation of two or more sentences or less, and any poetry quotation of two lines or less. When quoting two lines of poetry, indicate the division between the two lines with a slash (/) and retain the original capitalization at the beginning of the second line (if it is capitalized in the original).
Ex. Donne writes, “Batter my heart, three-personed God; for you/As
yet but knock, breathe, shine and seek to mend”(1.71-72).
11) Set off from the body of the essay any prose quotations that exceed two sentences or poetry quotations that exceed two lines. Such “blocked-off” prose quotations are double-indented, single spaced, and quotation marks are not used to enclose the quotation. Blocked-off poetry quotations are centered on the page, and printed as they appear in the original, without enclosing quotation marks.
Large, blocked poetry quotations are introduced with a lead-in statement ending with a colon. Otherwise, use a comma or whatever punctuation you would use if the quotation marks were not there.
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