Metaphor

While reading Sylvia Plath’s poem, Metaphors, I became interested in her choice of words as well as the structure of the poem. Knowing that there are nine lines, each with nine syllables, I thought that despite these restrictions that better words could have better defined a woman’s pregnancy. What I mean by “better” is that the words she had chosen are not happy words. To compare a woman’s pregnant body to an elephant or a ponderous house, in my opinion, is not meant to be lighthearted, and it doesn’t describe someone who would be enjoying her pregnancy. The poem just struck me as being sorrowful, and each time I re-read it, I kept trying to understand how she felt during her pregnancy. I wanted to know more about Sylvia Plath.
In searching for information about her, I was not surprised to find that she suffered from depression and ended her own life. The saddness of this poem now is that the child she had carried for nine months within her no longer has a mother. Sylvia Plath left behind two young children at the time of her early death.

Submitted by Natalie McCann

Shakespeare

I very much liked the poem "Let me not to the marriage of true minds" by William Shakespeare. I like this very much because it talks about real true love. I am one of those people that believe in true love. Yes it is very very rare but it is possible. And when you find it that love will never die and your heart will never stop pounding. Even as time passes you by you will still have that strong passionate love you have for each other when you met forty years ago. And when things around you change and no matter where you are if you have lost each other you will never lose that love it will stay forever strong and find your way back into each others arms. I am a hopeless romantic so that poem makes me smile inside. :)

Submitted by Sherry Marshall

A Few Thoughts on "To Build a Fire"

“He was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances.”
(London p.115)- The narrator asserts that this was the man's true problem, of which he was unaware. His ability for awareness and self reflection only grow and developed the closer he gets to his end, and the essential end of the story.

Yes, the descriptors of the Yukon were cold, and beautiful - well written and vivid. What I found to be really interesting though, was how stark and cold the inner monologue of the protagonist was; a suitable parallel to the story in many ways. This simple thought process though, is what brought about his downfall. He made many, many mistakes; he was making mistakes long before he ever went out that day.

One instance that really struck me was when his hands were frozen, and his first thought was to kill the dog by brute force after tricking it to come to him. -It simply never occured to him to do things an easier way. He had never been kind to the dog, and so the dog did not trust him. He wanted to gain warmth by putting his hands inside the carcass of it's body, but he might have been better served had he curled up with, and been willing to be close to the dog.

The thing about the Yukon that differs from the protagonist is that the Yukon is far more complex, and fierce than the man expected. The man was a simple, and yet often overly confident to his own detriment. Ultimately I suspect the way in which he succumbed to the winter was probably the most graceful moment in his life.


If this story were to be set in Greece, I think it would have most of the markings of a true Aristotelian tragedy. -For example, there was the reversal of fortune brought about by hamartia, and his growing awareness throughout the story. "To Build a Fire" is a story filled with hamartia and hubris, and contains a catharsis in the conclusion where the protagonist meets his end.



The ways in which I believe this does not necessarily fit the tragedy is that the protagonist was not in a stately position to begin with, and the story was simple in it's complexity. Ultimately I think that if Greece was cold, and the man were a king, we might be able to get "To Build a Fire" to fit the mold of the Greek tragedy.


I really enjoyed "To Build a Fire" by Jack London,and I've discovered this semester that I have a great love of tragedy as well as third person omniscient narration. I like to see the bits and pieces of a work, as well as seeing the bits and pieces of the inner-workings of the characters in a given story.

Here are links to interesting websites devoted to all things Jack London: http://london.sonoma.edu/ and http://www.jack-london.org/main_e.htm

Submitted by Katherine McGondel-Wininger

The Road Not Taken

Robert Frosts poem the road not taken was an interesting poem. Out of all the poems assigned i thought it had the most meaning. Robert Frost uses two paths in his poem to talk about decisions people make. The two paths are good symobols to use for the decisions. Robert Frosts other poems were also really good. He doesn't just throw words together and try and rhyme. He writes his poems with meaning and all the poems that I read by him are meaningful and symbolise something. I reccomend his poem The Road Not taken as well as his other poems. Robert Frost is a great poet and deserves a lot of credit for his work.

Submitted by Alex Klier

Survival 101

Besides poetry, I really enjoyed Jack London's "To Build a Fire". As a child, I read White Fang, which became a favorite of mine for many reasons. The way London devotes so much of his work to describing the setting is amazing, and he does it in a way that the reader does not become bored. He keeps you following him, allowing you to immerse yourself into the story, to see the images he sets up. I was not once bored of reading "To Build a Fire", which no offense, can happen often when having to read an assignment for a class. Don't get me wrong, I love reading, but reading what I WANT to read and reading what I HAVE to read are totally different subjects. I really enjoyed this story, though, and found myself speaking out loud, becoming frustrated at the man's ignorance to the cold. Although it is "just a story", I wanted to jump through the pages & ask him why he did not listen to the advice of others! In my case, hating the cold, I'd never be there anyways, but if I was, I would heed the advice of others, and maybe take a Survival 101 class :)

Submitted by Nicole Mason

Sonny's Blues

James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues," is a very insightful story about the personal effects from drug use and recovery. This story gives a very interesting perspective of a brother trying to figure out his brother's psychological state after he goes to prison on drug charges. Over the course of the story we see how music keeps Sonny stable and allows him to express his pain and fear more safely and easily. To see this kind of personal development presented so well is rare to find. The level with which Baldwin delves into the person, rather than the entire "situation," as you see in a lot of anti-drug literature draws parallels to one of my favorite television shows, "The Wire." Just as "Sonny's Blues," explored the pain and suffering of a recovering user, "The Wire," looked at how drugs and crime in Baltimore affected specific individuals from all walks of life. I find this kind of personal perspective on such a taboo topic to be fascinating and I wish there was more literature like "Sonny's Blues."

Submitted by Anthony Cirurso

Processing "Sonny's Blues"

I very much like Baldwin's short story "Sonny's Blues. In part that is likely because I had never read anything by Baldwin before taking this class.I had previously read the other assignments for one reason or another over the years but this was new to me and so it was interesting even before opening the book. I did already know about Baldwin and for some reason had written him off as angry guy with a chip on his shoulder. There is plenty of work by angry people around so I hadn't felt the urge to make the time to read more propagandistic rants by yet another person who felt them selves to have been put upon.
But Sonny's Blues isn't like that. It is a superb description of what actually making art is really like. I didn't think that could be done. Ask any musician, visual artist, or writer you know what they think of the last page or two of this story and I bet they will tell you that it's right.

Submitted by Martha Oldham

A&P

By far, my favorite piece that I've read for this class has been "A&P" by John Updike. I really liked how each character was so real and believable. If I had to make that story into a movie, I can think of someone in my life to play each character. I like the fact that Sammy didn't "get the girl" in the end. This story was very realistic.

Submitted by Suzanne Scalf

Sonny's Blues

This story touched me deeply. It's a story of racism, suffering, and art. It shows the different ways people can go in life, and how no matter what happens, family is the most important thing we have. Having had many friends that have struggled with heroin addiction, I relate to the narrator. It is extremely difficult to understand addicts and why they make the choices they do. The hardest thing to do is watch someone you love make choices that you both know are unwise, and yet there is nothing you can do to stop them. I have had some friends survive and get clean, and others who have succumbed to their addiction (too many), and there is a lot of truth in "Sonny's Blues." Most of the time all we can do for loved ones going through this is to be there for them. Support helps them get well. I feel everyone should read this story, especially anyone that has been through a similar situation. It truly is timeless.

A version of the song Sonny performed in the jazz club at the end of the story. This is a jazz guitar take on the song by Grant Green, an amazing Blue Note Records artist. Enjoy.
Submitted by Sean Rotelli

Buffalo Bill vs Mister Death

E.E. Cummings' "Buffalo Bill's" is a poem where I admired the structure more than the content itself. It isn't a "must-read" poem and you're not really missing out on much. Note how Buffalo Bill and Mister Death are on their own lines, separate from each other. It reminds me of a western duel. If you read the poem, you'll find that the winner of the Duel is Mister Death. You could be a hero, cheat death, but you'll never beat death.

Submitted by Phesethpong Sean

Oedipus

Oedipus the King by Sophocles was a true example of a tragedy, one whose theme of fate and free will are very strong through out the play. To the Ancient Greeks, fate was a part of life, a part that was already written and sealed. One cannot escape from fate; it is a power beyond human control. But it was fate and free will that both decided the outcome of this tragedy.The outcome that befalls Oedipus is presented in a way that allows the reader to comprehend the true pain and torture that this truth has brought on. His anguish over having to put his daughters through losing their mother as well as to having to deal with their fathers public disgrace, his despair over the suicide of his wife and his loss of respect from the people he once ruled lead him to maim himself in such away that he would suffer for the rest of his life.I would recommend Oedipus the King as an interesting read, but probably would not read other works by this author unless I was required to.

Submitted by Claire Doherty

To Build A Fire

I really enjoyed this short story by Jack London. There really wasn’t a whole lot going on here, but it didn’t matter. The way he described the scenery of the Yukon, it made me feel as if I was there with this man and his dog. Towards the end of the story you could really feel the sense of urgency coming over the man as he tried frantically to build the fire that could potentially save his life. In the end he fails. I felt bad for him because he had received some good advice from an old timer that was experienced with the brutal trail. He was told not to travel alone when the temperature was to reach fifty below zero. He did anyways and it cost him his life. The dog was smart enough to keep his distance from the man as he became frantic. He realized the danger that he posed. The dog was smart enough to “cut his loses” and ditch the guy and to head for camp where food and warmth could be found. I do plan on reading more from London and I would recommend him to anyone wanting a good read.

Submitted by Dan Barrila

To Build A Fire

When I first read the title of this story, all I could think of was how boring this story would be. As I began reading, the story started getting my attention. I started to get into it and wondering what had happened to the man. The man was by himself in an extreme cold weather. He had nothing but clothes, matches, and very little food. I sort of figured he would die, but even so I still wanted to know he handled each situation he went through. I thought he was brave, but at the same time dumb because for one thing he shouldn't have made a fire under a tree full of snow. And when the part he tried to kill the dog to get warmth, I didn't know what to think of that. In the end he was frost bitten so badly, he ended up dying. I don't think I could ever see myself going through what he did. If I were him, I wouldn't even have gone out to see my friends in that kind of weather.

Submitted by Emily Tong

Oedipus the King

This play was very long but it kept me interested to see what would happen to Oedipus and the city of Thebes. I usually do not like plays like this as they are not in basic English, but I really wanted to know how Oedipus found out he killed his father. The play was very drawn out at points but the meaning and the end of the story was enjoyable. The idea where he was his brother’s father and was married to his mother was a little crazy but it made a good story. I would recommend this to a family or friend.

Submitted by Katelyn Regan

Did Not Like Menagerie

One piece that I did not enjoy in the least was The Glass Menagerie. To me the piece was dry and unappealing, dragging on for far too long and really achieving nothing. While yes, Laura does meet the man she loves, she is too late and he is marrying another woman. While yes, her brother cares about them, he will not stay, just as his father didn't stay. Their mother is self centered and does not change, and their family fights and falls apart. To me there is little to be gained, and little to enjoy, so presumably this is not something I would recommend to a friend.

Submitted by Meredith Ghilardi

Robert Frost’s Poetic Techniques Used in The Road Not Taken

I also loved The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, I loved the techniques that Frost uses to reveal the theme in his poem, which is stressing the importance the decision making of one is, regardless of whether or not it is agreement with the resolution of their peers, and how it can affect their future. The techniques exercised in this piece of work are symbolism, imagery, and tone. Symbolism is the most powerfully used technique due to the fact a good number of lines located in this poem is used to signify a certain object or idea related to our life or today’s world. Imagery is significant in drawing out the theme for the reason that it allows the reader to construct a depiction in their mind, permitting them to relate more to the poem and interpret the theme their own way. In this poem, imagery permits the reader to imagine the scene that this poem takes place in resulting in an enhanced understanding of the theme. The tone this work presents is an insecure attitude which allows the theme to be brought out due to the fact the theme relates to a dilemma in one’s life. As seen by the reader, these techniques strongly aid in the revealing of this specific theme. The first technique Frost utilizes to uncover the theme is the strongest method, symbolism.

Submitted by Marian Haroun

Annabel Lee

I never really read much poetry but I definitely enjoyed the poetry section of this course. I truly enjoyed Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe. I read in his biography that he lost many family members. In 1836 he married his 13 year cousin Virginia Clemm, she busted a blood vessel in 1842 and died five years later of tuberculosis. After his wife death he struggled with drinking and drugs. He did eventually remarry but I believe his love was still with Virginia. He wrote the poem Annabel Lee in 1849 and dedicated to Virginia. When the cemetery where she was buried was destroyed, William Fearing Gill, one of Poe's earliest biographers, rescued her remains and stored them in New York in a box under his bed. Edgar Allan Poe died in 1849 and William Fearing made arrangements to have her remains buried with Poe. Her remains were finally reburied in 1885 next to her husband.

Submitted by Sally LaFond

Pablo Neruda-Great Poetry

I must say that Pablo Neruda is one of my favorite poets. I just wish I could speak Spanish to be able to read them the way they were originally written. I had read many of his poems before (translated of course!) because my husband has a translated book of some of his love poems. It was great that I got to read one of his works for this class. On his poem "We Are Many" he talks about how the definition of ourselves consists of multiple characters. I think we can all agree on this, because we have so much that defines us. We are daughters or sons, mothers or fathers, friends, lovers, workers, etc. A different side of ourselves is shown according to what situation we're in. For example, we're "professional" at work, laid back at home, "moms" to our children, "dauthers" to our parents, and so on. And sometimes the wrong side comes out, and confuses everything. For instance, when we need to be strict with our kids, the "child" whithin us comes out and prevents us from punishing them. I think this is what Neruda talks about in his poem, how he never knows how many different people are within him; and how the wrong side always turns up.

My favorite part of the poem was:

"When everything seems to be set
to show me off as intelligent,
the fool I always keep hidden
takes over all that I say."
(lines 5-8)

For those who wish to read more of him, I would recomend reading another great poem by him. I could never find an official translation for it enywhere, but you can google it and you'll find a couple of different translation. It's called "Muere Lentamente".

Submitted by Luisa DeSousa

To Build A Fire

The story, "To Build A Fire," by Jack London, he gives us the ultimate support that humans are fragile creature with physical limits. I really enjoyed how he started the story, about the man and his dog stuck in the Yukon Winter, under a false pretense that the temperature is far warmer than what it actually is.

On several occasions Jack london uses the man's dog to show just how dangerous it really was for human survival. At one point, the dog seems as if he does not want to continue on the journey and another the man becomes jealous of the dog's heat keeping fur.

I also enjoyed how ironic the story was. At one point the man was told not to travel alone and that it was dangerous. Later on, however, he believes that this was untrue until snow falls on him leaving him drenched in the cold. Finally when the man dies, the dog goes on because of his natural instinct to find warmth. The dog knew where the village the man was looking for was and it was the utmost irony in the fact that, had he stayed with dog and relied more on his instinct he could have survived.

Submitted by John Baratta

Edgar Allan Poe Insane, Genius, or both?

Edgar Allan Poe is without a doubt one of the greatest poets of all time. Poe is known for his very dark style of poetry. After reading through many of his poems I soon realized that a large amount of them have to deal with death, more specifically, the death of beautiful women. Poe had a very difficult childhood which could have some part of the subject matter of his poems. He lost his mother at his early age, and then lost his wife at a young age. This leads me to believe that his obsession of death stemmed from losing many people that he loved throughout life. I guess people can form their own opinions about Poe, Personally I think the guy was completely nuts, but he was also my favorite poet and I don't think anyone can compare. So, I will leave you with this, one of my favorite actors reading my favorite poem. Creepy stuff.

Submitted by Gregory Yeo