Contemporary [L]ITERATURE Through [L]oving eyes

Hello Classmates and fellow literature fanatics. Welcome to my page and enjoy my posts... or not. Your choice :)

[tha-l-word]

Chapter 7: X’s & O’s was a very interesting chapter. After seeing how Bennie has changed since the Flaming Dildos band split up said a lot about Bennie. Same goes for Scotty. This difference I think is an extremely important aspect in the book as a whole. Although, Scotty feel’s that they are very...

[tha-l-word]

Christiana you bring up an excellent point. I’m sure others have come across this dilemma in their lifetime as well. It’s not always easy to find your place. If what we want to be means being unaccepted by society or ‘unsuccessful,’ what choice do we have? People say to follow your dreams, but sometimes that leaves you alone fishing in the polluted river for trout and bass. If you’re not what society needs then you’re essentially nothing. Of course, that sounds a bit pessimistic, but often times it is the reality. We can’t always stick to our core values and go far in life (by this I mean by societies standards). Unfortunately, you have to compromise most the time to give people what they want.

[snookems1007]

The story describes what happens in the post-apocalyptic time, but it does not explain why, while some people find this to be unimportant I want to know all of the why’s and how’s. The father makes the son hot cocoa but only makes hot water for himself, and the son doesn’t like that because his...

[tha-l-word]

You bring up an excellent point with the promises. These small promises are like white lies. They are harmless at the moment. But the bigger promises have a big impact on their lives in a more significant way. From the boy perspective, he start to loss some trust in his father when he sees him break these small promises. He even starts to rebel a little more throughout the story. This instance says a lot about there relationship and the relationship most parents have with their children. Parents may tell small lies to protect their children. Its natural to want to keep someone you love safe. The father obviously loves his son and this small action shows it. Though these small lies are dishonest they are told for a reason. Some do not share the same opinion about white lies, but others feel that ignorance is bliss. With these little promises and white lies parents can keep their children innocent.

[snookems1007]

In this chapter Ted Hollander is traveling to Naples to look for his niece but he spends more time looking at art then looking for Sasha. He seems to shut everyone out of his life to focus on what is important to him. When he finally does find her and meet up with her, he sees her suicide scars...

[tha-l-word]

I feel like this chapter is important in analyzing Sasha's character. She has had this stealing problem for awhile. In one of the other chapters Sasha used to steal with her friends to see who could get away with the most. Even later, she is still stealing and she's seeing a therapist about it. Her character is unusual and I'm still a bit lost on her timeline. However, she really does have a problem with her kelptomania.

[kayleeluing-contemplit-blog]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_quK9SEGYE

I watched the trailer for the book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Just from watching these short clips I can tell that the way I pictured the book and the characters is way different than how the movie portrays them. The movie looks like it’s...

[tha-l-word]

I've found that movies usually portray the book differently, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. One thing I love about reading books is that so far it seems that character development is stronger in books rather than movies. Plus when it comes to depicting characters you can't always find a good enough actor that also looks the way the author described them. They are very different mediums, both have there pros and cons. I love that with movies you get mostly visual and audio whereas reading is different. I think that people would appreciate books more if they have the imagination to bring it to life. I do love postmodernism in films though. I mean sometimes they are still so predictable, but they can be so beautiful. For example, Seven Pounds. It is such a great movie. For awhile they don't say why he is doing what he is doing, but in the end it is just so... UGH I just love it. The same effect cannot always be done through words, unless the author really knows how to show something rather than tell.

[rachellivingston21]

I will be finishing up Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close this weekend, and I honestly cannot wait to see what the ending is. I have become a little more fond of this novel as I continue to read, and I am truly enjoying reading the chapters involving Oskar’s Grandfather. I know that many people...

[tha-l-word]

I understand your empathy for the grandfather. I think that using his story in this novel adds to the theme of coping. We all cope in different ways and unfortunately that grandfather doesn't cope as well as others in the book, like the grandmother. He is misunderstood, but that is partially his fault as well. The lack of communication cause him so much more trouble that could have been prevented. But as you said, he was changed after the bombing of Dresden. Although the grandfather makes himself out to be a victim, he also acknowledges the mistakes that have been made. I found this character to be the most interesting. His reasoning behind many of his decision is something I can relate to. He tries his best to be an honest man, which is hard to do. Honesty isn't always a good thing. If he just communicated his honesty would have appeared much more noble.

[snookems1007]

I can most definitely see how this book is Postmodern. It has a different was of writing, a different kind of point of view. Although this book is kind of jumpy, I understand it for the most part. I find it full of very odd symbolism, like comparing a band to a bug. It is very rare for a book to...

[tha-l-word]

His method of coping seems to be very helpful to Oskar. Which is soothing. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose my father at that age. Finding a way to cope would be essential to moving on with life. If you compare that to the grandfather's way of coping, it works much better. The grandfather took decades to cope with his losses and they still have a great impact on him. Its heart warming knowing that Oskar is coping with his loss.

[jvanste]

Shiloh National Cemetery in Tennessee

    In the story “Shiloh” the husband wanted to build a log cabin for his wife, but she did not want a log cabin. He tries to convince her to no avail.  He was a truck driver that got into an accident on the highway and was in physical therapy.  His wife, Norma Jean, was working out while he was doing therapy. There marriage was not good ever since the death of their baby, to SIDs.  His mother keeps trying to get them to go to Shiloh, because she thinks it will heal them.  So, they finally do. At the end of the story Norma Jean is standing at the bluff looking at the Tennessee River.  Usually in writing, a river symbolizes a change in life.  I can infer that something  is going to change in their relationship. I believe that it will be towards the end of their relationship.

[tha-l-word]

I can also see that there will be a change in their relationship. They have been showing that they have problems. I think this change shows their true colors. Sometimes we think we know someone, t then, just like that, in the blink of any eye, everything changes and it just doesn't work out... It sucks, but it's reality

[tha-l-word]

05-02-14

Class is almost over. So I think I am going to talk about Postmodernism now that I have studied the works in greater depth. One of the main things about postmodernism is the break away from structure. This alone is a theme that is found in every postmodern work. For example, the gender role reversal seen in Shiloh or the lack of proper grammar and punctuation in The Road show a different structure. As whole, we can analyze structure by comparing it to a lack of structure. It allows individuals to see structure in a new light. It shows that there are other ways of living, not just the expected cookie cutter life. There are other forms of structure that fit others better. This movement is so significant. I wish I could go into the future and look back at this time. I mean there is change going on now too. It’s so fascinating. 

[tha-l-word]

04-25-14

The Father’s conversation with Ely was quite interesting. The thought that you wouldn’t know if you were the last person on Earth is terrifying, yet soothing. If there is no one else, everything is pointless, but at the same time everything is meaningful. The environment completely changes. Everything is yours, but it doesn’t really matter because there is no one else. Possessions are no longer relevant. The only rules that apply are the rules on Mother Nature. Everything that once had meaning in society is gone. It is a very interesting thought. For example, you wouldn't know you are the last person on Earth, so you would still be paranoid about others possibly trying to eat you.

[tha-l-word]

04-18-14 Morality

I would have definitely chosen the route the mother took. I mean, at first I would like go and explore what I can. However, I would rather live than survive. I already have those thoughts (I think most people do) but could you imagine how much stronger those thoughts would grow if in this environment? Suicide can be seen as selfish. On the other hand it could just be seen as not being selfless. Not everyone has the strength to be selfless. So is being selfish the same and not being selfless? At what point do you stop putting others above yourself? It can be seen as immoral not to put others above yourself. However, it should also be understandable. Some groups view suicide as unethical. Especially in this case, when the mother ‘abandons’ her family. In this situation is it really all that wrong? You can be angry at someone for leaving, but you can’t really blame them. This was the mother’s last bit of happiness. Humans have many urges and desires. Often times, pursuing our desires and urges leads to something immoral. Sex. Drugs. Venting. Revenge. So how can one be happy without pursuing this desire? Being human and coexisting is so damn hard.

[tha-l-word]

04-11-14

Chapter 7: X’s & O’s was a very interesting chapter. After seeing how Bennie has changed since the Flaming Dildos band split up said a lot about Bennie. Same goes for Scotty. This difference I think is an extremely important aspect in the book as a whole. Although, Scotty feel’s that they are very much the same, the environment and lives they live have many differences. Both chose a different route in life. One, Scotty’s, was a life in which he remained honest in his beliefs towards the music business. The other, Bennies, was a life in which he went back on his beliefs towards the music business. One remained honest, while the other chose dishonesty. One lead to success, whereas, the other lead to a less successful life. This story shows a dilemma that many may come across in their lifetime. It seems that in order to be ‘successful’ one will often have to make dishonest choices rather than staying true to oneself. So what is the better choice? Does one give into the pressure of society in order to coexist and be a part of the whole? Does one stay true to themselves when it means risking their status in society? This is a universal theme that Egan explores. I mean what place we will take in society. Who are we?

[tha-l-word]

04-04-14 Innocence.

Okay, so I don’t know about you (but I’m feelin 22) but I thought it was a little odd that Bennie let his child have some of the Gold Flakes or “medicine.” I understand that he can’t explain the reason why the child shouldn’t take the ‘medicine.’ It’s still odd though. However, I think this plays into the theme of innocence. In this chapter, the child represents the innocence and ignorance that children experience. The child’s curiosity is innocent, as well. It is a beautiful thing. While Bennie is worried about his libido and uses the Gold Flakes in hope of increasing it, his son has little to no knowledge about the subject and its importance. It is something he does not have to think about, it is of no concern to him. It’s the beauty of innocence. 

[tha-l-word]

03-28-14 Animal Instinct

So far, the book has jumped around different perspective and stories. This postmodern approach, although confusing at times, is interesting. However, I found the language in Chapter 4: Safari interesting. The approach in this chapter is like observing animals. For example, when she uses “Structural Incompatibility… Structural Desire” (65, Egan). Not only the language but also the actions. Egan shows the animal side of humans and their similarities. Lou’s reaction to his finding out that there was something going on between Albert and Mindy. His Alpha male, ‘this is mine, you are mine,’ attitude shows. The sexual tension between Albert and Mindy is also interesting. This chapter explores the theme of human behavior and animal instinct. I love it!

[samablam-deactivated20160223]

We talked about, in my group, chapter 7 in and I haven’t read that far yet. The summary of chapter 7 is that Stephanie does PR for Bosco, who is an ex member of Condutis, and she brings her brother who is recently out of jail with her (Jules) to the meeting with Bosco. Jules gets the media rights...

[tha-l-word]

If I remember correctly, Bosco didn't want to start the suicide tour for those reasons. I believe Bennie was the one that was not accepted where he was because of his skin color and background. I do agree with the theme of this chapter though. Bosco is a washed up guitarist that is definitely not what he used to be. He gained a lot of weight and his fan base consisted of a few older people. I mean he only got his past record deal because he was good friends with Bennie. He's accepted that he is not what he was and is somewhat okay with that. So he plans on going on this tour to make a statement. I don't remember exactly what it was, but it was one last artistic statement so that he didn't leave the earth as a washed up musician but as an artist.

[tha-l-word]

03-14-14 Friendship :)

Spring Break!!!! So, today a few students in the honors portion of the class are going on a trip to New Orleans for the Tennessee Williams Festival. J We have been assigned an element of fiction to present to the class. Mine is theme. So far, one of the main themes I have come across is friendship and companionship. I’ve been on many trips and every time I am bought closer to individuals that, otherwise, I never would spend much time with. There are commonalities everyone shares with one another, no matter what social class or stereotypical group we fit into. Everyone can relate to things like “I really have to pee” or “so tired, must sleep.” Once the barriers of social awkwardness are broken then the fun begins. Friendships form and it’s beautiful. Our ‘unusual’ habits, sense of humor and guilty pleasures don’t necessarily separate us because everyone has them. Honestly, in my opinion, if you don’t have any weird quirks then that is weirder to me. 

[tha-l-word]

03-07-14 Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (LOVE <3 )

There were many themes I loved in this book. Of course, I loved how Foer handled the theme of love. Love fascinates me. It’s so illogical and bittersweet. It is something that is difficult to understand. There is so much love in this book, I love it! Many people handle love in different ways. Foer shows several ways people handle this emotion. Foer also shows just how much love effects people’s choices. Our emotions have such a great influence on us. For example, Oskar’s love for his father leads him to a grand adventure. The grandfather’s love for those he lost led him to fear love itself. The grandmother’s love for Oskar helped keep her sane and gave her purpose. No matter what, love has influence and people handle it differently.

[tha-l-word]

Last minute study session/review for the midterm!

if anyone wants to review the exam and material with me before the exam I'm free after 9:15