Shirly Ong
English 48B
29 February, 2008
Journal #27 Sarah Orne Jewett
Quote:
“Soon it would be berry-time, and Sylvia was a great help at picking. The cow was a good milker…the hostess gossiped frankly, adding presently that she had buried four children, so Sylvia’s mother and a son (who might be dead) in California were all the children she had left.”
Summary:
In this quote, Sylvia’s Grandmother is telling the young man about her family and their daily lives.
Response:
In the first part of this quote, Sarah Orne Jewett is demonstrating how Sylvia and her grandmother supporting themselves in the farm. Of course, they do not only live on berries and milk, but this quote depicts their lives in the farm without men. Their lives contrast lives in towns. To me, life at the farm must be enjoyable because it is not as busy as life in manufacturing town, where Sylvia has spent her first eight years. Sylvia and her grandma seem enjoy their lives at the farm too.
The second part of this quote shows the family background of Sylvia and her Grandma. It is sad to know Sylvia’s Grandma has just lost four of her children and she does not even know the condition of the last son she had left. It also shows some characteristics of the society in that period. I think this family background has two functions in the story. First, it illustrates the young man’s cold-heartedness. He shows no interest to this “family sorrow” while Sylvia’s grandma is telling him her story sadly. He is only interested in the white herons, which he has been finding. I find him very cruel and selfish. To achieve his goal of collecting birds, he shows no care to the birds and people he met. I think he has a nasty character. Secondly, this quote portrays the social phenomenon at that time: most people are working in factories in the manufacturing towns, leaving the elderly and children at the farms. I think Sarah Orne Jewett does a great job in describing this characteristic of the society at her time because Sylvia was only living with her grandma, not even with her mother. This tells me that not only men were working in towns. Women did the same thing, instead of staying at home and taking care of children. It is obvious that demand for labor at that time was very high. I am a bit surprised to learn about this because women are often expected to take care of the family, instead of working, in many stories we read.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Journal #27 Sarah Orne Jewett
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Journal #26 Kate Chopin
Shirly Ong
English 48B
28 February, 2008
Journal #26 Kate Chopin
Quote:
“The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth”
“A bird with a broken wing was beating the air above, reeling, fluttering, circling disabled down, down to the water.”
Summary:
The first quote appears in Chapter XXXVII. This is what Edna’s friend, Mademoiselle Reisz, said when they depart that day.
The second one appears in the last chapter of the story. Edna was walking on the beach before her suicide. The bird mentioned in this quote is the only living thing she could see.
Response:
There is a very strong connection between these two quotes.
In the first quote, I think Mademoiselle Reisz is advising and warning Edna about her acts against the traditions and social expectations. She wants to remind Edna that she must have a “strong wing” if she wants to act unexpectedly against the culture. Or else, she would be “bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth”. In short, the bird that Mademoiselle Reisz mentioned refers to Edna. To me, a “strong wing” means a sturdy spirit. Wings are crucial to birds while souls are crucial to human. A sturdy soul is important to Edna because her acts could hardly be accepted by the society. She has to be strong enough to face failure and the resulting prejudice on her. Moreover, bird is a symbol for freedom. As long as birds are not caged and have wings, there are rarely limitations of places they can go. These explain why Mademoiselle Reisz uses a metaphor of bird.
The second quote illustrates bird that Edna saw at the end of the story. The bird is alone and hurt. After struggling and fluttering in the air, it fell to the water. This bird is a weakling, as described by Mademoiselle Reisz. To me, this bird serves to remind readers about Mademoiselle Reisz’s advice to Edna earlier in the story. As a whole, “bird” represents Edna, who is deeply hurt and grieved when Robert left her and when there was no way for her to return to Mr. Pontellier and her children. She was “bruised” while seeking for freedom. Finally, she ended her life in water, like what happened to the bird she saw.From these two quotes, I can see that Kate Chopin’s story is very well structured. I appreciate the metaphors of birds in the story much. I think birds have play
English 48B
28 February, 2008
Journal #26 Kate Chopin
Quote:
“The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth”
“A bird with a broken wing was beating the air above, reeling, fluttering, circling disabled down, down to the water.”
Summary:
The first quote appears in Chapter XXXVII. This is what Edna’s friend, Mademoiselle Reisz, said when they depart that day.
The second one appears in the last chapter of the story. Edna was walking on the beach before her suicide. The bird mentioned in this quote is the only living thing she could see.
Response:
There is a very strong connection between these two quotes.
In the first quote, I think Mademoiselle Reisz is advising and warning Edna about her acts against the traditions and social expectations. She wants to remind Edna that she must have a “strong wing” if she wants to act unexpectedly against the culture. Or else, she would be “bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth”. In short, the bird that Mademoiselle Reisz mentioned refers to Edna. To me, a “strong wing” means a sturdy spirit. Wings are crucial to birds while souls are crucial to human. A sturdy soul is important to Edna because her acts could hardly be accepted by the society. She has to be strong enough to face failure and the resulting prejudice on her. Moreover, bird is a symbol for freedom. As long as birds are not caged and have wings, there are rarely limitations of places they can go. These explain why Mademoiselle Reisz uses a metaphor of bird.
The second quote illustrates bird that Edna saw at the end of the story. The bird is alone and hurt. After struggling and fluttering in the air, it fell to the water. This bird is a weakling, as described by Mademoiselle Reisz. To me, this bird serves to remind readers about Mademoiselle Reisz’s advice to Edna earlier in the story. As a whole, “bird” represents Edna, who is deeply hurt and grieved when Robert left her and when there was no way for her to return to Mr. Pontellier and her children. She was “bruised” while seeking for freedom. Finally, she ended her life in water, like what happened to the bird she saw.From these two quotes, I can see that Kate Chopin’s story is very well structured. I appreciate the metaphors of birds in the story much. I think birds have play
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Journal #25 Kate Chopin
Shirly Ong
English 48B
28 February, 2008
Journal #25 Sarah Orne Jewett
Quote:
“Her own like experiences seemed far away, unreal, and only half remembered. She recalled faintly an ecstasy of pain, the heavy odor of chloroform…She began to wish she had not come…With an inward agony, with a flaming, outspoken revolt against the ways of Nature, she witnessed the scene of torture.”
Summary:
This quote illustrates the scene in which Edna witnessed her friend, Madame Adèle Ratignolle’s labor.
Response:
When Edna was accompanying Madame Ratignolle and seeing her sufferings during her labor, Edna thinks about her own experiences of giving birth to child. Yet, she found her experiences “far away, unreal, and only half remembered”. As revealed by the second sentence of this quote, this is because of the use of chloroform, which helped eliminate the vigorous pain. Chloroform even brought her an ecstasy of pain. As a result, Edna felt uneasy to witness Madame Ratignolle’s pain of giving birth to her child. She regretted going. Kate Chopin sensitively depicts Edna’s uneasiness by the use of phrases “inward agony” and “a flaming, outspoken revolt”. This plot is critical to the whole story. First, it happens on the night when Edna met Robert again. She was going to tell Robert how she “set herself free” from Mr. Pontellier while she was called to accompany Madame Ratignolle. Secondly, Madame Ratignolle’s labor and her words reminded Edna of her children. Her children would be so badly hurt if she goes away from Mr. Pontellier for Robert. Meanwhile, she found out that Robert has left, without waiting for her explanation. If Edna has not gone with Madame Ratignolle’s servant, the story could be very different. Moreover, Kate Chopin might be intentionally revealing that Edna did not experience the pain of labor. This can be linked with her incompetence as a mother. Her acts were obviously against the moral standards of a mother as expected by the society at the time. It is interesting that painless labor is common nowadays. It seems there’s no evidence showing the correlation between pain endured during labor and the competence of mothers. I believe this “clue” used by Kate Chopin may not apply to real life situations.
English 48B
28 February, 2008
Journal #25 Sarah Orne Jewett
Quote:
“Her own like experiences seemed far away, unreal, and only half remembered. She recalled faintly an ecstasy of pain, the heavy odor of chloroform…She began to wish she had not come…With an inward agony, with a flaming, outspoken revolt against the ways of Nature, she witnessed the scene of torture.”
Summary:
This quote illustrates the scene in which Edna witnessed her friend, Madame Adèle Ratignolle’s labor.
Response:
When Edna was accompanying Madame Ratignolle and seeing her sufferings during her labor, Edna thinks about her own experiences of giving birth to child. Yet, she found her experiences “far away, unreal, and only half remembered”. As revealed by the second sentence of this quote, this is because of the use of chloroform, which helped eliminate the vigorous pain. Chloroform even brought her an ecstasy of pain. As a result, Edna felt uneasy to witness Madame Ratignolle’s pain of giving birth to her child. She regretted going. Kate Chopin sensitively depicts Edna’s uneasiness by the use of phrases “inward agony” and “a flaming, outspoken revolt”. This plot is critical to the whole story. First, it happens on the night when Edna met Robert again. She was going to tell Robert how she “set herself free” from Mr. Pontellier while she was called to accompany Madame Ratignolle. Secondly, Madame Ratignolle’s labor and her words reminded Edna of her children. Her children would be so badly hurt if she goes away from Mr. Pontellier for Robert. Meanwhile, she found out that Robert has left, without waiting for her explanation. If Edna has not gone with Madame Ratignolle’s servant, the story could be very different. Moreover, Kate Chopin might be intentionally revealing that Edna did not experience the pain of labor. This can be linked with her incompetence as a mother. Her acts were obviously against the moral standards of a mother as expected by the society at the time. It is interesting that painless labor is common nowadays. It seems there’s no evidence showing the correlation between pain endured during labor and the competence of mothers. I believe this “clue” used by Kate Chopin may not apply to real life situations.
Journal #24 Sarah Orne Jewett
Shirly Ong
English 48B
28 February, 2008
Journal #24 Sarah Orne Jewett
Quote:
“She had never seen anybody so charming and delightful; the woman’s heart, asleep in the child, was vaguely thrilled by a dream of love…the young man going first and Sylvia following, fascinated, a few steps behind, with her gray eyes dark with excitement.”
Summary:
This quote depicts the little girl’s love admiration towards the young man.
Response:
In this quote, Sarah Orne Jewett discloses the nine-year-old girl’s heart. To Sylvia, the young man is the most charming and delightful person she has ever seen. She has developed “love admiration”(526) towards him even though she was only nine years old. Sarah Orne Jewett explains that this is because of the woman’s heart asleep in Sylvia. In other words, Sarah Orne Jewett believes that girls are born with women’s hearts, which hold love towards men. Living in a farm with her Grandma and being accompanied by a female cow, Sylvia was living in a lonely women world. She has an unusual feeling towards the young man, who suddenly entered her life. Sarah Orne Jewett describes this feeling as “a dream of love”. As shown in the quote, Sylvia was fascinated and excited when she was following the young man in the woods silently. Even though she could not understand why he was killing the birds, she thinks he is charming and delightful. Later in the story, Sylvia searched for white herons to please him. These are all evidence of her “love admiration” towards the young man. I think Sarah Orne Jewett has well portrayed Sylvia’s acts of affection and thus proved the existence of a woman’s heart in this girl. I do believe that girls are born with women’s heart and naturally we show admirations towards men in different ways since we are young. This has been proved by many psychological studies too. I found this is one of the most interesting facts in the field of psychology.
English 48B
28 February, 2008
Journal #24 Sarah Orne Jewett
Quote:
“She had never seen anybody so charming and delightful; the woman’s heart, asleep in the child, was vaguely thrilled by a dream of love…the young man going first and Sylvia following, fascinated, a few steps behind, with her gray eyes dark with excitement.”
Summary:
This quote depicts the little girl’s love admiration towards the young man.
Response:
In this quote, Sarah Orne Jewett discloses the nine-year-old girl’s heart. To Sylvia, the young man is the most charming and delightful person she has ever seen. She has developed “love admiration”(526) towards him even though she was only nine years old. Sarah Orne Jewett explains that this is because of the woman’s heart asleep in Sylvia. In other words, Sarah Orne Jewett believes that girls are born with women’s hearts, which hold love towards men. Living in a farm with her Grandma and being accompanied by a female cow, Sylvia was living in a lonely women world. She has an unusual feeling towards the young man, who suddenly entered her life. Sarah Orne Jewett describes this feeling as “a dream of love”. As shown in the quote, Sylvia was fascinated and excited when she was following the young man in the woods silently. Even though she could not understand why he was killing the birds, she thinks he is charming and delightful. Later in the story, Sylvia searched for white herons to please him. These are all evidence of her “love admiration” towards the young man. I think Sarah Orne Jewett has well portrayed Sylvia’s acts of affection and thus proved the existence of a woman’s heart in this girl. I do believe that girls are born with women’s heart and naturally we show admirations towards men in different ways since we are young. This has been proved by many psychological studies too. I found this is one of the most interesting facts in the field of psychology.
Journal #23 Sarah Orne Jewett
Shirly Ong
English 48B
28 February, 2008
Journal #23 Sarah Orne Jewett
Quote:
“All day long he did not once make her troubled or afraid except when he brought down some unsuspecting singing creature from its bough. Sylvia would have liked him vastly better without his gun; she could not understand why he killed the very birds he seemed to like so much.”
Summary:
When Sylvia first met the young sportsman, she was afraid of him. This quote illustrates how Sylvia felt about the young man when they were walking in the woods the next day.
Response:
This quote depicts the change in Sylvia’s feelings towards the young sportsman. Sylvia found herself likes the young man, which is a contrast to her fear towards him when she met him in the woods the evening before. Sylvia also worried that he would bring her trouble if she let him go to her home. Therefore, Sarah Orne Jewett asserts that the young man did not once make Sylvia troubled or afraid. Yet, Sylvia does not like him killing the birds. In this quote, “brought down” means shooting the birds and making them fall down onto the ground. The phrase “unsuspecting singing creature” represents the birds. The word “unsuspecting” infers that the birds were neither attacking nor disturbing Sylvia and the young man. To Sylvia, they were simply innocent “singing creatures”. This demonstrates the fact that Sylvia does not understand why he was killing the birds. She thinks it’s cruel and unreasonable to do so. Thus, she would have liked the young man “vastly better” if he was not shooting the birds. To me, I do not understand why the young man hunts for birds collection netiher. I believe many people are interesting in observing birds and doing research on birds because they love birds. Therefore, they would not harm birds. Yet, the young man in Sarah Orne Jewett’s story is a cold-blooded bird collector, who aims to own bird collection. I think the young man, as a collector of birds, is showing a kind of masculine dominance. The young sportsman and his gun refer to masculinity. He seemed to like birds but he would kill birds for collection. His act of killing was a cruel way to fulfill his strong desire for collection of birds. This might be implying the masculine dominance in the past society.
English 48B
28 February, 2008
Journal #23 Sarah Orne Jewett
Quote:
“All day long he did not once make her troubled or afraid except when he brought down some unsuspecting singing creature from its bough. Sylvia would have liked him vastly better without his gun; she could not understand why he killed the very birds he seemed to like so much.”
Summary:
When Sylvia first met the young sportsman, she was afraid of him. This quote illustrates how Sylvia felt about the young man when they were walking in the woods the next day.
Response:
This quote depicts the change in Sylvia’s feelings towards the young sportsman. Sylvia found herself likes the young man, which is a contrast to her fear towards him when she met him in the woods the evening before. Sylvia also worried that he would bring her trouble if she let him go to her home. Therefore, Sarah Orne Jewett asserts that the young man did not once make Sylvia troubled or afraid. Yet, Sylvia does not like him killing the birds. In this quote, “brought down” means shooting the birds and making them fall down onto the ground. The phrase “unsuspecting singing creature” represents the birds. The word “unsuspecting” infers that the birds were neither attacking nor disturbing Sylvia and the young man. To Sylvia, they were simply innocent “singing creatures”. This demonstrates the fact that Sylvia does not understand why he was killing the birds. She thinks it’s cruel and unreasonable to do so. Thus, she would have liked the young man “vastly better” if he was not shooting the birds. To me, I do not understand why the young man hunts for birds collection netiher. I believe many people are interesting in observing birds and doing research on birds because they love birds. Therefore, they would not harm birds. Yet, the young man in Sarah Orne Jewett’s story is a cold-blooded bird collector, who aims to own bird collection. I think the young man, as a collector of birds, is showing a kind of masculine dominance. The young sportsman and his gun refer to masculinity. He seemed to like birds but he would kill birds for collection. His act of killing was a cruel way to fulfill his strong desire for collection of birds. This might be implying the masculine dominance in the past society.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Journal #22 Stephen Crane
Shirly Ong
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #21 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“Presently it seemed that even the captain dozed, and the correspondent thought that he was the one man afloat on all the oceans. The wind had a voice as it came over the waves, and it was sadder than the end”
Summary:
The correspondent felt he was alone in the sea when his three companions slept.
Response:
In this quote, Stephen Crane illustrates the loneliness of the correspondent. Even though he was accompanied by the captain, the oiler, and the cook, all sleeping beside him, he felt he was alone in the sea. This is because he had a great fear of being awake alone in the sea, facing the fierce waves that could kill him. This is human nature. When facing death or danger, we hope someone can accompany us. It helps soothe fear. Companion’s reactions and supports are critical to someone in fear and stress, like the correspondent. Therefore, although the captain, the oiler and the cook were sleeping beside the correspondent, he felt lonely as they do not have any reactions towards the waves striking the boat. Moreover, he was freezing on the boat. I think the correspondent has been mentally and physically tortured so much at that time. Stephen Crane spotlights his loneliness by saying the correspondent thought he was the only man floating “on all the oceans”. This triggers my imagination of the borderless oceans with the correspondent alone floating. How poor he is! Stephen Crane’s description well depicts and amplifies the fear of the correspondent. At the same time, it highlights the human nature of fear, of which Stephen Crane wants to demonstrate.
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #21 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“Presently it seemed that even the captain dozed, and the correspondent thought that he was the one man afloat on all the oceans. The wind had a voice as it came over the waves, and it was sadder than the end”
Summary:
The correspondent felt he was alone in the sea when his three companions slept.
Response:
In this quote, Stephen Crane illustrates the loneliness of the correspondent. Even though he was accompanied by the captain, the oiler, and the cook, all sleeping beside him, he felt he was alone in the sea. This is because he had a great fear of being awake alone in the sea, facing the fierce waves that could kill him. This is human nature. When facing death or danger, we hope someone can accompany us. It helps soothe fear. Companion’s reactions and supports are critical to someone in fear and stress, like the correspondent. Therefore, although the captain, the oiler and the cook were sleeping beside the correspondent, he felt lonely as they do not have any reactions towards the waves striking the boat. Moreover, he was freezing on the boat. I think the correspondent has been mentally and physically tortured so much at that time. Stephen Crane spotlights his loneliness by saying the correspondent thought he was the only man floating “on all the oceans”. This triggers my imagination of the borderless oceans with the correspondent alone floating. How poor he is! Stephen Crane’s description well depicts and amplifies the fear of the correspondent. At the same time, it highlights the human nature of fear, of which Stephen Crane wants to demonstrate.
Journal #21 Stephen Crane
Shirly Ong
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #21 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“’I am going to drown? Can it be possible? Can it be possible? Can it be possible?’ Perhaps an individual must consider his own death to be the final phenomenon of nature.”
Summary:
This quote is the thought of the correspondent when the story is going to end.
Response:
Similar to the previous quote, “’If I am going to be drowned…and contemplate sand and trees?’”, this quote illustrates the thoughts and feelings of the Correspondent. When he was approaching the shore, he was trapped in a small current. In this quote, he repeated “can it be possible?” three times. It shows that he could not believe that he was once again in a dangerous situation just before he reaches the shore. I think he is “trapped in his fear” as he has lost his faith. As he cannot get rid of the fear, I believe he is so terrified when he found himself in a small current even if he was approaching the shore. Then, the narrator, that is, Stephen Crane comments that perhaps everyone “must consider his own death to be the final phenomenon of nature”. I think this quote can demonstrates Stephen Crane as a naturalist. Here, he believes that one’s fate is determined by the nature and death is our common final destiny. Thus, the nature is always indifferent to human’s fate. He believes the power of nature is so strong that we cannot make changes to our fate. Whether one’s fate is controlled by the nature has always been controversial. Some people believe that our fate is determined by Gods while some believe it is determined by the nature. Yet, some people believe they themselves are the ones who can alter their destiny. To me, a God determines our fate and we can hardly change it. However, I believe I can work for the “process” of my life. For example, I can definitely work hard in a class and get the grade I want, which is a process of my student life. I still believe God determines my destiny because I always come across expected incidents. I think these unexpected events are the key elements of altering my fate, and are controlled by God.
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #21 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“’I am going to drown? Can it be possible? Can it be possible? Can it be possible?’ Perhaps an individual must consider his own death to be the final phenomenon of nature.”
Summary:
This quote is the thought of the correspondent when the story is going to end.
Response:
Similar to the previous quote, “’If I am going to be drowned…and contemplate sand and trees?’”, this quote illustrates the thoughts and feelings of the Correspondent. When he was approaching the shore, he was trapped in a small current. In this quote, he repeated “can it be possible?” three times. It shows that he could not believe that he was once again in a dangerous situation just before he reaches the shore. I think he is “trapped in his fear” as he has lost his faith. As he cannot get rid of the fear, I believe he is so terrified when he found himself in a small current even if he was approaching the shore. Then, the narrator, that is, Stephen Crane comments that perhaps everyone “must consider his own death to be the final phenomenon of nature”. I think this quote can demonstrates Stephen Crane as a naturalist. Here, he believes that one’s fate is determined by the nature and death is our common final destiny. Thus, the nature is always indifferent to human’s fate. He believes the power of nature is so strong that we cannot make changes to our fate. Whether one’s fate is controlled by the nature has always been controversial. Some people believe that our fate is determined by Gods while some believe it is determined by the nature. Yet, some people believe they themselves are the ones who can alter their destiny. To me, a God determines our fate and we can hardly change it. However, I believe I can work for the “process” of my life. For example, I can definitely work hard in a class and get the grade I want, which is a process of my student life. I still believe God determines my destiny because I always come across expected incidents. I think these unexpected events are the key elements of altering my fate, and are controlled by God.
Journal #20 Stephen Crane
Shirly Ong
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #20 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“’If I am going to be drowned—if I am going to be drowned—if I am going to be drowned, why, in the name of the seven mad gods who rule the sea, was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees?’”
Summary:
This quote is depicting the thought of the correspondent as time passes after the ship sunk.
Response:
In the story, the four characters are encountering fierce waves, which threatened to drown them for many times. By the time this quote appears, they have already survived many dangerous situations. This quote illustrates the thought of the correspondent when he was once again facing a horrible condition. He doubts why the Gods who rule the sea would let him survive so many terrible situations if he was going to drown. It seems that he was persuading himself to stay alive. He was also persuading himself that he would not be drowned. His thought was very reasonable to me. Why would the God not drown him once the ship sunk but let him survived so many dangers before drowning? Moreover, he repeated “if I am going to be drowned” three times in the quote. To me, it shows the Correspondent‘s fear. I think this quote indicate the Correspondent’s faith was diminishing. After experiencing a series of dangers, he feared that he might not be able to survive the next one. I believe that this fear is natural and common. Portraying the Correspondent’s fear, Stephen Crane aims to reveal the human psychological responses under dangers. The fierce waves, threatening the characters’ lives, also reveal the nature’s indifference to human’s fate and lives. This has been the theme of many works by Stephen Crane. I agree that the nature is indifferent to human’s lives. In real world, natural disasters have brought so much sorrow to many families. Many people lost their loved ones in natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes and flooding. Many of the victims were good fathers and mothers. Yet, they lost their lives and their children lost their parents. Nature is often cruel and indifferent to us but we have no ways to alter it. The only thing we can do is to treasure what we have before they are taken away.
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #20 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“’If I am going to be drowned—if I am going to be drowned—if I am going to be drowned, why, in the name of the seven mad gods who rule the sea, was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees?’”
Summary:
This quote is depicting the thought of the correspondent as time passes after the ship sunk.
Response:
In the story, the four characters are encountering fierce waves, which threatened to drown them for many times. By the time this quote appears, they have already survived many dangerous situations. This quote illustrates the thought of the correspondent when he was once again facing a horrible condition. He doubts why the Gods who rule the sea would let him survive so many terrible situations if he was going to drown. It seems that he was persuading himself to stay alive. He was also persuading himself that he would not be drowned. His thought was very reasonable to me. Why would the God not drown him once the ship sunk but let him survived so many dangers before drowning? Moreover, he repeated “if I am going to be drowned” three times in the quote. To me, it shows the Correspondent‘s fear. I think this quote indicate the Correspondent’s faith was diminishing. After experiencing a series of dangers, he feared that he might not be able to survive the next one. I believe that this fear is natural and common. Portraying the Correspondent’s fear, Stephen Crane aims to reveal the human psychological responses under dangers. The fierce waves, threatening the characters’ lives, also reveal the nature’s indifference to human’s fate and lives. This has been the theme of many works by Stephen Crane. I agree that the nature is indifferent to human’s lives. In real world, natural disasters have brought so much sorrow to many families. Many people lost their loved ones in natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes and flooding. Many of the victims were good fathers and mothers. Yet, they lost their lives and their children lost their parents. Nature is often cruel and indifferent to us but we have no ways to alter it. The only thing we can do is to treasure what we have before they are taken away.
Journal #19 Stephen Crane
Shirly Ong
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #19 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“None of them knew the color of the sky. Their eyes glanced level, and were fastened upon the waves that swept toward them. These waves were of the hue of slate, save for the tops, which were of foaming white, and all of the man knew the color of the sea.”
Summary:
This is quoted from the very beginning of the story “The Open Boat”. It depicts the condition and sight of the four characters in the story.
Response:
The Open Boat is an adventure story published a few days after the adventure Stephen Crane experienced when his ship sank off the coast of Florida. I am confused when I found this quote at the beginning of the story. I am not sure what Stephen Crane infers while he claims that “none of them knew the color of the sky”. Even worse, Stephen Crane goes on by illustrating the waves and reveals that the men knew the color of the sea. With no more information about the characters, I had no clues. As I go on with the story and realize the characters are all working on the ship, I had an idea that Stephen Crane is trying to bring out this important information about the four characters through this quote. Moreover, the quote might also infer that the characters only focused on the sea and observed the motions of the waves, instead of the sky. This shows how nervous they were in the sea. They only recignize the blue, gray waves. I think this interprets their desperation in the sea at that time. During the discussion in class, many peers shared their ideas on this quote. Some of them think Stephen Crane wants to illustrate how similar the colors of the sky and sea are. To me, this is possible but it does not seem to relate the later part of the story as much. Being the first sentence of the story, I supposed this quote has special reference to the remaining plots. Yet, Stephen may only be trying to visualize the scene by portray the environment at the beginning of the story: the color of the sky is blocked by the "abrupt and tall" waves. Without doubt, this is an interesting opening of an adventure story, which can trigger the readers’ imagination and thoughts about the story.
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #19 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“None of them knew the color of the sky. Their eyes glanced level, and were fastened upon the waves that swept toward them. These waves were of the hue of slate, save for the tops, which were of foaming white, and all of the man knew the color of the sea.”
Summary:
This is quoted from the very beginning of the story “The Open Boat”. It depicts the condition and sight of the four characters in the story.
Response:
The Open Boat is an adventure story published a few days after the adventure Stephen Crane experienced when his ship sank off the coast of Florida. I am confused when I found this quote at the beginning of the story. I am not sure what Stephen Crane infers while he claims that “none of them knew the color of the sky”. Even worse, Stephen Crane goes on by illustrating the waves and reveals that the men knew the color of the sea. With no more information about the characters, I had no clues. As I go on with the story and realize the characters are all working on the ship, I had an idea that Stephen Crane is trying to bring out this important information about the four characters through this quote. Moreover, the quote might also infer that the characters only focused on the sea and observed the motions of the waves, instead of the sky. This shows how nervous they were in the sea. They only recignize the blue, gray waves. I think this interprets their desperation in the sea at that time. During the discussion in class, many peers shared their ideas on this quote. Some of them think Stephen Crane wants to illustrate how similar the colors of the sky and sea are. To me, this is possible but it does not seem to relate the later part of the story as much. Being the first sentence of the story, I supposed this quote has special reference to the remaining plots. Yet, Stephen may only be trying to visualize the scene by portray the environment at the beginning of the story: the color of the sky is blocked by the "abrupt and tall" waves. Without doubt, this is an interesting opening of an adventure story, which can trigger the readers’ imagination and thoughts about the story.
Journal #18 Stephen Crane
Shirly Ong
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #18 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“The girl, Maggie, blossomed in a mud puddle. She grew to be a most rare and wonderful production of a tenement district, a pretty girl. None of the dirt of Rum Alley seemed to be in her vein.”
Summary:
This quote is taken from Stephen Crane’s first published work, Maggie, the Girl of the Streets. It is a description of Maggie.
Response:
Maggie is a girl born in the slums of New York. Due to her unfavorable family background, she was force to be a prostitute. In this quote, Stephen Crane imagines Maggie is a flower that grew in a mud puddle. This imagination is shown by the use of word “blossomed”. Moreover, “mud puddle” represents the unfavorable living environment in which Maggie born in. Crane asserts that Maggie did not get any dirt from Rum Alley. How hard it is to get rid of dirt from a mud puddle! Imagining Maggie to be a flower without dirt, Stephen Crane infers that Maggie is a decent girl. He also adds that Maggie is a pretty girl and is the most rare and wonderful one in the district. In this way, a positive and sinless image is clearly created for Maggie. Her image contrasts with that of people from the chaotic slums. This helps illustrate how environment can alter the destiny of such a nice girl, as the theme of the story. One of the important words of this quote is “vein”. This word has multiple meanings. Relating it to Crane’s imagination, vein can be the nerve of a flower. It can also stand for Maggie’s character. This is an excellent word choice.
English 48B
22 February, 2008
Journal #18 Stephen Crane
Quote:
“The girl, Maggie, blossomed in a mud puddle. She grew to be a most rare and wonderful production of a tenement district, a pretty girl. None of the dirt of Rum Alley seemed to be in her vein.”
Summary:
This quote is taken from Stephen Crane’s first published work, Maggie, the Girl of the Streets. It is a description of Maggie.
Response:
Maggie is a girl born in the slums of New York. Due to her unfavorable family background, she was force to be a prostitute. In this quote, Stephen Crane imagines Maggie is a flower that grew in a mud puddle. This imagination is shown by the use of word “blossomed”. Moreover, “mud puddle” represents the unfavorable living environment in which Maggie born in. Crane asserts that Maggie did not get any dirt from Rum Alley. How hard it is to get rid of dirt from a mud puddle! Imagining Maggie to be a flower without dirt, Stephen Crane infers that Maggie is a decent girl. He also adds that Maggie is a pretty girl and is the most rare and wonderful one in the district. In this way, a positive and sinless image is clearly created for Maggie. Her image contrasts with that of people from the chaotic slums. This helps illustrate how environment can alter the destiny of such a nice girl, as the theme of the story. One of the important words of this quote is “vein”. This word has multiple meanings. Relating it to Crane’s imagination, vein can be the nerve of a flower. It can also stand for Maggie’s character. This is an excellent word choice.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Journal #17 Booker T. Washington
Shirly Ong
English 48B
8 February, 2008
Journal #17 Booker T. Washington
Quote:
“Until that question was asked it had never occurred to me that there was no period of my life that was devoted to play.”
Summary:
In this quote, Booker T. Washington reveals how his playtime is taken away in his boyhood.
Response:
This quote illustrates the lives of many Negro boys who were “born to be slaves”. Due to his family background, Booker T. Washington could not have any time to play because he has to work all day long even when he was very small. He had no time for studying and playing. Because of his family background, even his parents have no control over his life. He had no choice. He must work. When I was a child, I spend time only in sleeping, playing, eating, and going to school. I have no idea of what working is. My parents took care of everything for me. That was a happy time. When I read about Booker T. Washington’s childhood, I feel pity for him. I always feel sorrow when I learn about child labor. Childhood should be a time for playing. To me, those who have children as slaves are very cruel and cold-blooded. Unfortunately, there are still child labors in some parts of the world. Working is the only way for them to survive in severe poverty. How poor they are! Starting from the moment when they are born, they have to suffer. Children have always been the innocent victims of slavery system, poverty and racial discrimination.
English 48B
8 February, 2008
Journal #17 Booker T. Washington
Quote:
“Until that question was asked it had never occurred to me that there was no period of my life that was devoted to play.”
Summary:
In this quote, Booker T. Washington reveals how his playtime is taken away in his boyhood.
Response:
This quote illustrates the lives of many Negro boys who were “born to be slaves”. Due to his family background, Booker T. Washington could not have any time to play because he has to work all day long even when he was very small. He had no time for studying and playing. Because of his family background, even his parents have no control over his life. He had no choice. He must work. When I was a child, I spend time only in sleeping, playing, eating, and going to school. I have no idea of what working is. My parents took care of everything for me. That was a happy time. When I read about Booker T. Washington’s childhood, I feel pity for him. I always feel sorrow when I learn about child labor. Childhood should be a time for playing. To me, those who have children as slaves are very cruel and cold-blooded. Unfortunately, there are still child labors in some parts of the world. Working is the only way for them to survive in severe poverty. How poor they are! Starting from the moment when they are born, they have to suffer. Children have always been the innocent victims of slavery system, poverty and racial discrimination.
Journal #16 Booker T. Washington
Shirly Ong
English 48B
8 February, 2008
Journal #16 Booker T. Washington
Quote:
“I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”
Summary:
This quote is also from Up From Slavery, Chapter II. This explains why Booker T. Washington did not envy the white boys as much as he once did in the later years.
Response:
Having learnt that success is measured much by the obstacle that one has overcome before succeed, Booker T. Washington thinks that the race and family backgrounds of the Negro boys turns into advantages. I think success should be measured by the obstacles that one overcomes while striving for success instead of the position that one gets because one may get to a high position much more easily than others do if he has good family backgrounds and connections. To me, his success is not as significant as the success that a Negro strives hard for. Even though I agree with Booker T. Washington’s idea, I do not think the race and family backgrounds of the Negro boys should be considered advantages. The obstacles that one overcame are only measured when their achievements are recognized. The race and family backgrounds does not actually help them in achieving their goals. The fact is that many black people have always been discouraged by their identity as a Negro. Though their backgrounds and how people look down on them may trigger them to strive hard for success, they are still encountering great obstacles. I would rather say the Negro boy could get more from their rough paths to success. They do get “a strength, a confidence” that the whites miss because they must worker harder and perform better than the whites do.
English 48B
8 February, 2008
Journal #16 Booker T. Washington
Quote:
“I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”
Summary:
This quote is also from Up From Slavery, Chapter II. This explains why Booker T. Washington did not envy the white boys as much as he once did in the later years.
Response:
Having learnt that success is measured much by the obstacle that one has overcome before succeed, Booker T. Washington thinks that the race and family backgrounds of the Negro boys turns into advantages. I think success should be measured by the obstacles that one overcomes while striving for success instead of the position that one gets because one may get to a high position much more easily than others do if he has good family backgrounds and connections. To me, his success is not as significant as the success that a Negro strives hard for. Even though I agree with Booker T. Washington’s idea, I do not think the race and family backgrounds of the Negro boys should be considered advantages. The obstacles that one overcame are only measured when their achievements are recognized. The race and family backgrounds does not actually help them in achieving their goals. The fact is that many black people have always been discouraged by their identity as a Negro. Though their backgrounds and how people look down on them may trigger them to strive hard for success, they are still encountering great obstacles. I would rather say the Negro boy could get more from their rough paths to success. They do get “a strength, a confidence” that the whites miss because they must worker harder and perform better than the whites do.
Journal #15 Booker T. Washington
Shirly Ong
English 48B
8 February, 2008
Journal #15 Booker T. Washington
Quote:
“When a white boy undertakes a task, it is taken for granted that he will succeed. On the other hand, people are usually surprised if the Negro boy does not fail.”
Summary:
This quote is from Up From Slavery, Chapter II. Boyhood Days. In this chapter, Booker T. Washington illustrated his boyhood days and the experiences of other Negro boys.
Response:
This quote reveals how the world passes judgment upon the Negro boys. Because of their skin color and family backgrounds, the Negro boys are expected to fail when they undertake tasks. I think Booker T. Washington has well explained and proved this phenomenon with his personal boyhood experience. He points out that the Negro boys have disadvantages in succeeding when comparing to the white boys. He illustrates this by comparing the whites and the black people. Most Negro boys, like Booker T. Washington, do not have any ideas about their ancestry backgrounds. In contrast, the white boys are conscious that if he cannot overcome obstacles, discouragement, and temptations, “he will disgrace the whole family record”. It is true that the white boys’ proud family records and connection helps them to overcome obstacles while the Negro boys’ race and missing ancestry records are discouraging them from striving for success. However, this does not mean people can have presumptions against the Negro boys. The Nero boys must have suffered a lot when they are striving for knowledge and success because of the presumptions against colored people. This is very unfair to them. To me, this phenomenon has been diminishing nowadays. This might be a result of the change in culture and the cases of successful black people.
English 48B
8 February, 2008
Journal #15 Booker T. Washington
Quote:
“When a white boy undertakes a task, it is taken for granted that he will succeed. On the other hand, people are usually surprised if the Negro boy does not fail.”
Summary:
This quote is from Up From Slavery, Chapter II. Boyhood Days. In this chapter, Booker T. Washington illustrated his boyhood days and the experiences of other Negro boys.
Response:
This quote reveals how the world passes judgment upon the Negro boys. Because of their skin color and family backgrounds, the Negro boys are expected to fail when they undertake tasks. I think Booker T. Washington has well explained and proved this phenomenon with his personal boyhood experience. He points out that the Negro boys have disadvantages in succeeding when comparing to the white boys. He illustrates this by comparing the whites and the black people. Most Negro boys, like Booker T. Washington, do not have any ideas about their ancestry backgrounds. In contrast, the white boys are conscious that if he cannot overcome obstacles, discouragement, and temptations, “he will disgrace the whole family record”. It is true that the white boys’ proud family records and connection helps them to overcome obstacles while the Negro boys’ race and missing ancestry records are discouraging them from striving for success. However, this does not mean people can have presumptions against the Negro boys. The Nero boys must have suffered a lot when they are striving for knowledge and success because of the presumptions against colored people. This is very unfair to them. To me, this phenomenon has been diminishing nowadays. This might be a result of the change in culture and the cases of successful black people.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Journal #14 Booker T. Washington
Shirly Ong
English 48B
7 February, 2008
Journal #14 Booker T. Washington
Quote:
“When the two young masters were brought home wounded, the sympathy of the slaves was shown in many ways…this tenderness and sympathy on the part of those held in bondage was a result of their kindly and generous nature.”
Summary:
Booker T. Washington illustrates how the Negros show their sympathy toward their masters even though they are only working as slaves.
Response:
Booker T. Washington recalls how the slaves reacted when they learned that one of their young masters were killed and two were wounded during the Civil War. They were all very upset because some of them have nursed the killed master and some played with him when he was young. Book T. Washington asserts that there’s “no sham sorrow”. Some of them even begged for the privilege to take care of the wounded young master. He wants to bring out the good nature of the Negro. I am surprised to see the slaves showing such real sympathy on their masters when they are only considered goods that can be traded. I agree that this is probably a result of their kindly and generous nature. I wonder if the masters would develop a close relationship with their slaves from time to time, due to the same kindly and generous nature. To me, probably not all masters are cruel to their slaves. Having slaves might be a trend in the upper class in the society. At the same time, slaves could not choose their masters. Whether they suffer more or less solely depends on their luck. Slavery system is horrible. I feel sympathy for the slaves so much, especially for those who have kindly and generous nature.
English 48B
7 February, 2008
Journal #14 Booker T. Washington
Quote:
“When the two young masters were brought home wounded, the sympathy of the slaves was shown in many ways…this tenderness and sympathy on the part of those held in bondage was a result of their kindly and generous nature.”
Summary:
Booker T. Washington illustrates how the Negros show their sympathy toward their masters even though they are only working as slaves.
Response:
Booker T. Washington recalls how the slaves reacted when they learned that one of their young masters were killed and two were wounded during the Civil War. They were all very upset because some of them have nursed the killed master and some played with him when he was young. Book T. Washington asserts that there’s “no sham sorrow”. Some of them even begged for the privilege to take care of the wounded young master. He wants to bring out the good nature of the Negro. I am surprised to see the slaves showing such real sympathy on their masters when they are only considered goods that can be traded. I agree that this is probably a result of their kindly and generous nature. I wonder if the masters would develop a close relationship with their slaves from time to time, due to the same kindly and generous nature. To me, probably not all masters are cruel to their slaves. Having slaves might be a trend in the upper class in the society. At the same time, slaves could not choose their masters. Whether they suffer more or less solely depends on their luck. Slavery system is horrible. I feel sympathy for the slaves so much, especially for those who have kindly and generous nature.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Journal #13 Sarah Winnemucca
Shirly Ong
English 48B
1 February, 2008
Journal #13 Sarah Winnemucca
Quote:
“The Women know as much as the men do, and their advice is often asked…The council-tent is our Congress, and anybody can speak who has anything to say, women and all. They are always interested in what their husbands are doing and thinking about. And they take some part even in the wars.”
Summary:
Sarah Winnemucca is introducing the council-tent, where the Piutes discuss everything. She points out that women can also participate in the discussion.
Response:
In this quote, Sarah Winnemucca’s main point is to tell us how the Piutes women’s statuses are equal to that of the Piutes men. The council-tent, which is the chief’s tent and the largest tent, is an important place where the Piute discuss everything. Yet, women and even children can go in and join the discussion if they wish to. As far as I know, many ancient cultures, like the Chinese culture, prohibit this. Women and children were kept away from the discussion place. Moreover, at the discussion place, the highest chiefs had the absolute right to rule and judge. By contrast, according to Sarah Winnemucca, the Piute chiefs “do not rule like tyrants”. They welcome very much for advice and opinion from their people, including those from women. Equality between men and women in the Piutes nation surprises me. To me, many women were kept at home and expected to take care of the children only in the past. They can never involve in the men’s discussion. In the Piutes nations, the couples do everything together. They take care of the family and the children together. They discuss everything together. This is a very good practice. As proved by today’s trend, inequality between men and women should be abolished.
English 48B
1 February, 2008
Journal #13 Sarah Winnemucca
Quote:
“The Women know as much as the men do, and their advice is often asked…The council-tent is our Congress, and anybody can speak who has anything to say, women and all. They are always interested in what their husbands are doing and thinking about. And they take some part even in the wars.”
Summary:
Sarah Winnemucca is introducing the council-tent, where the Piutes discuss everything. She points out that women can also participate in the discussion.
Response:
In this quote, Sarah Winnemucca’s main point is to tell us how the Piutes women’s statuses are equal to that of the Piutes men. The council-tent, which is the chief’s tent and the largest tent, is an important place where the Piute discuss everything. Yet, women and even children can go in and join the discussion if they wish to. As far as I know, many ancient cultures, like the Chinese culture, prohibit this. Women and children were kept away from the discussion place. Moreover, at the discussion place, the highest chiefs had the absolute right to rule and judge. By contrast, according to Sarah Winnemucca, the Piute chiefs “do not rule like tyrants”. They welcome very much for advice and opinion from their people, including those from women. Equality between men and women in the Piutes nation surprises me. To me, many women were kept at home and expected to take care of the children only in the past. They can never involve in the men’s discussion. In the Piutes nations, the couples do everything together. They take care of the family and the children together. They discuss everything together. This is a very good practice. As proved by today’s trend, inequality between men and women should be abolished.
Journal #12 Sarah Winnemucca
Shirly Ong
English 48B
1 February, 2008
Journal #12 Sarah Winnemucca
Quote:
“Marriage is a sweet thing when people love each other.”
Summary:
Sarah Winnemucca is revealing the status of Piute women and describing how they work with their husbands under any circumstances. As a short conclusion, he uses this quote to show her view on marriage.
Response:
Sarah Winnemucca claims that the Piute women have equal status as the Piutes men. They do everything with their husbands. Taking care of the children is not only the women’s duties. They take care of their children together. They take good care of one another when they grow blind. The women even went to the wars and helped the men. According to Sarah Winnemucca, the Piute women “faithfully keep with [their husband] in all the danger they can share”. These traditions demonstrate the Piute belief in marriage. Unlike many other cultures, Piute wives and husband have the same responsibilities in their marriage. This is an evidence of how the Piute couples love on another. I agree with Sarah Winnemucca’s idea that marriage is sweet when people love each other as if the Piute couples do. Nowadays, many people find their marriage “not sweet” and decide to divorce. I think the transition from the old perception to the new perception is one of the major reasons. People used to perceive that men and women have different responsibilities in a marriage. However, women tend to fight for their rights and independence now. Unlike women in the past, women might now divorce and support themselves by working. On the other hand, many couples do not actually love one another. Marriage is not sweet to many of them. This leads to the high divorce rates, which are creating many problems in the society.
English 48B
1 February, 2008
Journal #12 Sarah Winnemucca
Quote:
“Marriage is a sweet thing when people love each other.”
Summary:
Sarah Winnemucca is revealing the status of Piute women and describing how they work with their husbands under any circumstances. As a short conclusion, he uses this quote to show her view on marriage.
Response:
Sarah Winnemucca claims that the Piute women have equal status as the Piutes men. They do everything with their husbands. Taking care of the children is not only the women’s duties. They take care of their children together. They take good care of one another when they grow blind. The women even went to the wars and helped the men. According to Sarah Winnemucca, the Piute women “faithfully keep with [their husband] in all the danger they can share”. These traditions demonstrate the Piute belief in marriage. Unlike many other cultures, Piute wives and husband have the same responsibilities in their marriage. This is an evidence of how the Piute couples love on another. I agree with Sarah Winnemucca’s idea that marriage is sweet when people love each other as if the Piute couples do. Nowadays, many people find their marriage “not sweet” and decide to divorce. I think the transition from the old perception to the new perception is one of the major reasons. People used to perceive that men and women have different responsibilities in a marriage. However, women tend to fight for their rights and independence now. Unlike women in the past, women might now divorce and support themselves by working. On the other hand, many couples do not actually love one another. Marriage is not sweet to many of them. This leads to the high divorce rates, which are creating many problems in the society.
Journal #11 Sarah Winnemucca
Shirly Ong
English 48B
1 February, 2008
Journal #11 Sarah Winnemucca
Quote:
“My people teach their children never to make fun of anyone…Be kind to all, both poor and rich, and feed all that come to your wigwam…I never in my life saw our children rude as I have seen white children and grown people in the streets.”
Summary:
Sarah Winnemucca is comparing the Piutes to the Whites. In this quote, she is comparing how they teach their children.
Response:
In this quote, Sarah Winnemucca is telling her readers how the Piute educate their children. She claims that all Piutes teach their children not to make fun of other and to be kind to everyone. I think this is a very good practice. In this way, children will definitely become polite and have good manners. Winnemucca also claims that she has never seen Piute children being rude but she has seen white children and adults being rude in the streets. Ideally, if both the Whites and the Piutes, or even all humankinds have been taught to be kind to everyone, many wars and conflicts could have been avoided. Our world will probably become a perfect place to live for everyone. On the other hand, I found Sarah Winnemucca not very convincing here, again. To me, her idea is too extreme and subjective. It is my first impression on this statement. Not even one Piute child would be rude? This is incredible. Of course, this could be true if the Piutes are all very strict to their children. Moreover, as a famous Piute writer, her credibility should have been approved by scholars. Yet, I think her claim would be more convincing if she can give more solid proofs and examples.
English 48B
1 February, 2008
Journal #11 Sarah Winnemucca
Quote:
“My people teach their children never to make fun of anyone…Be kind to all, both poor and rich, and feed all that come to your wigwam…I never in my life saw our children rude as I have seen white children and grown people in the streets.”
Summary:
Sarah Winnemucca is comparing the Piutes to the Whites. In this quote, she is comparing how they teach their children.
Response:
In this quote, Sarah Winnemucca is telling her readers how the Piute educate their children. She claims that all Piutes teach their children not to make fun of other and to be kind to everyone. I think this is a very good practice. In this way, children will definitely become polite and have good manners. Winnemucca also claims that she has never seen Piute children being rude but she has seen white children and adults being rude in the streets. Ideally, if both the Whites and the Piutes, or even all humankinds have been taught to be kind to everyone, many wars and conflicts could have been avoided. Our world will probably become a perfect place to live for everyone. On the other hand, I found Sarah Winnemucca not very convincing here, again. To me, her idea is too extreme and subjective. It is my first impression on this statement. Not even one Piute child would be rude? This is incredible. Of course, this could be true if the Piutes are all very strict to their children. Moreover, as a famous Piute writer, her credibility should have been approved by scholars. Yet, I think her claim would be more convincing if she can give more solid proofs and examples.
Journal #10 Sarah Winnemucca
Love? Trust? Shirly Ong
English 48B
1 February, 2008
Journal #10 Sarah Winnemucca
Quote:
“Oh, can any one imagine my feelings buried alive, thinking every minute that I was to be unburied and eaten up by the people that my grandfather loved so much?”
Summary:
This quote appears in Sarah Winnemucca’s autobiography, From Life Among the Piute. It is her moan towards her experience of being buried alive when the Piutes were escaping from the Whites.
Response:
Starting with an exclamation “oh”, Sarah Winnemucca has clearly expressed her grieve towards her painful experience of being buried alive all day with her cousin by her mother and her aunt. The women buried their children because they could not run fast. They were fear that the Whites would catch them and eat them all up. It is very horrible that Sarah Winnemucca and her cousin were buried alive with their faces covered by sage bushes over their faces. They were left alone all day. They could not whisper or cry out because they might be discovered. Winnemucca even claims that she was “not daring to breathe”. This is unbelievable. Obviously, the Piutes were frightened by the white people. On that day, the Piutes thought the white people would definitely kill and eat them up. This is such a great contrast. They used to believe the Whites were their lost brother. Winnemucca also described them as “the people that my grandfather loved so much”. I think she felt it was ridiculous that she was buried alive because she is escaping from the people whom her was told to be their brothers. How sad was that! Brothers and sisters are expected to love one another. Yet, the Piutes dreads that their “lost brother” would kill and eat them all up. It is appalling.
English 48B
1 February, 2008
Journal #10 Sarah Winnemucca
Quote:
“Oh, can any one imagine my feelings buried alive, thinking every minute that I was to be unburied and eaten up by the people that my grandfather loved so much?”
Summary:
This quote appears in Sarah Winnemucca’s autobiography, From Life Among the Piute. It is her moan towards her experience of being buried alive when the Piutes were escaping from the Whites.
Response:
Starting with an exclamation “oh”, Sarah Winnemucca has clearly expressed her grieve towards her painful experience of being buried alive all day with her cousin by her mother and her aunt. The women buried their children because they could not run fast. They were fear that the Whites would catch them and eat them all up. It is very horrible that Sarah Winnemucca and her cousin were buried alive with their faces covered by sage bushes over their faces. They were left alone all day. They could not whisper or cry out because they might be discovered. Winnemucca even claims that she was “not daring to breathe”. This is unbelievable. Obviously, the Piutes were frightened by the white people. On that day, the Piutes thought the white people would definitely kill and eat them up. This is such a great contrast. They used to believe the Whites were their lost brother. Winnemucca also described them as “the people that my grandfather loved so much”. I think she felt it was ridiculous that she was buried alive because she is escaping from the people whom her was told to be their brothers. How sad was that! Brothers and sisters are expected to love one another. Yet, the Piutes dreads that their “lost brother” would kill and eat them all up. It is appalling.
Journal #9 Sarah Winnemucca
Shirly Ong
English 48B
1 February, 2008
Journal #9 Sarah Winnemucca
Quote:
“Arriving near them, he was commanded to halt in a manner that was readily understood without an interpreter. Grandpa at once made signs of friendships by throwing down his robe and throwing up his arms to show them he had no weapons; but in vain,--they kept them at a distance.”
Summary:
This quote appears at the beginning of From Life Among the Piute. It is Sarah Winnemucca’s description of her Grandfather when he and his men first met the Whites.
Response:
Sarah Winnemucca’s Grandfather, the chief of the entire Piute nation, has always believed that they have a “lost white brother” who would return one day. Therefore, when he and his men first met the Whites, he was very excited. He thought the Whites are his long-looked for white bothers and they finally return to their land. However, the Whites did not act very friendly. According to Sarah Winnemucca, the Whites commanded the Piutes to stop and kept the Piutes at a distance. The word “commanded” shows that the Whites were arrogant and impolite. They thought they are more authoritative than the Piute and commanded them as if they had power over the Piutes. Sarah Winnemucca even asserts that the Whites’ poor manner could be steadily understood without an interpreter. Yet, I think Winnemucca’s descriptions and comments might be a bit subjective as she is a Paiute. The White’s alert is understandable, as they do not know much about the Piutes. This was the best way to protect themselves from dangers and attacks. Nevertheless, it is a pity that they could not have a placid first meeting even though Winnemucca’s Grandfather has tried his best to show his friendliness and warm welcome to the Whites by showing them he had no weapons. After all, I think the Whites could have talked to the Piutes in a more peaceful way if they wanted to be friendly to the Piutes.
Quote:
“Arriving near them, he was commanded to halt in a manner that was readily understood without an interpreter. Grandpa at once made signs of friendships by throwing down his robe and throwing up his arms to show them he had no weapons; but in vain,--they kept them at a distance.”
Summary:
This quote appears at the beginning of From Life Among the Piute. It is Sarah Winnemucca’s description of her Grandfather when he and his men first met the Whites.
Response:
Sarah Winnemucca’s Grandfather, the chief of the entire Piute nation, has always believed that they have a “lost white brother” who would return one day. Therefore, when he and his men first met the Whites, he was very excited. He thought the Whites are his long-looked for white bothers and they finally return to their land. However, the Whites did not act very friendly. According to Sarah Winnemucca, the Whites commanded the Piutes to stop and kept the Piutes at a distance. The word “commanded” shows that the Whites were arrogant and impolite. They thought they are more authoritative than the Piute and commanded them as if they had power over the Piutes. Sarah Winnemucca even asserts that the Whites’ poor manner could be steadily understood without an interpreter. Yet, I think Winnemucca’s descriptions and comments might be a bit subjective as she is a Paiute. The White’s alert is understandable, as they do not know much about the Piutes. This was the best way to protect themselves from dangers and attacks. Nevertheless, it is a pity that they could not have a placid first meeting even though Winnemucca’s Grandfather has tried his best to show his friendliness and warm welcome to the Whites by showing them he had no weapons. After all, I think the Whites could have talked to the Piutes in a more peaceful way if they wanted to be friendly to the Piutes.