"The Catcher in the Rye" Section 4

 

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

After Holden wanting to leave, he decides to stay and spend time with Phoebe. “She ran and bought her ticket and got back on the goddam carrousel just in time. Then she walked all the way around it till she got her own horse back,” (Salinger, 212). This quote holds symbolism to Holden’s direction in life through the novel. Holden, at this moment, watching his sister on the carrousel, has gotten back on the right track in life. He has stopped falling off the cliff of giving up completely. He walked all around New York to begin to realize that the world is not simple and naïve as he views it. Holden continued to go in circles in his life not knowing his purpose and trying not to conform to society. He does not need to conform to society to keep from falling off the cliff. He needs to learn his own way and reevaluate his simple view of the world. Holden needs to get on his “own horse back” by not having to conform to society, but by learning to accept that society is full “phonies” and to not get too caught up in it.

"The Catcher in the Rye" Section 4

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

In chapter 24, Holden goes to one of his old teacher’s, Mr. Antolini for help. Holden is not sure where to go in his life. He is afraid to see his parents for fear of their reaction to his failures. Holden has an innocent and unrealistic view of what he wants to do with his life. Throughout the book, Holden has been walking in search of his purpose in life, and he cannot seem to find it. He is falling out of touch with the world and himself and he does not know it. Mr. Antolini’s comment captures the direction Holden is headed for,“This fall I think you’re riding for—it’s a special kind of fall, a horrible kind. The man falling isn’t permitted to feel or hear himself hit bottom. He just keeps falling and falling,” (Salinger, 187). Recognizing that Holden is falling, Mr. Antolini acts as Holden’s “catcher in the rye.” Holden doesn’t know where he is going in the world and needs someone catch him. This advice helps Holden realize to look for something different in the world so he will not give up in the future. Holden has an intelligent and observant mind, he just needs to get started in the right direction to not fall from the “cliff.”

"The Catcher in the Rye" Section 4

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

In chapter 22, Holden finally gets to see his sister Phoebe. We truly get to know Holden in depth through his conversation and relationship with his younger sister. The fact that he is able to relate to her most reveals his innocence and youthful spirit. Moreover, Phoebe is able to help Holden evaluate how he sees the world. The world is far from perfect, and it will always be filled with “phonies.” Holden focuses only on the negative side of things instead of finding something he wants to be or something he likes. He responds through this excerpt, “I’m standing on the edge of some cliff—I mean if they’re running and they don’t look where they’re going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That’s all I’d do all day. I’d just be the catcher in the rye and all,” (Salinger, 173). This reveals Holden’s fantasy and the disconnect he has with the world around him. He does not want to deal with the hardships and the imperfect ways of the world because they are far from simple. Phoebe helps him come to the realization that the only way to live in this world is to accept the fact that the world is not simple.

"The Catcher in the Rye" Section 4

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

When entering his house, Holden is extremely careful when going by his parent’s bedroom. Ironically, they are not even home. By talking with Phoebe, we find out that Holden’s dad can be tough on him when it comes to school. For example, “ ‘Daddy’ll kill you,’ … ‘No, he won’t. the worst he’ll do, he’ll give me hell again, and then he’ll send me to that goddam military school. That’s all he’ll do to me,’ ” (Salinger, 166). As children, we do not always realize the reasons our parents are tough on us. Holden’s dad obviously pushes him to succeed and do well in school. Phoebe, as a young child, does not yet recognize the motive of her father for being tough or “killing” Holden. Although Holden has a youthful and childlike spirit, he recognizes that his dad getting mad at him will not be the end of the world. Holden’s dad is tough on him because of his love for Holden. He wants Holden to be happy and live a good life. Holden’s dad’s possible reaction might be the result of desperation of trying to get his son on the right track in life, so he does not live a purposeless and unhappy life.

"The Catcher in the Rye" section 2

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

In section two of the novel, Holden travels around New York throughout the night. The audience can tell Holden’s main inner struggle is loneliness. He continually thinks about Jane, who is the closest friend he has had and the girl he loves. Through criticizing the world, he creates a sense of separation from everything else. For example, “I was surrounded by jerks… I listened to their conversation for a while, because I didn’t have anything else to do,” (Salinger, 85). Holden sees everyone else as the issue and refuses to acknowledge his loneliness. He also decided to walk forty-one blocks back to the hotel by himself in New York. Walking in the city alone contributes to the lonely tone developing in the novel. Moreover, Holden paid for a prostitute to come into his room that he did not have sex with. Holden continually thinks about and tries to interact with women, but it never seems to work out for him. His continual thoughts about Jane reveal that he is lonely without her. Holden trying to dance with the women at the hotel club and ordering a prostitute contribute to his loneliness and his desire to have someone in his life.

"The Catcher in the Rye" Section 2

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Holden is very critical of the world around him. He often sees the world as having the problem, yet he never looks to himself. Despite his claims of being humble and not self-centered, Holden shows times where he is self-centered and moronic like the world around him. Because he has some gray hair, Holden thinks he appears older than his age. Therefore, he often goes into clubs and tries to order alcohol. For example, “I ordered a Scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it… ‘ I’m sorry, sir,’ he said, ‘but do you have some verification of your age? Your driver’s license perhaps?’ ” (Salinger, 69). He continually compliments himself on his ability to fool people with his age, yet it backfires here. Moreover, he continually calls himself “suave.” When he tries to dance with three older women in the club, they laugh and hardly pay any attention to him. When he danced with the blonde women, she did not even engage in a conversation Holden was desperately trying to make.

"The Catcher in the Rye" Section 2

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

At old Ernies, Holden reveals his opinion of himself and various traits he despises in other people. One trait he despises people who are self-centered and phony by trying to make it seem like they are not self-centered. For example, “He had a big damn mirror in front of the piano, with this big spotlight on him, so that everybody could watch his face while he played… old Ernie turned around on his stool and gave this very phony, humble bow,” (Salinger, 84). Holden also despises the typical moronic person, which happens to be the majority of people. For example, “You should’ve heard the crowd, though, when he was finished. You would’ve puked… They were exactly the same morons that laugh like heynas in the movies at stuff that isn’t funny,” (Salinger, 84). From this excerpt, Holden holds a high opinion of himself. Despite being kicked out of school for poor grades, he believes he is very smart in terms of common sense. He feels that he is real and truly humble, not self-centered like everyone else in the world. For example, “If I were a piano player or an actor or something and all those dopes thought I was terrific, I’d hate it. I wouldn’t even want them to clap for me,” (Salinger, 84). Holden tends to separate himself completely from everyone else, when he definitely shows some characteristics of being self-centered.

"The Catcher in the Rye" Section 2

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Characterization

In chapter eleven, Holden Caufield thinks about Jane Gallagher and all the time they spent together. His stream of consciousness about her characterizes who she is and helps the audience know why Holden cares for her. He characterizes her through stories of how they met and his memories of their interactions together. For example, “I remember this one afternoon. It was the only time old Jane and I ever got close to necking, even… Then she really started to cray, and the next thing I knew, I was kissing her all over—anywhere—her eyes, her nose… She sort of wouldn’t let me get to her mouth,” (Salinger, 78-79). Holden and Jane were obviously very good friends who cared deeply for each other. This excerpt also characterizes Jane as modest and different from how most girls would act. Being less physical with Holden actually attracted him more than silly girls who just want to get physical. Holden reveals through his own actions how much he cares about and trusts Jane. For example, “She was the only one, outside my family, that I ever showed Allie’s baseball mitt to, with all the poems written on it,” (Salinger, 77). Through his descriptions of being with other girls seeming meaningless, we can easily decipher that Jane is his ultimate love and friend. His action of showing Jane one of his most treasured possessions speaks volumes towards his feelings about her.  

"Dover Beach"

 “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold

In “Dover Beach” three bodies of water are mentioned and they are connected by the same idea of an “eternal note of sadness.” Two of the bodies of water are literal while one of them is figurative.  The first body of water, the English Channel, introduces the “eternal note of sadness.” “Of pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling… with tremulous cadence slow, and bring the eternal note of sadness in,” (Arnold, 892). The channel looks beautiful, but the sound is harsh. “Sophocles long ago heard it on the Aegean, and it brought into his mind the turbid ebb and flow of human misery,” (Arnold, 892). The second body of water, the Aegean sea connects the idea from the previous body of water to human misery. The idea established in the first body of water grows bigger from just water to now humans. In the third body of water, “the Sea of Faith,” the idea grows to relate to the world. The speaker establishes a connection between sadness and faith. For example, “was once, too, at the full, and round earth’s shore… but now I only hear its melancholy, long withdrawing roar,” (Arnold, 892). As faith decreases, sadness increase; therefore, sadness is eternal and faith is fading. “For the world, which seems to lie before us like alnad of dreams, so various, so beautiful, so new, hath really neither joy, nor love…” (Arnold, 893). The eternal not of sadness relates to the idea that the world appears to be this beautiful place full of opportunity; however, it is full of eternal sadness and misery.

"Sorting Laundry"

“Sorting Laundry” by Elisavietta Ritche

Tone

The tone in the first thirteen stanzas of the poem reflects a positive nature to the speaker’s relationship with her lover. The speaker reflects their attitude through the imagery of laundry. “All those wrinkles to be smoothed, or else ignored,” (Ritche, 841). Through this metaphor the speaker is able to convey that there are problems in her relationship, but they do not need to be pressed and focused on fixing them. “So many shirts and skirts and pants recycling week after week, head over heels recapitulating themselves,” (Ritche, 841). The two lovers never seem to get tired of each other. This trend of items of laundry conveying a healthy relationship continues until the tone shifts in the fourteenth stanza. For example, “You brought from Kuwait, the strangely tailored shirt left by a former lover,” (Ritche, 842). The old shirt brings up memories from a previous lover. The tone shifts from positive and healthy to worry. The speaker does not want to be a former lover as she says “a mountain of unsorted wash could not fill the empty side of the bed,” (Ritche, 842).

"The Convergence of the Twain"

“The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

Imagery

Thomas Hardy employs imagery to convey the meaning of “The Convergence of the Twain”, which is the consequences of human pride. The imagery describes the Titanic while the Titanic can be a symbol of human pride. “In a solitude of the sea deep from human vanity, and the pride of life that planned her, stilly coaches she,” (Hardy, 778). The first stanza reveals that Titanic was created through the pride of the people who built her. That pride lies “stilly” at the bottom of the ocean. This establishes a meaning in the poem that human pride is a negative and can be destructive. “The sea-worm crawls—grotesque, slimed, dumb, indifferent,” (Hardy, 778). This line in stanza III add to the negative tone of human pride. “Jewels in joy designed to ravish the sensuous mind lie lightless, all their sparkles bleared and black and blind,” (Hardy, 778). The imagery of the jewels represent the pride in the Titanic and its beauty. The dark and gloomy imagery, “lightless,” “bleared,” “black,” and “blind” contribute to the meaning of our human pride leading to the destruction of beautiful and bright things that we create.

"I taste a liquor never brewed"

“I taste a liquor never brewed” by Emily Dickinson

Extended Metaphor

“I taste a liquor never brewed” is an extended metaphor and it compares being drunk to being drunk of nature. We know that the speaker is not literally drinking beer because the title, “liquor never brewed.” “Not all the Vats upon the Rhine Yield such an Alcohol!” (Dickinson, 797). The Rhine river is known as a location where grapes for wine are grown and alcohol is fermented. The speaker saying that the best alcohol does not compare to nature conveys the truly amazing feeling of being surrounded by nature. The comparison towards nature is revealed through the diction of a “drunken Bee,” “Foxgloves,” and “Butterflies.” Since the extended metaphor is comparing being drunk to nature, “Molten Blue” and “Pearl” represent the blue sky and fluffy clouds. “Till Seraphs… and Saints—to windows run—to see the little Tippler Leaning against the—Sun,” (Dickinson, 797). This excerpt shows the amused and happy reaction of the Seraphs and saints to this person drunk with nature.  The person drunk with nature “leaning against the sun” further emphasizes the comparison to nature and relates back to the idea of drunks not being able to stand up straight.

"My Mistress' Eyes"

“My Mistress’ Eyes” by William Shakespeare

Question 1

The speaker in the poem mocks the typical comparisons of love poetry. This indicates the exaggeration of beauty typically used in love poetry. These comparisons contribute to a negative and satirical tone in the first twelve lines of the sonnet. “My misstres’ eyes are nothing like the sun,” (Shakespeare, 885). This line of the poem makes fun of the commonly used cliché in love poetry, “your eyes are like the sun.” “Coral is far more red than her lips’ red,” (Shakespeare, 885). This recalls the comparison of lips being red as coral. “But no such roses see I in her cheeks,” (Shakespeare, 885). Love poems often make comparisons of their lover having cheeks as red as roses. A common cheesy comparison in love poetry is comparing a lover to a goddess. Shakespeare makes fun at this comparison in his poem. For example, “I grant I never saw a goddess go, my mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground,” (Shakespeare, 885).

"Barbie Doll"

“Barbie Doll” by Marge Piercy

Question 1

Barbie dolls are supposed to be the superficial beauty that every girl dreams of being. Barbie’s are stick thin, have long legs, and a perfect face. A classmate said to the girl, “You have a great big nose and fat legs,” (Piercy, 835). The girl “possessed strong arms and back,” (Piercy, 835). The girl having strong arms and back indicate she is not stick thin, but full and healthy. Barbie dolls are lifeless and therefore do not possess human qualities. The poem describes the girl as lifelike and human through words such as “intelligent,” “healthy,” and “apologizing.” Because people only saw appearance in the girl, she strived to become more like a Barbie doll. The lifelessness of a Barbie doll is emphasized through diction in the poem. For example, “In the casket displayed on satin she lay with the undertaker’s cosmetics painted on,” (Piercy, 836).

"Hunters in the Snow"

“Hunters in the Snow” by Tobias Wolff

Question 5

In the beginning of the short story, Tub appears to be a stock character. He is the primary object of Kenny’s jokes. For example, “ ‘You ought to see yourself,’ the driver said. ‘He looks like a beach ball with a hat on, doesn’t he? Doesn’t he Frank?’ ” (Wolff, 187). All Kenny does is make fun of Tub and Tub just takes it. Tub falls behind while hunting, and Kenny and Frank think that it is funny to move the truck and act like they are leaving. Tub appears to be a stock character, but he is a fully realized individual. When Kenny goes through a pattern of saying he hates things and then shooting them, he points the gun at Tub. In defense, Tub shoots Kenny. At this moment, we realize that Tub initiates action and is not just an object in people’s jokes. Another instance where we realize Tub’s individualism is where he talks with Frank about his problems. He mentions that he lies to his wife about why he is fat. This reveals that Tub has insecurities and problems that every individual has. Knowing that he has a family to take care of contributes to the characterization that Tub is a fully realized individual.

"A Jury of Her Peers"

“A Jury of Her Peers” by Susan Glaspell

Question 3

The men in the story share the common assumption that women work in the kitchen and take care of the house. For example, “ ‘Dirty towels! Not much of a housekeeper, would you say, ladies?’ ” (Glaspell, 412). Men also believe that women are not capable of intelligent and critical thinking especially when it comes to finding criminal clues.  “ ‘But would the women know a clue if they did come upon it?’ ” (Glaspell, 413). They try to show that women are not their inferiors by leaving them on their own to do things and trusting them. In addition, after stating typical stereotypes about women, the men would appear to be appreciative of what women did. For example, “ ‘And yet,’ said he, with the gallantry of a young politician, ‘for all their worries, what would we do without the ladies?’ ” (Glaspell, 412). Their assumptions are ironic because they were unable to find any evidence of Mrs. Wright murdering her husband. Instead, the women found evidence and decided not to share it with the men. The women stuck together because they knew the hardships that Mrs. Wright had to face. The clues that led to finding the evidence were through details that only women would have noticed, such as the stitching on a quilt and the messiness of the kitchen. Keeping the evidence is in a way getting back at the men for their assumption that women are inferior.

Othello Acts IV & V

Othello by William Shakespeare

Desdemona

Desdemona is a truly faithful wife. She not only proves this with her conversation with Emilia, but also during her own murder. During the time Othello was angry with her, she still forgave and loved him. “My love doth so approve him that even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns… have grace and favor in them,” (IV, iii, 18-20). When Othello tells Desdemona that he will murder her, she does not get up from her bed. She tries to persuade him not to kill her because she has faith that he will act reasonably. Moreover, when Emilia interrupts the murder, she hears Desdemona’s voice and asks Desdemona who murdered her. Desdemona’s response is, “Nobody, I myself. Farewell,” (V, ii, 122). Even when Othello murdered Desdemona despite her pleas for mercy, Desdemona does not rat him out.

Othello Acts IV &V

Othello by William Shakespeare

Bianca

Towards the end of Act IV scene i, Iago uses Bianca to carry out his deceitful plans. Through his act of deceiving Othello, he talks to Cassio about Bianca, but he makes Othello believe Cassio is talking about Desdemona. Bianca comes in to talk to Cassio in that moment about a handkerchief she found in his bedroom. By presenting Desdemona’s handkerchief, she provides ocular evidence that what Iago says is true. “This is some knix’s token, and I must take ou the work? There, give it your hobbyhorse,” (IV, I, 144-146). Cassio’s attitude towards Bianca is not serious. This attitude is conveyed in the conversation with Iago, which further angers Othello. Despite what Othello hears about Desdemona (really Bianca), he becomes angry because he loves Desdemona. He hates Cassio not only for his actions but for how he mocks Desdemona. Although a minor character, Bianca becomes a huge contribution to the success of Iago’s plans.

Othello Acts IV & V

Othello by William Shakespeare

Foreshadowing

In Act IV, we see foreshadowing from Desdemona and Emilia. “If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me in one of those same sheets,” (IV, iii, 22-23). Desdemona foreshadows her own death. She mentions sheets which foreshadows her death in her own bed. Emilia foreshadows revenge upon her husband. Moreover, she reveals her true feelings about men and her true personality. Iago has definitely underestimated Emilia. “Yet we have some revenge. Let husbands know their wives have sense like them,” (IV,iii, 89-90). In Act V, Emilia becomes a dynamic character in becoming confident and attacking Iago with questions about Desdemona after her death. Her revenge comes through her change to her being at the “top” of the relationship.

Othello Acts IV & V

Othello by William Shakespeare

Dramatic Irony

In Act IV, Emilia, Iago, and Desdemona have a conversation about someone feeding false rumors to Othello. This situation is ironic because we know that the person doing this is Iago. More irony comes from the fact that Iago is present in the conversation. In addition, Emilia does not know that the “villainous knave” she is talks about is her own husband. “The Moor’s abused by some most villainous knave, some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow,” (IV, ii, 139-140). More irony appears with Desdemona at the end of Act IV. Emilia and Desdemona are talking about women who would dare to cheat on their husbands. Desdemona says to Emilia, “Beshrew me if I would do such a wrong for the whole world,” (IV, iii, 74-75). The irony comes from the fact that Othello believes that Desdemona has been cheating on him. Desdemona admits that she will never cheat on Othello and always be faithful to him. The irony in this moment portrays the tragedy about to unfold upon this loving couple.

Othello

Othello by William Shakespeare

Desdemona’s behavior towards her father in Act I, set her up for suspicious and deceptive behavior. Her behavior helps Iago plant a seed of doubt in Othello regarding Desdemona. Brabantio says, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee,” (I, iii, 289-290). This line reveals an element of foreshadowing, which is a literary technique Shakespeare often employs in his plays. In Act III, Iago remind Othello of her behavior towards her father to increase Othello’s doubt. “She did deceive her father, marrying you,” (III, iii, 207). Desdemona’s sweet nature towards other men will increase Othello’s suspicions. Her early deception towards her father will blind Othello. He will forget that she left her father for his love.

Othello

Othello by William Shakespeare

Iago

Iago is perfect in the art of deceiving others. His understanding of human nature and reputation of being an honest man lead others to put absolute trust in him. For example, in Act III, Othello says, “This fellow’s of exceeding honesty, and knows all qualities, with a learned spirit of human dealings,” (III, iii, 259-261). Iago is two faced and establishes his motives for his behavior early on in the play. Iago strongly dislikes Othello because Iago suspects that his wife cheated on him with Othello. Moreover, Iago is angry that he does not have a high-ranking military position with Othello. Iago’s two-faced nature is exemplified when he says to Othello’s face that he loves him and acts as a loving friend to him when he actually despises Othello. For example, “My lord, you know I love you,” (III, iii, 118). The only person who knows Iago’s nature is Roderigo. However, Iago is even deceiving him by acting as if he is trying to persuade Desdemona to leave Othello. Iago is able to use peoples wishes and motives to align his own scheme.

Othello

Othello by William Shakespeare

Dramatic Irony

The primary literary element in Othello is dramatic irony. This tool makes the audience cringe at characters unwillingly listening to Iago who easily deceives them. An example of dramatic irony is present in Act III with Cassio’s interaction with Desdemona. The audience knows that Cassio and Desdemona are friends. Cassio is only asking for her help in gaining back his position through Othello’s forgiveness. Othello sees this interaction as harmless. However, Iago, the driving force of the dramatic irony in this play, deceives Othello to suspect a relationship between Cassio and Desdemona. The audience, along with Iago, knows that Cassio was only asking for help in getting forgiveness and that Othello should suspect nothing. The dramatic irony of this situation is revealed through Iago’s soliloquies. For example, “Myself the while to draw the Moor apart and bring him jump when he may Cassio find soliciting his wife. Aye, that’s the way. Dull not device by coldness and delay, (II, iii, 348-351).

Othello

Othello by William Shakespeare

Racism

Othello’s African American ethnicity plays a large role in Othello because it is a source of dislike towards him. Throughout Acts I and II there are remarks about race, which reveal the typical stereotypes that Othello deals with. When Brabantio reacts to finding out that Desdemona married Othello, he says, “Get weapons, ho!” (I, i, 179). This statement reveals the attitude that African Americans were viewed as less than human. Had Desdemona married a white man, Brabantio would not have reacted this way. Another example of a remark about ethnicity is when the Duke speaks highly of Othello to Brabantio. “Your son-in-law is far more fair than black,” (I, iii, 287). This remark not only characterizes Othello as educated and well-mannered, but  it also implies that African Americans were viewed as inferior and ill-behaved. In Act II, Iago talks to Desdemona about women, and even in this setting negative remarks towards ethnicity are made. For example, “If she be black, and thereto have a wit, she’ll find a white that shall her blackness fit,” (II, i, 132-133). In this remark, black means ugly. Othello’s ethnicity early in the play is appearing to be an important factor throughout the whole.

“You’re Ugly, Too”

“You’re Ugly, Too” by Lorrie Moore

Zoe’s relationship with her sister

Zoe and Evan have a healthy sister relationship. However, the roles of being an older sister to Evan have switched with Evan growing and finding companionship. Evan and Zoe regularly keep in contact with each other despite living far away from each other. Evan has been successful in her relationships, especially with her boyfriend Charlie. On the other hand, Zoe has had great difficulty in this area because her lack of maturity when it comes to relationships. Evan now plays more of the “big sister” role in giving Zoe advice and trying to help her with her relationships. This switch of roles provokes Zoe to feel jealous of Evan. “Zoe had always taken care of her, advising, reassuring, unitl recently, when it seemed Evan had started advising and reassuring her. It startled Zoe,” (Moore, 360).  Zoe grows more jealous upon finding out that Evan is engaged to her boyfriend. Most often, older sisters get married before the younger sisters. This short story exhibits that being an older sister does not necessarily come from order of birth, but from growth and maturity in life.

"The Story of an Hour"

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Mrs. Mallard was in shock upon receiving news of her husband’s death.  Her stream of consciousness following that moment revealed the theme of the importance of a woman’s independence. Women desire to love and be loved by a man. “Men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow creature,” (Chopin). This dependence on love results a woman losing sight of her independence and freedom within herself. Mrs. Mallard’s conflicting feelings being transformed into happiness reveal her finding and realization of her independence. “What could love, the unsolved mystery, count for in face of this possession of self-assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being,” (Chopin). Although Mrs. Mallard was in a loving relationship, nothing accounts for only having to worry about making herself happy. In a relationship, she had to account for her decisions making not only herself happy but her husband. The theme this short story presents is that independence can be stronger than the mystery of love.

"Popular Mechanics"

“Popular Mechanics” by Carver

Question 1

The couple is splitting up, and along with this action, property between the couple must be divided. The primary issue that the couple is “deciding” over is who gets the baby. “She grabbed for the baby’s other arm. She caught the baby around the wrist and leaned back. But he would not let go. He felt the baby slipping out of his hands and he pulled back very hard,” (Carver). From evidence in this excerpt, the baby was ripped apart. The issue was decided that no one gets the baby because the baby is now dead. The irony in this short story reminded me of a “Modest Proposal” by Swift. Both works use baby violence to convey their theme. The irony is that the man and woman both fought for and wanted the baby, but they ended up killing it. Now no one can have it. This irony reveals the theme that when relationships break, especially in divorce, that the love couples once shared gets ripped apart when fighting for what they want. In the end fighting for what they want becomes a waste because neither person in the relationship gets what they want.

"Getting Out"

“Getting Out” by Cleopatra Mathis

Question 4

The tone of the poem up to line 14 expresses a tone of anger and bitterness. The married couple lives in silence with each other.  “Every night another refusal, the silent work of tightening the heart,” (Mathis). This excerpt reveals that in the couples silence and at night, they both knew that their marriage will not work. They both feel bottled up with each other wanting to escape. In line 14, “heaving words like furniture,” reveals the anger the couple feels towards each other. Language such as “furniture” and “pack up” explain the couple going through a divorce. Line 14 is told in the past and in line 15, the poem shifts to present. The tone shifts from disgust and anger within the relationship to sadness in looking back on the relationship. Now, the separated couple looks back on their relationship with sadness because they once loved each other. “I have the last unshredded pictures of our matching eyes and hair,” reveals the woman recalling their relationship. The couple is sad that they lost the loved they shared, but they know that they are happier apart.

"Bright Star"

“Bright Star” by John Keats

Question 1

The speaker expresses aspects of the star that he wants emulate as well as reject. “Bright Star, would I were steadfast as thou art,” (Keats, 792). The first line of the poem reveals that the speaker wants to emulate a star in some way. Being unchanging in constant in a relationship is a strong quality. Love and dedication toward a person must remain constant and not weaken like a star. Lines 2-8 of the poem express the speaker’s wishes to be unlike a star. The second line reveals that the speaker does not want to be isolated, which contradicts his loving relationship. The third line describes a star watching. The speaker wishing to be unlike this reveals that he wants to live and be immersed with love in his or her relationship. Watching from afar like a star implies in not giving love to his or her lover. The speaker does not want to be like a star in lines 2-8 with his situation because he wants to be immersed and a part of his or her loving relationship. A star watches and is separate from the feeling and passions of love.

"Delight in Disorder"

“Delight in Disorder” by Robert Herrick

Question 2

The oxymoron’s used in this poem are effective in revealing the meaning of it. The oxymoron “wild civility” means that there is a calmness and appeal to imperfection. Another oxymoron in the poem “sweet disorder” reveals a similar meaning. This oxymoron implies that with not appearing tidy and always together has appeal. Always appearing perfect and organized can be intimidating. Having disorder is sweet in that fact that it reveals imperfection which is comforting. “I see a wild civility; do more bewitch me than when art is to precise in every part,” (Herrick, 979). The passage including the oxymoron reveal the whole meaning of the poem to be that imperfections are often the source of the attraction of one person to another. We often think that we need to appear perfect in front of other people and that beauty only comes from perfection. However, beauty is seen through our flaws. The oxymoron’s in this poem reveal that contradictory meaning.  

"Eveline"

“Eveline” by James Joyce

pros and cons of leaving home

Eveline is deciding on whether it is best for her to stay home or leave for her love Frank. Eveline evaluates the pros and cons of the situation to determine what to do. In her present home, Eveline had assurance of security with shelter and food. Moreover, she had everyone dear to her in her hometown. Cons to staying home would be fear of her father’s treatment of her. “She would not be treated as her mother had been. Even now, though she was over nineteen, she sometimes felt herself in danger of her father’s violence,” (Joyce, 219). With this con however, there is some doubt to whether her father would be capable of the violence he inflicted upon Eveline’s mother because he was now much older and more dependent upon Eveline.  Her pros to leaving her home for Frank would be living with a man she knew to be kind and open-hearted. In addition, being married would bring her respect from people in her new home town. Cons include Eveline not knowing how Frank would behave once living with her. With leaving her home, there would be tremendous uncertainty and risk. She would not be able to turn back to her home where she felt secure because of shame and embarrassment.

"How I Met My Husband"

“How I Met My Husband” by Alice Munro

Question #4

Edie is a sympathetic character through moments in the story of her being innocent and naïve. One instance where sympathy towards Edie is portrayed is when Alice Kelling interrogates Edie about seeing Chris Watters. “ ‘I’m wondering, if you knowwhat being intimate means. Now tell me. What did you think it meant?’ ‘Kissing,’ I howled,”(Munro, 144). Edie’s meaning of the word intimate is much more innocent than everyone else’s meaning of intimate. This example reveals Edie’s being naïve as society views intimate as more than kissing. The fact that Edie is a farm girl and has not been exposed to society evokes more sympathy in this situation. Moreover, being the help and farm girl adds to her naïve and innocent character. Another example in this short story is Edie waiting to receive a letter from Chris for a very long time. “It never crossed my mind for a long time a letter might not come,”(Munro, 145). She was unable to recognize through her innocence that Chris would forget about her. He had never settled down and did not keep his commitment to Alice.