1. Did you choose a film you had not seen before?
   
2. Choose one of the characters. Describe the characterization. Is the character round/flat, dynamic/static? What is the character's motivation? Point to details to support your answer.
3. What is one of the themes in the film? How is this theme portrayed?
4. How might watching film as literature (instead of simply as entertainment) change the way that you watch movies?

1. Yes

2. Scout; Scout is a young girl who is growing up in a time period of severe racism. She is a tomboy and somewhat mischievous. Throughout the movie her character develops and she matures and shapes her values on what is right and wrong. Scout is definitely a round/dynamic character because as the story progresses she grows and matures so much. She is faced with severe conflict regarding racism, ethics and distinguishing right vs wrong. 

3. One of the main themes is definitely racism. The theme is portrayed through the Tom Robinson trial and the obvious injustice of it all. 

4. When you watch a movie as literature, you definitely pick up on more. It is easier to analyze when you are not just watching it for entertainment. 

   I read To Kill a Mockingbird as a senior in high school and loved it. It was definitely one of my favorite reading assignments that year. I always wanted to watch the movie and figured this would be a great opportunity to do so. At first I was surprised at how old a film it was. I don't know why, but I was expecting it to be more modern. Despite this, I quickly got lost in the story line and found myself remembering why I loved the book so much. It is a great film, and I suggest everyone see it. 

special post

I chose to write about The Very Old Man with Enormous Wings for my special blog post. After first reading the story, I was not completely sure what my exact thoughts were on it.  The entire text was extremely odd from the beginning to end. In class we learned that not all literature has a specific theme or point that the author is trying to convey. Rather, it is up to us as readers to get something out of the text. The first time I read The Very Old Man with Enormous Wings I was looking for  some hidden theme or message that the author was wanting his readers to get. After discussing the text more in class and learning how not every story has a specific theme, I was able to view the text with a new perspective. I realized that it was up to me to take something from the story rather than find a point that the author was trying to make. 

The story begins with the main character, a man named Pelayo, throwing back crabs into the ocean. Pelayo’s newborn baby is very ill and he and his wife are desperate to take any measure to cure the small child. The couple believe that the crabs have something to do with the child’s illness and are determined to get rid of them. While Pelayo is throwing them back, he spots a very old man face down in the mud. The man appears to be normal except for the large pair of wings on his back. He is unable to get up due to the weight of them. Pelayo and his wife come to the conclusion that  the old man must be an angel. They believe that he was coming for their sick child. The couple decides to keep him in the chicken coop and people from all over gather just to catch a glimpse of the “angel.” He is treated as an object merely for the purpose of entertainment.

My favorite part of the story was the following passage. I was really able to get something out of this paragraph. I’m not sure if it was the theme that the author intended, but I interpreted the story through analyzing these sentences:

The angel was the only one who took no part in his own act. He spent his time trying to get comfortable in his borrowed nest, befuddled by the hellish heat of the oil lamps and sacramental candles that had been placed along the wire. At first they tried to make him eat some mothballs, which, according to the wisdom of the wise neighbor woman, were the food prescribed for angels. But he turned them down, just as he turned down the papal lunches that the pentinents brought him, and they never found out whether it was because he was an angel or because he was an old man that in the end ate nothing but eggplant mush. His only supernatural virtue seemed to be patience. Especially during the first days, when the hens pecked at him, searching for the stellar parasites that proliferated in his wings, and the cripples pulled out feathers to touch their defective parts with, and even the most merciful threw stones at him, trying to get him to rise so they could see him standing. The only time they succeeded in arousing him was when they burned his side with an iron for branding steers, for he had been motionless for so many hours that they thought he was dead. He awoke with a start, ranting in his hermetic language and with tears in his eyes, and he flapped his wings a couple of times, which brought on a whirlwind of chicken dung and lunar dust and a gale of panic that did not seem to be of this world. Although many thought that his reaction had not been one of rage but of pain, from then on they were careful not to annoy him, because the majority understood that his passivity was not that of a her taking his ease but that of a cataclysm in repose.

Everything about the angel is human like. He is withered and old, weary and sick. 

The passage states that his one human like quality is patience. This really struck me. I don’t want to be cliche or cheesy by saying I got a spiritual interpretation from the text. Honestly, this passage reminded me so much of when Jesus came as a man to earth. He came in the form as a man, even though he was still fully God. I definitely believe that the character in the story is an angel. But even though he was very human in appearance and health, he had he possessed qualities of something greater. No human would be patient enough to face torture and mistreatment. It reminded me of how Christ willingly paid the price for our sin through suffering on the cross. Christ came to earth as a man. He was very human but at the same time possessed divine qualities only God would have. The angel was treated horribly, as if he had to worth. He was ridiculed and looked upon like an object. In many ways, Jesus faced a very similar scenario at the time of his death. Right before he crucified he was he was placed in the center of a crowd. His clothes were taken from him and gambled away. He was mocked, beaten and harassed. Even though he had the power and ability to stop any human, Christ chose to obey His father and go through with his crucifixion as the price for our sins. He remained quiet and patient throughout the entire process. I found the angel to possess a very similar patience. I could not believe how the angel responded as those surrounding him were gawking and invading his space. His behavior definitely reminded me of Christ’s.  

Imago Dei

   What does it mean to be created imago dei?

 Are all created in God‟s image? 

     Steven Fettke opens up his article with these thought provoking questions. In class we have been studying and reading about mentally disabled individuals. This has really been eye opening, because while I might have seen people with disabilities in the grocery store or at church, I have never really gotten to know someone like that on a personal level. 

    

       I cannot imagine what their life is like on a daily basis. What struggles they have to undergo just to try live like us. But on the other hand, it was so interesting seeing how much they really are like us. They are just as much of human beings as we are. They have the same wants and desires. 

 In what ways can the work of the Spirit in creation and the 

resultant image of God placed on all humans be understood in terms 

of human experience? What makes each person a person?

 This really made me think. What makes each person a person?

  Is it their IQ? The ability to think and speak for themselves? 

I hate to admit this, but so many times I have judged people on their outer appearance whether it be their status, looks or job. I don’t think it is something we ever do intentionally but rather subconsciously. I know I never purposefully judge someone based on their exterior. It is definitely part of our sinful nature to look at people and see anything other than an individual made in the image of Christ. I have discovered that when I am more aware of my nature to view people in this light, I can change how I first perceive people. When you’re aware of the problem, it is much easier to fix. This is something that I definitely have to work on. I know our culture has desensitized us to the truth in so many ways. 

   When it comes down to the heart of it, we were all created in His image and that is what defines us. 

The Boys next door

 I really enjoyed reading the Boys Next Door. At first I was not sure what to expect, having no clue what the play was about. I found the story line and characters to be intriguing. It is such an unusual theme, but I think that is why I enjoyed it so much. It really reminded me how often we overlook people with disabilities, sometimes forgetting that they hold many of the same capabilities as everyone else, just in a different way. The four men in the story all had such unique personalities. Sometimes it is easy to label people like that as "someone with a disability" rather than truly examining them as a individual. This made me think back to when we were learning about character and how we often judge based on the exterior. I loved how Professor Corrigan stressed that the number one thing that we should see when we look at anyone is that Christ is the core of them. No matter who they are, what they do, how intelligent they may be, they are in Christ. Sometimes we underestimate those who are different than us. Why do we do that? I want to take the time to remember this next time I come into contact with someone who doesn't fit the norm. 

It is not the exterior that defines us. That is just temporary; meaningless in God’s eyes. This is something that we can not only apply when viewing others, but with ourselves as well. Often we put forth such great effort to build ourselves up based on what we do or what talents we possess that we lose sight of where our true identity lies. We were created in God’s image and for His purpose. When we put aside all the superficial criteria that the media and today’s society builds up so much, it is much easier to understand our true worth. It doesn’t matter if someone is the most intelligent person in the world or if they have down syndrome. It doesn’t matter if someone works at NASA or a fast food restaurant. What matters is the fact that we, as human beings, are in Christ. That is the only thing we need to place our identity in. 

Field Trip

I went to the Polk Museum of Art and stayed there for at least 40 minutes. 

 I was actually really excited about this field trip. I have lived in Lakeland for seven years and have never been to the Polk Museum of Art. The museum had an amazing collection of paintings and sculptures and I was extremely impressed with their huge variety. 

 I have been to many art museums before but when going to this one I had a different mindset. I found myself really analyzing every painting; the colors, shapes, brush strokes. I took art during high school and being at the museum brought back good memories. My teacher always challenged us to look beyond what we saw. While I was examining the paintings and remembering what my art teacher used to tell us I realized something. This is the same technique that Professor Corrigan has been teaching us this year: to look beyond what we see in literature. Once we get back out first impression or our first reading of the text, we can analyze the piece and really get something deeper out of it. It was interesting applying what we have been learning in class on this field trip. I feel as though this whole year we have been encouraged to think outside the box and view things from a new and different angle. I tried to use the same techniques we have learned on analyzing at the museum. Instead of merely examining the painting as a work of art, I tried to think of the artist and what he/she was thinking when creating their piece. This really made me see pieces in a whole new light. 

 I found examining the paintings and sculptures in this way to be intriguing. You take so much more away when you really examine not only the artwork, but the story behind it. 

One of the abstract pieces I was examining inspired this poem. I was taking in all the colors and shapes and analyzing the technique the artist was using. There was something about the piece that was very vulnerable to me. It was like a part of the artist was there. Being an artist myself, I felt as if I could really relate to what I was looking at. It was a beautiful form of expression and there was something rather spiritual about it. 

   You stare inside my soul

   For once I'm completely vulnerable

   take away all the excess colors

   wash away the stains until everything

   is bare, transparent. 

  You lift your hand and

 gently move, back and forth

creating something new

Silence takes 

over and beauty seeps in

slowly capturing my attention

and breaking down every

wall until there's nothing

left but You and me.

  

Reading for Transformation

 One of the biggest things that I’ve taken from this class is changing the way I read texts. Often, we read material once and form an immediate opinion about it without really giving it much thought at all. 

 The article ‘Reading for Transformation’ states how “Poetry, as an event of meaning, potentially serves as a resonant site of Christian self-expression, prayer, and solidarity in community. As texts for prayer, certain poems invite us into liminal spaces of sacred encounter, where God’s grace expands our awareness of the holy within ourselves, our relationships, and our natural world.”

 I found this to be very eye opening. This selection goes back to what we have learned earlier in the year with lectio divina. When it comes down to it, we can examine every text given to us in a spiritual light. Whether we are reading passages from the bible or secular literature, we are still able to analyze words in a way where we view it in a prayerful context.  I really liked how he talked about the three things we can take away from reading for transformation.  “Whether in spiritual consolation or desolation, in times of deep faith or profound doubt, in all the moments and movements of human experience, certain poems offer a three-fold blessing. First, they offer us words that give voice to unspeakable or previously unspoken thoughts and feelings. Second, they offer us alternate worlds of possibility, ways of living and being where we explore personal, social, and spiritual transformations. Third, the wonder of such poems includes he invitation to greater and deeper self-awareness.”

 He gives the example of poetry after explaining this. I’ve loved learning more about poetry in Intro to Lit. Rather than just study the text of poetry, I have felt like Professor Corrigan has really stretched us to go further, examining poetry as a spiritual expression. Often times, I admit that I have simply scanned over the texts, taking in nothing but the words. I have learned this year that merely reading the words does nothing for the reader. Unless we search the text for greater meaning there is not much advantage for us. 

Darkness, Questions, Poetry and Spiritual Hope.

“Despair and hope are inseparable... One can never understand what hope is really about unless one wrestles with despair.”

This quote really struck me in the passage we read because of the truth behind it. It is impossible to truly experience hope unless we have faced devastation. 

Grief and despair have been a topic that we have continually covered in Intro to Lit. It has been so interesting exploring grief and how we as humans respond to it. 

I felt that in reading Darkness, Questions, Poetry and Spiritual Hope a familiar theme was presented. 

I think that it is so easy for our response to be “why?” As a Christian, I have turned to Christ many times wondering exactly what He is doing in certain situations. Scripture tells us that He works out all things for our good. However, when faced with despair and agony, it is easy to question the purpose behind the heartache. 

In Corrigan’s article, he states: “ Facing darkness, ultimately is not about darkness but about hope, about validating our spiritual hope. 

I think it is so important for us to remember that in times of complete devastation, Christ has purpose in everything that happens in our lives. 

In the beginning of this semester I was struggling with some really difficult things. I had undergone a lot since the summer and had been trying to push everything that had occurred aside, thinking that doing so would make everything easier to cope with. Accepting hurt is a scary thing to do and I was not allowing myself to fully admit  to everything that had happened. One can only go through denial for so long. After a long conversation with someone very close to me I realized that I was going to have to face the pain in order to experience freedom. I am still going through the healing process right now but have been absolutely amazed at what God has revealed to me since then. 

Sometimes we have to undergo the pain and hurt in order to experience hope. I couldn’t see the hope that God promised until I came to terms with the grief. 

Corrigan concludes his article stating how Jesus promises to never leave us. “ The presence of God with us in the darkness makes it possible for us to sit with the question of darkness without being destroyed by madness.” 

Through His promises, we find purpose in our darkness. 

Bonny Park

 

   I went to Bonny Park and stayed there for at least 45 minutes. 

 When I first found out that we were required to visit  Bonny Park I was excited because I love parks. Initially I did not know where to go when I first entered the park. I ended up driving around for a little while before I actually found a spot. I had brought my  poetry handout, my bible and my journal. I went alone because I really was craving to be alone for this assignment. Sometimes we get so distracted by others, we are unable to take in everything around us. I finally found a place in the back where it was more secluded, away from the actual recreational area. It felt a little bit unusual getting out of my car and going to sit out in the middle of the grass. One of the things that I loved the most about the poetry selection was how Oliver revealed such a deep appreciation for simple things that most of us take advantage of. 

 In her poem the messenger she states: “ My work is loving the world...”

  So often we neglect to love or even acknowledge God’s beautiful creation. 

So in the hours worth of time that I was assigned I decided I was just going to try my best to love the nature I was surrounded by. It was such an incredible experience. 

One of my favorite parts in Six Recognitions of the Lord was

“ I Lounge on the grass, that’s all. So simple. Then I lie back until I am inside the cloud that is just above me, but very high and shaped like a fish. Or, perhaps not. Then I enter the place of not thinking, not remembering, not wanting. When the blue jay cries out his riddle, in his carping voice, I return. But I go back, the threshold is always near. Over and back, over and back. Then I rise.”

 I love this section of the poem because I can envision it perfectly. Oliver delivers such a lovely description as she takes in her surroundings of the grass, the sky, the birds. 

This is exactly what my goal was in this assignment. To take in and and appreciate Gods beauty not thinking, not remembering, not wanting. This assignment definitely has made me want to be in God’s creation more often. 

Poetry

 I loved Mary Olivers collection of poetry. I have always loved poetry and enjoyed studying it throughout high school.  I particularly liked how she connects her poetry to a spiritual aspect involving prayer. There were several pieces that really stood out to me. 

  The first was Six Recognitions of the Lord.

She begins with these lines

“ I know a lot of fancy words. 

I tear them from my heart and my tongue. 

Then I pray. 

 This really struck me. Sometimes we view prayer as such a fancy thing, as if we are supposed to impress God. This is so funny to me because God already know the deepest parts of our heart. He is aware of our every thought, our every prayer before we speak it. Yet we still fail to throw away our elaborate expressions and detailed wording and just get to the point. God already knows...He understands. 

Praying is another piece that really made me think. 

 She restates the thoughts that I took away from the first poem. 

“ A few words and don’t try to make them elaborate, this isn’t a contest, but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak. 

This was such a huge thing for me to really grasp for the longest time. It made me stop and examine what prayer was really about and what I thought about prayer.

This Blessed House

This Blessed House focused on two characters, completely opposite in personality. It was interesting comparing and contrasting the characters of Sanjeev and Twinkle. Sanjeev is much more frigid and stiff while Twinkle is more fun and carefree. In class we did learned about levels of being. This definitely applies examining any person, including ourselves. There is the outer self which is appearance, personality traits and how people typically perceive us. Our inner self is defined as our deepest thoughts and feelings. Lastly the core of us is defined as who we are in God. As my small group looked at Sanjeev and Twinkle and their inner and outer levels we concluded that Sanjeev was bitter, angry and logical while Twinkle was fun, creative and bubbly. In class we had to answer several questions about the story. One of the questions asked was which character was more likable. Twinkle was clearly far more likable that Sanjeev. This really made me realize how much we judge people solely on their outer selves. Sanjeev was not exactly this detestable person. In fact, Professor Corrigan was talking about how beneath her bubbly exterior, Twinkle probably had some serious issues she was dealing with herself. One thing that really struck me in discussing this was a statement Professor Corrigan made about out core: "If we must know one thing about ourselves or someone else, it is that they are in Christ. " This is such an incredible thought to ponder. If we viewed everyone we met first and foremost as someone is Christ, rather than what they could do or how they looked, we would be see people in a whole new light. I thought it was really neat how there were small pieces of Christianity all throughout the house. It was interesting how Twinkle was attracted to them. Even though she was  not a professed Christian, she always wanted to keep the statues or posters that represented Christ. It was as if she was being drawn toward the only source that could truly offer her identity. 

Short story

When I first found out that we had to write a short story for our next blog assignment, I was honestly somewhat nervous. I have loved the reading that we've done in literature this year, and was skeptical about creating something as equally entertaining. As soon as I actually started writing, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. To use your imagination like in such a way; creating in depth characters and a story line is such a stress release. I quickly got carried away in developing my main character as I wrote my story. I have always wanted to sit down and write a fictional piece like this but have never done it. In high school I remember one of my teachers reading a short story that she had published. It was so interesting to see how she incorporated her personality into the story! It was fascinating to make up an entire lifetime of events for a single person, imagining everything that has happened to them to lead up to where they are today. I knew I wanted to try to write something inspiring, but that is all I really began with. As I started writing, the rest of the story started to slowly unfold. The more I continued to develop the plot and the the several characters, the more I began to get into the story. I felt as if I knew and could identify with my main character, Cassie. In a way I feel like I subconsciously put many of my  traits in her character.Creating your own short story definitely gives you a sense of control. You are able to choose your own characters, what they say and do, and how the story ends.   I am really glad that we had this assignment. It definitely challenged myself and made me realize how much I enjoyed writing fiction. 

Never Stop Singing

Never Stop Singing

Since she was seven years old there was only one thing in the world that Cassie wanted to do: sing. There was something so powerful about the rich voices and captivating lyrics coming from her grandmothers old record player. She cherished the old days when nanna would blast the music of Aretha Franklin, James Brown , Tina Turner and the rest of her beloved collection of talented artists. Cassie smiled as she remembered dancing around in the kitchen, belting out whatever toon was playing into that hairbrush she declared a microphone. She would prance around, performing for nanna as she cooked at the stove. Nanna was always cooking. She would lift up her spatula on occasion and wave it at Cassie. “ Listen to me baby-you never stop singing...Never stop.” The crowd roared outside and interrupted Cassie’s thoughts. Cassie closed her eyes and inhaled. The rain had been coming down hard less than an hour ago and the air was wet and humid. There was something about the rain that was always relaxing to Cassie. She leaned her head back and took in another deep breath. Backstage, everyone seemed to be assigned a task. The whole arena was full of noise, laughter, screaming and chaos. Yet there was something about today that kept bringing Cassie back her childhood memories.

Perhaps it was the feeling of satisfaction. After all those years of hard work, wondering if she was just wasting time. She had finally made it.

“ Cassie! Carlos was shouting again. “Janice needs you in hair and make-up right away!” Carlos was one of her managers assistants. He rarely ever smiled and always seemed to be shouting at someone. Cassie reluctantly got up from where she was sitting and followed his quick steps. As they were about to enter the dressing room she heard someone call her name. It was a young girl from the stage crew, Kayla.

“What is it,” snapped Carlos. “We don’t have time for any interruptions.”

The young girl looked startled as as her big brown eyes widened. Carlos clearly scared her. Carlos scared everyone.

“Its just, there are some people who want to see Cassie,” the girl stammered. “ A few kids...” Her words trailed off as Carlos snarled.

“Cassie is far too busy to see anyone right now, let alone children.”

Cassie cleared her throat just as Kayla turned to leave.

“I can take a few minutes.”

She turned around to see Carlos raise his eyebrows before turning a violent shade of red.

He sputtered a few angry words before turning and walking away.

Cassie laughed. Kayla looked relieved.

“ Don’t worry about him,” Cassie smiled. Kayla looked nervous again.

Cassie had forgotten for a moment that people acted differently towards her now.

She followed Kayla to a group of young children standing eagerly backstage.

They all stared at her with bright, wide eyes as she approached.

Cassie smiled as she made small talk and signed pictures. She remembered being this age. They were all so young and so full of life. One girl in particular stood out to Cassie. She had curly, dark hair and sparkling eyes. Out of the group she was definitely the smallest, hardly reaching Cassie’s waist. She was staring at Cassie with such curiosity and awe that Cassie couldn’t help but chuckle. She bent down and looked into the young girls eyes. “ And what is your name?”

“Sara,” the girl breathed. Before Cassie could respond, the young girl hurriedly continued. “ Did you always want to be a singer?”

She looked up at her with anxious eyes and Cassie could see so much of herself in the small girls innocent face.

Suddenly Cassie felt a surge of pain for this child. As she examined the excitement and hope written all over Sara’s face, she remembered how she had gotten here today.

“ Sara, do you like to sing?”

“More than anything in the world!” the little girl exclaimed.

“ Will you promise to listen to what I’m about to tell you?”

“ Yes, yes I will!”

Cassie smiled as she slowly spoke her next words: “Never stop singing.”

The young girl looked confused even though she remained smiling.

As Cassie turned to leave she had a feeling that the Sara would treasure those very three words some day.

Sinking into the make-up chair, Cassie closed her eyes again as her stylist, Janice, started examining her hair.

Her mind wandered back to a classroom erupting with laughter. “Cassie, you ain’t never gonna be no singer!” shouted Kel, the class bully.

She remembered running into her grandmother’s arms after school, choking back tears.

“Baby,” her grandmother told her. “Never stop singing.”

“But maybe those kids are right. Look where we’re from. Look where we live. I’m never gonna be a singer.”

“Baby listen to me. Don’t you ever think that where you come from defines who you are. You have an amazing gift. Don’t ever stop.”

Cassie came back to reality at the sound of Carlos yelling out orders to everyone. She missed her grandmother. But more than anything, she was thankful for those words of encouragement her grandmother instilled in her many years ago. She would always remember her grandmother. She would always remember her neighborhood. She would always remember her upbringing. She would always remember those who loved her and those who condemned her. She would always remember words of encouragement and criticism. She would remember her late night shifts waitressing and those months where she barely made the rent. She would remember her first gig at that old club down the street from her house and how excited she was to receive her first paycheck from singing there. This was who she was, this was how she got here.

“Cassie, You’re up in five!” yelled Carlos.

As Cassie stood behind the curtain she caught a glimpse of the large outside arena and the thousands of people that filled it. Her mind flooded with images of the years that preceded this moment. As her name was announced, the audience cheered and she made her way to the center of the stage. She lifted the microphone, opened her mouth and knew one thing: she would never stop singing.

character

    

Characters play a defining part in creating a story line. 

  Characterization is vital when it comes to novels, movies and plays. Every piece of literature requires the writer to establish main characters to act as the protagonist and antagonist. This is crucial when it comes to making an entertaining story. 

   When I think back to some of my favorite pieces of literature, I always remember the characters. They are what truly makes the story come alive and memorable. When you are reading a novel or short story, in a sense you are living through the character. You are seeing how they view things. It is almost like entering a new world an escape. 

  In high school, To Kill a Mockingbird was one of my favorite books that we read in Lit class. Through the use of characters, Lee was able to create feelings of inspiration, love, heartache, joy and despair in readers. She uses characters like Scout, Jem and Atticus Finch to bring the story to life and create different emotion throughout the story. I found myself rooting for Finch while he was defending Tom Robinson. Lee’s vivid characterization allowed Atticus Finch to become one of the most beloved heros in classic fiction. 

    When it comes to memorable characters in literature, I always think of Jane Austen's novels. I read most of her books in high school and always fell in love with the people in them. The way she describes her characters through her words as well as their actions makes them seem very real and allows her readers to feel as if they know them. She usually has a protagonist and antagonist in her novels. In my opinion, Austen does a brilliant job when it comes to characterization. 

   The characters are what draw the person in to the drama or book. The audience or reader is able to relate to the characters and this allows the work to have more of an impact. 

I'm choosing to use my first pass for this post.

The Imaginary Invalid

"I attended Southeastern's production of The Imaginary Invalid and watched the entire play."

   This Friday I went to see Southeastern's production, The Imaginary Invalid. The show was interesting from the very start. Before the play even began I was surprised to see girls with painted faces and brightly colored dresses, dancing in the isles. The actual storyline proved to be just as entertaining. The play opens up with Argen, a man who has convinced himself of being sick when he is really not. He desperately wants his daughter, Angelique, to marry a doctor so he can get free medical care. However, Angelique is already in love with a young man named Cleante. We come to find that Argen's wife is really only after his money. When  Argen discovers this and realizes that his daughter truly loves him, he allows Angelique to marry whoever she wants. 

Over all I thought the play was very unique. It was full of lots of laughs and random singing/dance acts. I was really impressed with the acting-Southeastern is definitely full of many talented people. 

In class we were required to paint something inspired by the book of Joel. I found this project to be extremely intriguing, as it really allowed me to zone in on what the scripture was about, especially on a personal level.
I was particularly drawn to the line " Return to me with all your heart."
These words were so powerful to me. I was able to reflect on how God wants all of us to return to Him under all circumstances. Even when we fall away from Him, He is always there, beckoning us to come back. This passage truly reminded me how merciful and faithful the God we serve is.

Blogging

   Blogging has become a worldwide phenomenon. So many people have turned to the internet as a form of communication and expression. 

I was personally excited when Professor Corrigan told our class that we would be blogging in Intro to Lit. I have never done anything like this for english class before, so I was interested in seeing exactly how how the project would turn out. 

I have definitely been able to connect what we learn about in class with what I write about in my blog. Intro to Lit has really challenged me to further analyze the poem or short story we are reading. I have learned that initial impressions are not alway correct. Blogging has helped me with this. It allows me to really think about what I am reading and express my thoughts on the particular topic. 

I have liked having discussions or experiments in class and then discussing them later in my blog. It allows me to take something that we have talked about as a group, and reflect on it as an individual. I think this is a very important part of the process in understanding a work of literature. 

Certain days I have absolutely no idea what to write about, while other times are easier. This really stretches me, as I am forced to reread and break down literature. While it may be frustrating at times its rewarding to studying a piece until I finally understand its content. 

Overall I think blogging has been very beneficial in this class. It has helped me develop my ability to analyze literature. It has also been a source that allows the class to read their peers writings and leave feedback. It will be interesting to look back at previous posts and see how I have grown as a writer.

I went to the Lakeview, Roselawn and Tiger Flowers cemetery stayed there for at least 40 minutes.

I visited the cemetery this morning after chapel. I was initially supposed to go with a group of people yesterday, but remembered I had a lab during the same hour at the last minute. At first I was not very thrilled about going to a cemetery by myself but I really loved spending my forty minutes there. I enjoyed rereading Whitman's poem in silence while I meditated on his words. Professor Corrigan instructed that the time be " a prayerful event" so I decided to bring my journal with me. I had such an amazing experience reflecting on not only the poetry, but chapel that morning. As I stood before the graves of these people who I had never met, I began thinking about their lives and how they had spent their years while living. The speaker in chapel today encouraged us to "make most of our time on earth-for it is short." This really struck me as I began thinking about my life-what I have done and everything I want to do. The speaker also talked alot about surrendering our life as a whole to Christ. This has been something that I have struggled with recently. I've had to come to terms this past week that I have not been completely giving certain areas of my life to God. It was truly moving to just spend time in God's presence, praying and reflecting on different things.

When Lilacs last in the Dooryard Bloom

 Walt Whitman's poem When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom definitely captured my attention. Whitman's words and phrases all sound so lovely, but initially I had no idea what was happening. However after rereading it and discussing it with m group, I was able to understand the content in a different way. 

  He states: 

WHEN lilacs last in the door-yard bloom’d,
And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night,
I mourn’d—and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.
O ever-returning spring! trinity sure to me you bring;
Lilac blooming perennial, and drooping star in the west,	5
And thought of him I love.
After rereading the piece and discussing it with classmates, I was able to understand what Whitman was actually saying.  Whitman uses lilacs to symbolize the depth of the poem as he describes the tragic death of Abraham Lincoln. From the beginning he talks about how he is in a continuous state of sadness and mourning over the loss of the president.  The final part of the poem states how “the fragrant pines and the cedars dusk and dim.” The death-song of the bird expresses an understanding and a beauty that Whitman incorporates through symbolism.  “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” mourns for Lincoln in a way that is all the more profound for seeing the president’s death as only a smaller tragedy in the midst of a world of confusion and sadness. This poem beautifully captures themes such as death, mourning and respect. Although at first, it was difficult to understand, I came to find that this poem was very interesting to analyze and discuss.

The Traveling Onion

As Professor Corrigan stated, "reading is more than looking at words in sequence." Analyzing literature is part attitude and part technique. 

My first impression after reading The Traveling Onion was very different after discussing the poem as a group. Initially, I thought the author was talking about a literal onion. I was amazed at what a huge deal the writer was making about a mere vegetable. 

  After reading the poem through once I wrote " I found this to be very interesting and in depth for something as insignificant as an onion. I am still trying to understand a deeper meaning that the author might have been trying to portray." 

     " An onion falls apart on the chopping block, a history revealed." 

I didn't understand exactly what kind of history an onion could hold at first. 

After discussing the poem as a class, my  view definitely changed. After talking about the poem's content and observing an actual onion being chopped into pieces, it was easier to visualize and understand the poem itself. 

I began to understand the meaning behind "a history revealed." As I saw the onion being chopped up and its individual layers being divided, I began to realize the history and story every single thing holds behind its exterior. We, as people, all have a story to tell. 

Towards the end of the poem Nye states, " And I would never scold the onion for causing tears. It is right that tears fall for something small and forgotten. How at meal, we sit to eat, commenting on texture of meat or herbal aroma but never on the translucence of onion, now limp, now divided."

It reminded me how easily we can look past or ignore people who have such amazing stories and testimonies to share. 

I definitely learned that first impressions can be very misleading from this experiment. 

The book of Joel

The book of Joel talks about wrath, repentance and restoration. I love how God's power and mercy is shown at the same time. The beginning of the chapter talks about the wrath of God:

      Sound the alarm in Jerusalem!
      Raise the battle cry on my holy mountain!
   Let everyone tremble in fear
      because the day of the Lord is upon us.

     The next part is a warning from God, demanding repentance. 

    ¹² That is why the Lord says,
      “Turn to me now, while there is time.
   Give me your hearts.
      Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.

God is being forceful, yet loving, as he tells His people to repent and come back to Him. His patience and mercy amazes me because it is so contrary to the way we as humans act. He shows how unfailing His undying mercy is as He calls back His people to a place of refuge and restoration from the rebellion that they had engulfed themselves in. 

        Then Joel speaks about restoration and deliverance:

  The Lord will reply,
   “Look! I am sending you grain and new wine and olive oil,
      enough to satisfy your needs.

   It is so interesting how this parallels the story of the prodigal son in the New Testament because if the Israelites are willing to turn from their sin and come back to the holy place of sanctification then God is more then willing to take them back. Not only is He willing to take them back but He is once again ready to be Jehovah Jireh, their provider and to forget all of their transgressions against Him. This is because all He wants is to have a relationship with them once again. 

Theme

 Theme: [theem] a subject of discourse, discussion, meditation, or composition; a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc., as in a work of art.

Every piece of literature contains a theme or a central idea in which the reader returns to when reflecting upon the story. This week's chapter describes how " we all want text to mean something...we tend to value depth, complexity and relevance." 

Whether the central idea of a story be death, life, mourning or rejoicing, every text has a main theme. 

In Marge Piercy's poem, " A Work of Artiface", she uses a distinct tone and vivid diction to portray a theme of the oppression of women. 

She compares women to a bonsai tree stating, " The tree could have grown eighty feet tall...but a gardener carefully pruned it." Piercy makes it clear that the tree has been restrained from reaching its full potential. Just as the bonsai tree is being restricted from reaching its full potential, women around the world have been restricted and oppressed in their society. The poem continues, stating that " It is your nature to be small and cozy, domestic and weak; how lucky little tree that you have a pot to grow in." The tone presented is condescending and degrading. Piercy reveals how women are expected to act in a submissive and domestic manner. The text shows that women are expected to feel "lucky" or grateful for men to take care of them since they are unable to adequately function or take care of themselves. Piercy concludes the poem by illustrating four ways women are expected to be viewed : " The bound feet, the crippled brain, the hair in curlers, the hands you love to touch."

In analyzing her use of words and tone, the reader can distinguish that the main theme of the poem is oppression.

CS Lewis

"If I find in myself desires nothing in the world can satisfy, I can only conclude that I was not made for this world." 

         When I found out that we were reading Mere Christianity for my senior Bible class I was very excited. I had read the book before but found that reading it a second time was truly a life changing experience. Reading it in depth and having discussions about the content changed my perspective on Christianity. I have always admired Lewis' works, but really analyzing his words and ideas made me respect him all the more. 

"The real test of being in the presence of God is that you either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small, dirty object. It is better to forget about yourself altogether."

This quote really made me think about how I viewed my faith and relationship with Christ. I realized in accepting Jesus as my personal savior I was called to leave behind all that I was before. The point is not that one has to be ashamed or guilty of their sin nature. Rather we are to die to ourselves so that we may become alive in Christ and be used through Him. 

“Christ says 'Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You."

        

Reading this really makes me think of how true it is that we cannot buy out God. By that I mean that we cannot give any sum of money or do any amount of good works so to not give all of ourselves to Him. All of our time, all of our money, all of our heart  means nothing if we do not give ourselves as a whole up to Him.

A Grief Observed

"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid, The same fluttering in the stomache, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep swallowing..."

         In CS Lewis' A Grief Observed, he vividly describes the doubt, pain and rage he experiences while grieving the death of his wife. 

The thing that really struck me while reading this book, was how much he struggled with his faith. After his wife passed away, he went through this period where everything he once knew seemed to change. He began to question a God who he once claimed was the reason for all existence. Throughout the first two chapters of the book, he struggles to make sense of anything that has happened, continually asking "why?"

"Because she is in God's hands. But if so, she was in God's hands all the time, and I have seen what they did to her here. Do they suddenly become gentler to us the moment we are out of the body? And if so, why? If God's goodness is inconsistent with hurting us, then either God is not good or there is no God: for in the only life we know He hurts us beyond all we can imagine. If it is consistent with hurting us, then maybe He may hurt us after death as unendurably as before it...

    Sometimes it is hard to say, "God forgive God." Sometimes it is hard to say so much. But if our faith is true, He didn't. He crucified Him."

This part of the chapter really made me think. Lewis does not present the idea that there is a nonexistent God, but rather the idea that there is a God who turns from us when we need Him most. 

This is were faith truly comes in. Sometimes the hardest thing is believing that He is with us when we feel Him the least. 

   

Still I Rise

I fell in love with Maya Angelou's writing the very first time I read one of her poems. Through her work she inspires, encourages and uplifts her readers. Still I Rise is one of my favorites of her wide collection. Her diction and tone exude pure confidence as she continually states that she will rise above any obstacle that comes her way. She begins by saying "You may write me down in history, with your bitter twisted lies. You may trod me in the very dirt, but still like dust, I'll rise." Her first four lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. She refuses to allow any person to define her with their speech. She goes on saying " You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like dust, I'll rise." She states how she will rise above lies and oppression. 

Her inspiring dialogue encourages readers from all backgrounds to not be easily defeated by life's circumstances or hardships, but to rather press forward. I did a research project on Maya Angelou my senior year of high school. I was amazed upon studying her life story. At the young age of eight, Angelou was raped by her mother’s boyfriend. After telling her uncles what had happened, they murdered him. Angelou felt responsible for the killing and stopped talking for almost six years.  She faced many difficult experiences throughout her lifetime including being a single mother and the struggle with poverty. However she never let her circumstances effect her, as she went on to become a poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Throughout her lifetime, Angelou took painful experiences and used them to help her become a stronger person.