At first when I got the syllabus and saw the book we were suppose to read I wasn’t too excited for the class. I don’t really like reading books at all and these books didn’t seem interesting to me all. To my surprise I really liked the Sunflower and how it was wrote. I really enjoyed and the story and found myself wanting to read it and not forcing myself to read it. I think it was more the topics that interest me instead of the writing style. If I find the topic to be interesting or something I can relate to, I will enjoy those book no matter what the writing style is. I didn’t like the Secret Life of the Bees at all, mostly because I wasn’t interested in it all. The movie didn’t look interesting to me, and if I couldn’t even see myself watching the movie, I defiantly would never see myself reading the book. I really didn’t like the descriptive writing style of the Secret Life of the Bees but I think if the story was more interesting to me I would have been able to go along with the writing style.
I really didn’t hate any of the short stories or really liked any. They were just assignments I read and didn’t have to much of an opinion on. At first I really didn’t get Where is the Voice Coming From but after talking about it and class and learning the story behind it made a lot of sense to me. I probably would have to say that this was my favorite short story mostly because I like the history about it. The Man the Well was my least favorite story because I felt like the author was leaving to open to interpretation. I know some people like this and like to talk to views on the text but I would rather have an author come out and say an idea then talk about that idea. I don’t like when people will get caught up on the littlest detail in the story and think the author was trying to say something by it, but in reality the author was just a writing a story without any hidden details.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Journal Monday
Jodi Finchum
Professor McLaughlin
July 12, 2010
Journal Entry- Monday
The most interesting texts that we have read in my opinion were the Craft Narrative and the Secret Life of Bees. Although the Craft Narrative was more in depth and a harder read for me, I took valuable information and learned about myself through reading it. The Secret Life of Bees had a more personal effect on me, because I would have read this book leisurely on my own. The moral questions and the ability to put myself in the characters shoes are important to me.
The themes that I identified with as being important and meaningful in the Craft Narrative were ideas of forgiveness and religion. The ability William Craft had to write such a thoughtful story and depiction of his life was brilliant to me in itself, considering his circumstances of being oppressed as a slave and not gaining an education or the open ability to learn how to read. I am encouraged by his hard work and imagination as well. His ability to forgive is also commendable. The creativity that William and Ellen had is great. I wonder if the creativity came first, or if the inventiveness was a result of desperation. Either way, their escape was brilliant. I was also very caught off guard with the statements from the Pastor’s and Reverends at the end of the narrative. I had never thought of Christianity playing a part in slavery, let alone advocating for it. I felt that I was lacking by not understanding this dilemma at the time. After speaking with my campus minister about the topic, I’m still shaken up at the fact that fellow Christian people deemed it okay to hold people as slaves. Slavery in the bible does not compare to the slavery that we had in America with Black people. The Old Testament way of slavery was looked on as signing your life to someone pretty much, and you were not forced into it. I still cannot see how this is acceptable in God’s eyes if you are a “good master”, because even if slave owners are good to their slaves, I’m positive they would much rather be free, and just work for the “owners” as bosses.
When reading the Secret Life of Bees, I felt emotional ties to the novel, and could relate to Lily. Sue Monk Kidd did a great job with her facts of that time period, and a great job of balancing the imagery with a nice story line. The character development was great in this book. I especially loved the way each character had a spot in your heart of some sort. I felt strong feelings emotionally towards all characters, rather those be positive with Miss August or negative with T. Ray.
Journal Entry 7/12/10
Overall this class has been very enjoyable, from the texts we read to the group discussions. I particularly liked The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal and the question it posed at the end of the book. The notion of forgiveness has always seemed so black and white to me, but given the context of this scenario it became much more than a simple yes or no answer. It was very interesting hearing everyone’s personal opinion in class, and I definitely enjoyed sharing mine as well. The journal entry for that day also helped me discover a few things about myself, so all in all it was my favorite portion of the class.
Journal Entry 7-12-10
In this class I was exposed to literature that I would not have read on my own, and I love that. I love to read and to learn, and this class allowed me to do both. One of the big topics we talked about was forgiveness in class, associated mainly with the book ‘The Sunflower’, and it has opened my eyes to some of the different views on it. I like the views expressed in the book as well. Originally, I thought that it was very rude of Simon to simply walk out on the man without telling him anything. As the book went on and the situation was discussed with the men in his block, it was Josef’s testimony that really brought me around. He was introduced to us as a holy man, and I normally think of them as self-sacrificing and always forgiving. When he said that it would have been wrong for Simon to do anything other than what he had done, that Simon had no right to forgive the SS soldier on behalf of people who were wronged that were not Simon, I understood more why he did what he did. As I said in class, I tend to do the same thing the SS soldier did, in grouping together people of the same religion as family. I don’t like or agree with all Catholics, nor would I discriminate against any other person of a different religion if they asked me for help of some kind. However, I do view those that I attend Mass with to be family to me. So while I understand where the SS man was coming from, I also agree with the action of Simon, and this surprised me.
Journal #9
I honestly have never liked to read and would try to do anything I could to get out of it, so I was a little nervous to take this class. I think the main thing that I have gained from this class is a better appreciation for literature. I never used to really analyze what I was reading, I would just decide it I “liked” it or not. Through this literature class I have a better way of analyzing writing and my opinion of that writing.
I think I especially enjoyed the fact that this was a topics course that I would relate the readings to real world events and sociological tendencies. This was nice for me, because I am also taking sociology this quarter, and the two classes kind of overlapped in some aspects. So, I would have to say my biggest surprise is that I did all the readings and didn’t hate the class.
Some of the more interesting parts for me were the days we discusses the topic of forgiveness. I think this is because I have never really thought about all the facets of a seemingly simple concept. I’ve always been a very forgiving person, but it was interesting to think about why that might be, and if I thought I would ever not be able to forgive someone.
A few of the stories have also made me think about how I treat others, and especially my close friends and family. It’s nice to be able to take something away from a class, that wasn’t really the main point of the class. That kind of sounds silly, but it’s like taking the bigger picture of what was discussed and using it in real life. This has always been an issue with school and me. I had an illustration professor that once told me in order to do well on an assignment, you have to first accept it, and then internalize it. This literature class has been an extension of that ideology for me. As I have talked about before, I have also enjoyed the investigation of form and content in literature. Which also goes along with my connections to the art world, because of how important those two concepts are to the art world.
I hope to challenge myself in the future by reading out of my comfort zone and try to tackle some Faulkner. I can see how works like his could be inspiring to a designer. Maybe someday I will create a collection based upon one of his stories.
Morgan McMahan
Final Journal!
Allison Rood
Topics In Literature
7/11/2010
My favorite piece of writing so far was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Although I felt a personal tie to The Sunflower as I am Jewish and was emotionally charged by the reading, it didn’t felt like I was reading for my own reasons. The Secret Life of Bees was closest to my typical style of reading in its use of language and format. There were standard chapters, a definite plot, a villain and protagonist, and it made for a fantastic way to pass the time on a hot summer day. The story line was easy to follow, and didn’t skip around with random literary interjections of unwanted information. There was no confusing dialogue juggled between someone’s thoughts and another person’s words. It was a simple read, not over complicated yet just as easy to pick apart. Some of the complexities of the short stories were harder to follow, took more effort and multiple readings. I was almost brought to physical pain out of the anger I felt for some of the characters in these stories. Julian’s mom made me want to scream, the children from the Ira Sher readings were no better. These fictional beings made me angrier than even my own brother can, which is indeed fairly angry. The vaults of personal emotions spewed out when reading some of these works and not always in the most positive reaction. I understand some of the Authors’ intents for writing in this fashion, but as a reader it is not always enjoyable. So in conclusion, I like a nice stress-free read, and The Secret Life of Bees is just that.
Topics In Literature
7/11/2010
My favorite piece of writing so far was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Although I felt a personal tie to The Sunflower as I am Jewish and was emotionally charged by the reading, it didn’t felt like I was reading for my own reasons. The Secret Life of Bees was closest to my typical style of reading in its use of language and format. There were standard chapters, a definite plot, a villain and protagonist, and it made for a fantastic way to pass the time on a hot summer day. The story line was easy to follow, and didn’t skip around with random literary interjections of unwanted information. There was no confusing dialogue juggled between someone’s thoughts and another person’s words. It was a simple read, not over complicated yet just as easy to pick apart. Some of the complexities of the short stories were harder to follow, took more effort and multiple readings. I was almost brought to physical pain out of the anger I felt for some of the characters in these stories. Julian’s mom made me want to scream, the children from the Ira Sher readings were no better. These fictional beings made me angrier than even my own brother can, which is indeed fairly angry. The vaults of personal emotions spewed out when reading some of these works and not always in the most positive reaction. I understand some of the Authors’ intents for writing in this fashion, but as a reader it is not always enjoyable. So in conclusion, I like a nice stress-free read, and The Secret Life of Bees is just that.
What interested me?
The works that have interested me the most have been The Sunflower, “The Man in the Well,” “Against interpretation,” “Everything that Rises Must Converge,” and “Where is the Voice Coming From?”
The Sunflower is so interesting because it raises so many intriguing questions: What is forgiveness? Whom is forgiveness for? Where do you draw the line with forgiveness? Are there certain time limits? How much can be forgiven? Where does punishment factor in? Should people want to “get even” with those who have wronged them? What if revenge is impossible? Does it mater if the perpetrator is sorry or has done penance? How bad can an act be to be forgivable? Is anything unforgiveable? Are all people potentially forgivable? Do you forgive the person or the act? Should you forget about the forgiven act? What is good/bad about forgiveness? Is it ever an obligation to forgive? Can you forgive yourself? What would I have done?
Looking at politics and ethics in the story “The Man in the Well” interested me. I found the perspectives of my classmates on good and evil to be thought provoking. Moreover, I read the story thinking that the man in the well was eventually going to be found to be criminal of some kind and did not focus on the actions of the children as being inherently wrong. However, after hearing their thoughts I can see how their actions can be considered deplorable. Another interesting question brought up was: Is there such a thing as good or evil? Additionally, I found the intergroup politics of the children to be interesting, especially when they reveal each others’ names. Lastly, guilt is a major topic that the story addresses. The children never check to know for sure if the man is dead, and never return to the well.
I thought the question that “Against interpretation” asks is fascinating: What is art? “The earliest theory of art by the Greek philosophers proposed that art was mimesis, imitation of reality.” Also, what is the value of art? Does art have to justify itself? Is the material world just an imitation of the ideal world?
“Everything that Rises Must Converge” caused me to engage in some self evaluation. Throughout the story, Julian wants to teach his mother a lesson, and at certain times it is obvious why he might be justified in wanting to do so (i.e. her racist opinions). However, even though there is definite room for positive growth for his mother, Julian seems to focus on her shortcomings too much. He does not pay enough attention to improving his own life. This only leaves Julian stuck in his state of depression.
“Where is the Voice Coming From?” interested me because of its form. The text consists of the narrator’s internal thoughts and no other points of view. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that he is proud to be a racist murderer. The combination of these factors makes this work very different from the other texts we read for class.
The Sunflower is so interesting because it raises so many intriguing questions: What is forgiveness? Whom is forgiveness for? Where do you draw the line with forgiveness? Are there certain time limits? How much can be forgiven? Where does punishment factor in? Should people want to “get even” with those who have wronged them? What if revenge is impossible? Does it mater if the perpetrator is sorry or has done penance? How bad can an act be to be forgivable? Is anything unforgiveable? Are all people potentially forgivable? Do you forgive the person or the act? Should you forget about the forgiven act? What is good/bad about forgiveness? Is it ever an obligation to forgive? Can you forgive yourself? What would I have done?
Looking at politics and ethics in the story “The Man in the Well” interested me. I found the perspectives of my classmates on good and evil to be thought provoking. Moreover, I read the story thinking that the man in the well was eventually going to be found to be criminal of some kind and did not focus on the actions of the children as being inherently wrong. However, after hearing their thoughts I can see how their actions can be considered deplorable. Another interesting question brought up was: Is there such a thing as good or evil? Additionally, I found the intergroup politics of the children to be interesting, especially when they reveal each others’ names. Lastly, guilt is a major topic that the story addresses. The children never check to know for sure if the man is dead, and never return to the well.
I thought the question that “Against interpretation” asks is fascinating: What is art? “The earliest theory of art by the Greek philosophers proposed that art was mimesis, imitation of reality.” Also, what is the value of art? Does art have to justify itself? Is the material world just an imitation of the ideal world?
“Everything that Rises Must Converge” caused me to engage in some self evaluation. Throughout the story, Julian wants to teach his mother a lesson, and at certain times it is obvious why he might be justified in wanting to do so (i.e. her racist opinions). However, even though there is definite room for positive growth for his mother, Julian seems to focus on her shortcomings too much. He does not pay enough attention to improving his own life. This only leaves Julian stuck in his state of depression.
“Where is the Voice Coming From?” interested me because of its form. The text consists of the narrator’s internal thoughts and no other points of view. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that he is proud to be a racist murderer. The combination of these factors makes this work very different from the other texts we read for class.
Ira Sher
Considering what we have read for this class, an author I would be interested in studying further is Ira Sher. I enjoyed both his short story “The Man in the Well” we read and his interview we saw in class for various reasons.
“The Man in the Well” was an intriguing story because of the many interesting questions it raises. Are children born as naturally good? Are the decisions they make wrong? Additionally, Sher utilizes an enticing opening to his story by letting the audience know that the children are not going to help the man in the well. Are they really not going to help? Is there hope for the man? This approach started me thinking about how I would unfold a story after giving away a key piece of information to the conclusion of the story. Furthermore, the story kept me continuously wanting to find out what happened next: Are they going to change their minds? Will the man die? The inner workings and politics of the group dynamic prove to be quite interesting, especially between the adult and the kids. Putting children in a position to make life or death decisions is very powerful. Children are thought not to have enough life experience and/or intelligence to be held completely responsible for their actions. So, how can we protect children while protecting others from children?
I saw Ira Sher as a likeable person in the video interview that we watched in class. First, I did not get the impression he thought his work was something everyone must read. It is somewhat important to me that a writer not attempt to preach to me and try to be too pushy in convincing me to adopt his/her views. He was more laid back and looked at life from obscure perspectives. The interview showed him discussing his writing process, which I thought to be quite interesting. He began by considering questions that were intriguing to him. Thinking what it would be like to be a person in or on the moon looking back at him on Earth. The question might have even been a little stranger, like if the moon was your dad looking at you. I would like to read more stories that focus around out of the ordinary questions about the perspectives of different and seemingly random things.
In class we talked about length of a work being a consideration for why we enjoyed a text. I liked Sher’s work because it was able to accomplish so much in a considerably short amount of text. I was able to closely read the entire work instead of being overwhelmed by a huge body of text. I would be more willing to start reading another one of his short stories than committing myself to a longer work.
“The Man in the Well” was an intriguing story because of the many interesting questions it raises. Are children born as naturally good? Are the decisions they make wrong? Additionally, Sher utilizes an enticing opening to his story by letting the audience know that the children are not going to help the man in the well. Are they really not going to help? Is there hope for the man? This approach started me thinking about how I would unfold a story after giving away a key piece of information to the conclusion of the story. Furthermore, the story kept me continuously wanting to find out what happened next: Are they going to change their minds? Will the man die? The inner workings and politics of the group dynamic prove to be quite interesting, especially between the adult and the kids. Putting children in a position to make life or death decisions is very powerful. Children are thought not to have enough life experience and/or intelligence to be held completely responsible for their actions. So, how can we protect children while protecting others from children?
I saw Ira Sher as a likeable person in the video interview that we watched in class. First, I did not get the impression he thought his work was something everyone must read. It is somewhat important to me that a writer not attempt to preach to me and try to be too pushy in convincing me to adopt his/her views. He was more laid back and looked at life from obscure perspectives. The interview showed him discussing his writing process, which I thought to be quite interesting. He began by considering questions that were intriguing to him. Thinking what it would be like to be a person in or on the moon looking back at him on Earth. The question might have even been a little stranger, like if the moon was your dad looking at you. I would like to read more stories that focus around out of the ordinary questions about the perspectives of different and seemingly random things.
In class we talked about length of a work being a consideration for why we enjoyed a text. I liked Sher’s work because it was able to accomplish so much in a considerably short amount of text. I was able to closely read the entire work instead of being overwhelmed by a huge body of text. I would be more willing to start reading another one of his short stories than committing myself to a longer work.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Exploring Perspectives
Aria Bashizadeh Fakhar
Daily Journal Entry
What I Learned
At the start of the class, I knew I would be determined to finish it. I had taken two separate literature courses in the fall and winter quarters, but I had dropped them almost immediately, using excuses for myself to make up for my laziness and lack of motivation to actually READ the content. However this time it would be different, as they say, third time’s a charm. I learned that in the summer, it really does feel good to just sit, and read a book and reflect on what had happened and what the intended meaning of what was written was. I also learned that it certainly does take time, and that you cannot take shortcuts when it comes to reading a piece of literature analytically. You have to sit down and concentrate to fully absorb the meaning of the piece.
This class’s topic of forgiveness has interested me the most; as I have really never thought about what kinds of thought processes can go to fully forgive someone or something that has traumatized your life forever. Seeing the characters such as Simon and Lily go through their situations made me realize that forgiveness is not an easy thing to achieve. In fact, I have seen the repercussions of not forgiving and not forgetting what has happened, and not learning from the lesson that the tragedy was supposed to teach you can do to your psyche. Simon Wiesenthal was plagued by this question for all of his life, and he keeps ruminating on the issue. Granted, a Holocaust isn’t easy to get over, which is fully understandable, considering the conditions people are under. However, I can see that he has been trying, and that he did something with that terrible situation in his life, and has improved himself and those around him based on what he has learned in his life on forgiveness.
Questions that have been raised (and partially answered) to me have been how I can apply this analytical thinking to other classes. As a psychology major, the real dry and jargon filled journal articles are usually straight to the point. However, using a creative mind and some analytical reading, I can find alternative interpretations (if there are any) of the results that have been stated in the article. We’ll have to see how this will be efficiently applied to the classes in question.
I am surprised at how much I missed reading. I used to read novels all of the time, but other interests have been getting in the way of actually sitting down with a piece of literature and enjoying it. It really is a joy to do so.
Daily Journal Entry
What I Learned
At the start of the class, I knew I would be determined to finish it. I had taken two separate literature courses in the fall and winter quarters, but I had dropped them almost immediately, using excuses for myself to make up for my laziness and lack of motivation to actually READ the content. However this time it would be different, as they say, third time’s a charm. I learned that in the summer, it really does feel good to just sit, and read a book and reflect on what had happened and what the intended meaning of what was written was. I also learned that it certainly does take time, and that you cannot take shortcuts when it comes to reading a piece of literature analytically. You have to sit down and concentrate to fully absorb the meaning of the piece.
This class’s topic of forgiveness has interested me the most; as I have really never thought about what kinds of thought processes can go to fully forgive someone or something that has traumatized your life forever. Seeing the characters such as Simon and Lily go through their situations made me realize that forgiveness is not an easy thing to achieve. In fact, I have seen the repercussions of not forgiving and not forgetting what has happened, and not learning from the lesson that the tragedy was supposed to teach you can do to your psyche. Simon Wiesenthal was plagued by this question for all of his life, and he keeps ruminating on the issue. Granted, a Holocaust isn’t easy to get over, which is fully understandable, considering the conditions people are under. However, I can see that he has been trying, and that he did something with that terrible situation in his life, and has improved himself and those around him based on what he has learned in his life on forgiveness.
Questions that have been raised (and partially answered) to me have been how I can apply this analytical thinking to other classes. As a psychology major, the real dry and jargon filled journal articles are usually straight to the point. However, using a creative mind and some analytical reading, I can find alternative interpretations (if there are any) of the results that have been stated in the article. We’ll have to see how this will be efficiently applied to the classes in question.
I am surprised at how much I missed reading. I used to read novels all of the time, but other interests have been getting in the way of actually sitting down with a piece of literature and enjoying it. It really is a joy to do so.
Journal 9 Reflection: Travis Hearn
For me, the most interesting piece of the course was "Everything That Rises Must Converge". I'm fairly certain it's my favorite because it's the piece that irritates me the least. As I said in my previous journal, dialects bother me and stupid children bother me, so there's all the rest of the short stories out of the way. The Secret Life of Bees suffered from both dialects and children, making it my least favorite, and while The Sunflower had neither, the end result of a man being so selfish as to not grant the dying wish of another makes it my second-favorite, but still disliked. None of the reading really evoked any questions for me, the discussions about forgiveness and racism and whatnot never swayed me from my views, their arguments were either in agreement with my own or were too weak to be bothered with. Still, I was intrigued by the factual tidbits from the Craft narrative, American History courses tend to gloss over the minutiae of the slave trade, and I had never before heard of children being stolen away and sold as slaves (at least not children originally unbound from slavery).
As for surprise, I suppose I'm surprised that so many people listed required readings as their favorite books, it goes to show how little interest this generation has in literature if they haven't found three to five books on their own time, and read of their own will, that they prefer to the "classics" assigned to them by their teachers. Yes, they're classics for a reason, they teach morals and thoughts and overall ask something of the reader that is uncommon, but they should only really appeal to a small percentage of people, and that they were on nearly everyone's list means that nearly eighty percent (by my guess) of the class has not read, or cannot remember reading, five books for fun.
Journal 8 Favoritism: Travis Hearn
Out of all the authors we have read, I believe Flannery O'Connor would be one I may pursue. I like the story "Everything that Rises Must Converge" because it is not overly violent or hateful, and even though it is about racism it is approached in a much more civil way than "Where is the Voice Coming From?", and in a much more interesting way than the Craft narrative. O'Connor seems to be eloquent, can tell a story that is at once interesting, intelligent, and human, and can develop characters which I empathize with. In The Sunflower, I was off put because World War II is something I've been taught time and time again, and unfortunately my dislike for the material has carried itself into a dislike for the story format. The Craft narrative, while interesting and truthful, was a chore to read, not because I had an issue with the dialects and terms, but because I dislike heavy use of dialects. In my personal readings, dialects come up quite often, being a mainstay of foreign cultures in fantasy and science fiction. However, the characters that use them are secondary at best, with most of the story being free from their impediments. I much prefer a story to be told with words, than through words. The words themselves hold no meaning except for the idea they form when merged, so while dialects use words to show the reader something, I prefer ordinary words which explain something.
"The Man in the Well" carries within me an entirely different sort of hatred, one for character development. Again, my readings have exposed me to the character archetype of "the stupid kid that screws up and needs to be pulled out of the fire by the main character". The problem with "The Man in the Well", is that there is no main character to correct the kids, and they are all stupid. I don't have much faith in humanity, and children are the best expressions of the worst parts of us. Without a developed morality, they do whatever they want, and often times those things are horrible. I know I shouldn't judge an author for a single story, but I just cannot stand these stories to the point of being unable to continue with the author.
Friday, July 9, 2010
favorite
The favorite thing that I read in this class hands down had to be the Sunflower. I really liked the story of the whole book and setting of it. I think one of the main reasons that I liked this book was because I have always been interested with World War 2. The horrible things that Simon had to go through and then even thinking about forgiving really stood out to me. If a person like Simon can even think about forgiveness after his whole life was taken away from him, I think almost anyone can forgive anyone after that. I think it showed a lot of character that he was able to do this and that was one of the main reasons I liked this book.
Another reason why I really liked this book was because of the writing style. I was able to read this very easy and actually enjoyed reading it. Many of the other readings we had to do I had to force myself to just read the assignment but in this book I just kept reading and always went past the assignment reading. I found that most of the other reading we did were to descriptive to me. They seemed to go into way to many details to describe these minute things that just seemed like a waste to me. I know the author tries to give you a picture in your head but I feel something they go too far. This book seemed to just have enough detail compared to actual events that were happening in a story.
I also really liked the ending of the book and how the author asked what you would do. At first I really didn’t think it was fair for the author to ask this but then I realized that he wanted to be in his shoes. Not many people put themselves in the shoes of a holocaust victim and this forced you to do that. I also liked how it a personal story of the author and not a second hand account or a made up story. I don’t think the story would have had such an impact if wasn’t a real story.
Another reason why I really liked this book was because of the writing style. I was able to read this very easy and actually enjoyed reading it. Many of the other readings we had to do I had to force myself to just read the assignment but in this book I just kept reading and always went past the assignment reading. I found that most of the other reading we did were to descriptive to me. They seemed to go into way to many details to describe these minute things that just seemed like a waste to me. I know the author tries to give you a picture in your head but I feel something they go too far. This book seemed to just have enough detail compared to actual events that were happening in a story.
I also really liked the ending of the book and how the author asked what you would do. At first I really didn’t think it was fair for the author to ask this but then I realized that he wanted to be in his shoes. Not many people put themselves in the shoes of a holocaust victim and this forced you to do that. I also liked how it a personal story of the author and not a second hand account or a made up story. I don’t think the story would have had such an impact if wasn’t a real story.
Natasa Misic -- Journal Entry 9
Natasa Misic
Journal Entry 9
My favorite thing we have read in this class is “The Secret Life of Bee’s” by Sue Monk Kidd. I enjoyed the novel first and foremost because the story line. I liked the way the novel is set up and how it is very descriptive. Reading this book I felt like I was watching a movie because I could picture everything in my head. The story was easy to follow and I could get into it. For me the worst part of reading a novel is when I can’t get into it because the story line, it then is just a painful process. I enjoyed the style of writing I thought it was divided into many sections that had their own topic. I thought the story was very good itself and I didn’t feel bored at any point of the story.
The story had many important themes including racism and forgiveness. I do think it is an educational novel but one all students would enjoy very much. I believe this is a novel that everyone should read at least once.
Journal Entry 9
My favorite thing we have read in this class is “The Secret Life of Bee’s” by Sue Monk Kidd. I enjoyed the novel first and foremost because the story line. I liked the way the novel is set up and how it is very descriptive. Reading this book I felt like I was watching a movie because I could picture everything in my head. The story was easy to follow and I could get into it. For me the worst part of reading a novel is when I can’t get into it because the story line, it then is just a painful process. I enjoyed the style of writing I thought it was divided into many sections that had their own topic. I thought the story was very good itself and I didn’t feel bored at any point of the story.
The story had many important themes including racism and forgiveness. I do think it is an educational novel but one all students would enjoy very much. I believe this is a novel that everyone should read at least once.
Jodi Finchum
Professor McLaughlin
7-9-10
Journal- Friday
My favorite reading/author that we ready by far was The Secret Life of Bees. I was very drawn into the characters, and loved the imagery and in depth descriptions. The setting was also great for me, because I love southern everything! I also liked the time period that the story was supposed to depict, considering I’m very interested in Human Rights issues. This novel was hard to put down, and I could not wait to go watch the movie.
Kidd’s suspenseful writing style and her clever foreshadowing was admirable to me. I loved the realness she brought to the table. She found a way for us to love the characters, which is not easy to do. She makes the readers want to be there! I wanted to live with the Boatwright sisters, and have a sprinkler fight and have Rosaleen cook for me! She makes you want to be a part of the story, and I loved that about the novel.
I will definitely read more novels by Kidd. I’m a fan of her writing style. Any book that makes me want to stay up late reading is a novel and author that I’m interested in indefinitely. Compared to the other works that we explored in this class, Kidd had the most interesting topic and story line to me. There was a great balance of mystery, drama, humor and love. I have never loved five main characters as much as in this novel. All of the characters had their own unique identities, but they shared commonalities that tied the story together, like their religion with Black Mary.
The religion aspect of the story was surprisingly the most humorous part of the novel for me. I loved the traditional misunderstandings and wrong assumptions that the story depicted conservative southern churches had about Catholics and anything that was not their church. I found great humor in the scene that Lily describes about her mother messing around with Catholics, and the fact that all of the church people from home carried around the five-step plan to salvation. I also enjoyed the Boatwright sister’s religion of Black Mary. I think a powerful part of the book that may have been overlooked is when August spoke of everyone needing something to believe in that looked like himself or herself. I think this idea could be related to all parts of our lives, always searching for acceptance and love, which is exactly what Lily was searching for the whole novel.
Jodi Finchum
Professor McLaughlin
July 7, 2010
Journal- Week 3
The significance of the passage we are studying is showing themes of brotherhood within the black community or even the south, and an idea of love for one another. We also understand the frustration that Lily has, considering Zach leaves her behind all alone, and he is potentially hurt, even though he did nothing. The passage also shows Lily’s love for Zach, as a friend, or maybe more. She understands that if she will have some sort of relationship, whatever that may be, it will come with consequences, like the scene that happened in this passage.
Lily is slowly but surely starting to understand the many differences of being black or white in the South, or other parts of America. At this point in the novel, I do not think she feels fully accepted, and she may feel bad about this. She is just now starting to get the idea of how hard it may be to love Zach, and how she will have to put up with a lot of ignorant people along the way. I think she’s started to develop a tougher skin when relating to ignorant white people. Lily has compared the man with the shovel to T. Ray, which truly shows her pent up hate and anger towards him, since she’s comparing him to a mean, racist white man.
Lily said, “ He chose to be one of them”. I find this statement to be particularly significant because it shows her long to be “one of them” as well. I think she would’ve love to stand there with the rest of the black boys, and just mix in, to be one of them as well. I think this statement also shows Lily’s longing to be one of the Boatwright sisters, just like Rosaleen was accepted like the sisters. In one way, Lily is trying to shed her white identity along with the rest of her horrible past, because the white people in her life have not treated her anything near how the Sister’s and Rosaleen had treated Lily, which was with love and kindness and a sort of acceptance Lily had never felt. Thankfully, Lily will receive her acceptance, and this will make her feel better about herself, and better about shedding her past. I think this gives Lily a way to move forward, without the demons of her past haunting her.
Journal Entry 7/9/10
My favorite piece of literature I read for this class is The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal. I really like the question it poses at the end of the narrative, which reminds me of a philosophical question, as it is so open to interpretation. The responses included at the end of the book were also very enlightening and provided a wide variety of unique perspectives, which gave me some food for thought. One of my favorites was from the Dalai Lama, who stated that one must forgive individuals that have committed atrocities against others and against mankind, but should remember the experiences in order to prevent a reoccurrence. He gave an example of such a scenario by referencing the Chinese government’s invasion of Tibet, during which 1.2 million Tibetans have died due to execution, starvation, and suicide. However, despite these horrible acts of hostility that still continue to this day, the Dalai Lama and his people refuse to fight back with physical force. Instead they stick to their Buddhist values of nonviolence and compassion, and forgive the Chinese for waging a violent one-sided war against Tibet. Finally, he shares a story about a Tibetan monk who spent 18 years in a Chinese prison before finally getting out. He asked the monk what he feared most while in prison and the monk replied that his greatest fear was losing his compassion for the Chinese.
Responses like this one got me thinking critically about the idea of forgiveness, particularly in Simon’s case. I took many factors into account and then was given an opportunity through this class to voice my opinion via journal writing and group discussion. This text was my favorite not only because it was an interesting account of historical events, but also because it got me (and the rest of the people who read it) to reevaluate my belief system by using a real life hypothetical scenario to test my convictions. In the process, I learned a few things about myself and have developed an interest in reading more Buddhist literature in order to better understand their culture and the Dalai Lama’s response to Simon’s prompt. I’ve always thought of myself as a fairly compassionate and forgiving person but after reading this and reflecting upon it, I realized that just like Simon I have boundaries to what I feel is forgivable.Friday Journal
To be honest, at first I almost switched to the other Topics in Lit class because I preferred their reading list--for some reason I really didn’t want to read The Secret Life of Bees…I actually enjoyed the book and plan on lending it to my mother. Of all the things in class, I enjoyed the short stories we read in class the most; Ira Sher’s The Man in the Well was my particular favorite. Like we discussed in class the other day, it’s really hard to articulate why something appeals to me; for me, it’s a lot easier for me to say why I dislike something. It was easy for me to choose Sher’s story, because while I was reading it, I kept thinking, “ooo, I want to try and draw that scene” or “I want to send this in my next letter to Whitney[1].”
If I were forced to come up with concrete reasons for liking the story, I’d have to say that the reading experience was completely immersive for me; I wasn’t aware of time passing. A lot of the time, I’m thinking about a lot of other things when I read and find it hard to ignore distractions.
I loved how ambiguous parts of the story were and I like that I can’t decide what the message of the short story is completely. I dislike when I feel like I know what the story is about and why it’s significant…that somehow seems to easy (even if I’m kind of ignorant to the complexity—I don’t think it’s a very good story if I can piece it apart).
I’m curious to see what Ira Sher’s other work feels like. Are they all parablish-little stories? I wonder how he’d handle a novel length story where characters are further developed. One of my favorite parts of Sher’s writing is the mystery he infuses into his settings/characters even though they seem very domestic at first. I wonder how would he sustain that kind of mystery/interest in a longer work.
Although I keep pointing to the ambiguity in his stories, I also feel some kind of undefined connection to his setting/characters/situation. Having grown up in a small bedroom community, I was always teetering between being bored with the regularity of it all, but sometimes feeling a spiritual connection to the landscape in my town—not the people (especially at night when main street is empty and kid’s bikes are left tipped over in the street). I tend to romanticize the that safe suburban setting and Ira Sher’s short story tapped into that pre-existing impulse. Although Ira’s story had universal elements, it also felt very specific; in a way, it felt specific to me. I was a little surprised that a lot of my classmates felt they could identify with the setting so strongly; I thought I was the only one. That ability to connect to the reader on a very personal level while retaining a sense of mystery has to be a special talent of this story/author. I plan to read more of his stuff.
Journal Entry 7-9-10
It is actually very hard to pick one favorite piece of what we have read. I am an avid reader, and my room at home is like a library, with 2 6-foot bookshelves that are completely filled and overflowing onto my floor. I enjoyed the Craft narrative a lot, even though I am not used to that style of writing. I liked that fact that it was kind of ADD in terms of the actual story of their escape, that he would pause and talk about some other trials and tribulations faced by others of his race at that time. I liked the storyline too, how two people who loved each other so much that they were willing to risk their lives to escape the tyranny that kept them from loving fully. I’m a sucker for love.
I also enjoyed ‘The Sunflower’, although it is not something I would have picked out for myself at the library or bookstore. I really enjoyed our discussions in class about the theme of forgiveness and the limits and rules of it.
I had a hard time putting down ‘The Secret Life of Bees’, and it was a definitely enjoyable read. It’s books like that that make me want to take more literature classes. I do enjoy books with a strong female character, not necessarily the damsel in distress, but one who is independent and thinks for herself. Her courage in the face of her father and the truth of her mother is inspiring.
I also enjoyed ‘The Sunflower’, although it is not something I would have picked out for myself at the library or bookstore. I really enjoyed our discussions in class about the theme of forgiveness and the limits and rules of it.
I had a hard time putting down ‘The Secret Life of Bees’, and it was a definitely enjoyable read. It’s books like that that make me want to take more literature classes. I do enjoy books with a strong female character, not necessarily the damsel in distress, but one who is independent and thinks for herself. Her courage in the face of her father and the truth of her mother is inspiring.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
My favorite story
Aria Bashizadeh Fakhar
Daily Journal
I would definitely have to say that Ira Sher, the author of “The Man in the Well” has sparked my interest the most. Though his story was short, it gave me the most what the f*** moments I have had in this class so far. Just thinking about how demented someone has to be to think of a story so bizarre, so cruel and open ended simply boggles my mind. And it’s a story about children nonetheless, which intrigues me even more as to what was going on in Ira’s head. His writing style wasn’t too stylish or difficult to read, but it had me pressing on and on, I had read the story twice, and I rarely do that if I understood the story the first time. I just had to keep reading it to try and grasp what message he was conveying, and what thought processes were involved in the writing of the story. I thought it was brilliant, and that it had a great message behind it, or at least to me it did.
Daily Journal
I would definitely have to say that Ira Sher, the author of “The Man in the Well” has sparked my interest the most. Though his story was short, it gave me the most what the f*** moments I have had in this class so far. Just thinking about how demented someone has to be to think of a story so bizarre, so cruel and open ended simply boggles my mind. And it’s a story about children nonetheless, which intrigues me even more as to what was going on in Ira’s head. His writing style wasn’t too stylish or difficult to read, but it had me pressing on and on, I had read the story twice, and I rarely do that if I understood the story the first time. I just had to keep reading it to try and grasp what message he was conveying, and what thought processes were involved in the writing of the story. I thought it was brilliant, and that it had a great message behind it, or at least to me it did.
Journal #8
It’s hard for me to say which work we have read is my favorite. I have liked most of them, but I guess I would say my favorite narrative was “The Man in the Well.” I enjoyed it the most because the story caught me off guard. We had been reading all of these historical and very serious works and this narrative was almost a comic relief for me.
I found the story to be disturbing; I kept wondering what the heck was going on. I thought for sure I would get to the end, and it would be about something completely different then the literal meaning I was getting from it. What I loved is that there wasn’t; the story ended just as odd as it started.
The other thing that I enjoyed about “The Man in the Well” is that it was from a child’s perspective. The story seemed to be simple because it was from a child’s mind that didn’t fully understand what was going on. The simplicity of the child’s point of view contrasts with the seriousness of the content.
I’m not a fan of history, and especially not a fan of historical writing. I am a very creative person and enjoy abstract concepts and thoughts. When reading a historical, non-fiction work, the creativity is kind of nonexistent. This work, to me, was by far the most creative.
I also really enjoy horror and thriller films and this book seemed like something out of a twisted thriller about a future group of serial killers. I might be taking it a little far, but I am taking a class about serial killers this quarter.
Finally, I think this work was my favorite because, with one of our main topic being forgiveness, it was different then all the others in that aspect. In this story the main character feels bad for what him and the children did, but he also doesn’t feel solely responsible. He doesn’t see to feel the need to ask for forgiveness, but he still feels some guilt for what he, and his friends, did. His way of dealing with the guilt is to just flat out ignore it. This aspect of forgiveness was not really shown in any of the other works, which makes it even more interesting.
Overall, I enjoyed the perspective, content, and form in which it was written. It was also easy to read and short, which didn’t hurt either.
Morgan McMahan
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Secret Life of Bees: Pgs. 178-179
The man “holding the shovel handle” gains automatic respect from those immediately near him because this tool can be used as a powerful weapon. Also, the fact that he “walked right up to the truck bumper” (italics added) displays that he is not hesitant or unsure in what he is doing, and there is a purpose to his action. Furthermore, he “stared at the boys” which shows that they are occupying his thoughts at the present time, and he wants, or at least does not care, them to realize this and notice his presence. Moreover, these actions are meant to instill a sense of fear, or at the very least alertness, to the fact that in that moment he can physically affect the turn of events. Additionally, he approaches the boys sporting a “half smile, half sneer” which is further described as being “conjured from power without benefit of love.” This look is as much a signal to the boys as it is a natural physical demonstration of how he feels mentally and emotionally at that time. The look shows that he has significant control over the development of the situation, he does not consider the boys to be a major threat, and he is not significantly nervous about how to proceed. Lastly, he does not speak at a normal volume but yells, “What did you say, boy?” He is demanding direct attention while also showing little to no respect for the individual by addressing him as “boy.”
Tension is shown to be extremely high when the “murmuring noise on the street fell.” Those who were involved in any of a number of activities on the street discontinued what they were doing, because the imminent conflict commanded their attention. Even a dog on the street “dropped his ears and slunk off under a parked car.” Although animals might not be able to fully understand specific words of human language, they can sense tension and evaluate and respond to physical surroundings and body language. To further illustrate the heightened state of stress the audience sees anxiety manifested as “Jackson bite[s] down, causing a tiny ripple across his jaw.” At one point, the conflict proved to be too overwhelming for Lily to handle, and she temporarily removed herself mentally by closing her eyes.
The man’s anger and bravado blinded him to the sense of any danger and he was hit in the face with a cola bottle thrown by Jackson. The man’s vulnerability was shown as he bled profusely, dropped the shovel handle, his weapon, and had to look “back to the other men” for support. Moreover, he was “confused for a moment” and sounded “more surprised than anything.”
Both sides of the conflict showed their loyalty to the members of their group. The white men demonstrated support for their injured acquaintance by approaching the boys and physically surrounding them, “hemming them in against the truck.” The boys showed support for Jackson by physically staying put and not offering up his name to the inquiring men. Lily knew the simple way for Zach to get out of the situation quickly, but also “knew that being a snitch was considered the lowest sort of person.” Zach communicated through a shrug of his shoulders and continuing to “stand there and be one of them.”
Tension is shown to be extremely high when the “murmuring noise on the street fell.” Those who were involved in any of a number of activities on the street discontinued what they were doing, because the imminent conflict commanded their attention. Even a dog on the street “dropped his ears and slunk off under a parked car.” Although animals might not be able to fully understand specific words of human language, they can sense tension and evaluate and respond to physical surroundings and body language. To further illustrate the heightened state of stress the audience sees anxiety manifested as “Jackson bite[s] down, causing a tiny ripple across his jaw.” At one point, the conflict proved to be too overwhelming for Lily to handle, and she temporarily removed herself mentally by closing her eyes.
The man’s anger and bravado blinded him to the sense of any danger and he was hit in the face with a cola bottle thrown by Jackson. The man’s vulnerability was shown as he bled profusely, dropped the shovel handle, his weapon, and had to look “back to the other men” for support. Moreover, he was “confused for a moment” and sounded “more surprised than anything.”
Both sides of the conflict showed their loyalty to the members of their group. The white men demonstrated support for their injured acquaintance by approaching the boys and physically surrounding them, “hemming them in against the truck.” The boys showed support for Jackson by physically staying put and not offering up his name to the inquiring men. Lily knew the simple way for Zach to get out of the situation quickly, but also “knew that being a snitch was considered the lowest sort of person.” Zach communicated through a shrug of his shoulders and continuing to “stand there and be one of them.”
Mara Scribner
7/7/10
The Secret Life of Bees
The passage on page 178 is quite violent and suspenseful. A white man, the one with the shovel, has been disrespected by a group of black teenage boys. He tries to get the boys to say something again and during the silence, Jackson, one of the black teenage boys, throws his coca-cola bottle at the man. It had hit the man in the face. The man left and when he came back he had other white men with him. None of the boys would confess to throwing the bottle, so they all were hauled off to jail.
The fact that Zach didn’t rat out Jackson for throwing the bottle is very noble. They caused trouble as a group and got punished as a group. Zach chose to stay with his friends and stay true to them. It also seems symbolic to me that he was choosing to stay with his fellow black people and not giving in their oppressors by telling them who threw the bottle. It was wrong of Jackson to not come out and tell the truth. However, I’m sure he was very scared and felt that they would go easier on the group as a whole instead of one boy. I don’t really understand why the boy threw the cola bottle in the first place. All the white man said was, “What did you say boy?” He didn’t use a racial slur and he didn’t show any signs of violence first. Maybe it was the fact that he had a shovel. If the white man had decided to get violent, a shovel would have been an easy tool to use as a weapon against the black boys. If I was Jackson, I’m not sure if I would have thrown the cola bottle like he did, but if I did I wouldn’t have wanted to go down alone either.
7/7/10
The Secret Life of Bees
The passage on page 178 is quite violent and suspenseful. A white man, the one with the shovel, has been disrespected by a group of black teenage boys. He tries to get the boys to say something again and during the silence, Jackson, one of the black teenage boys, throws his coca-cola bottle at the man. It had hit the man in the face. The man left and when he came back he had other white men with him. None of the boys would confess to throwing the bottle, so they all were hauled off to jail.
The fact that Zach didn’t rat out Jackson for throwing the bottle is very noble. They caused trouble as a group and got punished as a group. Zach chose to stay with his friends and stay true to them. It also seems symbolic to me that he was choosing to stay with his fellow black people and not giving in their oppressors by telling them who threw the bottle. It was wrong of Jackson to not come out and tell the truth. However, I’m sure he was very scared and felt that they would go easier on the group as a whole instead of one boy. I don’t really understand why the boy threw the cola bottle in the first place. All the white man said was, “What did you say boy?” He didn’t use a racial slur and he didn’t show any signs of violence first. Maybe it was the fact that he had a shovel. If the white man had decided to get violent, a shovel would have been an easy tool to use as a weapon against the black boys. If I was Jackson, I’m not sure if I would have thrown the cola bottle like he did, but if I did I wouldn’t have wanted to go down alone either.
passage
At the beginning of this passage one the black boys, Jackson yelled over at the white the men. This made one of the white men mad, and he walked over with a shovel and confronted the boys. Then Jackson threw his RC bottle at the man and hit him in the face. This shows that Jackson isn’t really afraid of the consequences that would happen from hitting a white man. After Jackson hit the first man with the bottle, the rest of the white men came and around circled around the boys. The boys showed again they were not scared because they stood there and didn’t try to run. If they were afraid for that they had done they would have ran because they knew that the other white men were going to come over by them.
While all of this was going on Lily was across the street watching through a window. The whole time she was worried for Zach and didn’t want anything to happen to him. This shows that Lily cares about and Zach and doesn’t want anything to happen to him. As the white men surrounded the black boys they asked who threw the bottle but no one spoke. Lily knew that being a snitch is one the worst thing that a person to do but she still wanted to Zach to tell on his friend. This again shows that Lily really doesn’t want anything to happen to Zach. She would rather him betray his friends so he could come back to the honey truck with her. Zach then looked over at Lily and gave her a little shrug. This was to tell her that there was nothing that he could really do and that he was sorry. This passage here tells that Zach also cared about Lily but knows there is no way that he could snitch on his friends. Zach wants to be able to go back over to Lily but knows that it is more important to be there and stand with his friends. Even though Lily wanted Zach to come back over to here, I feel she understood that that he was doing was more important to him and his friends.
While all of this was going on Lily was across the street watching through a window. The whole time she was worried for Zach and didn’t want anything to happen to him. This shows that Lily cares about and Zach and doesn’t want anything to happen to him. As the white men surrounded the black boys they asked who threw the bottle but no one spoke. Lily knew that being a snitch is one the worst thing that a person to do but she still wanted to Zach to tell on his friend. This again shows that Lily really doesn’t want anything to happen to Zach. She would rather him betray his friends so he could come back to the honey truck with her. Zach then looked over at Lily and gave her a little shrug. This was to tell her that there was nothing that he could really do and that he was sorry. This passage here tells that Zach also cared about Lily but knows there is no way that he could snitch on his friends. Zach wants to be able to go back over to Lily but knows that it is more important to be there and stand with his friends. Even though Lily wanted Zach to come back over to here, I feel she understood that that he was doing was more important to him and his friends.
Journal 9-7/7/2010
Amy Blackman
Journal 9
The Secret Life of Bees
This passage (Pg. 178-179) starts off as a response to Jackson telling a white man, “You gotta be dumb as dirt to believe Jack Palance is coming to Tiburon,” (Kidd 178). In a response to this, we see the white man becoming outraged that a black boy had just spoken to him, “What did you say boy?” (Kidd 178). To begin with, we know that the white man is racist; he did want to stop Jack Palence from bringing a black woman to the event. So of course, he would be upset that a black boy would even care to threaten his intelligence and social status.
In this passage, we see Jackson being both the bravest one of the boys as well as being careless. He seems to want to stir up trouble or he is not afraid of what a racist white man will do to him. If he didn’t, he would’ve not have threatened the man or have thrown an R.C. Cola bottle at the man. This incident cut the man and the man started to bleed. He responded by saying, “That nigger busted open my nose” (Kidd 179). The white man seemed almost shocked that a black boy would and could do such a thing. For the longest time, blacks had to obey and respect the whites and the white became used to this concept. The fact that a black boy would threaten a white man would be quite shocking.
When the white men wanted to know who had thrown the bottle, no one admitted it. One man referred to them as a “Bunch of Cowards” (Kidd 179). The black boys wanted to stick together. They were all taking the blame for what Jackson had done. I do not feel the boys were being cowards. This shows how strong of a group they are and that blacks must stick together during this time.
Lily wanted Zach to admit that he was innocent. She even wanted to tell the men, “The one over there. He did it” (Kidd179). However, Zach didn’t admit he was innocent and chose to stick with his friends. Lily became disappointed in Zach, why didn’t he stick up for what was right? She even referred to him as “one of them”. I don’t think that Lily meant to be racist by saying Zach was “one of them”. Meeting Zach and August had caused her to become less of a racist person. It meant that Zach chose to be with the boys that thought committing criminal acts was right. It disappointed Lily to include Zach in a gang because she saw Zach as being so harmless and charming.
Journal 9
The Secret Life of Bees
This passage (Pg. 178-179) starts off as a response to Jackson telling a white man, “You gotta be dumb as dirt to believe Jack Palance is coming to Tiburon,” (Kidd 178). In a response to this, we see the white man becoming outraged that a black boy had just spoken to him, “What did you say boy?” (Kidd 178). To begin with, we know that the white man is racist; he did want to stop Jack Palence from bringing a black woman to the event. So of course, he would be upset that a black boy would even care to threaten his intelligence and social status.
In this passage, we see Jackson being both the bravest one of the boys as well as being careless. He seems to want to stir up trouble or he is not afraid of what a racist white man will do to him. If he didn’t, he would’ve not have threatened the man or have thrown an R.C. Cola bottle at the man. This incident cut the man and the man started to bleed. He responded by saying, “That nigger busted open my nose” (Kidd 179). The white man seemed almost shocked that a black boy would and could do such a thing. For the longest time, blacks had to obey and respect the whites and the white became used to this concept. The fact that a black boy would threaten a white man would be quite shocking.
When the white men wanted to know who had thrown the bottle, no one admitted it. One man referred to them as a “Bunch of Cowards” (Kidd 179). The black boys wanted to stick together. They were all taking the blame for what Jackson had done. I do not feel the boys were being cowards. This shows how strong of a group they are and that blacks must stick together during this time.
Lily wanted Zach to admit that he was innocent. She even wanted to tell the men, “The one over there. He did it” (Kidd179). However, Zach didn’t admit he was innocent and chose to stick with his friends. Lily became disappointed in Zach, why didn’t he stick up for what was right? She even referred to him as “one of them”. I don’t think that Lily meant to be racist by saying Zach was “one of them”. Meeting Zach and August had caused her to become less of a racist person. It meant that Zach chose to be with the boys that thought committing criminal acts was right. It disappointed Lily to include Zach in a gang because she saw Zach as being so harmless and charming.
Journal Entry 7/7/10
This passage is yet another example of black people standing up for their beliefs and freedom of speech by challenging a group of racist white men. In many ways I am reminded of Rosaleen’s stand against the group of white men who accosted her in the beginning of the book. In that instance, Rosaleen taunted the white men by proudly stating that she was on her way to register to vote, which she knew would rile them up. Upon being approached in a threatening way by the white men, she poured her snuff juice out over the men’s boots and then was promptly arrested.
In the other passage, the method of provocation is different but the outcome is the same. The group of black boys noticed the white men standing around and yelled, “You gotta be dumb as dirt to believe Jack Palance is coming to Tiburon,” which they knew would evoke a similar reaction from the white men as Rosaleen’s proud statement. Like clockwork, one of the men approaches the boys in a threatening manner and just like in Rosaleen’s encounter, the boys don’t take kindly to being talked down to like a second-class citizen. When one of the boys throws a glass bottle at the white man, breaking his nose, they are more or less commanded by the rest of his posse to rat out the one that did it. By sticking together and not giving up the culprit, they all become “guilty” of the act and are hauled off to jail.
Jenny Davis
Journal 7
July 7, 2010
“The Secret Life of Bees” is a historically fictionalized look at the racism that was still present in the 1960’s. Although slavery had been abolished nearly 100 years prior the cruelty towards the black community was still at large. So far in this story I have seen two acts of what I would consider a combination of the common man and police racism. Black’s were not given much of a chance in these days.
Journal Entry 7-7-10
A recurring theme in this book is racial conflict. It began with Rosaleen defending herself and insulting the white men who taunted her, and she showed bravery and courage in the face of grave danger to her life. In this sequence on page 178, Zach is not the perpetrator, but he stands strong with his friends against the assault of the white men.
The author describes the scene in great detail. A phrase that stood out to me in the beginning paragraph is, “…stared at the boys with that same half smile, half sneer I had seen on T. Ray’s face a thousand times, the sort of look conjured from power without benefit of love,…” I think this phrase sums up Lily’s feelings about white people at this point. She has not known many white people who seem to have a heart toward anyone without their same skin color. I think her teacher is the only white woman to have shown her any care or mercy. She mentions that this look is one that has been on her father’s face toward her, and she knows what he does after, and so she is afraid for Zach and his friends. She has found that on the other hand, African-Americans seem to be more accepting of people with different skin tone.
After the bottle is thrown and the man that was hit walks into a store, the remaining white men cross the street to terrorize the boys. Like Rosaleen, they silently stand together and stand up for each other, supporting the one who threw the bottle. Also like with Rosaleen, Lily wishes that Zach would tell the truth and apologize to the white men so that he can stay safe. Zach stands with his friends, showing strength of conviction, just like Rosaleen did.
“He chose to stand there and be one of them.” I don’t think Lily was saying this as a racist that Zach chose to be with the African-Americans, but that he chose to stand there and be a part of what his friends were doing, to stand up for himself and his race. She worries about him the way she worried about Rosaleen.
The author describes the scene in great detail. A phrase that stood out to me in the beginning paragraph is, “…stared at the boys with that same half smile, half sneer I had seen on T. Ray’s face a thousand times, the sort of look conjured from power without benefit of love,…” I think this phrase sums up Lily’s feelings about white people at this point. She has not known many white people who seem to have a heart toward anyone without their same skin color. I think her teacher is the only white woman to have shown her any care or mercy. She mentions that this look is one that has been on her father’s face toward her, and she knows what he does after, and so she is afraid for Zach and his friends. She has found that on the other hand, African-Americans seem to be more accepting of people with different skin tone.
After the bottle is thrown and the man that was hit walks into a store, the remaining white men cross the street to terrorize the boys. Like Rosaleen, they silently stand together and stand up for each other, supporting the one who threw the bottle. Also like with Rosaleen, Lily wishes that Zach would tell the truth and apologize to the white men so that he can stay safe. Zach stands with his friends, showing strength of conviction, just like Rosaleen did.
“He chose to stand there and be one of them.” I don’t think Lily was saying this as a racist that Zach chose to be with the African-Americans, but that he chose to stand there and be a part of what his friends were doing, to stand up for himself and his race. She worries about him the way she worried about Rosaleen.
In the selected text it is apparent that the African Americans are starting to stand their ground. I’m sure to Lily this scene was like déjà vu, being that Rosealeen had done a similar thing not long before this. This time, however, it was a group of whites against a group of blacks, not just one woman and a little girl. This, to me, shows the strength and courage of Rosealeen for standing up for herself against three men.
At the beginning of the passage, Lily compares the man’s face to her fathers; she sees the man, and her father as the villain. Her father will always be that to her, a loveless, cruel man. She knew, because of this, that something bad was going to happen. The way the author writes about the dog hiding behind a car, and the street going silent, puts a strong picture in my head. It’s almost like the calm before the storm, everyone knew it was coming; it was just a matter of who was going to strike first.
The boys don’t seem to take the whole situation too seriously. In my head, they are smirking, and proud at what they’ve done. When one of the men called them cowards it seems funny to me, because what they just did was very brave, and possibly very stupid. When they tell them that they will let the others go if someone just admits to it, they stick together. If I were them, I wouldn’t believe the man. I’m sure they thought that they were all in trouble, why make one person in even more trouble?
Of course, Lily wants him to confess which of the boys threw the coke bottle, so that he can leave. She seems terrified the same thing that happened to Rosaleen will happen to him; that he will be beaten and put in jail. After her try to get him to tell them, and he shrugs, she realizes that he is not going to tell, and that he is part of the group. She thinks at the end of the passage: “He chose to stand there and be one of them” (179). It seems she might think that he is better then the other boys, that he chose to lower himself to be one of them. It is obvious she has a crush on Zach and doesn’t see him as a normal African American.
Morgan McMahan
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Week 3 Journal 1
The Secret Life of Bees
This whole incident is reminiscent of Rosaleen’s encounter with the white men at the gas station (seems like the major plot changing situations start at a gas station), where the pride of the black race will not tolerate the injustices caused by white people. In Rosaleen’s case, it was their attempt to deny her right to vote, and in this case, it’s simply an injustice towards the kids’ right to be there in the first place. What I think happened here is that the white guy with the shovel didn’t appreciate being criticized over waiting for the celebrity that was supposed to come into town, so he decided to start some trouble when his intelligence and gullibility came into question. The boys’ adherence to the snitching rule only strengthened the bond that they had with each other, and allowed them to stand together as the black race, not letting one another be put down by the white man. Though throwing a bottle into someone’s face is wrong, the white men reacted quite civilly, and didn’t do anything more than just calling the police. It seems as if the boys sticking together put them off to any more unnecessary violence. The whole entire street even came out to watch from their shops, and there was no show of dominance over the young black kids; absolutely nothing was done to “teach them a lesson”.
When Zach looks over at Lily and gives her that look, I feel that he is sticking to his race. Even though he has seen her as a good person and a non-typical white, she does not appear to be so to the other whites, and cannot stick to her and betray his friends. Had he done that, he would have been ostracized and out casted from his friends.
This whole incident is reminiscent of Rosaleen’s encounter with the white men at the gas station (seems like the major plot changing situations start at a gas station), where the pride of the black race will not tolerate the injustices caused by white people. In Rosaleen’s case, it was their attempt to deny her right to vote, and in this case, it’s simply an injustice towards the kids’ right to be there in the first place. What I think happened here is that the white guy with the shovel didn’t appreciate being criticized over waiting for the celebrity that was supposed to come into town, so he decided to start some trouble when his intelligence and gullibility came into question. The boys’ adherence to the snitching rule only strengthened the bond that they had with each other, and allowed them to stand together as the black race, not letting one another be put down by the white man. Though throwing a bottle into someone’s face is wrong, the white men reacted quite civilly, and didn’t do anything more than just calling the police. It seems as if the boys sticking together put them off to any more unnecessary violence. The whole entire street even came out to watch from their shops, and there was no show of dominance over the young black kids; absolutely nothing was done to “teach them a lesson”.
When Zach looks over at Lily and gives her that look, I feel that he is sticking to his race. Even though he has seen her as a good person and a non-typical white, she does not appear to be so to the other whites, and cannot stick to her and betray his friends. Had he done that, he would have been ostracized and out casted from his friends.
Natasa Misic -- Journal Entry 8
Natasa Misic
Journal Entry 8
Sunflower—theme (racism)
I believe the most common used theme throughout the first eight chapters of the Secret Life of Bee’s is race. Kidd covers a wide range of racism that of course includes common stereotypes for black and white people but as well as the reverse role of black people not liking white people.
The book begins with Rosaleen, a black woman, being the mother figure to a white girl. They are best friends yet it shows throughout the book that Rosaleen is not accepted by society like Lily is because her skin color. Lily doesn’t realize she is racist until she starts to learn that there are smart and educated black people in the society. She had never thought of a doctor or a lawyer being black until she met the Calendar sisters and Zach who opened her eyes to different perspectives.
After some time Lily starts to like Zach who is black. She finds herself very drawn and attracted to him. She never thought that black boys had attractive features such as their noses but for some reason she liked Zach. Perhaps because they had many common interests and both dreams of being successful. Lily quickly realized that even though she likes Zach society will never accept that and she simply could not be with him.
After they both realized their attraction to one another Zach and Lily knew that it couldn’t work out because their skin colors. Zach told her: “Lily, I like you better than any girl I’ve ever known, but you have to understand, there are people who would kill boys like me for even looking at girls like you” (135). It’s sad to hear this but it is the truth and after a long time in today’s society we still tend to have this problem in society even though it is much more common to see two different races dating.
Even though racism during this time is primarily against black people Lily experienced racism against her as well. Zach was shocked that she was white when he first met her working for August. Also June to this point in the book has still not warmed up to Lily. She doesn’t like Lily because she is white and feels that she should not be in their home. The biggest conflict between them is when June would not allow Lily to touch the “black” statue of Mary. It was so dramatic that Lily fainted.
Lily realizes throughout the first eight chapters that even she is racist but is overcoming it daily. She finally gets so fed up with racism that she starts to question how is it possible that skin pigment is such a big deal and believes that God should have made all humans the same skin pigment so that the world would be at peace.
Journal Entry 8
Sunflower—theme (racism)
I believe the most common used theme throughout the first eight chapters of the Secret Life of Bee’s is race. Kidd covers a wide range of racism that of course includes common stereotypes for black and white people but as well as the reverse role of black people not liking white people.
The book begins with Rosaleen, a black woman, being the mother figure to a white girl. They are best friends yet it shows throughout the book that Rosaleen is not accepted by society like Lily is because her skin color. Lily doesn’t realize she is racist until she starts to learn that there are smart and educated black people in the society. She had never thought of a doctor or a lawyer being black until she met the Calendar sisters and Zach who opened her eyes to different perspectives.
After some time Lily starts to like Zach who is black. She finds herself very drawn and attracted to him. She never thought that black boys had attractive features such as their noses but for some reason she liked Zach. Perhaps because they had many common interests and both dreams of being successful. Lily quickly realized that even though she likes Zach society will never accept that and she simply could not be with him.
After they both realized their attraction to one another Zach and Lily knew that it couldn’t work out because their skin colors. Zach told her: “Lily, I like you better than any girl I’ve ever known, but you have to understand, there are people who would kill boys like me for even looking at girls like you” (135). It’s sad to hear this but it is the truth and after a long time in today’s society we still tend to have this problem in society even though it is much more common to see two different races dating.
Even though racism during this time is primarily against black people Lily experienced racism against her as well. Zach was shocked that she was white when he first met her working for August. Also June to this point in the book has still not warmed up to Lily. She doesn’t like Lily because she is white and feels that she should not be in their home. The biggest conflict between them is when June would not allow Lily to touch the “black” statue of Mary. It was so dramatic that Lily fainted.
Lily realizes throughout the first eight chapters that even she is racist but is overcoming it daily. She finally gets so fed up with racism that she starts to question how is it possible that skin pigment is such a big deal and believes that God should have made all humans the same skin pigment so that the world would be at peace.
Journal #7 Rick Davidson Juxtaposition
My picture is a scene so normal many people would pass it and not give it a second glance or even a stray thought. Some may even see a weed; maybe the lawn maintenance didn’t spray well enough for weeds or just simply missed one. Most people would see only a little clump of grass squeezing, pushing up between the bricks but if you stop and really look, you’ll see perseverance, patience and strength. These people are looking only with their eyes and are easy to fool. I wanted to emphasis perseverance by showing one case of nature winning over manmade structures; no matter how small the win.
Let’s describe what is in the photo. We see an abundance of bricks, pavement, and metal. All these are laid out in a way meant to create order. The only real characterization shared by the bricks, pavement and the iron grating is rigidity, relentlessness and permanence. The colors of the items dominate the photo. If we don’t see the rusty red of the grate we see the baked red of the bricks or even the grayness of the pavement. Only one color stands out. Green.
The grass is within a desert of reds and gray. The unyielding bricks have not quite defeated the plant although it is stunted. The grass persists in growing no matter the consequences or obstacles hindering it. The grass’s easily curving shapes is an affront to the rigid manmade lines of iron within rock. The grass is insignificant compared to the number of bricks. The grass has no rules to follow; it simply does what makes it was meant to do: Grow.
The persecuted within the stories we’ve read have all been ruled over by the ones with power. As I’ve said in previous journals, the victor writes history and the ones with power will use it. The persons with power within our readings have been cast as antagonists. I, however, want to discuss The Sunflower. I want to use the image as a visual metaphor
The similarities between Simon and grass are astounding. Both were oppressed, Simon by the Nazi regime and the grass by the bricks. The grass wants only to grow while Simon wants only to be free. Also both the grass and Simon are survivors. Sadly by survival they are alone. The grass seems to be ignoring the bricks just like Simon left Karl in silence. The grass and Simon are outnumbered by comparison. The grass and Simon share the same qualities: perseverance, patience and strength
Similarities exist between the brick and the Nazi soldier Karl. Karl was a soldier in the extremely rigid Nazi army while the bricks are part of a bigger structure. Karl, within the army, could do nothing besides fall into line. Could the bricks have any other choice? We know Karl is ashamed of his actions. But why are the bricks blushing red with shame? The Nazis almost succeeded in genocide within their country ridding themselves of Jews. The bricks cut off the light, soil, and moisture grass needs to live creating the effect of “grass-ocide”. The bricks and Nazis (we can let the Nazis stand in for Karl through association and participation) exhibit the same characteristics: rigidity, relentlessness and permanence.
. The association of colors to emotions is well known. If we use the color of grass, green, when get the emotion envy. But why is the grass envious? The grass wants the freedom the bricks have. What color are the bricks: red. Red is associated with shame. The bricks are squeezing the life out of grass and are ashamed for it. Was not Simon envious of the Sunflowers and freedom the Nazis enjoyed? Wasn’t Karl ashamed by his participation of mass murdering of Jews?
Juxtaposition works well to convey these ideas. If the picture had the same little wad of grass but within a rolling plain pasture you couldn’t have seen the beauty of the grass. The beauty of the grass is shown by its perseverance. Perseverance is nothing until it is tested. Rolling plains wouldn’t have put our clump into any hard situations like the oppression of the bricks pavement and iron grates. The juxtaposition highlights the qualities of our clump of grass so you can better see them.
(I copy pasted the whole word document (including picture) but I don't know if picture will post also. I also don't know how to post the picture other wise. Sorry.
My picture is a scene so normal many people would pass it and not give it a second glance or even a stray thought. Some may even see a weed; maybe the lawn maintenance didn’t spray well enough for weeds or just simply missed one. Most people would see only a little clump of grass squeezing, pushing up between the bricks but if you stop and really look, you’ll see perseverance, patience and strength. These people are looking only with their eyes and are easy to fool. I wanted to emphasis perseverance by showing one case of nature winning over manmade structures; no matter how small the win.
Let’s describe what is in the photo. We see an abundance of bricks, pavement, and metal. All these are laid out in a way meant to create order. The only real characterization shared by the bricks, pavement and the iron grating is rigidity, relentlessness and permanence. The colors of the items dominate the photo. If we don’t see the rusty red of the grate we see the baked red of the bricks or even the grayness of the pavement. Only one color stands out. Green.
The grass is within a desert of reds and gray. The unyielding bricks have not quite defeated the plant although it is stunted. The grass persists in growing no matter the consequences or obstacles hindering it. The grass’s easily curving shapes is an affront to the rigid manmade lines of iron within rock. The grass is insignificant compared to the number of bricks. The grass has no rules to follow; it simply does what makes it was meant to do: Grow.
The persecuted within the stories we’ve read have all been ruled over by the ones with power. As I’ve said in previous journals, the victor writes history and the ones with power will use it. The persons with power within our readings have been cast as antagonists. I, however, want to discuss The Sunflower. I want to use the image as a visual metaphor
The similarities between Simon and grass are astounding. Both were oppressed, Simon by the Nazi regime and the grass by the bricks. The grass wants only to grow while Simon wants only to be free. Also both the grass and Simon are survivors. Sadly by survival they are alone. The grass seems to be ignoring the bricks just like Simon left Karl in silence. The grass and Simon are outnumbered by comparison. The grass and Simon share the same qualities: perseverance, patience and strength
Similarities exist between the brick and the Nazi soldier Karl. Karl was a soldier in the extremely rigid Nazi army while the bricks are part of a bigger structure. Karl, within the army, could do nothing besides fall into line. Could the bricks have any other choice? We know Karl is ashamed of his actions. But why are the bricks blushing red with shame? The Nazis almost succeeded in genocide within their country ridding themselves of Jews. The bricks cut off the light, soil, and moisture grass needs to live creating the effect of “grass-ocide”. The bricks and Nazis (we can let the Nazis stand in for Karl through association and participation) exhibit the same characteristics: rigidity, relentlessness and permanence.
. The association of colors to emotions is well known. If we use the color of grass, green, when get the emotion envy. But why is the grass envious? The grass wants the freedom the bricks have. What color are the bricks: red. Red is associated with shame. The bricks are squeezing the life out of grass and are ashamed for it. Was not Simon envious of the Sunflowers and freedom the Nazis enjoyed? Wasn’t Karl ashamed by his participation of mass murdering of Jews?
Juxtaposition works well to convey these ideas. If the picture had the same little wad of grass but within a rolling plain pasture you couldn’t have seen the beauty of the grass. The beauty of the grass is shown by its perseverance. Perseverance is nothing until it is tested. Rolling plains wouldn’t have put our clump into any hard situations like the oppression of the bricks pavement and iron grates. The juxtaposition highlights the qualities of our clump of grass so you can better see them.
(I copy pasted the whole word document (including picture) but I don't know if picture will post also. I also don't know how to post the picture other wise. Sorry.
Journal #8 Rick Davidson Secret Life of Bees (racism)
Racism has been the weapon of choice in our readings for oppression. Finally in the Secret Life of Bees we have a glimpse of a two way street. We can easily see the racism toward Rosaline when T Ray flares out at Lily after being in jail “They’re going to go back and kill Her (for what she did)”. And again when Lily and Rosaline are walking to town to register Rosaline to vote the ignorant white guys insult her leading up to Rosaline spitting on their shoes. Racism is usually cast from white to black as is the Craft Narrative, Where’s the Voice Coming From, and as seen within The Secret Life of Bees. Even in the Sunflower, the powerful Nazis oppressed the Jews through force; usually if not cast from white to black in this genre racism is cast from powerful to helpless. (I guess in a way before the Emancipation Proclamation the whites did have the power.) Maybe this is why the Secret Life of Bees standouts to me.
I like the fact that racism is flipped and around and twisted to show racism toward being white. The inversion creates a closer understanding of racism or more closely segregation for me. Once you can identify with a group you can assume the identity of that group. I feel included within Lily’s group since I am white also. Once she becomes immersed within the Calendar Sisters’ family she feels like an outsider. She slowly gains confidence but she knows she is not fully accepted. She learns from the Calendar Sisters independence and resolution. T Ray has told a woman cannot learn a trade let alone a black woman. Lily finds herself in awe of August’s knowledge of the technicalities of honey, candle and wax creation. She shamefully admits her awe stems directly from her racist views; how can a nigroe woman be more intelligent and refined than a white girl?
` Rosaline easily conforms into the family but Lily has more trouble. Rosaline is chanting and gets to touch the Lady of Chain’s Heart. Lily fails on several attempts to come clean with August about their true story. She comes very close but seems to always go awry; how can Lily ever expect to become part of any unit without being truthful? The Calendar Sisters allow her to observe their own religion. This act in itself shows the trust and sincerity of the sisters. Their religion is very personal and close and Lily would give anything to become a participant. At one point her acceptance seems complete she is reaching out to touch the Heart of Our Lady in Chains and June quits playing music thereby freezing Lily’s outstretched hand. I know if Lily had touched the Heart her acceptance would have been complete.
June’s actions spoke so much louder than words. She alone (I feel) has not accepted Lily into the family. She creates a gap which Lily could not cross to get to the Lady of Chains. The open defiance infuriates August but August lets it stand. She could have tried to make June start playing again but she decides not to. This open defiance shocks Lily into an understanding: I am not one of Them. No matter how hard she tries or how badly she wants to be she feels she’ll never become a Sister.
I guess not only racism is inversed but also segregation and the feeling of loneliness. Lily observes a very close knit family unit and wants to become one with it. She feels inadequate since her own father treated her very poorly thus instilling a yearning to be a part of a loving family. She seems almost jealous of Rosaline because she easily molds into the family. I think this was done by the author to create segregation, loneliness, and yearning within Lily and within the reader.
Racism has been the weapon of choice in our readings for oppression. Finally in the Secret Life of Bees we have a glimpse of a two way street. We can easily see the racism toward Rosaline when T Ray flares out at Lily after being in jail “They’re going to go back and kill Her (for what she did)”. And again when Lily and Rosaline are walking to town to register Rosaline to vote the ignorant white guys insult her leading up to Rosaline spitting on their shoes. Racism is usually cast from white to black as is the Craft Narrative, Where’s the Voice Coming From, and as seen within The Secret Life of Bees. Even in the Sunflower, the powerful Nazis oppressed the Jews through force; usually if not cast from white to black in this genre racism is cast from powerful to helpless. (I guess in a way before the Emancipation Proclamation the whites did have the power.) Maybe this is why the Secret Life of Bees standouts to me.
I like the fact that racism is flipped and around and twisted to show racism toward being white. The inversion creates a closer understanding of racism or more closely segregation for me. Once you can identify with a group you can assume the identity of that group. I feel included within Lily’s group since I am white also. Once she becomes immersed within the Calendar Sisters’ family she feels like an outsider. She slowly gains confidence but she knows she is not fully accepted. She learns from the Calendar Sisters independence and resolution. T Ray has told a woman cannot learn a trade let alone a black woman. Lily finds herself in awe of August’s knowledge of the technicalities of honey, candle and wax creation. She shamefully admits her awe stems directly from her racist views; how can a nigroe woman be more intelligent and refined than a white girl?
` Rosaline easily conforms into the family but Lily has more trouble. Rosaline is chanting and gets to touch the Lady of Chain’s Heart. Lily fails on several attempts to come clean with August about their true story. She comes very close but seems to always go awry; how can Lily ever expect to become part of any unit without being truthful? The Calendar Sisters allow her to observe their own religion. This act in itself shows the trust and sincerity of the sisters. Their religion is very personal and close and Lily would give anything to become a participant. At one point her acceptance seems complete she is reaching out to touch the Heart of Our Lady in Chains and June quits playing music thereby freezing Lily’s outstretched hand. I know if Lily had touched the Heart her acceptance would have been complete.
June’s actions spoke so much louder than words. She alone (I feel) has not accepted Lily into the family. She creates a gap which Lily could not cross to get to the Lady of Chains. The open defiance infuriates August but August lets it stand. She could have tried to make June start playing again but she decides not to. This open defiance shocks Lily into an understanding: I am not one of Them. No matter how hard she tries or how badly she wants to be she feels she’ll never become a Sister.
I guess not only racism is inversed but also segregation and the feeling of loneliness. Lily observes a very close knit family unit and wants to become one with it. She feels inadequate since her own father treated her very poorly thus instilling a yearning to be a part of a loving family. She seems almost jealous of Rosaline because she easily molds into the family. I think this was done by the author to create segregation, loneliness, and yearning within Lily and within the reader.
Monday, July 5, 2010
journal 8-7/6/2010
Amy Blackman
Journal 8
The Secret Life of Bees
Racism is an underlying theme that occurs in The Secret Life of Bees. Not only is racism displayed by the Caucasians towards the African Americans, it is displayed by the African Americans towards the Caucasians. The main character, Lily, also has to overcome her own racism towards African Americans. Though she loves Rosaleen, she assumes that every African American is uneducated and can only hold a job as a housekeeper. However, after meeting August, her racist feelings towards African American come to an end. She is very impressed how creative and smart August is.
Lily meets Zach and she develops romantic feelings towards him. She feels as though Zach is a charming and handsome African American young man. However, at first she feels as though she cannot have these feeling towards an African American boy since she was always told in school that Caucasian boys were more handsome because of the features in their faces. . However, she realizes during this time that she has been irrational and racist towards African Americans. She realizes that kids at her old school are ignorant and she should go back and teach those kids a lesson. Lily stated in the novel, “At my school they made fun of colored people’s lips and noses…Now, I wished I could pen a letter to my school to be read at open assembly that would tell them how wrong we’d all been. You should see Zachary Taylor, I’d say” (Kidd 116).
Whites also experienced prejudice from African Americans in this novel. At first, this was different and shocking to me. I never thought that whites would be the ones experiencing racism during this time period. Lily experiences prejudice from June. From different situations in the novel, readers can tell that June is uncomfortable with a white person living with them. It’s obvious that June would like Lily and Rosaleen to leave as soon as possible. June is not outwardly racist towards Lily but she is rude towards her. June would ask Lily how things were going. Lily would respond knowing that June really didn’t care how things were going. She asked Lily how things were going only to make August happy. In turn, this made Lily resent June. Lily even though in the novel, “Do you think me and June Boatwright give a damn how each other is coming? Just give up” (Kidd 119).
There was another example racism towards Lily at the church that was held at the Boatwright’s House. Lily was the only Caucasian person there. During the service, all the people there went to touch Mary’s heart. Lily wanted to experience this as well so she decided she wanted to touch Mary’s heart. Quickly, she realized that was a mistake. “But just as I was about to reach her, June stopped playing. She stopped right in the middle of the song, and I was left in silence with my hand stretched out” (Kidd 111). Lily was in shock and retracted her hand from Mary, “I am not one of you, I thought” (Kidd 111). Clearly, according to June’s and everyone else’s reaction, it was not okay for a white person to be touching the Black Mary. Racism plays a key role in this novel. It is displayed by both Caucasians and African Americans.
Journal 8
The Secret Life of Bees
Racism is an underlying theme that occurs in The Secret Life of Bees. Not only is racism displayed by the Caucasians towards the African Americans, it is displayed by the African Americans towards the Caucasians. The main character, Lily, also has to overcome her own racism towards African Americans. Though she loves Rosaleen, she assumes that every African American is uneducated and can only hold a job as a housekeeper. However, after meeting August, her racist feelings towards African American come to an end. She is very impressed how creative and smart August is.
Lily meets Zach and she develops romantic feelings towards him. She feels as though Zach is a charming and handsome African American young man. However, at first she feels as though she cannot have these feeling towards an African American boy since she was always told in school that Caucasian boys were more handsome because of the features in their faces. . However, she realizes during this time that she has been irrational and racist towards African Americans. She realizes that kids at her old school are ignorant and she should go back and teach those kids a lesson. Lily stated in the novel, “At my school they made fun of colored people’s lips and noses…Now, I wished I could pen a letter to my school to be read at open assembly that would tell them how wrong we’d all been. You should see Zachary Taylor, I’d say” (Kidd 116).
Whites also experienced prejudice from African Americans in this novel. At first, this was different and shocking to me. I never thought that whites would be the ones experiencing racism during this time period. Lily experiences prejudice from June. From different situations in the novel, readers can tell that June is uncomfortable with a white person living with them. It’s obvious that June would like Lily and Rosaleen to leave as soon as possible. June is not outwardly racist towards Lily but she is rude towards her. June would ask Lily how things were going. Lily would respond knowing that June really didn’t care how things were going. She asked Lily how things were going only to make August happy. In turn, this made Lily resent June. Lily even though in the novel, “Do you think me and June Boatwright give a damn how each other is coming? Just give up” (Kidd 119).
There was another example racism towards Lily at the church that was held at the Boatwright’s House. Lily was the only Caucasian person there. During the service, all the people there went to touch Mary’s heart. Lily wanted to experience this as well so she decided she wanted to touch Mary’s heart. Quickly, she realized that was a mistake. “But just as I was about to reach her, June stopped playing. She stopped right in the middle of the song, and I was left in silence with my hand stretched out” (Kidd 111). Lily was in shock and retracted her hand from Mary, “I am not one of you, I thought” (Kidd 111). Clearly, according to June’s and everyone else’s reaction, it was not okay for a white person to be touching the Black Mary. Racism plays a key role in this novel. It is displayed by both Caucasians and African Americans.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Mara Scribner
7/6/10
The Secret Life of Bees
One topic that comes up very frequently over the first eight chapters of The Secret Life of Bees is dealing with the loss of a parent. I can relate to this and find it interesting because my father didn’t die, but he was not in the picture for the majority of my life. It is very different went a child grows up without a mother, like Lilly had to, but whether the father or mother is absent it still strongly affects the child.
It seems to me that Lilly would like to be more feminine. She spends a lot of time looking in the mirror looking at her changing body. She also spends a lot of time thinking about Zach, perhaps in a way she shouldn’t be thinking about him. She seems very confused with her femininity and with the direction her life is going. I feel that a lot of this could be caused from the absence of her mother. She didn’t have a mother around to teach her exactly what it means to be a woman and how to act and think like one. All she had was T. Ray, who obviously didn’t really attempt to raise her to the best of his abilities. He could care less about how lady-like she would become. I believe that if he had taken on the role of the father and the mother, which sounds odd but I have seen it done, Lilly might be a little less insecure about herself now. I feel that it is very good that she is spending time with August, June, and May in this stage in her life. August seems that she is stepping in as a mother figure for Lilly. Lilly strongly needs a strong female figure to look up to and to learn from. Rosaleen wasn’t civilized enough or educated enough to fill in as a mother figure for Lilly, but August is perfect. She is educated, savvy, and loving, which is just what Lilly needs right now in her life. I believe that many of the insecurities that people have that were caused by something in their childhood will never completely go away. To me, they are like an addiction. They can always come back, easier than you would like them to, but if you try to heal yourself of it you can if even for a temporary while.
7/6/10
The Secret Life of Bees
One topic that comes up very frequently over the first eight chapters of The Secret Life of Bees is dealing with the loss of a parent. I can relate to this and find it interesting because my father didn’t die, but he was not in the picture for the majority of my life. It is very different went a child grows up without a mother, like Lilly had to, but whether the father or mother is absent it still strongly affects the child.
It seems to me that Lilly would like to be more feminine. She spends a lot of time looking in the mirror looking at her changing body. She also spends a lot of time thinking about Zach, perhaps in a way she shouldn’t be thinking about him. She seems very confused with her femininity and with the direction her life is going. I feel that a lot of this could be caused from the absence of her mother. She didn’t have a mother around to teach her exactly what it means to be a woman and how to act and think like one. All she had was T. Ray, who obviously didn’t really attempt to raise her to the best of his abilities. He could care less about how lady-like she would become. I believe that if he had taken on the role of the father and the mother, which sounds odd but I have seen it done, Lilly might be a little less insecure about herself now. I feel that it is very good that she is spending time with August, June, and May in this stage in her life. August seems that she is stepping in as a mother figure for Lilly. Lilly strongly needs a strong female figure to look up to and to learn from. Rosaleen wasn’t civilized enough or educated enough to fill in as a mother figure for Lilly, but August is perfect. She is educated, savvy, and loving, which is just what Lilly needs right now in her life. I believe that many of the insecurities that people have that were caused by something in their childhood will never completely go away. To me, they are like an addiction. They can always come back, easier than you would like them to, but if you try to heal yourself of it you can if even for a temporary while.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Trevor NicholsonFridays Journal Entry
This picture to me represents many things in my opinion. On the surface you see a man praying underneath a tree. We don’t have any indication about what he is praying about only that he is praying. The tree is much larger then the man, this could represent how we are a small part of the world around us. That nature has been here for a much longer time then we have and it will continue to be there after we are gone. I think the tree and nature could represent God. He could be praying for God to under the tree for forgiveness for what man has done to nature? Man has cut down the trees that give us fresh oxygen to breath, and recently spilled thousands of gallons of oil in his oceans. You can see a person in the background under the shade of the tree but the man is just outside of that shade. This could represent that at one point he was under the shade of the tree but recently moved out of it. He feel as though God has created nature, that is makes more sense to communicate with God when you are around his work. There is also a sense of optimism in the photo. I the back ground you see three other trees just getting there start. Maybe one day they can be the trees that another man prays under to ask for forgiveness or strengthen his relationship with God.
picture
The picture that our group decided to take was the statue of Oscar Robinson. Oscar is a legendary basketball player both in college and in the NBA. He played basketball for Cincinnati in the late 50’s and earlier 60’s when racial tension was high. This picture relates a lot the Secret Life of the Bees because the book takes place about the same time when Oscar Robinson was playing basketball in college. He and Rosaleen were going through similar racial struggles and both were had to overcome this. Rosaleen probably had it harder then Oscar because she lived in the south and Oscar was basketball star, but he probable didn’t always have it easy.
The statue itself in placed in a location where many people pass by and can see it. In the Early 60’s many people would have had a problem with a statue of the black man because there was still people with a lot of old fashion views at the time. I think the statue itself represent more than just a basketball player but also represents a win the racial struggle. Rosaleen tries to fight this struggle in book by spitting on three white men’s shoes. Even though the law is on her side, the sheriff and still against her let the men beat her up later in jail. We also talked about this same struggle when we read Where is the Voice Coming From, when a white man killed a black man for no reason and had no remorse it. Both stories tell a lot about racial tension and this statue is almost a representation of how far we have come. Just looking at the statue, you know its dedicated to Oscar playing basketball and all his basketball success, but I think there is even more to it. It shows how he overcame peoples prejudice ways and still became one the greatest basketball players of all time. It also shows how everyone over came the prejudice views and that we now live in a more open minded country.
The statue itself in placed in a location where many people pass by and can see it. In the Early 60’s many people would have had a problem with a statue of the black man because there was still people with a lot of old fashion views at the time. I think the statue itself represent more than just a basketball player but also represents a win the racial struggle. Rosaleen tries to fight this struggle in book by spitting on three white men’s shoes. Even though the law is on her side, the sheriff and still against her let the men beat her up later in jail. We also talked about this same struggle when we read Where is the Voice Coming From, when a white man killed a black man for no reason and had no remorse it. Both stories tell a lot about racial tension and this statue is almost a representation of how far we have come. Just looking at the statue, you know its dedicated to Oscar playing basketball and all his basketball success, but I think there is even more to it. It shows how he overcame peoples prejudice ways and still became one the greatest basketball players of all time. It also shows how everyone over came the prejudice views and that we now live in a more open minded country.
Journal #6
Morgan McMahan
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