Journey of Ann Weiss
The day was her son Scotty's birthday. A cake was called in and everything was going to be perfect. The day was going to be all about Scotty. The the accident happened and Scotty was badly hit by a car. Ann stayed day and night along Scotty's side while at the hospital. The doctors would continuously come to check on Scotty and Ann constantly would badger them into telling her about Scotty and if he was going into a coma etc. She would refuse to eat, didn't want to sleep it always had to be about scotty and herself. Her husband tried to help and she was occupied with being with Scotty. She eventually meet a family that was also a waiting to here from their Franklin who was in surgery. She saw the expressions on their faces and the sadness that shown through. She realized she wasn't the only one with a troubled child. She began to understand that others are in her same position and went back to see Franklin's family and found that he didn't survive. Scotty ended up dying but along the way Ann realized she wasn't the only experiencing pain.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Analytical Response A. Feathers
Journey of Jack and Fran
Jack and Fran have been invited to have dinner with his good friend Bud and his wife Olla. Fran right off the bat gives me the impression that she really does not care to go to the dinner but goes because her husband Jack does. Upon arriving Jack and Fran immediately encounters a peacock and are curious of why it is happening or why Bud calls the peacock Joey and yells for it to go away as if it know the bird. Fran and Olla immediately exchange looks as Olla looks at Fran’s long blond hair and tall thin body, as Fran sees Olla, a heavier person with rosy cheeks and an apron around her waist. Bud and Olla have a baby that is sleeping when they arrived. Jack and Fran do not have any children and weren’t really thinking about have one until later in their lives. Bud’s house contained Olla’s old teeth mold on the counter and that help Fran’s attention for the beginning of the night. The baby crying Olla brought him to the table to rock in her arms. Fran and Jack couldn’t believe how ugly the baby was. Even though the baby was ugly, one could easily tell how much they loved the baby and they were so proud that it was theirs. It was obvious that Bud disliked the peacock and only got for Olla because she wanted it. Bud and Olla’s lives were a lot different than Jack and Frans and I think they noticed it. That night I think they felt inspired by how Bud and Olla lived, and wanted to be like them. However, along came the baby and the family was not like Bud and Ollas there love was not as strong as before and I think they just liked the idea of Bud and Ollas life.
Recap of Journey:
• Jack and Fran are cute couple with no kids
• Go to Buds house and witness his lifestyle
• Jack and Fran wish to have love like Bud and Olla
• Have a child
• Life changes its harder for them not as happy as they were before
Jack and Fran have been invited to have dinner with his good friend Bud and his wife Olla. Fran right off the bat gives me the impression that she really does not care to go to the dinner but goes because her husband Jack does. Upon arriving Jack and Fran immediately encounters a peacock and are curious of why it is happening or why Bud calls the peacock Joey and yells for it to go away as if it know the bird. Fran and Olla immediately exchange looks as Olla looks at Fran’s long blond hair and tall thin body, as Fran sees Olla, a heavier person with rosy cheeks and an apron around her waist. Bud and Olla have a baby that is sleeping when they arrived. Jack and Fran do not have any children and weren’t really thinking about have one until later in their lives. Bud’s house contained Olla’s old teeth mold on the counter and that help Fran’s attention for the beginning of the night. The baby crying Olla brought him to the table to rock in her arms. Fran and Jack couldn’t believe how ugly the baby was. Even though the baby was ugly, one could easily tell how much they loved the baby and they were so proud that it was theirs. It was obvious that Bud disliked the peacock and only got for Olla because she wanted it. Bud and Olla’s lives were a lot different than Jack and Frans and I think they noticed it. That night I think they felt inspired by how Bud and Olla lived, and wanted to be like them. However, along came the baby and the family was not like Bud and Ollas there love was not as strong as before and I think they just liked the idea of Bud and Ollas life.
Recap of Journey:
• Jack and Fran are cute couple with no kids
• Go to Buds house and witness his lifestyle
• Jack and Fran wish to have love like Bud and Olla
• Have a child
• Life changes its harder for them not as happy as they were before
Analytical Response C. Bicycles,Muscles,Cigaretts
ANGRY FATHERS THROW PUNCHES
Last month the Miller family vacationed out of town and left Gilbert Miller’s bicycle with Kip Hollister, Roger Hamilton, and Gary Berman to borrow. Once they returned from vacation the bike was no longer where it should have been, behind the garage. Curious, Mrs. Miller had the parents of Roger and Gary to come to the house to settle the situation. Mr. Hamilton arrived first and was informed about the situation. The story from the kids was that they had “rolled” the bike but returned it to the house. Before Mrs. Miller could continue Roger spat out ‘Gary was choking me, Dad.’ This was just the beginning of the heated night. Shortly after, Mr. Berman arrived to deal with the situation at hand. After talking to his son in private Mr. Berman accused Roger that it was his idea to “roll” the bike and Roger quickly tried to defend him self from the accusation. Mr. Berman shot back with ‘you shut up!’ This is a grown man telling a young child to shut up and later on told his son that Roger was a stupid jerk. Mr. Hamilton, like any father in this situation became very agitated. He kindly said that Mr. Berman was getting out of line that his comments weren’t needed. Still, arrogant Mr. Berman continued with the unnecessary comments and finally it happened— Mr. Hamilton lunged at Mr. Berman. The fathers continued to fight until Mr. Hamilton had enough self-control to stop. Roger only a few feet away he did not want his child to witness him fighting. As a parent he knew he would be setting a bad example and was the bigger man and walked away. Mr. Hamilton always remembered about his father is that he saw him in a fight… he did not want that to be the case for Roger.
Last month the Miller family vacationed out of town and left Gilbert Miller’s bicycle with Kip Hollister, Roger Hamilton, and Gary Berman to borrow. Once they returned from vacation the bike was no longer where it should have been, behind the garage. Curious, Mrs. Miller had the parents of Roger and Gary to come to the house to settle the situation. Mr. Hamilton arrived first and was informed about the situation. The story from the kids was that they had “rolled” the bike but returned it to the house. Before Mrs. Miller could continue Roger spat out ‘Gary was choking me, Dad.’ This was just the beginning of the heated night. Shortly after, Mr. Berman arrived to deal with the situation at hand. After talking to his son in private Mr. Berman accused Roger that it was his idea to “roll” the bike and Roger quickly tried to defend him self from the accusation. Mr. Berman shot back with ‘you shut up!’ This is a grown man telling a young child to shut up and later on told his son that Roger was a stupid jerk. Mr. Hamilton, like any father in this situation became very agitated. He kindly said that Mr. Berman was getting out of line that his comments weren’t needed. Still, arrogant Mr. Berman continued with the unnecessary comments and finally it happened— Mr. Hamilton lunged at Mr. Berman. The fathers continued to fight until Mr. Hamilton had enough self-control to stop. Roger only a few feet away he did not want his child to witness him fighting. As a parent he knew he would be setting a bad example and was the bigger man and walked away. Mr. Hamilton always remembered about his father is that he saw him in a fight… he did not want that to be the case for Roger.
Creative Response A
Me: O hello Ann, how are you?
Ann: Hi there Michael, I am doing better.
Me: Thats good to hear. If you don't mind me asking, how are you and Howard dealing with what tragically happened last three weeks ago?
Ann: Well thats really hard to say...Its been difficult on all of us.
Me: Yes it sure has been. What did you realize after the death of your son...you do not have to answer if you do not please to.
Ann: Well I have noticed a lot. To start with, I have come to notice that as a mother, you should always love your most precious possessions. But more importantly, you should always take comfort in the little thinsg in life that we all take for granted.
Me: To be frank Ann, like what?
Ann: Like food...think about the feeling of eating and enjoying it.
Me: I see but what does that have to do with your son?
Ann: Well ever since Scotty has passed, all I can think about are the times we had together, but especially the times when I just watched him; the times when most people do not remember. Now when I think about it, I remember my love for him when I think about him sleeping or him watching T.V. Something so minute and something so unnoticed can have such power on a mother.
Me: I guess I can see what you mean...but I haven't lost a loved one yet. Is there a lesson that has greatly effected you after the passing of Scotty?
Ann: Of course there is. The most important one.
Me: What is that?
Ann: When the time came when Scotty had passed so suddenly, anyone would think that I would be thinking of myself and my lost son. But out of all this, I have learned that I am not the only one who is suffering and it is almost selfish of me to not think of the others...the Franklins. My son was not the only one who was suffering, it was also the Franklin's boy as well. When someone is in pain, they need comfort...I had to step out of my comfort zone and offer that to others...that had brought me to a new level, a new me.
Me: That was extremely noble of you Ann, it is very respectable to hear that.
Ann: Thank you Michael.
Me: I am glad to see that you are taking this better than most do, I hope you keep it up. It was good to see you.
Ann: You to Michael, thanks
Me: Tell Howard I said T.J. Houshmazilla.......he'll know what I mean.
Ann: Hi there Michael, I am doing better.
Me: Thats good to hear. If you don't mind me asking, how are you and Howard dealing with what tragically happened last three weeks ago?
Ann: Well thats really hard to say...Its been difficult on all of us.
Me: Yes it sure has been. What did you realize after the death of your son...you do not have to answer if you do not please to.
Ann: Well I have noticed a lot. To start with, I have come to notice that as a mother, you should always love your most precious possessions. But more importantly, you should always take comfort in the little thinsg in life that we all take for granted.
Me: To be frank Ann, like what?
Ann: Like food...think about the feeling of eating and enjoying it.
Me: I see but what does that have to do with your son?
Ann: Well ever since Scotty has passed, all I can think about are the times we had together, but especially the times when I just watched him; the times when most people do not remember. Now when I think about it, I remember my love for him when I think about him sleeping or him watching T.V. Something so minute and something so unnoticed can have such power on a mother.
Me: I guess I can see what you mean...but I haven't lost a loved one yet. Is there a lesson that has greatly effected you after the passing of Scotty?
Ann: Of course there is. The most important one.
Me: What is that?
Ann: When the time came when Scotty had passed so suddenly, anyone would think that I would be thinking of myself and my lost son. But out of all this, I have learned that I am not the only one who is suffering and it is almost selfish of me to not think of the others...the Franklins. My son was not the only one who was suffering, it was also the Franklin's boy as well. When someone is in pain, they need comfort...I had to step out of my comfort zone and offer that to others...that had brought me to a new level, a new me.
Me: That was extremely noble of you Ann, it is very respectable to hear that.
Ann: Thank you Michael.
Me: I am glad to see that you are taking this better than most do, I hope you keep it up. It was good to see you.
Ann: You to Michael, thanks
Me: Tell Howard I said T.J. Houshmazilla.......he'll know what I mean.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Analytical B: A Small Good Thing
1. What is the point of the baker and the detail that Carver goes into about him being unfriendly?
2. The Doctor is very persistant in saying that Scott was not in a shock, why did he do that?
3. Why did the Baker keep calling and hanging up and being annoying about the fact that the cake was not picked up?
4. Do you think that the Doctor's knew things that they weren' t telling Ann and Howard?
5. What was the purpose of Franklin's story?
6. What is the reason for Ann being so affected by Franklins story?
7. What caused the Baker's change in personality to open up to Ann and Howard?
8. What is the reason for the title A Small, Good Thing and how the baker uses it?
9. Why did Ann and Howard like listening to the baker talk and why did they stay as long as they did?
10. When the baker took out the rolling pin do you think that he had the intention to use it as a weopon?
2. The Doctor is very persistant in saying that Scott was not in a shock, why did he do that?
3. Why did the Baker keep calling and hanging up and being annoying about the fact that the cake was not picked up?
4. Do you think that the Doctor's knew things that they weren' t telling Ann and Howard?
5. What was the purpose of Franklin's story?
6. What is the reason for Ann being so affected by Franklins story?
7. What caused the Baker's change in personality to open up to Ann and Howard?
8. What is the reason for the title A Small, Good Thing and how the baker uses it?
9. Why did Ann and Howard like listening to the baker talk and why did they stay as long as they did?
10. When the baker took out the rolling pin do you think that he had the intention to use it as a weopon?
Analytical C
Analytical C
Raymond Carver's short story "A Small Good Thing" is dramatic story about a child that has recently fallen into a coma. This story draws some very strong comparisons to the another story we read, "Chicxiclub". In both stories it is believed that a child has been seriously injured or killed. The parents are shown grieving and at times fighting because of the potential risk to their children. Even though the stories end dramatically different and have different themes there is a very strong correlation between the two at first glance.
Ann thought of saying "Don't have kids, for God's sake, don't." This is one of the saddest lines in the story. Ann is unbelievably upset and worried for her son, Scotty. She wanted to say this to the young girl but didn't. Even though kids and family bring sadness, they are also accompanied with unmeasurable joy and love. This sentiment is echoed in the previous short story that we read, "Feathers". The one couple did not want to have a child but they saw what great happiness that it brought to the other couple even though the baby was an ugly baby.
Carver once again uses the ordinary life to portray another meaning. He infuses the story with forgiveness, and compassion. Ann feels sorry for the family that recently lost their son, and she also is able to forgive the baker for calling their house. The baker didn’t realize what he was doing and when he finds out about Scotty he immediately consoled Ann and Howard.
Raymond Carver's short story "A Small Good Thing" is dramatic story about a child that has recently fallen into a coma. This story draws some very strong comparisons to the another story we read, "Chicxiclub". In both stories it is believed that a child has been seriously injured or killed. The parents are shown grieving and at times fighting because of the potential risk to their children. Even though the stories end dramatically different and have different themes there is a very strong correlation between the two at first glance.
Ann thought of saying "Don't have kids, for God's sake, don't." This is one of the saddest lines in the story. Ann is unbelievably upset and worried for her son, Scotty. She wanted to say this to the young girl but didn't. Even though kids and family bring sadness, they are also accompanied with unmeasurable joy and love. This sentiment is echoed in the previous short story that we read, "Feathers". The one couple did not want to have a child but they saw what great happiness that it brought to the other couple even though the baby was an ugly baby.
Carver once again uses the ordinary life to portray another meaning. He infuses the story with forgiveness, and compassion. Ann feels sorry for the family that recently lost their son, and she also is able to forgive the baker for calling their house. The baker didn’t realize what he was doing and when he finds out about Scotty he immediately consoled Ann and Howard.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Creative Response C : "A Small, Good Thing"
Ann Weiss,
I'm really sorry for the loss of your son; I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you in that situation with such a minimal amount of information. It was not your fault at all For no reason should you fee guilty. I noticed that you did, however, go through quite a significant transformation throughout the tragic experience.
I myself believe that everything happens for a reason. God has a plan for Scotty and it, unfortunately, was his time to go early in his life. I can't say why Scotty was taken from you at such a young age but I can say that I believe you learned something from it.
When you first met with the baker to order the cake, I must be honest and admit that I was disappointed with the way in which the two of you interacted. It was as if you weren't talking to another human being but rather ordering something through a machine. You shared "just the minimal exchange of words." I don't understand why he made you feel so uncomfortable. To be honest, I thought you were an inconsiderate and self-centered woman because you gave up so easily trying to be friends with the baked since you could not find a quality that both of you had in common.
Then when Scotty was in a come, you learned to look beneath the surface into the lives and experiences of others. You came across the family in the waiting and you could sense their pain. You opened up to them and got to know them. It's unfortunate that it was during such a difficult time. You were full of fear and the family was also full of fear. Both were waiting for someone you loved to be okay. It made me proud to see you interacting in such a compassionate and sincere way. Then, when you asked the desk about what the outcome of the family's situation was, I truly got a sense of the loving person you are.
I know you're going through a difficult time and I pray for the best for you. I truly believe Scotty is with you, showing you the way and, in some cases, spreading his love through you. I hope you remain strong and continue displaying this compassion for other human beings.
Sincerely, Tina
I'm really sorry for the loss of your son; I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you in that situation with such a minimal amount of information. It was not your fault at all For no reason should you fee guilty. I noticed that you did, however, go through quite a significant transformation throughout the tragic experience.
I myself believe that everything happens for a reason. God has a plan for Scotty and it, unfortunately, was his time to go early in his life. I can't say why Scotty was taken from you at such a young age but I can say that I believe you learned something from it.
When you first met with the baker to order the cake, I must be honest and admit that I was disappointed with the way in which the two of you interacted. It was as if you weren't talking to another human being but rather ordering something through a machine. You shared "just the minimal exchange of words." I don't understand why he made you feel so uncomfortable. To be honest, I thought you were an inconsiderate and self-centered woman because you gave up so easily trying to be friends with the baked since you could not find a quality that both of you had in common.
Then when Scotty was in a come, you learned to look beneath the surface into the lives and experiences of others. You came across the family in the waiting and you could sense their pain. You opened up to them and got to know them. It's unfortunate that it was during such a difficult time. You were full of fear and the family was also full of fear. Both were waiting for someone you loved to be okay. It made me proud to see you interacting in such a compassionate and sincere way. Then, when you asked the desk about what the outcome of the family's situation was, I truly got a sense of the loving person you are.
I know you're going through a difficult time and I pray for the best for you. I truly believe Scotty is with you, showing you the way and, in some cases, spreading his love through you. I hope you remain strong and continue displaying this compassion for other human beings.
Sincerely, Tina
Sunday, November 25, 2007
"Feathers"
Analytical Response C
Raymond Carver continues to write about stories about ordinary life infused with deep symbolism. "Feathers" is a story about a man that goes to visit his friend and his wife. During the visit he realizes that his friend is much different than he imagined. A peacock attacks him, Bud has an ugly baby, and his wife is very strange.
An ugly baby is symbolic of mistrust and the questioning of motives. The ugly baby could be used to suggest that Bud and Jack are not as close as the story may seem to illustrate. This is the first time that they have met outside of work and have never had any serious conversations about their life outside of the workplace. The use of the ugly baby may be used to further demonstrate this point, that if one only sees another in one particular environment, then you do not fully know or understand the other individual.
Carver also uses another symbol, that of the peacock. The peacock represents immortality, and pride. Carver uses the peacock to contrast with the ugly baby. When Jack first sees the peacock, it is used to symbolize that Bud may have a beautiful child and wife. This is not the case. Carver is saying that one does not need to have the most beautiful baby or have a trophy wife in order to be proud. He says that one only needs what he has and should be proud of that.
Raymond Carver continues to write about stories about ordinary life infused with deep symbolism. "Feathers" is a story about a man that goes to visit his friend and his wife. During the visit he realizes that his friend is much different than he imagined. A peacock attacks him, Bud has an ugly baby, and his wife is very strange.
An ugly baby is symbolic of mistrust and the questioning of motives. The ugly baby could be used to suggest that Bud and Jack are not as close as the story may seem to illustrate. This is the first time that they have met outside of work and have never had any serious conversations about their life outside of the workplace. The use of the ugly baby may be used to further demonstrate this point, that if one only sees another in one particular environment, then you do not fully know or understand the other individual.
Carver also uses another symbol, that of the peacock. The peacock represents immortality, and pride. Carver uses the peacock to contrast with the ugly baby. When Jack first sees the peacock, it is used to symbolize that Bud may have a beautiful child and wife. This is not the case. Carver is saying that one does not need to have the most beautiful baby or have a trophy wife in order to be proud. He says that one only needs what he has and should be proud of that.
Creative Response: A
Me: O hey Jack, how are you buddy?
Jack: Michael! how good to see you, what are you doing here.
Me: Well we are at borders, I think its pretty obvious that I'm thinking about getting a
book...what about you Jack?
Jack: Ooo Michael, you are always such a pain in the ass. I'm actually just looking around at
some books...I dont plan on getting one to be honest...
Me: Well what do you got in your hand there Jack? What book is that?
Jack: ...O this, its nothing. I just picked it of the floor, its just some stupid book.
Me: Wellll, what is it, let me get a look at it
Jack: Why? Its just a book Mike...nothing important.
Me: Come on dude let me see it!
Jack: What the big deal, will you back off and give me my space bro!
Jack: Michael! how good to see you, what are you doing here.
Me: Well we are at borders, I think its pretty obvious that I'm thinking about getting a
book...what about you Jack?
Jack: Ooo Michael, you are always such a pain in the ass. I'm actually just looking around at
some books...I dont plan on getting one to be honest...
Me: Well what do you got in your hand there Jack? What book is that?
Jack: ...O this, its nothing. I just picked it of the floor, its just some stupid book.
Me: Wellll, what is it, let me get a look at it
Jack: Why? Its just a book Mike...nothing important.
Me: Come on dude let me see it!
Jack: What the big deal, will you back off and give me my space bro!
(Michael and Jack start arguing and struggle with eachother to see the book, Michael finally rips the book out of his hand)
Me: "The joy of having a baby"...Jack...?
(Jack blushing and ashamed)
Jack: Are you happy now?
Me: I thought you told me once that you and Fran had no interest in having a baby?
Jack: I did...its just that I am so happy right now with Fran but I still feel that I am missing
something in my life.
Me: Why? What compelled you to feel this way man?
Jack: To be honest...alright to be honest dude...to put it all out on the table...Its Bud, Bud and
Olla's life. You know I always find myself criticizing them and criticizing Fran's looks and
their "unhappiness". But in the end you know what is so special that they have that I
don't? They have a family. They have a union and connection that I take for granted.
Me: Are you crying Jack?
Jack: No! I have some dust in my eye...in both of them...a lot of dust.
Me: Well are you thinking about having a baby then?
Jack: I dont know. I mean look at Bud and Olla's baby...I mean dude come on, that thing
looks like road kill.
Me: Take it easy take it easy
Jack: I know I'm just playin' with ya' dawg. But seriosuly Fran is so dam beautiful and if we
decided to have a baby...you think she would end up like Olla? With buck-nasty teeth?
Me: Jack all I can tell you that regardless, you always have a love for your baby, even if he is
ugly as hell.
Jack: Ok, well maybe I'll actually read this book then...I gotta' give this some time
Me: Yah you do that man, think about it...I have to get going...family guy is on soon.
Jack: Ok thanks buddy, see you later gator.
Me: Bye
(Michael walks away laughing to himself thinking about how Jack cried)
"FEATHERS" Analytical Response: C
1. Jack seems to be jeolous of Bud's life, why?
2.What about Jack's life is missing that Bud and Olla have?
3.Bud and Olla's baby is hideous, why would Carver make it ugly?
4. The peacock is known for being beautiful, is that why Carver uses it as Bud's pet instead of another animal?
5. What is the relationship of the peacock to the baby?
6. What is the relationship between Jack and Bud, and why in the beginning of the story does Jack try and impress Bud or is nervous about going over their for dinner?
7. What is the reason for Fran to be short tempered in the beginning when Jack and her are going to Bud's for dinner?
8. Why does Carver make such a big difference between the looks of Fran and Olla?
9. Does Bud talking about how he wants to change the way that Olla looks a bad husband, and what is the connection between that and Jack's obsession with Fran's hair?
10. How come Jack let Olla think that it was a women calling when he called him and couldn't remember her name and just hung up?
10.
2.What about Jack's life is missing that Bud and Olla have?
3.Bud and Olla's baby is hideous, why would Carver make it ugly?
4. The peacock is known for being beautiful, is that why Carver uses it as Bud's pet instead of another animal?
5. What is the relationship of the peacock to the baby?
6. What is the relationship between Jack and Bud, and why in the beginning of the story does Jack try and impress Bud or is nervous about going over their for dinner?
7. What is the reason for Fran to be short tempered in the beginning when Jack and her are going to Bud's for dinner?
8. Why does Carver make such a big difference between the looks of Fran and Olla?
9. Does Bud talking about how he wants to change the way that Olla looks a bad husband, and what is the connection between that and Jack's obsession with Fran's hair?
10. How come Jack let Olla think that it was a women calling when he called him and couldn't remember her name and just hung up?
10.
"Feathers" : Artistic a.
I chose to draw a picture of a peacock because the the peacock was an essential part of "Feathers." The peacock respresented beauty in contrast to the very ugly baby. I portrayed the peacock as mainly green because it displayed a sense of arrogance in the story.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Analytical Response C
Raymond Carver's "Bicycles, Muscles. Cigarettes" is a short but powerful story. The story begins with a neighborhood child trying to find out what happened to his bike. The three other children deny their involvement in the disappearance of the bike. The argument escalates into a fight between two of the fathers. Carver uses the fight scene to connect three generations of family and their memories together. There is a constant theme of anger and not knowing what another person is fully capable of. The message of the story is that one can never fully know or understand another person until they have seen them in times of unease and discomfort.
Carver is also the author of "Cathedral". "Cathedral" has a theme of the monotony of the everyday life. This story also incorporates this theme. In both of these stories there is a feeling of isolation. The son who says he feels lonely, and Bub who is just living life by going through the motions. Both of these stories are about ordinary people facing ordinary problems but have a deeper philosophical meaning. Carver is saying that we must find transcendence in the mundane tasks that occur in everyday life.
There are a few moments of grace. When Hamilton is sitting outside thinking about his father and trying to remember him. Hamilton's son acts as a vehicle of grace for his father. He asks his dad about what he was like and tries to get his father to open up to him.
Raymond Carver's "Bicycles, Muscles. Cigarettes" is a short but powerful story. The story begins with a neighborhood child trying to find out what happened to his bike. The three other children deny their involvement in the disappearance of the bike. The argument escalates into a fight between two of the fathers. Carver uses the fight scene to connect three generations of family and their memories together. There is a constant theme of anger and not knowing what another person is fully capable of. The message of the story is that one can never fully know or understand another person until they have seen them in times of unease and discomfort.
Carver is also the author of "Cathedral". "Cathedral" has a theme of the monotony of the everyday life. This story also incorporates this theme. In both of these stories there is a feeling of isolation. The son who says he feels lonely, and Bub who is just living life by going through the motions. Both of these stories are about ordinary people facing ordinary problems but have a deeper philosophical meaning. Carver is saying that we must find transcendence in the mundane tasks that occur in everyday life.
There are a few moments of grace. When Hamilton is sitting outside thinking about his father and trying to remember him. Hamilton's son acts as a vehicle of grace for his father. He asks his dad about what he was like and tries to get his father to open up to him.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Analytical Response B
1. What is the Significance of the cigarrette smoking?
2. What's the reason behind the smelling or smell on everyone's hands?
3. What does the losing of the bicycle mean?
4. Why are all of the parents panicked about the bicycle being lost?
5. What is the meaning of the story?
6. What is the theme or message by the author in the story?
7. What's the symbolism of the door closing?
8. How the or why does Carver make the 3 generations connect?
9. What's the purpose of the older kid's smoking?
10.
2. What's the reason behind the smelling or smell on everyone's hands?
3. What does the losing of the bicycle mean?
4. Why are all of the parents panicked about the bicycle being lost?
5. What is the meaning of the story?
6. What is the theme or message by the author in the story?
7. What's the symbolism of the door closing?
8. How the or why does Carver make the 3 generations connect?
9. What's the purpose of the older kid's smoking?
10.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
"Bicycles, Muscles, Cigarettes" - Carver
Artistic Response (a.)
I thought it was very interesting that Hamilton seemed to be trapped by the awful and haunting smell of cigarettes from his hand; a smell that even a bath could not get rid of. I chose to portray Hamilton smelling his hand because I felt it represented a sign of weakness for him, at least until he overcame the stench.
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