Assignment #10 - Oedipus

Not always in life the blindness or darkness is a literal state. In Sophocles play “ Oedipus the King” while Tiresias may be literally blind, he “sees” the truth and delivers it to others in the form of prophecy. Oedipus is not physically blind, but, as it is said in the story, Oedipus with his “precious eyes” is “blind” to the “corruption of [his] life”, meaning he does not pay attention to what should be obvious details. This is full of irony by the fact that he was made famous for by solving the riddle of the Sphinx. Here the prophecy is misunderstood not once, but twice: first by Oedipus father and then by Oedipus himself. Oedipus's father, upon hearing the prophecy, orders Oedipus murdered. Since he was a baby when he was to be murdered and delivered to the parents who raised him, Oedipus after hearing about the prophecy was completely “in the dark”, and since his adoptive parents didn't tell him they weren't his biological parents, he assumed they would be those who he would kill. Without the information withheld from him, he could not make an informed decision and, instead, made the wrong choices. Ignorant Oedipus attempts to make the correct decisions based off of the information he collects, but without all the information before acting, makes decisions that lead to him fulfilling the prophecy. He could have chosen to stay with his adoptive parents and watch for the signs of prophecy and correct them as they arose. Instead, being ignorant, he chose to leave which led him to murder his biological father and be married to his mother as the prophecy dictated. When Oedipus finally sees the terrible truth of his life, he stab out his own eyes. He is doing it because he no longer can’t stand what he created. By doing this he becomes form metaphorically to literally blind person.

Assignment #9

Since it is free choice I decided to post summary of conference which I attended. I hope that some of you also attended it and can give me same feedback on it. Thank you

On Wednesday April 21^st, we, as a whole class, attended one of four parts of the symposium titled “The Resilient City”, which examined the current recession, its urban origins, and its overall effect on America’s cities. The part that we attended was called “Food and Hunger in New York City” and it showed different approaches of dealing with hunger.

The director of The Food and Nutrition Programs at LaGuardia Community and College Professor Bette Cohen and Minerva Delgado, the director of Agency Resources at the Food Bank For New York City introduced the subject of the conference. Professor Cohen talked about history and hunger statistic in America, where as Professor Delgada focused more on New York City today, and how to resolve the problem. She also talked about the organization for which she works.

According to Professor Cohen’s sources in November 2009 there were forty-nine millions of hungry Americans of which seventy millions were children. That means every sixth person did not have food to eat. She said the history of a hunger in U.S. took roots in the early 1920’s and progressed through the decades. Cohen introduces different approaches of the government to the problem - from the concept of providing free school lunches, and creating the first food stamps by president Frank Delano Roosevelt and then taking them away. Finally she spoke about the welfare reform where the food stamps were drastically cut, and then brought back by president Clinton. She concluded her presentation with a statement that hunger is mostly caused by government policies, and that hunger these days has become platform for glamour charity events.

Professor Delgado focused her presentation more on the New York City problem with hunger, and on her work for the Food Bank For New York where she is the Director of Agency Resources. According to Delgado we, as a country, are very close to resolving the problem of famine - it is only a matter of changing political will and putting resources in right places. In her opinion, food should become a basic human right. Delgado also talked how the Food Bank works, how they obtain food from different institution, the restaurants, the government and how it is distributed among people in need. She also said the agency provides income support, free tax assistance and food stamps for people with low income. Finally, she talked about the major increase in demand for services in connection with the ascendant recession, yet, at the same time, she said they were receiving concerned response from the government as well as from the private sector. For example the government established the stimulus package, improvements in food stamps program, and the private donors donated bigger amounts of money then they normally would have. All of the above helped New York City a lot in the recent year.

Assignment #8--Poems

In my opinion reader response is the best way to criticize the poem of Robert Frost “The Road Not Taken”. Even if the poet spoke of the poem as very tricky, I think, it still leaves a room for interpretation by readers. It is quite possible that readers can read “The Road Not Taken” in theirs 20's with an entirely different perspective than they would when they reach 80. Very often this poem is interpreted as a serious poem about the idea of life as journey or the metaphor of the road of life and about the decisions we make in life, and for those who read it in this way it may be valid. But it is possible to rise some other questions, for example: is it worth questioning or theorizing at the end of our life what may have happened if we have had chosen a different path in life? or is it beneficial for some to claim that the path, which they chosen, was the hardest as well as the most outstanding? As well as many more question. Because this poem rise more questions then it answers I think the reader response is the best approach. By applying this type of response we gain deeper appreciation of the multiple uses of language and a better understanding of how transformations of meaning are initiated and sustained during literary reading. We also learn how text affects the reader intellectually and affectively.

Assignment #7

Katarzyna Urbanska

ENG 102 – 0826

Dr. Lykourgos Vasileiou

4/29/10

Louise Mallard's intertwined identity.

In her tale, “The Story of an Hour”, Kate Chopin critiques the oppression of wives in late 19^th century by introducing readers to the character of Mrs. Mallard, who progresses from repression to self rediscovery as the end of the story gradually nears. At the beginning, she is a big mystery for the reader, and then we see her transformation, from a grieving wife to a liberated and finally dead woman, whose life ends in a surprising way, or was it?

At the beginning of the story, the author introduces to us the main character referring to her as Mrs. Mallard or “she”, and till the moment where we learn about her husband’s death we don’t even know her name. Chopin initially portrays her in a way that the readers have an image of an old, tired, fragile and weak woman with a troubled heart. The phrase “troubled heart” could be seen to have a double meaning – one portraying a physically weak heart or one filled with emotional fatigue. In a sense, Mrs. Mallard is a complete enigma as much to the reader as she is to herself at the unset of this intense story. Nevertheless, and thus, her sister reveals her husband’s death to Mrs. Mallard in the most gentle way “…in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing.”(516) At the same time, when she learns about her husband’s death we learn a little bit more about her true features and finally her name. Now we know that her name is Louise and she is quite a young woman.

Louise Mallard’s reaction to the news about her husband’s death also marks the beginning of her initial transformation. She starts the grieving widow reacting in typical expected way, as a wife should, to the message about the deadly accident that took her husband’s life, then immediately and sincerely “She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister’s arms.”(516) But her grief is short, just as sudden her husband’s death was. And then, as she is alone in her room, at once far apart, yet feeling the tentacles of the world trying to touch her, something starts to change as a veil of her grief begins to lift and the fatigue in her heart turns onto joy. She is not sure what is happening with her, “ There was something coming to her and she was waiting for it, fearfully. She did not know; it was too subtle and elusive to name”(517) It was the beginning of another stage of her transformation when “She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her.”(517) It was the moment when she realizes that from powerless woman she is now becoming a liberated one, “…a little whispered world escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: “free, free, free!””(517) For some Louis Mallard’s change from the grieving wife to a monstrously joyful woman can be seen as distasteful, yet it is apparent she is not happy about the fact of her husband’s death, rather her happiness comes from the realization of freedom which has come from his death. She sees “…a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely.”(517) Mrs. Mallard appears to be transforming from a weak individual to someone who gains a distinct, no longer dependent of another, self image. But again, this time her joy, as the grief before, vanishes rather quickly.

When Mrs. Mallard earns the knowledge of her husband’s death, we see the final stage of her transformation- her death. Whereas initially her new identity transforms Mrs. Mallard onto Louise, with the surprising sight of her husband she transcends back to Mrs. Mallard, and greeting her final moment as the doctor diagnoses her death as “…heart disease – of joy that kills.”(517); however, we could also assume it was aggravated by the realization that her newly discovered freedom was suddenly gone, and so was the life from her heart once again strongly besieged by the weight of another. Her new identity evaporates and so does her life!

This story is an impressive literary piece; it touches the reader’s feelings as well as his/her mind. There are many questions that could be posed and many aspects to be considered. We might want to know, and could speculate about Mr. Richards relationship to Mrs. Mallard or what could Louise do with her newly found freedom given the nature of those times. But in this short story the only thing essentially clear and evident is the transformation of Mrs. Mallard onto Louise. She is both the main character and the protagonist of this story, or perhaps she is Kate Chopin herself? It is an interesting question since Chopin lived and wrote in the same time frame as the story she tells. It is known that her husband died prematurely and at that time women authors were often looked upon with a frown. Chopin had the need to show how women were portrayed by the 19^th century society, particularly wives by their husbands- as weak creatures who were not able to take care of themselves, who didn’t have many rights which now we consider basic.

Assignment #6

My previous English class was a lot of work but when I heard about writing a blog for the whole semester, I must say I wasn’t too happy. First of all, I’m not a fan of placing any information about me on the Internet. Second of all, I was scared that I would not know what to write about- at the time I didn’t know the subject will be given to us. And finally, it seems to be an overwhelming amount of work overall.

From today’s perspective I must say I was wrong- I really enjoy this type of writing; it is less demanding and allows me to write more freely. I also like having the option of what we would like to write about and that I can see what my classmates think and write in regards to the same subject. The idea of posting comments is also very interesting; as it’s two way street; it offers a possibility to write my own opinion of what I think about someone’s post, and to know what others thing about my thoughts on the matter.

On the other hand, I have a huge need to improve my English. It takes me a lot of time to write essays and I would love to have the ability to do this more freely. I believe that writing essays more frequently helps in the development of my English language skills but it’s still difficult and time consuming for me. So here I will finish my complaining and I would say I love what we do. It is interesting, changeling and helpful. I would not change this class for any other. It meets my expectation entirely.

Assignment #5 -Wisdom

Since I heard this song for the first time, it became my wisdom throughout my life. It was used by the director Baz Luhrmann in the soundtrack from the movie Romeo and Julia. Mary Schmich wrote this, Baz Luhrmann just got her permission to use it in this song.

Wear Sunscreen or the Sunscreen Speech are the common names of an essay titled "Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young" written by Mary Schmich and published in the Chicago Tribune as a column on June 1, 1997. In her introduction to the column, she described it as the commencement address she would give if she were asked to give one. I hope you'll take the time to listen. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUJFEwfj2L0

Assignment #4-Criticism

Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” can be read and analyzed in a variety of different ways. Psychological, autobiographical or gender criticism could be sufficient; nonetheless, gender criticism is the most flagrant in my opinion.

In her story Chopin demonstrates the way in which society perceives women, and wives particular, as weak creatures who need to be handled very carefully. Yet, the main character, Mrs. Mallard, does not act how society expects from women, she is a strong women, but ironically at the end, her biological strength does not allow her to act this way.

The society at that time was male dominated; most women would want the security of a husband who provides money, food and shelter. Mrs. Mallard looks to a future without a husband and this thought actually brought her happiness. For me it is clear indication of feminism in the story.

Feminism is a strong theme in this story. My initial impression of “The Story of An Hour” was based on the persona’s actions and also on the occurrences in the story that suggest that the author was indeed a feminist.

At that time - male dominated world, the main characters in books were mainly men, yet in her story Chopin portray of male characters is minimal. Both Mr. Mallard, as well as his friend Richard, are barely mentioned in the story.

“A Clean, Well Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway is a story about an older gentleman who has insomnia and a rut for visiting a certain café to escape darkness and loneliness of his existence. I also have such a refuge, but mine has a completely different use. The main character visits the café to be with people, so not to feel lonely; my refuge is an escape from the people. Ever since I can remember this place for me is the beach- not during the peak seasons when tourists flock, but rather when it is nearly empty.

I was born by the Baltic Sea where only a street separated my house from the beach. I spent a lot of time there; during the summer getting a tan and playing volleyball with my friends, and other seasons simply walking, picking seashells and feeding the birds. There is something calming and peaceful in the sound of the sea. I love the feel of the sand on my feet, the certain odor, and the wind that often brings respite from the heat. But my favorite aspect of the beach is the specific hue of the sunrise and the sunset. Those, in my opinion, are there the most beautiful colors that I have ever witnessed.

Thus, it is there where I go most often to runaway from the people and the turmoil of the city. It is a perfect place for me to escape, to relax and to recharge. There I also find inspiration and creativity; there I often reinvent myself.

Assignment #2--Symbolism in Steinbeck

John Steinbeck’s short story “The Chrysanthemums” is filed with symbolism. In the beginning of the story, we learn that "fog and rain do not go together". Fog and rain can be seen as the male/female equivalents to the main character Elisa Allen, and her husband Henry. Elisa is lonely, unloved and unappreciated by her husband. Steinbeck portrays her behavior as that similar to the dog. She is faithful and obeys her husband, as a dog would its master. She also looks for appreciation and acceptance like a mongrel dog would. The author describes her voice as “husky”, which right away brings to mind thoughts about a dog breed (Alaskan or Siberian Husky). When Steinbeck describes her behavior towards snow bugs, snails and cutworms, again comparing it to a dog’s behavior, he writes, “Her terrier fingers destroyed such pests before they could get started”. Furthermore, when Steinbeck characterizes Elisa’s meeting with the tinker, he again compares her behavior to that of a dog; he writes, “She crouched low like a fawning dog”, when the tinker becomes attractive for her and when she becomes angry at what he is saying, he goes on to state, “Her upper lip raised a little, showing her teeth”.

The title chrysanthemums flowers have been used to symbolize Elisa’s hankering for children. The way she cares for her flowers is the way she would for her children - with love, care and pride. Steinbeck writes, "she turned the soil over and over, and smoothed it and patted it firm”.

Another symbol used by Steinbeck is a bright red flowerpot that Elisa brings for the tinker. The red is important here because red is the symbol of power, love and passion. At this point in the story, Elisa is beginning to feel her own power. She realizes she can bring forth life in her flowers, even if she is not powerful in other aspects of her life. Also, since the encounter with the tinker is likened to a sexual experience, the red flowerpot signifies their passion. The pot symbolize her self and her feelings. When Elisa digs up the flowers to put them in the pot, Steinbeck notes, "The gloves were forgotten now". This is the part of the story when she reaches the pinnacle of her experience with the tinker as she finds digging in the dirt liberating; Initially sexually frustrated at the beginning of the story, covering her hands with gloves, Elisa now has been set free and she is not shy anymore to show her sexuality. All these symbols make this story a bit difficult to comprehend at first, but after deeper analysis make it amazing.

little bit late...

My name is Katarzyna Urbanska and I am a sophomore at the LaGuardia Community College. I will be graduating in June 2010 with an Associate Degree in the Paralegal Studies. After that, hopefully, I will be studying Criminology at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I was born and raised in Poland, a beautiful country by the Baltic Sea. I came to the United States five years ago for my vacation and I am still here. I have many interests - I love to travel, eat good food, and be involved with anything related to any kind of art.