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.