briana, up close and personal
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Briana
Up Close and Personal
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Forward
This portfolio showcases my writing in a way that best describes me. The abstract
and unfocused cover contrasts with the sound quality of my writings yet represents the
creative flow of the compositions. Each piece of writing has a direct purpose while still
reflecting my creative tone as a writer.
In each composition, I managed to define a clear purpose for my essay. Also, I
fully addressed and did not sway from the prompt within my essays. First I clearly
established what each author’s purpose was in their own writing. Then, I used examples
of literary devices and tools to enforce how each author expressed this purpose to his
audience. From this, I related the author’s purpose to how it applied to present day while
writing my conclusions.
Moreover, the diction and syntax in my essays were much more complex than
before. I varied my diction and diverted form the typical “be” forms of verbs. Also, I
remained consistent in my use of varied syntax. From compound to complex to even the
occasional simple sentence when necessary to prove a point, I continued to keep my
compositions balanced and exciting to the reader.
Throughout the past year, I have showed consistency in my writing. Each piece of
work has been quality writing. I did not slow in my progress nor did my lack of interest
towards the end of the year inhibit my writing ability. However, there is always still room
for improvement but overall I have been thoroughly and pleasantly satisfied with the
quality “A” compositions that I have produced this year as a writer. I hope only to
continue this trend of writing and to improve and expand even more in the future.
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Table of Contents
Essay #1- Compare and Contrast- TTTC and SH5 4
Essay #2- Position Paper Short Stories 7
Essay #3- Frankenstein Essay 10
Essay #4- Poetry Response- Small Group 12
Essay #5- Compare and Contrast- Whitman and Hughes 14
Essay #6- Position Paper- Drama Elements- Helen 16
Essay #7- Othello Literary Criticism 18
Essay #8- “The Pawnbroker” Group Essay 19
Essay #9- Prose Response 22
Essay #10- Open Ended 24
College Essay 26
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Essay #1: TTTC and SH5
Heroes are different things to different people. Moreover, not everyone is a hero
in all aspects. Different faults and failings compose the lives and stories of all true heroes,
along with their admirable qualities. These cowardly faults, as well as attractive traits, are
addressed by both Tim O’Brien, in The Things They Carried, and Kurt Vonnegut, in
Slaughterhouse-Five. Heroes in both novels exemplify courage and cowardice while
attempting to defend their morals, live up to high expectations, and face their eventual
downfalls. However, each of these aspects is portrayed by the authors in different ways.
Moral challenges are necessities that all heroes must face. Tim O’Brien, the
character, acts both courageously and cowardly as he contemplates a war he does not
believe in, in The Things They Carried. “Was it a civil war? A war of national liberation
or simple aggression? Who started it, and when, and why (O’Brien, 40)?” When he
decides that it is better to deny himself in going to war than to disappoint others, Tim
O’Brien makes a decision which can be both rebuked and commended. Most would
admit that remaining true to oneself should take precedence over the needs of others;
however, some would express the idea that selflessness for the sake of others should be
celebrated. The emotion that O’Brien, as an author, evokes from his characters illustrates
this as so. Moreover, Vonnegut presents his main character, Billy Pilgrim, in a way that
makes him both a respectable, yet detached hero. Billy Pilgrim goes against the entire
human world in accepting the Tralfamadorian truth that “everybody has to do exactly
what he does” (Vonnegut, 254). He acknowledges the idea that free will does not exist,
and predestination is certain. However, does Billy Pilgrim appear to be using this “truth”
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as an excuse to not take part emotionally in his decision making, unlike that of Tim
O’Brien?
Challenging feats, both physically and emotionally, also compose a hero’s story.
O’Brien illustrates this in the imagery he uses while describing Kiowa, another character
in The Things They Carried, during his final moments. Kiowa maintains his dignity as he
dies for and at the mercy of his men while drowning deep into a chaotic and angry
atmosphere. Years later, Tim O’Brien visits Kiowa’s grave and mentions still that “the
place was at peace” (O’Brien, 181). Vonnegut, contradictorily, expresses heroism in the
state of mind of Billy Pilgrim in Slaughterhouse-Five. Billy knows all truth and accepts it
“because this moment simply is (Vonnegut, 79). In the aphorism present, Vonnegut
reveals much about his opinion of a hero without saying much at all. To him, heroism is a
state of mind and not a state of being.
Although many wish to be heroes forever, the human race expects perfection too
demanding for this to be. Both O’Brien and Vonnegut express this unsettling truth
through the antagonists in their pieces. Within The Things They Carried, O’Brien’s
daughter keeps reminding him that the war has ended. There is no need to revisit it.
However even though this reminiscing appears to be an unattractive quality, O’Brien is
still fighting and hurting from a war that ended years ago. He reminds the world that “it
had no memory, therefore no guilt (O’Brien, 143). The simple truth remains that the
world does not want to believe its heroes have emotional flaws. Therefore, the world
refuses to continue to view them as heroic. Vonnegut, as well, addresses the falling of
Billy Pilgrim from his hero status through the workings of his daughter. Billy “struggles
to cling to his dignity as he tries to persuade Barbara that he was devoting himself to a
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calling…” (Vonnegut, 36). Billy is now viewed only as old and senile. His fervent spirit
is overlooked because people do not understand what he knows to be true. Once again the
authors portray the difference in state of being versus state of mind.
Even though O’Brien and Vonnegut address ideas differently in their novels, they
both portray the stories of heroes with emotional flaws, making them unconventional.
Even at the conclusion of the novels, O’Brien’s O’Brien and Kiowa, as well as
Vonnegut’s Pilgrim, struggle to overcome the obstacle of Anti-American sentiment
which both authors created earlier for them in the thoughts and opinions of flat
characters. “‘All the real soldiers are dead,’ she said. It was true” (Vonnegut, 203).
Vonnegut demonstrates the idea that American soldiers were not engaged in fighting, but
were weak and comical, wanting death and destruction only because it was their duty.
Additionally, O’Brien presents the theme of anti-war sentiment in “the people who were
too lazy to read a newspaper, who were bored by the daily body counts” (O’Brien ,177).
For maintaining their dignity while defending their morals and fighting a war both
emotionally and physically, Tim O’Brien, Kiowa, and Billy Pilgrim should be
commended; however, neither their courage nor cowardice truly matters in the end when
they become yesterday’s heroes. “So it goes.” (Vonnegut)
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Essay #2: Position Paper Short Stories
Within each era, societal issues rage causing turmoil and conflict within the lives
of its people. Consequently, authors use literature to rebuke society or to illustrate an
alternative method of living. This proves true for Welty, Wharton, and Boyle as they use
theme to convey the importance of stepping out of the shadows of duty and place in order
to live a life that reflects more than pleasing others. Throughout "A Worn Path",
"Atrophy", and "Sin Dolor", each author uses the theme of habit out of love. However,
this habitual love leads to the inevitable unhappiness of each protagonist.
As Phoenix Jackson wanders about “A Worn Path”, it appears as though she
travels at the expensive of her grandson. However, as Welty reveals that Phoenix’s
grandson ceases to exist, Pheonix’s flaw comes to life. She sees herself only as a function
of her family. Therefore, she continues to make the habitual trip along the path not for her
grandson, but for herself so that she “don’t forget him again, no, the whole enduring
time.” Even though Phoenix partakes on this grueling journey without complaint, she
puts herself through unnecessary challenges and opens herself to vulnerability. Welty
portrays Phoenix not as being unhappy, but rather reproves her for adding meaningless
hurdles to her already overbearing life at the expense of habit.
Out of a habitual love for a man, Nora too makes a journey in “Atrophy”. As she
takes the risk of traveling alone, she defies cultural standards. However, when Nora
simply accepts the fact of the “inappropriateness” of her actions as defined by Miss
Aldis, Nora's passiveness reveals itself. She appears only willing to defy the conventions
to a certain extent and reverts back to “taking their measure, smiling at them, and
conforming.” It is this passiveness that restricts her from rushing upstairs to Christopher
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because this would contest the societal standards of the time. Instead, Nora’s desire to be
with Christopher succumbs to her societal conscience, and she returns home dissatisfied.
Wharton uses Nora as an example of the typical woman of the time. Moreover, she uses
her to illustrate to women that grief can stem from a habitual love and duty they have for
the standards of society. The author challenges women to refuse to conform to gender
and societal conventions but rather to attain their own happiness through deliberate
action.
As Damaso wanders the streets with his father performing stunts as “Sin Dolor”,
he disregards his emotions for the sake of his family. However, eventually he no longer
feels human, negating him as part of the family but rather a benefactor. Because of the
duty Damaso feels to support them, he endures the emotional emptiness of numbing
himself of all feelings. This irony stems from the idea that his purpose for performing
comes out of habitual love; however, his disconnection from the world and its
misunderstanding that “he does feel it, he does” illustrates Damaso’s realization that
satisfaction cannot be found in pleasing others if he refrains from pleasing himself. From
this understanding comes the final scene of the story when Damaso commits suicide.
Whether this suicide is intentional or unintentional, Boyle points out that denying oneself
for the sake of others leads to discontent disposition in which people do not live their
lives but are simply present within them.
Ironically, all three protagonists within these stories have good intentions.
However, the good intentions they possess lead to the unsatisfied endings of their
journeys. The authors use theme in order to demonstrate the circumstances of falling into
societal stereotypes. Also, theme encourages the need for one to develop a habitual love
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for himself before one develops a habitual love for others. Only when these concepts are
grasped will there be a seamless blanket of peaceful bliss across the hearts of society.
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Essay #3: Frankenstein
Self discovery remains the focus of many people’s daily lives and actions. This
mystery plagues the nights, complicates the days, and strains the relationships of many.
The creature within Frankenstein struggles with this mystery throughout his entire
existence as well. Mary Shelley set hurdles in front of the fiend throughout her entire
novel. After being created, the fiend must discover the ways of survival, his origin, and
the purpose for his being. By examining the world around him, he can uncover the
painful truths surrounding his existence.
On the first day of which the fiend was created to roam the earth, new challenges
arose to him. He states that he “saw, felt, heard, and smelt at the same time” when he
confronts his creator, Frankenstein, for the first time (70). Upon the discovery of how to
function even in the most basic sense, the creature feels pride in his new abilities. With
this mystery solved, he then seeks to share his joy with another. However, he must first
uncover the cause of why mankind wants nothing to do with him. After realizing this
stems from his hideous exterior, he faces the challenge of accepting the rejection he
receives from the human race. This path discovery of discovery which the creature must
journey mirrors the path which every human must travel in order to succeed. Shelley puts
this obstacle in front of the fiend to enable all people to relate to the monster. If people
are able to relate to the creature in Frankenstein, then surely they can relate to their own
kind, as grotesque as some may appear.
As the creature learns to cope with the rejection he feels from the world, he
contemplates the questions of: “Who am I? What am I? Whence did I come?” (91). The
fiend feels that acceptance from his maker will be a natural response since he has
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discovered a genuine love for his creator in the beginning. Because of his desire to find
the answers to his questions and to be loved, he has not prepared to accept from his
creator the same feelings of rejection that he has felt from the rest of civilization. Upon
the reception of this rejection from his creator, the creature’s purpose in life becomes
apparent to him: seek vengeance.
Once the creature resolves the mystery of his creator’s opinion, he sets aside the
true nature of himself in order to fulfill what he thinks up as his new purpose in life.
When the purpose of one’s life remains unclear, one finds it easy to think the worst of
himself out of confusion. The creature views himself as “an abortion, to be spurned at,
and kicked, and trampled on” (165). Therefore, he must return this adverse reception to
his creator by performing acts of treachery toward him. However, at the death of his
creator, the fiend discovers that the evil deeds which he has performed in order to seek
revenge, do not represent the real person of which he is. From this, he discovers the
remorseful emotions he has for his past wrong doings. He sees himself as one of humble
sincerity and loving tendencies. Here, Shelley expresses the need to be one’s self. No
unclear purpose, especially one stemming from self pity, should overpower the real
inclinations of one’s self.
From the discoveries made by the creature, the theme of Frankenstein is unveiled.
One can always relate to and feel for another despite differences in appearance or beliefs.
It is right also to question the foundations of one’s self in order to strive to discover one’s
true purpose. Moreover, one should not sacrifice themselves in order to fulfill his
purpose. Within these three conditions in mind, a blissful life is attainable by all.
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Essay #4: Cross Poetry Response
“Cross” written by Langston Hughes comprises the feelings of a reflective and
accepting young, biracial man. However, the discord he feels in his journey is also seen.
Although these feelings may appear contradictory, they form the essence of the speaker.
Through the use of symbolism and specific word choice, Hughes makes these attitudes
evident in his speaker.
“Cross” is chosen by Hughes as the title of his poem for many reasons. First, the
cross between the white slave owner, the speaker’s father, and the black slave, the
speaker’s mother, is represented. Because of this crossing of cultures, the speaker does
not know his identity. He is confused as he struggles through the trying task of self-
discovery. Moreover, the cross represents the burden the speaker feels due to this
discord. He remains troubled while trying to determine where he is “gonna die, being
neither white nor black.”
Also due to Hughes’ choice of words, the somewhat bitter and reluctant
acceptance of the speaker relating more with his mother is seen. The speaker begins by
setting his “old man” and “old mother” on the same level. He shows no bias to either one
of them. However as he develops in his reflective state, he begins to call his “old
mother”, “ma.” Through this one word, the speaker shows his endearment toward his
mother. He never shows this toward his father. Even though he appears bitter and
reluctant to accept his fate as a black person more than a white, he does finally accept and
acknowledge it.
With reflection and bitter and reluctant acceptance, the speaker finally begins to
find himself. Although he is hesitant to acknowledge it, Hughes conveys the speaker’s
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attitude through symbolism and word choice. Without these two techniques present, the
resolution of the speaker would remain undetermined.
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Essay #5: Whitman & Hughes
An attitude is what conveys a poems true meaning. A poem can say one thing but
the tone reflects a different idea. The tones of Walt Whitman Langston Hughes in their
poems of America each differ in their representation of the different stages of the
American ideology. This is conveyed in the organization of their poetry. However, their
tones reflect one another in that they both acknowledge that America is what it is because
of its song.
Whitman portrays America as a beautiful place where harmonious sounds can be
heard. There is no discord. Although each person’s song is clearly different, their sounds
join together to create a melodious message. His tone is one of patriotism and pride in his
country and its citizens. Whitman highlights this unity by only creating one stanza of
poetry to convey his message. His words are one body just as those of America are one
body. There are a few, if any, shifts in “I Hear America Singing.” Again, this is because
Whitman has created an attitude of unity and pride in his fellow Americans.
Hughes, however, portrays an America that has not yet reached its peak. Although
there is a sense of harmony for some, those who can eat with company, it is not present
for all. Rather, Hughes knows that there is a better day ahead for his fellow darker
brothers. He knows that one day America will see that he too sings. His tone does not
demand that of the lighter American but rather acknowledges the growth that he is
capable of undergoing. With Hughes’ divided stanzas, the shifts in attitude are present.
He presents the idea of an unjust America (stanza 1) followed by an attitude of America
resurrecting its attitude of injustice (stanza 2) He knows that America is capable of
embracing the beauty that is himself, and he remains excited while anticipating that day.
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Although their tones appear contradictory, Whitman and Hughes have written in
ways that parallel each other. They both recognize the song of America. Each is eager to
elaborate on the land that is so near and dear to him. Moreover, they both use
organization to enforce their ideas. With either a united message or a divided one, they
both cleverly organize their thoughts which the subconscious appreciates. This literary
strategy may not be overbearing, but it certainly helps both poets to convey their attitudes
of and for America.
Even while expressing different tones, Whitman and Hughes share commonalities
in their writing. However, each puts his own unique twist on their ides of America to
deliver the different perspectives of the American way. This highlights what each poet
yearned to convey. Although America will grow and change with time, its roots and
foundation will always remain. Its song will forever be.
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Essay #6: Helen Position Paper
With inspiration drawn from that of the great Aristotle, Rachel Hadas uses
specific dramatic devices with in her translation of Helen in order to deliver her message
and viewpoint. Through both elaborate and multifaceted characters as well as thought and
theme, Hadas makes her point known that it is not the woman who stands in the way of
perfect harmony but rather that of the stubborn man. She challenges the idea of gender
role; moreover, Hadas plays the woman as the clever problem solver while the man is the
destructor of all things civil and also acts as the naïve, self-absorbed ruler.
Helen did not choose to be the beautiful woman that she clearly is. She does not
want to be “the face that launched a thousand ships.” Rather, this “gift” of beauty
bestowed upon her without any heed of warning, is the sole source of turmoil and despair
in Helen’s life. Moreover, Hadas emphasizes Helen’s innocence to the trouble that takes
place by implying that her “beauty was the bait (line 31). She, rather, was the one being
victimized in this situation. Helen had no desire or intention for than wanting men to
cause war with the hope of seeking out her beauty.
Hadas also uses Helen to help exemplify the both the stubbornness and naivety
through man. This combination of untamed power is best seen in Theoclymenus’
character. He underestimates Helen’s wit and ability to deceive such a noble man as
himself. Moreover, he is too preoccupied with building himself up, “I know I’m far too
lenient. I should execute all wrongdoers at once, yet I do not (line 1197-9)” to realize the
actions that are going on around him. Instead of focusing on the matters at hand, he
remains focused on himself and does not see the falsehood in Helen’s eyes nor hear the
deception in her voice. From just this one incident Hadas can express her idea of the man
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feeling as though he has superior intellect over the woman when in fact, he is the one
who soon becomes the damsel in distress.
Along with Aristotle’s element of characterization, Hadas uses the concept of
thought and theme to convey insights onto humanity and to make her point clear. Again,
the woman does not always need to be the one rescued without pulling her own weight.
The woman, in this case Helen, fairs more than admirably against her masculine
opponent. Not only that but she posses the necessary attitude in which to execute such an
elaborate plan. “The man’s approaching who commands my marriage, holds my future in
his hands – or so he thinks, (line 1413-5)” states Helen as Theoclymenus approaches her.
She does not once falter in her optimism in regards to escaping Egypt with her husband.
Rather, Helen illustrates the strong willed woman which reigns prevalent in today’s
society. Through Helen Hadas conveys the idea that women are equally comparable to
men in all that they do, and in this specific case, can even out shine them. She introduces
their importance and equality within society and illustrates the dire need for them to be
treated as such equals.
Through Helen and Theclymenus, Hadas is able to employ Aristotle’s dramatic
devices of characterization and theme to make her point and purpose known. This point
of equality amongst the sexes remains one that some of the world still struggles to accept.
However, once this ideology becomes mainstream there will be harmony in the world,
and no need for war will present itself.
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Essay #7: Othello Literary Criticism
Edgecombe, Rodney S. ""Put Out the Light" in Othello." Summer 2008. Literature Resource Center. Gale Group. Roncalli High School, Indianapolis. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/LitRC?locID=imcpl_indy&srchtp=ttl&c=3& stab=2048&ai=U13039269&docNum=A188157381&bConts=269999&vrsn=3&TI=Othello&OP=starts&TQ=TO&ca=1&ste=59&tab=2&tbst=trp&n=10&wi=1097394>.
This passage attempts to interpret Othello’s soliloquy as he stands over
Desdemona’s body. Different scholars attempt to dissect what his ambiguous line mean.
However, after doing so, Edgecombe refutes their theories. He believes that “light” refers
to her sexual behavior rather than actual light or the light of life versus the darkness of
death. Next, he also rebukes their idea of Othello’s “cause”. Edgecombe links the word
“cause” not to the reason for Desdemona’s death but rather to the cause he will bring
before the court after he is charged for her death. Clearly, Edgecombe uses his analytical
capabilities to refute the ideas of others and to try to uncover just what Othello is saying
in his soliloquy.
Cassal, Steve. "Shakespeare's Othello." Spring 2003. Literature Resource Center. Gale Group. Roncalli High School, Indianapolis. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/LitRC?locID=imcpl_indy&srchtp=ttl&c=44&stab=2048&ai=U13039269&docNum=A110802720&bConts=269999&vrsn=3&TI=Othello&OP=starts&TQ=TO&ca=1&ste=59&tab=2&tbst=trp&n=10&wi=1097394>.
Throughout this passage, Cassal explores the concept of the word “honesty”. For
men within the play, honesty refers to loyalty and truthfulness. However, for women it
strictly means chastity. Moreover, he attempts to distinguish between slavish and loving
honesty of wives for their husbands. Cassal debates about whom exactly the line “But
why should honor outlive honesty?” was spoken about as well. He dissects the scenes of
the play and tries to decide why or why not this line would be applicable to a certain
character at that specific point in the play.
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Essay #8: “The Pawnbroker”
Throughout “The Pawnbroker” by Maxine Kumin, the speaker addresses her
inner and outer worlds and the conflict between the two. She is dealing with the death of
her father and managing her feelings about the event. In her life, her father was a
constant stress. He brought the family negative attention with his crude speech and
actions. The speaker was constantly haunted by the decisions of her father all during her
childhood. Now, however, she is freed by his death. He is no longer there to make rash
decisions negatively affecting her image. Although she is relieved to be free from this
attention, she still feels some loss simply because the man is her father. Through her
reflections, the speaker comes to terms with her inner turmoil but has yet to resolve her
external.
Although an emotional time for the speaker, the death of her father is somewhat a
cleansing experience. While she was growing up, the speaker’s father was a constant let
down to her. From his politically incorrect speech to his lowly job, he was a constant
cause for public scrutiny. The speaker uses verbal irony by saying everything she owned
was secondhand in the beginning and restating that the only thing she was given firsthand
was a love for her father. Even this, though, she says was only a “love ingrown” because
he was her father. He was never a positive role model for her and the negative attention
he brought to her family could not have done any good. After his death, she was finally
free from any lingering judgment passed to her by her father.
In spite of her father’s external flaws, the speaker has “an ingrown love” for him.
Although she has suffered with his choices and actions in his life, he has always loved
her as his daughter. These two opposites of blatant disregard for those whom he feels
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superior and his unconditional love for his family love have clearly caused an internal
struggle within her. The disdain the speaker has for her father’s action has been at
constant battle with the deep love she has for her father because he is her father. However
eventually, her love for him proves stronger than her disapproval through the metaphors
she uses to describe him shortly after his death. He is her “lifetime appraiser” and “first
prince.” Even after his death, she will continue to seek his love but will no longer have to
overlook the imperfections of her father.
Despite being closely interrelated, the speaker’s external and internal struggles are
starkly contrasting in some aspects. Externally, she never truly comes to terms with her
father and the many struggles his actions put her through during his life. Internally,
however, she has always had an endearing love for the man. With his passing, she and
her siblings felt something of a cleansing, alluded to in religious terms. The scotch that
the speaker drank after her father’s death is the symbolic reprieve from her internal
struggles with the idea of her father, “the sacrament of closing down the hatch/ the
sacrament of easing down the ways.” Her external unrest is similarly expressed in
religious terms. She reminisces on “the grace of work, the sweat of it, the bone-tired
unfolding down from stress.” Thus, using religious symbolism, the speaker contrasts her
internal and external qualms.
Throughout “The Pawnbroker” the speaker conveys her mixed feelings about her
father in a way that portrays him as both loving and callous, hardworking and ignorant.
Her final resolve to forgive and love her father, despite the fact that he is no longer alive
to know what forgiveness, is a mature and moving choice that establishes her as a strong
person. She is relatable character that faces struggles similar to those of many people,
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and her final decision to move on from her past struggles makes her an example for those
who share her pain.
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Essay #9: Prose Response
In “Obasan” by Joy Kogawa, the tone of the narrator thoughts is both one of
helplessness yet also power. Her memories stir up emotions which are delivered through
similes, shifts, and allusions.
While the narrator sits in the train car, she sees a “white leg like a cocoon.” This
cocoon represents the narrator’s feelings: Now that the Japanese have been removed from
their homeland, they are not able to achieve their full potential as a people. They are
being suppressed by those who feel they are a threat because of their ethnic backgrounds.
Only once they are liberated from this disheartening stereotype of Japanese tryinf to
undermine the North American people will they be able to break free and beome a people
of butterflies.
There is also a shift within the narrative which the narrator uses to indicate a
change of tone. Between paragraphs three and four, the narrator switches from a tone of
helplessness generalizations of a culture to a more personal account of an individual with
power. The narrator also switches from “we” to “I”. this change in point of view helps to
convey the narrator’s change in attitude as well. No longer does she see the Japanese
Canadians as a weak and hopeless people but rather as a family of travelers who will
support one another.
Also continuing with the narrator’s feeling of family is her allusion to the Gospel
of John. The Japanese Canadians were “born into the world” and were “sent.” They have
a clear and distinguishable purpose now. They are to act as a single family of people with
one clear purpose of supporting one another and bringing a message of hope amongst
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hardship onto the cruel world. The narrator sees the past not as a people “drowning
specks of memory” but as a story of the “voiceless” being heard.
With the contrast between the general Japanese Canadians and the personal
account, the change in the narrator’s attitude can be seen. The uses of similes, clear shifts,
and allusions help the narrator convey her mixed emotions regarding the past. However
too, she tells her story in such a way that will lead others who are confused and helpless
out of the darkness to see the light of a new day.
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Essay #10: Open Ended Question
In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden is torn between doing what he
knows he needs to do and doing what her wants to do. He can either apply himself and
stay in school or fail out like he has time after time. He can either please his family or he
can please himself. However, he cannot do both.
Holden’s first option within The Catcher in the Rye is to apply himself in school.
If Holden applies himself, then he can appease both his family and teachers who wish so
badly for him to succeed. Moreover, he can be a good role model for Phoebe and gain the
respect of D.B. and his parents. However, he will deny himself by acting as a “phony”
because he would be committing to something he does not fully care about. This would
be the ultimate act of self-betrayal for Holden. However, the choice is his.
On the other hand, Holden can be true to himself yet deny everyone who has ever
cared about him. He can choose to continue to fail out of school yet again and spend his
time drinking and being with prostitutes. He can remain true to his young and confused
self but continue to disappoint and disregard every ounce of compassion his family and
former teachers have shown him. He can pay the small price of living a “phony” lifestyle
in an attempt to defy the “phoniness” of the rules and standards if a normal, functioning
society.
While Holden struggles to choose between one lifestyle and the next, the true
essence of The Catcher in the Rye is revealed. Salinger uses Holden to exemplify the
struggle within society to be different while still conforming in order to function in
society. There is a wide range between the far right extremists and the far left
conformists; however, how does one obtain a life of living somewhere in the middle?
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This is what Holden helps to address. His hat is perfectly symbolic of daring to be
different while still wanting to be a part of something greater. He can take off his hat,
stay in school, and become a productive member of society or he can wear his hat, flunk
out of school, and risk living a life of ruin.
Although one option may appear better than another, self-denial is never healthy
and Holden knows this. The struggle for individuality while conforming is one he makes
present. However, there is an answer to this predicament: Individuality can prevail. One
can conform while being true to oneself. The prefect balance of the two can be sought;
however, the same path does not work for all. One must be persistent in order to succeed
in finding the right path in life where he can live a life staying true to himself without the
burdens and hindrances of living a “phony” lifestyle.
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College Essay
During the summer before my senior year, while many teens shoes to spend their
days on the beach, I chose to journey to Charleston, West Virginia. Here, there is an area
in the Appalachian Mountains where many people can barley afford to put food on the
tale and live in less than suitable homes. Because there is history of poverty within these
families, many times there is no chance for the next generation. For this reason, Roncalli
High School sends a group of student volunteers to Appalachia every summer. For one
week, we sleep on the floors of the Avesta Community Center and share our meals here.
Fortunately, I was able to be a part of this group this past summer.
The first site of which I worked involved a sixty year old woman Sandy and her
biracial and autistic great-nephew Adam. Adam’s mom was addicted to drugs at the time
of his birth and was not capable of taking care of her new son. When Sandy decided to
adopt Adam, her husband left her because Adam was biracial. After getting to know
Sandy and Adam’s story, we moved further into their house to see what needed fixing.
The back of their house, the part they lived in the most, was caving in. The roof leaked
the floor was unsteady, and the structure was endangering the rest of their home. After
assessing the situation, we decided that the best solution was to tear down the back of the
house. Even though we were tearing off nearly half of Sandy’s living space, she was so
grateful that we were making her house safe for her, but most especially Adam.
Moreover, she continually thanked God for our presence in this one short week of her
life and asked His blessings upon us numerous times.
Next, we moved onto a site which was the home of Patty and David. They has
been married for nearly fifty years and were building a retirement area onto their home
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when David lost his vision. With David’s vision gone, he as not able to navigate the
upstairs loft that they had created. Moreover, he was not able to fix their uneven floor of
the first story hall, or even walk down it by himself. For this reason, our group’s goal was
to put a new floor into Patty and David’s first story hall, bedroom, and guest room. As we
worked, we could see Patty’s love for her husband as she helped him navigate their main
living quarters. Their love for each other was overflowing and this love was extended to
our group through delicious, homemade meals and prayer as we finished their new floor.
When we reflected each night together after a day’s work, I realized what a
service those I was helping were giving me. Through the examples Sandy, Adam, Patty
David, and the other volunteers set forth, I was able to learn about myself, my faith, and
the goodness and generosity of others. Also, I was able to see in myself the leadership,
teamwork, and outgoing spirit that I posses in action. I learned that helping people was
truly a passion of mine which I want to live out in my eventual profession. By the end of
the week I had realized that it was not I giving up my time in talent to those in need, but
that I was the recipient of a deeper understanding of love and respect for others, God, and
myself.
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