Poetry Blog

When I hear the word poetry the first thing that pops into my head is rhyming. I think this idea comes from multiple experiences with poetry and things I perceive to be poetry. For example, Shakespeare sonnets are one of the main things I think of when I think about poetry. The abab rhyme scheme is now the main thing I think of when I think about poetry. This rhyme scheme is the popular idea of poetry. When you ask most people to make a poem they will probably try to rhyme some words that usually make no sense. Another popular idea of poetry is haikus. These are also very popular mostly because everyone had to write a haiku sometime in their education. I think this leads to the next question about what us the state of poetry in contemporary culture. I think poetry is going is evolving at the moment in to more current day ideas. The main example of this is slam poetry. Walt Whitman would probably not walk on stage and dish out a mean slam, but today these events are becoming more an more frequent.  In this day and age I will most likely be able to find poetry on the internet. The internet has done wonders for poetry because it is now so readily accessible to the public.  Sights like poetry 180 introduce multiple kinds of poems and this would not be possible without the internet. In conclusion I think that poetry is still in mainstream culture, but just not in the way it was 100 years ago.

Why Voltaire's Writing Style Works for Candide

In the novel Candide the reader is introduced to a writing style that hops back and forth between settings constantly and seems to have no straight path. In one chapter the reader could be in Germany while the next one you are in the New World. While this style would prbabably be bashed by critics to day it was loved at the time. The reason this writing style works for Voltaire is the hopping around is part of his satire on optimism. With all these seemingly random things happening It is easy to see while Voltaire thought that the current thought about optimism was wrong. He is showing through all these terrible things that happen to people that they should not see it as the best state of the world but that they are legitemently having bad luck. If Voltaire just used  a linear constant narrative this story would not work because it would be to close to an actual lifestyle, but with Voltaire randomly hopping around he shows that even with the crazy events happening to Candide he still for some reason beleives in Pangloss' theory.

The Point of Resurrecting Dead Characters

Through the first 15 chapters of the book the reader has experienced Voltaire bring back multiple characters from the dead even when at the time of their death it seemed like there was no possible way the character survived. I think Voltaire does this to add another level of his satire in the novel. Since the novel Candide is making fun of optimism it would be hard for people to die and still be optimistic. Every time someone close to Candide dies he starts to question Pangloss' theory of optimism but when the characters come back to life Candide recognizes how this is always the best possible world. For example, once Candid learns of Cunegonde's death he is distraught and wonder show such a bad thing could happen in such a wonderful world. But after he finds Cunegonde in Portugal he realizes the error in his ways and that Pangloss will always be right. Another thing that Voltaire done that was interesting was keeping certain characters dead. The major example of this so far in the novel is killing the Anabaptist. The reason Voltaire did this is because he is killing all the actual kind people for good. In doing this Voltaire is again making fun of everyones theory on optimism.

What If Absalom Received Mercy

If Absalom actually received mercy I think this would change the last third of the book drastically.This is because I do not think James Jarvis would help rebuild the town and valley. James would not help not because he wanted Absalom to be dead but I think one of the main reasons he helped Kumalo was he could empathize with Kumalo losing a son. James then used this bond as an inspiration to help Kumalo rebuild the tribe in Ndotsheni. Also James Jarvis is already going out of his comfort zone to the help the father of his sons murderer and if Absalom was still around I do not think Jarvis help Kumalo. This is  because I do not think anyone can show that much forgiveness in so little time. Another thing that would change would be the overall message of the book because I think one of the major themes in this novel is forgiveness and without James Jarvis forgiving Kumalo this whole theme would disappear.

My Major Gripes With the Movie

After watching most of the movie I have come to form two major gripes with the movie. The first is that Gertrude is really never focused on to the extent of the book and that Absalom looks like a grown man. In the movie only a few things about Gertrude are done and even after Kumalo saves her from being a prostitute she just fades into the background never to be mentioned except that she disappeared. In the book Gertrude was a great example of what Johannesburg can do to a person from the country. Another thing that the book did was show her struggles at Ms. Lithbe's house and this explains her eventual decision to become a nun. But, in the movie when we learn Gertrude is gone the audience does not know where she went. So, for all they know she went back to being a prostitute instead of transforming her self and becoming a nun. Another thing that I did not like about the movie was the fact that Absalom's actor look like he was 40. One of the main things that help the reader side with Absalom on the murder case was that he was young and scared. If Absaloms actor was like 18-19 the viewers would be able to understand Absalom's argument.

Predictions for James Jarvis

When we first meet James Jarvis he is not very progressive with his thoughts to natives. He is not extremely racist but does not want them to become equal to whites. But, when he visits Johannesburg his opinion begins to change and after reading some of his sons writing pieces he understands what his son was trying to stay. My prediction is that James Jarvis is going to take the place of Arthur Jarvis for advocating for equal native rights. This is because James does not seem to be angry at father Kumalo and did not seem to pleased that Absolom got the death penalty. He would be a great model for equal native rights because he has shown a great amount of forgiveness and has not let one incident cloud his judgement on what is right for the natives. Also he is a respected white man and to win equal rights for black people there has to be a white man leading the charge because racist Europeans would still listen to James. In conclusion I think that James Jarvis will turn this tragedy into a great thing for the natives.

The Purpose of the Focus on James Jarvis

Throughout the novel so far we have seen a primary focus on father Kumalo's actions but in he beginning of part two we see a fresh new main character James Jarvis. Throughout the next few chapters we follow James actions instead of Kumalo's. I think the author did this to have the character feel more of an emotional attachment to the murder of Arthur Jarvis. Before we see James the murder of Arthur Jarvis did not deeply sadden me or move me in any way it was just a plot point. Also My view on the murder was strictly pro Absolom because I had not seen the other side of the story. But when I was introduced to James and his grief stricken wife I immediately cared more about the murder. Also the introduction of James  changed my opinion on what should happen to Absolom because I now had a view on the other side of the story. Another thing that james adds to the plot is that he is a rich white man and is basically the opposite of father Kumalo. Now with seeing both perspectives the reader can now form a better opinion of the situation in the novel.

What Actually Happened During Arthur Jarvis's Murder

The murder of Arthur Jarvis right now is the central conflict of the novel. While it is believed  that Absolom did shoot Jarvis I think it is not just a black and white murder case. I think that Absolom was pressured by John's son to shoot Jarvis and Absolom never wanted to actually kill him in the first place. Absolom was probably hungry and scared and he did not want to commit the crime but it was a necessity of survival. I think that John's son plays a much bigger role in the crime than we are initially led to believe. I think that John's son is the reason that Absolom spiraled into a thief and now John is trying to portray him as the unwilling accomplice. While in all reality he was probably the mastermind and leader of the two. Another thing I would like to talk about will be the role of race in Absolom's trial. I think that Absolom will become a symbol of native crime and how there will need to be harsher regulations and policing against the natives.

The Purpose of Cry The Beloved Countries Writing Style

This novel has a writing style like none other I have read before. Instead of quotes people talking is signified by little dashes. This style causes me to read much more closely and pay much more attention while reading. I sometimes get lost on who is speaking and who is narrating because there is no closure or definite end marks to the dialogue. I think the author wrote this novel in this style because they are trying to represent the atmosphere and culture that Kumalo and fellow Zulu's live in. Most of Zulu history was spoken word and not recorded in paper but passed from generation to generation. If this book was read out loud with different tones for each characters it would be much easier for the audience to follow along. In conclusion the purpose of the writing style is to show the culture of the native south africans.

The Last Time I Was Filled With Joy

This might seem like an obvious answer but the last time I truly felt joy was the last day of school. It is just an unexplainable feeling of relief and happiness after you turn in the last exam and realize you have no worries the next few months. When I am in school I am never stress free. Even on the weekends I randomly have a feeling of dread or worry about what assignments are due next week or grades I got on previous tests. When school is over all this stress goes away and the idea of school almost leaves my head completely. Another reason I was so happy was because I would finally be able to catch up on sleep. While this sounds pretty stupid in the school year I feel that I am always about an hour behind on sleep. But, since it was the summer I was able to get as much sleep as possible. In conclusion while it is the obvious answer  the last day of school was the most recent time I could say I was truly filled with joy.

What does it mean to be defeated?

I think the quote by Maya Angelou is needed reminder in todays world of stress that is centered around sports and grades. Now when people get bad grades they think there life is over and that they will not get into the college they had always dreamed of. Maya is trying to say take these defeats and do something about them. Do not wallow in your own self pity, but instead be inspired to do better than last time and rise to the occasion the next assessment you have. You were defeated that time and it will happen a lot in your life but its what you do after your defeat. What it means to be truly defeated is after something bad happens to you, you lose your drive and inspiration in what you are doing. Instead of doing something about your defeat you accept thats how it is going to be the rest of your life. I have fallen victim to this many times and I need to be able to learn from my defeats and instead being crushed by the defeat I have to be able to learn from my defeat.

Why would Amy Tan have Jiang fall from such Glory?

When I first heard that Winnie was going back to her father I though that Winnie's troubles could be over and that her father would protect her from Wen Fu. Then when the reader is again introduced to her father the reader sees that he is a shell of his former self and can do nothing to help Winnie. I think Amy Tan made Jiang unable to help Winnie to signify Winnie's helplessness in her marriage and how nothing can really go Winnie's way. Winnie's father is now unable to speak and is hated by all around him, but when we first met him he was so kind to Winnie.  Jiang actually appeared to want what was best for her. He was one of Winnie's few supporters in the tragic life she had. Since she has married Wen Fu nothing has gone her way and every time she tries to improve her situation she only makes it worse. I think that another reason Amy Tan made Jiang unable to help Winnie was that Winnie has to be the one to end the relationship and she can not have others do it for her. Throughout the novel we have seen Winnie always need to lean on someone like Peanut or Hulan. Winnie is never the one who makes the final decision. So If Winnie is to escape Wen Fu she has to be able to do it without any outside help.

Why Does Wen Fu Have So Much Power Over Everyone?

In the tragic events that led to Yiku's death the reader see's a desperate Winnie beg for Wen Fu to bring her to the hospital but he refuses in front of all of his drinking and gambling buddies. Winnie remarks how his buddies seemed to want to help her but Wen Fu dismissed them in anger. Why would his buddies not stand up to Wen Fu if they thought a child was going to die? I think the center of this lies in the fact that some how Wen Fu has wormed his way to leader of his group. When we first see Wen Fu interact with other pilots he is the life of the party yelling loudly and everyone looked up to him in awe. I think the reader can discover why he came to this position through his relationship with Winnie. Even if it part of chinese culture Wen Fu is commanding and wants to have absolute control over Winnie. Through mind games like the cabbage incident and openly cheating on her he has asserted his dominance over Winnie and has almost broken her. Now if you take this philosophy to his buddies you can see why he came to be in power. He needs to be in control and he does not just do this through kindness to his buddies but also fear. When playing cards earlier in the book he openly rips into a young pilot and then just acts like nothing happen. While all the men might laugh it off the men will remember that instance when they talk to Wen Fu. Also, the men might actually believe he was a war hero while the reader knows that Wen Fu got his scar from a car crash. People might actually think he was actually fighting the Japanese and was injured for the sake of China.

Is it Actually a Good Idea to tell Pearl the Truth?

Earlier in the novel we see that Helen has put an ultimatum out on Winnie tell people the truth or I will tell them my self. Now ten chapters in Winnie's story has shown the true extent of the struggle and the hardships Winnie had to go through. While Pearl will now probably respect her more now the biggest truth has not been dropped yet: Wen Fu is Pearl's father. This information will turn Pearl's world upside down and make her re-think her whole life. In Pearl's current state of sickness this information would just cause her more stress and expedite the process of her disease. Also, I think Pearl will be angry with Winnie because this truth has been hidden for so long. Now this is a tricky situation because Winnie should probably tell the truth but so much time has passed keeping it to herself might be for the greater good.  I think that Winnie could tell most of the truth and be just fine but that single fact that Wen Fu is the father might be a little to much for Pearl at the moment. Even though this is an inconvenient truth if Helen was already going to tell what actually happened it would be better for Pearl to hear it from her mother rather than her aunt. So in conclusion while telling this to Pearl is probably Earth shattering it would be better for Pearl to hear it from Winnie rather than Helen.                                                                                                

Why Does Winnie's Father Seem To Avoid Her Most Of Her Life?

When Winnie is invited back to her father's house after all these years of being on the Island it leaves me wondering why was she cut off from her father for such a long time? When she meets her father again her father is not mean or distant he overall sees very nice to her and even invites Winnie to spend the week in preparation. Winnie's father shows Winnie things from her childhood and we see that he remembers small things from her child hood like her thoughts on a certain painting. Winnie's father even gives her advice on how to have a happy family and how her husband will have the stronger opinion.If he has shown all this love and care for his daughter then why did he put her on that island for most of her life? I think the thing is that Winnie's father is reminded to much of Winnie's mother by Winnie. That would then explain why Winnie was sent to the Island so quickly after her mothers disappearance. Winnie's father wanted everything to do with Winnie's mother to be gone or sent away.

Why Would Winnie's Mother Leave her Behind?

When I learned that Winnie's mother abandoned her I was shocked. How could her mother leave her alone as a young child and run off with an old boyfriend. Even if Winnie's mother was sad that she was stuck in this marriage she should of brought her daughter with her. In the short time we know Winnie's mother she is a kind and caring person who goes out of her way to help Winnie. But then why leave her? I think the reason for leaving Winnie behind are few and far between but could actually show that Winnie's mother still loved her deeply. I think that Winnie was left behind because her mother thought Winnie would have a better life if she stayed at the house. Winnie's mother ran away with a man who had revolutionary thoughts so her life would not be great if they were constantly being chased by the Chinese government. Her mother showed her love for Winnie by bringing her along on there last day together and they had a great amount of fun. While this plan kinda backfired with the fact that Winnie was sent away to her aunts her mother still good intent in leaving her. In conclusion even though I think it was wrong to leave Winnie alone as a child I think that her mother was actually trying to keep her safe.

Why is Pearl so afraid to tell her Mother that she is sick?

Within the first two chapters we learn of a horrible tragedy Pearl has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a crippling disease that slowly takes away your ability to function. In an normal mother and daughter relationship the mother would of learned of this in a matter of hours of diagnosis but Pearl has kept this from her for quite some time now. Its not like Pearl has not tried to tell her mother of her disease but each time she has the courage to tell her mother her mother goes off on some tangent. I think Pearl does not  persistently pursue to tell her mother because she thinks her mother will see this as some form of bad luck caused by herself. We already know that Pearl openly does not believe in all the good luck and bad luck stuff, so I don't think Pearl will want her mother to blame herself for the disease. So actually I think Pearl is keeping this away from her mother not because she does not trust her but because she does not want her mother to blame her self for the crippling disease that Pearl is afflicted with. Another reason that she could be hiding this sickness from her mother is that she does not want her mother hovering over her head more than she already does. When Pearl stays at her mothers house she is under constant surveillance. This would be greatly intensified after Winnie learns of Pearls sickness every move she made would be questioned. Her mother may even try her herbal cures or some ritual from the form of religion she believes in.

My Argumentative Essay So Far

So far my research has been going very smoothly and I have been able to get all the information I have wanted so far. So far I have written 10 notecards and I have narrowed down my topic so I won't stretch my argument to thin. The breakthrough for me so far was the discovery of a long term study done on violence in video games from 1996-2011. In the study the researcher compared the use of video games and violence from the time period and discovered that crime had not increased but actually decreased. They came to the conclusion that video games had no effect on teen violence. Another breakthrough I had was the discovery of another study that stated it is not the video games that cause kids to be violence but their surroundings. The most surprising thing I found was the basis of the pro video games cause violence group. They base their claim by a handful of shootings that have the shooters attribute to video games. First, these shootings are a drop of water in an ocean compared to all other violence that is happening and the people who have killed people because video games are mostly mentally disabled.