The Lady with the Dog

Chekhov introduces the character of Dimitry in a very offputting way. He degrades women by referring to them as a "lower race," but then goes on to say that "he could have not existed a single day" without them. It becomes clear that Dimitry has been engaging in illicit love affairs for some time now. Although he calls this "fresh intimacy" with various women a "charming, light adventure," he goes on to say that it develops into a problem that leads to an "irksome situation." My first impressions of Dimitry's character is that he is unhappy in is marriage, that he resorts to sex with other women as an escape from his own dreary life, and that although Chekhov sets him up to appear insensitive, that his character has more depth. Perhaps this void is rooted from his past, which has not yet been made apparent to the readers.

The Girls in Their Summer Dresses

From the beginning of the story, Shaw sets up his readers to sympathize with both characters. Any woman who caught her husband looking at women as often as her husband Michael does, would feel insecure and hurt. Although we are not knowledgeable about this from the beginning, as the story develops we come to find that Michael observes women in this manner frequently. What may appear as insecurity on Frances part when they first start arguing, comes to be a valid interrogation about her husband's intentions and behavior. As the story wraps up Frances is able to pull out a confession from Michael that he may someday act on his "wants" and desires when looking at beautiful women. This is the final straw that breaks the camel's back with Frances. Michael's confession makes the reader sympathize with the character of Frances. From Mike's point of view, we can initially sympathize with him in the fact that his wife seems overly suspicious of his innocent glances at other women. Frances proceeds with a number of questions that make her character appear apprehensive and needy. The reader can sympathize with Michael as he feels the need to defend his love for his wife from a couple "innocent" glances, but later we come to find that these looks aren't innocent at all. In the final pages of the story Michael is pushed to his breaking point and openly confesses his possible unfaithfulness in the future. It is impossible to not sympathize with Frances at this point in the story.

Desiree's Baby-Chopin

What type of irony appears in the final paragraph? What is the effect of that irony?

It is ironic that Armand is the one who turns out to be black. Chopin sets up her readers to believe that Desiree is black, and in turn responsible for the appearance of their baby. This has a definite shock effect as the reader already assumes what Chopin has narrated. 

Consider the development of Armand's character throughout. At what points, if any, is he sympathetic? As what points, if any, do you dislike him? At the end, how do you feel about Armand?

When his character is first introduced, he appears sympathetic when he falls madly in love with Desiree despite her questionable origin and lack of name. He also appears sympathetic when Desiree describes his delight with her birth to a baby boy and the fact that it will carry his name. We come to discover the personality of Armand as impervious and "imperious" by his frowns, but he appears overcome with happiness during this events that his frowns become seldom. It isn't long till the baby's appearance becomes an issue that Armand reverts back to his frowns. Armand becomes a disliked character after he begins to ignore his and ultimately exclaims that she is not white, due to he baby's questionable race. His passive response to Desiree's departure makes him despicable in my eyes. The fact that he is disgusted with the nature of his wife and the damage her race can cause to his name and reputation is terrible. In the conclusion I feel like Armand will have a lot of regret and sorrow for his rash assumptions, but I have no more sympathy for him after he let his wife walk out of his life.

The Birthmark-Hawthorne

Hawthorne's short story exhibits both internal and external conflict. Focusing on the conflict Man vs. Nature, expand on Aylmer’s quest to rid Georgiana of her imperfection. What are your feelings on man tampering with Mother Nature?

It is clear that the larger message of Hawthorne's story implies the dangers of "playing God." In the text he mentions Mother Nature's guarded pursuit to conceal her secrets (pg 652); that although man can attempt to unlock her mysteries, it will ultimately end in failure. This is the case with Alymer in his obsession to repair Georgiana's imperfection. He insists on ignoring the limitations of his science which proves foolish in the product of his wife's death. This man vs nature conflict alludes to nature's power over humanity and immortality. Earthly perfection cannot exist and more importantly, it is blasphemous to tamper with creation by "playing God."

In the text Georgiana becomes exceedingly more and more tortured by her birthmark: "Danger? There is but one danger—that this horrible stigma shall be left upon my cheek!” cried Georgiana. ‘Remove it, remove it, whatever the cost, or we shall both go mad” (657). What first appeared a “charm” in her eyes has become a curse. Explain Georgiana’s conflict, and why you think her attitude has changed from the beginning of the story.

In the time Hawthorne set the story, it was not unusual for women to have a subordinate attitude in their marriage. In the story Georgiana is so committed to her husband that she defines herself utterly through his vision of her. When he begins to find her birthmark repulsive, she begins to believe she is hideous, even though she possesses a beauty comparable to that of Hiram Powers sculpture of Eve. As Alymer's disgust becomes unbearable, Georgiana too finds life unbearable: "life is a burden which I would fling down with joy. Either remove this dreadful hand, or take my wretched life!" (651). 

In the opening paragraph Hawthorne describes the character of Aylmer as “a man of science.” Reread this paragraph and explain how Aylmer’s unrivaled passion for science sets the tone for the story (think in terms of Aylmer’s internal conflict with his science vs. his wife).

To provide some background to this question, science and philosophy were both gaining momentum in the mid 1800's with the rise of the scientific theory. There is an obvious tug of war between the world of science and the spiritual world in Hawthorne's story. In the beginning paragraph Alymer is described as "too unreservedly devoted to scientific studies ever to be weaned from them by any second passion." One scholar stated it perfectly: "Alymer seeks to unfold the secrets of the natural world, and no only know he mechanism of its power, but in fact harness it and become a creator himself. He's guilty of what Hawthorne sees as two problems in the scientific world around him: the desire to play God, and a blinding faith in science." The conclusion of the story shows that his passion for his science triumphed over that of his wife, but it was also his wife that "led [him] deeper than ever into the heart of science" (651). So ultimately his wife provoked this fatal tragedy. 

Georgiana’s birthmark seems to have a metaphorical function. What do you see as the significance of the “crimson hand”?

Geogiana's birthmark symbolically represents her humanity. The shape of her birthmark, a crimson hand, is described as " the bond by which an angelic spirit kept itself in union with a mortal frame" (659). Because her beauty transcended what was humanely comprehended, her birthmark was the only thing that defined her humanity. It was the one flaw that made her countenance "imperfect."

Aminadab is a name that represents an early figure in the Book of Genesis. Why do you think Hawthorne gave this character this name? How is Aminadab portrayed in the story? Why do you think he laughs at the end?

According to the book of Genesis, Aminadab is a high priest. Hawthorne's description of the character leads us to believe he symbolizes man's earthly, physical half, whereas Alymer symbolizes man's lofty, spiritual half. The distinction shows the difference in opinion about science, reason, and logic. Alymers blindly places all his trust in his experiments, whereas Aminadab knows this is a foolish venture. Although Aminadab is Alymer's servant, his view on Alymer's overambitious scheme to "perfect" his wife proves to triumph.

Within the story are many indicative signs. Are there any clues or hints throughout the story that allow you to foreshadow the ending? If so, what are they?

Alymer's dream is a huge foreshadowing of the concluding event. When Alymer attempts of cut out the birthmark, it sinks deeper into Geogiana's being till it reaches her heart, where Alymer is resolved to continue to cut away at. This dream obviously represents Geogiana's coming death. 

Everything that rises must converge

Significance of title:

After reading the story, I interpret the title as signifying the recent desegregation in the word "converge." "Everything that rises" may have a religious connotation to the ascent to heaven or may imply the eventual unification of all peoples despsite their race, background, or history that presently divide them. It is obvious in the story that Julian's mom is still set in her racist ways, even though she may be unaware of it. Her subtle subjugation of blacks irks julian more than anything as he is an educated man who accepts the present situation.

Author's Note

I'm writing this note at the conclusion of my final draft. Reflecting back on my drafting of the 6 elements earlier in the week, I have made significant changes since then. First of all I decided to follow through with a specific genre. I figured that a physcological thriller rendition of Gilman's piece would make for an interesting motion picture. As far as doubts or concerns, I'm still a little hesitant with my decision to cast Russell Crowe as John. Although he is an exceptional actor, he's never really shot a film in this genre. I'm not even sure if he is interested in this type of work. Since he is such an acclaimed actor is has the privelege to choose his films, and I'm not so sure this would appeal to him. Another actor I was considering for Dr. Mitchell was Christian Bale. His work in American Psycho and Equilbrium may have made him the good choice, but I'm confident in my decision to choose Johnny Depp.

I'm satsifed with my overall proposal. I think I produced a solid film adapation that could be easily transformed into a motion picture. I'm also satisfied with my title choice (like I mentioned in the paper, Hysteria is simple yet mysterious). I also think this movie is very marketable from the ensemble cast of chracters to the ever popular suspense genre of this day and age. I think this movie would appeal to many types of people.

I had difficulty wording how I would portray irony on film. I understand the irony in the text but I had trouble explaining how I would convey that on the big screen. Did I mix up situational and dramatic?

Also I feel like I could have interpretated the short story in a more creative fashion. Speilberg's film adaptation of Philip Dick's Minority Report was completely original. Speilberg took the basic concept and developed his own unique plot, whereas I simply took the Gilman's existing narrative and expanded.

Paul's Case

What is different for Paul in New York City? Why do you think he likes it so much there?

"He felt now that his surroundings explained him. Nobody questioned the purple, he had only to wear it passively. He had only to glance down at his attire to reassure himself that here it would be impossible for anyone to humiliate him." This qoute explains Paul's attitude concerning his life in Pittsburgh on Cornelia street versus the extravagant one he has in New York. In the text Paul experiences "a mere release from the necessity of petty lying." Here he no longer has to back up his "boastful pretensions" of an imaginary, opulent life he has apart from the suburbs of his hometown. Paul is set free from the suffocating reality of his past and he even goes as far to doubt the existence of it at all: "Had he ever known a place called Cordelia Street, a place where fagged-looking businessmen got on the early car..."

Film Adaptation: 6 elements

Title:
Hysteria- Simple and to the point. Because I want to focus the film on the ineffective 19th century treatment the “rest cure,” developed by the physician Silas Weir Mitchell, I believe this title is suitable. The rest cure was specifically targeted for women with this mental disorder, but often it’s effects would intensify their hysteria and drive them insane, which is the case with the main character in Gilman’s piece The Yellow Wallpaper. I think transforming this short story to film is a great outlet to showcase this ludicrous medical treatment.

Characters:
The Narrator (to be named Lydia in the film)- actress Jennifer Connelly.
She has often been cast in dramatic films as the disturbed individual (heroin addict in Requiem for a Dream, a woman obsessed with reclaiming her home in The House of Sand and Fog, and the wife of a schizophrenic opposite Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind). She has often been dubbed the Queen of Angst.

John- actor Russell Crowe.
I chose Russell Crowe because he has previously worked with Connelly on the set of A Beautiful Mind. They had great on-screen chemistry so he seems ideal for this role as her husband. Because I want to make John’s character more prominent to the storyline, Crowe is a perfect fit to play the strong, authoritative figure. He has been nominated for three Oscars as best actor for his dramatic roles in The Insider, Gladiator, and A Beautiful Mind.

Physician (Dr. Weir Mitchell)- actor Johnny Depp.
I also want to make the role of the physician more important. We never encounter him in the short story but it's necessary to have him as a key figure in the film since it will revolve around “the rest cure.” I want to make this character semi-psychotic/deranged which is a role Depp is familiar with playing (i.e. Secret Window, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)

The remainder of the characters play secondary roles, so I won’t be focusing too much on them.

Setting:
Setting will remain the same as it is in the novel (late 19th century.) It will take place in a small coastal town of Rhode Island near Providence.

Plot:
Techniques to expand the plot:
-Show the “courting phase” between Lydia and John when they first met (this will usher in the romantic/comedic aspect for the beginning of the film.)
- Then show the progression and eventual deterioration of their relationship from the proposal to her pregnancy, to her concluding drive to insanity.
- The movie will begin with their move-in to the summer home after her physician’s diagnosis, with the use of flashbacks to slowly reveal to the audience how they came to be in that situation throughout the film.
Conflict:
-Man vs. Man (Lydia vs. John)
-Man vs. Self (Lydia’s inner struggle with her hysteria and depression)
-Man vs. Society (Lydia vs. the physician and the medical world).

Irony:
Dramatic Irony- Enhance the drama with special effects/theatrics to show the narrator’s encounters with the yellow wallpaper.

Situational Irony- Gilman reveals the backwards effects of Mitchell’s rest cure in her short story and that too will be the mission of the film. In addition, I plan to intensify the situational irony of the conclusion by counterbalancing her insanity with self-liberation. Although she is clearly mad, at the same time she reclaims her own individual self-control. I’ll try to make that juxtaposition clear.

Symbolism:
-focus on the entity of the wallpaper as the symbolic key to free the narrator from the constraints of her physician and her husband
- Since the “unclean yellow” color of the wallpaper is symbolic of her decaying sanity, I’m going to focus on the tone quality to use for the film.
-Also with the extension of the beginning of the short story focusing on the “happy times,” the aesthetics of the film regarding color is also important. So the flashbacks will be in vivid colors, whereas the remainder of the film with be in a dark, grim greenish gray tone similar to the The Ring. This juxtaposition of color will be symbolic of the deterioration of the characters both internally and externally.
-There are other objects in the wallpapered room that are symbolic of the narrator’s present circumstances (i.e. the nailed down bed, the bars on the window, etc). that will be exaggerated on screen to retain their symbolic identities.

Generational Conflict

Everday Use
In this particular story there is an obvious generational coflict between the mother and her daughter Dee concerning their worlds. As Dee leaves home for her education, she becomes caught up in a modern, materialistic society that greatly conflicts with the traditional, rural setting she grew up in. Her intellect leads her to be simultaneously ashamed of her familial relations, yet also she discovers a newfound interest in her culture (i.e. the quilts).

Gorilla, My Love
Hazel has a more broad conflict with the older generation. She ascribes them as untrustworthy and even mentions in the text: "we must stick together or be forever lost, what with grown-ups playin change-up and utrnin you round every which way so bad." We can all relate to Hazel in the fact that we have all been children who took every word to heart because we didn't know better. This story is so relevant for any family dynamic and can be easily relatable. It's that "kids against the parents" mentality.

Girl
In this short story Jamaica Kincaid reveals the responsiblities of the older generations imparting wisdom and advice to the younger generation. Specifically in this story a mother addresses her daughter by making statement after statement about proper etiquette, do's and dont's, etc. The daughter is only able to get in two questions admist her mother's slew of advice, and this shows the common, and often unintentional, disregard of the older generation dismissing their children's responsiveness.

Film Adaptation Proposal

As of right now I've decided to go with Gilman's piece The Yellow Wallpaper for my film adaptation essay. I think there are so many elements to this work and was considering making it a autobiographical film of Gilman's own life since she went through similar experiences (i.e. post partum depression, a mental condition, etc). To do so, I plan on doing more research on Gilman's personal history. I think the beginning of the film should focus on how she met her husband and show the progression of how that relationship deteriorated over time, culminating with her mental breakdown with the wallpaper as a the conclusion of the film. Visualizing how this can be translated on the big screen, I think the descriptive text of the narrator's encounter with the wallpaper would make for great special effects. Because the meat of this story is supported in large part by the narrator, since it is from her point of view, I need to cast an actress that can live up to those standards. 

The Minority Report

If you've seen the movie, then think about how the scenes you're reading appear in that version. Which is more interesting or engaging? What changes would you make if you were directing the film?

The advantage of a film adaption of a short story is the freedom to expand the storyline. In Spielberg's 2002 rendition of Minority Report, he utlized this freedom in an extremely engaging fashion. The futuristic setting, along with the cast really made the film believable and thrilling. I found the short story to be engaging but Spielberg enhanced the spirit of the short story in his film. It's been awhile since I've seen the film but if I'm correct, Tom Cruise plays Commissioner Anderton, Colin Ferrall plays Whitwer, and the precog who deciphers the minority report is played by Samantha Morton. Spielberg plays with this creative work by adding his own futuristc twist. I distinctly remember loving the movie and therefore I completely trust in all the directional intelligence of Spielberg that I wouldn't tamper with any changes myself if I was director.

The Yellow Wallpaper

What is the larger meaning of the story? How do the symbols in the story contribute to this larger meaning?

Like The Story of an Hour, Gilman's piece The Yellow Wallpaper also represents the subordination of women in marriage. It was published around the same time as Chopin's short story, so again we can view the story from the context of a male dominant society. The key symbol that dominates the story is the yellow wallpaper. Through the progression of the story we come to find that the main character deciphers a sub pattern of a trapped woman behind bars constantly trying to free her self of the constraints of the main pattern, but is only strangled in her attempted escapes. This caged woman, as well as the numerous heads barred in with her, represents the repressive inclination of women during this time, and on a more literal level, the trapped feelings of the main character. The room itself, previously a nursery, can be seen from a symbolic standpoint as the main character is treated like an ignorant child who can't treat her own anxieties. Even the "unclean yellow" color of the room can represent the decay of self-assertion, intellect, and imaginative power.

The Story of an Hour

What do you think is the larger meaning or message of the story?

The Story of an Hour was written in the context of a male-dominated society that prevailed in the late 19th century. Besides the literal message of the narrative, it is obvious that Kate Chopin was drawing upon the repressive role of women. After Louise is provoked by grief at the news of her husband's death, a sense of renewed freedom overcomes her at the thought of "years to come that would belong to her absolutely" (Chopin 298). Her delayed reaction to her husband's death reveals her inner pysche of entrapment and lost identity in regards to her marriage. I believe Chopin was shedding light on this issue of repression to express the feelings of many women of her time. The domianting power husbands had over their wives aided her their sense of lost freedom and individuality.

What are some of the symbols you notice in "The Story of an Hour?" What do these represent?

One of the most obvious symbols is the sprigtime setting outside Louise's window. The descriptions of "new spring life" in the tree tops, the twittering sparrows, and the patches of blue sky juxtaposes with the news of death. The renewing time of the year represents Louise's chance to escape from the constraints of marriage and discover a forgotten sense of freedom. Instead of anticipating a short life, she now wishes to live a long life of her own ("she was drinking in the very elixir of life through that open window.")

A Rose for Emily -Faulkner

How does the physical setting (time and place) impact the story?

The short story is set in Faulkner's fictional Mississippi town of Jefferson shortly after the Civil War (1870's). This little information provides resourceful insight to the values of the characters, and those of that time period, that justify how the plot unravels. Simply by understanding the time and place, we know that ultra conservatism was a dominant value upheld in the deep south where the remnants of slavery still existed after the war. This is supported in the text: "Colonel Satoris, the mayor--he who fathered the edict that no Negro woman should appear on the streets without an apron..." (Faulkner 521). 

Also the Grierson's seemed to be a revered Southern family in the town of Jefferson. Although the townspeople claim that they "held themselves a little too high for what they really were," they are still fascinated (their curiosity provokes them to follow the Griersons personal lives). The Griersons fall into the category of the "high and mighty" Southern family, thus explaining their motivations, actions, and reactions throughout the story. Emily in particular takes on the role of the strong, impervious Southern woman, who tries to shield her emotions and broken heart from the criticisms of her neighbors. Her behavior towards the tax notices reveals her stubbornness to adapt to modern life and accept the changing times. 

The setting of A Rose for Emily has a distinct cultural environment of an established post Civil War Southern town. The laid back approach to the legal issues, such as tax notices, starkly contrasts to that of North during this time. The Northern states were quick to establish modern values including that of legal responsibility and enforcement. Also the idea of a tight knit community where everyone keeps up with their neighbors' lives is characteristic of the South, whereas Northerners kept more to themselves and were preoccupied with other concerns. 

Introductory Blog

Hey yall,

My name is Jaclyn Crain, but I go by Jackie, I am a Junior Interior Design Major/Business Minor from San Antonio, TX.

I choose to take this course simply because I am fascinated with literature and figured I would keep myself busy this summer while I'm staying in the Fort. I think it's so important to have a basic understanding of our literary history and I hope to enhance that understanding with this course.

I'm one of those people who watch the movie instead of reading the book haha. Don't get me wrong I enjoy a good read from time to time, but I don't invest nearly enough time into leisurely reading as I would like. For my AP literature class my Senior year of high school we had to choose an author from a designated list and read two of their works. I read The Handmaiden's Tale and The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood and absolutely fell in love with her writing. Since then I have read three other novels by Atwood on my own time. We also read numerous works of fiction/plays including: Death of a Salesman, Heart of Darkness, Beloved, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, among many others. This was the first class that really opened my eyes to the world of literature, and having a teacher who felt so passionate about what she taught made it all the more enjoyable. 

In terms of what I hope to accomplish...I'm really just excited to return to reading since I haven't taken any form of English, let alone Fiction, course in college. 

I think the best way to learn with the nature of this course is through class discussion. Not only listening to others opinions but participation helps me to understand the material more thoroughly. Also I like having the entire course mapped out in front of me so I know what to expect in regards to future reading assignments and grades, which you have already done! It helps to to plan ahead and keep on task.

Something interesting about me...hmmm...I have never broken a bone!... I don't know if that's

a big accomplishment, but it's something haha. Also I've traveled to Japan and it is by far the most unique place I have ever been. It's probably one of the biggest culture shocks I have ever experienced.

I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus.