1. I think Hurston chose the title Their Eyes Were Watching God becuase of the effect it creates. It makes it seem like everyone watches God, but can't do anything about the things he does. God has ultimate power over everyone in the world. It seems to give the effect of God having power over the people in the world. It can change how you read by noticing the constant struggles with God through out the story.
2. I think she could have used the title God and His People. This title has a better feeling between God and everyone he rules over. It seems less like God is a bad person and instead is a fair God. Which is what Hurston tries to show through Janie as she develops through the story.
3. My pastiche is called "The Ways of the Game". I think this is the strongest title because it is about children playing kickball. There are two different captains for the teams and one is focused and the other is care free and has fun. One of the characters finds that the fun team is what she truly wants over winning.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Journal #7
Foil
“Somebody wanted her to play. Somebody thought it natural for her to play. That was even nice” (96).
This quote shows that Tea Cake and Joe are opposite characters. Joe had never let her play checkers or give speeches. He wouldn't let her do anything that the common people would do. Tea Cake on the other hand wanted her to play. It wasn't a bad thing. This feeling made Janie feel almost equal something she has wanted for a very long time.
Contrast
"You reckon so? Jody useter tell me Ah never would learn. It wuz too heavy fuh mah brains." (96).
This quote shows how Joe and Tea Cake differ as characters. Joe had always talked down about Janie saying she was never good enough or smart enough. Tea Cake on the other hand lets her try new things and experience things she was never allowed to with Joe. This makes the reader feel more connected with Tea Cake and like him more as a character.
Symbol
“Folkses, de sun is goin’ down. De Sun-maker brings it up in de mornin’, and de Sun-Maker sends it tuh bed at night. Us Poor weak humans can’t do nothin’ tuh hurry it up nor to slow it down. All we can do, if we want any light after settin’ or befo’ de risin’, is tuh make some light ourselves.” (45).
This quote uses the symbol of the sun to be God. God has the power to make night and day. Humans lack that power so the only way for them to get power is to make it themselves. This is shown with the use of the lamp. This quote shows humans need to constantly obtain more power even power that might not be ours for the taking.
“Somebody wanted her to play. Somebody thought it natural for her to play. That was even nice” (96).
This quote shows that Tea Cake and Joe are opposite characters. Joe had never let her play checkers or give speeches. He wouldn't let her do anything that the common people would do. Tea Cake on the other hand wanted her to play. It wasn't a bad thing. This feeling made Janie feel almost equal something she has wanted for a very long time.
Contrast
"You reckon so? Jody useter tell me Ah never would learn. It wuz too heavy fuh mah brains." (96).
This quote shows how Joe and Tea Cake differ as characters. Joe had always talked down about Janie saying she was never good enough or smart enough. Tea Cake on the other hand lets her try new things and experience things she was never allowed to with Joe. This makes the reader feel more connected with Tea Cake and like him more as a character.
Symbol
“Folkses, de sun is goin’ down. De Sun-maker brings it up in de mornin’, and de Sun-Maker sends it tuh bed at night. Us Poor weak humans can’t do nothin’ tuh hurry it up nor to slow it down. All we can do, if we want any light after settin’ or befo’ de risin’, is tuh make some light ourselves.” (45).
This quote uses the symbol of the sun to be God. God has the power to make night and day. Humans lack that power so the only way for them to get power is to make it themselves. This is shown with the use of the lamp. This quote shows humans need to constantly obtain more power even power that might not be ours for the taking.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Journal #6
I primarily focused on what my partner said from the pastiche editing we did
on Friday. I tried to incorporate Hurston's techniques more effectively. The
theme that I was trying to show was not very clear so I tried to make it more
obvious through the techniques. I developed the characters more which hopefully
made the contrast between them clearer. I incorporated a motif that I believe
helps express the theme I chose. I think my revisions made the theme more clear
and obvious and Hurston's techniques are clearer and add to the understanding
of the theme.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Journal #5
Then John started to focus on Trust. Trust, the exclusive castle with high surrounding walls that never seem to peak. The ruler safe and protected in the thick barrier. What need does Trust have for such high walls, and who can ever climb them? He sits in his secluded room alone and isolated from the world. Sitting by himself with only His thoughts, waiting for the walls to be scaled. Been sitting there for all time; past, present and future. John was likely to find the high walls of Sarah's castle soon. He was confident but also a little scared. My best friend Sarah! She ought not be alone, 'specially at a time lik dis. John sent some of her closest friends to be with her, but she said she wasn't in the mood. Her family was ok with normal problems, but they couldn't help with this. She'd be fine once she allowed someone into the castle. She wasn't going to allow that to happen. There was no point she thought. But her friends told John that she needed somebody, so he was aware. And even if he wasn't it would become quite obvious the next few days because she hardly talked or let anyone help her. Even her best friends were hardly seen with her. They seemed to be pushed away and weren't let in. Fear, the unseen terror, had caused her lock herself in.
I tried to mimic Hurston completely in the passage on page 84. I changed the idea of death to trust and rumor to fear. I made trust a castle with high walls because that is what trust is like. It's not really a monster but a grand place to get to. I made up characters that had a problem with trust and that there were people that tried to help like in the passage. I tried to add in her use of diction but I didn't know of other types so I mimicked hers. I didn't see a connection of rumor to death in the passage but I made fear be the reason there is a problem with trust.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Journal #4
The passage is the long paragraph on page 84.
Hurston uses short, simple sentences in the beginning of the passage. This syntax shows that death is simple, easy, and unavoidable. She also uses certain words that give the passage a deeper meaning. Hurston capitalizes Death which gives it more power and meaning. Death is this all powerful being that can not be stopped. "He stands in his high house that overlooks the world. Stands watchful and motionless all day with his sword drawn back, waiting for the messenger to bid him come."(84). Hurston uses "high" and "overlooks" to show that he is more powerful than everyone else. She also uses "sword drawn back" to give Death more power. The tone is the passage is upset and afraid. Janie is worried that Jody is dying. She remains hopeful that he will live but knows that he will not make it. This makes the reader feel simpathetic towards Janie and her situation and makes the reader like Jody more. Before it seemed that she didn't want us to like Jody but now she writes his name as Jody instead of Joe to give him a more familiar connection with the reader. She does this to show that people near death should be treated well. Hurston uses alliteration when she writes "He stands in his high house that overlooks the world" (84). The repitition of "h" really close together seems sharp which gives Death a view of being hard and powerful.
Hurston uses short, simple sentences in the beginning of the passage. This syntax shows that death is simple, easy, and unavoidable. She also uses certain words that give the passage a deeper meaning. Hurston capitalizes Death which gives it more power and meaning. Death is this all powerful being that can not be stopped. "He stands in his high house that overlooks the world. Stands watchful and motionless all day with his sword drawn back, waiting for the messenger to bid him come."(84). Hurston uses "high" and "overlooks" to show that he is more powerful than everyone else. She also uses "sword drawn back" to give Death more power. The tone is the passage is upset and afraid. Janie is worried that Jody is dying. She remains hopeful that he will live but knows that he will not make it. This makes the reader feel simpathetic towards Janie and her situation and makes the reader like Jody more. Before it seemed that she didn't want us to like Jody but now she writes his name as Jody instead of Joe to give him a more familiar connection with the reader. She does this to show that people near death should be treated well. Hurston uses alliteration when she writes "He stands in his high house that overlooks the world" (84). The repitition of "h" really close together seems sharp which gives Death a view of being hard and powerful.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Journal #3
1. "Dis town needs some light right now." foreshadow/symbol pg. 44
2. "Joe spoke out without giving her a chance to say anything one way or another that took the bloom off of things." Motif of tree pg. 43
3. "De Sun-maker brings it up in de mornin', and de Sun-maker sends it tug bed at night. Us poor weak humans can't do nothing' tuh hurry it up nor to slow it down. All we can do, if we want any light after de settin' or befo' de risin', is tuh make some light ourselves." Allusion to God pg. 45
4. "Something else made men give way before him. He had a bow-down command in his face, and every step he took made the thing more tangible." Characterization pg. 47
5. "They bowed down to him rather, because he was all of these things, and then again he was all of these things because the town bowed down." Paradox pg. 50
Analysis
1. The light foreshadows that the town needs light. Which evetually happens, but it is also a symbol. The town needs this light to help make the town strong and grow and that light is Joe Starks. Later in the novel when the lamp post is being put in Starks gives this speech about God and how he creates the light, but humans are now able to make their own light and this could lead to humans thinking they are more god like then they truly are. They have this idea of power and the light is one way to obtain it.
2. This quote relates to the tree that is talked about in chapter two. Janie's blossom tree which is what she wants with her life and in a man. She was with her first husband and she knew that he was not what she wanted, but she thought she had found it with Joe Starks because of the strong first impression he had on her. But at this moment she begins to see that he is not what she wanted. The blooms were being taken off of her tree.
2. "Joe spoke out without giving her a chance to say anything one way or another that took the bloom off of things." Motif of tree pg. 43
3. "De Sun-maker brings it up in de mornin', and de Sun-maker sends it tug bed at night. Us poor weak humans can't do nothing' tuh hurry it up nor to slow it down. All we can do, if we want any light after de settin' or befo' de risin', is tuh make some light ourselves." Allusion to God pg. 45
4. "Something else made men give way before him. He had a bow-down command in his face, and every step he took made the thing more tangible." Characterization pg. 47
5. "They bowed down to him rather, because he was all of these things, and then again he was all of these things because the town bowed down." Paradox pg. 50
Analysis
1. The light foreshadows that the town needs light. Which evetually happens, but it is also a symbol. The town needs this light to help make the town strong and grow and that light is Joe Starks. Later in the novel when the lamp post is being put in Starks gives this speech about God and how he creates the light, but humans are now able to make their own light and this could lead to humans thinking they are more god like then they truly are. They have this idea of power and the light is one way to obtain it.
2. This quote relates to the tree that is talked about in chapter two. Janie's blossom tree which is what she wants with her life and in a man. She was with her first husband and she knew that he was not what she wanted, but she thought she had found it with Joe Starks because of the strong first impression he had on her. But at this moment she begins to see that he is not what she wanted. The blooms were being taken off of her tree.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Journal #2
Irish Dialect
Rules
1. Call everyone thou except the monarch
2. Everything is a story include lots of "Well thens" and "nows"
3. Irish use "lad" and "lass" often regardless of age
4. 'ah' sounds are stretched out
5. 'a' softens almost to an 'ah' sound
6. 'oi' moves more towards a long 'i'
7.'uh' becomes a short 'oo'
8. 'ow' becomes rounded
9. 'l' is always very strongly articulated
10. 'r' has a hard quality to it
11. 'g' is dropped at words ending in 'ing'
Dialect Practice
It was a dark and stormy night in a small town in Ireland. Sean had finally finished a long day of work and was headed home. There was little visibility and the rain seemed to be coming down sideways. Sean got home and checked his mail. Everything seemed normal except for a letter. Curious, Sean opened the letter and saw that it was from an old friend of his named Jack. Jack had sent him the letter saying that he would like to catch up with Sean. The letter said that he would be at the local inn for the next week. Sean hesitantly goes to the inn to meet up with an old friend.
"Lad! I wasn't sure you'd be showin up. Now how have you been?" says Jack with relief.
At first glance Jack was very dirty, and hadn't shaved in several weeks. Sean was beginning to regret his decision. He knew that Jack was having troubles. It wasn't the first time he asked for help. But Sean thought he owed it to Jack because they had been such good friends.
"Hi Jack, well I've been doin alright. What have you been up to?" says Sean. Creating conversation with little interest except to what Jack wants.
"Oh you know, I've been here and there doin what I can to get by," says Jack.
Sean tired and just wanting to get home asks, "What is it that you want lad?"
Jack somewhat upset says, "Nothing, I just wanted to thank you for all the help you've given me and would like to pay you back."
Jack hands Sean the money that he owed him and begins to leave the table. Sean completely stunned apologizes for the way he was acting and thanks Jack for paying him back.
"I never thought you would ever pay me back. How did you get this money lad?" asks Sean curiously.
"Don't worry lad, I didn't do anythin bad. I found a good job. I've been savin money for a while now and have been waitin until I had the money to meet up with you," says Jack.
"Wow lad, I am so very proud of you. Will you be in town for long? I'd like to get a beer with you and catch up. It could be like old times," says Sean.
"No lad, I'm actually leavin tomorrow morning. It's a good thing you came when you did. I didn't want to leave things the way they were between us," says Jack somewhat relieved.
"Oh, well I'm glad you have things figured out. Thanks for seein me. Look me up next time your in town would ya?" asked Sean.
"Oh sure" says Jack looking forward to their next meeting.
Sean returns home and falls asleep that night very easily.
Rules
1. Call everyone thou except the monarch
2. Everything is a story include lots of "Well thens" and "nows"
3. Irish use "lad" and "lass" often regardless of age
4. 'ah' sounds are stretched out
5. 'a' softens almost to an 'ah' sound
6. 'oi' moves more towards a long 'i'
7.'uh' becomes a short 'oo'
8. 'ow' becomes rounded
9. 'l' is always very strongly articulated
10. 'r' has a hard quality to it
11. 'g' is dropped at words ending in 'ing'
Dialect Practice
It was a dark and stormy night in a small town in Ireland. Sean had finally finished a long day of work and was headed home. There was little visibility and the rain seemed to be coming down sideways. Sean got home and checked his mail. Everything seemed normal except for a letter. Curious, Sean opened the letter and saw that it was from an old friend of his named Jack. Jack had sent him the letter saying that he would like to catch up with Sean. The letter said that he would be at the local inn for the next week. Sean hesitantly goes to the inn to meet up with an old friend.
"Lad! I wasn't sure you'd be showin up. Now how have you been?" says Jack with relief.
At first glance Jack was very dirty, and hadn't shaved in several weeks. Sean was beginning to regret his decision. He knew that Jack was having troubles. It wasn't the first time he asked for help. But Sean thought he owed it to Jack because they had been such good friends.
"Hi Jack, well I've been doin alright. What have you been up to?" says Sean. Creating conversation with little interest except to what Jack wants.
"Oh you know, I've been here and there doin what I can to get by," says Jack.
Sean tired and just wanting to get home asks, "What is it that you want lad?"
Jack somewhat upset says, "Nothing, I just wanted to thank you for all the help you've given me and would like to pay you back."
Jack hands Sean the money that he owed him and begins to leave the table. Sean completely stunned apologizes for the way he was acting and thanks Jack for paying him back.
"I never thought you would ever pay me back. How did you get this money lad?" asks Sean curiously.
"Don't worry lad, I didn't do anythin bad. I found a good job. I've been savin money for a while now and have been waitin until I had the money to meet up with you," says Jack.
"Wow lad, I am so very proud of you. Will you be in town for long? I'd like to get a beer with you and catch up. It could be like old times," says Sean.
"No lad, I'm actually leavin tomorrow morning. It's a good thing you came when you did. I didn't want to leave things the way they were between us," says Jack somewhat relieved.
"Oh, well I'm glad you have things figured out. Thanks for seein me. Look me up next time your in town would ya?" asked Sean.
"Oh sure" says Jack looking forward to their next meeting.
Sean returns home and falls asleep that night very easily.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Journal #1-Their Eyes were Watching God
Janie is a very strong woman. She is able to deal with all the things the other women in her town say and think about her. She is also able to deal with Tea Cake's death surprisingly well being that Tea Cake was her life. She also has nothing to hide from anyone as long as they are willing to ask. She also enjoys living life to the most she possibly can. "Ah been a delegate to de big 'ssociation of life... de big convention of livin' is just where Ah been" This quote shows directly Janie's personality of living life. The narrator seems to have a strong opinion about women and what they are like. It seems that she doesn't think women are capable of doing anything but judging others. "It was a weapon against her strength and if it turned out of no significance, still it was a hope that she might fall to their level some day." This shows that the women only look to tear Janie, or others that aren't the same, down. They do this through what they say. "They made burning statements with questions, and killing tools out of laughs. It was mass cruelty." The narrator has this strong view against women and how they are against each other and only concerned with problems and bad things.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Post 4 - Mini Test
1. "Come tuh see 'bout you and how you wuz makin' out." (Janie, Their Eyes were Watching God)
2. Winston is the _________ in 1984
3. The events in The Stranger follow this order.
4. "Then she'd lie awake in bed asking lonesomeness some questions." (Their Eyes were Watching God)
5."Several times during the night Janie heard the snort of big animals like deer. Once the muted voice of a panther. Going east and east." (Their Eyes were Watching Gods)
The animals moving east is a __________.
2. Winston is the _________ in 1984
3. The events in The Stranger follow this order.
4. "Then she'd lie awake in bed asking lonesomeness some questions." (Their Eyes were Watching God)
5."Several times during the night Janie heard the snort of big animals like deer. Once the muted voice of a panther. Going east and east." (Their Eyes were Watching Gods)
The animals moving east is a __________.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Post #3 - Protagonist
The protagonist is the main character that a novel or story focuses on the most. This character is well developed. The reader is able to connect and understand the protagonist on a deeper level. The protagonist is who the author uses to help convey a message. The protagonist in 1984 is Winston and the protagonist in Their Eyes were Watching God is Janie and in The Stranger it is Meursault. The protagonist can also in some cases be considered the hero.
Ralph from Lord of the Flies
Ralph from Lord of the Flies
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Post #2 - Apostrophe
Apostrophe is dialogue that isn't addressing any human person. The character is talking to no one. This allows the character to express their thoughts which might normally not be revealed.
A good example of this is in Romeo and Juliet when Romeo is talking about Juliet when she is thought to be dead.
A good example of this is in Romeo and Juliet when Romeo is talking about Juliet when she is thought to be dead.
Post #1
1. The book I enjoyed the most was 1984. I liked reading about a different society. I enjoyed that it was so different from how we live. I thought it was very interesting to see how people interacted with each other and the relationships that could develop. I also thought it was interesting when Winston was put really close to the mask thing that had a rat in it and he told them everything they wanted and sold the person he loved away. It made me think a lot about what I would do in that situation. It was rather depressing that it seemed like there was no hope for a better life in the end. But, I still found this to be the most interesting to read.
2. The book that I enjoyed the least was Their Eyes were Watching God. I didn't care for it first because of the language. I found it harder to through the text and made it harder to understand what was happening at times. I didn't really enjoy the story or get a lot out of the text. Although I did notice multiple times when Janie would pray to God that everything would be fine and I could relate to that when I'm worried a lot. I thought it was boring at times to read and not particularly interesting enough.
3. I did not read The Strangers. I planned on reading it last weekend but I got sick making it very difficult to read. I only managed to finish Their Eyes were Watching God.
2. The book that I enjoyed the least was Their Eyes were Watching God. I didn't care for it first because of the language. I found it harder to through the text and made it harder to understand what was happening at times. I didn't really enjoy the story or get a lot out of the text. Although I did notice multiple times when Janie would pray to God that everything would be fine and I could relate to that when I'm worried a lot. I thought it was boring at times to read and not particularly interesting enough.
3. I did not read The Strangers. I planned on reading it last weekend but I got sick making it very difficult to read. I only managed to finish Their Eyes were Watching God.
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