Emily Dickinson, Poem #359

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
3/18/2009
Emily Dickinson

"And then he drank a Dew From a convenient grass- And then he opped sidewise to the Wall To let a Beetle pass-"

Emily Dickinson is notorious for being one of the most mysterious writers to date. The fact that for most of her life she lived isolated in her bedroom, gives us little information about her from outsiders. Her poetry is filled with metaphors and symbols that make it nearly impossible to ever be sure about what she is writing about. Emily Dickinson was schooled for a year at Mount Holyoak, in which she dropped out after a year of being homesick. During this brief education, she was exposed to religion, and this exposure is apparent in some of her poetry, such as poem #359. An example of religion in this poem is when she writes, "Than the Oars divide the Ocean". This could symbolize when Moses parts the sea, a very important scenario in religion. While there are traces of religion in her work, it is never really apparent about her views on it. Her descriptions leave the reader wondering if she is implying that she is a believer in orthodox religion, an atheist or perhaps a believer in a religion she created herself (which some believe is why she locked herself up in her room). For example, when she follows the previous quote with "too silver for a seam", she could be saying that Moses who freed the Jews, was too good (or too "silver") for the life that Egypt gave him, and therefor she believes he is a person that deserves to be praised. On the other hand, her word selection of choosing silver, as opposed to gold, could be implying that she did not believe people should have had faith in him, for he was not valuable.

The reason that I chose the quote involving the Beetle, is because while I got a religious vibe from the poem, this line I found religion not important in. I feel that Dickinson was also trying to show good vs. evil, and how in society evil has taken over. In the opening lines, she mentions an Angel worm being eaten (again, religious context) which represents that good is not surviving in a world where evil and greed are taking over. The fact that the bird whom ate the work then "drinks from a convenient glass" could also imply the sins that come with evil, such as gluttony and sloth. For the bird is greedy in food and drink, and also goes for what is convenient, and does not require effort. The bird lets the Beetle pass, while he ate the worm. Beetles are dark, creepy insects, unlike worms who help with agriculture, and are harmless, beneficial insects. The beetle is the one that survived however, despite it representing the evil side of creatures. This reinforces Dickinson showing that it seems as if evil is stronger than good. The bird also goes to a wall, which could be Dickinson's own personal views on the evils of society. She herself is implying that she believes that evil intentions will only get a person so far, and that at some point, their actions will force them to run into a wall.

Emily Dickinson, Poem #207

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
3/18/2009

"I taste a liquor never brewed-From Tankards scooped in Pearl-"

Emily Dickinson's poetry is completely subjective, which #207 surely proves. This poem, as discussed in class, could mean many different things, and Dickinson herself is probably the only person who will ever know the true meaning behind it. One subject that I feel is a strong connection to this poem, is that it symbolizes sexuality. Dickinson herself was known for being a recluse, and while she never married, had several lovers. Among these speculated lovers, was her best friend, whom also was a woman. I Feel that #207 not only represents sexuality and desire, but homosexual sexuality, particularly that between two women. Dickinson uses various metaphors, including and obscure combination of nature (such as flowers and bees) and alcohol. I believe that Dickinson chose to use this combination to show that in society, alcohol and drugs had almost become nature. A sense of arrogance also accompanies the poem, such as when she says, "Inebriate of air-am I". She seems to be saying that she is better than other members of society, because she doesn't need alcohol to be "inebriated" or to be happy. She in fact, is more in touch with nature, which could be considered ironic, considering she spent most of her life locked inside her room. It was also mentioned that Dickinson was a possible alcoholic, and so while we try to make sense of her writing, it could also be a "drunken mess" of words, that really never made sense to her either. However, I believe that Dickinson, though different, was perhaps one of the most clear headed people in society, for the outside world she tried so hard to stay out of, was definitely a mess.

This quote, after reading it several times, seems to exude homosexuality, as does much of the rest of the poem. The "liquor never brewed", represents the relationship Dickinson desired, but could never really have. This seems to correlate with the idea that she was in love with her best friend, whom married her brother. The love was "never brewed", because her friends feelings were never reciprocated. She uses liquor to represent lust or desire, because alcohol use is considered "immoral" or something that her society did not really support, yet everybody still used it. Dickinson's feelings were something that were also frowned against in society, for homosexuality was rarely acceptable, yet Dickinson still wanted a taste. The tankard is also symbolic as well. Tankards are large drinking cups, similar to a mug. The "large" cup, shows that much liquor was need to fill it. This emphasizes Dickinson's feelings for her friend, and how heavy or intensely she felt them. It could also be seen that the cup represents the population and it's vastness, as if Dickinson knew that she had many people to fall in love with, yet she chose the most forbidden person. The tankard is also made of pearl, which shows society's expectations of women. Women in pearls is almost the archetype for high class, "well behaved" women of the time. While Dickinson did not fit this stereotype, the use of it in her poem does depict a woman. Pearl is definitely a feminine gem, which Dickinson chose to represent homosexuality, and the feelings that she could not control.

Songs of Myself

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
3/12/2009
Walt Whitman

"You sea! I resign myself to you also-I guess what you mean."

Walt Whitman's, "Sons of Myself" is, somewhat literal in the title, a poem that Whitman wrote to describe himself. It discusses his relationship with himself, and others, and shows his self awareness, and at times, the love for himself. As a homosexual writer, Whitman conveys that he will t be anybody but himself. The poem uses nature and metaphors to show his desire to maintain his individuality, while still being part of the rest of the world. He uses creed to evoke spirituality, and demonstrate how he embodies many different moods and traits, such as when he says, "I am not the poet of goodness only, I don not decline to be the poet of wickedness also". "Songs of Myself" is written about Whitman himself, but it also serves the purpose of showing readers that it is natural to be both good and evil, and that individuality can be freeing. He also attempts to awaken spirituality, and get the reader to pay attention to their mind, body and soul. While he tries to show he is an individual, or "special", he also tries to convey the idea that humans are alike as well, such as when he says, "I am the poet of woman the same as the man". He wants to show that aspects such as gender or race don't make us different, but how a person carries himself, and how a person chooses to live their life.

Similarly to "Brooklyn Crossing Ferry", this poem was a hard read for me, and it took several reads to grasp what Whitman was trying to convey. This quote stuck out to me, because I noticed a reoccurring use of the sea in many of his works (for example, "Brooklyn Crossing Ferry"). The ocean is a versatile metaphor, but I feel that Whitman uses it to represent the universe, for it is vast and dark and empty, which is consistent about how he views the world. Despite how he feels the universe or world he lives in can be accepting, he also feels connected to it. In the same section, he says, "I am integral with you", which shows that he feels as if he is part of the sea, or that he feels part of the society he lives in. I also noticed that the first line "You sea!" is interesting, in that he seems to be addressing the reader, almost in a "you see" sense, and forcing the reader to take a closer look into the world that we are part of. The second part of the quote shows almost a more vulnerable side to Whitman, when he resigns himself to the sea. The poem is constantly Whitman embodying his individuality, and this passage shows that he is human, and that he at times gives in to the way of the universe or society. This is supported by when he says "I guess what you mean" for unlike the rest of the poem, he is not sure, but is merely guessing, which shows that he at times doubts his ability to "survive" as an individual.

Crossing Brooklyn Ferry

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
3/11/2009
Walt Whitman

"Crowds of women attired in the usual costumes, how curious you are to me!"

Walt Whitman's "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" is a poem that does not embody much structure, and can be hard to interpret or breakdown due to this fact. I had to read the poem several times, and there are still many parts of it that I feel are hard to understand. The poem seems to be Whitman questioning humanity or human tendencies, and the unrealistic expectations society expects from people. He addresses the reader directly, by using "you" to talk to us, which helps connect the reader, and allows the reader to attempt to see from his perspective. He also uses aspects of nature, such as hills and water, but describes them with human qualities (which could be considered a form of personification.) For example, when he asks the hills to "stand up", he is using nature to get through to sthe readerThe way he speaks to the reader through out the poem, with the use of metaphors, also appears distant, and he indirectly brings up issues to the reader (once again, for example using inanimate objects) about society and how he feels about humanity. The ferry itself is also a major metaphor of the book, and the fact that it moves from land to water, show the migration of humans, and how we migrate to different places, such as the different parts of land the ferry goes to.

The reason the quote stuck out to me is that to me, it was a line that deviated focused more on societal issues, as opposed to his more philisophical views that is throughout most of the poem. This quote in particular, I feel, conveys Whitman's views on how society forces people to mask or costume themselves in order to feel like they belong. For starters, he always addresses people as a whole population, or as a generalization. This is apparent in this passage when he mentions that the group of people are a "crowd", he fails to ever individualize anyone. He uses this to show that in society, we are rarely individualized ourselves. He wants to show that if people chose not to go against whats conventional, than other people, such as himself, cannot see us as standing out either. In this quote, is addresses the fact that woman particularly are required to wear a costumes. This is consistent with many other literary works of the times, for woman were, and in many ways still are, repressed and were expected to "wear costumes" that made them blend in with one another. He also mentions that this crowd of costumed women is "curious" to him, which shows that he doesn't understand why women continue to follow these conventional standards. He also describes that the costumes the women wear are unusual, which is somewhat ironic since he is describing the "typical femme attire". He finds that what most find the social norm, is strange. This could reflect his own personal "issue", which is his sexuality. Whitman is a known homosexual, and so the fact that it was considered unacceptable to be gay, is reflected in this quote in that he doesn't understand why people chose to hide their true selves behind the costumes that society expects.

The Awakening

Mikaila Garfinke
English 48B
3/5/2009
Kate Chopin

"The fish was scorched. Mr. Pontellier would not touch it. Edna said she did not mind a little scorched taste."

This scene is when Leonce and Edna are eating dinner together. Edna has been spending time with her friends, such as Robert and Reisz, and has not seen her husband or children much. She is described as not being a good mother, and consuming her time with people that are not her family, the people she is supposed to be spending her time with. Edna cooked them dinner, and it is one of the only times in the story they are described as being alone together. This rare moment is accompanied by the fact that their dinner is burnt, which is the fault of Edna. This is significant because it appears as if Edna is abandoning her "wife" duties, and not putting in any effort to the dinner. The rare occasion where her husband and her actually spend "quality" time together, eating dinner together, she puts little effort into making it a pleasant one. She could have easily made is a nice dinner, but for Leonce, she did not feel like it was worth it. This scene is not only important to show that she is slowly progressing out of her femininity, but also to show that she doesn't even care. He obviously doesn't like the dinner, and instead of apologizing or listening to him, she merely dismisses his comment by saying that she is not bothered by the burnt fish.

This quote stuck to me for a couple of metaphorical reasons as well. First of all, fish, obviously creatures of the sea, which is a dominant part of the story. Edna learns to swim for the first time, with Robert, and feels free. The fish, and the fact that they are eating it, could be foreshadowing for the fact when Robert abandons her, she in a sense, feels as if she is "eating" or losing her freedom she learned from him. The sea is also significant in the fact that that is where she ends her own life. She feels that like the fish, she has been burned, by society not accepting her, and by Robert not returning her love that she has for him. The burnt fish can also symbolize the acts that Edna has been participating in. She has been unfaithful to Leonce, by falling in love with Robert, and by having an affair with Alcee Arobin. While these acts do free her in a sense, for she feels liberated (which like I stated before, the fish and the sea represent), they are also burnt actions. These behaviors she participates in also hurt people, such as Leonce. They are still immoral, or "burnt" acts, in that they negatively effect others. However, Edna does not care about the effects of others, which is the significance of her not minding the fish tasting burnt. She means to say that while she knows that she should be doing it, she is thinking of herself, and doesn't care about the effects it has on other people in her life.

The Storm

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
3/3/2009
Kate Chopin

"She would not compose herself; she would not be seated"

This quote is describing Calixta, and her worries of her husband and son, who are not home with during a huge storm. At first, she is too involved in her work to even notice that their is a storm, but when a past love interest stops by, she is aware of what is going on. Alcee, the visitor, is trying to get her to relax and stop worrying about her family, but she refuses to have her tell her what to do. He tries to pull her close to him, before she reciprocates by pulling away, and telling him to stop. She also has a brief rendezvous with Alcee, whom is also married, before her husband and son return home safely. Her family also comes with gifts from the store, and Alcee writes a loving letter to his wife and children as well. This story, like many other of Chopins stories, can be viewed from a feminist stand point.

This quote had several reasons for sticking out to me so much. First of all, it represents the personality of Calixta, and shows that she is in control of herself, and does not allow others to try and repress her. Chopin is notorious for writing about "Creole" women, whom are high class and conventional, which means they do not have much freedom. Calixta goes against that form, and through actions and words lives her own life on her own terms. Calixta, unlike Chopins repressed female characters, appears to live a happy life, by doing what she pleases. Chopin even allows her to be sexually free when she participates in an affair. However, at the end of the day, her family returns home, and she is happy to see them. Chopin wants to show that true happiness only comes by living a free life, without oppression. Calixta, in a sense, is the one with the sexual power, for she is the one who seduces Alcee, even though he makes the moves, she is the one who is described as exuding sexuality. Through her actions, she is described as being in control of Alcee, such as by pushing him away. Even though she "gives in" to Alcee's attempts to be with her, it is not by force, and does not compromise her wants. The story in its entirety can also be viewed through "queer critique lenses", in that it is unconventional in the ending as well. Chopin creates this infidel relationship, that most would view as morally wrong. However, despite it being against the social standards of acceptable, the story ends with everybody being happy. The families return to their normal lives, and they all still love each other and want to be with each other. If anything, Calixta is viewed as the "more good" character, for Alcee tells his wife to stay in France, as if he does not want to be with them, and is a bad father. During the time, the "over sexed" woman would be viewed as the evil one, not the man. The fact that Chopin made Calixta likable to the reader is another way of looking at the story from a feminist point of view.

The War Prayer

Mikaila Garfinkel
12/26/09
Mark Twain

"I, His messenger, shall have explained it's import-that is to say, it's full import. For it is like unto many of the prayers of men, in that it asks for more than he who utters it is aware of-except he pauses and thinks."

This quote is from "The War Prayer", and is said from the old man sent to deliver the second part of the prayer. The War Prayer is about a town who is ready for war, and attend a church service to pray for the men that have been called to be soldiers. They are not dreading the idea of war, and the possibility of their beloved men's deaths, but felt it was a "time of great and exalting excitement." The story describes their service, which is interrupted by an old man who claims to be Gods Messenger, and who continues to announce the prayer, which mentions their enemy, and the blood that has been shed. He conveys that many downsides come with victory of a war, such as much blood shed and dead patriots, and describes war as something that can lead to negative outcome, which none of the civilians have been able to see. The story ends with everyone thinking that the man is a lunatic.

This quote in the first read, did not stick out to me as some of the other descriptive ones, that conveyed violence and tears. However, this quote contains something that I have noticed reappearing through most of Mark Twain's pieces that I have read, and it is just one word. "Think". Mark Twain was notorious for opposing many controversial issues that Americans were supposed to support, such as slavery, and well, war. This story shows that Mark Twain is not necessarily anti-war, but "pro-think". In the story he does not mention the town or the reason of the war (though it was written post-Philippine-American War), because in all honesty, it is not important. He wants to show that even if they were going to war "as the good guys", there are still many negative effects that people and families are forced to face with. While this piece does hint that he is against war and violence, I feel he is more challenging people to think. He wants people to think about their actions, and the people they hurt. Even if they still commit wrong acts, he wants people to at least be aware that what they are doing is "immoral", for once awareness comes, so can change. This piece could also be seen as anti-religion, which is one reason it was so controversial at the time of print. It depicts "good Christians" as the ones committing immoral acts, and Mark Twain creates them as fools. For example, "Then came the 'long' prayer. None could remember the like of it for passionate pleading", is used to show that many of the "good Christians" don't even really think about what they are believing in, or that they don't even really care about what they appear to stand for. The fact that they ignore the Messengers words, which contain much truth, shows that they are brainwashed by religion, which doesn't allow them to better themselves.

The Adventures oF Huckleberry Finn

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
12/25/09
Mark Twain #1

"We was down south in the warm weather, now, and a mighty long ways from home...it was the first time I ever see [Spanish moss] growing, and it made the woods look solemn and dismal."

This is one of the first lines that opens Chapter 31 in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." It is from the point of view of Huck Finn, a young boy who experiences a journey with a runaway slave, Jim, and how their friendship allows them to help each other. This particular passage is describing when the runaways are in the process of fleeing from their home, and they have been traveling non-stop for many days, and finally they reach a stop at a village, so the frauds could do some work. As they are traveling, Huck describes the nature he is seeing, such as the Spanish moss growing on trees, which is all very new to him. The specific moment of travel appears to be a moment in which Huck realizes that their struggles to get there, might actually lead to a worthy destination. This is one, of several, parts of the Chapter in which Huck seems to be changing from the person he was at home.


This part of the chapter stuck out to me for several reasons. First off, it is the beginning of the chapter, and therefore, sets the mood for the rest of the chapter. The quote itself is rather peaceful, and sets the mood to feel that Huck is genuinely content, despite being a runaway...He describes the Spanish moss hanging from the trees like "long gray beards." Long beards often make me think of an old wise man, or wizard. This could be foreshadowing of Hucks enlightenment of the "I'll go to hell" moment in which he decides to protect Jim. However, I don't think this is the main part of foreshadowing. The main part that stuck out to me the most from this quote is when he thinks "the wood looks solemn and dismal." The vocabulary in this sentence is much different from most of his other words. He is notorious for using improper slang, which was one major controversy of the story, and being highly uneducated. The words "solemn" and "dismal", and accuracy he uses them in this phrase, shows how he is starting to change. It is proof that he is starting to think more, which is what brings him to his later rrealization. The entire portion of the sentence is perfect grammar, which shows that he really is a smart character, who is able to think abstractly. The other part of this quote that stuck out to me, was the first part, when he talks about how their current location had warm weather. The thing I noticed, was that he said it was much warmer than home. Home is a specific word used to describe a location, and often has a positive connotation that conveys the idea of "warmth" or happiness. They are not running from their town, they are running from their home. Mark Twain creates this word with a negative connotation, by making the place the crew ran to warm and beautiful. I thought it was really interesting how he created a negative image about where they are from , by making the place they ran to much better than their "home".

The Other Two

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
12/21/09

"Waythorne felt himself yielding again to the joy of possesorship. They were his, those white hands with their flitting motions, his light the haze of hair, the lips and eyes..."

This passage is Waythorne's thoughts about his wife Alice, after having discovered that her ex husband Haskett is coming to visit their ill child. He loves his wife, and adores her sweetness, but when he discoveres about Haskett, one of two ex husbands, his feelings about her begin to shift. He has knows of his wife's previous marriages, and it had never bothered him until he realizes that Haskett is of lower class. That is not the only thing that bothers him. He feels that his wife's actions are only good practice from her previous marriages, and that she is willing to do anything that pleases him. He begins to feel less enjoyment of his wife, but more control. While most men would be thrilled about this discovery, he begins to be bothered by the fact that every action is not sincere, but a mere attempt to make him happy, for he is probably her last chance of a marriage. This quote shows Waythorne's attitude change, by realizing that he controls her. While in this particular sentence it brings him joy, the quote is followed by Alice pouring coffee in not the way the he likes it, but her ex husband Varick, and he become bothered by the possessive notion.

This particular quote stuck out to me for a few reasons. I feel that it shows a different side to Waythorne, not only in his change in feeling towards his wife. Throughout the rest of the story, he tries to gain the readers sympathy by making Alice come off as a horrible beast who is only using and manipulating him. This quote is a brief glimpse as to some of Waythorne's inner thoughts that are not so pleasing to the reader. While he goes into endless detail about how much he loved his wife, he also thinks of her as an object in which he possesses. Their are other brief occurrences as these, such as when Waythorne says "a man would rather think that his wife has been brutalized by her first husband than that the process had been reversed." He make Alice appear guilty of being an "actress", when he doesn't even think of his wife as sweetly as he makes it seem. Like Alice, he is also putting on an act. These acts represent the repression the wealthy lifestyle brings them, for they cannot openly say their true feelings to one another, without being unconventional or inappropriate. Another reason this quote struck out to me, was the punctuation. His thought ends with an ellipse, which shows that his thought is incomplete, that there is more that he is thinking, that he is not telling the reader. The fact that he won't share it, gives off the impression that he does not even find it suitable to be thought, for it is a very low thought about his wife. It can also show that he begins to question whether "those lips and eyes" are really his, or if he feels that she is the one who is possessing him.

Daisy Miller: A Study

Mikaila Garfinke
English 48B
Henry James

"Very likely they have never seen a man with such good manners, such fine clothes, so like a gentleman...He sits with them in the garden, in the evening. I think he smokes."

This quote is a part from the conversation about Daisy Miller, between Winterbourne and his Aunt, Mrs. Costello. They are discussing Daisy and her family, where Mrs. Costello informs Winterbourne that she frowns upon the family, and finds them to be unsophisticated, and thinks they try to be "upperclass Europeans", when they are really just Naive Americans. This excerpt particularly is Winterbourne's and his Aunts conversation about the Miller family's courier, which is a personal assistance usually hired to help with vacations. Mrs. Costello mentions how she heard, and is appalled by the fact that they allow him to eat and "hang out" with them, outside of work related time. She mentions how she imagines that the courier is probably more refined than them, despite him acting like their servant, and that they are probably awe struck by the idea of someone so "refined".

There were several reasons why this passage stuck out to me. The first thing, is that I noticed this reoccurring setting, of "the garden" and it struck some interest as to why this particular location kept popping up in this story. Gardens are usually thought of as a place of solitude, a tranquil place where there is usually beautiful flowers and sun, and a genuinely peaceful place. However, the things that happen in the garden, such as the Miller and Couriers relationship, or even Winterbourne's meeting with Daisy, are actions that usually strike gossip, or would be frowned upon by society. I think that Henry James uses this contrast of setting, and what is going on there, to show that even in the most "refined" places, unsavory acts still occur. Even an act such as a servant sitting with their employers is thought of as horrific. Something else that stood out from this excerpt is when she says "I think he smokes". I find it highly unlikely that they are concerned, or even aware, of the healthy consequences of smoking. When Winterbourne meets Daisy for the first time, it mentions him lighting a cigarette. Since Winterbourne is of high class, and it is apparent in other literary works, smoking is considered a sign of high class, because it is a luxury. Mrs. Costello is appalled by the idea that not only are the Millers striving to appear as if they are higher class than they really are, but so is their servant. On a symbolic level, smoke is also something that disperses, or disappears into the air. While it might be going out on a limb here, but he could be implying that the Millers and the couriers "false high class" is temporary, and that they could soon realize that their fantasy is like smoke, and will soon disappear. However, this could be looking too far into it, although, James is known for his subtlety it is said.

The Open Boat

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
2/12/09
Stephen Crane

"...It was tragic. This fact was somehow so mixed and confused with his opinion of his own situation that it seemed almost a proper reason for tears. The water was cold."

This passage from The Open Boat is from the inner thoughts of the correspondent, who in actuality, is Stephen Crane's story. It is describing the scene where the men are knocked out of the boat, and into the freezing water of Florida. While it is happening to all the men, it is told from the correspondents perspective, so he is isolating himself from the crew, and while they probably all feel the same thing, he is making it appear as if the world is against him, him alone. This is the only time throughout the story that a character is on the verge of tears, and it is interesting the time that this occurs. It is not when the men are stewing alone, contemplating their own deaths, or are nearly starving to death. It is only when he is knocked off the boat, into January water, that he is overwhelmed. There are several reasons I believe that Stephen Crane chose to use this particular scene to convey such frustration and emotion, some of which we brushed over in class. However, I have a couple of my own thoughts on it as well.

As we discussed in class, the emotion being stirred from the correspondent is the idea that the "cold water" was the last straw that puts him over the edge. Not only is the crew lost at sea, dying, and all around miserable, but when thrown into the water, it is ice cold. Not only is it cold, but it is in Florida, where they dreamed the water would be anything but. Florida is thought of as a oasis, "paradise" place, and when the correspondents depiction of this is tarnished, it is enough to throw him off the edge. Not only can the idea of cold water be looked at on a literal sense, but it can also be viewed from a metaphorical sense, which is a common occurrence I have noticed among Crane. While of course there is water, because they are lost at sea, "cold" water can represent something else. The ocean is there only chance of survival, if it steers them in direction towards safety, and is also there chance of death. The water is cold, in that it is forcing their journey to be a struggle. Crane uses nature as "not regarding him as important" and this quote coincides with this idea. Nature has so much control over their lives, in fact, is the only control at this point in their lives, and "she" is cold by causing such an experience. Crane often also refers to the "seven gods" of the sea, and he is implying that the gods that are controlling their fate are monstrous in a sense. The ocean, or the cold water, is also extremely vast, and Crane uses the ocean to emphasize how insignificant all the characters, or in his mind, people in general, are in comparison to the world. He wants to show that an individual does not matter when looking at the perspective of the entire universe.

Maggie: A Girl of the Streets

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
2/10/09
Stephen Crane

"His mother's great chest was heaving painfully. Jimmie paused and looked down at her. Her face was inflamed and swollen from drinking...Her mouth was set in the same lines of vindictive hatred that it had, perhaps, borne during the fight."

This quote is, rather obviously, describing Maggie's mother, Mary, after getting into a drunken fight with her husband, what appears to not be an uncommon occurrence. The scene is told, though from third person, implied through the eyes of Jimmie, and depicts Mary for what she really is, and how she is really seen. She is illustrated as not only a "stereotypical" poor Irish woman, with the poor home, unhealthy children and heavy drinking problem, but also as a woman that is in a lot of pain. Her eyes are described as "grown blue" and she has "tangled hair tossed in waves over her forehead". All these descriptions depict Mary as someone that is not only, "evil", but as a generally unhappy person, that doesn't even try to take care of herself. The pain in the chest can be "seen" by the narrator, so it is intended to convey that she is holding a lot of resentment and hatred (hence the mouth) inside of her. Mary's hatred, usually geared towards Maggie, could be thought of as jealousy, for Maggie is pretty and kind, unlike most "Rum Alley" kids (although by the end of the story, Maggie has completely changed). It is ironic that Mary finds Maggie evil, when Mary herself embodies most of the demonic qualities.


The quote stuck out to me, because it brought my attention to the fact that Mary was a raging alcoholic. While it is well-known that this was not uncommon for Irish immigrants, and the thus the birth of the stereotype, it was the first story I can recall that depicts a woman as an alcoholic. Many Irish authors, such as Frank McCourt, include male, or father figure, alcoholics (although in McCourt's case, it was factual since it was a memoir). While I was always aware that there were woman alcoholics, I think Crane chose a female figure for this role with great intention. I think he wanted to show the reader that the slums he was trying to depict included all sorts of people, including mothers. With a female antagonist, he is showing that all immigrants are effected by the downsides of the Irish immigration that occured, and flooded the streets with poverty and hard liquor. This is not the only time he chooses to defy the steretype, for he also make Jimmie very anti-relgious. While it is apparent, that many of these Catholics have sinned, they are still shown as "believers", such as Mary being against premarital sex. Jimmie being against religion is Crane's way of showing the reader that there are deviations from the "normal" or Irish stereotypes. Even if these deviations are negative, it is still a step towards going against the norm, perhaps a hint of optimism from Crane coming through.

The Squatter and the Don

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
Maria Ampara Ruiz de Burton

"They are gentlemen, no doubt...Evidently he admired and liked them."


This quote is from the part of the story, in which the "Anglos", or the squatters, are conversing to one another. As they are talking, Senor Alamar and Mr. Mechlin ride up in a buggy, a sign of wealth, and the squatters find themselves in awe of their presence. Despite them being robbed of their rights by the US, these wealthy Spanish men still present themselves in a more than elegant fashion. They ride up in a buggy, another sign of their wealth, and attempt to propose a business plan with the poor squatters, whom are settling on their land. Don Mariano is the leader of the group, and is being robbed of his land, and of his cattle. Due to the legal situation at hand, for the US now owns his land, he cannot speak up about the thieves. Instead, he proposes a way for them all to make money, but the squatters are resistant to his idea, perhaps due to the intimidation of his "gentleman" way of carrying himself.

The reason that the story was so interesting to me, which is especially supported by the above quote, is that there is such a switch of roles, compared to the present times. In the set story, the Mexicans are the wealthy people, who are also depicted as intelligent, graceful and smart businessmen. The white people, or "Anglos", are the ones that are described as squatters. The word "squatter" has a negative connotation to it, as if they are homeless, and are obviously very poor. The Anglos are also poor at yielding a crop, they are not as smart when it comes to business, and are also thieves, as they are stealing Don's cattle (as well as his land). The reason it struck out to me, is because it appears completely reversed to the stereotypes nowadays. Now, it seems that the Mexicans that live in the US are thought of as very poor, working minimum wage jobs. They are also notorious for being involved in criminal acts, such as stealing and gang banging in the "ghetto". While this is purely based on stereotype, it is interesting to see such a drastic switch, in such a short time period. It is likely that "The Land Act" is a major part of why the roles traded. With the Californios not in control of their land, it is inevitable that it will be taken over, and the only place Mexicans will be able to go, is to the poorer parts of the area, much like the Jews, Chinese and other minorities throughout history. We no longer think of Mexican Americans as stereotyped such as Don Mariano, but that are what the "squatters" in the story, or Whites today, are though as. Reading the story, as both a Mexican, and a White, hit me on a personal note. It made me feel as if my White side is responsible for much of the discrimination Mexican people are forced to endure here in the United States, especially in California and other places close to the border.

Sarah Orne Jewett

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
The White Heron


"The guest did not notice this hint of family sorrows in his eager interest in something else."

Sylvie's grandmother is telling her and Sylvie's family history to their guest, the stranger, but he is barely listening as he is distracted by something else. He has taken an unusual interest in Sylvie, despite him being a full grown man, and her being a nine year old girl. The girl becomes unthreatened by the stranger, and he soon becomes a friend whom the grandmother and Sylvie accept into their home. Sylvie and the hunter take an unusual close connection to each other,one that is almost too close for comfort when thinking about the age difference between the two. It is unusual that the Grandmother and hunter do not become as close to one another as the child and the hunter. While it is possible that he is interested in Sylvie because her grandmother mentions that she is friends with every bird and squirrel in the forest, and he is trying to to find the White Heron, the bird he has been after for many days, there are other underlying themes that can reside in this quote.

I chose this quote because, honestly, I found it to be incredibly creepy. One way of viewing the way the hunter is looking at Sylvie, is that he sees her as the girl that has the answer to his problems. She knows of the White Heron, and he is aware of this, so he could be playing up his interest in her, to gain her trust and get her to reveal where the White Heron lives. I also see the possibility that the hunter is looking at her in a fatherly way. The description does not depict him as creepy, or having immoral intentions at heart, and he could be interested in her due to her hospitality. While it is plausible, I do not believe that was the writers intention in the meaning behind his look. I think Jewett included it to come off as explicitly sexual. The fact that the little girl and her grandmother are alone in the woods plays a large role in this reasoning. They are far from civilization, and too willingly accept a stranger into their home, as if they too are eager for some company. But the fact that he is a full grown man, allows the boundary of acceptable to be crossed when he befriends Sylvie. The words "eager interest" subtly show the true meaning behind the look. Like them, he has traveled alone, and it would not be surprising if he would take interest in a girl, even so young. I also feel like the "White" Heron is symbolic as well. White is often used to represent virginity, and the Sylvie has the answers to the White Heron, as if she is holding on to her virginity. When she finds the bird, and chooses not to share the information with the hunter, despite her liking to him, it is as if she is choosing to hold on to her virginity, and not giving her morals aways. Although, the morals in the story are keeping her secrets with the animals she befriends, this as well could represent her choice in protecting her purity.

Sui Sin Far

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
1/29/09
Journal: Sui Sin Far

"When my wife told to me one morning that she dreamed of a green tree with spreading branches and one beautiful red flower growing thereon, I answered her that I wished my son to be born in our country, and for her to prepare to go to China."

Hom Hing is saying this to the officer, and is explaining how he has been living and working in America a long time, and the only reason that his son was born in China instead of America, is because he wants him to experience the country he was born in. Chinese culture is notorious for being very traditional, and I feel that this quote exemplifies this notion very well because it illustrates that they want each other to experience the same things. The quote also shows Hom Hing's effort in trying to convey this idea to an American, and how the American does not understand. The flowery, over the top dream I feel is Far's way of portraying the stereotype of how Chinese are thought of as people that are into "fairy tales" and spiritual fantasies, as if they have little grasp on reality. It is also notable that Hing describes his son, not as his and his wife's son, but HIS son, which I think shows the importance of gender in China, especially during these times. It is also interesting that Hing wants their son to be born in China, when he is wealthy in America. It goes back to the idea of tradition, but it still draws some attention to the fact that he had his wife leave the wealth to birth their son.

The main reason I was struck interest by the quote, is because of the descriptions in the dream that can be implied as metaphorical. The first thing that I notice, is the fact that Lae only dreams of ONE flower, not multiple. In first reading it, I thought that Far includes flower to show the difference in expectations between Americans and Chinese. She can be implying that an American would be dreaming of many flowers, where as Chinese, who come from much poorer families, are perfectly content with one flower. As I continued to examine the dream, the tree drew more attention to itself. The flower can represent fertility, as the quote coincided with the story of their sons birth, and flowers often represent reproduction. The one beautiful red flower, represents their son. The flower can be red, because China was a communist country, and red is the color that symbolizes communism. Also, the tree branch is another clue that the flower is supposed to depict Lae's pregnancy. The tree branches are representative of a family tree, and the branches growing show that the family is expanding. Chinese culture is very adamant on the focus of ancestors and family, so the family tree is not an uncommon aspect of their life. While there are many possible interpretations of the meaning behind the dream, I feel strongly that Far wanted to show how beautiful the birth of their son is to them, and emphasize the pain that it causes to have him taken away.

Abraham Cahan

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
Abraham Cahan
1/28/09

"It was anything but the world of intellectual and physical elegance into which she had dreamed to be introduced by marriage to a doctor."

This quote conveys the theme of "Americanization", and how it is often more desirable in theory, than in actuality. Flora has just married, and is excited to live the life of an American woman married to a Doctor, and be able to explore the scholastic life she has always dreamed of. Throughout the story, Flora is constantly thinking highly of herself, and percieves herself as more of an intellect than she actually is. Subconsciously, she is aware that her perception of herself is all fantasy, and that is why she yearns for a doctor husband, to help make her fantasy come true. When she finally marries her doctor, when she receives her granted wish, she finds that she is intimidated by its entire aspect. It is apparent throughout the text that Flora is clueless as to what "high class intellects are", for she reads books such as "Fireside Companion", which is described as "cheap reprints of popular books." When she convinces her husband to yearn for the lifestyle she dreams, he gives it to her, and she finds herself regretting her dream. Flora manipulates her way towards what she wished for, and it comes right back to her. The story can be seen as a lesson of morals, and how selfish intentions will not lead a person to the path they yearn for.


The reason I chose this quote, is it summarizes the theme of "Americanization", but also displays the idea that America is not always the "dream land" immigrants thought it to be. For example, Flora and Asriel live in the New York Ghetto, with other Jews. While they are tyring to assimilate, they are still surrounded by people in the exact same position as they are. America was thought of being a place where people could better their lives, and was a "melting pot", but the luxuriouss lifestyle is not always so attainable. Flora lived a wealthy life with her Father, a more Orthodox Jew, whom she constantly was differing in thinking with. She was born in America, so she was not raised to be an orthodox Jew. When she left the more "Non-American" way, she found herself more lost. She convinced herself that she didn't care about money, and that she would be more than content to marry a doctor and discuss books all day, but when the chance forced itself upon her, it is apparent that she had no clue as to what she was wishing for. I think that Abraham Cahan wrote this story to show how in actuality
"Americanization" was perceived as, and that assimilating isn't always for th better. Many Jews were fleeing to America at the time, and I believe her wrote it is almost a warning for them. Flora was given a luxurious lifestyle with her Father, and while she mocked his Jewish ways and refused to be part of them, he provided her a much happier lifestyle than her now American husband was going to.

Zitkala Sa

Mikaila Garfinkel
English 48B
1/23/09
Journal #5: Zitkala Sa


"Judewin had told me of the great tree where grew red, red apples; and how we could reach out our hands and pick all the red apples we could eat...The missionaries smiled into my eyes, and patted my head. I wondered how mother could say such hard words against them."

This quote uses the apples to describe the land that she yearns for so much, and eventually gets to experience. When she lives among the white people, where she is forced to assimilate, she realizes that her mother was right about the white peoples evil intentions. Her relationship with her mother is tarnished when she leaves to be educated but he white people, and it is only after her hardships, and detachment from her mother that she understands her mothers original feelings for the Whites, and the reason for her attempting to pass down this knowledge to Zitkala. This quote shows how easily children can be influenced. Sa is intrigued by the words of her young friend, and uses her friends experience to override her mothers. The missionaries make an even larger impact on Zitkala, for she doesn't believe that killing can come from such people that smile and desire for her to come learn, and live a more advanced life with them. Her mother, who once made the larges impact on her, is more of a nagging voice now. This quote shows how Zitkala is growing up, for it is a common action for children to desire other teaching then their parents when they start to grow older. Sa yearns to leave towards the East and be schooled, and doesn't take into consideration the hardship that would come from leaving her mother. It shows how the Whites were so deceiving to the Sioux and other Native American tribes, and unfortunately, Zitkala learns this lesson through her own personal experience, not her mothers words.

The reason for choosing this particular story to write about is because of the subjectivity of the symbolism, the meaning behind the "big, red apples." The apples are referring to the more advanced land, a land that she has never been too, and arouses curiosity. Once she lives the lifestyle she was so curious about, she discovers that the land is corrupt, and that her freedom lies only with her Native ways. The apples can represent a number of things. The first is the biblical reference, and the Garden of Eden. The apples could easily mirror the forbidden fruit, and the curiosity of Zitkala with the apples can easily mimic the story of the Adam and Eve. It is not a far fetched possible intention, for Sa was schooled in a Christian school, and so she was forced to swallow these stories at a young age. Another possibility behind the apples is the fact that apples rot. The beautiful image she pictured of the East disintegrated when she experienced it. Apples disintegrate as well, so the apples could easily be interpreted as the life of her dream; beautiful and big, and then rotted away once she live it. Although I do not know the time when the story was written, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" also struck a bell with me. The witch give Snow White the poisonous apple, which ruined the wonderful life she had with the dwarves (until of course her Prince comes, but it is a fairy tale after all). "Snow White" is an old tale, so I find it a possibility that Zitkala Sa could have heard similar stories when she was schooled among the White people.